"The Rock That Goes Pop" Archive

The Rock That Goes Pop.

By John Rock

When I was approached about doing a column for Squid Music I immediately jumped at the concept of The Rock That Goes Pop. This idea intrigued me as pop music has fed rock music and rock music has become pop music. I’m using the components to an old game called “Rate A Record”. We would play this at parties and gatherings in my home. It was a make it or break it session that was allot of fun. We would turn the volume up real loud taking a group conscious vote of either being thumbs up or down and on some nights the floor ended up being filled with scattered pieces of broken vinyl from LPs & 45s.

I’m one of the original San Mateo Hillsdale Mall Rats. I’m still get embarrassed by some of the things I did in my past with people, places and things. Can’t blame my actions on things I ingested, inhaled or consumed. I stand accountable for my actions and will make amends to you today. I’m still pretty sick individual though I have learned to control myself a little differently now. I still feel 20 something years in spirit and young at heart residing in a body that has endured some abuse. Those of us who are still around today have survived a few decades. My two oldest and dearest friends are the brothers who are the heart of Squid Music. We have made a lifetime of fun, taking the piss out of anyone or anything at there own expense. Some of you may remember The Original Dial Punk Phone Calls tapes.

About 6 years ago I started keeping a daily journal. Writing about what I was going through at the time and what life had been like up to that point. I wish to publish a book someday from these memoirs. Back to early 1997 I built my first computer and my journey on the net began. I joined many E-mail groups and became involved in many discussions. My musical interests were influences from Presley, Hendrix, Lennon, The Stones, The Who, Bowie and The Move & R.Wood. I’m not a journalist nor could I validate my own opinions as I love the discussions, enthusiasm and devotion of the fans, being one myself for years. I love Rock And Roll and listen to it today with a vibrant new interest. I keep my perspective in mind that tolerance of other people tastes, (Rap) enables me to see things from another’s viewpoint knowing that others can be happy in their way instead of my way. I have learned how to utilize my humor, as it’s one of my greatest assets today. Can you picture this, Johnny Rock working within a California Department of Corrections Unit asking my client, A very angry 300 pound African-American who has been smoking crack everyday for a year straight would you like to try some treatment or go back to prison? Quite funny, yet tragic. Kind of like me and that it could have been me too.

So we call this “The Rock That Goes Pop.” I’m going to have some fun and will venture forth into some recordings that have become part of my collection. My affection or dislike for them transcends some kind of an impact left for them to be within my collection. Some have played part in helping to focus my musical direction with other’s being shit I haven’t gotten rid of yet. Over the next few months my hope is this column will be a progression to this concept. I’m going to take the piss with some and rave about the others. The selections will be done in a spontaneously fashion, trough random selections of songs from my CD collection. Modified from the “Rate A Record” version. I will score them on a scale of 1 to 10. Please remember this is only my opinion not that of a real music critic who has the asshole the size of a quarter. Mine is only a dime.

Winter 1999

Volume One:

# 1 Fabian / Turn Me Loose (2)

OK, How bad is bad. Take a listen back to the cheap version of Elvis with a pitch problem. What is that on the drums? Sounds like locus or crickets that are stuck in a oil drum. The recording isn’t half-bad for some creeps from Philly. Background vocalist’s sound and style from a funeral parlor arrangement. This is horrible, terrible and I thought at 9 years old that this was the greatest thing from the Kings clone. Nice pompadour at least. Sounds great on CD. Listen to it drunk.

# 2 Buddy Holly / Because I Love You. (9)

One of the finest pure pop vocals of all time. I consider myself being somewhat of a vocal stylist. This is possibly the most powerful cleanest vocal style I have ever heard within a simple love song. The accompaniment is sparsely complete (drums, standup-bass, guitar) though this was once overdubbed with a full band. Buddy’s voice on this track is perfectly whispered and the balance of just enough analog echo. The intonations of his notes are in perfect pitch even with a (his) quivery brake at the end. Hundreds have emulated this sound and style. They don’t make tracks like this any more. Wonder why? Take a listen.

# 3 David Bowie / Tuesdays Child. (3)

I love Bowie but what happened here? Has becoming so rich made you so lazy and lethargic? Sounds like the lead vocal was done and kept on the second take. How many packs of cigarettes did you smoke first? Or did you need to have another one first? Did you take up drinking alcohol again? Was this the demo? Ugh? Horrible! This is actually a decent melody line that wasn’t worked out properly. The bass line and the girls can’t save this one. The last Vocal part makes me sick without badfood as an excuse. Maybe he should retire once again, before releasing any more shit like this. I had higher hopes for Hours and of Bowie.let-me-down-again.com.

#4 Patty Griffin / Blue Sky. (7)

Wow! Go Girl…. Sounds like John Lennon’s angry daughter as she lights a match to Industrial Pop-Rock. Play this one really LOUD. Very hypnotic vibe to a catchy pop melody from a great songstress who is going somewhere. Blue sky melody line of The Beatles. Giving credit where due. Mick Ronson would be proud of the Intro. Sounds like Charlie Watts on drums A.k.a. Get Off My Cloud. I don’t think so could fool me. This is really an electric throwback to Folk-Rock. Check out her 1st all acoustic CD. Critics loved that one. I have a thing about redheaded women. Does Patty like Boys? This isn’t the new Marc Bolan….

#5 Julian Lennon / Help Yourself. (6 ½)

I got to admit I like this. Nice grooves especially the offbeat. Some things you do inherit. Julian got some of his own going on in here. Great use of the double track vocal. Wonder where he got that idea. Clean 6-string guitar and a 12 to back it up. Backward guitar with Dads Humor thrown in. Laced up keyboards with beautiful modulation to the melody line. Maybe Mr. Lennon will stand the test of time with more currently being revealed. I will throw that one on for review next month.

# 6 Keith Richards & The Rolling Stones / Love is Strong. (8)

Ever wondered how The Rolling Stones construct their tunes and get them up to par? Take a listen to this lament. Actually Keith cut most of the songs on Voodoo lounge with his own vocals. From Keith Richards sings Voodoo Lounge (Bootleg) these mixes kill most of the finished stuff. God blesses Keith’s Vodka laced vocals. The melodies he sung on this one Mick didn’t use. They will probably turn up as leftovers in some other song in the future. Some of the loosest guitar work ever. Nice harmonica Mr. Jagger. The finished product can’t touch this version.

#7 The Tuesdays / When You’re A Tuesday Girl (8)

I have played this one a million times. Love it bringing out the 19-year-old in me. This rock’s out in that old 60s tradition done well in the late 90s. I love Girl groups. I hope they (Tuesdays) get a second one (CD) done amongst the hoopla. Very nice guitar works for girls. Go ahead and kill me. Fabulous lead vocal line. Tight production. Kick up the chorus. I love you light up the world when you’re a Tuesday girl. You’ll never hear Glam rock again?

#8 Daniel Lanois / Lotta Love to Give (7)

Listened to this a lot when I was getting loaded! Maybe before I came to my senses! Do I need a moment of clarity now? Funny thing is I still like it today! Use to put it on repeat program. I can’t say that about allot of stuff. Remembering my old friend Danny telling me you needs to get rid of this shit. I finally did. All the hippie music on CD. Nice opening beat, very layered guitar work. Crescendo builds on this short little sweet-thing. Pungent lead guitar solo. Love the echo everywhere. Penny whistles anyone. Very powerful last chords. Lanois did a great job on Sling Blade soundtrack. Coffee makes me nervous.

#9 The Corrs / Radio (7)

Rock And Roll Dance Music 2001? Take a hook line and run it onto the dance floor. The Melody line to the chorus captures me once again. Three very talented sisters. Quite nice on the eyes but I can’t recall where the lead guitar came from. This riff was stolen. From where? The violin comes in from no where to a nice touch. What a forceful driving beat it even gets me up without a drop for courage. Come on girl. Yes I listen to the radio and all the songs we use to know. Even Mutt couldn’t **** this up. #10 Tommy Keene / Highwire Days (8) Great Power Pop from the CD Based on Happy Times. One of the most over looked CDs of the late 80s. Copy’s sell on E-Bay for $40 and up. They need to re-release this one. (Geffen) I played this till I was blue in the face. Still would like to cover a track or two. The Knockers attempted this one. Tommy will probably never relive the heights of this great CD. This is one of my all-time favorites. Tight rhythm section with Jangling 6 & 12 Guitars. Hooked laced rock music at it best. OOPs I did a Pitch.

Spring 2001

Volume Two:

# 1 Eric Carmen / I Was Born To Love You (1)

What in the Hell is this? I thought this old wanker retired. All By Myself # 47 revisited. Oh yea, I forgot about the Ringo tours. Validity in this shit? His Japanese fan clubs must need some mental health support. I would consider suicide. What’s the point to comeback especially with this maple syrup that give the runs. Did this guy ever rock? He did once if I remember right. Messed up looking Hairpiece as well. I heard the Raspberries were reforming? That would at least be more inventive than this watered down geritol. What is the point? House payments? Go All The Way to the toilet bowl with this one.

# 2 Shelby Lynne / Your Lies (6)

The first thing that struck me was the production. Very 60’s A little Dusty & Sandy now molded from the voice of many country-favored episodes of recent past. Shelby can sing and rap as well. She is kind of angry. (What Woman today isn’t) Nice Song with some gripping acapella. A real talent, she “could” really go somewhere. Sorry about your Dad & Mom. (Sad story) I loved her on Howard Sterns TV show and a nice outfit at the Grammy’s. She loves to drink hard, Get thrown off airplanes and laugh allot. Spirited to say the least and I hope she gets sober someday.

# 3 Shawn Mullins / Everywhere I Go (7)

Yes a simple pop song. Shawn seems to have a style and sound of his own. Very Beatlesque. This first came to me on local radio. I stood out from the norm of today’s programming. Great big guitar sound. The vocals are right up front. (Lead vocalist mix). The hook line drives this one on very simple and quite likeable. Clean Rock & Roll with a BACKBEAT. Refreshing to hear old styled pop today.

#4 Junior Brown / I Hung It Up (7)

Jimi Hendrix meets Ernest Tubbs. See this guy live. This recording is one of his better ones especially capturing what works so well live. He as yet found his nitch in the studio. Maybe Don Was could help? (I said that?) Junior is really something else as far as unique. The Gut-Steel he designed and plays like Jimi on a real hot Texas night. Junior hung up his bad habits all right. Lyle Sack should get Junior for a track. Might help?

#5 Carolyn Dawn Johnson / Georgia (8)

I love Country Music especially the Female Vocalists. This one hit home. She has been writing songs for others for quite a white. Some people are born with gifts. This song has all the elements of quality. The Guitars (acoustic, electric & steel) are rich with an accordion to round it off. A good song is the most important thing, next to the arrangement. No shortcoming as this builds to a crescendo ending with her vocal answerbacks. Even the video is striking. Talented you go girl.

# 6 Aerosmith / Jaded (7)

Ok I use to really despise Tyler & Perry. This band was once a bunch of Fucked Up Slobs. I walked out on them the two times I saw them. After a couple of decades in age maybe they have become refined so to speak. Could it be do to more than one recovery (I would say tongue in cheek)? This song grabbed me. It Rocks. (Check the acoustic version) This over stuffed production of Strings, Computer Shit Technology, Echo and Etc. This is the age or coming back or there of? 50-year-old rockers. Very good twenty years too late so “Dream On”.

#7 ZZ Top / Rough Boy (6)

I have played this recently and it has brought me back to the 80 Techno Sound. What’s wrong with the picture? (Old Texas Hippies with Spinach Chins) No Shit, I went to a ZZ Top Concert back in the Eighties at The Cow Palace. The Underlining reason was the top were hot (tickets were free) I hated them, but I always wondered why Jimi Hendrix once said Billy Gibbons was his favorite Guitar player. What I witnessed was indescribable. The show itself was great. I will say Miller beer gave 14 thousand bikers a real motivation for 6 dozen fistfights resulting in many arrests. Yea rough boys in the town time forgot. 100,000 Ponytail Hippies can’t be wrong.

#8 Jackie DeShannon / Steal The Thunder (7)

Something about Jackie’s style, that makes her such an extraordinaire songstress \ vocalist. She seems to have waited (too long for me) until she was really ready to do this again after years, contracts etc. Nice backing and accompaniment. A little rust shows on some of this, but very uncontrived and lively. Life goes on we show up. Jackie showed up again the melody line to the first vocal chorus gave me chills like when I first listened to Jackie as a teenager. I still have a crush on the real needles and pins.

#9 Robin Zander / I’ve Always Got You (9)

One of my personal favorite American rock singers. His regular backing band lately has left me less than pleased. This is one of the most underrated CDs of the last ten years. (Lead Vocalist viewpoint) This track carries a lot of Lennon’s ghost. I really like Mike Campbell when he is without Mr. Petty. These two fit well with the producers (Iovine) sound. The Guitars float up and out so sweet. Great drum sound. Clean percussion. I still have hope for a new trick un-cheap.

#10 Jeff Beck / A Day In The Life (9)

If there was ever a doubt in my mind about great players Jeff Beck removed all that when I saw him live recently. Nice tribute to the fab four and George Martin. (Check out a live version-napster:) Not too many guitarists from my era of youth and influence still rip like this one. This is on of a few songs where the melody line was patented for replaying (Hendrix-strangers in the night) in another capacity. Jeff took this and made it his own. Dr. Winston O’Boogie would be proud.

Summer 2001

Volume Three:

# 1 The Everly Brothers / (‘Till) I Kissed You (9 1/2)

I was driving up the freeway last month with oldies station (KFRC) blasting and this came on. WOW.. Small seizure and I surely wasn’t stoned! This song brought it all back having been my own personal favorite Everly Bros track. Don and Phil have the edge of a harmonic blend that can exist between blood relatives. (Even the Gibbs) Quite simply put this is perfect pop. A ringing hook chorus with a hair-raising bridge that is stunningly sung. They were also excellent arrangers that this is proof of. What comes to mind is that John and Paul took something big from these brothers and entered another dimension for next decade. Years later Macca did the tribute in the production of the Wings of a Nightingale another number that was very memorable. Facts to this session are The Crickets were the back up band having been inspired by the percussive sound of Peggy Sue. Buddy Holly even had the Everly’s backs in peer support.

# 2 The Beatles / Baby It’s You (8)

This one popped up next as one of my fave live vocal tracks. The Beatles really did interpret others compositions so very well. The studio version is good but the version from Live at the BBC is the real killer. John Lennon is one of the greatest gut-feeling Rock and Roll singers ever. This is a testament to that. John’s phrasing as this live track shows how well he listened to other vocalists and picked up chops to make them his own. (Spectors) Lennon’s vocal inflection is quite glorious because of his unique projection of voice. His vocal stylizations in this version show him off well. The Beatles were a tight live (club) group in there day. Mr. Starkey’s backbeats and Harrison’s tight guitar keep this one together with great vocal backups (paulie & georgie) defects and all it don’t get much better than this.

# 3 Jeff Lynne / Lift me Up (7)

This is the guy who emulates the above-mentioned duos & groups. I heard this as a background in a soundtrack to a recent movie. (Deuce Bigalow) He and his old partner once fronted a band that once really MOVEd. They took even more of the above mentioned melodies to other places. This caught me because it builds into a very big crescendo. Great staccato guitar played as if it was nurtured in the phase shift. Little bit of everyone rolled into it with his own amusable style. Jeff puts vocals into the forefront of the song leading it off into the beyond of string heaven. Love is all he wants? Listen? Think about it! Great backgrounds haunting Lennon’s ghost. With Living in the material world on slide guitar. God Bless George H. The Willbury Bros Rock On. Who we really know as Mr. ELO

# 4 Roy Wood & Jeff Lynne / Me And You (8)

Great stuff when these two get together? They seem to kick each other’s arse. Mr. Wood has that singular quality to his voice like no one else. This is really a rocking thing done a few years back but sadly once again never released. Kind of has the Starting Up feel to it. Roy Wood and Drum machine waste. I believed they did more than just this one track. So this is setting in a vault somewhere collecting dust. The hook is so strong due to the quad-track lynnewood voices. They are quality guitar players, Multi-instrumentalists, arrangers and producers. Roy has been sadly neglected and I must stop before I say something I might regret. (Remember last month) Mr. Wood needs to RELEASE SOMETHING NEW NOW.

#5 Carl Wayne / I Heard the Voice Of Jesus (2 ) (vocal 10)

OK dig this real story. One night my dear friend Tony Secunda and I had been drinking potato vodka, listening to some tunes and having a real laugh. God bless Tony (Telegram Sam) this all ended rather quickly when I put this one on. He punched me and called me a fuckin wanker then left. I loved this song because of my Baptist upbringing and this is gospel that rocks solely because of what Mr. Wayne can do with his voice. Hitting notes is an understatement. Other wise from where he came from this is a file of puke. I have had this LP for over 30 years playing it for nearly everyone I have ever known with them thinking I was nuts. It still sounds great. Looks for an anthology on Mr. Wayne shortly. He has been busy over the years doing some very accountable stuff with some of the above mention fellows. Currently residing in a Holliedaze.

#6 Colin Blunstone / Levi Stubbs Tears (5) (Vocal 9)

Remember this Guy? The singing Zombie comes back again. A really distinctive voice in a simple song (Billy Bragg) that gets lost in the Mega Rock Production. Sounds Like Toto meets Asia or Journey after drinking Romalar C.F. Way over the top. I must confess the first time I heard this I cried but then some shit makes me cry. Right Phil? I loved Colin’s Voice for oh so many years. He is truly one of the originals of the 60s still making product, some very valid. This interpretation sucks from arrangement overload. He is back with Rod Argent. Well see. More to be revealed! Listen to the one vocal line of “She Takes Off The Four Tops Tape and puts it back in the case” Colin really knows how to phrase.

#7 Paul Young / Tularosa (9)

Whoa. Look out. Great stuff. This song in performance and production is class pop. One for the ladies that is truly beautiful. Paul is another great vocal stylist. A soul pop song that is full of goose bumps and a great building intro. This leads into a great mesh building of accordion and strings. The vocal backgrounds are perfect. He even wrote this one. I could put this on and win easily. What I’m thinking of? This was a single that flopped in 98. Paul is so underrated. He has had more than a struggle in the past. This track is a real triumph. Melted Ears …

#8 Marianne Faithfull / Witches Song (7)

There is something funny going on here. This feels like a Nod coming on. Did she just shoot up? Music for methadone clinics? Is this the real life junkie extraordinaire searching off to be a song stress after being the Jagger bitch. Don’t let her put a single hair in your shoe. She seems to have worked a mojo on herself. The poltergeist in the background really scares me. I was once very fascinated by this track. Could be a voodoo witch or a sexual predator in a Lesbian love song? Ms Faithfull is rather strange even today. This track is haunting of production and arrangement. Reverb to the acoustic guitars with a run going on in the back that is quite hypnotizing. Fascinating isn’t she? What did she do the night of this recording? Séance! A wonder to the art of letting go!

#9 Dido / Here With Me (7)

She has been around for a while and this CD is almost 3 years old and Dido is getting the attention she rightfully deserves. She can do everything on her own and has a distinct voice. Phasing is the catch for me with this really tight arrangement. Slow building strings with the acoustic guitars pushing the song up and out. I have heard many different versions of this from live on “late night” to remixes by various Idiots who try to ruin a good track. I have hope for her future. Go Girl and say fuck off to the M&M talent scout.

#10 Stevie Nicks / Planets of the Universe (8)

I must confess that I never really felt moved musically with Ms. Nicks until Sara (Cleaning Lady Version) came along. She is a very good writer. There have been many great songs over the years in all due respect. When I first heard this I thought cool, F. Mac has really come back. Then when I really saw the credits I was fooled. The production emulated the sound very well right now to the perfect Lindsey B. solo. Yea I’m bias, remembering the days with Fritz, Old Davis and The Toads. My roommates and myself living in diamond heights (you know who) I thought was there any real validity in what others heard or listened to in early 70’s. Was this a bunch of shit? I listened to Bowie and Bolan they listened to Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye. Was I deaf? This is great stuff. Funny how time flies with trouble in Shangri-La and the lie is dead we do recover. Thanks to my friends.

Autumn 2001 Volume Four

# 1 David Bowie / Pictures of Lily (7)

Ok so I gave Mr. Jones a pretty bad review a few months back. I’m not going to make an amends. What do I think of this? Being The Who fanatic of my past? First off I’m not big on tribute CDs with various artists contributing there own reading of a usually classic original. This opens up nicely with the double accented guitars. This is almost a replica to the opening of Cracked Actor at half speed (Took a few listens with old memory). The Vocal could be Bowie as Keith Moon on a good takes especially the line about having sleepless nights. Bowie again is quite efficient with double track vocals. This comes to greater effect on build to the chorus. He is good on this one. Sounds almost right off of Pin-Ups. But that still don’t impress me much today. Do something new Dave. Is the baby tiring you out, being you are over fifty? This is still better than the last offering of poop-pop. More will be revealed in the forthcoming Toy CD? Will Virgin release it?

# 2 U2 / Walk On (8)

This one grew upon me though radio airplay. I like the feel to this very much and how the piano and The Edge’s guitar elevate this to new heights. The recording has the feel of an unforgettable fire in the layers of sound. Bono has grown into a distinct singer of his own style that many others younger have copied. The compression on his voice suits the blend of the recording to the instruments. He knows how to expel words into space with balance into the microphone. Edge answers him back of so well (Hendrix feeling) and they go back and forth flowing into all that you can’t leave behind. It all begins with just a tambourine. Very clean stuff I still have hope for rock and roll in the future. It won’t be U2. They are now old, just to get this accomplished in middle age. Did that sound right?

# 3 ELO / Jeff Lynne / Moment in Paradise (7)

Yea rights Johnny, Jeff L. Two months in a row. The man has returned with that sound again. As said before he emulates the influences of others very well. I hear a ghost of Dr. Winston in all of this. Nice piano riff with smooth acoustic guitar. A very nice inspired lead vocal that is flowing so sweet. Mr. Lynne knows how to work a vocal line then yet I was never a big fan in the past maybe going back to the message from the country. Saw the new band play live on PBS & Storytellers not bad considering he didn’t need the flowing hippie chick up-front to sing or to build his low self Image that seems so very apparent. There is something about singers who hide behind shades. (Lead singer inventory) Now it’s 2001 to 10538 Overture-large stage production of unpractical proportions. Tour cancelled? It’s about the music today. Leave the productions to Marilyn Manson.

#4 Journey / Higher Place (5)

I’m having a bad flashback listening to this. Sounds like one of those nights at Winterland and don’t really know if that is good or bad. Big building intro with all the cliché of corporate rock. The guitar I have heard a million times which needs to be sampled to copy and paste into any of this disposable stuff. What is really sick is I almost like it. Tight drumming to the guitar riff. Then the Voice I have heard before but this has a different edge to it with some guts. Not the same myna bird with the nasal tone. A clone of S. Perry I don’t really think so. The keyboard work has all the right accents keys that border over to the top with Jerry Lee. People still seem to love this stuff with its melancholy remnants of yesteryear. But how does it sell today? Mill Valley merchandising lives on years after the fire. Stock must be doing well.

#5 The Go Go’s Automatic Rainy Day (7)

1979 Mabuhey Gardens S.F. The Go Go’s, Jo Allen and The Shapes and of course Johnny Rock and The Rockers. I’ll never forget Dirksons expression when we hit the stage. The Go Go’s were LA’s Punk Pop sweethearts. Nasty stuck up little brats. I enjoyed their xxx bootleg video. Nice pictures of Belinda today in Playboy. Twenty-Two years later the girls reappear with something vital for ageing rockers. They have sobered, matured and become a tight unit very serious with these 3-minute ditties. I waited, read the reviews, got a free one and much to my surprise something’s get better with age. Would have fooled me. I picked this song due to the elements of good/great pop rock content. More to be revealed.

#6 The Crystals / Uptown (10)

This gets my highest rating! One of my all-time favorite tracks that stands the test of time. The performance, arrangement, and production created by a true gifted master. Spector even played the Spanish guitar himself. Sonny Bono on Castanets! A glorious lead vocal by Barbara Alston with such a beautiful melody line any other singer would fall flat in pitch. The strings are sweetly plucked staccato and are flowing up to bring the song back into the hook line. Calling it a wall of sound reduces Spectors flexibility of being somewhat complex yet he filled arrangements up being very subtle. Early poetry in the line of “Where everyone his boss and he is lost in an angry land” yet to the hope as “he takes my hand there’s no man who could put him down”. Early Pre-Dylan? The world was really sweet back then in uptown.

#7 Patty Smyth Never Enough (8)

80’s pop that was sadly neglected. Another talent wasted due to many years gone by with lousy producers and poor management. The tight drum/guitar intro sounds like the Byrds on speed. Patty can really belt it out; unlike the other P. Smith who is an entity (poet) of her own that many also love. This Patty seems to be content currently with being the backup to her husband’s tennis racket and their children. This I can understand, as we all need a life. She is such a powerful vocalist. She sometimes sits in with Letterman (P. Shafer) I have been a fan for years back to Scandal days. The backing band is some of The Hooters who were easily forgettable except for the bad stylist that coiffed up their ratted hair. I was bad enough in my day. Patty we are waiting? Turn this up…

#8 Mark McGuinn / Mrs. Steven Rudy (7)

This one is something very different from the norm of a three-minute pop song. It breaks off with a play ball into. The fantasy story is of having an affair with some one else’s wife. (Who is so unhappy) I like the fresh techno-banjo to a rock formula production. The arrangement is very tight and right up front. Mark has been around (Nashville-writer) just like so many others and now is being recognized due to this song and video. The words have a lot to reveal. Very tongue and cheek stuff with “that wedding ring as ugly as your husband is to you”. Only time will tell (success) with such new talent that can be easily bought, sold, bitten, chewed and spit back out from the music industry. Wish him well.

#9 Enuff Z’ Nuff / New Thing (5)

Get the Aqua-Net hair spray out (if you have any follicles left) or the wig. Put on those old 5-inch fuck-me pumps, Slip on those skintight-28-inch waist satin pants, sharpen up the jet-black eyeliner and then turn the stereo up. Oh yea, I forgot then open a cold 40-ounce loud mouth and chug it down then smoke a fat one before your partner can bum rush you. Do you think it would sound any better today? Maybe with a good food fight? It has all the elements of a GREAT Hard-Rock song. A one Beatles / John Lennon melody, The Van Halen Distorted balls to the wall guitar effects out of the kitchen sink, The John Bonham Snare/ kick snap Echo from the barn-yard. John Entwistle on glue bass tone. Produced by Wonderknobs. I remember the tour of hair bands from the eighties were the rumors true? Vixen was really just a bunch of old LA lesbian hags who beat the shit out of Poison? It’s only Rock and Roll But I like it! These guys’s still make new product and tour currently?

#10 Eric Clapton / I ain’t gonna stand for it (7)

Slowhand today is going smooth and easy. He doesn’t seem really challenged by industry standard of product. Being held in such high standards is not always a good thing especially when it comes down to being an addict. He has been a mentor to me in many ways in how he takes care of himself first and has his priorities straight. Anonymity stops me here. Nice piano to the vocal and that is what takes this bluesy rocker to a description as gospel. (Al Green feeling) Mr. Clapton has become such a powerful vocalist over the last ten years I hardly care about the guitar, as his voice is the real instrument in the song. (Pilgrim) The Impressions background vocals add a right tough to a funky blues number and the guitar playing that he carries off so well adds The Cream to the cake.

Winter 2002 Volume Five

# 1 Mick Jagger / Visions of Paradise (9)

Disclaimer* I like this singer (I’m bias) and like this track a lot. The real test for me with any song is the longevity of a hook line or if I’ll still go back for repeated listening. I first listened to this track on line. (It’s free). It gave me goose bumps due to the content of the words, the vocal phasing and overall production. The dual piano intro with a shuffle beat and then the opening line grabbed me instantly. Mick really has a way using words with certain pronunciations. The content of this song comes to define a “Vision of Paradise” as Mick sees it, Just like most bohemian male tramps who live with a under my thumb attitude of a self-centered male. He doesn’t want a woman to tell him shit. (A Rob Thomas idea? I don’t think so) some great rhythm guitar work to fill up this production with it’s over the top synthetic (Spector) string section. Great Mick, don’t let me near the garden of earthly delights? A song you couldn’t do with Mr. Richards? A 40th Anniversary Tour Next?

# 2 Ozzy Osbourne / Dreamer (6)

Imagine Mr. Osbourne meets the universe through a John Lennon melody as Ozzy sings about his concept of higher power. This some even has a hook line. What’s a Sabbath song hook from a tattooed idiot? I like the feel to this very much and the piano yet it doesn’t exactly knock me out. He seems to show some real validity in his ballads. This is constructed very simple based around the drums and bass. The strings and background vocals borrow heavily from the George Martin School of production. Zackery Wilde lays down a solid pierced stock metal solo that keeps the mini-mashers happy. From the perspective of recovery of the Ozzman and mother earths problems the two seem to coincide. Sharon Arden keeps his books tight and out of the red just like they were her dads with the gratitude my husband is a survivor of many things she should get a TV show based on the concept of Ozz.

# 3 Shelby Lynne / Jesus On A Greyhound (8)

Nice little ditty from Miss Lynne that keeps the promise of her new found freedom of country mainstream. I must say that this CD is the real hope not as the critics gave her for being the most promising new artist after numerous country titles. Yes I have made comments I regards to this ladies reputation of sobriety. Hope she has continual fun with her clarity of thinking and talent. This is a great CD overall. Shelby is funky, she can even rap and sings with the fever pitch of soul greats. Gifted with the intonation vocal style of Dusty Springfield. This title is the least commercial yet contains the Dylan’s feel to songwriting that only Lucinda Williams gets credit for. I love the idea of seeing a hippie on a greyhound that looks like Jesus. My sick humored self again. This CD is full great songs, excellent players and performances making today’s clean Pop Music. Is that a good thing?

#4 Rembrandts / You Are The One (8)

I saw these two guys at the County Fair and they rocked for a crowd of less than 200. This was after the “Friends Theme” song was a big hit. I have always admired Danny Wilde’s vocal style and songs. With Phil Solem it’s apparent that they both work together better in unit than individually apart. (McCartney without Lennon) Danny did a solo Rembrandts CD a few years back that really lack the punch of their collaborations. This is a great return to where they left off. Really tight two part harmony lines, as I’m a big sucker for power pop styled rock. I picked this for the Acoustic Beatle flavor and that it is (under Three Minutes) exactly 2:39 WOW! This also has a Buddy Holly feel to the melody line, let alone the title of the song. This even has a bass solo (“so to speak”) with a gorgeous string accompaniment. Love the reverb echo on top of the vocal passages throughout the song. Backward tape loop for icing on a cup cake song.

#5 Martina McBride / Where Would You Be (9)

I’m a big fan of Country Music today (big fan of Martina) this is not a country song. This is some real great pop music that many vocalists should envy. (And listen to) The song begins with the rawness and feel of a favored country beverage. The song is written in great context to a stale love or marriage going on either one way or the other. “Letting Go” The electric guitar jangles in the steels overtones. The ghost piano I feel in the back of the “trembled tremolo” guitar part that open to possibly one of the most powerful vocal performances I have heard in my lifetime. Martina builds this song absolutely perfect from the first verse intro to the opening chorus. The string choruses build to crescendo the song up into the heights of the bridge that she takes to another octave. (Holy shit) Martina really pushed herself on this vocal beyond many other stylists and inside the production is a cutting (Dan Huff) rock guitar. Will it be a hit? “To Pop for Country?” “To Country for Pop?” *Remix’s already done are highly probable.

#6 Garbage / Can’t Cry These Tears (5)

Back to the sixties and that sound of all Girl groups. Is this something new for Techno formula rock? Shirley Manson is quite likeable with her stylish vocals and hair. Then you have to wonder after a while how far people will go. This has everything in it but the kitchen sink in layers of production. The Phil Spector sound lives on in 2002 will they keep this alive after all these years? It makes me wonder what kids think who listen to their other songs that are far from this fare. The break in the bridge get it off to another realm with a suitor guitar solo reminiscing the glamour years of the 70’s with Mott, Bowie and Roxy. I could sleep though this easily while it went down the real garbage disposal.

#7 John Mellencamp / Peaceful World (7)

I just love Mister Cougar’s style over these years he has shown growth and strength in content (confidence) from a guy who once sang he needs a lover who won’t drive him crazy. Oh Yuck! (Maybe John and Pat B. should have got together?) This one really rocks and I saw him do it live which is what sold me. The snare drum sound is very thick. Needless to say with the events in the world over the last few months this is even more powerful. It was recorded before the mess in NY began. I love the Mid-West feel of John raps well as has a real natural groove to his style. The background vocals are straight southern Baptist. All American music…

#8 Elvis Presley / One Night (5)

“John Rock’s Believe It Or Not!” Most of you know I grew listening to Elvis but did you know the circumstances surrounding how he (my hero) was found dead slumped over a toilet in his nightclothes with pornographic magazines laying around his body. The coroner couldn’t hide there were multiple poly-substances in his body. This was how the king of rock and roll died! I relate that it could have been me following in his footsteps, in so many ways. Now to the song, I have covered and sang in every band and at gigs over 30 years. This track basically stinks as I listen to it now and comparing it to his other vintage stuff. Here is an inventory, his vocal at the beginning is off in pitch; both the guitar and the bass are out of key. The acoustic guitar played out of rhythm by some one probably with organic brain damage. Scotty Moore sounds like he is recovering from a bad night or is having one. The savior himself is the kings vocal breaks to the bridge when he lets loose with the gravel. I worked to perfect this to the best of my ability and didn’t have to die the death one night.

#9 Traveling Wilburys / Not Alone Any More (10)

This is one of my favorite songs of all time. This is the best track these guys did in this calibration. Sad that two of these gifted players are no longer with us. But then again they left some beautiful stuff for the ears. This is one of Roy Orbison’s best vocal performances for the 30 years of his career. (Check the ending) In fact the playing and the production is killer without the Jerry Lee. The song is a simple sha-laa-laa rock song reminesant to the jangle rock of the years proceeding. I like the Lynne production feel and it reminds me of John Lennon’s love of ELO. I fact his phrasing style is evident though out (“I never been”) the melody lines. The Guitar intro is very Duane Eddy intermixed with another style played by the real George Harrison himself. The vocal chorus background lines are mixed with an overwhelming triple dubs of voices. Petty, Dylan, Lynne, Harrison just backing up Roy Orbison. Oh I forgot, John Lennon’s favorite drummer Jim Keltner.

#10 Terry Reid / Fifth Of July (9)

The career of Mr. Reid is of mystery to me, as his great voice and songwriting was never truly appreciated by the masses. Oh well there loss is my gain. I go back to listen to this just to get blown away. This is a great song that has been lost in time. The song in old the grand traditional of performance, arrangement and production is very stellar due to the center point of the vocal and the production that is build around it. Terry has one of the loudest and powerfully unique voices I have ever heard. Trevor Horn has amazed me over the years with certain product he has given his treatments too. The Driver is CD that as a whole is powerful stuff sadly neglected by the public and music industry. Put the headphones on with no change of psyche necessary. Top 10 DVD’s

DVD’s in today market place have grown. I have been passionately collecting these disc’s of the future due to the prices (gone down) and availability to the masses today have reached a level that people can afford them, including myself for my own collection has been growing quickly. These rated by own appeal to them. The video and audio content, level of entertainment and amount of extras features.

#1 U2 / Elevation 2001 live from Boston #2 The Who / Live at the Royal Albert Hall #3 Final Fantasy The Spirits Within #4 Shrek #5 Swordfish #6 Gladiator #7 Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon #8 Joe Satriani Live in San Francisco #9 Star Wars The Phantom Menace #10 Bruce Springsteen / Live in NY CityVolume Six: Summer 2002 Vol: Six

The old spirit of rock and roll has yet to diminish even in 2002. This expanded volume reflects today’s market of the seasonal releases and supporting tours. Some of the new product I have listened to is inventive; most of it leaves me with a feeling of regurgitation. Some of my favorite artists are touring this year and I will be part of the millions who will make a necessary investment ($$$) to witness the events of this summer. I don’t think I have missed anything spectacular yet. My son loves metal and my daughter likes rap. What can a poor boy do? This is the latest batch of selections. Please visit my home page for archived past volumes. My opinion is not the same as authentic music critic who has the asshole the size of a silver dollar. Remembering that a once respected SF critic once called Jimi Hendrix a bunch of **** that is how critics make a buck! My asshole has shrunk with the old age but I’m still full of shit while being honest!

# 1 David Bowie / Slow Burn (8)

We can be heroes, just for one day or many years past? Is there any validity in what this artist is doing today? Do I really care today? Do you really care? Can he really sing with a cigarette dangling from his proboscis? Could he ever really sing? Do you call that singing? Is this Heroes? (Version # 117) Sounds like a wild Earl Slick on the guitar but it’s really Peter Townsend giving David Jones a run for his money? (Notice! I did not use the word OLD) Did we have to resort to the heroes’ sounding bass line played by a bald headed negritude? What is the depth of this story line? Where is this going? Tony Visconti would you help me too? The Tower of Power or Borneo horns being played ever so? What do you think now Mr. Ronson? Does this need some sort of rehabilitation? Would a new mix help? Is this the next saga of a lazy chameleon? Where is Marc Bolan now? This is Heathenism because Virgin would not play with his Toy CD? Now at Columbia Records “Everyone says Hi” check that out!

# 2 Bryan Ferry / Goddess of Love (8)

Here’s a guy who has been around the block. The Bo Diddley riff is very evident in this throw back of a sounding track. This reminds me of Avalon. (Yea right) It sounds kind of funny. It sounds very Funky. Another cigarette smoke vocal track. Bryan does this best as he wrote the book. This evokes that Hank Henry feel. 2002 and glam rock lives on in this from this Street life living today with a mother of a pearl. All the Roxy Music that could be mustered up. Even the poor Brian Eno. The Vocal line in the chorus line moves to the harmony it embellishes. The Guitars laced in feedback of many layers and players. Verse to chorus with a bridge you got in a tight knitted 3-minute love song. Appears to be written about Monroe’s diamond nude’s earring etched in that platinum rinse which made old Joe D. cry! Who had the more fun? I keep her picture in my bedroom. This is today’s modern music for bohemian bachelors.

# 3 Alanis Morissette / Flinch (1)

I obtained her latest to explore the appeal factor (Celine Dion next:) that resides in many who invested in this product. Why did I pick this track? Tell me please was Alanis Abused? Neglected? Molested? What is wrong which this poor woman? She’s talk about being touched and how long before her dignity is replaced. This reminds me of being drugged against my will on PCP. They made the drug for elephants. They make this music for torture today. Is this Caucasian complaint folk music? The Guitars radiant the decent into which began to spark my interest though the vocal lines and the use of this poor woman’s words of being bruised inside to being shackled and touched by god. My support group would get her to invest in a Sabine Sex Machine this would end all her problems. Sweep this under the rug.

#4 Natalie Imbruglia / Wrong Impression (5)

Here is a happier young woman. Very optimistic feeling from the last bit of shit I listened to. Maybe the kangaroos in Australia have something to do with all this? You can tell there were no drugs involved in this production as I LOL. I loved the Cellos in the intro and the guitars push this pop song up and out. She is kind of cute and enjoys playing music and has a decent voice! I watch videos on the web and you can tell who has the heart in what they do today. The basic of acoustic guitar driving the slides to a Byrd’s sounding lick. The bass player ate to many burgers before the session. This is the new Bubble Gum Pop of the decade!

#5 Vanessa Carlton / A Thousand Miles (8)

Could Vanessa be the next big thing! She is a delight to watch. This song impels a tragic feeling of youthful innocence that has devilish under-tones within this deluxe production. She sings with feeling and depth that rides the waves of the roller coaster arrangement. The string arrangement would make Paul Buckmaster smile. This is basically just a good song underneath a massive production. I could imagine what my friend Telegram Sam would have thought of Vanessa darling. Taken under the wings of a nightingale to a predator. The video will probably win some awards being shot off the hook in a visual perspective from the back of a flatbed truck. Will she be able to recover from this initial blast of success? Or enter the music industry treadmill. Say a prayer.

#6 Sandie Shaw / Girl Don’t Come (9)

Another one I dusted off recently. I played it until I drove my roommate crazy. I really fell in love with this one again just for it subtle qualities with the horn introduction that gave Mr. Albert a reputation for this sound that so many others stole. Even the Bacharack arrangement was delivered from the previous hit formula. The acoustic guitar with an analogue “Taj Mahal” echo drives this song. The Vocal line that gives me chills Ms. Shaw’s inflections of pain. She really played a big part of the early female British pop wave. You want to see her but just to tag her? Gave me a musical erection of true musical climax. Three lines of Girl Don’t Come and wonder why Men don’t like music that drives a point like this home?

#7 Tom Jones / I’m Left, Your Right, She’s gone (8)

Hearing this track for the first time I almost shit my pants! Freight train coming down the tracks and it’s barreling through in abandonment of anything in its path. Sounds like Slade meets Black Sabbath with Tom doing the crooning. The intro to this one is almost overwhelming. Come on Elvis this is the hottest vocal of this song that I could have ever imagined. WOW. The guitar kicks ass and the drums pump this into a rocking state of bewilderment. Tom Jones has one of the most powerful voices in music. If Elvis heard this one he would have hidden behind Gladys eating another Fried Banana burger sandwich. The Sunset Mr. Philips has come down on Memphis music in this rocking interpretation of authentic hillbilly roll. (The content of this Reload CD is totally entertaining)

#8 Marmalade / I See The Rain (9)

This track was recently resurrected as background sound track to a Gap commercial featuring Dennis Hopper. I love this track and can recall my first listening of the single on Epic Records. I drove around with this one blasting on my car 45 player. (Yea they made one) I’m one who remembered Jimi Hendrix calling it his favorite single of 1967. The arrangement of this begins with a stunning guitar and bass blasting into leading a layered vocal extravaganza. What a bass tone right on the max with this gleaming “English” production. The Bands of this time period of British rock really gravitated toward the same sound, feel and production. I suffer from a tragic love of this era. I butchered my own interpretation of this song by making it sound like the early Bee Gees on Crack Cocaine.

#9 Chris Issak / Let Me Down Easy (7)

This is a very smooth track from the silver tone kid. I have watched and observed his career for a decade. He has become refined and developed a sound of his own. With the influences of the best 50’s vocalist’s rolled into one you can’t really go wrong. He has grown as a singer with the ability to twist his voice to reach the notes above his normal register transcending into falsetto. The background vocals are really gorgeous. The 12-string guitar jangles quite nicely and rolls up with the rhythm guitar. I could have heard Mike Pender sing this with The Searchers. He used to open for a band called The Finders in the new wave era in San Francisco. The dice rolls to some with luck.

#10 Robert Plant / 29 Palms (8)

Led Zep? What? Jimmy Page? Who? I must confess that I really didn’t dig the famous band from which Robert found success, yet I always respected his vocal capabilities. I went though a period recently of listening to melancholy songs from my own decline due to chemical dependency. Some tracks remind me of this period in my life and it sounds good now! (I sold many CD’s and recently replaced them) This was one that really rings a bell within my head. Track rings true of many qualities even after the fact. This proves to me Roberts qualities as a Writer / Vocalist. A really excellent track filled with depth in the layers of guitars played ever so sweetly. The drums are rock solid with the breaks really making the point of the vocal inflections. Roberts answer back vocals complement his style tastefully. Robert is a true co-creator of metal madness never to be resting on his laurels of Kashmir.

#11 Patty Griffin / Rain (6: (

I really like Patty as she has a flawless voice and her songs are heartfelt. The Flaming Red CD of which a track was noted here in recent past blew me away. But then the industry takes over and I’m unable to find the validly in how they treat her career in today’s marketplace. This is truly nice, yet sadly it’s not my cup of tea. I hated Joan Biaz and Janis Ian. Actually this pisses me off. She has made two electric CDs that have remained unreleased. Now she has left A&M and has released this and is doing in store promotions (I found that depressing) while selling out small clubs. This sad song had me analyze the emotions she conveys within the arrangement, as the path of her career has been of back peddles with is tragic for such a talented songwriter. There is still hope.

# 12 The Goo Goo Dolls / Big Machine (7)

I must admit I respect these guys after years of struggling they have come into there own. They represent all the quality elements of loud rock while retaining the elements of pop. The have a sound all there own which I cannot pin to heavily own their influences. Wispy vocals with acoustic based arrangements layered by the crashes of electric guitar. Old John Rzeznik has had some knocks on his head, which makes lively writing material. The loneliness of being the front man I can relate with the defining words of sex or love. I have been blinded more than once in my life. Rock on.

# Celine Dion / I’m Alive (7)

I watched the recent Divas Las Vegas, which was pretty dreadful, especially Cher. If you want to hear flat singing at it’s best check Cher out. I really had to watch it back a few times just to hear if her notes were really that bad. The Dixie Chicks are very good and have grown over the recent years from tours. Maybe this review should be about Cher? After all the crap on this show Celine really shined as a seasoned profession who has near perfect pitch. I was at Amoeba Music and bought her latest for near nothing, (who is going to by Celine on Haight street?) after all I owned nothing in her catalog. (This is a rationalization) My partner Joe told me if I obtained the CD he would disown me. I’m a co-dependant but then he saw what the appeal was later. What was it? After listening to this I must be getting soft or old. Good production, performance and arrangement. Today’s Pop Music Ugh……

#14 Bryan Adams / The Best Of Me (8)

I was blown away with the live at Shane Castle DVD. This is one that he recorded a few years back that A&M have just released in a new best of CD. (This has been available in Europe 1999). Very typical Fare with three peace backing ala Johnny Lennon’s feel of pop. That is a high complement for me. This has the strings and the kitchen sink. This song evokes the vocal melody of the Phil “Flame” and his fine songwriting skills. Nice sweet layered vocals. The strings sweeping with a haunting of heaven abode. Bob Clearmountain production sums things up. Bryan really pulled a fast one on The Who as they let him sing Behind Blue Eyes without lowering the key for Mr. Daltry. Check out live at the Royal Albert Hall for an eye opener with Mr. Adams on lead vocals. WOW.

# 15 Lita Ford / Back to the Cave (2)

Play this real loud and it won’t help? You got to love female metal rockers! Didn’t I give “Vixen” a ten? Lita was the Runaways original lead guitarist. She really plays the solos like she is being the dominatrix one. Les Paul in Hell? What is back to the Cave? Some place they would do drugs or porno flicks? This has not survived the time well. Reminds me of the metal era I would like to forget about! She should start a band with Meredith Brooks and do a VHI Behind the “Metal Divas”.

#16 Hank Williams Sr. / Lost Highway (9)

This is the theme of many a weary soul. Old Hank was a miserable son of a bitch from south of the Mason Dixon line. This song truly defines that lost highway of life. The costs of dealing with life after you have cashed in the chips. Hank was unable to live by the rules or guidelines. His voice breaks in the heartache he feels while singing this number. Hank was a Rolling Stone on that highway. You don’t need to be from Africa to feel or sing the blues. The two guitars, steel, a fiddle and a slap back. This is sobering music to me today and very American from the liquor he devoured to kill the pain. God bless Hank.

#17 Jerry Lee Lewis / High School Confidential (10)

This is the definitive version recorded at the Star Club In Hamburg Germany with The Nashville Teens as backup band. He should receive the award as the Original Rapper for his intro to this smoking version. I could never hope to double talk this fast even at the break neck pace tempo. Jerry lee knows how to rock and shake it up. He truly invented the roll in rock. Listening to the piano solo the keys is about to shatter into oblivion. Talk about shock value of performance. Play this loud my friend; today’s music does not have this kind of power it has been forgotten.

#18 Jimmy Soul / If You Wanna Be Happy (8)

No folks, this is not the Mystic Nights of the Sea convention. This is the Norfolk Virginia sound of 1963. This was a number “one hit wonder” if there ever was one. This has stood the test of time. The stereo on this mix is really good. The drummer is really on some kind of weight loss medicine speeding up and down to where the bass player can’t keep up with him and is ready to quit. Sax player is right out of the Little Richard School of solos. The centerpiece is the bridge question of “I saw your wife the other day and she is ugly”, “yea she is ugly but she sure can cook”. One of the most classic lines about women could they stand any more of the ridicule. This is real woman’s liberation music especially the lesbian connotation. Maybe a good cover track for the rapper who needs a hit?

#19 Tim McGraw / Angry All The Time (8)

This is a simple folk cowboy with a message to be made. Domestic violence has struck many within today’s environment and this song address this illness well. They should make this the signature song of the survivors. Tim one of a few vocalists who has a unique style in county music of today. This is real life music. Somehow this song tells me the singer himself has pulled the reins back on his own control of women, let alone people, places and other things. Acoustic guitars start the slow build into which the kick of the beat into the dark sounding guitar solo “ala’ Duane Eddy. Faith Hill adds the beauty to the chorus with such ease. County radio will eat this forever for the reoccurring emotions caused by the consumption of too many Budweiser’s. Remembering that anger is only a symptom. There is nothing permanent except change.

#20 The Move / Beautiful Daughter (9)

I’ll leave with one of my favorites that hold’s up well some 30 years later. The Move was one of my favorites group from the late 60’s era that molded my own style to creating Pop Songs within Rock Music. This pop song is one of the greatest unrecognized masterpieces from the end of the sixties. I wondered how Roy Wood created this little ditty. What yielding flow of mental thought that crafted this gem? The twin guitars in the intro flow to the graceful strings that virtually lead the arrangement from this point. Carl Wayne wrote the book and set a future standard for double tracked vocals (My Opinion) for years to come. I guess Rick And Bev went to the bathroom on this track? This was the beginning of the Electric Light Orchestra. These little experiments lead Mr. Roy Wood to fields of growing grass in overtures. This song defines “Rock That Goes Pop”

Top 10 DVD’s

The DV D’s in today market place have grown. I have been passionately collecting these disc’s of the future due to the prices (gone down) and availability to the masses today have reached a level that people can afford them, including myself for my own collection has been growing quickly. These rated by own appeal to them. The video and audio content, level of entertainment and amount of extras features.

#1 Bryan Adams: Live at Shane Castle #2 Billy Idol: Storytellers #3 Being Mick: Mick Jagger #4 Jimi Hendrix: The Dick Cavett Shows #5 Peter Townsend: Music From Life house #6 Moulon Rouge #7 Concert for New York #8 America: Tribute to Heroes #9 The Last Waltz: The Band & Guests #10 Bad Company: Merchants of Cool

Until next time

xoxo,

John Rock