A Year In Music As Reviewed By A Mentally Young 51 Year Old Caucasian in 2014

   
 So we are going to take a look at some of the music I enjoyed in 2014.  There will be many areas of the musical world that will not be mentioned here.  Basically, I will be mentioning catchy Pop tunes and semi-obscure songs that I can share with friends and family.  The only common thread I can find in my semi-obscure songs is that most of them make the listener want to remain still.  I find that important in my music as I don't like to move around too much,

FAVORITE POP SONGS

I don't claim to know all about the 2014 Pop music scene, but I know enough for this blog. It is safe to say that Pop music was dominated by females in 2014.  My three favorite Pop songs from last year were all by females.  Also, I liked a few songs from Iggy Azalea, who seemed to be all over the place in 2014.  Here are my favorite pop songs from last year:

1)  "Bang Bang" by Jessie J, Ariana Grande and Nicki Minaj = I was immediately sold on this song as soon as I saw them perform it on one of the MTV Award shows.  It has everything I like in a song, plus some things I didn't even know I liked in a song.  Two thumbs up!

                 
2) "All About That Bass" by Meghan Trainor = what a catchy tune and fun lyrics!  video perfect too!
3) "Shake It Off" by Taylor Swift = love everything about her!  hugely talented.

Honorable Mention goes to the band Magic for their song "Rude."  They aren't female, but they did throw together a memorable song from 2014. Also, have to mention they are a Canadian reggae band. Who knew there was even such a thing?

SEMI-OBSCURE SONGS THAT GARY LIKES FROM 2014

"Dangerous" by Big Data = This was absolutely my favorite song of 2014.  The fact that the video is sexy and disturbing at the same time, only added to the allure.
               

Below are other favorites:

"Beware the Dog" by The Griswolds
"Take It As It Comes" by J Roddy Walston & the Business
"Scare Away The Dark" by Passenger
"Budapest" by George Ezra
"West Coast" by Lana Del Rey
"Drive In Movies" by Ray LaMontagne
"Habits" by Tove Lo
"Sunken Ship" by Will Dailey
"Water Fountain" by Tune-Yards
"Come Up Man" by G Love & Special Sauce



SEMI-OBSCURE SONGS THAT GARY LIKES THAT MAY HAVE COME OUT IN 2013


"Three Headed Woman" by Boy & Bear
"Emmylou" by First Aid Kit
"So American" by Portugal. The Man
"Take Me To Church" by Hozier
"Cool Kids" by Echosmith

LOCAL CD's RELEASED IN 2014 BY BANDS I TALK ABOUT CONSTANTLY

"Good Luck" by Girls Guns and Glory
"Love Whip Blues" by Erin Harpe and the Delta Swingers
"Fake It 'Till You Make A Hit" by Pat and the Hats

BEST CD BY A DISTANT RELATIVE RELEASED IN 2014

In  2014, I found out from my Aunt Pat that her grandson, or my cousin Jodie's son, is a drummer in an up and coming band from the Nashville, TN area.  His name is James Alan.  They put out an EP this year that I think is excellent.  The name is below and I included a video of one of their songs.

"Won't Be Long" by Wabash

                     
SONG I LIKE TO PLAY AT START OF EVERY NEW YEAR

"Everybody's Free (To Wear Sunscreen) by Baz Luhrmann

You will know this song/speech, as soon as you hear it.  Something about it always puts my brain in a good place.  Once per year is probably not enough to hear it.
           
                     

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 2015 Inductees

       

The 2015 class of Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductees contains some of my all-time favorite solo artists and bands.  The eight inductees are Bill Withers, Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Green Day, Ringo Starr, Lou Reed, The Paul Butterfield Blues Band, and the 5 Royales.  I thought it would be fun to share some thoughts on each of these artists.




Bill Withers - A few of his most popular songs are "Lean On Me", "Ain't No Sunshine", and "Use Me".  "Ain't No Sunshine" has always been so much fun to sing with when it gets to the part "I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know,  I know, Hey, oughtta leave young thing alone, But ain't no sunshine when she's gone."

Stevie Vaughan & Double Trouble - I actually didn't know they weren't already in the Hall until about a year ago.  Stevie entered my life around 1984 when my brother brought the "Couldn't Stand the Weather" album into our house.  The song that hooked me for life was "Cold Shot."  I have been known to destroy that tune at karaoke from time to time.  If you have never seen his concert recorded in Toronto at the El Mocambo in 1983, you should.  It came out in the early 90's and for me it solidified that Stevie was a one of a kind talent.  An amazing performance for sure.  I also credit him for helping me discover other great Blues music over the years.  One of my favorites of all-time for sure.

                     

Joan Jett and the Blackhearts - "I Love Rock and Roll" from 1982, one of the great singles since I have been on the planet.  Strange memory I have of this song is my high school friend, Mike Provost, singing this to me in the Merrimack High School store.  I wish I could shake the memory, but I can't.  I guess it could be worse.  He is a good guy.  Anyway, Joan Jett could bring it.  "I Hate Myself For Loving You" is another classic.  She also reminded me of Leather Tuscadero from the "Happy Days" television show and I was always a big fan of both Leather and Pinky Tuscadero.   "Aaaaaaaa"

Green Day - Can it be that these guys have been around 25 years?  Yes, they have with their 1990 album "39/Smooth" on an independent record label.  Their major label debut was "Dookie in 1994.  "When I Come Around" and "Basket Case" were hits from that album.   Since then they have consistently put out strong music.   My niece is a big fan and that is a good enough reason for me to endorse them!

Ringo Starr - the last of the Beatles to be inducted into the Hall as an individual.  I love Ringo.  The world loves Ringo.  He had his share of individual hits such as "It Don't Come Easy" and "You're Sixteen."  He is also responsible for one of the three songs that can easily make me cry.  His song "Photograph" gets to me every time I hear it.  The other two songs are "Nightshift" by the Commodores and the immortal "Seasons in the Sun" by Terry Jacks.

Lou Reed - I have more Lou Reed albums than a normal person should have.  Lou is responsible for my favorite Rock song of all-time.  "Sweet Jane" recorded by the Velvet Underground, of which Lou was a prominent part before he went solo, has been on my favorite list for many years.  Most people probably know him from "Walk on the Wild Side" which I imagine was his biggest hit by far.  It was also an unlikely hit in hindsight, but the music business is a fickle mistress.  Possibly my favorite recording of his is "Live Take No Prisoners" album.  He throws some between songs banter on that recording that was not heard before or since.  Entertaining from start to finish.

                 

The Paul Butterfield Blues Band - I have to be honest, I have seen his name before over the years, but not familiar with his music. Thanks to the interweb, I found out he was from Chicago and was a big Blues fan.  He was a singer and harmonica player.  Paul learned from such greats as Muddy Waters and Little Walter.  He and his band played at the original Woodstock.  They are also credited with spreading Blues music to lots of people that never would have been exposed to it.  I am a fan of anyone that creates interest in the Blues.  Next up for me is checking out some of his music.





The 5 Royales - These guys are not so well known compared to most of the people mentioned above.  Let me tell you how I got into them.  I have seen lots of Blues bands over the years.  Each time you see a band they play something that you don't know, but instantly love it.  I like to research those songs when I get home from the show and find out where they came from.  Well, I can tell you that many times the results of my research led me to the 5 Royales.  So, I had to look into them.  They were at their best in the 1950's through the mid 1960's.  I scooped up one of their Greatest hits cd's and loved it all.  Then, I found a marked down box set of five cd's of their music and now I think I have nearly every song these guys recorded.  Some of my favorite songs are "I Like It Like That" and "Baby, Don't Do It."  The Shirelles had a big hit with the 5 Royales song "Dedicated to the One I Love" and James Brown recorded their song "Think".   These guys are a fine example of "so much music, so little time."  I am glad I found these guys and have their music in my life now.

                    


Congratulations to the 2015 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductees!  Thank you for the music and the memories.

Christmas Show at Capitol Center for the Arts - featuring local guitar legend Myron Kibbee

       
   
   

      Rocking Horse Studio in Pittsfield, NH put on a Christmas show at the Capitol Center for the Arts in Concord, NH recently.  First off, I want to apologize for any of the performers that I don't mention here.  I forgot to bring my little notebook to jot down what I saw, so I am doing this from memory.  Some of you may have seen a version of this show on WMUR's "Chronicle" show last year.  The show was nominated for an Emmy.  It was rebroadcast this year.  This Rocking Horse Studio has quite a stable of talented musicians (see how I linked horse and stable? can't teach that).
 

Myron playing at my friend's wedding

   
     I first heard of this place from the super cool and super talented guitarist, Myron Kibbee.  He plays on a lot of the recordings that take place there.  He also was onstage most of this night providing fantastic guitar work on a variety of songs.  On a side note, I am nearly related to Mr. Kibbee.  He is my good friend's brother in law.

     Some of the performers that I saw were Dusty Gray Band, Rachel Vogelzang, Pat and the Hats, Chris Peters, Delanie Pickering, The Connection, Steve Blunt, The Four Legged Faithful, Seth Wonkka, Gina Alibrio, Mike Dunbar and Hannah Michaud.

     I am not a huge Christmas music fan, but I enjoyed nearly every song I heard this night.  The arrangements and talent of the performers seemed to bring new life into most of these traditional Holiday tunes.
 
     Next, I will mention some of the songs that have stuck in my murky memory banks.  "Merry Christmas Baby" performed by Delanie Pickering, featured some soulful vocals and bluesy guitar work.  "Christmas Wrapping" by the Waitresses was performed by Michelle Coombes and Brittany Laine (the female singer from Pat and Hats) on vocals and backed by Pat and the Hats and other folks.  Pat and the Hats stayed on stage to perform a a sizzling version of "Father Christmas" by the Kinks.

     Chris Peters did a beautiful original song entitled "Christmas Angels" which hit me right in my single-guy heart.  I happened to meet him after the show and he gave me a couple of things that I am told you can download this song with.  He also gave me a copy of his latest full-length CD.  Chris was very kind and generous and a great representative of what the night was all about.

     One last song I would like to mention was the playful version of "Baby It's Cold Outside" performed by Mike Dunbar and Hannah Michaud.  I have included a video of this song and you can see the fun they had performing this classic.  Hannah also had the nicest Christmas sweater at the show.

             
     Special mention should go to Brian Coombes, who apparently is the head honcho at Rocking Horse and without him this great night would not have happened. If this show comes around again next year, you should buy your tickets fast. The event sold out this year.  Bring your family, a loved one, a friend, or just bring me.  whatever, just go.  Happy Holidays!
       

             

A Musical Weekend (Part One - Friday)

          I had the pleasure of seeing two of my favorite local bands in the same weekend, a few weeks ago. On the Friday night, I saw Erin Harpe and the Delta Swingers in Lowell, MA and on the Saturday night ,I saw Pat and the Hats in Warner, NH.  Both bands have been featured in this world famous blog previously, so I am not going to rehash all of praise I have already tossed on them. Instead, I am going to try and share the fun you can have with the local music scene within sixty miles of Nashua, NH.

The Friday night show took place at the Back Page in Lowell, MA.  I have a limited knowledge of traveling around Lowell, but my traveling partner, Abbi, allegedly had a GPS-type feature on her fancy phone. This alleviated any fears I had of getting lost in Lowell and not getting good seats for the show and quite a number of other catastrophes I envisioned.  The only trouble with this GPS thing was that any time we reached a part of the trip where we needed to make a decision on which way to turn, Abbi or the phone would lose contact with our GPS instruction deliverer. I heard the word "recalculating" quite often.
This GPS service raised some concerns right from the start, as the woman's voice guiding us, sounded like it came from someone with the flu. I seriously felt like I was going to catch something from her. Anyhow, we overcame that somehow and arrived at our destination on time. I would never be able to retrace the route we took to get there however.
After parking the car, we walked by a group of youths that all must have been battling glaucoma, as they seemed to be sharing their medicinal marijuana to combat their affliction.
Next, we walked by a finely dressed middle-aged couple sharing a bottle of wine in a bag near a dumpster outside a sushi palace. This already had the makings of a good night.

     The bar opened at 7pm and we arrived at roughly 7:03pm.  We walked in and the place was empty, except for a bartender who was setting up her cash register for the night. The bartender asked what we were doing there so early. I told her we were there to see the band and she responded with "you know the music doesn't start until 9pm."  I told her I was aware of that, but wanted to be sure that we got good seats. She said "it doesn't get crowded here until 10:30pm."  None of what she said helped me with my friend Abbi, who skipped dinner to fit into my strict time constraints. I scanned the empty bar and picked the perfect seats and settled in for a fun-filled evening.

They had a nice selection of beers and fancy martinis to help us kill a couple of hours.  As far as food goes, they have what would best be described as a "limited" menu. The only other negative that I found was that no matter what I tried I could not lock the men's room door. It was a one man at a time setup, but there was no way for me to prevent the door from being flung open when I was in there.  I was quite jittery during my visits there. I am not sure if the other male patrons had the same problem, but I really had no idea who to ask and if I even should ask.

     Eventually, the band came on and we enjoyed their music and the celebration of their their new CD release, entitled "Love Whip Blues."

A local radio station also broadcast the show. Our bartender wasn't lying either, there was a good crowd there by 10:30pm     The entire night would have went off without a hitch, if I did not make a colossal social gaffe when saying goodbye to the one and only, Erin Harpe.
I gave her a hello hug like a normal human would.  We talked about the new CD and that the band sounded great, and the crowd was good, and then I ran out of things to say. So... I hugged her again.  It was way too soon since the initial hug and was awkward for both of us. I am afraid in the future, I will have to enjoy the band from a distance. It is a shame because I think we were on our way to becoming friends. I think I was just starstruck from the excitement of the radio broadcast and the CD release party. I was done in by the double-hug. Embarrassing.

Asleep at the Blog and Asleep at the Wheel

Me & The Bride

          So I missed an entire month of blogging.  I am not sure if anyone noticed, but it's true.  There are three reasons for this lengthy break.
   The first reason is that my birthday was at the end of September. Any of you that know me, know I need to celebrate my birthday until everyone around me is sick of hearing about it.
   The second reason is that my friends Abbi and Matt got married in early October and you know how time consuming other people's weddings can be.
   The third and final reason was due to a personal change in my acknowledgement of Columbus Day.  I made the switch over to Indigenous People Day, rather than the traditional Columbus Day and I found that gave me a deeper meaning of the Holiday.  In fact, during a celebration toast to Indigenous People Day, a nearby Micmac Indian came over and gave me a hug for my thoughtful cheer. It did not take long for this change to impact my life. Okay, let's get to a recent show that I took in.

Asleep at the Wheel

I saw the band Asleep at the Wheel at one of my favorite places, the Bull Run in Shirley, MA.  These folks play a brand of music called Western Swing.  I would think Country should be part of that description as well, but I do not name my own musical categories yet.  There cannot be too many Western Swing bands still around, although I do not really have verification of that fact.  Apparently they are carrying on in the tradition of Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys, who were big in the 1940's with this Western swing thing.

Katie Holmes

     Ray Benson is the leader of the band and has been in charge since the band started in 1970.  They have won nine Grammys and recorded a total of over 25 studio and live albums.  I have seen the band a few times over the years and was surprised to see they changed up their lineup recently. They added Emily Gimble on piano and vocals and she can really belt out a tune. Also new is Katie Holmes on fiddle and vocals and she is talented and perpetually smiling. Gone is stalwart fiddle player, Jason Roberts, who has his own band now.

The man to watch perform however, is Eddie Rivers on the steel guitar and occasional saxophone. He is a captivating performer on his steel guitar. Second to that would have to be singer Ray Benson's ball-juggling that ends with him catching the last ball in his cowboy hat.  You cannot put a price in that type of entertainment.


                   

     Perhaps their most famous song is their rendition of "Get Your Kicks (On Route 66). "  An interesting little fact about their history with that song is that they have recorded and released different versions of that song four times in four different decades.  That's pretty cool. A couple of other songs that they perform in their concert that you may have heard are "Don't Fence Me In" and "Hot Rod Lincoln."  "Miles and Miles of Texas" and "Big Balls in Cowtown" are a couple of other Asleep classics.  The show always ends with "Happy Trails to You".

I would recommend seeing Asleep at the Wheel if no other reason than to checkout their unique style and fabulous musicianship.

   

                    

Paul Thorn Should Be Pricking Everybody!

       

Paul Thorn should be known by the entire United States, but I don't think he is.  My brother, Steve, introduced me to his music and I am darn happy that he did.  I immediately added this to the list of reasons why I love my brother.  Paul's musical styles bounce around quite a bit.  I know he is a member of that Singer/Songwriter category and he also does well in that wide-ranging Americana genre that the rootsy hipsters enjoy nowadays.  He throws in some Blues, Rock, and Gospel as well.  I have never been part of a Revival, but I think his shows have a piece of that in them as well.  He might play a bit of Swamp Rock too, as I was pretty swampy at the end of this show.  That may have been caused by the high temperature inside however.

                    
Mr. Thorn has a great way of connecting to his audience through his songs and storytelling.  He speaks and acts in a genuine and heartfelt manner.  He also makes sure to go throughout the crowd, hugging folks and posing for pictures and such during the show.  After the show, he is always available for autographs and photos as well.  I have included a picture of Paul with my super cool niece, Heather.

    Paul returned to the Bull Run in Shirley, MA earlier in the month, after a successful appearance there last year.  He even remembered meeting my niece from his last visit.  To give you an example of how he connects with his audience, he noticed my young niece standing up in the crowd and said "I see some people brought their children with them.  That's good because some of my fans are dying off and we need to replace them!" Paul got a good laugh from the audience for that one and provided a special memory for my family.
   
The audience received a little Paul Thorn bonus on this night, as the scheduled opening act did not appear.  Paul did an acoustic set  to get the night rolling.   This provided me with a great opportunity to focus on his lyrics and not be distracted by how talented his band is when they are plugged in and rocking out.  Bill Hinds is one bad man on the guitar.  Michael Graham AKA Dr. Love, is a dynamo on keyboards.  He can Boogie Woogie, Barrelhouse, or Chopstick the hell out of those keys!  The bass player has similar hair to the late Robin Williams, which provided me with an odd feeling of reassurance and sadness.

     I almost forgot to mention that there was a special guest appearance by Al Kooper.  He joined Paul for a song during the acoustic set.  Al Kooper is not to be confused with Alice Cooper, with the snakes and "School's Out" fame.  This Al Kooper was one of the original members of Blood, Sweat, and Tears. He also discovered a band named Lynyrd Skynyrd.  He has done a bunch of other things too.  Google him.  Learn something.  Someday I won't be around to teach you all of this.

     Another interesting tidbit about Mr. Thorn is that he was a professional boxer from 1985 to 1988.  In fact, he fought Roberto Duran in 1988 (yes, that Roberto Duran) in Atlantic City.  Duran's record was 82-7 at the time and Thorn's was 9-1-1.   Paul lost in the 6th round due to a cut that couldn't be closed.  It is an experience he speaks fondly of.  I included some of the fight here.

 

 If all of this doesn't make you want to check him out, then I don't know what will. His recorded music is excellent as well.  Buy a CD or download whatever people download on their mysterious gadgets.  These guys have developed quite a following and I think tickets will go fast next time they come around.  Don't miss out!

 

Chris Isaak - More Than Just A Wicked Game

 

 Chris Isaak made his annual visit to the Club Casino in Hampton Beach, NH a couple of Fridays ago.

Lori & I from Chris Isaak 2012

 I have lost track of how many times I have seen him in concert.  I know this was my fourth time with Lori, my other Chris Isaak fanatic and great friend.

The first time that I saw him was performing outside of a radio station in Portland, Maine when his giant hit "Wicked Game" first hit the airwaves.  I am fairly certain he still plays the same guitar that he was playing that afternoon.  Lots of people only know him from his song "Wicked Game," which was a national Top 10 hit back in 1991.  It also had one of the greatest videos of all-time featuring model Helena Christensen and filmed in black and white on a beach.  Needless to say that video will be included here in this blog and will easily be the best part of this entry.


 

 I think some people think a Chris Isaak show would be filled with lots of love songs and old women throwing underwear at the stage.  And they would be right.  Just kidding, there are a few love songs and limited underwear being thrown.  Chris is a fabulous showman and entertains throughout the night.

A few things you can expect to enjoy at most of his shows are:
 
     1. A song sung while walking throughout the audience giving hugs and posing for pictures with his loving fans. (all of the Reserved Seating was sold out for this show and most of the General Admission area was filled too)
 
     2. He will make you laugh loudly with his between song banter
 
     3. He and the band will throw in a little acoustic break in the middle of the show and sit in a circle and zip through some great songs. This part looks like the band is immensely enjoying themselves.
   
     4. Chris will wear some outlandish suits! I believe his mother used to make his suits. I am not sure if that is still the case, but let's assume it is.

His last cd was released in 2011 and was entitled "Beyond the Sun." This disc was a tribute to the legendary Sun Studios in Memphis, Tennessee.  Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash and Roy Orbision, all recorded there when they were first starting out.  Their songs, as well as many other famous artists are covered here by Chris on this superb 2-cd set.  I had the good fortune to be able to visit Sun Studios.  It isn't in the nicest part of Memphis and the day I was there, the historical marker that should have been out front, was in the lobby because someone tried to pull it out of the ground the night before with a truck and chains.  The tour of the place was perfect for me. You walk in the studio and then never move from there!  The studio has been kept in its original condition with the same ceiling tiles and floor that you see in all of the famous early pictures of the artists that recorded there.  The tour folks tell you stories about the artists and the recording sessions and play you samples of the music.  It is one of the coolest musical places that I have ever been in.

     So back to Chris Isaak, he is a whole lot more than a "One Hit Wonder" and you should get out and see him.  You will not regret it!