Sunday, March 28, 2010

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

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.

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.

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).

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.


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.

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.

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.

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.

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

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:

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

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"

Monday, March 15, 2010

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.

Sunday, March 14, 2010

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.

Friday, March 12, 2010

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.



Wednesday, March 10, 2010

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.

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

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.

Monday, March 8, 2010

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.

Saturday, March 6, 2010

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!

Friday, March 5, 2010

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...

Thursday, March 4, 2010

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!


Tuesday, March 2, 2010

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.