From the Audities list I talked about in a previous post came this link to a very cool site called Another Planet. Power Pop (loosely defined) is the currency here and the top notch Audities year-end polls also make this site their home. If you have been following the debates on the Audities list (you have haven’t you?), this is the place where you can see the results of past polls. Very cool resource for planning your next record-shopping excursion.
Later.

Share This

Well we Canadians think that we’re so smug being able to download music with impunity eh! Well not so fast hoser. The Canadian version of the RIAA plans to start some lawsuits of its own soon so hold on to your touque and don’t say I didn’t warn you.
Ok I admit it. Even though I am in fact a very cold yet very proud Canadian I have managed to include at least 3 stereotypical Canadian references in this post. Not only are we Canadians polite and modest, but we enjoy poking fun at ourselves too. Now where did I put my hockey stick?
Later.

Share This

As I continue to highlight some great e-mail lists that you might be interested in, you should definitely check out the Bomp List which I know I have talked about before. Although not affiliated with the amazing Bomp record label, the Bomp List is a discussion group for “surfadelic garagepunk music, culture” and a whole bunch of other cool stuff. Highly recommended.
Later.

Share This

When I first started writing the rock and roll report back in June, my original motivation was to write about “niche free” rock and roll, which I define as, well there is no definition since that was the whole point. No alternative, no indie rock, no garage, no pop. As I continued to write, I found that although my tastes are quite wide and include everything from Rush to Ozzy (get well soon!) to the Beach Boys to the Tragically Hip, the bands and record labels and magazines that I found the most interesting were (and still often are) the ones dealing with, for want of a better word, garage. The popularity of the Strokes, the Hives and the White Stripes and radio shows like Little Steven’s Underground Garage seem to me to indicate that there is a healthy interest in primal rock and roll. At the same time, bands like the High Dials and Sloan add a dose of pop and psychedelia to their sound that creates a real refreshing rock and roll cocktail. What I am beginning to realize is that one of the reasons people often describe the ‘60s as the “golden age of rock and roll” is not so much for the nostalgia (although there is too much of that in my book) but because during the ‘60s there was this great cross-fertilization of musical styles that all seemed to mix together to form a satisfying rock and roll whole. Indian sitar combined with fuzzed out guitar and vibraphone all backed by a primal jungle beat, that’s what most people miss, the carefree experimentation and, yes, fun of rock and roll circa 1966-67. It is ironic that in trying to identify and popularize niche free rock and roll, it is technically taking me closer and closer to the realization that niche-free rock and roll is in fact a niche! Whether you call it garage rock, psychedelic punk or whatever, it certainly holds true to its rock and roll roots but is it original or is it merely copying the past? Does it really matter?
These are the weighty topics that I struggle with daily. I don’t want to be saddled with the “retro” tag but at the same time, I do want to listen to the type of rock and roll that really and truly floats my boat and these days it just so happens to be bands like the Boss Martians, the High Dials, the Swinging Neckbreakers and countless other stylistically similar rock and roll bands that seems to do it for me. Of course, by this time next week I might be waxing poetic about my rediscovery of Yes, ELP and Peter Gabriel era Genesis so feel free to ignore this rant and treat it for what it really is, a quick screed by a guy who loves rock and roll, all of it.
Wait a second, is that my old Loverboy album? “Lady of the Eighties” was a great song so I think I’ll slap it on the turntable for a quick listen. Holy crap there’s all my old Los Lobos records! What was that song that I used to blare in my parent’s basement all the time?
And the beat goes on…
Later.

Share This

Ever heard of Savage Henry? Nah, he’s not that guy from Survivor, or that English King. He’s some guy who decided to stream some ferocious, Nuggets style punk from the sixties in glorious simulated AM radio sound, and he knows that once you start to listen to it you’ll like it. The Voice of Savage Henry describes itself as “the way rock used to be, before big FM radio put a dress on it” and he makes no bones about what he feels about music today (it’s all crap). When you listen to some of this stuff, especially if you like the bands from Crypt Records that I posted about yesterday, then you’ll love the Voice of Savage Henry. Cue up those stacks of wax brother I’m dialing in!
Later.

Share This

Well it’s official, AC/DC’s Back in Black is the number 2 all time best selling album behind Jacko’s Thriller and as far as I’m concerned, the sound of Phill Rudd’s Sonor drums on that album is the all time best sounding rock and roll drums on any album, period. Some may argue for John Bonham’s When the Levee Breaks” but I have to disagree. Back in Black as a whole has such a great sounding drum sound that when I was a drummer in high school rock and roll bands (ya that long ago) I would always point to Back in Black as the sound I wanted. Granted I didn’t have the $10,000.00 drums, knowledgeable sound engineers or talent but I had heart baby!
Later.

Share This

Coolfer has linked to an organization that I had never heard of called IMPALA (Independent Music Companies Association) who are formally opposed to the BMG/Sony merger. Now if you have been reading this site at all (and if you have thanks!) you should be getting the idea that a whole world of rock and roll fun and adventure awaits you on independent record labels! There are hundreds out there around the world trying to add a bit of rock and roll joy to your life if you would only give them a try. You don’t have to throw away your major label stuff (egads I’m far from being one of those so called “indie rock snobs”!) but just add to your collection something from one of these incredibly exciting and rocking indie labels, preferably bought at your local indie record retailer and you will not regret it. They often have great, inexpensive compilations that are often just the thing to wet your whistle. Go ahead, jump in the water is great!
Later.

Share This

How do bands like The Oblivions, the Gories, the Pagans and the Lazy Cowgirls sound to you? Do these bands not just ooze rock and roll attitude, even though you might never have heard of them? Well one look at the Crypt Records website and you will be hit with enough rock and roll attitude to send Axl Rose screaming for cover. Crypt has it all: a mail-order selection put together by some truly demented rock and roll fanatics, all kinds of cool and trashy books and magazines that you can order and read, a bunch of crazed, fuzzed out rock and roll bands that have found a home on the Crypt label, and a streaming rock and roll radio station to boot. This is one Crypt you should not be afraid to check out but don’t blame me if it completely warps your rock and roll senses and blows out your hearing!
Later.

Share This

So I hear that Deep Purple and Thin Lizzy will be touring together. Cool! I love Deep Purple. Man that Richie Blackmore sure can wail on his strat. What, he’s not with Deep Purple anymore? Well at least that master of the Hammond organ, Jon Lord will be there…what, him too? Ok, that’s not so bad because I love Thin Lizzy too man. Phil Lynott is a genius. Wait a sec, didn’t he die a while back! I’m sure of it because I saw it on that MTV documentary! Who the hell are these guys on tour anyways?
You know, I have no problems with aging rockers touring (still love my Stones and hey check out Duran Duran!) but when somebody as integral to a band as Richie Blackmore or Phil Lynott not being there the whole exercise seems really kind of pointless. I can only think of a couple of bands that successfully moved on to bigger and better things after losing a key member: Mick Taylor era Rolling Stones, Post Peter Gabriel Genesis, Sammy Hagar era Van Halen, Bruce Dickinson era Iron Maiden and post-Bon Scott AC/DC. You can also throw in Page-Plant I suppose although John Paul Jones might have a problem with this. And for every one of these bands is a sad example of a group that should have just given up: post Phil “I can’t hear you” Collins Genesis, John Corabi led Motley Crue or Steve Perry missing in action Journey. You can also throw in Coverdale-Page. And what about Whitesnake and Quiet Riot? Sheesh. The history of heavy metal seems to be littered with these posers and fakers but perhaps The Temptations and The Beach Boys could give all these guys a run for their money. What I’m I trying to say here is that bands can go on forever if they want but at some point when the only original guy left is the keyboard player ya gotta wonder if it’s not time to hang up the ol’ microphone. Right dude?
Later.

Share This

Have you heard the news? Canada, possibly the most taxed country in the Western hemisphere, is now taxing iPods (and Rios and other MP3 players). Why? Because the tax revenue will go to support the music industry that is being ravaged by P2P networks and illegal copying, just like what the extra levy on blank CDRs and cassettes is used for. The irony of it all is that technically, it is considered legal in Canada to download songs off of Kazaa but illegal to upload to it according to Canada deems P2P downloading legal. The music industry wanted to include hard drives but the courts said that they would “side with consumers for now.” Thanks judge!
Later.

Share This

Since I’m sick as a dog (what does that really mean? I’ve never actually seen a dog sick.) I can barely function let alone surf the net so I leave you all with something to explore this weekend, the Czar of Bizarre. Have fun! Now, where’s my bed.
Later.

Share This

If your looking for some local rock and roll bands Local Rock and Roll is a great idea that is a good place to start. While the majority of the bands are located in the U.S., they do have listings for Australia, Argentina, Canada, Denmark, England, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. If you think your local latest and greatest rock and roll band deserves to be listed you can submit them here. Very cool idea.
Later.

Share This

Despite the fact that I’m suffering from a brutal cold I was checking out the latest news on das Hips from Hipbase which lead me to a very funky magazine out of the UK that I had never heard of before called Comes With a Smile. Now obviously, since I just discovered it I can’t say that it’s the greatest thing since Captain Crunch but I can say that it looks like a really great read. Not only does the magazine look cool but each issue comes with a CD that is eclectic to say the least. The current CD features Gord Downie, Death Cab for Cutie, the Sadies and the Weakerthans plus a whole bunch of other stuff which sounds like it deserves a spin or two. The website is well done, there is a bunch of well written web exclusives and each issue of the magazine comes with a CD. Sounds like a winning formula to me. Check it out, I know I will.
Later.

Share This

It’s a shame that when a lot of people think of punk they think of the stereotypical mohawk and safety pin meets Sex Pistols look. Punk has always been about attitude and just getting out there and doing it, at least that’s what it means to me. Punk didn’t start with the New York Dolls or the Ramones but more like with Little Richard and Jerry Lee Lewis. Anywhoo punk continues to roll on with people loudly debating what should legitimately be considered punk or not with the newer pop/punk bands like Green Day and Blink 182 bearing the brunt of these old school punksters scorn. Be that as it may, Punk Bands is a great place to check out all things punk. With a catch phrase of “a tribute to punk music” Punk Bands is another great music resource if you either don’t listen to much punk but want to know more or you love punk, and want to know more! Indispensible guide for those who like it loud and fast. Their music I mean!
Later.

Share This

So you think your cool? How do you know? Does your Mom tell you that you’re cool? You’re sister? That geeky guy at the chess club? If you are starting to get worried that your coolness quotient isn’t as high as it should be, a trip over to The Catalog of Cool should do the trick. Naturally I gravitated to their Sounds page but they have all kinds of stuff that must be cool since I don’t have it! I particularly like How To Speak Hip and you’ll see what I mean once you orb the site and mabe cop and blow with some of the cool stuff they sell. Dig?
Later.

Share This

If you ever lived in the Pacific Northwest (check a map!) then you will want to check out Pacific Northwest Bands for a really, really comprehensive listing of bands from the Pacific Northwest from the 1950’s to the present. Absolutely first rate in its coverage of this kind of stuff so if you want to find out about the home of Louie, Louie, the Sonics and the Wailers, this would be the place to go.
Later.

Share This

Still don’t know what to get that certain someone special this Christmas? Shame on you and welcome to the club! As far as I’m concerned, nobody, and I mean nobody, can possibly maintain a fulfilling existence without the guidance and support of……..a lava lamp. They are quite simply from another world, a great big, colorful, oozing psychedelic world where all is right. If this sounds like fun then check out Oozing Goo and add a bit of Lava light to the life of somebody you love today.
Later.

Share This

I was flipping through the Christmas gift guide in the always handy free music monthly Exclaim when I noticed amongst the masses of ads and listings from some of the most obscure bands and record labels (and I’m not implying that that’s a bad thing, quite the opposite) when I noticed the article “Four Labels to Watch in 2004.” What immediately caught my eye was the fact that Rainbow Quartz was one of the labels listed, which impressed me. The next thing I noticed was in the discussion of Silverthree Sound Recordings there was mention made of a band called Panic in Detroit which were described as “the jewel in the sparkling crown is still the AC/DC inspired rock of Panic in Detroit.” Well I immediately beatled over to the site and checked out this “sparkling crown” and was quite impressed with what I heard both from Panic in Detroit and some of the other stuff on the label. Another small label with musical integrity making a go of it in the vast rock and roll jungle. Check ‘em out and buy direct if you can.
Later.

Share This

I came across a very cool website from France called PopMeter which had me groovin’ to some very cool ’60s punk (after a couple of minor glitches. Make sure you have Realplayer installed). Not only does it feature a jukebox that allows you to listen to all kinds of obscure rock and roll (this site also gives you a great opportunity to learn French by listening to some funky ’60s French pop mon ami! French lessons were never this cool) but it also features reader contributed playlists, a cool record guide that allows you to listen to the record you’re reading about, music news and an events guide all on a well designed and visually appealing site. It really is a lot of fun so get over there and start mucking about with it. You’ll have a blast with the music and on top of it all you’ll get a nice dose of European continental flair thrown in for good measure. Zoot alors I must get back to the site before my ears stop ringing!
Later.

Share This

It seems that not a week goes by without some company announcing plans for a music download service. In the last week, Walmart, Virgin and Coca Cola have all announced plans to jump on the music downloading bandwagon but why? Is there any money to be made? Are the price points realistic? Do people really want to give up on CDs and go digital? What’s in it for us? That’s what the CNET article How much is digital music worth? debates. Right now, the record companies are worried that the 99 cents per song price point is too low for them to make money. I still haven’t used any of these services. Personally, I take advantage of the free MP3 downloads a lot of indie rock labels use as the equivalent of a taste test. Download a song or two, see if I like them and if I do I go out and buy the CD (as much as possible at a local record store). The only thing that I use my computer for is to make MP3s of CDs I already own for the digital equivalent of my old mix tapes. I still prefer to go out and buy something physical like a CD that incorporates legitimate fair use rules so that I can play it in my car, on my portable MP3 player and on my computer with no fuss or muss and I like relaxing on the couch or by the pool with some new compilation of obscure rock and roll on the stereo blaring away while I read pages of liner notes and cool pictures. It’s all part of the rock and roll experience. After recently losing my hard drive to a massive crash that wiped out all my MP3s in one foul swoop, I was happy that I could just pad down to the basement and load up a couple of CDs on my 5 CD disc changer for uninterrupted rock and roll fun. Fair use and value for your money are what music fans should really be concerned with from the major labels today. I shudder to think what will happen when they start changing digital formats rendering your digital music collection obsolete. Of course, there is still warm, analog vinyl. How about a counter-revolution?
Later.

Share This

In honour of Keith Richards birthday check out the excellent interview Alive and Kicking from the Guardian for a nice, candid discussion with the Human Riff. I especially like his take on whether the Stones are just a touring band now or whether they have something new to offer. His honesty is refreshing. I certainly wasn’t overly thrilled with the 4 new songs on Forty Licks but I would never doubt the rock and roll credentials of Keith Richards. Ever. Deep down we all are hoping that the Stones have one more “Gimme Shelter” left in them. I know I do.
Later.

Share This

For the last 2 weeks Little Steven on the Underground Garage has featured 2 tracks from the Boss Martians (“I Am Your Radio” and “Kill My Telephone”) and both times I was on my way home from a hockey game and just cranked the stereo when these guys started playing. I really enjoyed it so I just had to do a Google search as soon as I got home to find out more about these “contemporary garage” rockers as Little Steven likes to call them. I believe that they are from Seattle, USA and man do they rock. On top of it all, their new record called “Set-Up” is on a label called Musick Recordings which I had never even heard of so needless to say I had to check that out as well. What a cool little rock and roll record label! Not only do they have both Boss Martians releases but they have what looks like a very cool Link Wray tribute album. As a matter of fact they feature a whole bunch of releases that look really interesting so I am going to have to hit their Sounds section and download a bunch of MP3s for exploratory purposes and begin to prepare for another possibly wallet draining exercise! One thing I noticed on the Boss Martians website which I really liked is that they ask any of us who are thinking of getting their record to support our local record store and buy it there. Very cool and right on advice in my book but if you can’t find it you can order it through The Rock and Roll Report.
So, can you see how this rock and roll ecosystem functions yet? Very simple:
1. You first have to locate and listen to some great rock and roll radio (click on the “radio” category on this very site to get you started).
2. All of a sudden, you start to hear all kinds of very cool rock and roll that you never might have known existed played by DJs that really care about music on record labels that, gasp!, are actually run by music fans.
3. Download a legal MP3 or two from the band in question to get a further taste.
4. Hustle out to your local record retailer to pick up their latest rock and roll opus.
5. Sign up to both the band and record label’s e-mail list.
6. Based on a band e-mail from the list you catch them in concert at the local dive and have a grand old time. You also take note of that rockin’ opening band for “further investigation.”
7. You check out the “links” section of both the band and record label’s web sites for even more rock and roll goodies!
8. The cycle endlessly repeats itself creating a glorious lifetime of rock and roll adventure.
There you have it. The Rock and Roll “Tree of Life.” The hunt is on. Learn it. Live it. Love it.
Later.

Share This

Courtesy of the WFMU newsletter again comes this absolutely hilarious site. Stealth Disco has to be seen to be fully appreciated. If you ever thought that disco was dead, this site goes to show that not only is it not dead, it could be happening closer than you think. Make sure you have Quicktime installed and check it out and prepare to laugh out loud just don’t tap your feet because as all true rock and rollers know, disco sucks. Someone left a cake out in the rain…..
Have a great weekend everybody!
Later.

Share This

What do the Gratefull Dead, Primus, Phish and the String Cheese Incident have in common? Goofy names? Well yeah but that’s not really what I was thinking of. What I was really getting at were that they are considered to be jam bands, bands that take a freeform approach to rock and roll by varying their set list night after night while taking an improvisational approach to their music. Some people consider it to be “needless noodling” and I must admit sometimes it can get a bit “out there” but jam bands have their fans and one of the best ways of seeing what it is they love is to check out a site like Jam Bands.Com. If you’re looking for weird sounding bands who wouldn’t be caught dead playing for less than 3 hours, Jam Bands.Com is a good place to start. Come to think of it, there is a jam band out there, somewhere just starting to tune up. Go check them out but you don’t have to rush! They’ll be there all night.
Later.

Share This

Just a quick note to let you know about a great blog I started reading called Useful Noise. Another fine blog brought to my attention by Scott Woods and his crew over at Rock Critics Daily.
Later.

Share This