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Tribute to “forgotten rock”

Posted on Nov 13, 2009 under Tribute | No Comment

I’ve decided to try to bring back tribute and this one will be to the “forgotten rock”. Sure, we all know the big names, Led Zeppelin, Aerosmith, Queen, Rolling Stones, Chicago, and so on but there were many other bands that helped bring rock to it’s glory yet seem to not get a lot of airplay today like the Kinks, Slade, and several others.

First, I’ll start with Sweet’s “Fox on the Run“. Sweet (a.k.a. “The Sweet”) brought us several hits including this song, “Ballroom Blitz” (covered in the movie “Wayne’s World), “Teenage Rampage“, and “Love is Like Oxygen“. Sweet is a definite staple of the 70’s rock era that has gotten swept under the rug by much larger and more sucessful acts.

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Another forgotten band is Slade. Slade had many hits though the 70s and into the 80’s from “How Does it Feel“, “Look Wot You Dun“, and “Mamma Weer All Crazee Now“. Despite their deliberate misspellings in many of their song titles, they never made it big in the USA but clearly made their mark on modern rock. Gene Simmons (of Kiss) and Tom Petersson (of Cheap Trick) both admitted to being fans of Slade - Gene even admitted that Kiss’ early styles were influenced by Slade. Quiet Riot covered the song’s “Cum on Feel the Noize” and “Mamma Weer All Crazee Now” and Oasis also covered the song “Cum on Feel the Noize” as a B-side to “Don’t Look Back in Anger“.

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The next band is one we’ve all heard but most can’t name. T-Rex is credited for being a significant influence in glam rock, punk, as well as assisting in the British invasion during the late 1960s. The band was on the track to making a successful comeback until the untimely death of their singer, Marc Dolan, in a dunk and driving accident in 1977. Their hit “Children of the Revolution” was covered by Bono (U2), Gavin Friday (Bush), Voilent Femes, and Maurice Seezer for the soundtrack to the 2001 musical “Moulin Rouge!” (in the movie performed by Christian, The Bohemians, and the Green Fairy).

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A tribute to Elton John

Posted on May 23, 2009 under Tribute | No Comment

I don’t care if he’s a complete asshole to the paparazzi and they jump on it every chance they get - Elton is still one hell of a performer and songwriter.

I think we don’t have any performers today to play with the energy and passion that Elton has throughout the years (who knows if it was fueled by drugs or not..). I think there are also some iconic faces in this live performance.

Elton’s career has also lasted though the decades and he never seemed to slow down at any time.

And lastly, when Elton did a tribute to the late Freddie Mercury during Queen’s “Concert for Life”. It was great to see him front up the surviving members of queen (Brian May on guitar, John Deacon on bass, Roger Taylor on drums). It also seems that Elton was always ready to help out with charities.

A tribute to Supertramp

Posted on May 17, 2009 under Tribute | No Comment

One of the lesser known, yet great, bands of the 70’s, 80’s and on is Supertramp. Another underrated band that people know but usually can’t place.

This band did get me in trouble at work once. I was listening to “Bloody Well Right” and a young lady asked me what band it was. So, I replied “Supertramp”. Of course, she complained to management that I called her a tramp. Sometimes you can’t just win.

First, Breakfast in America (and no, this isn’t the “new” version):

Next, my personal favorite from them, Goodbye Stranger:

Next, The Logical Song:

Lastly, Roger Hodgson (not with Supertramp) singing Take the Long Way Home:

Tribute to the Talking Heads

Posted on May 09, 2009 under Tribute | No Comment

I’ve decided to do a tribute to a rather undrrated, yet quite influential, band, The Talking Heads. I don’t think we’ve had a band since that could match their theatrics.

First, a love perofrmance of one of their first hits, Phycho Killer (recently featured in an episode of Heroes).

Next a recording from a live performance of Live During Wartime. I’ve personally dubbed this one “The Talking Heads Aerobic Workout Video”. Within 30 seconds you’ll see why. They must have been great to see live - I wish I had the opprotunity to see them especially during this time in their career. I also have to admit, David Byrne can move.

Lastly, how could I not include a tribute to them without their biggest hit, Burning Down the House?

The video has embedding disabled but you can view it here:
YouTube Link

Today in Rock (Mar 31) and I’m going to miss YCW tomorrow..

Posted on Mar 31, 2009 under Site News, Tribute | No Comment

Work has me going far far away, our of the reaches of the P&YR show tomorrow morning so I’ll miss the debut of YCW but I’ll try to catch a webcast when I’m back to post the question, answer, and prizes.

And now, today in rock.

• 1954 - Gee by Crows, claimed by many to be first genuine rock-and-roll hit, peaks at No. 6 on US R&B chart.
• 1960 - Angus Young (AC/DC) was born.
• 1967 - Robert Plant releases second pre-Led Zeppelin solo single, “Our Song”.
• 1973 - Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon hits UK LP chart.
• 1983 - “Beat It“, by Michael Jackson - which features a blistering Eddie Van Halen guitar solo - is premiered on MTV. Its high-energy fusion of rock and soul drives it to the top of the charts.
• 1995 - Selena, the Latin superstar is shot and killed by her former personal assistant and former president of her fan club, who had earlier been dismissed for embezzlement.

Today in Rock (March 5)

Posted on Mar 05, 2009 under Today in Rock, Tribute | No Comment

• 1948 - Eddie Grant was born
• 1955 - Elvis Presley makes his first-ever US TV appearance on Louisiana Hay Ride.
• 1982 - John Belushi died

In honor of John Belushi:

Today in Rock (March 2 & 3)

Posted on Mar 03, 2009 under Today in Rock, Tribute | No Comment

March 2:

• 1950 - Karen Carpenter (The Carpenters) was born.
• 1962 - Jon Bon Jovi was born.
• 1983 - The compact disc (CD) was launched.
• 1984 - This is Spinal Tap (movie) was released

In honor of the “Greatest rock & roll band that never existed:


March 3:

• 1973 - Slade’s Cum on Feel the Noize hits #1
• 1984 - Nena’s 99 Red Balloons hits #1
• 1984 - Queen releases Radio Ga-Ga, their last Top Forty hit in the U.S. until Bohemian Rhapsody’s renaissance in 1992. The lead-off single from The Works, Queen’s 12th studio album, hits #16 in the U.S. and #2 in the U.K.

A blast from the past..

Posted on Jan 08, 2009 under Tribute | No Comment

They played this (well, the original) during one of the breaks today.  I just couldn’t resist.

Enjoy.

(Even the backup looks like Kate Pierson)
Edit: Kate, if you read this, don’t take offense, it’s the hair but could I have an autographed copy of an album, please?

An oldie but goodie

Posted on Dec 03, 2008 under Tribute | No Comment

I just found this on YouTube, talk about bringing back memories.

Tribute to Billy Joel

Posted on Nov 15, 2008 under Tribute | No Comment

I’m not the largest Billy Joel fan, but I won’t deny his success. I’ve had a few emails asking to do a tribute to him since he’s sold out 3 shows here and probabaly will sell out a fourth. I haven’t seen a feat like this since Boston started their Third Stage tour in Worcester, Mass where they sold out something like 6 or 7 shows (they started with 3 and as they were all sold out within minutes they’d add on another date).

Here’s a clip of Billy Joel (and his band) playing “Angry Young Man” live (including the prelude). Billy is definitely up there as one of the best piano players out there.

Here’s a video of him singing “We Didn’t Start the Fire” doing something we don’t see him do often, playing guitar.

Of course, what kind of Billy Joel tribute wouldn’t have Piano Man?

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I do have to admit, Billy Joel is an extremely talented performer (and songwriter / composer). Crossing over several genres and after almost 40 years he still sells out stadiums.