Andrews Rock Blog

I picked up the Bob Dylan flick “I’m Not There” the other day on dvd, but I have yet to take another look at it. My pal Timmy B and I went to the film back in December, but I don’t think I totally appreciated it (it was a late show, I’d just left a horrible performance by Jefferson Starship, and nearly fell asleep). I do remember being shocked by the performance of Cate Blanchett, who seems to totally embody mid-60’s Dylan. The sound of her voice, every nuance is just so Dylan. I’d say Tilda Swinton scoring the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress was a huge upset. But Dylan’s got his own Oscar, as does Cate, so I suppose everyone’s a winner.

Thinking about “I’m Not There” started my mind wandering on other big screen depictions of iconic musical figures. There’s the more recent performances from Jamie Foxx as Ray Charles and Joaquin Phoenix as Johnny Cash, both which are brilliant. But the one that really stands out to be more than any other is Val Kilmer as Jim Morrison in 1991’s “The Doors”.

Seeing Kilmer as the Lizard King  blew me away when I was a teenager, and still stands the test of time. I even managed to see the movie in theatres back in March 1991, but it sure took a lot of work on my part. The move was rated-R, which meant nobody under 18 would be admitted. After futile calls to the ratings board demanding they change their decision, I called in the big guns - Mom.

My mom called up the ratings board herself to protest the rating on my behalf, but they managed to change her mind pretty quickly when they mentioned the film depicted blood-drinking, full-frontal nudity and drug use.

So what’s a poor boy to do? Well, I grew a beard. That’s right. I grew the best darn beard a 14 year old could muster. It was a little patchy, but I had faith. Then on opening night, I went to Centrepoint Mall with two buddies, one of whom had a fake id. Along with my beard, I was clad in cowboy boots and a leather jacket. And surprise surprise - I got in. What an experience. On that note, take a look at a classic in-concert scene from “The Doors” and then use Val’s last name for today’s bonus code.  

Sidenote: Years later a good friend of mine told me the rumour around school at the time was that I was growing the beard in protest of the Gulf War. I guess I was a revolutionary too.

I know by writing this particular blog that I’m opening myself up to some serious abuse from many of you. But if you’ve been reading regularly enough, you know that as much as I love my rock and roll, I have a certain appreciation for pop music too. That’s why it was easy for me to sit through a Spice Girls concert (and before you ask, no I am NOT going to see the New Kids On The Block - that would be a special form of torture). My love of pop is a reason why I’d buy the new Madonna album (very disappointing and incredibly boring) and give the new Neil Diamond a chance (a tour de force, miles ahead of “12 Songs”, his last release).

But perhaps my biggest surprise over the last few months when it comes to pop music is the first studio album in over 16 years from the B-52’s. “Funplex”. Ok, start your mudslinging. It’s easy to dismiss the band as cheese - “Love Shack” is one of those songs you either love or you hate (I love it). But the B-52’s have been a hugely influential band, thanks to experimental and accessible tunes like “Rock Lobster” and “Planet Claire”. On ”Funplex” they’ve created a extremely accessible, catchy, and dare I say “fun” album.  I listen to it at the gym alot because it’s just so upbeat and energetic. The harmonies of Kate Pierson and Cindy Wilson haven’t changed in 30 years (and Kate is a fox at 60) and Fred Schneider’s got some excellent lines throughout the album.

Why am I writing about them, you may ask? Just because I came across the video for “Funplex” today and got a kick out of it. Maybe you will too. Check it out below, let me know what you think (good or bad) and then use the song’s title as today’s bonus code.

How do you narrow down a career that’s lasted nearly 30 years into little more than a dozen songs? It’s an unenviable task, especially when it comes to the kings and rulers of all that is metal - Iron Maiden. Try and compile a greatest hits collection and you’ll inevitably tick someone off - maybe the die-hards who want rarities, unreleased tracks, and nuggets. Or maybe the newer fans, who want a streamlined introduction to a band, which is typically what a greatest hits album is used as.

Iron Maiden’s “Somewhere Back In Time: The Best of 1980-1989″ is definitely for the casual fan, a easily digestible 75 minutes of classic metal. Studio tracks like “2 Minutes to Midnight”, “The Number of the Beast”, and “Run To The Hills” mingle with live cuts “Aces High” and “Wrathchild”, making this one of the more consistent and listenable compilations I’ve heard in a long time. Listening to all these songs in a row makes your realize just how accessible metal can be in the hands of Iron Maiden. My one criticism is what’s missing - most specifically, “Rime of the Ancient Mariner”, a longer song from Iron Maiden’s catalogue that I’d consider an essential piece of the band’s history. Apart from that, “Somewhere Back In Time” makes an excellent primer for the band. If you’ve got a favourite Iron Maiden song, let me know, and then use Maiden as today’s bonus code.

Somewhere Back In Time track listing:

1. “Churchill’s Speech” (Live) (Winston Churchill) - 0.49  From Live After Death

2. “Aces High” (Live) (Steve Harris) - 4.36 From Live After Death; Originally from Powerslave

3. “2 Minutes to Midnight” (Bruce Dickinson, Adrian Smith) - 6.00 From Powerslave

4. “The Trooper” (Harris) - 4.11 From Piece of Mind

5. “Wasted Years” (Smith) - 5.06 From Somewhere in Time

6. “Children of the Damned” (Harris) - 4.35 From The Number of the Beast

7. “The Number of the Beast (Harris) - 4.53 From The Number of the Beast

8. “Run to the Hills” (Harris) - 3.53 From The Number of the Beast

9. “Phantom of the Opera” (Live) (Harris) - 7.21 From Live After Death; Originally from Iron Maiden

10. “The Evil That Men Do” (Dickinson, Smith, Harris) - 4.34 From Seventh Son of a Seventh Son

11. “Wrathchild” (Live) (Harris) - 3.07 From Live After Death; Originally from Killers

12. “Can I Play with Madness” (Dickinson, Smith, Harris) - 3.31 From Seventh Son of a Seventh Son

13. “Powerslave” (Dickinson) - 6.47 From Powerslave

14. “Hallowed Be Thy Name” (Harris) - 7.12 From The Number of the Beast

15. “Iron Maiden” (Live) (Harris) - (4.50) From Live After Death; Originally from Iron Maiden

When I was in high school I had dreams of being a rock star. Standing on stage, the spotlight in my eyes, a guitar (or bass) strapped across my shoulder. Screaming crowds (preferably full of girls), loud drums, and guitar solos that would blow everyone away. Thing was, I was never much of a singer or guitarist. But back in 1990, when I was a 13 year old kid, none of that mattered. It was just the possibility. The dream.

An old high school friend touched base with me today. He was kind enough to pass on a photo of my first band. We were Equinox (I think - it’s been a while). I don’t think this group ever left the basement, but I’m pretty certain that we rocked pretty hard. Not necessarily in tune or in time, but I know we had a lot of heart. I remember those guys fondly. Adam, who swore his cousin was the guitarist in Testament. Rob, whose cousin is actually one of the greatest rock photographers in history. Corey, who’d never played drums before but managed to do a more than passable Neil Peart impression. And me. I think I sang a bit, played some bass guitar. I rarely look back on my high school days with fond memories, but receiving this photo was an extremely pleasant surprise. And while Equinox wouldn’t be my best band (that was Station to Station - look us up), it was my first. And well worth remembering and using as today’s bonus code.

This week the news came down that Neil Young planned to release his long-awaited “Archives” exclusively on Blu-Ray disc this fall. The 10 disc set will cover the years 1963-1972 and be full of unreleased music and videos, rare clips and tv footage, lyric sheets, photos, and much more.  Here’s what Neil had to say about his decision to go Blu-Ray exclusive:

“Previously, there was no way to browse archival material on a Disc and listen to a song in high resolution at the same time. The technology had not yet evolved to that capability,” said Young. “It is important for me that the user experience the high resolution music along with the archival visual material. Previous technology required unacceptable quality compromises. I am glad we waited and got it right. And here is something really new, we will be able to add content to already released Blu-ray Disc archive volumes by downloading it, whether it is music, film or vintage recording sessions, recently found photographs, or other archival materials that were located after the release of that volume. Users will be able to download any of these archival materials and they will automatically be assigned to their place in the Chronology timeline.”

Neil’s decision has pissed off a lot of his fans. The main sticking point is that many don’t have Blu-Ray players and won’t be picking them up until the price comes down. There’s also the fact that you can’t listen to the Blu-Ray discs in your car or put them on your ipod. All of these are understandable and legit beefs. But as he’s done for over 40 years, Neil’s marching to the beat of his own drum. We either go along with him or we don’t.

Personally, I think the collection looks spectacular, but 1) I don’t have a Blu-Ray player, and 2) when would you have the time to sit down in front of the tube and comb through the 10 discs of material. That’s where I think the big mistake lies for Neil; so many of his fans will just want to listen to the old and unreleased songs; they aren’t audiophiles or videophiles - they’re simply fans of the music. Unfortunately, the less tech savvy may be S.O.L. when it comes to something that’s been in the pipeline for nearly 20 years.

Take a look at the trailer for the “Archives” Volume 1, give me your thoughts, and then use Neil’s last name as your weekend bonus code.

My boss Jeff Brown doesn’t like sampling, so when the new Kid Rock single “All Summer Long” first hit, full of samples from Warren Zevon’s ”Werewolves of London” and Skynyrd’s “Sweet Home Alabama”  he wasn’t too keen on it. I think he thought those were two classics that shouldn’t be touched. That being said, I know Jeff’s grown to like the tune, probably because it really is a feel-good summer time song.

Me, I don’t really have any issues with sampling or mash-ups. It’s become part of music making and has been cleverly utilized by many artists (not always rock ones, but that’s neither here nor there). However, I wonder how much of a song “All Summer Long” would really be without two of rock’s greatest hooks backing it up. Take a listen and let me know what you think, then use KID as today’s bonus code.    

A friend of mine who works over at the Toronto Star is putting together track lists for the Festival of Fire that will happen later this summer, featuring fireworks from various regions, alongside music from a composer from their native land. We got to talking about what be the perfect Canadian soundtrack, since Canada’s going to be highlighted on July 1st. Here’s the list I came up with, based on personal preference and references to Canada itself. Once I finished coming up with my list, I realized what a great Canadian playlist it would be, with or without the fireworks. Check it out, and then use our country’s name as today’s bonus code. And if you get a second, let me know what would make a good Canadian playlist for you.

Rush - Lakeside Park

Rheostatics - When Winter Comes

Tragically Hip - 50 Mission Cap

Tom Cochrane and Red Rider - Big League

The Guess Who - Running Back To Saskatoon

Bachman Turner Overdrive - Takin Care of Business

Blue Rodeo - Hasn’t Hit Me Yet

Sloan - Underwhelmed

Gordon Lightfoot - The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald

Neil Young - Sugar Mountain

Rush - Bastille Day (just cuz)

For weeks the ‘Net has been speculating about what Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails had planned for today. The band’s official web site had been teasing something big and they managed too deliver. If you visit nin.com right now, you can download the band’s brand new album “The Slip” for free. Absolutely free. 10 songs, 44 minutes, and artwork. For free.

The revolution that Radiohead began with “In Rainbows” continues, but Reznor’s move is virtually unprecedented. Whereas Radiohead were asking for their fans to pick a price and pay it, Reznor is giving away his music for free. It’s a gift to his fans, and enticing to someone like me who knows a handful of Nine Inch Nail songs, but is interested in what the band is doing musically.  

Of course, this isn’t a method that can work for every artist; Reznor has an established career and brand, and makes money touring, so he can afford to take a chance that younger artists can’t. I’m curious to see how it pays off in the end.

When I get home tonight the first thing I’m going to do is download the new NIN album “The Slip” and put it on my ipod. How about you? Any interest in a free Nine Inch Nails album? Let me know, and then use NIN as today’s bonus code.

I remember growing up, sitting in front of the tube, and watching all sorts of great video shows as a kid. Toronto Rocks, Video Hits, Good Rockin’ Tonight…man, the 80’s were a good time for videos. No, I’m not kidding. Videos were becoming a brand new medium and in many cases were as much about telling mini-stories as they were about promoting a new song.

Some of my favourites from back in the day were not rock ones at all. Sure there was Van Halen’s “Jump”…Yes’ “Owner of a Lonely Heart” (nightmares for weeks)…but there were the pop ones that helped turn me into a music fan…Michael Jackson’s Thriller…anything from Duran Duran…”No More Lonely Nights” but Paul McCartney. The 90’s had some pretty decent ones as well, thanks to the grunge movement and Axl Rose’s twisted psyche.

Over the years, I’ve seen fewer and fewer great videos. Specialty channels have stopped playing them for the most part, which has a lot to do with it. That’s one of the things I like about working on the Jack Nation Countdown, our video show that airs Saturday afternoons at 4 (yes, I’m promoting it). I’m getting the chance to see a lot of new videos that I’d never even know were out there otherwise.

The video for Fall Out Boy’s “Thnks Fr Th Mmrs” was pretty funny. “Thrash Unreal” from Against Me! was cool as well; the drummer cracks me up. Airbourne’s “Too Much Too Young Too Fast” was a total throwback to ACDC’s late 80’s-early 90’s vidz. I can’t wait to see what the video to their next single “Running Wild” looks like.

It’s nice to know that compelling videos haven’t become a lost art. Do you have any favourites, either from today or from your past that brings back some good memories. Check out one of my faves below, and then use its title as this weekend’s bonus code.

One of the worst things about being a music guy is the sometimes obsessive passion ones feels about your favourite bands. You love them so much that you’ll go out and buy the cds and books and more cds and probably copies of music you’ve already got in one format in 3 or 4 other versions. And then there’s the frustration you feel when you’re watching a band you love make what you consider to be some big mistakes, or say things that just seem so ridiculous.

Enter Jon Anderson of Yes.

I love Yes. They’re in my top 5, for sure. Jon Anderson’s a great, nice fellow. Very positive and thoughtful. I’ve had the chance to say hi to him a few times over the years and he’s always been very friendly. Most Yes fans would consider him a bit of a space cadet, which he’d probably not take offence to. But sometime he just says things that make me go ”huh?”

At Billboard.com today, in an interview in which he discusses the band’s plans to work on new material prior to this summer’s 40th Anniversary tour, he also talks about revisiting Yes’ 80’s material with former guitarist Trevor Rabin (whose last name is today’s bonus code). The two have discussed:

“…maybe touring some of that ’80s-period music, because it was very special.”
But Anderson says he and Rabin aren’t necessarily thinking about resurrecting that version of Yes as a recording entity. “I wouldn’t do it, like, Yes,” Anderson explains. “I’d do it like me and Trevor aspiring to be the two of us making music and see what we come up with.

I guess Jon forgets that he quit Yes in 1988 because he wasn’t enjoying the “special” music the band was making at the time. I suppose he’s forgetting that fans had been clamouring for the 70’s classic era for years, and after the 1991 Yes 8-man reunion tour fans rejected the revival of the 80’s line-up. I guess he’s forgetting the unsold seats to the band’s 1994 tour (a great show, by the way).

Come on, Jon! Where is this coming from? Rather than contemplate an era you used to express less than positive opinions on, why don’t you just worry about making great music, and giving the Yes fans who are paying $149 for good seats to the upcoming tour their money’s worth.

Oh yeah. $149 for a Yes ticket.

Huh?