Independents Uncovered

Julie Peel - Review of Jammin Java on 11.19.2009

noreply@blogger.com (John) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:10:00 +0000

Admitting you're nervous to yourself is one thing.

But admitting it to a sold out crowd of about 200 people you don’t know is just one hint of what endears Julie Peel to us in the audience.

She's honest and sincere.

Supporting her Debut CD - Near The Sun, last night, Julie opened her heart for us all to see and join her…..and with this one statement, she endeared herself to us all….reminding me of the verse from The Byrds song 5th Dimension "I opened my heart to the whole universe and I found, it was loving."

Julie ran through her roughly 40 minute opening set list mixing in her harmonica and tossing in the kazoo in one song. I love the kazoo. You cant help but smile when you see the kazoo and her playing it with one of her songs. I have a 6 year old daughter and she loves the kazoo. And hearing it reminds me of being young and having fun.....and the innocence that goes with that.

The final song in her set - Once More With Feeling - she forgot the words at the very beginning of the song. She smiled, was a little embarassed, yet, beautiful. And, Ben (big shout out to you Ben!!!!) went into the monitor speakers and voiced a few lyrics for her and she was fine again. But let's be fair - I've heard John Mellencamp inform a Radio Studio Audience he didnt remember the words to Pink Houses. So, in my book, the musician ALWAYS gets kudos for remembering all that they do.

You see, Julie had already opened her heart to us and we were there….the fact that she forgot the lyrics didn’t matter….we were there to protect her heart and protect her because she had already brought us in.

She could do no wrong in our eyes.

And, after a quick reminder of the first line….Julie was on her way to closing out her set and forever keep us with her......and she, with us.

If you'd like to order her record, Near The Sun, stop by her website at: http://www.juliepeel.com/.

Julie also is appearing on a special compilation of songs via her label American Laundromat Records http://www.alr-music.com/ that is for "The Valerie Fund" - a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization that provides support for the comprehensive health care of children with cancer and blood disorders. Julie has a personal experience with this with one of her family members.

Julie previously appeared on Independents Uncovered on May 18, 2009.

Go On A Trip Without Taking LSD

noreply@blogger.com (John) — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 16:45:00 +0000

Four or five years ago, I went to The State Theatre in Falls Church, Virginia - USA- to see THE SMITHEREENS.

One of the great things about The Smithereens is….you know them all by name. Even "THE THRILLA"! He's a Smithereen having taken the place of Mike Mesaros on a regular basis. And, although located in the back, Dennis Diken is NOT a background member of The Smithereens. His drumming and backing vocals keep him in the foreground….you always know he's there.

At this particular show, Smithereens Front-Man Pat Dinizio broke a string on his Fender Strat and, seemingly unable to replace the string and get it in tune, he walks over to Jimmy Babjak for some help.

At that point, THRILLA and Diken kinda started slowly and then launched into a cover by The Doors - Break On Through - with Diken leading the way with powerful drumming and equally powerful vocals.

Just a bass guitar….Diken's Drumming and Diken's vocals.

"THIS CAT CAN SING!" I thought to myself. And yes - I did use those exact words. I even thought - Why doesn’t this guy do his own record….what's stopping him?

Flash forward to 2007-2009 and The Smithereens are releasing some discs with Diken and Babjak singing lead on some songs - celebrating The Beatles, Christmas and The Who - just so we can sniff a little more of the great voice that Diken has.

Now, here comes September of 2009 and Dennis Diken has released his first effort as the front man in the incarnation: Dennis Diken With Bell Sound with the disc titled "Late Music." This disc is a love's labor for all those involved - started in the early 1990s and finally hatched for us all here in 2009.

The highlights for me on Late Music are:
The Vocals - Hands down, for me, this carries the record. This recording has beautiful vocals - both lead and backing - and haunting harmonies It's obvious the vocals were given great care and offer listeners a sound of innocence like on Fall Into Your Arms and some psychedelia like on Temptation Cake.

The Guitars - I love a great record with great guitar work that doesn’t run all over the vocals…and doesn’t 'shred' just for the sake of 'shredding.' Talk about capturing a sound of the 60s and 70s…..these guys did it and it sounds great. There's no "tinny" or "tin-like" sound about the guitars….they're full, sometimes loud, other times soft.

Percussion - Dennis is Dennis. He knows how to feel a song and express himself through the drums. Do you know other drummers who can feel out a song like Dennis? The good news here is that we also get to experience his vocal perfornance, Front and Center.

Use of Non Traditional Instruments - The Glockenspiel….. I know what you're thinking. THE GLOCKENSPIEL?????? This instrument is only on 2 songs. But, on Track 5, I've Been Away, it takes a really really good song and makes it an INCREDIBLE SONG! Not everyone will understand this line, but a music lover will.

Variety - A song can start up at the chorus and go into verse….A song can have a biting guitar riff or swing over to a horn section or have a Wurlitzer or Hammond Organ or the vocals just jump in to haunt you. Or, you can get a jazz-like number.

The Tracks
My favorite track on the disc - "I've Been Away." This song does something for me because:
- The backing vocals are so damn hauntingly beautiful
- Dennis starts right into the Chorus and I get the visual of him in the US Version of the TV Series "Life On Mars," (Canceled Spring, 2009) walking out of the Police Squad room wearing a light brown leather coat with the long collar cut to a stage where he sees himself playing drums…..both Dennis's give a nod to eachother and Dennis stands in front of the microphone and belts out the rest of his song - of course we'd add in some beautifully haunting backup singers to cut to from time to time while playing with the band
- This song, upon my first 20 times hearing it, I could not do anything else. Time stopped for me and I had to listen to this song. I had to hear every possible nuance I could hear in the song
- The Glockenspiel. YES THE GLOCKESPIEL. It just adds to the haunting mystery that is I've Been Away
- The Guitar solo - not too long….no shredding….backing vocals fading in and out during the solo….Excellent!
- The ending…..continues the mystery and spell cast upon me when the song got started
- This song is a reinvention of a tune written by Pete DiBella - Pete's original song was "Wanna Touch Someone Tonight" and it was reconfigured with a new melody, new bridge and new lyrics to make this masterpiece

Track by Track
The Sun's gonna Shine In The Morning - Reminds me of The Who with the first strike of the guitar…..and then goes into a sound found in I'm not your steppin stone by The Monkees

Standing In That Line - Pete DiBella takes the lead vocals on this tune that stands out on this record. I cant believe this was recorded on a 4-Track CASSETTE! Recorder. It's also cool to note that this song was one of the songs put on a compilation that Brian Wilson (yes the same one you're thinking of right now) would listen to prior to performing live

Long Lonely Ride - Paul Revere and the Raiders would be very proud of their young padawahns Dennis, Pete and Dave

No One's Listening - The beginning reminds me a little of Lovely Rita, Metermaid

I've Been Away - You already read what I had to say about this tune :)

So Hard To Say Goodbye - Instantly caught me with the start of the song and Dennis's change in voice inflection on …Waiting for time to….What a way to make sure that we, the listeners, are still there - like when a teacher calls out "Mister Diken" and there's an instant of I'm paying COMPLETE ATTENTION now

Fall Into Your Arms - If ever there were a song that blatantly goes after a beach boys sound….THIS IS IT. And, IT'S GREAT!

Lost Bird - A quick jazz-like number…..Someone needs to contact the producers of the James Bond Films (Or Austin Powers) and get this song into a scene where the suave Bond is in a Tux and putting the moves on yet another leading lady

Let Your Loved One Sleep - Think Dave Clark 5, The Turtles, and The Lovin Spoonful

The Bad Merry-Go-Round - The title speaks for itself and brings back another song to my mind that included a carousel sound - broken arrow Neil Young/Buffalo Springfield

Don't Let Me Sleep Too Long - Open up the Garage Door and leave nothing behind approach to this song.

Temptation Cake - WHOA - psychedelia and odd and wicked cool, all at the same time and another great song sung by Pete DiBella

Tell All The Fools - A great tune that works great to close out this record….Thanks go to The Honeys for joining in to sing on this song

Influences
Folks - we all have our filters that say, this kinda reminds me of……OR…..this sounds like…..So, here's my list that's easily added to or subtracted from by you….so.....don’t let my list restrict you - go make your own list and post it on your blog.
Brian Wilson
Beach Boys
THE WHO
The Association
Paul Revere and the Raiders
The Stone Roses/The Tubes/The Wedding Present on I've Been Away
Dave Clark 5
The Lovin Spoonful
The Shocking Blue
The Monkees
Oh yeh - I almost forgot….The Beatles

Acknowledgements
What Independent Record is made without acknowledgements. Dennis is quick to mention that although this release is listed as Dennis Diken with Bell Sound, it wouldn’t have been a possibility without the collaborations of Pete DiBella and Dave Amels - not-to-mention everyone else who played and sang on, supported in one way or another the release of this record.

Support Your Independent Musician
Please take a moment and buy Dennis's collaborative release - LATE MUSIC by Dennis Diken with Bell Sound - and support the work of Independent Musicians. Dennis and his music mates don’t get paid for sick days or days they don't work. They get paid to play or if they sell their music to folks like us. Kindly consider supporting this endeavor and we can hope that Dennis, Pete and Dave will work together with their collaborators to get more songs together for a 2nd album. If so, they have a LOT to live up to. And, I'm excited to hear what they come up with. Until then, I'm going to sit back, relax and keep enjoying their efforts on Late Music.

Independents Uncovered

Dennis provided an incredible interview on our show on Monday September 21, 2009. To hear it in its "cut" version, find your way to: www.myspace.com/IndependentsUncovered

It will be posted there on Friday, Oct 2, 2009 until the podcast version is posted on the WGMU website and iTUNES.

Additional Links
For an ordering link to AMAZON and more details, go to (NOTE: Please support Cryptovision and Dennis Diken With Bell Sound by coming to this link first and then clicking on the Amazon link to purchase the record):
http://www.cryptovisionrecords.com/

Check out the reviews for LATE MUSIC:
http://www.cryptovisionrecords.com/reviews.html

For a terrific in-depth interview with Dennis by Gary Pig Gold: http://www.cryptovisionrecords.com/GPGinterview.html

For the original LATE MUSIC press release: http://www.cryptovisionrecords.com/press/DennisDikenLateMusicPR.html

For Dennis Diken With Bell Sound on MySpace:
http://www.myspace.com/dennisdikenwithbellsound

For photos from the making of LATE MUSIC:
http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewPicture&friendID=487764167&albumId=770563

Julie Peel and her new album Near The Sun

noreply@blogger.com (John) — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 12:13:00 +0000

*Near The Sun officially releases on Sept 22, 2009*

In November/December of 2008 - YES 2008! - I interviewed Julie Peel. And again in May, 2009, when she came on our show.

What I can tell you from a personal standpoint is that she is fun....funny....down-to-earth....and, while I don't know if it's because she's European (born and raised in France), she's direct and will tell you exactly how she's feeling about something. And, she may have a relationship....some might even say "an obsession" with Buffy the Vampire Slayer that borders on....well, I'll let Julie discuss that with you directly if you ask her. :)

So, because I've just put this off too long already, I'll share some pieces of that interview with you over the course of a few blog postings:

IU: So Julie - How did you get started with music?

JP: When I was 13-14, some punk guy was selling his drum kit. I had 2 friends who wanted to start a band. Kurt Cobain had just died and suddenly, everyone wanted to start having a band.

We were rehearsing in my house’s basement. I wasn’t a good drummer. I didn’t want to take drumming lessons - that’s a thing with me, I don’t like to be taught, I wanna learn by myself, that’s probably why I didn’t go to university after graduation.

One day, the guitarist had left his guitar in the basement, and I gave it a go.

It became suddenly clear to me, I thought “with this, I can make music, I can create” - with drums it’s a little bit harder, unless you’re a good drummer, which wasn’t the case.

We split up, and I borrowed a guitar from my best friend. The first songs I learned were “let it be” by the beatles, “the happening” by the pixies and “Needle and the damage done” by Neil Young.

My friend had shown me the chords, but I wasn’t good enough. So I started watching MTV Unplugged all day, trying to figure out the chords. That’s how I learned to play the guitar.

I could basically say that Kurt Cobain and Neil Young were my guitar teachers.

I didn’t know the name of the chords ‘till like, 4 years later. I had to know the names of the chords I was playing 'cause I had been asked to play the guitar in an Irish band signed on mercury records. They sent me tapes and chords sheets. (though I preferred to learn the songs by ear, I knew it would come in handy to know the chord’s names, if someone in the band would say “it’s D,E..” whatever..)

IU: Tell me about your evolution with music and some bands you've been with

JP: After graduation I moved to Ireland, that’s where I bought my second electric guitar, a fender tele.....if you’ve seen the movie “Once” there’s this incredible scene in a music shop where they jam and do a song together, that scene gives me the gooseflesh! Anyway, that shop “Waltons” is where I bought it....Then I joined a band.

IU: How did you meet and join the band?

JP: They’ve got a music paper called "hot press" there, it's the equivalent of the NME for Ireland. I looked at the ads…..I didn't wanted to be in a rock band anymore. I wanted something Interesting, Challenging. And the ad said ‘looking for a guitarist, for electro-rock project.' I don't remember the influences they quoted, but it was definitely electro and the mix of music was really nice…The band was called ‘Petrol.’ The guy who formed the band was kinda famous there, so it was nice. We never actually played a gig - only did studio work and rehearsed.”…though the band never made it. And then I headed back to France.

IU: And then what happened?

JP: I was contacted by a manager for Mercury Records to join another band - The Fixed Stars.....they paid for the flights, the hotels and everything. It was great. I just had to learn songs and play the guitar. It was awesome. We toured throughout Ireland. But, the label wanted me to stop playing guitar - so the singer could play it - and play the piano - which i was not made for. So, that part of my life was short, but one of the best ever. Being paid to play the guitar. That’s the good life!

IU: What happened then?

JP: I moved back to France....Paris....and kept writing songs. You know, in France, Paris is where everything happens. i had made a demo cd, where i played all the instruments, drums, bass guitar, guitar etc.

Moving ahead to Near The Sun

IU: Each musician has their own style of how they write and record their songs. So, what comes first? The music, the lyrics?

JP: “It's always the music first, and then the lyrics. Unfold was really spontaneous. It's a bit like Innocence. They both came naturally, I almost sang the final lyrics on the demos when I was composing them……they both happened in 15 minutes. I can compose really, really fast, like 4 songs in an hour. But then, if the lyrics aren't good enough, the song dies. You wouldn't imagine how many songs I have on my computer!!”

Random Questions:

IU: Need to ask a question about Buffy and how everything goes back to Buffy the Vampire Slayer. And, how Buffy is mentioned at least once per day.

JP: Ahhhh… the way they use the English language is amazing, really inspiring, and besides that, it talks about how it feels to become an adult, the monsters they fight are just a metaphor to tell how it’s like to grow up and struggle through life, with all the responsibilities and the decisions you have to take to make things right.. I re watch episodes constantly..some great bands have performed at the Bronze (the club buffy and her friends hang out at) Aimee Mann, The Breeders..

Joss Whedon continued the show through comic books and it’s amazing!

IU: ASIDE from Right Said Fred - because I know he's number 1 - what other great bands are in France?

JP: Ahhaha! Well, I have to say I never really listened to french bands except old artists like Edith Piaf. But i like Phoenix a lot. And Air and Daft punk are nice too. And French singing bands…..Noir Desir definitely is the only one i like. They write great lyrics and their music is really good as well.

More of the Julie Peel Interview to come.........

Julie appeared on Independents Uncovered on May 18, 2009.

Info on Julie Peel at:
www.myspace.com/juliepeel

American Laundromat Records (Julie's Label):
You Can Still PRE-ORDER Julie's CD through American Laundromat Records at the below URL:
http://www.alr-music.com/

E. Joseph And The Phantom Heart

noreply@blogger.com (John) — Sun, 17 May 2009 16:10:00 +0000

If you want to get back to your 80s Alternative Roots, 90s (non-grunge) Rock with a current sound, your search is over with E. Joseph And The Phantom Heart.

Their latest release is "All The Medicine In The World..." on The Beechfields label and was released in September, 2008.

I went to see these guys last night in Baltimore and it was a great show and the songs on the record and live are quite similar so, if you're a fundamentalist (ie: psycho) about the live needing to sound exactly like the record, then you're in luck. They sound great.

Rounding out The Phantom Heart are Mia Regalado on Bass and Backing Vox, Nick Porcaro-Drums and Snuttock on keys.

Listening to the songs and the vocals I'm reminded of The Triffids, The Mighty Lemon Drops, Echo and the Bunnymen, Psychedlic Furs, The Church, The Smiths, The Cure - and, these bands all had their 'hey-day' in the 80s/early 90s. HOWEVER, E. Joseph's songs have a timeless Rock/Pop sound that is enjoyable.

I'm sitting here at home going thru the disc and the whole disc you really can let run all the way through without saying - OH NOOOO, not THAT song!

Right now - after giving it 1 listen, standout tracks for me are:

Changing Trains
Drifting
Pulling Me Under
The Red Line

Before "the haters" find their way to me for selecting just these 4 or not selecting others, it's ok - you should go out and buy this record.

EJ's voice and the backing vocals by Mia are a great match and, this girl can play a Wicked Bass Guitar. She's not just playing with this band for show and tell.

So - the promo:

1. Go to www.myspace.com/ejosephmusic and check them out. And see if you want to let their music become a part of your 'inner-circle' of music.

2. Indie bands - LOVE - feedback....good or bad.....it's like when we hurt or bleed....we're reminded that we're alive. Let E Joseph and The Phantom Heart know you've listened.

3. If you like their music, buy a cd or go to iTUNES and get the record.

Band To Watch

noreply@blogger.com (John) — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 15:27:00 +0000

BAND TO WATCH

The Strike Nineteens

Able to Rock-Out with songs like You Don't Love Me and Drop Down Dead, slow it down and able to get you to hold your breath with each lyrical line of Minor Things, The Strike Nineteens music will race inside your ears and kick your musical tail before you know what hit you while you start rocking with their brand of powerful rock-pop.

Check out their songs at www.myspace.com/thestrikenineteens.

Dreams So Real - REUNITING

noreply@blogger.com (John) — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 15:01:00 +0000

On March 30, 2009, Barry Marler announced the reunion of the band Dreams So Real and their return to the stage will be at ATHFEST on Sunday, June 28, 2009.

While I'm not yet sure of the impetus of what's getting the band together, I WILL FIND OUT! haahahahah.

For now - take a moment or two and do the following:

1. www.myspace.com/realdreamssoreal is the band's official myspace page for the reunion

Become their friend

2. If you're free and want to head to Athens, GA - June 28 is a Sunday and they're going on about 6 PM EST.

3. Look for their music on iTUNES - put up there this past Fall/Winter of 2008 or check out the usual online or used record stores for the physical CDs if CDs are a MUST HAVE for you

Just Like Heaven - A Tribute to The Cure

noreply@blogger.com (John) — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:47:00 +0000

With a music dream in one hand, and a Tax Refund check for less than $2000 in the other, Joe Spadaro started American Laundromat Records in 2004.

Now, about 4 and a half years later and over 10 releases to their credit, American Laundromat Records continues their run of putting out great records with the disc - Just Like Heaven - A Tribute to The Cure.

The 17 song (includes 1 Bonus Track) record features bands and musicians alike - The Poems, Julie Peel, Tanya Donnelly & Dylan in the Movies, The Wedding Present, and many more (see track listing and band listing below).

In my (that's me, the author here) opinion, "10:15 Saturday Night" by The Poems is one of the standout tracks - Joe shared this opinion when he first heard the song sent to him by The Poems,

"When Robert sent me this I was like you've gotta be kidding
me. This is unvbelievable. He really re-invented it. And
they turned it into this epic song. And it's just gorgeous."

01. Just Like Heaven performed by JOY ZIPPER

02. The Lovecats performed by TANYA DONELLY & DYLAN IN THE MOVIES

03. Lovesong performed by THE BRUNETTES

04. In Between Days performed by KITTY KARLYLE

05. Friday I'm In Love performed by DEAN & BRITTA

06. Jumping Someone Else's Train performed by LUFF

07. Boys Don't Cry performed by THE SUBMARINES

08. Close To Me performed by ELK CITY

09. The Walk performed by THE ROSEBUDS

10. Pictures Of You performed by ELIZABETH HARPER & THE MATINEE

11. Let’s Go To Bed performed by CASSETTES WON’T LISTEN

12. Catch performed by DEVICS

13. A Night Like This performed by JULIE PEEL

14. 10:15 Saturday Night performed by THE POEMS

15. A Strange Day performed by GRAND DUCHY (Violet Clark & Black Francis)

16. High performed by THE WEDDING PRESENT

+ a BONUS TRACK

Songs listed in this color/italics/etc...played on Independents Uncovered on Dec 8, 2008.

To purchase this CD or any others from American Laundromat Records....just find your way here: http://www.alr-music.com/shop.php

Joe also gets help from his wife and kids with putting things together so, know that he runs a good family operation and that the hands that are helping him are family.

----

We had a great show last night with Joe Spadaro as our guest and I thought so much of the interview and his record, I wanted to make sure I put this out there.

I may put some of the interview on here, but I dont know yet. We'll see.

Graphics/Art courtesy of American Laundromat Records.

The Slow Learners and OMEGA Band!

noreply@blogger.com (John) — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 11:57:00 +0000

If you didnt' make it to Asylum in DC, you missed a great show by both bands.

I left my home and took mass transit into DC and when I popped out of the Metro, I took my maiden voyage on a DC BUS!

And, the driver was a woman, and young and cute! How the heck does that happen????? I mean....I'm 39.....but.....I didnt know that was possible!

So, in my humble opinion - this show was great!

I want to take a moment to thank Ed from the slow learners who literally introduced me to every person he knew at Asylum to make sure that I was comfortable but also for networking purposes - for friends of his in other bands.

But the bottom line here is that I was cool because I'm friends with Ed and that was great with his friends.

Ok - the show.

The Slow Learners -
Sweet B
Mr. Burroughs
Paul and
ED (also known as Special Ed)

This show was great with people getting up and dancing and moving their heads - The Slow Learners rocked the house. And members of the Omega band i spoke with prior to the slow learners show were so appreciative of Ed and so complimentary.

The Omega Band came on and Ricky just Rocked the house with - well, this is going to come out weird, but the word I want to use is LUSCIOUS and SOULFUL. They have a great sound, the vocals were great - and, it doesnt hurt that the 2 woman at the front of the band are beautiful.

Last night's show was free to all who came and The Slow Learners as well as The Omega Band were selling CDs for $5 each.

That's not much considering when Independent Musicians need to pay for studio time, equipment and, OH YEH! If someone gets sick, its not like they always have a day job giving them medical benefits. If a doctor costs 100$ to go see and they dont have insurance, there's no copay folks! And, if they need medication, once again, no copay - they pay full price.

Check out the slow learners at:
www.theslowlearners.com
www.myspace.com/theslowlearners

and the Omega band at
www.omegaband.net
www.myspace.com/omegaband

Recordings dont do justice to how the crowd reacts with the slow learners on stage or the omega band.

Take some time and listen to their music and go seem them live.

It's a great time.

PS - I want to thank those folks that gave me music last night - Dar, the omega band, and Mike Ivie - yes - THE MIKE IVEY of BASEHEAD.

* Quick Story *
Ed from the slow learners is a part of the mini community that Mike Ivey created that has spawned Citizen Cope and The Slow Learners as well as up and comers Mr. Burroughs and Yellow. But, the big thing is building the community and as your band grows or your following grows within the band, you also do your own thing until you spin off/out of the band. At the end of the day, it's like being born - again. But at the end of the day, they all know where they came from and Ed is repeatedly speaking so highly of Mike and this community he's built that I had to mention it here.

Don Caballero and Ponytail

noreply@blogger.com (John) — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 13:10:00 +0000

I went to IOTA's last night with Mike - our very own Mike who brings us Donohue's Music Den every week.

So, we arrive as the opening act - Ponytail - was playing and Molly Siegel was belting out sounds that made me think of Bjork. Basically - the spoken word doesnt matter - its the music and the sound of the voice that count. - Think Psychic TV.....or, at least, that's what I did. The vocals are an additional instrument here.

So, while I don't typically listen to this type of music, I was open to it and, in the end, I thought that Ponytail's show was better than Don Caballero.

Don Caballero performed for about 50 minutes. And.....when they all walked off the stage.....I didnt know they were done. People stood around for awhile inside IOTAs - and there were probably about 50 people maybe more there......and I couldnt believe that there wasnt anymore. My gut tells me that a headliner plays for more than 50 minutes, but hey - I dont know what the deal was there.

Don Caballero's performance, for me, can be characterized as - mostly music....some vocals.....AND NO ONE WAS IN SYNCH with eachother.....

Mike and I just kinda kept looking at eachother like.....something was off....and, it was all of them.

Mike said to me.....I know what they're trying to do.....which would be good......but......they're not in synch.

So.....Don Caballero.....I dont know what you typically sound like so I have to be fair to you.....but, if you walked out of IOTAs thinking that you werent at your best and this was your first show and you're still working some stuff out....that's cool and good luck the rest of the way.....but.....I think some more rehearsal time is needed on your music.

If you want to read the article in the washington post about this tour, check in with this link for the washington post: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/08/14/AR2008081400907.html

And, Don Caballero is touring with only 1 day off from August 19 - Sept 6. Good luck.

The Fusiliers Rock!

noreply@blogger.com (John) — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 12:03:00 +0000

(left to right and from back to front)
Oen - Bass/Backing Vocals
Savage - Drums/Percussion
Jonny - Lead Guitars
Tom - Lead Guitars
Gary - Sharp Dressed Vox Man

I had on 3 members of one of Scotland's hot Indie Bands - The Fusiliers.

Jonny - lead guitar - from The Fusiliers reached out to me a while back - maybe a month or 2 ago - and we emailed a bit and I remembered telling him that I was real busy but would listen to his band's music.

And, then I said to myself - ok - I've got time for one now and then another one and then another one and so on.
All I can say is Wow!

Raw Energy
Pure Energy
Exciting.
Fun.

One thing that stands out for me is actually the story behind the song - Holding On. Gary explained that the song came about because a former song writing partner wasn’t as into the music writing as he was. And folks - before we start a controversy here - there is no controversy. It was matter of fact the way Gary said it and, we need to realize as people that " WE ARE ALL DIFFERENT " and accept that for what it is.

On the phone we had Oen, Jonny and Garry. But, of course, like friends and some bands out there, they have their 'alternate names.'

Gaz - Vox Major
Jon - Lead Guitars
Tom - Lead Guitars
O-Dog - Lead Bass/Vox Minor
Savage - Lead Drums

And, it was great.
Conversational.
Fun.
Interesting.

How they recorded the EP is really interesting and was done using Reel To Reel Tape and not electronically so, when there was a mistake, they started over. And, I believe that one of the reasons that their sound is tight is because of this.

Studio time costs money.

Indie bands pay for everything out of pocket before getting a record deal. And even then who knows how much really comes out of the band's share.

And, you don’t want to screw around when these factors are involved.

How do you know a band or musicians are committed to the music? You know when they make a statement like: "if you do a gig and only 6 people show up, you have to make sure you play just as hard for them as you would for the times you have a crowd of about 3000."

Making music is an art form and carving out your own niche with your own sound is hard to do. And, The Fusiliers do it very well with a strong drum backbone and great vocal powers that allow Jonny, Tom and Oen to "walk on up the red carpet" - if you will - and round out the sound with strong guitar work giving The Fusiliers an intense sound that makes you take notice and want more.

I'm looking forward to having The Fusiliers on again and sharing their sound with more people.
------------------
The Fusiliers have an intersting story and I suggest you check them out at:
http://www.myspace.com/wearethefusiliers

Check out their music on their media player, but also, tucked away a little bit lower, you'll find a little yellow jukebox of some acoustic music of their's. Click on 'play' and take a moment to hear them stripped down. Great bands, when stripped of the electric options, sound just as good if not better. Like a woman who wears makeup and then doesn’t wear makeup. (And note, I'm not saying The Fusiliers wear makeup or are women. They're guys.) If she's attractive without the makeup - then, there you go. It's all about perspectives.

To purchase the music of The Fusiliers, go to http://www.mp3.com, http://www.napster.com, and, of course, iTUNES !

PROST!!!!
I say to THE FUSILIERS.
PROST!!!!

Shane Cooley - Live!

noreply@blogger.com (John) — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 14:17:00 +0000

Oh - to be 20 years old again.

When I turned 20, it was between my sophmore and junior year of college.

Having a dream and following your heart......yeh - I like that.

Shane Cooley is out there touring this summer in various places like Florida, Virginia, New Jersey, and, hopefully - Toronto Canada and supporting his latest release - Whirlpool.

It's funny saying that his sound matures - but how can it not as he goes from album to album and grows musically and also in his life.

New experiences.
Loves found.
Loves lost.
Love's moments forever etched in his mind.

I won't bore you with some long winded explanation of his songs or his sound, but I will tell you that Shane had a crowd around him around the stage at Celebrate Fairfax - all people he did not know - so I hope this is a sign of good things to come for him.

And, I met his family. How great is that. Family - supporting their son/nephew/etc... How awesome.

This photo is of Shane belting out my favorite song of his - My Asbury Park. And, whether he's playing this song with his band or acoustic - it's fantastic to hear him sing and play.

Go check out Shane's music at:
www.myspace.com/shanecooley
and
http://www.shanecooleymusic.com/

Trop Rock Has Some New Goombas In Town!

noreply@blogger.com (John) — Fri, 23 May 2008 15:54:00 +0000

The King of Rock and Roll?
Elvis Presley.

The Sultan Of Swing?
Mark Knopfler

The Queen of Rock And Roll?
Pat Benatar

The GodFathers of Trop Rock?
THE YOUNG REBEL GOOMBAS!

The first thing you need to do is get this album.
iTUNES, Download, Buy theCD, Whatever....just go and buy the CD.

The next thing you need to do is get yourself in a convertible on a nice dayand pop that CD or MP3 into your disc player in the car and DRIVE - but, in this green world we need to live in today, make sure that you have a placeto go and you have a carpool going - you know what I'm sayin?

Now.....Trop Rock is semi - new phrase that was arguably started by one of the leadsingers for THE YOUNG REBEL GOOMBAS - Goomba Richie Saccente.

Let's go through who the Goombas are:

Goomba Richie
Goomba Kevin
Goomba Cosmo
Goomba Uncle Bee
Goomba Randy

Sharing vocal duties - hu hu....i said duties....-ommmm ok - sorry, guy-joke...

Sharing Vocal Leads are Goomba Richie and Goomba Cosmo.

And, of course the rest of the guys are on backups as needed.

Some of the songs on the record:
Daydream Smile - with it's sounds of the beach are great.
Summer Whine - A nice, occasionally wailing sax sound provided by RichieCannata - for those of you playing at home, Richie Cannata has played with fellow Long Islander - Billy Joel and Elton John and another band known only as - The Beach Boys.
Ignition Remix - This is a cover of R Kelly's song, but make no mistake....this isn't a sound for sound/word for word adaptation. OHCONTRARE MONFRARE!
This song absolutely knocks you out the house.
It starts off with the guys jokin' around "Are you ready...." and I instantly thought of the song Daydream Believer and the in studio banterbetween the guys and here we are....Ignition Remix and you think you're in a1970s Cadillac Convertible in mint condition with a ZZ TOP Signature Key-chain dangling from the starter of the car.

The bouncing front end is optional. :)

Goomba Richie said it best when he told me, "It just had to get on the album. I would just pick up my guitar and here I had this version of it andit needed to be on the disc."

Sing-A-Long - you have got to grab Goomba Richie and ask him how he recorded the vocals for this song because he just HOME-RUNNED IT! If I were to do a video for this song I'd have a string of Cadi Convertibles at the beach and the Young Rebel Goombas playing in one and everyone surrounding them in bikinis dancing to their music. Of course we'd have a few token guys, but, let's face it....bikini's have been known to sell music.

It's awesome having guys just bust on each other.....and, that's what Goombas do.

And, what family's do you know that dont exchange some "high volume" discussions from time to time too?

Goomba does mean family to these guys and I've spoken with Goomba Richie a few times and Goomba Jake and had the Goombas on our show a few times to boot.

Number 1 - These guys are great guys.
Number 2 - These guys know how to play music
Number 3 - They've started a new music genre called Trop Rock and no one can deny them their place in Rock History - especially when they're the first ones to bring us Trop Rock - AND COIN THE PHRASE.

Pick up their music. Get to one of their shows this summer. Or, better yet....like....NOW!

Each song is great and, the last time I could say that about a record (aside from Boston's first album) was the album 'Laughter' by The Mighty Lemon Drops(circa 1989).

And.....not since the band THE OUTFIELD in 1985 have we heard an entire album that just bursts at the seems giving us the sounds of summer.

If you want to experience the sounds of summer 365 days per year.....Pick up the Young Rebel Goombas CD.

You'll be glad you did.

******

AND - GOOD NEWS!

The Young Rebel Goombas are doing a weekly spot on our show called "Ask The Goombas" so be sure you tune in by 10 PM EST (Virginia USA Time) so you can hear their music and hear them answer your questions.

So.....I was thinking today

noreply@blogger.com (John) — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 16:22:00 +0000

Joan Jett does this song from the 80s called "Do you wanna touch......."

And, well.....Joan is getting up there in years.

You need to watch the video here on youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eHvm88yVvNQ

And then, I want you to picture Joan as a 72 year old woman singing the song. She's only 22 years away from 72.

Hahahahah.

Visuals.

Gotta love 'em.

When A Singer/Songwriter "makes it"

noreply@blogger.com (John) — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 18:35:00 +0000

I'm the distro list for the venue - Rams Head Tavern in Annapolis, MD.

I got an email notification about some shows going on there and one of the performers is Shawn Colvin.

I've seen her on the CBS TV show '2nd Cup Cafe' or something like that and seen her on TV and heard her Sonny Came Home song (which I believe is an homage to Sonny Bono going home to Cher).

Just kidding.

So, here's a photo from the Rams Head Tavern Ticketing Page for Shawn Colvin the cost of the ticket is $55.

Fifty Five Dollars.

That's.....Fihf - Tee Fi-v-uh Dah-lerzzz

Ok ..... it's $55.

Now - What I'm about to write, may be harsh and I won't ask you to forgive it, because - it's my opinion. And, my opinion and your opinion are - JUST THAT.

Opinions.

However.....I'm not driving an hour (on a good day in DC area traffic) to see Shawn Colvin.

I'm not going to spend the cash on gas, mileage, wear on my car and all that good stuff to go see her and spend $55 for the ticket PLUS whatever I buy there. That's just too much for me.

And, maybe if I were into her music more I would consider it, but, I cant do $55.

Is this why some fans get tired of musicians?

Shawn is in her early 40s so, her fans have grown older with her and hopefully she's picked up some new ones along the way. But, sadly, I guess I'm at the point where I'm rating musicians and movies, and food, etc...by the amount of money I spend to _____ them.

And, if people will pay 3.50/gallon for gas....they'll pay $55 to see Shawn....but, because I'm not a fan (yet), I cant say I'd be able to go for it.

And, I'd have to be a hard-core fan to go.

Does this make me bitter? Or - the dreaded - "OLD!!!!!" ?

I dont know.

And, I just thought about opinions/opining/etc....and, came up with this definition about opinions:
So…opinions are like bunyons.Or…hemorrhoids.Or foot odor….yeh…foot odor.

We all have foot odor and no one wants to smell our feet, but, when we take those shoes off…they have no choice.

So, that’s what this woman did. She took her shoes off and her feet stunk.
And, you didn’t want to smell it.

David Wilcox's show was like $25/ticket and it was at the wolftrap barnes and, well....the wolftrap barnes is 100% better than Rams Head in Annapolis - for many reasons (starting with the sound and the stage).

Ok.

I think my rant is done.

Album Review - Stuart Ferguson - Shackles & Ties

noreply@blogger.com (John) — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 10:57:00 +0000

It's funny.

I see the "&" in the title here and I think to my daughter who's 4 asking me what the letter is and what it means.

I know it typically means the letter 'n' but it has some 48 syllable word that goes along with it. Kinda like the singer Prince - who's no longer Prince..... or is now back to Prince but he was a 'symbol' at one point.

But I ask you....what does that have to do with Stuart Ferguson?

Well, he had the great fortune to put the "&" in his album title - Shackles & Ties...and, you have someone like me writing about his music :).

I was introduced to Stuart's music about 2 1/2 months ago when he friended me on my myspace page.

Instantly I was drawn to one of his songs from when I finished college - One Thing Leads To Another (not the song by The Fixx).

And, here we are - 2 1/2 months later and his music has just reached inside of me and grabbed me and held my attention.

I told him about the radio show and within about a week, I had 2 CDs with his music and was featuring his music on the show.

I have a connection to Stuart's music.

Each Song tells a story - whether it be fiction or non-fiction.

And, the beauty of singer-songwriters is that the music always has a piece of them in it and how they view the world.

If I were to whip out a 'small review' of Shackles & Ties, I'd have to say this:

What’s great about listening to Stuart Ferguson’s music is that I genuinely want to listen to it over and over again because I know I’ll hear something new or hear something differently in his music or lyrics.

Stuart’s abilities as a singer/songwriter remind me of the Ghost of Christmas Past carrying Mister Magoo through the air to see the life he had in his younger days. How many singer/songwriters do you know that can take you with them to show you the things they want you to see and hear in the songs they write and sing?

Doing that is a gift that Stuart is sharing with us all if we take a moment to say yes to his invitation to join him and his guitar - Busby. Stuart and Busby’s tempo changes and image-laden lyrics will keep your interest throughout Shackles & Ties and even catch you off-guard too.

Stuart tells a story with each song that you want to hear over and over again to make sure you get that last crumb and when each song ends, you long to have it on again.

Pick up his CD by going to www.stuartferguson.net and let his music become intertwined in your life of music.

Become his friend on myspace at www.myspace.com/stuartgferguson.

Sent him an email to let him know what you thought of his music.

Check back for the full blown album review - It's taking me longer to do than I would have expected.

Glen Phillips and Jonathan Kingham

noreply@blogger.com (John) — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 10:45:00 +0000

I went out last night with my friend Tina to see Glen Phillips (Lead Singer Toad the Wet Schprockets) and Jonathan Kingham.

We had a fun time.

Jonathan and Glen were out front before the show selling their latest and greatest music and, I struck up a conversation with Jonathan before I recognized who he was.

When I met him, he reminded me of a guy I worked with - John Dawson - and just one of those nice, gentle people you meet.

We couldn't talk long but we instantly connected while we spoke.

I introduced myself - later I would find out his Grandfather and I share the same name. He did too.

And we talked about music, the people who were there, etc...

Eventually he had to go - because, well, he's performing - ahahahaah.

Jonathan did about 5 songs I think and one - was priceless.

He did a song called - Every Little Step by Bobby Brown and he threw my name out there as being an older College Student he'd just met.

It was funny. He was funny. And, really good with the song.

He went Freestyle and threw in his own lyrics that have everyone laughing.

At the end of the night, I spoke with him for a few minutes and I brought up luka bloom's I Need Love and Jonathan knew EXACTLY what I was talking about.

That was good.

Glen was good too.

He was up there playing his outside of TtWs Songs and he whipped out a few Toad the Wet Schprockets songs. Jonathan joined him on guitar for a good chunk of the night.

How'd it feel?

Great.

My friend Tina yelled to Glen to take off his shirt - which led to Glen adding a few funny comments. Tina and her friend Terri are known for yelling "Take off your shirt!" "Take Off Your Pants!" at shows like this - or at bars. So, this was not something new Tina was doing - hahahah.

I met a nice 24 yr old girl at the show also - Jehan I believe her name is. She said she'd become our friend on Myspace and listen to the show.

That's cool.

All in all. A good time. A good nite.

Give these guys a little love by finding them
Here for Jonathan

http://www.myspace.com/exactrecords
http://www.jonathankingham.com/

And, Here for Glen (note, Glen and Toad the Wet Schprockets will be in Alexandria, Virginia on June 14)
http://www.myspace.com/glenphillips
http://www.glenphillips.com/

---------

PS - Yes, I know that I did a play on the spelling of Schprockets. If it was a big deal to you, then I can only say this: Lighten Up Francis

Go check out our myspace at www.myspace.com/independentsuncovered and friend us....before we friend you - haahaha.

The Local Musician

noreply@blogger.com (John) — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 11:13:00 +0000

Yesterday I went out to Jammin' Java to see Celeste Starchild play.

I got there just as she was playing Apple Of My Eye - a great song we just introduced this past week on our show.

I walk into Jammin' Java and there's Justin Trawick - right there.

He was funny - I was so happy to see him I gave him a hug.

He says - hey john! - Ok - we're hugging. Ok.

hhaahahahahaahahahahahahahah.

I was excited to see him and off his right shoulder was Jean - his bass playing, stage sharing, and good friend.

Celeste - was great. And, she had this great dress on. Stunning is a word that comes to mind.

One thing about Celeste is that well - I think red is an awesome color on her so her red and white dress, red lipstick fair complexion and brown hair, just really added to the whole experience of seeing her live.

A chick.
In a dress.
Playing guitar.

It was cool.

And I got to talk with her near the end of the entire showcase of bands.

She's great to talk with and fun - and she's got a full time job outside of music too.

And that leads me to a little discussion here:

Local bands/musicians

Where does your money go when you pay for the show?

- The bands/musicians get paid but usually there are things that come out of their payment:
- Food
- Drinks (so if a musician asks you to buy him/her a beer or one for the band, this is why)

To get the gig that you're paying for, they've typically:
- Driven to countless open mic nights and driven all over creation to play and introduce themselves to other bands
- Paid for their gear - out of their own pockets (That's Guitars, Strings, Amplifiers, cables, mic's
- If they have a CD, they've paid for that cost all up front and, their handing out free CDs to people at radio stations, people in the industry, etc... so they can be heard (hopefully)
- Taken a job they use as a means to an end.
- May not have health benefits - and we all know how much a doctor's visit is.
That's right - the musician's hope is to be seen/heard and become successful.
JUST LIKE WE DO IN THE PROFESSIONAL WORK FORCE FOLKS.
We have jobs where we want to be seen and heard and move up the ladder and get raises, etc...
But, the musician is taking it on the chin for the love of their craft.

Think about it.

The person scanning your food at the grocery store. The person taking some babysitting gigs. The person you see with their guitar case open in the street somewhere. And, in some places, they PAY for the use of that spot and have to hope that they recoup that money by 'busking.'

And, in other cases, the musician is sitting across from you in a meeting discussing strategy for the company to get $1 Billion in Sales Revenues.

You really never know.

So, I'm rambling here, but, to wrap all of this up:

1. Thanks Celeste and Audrey for the CD for our show

2. Chris from Leaving TX - thanks for the CDs - we'll get your music on the show for sure. Please note this photo is taken from their website at www.leavingtx.com

And, if anyone reads this.

Please support your local musician.

If you want processed cheese-whiz music, just listen to your ho-hum radio station.

But, if you want something different.
Something that pushes the envelope.
A musician or band to get committed to....I ask that you seek out and support the musicians in your local music scene.

Ok - I think I said what I wanted to here, but if I didn't I'll come back.

Oh yeh - and don't do drugs. "just say no"

Perspective

noreply@blogger.com (John) — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 05:25:00 +0000

I walked out from my radio show to this as I left the JC building last night from my radio show - a bit frustrated for my guests and me.

I expected things to go great - and they did - but, I couldnt get the lads from Braintoy on or Celeste Starchild.

And, then, I arrived upon this so i took a picture of it.

While I'm not going to say the war is bad or good/right or wrong I will say, that my frustrations dropped quite a bit after I saw it. So much so that I stopped to take this picture.

And then, I came home, pulled out my guitar and began playing along "what about everything" by Carbon Leaf.

You need to listen to this song.

If you don't own it, go to iTUNES and spend the 99 cents on it. It's more than worth it.

I am not in need.

John

Record Review - Rebecca Katz

noreply@blogger.com (John) — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 15:00:00 +0000

Before you get started on this, you have to know that the request was to review the record - and, I went ahead and did just that. Reviewed the whole thing - hahahahahaha.

BUT, Rebecca was looking for something that was short and I dont know how good I am with that (i'm a big fan of quantity time you know)...but, here's my 2 sentence offer on her record and, I believe it to be true.

Rich with flawed and real characters, Rebecca Katz's first EP 'Spendin' on Today,' invites us all into her living room to sit in that oversized brown leather chair with a cup of warm tea and watch her stories unfold before your ears.

Let yourself be drawn into her music like you would a warm fire on a snowy winter's day.

And, if you want more than continue on down.

Thanks.

John
=============

So there I was.

Minding my own business - well, not really - I was working on the first radio show I'd done in about 18 years. Getting music ready, gathering information and, I received a friend request for the myspace page from a singer/songwriter named Rebecca Katz.

She put a quick note on the request about checking her music or that this was a great idea for a show.

And - well - I'm sentimental. She took an extra step, wrote some words so I went to her page thinking I was going to get the 'typical' singer/songwriter vocals and songs about chipmunks dancing on pizza which was to represent the scientists doing their work on global warming in Antarctica.

What's great about myspace is that you can try on a song like a jacket in a store and see if it suits you. And, if you like it, you can just keep the jacket on for a little while as you browse thru the rest of the store. Just to make sure you like it.

That’s how I felt with Rebecca's music on myspace.

I can tell you….she DOESN'T sound like other folk artists. And, to me - that's important because it's like Peanut Butter. Peanut Butter all tastes the same to me - unless it's this one brand. And, I'm not a Brand Name Dropper – yet - but, I've settled in on this one because it tastes great.

So, while I'm not saying that Rebecca Katz is that brand of peanut butter, I can say that she is unlike the rest of the peanut butters out there.

And, to be fair, someone doesn’t just join the ranks of my favorite peanut butter in 1 week.

Ok - enough parables and metaphors about peanut butter. Let's get down to the jam!....ommmm…..I meant to say music there.

Let's start with the last song of her record.

Home Again.
Acapella - is not my bag - most of the time. And, when this song first started I was transformed to the records - YES RECORDS - of my youth and the song Cotton fields Back Home - it may have been done by the New Christy Minstrels, but, it's not often that you get a song done acapella and, sadly, I kept anticipating music to come on to join Rebecca and it didn’t come. And, I wasn’t disappointed. I just wasn’t expecting it. Isn’t it funny how my pre-conceived notion of a song involves an instrument playing with the vocals?

I need to remind myself that our voices are an instrument too.

This song is a little gem and not what I expected to hear. I love hearing something I wasn’t expecting to hear.

Kinda like when I go home to my parents' house and I smell fudge brownies from the kitchen.

I'm home again and my life as an adult kinda just morphs back to being their son and they my mommy and daddy.

Kiss Me Good Night

So, I’m writing about this record and, am caught a little flat-footed on this song.

The first things that catch me with a song are the music and the tone and sound of Rebecca’s voice. And, I can’t always keep up with the words and the possible meanings behind the words.
Rebecca knows what these words mean. And, she may not share what they mean – and, as she says – ‘it’s an artist’s prerogative.’ - J

This song is interesting because her request of her man is to kiss her good night, but he doesn’t have to do anything else.

Sadly, when we love someone in a way that we put minimal expectations on them or none, chances are, there has been some activity where the other half – in this case for our song – “the guy” has been exhibiting a behavior of womanizing or plain non-commitment.

And, our poor singer is saying, “Ok. You don’t have to do anything for me except kiss me good night.”

And we know that he can’t do that.

And we also know that she needs more than that kiss good night – she’s just looking for that door to his heart to be open so she can come in and lean like he’s done with her heart.

To Donnie
Now - I think the normal person would not bring up another musician when commenting about their album, but, I'm not someone who can stick with formulas and rules.

I heard this song, and I IMMEDIATELY was brought to - in my mind - the singer songwriter Sabrina Dinan - from Ireland - and her song that's at http://www.blogger.com/www.fabchannel.com/sabrina_dinan - you need to check out Timebomb. These are 2 totally different singers with different voices, I just wanted you to know where I was brought upon hearing the opening of the song.

Ok, back to Donnie.

Funny hearing the song - that as soon as he removed his hat everyone noticed him. Hidden. Kind of like the hidden love RK wrote about in Kiss Me Goodnight.

I'm not sure who got the whole first verse last verse thing started - and I've heard it on a number of Vertical Horizon songs….but the good news here is that while Rebecca brings us back to the image of our boy Donnie at the end of the song, it's a little different, a little more breath in her voice a little more longing. How awesome to have a verse-reprise that's different….has emotion…..in this case….longing for Donnie to come home, and, it's done in a way to make me a part of the group who miss Donnie too.

If you see the one

Anytime I hear a song that starts with the vocals right away with the up or downstroke of the guitar - personally, I prefer the upstroke because it's different - where was I - Oy VAY! I'm A.D.D. on my own writing and am still in the same sentence!!!!! Ok - haahahaha - When a song starts with the vocals right away it makes me think of one of the "Lethal Weapon" movies - I think it was # 3 where Mel Gibson is running right at the start of the movie.

I like that - it's like BAP! - here I am. (I believe ‘BAP’ came from the ‘60s TV show – Batman.)

And, in music, I guess I look for a song to do that somewhere after the first two songs. But hey - that's just me. Rebecca made this song her first song on her record. And, why not? (Rhetorical question ladies and gentlemen). Why not jump out and say - HEY - Here I am?

Her vocals are great and overshadow the guitar playing for sure - especially at the beginning of the song but those first words ring thru my head - If you see the one.

Poor Rebecca's character has so many longings for love in her songs…..I'm thinking we need her to do a cover of Love Hearts - ommm - I was going to fix that word there before publishing, but I believe in Freudian Slips so, it stays….Rebecca needs to do a cover of Love Hurts by Nazareth somewhere in her repertoire.

And, this song is her first song on the record, so intriguingly it points you in the direction of a set of songs about love-gone-bad….

Maybe this is the Conclusion song that ties it together - and, I'm no music psychologist….who wants to be….this is music and Rebecca has crafted a good song for us to listen to with a character and imagery to set up the next songs on her record.

I love it when she says
If you see the one
That I could Love
Just give him a push
In the wrong direction

But let's be honest, Rebecca's character in her songs doesn’t want her friends to introduce her to who they think is Mr. Right. Rebecca's character wants her Mr. Wrong to see the light and become Mr Right. Kinda like Superheroes who are mild mannered by day and Super heroes by night.

The Real Thing
The first thing I thought of when I saw the real thing was the song by Kenny Loggins (which I LOVE!!!!!).

I'm a big fan of building into a song and, while I recognize that the norm is to kinda play 8 measures before jumping into the words, I think if the music here on ‘the real thing’ were a little slower in the beginning and then built into the riff that would be the main one for the verses, it would impact the song a little bit more - but hey - I'm nit picking here on a good song….so I'm going to, as my friends say, "shut the 'f' up and tell you more about it - hahahahaha.

One set of lyrics in this song that just grabs at my own heart are:

Laying Down Warm at the end of it all
With you Leaned into my heart

Obviously I'm going to think this verse refers to the "after some great sex," our character has that 'warm-fuzzy' feeling.

And, "With You Leaned Into My Heart."
Wow.
What a strong statement of love.
The best feeling.
As if that love is an extension from her character's heart - the home of love for the singer/songwriter. Like an arm or leg to all of us…those are examples of extensions of ourselves, but that's one mighty powerful statement there.

I was actually brought back to my loves and remember the times when I truly felt like someone had leaned into my heart - and, to me, that's the best kind of love. The love you just know without speaking it.

A love that’s natural. A love that feels like home.

It's like sitting on a sofa, and you're both reading books, while your laps to your feet are under a blanket or quilt with a fire going and your feet are touching and every now and again you look up, your eyes missing eachother until that one time when they see eachother, you smile, you close your books, and you sit right next to eachother….safe in eachother's closeness.

Thank God you're the real thing.

A few times in here, you here a little unexpected 'clank' in the guitar playing and, whether done on purpose or not, immaterial because, the real thing is never perfect every day, every minute or every second. Listen to the songs Every Picture Tells A Story by Rod Stewart or I Saw Her Again Last Night by the Mama's And The Papas.

In Every Picture….there's a girl singing and there's a part in there where you hear her breath thinking she needed to go into the song right at that moment……..AND THENNNNNNN….then, all of a sudden, you hear her line "look how wrong you can be."

In I Saw Her…..there's John Phillips - I think - and he sings "I saw her uh…I saw her again last night and you know that I shouldn’t."

The ones that we love are not perfect, but the good ones are perfect for us.

And when we discuss soul-mates or whatever the flavor of the day word that soul-mates turns into, it's really that we're discussing that perfect love. That love that we can give to someone that is perfect for them and the love we receive in return that's perfect for us.

And, the good news…..love is a topic that can be sung about forever. Even if Twisted Sister sings "love is for suckers." The good news is that I've only been married to that song 2 times in my life. Twisted Sister sang at both of my weddings. They offer a two-fer package because divorce rates are so high, they just naturally expect you to split up and marry again. :) Ok - I'm funny - or maybe not with that one. This paragraph is just me adding humor here.

Ommmm….yeh ok…..Rebecca's Record.

Riiiiiiiiight!

The Story (the maid and the sailor)
What this song needs is a good cello or viola to help attack that bass line a little bit or even an acoustic Bass. Maybe we just need to import an Irishman or Irish Lass to join our girl Rebecca on this song to add a little - Irishness to it.

But aside from that, I kinda went into this song being a song in a musical or stage show. I don’t know why. Maybe the song title or the dut dut dut dut part of the guitar work.

Have you noticed that I have pre-conceived notions? Isn’t it great to have those preconceived notions call me out often!!!!! Good thing I can recognize it – haahhahaaa.

Ok, back to ‘the story’ - I picture 2 folks on stage and Rebecca sitting on the side telling a story with symbolism and imagery made real through the characters on the stage.

And the last line - But He Won't Be Coming Home. Is kind-of a recurring theme here in Rebecca's record.

The song makes me think of Brandy by Looking Glass or the relationships from the movie the perfect storm….or Hard Rain's Gonna Fall as sung by Edie Brickell (hold the new bohemians).

Closing Statement

I like repetition in songs - meaning - The ones I like, I'll listen to multiple times in a row, to hear the music, catch onto the words, catch the chord changes, the mood…..the direction…..etc…

I believe in quantity time not quality time. And, I believe that quality time is just a way for people who want to pretend that they don’t have much time for others justify that little time they spend with the ones they love. “But I gave you ‘quality time.’”

A first record by any good singer songwriter has a lot of soul and emotion and passion that the listeners can hear and feel - especially when they give a record good long listening to.

Rebecca has put her soul out there for you to hear, listen and be engaged.

She's opened her door for you to walk in, but she only wants you to walk in if you want to - so you need to take that step.

So, walk in
Make yourself at home
Hang up your coat
Grab some Hot Cocoa - the marshmallows are on the table if you want to add them
Sit by the fire
And Lean into her music like Donnie leaned into her heart

The David Wilcox Show on Thursday, March 6, 2008

noreply@blogger.com (John) — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 17:14:00 +0000

Folks - you have no idea what you're in for here.

I mention the following when sharing David Wilcox's show with you all:

- Twisted Sister
- Happy Days
- Quiet Riot
- Wookie
- and Much Much More

So, give it a read.

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

Armed with the same excitement as a 17 year old who just got his drivers license and a new car, David Wilcox walked out on stage with a big smile and welcomed everyone in the audience into his home with his music, his stories, and his humor.

It was my 2nd time attending a show at the Barnes at Wolftrap.

My first show was great. I sat in the back for the opening act – Sabrina Dinan – and then was invited up to the front row by none other than Luka Bloom himself.

Now, he didn’t call me by name, but, he did say anyone in the back row who wants to come up front, come on up.

Funny. I was kind of hoping I’d have the same experience with David Wilcox.

But, I didn’t – And that’s ok because, each experience should be different and unique.

David came out laughing and smiling to us all and now that I’ve had a few days to think about what he shared with us about his family, himself, he made a remark that I believe pulls together the experience at the concert.

He talked about being in a national forest and seeing the light in the window of the Airstream Trailer. And, it was his home for 2 years.

I feel like we were all David Wilcox – all of us in the audience…..and he was that light inside that Airstream Trailer that he saw in the distance.

This was my first David Wilcox concert and, I walked in, saw the sign that the show was sold out, and got my ticket that I pre-ordered the week or 2 prior. My seat was in the middle about halfway back.

After getting my ticket, I walked into the area where they were serving some food and some drinks.

I grabbed myself a couple of beers and proceeded to find a seat.

ON THE FLOOR!

But what’s great about the barnes is that you grab a seat on the floor and there’s other people on the floor.

Keep in mind that there are seats and tables too, but, there’s the floor too.

I kind of felt like Bill Murray in the movie Caddyshack and being told by Chevy Chase that I should swim in ‘the pond’ – hahahaaha – but I digress.

I met a group of 4 people and Jason – if you read this – I had your card. Lost it. Found it again. And then lost it and this time, I really think it’s gone. I put it in the proverbial “place where I know I won’t lose it.”

So, me with my papers and pen, Jason’s girlfriend introduced herself and Jason picked it up by intro-ing the rest of the gang.

We had a nice conversation.

I love meeting new people and this group of 4 were all nice.

After talking a bit, the lights dimmed a couple of times letting us know to get into our seats because David was coming.

Now – I’d read on the internet somewhere that David Wilcox was known to come out sometimes and do tributes to his favorite glamrock bands of the 80s –
- Twisted Sister
- Whitesnake
- Nelson
- RATT

So, I was thinking – wow! A singer/songwriter who does this stuff. AWESOME!

Ok, that was a joke. Sorry if you bought into it.

Anyway – I was going to write about each song he did, but, that would take away from the experience of seeing David live.

He shared stories about his family and their 2 year trip and at one point pulled out an acapella song about bone mass growing inside Nanc’s leg that had broken in 5 places. And, as he sang it, I started thinking of the song by Potsie when he was in college in an episode of Happy Days called “Pumps Your Blood” – or something like that. But, it was funny. Very funny.

He jokingly referred to himself as a “car whisperer” with his car songs.

He talked about biking in France and coming to a T in the road and for the first time not knowing where to go until a truck moved from it’s spot and he commented that he didn’t know where to go because he was he was at his destination.

Which reminded me of the song by Luka Bloom – where ever you go….there you are.

David finished with 1 encore song – the song that I first heard when Christina Crerar introduced his music to me. Eye Of The Hurricane.

It’s funny, but, he also talked about what a successful marriage is to “Start With the Ending is the best way to begin.”

How great it was to have David to bring me his beautiful music and close with the song that I started to enjoy him with.

Throughout the show David laughed, smiled, and shared himself with us.

And, I started thinking about the Singer/Songwriter relationship with the audience vs. the relationship that a band like Quiet Riot would have with their audience.

It’s definitely different.

It’s intimate.

The audience wants to know what the inspiration is for the music and to learn more about the singer/songwriter to see what makes them tick vs with a band like Quiet Riot, the fans typically want to hear about the drinking stories and the partying etc….. It’s different.

And, I wonder if there’s an anonymity that singer/songwriters throughout the land feel they have to keep sharing and keep sharing and share some more.

I read on David’s face that this is a man happy to do what he’s doing.

He loves his wife and his son Nate.

He loves to play guitar for people and audiences.

He will leave his guitar on the stage for us to see at the end of the show.

He had some writings there – but I don’t know if it was his set list, some words to songs to remind him or just words of encouragement.

If a quarterback can wear a list of plays on his wrist, why not have information taped to an indestructible guitar.

David gave us 24 songs without an intermission and everyone had the opportunity to buy some CDs at the end of the show, but, I was expecting to see him there too.

As a fan, I was a little disappointed, but, I have to remember that going on tour and singing at all these places takes a toll on a voice so, no harm – no foul there David. J

Someone asked me to rate the show for them and…..well……I’m not a big fan of that. You either Liked It or you Didn’t Like it.

I liked it.

But, my friend pressed me for a rating.

So, I told her – “I give it 4 wookie cries” and proceeded to cry like Chewbacca 4 times.

“What was that!?!?!?!?!” – she asked.

“That was your rating for the show.” I said.

Her response was – paraphrased because she just used more words than this review has – hahahahahahahaahah – (I’m funny) – “why can’t you just give me a real answer.”

To which I responded, “Do you want 4 more wookie cries?”

Silence.

Maybe this was the calm before my impending storm – hahahaahaha.

David – can I grab a ride in the eye of the hurricane?

And, 4 Wookie Cries to anyone who reads this.

** PS **

If you see any typos, or grammar or verb tense issues. It's ok. You don't need to let me know. :)

Rock and Roll That ROCKS!

noreply@blogger.com (John) — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 13:30:00 +0000

The Greater Good took the stage unassumingly as the crowd sat or stood in IOTAs waiting for their music to come on.

Cooper took his seat behind the drum kit, put on a pair of headphones and grabbed his drum sticks.

JR played with his microphone stand and unwrapped the microphone wire from it.

Aaron, Nolan and Taylor grabbed their guitars, plugged in, and got set.

Nolan found a spot for him and his bass behind Taylor and JR and in front of Cooper's drum kit.

Toby grabbed his seat behind the keys.

And then.

THEY ATTACKED.

I was reminded of the part of the Foo Fighters video for 'Pretender' where the 'mystery fluid' shot out at like 80 miles per hour from behind the band.

With Aaron and Taylor on each side of JR in the front, with each song, The Greater Good, put out -

Great
In your face
Dance on your feet
ROCK AND ROLL!

Where is Rock And Roll Today?

Rock and Roll is on tour right now in the form of 'The Greater Good' before their album launches on May 20.

The Greater Good list The Faces, The Beatles, The JAM The Stone Roses and Rod Stewart as being some of their influences for their sound, but The Greater Good have their own sound that's just raw and tight.

Check out their songs on their myspace page. If you want processed cheese music, stop reading this now.

But if you want to hear great rock and roll with a real band, you'll check out The Greater Good when they're in your area.

These guys are young, go for broke, rock and rollers.

Right now, The Greater Good are opening for Deep Blue Something on their tour that ends on March 14th in Austin, Texas.

You'll even find that members of The Greater Good 'cross-mojinate' and play on stage with Deep Blue Something. And, let me tell you this, Deep Blue Something has still got it. People singing along with their songs and Todd Pipes can REALLY play the bass. What a great instructional video that could be.

Whatever you pay for the show, it's worth it.

What's great also is that the band members are all accessible after their shows and hang out so you can talk with them and, you won't find more regular guys.

And, they bust on eachother.

These guys are like friends you played with in your neighborhood growing up where, in the summer, you played wiffle ball in the back yard, in the winter, you knocked on their door to go ice skating or play hockey with on the frozen pond, and during the school year, you ate lunch with them and you cut up about stupid stuff that's funny.

It's great to build a history with friends who get you and understand you.

Come and give The Greater Good their shot at being a part of your music present and future. And let their music mark various poignant moments in your life where you hear one of their songs and you are brought back in time to a memory you'll never forget..

These guys genuinely like eachother and after spending over an hour talking with them, and hanging out for about 4 hours in total, I can tell they're good guys getting started to leave their mark as The Greater Good.

They deserve that shot.

You'll find The Greater Good at:
www.myspace.com/greatergood

And, their tour-mates, Deep Blue Something at:
www.myspace.com/deepbluesomething