Blondie at the Highline Ballroom on Mon. & Tues. Sept. 12 & 13. Tickets on sale this morning at 9:00 a.m. $65 ($70 day of show). Also appearing at the NYCB Theater in Westbury NY on Sun. Sept. 18. Tickets on sale at 10:00 a.m. this morning. $62.50 and $74.
George Thorogood & The Destroyers at the NYCB Theater in Westbury NY on Thurs. Rocktober 6. Tickets on sale this morning at 10:00 a.m. $52 and $84.25.
The Kaiser Chiefs at Roseland Ballroom on Thurs. Sept. 15. Tickets on sale this morning at 10:00 a.m. $44.50
Buckcherry at the Music Hall of Williamsburg on Thurs. Aug.11. Tickets on sale today at noon. $25 ($125 for VIP)
Liam Finn at the Music Hall of Williamsburg on Mon. Sept.19. Tickets on sale today at noon.$15.
Blue October at the Webster Theater on Sat. Rocktober 15. Tickets on sale today at noon. $35.
Straight No Chaser at the Mohegan Sun on Sun. Nov. 13. Tickets on sale Fri. Aug. 5 at 10:00 a.m. $42.35 (I don’t know why they announce it this week).
Other items:
I went to see Kid Rock and Sheryl Crow last night at the Comcast Theater in Hartford CT. Yes I know, a show in Connecticut? I have only lived in this state for almost 11 years and I can count on two hands on how many shows I have been to (with more than half of them only about 15 minutes away from my house from the Ives Center at West Conn. University) because I love to see shows in New York, you can’t get the same vibe. But I have to say that last night in Hartford was as close to a New York crowd that I have experienced since I have become a “Nutmeger.” First things first, they will be at PNC this Tuesday night July 12 and you have to go, the show is so worth your money-you will have a great time.
Anyways, to begin with, Sheryl Crow was so freaking good that I was blown away and I would definitely go back to see her again. This was the first time I have ever seen her live and I have to tell you that I so did not expect what I saw last night. She “rocked the house out.” (sorry talking like Kid Rock, that’s what happens when you go to see him). Her band was as tight as a drum, they came out to the sounds of Sly & The Family Stone’s “Dance to the Music” and it took off from there, the visual make-up of the band also similar to the Family Band as well as Kid’s Twisted Brown Trucker band-so right off the bat you could feel the “unity.” Maybe it was because she is touring with the Kid but she seemed more relaxed than what I have ever seen from her (TV interviews, Blues concert with Clapton, etc.) and even she said the “F” bomb when speaking to the audience. (That is another bad habit that one picks up at a Kid Rock show, especially when one of his songs is titled “I’m 40 F*****G Years Old”). The first three or four songs I felt like I was at a Runaway’s show (I mean no disrespect Sheryl, I just wasn’t expecting such a rocking set) and I was making sure that this was Ms. Crow up on stage. Wow, the highlight for me was the song-“My Favorite Mistake.” Sheryl I will be seeing you again, make no mistake about that!!
Now for the Kid, this guy is so cool, he just has it. His motto has always been-“If it looks good, you’ll see it; if it sounds good, you’ll hear it, if it’s marketed right, you’ll buy it; but…if it’s real, you’ll feel it”- and I for one sure felt it last night. Of course if you don’t know who he is, there is a film clip that starts off the show depicting his rise to fame and by now we all know that self promotion is not something that he needs to work on. The video shots of him as a child to where he is now was very entertaining and it included his songs in the background to build up that adrenaline to a boiling point as we were all ready to explode with him; and he didn’t disappoint as everyone was out of their seat (and minds) and head banged to “American Bad Ass.” What a way to start off the show!! There he was with his blue fedora hat squeezed down to his eyeballs with jeans and a blue shirt that was showing off his forty year old abs-which are still like 20 years old. The energy in the humid air was so thick that it was exactly what I was expecting- a concert outdoors at the beginning of the summer on a beautiful night with a great lineup and the musicianship was so electrifying that it will be something that I will always remember. Right off the bat, the crowd is worked into frenzy and then he switches gears and goes right into the country-rock with the fun-“God Bless Saturday”- and surprisingly most of the crowd knew the song. (You know how concert crowds hate “we’re going to do a few tunes from our new record”-which is exactly what he said towards the end of his set when he jammed with his band mates on some bar stools as the acoustic guitars came out). This song is so good and is a perfect summer/weekend song-“God Bless Saturday!!!”-it’s what we live for, right?
One of the many highlights for me is when he started off with the Allman Brother’s classic-“Midnight Rider”- and worked it right into “Cowboy.” To this day I think this is one of the coolest songs ever recorded. Yes I wanted to turn my hat backwards and waved my right arm over my head back and forth while making believe I was the Kid-“because I want to be a cowboy baby!!!” By this time, it was so worth the drive and money. He kept the “old school” rap party going with a mesh of “Somebody’s Got To Feel This”/ “Fist of Rage.” With “Fist” I can picture my friend-Slats- loving this tune because he used to do that “rock/rap” thing with all the motions that the Kid does-I was out of my mind-this is so good!!! Loud guitars, massive drum beats with the Kid rapping and rocking-can it get any better?
As mentioned this is an adult party (but with plenty of kids there) and by the middle of the show I lost count on the “F” bombs as he went into “Sugar” (and those lyrics are really bad) but that’s what you are going to get when you see him-that part of him doesn’t go away at his shows. Then he tells the crowd that he turned 40 years old in January of this year and informs the audience that he wrote a song about it. Well you can imagine-every other word was the “F” bomb as he poked fun at Springsteen who is “62” and the Rolling Stones are “close to death” so that surly side of Kid never goes away. But then in an instant he takes it down to a such a calm level that makes you realize why he has taken photos with the last two American President’s we have had in office and he becomes this nice guy who can really sing. Sheryl came out to join him in a rocking version of the Stephen Stills song-“Love the One You’re With.” And then what the entire crowd was waiting for- to finally see them both perform-“Picture.” The girls were screaming just as loud for Sheryl, especially the ones behind me-my ears are still ringing just from their squeals. Kid Rock took it serious and showed his skills as a vocalist-it’s like I have always said-when someone else is up there and the other person knows they are good at what they do, then your game is taken up a notch (Steve Winwood made Clapton appear “God” like because Clapton knew Winwood is a stud). Kid knew that Sheryl’s sweet vocals were going to be a hit so he had to make sure he performed just like the recording and he did-the result was spectacular. (He added the audio tune on the “drink you away” part for more effect).
Then a clip of “Beavis & Butthead” came on as they are discussing the lyrics to “Picture” and asked why Kid doesn’t just “rock out” anymore and to stop making “soft rock.” From that point on, the frenzy re-emerged as the loud guitars returned along with the rap/rock genre which was back to stay for the rest of the night. The Kid did his best impression of Frampton as he talked with his guitar, then ran up to the drums and jammed away to Ted Nugent’s “Cat Scratch Fever.” Who knew that the Kid had all these skills? And the ultimate highlight of every show that he does is the forever classic-“Bawitdaba.” Folks I am telling you right now, there is nothing better than seeing him perform this song live-it is an epic experience. “MY NAME IS KIIIIIIIIIIIIIIDDDDDDDDDDD.” Last night I wish I was Kid!!! Thanks Mr. Rock for an unforgettable summer night. (Yes he did “All Summer Long”).
Nuggets
Lou Gramm. For the past few years I have been writing about this man and you should all know by now that he is one of my most favorite singers of all time. I don’t think he garners the credit or respect that he truly deserves for being one of the best rock and roll singers of his generation as well as other generations. I’m not sure why that is-maybe it’s because most of the critics thought that Foreigner was some sort of corporate rock band (thanks a lot Mr. Ramone, let’s talk about your simple lyrics and 60 second songs for a minute, shall we?). Now I will be the first to admit that Foreigner went down the path of “pop”-ularity and many of their songs were “radio friendly” but why should that be held against them? I could name plenty of bands like that; for instance Journey, Def Leppard, The Police and Heart come quickly to mind and there is nothing wrong with those bands so why do people easily dismiss Lou Gramm and/or Foreigner as if they made no impact? I know there has to be folks out there like me who thinks that Foreigner-only with Lou Gramm-was one of the best bands during the late 1970’s and 1980’s, I can’t be the lone voice, where are the legion of fans that used to squeeze into Madison Square Garden to see this band?
Now I don’t want to sit here and talk about the health of someone that I personally don’t know (even if I did, I wouldn’t want to) but what happened to Lou had to be a very tough thing. But the good thing is that he is still with us and touring, now granted he may not be able to hit the notes the way he used to but when I went to see him a few years ago at BB Kings you could still feel the passion he always possessed for the music that he wanted to make. Which leads me to the album-“Ready or Not”- his first solo effort after leaving Foreigner. There definitely was some “disagreements” between Lou and Mick Jones (who is still using the title of Foreigner but again there is no Foreigner without Gramm) during their heyday and maybe they had come to an impasse on where the musical direction of where Foreigner was headed, so Lou decided to put out the music that he wanted to. Now even though I was very upset that Foreigner was no longer a band, at least Lou was out there making music (before his unfortunate health situation) and if I couldn’t have Foreigner, at least there was Lou. (At the end of the day Mick needed Lou and Lou needed Mick because that’s when they are/were at their best).
So “Ready or Not” was a statement to the music world that Lou Gramm was coming at you even if you were ready for him or not. It goes without saying that I absolutely love “Ready or Not” as in my opinion it was not that far of a stretch from where Foreigner was at during that time, so my assumption is that Mick wanted to venture down another avenue. I love this album but recognize my loyalty and have to admit there are songs on this album that the general public probably doesn’t know or would most likely skip over if they owned the vinyl. There are many albums that I own where I don’t understand why many other people do not possess, I often wonder why that is. However, I will stick to my guns and state that “Ready or Not” is a solid effort but recognize there are some “fillers” so that is why it lands here in the “Nuggets” section of the page. Here are those golden nuggets from this album in no particular order.
Time – I think Mick had to be a fan of this song because the guitar is very prevalent with that familiar hook that grabbed you and pulled you in while Lou’s vocals added the flavor just like Mom’s down home cooking. Just like that you have a rocking song with an addictive chorus along with some “head banging” drums but yet “radio friendly.” Who hit the notes like Lou Gramm? I’ll answer for you- No one-he had the best pipes and I wish I could have been in the studio when he recorded this tune. If there is one thing that can never be taken away from Lou is his passionate effort whenever he sang-he made you feel it, he injected himself into your ears and it settled into your blood stream. His energy was second to none. Great song!!!
She’s Got To Know – Again you can feel the “rock” presence in this tune so I am confused on why Mick would not have wanted to be part of this. I say after Robert Plant no one could sing along, behind, in-front of a guitar like Lou Gramm. Please do me a favor and throw on a set of headphones-squeeze as tight as you can- and listen to this track and tell me this isn’t good? You can’t. Listen to the way he “roams” with that certain mystique which embodied his persona-doesn’t get much better than this.
Arrow Thru Your Heart – This is straight up rock and roll and I bet you after Mick Jones heard this song, he had to be kicking himself (sorry I don’t mean to keep dragging Mick back into the fray) because this is right up his sweet spot. It has the guitar, drums and rocking groove that will have your head and legs bouncing up and down. C’mon his vocals are righteous, doesn’t get much better than this. Again listening at home with no one home and the walls are shaking. Should have been Mick on the lead guitar solo.
If I Don’t Have You – A song that takes it down a bit with a mellow tempo but showcases Lou’s ability to sing even the slow ones just as good as when he is rocking out. Admittedly there is nothing that special here but before you know it four minutes plus have gone by in an instant so that is why this song is so good. Lou makes you drift off into another zone as you wonder why you didn’t own this song before reading it here.
Midnight Blue – The “hit” of the album and was played endlessly on the classic rock radio format when it was released in 1987. I haven’t heard this song in a while and when I put it on again it brought back the memories of how much I loved this tune and of course the late 1980’s. I was on like eight different softball teams, two football teams and at the tail end of having “a lot of time” on my hands before “responsibility” set in. In almost everyone of Lou’s songs, he has a “bridge” which leads to a verse and ultimately the chorus (yes I know that is usually the format for most) but it seems more prevalent in his songs. Super solid song, ‘Nuff said!!
Ready or Not – This is the perfect song to kick off an album-it grabs your attention right from the get go with the strong bass line and drumming. “Nothing can stop me now… just a question of time…I said nothing can stop me now…nothing can stop me now…now that I made up my mind.” That was his message-Here I come ready or not and he made a believer out of me (being without Foreigner but again him being in Foreigner was always my preference). There is a nice short compact guitar solo and of course his legendary screams and hurls. Love this song!!!
Heartache – This has a catchy groove with an addictive chorus. In my opinion, this is his best vocal performance on the album, especially during the “verses” as he displays a great range the way he can take it up and down. I love the part where he takes it up a notch when he sings-“Oh lonely nights, they have taken their toll… I don’t care anymore I just want you to know…there’s a place in my heart, you’re a part of my soul and I can’t let go…”-How’s that for passion??!! This sounds like Foreigner could have recorded this track, again Mick: what am I missing? Great song.
Workout Songs
Here is a mixture of Spin and Boot Camp class work out songs, in no particular order:
What’s Your Favorite Color?/Which Way To America – Living Colour – Ok do you want to wake up your boot camp class? Do you feel like people are sleep walking through class? (For those of you who have taken class with the same people week in and week out, you know exactly what I am talking about). Well put on these two songs (yes they are two separate songs but they need to go together). Once you hear the squeal at the beginning of “Favorite Color” you will stand up at attention and will be ready to go. (I use this song when I want to wake up my boys on a Saturday morning…they get really upset).Don’t listen to anyone who claims that it is too “heavy” –that is what you need for a boot camp class-something heavy to pump you up. By the way “Vivid” is a great album.
Glamour Boys – Living Colour – Did I tell you how great “Vivid” is? Every song is good and this one stands out as one of the more popular songs on that album. Mick Jagger helped write this song and I believe provided some background vocals. This is a perfect song for your next Spin class-you can have a lot of fun with this one as I can picture an instructor making you get up out of your seats like a thousand times with this tune. And the best part- you will want to dance and you can sway on your bike (but try to not let the instructor see you having fun, they don’t seem to like that).
Hot Corner – The B-52’s – I know that both of my boys can’t stomach this song and admittedly it is a little much but if you are looking for a fun Spin song, then look no further than this tune. Is his voice a bit annoying? (That’s what I hear from my boys) I guess so, but the cool background vocals supplied by the “bee-hived” duo is reminiscent of the way it used to be done in the 1960’s by those great girl bands. If you can get by his vocals, I think the groove is perfect for a speed breakout as you approach a hill but the main reason why I like the B-52’s is because they are fun. This is a fun tune!!
Bleed It Out – Linkin Park – This is the best, talk about getting the juices flowing? Again don’t let those who want to complain right away about the “noise” just ignore them and “bleed it again.” Yes Chester screams like a maniac but he is only doing it for you because he wants to pump you up and get you into the best shape of your life. Is it angry? You betcha but sometimes anger gets you going.
Given Up – Linkin Park – Staying with the same theme of heavy guitars, loud screaming and ferocious drum beats this will wake up the class right away. There is a slow burning part in the middle where the screaming is at an all time high but you can slow it down for a second because it will come back. I know you will be holding your ears because he holds the scream for what seems like an eternity. Both of these songs have the “F” bomb, so beware.
I’ll Be There For You/You’re All I Need to Get By – Mary J. Blige & Method Man – I remember taking a spin class in Danbury CT at the NY Sports Club and this song came on I had never heard it before and I was blown away. There are a couple of words that may be offensive but for the most part it flows nicely and is perfect for a hill climb. Who’s better than Mary J. Blige? So solid, she is “scary” good.
Paradise By The Dashboard Light – Meatloaf – Ok I know the song is over eight minutes long but this could be one of the best Spin songs ever. I can remember like it was yesterday when I had put this song on for a mix and had given it to Chris to play and he thought we were slacking so he put it on two times in a row. The class was pleading for him to not do it but he was having none of it. He kicked our butts but we will always be forever grateful. Thanks Chris. “Though it’s cold and lonely in the deep dark night…I can see Paradise by the Dashboard Light.” Phenomenal song.
Symphony of Destruction– Megadeth – I will never forget throwing this song on to a disc for Melissa to play in her spin class at MBIA and I thought she was going to scream but she told me that she actually liked the tune. I was so pumped up after that-if you can get by the fact that it is Megadeth (and maybe Dave’s voice) and just ride to the consistent beat; I think you will like it as well. “The earth starts to rumble!!!”\m/ \m/
It’s All Over Now – Molly Hatchett – This classic written by Bobby and Shirley Womack and probably the most recognized version by the Rolling Stones gets a “southern comfort” twist from the boys of Molly Hatchett and the result is a perfect workout song for either a Bootcamp or Spin class. It totally works for either and the guitar solo will make you pick it up even faster. This is my favorite version of this song.
Animals – Nickelback – For some reason I haven’t jumped on the bandwagon for this group but I do like some of their songs and if I had to pick this would probably be my most favorite tune. This works for both Bootcamp and Spin as the song moves along at a very quick pace and at points-“break-neck” speed which works wonders when you are head-banging. It has the big guitar and smashing drum beats, it is near impossible to not move to, if this doesn’t get you moving…well you may want to check if your pulse goes beyond 30 beats in a minute. This is a kick-ass tune.
Bark At The Moon – Ozzy Osbourne – This is probably when Ozzy was at the height of his career and the fast paced classic is probably more suited for Spin-class but if you can take the slowing down part of the tune about half-way through, it could work for Boot camp class. Have to hand it to Ozzy, still relevant after all these decades-a living legend and most of the die-hards love this track.
I’m The One – Van Halen – Oh my, this song is the best!! I can remember running and dancing around like a maniac when this song came on at the MBIA boot camp class. This could be one of the best work-out songs ever and Diamond Dave is at his absolute best on vocals as Eddie, Alex and Michael give it that emphatic kick in the pants. Eddie’s guitar work is masterful and the best part id when the song suddenly stops and they all sing a capella-“Bat ba da…shoo be doo wah…” The best!!!!
ABC’s – K’naan – Again works for both Spin and Boot camp classes as this song moves and Chubb Rock adds his rap which fits perfectly with the pace. I love the background vocals which sounds like some kids in the local classroom. Fast paced song which will have you boppin’ and dancing all around.
Top Ten
This week my oldest son asked me to name my favorite top ten “cover” songs and at first I was hesitant because I know that my list would differ from most but then as I thought about it, this is probably the most “personal” list that I have ever done because depending on what genre(s) one listens to, the list of possible songs are endless, especially during the last few years as I would venture to say that this time period has produced the most “cover” albums than any other sector that I can remember. Rolling Stone magazine recently named their best cover songs and the Dylan penned song-“All Along The Watch Tower” brilliantly redone by the legendary Jimi Hendrix sat atop the list and I have to admit his rendition is probably the best cover song ever recorded. (Most of the younger generation-except for my oldest son-who is now knee deep into Mr. Dylan-probably didn’t even know that Hendrix classic was not written by him).
Trying to name only ten songs is really tough as well because again there are so many songs to choose from, my list was extensive and I know there are going to be songs that I am going to miss which will lead to “I should have added that one…” Right? The hardest part is eliminating tunes so that you only have ten left. Try doing this and you will see what I am talking about. Are tunes allowed if the original artist/band contributes on the covered version-yes. Are “cheesy” attempts to cover classics allowed? An emphatic- “No!!!” (see Madonna’s awful rendition of “American Pie” by Don McLean-every version of this recording should be destroyed-CD, tape, album, MP3, etc. It should have been outlawed from the beginning-no one should even attempt to cover this National Treasure-anyway I digress). Are the “original” songs allowed to not be written by the original artist?-Yes.
So here I am-stuck on an island and have been informed that I can only have ten songs that have been redone/reworked or otherwise known as a “cover”- “These Are Them:”
10. I Just Don’t Know What To Do With Myself – The White Stripes– Now it absolutely kills me to say that I like a song better than the way one of my favorite female singers Dusty Springfield, originally performed it but I have to be honest and say that Jack and Meg blow the cover off this remake. Jack’s guitar work is absolutely flawless and gives it that “hard” edge that one could never even think that it could be done this way, it definitely works and is the key to why I love it. I know the White Stripes always get mentioned with their cover of “Jolene” which was done by Dolly Parton but for my money, I mean island, this song is the one for me.
9. It’s Alright – Seal – Written by the legendary Curtis Mayfield and performed by The Impressions in 1963, this is really a tough decision because the Impression’s version is spectacular but I think Seal has delivered the goods as he stays close to the original recording and treats it with the respect it deserves. His vocals are stupendous and the groove is just as cool and suave as the original. This is a pure “summer party” song in my opinion and deserves to be on your next BBQ setlist. Signed “Seal”-ed and delivered!!!
8. Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) – Marilyn Manson– Talk about taking a song and turning it on its head? The everlasting bad boy has put his poison into the beautiful Eurythmics classic and made it a dark, dirty and heavy secret that only a segment of the population knows about, but for those who do know it, will agree that there is “something” that keeps you keep coming back for more. Maybe it is the part where it sounds like someone is squeezing Manson’s throat as he tries to squelch out the words-“Sweet dreams are made of this…who am I to disagree.” I love when he screams-“some of them want to use you…some of them want to get used by you.” This is a freaking phenomenal cover and that’s that!!
7. Everything I Own – Tesla– Leave it to the boys from Sacramento CA to cover a Bread song and treat it with such respect, such mastery, that it is stunning. Go ahead say “Signs” and watch me throw up. Get it through your heads-they are not a one hit wonder band. Jeff Keith does a fantastic job with the vocals and what else can one say about the musicianship of this band? One word- stellar. I get chills up and down my spine when I hear this version. David Gates has to be happy with this version (unlike Don McLean) and I would love to see Tesla bring up Mr. Gates on stage to have them perform it together. I’m sorry folks but this is pure brilliance.
6. American Woman – Lenny Kravitz– This is another real tough decision for me because I absolutely, positively love the original version by The Guess Who. I guess it has to be Lenny’s slick guitar riff amplified with that “stop and go” motion, along with the grunts and handclaps that makes you bang your head up and down. How cool is Lenny? He sort of adds a little “rap” flavor but the main ingredient is rock, which he does so perfectly. This guy is amazing, you know he plays all the instruments himself, you know that, right??!! He is the “one man band” and is already in the Rock and Roll hall of Fame as far as I am concerned. Just on this song alone!!! Ha! What do you think about that??!!!
5. Stone Cold Crazy – Metallica– Even though Queen does a masterful job with this song, Metallica was “born to play this song.” How freaking great is their version? Holy crap I can’t take it, the volume is so loud (the wife and kids are not home) so the walls are shaking. Lars drumming is so addicting that I want him to teach me how to play like that, sign me up for lessons. And what about Kirk’s blazing guitar solo? And what about James driving grit, is there anyone more intense than James?The only thing wrong with this version is that it is probably the shortest song Metallica has ever recorded but it is hard to think of a more powerful compact punch in the gut than this track-unbelievable. I am doing the “Wayne’s World- We Are Not Worthy” bow. All of us on three…one…two…three…\m/ \m/
4. Stand By Me – John Lennon – Again so tough to pick this version over the original recording by Mr. Ben E. King and especially since his version will forever be remembered (at least by Johnny Boy and I) as the theme song from the cult classic movie by the same name.Mr. Lennon adds his touch, which only he can do, and the result is exceptional. I think it is the acoustic guitar in the beginning (which sounds eerily similar to Ringo’s “Only You”) that grabs me by the heart and throat and doesn’t let go. I can picture John in the studio singing it like no one else can and he treats it with the respect it truly deserves. This version is earth moving, not too many artists can do a record like Mr. Lennon did. This is pure perfection and brings me to tears.
3. The Loco-Motion – Grand Funk Railroad – Written in part by the legendary Carole King and then performed to perfection by Little Eva but again my money is on the 1974 version which gets me out of my seat in an instant and makes me want to dance (even though I can’t). I remember a few years back I went into a Dunkin’ Donuts in lower Manhattan and it was early and this song came on and one of the workers raised the volume (she didn’t know I was in the store) and started to sing, clap and dance around. It was one of those “A-Ha” moments and once she realized I was on line she was so embarrassed and said she was sorry for putting up the volume so loud. I told her that it wasn’t loud enough. The one consistent beat that is exemplified by the drumming is too much to take. This song reminds me of my “brother’s”-Porgy- and my mother, as they both loved this song. Did you know that this song went to number one on the Billboard charts in three consecutive decades? (Kylie Minogue took it to number one as well in 1988).
2. Walk This Way – Run DMC and Aerosmith– Not only did this version resurrect Aerosmith’s career, I say that this is the most important song ever recorded in the 20th Century because it merged the rap world with the rock world and the universe was never to be the same again. This is by far the greatest video ever made (forget Peter Gabriel) in the history of MTV. I can’t say enough about this song and yes this version is better than the original-there I said it. You all know it but let the “rock” thing get in the way. Have you ever seen Tyler better in this video? I think not and it is because Run DMC upped his game because he knew they were taking this track to another level. Again the most important song ever recorded during the 20th Century.
1. Sea of Love – The Honeydrippers (Robert Plant) – The original version by Phil Phillips (real name is John Baptiste) was a staple around my house when I was growing up, of course it was-first of all it was recorded in the 1950’s and it is in the “doo-wop” era and I love this version but when Robert Plant came along in 1984 and did this with his Honeydrippers band, I immediately knew that this would always be my all-time favorite cover. My dad also knew that I loved this version, he stuck to his guns and states that Phil’s version is better but I know that he knows that Plant does a stupendous job with this beautiful song. At the time (1984) it was very different for Robert (not as different as when he sings with Ms. Krauss but it was a change from the Mighty Led Zep). I wanted to make this my wedding song but remember I wanted to be Lou Gramm, so I stuck with Foreigner. This song takes me to another stratosphere.
Trivia Questions
Answers from last week:
1. Jeff Keith, Tesla
2. Melissa Etheridge
3. Nirvana
4. Pat Benatar
This week’s trivia (Random)-
1. I was the leader of the most influential groups to ever come out of the 1960’s and 1970’s and many of our songs have been “sampled” by so many Rap and R&B stars. We were a band that created some of the best R&B, soul and psychedelic funk and we used our songs to get a social message out there. Times were turbulent between the Vietnam War and race relations in the U.S. during those turbulent times and our group tried to bring everyone together. I am still alive but rarely make any public appearances and basically have been in hibernation since the 1970’s. Who am I and what group did I lead?
2. We had a “one hit” smash during the 1970’s and it was “heavy” enough for Motley Crue to cover it during the 1980’s. Who are we and what song is it?
3. We are a group of ten guys who sing a capella and have been picking up popularity, especially around the holiday season. Who are we?
4. We were part of the hair band movement and had a “one-hit” wonder but lots of people thought it was an AC/DC song because the lead singer sounds a lot like Brain Johnson of AC/DC. Who are we and what song is it?
Name That Tune
Answers from last week:
1. Shadows of the Night – Pat Benatar
2. Silly Love Songs – Paul McCartney
3. Downtown- Petula Clark
4. De Do Do Do, De Da Da Da – The Police
Can you guess the title from the following lyrics from part of the song?
1. “…baby babe…let’s get together…honey hun…me and you…and do the things…ahh do the things…thatwe like to do…”
2. “…I was working part time in a five and dime…my boss was Mr. MaGee…he told me several times that he didn’t like my kind…cause I was a bit too leisurely…”
3. “…just say you will… say you will…sa-a-y you will…my heart is crying, crying …”
4. “…hey Mr. DJ put a record on I want to dance with my baby…and when the music starts I never wanna stop… it’s gonna drive me crazy…”
Back on this Day
Back on this day in 1967, The Monkees kicked off a U.S. Tour in Jacksonville, FL with Jimi Hendrix as the opener. Hendrix lasted 8 dates and he was dropped from the bill. Hmmm I wonder why?
Back on this day in 1971, Marianne Faithful collapsed due to an overdose of barbiturates on the set of a movie after Mick Jagger informed her that their relationship was over. She was later dropped from the movie.
Back on this day in 1971, a mini riot broke out at the Royal Albert Hall in London during a Mott The Hoople concert which caused it to close their doors for rock concerts for a while.
Back on this day in 1978, Gerry Rafferty’s “City to City” album reached number one on the Billboard top 200 and stayed there for one week.
Back on this day in 1994, Elton John & Billy Joel kicked off their first of many “Face To Face” tours at Veterans Stadium in Philadelphia. It has been one of the most successful tours of all time.
Back in the day in 1995, a private plane carrying Rod Stewart had to make an emergency landing in Sweden after a bird was sucked into the engine of the plane.
If it is your birthday today, you share the same birth date with Jai Johanny Johanson (drummer for the Allman Brothers) and the late Alan Freed.
Errols Weekly Music Update. 