"RIP to Little Richard. The man who invented it. Elvis popularized it. Chuck Berry was the story teller"- Steven Van Zandt (Little Stevie)
"A-bop-bop, a-loo-mop, a-lop-bop-bop"
This past weekend , rock n roll lost the last of it's founding fathers. That man was Little Richard. Richard, along with fellow heavyweights Elvis Presley and Chuck Berry undoubtedly created what we know today as rock n roll . Born Richard Wayne Penniman in Macon Georgia, on December 5th, 1932, Richard was the 3rd of 12 children of Leva Mae and Charles Penniman. His family was very religious and always attended Sunday masses . Richard was a Baptist and Pentecostal . Pentecostal churches sparked Richard's interest because of the charismatic worship and the lively music, which would help seal his legacy later on in his life. For his musical influences , his favorite singer growing up was gospel legend Sister Rosetta Tharpe.
His musical career began as early in 1947, when his idol Sister Rosetta Tharpe invited a then 14 year old Penniman to open her show at the Macon City Auditorium and she encouraged Richard to become a performer . For his piano playing, Richard's has stated that he was inspired to pick up the instrument because of Ike Turner's piano on the Jackie Brenston and his Delta Cat's EP "Rocket 88" which is credited to be the first rock and roll song ever recorded.
Although his record Here's Little Richard released by Specialty records in 1957 charted big in the United States and United Kingdom, Little Richard's greatest success was his singles . Throughout his decade long career, he had a slew of #1 hits including "Tutti Frutti, "Rip it Up, "Lucille" and "Keep a Knockin" which would inspire the iconic open drum groove for John Bonham on Led Zeppelin IV.
Aside from his musical career, Little Richard would loosely "quit rock n roll" and would take part in the church community serving as a minister and most famously ministered Steven Van Zandt's and Tom Petty's weddings.
Little Richard's influence on future rock n roll and legacy cannot be omitted. His style was fast , in your face, and flamboyant and because of his flamboyant swagger and intensity would inspire future legends like Mick Jagger, Elton John, and Freddie Mercury . He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986 as part of the founding class. Little Richard was truly ahead of his time and his music , and style would be the bedrock for rock n roll . Thank you Little Richard you wild , beautiful soul. You're legacy will live on forever and you will be truly missed.
Monday, May 11, 2020
Tuesday, February 18, 2020
Green Day: a guide to their expansive catalog
This past week, Green Day's charismatic frontman Billie Joe Armstrong turned 48. To top that , Green Day released their 13th studio album Father of All Motherfuckers earlier this month . It's crazy to comprehend that Green Day as a band have been around since 1987 and that their first album was released in 1991 on the independent California based record label Lookout! records . Since they signed onto Reprise records and released their masterpiece Dookie in 1994, they have been living life in the fast lane ever since. To celebrate the bands legacy and the impact they have made on music and my own musical upbringing , I'm gonna break down their catalog to showcase the essentials , what needs to be looked at more, and what to avoid .
Essentials (must haves)
Dookie (1994)
The album that made Green Day a household name and won them the Grammy for best alternative album while also being credited to bringing punk rock to the mainstream audience . This album oozes with essential punk rock anguish . Punchy, straight forward guitar hooks styling The Ramones and The Who, Tre Cool's drumming channeling his inner Keith Moon, and the groovy and melodic bass line by Mike Drint on "Longview" Green Day showed that they were a force to be reckoned with.
American Idiot (2004)
10 years later, Green Day proved that along with being prolific musicians , they can tackle social change and the political climate . What we got was American Idiot, a rock opera Tommy like spectacle that is a freight train from start to finish . The album is packed with #1 hits including the title track , the multiple layered Jesus of Suburbia , and the classic two part epic Holiday/Boulevard of Broken Dreams . The main character is titled as the "American Idiot", and he's in anguish with school, his family, and society . This album gained the band a career comeback , and gained the band a whole new league of followers . I was in kindergarten when this album dropped , and it spread word of mouth throughout the concrete halls of Hillside elementary and I was hooked .
Nimrod (1998)
By the time 1998 rolled around, Green Day was on top of the world . Just like society , Billie Joe Armstrong and the rest of the band had lives of their own outside of the public eye. Billie Joe had been married since 1994, and by this time was about to become a father . Nimord's lyrical content express the realities and hardships of becoming a father. Stand out tracks include
Hitchin a Ride" and the coming of age "Good Riddance (Time of your life).
Further listening
Warning (2000)
When Warning was released in the fall of 2000, critics praised the album for Billie Joe Armstrong's prolific songwriting and for production . The band teamed up with producer Scott Litt, who previously worked with grunge and alternative giants Nirvana and R.E.M.
Billie Joe was highly influenced by Bob Dylan's 1965 landmark LP Bringing It All Back Home and based a majority of the lyrics and musical styles for inspiration. The title track, the tongue in cheek powerhouse "Minority", and "Warning" which is clearly a tip of the hat to The Kink's "Picture Book", and you have an album that shows that Green Day was more than just your run of the mill band and foreshadowed themes for American Idiot
Revolution Radio (2016)
When the band released their politically driven , fast paced/in your face Revolution Radio in September of 2016, true fans were beyond pleased and Green Day was back with authority . Critics and fans were waiting on a solid , prolific material due to the band's mini trilogy Uno, Dos, and Tre were released back in 2012. The band did delivered . This track is filled with hidden gems including "Somewhere Now" "Bang Bang" ( a social cry for America's gun violence) and the beautiful ballad "Ordinary World"
21st Century Breakdown (2009)
Green Day's second form of the rock opera cannon was released in the spring of 2009. The themes and elements follow the same principles as their predecessor but instead of calling out the media, politicians and the social norms, question them . '21 Guns' and "Know your Enemy" are the albums key songs that tackle these issues , however the album is filled with hidden gems along with the title track being a full out rock n roll epic. Add producer Butch Vig, who produced Nirvana's Nevermind, and I'm sure you would want to take a better listen
Avoid
Uno, Dos, Tre (2012)
Green Day decided to release a trilogy of albums in the fall of 2012 . Not much can be said about these albums that have already not have been said . The production is rushed , lyrics can be improved on , and it hasn't aged well. Despite "99 Revolutions" and "Oh Love!", which showcase classic Green Day trademarks , I would try to avoid these albums if you can .
Essentials (must haves)
Dookie (1994)
The album that made Green Day a household name and won them the Grammy for best alternative album while also being credited to bringing punk rock to the mainstream audience . This album oozes with essential punk rock anguish . Punchy, straight forward guitar hooks styling The Ramones and The Who, Tre Cool's drumming channeling his inner Keith Moon, and the groovy and melodic bass line by Mike Drint on "Longview" Green Day showed that they were a force to be reckoned with.
American Idiot (2004)
10 years later, Green Day proved that along with being prolific musicians , they can tackle social change and the political climate . What we got was American Idiot, a rock opera Tommy like spectacle that is a freight train from start to finish . The album is packed with #1 hits including the title track , the multiple layered Jesus of Suburbia , and the classic two part epic Holiday/Boulevard of Broken Dreams . The main character is titled as the "American Idiot", and he's in anguish with school, his family, and society . This album gained the band a career comeback , and gained the band a whole new league of followers . I was in kindergarten when this album dropped , and it spread word of mouth throughout the concrete halls of Hillside elementary and I was hooked .
Nimrod (1998)
By the time 1998 rolled around, Green Day was on top of the world . Just like society , Billie Joe Armstrong and the rest of the band had lives of their own outside of the public eye. Billie Joe had been married since 1994, and by this time was about to become a father . Nimord's lyrical content express the realities and hardships of becoming a father. Stand out tracks include
Hitchin a Ride" and the coming of age "Good Riddance (Time of your life).
Further listening
Warning (2000)
When Warning was released in the fall of 2000, critics praised the album for Billie Joe Armstrong's prolific songwriting and for production . The band teamed up with producer Scott Litt, who previously worked with grunge and alternative giants Nirvana and R.E.M.
Billie Joe was highly influenced by Bob Dylan's 1965 landmark LP Bringing It All Back Home and based a majority of the lyrics and musical styles for inspiration. The title track, the tongue in cheek powerhouse "Minority", and "Warning" which is clearly a tip of the hat to The Kink's "Picture Book", and you have an album that shows that Green Day was more than just your run of the mill band and foreshadowed themes for American Idiot
Revolution Radio (2016)
When the band released their politically driven , fast paced/in your face Revolution Radio in September of 2016, true fans were beyond pleased and Green Day was back with authority . Critics and fans were waiting on a solid , prolific material due to the band's mini trilogy Uno, Dos, and Tre were released back in 2012. The band did delivered . This track is filled with hidden gems including "Somewhere Now" "Bang Bang" ( a social cry for America's gun violence) and the beautiful ballad "Ordinary World"
21st Century Breakdown (2009)
Green Day's second form of the rock opera cannon was released in the spring of 2009. The themes and elements follow the same principles as their predecessor but instead of calling out the media, politicians and the social norms, question them . '21 Guns' and "Know your Enemy" are the albums key songs that tackle these issues , however the album is filled with hidden gems along with the title track being a full out rock n roll epic. Add producer Butch Vig, who produced Nirvana's Nevermind, and I'm sure you would want to take a better listen
Avoid
Uno, Dos, Tre (2012)
Green Day decided to release a trilogy of albums in the fall of 2012 . Not much can be said about these albums that have already not have been said . The production is rushed , lyrics can be improved on , and it hasn't aged well. Despite "99 Revolutions" and "Oh Love!", which showcase classic Green Day trademarks , I would try to avoid these albums if you can .
Wednesday, January 22, 2020
Look up here, I'm in Heaven- My top 10 David Bowie Songs
On January 10th, it marked 4 years sine the world lost the musical genius that was David Bowie. Bowie pushed not only musical boundaries and crossed genres , but he also established that you firmly feel comfortable in your own skin . I'm a old soul and even though my pop culture taste is dramatically different from my generation , I can confirm that almost everybody I meet has heard of Bowie. It's as common knowledge to know of Bowie like people know the Beatles and even Elvis Presley . Here are top 10 of my personal favorite David Bowie Songs .
10. "Sons of the Silent Age" Heroes (1977)
A real hidden gem off of Bowie's second Berlin produced records , this track really proves that Bowie could experiment and it pays off. With the Jazz fusion intro and synthesizers, It could of easily been a track from his Ziggy Stardust era only a few years back. Lyrically , the song revolves around the concept of the main character dealing with themes of psychotic withdrawal . The song is also a point a view on growing up and living through your young adulthood if you have previously read the short story How To Talk To Girls At Parties by Neil Gaiman . I particularly love this track for Bowie's vocal delivery and studio drummer Dennis Davis with his laid back , groovy feel .
9. "Young Americans" Young Americans (1975)
The title track from Bowie's 1975 release has Motown and soul influences , and it bleeds all over . Like I said before , when Bowie could experiment , it works and works effectively. With another sax driven intro and Bowie channeling his inner Elvis Presley and climatic falsetto which channels Smokey Robinson , it's truly a song for the ages .
8. "Oh! You Pretty Things" Hunky Dory (1972)
The second track off of Bowie's 1971 masterpiece , this track is oozing with playful lyrics , tongue in cheek humor, and a staccato piano intro. The songs has the feel of vaudeville throughout and it could easily fit into any Marx Brothers film . It's truly a gem of a track and would recommend giving it a listen , let alone the whole Hunky Dory album because it has some Bowie's best work .
7. "Ziggy Stardust" The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars (1972)
The title track and main character on Bowie's breakthrough glam rock LP. This not only only shows Bowie and his Ziggy Stardust persona in full force, but also showcases his band which is believe it or not the Spiders From Mars. Mick Ronson is always overlooked as a guitarist . He may not solo like Jimmy Page or create memorable riffs like Keith Richards , but his tone and precision is crucial for the classic David Bowie sound we have come to know today and it shines beautifully from start to finish .
6.'The Jean Genie" Aladdin Sane (1973)
This song showcases how close Bowie came to achieve the famous Chicago blues based sound off his 1973 LP with the now forever famous makeup he flaunts on the cover . The famous fuzzy, thumping riff was played in perfection by Ronson, but Bowie penned the riff . Lyrically , it's one of Bowie's many love letters to New York City and describe close friend and frequent collaborator Iggy Pop of the legendary punk band The Stooges. That same year, he helped produced Pop's most critical release Raw Power.
5. "Modern Love" Let's Dance (1983)
Let's Dance help ushered in a new generation of fans for Bowie. The album is packed with monster hits that ooze the new-wave movement . Modern Love is the best song off the LP though. Lyrically, the song is about struggle to find solace in love and religion . Bowie's idol growing up was Little Richard, and the song structure is centered around a call and response technique and is he tip of the hat to Richard's defining hit "Tutti Frutti". Unknown at the time but would soon become a legend in his own right , Stevie Ray Vaughan provided guitar for the LP , including this tune. Bowie recruited him after seeing him live and being blown away.
4. 'Life on Mars?" Hunky Dory (1972)
The shining song from Hunky Dory,the song is based on a interesting story that Bowie created . One being from a young girl's prospective and because of an argument with her parents and being sensitive to the media, goes to see a movie . The closing lines are the song title . Musically , Bowie was inspired by Frank Sinatra's My Way, and the piano chords are exactly the same. On the liner notes of the LP, you can see Bowie giving credit with (Inspired by Frankie) next to the track listing .
3. "Heroes" Heroes (1977)
The title track off of Bowie's most famous Berlin trilogy recordings , the song is inspired by Bowie's then producer Tony Visconti and one of backup singers who worked on the album . The story the song though is much more powerful in context . The song tells the story of two German lovers who were so devoted to one another and they would meet every single day under a gun turret on The Berlin Wall. It's a beautiful song, yet also melancholy . We can be heroes , but something is always missing .
2. "Moonage Daydream" The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars (1972)
The entire song oozes the whole Glam Rock persona Bowie was trying to achieve at the time . It's one the best songs off of the legendary LP and Bowie's vocals and Mick Ronson's guitar playing compliment one another perfectly. The song is also a standout for the soulful guitar solo Ronson plays that drives the song to a close. If you listening closely enough , the chord progression underneath the solo have the same feel to "Hotel California" by The Eagles.
1. "Queen Bitch" Hunky Dory (1971)
The cream of the crop for me when it comes to Bowie. I love everything about this track. The song is directly inspired and is a tribute to The Velvet Underground, who Bowie loved and imitates their gritty New York City style and sound. David Bowie loved Lou Reed (the rhythm/lead guitarist for the Velvet Underground) and the two would become lifelong friends. Bowie helped produced Reed's monumental debut solo LP Transformer the following year. The guitar provided by Mick Ronson is gritty, distorted, and mean as hell . The riff was homage to rockabilly icon Eddie Cochran's Three Steps to Heaven. Such a hidden gem and this songs needs to get more attention
10. "Sons of the Silent Age" Heroes (1977)
A real hidden gem off of Bowie's second Berlin produced records , this track really proves that Bowie could experiment and it pays off. With the Jazz fusion intro and synthesizers, It could of easily been a track from his Ziggy Stardust era only a few years back. Lyrically , the song revolves around the concept of the main character dealing with themes of psychotic withdrawal . The song is also a point a view on growing up and living through your young adulthood if you have previously read the short story How To Talk To Girls At Parties by Neil Gaiman . I particularly love this track for Bowie's vocal delivery and studio drummer Dennis Davis with his laid back , groovy feel .
9. "Young Americans" Young Americans (1975)
The title track from Bowie's 1975 release has Motown and soul influences , and it bleeds all over . Like I said before , when Bowie could experiment , it works and works effectively. With another sax driven intro and Bowie channeling his inner Elvis Presley and climatic falsetto which channels Smokey Robinson , it's truly a song for the ages .
8. "Oh! You Pretty Things" Hunky Dory (1972)
The second track off of Bowie's 1971 masterpiece , this track is oozing with playful lyrics , tongue in cheek humor, and a staccato piano intro. The songs has the feel of vaudeville throughout and it could easily fit into any Marx Brothers film . It's truly a gem of a track and would recommend giving it a listen , let alone the whole Hunky Dory album because it has some Bowie's best work .
7. "Ziggy Stardust" The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars (1972)
The title track and main character on Bowie's breakthrough glam rock LP. This not only only shows Bowie and his Ziggy Stardust persona in full force, but also showcases his band which is believe it or not the Spiders From Mars. Mick Ronson is always overlooked as a guitarist . He may not solo like Jimmy Page or create memorable riffs like Keith Richards , but his tone and precision is crucial for the classic David Bowie sound we have come to know today and it shines beautifully from start to finish .
6.'The Jean Genie" Aladdin Sane (1973)
This song showcases how close Bowie came to achieve the famous Chicago blues based sound off his 1973 LP with the now forever famous makeup he flaunts on the cover . The famous fuzzy, thumping riff was played in perfection by Ronson, but Bowie penned the riff . Lyrically , it's one of Bowie's many love letters to New York City and describe close friend and frequent collaborator Iggy Pop of the legendary punk band The Stooges. That same year, he helped produced Pop's most critical release Raw Power.
5. "Modern Love" Let's Dance (1983)
Let's Dance help ushered in a new generation of fans for Bowie. The album is packed with monster hits that ooze the new-wave movement . Modern Love is the best song off the LP though. Lyrically, the song is about struggle to find solace in love and religion . Bowie's idol growing up was Little Richard, and the song structure is centered around a call and response technique and is he tip of the hat to Richard's defining hit "Tutti Frutti". Unknown at the time but would soon become a legend in his own right , Stevie Ray Vaughan provided guitar for the LP , including this tune. Bowie recruited him after seeing him live and being blown away.
4. 'Life on Mars?" Hunky Dory (1972)
The shining song from Hunky Dory,the song is based on a interesting story that Bowie created . One being from a young girl's prospective and because of an argument with her parents and being sensitive to the media, goes to see a movie . The closing lines are the song title . Musically , Bowie was inspired by Frank Sinatra's My Way, and the piano chords are exactly the same. On the liner notes of the LP, you can see Bowie giving credit with (Inspired by Frankie) next to the track listing .
3. "Heroes" Heroes (1977)
The title track off of Bowie's most famous Berlin trilogy recordings , the song is inspired by Bowie's then producer Tony Visconti and one of backup singers who worked on the album . The story the song though is much more powerful in context . The song tells the story of two German lovers who were so devoted to one another and they would meet every single day under a gun turret on The Berlin Wall. It's a beautiful song, yet also melancholy . We can be heroes , but something is always missing .
2. "Moonage Daydream" The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars (1972)
The entire song oozes the whole Glam Rock persona Bowie was trying to achieve at the time . It's one the best songs off of the legendary LP and Bowie's vocals and Mick Ronson's guitar playing compliment one another perfectly. The song is also a standout for the soulful guitar solo Ronson plays that drives the song to a close. If you listening closely enough , the chord progression underneath the solo have the same feel to "Hotel California" by The Eagles.
1. "Queen Bitch" Hunky Dory (1971)
The cream of the crop for me when it comes to Bowie. I love everything about this track. The song is directly inspired and is a tribute to The Velvet Underground, who Bowie loved and imitates their gritty New York City style and sound. David Bowie loved Lou Reed (the rhythm/lead guitarist for the Velvet Underground) and the two would become lifelong friends. Bowie helped produced Reed's monumental debut solo LP Transformer the following year. The guitar provided by Mick Ronson is gritty, distorted, and mean as hell . The riff was homage to rockabilly icon Eddie Cochran's Three Steps to Heaven. Such a hidden gem and this songs needs to get more attention
Thursday, December 5, 2019
War, Children, It's just a shot away: The Rolling Stone's epic Let it Bleed at 50
As the 60's were coming to a close , The Stones released their dark, sexual , political driven love letter to the decade. The result? It's the band's most respected studio album lyrically and musically and captured the decade in 9 songs .
The band started the recording for the album 1o months prior . The Stones were in a state of turmoil because of original member and founder Brian Jones . Since the previous two recordings of Between The Buttons and 68's Beggars Banquet , Jones became increasingly unreliable which lead to Keith Richards providing all of the guitar parts for every track. With Brian Jones passing on July 3rd, 1969, he was eventually replaced with guitarist Mick Taylor , who only appeared on two tracks which were "Country Honk" and 'Live With Me" . Taylor did appear however appeared on the bands chart topping single "Honky Tonk Woman" (which is Country Honk, just amped-up and is lyrically different)released during the summer of 1969 . Recording took place at Olympic Studios in London.
To date, Let It Bleed remains the bands most darkest album in their entire catalog. However, even with multiple listens , one wouldn't think . Each of the 9 tracks as I mentioned earlier explores a wide range of topics including politics , sex, and happiness and depression . For starters , 'Gimme Shelter" is the Stones at their most political . The song is a social cry due to the Vietnam War, race riots and Charles Manson. Jagger refers to these 3 hot topics as the "storm". Musically , the song is creative , majestic , mysterious and throws off not only a political statement, but a wild ride . Keith Richards guitar playing is melodic , punctual and his tone is majestic . The stand out though for this song however is guest gospel vocalist Merry Clayton . Legend has it that Clayton was called in the middle of the night to record the vocal . She showed up in pajamas and curlers in her hair . She was instructed to sing the now famous lines "rape, murder, its just a shot away" She blew away everybody with her octave shriek and decided to belt "murder!" and you can hear an impressed Jagger in the background . By far, Gimme Shelter is the most powerful opening track in rock n roll history.
"Midnight Rambler" is The Rolling Stones at their blues peak and is completely their own composition . Clocking in at nearly 7 minutes , it's the band love letter to the blues and Mick Jagger's best harmonica performance on wax. Lyrically , the song is from the mind of a serial-killer , which is a infamous nod to Manson. Regardless of the lyrical context, it's a romping good time and a killer blues in B.
"You Can't Always Get What You Want" the final song on the LP is a musical spectacle for it's opening because of the London Bach Choir . The choir was comprised of 60 singers and in the studio they double tracked their voices to sound as if there was even more members . Musically , the song is a standout for Keith Richards playing because of open E tuning which would become common in future rock n roll songs like The Black Crows "She Talks to Angels" and made famous by Duane Allman of the Allman Brothers Band . Lyrically , Jagger and Richards wrote about how hard it is to find happiness and no matter how much you have, you always want more . It's remarkable that a rock song can teach you a life lesson.
50 years on, this album has aged like a fine wine and with today's political climate , it might be the answer we need.
The band started the recording for the album 1o months prior . The Stones were in a state of turmoil because of original member and founder Brian Jones . Since the previous two recordings of Between The Buttons and 68's Beggars Banquet , Jones became increasingly unreliable which lead to Keith Richards providing all of the guitar parts for every track. With Brian Jones passing on July 3rd, 1969, he was eventually replaced with guitarist Mick Taylor , who only appeared on two tracks which were "Country Honk" and 'Live With Me" . Taylor did appear however appeared on the bands chart topping single "Honky Tonk Woman" (which is Country Honk, just amped-up and is lyrically different)released during the summer of 1969 . Recording took place at Olympic Studios in London.
To date, Let It Bleed remains the bands most darkest album in their entire catalog. However, even with multiple listens , one wouldn't think . Each of the 9 tracks as I mentioned earlier explores a wide range of topics including politics , sex, and happiness and depression . For starters , 'Gimme Shelter" is the Stones at their most political . The song is a social cry due to the Vietnam War, race riots and Charles Manson. Jagger refers to these 3 hot topics as the "storm". Musically , the song is creative , majestic , mysterious and throws off not only a political statement, but a wild ride . Keith Richards guitar playing is melodic , punctual and his tone is majestic . The stand out though for this song however is guest gospel vocalist Merry Clayton . Legend has it that Clayton was called in the middle of the night to record the vocal . She showed up in pajamas and curlers in her hair . She was instructed to sing the now famous lines "rape, murder, its just a shot away" She blew away everybody with her octave shriek and decided to belt "murder!" and you can hear an impressed Jagger in the background . By far, Gimme Shelter is the most powerful opening track in rock n roll history.
"Midnight Rambler" is The Rolling Stones at their blues peak and is completely their own composition . Clocking in at nearly 7 minutes , it's the band love letter to the blues and Mick Jagger's best harmonica performance on wax. Lyrically , the song is from the mind of a serial-killer , which is a infamous nod to Manson. Regardless of the lyrical context, it's a romping good time and a killer blues in B.
"You Can't Always Get What You Want" the final song on the LP is a musical spectacle for it's opening because of the London Bach Choir . The choir was comprised of 60 singers and in the studio they double tracked their voices to sound as if there was even more members . Musically , the song is a standout for Keith Richards playing because of open E tuning which would become common in future rock n roll songs like The Black Crows "She Talks to Angels" and made famous by Duane Allman of the Allman Brothers Band . Lyrically , Jagger and Richards wrote about how hard it is to find happiness and no matter how much you have, you always want more . It's remarkable that a rock song can teach you a life lesson.
50 years on, this album has aged like a fine wine and with today's political climate , it might be the answer we need.
Monday, November 25, 2019
You've brought me fame and fortune and evething that goes with it.. I thank you all -The top 10 most underrated Queen songs
28 Years ago yesterday , the music industry and the world lost one of rock and roll's most charismatic fromtan and vocalist to have ever pick up the microphone . That man was Freddie Mercury . As we know, we lost Mercury to AIDS, after years of constant struggle . Mercury , along with band mates Brian May, John Deacon, and Roger Taylor gave us Queen; a band that was never afraid to push musical limits and gave us some of rock's best anthems . Today , to celebrate Freddie's legacy we are going to dive into Queen's diverse catalog and pick 10 songs that need more attention . So if your looking for "Bohemian Rhapsody" "We Will Rock You", and "Another One Bites The Dust", sorry Fandango, your in the wrong place.
10. "If you Can't Beat Them" Jazz (1978)
When Jazz hit record shops in November of 1978, it was met with mixed reviews from critics . While it's considered Queen's weakest work, it did spawn a few hits. "If You Can't Beat them" is a fun , playful song that is musically a throwback to 1974's Sheer Heart Attack with punchy , hook like guitar playing from Brian May and the rest of the band . Mercury's vocals are flamboyant and fun as always and the chorus is a romper of earlier Queen songs with May, Taylor and Deacon's backing vocals sounding tight and opera influenced .
9. "Love of My Life" A Night At the Opera (1975)
This hidden beautiful gem off of the bands 1975 multi-platinum monster is Mercury at his most sensual vocal range and tone. The song stands out because it was written, sung and played entirely by Freddie (acoustic guitar arrangements were added by May later on) . It became a fan favorite at Queen's live shows and was immensely popular in South Africa . Subject wise , its about a man who has been ditched by his lover (which the listener can interpret as either male or female , given our social economics now ) The stand out of this track though is not only May's exceptional guitar playing, but his chops on the orchestral harp.
8. "The Millionaire Waltz" A Day At The Races (1976)
Yet another hidden classic from the album is always second fiddle to its predecessor , the song is based on the bands manager John Reid, who is openly homosexual . Musically , Queen is all over the map with the intro drawing influence from Vaudeville with Freddie's staccato piano to the thundering chorus with thunderous distorted guitar and pounding drums. An epic no doubt.
7. " Hammer to Fall" The Works (1984)
The Works is easily one of the best Queen albums to have come out during the 1980's. Aside from hits like "Radio Ga Ga" and "I want to Break Free" , Hammer to Fall is easily the best track. The song kicks off with May's killer guitar groove in A which has a very Rolling Stones vibe to it .Lyrically , the song was speculated to be about the Cold War, but in fact the song is about life and death. It quickly became a fan favorite for the bands live shows and is still a fan favorite.
6. "Its Late" News Of The World (1977)
The real champion if you will (and I'm right) off the bands 1977 release. An all out rocker, Brian May wrote the song with the mindset of treating the song structure as if it was a three-act theatrical play which explains why the song is at a staggering 6 minutes and 33 seconds . It's quite possibly the best rhythm guitar playing May has ever put on wax and the best late 70's Queen song to date .
5. "Keep Yourself Alive" Queen (1973)
Queen's debut album is a force to be reckoned with and a fan favorite for many die hard listeners because of it's influences of heavy metal and progressive rock and tips the hat to fellow contemporary bands of the time like Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath and even Jethro Tull. Right out of the gate , you knew Queen was special . This opening track is a guitar lovers dream. May's tone , feel , and playing are so punchy and pocketed. Add Mercury's ferocious take on the mic, and the drum solo from Roger Taylor in the bridge/turn around , and you have the makings of a great band .
4. "Stone Cold Crazy" Sheer Heart Attack (1974)
Sheer Heart Attack is the album that Queen became Queen and they finally developed their signature sound . Stone Cold Crazy is Queen at their most heaviest post Queen II and it's one hell of a musical achievement. Known for it's fast tempo and heavy distorted guitar, it put the term "speed metal" in perspective before it was commonplace almost a decade later . Mercury's vocals are almost stuttering and it just works perfectly . This song was so influential on heavy metal, that it inspired Metallica and future bands to follow. If you can inspire Metallica , you have to be doing it right .
3. 'Good Old Fashion Lover Boy" A Day At the Races (1976)
This is Mercury at his cheekiest , and one of the most catchiest songs in Queen's catalog . Written entirely by Freddie , it was heavily influenced on Ragtime because of the tempo , vocal delivery , and quirkiness. A great song for no matter where you stand as a Queen fan.
2. "Now I'm Here" Sheer Heart Attack (1974)
The closing track to side 1 of the bands bobby dazzler of an album . Written while Brian May was recovering from a severe case of Hepatitis , the song is a reflection of the bands good times, bad times, and the hard and fast times of touring . It's a common favorite among fans and critics and features one of Brian May's greatest guitar riffs he ever recorded with the band . The riff is gritty , distorted , and just funky as hell with both ascending and descending scale progressions , palm mutes , and killer vibrato .
1. "Tie Your Mother Down" A Day At The Races (1976)
This song brings all the components of what makes Queen such a unique force, and it shines from beginning to end . The opening to their 1976 follow up coming hot of the heels of their previous masterpiece (both albums taking names from classic Marx Brothers films) Tie Your Mother Down is just Queen at their best , and I stand by that fact .All the elements come together here. Mercury's thunderous and explosive vocal attack, May's fantastic distorted galloping riff in A (and great slide playing) alongside a galloping drumming feel from Roger Taylor, and you have Queen at their shining moment.
10. "If you Can't Beat Them" Jazz (1978)
When Jazz hit record shops in November of 1978, it was met with mixed reviews from critics . While it's considered Queen's weakest work, it did spawn a few hits. "If You Can't Beat them" is a fun , playful song that is musically a throwback to 1974's Sheer Heart Attack with punchy , hook like guitar playing from Brian May and the rest of the band . Mercury's vocals are flamboyant and fun as always and the chorus is a romper of earlier Queen songs with May, Taylor and Deacon's backing vocals sounding tight and opera influenced .
9. "Love of My Life" A Night At the Opera (1975)
This hidden beautiful gem off of the bands 1975 multi-platinum monster is Mercury at his most sensual vocal range and tone. The song stands out because it was written, sung and played entirely by Freddie (acoustic guitar arrangements were added by May later on) . It became a fan favorite at Queen's live shows and was immensely popular in South Africa . Subject wise , its about a man who has been ditched by his lover (which the listener can interpret as either male or female , given our social economics now ) The stand out of this track though is not only May's exceptional guitar playing, but his chops on the orchestral harp.
8. "The Millionaire Waltz" A Day At The Races (1976)
Yet another hidden classic from the album is always second fiddle to its predecessor , the song is based on the bands manager John Reid, who is openly homosexual . Musically , Queen is all over the map with the intro drawing influence from Vaudeville with Freddie's staccato piano to the thundering chorus with thunderous distorted guitar and pounding drums. An epic no doubt.
7. " Hammer to Fall" The Works (1984)
The Works is easily one of the best Queen albums to have come out during the 1980's. Aside from hits like "Radio Ga Ga" and "I want to Break Free" , Hammer to Fall is easily the best track. The song kicks off with May's killer guitar groove in A which has a very Rolling Stones vibe to it .Lyrically , the song was speculated to be about the Cold War, but in fact the song is about life and death. It quickly became a fan favorite for the bands live shows and is still a fan favorite.
6. "Its Late" News Of The World (1977)
The real champion if you will (and I'm right) off the bands 1977 release. An all out rocker, Brian May wrote the song with the mindset of treating the song structure as if it was a three-act theatrical play which explains why the song is at a staggering 6 minutes and 33 seconds . It's quite possibly the best rhythm guitar playing May has ever put on wax and the best late 70's Queen song to date .
5. "Keep Yourself Alive" Queen (1973)
Queen's debut album is a force to be reckoned with and a fan favorite for many die hard listeners because of it's influences of heavy metal and progressive rock and tips the hat to fellow contemporary bands of the time like Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath and even Jethro Tull. Right out of the gate , you knew Queen was special . This opening track is a guitar lovers dream. May's tone , feel , and playing are so punchy and pocketed. Add Mercury's ferocious take on the mic, and the drum solo from Roger Taylor in the bridge/turn around , and you have the makings of a great band .
4. "Stone Cold Crazy" Sheer Heart Attack (1974)
Sheer Heart Attack is the album that Queen became Queen and they finally developed their signature sound . Stone Cold Crazy is Queen at their most heaviest post Queen II and it's one hell of a musical achievement. Known for it's fast tempo and heavy distorted guitar, it put the term "speed metal" in perspective before it was commonplace almost a decade later . Mercury's vocals are almost stuttering and it just works perfectly . This song was so influential on heavy metal, that it inspired Metallica and future bands to follow. If you can inspire Metallica , you have to be doing it right .
3. 'Good Old Fashion Lover Boy" A Day At the Races (1976)
This is Mercury at his cheekiest , and one of the most catchiest songs in Queen's catalog . Written entirely by Freddie , it was heavily influenced on Ragtime because of the tempo , vocal delivery , and quirkiness. A great song for no matter where you stand as a Queen fan.
2. "Now I'm Here" Sheer Heart Attack (1974)
The closing track to side 1 of the bands bobby dazzler of an album . Written while Brian May was recovering from a severe case of Hepatitis , the song is a reflection of the bands good times, bad times, and the hard and fast times of touring . It's a common favorite among fans and critics and features one of Brian May's greatest guitar riffs he ever recorded with the band . The riff is gritty , distorted , and just funky as hell with both ascending and descending scale progressions , palm mutes , and killer vibrato .
1. "Tie Your Mother Down" A Day At The Races (1976)
This song brings all the components of what makes Queen such a unique force, and it shines from beginning to end . The opening to their 1976 follow up coming hot of the heels of their previous masterpiece (both albums taking names from classic Marx Brothers films) Tie Your Mother Down is just Queen at their best , and I stand by that fact .All the elements come together here. Mercury's thunderous and explosive vocal attack, May's fantastic distorted galloping riff in A (and great slide playing) alongside a galloping drumming feel from Roger Taylor, and you have Queen at their shining moment.
Sunday, October 6, 2019
Fianlly found his way home : Ginger Baker; hall of fame inductee and legendary drummer for Cream, and Blind Faith dead at 80
On October 6th, The legendary rock n roll trio Cream lost another member . This time, it was their game changing, cocky, at times frightening , but all around immaculate drummer who was Ginger Baker . Baker died on Sunday, October 6th after being checked into the hospital for 2 weeks for being "critically ill" . Baker was known for having notorious health issues , but the cause of death is still unknown .
Ginger Baker, born Edward Baker on August 19th, 1939 in Lewisham, South London , his parents were blue collard workers and he picked up drumming at age 15 and was influenced by Jazz drummers Elvin Jones , and Art Blakely . Before his pre Cream days, he was the drummer for the R&B group The Graham Bond Organization with future Cream bassist Jack Bruce.
Baker officially came to fame as co-founder along with bassist Jack Bruce in Cream with Eric Clapton on guitar, who previously came from John Mayhall and the Bluesbreakers. Baker became the musical backbone for Cream with his tight, sharp pocket fills and unorthodox playing when the band played live . His greatest moment in Cream was a live performance of the bands instrumental song "Toad" which was recorded at the Fillmore West in 1968. His searing solo lasted a full 15 minutes and it's credit to be the first official drum solo for rock and roll.
After Cream disbanded in 1968, Baker would continue his successes with other groups . Most notable, he and Clapton formed the brief Blind Faith with fellow Traffic and Spencer David Group singer Steve Winwood . In 1969, Bind Faith released their first and only album and spawned hits like "Had To Cry Today" and the now fan favorite " Can't Find My Way Home"
Outside of music , Baker had a reputation of being extremely harsh and cranky and would seldom give interviews let alone be in the spotlight . The last public appearance we officially saw of Baker was in the 2012 documentary Beware of Mr. Baker which was directed by Jay Bulger. The doc came about because of Bulger's Rolling Stone article "The Devil and Ginger Baker" which Bulger traveled to South Africa where he stayed with Baker over a number of weeks interviewing him and asking in depth questions . It was a stellar and eye-opening documentary and although some scenes were hard to watch because of Ginger's bitterness , it was worth every minute .
Ginger Baker. One of the quintessential if not greatest rock drummers of all time . I hope you find peace in your White Room.
Ginger Baker, born Edward Baker on August 19th, 1939 in Lewisham, South London , his parents were blue collard workers and he picked up drumming at age 15 and was influenced by Jazz drummers Elvin Jones , and Art Blakely . Before his pre Cream days, he was the drummer for the R&B group The Graham Bond Organization with future Cream bassist Jack Bruce.
Baker officially came to fame as co-founder along with bassist Jack Bruce in Cream with Eric Clapton on guitar, who previously came from John Mayhall and the Bluesbreakers. Baker became the musical backbone for Cream with his tight, sharp pocket fills and unorthodox playing when the band played live . His greatest moment in Cream was a live performance of the bands instrumental song "Toad" which was recorded at the Fillmore West in 1968. His searing solo lasted a full 15 minutes and it's credit to be the first official drum solo for rock and roll.
After Cream disbanded in 1968, Baker would continue his successes with other groups . Most notable, he and Clapton formed the brief Blind Faith with fellow Traffic and Spencer David Group singer Steve Winwood . In 1969, Bind Faith released their first and only album and spawned hits like "Had To Cry Today" and the now fan favorite " Can't Find My Way Home"
Outside of music , Baker had a reputation of being extremely harsh and cranky and would seldom give interviews let alone be in the spotlight . The last public appearance we officially saw of Baker was in the 2012 documentary Beware of Mr. Baker which was directed by Jay Bulger. The doc came about because of Bulger's Rolling Stone article "The Devil and Ginger Baker" which Bulger traveled to South Africa where he stayed with Baker over a number of weeks interviewing him and asking in depth questions . It was a stellar and eye-opening documentary and although some scenes were hard to watch because of Ginger's bitterness , it was worth every minute .
Ginger Baker. One of the quintessential if not greatest rock drummers of all time . I hope you find peace in your White Room.
Tuesday, September 17, 2019
You Kept it Going till the sun fell Down: A tribute to Ric Ocasek
On the eve of September 15th, the music world was dealt with a double blow. Not even a full 48 hours since the passing of Eddie Money, we lost another legend. That man was Ric Ocasek. As lead singer and head songwriter of the Cars, Ocasek went on to pen some of the most catchy pop-rock/new wave songs of the decade.
Born Richard Octasek March 23rd, 1944, in Baltimore , Maryland, Ric and his family would eventually settle in Cleveland , Ohio . By age 16, Ocasek became fully obsessed with early rock n roll pioneers like Buddy Holly and the Crickets , Eddie Chochran, Elvis Presley and more. In the early 1970's Ric moved from Cleveland to Boston. Once settled , he began playing in a folk band called Milkwood with his friend Ben Orzechowski . The band released an album in 1973 titled How's The Weather? which failed to chart . After MIlkwood split, Orzechowksi and Ocasek remained together and would eventually form The Cars which were made up with keyboardist Greg Hawkes, guitarist Elliot Easton, and former Modern Lovers drummer Dave Robinson while Ric became the leader and rhythm guitarist . The Cars were inspired by proto-punk bands like the Velvet Underground , The Modern Lovers and Roxy Music . In 1978 when they signed to Elektra , they released their self-titled debut album which went multi-platinum and spawned hits like "Just What I Needed" "My Best Friend's Girl" and "Bye Bye Love" . They followed up their overnight success with 1979's Candy-O which spawned hits like the album title and the FM friendly hit Let's Go. In 1984, they scored the biggest rock album of the year with Heartbeat City and created such pop-rock classics like "Magic" and "You Might Think".
Later in his career, Ocasek became well-known as a studio producer . He helped now alternative rock icon Weezer with their iconic debut album The Blue Album from 1994, and their Green Album from 2001.
The last time we saw Ocasek and The Cars perform for the last time together was at the 2018 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony . They delivered and played all their iconic songs and got a standing ovation. The best artists always leave us with an unexpected exit . However, we are grateful for the great music Ric Ocasek has left us .He defined a cassette generation and made the 80's the era we all want to relieve . Thank you Ric. Now if you excuse me , I'm gonna go find my MTV and my can of Aquanet .
Born Richard Octasek March 23rd, 1944, in Baltimore , Maryland, Ric and his family would eventually settle in Cleveland , Ohio . By age 16, Ocasek became fully obsessed with early rock n roll pioneers like Buddy Holly and the Crickets , Eddie Chochran, Elvis Presley and more. In the early 1970's Ric moved from Cleveland to Boston. Once settled , he began playing in a folk band called Milkwood with his friend Ben Orzechowski . The band released an album in 1973 titled How's The Weather? which failed to chart . After MIlkwood split, Orzechowksi and Ocasek remained together and would eventually form The Cars which were made up with keyboardist Greg Hawkes, guitarist Elliot Easton, and former Modern Lovers drummer Dave Robinson while Ric became the leader and rhythm guitarist . The Cars were inspired by proto-punk bands like the Velvet Underground , The Modern Lovers and Roxy Music . In 1978 when they signed to Elektra , they released their self-titled debut album which went multi-platinum and spawned hits like "Just What I Needed" "My Best Friend's Girl" and "Bye Bye Love" . They followed up their overnight success with 1979's Candy-O which spawned hits like the album title and the FM friendly hit Let's Go. In 1984, they scored the biggest rock album of the year with Heartbeat City and created such pop-rock classics like "Magic" and "You Might Think".
Later in his career, Ocasek became well-known as a studio producer . He helped now alternative rock icon Weezer with their iconic debut album The Blue Album from 1994, and their Green Album from 2001.
The last time we saw Ocasek and The Cars perform for the last time together was at the 2018 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony . They delivered and played all their iconic songs and got a standing ovation. The best artists always leave us with an unexpected exit . However, we are grateful for the great music Ric Ocasek has left us .He defined a cassette generation and made the 80's the era we all want to relieve . Thank you Ric. Now if you excuse me , I'm gonna go find my MTV and my can of Aquanet .
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