led zeppelin

Led Zeppelin was by far one of the most influential classic rock bands. Although I wouyld have to argue myself that Jimi Hendrix was the most influential artist to hit music due to his new wave style of blues and rock and his introduction to pedal/stomp box effects along with his introduction to stereo listening. But although Hendrix was the most influential guitarist of all time, Jimmy Paige cannot be overlooked. His guitar rifts made Led Zeppelin what they are. As most people know, Stairway to Heaven is Zeppelins most popular song. (Although their most succesful song was Whole Lotta Love). But the solo in Stairway to Heaven is largely considered to be one of the best guitar solos of all time. With the Comobonation of Paige's guitar skils and Plants song writing, not excluding the numerous impressive drum beats, it is difficult to argue that Zeppelin was not a huge influence on modern music. For these reasons I would have to exclaim that Zeppelin is amoug my favorite classic rock bands.

Oh baby, baby, its a wild world

"I get the tune and then I just keep on singing the tune until the words come out from the tune. It's kind of a hypnotic state that you reach after a while when you keep on playing it where words just evolve from it. So you take those words and just let them go whichever way they want... 'Moonshadow'? Funny, that was in Spain, I went there alone, completely alone, to get away from a few things. And I was dancin' on the rocks there... right on the rocks where the waves were, like, blowin' and splashin'. Really, it was so fantastic. And the moon was bright, ya know, and I started dancin' and singin' and I sang that song and it stayed. It's just the kind of moment that you want to find when you're writin' songs."

Great quote. Of all people Cat Stevens has had a crazy life. Born Steven Demetre Georgiou, he has sold over 60 million albums around the world since the late 1960s. Steven chose the stage name "Cat Stevens" because an ex girlfriend told him he had eys like a cat. Also because, "I couldn't imagine anyone going to the record store and asking for 'that Steven Demetre Georgiou album'." Around 1977 Cat Stevens adopted his Muslim name, Yusuf Islam. He left the music world behind in 1979 to devote himself to his religion and to educational purposes in the Muslim community.

In his early years Cat had two near death experiences. At age 19, in 1968, he was really sick with tuberculosis and a collapsed lung. He was near death when admitted into the King Edward VII Hospital. He spent months in the hospital and up to a year recovering from his illness. He was quoted saying: "To go from the show business environment and find you are in hospital, getting injections day in and day out, and people around you are dying, it certainly changes your perspective. I got down to thinking about myself. It seemed almost as if I had my eyes shut." Soon after leaving the hospital he began taking yoga and meditation lessons and became a vegetarian. While in the hospital Cat wrote up to 40 songs. All of these much more introspective and serious than his prior work.

In 1976, nearly drowning off the coast of Malibu, California Stevens claimed he shouted: "Oh God! If you save me I will work for you." And right after he said that, a wave pushed him back to shore. This was the incident that made him look more into religion. As a Christmas present, Cat's brother gave him the Qur'an, and he immediately felt connected to it. That's why he changed his name to Yusuf (the Muslim name for Joseph).

It's crazy to think how certain event can completely alter your lifestyle. Cat Stevens is one of the most successful classic rock/folk singers ever, and he traded it in for a life serving God. Do what you gotta do man, is all I have to say. He is very well aware that this change leaves fans wondering why. And in an interview he was quoted saying "to some people, it may have seemed like an enormous jump, but for me, it was a gradual move to this." And another quote, which I totally agree with gives a little more reasoning to his decision. "I had found the spiritual home I'd been seeking for most of my life. And if you listen to my music and lyrics, like "Peace Train" and "On The Road To Find Out", it clearly shows my yearning for direction and the spiritual path I was travelling."

In the end, who is anyone to judge? He is still an incredible musician and has music that will last through the years, regardless of his name or religion. And by the way, PLEASE, I am begging you PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE check out:

Cat Stevens, Wild World on youtube.com. It is my favorite song, the lyrics, the music, it all comes together and makes a great song! You have to check it out. . . do it right now!

The Ultimate Boy Band

I don't think it would be out of line to say that The Beatles has shaped all music that is around today. Maybe except for classical, but The Beatles had an impact like a tsunami. When they came out in 1960 their lyrics, instruments and hair cuts were new to the entire world. Not only were The Beatles a symbol in the music world, but in the social and political world as well. They knew how influential they are and they put their power to good use. Something that is very rare among celebrities these days.

They came together in Liverpool, England and from there took over the world. Every single album has at least one different sound than the album before. They were musical geniuses! With the abilities of the engineering technicians of EMI in the studio, Rubber Soul (1965), Revolver (1966) and Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (1967) collectively produced an entirely innovative sound. They had other contemporary influences which never seemed to fail in helping with the Beatles inspiration. The album Pet Sounds by The Beach Boys was one of McCartney's favorites. It is said that Sgt. Peppers Army was 100% inspired by Pet Sounds. Also, John Lennon loved Elvis Presley, who at the time was bigger than The Beatles.

"It was Elvis who really got me buying records. I thought that early stuff of his was great. The Bill Haley era passed me by, in a way. When his records came on the wireless, my mother used to hear them, but they didn’t do anything for me. It was Elvis who got me hooked on beat music. When I heard 'Heartbreak Hotel', I thought ‘this is it’ and I started to grow sideboards and all that gear...."

The Beatles also used: sound effects, weird microphone placements, tape loops, double tracking and vari-speed recording in order to create a sound an eccentric sound never heard of (or thought of) before. Aside from the guitar, bass and drums, they used other instruments that were not conventional in a rock band. In the song Norwegian Wood a sitar (an Indian instrument) was used and in Strawberry Fields Forever another Indian instrument called the swarmandel was played. Another trick they did in the studio, again that was the first time ever tried, was using a double-string quartet used in Eleanor Rigby (one of my favorites!).This is exactly what I am talking about. The Beatles are the epitome of thinking outside the box, they were creative and so talented. No one can compare to them and what they have done to our world, in all aspects- not just musically.

The Beatles cannot really be classified as one type of music genre. They may have started out a little poppy, always known for their classical rock but also they dabbled in the psychedelic realm of music as well. Just think of songs like: I Am The Walrus, Strawberry Fields Forever and Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds (which is rumored to be about LSD).

To me, the perfect word to try and describe The Beatles music would be. . . untouchable. They were the ones who started it all, so how can you compare anyone to them if they are (most likely) an influence. And, I can say this confidently, there will never, ever be a band like The Beatles.


P.S. Look at how many albums they produced in such a short period of time, it's insane:

1963-Please Please Me and With The Beatles
1964- A Hard Day's Night and Beatles For Sale
1965- Help! and Rubber Soul
1966- Revolver
1967- sGT. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band and Magical Mystery Tour
1968- The Beatles- The White Album
1969- Yellow Submarine and Abbey Road
1970- Let It Be

Seriously, think about this. They produced about two albums a year. Albums, might I add, that KICKED ASS. ALbums, that has left a marking in history all while touring around the world.

Supermen?

How the times have changed

Like I've mentioned before, my dad is a huge Allman Brothers fan.  He has been to at least twenty of their concerts, I've only been to two with him.  Every time though, without fail, he comes home ranting and raving about "the best concert yet."  Though their band is a different now than it was back in their hay day, the Allman Brothers Band is continuing to rock the world.

Back in the 60s, most of the classic rock bands were uniformed.  A singer, a bassist, a guitarist, a drummer.  Think of the Beatles or the Who.  At the time the new, big thing was having a girl in the band.  Like Grace Slick in Jefferson Airplane or Janis Joplin in Big Brother and the Holding Company.  What the Allman Brothers Band did was different though, when they were playing on stage, the band itself was a spectacle. 

Duane Allman- slide guitar and lead guitar

Gregg Allman- vocals and organ

Dickey Betts- lead guitar, rhythm guitar and vocals

Berry Oakley- bass

Butch Trucks- drums

Jai Johanny "Jaimoe" Johanson- drums

Two drummers, two guitars, one bass, two singers all combine to create a bluesy, southern vibe.  The band started in Jacksonville, Florida with inspiration from southern blues artists many people did not know about.  They played numerous shows in the south before debuting their first album, The Allman Brothers Band, which was critically acclaimed.  Soon after their first release, the band gained a cult of listeners.

Everything was going well until, one of my dads saddest days of his life, Duane Allman died.  In Macon, Georgia in October 29, 1971 Duane was killed in a motorcycle accident.  The band was incredibly upset and distraught, but they decided to carry on.  They continued as a five man band but in November of 1972, the band decided to add Chuck Leavell, a pianist, to have another instrument on the stage without, directly, replacing Duane.  But only a couple of days after Chuck joining the band, Berry Oakley died of head trauma in a motorcycle accident, about a year and a month after Duane had died.

Things were clearly not going well for the band and soon enough, they all went their separate ways.  It was only until 1989 that the band was able to rejoin and be kickass like they used to be.

The man of the hour: Warren Haynes.  Now the guitarist and vocalist of the Allman Brothers Band has single handedly turned the group around.  Putting them back on the map where they used to be, producing the music they have always been loved for and creating an incredible performance for the fans who adore them.  

The Allman Brothers Band are on tour this summer!  Take my advice, they are awesome!  Surprisingly most of the members are back in the band.  And the best part, they LOVE to jam.  They can take a song that is normally 7-10 minutes long and just rock out for hours.  It is great to dance to and an incredible atmosphere to be in.  Just go to ticketmaster.com and search for "The Allman Brothers Band."  And if you do decide to go, well... I told you so.

    

The Allman Brothers Band Today:

(from left to right) Jaimoe Johanson, Marc Quinones, Butch Trucks, Gregg Allman, Derek Trucks, Otell Burbridge, Warren Haynes

Grace In Wonderland

So here is a totally amazing/awesome/out of control fact:
Grace Slick had a one night stand with Jim Morrison! I am so jealous of this woman. Just imagine if these two had a child, it would be better than Bragelina's Shiloh:

Aside from rocking Jefferson Airplane as the main lady, and former model, Grace was one of the leading ladies of the classic rock movement. Alongside Janis, Grace kicked men out of the park with her vocals, rhythm and pure rock abilities. Through her powerful and intense voice, Grace Slick made herself known. Jefferson Airplane started in San Francisco, CA and throughout the 1960s was one of the most famous bands/concert acts in the world.

My two favorites where you can really hear Grace's voice captivate and move the listeners is Somebody to Love and White Rabbit. Somebody to Love is a great song, the lyrics are incredible. The beat always gets your foot tapping. And her voice is the perfect pitch throughout the song. White Rabbit on the other hand is a whole other story. In my opinion, The White Rabbit is a crazy song because they are able to reiterate a cartoon movie. Disney nonetheless! White Rabbit is a pop song that is still legendary to this very day.

In 1974, a huge mistake was made. Jefferson Starship was formed. Band members included David Crosby, Graham Nash, members of the Grateful Dead: Jerry Garcia, Bill Kreutzmann and Mickey Hart. Jefferson Aiplane/Starship members were Grace Slick (lead singer), Joey Covington (drummer) and Jack Casay (bassist). Now I'm not going to lie, the band members are pretty sweet. But Jefferson Starship was a huge blow for my love of Jefferson Airplane.

Jefferson Starship tried to go out of their element and they just failed. I dont know why they decided to change their musical stance in the mid 1970s, but it totally sucked. In my opinion, it defiantly made me feel completely different about Grace Slick. She was one of the leaders of rock and roll and she turned herself to crap with Jefferson Starship. The new band completely ruined her career and reputation as a woman to look up to in the rock and roll life. To go under the blanket for like 10 years and then come out with terrible music was just a poor choice and bad move on her part.

The popularity of White Rabbit and Somebody to Love is cool to look at from an insiders point of view. An insider meaning a lover of classic rock. When Jefferson Airplane songs come on the radio, everyone knows the words or the song, but don't know the name of the song. That is impressive. Jefferson Starship music made in the mid 1970s was not even close, or comparable, to the music of Jefferson Airplane. Plain and simple.

Just a Taste

Before Jimmy Page met his band members he was in the band with Eric Clapton called the Yard Birds. I'm not sure of the reason why but he met Robert Plant and started the infamous, incredible band... Led Zeppelin. When they were first starting out one guy claimed they would "fail like a led zepplin." And thats where they came up with the name, to slap it back in the dudes face. HAHAHAA!

There are a lot of hidden messages in their music as well. Unlike many would think, Stairway To Heaven is actually about hell and the devil. Jimmy Page was big on satanic worshipping.

The reason why they stopped playing was when their drummer died. They didn't have the heart, cause it wasn't the same without all of the guys together.

They are incredible, there has yet to be a band that sounds like Zepplin...

The Dark Side of the Moon

Syd Barrett and Roger Waters were best friends since they grew up together in London. But today I’m going to talk about Syd Barrett and his effect on the incredible band, Pink Floyd.

Pink Floyd would have concerts in pitch black. There would be no lights on anything except a space with a morphing bubble on the wall. Obviously, Pink Floyd enjoyed tripping on acid. Their concerts were targeted for people to drop acid and enjoy music. In the 1960s, when acid was first becoming popular, this was probably one of the greatest experiences anyone could have. Pink Floyd started off as a heavy psychedelic/space rock band. Pink Floyd toured with Jimi Hendrix to help increase their popularity.

One of the greatest aspects about Pink Floyds early music was Barrett’s ability to turn very simple words into an awesome, upbeat rock song. This, in my opinion, was his true talent. “I’ve got a bike, you can ride it if you like.” Always gets stuck in my head. It is simple but still has a good beat and is fun to listen to.

Syd Barrett loved to trip on acid. He believed that acid expanded your mind but he was known for having a lot of bad trips as well. Barrett’s bad trips and immense use of acid is what essentially led to his insanity. In January 1968 guitarist David Gilmour joined the band in order to help with Barrett’s irregularity. It got so bad that they would unplug Barrett’s guitar from the speakers so his instability at shows. But, Syd never noticed. Barrett’s behavior was becoming more and more unpredictable because of he was almost always on LSD. He would sometimes stare into space or strumming one chord for the entire concert or randomly re-tune his guitar. He was also bad in rehearsals and recordings. In April of 1968 Syd Barrett officially left Pink Floyd, he moved to the England with his mom and lived an isolated life until his death in 2006. He never even contacted his best friend Roger Waters.

I am one to always believe that everything happens for a reason. And while Syd leaving was both upsetting and monumental, him leaving shaped Pink Floyd to how we know them today. Roger Waters was devasted about what had happened to his friend, as anyone would be. I mean, just imagine, your best friend since you were little goes insane because of taking acid too many times. And there was nothing you could do about it. I can’t even imagine.

But, if we think positively of this situation . . . because Roger Waters got so upset about what had happened to Syd Barrett some of the best songs by Pink Floyd were made.

Water’s wrote “Shine On Your Crazy Diamond” because he was inspired by Barrett
’s absent expression and personality. David Gilmour called the 26-minute epic piece “Rogers Paean to Syd.” To be honest, I don’t think I can really describe Pink Floyds music. Its electronic, defiantly psychedelic, space rock, I don’t know. I don’t even like the idea of classifying Pink Floyd’s music, I think it’s somewhat of an insult. Am I right?

It’s clear that after Syd Barrett left the band, Pink Floyd lost the psychedelic edge they were famous for. However, it matured, grew and became collaborative of all kinds of music which one cannot singularly label. The music became an era, Pink Floyd had transformed into something completely different, and maybe better? Dark Side of the Moon and Wish You Were Here were both made without Syd Barrett. I feel like once David Gilmour came into the band, their lyrics changed from carefree to meaningful and full of purpose.

Who are you?

A really terrible thing about The Who that I never knew:

When trying to find a picture to put on this post, I typed in google: the who.  The first four pictures were of Ringo from The Beatles holding up a sign of "We <3 class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">WHAT IS THIS CRAP?!  So next I capitalize The Who... doesn't make a difference.  My third try I type in "The Who, rock band."  That was a stupid mistake... I get the logo for the video game Rock Band.  

So by now I'm flabbergasted, annoyed, distraught and completely confused.  One of the best search engines in the world and I can't find a single picture of the classic, well known, rock band The Who?  Seriously... what is this world coming to?  Who does Google think they are?  

With that question racing through my mind as my fingers continue to type different phrases to find a single picture, obviously Who Are You gets stuck in my head.  

As ironic as it is, I was in the middle of writing this when my boyfriend called me and I told him of my dilemna.  He says, try using quotation marks around The Who.  TA DAAAAA!  I knew there was a reason why I was dating this kid.  So since that took forever, lets look at these boys:

  The Who were one of the most successful "mod" bands in Britain.  Rock historians, also, credit The Who to be the first punk rock band, naming them "The Godfathers of Punk"

  Did you know that The Who were the first band to break their instruments after a performance...true story!  In fact, Keith Moon would have explosives in his drumset and one time, during the Ed Sullivan Show, the set caught on fire.

  The infamous album cover to the record "The Kids Are Alright."  And when I went to their concert two years ago, and I bought a shirt with this picture on it... 

  Probably the best picture of all time.

Overall the band is excellent, their lyrics and sound is out of control.  And their accents are sexy.

From the beginning

Music has always been a huge part of my life.  When I was younger, every night my dad would sing a Temptations song to put me to sleep.  Therefore, I know (and I can say this with confidence) every single song the Temptations have ever sung.  

But the Temptations, by no means, can be classified as classic rock.  So when did the power and soul of rock enter my life? My parents had a very diverse taste in music;  ranging from the saxophone to the bass to electric guitar. Along with Huey Lewis and the News and Tina Turner, I have early childhood memories of my parents blasting music and rocking out in the living room.  To be honest, I actually just had a flashback, and it now makes complete sense why I do the same exact thing to this very day.

My dad is OBSESSED with the Allman Brothers Band.  Long before I was born this obsession began.  He has been to numerous concerts of theirs and every time he talks about Duane Allman dying in a motorcycle accident, he shakes his head and slowly sits down in a chair.  Its sad, but cute.

My mom on the other hand, is a huge fan of Bob Dylan.  For reasons pretty much identical to mine: his voice, his lyrics, his passion, the symbol he has made for himself.  And of course, his music.  

Other bands that make up my past are The Beatles, The Who, The Rolling Stones, The Grateful Dead, Jimi Hendrix, Mamas and Papas, Crosby, Stills & Nash.  Come to think about it, all my bands I've been talking about are the bands I've grown up with.  So I guess we all have my parents to thank for the idea of this blog.

Thanks Mom & Dad!

Come on baby, light my fire...

Formed in Los Angelos in 1965, The Doors was a psychedelic rock band with four members:

lead singer-Jim Morrisondrums-John Densmore 

keyboard-Ray Manzarek

guitar-Robby Kreiger

It was Ray Manzarek’s idea to start the band after he had Jim sing him some of his lyrics. Jim Morrison had a very distinct, beautiful voice with lyrics so powerful and unique which made it easy for The Doors to become one of the greatest classic rock band. The Door’s music wasn’t like any other band, probably even to this day, and that is what made them so memorable through the years. Jim Morrison didn't only sing songs, he also had poetry sessions as well.

Their first hit single was Light My Fire, which the doors did live on the Ed Sullivan show. The band was asked to switch the word higher to better at first the band agreed, but when they were in front of the camera they performed singing "You know that I would be untrue.  You know that I would be a liar.  If I was to say to you, girl we couldn't get much higher.  Come on baby light my fire."  Ed Sullivan, furious, came up to the band yelling "you'll never do the Ed Sullivan Show again!"  Jim Morrison simply replies "Hey man, so what?  We just DID the Ed Sullivan Show."  Two words...BAD ASS.

As the band was getting more famous, their lead singer was suffering from drug and alcohol abuse which changed his behavior. At one of their concerts Jim was even arrested for public exposure. After this the Doors made two more albums and finally Jim left the band and moved to France in 1971. That year Jim Morrison died of a mysterious death and it was tragic for everyone. The band tried to do a couple more albums with out him, but personally it was just not the same.

Do you think he's cute?

....yup    ...kind of looks like a creeper   ....mmm, yes

My personal favs:

Come on Baby Light My Fire

Break on Through to the Other Side

People Are Strange

Love Me Two Times

Hello I love You

Touch Me

All of these songs have incredible lyrics, awesome beats and are great if you're looking for a rock out session or just want to belt out a couple of words.  The Doors are worth it, I promise.

Girl Power!!

Before Destiny's Child, even before the Spice Girls. There was one woman and one woman only changed the female voice of classic rock. Her low, bluesy and altogether powerful voice rocked the psychadelic scene making her the most famous woman of her time in the music world. Her clothing, a combination of borrowed from friends and found in the Salvation Army, gave her the look of a rock star. And inevitably became rock and roll's first diva.

Ms. Janis Joplin!


"FASHION NEWS: I went out & bought myself a $35 pair of boots. Oh they are so groovey!! They're old-fashioned in their style-tight w/buttons up the front. Black. FANTASTIC! When I get back, I'm going to rent a sewing machine & make myself some sort of beautiful/outlandish dress to go with them." September 1966

Janis was born on January 19, 1943 and Died October 3, 1970. Though she only lived for 27 years, in her short life time she was able to produce 4 mind-blowing albums that have continued to rock to this day. In her early years she was made fun of for being over-weight and having severe acne, taking refuge in music. As Janis got older, she became a nomad in her schooling. She began at Lamar State College in her hometown Port Arthur, Texas. She then traveled to Los Angeles, singing at local bars and night clubs. Then, regrettibly returned to the home of the Alamo. However, she would soon realize returning to Texas was nothing to regret.

Following the trend of Jefferson Airplane, the band Big Brother & The Holding Company decided to have a female lead singer.  Her savvy, hoarse yet blood shaking voice landed her the lead in the band.  She actually reminds me of Alanis Morissette, or rather Alanis Morissette reminds me of Janis Joplin, in a very very strange way.  Keep an open mind the next time you hear "Thank U" by Alanis after hearing Janis sing, "Piece of My Heart."  It's rougher, a little more raw, but maybe...well, maybe its just me.

Piece of My Heart, I think, is AWESOME!  Her passion is incredible and in the link below just look at how into the music she is.  The passion behind her voice while singing is clear to see, her words and voice are empowering...In addition to her voice, her mentality is totally legitimate.  She has a unique and wonderful perspective of the world, and most importantly, of music.  In the link below is Janis Joplin performing at Woodstock.  Its (obviously) different than the record track, but its still totally groovy.  If this isn't your thing, give it a chance, open your mind, you might like it..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vThD7ot9oII&feature=related

Piece of My Heart is actually my favorite song of the lyrics.  I can't really think of any other songs that beg a man to "take another little piece of my heart" the passion and sincerity is incredible.

By all means, Miss Janis Joplin...YOU GO GURRRRL!

WOODSTOCK 1969!!

                                          

That's right!  BobDylan turned down performing at Woodstock because of all the damn hippies hanging around his apartment.  I'm not going to lie, this makes me giggle..

                                   

Woodstock of 1969 took place in Bethel, New York for a 3 day festival of music and peace.  From Friday, August 15 to early morning of Monday, August 18th a concert filled with sex, drugs and rock n' roll took place.  When I was younger and first discovered classic rock I considered being born in the wrong decade.  When I heard about Woodstock '69, I was confident there had been a mistake.

Named the "Aquarian Exposition" over 500,000 people gathered to what has become the most famous music festival ever.  Woodstock was about peace, happiness and freedom to do, act and feel how ever they wanted.  There were naked people, people tripping on acid, smoking pot and having sex freely and openly.  

My favorites that were at this concert are: Janis Joplin, The Grateful Dead, The Who, Jefferson Airplane, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Crosby Stills Nash & Young and Jimi Hendrix.  Jimi ended the epic concert with the infamous electric The Star Spangled Banner...

Like a Rolling Stone...

"Bob freed the mind the way Elvis freed the body.  He invented a new way a pop singer could sound, broke through the limitations of what a recording artist could achieve, and changed the face of rock and roll forever." -Bruce Springstein about Bob Dylan when he was inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Born on May 24, 1941 in Duluth, Minneosota one of the greatest "folk/rock" singer and songwriter was born.  Robert Allen Zimmerman, Bob Dylan, has forever changed the world with his controversial and very truthful lyrics and incredibly memorable voice.  His influences are, similar to Jimi Hendrix, Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis and Little Richard. 

In 1960, Dylan dropped out of college and moved to New York City.  He became a regular at the coffee shops in Greenwich Village and started writing songs.  In 1961 after one of his performances, The New York Times wrote a rave review which essentially led Columbia Records to sign him.  

Bob Dylan was released early in 1962 and was the record that made Dylan's profound and original voice known worldwide with traditional folk songs and covers of some blues songs.  Along with singer and songwriter, Dylan was also known as a poet and his music was significantly different because of this.  His music was important for a number of reasons.  One of these was because of the protest movements taking place throughout the 60's.  He was one of the most iconic poeple in this movement.  His lyrics inspired many because of the truths he acknowledged with his music.  

However, by 1964 Dylan grew tired of his reputation of the folk singer/songwriter of the protest movement and made the album, Another Side of Bob Dylan.  This album included songs: All I Really Want to Do, Black Crow Blues, It Ain't Me Babe and many others...This album was a successful attempt to break away from the political aspect of his music and focus more on his personal side.

Another album of Dylan's, my favorite,  was released in 1966 and named Blonde on Blonde. In my opinion, this album was his most groundbreaking and creative.  My two favorite songs on this album are  Rainy Day Women #12 & 35 and Just Like A Woman.  His voice is simply unmistakable and his lyrics unforgettable.  Through his music he was able to combine literature and music in a way that had never been done before.  

Well I have to go, but before I leave here is a link that will lead you to a site where you can read his lyrics.  I know it might sound weird, but trust me, he wouldn't be so famous if they weren't as incredible as they're known to be.

http://www.bobdylan.com/#/songs

Keep checking my blog to see the answer to this question:

  What concert did Bob Dylan decline to perform because he was "sick of all the hippies hanging around his apartment?"

We Will Rock You

"I thought up the name Queen. It's just a name, but it's very regal obviously, and it sounds splendid, It's a strong name, very universal and immediate. It had a lot of visual potential and was open to all sorts of interpretations. I was certainly aware of gay connotations, but that was just one facet of it." -Freddie Mercury

I'm driving on the road, I am the only one in the car, there's nothing but the road in front of me and the time it takes to get to my destination. My ipod is the only source of sound, so I make sure it's consuming and loud. Whenever I'm driving, almost always a song from Queen bursts through the speakers. Personally, I love belting the words along side Freddie pretending I am part of the English rock band.

Bohemian Rhpasody. Is there really anything else I have to say? If you don't know what these two words mean I feel utter sympathy for you. Just in case, here's a link and a warning...prepare to have your mind blown:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=irp8CNj9qBI

Other favorites of mine that are great to get pumped up, have stuck in your head for days or just to dance around to: We Will Rock You, We Are the Champions, Under Pressure, Somebody to Love, Killer Queen, Fat Bottomed Girls, Don't Stop Me Now and Bicycle Race. They are all wonderful in their own way, each making your body move to the beats blasting through the speakers. The vocals, the rhythm, the intensity all work together to create something all its own.

Freddie Mercury real name (Farookh Bulsara): vocals, piano, guitar and keyboards
Brian May: guitar, synths and vocals
Roger Taylor: drums, percussion, synths and vocals
John Deacon: bass guitar, double bass and keyboards

If you know of them, but have never listened to them..I highly suggest you change that. If you don't like them...well, whatever. And if you love them like I do... hell yeaaa!

The love of my life...

So this is my first blog and though I was struggling at first to decide what to do.  I realized I should dedicate it my first to my true love...Mr. Jimi Hendrix.  Born Johnny (later changed to James) Allen Hendrix on Novemeber 27, 1942 in Seattle, Washington.  He is known as a guitarist, singer and songwriter.  Though Jimi never learned how to read music, he single-handedly created a new form of music with his  electric guitar.  His music is classified as classic rock, pschyadelic rock and blue-rock.  His inspirations came through a variety of musicians such as Elvis Presley, Bob Dylan, Little Richard and blues music by Muddy Waters and B.B. King.

Jimi got his first guitar at age 15 which replaced the broomstick he used to pretend was a guitar.   Well, at least I'm not the only one who used to do that...

Hey Joe was Jimi's first hit single and what made his manager, Chas Chandler (bassist of The Animals), fall in love with this never before heard music.  Soon after in London, The Jimi Hendrix Experience was formed with bassist Noel Redding and drummer Mitch Mitchell.  Are You Experienced was the bands first album and my personal favorite.  There are multiple earth-shattering songs and many of my favorites: Foxy Lady, Manic Depression, Love or Confusion, Are You Experienced?, Purple Haze and The Wind Cries Mary. 

His second album, Axis: Bold As Love which featured songs most would know like: Castles Made of Sand, If 6 Was 9, Little Wing and Bold As Love.  And third album, Electric Ladyland with four sides of the track.  Voodoo Chile, All Along the Watchtower, Gypsy Eyes and Have You Ever Been (to Electric Ladyland) are my personal favorites from this album.  

Along with his music, Hendrix's unconventional and enticing personality made his music more contagious in the infamous 1960s lifestyle and hippie movement.  Below are pictures where you can see how his fashion is detailed with scarves, rings, brooches and medallions.  It is said that while he was touring the UK, one of the few possessions he carried throughout the tour were hair curlers to emulate Bob Dylan's hairstyle.

    

In my opinion the music Jimi Hendrix made with Redding and Mitchell will never be forgotten, no matter.  I think that only a handful of musicians will ever have that reputation, Elvis Presley and The Beatles are among them.  

Well, I hope you enjoyed my first post...I'll leave you with a link that will lead you to a video of one of my favorite songs.  I wish I was there!

www.youtube.com/watch?v=5hSW67ySCio