Music Bender

If you haven’t heard this duo, you’re really missing …
wait a minnit …
isn’t … isn’t one of them …???

Yep!  It’s actor/writer/guitarist/singer Kevin Bacon (uh-huh … he of famed loose feet in Footloose) and his harmonic brother, Michael. 

They’re a great folk-rock act (accompanied by Paul Guzzone, Charlie Giordano, Frank Vilardi and Ira Siegel in their backing band) that’s definitely catching on — not necessarily because Kevin’s a “star”, but because their act (a mix of humor and some of the best harmonies this side of Simon and Garfunkel) is that good!!

And, on Saturday, they
joined about 100 other people in hiking to the top of Colorado’s Pikes Peak to raise money for the Love Hope Strength Foundation cancer charity.

After paying a fifty-buck entrance fee, eacn one raised $1,000 or more in donations so they could take part in the climb. When they reached the top, they were treated to a special concert by Kevin and Michael.

Foundation Director Shannon Foley said, “This is not a race, this is to enjoy. (It’s) for all people who have been diagnosed with cancer. Take it slow. Enjoy the hike.”

Now, the Brothers had to get a puff of oxygen before beginning their set at the top of the 14,110-foot peak, but, at that height, it’s expected.

“It’s one of the hardest things I’ve ever done physically,” said Kevin remarked. “The hike is inspirational, a combination of playing music and altitude.”

True … but there’s one thing that Kevin left out that both brothers exhibit … it helped them in the climb but is a definite in their shows: ATTITUDE! No matter how ya feel when you take in their shows, you always leave feelin’ great! It’s because their attitude’s contagious!

Listen … until their site’s revamped and ready-to-ride, how about checkin’ out the guys at their <\/script>"); } //OBEND:do_NOT_remove_this_comment //-->

One of my favorite tunes by any duo has to be I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles) by the Scottish tandem called The Proclaimers.

And today, they’re showing their support (you’ll see it’s a double-entendre in a moment) for a major charity event this weekend by appearing on … a bra (seee?).

The duo of Chris and Charlie Reid have had their caricatures drawn onto both cups of the bra, thanks to cartoonist Malky McCormick. It’ll then be auctioned at the Edinburgh Moonwalk tonight.

For those who don’t know, the Edinburgh Moonwalk is part of a series of walks being held around Britain to raise money for breast cancer research. It’s organized by a charity called Walk The Walk and features women and men walking while wearing bras! So far, it’s raised over £48 million for vital breast cancer causes.
Since its beginning thirteen years ago — and with a patron in the form of Prince Charles — the charity has donated its proceeds to Breakthrough Breast Cancer and other organizations.

“We could never say no to helping a charity like this,” said Chris. “Every family has been touched by cancer, so we were only happy to do something. Even though Malky has drawn us as caricatures we are flattered by out portrayal – we have seen the drawings he has done of other people!”

Tonight’s Edinburgh Moonwalk will see 10,000 people pound the streets of the Scottish capital in their decorated bras to raise money for the cause.

“It’s a shame we can’t do the walk,” said Charlie Reid. “I am very interested in doing it in the future – possibly next year.”

With breast-cancer awareness being one of the hottest (and most important) topics on both sides of the Atlantic, the fundraiser should be very successful. Thanks to organizations like this — and with the help of musical celebs like The Proclaimers, it’s possible that, sometime in the near future, we might find a cure for this disease.

To find out more about the Moonwalks, visit the official Walk The Walk website.

COINING AN INVESTMENT

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That’s where Monaco Rare Coin comes in. They’re not only the leader in rare coin investments, but they help you in every step of the investment procedure. Their courteous, trained staff will also help you find the top value of your rare coins!
So, whether you want to invest in or collect rare coins, it makes sense to go to the pros who’ve had nearly 40 years’ successful investing and trading in precious metals and rare coins!
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Ahhh, yes … memories …

This is probably the biggest difference between classic and oldies rock. Here’s why:

Most of us can name at least three hit songs (and possibly recite part of the lyrics) and the lineup of Led Zeppelin, the Rolling Stones or The Beatles. We can tell (without lookin’ at a book or web article) the story of Janis Joplin (and name a few of her hits) as well as Tina Turner.

Now … can we do the same with Hoobastank? Alice In Chains? Smashing Pumpkins? How about Pink? Fergie?

See my point? As great as these acts are (and I’m particularly fond of AIC and Black-Eyed Peas), they just don’t have the intergenerational impact that these others did.
Awww, it’s not that they haven’t had as much time in the trenches. It’s that, most importantly, they don’t reach deep enough to hit the soul of the listeners! They get onstage, play some great stuff — but how much of it do they really feel … and get across to their fans?
Yardbirds, that’s the main difference! You can remember your favorite teacher because he/she makes/made an impact on your life — boosted your spirit, touched your soul somehow. It’s the same way with classic sounds …

Now, some bands can be “average”, but have a singer or instrumentalist who eventually becomes a classic in his or her own right.

For example, Tico and the Triumphs had an excellent guitarist/singer (in fact, he was Tico himself!) who, later on, became one of America’s top songwriters/poets/singers.
But first …
he joined up with another great vocalist and, together, they made an indelible mark on modern folk/rock. His partner? Art Garfunkel!
So … who was the guy known as Tico? Of course: It’s Paul Simon!!

Jeremiah Was A … WHAT??

We all know the words, right? “JER-E-MI-AH WAZZZ uh BULL-frawgggg …” When those words left Chuck Negron’s (Three Dog Night) mouth, we knew we were ready to PARRRR-DEEEE with “Joy To The World”!!

But … who in the heck was “Jeremiah,” really? I mean, outside the cat in the Good Book. Who was Three Dog Night singin’ about? Was it an old, skid-row chum when they “helped him drink his wine”? Mebbe some foreign dude, considering they “couldn’t understand a single word he said”?

Actually, Rockaholics, “Jeremiah” was … a throwaway! Y’see, when Hoyt Axton first penned Joy To The World, he couldn’t come up with an intro line to immediately juice the song. Soooo, he just wrote the first thing that came into his head!

He’d intended to change it to something that had some relation to the song itself, but, when he gave the song to TDN, he’d forgotten to do it! He rushed to the threesome before they were to lay trax for it, hoping they’d give him a chance to change it, but … they dug it just like it was! So, now, ya know …

That bein’ said, I’m gonna cut it short here and see ya in less than24 … on the flip side …

BAD IS GOOD FOR DOOBIES …

I’ve already toldja about surviving Bad Company members Paul Rodgers, Simon Kirke and Mick Ralphs reuniting for a ten-show tour (with The Doobie Brothers) this summer (June 17-July 4.) But what’s really cool is that they’re double-heading with The Doobie Brothers! The band’s re-formed for the tour and they’ll be joinin’ forces with BC on the road from June 17 to July 4. If they’re in your neck-of-the-woods, be sure to make the trip and Listen To The Music!

BUT THAT’S NOT ALL …

Having finished their month-long gig at the Beacon Theater in NYC, they’re hitting the road, The Allman Brothers will be teaming up at various times with the Doobies, The Dead (as in “Grateful” without the “Garcia”) and Widespread Panic. They’ll be tourin’ from May through October.

CSN UPDATE

Crosby Stills & Nash, as I noted earlier, will tour this summer (June 3-July 11.) Now, some of the dates are gonna be benefits for The Guacamole Fund, which helps “nonprofit organizations that work in the public interest, for the environment and conservation, social change, education, safe, clean energy, a non-nuclear future, and peace,” according to their website.

J. GEILS BAND TO TOUR AGAIN??

J. Geils Band played the opening of the House of Blues in their hometown of Boston last month. But now they’ve booked an April 24 show at the Fillmore in Detroit (the city that got ‘em launched nationally.)
They’re not sayin’ it’s the start of something big (like a big reunion tour or anything), but watch this space.  Knowin’ Peter and the guys, anything can happen!

Now, add all that to a Simon & Garfunkel reunion tour of Asia and Australia … and a possible Black Sabbath reunion (with surviving original members!), and it looks like we’re gonna have a rockin’ summer comin’ up!

WHEN THERE’S A NEED …

We have to face facts:  There are millions of people out there who have incontinence problems.  Now, these can be caused by many different factors (like prostates, injured bladders, hysterectomies, etc), and can be short or long term.
If you or a loved one suffers from this problem, no matter what the cause, you know you still need the dependable, sanitary protection against the inevitable leaking or staining that can occur.  Often, you might feel a bit embarrassed by shopping for them publicly, in stores that don’t have the knowledge or understanding to help you.
Well, there is a wonderful place where you can find these items, shop privately for them (ie, from the comfort of your own home), know that they’re the best and most reliable on the market, and even save money in the process!
All you have to do to find the best in incontinence products is click that link you just passed. You’ll be able to choose the brand you trust, at a better price, with free shipping, an AutoShip service for faster delivery, and much more!
Believe me, they’re there to help …

Okay … that’s all for now. See ya on the flip side!

Welcome back! Over a few posts, we’ve been talkin’ about some of the U. S. acts that made some noize during the early Invasion years, but we obviously can’t overlook the British contributions to the Top 40 (D-UH!! Why’dja think they called it The _____ Invasion?!?).

Especially the Department of Duos, which gave us some of the best harmonies this side of rock-n-roll heaven. Duos like The Merseys (which was an offshoot of the famous Merseybeats. Recorded “Sorrow”), David and Jonathan (with a cover of “Michelle”), and two of the most famous — and still very active — duos on the scene:

London’s Chad and Jeremy and Liverpool’s Peter and Gordon.

Chad Stuart and Jeremy Clyde recorded such hits as What Do You Want (With Me)?, If I Loved You, and their signature charttopper, Summer Song. They played packed houses in England and America — even did stints on TV’s Batman, The Patty Duke Show, Laredo and The Dick Van Dyke Show.
Their folk-rock harmony was considered the Brit’s answer to our Simon and Garfunkel, though without S&G’s intricate lyrics. After a string of folk/soft-rock hits — and due in part to the success of The Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper — the duo pushed the envelope a bit by introducing psychedelic-folk-rock to audiences. This move resulted in two cult-classic LPs, The Ark and Of Cabbages and Kings.
For the next thirty years the duo had an on-again/off-again musical relationship. But, here in 2009, the duo is back with the same determination and fervor they started with, and are, once again, playing to packed audiences throughout the world.

Peter Asher and Gordon Waller are remembered for hits like World Without Love, Nobody I Know (both written by Lennon & McCartney), Lady Godiva, True Love Ways (the Buddy Holly classic), Woman (written by McCartney under the pseudonym Bernard Webb) and I Go To Pieces (written by Del Shannon expressly for them).
These two were close mates with the Fab Four, and were more ballad-rock than folk. They were more private than C & J, but they certainly knew their craft.
The two parted ways after their last hits in 1967, and Peter (whose sister, Jane, was romantically linked to Paul during the early Invasion years) went on to produce great stars like Linda Ronstadt, James Taylor, Cher and 10,000 Maniacs, often lending his splendid tenor to their backing. Gordon went on to perform solo as well as act in various productions throughout England. Four years ago — during a rock reunion fundraiser for the late Dave Clark Five organist Mike Smith (who, after a brutal fall, became tetraplegic — think Chris Reeve and you’ll know what I mean.  Sadly, Mike left us last year …) — the two got back together and performed for the first time in almost forty years!

The live crowd went wild, prompting Peter & Gordon to resume touring and recording. When Sir Paul (McCartney) heard of their reunion, he told them he was glad they’d decided to do it. So are we all. Although, of course, they’re older, they still sound great!

If you get a chance to see either act, go!! You’re in for a mountain of memories — and some fantastic music!

QUIZ-TIME!! (Didn’t think I’d leave this out, didja?!?) Jeremy Clyde (the taller of the C&J phenoms) had a very famous and direct ancestor whose actions may have changed the face of Europe (€’mon — you heard about him in elementary school!!). Who was this person? First one to get it right gets a mention in the blog. If no one gets it, I’ll run the answer in about a week.

COMPUTING IT ALL

It seems that, today, the cost of everything’s going up while your income goes down a bit.  That really hits home when we’re shopping for a good computer!
Let’s face it — your PC will eventually need replacing.  But, if you shop around for a decent one, it could take days, lots of calls and driving, and the occasional pushy-salesman who may or may not know what you need.
Then there’s the subject of price.  Many of the good ones are getting more and more expensive.
But there’s one place where you can get a great model at a price that’ll make you and your wallet comfortable!  Its four-step process to purchase is easy and free: just register, find the one you’re looking for, make a bid on it, then pay for it.  In about six working days, you’ll be enjoying your new computer in the comfort of your own home!
Of course, this site offers much more, and every transaction is super-safe!  These folks are an accredited business with the BBB, and they’re one of the most trusted merchandise sites on the web!
So do yourself  a favor and click on this link for the best in wholesale computers .  You’ll be glad you did!

Well, that’s it for this session. Til 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!

“DUO” IDENTITIES

Okay … off the beaten track for a moment:
Over the past fifty-plus years of rock music, there’ve been a lot of twosomes who’ve recorded and gigged with varied degrees of success.  Sometimes, these were individual performers in their own rights, put together in studios to record tracks then put on-the-road to promote their work.

But … who is (or was) the best? Who is (or was) the worst??

A year ago (give or take a few days … okay, maybe weeks …), I asked this of my readers on another blog.  Here’s what they had to say (hey … don’t push!! You’ll get yer chance to vote at the end of the post … ):

THE EVERLY BROTHERS came in, by far, as the best. A mix of the purest of harmony, some great material (one even wrote by Paul McCartney), and they were actually brothers: Don, born in the little town of Brownie, Kentucky, and Phil, born in Chicago, Illinois. Their career spanned five decades … and there’s talk of a new set of Everlys comin’ outta that family before long!  (By the way, if you listen to Macca’s song, Let ‘Em In, you’ll hear him pay homage to “Phil and Don”)

SIMON AND GARFUNKEL narrowly beat out UK’s Chad and Jeremy in the international return, while they just squeaked by the Righteous Brothers here in the states.  While Paul and Art have gone their separate ways (due to a song Paul wanted them to record and press called Cuba Si, Nixon No. Art refused … and left the duo), their vocal styles (sometimes double-tracked or as in Scarborough Fair, multi) and Simon’s writing left an amazing imprint.
And while the Righteous Brothers could whip up some white-eyed soul better than anyone, the last recordings included a dynamite remake (actually an update) of Rock and Roll Heaven, which was a fitting tribute to the rock stars who passed away since the original recording.  Sadly, Bobby Hatfield would join those ranks shortly after …

VOTED THE WORST?? (now, before I report this, remember it was the readers who voted ‘em … so don’t take it out on me!) Of the 200-and-some votes sent in, over 90% said the worst duo of all-time was John and Yoko … followed by … Hall and Oates!! But, since it was my poll, I have the right to disagree on that one:
While Daryl (Hall) did sing most of “their” hits more as a frontman with a band (though John Oates did stick his face in often to let us know they were a “duo”), the two of them did a remarkable rendition of You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’, among others.

THE ABSOLUTE WORST (ie, HIDEOUS) was a duo who, on the “A” side of their 45, did a spot-on impersonation of the Righteous Brothers with Trouble With A Woman. The “B” side, however, was another story:  The “song” It’s Nice To Be Alive sucked worse than a broken Electrolux!!  And the lyrics?  Go figure:
“The way you look, the way you smell-mell-mell, the way you make me feel so well-well-well …”. Need I say more?

My faves were definitely The Everlys.  Today, I’d love to hear Beyoncé and Ludacris hook up again. Or how about coupling Stevie Nicks and Dolly Parton? Their tone, vibrato and lyrical expression are almost identical, though they have different dialects and genres.

But, who would you choose? Either leave a comment or email me and lemme know, okay? We can always run another poll!

Okay … that’s it for this edition. But stay tuned … there’s more in 24! But, before I leave, here’s the winning duo from the last poll, joining forces with (of all bands!) Liverpool’s Gerry and the Pacemakers: