News » Rock Town Hall • Rock Music Discussion

Rock Town Hall Exclusive: Pardoned Jim Morrison Rises!

Dec 102010

Morrison and "ladyfriend" on an undisclosed beach, circa 1988.

Rock Town Hall has received exclusive word that a correction is due to today’s news that outgoing Florida governor Charlie Crist has posthumously pardoned former Doors singer Jim Morrison. “Mr. Mod,” began a most unlikely voicemail received this morning, “can you see that media outlets drop the ‘posthumous’ part of stories about my pardon?” The caller, who identified himself as “Jimbo,” offered an exclusive interview with Rock Town Hall because, as he put it, “You guys deal shit, but you don’t take it.” The message ended with a promise of a return call at 12:55 pm EST. The caller chuckled knowingly.

What could I do but see that my calendar was clear at that time and see what developed? Following is a transcript of my call with “Jimbo,” who would not disclose his location but did convincingly cite all the inaccuracies in Oliver Stone‘s movie The Doors.

Rock Town Hall: Thanks for getting in touch with us. This is, to say the least, an intriguing story. For the record, you claim to be Jim Morrison of The Doors?

Jimbo: I’m Popeye the Sailor Man, all right. You can call me Jimbo.

RTH: OK… At the risk of this being some cheap snow job, let’s continue.

Jimbo: Are you a Gemini? Continue reading »

You Are Forgiven?! Exiting Florida Governor Considers Pardons for Mr. Mojo Risin’

Posted by Mr. Moderator

Dec 102010

Governor Crist-o Risin'

UPDATED: Morrison IS forgiven!

Outgoing Florida Governor Charlie Crist is considering granting poet and Doors’ singer Jim Morrison a “posthumous” pardon as one of his final acts in office.

Crist said he won’t make the decision lightly, noting the many complexities surrounding the 41-year-old case. Numerous sound recordings from the show exist, for example, but Morrison’s defenders say none of the scores of photographs from the show prove the exposure charge.

“We would have to look into all of that,” Crist said.

Thanks to Townsman andyr for the news tip!

Cage Against The Machine

Posted by ladymisskirroyale

Dec 102010

Forget about dancing sugar plums and holiday ho ho hos, the most anticipated part of the British holiday season is which single will be #1 on Christmas Day. In recent years, Simon Cowell of X Factor and American Idol fame has ushered in the anticipated winner by proclaiming it to be the most magical song in the land. But the masses have started to rise up against the maestro and have been submitting revolutionary numbers to take the piss out of the whole thing. Last year’s anti-Cowell winner was Rage Against The Machine‘s “Killing in the Name.” Very jolly of them. But this year, it’s even better.

I heard about this year’s entry during an important news flash on NPR. Here’s a brief synopsis of this year’s bid to oust Cowell:

http://www.spinner.com/2010/12/06/cage-against-the-machine-campaign-silent-christmas

The best part of the whole thing is that Billy Bragg missed the recording session and had to, in his words, “phone it in.”

I’d vote for 4’33 over some icky holiday ballad, wouldn’t you?

The Topic That Must Not Be Named…Is

Posted by Mr. Moderator

Nov 242010

This offlist note just in from a Townsperson who must not be named!

You may remember 2 years ago, at the first RTH gathering I attended, that I brought up a potential RTH topic that I thought was too tasteless to ever actually bring up on the board or start as a post: What would be the “Hitler’s Desk” of rock memorabilia? That is, the most gruesome/tasteless/bad karma infamous rock item that only a truly depraved collector would dare own.

My choice at the time, which I was sure no one could ever top if the topic ever came up—which it wouldn’t, and I would never own up to thinking of even if it did, of course—was the copy of Double Fantasy that Mark David Chapman had when he killed Lennon.

It turns out that the real world has caught up: http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2010/nov/24/album-john-lennon-signed-auction. The auctioneer even agrees: this is so terrible a thing to own that the person selling it must do so in secret, for fear of his/her own life and/or standing on rock message boards around the world.

Yes, Unnamed Townsperson, I remember this discussion and contine to get a good laugh out of that topic. This reality, however, is sick!

Not Lame Saying Goodbye

Posted by Mr. Moderator

Nov 162010

We just received word that Not Lame Recordings, the indie power pop label and distributor led by true believer and all-around good egg Bruce Brodeen is closing shop on November 24, 2010. However, Bruce and his partner in crime, Jon Bard, are not leaving the music scene they love so dearly. A couple of months ago they launched the middle-age music lovers’ social network Rock and Roll Tribe, and now they’re putting together another power pop network called Pop Geek Heaven. A personal message from Bruce can be found here.

As someone whose small-potatoes releases were supported by Not Lame over the years, even when they were frequently outside their key demographic, I say Thanks and Best of luck in your new ventures! Bruce and his crew were always responsive, responsible, and supportive. Rock on!

Phish Phans Phind Band “Boring” After Having Drugs Confiscated

Posted by Mr. Moderator

Nov 032010

The Atlantic City police force’s confiscation of illicit drugs held by attendees of Phish’s recent 3-night stint left longtime fans of the jam band wondering what all the fuss had been about.

“I should have eaten my mushrooms before leaving the car,” said one 20-something fan who asked to remain anonymous following his first disappointing experience at a Phish concert after attending “dozens” of shows since the band’s 2009 reunion. “Without even a roach to smoke you could say the scales fell from my eyes: Booorrrrrrinnng!”

“Their harmonies were better than I’d ever realized,” said Alex, 56, a jewler from New Hope, “but I don’t go to a Phish concert to relive the magic of the friggin’ Everly Brothers, not to mention I don’t travel to AC to get hassled by the Gestapo over a friggin’ joint.”

“The cops didn’t even care when I told them I have ADHD,” complained Brooks, 17, of Collingswood, NJ, who managed to keep only a strategically placed whippet after being frisked. “After getting bored out of my gourd by Trey’s endless jamming,” he chuckled, “maybe I do!”

Other fans whose drugs were confiscated expressed similar feelings of dissatisfaction with the band’s performance. Shaun, a 40-something fan who’s attended over 200 Phish shows since the demise of her beloved Grateful Dead, was more philosophical. “I mean, everyone has an off night now and then, you know? Maybe the cops took their stash too.”

Cash for Cash

Posted by Mr. Moderator

Oct 262010

Just what I was hoping to find!

Just what you’ve been waiting for: your chance to bid on Johnny Cash’s personal items! But guess what, that item you were most counting on landing may not be available through this auction. Here’s a link to 13 pages of the man’s belongings. Is your dream item on that list? Tell us what you were hoping to buy.

Older Entries Newer Entries