Amazingly, I have a had time to watch a few documentaries I have been wanting to see. First it was ‘Hired Gun’ Review and now it is the Lady Gaga documentary, ‘Gaga: Five Foot Two’ which I have been wanting to watch since its release in September 2017 on Netflix. The documentary covers the time in Stefani Germanotta’s life (aka Lady Gaga) between the making of her outstanding album ‘Joanne’ and her Super Bowl appearance in 2017.
The style of the video takes a minute to wrap your head around and understand why it is being filmed that way. The style is called Cinéma Vérité which is an observational style of filiming. Click on the name to learn more. Once I got passed the style, I really started enjoying the film. It is an in depth, behind the scenes, look into her life. It doesn’t look like she was too worried about how she came across. You see her happy and smiling, crying, with or without make-up or even clothes at times.
Lady Gaga bares it all and doesn’t hold back anything which really draws you into her world and makes her feel authentic. You start to feel what she is going through and she becomes relatable. The thing I got out of it, being a rock star is not glamorous at all. It is grueling work, it is brutal, it is exhausting, it is painful and it is not a life for the faint of heart.
If you remember back a few months forTurntables & Vinyl #8 – The CD Edition, I talked about all these CDs I received from someone in the neighborhood that was giving them away. They were in really bad shape and there were 100’s I had to throw out due to broken or badly scratched CDs.
I managed to keep the CD covers in hopes of doing something artsy with them. It turns out, I am not very artsy, so I decided to put them on a canvas and make them into a picture for my office wall. Now, I decided, but I didn’t actually do the work. My wife is the one that put this together as she is the creative one.
Below is a picture of the canvas with some of my favorite album covers from the lot I had to throw away. I am very pleased with how it turned out and I have to thank my beautiful and talented wife for putting this together. I couldn’t have done it without her. The only thing I did was cut out the covers and decide the order to place them in even though she helped with that arrangement a little as well. Okay, so she really did all of it. She’s the best!
Now, I didn’t have any Kiss or Def Leppard albums to include which bothered me, so I printed out their logos and had them incorporated into the picture by only showing partial album covers for AC/DC Back in Black and the Beach Boys Greatest Hits album. See which ones you recognize. I think most of them are very classic albums and I was even able to use the Emerson, Lake and Palmer cover to Brain Salad Surgery which is one of my favorite album covers.
Last year, I did a post memorializing all the musicians that we lost in that year. I thought I would do that again for 2017 as it was another year where we lost some music legends and icons in their respective fields. The list is really long and I guess each year it will get longer as all the bands I grew up with are getting older and it is bound to happen. Though we have lost them, the live on in our hearts and in their music they left behind. I guess we might as well get started. Do realize this list isn’t every musician that passed away, it is really those that I have listened to over the years or were legends and icons in music. So if I leave someone off, it is nothing personal but please add their name in the comments.
January 2017
January 28 – Geoff Nicholls – keyboardist for heavy metal giants Black Sabbath. He was 68 and passed away from lung cancer. He was with the band in the 80’s and 90’s starting with the 1980 album Heaven Hell and ending with 1995’s Forbidden.
January 31 – John Wetton – John was singer-songwriter and the bassist for the bands Asia and King Crimson just to name a few. John was with Asia during their heyday in the 80’s performing and lead vocals on songs such “Heat of the Moment” and “Only Time Will Tell”. He was 67 when he passed away from colon cancer.
February 2017
February 12 – Al Jarreau – Al was 76 years old when he passed away after being hospitalized for exhaustion. He was probably most famous for doing the theme song to the TV show for Moonlighting. He was so much more than that though. With around 17 albums he was Jazz legend.
February 18 – Clyde Stubblefield – Clyde was 73 when he passed away from kidney failure. He is best know for two things…1) drummer for the amazing James Brown band and 2) he is one of the most sampled musicians in hip hop thanks to the James Brown song “Funky Drummer”.
March 2017
March 3 – Tommy Page – At only 46, Tommy died from Suicide. He is most famous for his song “I’ll Be Your Everything” and and was a 90’s teen idol, even appearing on an episode of Full House.
March 11 – Joni Sledge – Joni was one of the sisters in Sister Sledge. She passed away at the young age of only 60. Sister Sledge was most famous for their hit song “We Are Family”.
March 18 – Chuck Berry – Chuck passed away at the ripe old age of 90. He is one of the early innovators or rock & roll and has influenced so many over his career. He is such a legend that even in the movie Back to the Future references Chuck. With hits such as “Johnny B Goode” and “Maybellene”, his legacy will live on forever. He released one last album right around the time he died simply titled ‘Chuck’. There weren’t many like and won’t be anyone like him to come.
March 22 – Sib Hashian – Sib passed away at 67 doing what he loved to do which was perform. He is most famous for being the drummer for the band Boston. He performed on their debut album as well as Don’t Look Back.
April 2017
April 5 – Paul O’Neil – Paul died at 61 years old and is most famous for his work as producer and songwriter with the band Trans-Siberian Orchestra. He also produced numerous albums for the band Savatage. For me, the best thing he did was write the song “Christmas Eve/Sarajevo”.
April 11 – J. Geils – J. Geils passed away at 71 and obviously is most famous for the band that bares his name ‘The J. Geils Band”. He was such a great guitar player and gave the band such a strong blues rock sound, that was until they went more new wave in the 80’s. Everyone knows those songs “Centerfold” and “Freeze Frame”, but it is the early albums that the band is a solid rock & roll band.
May 2017
May 18 – Chris Cornell – Chris passed away at only 52 and his death was ruled a suicide. One of the greatest voices to come out of the Grunge scene in the 90’s, his work with Soundgarden, Audioslave and Temple of The Dog are unforgettable. His solo work was equally as impressive and I thought his last solo album was one of his best. His impact was felt by a lot of people by all the positive comments about the man after his passing. He was well-liked in an industry that doesn’t always have nice people.
May 27 – Gregg Allman – The legendary Gregg Allman of the Allman Brothers Band passed away at the tender age of 69. He had been suffering from liver cancer and it sadly took his life. His influence on Rock and Southern rock is immense. His songwriting was incredible and he penned hits such as “Whipping Post”, “Melissa” and “Midnight Rider”. He will remembered forever as his impact was so large.
June 2017
June 27 – Dave Rosser – Dave Rosser was the guitarist from the acclaimed band the Afghan Whigs. Dave is another who had been battling cancer prior to his death. Dave was only 50 years old and at such a young age, who knows what more we could have gotten out of him.
July 2017
July 14 – Dave Z – Dave Z died in a tragic tour bus accident while he was touring as the bass player with his current band Adrenaline Mob. Dave Z also performed with Trans-Siberian Orchestra, SOTO and the band I first saw him in Z02. Z02 also had a great TV show about the band where they played rock stars by night and children party band by day. This was definitely a tragic loss for a very talented young man.
July 20 – Chester Bennington – One of the saddest losses of the year was Chester Bennington. Another suicide on the list and this one was 2 months after the suicide of his friend Chris Cornell and it was on Chris’ birthday. Chester was the lead singer of Linkin Park and that band will never be the same without him. He was so talented and the band had just released a new album and they were touring in support of the album. He was only 41 years old.
August 2017
August 8 – Glen Campbell – Country legend and the “Rhinestone Cowboy” himself, Glen Campbell passed away from a long battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. Such a cruel disease that took music away from him in the later years, but thankfully we have so much of his music left behind. He was such an iconic Country singer and will be remembered forever.
August 20 – Jerry Lewis – Now Jerry is known mostly for being an actor/comedian and host of the Muscular Dystrophy telethons, but he was also a singer. He was 91 years old when he passed and he was beloved by many (especially the French). I thought I would put up the fun song he does with Dean Martin “That’s Amore”.
September 2017
September 3 – Walter Becker – Walter was the guitarist and co-founder for the band Steely Dan. He was 67. The band had such hits as “Reelin’ in the Years” and “Riki Don’t Lose That Number”.
September 3 – Dave Hlubek – Dave was lead guitarist and founding member with the Southern Rock Band Molly Hatchet. He died from a heart attack at only 66 years old. The band is most famous probably for the hit “Flirtin’ With Disaster” so I will leave you with that song.
September 8 – Troy Gentry – Troy was one part of one of the most successful country duos, Montgomery Gentry. Troy died at 50 from a helicopter crash. Montgomery Gentry had such hits as “Something to Be Proud of”.
September 8 – Don Williams – Another country legend has passed. At the age of 78, Don Williams had been around the country scene for more years than I can remember. This Country Music Hall of Famer had such hits as “I Believe in You” and “Tulsa Time”.
September 14 – Grant Hart – Grant Hart was the drummer for the punk band Husker Du and later became the guitarist and singer for Nova Mob as well as a solo artist. This versatile musician and songwriter left his mark on the world and for that we are grateful.
October 2017
October 2 – Tom Petty – Wow! What can you say about Tom Petty. One of the finest singer/songwriters to ever grace us with his presence. If there is anything that would definite American Rock, it would by Tom. He is one of my favorite singers and the Heartbreakers just painted pictures throughout my life. I remember hearing them on the radio and then the early days of MTV they were everywhere. He gave us such hits as “Refuge”. “Free Fallin'”, “You Got Lucky” and “Even the Losers” and so much more. I can’t really say enough good things about Tom Petty, so I will let his music do that talking. Tom Petty…R.I.P.
October 24 – Fats Domino – Another music legend. That term gets used a lot, but with Fats, it is true. One of the pioneers of Rock he gave is 30 top 40 hits and over 65 million singles sold only second to maybe Elvis. Who doesn’t know the Song “Blueberry Hill”?? Really, who doesn’t as I don’t think anyone can say they don’t. If they don’t, they have lived under a rock for their entire life or are under 20 years old maybe.
November 2017
November 9 – Chuck Mosley – The original vocalist for the band Faith No More. Chuck was only 57 when he lost his life to his long battling of addiction. He was a part of their first two album ‘We Care A Lot’ and ‘Introduce Yourself’. This funked up rock was the antithesis to the Hair Band music of its time.
November 18 – Malcolm Young – The AC/DC co-founder and the heart and soul of the band lost hist life at only 64 to dementia. He had left the band a few years earlier due to this cruel disease, but his memory will go on forever. He is regarded as one of the best rhythm guitarist in rock and that says something about him for this is a very overlooked instrument in the band. As the lead guitarist usually gets all the glory.
November 19 – Mel Tillis – Country music has taking a beating this year with a lot of its icons have passed. Mel Tillis was 85 and was also in the Country Music Hall of Fame. With songs like “Coca Cola Cowboy”, “Southern Rains” and “Send Me Down to Tucson”, he was a staple on the country scene for the 60s, 70s & 80’s even into the 90s.
November 21 – David Cassidy – David Cassidy was a teenage heartthrob form the 70’s most famous for his role as David Partridge on the Partridge Family. He was 67 and suffered from organ failure probably due to his years of addiction. Most recently, he had been diagnosed with Dementia and had retired from touring as a result. Through his numerous solo albums and some Partridge Family albums, he left his mark on Pop music in the 70’s and for that he will always be remembered.
December 2017
December 12th – Pat DiNizio – Pat was the lead singer for the band The Smithereens. The band was big back in the late 80’s and early 90’s and are probably most notable for the song “Girl Like You” from their album ’11’. Pat had been having health issues these last few years and
December 13th – Warrel Dane – Warrel was the lead singer for the bands Nevermore and Sanctuary. He passed away of a heart attack while in Brazil. He was working on his second solo album and has released over 15 albums in his career. He trained as an opera singer for five years and is know for his amazing range.
Wow, there were a lot this year just like there was in 2016. I hope 2018 has a reduced number even though I doubt it as all the bands/musicians I grew up listening to are starting to reach that age where death is not all that uncommon…which of course means I am getting old too. To all this musicians who impacted me in some way! Say hi to the Big Man for me and Rest In Peace!!
It is time for the Top 20 Songs of 2017. My previous post, if you missed it, was the Top 20 Rock Songs of 2017. Go check it out by clicking on the link. These 20 songs are all genres other than rock. Some were popular and chart toppers and others were not. They are my favorites, that touched me in some way so don’t expect any indie bands or anything trendy. If you want that go to one of the cool sites out there, this ain’t it.
#20 – “Something Just Like This” by the Chainsmokers featuring Coldplay off the album ‘Memories…Do Not Open’: This song was a family favorite during the year. The one song the wife liked as well as all the kids and as a result, I heard it a lot and it grew on me to where I stopped and listened to it when it came on the radio. A catchy little song with a great beat.
Welcome to the Top 20 Rock Songs of 2017. 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!
#20 – “Make It Move” by Jonny Lang off the album ‘Signs’: The loud stomping sound that opens the song and throughout feels like a train barreling down on you. The opening track to the album starts it all off with a bang. The song also delivers a great message that you need to make the move and not wait on something to happen.
Merry Christmas Everyone!! It will be a busy day with opening presents, spending time with family and hopefully listening to new albums I might get for Christmas. I wanted to take a second and wish all my loyal followers and fellow bloggers a very Merry Christmas and a Happy Holidays.
The biggest thing to do today is to celebrate someone’s birthday. Actually, two someones. Today we celebrate two very special Birthdays. One is the Big Guy, Jesus! We have to wish Jesus a Happy Birthday as He is the reason for the season. He is what Christmas is all about. He puts the “Christ” in Christmas. BUT!!!…He isn’t the only one that has birthday on Christmas. Nope. I do as well. I won’t tell you my age, but it is less than 50 and greater than 48.
And to celebrate our Birthdays, I am going to leave you with a great Birthday song by the Beatles simply called “Birthday”. I like this one because when I sing it for Jesus, I tell him its his birthday, but it is my birthday too, yeah. So enjoy and Merry Christmas and Happy Birthday Jesus!
My Sunday Song #71 is “Peace On Earth / Little Drummer Boy” sung by David Bowie & Bing Crosby. Since tomorrow is Christmas, why not do a Christmas song and this is one of my favorites as I thought the combination of these two was weird and beautiful at the same time. It covered two different generations as you had the newer generation for Bowie and the old fogeys (I was young when this came out) could enjoy Bing Crosby.
The song was recorded on September 11, 1977 for an Bing Crosby television special that was coming soon. From what I have read about the song, David didn’t really want to sing Little Drummer Boy as he didn’t like the song. In a panic, the “Peace On Earth” part was written to appease Bowie and it was mixed in with the song. Whatever the reason, the two pieces together are pure Christmas magic. I found an article on the story behind the song by Gary Shannon. (Click on his name to go read the article).
I am not going to ramble on about the song as I will let it speak for itself. Plus, Christmas is tomorrow so go spend time with you friends and/or family. Merry Christmas!!
Runnin’ with the Devil: A Backstage Pass to the Wild Times, Loud Rock, and the Down and Dirty Truth Behind the Making of Van Halen by Joe Layden and Noel E. Monk…now that is a mouthful for a book title. The book takes you on the journey of the David Lee Roth era of Van Halen and for some the true era of Van Halen. The story is from the point of view of their Tour Manager and later Manager Noel E. Monk.
Before we get in to it, if you want to read a much better review of the book, go see my friend Deke at his blog as it was his review that made me get this when Amazon offered on the Kindle for only $2 (or was it $3)…either way it was cheap and worth that price.
The book picks up with Noel coming in as their tour manager for the tour supporting their incredible debut album ‘Van Halen’. We don’t get any insight into the making of that album or really any album for that matter as Noel didn’t go to the studios while they were recording (or rarely ever did). We also don’t get any information on their forming or even their time with Gene Simmons which would have been nice, but again, this is not a band member telling the story and I had to get over that fact.
My Sunday Song #66 is the first current release I have done in some time. It is the song “Feel the Still” by the band Portugal. The Man. The song is the second single off the band’s 2017 album “Woodstock” and their first #1 on any chart. What surprised me about the band when I looked them up was that this is their 8th studio album. 8th?? I had never heard of these guys…how did that happen??
I first heard this song on an Apple commercial and then later I started hearing it on the radio. It was so damn catchy and had a 60’s kind of vibe to it with the fun beat and John Gourley’s very high pitched vocals. As it turns out, the song has borrowed heavily from the song “Please, Mr. Postman” by The Marvelettes which was released way back before my time in 1961 (not really that far before my time but definitely before).
Lyrically the song seems all over the place. It jumps from references to the civil rights movement in 1966 up to their introduction to the Beastie Boys, Licensed to Ill in 1986 and all the way to today and what is happening with the current administration. I saw where the song was inspired by his daughter growing up while they were making this album. To me he seems to be worried about the world she is going to inherit and that we need to fight for our rights like people have done in the past. Now is the time. Maybe I am reading too much into this short song at only 2:43.
Welcome back to T-Shirts, T-Shirts, T-Shirts. I didn’t expect to do another post so soon, but the Rock T-Shirt collection has taken a little twist. It has become a family affair. Not only have I been buying, but now my kids have to have band T-Shirts as well.
My oldest daughter is the worst. Almost as bad as I am. She has some concert T’s and now she has quite a few band shirts as well. Here are her concert shirts for Ed Sheeran, James Bay and Tori Kelly…
2 Loud 2 Old Music 