Earl's Court 1975

Over the years, I've amassed a huge collection of Led Zeppelin bootlegs. All of them are great shows. Among some of their finest works have been portrayed during the last end of their 1975 tour. At this time, Led Zeppelin was on tax exile from their homeland of England. Taxation laws prevented them only allowing them to spend a certain amount of time in England or lest they pay a lot in taxes. Knowing this, they played a handful of dates at Earl's Court Arena in London. These shows are suburb! To get your hands on them is a real treat!

They played there from May 17-18 and May 23-25. I have two of the shows in my collection. The 18th and the 23rd. Clips of it can be found on their DVD they released in 2003. I got a hold of an import video of show from the show on the 23rd. (It's only a partial) That was an awesome sight to see! To me, this is Zeppelin at their peak.

This is an approximate set list of their shows in Earl's Court. Some tunes may vary.

Rock and Roll
Sick Again
Over the Hills and Far Away
In My Time of Dying
The Song Remains the Same
The Rain Song
Kashmir
No Quarter
Tangerine
Going to California
That's the Way
Bron-y-Aur Stomp
Trampled Underfoot
Moby Dick
Dazed and Confused (includes Woodstock)
Stairway to Heaven
Whole Lotta Love
The Crunge
Black Dog

Here's Tangerine, An electricfied version of it at one of the shows. It's one of my favorites!

A Funny Thought for the Day

Why on earth do packages of hot dogs buns come in sets of eight, while hot dogs come in packages of ten?

Guitar Hero

For the last few days, I've been watching my son play Guitar Hero Metallica. I tell you, he's pretty good at that game. He's been getting down at it, playing at expert level! Don't ask me to to play it...I suck. I'm better at a real guitar.

One of the things I like about the Guitar Hero game, it gave my son a wealth of knowledge of rock and roll. I have a huge album collection and listen to my music often. Now my son often asks me if I had what or whatever by so and so. I'll turn him on to it! At 12 years old, he's knows more and appreciates classic rock more than the average kid. I'm proud of him!

I despise the commercialization of rock and roll. Given this experience, my viewpoints have changed. Without the Guitar Hero game, I think kids these days would ignore the good stuff and keep listening some of that crap this is out there. What you do think folks?

Untitled

It's just way I feel right now.

Four Sticks

I've always liked the revamped versions of Led Zeppelin's material done Robert Plant and Jimmy Page. To me, it adds to the mystique behind their music.



Enjoy!

Controversy in Racine

News Link

Before I give my opinion, let me explain. I had my cars broken into several times. The first time this happened, my window was smashed causing $900 worth of damage. It was a hassle dealing with the insurance people. After that, I left my car unlocked. Every time I called the police to make a report, it would take an hour or so for them to arrive. Once there, they would take your statement and give you a piece of paper with a case number. Then they are their way. That's it. No fingerprints, no evidence collected. The perpetrators are never caught.

Then my car got stolen. UGH!

Personally, I feel the sentence was fair. (The kids got a slap on the wrist) I understand the pain and frustration Adrial White must have felt. But vigilantism is not the answer. He was wrong for shooting these kids. He could have fired shots shots into the air to scare them off. But what if they had a gun?

Let Adrail White's case symbolize the need for better police protection here in Racine.

Zipping In Hawaii

I know I may sound crazy, but I would like to try this someday...




News link

I Hate Drugs!

I hate drugs! I really do! Those whom have known me for many years would be surprised to hear this out of my mouth. I too, used to do drugs. Yep. In my late teens and early twenties I used think life was a party. I'd be smoking up and hitting the bars-partying till the dawn. Life was grand then. No worries and no responsibilities. It was all an illusion.

My illusion became a reality for those loved me. More like nightmare. My mother would pray that I would quit. My father wanted to throw me out of the house. They nearly divorced over my partying ways. So my father gave me an ultimatum-to get a job or get out. He meant business! I got a job and finally moved out.

After moving out, I quit partying and became a family man. I'm happier with myself now. The world seems clearer to me. I'm enjoying the smaller things in life now.

I'm watching my friend struggle with her son's addiction and it hurts me too. All I can do is provide emotional and spiritual support. I want to help more. I began to reflect what a fool I was back then. I wasn't just hurting myself, I was hurting others. Didn't realize it back then. I know now why.

Big Log

This song was in my head all day....



Enjoy!

I'm a Star!

I gotta have a laugh!

My Girl From California

I recently went on trip to California to be with my girlfriend. She showed me around her hometown of Mission Viejo, the California coast, and rock and roll sites in Los Angeles. We had the most wonderful time! It's like a dream come true! I shall return someday...I miss her.

This song/poem is written about her and our experiences in California. I wrote this on my way home from California. I have written many songs before, but nothing as good as this one. It's my masterpiece!

Seeing this song doesn't have any music to it, you'll have to imagine it. The main theme would sound like folk music with a mid tempo. Think of Tequila Sunrise by the Eagles and you'll get the idea. The guitar solos (I love guitar solos) would be after the choruses. They'll be long and slow, but very robust.

So here it is... Enjoy!

It was oh so real, it should have been a dream
Driving down the road, listening to Bruce Springsteen
Leaving my troubles and my worries far behind
Oh Babe, I've got the Sunset Strip on my mind.

Hollywood Boulevard calls us for a run
Can't slow down, we are having so much fun
Holding hands, watching the ocean at Laguana Beach
The dolphins may play, always just out of our reach

The road leads to the heart of the Saddlebacks
Out our backs watching the stars make their tracks
Calm is the air at night, making love so right
In my arms, in my soul, holding you tight

I'm so excited
She's so excited

She's my girl from California

A song from my heart and and song from my soul
Comes the morning light I know I must go
Flying above the friendly skies, flying the United
Our hearts grow together, never divided

Darkness falls, the sunset shall bring a new day
When the dawn comes, I'll shall be on my way
From your beautiful eyes, wipe the tears away
With love in my heart, I'll return someday

Your eyes, your smile, your love shall remain in my mind
I'm coming back because I left my heart behind....

I can't hide it
She can't hide it

She's my girl from California

And I love her so....

Introduction

Hi Everybody! Welcome to Drew's Odds and Sods! Here I am, going solo. I am still an Irregular and damn proud of it! I just have the need to spread my wings and fly a little bit. The need for openly expressing myself and my thoughts. The need to share my joys and sorrows.

Being a part of the JT Irregulars team has been a blessing to me. These guys are wonderful! The best family of friends I could ever have. I love these guys to death. We guys are a bunch of cast offs from our local newspaper-pissed at them over censorship issues. Now we are having the time of lives blogging.

Here at my Odds and Sods blog, I'm going to feature my music, songs, poems, videos, pictures, movies, sports, rants, reviews, my dog, and so forth. Hell, I'll even throw in the kitchen sink. Sorry, no porn....

Enjoy!