Journey at The Borgota Event Center on Fri. & Sat. Sept. 4 & 5. Tickets on sale Sat. July 4 at 10:00 a.m. (Live Nation Event)
Doro at Gramercy Theater (Blender Theater-for some reason now its called both Gramercy or Blender) on Tues. Sept. 8. Tickets on sale tomorrow next Wed. July 8 at noon. (Live Nation Event).
Powerman 5000 at Blender Gramercy Theater on Sun. Nov. 1. Ticket info to follow. (my guess is Fri. July 17)
Every Time I Die with Bring Me The Horizon at the New York Fillmore at Irving Plaza on Wed. Rocktober 7. Tickets on sale next Fri. July 10 at 10:00 a.m. (Live Nation Event).
Tragedy, the All Metal Tribute to the Bee Gees, The Beach at Governor’s Island on Sun. July 19 @ 2:00 p.m. FREE admission. You have to check out this video for “Staying Alive” at http://thebeachconcerts.com/bio.php?id=1099
Other items:
OK by now everyone who regularly reads these weekly updates knows that I am “open” to many different music genres, things, etc. I usually have an open mind. And I’m trying so hard to not revert to my younger years where I would just totally “blast” away and not try to understand what the reasoning behind a certain situation. In other words, I have to try and put myself in someone else’s shoes. Those “shoes” this week are the editors (or decision makers) who decided to put The Jonas Brothers on the cover of Rolling Stone Magazine. (July 9-23 issue) Yes I know I put down their concert show times and places but I did mention that it was for parents only. (Ok so you got me) But I’m struggling with this very much because to me – “That ain’t Rock ‘n’ Roll!!!” Last year when RS put out an issue of the 100 greatest singers of all-time, readers responded by questioning why such legendary voices as Sinatra, Bennett and Streisand were not included on the list. Their response was that those singers were “not rock and roll.” The Jonas Brothers are “not rock and roll.” I think maybe Rolling Stone magazine just “jumped the shark”- if you know what I mean.
However within this “Jonas Brothers” issue, there is an excellent article on Ticketmaster and why we all should be worried about this monopoly. It’s amazing to me that this 800 lb. gorilla can tip-toe through everyone’s wallet without any resistance. Nothing gets me more heated than they way this company rips off the public every single day for what seems like 100 years and everyone knows they have no competition but it’s OK. Didn’t the U.S. Government force a break-up of the telephone companies? Take a look at this article and see how much money they are making off of every single ticket that you purchase for any music or sporting event. I want to throw up.
Eddie Van Halen married his long time manager/assistant Janie Liszewski last Saturday June 27 at his home in Studio City, CA. His son, Wolfgang, served as his best man and Eddie’s brother, Alex-an ordained minister, performed the service. Eddie’s first wife, Valerie Bertinelli, was among the guests who attended the ceremony.
Collective Soul has released two singles recently from the upcoming album “Rabbit” to be releaed on Aug. 25. “Staring Down” was released a few weeks ago and of course I love it-but that’s me because these guys are one of my favorite bands. “Welcome All Again” was released this past Tuesday and if you are a fan- you will like the song, it takes about a minute to finally start but it kicks into gear and reminds me of the work they did on “Dosage”-which is my favorite CS album.
Alice In Chains has released their first single from their upcoming album, “Black Gives Way to Blue” which will be released on Sept. 29. The song-“A Looking in View” is a slow trudging tune equipped with a heavy bass and guitar riffs which really sounds eerily similar to Layne-it’s amazing. Fans will flock, I’m not sure the casual fan will come calling.
Rob Thomas has released his second solo album-“Cradlesong” and my oldest son had to get it the first day out (sound like someone you know). Yes he bought the CD because similar to his dad he reads the liner notes and likes to have something to follow along as he listens to it. He loves it. I have not listened to the entire CD yet but what I did hear, I like a lot. This guy really has “it going on” (to use Randy Jackson again) and doesn’t seem to make any bad songs. He is probably one of the most consistent music stars out there today and should be around for a long time. Rolling Stone has given it a four star rating which equates to “excellent.”
Godsmack has released a new single “Whiskey Hangover” and I’ve listened more than a few times and again if you are a fan you will not be disappointed. But I have to be honest and say that it will not pull in new fans, that may change as I listen to it more but right now only Godsmack fans will love it. And you all know that I am a big fan of these guys.
Crosby Stills & Nash is jumping into the “cover” game and will release an album of their take on songs by the Grateful Dead, Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan and more. It is being produced by Rick Rubin. No word on the release date.
I know there has been endless coverage of Michael Jackson’s death but I had to come up with some sort of tribute and I acknowledge that there are many “top 10” songs by the King of Pop out there but I wanted to give you my perspective of what I consider songs that will live on forever. (Obviously there are way more than 10). In addition, he really put MTV on the map, so I wanted to pick his top 10 videos of all-time, as always, these are my opinions. And I wanted to point out that I try to keep the “music” first on this page and there is no denial of his impact on music. First here are the songs:
[By the way, this week’s top 10 albums from Billboard (ending June 28) has eight albums from Michael and one from his work with The Jackson 5. His solo albums sold over 422,000 just last week- which was more than the 297,000 total units that had been sold since January 1 of this year until last week].
10. Don’t Stop Til You Get Enough-This was the first song on his first solo album and even though at the time I couldn’t admit that I loved it (I was the teenage rocker remember-again youth does some dumb things to a person). I always wished I could dance, of course like Michael but even just a little “beat.”
9. Beat It– Of course I love it because of the guitar but the whole song is phenomenal. Michael’s “force” crossed every genre of music and he often gets overlooked with combining rock and “dance” music. Aerosmith often gets credited and deservedly so but you can’t forget Michael who worked with guitar giants such as Eddie Van Halen and Slash.
8. Man in the Mirror– What really drives me nuts is that I’ve been reading how the album “Bad” was a drop off from Thriller. Ok but who ever tops their greatest album ever? (ask G’N’R about that, or Boston or Meatloaf)This is just one of the great songs on this album. I love the choir in the background.
7. Give Love on Christmas Day– I had to put this song on the list even though it’s really only heard during the Christmas holiday season. This is pure perfection. It really puts me in a good place.
6. ABC– This song will go on forever. Your grandma, your mother, your little sister, your uncle, dad, grandfather and everyone else in the world loves it. No one else but Michael can do this song, a timeless classic.
5. Black or White– The man was the master of creating “hooks” with melodies that you could never get out of your head. I love the way he “air-guitars” throughout the video. C’mon this is so good and of course the meaning behind it is also another aspect that this man did all the time. He was a peaceful man who tried to bring all together. And you know what, this song really rocks. (Love the video where the kids are lip synching to the “rap” part).
4. Wanna Be Starting Something– Again I wish I could dance because this song gets everyone on to the dance floor. Didn’t it seem when Thriller came out it was around for like 10 years between all the hits that emanated from this all-time classic. This song was played endlessly and deservedly so.
3. Got to Be There– This song takes me back to my childhood days, especially the summer days spent in Otisville, NY during the 1970’s and WABC AM radio played this song all the time. I don’t even try to hit the high notes that Michael hits, I just lip-sync. Even at his young age you could hear his passion.
2. Billie Jean– What else can be said about this song that hasn’t already been said? I’m at a loss of words for the significance it had in so many ways. The drum beat that starts it off hooks you in and doesn’t let you go. I think I may have heard this song on the radio during the 1980’s more than any other song and this could be the song that I have heard the most times in my lifetime so far.Absolutely flawless.
1. Ben– This is my favorite Michael Jackson song. I don’t know what it is but I freeze like a statue when I hear this song, it’s hard to believe that a 14 year old would be able to sing a song like this. Spectacular.
Here are my favorite top 10 videos from Michael. Now keep in mind that we all know that Michael Jackson changed the way music videos were made but this list also includes the “non-traditional” videos- meaning these are songs that have video images of him with his family as well:
10. 2300 Jackson Street-This was the title of the last album by The Jacksons in 1989. The title track is the only song that Michael appears on but the video show cases the entire Jackson family. The images of Michael and his family are touching and just like when you look at your old family photos or videos, you can’t help but wish that you could return to some of those times.
9. Who’s Loving You– This “video” shows great images of The Jackson 5 when they were in their prime and you can’t help but be blown away by his talent. Again, watching these images are bittersweet.
8. Enjoy Yourself– Very simplistic setting with the Jackson’s lined up the way they usually were but you can sense the “breakaway” meaning you could see that Michael wanted to be the “star.” His classic moves already begin with this video montage and you knew it was only a matter of time before he was going to explode on to the scene by himself. He clearly is the star in this video but gracefully “pulls” back and at points gives his brothers the spotlight.
7. Scream– Futuristic video featuring Michael with his sister Janet. You can sense the love between brother and sister and it looks like they had a lot of fun making this video. When they dance side by side performing the same moves to perfection, it is jaw dropping. This was Michaels’ way of screaming “Leave Me Alone.”
6. Jam– I love this video. Two of the biggest icons this world has ever witnessed-one for sport (Michael Jordan) and one for music (Michael Jackson) join forces to create one of the friendliest video ever made. They just looked like they were having the most fun. The video clips of Jordan being Jordan and Michael being Michael will never ever be duplicated. The end of the video where Michael is showing Jordan his dance moves and Jordan trying to replicate them is something that I can watch all day.
5. Liberian Girl– I have always been someone who enjoyed seeing many different stars appear in video and in this one you have lots to choose from. My favorite part of the video is when Olivia Newton John and John Travolta lip sync to the song, especially Travolta’s part-it’s perfect. Having Michael appear at the end directing is the cherry on top of the icing.
4. Heal the World– Michael had this way of bringing everyone together (see “We Are The World”) and this video is one of the most inspiring videos ever made. One thing that I have to mention and that is his singing ability. I know I have paid a lot of attention to his moves but the man could sing and this song highlights this trait. The video depicts war going on all around many different children with various ethnic backgrounds and in the end all the soldiers throw their guns away as the kids break them down.
3. Man in the Mirror– How many times was this played on MTV in its heyday. There are so many different images to follow that it is fun to see if you can name them all. The beginning of the video gives you an idea of the impact Michael had on his fans. The seemingly endless wave of hands in the stadium is awe inspiring and makes me sad that he can not experience that one last time. “Make that change!!!” Michael was a true humanitarian.
2. Black and White– How many artists followed his lead after this video, especially with the “morphing” of people’s faces at the end? Every time he made a new video you knew there would be something on it that had never been done before. (Obviously the choreographed dancing men and women in many of his videos is first and foremost).
1. Thriller– There will never ever be a video that can come even close to matching this one. It has everything-costumes, make-up and dancing- it is FREAKIN” PHENOMENAL!!! This is the gold standard with no silver or bronze in sight. He wins all three awards and they are gold. We all have heard the stories that it took all the dancers take after take with endless hours of practice and yet there was Michael doing it all in one take. I’m speechless.
My wife suggested that I name the best songs for “Summer” and since this weekend really kicks off summer, I decided to go with her recommendation. However, since I’m hoping that it is a really long summer (say until late October) I felt that 10 songs would be too short, so I felt twenty songs would give you more tunes to pick for your backyard BBQ’s. So here goes:
20. “When Doves Cry”– Prince– When Purple Rain was released in June 1984, this single from the album was played incessantly. I can remember working with my uncle at the Butcher shop in downtown Brooklyn and the store we worked in had WBLS on all day and this song was played at least 10 times a day. This is a definite summer song.
19. “Hot Fun in the Summertime”– Sly & The Family Stone– This song is a dedication to fun and games that should be had in the summertime. I can picture sitting on the porch on a hot summer night enjoying a nice cold glass of ice tea or lemonade listening to the calming tune.
18. “Wipe Out”– The Safari’s– This song became a breakout hit in 1963 and even though I wasn’t even born yet it doesn’t mean that it can’t be on the list. You know all of you have “air-drummed” to this song your whole life. It is a perfect beach song, I picture volleyball and surfboarders every where.
17. “Summertime”– DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince– Released in May 1991, this song exploded on to the scene and everyone knew it was an instant classic. What a groove. Even though I had moved to N.J. at the time, I bet you this song was blasting out of the cars “under the L” in 86th street in Brooklyn.
16. “Smooth”– Santana featuring Rob Thomas– This song was every where in the summer of 2000 and even though Thomas had already made albums with Matchbox Twenty it was this song that “put him on the map.” The video is pure summer with Thomas’ wife the main featured dancer in the song. I can picture many people in apartment buildings around the city blasting this song out the window at the same time; it definitely has a New York city summer feel to it.
15. “School’s Out”– Alice Cooper– How can you have a summer list and not include every kids favorite words at the end of June” “School’s Out!!!” The chorus is addictive and if you were born after 1955 or so, you sang this song at least once before you graduated the 12th grade. “School’s out forever.” \m/ \m/
14. “Borderline”–Madonna-This single was released in February of 1984 and by the time the summer rolled around, well between this song and “When Doves Cry” these two songs might have been the only two songs played that summer. When I hear this song I think summer- stickball (3 sewers), manhunt (3 blocks and 2 avenues) and the friendly-freeze ice cream truck that always came when you sat down for dinner.
13. “Grease”–Frankie Valli– 1978, wow what a summer that was. Grease was the best movie since Saturday Night Fever and it was every where. I can remember WABC radio playing this song every hour on the hour. Great summer song!!
12. “Summer Breeze”–Seals & Croft-Man this song brings back memories, it has to for you as well. The year was 1972 when it was released but it has been played every summer since. This is a perfect song for when you’re lying in the grass getting some sun.
11. “Groovin’”– The Rascals– If I was to ever use an alarm to wake me up in the summertime, this is the song I would have to play. I just picture a summer morning when it is just beautiful weather and turn this song on- it doesn’t get much better. (or groove in the afternoon as the song says).
10. “Joy to The World”– Three Dog Night– This Hoyt Axton song probably has the most familiar lyrics of all time “Jeremiah was a bullfrog.” How many times have you heard this song since its release in 1971? And when you think about it, you probably hear it more in the summer than any other time of the year.
9. “Saturday in the Park” –Chicago– How can this song not put a smile on your face? The arrangement is pure perfection and when do most people go to the park?- yes that’s right on Saturday’s in the summertime.
8. “Miss You”–The Rolling Stones– I mentioned above about the summer of 1978, well not only was Grease a phenomenon, this Stones song was heard just as much that summer (and every summer since). Of course in 1978 disco was at its height and the Stones jumped into the fray with this track, which is another great New York City song.
7. “You Should Be Dancing”–The Bee Gees– This song was released in 1976 but really exploded on the scene with the “Saturday Night Fever” movie. This is pure Brooklyn N.Y. Everyone wanted to be Travolta, everyone was going to 2001 Odyssey and every Buick Oldsmobile had this song blasting out of its windows in the summer of 1977.
6. “Under The Boardwalk”–The Drifters– How can this not be a summer song? When do you go “under the boardwalk?” The Summer, of course. This is one of the greatest songs ever recorded. (I know their “Still of the Night” gets all the accolades but for me, this song is it). I can picture walking on the boardwalk in Coney Island with some sticky cotton candy.
5. “Locomotion”– Little Eva-Did you know that she grew up in Brighton Beach in Brooklyn? Just for that she’s in. No seriously, I heard this song all the time when I use to go to Brighton Beach/Coney Island as a teenager (it was a fix, right?). Love the Grand Funk version as well but have to give “props” where they are due. Great summer song.
4. “Rock The Boat”–The Hughes Corporation– (or the “Hues” Corp.)-For me this was the best song of 1974 and this definitely brings me back to Otisville NY as I spent my summers with my brother, uncle and grandparents. I would listen to the radio all the time (WABC) and couldn’t wait for this song to come on. One of my all-time favorite songs.
3. “In the Summertime”–Mungo Jerry-My wife and kids have probably heard this song around our house more than any other song. They roll their eyes and say “not again.” I can’t help it, I’m addicted to this song. I will be playing this song all summer long. One of the coolest songs ever recorded.
2. “Summer Nights”–John Travolta and Olivia Newton John– The summer of 1978 could be the best ever for summer songs and this one is way at the top. How much fun is this song? Grease was a fantastic movie and this song will live on forever.
1. “Summer In the City”–The Lovin’ Spoonful– Greatest summer song ever. “All around people looking half dead, walking on the sidewalk hotter than a match head.” In any urban city, or any place where it’s hot (yes even in Arizona where I know it’s a “dry heat.”-YEAH RIGHT!!) this song typifies a summer heat wave. [On a separate note, I have to say that Styx’s cover version (off of “Big Bang Theory”) of this song is excellent].
Trivia Questions
Answers from last week:
1. “You Might Think”
2. Alberto Vargas
3. True- Wembley Stadium in London (introduced by David Bowie)
4. Tony Pigg.
This week’s trivia (Random )
1. Name the only song to hit number one twice and who is the artist?
2. Who holds the record for consecutive # 1 hits ever?
3. What was the first rap song to ever hit number one? (Hint: It’s not “Rappers Delight”)
4. What duo holds the record for the most number one hits all time by a duo team?
Back on this day in 1955, the Lawrence Welk show premiered on ABC.
Back on this day in 1962, Jimi Hendrix was given an honorable discharge from the Army after getting hurt during a jump. Over the next three years he played numerous gigs with R&B stars such as Same Cooke, Little Richard and Ike & Tina Turner.
Back on this day in 2001, the airport in Liverpool was renamed after its son, John Lennon.
Errols Weekly Music Update. 