Andrews Rock Blog

Yesterday I wrote about bands that had succesfully transitioned between lead singers. One of the greatest examples was Van Halen, who became more succesful commercialy when Sammy Hagar filled the spot vacated by David Lee Roth in 1985. Perhaps it was because of that success the band thought they could do it again when Sammy left Van Halen in 1996 (Ed says he quit, Sam says he was fired - I doubt we’ll ever really know the truth). The band thought wrong.

On paper, the idea of hiring former Extreme lead singer Gary Cherone wasn’t a horrible idea. He’s got the pipes, to be sure. The first time I saw the band was with Cherone back in ‘98 and he was a charasmatic frontman and could handle both the Van Hagar and Roth songs admirably. But the thing was, if Sammy Hagar wasn’t going to be the singer in Van Halen, the only other possible vocalist the fans would accept was Diamond Dave. The one and only album with Cherone, cheekily titled “Van Halen 3″ tanked, and ticket sales were pretty horrible too. Without question, the Cherone-era is a black mark on the history of one of the biggest bands in the world.

At least Van Halen fans knew what they were getting when they bought tickets to the Cherone-era shows. Back in 1980, Yes fans got a huge surprise when they discovered that the Yes they were seeing in concert that year was minus lead singer Jon Anderson. After having helped establish Yes as one of the biggest bands of the 70’s, Anderson and keyboardist Rick Wakeman exited the band, leaving Chris Squire, Alan White, and Steve Howe to figure out what to do next. The answer came in the form of the Buggles, a duo consisting of singer Trevor Horn and keyboardist Geoff Downes, hot off a worldwide hit single called “Video Killed The Radio Star” (I think you’re familiar with it). Whereas the two of them were simply interested in offering one of their favourite bands a song to record, the remaining members of Yes actually asked the Buggles to join! After some thought, they agreed and wound up recording the 1980 album Drama. And while that one remains one of the most consistent and appealing albums in the Yes catalogue, a hidden gem combining both punk, pop, and prog, if you will, at the time Drama was poorly received. The tour, which had gone on sale prior to the formation of the new line-up, was a success in North America, where Yes performed before sold out crowds who seemed to have no problems accepting a new lead singer. In Europe however, things didn’t go nearly so smoothly. Fans rejected Trevor Horn as singer and would often shout out for Jon Anderson throughout performances. Once the Drama tour was completed and it became clear Horn wasn’t interested in continuing on, the band went their separate ways.

 Of course there have been other failed experiments. Motley Crue canning Vince Neil and hiring John Corabi was a total failure (even if I did like Hooligan’s Holiday myself). Does anyone even know the name of the guy who replaced Sebastien Bach in Skid Row? And though I did enjoy “Summertime in the Void”, the first single from I Mother Earth with their new singer Brian Byrne after Edwin left the band, they were never able to capture their momentum again. Oh, and the less said about Boston carrying on these days without Brad Delp the better. 

Can you think of any other failed singer experiments? Or ones that really worked out well? Let me know, and then use SINGER for your weekend bonus code.

Yesterday I wrote about how impressed my pals and I were listening to Disc 2 of the new Journey album “Revelation”; that’s the one featuring the band’s classic tunes rerecorded with new singer and Steve Perry soundalike Arnel Pineda. The success the band is experiencing with their current line-up (top 5 debut, mass media attention) got me thinking about other bands that have replaced their lead singers, and the varrying degrees of acceptance that followed.

The most obvious success story comes when ACDC filled the singer spot left by the death of Bon Scott with Brian Johnson. Though both singers are distinctive, there’s no doubt that Johnson’s voice wasn’t too much of a stretch for the sound the band had already achieved with Bon. And while ACDC’s best selling album is “Back in Black”, their back catalogue featuring Bon’s vocals are all multiplatinum. I’ve never heard of any fans liking one version of the band over another. For most of us, ACDC is ACDC, regardless of who’s singing the songs.

The same can’t be said Van Halen. For many, the lines are clearly drawn between Sammy Hagar fans and David Lee Roth fans. Myself, I’m standing firm on the side of Diamond Dave. VH with DLR sounded like no other band on the planet, but with Sammy onside they changed their sound to something poppy and (to my ears) boring. Even though the band topped the charts with Sammy at the helm, a fear never accomplished with Dave, I think the massive success of the band’s 2007-2008 tour is proof that there’s only one version of Van Halen that will ever really matter, and that’s the one with DLR upfront.

Of course, even though Van Halen managed to sell records and sell out arenas with their second lead singer, there’s no doubt they struck out with Van Halen Mark 3. More on that, and some of rock’s notable replacement failures tomorrow. In the meantime, use DIAMOND as today’s bonus code.

Random Thoughts as I get back into the swing of things after being in Chicago for a few days for the Wizard World Comic-Con:

Paul McCartney is playing a free show in Quebec City:my pal Timmy B sent me a text this morning to let me know Macca would be playing his first Canadian gig since 2005 to celebrate Quebec’s 400th birthday. Tim was wondering whether or not I’d like to go to the show, which I may have considered some years ago. But having two trips so close together (Las Vegas/Los Angeles and Chicago) and with our big move coming up in just a few weeks, I wasn’t too interested in seeing “The Cute One” in concert, even if it is for free. I’m sure I’m among the minority though; a free show by a remaining member of the Fab Four is sure to be a big draw for a lot of people. I’ve seen Paul McCartney 3 times (including a first row experience at the CNE in 1993) and it’s always a great concert, though I sure wish he’d play Side 2 of Abbey Road in its entirety some time. THAT would be spectacular.

A Revelation about Journey: to all those Journey fans who took me to task a few months ago about my lack of love for the band, let me simply say that you were right and I was wrong. I hope you’re happy. The band has some seriously catchy and strong songs. I discovered this fact while on the road to Chicago last Thursday when my and my pals but on Disc 2 of the new Journey album “Revelations”. This was the rerecordings of classic Journey tunes with new singer Arnel Pineda. First of all, we were all impressed with Arnel’s uncanny resemblance to Steve Perry. The guy has the goods. The next thing that impressed me was just how solid the songs were. And it wasn’t just “Don’t Stop Believing”, which is timeless. It was tunes like “Wheel In The Sky” and “Lights” too, songs that I caught myself singing along too and humming once they were done. So there you go - you were right, I was wrong. I’ll have more on the new Journey album (exclusively available at Wal-Mart) later this week.

Your bonus code for today is ARNEL. Use it for lots of points, whydoncha.  

Am I the only one I know who is anxious to hear a finished and complete “Chinese Democracy”? Tell me I’m not. Because right now, amongst people I know, I’m the only one who seems remotely interested in hearing the fruits of Axl Rose’s 14 years of labour. Jeff and Carly always yawn when I bring up the album; it seems as though the long wait has made them, along with so many people, care less about this seemingly mythical album.

That being said, this week the F.B.I. were very interested in “Chinese Democracy” after 9 tracks rumoured to be part of the finished album made their way onto the internet via a blog site. Within hours, the fellow who posted the tunes on his site received a phone call from the G N R camp asking him to pull the songs. A few days later, the F.B.I. dropped by his work, and the next day visited the guy’s home to check out his computer. Clearly, this is some stellar publicity for an album that’s rumoured to be complete and awaiting it’s official release. 

While I haven’t heard these new leaked songs, I have heard 5 new Guns songs in various forms that are supposedly set for ”Chinese Democracy” should it ever be released. They’ve all sounded great to me, especially the tunes “Better” and “There Was A Time”. I tracked down a live and pro-shot version of “Better” on You Tube which I’m guessing Axl doesn’t have a problem with and thought you might want to take a listen and tell us what you think. I have to say, this live version is just “ok”. I prefer the leaked studio version I heard, but Axl definitely cuts loose towards the end and shows he’s still got the chops.

Take a list, have your say, and then use “GNRBETTER” as today’s bonus code. On that note, I’m off again for a road trip to Chicago. I’ll be back Monday. Have a good one!

For the first time in nearly 20 years, Motley Crue has an album out that people seem to be interested in. While I’ve only heard the first single and title track to “Saints of Los Angeles”, the buzz is that the album is the band’s best since 1989’s classic “Dr. Feelgood”. Or course, they didn’t have to try to hard. 1994’s self-titled album with singer John Corabi stiffed, as did their 1997 reunion album with Vince Neil, the aptly titled “Generation Swine”. And while I’ve read that 2000’s “New Tattoo” minus Tommy Lee isn’t bad, I never heard it, and I think most people missed it too.

One of the things I’m really enjoying about the Crue right now is that they are out there, selling the album to the masses. Appearing on Larry King Live last week, Mick, Tommy, Vince, and Nikki were funny, affable, and seemingly at ease with their position as an established band. It’s hard to believe that a decade ago these guys were literally at each others throats, as their biography “The Dirt” clearly demonstrates. It’s nice to see the guys getting along and it will be interesting to see how the new album does on the charts next week.

Check out the Crue only Larry King, and then use CRUE as today’s bonus code.

 Last night I was surfing around the old interweb when I made my way over to You Tube. I don’t know what drew me there, or why I felt inspired to check out the video that I did. But man, watching William Shatner perform Pulp’s “Common People” alongside Ben Folds and the great Joe Jackson makes for some great television. The video is a live clip from The Tonight Show from a few years ago. Shatner was performing in support of his album(!!!!) “Has Been”, which is legitimately better than it had any right to be. Blame or kudos go to producer Fold, who contributes some solid music and Shatner, who takes himself just seriously enough.

The highlight for me during the video is when Joe Jackson cracks up just a tiny bit after Shatner utters the classic line “everybody hates a tourist”. Check it out below, and then use SHATNER as today’s bonus code.

The last stop on my Los Angeles adventure last week took me to the top of the Capitol Records building. Located close to Hollywood and Vine, the building is a historical and musical landmark to be sure, and one which was pretty amazing to step inside. We walked through the studios where everyone from the Beach Boys to Frank Sinatra recorded, and stood on the rooftop of the famous building. For a music fan like myself, the Capitol Records experience was pretty cool, especially considering 3 of my favourites bands have been on the label - Pink Floyd, The Beatles, and the Beach Boys.

Speaking of which, today is Brian Wilson’s 66th birthday. As it happens, Brian is one of my musical heroes. I had a chance to interview him 4 years ago upon the release of his completed version of his legendary album “SMiLE” (if you don’t have it in your collection, I suggest you go out and grab it right now). For all of his issues and reputation, my experience talking to him was painless, entertaining, and informative. It was truly one of the greatest moments of my life.

Much like the Beatles, the music of the Beach Boys has become a real part of our culture, so much so that it’s easy to forget how influential the band is and was. And while the Fab Four had four musicians and producer George Martin carrying the load, the Beach Boys only had one genius in their midst - Brian Wilson. So happy birthday, Mr. Wilson!

To celebrate, use BRIANWILSON as today’s bonus code, and then throw on this classic Beach Boys performance.

One of the things I was looking forward to most when I visited Los Angeles last week was hitting Amoeba Music. I’ve heard so much about this legendary shop, but had yet to enter it’s hallowed halls on my previous trips to L.A.

In the age of dwindling record sales, walking into Amoeba Music really is amazing - a huge two floors, the top of which was devoted to new and used DVD’s. But the first floor…man, for a music collecting geek who’s trying to cut back, it was like being tempted by the snake in the garden. But with my wife in tow, on my first, oh-so-brief half-hour visit I managed to keep myself in check. Of course, I went back the night before flying home and spent a solid two hours combing the racks (total money spent: $130 - that’s restraint, where I come from). I think Amoeba might now be one of my favourite record shops, alongside Soundscape and Vortex here in T.O. Do you have any favourites?

While I did find some choice goodies on my visits to Amoeba Music, on my wish list was one particular thing - the 3 disc box set devoted to the 20th anniversary of “The Joshua Tree”. I only saw this set once when it was released here in Toronto last fall, and I didn’t grab it when I should have. It’s now out of print in Canada and can only be purchased from the good ole’ U.S.A. So that was my mission. Lucky for me, Amoeba had the goods, and at fairly reasonable price for a new copy. Upon our arrival home, the first thing I did was crack open the box and put on the DVD, which contains a 1987 concert from Paris. It was amazing watching U2 live before they started incorporating video screens and lights - this was just 4 guys, riding the wave of their most succesful album ever. Also included on the disc was a previously unreleased video for “Red Hill Mining Town”. While the video isn’t particularly great, I have to admit I felt incredibly moved watching Bono sing the song. Perhaps it’s because it’s never made the set list for any of the 9 U2 shows I’ve seen in nearly 20 years; maybe it’s because “Red Hill…” hasn’t been played to death on radio or tv over the years; or maybe just because it’s simply a brilliant song on a brilliant album; whatever the reason, the video got to me.

Maybe it will get to you to. Check it out below, and then use “REDHILL” as today’s bonus code.   

Ok, I don’t think it’s pimping out my brother-in-law if he’s actually an amazing musical talent. Which he is. And I’m not just saying it because we’re going to eventually be related when he marries my wonderful sister-in-law. My future bro to be, Mr. Rob Giles, is 100% musically brilliant. He’s played Willie Nelson’s beat-up Spanish guitar, jammed with Warren Haynes from the Allman Brothers, to drop a few names. By day he’s a songwriter and producer (and an exceptionally good one at that) in Los Angeles. By night he’s onstage rockin’ his own shows. My wife and I stayed with the happy couple in L.A. last week and had a chance to go see Rob play with a band for the first time (a band made up of players currently working with Moby and Our Lady Peace, it should be noted).

 I’ve seen friends play over the years and struggled to find words of encouragement when they’ve been awful. One band in particular I saw 6 or 8 years ago and it was like needles in my already sensitive ears. Just horrible. But I had no problems watching Rob Giles, who’s completely captivating on stage, switching between guitar and piano, playing his own material along with a choice cover (a mash-up of Ratt’s ”Round and Round” and “Panama”).  

Would I bring this up and write about Rob Giles if he wasn’t a solid talent? No way. The great thing is, he IS a solid talent, with impeccable taste and an actual gift at creating tunes that stick in your head. Like the video that I’ve posted below for “Boom Bang”, a song that’s bridge gives me chills each and every time I hear it. It’s perfect. Check it out, check out Rob’s myspace page for more music here, and then use ROBGILES as today’s bonus code. And if you’ve got some music you think is super good and want people to hear, send me some links. If I dig it, I’ll write about it. And if not, well, I won’t. 

Is there any other band more ingrained in our collective conciousnesses than the Beatles? It’s no piece of hyperbole when I say that they changed everything when they began making music. Even if they’re not your favourite band (they’re not mine) it’s hard to not to love them. In fact, if you meet someone who says they don’t like the Beatles I’d run away really quickly. There’s something not quite right about them

So with the music of the Fab Four so familiar, is it possible to ever listen to them in a different way? You wouldn’t think so, but with the release of the “Love” soundtrack last year I found a brand new freshness to the Beatles. If you’re unfamiliar with “Love”, it’s a Cirque Du Soleil show in Las Vegas that combines remastered and mashed up Beatles music with the acrobatics and performance of a Cirque show. On it’s own, the Grammy-winning soundtrack (compiled by Sir George Martin and his son Giles) is an entertaining way of listening to songs you’ve heard a thousand times in a brand new way. But combined with the visuals of Cirque Du Soleil, which my wife, mother, and I experienced in Las Vegas, the ”Love” soundtrack is astounding.

It helps that theatre at the Mirage hotel in Vegas was designed specifically for the show itself. You sit in the round, giving you unlimited sight-lines so you can experience all of the acrobatics, with surround sound engulfing you. You hear every nuance of the music, and can’t help but be reminded of just how good the Beatles still are. There may be artists that I listen to more, but I think it’s fair to say there’s never been a better band.

Check out the “Love” soundtrack version of Strawberry Fields Forever and then use LOVE as your bonus code for today.