If you have not been over to Pandora.com, then you'll want to check it out. You can program your own virtual radio station...sort of.
The catch is that they add songs based on your favorite artists and songs. However, you will discover some awesome tunes you never heard before. Your stations will continually improve, too, because you can give each song a thumb's up or thumb's down. Over time the stations become more refined to your tastes.
I have about 20 stations on Pandora, but it just hit me today...I needed one for all of you to enjoy! So...I spent a few hours tweaking it, trying to get it to fully represent rock and roll in all its glory, and it's starting to sound pretty good.
You can listen to it at...
http://www.pandora.com/?sc=sh12471086087165563
Let me know what you think? Any surprises? Does there need to be more of a particular artist? Less?
Oh! And it's free, can play all day, and if you like, you can even make changes to other people's stations.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
FLASH: A New Home for Rock And Roll Decades
I've been planning on getting a domain just for Rock And Roll decades since I started it nearly two months ago.
It's not up to 100% yet, but it's...
Close enough for rock and roll!
Check it out, bookmark it, share your thoughts, tell your friends and as always - Rock on!
http://www.rockandrolldecades.com/blog
It's not up to 100% yet, but it's...
Close enough for rock and roll!
Check it out, bookmark it, share your thoughts, tell your friends and as always - Rock on!
http://www.rockandrolldecades.com/blog
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Another Rock N Roll B-Side
After doing the post yesterday about the Buddy Holly B-Side, I started thinking about some of my all-time favorite rock and roll B-sides. The first one that popped into my head was the flip side of Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" single.
To be honest, with the massive amount of airplay the A-Side received, especially after its scene-stealing appearance in the Wayne's World movie, I think the B-Side is the better song.
"I'm In Love With My Car" was written by drummer John Taylor. And, unlike most Queen songs Freddie Mercury doesn't sing the lead vocal, John does. He has more grittiness to his voice, and when it comes to rock and roll, that's a good thing.
To be honest, with the massive amount of airplay the A-Side received, especially after its scene-stealing appearance in the Wayne's World movie, I think the B-Side is the better song.
"I'm In Love With My Car" was written by drummer John Taylor. And, unlike most Queen songs Freddie Mercury doesn't sing the lead vocal, John does. He has more grittiness to his voice, and when it comes to rock and roll, that's a good thing.
Friday, March 26, 2010
B-Side Buddy
Here's a cool B-side from Buddy Holly. It was released on July 5, 1958.
This is from the master tape and includes a bit of studio chatter at the beginning.
It's a virtual time capsule of the different sounds and recording techniques of 1950s American rock and roll. However, as with much of Holly's catalog, there are hints of musical ideas that were yet to come.
Enjoy this trip down Memory Lane, or discover it for the first time. I'm sure you'll like it either way.
This is from the master tape and includes a bit of studio chatter at the beginning.
It's a virtual time capsule of the different sounds and recording techniques of 1950s American rock and roll. However, as with much of Holly's catalog, there are hints of musical ideas that were yet to come.
Enjoy this trip down Memory Lane, or discover it for the first time. I'm sure you'll like it either way.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Rock And Roll Remakes Wednesday #8
Last week's rock and roll remake was an in-depth look at one song.
This week we'll keep it simple.
The Concretes contributed their version of The Rolling Stones' "Miss You" to the tribute album We Love You. It later appeared on The Concretes' Layyourbattleaxdown, a compilation of rarities and B-sides.
You can hear their sedated take of the Stones' last #1 US hit (topping the chart in 1978).
This week we'll keep it simple.
The Concretes contributed their version of The Rolling Stones' "Miss You" to the tribute album We Love You. It later appeared on The Concretes' Layyourbattleaxdown, a compilation of rarities and B-sides.
You can hear their sedated take of the Stones' last #1 US hit (topping the chart in 1978).
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
A New Wave Classic
Okay, so maybe "new wave" isn't all that new any more, but it's still a blast to listen to.
Adam and the Ants 1981 album Prince Charming is loaded with top-notch new wave tunes. If I had to sum it up, I would have to say it's about being yourself--doing what you want, but not being pressured into doing something you don't want to do.
The title track contains one of the best lyrics. It's simple, but oh so meaningful.
Plus, the campy take off of Cinderella is wonderful. There are a few celebrity cameos, and at the end we get to see Adam as Clint Eastwood, Alice Cooper and Rudolph Valentino.
Adam and the Ants 1981 album Prince Charming is loaded with top-notch new wave tunes. If I had to sum it up, I would have to say it's about being yourself--doing what you want, but not being pressured into doing something you don't want to do.
The title track contains one of the best lyrics. It's simple, but oh so meaningful.
Ridicule is nothing to be scared of.
Plus, the campy take off of Cinderella is wonderful. There are a few celebrity cameos, and at the end we get to see Adam as Clint Eastwood, Alice Cooper and Rudolph Valentino.
Rock music is like it, too!
The long version of "Love Is Like Oxygen" by Sweet is a great tune. Nothing more to add, yet.
Rock on!
Wasn't that a great song? It is from their 1978 album, Level Headed. "Love Is Like Oxygen" is often confused for an ELO song by casual rock fans. However, real rock fans may wonder why, as there is no violin or cello, and the harmonies are entirely different. Oh well.
While it marked a change in direction for the band, and could have been a sign of better things to come, it was Sweet's last Top 10 hit before disbanding in 1982.
Rock on!
Wasn't that a great song? It is from their 1978 album, Level Headed. "Love Is Like Oxygen" is often confused for an ELO song by casual rock fans. However, real rock fans may wonder why, as there is no violin or cello, and the harmonies are entirely different. Oh well.
While it marked a change in direction for the band, and could have been a sign of better things to come, it was Sweet's last Top 10 hit before disbanding in 1982.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
A Forgotten 1980s Rock and Roll Gem
I just heard this again after I don't know how many years. I thought of all you rock and roll fans right away.
Fastway was formed by "Fast" Eddie Clark (formerly of Motörhead) and Pete Way (formerly of UFO), hence their name. It should be noted that though the group was formed by Clark and Way, the latter never played on the album due to another project.
But with a hard rockin' pedigree that includes Motörhead and UFO, you know you're in for a musical treat.
Here is the video for "Say What You Will" from their debut album, Fastway.
Fastway was formed by "Fast" Eddie Clark (formerly of Motörhead) and Pete Way (formerly of UFO), hence their name. It should be noted that though the group was formed by Clark and Way, the latter never played on the album due to another project.
But with a hard rockin' pedigree that includes Motörhead and UFO, you know you're in for a musical treat.
Here is the video for "Say What You Will" from their debut album, Fastway.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
At least I like them now...
Funny how tastes in rock and roll music can sometimes change.
Sure, I know people who listen to the same songs over and over, and over, and...
But that's their loss. They are missing out on the most eclectic variety of music there is. "Rock and roll" covers a lot of ground, and it's a shame to at least not try something a little different from the buffet.
When I was younger I couldn't stand Frank Zappa, Steely Dan or Bob Dylan. Perhaps it was a matter of not appreciating the depth and nuance of their songs. Whatever the reason, I'm glad I got past it. Now they are some of my favorite performers.
There was also a time when doo wop, psychdelic, progressive and punk were completely of my music radar.
I still like to explore new (to me) rock songs. Sometimes they aren't that great, and other times they become new favorites.
So, why not challenge yourself to listen to something a bit different from time to time? After, all it's only rock and roll.
Sure, I know people who listen to the same songs over and over, and over, and...
But that's their loss. They are missing out on the most eclectic variety of music there is. "Rock and roll" covers a lot of ground, and it's a shame to at least not try something a little different from the buffet.
When I was younger I couldn't stand Frank Zappa, Steely Dan or Bob Dylan. Perhaps it was a matter of not appreciating the depth and nuance of their songs. Whatever the reason, I'm glad I got past it. Now they are some of my favorite performers.
There was also a time when doo wop, psychdelic, progressive and punk were completely of my music radar.
I still like to explore new (to me) rock songs. Sometimes they aren't that great, and other times they become new favorites.
So, why not challenge yourself to listen to something a bit different from time to time? After, all it's only rock and roll.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
R.I.P. to another rock and roll great
Alex Chilton just passed away of an apparent heart attack.
Chilton was the lead singer of The Box Tops, and scored a #1 with "The Letter". You would never know he was only 16 years pld at the time, as the vocal has a much more mature quality to it.
OTher hits by The Box Tops included "Cry Like A Baby" and "Soul Deep". After The Box Tops, Chilton went on to become a member of Big Star. They didn't sell a lot of records due to distribution problems, but the influenced many bands, and practically invented power pop.
TV fans may know them best for the original recording of "In The Streets". Listen, and see if it rings any bells.
Here is a piece on Big Star that aired on public radio recently.
You certainly were a big star, in more ways than one. Rest in peace, Alex.
Chilton was the lead singer of The Box Tops, and scored a #1 with "The Letter". You would never know he was only 16 years pld at the time, as the vocal has a much more mature quality to it.
OTher hits by The Box Tops included "Cry Like A Baby" and "Soul Deep". After The Box Tops, Chilton went on to become a member of Big Star. They didn't sell a lot of records due to distribution problems, but the influenced many bands, and practically invented power pop.
TV fans may know them best for the original recording of "In The Streets". Listen, and see if it rings any bells.
Here is a piece on Big Star that aired on public radio recently.
You certainly were a big star, in more ways than one. Rest in peace, Alex.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)