What to Expect in 2017 for New Music??

2017 is upon us and always fun anticipating what new albums are and will come out in the year.  There are quite a few we already know about, but some haven’t been officially announced or even a date set yet.  From what I have gathered around the internet, here are the bands that should have new albums out in 2017, but no dates announced yet.  The ones I want will be highlighted in Blue.

  • Adelitas Way
  • Adrenaline Mob
  • Arcade Fire
  • Avril Lavigne
  • Bad Religion
  • Blondie
  • Callum Scott
  • Charli XCX
  • Christina Aguilera
  • Coldplay – ‘Kaleidoscope’
  • Danzig
  • Dark Horse
  • Daughtry
  • Demon Hunter – ‘Outlive’

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The Top 20 Songs of 2016

It is time for the Top 20 Songs of 2016.  My previous post, if you missed it, was the Top 20 Rock Songs of 2016.  Go check it out by clicking on the link.  These 20 songs are all other genres other than rock.  Some were popular and chart toppers and others were not.  They are my favorites, that touched me in some way.

If you missed the Top Rock Albums of 2016 or the Top Albums of 2016 (that were not Rock), just click on the link and go check them out.

Let’s get started…

20. “24K Magic” by Bruno Mars off the album ’24K Magic’: Ok, I love this song.  There is something about Bruno that I enjoy.  It is what you come to expect from Bruno and that isn’t a bad thing.  Very catchy and makes you want to dance.

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The Top 20 Rock Songs of 2016

Welcome to the Top 20 Rock Songs of 2016.  These songs are my favorite songs of the year and were not necessarily played on the radio or even shot up the charts.  They just moved me in some way good or bad!

If you missed the Top Rock Albums of 2016 or the Top Albums of 2016 (that were not Rock), just click on the link and go check them out.

It is time to start the list so here we go…

20. “Parasite (feat. John 5)” by Ace Frehley off the album ‘Origins, Vol. 1’:  I wouldn’t pick a covers song for this list if this one wasn’t so damn good.  John 5 on guitar is amazing and since this is an old Kiss song it is perfect for Ace.  I think it sounds better than the original.

19. “Raise Hell” by Dorothy off the album ‘RockisDead’:  This bluesy gem from Dorothy has such a great sound and Dorothy’s vocals are perfect for this style.  I expect big things from this band!

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Concerts, Concerts, Concerts – The 90’s

I am going to continue rehashing all the concerts I have been to that I still have the tickets stubs for those shows and even mention shows I remember that I can’t find a ticket stub.  I started off talking about The 80’s (click to read about it), now we will pick up in the 90’s and see what wonderful shows I attended.

The 90’s

The first show for me of this new decade was none other than…KISS!!  It was July 20, 1990 and this time it was at the Coca-Cola Lakewood Amphitheater.  This was a great show.  The opening acts were Danger Danger for sure and the other act was possibly Slaughter.  Not positive on that one. This show got me hooked on Danger Danger so that is why I remember it.  The tour was for the album Hot in the Shade and had a huge Sphinx for the state setup.  Ticket prices were now over $20 at $24 after fees.

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George Michael Passes Away at only 53! R.I.P.

I can’t believe we lost another in 2016.  What a brutal year for musicians.  George Michael has passed away at only 53 years of age.  From what I read, he died peacefully, but no cause of death was given.

He wasn’t much older than I am, which is scary.  I grew up in the 80’s listening to his music and whether it was his solo work or his work with Wham, he had a huge impact in the 80’s and was an MTV mainstay during those years.

In his memory, I will pick “Last Christmas” since today is Christmas and “Faith” which is one of my favorites. Rest in Peace George!!

My Sunday Song – “Mary, Did You Know?” by Pentatonix

My Sunday Song – Special Christmas Edition.  Merry Christmas to all and I thought I would give you one of my favorite songs that is the true meaning of Christmas.  The song was written in 1991 and it has been covered by a ton of artists.  It was tough to choose one and I went with the Pentatonix version.  It is a beautiful version of a beautiful song.

Yes, Christmas is about giving and receiving gifts, but Jesus is the real reason so don’t forget that.  I hope you have a blessed and wonderful day.

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Friday New Releases – December 23rd

To my surprise, there were actually some albums that were released today…two days before Christmas.  I pulled up Apple Music to see if there was anything and sure enough, there was.  In case you are interested for some last minute gifts, here are the handful of releases worth mentioning.  There are a couple (highlighted in Blue) that I will give a listen.  Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas to you all!!!

170x170bb-67  Nine Inch Nails – Not the Actual Events E.P. – (The Null Corporation):  NIN is back with a 5 song E.P. just in time for Christmas.  I am not a huge fan, but there stuff is interesting enough to at least give one spin.

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What Do You Want For Christmas? – Playlist

Everybody wants something for Christmas.  There are a bunch of albums I would like to get on vinyl so if anyone is feeling generous, the new Motley Crue ‘The End’ Box Set would be nice.  My kids keep telling me what they want for Christmas despite the fact I keep telling them it is too late to put in new orders as Santa already has decided what they are getting.  Plus, Mommy and Daddy are done shopping.

Musicians are no different.  They want a lot of things for Christmas.  What do they want you ask?  I will tell you what they told me when I asked them.  Here is what they said…

Huey Lewis & The News – “I Want A New Drug” – I think someone has a problem!!

Queen -“I Want It All” – Greedy much?

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Concerts, Concerts, Concerts – The 80’s

I have been going through this rock & roll trip down memory lane with this blog.  It started with the vinyl records I found in a box and than last week with the posters.  I actually found one more box from my younger days and this one had a ton of concert ticket stubs from over the years.  I also found a couple concert T’s and a couple programs as well.  I still can’t believe I kept all this stuff, but I am glad I did.

Going to a concert nowadays, they don’t give you a physical ticket anymore.  If they do, they charge you for it.  Nope, tickets are on your phone and get scanned in or you print it out on your printer.  Not the same as those dot matrix printers from the old days.

You also used to stand in line for tickets.  You had to arrive an hour or two before the tickets went on sale whether it was hot, cold, raining or snowing.  We did it each and every time we wanted to go see a show.  And we loved it!  Now you go online from the comfort of you home…not the same.

Whether you want to or not, I am going to take you on a journey of my musical concert experiences…at least most of them because I think I am missing quite a few ticket stubs.

The 80’s

Our journey begins back around 1983.  I was only 14 years old.  My parents finally agreed to let me go to a concert, but I had to go with my sister…REALLY!!!  Actually, it was okay.  My sister and I have been to many concerts together and even went to one 2 years ago some 3o+ years later.

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The Top Albums of 2016

The year is almost over so it is time to look back at what was awesome in music during the year.  I have already looked back at the Top Rock Albums of 2016 (click to read).   This list will cover all other genres that I listened to over the year including Pop, R&B, Christian and whatever other genre you want classify these albums.  Rock is my favorite genre that is why it gets it’s own list, but that doesn’t take away from any of these choices as I think they are great on their own.

Note:  These albums were my favorites and not necessarily the most played on the radio (which I hate the radio) or even the biggest sellers.  These are just what I came across during the year and connected with me in some way.  So, we might as well get started…

The #1 Album of 2016

cover170x170-33Lady Gaga – Joanne (Interscope Records): This was an easy pick for me.  The album was such a pleasant surprise and a departure from her last album.  It had a little bit of everything from Pop to Country to Rock to Folk.  It was such a great mixture of songs that gave us one cohesive album.  The title track, “John Wayne”, “A Million Reasons” and “Perfect Illusion” were all great songs.  Even the Deluxe Edition was great with “Grigio Girls”.  All around classic album for Lady Gaga.  Check out my review here.

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