I learned about this event years ago through Todd Rundgren’s web site. A limited number of fans had the opportunity to spend a week in Hawaii with Todd and his family for his 60th birthday. At that time, I didn’t have the money or opportunity to take a second vacation. Well who knew they’d make a documentary about it? I truly missed out on a life changing experience. Oh well, at least I’ll be able to see the movie.
Rusty Anderson "Born On Earth"
Rusty Anderson is a guitarist with Paul McCartney’s band (along with Brian Ray) who produced an awesome debut album and now it’s followed by his sophomore effort Born on Earth. Filled with lush orchestration and solid song structure it starts with a heavy guitar bridge on the opening title track. You can definitely hear Paul’s influence on “Timed Exposure,” it’s got a sneaky hook that bursts into crunchy guitar riffage in the chorus “You’ve got a story to tell, when it’s over, timed exposure…” A few tracks get quite artistic and emotional (“Private Moon Flower” and “Under A White Star”) but remain solid rockers.
The gorgeous melodies come out when Rusty works the easy going ballads “Julia Roberts” with it’s slow shuffle, harmonica and the sunny strumming of “Where Would We Go?” But he is just as impressive when it comes to full bore guitar pop of “These Are The Days.” Unlike his boss, Rusty favors louder riffs when it suits the song. Loads of quality tunes and fans of hard driving arena pop will love this album.
The Power Popaholic Interview: Joe Satriani
I was thrilled to get the opportunity to interview electric guitar legend Joe Satriani and we talked about his latest solo album Black Swans and Wormhole Wizards. Since we’re both Long Island, NY locals, we discussed his early years and some of his favorite guitarists.
We also touched on his upcoming album with Chickenfoot, a group that includes Sammy Hagar and Michael Anthony of Van Halen and Chad Smith of Red Hot Chili Peppers. Read the interview first on The Rock and Roll Report.
Later this week, I’ll post the unedited audio interview for your listening pleasure. You could also pre-order Black Swans and Wormhole Wizards. Official release date is Oct.5
Schnauser "The Sound Of Meat"
Schnauser are a trio of musicians from Bristol, UK who seem to have collected a perfect blend of psychedelic, folk and baroque rock influences (The Beatles, Todd Rundgren, Syd Barrett, XTC and The Who) but ultimately it falls slightly short. Lead by the pop visionary Alan Strawbridge (The Lucky Bishops, Cheese) the best comparison I can give you is early Stackridge. The atmospherics and compositions are just beautiful, as each song blends seamlessly into one another. Opening with “Cosmic Ordering Service” it’s as compelling as anything The Pillbugs have ever done. The following “Twins of Evil” and vaudevillian “I Couldn’t F*ck A Gorilla” are both brilliant Peppery slices of mod-styled pop. The lyrics are simplistic as well as cryptic – like Zappa with writer’s block on “World of Whimsy.”
The concept of this album loosely covers the story of twins, one a rich and happy, the other a wretched soul who “freezes his ass” on the Beach Boys falsetto-laden “Homeless.” The concept really sparkles on “I Wuv You, Mommy” a Rundgrenesque masterpiece. There are so many melodies here stitched together, it takes several listens to appreciate each musical morsel. The big problem is that no single melodic theme stays around long enough to hook you. And the second you spot it, it’s gone. That lack of hooks is what takes the whole album down a notch, despite the great stuff on each track here – with the exception of the purposely off-key vocal on “You’re The Greatest Girl I’ve Ever Seen.” Overall it’s an innovative take on pysche-pop that will challenge the musically open-minded – like a musical rubik’s cube!
Here is the band posing as Polish duo “Usmiecsh Zebiczny” singing “Quiches And Flans And Bottles And Bags.” It’s not an album track, but gives a good representation of Schnauser’s sound.
The ELO Spaceship!
I am totally surprised no one posted this earlier. It would have been really cool to have this animation on a big stage screen while Jeff Lynne and the band played “Tightrope” live back in the day. Oh well, if Jeff ever makes a follow up to “Zoom”…