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SPARKS
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Buckeye Randy
Sparks Guru
Joined: 21 Aug 2013
Posts: 5192
Location: North Coast of America
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Buckeye Randy
Sparks Guru
Joined: 21 Aug 2013
Posts: 5192
Location: North Coast of America
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 Posted: Sat Feb 03, 2024 8:47 pm Post subject: |
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Artist: The Paranoid Style
Album: The Interrogator
Released: Feb. 2, 2024
I just ‘discovered’ this band with their 2024 release, ‘The Interrogator’. It only took me 10 years since their first EP was released back in 2013, I’m quick like that. This latest release is the 4th full length album fronted by husband/wife duo of Elizabeth Nelson and Timothy Bracy.
While listening I checked out a bio and I found this, “The Paranoid Style is a sprawling garage-punk-pop outfit built around Elizabeth Nelson who counts T-Rex, The Mekons and Elvis Costello as her influences. Nelson’s articulate vocal delivery is fitting for a band named after historian Richard J. Hofstadter’s 1964 essay “The Paranoid Style In American Politics”.
I read the bio based on liking the music but it could have just as easily happened the other way. I really like T-Rex and Elvis Costello and anybody that likes them is worth a listen. On top of that, I usually like bands named after books (Mott The Hoople, Arrowsmith, Genesis). I sense a personal trend, I also like bands named after characters (Uriah Heep, Artful Doger) and even references to inanimate objects (Steely Dan).
I also found that they are from Washington DC and I want to say that several punky/poppy bands are emerging from that area. At least our Capitol is good for something. (smiling)
The overall vibe is punky but more in attitude and not so much delivery. The sound occasionally drifts into Steve Earle territory or even The Hold Steady but it all works. I would call the music melodic, restrained and simply a perfect backdrop behind the half spoken vocals of Elizabeth Nelson. I’m usually drawn in first by music before paying attention to lyrics but these lyrics grab your attention.
Album starts with the title track, ‘Interrogator’. Wow, I really like this and….it really reminds me of something very familiar. I first thought it was ‘Teenage Depression’ by Eddie And The Hot Rods and the songs are similar but not dead ringers. Upon a couple more listens it came to me, ‘Teenage News’ by Sylvain Sylvain (RIP). For those that don’t know, when Sylvain was not with the NY Dolls he put out some great R&B based punky music and his self titled 1979 album is essential.
The second song is titled, ‘I Love The Sound Of Structured Class’ which can only be a nod to Nick Lowe’s ‘I Love The Sound Of Breaking Glass’ though the songs are certainly very different. Another with a pastiche title is, ‘Are You Loathsome Tonight’ which is the most heartfelt song on the album.
“Last Night In Chickentown’ starts with a beat similar to Iggy’s ‘Lust For Life’ but quickly goes a different direction but very good nonetheless.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1HLoYVQ2tY
I don't stop at lights
I don't sleep for days
I've been seeing the sights
Baby, I'm amazed
Last night in Chickentown
Some of the song titles are provocative because they jump start a story in your mind without hearing a note. ‘Bad Day Foe A Group Chat’ or ‘The Drop Is Steep’ are open doors to the imagination. The lyrics are great but this is rock n roll and the music is still the main attraction, ‘Styles Make Fights’ recalls the jump beat of ‘Iko Iko’ and takes off from there. Lots of fun.
Honestly, this feels like somebody fell asleep in the late ‘70’s listening to Pub Rock on Stiff Records and woke up 40 years later. Recommended!
Well Done!
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Eric Murray
Sparks Guru
Joined: 12 Jan 2002
Posts: 9454
Location: Kirkcaldy,Scotland
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| Posted: Sun Feb 11, 2024 5:05 am Post subject: |
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Went to see ABC last night at The Glasshouse ( old Sage ) in Gateshead,Newcastle.
ABC performed The Lexicon Of Love in the second half of the show - the first half being a selection of their hits.
Accompanied by The Southbank Sinfonia - Conducted by Anne Dudley. |
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Buckeye Randy
Sparks Guru
Joined: 21 Aug 2013
Posts: 5192
Location: North Coast of America
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| Posted: Sun Feb 11, 2024 9:37 am Post subject: |
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The 2024 nominees for the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame were announced.
Mary J. Blige
Mariah Carey
Cher
Dave Matthews Band
Eric B. & Rakim
Foreigner
Peter Frampton
Jane's Addiction
Kool & the Gang
Lenny Kravitz
Oasis
Sinéad O'Connor
Ozzy Osbourne
Sade
A Tribe Called Quest
Every year I ask myself what some of the nominees have to do with rock and roll. I generally distract myself by wondering why I buy light bulbs and lottery tickets at a grocery store.
The RnR HOF has morphed into an all-inclusive HOF with many genres and I'm OK with that. It's your one stop shopping for a wide range of music.
This year is more challenging than most! There is always a balance between popularity and being influential. Maybe this year is more challenging because we are running out of baby boomer rock bands.
I decided to google up bands not in HOF and compiled this list:
Bad Company
Sparks
Procol Harum
Steve Winwood
Harry Nilsson
Jan & Dean
B52's
Mott The Hoople
Joe Cocker
Ted Nugent
The Runaways
War
Pat Benatar
Jethro Tull
King Crimson
New York Dolls
Iron Maiden
Brian Eno
Television
All of those bands and a blue billion others make the 'snub' lists. Those just happen to be ones that would certainly get strong consideration for the Randyland HOF.
Anyways, back to the current nominees. If I could only pick four I would go with; Cher, Foreigner, Jane's Addiction and Ozzy.
However... if you put Ozzy in as a solo performer then Alice Cooper deserves to be in as a solo performer as well. Both artists have had long and successful solo careers. However, their most influential material was at the beginning of their careers with bands already in the HOF.
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KaelMael
Sparks Guru
Joined: 15 Sep 2018
Posts: 2604
Location: Hello Kitty Heaven
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| Posted: Sun Feb 25, 2024 7:03 am Post subject: |
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Boz Scaggs Japan Tour
Tohoku University Centennial Hall, Sendai
February 24, 2024
He played recent songs and some blues covers on the first part. Most of the well-known songs came later. I liked that he didn't fill the setlist with hit songs only. It was good to hear his newer tunes that I'm not familiar with. Still, the highlight was "Lido Shuffle" which made the audience on their feet.
Willie Weeks, a bass player who performed with numerous legendary artists such as Eric Clapton and David Bowie over the years (and the member of Louisiana Gator Boys in Blues Brothers 2000 himself), was among the band. The moment he hit the first bass line of "Lowdown" I got goosebumps.
A pleasant evening full of blues.
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Buckeye Randy
Sparks Guru
Joined: 21 Aug 2013
Posts: 5192
Location: North Coast of America
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Alex Robertson
Sparks Guru
Joined: 11 Jan 2002
Posts: 41420
Location: Crawley,West Sussex
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| Posted: Tue Feb 27, 2024 5:43 am Post subject: |
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The Snuts....
I've tried and tried but I can't warm to them at all.
The tunes sound "banging" enough but I just don't get them. |
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Buckeye Randy
Sparks Guru
Joined: 21 Aug 2013
Posts: 5192
Location: North Coast of America
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| Posted: Fri Mar 08, 2024 3:50 am Post subject: |
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Who: Dropkick Murphys, Pennywise
When: March 6th, 2024
Where: Packard Music Hall, Warren (Ohio)
I can’t think of a better way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day than loading the truck with family members and going to a concert by Boston’s Celtic punkers, The Dropkick Murphys. Does it feel familiar? It should, it was almost exactly two years ago that Mrs. Buckeye and our two sons went to Cleveland for a DKM show together. It’s déjà vu all over again!
This is my 7th time seeing DKM over the last 20 years. The fun fact is that I’ve only seen them twice at the same venue so nearly every time is a different experience. The current tour aptly titled, ‘2024 St. Patrick’s Day Tour’, is interesting because it is hitting allot of mid size markets (i.e. Warren (OH), Lancaster (PA), Binghampton (NY), Pikeville (KY), etc, etc). It also happens to be a ‘between’ tour; a ‘between’ tour is touring between tours supporting new releases. I love these sorts of tours because you don’t get a disproportionate amount of material supporting the latest album.
A week or so before the tour started, DKM dropped a list of the 39 songs being rehearsed for the tour. A nice playlist to get ready without wearing out songs in a predictable order. A quick check at Setlist.FM shows they are mixing it up every night with different openers and closers not to mention they are including several songs not on the rehearsal list. It is so much more fun not knowing for sure if you’ll hear your favorites than knowing the exact order of every song to be played.
Packard Music Hall seats nearly 2500 and has been open since 1955. It is not a grand old theater but a very functionable venue that serves the community not only with occasional rock concerts but with children’s programming, corporate meetings and graduations. On this evening the folding floor seats have been removed to provide a GA pit area and this is surrounded by a horseshoe shaped balcony for those wanting reserved seating. I’ve only been here once before (Cheap Trick) and it was a good time and contributes to why I’m travelling an hour for this show. Oh, I left out the best part…FREE PARKING!
We arrived 10 minutes before the doors were to open and the show was to start an hour after that. We took our place in line and the energy of the crowd was barely dampened by the cold rain. Once in, T-shirt and beers bought, we stake our territory 60 feet from the stage. It’s that semi safe zone outside the full contact of moshing but close enough to be engaged. Don’t tell anyone, but this is why Mrs. Buckeye is a valuable commodity at punky shows with GA. Without hesitation or reservation, I can say, “Let’s stand back here, I don’t want you getting hurt up there”. The fact that I’m also safe has nothing to do with it. Who says chivalry is dead. (smiling)
Opening the festivities are The Scratch from Dublin, Ireland. In a word, Wow! When it comes to openers that I’ve known next to nothing about, these guys might possibly be the best I’ve seen. First thing you notice is that Daniel Lang (percussion, lead vocals) is sitting on a cajón (box drum) and banging it with padded drum mallets; the rest of the band consists of Conor Dockery (guitar, backing vocals), Cathal McKenna (bass/backing vocals), and Jordan O’Leary (guitar, lead vocals). A very crisp and punchy sound and they totally owned the stage while performing. I would go see these guys in a minute if they did a club tour as a headliner.
I had no expectations for Pennywise. I’m a fan of mainstream California punk from the ‘90’s (Green Day, The Offspring, Rancid) but whatever the reason, Pennywise has flown mostly under my radar. Not being intimately familiar with a band isn’t that unusual, I’m open to anything. Straight out of the gate, it was hard not to make comparisons. The Scratch had a pumping and dynamic sound, Pennywise was a little louder but the sound was not nearly as dynamic.
The crowd responded well at times especially during “Stand By Me”. The highlight for me was a cover of “Fight For Your Right” (Beastie Boys). Not a bad show but there was something that felt a little flat about the performance. I won’t run away if I see Pennywise on a bill again but it won’t be the reason I buy a ticket either.
The lights went down and a recorded version of “The Foggy Dew” by The Chieftans with Sinead O’Conner came through the PA. The video backdrop had ‘Dropkick Murphys’ in bold letters as video clouds rolled through. The stage explodes in light as the band thunders into “Worker’s Song”. The lights were bright, the video screen was big and the sound was loud; it took a minute to get acclimated to the assault on the senses. The band continued without pause and straight into “The Boys Are Back” with the crowd singing as loud as the band. Strong opening.
The next 90 minutes were borderline amazing with singing, moshing, crowd surfing, hugging and generally jumping around and having one hell of a time.
DKM has released 12 albums since 1998. The only constant has been Ken Casey who has provided both bass and vocals until a few years ago. He suffered injuries in a 2018 motorcycle accident that have prevented him from playing bass at shows. This roughly coincides with co-lead vocalist Al Barr taking a leave of absence from the band. The combination of these two events have given Ken Casey the opportunity to turn into the focal point on stage. A DKM concert once felt like a busy block party on stage which was not necessarily a bad thing, they were fun shows. The show I just saw seemed more focused visually at least from where I stood. Ken Casey was commanding and I loved it.
I felt fortunate that most of my favorites were included; “Johnny I Hardly Knew Ya”, “Captain Kelly’s Kitchen”, “Barroom Hero”, “Skinhead On The MBTA”, “Boys On The Docks” and “The Prisoner’s Song”.
One of the more recent songs that I was hoping to hear was “Good As Gold”, I was not disappointed. I’ll be the first to say that video screens are a bit cheap and gimmicky when it comes to stage shows. Those thoughts don’t apply here as DKM took the opportunity to show the center labels from punk 45’s released over the past 50 years. Throughout the concert, the video backdrop was used both to compliment songs with themed images and to show close-ups of the band as to give those in the back a good view of the sweat on the brow.
The hits rolled on; “Rose Tattoo”, “Bastards On Parade”, “The Gauntlet”, “The State Of Massachusetts”, “Going Out In Style” and “TNT” (AC/DC) with vocals by Kevin Rheault.
“Kiss Me I’m Sh*tfaced” is not one of my faves but it is fun live as the whole crowd does a slow sway back and forth and sings along for a kumbaya moment.
The closer was no surprise…yet you never know for sure with these guys. “I’m Shipping Up To Boston” closed out a great night of rock n roll. It was lucky 7 for me as it was the best I’ve ever seen the band, I hope number 8 will be as good. Well Done!
Bonus info: This was the first time that Packard Music Hall had GA on the floor. This resulted in additional tickets sold and this sold out event set the new record for attendance.
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Buckeye Randy
Sparks Guru
Joined: 21 Aug 2013
Posts: 5192
Location: North Coast of America
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| Posted: Sun Mar 17, 2024 12:19 pm Post subject: |
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Who: The Dollyrots
When: March 16, 2024
Where: Beachland Tavern (Cleveland, Ohio)
Excuse me while I get reflective for a moment. I have had many great years with many great memories attending shows with my family. First with Mrs. Buckeye back in the day and then later with our kids. Today, I feel like a new chapter is starting because I’m now adding a Grandchild to the concert list as we celebrate a 13th birthday with her first concert. I suppose a giant assist should go to my oldest son and his Wife for having a kid that loves The Dollyrots. Actually…The Dollyrots can take some of the credit! The 2023 release (Night Owls) happens to be one of their finest offerings from a career that covers ten releases over 20 years. (reflective moment is over)
The Dollyrots are fronted by bass slinging Kelly Ogden and her husband Luis Cabezas on guitar. You might also know Kelly from her early morning slot on Sirius channel 21 which is home to Little Steven’s Underground Garage. She does a great job spinning new releases and mixing them in with punky chestnuts from the last 50 years or so.
I first saw The Dollyrots in 2010 with my oldest son when they opened for The Buzzcocks and I was instantly hooked to their brand of poppy punk. Sadly, that was my fourth and final time seeing Pete Shelley (RIP) fronting The Buzzcocks. (that was semi-reflective)
The Beachland Tavern is adjacent to the larger Beachland Ballroom and they sort of have a shared entrance area not to mention a shared parking lot. On this night; we have The Dollyrots in the Tavern and the larger Ballroom is hosting an album release show by LUV. This is typically a clusterbunch of confusion with fans of two different acts in front of the same building with doors for Tavern opening at 7:00 and Ballroom at 7:30.
We arrive early enough to score decent parking and we take our place in a line that is growing down the sidewalk. The temperature isn’t exactly freezing but the wind makes it feel much worse. We were having normal pre-concert conversations and a guy with a ska hat and a really upbeat demeanor bounces up to my son. This guy happens to be the Dad of the lead singer for the evening’s opening band, Detention. My son and his wife have seen Akron’s Detention several times and have apparently made their way to the inner circle of band fandom. After a couple minutes of catching up on current events (my granddaughter’s b-day being one of the things), the guy disappears around the corner into the parking lot. He returns minutes later with a Detention hoodie for Happy b-day/first concert. A great gift when waiting in line to a sold out show whilst cool wintery winds from Lake Erie whip around Waterloo Road.
Mrs. Buckeye and I grab a couple seats at the bar closest to the stage while birthday girl and her parents grab a place in front of the stage. The venue quickly fills and the crowd has a fun punk vibe with ages ranging from young teens to the elderly. Note; when I was 20, the elderly were people over 30. Now that I’m in my 60’s, elderly people are approaching 80.
Opening the evening is Detention who are young rockers that have won awards at various events including a High School Rock Off at the Rock n Roll Hall Of Fame. Many in the crowd were familiar with the songs and the energy was high during the performance.
While the phrase ‘youthful enthusiasm’ probably best describes Detention, The Boreouts are best described as not youthful but seasoned. The recently formed band from Detroit includes members of The Dirtbombs, The Suicide Machines and Gangster Fun. The level of musicianship, timing and delivery was high. This was real punk music served up by veterans of the craft. I hope they stick around along enough to release some material because they were certainly good in a live setting.
The Dollyrots took the stage and combined their usual charm and brand of punky/pop. The charm is the back and forth banter between Kelly Ogden and her husband Luis Cabezas. The pair met in 8th grade and they are still having fun together plus putting out albums for over 20 years.
The show started fast with three of their most popular songs; “Everything”, “My Best Friend’s Hot” and “Twist Me To The Left”. Halfway through the set they played arguably their best known song which is a cover of Melanie’s “Brand New Key”. While introducing the song, Kelly told the story about Melanie performing the song “Lay Down (Candles In The Rain)” at Woodstock. This is acknowledged as the first time that lighters were raised in tribute at a concert. Kelly also spoke of how it personally touched her when Melanie passed way earlier this year.
Another charming thing about a show with The Dollyrots is their kids making appearances during the performance. On this night, son River performed tricks with his yo-yo while the band took a short break. The band retook the stage and jumped back into the music while River was joined on stage by Jon of The Boreouts who brought his own yo-yo. It took over 40 years of attending concerts but I’ve finally seen dueling yo-yos on stage. (smiling)
The show neared the end and all the young fans were invited on stage for the last song of the evening, “Because I’m Awesome”. Three or four youngsters took the stage around Kelly including my Granddaughter. She was a little shy at first (granddaughter not Kelly), but by the end of the song the two were sharing a microphone shouting out the chorus. Yeah, that happens at everybody’s first concert.
The Dollyrots always play short sets so they can spend an hour or so with the fans which includes fans signing Kelly’s leather jacket which was pink this year. When Luis learned of the first concert/birthday, he gifted a swag bag full of merch. The evening finally ended with Kelly in a family picture.
What a great first concert! How high has the bar been set for future concerts? Regardless, nice evening of family fun and I can’t wait until we share more concert memories with grandkids and hopefully see dueling yo-yos again. Well Done!
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Billy, Don't Be A Porter |
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Crabby
Groupie
Joined: 26 Feb 2024
Posts: 155
Location: Belfast
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| Posted: Sun Mar 17, 2024 4:47 pm Post subject: |
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| Well, that sounds like a great night..... There's nothing more intimate than a live performance whether that's in a big arena or a busker on a street corner.... |
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Toughest Girl In Town
Sparks Guru
Joined: 15 Feb 2022
Posts: 4603
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| Posted: Tue Mar 19, 2024 5:05 am Post subject: |
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| Buckeye Randy wrote: | | Regardless, nice evening of family fun and I can’t wait until we share more concert memories with grandkids and hopefully see dueling yo-yos again. |
I wish my granddad was as cool as you are! |
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Buckeye Randy
Sparks Guru
Joined: 21 Aug 2013
Posts: 5192
Location: North Coast of America
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Buckeye Randy
Sparks Guru
Joined: 21 Aug 2013
Posts: 5192
Location: North Coast of America
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| Posted: Mon Apr 22, 2024 4:32 am Post subject: |
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Artist: Ian Hunter
Title: Defiance Part 2: Fiction
Released: April 19, 2024
Last year we saw the release of ‘Defiance Part 1’ which was an all-star cast making cyber collaborations with Ian during the covid era. This year is the second release of these recordings, ‘Defiance Part 2: Fiction’.
This is Ian’s 17th studio effort and his total overall releases are probably around 50 when counting live releases and compilations with rarities plus we have Mott The Hoople and all their outtakes and archive recordings. I suppose my only point is that there is nearly an endless supply of Ian Hunter material for people wanting a new hobby (i.e. obsession).
Over the last 35 years Ian has become good friends with Joe Elliott and Phil Colen of Def Lep. I remember seeing an interview with Joe Elliott as he thumbed through his teenage record collection that still resided at his parent’s house. He stopped at ‘Mott’ by Mott The Hoople and matter of factly stated, “Probably best record ever”.
This friendship has resulted in Ian sharing the same management group with Def Lep and this has certain benefits. This new release is getting mainstream exposure that evaded most of Ian’s releases the past 49 years and all of his releases the last 40 years. I mean, the thing is getting featured reviews written by people waaay too young to be ‘Dudes’. Ian will tell you it doesn’t matter but for long time admirers it feels pretty cool. It also feels pretty cool that Ian is in the stable at Sun Records.
The guest list on ‘Defiance Part 2’ is not quite as star studded as the predecessor but is still impressive; Robin Zander, Rick Nielson & Tom Peterson (Cheap Trick), Brian May (Queen), Dean DeLeo, Robert DeLeo & Eric Kretz (Stone Temple Pilots), Joe Elliott & Phil Collen (Def Lep), Taylor Hawkins (Foo Fighters), Benmont Tench (Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers), Waddy Wachtel (Stevie Nicks, Jackson Browne), Dave Mansfield (Bob Dylan, T-Bone Burnett), Tony Shanahan (Patti Smith), Steve Holley (Wings), Morgan Fisher (Mott The Hoople) plus we have Jeff Beck, Johnny Depp and Lucinda Williams. Album art is a painting by Johnny Depp.
Things to like about this release…only 10 songs! I’ve always believed that less equals more (no comments from the ladies). It might have been tempting to package Defiance Part 1 & 2 together but I prefer having the two separate releases. It’s easier to digest 10 songs than it is 20.
This cyber studio stuff is great with endless contributions but there are problems. I’m thinking it must be easier to work out some awkward parts or do a quick re-write with everybody sitting in the studio together. It must be much more challenging when people are sending in contributions. I mention this because there are a few places where it seems that things could have flowed a little better but I think this is the nature of the beast. Todd Rundgren had a similar release a couple years back and I noticed the same thing.
I was not overly impressed by the two early peepers (‘Precious’ and ‘People’) when I first heard them. Both have very different but equally annoying intros before turning into decent mid paced rockers. ‘People’ is fun lyrically as it tells the story of record executives telling musicians what people want. I wonder if Ian is still hearing this?? I sort of doubt it!
‘This Ain’t Rock And Roll’ is one of the songs that seems like a dressed up demo; coulda, woulda, shoulda been better. ‘Weed’ is fun with a waltzy beat but again seems half completed.
‘The 3rd Rail’ and ‘Hope’ are both slow paced ballads but with different twists. ‘The 3rd Rail’ features guitar work by Jeff Beck and Johnny Depp and it actually makes me think of Ian’s work with Mick Ronson. ‘Hope’ isn’t exactly new territory for Ian but it does feature a kumbaya chorus with some of his guests.
The good stuff is pretty good. ‘Kettle Of Fish’ has a groove that grows as the song progresses. ‘What Would I Do Without You’ has Lucinda Williams sharing some vocals. This song is worth the price of admission for fans of Ian because he’s done very few duets over the years. The song would be at home on Mott The Hoople’s ‘Mad Shadows’ which is saying a bunch. ‘
Best songs. ’Everybody Is Crazy But Me’, this song fits in comfortably with Ian’s best rockers since the beginning of his ‘Rant Era’ (2001). Lyrically it is fun and musically it is consistent with what fans of this era have come to expect. ‘Fiction’ is a little off of Ian’s trodden path due to the string arrangement, but it works for me.
As I’m listening right now, I like ‘Defiance Part 2: Fiction’ but I wonder how I’ll feel a month from now. I thought ‘Defiance Part 1’ was pretty great after a few listens but as often happens…it faded quickly from my regular rotation and seemingly even my memory. We’ll see where I stand a month from now but today I say…Well Done!
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Billy, Don't Be A Porter |
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Buckeye Randy
Sparks Guru
Joined: 21 Aug 2013
Posts: 5192
Location: North Coast of America
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| Posted: Sat Apr 27, 2024 7:17 pm Post subject: |
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Who: Todd Rundgren
What: ME/WE TOUR 2024
When: April 26, 2024
Where: Goodyear Theater (Akron, Ohio)
Do you prefer an artist that plays his most known songs and biggest hits in concert or somebody that challenges concert goers with new material and deep tracks? Do you prefer a concert experience with thundering drums and screaming guitars or one with synthesizers and electronic beats? If you answered ‘YES’ to any of the four choices, welcome to the world of Todd Rundgren.
I’ve seen Todd solo and with the band Utopia, I’ve seen Todd headline festivals and I’ve seen Todd in clubs and once even with an orchestra. I’ve been to shows where I’ve known every word of every song and I’ve been to shows where Todd plays an unreleased album in its entirety. Welcome to the world of Todd Rundgren.
This is my 20th Todd Rundgren show and my nearly constant concert companion Mrs. Buckeye is logging her 18th show. Let me stop you before you start thinking I’m a super fan because that just isn’t the case. The truth is I’ve spent more of my concert going life NOT going to Rundgren shows than I have going to Rundgren shows. I didn’t go to a single one from 1982 to 2007. The 25 year break was initiated by Todd putting out some inconsistent music and after that I was sort of busy.
Soooo, in 2007 I’m cruising youtube and feeling a little nostalgic and I start watching live videos of my favorite Rundgren songs from back in the day. I’m watching a killer version of “Black Maria” and realize that it wasn’t from the ‘good ole days’. I check to see how old the video is…last week? Are you kidding me?? I quickly check to see if Todd is touring and if he’ll be anywhere close. Cleveland! next week!! Tix were only $10 and it was an amazing experience. I was back on board the Todd Train and my back story for the purpose of this review is now complete.
Peek or no peek? This is always a question when it comes to looking at the setlist for an upcoming concert. With some artists I have no problem going in wide eyed and just letting it happen. Other artists, I’m suspicious of their intentions and want to know what’s in store for me. With Todd, I always look preferably before purchasing tickets but that wasn’t possible for this show. The main reason I blindly took the $250 ticket plunge was the band members were announced in advance. There is a degree of comfort knowing that Kasim Sultan, Prairie Prince and Bobby Strickland are in the band. Truth be told, my enthusiasm was slightly dampened when finally seeing the setlist. Too late to turn back now!
This is my first trip to the renovated Goodyear Theater that has been hosting shows for around 8 years since reopening. The Gothic Revival style theater originally opened in 1920 and has a capacity just south of 1500. I need to say that the theater is in a vacuum of nothingness when it comes to the city of Akron. The theater is nowhere near downtown or the growing art district, the two closest restaurants are nearly a mile away. That drawback is outweighed (in my opinion) because there is plenty of ground parking next to the venue and easy access to highways in and out of the area.
The theater which sold out during presale is buzzing with anticipation and finally the lights dim. First up is the minute long prerecorded intro of “How About A Little Fanfare” which segues perfectly (just as on the album) into the opener, “I Think You Know”. A couple things are immediately apparent; Todd’s vocals are strong and his guitar work in top form on his trusted friend, ‘Foamy’. BTW, ‘Foamy’ is the name of Todd’s primary guitar for the last 25 years or so and it happens to be the color sea foam…hence the name…’Foamy’.
It’s not unusual for Todd to mostly bypass songs from the ‘70’s but these tours are always themed toward the most recent release. The ’ME/WE’ tour is a different sort of tour for Todd because the set list is reaching mostly into releases since 1985. Also a bit unique because the set includes primarily personal songs with only a smattering of rockers. There are no songs from the ‘70’s except for the opener and encore.
Another thing that was different about this show was the lack of between song banter by Todd which is generally entertaining but has been known to be a bit meandering and a little long winded. There was absolutely none until the band introductions at the end of the show. There were no awkward lapses for tuning or chatting by band members. The whole thing was very fast paced and performed by a well-oiled machine. It was more a presentation of art and not just another rock concert.
It was apparent early on, nearly everybody in attendance knew what type of show to expect. Not once during the show did I hear somebody yell out, ‘insert ‘70’s classic track’. The crowd was respectful and appreciative for the type of performance they were witnessing.
Among the rockers that stood out were “Weakness”, “Buffalo Grass” and Utopia’s “Rock Love”. All included top shelf guitar work and were well received by a crowd eager to rock. Todd alternated between playing guitar on rockers and just manning the mic for most other songs. Highlights from the more personal songs were “God Said”, “Beloved Infidel”, “Hawking”, “Kindness” along with an a cappella performance of “Honest Work”. Seriously, all the songs were a highlight of one sort of another.
I can’t say enough about the band. The band was spot on and multi-instrumentalist Bobby Strickland was a big reason why with keys, flute, clarinet and sax providing songs the extra sauce needed. Bruce McDaniel is the newbie on guitar and was sensational playing lead on “Wouldn’t You Like To Know”. Gil Assayas has been playing keys with the Todd/Utopia family for several years now. Prairie Prince and Kasim Sultan were their usual rock solid bottom of perfection. An all-star line-up when it comes to the world of Todd Rundgren.
My favorite songs before the encore were “Down With The Ship” from Todd’s most recent release and “Worldwide Epiphany” that closed the show. The latter was a call to arms as people left their seats and filled the aisles and the front of the stage to be in place for the inevitable encore.
The encore was all ‘70’s material and started with a medley of Todd’s three highest charting hits (“I Saw The Light”, “Can We Still Be Friends”, “Hello It’s Me”). This was followed by the show stopping “The Last Ride” which in my opinion was the crown jewel of the evening. Last but not least and closing the evening was, “Fade Away”. The ending ‘almost’ seemed like a final farewell type ending.
It was a fantastic experience on all levels starting with the venue and then the performance. No way I could have imagined things going so perfectly. Well Done!
1. How About a Little Fanfare? (prerecorded)
2. I Think You Know
3. Secret Society
4. Weakness
5. Stood Up
6. Lost Horizon
7. Buffalo Grass
8. Beloved Infidel
9. Hit Me Like a Train
10. Sweet
11. Kindness
12. Woman's World
13. Afterlife
14. Wouldn't You Like to Know
15. Down With the Ship
16. Flesh & Blood
17. Honest Work
18. Rock Love
19. God Said
20. Fascist Christ
21. Hawking
22. Worldwide Epiphany
23. I Saw the Light / Can We Still Be Friends / Hello It's Me
24. The Last Ride
25. Fade Away
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Billy, Don't Be A Porter |
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Buckeye Randy
Sparks Guru
Joined: 21 Aug 2013
Posts: 5192
Location: North Coast of America
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Buckeye Randy
Sparks Guru
Joined: 21 Aug 2013
Posts: 5192
Location: North Coast of America
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| Posted: Sun Jun 02, 2024 1:09 pm Post subject: |
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Who: The Dictators
When: June 1, 2024
Where: Kent Stage (Kent, Ohio)
Does anybody know who was the first punk band? Does anybody know the difference between punk rock and proto-punk…are the New York Dolls glam? I’ve heard these subjects discussed by lovers of punk and even by music fans that wouldn’t know a punk unless they got kicked in the shin. Did it start in the U.S. with The Velvet Underground, The Stooges or Ramones? Was it in the UK with the The Clash, Pistols or The Damned? I don’t care who it is and honestly…I like it all, man! Well, except for maybe the Velvet Underground but that’s another topic.
One band that is consistently overlooked from these discussions are The Dictators. I consider these guys to be the bridge between The New York Dolls and Ramones. The three are stylistically different but all came from the streets of New York and come across as gangs that can goof on just about anything. Personally, I prefer The Dictators.
The last time I saw The Dictators was a 2013 show in Cleveland. That line-up included original members Ross the Boss on guitar and was fronted by Handsome Dick Manitoba whose jacket circa 1975 hangs in the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame. The current line-up is fronted by founding member and principle songwriter Andy Shernoff along with BOC drummer Albert Bouchard, Keith Roth (Frankenstein 3000, Sirius XM DJ) and Ross The Boss is back again. For those that don’t know, Ross was also a founding member of metal masters Manowar.
Kent Stage is a small renovated theater (650 capacity) that is perfect for hosting artists that have...how do I say this politely…restrained audiences? The venue seems more than a little uncomfortable with crowds wanting to stand or rush the stage before an encore. They have even been known to offer instructions for concert etiquette before performances.
I understand management’s thinking, the pre-sale VIP tickets are sold to members who donate to The Western Reserve Folk Arts Association and the hosts want to insure that doners have a pleasant concert experience. Hey! what about me? I pay my yearly dues and I wanna rock! Shouldn’t I be able to stand against the stage and wave my arms about as if there are no repercussions?
Some people say problem…but Kent Stage said opportunity. The Dictators’ show has no reserve seating, it is a general admission free for all. Woohoo! I still think that this show should have been booked at a more punky venue where fans standing against the stage are the rule and not the exception. Hey, it’s not my world, I’m just passing through and I’ll take it as it comes and I certainly appreciate the flexibility.
I arrive slightly over an hour before doors are scheduled to open, not only am I first in line but I am the line for what seemed like quite a while. I see movement behind the windows of the entrance as people get ready to take tickets and the merch stand is assembled. I see Andy Shernoff looking out at me as he lays out merch and undoubtably notices my shirt. I intentionally wore a CREEM Magazine ‘Boy Howdy’ shirt knowing that Andy Shernoff and The Dictators had connections with the ‘70’s rock magazine. For those that don’t know, CREEM was the coolest mag from the ‘70’s!
The soundman steps out and introduces himself and we have a good chat about the current tour. It turns out that The Dictators are opening for The Damned on this tour and tonight is the only headlining date due to The Damned having an off night between New York and Chicago.
Keith Roth is next out and I get a first name introduction from my new bestest buddy Jerry the soundman. Great conversation followed by an intro to Andy Shernoff who uses my shirt as a launch point into conversation. Great selfies with the guys under the marquee. I also got some quick pics with Albert Bouchard and Ross the Boss as they mingled about fans who were beginning to assemble and wanting merch signed. Andy Shernoff comes up to me and says, “Check this out”. He starts going through photos on his phone and proudly displays a youthful mug shot of himself wearing a ‘Boy Howdy’ t-shirt! All these guys seemed genuinely happy to be in Kent, Ohio on a Saturday night. It should also be noted that all mentioned the new Dictators release coming later this year.
One of the memorable moments of the sidewalk fanfest was Ross The Boss meeting a guy that had ‘Ross The Boss’ tattooed on his leg. This was not a 60 year old fan from the ‘70’s but somebody nearly half that age. The guy got some stuff signed and as their conversation ended this ultimate fan had tears of joy welling up in his eyes and walked over and gave me a man hug. It was a nice (but slightly weird) moment.
My concert buddy shows up immediately after my brushes with stardom and I point out the players as they finish signing memorabilia and then walk together down the sidewalk for a bite to eat. Sooo…my concert buddy on this evening is a friend from work and this will be his first concert in 14 years. I sent him a few videos of The Dictators earlier in the day so he would have a chance to make an excuse not to come. He’s a gamer!
We are the first two to enter the theater and we grab two seats in the middle section of the first row. Honestly, it seems I’ve got a handle on this process yet I’m always very conscious of every possible thing that can go wrong. So far so good!
Opening are The Bizarros who are a band from nearby Akron that had some notoriety from the late ‘70’s which included a big label release. The set was older material and some newer material yet to be recorded. Nice opener that did not overstay their welcome.
OK, time to get serious. The first row is nearly 10 feet from the stage. I was perfectly content sitting for the opener but now it’s time for decisions. One fringe type person plants their body at the stage before the show but that’s it. As the show starts with ‘New York, New York’ I’m perched on the edge of my seat ready to vault. It didn’t take long! I see two other people make a move and instantly I’m up against the stage and others slowly but steadily joined as the evening progressed.
Now, let’s talk about The Dictators. The elephant in the room is the absence of former lead singer Handsome Dick Manitoba. On this night, Andy Shernoff sang a few which he sang on the original albums and Albert Bouchard sang a BOC song. The rest of the setlist were songs that Keith was either partially or totally replacing Handsome Dick. I would say job well done…in fact, in many instances Keith Roth’s interpretations were superior. Let’s swing back to Albert Bouchard and BOC’s “Dominance and Submission”. He avoided being disrespectful to BOC but said the current version is how the song was intended to sound. It was totally awesome and is so much punchier than the original. Very well done!
The sound was spot on, loud and crisp as I was staked out in front of Ross’s amp. The vocals and harmonies were mostly flawless. Keith took liberties with some of the lyrics and blamed Andy for writing such wordy songs. Albert Bouchard’s drumming was tight and aggressive. He does need to work on his stick flips! The band seemed relaxed and all members told stories as they introduced songs in an unrehearsed manner. They pointed out that when opening for The Damned they did the songs in rapid fire but preferred being able to enjoy the crowd and make it personal.
Highlights from the between song banter included Keith claiming the first record he bought was “The Dictators Go Girl Crazy”. His brother was apparently friends with the guy whose name we can’t mention (referring to Manitoba). Another moment was asking the crowd to name a song by the Ramones or Turbo Negro that nicked a riff from the Dictator song, “The Next Big Thing”. I correctly shouted out “53rd” but another stage hugger was recognized as being first (he wasn’t!) and he was rewarded with some guitar picks. Lesson reaffirmed, life is not fair!
The 15 song setlist was near perfect except it could have been longer. Given the circumstances of this being a one night headliner it is understood and forgivable. The best part is how all releases covering 49 years were seamless. Three new songs, four from 2001’s “DFFD”, one from Manitoba’s Wild Kingdom released in 1990. Add in the two covers (one of which was on a 1981 live album by The Dictators) and that’s 10/15 songs NOT from the three releases in the ‘70’s. I find this noteworthy because the entire crowd seemed AOK with this…granted, my perspective up front might be slightly skewed. My point is, I can think of no other ‘70’s band that can successfully meld all eras together like this. The band seems to be gaining momentum through the years.
The band might be gaining momentum but the turnout on a Saturday night was disappointing. I have no idea why; the perfect weather, general admission, a street fair going on, no Handsome Dick, under publicized tour, the venue not a good fit…I don’t know. The shitty attendance was certainly not proportionate to the excellent performance. This can also be filed under, life is not fair. However, The Dictators were not phased as they performed like they were headlining a sold out coliseum and all of us up front waved our arms about as if there were no repercussions.
After the final note was played, I reached for the setlist along with another concert goer. We looked at one another and realized we had a problem. Albert Bouchard who was fist bumping with fans reached down and tore the set list in half and laughed, “Problem solved”! My half only includes the last four songs…life is not fair! (smiling).
I‘m guessing they had a meet and greet afterward. I skipped it and headed home but not before picking up an autographed tour poster and T-shirt. I’m on such an amazing run of great concerts during the last few years but this one is absolutely near or even at the top of the list. I can hardly wait to see this line-up again.
DFFD!
Well Done!
Setlist from stage but I feel like there might have been a couple others.
New York, New York (Manitoba’s Wild Kingdom)
My Imaginary Friend
The Minnesota Strip
Pussy and Money
Let’s Get The Band Back Together
The Next Big Thing
The Savage Beat
It’s Alright
Dominance and Submission (Blue Oyster Cult)
What Goes On (Velvet Underground)
Faster and Louder
Who Will Save Rock and Roll
Stay With Me
Two Tub Man
Thank You and Have A Nice Day
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Billy, Don't Be A Porter |
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waterloosunset
Sparks Guru
Joined: 17 Nov 2021
Posts: 2008
Location: amongst the New England trees
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| Posted: Sun Jun 02, 2024 9:15 pm Post subject: |
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Slightly embarrassed that I don’t know who the Dictators are, me being a kid from Brooklyn who was a Dolls fan, but I’ll go to YouTube and make up for lost time. As always, a rollicking good fan experience review, Mr. Buckeye. Keep them coming.
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better drop the requirement that everything be great |
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Eric Murray
Sparks Guru
Joined: 12 Jan 2002
Posts: 9454
Location: Kirkcaldy,Scotland
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| Posted: Fri Jun 07, 2024 9:52 pm Post subject: |
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Friday 7 June
Hydro Glasgow
Went to see James ( plus support Razorlight )
It was a Really Excellent Evening
The one surprise for me was James - 4 backing vocalists / 4 guitarists ( one also did Trumpet ) / 2 Drummers ( one also did what I would say was more than backing vocals , ie shared vocals on some songs ) - at one point 13 people of stage. |
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Buckeye Randy
Sparks Guru
Joined: 21 Aug 2013
Posts: 5192
Location: North Coast of America
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| Posted: Sun Jun 16, 2024 5:46 pm Post subject: |
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Band: Pavid Vermin
Title: Brutality Is My Only Friend
Released: May 24, 2024
Do you like surf inspired poppy punk music by a band with a wicked sense of humor and great melodies?? I guess a better question is who wouldn’t like that!
Pavid Vermin has been releasing music for over five years and this release is a departure in sound…sorta. Older material sometimes has a surf or girl group influence but comparisons were just as likely to be made with Sceeching Weasel or Green Day who also started out on the highly influential Lookout Records. It’s not a stretch to link influences further back to The Dictators and New York Dolls. We can throw in Me First And The Gimme Gimmes as well since they are probably one of the very best at pastiches. The common thread between all those bands would be a smirk and a wink.
Pavid Vermin (aka Glen Robinson) has also had releases under the pseudonym Obscurerst Vinyl. These are tongue in cheek spoofs which remind me of the Bonzo Dog Band meets Tenacious D while listening to Motown and assembling songs for an Off Broadway musical starring Ann Magnuson. The parental rating on this material is somewhere between R and X and this is a different discussion for a different day.
Back to the latest by Pavid Vernin. You may have heard their 2020 release, “The Beach Boys Never Surfed”. I mention that song because the sound of that is sort of an indication that this type of sound was in the arsenal. So… all the elements of this new release were in place but not quite as conceptual and focused.
One major difference between past releases and this latest release are the song titles. Are you ready for this? All song titles conjure cannibalistic images from a death metal concentration camp. The titles are bombastic and the graphic yet sometimes humorous lyrics are the foundation of airy surf-punk with lush back-ups. Amazingly, it seems perfectly reasonable while listening.
Tracklisting
1. Excremental Feast on the Decomposing Remnants of Humanity
2. Sacrificed by Cannibals at the Bottom of the Stairs to the Church of Blood
3. Desecrate the Cathedral
4. Mutilated in Thy Dungeon
5. Baptized in Searing Acid in the Cesspool of the Necrotic Slaughterhouse
6. Dismembered Limbs Rotting in a Pool of Carnal Disfigurement
7. The Facilitator of Perpetual Anguish
8. Profusely Decomposed into Homicidal Casket Discharge
9. Profound Suffering into an Endless Vortex of Agony
10. Tormented Corpse Exsanguination
11. Brutalizer of My Soul
12. Initiating the Unholy Rituals of Excruciating Torture and Dismemberment
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Billy, Don't Be A Porter |
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Toughest Girl In Town
Sparks Guru
Joined: 15 Feb 2022
Posts: 4603
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| Posted: Mon Jun 17, 2024 3:53 am Post subject: |
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Those song titles are really funny, makes me think of all the death metal bands I used to listen to when I was younger!
I didn't know who Pavid Vermin were, not my cup of tea musically speaking, but they have a good sense of humour. Their album covers are surprising too! |
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