The Seattle sound brought us many new bands, but none as colorful as the Stone Temple Pilots. On their 3rd studio album came a very short and lyrically confusing song called Trippin' on a Hole in a Paper Heart. To this day I'm still not sure what this song is all about but when you hit the solo your brain won't care what the song is about anymore. Honorable mention has be given to Pearl Jam's Alive which might be the classic grunge era song.
Best Return Of Rock Solo
Post grunge, we got back into more traditional rock music and no band was bigger [and badder] than Gun N' Roses. Slash has lay down some memorable riffs over the years but none are as good and commercial as Sweet Child O' Mine. From the opening riff though the melodic solo, this song is all rock, all guns, all the time.
Best From The Guys Who Started It All
When The Beatles came to America in 1964, it was obvious the music had changed forever. They began what turned out to be an unprecedented and perhaps never to be reproduced attack on the ears and minds of the worlds youth. Of all of their songs, Let It Be may not be the one you think of with regards to solos but the subtle solo Harrison adds to McCartney's piano creates an all time classic.
Best Heavy Metal Solo
While heavy metal is usually not my personal taste, Metallica's One as always been a favorite track of mine. Starts slow and soft and over the next 7 minutes it builds to a driving metal riff and solo that will get your blood pumping and your heart racing.
Best Solo That Crossed Into The Street
Aerosmith has had their ups and downs but with their re-release of Walk This Way featuring Run DMC, they got them selves back into the public ear. Not only did this track get the bad boys from Boston back on track, it also helped hip hop find an audience and is the song many have credited with bringing hip hop from the street and getting it on MTV. There is no doubt if this track had never happened, many of urban artist that followed RUN DMC would never had made it.
Best Only-Solo Solo
For all of the classic songs Queen created over the 14 albums they released while Freddie was with us, the bridge between We Will Rock You and We Are The Champions not only fills the "empty" space between the tracks but totally rocks the basic foot stomp and hand clap music. By the way, these two songs are the classic 1-and-1 rock songs and were made to be played together, never apart.
Best Solo That Is Barely There
The Dire Straits' Sultans of Swing is one of my favorite songs because it is so gentle in tone and tempo but oh so complex in riff and beats. When you get to the long solo, you are treated to one of those solo's that feels like the rest of the song was created to fill around. Note: I know the video doesn't include the full end-of-song solo, so go out and get a copy to enjoy the entire sweet solo.
Best Solo To End A Song
No one rocks the ending of a song like Prince does at the end of Let's Go Crazy. The song itself is a great uptempo pop song but the guitar work it simply outstanding. The mid song solo is tight and the crazy guitar work to bring the song to a close is the kind of sound I wish more artist went for because it wraps up the poppin' song so perfectly [as well as this post].
The basic building blocks of a classic rock song includes a first set of lyrics followed by a chorus. Next comes a second lyric set with the expected chorus a second time around. Then comes the bridge from the middle to the end of the song via the infamous guitar solo. Here are come of my favorite guitar shredding solos:
All-Time Favorite Solo
Jimmy Page is considered by some, me included, to be one of the best guitarist ever to lay down a riff and Heartbreaker is the quintessential guitar driven Zeppelin track. The mid song solo breaks the song to a dead stop and while it - and in this case it is a true solo - starts slow and builds to a full band jam leading right back to the back end of the song. Classic.
Best Old School Solo
When the Kinks released You Really Got Me in 1964, it became an instant classic and has been called by some to be the blueprint for rock music that came after it's release. It is the first hit song built around the power cords and features a raspy solo, based on the song Louie Louie, which launched the band. Ironically, the same song helped launch Van Halen some 14 years later.
Best Non-Vocal "solo"
Technically Eric Johnson's Cliffs of Dover is all solo since there are no lyrics but this track is simply 4+ minutes of Johnson weaving a simple riff with solo breaks. A close second is Eruption by Van Halen which drop into You Really Got Me Now see Best Old School Solo above. I also have to mention Joe Satriani's Surfing with the Alien because he all music songs are driving and really get your pulse going.
Best Guest Solo For A Non-Rocker
In his meteoric rise to fame during the Thriller days, Michael Jackson was producing hits all over the place in nearly every genre available at the time. The rockingest track he created back in the day was Beat It which featured a searing solo provided by none other then Eddie Van Halen.
Best Acoustic Solo
Days Of The New was one those bands that emerged from the mid-90's alt rock scene. Although they had limited success, their generally acoustic sound made them different then the rest of the artist around back then. Touch, Peel And Stand is by far their biggest hit and it features a delicious acoustic driven solo that makes me wish I could play the guitar.
Favorite Solo On A New Santana Song
I love what Santana has done over his past few albums finding ways to reach a new audience while staying true to his Latin roots. My favorite pairs have been with Chad Kroeger and on Into The Night, Santana shreds so much it sounds like his guitar just actually melt. A close second is Why Don't You & I, which is lyrically superior and nearly as solotastic.
Best Solo From That Song
You know those songs, the ones you know but don't know their name. Crossroads is one of those songs which features Eric Clapton ripping up his guitar for what seems forever. Nicknamed The Slow Hand, you can see why Clapton has always been looked up in the guitar world.
Best Reverse Solo
When you listen to the song Loser by 3 Doors Down, it it begins with this enticing and simple riff that runs the length of the song and really draws you into the lyrics. But about 2 minutes and 30 seconds later 3DD drops into an all out rock solo that completely blows the vibe and tempo wide open. Only to return to the softer melody with an additional toned down solo. The change of pace is just awesome.
I think it was a great run for Micaela, where he made the most out of what he's got. I did find it odd last night watching that when Michael was "singing for his life", the judges didn't appear to be discussing if he should be saved or not. Which then lead to an awkward scene at the end of the show where Simon basically made the decision for everyone. In the end they would never use their one and only one chance to save someone on Michael it since Simon already had his mind made up about that I guess a team discussion was not really necessary. I just wish, for Michael's sake, they took that a little more serious. I am assuming they have already selected a couple of contestants that they feel should make it to the final 5 and will use this new power if and when one of those pre-selected people get voted off before then. Until next week, Wino out.
Top 10 + Motown = Potentially Great Week. Motown music gives the contestants a opportunity to take something old [and classic] and make it new again.
Matt Giraud - Let's Get It On
Soft piano driven start leading to a full band finish was a nice arrangement. I really liked how he stepped from behind the piano and he gave a crowd-pleasing performance.
Kris Allen - How Sweet It Is
Hmmm, interesting. Felt like a very safe song for Kris this week. I actually thought the arrangement was a basic copy of how JT might play it with a large backing band instead of oh-so-very-Kris like that the judges kept saying.
Scott MacIntyre - You Can't Hurry Love
Something about his performance made me think he was completely uncomfortable with this song choice. It maybe the song range was too big for his own skill and style. Honky Tonk is a great description Simon.
Megan Joy - For Once In My Life
I think Smokey was right and Megan's stle is all about Jazz and Cabaret and that just didn't fit this song. I also thought the key she chose may have been too low for this song.
Anoop Desai - Ooo Baby Baby
While his vocals were good, my problem with Anoop Dog is that over the past 5 weeks I still have no clue what he is all about. Front man? Singer Songwriter? Rocker? Rap Star? I'm just not sure what he would record.
Mid Point Commentary - So far Smokey appears to have told each performer to just do what they did for him and I would say he's about 1 for 5 with that advice. Dear AI, please show us these mentors actually mentor the contestants.
Michael Sarver - Ain't Too Proud to Beg
For me, this was his best performance so far - which might not be saying too much. A good copy of the original in arrangement, vocals and performance. It could have better if he tried to make it more of his own.
Lil Rounds - (Love is Like a) Heatwave
Yeah she has a hell of a voice but I actually felt like it was too big for this song, if that's possible. Maybe she ust needs to learn how to pull bakc that huge voice to better fit the song instead of just over powering it. On the plus side, I think her stylist put her in the perfect outfit for her bootie, I mean body.
Adam Lambert - Tracks Of My Tears
Wow, that's what Adam really looks like. I have not been his biggest fan but I have to say this was good. The stripped down arrangement was brilliant and I actually liked his control and even vocals which is quite a change from his past screechy performances. PS Kara, that was 8 words.
Danny Gokey - Get Ready
Still ove his voice and his vocals here were as expected - solid. Interestingly, I felt this was my least favorite of his so far because it felt like a straight-on cover where in the past he has delivered on some unexpected songs.
Allison Iraheta - Papa Was a Rollin' Stone
In the beginning I thought she had made a bad song choice but once she got the first chorus and beyond I thought it was really great. I am still wondering if she as the range to fit into all of the different styles in the coming weeks. And yes Paula, the "Pencil Thin Mustache" is funny - really funny.
Cream Of The Crop: Matt, Adam, Danny, Alison Muddling In The Middle: Kris, Anoop, Lil Bottom Of The Barrel: Scott, Megan, Michael Should Go Home: Scott Will Go Home: Michael
In an effort to reduce the backlash she has gotten over her new job with the state, Marian Walsh has said she has requested a 31.4% pay cut. This would reduce her ridiculous salary from 175k to a mere 120k per year. This may help reduce the public friction we have seen and heard about government spending but I expect many people will still be less-than-satisfied that the Governor still finds it necessary to fill a position that has remained empty for more than a decade while he continues to ask residents to pay higher taxes and tolls around the state. Although it seems that the public pressure is not lost on our Governor who has recently stated he was going to look into the inflated salaries and perks at the Bay State’s 52 quasi-independent agencies. Additionally he said he was wrong to label the Walsh controversy and a series of other excesses amid hard economic times as "trivial." "Uncle, uncle," Patrick said. "I wish I never uttered that." I would imagine other executive director's like Benson Caswell [HEFA] and Robert Culver [MassDevelopment], who currently earn 225k and 280k respectively, are soon to come under the same salary scrutiny as Mrs. Walsh has. Perhaps this issue and recent reports shown on the local news will really force the Governor to really look hard at the budget before he simply says the state is done all they can and must ask the citizens to give more and more money to them.
Thank you for saying yes to Theo back in 2003 Thank you for having an opinion and speaking your mind Thank you for embracing the new media Thank you for 53 regular season wins Thank you for transitioning from games to gaming Thank you for continuing to look for a cure Thank you for the bloody sock Thank you for a 6 and 1 post season record Thank you for breaking a 86 year old curse Thank you for 2championships Thank you for being you
Ok I got a chance to skim through this weeks Idol and luckily for me I got to skim country week, which is one of my least favorites.
Kris Allen - Make You Feel My Love - Looked good, sounded fine, will stay around.
Anoop Desai - Always on My Mind - I guess this is the Anoop they put through.
Matt Giraud - So Small - Still loving his performance and style.
Danny Gokey - Jesus, Take the Wheel - Only song I watched the whole performance.
Allison Iraheta - Blame It on Your Heart - So far, my least favorite Allison song.
Megan Joy - Walkin' After Midnight - At least she stood still. Now if she can perk up some.
Adam Lambert - Ring of Fire - Still confused on all of this Adam-mania.
Scott MacIntyre - Wild Angels - Novelty is wearing off.
Lil Rounds - Independence Day - I disagree with the judges and thought this was really good.
Michael Sarver - Ain't Goin' Down ('Til the Sun Comes Up) - I think this could be the end of the line.
Alexis Grace - Jolene - A bit up and down, but I liked it anyways.
Cream Of The Crop: Danny, Matt and Lil Bottom Of The Barrel: Michael, Scott and Megan Should Go Home: Michael Will Go Home: Michael
Update: Just found out that Alexis is no longer with us. Oh well. Hope Paula is right [even though I think she is wrong] and something good happens for Alexis.
While roaming around Myrtle beach this week, we stumbled onto a new development called The Market Common. The property is on what once was an air force base situated next to the Myrtle Beach Airport. The idea behind the Common is it be the new Myrtle Beach. Away from the long strip of hotels that line the ocean side along business route 17. The old MB is nothing but hotels, eateries and family amusement parks. The old downtown has no real beach feel since it can be seen from the road and with all those hotels feels very unfriendly and unwelcoming. In contrast, the Common is being developed as a residential community built around shopping, restaurants and on-site events. The site has been open for almost a year and are basically in phase one of development. Most for the retail space is open for business and in the coming months they hope it will be running at full capacity. The housing has all been built around a townhouse style of structures with 2 and 3 floor traditional townhouses and some non-traditional carriage-house townhouses. One of the unique features of the near retail town homes is what they call live and work structures which include 2 floors of living above the first floor retail space which the owner can use for there own business or rent to someone else. It is interesting to imagine what one would do if you had retail space on the first floor of your home. In the coming years they have planned additional housing including some free standing detached housing which could be tempting. If the housing continues to be built and purchased, this could be a very interesting area to watch in Myrtle Beach.
While on vacation I only caught the last 2 performances and the quick recap at the end pf the show. Based on that alone, I am predicting that the oil rig guy [seriously I don't even know his name yet] will be going home this week since to my dismay Anoop seems to have his way this week. I will post a full review once I have watched the full performances this Sunday.
I had read the graphic novel before seeing the movie so I had a good idea how dark, troubled and violent the story of these superheroes was going to be. Zack Synder did a really good job staying true to the novel even capturing some of the panes as they were drawn back in the 80's. The casting was great and even the big blue wang of Dr. Manhattan seemed to fit right in with the rest of the group. I would suggest reading the novel first because there are a few elements of the story which will be easy to understand with the proper background. All-in-all it was a solid start to the spring/summer movie going season, even if spring has yet to really spring here in the northeast.
Delta boosts wi-fi availability of some of their domestic flights. What they don't tell you is that in-flight internet is provided by a company called Gogo. To use Gogo's network, you can purchase a Gogo Pass for $9.99. This pass gives you internet access during the duration of the flight it was purchased on. Sure a cost is expected in a world where everyone, especially airlines, are trying to find ways to cut cost and/or increase revenue but limiting the connection to the flight your on might not sit well with someone who has a connection like I do today - Boston to Atlanta and then onto Myrtle Beach. The other little detail about their service may users may not be aware is their network shaping. The term this preservation of equitable passenger experience. What this means is they prioritize network traffic to control the amount of data that is flowing from their mobile internet router to individual laptops and other internet ready mobile devices. These items are listed content such as file sharing, gaming requiring high bandwidth, or streaming audio and video. These items are "given a lower priority and at times may not work consistently or at all." So if you think your going to watch 6 episodes of Lost in HD streaming from abc.com on your way from New York to LA you might be surprised to find that it may not be possible at all. So be careful when buying your Gogo internet services on your next flight.
As for me, I wrote this post in the air using notepad and simply posted it when we were back on the ground. Now I am off to watch a few episodes of The Big Bang Theory that I preloaded on my laptop.
The Employer: Health and Educational Facilities Authority The New Staff Member: Marian Walsh, a Democratic state senator from West Roxbury The Job Title: Assistant Executive Director The salary: $175,000 The Job Description: Health authority spokesman Liam Sullivan said Walsh will help the quasi-independent agency boost its “government relations expertise.”
Come again? The state is going to pay Mrs. Walsh 175 grand to help build government relations??? So much for Governor Patrick's fiscal responsibility in the midst or a recession. I guess all this new proposed candy tax, gas tax and toll hikes have to spent somewhere why not on a position that has remained vacant for the past 12 years. Clearly what state has been missing is someone to be over paid to find ways to help state agency work with our agencies. Of course here in the private sector we just call that plain old team work and can't afford to pay someone to cheer us all on.
Last night we saw the "end of the road" for Jasmine Murray and Jorge Nuñez. Not that I thought she could win, but I thought it was a premature exit for Jasmine. As for Jorge, well as predicted he is done. On the edge of elimination but still in are Megan Joy and Anoop Desai who could have just as easily been eliminated and won't last long if they give the same level of performance next week.
The "big twist" is giving the judges a one-time ability to save a single contestant who has been eliminated therefore giving this person a chance to come back and perform one more time the next week. Seacrest pointed to past contestants like Jennifer Hudson and Chris Daughtry as examples of contestants that might have been saved if the judges had the right to back then. Of course in both of those cases they have done pretty well without winning so I'm not sure this change will really change anything but I guess you have to keep it fresh.
To start season 8, Idol gives our top 13 the Michael Jackson catalog to work from. Since that includes tracks from the Jackson 5 through Thriller/Bad and into his current stuff no one knows so it should be interesting what the contestants pick to cover. So here we go...
Lil Rounds - The Way You Make Me Feel
Really good start to the season 8 with a solid performance. I look forward to see her sing something a bit more her own style. PS Glam Squad, I hate what she is wearing too.
Scott MacIntyre - Keep the Faith
Behind the Piano is exactly where Scott belongs. This isn't a song I am familiar with and beyond a few flat spots I thought it was good. Keep the faith brother.
Danny Gokey - P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)
PAT - Pretty Awesome Track! Slick beginning, rockin' mid section and awesome crowd participation in the end. Ok so he can't dance so what. I just hope he hasn't peaked too early.
Michael Sarver - You Are Not Alone
Another song I don't know very well but I think this was a pretty good effort. As a likable family guy, I think Michael should hang around for a while.
Jasmine Murray - I'll Be There
For a song written in 1970, Jasmine made her version sound very current. With her good looks and soulful voice, Jasmine is someone who is bound for big things.
Kris Allen - Remember The Time
I like the song choice and thought Kris was pretty good. With his quick guitar strumming I would have loved to hear this song with a more Latin feel [or Santana-ized] would have made it even better.
Allison Iraheta - Give In To Me
There's no doubt Allison can sing but I'm not sure this song really did it for me. Maybe it just another song that is on the less popular side of the MJ collection. Unlike Paula, I liked the righter red hair then tonight's maroon color.
Anoop Desai - Beat It
I begrudgingly have to say Anoop Dog did better than I expected on this song. Decent vocals and I think he hugely benefits from a crowd pleasing [and super uptempo] song.
Jorge Nuñez - Never Can Say Goodbye
Zzzzzzz, oh sorry I think I nodded off during his performance. Maybe Latin-American Idol would work better for Jorge. Opps don't mention Bad when you are waiting to hear from Simon.
Megan Joy - Rockin' Robin
Not sure this song can be made sound current but I think Megan did about as much as one can do with this very dated track. Please, please can someone tell her to stop with the distracting hip shaking dancing she is now doing with each performance. Thanks.
Adam Lambert - Black Or White
No sure this is the song for Adam and his unique singing style. I felt his timing was off for most of the song and the mid section just made me feel angry. No matter what the judges say, I thought it was a big rough all around.
Matt Giraud - Human Nature
For me, this is Matt's best performance so far and it really showed what kind of artist he would be. Another guy who really belongs behind the piano and is another guy who should be around for a while.
Alexis Grace - Dirty Diana
I thought it was an odd song choice but I think it worked. Not sure this tells us what kind of artist she will be but I think she should be here for a few more weeks so we can find out.
Cream Of The Crop: Danny, Jasmine and Matt Bottom Of The Barrel: Anoop, Jorge and Adam Should Go Home: Jorge Will Go Home: Jorge
UPDATE: If two go home tonight, I hope Anoop and Jorge share a plane ride back to once they came...
Burger Kings very first Whopper Bar opened in Universal CityWalk in Orlando today. They have plans for 6 more this year in places like Munich, Los Angeles, New York and Singapore. They predict they could eventually open as many as 500 of these kind of locations around the globe in everywhere from stadiums to cruise ships. Would you rather have it your way at their bar instead of their typical restaurant?
Amir and Streeter are two guys who work for CollegeHumor.com and the two of them have had a prank war going on for a while now. The pranks have becoming more elaborate and last year Amir pranked Streeter with the old fake marriage proposal on the JumboTron at a Yankee Game. Well a year and half later Streeter strikes back with the fake 500K half court shot. Amir's reaction to "winning" is great but the reaction to not winning is priceless.
I can't wait to see what come next in this entertaining prank war.
Last night we went to see Nickelback on heir Dark Horse tour at the DCU center in Worcester. The stage was set with the traditional rectangle-at-the-end-of-the-arena setup with a mini stage in the middle of the floor. The small outer circular stage was connected to the main stage via a narrow walkway. Having floor seats [which was general admission/standing room only] just to the right of the outer stage. First up was Saving Able which was good but admittedly was the band on the bill where I had the least knowledge of their music. Next was Seether who have a handful of songs I really liked and they sounded good but I was left a little bored watching their set.
Then came the main attraction - Nickelback. I had seen them 3 times before this show and in some ways I was dreading the number of tracks they were going to play off the new album not because Dark Horse is a bad record I am just more familiar with their past 3 releases. To my delight they only played 4 new songs including Something In Your Mouth, Burn It To The Ground, and Gotta Be Somebody. About half way through the show, the band decided to make their was out the outer stage area just a couple feet from where we were standing. As they neared the center stage area a small drum kit flipped out from under the stage and the boys played a couple tracks including This Afternoon.
All-in-all it was a great show and a pretty awesome way to start my 39th year here on earth.
On Saturday, 27 year old Fort Pierce resident Latreasa L. Goodman entered her local McDonald's and ordered and paid for [apparently] the only item she likes there - a 10 piece Chicken McNuggets and small french fry. In processing her order in the kitchen, it was discovered they were out and the cashier/manager asked Ms. Goodman what she would like as a replacement because "all sales are final". Ms. Goodman decided to ask her local police department to intervene in this very serious situation:
After the 3rd 911 call, the police did finally arrive and cite Ms. Goodman with a misdemeanor citation for misusing the 911 system. In response to the citation Ms. Goodman stated "This is an emergency, If I would have known they didn't have McNuggets, I wouldn't have given my money, and now she wants to give me a McDouble, but I don't want one. This is an emergency."
Ok now for a dose of reality - "All Sales Are Final"? Really? Just give the women her money back and move on. On the other side, calling 911 because they won't give you McNuggets? Really? Just eat something else. I think we all want our local police out doing something a little more important than settling trivial disputes between a store manager who doesn't know what the word customer in customer service means and a woman who doesn't know they are called McNuggets not just nuggets. These two should probably just be put into a UFC octagon ring and the last one standing gets to keep the 5 or so bucks in question here.
Here are the following steps needed to install a sump pump:
Step 1: Drill into the foundation:
Step 2: Drill some more [and more and more]:
Step 3: Spend 5 minutes trying to bust it open with a sledgehammer:
Step 4: Upon exhaustion from step 3, go rent a jackhammer:
Step 5: Dig, Dig, Dig and Dig some more:
Step 6: Install:
Yeah that was fun. I had back pain to prove it! If you need any help installing yours, please feel free to call a professional because that is a once in a lifetime for me.
Dane Patterson, who lost 100 pounds in just eight weeks, was eliminated from The Biggest Loser last week. To close the show, they show a Where Are They Now segment and in this clip Dane is apparently now an above average marathoner. They showed him crossing the finish line to the January 31st Desert Classic Marathon in Phoenix in a time of 3 hours and 53 minutes. That's pretty damn good for a guy who is still larger than most people.
The truth is his "finishing" time was 5 hours 53 minutes and in order to complete the race in the maximum allowed time of 6 hours, he got a ride for 3 miles [17 to 20] so that he could be an official finisher. As a two-time marathoner, I feel sad that Dane didn't have the self-worth to just walk out the remaining miles and be satisfied with completing an incredibly difficult distance. As for NBC, this is not the kind of press the 4th place network needs. They blame an over zealous field producer for the misrepresentation but I think the blame should be spread around equally and this may signal a dramatic shift in viewing habits for those who seek inspiration in the Biggest Losers, which is very sad.
PS: Whoever provided the film that showed him coming in just under 4 hours [apparently the bulbs in the clock were not "working properly"] should feel the most shame because it had to have been doctored a little for this many people to not see the real time on first viewing.
