Ozzfest will return this summer and it will be more than one date this year. Ozzfest 2010 will stop at the Comcast Theater in Hartford CT on Sat. Aug. 21 and then the Susquehanna Theater in Camden NJ on Sun. Aug. 22. (They will also do shows in CA, Chicago, Pittsburg and Boston). The main stage will of course feature Ozzy as well as Motley Crue and Rob Halford. Black Label Society (I guess Ozzy and Zakk must have ironed things out) along with Drowning Pool, Kingdom of Sorrow, Goatwhore, Skeletonwitch, Saviours and Kataklysm will be the featured acts on the second stage. Tickets will go on sale Sat. May 22 at 10:00 a.m. (more information to follow)
Roger Waters at Madison Square Garden on Tues. Rocktober 5, Nassau Coliseum on Tues. Rocktober 12 and the Izod Center on Wed. Nov. 3. (performing “The Wall”). Pre-sale tickets available for American Express cardholders until Sun. May 9 at 10:00 p.m. General public tickets on sale Mon. May 10 at 10:00 a.m. MSG: $79.50 – $129.50 & $254.50; (ouch) $55 – $250 for the other two venues
The Go-Go’s farewell NY concert at the Fillmore New York at Irving Plaza on Tues. July 20. Tickets on sale this morning at 10:00 a.m. $65.
Straight No Chaser at the Beacon Theater on Tues. Nov. 30. Tickets on sale today at noon. $29.50 – $49.50.
Shakira at Madison Square Garden on Tues. Sept. 21. Tickets on sale this morning at 10:00 a.m. $9.50 (can this be right?), $39.50, $69.50, $99.50 and $149.50.
Lilith Fair at the Comcast Theater on Sun. Aug. 1. Pre-sale tickets available now for Citi card holders. General public tickets on sale tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. $33 – $107.
Weezer at the Brooklyn Waterfront in Williamsburg (North 8th street and Kent Avenue) on Fri. July 16. Pre-sale tickets on sale tomorrow morning beginning at 10:00 a.m. until Thurs. May 13 at 10:00 p.m. for American Express cardholders only. General public tickets on sale next Fri. May 14 at 11:00 a.m. $54.
John Mayer at Bethel Woods Center on Wed. Aug. 4. Pre-sale tickets available now until 9:00 p.m. tonight for Citi card holders. General public tickets on sale tomorrow morning at 10:00 a.m. Lawn: $42.15; Rear Orchestra: $49.75; Middle Orchestra: $59.50 – $80.90; Front Orchestra: $80.90
MGMT at Radio City Music Hall on Tues. Aug. 17. Tickets on sale this morning at 9:00 a.m. $39.50.
The Dead Weather at the Prospect Park Bandshell (in Brooklyn) on Wed. Aug. 3. Tickets on sale today at noon. $37.50.
Limp Bizkit at PNC Bank Arts Center on Sat. July 3. Tickets on sale next Sat. May 15 at 10:00 a.m. (Live Nation Event).
Natalie Merchant at the Town Hall (acoustic only) on Thurs. July 15. Pre-sale tickets available for American Express card holders until 11:00 a.m. this morning. General public tickets on sale today at noon. $51.50 and $64.
Stevie Nicks at the Mark. G. Etess Theater in Atlantic City N.J. on Fri. Aug. 27. Tickets on sale this morning at 10:00 a.m. (Live Nation Event)
Rufus Wainwright at the Prospect Park Bandshell (in Brooklyn) on Tues. July 20. Tickets on sale tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. $36 and $56.
Widespread Panic at Radio City Music Hall on Thurs. July 22. Tickets on sale tomorrow morning at 10:00 a.m. $44.50 – $59.50.
Barenaked Ladies at Radio City Music Hall on Fri. Aug. 13. Tickets on sale this morning at 11:00 a.m. $38 – $78.
Counting Crows at the MAC at Monmouth University on Tues. July 20 and at the Westbury Theater on Wed. Aug. 4. Tickets for the Monmouth show on sale this morning at 10:00 a.m. $48 and $53. Tickets for the Westbury show on sale tomorrow at 12:30 p.m. $60.50 and $80.50. Also appearing at the Wellmont Theater in Montclair NJ on Tues. & Wed. Aug. 17 & 18. Tickets on sale today at noon. $64.
Primus and Gogol Bordello at the Brooklyn Waterfront in Williamsburg (North 8th street and Kent Avenue) on Fri. July 30. Tickets on sale today at noon. $36.50.
Ok Go at Terminal 5 on Fri. Rocktober 29. Pre-sale tickets available for American Express card holders until 11:00 a.m. this morning. General public tickets on sale today at noon. $25.
Ani DiFranco at the Town Hall on Fri. Nov. 19. Tickets on sale this morning at 9:00 a.m.$46.
Taking Back Sunday at the Fillmore New York at Irving Plaza on Wed. June 23. Tickets on sale tomorrow morning at 10:00 a.m.$25.
Paramore at Jones Beach on Fri. Aug. 6. Tickets on sale tomorrow morning at 10:00 a.m. $16, $28.50 and $38.50.
Lil Kim at the Fillmore New York at Irving Plaza on Thurs. June 3. Tickets on sale now. $34.50.
50 Cent at The Hammerstein Theater on Tues. June 22. Tickets on sale today at noon. $55 and $75.
Gov’t Mule at the Central Park Summerstage on Wed. Aug. 11. Tickets on sale today at noon. $40.
Bachman Turner (reunited) at the Ives Center in Danbury CT on Sat. Aug. 28. Tickets on sale this morning at 10:00 a.m.
Willie Nelson at the Ives Center in Danbury CT on Sat. July 31. Ticket info to follow.
Other items:
Bret Michaels continues to recover and has done an interview with “People” magazine where he stated that he asked the doctor if he was going to die after the doctor had informed him that he should have his children come down to the hospital. He said if he was going to die, then yes he decided to bring them down but if the doctor thought he had a chance to live, then he decided against it because he didn’t want he children to see him in that condition. Luckily the doctor said he had a chance to live and he continues to improve and is expected to make a 100% recovery. Nothing short of a miracle. \m/ \m/
This week’s Rolling Stone issue (with Robert Downey Jr. on cover) finally posted a review for Slash’s debut album a full month after it was released. What is that? I thought reviews were usually done before the album is released or coincides with the week it is released? The review is like 6 sentences long, a complete and utter joke. You would think with all the time they had to review, there would be more to the write-up. And to boot they gave it just three stars. In my opinion, this has been the best release of 2010 so far. This burns me to no end. At least “Blabbermouth” continues to ignore it, I’d rather that than 6 sentences of nothing. (Sorry I can’t seem to let this go….)
OK so I have really taken a liking to the offspring of two of the “Dixie Chicks” who have formed their own duo called “Court Yard Hounds.” Sisters Emily Robison and Martie Maguire were getting a little “antsy” and needed to make music and decided to take matters in their own hands (and voices) while Natalie Maines (the lead singer of Dixie) continues to utilize the freedom of staying home. The trio are not done; Emily and Martie will welcome back Natalie with open arms once she is ready to come back and make music but for now they have recorded their “debut.” I have to say that I have listened to more than a few songs in their entirety (their web site) and I have purchased the album. So far the songs I really like are “The Coast,” “Fairytale,” “Gracefully” and “Fear of Wasted Time.” Emily wrote many of the songs after her divorce from singer-songwriter Charlie Robison.
My favorite “new” song of the week is “Chasm” by the band Flyleaf. I think I saw this band at one point open for someone but can’t remember. I heard this song the other day on the best rock station in the U.S.A.-“WCCC”-out of Hartford CT and I was really impressed and immediately downloaded it. It is off their latest album-“Memento Mori.” Check it out.
Of course you know I jumped all over the new Godsmack album-“The Oracle”- and I like what I have heard. I will give it a few more turns and may just come up with an album review. Now the formula has not changed-so if you are looking for something “new” or “different”-then don’t pick it up but if you love their sound (like I do) then this is right up your alley. AC/DC have not changed their recipe and have been revered for doing so, but for some reason the haters out there give these guys a lot of grief. Yeah I have read the comments that they should just fork over their proceeds to the “Alice In Chains” trust fund. These guys loved and respected Layne and the rest of the members of AIC and yes they are a heavy influence but so what? If you are a fan of ‘Smack you will love the heavy bass lines, they are everywhere. Check out the song –“War and Peace.”
Ok so Aaron Kelly was voted off this past Wednesday night from American Idol and I am still scratching my head because I can’t understand how he and Michael Lynche ended up in the bottom two after Tuesday night’s performance. Both Crystal Bowersox and Casey James had less than average presentations (and I like both of them and have predicted that Crystal will win it all) and deserved to be in the bottom of the votes. I really have to tip my hat to Aaron Kelly as he was most respectful as he said his goodbye. I don’t think he would have ended up winning the whole thing but I honestly have changed my earlier opinion that I would not remember his name after his exodus and now predict that he will land a contract with someone. All the judges loved Michael’s rendition of “The way You Look Tonight” so I don’t understand why America keeps putting him near the bottom almost every week. Obviously now with only 4 contestants left, being at the bottom is not so bad. The sleeper in this has been Lee DeWyze as he has a real chance of being crowned the 2010 American Idol.
By the way, what was American Idol thinking (and FOX) by having Lady GaGa perform on their show? I guess they want to try and stay “current” but her routine on Wednesday night was offensive. Ok yes maybe that is the “old person” coming out in me because I was dying as my 12 year old son watched in “horror.” Lady- We get it.. you are always “pushing the envelope” but there will come a time when your talent will have to overtake all the ridiculous outfits and stage props. I was embarrassed for her as well as myself for actually watching it. Thank goodness for Harry Connick Jr.’s solo performance as well as when all five contestants sang his songs. Now that is music and something I have been pounding away on this page- it is our civil duty to keep the classics going.
My older son has informed me that the Zac Brown Band is an act that I really should follow. I have heard this guy is good but now I know he must be because my older son is usually on the mark. Funny thing is that he is not so hip to Country (that will eventually come, I was the same way when I was his age) music but he is drawn to the Zac Brown Band. They have released a massive live album-“Pass the Jar”- with 24 songs and they include some smoking covers, especially “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” by Charlie Daniels band. Check it out. Kid Rock also does a song with them.
Has anyone been listening to the New York radio station “Lite FM” (at 106.7) lately? They say they are “lite” but especially the last few weeks, the station seems more like Z-100 or WPLJ than the normal Lite FM that I have been use to. It’s been weird.
My favorite “nu-metal” or “new-rock” song is “Take it to the Limit” by Hinder (with Mick Mars). Now I know lots of you out there have been telling me about this band (along with Breaking Benjamin and the such) and just to let you know, I’m getting there-just give me a chance. I like Hinder’s sound- loud, crisp and tight. This song rocks. \m/ \m/
Album Review: “Bridge Over Troubled Water” by Simon & Garfunkel released on January 26, 1970
A few weeks ago, “The Graduate” was on one of those classic movie channels and I knew that the entire soundtrack was done by Simon & Garfunkel and as I watched the movie while listening to their great songs, I couldn’t believe how much I loved their songs, so it made me explore. Now I “cheated” with this group in the sense that I had purchased their “greatest hits” which I know is sac-religious but I have “seen the light” and now own albums two through five. I am pouring through these albums and who knows I just may do an album review for each for the next four weeks. I decided to start with their last album together because of the significance that I think it represented. The 1960’s were one of the most explosive decades in our history filled with great achievements but also marked by some very violent turbulent times in the U.S. which included the Vietnam War and the tail end of this decade could have the furthest we have ever been from peace abroad as well as in our own backyard. Now I’m not going to sit here and tell you that I experienced this because when this album was released I was only 4 years old but from what I have read (and have now heard) this album represented a “bed of hope.” Our Country needed something and supposedly this album was sort of a security blanket that calmed our fears-at least for a little bit-from all the monsters in our room that kept us up at night. Folks I’m telling you I don’t think there has ever been a duo that has ever moved me the way that Simon & Garfunkel have done. This album is like an outer body experience. And the sad and most ironic part is that this masterpiece was created as they both knew that their existence together was coming to an end. Isn’t it weird to think that these unbelievable songs were made at a time of duress for both of these men? The first analogy that pops into my head is the same thing happened with The Beatles in the sense, in my opinion, that some of their best material was created while they knew they were breaking up. From the White album to Let It Be, so many phenomenal songs made at a time where they couldn’t even stand to be in the same room with each other. My recommendation for this Country right now is for everyone who has this album to take it out and listen to it. Listen to it with your whole family. For those of you who do not own it, please I beg of you-run out and buy this now and listen with all your heart. Pass this on down to everyone you know and also perfect strangers. This has to make you feel better about things. I always knew that Simon & Garfunkel were one of the best-if not the best-artists to ever record music in this U.S. of A but now that I am digesting this album (as well as their other fantastic albums) I have to say that they have catapulted their way to the top of my all time list of my favorite artists/bands.
On a separate note, when I think of Simon & Garfunkel the first thing I think of is the song-“The Sound of Silence”- as this was the first song I heard after my mother passed away-don’t ask me how I know that or remember that-I just do- the opening line gets me every time-“Hello darkness my old friend”- as the tears well up. How great is that song? The second thing I remember about Simon & Garfunkel is when I was out of work last year I met this gentleman, Mr. Pendleton, who passed my name along to more than a few potential job opportunities (I thank him as well as the many other family and friends who did/do the same for me) and you remember how many times I have told you that music is a “connection?” The conversation of music is universal and the one take away for me was when he mentioned that S&G were his favorite artists of all time. You see for me it is music that feeds the soul and those two things are something that I will never forget for the rest of my life.
Side one of this classic album starts off with the title track and the first thing that I think of is that I believe many of us out there take Mr. Art Garfunkel for granted and consider Mr. Paul Simon as the only power in this duo. Not for nothing but this song could arguably be their best song ever recorded and guess who sings it? Now yes I know that Paul wrote the song and it could also arguably be one of the best songs ever written. Whenever I hear this song I become perfectly still and can not move, nor do I want any other noise or distractions to disrupt this masterpiece. “When you’re weary, feeling small…when tears are in your eyes, I will dry them all…I’m on your side when times get rough..” In any era those are words to live by but especially now. This song has to grip you; it is completely and utterly stunning. And who can forget the legendary lyrics-“…Sail on silvergirl, sail on by…your time has come to shine…all your dreams are on their way…” the song ends with such a majestic feel to it, it is numbing. Track # 2-“El Condor Pasa (If I Could)”- is my favorite song on the album. It gives me the chills and again I can’t even move when I hear this song. The arrangement is spectacular and whoever is playing the flute does a spectacular job. “… I’d rather be a hammer than a nail… yes I would… if I could… I surely would…” I guess all of us would probably choose the hammer right?…but the nail is also needed. Makes you think. Paul’s vocals are stunning and I just can’t get enough of this song. The ever popular “Cecilia” is the third track and I can’t imagine anyone not liking this song. It is the perfect sing along song for your first BBQ this year or while at a dinner party-this is for the entire family, so enjoy. Lots of percussion in this tune and sort of a sign of things to come for Mr. Simon as years later he would take part in so many different genres of music which included performing with South African musicians and groups. The next song-“Keep the Customer Satisfied”- conjures up images of The Everly Brothers (who were part of their inspiration) as the upbeat sound with the acoustic guitar feels like Don & Phil could have written & performed this track. Love the horn arrangements and the finger snapping groove. The last song on side one-“So Long, Frank Lloyd Wright”-is supposedly Paul’s goodbye song to Art. It is a touching soft song that seems to portray their career together as Paul says-“…never change your point of view… when I run dry I stop awhile and think of you…” The last words of the song are “So long, So Long.” Like I mentioned above, it is unbelievable to me that these kind of songs were made while they were apparently having a hard time agreeing on issues.
Side two starts off with another song that could be argued is their best song ever-“The Boxer.” As I read the lyrics it hits me that since I am older the words have more meaning than when I was younger. Life is something that keeps coming at you and only experience at it can make you understand what it can do to you. The words are poignant:-“… In the clearing stands a boxer, and a fighter by his trade…and he carries the reminders of ev’ry glove that laid him down… or cut him till he cried out in his anger and his shame… I am leaving, I am leaving… but the fighter still remains…” The words are powerful and take on so many different meanings for every person in this world, in its own way. The tears are flowing as I take in this beautiful song with my entire heart and soul-this is earth shattering stuff right here. “Baby Driver” takes up the feel of the album to a nice hand and knee slapping song that reminds me of something that the Beatles would do. It’s funny but when they turn it up a notch it feels right and the saxophone solo puts the icing on the cake for this one. This could a good song to shout out to the man/ woman or band with that acoustic guitar(s) as a request the next time you are at your local pub. Track # 3-“The Only Living Boy in New York”- is another soothing song that just makes you feel like you’re laying down on a nice grassy hill during a nice summer day with nothing but blue skies in your vision. It seems every song they do, there is so much effort put into the lyrics as well as the overall arrangement of the track. “…Hey, I’ve got nothing to do today but smile……half of the time we’re gone but we don’t know where, and we don’t know where…” Do these words get you to think about life or what? Fantastic song which can bring tears to your eyes. “Why Don’t You Write Me”-brings the pace back up again and sort of has this “calypso” feeling to it. This song is almost actually “heavy” as the musicianship is pretty tight and “jamming” and dare I say a little “loud” for a S&G song. This song is different from any on the album. The boys pay homage to the Everly Brothers by putting a live version of “Bye Bye Love” and this crowd claps their hands together way better than the American Idol audience as they hold the beat of this classic song for the entire version. Is this a perfect sing along song or what? Awesome cover of this American standard. This classic album ends with “Song for the Asking” which is a marvelous song that spotlights Paul’s vocals as well as the acoustic guitar. It really is amazing the songs that these guys had in them, seemed like almost every thing they touched turn into gold or touched your heart. The song ends with the wonderful lyrics-“…Ask me and I will play… All the love that I hold inside…” Seems they did that for generations to come.
Folks discovering music-old or new- is what it is all about and my discovery this week is the magic of Mr. Paul Simon and Mr. Art Garfunkel. I knew and respected their impact on American music but until I really sat down and listened to their albums, I never knew what I was missing. Their work together should be held with such deep regard and massive amount of appreciation that we should thank them every chance we get because it doesn’t get more special than Simon & Garfunkel. “Bridge Over Troubled Water” is a pure masterpiece and I can’t wait until I can review the other albums.
“TOP TEN”:
This week’s I-Pod shuffle landed on “Next to You” by The Police [by the way The Offspring do a nice cover of this classic on their greatest hits.. it sits at the end of (Can’t Get My) Head Around You)-one of those “secret” songs] and it jumped started me to list my favorite ten songs by one of my favorite bands early on in my formidable years of learning the trade of listening to rock and roll or in this case-“New wave”- yes boys and girls when the Police first hit the scene they were classified in this genre. Now I think I have said this more than a few times on this page that I was very upset with Mr. Gordon Sumner, otherwise known as “Sting” when, in my eyes, he left his fellow band mates flat in the prime of their existence to make it all about him. (And Springsteen fans you can blame Sting for convincing Bruce to run out on the E-Street band way back when he implored Bruce that he could make it without them). OK so they both did very well with their solo careers, begrudgingly I have to admit it, still doesn’t take away the pain/anger. But in a strange way I guess The Police had to go their separate ways because by the time “Synchronicity” was released in 1983 they were way to “popular” for me and I had jumped off their band wagon while everyone else on the planet seemed to be jumping on. (Remember I was 13 when their first album came out and in my eyes they were “underground” for a while, so being a teenager clouded my vision a bit because I would drop bands the moment-in my eyes- that they hit the “masses”). Obviously now that I am older I want the bands that I listen to become huge, like the Police were back in 1983. (By the way there will be no songs from “Synchronicity” on this list, sorry there is still that part in me…)
In my opinion the first two Police albums should be considered some of the best albums ever to be released in the history of music. They had this vibe which included punk rock, rock and roll mixed in with reggae which was so different than anyone out at that time-(think back to the late 1970’s with bands like Boston, Foreigner and disco-there was no one like The Police). Stewart Copeland is one of the world’s best drummers and he is prevalent in every Police song. Sting is a phenomenal bass player (listen to the first two albums and you’ll be blown away) while Andy Summers, in my opinion, has always been a very under-rated guitarist. He really opened eyes on their last tour with his very skillful solos as well as keeping that train going. Yes I did attend their farewell tour at Madison Square Garden back in the summer of 2007 and I liked the show but wasn’t so crazy about changing the melodies of some of the early songs. I wanted the “reggae” sounding songs to stay that way and wanted the “punk” songs to also stay the same way… but the “punk” songs were changed, almost “jazzed” up, which didn’t cut it for me. Oh well at least I have the albums to fall back on. Now folks there has to be some Police in your library as it is almost impossible to not like one of their songs-from “Roxanne” to “Wrapped Around Your Finger.” Yes, even “De Do Do Do, De Da Da Da” which my oldest son says has to be one of the worst songs ever written or recorded. I don’t know but I have always liked that song. Oh well, I am on an island and have been told that I can only have ten songs by The Police, “these are them:” Again these are my favorites (because I already know that if you are not a “fan” of the Police you will not know many of these songs)
10. Does Everyone Stare–The “early” Police were so phenomenal you could feel the energy and edge they had that catapulted them into the stratosphere. Even the lyrics were all over the place, for instance-“I never noticed the size of my feet, until I kicked you in the shins..” –I don’t know why but those are the first lyrics to come to mind when I hear this song. Now this song seems simple enough but when you listen to the collaboration between the three, it’s unbelievable how tight they are. Sting’s bass line feels like it’s coming right through the speakers. Stewart’s drumming feels like he is banging right on your head and how cool is his piano playing on this tune-he wrote this song and he sings the first verse of this fun tune.
9. Deathwish– All three of them wrote this song and again you can feel the electricity between the three as every instrument played is so crystal clear but I have to admit that I love Stewart’s drumming the best as I wish I could play the drums because I would blast away with this song. Sting’s bass hits you right in the chest while Andy keeps the groove going with his guitar work. I feel like I have stuck my fingers in an electric socket as I am hoping up and down all over the room, especially when the beat picks up-again listen to the phenomenal drumming by Mr. Copeland. Awesome tune.
8. Voices Inside My Head– This reggae “funk-a-fied” song is almost too much for me to take, Sting’s bass work has to get you out of your seat and on to the dance floor, whether it be your living room or whatever. Stewart’s drumming makes it that much easier to move your feet and especially your body. (listen to his unbelievable skills throughout this song). And then with about a minute and ten seconds left in the song, I can just picture that line that use to be formed on Soul Train when two people would come down from the back of the line and do their thing and once they reached the front another couple would start from the back again. How great is this song? Not too many lyrics but the chorus is addicting and their musicianship is out of this world.
7. Invisible Sun–There is something about this song that intrigues me so much, even today when I listen to it. The song has always grabbed my attention like no other Police song. Now this is off “Ghost in the Machine” and by that time Sting had taken over the band as the input from Stewart and Andy was minimal and in my opinion this is when they went “pop.” Now you know I love all kinds of pop but you can sense that something missing from this album forward and what that was, were Andy and Stewart. Like I said, I love this song but in a weird way, it signaled the end.
6. The Bed’s Too Big Without You–Talk about a bass? Sting is all over this song with his voice and especially the bass line. Take a listen to this song again and listen to the entire arrangement and production-it really is spectacular- may seem a bit simple but it really is pure perfection. The bass line puts me in a trance and this song makes me want to dance by myself in a circle in the fields of Woodstock. I can remember lying on the hard wood floor in my bedroom of my parent’s place as a teenager with a pillow very close to the base of the speakers and playing this as loud as I could take (or whenever my parents said to turn it down-which ever came first) and every part of my body would move, even my toes. If this reggae twisted tune doesn’t get you moving well I just give up.
5. No Time This Time–This is one of the fastest songs in the history of music and I do the “Wayne’s World” bow to all three musicians as this is a jaw dropping display of musicianship that you will ever hear. I had to rewind this song three times already as I try to write about it, that’s how addicting it is. And when Stewart does the blazing drum parts at the end of the tune, I am beside myself. I’m thinking this should have been my number one song. If you dare use this song for your next Spin class be prepared for people to scream out in pain as they try to keep up with the pace of the song as they try to sprint for the entire three minutes, it’s impossible to spin as fast as they are playing. Mr. Summer’s guitar solo throws me over the edge and I feel like Macaulay Culkin who was running around like crazy in “Home Alone.” This is the perfect exercise song, could be the best ever.
4. Born In The 50’s–This is the “rock and roll” Police and does it get any better than this song? Sting’s vocals are the best and his bass work even better. “…They screamed… when the Beatles sang…and they laughed when the King fell down the stairs…” I can sing this song all day long. “Born in the 50’s…Born in the 50’s…” Copeland is the man.
3. It’s Alright For You–Another song that Copeland help write along with Sting that appears on “Reggatta de Blanc” and this is straight up rock and roll. They had the formula nailed down as this three minute song features all their talents, especially Mr. Summers as his blazing guitar solo will make you stand up and take notice at his mad skills. And I don’t know about you but after listening to Stewart Copeland on drums, I want to start taking lessons, he is all over the place with his superior skills. This is short but packs a powerful punch- this is when the Police were the Police.
2. Truth Hits Everybody–You want “head-banging” punk rock? Look no further than this unbelievable tune, if you can’t bang your head to this one, well then you might have a headache. Oh man I love this freaking song, I can’t get enough of it. This is even shorter than three minutes but it packs a wallop of a punch. This was a staple in our boot camp classes at MBIA from 2002-2005, I can picture all of us at our separate stations-(everyone stayed at least two stations away from me because of my unusual propensity to sweat more than any other human being alive)- and I would always hope that I had the “running” part so that I could bounce up & down while dancing, making believe I was playing air-guitar-while running of course. Or we would take a small football and Dave and I would pass it to each other whenever head-banging songs like these would come on. Thanks Tricia, Dave, CIC, Doreen and Nick for making those years so special.
1. Can’t Stand Losing You–This was one of the first two singles released from Outlandos d’Amour (obviously “Roxanne” was the other) and from the first moment that I heard this back in the late 1970’s, I knew this was going to be one of my all time favorite songs. You know what I’m talking about right? Sometimes it’s your mate-the first time you meet them, you know. Or when my wife and I saw our first house, we knew instantly that we wanted to live there. Now of course it is about the music because the topic deals with suicide as a result of losing someone. The Police had this way of constantly repeating the same lyrics (think “Message in a Bottle”- sending out an S.O.S…) and I love the way Sting persistently sings “I Can’t .. I Can’t.. I Can’t Stand Losing…” Also love the part where he says “…And your brother’s gonna kill me… and he’s six feet ten…” This is an all-time classic.
Trivia Questions
Answers from last week:
1. They asked Eric Clapton, Steve Winwood and George Harrison before Neil Young said yes.
2. Jerry Garcia
3. Ronnie Van Zant, he died at the young age of 29 along with two other members of Lynyrd Skynyrd in a plane crash.
4. ZZ Top
This week’s trivia (Random)-
1. What Beatles song lasted on the charts the longest, at 19 weeks?
2. What jazz musician is known as “The Prince of Darkness?”
3. What self proclaimed “architect of rock and roll” helped cut the ribbon for the opening of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland?
4. Whose memorial service marked for the first time in 30 years that the three surviving members of the Beatles appeared together in public?
Name That Tune
Answers from last week: (Nice job Tricia)
1. “If”- Bread
2. “We’ve Only Just Begun”- The Carpenters
3. “This Guys In Love With You”-Herb Albert & the Tijuana Brass
4. “Garden Party” –Ricky Nelson
Can you guess the title from the following lyrics from part of the song?
1. “…I love all the things you say and do…and it’s so nice to hear you say…you’re gonna please me in every way…”
2. “…I remember I cried when my father died…never wishing to have cried the tears…and at sixty-five years old…My mother, God rest her soul…”
3. “…I feel fine…I’m talking bout peace of mind…I’m gonna take my time…I’m getting the good sign…”
4. “…they arrested me and put me in jail…and called my pappy to throw my bail…And he said Son you are going to drive me to drinkin’ if you don’t stop…”
Back on this Day
Sadly back on this day in 1998, Eddie Rabbitt, died from lung cancer at the young age of 56. I always loved the song-“I Love a Rainy Night.”
Back on this day in 1968, Reginald Dwight decided to change his name to Elton John.
Back on this day in 1991, Wilson Pickett was arrested for drunk driving in Englewood NJ and also for threatening his neighbor, who happened to be the mayor of Englewood.
Back on this day in 1998, Steve Perry decided to leave the band Journey, leaving them with no frontman.
If it is your birthday today you share the same birth date with the late great Johnny Maestro,(who unfortunately just passed away on Mar. 24 from cancer at the age of 70-he should be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame) Jimmy Ruffin (“What Becomes of the Broken Hearted”) and Bill Danoff (The Starland Vocal Band)
Errols Weekly Music Update. 