Digging into the crates. Zakk Wylde doesn’t do anything too flashy on this solo. He does gives us lots of melody. All the guitars on this song are great. From Ozzy’s 1991 record, No More Tears, here’s, “Mama I’m Coming Home.” One of my favorites from Ozzy.
You know that I started a new project this year, WorkingInMusic.com. From now on all music related posts will be there. Please add that site to your reader.
Here on JamSmooth.com I plan to continue focusing on dating, relationships and other JamSmooth adventures, but also exercise. In 2005 after the distribution company I worked for relocated, I decided to become a personal trainer. I got certified by the American Council on Exercise. I trained over 50 clients of all ages that year. It was a very rewarding job.
Fitness, health, nutrition and exercise are some of my greatest passions in life. So I am going to share that passion and enthusiasm for you. Who knows, maybe we can create a community who gets fit together, sharing our victories and encouraging each other? I think so.
A few nights ago I dreamt vividly about my first love. I don’t recall too many details from the dream other than her presence and that we were talking. I guess this means she’s still in my subconscious?
I haven’t thought about her in years. I’ll be honest, I pulled what my friend BG called a “Facebook Flashback,” and looked her up. She was there. It’s like going to see a band that reunited when they shouldn’t have. She didn’t look the same, but it’s been nearly 20 years.
Back to my question, she’s still in my subconscious lurking around? Why did I dream about her? I don’t know.
What do you think? Do you ever truly get over that first love?
If you’re Don Henley, the answer is no.
I’ve heard this song about a zillion times at work and it never seems to get old. Great keys on this tune and some cool BGVs too. Let It Whip.
When it comes to guitar solos Jimi Hendrix may very well be the best. Ever. This live recording of, “Manic Depression,” from Live At Winterland is a psychedelic mind trip. It has it all – lots of melody, feedback and a blissful wah-wah pedal moment.
The 3/4 time signature has an intensity that no other groove does. The Jimi Hendrix Experience were on top of their game on this one.
Robin Guthrie is one of the most underrated guitarists ever. Ever. The Cocteau Twins influence on modern music has always been grossly overlooked.
Here’s one of my favorite Robin Guthrie solos. It’s from the 1993 Cocteau Twins album, “Four Calendar Cafe.” It’s the grand finale of a flawless record. The guitar solo starts at 2:44 on this video. It’s exquisite. It’s all about minimalism, he picks just the right notes and then ends it with nice bend on the tremelo.
As for the interpretaion of the lyrics I don’t like it. Part of what is so great about the Cocteau Twins was that you could make up your own meaning of Liz Fraser’s lyrics.
Being one of those folks who constantly search for new and exciting music demands a lot of time. I used to be such a person. I used to be desk jockey. Sitting at a desk for 8 hours every day afforded me lots of time to listen to music while I worked. Right now that is not an option.
Growing tired and being consistently disappointed in what I heard fueled my waning interest. I’m not one to say, “Oh the 70′s were the best, the 80′s were the best,” and so on. I think that artists should consistently create inspiring works of art. Of course my opinion is entirely subjective however, it’s been ages since a record blew my mind. Again I’m not looking like I once did. Now I let music find me. This leads to me not listening to much new music.
So this year there is no Top 10 records list. I didn’t even buy 10 records in 2009. I bought a few: Jeremy Enigk – OK Bear, Fee – Hope Rising and Kings Of Leon – Only By The Night which all released this year. Other records I bought were older.
Things are changing for 2010. I’ve got a project in the works that will change it all.
See ya 2009! I’m looking forward to 2010!
Here’s the story behind, “Riding Free Today.” A former co-worker licenses music for TV, film, commercials, etc. From time to time she’ll let me know about opportunities looking for a certain type of song. It’s much cheaper to get an independent artist to write a song in the style they need rather than pay the original artist to license a song.
So when she called me up and told me about this opportunity with Harley-Davidson I jumped. They were looking for a song in the vein of White Stripes, Wolfmother, Black Keys and Black Angels. It’s a spec job which means that you have to do the work first and if they choose your song you then get paid. The past few days I’ve been working on what became, “Riding Free Today.”
I was at work and the main riff came to me. I wanted something that felt like motion, specifically that of riding a motorcycle. Then I thought about the freedom one has when riding a motorcycle. Bikes symbolize a certain freedom and individuality that I wanted to express in the song. The lyrics became about freedom and using the bike to achieve that freedom.
I recorded the song in Logic, all in the box. Unfortunately you can hear that. The recording is a bit muddy. Also I haven’t been singing and playing guitar in recent months. It’s a bit like running long distance but not having the conditioning to finish. I did my best. The vocals are not that great in my opinion. Although I think the song benefits from that. I don’t sound quite like my normal self. I have an edge which this song needs. I also hear a female vocal singing it. So any rock female singers willing to sing this let me know!
All the guitars were done with my Ernie Ball Music Man – Albert Lee model. That guitar has so much versatility. You can go from rock to shoegaze to country pickin’ in no time. Great guitar, thanks Dad!
For those that will, please pray that the song gets chosen. I could really use the money! Thanks!
I’m curious to get any feedback on the song. What are some ways you think I can improve it? What kind of visions and emotions does the song evoke from you, if any?
Thanks,
Jam
