Record haul in Vancouver!
Radiohead - The Bends
Their second album and easily my favourite. "Just" is worth it alone, but add "High and Dry", "My Iron Lung", "Planet Telex", etc. and you have a classic. And the last album before they started going all wacky.
The Pixies - Doolittle
I bought this one on cassette tape in 1990. Only 20 bucks for one of the most influential and greatest albums of the last 25 years! "Gouge Away" is simply one of the coolest songs you'll ever hear.
Beastie Boys - Check You Head
Finally got some Beastie's on vinyl. I have plenty of Beastie Boys CD's, but didn't have this one, so it worked out! This is their 3rd album from 1992, the first one to feature them as musicians as well as rappers. "So Watcha Want" and "Pass The Mic" were the big hits off this one. Also has, "Jimmy James", "Gratitude" and "Funky Boss". And it's a double album that has a gatefold cover with lyrics and a bunch of cool pics to stare at for hours!
Jon Spencer Blues Explosion - Jukebox Explosion Mid-90's Punkers
The coolest band of the 90's! I saw them in 1998 in Vancouver at what used to 86th St (forget what it was called in 98). They're from New York, garage punk blues rock trio that I'm not surprised you haven't heard of. This record is a collection of songs that were previously only on limited edition 45's and stuff. The cover is great, the JSBX digging a grave and shoveling records from all the big 90's bands in.
Art Brut - Art Brut vs Satan
Cool new British band that my roommate turned me onto. If you like (or even heard of) the Replacements, you'll love Art Brut. If you haven't heard of the Replacements but like ass-kicking garage rock with a British twist, you'll love also love Art Brut.
Macy Gray - The Id
I have this on CD already, but the record was only 8 bucks! I couldn't pass up the chance to hear, "Oblivion" on vinyl. And, now I can keep the CD in the car.
Black Mountain - In The Future
Another one I already have on CD, but is waaaay cooler on record. I've blogged about this album already and love it even more on vinyl!
Kanye West - The College Dropout
Kanye's first album and another one that I already have on CD. Although, it's one of those that's too long to listen all the way through in one sitting. It's a double album too and will be perfect for a 20 minute shot every once in awhile. Kanye's great at parties.
Outkast - Big Boi & Dre Present....
A greatest hits album of their best before the "Speakerboxx/Love Below" breakthrough discs. Early Outkast can be pretty trippy, this album trims the fat and is a good one for entertaining the ladies.
Jimi Hendrix Experience - Are You Experienced
Their are plenty of Hendrix records in the shops. But, most are compilations, live albums and assorted mish-mash. It's actually tough to find copies of the 3 original Hendrix albums in good condition. I have this one on cassette somewhere and it's my favourite of the 3. I lost an auction on Ebay for an original mono copy of this record recently. But, found a this copy at Vinyl on Hastings, so it worked out.
Otis Redding - Dock Of The Bay
I'm a big Otis fan and he's another guy who's hard find original copies of his stuff in good condition, especially in Calgary. This was the record that was released after he died and it was another find at Vinyl, in great condition too!
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club - Live
This was the band I went to Vancouver for. Saw them on Saturday night and bought this record on Sunday. I didn't even know they had a live album, so it was a good score! They are the coolest band in the world right now.
Check em out!
I'm totally digging the CD "Fino & Bleed" by Die Mannequin. They're a band out of Toronto. According to the web they're a "sleaze rock" band! Not exactly what came to mind when I first heard the disc. But, after repeated listens and checking out a couple of their vids on youtube, yeah, "sleaze rock" fits pretty good!
They're a 3 piece and led by a girl named, Care Failure on guitar and vocals. Aside from that fact that it kicks ass, the new disc has some great songs on there. She sings it because she means it! They've been around for a few years now and this is their first full album.
Kickstart MY Heart!
So I was hanging out with Nikki Sixx the other night.
Finally, I get to use that line! After 15 years in the radio biz, the last 6 in Calgary, I got to meet one of the guys responsible for making music my life. "Shout At The Devil" was the second record I bought when I was 12 (Van Halen, "1984" the first). Still have the same record and got Mick Mars' autograph on it when I interviewed him in his dressing room before Crue Fest a few years ago. Now I have a Nikki Sixx signature on there after hanging out on his bus before the show last week.
He's promoting a new venture of his, radio! While on tour, he wanted to take the opportunity to meet radio programmers across the country. Being Music Director, I'm one of those guys. So, my boss and I got to bring a friend to meet Nikki. There were 5 of us and we just hung out and chatted. It was a lot more casual than the usual meet and greet scenario. There were only 5 of us and Nikki was schmoozing us!
Who's playing halftime?
If you haven't heard, The Otherside and their song, "Going Blind" were the regional winners of the National Songwriting Competition. Catchy tune, good bunch of guys and they're off to Toronto to represent Calgary for Canadian Music Week in March. You can check them out online here, http://www.myspace.com/TheOthersideOnline
And you can vote for them for the grand prize here, www.radiostar.ca
What's with the Who for halftime at the Superbowl? Who's picking the bands for this thing, Jay Leno? Let's pick the safest, most recognizable band that is still mostly alive. Remember, half of the Who have left us. Roger and Pete can still pack a punch but really.....is there not someone a little more current they could have picked. For halftime of a football game too!! I can understand why they wouldn't pick Def Leppard, the NHL learned the hard way with them. U2, Tom Petty, The Rolling Stones, they've all done it.
Three Days Grace...smokin' interview!
I got to hang out with some contest winners for the Three Days Grace soundcheck party yesterday. Or more fitting, I got to wait around with some contest winners. As is per usual in this business, your always waiting for the band. I think we ended up spending an hour and a half waiting in the lobby before finally going in. Although it's a long hour and a half when you're standing in that corrider, it wasn't really that long in retrospect. There's been times that I've waited upwards of 3 hours to do an interview, only to be told they wouldn't get there till after I had to leave.
That would make a great song....too
Now, I'm taking part in another songwriting seminar coming up in a couple of weeks. This one looks like this...
On Saturday, December 5 at the Cantos Music Foundation in Calgary, the Songwriters Association of Canada will host SONGPOSIUM, a one-day intensive seminar for songwriters. Acclaimed songwriter DAN HILL, as well as music industry veterans JANIS NIXON, Director of Marketing, Digital, Universal Music Canada, RUSSMAN, CJAY 92's Music Director, and Calgary singer-songwriter TIM HUS will be on-hand to impart invaluable wisdom and advice about the business of songwriting.
You wanted the best?
So I've been getting ready for the big Kiss concert next week the only way I know how, listening to lots of Kiss records.
Like a lot of people who grew up in the late 70's/80's, I was introduced to Kiss by older brothers. I had posters of them on my wall and didn't even know they were a rock band when I was 6 or 7 years old. Eventually I discovered the music when I started down my rock and roll journey years later. But I vividly remember my brother getting a phone call from his friend and then saying, "Kiss is on TV and they're using magic!!" It was 1978 and the movie was, "Kiss Meets The Phantom Of The Park".
Shady Grady!
Last weekend, I went to see Grady down at the Hi-Fi. That's Gordie Johnon's new band, I've seen them a few times now and always a great show. He's an amazing guitar player and just a treat to watch.
The new CD is called, "Good As Dead". You should get it.
My new favourite song!
We just added their single, "Crawl Back In" to our playlist and I love the tune! Their CD, "Out Of Ashes" came out this week and I had a chance to listen to the whole thing. Unfortunately, there wasn't much else on the disc that really caught my attention. But, "Crawl Back In" kicks ass!
That'd make a great song!
Had a great time at the songwriting seminar last weekend. It was at the Hotel Arts, which is a very cool place to have a seminar. Been at a couple there now and nothing beats a poolside bevie when your done. Although parking proved to be a challenge and did you know they have photo-parking tickets now? I found out the hard way.
If you don't know, it's a seminar put on by the folks who run Radio Star, the National Songwriting Competition. The seminar is in its second year and was started to give budding songwriters a better insight into the craft of writing a song. A sort of heads up before the Radio Star competition which starts taking entries October 5th.It was really cool to hear Ralph Murphy do his presentation. He's been writing and performing since the 60's and one of the smartest song guys I've ever met. I've never heard someone put into words what it takes to write a song so simply. If you missed him and are at all curious, check out his web page http://murphyslawsofsongwriting.com
All Summer Long
Been awhile for the blog, busy, busy, busy. Actually, can't tell a lie....I've been ducking out of work early to soak up what summer we've been getting. Which also means, most of my recreational time has been spent on the back deck, cold one in hand and the stereo playing records. A few things I've learned during this summer of spinning....
R&B and old Funk are great for the hot afternoons. Sly & The Family Stone, Parliament, old (pre 1975) Stevie Wonder and Macy Gray's first record in particular.
Beach Boys are also great for sunny days, but only the 60's stuff. If you own "Kokomo", fine yourself and then go get some old stuff.
We were……Thunderstruck!!
Finally saw AC/DC! I went to the big show in Edmonton at Commonwealth. I haven't been to a show that big since The Stones in Vancouver in 1989. Wasn't sure what to expect, didn't know how many tickets were sold, but that place was packed!
I've seen plenty of AC/DC live vids to know what to expect and they did not dissappoint. The bell, the cannons,the Angus striptease (he was wearing AC/DC underwear), the killer guitar solo/interlude and the greatest stadium rock and roll songs you're ever gonna hear!
And then the rain, unbelievable! If you weren't there, it was truly unreal. It started raining during "Thunderstruck" and was just light to begin with. Then when they kicked into "Hells Bells" and he sang the "Rolling thunder, pouring rain..." part at the beginning, it did! We're talking, hollywood rain. A monsoon type downpour that did not let up for about a half an hour. And lighting kept flashing across the sky behind the stage. I've been to few outdoor shows, but only time I've been caught in rain like that, my friends were running sound and lights. I got to hang out in the sheltered sound booth. But not this time. Had great seats, 18th row on the floor, so there was nowhere to go. It was a little uncomfortable, nobody is used to staying outside in a raging downpour. But, if AC/DC ain't going nowhere, we ain't going nowhere.
KOL....cool!
Wow, was that Kings Of Leon show good! Like most, I went to the show with no idea what to expect as I'd only heard the new album and wasn't familiar with all the old songs. I did do a youtube KOL crash course just before the show. It helped a little, but wasn't really needed.
They played a spectacular show. Simple, no pryro, lasers, big balloons or any of that stuff. The video screens on top of the stage were cool, the footage wasn't a straight video feed either. It was grainy, choppy at times and they slid from one frame to another in a variety of different ways. I also liked the way they had the drummer close to the front and not alot of room on what is essentially a big stage. When there are 3 guys standing on a huge stage playing their instruments it makes you feel like they're furhter away than they are. KOL doesn't really move around much, so they don't need a big stage and are obviously aware of that. It gave the show a much more intimate feel, like the band was in a club that seated 15,000!
I saw a Virgin Angel!
Virgin Fest was just simply awesome! The bands, the weather, the people, the organizers, the stilt walkers, the walking bushes, the Virgin Angels, the security, even the police.....all awesome.
As with any event of that size, there's going to be some problems. Some big, some small. There was the issue with the sawdust and rocks all over. But after a week of steady rain, it's a miracle we got as much dry grass as we did up there. The organizers did a great job of covering up all the mud and keeping our feet dry, for the most part. Close to the stage, it's a given that you're gonna get a little muddy.
Coolist
Because you can never have enough lists. In my opinion, this is the coolest....
Guitar lick - Dire Straits, "Calling Elvis" 2:09 to 2:13, the coolest 4 seconds ever played on the guitar
Bass lick - Kiss "Detroit Rock City" Say what you want about him, but the Demon came up with a killer bass lick for the verses. There's lots of cool guitar in this song, but that bass puts it over the top. Bonus: Coolest Kiss album!
Drum lick - Red Hot Chili Peppers, "Give It Away" opening. Instantly recognizable and oh so cool!
Guitar Solo - Rolling Stones, "Worried About You". That's right, not Hendrix, not Eddie, not Gilmour, not even the guys from Judas Priest. Ron Wood kills it on this solo. The Stones have never been about technical ability, they're a blues band, it's all about feeling. This song is slower Stones, Mick even does the falsetto for most of it. You probably haven't heard it (1st song, side 2 of Tattoo You), but you should. Runner up: Prince, "Purple Rain"...not kidding!
Bass Solo - The Who, "My Generation". Hands down, John Entwhistle's finest moment. Although kicking the bucket with a stripper in a Vegas hotel room is a close second.
Instrumental - "Rice Pudding", Jeff Beck Group from Beck-Ola. The Jeff Beck Group albums are two of the coolest records you're going to hear. Jeff is simply one of the greatest guitarists and this is by far the coolest instrumental from a guy that already recorded the coolest instrumental before this one (Beck's Bolero)
Video - R.E.M. "Turn You Inside Out". Couldn't find the original version on youtube, just some lame live one. The original version looks like the band is playing another song, but Turn You Inside Out is dubbed over for the video. Stipe miming into the megaphone is nowhere near on time with the song, but the whole thing is strangely in synch. It's so cool, they don't even want you to see it anymore!
Live Band - The Killers. I reluctantly went to see them on their first tour, was seeing a girl who liked them, a guy's gotta do what a guy's gotta do. But, I was an immediate convert after that show. Couldn't wait for the next tour for one of my favourite albums, "Sam's Town" and they outdid themselves. Being from Vegas definitely influenced their live show, lot of show in that town.
Album (like LP) Cover: Jon Spencer Blues Explosion, "Plastic Fang". The cover is a like comic book that's kinda based on the music. Not a fluid, complete comic book mind you. Just a bunch of pictures that seem to go together. Even the insides of the inner sleeves have pictures on them. Bonus: the LP has four songs not on the CD and the album features their coolest song, "She Said"
Intro - Pete Townshend, "Face The Face". This song is also a runner-up for Coolest Bass Lick and it's a great song. Pete's written some pretty good intro's with his real band, but this one is awesome and not a keyboard sample! A little jazzy, a little funky, the rolling bass line and a killer performance from Clem Burke (the drummer from Blondie). Bonus: Some of Pete's colest lyrics too.
Rock Singer - Michael Monroe from Hanoi Rocks. Hanoi Rocks were a wacky band, from Finland and all. Ahead of their time in the fashion sense, but they just couldn't write a great song. After Vince Neil took out their drummer in a car crash, they never recovered. Mike went solo and never sounded better. His second solo album, "Not Fakin It" is awesome! His voice is pure rock and roll. He even says it in the title track, "Me, I'm just a rock and roll singer.." and the coolest one at that.
Cover song - Tool "No Quarter". I'm not a big fan of covers, sure there are a few good ones. But, by and large, stick to the originals. Tool however, have a knack for doing things ultra-cool-like. Their version of Zep's "No Quarter" (almost) surpasses the original. They add more length, modernize the lyrics a little and add the sonic boom that Zep couldn't quite muster in 1973.
Canadian band - The Headstones/Sons of Freedom tie. Both left us far too soon, but on the plus side, they quit before they became uncool! Reason for the tie: Both had killer riffs, punk attitude, they could either hit you over the head or mellow it down and both had great lyricists in Hugh Dillon (Headstones) and Jim Newton (Sons Of Freedom)
Guitar Player Photo - Joe Perry inside of Aerosmith, "Live Bootleg". He's pictured from behind, playing a Fender Strat with a Gibson Les Paul slung behind his back. The cowboy boots only make it that much cooler.
In Studio with Our Lady Peace
So the Our Lady Peace thing went very well. I was actually a little nervous once we started to get rolling, but the band was great and I loosened up real quick. It was funny, because I had some trouble at first trying to do something I'm not comfortable doing....a scripted show! When we first got asked to do the special a few weeks ago, I put together a script and layout as to how it would unfold. Start with 2 songs live, chat about this after....break....1 song here, chat about this after, play a song live....break.....etc. It's good to have a plan, give everyone an idea how things will go.
It's a good year for new tunes!
Just heard the new Jet single. It's called, "She's A Genius" and it's killer! Definitely a new favourite. We've added it to the CJAY 92 playlist too, keep an ear out for it and look for the new album, "Shaka Rock" which is out on August 25th. I saw Jet in Vancouver at the Commodore a few years, but it was one of those shows that I really don't remember. I do remember spending most of the night trying to find something to eat, what can I say, I was in BC! It was an industry showcase kinda thing though and they had food, but instead of plates you had to pile chicken wings in a martini glass?!? Instead of a soup that eats like a meal, it was appies that drink like a martini.
What's that ringing in my ears?
It's been a quiet year for me for so far on the concert front. Things however, have started to pick up....
First off, I saw John Fogerty on June 5th at the Corral. I'd seen Fogerty before, in 2005 with John Mellencamp and he blew Mellencougar away! With that show, Fogerty only had 60 minutes and he packed it with hits, it was awesome! I was really looking forward to seeing him again, because it was his show this time. And he did not dissapoint! At 64, he's sounding better than ever and still looks great. As my friend said, "I'm glad he didn't get fat". He had over 2 hours to play with this time and did all the hits, plus pulled out some great album tracks. He even played, "Ramble Tamble"!! Which, as mentioned in an earlier blog, is my number one tune to break in a new turntable. Pretty crazy when you think about it, he started his first band in the 1950's! He's a true living rock and roll legend, he's written some of the greatest songs ever, even played at Woodstock (the first one). And here he was tearing it up like it was his first show. He truly enjoys what he does and is easlily one of the greatest guitar players you're ever gonna see. Virtually every person who's played rock guitar since, has played a John Fogerty song at some point. But, never as good.
New light through old windows....sorta
Just got a new turntable! It mysteriously appeared in my office overnight and I'm not even kidding. I've been trying to get a new one for quite awhile and have been bugging anyone at work I think might have an old one. Then all of sudden, one shows up. It's not "new" per-say, looks like a late-80's, maybe even mid-90's model. And, it's in great shape. Was actually in it's original box, with instructions and everything. I didn't really think about it at the time, I should've asked around to see who brought it in and thank them. But, I got pretty excited and as soon as I was done what I needed to do, grabbed the box and took off home.
When I got home, I immediately hooked it up and threw on CCR's, "Cosmo's Factory"! It's become a tradition, anytime I move to a new place, set up a new stereo or get a new turntable, first song has to be, "Ramble Tamble"! "Cosmo's Factory" itself is a great record, "Up Around The Bend", Looking Out My Back Door", "Long As I Can See The Light" are all on there. But "Ramble Tamble" is the best way to break in a new stereo, fitting that it's the first song on the album.
My new favourite disc!
Been going through a big pile of CD's at work lately. Y'see, alot of CD's get sent to a radio station and a good portion of those get filed and forgotten. I like to go through these piles every few years, for curiousity's sake and for the possibility of a new discovery. It's like panning for gold, with a lot less gold and I don't have to wear that funny hat.
For the most part, it's honestly not good music. You'd be amazed how many people can write songs and how few can write good ones. Of course, everything's subjective and one person's trash is anothers treasure. But really, alot of crappy music gets put onto CD's. Some indie, some major label, but alot of crap. On the other hand, I've found some great CD's that I never knew existed that have made all the lousy stuff worthwhile.
No comment...no more!
If you've been a regular reader to the blogs, you may have noticed there was a link at the bottom that said, "login to post comments". Well, turns out that hasn't been working....ever! I wondered why there were never any comments. Figured nobody really had anything to say, or nobody was reading these things.
So, it's not only working, but you don't even need to log in! You just click on it and viola, you're commenting! You can leave your name, or just log in as "anonymous". It doesn't even say "log in to post comments" anymore, just "add new comment"...no muss, no fuss.
The Stones poster
Just put my Rolling Stones plaque mounted poster on the wall in my new office.
It's a poster that came with the original pressing of their 1969 album, "Let It Bleed". I found it in a dusty second hand store in downtown Vancouver on East Hastings. I was 17, in the city for two Stones concerts at B.C. Place and doing what I do best.....record shopping. I couldn't believe my luck! Original copy of "Let It Bleed" in great condition!! With the original poster, also in great condition! It was a total score! Being a second hand and not a record store meant that it would be cheap too. I can't remember what I paid for it, but probably about 2 bucks.
My Morning Snow Patrol is a Coldplay.
I just discovered what might be one of the coolest songs I've ever heard. My Morning Jacket, "Highly Suspicious". Starts with a Gary Numan vibe and then sounds like Prince singing lead vocals for the Barstool Prophets! And I'm not even kidding, the dude has got a wicked falsetto. It's hiiiiiiiiiiigh! It's from their latest CD, "Evil Urges". There's a couple other songs on the disc that are cool, "I'm Amazed" is a great one. But the rest is a little slow for the most part, still haven't been able to get past track 6. Although I must say, the cover is pretty cool. They definitely give off a mid-70's casual rock kinda vibe. And I'm serious, if anything....listen to "Highly Suspicious"!! I-tunes, youtube, myspace, whatever....find this song and turn it up!
That voice
I didn't know what to do, so I went home and put on some Patsy Cline. I don't really relate to what she's singing about and her songs had nothing to do with what happened. But, there's just something about that voice.
Zeppelin 101
One of the girls at work is taking a course at the university on Led Zeppelin. I've heard about rock and roll courses popping up ever since Jack Black's "School Of Rock" movie came out in 2003. Was actually talking to another friend about it recently. More specifically, how can I teach one of those? We looked into it and came to the conclusion that I'm not really qualified to step into a university, let alone teach in one! Apparently you need to be like, learn-ed to do that. I'm more like, "smrt...smart" Got alot of useless music knowledge, but don't think that qualifies me for professor status just yet.
Check this dude out..
Been listening to alot of Chris Whitley lately. If you don't who he is, you owe it to yourself to check him out. I discovered him when his first album came out in 1991, "Living With The Law". He's not a rocker by any means, but more of a blues poet. The first album is more acoustic oriented, but not your normal acoustic. Chris played a dobro, two specifically, from 1929 and 1930. He was definitely an old soul and his voice was like from another world. The songs are mellow, but not really slow. Some very bluesy stuff, and some cool uptempo stuff.
He never stuck to a simple formula and challenged himself and his fans often throughout his career. After the acoustic sound of the first album, he plugged in and played feedback fueled electric guitar on his second album, "Din Of Ecstasy". A true artist, he wrote songs that just weren't mainstream. Very poetic, no verse-chorus-verse-chorus, and a great sense of melody. His music has been described as a mixture of acoustic and a electric blues mixed with modern rock.
Russman Records
Two things.....first off, everybody's a critic. It's pretty ridiculous the people can actually make a living as a critic. Somebody telling you a piece of art is good or bad is just wrong. Everything is subjective, music most of all. We all have our different opinions on what's good or bad. I prefer, 'favourite' or, 'most listened to'. That's what if boils down to. What do you like to listen to most? That's good music.
Second, there are a million lists on what are the greatest albums of all time. For the most part, all these lists have the same albums. A very recent poll of "music industry 'experts', artists and bosses from MTV, Europe and US" picked Micheal Jackson's Thriller as the Greatest Album Ever since 1981. Other albums on the predictable list included, "Appetite For Destruction", "Nevermind", "The Joshua Tree" and "OK Computer". Basically, nothing new. And these are suposed to be "experts"??? Telling me that the biggest selling albums are some of the greatest albums is pretty lame. That's like a bunch of hockey experts getting together and agreeing Wayne Gretzky is the Greatest because he scored the most goals. Yeah, thanks tips.
I'm in the mood for a melody, I'm in the mood
"In another life I see you, as an angel flying high. And the hands of time will free you, you will cast your chains aside"
Those are lyrics from a Concrete Blonde song called, "Caroline". They're lyrics that make me think of my mom. She passed away about 6 months ago after a long battle with cancer. It was a really shitty thing and still makes me upset, but it's amazing how listening to that song and hearing those lyrics can help me feel a little better. After a few tears, of course.
That's the thing about music, and I remember a quote from Jeff Ament (Pearl Jam), "Anybody can put on a record, or CD, or whatever and it can change your whole outlook on the day" or something to that effect. It's so true and I'm sure most people would agree with me. The escapism is one of the major reasons people like to hear a song.
End of an era
I really like that new Tragically Hip song. Usually not a strange statement, except that it actually kind of surprises me when a band manages to come up with quality material 20 years into their career. As a band/artist you really only have a short time where you hit your commercial, artistic and (usually) financial peak. For the most part, it's a 5 year peak, give or take a year or two. It's during this time they record the music they will be remembered for, for the rest of their life. The songs people will always call and request on the radio and shout out at the live shows.
Ten again
So they've re-mixed and are re-releasing one of the greatest albums of all time, Pearl Jam's "Ten". You are no doubt familiar with the band and the album. If not, google em. The thing with Ten is, the band was never happy with the way it sounded. A quote from Jeff Ament once regarding the disc, "I'd love to remix Ten. Ed, for sure, would agree with me...It wouldn't be like changing performances; just pull some of the reverb off it". Stone Gossard put it simply, "it was over rocked".
Reverb is like an echo, without the echo. It gives it that big rock sound. Crashing drums, epic guitar solos, soaring vocals, etc. It gives the disc an arena rock kinda sound. Even though they play arena's around the world, Pearl Jam are not what one would consider, "arena rock". That being said, The album's always been a little thin in the thump departement, doesn't quite have the punch that Butch Vig (producer) put on Nirvana's "Nevermind". But, it does sound different than all subsequent PJ releases, for the reasons stated before. They were novices in the studio and spent alot of time overdubbing guitars and just basically over producing it.
Look, it's a Facebook survey!
1. Who is your favorite band/musician?
David Bowie.
2. What was your first concert?
Helix with the Headpins. 1985, Long Way To Heaven tour. Headpins started the show with, "Turn It Loud". My first concert experience was Darby Mills saying, "psst hey, c'mon turn it up...". That's what I've been doing ever since. Still haven't worn earplugs to a rock show.
3. What was the first CD/album/8 track/tape you bought?
First record I bought, Van Halen - 1984. First tape I ever got was AC/DC's "Back In Black". Mom bought it for me on my 9th birthday. Mom rocked!
The Trews are coming!
Man, I love the Trews! Such a great band and great guys too. Thinking about it, I realize I've seen the Trews at least 5 times! They're just a consistently great band in concert. Some bands, I wont see again because I don't want to ruin a great concert by seeing them on an off night next time. But, the Trews never let me down. Aside from having some great tunes of their own, I love it when they throw in the odd cover or snippets of cover tunes into their set. I remember when they played the Back Alley anniversary party a couple of years ago, they did a killer version of, "Bohemian Rhapsody". I bring this up everytime they come through town, but they have yet to play if for me again. I've introduced them at the Whiskey, Cowboys, on the Coke Stage...doesn't matter where, they rip it up every time.
They're baaaaack!
Since the comments thing ain't working on here, feel free to email me if you have any comments on this or any of my blogs, russman@cjay92.com
I have to be honest, this Nickelback debate is really starting to get on my nerves. I was actually interviewed this past week for an article in the National Post. It was the same ole, "Nominated for 5 Junos, does Nickelback finally deserve some respect?" Like, really?
We talked about alot of things concerning the 'back. Critics (which I hate), award shows (same), if there was any band that could 'take over' from them and if the 'back will ever stop being played on the radio.
The answer, quite obviously is, no. Nickelback is not going anywhere. There are plenty of other bands that will disappear before any Nickelback songs stop being played on radio. There's alot of factors that come into play when a band gets to the point where they have. But the simple fact of the matter is, people like Nickelback. Correction, ALOT of people like Nickelback!!
Far as I'm concerned, there are two things that determine the success of a rock band. How many albums and how many concert tickets they sell. No matter how many awards they win, or how many critics love them (or in the 'backs case, hate them), fans buy CD's and concert tickets. That means, they like them. Sure, people can be naive and go out and buy 10 million Creed CD's. But, an anomoly like that can only survive for so long and Creed proved that. Nickelback not only continues to survive, but thrive!
10 years into their recording career, millions of people have bought and continue to buy Nickelback CD's and tickets. Over 20 million in North American alone. The last album, their 5th, moved over 7 million of those. That's unheard of in this day of declining CD sales and crumbling record biz. And, alot of people want to hear them on the radio.
People tend to ostracize radio for many things. One being that we play too much of a certain song or artist. Sorry to say folks, that's you're fault. We play new songs by alot of artists all the time. And we continually ask you what you think of those songs. The ones that you don't like, we stop playing. The ones you like, we keep playing. It can be hit or miss at times, but for the most part, we think we do a pretty good job of keeping everybody happy. And you tell us when we're not. We're often proved correct when people buy the CD's and concert tickets of the artists we play. And guess what two things Nickelback sells alot of?
The article I was interviewed for was posted online and naturally recieved quite a bit of feedback. Such as....."they get no respect, because they're losers", "anyone I talk to who loves rock, hates them", "all their songs sound the same", blah blah blah
But a user named "ProducerChud" summed it up perfectly for me.....
Back the truck up
I love the English language. That sounds pretty dorky, but I think words are cool. There's so many of them and so many different ways to say so many different things. Oddly enough, one of the reasons I like my job. Do you realize how many ways there are to say, "coming up"? You've got, "after this", "on the way", "up next", "just around the corner", "standing by". You've also got the combinations, "on the way next", "coming up after this" and on and on.
However, I've noticed the english language is taking a bit of a beating these days. As years go by and the world evolves, change is inevitable. But, it seems the text generation has been particularily hard on things like spelling and grammar. Also, with the evolution of society on a whole, we've become desensitized to words that were once considered vulgar and obscene. I'm talking specifically in music and with the use of the "F" word. For the purposes of this blog, we'll substitute the "F" word with, 'truck'. Just go with it....
True Calgarian spotted at karaoke
Went and sang some karaoke on Friday night. Yes, I karaoke, quite often actually, always a good time.
Now I'm not much of a singer, so it's usually an adventure too. But, I try to pick songs that I can get away with. Usually something with more of a rap feel to it, Walk This Way, Devil Went Down To Georgia and Let's Get Retarded are staples. Also, can't go wrong with old school, Elvis, Beach Boys, Neil Diamond..... always crowd pleasers too.
But, I also like the old country songs. Can't sing any of the new stuff, they're all pop songs anyway. But 70's country is great for karaoke. I grew up listening to that stuff courtesy my parents, also worked a littl ecountry radio in my time, so I know the tunes. And it's usally pretty easy to do a half decent job of, especially with a cold "pop" in hand.
For the Record
We've started a new promotion where you could go to New York City and see the Kings Of Leon live! When you hear their song, "Sex On Fire", call in if you're over 21 and have a passport, you'll qualify for the trip and you get a copy of their new album, "Only By The Night" on vinyl. That's right, vinyl! Problem is these days, not a lot of people even know what a vinyl record is, let alone have a turntable. Let's face it, if you were born after 1980 a record is something dj's use to scratch, or athletes break at the Olympics.
So, our promotions architect got a copy of the record and showed it to some folks around the office. Of course the first question asked was, "How are you gonna play it?" The answer, "Take it to Russman's place!" I not only have a turntable, but a little record collection too. I've always felt that music recorded before 1989 should be listened to on vinyl, after that it's been all digital. And that has been part of what has led to the itunes revolution. You can't download a gatefold record sleeve and music became very disposable when it was reduced to an mp3. Cover art has become virtually obsolete and those CD reproductions of classic albums, made to look like little records, are ridiculous. There ain't nothing like the real thing.
Rock isn't dead!
Happy 2009! My new years resolution, to start blogging! We figured it was time we set up a blog here at CJAY 92 to keep you up to speed on all that's going on in the world of music. And being the resident musicoligist, I can also share some of the millions of random music thoughts that are travelling through my brain at any given time.
Such as, at the end of 2008 I heard something that we tend to hear every few years after a good year for good music, "rock is not dead!" Yes indeed, 3 of the Top 5 Best Selling Albums of the year were rock. Well, Coldplay's a close call, but we'll take it. However, rock has been declared dead on a number of occasions for a number of reasons....
