Michael Alago is a true inspiration and amazing individual. His story on how he grew up in the New York City underground music scene to becoming one of the most influential and ground breaking people in the music industry was captured in the documentary "Who The F**k Is That Guy". Michael talks about some of his all time favorite songs in this weeks edition of "Five For Friday" but first watch the trailer for the film which is currently streaming on Netflix.
Alice Cooper "Hello Horray"
June 3, 1973 was my first concert ever. I was 13 years old and it was the last night of the Billion Dollar Babies tour for the Alice Cooper band at Madison Square Garden. This opening number and the whole theatricality of it all altered the course of my entire life.
Lou Reed "Rock 'N' Roll Animal"
In 1974 I got my hands on a copy of Lou Reed "Rock ‘n’ Roll Animal" which is probably one of the more awesome live recordings ever. Never mind that listening to the intro of the song "Sweet Jane" totally blew my mind. Steve Hunter was the guitarist that played the solo on that tune and was a force to be reckoned with. I think I played that song the entire year.
Todd Rundgren "Hello it’s Me"
I heard this tune on the radio in the 70s and hearing his voice for the first time blew me away. There was a yearning quality
in it that made me want to hear more of that voice and his music so I purchased the double album "Something/ Anything". The album artwork had a gate fold sleeve and I studied every aspect of it over and over. The songs, personnel, production
I wanted to absorb everything about this recording. Remember Todd is God.
Blue Öyster Cult "Don't Fear The Reaper"
At first listen this could’ve been sung by the Beach Boys but of course it was way too dark. I was completely taken by the song the moment I heard it because it didn’t sound like anything else that was being played on Classic Rock radio. There was this grand and emotional sweep to the entire production. The rich harmonies were just so beautiful that i immediately went to my local record shop in Brooklyn and purchased the album "Agents of Fortune". I was now hooked on Blue Öyster Cult.
Aretha Franklin "Respect"
R-E-S-P-E-C-T. In my youth I listened to a lot of Dan Ingram on 77 WABC radio. This might’ve been the first time I heard Aretha and it was the voice of God,the voice of an angel singing like no other. R-E-S-P-E-C-T and sock it to me sock it to me sock it to me sock it to me! Produced by Jerry Wexler and Arif Mardin engineered by Tom Dowd. Man oh man it don’t get no better than this. EVER!
U2's Adam Clayton received the Stevie Ray Vaughn Award from MusiCares and The Recording Academy on June 26th at The PlayStation Theater in New York City. MusiCares provides a safety net of critical assistance for music people in times of need. The award is given to musicians who have helped other musicians struggling with addiction. Clayton who has now been sober for 19 years started his speech by saying "I’m not used to achieving anything on my own…this is very unusual!”
Clayton talked about getting help and encouragement when battling his way through addiction from rock legends Eric Clapton and Pete Townshend. After two significantly long benders he received a call from Clapton who told him enough was enough. “He didn’t sugar coat it. He told me I had to change my life and that I wouldn’t regret it,” said Clayton. “He gave me the name of a treatment centre and the power to make the call to them.”. Once in treatment he got a call from Townshend who visited him and helped give him the courage to see things through. “These two talents were enough to get me started”, he said. “And to convince me my life wasn’t over, but that I was at the start of a long journey to learn to love myself.” He also thanked his fellow band mates for being there for him during the dark times. "I was lucky because I had three friends that could see what was going on and loved me enough to take up the slack of my failings.We have a pact with each other. In our band, no one will be a casualty. We all come home or none of us come home. No one will be left behind. Thank you for honoring that promise and letting me be in your band."
The event was fueled by an all star list of guest performances. Highlights included The Lumineers heartfelt rendition of U2's "One" which was followed by a riveting mini set from British singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Jack Garratt.The amazing Macy Grey performed a jazz like version of "My Way" as well as an extended version of her signature hit "I Try" followed by U2's "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For".
The evening closed with U2 performing a short three song set starting with “Stuck in a Moment You Can’t Get Out Of” from their 2000 album "All That You Can't Leave Behind". Up next was an uplifting version of "Vertigo" which quickly brought the crowd to their feet as Bono prowled the stage with animal grace while Clayton and drummer Larry Mullen Jr, showed why they are one of rock's all time best rhythm sections. Just when we though things were over the band launched into the classic "I Will Follow". To hear The Edge play his Gibson Explorer through his vintage EHX Memory Man was a real treat. After the set Clayton stated "Maybe now I can go back to bass playing." Overall an incredible evening for a truly amazing organization that helps so many amazing people.
CMM was in Los Angeles for the 59th Annual Grammy Awards and the celebrations that carried on throughout Grammy Weekend. It was 3 days of non stop excitement, pageantry and of coarse music. Here's our in depth rundown on the weekends events.
TOM PETTY HONORED AS MUSICARES PERSON OF THE YEAR
Friday evening Tom Petty was honored by The Grammy Foundation as MusiCares Person Of The Year for his charitable work to help with the homeless population in Los Angeles. The evening featured performances from the likes of Stevie Nicks, Gary Clark Jr., Foo Fighters, Don Henley, Norah Jones, Kings Of Leon and more. “Tom burst into our musical consciousness and never let go,” said Neil Portnow, President and CEO of MusiCares, “His brand of rock and roll benefits from a celebratory rebelliousness, infectious rhythms, and unforgettable lyrics that are incised in our imaginations. His artistic talents coupled with his quiet philanthropy make him a great MusiCares Person of the Year honoree, and we are very fortunate to have the support of our Board, past honorees, and the musical community around this special event.”
Soon Petty took the stage to address the crowd made up of long time friends, fellow musicians and family members. “I am so very pleased to be honored as the MusiCares Person of the Year. I have so much respect for this organization, which really does care about the people in our industry,” said Petty. “I myself know many people who MusiCares has aided in desperate situations. Again, let me say this is a true honor.”
BECK PERFORMS AT THE HOLLYWOOD PALLADIUM AS PART OF THE NEW CITI SOUND VAULT CONCERT SERIES
Later Friday evening Beck performed as part of the Citi Sound Vault Concert Series that also included performances from Sting and Metallica. The show was incredible as the 2 plus hour set opened with "Devils Haircut" followed by glorious renditions of "Loser" and "Black Tambourine". The mood came down a bit during passionate renditions of "Go It Alone" and "Lost Cause" before ramping it up again for high energy takes on recent single "Wow" and other fan favorites "Girl" and "E-Pro". The crowd was going absolutely ballistic which brought the band back out for an encore that featured an infectious version of "Paper Tiger" follwed by an extended performance of "Where It's At" that also ventured into sections of "Billie Jean" "Takin' It To The Streets" and "China Girl". Hands down one of the best performances I've seen in years. Look for a brand new Beck album very very soon.
FAMILY, FRIENDS AND FELLOW MUSICIANS GATHERED AT THE TROUBADOUR FOR A PRE-GRAMMY TRIBUTE TO LORETTA LYNN
Saturday night The Americana Music Association put on their annual Pre-Grammy Salute at The Troubadour. This year Lori McKenna, Robbie Folks, Kesha, Leslie Stevens, John Carter Cash, Patsy Lynn Russell and many others celebrated the career of the legendary Loretta Lynn as the All Star ensemble delivered inspiring renditions of Loretta Lynn classics throughout a truly delightful evening.
Nashville native Kesha offered an incredible rendition of "Hello Darlin’,” which was written by Conway Twitty but according to Kesha "the first time I ever heard it Loretta was singing it. That’s the way I fell in love with this song.” she added “I’ve only practiced it about half a time, so if I fuck up whatever!”. My personal favorite performances where Leslie Stevens take on “Silver Threads and Golden Needles" and Brandy Clark's feisty version of “You Ain’t Woman Enough (To Take My Man)”. Later singer/producer Joe Henry did a captivating version of "Whispering Sea" which was as heartfelt as it was intense. He then introduced John Carter Cash, who co-produced Lynn’s latest album. as "a man I just met moments ago, but I spent my entire life imagining I was a member of his tribe.” Patsy Lynn Russell, Loretta's daughter then joined Cash on the classic “Everything It Takes”.
Patsy then reflected on her mother's songwriting process “One of the things my mom has always told me is ‘I’m a songwriter, then a singer", "She didn’t even have to hire a psychiatrist, because her story was told through her songs. It didn’t matter what my dad was doing, because that was her biggest inspiration. And the cool thing about my dad is he let my mom write songs like ‘You Ain’t Woman Enough (To Take My Man)’ and ‘Don’t Come Home A-Drinkin’ (With Lovin’ On Your Mind)’ and ‘Fist City.’ I think he kind of liked it!” She also read a letter from her Mother expressing her gratitude for everyone who came out to the night's celebration. Brandy Clark then returned to close out the evening with the Loretta Lynn staple "Coal Miners Daughter" followed by a group rendition of “Will the Circle Be Unbroken” that featured all of the evenings artists.
QUINCY JONES AND RUSSELL SIMMONS HONORED AT THE 2ND ANNUAL CITY GALA
The 2nd Annual City Gala took place on Sunday night at The Music Center’s Walt Disney Concert Hall following the 59th Annual Grammy Awards. Entrepreneur Magazine with sponsors Daniely Design Group and Allure Events and Catering, presented awards to 27 time Grammy winner Quincy Jones and to hip hop music legend and co-founder of Def Jam Records, Russell Simmons.
John Paul DeJoria, founder of Paul Mitchell hair products and Patron Spirits, presented Quincy Jones with the Lifetime Achievement Award for his commitment to philanthropy. The Quincy Jones Listen Up Foundation has built more than 100 homes in South Africa and provided intensive support in technology, education, culture and music for South African youth. Reflecting on Jones award DeJoria said “I consider Quincy Jones to be a good friend to everyone, and am especially honored to present him with the 2017 Lifetime Achievement award. Even more than his record of 27 Grammy wins, his devotion to philanthropy through the Quincy Jones Foundation and in efforts to address cancer, malaria, and as an activist for children makes him the ideal recipient of the Lifetime Achievement award.”
Simmons’ was honored for his tireless work in support of the arts, animal rights, ethnic understanding and other core causes, including equality of marriage and gay rights. "Whether promoting the arts, education and entrepreneurship, or working to end discrimination and increase understanding, I try to use my platform to uplift and empower others,” Simmons said. “I am honored to be recognized by this group of individuals who are so deeply committed to celebrating our collective good deeds.”
New York City Singer/Songwriter Anneliese McCarthy delivers big with this new five song E.P. "Daydream". Her delicate indie folk style is highlighted by brilliant story telling and her dainty vocal stance. Songs like "Daydream" and "Blue/August" are full of spirit and passion while the lulling tones of "Seventeen" are highlighted by rich heartfelt melodies. Still I have to say "Westwood" is my favorite track of the five. It's loving energy and straightforward approach quickly create a vibe that's comforting, warm and sincere. A first-rate release from beginning to end.
Baby Vanga S/T E.P. (baby-vanga.bandcamp.com)
Here's a quick, no frills to the point E.P. from English rock n roll outfit Baby Vanga. "In The Head" is an upbeat jangle pop masterpiece that's backed by a relentless beat and punk attitude. It's uplifting hooks and stellar musicianship will have you singing along in no time. "Waves" keeps things moving along in grand style with an undeniably infectious rhythm highlighted by it's rolling baseline and punchy guitar attack. Looking forward to hearing what's next from this promising new band.
Queen "On Air" 3 X LP (queenonline.com)
This incredible triple LP set includes all six of Queen's BBC recording sessions. It really shows off just how amazing this band was as they blast through high energy renditions of classic cuts like "Stone Cold Crazy", "Keep Yourself Alive" and "We Will Rock You" (Fast Version). The levels of musicianship displayed on these recordings is off the charts. Brian May's playing is literally INSANE!!! Freddie is on fire the entire time and further cements himself as the best frontman of all time. John Deacon and Roger Taylor sound like a freight train busting through your speakers. Simply put this is a must have collection for Queen fans as it shows the band bashing things out in pure rock n roll fashion and still retaining their superior sound quality along the way. Truly Amazing
Rivoli "Isolation" E.P. (rivoliband.bandcamp.com)
Rivolli unleash a crushing blast of sonic intensity on their latest effort "Isolation". The galloping menace of opening track "Through The Night' sets the tone with it's dirge driven groove and gruff fuzzed out guitars. The pace quickens during the title cut as the band push the envelope even further with the desperate cry of "Isolation" ringing throughout the track. "Ethereal" has a more psychedelic spirit and hypnotic demeanor that makes you feel like you've stepped into a lost episode of The Twilight Zone while "Farewell" adds a lush, cinematic flair that winds things down well. A strong E.P. A highly recommended release that leaves me thirsting for more.
Sonder S/T LP (sonderboyz.bandcamp.com)
I've been absolutely loving this debut album from Belgian psych pop band Sonder. "Little Tim In A Sea of Sand" starts things out with it's rich soothing, atmospherics and tight in the pocket rhythm section. There's also some truly stellar keyboard work that adds balance to the shimmering tones that flow throughout the piece. Things move into a bit darker territory on "Circus Freak" as it's chiming guitars also offer a mood that's distant and cold while "Dreamlands" (Red Kites) is more bouncy and experimental. The band show off their synth pop side during "Electric" which serves as a two minute interlude that runs into the intricately structured "Flight Of The Last Bird". It's got a fun dance style groove to it that echoes the spirits of Blondie and Franz Ferdinand but with a much gloomier demeanor. Album closer "Shadow Horse" with it's swinging rhythm and well crafted hooks send the album off on a note of hope. An A+ record loaded with remarkable songs and undeniable originality.
The Flaming Lips "How??" Single (flaminglips.com)
"How??" the second single from the new Flaming Lips album 'Oczy Mlody" starts out at a dirge like pace as a wave of pulsating synths grind alongside Wayne Coyne's trademark voice. It's got a very bleak/apocalyptic feel to it that's also very colorful and glowing all at the same time. Eventually the tones shift into a more upbeat place only to fall back to the droning textures and minimal beat. It's deep psychedelic stance and radiant atmospherics give it an intense dramatic effect that's also very inviting and mysterious. I can't think of a better song that reflects the current state of the world. "Ozy Mlody" comes out January 13th 2017 and is sure to be one of the bands most important records to date.
Bethlehem Pennsylvania's VoirVoir have been a cornerstone of the Lehigh Valley music scene since forming in 2012. Their uplifting, indie rock sound is captured on their latest release "There Are No Good Goodbyes" available now from Fleeting Youth Records (fleetingyouthrecords.com). Band members Matt Juknevic, Josh Maskornick, Felicia Vee, April Smith and Matt Molchany share some of their favorite songs in this weeks edition of "Five For Friday" but first listen to the bands song "I Wanna".
Matty: The Band - " It Makes No Difference"
I love this song just because it's so incredibly touching and sad and you can just feel the raw emotion in the music as well as Rick Danko's vocal. It just breaks my heart and I love it. Ive played this song a couple of times live and I remember it being hard to sing and getting a bit choked up because of the heaviness in the words.
Josh: Simon and Garfunkel - "Old Friends"
The lyrics of this song instantly play like a movie clip through my head every time I hear it. The story flows in beautiful harmonies, complimented by poetic accents of guitar. It's hard to imagine where one will end up in the twilight moments of life. This song reminds us that relationships and the memories they create stay with us during this journey, regardless of time or place. After a life full of experiences, successes and failures, partnerships and times of solitude, friends can reminisce on the stories that make up their past. Memories are the only things that will never leave us, and we should cherish them as long as we can.
Felicia: Cayetana - "Scott, Get the Van, I'm Moving"
I love this song not only for its catchy hook, relatable lyrics and perfect delivery, but also because I have a major soft spot for Cayetana-- At a show that we played together a few years ago, one of them off-handedly said something to my band mate that turned out to be the catalyst for what would become one of the most important things in both of our lives. (Thank you.)
April: Electric Light Orchestra - "Shangri-La" (clip starts at 03:48)
This piece has a way of highlighting not just one, but many points of my life.....
It takes me back to the smell of spray paint, alone on a ladder, drunk and pretending to be an artist while my friends were hanging at the bar......a time when everything felt unsure.
Next, it reminds me of dancing in my living room, embarrassed even though I know my dogs were the only ones watching......a time when I was just starting to be OK with myself.
And about a month ago, it was part of my memory packing up our van while I was trying to figure it out on a piano where half the keys don't work, and I couldn't get it right, and I didn't care. Most songs elicit just one specific memory or period of my life....but this piece of this song literally feels like it never stops giving.....it's as timeless as it gets.
Matt M: Elliot Smith - "Twilight"
I can hear him hanging by a thread to anything that feels good, knowing it will probably go away soon, and feeling like it's inevitably his own doing. The beauty Elliot Smith created while fighting his depression is so massive and broad that I think anyone can relate in some significant way, and that he was able to create it with how he felt is completely inspiring. Sometimes I don't have a choice but to listen to this song and his music.
Davide Moscato is a singer songwriter based in Catanzaro, Italy. His latest album "Mental Maze" (www.seahorserecordings.com) is an incredible collection of passionate heart felt songs that blends a classic singer songwriter style with an experimental touch that is second to none. Davide shares some of his favorite songs in this weeks edition of "Five For Friday" but first enjoy the exquisite experimental sounds of his song "Signals".
Tim Buckley : Starsailor
This is the song I think of when i want to listen to a voice and experimental music.
Tim Buckley entrusts himself to improvisation for this entire album.
This song is the title track and the words are a poem from Beckett while the vocal line is a foolhardy exercise for voice.
Sixteen vocals overdubbed, in an ocean of shouts, whispers,moans and groans.
A unique experimental song in the world, with a voice from an unknown place.
Area : Gioia e rivoluzione
Area were a really great Italian band, with the guest star of another experimental voice.
Demetrio Stratos. It's impossible to forget this man.
An expert in diplophony, triplophony and flautophony, ( 2-3 sounds emitted simultaneously with the voice) he used his voice as an instrument.
The players are great musicians too coming from the jazz world.
The song celebrates the power of imagination, which transforms a machine gun into a double bass, exploding thoughts instead of bullets.
It’s a hymn to freedom, in a bloody political period in Italy.
Pink Floyd : The Great gig in the sky
From their classic album, "Dark Side Of The Moon", "The Great Gig In The Sky" is a masterpiece to me. It is due to the harmonic piano progression that i love to hear. It sounds like a soul-gospel track. The cinematic and expressive piano mixed with the amazing theatrical voice of Clare Torry is both unique and masterful.
Deep Purple : Child in time
I love “In Rock “, it's one of the first rock albums I heard when I was a child, and this song is a wonderful progressive rock piece.
Ian Gillan's voice has a unique and shocking vocal style and in this song his voice is perfect. It's quiet but rocking, strong but sweet.
The guitar is a blade around your throat, whereas the lyrics have mysterious but inspired verses.
The final part is an excellent blast of hard rock that's so difficult to play on stage.
King Crimson : In the court of the Crimson King
From the first album by this magic band. An opera that is truly unique.The song is surreal with some enchanting atmospheres.
The mellotron is insistent and the chorus is obsessive and throbbing while the flute in the middle part is evocative.
Fripp and Lake are musicians with great technical skills and were very innovative while Lake's voice is totally clean and reassures the listener, taking his hand in the court of the king,among a witch,a queen, a funeral,piper and other strange characters.
Progressive Rock lived an unforgettable moment with this song and with this album too. No one can forget this band.
I am deeply saddened about the passing of David Bowie. He was one of the most innovative musicians and artists of all time and his influence and music will live on in our hearts and minds forever. It's hard to put into words how much his music means to me so I have put together a small collection of some of my favorite artists covering classic Bowie songs. I hope you enjoy them as much as i do. "Look up here, I’m in heaven. I’ve got scars that can’t be seen”.... Rest In Peace David Robert Jones.
Beck "Diamond Dogs"
Beck puts his one of a kind stamp on one of the most infectious and flamboyant tracks of Bowie's career. The pulsating beats, experimental electronics and underlying atmospherics are simply incredible and make it one of the best salutes to the "Thin White Duke" ever made.
Dinosaur JR "Quicksand"
From the "Whatever's Cool With Me" E.P. I always feel like J Mascis unique voice adds a haunting element to this classic tune from "Hunky Dory". The song is said to be heavily influenced by both Buddhism and occultism. It also references the magical society Golden Dawn. I revisit this version regularly and it never fails to charm me.
Nico "Heroes"
Backed with a swinging beat and more driving bass presence Nico's version of this song from Bowie's legendary "Berlin" period is incredibly comforting and fun. "Hero's" is said to be the most covered song of Bowie's catalog after "Rebel Rebel".
Candy Snatchers "Suffragette City"
Virginia punk rock n roll maniacs The Candy Snatchers blazed through one of Bowie's most raw and raunchy songs, led by the in your face attack of vocalist Larry May and the buzzsaw flair of guitarist Matthew Odietus. The B-Side to their "Survival Of The Fittest" 7" single released in 2000.
M Ward "Let's Dance"
A captivating rendition of the title track from Bowie's 1983 smash album. M Ward brings his gruff yet welcoming stoic stance to this timeless song in fine form.
New York City based Pilot To Gunner have been making their own brand of melodic post punk since 1998 releasing three incredible albums along the way. I recently had the pleasure of seeing them live for first time in several years and they are as energetic and powerful as ever. The band will be recording a new album soon, with producer J Robbins behind the board. vocalist/guitarist Scott Padden shares some of his favorite songs in this weeks edition of "Five For Friday" but first enjoy PTG's "All The Lights" from their 2012 album "Guilty Guilty".
“SAVORY” -- JAWBOX
So when I was in school, I would sell CDs to the record stores for money to buy beer and records. I was looking through the 7inches at Tones Basement in Burlington, VT, and I saw a Jawbox/Edsel split. No idea why, but I bought it. I really don’t remember. Oh wait. It might’ve been a joint Dischord release? “Savory” is no longer even in my top 20 Jawbox songs, but that’s like saying that you took a non-mind-blowing bite of the mind-blowingest cake ever baked. So that split got me into both Jawbox and Edsel, because I was playing bass at time and the bass playing in both of those bands was just so, so, so good.
When Marty joined the band, we handed him Jawbox’s “Sweetheart” and Edsel’s “Speed Hypnosis” records and told him to learn those songs and let them be his guide. He, at the time, would often get a beer at this bar on 5th, and this dude Jeff would usually be there after work as well. So after we gave Marty the CDs, he told Jeff about it. Turns out, and Marty had no idea, Jeff was the bass player in Edsel.
And then of course we’ve had the incredible fortune of working with J, and I could write pages about that, about becoming friends with him and Janet, them being on our records, and HOLY SHIT I ALMOST FORGOT – the other day his son Cal told him PTG is his favorite band. I don’t care about anything else. That kid, and all the benefit shows in his name that took place all over the world, is living proof that the best aspects of the punk rock ideal are real.
“FAT LIP” – ROCKET FROM THE CRYPT
Drive Like Jehu would’ve been too easy here. When I worked at Warner Music, we’d trade CDs with people at other labels and “Scream Dracula Scream” was sitting in a pile in the fax room. Yeah, fine, fax room. I’m old as shit. Whatever. I knew that someone from DLJ was in RFTC but I also knew of RFTC vaguely, that they had a horn section and wore matching suits, and I was like, oh, they’re a joke band, a novelty band, ok, which is fine and I’m sure it’s fun and all, but that’s not for me. But then I was super bored one day and listened to “Fat Lip,” because I figured that it was probably the jokey-est song on there and I could be done with these guys once and for all. That is not what happened. I flipped out. It’s all I listened to for weeks. I grabbed Patrick and Kurt and the effect upon them was equally immediate. We saw Rocket every single time they played NYC after that. Patrick and I flew to San Diego for their “farewell” Halloween show in I think 2006? Rocket are all-time mushroom-cloud-layers who changed how we approach live shows. I demand that the crowd “give it up for the band” every time we play. Except it’s annoying when I do it.
“WALK THIS WAY” – RUN-D.M.C. / AEROSMITH
Ugh, this is so embarrassing. But make fun all you want, I was a white kid in suburban Massachusetts, so I didn’t have any clue as to what was happening in NYC regarding Hip Hop at the time. I mean, I’m not embarrassed about loving RUN-D.M.C. or even loving quite a few Aerosmith songs, but not a huge street cred selection here. That said, Raising Hell was awesome and I went and ordered their first tape through the Strawberries at the end of the Kmart Plaza the next day. I hate when white dudes in rock bands call out Hip Hop artists as influences, which, to be clear, I’m not doing, because that would be an insult to RUN-D.M.C., I’m just saying that this song introduced me to Hip Hop. And, OK, while MCs like these dudes and Rakim and Nas and Guru and the De La guys didn’t directly influence me as far as writing lyrics goes, they did make me think, “I can’t half-ass this.” I could’ve lied and said KRS-One or Kool Herc or whatever, you know. But I didn’t.
“RAISE” – SWERVEDRIVER
I know I’m breaking the rules here by naming an album and not a song. I don’t even know what to say about this. About the impact this band has had upon me. Freshman year, I was friends with Patrick and Kurt but wasn’t playing music yet. They were playing together in the Arts Center at night. This record didn’t kill me at first, even though they insisted that I keep giving it another shot. Kurt said he’d give me 20 bucks if I learned all the bass parts. I bought a bass for 75 bucks and I think I used some of my book money to buy an amp, and in the process of learning the songs, I realized what this record was. I can’t claim to not have gone through a “Teenage Bass Syndrome” period, but this I think abbreviated it. Kurt never gave me the 20 dollars.
“PANAMA” – VAN HALEN
Here’s why: before I knew about bands that rocked the loud/quiet dynamic, I knew I liked big choruses, which, come on, like it or not, Van Halen knocked out of the park in their sleep. So they launched their choruses into orbit, always, but I always felt like the choruses should be louder. So when I would borrow records and dub them, I would bump the “recording volume” on my parents’ system for the choruses, so that they would be way louder than the verses. This chorus especially drove me crazy because it was this huge, awesome rollercoaster bouncey-castle party that just sat in this same valley that the verses sat in. You know? I turned it into that mountaintop Jesus statue in Rio. Or wherever. You’re welcome, Edward.
