Category: Rock

It Was November 4, I Last Held Your Hand

on By 3 Comments

As a musician, I am not one to pay close attention to lyrics. My brain is much more content following the shapes and construction of the musical patterns, although, I do think really great or really bad lyrics can make or break a song. For some reason, however, the opening lines of Queensryche’s song, “London,” have always stuck in my mind. They are generally benign, but, I never forget them.

“It was November 4, I Last Held Your Hand.”

See nothing special. Maybe it’s the way singer Geoff Tate phrased the words that etched them in my memory. That would make more sense that I picked up on the musical phrasing of the words. Funny thing is other than this line I have NO idea what the song is about!

Anyway, if you are looking for something new to put into your ears I recommend the first four Queensryche albums. The first is actually a self-titled EP followed by “The Warning,” “Rage For Order,” and their watermark, “Operation Mindcrime.” Expect a touch of the theatrical mixed with a heavy metal edge, well written progressive music and my favorite…great guitar playing. All members in the band were musically minded. You will find lots of operatic vocals, thumping but musical bass and drums and crisp creative guitar lines and solos. Some fans are drawn to their lyrics especially the concept album, “Operation Mindcrime.” It’s ironic that my friends used to analyze the lyrics and story behind the album and I barely know what it is about other than the music!

Hope you find something new to listen to in these four titles. If this sounds great but you are looking for something a little less edgy, try their 5th release, “Empire.” Great in its own right but more poppy, overproduced and a little forgettable over the years, their ‘Jump the Shark’ album, although many would disagree.

Enjoy!

Making a Halloween Music Playlist? Deviate From the Norm!

on By 3 Comments

Happy Halloween Week everyone! Always one of my favorite holidays.

Are you one of those people who loves to make a playlist for your Halloween parties or to scare trick or treaters as they come hit you up for their Snickers fix?

Well if so this post is for you, and for those of you looking to treat your ears to some new music, as well.

Year after year we hear the same ol’ Halloween standards….Michael Jackson’s “Thriller,” “The Monster Mash,”  “One Eyed One Horned Purple People Eater” as festive, quirky pop tunes. Then there is the sophisticated setlisters who employ classical music.  Pieces like; Bach’s “Toccata and Fugue in D min,” Edvard Grieg’s “In the Hall of the Mtn. King” and Orff’s “O Fortuna” from Carmina Burana.

Lets ‘Deviate from the Norm’ this year….to borrow a line from Rush’s Geddy Lee and Neil Peart. Here are a few ideas that are not quite as trendy but every bit as scary and quirky.  Add some of these tunes to your Halloween Ipod playlist and you will be the coolest ‘evil’ DJ this side of Transylvania.

Scary

Everyone and their mother uses the theme from the Twilight Zone or Michael Myers Halloween movies.

Here is a modern take on the horror theme song genre. Try the end credits from Dexter…you know the serial killer who kills serial killers. Very haunting melody. The version here unlike the show has an extended drumtrack mix through the second part.

Quirky

How this song hasn’t become a Halloween classic I’ll never know. The Who’s tale of a creepy crawly spider named Boris is a great replacement for the overplayed “Monster Mash.”

Megadeth’s, “I Ain’t Superstitious” is a can’t miss, as well.

Rock Tunes

Any of the following would make a perfect addition to your playlist;

Black Sabbath…The demonic Metalers were masters of the tri-tone and chromatic power chord songs.

I would recommend “Black Sabbath” or “Electric Funeral” if you want heavy metal with a dark tinge but their super studio effected intro to the “Mob Rules,” entitled “E5150” will scare the kids right off your porch.

Most people when they think of Van Halen think great guitar but not so much spooky sounds.  Eddie, however, had a few tricks up his sleeve. Check out “Tora Tora/Loss Control,” “Intruder” and the prepared piano piece “Strung Out.” All would add a little edge to your Goul-list. My Van Halen pick, however, goes to the synth based “Sunday Afternoon in the Park.”

Classical

I hesitate to put these pieces on this list because they are ‘real’ music written by ‘real’ composers but not for the purpose of being dark, scary and Halloweenish where as the rock tunes above were. These are composers who have experimented with sound systems, emotions and humanity for much deeper reasons than being background for a bunch of frat boys in costumes drinking as much beer as they can on Halloween. That said I am here for you! I am here to offer you some new sounds and that is what I am going to do.

Charles Ives, “Hallowe’en”

Schoenberg, “Pierrot Lunaire”

Bartok, “String Quartet #4, 5th Movement”

Check back next year for a new list.

Related articles;

Perfect Pumpkins, A Halloween Song

The Bride of Frankenstein, Artwork

Classical Music for Halloween

What Good is Halloween Without Candy Apples

Presidential Campaign 2012, Romney v Obama (Scherzino Falsetto)

on By 2 Comments

As the political season heads Down the Stretch it looks like this tight Presidential race will be a Thriller to The End. Most of us in America from Coast to Coast have become Comfortably Numb after being Kicked in the Teeth by the Promises and Little Lies of both candidates. One Way or Another one of these two men will be our President for the next four years. Americans will be Living on a Prayer that the winner keeps the Taxman away from our Money, but, you would be Fooling Yourself!…. I Wish them both the best as one of them heads to DC and the other Politician returns to either Massachusetts or Sweet Home Chicago. Romney hopes Obama is Movin’ Out. Obama hopes Romney will be Heading out to the Highway. Sad But True one of these FINE men will be Slip Slidin’ Away and the other living in the Limelight.

After hearing from these two for some Time now Americans surely think they are both Dazed and Confused, Heartless

Two Fools A Minute

Fools and just plain Crazy.

The pair keep going Round and Round. Their Jive Talkin’ is a Roundabout way of giving Americans the Runaround.  I Cant Explain why they don’t just Say what they mean to say. You Might Think it’s a Communication Breakdown that every thing they say sounds all Do Whacka Do. Well, it’s not the Twilight Zone. They are hoping that voters will Surrender when they become All Shook Up from their blah blah blah, Talk Talk and not see either man’s True Colors

I’m a Believer if you think Life’s Been Good the last four years you will vote for Obama. If not you would like to say Good Riddance to Obama and vote for Romney.

When the election is over hopefully we can all Come Together and Have a Drink on Me!

God Bless America!

My name is Mike Slayen and I fully endorse all songs in this message.

Click here for info on the above songs.

Related Posts:

NewsBusted

Slow Recovery

Maxine on Elections

It Takes a Village…?

on By 5 Comments

…At least that is what they say. Anyway, I am always happy and proud to share support (links or ?) of others who are passionate about their craft!

Here are a few folks who have linked or promoted my website and now its my chance to pay it forward. Thanks everyone!!

Been having fun chatting regularly with a few fellow music bloggers. Mixolydianblog for all things music focusing on composition, ethnomusicology and of course a love of the GUITAR! Heavy Metal Overload   A great read for all types of music, as well as, Heavy Metal. Last but not least Zombiemisntrel another comprehensive music blog also leaning towards rock and metal!

A wedding photographer from the Philippines shared my blog post  Ten Tips for Planning Wedding Music

An arts magazine called Yareah shared my blog Dodecaphonic Sudoku

Right to Bitch a new blog to me, shared John Bonham 32 Years Missed Check out his blog regarding Bonham’s influence on him as a young drummer. Funny guy!

A local San Diego photographer Nathan Petty …thanks for keeping in touch!

Sharing is caring! If I missed anyone feel free to remind me…I’m always glad to network with like minded people out there working hard at their creative endeavors!

Mike

Chuck Berry, Rock & Roll’s First Guitar Hero is 86!

on By 6 Comments

You can’t be a guitar aficionado and not at least have an appreciation for Chuck Berry. The man is the first true rock n roll guitar hero! The duck-walk, the hairstyle and of course the, “Johnny B. Good,” guitar riff, one of the most popular and influential in rock n roll history!

Chuck Berry the energized rocker is 86!! That is crazy but so glad he is still around. He is definitely on my list of must see live performers…hopefully I will still get a chance. He is said to still play a club in St. Louis regularly.

Happy Birthday Chuck Berry, here’s to many more joyful guitar playing years before you!

Watch both the classic version and see the influence he had years later making his way into this classic clip from, “Back to the Future,” where Michael  J. Fox introduces the 50’s to Chuck Berry before… Chuck Berry.

MLB 2012 Postseason, Metal Edition

on By 2 Comments

Alright we are one round into the MLB Postseason schedule. I guess two rounds if you consider the new Wild Card game a round. Thought I would weigh in with another music/sports blog. Those who read my blog regularly know two of my favorite things are music and sports and I enjoy wedding the two together when I can.

Here are some thoughts and predictions on the playoff teams.

Starting with the NL & AL Division Series

Giants v Reds

San Francisco Giants– Skin O’ My Teeth, Megadeth

The Giants did get past the Reds but had to do it in dramatic fashion. Losing the first two games at home and then sweeping the Reds in Cincinnati was no small feat, but, they barely hit and need to be careful or they will be home sitting on the skin of their behinds!

Cincinnati Reds– Red Road, Slavior

Unfortunately for the Reds the road they hit was a dead end. Ouch, tough way to end a season losing three straight playoff games at home. Latos proved why San Diego Padre fans are glad he was traded, losing his cool and the game in the series finale. I thought pitchers stopped crying after the age of 12.

Cardinals v Nationals

St. Louis Cardinals- Another Hit and Run, Def Leppard

Yes, Def Leppard was a Heavy Metal band at one time. The never say die Cardinals did it again. This time totally deflating the Nationals and their fans in the 9th inning of game five of the NLDS.

Washington Nationals–Bang Your Head(Metal Health), Quiet Riot

If you are a Nats fan you have to be hitting your head against the wall wondering what happened. And how in the world could they shut down their best pitcher makes no sense! Kind of like dating a supermodel but you can’t touch her…what’s the point?

A’s v Tigers

Oakland A’s–Green Manalishi, Judas Priest

The A’s were a beast this year catching and overtaking the mighty Texas Rangers. Too bad such a great season came to a screeching halt.

Detroit Tigers–Hell Cat(s), Scorpions

Triple crown threat, these Tigers are looking good… now to slay the dreaded Yankees.

Orioles v Yankees

Baltimore Orioles–Seduction of a Birds Folly, Against the Natural

Even the Yankee fans are sick of the Yankees and wanted to see the Orioles win. New blood needed. Orioles players, much like the band Against the Natural are not well known but both kick butt!

New York Yankees –On and On, Michael Schenker Group

It just goes on and on for the Yankees. Baseball is not better with them in the playoffs every year. I am suddenly a huge Tigers fan.

NLCS & ALCS Predictions

Giants v Cardinals

San Fransisco Giants–Home Sweet Home, Motley Crue

The Giants have to play better at home than they have of late or they are going home early. Giants are  kind of the Padres north so I have to root for them. Here is a trivia questions for you sports fans. Who is the only person to be on the field in uniform for ALL five of the Padres playoff seasons? See answer below.

St. Louis Cardinals–Flying High Again-Ozzy Osbourne

They won it all last year and are poised to do it again even without Albert Pujols.

Prediction-Giants Win

Tigers v Yankees

Detroit Tigers–Die With Your Boots On, Iron Maiden

The country depends on you to knock out the Yankees. It will be tough though and if they’re gonna die, die with your boots on!

New York Yankees–Sad But True, Metallica

Yes the Yankees are deep into the postseason again. Anyone else sick of them yet? Sad but true they will most likely beat the Tigers and head to their 5,000th World Series, bla, bla, bla!

Prediction-Yankees Win

World Series 2012

The Fall Classic comes down to Giants v Yankees in my opinion.

Musical selection for this match up…. Into the Void, Black Sabbath. Who ever wins, baseball fans will be thrown into the void for the winter. At least we have the NFL!

Prediction-Giants Win

Trivia answer Bruce Bochy was a player in 1984 and Manger in 96, 98, 2005 & 2006. Tony Gwynn was a player in 1984, 96 and 98 but not around for the last two playoff teams.

The Elusive Daring, Crazy, Adventurous Wedding Ceremony- A San Diego Wedding Guiarist Blog

on By 4 Comments

I have been playing guitar for weddings for a long time. I have played a lot of traditional weddings and quite a few unique ones. I’ve played everything from Here Comes the Bride to Metallica. However, I am a little shocked that I haven’t had the opportunity to play a down right crazy wedding yet.

You always hear about couples getting married in ‘odd’ places; football games, NASCAR events, scuba diving, hot air balloons, etc., you get the idea. There are lots of people who just like to be different…really different. 20 plus years of playing guitar for weddings I am yet to play one of these unique ceremonies.

I’ve always pictured an adventurous couple where the bride and groom enter on zip lines or repel down the side of a building and I get to play something like the theme from Mission Impossible. Maybe even on electric guitar with effects.

I did play “Wipeout,” for one of my good friend’s wedding, an avid surfer, as he and the guys walked up to the altar. It was a quick and fitting entrance but just a quick playful joke. Kind of like when the groomsman all pretend they’ve lost the wedding rings.

I’ve mentioned before on this blog that I enjoy playing all types of weddings. I really do! Each one is different, challenging and fun to play.

That said…This is an open invitation for any of you daring, crazy, adventurous couples to hire a guitarist who is on board with you! I would love to have just one wedding where all bets are off. Scuba dive(I am certified), a flash mob, a “Punked” moment for your guests, your call! The crazier the better(although legal is a good idea)! We can collaborate and choreograph the music to fit your idea!

← Back

Thank you for your response. ✨

58 Richest Singers

on By 4 Comments

I’m not sure if anyone really cares(unless you are on the list), but, this is interesting. Biggest surprises to me are that Geddy Lee, Rob Halford and David Lee Roth are so far down the list…poor guys…well I guess poor might be the wrong word! Mike

Zombie Minstrel's avatarZombieMinstrel

Like the title says, here’s the list of the worlds richest 58 vocalists:

1. Paul McCartney: $800m
2. Bono: $600m
3. Jimmy Buffett: $400m
4. Elton John: $320m
5. Mick Jagger: $305m
6. Sting: $290m
7. Phil Collins: $250m
8. Dave Matthews: $250m
9. Prince: $250m
10. Dave Grohl: $225m
11. Rod Stewart: $220m
12. David Bowie: $215m
13. Bruce Springsteen: $200m
14. James Hetfield: $175m
15. Axl Rose: $150m
16. Roger Waters: $145m
17. David Gilmour: $130m
18. Steven Tyler: $130m
19. Jon Bon Jovi: $125m
20. Anthony Kiedis: $120m
21. Sammy Hagar: $120m
22. Robert Plant: $120m
23. Bruce Dickinson: $115m
24. Eric Clapton: $115m
25. Brian Johnson: $90m
26. Ozzy Osbourne: $90m
27. Gwen Stefani: $80m
28. Eddie Vedder: $80m
29. Bob Dylan: $80m
30. Brian Wilson: $75m
31. Michael Stipe: $75m
32. Trey Anastasio: $75m
33. Joe Elliott: $70m
34. Peter Gabriel: $70m
35. John Fogerty:…

View original post 101 more words

I am Not a Wedding Singer!- A San Diego Wedding Guitarist Blog

on By 2 Comments

Adam Sandler’s movie, “The Wedding Singer,” was hilarious. It followed Robbie Hart a disgruntled musician whose dream of becoming a rock star falls through and he ends up singing at weddings. He became a burned out, bitter, resentful musician, who had to play weddings. He had to play the part of the ‘Wedding Singer’ to entertain the crowds, young and old and all in between.

Thankfully, my career is much different!! Everyday I wake up and have a chance to share music with others it’s a great day, whether it’s a wedding, a corporate event, a concert, a class, a rehearsal, etc. I am truly fortunate to be a working musician. Honestly, I don’t even do the same ‘job’ as Sandler’s character. I usually play the ceremony, cocktail hour and receptions when folks don’t want the over the top wedding band or DJ. The Wedding Singer was definitely over the top!

There is one similarity between me and the character, however, I thought I was going to be a rock star too. Once I heard Eddie Van Halen when I was a kid that was it, I knew what I wanted to do. My musical path since has followed the saying, “Life is what happens while you are making other plans.”

Somewhere down the line I realized that I REALLY wanted to be a musician first and rock star second. Then I realized I wanted to be a musician first, make a living in my field and be a rock star 3rd. Not til I got older I realized, I just always wanted to be a musician. Rock music will always be a part of who I am but not what I am. Having studied classical, jazz and world music among other disciplines in college I get to work in any style I want and get the same energy I did as a kid trying to be the next guitar hero.

There are some of my old friends who are still living the rock star dream. They tour the world, hang out with famous musicians we grew up idolizing and have tons of  fans following them on Facebook and MySpace. More power to them! I love to hear their stories when we get together. Funny thing is they love to hear about what I am doing too!

Everyday, I get to do some combination of play, perform, teach, compose, listen to, write about, record, study, absorb, eat, drink and sleep music! I get to make a living in a tough field in my native San Diego. Life is good!

Click here for more info on planning your wedding music. Let me know if I can help you in any way.