Well, I guess today was a good day to announce news if you're in the 'good band that was formed by two brothers and has a reputation for just kinda standing there and playing when performing live' category:
Oasis (sort of) - Shocker! Liam says his new band (without his brother) will be even bigger than Oasis ever was. Not exactly hard to do, given their recent history, but I doubt they'll recapture the popularity they had in the mid to late 90s when both brothers Gallagher were at their peak. At least it's good to know the album is full of "proper rock n roll", at least according to Liam. Story on spin.com http://www.spin.com/articles/liam-gallaghers-new-band-bigger-oasis
Here's a classic Noel Gallagher quote for those who can appreciate the mix of crass narcissistic respect he often paid to his musical idols (and himself): "I'm not like John Lennon, who thought he was the great Almighty. I just think I'm John Lennon."
Kings of Leon - They're working on a fourth album. I like it. They're a very very very good band. I just wish they were exciting live. I could say the same thing about Tom Petty... Also on spin.com: http://www.spin.com/articles/kings-leon-discuss-upcoming-album
I'd be curious who else out there loves a band but has been disappointed by their live performance, for lack of, er, performance... I had a friend tell me today that Counting Crows definitely fits the bill. Your thoughts?
Born July 19:
1947 - Brian May (guitarist, Queen)
1948 - Keith Godchaux (keyboardist, The Grateful Dead)
1952 - Allen Collins (guitarist, Lynyrd Skynyrd)
Monday, July 19, 2010
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Daily Dose July 17 - Slipknot, Pink Floyd
Currently listening - Slipknot's All Hope is Gone record
I realize Slipknot is not for everyone, but if you do like modern American metal, you can do no better. They have an extremely melodic approach to metal and Corey Taylor is actually a great singer, when he's singing. He does his fair amount of growling and screaming, but what's great about just about every one of Slipknot's songs is that they've all got a great hook.
I saw these guys live for the first time last summer and I got an all-new appreciation of their masked appearances. (For those who don't know, each member of the band wears a mask of some sort when they perform live.) I already love the whole theatrical side of rock and metal anyway. I mean, the first band I ever loved was KISS, and no one's more theatrical than them. However, Slipknot's masks are very different from KISS wearing makeup. With KISS, you can still see their expressions. Not so with a mask. Slipknot's members have the same expression for the entire show, no matter how fast or slow the song, no matter what they're doing... It may not seem like much, but when your live show consists of 9 guys creating some form of controlled mayhem onstage for 2 hours, the wearing of a single static expression is kinda eerie and wicked cool.
Anyway, I already loved their music, but after the live show, I'm definitely a true Slipknot fan. Here's hoping they are able to continue on despite the recent death of one of their founding members, bassist Paul Gray. I had the opportunity to meet Paul at this year's NAMM show and he was a very cool guy, so I was sorry to hear of his passing.
In unrelated news, I'm heading to a planetarium-style IMAX theater tonight to see back-to-back laser light shows. I've never been to any laser light shows before, but I remember there was some kind of touring production of a laser light show in the late 80s and early 90s that was all Pink Floyd music. Tonight, the first show is set to Beatles music and the second is set to the full performance of Dark Side of the Moon. I have high hopes, no pun intended (for you Floyd fans).
Born on July 17:
1948 - Geezer Butler (bassist, Black Sabbath/Ozzy Osbourne/Heaven and Hell)
1966 - Lou Barlow (bassist/vocalist, Dinosaur Jr/Folk Implosion/Sebadoh)
1975 - Paul Hinojos (guitarist, The Mars Volta)
I realize Slipknot is not for everyone, but if you do like modern American metal, you can do no better. They have an extremely melodic approach to metal and Corey Taylor is actually a great singer, when he's singing. He does his fair amount of growling and screaming, but what's great about just about every one of Slipknot's songs is that they've all got a great hook.
I saw these guys live for the first time last summer and I got an all-new appreciation of their masked appearances. (For those who don't know, each member of the band wears a mask of some sort when they perform live.) I already love the whole theatrical side of rock and metal anyway. I mean, the first band I ever loved was KISS, and no one's more theatrical than them. However, Slipknot's masks are very different from KISS wearing makeup. With KISS, you can still see their expressions. Not so with a mask. Slipknot's members have the same expression for the entire show, no matter how fast or slow the song, no matter what they're doing... It may not seem like much, but when your live show consists of 9 guys creating some form of controlled mayhem onstage for 2 hours, the wearing of a single static expression is kinda eerie and wicked cool.
Anyway, I already loved their music, but after the live show, I'm definitely a true Slipknot fan. Here's hoping they are able to continue on despite the recent death of one of their founding members, bassist Paul Gray. I had the opportunity to meet Paul at this year's NAMM show and he was a very cool guy, so I was sorry to hear of his passing.
In unrelated news, I'm heading to a planetarium-style IMAX theater tonight to see back-to-back laser light shows. I've never been to any laser light shows before, but I remember there was some kind of touring production of a laser light show in the late 80s and early 90s that was all Pink Floyd music. Tonight, the first show is set to Beatles music and the second is set to the full performance of Dark Side of the Moon. I have high hopes, no pun intended (for you Floyd fans).
Born on July 17:
1948 - Geezer Butler (bassist, Black Sabbath/Ozzy Osbourne/Heaven and Hell)
1966 - Lou Barlow (bassist/vocalist, Dinosaur Jr/Folk Implosion/Sebadoh)
1975 - Paul Hinojos (guitarist, The Mars Volta)
Friday, July 16, 2010
Daily Dose July 16 - Soundgarden, The Police
Currently listening to Soundgarden's Badmotorfinger.
Speaking of which, I'm glad to see the boys from Soundgarden back together after some successful (Audioslave) and horribly unsuccessful (Scream) projects from Chris Cornell over the last 12 years or so... You can appreciate Soundgarden because it only takes a few seconds' worth of any of their songs to identify the band. Their sound is certainly their own.
For those who may doubt Cornell's ability to still hit the high notes, fear not. I saw him with his solo band about 2 years ago and the guy's pipes are still top-notch. Anyway, I expect them to tear the roof off of Lollapalooza this weekend in Chicago and I have fingers crossed that upon returning from some festival shows in Europe, they treat us all to a proper tour here in the States. I've never seen them live, so that'll be a must see for me... And then Matt Cameron needs to get his ass back to Pearl Jam, so they can put a new record together. Of course, if Matt decides to rejoin Soundgarden full-time, maybe I can finally win my coveted dream job of being Pearl Jam's drummer... One must have dreams...
On a related note, I dig this Chris Cornell quote - "I`m not a lyric writer to make statements. What I enjoy doing is making paintings with lyrics, creating colorful images. I think that`s more what entertainment and music should be."
Born July 16:
1952 - Stewart Copeland (drummer, The Police) Without a doubt one of the greatest rock drummers on the planet. Interesting tidbit that I only learned a few years ago is that he performs the hi-hat on Peter Gabriel's "Red Rain"... Stewart doesn't play the drums, just the hi-hat.
1974 - Jeremy Enigk (vocalist/guitarist, Sunny Day Real Estate)
R.I.P. for July 16:
1996 - John Panozzo (drummer, Styx)
Speaking of which, I'm glad to see the boys from Soundgarden back together after some successful (Audioslave) and horribly unsuccessful (Scream) projects from Chris Cornell over the last 12 years or so... You can appreciate Soundgarden because it only takes a few seconds' worth of any of their songs to identify the band. Their sound is certainly their own.
For those who may doubt Cornell's ability to still hit the high notes, fear not. I saw him with his solo band about 2 years ago and the guy's pipes are still top-notch. Anyway, I expect them to tear the roof off of Lollapalooza this weekend in Chicago and I have fingers crossed that upon returning from some festival shows in Europe, they treat us all to a proper tour here in the States. I've never seen them live, so that'll be a must see for me... And then Matt Cameron needs to get his ass back to Pearl Jam, so they can put a new record together. Of course, if Matt decides to rejoin Soundgarden full-time, maybe I can finally win my coveted dream job of being Pearl Jam's drummer... One must have dreams...
On a related note, I dig this Chris Cornell quote - "I`m not a lyric writer to make statements. What I enjoy doing is making paintings with lyrics, creating colorful images. I think that`s more what entertainment and music should be."
Born July 16:
1952 - Stewart Copeland (drummer, The Police) Without a doubt one of the greatest rock drummers on the planet. Interesting tidbit that I only learned a few years ago is that he performs the hi-hat on Peter Gabriel's "Red Rain"... Stewart doesn't play the drums, just the hi-hat.
1974 - Jeremy Enigk (vocalist/guitarist, Sunny Day Real Estate)
R.I.P. for July 16:
1996 - John Panozzo (drummer, Styx)
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Daily Dose July 15 - Long live "80s rock"...
I was in a hair band mood today, had a drive to and from the coast and was blaring all kinds of old school 80s rock. My buddy Dan still laughs at me for liking 80s rock, telling me I should move on from it, but I can't. That music is what I was listening to when I was 14, 15, 16 years old and as we all know, those are formative years. The music's a big part of that. Who among us doesn't hear songs from the past that remind us of ex-girlfriends, good times with friends, summer vacations, etc, etc, etc... For me, 99% of those songs were belted out by some dude with really big hair and more makeup on than the girls I went to high school with.
Besides, most of those bands are still sticking around and some of the better ones are still on tour with their core members: Bon Jovi, Poison, Ratt, Def Leppard, Cinderella, Don Dokken and George Lynch got back together, Motley Crue, and others. I know, they're old now. Their new music is not the main reason people listen. Who cares? Most of the bands listed above still sell out or at least sell a hell of a lot of tickets everywhere they go. And Crue, Leppard, Bon Jovi and Poison still play big venues. So, I guess my point is, I'm not the only one that still loves this stuff. Nostalgia has never gone out of style, the only thing that changes is what, by definition, qualifies as nostalgia now. At this point, there are college girls who are nostalgic for the days when N'Sync and Backstreet Boys posters were all over their rooms. And that was only in the early 2000's... I'll keep my 80s rock, thank you very much.
I hope they all tour until they're dead. As long as they do, I'll go check 'em out.
Born on July 15:
1946 - Linda Ronstadt
1948 - Artimus Pyle (drummer, Lynyrd Skynyrd)
1952 - Johnny Thunders (guitarist, New York Dolls)
1956 - Ian Curtis (vocalist, Joy Division)
1956 - Marky Ramone (drummer, The Ramones)
1956 - Joe Satriani
1966 - Jason Bonham (drummer, Bonham/Foreigner)
1973 - John Dolmayan (drummer, System of a Down/Scars on Broadway)
1977 - Ray Toro (guitarist, My Chemical Romance)
Besides, most of those bands are still sticking around and some of the better ones are still on tour with their core members: Bon Jovi, Poison, Ratt, Def Leppard, Cinderella, Don Dokken and George Lynch got back together, Motley Crue, and others. I know, they're old now. Their new music is not the main reason people listen. Who cares? Most of the bands listed above still sell out or at least sell a hell of a lot of tickets everywhere they go. And Crue, Leppard, Bon Jovi and Poison still play big venues. So, I guess my point is, I'm not the only one that still loves this stuff. Nostalgia has never gone out of style, the only thing that changes is what, by definition, qualifies as nostalgia now. At this point, there are college girls who are nostalgic for the days when N'Sync and Backstreet Boys posters were all over their rooms. And that was only in the early 2000's... I'll keep my 80s rock, thank you very much.
I hope they all tour until they're dead. As long as they do, I'll go check 'em out.
Born on July 15:
1946 - Linda Ronstadt
1948 - Artimus Pyle (drummer, Lynyrd Skynyrd)
1952 - Johnny Thunders (guitarist, New York Dolls)
1956 - Ian Curtis (vocalist, Joy Division)
1956 - Marky Ramone (drummer, The Ramones)
1956 - Joe Satriani
1966 - Jason Bonham (drummer, Bonham/Foreigner)
1973 - John Dolmayan (drummer, System of a Down/Scars on Broadway)
1977 - Ray Toro (guitarist, My Chemical Romance)
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Daily Dose July 14
Currently listening - Van Halen II
I recently read that the guitar Eddie is holding on the back cover (the black and yellow one) is actually buried with Dimebag Darrell of Pantera because he had told Eddie that it was his favorite. Ed, for what it's worth, my favorite is the blue and white striped and polka-dotted guitar in the unofficial Unchained video. So, you know, if you want to bury that one with me, I'm cool with that. Although I plan on being cremated... but I digress.
This is definitely my favorite Van Halen album (today, at least) with tracks like Somebody Get Me A Doctor, DOA, Outta Love Again, Light Up the Sky, Bottoms Up!, etc... I seriously hope these guys do another tour (or 10) with Diamond Dave AND Michael Anthony. No offense to Wolfgang, but Michael's backing vocals and stumpy mulleted stage presence is part of the VH experience. Plus, he's probably one of the nicest rock stars I've ever met, so I hope to see them all onstage together soon.
Funny Diamond Dave quote, made on the Howard Stern show after his 1993 arrest for buying a small bag of weed from an undercover cop: "In New York City this small of a bust is a $35 traffic citation. It literally says 'Buick, Chevy, Other'. Your dog poops on the sidewalk, it's $50. If I was looking for publicity, I would have pooped on the sidewalk."
There is truly only one David Lee Roth.
Born on this date:
1952 - Bob 2 (guitarist, Devo)
1960 - Kyle Gass (the other half of Tenacious D)
1966 - Tanya Donelly (vocalist/guitarist, The Blake Babies, Throwing Muses, Belly)
I recently read that the guitar Eddie is holding on the back cover (the black and yellow one) is actually buried with Dimebag Darrell of Pantera because he had told Eddie that it was his favorite. Ed, for what it's worth, my favorite is the blue and white striped and polka-dotted guitar in the unofficial Unchained video. So, you know, if you want to bury that one with me, I'm cool with that. Although I plan on being cremated... but I digress.
This is definitely my favorite Van Halen album (today, at least) with tracks like Somebody Get Me A Doctor, DOA, Outta Love Again, Light Up the Sky, Bottoms Up!, etc... I seriously hope these guys do another tour (or 10) with Diamond Dave AND Michael Anthony. No offense to Wolfgang, but Michael's backing vocals and stumpy mulleted stage presence is part of the VH experience. Plus, he's probably one of the nicest rock stars I've ever met, so I hope to see them all onstage together soon.
Funny Diamond Dave quote, made on the Howard Stern show after his 1993 arrest for buying a small bag of weed from an undercover cop: "In New York City this small of a bust is a $35 traffic citation. It literally says 'Buick, Chevy, Other'. Your dog poops on the sidewalk, it's $50. If I was looking for publicity, I would have pooped on the sidewalk."
There is truly only one David Lee Roth.
Born on this date:
1952 - Bob 2 (guitarist, Devo)
1960 - Kyle Gass (the other half of Tenacious D)
1966 - Tanya Donelly (vocalist/guitarist, The Blake Babies, Throwing Muses, Belly)
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Daily Dose July 13
Currently listening to Buckcherry's debut album...
This day in rock history: Live Aid takes place in 1985. Over 2 billion people around the globe watched or attended concerts in London, Philadelphia, Moscow, and other nations around the world to raise money and awareness for those stricken by famine in Ethiopia. Queen, Elvis Costello, the remaining members of Led Zeppelin, Paul McCartney, Madonna, Mick Jagger, Tina Turner, U2, Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, Black Sabbath, Crosby Still Nash and Young, Duran Duran and The Who all performed, among other acts. Go read that list again. If you're not impressed by that collection of talent, you and I probably wouldn't be friends.
June 13, 1942 - Roger McGuinn, vocalist/guitarist for The Byrds was born.
Two albums I have pre-ordered in the last 24 hours:
Buckcherry's newest album, which is available at www.bestbuy.com/buckcherry
The pre-order version comes with a bonus cd with acoustic versions of 6 songs.
The album will be released August 3rd.
On the same date, The Black Crowes are releasing Croweology, a 20-song album that consists of acoustic rearrangements of some of their biggest hits and favorite tracks. I'm picking that one up on tasty, delicious vinyl... You can pre-order at www.blackcrowes.com
In related news, the Black Crowes are hitting the road this fall for what could be their last tour for several years. If you have the opportunity, check them out. They are the best live band I have ever seen and they are going to be doing 3-hour sets, half acoustic and half electric, which is something that will be well worth the price of admission. I have tickets for the Raleigh, Jacksonville, Orlando and both Atlanta shows, but the tour is going coast to coast, so see their website for dates near you.
This day in rock history: Live Aid takes place in 1985. Over 2 billion people around the globe watched or attended concerts in London, Philadelphia, Moscow, and other nations around the world to raise money and awareness for those stricken by famine in Ethiopia. Queen, Elvis Costello, the remaining members of Led Zeppelin, Paul McCartney, Madonna, Mick Jagger, Tina Turner, U2, Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, Black Sabbath, Crosby Still Nash and Young, Duran Duran and The Who all performed, among other acts. Go read that list again. If you're not impressed by that collection of talent, you and I probably wouldn't be friends.
June 13, 1942 - Roger McGuinn, vocalist/guitarist for The Byrds was born.
Two albums I have pre-ordered in the last 24 hours:
Buckcherry's newest album, which is available at www.bestbuy.com/buckcherry
The pre-order version comes with a bonus cd with acoustic versions of 6 songs.
The album will be released August 3rd.
On the same date, The Black Crowes are releasing Croweology, a 20-song album that consists of acoustic rearrangements of some of their biggest hits and favorite tracks. I'm picking that one up on tasty, delicious vinyl... You can pre-order at www.blackcrowes.com
In related news, the Black Crowes are hitting the road this fall for what could be their last tour for several years. If you have the opportunity, check them out. They are the best live band I have ever seen and they are going to be doing 3-hour sets, half acoustic and half electric, which is something that will be well worth the price of admission. I have tickets for the Raleigh, Jacksonville, Orlando and both Atlanta shows, but the tour is going coast to coast, so see their website for dates near you.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Jump-starting the Daily Dose again...
Life is good. My family is happy and healthy. I'm in love with a beautiful woman. I'm gainfully employed. I am neither homeless, nor addicted to drugs. Creditors do not call me asking for money. I really can't complain about the 'big' stuff...
But I need some sort of musical outlet. See, I share walls now and that pretty much eliminates the possibility of me playing my drums. And as much as I love my acoustic guitar (and I DO love it so...), I need something else. So, since it was popular with the select group of people who used to follow it back in 2008 and 2009, when it was called Cru's Daily Dose, I'm going to reinvent it and try and put more energy into saying something about music every day, whether anyone cares or reads it or not. With my being on the site more often, maybe I'll be more inspired to write some blogs here and there about music in general, something I miss doing.
As always, feel free to comment if you see something that catches your eye...
On this date in 1962, The Rolling Stones played their first-ever gig at the Marquee Club in London. I would like to personally send a belated thank you to whomever the booking agent was because I believe in the whole Sliding Doors thing, so if this gig hadn't happened... I won't go into it, but I'm glad they played that night, no matter what they played...
July 12 Births:
1908 - Milton Berle (hey, the guy starred in Ratt's first few rock videos, which makes him relevant on this blog, in my opinion.) Speaking of which, I'm taking my son to see Ratt this Thursday night at the House of Blues. And their new record is excellent, by the way.
1943 - Christine McVie (vocalist/keyboards, Fleetwood Mac) Here's hoping she decides to rejoin FM someday...
1950 - Eric Carr (drummer, KISS) A perpetual RIP to a great rock drummer. The documentary "Tale of the Fox" is available online at Netflix and is worth a watch if you're a die-hard KISS fan like me.
1967 - John Petrucci (guitarist, Dream Theater)
July 12 Deaths:
1996 - Jonathan Melvoin (touring keyboardist, Smashing Pumpkins) His death was the final trigger event that got Jimmy Chamberlin kicked out of the Pumpkins, beginning a downward spiral that they've never recovered from. (Billy, just retire the damn band. You have to give your music away now because no one gives a shit. And by the way, us old fans would appreciate it if you ever played something, anything from Gish live anymore. But apparently, that's too much to ask.)
I'm listening to The Beatles' Abbey Road right now. Without a doubt, one of the greatest rock albums in history. Nothing profound in my saying that, but if you've never sat down and listened to it from start to finish, do yourself a favor and schedule about 48 minutes to do so. And if you can, do it with headphones on (which is how ALL music should truly be listened to to be fully appreciated). Anyway, do the Abbey Road thing. I promise, you will not be disappointed.
Other music I listened to today: Shotgun Messiah's first record, Simon and Garfunkel, a couple tunes from Cats in Boots, some Silvertide, and a good bit of Zeppelin in the morning.
What did YOU listen to today???
But I need some sort of musical outlet. See, I share walls now and that pretty much eliminates the possibility of me playing my drums. And as much as I love my acoustic guitar (and I DO love it so...), I need something else. So, since it was popular with the select group of people who used to follow it back in 2008 and 2009, when it was called Cru's Daily Dose, I'm going to reinvent it and try and put more energy into saying something about music every day, whether anyone cares or reads it or not. With my being on the site more often, maybe I'll be more inspired to write some blogs here and there about music in general, something I miss doing.
As always, feel free to comment if you see something that catches your eye...
On this date in 1962, The Rolling Stones played their first-ever gig at the Marquee Club in London. I would like to personally send a belated thank you to whomever the booking agent was because I believe in the whole Sliding Doors thing, so if this gig hadn't happened... I won't go into it, but I'm glad they played that night, no matter what they played...
July 12 Births:
1908 - Milton Berle (hey, the guy starred in Ratt's first few rock videos, which makes him relevant on this blog, in my opinion.) Speaking of which, I'm taking my son to see Ratt this Thursday night at the House of Blues. And their new record is excellent, by the way.
1943 - Christine McVie (vocalist/keyboards, Fleetwood Mac) Here's hoping she decides to rejoin FM someday...
1950 - Eric Carr (drummer, KISS) A perpetual RIP to a great rock drummer. The documentary "Tale of the Fox" is available online at Netflix and is worth a watch if you're a die-hard KISS fan like me.
1967 - John Petrucci (guitarist, Dream Theater)
July 12 Deaths:
1996 - Jonathan Melvoin (touring keyboardist, Smashing Pumpkins) His death was the final trigger event that got Jimmy Chamberlin kicked out of the Pumpkins, beginning a downward spiral that they've never recovered from. (Billy, just retire the damn band. You have to give your music away now because no one gives a shit. And by the way, us old fans would appreciate it if you ever played something, anything from Gish live anymore. But apparently, that's too much to ask.)
I'm listening to The Beatles' Abbey Road right now. Without a doubt, one of the greatest rock albums in history. Nothing profound in my saying that, but if you've never sat down and listened to it from start to finish, do yourself a favor and schedule about 48 minutes to do so. And if you can, do it with headphones on (which is how ALL music should truly be listened to to be fully appreciated). Anyway, do the Abbey Road thing. I promise, you will not be disappointed.
Other music I listened to today: Shotgun Messiah's first record, Simon and Garfunkel, a couple tunes from Cats in Boots, some Silvertide, and a good bit of Zeppelin in the morning.
What did YOU listen to today???
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