Valentine’s Hangover – An alternative playlist
Are you just about sick to death of this whole Valentine's nonsense. Well you've come to the right place then!
Now that all of that soppy, squishy Valentine’s rubbish is over, its time for a bit of classic rock and roll to shove down your gullet. For those of you who had just about enough of “Everything I do” and “Lady in Red” and so forth, here’s a quick alternative list of “love” songs to fill your head with reason and sanity once again.
It cannot be stressed enough how much love songs are well and truly terrible. You merely have to look at the warbling antics of such felons as Westlife, James Bl(C)unt and the derisive, fake tanned caterwauling of Peter Andre to have bile pushed to the very tip of your throat. Luckily for us who still remain firmly on the right side of sanity, Rock music comes to our saviour once again, asking little more than a quick fumble and frolic in return.
Starting off the playlist are those long haired, heavy drinking, Ozzy rockers Airbourne. From their debut album Runnin’ Wild, we have a fine selection of songs where the word love is merely a four letter synonym for womanising, drinking and general debauchery. The most notable would be the finely titled “Girls in Black”, “Cheap Wine & Cheaper Women” and the more than double entendre “Diamond in the Rough” make your own minds up about what that could possibly mean. These tracks are, admittedly, mostly appreciated by single characters, the prospect of a night on the town much more appealing than a night on the couch, exposing our dead eyes to Mamma Mia, again. Indeed the winner does take it all.
However if the prospect of a fornicating romp around your nearest bars/clubs and inner city apartments isn’t quite your cup of tea there are plenty of much calmer songs to do with the affairs of the heart. Led Zeppelin’s “Goin’ to California” and “Ramble On” provide a much more tempered approach to love, dealing with the ups and downs, highs and lows, trials and tribulations of unrequited and lost love. Couple the enigmatic, fantasy ladened lyrics with master guitar and mandolin work from Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones and a wonderful mixture of volatile imagery allows the listener to slip off into a calming world, void of hallmark confectionary and consumerism.
Thunder also can provide a harder bighting edge to the lost love of this cruel world we inhabit. “Does it Feel like Love” and “Like a Satellite” from the album Laughing on Judgement Day give the listener a much needed boost if they are sick and tired, or even heartbroken from the toils of pre, post and general Valentine’s madness. “Dirty Love” from Backstreet Symphony also provides a wonderful alternative to typical love songs, guaranteed to bring a smile and jolt to any down and out rocker, long parted from their significant other, whatever that may mean.
So there it stands a quick, alternative playlist to get you through these disgustingly soft times. Whilst the rest of the world may be bleary eyed, staring through their rose tinted glasses to the tune of an overpriced restaurant bill, at least we amongst the rock and roll community can raise a glass and toast to their ignorance. But after all, even us rocker’s can feel the flutter of cherubs around our heads, every now and then.
Jonathan Whitelaw
Band official websites follow: www.airbournerock.com, www.ledzeppelin.com, www.thunderonline.com
The Super Bowl Halftime show – A future rock classic?
The Super Bowl halftime show, glamorous, spectacular and it would now seem an annual place for classic rockers to show off their stuff.
The Who, Roger Daltrey & Pete Townsend (c) AP Photo/Rob Carr
The annual spectacular known as the Super Bowl has often provided highs and lows both on and off the field for sporting fans and casual viewers alike. As the trend of the event being watched by ever increasing amounts of hundreds of millions of people globally, it is interesting to note that the spectacle of the half time show has come to rely on aging rockers in recent years. The Who are the latest to join the long list of performers in the forty four year history of the event, joining others who have carved a path of glory on one of the world’s biggest stages.
Save perhaps for the opening and closing ceremonies of World Cups and summer Olympic games, the annual Super Bowl of American football provides one of the grandest stages on which an artist can be asked to perform at. Of course only the biggest and brightest names are chosen for the half time show, usually comprising of a whirlwind stage being erected and typical American glitz and fireworks. It is compelling and interesting to note however that since 2005 megastars of the classic rock genre have graced the stage and delivered memorable performances, perhaps not for the artists themselves but certainly for the Super Bowl audiences.
Beginning this current trend was Paul McCartney in the early months of 2005. With a typical medley of his more famous songs including “Baby you can drive my car” “Get Back” and “Live and Let die” the decision to go for a vintage rock act, Sir Paul of course hot off of endorsing the iPod at the time, was heralded as a bold move considering the predominantly RnB and hip hop dominated music scene of the era. Criticism of the performance were mainly down to the distinctly flat sounding production of the clearly pre-recorded set list, the typical NFL and American broadcasting paranoia that when the cameras were on, never trust a rocker, even one in his sixties.
This was followed in 2006 with the ever enduring Rolling Stones. Like Macca before them, The Stones, led by the increasingly thinning, handbag face of Mick Jagger, this performance still showed many critics of the group, who have failed to release anything of great note in what seems like a lifetime, that they could still get the job done. The band had come under some criticism having publicly lambasted The Eagles that year for apparently over charging fans to see them play a “best of” set list, confusing considering Jagger et al had been doing that for the better part of forty years. Typical crowd pleasers like “Start Me Up” and ”(I can’t get no) satisfaction” were included as Jagger stomped around the giant lip logo stage, Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood being propped up by their guitars and Charlie Watts looking distinctly bored on drums.
Next in 2007 and 2008 were Prince and Tom Petty respectively. For Prince this was a return to a stage he had graced in his heyday and for Tom Petty a chance to take a break from his ‘King of the Hill’ acting and perform to the predominantly American audience that he enjoys huge popularity with. Highlights of the performances were a thrilling rendition of “All along the watchtower” and “Purple Rain” from Prince, although once again The Artist was upstaged by his flamboyant symbol guitar which dazzled the flashing camera bulbs. Petty’s highlights were, in truth, the entire set including “Free Fallin’” “Won’t back Down” and an obvious “American Girl”. The usual lack of enthusiasm displayed by the crowd, 71000 plus strong, taking away a little from the well performed shows put on by both acts.
Which brings the list neatly to last year’s performance from The Boss himself, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band. Singing his ever popular “Born to Run” and “Glory Days” the press at the time took the surprising turn of lambasting their hero for not playing “Born in the USA”, The Boss seemingly still a little embittered by his blatantly social issue based song being used by George Bush snr’ presidential campaign in the early 1990s.
So it would appear that the popularity of rock music is as powerful a selling tool as it is a predominantly thriving music culture and scene. Although it must be stated that the performers and artists contributions to the Super Bowl halftime shows were by no means “classic’ on their parts, it still remains one of the most watched events of the sporting and televisual year and to have classic rock represented in such a large way can only be good. This begs the question as to how long this trend will continue, and also who will fill the pretty big shoes already. The likes of U2, Phil Collins, ZZ Top and Michael Jackson have also headlined the event and with KISS, AC/DC and others now refinding their form, surely it must only be a matter of time before the powers at be make the Super Bowl halftime show a kick ass rock fest to keep the frothing fans thirsty for more.
Jonathan Whitelaw
All of the above performances can be found on YouTube. Band Links: http://www.thewho.com, http://www.rollingstones.com, http://www.tompetty.com, http://www.lotusflow3r.com, http://www.brucespringsteen.net, http://www.youtube.com
Super Groups – Part 2 The Bad, worse and worst
The second part of an insightful look into the world of super groups that sees the exploration of the fad's underbelly.
Asia - Asia (c) Asia, Geffen records
We have explored the more glorious and entertaining side of the super group, it is now time to venture into the seedy underbelly and walk with devils as the nastier, bad side is exposed in all of its painfully terrible “glory”. Ladies and gentlemen we have the bad side of super groups, the people seated in the first four rows will get wet, you have been warned!
It is only natural for a fad or a trend to run its course. As was discussed in the opening part of this feature, the super group is one of those trends in music that always promises so very much but tends not to deliver. From the heyday of Crosby, Stills and Nash to the short lived wonders of the Travelling Wilburys, the super group was seen as a glorious amalgamation of talent that could only go from strength to strength. However, where these artists soared to new and untapped precedence, others peddled a one-wheeled bike over a cliff, descending into new levels of drudgery and woefulness, all for that last bite at the juicy red apple of fame.
The first culprits, although by no means the worst, are Asia. Consisting of members who were and still are firmly second division rockers, this eighties group, formed in 1981, are considered by many to be more than a caricature of eighties hair and hard rock. Consisting of members from such bands as Yes and Atomic Rooster, it would appear the thought process that went into the formation of this band would go along the lines of, “If we combine our strengths, we can’t be beat!” Unfortunately for listeners of rock and music in general this has meant they are still active today, blasting out such “hits” as “Only time will tell” and their signature song “Heat of the moment”, an ironic title considering the birth of this mutation of rock music.
Another bunch of music miscreants called themselves Blind Faith. Surprisingly featuring a line up that included Eric Clapton and Ginger Baker of Cream (mentioned in part 1) this group makes it onto the list for a number of reasons. The first being the distinctly average, dry as dust sound that a group featuring supreme guitarists Steve Winwood and Clapton offers to listeners. The emphasis cannot be stressed enough on how the music on Blind Faith’s eponymous album is not necessarily bad, but the lack of real invention or input that makes listeners feel that the artists could not really be bothered, it just made too good sense to join together. Couple that with the frankly paedophilic album cover of a topless pre-pubescent girl holding a phallic shaped aircraft and you have a Machiavellian cocktail for disaster.
The next of the usual suspects, although not strictly a super group but more of a super covers group are Me First and the Gimme Gimmes. Already hounded by the frankly diabolical name, this group features Mike Burkett of NOFX and Chris Shiflett of the Foo Fighters amongst others. Based on the premise that traditional, conventional songs are, quite frankly, not good enough, this outfit of multi-millionaires take it upon themselves to perform punk versions of the aforementioned classics. Two songs of note would be John Denver’s moving classic “Country roads” and the immortal “Sloop John B” by the Beach Boys, who despite being amongst the most important and seminal artists of the twentieth century, needed their work to be run through endless production computers to achieve that rather flat, shiny, tinny sound that only modern punk can achieve. A real tragedy to music.
There we go, you can put away your sick bag and take out your ear-plugs because those are the main culprits named and shamed for your benefit. Although these are by no means the worst villains they rank amongst the very lowest. Special acknowledgement goes to recently formed Them Crooked Vultures consisting of Dave Grohl, Josh Homme and John Paul Jones of Led Zeppelin no less. Their dead eyed, post modern rock currently justifying their existence and being played monotonously over the airwaves of any station desperate to fill four minutes of air time.
The super group appears to be going strong; new ones popping up it would seem on a yearly basis. As the world recovers from economic disaster and we all begin to spend money again, the hope that record labels will filter out some of the potential garbage and stick to more credible artists with genuine ability together and not just another way to make a fast buck looms. Time will tell, it always does.
Jonathan Whitelaw
All of the tracks and artists are available from Amazon music or iTunes. For more, try these websites: http://www.origionalasia.com, http://www.themcrookedvultures.com
Super Groups – Part 1 The Good, Better and Best
An insight into the weird and wonderful world of super groups, starting off a two part feature, firstly with the good side.
The Travelling Wilburys clockwise top left; Tom Petty, Jeff Lynne, Roy Orbison, Bob Dylan, George Harrison
The world of Rock and Roll has been more than giving to loyal fans and casual listeners over the many beer and whiskey soaked decades that have gone before. Each band and artist within the sweaty scene has their own unique contribution to the glorious and sometimes infamous world that refuses to exist quietly. But what happens when members from numerous acts form together, combining their talents and trials for everybody’s entertainment. Ladies and gentlemen, the Super Group is born, wide eyed and desperate for a beer!
As the name says, a super group is, at least on basis of foundation, meant to be super. In a world as volatile as the music industry, and the rock scene more so, it is no mean feat when a number of artists, their baggage and creative styles and all, decide to group together and produce music. Although the idea sounds bad at first, potentially life threatening in some cases, it is remarkable to find that there are actually a few genuinely good super groups that were able to produce notable music that still rocks. These chosen few create a wonderful blend of styles and bring listeners a good dose of music meant more than simply an outlet for aging rockers to have one more stab at some fame. Of course, those exist also. Here in part one we’ll explore the best.
The concept is not a new one to music, the first recognized super groups date back as far as 1968 with Cream. This band of course featured Eric Clapton fresh from The Yardbirds, Jack Bruce of Manfred Man and Ginger Baker of Graham Bond. However, there is some speculation and mild controversy amongst fans of the band and rock music as to whether Cream should be considered a super group or not, their status now firmly placed within rock music lore as being a credible enough band to be considered stand alone, their four albums released over three years a testimony to this. Another super group, considered by many to be the first true band in the sense, are Crosby, Stills and Nash (CSN). Again, these artists are now more recognised for being within this band and achieving greater success than they did as either solo artists or members of previous groups. Cream and CSN, although some of the very first bands to be labelled with this title, skirt the borderline between super group and regular band. Their success however cannot be considered ambiguous as they both continue to tour and perform to this day.
One group, however, stands enormously large over the others like a rampaging giant across a Belgian countryside and, considering their personnel have every right to do so, were The Travelling Wilburys. Consisting of Jeff Lynne of ELO fame, Roy Orbison, Tom Petty, George Harrison and Bob Dylan no less, this group is the archetypal example of what and how a super group should be created and performed. Each member a more than credible source of material and musical ability, The Travelling Wilburys to this day still exist as the best example of how potentially fantastic a super group can be for fans of the individual artists and the music they play. Primarily focussing on a more country/folk rock style of music, each of the five transatlantic members come together in a wonderful mixture of harmonics, playing ability and song writing ability. Their debut album, ‘Traveling Wilburys Vol.1’ remains the jewel of the small collection from this group, Handle with Care a fun, imaginative and feel good song that is a pleasure to listen to and enjoy.
The death of Roy Orbison in 1988 however spelled an unceremonious end to the Travelling Wilburys. Their tenure only lasted two full albums and a compilation album, and in many opinions this added to the mythos of the super group. Their short lived success is now consigned to the history books and has left fans and music lovers alike wondering what might have been had they been given a longer shot.
The drama and bedlam that is so often associated with super groups often contributes negatively to the press the band in turn receives. However, there are plenty of positives to take from the amalgamation of very different styles and approaches to rock and roll music. Other very good super groups worth noting that perhaps did not achieve as great success as their peers or previous incarnations would be The Firm, featuring Led Zeppelin’s Jimmy Page. Audioslave with Chris “Bond theme” Cornell of Sound Garden and Tom Morello, Tim Commerford and Brad Wilk of Rage Against the Machine. Finally Bad Company with Paul Rogers, who also fronted The Firm with Jimmy Page, of Free. A cheeky tip of the cap goes to Journey who, again are more famous for being a stand alone group, consisted of former Santana musicians but also because everybody seems to love them strangely. Look out for Part two when we examine the ugly side of Super Groups, and it’s not pretty!
Jonathan Whitelaw
Tracks and albums are available from Amazon or iTunes. Check out these websites for more band information: http://www.travellingwilburys.com, http://www.crsobystillsnash.com, http://www.ericclapton.com
Fopps and Dandys: The Art of Snobbery
I heard them before you. They’ve sold out. It’s raining but not as bad as four years ago. They’re just a poor man’s version of this underground group. Ladies and Gentleman I present the guide to turning up your nose.
I flat-out refuse to watch ‘Nowhere Boy’ the new biographical film charting John Lennon’s early years. I haven’t heard any reviews claiming that it is poor or seen any evidence to suggest that it is overly fabricated. It is because I am a Music Snob.
I am one of those guys who scoff at other people’s tastes in music, if I discover a band when they are tiny and insignificant I adore them; if they become too successful I shun them out of principal. Although I have no personal connection with John Lennon other than liking his music, going to see ‘Nowhere Boy’ feels like I would betray him. That somewhere Lennon is looking down shaking his head in disappointment that I would want to see this film.
Music Snobs are everywhere; they are the cynical but quiet voices, the mocking and the sneering in small groups of similar minded people. These are the people who stand in flood water up to their noses and still insist that it will never be as bad as some other festival they went to. The people who just aren’t interested in music they didn’t discover first, unless told to them by someone they regard as slightly ‘cooler’. The people who refuse to believe anything regarded as ‘classic’ should ever be reinterpreted no matter how excellent the remake.
A perfect and somewhat horrendously embarrassing example is Scouting For Girls. It was around four years ago I was stood in a very wet field (but not as wet as other fields I’ve been in) enjoying three strange looking men singing about He-Man. I saw them again in a small bar in Derby, front-row, and sang my little heart out. Then something terrible happened. They became successful. Now my ears bleed and my face contorts every time I hear even a note of that extreme dribble they peddle as ‘music’.
I’m telling you this not because today I’m feeling particularly sycophantic and feel the world needs to know all about me but because we share a problem, whether you would like to admit or not. I will prove this theory using three topics of the moment and I guarantee you will be mildly outraged by at least one if not all of what I’m about to tell you.
Billy Corgan is not only dating but recording new material with Jessica Simpson. Yellow Submarine is being re-made with four random actors and no original Beatles’ material. Jimi Hendrix is ‘releasing’ a new album of previously un-heard recordings.
Now I know what you’re thinking, that perhaps the first two you agree with but find it hard to understand why you’d be anything but excited for the third. Ask yourself this: How has Hendrix material remained un-released for so long? One of the most respected and revered musicians to have ever lived would surely have sent at least the wallets of the benefactors from this venture ringing long before now. Whilst I look forward to the release it is with apprehension, and a stark understanding of how 2Pac has apparently ridden this market for some time.
It won’t take much more convincing on the Corgan issue I’m sure. But please remember this is a man who dated Courtney Love, he enjoys torturous blonde women.
Yellow Submarine is, by virtue of the Music Snob code of conduct, a downright travesty. Everyone knows you don’t mess with the Beatles. Although one source has rumoured Eddie Izzard as the Blue Meanie, which in my book is a win.
My point today is we no longer have to be ashamed. The snobs need to come out of hiding and make it loud and clear that we will no longer stand for mediocrity disguised as success. We will no longer stand idly by as our favourite acts reach a wider audience and get the admiration we originally thought they deserved (even you Florence and the Machine). And we will continue to piss-off Simon Cowell with Facebook revolutions until everyone thinks it’s cool, perform a complete U-turn and buy whatever crap X-Factor is shoving down our throats because by that time they are the little guy.
It’s ok to be appalled; it’s good to be fickle; and you should never stop looking at music through raised eyebrows.
Ladies and Gentlemen, I am a Music Snob and I’m proud of it.
Infinity and Beyond: The Year to Come
As journalists and musical opinionists rush to release their predictions into the fold some issues fall by the way-side. Here we pick them up, letting you know about the Gaddafi influence, Gaga’s new job and an even stranger career change for Christopher Lee. Warning: Some predictions may be far-fetched.
Goulding
So far one thing is a given. Ellie Goulding. You may not have really heard much of her yet, never fear this doesn’t matter. It would seem all anyone has to do is drop her name to become instantly recognised as a person in the know about the future of British music. So you heard it here first (hopefully) Ellie Goulding is the space to watch. Twelve months ago it was Florence and the Machine and the elusive first album continued to be held off. It was certainly an interesting ploy by F+TM having already been tipped as the big thing in 2008 they managed to keep the crown for a whole extra year, this has definitely had certain beneficial payoffs. First the Mercury prize nomination, then the sell-out tour and now all you see is the backing music to every advert and BBC montage made in the last four months.
In 2010 a bill will be passed through government declaring ‘You Got the Love’ is to be the only music allowed for a TV montage of positive highlights and insurance/banking adverts. The news will disappoint the pockets of fans that still believe in using old Lilly Allen or even older Just Jack tracks for their non-limelight stealing yet jovial backing music.
Now then, Christopher Lee, know who he is? Played Saruman in the ‘Lord of the Rings’ trilogy. That was the one that looked confusingly like Gandalf but was in fact not. Well the 87-year-old is going to release a symphonic-metal album, based on a leader of the Holy Roman Empire. Honestly I’m not making this one up.
Lee, who claims to be directly descended from Charlemagne, the first (and in some people’s opinion the best) Emperor of the Empire, will perform in character with an orchestra and feature a host of guest vocalists. The release date is March 15 and, well, this is the part where I usually take the rip, but what do you say to that?
Lady Gaga also begins a new role during 2010 – as creative director for Polaroid. At this point the mind is starting to boggle. A spokesman claims she will be taking an active role in the company with a new line of products being released late in 2010. I wonder if this is the same spokesman who in response to Outkast’s 2003 smash, ‘Hey Ya’, claimed ‘shaking it like a Polaroid picture can alter or even distort the image’. No-one from the science community came forward to refute allegations that ice-cold is indeed colder than being cool.
Yoko Ono has revealed she will be publishing a book about John Lennon and the myths surrounding her involvement in the Beatles’ break-up. Expect nothing but impartial views here. . .
New Year’s Eve saw Colonel Gaddafi’s son, Hannibal, pay Beyonce the sum of $2 million to perform at his exclusive bash in the Caribbean. Now despite being a complete diplomatic tool and a parenting nightmare Gaddafi Junior may just have hit upon something here. This year forget the festival scene the place to be is as exclusive guest to some of the world’s hottest dictatorship parties. Fidel Castro presents Coldplay, Kim Jong-Il drinks Bacardi like it’s his birthday with G-Unit and certainly not to be missed is Mugabe’s hips failing to lie on stage with Shakira.
Sadly there will undoubtedly be losses to the world of music, but make sure you save up the money for the pay-per-view cage-death-match between Lilly Allen and Cheryl Cole. Other odds on deaths this year include 2/1 someone from the Sixties, 4/1 someone no-one had previously heard of but who’s record sales suddenly shoot up, 5/1 Courtney Love (because she has to go sometime), 7/1 someone who has fallen out of the limelight reigniting their record sales (possibly Alanis Morissette) , 20/1 Jedward, 50/1 the couple behind the Christmas number one Facebook swindle taken out by contract killer paid for by Simon Cowell, 100/1 James Blunt finally caught up by that sniper.
Other predictions include SuBo’s marriage to Piers Morgan, the Facebook campaign getting Daphne and Celeste to Christmas number one, the movie biopic of ‘Steps: Forging a Career on Other People’s Songs’ and of course many, many re-uniting acts.
Ladies and Gentlemen the crazy train is now embarking for 2010, all aboard for the one hell of a strange year. We’ll see you on the other side once Ellie Goulding has finished proving us all right.
1980 – 2010, Imporant 30th Anniversaries in Music
A selection of 30th Anniversaries in music being celebrated in 2010
John Bonham 31/5/1948 - 25/9/1980
2010, although brand new and still got that new car smell, is an important year of 30th anniversaries in the world of popular music. From the decaying age of sixties and seventies rock excess to the dawn of electro pop and funk, the three decades between 1980 and 2010 have arguably been some of the most important in the long, storied history of the music industry.
Beginning with January and February, there are some important anniversaries coming up within the next few weeks. Most notably would be the 30th anniversary on the 19th of February of the late, great Bon Scott, lead singer of AC/DC and all round hell raiser. His autopsy read “death by misadventure” but fans and critics all believe the story of him choking on vomit. To quote the immortal Spinal Tap however, nobody knows if it was his own vomit. Sadly missed but aptly remembered by the superb album Back in Black, a fitting tribute to the man and a fantastic introduction to replacement singer Brian Johnson.
Another death that shocked the rock world was that of Led Zeppelin’s drummer John Bonham. Much like his Scottish/Australian counterpart Bon, Bonham was a notorious alcoholic and furious drunk who was as famous for his binges as he was for his triumphant drumming. More importantly his death marked the end of Led Zeppelin as a band, the remaining members deciding to disband rather than continue without Bonham. Arguably this was coupled with the frankly appalling condition some of the members were in at the time and the waning popularity of the band’s music. Thirty years on however and Led Zeppelin are as popular as ever with record sales, t-shirts and merchandise now gracing high streets once again and with the constant rumour they will reform for another show at Glastonbury later in the summer, their popularity has definitely grown in the past three decades.
On one final, rather morbid note, on the 18th of May 1980, the pioneering and frankly genius Ian Curtis took his own life, spelling the end of Joy Division. However like with so many other tragic moments in life, not all was at a loss as the remaining members formed New Order and would go on to be one of the most popular recording artists of the twentieth century, their electro, alt-rock and house sounds becoming the anthems of generations growing up and filling nightclubs around the UK and the globe.
1980 also saw the release of a number of highly influential and classic albums in the world of rock and roll and beyond. The Ace of Spades album from Motorhead brought the heavy metal outfit from the borderline cult to the public’s attention, the signature song of course becoming a massive hit in both the rock world and remaining a constantly played classic on rock radio stations throughout the known world. The Blizzard of Ozz also marked Ozzy Osbourne’s first foray into the solo market having just been fired from Black Sabbath. Not a classic album by any great means but should be noted as featuring “Crazy Train”, a staple of his career and arguably the single which made Ozzy a mainstay on television and radio to the present day.
Moving away from a more metal oriented area, the thirtieth anniversary of Never Forever by Kate Bush. Although a distinctly average album, this effort by the talented vocalist proved to be the very first UK number one by a British female artist and the very first album released by a female artist to head straight into the charts at number one. Yet more evidence that Bush was already on her way to being an important bastion and champion of female recording in rock and popular music. The ever controversial Ted Nugent released Scream Dream in June, yet another hard rock, screaming album form the very talented guitarist who does his best to create chaos and hunt endangered animals with his bow and arrow.
There we have it, a small selection of albums and bands who celebrate landmark thirtieth anniversaries in 2010. We shall just have to wait and see how the year pans out and what if anything will be seminal enough to warrant a thirtieth anniversary in 2040.
Jonathan Whitelaw
Check out iTunes or Amazon for albums and artists featured here. Also check out: www.ledzeppelin.com, www.ozzy.com, www.katebush.com, www.acdc.com, www.tednugent.com, www.neworderonline.com, www.imotorhead.com
M&B Special :: Top 5 of 2009
Siphoning through the crap pumped out in 2009, there were some pretty awesome records released. Simply, here's our Top Five.
THE HORRORS :: Primary Colours
Technically a second album, but for the sake of praise, we'll call it a 'proper debut'. And oh what a proper debut it was from Faris and the lads. Who didn't first spin this expecting more house-smashing, brick-throwing lager-louting screaming and proceed to look curiously at the stereo as the darkest synth this side of Germany pounded out?
BRAND NEW :: Daisy
Fourth studio album released in September, containing 11 tracks of alternative rock which will leave you "exhausted".
DEAD WEATHER :: Horehound
'Supergroup' is far too often used to describe a collaboration of musicians, but in the Dead Weather's case it is oh so justified.
FRANK TURNER :: Poetry of the Deed
Y'all must be thinking Moon & Back Music has a fetish for Frank Tuner...and you'd be right, cus he's fucking freakingly phat (see what I did there? with, like, the alliteration? Browning that) and Poetry of the Deed redeemed England on the singer-songwriter front.
MUSE :: The Resistance
Epic and as sensational as Tokyo's fireworks this New Year's and with a tour with more lights than Cape Cannaveral, Muse's fifth album apparently topped the charts in 19 countries and firmly concreted them as the UK's top live act and most experimental mainstream act and who will probably be around for even longer than this sentence is...
A decade in Rock Music 2000 – 2009
A quick and light review of the past decade's contribution to Rock and Roll
So that’s it over then, another decade consigned to the record books and not a bad one from a musical perspective. In ten whole years that have seen the ascendancy of celebrity status, famous for five minute pop songs and the untimely deaths of some of music’s great contributors, this article seeks to offer a pick from each of the past ten years jewels in rock music. All your favourites are in there and a few unexpected gems that are well worth a listen.
The decade kicked off with two old time favourites offering up brand new material for our listening pleasure. AC/DC released Stiff Upper Lip, an album aimed more at established fans than those who were merely casual listeners. This does not detract from the good material found across the album’s twelve tracks and definitely worth a listen. Metal legends Iron Maiden also treated listeners to Brave New World, an album more noted for the return of lead singer and overall good egg Bruce “I rescue people in my plane” Dickinson than credible numbers to a Maiden set list.
In 2001 the world was shocked by the tragedy of the terrorist attacks in New York, nothing would ever truly be the same ever again. These events somewhat overshadowed most of the year’s contributions to music across the spectrum of variety. Aerosmith’s early March effort Just Push Play and Judas Priest’s Demolition provide ample listening for a year where things took on a little wider perspective.
The year of 2002 was sparsely populated by music from the classic rock and roll genre, possibly from the fall out of the previous year’s atrocities. Aging rockers UFO provided some light in the form of Sharks, a nice little album that more than deserves a listen. The year would also mark the demise of The Who’s bassist John Entwistle, the rock world mourned and Waylon Jennings, both very sorely missed by fans and music lovers alike.
2003 provided another opportunity for Iron Maiden to dust off their studded cod pieces and tour once more on the back of their album Dance of Death a typically over caricatured album that is now seemingly expected from the aging group, the eponymous track however is worth a listen. Classic British rockers Thunder also provided fans and new listeners alike with their album Shooting at the Sun which is remarkably refreshing from a band who enjoyed most of their success in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Thunder are an interestingly perplexing band, the song “Loser” from this album is a classic example of their roots being solidly in classic and hard rock with just the slightest pinch of metal thrown in for good measure. Anybody who enjoys this style of music should definitely give these Londoners more than a quick check out, you will not be disappointed. It should also be noted that this was the year of Snow Patrol releasing Final Straw that went multi platinum and arguably the age of new pop “rock” was born.
2004 was a huge year for music in general terms. The Killers jumped on the band wagon of the popularised yet not too heavy harder popular rock with their album Hot Fuss and the singles “Mr Brightside” and “Somebody Told Me” filling nightclub dance floors the world over. On the classic rock front Aerosmith offered Honking’ on Bobo an eleven track album form the American outfit that perfectly tides listeners over for their fill of sweaty, sleazy rock and roll harmonics, the (Formerly) Toxic Twins on form.
Judas Priest, those leather clad, motorcycle riding fiends from Birmingham, offered Angel of Retribution in 2005, an album notable for featuring the bands longest song to date “Lochness.” A descent enough hard offering from the band who continue to sell out tours the world over, masters of knowing their market and aiming directly at them with a gauntleted fist.
The year of 2006 was again a sparsely populated scene for rock music. This, however, never keeps a good rocker down for very long. Musical pleasures of this year included the return of the ever enjoyable Richard Ashcroft with Keys to the World and also heralded the popular arrival of the Arctic Monkeys with Whatever people say I am, That’s what I’m not, a classic case of a band seeing an overcrowded market and screaming at the top of their forced hoarse voices “Me Too!”
With the unpleasantness of the better part of seven years of distinctly average if not sub par classic rock being forced down fans throats it was a pleasure in 2007 to hear from Australia’s latest contribution to a scene they are famous for loving. Airbourne’s debut album Runnin Wild was just the medicine for all the placid outputs from previously thought immortals of the genre with its hard edges, bluesy riffs and more than one cheeky nod to godfathers AC/DC with their lurid love of all things nasty. 2007 Also contributed the first full album from The Eagles with Long Road out of Eden, an imaginative and brilliantly complex double disc set that keeps the aging country group at the top of many download play lists. Who could forget the reunion show of Led Zeppelin, also taking place the later days of this year.
By 2008, appetites had been more than wetted for the highly anticipated Black Ice from AC/DC. Offering a much more classic feel and return to the bands roots and heyday of the late 70s and 80s, the album sees the Young brothers on usual form with more than brilliant percussion from Cliff Williams on Bass and Phil Rudd returning on Drums. Brian Johnson is at his gargling best, the eight year lay off from touring and heavy singing showing benefit in his screeching voice across the whole track list.
Which brings us nicely to 2009, the year that was and, at the time of this writing, currently is. The return of the mighty KISS with Sonic Boom merely reiterated the fact that classic rock is here to stay. With the upcoming decade on the horizon and the sweet scent of beer soaked clothing and buzzing in your ears from the static, the future decade promises a whole lot more of rock music and beyond. Have a happy New Year Everyone
Jonathan Whitelaw
Do check out itunes or amazon for any of the albums/artists/tracks listed in this article.: http://astore.amazon.co.uk/0.-21?node=136,
Christmas time, an alternative rock playlist
Even rockers love Santa!
Robot Santa (c) 20th Century Fox
It’s that time of the year again when the wonderful festivities of Christmas land fully loaded and sparkling in our laps, whether we like it or not. But as the repeated cheer of years gone by graces the television, here is an alternative playlist of Christmas songs available from our good friend Satan... I mean Santa.
Christmas songs, in general, like to concern themselves with only the finest aspects of the festive season. Whether that be mistletoe and wine, reindeer and sleigh balls tearing up a frosty scene or the warming, but deeply concerning for us men, chestnuts roasting on an open fire, there is no end to famous bands and artists who have contributed to the silly season. It is unsurprising that there is an endless the list of artists who have donned the tinsel and Santa hat in aide of selling albums. Paul McCartney no less has gone down in history as one of the most famous of these examples. His 1979 Simply Having a Wonderful Christmas Time is now almost synonymous with the late December nights and, here in the UK at least, drunken rampages of office decadence and tinsel clad party goers. Other famous contributors are The Pogues who, up until their 1987 Fairytale in New York had received moderate success were catapulted into the lime light, Kirsty MacColl taken along for the ride too. Now, thanks to digital download and music television the single has success on a yearly basis.
So in this time of sickening festive cheer, a small, but not unsubstantial list of songs can b collated to bring an alternative enjoyment to the hackneyed Christmas song. Kicking off this list is the aging stars of the frankly brilliant rockumentary, Spinal Tap. Christmas with the Devil offers harder listeners a little shine on Christmas from a much seedier, hedonistic view, perfect for warming one’s cockles. Speaking of elves clad in leather and rancid sugar plums, this festive frolic is a wonderful send up of both the hard rock/metal scene and traditional Christmas wailings from a seemingly perfect world of matching snowflakes and candy cane lined streets. The deliberately overproduced guitar rift immediately catapults the listener into a dreary, yet strangely entrancing world where its “Evil’s holiday”
Returning more to traditional routes, the legendary folk and prog-rock veterans Jethro Tull contribute their harmonic and acoustic talents to Christmas Song and Another Christmas Song. Long associated with a more country and folk backgrounds, Christmas provides a perfect backdrop for Ian Anderson and the rest of Tull to wrap their wonderfully imaginative and deeply descriptive minds around great scenes of winter and warm fires. The playing is of course outstanding on both songs as they also provide perfect examples of Anderson’s remarkable ability to turn the simple flute, a firm bastion of classical instrumentality, and make spew rock tones that hold up with modern guitar work. An honourable mention also goes to Jack Frost and the Hooded Crow as another fine song by Jethro Tull dealing with the less fortunate at Christmas time, an important subject to all of course.
A final contributor to the alternate Christmas playlist is Mistress for Christmas by AC/DC. The veteran Australian rockers offer from their 1991 album The Razor’s Edge a typically sleazy, blues oriented song that never fails to bring a smile to listener’s faces, fans or not. Of course not meant to be taken seriously, as the band themselves like not to be, this final offering is simply AC/DC offering their irreverent commentary on yet another subject, that of Christmas, oddly enough in late September of 1990 for its release!
So there you have it good gentlefolk of the realms. I hope this offers a small candle light of hope when you are next suffering through the drudgery of Cliff Richard’s greatest Christmas Hits all at once. The mere glimpse that hard rock has had its noisy share o the market might just save us all in the end from another dose of ingestion and bowel obstructions brought on by brussel sprouts. I wish you all of course a merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Jonathan Whitelaw
Check out iTunes and the band websites for all songs avilible in this article: www.acdc.com, www.jethrotull.com and www.spinaltap.com.
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