Music Bender

Being from Kentucky (for the time being), I’d heard of Cage The Elephants long before they made last night’s appearance on The Late Show with David Letterman. And I’m still not impressed!

Their song, Ain’t No Rest For The Wicked, is not only choppy, but the title’s even a misquote (the correct quote is “Ain’t no rest for the weary”. But we can overlook that, because it’s a common misquote)!

Beyond the music, lead singer Matt Shultz jumped around in a way that was more like a twelve year old pretending to be a rock star; if ya look at heroes like Steven Tyler and even early Mick Jagger, you’ll at least see synchronized histrionics (in time to the beat, and done to emphasize part of the song). The fact that the rest of the band were rather sedate didn’t add much; he stuck out like a sort thumb!

And then there was guitarist Lincoln Parish, who looked … well, like he had some kind of problem that kept him from straightening up. Now, I know any guitar that’s fashioned after a dobro is gonna be hard to play — but this guy looked like he was missing something …
But we’ll have to wait and see if, in the long run, they straighten those areas out …

UNKNOWN SONS OF DIFFERENT FATHERS

By now, the world’s heard about Michael Jackson’s allegedly long-lost son, Omer Bhatti (aka rapper O-Bee). It seems that more proof is coming in proving that he is the late King of Pop’s son.
Even Michael’s strange pop, Joe Jackson, said that O-Bee is the son of the Gloved One. The fact that he was sitting beside Jackson’s sister, Rebbie, at the memorial service only added fuel to the fire!
Personally, I don’t see any problem with this.

But what I do see as a problem is the familial rejection of young Christopher Cyrus.
Here’s a guy who actually wants the approval of his famous dad, Billy Ray and half-sister Miley, but doesn’t get it (he was the product of an affair his father had in S.C. in 1991).
Personally, I think it’s time for Billy Ray to put away any animosity, ‘fess up and accept this youngster into his family. Anybody out there … can I get an amen??

Whaddya think about this idea, yardbirds?

SongVest has partnered with writer Preston Glass to offer bidders 25% of his writer’s share for his hit songs “We Don’t Have To Take Our Clothes Off” and “Miss You Like Crazy”.

In addition to sharing in the royalties, the highest bidders will also receive one-of-a-kind platinum album awards plaques featuring handwritten and signed lyrics.

Glass says, “As a songwriter, sharing my songs with people is always a great thrill. But I can think of no deeper fan connection than sharing the benefits of ownership as well. It’s a mutually rewarding opportunity,”

Over the past three years, SongVest has offered music fans, collectors, and investors the unique opportunity to share the royalties with the writers of their favorite music.
Past auctions have included the rights to songs recorded by Aerosmith, Bon Jovi, Carrie Underwood, Ringo Starr, Ozzy Osbourne, and The Monkees.

The auction will begin at 3PM EST on Saturday, August 15 and end at 3PM EST on Saturday, August 22. Fans can register now at http://www.songvest.com to learn more about the revenue history for each song and get a glimpse behind the scenes at how and why the songs were written.

The Grammy Foundation and MusiCares are asking teen fans to take part in a new charity auction that can benefit their high school music programs.

You can bid on items like: original artwork and photos from Taylor Swift and Paris Hilton, signed postcards from Kanye West and Stevie Wonder, and actual guitars signed by Depeche Mode, John Mayer, Tom Petty and Sheryl Crow.

The GRAMMY Foundation makes it possible to show others how our culture is impacted by music, and does it through music education programs, scholarships and grants. MusiCares, on the other hand, provides a safety net of critical financial assistance and services for music people in times of need.

You’ll also have the opportunity to pick up hoodies signed by the Jonas Brothers, a T shirt signed by Iggy Pop, and items from Coldplay, Maroon 5, Joe Satriani, the Dave Matthews Band, Slash, Alice Cooper, Jennifer Lopez, Jennifer Hudson, Neil Diamond, 3 Doors Down, John Legend, Jason Mraz, U2, Melissa Etheridge, Green Day and many more.

The auction runs until July 31 and can be accessed here.

AC/DC frontman Brian Johnson (who looks like he’s about to sneeze in this photo!) says that he’s been considering retirement (he’s 61), but that the band won’t let him!

With the band just halfway through a 21-month Black Ice, he now says the band are even thinking of extending the tour into summer 2010, with outdoor shows in the UK.

“We were talking about the end of the tour and I said: ‘We’re finishing in May and that’s me done!’ But Malcolm [Young, rhythm guitarist] said: ‘What are you talkin’ about? We’re not gonna let you retire!’ And now they’re talking about next year. I’m going: ‘What do you mean next year? We’re finishing in May in Japan, I’ll be tired!’ And they said: ‘Well, we’ve been offered some festivals…’”

Johnson, whose autobiography, Rockers And Rollers, comes out in October, says he wants to devote more of his time to his auto racing. “The years are flashing past and I don’t wanna be sitting in hotel rooms. I wanna go racing again!”

But the huge success of the Black Ice tour has put these plans on hold. “We just keep selling tickets and I’m just going, Jesus Christ!”

Johnson says that he remains fully committed to AC/DC, but says: “It’s a tough one. It’s not me – it’s just my age. I try to keep myself fit, and I love it being in this band. But it’s not just me – Cliff [Williams, bassist] is knocking on a bit more than the others. The other lads are in their early 50s. I’m the old dog in the regiment.

“It’s a purely selfish thing. I don’t want to look a prat if I try to push it too far. I don’t want for people to see me on stage and say, ‘Oh, poor old f****r, the band’s carrying him!’”

But AC/DC fans don’t have anything to worry about at the moment. Right now, Johnson says he’s feeling as good as ever, and enjoying every moment on stage.
“We’ve been out on the road since September [2008], but it never gets boring. They’re just the best rock band, and just to listen to them every night, it gets me. Every time they kick in, you think, What the f***! You’re on again and you’re thinking, ‘This is ridiculous! I’m still grooving!’”

Y’know, it’s great to read something positive about rock music — especially when the “harder” bands are gettin’ such a “bum’s rush” in the mainstream media. For example:

A young rock fan in England had his dream come true when he met the legendary rockers, AC/DC, thanks to the UK Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Six-year-old Hendrix of Walsall, West Midlands, has Acute Monocytic Leukemia and has been a BIG fan of the famous rockers since the age of three, when he had to have a major bone marrow transplant. Believe it or not, AC/DC’s music was the only thing that would calm him and help him sleep!

As well as watching the band’s show in Wembley (from a VIP box, no less), the youngster was escorted backstage where band members Brian Johnson, Angus Young, Malcolm Young, Phill Rudd and Cliff Williams gave him a goodie bag and his very own miniature guitar, signed by all the band members!

“Tonight has been fantastic for Hendrix and just to see him so happy means everything,” his father said. “He has met his heroes and this will be something he will never forget. Thank you so much for making his wish come true.”

You’ll find many in our field who are busy with charitable or benevolent causes today — namely, because, as a genre, we know the benefits will only help the human condition — one that we, not so long ago (think Sixties here) had such a hard time with.

So kudos to Brian, Mal and the band for their kind work. Having lost a young friend years ago to the disease, I can guarantee that what they did for this lad helped him more than a hundred doctor visits!

THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE …

Obviously, the last word is “Home”.  Wherever we go in this world — whether on business trips, college, military service or simple vacations — we always look forward to getting back to the comfort and safety of home.
But what happens if your home is hit by some kind of disaster?  Is it insured in the event of a loss?  So many homeowners put insurance on a “back-burner” because they think it’s too expensive. 
Of course, it’ll cost you a lot more should anything happen to your residence.  But, to help you find the best home insurance quote, all you have to do is click the link you just passed. These folks will help you find multiple quotes — and do it fast, so you can save time and money. They’ll even give you tips on how much coverage you’ll need.
Protect the investment that’s called “home”, and click there now, okay??
It’s the smart thing to do!

First, I’ve gotta share this with ya:

Now, you’ve heard … er, read … me talk about the fab new UK band, The Fore, and many of you have become great fans of the foresome.
Well, they’ve now been nominated IRM Best Independent Artist of 2009! And all it takes to get them on top is your vote for them to win!
Here’s how ya do it:

Click on this link, select “Rate this song” or “Become a Fan” or, better yet, both! Rating the song gives the artist a point, while becoming a fan gives the artist FIVE points!

Become a fan of the fore by clicking here! It won’t take but a minute … and you can listen to their music while you’re voting for them!

NOW … TO OTHER THINGS

Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band have added some new dates to their Working on a Dream tour, which starts late next month with three shows at the Comcast Theater in Hartford, Conn.

Now, in addition to other U.S. dates already set, they’re adding performances in Nashville, Tenn.
Tampa, Fla.
Sunrise, Fla.
Greenville, S.C.
Chicago. Ill.
Philadelphia, Pa.
St. Louis, Mo.
Kansas City, Mo.
Washington, D.C.
Charlotte, N.C.
New York, N.Y.
Cleveland, Ohio
Auburn Hills, Mich.
Milwaukee, Wisc.

So, if you’re around any of these areas, be sure to take in “The Boss” … ’cause you’re guaranteed an excellent show you won’t soon forget …

Bruth-uhs an’ Sisss-tuhhhs, they’s POWWWW-uhhhh in th’ MEWWWW-zikkk!! Howl-lay-loo-yuh!! (ahem … okay, so much for my preacher impersonation. Now ya see why I’m a writer …)

Hey … it’s true! Sixties rock — especially that which hit our shores from the “British Invasion” — carried with it an amazing ability to heal! (hmph … wish my dog would learn tha … oh. That’s “heel”, right? Sorry.)

Y’see, many of the early hits had a definitive rhythmic “bounce” to them. They were danceable, to be sure … but also easy to keep time with. This, according to psychologists, helped improve physical biorhythm. And the harmony helped add substance to the song, thus their listenability.
It caught the listener’s concentrated attention as well (for example, one of the reasons the Vanity Fare hit, Hitchin’ A Ride, was so popular is that kids were listening for the one note that was offkey at the end of each verse of the chorus).

Largely, harmony can evoke intense feelings, depending upon the song: romance, sadness, happiness and courage. But the hook of the song is what would get the song into the subconscious, where the listener would hear it over and over. (In fact, Over and Over is also an example! But the greatest of the time, obviously, was the Beatles’ She Loves You.)
And, if the song is something that’s lively, happy and is embedded there, then it can help fans out of any “blues” they feel.

Now … going to the instrumental side for a moment: Early bands were sometimes inspired by the lower-four-string style of American guitarist Duane Eddy. The deeper sounds are often considered physically therapeutic as well as emotionally.

KEEPING IT CLEAN

With recent medical news broadcasts stressing the importance of colon health, much of America is beginning to see that its cleansing provides some great long-term results as well as ward off the fear of cancer in that region.
The only problem we face, in fact, is finding the best cleanser to use. Many stores (from department to pharmacies) will carry different items and brands, and we can easily become confused as to their effectiveness.
But there’s one spot on the web that’ll review the best colon cleansers on the market today, and all so you’ll feel more at-ease when choosing one! They research cleansing power, ingredients, benefits, value, customer reviews and more. In fact, they even give you a “heads-up” about the “free-trial” scams that end up doing more harm than good.
So, for the peace-of-mind you deserve, click on that link you just passed and compare the top colon-cleansing products — then you can choose and use the best with confidence!

Now … that’s all the time we have for this post,  but check back in about 24 or so for more on the “Healing Power of ClassicRock” and other tidbits. Until then, 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’s official!  Sir Paul McCartney will be returning to the Ed Sullivan Theater this Wednesday to guest on The Late Show with David Letterman!

Now, all I can tell you is that he’ll be doing the usual interview then a performance — presumably a cut from his new-ish album, Electric Arguments.

But don’t put it past Macca to run through one of the Fab Four hits, or maybe even one from his Wings days.

The interview occurs just two days before his month-long “mini-tour” begins (three sold-out shows in NY’s Citi Field, then on to Landover, Md., Boston, Mass., Atlanta, Ga., Tulsa, Okla and Arlington, Texas.

Incidentally, Paul was not mad at Michael Jackson for outbidding him on The Beatles’ musical catalogue.  Here’s his views on it:

“Some time ago, the media came up with the idea that Michael Jackson was going to leave his share in the Beatles songs to me in his will which was completely made up and something I didn’t believe for a second.
Now the report is that I am devastated to find that he didn’t leave the songs to me. This is completely untrue.”

So now you know!! And I wouldn’t be surprised if Macca were to touch on Jackson’s recent death during the Letterman interview.   Nonetheless, this will definitely be “must-watch TV” for millions of Sir Paul’s fans (and, with school still out, it’ll be a great way to introduce your youngster to one of the living legends of rock!).

THESE SHOES WERE MEANT FOR WALKIN’

As a man who loves to walk (I put in seven to ten miles a day!), I can tell you that you need some really sturdy, comfortable footwear when you’re out there on the pavement or trail.
Now, if you’re tired of looking through mounds of shoes at a local department stores, just to find them ill-fitting or too high-priced, here’s a fantastic way of finding just the right pair for you — and at prices you’ll smile about!
When you click on the link I’m about to give you, you’ll find a store that specializes in creating the finest and most attractive footwear to work with the natural form of your foot!
You can choose from selections for both men and women (and also accessories!), and even customize your search results with their special drop-down menu!
But that’s not all! If your order comes to over $59.98 (still a great deal!), your order is shipped free!
So, for the best in Naot shoes (where nature meets nuturing), just click on that link now!
Your feet are really gonna thank you for it!

Hey … remember a few days back, when Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Tex., and no relation that I know of) introed a House Resolution in Congress to honor Michael Jackson?
At the memorial service, she showed the plaque and received a resounding standing ovation for her effort.

Well, according to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, it ain’t gonna happen.

The wide-eyed wonder of the House said that debate on the symbolic measure could raise “contrary views” about the pop star’s life.

Lawmakers are free to use House speeches “to express their sympathy or their praise any time that they wish,” she said. “I don’t think it’s necessary for us to have a resolution. A resolution, I think, would open up to contrary views … that are not necessary at this time to be expressed in association with a resolution whose purpose is quite different.”

Of course, you’ve got racist jerks like “Rep.” Peter King (Representative?? of what?? Of who?? Whatever he “represents”, I don’t wanna part of it …) who says he’ll “fight” the measure (Yoooo-hoooo … Mr. Rep. Kinnnnnnnnk? Didja happen, like, to read it’s, ummm, not gonna be presented?? Or aren’t ya listeninno,Ithoughtnot …)

Fortunately, Rep. Lee is going to try and re-introduce it again soon (sheesh! Come on, guys and gals … it’s not a law we’re talkin’ about here!! What’s the problem??).

Let’s hope she succeeds this time (reckon we oughtta write/call/see our own Congresspeople and push for it?? Whaddya think, yardbirds??).

Every so often, I get a chance to do some voiceovers or mixing (these are gigs I had prior to bein’ a writer. [Sigh! Anything to keep others from seein' my face, huh?])

Now, as you probably know, there’s a lot of recording software traveling down the info superhighway … and many of ‘em are pretty good.
But … what if you could get an app that’d give you the professional results you want — and was free?

I most recently used Audacity 1.2.6 to record some promos for The Fore radio interview, and the result is outstanding!

Not only does it have everything you need to record/mix/fade your music or voice, but you also have fantastic effects, speed change without losing tempo, envelopes and much more! You can also save your final production as .wav file or export it as an .mp3!

Hey … why not test-drive it now, and send me a shout-out to tell me whatcha think?

AN AMAZING TALENT …

Yardbirds, after watching Michael Jackson’s memorial service (a very respectful tribute! Who could watch [especially] the last of it [when his daughter, Paris, gave her tribute] and not cry?), I have to say I’m really amazed by young Shaheen Jafargholi.
This 12-year-old from the UK has an amazing set of vocal cords … and a heart that’s just as golden! Not only did he perform Who’s Loving You? to soulful perfection, but his devotion to MJ and sadness over his passing was obviously evident.
There’s a great future ahead for this youngster, should he decide to pursue a full-fledged singing career! And his appearance at the memorial only made it the more special, because you saw, first-hand, the effect that “The Gloved One” had on a new generation.

Hey … remember an album by the famed rock ensemble, KISS, called Rock And Roll Over?
Well, now the band have their very own Rock And Roll Odor – and you can get it for just £4.99!

Yep … they’ve gone into the fragrance business by marketing two new scents, titled KISS Him and KISS Her (hey … their name fits the product, so why not?).

You can buy it online here in the states (could cost ya up to about thirty-five bucks), but the best price so far is at The Perfume Shop, which has over 170 stores across the UK and the Republic of Ireland.
In England, each fragrance is normally £26, but the Shop has cut the price to just £4.99! That means you can buy both fragrances for under ten pounds (minus the VAT, natch!).

The KISS Him Cologne Spray (pictured) is, according to its promo, “spicy-warm, oriental, distinctive, boldly masculine and lasting”. And get this — it’s packaged in a shiny black patent leather box, embossed with KISS graphics and the KISS logo in flames (guess it means “heat” and “passion”).

The KISS Her Eau De Toilette Spray (who comes up with these fancy names, anyway?) is said to be “succulent, wild… it entices and seduces like a high-energy, forbidden aphrodisiac”. (oookayyy … but ya don’t drink it, right??)

Y’know, it kinda makes ya wonder what these guys are gonna do next! Already, they’ve got hit records, comics, all kinds of merchandise, and Gene’s got a reality show and now his own record company. Of course, there’s also their live shows, which, IMHO, are yet to be beaten!

Pretty good for some boys from New York who just wanted to start a band years ago …

If there’s any video that Michael Jackson left us that we actually NEED to watch, I believe it’s to his Earth Song (from his HISTORY CD).
Man, see if this doesn’t hit ya right in the heart:

‘Nuff said, right?

Hey … you can celebrate ‘Def Leppard Day’ today … if you’re in Hamburg, New York, anyway.

The town board voted unanimously this past Monday to officially designate the day to honor one of the world’s greatest hard rock bands (my source actually said “80’s”, but, since they’re still rockin’ and have hit the charts again with country star Taylor Swift [don't tell me ya missed their knockout performance on the CMT Awards recently!], don’t stick these guys into just one era!).

Band members Phil Collen and Rick Savage are gonna be signing autographs at a local music store before playing a gig at the town’s Darian Lake Performing Arts Center.

The store’s owner is proud to have the band making an appearance at his shop, the only of this kind they are making on their current tour (see??), he told Buffalo News, “This is an important band. This isn’t the blown-out rocker tour!”

ANOTHER ENTERS MUSIC HEAVEN

With the world still in shock over superstar Michael Jackson’s death (… er, if you have … problems finding anything about it, just click here), we overlooked the fact that another rock star has taken the (hopefully) upward trip.

Sky Saxon (real name: Richard Marsh), bassist and lead singer of the Seeds, died yesterday in an Austin, Texas hospital, where he went for an apparent internal infection on Monday.

While the group is remembered for the hits “Pushin’ Too Hard” and “Can’t Seem To Make You Mine” (both in 1967) it’s the latter one that’s recently been used in a television commercial.
Sky (who later lengthened his alias to Sky Sunlight Saxon) broke up the band and joined a spiritual commune in 1970, but always kept close to his music. He appeared in a Smashing Pumpkins video and performed with his group, Shapes Have Fangs, just last Saturday. RIP, Skyman …

Well, that’s all for this round. Until later this evening … see ya on the flip side!

WOW!! If you haven’t gotten yer mitts on the book, To Live Is To Die: The Life & Death Of Metallica’s Cliff Burton, you oughtta order it from Metallica’s official web site now!

Written by the UK’s Classic Rock Magazine’s Joel McIver with help from the band’s Kirk Hammett, the book not only takes you through Cliff’s life and terribly tragic death, but will evoke all kinds of emotions in ya!
Simply put, these collaborators put together one helluva read!
“I’m deeply honored that Kirk spoke to me for the Cliff Burton biography,” McIver said. “We talked about the rollercoaster ride of Metallica’s early career which he and Cliff experienced, from the time that both men joined the band in early 1983 until Cliff’s death three and a half years later. The impact that Burton had on the rest of Metallica, both musically and as an example of how to stick to your principles in the music industry, was profound — and Kirk provided a perspective on that impact which couldn’t have come from anywhere else.”

The book is also available now in good book stores! My suggestion? GET IT!! It’s worth the (not-bad) price … and more …

SONISPHERE OLD SCHOOL

Speaking of Metallica: They’re goin’ “old-school” in their upcoming Sonisphere gig — meaning, you’ll hear the revitalized band tear through their material (including yer favorites) with the same raw, reckless and kick-ass abandon they became famous for!

I mean, check out their set-list for the August 1/2 show in Knebworth (Hertfordshire, England):

Blackened
Creeping Death
Holier Than Thou
Harvester Of Sorrow
One
Broken, Beat And Scarred
Cyanide
Sad But True
Welcome Home (Sanitarium)
The Judas Kiss
The Day That Never Comes
Master Of Puppets
Dyers Eve
Nothing Else Matters
Enter Sandman
(TBD)
Stone Cold Crazy
Phantom Lord
Seek and Destroy

Listen … since James, Lars, Kirk and Robert have their chops back, take a definite shot at gettin’ to one of their concerts! You’re in for one helluva serious night of rock!

Look … I know we’re not startin’ off with rock this time, but the following is so good I just had to include it:

92-year-old screen legend Kirk Douglas has been behind a long-running campaign for Congress to apologize to African-Americans for our history of slavery.
Earlier, he wrote on his MySpace® page (yes, he does have one of those!): “As I told you quite some time ago, in my last book Let’s Face It, I wrote about the importance of our country showing the world that we are capable of humility by making an apology for our behavior towards African-Americans before and after the Civil War. I think this action is more important right now.”

Well, it finally happened! The apology received from the Senate reads that it: “acknowledges the fundamental injustice, cruelty, brutality, and inhumanity of slavery and Jim Crow laws,” and “apologizes to African-Americans on behalf of the people of the United States, for the wrongs committed against them and their ancestors who suffered under slavery and Jim Crow laws. [The US] expresses its recommitment to the principle that all people are created equal and endowed with inalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, and calls on all people of the United States to work toward eliminating racial prejudices, injustices, and discrimination from our society.”

Now, brothers and sisters, that, by itself, makes a helluva post, don’tcha think?? But wait … here’s another item:

JOEY’S BIRTHDAY PRESENT

Aerosmith drummer Joey Kramer (who turned 59 on Sunday), hosted a different kind of birthday party – he invited 20 wounded warriors to be his personal guests at the band’s show that night at Nissan Pavilion in Bristow, VA, near Washington, DC.

“I can’t think of a better gift to receive on my birthday than to have the privilege of sharing a night of our music with these brave and heroic warriors who have been wounded in the service of our country,” he said.

The Marines and sailors attended the show – which also featured ZZ Top – all served in conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan and are patients at the National Naval Medical Center. Some are single leg amputees; others have suffered blast injuries, burns, and traumatic brain injuries.

Kramer has also just written a book about his experiences with the band and his struggle with depression. Hit Hard – due in stores on June 30 – is “the story of an average kid from an average American suburb who went through physical and emotional trauma. It’s about years of depression and the nervous breakdown at the height of the band’s comeback success. Ultimately, Hit Hard is about how Joey recognized his confusion between love and abuse, awakening to the kind of self-acceptance and compassion that makes relationships possible in the real world.”

To find out more about the book, visit his official website.