I know it's been a while since the last post. I think, by now, most of you who read this blog already know why. I've received a few emails about it - mainly why I don't blog more - and I can say one thing... once I explain why, people seem to know exactly where I'm coming from. Yes, my current job takes up WAY too much time. However, in the current grand scheme of things, it's a necessity. Many people seem to be in the same boat. Doing what they have to do, while trying to squeeze things in that they like to do. I'm still adding more songs to the stations playlist - and more will be added this weekend - and that's a good thing. In regards to the station, like in life, sometimes we just have to have priorities. In this case, it will always be the music before the blog.
Is it me or has Jack White been in the news a lot lately? Not only did he celebrate his 35th birthday about 2 weeks ago, but on July 28th, PBS will be airing a special "The White House's All-Star Tribute to Paul McCartney". This special will feature Jack White (amongst many other well known artists). Check out the link below to see a sneak-peek at Jack's cover of "Mother Nature's Son".
http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/17386/183832
A few facts you may not know about Jack White -
- As a teenager, he was into traditional acoustic blues.
- He didn't plan a musical career immediately, although he did elect not to attend a seminary because he believed he wouldn't be allowed to bring his guitar and amplifier.
- He went into the upholstery business first, but played music on the side, eventually forming the White Stripes with his wife Meg in 1997.
Since we hit the "history" switch with Mr. White, let's continue in that mode for a bit. I was watching a documentary recently in which the producers of the film interviewed some of the surviving members of The Sex Pistols. In it, Steve Jones talks about how he used to steal bands equipment. He really didn't go into it that much, so I did a little digging. It turns out that he and drummer Paul Cook made some fairly big heists... including a bunch of microphones and tons of PA equipment (enough to fill a huge cargo van) from David Bowie in 1973. They later used all this equipment when they performed as a group called The Strand as well as when they were the Sex Pistols. If you've ever seen pictures of the band & wondered how they could "afford" such high end stuff... now you know!
July is known as the month of Independence Day and the first bass player for Blondie, Gary Valentine has achieved his independence... from the group Blondie. Back in 1977, he was told that he has been kicked out of the band! In reality, this came as no surprise as Gary had been talking about moving to California for several months.
In a bizarre, kinda off-beat note, but still alternative in an odd way... back in 1989, Weird Al Yankovic releases his first movie called "UHF" back in 1989. If you ever have a chance to see this flick, do so. Just leave your brain on hold...
Speaking of leaving the brain on hold, I have to call it quits on today's blog for now. Until next time, keep listening!
Peace out,
Dave
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Just Like Our Motto, "From The 60's To The 90's, It's All Here". From The Fugs to Fall Out Boy
Earlier today I posted a separate blurb with a link to a Rolling Stone article that announced the passing of Tuli Kupferberg, co-founder of, in my opinion, the original underground band called The Fugs. I won't repeat, or go into what is covered in the article, but I wanted to expand on it.
Before even discussing The Fugs, you have to have a setting... there is no other way to give you the full scope of this band. In the early 60's, The Electric Circus began as a popular New York nightclub with all kinds of lights and multi-media displays on the walls. A very hip place to "be seen". The downstairs section was a bar called "The Dom". There was no attraction to this bar except for nickel beer. In late 1964, when the Beatles first came to America, The Fugs were conceived in a dark corner of The Dom. Fugs co-founder Ed Sanders, bookstore owner & publisher of a literary magazine at the time called "Fuck You - A Magazine of the Arts") was originally attracted by the poetry readings that were held there. Sanders and Kupferberg were two like-minded individuals (now that's kinda scary) spawned the unofficial origins of "underground" rock, which helped lead to punk and alternative music.
The group worked out their material in other venues like Slug's and the MacDougall Street Theater in Greenwich Village. They even invented "dances" like the Turkey Gobble to go along with their songs. Unbelievably, they actually got signed to a record label - the jazz oriented ESP. The label rejected the groups first set of songs as being too offensive. By 1965, The Fugs had enough new material to release "Virgin Fugs". The album epitomized their sense of humor and satire. Depending on your point of view, the band was either making fun, had a healthy disrespect, or an unhealthy social attitude for just about EVERYTHING!
While finding their material can be rather difficult, it is absolutely a must listen. Yes, they can barely play... yes, they can't sing... yes, their material is not for everyone. But, their songs are a freakin' riot! R.I.P. Tuli... you will be missed...
In another odd note, but definitely alternative, Bob Geldof, of the Boomtown Rats, helped organize and pull off the Live Aid concerts in England as well as here in America back in 1985... 25 years ago today. God bless WBCN out of Boston for carrying the entire event live!
In current news, Linkin Park is working on a new album called "A Thousand Suns". They will be working with Rick Rubin, the same producer who worked with them on Minutes To Midnight. Check out the full story here http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/17386/179373
And finally, in the "for those who care" department, Pete Wentz of Fall Out Boy, (the band is on "indefinite hiatus" - must be nice), is working on a Reggae inspired album along with his own back-up band for the project. Whether you love them or hate them, it should be an interesting listen.
That's it for now, keep the suggestions coming & keep listening.
Peace out,
Dave
Before even discussing The Fugs, you have to have a setting... there is no other way to give you the full scope of this band. In the early 60's, The Electric Circus began as a popular New York nightclub with all kinds of lights and multi-media displays on the walls. A very hip place to "be seen". The downstairs section was a bar called "The Dom". There was no attraction to this bar except for nickel beer. In late 1964, when the Beatles first came to America, The Fugs were conceived in a dark corner of The Dom. Fugs co-founder Ed Sanders, bookstore owner & publisher of a literary magazine at the time called "Fuck You - A Magazine of the Arts") was originally attracted by the poetry readings that were held there. Sanders and Kupferberg were two like-minded individuals (now that's kinda scary) spawned the unofficial origins of "underground" rock, which helped lead to punk and alternative music.
The group worked out their material in other venues like Slug's and the MacDougall Street Theater in Greenwich Village. They even invented "dances" like the Turkey Gobble to go along with their songs. Unbelievably, they actually got signed to a record label - the jazz oriented ESP. The label rejected the groups first set of songs as being too offensive. By 1965, The Fugs had enough new material to release "Virgin Fugs". The album epitomized their sense of humor and satire. Depending on your point of view, the band was either making fun, had a healthy disrespect, or an unhealthy social attitude for just about EVERYTHING!
While finding their material can be rather difficult, it is absolutely a must listen. Yes, they can barely play... yes, they can't sing... yes, their material is not for everyone. But, their songs are a freakin' riot! R.I.P. Tuli... you will be missed...
In another odd note, but definitely alternative, Bob Geldof, of the Boomtown Rats, helped organize and pull off the Live Aid concerts in England as well as here in America back in 1985... 25 years ago today. God bless WBCN out of Boston for carrying the entire event live!
In current news, Linkin Park is working on a new album called "A Thousand Suns". They will be working with Rick Rubin, the same producer who worked with them on Minutes To Midnight. Check out the full story here http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/17386/179373
And finally, in the "for those who care" department, Pete Wentz of Fall Out Boy, (the band is on "indefinite hiatus" - must be nice), is working on a Reggae inspired album along with his own back-up band for the project. Whether you love them or hate them, it should be an interesting listen.
That's it for now, keep the suggestions coming & keep listening.
Peace out,
Dave
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