Music has always been a part of my life -- now welcome to the journey. Just a little blog to reminisce, review, rant and rave about the music in my life. "Music is my mother and my father. It is my work and my rest,my blood, my compass, my love" ~Jeff Buckley
There is something primal about listening to music in the mountains. You are at the mercy of the ever-changing weather. It can be cruel and punishing with cold rain, mysterious with fog rolling in, colored by the stage lights, or blessed by coronas of sun peaking over the mountain. Mountain Jam is by far one of my favorite music festivals. It is simple, not hard to get to, it isn't pretentious, and the people are so damn nice.
This year's lineup was hard to pass up. Here is a review of what I was able to catch. Thursday night acts included Marco Benevento, Railroad Earth, and four hours of moe. that sent us into Friday with a stellar Rebubula.
PCarlson Mountain Jam 2015
Friday started exactly where we left off. Some more Marco Benevento and then Nikki Lane, and Spirit Family Reunion welcomed the crowds. Midafternoon Dead heads got their fix with Trigger Hippy and Joe Russo's Almost Dead ... and then the rain came. But through the deluge, the music was played and fans set up their camp for the exciting Friday night.
To welcome back the sun, Grace Potter gave us a rocking performance that included Warren Haynes helping her to cover Neil Young's Cinnamon Girl.
As the fog rolled in, the crowds surged for the Golden God himself, Robert Plant. And the Golden God delivered. The Zep fans got Black Dog, Rock and Roll, and Going to California. Robert also dug into his own new album as well as treating us with some Mississippi Delta blues.
Robert said adieu and we welcomed Government Mule and a fitting moon for some Pink Floyd Dark Side of the Moon covers. The atmosphere was perfect for the outstanding set by Mule. From the leading ladies on GreatGig in the Sky to the special treat of Comfortably Numb, it was a Mountain Jam gift.
The glorious sun greeted Saturday and the biggest crowds yet. I checked out a new artist, Jocelyn Arndt who has Fiona Apple's voice and Aretha's soul (quite a feat for someone so young). She, her brother, and the band jammed on the smaller stage, but just wait -
PCarlson Mountain Jam 2015
they will be back! The Wailers and newcomers Shakey Graves, and of course some Govt Mule filled the day until it was time for the Black Keys to turn the volume up to like 20.
And then Sunday's always come too fast. The most gorgeous day of the festival, it would also be the shortest but it would be filled with so much LOVE! Larry Campbell and Teresa Williams brought some new tunes to the stage. And Levon Helm's daughter, Amy, brought lots of soul to the crowd and even gave us a slow version of The Night They Drove Ole Dixie Down.
PCarlson Mountain Jam 2015
Immediately following we were treated to all time crowd favorite Michael Franti and Spearhead. He brings such a positive energy to the crowd ... and into it as well as he cannot seem to stay on stage.
And then reality began to set in as the sun began to slide behind the mountain. Alabama Shakes was a perfect choice to wrap up the weekend as Brittany's soulful cry matched our own not wanted to go back to reality.
Once again, Mountain Jam was filled with memorable music moments, meeting people who worship music, and scenes that make you pinch yourself. Many thanks to our friends who provided a roof over our heads, Andrew and D'Angelico Guitars for your absolute outstanding hospitality, some generous photographers who obliged every time Andrew would say "Here take a picture of us", J Bowman, Grace Potter's legs, Robert Plant (all of him), the blessed gift of having a husband who understands the need for live music, and to a big thank you to all of the musicians who give their blood, sweat, and tears to show your souls on stage.
What a year of music! Between some awesome concerts and surprise music releases, 2014 proved to be the year of comeback tours and promising new faces in music. Here are my favorite new albums of 2014.
Robert Plant and the Senstational Spaceshifters -Lullaby ... and the Ceaseless Roar. Plant's tenth, and possibly, best solo album was released on September 8th to wide praise. The album captures his successful journey away from Zeppelin and his embrace of deep American blues. Faves: Rainbow and Poor Howard.
U2 - Songs of Innocence. U2's thirteenth album and surprise release, this one was seemingly either loved or hated. As I listen to it more, it is slowly becoming one of my favorite U2 albums. It's a mixture of those sounds of innocence, the Boy days. But again Bono tackles tough issues such as controversial events in the Troubles, re-wrote song lyrics based on current events, and even addresses himself and where he has gone in life. Faves: Sleep Like a Baby Tonight and The Troubles.
Umphrey's McGee - Similar Skin. The eighth studio album form this Chicago super jam-tronic group is nothing short of the embodiment of jam-tronic music today. The constantly touring band, known for their face melting shows, hit the mark with this album. But do yourselves a favor, go see them live. These songs become an amalgam of old and new Umphrey's with their always welcomed cover built in. Faves: Puppet String, No Diablo, and Bridgeless.
First Aid Kit - Stay Gold. These Swedish folk sisters took the airwaves - and video waves by storm with the release of their hit, Silver Lining, their album (a tribute to Abba) Stay Gold began to climb in popularity. The album is rich with folk sounds and their golden, harmonious voices. Faves: Silver Lining and Stay Gold.
Vance Joy - Dream Your Life Away.The Aussies have again given us some great new talent. His catchy song Riptide, released before his album, helped the momentum of his popularity. The songs are simple and melodic - his videos are unique to say the least. Faves: Riptide and All I Ever Wanted
Hozier - Hozier.You remember when you first heard it. You thought it was Elton John or maybe even someone covering Sir Elton. But no, this uber talented Irish singer gave us one of the best songs of 2014. This was the best review of Hozier's debut that I found: Simon Harper of Clash magazine commented that
His voice, more poitÃn-sweetened than whiskey-soaked, caresses delicate melodies and rougher rhythms alike with confidence – it lingers compellingly in the creeping blues of 'To Be Alone', whispers prettily in the folky 'Like Real People Do', and preaches fervently in the ragged R&B of 'Jackie And Wilson'.
Faves: Take Me to Church andAngel of Small Death and the Codeine Scene. His video for Take Me to Church is just as important, openly tackling the issues of homophobia and the importance of love.
Nicole Atkins - Slow Phaser. Nicole created this masterpiece on her own Mercy Me record label - and it packs a large punch of sounds you might not have expected to hear from this Jersey girl. Slow Phaser is a dark, desert disco rock album made during a year of wandering about in city alleys, broken shores and snowy Viking lands,” said Atkins. “I wanted to turn the lights up just enough to dance through the darkness. It's a welcomed new approach and I welcome more songs about her journeys. Faves: Girl You Look Amazing and What Do You Know.
George Ezra - Wanted on Voyage. Upon first look, you don't expect to hear Ledbelly or even Johnny Cash come out of this charming British boy's lungs. But behold, George's voice is big and soulful. His freshman album is getting critical acclaim and they are already hungry for his second album. Faves: Budapest and Listen to the Man.
Paolo Nutini - Caustic Love. While Scot Paolo has been around awhile, it is his April release that has people talking. He is now my Scottish Otis Redding. His third album is jazzy and soulful and flew up the UK and Irish charts. You can find him on constant rotation on XM's Sirius Spectrum. Faves: Let Me Down and One Day.
Ray LaMontagne - Supernova. I have often described Ray's voice as a full body massage for my soul. His fifth album is my favorite. It's a varied sound for this New Hampshire Native. Compare 2004's song Trouble to 2014's Supernova and you can see that he's trying to get out of his musical safe zone and what people expect. Songs like Lavender are brimming with 70's grooves and Airwaves reminds me of a Loggins and Messina B-Side. Faves: Supernova and Drive in Movies.
Mary J Blige - The London Sessions.Another album leaked online, this reminds everyone of early 2000's Mary, with it's pure R&B grooves. It's simple, truthful, and a welcome back to some pure R&B sounds from Ms. Blige. Faves: Therapy and Nobody But You.
Buffo's Wake - Carniphobia. When they reached out to me and said, hey, can you take a listen to our album? I knew I started this blog for the right reasons. This Brighton Beach UK gypsy punk band is - unique. And I love them. Their debut album, Carniphobia, lives up to all expectation. This is how I described them in the blog: Imagine you are the central character in an Edgar Allan Poe story. Now, add some accordions, a carnival, a Gypsy Punk soundtrack, and have Tim Burton direct it all. Welcome to Buffo's Wake. Faves: Merrick and Sold to the Circus
I hope you've all had a great 2014 - and I cannot thank you all enough for the reads and feedback. Here is to your hopes, dreams, and a musical 2015!!!
I haven't been exited about new music Tuesday in a really really long time....until Tuesday, September 9th. First, of course, at midnight, I downloaded Robert Plant's new album, Lullaby and...the Ceaseless Roar. And a wonderful surprise happened when we all received the gift of U2's new album, Songs of Innocence - no anticipation needed - it neatly arrived by surprise on my iCloud. The theme of both albums is reminiscing - and taking stock of life now. An odd coincidence that both albums would be so inward looking. So without waiting much longer - let us look at these musical treasures.
His tenth, and possibly final, solo album is no disappointment. Differing vastly from his last two albums, Raising Sand and Band of Joy, Lullaby is the culmination of Robert's musical journey. In it, there are sounds from his love affair with African melodies and the early American blues. The album is hauntingly beautiful, and really seems to sum up his musical career and journey in life.
Little Maggie I feel as if this was a song that could have been sung while he and Jimmy Page were recording songs for Walking into Clarksdale or No Quarter. There is a very rich Morroccon feel to it, but it weaves nicely with a gently rock beat that is all Robert.
Rainbow A beautiful love song, with traditional middle eastern / African drum sounds. This is definitely one of my favorites on the album, simply for it's message of love and support.
Reaching for the stars, in the sky above.
I will bring their beauty home.
With colors of my love.
Pocketful of Golden These songs are weightless, and flow notwithstanding their many layers of varying influential sounds. This song especially is Robert daydreaming about his past, loss, the unknown, and finding happiness again. And if the sun refused to shine - a nod to Thank You. It's about the life of the golden god with Led Zeppelin, the loss of his son Karac, and his solo journey.
Embrace Another Fall This song is zen. It rises and falls along with the journey that Robert sings about in this song.
Turn it Up It's a mix of Zeppelin and American blues. It's about Robert's American journey, it's Robert's scream of help of being stuck inside a stereotype - and it's his Bono moment.
A Stolen Kiss The ballad on the album. Gorgeous. You really get the sense of Robert's look back on life and love in this song. It's simple and beautiful.
Somebody There
When I was a young boy, time was passing by real slow.
And all around was wonder and all around the great unknown...
Poor Howard This song so very much reminds me of Wah Wah by George Harrison. My second favorite on the album. It's Robert sowing his American blues oats, with beautiful strings and a great snare backing.
House of Love This is a throwback to Principle of the Moments in my mind. It's got that 80's Robert sound. It's a song about change and starting over from obvious heartbreak. Would love to see a video for this.
Up on the Hollow Hill (Understanding Arthur) Robert seems to be sneaking his geekiness into this song if I am deciphering it correctly. The Hollow Hills is a book about King Arthur's life. It's sly and I love it. I still see Robert in The Song Remains the Same, conquering foreign lands.
Arbaden (Maggie's Babby) Is this Robert's official good bye to us? It is a fast recap of his music styles, Zep to solo. He has admitted recently in interviews that this may be it for him. That he may settle for retirement of sorts. And this might be the note he leaves for us on the table. And with this album, I would be completely satisfied and wish him so very well with much love.
I'm goin' down to the station with my suitcase in my hand.
I'm goin' away, away to leave you - in some far distant land.
The thirteenth studio album by U2 was a surprise to us all. While not their best album, it's still good - but good for U2 is saying it's so so. The music itself is what we came to expect from No Lineon the Horizon - it's like these are the outtakes. However, the lyrics are exceptional and Bono again proves my point that he is our generation's David, the Psalm writer. Just like Lullably, Songs of Innocence is just that - a look back at the past and reminiscing about the good, the bad, and memories we'd like to forget.
Here is my track-by-track breakdown:
The Miracle (Of Joey Ramone) Bono was taken by the Ramones at a very early age. This song about his pilgrimage is sweet, and something we can all relate to. The fact that it was U2's music that Joey Ramone was listening too on his deathbed.
Everything I ever lost now has been returned, the most beautiful sound I'd ever heard...
We've got language so we can communicate.
Religion so I can love and hate.
Music so I can exaggerate my pain and give it a name.
California (There Is No End to Love) Never knew they had such love for CA. But there is indeed some memory for Bono - like he hit rock bottom here and had his epiphany.
Song for Someone We haven't heard simple songs like this from U2 in along time. We get the Edge on backing vocals and Larry's signature snaring. I would have been happy with an album full of these songs.
Iris (Hold Me Close)
Bono's mother died suddenly when he was young and it's nice to finally see him addressing her in a song.
. Hold me close and don't let me go.
Like I'm someone that you might now.
Volcano Hmmm, was this the second version of Vertigo that we never heard? It's got a B-52's and Popmart sound to it. Raised by Wolves Ah, Bono is back. The Bono I love - not afraid to tackle controversy. May 17, 1974, bombs went off in Dublin and Monaghan in Ireland, killing over 30 and injuring hundreds. Controversial no because of the bombings, but for the rumors that clandestine forces within the British Government helped the attack and covered up any of this in the investigation.
Face down on a broken street There’s a man in the corner in a pool of misery. I’m in a white van as a red sea covers the ground Metal crash I can’t tell what it is But I take a look and now I’m sorry I did. 5:30 on a Friday night 33 good people cut down I don’t believe anymore I don’t believe anymore Face down on a pillow of shame There are some girls with a needle tryin to spell my name My body’s not a canvas My body’s now a toilet wall. I don’t believe anymore I don’t believe anymore Raised by wolves Stronger than fear Raised by wolves We were raised by wolves Raised by wolves Stronger than fear If I open my eyes, You disappear Boy sees his father crushed under the weight Of a cross in a passion where the passion is hate. Blue mink Ford, I’m gonna detonate and you’re dead Blood in the house, Blood on the street The worst things in the world are justified by belief Registration 1385-WZ I don’t believe anymore I don’t believe anymore Raised by wolves Stronger than fear Raised by wolves We were raised by wolves Raised by wolves Stronger than fear If I open my eyes, You disappear
Cedarwood Road Ahh, reminiscing time. Loving the sound of this song that is about the area where Bono grew up. Sleep Like A Baby Tonight This is a song that could be stripped and be on War or Boy. It's an electronic lullaby with a nightmare in the middle of it. The heavy guitar chorus and Bono's attempt to hit those high notes should be left up to The Edge. (Seriously, I love you Paul Hewson, but leave the soprano stuff to Mr. Evans).
This is Where You Can Reach Me Now I listened to this a few times - first to be confused by the many varied genre of sounds. Then I went back to my original statement of it being an album about reminiscing. Take two, I heard the obvious Clash nod. There is also a hint at Edge's October piano notes, some Rolling Stones, and an odd alien dance vibe. The Troubles I just don't like the title. An Irishman can't write a song called The Troubles and expect us to think it isn't about Northern Ireland - it's got a hauntingly gorgeous sound and it should be about The Troubles. But, alas, it's about assigning blame in a relationship.
I have to thank the music gods for my wonderful week of new music by some of my favorite artists. It was a great week. Get out there and listen to these!
He is the quintessential rock god and August 20th is his birthday! Happy 66th Robert Plant. Robert Anthony Plant from an early age loved music, Elvis in particular. How fitting that the future god of rock would idolize not just the man himself, but the music at such an early age. Both were heavily influenced by the American Blues. And both have achieved cult icon status for their own reasons.
But what is it about this man that I love so? First, you have the rock n roll, debauchery, blonde hair, Norse god that projected his greatness into many a woman's (and many a man's) heart and dreams. His voice poetic and dreamy. He made loving Tolkien cool, mentioning Mordor, the ring, and even Gollum in some of Zepps most famous songs. From 1968 - 1980, he was the best lead singer of any rock and roll band.
While many Zep fans mourned the loss of John Bonham, Plant seemed to love music too much and went solo - leaving the tight pants behind (damn).
The Robert Plant that emerged was not the swaggering Norseman of the 70's but a cool, refreshing, but still smoking hot, seasoned musician looking to try out some new sounds. What we got were some of the classic 80's hits, Big Log, Ship of Fools, In the Mood, and from the Honeydripper experiment, Sea of Love. While his music was not as rock and roll, it was still mysterious and artful. Even as he has evolved from solo, to tour with Jimmy Page, and to his last three bands, The Strange Sensation, Band of Joy, and Sensational Space Shifters, he has ignored the requests for a Zeppeling reunion. Thankfully! I admire Robert for saying simply, that music isn't me anymore. Let's face it, he doesn't need the money. He does sing those songs, but in his own way. His new music is soulful, colorful, and mystical.
I've seen my rock god several times, at Bonnaroo, concerts, on David Letterman, and on Jimmy Fallon. What I loved about that show in particular was how Jimmy looked like a kid, smiling and sitting is his chair ready to freak at any minute that he was sitting next to Robert Plant. I'm sure Mr. Plant is used to this behavior by now - but he does not dwell in the fact kind of like he might have in the 70's - we all remember this photo:
He openly loves music, its sound and rhythm and the history of music. His love of African music is so evidently clear going back to when Page and Plant performed in Morocco and their song from Walking Into Clarksdale, Most High.
But it simply is not the fandom that has been inspired by Robert, his list of fellow musicians that he has inspired is extremely impressive: Freddy Mercury, Axel Rose, and Jeff Buckley are just three who claim Plant was the equivalent of Grimm Fairytales and the Joe DiMaggio of their musical dreams.
"And ode to life and love and the fragile adventure you set out upon unknowingly and unwittingly." Robert Plant on Lullably and the Ceaseless Roar
Discography of Robert Plant - solo Pictures at Eleven (1982) The Principle of Moments (1983) Shaken 'n' Stirred (1985) Now and Zen (1988) Manic Nirvana (1990) Fate of Nations (1993) Dreamland (2002) Mighty ReArranger (2005) Band of Joy (2010) Lullaby and... The Ceaseless Roar (2014)
Collaborative albums
The Honeydrippers: Volume One (1984) (with Jimmy Page and Jeff Beck) No Quarter Unledded (1994) (with Jimmy Page) Walking Into Clarksdale (1998) (with Jimmy Page) Raising Sand (2007) (with Alison Krauss)
I have to surmise that it seems that my music adventures come in tsunamis. No, I cannot simply go to see a show. My behavior is quite obsessive when it comes to music, I openly admit. I had a perfect close to July this year, seeing a legend. one of my favorite bands multiple times, and an 80's icon.
When you are a rock and roll fan, you would travel far and wide to see legend, Robert Plant. Although some are mad at him that he won't do a Zeppelin reunion - I get it. He's moved on and in true artist style, he isn't in that vibe anymore. He has embraced southern blues and he has done so with his entire being.
I've seen him in Tennessee and twice in New York, but when I heard he was playing in Brooklyn, it was an opportunity not to be missed.
There was quite the mix of audience members from four year- olds to probable 1970's groupies. And we were all there for the same reason. I knew the show would be good, but when he opened with Babe, I'm Gonna Leave You, I just knew the night would be fantastic. He didn't disappoint. He continued with varied versions of In the Mood, Black Dog, Goin' to California, Four Sticks, Friends, a soulful cover of Fixin' to Die, What is and What Should Never Be, Rock and Roll and a few others. For someone not in the Zeppelin mood - he was that night. The songs would all start out mysterious, bluesy, tribal, and then WHAM, pure rock and roll Led Zeppelin. What everyone is Prospect Park received that night was a gift. Robert Plant is not only a legend but he is a talented musician who continues to learn about the job he loves so very much.
Moving right along. Back in 2008, I witnessed the beginning of my love affair with this Gypsy Punk band from New York City's Lower East Side: Gogol Bordello. Maybe it is my Slovak background and the numerous Sunday's spent listening to polkas, but I fell in love immediately. With the release of their latest album Pura Vida Conspiracy, I had the opportunity to see them three obsessive times in one week.
Pasha and Elizabeth
Every time I see Gogol Bordello, there seems to be more energy, more synergy and more mosh pits. Eugene exudes nothing but positive energy, Sergey is a Russian violin god and, I do miss Yuri, but he chose well with the new accordion player, Pasha. If you get the opportunity - do not miss them. Warning though, if you stand up front, be prepared to dance, fit pump, jump up and down and crowd surf.
Just when I thought my musical adventure had come to an end, a co-worker told me that none other than Sheila E was performing for free at BAM's Metrotech lunch series. You must check out their summer calendar folks. I saw Richie Havens a few years back - and it's free!
So I trekked down to Metrotech in the rain and made it just in time to hear the first cheers from the crowd. And there she was - the drummer for Prince, Sheila E. Highlight of the lunch hour show? Hearing the classic Belle of St. Marks live
So there you have it, my end of July music extravaganza. I never, ever pass up the opportunity to see music if it is possible. If you love music as much as I do, surround yourself with musicians that do the same. You want to walk away from a show knowing they gave their all for you and enjoyed every minute of it!
You know, people can't fall in love with me just because I'm good at what I do ~ Robert Plant
We have all been there - admit it. You have had the crush. I have had several - ok, still have several. Robert Plant, Bono, Eric Clapton,James Hetfield, and Nikki Sixx.
I don't know what it is about rock stars. Ok, I lied, I do. They are sexy hot. I also admit, that my version of sexy hot rock stars does not fit everyone else's. We each have our own check list, I am sure.
You either are or are destined to become a rock icon
You have been through hell and back and possibly made a return trip a couple of times
You can have strong political convictions
Accents are best
Tattoos are welcomed
Hair - long locks are good but not required
You continue to put out music because you enjoy it
I guess the crush starts when you first hear the voice. Listen to a good live Since I've Been Lovin' You and you get all sides of Robert Plant. You get the blues, you get the golden god's vocal crescendos and, if you're watching, you see him feel the song. I should add that to the list - crushes must feel the song they are singing.
(note, this video contains a number of items from the above checklist: icon, hair, accent).
A great example of the emotion being worn on one's sleeve is definitely Bono.Bono, from inception, I think has been overtly
emotionally tied to his songs. U2 songs are not just poppy love ballads and kitschy tunes, they (most of the time) have some deep political, social, and/or religious meaning. (Dr. Wrabley at Pitt Johnstown knows that I know this - he received too many papers from me on them). In Rattle and Hum, U2 performed Sunday, Bloody Sunday. But this performance came on the heels of a bombing (that could have been stopped by the British Army) that killed numbers of veterans in a war memorial ceremony. Bono's emotion is raw. Whether singing about the United States occupation in Central America, the plight of millions in Africa, or lamenting civil rights activists - he was genuine. And U2 still continues to put on tours and make albums and stay true to their original concept - making music that educates as well as entertains. Bono - well, maybe it was the hair, it was definitely the accent, but what girl can resist a guy who wears his heart on his sleeve? (Back to checklist - rock icon, strong political conviction, accent, had long hair at one time, still enjoys making music).
You're probably asking yourself - Eric Clapton? Yes, Eric Clapton.Read his biography - you'll love him even more - you'll want to give him a great big hug. This man has been through hell - and won. His love life should make anyone thankful for their own. I don't know how he can still sing Layla, I couldn't fathom knowing Sweet Home Chicago was the last song he ever played with Stevie Ray, and am thankful that he doesn't have to sing Tears in Heaven anymore. His relationship with George Harrison still fascinates me. Look at the bands he has been in: Yardbirds, Cream, Blindfaith, Derek and the Dominos.I finally saw him play in June of 2009. It was amazing. I couldn't believe I was finally seeing Eric Clapton. (back to the tally board: Icon, been through hell a couple of times, he has an accent and toured not that long ago with Jeff Beck).
Moving right along - I know, don't give me that, what? Why? Really? Hey, this is my list and I can put anyone on it that I want. And I happen to want to put James Hetfield on this list.Hmmm, let's see, heavy metal god, puts some politics into their songs (One, For Whom the Bell Tolls, The God that Failed), went through hell (third degree pyrotechnic burns, kicked drugs and alcohol), he's got tattoos and last time I checked 'Tallica has been on the road for the last two years AND they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame! HA! HA! HA!
I was at this show in Manchester TN and Metallica kicked it big time. The proof was that the non-Metallica fans were enjoying themselves. The truth is - when at Bonnaroo, we're all MUSIC fans. It still sends chills through me to hear the music stop and James address the audience: Bonnaroo, Are you alive? Tell me, how does it feel to be alive?
Lastly, Nikki Sixx, the man whose poster used to hang inside of my closet - because he scared my mother. Talk about a rough paper route in life, family issues, he died a few times, shot up some JD -- need I go on about this guy. He can write (wrote most of the Crue's songs) published the diaries of his heroin days, an amazingly terrifying read if you want a glimpse into the not so sexy world of 1980's heavy metal touring. He is a photographer looking at the world through his eyes and putting it out there for us to question our perceptions of reality.
There, that is my list. I think I have remained true to my rock and roll (okay, rock, rock, blues and heavy metal) crushes. Each of these guys I truly respect. Yes, I am getting serious. Each of these men have some pretty heavy weight on them. Legend, sober, humanitarian, believer, fighter, lover can be used to describe anyone of these men. Crushes just aren't about looks - believe it or not.
So there are folks who failed to make THE list, but made the list of those I had obsessive, binge crushes on: Michael Hutchence: I did trek to his memorial in Sydney and even left flowers.
Donnie Wahlberg: I pray every time we go to Dorcester that I accidentally run into him and not shriek like a child - although I almost ruined an entire scene with him in it while running over the Brooklyn Bridge one morning (yes, Donnie, that was me and you are so welcome).
George Michael was a crush for so long - who wouldn't want that angelic voice singing to them?
Mike Patton of Faith No More: I contained all urges to jump onto the stage very well I think.
Dave Matthews: it's that hippy thing I think, and I like it when he does his South African accent. I have seen you over 30 times, is that obsessive?
Boy George (there Angie, I admit it) I told everyone in kindergarten I was going to marry Boy George.
Bobby Dall, the other bassist in my life. Rachel Bolan from Skid Row: Jan, what memories!!
