Being a Music Fan During ..... a Pandemic and You’d Give Anything to Able to Yell at Someone For Talking During the Show

For(c) Lance Mercer

This post, formerly known as Being a Music Fan During a Global Health Emergency has been updated to reflect how many of us feel.

Maybe saying that'd I'd give anything to yell at someone talking too loud during a show is a bit of desperation. First of all, thank you to all of the artists that are putting on music for us daily. We need each other in this relationship to keep our heads above water. 

For you the reader, I hope you and your family and friends are healthy and secure during these very trying times. To our healthcare professionals, first responders, and front line workers: 

To our artists, we cannot wait until the days when we can cram into venues and sing with you at the top of our lungs. Hopefully we're buying merch to help you out. We cannot thank you enough for the wonderful and creative collaborative dance mash-ups, afternoon concerts, and day-long show streaming to keep our homes filled with our favorite chords and lyrics.

We know you've had to cancel shows and return ticket money. But you've also had to home school your kids and take care of your loved ones. Please continue to let us know how we can help you. 

We've also lost some music legends these past weeks, making this time even more meaningful to come together in song. 

Stay healthy, safe, resilient, and kind. 

We'll see you at the show. 

Singing from the windows

voices outside and no one knows

singing from the windows

we'll get going again

****************************************************
Being a Music Fan During a Global Health Emergency  (March 9, 200
Again, here in Seattle what we are witnessing we would not wish for anyone. What we do wish for the rest of the country is that they can avoid the harsh negative effects of this and retain their sense of community and take care of one another. Just as we look forward to our next concerts and the ability to gather together and play loud songs as energized as ever.

We are so sorry…
And deeply upset..

If anyone out there feels the same based on this news, we share that emotion with you.

- Ed & Pearl Jam~

Besides the immediate reaction of "I get it" to all of the bands and festivals that are postponing or canceling due to Covid 19, an underlying theme has been ... but I really needed your show. The joy we get coming together en masse to hear music and sing loud is what everyone is saying we should not do at this time. And for our most vulnerable and to not make the spread of any illness in our communitintes worse...it is the correct action to take at this time. 

(c) Tara Foto

But, selfishly, what do we, the music fans do? A dear friend suggested bands do FM radio shows like in the 90's. Another mentioned lots of streaming options be made available to shows or Unplugged or Storytellers like events. We Need Music. Especially those who are working tirelessness during this time, or even those who are isolated or quartntined. Music is our healing. Music is our medicine. 

In light of SXSW cancelling and possibly Coachella, and Pearl Jam postponing their tour, the evident impact is economic: for the band, the community, the businesses, and possibly the fans. The cascading impact of such decisions will be felt for a while. 

As made clear in Pearl Jam's announcement, it is also the unknown lack of solid and clear guidance that led to this decision - so it's time the action rests upon the masses to be responsible and protect the communities that gather to enjoy music.

(c) PMCarlson

And what do the artists do? The economic impact and logistical nightmare of canceling and postponing shows or entire festivals is and will be crippling to some. Supporting your artists by buying their albums and merch, and then making sure you support their live efforts after all of this is said and done. 

In the meantime, we should all remember to be there for each other, pass along facts and share vetted information, and look after those in our music family that can be impacted by COVID. We should also keep an eye out for those impacted by the sheer overwhelming everywhere of this in the news. All of this all of the time can be too much for some. 

That's where we come in. Get your 90's cassette mixed tape talents out and go to town on some mixed-tape Spotify lists for friends. 
If you're all healthy, go check out some music in a local pub or venue. Invite friends over to stream a couch tour of your favorite band - please don't charge them for drinks and food. 

When this is all over, think about the amazing feeling of standing in a venue, surrounded by those you've never met - but have so much in common because "it's your band". Singing those lyrics together at the top of your lungs, feeling the energy of being one collectively in this most amazing family who loves music, who breathes and wants and needs those special moments when it feels like you're alone and it's just you and the band - singing a song like they wrote it just for you!

 \mm/  Rage, Rest, Wash Your Hands    \mm/

Repeat.

Woman Crush - The Musical Edition

Madonna is the first multimedia pop icon in history and professionals agree that she has become the world's biggest and most socially significant pop icon, as well as the most controversial. However, some intellectuals, like the Frenchman Georges Claude Guilbert, felt that she has greater cultural importance, like a myth, that has apparent universality and timelessness. References to Madonna in popular culture are found in the arts, food, science and each branch of entertainment. In a general sense, journalist Peter Robinson noted that "Madonna invented contemporary pop fame so there is a little bit of her in the DNA of every modern pop thing. Peter Robinson - The Guardian 2011


Not only is this a group of phenomenal women - hands down, they are the most hardworking, talented women you probably wouldn't want to mess with and they all inspire me. *

From about 1984-1993, she was the one I followed, the one I ordered Vogue Magazine for, and the one I followed in haircuts and fashion. Madonna has been a driving force for not just fashion but for the embodiment of what a strong woman should be. Ever changing, no apologies, she remains one of my top inspirations. 

Another in the top of my inspirations is none other than Tina Turner. Along with Cyndi Lauper's She's So Unusual, I carried Private Dancer on vinyl around with me ... in second grade. She sounded amazing on my Fisher Price record player. Dad didn't like the idea of me wanted to wear fishnets or high heels, but he let me get away with a skirt and trying to tease out my hair. This 80 years young legend still has better legs than most of us. What I could not appreciate at such a young age was her survival and determination.

Since 1975, that soulful voice has been serenading us from her start in Fleetwood Mac. Stevie Nicks is rock and roll. Her sultry looks, those clothes, and her mysterious mystical ways. 


The influence and importance of Miss Nina Simone cannot and should not be understated. She was a pioneer in that she used her classical piano training to influence and create most of her songs. Besides being an intense musician and artist, her passion for civil rights must go hand in hand with her memory.

I love this lady from the Jersey shore. When I first saw her before The Felice Brothers at Bonnaroo in 2008, I knew this chica was destined for musical greatness.
 

Photo Credit Barbara FG

Her style has blossomed, especially since she broke away from those big corporate record labels and created her own. Like the Jersey Shore, Atkins rebuilt from her previous ventures and created the Oh Mercy! label. Her last album, Goodnight Rhonda Lee,  truly a testament to this talented musician's staying power and commitment to the craft she loves. She is recently finished recording album #5 Italian Ice at Muscle Shoals Studio, painting beautiful pictures for sale on her website, and will hit a tour in the UK and Europe in April!Be on the lookout for Italian Ice!

Singer, songwriter, and actress Mary J. Blige began her stellar  hip hop soul career as a back up singer. 13 albums and nine Grammy's and countless other awards later, she remains one of the top hip hop and R&B performers of all time. She lends her emotions and experience to her songs and paved the way for women in the hip hop and R&B music industry.

Post- punk singer Siouxsie Sioux is synonymous with The Banshees, but she also was the drummer and singer with The Creatures. Her iconic and unique style and voice have inspired many including Jeff Buckley, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Joy Division, U2, Depeche Mode, and The Cure.

I didn't get a chance to see Grace live until the Love for Levon concert in New Jersey, and it was nothing short of religious. Her voice is a buffered version of Janis but still all Vermont folk in her own right. She sings with passion and she plays in the moment. She also plays the unexpected, as seen here in this video of her singing ... well- check it out!

I first heard about Dana after a friend became enamored by her. I had to check this lady out. And when I did, I heard that soul come deep from within as she belted out her own emotional tunes, and some familiar covers. You might also recognize her as Sexy Sadie in from the 2007 film, Across the Universe.

PCarlson 2012

Just who the f*#k is Dana Distortion? Only the hottest music photographer who is also has a web-store with clothes and accessories based on her photos and love of ... music. (And I think she has one of the most awesome jobs in the world).

Photo by David Turcotte

While I use words to tell you about shows or thoughts on albums, she uses her eyes and her love of music to capture gorgeous photos some of you may have seen in Brooklyn Vegan, Spin, NME, or Rolling Stone. Gogol Bordello, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Baby Metal to name a very few of those fortunate enough to be in front of her lens. You see and feel the music in her photos. She has a passion for all things rock and now she is making rock inspired fashion. You can look at, listen to, and now wear rock. Dana's latest project is the amazing podcast called Superunknown.





So there you have it ... some wonderfully talented women in no particular order.(And this picture for no particular reason except for Sally Field).

**Because people's attention span is only so long, this list is, of course, truncated. There are so many women musically, scientifically, athletically, spiritually, linguistically, and professionally that have inspired me. I thank you all!**

No ØRD†NARY MAN : Ozzy Osbourne

Copyright Sony Music / Epic Records

Speaking about the recording, he commented that the entire album process is done "in just a short time", adding "Duff and Chad came in and we would go in and jam during the day and I would go work out the songs in the evenings. I previously had said to Sharon I should be doing an album, but in the back of my mind I was going, 'I haven't got the fucking strength.' But Andrew pulled it out of me. I really hope people listen to it and enjoy it, because I put my heart and soul into this album.

Who has ever considered Ozzy and ordinary man? And this is definitely no ordinary album. Ordinary Man, Ozzy's first solo in ten years, is stocked with talent, brimming with Sabbath sounds, and highlights the Prince of Darkness's unforgettable voice. He's 71 and still putting out better songs and albums than those not even half his age. Highly recommend giving this album a listen.

Osbourne and producer / guitarist Andrew Watt recruited heavy hitting musicians: Chad Smith, Slash, Duff McKagan, Travis Scott, Tom Morello, Post Malone, and even Elton John. The album is full of nods to Sabbath, bands such as Metallica, and is also very contemplative of Ozzy's life and his future. Ozzy is 71 and battling Parkinson's Disease. But in typically Ozzy style, there are a few serious moments followed by honest sarcasm and moments of trying not to take the situation too seriously. 

Watt enlisted some famous friends to help, and the first call was to Red Hot Chili Pepper's drummer Chad Smith. I was like "Ozzy wants us to make and album."and he was like "When? When are we doing it? Let's do it. Let's do it. Let's do it." ....and we need a bass player. So I called Duff up from Guns N Roses...and Duff was like "When? When? When?" Andrew Watt - iTunes review.


Straight to Hell
Of course it starts with a choir, a driving solo, and then the unmistakable Ozzy. Classic Ozzy sound and he makes it sound as if both he and you will enjoy a trip to hell together.

All My Life
This song is a contemplative talk with ones' self. Definitely has a No More Tears feel, but much more deep in lyrics. 

Heaven can take me
But no one can save me from hell again
You'll never erase me
I'm back on the road again

Goodbye
The Prince of Darkness is alive and well on this song and so is Iron Man. It's a march towards all of our destiny with a nod to not giving up. And keeping his sardonic humor he asks, Do they sell tea in heaven?"

Ordinary Man
This is by far one of the most beautiful songs about self-reflection by an artist ever. Ozzy knows the path he's on and what's he's facing. This song was a very pleasant surprise, even if

Yes, I've been a bad guy
Been higher than the blue sky
And the truth is I don't wanna die an ordinary man
I've made momma cry
Don't know why I'm still alive
Yes, the truth is I don't wanna die an ordinary man
Many times I've lost control
They tried to kill my rock 'n' roll
Just remember I'm still here for you
I don't wanna say goodbye
When I do, you'll be alright
After all, I did it all for you

 
Under the Graveyard
If Ordinary Man was our first real glimpse of what Ozzy's thinking about his demise, well Under the Graveyard really puts you in his mindset. Death is weighing heavy on him and then he reminds us - we're all going there alone. Heavy subject and solid song with a massive and wound up solo ending.

Eat Me
Ozzy doesn't want us to be sad and take all this talk about mortality and death seriously. 

Today is the End
This song is seeped in Metalica and Alice Chains  in deed ... it's seeped in the 90's in general. The chorus melody hysterically paints a happy picture given that we're talking about the end of days.

Scary Little Green Men
Take me to your leader.

Holy for Tonight
I had the Credence Clearwater vibes at the beginning few beats and some Pink Floyd in the chorus... I had to lighten up this song becaause it is so sad and it's essentially Ozzy singing about his last moments. He does ask all the questions we have and that's why this song feels so personal.

What will I think of when I speak my final words?
What will it feel like? And I wonder if it hurts
I've just got a mile and I can taste the kiss of death
What will I think of when I take my final breath?

It's a Raid
You need this song after Holy for Tonight. Ozzy recounts the night he called the police on himself. Ha Ha Ha!!!! This song has a heavy drive ... the heaviest on the album ... makes you feel like running.
 

Take What You Want
Great collaboration with Post Malone on this song, wrought with anger and obviously a lover who has hurt him. Maybe this is the woman from Close Your Eyes?


Furthermore he believes that Ordinary Man "is like driving a clown car through a wake. It's great, fast fun even when it's sad" ~ A.D. Amorosi of Variety .  

Rex / Shutterstock

How Long Must We Song This Song

                             Father Daly tries to help carry victim Jack Duddy's body to safety on January 30, 1972

All not blinded by your smoke,
Photographers who caught your stroke,
The priests that blessed our bodies, spoke
And wagged our blood in the world's face.
The truth will out, to your disgrace.
Excerpt from Butcher's Dozen: A Life Lesson for the Octave of Widgery   ~Thomas Kinsella

Many of you have heard U2's famous song, Sunday Bloody Sunday. Some of you maybe have seen one of my favorite versions in the Rattle and Hum movie. But what is this song about and why has it inspired so many songs about it? Because this isn't a blog about history, I will refrain from an in depth Irish history lesson.  

Over the centuries, sectarianism fueled the fighting. Religion, land, Irish, English, Green, and Orange, you name it, they've fought over and because of it. 

There were indeed two incidents referred to as Bloody Sunday in Ireland and Northern Ireland. The first was an incident that occurred in 1920  during the time of the Irish War of Independence in Dublin's Croke Park.  Thirty one were killed during an attack at a  Gaelic Football match. 

The day that most of these songs and movies refer to is January 30, 1972. The event was a Civil Rights March in Derry pioneered by the Northern Ireland Civil Rights Association. The civil rights movement in Northern Ireland in the late 60's and early 70's was inspired by the American civil rights movement. The movement was to counter any violence and to bring about change in the mistreatment and discrimination of Catholics. As time went on and the marches and their popularity grew, the British disdain for the marches did as well and the marches were banned outright. 

Thinking they would be faced with blocked roads, marches proceeded but with increasingly violent and tragic outcomes. By 1972, the anger and frustration was capped by the introduction of internment without trial. Violence and death escalated throughout the North. All sides of the conflict suffered deaths as a result. The marchers saw this as an opportunity to peacefully protest internment. The march was allowed to occur in the Catholic area of Derry despite the ban. At the end of the day, thirteen would be dead and fourteen others shot by the Royal Parachute Regiment. None of the victims had weapons on them.

Below is the trailer for the film Bloody Sunday by Paul Greengrass.

 Immediately questions about what exactly happened about that day. I know people who were there, who stood initially confused and then horrified when they realized what was happening. They're vivid descriptions are akin to those I've spoken to who witnessed the National Guard shooting at Kent State. 

The civil rights movement never recovered. 

What happened was an outpouring of anger and the arts community was among those who protested via performance. Paul McCartney immediately recorded Give Ireland Back to the Irish; The Luck of the Irish by John Lennon portrayed the sad state of being Irish in Northern Ireland under British rule; and Minds Locked Shut by Christy Moore pays tribute to those lost. Many other songwriters, story tellers and movie makers have since written about the events of January 30, 1972.

Probably the most famous song about Bloody Sunday was not recorded until 1983: U2's version of Sunday Bloody Sunday It is, as Bono famously says, "not a rebel Ssng". Bono, who is a product of a Anglican mother and Catholic father, wrote the song which more reminiscent of the civil rights marchers point of view. He even professes his own inability to chose sides in the Troubles because of his parent's religion:

Broken bottles under children's feet
Bodies strewn across the dead end street
But I won't heed the battle call
It puts my back up
Puts my back up against the wall

 While the album and live at Red Rocks version are memorable, it would be Bono's version of Sunday Bloody Sunday sung at Nichols Arena, Denver Colorado on November 8, 1987, that would capture his desperate plea for peace. On this day, eleven were killed in a bombing in Enniskillen. His passion , anger, and outright disgust of the event are evident.

 So this next song IS a rebel song. While many call for peace, Eire Og is a band that calls for remembrance and a call to arms. While Bono cries no more, they cry we're ready to continue the battle.

It is forty-eight years later and peace is still a fragile bubble that hangs in the air. The families of these fourteen still wait for answers from the government, whom they feel is solely responsible for the deaths that day. These songs pay tribute in their own way to those killed. So when you hear those first guitar chords from the Edge, take a moment to remember who this song is about:

Patrick ('Paddy') Doherty

Gerald Donaghey

John ('Jackie') Duddy

Hugh Gilmour 

Michael Kelly 

Michael McDaid 

Kevin McElhinney

Bernard ('Barney') McGuigan 

Gerald McKinney 

William ('Willie') McKinney 

William Nash

James ('Jim') Wray

John Young
John Johnston

  

Bloody Sunday Remembrance March Bay Ridge Brooklyn

Love, Peace, and Your Favorite Setlist: Looking Into The Next Decade

Where does one even begin when documenting not only the last year, but an entire decade. 100 years ago we celebrated women's suffrage and  rallied against prohibition. The roaring 20's were a turbulent time of post War and ongoing gilded age. We go into 2020 framed with the perfect filtered selfie, a perfect Spotify playlist, with memories of a decade with loss, hope, and many uncertainties of what the next decade will present us with ... oh wait, this is a music blog. 

The last decade gave us streaming platforms and access to music to satisfy anyone's musical mood. And with music streaming came concert streaming and it is getting tougher to actually want to leave your home to go to a show. But, other than your cell phone in my face for hours on end, nothing beats a live show. 

It's a weird time folks, that's really what I am getting at. In ten years, we're in this awkward tipping point of social media and internet. You can have access to news, music, and art 24/7 from around the world. And yet, with this access, it's used to silo us into worlds that create more of a chasm than uniting us into what Coca Cola would like to see...and we're all able to break free of these silos, you just have to peek over that electronic fence in the interwebs. 

I am happy to report Rock and Roll is alive. So is jam music, hip hop, freestyle, blues, jazz, Americana, etc, etc. It's all still there and better than ever because artists are free to kickstart and fund themselves into freedom from contracts and big labels. BUT this comes the responsibility of US the fans to support their tours and live music and the merch table. Get our there and educate yourselves and learn about musicians, support local, and get to as many shows as you can (just please leave your phone out of my face).


The music we each individually love may not be on the radio stations we so long for, and it does require some work, but you will find the music and musicians you love - and then some. While many of us regale tales of waiting on line for a midnight release and listening to albums track by track, our world has become binge obsessed and that includes the music world. Finding new music, bands, and artists does require some homework and there are so many resources. Magazines like Paste and Relix,satellite radio, and yes, live shows and festivals are a great place to see new bands that you may not hear on the radio. Another tip, the NYC Subway system is a great place to see great music. Did you know the Felice Brothers started there?

So as the decade comes to a close, here are some of my favorites albums in no particular order below. I am excited to hear new bands, witness music platforms continue to evolve. I am anxious for the many ways that music will continue to bring us together in the next decade. I wish you all love and peace and your favorite set lists.

Nicole Atkins – Goodnight Rhonda Lee 
Beyonce - Lemonade

Umphrey’s McGee – Similar Skin

Patty Griffin – Patty Griffin

War on Drugs – Lost in the Dream

David Bowie – Blackstar

Kendrick Lamar – Damn

The Avett Brothers – I and Love and You

Adele – 25

Gogol Bordello – Pura Vida Conspiracy

Depeche Mode – Delta Machine

The New Basement Tapes – Lost on the River

The Struts – Everybody Wants

Marcus King Band – The Marcus King Band

Hozier - Hozier

Tedeschi Trucks Band – Revelator

Florence and the Machine – How Big, How Beautiful, How Blue

Hannah Williams and the Affirmations – Late Nights & Heartbreak

Hamilton – Musical Soundtrack

Ryan Adams – 1989

U2 – Songs of Innocence

Gary Clark Jr – The Land

Iggy Pop – Post Pop Depression

Wolf Alice – My Love is Cool

Claypool Lennon Delirium – South of Reality

REM – Collapse Into Now

Cranberries – In the End

Matt Reynolds – Been Long Gone

Red Hot Chili Peppers –The Getaway
Dave Matthews Band - Come Tomorrow

And as we go through the years, those we lose who are our creative heroes because seem to happen more often and hurt deeper because of their influence on our lives.  May we carry on their spirit in the soundtracks of our lives.

You my love are allowed to forget
About the Christmas
You just spent stressed out
In your parents' house
You my love are allowed to shed the weight
Of all the years before like bad disco clothes
Save them for a night of dancing
Stoned with you lover
You my love are allowed to let yourself
Drown every night
In bottomless wild and naked
Symbolic dreams
You my love in sleep can unlock
Your youth and your most terrifying magic
And dreaming is for the
Courageous
You my love are allowed to grab my guitar
And sing me idiot love songs if
You lost your ability to speak
Keep it down to two minutes
You my love are allowed to rot
And to die
And to live again more alive
And incandescent than before
You my love are allowed to beat the shit out of your television
Choke it's thoughts and corrupt its mind
Kill, kill, kill, kill, the motherfucker before the song of Zombiefied
Pain and panic and malaise
And its narrow right winged vision
And its cheap commercial gang rate
Becomes the white noise of the world
(Turn about is fair play)
You my love are allowed to forgive
And love your television
You my love are allowed to speak in kisses
To those around you and those up in heaven
You my love are allowed to show your babies how to dance full bodied
Starry eyed, audacious, supernatural and glorified
You my love are allowed to suck
In every single endeavor
You my love are allowed to be soaked
Like a lovers blanket
In the New York summertime with the wonder
Of your own special gift
You my love are allowed to receive praise
You my love are allowed to have time
You my love are allowed to understand
You my love are allowed to love
Woman disobey
Little man believe
You my love are a rebellion

~Jeff Buckley - New Year's Eve Prayer 

Bring It On Home: Led Zeppelin II at 50

How years ago in days of old

When magic filled the air

Twas in the darkest depths of Mordor

I met a girl so fair

But Gollum, and the evil one

Crept up and slipped away with her.

~Ramble On

Released on October 22, 1969, Led Zeppelin's second album is regarded as the "quintessential heavy metal album." Arguably the most heavy album they produced and influential for future guitar shredders, Led Zeppelin II still wove the blues into the mix. Every song is a classic, however it was not seen as such immediately - but ultimately relented once they listened to the complexities and purposeful placement of experimental sounds, peddles, riffs, and Robert's unmistakable golden voice. Jockeying on the charts with Abbey Road, the album sold well and to this day is considered to be within the top albums every made and sold. 

And of course it has Tolkien in Ramble On and Robert Plant first full writing credit on Thank You. Bonzo gives his all on Moby Dick as they shift into low for a tease on Bring It On Home.But the blues remain so distinctly evident ... especially in the homage to blues legend, Robert Johnson: You can squeeze my lemon 'til the juice run down my leg, is a tribute to Traveling Riverside Blues.

The album gives us the past, and a glimpse into what the next two albums have in store for the listener and rock and roll generations to come.




Whole Lotta Love
What Is And What Should Never Be
The Lemon Song
Thank You
Heartbreaker
Living Loving Maid (She's Just A Woman)
Ramble On
Moby Dick
Bring It On Home 

(c) Neal Preston