Category Archives: Music

So Long Stefon

Posted on by Musicofourheart

I’m sorry I fell asleep during SNL’s final show of the season. Even sadder still to learn that Bill Hader is leaving the cast. I know “Birds gotta fly and leave the nest”. Alas now it is Stefon’s turn and he will be missed.

Without question my favorite SNL character actor/comedian to come along in a long time has been Bill Hader. He executed well on all the characters he was cast to play. I particularly loved Stefon on Weekend Update.  He kept us informed behind his mouth covered giggles about the hottest clubs in New York City. I never knew that the SNL comedy writer would change his lines just before he delivered them live which added to the hilarity of it all.

http://www.nbc.com/saturday-night-live/video/weekend-update-stefons-farewell/n37074

I also enjoy his characterization of crotchety news reporter Herb Welch. A non-politically correct personality in the age of political correctness.

http://www.hulu.com/watch/211072

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Jac Holzman,The Doors Digital Conceptualist

Posted on by Musicofourheart

An enthusiastic music of our heartfelt thanks to Jac Holzman, Robin Hurely, Brandwidth U.K., and Warner Music Group for delivering to us music technology fans an intelligently designed, highly accessible multimedia app, The Doors Official App for the Apple iPad. Smartly priced at $4.99 it is half the price of a vinyl EP ($10) but a tremendous value as a content reservoir to immerse ourselves inside.

The Doors – The Doors App (Official Trailer)

Jac Holzman is the consummate music visionary who continues to shape our entertainment taste by effectively wielding technology for highest interpretation value. I love that he is excited about the fiber optic connection he has to Warner Music Group and the InterWeb. I continue to be influenced by Jac Holzman as he asserts himself as subject matter authority in digital music content usability.

It stands to reason that the first person to review the app on iTunes would be Bruce Botnick, The Doors audio engineer and record producer. He is the definitive source along with Jac Holzman to the band’s creative historic output. What better seal of approval existent (next to Ray, Robbie and John) is there to confirm the digital archive than Bruce’s role and responsibilities with The Doors.

The Definitive Doors – Five Stars

Beautifully laid out with great depth and sensitivity to the true history, the band and their music. It works extremely well on my iPad 1 with no crashes or gotcha’s. I highly recommend it to all present and future Doors fans.

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Happy Frank Zappa Mothers Day

Posted on by Musicofourheart

For all you Mothers out there (and you know who you are ;) , here is a special tribute pronouncement from Zappa.com

Dear The Frank Zappa & The Mothers’ Little Helpers,

Yeah. We couldn’t help it. It’s that Special Day for mothers everywhere – still mean and almost 50! To commemorate, memorialize and remind that some things never change. No matter what you do, stating the obvious is often the first necessary step to solving a problem. We appreciate your support and authority in representing Frank Zappa’s intent as an Artist and Humorist. We gratefully and proudly present this Special Edition* of HELP I’M A ROCK / IT CAN’T HAPPEN HERE & WHO ARE THE BRAIN POLICE? On Red Vinyl, 12″ at 45 revolutions per minute. We hope you’ll have it in your hot little helping hands in time to commemorate the American Revolution. Those were the days.

L I M I T E D   E D I T I O N

*What’s so special? Check this out:
Side 1: HELP I’M A ROCK / IT CAN’T HAPPEN HERE Original Stereo 1966 Mix
Side 2: WHO ARE THE BRAIN POLICE? Original Mono Release
WHO ARE THE BRAIN POLICE? Basic Trackings (Rock your own mic!)

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Review: ZZ Top at the Oakdale

Posted on by Musicofourheart

ZZ Top

JD and the Straight Shot

May 8, 2013

Toyota at the Oakdale Theatre

Wallingford, Ct.

IMG_0076

I can confirm that this venerable power trio is way more than a “lil ole band from Texas”. They came out, hit their marks on the stage and cranked out their classic blues rock for 90 minutes non-stop. The sound they produce together will grip ya. You feed off their energy song after song. I am always amazed the hurricane gale strength three musicians amplified delivers at the combined center of their respective sound.

What I love about ZZ Top is that they are all meat and no-filler. They had a unique stage setup that takes effective use of wireless networking especially those long cylindrical mike stands. This picture I took with my iPhone captures what I visually experienced. They  had some very cool and captivating graphic effects.

ZZ Top is symbolically associated with sex, cars and rock and roll. They produce great driving music. Gimme All Your Lovin always revs my engines :)

The opening (warmup) act was JD and the Straight Shot. The band is led by Jim Dolan on lead vocals and guitar. They did a 30 minute set. The song I liked the most by this ensemble was the psychedelic cover of It’s A Beautiful Day’s White Bird. 

JD & The Straight Shot

ZZ Top Set List

  1. Precious and Grace 
  2. Heartache in Blue 
  3. Waitin’ for the Bus 
  4. Jesus Just Left Chicago 
  5. Flyin’ High 
  6. Pincushion 
  7. Heard it on the X 
  8. I Gotsta Get Paid 
  10. A Fool for Your Stockings 
  11. My Head’s in Mississippi 
  12. Nasty Dogs and Funky Kings 
  13. Certified Blues 
  14. Chartreuse 
  15. Sharp Dressed Man 
  16. Legs   

And yes they still have those white fuzzy guitars from the Legs video ;)  

Encore

  1. Tube Snake Boogie 
  2. Viva Las Vegas 
  3. La Grange / Sloppy Drunk / Bar-B-Q 
  4. Tush
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Bob Seger and John Fogerty Collaborate on Who’ll Stop The Rain

Posted on by Musicofourheart

The Music of Our Heart is having one of its best music and concert weeks. Saturday night, May 4th we saw Bob Seger & the Silver Bullet Band Live. That concert is echoing warmly within :) . Tonight I’ll be in the 4th row dead center rocking out to ZZ Top at the Oakdale Theatre in Wallingford, Ct. More on that show tomorrow.

I just watched the YouTube video for the forthcoming John Fogerty album, Wrote A Song For Everyone. Sitting in the studio together are two legends Bob Seger and John Fogerty recording, “Who’ll Stop The Rain“. It gave me chills to watch them sing and play together on this classic CCR song. I love seeing Bob Seger working with John Fogerty as they produce a magnetic interpretation.

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Mother, New Solo Album from Natalie Maines

Posted on by Musicofourheart

Drops tomorrow May 7th. Perfect for Mothers Day.

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Concert Review: Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band, Mohegan Sun, May 4, 2013

Posted on by Musicofourheart

Last night we ventured up the interstate to Mohegan Sun Casino to commune with our favorite rock and roller, Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band. Bob never disappoints us. This was our fourth Bob Seger concert in 17 years. I have been a Bob Seger fan since 1968 ;) . Inside the music of our heart that translates to 45 years of wonderful music. Amazingly he showed no signs of stopping last night but it is imminent that he will retire in a few years.

My favorite moment of the night was when Bob said, “Okay, We go back to Live Bullet“, one of the best live rock albums of all time, bar none. He dug down deep transporting us back to Cobo Hall in Detroit Michigan, 1975. Bob and the Silver Bullet performed the connected songs, “Travelin Man” and “Beautiful Loser”. It was better than the original live recording. I became transfixed by the timeless passion he raised through these two songs.

He showcased two new songs from his forthcoming studio album that he projects will release August-September 2013, “All the Roads” and “California Stars”. Bob performed them seated at center stage with an acoustic guitar. When can I place my pre-order Capitol Records? C’mon. c’mon, c’mon ;)

I especially liked the song, “California Stars”,  with lyrics by Woody Guthrie. I urge the reader of this blog post to have a listen on Spotify to and then read up on the Nora Guthrie project, Mermaid Avenue.  Bob Seger has been majorly  influenced by Billy Bragg, Wilco and the memory of Woody Guthrie. I find Bob Seger’s country songs are perhaps his most heartfelt musical moments, as he shares his deep love for country music.

Bob Seger commented to the fans holding up “Happy Birthday Bob” birthday signs that his birthday was on Monday May 6th. He thanked them for recognizing the event ahead of time. He then stated, “I’m going to be 68 and I feel good.” Intuitively he followed those remarks with “Rock and Roll Never Forgets”, the last song of the night.

We left the arena feeling great about the legend, the person, Bob Seger. There were couples dancing in the hallway as we walked out with the night moves.

Set List:

  1. Long Twin Silver Line
  2. Tryin’ to Live My Life Without You
    (Written by Eugene Williams and Originally performed by soul singer, Otis Clay )
  3. The Fire Down Below
  4. Mainstreet
  5. Old Time Rock & Roll
  7. Her Strut
  8. Like a Rock
  9. Travelin’ Man/Beautiful Loser
  10. Roll Me Away
  11. Come To Poppa
  12. California Stars
    (Lyrics by Woody Guthrie, Song: Billy Bragg/Wilco)
  13. We’ve Got Tonight
  14. Turn the Page
  15. Sunspot Baby
  16. Katmandu

Encore #1

  1. Against the Wind
  2. Night Moves

Encore #2

  1. Hollywood Nights
  2. Rock and Roll Never Forgets
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Bumbershoot 2013

Posted on by Musicofourheart

Seattle is our second favorite city after New York City. I have been there twelve times. I started visiting Seattle when I worked for Microsoft in 1992. My wife and I adore the city especially the topography and the Four Seasons Hotel. The arts scene there is vibrant and embracing.

Bumbershoot: Seattle’s Music and Arts Festival will be hosting a gangbuster Bumbershoot 2013. Take a look at the lineup below and then navigate to the Bumbershoot Website to increase your knowledge about this way cool event.

Bumbershoot takes place at the Seattle Center which is complete with a Monorail system, the Space Needle and the Experience Music Project. I find this spot reminiscent of the New York Worlds Fair site.

Adding Bumbershoot 2013 as a strong possible to the wish list in the music of our heart.

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“The Only Band That Matters” – The Clash

Posted on by Musicofourheart

When I am at a low ebb I reach for a healthy dose of The Clash. I can’t articulate why they pull me out of the doldrums like they do. They just slide out the best rock and roll energy evah.

I love their moniker ”The Only Band That Matters”.  Ain’t that the truth ;)

So what’s your favorite song and album by The Clash?

I’ll tell you mine.

Favorite Clash Song: “Should I Stay or Should I Go

Favorite Clash Album: Sandinista!