Nickelback with Three Days Grace and Buckcherry at the Mohegan Sun on Tues. Sept. 28 and at the Prudential Center on Wed. Sept. 29. Tickets on sale tomorrow morning at 10:00 a.m. Mohegan: $90 and $110. The “Rock:” $49.50, $69.50 and $89.50.
Megadeth, Slayer and Anthrax at the Nassau Coliseum on Fri. Rocktober 8. (The “American Carnage” Tour) Tickets on sale next Fri. July 23 at 10:00 a.m. $6.50 – $55.50
The Misfits at Irving Plaza on Thurs. Rocktober 28. Tickets on sale tomorrow morning at 10:00 a.m. $27.50.
The Dead Kennedys at Irving Plaza on Fri. Rocktober 15. Tickets on sale this morning at 10:00 a.m. $21.49.
They Might Be Giants at the Town Hall on Sun. Sept. 26. Tickets on sale today at 11:00 a.m. $27 (if you buy 4 then $100).
Trey Songz and Monica at the Beacon Theater on Thurs. Sept. 16. Tickets on sale this morning at 10:00 a.m. $55 – $75
Phoenix at Madison Square Garden on Wed. Rocktober 20. Pre-sale tickets available now for American Express cardholders only until 10:00 p.m. tonight. General public tickets on sale tomorrow morning at 10:00 a.m. $29.50, $39.50 & $49.50.
The Indigo Girls at the Wellmont Theater on Fri. Nov. 5. Tickets on sale today at noon. $35 and $45.
The Doobie Brothers at the Westbury Theater on Fri. Nov. 19. Tickets on sale tomorrow at 12:30 p.m. $50 and $60.
Foghat at the Ridgefield Playhouse on Sat. Rocktober 9. Tickets on sale now. $60.
The Robert Randolph Band at the Ridgefield Playhouse on Wed. Sept. 8. Tickets on sale now. $62.50.
Social Distortion at the Roseland Ballroom on Thurs. Nov. 4. Tickets on sale now $35.
Slash at Terminal 5 on Tues. Sept. 14. Tickets on sale now. $32.50
Other items:
Rumor of the week: Pearl Jam has reportedly “retired” for the very near future as Eddie Vedder informed the crowd in Portugal that they were part of their last show-“not forever but for some time.” We will see.
Unbelievably last Friday night during one of their homecoming shows at the new Meadowlands stadium, (Jon) Bon Jovi tore his calf muscle on stage during the last few songs. He made light of the incident saying that is what happens when one gets old but that he was “still good looking.”Jon was assisted off the stage by his band mates when the show ended. (Thanks Sharif and Monica).
Speaking of injuries, Joe Perry was released from Morton Hospital in MA yesterday after sustaining minor injuries when the motorcycle that he was riding was hit by a car. A sixty-two year old woman was cited for following his cycle too closely. Thank goodness Joe and feel better!!!
Last week our family (which included our dear friend Angelina) took a vacation up to Cape Cod-Brewster-and during the 4.5 hour car ride I was “schooled” in today’s music as my youngest son and Angelina proved that I don’t know all there is to know about music. I have to say that I was blown away on how she (and my son) knew every word to every song that is played on “pop” radio. (my oldest son was miserable when we put on this music). I have to admit that I like many of the songs but on the other hand I sort of felt like my oldest son at points and wanted to change the station but I couldn’t because I could see the pure fun that the other two were having. Like I have always maintained-there is nothing that gets me more pumped when I see people enjoying music, especially when they know every word to these songs-that’s impressive to me. Well here are some of the songs that I learned over the vacation-“Airplanes” by B.o.B. (with HayleyWilliams of “Paramore”); “Billionaire”-Travie McCoy (I loved this song); “Riding Solo” by Jason Derulo; “Cooler Than Me”-Mike Posner; “OMG”- Usher; “Naturally”- Selena Gomez; “Break Your Heart” by Taio Cruz & Ludacris and “The Only Exception”-Paramore. Thank you!!! You see you are never too old to discover music.
My new favorite song of the week is “Come Back Song” by Darius Rucker-a perfect sing along song. He is so much better as a “Country” artist than he ever was with Hootie & the Blowfish, my apologies to him and his fans of Hootie but in my opinion he is great as a country artist.
Remember when I told you that Santana will release an album on Sept. 21 where he takes different singers and puts his take on some of rock’s most well known hits? Well here is another song that he will be doing:-“Photograph” by Def Leppard and former American Idol contestant-Chris Daughtry-will be on vocals. I guess I can’t say anything until I hear it but somehow my gut tells me that no one can sing it like Mr. Elliot. (But I could be wrong).
Ozzy has released a live “EP” of his Ozzfest Tour which took place earlier in London and contains six of his classics and for $6 you can’t beat. If you thought Ozzy was done, no way-buy it now!! \m/ \m/
If you are looking for some cool new pop music check out the release by The Maine and their “Black and White” album. (Their album cover made me think it was a Maroon 5 release). “Right Girl” seems to be the most popular right now and after listening to the 30 second sample on the rest of the songs on I-Tunes, I would recommend to “buy.” Check it out.
Rolling Stone is reporting that R.E.M. has completed their 15th studio album slated to be released in early spring 2011. It was recorded at the Hansa studio in Berlin Germany the same place where U2 recorded Achtung Baby.
All weekend long, the classic rock station in New York-Q104.3 on you FM dial- will playing songs from the top 104 albums of all time. From Aersosmith to the Mighty Zep. It starts today at 1:00 p.m.
The Who will tour next year despite the fact that Pete Townsend hearing continues to get worse. Supposedly the volume will be lowered on the stage set but Mr. Daltrey is concerned that Pete will turn up the volume because that is what rock and roll does to a person. Pete’s condition is so bad that he even has cut his time down in the recording studio-this is going to be interesting. Wouldn’t be surprised if Roger will lead the Who name by himself. (and then there was one).
Megadeth frontman Dave Mustaine will release his autobiography on Aug. 3 entitled-“Mustaine: A Heavy Metal Memoir”-and he will do a book tour signing which will include more than a few stops in New York. On Thurs. Aug. 12 he will appear at the Borders bookstore at 100 Broadway in lower Manhattan from noon to 2:00 p.m. Two days before that on Tues. Aug. 10 he will appear at the Barnes & Noble at 555 Fifth Avenue and 46th street from 12:30 – 2:30. I think I may just have to stroll up to Borders. \m/ \m/ (You know a big part of that book has to contain his side of the Metallica debacle).
Album Review: “Electric Ladyland” by Jimi Hendrix released on Rocktober 25, 1968
I needed help again this week as my schedule seems to be getting tighter so I asked my oldest son to write an album review and to my surprise he picked Jimi Hendrix on his own. (Remember he was born in 1994 and look who he picks-I’m sorry but I am swelling with pride). Here are his words:
Recently I have dived into the archive of music by the one and only Jimi Hendrix and it hit me like a bullet. I am an avid fan of guitar players, especially blues guitarists and have a huge fascination with the instrument. I credit guitarist John Mayer for introducing me to the blues and guitar based music, and from there I worked my way backwards into discovering the artists that inspired him. I discovered Stevie Ray Vaughan, B.B. King, Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, along with rock icons like Jimmy Page, Carlos Santana, Eddie Van Halen, and contemporaries like Robert Randolph, Jack White, and Dan Auerbach. However for a reason unknown I never really went extensively into the library of the legendary Jimi Hendrix. It’s almost like a fact that he is the greatest guitarist of all time and although I never questioned that fact there was always a doubt in my mind that maybe, just maybe he was a little overrated. Well I can officially say that after today there is no doubt in my mind at all, I know for a fact that Jimi Hendrix is indeed the greatest electric guitarist of all time.
A few days ago I found my dad’s Jimi Hendrix Box Set and decided to check it out. Although I found it very interesting and really liked a lot of the songs I still wasn’t quite convinced he was the greatest. However today I went to the CD store and bought “Electric Ladyland”, I don’t really know why I did but something about it appealed to me. It just had that “it” factor; sometimes I get a feeling that an album is gonna be good just by looking at it and I never question the instinct I just get the album. So when I got home I listened to the entire album straight through and my mind was completely blown away. I couldn’t even think straight because I had just listened to pure genius. There was no filler at all, every song just got better and better. I had finally experienced Jimi Hendrix for myself; I didn’t have to go by what others said about him anymore. Even though before today I accepted Hendrix as the greatest guitarist ever, now I KNOW from experience that he is the greatest of all time.
“Electric Ladyland” starts off with “…And the God’s Made Love” and it’s about a minute of random noises that prepares you for the joy ride that is Electric Ladyland. After the intro ends a calm bluesy song with a hint of R&B starts playing and you hear Jimi’s great voice singing along with his soaring guitar licks. The song is called “Have You Ever Been (To Electric Ladyland)” and really sets the tone for the album. After it ends all of the sudden you hear the popular “Crosstown Traffic” burst onto the speakers and you immediately get pumped up. How could anyone dislike this song? It’s impossible! It has such a groove to it; you just have to start moving. Track number 3 is a standout song on the album, the amazing “Voodoo Chile” (not to be confused with ‘Voodoo Child (Slight Return)’) is a 15 minute blues jam with Steve Winwood on the organ (he plays extremely well on this song). This is such a fantastic slow blues song; Jimi’s guitar solo is just out of the world. It’s hard to put into words how crazy Jimi’s guitar work is; when you listen to him play you have to simply surrender to the music, let yourself go and just feel the music. This song ends side one of the double album. My first listen through the album I thought that there is no way this album is gonna get better because this first side was unbelievable. But I was proven wrong “Electric Ladyland” just gets better and better.
Side two starts off with the short but great “Little Miss Strange” in which bassist Noel Redding takes on lead vocals. He has a surprisingly good voice that eerily sounds like John Lennon and his voice combined with the magnificent blues guitar riffs and a grade “A” solo make the song a winner. “Long Hot Summer Night” follows and continues the trend of a perfect album. Again it’s just not possible to dislike this song, it has everything in it. Hendrix shows off his rockability with “Come On (Let the Good Times Roll)” which was a standout track for me. I instantly loved the guitar riff and when the solo came in I was on cloud nine. I just sat there in awe at what I had just heard; it’s one of best solos on the album. Jimi shows off his psychedelic side with the next two songs “Gypsy Eyes” and “Burning of the Midnight Lamp” which sound really creepy yet good at the same time. One of my favorite songs on the album is next which is “Rainy Day, Dream Away.” I just love when Jimi says “Hey maaaannn it’s raining!” and “Oh yeaaah I see what you mean brother”, it’s just so funny. I love the laid back feel to song; it’s just like a simple jam with Jimi just playing his guitar along to an organ. I can’t explain why but I just love this song! One of Jimi’s most interesting songs follows and it’s called “1983…(A Mermaid I Should Turn to Be).” This song is some of Jimi’s best work as a writer; it’s a very philosophical song. I think that on this album Jimi really stepped up his game writing wise, every song has lyrics that are so much more advanced compared to his earlier albums. Again the psychedelic feelings take over when you listen to this long epic track. Also I have to mention that there is a flute player that adds a little magic to the song. After the outro for that song “Still Raining, Still Dreaming” starts side four.
“Still Raining, Still Dreaming” is basically the continuation of “Rainy Day, Dream Away” and like that song it is awesome! This song has a long guitar solo and since it’s Jimi playing what’s not to like? The greatness continues with “House Burning Down”, it has such a funky beat to it especially in the beginning. I love when Jimi says “So I left him sippin’ his tea!” the lyrics to this song are so great. When the solo comes in and Jimi starts hitting those high notes I just go crazy, it’s as simple as that. One of Jimi Hendrix’s most famous covers is next and it’s none other than Bob Dylan’s “All Along the Watchtower.” Hendrix adds so much to this wonderful song, his flawless soloing is just magical. This is rock and roll at its very best. Now the whole album winds down and finishes with the crown jewel of the entire record, “Voodoo Child (Slight Return).” This in all honesty could be the definitive guitar song of all time; it has probably one of the best rifts ever created and the best solo on the whole album. Seriously this is Hendrix’s greatest achievement as a guitarist (not ‘Purple Haze’); this sets the bar for guitar playing. No one will ever be able to play guitar like he does.
Overall this is an album that any music lover, Hendrix fan, or guitar fan should own. Although many will say that “Are You Experienced?” is the ultimate Jimi Hendrix album personally I believe “Electric Ladyland” to be his greatest musical achievement. The music is a lot more sophisticated than his previous albums; his guitar playing, vocals, and writing are a par up from anything he did before this masterpiece. So I ask you the reader, in the words of Jimi Hendrix, “have you been to Electric Ladyland?” If the answer is no then you need to go to “Electric Ladyland” for yourself, and when you do you’ll love it so much you will never want to leave.
Key Tracks: “Voodoo Child (Slight Return),” “All Along the Watchtower,” “Come On (Let the Good Times Roll),” and “Little Miss Strange.”
“TOP TEN”:
This past Monday my brother and his wife celebrated the birth of their first born child- a boy- 9 lbs. 5 oz.- so I decided to dedicate this week’s top ten songs to all three of them by trying to name my favorite top ten songs that relate to having a baby- a boy or a girl. Now this is probably the hardest top ten categories I have selected because I know there are songs that I will not put on this list that may be one of your personal favorites. (I can only go by the songs that I know of) That’s the thing, obviously I know that my top ten lists are always personal but this week it takes on an extra special meaning so I will do my best to pick songs that I believe truly come from the heart in depicting probably the greatest experience any couple will have in their lifetime.
The amount of joy that has surrounded our family is a feeling that I wish I could bottle up and save forever. You can truly feel the excitement in the air as the feeling of wanting to do everything that you possibly can to make the life of your child be better than what your parents have done for you is a goal that one probably doesn’t think about until you have a child of your own. (Naturally or adopted). The unbelievable sense of connection between you and your child is one of the greatest feelings in the world. I was lucky enough to see my nephew in his mom’s birthing room and I completely melted inside while trying to hold back the tears of joy as I looked at him all wrapped up in his blankets looking so comfortable. So with that in mind, I have picked songs which personally hit you right in the heart and spread that utmost feeling of love & joy throughout your body.
Congratulations to my brother and his wife on the birth of their first child-as I write this tears are streaming down my face as I can’t believe my “baby” brother now has a baby of his own. Remember that “feeling in the air” that I described well it also includes the spirit of my mother-who I know has the biggest smile in heaven right now.
10. I Will Take Care of You– Amy Sky– Prior to my children being born I don’t think I had that instinct to “protect” but the moment both of my boys were born there was something that came over me that I don’t think you can explain until you go through it. The power of the bond was so strong that you will do everything in your power to “take care of you.” There are many versions of this song but I love the way Amy sings it-you can feel her passion, her pride and that sense of protection that overtakes every parent. Beautiful song.
9. Julie Through the Glass– Carly Simon– Wow what a song. This is for all those parents who have just had a baby, the lyrics are short (as is the song) but they are right to the point-“…Julie through the glass…looking up at me…you have just got to be…the sweetest thing I have ever seen…” It sort of reminds me of something The Carpenters could have recorded as Carly’s soft vocals are pure perfection and she will make you drift off and think of your own experience of having a child.
8. Lullaby (Goodnight My Angel)– Billy Joel– This legend has made so many great songs in his lifetime but none probably meant more to him than this tune. This song has all the ingredients for tugging at the heart strings including a “sleepy” melodic tune exemplified by his brilliant ability to play the piano as well as a crystal clear voice with lyrics that brings one to near tears-“…someday we’ll all be gone but lullaby’s go on and on…they never die…that’s how you and I will be.” This is an exquisite song and if you have a new born you can sing this tune when putting the little one down for bed.
7. Flowers for Zoe– Lenny Kravitz– I don’t know how you feel but Mr. Kravitz has made, in my opinion, some of the best heart felt songs in the past few decades. He has dealt with the pain of losing both parents with heart crushing tributes but on the other side he has also beautifully written a composition which welcomed his daughter into the world. The violin part is pure perfection in the background as you drift off and think of all the possibilities for your new born.
6. A New Day Has Come – Celine Dion– An absolute stunner of a song- talk about a song that is written from the heart. It’s obvious that Celine had some struggles to bring a life into the world but then it happened-“…where there was pain…now there is joy…where there was weakness I have found my strength…all in the eyes of a boy…”-after seeing a new life enter the world this week I can totally relate to the words-“all in the eyes of a boy.” It is really an overwhelming feeling that one can not put into words. This tune will tingle your spine, bring tears to your eyes and put a smile on your face-just like that little boy or girl will do to you.
5. With Arms Wide Open– Creed– There was a point in time where I was totally engulfed in the band called Creed but kind of drifted off once they really became popular (not on purpose this time) and then all their problems started. Anyway- whenever I hear the first words to this song-“…well I just heard…the news today…it seems my life is gonna change…”- it sends chills down my spine even to this day. Mr. Stapp wrote this song after the birth of his baby boy and you can feel the passion and joy in his voice as the magic of a baby entering the world is an experience like none other. I love the “theatrical” feel to this song- it was meant to be that way.
4. Brahm’s Lullaby– Dean Martin’s version- I know you are probably scratching your head on this one but his version of this traditional song is breathtaking and it’s not so much the lyrics in the song but again it’s Dean’s brilliant vocals that due it for me. I can’t even move when I hear this song. I would suggest that my brother and sister-in-law purchase this song off of I-Tunes if they have any trouble getting him to go to sleep-this song should absolutely mesmerize him to settle down.
3. Isn’t She Lovely–Stevie Wonder-Can’t you just hear the pure joy in Stevie’s voice when you listen to this amazing song and the lyrics are wonderful. Love the actual baby cries/noises throughout the song. The melody is a celebration of life and you just have to sway while moving your head back and forth along with the mandatory hand claps-this song has to get you moving your body as well as move you emotionally. If I had to pick I would say his harmonica solo is his best one ever, it just seems to go on forever but so seamless that you don’t even realize that he has stopped singing. Pure perfection in so many ways.
2. A Song for Sleeping– Stone Temple Pilots– Wow the first time I heard this song I was blown away and I still get that same feeling every time I listen to it now. I wish I could have written this song, I drift off into a zone where I am taken back to the births of my two boys and that unbelievable feeling-again a bond that is stronger than anything you can imagine. “…your more than beautiful.. and you’re my son…I don’t deserve this…I never thought it could be…quite like the moment, when you first smiled at me…” I think back to the moments when both of my sons opened their eyes and saw me or when they first smiled at me-whew just a supreme occasion that will always be with me.
1. Beautiful Boy (Darling Boy)– John Lennon-I think this is the ultimate “baby” song as I really can not move whenever I hear this song. “…close your eyes…have no fear… the monster’s gone, he’s on the run…and your daddy is here…” The arrangement is nothing short of spectacular, especially when the bridge of the song starts-“…out on the ocean…sailing away…I can hardly wait to see you come of age…”- it’s just an amazing song. Any new parent can so relate to the lyrics because it is what every parent feels (or goes through) with every new born. And by the way, my nephew is just that- a beautiful boy!!!
Trivia Questions
Answers from last week:
1. Deep Purple
2. True, the JD Fortune era lasted only one album and one year 2005-2006
3. True
4. Billy Ocean
This week’s trivia (Real Names)-
1. What is Cher’s real name?
2. What is Meatloaf’s real name?
3. What is Slash’s real name?
4. What is Sting’s real name?
Name That Tune
Answers from last week:
1. “The Rain, the Park and Other Things”- The Cowsills
2. “Have You Ever Seen the Rain”-Creedence Clearwater Revival
3. “Shout”-Tears for Fears
4. “Flashdance (What a Feeling)” –Irene Cara
Can you guess the title from the following lyrics from part of the song?
1. “…here it is…a groove, slightly transformed just a bit of a break from the norm…just a little something to break the monotony…of all that hard core dance…”
2. “…see the curtains hanging in the window…in the evening on a Friday night…little light that is shining through the window, lets me know everything is alright…”
3. “…People talking, really smiling…a man playing guitar…and singing for us all…will you help him change the world…”
4. “…So I’d like to know where you got the notion…say I’d like to know where… you got the notion…”
Back on this Day .
Sadly back on this day in 1981, Harry Chapin (“Cats in the Cradle’) was killed in a car accident. He was a graduate of Brooklyn Tech in 1960. (I was in 1983 and “Slats” in 1982).
Sadly back on this day in 1996, John Panozzo-drummer for Styx-passed away at the very young age of 47 after a long bout with cirrhosis of the liver.
Back on this day in 1966, the powerful trio of Eric Clapton, Ginger Baker and Jack Bruce formed the band called Cream.
Back on this day in 1976, the Allman Brothers split up over disagreements within the band. They are obviously still going strong today but there was another breakup before they finally settled down in 1989.
Back on this day in 1976, Loggins and Messina broke up.
Back on this day in 1992, the Charlie Watts quartet walked off the Late Night show with David Letterman after a disagreement with the show’s producers.
Back on this day in 1993, Guns & Roses had a case of drug possession thrown out of court by a Buenos Aires judge as it was determined that the “drugs” they had were really vitamins.
If it is your birthday today you share the same birth date with Stuart Copeland (if you don’t know then shame on you).
Errols Weekly Music Update. 