Grandmaster Flash is one of the true innovators of the rap/hip hop culture.
Just chilling here in the abyss known as the Shaolin NYC representing, I was feeling all oldschool cause it’s so cool and all that stuff. Well, I did blast some classic Rob Base late last night as too. But who don’t love that shit?
This time, it’s another blast from the past in the legendary Grandmaster Flash, who was inducted into the Rock N’ Roll Hall Of Fame along with the Furious Five 2-3 years ago as the first ever hip hop/rap act. We’re talking one of the original innovators who paved the way for so many. The man is like the greatest DJ ever with his own unique style that still blows the roof off clubs. Here, we’ll see the huge hit “White Lines,” spreading a powerful message about cocaine and the dangerous risks if you get hooked. Just listen to each line and you’ll get it LOUD and CLEAR. We’re also linking up him talking about his own personal battle before he decided to give it up:
The original studio cut is pretty freaking good. Still sounds fresh.
Live version. Listen to the spinning and the freaking energy! What a vibe!!!!!
“One good thing about music, when it hits- you feel no pain.”
“Herb is the healing of a nation, alcohol is the destruction.”
“Don’t gain the world and lose your soul, wisdom is better than silver or gold…”
“When you smoke the herb, it reveals you to yourself.”
“In this bright future you can’t forget your past.”
“Don’t worry about a thing, every little thing is gonna be alright.”
“The good times of today, are the sad thoughts of tomorrow.”
“Life is one big road with lots of signs. So when you riding through the ruts, don’t complicate your mind. Flee from hate, mischief and jealousy. Don’t bury your thoughts, put your vision to reality . Wake Up and Live!”
ONE LOVE. Rasta! Anyone who knows me well will tell you what a huge Bob Marley fan I am. When I think of the legendary Jamaican singer, I’m reminded of his powerful message of Peace and Love. He would’ve turned 65 today and been raising the roof to a whole new level because let’s face it, the man knew how to parrrrtty!
The lead singer of his own band Bob Marley & The Wailers created the kind of soulful music people enjoy listening and getting down to. Reggae. With renown hits such as “I Shot The Sheriff,” “Is This Love,” “One Love,” “Get Up Stand Up,” “Stir It Up,” “Buffalo Soldier,” “Jammin,” “No Woman No Cry” and the spiritual “Redemption Song,” he was the definition of cool. Listen to any song and it’ll get you going. Feel the vibe and let it all hang out!
Legend is the biggest selling reggae album in history (13.5 million) going platinum. That it came three years following Marley’s death speaks to the true legend he really was and still is today. His music can still be heard at parties and on the radio a la Jimi Hendrix, John Lennon, Jim Morrison, Elvis Presley, Michael Jackson, 2Pac and Biggie. They’re all dead but as I’ve said before many times and shall echo again:
The King Of Pop might have been taken from us but Michael Jackson shall never be forgotten.
“I’ve been in the entertainment industry since I was six-years-old… As Charles Dickens says, “It’s been the best of times, the worst of times.” But I would not change my career… While some have made deliberate attempts to hurt me, I take it in stride because I have a loving family, a strong faith and wonderful friends and fans who have, and continue, to support me.“-Michael Jackson
As someone who grew up in the 80’s, it’s hard to put into words how much Michael Jacksonmeant. The tragic news that the King of Pop suffered a fatal heart attack, dying at the age of only 50 Thursday was tough to take.
Unfortunately, it was sadly predictable for one of music’s true legends who during the latter stage of a brilliant career chalk full of hits became a frequent target due to much maligned rumors that he abused children. We’ll never really know the truth. Though public perception was that he was guilty and once you are, you become an easy target even if it was never proven.
As we all know unless you were living in a cave the past couple of decades, Michael’s career took a hit following an emotional interview with Oprah in which he revealed that he was sexually abused as a kid. Almost immediately, he was accused of sexually abusing 13 year-old Jordan Chandler. Though never proven with Jackson even having to endure a full strip search, he reached a settlement with Chandler’s father, Evan.
A decade would pass before he was acquitted in a highly publicized case four years ago. Combine that with a rough upbringing, the unfortunate incident during a Pepsi ad that led to second degree burns along with the rare skin disease vitiligo which morphed into a fascination with his skin (surgeries/procedures) and it’s not all that surprising that the all-time great’s heart finally gave out, breaking millions of hearts.
Perhaps it was like one of Jackson’s hits “Heal The World.” A tragic conclusion which just couldn’t be prevented due to heavy reliance on plenty of drugs/painkillers including the dangerous Demerol which might’ve been the final straw early Friday at his Neverland home.
When you have a larger than life superstar who comes under heavy and sometimes unfair criticism, it’s no wonder he turned to drugs which did more harm than good. Jackson also frequently starved himself following the negative publicity in 1993. How long can the body take that kind of pain? It’s not just physical but undoubtedly psychological which as this writer knows can cause the physical, leading to panic attacks and other symptoms.
Unless you’ve experienced severe anxiety/depression, you don’t really know how tough it can get. The mental battle can be physically exhausting. One can only imagine how much pressure Michael was under. That kind of expensive lifestyle can be detrimental, especially when you’re in a depressed state battling daily pains along with emotional demons as he endured. It led to many people he aligned himself with giving him poor advice that only sabotaged his health further.
In reading all the drugs/medications Jackson took, it’s amazing he lasted this long. From our vantage point, the everpopular musician/entertainer who turned the world upside down with his amazing singing voice and moon walk was dead a long time ago. The past 15 years took a toll as he slowly killed himself.
When one looks at all the factors, it’s not too hard to understand why. No human being can take that kind of abuse. Say what you want about Jackson’s odd behavior but it’s impossible to ignore what kind of special person he was. Sometimes, people can be cruel saying so and so had it coming. Oh really? Would they feel the same way if it were someone they were close to?
The reality is we all make mistakes and live with regret. It doesn’t matter how much money or fame you have. If you’re not happy, it’s worthless. Does it change all the good this man did donating millions to countless charities including taking part in one of the most memorable songs along with other musicians, who put their egos aside to sing, “We Are The World,” which he and Lionel Richie co-wrote, raising awareness for Africa? That kind of generosity cannot be ignored.
As someone who loved the magical Thriller album featuring timeless hits “Beat It,” “Billie Jean” along with the selftitled epic “Thriller” video- which is more like a minimovie that may as well be shown every Friday The 13th or Halloween in complete darkness- I prefer to remember how special Michael Jackson really was. Someone who made great music even as a little kid with his older brothers- every bit the part of The Jackson Five.
Even I can recall “I Want You Back” and “I’ll Be There” because they rank as some of my favorite childhood TV memories. It’s really amazing to think what he accomplished at such a tender age. Think of all the pressure and expectations. Yet he flourished like no one ever before producing 13 No.1 singles while selling more than 750 million records worldwide while even being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice. No wonder he took home 13 Grammy’s. Guess the No.13 was pretty lucky for Michael.
His 1987 Bad album was memorable too featuring fave “Smooth Criminal,” “Dirty Diana,” “The Way You Make Me Feel,” “I Just Can’t Stop Loving You” along with selftitled “Bad.” Liberian Girl was sexy. Though I have more fond memories as an adoloscent of Naomi Campbell looking ridiculous in “In The Closet” on 1991 album Dangerous.
Of course, I’d be remiss if I didn’t include 1979 Off The Wall which featured two more classics “Rock With You” and “Don’t Stop Till You Get Enough.” It truly was a different time. One which sometimes, I wonder what happened to. But then, we can also ponder the same with Michael, who now is in a better place hopefully at peace.
Of course, I wish he’d been able to do his final 50 concerts that were scheduled for next month in London on July 13, 2009. Instead, we’re left with too many lingering questions as to why. The wall to wall TV coverage makes me sad.
We lost a great person. Let’s remember him the appropriate way.
Bullet 4 My Valentine is like the perfect storm when they hit the stage giving off the old classic metal sound.
Tonight just feels right for some kickass heavy metal. Since I saw Bullet 4 My Valentine blast their way on the Hammerstein stage before some GNR warmup shows a few years back, I’ve become a big fan of theirs.
They have a throwback heavy metal sound emulating Metallica and other old metal bands when it was owning back in the 1980’s. No doubt these British dudes can rock the house down. Lead singer Matthew “Matt” Tuck also doubles on rhythm guitar and just brings it. The guy is an animal who has great stage presence. In 1998 while studying at Bridgend College, he along with lead guitarist Michael “Padge” Paget and drummer Michael “Moose” Thomas formed a band called Jeff Killed John. Along with original bassist Nick Crandle, they originally patterned themselves after popular nu metal bands Korn and Limp Bizkit. However, that soon changed along with the band name to Bullet 4 My Valentine. Crandle departed and was replaced by Jason “Jay” James on bass.
After playing some local gigs, they signed with Sony and released a five track self-titled EP in late November, 2004. A second EP called Hand of Blood came out in late August, 2005 in the United States. That included a bonus track “4 Words (To Choke Upon),” which also would be on their debut album The Poison later that year in the UK and in early February 2006 in The States. A few months later, they came on for GNR and got more exposure to mixed reviews. Not everyone dug the sound because it was so loud- seemingly from a different Era. But I could tell right away these guys were talented and would become bigger. Soon, I discovered they had some stuff on EA Sports Madden 2006 and NHL 2006.
The band released their second album Scream Aim Fire late 2007, early 2008. It had excellent success reaching No.4 on the Billboard. They’ll soon be releasing a third album later this year. In the mean time, I figured we’d take a look at some of their best to date. Not all their videos are available but I’ll link up a few.
“Tears Don’t Fall” totally kicks ass. The first time I heard it, I knew it’d be a big hit. Pretty cool video too if we may say with perfect dark black and white and lots of rain coming down like a storm which is kinda symbolic of how hard they play.
“All These Things I Hate” is another great song to just kick back and rock out to. And hey. We even got a live version here. And boy does it sound good. The dark red lighting is perfect for what’s being said here. Such emotion.
“Suffocating Under Words Of Sorrow” is another emotional song expressing his pain. Once again, there’s a great solo in the middle that really lays it all out there. That’s what makes these guys so great. Pure energy.
This the first time we’ve heard “Hand of Blood” and boy is it classic Bullet. A bit of a different scene. Love the blue lighting. Padge really shines in this with some extra loud vocals meshing well with Matt.
“4 Words (To Choke Upon)” was one of the first songs they played at the GNR shows in NYC. The guitar and drumming leading into an explosive lead are awesome. They seem to know when to turn it on.
“Waking The Demon” is definitely one of their best to date. And man, does the video rock. The girl in it is a total babe. Plus there’s total chaos. Love the whole school locker scene mixed in with them playing loud outside in the woods. Just looks so cool. Love the calendar countdown. It really works.
“Scream Aim Fire“- the aforementioned self-titled second album starts out like a house of fire and doesn’t let up. It’s also played at just the right tempo where you’re really able to hear what Matt’s saying. Yep. This song puts them “Over The Top!”
“Hearts Burst Into Fire” is awesome. It gives you a little different perspective into the band and is sang in a different tone with Matt really driving his points home. They show a lot of what goes into being successful. So many amazing different shots. The lower key really works and hey. It’s a little longer. They way they ended this video is perfect. Gives ya that live vibe.
Let’s take a look at one more:
More dark shots with plenty of close ups of Matt belting out the lyrics. Some good crowd shots work too. The best part of this song is the middle where he does a solo and really changes the tempo. It’s played with tremendous energy.
Energy. The perfect word to describe Bullet. When are they coming back to the Big Apple? I’m getting tix.
Ann and Nancy Wilson teamed up becoming one of rock's greatest acts as Heart.
It’s late and we’re taking a day off from the big sports news. Still, congrats to Kobe Bryant, Phil Jackson and the rest of the Lakers on winning the NBA title in convincing fashion posting a 99-86 win over the Magic in Game Five. They certainly are very deserving. More on that later. Plus some Subway Series thoughts along with the latest hard hits on Brian Bruney and K-Rod.
However, tonight, I figured we’d bring back the ever popular video installment in which we feature an artist or band. Today, we take a look back at the talented sister duo of lead singer Ann Wilson and guitarist Nancy Wilson, who each helped form one of the most powerful bands of the late 70’s, 80’s and early 90’s in Heart.
I’ve always felt they were forgotten despite some unbelievable hits like “Magic Man,” “Barracuda,” “Crazy On You,” “Alone,” “If Looks Could Kill,” “What About Love,” “Who Will You Run To,” “Never,” and “These Dreams.”
There’s a reason Heart was ranked No.57 on “VH1’s 100 Greatest Artists of Hard Rock.” Because when it comes right down to it, the Ann and Nancy rocked. Between Ann’s amazing pipes and Nancy’s awesome guitar riffs and underrated backup vocals, they had it all. Especially in the looks department. Two gals who could flat out bring the house down with sex appeal. What’s better than that?
And so, we remember just how great they were in this segment taking a look back at a few of their best. As an 80’s kid, I had a good childhood. Heart was part of it. Let’s get out the time machine:
This is our favorite video. From their comeback self entitled 1985 Heart album which topped the charts, they made a smooth transition from hard rock to pop. When you have their talent, it can take you pretty far. At this point, Ann was battling weight issues unfortunately forcing the Record Company to push her younger sister Nancy more into the spotlight. Not that we mind. She was hot and a guitarist of one of the best bands. Still, you can’t do it alone. Without Ann, there’s no success and her vocals are absolutely stunning to this day.
Another big hit which I can still recall as a kid. Such a distinct sound compared to their other stuff. And sang in a different tone. We really dig the lyrics about deep dreaming.
These Dreams – Heart
Spare a little candle
Save some light for me
Figures up ahead
Moving in the trees
White skin in linen
Perfume on my wrist
And the full moon that hangs over
These dreams in the mist
Darkness on the edge
Shadows where I stand
I search for the time
On a watch with no hands
I want to see you clearly
Come closer than this
But all I remember
Are the dreams in the mist
CHORUS: These dreams go on when I close my eyes
Every second of the night I live another life
These dreams that sleep when it’s cold outside
Every moment I’m awake the further I’m away
Is it cloak ‘n’ dagger
Could it be spring or fall
I walk without a cut
Through a stained glass wall
Weaker in my eyesight
The candle in my grip
And words that have no form
Are falling from my lips
CHORUS
There’s something out there
I can’t resist
I need to hide away from the pain
There’s something out there
I can’t resist
The sweetest song is silence
That I’ve ever heard
Funny how your feet
In dreams never touch the earth
In a wood full of princes
Freedom is a kiss
But the prince hides his face
From dreams in the mist
I’d say this is their biggest hit. Just such a classic sound. You feel like you’re in a different era. And yet so personal about the controversy after leaving Mushroom Records. Sang with such emotion and played with ferocity.
A classic TV appearance. Plus an extended version of a kickass song. Roger Fisher is on lead guitar. Steve Fossen on bass. Howard Leese guitar, keyboards and vocals. Mike DeRosier is the man banging away on the drums. In the middle, he’s prominent along with the three guitars including Nancy creating a classic sound. Doesn’t get much better.
One of our favorite power love ballads. Great words and as usual, awesome emotion from Ann that few other lead singers can match. What intensity from both!
I hear the ticking of the clock
I’m lying here the room’s pitch dark
I wonder where you are tonight
No answer on the telephone
And the night goes by so very slow
Oh I hope that it won’t end though
Alone
CHORUS: Till now I always got by on my own
I never really cared until I met you
And now it chills me to the bone
How do I get you alone
How do I get you alone
You don’t know how long I have wanted
To touch your lips and hold you tight
You don’t know how long I have waited
You don’t know how long I have waited
And I was gonna tell you tonight
But the secret is still my own
And my love for you is still unknown
Alone
CHORUS
How do I get you alone
How do I get you alone
Alone, alone
Another excellent song with such a cool sound. Nancy’s all over this one looking magical. And the way they shot it in that light works. Good stuff.
And finally, a recent piece with an older Ann still totally rocking on American Idol with Carrie Underwood in what’s a great rendition of Alone. Pretty amazing how Ann can still hit those high notes. Unreal. I love how Carrie just points to both sisters out of a show of respect. Very cool.
That concludes this special video edition. Hope this makes people appreciate how truly great Heart was.
The music of Jim Morrison and The Doors will forever be remembered leaving a long lasting legacy like most legends.
Originally, I was going to do some new The Fray from their second album being that they’ll be performing in the city later tonight at Webster Hall. I really want to go but it’s not looking too good especially with it being soldout.
They’re supposed to webcast it on their official site with a start time of 9:10 ET. Maybe I’ll check it out assuming I don’t luck into scoring tix.
So, I was on YouTube and came across one of my favorite Doors songs. I just love The Doors. Jim Morrison! What else needs to be said?
Instead of previewing some new stuff, I decided to change it up and sprinkle in a few of my favorite Doors songs. The legend of the eccentric Jim Morrison shall live on forever just like my idols Jimi Hendrix, Bob Marley, John Lennon and 2Pac. Janis Joplin too.
What is it about age 27 (Morrison, Jimi, Joplin) and why does it seem like most legends die so young? I guess it’s part of leaving that legacy. Gone but neverforgotten.
Anyway, here are some of my faves. Enjoy!
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It’s such a weird vibe song but done so well. Kind of odd video too from this user. Well, it’s a dark song with great lyrics and appropriately shot.
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You can’t have a Doors video feature without linking up their most popular and best song. Well, to me at least. “Light My Fire” embodies so much and is utterly amazing. That I was able to discover a live version from Europe is even better as they really do sound good.
It’s got that nostalgic feel. Just listen to them play in the middle which to me has always been the best part even as Morrison kicks it into high gear at the epic conclusion. The guitar, drums and keyboard are magnif! And of course watching Morrison do his thing on stage is a story all to itself.
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Another epic with so much meaning and feeling. He just was on his own planet in some other dimension. But hey. So was Jimi!
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Alright. This is kind of an odd place to play but whatever. “Touch Me” is such an upbeat sexy track with much appeal. It’s played fast and Morrison controls the tempo like always. Solid performance!
It’s funny but as I flipped between commercials to Fuse and watched some music videos, I came across The Killers’ latest hit “Human.” A pretty funky video too.
Which reminded me that I really like this band. They’ve got some solid tracks including the everpopular “When You Were Young” from a couple of years prior along with “Somebody Told Me” which the Garden seems to play plenty during stoppages at Ranger games.
Maybe it’s time to pay more attention to one of the more promising groups out there. Their music is good and the lyrics got edge. I also like The Fray and their second album should be out sometime this year. I heard a little of one song and it sounded pretty good.
Anyway, here’s one of my fave songs by The Killers:
It’s rare that I’ll ever post a band who covers a song but this morning on Christmas Eve is one of those special occasions.
I came across it by accident on my YouTube channel when user Leandro (leobrazilusa) who is a diehard U2 fan had this outstanding cover of one of my favorite classic songs, “Bad.”
Imho, this has always been one of the Irish band’s best songs. They had a pretty memorable performance during Live-Aid back in 1985. Maybe I’ll link that up as well.
Anyway, I really enjoyed this cover which might’ve taken place at a saloon in New York City. If so and I’d been there, I would’ve demanded some shepherd’s pie and a pint of Guinness on tap.
I’ll try to get the band’s name because they were good and the lead singer even had a little Bono vibe going with the attire including the shades. Good stuff!
Enjoy and be safe out there:
Not only do they sound good but the lead singer has presence and even favorably finishes with the classic Groovy Tuesday and pulls it off. Just listen to how into it the people at the bar were. That tells ya all you need to know. This was fun and made me smile.
This epic performance given the circumstances raising so much awareness and money for feeding the hungry in South Africa was and still is one of the best live performances I’ve ever watched. It’s just wonderful and shows how big a deal U2 was and still is to this day even if their latest album is on hold till March and won’t have the same vibe as those War, Unforgettable Fire and Joshua Tree years.
Aside from all the attention focused on Bono who’s a great frontman and sometimes gets carried away with political stuff, it’s worth noting how good the other three members are in guitarist The Edge, drummer Larry Mullen, Jr. and bassist Adam Clayton.
Inspired from watching this cool video of Gladiator dedicated to the heroic Maximus played by Russell Crowe- one of my favorite movies and great characters. The original song is by Lisa Gerrard. Wonderful.
““Now We Are Free” by Derek Felix AKA D Flex
Now we are free For all to see After being deceived Fought so valiantly to achieve
Never gave up the good fight Had to persevere and reach your destined sight No matter how much heartache or pain You were much too strong in the brain
Possessing so much inner drive Which explained why you survived Bloody and beaten but kept on going With images of your wife and son showing
Now we are free From all the misery Having never given in To that evildoer’s distasteful sin
Despite their tragic slaying In this shameful game he was playing You killed all foes and were on the move Fully driven cause you had so much to prove
Determined to prove a point Which explained why the crowd would anoint Adoring you for the passion on display Cheering your sword and shield expressing what to say
Now we are free And can let it be Having come home And finally won
One final battle to the death Where good and bad take their last breath With you overcoming a concealed wound Beating, tormenting and killing that goon
Good over evil on this bittersweet day But in the end you got your way Able to rejoin them up above Forever being with the ones you love
Avenging them and the King for what you believed Which is why you’re at peace and can really leave On this day you might really be gone But your legend shall always live on
Now you are free For your family to see You’ll be staying quite a while And that’s why you can finally smile
One thing I have always been a big fan of is reggae. This morning, I just felt like kicking back and relaxing while chilling to some classic Bob Marley.
I could watch and listen to any of his stuff. I only own seven Marley tees. One Love!
I came across some of his oldest son Ziggy Marley’s work and felt like linking up a couple of videos. Lately, all I’ve done is BC recaps and one sports entry. I’m lazy mostly cause I have been doing a lot more hockey stuff over at my other site.
Still, I can do a lot more and felt obligated to bring back this segment. Music will always be an integral part of who I am. So, when I’m ranting about which player the Yanks overpaid for or about Mats Sundin passing up the Rangers or the Giants’ recent struggles, I can always turn to a good song or video to chill and get proper perspective.
I love lyrics. I write on my own as well. Maybe one of these days, I’ll post another one I did last week. It came out fabulous!
In any event here are a couple from Ziggy Marley. Enjoy:
Definitely like the beat and how it’s shot. There’s something cool about the scene. It’s just so real and relaxed. In particular, the stuff with the gas station where he just sings while customers pass in and out. If you listen closely, some of the words ring very true about life in general and how we handle things. Life ain’t always great.
This one’s crazy and trippy. Very uplifting. He looks and sounds a lot like his Dad. He must be extremely proud watching up above in the Heavens.
And of course watching Morrison do his thing on stage is a story all to itself. 
