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John Lennon, Ritchie Yorke And 2 Degrees of Separation

Shayne — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 03:42:23 +0000

: Image via Wikipedia

Over the last 12 months I have had the honor, and the privilege, of getting to know a legendary music icon, Ritchie Yorke.

When we first started our label (http://bit.ly/9fgh1x) Ritchie did what he does best, and did an interview with Cowbell.

When you meet people, you seldom ignore the general rule that states there are Six degrees of separation and accept the Human Web on planet earth. However, last week, I discovered there are in fact only two degrees that separate most in today’s global village.

As a John Lennon fan, it was fantastic to sit down and talk with the man that was Lennon’s International Peace Envoy. With John’s words still so firmly in Ritchie’s mind, 30 years later, sitting opposite him and watching the excitement and enthusiasm on his face when he spoke with passion about John, I began to realize the influence Lennon had on the world and specially on those that he came in contact with.

I also realized that a music lover like Ritchie, not only believes in John’s message, but that he still has the determination to tell the world, with the same gusto that drove him cross the red border into Communist China to deliver the message of peace on behalf of Lennon in 1970.

I could write volumes about Ritchie and his contributions to the music industry, but what happened last week at our studios will give you some idea of whom this man is.

During a break from a recording session, a senior student on work experience at Cowbell was casually talking to Ritchie and asked what he did. Ritchie replied with a question: ’Do you know John Lennon?’ “Not really … wasn’t he one of the Beatles?” was the answer.

Realising that the conversation could soon turn a crucial corner, I spied the T-shirt the lad was wearing. Them Crooked Vultures (which features the Led Zeppelin’s bassist, John Paul Jones) and promptly asked if he was familiar with Led Zeppelin. His eyes lit as he proudly announced that he was their number one fan, in fact he even owned their biography (The Led Zeppelin Biography, 1975).

Someone else at the table promptly announced, … “you are talking to the author.” The kid’s jaw dropped it was as though he’d just seen a Rock God!

My point is, that the most unassuming person could be closer to that Six Degrees of assumed separation than we all at times contemplate.
What makes Ritchie truly great, and others like him, is their humility, which in turn makes the stories they tell more interesting and the truth they speak totally accepting to even the hardest heart.

Some amazing things are happening that we can’t mention just yet, but please head over to the website www.peacebeliever.com and register your name for the upcoming project. Ritchie is a great ambassador and his (and John’s) message is definitely worth hearing.

Shayne Locke
Cowbell Digital Music – It’s Your Choice.

Music Review: Jennifer Dixon, the Face of Alternative Country’s Uncompromising Future

treadmarkz — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 06:31:54 +0000

Guest post: Treadmarkz is my brother-in-law, a Human Beatles Encyclopedia and the author of the weblog Treadmarkz.wordpress.com.

Some Country music purists would probably say that anything that warrants the name “Alternative Country” is not really Country. But ultimately it is the domain of the fan to judge what an artist is or is not, to them.

Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you Jennifer Dixon.

A little country sensibility with a style that hovers along the cusp of blues, pop, jazz owing to a stint on Memphis’ legendary Beale Street, and nearly a decade in Nashville, her new CD, “2 Years” is the fruit of experience. She did not come out of nowhere.

Which makes it all the more uncanny that she has been labeled “un-Nashville.”

The intro to “A Little You For Me” sounds like a nod to “I Lie Around” by Paul McCartney and Wings. But this Norah Jones-like tune comes from the heart of a woman who has given all she can give to the world, yet she finds she’s got a little more left for her man if he’ll meet her halfway. Like “I Lie Around” it never really takes off. It threatens to, repeatedly. But when it comes down to it, it’s just right.

“Too Tired To Care” is Dixon, having been there, done that and not doing it again regarding love. When she starts to hear the same old lines, she is just that, too tired to care. It is a mellow funk romp with a lyric delivered in focused rapid fire, highlighted with some sultry vocal inflections.

“Easy Goodbye” seems to be a follow up on the same theme in that, having heard it all before, its easy to let go and move on. These two tracks are the most un-Nashville of the bunch. One can picture many of today’s top female vocalists flagrantly over-doing “Easy Goodbye”, robbing it of its symbolic ease. One of its greatest features is that the musicians, while doing some top-notch work, back off and let the vocals shine.

With these tracks what you get is a many-tiered cynical view of love. In that respect, “If You’re Looking For An Angel” is refreshing. Just when you are expecting something like “Strong Enough” by Cheryl Crow, it turns into something closer to “I Can’t Make You Love Me” by Bonnie Raitt in its vulnerability. For instance, in the chorus, Dixon sings “If you’re looking for an angel…” Having heard a couple of these songs, one may be surprised to hear her continue with “here I am.” It’s sweet, its comforting, and it demonstrates that with a few gentle, sincere words, yes, women can make men, dare I say it, swoon.

Love Me Back” delivers the very subtlest hints of the smoky vocals of Natalie Merchant or Melissa Etheridge, yet tips the scales with those well-executed vocal inflections again.

Dixon finally brings the thunder with “I Need a Man.” It’s gritty, harkening back to Tanya Tucker, matching the vocal strength of Carrie Underwood. Here Dixon is laying it all out on the line as if to say “This is what I need, damn you!”

Four of these tracks can be heard on her homepage www.jenniferdixon.net, and one is featured in the indie film “Shattered”.

Tips for Winning a “Battle of the Bands”

Susan — Tue, 26 May 2009 03:22:46 +0000

Guest post: Susan Kemman resides in South Park (no kidding), is a Prog music nut and is the Assistant Director of - and talent scout for – the The Highest Independent Music Tour in the World, The South Park Music Tour. Take it away Susan!

The Summer will be brimming with competitions, festivals, tours and holiday bashes; many opportunities for getting your Band a gig or a little name recognition. Talent Searches, Tours and Battle of the Bands pay out prize money or comps equal to what you would earn at a gig, ALL for just a one hour performance. Networking with the Bands and Industry people at these Events can offer tremendous earning potential by breaking you into new Venues.

Here are some simple tips to get an edge over your competitors:

1. Play original songs. You’re allowed only one cover song and it’s got to be perfect.
2. Your song should have basic structure. Like in writing; intro, body and conclusion.
3. Songs shouldn’t be longer than 5 minutes.
4. Play for your allotted time or less, but never more.
5. Move. Everyone in the Band needs to be active at the same time.
6. Your timing needs to be impeccable. It proves a Band is well rehearsed.
7. Spend very little time with sound checks; one song only with minor quick adjustments if absolutely required.
8. Get the audience moving. Play your hottest beats and most gut punching riffs from song one and don’t stop.
9. Demonstrate your instrument or vocal talent with a solo. Have a focus song. 45 seconds of fame.
10. Try to go last in the line-up, leaving a lasting impression.

These competitions not only put cash in your hand but promote your Band. You will need to register early or go through an acceptance process with small fees to be a performer. They’re usually sponsored by radio stations, sound companies or huge corporations. Seek out Talent Searchs, Tours and Battle of the Bands to compete and “be seen” in your area. No matter how small the Venue; if you come out as the winner, it’s a feather in your cap so toot your own horn and post that big win on your message boards.

The Beatles: A Case Study in the Law of Truth and Karma

treadmarkz — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 17:54:51 +0000

Guest post: Treadmarkz is my brother-in-law, a Human Beatles Encyclopedia and the author of the weblog Treadmarkz.wordpress.com.

Regarding why the Beatles broke up, for years, I was a member of the “Yoko Is Evil” sect. Then for a while I converted to Paul-is-an-Egomaniac-ism. I took it for granted that the truth lay somewhere within these two camps. Eventually I realized the many other factors: John Lennon’s addiction to heroin; the death of the Beatles manager Brian Epstein; their music and individual talents getting too big to be contained within one album; George Harrison’s waning interest in traditional western pop music.

Part of the reason for Harrison’s change of direction was his growing passion for Indian music, philosophy and eventually religion. Recently I have myself become immersed in a faith which relies heavily on the Hindu worldview regarding reincarnation, karma, “Hell” as distance from God rather than a literal lake of fire. I feel my years of Beatles fandom was just a way to get me across that spiritual bridge.

Whenever I meditate on a worldly desire and make a vow to do, or not do any given thing, if I later fall back on that vow, I find that I do face consequences of my action. It’s Karma, its Natural Law, the Law of Truth, whatever you want to call it. A dharma (religious duty) of Hinduism, Christianity and all major religions really is “Do not bear false witness” with an implied “or else…” involved. Mohandas Gandhi wrote of this concept in depth in his “Autobiography.”

In 1967, the rest of the Beatles willingly accompanied Harrison to Wales for a weekend seminar on Transcendental Meditation, and to India the following spring for an extended course. Though the course did not make religious faith a priority, there is always an aspect of spirituality with meditation, and where there is spirituality, there is a connection with God on one level or another. Whether one accepts it or not, that door is opened at that time. The importance of the Law of Truth is, hence, heightened.

Before the Wales seminar, the Beatles were on top of the world having just released Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band and the single “All You Need Is Love” that summer. They were the voice of the youth movement. What happened?

Two of the Beatles’ best-known songs are “Can’t Buy Me Love” and “All You Need Is Love”. Could the Beatles have written, recorded and performed these songs for profit, all the while living the lavish and, lets face it, decadent lifestyles they did without Karma rearing its ugly head?

While they were at the Wales seminar, their manager died. But things still seemed good six months later when they left for India. While in India, John Lennon flirted with the idea that their next move as a band should be to become “spiritual leaders.” For the course, they were to give up all non-prescription drugs for mental clarity. But none of them gave up smoking pot and once they got back from India John went back to LSD and soon started using heroin. Even George never gave up his rock star lifestyle while scolding other rich people in a song called “Piggies.”

Even though they wrote about 40 songs in India the following spring and seemed to be very together, as soon as they got back from India, everything seemed to fall apart rapidly. From the beginning of the White Album sessions in May 1968 there were bitter arguments. This was followed by Yoko entering the picture, a bitter struggle for power in the band, and a very bitter court battle which eventually tore the band asunder.

Was Yoko’s presence a catalyst to bring on the negative Karma the Beatles collected through their non-adherence to the law of Truth? What about the death of Brian Epstein? Another example of Karmic retribution on the band? Surely not as their Karma should not have dragged Brian and his very life into it. It may have been Karma from past incarnations that caused them to have to go through such a tragedy together, but that is a different story. The disaster of Apple Corps., and the resulting lawsuits over money which ended the Beatles, however, seem like fitting Karmic retribution for years of singing about love being more important than money, all the while making money and lifestyle the most important thing in reality. And Lennon must have known it, as one of his first solo singles was “Instant Karma, where he sang “Instant Karma’s gonna get you” and “we all shine on”, meaning “we all have to live with the consequences of our actions, so be careful.” Indeed, his band had fallen mightily from grace.

Beatles Rock Band Set To Go British Invasion on Your Video Game Console in September!

treadmarkz — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 05:24:28 +0000

Guest post: Treadmarkz is my brother-in-law, a Human Beatles Encyclopedia and the author of the weblog Treadmarkz.wordpress.com.

Well, clearly the beef between Apple Corps and Apple Computers that started a while back is still bitter as ever, and unfortunately this will deny listeners who live and die by the iPod access to the Beatles music. But, lo! Here it is! The Beatles Rock Band arrives in stores on September 9th!

The upcoming release of the Fabs’ foray into the gamer world is exciting for me. Because it is yet another confirmation of what I have been telling the Musicgoat for years: the Beatles, as a cultural phenomenon, will never – yes I said Never – die.

If I had an Xbox, Playstation or Wii, I would definitely shell out the $99.99 to get myself an imitation McCartney violin bass, or a Harrison twelve-string Rickenbacker which is included for use with the game. I would have liked more information on what specifically is included in the Special Edition. For $249, you want to know, and you want time to save up for it if it is what you want. I am sure it is not worth it unless you get an imitation Beatles sitar, Moog synthesizer, harmonium, tape loop machine, wind machine, and calliope, so I can play the Beatles’ studio-era music to the full effect.

But even if not, wow, music in video games has come a helluva long way since the Mario Bros theme song, huh?

Your 13 Step Guide To Becoming a Beatles Fan

treadmarkz — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 01:12:20 +0000

Guest post: Treadmarkz is my brother-in-law, a Human Beatles Encyclopedia and the author of the weblog Treadmarkz.wordpress.com.

I am sure you have heard all the hubbub, but maybe you never quite knew what it was all about, this thing, this MANIA called the Beatles. If you have been thinking of getting into the Beatles (and I mean really into the Beatles, not just buying their latest Greatest hits compilation) this is not the Beatles’ Top 12 Best Albums, and I am not reviewing each album. This is just the order you need to buy them in, in order to feel the full effect of what they did.

The chronological order in which they were originally released seems like the most sensible way to do it. But this isn’t sensible. If you get into the Beatles you have to be prepared for a little disjointedness and things that come out of left field. You don’t have to follow this guide exactly, and as you will see, I give you opportunities to make your own choice. Also, this is just the original Beatles Music we are talking about here, not Let It Be…Naked, or the Love Album. Having said that, I give you…The List:

1. Rubber Soul, 1965: This is the album that really showed the progression starting to happen. The two previous albums showed a little bit of experimentation, but it was more superficial, whereas the progress the Beatles made on Rubber Soul had some substance. Better lyrics and more interesting innovations musically. But the main reason why this is the first Beatles album you need to get is that this shows where they had been and where they were going, musically.

NOTE: If you are going to get the Beatles Past Masters I & II albums (compilations of songs that are not on their albums), and I recommend you do, I think you should get them at this point. They will help guide you through.

2./3. A Hard Day’s Night, 1964/Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Heart’s Club Band, 1967: Okay here is where you get to make a decision on your own. No matter which of these two you choose first, these are the next two albums you need. You will find out quickly from Rubber Soul what you like about the Beatles. So if you liked the poppy, peppy, happy songs from Rubber Soul (mostly Paul’s) then your next move would have to be A Hard Day’s Night. It is the first Beatles album which was composed entirely by the Beatles themselves. No cover tunes. A big step for the Beatles and mankind.

If you found that in Rubber Soul you got more from the down-tempo, more thoughtful songs (mostly John’s) then I would move forward and make your second pick Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Heart’s Club Band. This is where the progress they were making on Rubber Soul completely came into fruition. Though John did not do as much on Pepper’s as on Rubber Soul, it was his infusion of Bob Dylan-like lyrics into the Beatles repertoire which strongly affected the music on Pepper’s.

4. Revolver, 1966: If your last pick was Pepper’s, you will want to know how they got from Rubber Soul to Pepper’s. It was a hell of a jump, musically, but with Revolver you get to fill in the blank, while still getting a taste of pre-Rubber Soul moptop from Paul. However, if A Hard Day’s Night was your last pick, then Revolver will serve the purpose of blowing your mind. Get ready.

5. Abbey Road, 1969: Simply the Beatles final recorded album giving generations of rockers something to strive for. This is the benchmark.

It was important that you get a taste of every era of the Beatles music before we move on. Now that you have, with the core of the band’s progressive era covered, you need an album that can show you everything that the Beatles were capable of. And I think from country, to reggae to hard rock to classical, we can only find the answer in….

6. The Beatles, aka The White Album, 1968: The Beatles was an album that, like Rubber Soul, gives listeners a chance to decide what they really like about the Beatles. Did you like the straight up rock songs, or did you like it when they tried something unusual for pop/rock? Well the White Album gives you a little bit of both with a splash of something new…Heavy Metal! This is the album that brought us “Helter Skelter” but it also has a few other head-bangers like “Everybody’s Got Something To Hide Except Me and My Monkey”, “Birthday” and “Yer Blues” which is really metal-blues. So if you are hooked on the Beatles, and at this point you should be, then you are probably ready for a double album. Go for it. You will not be disappointed.

7. Help!, 1965: Time to cool it down again. Time for something a little more predictable yet captivating. Help! came out just months before Rubber Soul, where we started. This one is just full of great songs, and I think that is what we need right now. “Yesterday”, “You’ve Got To Hide Your Love Away” “Help!” and “Ticket To Ride” are all essentials and they are all here. This album will prove that song after song about love can still be interesting! And if you like it, then…

8. Beatles For Sale, 1964: Now we are really getting back to the moptop days. But this one is interesting because, just like Help!, it shows of the Beatles country/folk chops, without losing that pop flair. There are a lot of cover songs on here as there will be for the remainder. But the Beatles self-penned songs are introspective, and you are able to put yourself in the story. For the first time the Beatles really “take you there” on Beatles For Sale.

9. Let It Be, 1969: We don’t want you to delve too far back into the catalogue. You should probably now pick up Let It Be. Though it is often considered the Beatles most disappointing album, that is only because of what they had done in the few years leading up to Let It Be. They had changed the entire definition of rock music with Revolver and Sgt. Pepper!! So of course it was disappointing for fans to hear them going back to their roots, which is exactly what this is. But you will still get a little taste of psychedelia from “Across the Universe” and “I Me Mine”.

And if that is what you liked…

10. Magical Mystery Tour, 1967: It is kind of like the Beatles trying to expand on the concept of Sgt. Pepper’s but not quite getting there, but it is chock full of great singles, much like the Help! album, but much weirder. “All You Need Is Love” and “I am The Walrus” are on this one, and it is the only place you will get “Strawberry Fields Forever” or “Penny Lane” unless you’ve already got the “1″ album. And if you do, I hope this list has helped you take your Beatles listening further.

11./12. Please Please Me/With the Beatles, both from 1963: The beginning of the Fab Four. These albums show you where the Beatles came from. On these two albums, which really could be considered Vol. 1 and 2 of the same album, they bring you covers of the music that they loved when they were a struggling bar band, and they bring you their hand-written songs in which they use what they learned from the music they loved. To me, it really doesn’t matter which of these two you get first.

13. Yellow Submarine Songtrack, 1999 or the Yellow Submarine Soundtrack: It is up to you which one you get, but there is a huge difference. Either way you are only getting four songs that you haven’t already heard before. But the difference is this: The Soundtrack has the four songs you have never heard before, along with the song “Yellow Submarine” and “All You Need Is Love”, and rest is instrumentals by the George Martin Orchestra, if you are into that. The Songtrack on the other hand, has the aforementioned four “new” songs, and 11 other random songs taken from Rubber Soul to Magical Mystery Tour which appear in the film. It is a nice mix and you can get your fix of a couple of different eras in Beatles music without having to switch CDs.

Welcome to Beatledom, my friends. Enjoy!

The Beatles’ Studio Revolution of 1962

treadmarkz — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 20:03:56 +0000

Guest post: Treadmarkz is a Human Beatles Encyclopedia and author of the weblog Treadmarkz.wordpress.com

Buddy Holly wrote his own songs. Chuck Berry wrote his own songs. Little Richard wrote his own songs. Paul McCartney and John Lennon, being devoted followers of all three, began writing their own songs early, and often. McCartney wrote rough versions of “I’ll Follow the Sun” and “When I’m Sixty-Four” in about 1957. And many of the originals from the Beatles first album were written by John and Paul around that same time. They knew that it set them apart from the other up-and-coming bands.

But rock n’ roll had changed drastically by 1960. Holly was dead, Berry was in jail, Little Richard had become a preacher, and Elvis, the King of Rock and Roll himself, had become a balladeer, more interested in making movies than creating a movement. Rock n’ Roll was in trouble. Balladeers singing already-proven hit songs were running the charts. Nothing new was happening!

Fast-forward to September 1962. The Beatles had just been brought in to record their first professional single at Abbey Road Studio. In June of that year, during their audition, they had brought in a number of original songs that they intended to show off. After playing them all, producer George Martin did not think any of them were strong enough to be a single. He also did not like their drummer, Pete Best.

When the Beatles came back in September with Ringo Starr on the skins, Martin suggested a song called “How Do You Do It?” written by Mitch Murray, a professional songwriter. So the Beatles came in and recorded the song. But they knew it did not suit them. They insisted on having another go at a song they had submitted in June, “Love Me Do”, and they continued to argue for it until they got their way.

Their first single, “Love Me Do” was their own song, as was it’s b-side “P.S. I Love You”. Gerry and the Pacemakers went on to success of their own with “How Do You Do It?” but not as much success as the Beatles. The Beatles version of the song can be heard on the Beatles Anthology 1 CD, disc one.

The version of “Love Me Do” recorded on Sept. 4 would become the Beatles first single, but another version would be recorded for the Beatles first album, Please Please Me a week later. It seems that Martin did not like Ringo’s drumming either, at this point, and brought in a professional session drummer, Andy White.
Many fans now point out how painfully simple and repetitive “Love Me Do” is. This may be true, but the Beatles had taken creative control from day one, and went on to inspire generations of musicians to sing their own songs, and do your own thing. September 4, 1962 is certainly the day “The Sixties” began, at least for rock n’ roll.

How To Succeed In Getting Gig/Tour Press Coverage

Kenny — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 00:06:26 +0000

I recently received a question from a musician who is having more than her fair share of problems obtaining print media coverage in areas where her band is touring.

Hopefully, my advice and ideas that I gave her can benefit you and your band as well should you experience similar difficulties with obtaining print media support for your gigs/tours.

________________________________________________

FROM: Megan

I started touring with my band last fall (we were in New York City before that…), and we are about to leave on another tour for our debut ep. Booking is going as well as can be expected

starting out, but we’re having a hell of a time getting any press…we have a kit and an epk, and a press release, and we send off everywhere, but we’re in that limbo spot where honestly, not many people care about our music enough yet…any suggestions?

________________________________________________

[---MY RESPONSE---]

What has been occurring for several years (if not longer) and, particularly, with local and regional print publications, is a little thing called “nepotism.”

I utilize this phrase to describe print papers that will only devote “ink” (press coverage) to their local/regional up-and-coming musical artists, with the only exceptions being granted for mega superstars or outside artists who are coming into the media sources’ area for performances, of which the latter describes Megan your situation.

And, since you and your band are, indeed, touring and “qualify” for coverage in your performance areas, you should conduct an in-depth search on the web (using Google) for print media in each of your tour stops.

As an example, if you are playing Richmond, Virginia, you should simply use Google to search phrases such as:

* “richmond, virginia print media”

* “richmond, virginia print publications”

* “richmond, virginia music magazines”

* “richmond, virginia arts and entertainment magazines”

* “richmond, virginia daily newspapers”

* “richmond, virginia weekly newspapers”

or similar key phrases.

You should then contact the print editors or music editors in each area where you will appear and inform them on your upcoming performance location, i.e., name of venue, date, time, etc. and also request if the editor would be interested in interviewing you/your band in advance of your performance.

At this time, you should also direct the media to your website for advance review of your music, biography, etc. With print publications, you can do interviews via telephone, or if the media prefers “in person” interviews, you could simply schedule the interview earlier in the day, prior to your performance, which will mean you will need to get into town a bit earlier than

normal set-up time.

You should also bear in mind that, with print publications, “lead time” (the amount of advance time publications require to review projects before writing about them) is very crucial in order to ensure media coverage.

Daily newspapers, generally, demand a minimum of 2-3 weeks “lead time” and, possibly, longer depending on the publication. The “trick” is to stay anywhere from 3-4 weeks ahead with the (“lead time”) of each tour appearance.

Example: For an upcoming May 3, 2008 appearance, daily print media contacts should be initiated around April 10th at the *latest*.

Likewise, you should also contact radio station talk shows, television morning shows, prime time talk/interview shows, television newscasts, and cable music and entertainment shows at *each* station in each of your tour cities.

Should you secure any media interviews, you should then notify other media contacts in the same area that you will be interviewing with the particular source, in an effort to influence other area media to consider you as well, in addition to requesting their reviewing your already-scheduled interview. This can (sometimes) serve to foster a bit of competition between local media, with all being good for the musical group.

To add even better “fuel to the fire,” you should invite all media contacts in *each* area out to your performances. This can, potentially, serve as background media coverage *after* you have performed, and the opportunity to get TWO bits of media coverage, thus, prolonging your exposure in any single given area.

Be sure to provide complementary media passes for all local media contacts that have agreed to come out to the show, as well as inform the venue owners of the media contact names. This should be tightly coordinated and confirmed with venue owners or managers prior to the show.

While this seems a bit more work, as you can see, there are definite advantages as well as “extra” opportunities for media coverage within a single tour location if conducted well.

Now, multiply this degree of opportunity within *each* tour area, and you are likely to create quite a buzz on your tour route as well as have a degree of successful results through implementing this proactive process.

________________________________________________

Editor’s Note: Kenny Love is a radio/video promoter and media publicist, as well as co-owner and Director of Marketing for Eartastic Records. Get more information regarding him from his MySpace page at http://www.myspace.com/jazzman795

The Beatles and the Beach Boys Race to the Toppermost of the Poppermost

treadmarkz — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 17:17:53 +0000

Guest post: Treadmarkz is a Human Beatles Encyclopedia and author of the weblog treadmarkz.wordpress.com

The Beatles competed to be the best ever since their days as the Quarrymen in Liverpool in the late 1950′s, and during their stints as a bar band in Hamburg, Germany from 1960-62. This desire to be the best did not stop in February 1964 when they were seen by 73 million people on the Ed Sullivan Show, or in April ’64 when all of the top five singles in the U.S. belonged to them. It didn’t stop when they were the first rock band to sell out a Major League Baseball stadium, when they rocked Shea Stadium in the summer of ’65. Desire, some might say ego, is what pushed them beyond teen idols to legend status.

In December 1965, the Beatles released the album Rubber Soul. The Beach Boys’ leader Brian Wilson would later say it was the first album he’d heard where every song “went together like no album ever made before.” It would greatly influence most of the recording of the Beach Boys’ own album, Pet Sounds, released in May 1966.

Pet Sounds was still very pop-rock, but in it, Wilson and the boys utilized extensive outside instrumentation normally not heard in rock n’ roll recordings. But it was the Beatles who had set that ball rolling with the strings in “Yesterday” and the sitar on “Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown)” both in 1965.

Pet Sounds came out just as the Beatles’ work on their next album, Revolver really started to take off. On Revolver, songs like “Good Day Sunshine” and others emulated the Beach Boys vocal style, and “For No One” was in some ways indebted to the baroque musical stylings of Pet Sounds.

Well, with Revolver, the Beach Boys knew that the Beatles had taken it to another level. Pet Sounds may have been a very tight, unified album, but the Beatles managed to work endless styles of music into the mixture and still end up with an album that felt like it really fit together.

Wilson quickly set to work, earnestly trying to up the anty. He enlisted even more outside musicians, and more outside songwriters to help create a soundscape that had never been heard before. The album was to be called Smile, and was to be less of a collection of songs than an album-long sound collage. Then came February 17, 1967, the day the Beatles released the double A-side single “Strawberry Fields Forever/Penny Lane”.

Brian Wilson was driving in his car one day when “Strawberry Fields Forever” came on the radio. He immediately pulled over to the side of the road to just listen.
After the song ended, he went to tell his bandmates and his other collaborators, “you know what, guys, let’s just forget it.” The Smile project was shelved, and a watered down version of it, called Smiley Smile was later released. Meanwhile, the Beatles released the iconic Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, and, for the second time in their careers, became the new voice of their generation.

The Beatles themselves seem to have lost the spirit of competition after that. They released the double-EP “Magical Mystery Tour” and three more great albums before breaking up. Many argue that either Rubber Soul or Revolver were greater albums than Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band was. But it was in 1967 when they truly reached the pinnacle, having shaken off all competition creatively.

Jeff Healey, 1966-2008: While My Guitar Gently Weeps

treadmarkz — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 03:13:27 +0000

Guest post: Treadmarkz is a Human Beatles Encyclopedia and author of the weblog treadmarkz.wordpress.com

Jeff Healey, the blues/rock/jazz guitarist who gained fame in the late-80’s with the song “Angel Eyes” passed away Sunday from cancer. He was 41.

The Canadian-born singer-guitarist had retinoblastoma, a form of ocular cancer which first developed when he was one year old, leaving him blind for life.

He began playing guitar when he was three, developing an idiosyncratic style of playing, with the guitar`laying on his lap, which, ironically (as his disability was surely seen as an impediment) allowed him more freedom in chord structure. In recent years, Healey has stepped out of the limelight and embraced jazz music, another love of his.

I cannot say that I was a fan of Healey’s, in fact I did not know much about him at all. But when I went to the internet to listen to “Angel Eyes” tonight, I was instantly transported back to the age of 9 when this song was popular. His guitar solo in “Angel Eyes” is one of such depth, not only does it leave an imprint on your memory somewhere, but it has a texture and shape that you can almost see, feel and taste it. But there can be no more fitting tribute, and no better way to exhibit his sheer talent and flair on the guitar, than to post his version of the Beatles’ “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” Enjoy.

The Music of Apocalyptica: Thrash Metal Without Guitars (Video)

Corey Koehler — Mon, 24 Dec 2007 19:29:06 +0000

If you are a fan of metal music, classical music or even both, then today is your lucky day. I was surfing around and came across this video by a band called Apocalyptica doing a cover of Metallica’s “Fight Fire With Fire.”

Now this isn’t your everyday local cover band version either. These dudes put a whole new spin on it. First, as you watch the video, you’ll notice that there are no guitars. Next, you’ll notice that the music is still just as heavy.

I searched around and noticed that Apocalyptica did a few other metal classics like Metallica’s “One” and Savatage’s “Hall of the Mountain King.” You will want to check them out as well.

As you would expect, being a musicgoat, I’m a big fan of this kind of stuff. It opens up doors for fans of one style of music to another style of music.

Hell, this is about as cool as when Pat Boone did “In a Metal Mood.” One minute I’m tapping my toe to “You’ve Got Another Thing Comin” Pat style, the next thing ya know I’m checking out Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett and really digging it.

Anyway, check out the video. I’m going to see were I can download some of this stuff.

Serj is coming!

Brice — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 22:52:17 +0000

Thanks for the introduction CK. Iâ€™m glad to post for you, itâ€™s an honor. Ok, my first entry into the Goat, so here we go. I feel no pressure. (Yea, right.)

Now that yet another of my favorite bands has decided to â€œpursue individual interests,â€ Iâ€™m left again to wonder what the future holds for myself musically. I look to Serj Tankian (lead vocalist, System of A Down) to heighten my interest immediately.

Serj is unloading the bandsâ€™ first solo project on October 23rd, oddly titled, â€œElect The Dead.â€ He has been pushing his project almost overwhelmingly on Myspace.com.

Although only two singles have been released, itâ€™s obvious that this album will not sound much like System at all. Serj amuses with his unique banter of catchy phrases and vocal prowess that has made him into one of the top lead men in music today. Not only can Serj hang with the best of them vocally, he has an artistic advantage due to his experiences in the industry. He knows what sounds good and what people want to hear. He mixes his talents beautifully, all while speaking his ever so opinionated mind. A lot of people can â€œsing,â€ but itâ€™s those who can incorporate voice, rhythm, harmony, and the occasional scream that end up with a true masterpiece.

Although â€œThe Unthinking Majorityâ€ single was an immediate hit with fans and critics, it was leaked out by an unidentified source. Serj later played it off by saying, â€œI released this song due to the chaos of our world today. There are a lot of problems that we all must deal with immediately.â€ Serj always has an issue with something in our government. Although I love the guy like no other, it tends to piss me off a bit that he can never keep it shut. After all, Iâ€™m not interested in â€œDixie Chickâ€ opinions, I just want to rock!

The second and final single that was released is titled, â€œEmpty Walls.â€ It has a catchy feel to it from the start and it never loses its interest. It always makes me feel like Iâ€™ve heard it years ago, but yet I still find myself listening to it. Of the two singles, I feel this is the strongest. Although Serj has only given us a limited peek at his project, it sounds like itâ€™ll be a well-deserved Top 10 seller. Strong opinions aside, as we all have them, I look forward to the album more than I did before the release of the â€œIllusionsâ€ by GNR in 1991.

Two weeks ago Serj announced his plans for a small tour to promote his album and hopefully jumpstart his solo career. It all starts off here in good oldâ€™ Chi-town at the Vic Theatre on Friday, October 12th. Yes, I was online with Ticket master at the moment they went on sale! Serj does not plan on playing any System songs, but hopefully with a little heckling we can get a stellar version of â€œSugarâ€ rocking the small theatre into a madness that has yet to be seen.

After the Chicago show, Serj heads to Canada for a one night show in Toronto, then comes back to the states for 7 shows to fill up the October calendar. Starting November 3rd, he heads overseas, teaming up with the Foo Fighters for a total of 6 shows in Manchester, New Castle, Dublin, Aberdeen, Glasgow, and Manchester.

Finally, Serj wraps up his small tour in cities with larger arenas, such as London, Paris, and Amsterdam. Although Serj plans a larger scale tour in the near future, he has yet to release any of these dates. Iâ€™ve heard rumors it will consist of some pretty big names, but weâ€™ll just have to wait and see.

So mark your calendar for the 23rd of October. I guarantee an enjoyable album that will be listened to for years to come.

No related posts.

Acoustic Hendrix (Video)

Corey Koehler — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 01:28:42 +0000

Here’s something you don’t see everyday. A video of Jimi Hendrix playing a 12 string acoustic guitar. Very nice. Check it out. Related posts:Watch Don Alder Bring it on the Acoustic Guitar (Video) Twenty Fingers and Only One Acoustic Guitar (Video) Music Video For My Memorial Song “Minnesota Got Colder” (My First Video Ever) Related posts:

Some Great New Heavy Metal and a Very Metal Observation

Corey Koehler — Fri, 07 Sep 2007 18:57:31 +0000

As much as I love heavy metal music I really haven’t talked about it a whole lot on the Goat. Today, in the spirit of metal, I just wanted to share an observations, a cool new song from a legend and kick ass band you need to check out.

First, an observation. I don’t know what it is but I’ve noticed that the older I get the better Iron Maiden gets. The other day I was running and listening to my iPod. I was listening to a playlist I like to call Metal Stew when the “Flight of Icarus” came on. Great song and another example of Bruce Dickinson being an awesome singer. The guy has range and can hang on to a note forever.

Next, a cool new song. I’ve been down on Ozzy’s new stuff for, give or take, the last 10 years. And after watching him on his reality series I was a little turned off. However, the so”I Don’t Want to Stop” is just freakin contagious. I’ve been into it for a few months now but I finally downloaded it the other day and I can’t stop listening to it. A good old fashioned heavy metal riff, classic vocals and very inspiring lyrics.

Last but not least, kick ass band. Last spring I was surfing around on CDBaby and I found a band called the Robot Lords of Tokyo. These guys are the shit. I finally ordered the CD a few weeks ago and there hasn’t been another CD in my Alpine since.

They do a very cool version of Motley Crue’s “Knock’em Dead Kid.” I was a little skeptical when I saw the title of the song because lets face it, there is no one like Vince Niel and the song and I go waaaaay back. I’m alway leary of someone messing with a classic. However, they nail it. They make it there own and much more brutal. This version would’ve no doubt incited a few more fights back in the day.

Anyway, check them out the Robot Lords on CDBaby or stop by and visit them on MySpace. If you don’t you’ll be missing out because every song on the CD is excellent (there is no need to forward past any of them). It’s Best new CD I’ve heard since the last Stone Sour.

A Video That is Clever, Funny and All Country

Corey Koehler — Mon, 20 Aug 2007 23:06:50 +0000

The song on this video is pretty funny and I just had to share this with you. I heard it a few months ago on Adam Curry’s Podcast “The Daily Source Code.” I was going to post it then but forgot about it until the other day when a friend of mines wife emailed it to everyone.

The name of the artist is Rodney Carrington and the song is “Show Them To Me.” I don’t know a whole lot about the guy but I do know that his style predominantly country and he writes some damn funny songs.

Check it out and be sure you listen to the words closely because you will crack a smile.

Nano Review 003 – A Jazzed Up Organ and Smooth as Silk R & B

Corey Koehler — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 13:07:06 +0000

When I decided to start this blog I had one thing in mind; share good music (regardless of genre) with you and everyone else I know. I wanted to thoroughly explore the world of music and let you come along for the ride. I knew starting this blog would give me the opportunity to do that and more.

With that said, let me tell you about some cool ass music that until recently was outside of my box (and maybe even yours). Here goes;

Dan Fogel (self described – Jazz, Swing)- Organs aren’t just for baseball stadiums, hockey arenas and churches anymore. Dan Fogel show’s you how damn cool an organ can sound in the hands of a pro.

I loaded his CD “15 West” my car stereo and ended up listening to it for a few days. This stuff is relaxing and yet upbeat. It may have even prevented a little road rage on the way to work the other day. It really puts me in a great mindset to start off the day (ending the day too).

I’m not much of a Jazz guru (it just sounds good to me), but if you want the opinion of one, here is a link to a review of his album “15 West” on the Jazz Times. You would be missing out if you didn’t give Dan Fogel a listen.

Best served with a good food, good conversation, maybe a good book and stressful commutes.

Donnie Williams (self described – R&B, Soul, Rap, Gospel ) – If you like smooth-relaxing-feel-like-makin-love Soul and R & B then Donnie Williams “Just Like Magic” will not disappoint. Donnie sings his stories with inspiring feeling and sincerity. He also has a great voice to go along with a ultra-smooth helping of R & B and soul backing tracks.

This guy was booted off of American Idol for getting a DUI (that he may have not have even gotten…I’m confused too). It was a tough break for him and, in my opinion, for them also.

For more information here’s another review of Donnie Williams in the Daily Republic. You can also check him out on CD Baby.

Best served with mellow evenings, moments requiring inspiration, wine, lingerie, and good lovin.

Make sure you check them out. Each of them can be what is missing from the “best served with” moments described above.

FYI – With the amount and variety of music coming in on a weekly basis there is no way I can really sit down and get to know the songs (and genres) good enough to give the artist a proper assessment. So what I am going to do from now on with these nano reviews is spend a little time to assess what music clicks with me (and/or my friends “in the know”) and then just pass my favorites along to you with a few obnservations.

One thing I won’t do is pretend I know a lot about the styles of music I am going to share with you. I am just going to tell you about a few artists that are making music to my ears and then provide you with a link to that music and reviews from their peers. As always, the Goat is here for you brotha’s and sista’s.

Another Eddie VanHalen Video

Corey Koehler — Wed, 13 Jun 2007 13:02:45 +0000

Did you see my last post with a video of Eddie VanHalen in his home studio? Well Keith Dick over at LifeTimeGamer did and this is what he had to say;

I think he needs a few more cigarettes stuck under the strings on the headstock.. hehe…Nice find keep â€˜em comingâ€¦

I too appreciate the trade mark cigarette on the headstock and since Keith wants more, he gets it. Here’s a video I found of Eddie putting on some sort of exhibition. This isn’t one of his best performances but he has the cigarette and, what I think is, one hell of a buzz.

Check out the video and see if you can guess what his blood alcohol level is.