No Stairway to Heaven

It happened last night. The dreaded question. I was playing at the Sawdust festival.  I had just finished my cover of Led Zeppelin's "Going to California". Like a radio DJ I back announced the song when someone in the audience asked; "That songs by Led Zeppelin"? "

"Yes", I replied.

"Well than that means you could play Stairway to Heaven too.....Right"?

I have never understood this leap in logic.  But there are a lot of folks out there who think that because I know how to play song "A" by such and such band, that I should then also know how to play song "B" by such and such band.

To those who have never learned how to play an instrument, let me set the record straight. Think of each song as being a different mini language unto itself. Before you can learn how to play a new song , you must learn it's language. Now it's true that many songs will have similar chord patterns and this will make learning those songs easier, but there will still be subtle and sometimes not so subtle differences that require their individual learning curves (and that's not even counting that you have to learn a different set of lyrics).

A good analogy for this is the difference between the kind of Spanish they speak in Mexico vs the kind of Spanish they speak in Spain.

It follows then, that the more songs you learn, the easier it becomes to learn more new songs. This is why if say you have an experienced guitarist who has never played Johnny Be Goode before (which is a simple song) but he's heard the song plenty of times. You can tell him, it's a a 1,4,5 chord progression in the key of "A", and he can say "OK, I can do that, so long as you can sing the lyrics".

However if you ask him to play "Mood for A Day" By Yes, it isn't going to matter how many times he's heard it, He is going to have do his homework and learn that songs individual language before attempting a performance.

But how do I explain all that to the guy who thinks that song are learned by osmosis.

I didn't.

I just said to him very seriously "I'm afraid Stairway to Heaven is against the rules".

He nodded solemnly and replied "Oh".

Music Worth Buying week of 08/25/08 (Lost Classic) Jethro Tull

Artist: Jethro Tull

Album: A Passion Play

Worth buying? Yes. The whole album:

You might be interested in this music if you are a fan of: Progressive Rock, Art rock, Blues, Folk, Baroque, and Hard Rock.


Tell me more: When you mention the words Jethro Tull and Concept album, most people think of "Thick As A Brick". But for me the real jewel is "A Passion Play". WARNING: This is not easy listening. This is put on your headphones and close your eyes (or read the lyrics book if you have one) listening.

Now a concept album is supposed to be about something and I think I will quote the band's official website since I feel that they are best qualified to describe this masterwork: "Thematically, the concept album chronicles, as the title implies, a story of life and death, beginning with a recently deceased man viewing his own funeral, descending into purgatory and Hell, then reincarnated"........How'z that for a concept ?

The album begins with the sound of a beating heart. musical themes from the album that you are about to hear shift in and out and build into a dark and maniacal organ driven instrumental. Upon it's crescendo this short instrumental falls back into the heart beat which begins to slow down further and further until....it stops. Finally lead singer Ian Anderson's voice comes into play and the musical journey begins. What follows runs the gamut from folk, baroque, classic, hard rock, and pop. After 20 minutes it leads to the album's very strange midsection. A short interlude (An intermission so to speak) entitled the "The story of the hare who lost his spectacles". Suddenly the band is now backing up a narrator who recites a peculiar non sensical children's story. At the end of the story the band seamlessly picks up right where it left off and the 2nd half of the Passion play begins. This humorous and childlike mid section is in stark contrast to the rest of the albums dark and serious themes, but I enjoy it as much as the rest. Even among Tull fans this album draws sharp opinions. Like the Beatles White Album, some feel it is their best and some feel it is their worst. Personally, I think that at it's best great art generates only passionate feelings, you either love it or hate it. The original vinyl album was of course divided into two sides. On CD or your mp3 player, the album also works as one continuous 45 minute piece of music.

In a world where we are all trying to multi task "Passion Play" asks you to stop and truly listen.....and then listen again. I was richly rewarded for doing so and continue to be richly rewarded each time.

What about the packaging: The new remasterd version comes as an enhanced CD with CD rom features,  An extended booklet with lyrics, new liner notes, and the original theater program. It is packaged in a standard jewel case

Listen to samples and buy in mp3 format here

Buy in CD format

Deep Thoughts

There is a kind of conceit among music fans and musicians too, that deep thinkers write deep lyrics, and that if you don’t write deep lyrics (In other words you write songs about girls, cars, etc) that you aren’t a deep person.

But you know, just because you write songs about cars and girls, doesn't mean that you are not a deep thinker.

Or perhaps a better way to say this is: Just because your songs don't have "serious" lyrics, doesn't mean you aren't a deep thinker (or a serious person).

When I first started writing songs for my first CD, I wanted to write songs that where fun. I didn't want to be serious. At the time I felt that my biggest challenge was trying to write songs about girls, cars, etc, but find something lyrically new to do with it.

Since that time some of the songs on my later albums, have ventured into songs with more serious (IE: Deeper) lyrics. But to be honest, I was no less deep when I wrote about how stunning a woman is, then when I wrote about the demons that torment my soul.

Speaking or tormented. We often associate thinking deep with being tormented, conflicted, etc.

As if you can't be a deep thinker and be happy.

I remember when John Lennon released his (sadly) last album, critics had a hard time with it because the songs mostly reflected a man who was happy with where he was in his life and with his family (As opposed to the more tormented genius that they where used to).

I remember one writer referring to the album as his version of "Silly Love Songs".

But I am sure he was no less deep when he was happy.

Is that the sound of Hell Freezing over or is the "Chinese Democracy" finally going to be released?

Once again rumors are abounding that the 14 years (and counting) in the making Guns'n'Roses album (Chinese Democracy) will be coming out soon.

http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003839499

I just can't get excited about this.

And it's not that it's taken 14 years. It took longer for Brian Wilson's "Smile" to finally come out and it was worth the wait.

No, I think it's just reading account after account of Axl's immature and self centered behaviour. This and his contempt for the fans and the world in general that's the real turn off. Remember, this is the guy who has cancelled shows because he didn't like a negative write up that he got in a particular city he was supposed to appear in.

And it's not even Guns'n'Roses anymore. Axl Rose is the only original member left. The story goes that while the real Guns'n'Roses was still together, Axl made them all sign contracts that stated that he owned the bands name should they ever break up. The other band members didn't really care. If they broke up what would it matter who owned the bands name? And they where right.  

  Axl works under the impression that it's all about him. And his behaviour continually shows that he's forgetten that it's also about the fans.

And I cannot forget (or forgive) his over hyped and under delivered performance a few years back at the MTV Video awards. 30 seconds into his performance and he was out of gas. His voice was shot. There are so many other artists that are more deserving of the level of attention that MTV gave him that year and he blew it. Of course MTV knew that it would be either something grand or a complete trainwreck. American audiences love a grand performance but we also love trainwrecks (they got the latter) either way, MTV would win.

Who knows....Maybe Axl will prove me wrong and release the greatest record in the history of Rock'n'Roll, but I wont be standing in line to find out. Because as far as I'm concerned Axl has worn out his welcome with me.  As far as I'm concerned "The Chinese Democracy" can pretty much never come out.

MORE RADIO PLAY IS GOOD

I just got word that Big Al's Rock & Roll Diner will be playing my music this Sunday (08/25) and next Wednesday (08/28).

Check out the show

Wednesday Nights 6-9 PM Eastern & Sunday Afternoons 3-6 PM Eastern

Here is the link: 
http://www.radiohotrocks.net/

And his myspace is here:
http://www.myspace.com/bigalhrr

Thanks Big Al for helping to spread the word

Lip Synching at the Beijing Olympics

Well it would appear that the Chinese didn't think that the girl who sang at the opening ceremonies was cute enough

So they did what our music industry did back in the 80's. They had her sing behind the wings while someone better looking lip synched in front of the camera's.

ttp://sports.yahoo.com/olympics/news?slug=ap-china-lip-synchedsong&prov=ap&type=lgns

After the Mili Vanilli lip synching scandal of the 80's broke a number of acts had to come clean about it. C&C music factory had to admit that it was not the hot looking girl singing in the music videos that was actually belting out Everybody Dance Now but was instead one of the groups back up singers.  Towards the end of the 80's/early 90's we had music videos where the credits read:

Song performed by:(Fill in the name of the person actually singing the song)

Song  visualized by (Fill in the name of the person lip synching)

It was certainly one of the lowest points in popular music

Of course what's really bad is that the Chinese government is defending this.

Music Worth Buying Week of 08/12/08

Artist: Beck

Album: Modern Guilt

Worth Buying: Yes, the whole album.

You might be interested in this album if you are a fan of: Blues, Pop, Rock, Folk, Electronica, 60's rock, and any kind of music that is hard to categorize or just a litte bit weird,

 

Tell me more: It’s so hard to describe Beck to someone who has never really heard him. His very first single Loser featured him doing a comical rap to a traditional blues guitar riff backed by looped beats. Since then he has never stopped blending and defying all musical genres. This latest album has him collaborating with DJ Danger Mouse (acting as producer) of Gnarls Barkley (and the infamous "Grey Album") Fame. Most of the songs seem to be echoing various pop and rock genres from the 60's, but all Beck's unique twists. Beck's lyrics continue amuse some and baffle others. His earliest CDs reflected a great deal of humor ranging from references to nightmare hippie chicks to giant dildo's crushing the sky, but those days are gone. This latest album (IMHO) features some of his most serious and dark lyric writing. There are exceptions though, Gamma Ray is a fun bit of Beck styled 60's Surf Rock with equally fun lyrics.

 

What about the packaging?The CD comes in a standard Jewell case with a lyrics booklet. Having Beck's lyrics is always helpful and appreciated, but I hate it when artists string the lyrics (and song credits) into one long paragraph (it's not very easy to read). as opposed to having them printed out in the standard poetry format. Aside from this I reccomend the album.

Listen to Modern Guilt and buy in mp3 format here
CD Format
Vinyl LP Version

What if I am not ready to buy the whole album?: Try getting Gamma Ray

CD Review Sharon Jones And The Dap Kings 100 Days 100 Nights

Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings 100 Days 100 Nights

Album: 100 Days 100 Nights
Artist: Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings
You will be interested in this album if you are a fan of:  Motown, Old School R&B, Funk, and Amy Winehouse's Back to Black album.
Worth Buying?: YES, The entire album.

Tell me more: Imagine if you will an album recorded by Motown during their golden years. An album where each track is just burning with groove. An album filled with tracks that should have been hits during that era. An album that for some reason was locked away in a vault and then never released.....until now. If you can imagine that album, you have good idea of what to expect from 100 Days 100 Nights. Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings is the band that back up Amy Winhouse on her Back to Black album. This is the band that gave her that authentic Motown sound. But this album is no just mere imitation or emulation of the best music from that era. This is authentic. It is the real deal. 100 Day 100 Nights is one of the most enjoyable listening experiences I have had in some time.

TJR 08/11/2008

What about the Packaging? The CD version comes in a standard jewell case with a bonus disc that included a cool behind the scenes video that I really enjoyed. There is no lyrics booklet enclosed, but it doesn’t matter because you’ll be to busy grooving to this one.

listend to samples and buy as mp3 here

Buy in CD format here

What if I am not ready to buy the whole CD?: Try downloading the title song 100 Days 100 Nights.
Although there are better tracks on the album, this one is free for the time being.

How to create your own Brittany Spears

While searching for work as a musician and songwriter, I came across
this ad.

This ad is real. I did not make it up. Below is the entire ad
verbatim

Check it out and then read my follow up commentary:

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
We need a songwriter to write some songs for one of our singers. They
need to be either hip hop, pop, or r&b songs. Your name will be
credited and shown to other singers. You'll also get $150 per song.
You'll just need to write the song, send the lyrics to me, and if we
decide to use your song we'll send you the money however you chose.
These songs are going to be for a teenage girl. Here are the songs we
need:

1). rich & awesome (kind of about being conceited)

2). can't stop loving you (about wanting someone who doesn't want you
back but you don't want to give up hope)

3). im just me (about not wanting to change for someone else)

4). rumors (about being tired of all the rumors going around)

5). the perfect lie (about you being a mistake)

6). forever a true friend (about having one friend who's always been
there)

7). party girl (about just wanting to have fun)

8). drama queen (about being a drama queen)

9). this is life (about all the troubles life brings but also about
the good times).

If you can help with any of these songs please email me! We do not
have any samples of the singer to send but if it helps she sounds
like Christina Aguilera.
>>>>>>>>>>>

Now what struck me about this ad, besides the unbelievable and
outrageous fact that they are buying you out for $150 dollars a song,
is the formula they have presented.

Basically they want to produce a 9 track album and they already know
what each song needs to be about.

We always knew these acts where formulaic, but this ad spells out the
album formula for every Brittany/Hillary/Ashley pop princess in the
making.

Every record label owes the author of this ad a debt of gratitude for
their efforts to further the formula that is the product that we call
pop princess.

All you have to do is find a teenage girl that will do what you tell
her (Who cares if she can really sing or not, it hasn't hurt Ashley
any). Add some slinky clothes and follow this album recipe and
Walla!.... Instant pop princess.

You Band Must Have Issues

It never ceases to amaze me the ads that I see as a professional musician.

I found this one while looking for gigs. I did not make this ad up. This is verbatim:

"New show casting bands who have a member who's struggling w/something (addiction, relationship, etc. Docu-style, tons of exposure.  Email w/name, band name, description of member with issue, myspace, and phone number".

One of the things that I preach to up and coming musicians, is the importance of being professional.  Being a drug addict doesn't work in todays music industry.  Being difficult (IE: having issues) doesn't work in todays music industry environment. Here we have an ad encouraging the opposite. And offering to reward it no less.

Unbelievable!

I just want to make a good living at this so that I can keep writing and recording new songs. I just want to be the best musician and songwriter and performer that I can possibly be.

But sometimes I wonder if being a good songwriter and a good musician isn't enough to get me noticed. Sometimes I think that I will sell a lot more CDs if I shoot someone, or do something scandalous....is this what it takes? 

Of course there is no way that I am running over someone's dog just to get press. But I do wonder sometimes....What's your opinion? 

 

 

Music Worth Buying Week of 08/04/08

Life Death Love And Freedom

Artist: John Mellencamp

You will be interested in this album if you are a fan of: Rock, Blues, Old School Country, Tom Petty, Bob Dylan, Early Roots Music, Electric Folk

Worth buying? Yes, the whole album!

Tell me more: Sometimes, when an artist stops being concerned with releasing a hit, it becomes the time  when they create some of their greatest music.  For years I have only known John Mellencamp by his hits. I have never really bought or listened to any of his any of his albums.  So that opening statement may not be a fair one, but as I listened to this album, I couldn't help but feel that he doesn't care one bit anymore if he ever has a hit song again or not. John Mellencamp's latest CD is an astonishingly powerful music al statement about.......Well, life, death, love, and freedom. The title pretty much sums up what the album is about. There is a haunting sparseness to the sound of this album that just echos in your head long after you've listened to it. Like I said in the beginning, I knew his hits, but I wasn't really a fan....But with this album I have become one.

What about the packaging: The CD comes in a digipak with a nice lyrics booklet that is easy to read. What is really unique is that it also comes with a DVD version of the album that boasts a quality that is nearly indistinguishable from the master tapes. This DVD version can be played on your computer or DVD player and is a real plus for you audiophiles

Listen to the album and buy in mp3 format here

CD Version (Includes bonus DVD)

What if I am not ready to buy the whole CD? Try buying  Don't Need This Body (A song about a man accepting the end of his life).

Rockstar The Game

A while back I was playing at a resturaunt. A new waitress who had just started working there, gave me a compliment on my playing, and asked me if I had ever played the Rock Star Video game.

I had seen people trying this game at the electronics stores. You have this controller that's shaped like a guitar but it's just a controller and not a real guitar

I realized that this girl was just trying to find some way to relate to me as a musician, but for me it was like knowing how to drive a car and having someone who doesn't know how, ask you "Hey, have your ever driven a big wheel"?

I didn't say any of this to her or course, because she was only trying to be friendly (She was also terribly cute). So I just said politely "No, but I already know how to play a real guitar".

She told me that (the game) is really fun and that I should try it some time. A waiter who obviously saw the absurdity to what she was saying, jumped in and said (referring to the controller)"It's 3 buttons"!

I laughed, and she suddenly became embarrassed (I think it suddenly hit her how silly this was) and she sheepishly retreated saying "I wanna learn how to play a real one".

Just recently South Park did an episode where Kyle and Stan are playing this exact game (to the music of Kansas's Carry on a wayward sun) at Stan's house. All their neighborhood friends are there too and they are all impressed by this. Stan's father comes home and sees this. He pulls out a real Gibson guitar and amp and asks the kids if they want to see something really cool?

He plays the same Kansas song but he is really playing it.

The kids tell him that his playing the guitar is gay.

The rest of the episode follows how a record label decides to sign Stan and Kyle after they score X number of points on the game.

It was hysterical, but it made me remember that conversation with the waitress a while back and I had to wonder if South Park was that far off in their satire.

And this got me back to my previous comments on music education in schools and I have to wonder if there are kids who can't tell or appreciate the difference between a video game controller that is shaped like a guitar and a real guitar?

Is Rockstar hurting or helping?

On the one hand, it is exposing kids to lot's of great Classic Rock.

On the other hand, it feeds into the whole American Idol, instant gratification myth.

In that same episode of South Park, there was a bit of dialog where Stan's mother comments: Imagane what they might accomplish if all the time spent playing that game was spent learning how to play real instruments?

Recently at an outdoor gig, my songwriting partner overhead a young kid say to his friend (as they where watching me play a real guitar), "I can play better than him on Rockstar the game".

What Has Killed Music

There has always been a lot of talk about what has killed music, and I have done a lot of thinking on this lately. There is a lot of talk about radio, MTV, the record labels and they have all played their part in this....but and I think a deeper answer to this in our (US) culture is the cutting of music programs in our public schools.

I am not a parent, but my understanding is, is that there is little to no music education in our public schools anymore, and that there are no serious classes in even music appreciation. Even when I went to high school all there was, was the school marching band and the school choir. I was not in marching band I was in the choir and I remember we learned all our pieces by rote.

The end result is that kids have little to no appreciation for music or musicianship. They grow up with no appreciation for what it takes to become a professional or great musician. 

The parallel that I draw to this is that sports are never cut. Sport flourish in our public schools, so kids grow up with a real appreciation for what it takes to be a professional athlete. They understand it because they have spent a lot of time trying to play these sports themselves whereas (unless the parents have enrolled them in private music lessons) they have spent no time trying to play a musical instrument.

So we have a generation of kids who grow up this way. For me this is evidenced by the fact that I see and hear from people who think that music is created as if by some magical means or that all music is created in a studio with samples.

Another thing that evidences this for me is some of the talkbacks I have read on youtube musical performance videos. A good example was a video I saw of Jewell performing one of her songs solo acoustic. There where endless comments about how pretty she is and how great she sings, but nowhere was there a comment on her guitar playing, or her songwriting. They understand singing (and pretty) but they show no appreciation for songwriting or musicianship

I get a lot of young people who ask me if playing guitar is hard. I am startled that they would even ask, but then I shouldn’t be. They have no music education.

I would be curious to hear from parents on this about what kind of music classes are offered (or not offered) in their kid’s public schools.