Happy Listening, Some of My Favorite Podcasts!

I love podcasts.  I do a lot of walking.  Usually every day I take a nice long stroll to clear my head and to stay active.  While I do I have my ear buds in and most times I am listening to music.  However at least once or twice a week I take a break from the tunes and listen to a podcast. Here are some of my favorites. Some are music related, some are not.

The Rock and Roll Geek Show

Love this one, it's probably my favorite. The host, Michael Butler, is funny and insightful when it comes to the world of rock.  It’s been around for a long time and I only started listening to it last year.  I have discovered more new music from this podcast than I have anywhere else.  His track by track reviews of albums are the best.  I highly recommend this one for music lovers.  And he discusses a variety of music from the rock and roll genre, from Bryan Adams to Megadeath have been featured on his show the last few months.  He highlights a lot of music that might not be in the mainstream too and I got some great pickups from his top ten albums from 2015. 

Eddie Trunk's Podcast

I still love Eddie Trunk.  He is still probably our number one soldier for waving the rock and roll flag.  Great interviews and I have picked up some new music from here too.  For example, I would have never thought to check out the new Europe album until Eddie suggested it on his best of 2015 list.  Sad to hear his T.V. show did not get renewed on VH1.  Hope it gets picked up and finds a home somewhere else. In the mean time, the podcast still rocks.

That Simpsons Podcast

I am a lifelong Simpsons fan.  Yes yes I know, it’s not as good as it used to be, but it’s still enjoyable.  I am old enough to clearly remember when it debuted and I have watched it ever since.  When I watched the season premiere this season I thought, first time I watched this show I was in high school now here I am still watching in my forties. That’s wild!  It’s been part of my life for a long time. This podcast usually contains three entertaining and humorous hosts that take us through the early years of the Simpsons one show at a time.  Each show features a new episode and they play clips, talk about some behind the scenes stuff, discuss the introduction of new characters and reflect on shows evolution among other things.  They also give us ‘this day in Simpsons history’ and share with us what was going on in the world when the episode first aired.  It certainly makes me, and the show, feel old! If you are a Simpsons fan this podcast is great fun!!

Risk

If you love good story telling you should enjoy this one.  Each podcast falls under a different theme and various stories from various people are shared from their own lives falling under that particular theme.  Some are quite humorous and some are quite powerful and moving.  I think this pretty much sums this one up.  It’s very good!

There are many others I listen to at times and I am always checking out new ones.  I might do another post some time about some others.  I would love to do my own podcast and I even have some ideas but I have no idea about how to get into the podcast world including the ins and outs of the legalities of it, if I were for example, to play some music on it.  I would preferably like a co-host too!  I guess I will stick to the blogging for now.

If you are a podcast listener I would love some recommendations!!  As always, thanks for stopping by!  Comments are welcomed! 

Cheers!

Def Leppard, Album Review

Anyone who’s read either of my blogs when I was writing a few years back would be well aware of my affection for Def Leppard.  Pyromania and Van Halen’s 1984 were the first two albums I can clearly remember falling in love with and they were the first two bands that I ever really “got into”. And I really got into them too.  It wasn’t long after I discovered Pyromania that I needed more Def Leppard and the first two records, On Through the Nigth and High and Dry were part of my collection.

Years passed and I still continue to follow both bands very closely.  I think for a lot of years many Def Leppard fans have been waiting for an album that would fit right in the middle of Pyromania and Hysteria, the bands two massive hit records.  I honestly think this is finally it.

There are those Def Leppard fans that think that anything they recorded after 1981’s High and Dry or maybe 1983’s Pyromania is garbage. Don’t get me wrong, I love those early records, but if you are going to think of the Def Leppard sound it’s Pyromania and Hysteria onward, for the most part, that makes them who they are. If you are a fan of Def Leppard but have not really followed their work in the studio since the early 90’s I think you should give this one a try and I think you will more than like it.  Although not overly detailed or maybe even that insightful, here is a very quick tour of this latest self titled release.

Let’s Go: The first song and single has a definite similarity in places to some of the Pour Some Sugar on Me riffs.  It has a different feel, is a solid opening track and is already in the live set list, as it should be. 

Dangerous: This is probably my favorite track on the album.  An upbeat rocker with catchy riffs, a big chorus and in places I am almost hearing shades of the song Photograph from Pyromania shining through.  This is what I consider to be the classic Def Leppard sound.

Man Enough:  A odd but catchy track.  It’s driven by a baseline that is undoubtedly comparable to Queen’s Another One Bites the Dust. 

We Belong: The album slows down for first time for this ballad in which all five members of the band take a hand in the lead vocals.  They work through the verses with each one singing a line.  I like this song a lot.  It’s the first slower Def Leppard number I think I have really enjoyed since the ballads on Hysteria.

Invincible: Kind of a steady, catchy mid tempo rocker. If I compared the song's “speed”, think Animal from Hysteria.

Sea of Love: This one picks up the pace a bit more and the verses are a little heavier.  The chorus mellows a bit with the typical Def Leppard harmonies.  Great song.

Energized: A slightly different track that sounds a bit electronic.  It slows down a bit to more of another mid tempo number.  It is catchy again and still sounds very Def Leppard.

All Time High: Upbeat, rocking, big chorus and needs to be played live. Another one that you could throw on Pyromania or Hysteria and it would fit right in. I hope it finds its way into their set list.

Battle of My Own: A, hmmmm, groovy maybe, acoustic driven song that is being described by many as the bands nod to Led Zepplin.  I like it, another solid track.

Broke ‘n’ Brokenhearted: I am not sure how to describe this one.  At first I thought, meh, but it really grew on me.  It’s just another upbeat Def Leppard song that’s easy to listen to.

Forever Young: When this one starts the guitars sounds like it could an early Def Leppard song.  It’s another harder upbeat one and again, has that chorus that you can easily sing along to.

Last Dance: Another ballad and this one is acoustically driven.  I am almost reminded of that period in the eighties when every band had to do one of these after Poison struck a huge hit with Every Rose Has it’s Thorn.  This one is works for me, probably better than a lot of those that came out in the eighties. 

Wings of an Angel:  Another solider hard rock track.  Parts of it sound like it could be back in the early Def Leppard era again.  Great song.

Blind Faith: The album closes with perhaps the most different track on the album.  A lot of things going on here.  A slow building guitar riff, nice sounding guitar solos in a few different places, psychedelic at times and it builds to a bit of a rocker towards the end.  Well done!  Love this track!

There you go.  Quick and not overly detailed but hopefully gives you some insight into this record. The band claimed some different styles going on here and there is certain evidence of that throughout but at the same time it is unmistakably Def Leppard.  I really do think this is their best release in a long time. I used to give albums grades before.  I suppose I should continue and I will give this one an A+.  Why not?  It's great fun from one of my favorite bands!

That’s all for now.  Hope your week is rockin’!! 

Cheers!

Some random quick hits and thoughts for the mid week.

Sitting here on this Wednesday morning still pondering the loss of classic rockers lately.  It’s very strange to see so many historically significant and influential artists gone in such a short time frame for sure. The music will live on but they will be missed.  I am getting to the point where I am afraid to check my Twitter account in fear of seeing more bad news! Again, to all those who have recently left us, Rest in Peace and may the music you made bring joy to many for many years to come.

Still been playing the All a Man Should Do album by southern rockers Lucero.  Again, they are new to me, so if you have one of their other records to recommend to me please do.  And if anyone has seen them live would love to hear about that too. If I get some time I may do a detailed review of the album.

However, last night I went on a long stroll and decided to play a little of one of the newest members to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of fame, Cheap Trick.  I went with the Authorized Greatest Hits compilation. They really are just a straight up kick ass rock band.

Back when I was blogging a few years ago there were several blogs I loved to read and follow.  I have noticed many of them have ceased to be updated like mine did for a very long time.  I would love to know if anyone knows the whereabouts of the writes of the following:

Mr. Mike’s Media Maddness

Layla’s Classic Rock blog.

Good Rockin Tonight

Their blogs are listed to the right but are not being updated.  If any of them are writing something else or are just out there reading blogs let me know.  Hey if you happen to be reading, I loved reading your blogs and would love to hear from you again.

I don’t get excited about much on T.V. anymore but I am anticipating the new X Files series coming on this coming Sunday.  Last weekend I saw the new Star Wars which took me back to my childhood. Now I am looking forward to a show I was a big fan of in my twenties (dating myself).  I guess retro themed programming is the way to go. 

That’s it for now.  As we slide into the weekend from here my schedule looks pretty good.  Maybe get to try out my new snow shoes, take in a movie, watch the X Files and hopefully tend to this blog.  I want to get something up on the latest self titled release from Def Leppard.  Middle age mayhem will ensue. 

Enjoy the rest of the week!!

RIP Glenn Frey

What is going on?  Scott Weiland, Lemmy, Bowie and now Glenn Frey. I can’t remember a stretch like this ever occurring before? The Eagles music needs no introduction.  They have certainly resonated with many people for a long time and spanned across generations too.

There are a lot of fans undoubtedly feeling the sting of this one today and will continue to. I have some friends who were very passionate for their love of the Eagles and traveled at great lengths to see them play live.

Yet another legendary classic rocker gone too soon.  Rest in Peace Glenn Frey.

The weekend that was: Lucero and Star Wars

I have been thoroughly enjoying the southern rock sounds of the band Lucero as of late.  The latest release, titled All a Man Should Do, has quickly become a favorite of all the new music I have listened to from 2015.  The album overall has a mellow feel to it, but all tunes are catchy, and they stick with me as lead singer Ben Nichols' scratchy voice takes us through the record. I liked this album after the first listen.  But the more I played it, the more I liked it and began to appreciate it. 

I am new to this band and did not know a lot about them until recently. Actually, I still don’t know a lot about them apart from a few Google searches as I listened to this one off and on over the weekend.  I am disappointed to learn that they have 11 albums out and I am only discovering them now.  I definitely plan on checking out some earlier releases and if anyone has a recommendation of where to start please send it along.

Apart from a recent road trip and listening to Lucero over this past weekend I finally got out to see the new Star Wars movie.  I went reluctantly. It’s not that I didn’t want to see it.  I felt that I just wasn’t in the mood.  Star Wars, Star Wars blah blah blah is all I have heard about lately. When I got there and the movie started it was a different story.  It was great fun for sure!  It was definitely a throw back in feel and storyline to the old Star Wars movies that anyone around my age grew up with.  I was glad I went and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

It’s just after 6:00 a.m. in my part of the world and this coffee has the force awakened in me to take on this week.  Time to get it started. Hope you have a good one! Be back soon!

Holler if you hear me!

Do you love music?  Of course you do!  So do I!!  When I was into this a few years back one of the things I loved the most about it was I actually made some connections with people around the world who also love music.  We traded a few emails and such discussing our favorites and what not. Life got in the way.  I faded into obscurity.  And now here I am with the big comeback blog.

I don’t know about you but in my “real life” I do not have a lot of people to chat with about music with.  I mean I do, but they are more casual fans, no disrespect intended to any of them.  Technology allowed me to chat with those who treat it as a little more of a serious hobby.

So if you are out there drop me a line.  I don’t care what you listen to or what your thing is.  I will never mock you, we all have different tastes and that’s totally cool with me. If it’s not my thing, it’s not my thing, still tell me why you love it or whatever.

I am off to start this Friday at work and lead into a busy weekend of family activities.  ‘Middle aged mayhem’ will ensue.

Cheers!

Farewell Gentlemen, Farewell

Not much I can say that has already said about the passing of musical icons over the last short while.  Some musical artists’ passing hits you and resonates with you more than others depending on your own history with them.

As a fan of heavy metal and hard rock you cannot understate the legendary status of Lemmy Kilmister. I will fully admit that Motorhead has dabbled in an out of my playlist over the years.  Every time, every time, it’s been there I have enjoyed it.  But there was something about Lemmy that seemed to speak to every hard rock fan.  And no matter who your personal favorites are, if you have followed them closely at all over the years, you undoubtedly heard them speak fondly of Lemmy and probably listed him as an influence. I found myself for days after news of his death perusing the various tributes and kind words said about him.  I also find it comforting to hear that in addition to his impressive catalog of music, he has always been spoken of as a sincere, kind and gentle soul. The news of his passing is one stuck with me for sure. 

With the dust not even settled from this news the world learned that the icon and legend in every sense of the word, David Bowie, has left us.  Is there any true lover of music and artistic expression that was not a fan of Bowie?  This news, just like the passing of Lemmy, lingered on. I again found myself for days reading the various tributes and words about one of the greatest artists of our time.  Virtually every genre of music has key players who list Bowie as a major influence. Is there anyone else ever who has transcended musical influence across so many styles as Bowie? I really don’t anyone has, and I really don’t think anyone comes close. 

My words here don’t really come close to the many other heartfelt and in depth tributes that have surfaced all over the Internet.  Those who knew them, those who work have worked with them and those who make music can sum up these two lives, work and genius far better than I could even pretend to.  But as one who proclaims to be passionate about music and a very amateur blogger how could I not at least say a few words.  So take time and read some good stories about them and tributes to them, while listening to some of their music.  Because both of these gentlemen will never be replaced.

RIP Bowie and Lemmy

This still works!!

Wow! After a few years I actually remembered my password and managed to get logged in.  I really want to resurrect this blog and start writing and connecting with music lovers out there again.  Does anyone still follow?  Anyone see this?  Or maybe I should say "just nod if you can hear me?"

So much to talk about in the world of music.  And so much new music I have enjoyed! My goal is after a long absence is to have a new blog post up real soon.

Hey, if you read this let me know.

Cheers and keep rocking!!

Where did November go??

Well it’s hard to believe I went the full month of November without a post.  Such is life, it gets very busy sometimes!  Fall is always that way for me.  I hope to have some posts up real soon.  The holidays are right around the corner, which usually means some downtime and some time to check out some new music.  Since I was a young lad Santa has always brought me music for Christmas.  It started with LPs, then cassettes, followed by CDs and the last couple of years it has been itunes gift cards. It is evident now I will forever remain a rocker.  What medium will Santa use to bring me music in 20 years, 10 years or even 5 years…things change so fast!  It’s all good.  Thank you Santa!

If you are a holiday celebrator in the next few weeks I hope you are enjoying it to the fullest.  If you do not recognize the holidays then I hope your life continues to run smoothly and happily.   Cheers to all!!

I should be back sooner and later.  There is always much to discuss in the world of rock!!

Metallica and Lou Reed thoughts...well not on the music.

Wow....it’s been a while since an update.  Thought I would take a few minutes to weigh in on the new Metallica/Lou Reed project.  I believe it’s available to listen to in its entirety online and will be available for purchase soon.  Before I go on, I haven’t heard it yet, not a single note. But I have read a great amount of reaction to this upcoming release and most of it very negative.

I have no problem with someone listening to this, saying they don’t like it, and sharing their opinion.  But many have been condemning Metallica for quite some time now just for doing this.  I don’t get it.  I don’t know if I will like this or not, but I am looking forward to hearing it.  And I do respect Metallica for daring to do something different and not just sticking to the same heavy metal formula that they have for years, not that there is anything wrong with that.  I think it marks the measure of a true artist who dares to go out on a limb, step outside their element and paint a completely different scene. 

Many (not all) metal enthusiasts subscribe to the “death to all but metal” school of thought and the mere mention of these legends stepping outside of the genre is sacrilege to them.  Just because they are trying something different doesn’t mean they won’t be back doing what they do best with another excellent metal album in time I am sure.  So I say if it doesn’t appeal to you, let them (the band) have their fun and wait for them to return.  Some are far too harsh claiming they’ve lost respect and will never support the band again.  Really?

I for one will be checking it out.  My curiosity is certainly peaked.  I may hate it, I may love it.  It doesn’t matter, as with all new music I will still enjoying spinning it at least once and offering up some thoughts.  Stay tuned...have a Happy Halloween everyone!!

Beyond the Lighted Stage

Beyond the Lighted Stage is a great documentary and a must see for any Rush fan.  Even if you are only a casual fan I would recommend this film; you will learn plenty about the Canadian trio and gain much respect for their accomplishments over their 30 year career.

The movie takes us from the early days by briefly profiling each band member’s beginnings as school kids and young adults.  It contains interviews with family members and also has Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson walking around some of their old stomping grounds.  Bassist/vocalist Geddy Lee and guitarist Alex Lifeson have been friends since childhood forming a close bond in junior high school.  World renowned drummer Neil Peart entered the scene a little later but his family life and beginnings as an artist are also profiled. 

The film moves at a very nice pace and we do not get bogged down with lengthy profiles of childhood memories and family life.  Soon it is taking us through the first tours and recording of the first few albums including the break through, 2112.  Many artists are featured throughout the film offering comments on Rush including Jack Black, Billy Corgan, Sebastian Bach, Trent Reznor and many others.  It is obvious that there early work was a huge influence on these folks as many of them were impressionable kids at the time.  Gene Simmons also weighs in on the band.  During Rush’s beginnings they filled the opening slot on a lengthy tour for Kiss.

The movie takes us through many phases of Rush’s career and there are several, which is part of the appeal of this band.  The different directions and sounds are all discussed throughout, again moving at a nice pace and never becoming boring.  Also featured in the movie is the band's mass appeal and their loyal fan base that has helped them stand the test of time.  Rush has never really been mainstream yet continues to be touring force playing to large crowds all over the world.

Towards the end of the movie it details a very dark time for the band as they were forced to deal with personal tragedy when drummer Neil Peart suffered the loss of his daughter and wife.  This horrific time is detailed as Peart goes on a bit of a spiritual journey leading him back to recording and performing with Rush after about a 4 year hiatus.

I have always been a fan of Rush and this movies solidifies what makes them so great.  Never fitting any sort of category, having their own unique sound yet continuing to change it and evolve, doing things their own way and continuing to be very relevant for three decades and counting. 

All in all it’s a great rock documentary about a great band!

Welcome 2 My Nightmare, Review

If you follow my twitter account you know already that this is going to be a very a favourable review.  I fell in love with this album pretty quickly.  I had been anticipating it for some time now as the original 1975 Welcome to My Nightmare is a favourite of mine. 

I love this recording for the same reasons as I love the 1975 original.  First of all, it is a concept album.  I admit to being a bit of a sucker for concept albums.  I love listening to an CD in its entirety as a complete work of art and the concept album completely plays into that.

Furthermore, like the first, this CD contains many different musical styles throughout.  Hard rock, ballads, a touch of disco (although done somewhat sarcastically), southern rock, seventies, and others are all thrown in the blender that is the album.   Having said that, this is predominantly a hard rock record.  There are also some different instruments used throughout as well as various sound bites and narrations for an overall quirky, humorous and fun adventure.  

I won’t go into a whole lot of detail about the story here, I don’t want to give too much of it away for anyone who may want to indulge but a few brief details none the less.  It opens with our main character (is it Alice or Steven or are they one in the same, I was never quite sure) fighting sleep.  He eventually succumbs to tiredness and the nightmare continues. Throughout the ride we get tons of typical twisted Alice Cooper imagery.  I won’t reveal how it ends.

As for the songs themselves just a few highlights as well.  It opens in similar fashion as the original release with a bit of a creepy slow to mid temp introduction to the story.  This track, titled I Am Made of You will not become the classic like the opening Welcome to my Nightmare title track on the 1975 record, but it is an awesome tune. 

There are several rockers on here including track number two, Caffeine.  It fits in here as the protagonist of the story is still fighting sleep.  Other rockers include Runaway Train and I’ll Bite Your Face Off.  There is also the much talked about duet with Kesha titled What Baby Wants, another great tune on the disc.  This one is also a harder rocker and Kesha’s vocals fit in perfectly.

Also worth mentioning is the song, Underture.  It is an instrumental number that blends together many of the melodies from this current recording as well as those from the original 1975 Nightmare. 

Although I often use the word disc in this and all my reviews, I actually purchased this one on itunes and with it came a near 20 minute track of Alice talking and taking us through the album one song at a time.  He talks about the influences and musical style of each number and walks us through the story one step at a time.  I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this too. 

I often find when you are anticipating something for a long time it can never live up to the hype.  Well for me, this one did.  I have read some mixed reviews out there, but I think just like the first one, it’s great fun and very worthy of being called a sequel to the original classic. 

Grade:  A +

Favoutite Tracks:  Put it on and let it play from start to finish.  But I do particularly enjoy I am Made of You, Caffeine, and I Gotta Get Outta Here.

Thoughts on the REM Split

The whole REM breakup thing troubles me a bit.  I did enjoy REM’s music over the years.  I was never a fanatical fan, but I own a few of their CDs and understand their significance and why many people adore them.   That is not what troubles me however.  This band has been together for 31 years.  For the most part they have had the same line up at its core, continued to be successful and make good music.  So why put it out there that you are split?  It just doesn’t make sense.  Why not just say you are currently not active and there are no current plans to tour or record?    If you come back again great, if not, then fine.  Heck, even use the word retirement.  But using the words like “broke up” and “split” after a 31 year legacy just doesn’t seem right to me. 

Maybe I am just agonizing over semantics and word choice.  Maybe there is the inevitable reunion tour in 5 years.  In any event, congrats to REM on 31 years and good luck on whatever is next, even a reunion tour. 

Rock Rock Til You Drop

Musical Memories, A True Story Featuring Def Leppard

How life has changed.  Once upon a time there is little I would have done short of selling my soul to see a rock concert.  I recall my first opportunity to see my beloved Def Leppard.  All of 20 years old at the time I had just spend virtually all of my teenage years growing up to the sounds of Pyromania, Hysteria as well as their earlier two efforts High n’ Dry and On Through the Night. 

When I heard this concert was rolling into town excitement and stress overwhelmed me at once.  The concert was to take place in August and I had a bit of a drive from my hometown to get to the city where the concert was to be held.  In the spring and fall I lived in the city while attending university but during the summer months I returned home, found a job and tried to save a few pennies to assist in furthering my education. 

This particular summer I was doing quite well.  My boss had taken quite a liking to me and I logged many hours and as a result was banking more than I was used to.  My boss was as good man with a good sense of humour but he appreciated young men with a strong work ethic.  The type who were up early and worked late and not concerned with foolishness such as attending rock concerts.  I suppose at the time he viewed me as one of them.  I did appreciate the hours and the money, but now I knew to attend this concert, this monumental life event, I had to request time off.  I didn’t think he would appreciate it, he had counted on me so much through that summer and there were others who could have used the time, but he chose me again and again.  What was I to do?

I reasoned it out over and over again in my own mind and really there was no choice.  I could not miss this concert.  The concert was to take place in mid August and I would have worked for about two more weeks after that before returning to college.  I decided that if necessary I would simply quit my summer job and sacrifice my last two weeks pay in order to guarantee my time off to see Def Leppard.  It was a sad but true decision I had come to.  I really could have used that last two weeks pay.  But then again…Def Leppard.  I would have let a man down who had come to respect me and helped me out so much.  But then again…Def Leppard.  And worst of all, my parents helped me out as much as they could financially and this extra money would also take some of the burden off of them.  But then again…….it was Def Leppard!!

With the decision made late one Saturday evening I was at the local bar when who should stroll in but my boss.  I had spent many a Saturday evening there that summer, but never seen him there once.  Little did I know that the rock gods were intervening that night.  He was apparently attending the bachelor party of a friend and he was also more obviously feeling the effects of many consumed beverages.  When he saw me his drunken face lit up.  He began to buy me many beers and tell me how awesome I was.  There was a lot of work that needed to be done that summer and not everyone could be counted on and apparently I had answered the call.  Little did he know I was about to leave him high n’dry (lame Def Leppard pun). 

In the drunken conversation he made reference if there anything I needed just let him know.  Well…..thanks to a bit of “liquid courage” I went on to explain that I knew it would be an inconvenience but I could use a day or two off.  He wanted to know what was up….attending a wedding?….family reunion?  Well I was smart enough not to lie and explained to him that there was this band I always liked and it would be neat to see them in concert.  And yes, I can actually remember using the word “neat”.  With a pat on the back and as a reward for all my hard work I had his blessing. 

I probably didn’t handle the days leading up to the concert very well because I never spoke of this promise until the day before my time off and neither did he.  I was getting ready to check out for the day and wouldn’t you know it he says he needs me earlier the next morning and we would probably punch a late one.  “Good chance to get a bit more overtime pay” was the exclamation point on his sentence.  Well I had no choice but to lay my trump card.  “Don’t you remember?  You gave me a couple days off.”  He looked confused, hesitated, then said that he did.  But I really don’t think he had any recollection.

Off I went and enjoyed the concert to the fullest.  It seemed like a bit of a pilgrimage. Seeing my heroes up close and personal playing all the songs that were the soundtrack my teenage years was a bit of a religious experience.    I was back to work two days later and the relationship with my boss was not damaged in the least.  In fact, he called looking for me the following summer. 

I got to see them perform again 16 years later when I flew half way across the country to check them out.  The second experience was just as enjoyable as the first and again was a sort of pilgrimage like experience.  I didn’t however, risk or jeopardize my now well established teaching career to get there, nor could I. 

But there was a day that I would have dropped everything that was important to me just to rock out for a couple of hours.  That’s the power of music!  That’s the power of rock and roll!!  And although I could never sell out my family or colleagues for it anymore, it is still the reason why I remain an avid fan (bit of a nut actually).  It is still why I get excited about putting on a pair of headphones and getting lost in a new album or cranking up the stereo so loud in the car that I can hear nothing else but the music. 

I still attend the occasional rock concert, if it doesn’t conflict with work or my kids’ hockey practices or music lessons. But perhaps because I am a grounded career and family man, the escape is even more important to me now than when I was in my youth.  I need still rock and roll like I hope it needs me.

See you next time....as Def Leppard would say...Rock Rock Til You Drop!

Theory of a Deadman's The Truth Is (Review)

The last few records I have reviewed on this blog have been all old school.  It was time to check out something that was released this year so I turned to Theory of a Deadman’s latest effort, The Truth Is.

This is their forth release and the first one I have purchased.  Up to now I have been tempted to check out their music, I have heard some of their songs on the radio.  Some I have liked and others I was not too keen on.  I was in the mood for some no nonsense rock and roll and something new so it was time to try this band out. 

Well, if it’s quantity you like you certainly get your money’s worth here with 19 tracks if you get the album only bonus tracks.  If not you are getting 12 songs in total.  And in my opinion the quality is great too with the album fully entertaining me from start to finish.  The music itself is certainly straight up rock and roll and its fun!  I have used fun to describe recent albums like Night Ranger’s latest and Def Leppard’s Mirrorball.  But it is a different kind of fun, it’s a little heavier for the most part but still melodic.  Lyrically it is definitely the most fun record I have heard in a while.  Songs like Lowlife, The Bitch Came Back, Gentlemen and The Truth Is (I lied About Everything) are filled with humorous themes, clever lyrics and catchy guitar riffs.  The parental advisory label is well earned here with some of the themes and plenty of F bombs dropped throughout, all in good humour.

There are also songs like Can’t Get You Out of my Head, a solid power ballad.  In addition to this tune there are also tracks like Easy to Love You and Love is Hell to fit into the power ballad category.  Although I am not sure if with lyrics such as “Love is hell, love is shit ....” would make the song qualify as a ballad.  You also get additional acoustic versions of Can’t Get You Out of my Head and Easy to Love You included in the bonus tracks. 

In addition to the songs I have mentioned all the rest in between work for me too.  Songs like Hurricane, When We Were Men and Drag Me to Hell take a break from the humour and offer more serious themes and lyrics with great the power chords and riffs continuing.

So the end result here is I am glad I purchased Theory of a Deadman.  I may even try out some of their previous work.  I have read mixed reviews on The Truth Is, but I like it and I can’t really compare it to their earlier albums.  I have been having fun with this one for a while now and the truth is...this is good rock and roll.  Ha, lame ending....see ya next time!

Grade A

Favourite Tracks:  Lowlife, The Truth Is (I lied About Everything), Hurricane   

This is Gonna Hurt Book Review

I recently tweeted that I feel like I spent the summer with Nikki Sixx.  It started back in June when I picked up a copy of Sixx AM’s latest CD This is Gonna Hurt.  I loved it and it has been a bit of a fixture in my car and ipod ever since.  I then got to see Motley Crue play live, read Sixx’s first book The Heroin Diaries and I’ve completed the latest, titled the same as the Sixx AM album, This is Gonna Hurt.

This book is a very different offering from the first book by Sixx and very different from any other book I have read by a rock star.  First of all in addition to Sixx’s words this is also a collection of photography.  Sixx is an avid photographer and throughout the book there are many pictures captured through his “distorted lens”, as he describes it.  The pictures are usually of something or someone that the majority of people would care not to display in the dining room or above the couch in your living room.  But that is just Sixx’s point.  He sees beauty in things we normally don’t and challenges us all to do the same. 

Reading this book will take you to several different places.  It opens with a chapter on Sixx’s love of photography.  He tells us how he came to discover the hobby and shares stories of some of his more interesting and stranger photo shoots.  Throughout the rest of the book you will read some about his childhood and family life and how it affected him.  The most compelling I found to be thoughts on his now passed on sister who was never a part of his life.  He also gets a little into his three fellow bandmates, Vince Neil, Tommy Lee and Mick Mars.  He doesn’t leave Sixx AM out either and talks about the formation of that band and the creative processes that has ensued.  And he puts his own emotions on the pages when talking about finding love again and the heartbreak that followed after the relationship ended.

Apart from all of the above Sixx also shares his own views and philosophies on life.  It’s nothing too Earth shattering but I will admit at times he can be compelling and thought provoking.  And such is that when it comes to philosophizing life I think; it doesn’t have to be too deep to make sense.  Everything Sixx says on such matters makes total sense and it doesn’t hurt to ponder these things at any given moment in your life.  Wait a minute….this is suppose to hurt according to Sixx.  Well, you know what I mean.

The book ends in similar fashion as the Heroin Diaries by Sixx offers some of his own diary entries from a 2009 tour with Motley Crue.  Very interesting to compare the diary here with the diary he wrote in 1987 as provided to us in the Heroin Diaries.  The later is full of references to excessive drug use, alcohol consumption and endless sex and the more recent reflects on life, work and seeking out strange places and people to photograph. 

All in all it was another interesting read from an interesting man.  I think Sixx tweeted earlier this summer that there will a third book in the works as well, but I’m not sure what this one will be about.  I am impressed enough by the first two to be interested enough to give whatever he writes a chance next time too. 

Have a great weekend everyone!!

School House Rock, Part Three

Happy Labour Day weekend everyone!!  It’s really the end of summer now.  Back to school for me next week.  Today I have just two songs featured in the final instalment of my School House Rock selections.  Enjoy the weekend everyone!! 

Another Brick in the Wall, by Pink Floyd

This is another no brainer to be included on a school rock song list.  What can I really say about this Pink Floyd classic.  The song tells of an education system that simply treats us all the same, haves us all regurgitate the same information and does not account for any uniqueness.  We are all just bricks in the wall, serving a greater "good".  Fortunately the education system I currently work in has come a long way and we recognize and celebrate the individual strengths and unique attributes of each student.   As a system we may have a ways to go but we are getting there.  Ok, now I am starting to sound preachy.  I’ll end this one by simply saying I love the walking hammers in this video, for some reason they scared the crap out of me as a kid!

Grade 9, by Barnaked Ladies

Canada’s Barenaked Ladies gives us this boppy little number about the awkwardness of adolescence.  Like many of their songs it contains good humour but at the same time I bet there is many a person out there who can relate to the experiences in this tune, me being one of them.   One of the lines in the songs says “I guess I shouldn’t tell them that I like Duran Duran”.  Yes, I was and forever will be a rocker.  At the same time I secretly loved it when my favourite music video programs would play Duran Duran and Michael Jackson .   But I dare not admit that in the halls of the school with my acid wash jean jacket laced with sewed on patches of Def Leppard, Ratt, Van Halen and Quiet Riot.  The Barenaked Ladies continue to record and perform, but Steven Paige, one of the band’s lead vocalists has left leaving the quintet a foursome. 

School House Rock, Part Two

Part two of my School House Rock songs to commemorate the opening of school next week.  Three more songs featured below starting with a double dose of Alice Cooper. 

Great American Success Story, Alice Cooper

Today I am presenting a pair of Alice Cooper tunes to the list.  I am beginning with the lesser known of the two from the 1986 album Constrictor.  The song is an upbeat rocker that tells the story of a down and out person trying to turn his life around, clean up and go back to school.  As the song progresses it appears he certainly did make it back to school.  However, once he is there it appears he simply gets infatuated with his female teacher.  I always liked this song and I always liked this album.  I only recently learned that Kip Winger, from the 80’s band Winger played base on Constrictor.  See....you really do learn something new everyday. 

School’s Out, Alice Cooper

This song most definitely has to be on any list of school rock songs.  It is a rock anthem that I probably should be writing about in June at school’s end and not now.  The song was originally included on Alice Cooper’s fifth album of the same name released in 1972.  This was when Alice Cooper was known as a band and not a solo artist.  In a school I worked at for 8 years we would play this one through the P.A. system as the students would exit the building on the last day.  Some of us would be standing in the doorway with high fives, handshakes and the occasional hug.  I would see the gleam in the eyes of my students and I know they saw the same in mine.  With much mutual respect for each other (I hope) we smile, bid farewell and at the same time have an understanding that we are glad to be taking a break from each other too. 

Teacher Teacher, by 38 Special

38 Special released this song in 1984 as part of the movie Teachers soundtrack.  The song is a great catchy rock track and if you watch the movie it is actually played in just about its entirety during the opening credits.  I re-watched this moving this summer and I loved it.  Some of it hits school life dead on and some of the themes ring through to this day.   As for 38 Special, this is my favourite song by them although they’ve had other catchy radio friendly singles such as Caught Up In You, Hold on Loosely and Back Where You Belong.  A friend of mine had a greatest hits CD and it was a decent collection of songs.  As an aside I have used the song Teacher Teacher as one of my custom ring tones for anyone who is a work colleague of mine.  

One more installation of School House Rock songs to come!

School House Rock, Part One

I am a teacher and I love my work immensely, but yes one of the perks with the territory is a lengthy summer vacation.  Summer 2011 is about to come to a close and in a matter of days I will be back in the classroom with my students.   In honour of the reopening of school I thought all week I would feature some songs with school, students and teachers as part of the themes somehow.

The songs that will be featured are a collection of songs that I recall hearing at some point in my life quite frequently.  When I decided to do this I quickly jotted down a list, there are tons more.  After I completed my own list I did a quick google search and there are hundreds, many of which I had forgotten about.

In any event, here are the first three from my musical memory repertoire.  I started with three songs about school all of which in some way deal with promiscuity.  Stayed tuned for others throughout the week.

High School Confidential, by Rough Trade

This smooth moving song was one of Canadian band Rough Trade’s biggest hits. Rough Trade was essentially a duo featuring Carol Pope and Kevan Staples.  This song came from their 1980 album Avoid Freud and proved to be their commercial break through.  The song’s music and lyrics has a very sexy and provocative feel to it.  Apparently, the song met some controversy at the time because of some lesbian themes.  Being I was only 9 years old when this song hit the airwaves I didn’t pay too much attention but later when I was in high school and attending university I would hear this song a lot.  Anytime there were older guys around at parties with one of their mix tapes this song was often played.  The band Rough Trade had some success with a couple of albums that followed but since the late 80’s/early 90’s have just played in a serious of reunion shows. 

Hot for Teacher, by Van Halen

Keeping with the provocative themes on the first set of school related songs is this rocker from Van Halen from the hit album 1984.  I love Van Halen and I love this album.  This cassette was in my first dozen or so purchases when I started to become a serious collector.  This song is classic Van Halen, the opening drums, the lead in classic Eddie Van Halen guitar and David Lee Roth screams.  The video itself was fun too, much of it set in a classroom where the students ogled over their scantily dressed teacher dancing on her desk.  The eighties....

Don’t Stand So Close To Me, by The Police

Keeping with sexual tension comes this one from The Police but with more serious themes and lyrics.  This song first appeared on The Police’s third album Zenyatta Mondatta.  The track tells of a student’s yearning for her young teacher and perhaps some yearning of him for her too.  The tension between the two ensues and as result there is much talk, rumours and accusations around the classrooms, hallways and staffroom.   The song was re-recorded as part of a 1986 greatest hits package and is toned down particularly during the chorus, which was a little boppy in the original.  The music in this new version gives the song a more serious overall mood.

Back later this week with more School House Rock!

My thoughts for the next Def Leppard tour

Next year will mark the 25th anniversary of one of the biggest selling albums of the 80s, Def Leppard's Hysteria. 

Some artists have decided to play an entire album from their repertoire on a tour.  Well here's a great idea for a tour next summer for Def Leppard.  They, like other bands, come under some criticism for not mixing up the setlist too much over the years.  That is an interesting debate in itself and one I will not get into right now.  I always thought they should play a few extra songs from Hysteria.  After all, it did sell over 10 million copies, so chances are a lot of people in your audience would be familiar with anything from that record. 

Well let's go one better than that and hit the road in 2012 and play the entire thing from start to finish.  The album clocks in at a little over an hour.  To be precise my old CD player used to display 62:40 as total playing length every time I loaded it.  The band could hit the stage starting with the opening chords of the first track Women and proceed through the 11 that follow until the last one Love and Affection is complete.  Assuming this would take them a little over hour it could allow for a brief intermission and they could return for another set of songs from the rest of their recordings including the other massively selling album, Pyromania.

Some cons to this could be that although Hysteria had 7 singles released, 6 of them would be played during the first 30 minutes or so of the show.  Tracks one through six were all singles, the only exception being the title track, Hysteria, the tenth song on the album.  Normally there would be some build up to signature songs such as the number one smash Love Bites and the massively popular Pour Some Sugar On Me, but here they would be songs 4 and 5 respectively.  Of course they could always mix up the playing order too, but that would take away from the purity of playing a classic album live. 

There would still be plenty to hang on four if it is just the hits you are there for.  The second set could contain staples from Pyromania such as Rock of Ages, Foolin’ and Photograph.  There are also songs such as Do you Wanna Get Rocked, Two Steps Behind and Bringin on the Heartbreak from their catalogue for more sing-along moments. 

Playing Hysteria in its entirety just makes sense to me.  It should satisfy fans who want to hear all the hits.  It also causes them to change their setlist slightly and maybe silence some (some) of the critics.  And it deservedly marks the anniversary of one of the most recognizable and successful rock albums in the last 30 years. 

So come on Def Leppard let's hit the road again next summer and do this thing.  I think it would be very well received.  Here's my proposed setlist for you.  The first set being the Hysteria album and the second being some staples and some personal favorites thrown in.

Set One: Hystreria album in its entirity

Women, Rocket, Animal, Love Bites, Pour Some Sugar On Me, Armageddon It, Gods of War, Don't Shoot Shotgun, Run Riot, Hysteria, Excitable, Love and Affection.

Set Two

Let It Go (from High N' Dry), Foolin (from Pyromania), Rock On (from Yeah!), Wasted(from On Through the Night), Promises(from Euphoria), Nine Lives(from Songs from the Sparkle Lounge) , Two Steps Behind(from Retro-Active), Bringing on the Heartbreak(from High N' Dry), Photograph(from Pyromania), Rock of Ages(from Pyromania)

Encore:  Do you Wanna Get Rocked(from Adrenalize)

I am torn to what the opening number of the second set should be, as always, Rock Rock til you Drop (from Pyromania) is a good choice used by them as an opening many times.  Other candidates could also be Stage Fright(from Pyromania) or Undefeated(from Mirrorball) being used on their current tour as their concert opener.