From sweet and smooth classics, to new names, to old names with new music...the focus here, is to shine a little light on some damn fine music.

I'll find it. You can listen, review, or tell me I wouldn't know good music if it kicked me in the ass. I personally don't give a shit.

Thursday, December 29, 2011

Hot Licks For New Year's Eve

New Year's Eve is for amateurs.  Stay home and get happy with the one you love.  Get lost in the rock & roll, and drift away.  Here's a list of a few 'get me in the mood' options for your tasting pleasure.  It's a female perspective, but guys...isn't that the point?  In no particular order, but how do you not start with Marvin?


Marvin Gaye... "Let's Get It On" - nothing else needs to be said.
Eric Clapton... "Wonderful Tonight" - ain't a woman alive who doesn't wish this was written for her
Robert Plant... "The Way I Feel" - so sensual, perfect blend of vocal and melody
Bad Company... "Ready for Love" - actually anything sung by paul rodgers works, is there a sexier voice in rock? 
Jefferson Starship... "Miracles" - one of the hottest songs ever written.  have you never listened to the lyrics?
Emerson, Lake & Palmer... "Still, You Turn Me On" - just those four words
Chris Isaak... "Wicked Game" - so haunting, so tasty
Winwood & Clapton... "Little Wing" - while i've always said there can't be a bad version of little wing, this one is especially wonderful
Boz Scaggs... "We're All Alone" - just like a cigarette...nice for after


yeah, i've missed a bunch.  sorry, it's getting a bit hot in here.  let your love flow and have a happy new year.

Monday, December 26, 2011

Nashville: It Ain't Just Country Anymore...Josh Hoge

Out of Nashville, but don't go listening for any twang here.  Josh Hoge has been working his butt off trying to get his music heard. With pop, rock, blues and soul influences, his first released studio album, "Everything She Was" came out in 2008.  Prior to that was an unreleased album, as well as the critically acclaimed "Bedroom Sessions" EP, which was recorded over a few days period in the singer's bedroom.


Playing over 175 dates a year, Josh Hoge has steadily built a fan base across the country.  A new CD is due out before too long, but in the meantime listen to a live version of "Take It Or Leave It" Raw and powerful, let it rip into your soul. 

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Trying To Get The Holiday Spirit

As I still haven't even listened to The Nutcracker Suite...I guess you could say the holiday spirit still hasn't found me.  I will get around to sampling the wonderful Tchaikovsky ballet soundtrack though, and if you really haven't listened to it all the way through...you really need to.  It's magic.


That however, is not the taste for today.  Indeed, I am offering a holiday delight...two in fact.  The first is a traditional Christmas carol.  Singing my favorite carol, "O Holy Night"  I give you Phillip Webb, a wonderful tenor whose performance might bring a tear to your eyes.  I personally cannot help but tear up whenever I hear this beautiful song.


But since I have been a rocker all my life, and will be till they take my dancin' boots away, I give you "Christmas is Here" by Survivor, off the "A Classic Rock Christmas" CD.  A compilation CD where a portion of the proceeds benefit The Port Authority World Trade Disaster Survivors Fund and The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Education Fund.


Wishing one & all...peace, love and a great lullaby to dream on.   Merry Christmas.

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Live & Literally Kickass...the Doobie Brothers 'Long Train Runnin'

A great performance captured for us to taste...

If you have some good speakers or if you have great headphones, listen to the music.

Doobie Brothers doing Long Train Runnin', live at Wolf Trap.  Gotta listen to it LOUD.  Horns, Percussion, Bass & Guitars...absolutely blow you away.   First time I listened to this was through really good headphones and the sound was insanely wonderful.

A full 6 minutes of knock your socks off music.  Bands don't get much tighter than this.  If you're gonna rock...this is how it's done.

This concert is available on DVD, definitely worth a look-see. 

Monday, December 19, 2011

Etta James: Let Her Touch Your Heart

Etta James has always been one of my favorite singers.  Most people know her from the many commercials that "At Last" has appeared in.  But Etta has always been so much more than one song...wonderful as it is.


Word comes that her voice will become silent before too long.  A great loss, but the past several years have been extremely hard for this once vibrant and feisty singer.


For a wonderful taste of Etta, listen to "I'd Rather Go Blind" , feel her soul come through.


Easy journey Etta.

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Let's Start With A Look Back

To start off this new blog, I'm going to repeat something I wrote about in my other blog "Kat's Theory of Life."  It was about the passing of Dobie Gray. 


Dobie Gray gave us one of the best songs written about music...ever.  Drift Away was released in 1973 and remains one of the catchiest, smoothest pop songs of all time.


"give me the beat boys, and free my soul. i wanna get lost in your rock & roll...and drift away."


This video from the 70's shows the true joy of the song.  It has an abrupt ending...but by then you will get the feeling.  If you don't...my heart aches for you.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8tsDI2xIFEU


close your eyes and taste it.