I confess to being a pack rat sometimes. I tend to save items that are sentimental to me. Like old love letters, newspapers articles, pictures and yes, rock and roll memorabilia. Most of my memorabilia are posters that came with the album. A Rolling Stones poster is one of my prizes, the one found in their Let it Bleed album. I had bought this album at a rummage sale for a quarter-with the poster in it! Talk about luck!
In this picture (l to r, t to b) Pink Floyd DSOTM, Rolling Stones Let it Bleed, Kiss Rock and Roll Over (sticker), Bob Dylan Greatest Hits, Kiss Love Gun (toy), Pink Floyd DSOTM, Styx The Grand Illusion, Grand Funk poster, Kiss Double Platinum
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Kiss Alive!
I know some people are gonna crucify me for the album review. I have a confession to make. "I, drewzepmeister, am a KISS fan. I usually listen to a exquisite diet of fine rock and foll. Refined and delicious.The five star course bands like Led Zeppelin and Rush. Once in a while I like sit down and have a Happy Meal. KISS is that Happy Meal.
I know you're thinking "Huh?' Allow me to explain. I think of founding members bassist Gene Simmons and rhythm guitarist/vocalist Paul Stanley as the cheeseburger. Gene simply just prods along displaying his power on the bass. He may not be any Chris Squire nor Geddy Lee, but he gets his job done. His bass lines on tunes like"She" and "100,000 Years" were rather impressive" As for Paul Stanley, he knows how to work a crowd into a frenzied mob-belting away tunes like "Strutter" and "C'mon and Love Me" created perfectly for hormone driven 14 year old adolescent boys.
You know when you get your fries hot and fresh from the kitchen? Quite tasty huh? Guitarist Ace Frehley and drummer Peter Criss are the fries. You can't get enough of them. I think these guys are the band's most talented players. Ace was my guitar hero till Jimmy Page came along. Blazing guitars solos everywhere! Peter Criss shines on his skin solo in "100,000 Years" and does excellent work on "Parasite".
The lyrics....ummm,well...Can't say say they write like Bob Dylan or Bruce Springsteen by a long shot. In fact, some of them are quite laughable! Take "Deuce" for example-
This album was the breakthrough that both Kiss and Casablanca Records sorely needed. Casablanca was on the verge of bankruptcy when the album was release. Culled from four different shows across the Midwest in 1975, this album went platinum. "Rock and Roll all Nite" was issued as a single. Kiss went to headlining areas all over the world!
Then there is a rumor that this live album has heavily doctored. This meaning that the live recordings were taken into the the studio and overdubbed. Depending on which Kiss member you talk to, each gives a different story on this. Kinda tarnishes the feeling. Nevertheless, I can still ROCK to this album!
The toy in the Happy Meal? Oh yeah... We all like shiny things! That would be the show itself. Kiss are the masters of showmanship! The costumes and the makeup! Flame throwing, bloodspitting bass players, rocket firing guitars, the pyrotechnics and confetti. What the hell, it's a rock and roll circus! A cheap thrill! What more a 13 year kid can ask for?
As for me, I still enjoy slapping my disc in my car cranking it to ear splitting levels while sitting at a traffic signal-drowning out the guy playing rap next to me....
I know you're thinking "Huh?' Allow me to explain. I think of founding members bassist Gene Simmons and rhythm guitarist/vocalist Paul Stanley as the cheeseburger. Gene simply just prods along displaying his power on the bass. He may not be any Chris Squire nor Geddy Lee, but he gets his job done. His bass lines on tunes like"She" and "100,000 Years" were rather impressive" As for Paul Stanley, he knows how to work a crowd into a frenzied mob-belting away tunes like "Strutter" and "C'mon and Love Me" created perfectly for hormone driven 14 year old adolescent boys.
You know when you get your fries hot and fresh from the kitchen? Quite tasty huh? Guitarist Ace Frehley and drummer Peter Criss are the fries. You can't get enough of them. I think these guys are the band's most talented players. Ace was my guitar hero till Jimmy Page came along. Blazing guitars solos everywhere! Peter Criss shines on his skin solo in "100,000 Years" and does excellent work on "Parasite".
The lyrics....ummm,well...Can't say say they write like Bob Dylan or Bruce Springsteen by a long shot. In fact, some of them are quite laughable! Take "Deuce" for example-
Get up
And get your grandma outta here
Pick up
Old Jim is workin' hard this year
Baby
Do the things I says to do
Come on now! These are real heavy lyrics here! NOT! Songwriting isn't one of their stronger points.
This album was the breakthrough that both Kiss and Casablanca Records sorely needed. Casablanca was on the verge of bankruptcy when the album was release. Culled from four different shows across the Midwest in 1975, this album went platinum. "Rock and Roll all Nite" was issued as a single. Kiss went to headlining areas all over the world!
Then there is a rumor that this live album has heavily doctored. This meaning that the live recordings were taken into the the studio and overdubbed. Depending on which Kiss member you talk to, each gives a different story on this. Kinda tarnishes the feeling. Nevertheless, I can still ROCK to this album!
The toy in the Happy Meal? Oh yeah... We all like shiny things! That would be the show itself. Kiss are the masters of showmanship! The costumes and the makeup! Flame throwing, bloodspitting bass players, rocket firing guitars, the pyrotechnics and confetti. What the hell, it's a rock and roll circus! A cheap thrill! What more a 13 year kid can ask for?
As for me, I still enjoy slapping my disc in my car cranking it to ear splitting levels while sitting at a traffic signal-drowning out the guy playing rap next to me....
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Riding by the Root
After all the storms that blasted us with tons of rain and the temperatures dropping down to more comfortable levels, I decided it was a good day for a drive. Noticing that the water levels were high, I thought it would a good idea to take some pics of the river that flow through this town. The Root River. Glad I did! There were some flooding in areas, but nothing like what happened two years ago.
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Supernaut At Italian Fest
I knew I would never hear the end it if I told my good friend, Dan Buckley that I missed his show at Italian Fest today. So I went. I was running late this afternoon, so when I got there, I could hear them playing "Paradise City" from Guns n' Roses. Getting stoked about the kind of music that they were playing, I quickly got drinks an sat down on a picnic table.
Dan Buckley and I were good friends from my childhood years. Grew up in the same neighborhood, went the same schools and hung around the same bunch of friends. We shared a mutual interest in music. I remember him playing in various local bands. Somehow we drifted apart. It was only recently we got ahead of each other through Facebook. (Gotta love that site) I quickly learned that was playing bass in a Chicago area band called Supernaut. And they were coming to Racine! So I had to see them and catch up with Dan.
So how good were they? One thing is for sure, they didn't sound cheesy like many other cover bands I've heard. I was quite impressed with these guys! Drummer Micheal Bragg pounded the skins-sweat dripping off his brows- though out Metallica's "Enter Sandman" Dan Buckley, the monster man bassist, thundered his way through Van Halen's "Panama". Chicago raised axeman Dave Uhrich fired away his Joe Satriani like guitar solos all afternoon! I was blown away by his instrumental version of Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" That was definably interesting... The charismatic vocalist/guitarist Dan Lenegar growling voice soared to an impressive version of STP's "Vaseline".
The band plowed though numbers from yesterday and today. Revealing "Come Together", "Another Brick in the Wall (part2)", Finger Eleven's "Paralyze" and well as some original pieces.
I did meet with the band after the show. It was great catching up with Dan. Me thinks these guys are gonna go places...
Dan Buckley and I were good friends from my childhood years. Grew up in the same neighborhood, went the same schools and hung around the same bunch of friends. We shared a mutual interest in music. I remember him playing in various local bands. Somehow we drifted apart. It was only recently we got ahead of each other through Facebook. (Gotta love that site) I quickly learned that was playing bass in a Chicago area band called Supernaut. And they were coming to Racine! So I had to see them and catch up with Dan.
So how good were they? One thing is for sure, they didn't sound cheesy like many other cover bands I've heard. I was quite impressed with these guys! Drummer Micheal Bragg pounded the skins-sweat dripping off his brows- though out Metallica's "Enter Sandman" Dan Buckley, the monster man bassist, thundered his way through Van Halen's "Panama". Chicago raised axeman Dave Uhrich fired away his Joe Satriani like guitar solos all afternoon! I was blown away by his instrumental version of Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" That was definably interesting... The charismatic vocalist/guitarist Dan Lenegar growling voice soared to an impressive version of STP's "Vaseline".
The band plowed though numbers from yesterday and today. Revealing "Come Together", "Another Brick in the Wall (part2)", Finger Eleven's "Paralyze" and well as some original pieces.
I did meet with the band after the show. It was great catching up with Dan. Me thinks these guys are gonna go places...
It's Been a Year....
My gosh....I can't believe it's been a year since I started this blog. Time flies... Wanting a more personal approach to my writing outside the JT Irregulars, I started this blog. Never left them , just got a couple of blogs now :) . With a nudge and some assistance from a former girlfriend this blog came into being. It's a been long journey since.
My first blog post was a song/poem that I wrote coming home from a trip to California. Since then, my life has taken many twists and turns. I went from being on cloud nine and fell deep into a hole in my life. Suffered a deep depression with music as being my savior. I managed to crawl out from the abyss and I'm content with the way things are now. (I get a feeling things are going to get better) So this has been a sorta of my diary of things.
All in honesty, I nearly shut down this blog. Yup, I almost did. During my battle with depression I wanted to quit blogging and crawl into a cave. (Or at least try something new) I kept saying to myself, "One more blog" realizing it was both blogging and music that was pulling me through. Kind of glad I didn't stop.
Statically speaking, this blog had it's up and downs. When I started this site had 132 visits in August, then it peaked to 618 last December. It has been declining the last few months, only to rise this month. (Summerfest reviews) I plan to make some changes and advertise my blog on Facebook. If anyone has any ideas or thoughts about my blog feel free to e-mail me.
To conclude this all, I really enjoy writing and I plan to continue. Blogs about music, myself, Racine, my travels, and miscellaneous other things will still prevail here. I may not write everyday. After all, I type notoriously SLOW and it does take up a bit of my time. So please be patient with me.
ABOVE ALL, I want to thank EVERYONE who has read and commented on my site! Without you, this blog would never make it this far. I LOVE YOU ALL! Thanks!
My first blog post was a song/poem that I wrote coming home from a trip to California. Since then, my life has taken many twists and turns. I went from being on cloud nine and fell deep into a hole in my life. Suffered a deep depression with music as being my savior. I managed to crawl out from the abyss and I'm content with the way things are now. (I get a feeling things are going to get better) So this has been a sorta of my diary of things.
All in honesty, I nearly shut down this blog. Yup, I almost did. During my battle with depression I wanted to quit blogging and crawl into a cave. (Or at least try something new) I kept saying to myself, "One more blog" realizing it was both blogging and music that was pulling me through. Kind of glad I didn't stop.
Statically speaking, this blog had it's up and downs. When I started this site had 132 visits in August, then it peaked to 618 last December. It has been declining the last few months, only to rise this month. (Summerfest reviews) I plan to make some changes and advertise my blog on Facebook. If anyone has any ideas or thoughts about my blog feel free to e-mail me.
To conclude this all, I really enjoy writing and I plan to continue. Blogs about music, myself, Racine, my travels, and miscellaneous other things will still prevail here. I may not write everyday. After all, I type notoriously SLOW and it does take up a bit of my time. So please be patient with me.
ABOVE ALL, I want to thank EVERYONE who has read and commented on my site! Without you, this blog would never make it this far. I LOVE YOU ALL! Thanks!
PEACE!
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Storms
We've been getting battered by storms all today. Lots of thunder, lightning and rain... Too much...
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Auditioning for American Idol
Contradictory to the title, no, I didn't audition for American Idol nor doI ever plan to. A close friend of mine's daughter did. The auditions were held today at the Bradley Center in Milwaukee. This event drew large crowds from all over the region in high hopes and dreams to become the next Idol.
This is their story as it was told to me. On Monday and Tuesday of this week, the hopefuls would to go the Bradley Center with paperwork provided by the AI website. From there they'll get a ticket (free) and wristband.
The next day (today) , they arrived at the Bradley Center at 5:00 AM. Yeah, THAT early! People already out there waiting to get in! The throngs of TV cameras awaited the crowds as they arrived. Former Idol contestants Matt Girard and Danny Gokey greeted an audience of hopeful contestants to a couple of songs while they were in line. My friend described scene "A mob."
8:00 the doors opened to let people in. Nothing to do, but wait and wait and wait.....until your section was called.
This is just a preliminary round. So it's the producers that get to judge the ones being auditioned. So therefore, Randy Jackson, Sir Elton John nor Ellen DeGengeres were not there. The "winners" get to come back in September to try again. It's a long process of elimination...
So how did my friend's daughter do? Well, she sang "Big Girls Don't Cry" by Fergie. Sad to say, she didn't make it to the next round. I HAD my fingers crossed!
This is their story as it was told to me. On Monday and Tuesday of this week, the hopefuls would to go the Bradley Center with paperwork provided by the AI website. From there they'll get a ticket (free) and wristband.
The next day (today) , they arrived at the Bradley Center at 5:00 AM. Yeah, THAT early! People already out there waiting to get in! The throngs of TV cameras awaited the crowds as they arrived. Former Idol contestants Matt Girard and Danny Gokey greeted an audience of hopeful contestants to a couple of songs while they were in line. My friend described scene "A mob."
8:00 the doors opened to let people in. Nothing to do, but wait and wait and wait.....until your section was called.
This is just a preliminary round. So it's the producers that get to judge the ones being auditioned. So therefore, Randy Jackson, Sir Elton John nor Ellen DeGengeres were not there. The "winners" get to come back in September to try again. It's a long process of elimination...
So how did my friend's daughter do? Well, she sang "Big Girls Don't Cry" by Fergie. Sad to say, she didn't make it to the next round. I HAD my fingers crossed!
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
I Write Like
Here's something I caught in the JT Irregulars and other various blogs out there. I Write Like. It's kinda neat! Just copy and paste a writing entree and it will get analyzed. The results will display a famous writer similar to yours:
I write like
Margaret AtwoodI Write Like by Mémoires, Mac journal software. Analyze your writing!
I used my Saturday Morning at the Lake post and got Margaret Atwood. I'm not sure who she is. Funny thing though, the first time I tried this on the JTI site, I got J.R.R. Tolkien. The same blog. Hmmmm... It makes me wonder...
I can see this being used for frivolous things like coupons and shopping lists. What would be the criteria for all this? I wonder of my songs/poems would come out like Bob Dylan or Bruce Springsteen. I doubt it.
A final thought here, my writing is my own...I write just like drewzepmeister:)
Monday, July 19, 2010
Some More Concert Ideas
Summerfest may be over. I had a great time seeing bands like Rush and Yes. I even saw glimpses of the Counting Crows! Summer is far from over... There are a few bands I'd like to see yet, but realistically speaking I can't see them all.
Phish is one band I've always wanted to experience. They're coming to Alpine Valley August 14 and 15. The idea of going to a three hour jam fest sounds grand, but there a few problems though. Tickets, except for the lawn seats, are sold out. Secondly, I'm not too hip on the idea of bringing my 13 year old son to a pot filled haven.
A good friend of mine's son is planning to see KISS at the Marcus Amphitheater on September 2. This one does sound very interesting to me. Well first of all, I admit that I'm a KISS fan and I always wanted to go and see them. The is one show I think my son will enjoy. I'm pretty sure that they'll put out a good show-the lights, the pyrotechnics and theatrics-the whole shebang! The biggest downfall about seeing them is the fact the original drummer Peter Criss and guitarist Ace Frehley had been replaced by others in their same costumes. I have issues about that.
The one show coming up I'm stoked about is.....just announced....Bad Company! Yep, Bad Company with Paul Rodgers is coming to Milwaukee! They are playing at the Potawatomi Casino on October 4th and 5th. Tickets go on sale next month. I've heard reviews and seen some of the set lists. I'll probably end up going this one, never know if Bad Company is going to tour again.
Phish is one band I've always wanted to experience. They're coming to Alpine Valley August 14 and 15. The idea of going to a three hour jam fest sounds grand, but there a few problems though. Tickets, except for the lawn seats, are sold out. Secondly, I'm not too hip on the idea of bringing my 13 year old son to a pot filled haven.
A good friend of mine's son is planning to see KISS at the Marcus Amphitheater on September 2. This one does sound very interesting to me. Well first of all, I admit that I'm a KISS fan and I always wanted to go and see them. The is one show I think my son will enjoy. I'm pretty sure that they'll put out a good show-the lights, the pyrotechnics and theatrics-the whole shebang! The biggest downfall about seeing them is the fact the original drummer Peter Criss and guitarist Ace Frehley had been replaced by others in their same costumes. I have issues about that.
The one show coming up I'm stoked about is.....just announced....Bad Company! Yep, Bad Company with Paul Rodgers is coming to Milwaukee! They are playing at the Potawatomi Casino on October 4th and 5th. Tickets go on sale next month. I've heard reviews and seen some of the set lists. I'll probably end up going this one, never know if Bad Company is going to tour again.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Some Lyrics Going Through My Head....
Pavements may teem
With intense energy
But the city is calm
In this violent sea
I feel the sense of possibilities
I feel the wrench of hard realities
The focus is sharp in the city
----------------------------------------------
With intense energy
But the city is calm
In this violent sea
I feel the sense of possibilities
I feel the wrench of hard realities
The focus is sharp in the city
----------------------------------------------
But I know a place where we can go
And was away this sin
We'll sit and watch the clouds roll by
And the tall grass wave in the wind
Just lay your head back on the ground
And let your hair spill all around me
Offer up your best defense
But this is the end
------------------------------------------
The strings of love are trying to choke me
You say none are attached but you're trying to joke me
A kiss in the car and a drive in the bed
I want independence from the sexy things you said
But they whisper in my soul
And they really take a hold of me
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Lakeside Park
I'm having a good summer so far! Been to Summerfest, the beach, miniature golfing, some fairs, some fireworks and even Up North! Here's one of my favorite summer songs. "Lakeside Park" by Rush.
Midway hawkers calling
'Try your luck with me'
Merry-go-round wheezing
The same old melody
A thousand ten cent wonders
Who could ask for more
A pocketful of silver
The key to heaven's door
Lakeside Park
Willows in the breeze
Lakeside Park
So many memories
Laughing rides
Midway lights
Shining stars on summer nights
Days of barefoot freedom
Racing with the waves
Nights of starlit secrets
Crackling driftwood flames
Drinking by the lighthouse
Smoking on the pier
Still we saw the magic
Was fading every year
Everyone would gather
On the twenty-fourth of May
Sitting in the sand
To watch the fireworks display
Dancing fires on the beach
Singing songs together...
Though it's just a memory
Some memories last forever
So what is your favorite summer song?
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Some Thoughts about Summerfest
Another Summerfest has come on gone and I'm glad to have seen Rush and Yes this year. Many great names showed up and sent my head reeling on whom to see. Eric Clapton, Tom Petty, ZZ Top, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Santana, and Rush. That's just at the Marcus Amphitheater. Side stages included Counting Crows, Peter Frampton, Scorpions, Shooting Star, Blue Oyster Cult, Uriah Heep, and many countless others. Yeah, I'd love to go everyday, but it gets expensive...
Ticket prices were $15 per person after 4:oo PM. That's not bad if you're going see the Scorps or something for a day. Summerfest is an eleven day event! That's not including parking ($15), beer ($6.oo a bottle), concert T-shirts ($35), not too mention food, refreshments, rides, etc. Plus the average ticket price for the Marcus was $70.
All that aside, there are a few things I'd like to say:
It still bugs me that bands like Yes, the Scorpions and Counting Crows were shoved to the side stages while American Idol Live and Jason Beiber were playing at the Marcus! From what I was told, the Scorpions were jammed packed like sardines in a can with fans at their stage while the American Idol tickets were trying to sell their tickets as buy one ticket and get one free! While I was watching Yes at the M&I Stage (which was behind the the Marcus) I did not see any fans on the Marcus balconies. BTW, who is Jason Bieber and why does everyone wants to kick his ass?
The cheesy fries from Major Goolsby's are excellent.
It took me over an hour to get out the parking lot both nights there. One night there was a drunk passed out on the ground next to somebody's car. Wondered if he was alive...till he his raised his hand and flipped everybody off. Then I heard the ambulance-probably came for him.
Downtown Milwaukee's traffic was notoriously bad on the way out. Definitely needed more police to direct traffic. I don't know many times I got nearly sideswiped by drunken idiots this year! Next year I'm taking the damn bus!
Did I say the Rush concert was unf@*ckingbelievable? Yes, it was! During the ending of the "Overture" theme flames shot out from the sides of the stage about 50 feet high! I could feel the heat from them!
My son wasn't overly impressed with Yes, yet he took a lot of nice pics of them! I had bought a $200 Sony DSC-W350 camera specially for Summerfest. I wasn't about to bring my good camera in there and create problems with it!
The weather was wonderful-no rain! Yet it was hot and humid inside the Marcus. Took my shirt off.
I could be wrong, but there seemed like a lot more people this year than the last! I tried to find out the official attendence, so far I got nothing...But I'm sure as hell I saw a lot of Rush T-shirts!
All in all, I had a great time! Many memories! Wish I could share them all! Each concert a different vibe...A different story....
Ticket prices were $15 per person after 4:oo PM. That's not bad if you're going see the Scorps or something for a day. Summerfest is an eleven day event! That's not including parking ($15), beer ($6.oo a bottle), concert T-shirts ($35), not too mention food, refreshments, rides, etc. Plus the average ticket price for the Marcus was $70.
All that aside, there are a few things I'd like to say:
It still bugs me that bands like Yes, the Scorpions and Counting Crows were shoved to the side stages while American Idol Live and Jason Beiber were playing at the Marcus! From what I was told, the Scorpions were jammed packed like sardines in a can with fans at their stage while the American Idol tickets were trying to sell their tickets as buy one ticket and get one free! While I was watching Yes at the M&I Stage (which was behind the the Marcus) I did not see any fans on the Marcus balconies. BTW, who is Jason Bieber and why does everyone wants to kick his ass?
The cheesy fries from Major Goolsby's are excellent.
It took me over an hour to get out the parking lot both nights there. One night there was a drunk passed out on the ground next to somebody's car. Wondered if he was alive...till he his raised his hand and flipped everybody off. Then I heard the ambulance-probably came for him.
Downtown Milwaukee's traffic was notoriously bad on the way out. Definitely needed more police to direct traffic. I don't know many times I got nearly sideswiped by drunken idiots this year! Next year I'm taking the damn bus!
Did I say the Rush concert was unf@*ckingbelievable? Yes, it was! During the ending of the "Overture" theme flames shot out from the sides of the stage about 50 feet high! I could feel the heat from them!
My son wasn't overly impressed with Yes, yet he took a lot of nice pics of them! I had bought a $200 Sony DSC-W350 camera specially for Summerfest. I wasn't about to bring my good camera in there and create problems with it!
The weather was wonderful-no rain! Yet it was hot and humid inside the Marcus. Took my shirt off.
I could be wrong, but there seemed like a lot more people this year than the last! I tried to find out the official attendence, so far I got nothing...But I'm sure as hell I saw a lot of Rush T-shirts!
All in all, I had a great time! Many memories! Wish I could share them all! Each concert a different vibe...A different story....
Monday, July 5, 2010
Happy Fifth of July!
I know the title sounds strange, but here in Racine, it's the truth! Because the forth landed on a Sunday, the city celebrated it's festivities on the fifth. Heaven forbid if religious ceremonies got in the way....
Anyways, not wanting to put up with the large crowds, I decided to stay close to home this year. I already had more than of enough of crowds and traffic after dealing with two days of Summerfest. So, we went to the zoo. Enough though the Racine Zoo is not as impressive as Milwaukee Zoo or even the San Diego Zoo, it's a work in progress. The price of admission is only six bucks per person. I know it's cheap, but a few years ago it was free. Oh well...
After a quick dinner, we went to watch the fireworks at near by Shoop Park. I wanted to avoid the crowds at the beach. The night was pleasant as we sat on the pier watching the waves. Saw fireflies doing their night watch... A wonderful way to end my two week vacation...
Anyways, not wanting to put up with the large crowds, I decided to stay close to home this year. I already had more than of enough of crowds and traffic after dealing with two days of Summerfest. So, we went to the zoo. Enough though the Racine Zoo is not as impressive as Milwaukee Zoo or even the San Diego Zoo, it's a work in progress. The price of admission is only six bucks per person. I know it's cheap, but a few years ago it was free. Oh well...
After a quick dinner, we went to watch the fireworks at near by Shoop Park. I wanted to avoid the crowds at the beach. The night was pleasant as we sat on the pier watching the waves. Saw fireflies doing their night watch... A wonderful way to end my two week vacation...
Tomorrow, it's back to reality....bummer....
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Rush at Summerfest!
After a rather humorous film clip about Rush coming into being (staring the band themselves), the band exploded into "The Spirit of Radio"! This sent a sea of air drummers into a frenzy! The video projections behind the stage displayed not only the band in action, but videos of the songs all well! No detail was left unchecked. The stage set up was an elaborate set up of a time machine like thingy that looked like a cappuccino maker with horns covering the amps. The band plowed though tunes from yesterday and today. Tunes like "Time Stand Still" , "Freewill", "Presto", "Marathon", "Subdivisions", "Working Them Angels" and even a brand new number called "BU2B" were offered the masses with great delight! Then the batteries died on my camera....
The second set started at dusk. The lighting was perfect! A major bummer for my camera with dead batteries... Nevertheless the show must go on! Another video later, the trio slammed the audience with "Tom Sawyer" and the ENTIRE Moving Pictures album! Yup, the full length of "The Camera Eye" included! I was really getting stoked here! Thinking the night just couldn't get any better, it did! I had my shirt off enjoying the summer sweat Having a beer. The Big Bang Fireworks celebrating Summerfest were going off over the lake behind us. Summer just couldn't get any better at this moment!
Rush played the new song "Caravan" before going into the customary drum solo by drummer god Neil Peart. Afterwards, guitarist Alex Lifeson did an acoustic guitar solo that flowed into "Closer to the Heart" To top the night off, the band did a rausous version of "2112"'s "Overture" and "Temples of Syrinx" and ended with "Far Cry" from Snakes and Arrows
For the encore, Rush played "La Villa Strangiato" and a reggae version of "Working Man" The show ended with a hilarious video of a couple of fans sneaking into their dressing room seeking autographs!
As I left the Summerfest grounds and was heading for the Main gates I saw glimpses of Counting Crows finishing of off their show... A Hell of great night!
The set list...
The Spirit Of Radio
Time Stand Still
Presto
Stick It Out
Workin' Them Angels
Leave That Thing Alone (instrumental)
Faithless
BU2B
Freewill
Marathon
Subdivisions
Tom Sawyer
Red Barchetta
YYZ
Limelight
The Camera Eye
The Witch Hunt
Vital Signs
Caravan
Drum Solo
Closer to the Heart
2112-Overture/Temples of Syrinx
Far Cry
La Villa Strangiato
Working Man
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Yes at Summerfest-the Review!
I just got back from seeing Yes at Summerfest. Yeah, it's kinda late, but you how it is after a concert.... The typical traffic jams that plague the shows afterwards. This one was no exception. Well maybe, there was this drunk passed out in the parking lot....that's another story.
Anyways, my son, myself and a friend of mine went to Summerfest this afternoon to meet up with some other close friends of mine there. They had plans to go see the Scorpions at another stage. So we chatted for awhile. While waiting for Yes to make their appearance, I ran into some blogger friends of mine Dan and Joe Heuer there. We chatted for awhile before we ran off in different directions.
Yes pulled off an excellent show! They played mostly their classic tunes from their early years. Coming onstage during the show's opener "Firebird Suite", they rocked into the night starting with "Tempus Fugit" from the Drama album. From there, the band forged into more familiar material from earlier days like "Yours is No Disgrace", "And You and I", "Roundabout" and "Starship Trooper" Guitarist Steve Howe had his moment of glory with his acoustical solo "The Clap" The newcomers singer Benoit David and keyboardist Oliver Wakeman shown that they are worthy of being part of the band. Even though Benoit is no Jon Anderson, but he sure sounds a hell like him. Oliver sounded like he learned a few tricks from his father!
Anyways, my son, myself and a friend of mine went to Summerfest this afternoon to meet up with some other close friends of mine there. They had plans to go see the Scorpions at another stage. So we chatted for awhile. While waiting for Yes to make their appearance, I ran into some blogger friends of mine Dan and Joe Heuer there. We chatted for awhile before we ran off in different directions.
Yes pulled off an excellent show! They played mostly their classic tunes from their early years. Coming onstage during the show's opener "Firebird Suite", they rocked into the night starting with "Tempus Fugit" from the Drama album. From there, the band forged into more familiar material from earlier days like "Yours is No Disgrace", "And You and I", "Roundabout" and "Starship Trooper" Guitarist Steve Howe had his moment of glory with his acoustical solo "The Clap" The newcomers singer Benoit David and keyboardist Oliver Wakeman shown that they are worthy of being part of the band. Even though Benoit is no Jon Anderson, but he sure sounds a hell like him. Oliver sounded like he learned a few tricks from his father!
Friday, July 2, 2010
My Best Albums from 1972-1977
Well folks, here it is! My top 25 albums from 1972 - 1977. Sorry it has taken me awhile to get to this, but now that I've got the time you shall have it. A little time on my hands can be a dangerous thing ( j/k).
I was just a young kid at this time riding my bike around a suburban dead end street wearing my bell bottom jeans. Sometimes my friends and I would run off to a near by park to build forts, ride our bikes on trails, play football and go fishing at the reservoir there. So many great childhood memories... not a hair of care in the world...
To me this is one of the golden eras of rock and roll. Looking back at it, the music at the time was beyond spectacular! Seems like all the great bands were all out there and jamming away. Makes me wish that I was older and saw some of these bands in concert. The funny thing though, my folks never listen to this kind of music. They often listen to the likes of country and easy listening. Oliva Newton-John,John Denver and Barry Manilow comes to my mind. I know - YIKES! So folks here is my list....
Led Zeppelin Physical Graffiti-1975 Perhaps you have known this by now, I live, eat, breathe Led Zeppelin. This album however, is my favorite of all time per say. This album covers every corner of Zeppelin- from the hard driving " Custard Pie" to the Middle Eastern tainted "Kashmir". The Celtic influenced "Black Country Woman" and the bar boogie of "Boogie With Stu" are totally mind blowing! I could on and on about this album, but just take my word for it, this album is a must have for any collection!
Pink Floyd The Dark Side of the Moon- 1973
Rock and roll's stereo wet dream! Slap on a pair of headphones, light up a puff and you're gone...This milestone of rock shattered many records including being in the charts longer than any other. Not only that, it opened doors for multi-dimensional tracking. Can't forget about David Gilmour's guitar solos on "Time" and "Money".
Yes Close to the Edge-1972 I was a HUGE Kiss fan when I first heard this album. Boy, was I ever amazed to hear such talent! Never before I considered rock and roll to be a form of art. This album changed my outlook on music as a whole.
Queen A Night at the Opera-1975 One the first albums I've ever bought. What inspired me about this album was the different musical styles that prevailed here. The bone crunching "I'm in Love With My Car", the acoustic folk of "'39", the waltz on "Lazying on a Sunday Afternoon", the opera of "The Prophet's Song"-it's ALL there! Yeah, "Bohemian Rhapsody" is on this album.
Fleetwood Mac Rumours-1977 With their marriages and relationships broken asunder and the drug abuse that was going, it's hard to believe that this album would go anywhere. Somehow this voltile combination made the perfect chemistry for a classic masterpiece. The lyrics about relationships gone bad and perfect harmonies just make it unreal...
Aerosmith Rocks-1976 The nastiest, the grittiest, the baddest assed record around! Aerosmith just pummels your senses to oblivion! This album just drives me wild!
Rolling Stones Exile on Main Street-1972 Probably the most druggist album out there! I've recently bought the reissue and I'm loving it. This album always been so dark and mysterious to me. Every time I listen to it, I keep hearing something new...
Rush 2112-1976 The album that turned me unto Rush. I just love the instrumentation and the imagery of the title track. Yup, the full 20 minutes of it! Led me into me being a full blown loyal Rush fan.
Neil Young Harvest-1972 The ever changing styles of Neil Young never ceases to amaze me! This all out acoustical folk album touches my soul for some reason I can't explain. Maybe it's because of the heart searching lyrics and the compelling melodies.
Kansas Leftoverture-1976 One the first albums in my collection. One of the few band out there that has a violin player. A brave and bold idea that works-bringing in multi-dimensional jams! Complete with heartwarming lyrics! "The Wall" is the most personal song to me.
Boston (s/t)-1976 Arena rock at it's best! There is nothing in the world that could compare to Tom Scholz's distinct guitar sound and Brad Delp's soaring vocals! Selling well over17 million records, this band certainly made it's mark in the rock and roll world!
Heart Dreamboat Annie-1976 I have and always will love Heart. One must think this band is some sort of "chick rock", I dare say NOT! This Zeppelin influenced band has got more balls and creativity than many bands out there!
Deep Purple Machine Head-1972 The driving force on this album is like no other! Ian Gillin's bloodcurdling screams on "Highway Star" and Ritchie Blackmore's virtuosic guitar work on "Space Truckin'" are some great examples on how great this record is. I have to include Jon Lord's Hammond pushing skills are impressive on "Lazy"! A must have for any head banger's collection!
Eagles Their Greatest Hits (1971- 1975) - 1976 I had originally promised that I wouldn't include compilations nor live albums in these best of lists, but I'll make an exception here. It's so hard trying to figure out what's my favorite Eagles album is. This album basically covers my favorite Eagles songs in this time frame. I just LOVE the harmonics, the melodies, and the lyrics of early stuff from the Eagles!
Lynyrd Skynryd Second Helping-1974 It was a toss of a coin between this album and their debut album. Both are absolutely out of this world! Together they would make one hell of an album! This southern fried, triple axe welding, boogie blasting band takes their redneck whisky drinking Confederate flag waving music to the ultimate levels! Makes you wanna grab a beer and boogie all night in the swamp!
Allman Brothers Band Eat a Peach-1972 Speaking of the South... I just LOVE LOVE the Allman Brothers! Recorded around the time of founding member Duane Allman untimely death, the band carried on without him only to lose another brother (Berry Oakley) . Even though the loss was great, the band pulled off some terrific songs like "Blue Sky", "Melissa" and "Trouble Me No More".
Bad Company (s/t)-1974 The bluesy vocals of Paul Rogers and the hard driven guitar work of Mick Jones playing off the incredible rhythm section of Boz Burrell and Simon Kirke were the perfect combination for this band. Tunes like "Ready for Love" and the title track flows easily through my mind.
Bruce Springsteen Born to Run-1974 I just can not believe how inspirational these lyrics on this album! With the exception of Bob Dylan, nobody can write lyrics better than the Boss. When I listen to this album I get a visual landscape of dreams, love, angst, and escape. Besides this album has a special place in my heart.
Bob Dylan Blood on the Tracks-1974 Speaking of Bob Dylan, no album bare one's soul than this album. Dylan was going through a divorce while recording this album. It covers love, loss and anger in inspirational terms.
Blue Oyster Cult Secret Treaties-1974 Blue Oyster Cult was never really consistent album wise. They can create some absolutely incredible songs and some down right shitty tunes. However, this album is the most consistent from them. Tunes like "Astronomy", "Flaming Telepaths" and "Career of Evil" are among their best!
Emerson, Lake and Palmer Brain Salad Surgery-1973 I was really into prog rock for awhile. ELP blew my mind with their over the top keyboards, the smokin' hot drumming of Carl Palmer and Greg Lake's talent for music. The super epic "Karn Evil 9" will always one of my favorites.
Kiss Alive!-1975 Sorry, I HAD to throw this one in! If it wasn't for Kiss, I probably wouldn't be getting rock and roll as much as I would now. They may not be the most talented band out there, but they sure had a flair for showmanship! Besides, they're FUN!
Rainbow Rising-1977 One of the most underrated albums in hard rock! Ritchie Blackmore and the boys formed a supergroup using a wide array of talent. The meandering guitar and ivory interplay really blazes the path here. Ronnie James Dio's voice just gives me the goosebumps on "Stargazer"!
Black Sabbath Sabbath Bloody Sabbath-1973 Sabbath was broadening their horizons with this album, bringing more progressiveness into the fold. Darker lyrics about demons and drug abuse began to reflect thier lifestyle. A get for any metal collector!
Steely Dan Can't Buy a Thrill-1972 I recently got my hands on this album and I was impressed by the talent here. This band seems to go in a wide variety of directions here-jazz, blues and rock! Wish I had gotten my hands on this album sooner!
David Bowie The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust-1972 I never really was a huge fan of David Bowie, but I have deep respect for his music. This critically acclaimed concept album does wonders to my ears!
I know that I may have missed quite a few artists here, but there were SO MANY to choose from at the time frame. Hey, it's one of the best eras of rock and roll!!!!
I was just a young kid at this time riding my bike around a suburban dead end street wearing my bell bottom jeans. Sometimes my friends and I would run off to a near by park to build forts, ride our bikes on trails, play football and go fishing at the reservoir there. So many great childhood memories... not a hair of care in the world...
To me this is one of the golden eras of rock and roll. Looking back at it, the music at the time was beyond spectacular! Seems like all the great bands were all out there and jamming away. Makes me wish that I was older and saw some of these bands in concert. The funny thing though, my folks never listen to this kind of music. They often listen to the likes of country and easy listening. Oliva Newton-John,John Denver and Barry Manilow comes to my mind. I know - YIKES! So folks here is my list....
Led Zeppelin Physical Graffiti-1975 Perhaps you have known this by now, I live, eat, breathe Led Zeppelin. This album however, is my favorite of all time per say. This album covers every corner of Zeppelin- from the hard driving " Custard Pie" to the Middle Eastern tainted "Kashmir". The Celtic influenced "Black Country Woman" and the bar boogie of "Boogie With Stu" are totally mind blowing! I could on and on about this album, but just take my word for it, this album is a must have for any collection!
Pink Floyd The Dark Side of the Moon- 1973
Rock and roll's stereo wet dream! Slap on a pair of headphones, light up a puff and you're gone...This milestone of rock shattered many records including being in the charts longer than any other. Not only that, it opened doors for multi-dimensional tracking. Can't forget about David Gilmour's guitar solos on "Time" and "Money".
Yes Close to the Edge-1972 I was a HUGE Kiss fan when I first heard this album. Boy, was I ever amazed to hear such talent! Never before I considered rock and roll to be a form of art. This album changed my outlook on music as a whole.
Queen A Night at the Opera-1975 One the first albums I've ever bought. What inspired me about this album was the different musical styles that prevailed here. The bone crunching "I'm in Love With My Car", the acoustic folk of "'39", the waltz on "Lazying on a Sunday Afternoon", the opera of "The Prophet's Song"-it's ALL there! Yeah, "Bohemian Rhapsody" is on this album.
Fleetwood Mac Rumours-1977 With their marriages and relationships broken asunder and the drug abuse that was going, it's hard to believe that this album would go anywhere. Somehow this voltile combination made the perfect chemistry for a classic masterpiece. The lyrics about relationships gone bad and perfect harmonies just make it unreal...
Aerosmith Rocks-1976 The nastiest, the grittiest, the baddest assed record around! Aerosmith just pummels your senses to oblivion! This album just drives me wild!
Rolling Stones Exile on Main Street-1972 Probably the most druggist album out there! I've recently bought the reissue and I'm loving it. This album always been so dark and mysterious to me. Every time I listen to it, I keep hearing something new...
Rush 2112-1976 The album that turned me unto Rush. I just love the instrumentation and the imagery of the title track. Yup, the full 20 minutes of it! Led me into me being a full blown loyal Rush fan.
Neil Young Harvest-1972 The ever changing styles of Neil Young never ceases to amaze me! This all out acoustical folk album touches my soul for some reason I can't explain. Maybe it's because of the heart searching lyrics and the compelling melodies.
Kansas Leftoverture-1976 One the first albums in my collection. One of the few band out there that has a violin player. A brave and bold idea that works-bringing in multi-dimensional jams! Complete with heartwarming lyrics! "The Wall" is the most personal song to me.
Boston (s/t)-1976 Arena rock at it's best! There is nothing in the world that could compare to Tom Scholz's distinct guitar sound and Brad Delp's soaring vocals! Selling well over17 million records, this band certainly made it's mark in the rock and roll world!
Heart Dreamboat Annie-1976 I have and always will love Heart. One must think this band is some sort of "chick rock", I dare say NOT! This Zeppelin influenced band has got more balls and creativity than many bands out there!
Deep Purple Machine Head-1972 The driving force on this album is like no other! Ian Gillin's bloodcurdling screams on "Highway Star" and Ritchie Blackmore's virtuosic guitar work on "Space Truckin'" are some great examples on how great this record is. I have to include Jon Lord's Hammond pushing skills are impressive on "Lazy"! A must have for any head banger's collection!
Eagles Their Greatest Hits (1971- 1975) - 1976 I had originally promised that I wouldn't include compilations nor live albums in these best of lists, but I'll make an exception here. It's so hard trying to figure out what's my favorite Eagles album is. This album basically covers my favorite Eagles songs in this time frame. I just LOVE the harmonics, the melodies, and the lyrics of early stuff from the Eagles!
Lynyrd Skynryd Second Helping-1974 It was a toss of a coin between this album and their debut album. Both are absolutely out of this world! Together they would make one hell of an album! This southern fried, triple axe welding, boogie blasting band takes their redneck whisky drinking Confederate flag waving music to the ultimate levels! Makes you wanna grab a beer and boogie all night in the swamp!
Allman Brothers Band Eat a Peach-1972 Speaking of the South... I just LOVE LOVE the Allman Brothers! Recorded around the time of founding member Duane Allman untimely death, the band carried on without him only to lose another brother (Berry Oakley) . Even though the loss was great, the band pulled off some terrific songs like "Blue Sky", "Melissa" and "Trouble Me No More".
Bad Company (s/t)-1974 The bluesy vocals of Paul Rogers and the hard driven guitar work of Mick Jones playing off the incredible rhythm section of Boz Burrell and Simon Kirke were the perfect combination for this band. Tunes like "Ready for Love" and the title track flows easily through my mind.
Bruce Springsteen Born to Run-1974 I just can not believe how inspirational these lyrics on this album! With the exception of Bob Dylan, nobody can write lyrics better than the Boss. When I listen to this album I get a visual landscape of dreams, love, angst, and escape. Besides this album has a special place in my heart.
Bob Dylan Blood on the Tracks-1974 Speaking of Bob Dylan, no album bare one's soul than this album. Dylan was going through a divorce while recording this album. It covers love, loss and anger in inspirational terms.
Blue Oyster Cult Secret Treaties-1974 Blue Oyster Cult was never really consistent album wise. They can create some absolutely incredible songs and some down right shitty tunes. However, this album is the most consistent from them. Tunes like "Astronomy", "Flaming Telepaths" and "Career of Evil" are among their best!
Emerson, Lake and Palmer Brain Salad Surgery-1973 I was really into prog rock for awhile. ELP blew my mind with their over the top keyboards, the smokin' hot drumming of Carl Palmer and Greg Lake's talent for music. The super epic "Karn Evil 9" will always one of my favorites.
Kiss Alive!-1975 Sorry, I HAD to throw this one in! If it wasn't for Kiss, I probably wouldn't be getting rock and roll as much as I would now. They may not be the most talented band out there, but they sure had a flair for showmanship! Besides, they're FUN!
Rainbow Rising-1977 One of the most underrated albums in hard rock! Ritchie Blackmore and the boys formed a supergroup using a wide array of talent. The meandering guitar and ivory interplay really blazes the path here. Ronnie James Dio's voice just gives me the goosebumps on "Stargazer"!
Black Sabbath Sabbath Bloody Sabbath-1973 Sabbath was broadening their horizons with this album, bringing more progressiveness into the fold. Darker lyrics about demons and drug abuse began to reflect thier lifestyle. A get for any metal collector!
Steely Dan Can't Buy a Thrill-1972 I recently got my hands on this album and I was impressed by the talent here. This band seems to go in a wide variety of directions here-jazz, blues and rock! Wish I had gotten my hands on this album sooner!
David Bowie The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust-1972 I never really was a huge fan of David Bowie, but I have deep respect for his music. This critically acclaimed concept album does wonders to my ears!
I know that I may have missed quite a few artists here, but there were SO MANY to choose from at the time frame. Hey, it's one of the best eras of rock and roll!!!!
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