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All images Copyright 1988-90, 1998 and 2007 W.A. Williams – www.wawilliams.com

Subject - A Tribute To Stevie Ray Vaughan – a 1996 CD & DVD release from Sony Music Entertainment, with cover photography by W.A. Williams

A short while ago, I wrote a Cover Story based on an interview with photographer Robert M. Knight and his photos of guitar great Stevie Ray Vaughan. The response to this article was astounding – although SRV’s been gone 17 years, his fan base is a DEDICATED one and his music brings great joy to them (and to anyone else lucky enough to be within earshot).

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Winnipeg, Manitoba’s Smallman Records is an amazing indie record label that has championed the little guy since it’s creation in 1997. Founded by Rob Krause and Jason Smith, Smallman has consistently supported bands that were just starting out, acting not only as their record label but taking on management duties for a number of the bands as well.

Check out their MySpace page at http://www.myspace.com/smallmanrecords and have a listen to current signings Sick City, Broadway Calls, Sights and Sounds and Daggermouth for a taste of their punk rockin’ sound.

Later.

Mark

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Track List
1. The Song Remains The Same (Page, Plant)
2. The Rain Song (Page, Plant)
3. Over The Hills And Far Away (Page, Plant)
4. The Crunge (Bonham, Jones, Page, Plant)
5. Dancing Days (Page, Plant)
6. D’yer Mak’er (Bonham, Jones, Page, Plant)
7. No Quarter (Jones, Page, Plant)
8. The Ocean (Bonham, Jones, Page, Plant)

Released March 1973, by Atlantic Records
Produced by Jimmy Page

Band Members: Jimmy Page-guitars, John Paul Jones-bass, piano, organ, mellotron, harpsichord, synthesizers, John Bonham-drums, Robert Plant-vocals, harmonica

If I were abducted by aliens and they asked me to define rock and roll, I would hand them a pair of headphones and crank this album.

Track by track, it is probably Led Zeppelin’s most diverse. Houses Of The Holy is their fifth album, and their last recording for Atlantic Records. There is classic riff-driven Zeppelin- “The Song Remains The Same”, a ballad- “The Rain Song” a reggae influence on “D’yer Mak’er”, and the best song ever for strapping on the headphones and lighting up-”No Quarter”.How many rock songs do you know of that feature a harpsichord? Interestingly, the song “Houses Of The Holy” didn’t make it on this album. It was released on their next recording, “Physical Graffitti”.

Led Zeppelin’s catalog will be made available on Itunes soon. Buy this entire album. It has been remastered, and sounds better than ever.

Rebecca

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Just a quick note that the second issue of Roczine featuring my brand new column called The Rock and Roll Report (5 points for originality!) should be off the printing presses as you read this. Make sure you check out the magazine’s site at www.myspace.roczine to find out where you can get your copy ’cause it rocks!

Later.

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Just a quick note that the second issue of Roczine featuring my brand new column called The Rock and Roll Report (5 points for originality!) should be off the printing presses as you read this. Make sure you check out the magazine’s site at www.myspace.roczine to find out where you can get your copy ’cause it rocks!

Later.

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You know, I don’t know if it’s just me but the rock and porn world continue to get all cozy cozy these days.

First we have Vince Neil’s Off the Strip Poker Tournament taking place November 3, 2007 inside The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Vegas. Hosted by adult film stars Tera Patrick and Taylor Wayne, all proceeds from the poker tournament and charity auctions will benefit the T.J. Martell Foundation via the Skylar Neil Memorial Fund, established in 1995 by Vince to honor his daughter Skylar who passed away from cancer. Since that time, Vince’s charitable efforts have helped to raise nearly two million dollars for the T.J. Martell Foundation. It’s kind of hard to find any fault with this knowing that it is a fund raiser you must admit.

Continuing our tour through the rock and porn world everybody’s favourite rock reality host and adult film director Dave Navarro speaks to Rock Confidential about his directorial debut with “Dave Navarro: Broken.” Apparently once you’ve been through heroin and cocaine addiction, the murder of your mom and Jane’s Addiction the thing to do is direct a porn flick. I suppose that’s one way to deal with it!

Later.

Mark

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You know, I don’t know if it’s just me but the rock and porn world continue to get all cozy cozy these days.

First we have Vince Neil’s Off the Strip Poker Tournament taking place November 3, 2007 inside The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Vegas. Hosted by adult film stars Tera Patrick and Taylor Wayne, all proceeds from the poker tournament and charity auctions will benefit the T.J. Martell Foundation via the Skylar Neil Memorial Fund, established in 1995 by Vince to honor his daughter Skylar who passed away from cancer. Since that time, Vince’s charitable efforts have helped to raise nearly two million dollars for the T.J. Martell Foundation. It’s kind of hard to find any fault with this knowing that it is a fund raiser you must admit.

Continuing our tour through the rock and porn world everybody’s favourite rock reality host and adult film director Dave Navarro speaks to Rock Confidential about his directorial debut with “Dave Navarro: Broken.” Apparently once you’ve been through heroin and cocaine addiction, the murder of your mom and Jane’s Addiction the thing to do is direct a porn flick. I suppose that’s one way to deal with it!

Later.

Mark

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OK, things have been going to hell in a hand basket with the Drastic Plastic playlists these last few weeks. I lost, then recovered, then lost again Armitage’s last playlist, Doug’s playlist got eaten by the dog apparently and I almost deleted this week’s playlist by accident…twice!

So before I hit the wrong button again, here is Armitage Shanks’ playlist for October 22, 2007. Notice the in-studio picture? Must have been taken by one of the bevy of scantily clad UK rock babes that hang out at the station during Armitage’s show. Lucky bastard…

Artist - Album - Song

The Streets - Radio 1 Established 1967 - Your Song
Foo Fighters - Radio 1 Established 1967 - Band on the Run
Babyshambles - Shotters Nation - Carry on Up the Morning
Hard-Fi - Once Upon A Time in the West - Can’t Get Along (Without You)
Jack Penate - Matinee - Second, Minute or Hour
The Pigeon Detectives - Wait for Me - I’m Not Sorry
Athlete - Beyond the Neighbourhood - Hurricane
The Enemy - We’ll Live and Die in These Towns - You’re Not Alone
The Cribs - Men’s Needs, Women’s Needs, Whatever - Moving Pictures
Kate Nash - Made of Bricks - Mouthwash
The Twang - Love It When I Feel Like This - Two Lovers
Pet Shop Boys - Disco Four - Read My Mind

drastic plastic 128kbps Podcast
(link good for one week from podcast)

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From Austin Texas comes the full on rock and roll attack of She Craves. Rockin’ out behind their debut CD Goodbye Radio Days, She Craves have enough crunchy, smash mouth choruses and rock and roll oomph that you will be continuously nodding your head in ready agreement.

Personally I love Wake Me Up and You Move Me but that’s just me. Check out their MySpace page at http://www.myspace.com/shecraves and have a listen for yourself.

Later.

Mark

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The first four podcasts have been recorded but we have run into a technical snafu that is preventing me from posting them to the site.

If any of you are WordPress gurus, have you heard of a conflict between the PodPress plug-in and the standard image functions of WordPress? When PodPress is installed I can’t manipulate images within a post anymore but when we uninstall it that functionality comes back. WTF?

As soon as this gets fixed I will start posting the podcasts ASAP as they are a lot of fun to do and I am getting some cool support. I won’t bother giving a date but rest assured you will have something cool to feed your ears shortly. Thanks for your patience.

Later.

Mark

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I had a couple of people recommend that I check out South African band Switchback so I contacted John Dirker who is the singer and guitarist for the band to tell me a bit about them and the rock scene in South Africa. John was enthusiastic in explaining to me the pros and cons of playing rock and roll at the southern tip of the African continent and he piqued my curiosity enough to look into doing a South African-themed podcast and/or blog posting to investigate what that country has to offer. The whole region sounds intriguing.

As to Switchback, there is something vaguely familiar with their sound and especially John’s voice. It’s there, at the tip of your brain trying to make a connection with something you have heard before but at the same time it is wholly original and definitely “modern” (you know what I mean, it’s a tough thing to explain. Listen to their tunes and it will become clear).

Track of Time and Better Off are nice and hard hitting while Losing Me reminded me of latter-era Nirvana for some reason, especially the vocals which are eerily similar to those of Kurt Kobain.

All in all this is promising stuff from an area of the world that to me is extremely under-represented in the global rock and roll party. Again I see no reason why Switchback couldn’t easily slot in to your local “alternative rock” radio station playlist but I suppose the fact that people would have to go looking off the beaten path just makes it all too damn hard. Too bad, this is good shit.

Check out their MySpace page at http://www.myspace.com/switchbackonline

Later.

Mark

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Track List
1. Bustin Out For Rosey (Bolin)
2. Sweet Burgundy (Cook)
3. Post Toastee (Bolin)
4. Shake The Devil (Cook)
5. Gypsy Soul (Cook)
6. Someday Will Bring Our Love Home (Bolin, Tesar)
7. Hello Again (Cook)
8. You Told Me You Loved Me (Bolin)
Released May 1976 on CBS Records
Produced by Tommy Bolin and Dennis McKay
Band Members: Tommy Bolin-guitars, piano, lead vocals Reggie McBride-bass Mark Stein-keyboards Carmine Appice-drums Bobby Berge-percussion Norma Jean Bell-saxophone

I first became aware of Tommy Bolin when I was in junior high. Jeff, the high school senior who lived down the street, was a huge fan of his. I was a huge fan of Jeff, and became an instant disciple. Unfortunately, by the time I discovered Tommy Bolin and his music, he was already dead.
If you can find this album, buy it. If not, find what you can on Bolin on the internet. He was a true innovator, mixing rock, jazz, and blues influences for an absolutely unique guitar sound. His style was emotional and funky at the same time, his voice seeming to meld seamlessly with the notes from his guitar.
The production on this album is not the greatest, but you will be amazed at the variety of musical styles and genres that he mixes here, all the while staying true to his own personal sound. This is his second solo record, and the last album he made. Before forming his own band, he replaced Joe Walsh in the James Gang, and was the lead guitarist in Deep Purple after Ritchie Blackmore left. He was only 25 when he died, leaving us to wonder what might have been.

By Rebecca

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I have played American Anthem a bunch of times on Rock and Roll report Radio and you can bet that I will be playing them on the podcast. They consistently pump out that hard melodic rock that I love so much.

I Think About You is just outstanding (and all the girls seem to love it so that’s a bonus) and Real Thing flat out rocks. If you check out their MySpace page at http://www.myspace.com/americananthem you can listen to their take on the Beatles classic Help (which actually rocks and definitely sounds….different without doing so for the sake of being different).

There is more to the band than what is on their MySpace page but it is a good place to start. Great stuff. A band that I definitely play regularly on my iPod and in the car and that’s about as good an endorsement as you can get from me.

Later.

Mark

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I am currently in the process of setting up The Rock and Roll Report to be able to host the new podcast. My tech guru Graham from the mighty Sugartune is running tests and tweaking code while madly cackling in the background so that everything will look cool and work the first time around. With that said, if you see any weird posts, bizarre graphics or naked women on the site, you can ignore all but the naked women.

By the way, the podcast will be great. Everybody but one band has said yes to being on the show so far (and it was the band’s label that turned me down, not the band themselves) so the support is there. If you are looking for a rock and roll shot in the arm after listening to too much of your local classic rock radio station, this should do the trick.

Just all in a days work here at The Rock and Roll Report!

Later.

Mark

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I don’t think I can recall anybody who has listed Thin Lizzy and W.A.S.P. side by side as influences but Rufus Fontain have no problem in doing so. Are they heavy? Shit ya! Are they good? Shit ya! Lookin For a Fight lifts itself out of the morass of the merely heavy by infusing itself with supremely tasty guitar licks and Talk is Cheap wants to make you hit the road for the nearest road house.

Hard, no excuses rock and roll played by guys that look like they live on Harleys, Rufus Fontaine have the attitude and licks to match. Cool stuff.

Check out their MySpace page at http://www.myspace.com/rufusfontainband

Later.

Mark

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All images Copyright 1987 and 2007 Sherry Barnett – www.sherrybarnettphotography.com

Subject - Nina Simone – Let It Be Me – released in 1987 on Verve/Polygram Records, with cover photography by Sherry Barnett.

My wife and I had the good fortune of seeing Nina Simone at the Vine Street Bar & Grill in Hollywood a number of years ago, and so when I was going over the details of my interview with photographer Sherry Barnett, some vivid memories flooded into my head about my experience there. It was a small – very small – club that had room for perhaps 80 people (including those crammed in at the bar), and yet Ron (the owner) managed to book some of the best and biggest acts to come and play there. The place was “cool”, and it had a vibe that musicians and club patrons both just wanted a part of.

What makes this Cover Story so special for me is that it is the first one that is about an artist and a time and place that I have personal experience of. Of course, I’ve seen some of the other musical acts that have been featured on other covers, but in most cases it was after the fact (like seeing Pink Floyd well after they had released Dark Side of the Moon). In this case, I was part of that scene, going in to the Vine Street venue (after seeing a performance at the nearby temporary Ahmanson Theater) for a cocktail and to hear who was playing (and, often times, it was Nina Simone).

(more…)

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All images Copyright 1987 and 2007 Sherry Barnett – www.sherrybarnettphotography.com

Subject - Nina Simone – Let It Be Me – released in 1987 on Verve/Polygram Records, with cover photography by Sherry Barnett.

My wife and I had the good fortune of seeing Nina Simone at the Vine Street Bar & Grill in Hollywood a number of years ago, and so when I was going over the details of my interview with photographer Sherry Barnett, some vivid memories flooded into my head about my experience there. It was a small – very small – club that had room for perhaps 80 people (including those crammed in at the bar), and yet Ron (the owner) managed to book some of the best and biggest acts to come and play there. The place was “cool”, and it had a vibe that musicians and club patrons both just wanted a part of.

What makes this Cover Story so special for me is that it is the first one that is about an artist and a time and place that I have personal experience of. Of course, I’ve seen some of the other musical acts that have been featured on other covers, but in most cases it was after the fact (like seeing Pink Floyd well after they had released Dark Side of the Moon). In this case, I was part of that scene, going in to the Vine Street venue (after seeing a performance at the nearby temporary Ahmanson Theater) for a cocktail and to hear who was playing (and, often times, it was Nina Simone).

(more…)

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I am putting together the brand new Rock and Roll Report Podcast that is set to debut the week of October 22, 2007 but I just want to stress something important.

Anything that I play on the podcast is on there because I have the permission from the artist to play their stuff. If you want to be on the podcast I need your permission in an email saying so. Because a podcast is a download I don’t want to be accused of screwing artists by distributing their work without proper permission so please, make sure you give me the ok first or I can’t feature your stuff.

Remember that everything I play on the podcast is music I personally love and my whole intention is to try and turn others on to this stuff. The Rock and Roll Report Podcast is all about getting the word out about some great music. I hope you will want to join the party.

Thanks and take care!

Mark

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Van Halen Van Halen I
Track List
1. Runnin’ With The Devil
2. Eruption
3. You Really Got Me (Ray Davies)
4. Ain’t Talkin’ Bout Love
5. I’m The One
6. Jamie’s Cryin’
7. Atomic Punk
8. Feel Your Love Tonight
9. Little Dreamer
10. Ice Cream Man (John Brim)
11. On Fire
All songs written by Van Halen except where noted
Released February 1978 on Warner Brothers Records
Produced by Ted Templeman
Band Members: Edward Van Halen-guitars, Alex Van Halen-drums, Michael Anthony-bass, David Lee Roth-lead vocals

When I started this project, I sent emails to all the musicians I know, (and quite a few that I don’t) and asked them to name the albums that had influenced them the most. This album was mentioned more than any other. A lot more.
I was 13 when this album came out, and it changed my life. I thought “Eruption” was the coolest thing I had ever heard. I still do. Van Halen was a huge factor in determining the kind of music I listen to. I still listen to this album, and it sounds as good to me today as it did almost thirty (yikes!) years ago. My friend Robin and I listened to it over and over on her little portable turntable. Her mom thought we were crazy. We were.
Van Halen is reunited, with Wolfgang Van Halen replacing Michael Anthony on bass. You should go see them. At the very least, buy this album. Especially if you are a guitarist. Let Edward Van Halen show you how it’s done.

By Rebecca

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Van Halen Van Halen I
Track List
1. Runnin’ With The Devil
2. Eruption
3. You Really Got Me (Ray Davies)
4. Ain’t Talkin’ Bout Love
5. I’m The One
6. Jamie’s Cryin’
7. Atomic Punk
8. Feel Your Love Tonight
9. Little Dreamer
10. Ice Cream Man (John Brim)
11. On Fire
All songs written by Van Halen except where noted
Released February 1978 on Warner Brothers Records
Produced by Ted Templeman
Band Members: Edward Van Halen-guitars, Alex Van Halen-drums, Michael Anthony-bass, David Lee Roth-lead vocals

When I started this project, I sent emails to all the musicians I know, (and quite a few that I don’t) and asked them to name the albums that had influenced them the most. This album was mentioned more than any other. A lot more.
I was 13 when this album came out, and it changed my life. I thought “Eruption” was the coolest thing I had ever heard. I still do. Van Halen was a huge factor in determining the kind of music I listen to. I still listen to this album, and it sounds as good to me today as it did almost thirty (yikes!) years ago. My friend Robin and I listened to it over and over on her little portable turntable. Her mom thought we were crazy. We were.
Van Halen is reunited, with Wolfgang Van Halen replacing Michael Anthony on bass. You should go see them. At the very least, buy this album. Especially if you are a guitarist. Let Edward Van Halen show you how it’s done.

By Rebecca

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Van Halen Van Halen I
Track List
1. Runnin’ With The Devil
2. Eruption
3. You Really Got Me (Ray Davies)
4. Ain’t Talkin’ Bout Love
5. I’m The One
6. Jamie’s Cryin’
7. Atomic Punk
8. Feel Your Love Tonight
9. Little Dreamer
10. Ice Cream Man (John Brim)
11. On Fire
All songs written by Van Halen except where noted
Released February 1978 on Warner Brothers Records
Produced by Ted Templeman
Band Members: Edward Van Halen-guitars, Alex Van Halen-drums, Michael Anthony-bass, David Lee Roth-lead vocals

When I started this project, I sent emails to all the musicians I know, (and quite a few that I don’t) and asked them to name the albums that had influenced them the most. This album was mentioned more than any other. A lot more.
I was 13 when this album came out, and it changed my life. I thought “Eruption” was the coolest thing I had ever heard. I still do. Van Halen was a huge factor in determining the kind of music I listen to. I still listen to this album, and it sounds as good to me today as it did almost thirty (yikes!) years ago. My friend Robin and I listened to it over and over on her little portable turntable. Her mom thought we were crazy. We were.
Van Halen is reunited, with Wolfgang Van Halen replacing Michael Anthony on bass. You should go see them. At the very least, buy this album. Especially if you are a guitarist. Let Edward Van Halen show you how it’s done.

By Rebecca

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Van Halen Van Halen I
Track List
1. Runnin’ With The Devil
2. Eruption
3. You Really Got Me (Ray Davies)
4. Ain’t Talkin’ Bout Love
5. I’m The One
6. Jamie’s Cryin’
7. Atomic Punk
8. Feel Your Love Tonight
9. Little Dreamer
10. Ice Cream Man (John Brim)
11. On Fire
All songs written by Van Halen except where noted
Released February 1978 on Warner Brothers Records
Produced by Ted Templeman
Band Members: Edward Van Halen-guitars, Alex Van Halen-drums, Michael Anthony-bass, David Lee Roth-lead vocals

When I started this project, I sent emails to all the musicians I know, (and quite a few that I don’t) and asked them to name the albums that had influenced them the most. This album was mentioned more than any other. A lot more.
I was 13 when this album came out, and it changed my life. I thought “Eruption” was the coolest thing I had ever heard. I still do. Van Halen was a huge factor in determining the kind of music I listen to. I still listen to this album, and it sounds as good to me today as it did almost thirty (yikes!) years ago. My friend Robin and I listened to it over and over on her little portable turntable. Her mom thought we were crazy. We were.
Van Halen is reunited, with Wolfgang Van Halen replacing Michael Anthony on bass. You should go see them. At the very least, buy this album. Especially if you are a guitarist. Let Edward Van Halen show you how it’s done.

By Rebecca

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(Press Release) Earlier this year, We Are Listening partnered with web video player provider RayV, and online music licensing startup, YouLicense.com, for the development of a live, internet-only indie music television channel. VIRV.TV has already secured music clips by renowned indie artists. As an extension to We Are Listening’s music video contest, “New Music Video Awards”, successful participants have been hand-picked to be included in VIRV’s playlist and have their video broadcast back to back with more established artists. We Are Listening is currently considering indie music videos for VIRV.TV. Interested parties should send a link to n.young@wearelistening.org.

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