The point is, I have no idea what my musical taste is and when I started this blog, I started it as an opportunity to explore a particular genre of music (that is, predominately hair metal) as part of the internet community. I realized quite quickly though, I can’t stay in one category….I just don’t listen to any one thing regularly enough to focus on it. While I’ve certainly not stopped listening to music, it is sometimes difficult for me to blog about it because I dont really have any particular  focus.

But anyway….hope you’ll forgive me for my long periods of absence

here’s a song that I’ve really been jamming to lately, enjoy!

I told you I was all over the place I’ve always loved Kenny Rogers. In fact, his Christmas CD is one of only two that I ever listen to. He’s got such a gentle, approachable voice. However, has he ever been young?? I don’t think Ive ever seen a picture of him where he isn’t white haired and bearded. and Dolly Parton….what isn’t there to say about Dolly?? she’s just all-around fabulous, a timeless act. She was so beautiful back in the day, too. Shame she decided to cut herself up

rock on!

Now, I’m an Elvis fan and have been for some time. This video is not new to me, but it may be for some. In my opinion this is among the best clips on youtube, and if you’re not an Elvis fan now, I’m confident this can convert you.

I love the beginning, when he “forgets the words.” Whether or not he actually did forget the words or was just having a bit of fun with the song is up for debate, but either way, his humility and humor shines through. I hope that clip makes you smile as it made me

I love his version of My Way. Sometimes it is possible for us to hear Elvis so much that we begin to stop paying attention to him. We get use to hearing his version of Blue suede Shoes or Hound Dog or Suspicious Minds or In the Ghetto, or what ever else…and after a while they fail to impress us. Hearing him sing this song, one that I’m not all that used to hearing him sing, what strikes me the most is just what a powerful, beautiful voice he had. So often I really underestimate what a talented singer he was.

Besides that, the pure stage presence he exhibits is astonishing. I could not take my eyes off of him while he was singing. He’s emotive and honest, the words come from somewhere deeper inside of him. When he sings “and to think I did all that” he genuinely sounds surprised and astonished at himself. As he sings, he really gives the impression that he is reflecting on his own life in the lyrics, and is singing the story of his own life.

For an artist to pull that off with a another artist’s signature song and make it his own is a challenge in itself, and when it is pulled off so well it truly is remarkable.

Thanks for letting me share that. I’ve been watching it over and over this week, and enjoy it just the same every time.

ROCK ON

I wish I could write a proper tribute, but I don’t really know what to say that would make it different from every other tribute, or an announcement in a newspaper or something.

I guess all I can do is say how he touched my life. he was a musician without borders, reaching out and collaborating with soul singers and rockstars, even though he was usually classified as some sort of 80′s “pop.” whatever that means. In reality, I think Michael Jackson was a little bit of everything. I think thats part of what makes it “ok” for me, a rock/metal fan, to listen to his music. If slash and Eddie Van Halen can collaborate with him, why can’t I give it a spin?  MJ became a hero to me for a long time…I haven’t listened to him in ages now but when I do the magic is always still there. He still has a very special place in my heart, and I’m so sorry he passed.

I thought I’d just post a comment I found around the net that I think give great testament to his role in music history and how he impacted our lives:

“I woke up from a nap and there were three text messages on my phone. Nobody ever texts me, so I knew it must have been big news. I thought there was a fire or something. Turned out, Michael Jackson is dead. I was startled, to say the least, because MJ never seemed like the kind of person that could, you know, die. To be honest, he never really registered in my consciousness as being a person; Michael Jackson was the androgynous sexual panic of “Billie Jean,” the breathless seduction of “P.Y.T.,” the thrilling kitsch of “Thriller,” the chattering afro-popisms of “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’.” The idea that he had a human body, one that needed food and air and sleep, never really clicked in my mind. But then again, I guess that’s to be expected. I mean, how can a mere human being really be thought to be capable of creating something as monstrous, as mechanical, as all-encompassing, and as awesome as Thriller? This kid wasn’t the king of pop; he was the whole damn kingdom. And we, the audience, are not his loyal subjects; we’re just reading the travel brochures.”

-Lazylo Matyas, review on Amazon.com

Truly, Michael Jackson was super-human to us. he eats and drinks and needs sleep, just like anyone. But somehow, he still seems to be from a different world altogether…someone to high up for any of us to ever know or relate to. He doesn’t seem like the kind of being who could die…and especially not so soon.

I feel for his kids, his family, his friends, the performers who were looking forward to the chance of a lifetime to get to work with him on his upcoming London shows…and then for the other fans such as myself, who loved him, and truly do feel the loss…

I hope he finally gets some good rest…

and I just wanted to post my favorite MJ song…PYT

A couple things…I’m in Poland and I don’t have a TV, so coincidentally I haven’t seen any of this season of American Idol. I might as well be on a different planet, the amount of news I hear about the United States couldn’t fill a teaspoon. But somehow, the news that Adam Lambert lost the contest last night did make its way across the pond (and most of the european continent) to my little room in poland. Granted, the only reason I know is because I have been avidly stalking Adam via YouTube (henceforth known as the greatest invention of the 21st century thus far)  and waiting for the results to be announced…I was so sure he’d win, though…

Dude, the guy can sing. he can sing ANYTHING. He’s original and creative, he has an incredible range, he’s an expressive and emotional singer, he can put a new twist on an old song without ruining it…in my opinion, he captures the best of what the  song has to offer, and then builds upon it.

Frankly, I think that the fact he didn’t win has nothing to do with the fact he might be Gay and that he wears eyeliner, like everyone thinks. I mean, look at Tokio Hotel. Eyeliner obviously didn’t stop them, nor did Bill Kaulitz’s hair…in fact, its my opinion that Bill’s hair and eyeliner is the only reason anyone looks twice at that band. Everyone from Nikki Sixx to Little Richard wear eyeliner, no biggie.Rock stars have been shocking parents with androgenous appearances for decades now. And as for being gay…well, Elton John’s career hasn’t been hindered by that, has it? and don’t tell me we didn’t have an inkling that Clay Aiken might be “coming out” soon even when he was on the show. Then there’s Freddy Mercury, Rob Halford, Morrissey…the list goes on.  None of this is new and radical or shocking in this day in age…in fact, I would go so far as to say Gayness and eyeliner often go hand in hand with Rock n Roll.

So whats the deal here??? Personally, I don’t know, I think its all just a marketing thing.  i do think part of his downfall is that he is a tad exaggerated and dramatic. He is obviously suited for performing, he has been on broadway for years…and frankly, I think he would be well suited for the type of flashy, theatrical glam that I love. But for the mainstream pop that this type of show is catering…maybe not. If you go back and watch his audition, you’ll see that even then, Simon was a little critical of him for this reason, and almost hesitant to let him through.Yeah, Adam does scream a lot. he does sometimes border on over-singing. I’m used to hearing this due to my little obsession with 80′s metal, but I understand that the other 90% of America isn’t listening to this kind of music. Kris is a good singer too. He’s not wildly different or dangerous, but he’s good. I understand why people might prefer him…although I’m still a little surprised.

Now, it doesn’t really matter who wins or loses. Who cares. They’re both going to have CDs come out within a year, and I’m gonna buy Adam’s, and someone else is gonna buy Kris’s…whatever. However, all I have to say is that I really, really hope that this gives rock n roll a little more visibility, and Adam sticks around for a long time. I think its time that this type of performer comes back in the spotlight, and he has a great future ahead of him….he’s confident and articulate, he’s a born performer,  and just seems like an all-around nice guy. I think he’ll be a great american idol, even if not The American Idol.

He reminds me a little of Alice Cooper, when he said that he had been called the “last of vaudeville.”

rock n roll isn’t about reality, its about fantasies and making your own world and escaping the problems of this one…it allows you to have the freedom to be absurd and to be more than a little fantastic and unrestrained.

anyway…let me know what you think…

leavin’ ya with some videos

as a big fan of Tear for Fears, I was impressed by this. NAILED.

and of course, he performed with KISS last night. I’m not a kiss fan much at all, but I have to say, he made them sound pretty good, eh? haha.

ROCK AND ROLL IS HERE TO STAY

anyway, whatever.

here’s what I’ve been diggin’ lately….Pride and Glory, Zakk Wylde’s post-Ozzy project. Its surprisingly good, although I don’t really know why I’m surprised…it came out in 1994, and as far as I know hasn’t been re released in the last 10 years, so it might be a little hard to find outside of the internet, but totally worth it if you can get your hands on it…Its heavy and bluesy; Zakk has a soulful quality to his voice that really strikes a nerve with me. its both tender yet forceful and fierce. Its exactly what it should be. and of course…Zakk is one of the guitar heroes of our generation, so that element is spot on, as well. THAT wasn’t a surprise. I don’t underestimate Zakk’s guitar playing, that’s for sure.

take a listen:

I’m so glad someone posted this album on youtube!!! Love this song.

and of course a ballad…

that touches me every time…strong lyrics, a beautiful melody, and Zakk’s voice and guitar are expressive and moving.

ok, I can’t fake it…I don’t really have much to say, kind of tired, honestly, even though you’d think 18 hours on a train would give me plenty of time to rest…oh well…so this is all I’ve got now just wanted to take a few minutes and let you know I’m alive and share what is on my mind…

enjoy the pride and glory!

Zakk Wylde is truly one of my favorites…always seems like such a great guy, and also such a talented musician. Five stars, check it out:)

(oh and ps if you’re ever curious about my travels, you can check me out at jennygoestopoland.wordpress.com!)

So, I’m actually pretty proud of my list at the moment. I’ve got a really spiffy Excel document going, and it looks impressive I’m also hoping it’ll be a place I can record information on each album…including what I paid for it. I think it’ll be interesting to look back on one day and see how many millions of dollars I’ve spent on music during my lifetime. It’ll be something ridiculous, I know.

Anyway, I know none of y’all care. But I’m thinking maybe as I start filling in the information on each album, I’ll give it a listen again, and try to write something about it here that’ll at least give me a framework/subject matter for future posts, since I’ve been kind of brain-dead and out of ideas lately. And if you see anything come up that you don’t have (and is no longer in print…give the artists their due) give me a holler I’ll be glad to upload it for ya

Rock ON!!

enjoy!

such a great band If you don’t like the Dogs, I can’t help you. They’ve made some of the best sleaze rock n roll I can think of, just a great all around band. Its a shame they’ve been forgotten by so many.

rock on!

However, I’ve still been listening to music…I just got Cats In Boots-Kicked and Klawed, and I’m totally loving it. Its such a shame these guys have faded away…they’re actually one of the more interesting bands I’ve heard lately. Comprised of 2 Japanese guitarists who relocated to Hollywood to find stardom, as well as a couple California boys  lookin’ for a band, they spit out sleazy, trashy rock n roll in the veins of Dangerous Toys, Faster Pussycat, or Motley Crue.

You may have heard the song Shotgun Sally, there is a video for it that occassionally pops up on VH1.

I like this song ok, but its definitely not my favorite off the album. The Vince Neil influence is almost too obvious. And despite my undying love for the Crue, I really don’t like Vince. And frankly, I think Cats in Boots has terrible videos.

then there is this one:

The monkey in that video is freaky.

Yeah, I wish they hadn’t picked those two songs to make videos for, although both are really good songs. The entire album just gets better from there. My favorite song on it is “Every Sunrise,” which i have been listening to on repeat since I got the album. Its got a really haunting melody, and the piercing, dark vocals are spot on. Frankly, it gives me chills to listen to, and so far it hasn’t gotten old.

the following track, “Evil Angel” is also one of my favorites. I think since I discovered these two songs, they’ve been all I’ve listened to off this album. Evil Angel is a upbeat and catchy tune, and even includes some Michael Jackson-style hiccups and “oohs” and “oh yeah’s!” which crack me up every time. Really, someone should have blended Michael Jackson and 80′s sleaze metal long before. I wish I’d thought of it.

I wish youtube had something up for these two songs…I’m thinking maybe if I can figure out how to make a video, I’ll post them myself. Everyone who loves good sleaze metal needs to at least hear this record. I don’t know if it is going to stay in my CD player forever, but right now I’m really enjoying it and I’m sure I’ll be adding those aforementioned favorite two songs to many playlists in the future. Its not anything really new or ingenious, but its good, fun, entertaining rock n roll.

Give it a shot, see what you think

Nerd Girl Rocks Paradise City, A True Story of Faking It In Hair Metal LA. wow, just by reading the title I knew this was a book about me. First of all, Anne Soffee grew up in Richmond Virginia, which I know is about as boring as Raleigh North Carolina. So she came from the same background I’ve come from. Good liberal arts education, worrying parents, and an insatiable love of rock n roll…not quite understood by anyone else in the area. The whole time I was reading I was thinking “Is it possible to have a twin sister who is 20 years older than me??” No, but hey, why not dream. The only thing she did that I didn’t do is I haven’t actually moved to LA yet (would love to visit, of course, but the scene has dried up now…) and I haven’t slept with a certain unidentified editor from SPIN Magazine (though she didn’t mention a name I think I’ve got a good idea of who the editor was…Legs McNeil, maybe? the original punk? that’d be pretty amazing, anyway…). But seriously…all the other craziness is prettymuch my life, or has potential to be my life.

I don’t care a whole lot for the conversation-like style of writing (even though I’m well aware my style is probably similar), but considering the fact that the book really isn’t serious literature, the style almost seems more suiting.

I really do wish that the book branched out to talk more about the bands and the scene as a whole…it tends to revolve mainly around her life. Which is fine…it IS her memoir, afterall…but a little discussion about the music that impacted her so profoundly, and maybe some more of her insights into punk and hair metal would have been interesting to read and appreciated. I guess really, I want her book to be another Fargo Rock City, or Hell Bent for leather…partly a memoir, partly a been-there account of the music scene as a whole. Really, when I read a book like this I want to feel like I was there too…since I was born too late to really experience hair metal when it happened.

Other than that, this book was a fun, entertaining and easy read. Definitely worth picking up if you find it!

H.E.A.T., a band I have written about a couple times in the past, has a new song out. As someone said, it looks like they’re part of the Eurovision Competition…

Yup, I like it. At first I wasn’t sure…the intro wasn’t all that strong, but once they jump into the chorus…powerful and fun. That dude can sing. He hits some notes…Im just going to make a prediction that they win this competition…

I’m not a big fan of the facial hair, though. Is that a legitimate concern? I don’t know. At least Nikki Sixx’s goatee makes him look like a pirate. arrgh. I really like that blonde lead guitarist though, so I suppose it is even.

Thought I’d dig some other AOR out of my youtube archives today. Sometimes I forget what is in there…I’ve taken to making folders for everything and trying to be organized. But really, it just means I have to dig deeper to find anything.

Here is another new album I don’t think I’ve said much about….Marcello/Vestry. Yes, you do recognize those names…Rob Marcello from Danger Danger (Naughty Naughty Bang Bang) and Frank Vestry…from somewhere. He apparently recorded with several bands throughout the ’80′s, but the album I am most familiar with is Last Temptation, from 1991.

Everything I’ve heard from this Marcello/Vestry combo has been good, nothing too shocking, but just good. melodic and easy to listen to. that is basically all I need to justify something as a good song.

Vestry embellishes a little with typical hair metal style,the guitar really doesn’t impress me either. But somehow I stick around to the next song. so they must have something going for them. I really haven’t gotten into them too much, but i really like that song. Thought I’d share.

How about one more song, eh?

Dreamtide-What you believe in

lyrics are the strongest asset to this band. A lot of them are pretty general cheesy feel-good stuff “let your dreams fly” or whatever, but they’re talented enough to pull it off, so I take them seriously. And they DO talk a lot about dreams. I wonder what has happened to these guys that has made them so very intent on singing about dreams, and naming themselves Dreamtide. good song though, good band…worth checking out, from what I’ve heard of them.

alright i have things to do today so I’m gonna run….more fun posts tomorrow!