What Do You Want to Do With Your Life?

Having posted my positive reaction to up-and-coming band Bang Camaro on the site recently, I didnt expect to get feedback from one of the vocalists, but I'm pretty psyched that we did (What up Rodrigo). With that and also two members of the WeightStaff running into Twisted Sister's Dee Snider in NYC tonight, I feel compelled to post this TS video tonight.

This goes out to Dee and the boys from Bang Camaro.

The Police to Open for Gov't Mule

From the Gov't Mule email newsletter:

GOV'T MULE: LATE NIGHT @ BONNAROO

Gov't Mule will be playing the late night set at Bonnaroo on Saturday, June 16th. Given the time allotted, this won't be your normal Gov't Mule Festival show, so make the trip to Manchester.

He Don't Need No Education

Ya know, I'm not sure if this is the stupidest thing I've ever seen or if I would buy this for my kid (when I have one). I'm on the fence...What you you think? Clever, right?

I Wanna Rock: Bang Camaro

I was just watching local cable channel CN8 and on came what I believed to be just another local band who were lucky enough to make it onto a crappy local broadcast. But instead of changing the channel, I found myself thinking that these guys are awesome! It turns out that they've been gaining steam as a result of their appearance on video game Guitar Hero II and they just sold out the 500-capacity Paradise Rock Club in Boston for their CD release show. Impressive. If this is any indication of what the kids want to hear these days, we're in good hands.

From the bands FAQ:

Q: What kind of music is Bang Camaro?
A: We call ourselves the evolution of hard rock. We took everything we loved about the genre from the '80's, and threw everything out that we hated. In other words, we got rid of the verses. Who wanted to hear the lead singer rhyme 'fire' and 'desire'? What we ended up with are huge gang choruses and guitar solos. It's not everyone's thing, and that's cool.

Q: Why do you have 20 lead singers?
A: We actually have anywhere between 10 to 20 lead singers on a given night. We wanted to get the huge gang vocals that arena bands had in the '80's and recreated those lives. Back then, a lot of bands resorted to samples. We do it with raw dude power.

Oscar Round Up...

Okay, I'll spare you the editorial and cut straight to the highlights:

Counterpoint provided in italics below: For the sake of a second editorial opinion from the WeightStaff, I'll be providing a counterpoint from my own perspective of the Oscar telecast last night.

1) Kate Winslet is really English?!? Who would have thought...

2) George Lucas. Was that a 'coonskin cap or is he still sporting that ridiculous bouffant from the Star Wars' premiere 30 years ago?

3) Beyonce. Cheers to the Academy for completely snubbing Beyonce and her blob of narcissism.

Counterpoint: I am not a fan of Beyonce either. She clearly tried to step up her singing, so as to not be outdone by Jennifer Hudson. I give her props for that, but even with the extra effort, Hudson still blew her away vocally. Jennifer makes it look easy.

4) Leo DiCaprio. Okay, he's cool. I get it...

Counterpoint: This guy is already a classic actor. He has reached a level that no other contemporary actor his age, other than maybe Johnny Depp, has acheived. He's come a long way from Growing Pains and he deserves all the credit for making cool look easy.

5) Jennifer Hudson. Who?

Counterpoint: What a story Jennifer Hudson has become. She didnt even place in the Top 3 on her season of Idol and she now has an Academy Award to her credit. She tried out for her role in Dreamgirls just like anyone else. She has earned this the hard way. Much respect to Jennifer Hudson.

6) Anne Hathaway. Vomit!

Counterpoint: I thought she looked ok. Why so harsh?

7) James Taylor. Learn the song before performing in front of millions of viewers worldwide. Shame, shame...

Counterpoint: Couldnt agree more. Did they even rehearse this song once? This was an awful performance from the usually professional JT.

8) Watching Clint Eastwood bullshit...i mean, translate Ennio Morricone's acceptance speech (done entirely in Italian). Now THAT is what I call acting. Way to go, Clint!

Counterpoint: So the guy doesn't speak English. I thought the translation bit was executed well enough. Short of subtitles, this is the only way it could have been done.

9) Forest Whitaker. Congrats to the first time Oscar winner. If you thought his role as Idi Amin was larger than life, check out his portrayal of Agent Rawlins in the acclaimed 1989 Jean Claude flick, Bloodsport. Even Donald Gibb's performance (Ogre from Revenge of the Nerds fame) is guaranteed to shed a tear...

Counterpoint: Big up to Forest Whitaker! This guy has paid his dues for a long long time. He's come a long way from Fast Times at Ridgemont High.

10) Penelope Cruz. Learn to speak your age for God's sake and some English lessons wouldn't kill...

Counterpoint: She's hot and the accent only increases her attractiveness. Why so angry?

11) Al Gore + Hollywood = IRRESISTABLE!

Counterpoint: I like Al Gore. At least he's trying to be hip and current, eventhough he is still a stiff.

12) Marty Scorcese. Bravo, it's about time! Sure, The Departed was the best of the bunch, but being in the same category as United 93 couldn't have hurt...

Counterpoint: Marty is amazing. Nothing else to say.

And finally, unlike Britney, Jack Nicholson pulled of the cue ball and shades
masterfully. What does Jack have up his sleeve? Maybe Col. Kurtz in a remake of Apocalypse Now? I'll keep my fingers crossed...

Counterpoint: Jack shaved his head for an upcoming role alongside Morgan Freeman as a cancer patient who tries his best to live out his last days. He did look pretty cool.

Well then, I suppose I'm entitled to a short reply:

1) Hudson did blow Beyonce out of the water, I agree with you there. However, her Oscar was for best supporting actress -- if I'm not mistaken, the Grammy's were 2 weeks ago...

2) Leo is cool. Period.

3) Anne Hathaway. Vomit and WHO CARES!

4) Penelope Cruz. Sure, we all enjoyed seeing her topless in Vanilla Sky, but that's about it. Not sure what all the fuss is about...

5) Jack Nicholson. Thanks for clarifying his next role, but I would still rather hear him whisper, "The horror, the horror" alongside Mark Walhberg as Captain Willard...

the epitome of cool...

Billy The Kid

Today, this song was released 13 years and 5 months ago. Where does the time go my friends? This Smashing Pumpkins smash takes me back to a time when I was first discovering my own taste in music. It was an undeniable hit with my generation, characterized by a positive lyric..."today is the greatest day I've ever known", amidst an overall context of despair..."Pink ribbon scars / That never forget / I tried so hard / To cleanse these regrets." Whether or not the Pumpkins were a grunge band, this song epitomized the grunge sound that would be the soundtrack to the early to mid-90's.

Corgan writes in his online auto-biography, Confessions... , "The Texas Two-Step", of the famous instrumental intro, "...I suggest trying to come up with an interesting intro, and all agree that the blunt start (with the band just blasting in at the top) is boring and obvious...as is often the case of a good intellectual concept, musical silence ensues, shoes are stared at, and all I get in response to my suggestion is the buzz of the amps...frustrated, I look down at my guitar, and without hesitation, place my left hand on the 11th fret, high up on the top two strings...the first thing I feel immediately clicks, a dumb schoolhouse take on "la-dee-dah, la-dee-dah"...I look up, and no one says much, but then again, no one says no...without comment, I play it again, and at the appointed moment, the band kicks in full power".

The "Today" video was featured on the Beavis and Butt-head episode "They're Coming To Take Me Away, Huh-Huh", where it was commented on, like many other music videos. The memorable ice cream truck caused Butt-head to remark, "he thinks it's the greatest day because he, like, stole an ice cream truck."

Those were great days.

Everything Is Wonderful Now

Everclear - Washington, DC - 9:30 Club - 2/24/07

I just got home from the Everclear show at my favorite indoor venue, the 9:30 Club. In front of a near capacity audience with an average age of around 30 years old, singer Art Alexakis, the only remaining original member of the group, led the band through a number of the hits that I was eagerly anticipating hearing live for the first time. My interest in Everclear peaked after purchasing their Greatest Hits collection from a used record store in VA three years ago. Listening to that CD, I was brought back to a set of songs that were incredibly familiar, as I had heard them played endlessly on rock radio from 1995 - 1998. I hadn't heard them in years but I was reminded that I really did like this band. With some of the most personal, honest, angst-ridden lyrics of any artist around that time, Alexakis captured in song his struggles with an absent father, his drug addiction, and living in poverty. That honesty, along with some catchy pop songs, is what drew me to the band and is the reason I still play those Greatest Hits from my iTunes library today.

This was far from the best concert I've heard musically, but fortunately no one was there to be blown away by the skill level of the players. People came to hear the hits that they'd heard so many times coming out of their radios in years past. And for this reason, the band delivered. With the boys running through "Santa Monica", "Father Of Mine", "I Will Buy You A New Life", "Everything to Everyone", and "Wonderful" the crowd nodded their heads, sang along, and pumped their fists with smiles on their faces.

I have no reason to go see Everclear in concert again. My mission was accomplished. Taking the opportunity to witness songs performed live that remind me of past days driving in my car, listening to WHFS or 98Rock, was entirely worth it.

Spending 3 weeks in the #1 spot on the rock radio charts in 1995, here is the band's "Santa Monica".

We can live beside the ocean
Leave the fire behind
Swim out past the breakers
Watch the world die

It's Been Such a Long Time

With the recent news of classic rock bands reuniting, I'd like to add the rumors I've been reading about Boston. It appears that key members of the original lineup are planning a comeback album and tour of their own in 2007:

"Another significant piece of news for Boston was that Tom Scholz [the creative force behind the band] and original guitarist Barry Goudreau have overcome their previous differences and have rekindled their friendship. While it is not immediately known if Goudreau will contribute to the upcoming Boston album, there has been speculation that a reunion is inevitable. This is due to Goudreau having a robust connection with Delp over the last 30 years in Boston, Orion the Hunter, the Barry Goudreau solo project, RTZ, and the Delp-Goudreau sessions, Goudreau's reported desire to work with Scholz and Delp on a "classic" Boston project, and the promoting industries desire to package and promote reunited bands such as was the case in 2007 with The Police and Van Halen. However, Goudreau has said that as of 2006 he has not been invited to rejoin or participate with the band.

There are rumors of a spring or summer tour in 2007, and it is currently confirmed by the band that it is in the planning stages"

Boston Trivia: Their debut album, Boston, ranks as the second best selling debut album in USA history , with over 17 million copies sold (the Norah Jones debut album, Come Away with Me sold over twenty million copies).

Long Live Rock!

It appears that the kids are finding today's music lacking...something I've believed to be true for quite some time now. I'm certainly excited by the cultural shift of America's teens to the rock of yesteryear. The following article details how the rock from the 70s is making a comeback:

"The kids want to rock. Well, at least lots of them do. Forget Beyonce and Christina and Nickelback and The Fray and OutKast.

Forget alterna-this and alterna-that, the various permutations that hip-hop has taken, or the endless stylistic detours heavy metal has gone down.

It’s all about the rock for a steady audience of millions of kids whose tastes stretch back decades to include old-school bands like Judas Priest, Metallica, Iron Maiden, the Rolling Stones, and Pink Floyd."

Read the full article here

Friday Night Videos

It's damn good to see America back on the road. The 70's folk-rock act that brought us such sing-alongs as "Horse With No Name" and "Sister Golden Hair," is in the midst of a massive world tour. I, for one, am looking forward to catching their show when they hit the northeast later this year. Despite their history of ups and downs, it appears they are finally back to doing what they do best -- making good music and pleasing crowds all over.

God bless America.

Bob Dylan's Dream, Pt. 2

Following up on a previous post, I am adding a second clip from the curious Van Morrison/Bob Dylan sessions. Towards the end of this clip, Van is asked some stock questions regarding his first record (or something of the sort). Van, who can't hear or understand the question (because of Dylan's childish strumming), doesn't respond. Dylan, who at this point has lost all patience, re-phrases the question to Van in an obvious condescending manner.

Thereafter, Van, clearly uncomfortable, but trying to be a good sport, asks Dylan if they should play another song, to which Dylan replies, "Well, what, we did four things? I think you got everything we need."

OUCH.

Friendly Waters

I'm not sure how else to describe this next clip, but I'll do my best:
Roger Waters, Rick Danko, Garth Hudson, Levon Helm, Sinead O'Connor and Joni Mitchell.

There I did it.

Let us know what you think.

Bob Dylan's Dream? Not Exactly...

Recently, a good friend of mine sent me some bizarre footage of Bob Dylan, Van Morrison, and the Parthenon. Yes, you read that correctly. After a little research, I found that these excerpts are from a rare Van bootleg called (predictably), "Van Morrison Meets Bob Dylan and John Lee Hooker" (filmed in 1989, released in 1992). For one thing, the video footage is sub-par, even by bootleg standards. I mean seriously, two of the greatest musicians EVER, playing a rare, one-time performance, and this is the best technology had to offer?? You've gotta be kidding me. Maybe, a group of Swiss tourists spotted Bob and Van (who both happened to be jamming on a Greek hillside in 1989), and shifted their Sony Handycam away from the ancient ruins and demanded an impromptu performance of "Crazy Love??" Or better yet, maybe it was John Lee Hooker who was doing the filming -- that wily old delta bluesman!

And why does Bob look so miserable? First off, he is muttering his way through a song he clearly doesn't know, and just looks pissed off about being filmed. Why such the bad attitude, Bob? Afterall, it's Van the Man! Don't you remember the Last Waltz!?! For Van, the only other person he considers his “contemporary” is Bob Dylan, and I think it's clear from this clip, that the feelings are unfortunately, not mutual.

As my friend put it (who incidentally knows more about Van than humanly possible): "It seems as though Bob wanted nothing to do with this setup...almost as if he lost a bet and was forced to strum through a couple tunes with that Irish bastard, while some eurotrash camera crew documents his embarrassment to the world." From the looks of it, it appears that this is precisely what Dylan was thinking.

Maybe I'm being too harsh, or maybe I'm just disappointed, but someone made the executive decision not to release this bootleg into the mainstream. Nonetheless, the footage is both historic and intriguing, and I no doubt would have paid any amount of money (and still would) to see these two legends perform together -- Parthenon or no Parthenon...

Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love

How surprising is this development? Conflict in the Van Halen camp. It's like 1984 all over again. Somewhere in Mexico, Sammy Hagar is laughing his ass off.

Van Halen recently announced summer reunion tour with original lead singer David Lee Roth has been indefinitely postponed, according to a reliable source.

Earlier this month, Van Halen issued a press release in which the group announced it was hitting the road with Roth in tow for the first time since the mid-'80s. The announcement promised 40 shows featuring Roth, group co-founders Eddie and Alex Van Halen, and new bassist Wolfgang Van Halen, Eddie's son, who was to take over on stage for fired original bassist Michael Anthony.

The Feb. 2 press release came from Eddie Van Halen's girlfriend, Janie Lisewski, whose publicity firm, High Profile Media, recently became the guitarist's official mouthpiece. Neither the band's management, nor the management's publicity firm, ever commented publicly on the group's plans.

Reports indicated that a Roth-era best-of set was due out from Rhino Records this spring in anticipation of the tour, but it is believed that those plans have also been shelved.

Source: LiveDaily.com

Not Feeling Up to Par

David Crosby and Graham Nash have cancelled their upcoming tour because David Crosby has taken ill. The duo's manager Donald Miller posted on the official crosbynash.com website that the tour is being pushed back due to "medical issues that have arisen" for Crosby. He went on to say that, "We deeply regret that the band will not be able to embark on this tour as scheduled. At this time, we thank you for your understanding and the band looks forward to seeing you this fall."

They weren't coming to a location near me, but I was really excited about this tour anyway. I went to see CSNY at Nissan Pavillion in VA last summer and I was really blown away at the quality of musicianship on the stage. Neil Young certainly drew most of the attention, but I found myself captivated by the Crosby and Nash led songs. They are both such talented songwriters and performers, capable of conveying incredible emotion. The highlight of the show for me was being able to see one of my all-time favorite songs performed live, Crosby's "Almost Cut My Hair."

Get Well Soon Dave...

Almost Cut My Hair
David Crosby (Solo Acoustic)
1991

Happy Mardi Gras

I hope you all had a funkin' great Fat Tuesday. Shoutout to New Orleans y'all! In honor of Mardi Gras, here's a clip from the funky-est band of all time, New Orleans' own, The Meters:

God Only Knows...

There are certain people in this world that leave a lasting impression on you. For me, Dennis Wilson was one of those people. A few years back, I was watching a 1976 Beach Boys Special on PBS and was completely blown away by Dennis. Don't get me wrong, I was equally impressed with the band as a whole, who were in my opinion, at the top of their game at this point (and probably on tons of drugs as well). Nevertheless, it was Dennis's delicate yet tormented vocals that captivated me. His cocky swagger and rock star persona helped lift the "clean cut" stigma the band created just a decade earlier.

There is little doubt that around the time this footage was captured, Dennis was on the verge of physical and mental breakdown. So much so that when I watch him sing, I can't help but wonder if the music was a cry for help or just his way of masking the pain. Sadly, his sudden death in 1983 robbed the music world of one of its most underrated talents.

Dennis Wilson (1944-1983)

Canadian Idol

As the second release in Neil Young's Archive series, "Live At Massey Hall" will be an incredible opportunity to hear one of the most important singer/songwriters at their creative peak. The concert may be 36 years old, but I can't think of any other CD's coming out soon that I'm as interested in buying. It's also being released as a DVD. View the trailer here

On the heels of the first release from his Archives Performance series last fall, Neil Young will unveil another vintage concert on March 13 via Reprise. "Live at Massey Hall" was taped Jan. 19, 1971, at the Toronto venue and finds Young performing solo.

Beyond favorites such as "Don't Let It Bring You Down," "I Am a Child," "Ohio" and "Down by the River," Young debuted material that wound up appearing on his next studio album, "Harvest." Among those songs were "The Needle and the Damage Done," "Old Man" and "Heart of Gold," the only No. 1 Billboard Hot 100 hit of his career.

Young claims producer David Briggs urged him to release the Massey Hall concert instead of the studio version of "Harvest," a suggestion he didn't follow. "I was very excited about the takes we got on 'Harvest,' and wanted 'Harvest' out," Young says. "David disagreed. As I listen to this today, I can see why."

Source: Billboard.com

Box of Rainn

SNL has finally secured itself a host that has the internet buzzing....Is it Tom?....Leo?....Jack?....Bobby D? Nope, its none of those A-listers. It's Rainn Wilson! Can you believe it!! RAINN WILSON is hosting SNL!!!

That's right, The Office's Dwight will be hosting Saturday Night Live on 2/24 along with hipster favorites Arcade Fire. And I have already set the Tivo. I don't know anyone who watches his show that doesn't find themselves laughing out loud on a regular basis. And he's a big reason why it's become such a success. So The Office is on NBC and SNL is on NBC...cross promotion, of course...but I think they've made an excellent decision here and selected a host that will actually have people talking about Saturday Night Live again. When's the last time that happened? Oh...right...Dick in a Box....I mean before that....

Merger. Siriusly...

XM and Sirius, the two satellite radio companies, are announing a merger of their businesses (and ultimately channels). Finally! I mean, I got Sirius radio purely for Howard Stern. I learned shortly thereafter that the music was repetitive, and in a word, crap. How many times can I listen to the new Panic at the Disco! song without going insane.

Ok, I didn't just get it for Howard. I wanted to be inspired by new music, finding artists I never would normally go out of my way to listen to. I wanted deep tracks off of albums I put on a shelf years ago. And what did I really get...Rihanna followed by Ciara. Aren't they the same person?

I've always heard XM was the better station for diehard music lovers. Now I'll know sooner than later. Although, I'm sure I'll have to buy new hardware for $400+. You really think all of the radio's out there today are gonna magically be able to receive the combined stations.

I just hope they don't take away 'The Coffee House'. My personal favorite. And of course 'Jam On'. And now I will get Bob Dylan's channel!! In reality, I'm sure the soonest we will have XM/Sirius devices it will probably be mid-2008. So I guess I can continue to listen to my TRL, I mean Sirius device, for a while longer.

HEAVENLY DEAL: SIRIUS, XM SET TO CONFIRM MERGER PLAN TODAY (NY Post)

The Weight's NBA All-Star Roundup

No, I was NOT in Vegas for this year's NBA All-Star game. But thanks to modern technology (DVR and laptop solitaire), I was as close to The Palms as I was gonna get.

So for those who tuned out in the 4th quarter like I did, it came as no surprise when I checked the headlines this morning and saw that the West bludgeoned the East in a 153-132 convincing blowout. The West was unstoppable last night. Sorry kiddies, Mike D'Antoni was not going to let the East make it interesting this year.

There are too two simple things that separate the West from the East, and I'm not talkin' about Tupac & Biggie:
1) Seven-footers who can shoot the 3-ball; and
2) Kobe Bryant. MVP or not, Kobe IS the best player in the game, hands down.

Frankly, I don't think the East has a chance this year when the NBA Finals come around (with all due respect to my beloved Wizards).

To that end, here are a few things that caught my attention from this weekend's festivities:

-The Rookie-Sophomore challenge: David Lee and Chris Paul are THAT GOOD!

-The highly anticipated Chuck Barkley vs. Dick Bavetta race. Even though Barkley huffed and puffed his way into first place, 67 year-old veteran referee Bavetta gashed his knee wide open after diving for the finish line -- I kept thinking he was going to faint from blood loss, talkabout heart!

-Dwight Howard's 12'6 "sticker" dunk (see below);

-Slam dunk champion Gerald Green, donning former dunk champion and Celtics alum Dee Brown's #7, leaping over contest opponent Nate Robinson for the win;

-Wayne Newton's face during the pre-game show -- was Newton replaced by a lip-syncing wax replica from Madame Tussaud's??

-Kobe Bryant, doing his best MJ impression, leading the Western Conference to one of the most lopsided wins in NBA all-star history.

-Wondering how much money Charles Barkley lost at the blackjack table...

Newsflash: Derek Trucks Is Good

Astonishingly, Derek Trucks, albeit upside-down, is on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine. I would have bet you my car that he would never appear on the cover of that magazine. Fortunately, I would never have been presented with that bet because it was unfathomable until it happened. And it's not because he isn't talented enough for the cover of a magazine, it's because they don't put you on the cover of that magazine for talent anymore.

I, for one, think Derek is one of the most exciting things happening in music today. He doesn't want to be a rock star and that is so refreshing. He just wants to play his guitar and move people with his music. How many musicians on the cover of Rolling Stone truly fit into that category these days? I've seen Derek live in concert with both the Allman Brothers Band and his own band...and I was moved.

Rolling Stone is currently featuring The Top 20 New Guitar Gods. On their website, they offer a video clip of John Frusciante, John Mayer, and Derek Trucks playing their guitars during the RS cover photoshoot. I'm a fan of the John's, but it is so clear from this clip that Derek is in a different league from them...and that's saying ALOT when comparing him to the three out of twenty "new guitar gods" that they chose for the COVER.

You can play the video from the following link. Be patient for Derek's turn to take the lead. You will not be disappointed:

Cover Shoot Guitar Jam

No Soundgarden Reunion

I guess I wasn't the only one to start thinking about a possible Soundgarden reunion after Chris Cornell announced his departure from Rage against th Audioslave. In an interview with MTV news, he responds to the question about a reunion with his former former bandmates by stating the following:

"I haven't received any phone calls from anyone in Soundgarden about a reunion since we broke up, nor have I called anyone," he said. "We were happy with how it ended. There was no unfinished business."

I'm willing to bet that Sting said the same thing about The Police.

The Weight Reaches 500!!!

Exactly three weeks ago, The Weight was both conceived as an idea and created online as a way for three longtime friends to share their musings on the world of music, both past and present. Twenty-one days and 500 unique visitors later, The Weight has already far exceeded our expectations. With this momentum, we will continue to provide you our thoughts and views as well as great songs and videos.

In honor of our 500th visitor, I feel that it is appropriate to revisit Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. Who doesn't like a good list? Here are the Top 10 (click the picture at right to see the rest). [Shoutout to #34]

1. Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, The Beatles
2. Pet Sounds, The Beach Boys
3. Revolver, The Beatles
4. Highway 61 Revisited, Bob Dylan
5. Rubber Soul, The Beatles
6. What's Going On, Marvin Gaye
7. Exile on Main Street, The Rolling Stones
8. London Calling, The Clash
9. Blonde on Blonde, Bob Dylan
10. The Beatles ("The White Album"), The Beatles
.
34. Music From Big Pink, The Band

Cheers,
WeightStaff

Good On Ya, Jet

Jet put on a good live show. I saw them open for Oasis on two occasions in 2005, at Madison Square Garden in NY and at Merriweather Post Pavilion in MD. I imagine that they would have been even better if it was a proper gig and not simply an opening set. Unfortunately, good music aside, I personally think they came across as too cocky and didn't connect with the crowd on either occasion. I accept that this is their MO, but it still rubbed me the wrong way. In my opinion, Oasis pull off the rock star swagger much better. Jet shouldn't need to incite excitement by making the crowd get up and clap along, it should happen organically, because the crowd is feeling it. If given the chance, I think they would have.

The reason I'm even writing about Jet is because I just found this news story in the NME archive. I'm not sure how I missed it when it was originally posted on 12/12/06, but reading it now, I think Spaceland must have been a pretty fucking cool place to be on that night, unneccesary rock star posturing and all. Props to Jet for executing this event.

Editor's Note: This is probably the last time Chris Robinson and Jet will share the same stage as Jet frontman Nic Cester reportedly recently started dating Robinson's ex, Kate Hudson.

Jet play all star show in Los Angeles
Slash and Black Crowes team-up with the Aussies
12.Dec.06

Performing at Spacelands, the band were joined onstage by a host of local talent, including former Guns N Roses guitarist Slash.

Firstly the band recruited the Waters Sisters, who sang on Jet's last album, for 'Shine On' and 'All You Have To Do', before being joined by Slash. The Velvet Revolver man linked up for a cover of the Rolling Stones' 'Salt Of The Earth'.

The Aussies were then joined by the Black Crowes' Chris Robinson, who sang on 'Be My Baby'. The singer then performed a cover of The Faces' 'Miss Judy's Farm' with Jet, which also saw Sex Pistols guitarist Steve Jones - now a Los Angeles radio DJ - joining in.

Jet concluded their all-star show by returning to The Faces, getting all their guests back on stage for a roof-raising version of 'Ooh La La'.

Feedback Wanted

The Weight is coming up on its one month anniversary. At this point, we've been running the site as we best see fit, posting about the music we care about and trying our best to entertain those who stop by. We're hoping that you can provide us with some feedback so we know how we're doing.....Thank you for flying with us and we hope you come and see us again real soon.

Email us at theweightonline@gmail.com

And We All Shine On...

Foreword: This post is inspired by my iPod random playlist.

I always wanted to be a radio DJ. So here goes:

"Happy Saturday everybody! This is WNYC and we are bringing you the greatest hits from my iPod on this 17th of February, 2007. It's a sunny and downright balmy 30 degrees in the Big Apple. It's so sunny you can leave the gloves and mittens at home kids, for the first time in weeks. Don't forget, we got traffic and weather together on the 8's and without further ado...Enjoy these two sunshine inspired tunes".



"That was John Lennon's 'Instant Karma'. John, we need you and your songs now more than ever. And now let's follow the theme, here is a classic from Collective Soul, with 'Shine'."



"Did I mention it might snow tomorrow?!?"

Friday Night Videos - Vol. 2

"Got My Mind Set on You" is a song written by Rudy Clark and originally recorded by the late James Ray in 1962. This cover version, from George Harrison's album Cloud Nine, reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in January 1988. Produced by Harrison and former ELO member Jeff Lynne, the song was his third and last solo US number one, after "My Sweet Lord" in 1970 and "Give Me Love (Give Me Peace on Earth)" in 1973. It was also the last number one single, to date, by any of The Beatles in the USA. [Thanks Wikipedia!!]

I'm dating myself when I say that I remember this video when it first came out, but I don't think I knew it was performed by a Beatle at the time.

George Harrison
Got My Mind Set On You
1987

Still Crazy

I'm a sucker for sampling. I've always enjoyed the creativity behind taking a beat or a riff from another song and making it your own in a new context. Many people claim to have a problem with this form of stealing, and I bet those same people have found themselves gettin' jiggy to Will Smith, Biggie, or Diddy, all of whom made careers on sampling others' music.

A number of months ago, via Stereogum's website, I found this mp3 capturing the original song that became last year's mega-smash "Crazy" by Cee-Lo and Danger Mouse's Gnarls Barkley. I had no idea at the time that it wasn't a totally original creation. But instead of being upset about learning that it wasn't, this discovery made me appreciate the song's genius even more. Take a listen to this, and I am sure you'll feel the same way.

Nel Cimitero di Tuscon -- Gian Piero and Gianfranco Reverberi (1968)

Sunk...Like A Stone

Chris Cornell has split Audioslave, the band he formed with three former members of Rage Against The Machine, due to unspecified "irresolvable personality conflicts as well as musical differences," according to a statement."This is something I don't want to do anymore," Cornell tells Billboard.com of Audioslave. "There were problems from the very beginning and we dealt with them in a great way. We made three great records. We were a band that got along great, but we've also had our differences. My focus is definitely on doing my own music now."

Call me crazy, but I'd have to say that the "one-off" reunion of Rage Against the Machine at the Coachella festival could be related to this story. What's so exciting about this story is that now Chris can focus on a reunion that I'd really care about....Soundgarden!!!

I'd post the original Black Hole Sun video, but it still freaks me out, so I'm going with an acoustic performance:

Anchorman...The Legend of Ron Corning?!?!

So this blog has mainly been about music. For my post about Chris Webber, I even felt compelled to blend it with a little Joni Mitchell flavor. But I am going to post what has been on my mind this morning. Because New York has been so cold lately, I have been taking the subway for my eight block/three avenue commute to work. And every day I am greeted by the same advertisement for 'Good Day New York', the local morning news program.The male anchor is named Ron Corning.

Was Will Ferrell's character in the Anchorman movie, Ron Burgundy, a take off of this guy? It's just a first name they share, that can't be anything but a coincidence, right?

But wait, do you remember what Christina Applegate's character's name was. It was Veronica Corningstone! The writer must have just split his name up for the two main characters in the movie!!

And of course, who is Ron Corning's co-anchor on 'Good Day New York'? It's Jodi Applegate! Now you might consider me crazy for figuring this out (I consider it genius) but you have to remember that when you are on a REALLY crowded subway with nowhere to move, babies crying, a guy basically spooning you, and seven faces staring at you from all angles, you would keep your eyes on the advertisements also!

Listen Up Robbie!

From the band who brought us such songs as "Let There Be Love" and "Who Feels Love," notoriously outspoken Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher had some rather unlovely things to say about Robbie Williams.

PerezHilton.com reports that Liam made the following remarks about the recent-rehaber:

"[What a] fucking drama queen. What's his fucking problem? If you've got a fucking problem, why do you want the whole world knowing about it? I say just sort your self out. You make a fucking crap album then want everyone to feel sorry for you. What a fucking tosser."

Apparently, Liam is a firm believer in the "honesty is the best policy" approach...

American Idol

I watch American Idol every week. Have for years. If you live in America and you have a TV, you probably watch it too. Last night, the set of contestants who "made it onto the show" were announced. And I have to say, I'm not very impressed with this year's talent pool. I'm sure I'll be singing a different tune once the season settles in a bit, but for now I feel like we're stuck with a bunch of Scott Savols and Bucky Covingtons. Here's to hoping I'm wrong...and here's to a REAL American Idol:

Happy Birthday to You...Tube

Yes, today celebrates YouTube's 2nd anniversary. It's hard to believe that one of the world's most popular websites has been around for just two years.

Thanks to YouTube, The Weight can share many of our favorite videos along with other timeless classics like Bob Dylan and The Band's otherwise rare performance of "Ballad of a Thin Man."

Cheers!

Instant Classic

Sometimes you can hear a song for the first time and just know that you've heard something special. It doesn't happen every day or even every week, but you know exactly when it happens. This is one of those songs that, for me, falls into this category. It could easily be a long-ago hit in the back catalogue of Van Morrison or Dusty Springfield. I can even hear Bob Dylan or Johnny Cash singing it on one of their more recent albums. Maybe you'll feel like I do about it or maybe you won't. Such is music . . . and you'd be wrong of course.

Once I wanted to be the greatest
Two fists of solid rock
With brains that could explain
Any feeling

The song is "The Greatest" by Cat Power (aka Chan Marshall).

Annoyonce

Can someone please explain why the f*ck Beyonce is on the cover of SI's current swimsuit issue? No? Well, I can -- because they SOLD OUT. Not a model, not an athlete, just an over-hyped, over-exposed, old-fashioned PAIN IN THE ASS. Quite frankly, it's pathetic.

Let's face it, no one actually READS this magazine anymore unless you're stuck in the check-out line or waiting to have a cavity filled. It's dry, unimaginative and outdated. Sure, we all wanted the football phone back in the 80's, but that was before Kenny Mayne and Stuart Scott were household names. Even their commemorative issues (Superbowl, World Series, etc.) have become novelty coffee-table items that lost their luster. We're just bored.

So they did what any desperate company would do, they sold out--and bad. Not only is Beyonce undeservingly gracing the once-anticipated annual collectible, but to make matters worse, SI calls this issue "The Music Issue." Honestly, I have the slightest clue what this means. Cee-Lo in a speedo? Kanye playing polo? Rick Reilly on the Grammy's? I'm perplexed. When I think music and sports, I think "Eye of the Tiger" or "We are the Champions," not...oh wait, I don't know any songs by Shakira.

I have an idea, how about Beyonce on the cover of Playboy? Now that's progress!

Arctic

In honor of the snow falling out my window looking onto Madison Avenue, here's my post professing my love, and hopefully soon my concert ticket dollars, to The Arctic Monkeys. This band is exciting me about music all over again.

One of the challenges of music today is filtering out the crap from the truly special. I see more next "it" band names than I can possibly listen to if I tried 24/7. So forgive me if I'm behind the times on this one. But have you heard the Arctic Monkeys album? No, not the new one. I mean the one that came out in January 2006: Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not. They are a healthy mix of Oasis and The Strokes with lyrics I thought only Mike Skinner (The Streets) wrote.

I read all about the buzz including the British music magazine NME ranking it at No. 5 on a recent list of the greatest British albums EVER and the album selling over 360,000 copies in its first week making it the fastest-selling debut album in British history. The praise even carried over here to the States when The New York Times called the album "a modern classic". And for some reason, I still didn't make an effort. Damn, I should have known.

So I missed the boat. But when the new album, Favourite Worst Nightmare, comes out in April 2007 I'll be first in line. Hopefully not in the snow on Madison Avenue though.

Obligatory Bonnaroo Post

Having been to four of the five Bonnaroo's in existence, I was as anxious as anyone else about seeing the lineup revealed today. Having now seen it, I am not disappointed. Following in the progression of years past, this is even less of a jamband festival than last year, but there are still some killer bands from that community coming back to Tennessee. Here's to hoping that Gov't Mule, the Black Keys, and Wilco arent all playing at the same time.

For those who don't know, The Nightwatchman is Rage Against the Machine's Tom Morello. He should be one not to miss!!

See you in Manchester alongside these guys:

The Police · Tool · Widespread Panic · The White Stripes · Ben Harper & the Innocent Criminals · Wilco · The Flaming Lips · Manu Chao · The String Cheese Incident · Franz Ferdinand · Bob Weir & Ratdog · Damien Rice · Ween · Gov't Mule · Ziggy Marley · The Decemberists · Kings of Leon · Michael Franti & Spearhead · Wolfmother · Regina Spektor · The Black Keys · Galactic · DJ Shadow · Gillian Welch · Spoon · Keller Williams (WMD's) · Sasha & John Digweed · STS9 · Old Crow Medicine Show · The Hold Steady · North Mississippi Allstars · Fountains Of Wayne · Hot Tuna · Feist · Hot Chip · John Butler Trio · Ralph Stanley & the Clinch Mountain Boys · Aesop Rock · The Richard Thompson Band · Dierks Bentley · Xavier Rudd · Gogol Bordello · Junior Brown · Tortoise · T-Bone Burnett · Mavis Staples · Clutch · Cold War Kids · Dr. Dog · Paolo Nutini · Brazilian Girls · RX Bandits · The Nightwatchman · The Slip · Girl Talk · Railroad Earth · Martha Wainwright · Rodrigo y Gabriela · Annuals · Tea Leaf Green · Sam Roberts Band · Elvis Perkins in Dearland · Charlie Louvin · Sonya Kitchell · Mute Math · Apollo Sunshine · Uncle Earl · James Blood Ulmer · The National · The Little Ones · Black Angels · Ryan Shaw

FYO: For Your Outformation

Outformation - 2/13/2007 - Iota - Arlington, VA

On an icy winter night, one where most folks stayed safe at home, a few brave souls trekked out to a tiny club in Arlington to bask in the heat that is Outformation. Led by former Widespread Panic guitar tech Sam Holt, Outformation sounded even better than I imagined they would. As the band jammed out their brand of psychedelic/southern rock, and I closed my eyes allowing myself to get lost in the jam, I couldnt help but picture myself seeing Micheal Houser-era Panic up close and personal. It's no coincidence that Sam's guitar sound is eerily reminiscent of Mikey's. Not only did Sam spend a great deal of time setting up Mike's guitar, amp, rig, and cabinet every night on Panic tour, he still sets up that same equipment and guitar on his own band's stage. Sam bought the guitar, and the rest of the setup was a gift from Mike before he passed away. The remainder of the musicians in this band are equally talented and deserve to be mentioned here as well. I am certain that Outformation will be playing much bigger places once word spreads about just how good their live show is. And when that happens, the opportunity to see them this close up will be gone. Do yourself a favor and check out Outformation when they come to town.

Listen to Outformation's 01/20/07 show

Sea of Green: The Yellow Submarine iPod

Seems like Apple Corps. and Apple have quickly gone from enemies to business partners. I guess if you can't beat 'em, join 'em. What would John think?.... I imagine we'd already have 'Strawberry Fields' on our Nanos if he were calling the shots.

"A change in the agreement between electronics giant Apple and the publishers of the Beatles' music will allow iPods to be sold preloaded with albums or back catalogs, meaning that music fans will be able to listen to sounds without first loading them onto computers.

Technology industry analysts believe that the first iPods with preloaded music will appear within weeks, allowing the firm to sell special edition players containing dozens of albums by an individual band or artist.

Leander Kahney, of the technology magazine Wired, said: "The iPod is about to become the new CD. Apple will soon offer a range of iPods preloaded with tunes. First up will likely be the widely rumored Beatles special-edition Yellow Submarine iPod."

Source: technewsworld.com

Intensive Care

Sources have reported that the once larger-than-life British pop-star, Robbie Williams, is headed for rehab today. According to the AP, Williams checked himself into an undisclosed American rehabilitation center for an apparent prescription drug dependency. No further details are available at this time.

Today also marks Robbie's 33rd birthday.

Get well soon, Robbie.

The Beatles, Clapton, and The Black Eyed Peas???

Garth Algar put it best when he famously remarked some fifteen years ago, "I think I'm gonna hurl." Well, after subjecting myself to three painful hours of bad punchlines and awkward collaborations, I, like Garth, feel very sick today.

And I don't think I'm alone here. Anyone with the slightest taste in music won't argue that the Grammy's have officially evolved into an over-produced, artificial, heap of garbage. Thanks to a group of self-proclaimed industry "experts" at the Recording Academy (yes, their website actually refers to them as experts), "artists" like Beyonce, T.I., and the Black Eyed Peas have supposedly achieved the once highest honors in the music biz. Who is doing the voting here people?? The high school prom committee?? The yearbook staff?? Even more embarrassing is the annual "we're really not friends" award, which this year went to Tony Bennett and Stevie Wonder (past years have included Sting & Mary J. Blige and Santana & Michelle Branch). Perhaps the only worthy recipient of last night's event was John Mayer--at least the guy knows his way around the fretboard and writes his own material.

While on the topic, what was the deal with the three women who were competing to perform with Justin Timberlake? I thought American Idol was on Tuesday nights. Yes Simon, they were "forgettable."

On a side note, I came across a quote from Maynard James Keenan of Tool (a band I don't care all that much for) regarding why the band didn't accept their Grammy in 2002:

I think the Grammys are nothing more than some gigantic promotional machine for the music industry. They cater to a low intellect and they feed the masses. They don't honor the arts or the artist for what he created. It's the music business celebrating itself. That's basically what it's all about.

I couldn't have said it better myself.

All in all, it's hard to fathom that Fergie and her entourage of buffoons are carrying the torch in a category that once belonged to The Beatles, Chicago, Simon & Garfunkel, and The Eagles. But the joke is on them. In twenty years, I am quite confident that no one will care, let alone remember, any one song by Beyonce, Ludacris or Shakira. But one thing is for sure -- we'll always have "Layla" and "A Hard Day's Night."

As for next year, this guy will be tuned out...

The Police to Headline Bonnaroo 2007

I have been to Bonnaroo four of the five years that the festival has been in existence. Something keeps drawing me back to a field in the middle of Tennessee that allows me, to quote Billy Joel, forget about life for a while. And this year appears to be no different, as The Police are slated to headline the festival. Tennessee, There Ain't No Place I'd Rather Be.

One thing that is quite interesting, that is yet to be fully explored, is the reasoning behind playing Bonnaroo rather than Coachella this year. After all, Bonnaroo is notoriously a jam band festival while Coachella typically gets the indie/mainstream rock bands and the big reunion shows (Crowded House, Rage, Jesus and Mary Chain this year). Of course, all of that drastically changed when Radiohead played Bonnaroo last year. But they had played Coachella once before back in 2004. My guess is due to the love and enthusiasm Police drummer Stewart Copeland felt while playing with Oysterhead (consisting of Stewart, Trey Anastasio, and Les Claypool) at the Bonnaroo festival last year he felt this was the best place to put on a show for 70,000+ music fans. As Coachella's password to purchase tickets was 'Roxanne', it seems they were being a bit presumptuous. Sorry Coachella, Bonnaroo's got you this year, and my money.

Exclusive: The Police Visiting Bonnaroo, Fenway On Reunion Tour

The Original Soul Train

I have no excuse for waiting so long, but I finally got around to adding the critically acclaimed concert film "Festival Express" to my DVD collection. The movie (yes, it was actually shown in selected theaters), documents the 1970 Canadian Trans-Continental Pop Festival, more commonly known as the Festival Express. It featured some of the most legendary rock acts of all time: The Grateful Dead, The Band, Janis Joplin, and Buddy Guy, just to name a few.

But the movie is more than just a montage of song clips and retrospective interviews -- it transports the viewer back to a time when the music was pure, the love was free, and the camaraderie was real. No words can describe Richard Manuel's moving version of Dylan's "I Shall Be Released, or The Dead (a la Pigpen) calming a restless crowd with "Friend of the Devil," or most memorably, watching Rick Danko shout out the chords to "Ain't No More Cane on the Brazos" during a drug-induced, drunken jam session that included Jerry Garcia, Bob Weir, Joplin and others. I even found myself singing along to fifties revival-act, Sha Na Na's supercharged performance of "Rock and Roll is Here to Stay."

But it was Janis who stole the show. Sure, we all listened to our sister's copy of Joplin's Greatest Hits countless times while in high school, but actually witnessing her firsthand, giving her soul to the audience, is awe-inspiring. I got chills just from watching her heartbreaking renditions of "Cry Baby" and "Tell Mama." Sadly, this would be one of her last gigs, as she passed away only months after the tour ended -- all the more reason to cherish the footage captured in the movie.

So, light the incense, grab that old tye-dye from the garage and get on the train.

Not a Waste of Time

Don Henley lauded as MusiCares Person of the Year (USA TODAY)

For some reason, I'm reminded of being in the car on a dark deserted highway and listening to the radio late on a Saturday night during a lovers call-in hour. And the caller dials in to request 'Wasted Time' by The Eagles. You can hear the hurt in the caller's voice, and they say..."This goes out to ' X '... I want them to know I'm thinking about them and I'm sorry." And you wonder what solace someone could get by calling into a radio show. And what are the odds the person in their thoughts is even listening. But it doesn't matter. Music can soothe you at your darkest times and it can help with life's answers, if only for three and a half minutes. And why is it that being alone on a dark roadway, lyrics just seem to make so much more sense?

If hearing this song doesn't make you feel anything, you must not have been listening...or you don't have a pulse. Regardless of what you think of The Eagles or Don Henley, something resonates with this song that is so rare in music today. I think it is emotion and honesty, not Nickelback kind of emotion, but real emotion. And it makes you feel it in the way only (great) music can.

Beatles Album Trivia

Test your knowledge of Beatles album covers. Sounds easy enough, right?
I assure you, it's not. Let us know how you did.

Play here
Trivia courtesy of classicrock.about.com

He Shall be Levon

Levon Helm, drummer and founding member of The Band, is performing at The Beacon Theater in New York City on March 17 with The Levon Helm Band. The Beacon holds about 2,800 seats and is well known in the music community as the site of a run of Allman Brothers Band dates every spring. Now, Levon hasn't had a radio hit since before the original lineup of The Band played their last concert in 1976 over 30 years ago. In fact, Levon's rare public concerts these days take place at his home in Woodstock, NY where he performs for a handful of paying guests. I wouldn't exactly say he is at the forefront of mainstream music today. Most of the concert goers these days weren't even born in 1976.

Did I mention that Levon sold every ticket in the place in 15 minutes?

The Band's music is timeless, honest, and raw. It is based on a blend of country, blues, and rock & roll that isn't glamorous but it touches a nerve. And clearly, the demand for such an artist, contrary to current radio playlists, hasn't diminished. I'll see you at the show.

UPDATE: Second show added for Friday, March 16th. Click here for details.

Eddie Vedder to Replace Jim Morrison?

Estranged Doors drummer John Densmore says that he would reunite with his former bandmates if Pearl Jam's Eddie Vedder agrees to front the group. Densmore says, "I play with Jim. If there's someone of that level, OK. I'm not gonna join them with Ian. That's not to diss Ian, he's a good singer - but he's no Jim Morrison. Eddie Vedder? My God, there's a singer."

Asked if he'd perform with his bandmates if Vedder was on board for shows, the drummer adds, "Probably."

This is probably one of the coolest stories I have read in a long time. Do I think it will actually happen...nope, but I would definitely be there to witness it if it does. Seeing Eddie growl through hits like "L.A. Woman" or "Roadhouse Blues" would be amazing.

Read the article here

Genesi contro La Polizia

Uncut News reports that the reunited Genesis will be performing a free concert in Rome, Italy with 400,000 expected in attendance. That's right...400,000! What other bands are in the 400,000 club? Last week, I gave credit to Crowded House for pulling in an estimated 120,000 in Sydney, and that was their FAREWELL performance in their HOMETOWN. I'm pretty sure Genesis aren't from Italy and they have a full European tour lined up for the summer. All this media hype surrounding the Police reunion and no one is talking about Phil Collins and Genesis. Not to take anything away from Gordon, Andy, and Stewart, I'm absolutely looking forward to their performance on the Grammy's Sunday night, but I'll be watching them wearing a Genesis t-shirt.

Friday Night Videos

Is it a movie?
Is it a music video??
Does it really matter???

From back when MTV was just music television...

Mike + the Mechanics
Silent Running
1985

Inside the Guitarist's Studio

Thank you to the 92 St. Y for posting our comments on last nights event. See it here

UPDATE: Download the entire interview
Source: syntaxera [phantasytour.com boards]

I have seen Trey Anastasio in a live setting many many times, as a member of: Phish, the Trey Anastasio Band, 70 Volt Parade, G.R.A.B., and Phil and Friends. Never have I seen him as I did this evening. Throughout an interview tonight at the 92nd St Y on the Upper East Side of the borough of Manhattan, I witnessed Trey the human being rather than Trey the guitar hero. He came across as a man who is at a significant crossroads in his life. Having recently begun a stint in rehab following an arrest for DUI and possession, Trey reflected on the highs and lows that came along with being a part of the band that Rolling Stone branded the most important band of the 90's. He seemed incredibly humble about how lucky he has been in life, despite his recent difficulties.

Some of the highlights:

He credited the phans with making him realize that he had a problem with drugs and needed help.

He said that being on stage again with Phish would make him the happiest guy in the world. -- this resulted in quite an ovation from the crowd!

He hypothesized about why Phish was able to become so popular in the cultural context of the 90s.

Following the interview tonight, I am excited as I have been, in the years since Phish broke up, about the possibility of a reunion. And what makes me so excited is that Trey doesn't just want it to happen, he needs it to happen.

In honor of Trey's interview tonight, please enjoy this clip of a song containing some of Phish's most personal lyrics:

Purple Rain

I was going to write my own post about how impressed I was with Prince's Superbowl halftime show, but my man Bob Lefsetz, of the Lefsetz Letter, beat me to it. I just got home from watching the Superbowl with some friends and Bob had already sent out his thoughts on how flawlessly the Purple One executed his show on the world's biggest stage. I figured he'd be too flustered by the downpour to pull off much of anything . . . but I was so wrong.

The following is an excerpt from Bob's review:

But today we learned . . . that NOTHING compares with music. No sport, no video game. There IS no competition for the entertainment dollar when music is done right. It hasn’t been done right in a long time. But it was done right tonight. The choice of material, the turquoise outfit, even down to the shoes, and the orange shirt. The ripping guitar solos. The vocals. It was the complete package.

Take a look at Mr. Lefsetz's full review

Supergroup

There are some pairings of musicians that would make music fans salivate. How about seeing Jerry Garcia trade licks with John Coltrane. Or maybe seeing Stevie Wonder harmonizing alongside Ray Charles. Well, tonight I learned of a one-time grouping of musicians that occurred back in 1968 that somehow never hit my radar. Now, I consider myself a fan of music. In fact, I'd say I would pride myself on being ahead of most. But sometimes I am so humbled by my lack of rock history that I sometimes want to hang up my hat.

How could a pairing of members of THE BEATLES (John Lennon), ROLLING STONES (Keith Richards), CREAM (Eric Clapton) AND THE JIMI HENDRIX EXPERIENCE (Mitch Mitchell) never make it to my consciousness?!? Well, perhaps it is because the audience appears to be so lost in a purple haze that they even forgot it ever happened. Or perhaps it is because the clip was never released until twelve years ago. The story goes like this:

Just after the White Album came out, John Lennon performed "Yer Blues" at The Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus with a supergroup dubbed The Dirty Mac, consisting of himself, Eric Clapton on lead guitar, Keith Richards on bass and Mitch Mitchell on drums from The Jimi Hendrix Experience. The recording was never broadcast, and for decades the performance was only available on bootleg, but it finally came out officially on both CD and video in 1995.

FYI: This is John Lennon's first concert before an audience outside of performing with The Beatles. Wow.

Mr. Nice Guy?

Last night I was flipping through the "Music Choice" channels on digital cable (which I highly recommend checking out for those of you who have never made it past HBO-Latino), when I came across a song I hadn't heard since high school. It was Alice Cooper's "Only Women Bleed" -- a stirring rock ballad that would have even the Pope tapping his feet. Maybe it is because the song is the very antithesis of what made Alice so popular (and unpopular) in the 70's, that it is all the more moving. Interestingly, while scanning for the clip online, I came across versions covered by both Tori Amos and Guns 'N Roses -- how is that for an endorsement?

So without further ado, here is the shortened, "tv-friendly" version of Alice's masterpiece. The full-length version is also available online.