Open the box...if you dare!

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.

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

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Rock And Roll Remakes Wednesday #7

You may be as shocked as I was as to the number of cover versions of the Burt Bacharach and Hal David classic "(There's) Always Something There to Remind Me".

I was most familiar with the version done in the 1980s by Naked Eyes, and was under the impression it was originally done by Sandie Shaw. Her version was one of the earliest and went to #1 in her native England and hit the Top 100 in the US.

However, the first released version was done by Lou Johnson, and charted a few notches higher than Shaw's later version.

So, in a nutshell...

Lou Johnson recorded it first and charted higher than Shaw in the US. But Shaw had the biggest hit with it in the UK. However, Naked Eyes had the highest charting US version, though they didn't chart with it in their native England.

Here are each of the above-mentioned versions, as well as a few others for good measure.


Lou Johnson's original:




Club mix by Tin Tin Out featuring Espiritu:




The "almost original" by Sandie Shaw:




An acoustic Latin take by Jose Feliciano:




The highest charting US version by Naked Eyes:




Modern rock (ska) version by The Hippos:

Some Pop Rock and Roll from Mr. Sacco

Lugee Alfredo Giovanni Sacco came into the world in 1943. He had a #1 hit by the time he was 23.

Even by today's standards, some of the lyrics of that song seem a bit racy. Yet, his delivery calls forth deeper feelings than pure infatuation.

You're old enough to know the makings of a man

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Nature's taking over my one-track mind

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

When I see lips begging to be kissed

I can't stop

I can't stop myself

Lugee Sacco was better known by his stage name, Lou Christie. While "Lightnin' Strikes" was his only #1, he had other hits with such songs as "The Gypsy Cried", "Two Faces Have I", "I'm Gonna Make You Mine", and the somewhat controversial song "Rhapsody In The Rain".



As an added treat here's one that you may not have heard in many years (if at all). It seems our protagonist let his girlfriend, Sarah Jane, use his car while he was serving in the military. But upon his return he finds plenty of evidence that she was using the car for illicit purposes. He even finds pictures of Sarah and someone else in his car's ashtray. (See, cars used to have these things called ashtrays)

Hear the whole story in "If My Car Could Only Talk"

And now a word from our sponsor...

Yes, before the Now That's What I Call Music compilations, there was a little company known as K-Tel. Rock and roll fans of the 70s and 80s were sure to have at least one K-Tel record or 8-track in their collection.

Keep in mind that this was before YouTube and MP3s made it easy to listen to virtually anything you want, any time of day.

This particular compilation is a typical offerings from K-Tel.

Pure Power!



Geez!

Alice Cooper, The Doobie Brothers, Hall and Oates, Kiss, AND KC and the Sunshine Band all on one album! And at $5.99 for LP and $7.99 for 8-Track, it's impossible to pass up!

Now, back to our show.

NOT a Beatles' Rock Band Review

I've wanted The Beatles Rock Band video game for the Nintendo Wii ever since I heard about it in early 2009. It was released on 09-09-09, but it seemed that other purchases had to be made first.

However, the time to buy it finally came this past Friday. To say I was excited woukd be an understatement. I had the whole family on board, and they couldn't wait either.

This is where I had planned on writing a rave review for the ultimate rock and roll gaming experience. But...

I went to Wal-Mart, Target, Best Buy and Game Stop on Friday afternoon, and not a single store had it.

I then went to two other Wal-Marts and another Game Stop on Saturday. All to no avail.

So a big, sarcastic "thank you" to Nintendo for not giving the people what they want. ;) Seriously though, I don't know why I didn't just go online to track it down first.

As soon as I can I will get it and let you know what I think. In the meantime, here's a trailer to give you a brief overview of what it's all about.

A Quick Shot Of Rock And Roll

If you've never heard (or heard of) the Rubinoos. Then you, my rock and roll friend, are in for a treat that's sure to pick you up.

The song "Rock And Roll Is Dead" is from their 1977 self-titled debut. But how in the world could anybody think that rock had passed away after hearing this?

Down home rock and roll

A lot of rock and roll fans are surprised to learn that all but one of the members of The Band were from Canada. Their sound has a decidedly backwoods country feel, and their subject matter is as American as apple pie.

One song that captures this essence is "Up On Cripple Creek". Lyrics mentioning the Mississippi River, Lake Charles Louisiana and Cripple Creek (a mining town in Colorado) firmly set the location of the song.

What sounds like a mouth harp is actually a Hohner Clavinet run through a Wah-Wah effect pedal. It adds a bit of a funky feel to the song, and was later used by many an artist to funkify a song.

Take a few moments to discover some of the background on the song, and how it was recorded. It will give you a new appreciation for this classic rock staple.

Rock And Roll Remakes Wednesday #6

It's Wednesday and that means another cover song.

The song this week has a more laid-back country feel. It is a remake of the Top 10 Grand Funk Railroad song "Bad Time", as done by The Jayhawks. It appeared on their 1995 album, Tomorrow The Green Grass (which also included the semi-hit "Blue").



And here is the original, more upbeat Grand Funk Railroad version from 1974.

Rock And Roll Christmas Song? Not Really!

Christmas morning, 2008.

I woke up with a song going through my head. My wife was already downstairs. Instead of first saying the traditional, "Merry Christmas", I felt as though I has to exorcise the lyrics from my head first.

So, I surprised her by saying the following verse:

The keeper of the city keys put shutters on the dreams

I wait outside the pilgrim's door with insufficient schemes

The Black Queen chants the funeral march

The cracked brass bell will ring

To summon back the Fire Witch

To the court of the Crimson King

I will be the first to admit that "The Court Of The Crimson King" may not be the most festive of songs, but I will let you be the judge.

They...asked me how I knew...

The Platters took their mellow doo wop version of "Smoke Gets In Your Eyes" to the top of the Billboard chart in 1958. The song was originally written in the 1930s and recorded by several artists before the Platters' hit #1.

While modern ears may not hear it as a rock and roll song, it has several hallmarks that qualify it as such. As a side note, the widow of one of its writers was dismayed that one of her late husband's songs would be turned into a rock song. Ooh! The horror!

Anyway, you can hear the lump in the throat as the song is sung. Our singer isn't crying, his eyes are reacting to the smoke in the air. Yet, the lyric also tells us where that smoke comes from.

Kick back and enjoy this 1950s' song for the lovelorn.

Naming A Rock Band - True Story

It was 1991 and Nirvana had just released their groundbreaking rock and roll album, Nevermind. Many bands were formed after hearing it, and I belonged to one of them.

We did all original material in a hard rock, punk style. We had several songs ready to record, and it was at that point we starting brainstorming a name.

There were four of us, and each had what he thought was the perfect name. However, the other three invariably shot it down. Some of the names that were put forth for consideration were Gilgamesh, Corned Beef Hash, Blue Horizons, and Lemon Trend.

Again, only the person who came up with the name liked it. We weren't arguing, but with the recording date looming the pressure was to derive a name was tangible.

Then...

Somebody said, "how about Laconic Yak?"

Silence.

Blank stares.

Nobody liked the name. We all agreed it wasn't really a good name. But, what counted is that we all agreed we didn't like it. That put an end to the debate, and that's how we chose the name.

We recorded a demo and broke up a few months later. Over the years we lost touch. However, we recently reconnected over Facebook and we are writing and practicing new songs and plan on being in the studio in April.

I will post a track or two here as soon as it's ready.

Rock on!

Alice...Alice...Alice...

Tim Burton's version of Alice In Wonderland is opening in theaters nationwide today. So, with that in mind, here are two videos that fit that theme. One is a less obvious choice, the second is more closely related to the story.

First up we have Alice Cooper doing the theme song from another movie (Friday The 13th VI). Besides the same name, and that it was from a movie, it also contains the line "And he crawled out of his hole", which also fits in well with the Wonderland theme.



Fans of classic rock would most likely think of Jefferson Airplane's "White Rabbit" as the most obvious choice. And I like to keep everybody happy here at Rock and Roll Decades, so here it is...

Rock And Roll Remakes Wednesday #5

Okay, I messed up. With my zany schedule I thought yesterday was Tuesday, but now that it's Thursday I realize it was Wednesday...the day we get to hear a cool rock and roll remake.

It only seemed logical to poke a little good-natured fun at myself by selecting the song "Saturday Night Special". Originally done in 1977 by Lynyrd Skynyrd, and covered here by 1980s heavy metal band Armored Saint. For a metal band, they stick pretty close to the original but crank it up a notch or two.

However, even though it was done by Armored Saint, I think the original is more rockin'. Listen to both versions, and see what you think...

"For twenty dollars you can buy yourself one, too."

Hopefully my mistaking Wednesday for Tuesday on Thursday is forgiven with a song about Saturday.

Rock And Roll Decades Playlist

I can't believe I didn't know about Playlist.com before. You can create your own personal playlists of songs you like, or you can listen to other people's lists. Here is the first official volume of the Rock And Roll Decades Playlist.

Enjoy the listening experience, and be sure to click here to follow me on the site, and to leave your comments. Also, let me know what songs you'd like added, and you may just hear them on the next playlist.

Rock on!

Rock and Roll St Vincent Style

I was flipping through the TV stations and happened upon a unique live performance of St. Vincent doing "Your Lips Are Red". It was the first thing I heard by Annie Clark (who uses St. Vincent for her stage name), and I was mesmerized.

This clip from "Austin City Limits" is nearly two and a half minutes longer than the track from her debut album Marry Me. Yet, the way the song builds from Vincent pounding on her guitar to a spellbinding climax, the time seems to float on by and you're left with the feeling of wanting more.

The sound and video quality is excellent. Watch until the end to be treated to some commentary from Annie Clark herself.

Hear and see for yourself. But don't blame me when you become a new fan, too.



As you can hear, it isn't easy to put St. Vincent into one neat category. But that's okay, because it's rock and roll. Her ability to meld styles into a "singing along before it's half over" type of song speaks for itself.

Let's Rock With The Cars

The Cars released their self-titled debut album in the summer of 1978. Hit songs from it included "Just What I Needed", "My Best Friend's Girl" and "Good Times Roll".

Each was a classic in its own right and they are still in rotation on many classic rock radio stations.

However, I like one of the slightly odder tracks from The Cars. "I'm In Touch With Your World" has lines like, "Get the funk after death/Get the wisenheimer brainstorm" and "I'm a psilocybin pony/You're a flick fandango phoney" which really trip my trigger. Hopefully yours will be tripped, too!

Greatest Rock And Roll Riffs - Part I

Rock and roll is quite often a riff-driven syle of music. We will look at some of the best rock riffs from time to time. As usual it will be done with the same "anything goes" attitude that we fans are so fond of.

The riffs are not presented in any particular order. But they're all cool! Are you ready to rock?

I figured as this is a new feature, we might as well start it off with some of the better known riffs.


- - - - - -
- - - - - -


- - - - - -
- - - - - -



How's that for a start?

:)

Happy Birthday George - A True Rock And Roll Legend

Even though he was the youngest of The Beatles, today (February 25th) would have been George Harrison's 67th birthday. While he was regarded as "the quiet Beatle", George had a wonderful sense of humor and contributed greatly to the best rock and roll band of all time.

It would be difficult to imagine the Beatles' canon without songs like "Here Comes The Sun", "Taxman", or "While My Guitar Gently Weeps". Here is an acoustic rendition that George recorded right around this time in 1968. It has a somewhat haunting quality that is reminiscent of Elvis' version of "Blue Moon". Be sure to listen for the extra verse.



George recorded solo music before the Beatles disbanded. However, he didn't have his first big hit until "My Sweet Lord" was released at the end of 1970.

He had a few more hits, but as the years passed his popularity (with a few exceptions) waned. Then, in 1987 he collaborated with Jeff Lynne of ELO and released the album Cloud Nine. "Got My Mind Set On You" went to #1 in the US. It was played in heavy rotation on MTV along with "When We Was Fab". A nice retrospective that captured the feel of the Fab Four days.



The following year saw Harrison team up with other rock and roll legends Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, Jeff Lynne and Roy Orbison as The Traveling Wilburys. The album was well-received by fans and critics alike.

In his later years, George was quite reclusive. This was due in large part to the heinous murder of John Lennon. As it turned out, his fear was not completely unwarranted. In December of 1999 an intruder stabbed Harrison seven times. Luckily, his wife was able to fend off the attack and George survived.

He died of cancer on November 29, 2001 His final album, Brainwashed, was released in November of 2002; just shy of the one year anniversary of his death. "Stuck Inside A Cloud" was from that album.



We still miss you, George. Perhaps you gave us the best perspective with another one of your songs from all those years ago...

Rock And Roll Remakes Wednesday #4

Aaahrrroooo! Man alive cats and chicks, do we got a classic rock and roll remake going out to all corners of the globe tonight!

It's Wednesday here at Rock and Roll Decades and that means a cover song. But today we are going to do it in reverse. We will play the original first, then the remake.

What blast from the past are talking about? None other than Big Mama Thornton's 1952 version of "Hound Dog" which was covered by some guy named Elvis Presley in 1956. The song was written by Leiber and Stoller and the original lyrics are a bit more racy than the watered down remake.

You made me feel so blue

Well you made me weep and moan

'Cause you ain't lookin' for a woman

All you're lookin' is for a home

The original...



And the remake...

Rock n roll with The Kinks

The year was 1979 and the world was experiencing its fair share of problems. It was also the same year that The Kinks released their album Low Budget.

Leave it to The Kinks to stay true to their rock and roll commentary, but with a touch of humor that disguises the seriousness of the subject matter.

"(Wish I Could Fly Like) Superman" is a perfect example of how they were able to flawlessly combine the fun and the serious into such a memorable tune.

In the first verse we see that the singer isn't happy with the state of his own affairs, which leads us into the chorus where he wishes he could leave it all behind by being able to fly like Superman. Aha! But it's the second verse where the ills of England, circa 1979, come into play...

Woke up this morning, what did I see

A big black cloud hanging over me

I switched on the radio and nearly dropped dead

The news was so bad that I fell out of bed

Woodstock '94 A Rock And Roll Experience

I'll be the first to admit that nothing can compare to the original Woodstock festival held in 1969. However, I wasn't able to drive out to that historic rock and roll festival because the state of Wisconsin doesn't issue driver's licenses to 10-month-old babies.

So, I was thrilled at the chance to go to the 25th anniversary concert. I was not thrilled at the cost of tickets ($144 each) but it was worth it.

It was an awesome experience that I will mention from time to time.

We pitched our tent closer to the smaller South Stage which tended to host the less popular (for the time) acts. One of the performances we saw was The Cranberries. They have a nice mellow edge to their rock and roll, yet their tunes tend to linger long after you hear them.

If you look closely you can actually see me in the crowd in this video for "Dreams".

Chromeo! Chromeo! Wherefore art thou, Chromeo?

Hey! How about a new retro sounding slab of funkified rock and roll from the coolest club duo in the Great White North?

If you have never heard Chromeo, you will be surprised at just how well they capture a funky, danceable, 80s pop, 70s disco (yes, I used the D-word) vibe. And they make it work.

So, it's Saturday night, and if you're reading this that means you're not on a dance floor, but don't let that stop you.

Rock on!

(For best viewing, click the full-screen icon in the lower right of the video pane.)

No Stooges, But It's Still Rock And Roll

The first time I saw Iggy Pop's video for "Five Foot One" was when I was in 6th grade. I snuck out of bed after everyone else was asleep because I knew there was a videos show on.

I sat about three inches from the screen because the volume had to be kept low to avoid waking anybody up. This was before MTV, so you had to take what you could get.

The funny thing is, while I am sure the program featured hit songs of the day, and that I enjoyed watching them; none of them stuck in my brain like Iggy Pop.

I had no idea who he was. But for an 11 year old fan of rock and roll, I knew I liked it. Thank goodness for YouTube!

Without any further ado, here it is boys and girls!

Rock And Roll Remakes Wednesday #3

This week's remake was an easy call.

Critics of rock often make fun of those who think rock and roll can make a difference in the world.

Please do what you can and prove the critics wrong.

The Stones Go Psychedelic

Their Satanic Majesties Request is almost always compared to another album of 1967, but I'm going to be different and not even mention what it was.

The Rolling Stones may not have set out to record a psychedelic album so much as a record of the times in which they were living. And man, do they deliver! "She's A Rainbow" was accessible to enough listeners to be a Top 30 hit on the U.S. charts.

However, there are songs that are more challenging for causal listeners. Perhaps the best example of the Stones stretching their collective rock and roll imaginations is the eight-and-a-half minute "Sing This All Together (See What Happens)"

It is mostly instrumental, so the title may be more of a suggestion for fans to relax and take in the whole song. A way to spur on the suspense of a potential pay off. But it really isn't necessary because the song starts paying off right away, as long as you are in the right frame of mind. And if you're not in the right frame of mind, you will be. So go ahead...put your headphones on and...see what happens!

"And it feels like this!"

The Count Five are easily classified as a rock and roll one hit wonder, yet they were not lost to the realms of obscurity.

"Psychotic Reaction" was their only hit. It's pure garage rock with a punk ethos and, fittingly, strains of the psychedelic sound that was on the verger of breaking big.

Perhaps that's why they weren't forgotten like so many of their contemporaries.

Listen to the Yardbirds inspired riffing, as well as the changes of tempo (written to mimic the effects of a real psychotic reaction).

An Early Rock And Roll Hit with the B-Side

"Sha na na na, sha na na na na", kicks off "Get A Job" by The Silhouettes.

The song is about a woman who nags the singer to keep looking for work. Even though the lyrics aren't completely clear, the way the lyric is delivered makes the listener wonder if our antihero really wants a job.

And when I go back to the house

Hear that woman's mouth

Preaching and a-cryin'

Tell me that I'm lyin' about a job....

That I never could find

According to Richard Lewis, the lyrics were inspired by his mother telling him to get a job after he returned from a stint in the armed forces.

As upbeat, fun and rock and roll as the hit A-Side is, the B-Side shows the slower, more introspective side of doo-wop. You can almost picture the young couples dancing in the school gym with this song playing in the background.

Click here to listen to "I Am Lonely" now.

"Crowd get your, bass down low..."

"Destroy The Popollution" by Binärpilot has been in heavy rotation on my personal rock and roll play list. It has a very strong dance groove to it, but it also rocks!

Listen to it twice and you may find the song seeping into your head for the rest of the day.

Enjoy!



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Heavy Metal Crackers - Huh?

Does anyone else find it odd that the song "Rock You Like A Hurricane" by the Scorpions is now being used in a television commercial for Nabisco Premium Saltines crackers?

I mean I understand the juxtaposition of using it compared to "Mr. Lonely" by Bobby Vinton, but it just strikes me as strange to use a classic heavy metal song to promote something like a cracker.

Oh well, rock and roll really is here to stay!

Rock and Roll Remakes Wednesday #2

It's another Wednesday here at Rock and Roll Decades and that means you get to hear a cover version of a rock song. It may be odd, in a different genre, or very close to the original. The only rule is that they have to be remakes. So, open your ears and open your mind, you never know what you'll discover here.

We got a nice slab of hard rock today, boys and girls! A remake of Chris Isaak's haunting 1989 hit "Wicked Game". It is done by the Finnish band HIM. This is their earlier version from 1998(?) and is a bit heavier than the US release.



For the sake of comparison, here is the original.

Who Was Jimi Hendrix' Favorite Guitarist?

Though he left us almost 40 years ago, Jimi Hendrix is still regarded as one of the best guitarists of all time. His ability to get sounds out of the quintessential rock and roll instrument is legendary.

Yet, the question of who his favorite guitarist was is an interesting one. A few logical guesses would include B.B. King, T-Bone Walker, Bob Dylan, or maybe Eric Clapton; all great in their own right.

But it turns out that Jimi's favorite guitarist was a member of The Moving Sidewalks. They opened for Hendrix during a leg of his 1968 tour. The musician in question became part of a rock trio that formed in 1969 and still plays with the same line-up today.

And that guitarist is none other than Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top!

Here they are covering the Hendrix classic rock and roll song, "Foxey Lady".

Way to go New Orleans Saints!

The Saints just won Super Bowl XLIV. It was an awesome game!

If there's one song that's associated with New Orleans, it has to be When The Saints Go Marching In. Here is an early rock and roll song by Bill Haley that is based on it.

The Soft Pack Album Review

The Soft Pack formed in 2008 under a different name. They have a few recordings under their rock and roll belts, but The Soft Pack is their official full-length debut album.

Elements of 80s alternative and punk combine with surf guitars and garage rock. An upbeat sound permeates the tracks on the record. You may find it hard to sit still as the music starts to take control of your extremities.

The CD could just as easily fit into a college dorm as it could a party for fans of power pop or post-disco rock and roll.

"Answer To Yourself" is as good of an introduction to the band as any. You get the impression these are normal guys who know how to have fun. It picks up a bit of steam as it goes along with a nice punkish payoff towards the end. Enjoy the music, and go ahead and let yourself go as you listen.

Two Rock and Roll Songs With a Twist

Rock and roll has its fair share of songs that are funny, it also has plenty of songs about heartbreak. However, there are two very similar songs that combine the two.

"Silhouettes" - The Rays (1957): The narrator walks past his sweetheart's house only to see the shadow of her and another man in a loving embrace. He's distraught and finally admits that he...

Lost control and rang your bell (I was sore)

Let me in or else I'll beat (down your door)

When two strangers who had been two silhouettes on the shade

Said to my shock "you're on the wrong blo-ock

"Fool In The Rain" - Led Zeppelin (1979): Skipping ahead 22 years, we find the hapless narrator waiting patiently for his loved one to meet him. He stands in the rain, lamenting the fact that she has stood him up, until he realizes...

I'm just a fool waiting on the wrong block.

It's interesting that both rock and roll songs have the singer getting upset about his girlfriend not doing what he thinks she should, only to find out by the end of the song that he was wrong. The pay off for the listener is that the guy may be an idiot, but at least his girl still loves him.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

I have been to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame three times, and each time it's a thrill! What I like most about it is that it covers the entire history of rock and roll.

As you walk in through the front you are in a wide open glass pyramid designed by renowned architect I.M. Pei. The large area has had cars from U2's Zoo TV concert tour suspended from the ceiling and inflatable props from The Wall. And, as one would expect, there is rock music from all eras constantly playing in the background.

There are interactive displays, movies, and special exhibits. The Jon Lennon exhibit was incredible, and heart-wrenching. Seeing the cracked, blood-stained glasses he wore when he was murdered caused me to break down right in the middle of it all.

Downstairs, in the museum, is where you will see most of the items related to different artists. Instruments, automobiles, personal effects, stage props and outfits from the legends of rock and roll are all there to be seen. On a personal note, I found it humbling to see just how skinny some of these rock stars were in their prime.

The actual Hall of Fame has small video screens embedded in the wall in a quiet room. Each rotates a few different inductees. It is done tastefully and lends some weight to the importance of being inducted.

Now, for my least favorite part. The nominating committee is now out of touch with what rock and roll is all about. They have made it more about bringing in revenue, instead of keeping the flame of rock and roll alive. I like all kinds of music, but why hasn't Alice Cooper (just one example) been inducted. He's been recording since the mid-1960s and is still going strong today. He was also a trendsetter and an influence on many artists that followed.

In the words of Ian Hunter, "Cleveland Rocks!", but if they keep going down their current path they will continue to lose out to those who understand the true spirit of rock and roll.

Rock and Roll Remakes Wednesday

Each Wednesday you will get to hear a cover version of a rock and roll song. Some of these may be odd, a different genre, or very close to the original. The only rule is that they have to be remakes. So, open your ears and open your mind, you never know what you'll discover here.

This week's remake is former Velvet Underground member John Cale's version of "Heartbreak Hotel". It was the first #1 song for Elvis Presley. John Cale puts more of a dark, plodding spin on the more upbeat Presley version. But, considering the context of the song, one could argue that while Cale's take on the song may not be better, it is emotionally accurate.

Rock on!

My Dumbest Music Prediction, So Far

In the summer of 1987 I was looking forward to becoming a first-time father. And even though my oldest is now a college sophomore, the following scene is still crystal clear in my mind.

At that time Saturday night meant one thing: Headbangers Ball on MTV. I was relaxing on the couch, getting ready for a brand new video by some band I had never heard of. After watching the video, and allowing for some time to mentally process what I just saw, I shared my prediction with everyone in the room.

"This band isn't going anywhere", I said deliberately.

Oh, by the way, the video was none other than "Welcome To The Jungle" by Guns N' Roses; a song that has gone on to become a part of popular culture. Its parent album, Appetite For Destruction, went on to sell over 30 million copies worldwide and holds the record for fastest selling debut album in the history of rock and roll.

Almost 25 years have passed since that summer's night, and I still haven't made a prediction as dumb as that one.

The Day The Music Died?

Buddy Holly's influence has been well-documented. The Beatles, Rolling Stones, Beach Boys and Bob Dylan are only a few of the big names in the rock and roll pantheon that owe him a debt of gratitude, and there are scores of others.

For example, note the background singing at about 1:06 into Oh Boy! and how the Beach Boys incorporated it into their sound.

The Beatles covered Holly's Words Of Love on their late 1964 release Beatles For Sale. Here, the influence isn't just the song itself, but the double tracking used on the lead vocal. John Lennon employed this technique numerous times throughout his career.

Plus, pay attention to the depth of the rhythm track. It's buried a bit in the mix, but there's more going on than initially meets the ear. Again, another recording trick that has been utilized on countless rock and roll songs.

Buddy Holly, The Big Bopper (JP Richardson) and Richie Valens died in a plane crash on February 3, 1959. That tragic date in the history of rock and roll is often referred to as "the day the music died". In reality, their music, especially Holly's, lives on in the artists who put on their shoes and followed in their footsteps.