Alternative Rock

The Calvera Skeleton Band 2

2015-10-07T17:52:00.001-07:00

I have watched more of the Calvera Skeleton band videos. I will share my comments.

Roll The Bones

Roll the Bones has a title that I expected a more poppish tune. But an old 50's swing era singer leads this soft and slow song. A female trumpeter takes center stage who I may have recalled seeing in another video. The video is simple with the band members performing on a bright-colored twirling platform. One lyric that stands out is

Dance away the sins of old

This theme appears again in Red. The song ends with a peace-inducing jazz instrumental. Only this has a clearer shallower sound with better percussion.

When Everything Was Alright

When everything was alright has a 90s power rock beat that would be perfect for radio. The vocals and music have variety going from each verse and chorus. The few sentences that are repeated enough and the heavy rock beat make this a perfect song to be performed live at clubs.

The Clown Who Stole Christmas

An Australian Didgeridoo is played at the beginning of The Clown Who Stole Christmas. A video that is part of the Skeleton world series. This screams ORIGINALITY. Settled in a nice mansion by a warm fire on Christmas day. Looking out the window, are they in London? Some really nice paintings with golden frames. Apparently these videos are paying off big time for them. I think the audio recording was from a band member's actual Christmas experience! Haha this should be a one act play at high schools.

The clown is a very strange looking cat. And when the main couple meets family or friends at the Arroyo Grande. They appear to be meeting 3 very strange magi that want them to step into the orange and blue vortex. Why is Al Roker with the voice of Macy Gray part of their family?

The Art of War is read with AUTHORITY. They realize the spider has been taken from the Christmas tree. And the guy on the far right has very nervous guilty energy. They try replacing it with an orange palm and Garfield. Neither one fit on top of the tree. Nervous energy dude brings her a pot holder. She rightfully hits him with it. But she thanks him for his kindness. We know that he is innocent. And the clown has appeared. He is captured and wrapped with Christmas Lights.

Man! I thought my holidays were rough. The Skeleton Band song Wondrous Night plays. A decent peaceful Christmas song. And a main reason I enjoy their videos is that despite the skeleton masks there is a warmth and humor to each video.

I Wanna Be A Beatle

I wanna be a Beatle at midnight. The fake band Wanna Beatles has wannabe etched into their title. The beginning of the video gives off this Hard Day's Night crazy fame vibe. During the video Indy Rock Skeleton Band alludes to the following Beatles songs and characters:

Norweigen Wood,

Within You Without You

No Reply

Won't Be Long

Penny Lane

Abbey Road Cover

spoof on Abbey Road Cover

Paul McCartney look a like

John Lennon look a like (most notably on penny lane portion)

Helter Skelter

Strawberry fields

Eight days a week

Revolution

Because

I am The Walrus

Word

Such a wide variety of Beatles songs are alluded either in obvious visual ways or sung. And more subtly with different vocal beats. They also used British decorated guitars. The Beatles had such a unique brand that gave each of their songs a signature Beatles sound.

But Michael Jackson sneaks in as the man on the far right at 3:25.

Red

Red has Calvera Skeleton band signature guitar sound. However, the lead singer is trying a different type of singing. A more classic rock, even 80s rock style. I don't know the significance of Red. But I may infer the theme has to do with love. Because of the Roses and because the singer wants to atone for the wrong he has done. When the band comes into the picture watch for the lead singers doppelganger.

Rock Til You Die 2015

Rock Til You Die 2015 is their signature rock anthem redone. A clearer, louder sound with added solos. They are in simpler more open space. And the song becomes more badass than the older version.

The video features a moon with buildings sideways like in the interior universe of San Andreas Grand Theft Auto. In fact, you feel like you are in an unknown dimension in a secret world. The ground doesn't look solid. One false move and you could plummet endlessly. A great guitar solo that is as exciting as any I have heard. From the road we go to volcanic beaches. These guys take risks. Back on the moon again. We finish near the Witch's castle.

Bonehead and the Groupies

Bonehead meets his groupies in a library that needs a new floor. Rock til you Die is played with Hippish sounds mixed in. The wolf-haired drummer is overtaken by his groupies. As they go down the non-fiction section, across to the sports section. This band remains a mystery.

The Calvera Skeleton Band

2015-09-23T17:25:00.001-07:00

Folks I introduce to the stage tonight a terrific indie rock band you should hear before everyone else. The Skeleton Band

I plan tonight to feature my analysis of 3 of their songs. I chose randomly from their youtube repertoire hoping for a good cross section.

Only For Love

Only 4 love has a Spanish sound. The drummer has a Spanish pirate hat like a conquistador.

Impressively, the singer's diction is good in all their songs. So if you listen a few times, not only can you understand all the lyrics, but you can piece together the story /theme of the calvera skeleton band's focused lyrics.

I love the child hippies around 2:17 haha It's woodstock baby! Great guitars throughout. These Indie rock artists will be good at your live bar / restaurant. And in the video is a solid authentic performance. Special effects exist but you feel it was one take like they are doing a live one act play for you. The skeleton costumes ease both tension of performing and the viewer watching. As most indie rock bands would hope for it becomes only about the music. Which is interesting with a rocking beat. Only 4 Love is upbeat and great for a cultural festival.

Would love the band to comment on why this artist was chosen for this video and the main concept behind the sound of Only for Love. While the grim reaper creeps around he doesn't attack the hippies. The pink-haired person has a clear devotion to Bob Marley. Elvis dude rocks out. And don't ignore the preschool teacher on the far right at 2:30 rock dancing to the song.

Rock til' You Die

Rock til you die has a steady bass guitar riff that would make this a concert staple and radio hit. The main few scenes remind me of a more intensely twisted version of the Haunted Mansion from Disney's Magic Kingdom.

Rock till you die is a simple message that will make any manic-depressive listening to this Indie Rock song enter into their happy stage or mania. I hope they don't spend too much cash on unnecessary things or drive to fast listening to this song.

The gray skeleton face person gives the impression rightly or wrongly that he or she is younger than the others. But the great enigma of the Skeleton Band is you don't know or care about anything except the music and the atmosphere. Which is what an indie rock band should want.

The wise old man at beginning has the perfectly suited voice for this pseudo scary theme. You enjoy their fright but you never feel threatened. It is all very good fun. When

Rock til you die

is sung in barritone or low voice it is a moment of having the exact right note. And throughout the vocal tempo matches the music tempo quite well. Making Rock Til You Die enjoyable listening.

My question is who injured the older man's right foot. I think it was the keyboardist who probably tipped the keyboard onto his foot. haha. I like the kids involved playing the long instrument on the ground. what instrument is that? And lastly, I like the hand motions from the front left guitarist. He or she has a great stage involvement. The Calvera Skeleton band is a great live performance.

Fell in a well

Though I just started listening to this great indie rock band, Fell in A Well is already my favorite. The great guitar based opening takes you exploring areas in your mind.

The song is a simple concept to grasp. And if you listen a few times you definitely pick up all the words and laugh at this poor soul stuck in a well. This style of music and singing would work well if this indie rock band parodied the song of some pop rock artist.

So many examples of great humor throughout Fell In A Well music video. They throw down a rope in a noose and take his head off. haha. Searing guitars over the main beat.

Get those kids off the top of the well! I hear the girl from the ring climbing up the well. The only unfamiliar lyrics from the chorus probably relate to the cave that is featured in the background. What cave is this?

Props to the drummer dude for saving papa calvera. Initially he can't get his drums together before the guitar solo opening ends. Screw it! I will throw the rope down the well instead. He better hurry as the grim reaper is too close to the stuck man for his comfort. Finally, he seems to be out of the well but his body and legs are mysteriously floating near the top of the well.

Looking to the giant castle-like wall and the orange sky on the far left. You have to set this place in Palestine, Iraq, Madrid, or your local police station. This band and song is better than my above attempt at humor. Enjoy the Skeleton band's humor and music from their song Fell in A Well.

Let's continue to listen and discover songs from this great Indie Rock band. Their best is yet to come!

Learn and follow this Indie Rock Band.

Creed Human Clay

2015-09-16T16:21:00.000-07:00

Scott Stapp was inspired by the Holy Spirit when he wrote Creed's Human Clay. Clay is what our bodies are but the soul lasts forever it is where God's Spirit dwells Inside Us All. This music and lyrics can walk you through good and bad times.

Creed Human Clay lyrics include the rarely heard Young Grow Old.
The tracks in their order:
Are You Ready
The first rock album I ever heard. I was disappointed I didn't have my Now 3 CD for the long trip from Marshfield MA to Fredericksburg, Virginia to put my oldest sister in college. I complained and she gave me Creed's Human Clay to listen to. I certainly didn't grasp the whole meaning of the album right away. At around 10 years of age I simply liked the rock beats and could day dream about having glory amongst my classmates. I remember the day dreams being strongest towards the end with the countdown and Life has just begun.

Are You Ready is a powerful opening song for an album. It has sort of a Native American guitar beat. Which Scott Stapp has Native American roots. Also at first listen one thinks he is talking about someone else when he says, "Hey Mr. Seeker", and "Hey Mr. Hero." But he is talking about you.

What If
Here is a music video I never knew existed.

My perception of this song was always hazy, jaded, and apathetic imagery. The song being about fighting against unjust people or against your own bad habits. The lyrics sort of have a old testament biblical analysis of our words. But here is a music video that brings fresh insight and production into some of the strangest imagery I have ever seen. I will try to make sense out of this bizarre video if at all possible. Give me a minute to get over my WTF moments.

Analysis: Made for Scream Movie. Creed was asked to produce music for Scream. Hence the Scream theme.
Beautiful
Creed Beautiful
Falling for the love of a woman. Around 2:40 is a beautiful solo. Marriage seem to Strip Scott Stapp of joyful emotion among other things.

Say I
Creed Say I

For me, at least, It's enjoyable to clearly hear the frantic, fraction, focus part. As the CD i had always skipped there and it sounded like he was cursing. If you like foul things you may enjoy the audience members in their woodstock show.

Say I certainly seems to be in the same contention as My Own Prison in terms of taking blame. Say it was you, admit your sins and failures if you hope to be competitive in life. In whatever form of life you choose to follow. Then march forward. I love the part at the end of the song after the "Frantic, fraction, focus" part. Say I is sung and then goes back into heavy music as the song pushes well past the 5 minute mark.

Great guitar playing by Tremonti. Shows he is not a showoff. That he can play a subtle haunting guitar line throughout the song. It's cool to hear and you are glad a guitarist can take you to this place of sound.

The 1999 Woodstock version of Say I was classic. This could easily be Creed's most important track lyrically, spiritually. Scott briefs the woodstock audience on being open to God's spirit inside them. Although he suggests it indirectly. Conviction in the literal sense.
Not surprising though the forces of hell seem to rise up against something that might get something done for God's Kingdom. It seems as if everyone is led by demons to get extra horny. As nudity hits an all time high for this song of the concert. Could also be editing but I like my theory above. Not sure you could be friends with woodstockers you try to make a message in your song and they don't respond and are liable to knock over the kegs of beer! Haha the men passed out next to dozens of black bags of trash. Only at woodstock.

Woodstock '99
Wrong Way
Questioning what makes us bad / unsuccessful. The music is everything for this song. Mortality is a theme. Could we be on the wrong way?
At 2:26 I love the jiving guitars and the vocal bridge. Scott hopes he left a legacy / answers for others.

Faceless Man
Nature reminds us of all that's real. Silence in the woods will become a spiritual experience for you. Who is the faceless man? You can figure out the answers or save time to do what is right. If you believe in a Higher Power this saves you time. If you are pushed down a path and find success but question you identity, and what you want from life; Be grateful if you now have the independence and opportunity to pursue it.

So easy to think of someone you love and daydream to this song especially around 4:40.
Never Die
Fountain of Youth / Heaven
Hazy dreary guitar line.
What is the meaning of playing out tin the rain?
What is the water he speak of ? Jesus? Certainly youth can last longer if you keep the spirit of a child inside of you. If you like Hard Rock this album is for you, long songs.

With Arms Wide Open
Starts slow and beautiful. Welcoming his son into the world. All the joys and fears of this. The bond between your partner and you after birth is also described.
At 2:40 the solo and vocal bridge dramatize the idea that his son can be open minded in life.
Creed With Arms Wide Open

Higher
Who is Scott talking to? Who is he asking to take him Higher? Escaping the mundane routine of seeing the same people and each doing going to school, work, etc.
Go to a place where there is no disease / addiction. Replacing hate with love.

3:05 solo raises you above it all. 3:21 Scott affirms highness. Dreams have become reality.

Wash Away Those Years
According to a comment on http://songmeanings.com/songs/view/2111/ this song was about a friend of Scott Stapp's who was raped. And also themes of domestic violence are addressed.
A woman who was raped or simply in a bad relationship can close her eyes / meditate. And imagine everything is all right. Tears are a sign of strength. They show a person isn't backing down from the situation by escaping into any type of escapism (denial, distraction, defeat). Instead the person faces them head on with staying power. They cry through the anger/ revenge for tragedy. They go on to make things right in his or her life.
4:23 the vocal bridge speaks of metaphors:

We have crossed many oceans and we lay there in between

In life there are many quotients and I hope we find the mean

My guess is we make many decisions, plans, commitments and we wrestle with them. And of all the factors and variables we pinpoint the solution. Sailing through the ocean and solving a division problems are metaphors you will only find on a Creed Rock album.

Human Clay
Inside Us All
The peace of God surpasses all understanding. You can lose your soul despite fame.

Waiting by the phone to remind me I'm still here

What does that mean?
At 3:01 we are introduced to an amazing guitar line. The song becomes about the guitar. We know Scott's point about accepting God's peace.

Woodstock '99
Despite his awkward presence you can tell the intensity and confidence in Scott Stapp's performance. They make each song loud and heavy. Certainly the heaviest version of In America I have heard. The story elements help to follow along to the song. Only astute the lyrics aren't simply good guys trying to sound godless. But the lyrics are a reflection of Scott's soul searching at the time. You can get a sense of the joy he was getting in being close to the answers. When he sings,

Please mr. prophet man I gave my last dollar can I still come to your show

Scott Stapp is not woodstock's man. He even talks about sin in his song. But he has a microphone talks about what is right and Creed rocks. This shows Woodstocks shallowness and openness to anyone who can rock. Might as well go the right path and not fuck up your life searching for social acceptance. Refer to Say I.
Just an Illusion is normally a somewhat lack luster song. But this is tailor made for Woodstock. And they like perhaps more than Say I. Mark Tremonti is happy to shred and plays a solo into more than I recall it being on the record. That's concert going improvisation for you. When Scott tells his message at the beginning of Say I the band has to keep circling the same notes as a backdrop for his talking. If he can't back that up with an amazing performance you could see how this sort of thing unravels many bands. The tension between singer and group.
Faceless Man is normally a great emotional song. But doesn't seem to fit here. All the slow play and soft singing. The vocal bridge with the guitar bridge was strong. I couldn't sit through in one sitting. Now whether the song was too slow or the topless females had me searching for other videos we will never know!

They go on to kick ass with My Own Prison, One, Unforgiven which really electrified the place. Then a surprise came with Robert Krieger of the doors. Some amazing guitar solos as the sun set. And Scott Stapp took over as Jim Morrison singing Riders in the storm. And ?? They end the show with What's This Life For Robert Krieger playing as an extra guitarist. Great to see the behind the scenes clip with all 4 Creed Members and Robert Krieger in the center being photographed. Scott Stapp and Mark Tremonti appeared to get a long. The fact is Creed delivered at Woodstock 1999.
Scott Stapp
Scott Stapp Holy Spirit writing
The one stable part in Scott's life centered around himself allowing God to direct his lyrics. He was true to God and himself there. He made a deal with God if he did this that Creed would be successful. But Scott had begun taking pills and abusing alcohol. This tore him away from his band mates. And certainly personality clashes. Another band where the lead guitarist and lead singer didn't want to be controlled by the other. Or not have their artistic vision.

Scott talks about responsibility and accepting God's peace in his lyrics. But he didn't do the first part in real life. He abused God's grace by telling himself God would forgive him and gradually pushing the line. It got to the point (it is described in more detail in the links below) where he took twice the legal limit of Adderall. He thought they were harmless because they weren't street drugs. This powerful drug made him psychotic. He drove around the US for a month following the angel on the hood of his car. He carried a shotgun with him. He gave away weaponry, sports memorabilia, and art to random places. Like a church in Mississippi. He believed he was part of Isis and was a real life Jason Bourne sent to Kill President Obama. He believed all his money was stolen. He went days with eating. And posted a video from a Holiday Inn. But he experienced God's grace when he jumped / fell off a building. Rapper T.I. saved his life. He awoke in the hospital to the loving presence of his wife and mother-in-law washing his feet. Time will tell if he stays on the straight and narrow. But. ..

He was inspired by God when he wrote the lyrics to Human Clay. The music Tremonti writes is also inspiring. And these music and lyrics can help you through good times and hard times. This record will Never Die.

Scott Stapp Interview

Scott Stapp reflects

Scott Stapp relationship

Scott's Breakdown

Scott on Mark

Mark Tremonti on Scott Stapp

Scott Treats Bi-polar Disorder

Scott's Adderall Experience
Creed Rarities

Shannon Hoon Songwriting

2015-08-12T19:12:00.002-07:00

Shannon Hoon was certainly a brilliant an ambitious songwriter. He had a jock type of personality. He certainly carried a message with his music. He was a highly energetic songwriter. He did use drugs like Cocaine to heighten his creative focus. He just overdid it and crashed. But he accomplished far more in music in his short life than most musicians do in a lifetime.

To illustrate how Shannon Hoon carried a message look to Blind Melons performance of Galaxie on David Letterman. Letterman gives him this insincere handshake like he wants to get away from Shannon. Hoon purposely holds the shake and goes up and down lol. On their first Letterman performance Hoon had a huge question mark written on his forehead. Kurt Cobain's death was the reasoning behind it.

Late 1995 Shannon Hoon sings with intensity and diction

Hoon was great at personalizing his observations into his songwriting. One example of this is the song St. Andrews Fall. Blind Melon witnessed a person fall off a building while in St. Andrews. This definitely personally affected them. You can hear the song's music crescendo into absolute madness. This simulates the fall. Then the music then pauses. So he was an energetic songwriter.

More examples of his energetic songwriting with his personal message include:
Walk

Walk should be considered an all time great folk song. The song is original. Walk features great harmonica. 
If you study the lyrics: http://www.metrolyrics.com/walk-lyrics-blind-melon.html You can tell it is all about Shanon Hoon's struggles. 

St. Andrews Fall
I still don't know the instrument at the end of St. Andrews' Fall. If you do write the instrument name in the comment section below.

Mouthful of Cavities

Mouthful of Cavities has funny to hear lyrics. Yet the song is sung and played in a very somber or sad way.

Change

Change is so good it baffles me how someone can come up with such powerful lyrics. Hoon has the courage to say things he tried to but may have not been able to do himself. What courage! Haters will say this song is hypocritical, but it is simply a moving song about courage and humility.

Late 1995 Shannon Hoon is tired yet Triumphant

2 x 4

2 x 4 may be about heroin but I think of classic mountain rock when I hear it.

Needle fetal someone's pourin' warm gravy all over me

The way it's delivered is just amazing. He might be alluding to the fact that doing Heroin is like being hit by a 2 x 4.

Toes Across The Floor
The aroooooa chants in toes across the floor. The music video seems to suggest hallucinations. Tripping on acid. etc. 


         Bill Watt highly recommends The VH1 Behind The Music Documentary of Blind Melon. In part, because it illustrates the following point: On one hand the drugs completely ruined Shannon Hoon's life. On the other hand he came up with these brilliant songs in which the drugs must've helped him focus more on the creative part. There's a clip of Blind Melon playing St. Andrews Fall less than a month before Shannon's death. It's like his body's there but he's not actually there. 

Shannon Hoon was clearly losing it don't know how he could write and sing so well. Check this out at the Live At The Metro Concert. Less than one month before Hoon died and he appears to be suffering from drug addiction. His eyes either suggest cocaine come down or Heroin usage. I cannot verify either. The most fucked up I've seen Hoon (not in person) is in their performance of 2 x 4 at the Metro. 

          If you recall last article the destination video was Blind Melon at Woodstock. Where he was tripping on acid. Sadly he kept relapsing on drugs that seemed to Shannon to solve his personal problems so well. The past year of Hoon's life the drugs had taken over. Like most addicts he was probably able to justify this. But he looks good in these final concert pictures from late 1995. He died October 21, 1995.

Late 1995 Shannon Hoon gets the crowd into his words

Bill Watt thought Hoon was pretty high during Soup. Based on the VH1 documentary on Blind Melon he definitely pushed the limits of Cocaine. A drug that turns anyone into an angry jock type figure. Supposedly Hoon dealt with Heroin as well. Some people say his eyes were the result of Heroin. But he might have been coming down from Coke.

If you don't already have it. Here is a link to Soup and you can also navigate to get Nico while you're there. Enjoy!

Blind Melon Rock Studio Album Entitled Soup

Shannon Hoon sang on Nico and wants to be heard. He died before the release of a major Blind Melon album. He had plenty of reason to keep going. As discussed in the other Blind Melon article. I don't believe Hoon wanted to die. Many people simply find that drugs like Cocaine and similar stimulants sharpen their creativity and focus. Even Dr. Wayne Dyer lived by this theory. Shannon Hoon is another case of a person going to far for their art / music. He accomplished a great deal while he was here.

The Youtube Game. Universal and Convenient

2015-08-05T17:18:00.001-07:00

I invite everyone to play the youtube game. Find a buddy anywhere in the world on another computer. You both Start at any video and the first one to get to the chosen destination video by only clicking on and watching featured or related videos wins. In this case, start with this video:

and end with any Blind Melon Woodstock video. The catch is you can only click on the featured or related videos. You have to watch each video in its entirety. So if you keep clicking long videos it will take a while! But enjoy the videos you come across. Videos you would not have watched any other way! Obviously the first person to piece the connection together and arrive on the winning video wins.

In the case of Bill and I. Bill Wins! Bill states,

"Got it. The key for me was Lindsey Buckingham who did the holiday road song. Then tried to find Axl Rose who was friends with Shannon Hoon. Got to the alt rock songs and somehow made it."

Meanwhile, Youtube distracted me by featuring a very personalized video. I picked a 52 minute video of Fr. John Corapi speaking LMAO.

Bill has a winning record over me. 
But remember to watch an enjoy each video. Don't be joylessly focused on winning. Win with soul. You should always be able to talk about an interesting video you went through to get to the destination video. ENJOY

Blind Melon: The Rise and Fall of Shannon Hoon

2015-06-24T14:03:00.003-07:00

      Shannon Hoon is out of control, endlessly jumping on a car. He did this a lot more than the 1995 Blind Melon Galaxie video shows. This was the burning out of Shannon Hoon. Blind Melon guitarist Christopher Thorn says, "I get nauseous when I see that video, just watching Shannon just disintegrate in front of your eyes. . . " 

       Five years earlier, in 1990 Blind Melon formed. Guitarist Roger Stevens, Brad Smith bassist, 

Shannon Hoon vocalist, Christopher Thorn guitarist, and Glen Graham drummer. I love bands with two guitarists. Often times a combination of lead and rhythm guitar produces great rock n roll. The Blind Melon name came from Brad Smith. Blind Melon's biggest hit is their first eponymous album Blind Melon. 

        Blind Melon: Blind Melon is produced so that you can hear the guitar playing of Christopher Thorn in your left ear, and the guitar playing of Roger Steven's in you right ear. Thorn plays rhythm guitar and occassionally mandolin. While Roger Stevens plays lead guitar. 

      The album has a mellow 70s retro rock vibe that makes you feel slight darkness. From the very first chord of Soak the Sin to Time. And there is a dark tone of Hoon being rejected; by religious people in Holyman and by an ex-girlfriend in Dear Ol' Dad. Hoon is expressing his feelings and thoughts for being a highly energetic, sometimes jocular man. He is often misunderstood. 

      Tones of Home has a great beat. Very simply you relate it to your home whether materially or spiritually in the sense of the people and thoughts you feel most comfortable. Much of the album can be related to one's own mixed up life. I always interpreted drive to be about the human trait rather than driving around.  

One of the biggest songs of 90s rock music is No Rain. Blog contributor and musician Bill Watt has no idea what it was about when it came out and still doesn't. Other than the song could be about the simple life. 

All I can say is my life is pretty plain

I like watching the puddles gather rain . . .

So stay with me and I'll have it made

 Others say the song is about having a lover sticking with you through the lowest points of addiction while you are getting your life together. Blind Melon No Rain is a good place to discuss the No Rain's meaning. The guitar rhythm is possibly the coolest I've ever heard. The wolf calls are also cool. The girl in the bumble bee suit ( Heather Deloach) is now an icon. 

Sleepyhouse is an awesome song. Sleepyhouse is a unique guitar song about being content staying at a residence called Sleepyhouse. Friends stayed in a yellow house in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

A look at the album's booklet simply gave me a strong impression that the lyrics are personally meaningful to Shannon Hoon. They are well thought out. To buy the album or shop on amazon click on Blind Melon.

Blind Melons eponymus debut album as a whole is trippy, but simply clean fun compared to their next album Soup.

     A strong track from Soup is Car Seat God Presents. Listening to the song is creepy when you realize it is about a story in the news where this lady (Susan Smith) drowns her kids. 

Blind Melon Car seat god presents

Skinned is about a serial killer Ed Gein who lived secluded in a dark farmhouse for many years. He would kill and skin people. He would use their skin to make lamps and furniture. He obsessed over his mother. 

Blind Melon galaxie signals the end of Shannon Hoon. He must be suffering from cocaine use during this infamous concert. But seriously galaxie may be their best song. However the galaxie video creeps me out.

       Something eerie about it. The kid playing with the chemicals. And him (Shannon hoon) dying shortly after that. The jumping on the car thing apparently went on for much longer.  And the band mates were sad because he was clearly losing it when he was jumping on it. Guitarist Christopher Thorn was quoted saying, “ I get nauseous when I see that video, just watching Shannon just disintegrate in front of your eyes . . .”

      That’s Timothy Leary as the old guy. I guess the theme is the decline of Shannon Hoon. The kids playing with potions, Denis Leary as a wizard, talks about past relationships.  Shannon loved his 1963 Ford Galaxie and would drive it around town when he was aggravated during recording sessions, particularly during the video filming. 

      To Bill Watt the whole thing is as if Death is next to Shannon Hoon. The car gets thrown in the potion, I think the kids supposed to be Hoon. His first love and break up are explored. Shannon Hoon has been this way as a kid. All this energy; he is truly an adventurous man. He was on drugs filming this video. And it's all literally a crash course waiting to happen. I can't help watching it. It's an amazing song but it's one of the eeriest things I have seen.  

       The whole Soup album is beyond eerie buy you can't help but play it over and over.  Definitely pick it up by clicking Soup. 

Both Woodstock '94 and Intimate and Interactive are strongly preferred concerts to check out. While Woodstock '94 got Shannon Hoon good press for bringing his old magic, the Intimate and Interactive concert shows Hoon close to death. Check out the concert version of Galaxie above,  Toes Across The Floor  or the heart breaking version of Change during this concert. Shannon Hoon looks terrible during the concert. Even going back a year earlier he looked much healthier. He has fantastically maniacal energy into his unmatched songs.  He was an incredible songwriter and performer.

     8 short weeks after the release of Galaxie video Shannon Hoon died of an accidental cocaine overdose on a tour bus. He didn't intend to die despite career dissatisfaction. Photographer and good friend Danny Clinch said, "He wasn't at wit's end. He didn't want to die."

Shannon Hoon in interviews seems like a douche. But I believe his jocular personality was necessary to release his brilliant songs. It's a shame the demons get the best of him. But he was an adventurous guy and took risks with Cocaine. Bill says, 

Hard to say if he had the personality to stop he prob wouldn't have had all those good songs to begin with. Unfortunate but it is what it is.

Blind melon is unique because every song on their debut album is intensely personal and doesn't sound like anything else you have heard. Blind Melon's second album Soup featured the song Galaxie that spawned eight weeks before Hoon's death. Post death releases include Nico. This is named after Shannon Hoon's daughter Nico Blue. She had just been born before Shannon's death. All proceeds of the album's sales went to Nico's college fund. This was the last album to feature Shannon Hoon as vocalist. For My Friends was released in 2008, their fourth album. The first album to be released in ten years with a new singer. The band sounds great but will never be the real original Blind Melon. Today Nico is in her early twenties and continues to sing Change at Blind Melon concerts. Bill has never bought Nico because it reminds him too much of Shannon's Hoon's awful demise. But I believe Nico is Hoon's legacy. And it's an album to explore by clicking
Nico.

          Shannon was a great storyteller. He told you all about his life through Blind Melon songs. You feel you know him. He is a tragic figure but he made his musical contribution. Shannon Hoon gave Blind Melon's music and his life an inimitable maniacal energy. His creativity burned very bright before fueling his demise. Hoon is appreciated by true musicians and  music fans. He was a true musician's musician despite being  a very underrated musician. Truly one of the most talented artists. 

Oasis Morning Glory, Champagne Supernova, and Wrap Up

2015-05-20T17:27:00.001-07:00

How great does the song Morning Glory make you feel?
This is the song you most look forward to on Oasis's 90s rock album What's The Story Morning Glory. You become excited listening through the playful She's Electric. The reason the song pumps up your heart is no accident.
The song is straight up written about Cocaine.

All your dreams are made when you are chained to the mirror and the razor blade.

In fact, if you are recovering from a drug addiction, especially one to stimulants the song might serve as a good substitution. Oasis' Morning Glory gives you the feelings of a cocaine high. This is straight up rock and roll. No artistic expressions (unless you consider the helicopter intro artsy) just loud forceful guitars.

I know you Oasis fans are mad fer it already. So here is some free Oasis music.

This is a decent music video. As it acknowledges the climatic guitar solo by having someone score a soccer ball past another. But the video doesn't give full justice to the ear splitting intro and outro of the song. Only the Oasis Morning Glory vinyl album can do that.
(What's The Story) Morning Glory? [3 CD][Deluxe Edition][Remastered]

The next song on the album is Champagne Supernova. People have their own meanings to this epic closer of the What's The Story Morning Glory album. But I love the live versions of Champagne Supernova because the ending was stretched out by 5 minutes with Noel Gallagher improvising solos. Magical! But Noel's take on the song is interesting. Summarized from Wikipedia is a combination of many things:

Someday You will find me caught beneath the landslide in a Champagne Supernova in the sky

Noel Gallagher says, "That's probably as psychedelic as I'll ever get. It means different things when I'm in different moods. When I'm in a bad mood 'being caught beneath a landslide is like being suffocated'."

According to Noel the song was also about believing in a group such as a band ( the sex pistols for him) to conquer the world but they fail to live up to that promise.

And lastly the lyrics

Slowly down the hall faster than a cannonball

is about a British television series called Camberwick Green. It took the host twenty minutes to walk down the hall. Noel couldn't rhyme anything with hall except cannonball.

More free 90s rock music

But when the music company takes that down, Here is the album.

To wrap things up, Oasis What's The Story Morning Glory is ear candy. It's just melancholic enough in terms of the British sensitive voices to make it poignant. And the guitar riffs and energy make it a great way to start a glorious morning!

(What's The Story) Morning Glory? [3 CD][Deluxe Edition][Remastered]

Oasis She's Electric

2015-05-06T13:54:00.003-07:00

This song is certainly about a woman Noel was infatuated with. Oasis She's Electric lyrics describes the song's meaning perfectly. In short, Noel is referring to a women's family. At the end he writes,

She's got one in the oven,

But its nothing to do with me.

This is referring to her having someone else's baby.

She's Electric fits perfectly into Oasis What's the Story Morning Glory as the fun and relaxing song. It is the Digsy's Dinner of the album. This 90s rock Oasis album is very wholesome. The songs have an edge but you could listen to this album with a pastor. So you can very much be at ease. And the lyrics aren't devoid of God.

She's got a sister and god only knows how I've missed her

So the song is simply soft rock that gives you a great feeling. Another enjoyable part of this song is that one of the repeated lines is:

And I need more time

I like taking my time with things to make sure it's done right. In the case of the song it is having enough time for Noel to square his life together to have a future with the girl. In our lives it may mean more time on a project, fitness goal, etc.

So in conclusion, on its own She's Electric is nothing groundbreaking. However, as part of the Oasis What's The Story Morning Glory album it's a relaxing, fun song. The Digsy's Dinner of What's The Story Morning Glory. Enjoy the album!
(What's The Story) Morning Glory? [3 CD][Deluxe Edition][Remastered]

Oasis Cast No Shadow

2015-04-22T15:07:00.001-07:00

Noel Gallagher wrote Cast No Shadow on a train ride back to the studio while recording the 90s music album What's the Story Morning Glory. This was the last song written for the 90s album. Noel Gallagher wrote Oasis Cast No Shadow as a dedication to the genius of Richard Ashcroft. But he is saying Ashcroft has no soul. This is because the song states

As he faces the sun he cast no shadow

In searching the symbolism or meaning of shadow we find it is the essence of a person. Their duality, whether their doppleganger or their alter ego. Their unconscious. To not have a shadow is to be more in never never land than Peter Pan, who desperately fought for his shadow. The Shadow is important.

One great interpretation of the song Cast No Shadow from one of many great Oasis albums is by Tayrn Manning from the Wall Street Journal. Her Interpretation of Cast No Shadow is about an artist's struggle with being heard. Feeling misunderstood and questioning if their music is being felt. Decent interpretation. Below is my fan made video of Oasis Cast No Shadow from their album What's The Story Morning Glory.

Because there is little information on the great track Oasis Cast No Shadow I will convey my opinion on the track. And what I think it means.

.
In general, the lyrics present someone being chained down unable to move. And someone that doesn't have his alter ego or doppleganger. Someone who goes through life quite simply. And Richard Ashcroft I think has a very strong shadow. So I think his tribute A Northern Soul is more complimentary towards Noel than Cast No Shadow is to him. To say someone has no shadow is to say the have no soul. But musically Cast No Shadow is absolutely beautiful. Chorus, harmonies and acoustic melodies.

I know my readers will use a variety of music services. Some will like Rhapsody.
Meet Your New Music Collection! Start Your 14 Day Free Trial Today! Cancel anytime.

Oasis Some Might Say

2015-04-10T12:38:00.001-07:00

Oasis Some Might Say single artwork

Official Oasis Some Might Say music video

Liam Gallagher didn't show up for the video shoot. And so the video is simply footage of other Oasis videos. And what a shame for a career defining song that there is no real video. At least, I really don't like this video. For one, the album version contains the awesome intros and outros and middle guitar solo this video doesn't have. That's unjust. Secondly, you almost get a seizure watching the flashing images in the video. Thirdly, it doesn't line up with my own image of the song which I see as enjoying a summer's day. That was the case when I first received the album for my birthday in 2006. And I listened particularly to Some Might Say on the way to my cousin Kristen's graduation that was celebrated outside on a hot sunny day.

Some Might Say we will find a brighter day

Some interesting tid bits about Some Might Say are that it is quintessential Oasis. And they were on fire during the recording because Some Might Say is an extended play (EP) which means the single contains more music than a single but less than an album. Some Might Say included for b-sides: Acquiesce, Talk Tonight, and Headshrinker. Which all made it to the greatest B-sides album - The Masterplan.

Noel is known for being critical of Oasis' works. If you need proof watch Noel Gallagher Oasis Commentary, but he said that Some Might Say and Acquiesce defined Oasis. Beautiful rock and roll with simple lyrics. The album artwork above is done well. Many of the lyrics in the chorus are showcased in the photo. Not an easy song at all to play on guitar. Some Oasis songs require two guitarists. Have a look at playing an oasis song.

Finally, if you read down to here and are what they call "prudential" than I have for you a better alternative to the Oasis Music video. Yeah I won't leave you hanging. Enjoy this free music from 90s rock and roll. The album version!

If you decide you like it and want a more permanent version. I highly recommend either getting the album What's the Story Morning Glory. Or Download the mp3 of this song for $.0.89 and have it risk free forever by clicking the blue link. Some Might Say

I firmly believe Oasis were on their peak during the Be Here Now tour. And I love their Gmex 1997 (Back where we Belong) performance of Some Might Say.

Some Might Say marked the goodbye of drummer Tony McCaroll. Alan White was ushered in .

Poking fun of 80s music videos: Tears for Fears, featuring Everyone Wants to Rule the World and Head over Heels

2015-04-01T16:55:00.004-07:00

I was watching American Idol 80s night on March 25th, 2015. This instilled in me a desire for free 1980s music and 80s rock music videos. And I heard and loved Tears for Fears Everyone wants to Rule the world. I loved the simple yet powerful 80s beat.

But I discovered that the guy with the mullet makes weird faces at the end of Everyone Wants to Rule the world. This turned into an obsession for my co-worker Justin and I. We discovered so much tears for fears stuff to poke fun of. We found even more to enjoy while watching Tears for Fears Head over heels 80s music video. Have fun with us, let go of any hate and become light-hearted.

Let's start with 1 of two music videos free

Tears for Fears Everyone wants to Rule the World lyrics

This Video has no concept. And Leaves more questions than answers: Where are they driving to? Why does the little mexican boy have two guns? Is that Neil Peart on drums? What is the plane for? But I know why a guy with pant legs tucked into socks and a mullet ponytail goes into a phone booth; it was the 80s.

More questions:
The Black Gas attendants dancing, what are they for?

Black gas attendants move to the left. From tears for fears Everybody wants to rule the world

Black gas attendants move to the right- tears for fears

Bill Watt's first thought is that it was Steve and Stefan stepping out of the machine. He is referring to the hit 90s sitcom Family Matters in which a nerdy Steven Q. Urkel goes into his self-invented transformation chamber in a desire to become more cool and win the heart of a Laura Winslow. Stefan is his cooler self. Justin just laughs.

Even more questions:

When did the normal looking singer (Curt Smith) realize he could sing in the rhythmic retarded way he does?

The more musically inclined Seinfeld looking singer (Roland Orzabel) thinks he is Van Halen right at the song's crescendo.

Roland Orzabel, the guy that looks like early 1990s Brian Regan from the side raises his eyebrows towards the gas attendants as to ask them both out on a date.

Brian Regan, something's wrong with the Regan boy -early 1990s

I do understand the rest of the video during the solo. It's simply all things cool, according to the 80s. Young men resting on cars eating Ice cream. And off road riding. However, I will never understand Roland Orzabel's retarded faces at the end of the video.

About this video Bill Watt says, "we were born in the decade of weirdos but some really unique music."

Tears for fears weird 1985 face

Tears For Fears Everybody Wants to rule the world weird face

Tears for fears weird faces

This endless rounds of poking fun of Mullet guy's faces climaxed when my co-worker Justin and tried watching the Head over Heels video. I don't think we ever got through it with a straight face. You try!

The second of music videos for free
tears for fears Head over Heels lyrics

The lyrics are good and catchy. But . . .

The oddities to notice are: the Red Sox monkey. The Amish dude wailing away at the drums. Like - you guessed it - Neil Peart. The weird worried looks of Roland Orzabel as he sings to the librarian.

Still, the way he finished each line with a high note and the interesting lyrics captivate me to watch again . . . again . . . and again.

The awkwardness of the librarian. The weird faces and posture when he sings Head over Heels chorus. And the way he sings "heels" is all laughable. Try pausing the video.

And then out comes the keyboard. WTF? He says "yeah" after he sings to the librarian. Homeboy Roland has competition! Roland's monkey can't even watch the stoned keyboarder.

The Amish dude checks out Jackie Robinson. Seinfeld is seen stalking the librarian from behind the book shelf. He bops his head out of the space like King Friday of the neighborhood of make believe.
Then he rides an elevator. Yet another WTF moment.

The gas mask dude has apparently never known the pleasure of reading in a chair. But maybe he is protecting the librarian mistress from being shot with a GUN. Don't know if the sign says bang because their production budget was $85 or its a sexual innuendo. But he is rejected by her. In much the same way filming a second take of this video was rejected. It was probably an innuendo because like most women who reject rape she squeezes his nose.

And I agree with Bill Watt that the end of Head over Heels is insanely awkward.

This guy made weird faces in his music videos from 1985

Tears for Fears Head over Heels passionate face

Seinfeld screaming

Roland Orzabel singing to his woman from Head over Heels

Tears for Fears head over Heels

The unbearable to watch ending does have an important message. Justin theorizes that the singing of "your my four leaf clover" and the librarian coming to Roland Seinfeld's desk signifies her wanting him. The stalker has turned the tables. He has opened the doors to romance. Let's punish Aaron Hernandez and Dzhokhar Tsarnaev to watch this video on loop.

Tears for Fears he wins over the women

Overall, I respect Tears for Fears band. And they definitely were part of top music from the 80s, or certainly free music from the 1980s. And they can still be heard today at Tears for fears concerts. But when I brought up this project to Bill Watt he said,

Lol. Their videos are nonsensical. That one guy (Roland Orzabel) I thought was retarded as a kid.

My friend Justin's experience of the music may be heading him down the road towards alienation from his family. He stated,

I sang Tears for Fears songs for so long my wife couldn't take it and left for work early. My kids think the tears for fears videos are stupid lol. They all laughed, even the baby at the black gas attendants.

Still these guys rightfully earned a living from their music, which included Everybody Wants to rule the world and Head over Heels. No 80s music internet radio, 80s radio, or 80s music radio station is complete without them. Both Head over Heels and Everyone wants to Rule the world are from Tears For fears Songs From The Big Chair . Their album from 1985 (Nineteen eighty-Fiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiive.)

Live Throwing Copper

2015-03-25T16:34:00.001-07:00

Live Throwing Copper

I Alone - The beat of the song has that quintessential 90s guitar rhythm - Emotions change drastically from the intro to the chorus, intro kinda makes you value everything that's happened in your past, the chorus to me conveys the emotions of someone who is madly in love to the point of insanity. - Live's songs seem to come from a higher place, the lyrics are just too good.
All Over You -Great intro, soulful singing by Ed once again, there's this expression of desperation in his voice as if he is pleading -Once again drastic but great transition from intro to chorus, chorus a little similar to Blue Oyster Cult's "I'm Burnin' For You". -The guitar is great and not all overlapping and groggy
Lightning Crashes -A song about the circle of life, many of Ed's songs have religious context -A perfect intro that instantly gets you thinking, what's going to happen next -Three guitar chords have rarely been as effective in my opinion -You can feel the intro building up to something big, the song gives me chills especially in the chorus where you feel this sense of power coming from within you
Selling The Drama -Song starts off pleasant, takes you back to simpler times as a kid playing in a field however the chorus, like so many Live songs, is much more intense than the rest of the song -Ed's yodeling is awesome and while the chorus is intense it is catchy
Iris -Creepy intro, almost feels like walking down the city streets at night -This song seems to represent Live as a whole, deep lyrics, Ed's way of digging deeper than imagineable to convey emotions through his singing -Great drumming in this song and I love the bass - gives it this funk.
Horse -A very underrated song, sometimes you are just seeking the simple things in life, imagining life in the country, very twangy and almost country -To me this is the perfect song for the end of the album, something different than what you've heard -The guitars in this song convey emotion in an amazing way
Waitress -this song grows on you, you start to realize his message that we're all people with our own sets of issues and kindness goes a long way even if you don't realize it -the whistle solo in this is awesome
3/19, 7:12pm
William M. Watt

That's just a brief thing

and didn't comment on all of them, just songs I liked lol
It's also one of those albums like Blind Melon where every song is great.

Follow samples of Bill's work .

British Popular Rock Oasis The Swamp Song, a b-side of Wonderwall

2015-03-18T17:06:00.000-07:00

For all of you guys and girls looking to listen to music at school. I have free music online for you. In our exploration of Oasis What's The Story Morning Glory we come to tracks 6 and 11. These are excerpts from the song, The Swamp Song. This is free online music below.
Oasis The Swamp Song live in Maine 1996
Ah, the free music streaming of youtube. Stream this music online with me. Not satisfied? Listen to more free music online by watching the following version of The Swamp Song.

Oasis Swamp Song and Acquiesce live. Both studio versions appear on The Masterplan

A sea of Oasis fans are here to see this stop alternative rock band. Oasis were always such a great live band. Still nothing is better than the studio version. Along with interesting notes about the Swamp Song The Masterplan features many great unheard b-sides I will discuss on a later date. The Oasis Masterplan booklet states that The Swamp Song was often a warm up exercise for the Morning Glory sessions. This helped both Alan White's drumming and Noel and Paul Weller's guitar playing during concerts live in the UK. It certainly helped the guitar get in tune!

In What's the story Morning Glory excerpts of the song appear on track 6 and 11. This helped the flow of the original audio tape. To me this exemplifies the attitude of experimentation, always practicing their music. This I felt from the snippets on What's The Story Morning Glory. You are impressed with Oasis and wonder what they could accomplish with this potential song. But honestly, when I discovered it was a full song I was disappointed they didn't do more with the song. They could have at least had a version where they attempted singing lyrics. Or perhaps even added music for vocal bridges and altered the song. But you can hear this song on their B-side compilation The Masterplan. Such a relaxing album of Oasis rock music. Nothing bad in the lyrics yet rocks hard. If you choose to you are able to listen to this music with unexplainable peace of Jesus Christ.

Oasis is an alternative rock band that was always focused on guitar oriented songs. And Swamp Song is the epitome. Noel's guitar is always interesting. I love his guitar with the British flag colors / symbols. This song that was recorded in South Whales in 1995 was used as a warm up exercise for Morning Glory sessions. The part you hear closer to the end of the album near Champagne Supernova is strategically placed. Paul Weller joined Oasis for Champagne Supernova. His lead guitar and harmonica make him the star on The Swamp Song.

If you can't find the Wonderwall cd or the Wonderwall single of which The Swamp Song is a b-side then I recommend purchasing The Masterplan. If however, you are looking for free online music to listen than my rock music website is second to none. I prowl the web for rare songs mostly of British Rock bands and present them on this blog. My biggest work was on The Verve's rarities. The article was deleted and I was able to include as many. But I brought the names of the rare songs to help organize your music playlists online.

If you enjoy alternative rock and listening to free pop music than check out my series on Oasis. I have so far gone through every song from Oasis Definitely Maybe to the middle of Oasis What's The Story Morning Glory. Here is a solid review of the masterplan despite it trashing the Swamp Song. Still it might have been a review on this site or Borders (now extinct) which tells the back story of why Noel Gallagher scrapped the working title The Jam.

For guitar tabs and playing Oasis The Swamp Song musician Bill Watt recommends:

Alternative British Rock: Oasis What's The Story Morning Glory: Hey Now short story part two

2015-03-11T15:24:00.003-07:00

I am motivated to see my cousins. But the start of my trip has me wondering if I should play it safe and have another boring summer in small town Los Angeles. Around the lumber comes a huge 8 foot figure. A Giant black-hooded creature, I see no face. A cold blast of air comes toward me. I close my eyes and brace for death. I am frightened to the point of a heart attack. I look up and nothing is there. This really has me baffled. When I look down at a pentagram on the back of the box car I realize it was a demon. I kiss my cross with christ on it necklace and feel bravery once more. I am Brielle, God's bravest woman. her cross necklace and feels bravery once again.

I travel through Arizona Territory, New Mexico Territory, Texas before finally getting to Louisanna. Though it is hot I have enthusiasm towards my trip. I am truly enjoying the scenery of the forest. The undense forest of the desert turns denser with tall spruce trees. When I see the South Pacific Railraod train take almost a right angle and stop I know I have arrived in New Orleans! I can finally see my cousins!

Finally, I arrive at the station. The train is stopping for maintenance. I must avoid being seen. Oh shit I have been spotted. I hop a fence and runs into the woods. I had always written letters to my cousins. They had described their house and how close they were to the train tracks. I knock on the house with the purple 85 on it. At long last I can bond with my cousins.

Suddenly, I look out the window and see Jesse James and his gang outside the house. My cousins Sarah, Jessica, and Parker grimmace in fear. "shit muffins, our reunion was short lived," says Parker. Jesse James knocks down the doors. His gang ties up my cousins and I. They stab all of us. As we slowly die I look at my cousin Jessica's hands. They remind me of my mother's hands. The hands I long to hold. But once I left town I never did return. This is the darkest interpretation of

I hitched a ride by the side of the road

Just as the sky turned black

I took a walk with my fame, down memory lane

I never did find my way back

Be sure to get a copy of Oasis What's the Story Morning Glory

Alternative Rock. British Rock Oasis What's The Story Morning Glory Hey Now short story

2015-03-04T14:19:00.000-08:00

This is the song

These are the lyrics:

I hitched a ride with my soul

by the side of the road

just as the sky turned black
I took a walk with my fame
Down memory lane
I never did find my way back

You know that I gotta say time's slipping away
What will it hold for me
What I am going to do while I'm looking at you
You're standing ignoring me

I thought I heard someone say now
There's no time for running away now
Hey now! Hey now!

Feel no shame- cos time is no chain
Feel no shame

The first thing I saw
as I walked through the door
was a sign on the wall that read
it said you might never know
that i want you to know
what's written inside of your head

And time as it stands
Won't be held in my hands
Or living inside of my skin
And as it fell from my sky
I asked myself why
Can I never let anyone in?

Source: (What's The Story Morning Glory booklet)

Be sure to pick up the album.

Here is my fictional short story based on those lyrics:

My name Brielle is a deriviative of Gabrielle. So it means I am God's bravest woman. I live with my mother, a loving women in the small town of Los Angeles. It's the summer of 1871; I've worked hard on the farm and need a vacation. I am visiting my cousins in New Orleans.

I am a young 17 year old girl and I can't afford a ticket on the transcontinental railroad. So I go off the side of the dirt road and down the wooded path. I know where the classic old cargo train stops before the sun goes down. I hop on, hitching a ride like a railroad bandit, a hobo. I won't look back from this adventure. Still very early in my adventure I am excited and scared.

I do already miss my lovely mother. And I wish I wasn't alone. The shadows have turned into pitch blackness. There is a chill in the air. I hope no one from the railroad gets angry with me for sneaking on this cargo train. I also know anyone could be on this train, whether hobos, homeless dudes, robbers, murderers, or rapists.

The train has started moving and is now moving full blast. It is certain death to jump off now. Suddenly, I hear a noise. I turn to the rail road car behind me with the lumber and see nothing. I look to the car infront of me and I can't even see over the container. Now I hear footsteps. I hear a sort of grunted sound a disreputable human or a bigfoot would make. The footsteps are coming closer to me. I turn around and realize they are coming around the side of the lumber car. I turn to run but there is no toe holds on the container. I am trapped. I am petrified as my unknown assailant is approaching. Could this person be a friend?

Part two to be published Wednesday March 11th.

Alternative Rock: Oasis What's The Story Morning Glory, Don't Look Back In Anger

2015-01-22T14:05:00.000-08:00

Don't Look Back in Anger is amazingly enough, the fifth single to be released from What's The Story Morning Glory. Don't Look Back In Anger was enormously popular in England. And features Noel Gallagher's voice. His singing is John Lennon-esque because of the song structure, piano intro and influenced lyrics. The best music comes from knowing music history and skillfully combining the influences into a modern song. Noel Gallagher created the life of this song (with some help from Liam) in an haphazardly way. And lastly, I will share my feelings and listening experience of this song with the hope that the song becomes more pleasure-able to you.

How Big In England:
Released in 1996, Don't Look Back in Anger was the second single to become number one on UK charts. The Oasis hit song went platinum. UK residents voted Don't Look Back In Anger as the forth most popular single in the last sixty years. The List of Popular music singles

Noel Translates His Musical Influences Into The Song
David Bowie was a mammoth influence for Noel Gallagher. David Bowie's song "Look Back In Anger" was a basis for the title of Don't Look Back in Anger. But I firmly believe that Noel doesn't let his creativity stop flowing by worrying if he is copying any music of his influences. He is simply paying homage to his music heroes and develops his own killer riffs. Noel says of the song, "Don't Look Back In Anger reminds me of a cross between the David Bowie song "All the Young Dudes" and something the Beatles might have done.
John Lennon had notorious bed-ins in 1969. John and Yoko stayed in bed for a week to protest the vietnam war twice. Once in Amsterdam and another week in Montreal. They promoted peace to the press. Noel found a tape of Lennon recording memoirs while he was living in the Dakota apartments in Manhattan, New York. He resided there from 1973 until his death in 1980. In the memoirs Lennon said, "he said he was trying to start a revolution from me bed, because they said the brains I had went to my head". Perfect lyrics.

To make a broad paraphrase of Noel Gallagher. Some Might Say that the piano intro of Don't Look Back in Anger is influenced by Imagine and Watching the Wheels (two Lennon classics). But I say that someone reading this might investigate these great artists; David Bowie, John Lennon, Noel Gallagher and put it all together. The result will be original great music. No more boring, shitty, super original music that plays within the rules.

Have a listen, watch the music video

Story of Don't Look Back In Anger

Noel excitedly shared a nameless version of this new song to a crowd in the Sheffield arena on April 22nd, 1995. Noel said of the character Sally, "I don't actually know anybody named Sally. It's just a word that fit, y'know, might as well throw a girl's name in there. It's gotta guarantee somebody a shag off a bird called Sally, hasn't it?"

Noel Gallagher (from Uncut magazine August 2007): "We were in Paris playing with The Verve, and I had the chords for that song and started writing it. We were due to play 2 days later. Our first-ever big arena gig, it's called Sheffield Arena now. At the sound check, I was strumming away on the acoustic guitar, and our kid (Liam Gallagher) said, 'What's that you're singin'?' I wasn't singing anyway, I was just making it up. And our kid said, 'Are you singing 'So Sally can wait'.' And I was like – that's genius! So I started singing, 'So Sally can wait.' I remember going back to the dressing room and writing it out. It all came really quickly after that." Noel claims that the character "Lyla", from Oasis' 2005 single is the sister of Sally.

Gallagher also admits that he was under the influence of illegal substances when he wrote the song and to this day he claims he does not know what it means.^[7]

Live performances
Story. A favorite at Oasis concerts. Noel often lets the crowd sing the chorus. Noel has tinkered with his baby. But found the full band arrangement is best.

My listening Experience
I can discuss here what I find cool about the song. And I can in no way state with any certainty that this is how Noel wanted his song interpreted. But I hope the music is open to interpretation:

Don't Look Back In Anger is:

A song with peaceful imagery.

Summertimes in bloom

Yet the song rocks. The true musical joy for me is hearing those sonic guitar notes that Noel is seen playing. The driver that looks like Tony Bennett. The beautiful women in white lip synching. Liam teleporting from beds to different places.

No cooler moments than on the verses where Noel does his best Lennon impression.

Take me to the place where you go . . .

The seering guitar solo. This song is all goodness. And Sally can be who you want her to be.

But underneath that all is serious attitude from the Gallaghers. Even the chorus lines have a bit of edge to them. You feel Sally is missing out on relationships, having her soul be saved by Christ.

So . . . Sally can wait

She knows it's too late as we walk on by

Her soul slides away

But don't look back in anger

I heard you say

Bill's experience
Piano intro sounds like imagine
I like it, real 90s rock
Not quite sure if its about just being focused on what you have in the present. That's my interpretation of it. You broke up with a girl. Well what do you have now. It's saying to value what you have in the here and now. I think. Guitar solos are really cool.

Conclusion
Noel bartered with Liam to sing on Wonderwall so Noel could sing on Don't Look Back in Anger. A song which owes its influences to David Bowie as well as John Lennon. Liam helped to complete a song Noel had in the bag. I see Don't Look Back in Anger as a song that has pleasant imagery with a bit of an edge to it. Bill acknowledges the seering guitar solos.

Oasis What's The Story Morning Glory - Wonderwall

2014-12-11T14:12:00.000-08:00

Oasis have loud songs that rock and kick ass. Wonderwall does so with more subtly. Welcome! Today let's enjoy Wonderwall, a track from the album most refer to as Oasis Morning Glory. Let's start with the alternative Music Video.
The alternate version has only one camera shot. Watch Oasis Wonderwall. You can watch the main version by Googling Oasis Wonderwall. Or if the internet goes black I fear you may be out of luck watching Wondewall video. As far as I know (correct me if I am wrong) no DVD features the music video. If you are looking for extras besides the album you may want to check out

Are you mad for it? For a DVD that features mostly Definitely Maybe but also an intense version of Some Might Say then look into

CD singles are almost extinct now. But are occasionally found at places like Newbury Comics. You may want to check through the amazon links above. Because who knows they may be valuable collectibles in the future.

General Knowledge
In the Oasis Wonderwall Music video someone (does anybody know who?) is playing the cello throughout the video but the sound is a mellotron tape-playback keyboard. (Songfact) The Oasis members are cooly reading the newspaper. Noel goes from a bright blue guitar to a bright green guitar. And only the Oasis members and producer Nigel Dick know the reason for featuring clowns that puppeteer and juggle. Don't forget the cowboys. The dart playing is Oasis having fun. The steady beat makes this song rock. Although in a more subtle way.

Another fact is that at live shows Noel plays his acoustic guitar on a Fender Telecaster. It's one of the few songs where he uses a Fender guitar rather than a Gibson.

Finally, and most enjoyably at the very end of Oasis Wonderwall, the intro to "Supersonic" can be faintly heard on acoustic guitar. (Songfact)

NME has a great article about interesting oasis facts. The interesting facts I didn't mention were the song was played for a teen Leah Betts who died taking ecstasy in 1995. Oasis Wonderwall is the soundtrack to a short but moving anti-drug video showing Leah's last hours. Oasis had allowed the song to be used for this but had declined the British Army permission to use Wonderwall in recruitment videos.

Oasis Wonderwall's title and concept came from the 1968 film Wonderwall- from Pyschedelia to Surrealism, starring Jane Birkin. She lives next door to a man who becomes fascinated with her,so he slowly makes holes in his wall so he can watch her through it. This is the "Wonderwall." (song facts)George Harrison provided the soundtrack to the movie, Wonderwall Music. You can learn more about Harrison's contribution, or about the Beatles in general through The Rough Guide to the Beatles. Use the link below to connect to the book.

Start your holiday shopping through this amazon link. Shop amazon.

Musicality
During the two weeks it took to record What's The Story Morning Glory, Wonderwall was produced in a just half a day. Producer Owen Morris and Noel Gallagher brick-walled the song. They pushed the loudness of the CD to the limit without reducing sound quality. Oasis with What's The Story Morning Glory effectively won the loudness war for having one of the loudest cds in 1995. In perspective, the Guns N Roses Appetite for Destruction was -15db. Oasis operated at a louder -8dbfs. So Rock out! This album can be heard in the car or above any distracting noises at the British pubs, the UK favored it. (Oasis Loudest band paragraphs 21 and 22) Oasis's What's the Story Morning Glory can be used as white noise - Just don't tell Noel or Liam I said this. Buy and enjoy!

Popularity
This was the first single Oasis released in the US. Sadly it is Oasis's biggest hit in this country. (Carlos Arredondo, Songfacts). You can also check out this well-thought piece on Oasis Wonderwall's Popularity.However, I assess the band as Noel does. A band that does kick-ass rock n roll songs. So Wonderwall rocks the least on the What's the Story Morning Glory album, and fans in the US who only know Wonderwall are missing out.

Noel's take
I can't agree with Noel anymore on the following point. Noel is not that enamoured by Wonderwall: "Outside of England, it's the one song we're famous for all over the world, and it annoys the fuck out of me. It's not a fucking rock'n'roll tune. There's quite a vulnerable statement to it. When people come up to me and say it's one of the greatest tunes ever written, I think, 'fucking hell, have you heard 'Live Forever'?" (Read more at NME)

Noel Gallagher says "Wonderwall" describes "an imaginary friend who's gonna come and save you from yourself". It is not about his ex-wife Meg Matthews as commonly thought (Oasis Noel Gallagher Interview)

But you are smart to think Wonderwall is a love song. According to Oasis book 1 and Oasis Book 2 Noel originally wrote the song (released in October 1995) for his then wife Meg Matthews. Noel told Select magazine at the time: "It's about my girlfriend. She was out of work, and that, a bit down on her luck, so it's just saying, 'Cheer up and fucking get on with it."And it wasn't until they divorced ( in 2001) that Noel claimed the song was about an imaginary friend. So if you have a female of interest, play this song for them. If not play it for your imaginary friend. It's all good.

According to Noel, US songwriter Ryan Adams, who turned the track into an acoustic slow-burn on a 2004 EP, did a better job with 'Wonderwall' than Oasis ever did. The guitarist told an audience in 2009 he'd recently seen him cover the song live: "Afterwards, I told him, 'You can have that song, man, because we could never quite get it right." (Read more at NME)

Liam's Take
You gotta love Liam Gallagher's explanation of the song: "A wonderwall can be anything. It's just a beautiful world. It's like looking for that bus ticke, and you're trying to fucking find it, that bastard, and you finally find it and you pull it out, 'Fucking mega, that is me wonderwall." (Read more at NME)

Overall, Liam never liked the song and still doesn't. When Noel first played Wonderwall with a different bass line at rehearsal, Liam shouted, "What do you think you're doing, dickhead? Oasis aren't a funk band." 19 years later in 2014 Liam says, "Everytime I have to sing Wonderwall I want to gag." (Read more at NME)

Lyric analyzation
Oasis Wonderwall lyrics
Whether the song is about love or an imaginary friend, some of the lyrics relate to basic struggles to fix or to simply enter a relationship:

I don't believe anybody feels the way I do about you now

And

There are many things that I would like to say to you but I don't know how

Simply reading these lyrics doesn't possess the same magic as hearing Liam Gallagher bend lines and notes over a steady guitar beat. A fun and poignant song that pleads for your love interest to hear you. Buy the album and read the lyrics off the booklet. You can only read the Interesting message at the end of booklet by buying it.

Bill's Take (Bill is lead musician in John Guyette Experiment)
For Bill the song brings Nostalgia: "Reminds me of driving through Boston as a kid. A good college rock song. The cool rhythm guitar makes the song. Bill and his sister would sing a long when the song came on. A simple song but there is nothing like it. Liam's voice made him feel like he was walking down a sidewalk in the city. He had a feeling of independence.

Triumph
Musically Wonderwall Triumphs. Bassist Alex James from their main rival Blur says, "he wishes he had written Wonderwall and that Liam has a great voice. And guitarist The Edge from the obnoxious band U2 (they were always pushed in my face, Bono never stops preaching in a holier than thou way) says, "he wishes he had written Wonderwall. But forget those nincompoops, the main reason Oasis Wonderwall and What's The Story Morning Glory as a whole triumphs is that the music is loud. Loud music kicks ass and rocks you onto better things. I hope you get the chance to feel superior to those snooty people at your office. Or for whatever work environment you work long and hard for little pay.

Perhaps you have never had the chance to hear the electric version of Wonderwall. No problem, you can buy it on this website. I remember I had to search outside of main online retailers like amazon to find it. The reason I enjoyed it is because of the loud long songs. Think about the fact, that in 1997 Oasis was able to play all the songs live that made them great. They play songs from Definitely Maybe, Morning Glory, Masterplan, and of course Be Here Now. My favorite Oasis concert. Cheers.

British Rock Oasis What's The Story Morning Glory Part 2

2014-12-01T15:34:00.004-08:00

I will focus on tracks other than Morning Glory and Roll With It that I discussed in the other article.

My Listening
Hello
based on Gary Glitter's "Hello Hello I"m back again." He receives 1 million in royalties because the album What's the story morning glory was so popular worldwide.
Still The Oasis track is creative. A great album opener. Particularly love the sadder sounding

It's never gonna be the same

cuz the years are falling apart like the rain . .

I think if you make a mistake in offending someone deeply. Things will never be the same between you and He or She.
But things return to normal when reintroduced with familiarity. For Oasis this is making rocking albums. Welcome back 1995 Oasis!

Noel's take
Paraphrasing Noel to Select magazine, he says about the song: he doesn't care about the girl anymore. things will never be the same with them again. It was made at the end of the Definitely Maybe sessions. And it was about being in a rock band. It's good to be back making records."
http://www.songfacts.com/detail.php?id=6657

Oasis is always experimenting and improving. Their album What's The Story Morning Glory almost feels like one jam with the swamp songs (tracks 6 and 11) as well as the Wonderwall riffs that are found in the beginning of Hello before the track starts rocking. The wonderwall riff is also at the end of champagne supernova.
The song just rocks after the wonderwall intro. That's cliche I know, but I try to say that about songs that do rock. Once you hear the beat you will understand.
The lyrics about life is a game we play get you in a playful, happy mood. Much more to come!

Find Great music here: British Rock Oasis What's the story Morning Glory

2014-11-18T16:35:00.001-08:00

In 1995, British rock bands Oasis and Blur battled each other for domination. They competed for sales of their singles released: Oasis Roll With It lost out to Blur's Country House. While Country House may have more interesting musicianship. You can understand and enjoy Liam's vocals much better. Therefore, without effort you get the fun relationship vibe of Roll With It.

I was going to say there really isn't anything immoral about the music on Oasis's 1995 album What's the Story Morning Glory. But then I remembered Morning Glory is partly based on coming out of a coke habit.- or embracing it.

All your dreams are made when you are chained to the mirror with the razor blade Today is the day all the world will see

But the lyrics immediately following those paint pleasant imagery.

Another sunny afternoon walking to the sound of my favorite tune Tomorrow doesn't know what it doesn't know too soon.

Overall the music doesn't have any swearing. Just pure rock n roll. Perfect for the people that want to have a beautiful spirit (ie. great mood) but want the high energy of rock n roll. The watery guitars in Morning Glory are produced with a wah-wah pedal. One of my favorite sounding instruments. Basically you put on Oasis What is the Story Morning Glory and you have a good time.

The street featured on the sleeve artwork is Berwick Street in London, (district) W1. (thanks, Bertrand - Paris, France)

I cannot verify this, but the name What's the story Morning Glory came partly from Noel's friend calling up and asking "what's the story" and "Morning Glory" either referring to the flower or morning wood. lol. Since I feel like a zilch for not finding that article. I dug up an interesting read about producer Owen Morris' experience with producing this album.
Oasis Producer Owen Morris

Oasis What's The Story Morning Glory is great background music for studying for a test or for pleasure reading. However, I don't recommend this music to sleep to. Oasis' What's the story Morning Glory rocks too hard for that. If Hey Now doesn't wake you, Some Might Say certainly will.

My favorite review on the album comes from Amazon. The editorial review apparently no longer exists. But the review sold me on getting the album because it described Oasis as being painfully self-conscious throughout the album. And referred to some songs as musical candy. I had been used to listening to music as serious as Nirvana. But wanted the tone of my music to be more upbeat and positive. Oasis seemed like the logical progression. Some sad sounding songs but the music and lyrics are always upbeat. Therefore, the review described the music as being pleasurable for me to listen to. And listening to the samples, especially songs like Hello and Champagne Supernova made me feel downright cool.

Overall, Oasis' What The Story Morning Glory can give you a glorious morning if you listen to the CD on your way to work. I failed to focus on many songs and features of the album that make it great. So I will pick up where I left off next time.

update

2014-11-12T12:50:00.001-08:00

With destruction of my car. Having to go to work each day. And to spend life savings on new car, I may be just able to get one post a week if I am good. The head gasket was blown most likely when Sears serviced the car. They sabotaged the car when fixing the alternator so that the belt came off the car when I was going 80mph. I had no power steering and went around the exit with smoke coming out of the car. I almost threw out my arm steering around the rotary. I think this severely damaged the engine prematurely. Even if it took a while to be noticed. That was 6 months ago. But I want people to discover the positive attitude Oasis' What's the story Morning Glory can give you.

Oasis British Rock What's The Story (Morning Glory)

2014-11-06T15:15:00.000-08:00

What's The Story Morning Glory is many people's introduction to Oasis. The first Oasis record they usually own. Here in the United States I was introduced to Wonderwall during a highschool business club (DECA) trip. I heard Champagne Supernova around the same time over the radio. But I discovered without a doubt every track on the album was better than these two excellent songs. I definitely fell more in love with the British way of releasing music; albums as opposed to individual songs. Buying one song is the musical attention deficit way of buying music. Recently artists such as Nick Mason of Pink Floyd said U2 Devalued Music further by giving away their newest album on Itunes. I don't know what commission Amazon gives to the musician. I think it is more than Spotify. When Taylor Swift refused to put her new album 1989 out on Spotify the news showed the Spotify executive. He said quite simply that now is a streaming culture. To me this was arrogant because the 0.007 % spotify gives to musicians isn't good enough. Great music starts and stops with the creativity of the artist, not music executives or entrepreneurs (Spotify). I think Itunes is slightly better because Steve Jobs created it in a way to stop the theft of music. Still the artists may be skimped. But I recommend you support Oasis in their newest release of the What's The Story (Morning Glory) Deluxe set. This is on my facebook newsfeed over the last months. I have seen rare versions of songs, like a Noel Gallagher sung She's Electric. The album as a whole is very conscientious and is musical candy. I want to take you on the journey of this great rock album. So join me in my series. I will do two posts a week.

Oasis Part 5 British Rock Definitely Maybe

2014-11-02T13:13:00.004-08:00

Digsy's Dinner, Slide Away, and Married with Children

Digsy's Dinner
A playful and fun song. Digsy's Dinner features Noel Gallagher poking fun at British band Blur by saying he can do the whole Brit pop thing in his sleep.1 Despite the effortless craftsmanship Digsy's Dinner has some poignant sounding parts;

These could be the best days of our lives but i don't think we've been living very wise.

The song is all about the singer's lasagne. Something you wouldn't know unless you read the lyrics of Digsy's Dinner
Musically: Seems like a relatively simple song for a great guitarist. An upbeat song.

Sources

1. http://www.nme.com/news/oasis/77395

Slide Away
I think lead singer Liam Gallagher once said during a concert that Slide Away is for the guys to get chicks. Noel wrote the song about his "soulmate" Louise Jones. He was devastated when they broke up in 1994 saying, "I don't think I'll ever get over it." For sure some of Liam Gallagher's best singing. This is Paul McCartney's favorite song by Oasis. Liam and Oasis, make this Noel Gallagher-penned song brash and flowing. 2

Sources 2

2. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slide_Away_(Oasis_song)

Married With Children

is another fun song. The protagonist criticizes his wife and her musical tastes among many other things. But then says there is no need for her to say she is sorry. The song has a very sarcastic if not accurate portrayal of marriage. I think Married With Children is a very humorous song, especially to people from the United Kingdom. And I love the sort of grungy sound to the music.

Musician Bill Watt weighs in on Married with Children: "Reminds me a bit of Octupus' Garden by The Beatles. Kinda reminds me of simpler times like the show with Al Bundy. More specifically like the Andy Griffith show, happy times in the 1960s."
He goes on to describe how the chords are simple. The song does not drag on.

Conclusion
Oasis blasted out of the gates with a loud and energizing sound throughout their debut album Definitely Maybe. This album challenged social norms in a major way. For this reason it was very punk rock. Put this album on whenever you want to get hyped. Or whenever you are feeling sick and want to feel okay. This is very straightforward rock n roll. Enjoy!

I also recommend that you save money and convenience by signing up and listening through Rhapsody music service.
Meet your new music collection complete with millions of songs, entire albums and artist hits spanning the decades. Connect to the catalog on your phone, tablet, computer, and home entertainment system. Download music and playlists on your phone or tablet for when you're offline. A Replay feature remembers the songs you played and when – great for workout playlists, kids' carpool songs, and more. Want to hear some new tunes? You’ll also have a constant feed of new music suggestions, album reviews and posts from our editorial music team. You're just minutes away from millions of songs! Try Rhapsody free for 30 days. Cancel anytime.
Disclosure: I can benefit financially from affiliate links above.

Oasis Part 4 British Rock Definitely Maybe

2014-10-28T17:57:00.003-07:00

Cigarettes and Alcohol
Cigarettes and Alcohol

Is about doing coke and making things happen. Cigarettes and Alcohol is about being content with cigarettes and alcohol. These are the remedies to the banality and futile existence of the working life. Oasis ask,

Is it worth the aggravation to find a job when there's nothing worth working for

Oasis have raw attitude in this song. This is a very good video showing the rock n roll lifestyle. The chords are heavy and the lyrics straight to the point: Life is not worth living right, it's not worth being a wage slave and saving for retirement. Live for the now,

You could wait for a lifetime

to spend your days in the sunshine

You might as well do the white line

Cos when it comes on top

You gotta make things happen .. .

The lyrics to Cigarettes and Alcohol are extremely straightforward so there are no hidden messages for me to decode. But I ask you, my friend what you think "Making things happen" refers to. Just leave your answer in the comment section below.
Musically, Cigarettes and Alcohol is the essence of rock music. Noel Gallagher definitely steals from T-Rex "Get It On" formerly called "Bang a Gong". In fact, when Paul Arthurs ("Bonehead") heard this song for the first time he told Noel, "That's TRex." Noel basically said, "fuck it, it's brilliant." Noel also said, "You can take the most original band in the world. and they're just playing what they heard in their music collection."

All three b-sides to Cigarettes and Alcohol: Fade Away, The Beatles Cover "I Am the Walrus", and Listen Up all appear on Oasis Masterplan, a collection of Oasis b-sides. I highly recommend this album as it feels like a Best of Album. Oasis didn't produce lesser quality songs for their B-sides. Their best music was certainly never heard by Americans!

The line up for Cigarettes and Alcohol was:
Liam Gallagher - vocals
Noel Gallagher - lead guitar
Paul McGuigan- "Guigsy" -bassist
Paul Arthurs - "Bonehead" - rhythm guitars
Tony McCaroll- drums-

British Rock - The Verve's most overlooked gems (top 34)

2014-10-22T16:55:00.002-07:00

The original post doesn't load. I am going to bring it back. I may or may not re-add videos as time lapses. Re-enjoy.

Why listen to The Verve?! Listen because their despondent alternative rock songs contain raw energy-freeing you from life's constant struggle. While listening to the music you will quit trying to be happy, have the relationships work, and stop worrying about death. You will become free. The Verve's career, which contains many forgotten gems, stems from 1991 and lasts through 2008. Each of these years, the verve have had a distinct sound. The sound you need to feel strong in your current difficult time is here.

A Storm In Heaven Album Artwork

The Verve's alternative rock b-sides are more exploratory than their famous songs. Discovering B-sides from A Northern Soul and Forth, from unreleased demos and singles is like exploring and endless network of caves. It's our hope the verve reunite to fill our cup with more alternative rock jewels. In the course of writing this review, I listened to over 83 rare songs The Verve created outside of the Urban Hymns and A Storm In Heaven eras1. I present to you the most melodic and / or most rocking 34 songs, which will sustain your attention and excitement. Click on the blue links or embedded videos to listen as you read; read one random song at a time if you wish.

'91 Unreleased Demos

The Higher I Go

Buried in a batch of unreleased songs lies The Higher I Go. A song with a steady pop beat and front-and-center vocals. The jangly guitars add to the pop rock feel. For more information about this song and the other demos check out this excellent resource on the Verve: http://www.thevervelive.com/2010/05/higher-i-go.html 2.

Open Your eyes it's Worth It

The 1991 alternative rock music scene is special. Creative bands like The Verve also have made their mark in this time frame. However, they put gems on the cutting floor, never to be released. The Verve spearhead Open Your Eyes (It's Worth It) with vocals but Nick McCabe is amazing and unforgettable on guitar.

All In The Mind comes out to the world as a single.

This song is filled with excellent guitar riffs. The song's video accentuate these guitar riffs with appropriate imagery. The video's scenes also attest the singer's narration. The Verve members are in a titty bar which corresponds to the song's themes of madly burning mad love and lust. However, the madness or passion is all in his mind. Then the music slows, you don't know what's coming next. What can you expect with the Verve? Who knows. The consistent mysteriousness of their lyrics keeps you guessing; is Is he talking about a relationship or exploits with hookers? Probably a relationship. The song finishes mysteriously as Richard wears a wig and makeup.

The alternative rock music continues to drive the song as it crescendos during the musical solo. At times the vocals raise the level of your emotion. Lyrics like:

I was born to fly, pretty high

refers to reaching limitless possibilities. This song is well known in the UK, but not often heard in the United States. Not surprising, considering most United State souls only listen to what is on the radio or television.

Later that year, the Verve release an EP with great singles: A Man Called Sun, Feel, Endless Life, and She's A Superstar.

The Verve EP

A Man Called Sun

The beginning of A Man Called Sun sounds like a truck waiting behind the delivery dock to be unloaded. The music continues with beautiful choruses, beautiful verses, and beautiful mystifying meanings. Overall, a beautiful psychotropic song.

A Man Called Sun Single Artwork

The song is a bit repetitive until a musical solo amplifies the Verve's rhythm section (bassist Simon Jones and drummer Pete Salisbury). This rhythm music brings a relaxing experience to the listener. An experience you've never had. meanings. Overall, a beautiful psychotropic song. The song is a bit repetitive until a musical solo amplifies the Verve's rhythm section (bassist Simon Jones and drummer Pete Salisbury). This rhythm music brings a relaxing experience to the listener. An experience you've never had.

She's A Superstar

She's A Superstar sounds different than the verve's other songs in '92. The difference is immediately found through Nick McCabe's guitar. In addition, Simon Jones unique sounding bass bounces in your ear. Furthermore, Ashcroft's lyrics are deeper than most songs, but he lets' the Verve's kaleidoscopic sound take you away to your happy place. This happy place is a result of a unique musical rhythm, most highlighted at 2:30, where you become hypnotized. Later, the rhythm section and vocals take over with triumphant sounds. These four celebrating musicians sound like an orchaestra. This rock song sounds alternative, complex, and is a long trippy experience for the listener!

She's A Superstar has unexpected twists and turns like a good roller coaster, you never know when another thrilling drop is coming. The Verve continue to play new sounds until the song ends. However, they do repeat the best parts of the song. As the song comes to a close you realize you are on top of your problems, thoughts of troublesome relationships and endless days of getting nowhere fade fast. The mellow guitar and urban sounds continue, after this new, exciting and epic experience you are simply left -muddling through your thoughts.

Feel

Feel

You want to experience this gentle mind-expanding song. The Verve have an unmatched musical beat with out-of-this-world singing. If good music is your cause, this is it! You heal as you listen because the song sounds similar throughout, requiring little brain effort.

Endless Life

Let the healing last forever with this song's sound and imagery.

Endless Life has great unprecedented hallucinatory alternative rock sounds you didn't think standard rock equipment can make. Nick McCabe leads the way in making the instruments not sound like instruments. His goal is to make the guitar sound like a synthetizer and non-guitar-like.3

If you look closely to the song's lyrics you will be blown away by emotional depth and meaning. The lyrical idea of everlasting life is nothing earth-shatteringly new, but the message has never been delivered like this. Follow the lyrics to enjoy this rare song.

'93

Voyager

is an extremely rare, live bootleg (fan recording of a show) of a 1993 Verve concert. The concert features one unreleased track: South Pacific.

South Pacific

South Pacific sounds much better on stereo than on a lap top computer. Music buffs know this; however average slugs like me experience these songs from my laptop. When I play video games and sometimes even read. Good times. I urge you to listen to these songs as you read! Blast this song, shatter your windows, and let me know what explanation you give to the cops for the noise violation call. Freedom from society is the vibe making this song fun. Most times in society you can't say things like,

South Pacific is where I'm gonna end my days

Gonna die under a wave

Freely talking about death and not caring what people say is liberating and what alternative rock is about. Haven't you had enough of people's tiring games? I have. And nothing is off topic on this blog, no rules exist, just enjoy the melancholic yet fun music. This song is usually one of the last delights Verve fans discover.

'93

A Storm In Heaven

A complete album with singles this Blue and Slide Away. Here I describe Verve A Storm In Heaven.

'94

No Come Down is a compilation album of verve b-sides through a Storm in Heaven. The compilation includes some underrated classics including One Way to Go and a longer, live performance of Gravity Grave than on The Verve EP.

One Way to Go has an amazing guitar or bass riff. The instruments gradually join the song.

The lyrics are so relaxing because they follow good poetic meters and tempos. This makes for effortless listening. Richard's singing concludes each line with a slow tempo; thus creating a peaceful atmosphere. And the space between each verse gives quiet strength to the listener. So, quit trying so hard to master your emotions. Instead, just let go of them.

Gravity Grave appears on both No Come Down and The Verve EP. The version of Gravity Grave on No Come Down is the better, and longer extended version.

Apparently the song is about drugs 4 but I would love to hear Richard Ashcroft weigh in on its meaning. The song gives you an out-of-this world experience. Leave popular norms, continue deeper into The Verve's musical cave.

The slow vocal tempo relaxes you, while the intense alternative rock music pumps you up. You end up in a maniacal trance, tuned into the strong bass lines, echoing guitar riffs, and a soft and steady drum beat. Respond to this beat, let the music take you to a place you've never been.

'94

Mover

This song has an non-relaxing steady beat. The lyrics to this unreleased song bring intense darkness:

"I can't sleep at night, I'm a mover"

Sleeplessness is one of the most depressing and sickly things a person experiences. This song describes the darkest conditions - war. The song then takes this negative energy and delivers a dsyphoric state of mind which comforts sleepless listeners. You are brought to a higher gear, and your social inhibitions disappear; like the soldier you do anything to survive the impending crisis.

'95 Album

A Northern Soul

Summary

A Northern Soul features some great songs that create a unique listening experience. The Verve deliberately produce a blurry alternative rock sound led by Nick McCabe's guitar.

Richard brings madness to the album, the lyrics reflect this. The singing is easily audible over the music. The Verve's madness even infected producer Owen Morris who had a nervous breakdown during the recording. Owen Morris threw a chair through a window. The Verve did acid during the recording.5

A Northern Soul has a scary looking album cover haha. The title track is different than anything you have heard. The dance beat comes from a heavy use of the wah wah pedal. The Verve guitarist Nick McCabe implies it's more important to get the desired sound even if means playing the guitar unconventionally or using keyboards. He believes this doesn't make anyone less of a musician.3

The theme of absolute madness runs through the song's lyrics. The murky sound, which is not poor production as commonly thought, mirrors the drug-fueled insanity, Richard's relational heartbreaks and Owen Morris's nervous breakdown.5 Can you handle the madness of this song?

On Your Own

The ringing acoustic guitar melts your heart with wonderful sadness. The lyrics do the same:

Tell Me It's True

that I need you. . .

lies .....

got to get rid of this hole inside

The noose hanging from the tree in the foggy night in the video indicates suicide. This stems from love's heartache. The lack of acknowledgment the singer feels reveals his loneliness. Embracing these feelings when listening to this song brings you healing.

This is one of the best live versions of any alternative rock songs you will ever hear.

This Is Music

A classic rock song with a heavy guitar riffs and great singing. The lyrics aren't impressive but the guitar riff is! The rhythm guitar has a watery sound that melts in your ear. Perhaps a guitar solo would have made the song better. However, because of the mixing where music and vocals are the same volume you can isolate one instrument's sound; whether guitar, bass, drums or vocals.

Although the music video at the end has Richard fall off the building, I'm sure there was a mat, no worries. Don't you miss out on This is Music.

A New Decade

Blast this on the stereo! A great watery powerful guitar sound SCREAMS with the singing of compelling lyrics.

A New Decade

Overall, this pleasurable song is contemporary to listen 20 years later. Dust off this song in this new decade.

History

Ashcroft based his melody from William Blake's poem London. Many of History's lines commence with "In every ... "6

In total, it is Richard expressing his caring thoughts towards his lover that he hopes will understand him.

Enjoy this highly emotional music video:

But keep in mind the album version has an additional 1 minute 28 seconds of great music than this video.

At the end it is so emotionally intensive.

"But the bed ain't made" "It's filled full of hope" "I've got a skin full of dope" So emotional in fact, that History delivers in an unforgettable and current way in the minds of today's listeners.

No Knock on My Door

Immediately the LOUD guitar chords bring somberness. Discover Richard's compelling romantic story and feel adrenaline in your veins. This reaction in inexplicable but listen and you will understand my point. You feel a fun combination wretchedness and pure relaxation. Ashcroft's passionate singing with a sincere message brings you to reflect aimlessly on your life. The guitar chords ricochet to bring never-ending somberness. No Knock On My Door continues with a rare guitar solo from the verve, featuring a full wall of dusky sound.

When Richard sings,

Im Shaking you realize everything is shaking: you, Ashcroft's voice, and the guitar chords continually quiver in this new experience.

Stormy Clouds

Exactly as the first lines indicate, you want to listen to a story:

I wanted to tell you my story

of how my life seemed to change in a matter of days

You desire to lean back and absorb this musical anecdote.

You probably will get the album after reading this and subsequently hear the album version. So rather than giving you a low quality youtube upload I present an interview with Simon Jones and a live performance of Stormy Clouds. The Verve bassist describes the 1997 tour as Neon Wilderness from the album Urban Hymns plays in the background. Here is that live version:

Bands like the Verve, that play almost exactly like the album version are great live bands. However, Nick McCabe is an uncommon talent in the alternative rock genre, because he would play variations during each live show. He never moves around because he is focusing on his equipment's sounds.3 Similarly, Ashcroft spontaneously injects analogous emotions into each live song.

When I was having a nervous breakdown in college because I couldn't balance sports, academics and a social life and subsequently couldn't sleep this song was able to sooth me into sleep. Knowing that lack of sleep caused me injuries and made things worse I would be in a terrible panic when I suffered insomnia before a big day. But by embracing the superior craziness of Stormy Clouds I am able to relax, and at least get a few hours of sleep. You are guaranteed to have a similar experience with this song. Travel through the pain:

I'm tearing up inside
Don't be scared, come on inside
She brings the rain, these new horizons
See through the pain
Stormy clouds

Not many songs are more powerful or lesser known.

So It Goes

RELax

This song relaxes you with a slow tempo. The laid back guitar riff is not all that easy to

play but the verve play flawlessly. The lead guitarist takes on rhythm guitarist duties and creates a variety of melodies. Never do you feel, the verve members are trying to show off.

The Verve like to jam to get their amazing rhythms and this song was no different. McCabe was a fan of these sessions, in part because of the acid and ecstasy that was done. McCabe referred to the recording of A Northern Sould as one of the happiest times in his life. However, the song is thematic of a broken relationship - the dark lyrics:

I'm just a poor little wifeless fella Another drink and I won't miss her

lead you to mixed emotions. So It Goes becomes a solid listening exploit.

Reprise

Reprise may be the greatest piece of alternative rock music you will ever hear. Verve drummer Pete salisbury and guitarist Nick McCabe thought the album contained some of the best music ever made. Psyche yourself up and listen to the song in one take and discover how the song starts great and becomes increasingly magnificent.

The song is comprised of bass and drums with a strong, steady catchy beat. Nick McCabe leads the group, playing with controlled madness while being the main connoisseur of the variation in sound.

This sound definitely takes you somewhere, like in a video game the longer you collect jewels or money the greater the result, well, with the longer this song is great the more colossal its value. When I hear good hard rock music I want the song to have considerable length. More is better; and it allows you to do other things while enjoying this song in the background.

"That was amazing" Richard proclaims at the end of Reprise, how right he is! It really does sicken me how Justin Bieber was selling out Arenas and was a household name while songs like Reprise go unnoticed.
I highly recommend listening to a rare live version of Reprise. I just reviewed an album, A Northern Soul, that is unknown in America, but is definitely worth hearing and buying now :)

Now we enter a hidden chamber - the album's forgotten b-sides.

A Northern Soul

b-sides

Let the Damage Begin

Power of a relationship is this song's feeling. These strong emotions can give me comfort over any relationship heartache. Maybe they can for you too. This song describes a good relationship, and we all understand the sexual innuendo of "damage". haha

Musically, I love the harmonious rock sound, vocals and music fit perfectly together. B-sides are typically discarded for a reason, but the Verve created b-sides to have quality tracks in support of their singles, which is how music is sold in the UK. There is nothing second rate about Let The Damage Begin.

I see the door

One of the most beautiful, emotional songs you will ever hear. This song grips your soul and never lets go. In an odd way you will receive strength from the song's lovely sadness and brilliant words. We are dealing with deep forces of personality. The song's beautiful acoustic guitars add to the feeling of a vulnerable person emptying their soul. Indeed, the guitars tug your heart strings. Musically the drums stand out, while the bass and guitar are solid.

Richard is a true poet and knows how to keep the same length and meter to each line. He extends notes or shortens words to fit this perfect rhythm. I recommend headphones for the full experience. I like the art for this b-side, so I recommend this video:

Scared that you don't want me there, my love

This song explores and exorcises your emotions, listen and free yourself. The verve did so well to architect this song both poetically and musically, why would they hide it? You would have to ask Richard I guess. It's inexplicable this was not on an album. Equally puzzling is the fact that no b-side compilation album for music after No Come Down was made. Who is their manager?! Verve manager, can you explain the decision to not more heavily advertise the Verve On Your Own single in the United States?

Back on my feet again

A slower intensity song that allows you to take a breath. Back On My Feet Again uses electric guitars that are played softly. Chill

out to the slow tempo of the music and vocals.

The chorus: Back on My feet again . . . crescendos into greatness. To fully understand the Verve's energy one must experience the thrill of being in love. Something I should try to give me the excitement I crave.

This music is enlightening without being preachy. Ashcroft is arrogant for the sake of his music as one article 7 puts it, but he is not a pompous douchebag like Bono.

A Northern Soul has some great tracks. Forth also does well, containing great album tracks and b-sides. It's a crime against humanity these songs are not more publicized. My friend Matt often wondered this, relying on me to find their hidden songs on the internet. I did find concert bootlegs and the great songs listed here.

In 1997, The Verve achieved mainstream popularity with Urban Hymns. But I am focusing on their lesser known but still amazing songs. In 2008, The Verve make a comeback 8.

2008

Forth

Sit and Wonder

Sit and Wonder has a heavy atmosphere musically and vocally.

McCabe has plenty of space in the song to explore his atmospheric guitar. To hear this song in less compressed, high definition sound, listen in surround sound or on a C.D. Simon Jones bass reverbs as Ashcroft's singing flows beautifully. However, his lyrics are heavy:

The demons in my mind

these lyrics describe depression or mental illness, and the feeling of being trapped in sin.

Forth was the verve's first record in over a decade and was a highly anticipated album; Sit and Wonder was one of the first songs released and brought much buzz. I greatly enjoyed this initial release.

Sit and Wonder was originally an 85 minute jam condensed to a 7 minute alternative rock / pop song.9 If you are excited by music that is both unique and is true rock and roll then you will find this song simply glorious.

Rather Be

Rather Be is enjoyable. The song's main pillar is uncomplicated music, the verve brilliantly compose a fun vocal melody over this music. Rather Be was released before Forth came out and was part of the album's exciting anticipation. I listened and I liked what I heard. This uncommon, quality music is so enjoyable it relieves headaches. But don't expect to hear this on the radio.

The music video is laughable as Richard walks alone through a forest. Where is the band? Were they sick on filming day?

Judas

Judas is based on Richard Ashcroft's social experiment. Richard is a fun guy to think of doing such a spontaneous and public social experiment. Ashcroft was in a New York Starbucks and used Judas as the name for his order. People were shocked when his order was called. The result of Ashcroft's experiment is that even today this infamously historical name brings social castration.10

This song is psychedelic like Catching The Butterfly from Urban Hymns. Nick McCabe is proud of his guitar work in that song and probably is on Judas as well.3

The Verve have fantastic teamwork in Judas; Ashcroft lets the band play without dominating the song with his vocals. While the band plays to accompany his vocals. And Nick McCabe plays beautiful guitar over it. Finally, the result is a smooth exploratory song. Judas is such a relaxing tune, it's perfect to listen while driving the highway at night time, as the rain slides down your windshield. Enjoy this colorful song you probably haven't perceived yet.

Valium Skies

Get some Valium and listen to this mellow alternative rock tune. The guitar sounds like cotton candy. In addition, the emotions are very sad. I suggest you let go of your emotions, quit trying so hard to

Nick McCabe reposing Valium Skies

be happy, but relax like you never have before. This song is about a partner that unconditionally supports you.

Forth is an overlooked album. Two in depth interviews transport excitement for this album. Part one of the interview. Part two of the Forth Interview. The Verve really expressed themselves in these "reflections of darkness" interviews. But a link no longer exists.

Appalachian Springs

This song is so enjoyable and detail oriented, it's not surprising Richard Ashcroft spent a decade toiling over its merits. Ashcroft sings perfectly with resonating musical beats. No patch in the world can stop you from listening. Your good mood will rise as the song crescendos around 2:50 with the transcendent ahs because this is a Verve musical solo. Nick McCabe describes this song with its uncontrollable surging of energy, as quintessential Verve. 10 The Verve members are each in fifth gear.

As before, I chose a video featuring the artwork from the verve album the song originates.

But what does the song mean? Richard describes not recognizing yourself in the mirror after an all nighter. But he ultimately leaves the listener to interpret the song for herself. Nick McCabe's praise of this track speaks high volumes. After festering in Ashcroft's mind for a decade you can hear Appalachian Springs.

'08

Blue Pacific Ocean

Perhaps one of the funnest songs; never to be released! Ashcroft and McCabe shine over the rhythm section, comprised of Pete Salisbury (drums) and Simon Jones (bass). Simon Jone's bass alone is quite cool, but Ashcroft shows his range going from his usual voice to a very deep older sounding voice during one of the bridges of the song. The lyrics have pleasant imagery which the home made music video matches.

Major Force

Major Force has a truly great rhythm. Verve bassist Simon ones stars in this song as Richard's Na na na floats above the music. What's not to like about the interesting background vocals and catchy beat? Around 2:50 the guitars uncivilize. Major Force changes your psychological environment.

The nature of great British rock bands like The Verve is to quickly produce experimental b-side songs that immediately support their singles. Sometimes working instinctively leads to superior work. Unfortunately, people seldom hear these awesome b-sides.

All Night Long

All Night Long builds slowly into feelings of nostalgia on a peaceful Sunday morning. Simon Jones leads the song as Nick McCabe reaches his crest through tinkering on his guitar. Richard's regretful tone in his singing is incredibly moving. The sad sounding chords accompany this deep, beautiful and soulful singing.

Ashcroft pleads:

And If God can't give me grace

God can forgive me Oh Lord

Oh Jesus forgive me

Ashcroft has had a dramatic spiritual change from his nothingness lifestyle from A Northern Soul era. In 2000, he shows different sides of life, and hope in his debut solo album Alone with Everybody. 11, 12 This sentiment continues into 2008's Forth.

Ashcroft mentions negatively Jesus in This is Music, but in All Night Long he sincerely asks forgiveness from Jesus. What's the point? Without fear, Ashcroft always sings whatever is true to his heart at the time, his words and music comes alive in relevance. Listen today, and you will be fully impacted.

Unreleased Demos

Oh Sister Demo

The guitar brings an interesting vibe and perspective. Also the fast singing and tempo add to the vibe. I really like when Ashcroft's swears because it gives the song a bad-ass vibe. This very light-hearted song gives off the rebellious and exciting vibe. Again, a shame it wasn't made into more. Why do bands like The Verve throw away and not fully pursue songs like Oh Sister?

C'mon We're Making It Now

This song saw exposure as an Ashcroft solo track, but was rarely heard by The Verve. C'mon People We're Making it Now is one of many rare Verve tracks youtube user shoegaze76 features on his channel.

The Verve's version is extremely different from Ashcroft's solo version because of its raw guitar and laid-back energy. Not easy listening but far more original than any American Idol song.

I have said it before: If you are looking for Urban Hymns 2, listen to Richard Ashcroft's solo album Alone with Everybody. However, Forth is a group effort that features the Verve's signature mind altering sound. The band mates were pleased that Appalachian Springs is quintessential Verve10.

New Verve gems can continually be discovered on Youtube.

The Verve Change My Life

Enjoy a verve festival and let me know of more great rare verve tracks you come across.

Change My Life - an unreleased track (recorded between 1990-1993) with a catchy guitar riff. It's a shame Ashcroft couldn't agree with McCabe, and release and market more of the verve's guitar oriented songs. The other verve members do compliment McCabe brilliantly in this song. This is alternative rock at its finest!

A blight on the music industry is that Change My Life was never released. Hearing mediocre songs on the radio and low quality youtube versions of Change My Life is tiring. The unforgettable drums and guitar bring across cool energy. The energy you feel informally jogging, walking on a warm summer night with a breeze. The kind of night where you check out the waves. Again, it's a wart on the music world this song wasn't released.

Ending

The Verve came up with some awesome space-rock singles from 1992 to 1994. In my previous article, I discuss the A Storm in Heaven era (1993). In 1995 The Verve produced A Northern Soul, including its great b-sides. I highlight individual tracks but there are more verve gems to investigate. In 1997 The Verve wrote Urban Hymns, in this article I cover that era. In 2008, a reunified The Verve cultivate the music of Forth. Blue Pacific ocean is just one amazing song to come from the Forth era. Last call to readers: tell me the overlooked music (unreleased tracks, singles, albums, b-sides) that fascinates you. Look for Richard Ashcroft's solo projects, and Nick McCabe and Simon Jones' project Black Submarine13. That is where the magic resides. Thank you!

And for the best listening experience remember to use Ncredible NTunes. The awesome sound of the NCredible NTunes is available at WIRELESSWAVE stores across Canada For a limited time they're Free with the activation of select handsets on the Rogers network. so come on down and check them out!

Credits

Focus on the 74 sources that comprise my piece. On these sites, use the site navigation to find what you are looking for. Thanks again, happy listening! message me for these sources.

Oasis Part 3 British Rock Definitely Maybe

2014-10-18T16:12:00.004-07:00

Tonight we focus on Bring It On Down. This is hard rock!

Bring It On Down is the essence of Oasis' loud, intimate venue I referenced in the last part. That concert we wish we were at. However, this song, Oasis Bring It On Down is not just about the music, but the lyrics are also significant.

Oasis Bring It On Down has lyrical significance because a British punk revolution is referenced. Throughout Definitely Maybe, especially later on when I discuss Cigarettes and Alcohol, a rebellious attitude towards British royalty and about working in general is expressed. Check out the lyrics to Bring It On Down.

"you're the outcast-you're the underclass. But you don't care because you're living fast"

This is about doing drugs so you don't care about not being part of upper class or the in-crowd. As you can imagine this attitude was very punk to the British public that became engrossed with Definitely Maybe.

Noel Gallagher further alludes to an outcast forcing their way into an upper class or in-party crowd. Noel alludes to problems with drugs and alcohol.

"You're the uninvited guest who stays till the end. I know you got a problem that the devil sends."

Much more fun songs from Definitely Maybe to come.