Quick, name the year:
That sea of feathered hair was brought to you by the 1985 benefit single "Give a Helping Hand", recorded by Swedish Metal Aid, a collective of Swedish hard rock artists. The song was written by Europe frontman Joey Tempest, who celebrates his birthday today.
His hair's calmed down since those days, but he's still rolling. When hair metal took a backseat to grunge, Europe went on hiatus and Joey got his Richard Marx on. In fact, he released three solo albums, which did well in his native Sweden:
In 2002, around the release of his third solo album, Tempest and the rest of Europe reunited:
Europe - Last Look At Eden
// EUROPE // | MySpace Music Videos
So far, they've released three albums and done several world tours. No sign of them slowing down yet.
No signs of any US dates this year, either, so here's the Europe that American fans know best:
Showing posts with label metal. Show all posts
Showing posts with label metal. Show all posts
Friday, August 20, 2010
Thursday, July 29, 2010
July 29
It's time to wish 'Hyvää syntymäpäivää!' to Finnish cellist Paavo Lötjönen. A Sibelius University graduate, he first picked up the cello at 7 years old. And he might have ended up a cello teacher or symphony member, except for a band he and his friends started in college, called Apocalyptica.
Their first album, "Plays Metallica by Four Cellos", is exactly what it says it is. It's wonderful.
Their second album set the tone of the band's musical evolution: they delivered some more Metallica covers, along with some songs from other metal stalwarts, and four original compositions, allowing the four cellists to exhibit individual identities.
Paavo, for example, tends to provide the backbeat and deeper refrains.
By the way, Paavo's the short haired one, and the member with the most umlaats in his name (and therefore, the most metal one...)
It doesn't seem likely that a band would achieve any longetivety by playing metal music with classical instruments. Heck, starting a band with four people playing the same instrument seems ridiculous enough. But Apocalyptica's a great example of how to build a band right: start with playing your versions of your favorite songs, until they're your best versions, then write songs that show off your best talents - and just rock. Apocalyptica's evolved since their humble beginnings: they became three cellists and a drummer in 2003. They also began collaborating with accomplished vocalists and guitarists from around the world.
That's "I'm Not Jesus", featuring Slipknot's Corey Taylor; it was the lead-off single
of 2007's "Worlds Collide" album, their most successful album to date. Personally, I like the songs as songs, but think the collaboration songs are so traditionally structured that the cellists have to assume traditional rock arrangements (cello as rhythm guitar, as lead, as bass); fine for the radio audience, but not what I listen to Apocalyptica for.
I'm going to finish this post with what I consider Apocalyptica at their best. This track's called "Farewell," from their self-titled fifth album; Paavo said in an interview that the band self-titled it because they felt the album best represented Apocalyptica. This video, BTW, is a fanvid, using clips from the Kurt Wimmer film "Equilibrium":
Their first album, "Plays Metallica by Four Cellos", is exactly what it says it is. It's wonderful.
Their second album set the tone of the band's musical evolution: they delivered some more Metallica covers, along with some songs from other metal stalwarts, and four original compositions, allowing the four cellists to exhibit individual identities.
Paavo, for example, tends to provide the backbeat and deeper refrains.
By the way, Paavo's the short haired one, and the member with the most umlaats in his name (and therefore, the most metal one...)
It doesn't seem likely that a band would achieve any longetivety by playing metal music with classical instruments. Heck, starting a band with four people playing the same instrument seems ridiculous enough. But Apocalyptica's a great example of how to build a band right: start with playing your versions of your favorite songs, until they're your best versions, then write songs that show off your best talents - and just rock. Apocalyptica's evolved since their humble beginnings: they became three cellists and a drummer in 2003. They also began collaborating with accomplished vocalists and guitarists from around the world.
That's "I'm Not Jesus", featuring Slipknot's Corey Taylor; it was the lead-off single
of 2007's "Worlds Collide" album, their most successful album to date. Personally, I like the songs as songs, but think the collaboration songs are so traditionally structured that the cellists have to assume traditional rock arrangements (cello as rhythm guitar, as lead, as bass); fine for the radio audience, but not what I listen to Apocalyptica for.
I'm going to finish this post with what I consider Apocalyptica at their best. This track's called "Farewell," from their self-titled fifth album; Paavo said in an interview that the band self-titled it because they felt the album best represented Apocalyptica. This video, BTW, is a fanvid, using clips from the Kurt Wimmer film "Equilibrium":
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
April 13
If James Cameron made music videos instead of feature films, I think they would look like "Gaia" by Valensia. This 1993 track, which hit #2 in the artist's native Netherlands, has this hair-metal soldier of love zooming through a computer-generated landscape as naturally as any Na'avi. Why is this guy still a secret? Is it the soaring guitars and keyboard solos? Is it the Michael Jackson army duds? Is it the pre-AutoTuned harmonies with the children's choir from the Sigur Ros video?
This entire video seems to have predicted the state of rock music for the following 20 years (while still embracing such staples as the guitar solo on the beachside cliffs, but that's the beginning of another video...)
This entire video seems to have predicted the state of rock music for the following 20 years (while still embracing such staples as the guitar solo on the beachside cliffs, but that's the beginning of another video...)
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
March 3
She's gonna be mad.
I asked her to pick somebody for today, to try and get her interested in the blog. Couples are supposed to do things together, right? So I asked her to take a look, and she picked a certain movie director who's done rather well for himself, a director that I've actually had the pleasure of working for (for one day,) a director that has three franchises under his belt.
And that's exactly why I feel like I can't write about him today. I mean, Happy Birthday to George Miller, the director that gave Mel Gibson, Nicole Kidman, and ME their big break... sure, all the best. But the guy's doing pretty good for himself; I mean, he turned down the Justice League movie, because he'd rather finish Happy Feet 2 and move on to the next Mad Max movie.
Here's an interview with George Miller, offering some words of wisdom that he won while working in Hollywood:
But I feel obligated to feature somebody like Timo Tolkki, a guitarist who recently ended his tenure in the power metal band Stratovarius. He's included in Guitar World's 50 fastest guitarists. Here's a 2004 live performance that should demonstrate why:
Yup. She's gonna be mad.
I asked her to pick somebody for today, to try and get her interested in the blog. Couples are supposed to do things together, right? So I asked her to take a look, and she picked a certain movie director who's done rather well for himself, a director that I've actually had the pleasure of working for (for one day,) a director that has three franchises under his belt.
And that's exactly why I feel like I can't write about him today. I mean, Happy Birthday to George Miller, the director that gave Mel Gibson, Nicole Kidman, and ME their big break... sure, all the best. But the guy's doing pretty good for himself; I mean, he turned down the Justice League movie, because he'd rather finish Happy Feet 2 and move on to the next Mad Max movie.
Here's an interview with George Miller, offering some words of wisdom that he won while working in Hollywood:
But I feel obligated to feature somebody like Timo Tolkki, a guitarist who recently ended his tenure in the power metal band Stratovarius. He's included in Guitar World's 50 fastest guitarists. Here's a 2004 live performance that should demonstrate why:
Yup. She's gonna be mad.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
February 23
Happy Birthday to Michael Wilton; as far as I'm concerned, he's the reason there's still a Queensryche. Geoff Tate may be the voice, and Chris DeGarmo may have the guitar geeks' attention, but founding member Wilton has kept the band alive for almost 30 years. When DeGarmo left the band after '97's "Hear In The Now Frontier" album (and all the misfortune that followed,) that should have finished the band off. Instead, co-guitarist Wilton learned all DeGarmo's solos and became the band guitarist. In return, we got Mindcrime II and American Soldier.
The band members seem to have micro-brewing on their minds (Wilton's developed an Ale, while Tate's launched some wines) but they tour later in the summer; then, more, please?
I'm hopeful that the band's best work is yet to come; meanwhile, here's some 'Ryche:
The band members seem to have micro-brewing on their minds (Wilton's developed an Ale, while Tate's launched some wines) but they tour later in the summer; then, more, please?
I'm hopeful that the band's best work is yet to come; meanwhile, here's some 'Ryche:
Friday, January 22, 2010
January 23
How do you say "Happy Birthday" in Finnish? Because it's Sampsa Astala's birthday today. In his day job, he's known as Kita, drummer for Eurovision songwinners Lordi, who are the keepers of The Metal.
I so want these guys to take over the airwaves, and this year might be theirs; they start recording their next album in Nashville next month...
I so want these guys to take over the airwaves, and this year might be theirs; they start recording their next album in Nashville next month...
Sunday, January 17, 2010
January 17
Well, it's relocation weekend for me, which gives even less time than usual to post. But I can't miss the chance to wish Kai Hansen "Happy Birthday." He's the godfather of power metal, which is the most cinematic, most technically proficient, and most uplifting form of metal out there. It's better than Red Bull for me. So here's Hansen's current band, Gamma Ray, with a live performance of "Somewhere Out In Space":
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
December 15
I do dig all kinds of music (but I hate it when people say that.) I have some preferences: first and third wave ska, 50's and 60's soul, 90's-era alt-rockers... But man, I love me some power metal. I'm such a wuss I can't take more than five songs a sitting, but that's because any good power metal song is like two hours of Star Wars distilled into a 5-to-8 minute experience. I can't think of a more cinematic musical experience. Something about a twin guitar attack and a strong, soaring voice that brings out the Voltron in me...
I am so happy to wish Dave Mackintosh a Happy Birthday, because Dave Mackintosh is the drummer of DragonForce, and DragonForce is the reason I can say I'm a power metal fan with pride. Because I can wax nostalgic about Helloween and Gamma Ray; I can rave about Strativarius and Hammerfall; or I can challenge you on "Through the Fire and Flames" on Guitar Hero III, and you can play their sound for yourself.
The band just announced that 2010 will be all about writing and recording their next album, so here's something from this year's model:
I am so happy to wish Dave Mackintosh a Happy Birthday, because Dave Mackintosh is the drummer of DragonForce, and DragonForce is the reason I can say I'm a power metal fan with pride. Because I can wax nostalgic about Helloween and Gamma Ray; I can rave about Strativarius and Hammerfall; or I can challenge you on "Through the Fire and Flames" on Guitar Hero III, and you can play their sound for yourself.
The band just announced that 2010 will be all about writing and recording their next album, so here's something from this year's model:
Friday, November 20, 2009
November 20
The rock continues with today's featured artist, Yoshiki Hayashi, drummer and co-founder of 90's "visual kei" metal band X Japan. "Visual Kei" seems to be another phrase for "Cosplay", while their flavor of metal is the power variety (like Dragonforce.) So basically, Japan X (as opposed to the seminal punk band X) is Japan's answer to Kiss.
Yoshiki's the one in the middle.
As you can see, the Japanese take their hair metal seriously. Mind you, this is 1993, two years after Nirvana came along, when they were at the 'height' of their popularity. (Man, do I crack me up...)
Here's the band's video for "Rusty Nail", which is not a clip job of some other anime. The band just looks like an real life anime superteam...
The band went their separate ways in '97, recording solo albums and forming supergroups. In 2009, the reunited but less hairy Japan X went on their world tour, further complementing their Kiss doppleganger status. Still, I'll take them over the Psycho Circus any day of the week.
Here's a song they recorded for the Japanese release of Saw IV:
Yoshiki's the one in the middle.
As you can see, the Japanese take their hair metal seriously. Mind you, this is 1993, two years after Nirvana came along, when they were at the 'height' of their popularity. (Man, do I crack me up...)
Here's the band's video for "Rusty Nail", which is not a clip job of some other anime. The band just looks like an real life anime superteam...
The band went their separate ways in '97, recording solo albums and forming supergroups. In 2009, the reunited but less hairy Japan X went on their world tour, further complementing their Kiss doppleganger status. Still, I'll take them over the Psycho Circus any day of the week.
Here's a song they recorded for the Japanese release of Saw IV:
Thursday, November 5, 2009
November 5
Who do we talk about today? Who gets to wear the paper crown at our little birthday party?
Johnny Damon? I liked you better when you looked like an Apostle. I liked you better when you looked like a Geico caveman. I liked you better when you didn't steal a World Series from my Phillies. Is that petty? Sure it is, but you just got another World Series ring, so you already got a present. No cake for you! Go drown your sorrows in your victory champagne, and your other World Series ring, and your hot baseball wife, and your mansion, and your money bin where you can swim like a porpoise in piles of Sacagaweas...
Ryan Adams? You really have the same birthday as Bryan Adams? Ryan, did your parents really not know? Or are they really really big fans? Or did they think it was funny? No wonder you're so surly...
It would be so easy to feature you today; you released that "Happy Birthday" song barely over a month ago! And now it's pulled? Because you can't decide if you're going to self-release, reunite Whiskeytown, or retire from music altogether? Heck, you turned Mandy Moore into Mandy Moore-Adams anyway, so NO CAKE FOR YOU!!
Bryan Adams? Didn't you used to be cool? Why did you write a song like "(Everything I Do) I Do It For You"? Why did you have to write a song like "(I Wanna Be) Your Underwear"? (What is up with) This Schtick? Anyway, you got your own postage stamp, so...
No; today, the birthday tiara goes to Angela Gossow. Not because she deserves to be more reknowned than she is. Not because she's attractive, even by Swedish standards. Not because she's the growler in the death metal band Arch Enemy. Not because she used to be a music journalist who gave the guitarist her demo tape months before the band needed a new singer. Not even because she's the voice of Lavona Succuboso on Metalocolypse.
No, she's our birthday girl today because she scares me.
Here, let her band scare you too...
Angie and the boys are celebrating her birthday in Australia; they'll be in the US in early 2010. You can check the tour dates here.
Johnny Damon? I liked you better when you looked like an Apostle. I liked you better when you looked like a Geico caveman. I liked you better when you didn't steal a World Series from my Phillies. Is that petty? Sure it is, but you just got another World Series ring, so you already got a present. No cake for you! Go drown your sorrows in your victory champagne, and your other World Series ring, and your hot baseball wife, and your mansion, and your money bin where you can swim like a porpoise in piles of Sacagaweas...
Ryan Adams? You really have the same birthday as Bryan Adams? Ryan, did your parents really not know? Or are they really really big fans? Or did they think it was funny? No wonder you're so surly...
It would be so easy to feature you today; you released that "Happy Birthday" song barely over a month ago! And now it's pulled? Because you can't decide if you're going to self-release, reunite Whiskeytown, or retire from music altogether? Heck, you turned Mandy Moore into Mandy Moore-Adams anyway, so NO CAKE FOR YOU!!
Bryan Adams? Didn't you used to be cool? Why did you write a song like "(Everything I Do) I Do It For You"? Why did you have to write a song like "(I Wanna Be) Your Underwear"? (What is up with) This Schtick? Anyway, you got your own postage stamp, so...
No; today, the birthday tiara goes to Angela Gossow. Not because she deserves to be more reknowned than she is. Not because she's attractive, even by Swedish standards. Not because she's the growler in the death metal band Arch Enemy. Not because she used to be a music journalist who gave the guitarist her demo tape months before the band needed a new singer. Not even because she's the voice of Lavona Succuboso on Metalocolypse.
No, she's our birthday girl today because she scares me.
Here, let her band scare you too...
Angie and the boys are celebrating her birthday in Australia; they'll be in the US in early 2010. You can check the tour dates here.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
October 29
Our birthday spotlight shines on Winona Ryder, actress and 80's/90's hottie. To commemorate the occasion, I've invited the Winona Riders (not to be confused with the early 90's punk band Winona Ryders) to share one of their after-school practice sessions at our little party here.
Hey, look! It's Blake Sennett, her indie rocker ex-boyfriend. He's co-founder of the band Rilo Kiley. Look's like he's got something to say...
And there's her ex-boyfriend Rhett Miller, singer/songwriter and frontman for the Old 97's. What's on his mind?
There's Ken Stringfellow, singer/songwriter and frontman for the Posies...
There's Ryan Adams, singer/songwriter and- hey, wait a minute...
I'm sensing a trend here...
Funny; that doesn't look like Pete Yorn...
Hey! Page Hamilton from Helmet! Somebody that rocks!
Look! Matthew Sweet's written a song for her...
So has Les Claypool!
Here comes Dave Pirner. He looks pissed...
Look, I know, this joke is going to get old in about two more clips. If I can get another six or so after that...
It'll be effin' hilarious...
It's the "funny by overkill" rule in comedy. Will Ferrell does it all the time...
Look, don't consider this an attack on Winona's character. For crying out loud, she's been on the dating scene since the 80's. I'm just making light of the fact that sensitive rockers seem to be her kryptonite. Honestly, this list reads like the dating history of any typical indie club talent booker...
I mean, if you got together all the bands that have an ex-boyfriend of Winona Ryder's for one superconcert, it would be cooler than Coachella. And two days longer, probably...
Winona's also dated a few actors, comedians, one or two directors... The latest I found, she's hooked up with ex-actor-turned-professional-rapper Joaquin Phoenix. So that's progress, I'm sure...
Meanwhile, what's going on with her acting? The biggest role she's had in years was playing Spock's mom in the new Star Trek. Otherwise, parts have dried up to the point that she's signed on to a sequel for Heathers (Christian Slater, too... and that works HOW?!? Is he going to be some Jigsaw-level evil mastermind delivering videotaped instructions from beyond the grave?)
Oh, now he's not even a real musician! What's he doing in here?
Mike Nesmith?!? Really? She dated a Monkee?
Okay, this ain't funny anymore; girl needs an intervention. Somebody find her a nice orthodontist, stat!
Hey, look! It's Blake Sennett, her indie rocker ex-boyfriend. He's co-founder of the band Rilo Kiley. Look's like he's got something to say...
And there's her ex-boyfriend Rhett Miller, singer/songwriter and frontman for the Old 97's. What's on his mind?
There's Ken Stringfellow, singer/songwriter and frontman for the Posies...
There's Ryan Adams, singer/songwriter and- hey, wait a minute...
I'm sensing a trend here...
Funny; that doesn't look like Pete Yorn...
Hey! Page Hamilton from Helmet! Somebody that rocks!
Look! Matthew Sweet's written a song for her...
So has Les Claypool!
Here comes Dave Pirner. He looks pissed...
Look, I know, this joke is going to get old in about two more clips. If I can get another six or so after that...
It'll be effin' hilarious...
It's the "funny by overkill" rule in comedy. Will Ferrell does it all the time...
Look, don't consider this an attack on Winona's character. For crying out loud, she's been on the dating scene since the 80's. I'm just making light of the fact that sensitive rockers seem to be her kryptonite. Honestly, this list reads like the dating history of any typical indie club talent booker...
I mean, if you got together all the bands that have an ex-boyfriend of Winona Ryder's for one superconcert, it would be cooler than Coachella. And two days longer, probably...
Winona's also dated a few actors, comedians, one or two directors... The latest I found, she's hooked up with ex-actor-turned-professional-rapper Joaquin Phoenix. So that's progress, I'm sure...
Meanwhile, what's going on with her acting? The biggest role she's had in years was playing Spock's mom in the new Star Trek. Otherwise, parts have dried up to the point that she's signed on to a sequel for Heathers (Christian Slater, too... and that works HOW?!? Is he going to be some Jigsaw-level evil mastermind delivering videotaped instructions from beyond the grave?)
Oh, now he's not even a real musician! What's he doing in here?
Mike Nesmith?!? Really? She dated a Monkee?
Okay, this ain't funny anymore; girl needs an intervention. Somebody find her a nice orthodontist, stat!
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
september 28
I almost wrote about a Jonas brother today.
I came so close to losing my way. I can't believe it. I mean, how long have they been on the planet anyway? Look, I know I'm writing about it now, but it's to make my point. I don't mean to bash on a nine-year-old kid who's just starting his life - if anybody needs a break from judgement, it's a kid. He didn't pick his family. He didn't really pick what he's doing with his life. But the only reason I would have written about him yesterday is that he's got a name that might have gotten some site hits. But it's not going to be what I want to write about.
So, Happy Birthday to Frankie Jonas (the one that doesn't sing yet), and thank you for making me realize why I'm doing this blog in the first place. You're the only one I'm going to write about for the forseeable future; I can't see myself writing about the others until the world's half-forgotten about them...
Happy Birthday to Jennifer Rush, the woman who introduced the world to "The Power of Love." The 80's ballad, co-written by Rush, is still her biggest hit and most recognizable song. She took that song to the top of the charts in 7 countries - not the U.S., it didn't even scratch the top 40. Laura Branagan got to do that two years later, rocking it just a little bit harder, turning it into a top 20 hit, and inadvertantly convincing a lot of Americans (like me) that she wrote it. Then Celine Dion, in her world-conquering phase, took the song to number 1 in North America. Meanwhile, Maurice Stein's baby girl can't get a break in the US, although she's a star to the rest of the world.
Why isn't her version the one you hear when you're shopping for canned peas? Couldn't say?
Today is the birthday of Quentin Kawananakoa, head of the only royal family in America. Quentin's family, the House of Kawanankoa, are the descendents of the royal Hawaiian family that ruled the islands before they were deposed in 1893. Even today, among some of the indigenous Hawaiian population, he is referred to as "Prince Quentin Kawananakoa." These days, however, Quentin is an organizer within the Hawaiian Republican Party. This royal heritage is, for the most part, just something to put on business cards and talk about at parties, except...
Did you know that 2009 observed the 50th anniversary of Hawaii's annexation of the state? There wasn't a lot of fanfare for the occasion, because of a more vocal nativist movement. Some want a semi-independet status, similar to Puerto Rico; others want outright secession and reinstatement of the Hawaiian royal line in a constitutional monarchy. Don't worry; Obama will still be an American...
Ginger Fish (an amalgam of classic film starlet Ginger Rogers and serial killer Albert Fish) plays the drums for Marilyn Manson, which would presumably be a dangerous job in the first place. But being Manson's drummer might be more hazardous for your health than playing for Spinal Tap. Given Manson's penchant for smashing his own guitar along with whatever else is on stage - such as Fish's drum kit, while Fish is still behind it - Fish has had his share of injuries at the hands of Manson: a mic stand to the head, a guitar to the hand, a broken collarbone, surgeries for his back and knees... Yet he was on this year's album and tour. Dude needs an intervention...
Here's one of Manson's driving numbers:
Marilyn Manson The Fight Song
Finally, Happy Birthday to Janeane Garofalo, just because she's funny. Unfortunately, all the video I find is her NSFW stand-up routines(and I'm trying to keep a PG-13 column here) or interviews for "Ratatouille" (which wouldn't be a great example of why she's great.) And I wasn't sure how a Comedy Central embed looks...
Kind of garish, isn't it? Hope you find the video in there...
Aw, well. Back to fighting the good fight...
I came so close to losing my way. I can't believe it. I mean, how long have they been on the planet anyway? Look, I know I'm writing about it now, but it's to make my point. I don't mean to bash on a nine-year-old kid who's just starting his life - if anybody needs a break from judgement, it's a kid. He didn't pick his family. He didn't really pick what he's doing with his life. But the only reason I would have written about him yesterday is that he's got a name that might have gotten some site hits. But it's not going to be what I want to write about.
So, Happy Birthday to Frankie Jonas (the one that doesn't sing yet), and thank you for making me realize why I'm doing this blog in the first place. You're the only one I'm going to write about for the forseeable future; I can't see myself writing about the others until the world's half-forgotten about them...
Happy Birthday to Jennifer Rush, the woman who introduced the world to "The Power of Love." The 80's ballad, co-written by Rush, is still her biggest hit and most recognizable song. She took that song to the top of the charts in 7 countries - not the U.S., it didn't even scratch the top 40. Laura Branagan got to do that two years later, rocking it just a little bit harder, turning it into a top 20 hit, and inadvertantly convincing a lot of Americans (like me) that she wrote it. Then Celine Dion, in her world-conquering phase, took the song to number 1 in North America. Meanwhile, Maurice Stein's baby girl can't get a break in the US, although she's a star to the rest of the world.
Why isn't her version the one you hear when you're shopping for canned peas? Couldn't say?
Today is the birthday of Quentin Kawananakoa, head of the only royal family in America. Quentin's family, the House of Kawanankoa, are the descendents of the royal Hawaiian family that ruled the islands before they were deposed in 1893. Even today, among some of the indigenous Hawaiian population, he is referred to as "Prince Quentin Kawananakoa." These days, however, Quentin is an organizer within the Hawaiian Republican Party. This royal heritage is, for the most part, just something to put on business cards and talk about at parties, except...Did you know that 2009 observed the 50th anniversary of Hawaii's annexation of the state? There wasn't a lot of fanfare for the occasion, because of a more vocal nativist movement. Some want a semi-independet status, similar to Puerto Rico; others want outright secession and reinstatement of the Hawaiian royal line in a constitutional monarchy. Don't worry; Obama will still be an American...
Ginger Fish (an amalgam of classic film starlet Ginger Rogers and serial killer Albert Fish) plays the drums for Marilyn Manson, which would presumably be a dangerous job in the first place. But being Manson's drummer might be more hazardous for your health than playing for Spinal Tap. Given Manson's penchant for smashing his own guitar along with whatever else is on stage - such as Fish's drum kit, while Fish is still behind it - Fish has had his share of injuries at the hands of Manson: a mic stand to the head, a guitar to the hand, a broken collarbone, surgeries for his back and knees... Yet he was on this year's album and tour. Dude needs an intervention...
Here's one of Manson's driving numbers:
Marilyn Manson The Fight Song
Finally, Happy Birthday to Janeane Garofalo, just because she's funny. Unfortunately, all the video I find is her NSFW stand-up routines(and I'm trying to keep a PG-13 column here) or interviews for "Ratatouille" (which wouldn't be a great example of why she's great.) And I wasn't sure how a Comedy Central embed looks...
| Shorties Watchin' Shorties | Check TV Schedule | |||
| Janeane Garofalo - Evil Cake | ||||
| ||||
Kind of garish, isn't it? Hope you find the video in there...
Aw, well. Back to fighting the good fight...
Saturday, September 19, 2009
september 19
Takanori Nishikawa, a.k.a. Takanori Makes Revolution, comes off like an anime character popped into the real world. In fact, anime’s very, very good to him. His tracks for Rurori Kenshin and Gundam SEED made him big in Japan, and the first Japanese act Sony’s pushing in North America. Here’s his original song for the Japanese soundtrack to Spiderman 2, “Web of Night.”
T.M. Revolution was married to the Yumi half of Puffy AmiYumi, but that didn’t last.
Lita Ford already has a place in rock history as lead guitarist of the Runaways, the 70’s all-girl, all-rock band. She became Queen of Metal in 1988 with her self-titled (but 4th) release, and her #1 hit, Kiss Me Deadly. After that, she married the lead singer of Nitro, cashed in her chips, and raised her family on a Caribbean island. Seriously.
Lol Crème is a creative guy. In the 70’s, he was in the band 10cc; if you still hear a 10cc song today, you’re probably shopping for groceries. Crème was not part of that half of 10cc. Crème (and I apologize for the accent that my word processor keeps adding) and Kevin Godley, who had been his bandmate for several bands now, had more art-y leanings and started their own project, Godley and Crème. Then the 80’s showed up, and they found their real niche: music videos. Their music videos became the bedrock of the MTV revolution:
That’s all I got time for… see you tomorrow!
T.M. Revolution was married to the Yumi half of Puffy AmiYumi, but that didn’t last.
Lita Ford already has a place in rock history as lead guitarist of the Runaways, the 70’s all-girl, all-rock band. She became Queen of Metal in 1988 with her self-titled (but 4th) release, and her #1 hit, Kiss Me Deadly. After that, she married the lead singer of Nitro, cashed in her chips, and raised her family on a Caribbean island. Seriously.
Lol Crème is a creative guy. In the 70’s, he was in the band 10cc; if you still hear a 10cc song today, you’re probably shopping for groceries. Crème was not part of that half of 10cc. Crème (and I apologize for the accent that my word processor keeps adding) and Kevin Godley, who had been his bandmate for several bands now, had more art-y leanings and started their own project, Godley and Crème. Then the 80’s showed up, and they found their real niche: music videos. Their music videos became the bedrock of the MTV revolution:
That’s all I got time for… see you tomorrow!
Sunday, September 13, 2009
September 13
Today’s Bollywood film star Mahima Chaudhry’s birthday. Apropos of nothing, I just wanted to show some Bollywood, so here’s Mahima! From what little I’ve read, she’s the Halle Berry of Mumbai: a box office draw who’s won India’ equivalent of the Oscar, but that’s not the assets everyone’s raving about…
We featured an Indian; why not a cowboy? Randy Jones is best known for originating the Cowboy persona in the Village People, a role he filled until 1991. I guess being known as “The Cowboy” is better than ‘the guy that stands all the way to the left”
He kept the hat, when his solo career needs a goosing. Yes, he’s still performing, and he even had a cameo in this season’s “Flight of the Conchords.”
Ever seen the Mark Wahlberg movie, “Rock Star”? Well, it’s about 30 percent true. Judas Priest did, in fact, recruit second singer Tim “Ripper” Owens based on footage of him singing with a Judas Priest cover band. The story became a magazine article, which became the nuggest of a script that became “Rock Star”. But the real story is happier, if less dramatic.
Ripper stayed in Priest for seven years and recorded two studio albums with them. The same year Halford returned to Priest, Ripper became the replacement singer for another iconic metal band, Iced Earth. That gig lasted until their original singer returned as well, but this year, he’s singing for Yngvie Malmstein’s Rising Force, which has never had a signature vocalist to try to get their job back. And just in case, Ripper’s got a solo album out too.
I like my metal with uplift and spaceships, so here’s Ripper during his tenure at Iced Earth:
There’s a lot to admire about Don Fagerson, known to the world as Don Was. Don’s been an album producer for everyone from Bonnie Raitt and the B-52’s to Iggy Pop and the Rolling Stones.; he produced the best album Hootie and the Blowfish ever made.
But he also started Was Not Was, a producer project featuring moderately successful Detroit peers and hometown legends. And I originally picked him as an excuse to play the 80’s earworm, “Walk the Dinosaur”…
…but then, I had to throw in the title track from the album of whence it came. I mean, who’d be brave enough to follow “Walk the Dinosaur,” with this?
If all of this is just too much before your time, realize that his son is the drummer of Eve 6. Now, shell out the money for that fruit bouquet…
We featured an Indian; why not a cowboy? Randy Jones is best known for originating the Cowboy persona in the Village People, a role he filled until 1991. I guess being known as “The Cowboy” is better than ‘the guy that stands all the way to the left”
He kept the hat, when his solo career needs a goosing. Yes, he’s still performing, and he even had a cameo in this season’s “Flight of the Conchords.”
Ever seen the Mark Wahlberg movie, “Rock Star”? Well, it’s about 30 percent true. Judas Priest did, in fact, recruit second singer Tim “Ripper” Owens based on footage of him singing with a Judas Priest cover band. The story became a magazine article, which became the nuggest of a script that became “Rock Star”. But the real story is happier, if less dramatic.
Ripper stayed in Priest for seven years and recorded two studio albums with them. The same year Halford returned to Priest, Ripper became the replacement singer for another iconic metal band, Iced Earth. That gig lasted until their original singer returned as well, but this year, he’s singing for Yngvie Malmstein’s Rising Force, which has never had a signature vocalist to try to get their job back. And just in case, Ripper’s got a solo album out too.
I like my metal with uplift and spaceships, so here’s Ripper during his tenure at Iced Earth:
There’s a lot to admire about Don Fagerson, known to the world as Don Was. Don’s been an album producer for everyone from Bonnie Raitt and the B-52’s to Iggy Pop and the Rolling Stones.; he produced the best album Hootie and the Blowfish ever made.
But he also started Was Not Was, a producer project featuring moderately successful Detroit peers and hometown legends. And I originally picked him as an excuse to play the 80’s earworm, “Walk the Dinosaur”…
…but then, I had to throw in the title track from the album of whence it came. I mean, who’d be brave enough to follow “Walk the Dinosaur,” with this?
If all of this is just too much before your time, realize that his son is the drummer of Eve 6. Now, shell out the money for that fruit bouquet…
Thursday, September 3, 2009
September 3
I’m apologizing in advance for today’s column. Some days give me more to work with than others. Today was kind of slim pickings.
If you’re new, welcome; if you’re not, welcome back. And if you have a birthday today, here’s a couple of people you share it with:
To most of the US, Jennifer Paige is a one-hit wonder, via 1998’s “Crush.” Her greatest hits CD came out in 2003; fortunately, she had better success in Europe, so there's more than one song on the disc.
She's officially crossed the pond, and is working on her first non-English release.
For those who prefer slashing guitars and Cookie Monster vocals, turn your ears Norway way. Terje “Valfar” Bakken, vocalist and player of every instrument in the band Windir, took the black metal sound that predominated the local scene and took it in other, majestic directions. He distanced himself from the black metal title (and scene), even though his 1999 album is considered a classic by metal snobs of all stripes. He died of hypothermia in 2004, but his music continues to find new fans.
Tomo Milicevic, guitarist from 30 Seconds to Mars: also Eastern European, also celebrates a birthday today, also hardcore. In his native Bosnia, as a teen, he was standing on the street corner, looked down, and laughed when he saw that someone had shot him in the leg. At the hospital, he asked for the bullet as a souvenir, but was denied…
Here’s the 13-minute epic video for “From Yesterday”:
Rina Koike is a Japanese child actress, currently doing the rounds in Sentai shows. Mostly, she’s known for her portrayal of Sailor Luna in the live-action Sailor Moon TV series. Apparently, Sailor Moon’s cat advisor Luna gets transformed into a nine-year-old schoolgirl with fuzzy blue ears.
For those of you thinking, “WTF was that?” this is only the tip of the iceberg. I love finding stuff like this. There is so much bizarre stuff from the land of the Rising Sun that you, too, will come to understand the meaning of the phrase, “That’s SO Japan!”
This, by the way, is Japan, level 1.
If you know a birthday somebody that I should write about, e-mail me at TheLeroyGrey@gmail.com. Thanks, and happy birthday, whenever you are...
If you’re new, welcome; if you’re not, welcome back. And if you have a birthday today, here’s a couple of people you share it with:
To most of the US, Jennifer Paige is a one-hit wonder, via 1998’s “Crush.” Her greatest hits CD came out in 2003; fortunately, she had better success in Europe, so there's more than one song on the disc.
She's officially crossed the pond, and is working on her first non-English release.
For those who prefer slashing guitars and Cookie Monster vocals, turn your ears Norway way. Terje “Valfar” Bakken, vocalist and player of every instrument in the band Windir, took the black metal sound that predominated the local scene and took it in other, majestic directions. He distanced himself from the black metal title (and scene), even though his 1999 album is considered a classic by metal snobs of all stripes. He died of hypothermia in 2004, but his music continues to find new fans.
Tomo Milicevic, guitarist from 30 Seconds to Mars: also Eastern European, also celebrates a birthday today, also hardcore. In his native Bosnia, as a teen, he was standing on the street corner, looked down, and laughed when he saw that someone had shot him in the leg. At the hospital, he asked for the bullet as a souvenir, but was denied…
Here’s the 13-minute epic video for “From Yesterday”:
Rina Koike is a Japanese child actress, currently doing the rounds in Sentai shows. Mostly, she’s known for her portrayal of Sailor Luna in the live-action Sailor Moon TV series. Apparently, Sailor Moon’s cat advisor Luna gets transformed into a nine-year-old schoolgirl with fuzzy blue ears.
For those of you thinking, “WTF was that?” this is only the tip of the iceberg. I love finding stuff like this. There is so much bizarre stuff from the land of the Rising Sun that you, too, will come to understand the meaning of the phrase, “That’s SO Japan!”
This, by the way, is Japan, level 1.
If you know a birthday somebody that I should write about, e-mail me at TheLeroyGrey@gmail.com. Thanks, and happy birthday, whenever you are...
Saturday, August 29, 2009
August 30
For starters, Ryan Ross, formerly of Panic at the Disco, is celebrating a birthday today. And look what I get for not paying attention; they’ve cracked in half.
His new band is called The Young Veins, and he's not being shy about how much they sound like the Kinks:
Speaking of retro, I discovered Negative, via birthday boy Jonne Aaron Liimatainen. They’re huge in Finland, in a HIM/Rasmus kind of way. (In some parts of the world, hair metal never went away.) Don’t know if they’ll cross the pond, though. Maybe when we get “Rock of Ages: The Movie”…
Let’s recognize the birthday of the late Chris Latta. He started in stand-up, did some TV and film work, but really made his mark in voice-over work:
Yup, he voiced two of the most hissable villains of 80’s after-school TV: Transformers’ number two Decepticon, Starscream, and G I Joe’s chief nemesis, Cobra Commander:
When you think about it, 80’s cartoons were way too silly to work. The bad guys had to be dangerous but not too scary, appear threatening yet defeatable in 25 minutes (minus commercials), and come back again and again. Latta’s voicework turned what could have been ordinary heavies into the perfect cartoon bad guys. They didn’t just lose every week because Good always triumphs over Evil; they lost every week because they were douchebags.
If that’s not enough contributions to pop culture, he also originated two Simpsons voices: Mr Burns and Moe the Bartender. All together, he deserves a raise of the glass.
Let’s finish this 80’s flashback with birthday boy Aaron Barrett ’s band Reel Big Fish, covering the Duran Duran chestnut “Hungry Like the Wolf.” And not just any”Wolf”- the Lupin III AMV (Anime Music Video) for “Hungry Like the Wolf.” (Hey, if I post this three times, how bad-ass would this column be?)
See you tomorrow…
His new band is called The Young Veins, and he's not being shy about how much they sound like the Kinks:
Speaking of retro, I discovered Negative, via birthday boy Jonne Aaron Liimatainen. They’re huge in Finland, in a HIM/Rasmus kind of way. (In some parts of the world, hair metal never went away.) Don’t know if they’ll cross the pond, though. Maybe when we get “Rock of Ages: The Movie”…
Let’s recognize the birthday of the late Chris Latta. He started in stand-up, did some TV and film work, but really made his mark in voice-over work:
Yup, he voiced two of the most hissable villains of 80’s after-school TV: Transformers’ number two Decepticon, Starscream, and G I Joe’s chief nemesis, Cobra Commander:
When you think about it, 80’s cartoons were way too silly to work. The bad guys had to be dangerous but not too scary, appear threatening yet defeatable in 25 minutes (minus commercials), and come back again and again. Latta’s voicework turned what could have been ordinary heavies into the perfect cartoon bad guys. They didn’t just lose every week because Good always triumphs over Evil; they lost every week because they were douchebags.
If that’s not enough contributions to pop culture, he also originated two Simpsons voices: Mr Burns and Moe the Bartender. All together, he deserves a raise of the glass.
Let’s finish this 80’s flashback with birthday boy Aaron Barrett ’s band Reel Big Fish, covering the Duran Duran chestnut “Hungry Like the Wolf.” And not just any”Wolf”- the Lupin III AMV (Anime Music Video) for “Hungry Like the Wolf.” (Hey, if I post this three times, how bad-ass would this column be?)
See you tomorrow…
Friday, August 28, 2009
august 28
I try not to write about big stars for a couple of reasons. First of all, there’s enough birthday notices for sufficiently famous people on celebrity TV shows and magazines, never mind the Internet. I’m trying not to compete with them. I’m interested in the folks that don’t have paparazzi chasing them, because they have stories I haven’t heard yet. But if I want people to eat the steak, I have to throw some sizzle in.
Shania Twain is interesting to me from an anthropological standpoint. I mean, she’s one of the most successful artists even in the country music genre, but you’d have a hard time finding her on my local country radio stations today. She’s indicative of the Madison Avenue country sound: less southern-fried but more palatable to the rest of the world. Guess that’s what happens when you’re married to Def Lepard’s record producer.
Exhibit A: the “Up!” album. With over 11 million copies in the US alone, it’s the biggest selling record of this decade. “Up!” actually had three versions: the red CD version was more pop-tinged than the green “country” version, while the blue “international” version was remixed by two Bollywood music gurus.
You can hear some of the Indian sound in the production of “Gonna Get You Good,” one of the chart-toppers from “Up!” Or you can turn down the sound (I know you will…) just watch the video and try to figure out what country music fans thought of this:
Two quirks about her that I dig: She’s a Revlon cover girl, but her secret to smooth skin is Bag Balm, an ointment for protecting cow udders in the winter. Also, her cameo in I Heart Huckabees is worth a look, especially if you can’t stand Jude Law.
Jack Black is on my babymomma’s List. If you don’t know what The List is, now is not the time to talk about it. Now is time to talk about Jack Black.
Without Jack Black, there would not be “Heat Vision and Jack,” a craptastic show that never saw the light of day, and inspired its producers to create the bizzarely funny Channel101.com. There’s so much great stuff he’s done, all the way back to “High Fidelity” and “Mr Show.” But I’ll narrow it down to a Tenacious D skit called “Tribute”. I tried to find the original HBO broadcast bit, before Led Zeppelin’s lawyers got involved.
David Fincher – I can write about this guy! Seven, Fight Club, Zodiac – he’s made creepy awesome movies (and kept Brad Pitt from becoming, say, Paul Walker.) Showing two minutes clips of his greatest films seems cheap… But he built his resume and developed his cinematic style with a catalog of stunning, award-winning music videos! Like this:
Wait a minute…
Dagnabit…
How about a public service message?
Now THAT’s David Fincher.
***
Here’s a cause a bit closer to my mission. Birthday boy Jess Margera is the drummer for CKY, which gives him something to talk about besides being Bam’s brother. I was prepared not to like CKY, but it’s the right kind of harsh.
Mission accomplished. Rock on…
Shania Twain is interesting to me from an anthropological standpoint. I mean, she’s one of the most successful artists even in the country music genre, but you’d have a hard time finding her on my local country radio stations today. She’s indicative of the Madison Avenue country sound: less southern-fried but more palatable to the rest of the world. Guess that’s what happens when you’re married to Def Lepard’s record producer.
Exhibit A: the “Up!” album. With over 11 million copies in the US alone, it’s the biggest selling record of this decade. “Up!” actually had three versions: the red CD version was more pop-tinged than the green “country” version, while the blue “international” version was remixed by two Bollywood music gurus.
You can hear some of the Indian sound in the production of “Gonna Get You Good,” one of the chart-toppers from “Up!” Or you can turn down the sound (I know you will…) just watch the video and try to figure out what country music fans thought of this:
Two quirks about her that I dig: She’s a Revlon cover girl, but her secret to smooth skin is Bag Balm, an ointment for protecting cow udders in the winter. Also, her cameo in I Heart Huckabees is worth a look, especially if you can’t stand Jude Law.
Jack Black is on my babymomma’s List. If you don’t know what The List is, now is not the time to talk about it. Now is time to talk about Jack Black.
Without Jack Black, there would not be “Heat Vision and Jack,” a craptastic show that never saw the light of day, and inspired its producers to create the bizzarely funny Channel101.com. There’s so much great stuff he’s done, all the way back to “High Fidelity” and “Mr Show.” But I’ll narrow it down to a Tenacious D skit called “Tribute”. I tried to find the original HBO broadcast bit, before Led Zeppelin’s lawyers got involved.
David Fincher – I can write about this guy! Seven, Fight Club, Zodiac – he’s made creepy awesome movies (and kept Brad Pitt from becoming, say, Paul Walker.) Showing two minutes clips of his greatest films seems cheap… But he built his resume and developed his cinematic style with a catalog of stunning, award-winning music videos! Like this:
Wait a minute…
Dagnabit…
How about a public service message?
Now THAT’s David Fincher.
***
Here’s a cause a bit closer to my mission. Birthday boy Jess Margera is the drummer for CKY, which gives him something to talk about besides being Bam’s brother. I was prepared not to like CKY, but it’s the right kind of harsh.
Mission accomplished. Rock on…
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
August 25
I’m not simply trying to well-wish celebrities, or snatch some of that sheen of fame for my pseudo-journalistic exercise. If I wanted blog hits, I’d write about Blake Lively or Claudia Schiffer. And then where would we be?
Allow me to confirm that birthday boy Kel Mitchell is not dead. Remember “Keenan and Kel”? While Keenan Thompson is an SNL castmember, Kel may seem like an Invisible Boy to some of you. But for a few years, solo Kel has made his mark as the R & B Weird Al, with the occasional acting role (“Honeydripper”, “Like Mike 2”) Now, he’s building a new generation of fans, voicing characters in cartoons like "Clifford The Big Red Dog" and "Pink Panther and Pals.". It’s okay, man. We’re all dudes here…
Hey, remember Powerman 5000? Band mastermindSpider One has a birthday today. He’s the Demolition Man to Rob Zombie’s Rambo, claiming sci-fi to his bro’s horror rock schtick.
I have never forgotten “Words Collide” and the Yu-Gi-Oh hair.
While he's not getting into the moviemaking business yet, he seems to be treading closer to his brother's territory, with his new gig as blogger/correspondent for FEARnet.com...
Happy birthday to Takeshi Ueda, of the Mad Capsule Markets. They’re a Japanese rock band that I didn’t realize I was a fan of, until I dug out my PS1 copy of “Tony Hawk Pro Skater 3”.
Every time I hear that song, I forget how uncoordinated I am. In 2010, he's released his second solo album, and continues designing new t-shirts and haircuts...
Most of all, I have to say “Happy Birthday” to Rollie Fingers, Hall of Fame baseball player and personal inspiration.
Someday…
Tomorrow: a couple of spooky chicks…
Allow me to confirm that birthday boy Kel Mitchell is not dead. Remember “Keenan and Kel”? While Keenan Thompson is an SNL castmember, Kel may seem like an Invisible Boy to some of you. But for a few years, solo Kel has made his mark as the R & B Weird Al, with the occasional acting role (“Honeydripper”, “Like Mike 2”) Now, he’s building a new generation of fans, voicing characters in cartoons like "Clifford The Big Red Dog" and "Pink Panther and Pals.". It’s okay, man. We’re all dudes here…
Hey, remember Powerman 5000? Band mastermindSpider One has a birthday today. He’s the Demolition Man to Rob Zombie’s Rambo, claiming sci-fi to his bro’s horror rock schtick.
I have never forgotten “Words Collide” and the Yu-Gi-Oh hair.
While he's not getting into the moviemaking business yet, he seems to be treading closer to his brother's territory, with his new gig as blogger/correspondent for FEARnet.com...
Happy birthday to Takeshi Ueda, of the Mad Capsule Markets. They’re a Japanese rock band that I didn’t realize I was a fan of, until I dug out my PS1 copy of “Tony Hawk Pro Skater 3”.
Every time I hear that song, I forget how uncoordinated I am. In 2010, he's released his second solo album, and continues designing new t-shirts and haircuts...
Most of all, I have to say “Happy Birthday” to Rollie Fingers, Hall of Fame baseball player and personal inspiration.
Someday…
Tomorrow: a couple of spooky chicks…
Sunday, August 23, 2009
August 24
I can’t exactly call this a celebrity blog. Everybody’s got a birthday, but not everybody gets a “Happy Birthday.” Yes- happy birthday, Ron Weasley. Happy birthday, Dave Chapelle. I started this blog to write about the under-celebrated.
Like John Bush. He got his start as the vocalist for Armored Saint, a metal band started by his high school buddies. He remains the only guy ever offered the job of Metallica frontman (right after Kill ‘Em All,) but he stayed with Saint, right up to the death of founding guitarist Dave Pritchard in 1990. When Armored Saint was laid to rest, John Bush had his next gig waiting: vocalist for Anthrax.
I’m an Anthrax fan since State of Euphoria, so The Anthrax vocalist is Joey Belladonna. But the John Bush years helped the band grow up while keeping the speed. Metallica has been spending the last four albums trying to make a song as good as “Only.” Through three labels, the grunge movement, and 9/11, Anthrax soldiered on. But when it was time for the reunion/cash-in tour, Anthrax invited Belladonna back for a two-vocalist tour. Quicker than you can say “Sammy Hagar”, Bush said, “no, thanks,” and walked away.
The new Armored Saint album came out in early 2010, while Anthrax is doing the Sonicsphere tour with their 'classic' lineup...
Another guy I like is Mason Williams, of “Classical Gas” fame. I heard this song for years on radio stations that never tell you what they play anymore and finally learned the name, thanks to “The Simpons.”
It’s one of those songs I always wanted to learn to play on guitar.
When “Classical Gas” made its debut
What’s really cool about this song is, he played this on The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour, a show he was a joke writer Music composition was something he did on the side; comedy paid his bills. Matter of fact, he gave Steve Martin his TV break.
Sorry I couldn’t find the performance with the fishbowl guitar. Still, great to watch:
And then there’s Jeffrey Daniel, another guy I discovered due to this blog. If you were dancing in the 70’s, you probably heard of Shalamar, an R & B trio that bridged the way between disco and hip-hop; sort of an early-80’s Fugees. They even broke up and had solo careers; Jody Watley’s the most successful, yet least crazy.
Daniel was known for his dancing. Here’s some moves he did on a British dance show in 1982 (skip to about 2:00, if you need to…):
And here’s some guy dancing on a tv show in 1983:
That’s right; Michael Jackson was a fan. In fact, he’d seen Daniel doing his backsliding move on Soul Train, American Bandstand, etc… and asked Daniel to teach him how to do it.
Jackson would end up hiring Daniel formally as a choreographer, for such videos as “Bad”, “Smooth Criminal,” and “Ghosts.” Jeffrey Daniel lives in Japan these days, speaking fluid Japanese and Cantonese, and working on his solo career, although Shalamar might be back.
Finally, because there’s two members of the band celebrating a birthday today, here’s Quicksilver Messenger Service.
So, happy birthday, guys. Tomorrow, a couple of masters of metal. Or hair. Or something…
Like John Bush. He got his start as the vocalist for Armored Saint, a metal band started by his high school buddies. He remains the only guy ever offered the job of Metallica frontman (right after Kill ‘Em All,) but he stayed with Saint, right up to the death of founding guitarist Dave Pritchard in 1990. When Armored Saint was laid to rest, John Bush had his next gig waiting: vocalist for Anthrax.
I’m an Anthrax fan since State of Euphoria, so The Anthrax vocalist is Joey Belladonna. But the John Bush years helped the band grow up while keeping the speed. Metallica has been spending the last four albums trying to make a song as good as “Only.” Through three labels, the grunge movement, and 9/11, Anthrax soldiered on. But when it was time for the reunion/cash-in tour, Anthrax invited Belladonna back for a two-vocalist tour. Quicker than you can say “Sammy Hagar”, Bush said, “no, thanks,” and walked away.
The new Armored Saint album came out in early 2010, while Anthrax is doing the Sonicsphere tour with their 'classic' lineup...
Another guy I like is Mason Williams, of “Classical Gas” fame. I heard this song for years on radio stations that never tell you what they play anymore and finally learned the name, thanks to “The Simpons.”
It’s one of those songs I always wanted to learn to play on guitar.
When “Classical Gas” made its debut
What’s really cool about this song is, he played this on The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour, a show he was a joke writer Music composition was something he did on the side; comedy paid his bills. Matter of fact, he gave Steve Martin his TV break.
Sorry I couldn’t find the performance with the fishbowl guitar. Still, great to watch:
And then there’s Jeffrey Daniel, another guy I discovered due to this blog. If you were dancing in the 70’s, you probably heard of Shalamar, an R & B trio that bridged the way between disco and hip-hop; sort of an early-80’s Fugees. They even broke up and had solo careers; Jody Watley’s the most successful, yet least crazy.
Daniel was known for his dancing. Here’s some moves he did on a British dance show in 1982 (skip to about 2:00, if you need to…):
And here’s some guy dancing on a tv show in 1983:
That’s right; Michael Jackson was a fan. In fact, he’d seen Daniel doing his backsliding move on Soul Train, American Bandstand, etc… and asked Daniel to teach him how to do it.
Jackson would end up hiring Daniel formally as a choreographer, for such videos as “Bad”, “Smooth Criminal,” and “Ghosts.” Jeffrey Daniel lives in Japan these days, speaking fluid Japanese and Cantonese, and working on his solo career, although Shalamar might be back.
Finally, because there’s two members of the band celebrating a birthday today, here’s Quicksilver Messenger Service.
So, happy birthday, guys. Tomorrow, a couple of masters of metal. Or hair. Or something…
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