Happy New Year

I hate NYE. You have no idea how much and I don't know quite why but I do hope you all have a healthy and prosperous New Year. Here' a little video from Charlie Robison. Long Island is about as far from Texas as you can get but I do love the music...

Gov't Mule - Beacon Theater

I took my son last night to see da Mule at the Beacon. I go every year to one of the nights of the NYE run (just never NYE) and started taking him last year. We we lucky enough to grab a pair last year for the acoustic show at the Angel Orensanz Center, but this was his first full on Mule concert. The band was heavy as usual and it seems that Warren has shaken off the effects of playing in the Dead (love the Grateful Dead, but this new version not so much). Warren plays with everyone but he is at his best in Gov't Mule. A bunch of new songs which were great and some classics. All in all another great show. I've been seeing them since 1997 and this is one New Year's tradition that I hope will continue for many years to come.

Here's the set list and a link to the show on bt.etree.org (If you grab the show, don't forget to leave a thank you for the taper...)

Set 1
1. Crowd
2. Broke Down On The Brazos
3. Rocking Horse >
4. Banks Of The Deep End
5. Lay Your Burden Down
6. Steppin' Lightly
7. Any Open Window
8. Devil Likes It Slow with Jon Herrington & Bill Evans
9. Sco-Mule with Jon Herrington & Bill Evans & Dance To The Music chorus

Set 2
10. Crowd
11. Railroad Boy >
12. Monday Mourning Meltdown >
13. Beautifully Broken >
14. Wandering Child >
15. Drums & Bass
16. Feel Like Breaking Up Somebody's Home with David Hidalgo
17. Dear Mr. Fantasy with David Hidalgo
18. Thorazine Shuffle

Encore 1
19. Crowd
20. Low Down Dirty Shame with David Hidalgo
21. Look On Yonder Wall with David Hidalgo

Encore 2
22. Woodstock First Time Played

Patti Smith - Bowery Ballroom

I've never seen Patti Smith before. I've had Horses and Easter since high school but I am not what you would call a huge fan. After seeing her at the HOF show with U2 and Bruce I thought I should check her out live. I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. A few readings, some poetry and some really great songs made for a most enjoyable night. I am most surprised at how chatty she is during the set. Her stories and overall personality bordered on sweet. Go figure.

Thanks for the photos Larry!

Old and In The Way

Here's another classic from back in the day. Old & In The Way in mp3 (VBR) from a vinyl rip. I believe this was on CD at one time (Rykodisc?) but is long out of print and unavailable, even as a digital download.

I wasn't a "Dead Head" in the classic sense. I absolutely hate the long spacey jams and can live with never hearing Dark Star again. What I am constantly drawn to is the acoustic side of the band and their side projects. This classic bluegrass in the traditional sense. Acoustic instrumentation played extremely well, great harmonies and wonderful songs (traditional and contemporary). Any time Grisman and Garcia got together it was magical for me.

Here's what Allmusic.com has to say...

Review by Peter J. D'Angelo
The first release from Jerry Garcia's short-lived backcountry bluegrass act was this 1973 recording that also highlighted the amazing skills of mandolin player David Grisman. The quintet actually released only this record, recorded at a series of performances in 1973, but the sound caught on with Grateful Dead fans and the record actually built up the group's legacy long after they disbanded. The songs themselves, mostly penned by guitarist Peter Rowan and Grisman as well as a handful of traditional numbers and even a revamped version of the Rolling Stones' classic "Wild Horses," are delivered with the sincere reverence of true bluegrass fanatics. Soaring multi-part harmonies; fiddle, guitar, banjo, bass, and mandolin lines that seamlessly intertwine with a good-time feel; and exceptionally solid musicianship round out the ten-track effort. Fans of the Grateful Dead's jolly throwback tunes should already have this in their collection, but even those put off by the member's psychedelic resumés will find that Old & in the Way is nothing of the sort. This is the sound of purists re-creating the music they grew up with and it's both enjoyable and inspiring to listen to. Like American Beauty and Workingman's Dead, this record showcases Garcia going back to his roots, and it shows that he and his buddies have more than the chops required to live up to their legend.

Old & In The Way
Round Records
1975

1. Pig in a Pen
2. Midnight Moonlight
3. Old and in the Way
4. Knockin' On Your Door
5. The Hobo Song
6. Panama Red
7. Wild Horses
8. Kissimmee Kid
9. White Dove
10. Land of the Navajo

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*If you are the artist or their representative and you would like this link removed, please e-mail me or leave a comment and it will be removed ASAP.

Enjoy the music and please support the artists that make it. Happy New Year!

Hotels, Motels and Road Shows

Hotels, Motels and Road Shows
Various Artists
Capricorn 0208
1978

Here's the first of my vinyl rips of some long out of print albums. To the best of my knowledge this has never been on CD or if it was it is long out of print. Back in the day Capricorn used to put out these live collections every once in a while featuring many of the "stars" that were on the label. I remember having this one back in the day and it disappeared at some party around graduation. I recently found a vinyl copy in pretty damn good condition so I figured I'd try to rip it and convert it to mp3 (VBR). This is a nice little slice of Southern Rock circa 1978. Enjoy!

1. Out On A Limb - Stillwater
2. Mind Bender - Stillwater
3. Grand Larceny - Sea Level
4. Refried Funky Chicken - Dixie Dregs
5. Superstar - Bonnie Bramlett
6. You're So Fine - Grinderswitch
7. Travelin' Shoes - Elvin Bishop
8. Teaser - Wet Willie
9. No Hard Times - Richard Betts
10. Are You Lonely For Me, Baby? - Gregg Allman
11. Statesboro Blues - The Allman Brothers Band

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*If you are the artist or their representative and you would like this link removed, please e-mail me or leave a comment and it will be removed ASAP.

Merry Christmas OldRockr Style

May the Joy of the Season be with you and yours!
OldRockr1, Mrs. Rockr and all the little Rockr's





Perhaps the best Christmas song...ever.

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow

Wow, the weather guy finally got it right. Looks like about a foot and a half of the white stuff on Long Island. Too bad we don't get a snow day.

Best of 2009

It's the end of the decade, or is it? I am so confused about this one. Personally I don't really care and I can't begin to put together that kind of list, but 2009 was a pretty good year for music, at least for me. So here goes the 'ol Best of 2009 in no real order with the exception of my overall favorite. Drum roll please...

Best of the Year: Levon Helm - Electric Dirt
Dirt Farmer was good. It was great to hear him again but this one is even better. From the joyous romp through Tennessee Jed (my 15 year old is walking around singing it now) right on through this is an amazing album. Easily the best "Band" album since Stagefright. You want American, this is the real deal right here. No duds at all and Growing Trade is absolutely amazing. If you don't have it you need it. Now.

Really Great Stuff You May Not Have Heard
Otis Gibbs - Grandpa Walked a Picket Line
Michael Dean Damron - Father's Day
William Elliott Whitmore - Animals in the Dark
American Aquarium - Dances for the Lonely
Matt Schofield - Heads, Tails & Aces
Tommy Castro - Hard Believer
Ashley Cleveland - God Don't Never Change
Mike Farris - Shout! Live
Rufus Huf - Rufus Huf
Bloodkin - Baby, They Told Us He Would Rise Again
Deer Tick - Born on Flag Day

One You Probably Know
The Subdudes - Flower Petals
Sam Bush - Circles Around Me
Buddy & Julie Miller - Written In Chalk
Gov't Mule - By A Thread
Black Crowes - Before the Frost...Until the Freeze
Lucero - 1372 Overton Park

Kind of a Little Disappointed By
Ian Hunter - Man Overboard (but it is starting to finally win me over)
Bruce Springsteen - Working on a Dream (great tour but the worst album since Human Touch)
Willie Nile - House of a Thousand Guitars
Bob Dylan - Together Through Life

Best Live Shows
Bruce Springsteen at MSG (natch!) The River and E. Street Shuffle!
Steely Dan Internet Request Night
Railroad Earth
Allman Brothers with Clapton
The Cult playing Love

I really enjoyed the year in music and I want to thank all the blogs out there where I find out about these new artists. The music world is a much smaller place now and that is a good thing!

Great Music Blogs
Wild Safari (invite only)
Music Fog
Burning Wood
Twang Nation
Nightwatcher
and so many others. Thank you for your time and efforts!

Let's hope 2010 is another good one.

Savoy Brown - Boulton Center

Kim Simmonds brought a new version of Savoy Brown to the Boulton Center in Bayshore last night. Kim isn't singing every song anymore so that really opens him up to play and after all that is why we were all there in the first place. Still one of the great British Blues guitarists. My son keeps getting to see all these great players, I am so glad he digs it...

The new official Savoy Brown line-up therefore is as follows:

Kim Simmonds: Guitar/vocals
Joe Whiting: Vocals/Saxophone
Pat DeSalvo: Bass
Garnet Grimm: Drums

Railroad Earth - Music Hall of Williamsburg

Great night at the Music Hall of Williamsburg. First time seeing the Infamous Stringdusters and they did not disappoint. Railroad Earth just totally killed last night. From the get go they were very much "on" and there was a whole lot of dancing in the crowd. Railroad Earth is fast becoming one of my favorite live bands. Check 'em out.

Set 1:

Carrying Coal to Newcastle -->
Mighty River
Give That Boy a Hand
The Good Life
Bread and Water
The Forecast
Crossing the Gap
Water Fountain Quicksand

Set 2:

Happy Song
Elko
For Love
Been Down This Road
Like a Buddha
New Jam (SHJ)
Peace on Earth
Sing for Me

Encore:

Moonshiner

Perfect for your OldRockr this Christmas

Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers - The Live Anthology

Tom Petty finally gets the proper live album that he deserves (Pack Up the Plantation was only OK). You get the hits, the misses, the album tracks and a bunch of covers over 4 CD's with a list price of only $24.99 which is a bargain and a half. I've been playing it over and over in the car, it's just too much fun to listen to.

Eric Clapton & Steve Winwood - Live From Madison Square Garden
I got to see the third night of these dates back in 2008. It was every bit as good as I had hoped. Steve Winwood sounds like 40 years haven't passed since some of these songs were recorded and Clapton's playing is positively inspired throughout. This is worth it for Voodoo Child alone.

Both of these should be on my year end Top 10 but I usually don't include live albums. Great, great listens.

Subdudes - Boulton Center 12-3-09

I've been hearing how great the Subdudes are live for years but haven't gotten around to seeing them myself. I grabbed tickets for the Boulton Center show last Thursday a while back and then I dove into the new album "Flower Petals" which has become a favorite of mine this year.

I have to say they put on a great show. This tour is pretty much unplugged but it is not sedate in the least. The band was TIGHT. Great setlist that drew heavily from the last two albums. If i get the chance I would definitely see them again. In particular No Man, Poor Man's Paradise and Barley in the Silo were excellent.

My Classics - London Calling

The Clash...The Only Band That Matters. What an audacious claim and while maybe not entirely true this is one band that changed things for me muscially at a pivotal point in my life. I was never a "punk". Too big, too much hair (then at least) and I like too much of what is now classic rock to fit the mold. However back in the late 70's there was a ripple in the force. I was beginning to hear about this music here and there which wasn't easy on Long Island which was divided up between the rock and disco fans (truth be told I think disco was winning at this point). I would go back and discover others in the genre and indeed devour the entire Clash discography but for me this is the album that summed up the period.

I remember watching the Clash on Fridays with some friends and they just didn't get it. In fact all of them pretty much walked out but I was so into it. I hadn't seen anything like this previously.





London Calling signals the arrival or demise of punk depending on your perspective. No doubt it was a change in terms of sound from all previous punk albums but the initial assault of London Calling > Brand New Cadillac sure sounds punk enough to me. However there is a refinement of sound here. The production was superior to all the other punk releases and the band themselves were growing. They were already tired and constricted by the formulaic nature of this type of music. Trips to Jamaica and the influence of ska and reggae was already changing their sound considerably as dub music would on the next album.

Pop music, actually a couple of brilliant pop songs in Lost in the Supermarket and Train in Vain signaled a new direction as well. This wasn't all beat you over the head music. Great songs were now played very well and the songwriting is pointed and dare I say polished. This isn't a great punk record it is a great rock record. In fact I still play it quite often to this day. I can't say the same for the other punk albums of the era or the other Clash albums for that matter. This one just gets it done on so many levels and it opened up my ears to new styles and sounds like other has either before or since.

This one never fails to get me to drive a little too fast...


They never repeated this one but even if it was all they ever did it leaves a remarkable imprint on mine and others music psyche's that will never be erased. I thank them for that.

Back to Vinyl

After all these years I am biting the bullet and going back to vinyl whenver possible. I miss the warmth of records compared to the CD. That and the mastering on most new releases sucks big time. Can anyone recommend any good web sites?

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family from the OldRockr1 Clan!!!

Tommy Castro and Coco Montoya at the Boulton Center

Coco Montoya

Tommy Castro

Great night of Rockin' Blues yesterday at the Boulton Center in Bayshore out on Long Island. Tommy Castro and his smokin' hot band ripped it up for a 90 minute set that relied heavily on his material from his latest CD "Hard Believer". This band really cooks up a soulful, bluesy mix that is not to be missed. These guys have some serious fun up there and it shows. The crowd was on its feet shakin' it to James Brown's Sex Machine at the end. Great fun!

I've seen Coco Montoya before but never as the headliner. Coco played guitar back in the 80's with John Mayall's Bluesbreakers (along with Walter Trout) so you know he can play and play he did for almost 2 hours of killer blues with a bit of soul. A very extended Have You Heard About My Baby from that first Bluesbreakers album was a standout as was Good Days, Bad Days. It's a little strange watching a lefty from up close, but there is no denying his talent. Coco needs to be heard by more lovers of blues guitar. Check him out if you get the chance.

Sweeeeet

Very Excited About This One

Just grabbed some tickets for one of my favorite live bands for next month at the Music Hall of Williamsburg. Railroad Earth and the Infamous Stringdusters!

It Was a Good Run

Concert Ticket Shams

So my buddy was bitching about not being able to get Lady Ga Ga tickets on the pre-sale. I know, I know that should be celebrated but for some reason my friend really wants to go. So what gives. Larry is the ticket king for goodness sake. Never gets shut out. What gives?

Larry's problem is increasingly becoming the defacto situation in the concert industry. Artists don't want to appear greedy so they work back channel deals with TicketBastard and Live Nation to hold back huge amounts of tickets for them to re-sell on Stub Hub and other services. No real surprise. They make like the ticket industry is the problem. The problem is greedy artists who want to charge more for tickets but can't due to public opinion. They make their money either way and the real fans lose. How else can Stub Hub list tickets before they go on sale to the general public.

Will this ever change? Probably not. Nobody has the heart to legislate and then prosecute. There are too many other issues of injustice to deal with in 2009. This one just hits home more for some of us.

Check out this link...

http://www.newschannel5.com/Global/story.asp?S=11469165

It highlights what happened with "good guy" Keith Urban's show in Nashville.

We need to do something. Is there a politician that cares. Hey Chuck Schumer how 'bout you do something?

Bruce Springsteen - Down to the River

There's not a whole lot to say and there is so much that needs to be said. The performance of The River is a fan's dream. The rockers roared but it was the more introspective numbers that killed for me. Fade Away, Stolen Car and Drive All Night were jaw dropping. Why they don't make it into the set more often is confounding. The Price You Pay was another that was just amazing.

The rest of the set really rocked. Atlantic City > Badlands > BTR > 7 Nights to Rock just took it to another level. Sweet Soul Music was a blast. The rest of encores were predictable but that is forgivable considering how great the set was. Two special, special nights of music. When is the next tour?

Wrecking Ball (with Curt Ramm)
The Ties That Bind
Sherry Darling
Jackson Cage
Two Hearts
Independence Day
Hungry Heart
Out in the Street
Crush on You
You Can Look (But You Better Not Touch)
I Wanna Marry You
The River
Point Blank
Cadillac Ranch
I'm a Rocker (with Curt Ramm)
Fade Away
Stolen Car
Ramrod
The Price You Pay
Drive All Night
Wreck on the Highway
Waitin' on a Sunny Day
Atlantic City
Badlands
Born to Run
Seven Nights to Rock
* * *
Sweet Soul Music (with Curt Ramm)
No Surrender
American Land (with Curt Ramm)
Dancing in the Dark
Can't Help Falling in Love
Higher and Higher

A note to Bruce...Sunny Day & Wrecking Ball need to never make it in to the set again. My only quibble and it is a small one.

I made it to 5 shows this tour + the Hall of Fame show. Thanks to Bruce and the Band for some great music. Enjoy the break, you all deserve it.

Thanks for the pictures Larry!

Fade Away


Stolen Car


Ramrod


Sweet Soul Music

Bruce Springsteen - A Wild Garden Night

Last night was a treat for the fans. The Wild, The Innocent, and the E. Street Shuffle was played straight through last night for the 1st time. Kitty's Back burned and Incident > Rosie , NYC was just amazing. What a great show. While some of the song choices look a little predictable, there was an energy last night that kicked the whole show up a few notches. And I love Human Touch, great song from perhaps his worst album. Elvis Costello guested on Higher and Higher. Can't wait for The River tonight.

Thundercrack
Seeds
Prove It All Night
Hungry Heart
Working on a Dream
The E Street Shuffle (with Curt Ramm & horns)
4th of July, Asbury Park (Sandy)
Kitty's Back (with Curt Ramm & horns)
Wil Billy's Circus Story
Incident on 57th Street
Rosalita (Come Out Tonight)
New York City Serenade (with Richard Blackwell, the Sam Bardfeld Strings, Curt Ramm & horns)
Waitin' on a Sunny Day
Raise Your Hand
Does This Bus Stop at 82nd Street?
Glory Days
Human Touch
Lonesome Day
The Rising
Born to Run
* * *
Wrecking Ball (with Curt Ramm)
Bobby Jean
American Land (with Curt Ramm and Sam Bardfeld)
Dancing in the Dark
Higher and Higher (with Elvis Costello, Richard Blackwell, Curt Ramm & horns)


I could live without Sunny Day, Bobby Jean and Glory Days, but the crowd eats it up.

Richie Havens - Boulton Center 11/6/09

I saw Richie Havens at the Boulton Center in Bayshore, NY last night. He was his usual gracious self. Getting a bit older but the voice is still wonderful. He may ramble a bit and tell the same stories every time (but with some variations) but it is still a great night. He did a little Q&A before the encore and told his Woodstock story. Great fun.

This Weekend Is Gonna Rock

BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN AND THE E STREET BAND TO PERFORM FULL ALBUM SEQUENCES AT MADISON SQUARE GARDEN IN NEW YORK CITY11/3/09

Special programs announced for this weekend's Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band shows at Madison Square Garden

On Saturday, November 7, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band will perform The Wild, the Innocent, and the E Street Shuffle in its entirety for the first time.

On Sunday, November 8, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band will perform The River in its entirety for the first time.

The Wild, the Innocent, and the E Street Shuffle was originally released in 1973 and The River was originally released in 1980. They now join Born to Run, Darkness on the Edge of Town, and Born in the USA as albums that Bruce and the Band have performed in their entirety during their Fall tour.

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Concert Night 2

Night 2 started out much the same as Night 1. Tom Hanks then Jerry Lee Lewis (this time doing Great Balls of Fire).

Aretha Frankin was, well Aretha Franklin. It was ok for me but nothing special. Annie Lennox and Lenny Kravitz were her guests and ended up being the least interesting pairings. In fact they didn't mesh well at all.

Baby I Love You
Don't Play That Song
Make Them Hear You
Chain of Fools (with Annie Lennox)
New York, New York
Think (with Lenny Kravitz)
Respect

Jeff Beck is a genius. There are not enough adjectives to describe his playing. His set was a clinic on how to play guitar and I loved it. I do think Clapton would have gone over better with the crowd as the material is more familiar. Buddy Guy was really good, but Billy Gibbons song choice was...odd to say the least. Rough Boy is just about the worst ZZ Top song ever. Puzzling. Everything ended with Jeff's version of A Day In The Life. Stunning.

Drown In My Own Tears
People Get Ready (with Sting)
Freeway Jam
Cause We've Ended Up as Lovers
Let Me Love You (Buddy Guy)
Big Block
Rice Pudding
Rough Boy (Billy Gibbons)
Foxey Lady (Billy Gibbons)
A Day In The Life

James Hetfield: "We're Metallica and this is what we do". For Whom the Bell Tolls.

That pretty much says it all. Metallica were great last night. Touring all year has them playing like a well oiled machine. Lou Reed looked confused. Ozzy was Ozzy and Ray Davies was great. All in all an excellent set.

For Whom the Bell Tolls
One
Turn The Page
Sweet Jane (Lou Reed)
White Light White Heat (Lou Reed)
Iron Man (Ozzy)
Paranoid (Ozzy)
You Reall Got Me (Ray Davies)
All Day and All of the Night (Ray Daivies)
Stone Cold Crazy
Enter Sandman

U2 hits the stage at around 11:45. No tape backing, just them which was cool. If there is such a thing as look key U2 this was it. Bruce Springsteen and Patti Smith join them for Because the Night. The Black Eyed Peas come out for one (not familiar with their stuff....they came out during Mysterious Ways) and stay. Gimmie Shelter starts and Fergie is dancing and singing the chick intro and out comes...Mick Jagger. The Garden goes ape shit. Mick sticks around for another with U2 and after Beautiful Day it's all over. Just an hour long, but is was a great hour.

Vertigo

Magnificent

Because The Night (Bruce & Patti Smith)

I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For (With Springsteen)

Mysterious Ways > Where Is The Love > One (with Black Eyed Peas)
Gimmie Shelter (With Mick Jagger & Fergie)

Stuck Inside a Moment

Beautiful Day

The show was about 2 hours shorter than Thursday and in many ways Night 1 was a better show, at least for me. However the highlights last night were BIG. All in all it was two amazing nights of music. I'm glad I live in NY.

Gov't Mule with Joe Bonamassa

Two of my favorites tearing up the Albert King classic. The second clip is from the same show jamming out on a Mule instumental "ScoMule".

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Concert Night 1

The first of two Rock & Roll Hall of Fame concerts lived up to most of my expectations last night. The evening started off promptly at 7:30 with a video montage & Tom Hanks blathering on about the power of Rock & Roll...typical boomer bullshit (and I am 47). This was followed by Jerry Lee Lewis doing "Whole Lotta Shakin" solo at the piano.

Crosby, Stills & Nash were not great in my opinion. Stephen Stills is a little rough vocally now and they just weren't great. Of the guests I will say that Bonnie Raiit sounded as good as always as did Jackson Browne who played one of my favorites (The Pretender).

Woodstock
Marakesh Express
Almost Cut My Hair
Love Has No Pride (Bonnie Raitt)
Midnight Rider (with Bonnie Raitt)
The Pretender (Jackson Browne)
Mexico (James Taylor)
Love The One You're With (with James Taylor)
Rock & Roll Woman
Teach Your Children (with all 3 guests)

I have been waiting to see Simon & Garfunkel for most of my life and I want to say right off that I didn't need anything else for this poriton of the show. That said I really do enjoy Paul Simon's solo work so that was a treat. Dion and Little Anthony and the Imperials were fine. When Art finally joined him on stage it was highlight time. If hearing them, even after all of these years, singing the Boxer and Bridge Over Troubled Waters doesn't give you a little goosebumps there must be something seriously wrong with you. Tremendous.

Paul Simon:
Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes
Me & Julio Down By the School Yard
You Can Call Me Al
The Wanderer (Dion)
Late in the Evening
Two People in the World (Little Anthony & the Imperials)

Enter Art Garfunkel:
Sounds of Silence
Mrs. Robinson > Not Fade Away > Mrs. Robinson
The Boxer
Bridge Over Troubled Waters
Cecilia

I felt awful for Stevie Wonder...tons of sound issues for his set. Having never seen him before all I can say is WOW. What a fantastic talent, you knew that on record but live...just amazing. Lots of guests and a killer set.

Uptight(Everything's Alright)
I Was Made To Love You
For Once In My Life
Signed, Sealed, Delivered, I'm Yours
Boogie On Reggae Woman
Tracks of My Tears (Smokey Robinson)
Mercy Mercy Me (John Legend)
The Way You Make Me Feel (with John Legend)
The Thrill is Gone (B.B. King)
Living for the City
Higher Ground > Roxanne > Higher Ground (with Sting)
Superstition (with Jeff Beck)

The highlight of the evening was Bruce's set. The E. Street Band probably could have been the house band all night. They were TIGHT. Sam Moore was just fantastic as was Darlene Love. John Fogerty was really good (although a little predictable). Tom Joad was incendiary with Tom Morello and the evening ended with a surprise guest...Billy Joel. What a great, loooooong night (6 hours). Can't wait for tonight.

Tenth Avenue Freeze Out
Hold On, I'm Comin' (Sam Moore)
Soul Man (Sam Moore)
The Ghost of Tom Joad (Tom Morello)
Fortunate Son (John Fogerty)
Proud Mary (John Fogerty)
Oh, Pretty Woman (with John Fogerty)
Jungleland
A Fine Fine Boy (Darlene Love)
De Doo Ron Ron (Darlenes Love)
London Calling (With Tom Morello)
Badlands (with Tom Morello)
You May Be Right (Billy Joel)
Only The Good Die Young (with Billy Joel)
New York State of Mind (with Billy Joel)
Born To Run (with Billy Joel)
(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me)Higher & Higher (all Bruce guests + Peter Wolf & Jackson Browne)

The show was really long. I had to jump at the end of Born to Run to make sure I didn't miss the train (after 1:30 the next was at 3:10) but all in all a great night of music. First half was a little heavy on the Adult Contemporary side but the second half was rockin'. Tonight should even more. I am really looking forward to what U2 will be doing and with whom.

Gov't Mule - By A Thread

I'm a fan so I'll spare you all the adjectives that I want to describe this band with. Love 'em. Been on the band wagon since 1997 and haven't looked back. The thing is each studio album takes me some time to grow to love. It's kind of weird. What at first seems a let down almost always turns out to be a keeper. I guess it's because I have heard so many songs live for so long that the recorded versions seem just a bit off. It usually goes away after a few listenings.

I have been playing By a Thread for a couple of weeks now and at first I thought it was good, but not great. I will say it is improving quickly to the point where I am really enjoying it now. In fact it might be my favorite album track for track since Life Before Insanity.

It grooves, it slams, it pummels, it jams, in a phase it is an "ass-kicking". Makes me really look forward to the Beacon run. Check it out.

Eric Clapton To Miss Hall of Fame Concerts

From Where's Eric...

Eric Clapton - Hall of Fame Concert Appearance Cancelled

Published: 22 October 2009

Unfortunately Eric Clapton has cancelled his performance for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame concert next week to undergo a minor medical procedure for gall stones. He will spend time recuperating at home in the UK and is very sorry to disappoint the fans and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He remains committed to his 2010 concert schedule. Spokespeople for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame said today that they wish Eric Clapton all the best and they will announce a replacement for Eric’s part of the show shortly.

Needless to say I am bummed. The thought of Clapton/Beck/Guy jamming was almost too good. Let's see who they replace him with. May I suggest...

Paul McCartney
Neil Young
Mick & Keef
Pete & Roger

My Classics - Darkness on the Edge of Town

I was thinking about why I like what I like. I guess it's because I am reading the new Nick Hornby "Juliet, Naked" which is kind of all about music and our obsessions and how it affects our lives and relationships. It's a really good read by the way. So I have been thinking about how certain records have played a part in my "musical" life as well as life in general. Bruce Springsteen is certainly first and foremost in my musical thoughts for most of the past 30 years so I decided to start with him.

I was a little too young for Born To Run, in fact I was probably too young for Darkness on the Edge of Town, but as a 16 year old I found it by chance. My friends didn't care. Local radio wasn't buying into the hype at the moment. Not much stirring for a high school kid in 1978 on the Bruce front. Then I got my hands on a copy and things changed. Forever. Before this I was all about Led Zeppelin and Aerosmith (still like 'em too) but hearing this album changed the way I heard music.

I was the classic case of the "teenager". Mad at my father for whatever reason. Not getting along with my step mother. Mad at my mother for divorcing my dad (like he had nothing to do with it). I got over all of this soon enough, but at that particular time in my life I dropped the needle on Badlands and things changed. Here were feelings and thoughts expressed that I had and would continue to have. It's not always a rosy world out there and we need to get through. That and some killer rock & roll. I know these songs are over-played over the years, but they are for a reason. This album is just amazing.

Adam Raised a Cain voiced my feelings about my relationship with my father at the time. It screamed it out of the speakers and while I came to understand him over the years, much like Bruce does on Independence Day (an amazing track off of the River), this one spoke right to me at 16.

Something in the Night and Candy's Room have some screaming guitar and I love 'em both but the highlight comes at the end of side 1...Racing in the Street. What most folks hear as a song about a guy a girl and a car is all about the same redemption that we all seek. The question is will we ever find it. A simply stunning song.

Side 2 is loaded with concert staples: The Promised Land, Prove It All Night and Darkness on the Edge of Town. The first two all full of promise and hope. The latter searching for that chance that we all hope is out there. The battle rages on in each of our lives the question is will life's little victories be enough to get us through.

Even the out-takes, some of which will make The River, and some which don't see the light of day until the Tracks collection are so far above what was out then, or now, that the music continues to amaze me. I love a lot of what he did and I like most of the rest quite a bit, but for me this was the pinnacle of his career. And I keep going back again and again. Searching for that redemption...

Perhaps There is Some Confusion

I may be a bit confused, but if Fox is not a real news network because of their bias (which it has) then what is MSNBC? That weekly line-up sure looks a little on the left side of things last I checked. Memo to the White House...just becuase they are on your side doesn't make it any better.

Dana Fuchs Band

I am a sucker for rock chicks. I somehow missed Dana Fuchs and just recently found here live album. This is some pretty good stuff. She's got that sound in her voice. I think I like it...

Ashley Cleveland

One of the great voices out there. I just wish more folks could here her. If you get a chance grab here CD "God Don't Never Change". I guarantee you will not be disappointed. Thanks to the folks over at Music Fog and Koch Records for the great performances.

Joe Bonamassa and Eric Clapton

Way too tasty...

Tom Petty Live Anthology

Due out on 11/24, this is a 4 CD set of previously unreleased live Tom Petty. No track lists available as of yet however there will be 3 versions:

Standard 4 CD Package ($24.99)
Deluxe Version with an extra live CR, some DVD's and all the music on Blue Ray ($99.99)

Personally I am very excited. Tom Petty is always great live so this should be a blast to listen to.

UFO - B.B. King's 10/10/09

Took my son to see UFO last night. I wasn't going to go as Phil was wasted last time and the show was not good, but a buddy of mine decided to go to KISS so I took the tickets and Sam and off we went. Let me just say that my buddy chose poorly. UFO absolutely rocked their asses off last night at B.B. King's.

I am no a huge fan. Certainly not a fanatic so I hadn't heard the new material and it was pretty good. I went for the songs from my youth and got pretty much all of them. Mother Mary, Only You Can Rock Me, Too Hot To Handle, Love to Love, Doctor Doctor, Rock Bottom. The songs were great then and still are. UFO was one of those "unheralded" bands back in the 70's in the US. Too bad for those who missed out then and now.

Michael Schenker is a great guitarist, but I have to say I think Vinnie Moore is a better player. Well at least currently.

Great night. Great show. That and we made the 10:10 back to Long Island. Sweet deal.

Bruce Springsteen - Giants Stadium 10/9/09

Another night, another fun show. The crowd was really into it and the sound was much improved to my ears at least compared to last Saturday. Very similar setlist but that's fine. I've seen him so many times that they all start to blur together. BITUSA was actually better tonight with Nils positively killing Cover Me. The show ended with Jersey Girl which was a little strange, everyone was expecting one more but it was not to be. Oh well, you really can't complain witih 31 songs over 3+ hours can you? By the way "The Last Time" was great. No way it was spontaneous but great still the same.

Next up the Hall of Fame show and two nights at MSG. Well at least as far as Bruce goes.

1. Wrecking Ball (Max & Patti)

2. Badlands

3. Spirit In The Night

4. Outlaw Pete

5. Hungry Heart (crowd surfing)

6. Working On A Dream

7. Born In The USA (dedicated to a friend for his birthday)

8. Cover Me

9. Darlington County

10. Working On The Highway

11. Downbound Train

12. I'm On Fire

13. No Surrender

14. Bobby Jean

15. I'm Goin' Down

16. Glory Days

17. Dancing In The Dark (w/a middle-aged bald guy)

18. My Hometown

19. Tougher Than The Rest (for Danny)

20. The Promised Land

21. Last To Die

22. Long Walk Home

23. The Rising

24. Born To Run (w/Jay) ~~~~ collecting signs~~~~ (RYH riff)(w/Max)

25. Raise Your Hand / You Sexy Thing

26. THE LAST TIME

27. Waitin' On A Sunny Day (Marriage Proposal)

28. Seven Nights To Rock

29. Kitty's Back

30. JAmerican Land

31: Jersey Girl