Katy Perry + Super Bowl = Pure Fun, Tribute to Missy Elliott and Shout Out to Jessie J

Music Wed - Now that the Super Bowl hype and extravaganza have finished, I have two music related thoughts. First, Katy Perry's show was GREAT! The Super Bowl is no longer a game, but a highly staged, intricately choreographed, entertainment spectacle, and Katy Perry's show dialed it up to 11. I loved every weird, over-the-top, disjointed moment. Second was my surprise and total love of seeing my self-declared Queen of Hip Hop, Missy Elliott. Jenelle had the best reaction - for years she has wondered why I have nearly 100 songs on my iTunes library featuring Missy "Misdemeanor" Elliott, but she has never really listened to her, and certainly has never seen her. When I told her that Missy was performing, her jaw dropped (hopefully because she was loving the music!). I understand that Twitter blew up with people loving the "new" performer featured in Ms. Perry's show - I understand Missy E loved that. She was an innovator whose music still sounds fresher than almost anything else coming out of hip hop right now, including Nicky Minaj and many other pretenders to Missy's throne. Here are a few examples of both her visual and musical styles, both of which were heavily influenced by Timbaland who was just making a name for himself before he hooked up with JT and became a household name. Her videos are trippy, weird spectacles that captured the dark and dense songs she and Timbaland were creating in their Hip Hop Frankenstein Lab. To prove the point, check out "Get Ur Freak On" (http://youtu.be/Ow3O2vIpeGU), "Work Out" (http://youtu.be/zm28EEeyLek), and "Lose Control" (http://youtu.be/jD_k7Ni1btU). She still is the best. As a parting shot, I do want to concede my guilty pleasure - I love Jessie J's collaboration with Ariana Grande and the undeniable, irrepressible Nicky Minaj (while she is not up to Missy's level, she is an amazing performer), "Bang Bang" (http://youtu.be/0HDdjwpPM3Y). Cotton candy? Sure, but it still is fun and tastes oh, so, good. Enjoy!

What If We Lived In An Alternative Universe Where Everyone Admitted That The Eagles Are A Great Band?

Music Wed - I has become accepted to say the Eagles suck; or that the Eagle are corporate sell-outs; or that the Eagles were homogenized, pasteurized, everything-that-is-not-wild-free-and-original-about-rock-and-roll hacks.  In my view, this is not only unfair, but it is simply untrue. The Eagles are great - skilled musicians with angelic voices that can harmonize in a way only the Beach Boys can perhaps (and I stress the "perhaps") approach.  Let me present a number of choice cuts which show the range and dynamics of this band. I am focusing on live cuts to show that they are genuine artists, not studio creations. These guys were and are the real deal. And each time they made a personnel change, they seemed to trade up, such as replacing Randy Meisner with Timothy B. Schmitt, or replacing Bernie Leadon with Joe Walsh. The only sin I can't forgive them for is booting Don Felder from the band. Yes, Don was a pain in the butt, but life with Don Henley and Glenn Frey for 25+ years might make anyone a little testy. The Eagles are, in my view, incomplete without Don Felder. That grievance aside, here are my picks for the best Eagles songs (in no particular order). I have to start with a sentimental favorite, "Lyin' Eyes", which is probably the song that really made me sit up and start to dig into this band, way back in the early '70s as a young music lover sitting in my room reading liner notes (http://youtu.be/WeNBspJGVko). As you will see, their music can be sweet and easy, but their lyrics can bite. Here is an oldies double shot, "Already Gone" (http://youtu.be/MONuZiC6yPI), and "Peaceful Easy Feelin'" (http://youtu.be/pl5nUDIFSS8). Their first Top 10 hit was "Take It Easy" which was a Jackson Browne song that Jackson admittedly states was finished and made better once Glenn Frey added a verse and about girls checking him out in Winslow, AZ (http://youtu.be/eFYXfeoTOLU). I also love their later works, like "Last Resort" (http://youtu.be/LxhngMm4hqs), "Wasted Time" (http://youtu.be/3KrsASHrcgI), and one of my favorite Joe Walsh songs for the band, "Pretty Maids All In A Row" (http://youtu.be/pRSUBH5JFf4). This post has been pretty music heavy, but I feel I need to defend these guys from years of abuse, so I will end with one old song ("Best Of My Love - http://youtu.be/vAoNKK32FiU), one iconic and unforgettable song ("Hotel California - http://youtu.be/_p4JbbcfmX8 - the original version, although I love their acoustic take on this mega-hit), and one tribute song (http://youtu.be/EJfje5A3PUU - as performed by the long-time Eagles collaborator and friend, J.D. Souther, who sounds and plays like "the missing Eagle"). Enjoy!

Lovin' the Brothers Gibb Before There Are None Left To Thank For All The Great Songs!

Music Wed - I love the Bee Gees - ok, I came out and said it. I love their early, melancholy songs; I love their 70's era disco masterpieces; and, yes, I love the schmaltzy '80s songs they wrote for others when no one was buying their music (but secretly were when they bought Barbra Streisand, Kenny Rogers, Dolly Parton and other '80s era hit makers who took Bee Gee penned gems and made people love this band a third go-round). Here are some of my highlights. First, I dig the old stuff which often featured Robin's warbly tenor voice which I find so expressive. First, a pairing of "I Started a Joke" (http://youtu.be/0QTQdAKUZmA), followed by "Lonely Days" (http://youtu.be/7Nr9lTS61O0) - wow, still dig these songs. Next, let's not just dip a toe, but take a full plunge into Disco with these tasty morsels: "You Should Be Dancin'" (http://youtu.be/_JoZS6LgqYI) - you will notice Andy joins the brothers for this video! - followed by "Night Fever" (http://youtu.be/-ihs-vT9T3Q) - I picked a version with the lyrics, which are so silly and fun - and ending with their disco ballad, "How Deep Is Your Love" (http://youtu.be/XpqqjU7u5Yc - also with lyrics as a bonus). Let's end with an example of one of the Bee Gees hidden hits from the '80s, as sung by the masters themselves - "Islands in the Stream" made famous by Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton, but never sung better than by the Brothers Gibb (http://youtu.be/OcsW9pdSKMs), and "Guilty" as performed by Barry and Olivia Newton John, both sounding pretty good in their 60s (http://youtu.be/oT0G5aFR7pE).  Quick bonus cut - "Too Much Heaven" - just too much goodness to leave off this list (http://youtu.be/nREV8bQJ1MA). Enjoy!

Southern Rock vs. Texas Blues -- Both Are Winners in My Book

Music Wed - Two genres which arose around the same time, the late 60's and early 70's, continue to bring me joy and open little surprises with the discovery of deep cuts from the competing genres' various masters. I am talking about Southern Blues Rock and Texas Blues Rock.  Let me highlight the masters of each style and see if you can recognize and appreciate the differences - and just for kicks and giggles, I will pontificate a bit on these differences. On the Southern Blues side you have the three pillars of this style - Allman Brothers Band, Lynyrd Skynyrd and Molly Hatchet, while the Kings of Texas Blues are best showcased in the music of ZZ Top, Stevie Ray Vaughn and currently Gary Clark, Jr. It is interesting to me how each of these styles adopted, somewhat serendipitously and I'm sure somewhat consciously by way of musical competition, and each style follows very predictable format, approach and even band composition. Southern Rock bands are large - a rhythm guitar (or two), at least two dueling lead guitarists, two full drummers with usually an additional percussionist, and, of course, a master keyboard player who is at home on a honky tonk piano as well as a Hammond B3 organ and who can challenge the guitarists for the lead solos. The vocalists are weary, hard living men with gravely voices. In contrast, Texas Blues bands are stripped down trios or, at most, a four piece band which features a stunning lead guitarist, and then the combo of a  bass player with drummer who possess separate bodies and instruments, but share one musical groove, and occasionally an organ, but only for support and atmosphere. For the Texas bands, the vocalists are minimalists - they growl out just enough lyrics to get you to the guitar jams. Let me exemplify - on the Southern Rock side, let's pick the Allman Bros.' "Done Somebody Wrong" (http://youtu.be/Pe_f46DBYU0), and "In Memory of Elizabeth Reed (http://youtu.be/abwC5mwlg94 -- this is a great original cut showing the gone-too-soon Duane Allman on slide guitar); for Skynyrd, I will pick "They Call Me The Breeze" (http://youtu.be/EsIqEq9OFxE) and "Gimmee Back My Bullets/Simple Man" (http://youtu.be/1lbrWxAOWAQ), and finally from the much less known, but in my opinion equally enjoyable, Molly Hatchett, we'll take on "Whiskey Man" (http://youtu.be/kKxnI2JNyVM).  I will give out a shout to the Marshall Tucker Band - do some snooping and you will find some gems to kick back and enjoy like "Heard It In A Love Song" (http://youtu.be/pNSzKPa96vQt -- got to love the swap of the rock flute for the usual southern-staple, the harmonica). For the Texas Blues bands, ZZ Top deep cuts include "Just Got Back From Baby's" (http://youtu.be/hxQOO63RnRQ) and "I'm Bad, I'm Nationwide" (http://youtu.be/gWttL4gs078). Stevie Ray is, to me, on a par approaching Jimi Hendrix for his skill and originality, and nothing shows those skills better than his classic take on "Little Wing" (http://youtu.be/NNgcKoJAYgs) and "Chitlins Con Carne" (http://youtu.be/Um1lA9m4wL0). Gary Clark, Jr. has been heralded as the the new blues guitar hero, and he showcases his vast talent on his new live album, which I highly recommend. To get you started, take a nibble on these tasty treats -- "When My Train Comes In" (http://youtu.be/tOeFJF3tTSU), and tradin' licks with John Mayer on "Born Under A Bad Sign" (http://youtu.be/RyFs13mMtPo).  Enjoy!

Music Wed - Some More Tool Tunes with Player, Wings, FGTH And Van Halen

Music Wed - I was all set to do something else this week when I heard an old fave "tool tune" which made me go down a totally different path. So, covering multiple decades and genres, and with no common theme, here are some more of my tool tunes which I love even though I may not always want to admit to others that I always sing along with these when I hear them. First is Player, with "Baby Come Back" (http://youtu.be/DDYBin9QZJc) - super cheesy? Sure. But that is part of its late '70s charm.  Next is Wings and one of Paul's many "silly love songs" (another tool tune!) for Linda - "My Love."  I crank it every time I hear it, and here is a great live version (http://youtu.be/qGStwcniqyI). Wings is way overlooked for memorable '70s bands. Denny Laine was a perfect partner for Paul and helped fill the void of no Beatles. I want to jump forward to the '80s with two songs I love to catch on Pandora or any other streaming service because I never get tired of them - Van Halen's "Hot For Teacher" (http://youtu.be/UXQYcNSNIb8) - gotta love a song that features great opportunities for both an air drum solo AND an air guitar solo! - and Frankie Goes To Hollywood and "Relax" (http://youtu.be/y64T-kYQ2B8). "Frankie Says" this song is irrestible. Good stuff when you are riding around and catch one of these oldies, but goodies. Enjoy!

Japanese Mechanical Dance Music and J-Pop Metal Thrashers - wild stuff that you won't want to miss!

Music Wed - I have been in weird moods lately as I have composed these posts, and today will be on exception. But, I say this - if you have skipped checking the songs from my last couple of posts because they just don't fit your preferences, please check out what I have here because I am sure you have NEVER seen anything like this.  I find Japanese culture very strange and fascinating, and the Japanese people are absolutely unique in their societal bonds and the lengths they go to protect, strengthen and preserve their communal society. But, with all the conformity, Japanese artists are wildly individualistic, and I have two shining examples which show their unique creative and ground breaking/genre changing artistry. First is from the group World Order who mock and comment on the highly organized, mechanized and ritualized aspects of Japanese society by playing the roles of the ultimate conforming businessmen - long a mainstay of the Japanese economy and an expression of the Japanese approach to business and societal norms.  I absolutely love these guys and their cool mechanical songs expressed with their mind blowing choreography, and "Welcome to Tokyo" is a great example of the beauty and somewhat subversive commentary on Japanese society (http://youtu.be/IDAlZ7PDMDU) - I can assure you that watching them will be enjoyable, but their song also will worm its way into your mind and you will be thinking about it the rest of the day. Next is a recent phenomenon which defies any conventional description. What would happen if you mixed preteen J-Pop with hard core metal music? The answer is the hottest band in Japan right now, Babymetal.  I defy you to say you have seen anything like this group of hard core shredders for musicians combined with the perfectly cutely adorable J-Pop princesses who dance and sing in front of their ghoulish band. Too wild to really describe in words, so please watch "Gimme Chocolate" (http://youtu.be/WIKqgE4BwAY) and "Catch Me If You Can" (http://youtu.be/g2c3MM3zf0Y). Too wild; so fun; and, to me, irresistible. Check this out - you will not be sorry, and you might even become a fan of one or both. I love them for their differences and similarities in terms of what they're trying to express, so Enjoy!

Bring Back the Talk-Box - Rock's Forgotten Guitar Hero's Friend

Music Wed - Among the weird things I love is the use of the "talk-box" in classic rock songs. Now, if you are under 40 years of age, this posting will be like a musical archaeological dig because, with a few notable exceptions like Slash, Dave Grohl and Jerry Cantrell, virtually one has really used the talk-box in a popular song since the mid '80s. If you are over 40, then don't pretend you have never heard of this oddball, cool device which allows a singer to sing his lyrics through the notes he is playing on a guitar. You can legitimately debate the merits of this early attempt at synthesized musical combinations, but you can't deny you know (and probably secretly dig!) at least one talk-box song.  For the younger readers, this device works as follows - the singer/guitarist routes his voice through a clear rubber tube next to the microphone through the guitar and then plays the guitar for a voice-merged-with-guitar sounds emerging as the final result. To pull this off, you need to be both a decent singer, as well as a skilled musician who can jam sufficiently well to make a synthesized voice sound cool coming out of a guitar. I rue the day musicians stopped playing with this device because it adds such a fun and unique combination of skills to any song that makes the song unforgettable.  Here are my favorite talk-box songs (all of which should be no surprise to you over 40 readers). First is the great Joe Walsh's classic jam on "Rocky Mountain Way", which is a song that not only has a lengthy talk-box solo, but also includes comical lyrics and just good old fashioned axe work on the Gibson guitar that Joe has always favored (http://youtu.be/F1uWA7VPGiE). Obvious choice, but Joe is an endearing figure among rock guitarists and he does make the best Rock-Guitar-Faces when he plays. Next on any list like this has to be Peter Frampton's epic live version of "Do You Feel Like We Do" (http://youtu.be/y7rFYbMhcG8) - no one did more for the talk-box than Mr. Frampton because of the 20+ million copies of Frampton Comes Alive which have been purchased, not to mention the constant plays on 70's FM radio of the full jam version of this song - as an aside, I will never forgive AM radio for its insistence during the 70's on the three and one-half minute song limitation which resulted in lame, chopped-up versions of so many great songs, this one included. No RIP to AM radio - your passing is not missed.  Since most talk-box songs last at least 8-9 minutes in length, I will end with only one more classic - Motley Crüe's "Kickstart My Heart" (http://youtu.be/1PJOHbzQwGw).  This is the Crüe live in all their bombastic glory, and Mick Mars gives a very strong showing on his guitar work, including his use of the talk box. Enjoy!