150,000 Mile Check Up

Heading to the doctor's today.  Woo-hoo, nothing I love more than going to see a doctor.  I actually don't mind it, but I'd rather go to the dentist.  I love (I'm not kidding) to go to the dentist.  Yes, I'm a weirdo.  Just heading in for my annual check up.  Get my new prescription, nothing major...just keeps me balanced.  I'm much better on them, than off them.  Let's put it that way.

I wish this was like a car getting an overhaul.  Anyone that has known me for a long time, knows that I'm a fairly broken person.  Multiple knee injuries on both knees, to the point where I've started having a little bit of hip problem.  I'll be 37 this year, not 87.  Add a newborn on the way, who will run me into the ground as soon as she can.  Put me on the lift for a couple of new knees.  Then again, I'm totally used to this.  I blew my first knee out when I was 14, so it's been this way longer than it hasn't.  Does that make sense?

My daughter will be able to beat me in a race as soon as she learns how to run in a straight line.  Most parents (some are jerks, we all know one) let their kids win.  I could run full out and still lose, because I can't run.  My unborn child is already a better athlete than her old man.  So she's got that going for her.  That's like saying you could see clearer than Sammy Davis Jr. or that you're more coherent than Mickey Rooney.  Yeah, let's make fun of those guys.  They've had more tail combined than the state of Rhode Island.  On that note, I've got nothing else.  I've said enough.

Off The Beaten Path

  

What we've all been waiting for...okay, what I've been waiting for.  The show is ready to launch.  It will be premiering on Rock401.com on Wednesday March 30th at 12PM and rerunning Thursday March 31st at 4PM and Friday April 1st at 8PM.  All Eastern Standard Time.

  

Off The Beaten Path - Show #1 Play List

Knuckle Duster (Radio 1-A) – White Zombie

Kick Out The Jams – MC5

Metal Gods – Judas Priest

Can You Get To That - Funkadelic

Christine’s Tune – The Flying Burrito Bros.

100 Guns – The Throttles

Marionette – Soul Asylum

(I Know) I’m Losing You – The Faces/Rod Stewart

What’s At Stake – Slapshot

Lipstick – Rocket From The Crypt

Little By Little – Rolling Stones

Abba Zaba – Captain Beefheart

Supernaut – Black Sabbath

Jump Man – Buckethead

Three Is A Magic Number – Blind Melon

Hey Tonight – Creedence Clearwater Revival

Uncontrollable Urge – Devo

Precious – Pretenders

Crowbait – Tin Horn Prayer

I Can’t Turn You Loose – Otis Redding

He’s A Rebel – The Crystals

Sweet Little Thing – Lucero

Different Things – Jay Berndt

Bales Of Cocaine – Reverend Horton Heat

Short Notice – The Living End

Just One Fix – Ministry

Thursday – Morphine

She’s A Mover – Big Star

The Late Greats – Wilco

Joker’s Wild – Man Or Astro-Man?

As Jerry Lee Lewis would say, "It's all killer, no filler!"  Hope you all enjoy it.   See you next week.

This, That And The Other Thing - The Deuce

This:

This past Saturday night was the show that I have been talking about for a little while.  I was going to bring my camera and review it for the blog, but then thought, forget it...I'm going to just have fun and enjoy the music.  Not everything I do has to be about the blog.  It was a good decision.  It was a great show, but more than that, I got to hang out and visit with some friends I don't see very often.  I feel like I'm on a farewell tour of social appearances with the baby on the way.  In reality, I don't go out really at all.  Of course, the night I go out...I have a cold.  I know, boo-hoo, poor baby.  I felt like hell.  If it wasn't for this show, I would've been unconscious.  I like to keep my commitments.  If I tell someone I'm going to be there, I go.  The brief 30 second review, Brian McKenzie also, formerly of Kilgore, plays a more "pop style" of country.  It's not my favorite, but he and his band we're very good at what they were doing.  The Throttles were out next and played extremely well, like always.  Really great musicians.  Jay Berndt came out to finish up and he should play out more.  I know he's over the whole touring thing, but he's a great performer.  It was great to see him with a full band.  It was nice room and hopefully, they will do more shows there.  

That:

The radio show for those that have asked, should launch this week.  I don't exactly know what day, since I do the easy part of programming the show and talking.  The technical part is what is going on now.  Making sure my vocal breaks don't "clip," which I thought I was good about.  As soon as "Mr. Producer Man," has a schedule, I'll put it up here with a link and the playlist.  It'll be a stream, not a podcast.  You won't be able to fast forward.  It's under two hours, I think it'll come in around 1hr 45min, after all is said and done.  You get 30 excellent songs in that time.  I think this is the plan going forward.  I'm always looking for new bands to review/interview and now play on the radio show.  So, if you are or know one of those bands...get in contact with me.  dkjhnsn@cox.net

Other Thing:

Since Opening Day for baseball is this week...

 

Nine By Design 28

This week's list of 9 is about travel.  What no music?  I'm sure I could sit here, quote and reference all the songs about travel, but I won't at this time.  You're welcome.  I'm going to get to the list, because I've had what you'd call a long night.  Insomnia, just shows up at times.  Next thing you know it's almost 4 AM.  On with the list...it's just not going to be as inspired as others.

Favorite Travels In The States

Newfound Lake, New Hampshire - Probably, okay, definitely my favorite place on this Earth of ours.  Rain or shine, I'll pick my little summer camp every day of the week.  When the weather is nice, you have the lake to cool you off.  It's all about the people...I've known most of them my entire life.  It makes everthing perfect.

Pennsylvania - Yes, the state.  Just don't try to drive through it in one shot, then it's not that much fun.  Philadelphia is a really fantastic city.  There is so much to do there and a ton of really cool places.  Then you travel a little west into Easton, where my cousins live.  It's a really nice area.  I can see why they have settled there.  Nice place to raise a family.

Las Vegas - One of my English professors in college said, "It's the greatest fake city in the world."  I've been there only once, but loved every minute of it.  Had one of the better poker runs of my life.  Finishing 4th two tournaments in a row and 20th in the third.  Needless to say, I went home with money.  Not a ton, but my $600 might as well have been, $60,000.  A free weekend is a wonderful thing.

The Quad Cities - My wife's godparents live there.  There are two cities in Illinois (Moline and Rock Island, where they live) and two in Iowa (Davenport and Bettendorf) that make up the Quad Cities.  It's the Midwest, everyone is so nice.  And not fake nice, but genuinely, nice.  Plus, you can go to Bettendorf to see the Croatian Sensation, Pat Miletich at his gym in Bettendorf. 

Santa Cruz, CA - I could never live here, but I love visiting.  It's far too laid back for me to live there.  The East Coast/New England intensity (insanity), would not translate well.  I'm not a beach guy, but they have a wonderful boardwalk and really great food.  Another place where everyone is pretty nice.  NorCal is where it's at.

Cleveland, OH - No, seriously, don't laugh.  I was there on tour for a few days, years ago.  It was wonderful.  We stayed at motel that was pretty much right on Lake Erie, but what isn't on Lake Erie in Cleveland.  It was just a great city in my eyes.  Granted, I didn't live there, but I enjoyed my visit.  Oh and we went to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, for free.  Touring bands get in for free.  I don't agree with the way they make their choices, but the museum is awesome for a music nerd.

Massachusetts - I'm from there, but haven't lived in the state for over a decade.  Depending where you go in the state, it's all very different.  I think that's why I'll always consider myself to be from MA.  You can have the cities in and around Boston or go to the remote Walden Pond, all within the same state.  It's really all about the history.

Disney World - We went here for our honeymoon.  It was the best choice we could have made.  Neither one of us are drinkers/beach bums, so a resort like Sandals or Club Med was out.  We wanted stuff to do and there is a ton of stuff to do there.  I think that's understood.  If you plan on going, a little research goes a long way.  Stay in the park and get one of the food plans.  It pays for itself in no time.  You can eat anywhere in the park and all you have to do is have your card scanned.  Brilliant.

Austin, TX - If you're into music, just about any kind...this is the place for you.  They have the South By Southwest Festival every year, which has expanded beyond music.  If you're there normally on a regular night, they have some of the best venues for music in the country, if not the world.  By the way, it may be one of the best places to eat in the USA.  You name it, they got it. 


Another week down and the weekend is upon us.  Have a great one.  Cheers, Happy Weekend!

30 Teams In 30 Minutes

Spring Training is almost over and Opening Day is literally around the corner.  If I was forced to pick a favorite sport, it would be baseball.  Hockey is a close second, but it's still second.  I just love the history and spectacle of the sport.  Plus, it's all about numbers and I'm a nerd and love numbers.  I'll make my predictions for each team in the league, give or take 5 wins...so if I say 80 wins, it's really anywhere between 75-85.  Lots of leeway here.  MLB Network has done a series called 30 Teams In 30 Days, but here at For Lack Of A Better Title, have a much harder working staff than they do and can do the 30 Teams In 30 Minutes.  I'll paraphrase Henry Rollins when he saw The Ramones for the first time, "They played 30 songs in about 30 minutes and then did a 9 song encore."  (I always find a way to get music in every blog post).  "Take it Dee Dee.  1...2..3...4..."

American League

East

Boston - Went out and signed/traded for 2 of the best players in baseball in Adrian Gonzalez and Carl Crawford.  Both of them are still young and should be productive for the foreseeable future.  On paper, they are the team to beat.  I'd take them in a fight over most teams too.  Jason Varitek is a beast and Jonathan Papelbon is plain nuts.  Outlook: 100 wins and win the East.

New York - In a rare move by the Yankees, they didn't really sign or go after anyone.  They got snubbed by Cliff Lee and then didn't seem to have a "back up plan."  It's Jennifer Lopez' fault for making such a horrible movie.  (I didn't see it, but it's J-Lo...not Liz Taylor - R.I.P.)  Lots of turmoil going on in the Bronx.  The team isn't getting any younger, to remedy that, they could try to sign Roy Hobbs...just a thought.  Outlook: 95 wins and take the Wild Card.


Tampa Bay - So what happens when a team is on the brink of being a consistent challenger to the two top teams of it's division?  It cuts payroll.  I almost put the Rays in the fourth position, but just can't convince myself that Baltimore can finish third.  The Rays still have plenty of talent, but just not as much as it did.  They took a step backwards, but time will determine how big of a step.  Outlook: 89 wins

Baltimore - This team is filled with young talent, but also signed some inexpensive veterans in the off season.  They finally have a real manager in Buck Showalter.  He had an immediate impact on the team when he came on the scene late last season.  They could make a jump to challenge for third place in the division or stay status quo.  I think they'll put a scare into the division, but ultimately finish where they usually do.  Outlook: 84 wins

Toronto - John Farrell, former pitching coach for Boston, is the new manager and he's in for a long season.  They have a few good players, but not enough to really compete on a steady basis.  Forget it when the injuries happen.  No team stays healthy all season.  Outlook: 76 wins

Central

Minnesota - I still feel like they are the team to beat in the Central.  Although, they could easily finish as low as third in this crazy division.  Ron Gardenhire is the best manager in the division and I think that's the advantage for them.  I mean what else do Minnesotans have to look forward to sports-wise.  They need the Twins to be good or it's just really depressing.  Outlook: 95 wins and win the Central

Detroit - They have the talent, but injuries always seem to plague them.  I wonder if Miguel Cabrera will play the games with a flask in his back pocket?  Asking the opposing players when they get down to first base if they want a rip.  It makes you run faster, he'll say...No?  Okay, more for me.  Sorry, got off on a tangent.  They'll be right there...they are too good not to be.  Outlook: 94 wins

Chicago - Like all the teams in the top three, they could finish first.  Ozzie Guillen is the reason they won't.  He'll blow a gasket or seven and fight the GM, announcers, ex-players (Bobby Jenks) and various others during the season both verbally and physically.  He's too hot blooded for his own good and also according to Lou Gramm.  Outlook: 92 wins

Kansas City - This team should win.  They have been drafting near the top of the draft forever.  They have good young talent, but often trade away their players a year or two before they make an impact.  They don't want to pay anyone.  Why own a team?  Outlook: Depressing...I mean, 77 wins

Cleveland - I'm going to assume you've seen the movie, Major League.  I believe Groundskeeper #1 sums it up nicely, "They're shitty."  That is a direct quote from the movie.  Outlook: 68 wins

West

Texas - They were the American League representative in the World Series last year.  I don't see anyone in their division beating them.  Anything can happen, but it would be an awfully hard thing to convince me of.  Provided nobody important gets hurt for a long period of time, *cough* Josh Hamilton *cough.*  Everything should run smoothly for them.  Outlook: 93 wins and the West title

Oakland - They are the one team that could challenge the Rangers for the division.  They certainly have the pitching to do it.  The hitting is the problem.  They play in a large ballpark.  Awesome for pitching, but not for hitting.  Plus, there's this...Quick, name 5 Oakland Athletics...times up sorry.  They don't have players that roll right off the tongue, but that's how GM Billy Beane operates.  Outlook: 87 wins

Los Angeles or Anahiem - Whatever they are called these days.  They are trying to bring in younger talent and stay competitive.  Easier said then done.  It's hard to try to absorb the growing pains of youth and mesh it with experience of veterans.  They are basically treading water.  Outlook: 79 wins

Seattle - They have two bona fide superstars in Ichiro and King Felix, but other than that...nothing much.  The ballpark they play in doesn't do much for the offense.  Outlook: 66 wins

National League

East

Philadelphia - They have the best starting pitching staff in baseball on paper and Joe Blanton.  They've already had some injury problems, but when you have four guys that could literally win 20 each...too hard not to pick them first.  Outlook: 97 wins and the East title

Atlanta - They have just enough to hold off the third place team.  There's not much left here.  Bobby Cox finally retired and the last holdover from the great teams of the 90's and 00's is being held together with duct tape.  Chipper Jones will probably retire at the end of this season.  Outlook: 85 wins

Washington - Yes, that says Washington and no it's not a typo.  I think they will really come into their own in 2013 when Bryce Harper is ready, but they will show flashes this year.  Oh wait, the world is supposed to cease to exist in 2012...so much for that prediction.  Outlook: 83 wins

Florida - Which team wanted it more?  Florida wanted to finish out of the basement more than the Mets.  It's scary down there.  You remember having to go change the laundry when you were a kid...hoping no one got you while you were down there.  That's why your Mom sent you, she was scared too.  It's enough motivation for the Marlins to claw their way ahead of New York.  Outlook: 77 wins

New York - They have accepted their fate.  They are in the basement with the rest of the broken toys, the Boogeyman and whatever else goes bump in the night.  I think they could lose 100 games, but will err on the side of positivity.  Outlook: 63 wins

Central

Cincinnati - They have all the talent in the world and a nice balance between youngsters and veterans.  They have a sneaky good pitching staff to go along with a very potent lineup.  They are the cream of the crop in the Central.  Outlook: 95 wins and the Central title.

Milwaukee - The Wild Card is coming out of Milwaukee, you heard it or rather read it here first.  They could even challenge for the division, but let's not get too ahead of ourselves.  An improved pitching staff will take them far.  Outlook: 94 wins - Wild Card

St. Louis - What could have been?  If Adam Wainwright didn't go down with a major injury, they could be higher in the standings.  They win with smoke and mirrors.  They appear to have a good lineup and pitching staff, but do they really?  Outlook: 82 wins

Chicago - I don't know what to do with this team.  They spend so much money and are still crappy.  I think that's the most frustrating thing about them.  They try to win, but never get there.  Another misery filled season for the loyal fans of the Cubs.  Outlook: 80 wins

Houston - I've always loved the Astros, they are the National team I would root for.  At least when Jeff Bagwell, Craig Biggio and Roy Oswalt were playing there, but those days are long over.  They hang in there, but their best bet is too upset the Cubs for fourth place.  Outlook: 76 wins

Pittsburgh - It's Pittsburgh...the last time they had a winning record I was finishing high school.  Outlook: 64 wins

West

San Francisco - Brian Wilson's beard will win this division all by itself.  It's that powerful.  They will hit just enough to win.  The pitching staff is still dominating, even with Barry Zito.  Outlook: 93 wins and the West title.

Colorado - They will challenge for the division, but will come up just short.  This could be the newest rivalry in baseball.  The stars of the respective teams are young and could go at it for awhile.  Outlook: 91 wins

Los Angeles - They have some great players, but I don't believe it's enough to overtake either of the top two teams.  The ownership situation could/will limit their ability to be active around the trade deadline.  That's just a mess.  Outlook: 86 wins

Arizona - I almost put Arizona ahead of Los Angeles, but just couldn't do it.  I believe they are building a good team, but they aren't there yet.  Outlook: 80 wins

San Diego - They traded away their best player and more could leave at the trade deadline.  Are they rebuilding?  I don't know what the plan is for them.  Outlook: 70 wins

World Series I'd Like To See: Boston vs Milwaukee
World Series We'll Probably See: Boston vs Philadelphia

This Life Under Construction

We've been working very hard on getting the baby's room completed.  We have limited room in our small condo.  The spare bedroom became a catch-all, for our books, CDs and everything else.  That would be fine if we had a normal sized collection, but we don't.  We have a small library of books (over 1300) and a small record store (around 1000).  I'll continue to put everything on iTunes, but will never get rid of my CDs and we'll never buy a Kindle or Nook.  It's just not our style.  We physically like to hold books in our hand.  We like to read liner notes and look at the album art.

That's only part of this whole deal.  The real hard part is fitting all of that stuff, somewhere.  So, we're getting creative, because we have to and it's what we do best.  The baby will have colorful wall pictures like Winnie the Pooh, but she'll also have some framed concert posters and framed vinyl on the walls.  Her first words might not be Mama or Dada, but Cheap Trick or Led Zeppelin.  I'd still be extremely proud, maybe even more so. 

Needless to say our place looks like a bomb hit it, which is about what it always looks like in reality.  In a perfect world, we would have moved about 6 years ago, but we know this world is anything but, perfect.  Now it's impossible for us to do that and we'll make do with what we have.  We'll figure it out, because (a) we have to and (b) it's what we always do. 

I'll just hang in there with the rest of you.  There's no give up here.  I just have to figure out how to hit the curveballs of life consistently.  I don't think batting .300 in Life is as good as it is in Baseball.  I could be wrong, but I doubt it.  Alrighty then...back to work.  I'm wearing my hard hat and safety glasses.

Nine By Design 27

Another weekend is upon us.  You made it...time to relax and try do everything that you had planned.  Maybe watch some of NCAA tournament, if that's what you're into.  I completed a bracket.  I have no clue about basketball, let alone, college basketball.  Went 13 out of 16 on the first day.  I'm sure it's just luck  Let's get to the random list of the week.  As is most of the time here, it's about music.  This time it's Band Logos.  Some bands have logos or artwork related to them that is iconic.  Some have a logo where you don't even need the band's name to recognize them.  These are just 9 of many I could have included.  On with the list...

Band Logos

Black Flag - The Black Flag bars are pretty iconic.  If you see those four black bars side by side, you know what they mean most of the time.  Even if you aren't into punk rock.

AC/DC - The band has been together for almost 40 years and they are still going strong.  They have had the same logo the entire time, with some variations, but it's always the four letters with the lightning bolt right down the middle.

Queen - With a name like Queen, you would expect nobility.  Freddie Mercury took the 4 zodiac symbols of the band members and created a royal crest.  It's a take off of the Royal coat of arms of the UK.  You learn something every time you come to this blog. 

Misfits - Horror Punk icons Misfits have one of those logos that you instantly recognize.  All kinds of sci-fi, horror and B-movie imagery associated with the band.  In the late 70's/early 80's few, if any bands, gave you the full package like this band did.

Metallica - What's a better name for a Thrash Metal band than Metallica?  The word "metal" is in the name.  That Lars is pretty clever, although James Hetfield designed the logo.  An instantly recognizable logo, granted it has the name of the band, but it just screams metal.

Van Halen - I'll concede that Van Halen isn't the most original name for the band, since it's the last name of two of it's members, but the logo has always been cool.  The "flying" VH is one of those logos you just know.  Weezer's logo is an ode to the band.

Dead Kennedys - Controversial, Jello Biafra?  You're kidding.  Jello Biafra, lead singer of the Kennedys, "wanted something that you could easily spray paint."  Artist Winston Smith, who did artwork for a lot of their albums, created the final logo.

 

Ramones - Artist Arturo Vega, longtime friend of the band, created this iconic logo for the band.  It was based on the Presidential Seal of the USA.  The only thing that would change over the years would be the names of the members.

The Grateful Dead - The band has many logos associated with them, but the "Steal Your Face" logo is probably the best known.  It's what you want in a logo, completely original and recognizable.  You don't mistake this with any other band.


We are finished for another week.  Have a great weekend.  The weather is starting to warm up here in New England.  Go out and enjoy it.  Cheers, Happy Weekend!

10 Questions With...Jay Berndt

Photo Credit: Heidi Finn Photography

Just about two weeks ago I reviewed a really great solo record called Sad Bastard Songs by Jay Berndt.  I knew a little about him through some mutual friends and he has a very unique story.  Hopefully, you'll get to learn about Jay and his music through our interview together.

How did you get started in music?  When did you know you could sing?  How did you develop your voice?

I got my start playing drums when I was about twelve.  I was living in California and I joined my junior high school marching band back in ‘83/84.  My instructor didn’t just teach me how to play drums but taught everything about the ensemble.  I learned about saxophone reeds, tuba mouthpieces, clarinet finger pads… Everything about how the ensemble works together as a unit.  I think that was what inspired me to experiment with other instruments.  I didn’t have any fear about “I don’t know how to play that”; I’d just pick it up and try.  My family moved back to Rhode Island in ‘86 and my drum set was in storage.  My dad had this ‘58 Kay Archtop guitar around and I tuned it to an open E and learned how to play some Ramones songs.  From there I learned how to actually tune a guitar from some books and began to play full chords.  I think I started fiddling around with bass guitar around that time too.

I guess I started singing along to Black Flag, the Misfits and Bad Brains records in the late 80’s and I thought I did a decent imitation.  So when Brian McKenzie was putting together Kilgore in 1990, he had asked Bill Southerland to play drums and I bluffed my way into singing.  I had never even sung into a microphone but I just went for it and it sounded pretty good at our first practice.  I got better from scrutinizing Beatle records and obsessively learned all of the harmonies on “Rubber Soul” and “Revolver”.  Bill’s father was also a great hard rock singer and he gave me lots of great tips on stage presence, and dynamics.  I felt like I started to develop my own sound once we started playing regular shows around ‘93.  Once we started recording our first album, I had to see a vocal coach because I kept blowing out my voice on the road.  That really taught me what I was doing right and wrong with my voice and how I could preserve it.  I haven’t taken any vocal lessons since ‘94 but I learned a lot in just those few lessons.  These days, I feel that my voice is really the strongest it’s even been.  I don’t smoke anymore, I eat healthy and I try to stick to singing baritone.

Talk a little about the Kilgore (Smudge) days…I know you guys toured and recorded with some big names in the business.  What were the pros and cons of being in a working band for you?  When did you know it was over for you?  Or rather, when did you know you wanted a change?

I guess the biggest pro’s were being able to travel some of the world, meeting some of my idols, and playing with awesome bands… But the best feeling was watching the band get good.  We were a decent band but I remember coming home after our second tour, and we were this well oiled machine.  All of us; we just got so much better as musicians.  These were guys I went to high school with and they were all damn good musicians, but the road made us stronger.

But the road also tested our nervous systems.  It really zapped our heads.  I always called it the Kurtz Syndrome… “Every day I was in the shit, I couldn’t wait to get back home and every day I was back home, I couldn’t wait to get back in the shit.” It wasn’t easy.  We had some casualties along the way.  I remember one tour where we all ate salami sandwiches for three weeks straight.  I think we lost our bass player after that tour and then our founding member and main songwriter, Brian McKenzie left about a year later.  I knew we were in trouble after he left.  We banded together and worked hard to trudge on but some of the magic was gone.  I remember being on Ozzfest in ‘98 and just feeling miserable.  We didn’t feel like we were playing well, we were fighting a lot… We should have been on top of the world, but it just felt like a drag. Plus playing the same songs night after night, year after year… It just felt like, lather, rinse, and repeat.  We lost the reasons of why we had written the songs and feelings we were trying to convey.  It’s why to this day; I really don’t like playing many shows.  I really knew it was over when we started writing songs for our third album and I just couldn’t come up with a single melody for anything.  It was quite an eye opener…

Why did you leave the music industry?  What happened during the “lost years” (1999-2003) of Jay Berndt?

Well I had grown weary of the major label treatment.  Throughout our time with Warner Bros, they were always trying to make us something that we weren’t.  Punk got big in ‘94, so they were suggesting we sound like that.  The whole Korn sound got big and they suggested we start wearing Addias… The last straw was a radio DJ telling me he was really excited to hear the industrial remixes of our latest album… I fucking lost it.  It wasn’t just the label; our manager, our lawyers… they were all giving us advice on how we should change what we sound like or what we look like, how we could sell more records, be more marketable towards a certain target demographic… I just began distrusting everyone.

They even offered me a solo artist contract if I would stay with the band.  But I didn’t even know what I wanted to do with music.  I knew I didn’t want to play metal anymore.  I felt that it was too constricting and I wanted to try different styles.  Plus, I didn’t trust anyone, except my wife Jessica.  So I just dropped out… I spent most of that time trying to figure out what I wanted to say and how to say it.  I just holed up in my basement with 4-Track recorder and kept writing and recording songs until I found something that got me excited.  But that wasn’t really until I tried country music in 2003.

Were the bands; The Revival Preachers and The Brimstone Assembly test runs for what you’re doing now? 

 

I suppose in retrospect, yes… I never had any plans of doing anything as a solo artist.  At the time, those were serious projects for me.  I learned more in the two years I played with Damian Puerini (guitarist for the Revival Preachers) than in the ten plus years I had been playing guitar prior.  I mean I had barely played guitar in a band, never mind playing guitar and singing at the same time.  It was also the first time I fronted a band where I wrote all the songs, produced our records, booked the shows… So I had some growing pains, and there were some frustrating times.  But overall I’m really proud of those bands.  The music was good and we had a lot of fun.  Plus, each of those bands had really amazing musicians and they’re all great people as well.

How do you feel your music and songwriting has progressed over the 20 years you’ve been doing it?  Besides, the obvious of going from metal to country/bluesy rock.  

I think in the last four or five years, I’ve really come into my own with my songs.  I never really wrote any of the music with Kilgore.  I wrote all of the vocal melodies, lyrics and I'd make suggestions to arrangements or key changes, but I just couldn’t write metal songs.  I always felt that great metal songs were based on the guitarist being able to write a great riff, like Tony Iommi or Ritchie Blackmore.  I tried to write some songs for the band on the second album and one of them almost made the cut but they were just bad Soundgarden rip-offs and didn’t really fit with the rest of the album.

After I left the band, I was stumbling around trying to find my voice in my songwriting.  Somewhere around 2001/2002, I got inspired by the European acts The Hellacopters, The Hives, and Turbonegro.  They were just making cool rock-n-roll records.  All that stuff made me break out my Chuck Berry, Little Richard and Carl Perkins records.  Just a simple verse, chorus, bridge structure with a catchy melody.  So that’s the thing I spend the most time on, trying to find a good melody.  I tend to write most of my songs when things are quiet; like when I’m walking the dogs, ironing cloths, doing dishes… I just start singing.  Once the melody is there, I pretty much completely hear the rest of the song in my head.  Drums, bass, guitar, piano… It’s all there.  The lyrics always come last.  The melody sets the tone of the song and lets me think of ideas or stories I’d like to convey in the lyrics.  And it really doesn’t matter to me if it’s gospel, country, blues, rock or a metal song.  As long as you have a good melody and something interesting to say, you have the makings of a great song.

Talk about your latest album, Sad Bastard Songs.  I really enjoyed it.  My review was no BS.  Was it difficult to write such personal songs?  You played many of the instruments yourself.  What’s your secret for being able to learn so many instruments?

Well thank you.  You really hit the nail on the head with describing these songs as my children.  I’m really proud of them and the album as a whole.  I think it’s some of the best work I’ve done.  It was challenging to write such honest songs.  I’ve always written about myself, but I always felt that I didn’t want to give up too much, so I hid behind allusions, flowery language or humorous stories.  With these songs, I felt I needed to purge some demons I had been wrestling with.  I had written and recorded about half of the album when my wife really helped me realize that the strongest songs were my most honest ones.  So I actually scrapped a few of the songs I had already recorded and I started over.  Even as the album was ready to be submitted to the label, I had 11 songs that were heartfelt, honest and raw and 1 song that had absolutely nothing to do with the rest of them.  To replace it, I actually wrote, recorded and mixed “Running Blues” in a day or two before handing in the masters.

Handling most of the instruments was a challenge.  Mostly because I record to analog tape and you can’t copy and paste like you can in digital recording.  You hit a bum note while recording and you gotta do it again.  Seeing as I’m not much of a solo player, I felt I needed to bring in experienced players to add that missing something to some of the songs.  The foundation was there but it was the piano, guitar solos, and pedal steel that pulled it all together.

What is Moto Destructo Studio?  How did it come about?  Are they open for other bands to record there?  Do you need a helper, because I need a job?

Hahaha!!  Moto Destructo is the name for my home recording studio.  It’s really just a one man operation. It’s a fully analog recording studio, with a Tascam 16 track, one inch tape machine, 24 track Soundcraft board and numerous external pre-amps, compressors and effects.  I learned over the years by recording onto tape and invested the time and money into the equipment, so I never really had much desire to “upgrade” to digital recording.  Plus, I just can’t get past having to use a mouse instead of faders and knobs on a board. And people can argue endlessly about which is better, but I still like the sound of tape.  I’ve recorded all of my projects at the studio and I do take in other clients, but it’s mostly singer/songwriters or bands that I know I would enjoy working with.  I’ve done a number of albums with local artists such as; Joe Fletcher & the Wrong Reasons, Brian McKenzie, Chris Fullerton, and Villainer.

What are the Broadside Basement Sessions that I’ve seen on You Tube?  Will they continue?

The Broadside Basement Sessions is a video performance series with me and some of my friends working on some original music and some covers.  All of it is very raw; we only rehearse the day of the shoot and have only played the songs a few times.  It’s an opportunity to throw a few musicians together that really haven’t worked together and see if we can create some magic.  We have done two sessions already with a new one launching in early April.  And I’m definitely planning on releasing more… You can find some of the videos here:

http://www.youtube.com/user/rustyknucklesmusic

 

Who are your 5 all-time favorite bands/performers?  Are there any guilty music pleasures?

I’d say the artists that are always in rotation for me would be: The Beatles, Hank Williams, Bob Dylan, Tom Waits, and Howlin’ Wolf.  They are always a source of inspiration.  There’s so many more, and don’t get me started on a “Top Ten...” list!

I wouldn’t say it’s a guilty pleasure but for decades I’ve been saying that I don’t like Bruce Springsteen and I have recently fallen in love with the Darkness on The Edge of Town album.  I don’t have that punk rock integrity thing where you’re not supposed to like something.  To paraphrase Smokey Robinson; “If the song makes you tap your toes, it’s a good song and it’s OK to like it.”

Is there anything or anyone that you’d like to plug?  Take this space to talk about anything you like.

I’d love for everyone to listen to Sad Bastard Songs, of course.  And I’d love to have everyone come down to the German Club show on Sat 3/26.  This will be the first show I’ll be performing songs from SBS with a full band, so I’m really excited.  Also there’s the Tom Waits Tribute/Benefit for Amos House on Fri 4/1 at the 201 in Providence.  Lots of great acts coming together for a great cause… 


I'd like to thank Jay Berndt for doing the interview.  If anyone is within driving distance and would like to see some great music please come out.  The German Club is in Pawtucket, RI and is a FREE show.  The Tom Waits Show is a benefit show.  All the more reason to go to both shows if you live within 50 miles of the venues.

Listen to Jay Berndt's Music here.
Buy his music here and here.

Talking Out Loud - Part 2

Alright folks...in less than 24 hours...this dream is becoming a reality.  Nothing is quite official, but I should be able to stream a 1 to 2 hour show featuring the bands I talk to and frequently mention in this blog on the internet.  When it gets closer, I'll get into detail.  I don't know if the interviews are going to happen right away or ever, but at least I'll be able to play all of the different bands music.  To say it will be an eclectic show will be an understatement.

Stay tuned...this could be good for everyone involved; the bands, you the reader/listener and myself.  Hopefully, an announcement will be coming soon.  I'm excited.

Talking Out Loud

I think about this blog a lot.  Probably too much really.  I just want it to be consistently good.  I don't need thousands of followers, but it would be nice.  It would be amazing if this was my job.  I already treat it like it is, but it would be wonderful if it was a paying job.  Which it isn't, but that's fine.  I'm still going to do it either way, but I'm sure you know what I'm saying.

The big thing that I've been thinking about is podcasting.  I listen to a few and I think it would be more interesting if I was able to do my interviews via podcast.  Sitting down with the performer/band for about an hour and being able to ask follow up questions to their answers.  I think it would be a lot more fun and interesting.  I'm not knocking what I'm doing, because I do like to read a good interview.  The other thing that would be cool in doing this, is playing the music.  Talk about individual tracks, play some of them.  It would be like Rockline, minus the audience interaction.

I'm just talking out loud right now.  I have no money nor knowledge to get this off the ground.  Well, I do have some knowledge of podcasting, but the money to get this going...I just don't have.  I know it doesn't cost that much, but with a baby on the way and no job...money is completely foreign to me, right now.  And no, I'm not asking for money from you guys.  The only thing I'd ask from my audience would be more information on podcasting.  I'm not that kind of guy.



Thanks for reading...

The Music Experiment - Part Seks

This is the sixth and probably last CD I make for the baby while she's still in the womb.  I figure, it's 120 songs by 120 different bands/performers, without repeating a band or performer.  I know I could make another one, but it just feels like the right amount.  I'm sure I'll be making CDs or playlists for her forever or until she develops her own tastes in music.  Basically, when she tells me to stop playing this crap.  That will be a dark day in this house.  Anyways, on with the list...with some commentary, because I can't help myself.

CD # 6

New Hampshire's All Right If You Like Fighting - Scissorfight (great band from NH)
Peace Sells - Megadeth
Life On Mars? - David Bowie
Wish - Nine Inch Nails
Manic Depression - Jimi Hendrix Experience
Skating Away On The Thin Ice Of A New Day - Jethro Tull
I Feel Love - Paul Gilbert (doing a cover of the Donna Summer song, Listen To This Version First)
Respect - Otis Redding (this is the original, Aretha Franklin is the more famous version)
Roadrunner - Jonathan Richman & The Modern Lovers
Hush - Deep Purple
It's A Mistake - Men At Work
Son Of A Gun - Nirvana (cover of the Vaselines song)
Fake Friends - Joan Jett
Shama Lama Ding Dong - Otis Day & The Knights
She Sells Sanctuary - The Cult
Late In The Evening - Paul Simon
Personality Crisis - New York Dolls
Bringin' On The Heartbreak - Def Leppard (my favorite Def Leppard song, this and Hello America)
Corona - Minutemen (the Jackass theme, if you are unfamiliar, although there are lyrics to the song)
Eclipse - Pink Floyd

This might be the last one, but don't be surprised if it's not.

Nine By Design 26

I just want to send out prayers to anyone that reads this little blog that may know anyone involved in the earthquake and tsunami in Japan.  I have readers all over the world and though I don't know most of you, I appreciate the visit.  I wouldn't want anything to happen to anyone, let alone something as major as this was. 

The 2011 MLB season is just around the corner.  It's just 20 days away before opening day.  Today's Nine By Design will be if I was putting together a MLB team and money was no object, who I would pick for my team.  This and the Fantasy Baseball League I'm in, is as close as I'll ever get to putting a major league team together.  It's just fun, if you're into that sort of thing.  On with the weekly list...

Derek's MLB Team:

Catcher: Joe Mauer - Catcher is one of those positions where you don't get a lot of production.  The position is too demanding on the body.  He's the best one going right now.  Honorable Mention:  Brian McCann and Buster Posey

1B: Albert Pujols - He does it every year.  Hits for power and batting average.  One of, if not the most feared hitter in the league.  Just too good to pass up.  Honorable Mention: Joey Votto and Adrian Gonzalez (Cabrera has a drinking problem).

2B: Dustin Pedroia - Really?  Him?  Yes, he's a former Rookie of the Year and MVP.  He never shuts up and does stuff on the field that he shouldn't be able to do.  He's a team leader.  Honorable Mention: Robinson Cano and Rickie Weeks (Utley and Kinsler have too many injuries)

3B: Evan Longoria - He's young, good looking and a really fantastic player.  He had an "off" year in 2010, but it was still better than most players "on" year.  Honorable Mention: David Wright and Ryan Zimmerman

SS: Hanley Ramirez - What could've been if the Red Sox kept him?  He's simply the best player at a very specific position.  There are very few impact SS in the league and he's done it more often than the others.  Honorable Mention: Troy Tulowitzki and Derek Jeter

OF: Carlos Gonzalez - Huge breakout year in 2010, plus great defense

OF: Ryan Braun - Great all around in the Triple Crown categories (HR, RBI, AVG)

OF: Ichiro Suzuki - Yes he's old, but has never hit under .300 or had less than 200 hits

Honorable Mention: Carl Crawford, Josh Hamilton, Shin-Soo Choo and Matt Holliday (to name a few)

SP: Roy Halladay - When he's healthy, there is no better pitcher.  The guy you want on the mound in any game.  Just always scary good.  Reminds me of a harder throwing Greg Maddux.  Honorable Mention: Felix Hernandez, Tim Lincecum and Jon Lester.

We're done with another week.  Hopefully, everyone had a good one.  See you again next time.  Cheers, Happy Weekend!

10 Questions With...Joe Fletcher

Joe Fletcher was kind enough to take a few minutes to answer some questions for me.  He and the rest of the Wrong Reasons will be starting a tour with Lydia Loveless on April 15th.  He has also put up his fantastic album, White Lighter, for FREE download, for a limited time.  Everyone reading this should jump on that offer.  Please throw in a tip to support the band, it's the least you could do.

I know you’re originally from St. Louis, MO.  How did you end up in RI? 

My mom and I moved from St. Louis to Warwick, RI, just before I started kindergarten.  This is where my stepfather is from.  We stayed a year before moving to Pennsylvania and then South Carolina.  After a few years away, we settled back in Rhode Island.

I enjoy your songwriting it’s very visual. So who/what got you started in music and songwriting? 

My love of the electric guitar was what first got me going full steam in about 8^th grade.  Appetite for Destruction had hit the streets and the kids at my junior high were going mental growing soft little mustaches and tearing holes in their clothes.  Before The Wrong Reasons, I was strictly an electric guitar player in Rock N’ Roll bands.  Somewhere around the end of the last band I was in, The Deterrents, I started working on my own songs and learning how to sing and play acoustic guitar.

Where does your music/songwriting influences come from?  You hear a little of everything in your songs. 

If I'm on a roll writing songs, they can come from anywhere.  Something I overhear or read or remember.  Literally anything.  Despite the music we do, I've never felt like I had to be limited to songs about trains, the devil, and cars.  Originality in my writing is important to me. 

How do you feel you’ve progressed from Bury Your Problems to White Lighter?

Personally, I feel like I am a much better singer.  There is something about it that feels more honest to me as well.  That may have as much to do with the way it was recorded as anything else.  It is a very natural sounding record.

White Lighter has a pretty all-star cast of musicians from the Providence scene.  How did that come about?  Did the Wrong Reasons go on break or were these people that you wanted to work with?  Just a little confused on why the guys didn’t play on the album. 

I didn't know those guys yet.  I started recording in April of last year.  Leading up to that, I didn't have that steady of a band.  I got in touch with some friends that were wiling to help, so I just started rehearsing these different songs with different people for the record.  During the recording, someone mentioned to me that bassist Joe Principe and drummer Dave Hemingway were not playing with anyone.  I got in touch with them and we started rehearsing on the days that I wasn't at Machines with Magnets mixing White Lighter.  They've been with me nearly a year now.  I am a lucky guy.

You’re doing a small tour with Lydia Loveless in April.  What are some favorite places to play?  Where would you like to play? 

We are very excited about the tour with Lydia.  We’ve been doing shows with her in Ohio for four years now.  Her first record since signing to Bloodshot will be out later this year.  Things are really looking up for her.

As far as favorite places to play, I love Nashville, Memphis, Austin, and St. Louis.  I would really like to get out to Northwest and California.  I just played a show in Portland, OR while on a short vacation.  I like their style out there.  Also, a European tour must happen at some point.

What do you think of the Alt-Country/Americana genre?  Do you think Providence is an unlikely place for such a strong Alt-Country/Americana scene? 

I don’t think much about genres and defining a band’s sound. If anything, the limitations of a genre too often confine a band.  I suppose we might be a bit easier to market if we just played honky tonk or just played country blues, but I would also be lying to myself on a daily basis about what I’d like to be doing.  I just follow my natural inclinations of how and what to play based on what I like to hear.  Personally, I find it funny how much magazine space has been devoted to things like “Whoa, this Deer Tick sure doesn’t sound like they’re from Rhode Island.”  Old country, folk, and blues records have been available to me in my local New England record shops for as long as I’ve been looking for them.  I can get in my truck and be in North Carolina by dinner time.  We’re not talking about some great distance.  I’m not sure what people from here are supposed to sound like.  The Pixies?  Sea shanties?  Who knows?  I think Providence is as likely as anywhere for talented musicians to get interested in and play a variety of American roots music. 

Who are some local bands that you like to see/play with?  Is there anybody that you’d like to play with, that you haven’t already? (Nationally/World)

Locally, I love Brown Bird, Last Good Tooth, and Keith McCurdy.  Some of my current favorite national acts that I would love to play with sometime… Bob Dylan, John Prine, Justin Townes Earle, Gillain Welch, Hayes Carll, The Avett Brothers…  this could go on forever.

What are the plans for you and the band in the future?  A new record?  More touring? 

Well, this record just came out in December.  I’d like to record again next winter.  We’ve got quite a few new songs already.  I am really anxious to record with current live band.  As far as touring, after this ten-day run with Lydia Loveless, we’ll go back out in July for much longer one.

Any guilty music pleasures?

For better or worse, I'm not really too embarrassed by anything that I like.  It was been suggested that I should be ashamed of my love of George Michael's "Faith" record or the first 50 Cent record.  The unimaginative sometimes roll their eyes when I say "Purple Rain" is the best record I ever heard.  I am very comfortable with this fact.  I would rather listen to good pop music than another "roots" band that sounds just like the last one.


I'd like to thank Joe Fletcher again for answering my questions.  Please go see Joe Fletcher & The Wrong Reasons if they are playing anywhere near you.  It's a guaranteed good time.  Also, jump on that limited time offer of the FREE download of White Lighter.  I can't recommend it more.

The Extra-Medium Sized Review : Jay Berndt - Sad Bastard Songs

The first thing that hits you right in the solar plexus about Sad Bastard Songs is Jay Berndt's voice.  He has a huge, booming voice that is full of soul and emotion.  That booming voice comes from his previous job as lead singer of the metal band Kilgore, but I think it has more impact on these songs.  The songs you hear on this album are very poignant and personal.  Jay sings like his life depends on it.  He wears his heart on his tattooed sleeve. 

I know what you're thinking...What am I going to get for my hard earned money?  How about an autobiography done to some fine country/rock music?  Berndt tells you stories, some about his past ("Different Things") and some about the present ("Jessica, The Tattooed Lady").  I'll tell you something that you won't get and that's a throw away song.  You're not getting any filler here.  Every song has a purpose and a reason to be included.  This isn't a job for Jay, it's part of him.  Berndt, isn't trying to make it on the radio or sell millions of records.  If it happened, fantastic, couldn't happen to a better guy.  He's just different from the typical processed pop musician with a cowboy hat, he's a more spiritual, country/rocker.

Different you say, please tell me more.  Jay Berndt, writes all of his own songs and plays most of the instruments himself.  He's gotten help from some of his talented friends, a few have been mentioned before in this very blog.  Berndt has a vision for each song, like they are a child.  You truly understand this dedication to his craft by the end of the album.  It's an experience that you can't turn off until it has been completed.  Then you want to start it all over again.

The bottom line is, quality.  That's what it's all about.  There are a lot of albums out there that only have two, maybe three, good songs on it.  Every song, minus the opening theme on Sad Bastard Songs, could be released as a single.  To me, that sounds like money well spent.  

To see Jay Berndt Live, go here.  If you're within 50 miles, you should go.  The Throttles, who have been profiled here before are also playing on the bill.  And it's FREE...there's no better price than that.

Check out Jay Berndt here.

Buy his music here and here.

The Super Extended Family

 

I'm not sure if I'm going to be able to explain this so "you," the reader understands.  I go to a family camp every summer.  I've been going my entire life, not quite 40 years, but quickly getting there.  The same people go at the same time every year.  Some are real family, quite a few of the people are somehow related to me.  Others that go are related to the others that are there every year.  I like to think we're all related by the common bond we know as camp.  Technically, I haven't really known all of these people for nearly 40 years, but most of the time, it feels like I've known them longer.  Everyone pretty much knows everything about everyone (say that 5 times fast).  I believe it's nigh impossible to keep a secret at camp.  It's just too hard, so don't even try.

This past weekend, we had our mid-year reunion.  It's about half way until we all go to camp in the summer.  It's a great way to catch up on what's happening with everyone during the year.  Travel is hard, but when you hear about a reunion, it almost doesn't matter how far you have to go.  It took us (my wife, my brother and myself) about 5 hours to get to PA.  Some came from a longer distance (NH and MA) and some live around the corner, literally.  Next year, I hope it will be closer to our home in RI, but it doesn't really matter.  As long as you have the weekend free, you go.

Thanks to technology, a lot of us keep in touch the entire year, but it's not the same as a face to face conversation.  The lunches and dinners are informal, just like at camp.  You eat when you want to, not because you have to.  Everyone brings a dish or two for the potluck.  New recipes and old standbys fill out the menu.  Many activities often happen, but the main one and the important one, is conversation.  Funny stories, current events, you name it, it all gets talked about.  The art of conversation is completely lost these days.  

Then you blink your eyes and the weekend is over.  This is often what happens at camp as well, unless it rains all week, then it feels like that week is a year.  Everyone goes back to their lives until it's camp time.  I honestly can't tell you when the camp reunions started.  I've been going to them since I was a baby.  It's a very welcome distraction and a great way to see the super extended family.  You get a little bit of camp and that helps you get through the remainder of the year.  It recharges your batteries a bit, until it's time for the longer visit at the lake itself.

Nine By Design 25 - The 100th Post

Yes, this is the ultimate cop out.  This Nine By Design will be like the re-release of a CD or DVD.  You already own it, but you want to get it because there's 37 extra seconds of footage or 2 previously unreleased songs (that usually aren't that good).  It's the 25th version of Nine By Design and also the 100th post of the blog.  Since I have to prepare for a weekend trip (which is the real reason for this crappy post), let's get on with the list.

Nine By Design 25 - The Remix

When I Grow Up...I Want To Be... - It's the only entry I kept from the original blog.  I still think I was funny, even 20 years later.

Attack Of The Baby Brain - This was the first baby post on the blog. 

My Wife Can Eat More Than Your Wife - To go along with this, my wife was getting ready for bed last night.  She kept saying she wasn't feeling well.  She then had a large bowl of cereal and felt better.  She wants to stash food in the bedroom.

The Mohan Chronicles - I can still remember this like it was yesterday.  Now only if I actually went to class instead of doing stuff like this.

The Most Dangerous Job In The World - We went to Brains' 7th birthday party last weekend.  I hope my soon to be born daughter is as good as they are.  No, I'm not sucking up, nobody in my family reads this blog. 

101 Reasons: I Love Music - There will be another 101 Reasons coming soon.  It takes a lot of work to prepare it.

When Good Musicians, Go Horribly Wrong - It happens.  Way too often.  They need an intervention.

Nine By Design 8 - I wish MTV stayed the course instead of trying to develop shows.  Videos can be really good.  We all love videos. 

Nine By Design 12 - All of these albums are must owns.  So, it's the weekend...go buy them.  You'll thank me.

That's all for now...off to pack and do other fun prep things.  See you next week.  Cheers...Happy Weekend!

The Music Experiment - Part Fem

Just made a new CD for the baby.  I also try to make good play lists for my wife, because she's the one that listens to these from start to finish.  I have yet to repeat a band/performer.  I feel good about that, because at 20 songs per disc...that's 100 bands/performers.  It finally pays to have a lot of CDs and varying tastes in pseudo-popular music.  A lot of people have never heard of some of the bands I listen to.  Here's the latest disc.

CD #5

One Step Beyond - Madness
Short Notice - The Living End
Dreams - The Cranberries
Face Dance Part Two - Pete Townshend
Bernadette - The Four Tops
Second Hand News - Fleetwood Mac
I Got You - Split Enz
Down In The Park - Foo Fighters (doing a Tubeway Army cover)
Space Age Love Song - Flock Of Seagulls
Land Ho! - The Doors
Abacab - Genesis
Ex Lion Tamer - Wire
3AM - Clowns For Progress
Talk To Ya Later - The Tubes
Never Been Any Reason - Head East
Don't Run Wild - The Del Fuegos
Feeling That Way - Journey
Wasted Years - Iron Maiden
Rock And Roll Girls - John Fogerty
Always Something There To Remind Me - Naked Eyes

Stay tuned for more classics...