cdm

Say When

Posted by cdm

Nov 012011

I recently saw this clip from Billy Connelly’s tour of Route 66, in which he stops by a guitar collector’s house. The guys had 50 Fender Coronados and 3 rooms filled with pedal steels and lap steels. (Oddly, I don’t recall seeing Strats, Teles, Les Pauls, etc. Perhaps he only had the budget for the second-tier collectables?)

On the one hand, I understand this to a degree because I can look at guitars all day. On the other hand, the only thing that really separates this guy from someone on one of those hoarders shows is resale value.

So when does enthusiasm cross over into OCD territory? Personally, I have 6 electric guitars, but they are all different styles and makes. And even though I have somewhere around 1000 cds and about 500 albums, I’ve never felt the need to have the entire catalog of any artist except in cases where they’ve only released a small amount of recordings.

Maybe this is all just a justification on my part (and maybe if I hit the lottery I’d ratchet things up a few notches) but right now, I feel like I’m still on the healthy side of my obsession.

I know some of you have massive collections of music (I’m thinking of a Sinatra-loving Townsman in particular), and I’m guessing that there are some folks on here who have impressive arsenals of guitars.

So how much is too much? And how close are you to crossing the line? (The guy in the clip says that he’s built additions to his house to accommodate his collection.)

Explain Yourself, Newhart Supporters!

Posted by cdm

Oct 202011

Please explain how in the world the cast of the original Bob Newhart is beating Welcome Back Kotter in the “Who Would Have Made the Best Band” poll?

First let me acknowledge that the original Bob Newhart show is a stone cold classic and the second one had its moments as well, while Welcome Back Kotter wasn’t even funny in a turd-in-the-urinal kind of way.

But what kind of band is going to come out of either Newhart show? All I can envision for the first one might is a Steely Dan meets Kraftwerk scenario with Mr Carlin and Bob on the synths and Jerry and the receptionist on drums and bass. As for the second, maybe some condescending, too-smart-for-its-own-good, purposefully trashy send up of hillbilly music, like a third-rate Southern Culture on the Skids. And those are the best case scenarios as I see it.

On the other hand, it doesn’t require much imagination to see Vinnie Barbarino as Joey, Arnold Horshack as Dee Dee, Juan Epstein as Johnny, and Freddy “Boom Boom” Washington as that other guy.

Seriously, I love Bob Newhart. I have two of his albums. I’m a big fan of the Grace L Ferguson Airline and Storm Door Company. But for a band? Explain yourselves, Newhart supporters, or stop voting with your hearts and use you heads.

Last Man Standing: Schoolhouse Rock Town Hall—Unpack Your Adjectives

Posted by cdm

Oct 162011

I’m looking for rock ‘n roll people who’s names are always or almost always preceded by an adjective. The person must be real and not some Springsteen-esque character like Crazy Janey or Wild Billy.

As always, please limit your answers to one per post.

I’ll kick it off with Handsome Dick Manitoba.

Something for Almost Everyone

Posted by cdm

Sep 232011

Great news everybody! There’s a new super group in town and they go by the name Super Heavy.

Super Heavy is composed of Mick Jagger, Joss Stone, Dave Stewart, Damian Marley, and A. R. Rahman (a composer of movie soundtracks in India). As near as I can tell, Jagger and Stone sing, Stewart plays guitar, Marley raps, and Rahman noodles (on the keyboard).

They are clearly going for something that transcends national and cultural boundaries. The current formula sounds to me like:

45% Jagger
20% Marley
15% Stewart
15% Stone
5% Rahman

How would you tweak the formula to help them better reach their goals? 20% more Rahman? Seriously, this guy has apparently won two Oscars, two Grammys, and has sold 300 albums. Why is he hiding his light under a bushel? Mick’s presence is going to put asses in the seats but would it kill him to just dial it back a little bit for the good of the United-Colors-of-Benetton nature of the project?

Also, do you think they meant to evoke the “Waiting on a Friend” video starting at 3:37? I hope that Keith updates his bio with the next pressing, I’d love to hear his thoughts on this.

Finally, who is the real 6th member of Super Heavy (or 5th member if Rahman doesn’t step up his game): Marley’s floor-length dreads or Joss Stone’s rack?

In any event, these guys have upped the ante for super groups everywhere. Your move, Chicken Foot.

Last Man Standing: After School Special

Posted by cdm

Sep 202011

Give me songs in which the singers have a crush on their teachers or, more creepily, their students.

I’ll start with “Hot For Teacher,” by Van Halen.

Once and for All: What’s the Best 20th Century Decade in American Music?

Posted by cdm

Sep 092011

Back in the listserv days of Rock Town Hall, a Townsman once asked us to consider the best decade in American music.

I’d love to get an update on this, and to hear from some of the folks who have joined since then, such as tonyola, ladymisskirroyale, and the members of the Beantown Rock Mafia. I’m not sure if the Townsman who originally posted this is still an active participant, so I suggest that we forego giving points for the strength of the argument. [Mod – It wasn’t Al? It was mwall.] Perhaps the Mod could create a corresponding poll. [Mod – Why of course!]

The original post is as follows:

Last Man Standing: Rock You Like a Hurricane

Posted by cdm

Aug 292011

A bit late to the game on this one but here’s another weather-related LMS. I’m looking for songs that specifically mention hurricanes in them. I’ll start off with The Scorpions’ “Rock You Like a Hurricane.”

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