Covers - It's What Makes My World Go Round

So with the summer concert season in full swing, concerts are at a premium. Anyone who has ever been to a concert will usually experience a rare but cool phenomenon, the cover song. A cover song, when in the right hands can be a magical moment on stage for both band and audience. I still remember the first time I heard a cover at a concert. It was at a Danger Danger show ( right now everyone is scratching their head saying "Who is Danger Danger"?) They did a cover of Journeys "Anyway You Want It", they really did the song right. To this day, I will almost always play that song in a band setting because of that night.

So I put up 2 covers that I thought really work for me. The first is "Barracuda". This song when done by Heart is unstoppable. They can always bring down the house when they play it. Here we have Alice In Chains with Gretchen Wilson preforming the cover. She does probably the best version of this song vocally that I have ever heard.

Next we have Nickleback doing ZZ Top "Sharp Dressed Man". All I can say is Chad Is the man. He pulls it off brilliantly.

So, With that being said, are there any covers you have heard that you think are great? Post up.

To Sing Or Act, That Is The Question

I was surfing today for more women in rock stuff. Then, I happened across this masterpiece. Don Johnson "Heartbeat". To watch this is like watching a train wreck as it catches on fire and then once the fire is out, another flaming train hits it. The song stinks royally, the video must have been a Miami Vice episode they decided not to show but Don said " Whoa, I can make something of this". Funny little tidbit, the guitar player is Dweezil Zappa, Frank Zappa's son. He actually won a Grammy recently for covering his fathers music.

So I started to think, Is there any good songs by actors or actresses?

I think I will ask the public. Can you give some suggestions of any good actor or actress songs. List them, I will pick a winner and you will win no prize, but you get the satisfaction of being held in high regard for the next post.

Women Who Don't Get The Proper Respect

I was sitting around thinking today about women in rock music. It was easy to think about those at the top of the list like Heart, Joan Jett, Pat Benatar. But then I started to wonder about the women in rock who don't get the credit they deserve. So I thought for the rest of the week, I will post about women in rock who just don't get the love they should.

Lets start with Liz Phair. First off, lets get it out of the way, she is gorgeous. OK, now, what i really love about her is probably something someone will criticize her for. This song "Extraordinary" is something she has not represented in the past. Liz has always been deemed the queen of alt rock. Early on she had indie success by trying to stay out of the main stream. Then she came out with an album that had a popish sound on it. Many people killed her for that. But when asked why she did it, she simply stated " I write whatever I want to, and don't care about what you want, it's my music". ( I am paraphrasing). If that's not a rock attitude, turn off your hearing aid and start watching The View.

The song is POWERFUL. She writes about how she is not an ordinary women and if the things she does startles you, too bad. The music has a great semi harmonic feel to it that allows it to be edgy and then still come around to a great hook in the chorus. The video has a great concept to it as well, show a lot of Liz, good formula.

So, she writes what she wants, has a great song writing talent, is a sort of chameleon when it comes to music, and oh yeah, she can rock with the boys and probably harder than some.

Then, why is she not considered one of the top women in rock? Maybe that's what makes her great.

Growing On Me

Well, after a little hiatus, we are back up and running. This week we have a little ditty by Breaking Benjamin called "Sooner Or Later".

Formed in 1998 by vocalist Benjamin Burnley and drummer Jeremy Hummel, Breaking Benjamin quickly garnered a strong local following in their home state of Pennsylvania. The band derived their name from an incident when Burnley was covering a Nirvana song during an open mic night at a club when he dropped the microphone, breaking it. The person who owned the microphone came on stage and said, "Thanks to Benjamin for breaking my mic." In 1999 the band changed its name shortly to Plan 9 then in late 2001, after various line-up changes, the band changed its name back to "Breaking Benjamin"

This is a band that took me some time to get to appreciate. After hearing of them, I listened to a cd and quickly discharged it to the bin of music lost. But then I would hear them on the radio from time to time and they grew on me a little at a time. Now, I find I can enjoy some of their songs, but still they don't really hold my interest as whole.

This song i do enjoy. It is a modern day roller coaster ballad. What's that you might say? Its a song that has many different elements of musical emotion. It has a heavy anger element, then a sorrow filled melody and a light airy breakdown. This is a nice attempt at a ballad like song for them. It has a good sound and good material, dealing with the fact that eventually a relationship will fall apart, so just throw it away.

Good song, not the greatest, but I like to listen to it from time to time and maybe they will grow a little more on me as time goes on.

A Little Education While You Groove

New post on the way. Until then enjoy some School House Rock.

The singer in this is Jack Sheldon. Sheldon's collaborative list is indeed long and impressive: Dizzy Gillespie, Dexter Gordon, Curtis Counce, Shelly Manne, Art Pepper, Frank Sinatra, Benny Goodman, Stan Kenton, Mel Torme, Tony Bennett, Lena Horne, Peggy Lee, Sammy Davis Jr., Rosemary Clooney, Diane Schuur and many other greats.

Jack Sheldon's importance to the entertainment industry has been a constant throughout his career spanning from the 1940s to the present ... and from bebop to voice-overs. He is living proof that jazz and showbiz do mix. Jack Sheldon's mark on the world of entertainment is indelible.

The Band That Made Me Pee A Little.

Van Halen - Jump


When people ask me, "Hey you, what is your favorite kind of music?", I always say without thinking, Van Halen!
It started for me back in the 80's when I was a young lad fishing with my friend Huck Finn down by the crick. I heard music that sent chills up my spine. It was a Van Halen record (yes I said RECORD). I instantly fell in love with the band. What was the song you ask? Well, that's another story for a different day.

My older brother was getting tickets to go see Van Halen play in New Haven Ct at the Coliseum, which has since been torn down. I begged him to get me a ticket. He kept saying no, so finally I did what any good younger brother would do, I told mom. Well, I got the ticket and the day came, March 24th, 1984. I was only 12 years old at the time. Our seats were only 12 rows from the stage and I was in the middle of pot haven ( you see, at that time you could still smoke in public buildings and security did not check what people were smoking). The opening band was Autograph (They were really good).

The lights went down and all of a sudden a monstrous guitar sound came out from a wall of Marshall amps that made me pee a little. The announcement was made "Are you ready New Haven CT. Here they are, the mighty VAN HALEN!!!

The first song they played that night was "Unchained", a masterful hard rock song. As the night went on they played every song I wanted to hear. By the way, they were REALLY loud. I think I still have effects to this day.

At the end of the night they did "Jump", I thought to myself then "Self", I said, "This song has everything you need in a great rock song". I still believe that to this day.

"Jump" starts out with a melodic synthesizer that play a couple of chords but they grab your attention. Also, anyone who hears that even today knows what song is coming. Next, the rhythm takes over with a driving pulse. When the vocals are presented, here is the ringmaster David Lee Roth, belting out perfectly written lyrics that match the song to perfection. As the song goes on, what you start to notice is what a great visual effect the band has, Eddies Frankenstein red, black and white guitar. Dave's many flamboyant outfits mixed in with his on stage antics.
Back to the song. When the chorus comes in to play it is a simple arrangement along with simple lyrics " Might as well Jump". Then you are met with 2 gut busting solos by Edward. First the guitar solo has the signature licks he has made famous over the years but then the synth solo really burns up the keys which some people were surprised by. Actually, eddie was trained on classical piano at a young age.

There are so many things about this song that I love, I am getting the bends trying to finish this. So to simply put this, this song is great, this band is great (with David Lee Roth), this video is great ( video was shot with one camera. Sometimes one of the band members was filming when they were not in the shot).

If ever a band came out today that had even a small amount of talent and showmanship as Van Halen did, they would be huge. The formula for success never changes.

Finland Is Represented. Goodentag!

Here is a band that is new to me, maybe not new to you, Nightwish. I have just started listening to them and I found this song. Nightwish is a Finnish symphonic power metal band, from Kitee, Finland, formed in 1996 by song writer/keyboardist Tuomas Holopainen and guitarist Emppu Vuorinen( you have to love them just for those names). Although Nightwish has been prominent in their home country, their biggest US hit single, “Wish I Had an Angel”, made it onto three US film soundtracks as a means to promote their North American tour, but they still have not broke in America.

"Amaranth", has an interesting meaning. It means an imaginary, undying flower. Interesting concept.

You know what, I'm not going to say what I think about this song. I want to hear your thoughts. This will really let me see what your thoughts are (SERIOUS comments, not just smart a## remarks). I don't want anyone to comment on others posts this time, I just want your thoughts. After you all comment, I will give you my thoughts on the song and your posts.

Is this a little lazy on my part? Yes, but I enjoy reading your comments, and who cares, my world.

The Waiting Is Over And The Ballots Are In, Well Just 1 Ballot.

Your winner for best song is Hoobastank "Same Direction". After listening to all the choice it came down to Hoobastank and Disturbed "Down With The Sickness".

The lyrics in the song are a testament to the world today. With views on different issues scattered all over the place, most will try to convince you that their thoughts are the way to go ( except in this blog. Listen to what I say and follow). But as the lyrics point out, in the end we all end up in the same direction, demise. Powerful lyrics that match a subsonic blast of music. The way Hoobastank manipulates the song from simplistic single note rhythms to then in your face power chord furry along with harmonic sub rhythms, really knock you back a step when it all comes together. It is refreshing to see a young band thrive in a music scene that is watered down and full of imitators.

Little factoid,on a 2005 co-headlining tour with Velvet Revolver, however, Hoobastank received a chilly reception from some audiences, and rumors of a feud between lead vocalist Douglas Robb and Velvet Revolver frontman Scott Weiland were soon filling Internet message boards. Ironic, Hooba is still around and together.

Whats interesting about them is they self produced their first 3 albums and had moderate success before being signed by Island Records.

Notice I did not post a video. The reason(no pun intended) is because the video would distract from the song because it is pretty good. So I left it out.

So congrats to Veto for her selection, I think most can get on board with this. But I'm sure some will will agree and that's OK because you are allowed to unless I pick a song, then it's like Gospel.

Thank you everyone for submitting your thoughts. I was really happy with the wide array of songs and artists. Also, I am very pleased with the commenting and friendly ( and sometimes not so friendly) banter. It really makes for an interesting read. Keep it up and we will be doing more things like this as well as reading wonderful, insightful post from me.

And The Winner For Best Video Is.....

Smokers Outside The Hospital Doors - Editors

I have to admit, this was a tough one to call. It came down to this one, Royskopp - What else is there, and Outlandish - Look Into My Eyes. I think what pushed this over the edge for me was the little twist at the end of the video with the girl in the boat and how she escapes.

A little history. Editors are a British indie rock band based in Birmingham, who formed in 2002. Previously known as Pilot, The Pride and Snowfield, the band consists of Tom Smith (lead vocals, rhythm guitar, piano), Chris Urbanowicz (lead guitar and synth), Russell Leetch (bass guitar and live backing vocals) and Ed Lay (drums, percussion and live backing vocals).

Editors' own variation of dark indie guitar rock draws on influences from both older and contemporary bands. Their influences include Echo and the Bunnymen, Joy Division, The Strokes, The Walkmen, R.E.M. and Elbow. The band draw their musical style particularly from the latter two bands' debut albums Murmur and Asleep in the Back. While often compared to Joy Division and Echo and the Bunnymen by the media, the band have indicated that those bands are too old to have a major impact on their musical style. Upon Editors' first appearances in the British music scene, they were also heavily compared to American indie band Interpol; however both bands have strongly played down the associations. I also feel like they are a Coldplay, but with more talent and less feminine lead singer movements. (A little research for you, huh Ratio)

The song writing for this song is very strong and indepth. The really enjoy how the song flows musically. It is a rollercoaster effect. What I mean by that is like a rollercoaster it has sections of anticipation followed by moments of calm and then a huge build up and then the final drop that takes your breath away.

I am very pleased with this selection and give it 5 stars, 10 on a scale of 10, 3 bananas, whatever you use for a scale. I have been looking for a European band that sounds solid and writes good songs. I think I was finally tuned into one that just might fit that void.

Let The Mocking Begin

This decision came down to 2 people because I thought their picks were way to safe. The idea was to come up with something that is different. I did not want bands or songs that I could walk into FYI and see displayed in the What's Hot rack. So without further delay the LOSER is;

ALTER RONNIE

Lets take his picks one at a time.
1. Dave Mathews Band - They used to be a very creative and influential band back in the day. Now they re a band that just spews music to the hippie population because the Grateful Dead was not around. When they first came out, their music had a certain quality to it that was really cool. But over the years, nothing changed. It was just about how we can make Dave's vocals sound a little more muffled.

2. Audioslave - Again, great band,great vocals. They just piss me off because Chris Cornell let his huge ego get in the way and destroy the band. For that I feel it takes away from what they accomplished. Also the last CD was crap. You could tell this band was not continuing. Chris did an interview and when asked how the band was doing he said, what band? Its the Chris Cornell show people come to see. Winner.

3. Oasis - This one was tough. I actually thought of making Rock Rolla the looser because of this band. They have some really good songs and are big in Europe. But as I listened to more non popular songs, I noticed that they just didn't have it. So they are not as solid as I thought. Also the lead singer has a so - so voice even on a CD track. They too just rehash the same sound over and over. I also don't like how they copy the Beatles way to much.

As far as the rest of the ones you posted. Well I said 3 not 4 or more, so I had to discount them. Too bad, you had some great bands on that list. But there has to be a loser and sad to say you are it. You are better than this list shows. You have give me music to consider that was far better than the 3 you gave and that weighed in as well.

Congrats Alter Ronnie!!!

Here is a song from one of his selections though,

Two Step - Dave Matthews Band

Wait, what did he say? Spit the marbles out.

Too Hard To Call

WOW! I am so happy with the responses I got for this post. You guys made this a harder decision than I could imagine. Some of the songs or bands are solid and popular suggestions. Others are songs or bands I have never heard of, but now I am intregued.

So here's the deal. I cant just pick one. I am going to pick 3 winners. One for best song, one for best video, and the worst pick. I will start with the worst pick first. This way I can spend a whole post on how your pick was just terrible. The other two will shortly follow.

I will also look at if anyone has an opinion on anyone elses picks on why they are good or bad.

This is just too exciting. It's like the Oscars, Emmy's and MTV Music Awards all rolled into a big pile of pooh and served with Grays Anatomy.

Time To Rock With The Peanuts

This is an old school dance music video.

Your Opinion Might Matter

I was thinking the other day about how your thoughts on my page really make me think sometimes. Some of them are good, well thought out and entertaining. Some though are, well lets say different.

I thought that I would let you the people decide what song or band I should review next should be. I would like everyone to list 3 songs or bands for me to consider. After everyone has their input in, I will pick a winner and a loser. The winner will be the one that most inspires me. Don't suck up and put what you think I want, you will be mocked. i am looking for unique qualities that I would miss otherwise. The loser will be the band or song thats just plain bad. So you can shoot for the high or low end of the spectrum.

Also, I want everyone to comment on the submissions of the others, the good, bad, or what ever moves you.

Don't Break Up With Kelly Clarkson

My Life Would Suck Without You - Kelly Clarkson

Well, here's Kelly Clarkson's latest "My Life Would Suck Without You". Again we are given yet another relationship song from the former American Idol. The song goes into detail about how both people have major flaws and they can't stand each other, BUT they can't live without each other. I really think Ms. Clarkson needs to either get a good boyfriend or another song writer because I am personally tired of the cookie cutter relationship songs she puts out.

Also, I think they are trying to follow the pattern of the "Breakaway" album. This song sounds just like her other hit "Since You've Been Gone" in certain spots. If anything, even musically it takes a step back. All you have is a couple of chords vomited out and repeated over and over again.

Don't get me wrong, I love Kelly's previous albums. They were filled with relationship songs, but at least there was substance to them. Now it seems like this girl(who is in her mid 20's) has gone through a life of heartache and pain. At this point it really becomes unbelievable to almost everyone. (Kelly, remember the laughter?)

So what we have is a song for all those tweenage girls(girls between 13 & 21) and feminine men, to listen to and cry to because they just broke up with the love of their life after dating for about 4 weeks and can't go on living.

I was hoping Kelly would have tried to branch out a little on this album and maybe find something a little different. Even the video is like "Since You've Been Gone". I guess she has an issue with apartments. In this one they throw each others stuff out the window, in the other video she trashes an apartment. So the lesson here, if you break up with Kelly Clarkson, don't let her in your apartment and get your key back.

So to sum up, weak music, lyrics and video. Not a good combination.

Trapt - "Who's Going Home With You Tonight?"

Who's Going Home With You Tonight? - TRAPT

A little while ago I asked a certain "alter ego" to suggest a band I am not currently listening to who I should be paying some attention to. The first CD he gave me was Trapt "Only Through the Pain" CD. This is the song that I found myself listening to the most, "Who's Going Home With You Tonight?".

Trapt - featuring Simon Ormandy on guitar, Peter Charell on bass, Aaron Montgomery on drums and Chris Brown on vocals and guitar - were born in the quiet San Jose suburb of Los Gatos, California. On their forthcoming self-titled debut, produced by Garth Richardson (Rage Against the Machine), the band blends grinding hard rock with shifting melodies and dense, intricate rhythms that still maintain a pop sensibility.

I really enjoy the breakdown in the the song where drums vacate and your left with a heart pounding, yet subtle club beat. It has a certain effect that allows the song to breathe a little before kicking back up. Chris Browns voice has a certain quality to it. It is a little rasp mixed in with a melodic tone.

The video pretty much follows the song lyrics, boy likes girl, girl and boy go home to bake cookies, girl then brings other boys home to bake cookies as well, original boy questions all the baked cookies.

I must admit, at first I was not thrilled with this band, but then I listened again and found I do like this song. So it just goes to show you, sometimes first impressions are wrong.

Rock?

How To Save A Life - The Fray

This is what Alter ronnie is listening to right now. Oh yea, this rocks. (in case you missed it, that's sarcasm baby)

Weezer - "Perfect Situation"

Well, here we go again. I thought I would review this song by Weezer. I know it's been out for a while but, I don't care, this is my little world and you just visit it once and a while(kind of like Nebraska, does anyone really live there?)

The band Weezer is what I call a "just right band". There music is not very technical, their vocals are not that great, but for some reason they are just right. The song writing is top notch as seen in this example of "Perfect Situation".

Rivers Cuomo(lead singer, who is from CT) has a great ability to create songs that from a first listen are mediocre, but after a few listens they stick like glue. They are thought provoking and catchy at the same time. The hook in the chorus is a simple one, but effective. The music is written in a way that will keep the interest of musicians and thrill the masses. Weezer is truly the kings of geek chic rock.

Even though I used this song, if you listen to any one of their songs, the same applies, they are "JUST RIGHT".

This review is like the band, short, sweet, simple, but yet appealing.

Shinedown - "Second Chance"

Second Chance (Video) - Shinedown

Shinedown is a great band based out of Jacksonville, Florida that has bee around for 7 years now. This is a song off the 3rd cd "The Sound Of Madness" titled "Second Chance".

This band in my opinion is one of the most underated bands playng today. This song has everything right. It starts with a haunting yet simple accoustic intro. Then it begins to build through the pre chorus and then explodes with a powerfull chorus that brings the song to a pinnacle missed by many bands today.

The lyrics penned by singer Brent Smith tell a story of a person walking away from a bad situation in life to start what someone hopes to be a better or more satisfying life, not knowing what will happen, but knowing there has to be more out there for them. Even if that means leaving behind someone they care about in order to save they're own existence or sanity. The lyrics throughout the song show the passion to which this band expresses on a regular basis in much of there music.

The music is also a perfect fit when it comes to all the different element you hear. From the subtle tremo effect through the chorus that just adds so much to the emotional feel of the song. They also do something in this song that a lot of bands over due when they try to be artistic. In this song you hear orchestral strings playing and even more so during the solo. Again, the mixture of this is spot on and not overpowering until it hits a crescendo where Brent's vocals kick in to overpower any music playing. This is were the song grabs hope of your mind and soul and really make you feel for the person in the song.

This song is a modern day ballad that not only pulls on your heartstrings, but also kicks you in the gut with emotion.
Shinedown gets it, so should you.

Opinions are like...

I have been reading music reviews or opinions for years now. What I have learned is that opinions are like...

Here I will post thoughts not only on songs or bands, but musicians, production and things about music in general. I welcome comments and discussions about the posts that will soon come.