Defense of title # 15 and pursuit of the 16th come tonight! Not to mention having the championship rings getting passed out and the banner hung at Staples. Very excited for the season to begin and hope the Lakers are as cool as they seem.
I don’t know about you but I am NOT ready for the summer to be over.
Usually I am stoked for seasonal change but not this year. I’m reminded as well about how insane this past winter was. To that effect I added a global Weather link to the menu down right that shows my recap.
I give you for Friday, the genius of Tony Royster Jr.
His skills are well known and his talent prodigious.
What I like is how happy he looks when he plays.
He seems completely connected to the instrument and brings so much passion to his playing. He gets a lot of flack from some ends of the drumming spectrum for being just another super technical player but I think he has unique energy AND technical supremacy.
I’m glad that Toadies are back together and Vaden Lewis has rediscovered that great band’s power again.
But, his short alliance with Taz (from Reverend Horton Heat) and partners in Burden Brothers was poised for kickassdom. I’m still kind of surprised nobody caught on to them.
Here’s a video for “Shadow” from their first record.
I highly recommend an investigation into both their records if you dig this.
Well worth the coin for some kick ass rock with amazing vocals.
So utterly sad to hear that Les Paul has left this world.
I never had a chance to meet him in person but I did have the opportunity to see him play for Gibson at NAMM in 1995. He was debuting some new Les Paul signature line with guys like Slash and others.
He seemed so genuine and honest in his playing and in his conversation.
Without him, the electric guitar would be a much different beast.
All musician’s owe him a debt of gratitude and respect.
RIP Les.
Currently, I am obsessed with Jeff Beck’s recent live album entitled “Performing this week – at Ronnie Scott’s, Jeff Beck”.
Aside from the sound quality (absolutely stellar), the ungodly playing of all in the band, it’s a uniquely satisfying listen.
As a musician I am astounded when I hear playing like this and the physical abilities of the players. Doesn’t hurt that my man Vinnie Colaiuta is on the tubs making Beck’s music breathe and jump like I don’t think it ever has.
Here’s a great clip from the DVD of “Nadia” to get a taste.
Somehow, someway, at least once every 2 weeks or so I am reminded of the time I spent living in Kansas City, Missouri in the late 90′s. It’s a good thing mind you, not a bad thing.
But invariably the reminder is in the form of music, a band, something.
Today, I am reminded of one of the most overlooked and undervalued 90′s KCMO rock bands: Molly McGuire.
Check out this clip from 1996 recorded at the Whiskey doing “Stand Up” from their first major label disc called “Lime”.
The power they had onstage was incredible but Jason “Meatsuit” Gerken was the engine of the band. Check out his amazing groove and drumming ability.