Guitarist, Composer, Instructor
5 year old daughter has been singing a tune this evening.
I knew what it was but not sure where she had heard it from. It is the Friday wake up song on my iPad alarm.
She keeps repeating the intro to this Michael Schenker song…and pretty accurately too! Proud!
A fitting way to kick off the blog on GuitarGuys.com with a tribute to guitar legend Randy Rhoads. Today marks 32 years side he was killed in a plane crash. Impossible not to wonder what music he would have offered up. With only two huge releases as Ozzy Osbourne’s guitarist there was not a lot of material. However, what an impact he had on all the guitarists of my generation and those who have followed.
RIP RR
Are you still scrambling to get your 2014 Oscar picks in and win that pot of gold or at least bragging rights among your friends?
I am here to offer some help…at least in the music department.
Following is my breakdown of the nominees for Best Song…
Happy-Pharrell Williams, Despicable Me 2
Pharrell Williams is as hot as it gets since the Grammys. Could strike Oscar Gold while the fire is hot. “Happy,” is a cool funky groove song.
Let it Go-Demi Lovato, Frozen
Lovato may sell to the younger female crowd which would hurt her chances for an Oscar. Although “Frozen,” was created for the same demographic and this song drives the mega popular film home with said audience. A good song and worthy of Oscar buzz.
Ordinary Love-U2, Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom
A match made in heaven. An aging supergroup with world-wide mass audience appeal. A movie with a cause and one that U2 has held dear since the 80’s. Won the Golden Globe.
The Moon Song-Karen O., Her
The movie is a bit campy and so is the song. In my opinion the least deserving of the four nominees.
You could make a good case for “Happy,” and “Let it Go,” but I don’t see them beating the mighty U2 and Mandela.
My pick; Ordinary Love-U2, Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom
Click for past Oscar Picks and 2014 Original Score
Fell asleep on the couch last night. Woke up to head up to bed but checked my iPad first and saw the extremely sad news. One of the guitar world’s heroes has passed away.
Paco De Lucia IS an amazing legendary guitarist. A flamenco guitarist who crossed many boundaries which furthered the genre’s cause. He played with Al Di Meola and John McLaughlin in THE Guitar Trio, marking his crossover into the jazz/fusion world. His long hair and rock look, coupled with his amazing guitar chops, piqued the interest of the heavy metal and rocker guitarists. And his association with greats like Los Romeros gave him notice in the classical realm.
I was lucky enough to see him in the 90s in San Diego. We had front row seats(directly in front of the Romeros) and will never forget that show!
RIP the guitar world has lost a giant…
(Paco is not the one pictured in the video capture below, he is on the left of your screen)
Yep, “Smoke on the Water,”… Deep Purple, the metal band…relaxing! Remember to some heavy metal IS relaxing in itself. This song, however, is not very heavy at all and its sound would be generally accepted by anyone as relaxing. Your mom would like it! It gets a wee heavy in the middle but that ‘contradiction’ highlights the subtleties within.
The song starts out with a simple guitar line interwoven with an exceptionally emotive keyboard patch. In fact it is the ‘intense simplicity’ in the interplay between guitar and keys throughout that unclenches the distended soul.
The way in which keyboardist, the recently deceased, Jon Lord and guitarist Steve Morse play off each other sets up an incredibly concerted sonority only two Master musician’s could offer. Listen for the interplay throughout even the heavier parts to get the most out of the song.
Additionally Steve Morse masterfully plays off his initial motive even in the solos to give the song a connectivity from beginning to end. Steve’s use of delay and splitting the channels adds to the calmness of the guitar sound.
Enjoy!
I was really looking forward to this game. The #1 Defense vs the #1 Offense of all-time. How could the matchup not provide a great sports battle?
Wow, the game was anything but! Jumped the shark at :12 into the game…it was over!
You know what else has jumped the shark? Superbowl commercials! Well, not the hype and people’s expectations…but the crazy, catch your eye, LMAO type commercials. People love to talk about the commercials the day after, but, that’s about it. Theres no WAZZUP or Bud-Wei-Ser frogs or Cindy Crawford.
Like everything, it is now a formula, of being extremely stupid, overly sentimental, over the top selling sex to sell whatever…
None of those are that bad of advertising approaches in general. But, the art of creating a Superbowl commercial has reached an all-time boring low!
My favorite? The only one that actually stood out?
T-Mobile! They used the late, great Roger Miller’s, “Whistle Stop.” When I was a little bitty Mike cutting my teeth on music this little ditty put the first music wrinkles on my brain.
Kudos to T-Mobile, except for the new studio created/edited ending to the song/commercial, they get my vote for best commercial of the day.
Here is the whole tune:
Let’s hope the game and commercials can step it up a notch for Superbowl XLIX
Anyone who works out with their headphones knows how awesome it is when you get a big lift from your favorite song. Or hearing a cool tune you would have never picked shuffle through on your picturesque jog… With 1000s of songs on my iPod I almost always shuffle.
I’ve always thought it would be cool, interesting, perhaps even motivating to write about each playlist and the music’s effect on myself and the workout. Then I thought that might be kind of boring. Then I thought, “Yeah,” I was right…on both counts. 
Really just another chance to talk about music!
January 30, 2014
3 Mile Run
..And then there’s days when it is just you against yourself and no music is going to take you to the next level. That was this day’s run.
“Seasons of Madness,” -Catharsis
“Gimme Your Love,” -Michael Schenker
“Convoy,” -C. W. McCall
“Already Gone,” -Eagles
“Pieces De Clavecin Book 2, Les Moissonneurs,” F. Couperin, perf. John Williams
“The Struggle Within,” -Metallica
“Serpens Cauda,” -Tony MacAlpine
“Aftershock,” -Van Halen
“Brother John,” -Blues Traveler
“See You in Hell,” Yngwie J. Malmsteen
“Heroes End,” -Judas Priest
“Octopus’s Garden,” -Beatles
“I Will Remember,” – Queensryche
There was some good music on this playlist, but, as mentioned, there are days when the struggle is truly within…to steal the Metallica title. Body just wasn’t responding, maybe it had to do with the leg weights I lifted the day before.
To the music…
If you never heard Catharsis you aren’t alone. They were a local San Diego band that just missed it…and thats too bad cause they were really good, progressive and heavy and just getting started. Anyway you might know the guitarist, Scott Fox. He is a good friend and my musical partner in the Slayen & Fox guitar duo. If you ever get a chance look up Catharsis(make sure it was the SD band) and give them a listen.
Yes, “Convoy,” is the silly novelty song from the 1970’s. You know during the CB radio days? Smokey & The Bandit? Guess I am dating myself.
Highlight of this playlist was Tony MacAlpine. Known somewhat as an Yngwie clone from the 80’s Tony has been an afterthought in my listing all these years since. Recently I had the chance to see him play on “that Metal Show.” It definitely renewed my interest enough to head over to the fruit stand and download a couple tunes of his. “Serpens Cauda,” being the song that captured my ear the most.
Lowlights, “Octopus’s Garden,” just not a running song. Also, Yngwie’s, “See you in Hell.” Definitely not one his better efforts. The guitar licks are OK its just a little too cheesy.
Check out previous Run Playlist Posts.
It has been a while since I’ve done a “Music to Relax,” post. But the time has come and Happy 2014 to those of you who’ve been holding your collective breaths waiting for the next piece of music to slow your heart rate and send you into musical Nirvana.
After a 3 mile run and while walking back to the house, Queensryche’s, “I Will Remember,” shuffled through my iPod. What a great song to regulate the body and bring my heartbeat back to a resting rate.
Queensryche was once a noted heavy metal band of the 80’s, unfortunately, now known more for fighting like little babies over use of the band’s name, etc. Much like Styx and their ex-band mates have gone through.
Although they were a metal band this is such a peaceful tune. The song employed a unique sound, a little dark with a melodic, harmonized guitar solo. Vocalist Geoff Tate’s usual over the top operatic runs gave way to some extremely controlled phrasing, without relinquishing his powerful voice. Some of his best work in my opinion.
Take a trip back to the 80’s, relax and Enjoy!
View previous ‘Music to Relax’ posts.
Anyone who works out with their headphones knows how awesome it is when you get a big lift from your favorite song. Or hearing a cool tune you would have never picked shuffle through on your picturesque jog… With 1000s of songs on my iPod I almost always shuffle.
I’ve always thought it would be cool, interesting, perhaps even motivating to write about each playlist and the music’s effect on myself and the workout. Then I thought that might be kind of boring. Then I thought, “Yeah,” I was right…on both counts.
Really just another chance to talk about music!
January 26, 2014
5 Mile Run
“China Girl,” David Bowie
“I’ll Be Waiting,” -Adele
“Angel of Avalon,” -Michael Schenker
“Harp Partita, BWV 1006A Preludium,” -JS Bach, perf. Julian Bream
“Somebody Stole My Guitar,” -Deep Purple
“Heathens From the North,” -Yngwie J. Malmsteen
“Night of the Long Knives,” -AC/DC
“Early Morning Rain,” Gordon Lightfoot
“Harp Partita, BWV 1006A Gavotte En Rondeau,” -JS Bach, perf. Julian Bream
“Say What You Will,” -Fastway
“Carnies,” -Rush
“Prelude,” – Judas Priest
“Espiritu,” Pace De Lucia, John McLaughlin, Al Di Meola
“Humans Being,” -Van Halen
“Still in Love,” -Boston
The highlight of this run playlist without doubt was, “Humans Being,” by Van Halen. It came on right at the end of the 5 miles and I still had energy to burn and this song fanned the flames! It is one of the bands heavier songs, certainly, from the Hagar era and one of Eddie’s great solos.
The tune was written for the soundtrack from the movie, “Twister.” In the solo I’ve read, Eddie wanted to emulate a ‘twister’. He uses an extended ascending line coupled with a driving rhythm to bring it home. It is also one of the first truly soulful solos Eddie put to tape, before the ‘tornado’ the calm before the storm. Adding another element to his already legendary guitar style.
The two Bach guitar works also provide a great soundscape for running. Maybe too mellow for most during a workout, but, perfect for me. I’ve worked on these pieces and understand the Herculean task and effort it takes to perfect them. Much like the efforts of a long distance runner…very motivating! If you’re wondering why the ‘harp’ pieces are performed by a guitarist…the guitar didn’t become a legit instrument until the 19th century. So guitarist have had to transcribe the great works of Bach and others…essentially stealing them for the guitar from harp, lute, cello harpsichord, etc.
Other highlights; John Lord’s keyboards on the DP tune, AC/DC from “For Those About to Rock”(an underrated album in my opinion,) “Carnies,” from the latest Rush release , Fastway and “Espiritu,” from the guitar trio.
Gordon Lightfoot…I have to say I grew up not knowing much about his music. It is mellow and would have punched a hole in my Heavy Metal adolescent teenage musical psyche(is that really even English?) Have to say though Lightfoot has “IT”. Whatever, “IT,” is in music…the guy has it. AMAZING musicianship, its been cool to familiarize myself with his music recently. Also proud to say listening has not damaged my aforementioned psyche.
Check out previous Run Playlist Posts.
Did you catch it?
No not a lot of hype but it must be mentioned!
Led Zeppelin’s self titled debut album was released 45 years ago this month…thats 1969 for those slower in math and those struggling to get into their Monday groove.
Yes the Led Zeppelin era is middle-aged and unbelievably, Jimmy Page, the bands patriarch turned 70 earlier this month.
The 60’s belonged to the Beatles, but, the 70s were about Zeppelin right up to drummer John Bonham’s untimely death in 1980. Bonzo along with Jimmy Page, Robert Plant and John Paul Jones took rock n roll to new heights throughout the decade.
Much like the aforementioned Beatles, Zeppelin’s stronghold on fans was achieved utilizing a variety of musical styles beyond just rock n roll. Zeppelin’s repertoire features among others; blues, country, psychedelia, classical, Indian, Reggae, Latin and mystical influences.
Personally, I have been through many Zeppelin phases, from constantly listening to not listening much. Either way I can’t imagine a world without Zeppelin. Certainly, the quartet and most notably Jimmy Page’s guitar and compositional prowess have had a significant impact on my own music development. Not to mention all the good times with friends over the years featuring Zeppelin as part of the soundtrack!
I was barely born when Zep debuted. Most my students today weren’t even born before they disbanded. Not to mention many of them were not even born in the same millennium Zeppelin prevailed. However, Led Zeppelin is still influencing young musicians today in 2014. Just taught a kid, “Heartbreaker,” this weekend. “Stairway to Heaven,” “Kashmir,” and “Over the Hills and Far Away,” are still staples of the guitar’s ‘must know’ landscape. When I am out performing, “Babe I’m Gonna Leave You,” always gets one of the biggest crowd responses.
I always wonder what the shelf life of rock music will be. Technology and global media seem to have added to the life of the rock n roll era. Keeping it out of the dinosaur ‘symphony halls’ for now. As much as I want rock n roll to be around forever, I’d love to see what future generations/incarnations of popular music will hold?
Mike Slayen ~ Guitarist 