Honestly, as diehard a Guns N’ Roses fan as there is out there growing up in the late 80’s/early 90’s, there was no more fascinating band than the original act fronted by the zany unpredictable Axl screeching at the top of his lungs with Slash churning epic solo after epic solo while Izzy chiming in on vocals and rhythm guitar with Duff on bass and Steven Adler doing his thing on the drums for an amazing sound unlike any other.

They were such a great rock n’ roll group which explains why they didn’t last long together cause most big acts rarely do. Still, with the incomparable Appetite For Destruction featuring huge hits still played today like anthem “Welcome To The Jungle“-WTTJ known to Gunners, “Sweet Child O’ Mine,” “Paradise City” and “My Michelle,” their legacy remains very much intact. It’s not often you find an album with no weak tracks on it. But that’s how strong Appetite was. You could rock out to any.

While so much is emphasized about that album, the two Illusions were hardly slouches bringing with it a different style of music fresh sounding producing hits like “Civil War,” and the memorable “November Rain.” There were also solid covers of Bob Dylan’s “Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door” and The Beatles’ “Live and Let Die” while “You Could Be Mine” became extremely popular as the movie sound track theme of Terminator 2 prominently featured in the video. There also were songs like “Garden of Eden,” “Breakdown,” “Coma,”  “Don’t Cry,” “Estranged” along with “Yesterdays,” and the now too ironic “14 Years.”

When you got lyrics like this, you have to ponder if Axl actually planned to wait this long with Chinese Democracy, which now looks as if it really will finally hit stores on the much rumored 11/23 and 11/25 dates:

But it’s been
14 years of silence
It’s been
14 years of pain
It’s been
14 years that are gone forever
And I’ll never have again

So, how do ya feel knowing that it took this long to finally officially release the first single which is fittingly the entitled album, “Chinese Democracy?” Radio stations finally began playing the digitally remastered track that now includes a fantastic intro befitting of such a song. I always felt it lacked something and was just a little too short. But the intro has a special vibe which drags you into a different dimension. Like we’ll ever live to see a Chinese democracy?!?!?!?!?!

Before we debut the new single here, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the underrated G N’ R Lies featuring the likes of “Patience,” “Crazy,” “Move To The City,” “Used To Love Her” and the controversial but very good “One In A Million” where Axl made references to “faggots and racists.”

Fast forward 20 years later and now, it’s Axl with basically a whole new cast of characters including lead guitarist Ron Thal (Bumblefoot), Robin Finck (lead guitar), Dizzy Reed (keyboard/piano), Tommy Stinson (bass), Chris Pittman (special effects), Richard Fortus (rhythm guitarist) along with drummers Bryan Mantia and Frank Ferrer.

Reed’s the only holdover from remaining with Axl since 1991.

Whether you’re pro or con on this new act, it’s quite understood that it shall never compare to the original Gunners because quite few bands could measure up to that legendary status. There’ll never be another Slash who has always been the main example as to why the old establishment loathes Axl and the new band. However, it’s also easy to say that there’ll never be another Izzy or Duff as well. The old Gunners will always have their own legacy.

The new band is quite good as I’ve seen it live a bunch of times including three great shows at Hammerstein Ballroom. They should be judged on what they produce and not compared to the old act. That’s always been the misconception. I say enjoy them for what they are.

And with that, here’s the brand new Chinese Democracy:

Today’s video “Put On” features the talented Young Jeezy coming clean about what’s really going on these days in the everyday struggle to survive and having their homies backs. Not surprisingly, this was a big hit featuring Kanye West as they go hard. The video itself has some strong parts to it with the start showing off a poor urban family watching the news about the entitled album, The Recession which is poetic since well, it really hits home. Love the flag theme throughout.

Note: The video won’t work above cause it’s unavailable for embedding. So click on the link below:

Young Jeezy fea. Kanye West: “Put On”

Aaliyah tribute song: “I Miss You” is really nice. She was great. Let’s just call this a bonus addition which I liked. The video is really cool highlighting her distinguished career while her peers pay tribute.

It’s been a while since we did a rap video or any kind here. So, let’s break that drought with an October first as we take a look at one of Akon’s latest featuring Lil Wayne, who seems to be in everything as does Akon. They combine very strongly here in “I’m So Paid.”

This isn’t an official video obviously cause it’s brand new. Or as MTV once introduced, Spankin’ New. Whatever became of those days? Man. Even TRL died. And even if it was a fake show just for one target audience, at least they showed clips.

Somewhere, MTV soldout and became everything else but the music. Not taking away from The Real World, Laguna Beach and some of the other shows they have but come on. It’s supposed to be a music station. Not the joke it’s become.

Oh well.

Here’s that new hot track:

Akon fea. Lil Wayne: “I’m So Paid”

nice beat. it’s a lil different but that’s good cause if it’s always redundant, it gets a little played out. Weezy’s taking it up a notch and Akon is off da hook. He can do any style pulling it off with ease which is why he makes so many cameos on big hits.

Here’s a bonus which is also out on the upcoming Akon album:

Akon: “Right Now (Na Na Na)”

this has a smooth funky sound which Akon does his thing on.

Some lyrics:

I can’t lie
I miss you much
Watching everyday that goes by
I miss you much
Till i get you back I’m gonna try
Yes I miss you much
You are the apple of my eye
Girl I miss you much
I miss you much
I can’t lie
I miss you much
Watching everyday that goes by
I miss you much
Tell I get you back I’m gonna try
Yes I miss you much
You are the apple of my eye
Girl I miss you much
I miss you much

I wanna make up right now now now
I wanna make up right now now now
Wish we never broke up right now now now
we need to link up right now now now

I like A Tribe Called Quest. Who doesn’t? They are New York through and through ringing true so ya got no god damn clue boo!

Alright. Enough with the random funny lyrics. I like to clown around sometimes cause I can. They were just smooth. Back in the day, who didn’t love and start reciting the words to “Scenario?” So tell me. What’s the scenario? That beat was so freaking cool and the words were just rhyming to perfection without needing any correction cause they had the right selection so no need to detection.

Funny thing happened as CW switched their repeats and guess what now airs at 4:30 here on the East coast? You got it! Wayans Bros. It’s hard to believe that it came out 13 years ago where Marlon and Shawn Wayans went from In Living Colour to co-starring in their own WB sitcom. John Witherspoon also was in it playing the funny Dad.

The comedy was funny cause of their silly brain schemes which never worked. Still can’t believe that debut episode featuring the one and only Gary “Whatcha Talkin’ About” Coleman for their zany idea to have him as a spokesman for their hair product which winds up burning their hair out during an off the wall infomercial gone terribly bad. Comical to say the least. It was appropriately entitled, “Goop-Hair-It-Is.”

Gee. Where could that title have come from? Haha. Not only was the show very entertaining but also featured the best theme song using A Tribe’s “Electric Relaxation.” Swicked!

That’s what I am featuring in today’s edition. So, sit back and enjoy a classic from the Quest:

A Tribe Called Quest: “Electric Relaxation”

the track is very smooth as they talk about their kinda chicks. “I like’em black, brown, Puerto Rican and Haitian.” Best line. the scene is great. classic NYC skyline with shots of the Brooklyn Bridge, Manhattan buildings including the Twin Towers, Ferry and of course streets and a restaurant scene with it all in black and white as they look over a menu and get ready to order. But have other desserts in mind. it works!

So, I kept hearing this song play in my head but couldn’t remember what exactly it was or where I heard it. I just knew it was familiar and had heard plenty of times on Hot 97 while cruising here in NYC.

Then, it came more into focus last night because I could finally hear the familiar chorus during it hollering about hotties everywhere. And ain’t that what it’s all about?!?!?!?!?!

Honestly, I feel like this could be a breakthrough cause suddenly my conscience isn’t telling me to not go for it. And well, there’s something just about this song which gets me energized. For the first time in over a week, I actually feel good again and motivated. It’s about damn time!

Anyway, I’m referring to another one of Chris Brown’s hot tracks from the past year. I think this is one of his best along with “With You” which I featured this past summer. Darn. Summer’s basically done. When did that happen? Nevermind.

So, here’s one of my fave songs and a fly video as well from one of R&B’s finest:

Chris Brown fea. T-Pain: “Kiss Kiss”

like the whole radio scene at the start and school is just perfect with even the teacher dancing. and come on. who ain’t stopping to stare at that chick?!?!?!?!?!

fave part:

Shawty let me holla at you
you so hot-hot-hot-hot
you think I’d be holing
if you not-not-not-not
I’m king of the town
you can take a look around
Teddy Penderazzdown
is the spot-spot-spot-spot

On another cool night here in NYC as USC predictably blows the doors off another overrated Big 10 BCS pretender Ohio State (it’s 35-3), I felt like one of my favorite Oasis songs all day. I like Oasis. They’re a cool British band with that funky sound which draws ya to them.

They have a few songs I like including “Wonderwall,” “Don’t Look Back In Anger,” and “Morning Glory.” Tonight, I felt like taking a look at perhaps their best song, “Champagne Supernova.” You watch this video listening to the words becoming mesmerized by it. There’s the trippy background which I wouldn’t mind being lost in along with those cool wateresque special effects. And what’s not to love about that?

There’s the stylish clothes along with cool lighting while they play where I wish I could sometimes go because it’d be so much better. So much more alive than the bland alternative. We all long for it which is why music acts as our outlet. A place where we can get away from all the utter bullshit out there. And believe me. There’s a lot of it.

This song gives me that feeling that not everything’s quite as bad as it might seem. There are people worse off who are really struggling compared to myself. Though at times I feel defeated. Maybe that’s why I write. Cause it gives me that independent freedom away from everything.

So, take a look at this video and listen to the wonderful words and get lost in it taking you to a better place. Cause really, we all can use that.

Oasis: “Champagne Supernova”

listen to the squeaking of the guitar as they come near its epic conclusion. a perfect blend of instruments along with lead singer Liam Gallagher’s words, “We were getting high.” enjoy it because it’s got that great sound and makes for the perfect ending to a great rock n’ roll song. That’s how they’re all supposed to be.

How many special people change?
How many lives are living strange?
Where were you while we were getting high?
Slowly walking down the hall
Faster than a cannonball
Where were you while we were getting high?

Someday you will find me
Caught beneath the landslide
In a champagne supernova in the sky
Someday you will find me
Caught beneath the landslide
In a champagne supernova
A champagne supernova in the sky

Great lyrics.

Sometimes, I feel like listening to some stuff from the past when I was growing up. Sure. I like to rock as much as the next person. But there are times when I just feel like sitting back, relaxing and reflecting on the songs of yesterday and where I was in my life.

Lately, I’ve felt like school and when that mode comes, it’s so much easier to go back to my roots. The 80’s were a different time. Lot of one hit wonders. Though there were good groups like Tears For Fears who I loved. This was the era when Michael Jackson was hip and actually semi-normal. Bruce Springsteen ruled as did Billy Joel. And nobody compared to Madonna. Bryan Adams sang about that Summer of ‘69 and The Cars were wrapping up their Greatest Hits along with two singles including “You Are The Girl” which always seemed to apply to a gal named Monica I liked.

Yep. Those were different times indeed. Back then, Phil Collins was pretty big releasing several big solo albums featuring such hits as “In The Air Tonight,” “Easy Lover,” “Take Me Home,” and “One More Night.”

Though his best stuff probably came with Genesis, he certainly had a distinguished career. With Hurricane Ike wreaking havoc causing lots of rainstorms which hopefully won’t be too bad for people in Texas and it raining here, I felt like taking a look at an old Collins track, “I Wish It Would Rain Down.” It’s another one of those good songs. A winner to say the least.

Phil Collins: “I Wish It Would Rain Down”

this is the video in its entirety. Collins has done some weird ones including the Land of Confusion one with Genesis members in puppet form. This is decent. A little quirky but a fun entertaining watch in which he performs for some critics who for some reason, think he can act. But as he points out, “he can sing.” And well, he could play a mean set of drums as well.

A decade ago, dance and techno music were highly common and hot at the time. Honestly, some of it was pretty darn good. Perfect party/club songs to get up/down to. Perhaps this era got overlooked in what’s now about every hot rap/r&b hit. And while I like a lot of that stuff, dance/techno was a good alternative diversifying things.

The Real McCoy came out with some excellent hits including “Another Night” and “Runaway” which were their two most popular tracks. Both were very good sounding and played everywhere. Even these days, they still don’t sound out of tune and haven’t lost their touch.

Let’s take a look back:

The Real McCoy: “Runaway“-Animated

this version is an animated one neatly compiled by YouTuber orinite. perfect editing and highly entertaining. the song most def works especially with the action packed scenes they chose. fantastic ending!

The Real McCoy: “Runaway“-Different Version (Remix)

this is a little different sounding with different style beats. Interestingly enough, it was put up by talented producer and originator Olaf “O-Jay” Jeglitza. I like the original better.

The Real McCoy: “Runaway“-Matrix Version

I’ve had this favorited for quite a while as I really love this version as it uses cool highlights from The Matrix and really works. Watch and you’ll see why.

The Real McCoy: “Another Night”

this came out in 1994 as I can still recall hearing it on radios and on even my walkman at different podiatrists for my foot injury. yes. walkmans! remember those? it always was a kickass song and I like the video as well. funny ending.

I’ll try to put up more stuff later.

I felt like watching some classic Beatles stuff tonight. It’s weird cause this morning, I was checking out some dope rap videos which I’ll probably wind up linking up at some point later this week.

It’s hard to believe that summer is gone. Sure. You can say, ‘Well. Not officially.’ But that’s a load of garbage. Once the calendar shifts from August to September making today Labor Day people, that signals that schools are once again starting up and fall is once again right around the corner. And while the weather tries to hold on reminding you of how it was a few weeks ago, eventually it shall fade out into the sunset as cooler temps take over with calming winds and leaves flying everywhere. Ah. Crosscountry is finally upon us and I’m really excited!

You’ll feel it in the air soon. Perhaps that’s why I felt like The Beatles now. There’s something about this time of year which makes me really think harder and appreciate oh so much. Cause even as lost a soul as I can be at times, I don’t feel any differently and for once feel really motivated and ready for this month. It’s like I’ve been waiting for it patiently and August just flew by once that Police concert took place on the 3rd.

Since when did September become such an anticipated time of the year for me? Probably cause I’m not in school anymore. But then it dawns on me that that’s bull as I now realize how much more fun it was. Just being in classes and catching up with friends and teammates and clowning around made it all worthwhile. I never realized it at the time how much I loved school.

Word to the wise out there from our younger and hipper generation though if you met me, I’m pretty hip. Being young is the greatest gift in the world. So suck it up for all its worth and do as much as your heart wishes.

What this has to do with the Beatles I don’t really know but it just feels right for some reason to let it all out and discuss my youthful enthusiasm as another September hits. Ah. How I wish I could get up for school again and wait for that 74 bus. I know how it sounds. But there was something there which I could just feel. Like a totally different world from the one I’ve become accustomed to. I’ve already concluded that I should have been born later because that part of me shall never die.

Just as all-time great acts like The Beatles with John Lennon, Ringo Starr, George Harrison and Paul McCartney could never ever die.

Strawberry Fields forever!

This is my favorite Beatles song and one I can always turn to when things don’t seem great and I’m backed up into a corner. The words are wonderful and it gives me so much hope. Staying positive is what life’s all about.

The Beatles: “Let It Be”

i really like this video and that beard still looks so weird on McCartney but man. What a time that must’ve been! 1970.

It’s amazing to think that not once had I ever done a Beatles video. Maybe it’s just the time we live in where you’re not going to find as much Beatles as say Kanye West, Lil Wayne or Young Jeezy. And certainly nowhere as much as Guns N’ Roses, Red Hot Chili Peppers, U2 and Weezer. But if i could do posts about fallen idols Jimi Hendrix and Bob Marley while paying tribute to still living legends Eric Clapton and Steve Winwood, then what the heck took me so long to honor arguably the most influential pop band of all-time?!?!?!?!?!

I guess I’ll never know. But now at least you know how broad my music appreciation is. And there shall be even more. Finally!

I’m pretty exhausted but then again, whose fault is that? I’ll get my rest and watch some U.S. Open tennis and maybe even check on this girl’s soccer game on the net. I kinda promised to follow how she does and well, I did do a special interview feature a few months ago which came out pretty fly if I may say so!

Anyway, I didn’t feel like blogging about the dreadful losses by either New York baseball team yesterday as it pretty much spoke for itself. Hey. At least one team has heart even if it’s not the one I’m crazy about. Ahh.

So, I felt more like linking up a cool more current video which I like and well the song rocks even if it’s Usher. He’s one of the few R&B homeys I can tolerate along with Chris Brown and “Rated” R. Kelly. :rofl: God. That’s so evil! Hahahaha.

Okay. Well, even for a dude like myself, it’s not too hard to admit that Usher’s got talent and is a genius who continues to churn out hit after hit. “Love In This Club” is just the latest hot track from the talented solo artists who the ladies probably scream the most about. You know what I’m talkin’ about here? So don’t deny it!

It’s been played all over the radio on Hot 97 and 105.1…And why not? It’s got IT! That special vibe which draws ya in. I can still hear it blaring over the loudspeakers at the Athletic Center in Park Slope.

“man i love dis song.”

With comments like that on YouTube, what’s not to like?!?!?!?!?!

Anyway, enough chatter. Here’s the latest Usher masterpiece:

Usher fea. Young Jeezy: “Love In This Club”

love the video too as he’s daydreaming and suddenly the club springs to life. pure genius.