Aerosmith Frontman Kissing The Past Goodbye?

Hey everyone!

So unless you've been living under a rock, I'm sure you've heard the news that Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler may be calling it quits....

 

Rumors have been running rampant since a slew of interviews neither confirming nor denying the current state of the group took place early this month. Aerosmith recently cancelled a large number of tour dates and Tyler has had a tough year dealing with injuries and rehab visits. These have been cited to be possible factors in the ongoing troubles within the band. The band has taken to the press for (an attempt at) rumor control. Guitarist Joe Perry told the Las Vegas Sun "Steven has quit, as far as I can tell". Tyler has also been quoted as making claims about a new solo project. Whatever the case may be, I'm sure there will be many fans left saddened by the news of a breakup. Aerosmith has been a prominent fixture in the rock scene for many generations, an icon of the genre. The music carries on though, and I'm sure no one will forget their legacy.

More on the story here:

Los Angeles Times

Las Vegas Sun

How would you feel if Aerosmith really does call it quits? What if Tyler leaves but the rest carry on? Would it be the same? Would you go see a Steven-less Aerosmith concert? Let me know what you think!

Rock On!

- Girl At The Rock Show

Song of the Day: Walk This Way by Aerosmith... a classic, one of the only Aerosmith songs I can sing along to haha

On The Radar: Goldfrapp

Hey Everyone!

So another short artist based post today... I love doing this, its so much fun sharing music with other people. Not to mention I dont have my weekly inspiration because I have not been feeling 100%. Anyways, expect a lot of posts like this because honestly, they are fun to write.

Today the artist I want to share with you is a little two piece british band called Goldfrapp. It features the beautiful, soft voice of lead vocalist Alison Goldfrapp, and the interesting synth styles of Will Gregory and Alison herself. Honestly, it makes for a stunning combination. The electronica element is performed with a high degree of musicality, its easy to forget you're listening to synthesizers. Their musical style is extremely diverse, having sampled from a variety of genres over their career span (1999-present). Thats a lot of years to experiment with! Along side a selection of soft melodic tracks that are sure to make Indie fan fall in love, there are several dancey electronica beats. If you're looking for something a little different for your next party soundtrack, definitely check these guys out, they could be exactly what you're looking for to get the music critics in the room buzzing!

Personally, I had not heard of them until their last album Seventh Tree came out, but I cant stop listening to them. The music is really catchy and beautifully produced. If you're interested in something a little different with all the familiar elements of a good track, give these guys a listen! This is one of my favorite tracks, its called "Ooh La La".May be a bit familiar for those of you who watch American Idol. Adam Lambert performed this track on the show. I'll also leave you with something a little different from their repertoire, its called "Clowns" Enjoy!

Rock On!

- Girl At The Rock Show

Song of the Day: Hard Days Night by The Beatles... Love this song, and I feel like it kind of fits. I have had a long week! Like the rest of you I'm sure.

On the Radar: Lykke Li

Hey Everyone!

Short, sweet, and to the point today. Yet another blog inspired by that wonderful shuffle feature on my ipod. Reminds me of all kinds of music I love but never really think to listen to! Anyways, while on my way to the mall today, my ears were treated to the lovely sounds of Sweden's Lykke Li. I'm sure thats a  new name for most of you, but I'd really recommend checking it out if you get a chance. I came across her about a year ago when I was reading an article by Butch Walker about some of his favorite artists. Being the level of musician he is, I figured I'd give some of the names a listen. This one kind of stuck with me (as well as a few others). I'd watch for her to blow up soon... she's been asked to cover songs by Kings of Leon, performed with Kanye West, and has a song on the upcoming Twilight Saga's New Moon album. So here's a taste of Lykke's swedish indie style. Enjoy!

Rock On!

- Girl At The Rock Show

Long Awaited "Dear Jack" DVD Released Today!

Hey everyone!

I just realized that in my last post, I forgot to mention another exciting addition to stores this week! Personally, I've been waiting to see this for years, and if any of you are fans of Andrew McMahon's work (Something Corporate/Jacks Mannequin) you may know what I'm talking about. November 3/2009 marks the release of the much anticipated "Dear Jack" DVD.

Photo Credit: Me! (Toronto Warped Tour, July 2008)

"I'm alive, And I don't need a witness to know that I survived, I'm not looking for forgiveness.

I just need light, I need light in the dark and I search for the resolution"

- The Resolution by Jacks Mannequin (The Glass Passenger, 2008)

This film chronicles Andrew's difficult journey through his fight with leukemia. He bravely agreed to make a documentary (which he filmed most of himself with a hand held camera), to bring insight to the world of a cancer patient. Just seeing this preview alone nearly made me cry, and I'm pretty sure the full film will have a similar effect. 

I have a lot of respect for this man. He has done a lot of incredible things from the isolation of a sterile hospital room. He never let the cancer get in his way, continuing with plans to release music and make a difference. He has donated great amounts of time and effort to the cause of raising awareness and money for research. 

On a personal note, I have seen my fair share of loved ones battle this illness and that makes me appreciate what Andrew does even more. A lot of people encounter this, it effects everyone. And for an artist like him to step up and make a change is an incredible thing. I mean, he founded a charity, and matched thousands of dollars in donations raised for the Light The Night walk. He has seen and done a lot for someone who only just turned 27. I think he is honestly one of the most inspirational people I have ever had the pleasure of speaking with, no matter how brief it may have been. 

So I for one, am very excited to watch this DVD. I ordered my copy from Amazon early yesterday morning and can hardly wait the five business days until it reaches my front door. If you're interested in Andrew's story, definitely take a few minutes to check out his work. I'll leave you with a preview and some links to follow up on!

Links: 

Official website

Dear Jack Foundation

Interview

Andrew's Blogs (Starting the day of diagnosis)

Rock On!

- Girl At The Rock Show

Weezer's New Album Hits Shelves!

Hey Everyone!

  So its a tuesday once again, and I find myself thinking of all the new releases that have hit the shelves this week. I have to say, I've been curious about this one for a while. Weezer's latest album Raditude was officially released today, and there are a lot of conflicting reviews out there. I'm curious to know what you all think, if anyone out there is a Weezer fan.

I am a big fan of Weezer. Their older music was an essential part of my high school playlist. El Schorcho, Say It Ain't So, Undone, and Buddy Holly were and still are fixtures in my music listening and bad karaoke repertoires. I remember I knew some guys who played shows downtown, they would always play a cover of El Schorcho and my friends and I would swarm to the front of the stage singing and dancing the whole way. The point is, their music has always been important to me.

Lately though, its just not striking the same chords it once did. Their last couple albums have been slightly disappointing to me. Filled with catchy songs as always, there was just something lacking. I still dont think I could put my finger on it if I tried. The classic and sarcastic social mockery is still very evident in songs like Beverly Hills. The awkward love song still exists in Automatic. And the Weezer we know and love is still very much alive in songs like Pork & Beans and We Are All On Drugs. The band has undeniably changed over the years, but their quirky unique outlook on song writing has never truly faded. To the untrained eyes and ears, everything is there... but to the fans, you probably know what I mean when I say the spark is not there. 

All of this aside, I think I'm going to avoid the press reviews until I've heard the album myself. Weezer is a great band with a lot of talent. As a long time fan I feel it my duty to give this album a shot. Have any of you heard this album? What are your thoughts? Let me know, in the mean time I plan to add it to my collection by the end of the week. Maybe I'll let you know what I think then! (Side note: Cant hurt that Butch Walker helped produce several tracks on the album either)

Rock On!

- Girl At The Rock Show

 Song of the Day: Buddy Holly by Weezer... an oldie but a definite goodie. This is one of my favorite tracks by them, and not to mention the video is an absolute classic. Enjoy!

FIght For Your Rights- Artists With A Cause

Hey Everyone!

With all the issues surrounding our world today, it seems like every artist or band is getting behind some cause or another. Building/Rebuilding homes, adopting kids from foreign countries, vegetarianism, climate change, I mean it cant be hard to find something you believe in. In fact, just as I started to write this, a commercial for the SPCA featuring Sarah McLachlan appeared on my television. But when do we draw the line between good deeds and preaching? And how many people do it because they believe in it, and not just for the publicity?

I'm all for supporting charities and volunteer work. Its a great thing to do, help others out when they're in need. Its inspiring and I definitely encourage everyone to do something in their own community. I wish I did more, actually. Its great to see someone as busy as a touring musician to take time out of their busy schedules to give back. In a lot of cases, I feel they genuinely know the weight of their influence and how important their involvement can be. But sometimes the message for me can be a little intrusive. I think its unfair when you're made to feel guilty for lack of participation. Most of us do what we can, and wish we could do more but its not always possible. Don't throw it in my face, am I right?

Not to mention, personally, I still cant shake the feeling that some of the work is solely for the hype. But I guess I cant be mad, because even if it is for publicity, the work is getting done and others are joining in. But I mean, I am a firm believer of supporting causes close to your own heart... not wearing t-shirts because you're getting paid under the table or because your manager signed you up. I don't know exactly who is guilty of this, but I have to think some artists are. The world of celebrity is rather corrupt anyways, cant put it past them.

So here are a few artists with causes that I happen to like. Agree/Disagree, have someone else you'd put on the list? As usual, let me know! I'd love to hear from you.

Rise Against: From anti-war politics to veganism and the environment, these guys are all over the board. But when you listen to them talk about these causes, its pretty clear that they genuinely support every one of them.

Thrice: These guys do a lot of work with a group called Invisible Children, an organization that aims to raise awareness for child soldiers in Uganda. Its quite eye opening and caught my attention a while ago.

Green Day: Alongside this video to raise awareness for issues in Darfur, and releasing it on a compilation called Instant Karma for charity, Green Day has been lending a hand in New Orleans. Touring guitarist Jason White, and lead singer Billie Joe Armstrong (along with  his wife and two young boys) went to help build homes for Habitat For Humanity and posted a blog about his experience. 

U2: Of course, no list would be complete without Bono. It cant be denied that this man does a lot of work to support a variety of charities... however, I have to say I find him a little to intense. And, they have been known to make some mistakes with their research... but still, the message gets out there.

Jacks Mannequin: Andrew McMahon is amazing. For those of you unfamiliar with the band, Andrew was diagnosed with Leukemia a few years ago. He agreed to film a documentary of his experiences with the treatments and bone marrow transplant that likely saved his life. He has also started his own charity called the Dear Jack Foundation which raises awareness and money for research. He has done some incredible things, definitely check it out. 

...And of course there are a LOT more. This is a very small list, only intended to get my point across using examples that were quick to pop into my mind. But again, let me hear your thoughts about artists you know of who do their part.

I feel the need to go join a cause now, do something good for the community... anyone with me?

Rock On!

- Girl At The Rock Show

Song of the Day: Give It All by Rise Against... one of my favorite songs by these boys, and not to mention the video and lyrics are fantastic. 

Golden Age of Rock... Who Should Call It Quits?

Hello Everyone!

Hope Halloween was fun for you all. I had a great weekend. Like I said, it's just so much fun dressing up in crazy costumes. I think some of the best ones I saw were: dixie cups, a man in a shower, mario kart players and a pregnant male nun. Good choices, all really well done. What were some of the crazy costumes you saw this weekend? Anyways, on to the post!

gratuitous photo: my roommate and I on Halloween

Rock N Roll is timeless... but perhaps the same can not be said for the participants of the scene. We all hear the term "they're past their prime", talking about bands like a piece of meat or something. Personally, I think there is a point in time where artists need to give it up. Rock N Roll performance seems to have a biological clock all its own. I'm all for the love of music, but I can definitely name a few acts who need to call it quits! 

Performance wise, it can be slightly awkward to watch an aged act on stage. Some bands can still do a great job, but for the most part, its just uncomfortable. Rock exudes energy like no other genre, its driven, fast and aggressive. So if you take away the artists ability to perform it the same way, sometimes the sparkle just isn't there. Am I right? As long as you can keep up with your music, go for it. Once you're playing double time and standing still, maybe its time to consider some changes (maybe try a new sound or quit while you're ahead).

Another thing that drives me crazy is bands who stick around for the cash flow. I wont name names, but if you hate each other, maybe its best to forgo the cheques and give it up. Music is about passion, if you can't stand your band mates, it must be very difficult to be passionate about writing. If you have to tour on separate buses so you don't kill each other, or record on entirely different days, sending out emails for communication... stop. Oh... and DO NOT, I repeat DO NOT try to make a fortune in farewell tours. One big bang of tour dates and thats it, if you must.

A third sign that it may be time to quit... you're working with only one or two original members and still going by the same name. Guns N Roses, I love you but you are no longer Guns N Roses. You are Axl Rose and some other talented musicians... but not GNR. 

Finally, stop raising ticket prices because you're now "classic" rock. I would LOVE to see some of the older acts in concert if given the chance, but I can rarely even fathom this idea due to ticket costs. I mean, over $200 for a few hours of entertainment? You had better be the original Beatles lineup for that cost to see one act. I would only even consider that price for a festival show, and even then it would have to be a once in a lifetime lineup. Point is, you kill your fan base by charging so much. The tickets are unaccessible and it frustrates people. Be nice, consider that your fans are typically middle class workers who know the value of a dollar.

The point is, do it for the love but dont feel pressured to spend your entire life in the industry. Work hard, have a good time, make some incredible memories, then retire or move into another aspect of the industry. This clearly doesn't apply to ALL artists, as there are definitely some incredible older acts still roaming the concert circuit, but if you fall into at least two of the above categories, please seriously reconsider the continuation of your career.

(original source unknown)

What do you think? Agree, disagree? I'm open minded and I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Rock On!

- Girl At The Rock Show

Song of the Day: My Generation by The Who