Music Bender

No, man, I don’t mean “fired”. I meant, “boot” as in “footwear”!

And not exactly boots, either. In fact, following the success of Green Day in the venture, Metallica and AC/DC are the latest bands to be immortalized in footwear form by clothing giants, Converse.

Others who have their own “big shoes to fill” are The Who, Ozzy Osbourne and, soon, Pink Floyd. What ya see in the upper left are two of the designs for Metallica and AC/DC’s Converse trainers. I’ll letcha know when they’re comin’ out, price, etc. as soon as I do.

AXL: “SLASH IS A CANCER”

And he doesn’t mean astrological sign, people! I mean, we all know Axl Rose has a little venom in him, but … well, read what he said about his former guitarist:

“There is the distinct possibility that having his intentions in regard to me so deeply ingrained and his personal though guarded distaste for much of ‘Appetite’ ( “… for Destruction”, one of their most popular albums) other than his or Duff’s (McKagan) playing, Slash either should not have been in GUNS to begin with or should have left after ‘Lies’.

In a nutshell, personally I consider him a cancer and better removed, avoided — and the less anyone heard of him or his supporters, the better.”

Ya get the feelin’ that Mr. Rose just doesn’t like Slash much anymore? Geez …

AN UNBLEMISHED RECORD

From the time we were teens, many of us have had trouble with acne. We’ve tried different methods and potions to get rid of it, but they either don’t do the job or are too harsh on our skin.
And, of course, we don’t have time or money to keep shellin’ out in hopes of finding the right stuff for our complexion.
That’s why I’m gonna give you a link in just a moment that’ll help you find the treatment that’ll make your face have “an unblemished record”.
Y’see, the folks you’re about to meet have thoroughly researched the five most effective treatments for acne, and present them to you, along with the best online price (and a link to it!) for each one!
So, if you want to find the best for your skin, just click your mouse on the link to find the best and most effective acne treatments.
Believe me, your wallet and skin will thank you for it!

Well, that’s it for this round, but stay tuned, because I’ll have more in less than 24! Until then …
I’ll see ya on the flip side …

Fresh off their Viva La Vida success at the Grammys, Coldplay is gonna put their amazing sound to work at a very important fundraiser.

In fact, a huge selection of bands have agreed to take part in Sound Relief, two concerts benefiting victims of Australia’s recent and devastating bushfires, early next month.

Coldplay, Kings Of Leon and Jack Johnson are just some of the names signed up to appear in the concerts, to be held in Melbourne and Sydney on March 14. Organizers are hoping the twin concerts – labeled by some as “the single largest music concert event in Australia’s history” – will raise up to $5 million dollars.

100-per-cent of the money raised from the Melbourne show will go to the Red Cross bushfire appeal, while the Sydney proceeds will be split between the bushfire appeal and for victims of the Queensland floods.

Also set to appear are Kasey Chambers, Paul Kelly, Liam Finn, Split Enz and a reformed Midnight Oil and Icehouse.  Aussie legends Hunters and Collectors are also reforming for the concerts, with lead singer Mark Seymour telling the Herald Sun:
“The sheer magnitude of this tragedy has really hit home for all of us – how important it is to show that we care about the lives of fellow Australians, especially given that they suffered a tragedy that simply came about because they lived in a certain postcode. What’s happened to them could have happened to any of us.“

Country singer Chambers shared similar feelings about the tragedy that has claimed over 200 lives and left thousands homeless.

“You try and find the thing you can do,” she said. “I can’t put out fires, I can’t rebuild houses for people but I can use my position as a musician to raise some money and hopefully inspire people to find their thing that they can do. It’s a pretty proud day to be Australian to see all of us come together.”

Tickets are expected to cost $75 and will be available from Ticketek from March 4.

KEEPIN’ IT IN SHAPE

If there’s one thing I’ve learned from bein’ on the road — both as writer (today) and performer (yesterday) — it’s that you’ve gotta be in shape to keep up with the schedule!
Of course, that goes for any line of work.  And it goes without saying that a good exercise regimen does wonders for your overall health!
Now, the proper equipment is necessary — but, sometimes when you shop for those, the salesman will try to sell you on a lot of add-ons you really don’t need.
But, behind the link I’m gonna give in a moment, you can find exactly what you need, at prices you can afford, and with some great perks (like a special free-shipping offer as well as fantastic payment plans!).
Now, I’ve been into ellipticals and treads for quite awhile from these folks, and I can guarantee you’ll be satisfied with the results!
Okay … now that I’ve got your attention, just click on this link to shop for the best name in quality, effective and affordable exercise equipment. Believe me, your wallet … and your body … will thank you for it!

Well, that’s all from this end for now.  But stay tuned … there’s more in less than 24!  So, until then … see ya on the flip side!

Sounds like it, unfortunately …

Y’see, the official Nine Inch Nails website is insinuatin’ that the NINman himself, Trent Reznor’s, touring days may soon be retiring!

“I’ve been thinking for some time now it’s time to make NIN disappear for a while,” Reznor wrote in a posting.

But he’s evidently not makin’ it full-stop yet, because he’s got help of Jane’s Addiction for one last stand …

“The approach to these shows is quite different from last year – much more raw, spontaneous, and less scripted,” he wrote. “Fun for us and a different way for you to see us and wave goodbye, [so] I reached out to Jane’s to see if they’d want to join us across the U.S. and we all felt it could be a great thing.”

The gigs will likely honor the 20th anniversary of his landmark album, Pretty Hate Machine.

CHRISSIE HYNDE AIN’T PRETENDING

Chrissie Hynde has found a new calling as a social activist; she’s challenging that bastion of burgers, McDonald’s, to find more humane methods for killing their chickens! (Question: Is there such a thing as “humane killing”? Just wondered …

The Pretenders vocalist took to the streets alongside 20 of her fellow PETA members and protested outside a local Chicago McDonald’s (near their Oak Brook headquarters).

“McDonald’s means McCruelty as far as I’m concerned,” Hynde said. “On behalf of the billions of chickens who can’t speak for themselves, everyone should tell McDonald’s ‘We’re hatin’ it!’”

Now, I’m not gonna go into detail about what they do to get their McChickenStuff, but I’m all for Chrissie and PETA here; their methods would make Charlie Manson go “WHOA!! THAT ain’t RIGHT!!”

‘Sides, what’s wrong with a good veggie meal, anyway??

TRAVELLIN’ WITH SENSE

Y’know, no matter where you’re travelin’ these days, it’s always a sensible bet to have some solid insurance backin’ up your plans.  I think everybody knows that.
Ahhhh, but, with prices going higher and paychecks gettin’ lower, it seems that premiums are too expensive.
But there’s one link that I’m gonna give ya that’ll help you solve that problem, and make sure you’re covered — without takin’ a dent outta your wallet!
These folks’ll help you find affordable quotes on every aspect of your travel — including emergency evacuation (a big thing on fliers these days after the Hudson River rescue!), accidents, student travel and more!
So, if you’re plannin’ to ‘take to the air’ for any reason, find your travel insurance quote from the best place on the web — right behind that link ya just passed!
And have a safe and enjoyable trip in confidence!

Okay … gonna take another break here for station ID, but stay tuned; we’ll have more in less than 24.
See ya on the flip side …

Hey … remember when I toldja that J. D. Fortune had been fired from rockers INXS for (among other things) his cocaine use?

Well, the band denies it.  When he said that INXS had dropped him from the band and left him broke and homeless, INXS’s former manager and new label boss Chris Murphy set the record straight.

The Aussie rockers were going on a short break from touring, before planning to reconvene to write and record a new album with Fortune. Now it looks like JD’s TV meltdown (where he claimed he had been sacked from the band) has cost him that opportunity.

Speaking to the UK’s Daily Telegraph, Murphy said: “Not only are we shocked by the claims, even the place the supposed incident was to have taken place is a mystery to the band. The band has a new recording deal with my label and Fortune was about to be called. I guess I have no reason to call him now.”

Fortune, the replacement for the late Michael Hutchence, was the winner of a talent show contest to find a new INXS singer.  Unfortunately, he’s learned (or we hope he’s learned) one very important lesson.  Never bite the hand that feeds ya!
If he’d told the truth to start, rather than trying to garner the public’s sympathy, he wouldn’t have to worry about “being homeless” or whatever.  And, dude, if you’re really on cocaine, then put the blame for your situation where it belongs!  ‘Nuff said … let’s go on:

ALLMANS TO WEBCAST ANNIV. SHOW

The live performance will be web-casting the Allman Brothers Band’s 40th anniversary 15-date concert series. The concert is live from the Beacon Theatre in New York City and starts Monday, March 9, 2009.
Each three-hour concert has celebrity musicians in tribute to Duane Allman, the band’s original leader, who passed away in 1971.

The band is using Onstream’s pay-per-view commerce capabilities to charge a fee for individuals to view all 15 concerts live. The events will also be archived for subsequent playback and subscribers can replay any of the concerts for 6 months following the live event.

Tthe entire 15 show series at the Beacon Theatre is sold out. The on-line webcast is now the only way for Allman Brothers fans to experience the entire concert series.

Okay … that’s all for now, but stay tuned ’cause we’ll have more goodies in less than 24!  Until then …

see ya on the flip side!

Looks like a little “spice” has been added to Mel C, better known as one of the Spice Girls.
The singer, whose real name is Melanie Chisholm, gave birth to Scarlet Starr on Sunday morning. Both mother and baby, weighing 8lb 3oz, “are doing fine”, according to her spokeswoman.
The baby’s father is Thomas Starr, her partner of six years.

A message on her website said: “Melanie C gave birth to a beautiful little girl at 4.10pm on Sunday February 22. Both mum and baby are doing well.”

Sporty Spice, as she was known in the Spice Girls, is the last of the girl group to become a mother.
Victoria Beckham has three sons Brooklyn, Romeo and Cruz; Emma Bunton has a son called Beau; Melanie Brown has two daughter Phoenix Chi and Angel, while Geri Halliwell has a daughter named Bluebell.

In an interview last year before she announced her pregnancy, Mel C said: “I love kids and one of the best bits about touring with the Spice Girls this time round was getting to know everyone’s babies. I’m sure that babies will be part of my future.”

Mel C had arguably the most successful solo career of any of the Spice Girls. She released four albums, and recorded two number ones in 2000 with I Turn To You and Never Be the Same Again.

Although she expected to record a fifth solo album, the singer will take time out of her career to care for her daughter.

Okay … gonna take a few 60s off to get more work done, but I’ll see ya back here in less than 24!

Now, is this tellin’ us something we already know, or what?

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh found that 14 and 15 year olds who listened to songs featuring degrading references to sex were more likely to be sexually active.

The study, which involved more than 700 volunteers, found that exposing them to the explicit tunes doubled their likelihood of having sexual intercourse.  Brian Primack, who published the findings in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, said: “This study demonstrates that, among this sample of young adolescents, high exposure to lyrics describing degrading sex in popular music was independently associated with higher levels of sexual behavior.

In fact, exposure to lyrics describing degrading sex was one of the strongest associations with sexual activity… These results provide further support for the need for additional research and educational intervention in this area.”

Students reported the number of hours per day that they listen to music and their favorite musical artists. Through a detailed content analysis, the percentage was calculated of each artist’s most popular songs containing lyrics describing degrading sex.

An exposure score for lyrics describing degrading sex was then calculated by multiplying each student’s hours of music exposure by the percentage of his or her favorite artists’ songs that contain lyrics describing degrading sex. This was then compared to their sexual activity.

My question is: How do they know what a kid’s sexual activity is? More often than not, some youngsters (ages 14 - 15 especially) will overplay it in order to fit in with a certain clique.  But there are others who’ll underplay it in order to “play it safe” in the event a teacher or parent’s around.  At any rate, it’s very rare that a youngster will be completely truthful about it …

What do you think?  Drop me a line or leave a comment, okay? Is this study fair, or is it off by a few miles or so??

While ya look at the band on yer left, I’ve just gotta ask:
Re-minnnnnnd you of anyone?

Actually, the new foursome known as Tinted Windows, is a mix of Cheap Trick (Bun E. Carlos, far left), Smashing Pumpkins (James Iha), Fountains of Wayne (Adam Schlesinger, far right) and Hanson … in fact, the voice of Mmm-Bop itself, Taylor Hanson (yep … that Hanson!).

Now, their self-titled debut album, Tinted Windows, will make its appearance on April 21 through S-Curve.  As some critics have already noticed, it sounds more like a Hanson on Fountains record (or the Jonas Brothers with a Smashing Pumpkin). Either way, they do have a refreshing style …

Beyoncé has invited all her fans to create their own versions of her new “Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)” video clip for the official “Single Ladies” dance video contest.

Contestants should adhere precisely to the iconic “Single Ladies” dance routine performed by Beyonce and her two dancers in the original clip - no new choreography should be added.

The grand prize winner of the Beyonce’s “Single Ladies” dance video contest receives $2,500.00 (US) and have the winning video shown during Beyonce’s “I Am…” World Tour 2009.

Continue reading about Beyonce’s “Single Ladies” Dance Contest and Dereon.

Well, that’s about it for now, but stay tuned for more in just a few …

Got RelicMail from a reader in Toronto who wantsta know what TV programs are the equivalent of rock music.
Dude, I don’t wanna open a canadaworms here, but this que is gonna have more answers than Yesterday has covers! See, each one of us has our faves … but the Relic’s gonna clue ya in to the famous Rockaholic (TV) Diet: (btw, I weigh-in at a svelte 160, so it’s bound to work! )

Whose Line Is It, Anyway? has gotta top the list in comedy! The improv impishness of Drew Carey, Ryan Stiles, Colin Mochrie, Wayne Brady and guest comedians is total TV rock at its finest! You’ve got the liveliness, the spontaneity, a sometimes-irreverent attitude, creativity and delivery that every rocker knows is a “must-have”. Gotta see it on ABC Family channel (on varying weeknights, 10 PM EST). Or you can check it out on DVD at yer local vid store.

Craig Ferguson of the Late Show with … is definitely a shoo-in for most rockin’ talker! This dude is already one of us, ’cause he was drummer for Bastards from Hell (not to be confused with the former administration).

He’s witty, boyishly charming, animated and, just as the guys in Whose Line?, can be a bit irreverent. Now, he also has a lively way of Q&Aing his guests … and brings in some really decent acts from all genres to perform! Definitely a watcher, he’s on right after Letterman, for you insomniacs …

House has gotta top the charts as the coolest drama, thanx to the acting chops of star Hugh Laurie. I’ve been a fan of this dude since his old Fry and Laurie in Jolly Olde, but he’s been on-screen on both sides of the drink on many occasions! Again, we press the irreverent button, couplin’ it with wit, sarcasm … and a fickle finger to the hierarchy!
Outside his House, Laurie also is an excellent jazz pianist, runnin’ with his group, Band from TV (which, btw, had the top-selling album on Amazon recently.  It’s called Hoggin’ All The Covers, and is fantabulous!). Oh … didja know that, when he auditioned for House, he actually apologized for the way he looked? He thought it was for a bit part!
The show’s on Tuesday nights, 9 PM EST, on FOX.

Scrubs. Think Monkees, but without the music vids (well, sometimes …) and laughtrack, and you’ve got the concept. Now, they do hit on some “serious” for a few frames, but, even with that, it’s the liveliest, funniest and hippest hospital on the tube! (Oh … izzit just me, or does Zach Braff look like Ray Romano’s younger brother? And Sarah Chalke’s done an excellent job of de-Becky-fying herself from Roseanne!)

QUIZTIME!! (in other words, back to the ROCK!!) Back in 1968, Tommy James and the Shondells hit platinum with the powerhouse beat of Mony, Mony (covered, years later, by Billy Idol). Without lookin’ at yer notes (er, a website), class, can ya tell me where that name came from?
HEYYYY … a TWOoo-fer!! Where did the group, Steely Dan, get its name (hint: It ain’t ’cause they were from Indiana’s steel territory of Gary, either!)? And, for extra credit: Walter Becker and Donald Fagen were in an earlier band whose drummer became a successful comic. Who was he? (hint: He’s him, and you’re not!)

Well, that’s it for this go-’round, rockaholics! Until next time, remember:
Keep your eyes on the skies, your feet on the ground, your heart with the music … and I’ll see ya on the flip side ..

It was the ultimate in rags-to-riches stories for the new INXS lead singer, J. D. Fortune. He rose from living in his car to superstardom as their new vocalist on the VH1 reality TV show ‘Rockstar: INXS’ … but, as with so many of these situations, J.D. is right back where he started.

Speaking to Canada’s Entertainment Tonight, Fortune said: “I was in an airport (in) Hong Kong and literally got a handshake. They said, ‘Thank you very much.’ I found myself really alone because I had traveled with these guys for 23 months. I don’t know where I am going from sofa to sofa, from night to night. I am trying to get through my life.”

But he may have contributed to his own downfall when he admits that he developed a massive cocaine problem while with the band.

“It got as bad as it needed to be for me to numb out the fact that I knew this was going to come to a screeching halt,” Fortune said.

So where does this leave the band? Or Fortune??

For one thing, INXS — being an experienced band — should know that the best way to get a solid lead singer is to audition with the sincere effort to find just the right one.  If they’re holding televised auditions for ratings, or just to get their name back in the public eye; if their decision’s based on a televised audience’s reaction, then they oughtta know they’re doing it the wrong way! Private auditions can tell ya more about the person, ’cause that’s when the real individual comes out — not someone pancaked, prompted or primped!

As far as J.D. goes?  First, dry out and leave that !*@# ALONE!!  Cocaine is a LOSER, man!! I’ve had friends to die from just one toot way-back-when!
Then, earn your performing stripes!  Gig everywhere ya can, keep it clean, give the people what they wanna hear! It might take some time, but taking the easy road means a short stardom at best!

BUY-BUY … BUT WHERE??

Y’know, if we’re to believe the news reports, it’s getting harder to find good places to shop these days! Whether they’re cutting back on personnel or on inventory, the big stores just don’t work like they used to!
So where do you go now for top-quality merchandise and at prices you can afford; one that has magnificent weekly deals that always turns us on?
How about one that has better prices than the most well-known stores? Or one with free shipping?
Well … here it is!:
For the best in top-quality electronics, cameras, headsets, software, lighting and more, just click on the link I’m about to give you and check out their latest sale. Believe me, you’ll be more than glad ya did … and your wallet will be smiling from corner to corner!

Y’know, we’ve focused so much of our musical thoughts on the US and UK that, on occasion, we forget that other countries know how to rock, too!

And Sweden — known more for the ’70s single-hitters Blue Swede — seriously knows this business (incidentally, there’s a humongous contingent of FORE fans throughout their Scandinavian scenery!)

So this summer’s gonna bring the first Sweden Rock Festival to Sölvesborg from June 3 - 6 and, for all MB readers across the pond, it’s a line-up you won’t wanna miss!

HERE’S THE LINEUP

From Norway, Immortal (first ever gig in Sweden), Axident Avenue

From Sweden, Pain,  Hysteria (hey … who’da thought they’d name bands after my work?), Amon Amarth, In Flames, Europe, Hammerfall, Soilwork, Kebnekajse, Grand Magus, H.E.A.T, Bullet, Seventh Wonder, Torch, Enforcer, The Chair, Chains

From the UK: Blaze Bayley, Motörhead (UK and Sweden), Marillion, Demon

From the US: Helstar, Heaven & Hell (US and UK), ZZ Top, Twisted Sister, Foreigner, Johnny Winter Band, Lita Ford, Dream Theater, Riot, Blackfoot, The Tubes, Kamelot, Forbidden, The Outlaws, Flogging Molly, Jon Oliva’s Pain, Eric Sardinas

From Canada: Voivod, Thor, Tracenine
From Ireland: Stormzone
From Germany: Volbeat, Powderhog

From Turkey: Black Tooth
From Finland: Amberian Dawn
From Spain: Lujuria

Now, more than thirty bands will be added to this tremendous international line-up soon!  Without a doubt, this is gonna be a gig to remember (and, for all who can’t make it, I’ll BOLO for any CD news coming out of it!)!

For more information about tickets and the festival in general, just click on www.swedenrock.com. (Just remember: If you’re livin’ in the US or UK, be sure to click the small UK flag in the upper right so you can get an English translation of the page (it’s Swedish, y’know …)

Anyway, that’s it for this go-’round, so, until tomorrow night (a little earlier than now, though!) …
Keep yer eyes on the skies, yer feet on the ground, yer heart with the music …

and I’ll see ya on the flip side …

Awwww, rats!!  Billboard’s saying that Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne are puttin’ their annual Ozzfest festival on hold this year while Ozzy finishes up a new album… and makes appearances on the Osbourne family’s new ‘variety’ TV show.

His follow-up to 2007’s Black Rain should be out sometime this fall, and it’ll be co-produced by Osbourne with Kevin Churko.
Ozzfest’s only gig was in Frisco, Texas, last year, with appearances by Ozzy, Metallica, Serj Tankian, Korn’s Jonathan Davis and Sevendust.

DOWNLOAD UPLOADING!

Hey … the Download 2009 band list is growing!  Now Whitenake and Def Leppard have agreed to do the show as well! They now join Slipknot, Limp Bizkit, Orlando heavy metallers Trivium,  Mötley Crüe, Korn, Pendulum, The Prodigy, Devildriver and Dragonforce at the Festival, June 12-14, 2009.

Tickets for Download are on sale now from the Download Festival site. (You’ll have to buy yer own ear-plugs, though …)
Close to 100 bands are set to appear on this year’s bill. Weekend tickets cost £135.

U2 Doing A Five Night Residency For Letterman 

Billboard also reports that the iconic Irish band U2 will dig in to Ed Sullivan Theatre as musical guests of Late Night With David Letterman … and will be there every night for the week starting March 2nd.

Natch, with Leno going up an hour on NBC and O’Brien taking his place, you probably see why Dave is pulling out these heavy-hitters to offset the expected ratings slump.

TAKING A STAND

Have you ever settled in to watch a little TV — your drink and maybe some chips on the end table beside ya –
then have to get up and readjust the set so you could see the show?  Or get frustrated because it wasn’t sitting just right?
Well, ya don’t have to worry about that anymore.  By just clicking the link I’m about to give you, you’ll enter a world of the most beautiful stands and accessories imaginable … and there’s one that’ll fit your decor and needs perfectly!
Not only do they have the best selection of stands, mounts, entertainment centers and more, but they even have a $10-off price-match on selected items!
Their service is second-to-none, their selection fantastic, and you can order securely, without worry about anyone interfering!
S0unds good?  Then just click on the link that’ll take you to the best  tv stand for you!

Okay … that’s it for this edition.  But stay tuned, ’cause there’s more in 24 or less! 
Soooo … I’ll see ya on the flip side!

Singer Rod Stewart has just been announced as the headliner at London’s annual “not to be missed event,” the Butterfly Ball, this coming May to raise money for the Caudwell Children Charity.

The charity’s chief executive, Trudi Beswick, was extremely happy to learn that Rod had offered to play the gig:
“We are thrilled that Rod has confirmed as our headline act and that he has kindly donated his time to the charity.”

The yearly gala, formerly called Legends Ball, is only one of Caudwell Children’s fundraising methods, but it’s by far the most popular, attended by many celebrities and charity supporters. It’s also the most lucrative, raising £1.5 million last year.

In 2000, businessman John Caudwell created the charity to provide funds for vital medical treatments, therapies and specialized equipment for children in the UK, bypassing any administration costs.
According to the charity’s website, all management and administration expenses are paid for by Caudwell himself: “For every pound donated not one single penny is spent on overheads, salaries, rent, electricity, postage, stationary etc.”

Ms. Beswick says, “It is set to be an electrifying night, and the money raised will all go to support children who desperately need our help.”

Stewart — whose performances have been known to go for as high as one million pounds — has a definitive “soft spot” for the hospitalized children in the UK, and to donate his time and effort is very laudable.

DO FENCE ME IN …

No, it’s not a typo! In fact, with winter edging closer toward an end, a lot of folks are seriously thinking about fencing in their yards.
With nicer weather, you’ll wanna get out and enjoy it in the privacy and safety of your own backyard.
Now, many homeowners prefer aluminum fences because they’re (a) sturdier, (b) easier to maintain and (c) durable. The only problem they might face, though, is getting someone to give them a decent quote to get the job done correctly.
That’s where the link I’m about to give ya will come in handy! All you have to do, when you get to the page, is fill out a simple form, and you’ll receive price quotes from up to four suppliers! You’ll save time and money … and, best of all, the service is free!
So, go ahead … before Spring “springs” into view … and get the best quotes for your aluminum fence installation. You’ll be pleased with the results!

Me?? I’ll see ya in less than 24, on the flip side.

Ah, the Sixties!

With the present world in turmoil over situations as diverse as war in Iraq, increasing gas prices and which celebrity’s in rehab or  jail, we long for a return to those thrilling days of yesteryear.

It was certainly a simpler, more relaxing era for most Americans… at least until mid-decade, when a remarkable group of youngsters that soon became known as “longhairs,” “hippies” and “peaceniks” began appearing in American society.
Considered “freaks” by many in the older, often stodgy and hawkish, generation, they believed in such absurd ideas like peace, love and equality.

Sit-ins, peace rallies and even a Woodstock wouldn’t change the opinions of the “establishment”. But little did that generation know that the actions of these mid-1960s “freaks” would create a much better world for all of us here in the 21st Century..

To prove the point, we have to go back in time for a quick history lesson.  Now, we know the Beatles, the Byrds, Sonny and Cher, Righteous Brothers, Jimi Hendrix, and a zillion other musical talents marked the landscape of those years.

But who’d ever forget the great #1-with-a-bullet (or more) hit called VIETNAM? While the fighting and subsequent death toll seemed to escalate, there was no real strategy for lasting peace from either Washington or Saigon.

We were apprehensive about a foreign country having “the” bomb, and its apparent capacity to use it on us.  Various parts of the country sweated through near-famine heat waves, and New York City went powerless at one point.  Other areas were well-lit, but by fires started in the heat of racial violence and riots that seemed to be endless.  Parents wrestled with their kids about the dangers of “experimenting” with various drugs, but it seemed as if they were turning a deaf ear.  For many, the lure of the illegal street meds was just too strong.

But, just as it seemed that Washington had turned its back on the voice of mainstream America and we were heading for an enormous, collective breakdown in society, the youth of America showed its collective power.

From flower children to serious scholars, their voices helped to influence the end of the Vietnam War.  As they gathered together for philosophical lectures and rock concerts, one could see the beginning of voluntary racial integration. Whether living  in communes or small communities, they worked together to build houses, plant and harvest gardens and more. Their burgeoning interest in religion (Christian or not) influenced young and old alike to either look within or to the heavens for support and protection.  Through it all, the older generation still thought it all repulsive; how dare these young upstarts, with their long hair and peace symbols, to challenge what was happening in “their” America?

Today, the “old fogies”, for the most part, have passed on.  And these same “upstarts” – now part of an elite group known as “baby-boomers” – are working through the establishment they once spurned to bring an end to a not-so-different war.
They work side-by-side — Americans of all colors and creeds — as friends, associates and peaceful neighbors.  These same people act, often spontaneously, for the good of others, whether it’s helping to get someone’s car running or lending their hands to rebuild a city destroyed by a hurricane.  Their faith has passed the test of time and has spawned a number of today’s most dynamic evangelists and preachers.

They use the experience of their own past to teach their children and grandchildren the dangers of substance abuse, the wholesomeness of nature and the warmth felt by having a true fellowship with mankind, no matter what color or creed is represented.  They empathize, sympathize and counsel more readily and with more impact than their predecessors because that’s what they learned by true communion with each other.

Whether they’re in Congress, a seat of a local town council or just a voting citizen, they know that to listen to one’s conscience is the better way to handle things if that conscience is acted upon.  Gone are the days of siding with someone simply due to party affiliation or favoritism.  Thanks to them, this country has a fighting chance to shine, once again, on the world stage – and bring peace, once more, to its people.

And that’s pretty good for what was once considered a bunch of “long-haired” freaks, right?

Man, I am totally B-Side myself about my mates,  The Fore’s explosion onto i-net and terra radio.  Seems like everybody wants their new CD and …
(ummm … waitaminnit. B-side myself?? That’d mean there’d be two of me. WHOA! Scary thought, America! Ummm … let’s move on)

But talkin’ about “B” sides brings back mems of some of rock’s coolest sounds, unplayed because so many jocks were too lazy to flip the vinyl over and give a listen!  It’s sad (snif!) that these poor, underfed li’l orphans went unnoticed, scratchin’ at the back door, shiverin’ from the drenchin’ rain that was rock (WOW! I could be a writer someday!!).

These cats missed songs like Ben Franklin’s Almanac, which was the flip side of the Cryan Shames’ awesome cover of Sugar and Spice. It had a heavy beat for the time, and the lyrics, while simple (”Inside out, how I feel, far and near, can’t be real”), would stick in your mind for centuries.
Another group had a one-hit charter with a song that was written to motivate its members. “We Ain’t Got Nothin’ Yet” by the Blues Magoos was backed with “Gotta Get Away”, which was a musical strike for personal freedom.

Natch, we had some novelty flippers as well. Consider Napoleon XIV’s They’re Coming To Take Me Away, Ha-Haaaa! – played backward on side 2. Now, remember when the buzz was that reverse-playing hid messages from Satan? (Hell … my ex never even made a record!) Wonder what Jerry Samuels (aka XIV) had to say on his “B” side?

A few extraquickers and mentions: One of the best harmonicas in an early rocker belonged to Ol’ Sol, the flip side of the DC5’s Everybody Knows.
But if you just friggin’ wanna feel totally good, ya just gotta flip Let It Be over and get into You Know My Name, Look Up The Number (GOD, I love WordPress’s italic button!).

And the B-side of Help! — a down-and-dirty rocker called I’m Down, was actually cleaned up before bein’ released here in the states.  In Jolly Olde, Paul was told “keep your hands to yourself.” Here, he’s hadta keep his “hearts” to himself.
Weird censorship back then, huh?
Hey, listen … what were some of your favorite “B” sides? Lemme know, and I’ll list ‘em on a future post, okay?

Now …(as I’ve been known to thrown these in every once-in-awhile), it’s QUIZTIME: The music of Credence Clearwater Revival has a staying power better than a fresh application of Crazy Glue on onionskin paper!  Of their hits, Lookin’ Out My Back Door had a guitar solo influenced by a national anthem.  (Incidentally, Fogerty built the song’s tune around it.) Which country’s was it?

Well, that’s it from this side of the trax. But stay tuned … there’s gonna be more in about 24!  So, until then, remember to

keep your eyes on the skies, your feet on the ground, your heart with the music … and I’ll see ya on the  the flip side!

One of the Relic’s closest compadres was the late, great TV teen-show legend, Lloyd Thaxton. Annnnnd one of my all-time fave groups was Jim (now Roger), Mike, Gene, Chris and David — collectively known as The Byrds.

Okay … so what do these two have in common?  Now, remember: those dudes loved to play it loud and live.  And Lloyd had a teen show that was (if y’all recall …) in a slightly-bigger-than-a-breadbox studio, so … Wait a minnit.  Here’s how the Man himself told me about it, in his own write. It’s wild:

“As you know, most artists did lip-syncs to their songs on the show. It was easier than carrying loads of equipment around with them from show to show.
However, the Byrds didn’t know how to lip-sync and wanted to do their song live.  Now, doing a song “live” on the show was difficult. Our show was live itself and being as we only had one stage (dance floor), we had limited time to set up a full band with all of their electronics. Actually we had to do it all during a two minute commercial break.

Now live, set-up means (1) Clearing the stage of all the teen participants. (2) placement of the act on platforms (3) setting up the HUGE speakers (4) Doing a sound check for the audio person in the TV booth. During the two-minute break everything was going well until I noticed that all the group’s amps were turned full UP.
The Byrds looked like reasonable people so I told them it would be better if they turned the volume down. I said that this was not a auditorium but a small TV studio and their amps at full volume would overload our system, blow out the kid’s ears and either knock us off the air or, in the least, make them sound over modulated and, to put it more simply, “AWFUL.”

After a few, “But Man, we gotta have loud man,” and “We won’t be able to hear it Man,” I did convince them that it would be to their best interests to ‘TURN THE F——- VOLUME DOWN!!!!’ Sheepishly they complied. By that time the two minutes were up, we were back on the air and everyone was ready. I picked up my mike and said, “And here they are … THE BYRDS!”

At that point each musician turned to their amps and cranked them up full volume and away they went. I looked up at the engineer in the booth and saw his hair standing straight up. The show was live and I’ve always wondered how it sounded. You (speakin’ of yours truly) wrote, ‘It was when I decided to make music on my own … man,’ So I guess it turned out pretty darn good after all.”

Groovy, huh?  Lloyd, crew and kids survived … and the sound came through the tubes like a dream!

Okay …  here comes a question I wantcha to answer: Which major rock star had a song he originally called Jesus Saves? First one who gets it’ll be mentioned in an upcoming post. If no one gets it, I’ll give ya the answer in about a week (c’monnnnnn … you c’n do it!)

Well, that’s it for this go-’round. Til 24 hours from now, remember to keep your eyes on the skies, your feet on the ground, your heart with the music … and I’ll see ya on the flip side!