Music Music Music

Matty from Rattlesnake Gunfight Interview

2013-05-16T19:55:00.000-07:00

I've had the pleasure of friending Matt from Rattlesnake Gunfight and after enough conversations, I decided to get formal, and ask some hard hitting questions. Here is that conversation.

Tell me the history of the band.

I’ve been in and out of bands since I was 14 and spent most of it on the road travelling around playing in pubs for very little pay (something I think every musician can relate to).

During this time I played with heaps of different people and met some fantastic musicians.

As I got older I wanted to start doing something online to bypass the limits placed on us by living in Australia when most of the western world lives north of the equator.

So I asked a few friends whom I really wanted to play with and Rattlesnake Gunfight was born. Those guys still have other groups they play and tour with so Rattlesnake isn’t their primary focus, we just record whenever we can get together.

We did some covers of punk music we loved, posted it, and now we are releasing our own originals for people who liked the covers.

What has influenced your music?

The punk rock community. Going to punk rock shows as a kid and just seeing other people who appreciated great music, played well - as opposed to just listening to what is played to you on the radio.

Any good show story to share?

Not with Rattlesnake Gunfight but when I was touring with a band around Australia in 2003, we had to play in an Aboriginal Community in far north-west Australia, this place is isolated desert. The stage was set up behind a chicken wire fence to stop the cans of beer being thrown at us. The funny thing was, nobody threw anything at us! They just danced and loved the music so playing the show behind chicken wire made us feel ridiculous.

What's the goal for your band?

Just enjoy the fact that we can record our music in Sydney, Australia and have it enjoyed around the world at the click of a button. That luxury is very new and anyone who played in bands in the 80s/90’s will know how lucky we are now not to have to deal with the problem of distribution.

What bands would you play a show of you could pick anyone?

ALL/Descendents, Beach Boys, Alkaline Trio, Weezer, Green Day, Ben Folds Five

Frank Turner "Four Simple Words"

2013-04-28T07:50:00.006-07:00

This song caught my ears as soon as it started off. It's such a lovely song that I can not wait to see live. Mr. Frank Turner is a song smith from across the pond, who is starting to make a name for himself here in the States. He's a huge hit over seas, but now it's time for the American crowd to see that putting words to the right music is such a talent.

Putting those words that you can make you feel the emotion of what he's singing. It feels like those words are being sung right to you. That's what I get when listening to his latest effort "Tape Deck Heart." There are songs on there that make you feel something. That is what is missing from music for me. We need those avenues of feeling emotion. The music should make a message. In my own music, I'm just singing thoughts out loud to get them out. It's hard to keep thoughts bottled up, and I know that's why I've wrote the songs I do.

I found the lines in this song that really speak to me, and hopefully they will speak to you.

Forget about your bitching and remember that you're blessed

Punk is for the kids who never fit in with the rest

Alright

Somebody told me that music with guitars was going out of fashion and I had to laugh

This shit wasn't fashionable when I fell in love

If the hipsters move on why should I give a fuck?

Album Openers

2013-04-14T07:09:00.002-07:00

Hitting your ears with the right opener can set the tone for an album. If you're not sucked into that first song, do you continue listening? Maybe, but you wouldn't just sit there, and listen through. But if a band can capture you from the opening moment, you're likely to sit and listen the whole way through. It's like the lead off batter in baseball, they come up ready to make something happen. Even if they end up hitting a single, that's the start of something.

Most bands just try to hook you in with the hits, but some bands do it right and always hit a home run with the opener. For me, one band that always comes to mind is Strung Out. I feel like on every album that first song gets me hooked. On Twisted by Design, they open with Too Close To See, which just hits you hard and gets you pumped for the rest. It's a song that really captures all that spirit of life, and what you go through. Life isn't always rosy, but those moments can make you a stronger person.

Hitting off with American Slang by the Gaslight Anthem is another great opener. It signals a bit of change for the band, but still has those elements of what you expect from the band. Speaking of New Jersey, how about Thunder Road off Born to Run? Talk about some opener. It has some of my favorite lines throughout, but when this line hits

"Its a town full of losersAnd Im pulling out of here to win."

That line right there makes me want to pick up and leave this town that I am in. It makes you want to run away, and find what you're looking for. You want to be out on that open road in search of a better life. That perfectly sets up what the them is for that whole album. If I picked a song to lead off with, this would be the song I would choose.

What are some of your favorite opening songs?

Mixtapes, Playlists, Mix Cd's?

2013-04-13T15:48:00.002-07:00

I've never been able to put together a good playlist of songs. I always want to get some theme going, but just never found the right music for it. What is your secret to creating a good mix tape? Obviously, anymore people don't do that. At least I don't think they do? But how about creating a fun play list? Do you stick to just one idea, and go with it? Feed me a playlist for spring weather. I'm interested to hear your songs.

Aaron from All for Amends Talks Music

2013-04-09T14:53:00.002-07:00

I always like when someone asks me to come check out their band, and I realize what great music they're making. Therefore, I have to get in touch and see what they are all about. The world of music is fascinating, but it takes that fascinating musician to bring out the music. It's all about the message they are sending, and what they're all about. When you find those people that are just there for the music, even better. Aaron is something that I can just see wants to go somewhere with this, and I wish him the best in it. I will be there in what way I can. Please give this a read, and check out the music.

All for Amends Facebook Page

All For Amends Band Camp Page

Hi Stephen thanks for showing interest in interviewing me and just the general interest in All For Amends. I have never done anything like this before and it just seems so surreal to be doing this as I'm always glued to the interviews of musicians that i follow, so its odd to be in that position. Not that i consider myself in the same league as the musicians i admire. Feel free to send more questions if you want or anything else that you would want to pick my brain about, it would be a pleasure.

What influences you musically?

Musically i guess i am influenced by alot of the 90's melodic punk bands such as Saves The Day, The Movielife, Northstar and etc. However i see All For Amends as an amalgamation of a wide span of influences from the plethora of the new wave of Pop Punk and Hardcore influenced bands such as Fireworks and Bangarang! to 90's emo bands like Braid, Jejune to the grit of classic folk and blues like Bob Dylan and Leadbelly (which has influenced the stripped element of All For Amends). Oh and The Smiths have influenced me significantly as well. So a whole wide spectrum of influences which shape the nuances of All For Amends.

How did you get started playing music?

I've always been enthralled by music from i can remember, i don't know what it is. I guess its the medium of art which just resonates with me profoundly than anything else. I started playing around with a guitar when i was around 13 but i didn't pursue it to the point where it could've been considered serious i was just fiddling. I was always shy and self conscious about playing music and i never had the guts to play music in front of people but rather in the comforts of my own privacy whether that would be playing a few chords in my room or just singing with the door shut to The Smiths in my room. Around this time some friends of mine were getting together to play music in some of the music classrooms in my secondary school and they needed a singer so out of boredom i plucked up the courage to join them in a practice room one day. We covered Blink 182 and Arctic Monkeys there was an effort to make a real go out of it but the band dissolved and only amounted to putting out a demo. After a year or so i started to pick up the guitar again and started writing stuff for a potential band. I tried to look for people to form a band with off and on for years so i could use some of the ideas but nothing came out of it so i took on the courage to go it alone as All For Amends, the rest is history.

What are your goals with your music?

Honestly my goals are too just be sincere as possible and write stuff i can one day have the balls to say i wrote to other people hahaha. If i can also somehow release some of the anxiety i suffer from in a constructive way, in the way that it can become therapeutic for me and others who might stumble upon it then that's a plus too.

Any good touring/show story to share?

I have quite a funny story which nearly happened if that counts. Jonah Mantranga (Far, Onelinedrawing, Gratitude) messaged me through facebook saying how much he liked the demo i recently put out and tried to get me a support slot for one of his shows recently to talk and see what i'm about. Unfortunately the bill was too full so it didn't happen. He said he "tried all he could" which was pretty flattering and surreal. He said it's a definite the next time he comes to the UK. Sweetest guy ever.

Who would you tour with if you could pick anyone?

Chris Conley from Saves The Day, Bob Nanna from Braid and Morrissey. Bobby Brown (Dont Be Cruel era) would be legit too.

Any parting words?

I just want to say thanks Stephen for arranging this, the interest is appreciated honestly. Other than that I'd say watch this space because i have alot more things in place for the future including shows and new music soon. Thanks.

Musical Mount Rushmore

2013-04-05T11:24:00.000-07:00

Why not do a Mount Rushmore of Music? I've done the Indiana Pacers one, the Indianapolis Colts one, and even a wrestling one. But to sit back and think that only four men or women could be placed into this mountain that represents the world of music, that's a daunting task. Then again, I go into these blogs just typing away, and if coherent thoughts appear great. For this one, I realize that I can't stick all four Beatles up there as much as I think that would be a great Mount Rushmore. I would have to select one, and that was an easy choice as there's one guy in the group that always stands out to me.

Paul McCartney

This choice was made easy once I narrowed it down to one Beatle. He's still making music today that people enjoy. He created such love songs that I think are time less. Kids, adults, senior citizens, everyone could relate to the stuff that Paul was creating. Look at the fact that he'll play with about any musician, and that's another reason why I give him the spot up there on the mountain.

Frank Sinatra

He's got the voice. He's got the songs. He's got that it factor. He's timeless, so he has to be place up there. Do I need to say anything more about him? Songs that people can relate to. Words that you hear him sing, and you can just feel the emotion coming out. Charisma that even gave more charm to the music.

George Gershwin

I love that you can listen to his music, and just picture what's going on. It's like a painting of music, therefore, he's up there for me.

Kurt Cobain

Yes, on his anniversary of his death, this probably why I'm thinking about him. But you look at how he came, and left. The music is still there. The words that he can could probably still make you feel some angst for life at any age. We all have some sort of turmoil happening, whether it's small or big. If life was easy, what would living be like? He probably wouldn't even want his face up there, which is almost a good reason to put it up there. To give him the credit for what he did. I truly feel like he did want to succeed, but wasn't ready for that success once it happened.

American Idiot Comes to Life

2013-04-03T07:40:00.002-07:00

I went out and saw American Idiot the musical not sure what to expect. I've listened to the album plenty of times, but to see it truly come to the stage was interesting. What I found was this album is pretty darn depressing. I guess I assumed that based on the songs on it. When you see how it's put together up on stage, there's definitely a down look to it. I guess down enough that caused some people to leave right in the middle of a song. Not sure what they were expecting, but it wasn't their cup of tea.

It also did confirm to me that Green Day is "punk" in their sense of doing something bold. These songs are bold and out there. In the time that this album came out, it was something that was leaving you with messages about the current state. That's also the best thing about Green Day is their timing. Look at Dookie, and when that came out. People were tired of the grunge sound, Dookie comes along, and anything sounding like a punk album makes a lot of money.

How about the timing of Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)? That was when they were probably tired of all the sell out stuff, and just wanted to throw out a song that they knew people would be saying something about it. Last night featured the cast all playing guitars and singing this song at the end. That was quite the way to finish the show I will say. But that song is about as "punk" as Green Day could get. It's like when Bob Dylan went all electric after all those years of acoustic. People weren't sure what to make of it, but they embraced it anyways.

American Idiot the album was made for this type of experience. Out on stage with big production value. The band knew what they were doing. There's even talk about doing a movie. But this production was good in the sense that it brings such a perspective to the album. Each guy has their own theme throughout the show. It has someone who gets left behind because he has a girl that's pregnant. Two guys go out with dreams of playing in a band. But one guy joins the army. The other one just gets caught up in drugs. But at the end, all three come back together for the home coming, and everything is back to where it should be. Well, that's the basic gist. I've never been good at reviewing these things, so I would recommend if you enjoyed the album, seeing the musical. I enjoyed it, and think it did do the album quite a good service. Makes me want to just go back and listen to American Idiot.

Lyrics Make a Song

2013-03-30T13:32:00.005-07:00

As much as I like to think I'm a creative lyrical genius, my lyrics are straight forward and to the point. I never make a point of trying to make something that you have to sit and think about. Music to me should nail home a point. But there are definitely times I hear a lyric, and think why didn't I write that? So this will be a collection of those lyric lines that I come to and just think, man that's great. It's hard to put into words the feelings I might have for some of these lines. Imagine that. But I will try my best to point out some of the best lyrics that I've heard. Feel free to post your own, and we'll make a song of the best lyrics.

Bayside "Devotion and Desire"

All over this lonely life,

but what's so wrong with being all alone?

Alone is the only way I've ever known.

For me, these lines seem to hit home as I've never held a steady relationship. I'm a very independent guy. But sometimes life makes it seem like that you should be with someone at all times. What is wrong with being a single guy who is just waiting for that right gal to come around? If I'm going to be alone, then I am going to be alone.

Say Anything "Admit It!"

Proud of my life and the things that I have done

Proud of myself and the loner I’ve become

I know I know, the loner aspect is coming up again. But you know that's what I am relating into my life at this moment. I think this whole song could be a testament to what lyrics should be all about. Go listen to it, and it's practically Max Bemis speaking directly to you. But for me, I got music at a time when I can really use it.

Beatles " I Want to Hold Your Hand"

Oh yeah, I'll tell you something

I think you'll understand

When I say that something

I wanna hold your hand

I wanna hold your hand

I wanna hold your hand

I will steal this idea from Nick and Nora's Infinite Playlist, but you do truly want that hand to hold. It's such an easy concept, and of course the Beatles were the kings of that in their early days. I have always been more fond of the early period. Those songs are yes pop to a tee, but man they are so good.

Gaslight Anthem "I Could'a Been a Contender"

I was gonna get them Broadway Stars

You were gonna be my Judy Garland,

We were gonna share your Tin Man heart

Gaslight Anthem once again know how to say something in their words. It's not all about Jersey. I love this line that goes along with the Wizard of Oz. I always thought that's such a good way to describe love. How many times have you heard something like this?

Alkaline Trio "You've Got so Far to Go"

So let's walk home, let's be afraid.

I wanna grab you by the arms and kiss you so hard.

Let's do it right, under the streetlight.

I want it now, somehow I forgot how.

I'm a big believer in spark on that first date, and these lyrics just pin point that. You listen to this song, and to me it describes that ideal first date. You're around that person, and nothing else matters around you. You wouldn't even notice anything else around you. That's a moment that you know there's something special there.

Music Collaborations

2013-01-20T11:39:00.000-08:00

Well, this blog has been neglected way too long. Surprised no one called Blog Protection Services on me for this. So let's dust it off and talk music. I was listening to a podcast from Matt Pryor of the Get Up Kids and he had on Max Bemis of Say Anything, which got me thinking what if those guys worked together on something. Even further thinking for myself, what if I just started finding musicians to work with and creating something?

It's been such a struggle to find a band to play with anymore, that I am considering this attempt of collaboration with different people. I would think what I want to accomplish is jamming together for a bit, recording it, and putting it out there. No real polish to the song or idea. Just going with the flow and creating music. Some of my favorite albums are probably first takes of songs anyways, so why not try this avenue? If it creates into something bigger, even better.

But the idea that I could get different song writers writing with me is something I need to pursue. I do have some songs I need to get going anyways as that was my "pay it forward" idea that popped up on facebook for people. There are small thoughts that will hopefully turn into songs for the lucky people who wanted songs from me.

If you're reading this and are interested in this type of collaboration, by all means get in touch with me. Give me a follow on twitter @StephenA1181 and we'll make sweet sweet music.

This Day in Music: I hope I don't die on the toilet

2012-08-16T14:26:00.001-07:00

August 16th, 1977

Elvis Presley was found dead lying on the floor in his bathroom by his girlfriend Ginger Alden, he had been seated on the toilet reading 'The Scientific Search For Jesus'. He died of heart failure at the age of 42.

Ah the infamous or famous Elvis Presley death. Myself, I was never a fan of him. I know his place in music and understand the influence he had. But just never got into the music. I did enjoy the Million Dollar Quartet play/musical that I saw a bit ago. Indianapolis takes credit as being his last live appearance too so that's cool. There's even some plaque for him on the corner of Market Street, where Market Square Arena used to sit. I was working downtown at the time they unveiled it, and people left peanut butter sandwiches there as that was his sandwich to eat.

This Day in Music: Woodstock, Baby!

2012-08-15T14:49:00.000-07:00

August 15th, 1969

Woodstock Festival was held on Max Yasgur's 600 acre farm in Bethel outside New York. Attended by over 400,000 people, the event featured, Jimi Hendrix, Joe Cocker, Crosby Stills Nash & Young, Santana, The Who, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Grateful Dead, Janis Joplin, The Band, Canned Heat, Joan Baez, Melanie, Ten Years After, Sly and the Family Stone, Johnny Winter, Jefferson Airplane, Ravi Shanker, Country Joe and the Fish, Blood Sweat and Tears, Arlo Guthrie, and Joe Cocker. During the three days there were three deaths, two births and four miscarriages. Joni Mitchell was booked to appear but had to pull out due to being booked for a TV show, wrote the song 'Woodstock.'

This is a big event to talk about as it pertains to music. All this great music came together for a weekend just for the love of music. We all saw what happened years later when Woodstock got ugly. But this first incarnation of the event really meant something, and it paved the way for music festivals.

This Day in Music: Why oh Why?

2012-08-14T14:01:00.001-07:00

August 14th, 1985
Michael Jackson won a bid over Yoko Ono and Paul McCartney to secure the ATV Music Publishing catalogue. At $47.5m he gained the rights to more than 250 songs written by Lennon and McCartney. McCartney had been negotiating with Yoko Ono, who had decided to withdraw her side of the deal because of 'astrological' reasons.

I never understood why this happened, and it sucks that it did happen. I am sure there have been times when music rights have been won by people other than the ones doing the writing. But this is the Beatles. How can anyone but them own the rights to their music? I do believe that McCartney would eventually get this part of the catalogue back and it's good to know it's back in the right hands.

This Day in Music: Almost Forgot About It

2012-08-12T15:10:00.001-07:00

August 12th, 1968

Jimmy Page, Robert Plant, John Paul Jones and John Bonham played together for the first time when they rehearsed at a studio in Gerrard Street in London's West End. The first song they played was a version of 'The Train Kept A-Rollin.' They also played 'Smokestack Lightning' and a version of 'I'm Confused' (soon to become 'Dazed And Confused'). The first live dates they played were as The Yardbirds, and it was not until the following month when they started to use the name Led Zeppelin.

Those four guys should be remembered well as they would form the godfathers of hard rock in Led Zeppelin. I don't need to rehash all the greatness they achieved or what they did for music. Here's a little Dazed and Confused for you to enjoy.

This Day in Music: Back in Black

2012-08-09T13:44:00.000-07:00

August 9th, 1980

AC/DC scored their first UK No.1 album with 'Back In Black'. It was the first AC/DC album recorded without former lead singer Bon Scott, (who died on 19 February 1980 at the age of 33), and was dedicated to him. The album has sold an estimated 49 million copies worldwide to date, making it the second highest selling album of all time, and the best selling hard rock or heavy metal album, as well as the best selling album ever released by a band.

This is one of those songs you know just by the beginning guitar riff. Possibly the best song by AC/DC and my personal favorite. I saw AC/DC back some years ago, and even in the balcony that was one of the loudest shows I've been to. And if you know me, I've been to a few concerts in my days, and especially ones where I've been towards the front where the music hits your face. This one was far away, and my ears were still ringing for a bit after the show. AC/DC is one of those bands that knew what they did well, and never tried for anything different. Why mess with the formula when it's working? They could have called it a day after losing such a big influential singer, but carried on, and become one of the most popular bands around. That's quite a feat for this type of band.

This Day in Music: Did U2 find what they were looking for?

2012-08-08T08:22:00.001-07:00

August 8th, 1987

U2 scored their second US No.1 single from their 'Joshua Tree' album with 'I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For'. The song received two nominations for the 30th Grammy Awards in 1988, for Record of the Year and Song of the Year.

This song has come on at different points in my life recently, and it couldn't be more relevant to my life. I just think sometimes there's something more out there for me, and I have to find it. But it's that whole journey trying to get to the destination that's hard.

This Day in Music: But Yesterday

2012-08-08T08:16:00.001-07:00

August 7th, 1982

Dexy's Midnight Runners were at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'Come On Eileen' their second and last No.1. It was the Best-selling single of 1982 and the song won Best British Single at the 1983 Brit Awards. The "Eileen" as featured in the video is Máire Fahey, sister of Siobhan Fahey, former singer with Bananarama and Shakespear's Sister. The American singer Johnnie Ray, mentioned in the opening lyrics, was also featured in the video using old film footage.

Who doesn't love this catchy tune? Come on Eileen, indeed.

This Day in Music: Let's Twist Again

2012-08-06T15:02:00.001-07:00

August 6th, 1960

Chubby Checker appeared on US TV show American Bandstand and performed 'The Twist.' The song went to No.1 on the US chart and again 18 months later in 1962. It is the only song to go to the top of the charts on two separate occasions.

What can I add here other than how many of you have tried to do your own version of the twist? But of course nothing beats the original.

This Day in Music: The Boss is the BRUCEE!!!

2012-08-05T16:47:00.001-07:00

August 5th, 1984

Bruce Springsteen played the first of ten nights at the Meadowlands in New Jersey to mark the homecoming of the Born in the USA Tour.

I like to think I share a special connection with Mr. Bruce Springsteen as there is a cassette tape out there with me singing along to Born in the USA. That's right, if only I could upload that for the world to hear. It's the beginning of my musical career, and I didn't even know it.

This Day in Music: The Monkees Gain a Fan

2012-08-04T14:50:00.000-07:00

August 4th, 1967

A female Monkees fan stowed away on the bands plane between shows in Minneapolis and St Louis. The girl's father threatened to bring charges for transporting a minor across state lines.

Not much to add to this history lesson. Can you imagine how often this happened? Or what do you think is the craziest thing someone has done to see their favorite band?

Fun fact about this song, it's one of the few songs that I've never been able to complete on Rock Band.

This Day in Music: The Doors Score Two Hits

2012-08-03T11:56:00.001-07:00

Here's today This Day in Music. It's an odd fact that featured the Doors. They had two songs in the top five of the US Singles chart, which doesn't sound odd considering how popular the Doors were in 1968. But here's the kicker, one was their own song, "Hello I Love You" and the other was a cover version of "Light My Fire" by Jose Feliciano. You know that guy that also gave us "Feliz Navidad." So here comes the cover version of "Light My Fire" for you to enjoy.

August 3rd, 1968

The Doors started a two week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with 'Hello I Love You', the group's second US No.1. 'Hello I Love You', was also in the Top 5 at the same time as Jose Feliciano's version of 'Light My Fire', giving The Doors two songs, written by the group, simultaneously in the Top 5.

This Day in Music: August 2nd, 2012

2012-08-02T07:37:00.001-07:00

Today's This Day in Music involves a movie and a sappy love song.

August 2nd, 1986

Peter Cetera started a two-week run at No.1 on the US charts with the theme from the film 'Karate Kid II', 'The Glory Of Love', it made No. 3 in the UK.

I always remember this scene in Karate Kid, even though this song wasn't as good as the ending credits song in the first Karate Kid. Remember you're the best around, Nothing’s gonna ever keep you down.

So you'll get two lovely Karate Kid songs for the price of one blog.

How do you say good bye?

2012-08-01T13:47:00.002-07:00

Did you say that yesterday or just right now?

You'll never know the feeling of my bleeding heart

Too bad this blog could not have come under better circumstances, but I want to just pour out what's going on. I couldn't believe I saw the ticker show up with this "Tony Sly Dead at 41." I had to read it a couple of times because it was that unreal. Tony Sly was the lead singer and guitarist of No Use For a Name. Punk rock band that had been around for a bit. They're very melodic and really write some great songs. Probably more of the unknown variety, but still known enough in the punk rock scene as I can tell by the outpouring of posts at punknews.org.

For me, it just hit home as I remember NUFAN being this band that I could listen to and really enjoy. I got the cd "More Betterness" and probably listened the heck out of it. I remember getting their live cd, and knowing that so well I could even recite the banter between songs and the little nuances that went on. It's just unreal to think that someone like this is gone.

Now of course it's a bit odd as I didn't know Tony Sly or wasn't close to him or anything like that. But I can relate to what the band was and what the music did for me. I know that the first band I played in, Faze Factor, covered three or so songs of No Use. We played Invincible, Straight from the Jacket, and Room 19. We went and saw No Use in Cincy, and just had a good time there. The band's live energy was great. They knew what they could do, and they did it well.

Just looking through twitter and seeing the feelings of some of the fellow musicians that did know him hits you. It's a weird feeling to think that something like this happens out of nowhere. That's the hardest thing about it. This came out of left field. And who knows now if that band will carry on as Tony was the founding member of No Use. I would love for some of the older members to get together and pull some show in memory of him, and I'd imagine that will happen.

This Day in Music: The Beatles Score Another #1

2012-08-01T10:27:00.000-07:00

How about to give my music blog some love, each day of August I'll post something that happened on that day in music? If you have something that happened on that day, feel free to share it as well.

Today's August 1st Day in Music involves the Beatles:

August 1,1964

The Beatles scored their fifth US No.1 single in seven months when 'A Hard Day's Night' went to the top of the charts. The group had now spent seventeen weeks at the No.1 position in this year.

One of my favorite songs by the Fab Four, and the movie was quite excellent as well. Nothing beats that opening chord and the music moves along nicely.

We're an American Band

2012-07-04T08:18:00.001-07:00

I threw out this question on facebook and got to thinking hard about it.

Who is the best US or American Band?

I got some interesting choices from people. The Roots, Black Keys, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Aerosmith, Bon Jovi, and Bruce Springsteen were the answers I got. Now no offense to those bands, but really the best American band of all time? I guess it's better than an article that I was reading stating that Pearl Jam was the best one.

I was having trouble thinking about this question because I kept coming up with British bands, like the Beatles, the Clash, Zeppelin, and such. I guess you could throw out a band like Kiss, maybe not for their music all the way, but the fact that they were able to make themselves an important band. And why they're not in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is way way way beyond me.

But for me, the band has to influence music, and really make a statement. So finally, I settled upon a band that did that. And maybe it's not the most popular choice, but I'm going with Nirvana. I've recently been listening to them more often, and really getting in what they were all about. Look at their timing in the world of music. People were sick of that whole 80s hair metal sound, so they came in and tore the roof off with their punk/grunge/alternative sound. Kurt Cobain can say all he wants about not wanting to be a rock star, but in a way that made him a rock star. Go figure, it works that way.

So there you go, my choice for Best American Band is Nirvana, what say you?

Musicals are escapes from real life

2012-06-25T11:13:00.002-07:00

Wow it's been a bit for my music blog to make an appearance. I've been writing it up so much for sports that I kind of pushed this to the side, and didn't have much inspiration for writing. But I did find something over the weekend that has inspired me to blog, Rock Of Ages the movie.

You're probably wondering how does that work? Well, I have an admission I need to make right here that I hardly ever tell people. I love and enjoy musicals. I remember growing up and watching Singin' in the Rain. I love that movie so much I had to buy it for myself. I mean who wouldn't want to dance like Gene Kelly in this scene?

And I probably know more about the movie Grease than I would care to admit. But it's the idea of those movies presenting your life to song that's so good. I know I've imagined at certain points what it would be like if a song suddenly burst out. I'd compare it to this moment in (500) Days of Summer.

Musicals play a good part of pop culture that even Larry David did a small bit about West Side Story.

Musicals are just a good way to escape your day for a couple of years, and Rock of Ages did do that. I saw the musical live, which was great, and the movie while cheesy at times was enjoyable. I feel so much better I got to profess to the blogging world that I do in fact enjoy musicals. I haven't seen all them out there, so maybe that's a to do list I need to make. What musicals do you suggest?