Month: September 2017

The Debut: Van Halen – ‘Van Halen’

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For my third installment of The Debut, I have decided to take on the daunting task of discussing on what is regarded as one of the best debut albums in rock history, Van Halen’s debut simply called ‘Van Halen’.  Why is it daunting? Because so many people have written about this album that there really is nothing I can add to the discussion other than my opinion which is probably no different than what has already been said.

We will start off with some general information about the album.  The album was released on February 10th, 1978.  I was only 9 at the time.  It was produced by Ted Templeman who was famous for producing The Doobie Brothers, Van Morrison and Montrose (early Sammy Hagar connection).  The album reached as high as only #19 on the charts and did sell over 1 million copies in its first year.  It has now been certified Diamond Status with sells well over 10 million copies.

The band was originally discovered by Gene Simmons from the band KISS.  Gene worked with the band and they did some demos, but nothing materialized as Gene headed back out on tour with his band.  The ended up playing a lot of live shows around Hollywood including the Whiskey A Go Go and the Starwood.  It was at the Starwood that they came to the attention of Mo Ostin & Ted Templeman with Warner Brothers Records.  They later signed with Warner and went on to record their debut album.

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My Sunday Song – “Empty Garden (Hey, Hey Johnny)” by Elton John

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For My Sunday Song #56, I have gone with one of the greatest John Lennon tribute songs ever written or performed…”Empty Garden (Hey, Hey Johnny)” By Elton John.  The song was released in 1982 which was about 18 months after Lennon’s death.  It is off the album ‘Jump Up!’ and was not one of his best albums, but this was the best song on it.  It was a minor hit and only reached #13 on the Billboard Hot 100.

However, for me it resonated as such a beautifully written song.  Bernie Taupin wrote the lyrics (as he did for all of Elton’s songs) and Elton did the music.  The lyrics tell such a touching story and the metaphor of an empty garden fort he absence of Lennon is brilliant.  Put that along with the beautiful piano and Elton’s vocals and you have a song that can touch you on so many levels.  Knowing that Elton John was such good friends with Lennon (including being Sean Lennon’s godfather), you could feel Elton’s true feelings of how much he missed his friend and that even adds more to the song.

In researching the song (wikipedia mostly had the better information), I found that the “Garden” was also a reference to John Lennon’s last performance which was at Madison Square Garden in 1974 with Elton John.  The line “Can’t You Come Out to Play” is a reference to the Beatles’ song “Dear Prudence” which is cool. I love finding those things out as I never made that connection so now it adds to the song for me.

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Friday New Releases – September 8th

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Finally!!! The new releases start picking up.  August was such a slow month, but it is about to get busy.  The floodgates are opening and the new releases are coming in full force.  So hold on and open your wallets, it is going to get expensive.  This week gets off nicely and the ones I am interested in are highlighted in Blue.  There should be something in here for everyone especially some great rock and a ton of country.  Let me know what you like.

  • 61u4pnXwDyL._AC_US218_  Alter Bridge – Live at the O2 Arena + Rarities – (Napalm Records):  Alter Bridge live is going to be good.  You have the boys from Creed and Myles Kennedy who is one of the hardest working singers in the business between Alter Bridge, Slash and so many other projects, he is always working.  There have been a lot of good live albums lately and this should be no exception.  The plus side is there are a bunch of rare tracks on here as well that really has my interest.

  • 61hNZekCmAL._AC_US218_  Jonny Lang – Signs – (Concord Records):  Blues rocker Jonny Lang is back with his first album in 4 years and it has been way too long.  I am looking forward to hearing some more of his guitar magic.  With a new album from Kenny Wayne Shepherd and now Jonny, blues rock is alive and kicking.

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Ed Sheeran & James Blunt – Charlotte 9/3/2017 – Concert Review

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It was Sunday, September 3rd and I was getting in a car with two teenage girls and we were going to see Ed Sheeran in concert at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, NC.  I must be a glutton for punishment.  For the pre-concert experience I was serenaded rather loudly the whole way to the show.  I was able to hear such classics as “Hunt you Down” by Kesha, Taylor Swift’s new song “Ready For It”, and several of my all time favorite songs from High School Musical 2 including “Fabulous” by Sharpay (sadly I know this and yes I am being sarcastic).  At least they did throw in “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen.  All this was prep for me being surrounded by thousands of screaming Ed Sheeran fans (two of which started screaming before we even arrived).

We arrived in plenty of time before the show as I do not like to be rushed.  Nothing worse than being stressed out to go do something you enjoy like going to concerts.  We made the way to our seats and they weren’t bad at all.  We had a nice line of sight to the stage.

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The Winery Dogs – Dog Years: Live in Santiago & Beyond 2013-2016 – Album Review

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The same day I received Def Leppard’s Hysteria 30th Anniversary Box Set, I also received this gem, The Winery Dogs ‘Dog Years: Live in Santiago & Beyond 2013-2016’.  The Special Edition set includes the Live concert filmed in Santiago, Chile on both Blue-Ray and DVD as well as the concert on 2 CDs.  Lastly, you get a bonus EP of Dog Years.  I will go through each for you, but I won’t go song-by-song as there are 30 songs in total and I can’t write that much and you would get bored with me repeating how great each song is…mostly.

To avoid typing out all the songs, I will get lazy and show you the back cover of the CD with the song listings.

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My Sunday Song – “Love The Way You Lie ” by Eminem (featuring Rihanna)

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For My Sunday Song #55, I am going with Eminem’s “Love The Way You Lie”.  The song features Rihanna and is one of my favorite Eminem songs and favorite songs period.  The song was released on June 25, 2010 and is on the album ‘Recovery’.  It is one of Eminem’s most successful song selling over 6 million copies, hitting #1 on almost ever chart, receiving numerous Grammy nominations and winning the Billboard Award for Best Rap song in 2011.  To say this song struck a chord with a lot of people is an understatement.

Why do I like this song?  Easy…it is bringing to light a very dark subject matter that isn’t talked about enough.  Domestic Violence.  The song is about a couple in an abusive relationship that refuses to separate despite the dangerous situation they are in.  The song is very graphic and so is the video which I will discuss shortly.  The song’s dark theme and powerful music along with the combination of Rihanna’s vocals and Eminem’s aggressive rap encapsulates every emotion that you would imagine this kind of relationship would garner.  I also love how the song jumps from pleasant views to the violent aspects and back and forth.  It really makes the song impactful.

What I also find interesting about the song is that it actually mirrors both singers life.  Eminem was in an abusive relationship with his ex-wife Kim and of course every one knows Rihanna’s history with her former boyfriend Chris Brown.  Knowing their history adds so much credibility to the song.

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Friday New Releases – September 1st

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August was not a great month for new releases, so September has to be better…right??  Yes and No.  Yes, September is loaded with some great possible new releases.  But No, it isn’t this week.  Next week starts the onslaught of new releases and you won’t be disappointed.  There a couple I will listen to this week, but not overly excited about any of them.  My choices are highlighted in Blue (and sadly no good rock albums this week…for me at least).

  • 61xqcyFYOYL._AC_US218_  The Script – Freedom Child – (Sony Music):  The Irish band is back with their 5th studio album.  The are decent enough pop band.  My daughter and I saw them several years ago for some radio station Christmas show and I have to say that they weren’t very good live.  Or at least at this event.  I could not understand what the singer was saying or even singing.  We were disappointed.  Their studio stuff is way better.  Let’s hope we get some decent pop songs.  My expectations aren’t real high so shouldn’t be disappointed (better not be).

  • 41U-VT1fUBL._AC_US218_  Dixie Chicks – DCX MMXVI Live – (Columbia):  The Dixie Chicks are always entertaining.  I am glad to see them still putting out music.  This one seems like an interesting collection of the latest tour.  It includes 2CDs and I believe a DVD of the show.  Should be a nice set.

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