Posted July 27, 2011 at 8:07 am | One comment
Journey’s inspirational “Don’t Stop Believin’” is one of their most famous tunes. Appearing on their 1981 album Escape, it has retained incredible popularity and success long after its initial release, almost reaching 4.5 million digital downloads as of earlier this year. “Don’t Stop Believin’” begins with an instantly-recognizable keyboard riff of an intro, and singer Steve Perry soon starts in with his crystal clear falsetto, telling of young people wandering without a path. Neal Schon’s guitar solo comes in later in the song with a relatively simple melody played very expressively, doing some great note bending work. Try and not let this one brighten your mood!
Posted in: Guitar Tab
Posted July 27, 2011 at 12:39 am | One comment
You may not have heard of Bob Boykin, but it’s a near certainty that you have heard him play. It’s always inspiring and equally uncanny how some guitarists have the creative juice to produce work that can fit into a broad spectrum of the performing arts. Bob Boykin has been a “go to” session player in Los Angeles and Nashville and a performing artist with some of the country’s top acts. He has also written an impressive body of music that regularly finds its way into top television programs and commercials as well as major motion pictures.
Posted in: Blues Interviews, Country Interviews, Interviews, Rock Interviews
Posted July 26, 2011 at 9:37 am | 2 comments
The iconic comic superhero and freedom fighter, whose 1941 debut initially served as an inspiring symbol to rally America’s patriotism during World War II, celebrates his 70th birthday by finally getting his due in this evocative, rousing silver screen adaptation.
Posted in: DVD Reviews, Reviews
Posted July 26, 2011 at 8:07 am | No comments
“Any Way You Want It” is the opening track from Journey’s album Departure. The uplifting anthem was written by vocalist Steve Perry and guitarist Neal Schon, and they have said that it was inspired by Thin Lizzy, with whom they toured with. Journey often play “Any Way You Want It” to close out concerts, and consequently, it is featured on every single one of their live albums. The song has also appeared in many TV advertisements, including some for McDonald’s, Heinz ketchup, and Samsung.
Posted in: Guitar Tab
Posted July 26, 2011 at 5:10 am | 5 comments
“We are Black Veil Brides and we’ve come to kick your asses” shouted Andy Biersack from the stage at the Vans Warp Tour when the traveling carnival came to Oceanport NJ.
Posted in: '80s Rock, Concert Reviews, Reviews
Posted July 25, 2011 at 1:27 pm | No comments
After attending the Monterey Blues Festival for several years running, this was the first year the weather threw me a curve. With the festival held a little over a mile from Monterey Bay, it’s typically cool in the morning, heats up during the day, and cools down again at night. With that scenario in mind I showed up at 11 am wearing only shorts and a T-shirt. It didn’t take long before I was chilled and there weren’t any indications that it was ever going to warm up. It looked like a long, uncomfortable day. Back at the car sat my long pants, extra shirt, and a jacket. A lot of good they were going to do me. The festival only allows in and out privileges to a special few, and I wasn’t one of them this year. Luckily I ran into a friend (who shall remain nameless), who was one of those few. He lent me his special wristband that allowed in-and-out access, and I quickly exited. Even though my Miata was parked on a busy public boulevard, I managed to shimmy into warmer clothes within its tight confines. Warmly dressed, I returned to the festival.
Posted in: Blues Reviews, Concert Reviews, Reviews
Posted July 25, 2011 at 10:02 am | No comments
Take rock guitarist Phil Collen of Def Leppard, combine him with the dynamic intensity of an iconic drummer in Paul Cook from The Sex Pistols, add a soul stirring rhythmic bass of Simon Laffy from Girl, and throw in the experience of selling over 80 million records, 2 achieving diamond status…and you’ve got Manraze, an electrifying London based alternative dub-punk-rock band.
Posted in: Interviews, Rock Interviews
Posted July 25, 2011 at 5:56 am | No comments
One of John Mayer’s most recognized songs, “Waiting on the World to Change” was the first single from the tender singer-songwriter/guitar hero’s 2006 album Continuum. As it can be inferred from the title, the lyrics of “Waiting” lament the state of the world and the inability of those at the bottom to change anything. Despite the heavy subject matter, Mayer’s tune is sweet-sounding enough to woo the ladies with, so sing and play this one!
Posted in: Guitar Tab
Posted July 24, 2011 at 6:56 am | No comments
“Always With Me, Always With You” is the fourth track from Joe Satriani’s 1987 album Surfing With The Alien. The song gives a respite from the fast and complex nature of much of the rest of the album, its relaxed drum track and arpeggiated chords providing a solid foundation for “Satch” to take flight. Satriani begins very simply, his phrases building in speed and captivation until his short but amazing solo near the end. Good luck with the last couple licks of that one!
Posted in: Guitar Tab
Posted July 23, 2011 at 6:56 am | No comments
“Margaritaville,” originally released in 1977 via ABC, is a song by Jimmy Buffet. In the song, Buffet, who is known for his “island escapism” image, sings about roaming the beach, drunk on margaritas, “searching for my lost shaker of salt.” Appearing on his album, Changes In Latitudes, Changes In Attitudes, “Margaritaville” has almost come to define Jimmy Buffet’s impressive career. The scene portrayed in the song is a huge part of his image. Buffet even owns a chain of restaurants called the Margaritaville Cafe.
Posted in: Guitar Tab
