Steve Perry, Captured by the Moment

Photo courtesy of Steve Perry Worldwide

I know... hardly anyone noticed.

So yeah, it was kinda big news, and yeah it's got everyone talkin' about it. Will he be back with Journey? A tour? New music? Just stop it.

Can we no longer just enjoy the moment? In the past week or so, Steve Perry decided to come out of hibernation and do what he was put on this earth to do. During the encore of two performances by the Eels, Perry came out and sang. And you know what. It wasn't earth-shattering, it wasn't mind-blowing. It was... nice.

I use that word because that's exactly what it was. It was nice to see him. It was nice to hear him. It was nice to remember. But apparently, that's not good enough. Let the comparisons begin... really people, get a life. Does he sound like he did twenty years ago? Yes and no. I'm sure he knows what his vocal limits are, I'm sure it was a little scary going back out there in the age of cell phone videos, knowing for good, bad or ugly, those performances will live forever on YouTube. But you know what... it was still Steve Perry, with that remarkable voice, the one that brought a smile to your face and tears to your eyes.

And there was something else there too. He brings heart to the table. That's not a vocal range, or part of showmanship. Heart is defined by a feeling conveyed. There was heart in those brief performances he just gave.  If for the twenty year absence, he wasn't feeling heart in his game, I'm glad he wasn't around. Nothing's worse than someone going through the motions onstage, as they make a buck or two. We see that way too often. But not with Steve Perry.

So ultimately, as he dips his toe in the water again, it will be his decision if it feels good enough to jump in all the way. As we've seen from the last twenty years, whatever he decides will be on his own terms. But for now, having him back, even a little bit, well... it's nice.

There's No Crying In MixTapes

Friend. 

How you define one becomes the entirety of your relationship.  Trust, loyalty, and respect are essential, but so are just “getting” each other. And there are times when we all need one. Whether to make us laugh, share a good cry, go shopping with, or just give each other the silent communication of the “eye” across a room, it’s good to have one. So when the time comes when that person needs a pick-me-up, you can do one of two things: Open a bottle of champagne, get shit-faced and laugh your ass off, or play them some music.

Today, Jen of My Skewed View, has offered that theme for this week’s Twisted MixTape.

First up, let’s look to Bob, because really… the man had an answer for everything.

Bob Marley “Every Little Thing”

Going back a long way, you cannot help but feel better after hearing this song. It's just not possible.

Poco "Good Feeling To Know"

Sometimes, a little reflection is a good thing. "The morning sun is rising, it's kissing the day"

Journey "Wheel In The Sky"

You need me? 

Sam & Dave "Hold On, I'm Coming"

I've actually sent this song to someone who needed it. I may have used it before on a MixTape too. Sue me, it's perfect.

Allman Brothers "Soulshine"

Feeling better? Good. I'll keep the champagne on ice... for the next time.

The Song Remains the Same...Or Does It?

The other day I thought up another way to either A) excite my readers with a new feature or B) make my readers groan and run away in droves. Hopefully more A than B, but what the hell. As Mr. Fogarty told us...just keep on chooglin.


I give you Kat's Theory of Music's...The Song Remains the Same.

What we're gonna do is showcase two completely different songs...with the same title. Then if anyone chooses, they can rate one, both, leave a comment or suggestion for another go round. See, not that painful.

The opening act for this feature consists of one song from the 60's and one from 1980.
Today's tasty treat is "Anyway You Want It"

First up a typical 60's fast paced, catchy tune by British band the Dave Clark Five, followed by the opening track off the Departure album by Journey.

Take a listen to both, leave a comment or rating, if you choose.

Dave Clark Five "Anyway You Want It"
Journey "Anyway You Want It"

I kinda like it both ways.

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Feeling The H.E.A.T.

When a lead singer is replaced, chances are a lot of people are not gonna be happy about it.

Over the years, Steve Perry was replaced in Journey first by Steve Augeri, then Jeff Scott Soto, and now Arnel Pineda has the job. Styx replaced Dennis DeYoung with Lawrence Gowan. Sammy Hagar took over for David Lee Roth in Van Halen, Jimi Jamison entered when Dave Bickler left Survivor and Michael McDonald stepped in for Tom Johnston as the head Doobie Brothers singer. Obviously some changes were more successful than others.

With his debut on their third release, today's taste has also gone through a lead singer replacement. Lead singer  Erik Grönwall has taken up the vocal duties from original lead singer Kenny Leckremo, for the Swedish band H.E.A.T.

After a very successful self-titled initial release in 2008, their 2010 CD Freedom Rock built on their popularity, but had a different type of production and style. Enter Erik Grönwall for lead vocals on the third studio album by H.E.A.T., entitled Address The Nation.

For shits and giggles, let's do a little comparison of vocal styles of the two.

Featuring Kenny Leckremo:

"Follow Me"
"There for You"

With new lead singer Erik Grönwall:

"Heartbreaker"
"Better Off Alone"

Since he joined the band in 2010, there has been enough passage of time for Grönwall to turn around the initial resistance. Whether that translates to continued success...we will wait and see.

In the meantime, take a listen.

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Minutes to Memories: Celebrating My Dad's Life

Dad's Hohner

If you've been reading Kat's Theory of Life along with this music blog, you know I have been chronicling my fathers'  no-win battle against pancreatic cancer. He lost that fight on Tuesday. His final chapter appears in the Life blog, but because to me music is life, I wanted to celebrate the life he led, the lessons he taught and the love he shared.

The song I've chosen defines the character of my father.

"Minutes to Memories" by John Mellencamp
I had tears in my eyes the first time I heard this song...and every time I've heard it since. It has always made me think of my father. An old man tries to impart the wisdom of his years on a young stranger sitting next to him on a long bus ride.  It always reminded me of times growing up, when I, as all of us do, thought I had all the answers. 

"On a Greyhound thirty miles beyond Jamestown

He saw the sun set on the Tennessee line

Looked at the young man who was riding beside him

He said I'm old kind of worn out inside

I worked my whole life in the steel mills near Gary

My father before me I helped build this land

Now seventy-seven and with God as my witness

I earned every dollar that passed through my hands

My family and friends are the best things I've known

Through the eye of the needle I'll carry them home"

The man talks of his hard working life, same as my father who did hard factory work all his life. A career path he chose over the medical field he loved...because what was more important to him, was to have a family.

"The rain hit the old dog in the twilight's last gleaming

He said 'Son it sounds like rattling old bones

This highway is long but I know some that are longer

By sunup tomorrow I guess I'll be home'

Through the hills of Kentucky 'cross the Ohio river

The old man kept talking 'bout his life and his times

He fell asleep with his head against the window

He said an honest man's pillow is his peace of mind

This world offers riches and riches will grow wings

I don't take stock in those uncertain things"

Days turn to minutes

And minutes to memories

Life sweeps away the dreams

That we have planned

You are young and you are the future

So suck it up and tough it out

And be the best you can"

The line "an honest man's pillow is his peace of mind." That was my dad. It was no coincidence he was born on February 12... "Honest Abe" Lincoln's birthday.

"The old man had a vision but it was hard for me to follow

I do things my way and I pay a high price

When I think back on the old man and the bus ride

Now that I'm older I can see he was right

Another hot one out on highway eleven

This is my life It's what I've chosen to do

There are no free rides No one said it'd be easy

The old man told me this my son i'm telling it to you"

Isn't this the truth of each generation? Not too long after we realize we don't have all the answers, we see our children with the same familiar swagger and bravado. And we watch them learn through trial and error just like us.

Days turn to minutes

And minutes to memories

Life sweeps away the dreams

That we have planned

You are young and you are the future

So suck it up and tough it out

And be the best you can"

He toughed is out every day of his life and he was the best he could be...always.

That is my song for my dad. Here are a few of his favorites. Except for my brother, I can almost guarantee no one reading this will have heard of most of these songs. And since my brother never reads anything I write, these songs will be a new experience for all of you.


Harry Belafonte  "Jamaica Farewell" ...one of my earliest musical memories was of my dad strumming his guitar and singing this song to me. 
Eddy Howard  "To Each His Own" ...my parents' song.
Terry Gilkyson  "Marianne" ...a silly song he would play on the guitar, I never forgot the name of the singer.
Roy Acuff  "Wabash Cannonball" ...perhaps the song we associate the most with my father. you can't beat a song written about a train
Andy Williams "Hawaiian Wedding Song" ...after five trips to hawaii, this was his song of choice
Lee Greenwood  "Battle Hymn of the Republic" ...my mother said he knew the words to all the verses, something I never did.

That was my dad. His journey is complete. His life was hard at times, but I know for certain he regretted none of the choices he made. Thanks so much for coming along on this part of the road trip.

Easy journey Pops.

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Walk This Way: Shuffle Baby

Took a three mile walk around the lake today, something I had not been able to do in some time. Walked back in the house and a grabbed a beer. While downing a bottle of water would probably been the healthier thing to do...nothing says a job well done better than an ice cold beer. But I digress.

As is my norm for my solitary stroll, I throw my iPhone on shuffle and just enjoy. Today my playlist was songs I've downloaded as opposed to uploaded.  Thought I'd just share a few today, and a couple of thoughts as I listened to them.

Walking out the door, one of my all time favorites. A song whose chorus has become a sort of anthem for how I feel about life.

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

 "Dobie Gray with "Drift Away." ...just a joyful song


Next up was a song whose lyrics tear at your heart. A song about life at the Ronald McDonald House. Sung by Jimi Jamison, Knowing anyone, especially a child who has gone through cancer treatments, I dare you to not have a tear in your eye listening to it.  And all proceeds from the song go to the Ronald McDonald House.


"in this house that love built you'll be safe and warm, tears fill the wishing well from the occasional storm."


Jimi Jamison " House That Love Built"

Walking up a hill, I was given a real boost. A little Journey. What better than a summer afternoon walk hearing Steve Perry singing "Stone in Love"

"in the heat with a blue jeaned girl, burning love comes once in a lifetime. oh the memories never fade away...golden girl I'll keep you forever."

Hearing that, I could do another couple of miles...easy.

Went into some blues next...can't complain about that.

"lord i don't want to give up, i just need a reason for trying. so hide me away in the jungle before they feed me to the lions."

A little Carolyn Wonderland was up with "Feed Me to the Lions."

Back into rock, just a great sing-a-long, Rainbow's "Stone Cold"

"i try to run, i try to hide. from everything i feel inside, i just can't escape you..or your frozen eyes."

A few more tunes before I turn into the driveway...ending off with a little Tom Petty doing "You Wreck Me."

Three miles flew by, a great way to take a break on a Saturday afternoon.

Walk on...
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A Night with Ringo and Friends

Up in the Catskill Mountains, very close to the footprint of where Woodstock was held in 1969, there now is one spectacular venue to see a show. Winding paths lead to various concession stands, eating areas, and other fun things. The architecture blends perfectly with the countryside. The pavillion where the stage is set, sits halfway down the hill with seating rising up around it. The view is so serene, it's not hard to understand how half a million people peacefully cohabited here for three days in less than ideal conditions.

The event for the night was Ringo Starr's All Starr Band. Fun.

The All Starr Band this year consists of Steve Lukather (lead guitarist,vocals Toto), Richard Page (bass,vocals Mr. Mister), Todd Rundgren (a little bit of everything), Greg Rolie (keys,Santana/Journey), Mark Rivera (keys,sax), and Greg Bissonette (drums).

Starting the show was Ringo singing "Matchbox" and next going into "It Don't Come Easy." As this was my first time seeing Ringo, I was happily surprised how well he commands the stage. Light on his feet, he uses the whole stage and enjoys a really nice rapport with the crowd. Throughout the set, he would bounce between center stage and behind the drums.

Originally I had thought the All-Starrs would each do a few songs, but instead they each did one of their own songs, then handed it over to the next. First up was Todd Rundgren who asked "Have the drugs kicked in yet?" Assuming the old vibe from the Woodstock days might still be evident...it wasn't far from the truth. Although this time, I think the drug of choice might have been Prozac. This crowd was just a little too mellow for this rockers' liking...people, you're at a rock show...it's time to boogie. Rundgren began his night with "Hello, It's Me," ...nice.

Greg Rolie took over next with "Evil  Ways" and mentioned it was 43 years ago, in that summer of '69, that they first played it at this site. Steve Lukather, one guy who really seems to love his job, said this was "the best summer vacation of my life." He then launched into "Rosanna," helped out by Mark Rivera on the upper range of the song. Richard Page did a fine job on "Kyrie" then bringing the circle back to Ringo.

It was a good mix. How can it not be enjoyable when you are going to hear the hits from each member of the band.  From the fun songs like "Yellow Submarine" and "I Don't Want To Work" to the memorable hits "Africa" and "Broken Wing" to the 'just don't stop' songs like "Everybody's Everything" and "Hold the Line.", the music just got better.  

There were not a lot of surprises at this show. Except for the songs Ringo decided to highlight off his new CD, every other song was pretty much expected. And that was a good thing. All hits, all the time....what's the problem there?  Was it one of the best shows I've ever seen...not at all.. But I never expected it to be.  It was a lot of fun for me and I think for the band. If you like at least two members of the All Starr Band...you'll have a enjoyable evening.

Because after all...we'll get by with a little help from our friends.

Peace.
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