As I'm digging into the catalogue of The Beatles, I'm really discovering just how much of an influence they have been in both what I compose on guitar, or in my style of playing, but also on my lyrical work.

 

To be honest, the only album of theirs I owned in my life prior to 9-9-09 was Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. I've heard all of the other albums off and on over the years, and of course, the songs that everyone all seem to know.

 

I only need to buy With The Beatles, Help!, A Hard Day's Night, Revolver, Yellow Submarine, and Beatles For Sale.

 

I basically bought the CDs as to try to remember childhood memories in some cases, (Sgt. Pepper, Abbey Road), rediscovery in others (White Album), and the I-kind-of-know-it-but-don't-remember-it (Let It Be) to the I-Simply-Do-Not-Know-It (Please, Please Me).

 

I really wanted to get Revolver today so I could have finished up my psychedelic portion of the collection, but I ended up with Past Masters, which is basically an album released in 1988 that gathered up the songs that were the singles, or songs not released on any album. I can now play Hey Jude with total utter love, crank it loud. But there's a song I heard that falls into the rediscovery category, and the history of it alone should be appreciated for how music is done today.

 

If you read about the song Rain, it's the song that the band essentially, according to George Harrision, "The first MTV video". It also seems to be the first song to use the art of recording something backwards for a song.

 

 

The "MTV Video Version (minus the backwards vocals)"

 

 

John sings it. I'm trying to play it properly on guitar (G-C-D), but Paul rules this with his bass.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beggars and Hangers On

 

 

Micheal

 

 

 James Bond

 

 

November Rain

 

 

Sweet Child

 

 

Patience

 

 

 

 

 

Down to the final Beatle.

 

I know long before I was born, there were contests of "Which Beatle is the cutist?". If I were a girl back then, I'd probably pick Sir Paul. Of the four, he was the crooner, the Sinatra.

 

I never liked the movie Live And Let Die except for two things: a very yummy Jane Seymour, and the song. Mom used to play Band On The Run to put me down for a nap.

 

But, Sir Paul wrote the best Beatle song...the best damned sing-a-long song ever, IMHO.

 

Na na na na, na na na na na

 

 

In closing, I wish I could write songs like The Fab Four.

I have been struggling on how I should rank Sir Paul, or John, in posting. If you know me by now, you know which one who has influenced me most.

 

Back in 2002, I went to New York City to mend some of my wounds with what happened on 9-11-01.

 

I also found my way to visit  the footsteps of The Dakota,  where John died. I also walked and stood on Strawberry Fields.

 

 

At the time of his death, I didn't know how much of an influence he would be on my life as far as a musician.

 

To whit:

 

Dear Prudence

Greet the brand new day

We call it revolution

Well you know

I want to change the world

All we are saying

Is give peace a chance

Help!

So please help me

War is over

If you want it

War is over now

 

 

Ringo.

 

He's the guy in the back who keeps it going. Rhythm. A voice in the wilderness.

 

When I was in a band years ago, we used to have sometimes have one of those long jam sessions. Our jam song happened to be The Cranberries' Zombie.

 

It's siginificant for me, because, like Ringo yelled on Helter Skelter "I've got blisters on my fingers!" That's Ringo's infulence on my music.

 

Two of my favorite Ringo songs vocalwise are With A Little Help From My Friends and Yellow Submarine.

 

I remember some commercial he did where he mentioned his nose as being classy. I thought that was hilarious.

 

 

What would you think if I sang out of tune,
Would you stand up and walk out on me.
Lend me your ears and I'll sing you a song,
And I'll try not to sing out of key.
Oh I get by with a little help from my friends,
Mmm,I get high with a little help from my friends,
Mmm, I'm gonna try with a little help from my friends.

Do you need anybody?
I need somebody to love.
Could it be anybody?
I want somebody to love.

What do I do when my love is away.
(Does it worry you to be alone)
How do I feel by the end of the day
(Are you sad because you're on your own)
No, I get by with a little help from my friends,
Mmm, get high with a little help from my friends,
Mmm, gonna to try with a little help from my friends

Do you need anybody?
I need somebody to love.
Could it be anybody?
I want somebody to love.

Would you believe in a love at first sight?
Yes I'm certain that it happens all the time.
What do you see when you turn out the light?
I can't tell you, but I know it's mine.
Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends,
Mmm I get high with a little help from my friends,
Oh, I'm gonna try with a little help from my friends

Do you need anybody?
I just need someone to love.
Could it be anybody?
I want somebody to love

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends,
Mmm, gonna try with a little help from my friends
Ooh, I get high with a little help from my friends
Yes I get by with a little help from my friends,
with a little help from my friends

As a suggestion from a good friend of mine, I would like to comment on each Beatle, individually, and how each impated my life.

 

George Harrison fascinates me becuase he's considered the quiet one, but yet, he did so much to help  the world with his concert for Bangladesh.

His influence for my guitar playing is Here Comes The Sun,  and When My Guitar Gently Weeps.

 

He did so many little things with his playing; picking and phrasing. He sang.

 

His work with helping southeast Asia inspires me. Help.

 

Come, come come, here it comes.

 

Here comes the sun, here comes the sun,
and I say it's all right

Little darling, it's been a long cold lonely winter
Little darling, it feels like years since it's been here
Here comes the sun, here comes the sun
and I say it's all right

Little darling, the smiles returning to the faces
Little darling, it seems like years since it's been here
Here comes the sun, here comes the sun
and I say it's all right

Sun, sun, sun, here it comes...
Sun, sun, sun, here it comes...
Sun, sun, sun, here it comes...
Sun, sun, sun, here it comes...
Sun, sun, sun, here it comes...

Little darling, I feel that ice is slowly melting
Little darling, it seems like years since it's been clear
Here comes the sun, here comes the sun,
and I say it's all right
It's all right

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It's nearly twenty years since "The Grunge Movement" came to be. I waa caught up in the middle of it when I was a buddin disc-jockey.

 

One of my funny moments I remember as I worked KOAR as a mass communications student in Vermillion, is I played Evenflow over Alive from Pearl Jam's Ten for some reason, when Alive was the song that was hitting the charts.

 

To be honest, I never got into Nirvana until I saw their accoustic thing on MTV. I was more into Soundgarden and Pearl Jam and Alice In Chains.

 

I'm going to post a small montage of videos from all of the bands; however, the first is a collaboration from Temple of the Dog.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Well now.

 

I don't know if it's just because it's spring, but I decided on Memorial Day to take my guitar to the music shop to have her checked out.

 

For about $50, she got restrung, neck realigned, polished, and some of her more delicate parts checked out.

 

I bought her in Sioux City about ten years ago, and I took pretty good care of her for the most part by myself. However, when I lived in my parent's garage, elements took a toll (and considering my hard style of playing), things happen.

 

So I just decided to take her in, see what could be done. I was expecting to pay at least $100, but I paid half.

 

My horse looks and sounds wonderful. Her name is Black Beauty.

 

I'm not sure if it's a guy thing to name to name inanimate objects they love, but my guitar is named after a horse.

 

All I know is she sounds sweet, and we ride together again as a whole person for the first time in years.

 

 

First off, this album has an awesome Sid and Nancy-like backwash cover.

 

I've only listened to it fully once, but I've focused on some songs that just grabbed me.

 

First off, it's broken down into several acts.

 

 

21st Century Breakdown the song is like Baba O'Reilly in the sense that it kickstarts the album off with great lyrics and themes.

 

Know Your Enemy is basically American Idiot slowed down, and it's fun and catchy.

 

Before The Lobotamy reminds me of a combination of Jesus of Suburbia and Homecoming both in a lyrical sense and musical sense in structure.

 

Christian's Inferno is something like if The Boss wrote something punk. It also has a very One Way Or Another influence.

 

Last Night On Earth is probably the song I like most from this album, which is why I posted the lyrics last week. To me, it's incredibly Beatles-influenced, lyrically, musically, and structure. I've figured it out on my guitar.

 

There's a glimpse of Act I.

 

 

There's a guy at work that I interact with quite abit that has a common interest:

 

Guitars.

 

He's alittle bit older than me, but when we have the chance to "talk shop" guitarwise, it's been alot of fun. He's a Van Halen guy. I'm an Ace Frehley guy.

 

It's been fun talking about who influences us, and why. What guitars and equipment we would buy. What was hilarious is we both have expensive dreams as far as equipment goes. He's much more established than I am, so he was able to purchase a new guitar. Me, I'm looking into effects pedals, but even the basic of what I want is pricey.

 

The one belief we both believe, however, is that no matter what the equipment is..the guitar, the amp, the presets, processors---

 

It's the one whose fingers and feelings behind them that define your style.

 

There was a story by bluesman Kenny Wayne Shepherd that epitomizes the point. The story goes is that Kenny grew up around the late Stevie Ray Vaughn, and Stevie had a special guest to play along with him. B.B. King. Of course, they had some sort of jam together, and Stevie ripped into an incredible solo. B.B. 's answer was just striking a single note, and held it for what seemed like forever. Stevie's response? "I can't compete with that."

 

You know when you're in that zone.

On March 4, 1977, I got the best birthday present. Ever.

 

On that morning, my dad gave me a card. It was one of those gag cards, where you opened it up, and it had a monkey staring at you. I don't recall what it said, but it was priceless.

 

However, it was the gift I got that day that probably defines my love for rock 'n roll.

 

 

Why you can't find the album version of this song on the we escapes me. The news commentary at the beginning of the song is why I love this song, because it sets up the song so well. A KISS fan dies on the way to the show, they pay tribute to him. Maybe it's just me.

 

 

Personally, I think this song and Detroit Rock City are one song, because this song answers the incident of the previous song from the rock star perspective. A fan died, and I didn't know it.

 

 

I love this song. Paul wrote this song, and on KISSOLOGY the original cut is brought to light. Gene turned it into a monster.

 

 

I think that this is the best song on the album. It's Gene's tribute to the Stones, but also a tribute to the fans. If you've been to a concert, this is THE SONG. It's the expectations from a fan's point of view, and from the band's point of view. Of course, for groupies, it means much more.

 

 

It's a shame that Ace wrote this song, but chose to play poker. Paul does an awesome job on vocals, but can you hear Ace sing this one?

 

 

Definately a Gene song about being dominent in the realm that only Gene can give us innuendos. Ow.

 

 

This is probably the best love song written in my book. It's about Peter and his wife. It also sums up the life of a musician, because you want to make it perfect, the song. Sometimes love comes into the mix of things, but if there's common ground, things work out.

 

 

This is more of an anthem for the fans.  It's upbeat, has one hell of a catchy phrase to interplay with the fan.s

 

 

This song wraps up the rock and roll lifestlye, fame, groupism. How will you take it being the significant other of a famous person? Is it the money or fame, or do you just love me for who I am.

 

Destroyer is my album I would have with me on a deserted island, because it would be my anchor.

 

That;'s my favorite birthday present.

 

Ever.

 

(Besides being alive).

 

 

I usually don't try to bring work to my blog, but this one is rather personal to me, considering that this is one of the most influental bands in my guitar playing and style.

 

I didn't receive news of this from work until a day or two ago, and when I found out, I told one of my co-workers about it. I was so awestruck.

 

My friend asked me what I would do if I met AC/DC. I cited "Wayne's World".

 

I'm not worthy.

 

Meeting Angus Young, or just seeing him in person would rock my world. His ability to just zone and play is probably his biggest influence on me; especially running around like he does.  That's talent.

 

So my Inner Angus is just jamming out..:)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I bought the soundtrack to The Dark Knight earlier in the week, and it's eerie. Hans Zimmer and James Newton Howard have created an incredible musical landscape. Hans' work makes his gorgeous Gladiator soundtrack sound like a fairy tale.

 

Mostly, it's his Joker motif (Hans handles that side of the composition) that just blows my mind. It's two notes. As a guitar player, all I can say is this. It is so Jimi Hendrix-driven. So metal. So gothic. So classical. I haven't attempted to play this yet, but it's something that can be played on guitar.

 

"Why So Serious?" is the opening track of the movie, and it is so riveting. It's the second longest track on the album, clocking just over nine minutes.

 

The more urgent, softer stuff is from Howard. It works, because he takes on the romance (heh, if you can even call it that), wants, desires of Bruce Wayne, Rachel Dawes, Harvey Dent. He takes on other themes.

 

It ranks up there with Star Wars, Fellowship of the Ring, The Last of the Mohicans, and Gladiator as a favorite soundtrack. It's that good.

This is a post on European bands that have influenced me over the years. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This ban just plain ruled back in the day.

 

Of course, I had to start out with the..fun video..:)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

One of the founding members of the band formed on the E-Street recently passed away.

 

I didn't find out until several days after the fact, but I will say this:

 

Danny's voice is heard throughout all of Bruce Springsteen's music over the years. I did not get into The Boss until 1984, but when I did, my eyes were opened to so many musical styles. Like Clerance Clemen's distinctive saxaphone to Little Stevie's mesmerized harmonies complimenting Bruce's music, Danny was a major part of the sound.

 

Danny was an everyman in the band with many talents.  He played keyboards.  You could hear him sing from time to time, or even his work with the organ.  However, he was so influential in the band's sound when it came to the boardwalk sound.

 

You know, the guy who plays the mandolin, or the accordian as you walk by with you baby in your arms.

 

It took me a very long time to figure out what song I wanted to give tribute to Mr. Federici.  So many classics like 4th of July(Sandy) or Hungry Heart which he's best known for with accordian.

 

But I decided to pay tribute to him with the lyrics of the 40th (and final) track on Bruce Springsteen and The E-Street Band: Live 1976-86, which is my favorite live album of all time.  It, to me, represents what Danny conveyed both in life, and sadly, in death.

 

You are sorely missed, and you Rest In Peace.

 

 

 

I got no time for the corner boys

Down in the street making all that noise
Or the girls out on the avenue
`cause tonight I wanna be with you
Tonight I'm gonna take that ride
Across the river to the Jersey side
Take my baby to the carnival
And I'll take her on all the rides

`cause down the shore everything's all right
You and your baby on a Saturday night
You know all my dreams come true
When I'm walking down the street with you

Sha la la la la la la
Sha la la la la la la la la
Sha la la la la la la
Sha la la la I'm in love with a Jersey girl

You know she thrills me with all her charms
When I'm wrapped up in my baby's arms
My little girl gives me everything
I know that some day she'll wear my ring
So don't bother me man i ain't got no time
I'm on my way to see that girl of mine
`cause nothing matters in this whole wide world
When you're in love with a Jersey girl

Sha la la la...

I see you on the street and you look so tired
I know that job you got leaves you so uninspired
When I come by to take you out to eat
You're lyin' all dressed up on the bed baby fast asleep
Go in the bathroom and put your makeup on
We're gonna take that little brat of yours and drop her off at your mom's
I know a place where the dancing's free
Now baby won't you come with me
`cause down the shore everything's all right
You and your baby on a Saturday night
Nothing matters in this whole wide world
When you're in love with a Jersey girl

 

I didn't know of this until alittle while ago, but one of the founding members of the E-Street Band passed away Thursday from cancer.

 

Danny's organ, among other instruments he played was such an integral part of the sound, just as Bruce Springsteen's voice and Clarence Clemens' saxaphone. Or Little Steven's voice.

 

Particularly with some of the E-Street Band's older songs, like 4th of July, he truly made the boardwalk sound that became famous.

 

Danny, you are missed.