Cher in a Tunnel (Think about that Mike)

Music Group October 2013

Kiss – Love Gun - 3

Kiss was the first band that I got into as a kid.  I suppose that that was before I understood what talent was.  If they didn’t have the makeup and theatrics they never would have made it.  With few exceptions their songs are completely unremarkable.  From a marketing standpoint they hit the mark.  They had the coolest album covers but the music didn’t match the expectations.  I really don’t know which song Gene Simmons felt that it was a good point to spit blood all over the place.  I love Kiss for what they are and this album was one of my favorite growing up.  I guess you guys now know where I developed my taste.

Elton John – Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy – 2

I just can’t do it anymore.  There was a time when I thought that Elton John was brilliant.  I think I've been skewed by the “new” EJ.  With the exception of Someone Saved My Life Tonight, which I’m sure was written close to home I just couldn't get excited about this album.  

Off With Their Heads – Home – 2.5

It’s funny how few people like Andrew W K, but these guys are just like him.  Lots of energy and angst, they must be an Irish band.  I’m pretty sure that I’d fear for my safety at an OWTH concert. 

Cold War Kids – Dear Miss Lonely hearts - 2

I have to appreciate the talent that these guys have, but what’s up with the production?  It sounds like the vocals were recorded in a tunnel.  It’s hard to listen to after a few songs.  The singer also started to sound like Cher after a while.  I couldn't stop visualizing a young Cher touring in front of this band.  Just another My Morning Jacket to me.

Dusty Springfield – GH

So intense and dramatic.  Holy shit, every song had me riding my horse into the sunset after freeing a town from Darth Vader and Satan.  I've never heard anyone use both ends of the piano and not the middle keys.  Beautiful voice and hard to be sad while you listen, it’s hard to stay straight too.  Seems to me I do remember getting a woody as a kid looking at one of her album covers.  I guess I’m safe

What is the best book you've read about music, fiction or non-fiction and what made it stand out?

I've only read Dave Mustane’s book and stopped about half way through.  As much as I love Megadeath, listening to a guy that has entered rehab 17 times and regardless of his success is still obviously hung up on his getting the boot from Metallica got really old and depressing.  The negativity that exuded from this book was overwhelming and I finally had to put it down.