Ace Frehley Book Review

I just finished reading the new Ace Frehley autobiography "No Regrets, A Rock N' Roll Memoir" wrote by Ace with the help of Joe Layden and John Ostrosky. I am thinking it was more wrote by the co-authors with Ace just telling them the stories.

Being a huge KISS fan I was really looking forward to getting some dirt on the other members of KISS especially Gene Simmons. As Gene has been known to put down Ace any chance he gets. There isn't a whole lot of dirt in the book about KISS. It's more Ace telling stories about drinking and drugging. Which are quite funny and amusing. Stories of excess with such people as John Belushi,Dan Aykroyd,Peter Criss and Anton Fig. How he is still alive is a story in itself. Gene saved his life twice, both from drowning. So maybe that's why he doesn't really put Gene down much in the book, other then saying he is a greedy money whore and a sex addict. Something all KISS fans already know.

Ace comes across as fun guy to hang and drink with, a guy with a great sense of humour and not afraid to take chances. He is also a very unreliable person when it comes to being on time and meeting deadlines, hence why Gene and Paul got so tired of his tardiness. He didn't get kicked out of KISS as much as he says he quit the band. I find that hard to believe, but it's his story and he's sticking to it. Although, after releasing his solo album in 1978 and it being the most successful of all the members of KISS, that is where his ego really got the best of him and he thought he could do it on his own.

I thought there would be more stories and information about his own band Frehley's Comet that he put together after leaving KISS but he tells very little about them days. Ace has been sober for five years now and continues to put out music and tour. here is hoping he can continue to be sober, cause if he doesn't the consequences aren't going to be good. Ace is just too damn crazy when he is on the drink, which almost always leads to doing coke and bad news usually follows quickly.

All and all if you are a die hard KISS fan, I think you will enjoy this book, it is a quick read. Lots of booze,blow and babe stories which I found to be entertainingly funny and sad at the same time. Ace keep it together, we want to keep you around for a long time and continue to hear and see you put out music.

Rolling Papers

After all the gifts a person gets for Xmas, it's time to find a place for it all. Well, after doing some cleaning and throwing out of stuff. I stumbled upon some music memorabilia I forgot I even had. I will be featuring some of them over the following weeks. Today, I am gonna post some of the rolling papers I have collected over the years.

First off are some Tragically Hip papers. The first package are from a Hip show I saw in 2000.



Another package of Hip papers from a show in 2007.



Some Black Crowes papers from a show in 2006. A very cool cover for these papers.



Then of course some Slayer rolling papers that seemed to sell real good at the 2006 concert I bought them at. Yup, lots of weed smoked at that show.



Then a few packages of papers bought at the local head shop. Some Bob Marley papers, which only makes sense. Just surprised that the rolling papers are a normal size.



And my newest package of papers in which I just got for Xmas. Pink Floyd rolling papers, seems pretty appropriate to me.

KISS Collectible Of The Day Dec.29th

Today's KISS Collectible is an Xmas gift I got from my Sweetie. It is a 5 piece Christmas ornament set. Maybe one day i will have enough Xmas ornaments I can do a full tree in nothing but KISS ornaments. This set of ornaments came out this year (2011) and were available at Walmart.

Song Of The Day Dec.24th (Stompin' Tom Connors)

Today's song of the day is Stompin' Tom Connors song "Jingle Jangle Aeroplane" from his 1970 album "Merry Christmas Everybody". I need to get this album on vinyl, if anybody can help. Stompin' Tom is one of my all time favorite artists. Get in touch with me if you can help me out with getting a copy of this please. Thanks.

Merry Christmas to all!!! And thanks for checking out my blog.

Song Of The Day Dec.23rd (Fucked Up)

This is probably my favorite heavy tune of the year. It is from the album "David Comes To Life" by the Toronto band Fucked Up, the song is called "The Other Shoe". Love the simple riff through out the song and the background vocals by the lady on bass. For some reason this song just does it for me.

Favorite Concerts Of 2011

Not a bad year for shows again this year. Here is a list of my favorite shows of the year in no particular order (oops, I guess there is, in order of date). All shows in Edmonton except where noted.

* Feb.25th James Cotton and Johnny Winter at the Polish Hall.
- A great double bill of blues legends. James Cotton was excellent and can still play the harp like a mad man. And Johnny Winter also sounded good and had his shit together. Great way to start the year.



* Mar.10th Steel Panther at the Commodore Ballroom in Vancouver.
- Went to this show with my brother. What an awesome time we had at the show. The band was hilarious, not only the tunes but the between song banter was like seeing a comedian. The crowd was very entertaining as well. Good times!!!



* Mar.11th Drive-By Truckers with The Heartless Bastards at the Commodore Ballroom in Vancouver.
- Again, went to this show with my brother. I have always wanted to see the DBT and finally got to see them, had to travel to Vancouver to do so, but well worth it. An excellent show. Didn't much care for Heartless Bastards.



* Apr.16th & 17th John Mellencamp at the Jubilee Auditorium.
- I was lucky to see both of these intimate shows, I already had a ticket for one, when my buddy Buzzard had an extra and invited me to the second show. Both shows were excellent and way more rocking then I was anticipating. Mellencamp was suffering from the flu, but still put on two great shows.



Ya, the poster says 2010, dumb asses.

* May 10th System Of A Down and Gogol Bordello at Rexall Place.
- Another great double bill, Gogol was good and SOAD was fucking amazing, opening show of the tour. Little rough sounding, but still an awesome show.



* May 27th Anvil at The Starlite Room.
- A throw back old school metal show from these Canadian metal veterans. A fun show from a band that deserves all the accolades they can get. Sticking it our for 30 years and finally getting the recognition they deserve. Good times!!!



* June 20th Steve Earle at the Jubilee Auditorium.
- Of the last three times I have seen Steve Earle in concert, this was the best. Lots of hits, rarely played songs, and him getting back to his roots playing with The Dukes.

* June 25th C'mon with Eamon McGrath and Krang at the Wunderbar.
- First time seeing a band at this dive bar on Whyte Ave.,fell in love with this venue. Great place to see a show. C'mon rocked the hell out of the place and Krang and Eamon were good as well. A great triple bill.



* June 26th The Sadies with The Sheepdogs at The Pawn Shop.
- Two great Canadian bands on a Sunday night, ok, that sucked being a Sunday, but both bands were great. Always like The Sadies live and first time seeing The Sheepdogs perform. They put on a good show, and weeks later were winners of the Rolling Stone battle of the bands, first unsigned band to appear on the cover of said magazine.



* July 14th Tragically Hip at Northlands Grounds.
- Been a long time since I had seen The Hip play an outdoor show, a parking lot for a concert site kind of sucked, but The Hip put on an amazing show. Lead singer Gord Downie was up to his usual weirdness at this show. Just watching and listening to Gord is worth the price of admission. A great show and a good time!!!



* July 23rd Hillbilly Casino at Rice Howard Way.
- Went to see one band but hung around to see who this band was and what they were like. Well, what a nice surprise it was to catch Hillbilly Casino. A rock-a-billy band from Nashville that had it going on. A very energetic and fun band to see live. this show was part of a music fest Edmonton put on in conjunction with the Indy Race that was going on here that weekend. Outdoor stage in the middle of downtown Edmonton. Surprise show of the year for me. Good times!!!

* Sept.23rd Pearl Jam and Mudhoney at Rexall Place.
- This was a last minute decision to go to this show. Bought a floor ticket from a scalper for face value. Am I ever glad I decided to go to the show. Pearl Jam rocked. Missed Mudhoney.



* Oct.28th Los Lobos with Leeroy Stagger at Century Casino.
- I had to decide between this show and the Foo Fighters show the same night. Once they announced that Leeroy was opening, it was an easy decision. What an awesome night of music this was. Both bands were excellent, the venue was surprisingly good. Los Lobos were so much fun live. Overall a really fun night, good company, good music and good times!!! Most fun I had at a show all year. great double bill.



Wish list for bands I hope to see in 2012...Black Sabbath, Blitzen Trapper, Wilco, Beastie Boys, Lucero, Drive-By Truckers, Ry Cooder, JJ Cale, Ween, Band Of Skulls and of course Bob Dylan.

Favorites Albums Of 2011

So the year is winding down, time to make my list of favorite albums (that I bought) and concerts (I attended) of the year. The list is in no particular order.

Favorite Albums Of The Year.

* Mariachi El Bronx - "Mariachi El Bronx II" on vinyl.
- Just picked up this album at the end of the year, I didn't much care for their first album but thought I would take a chance on this one. Sure glad I did, I'm digging this one. makes me want to do shots of tequila and eat tacos. Great album. Also the coolest colour of vinyl I got all year. Wish I had seen them open for Foo Fighters in October.

* Big Sugar - "Revolution Per Minute" on CD.
- This album took a while to grow on me, but after a few listens I really like it. Some good rockin' reggae. First album they have put out since 2001. Still a better act to see live.

* Fucked Up - "David Comes To Life" on vinyl.
- A great hardcore album by this Toronto band. I'm not much in to the hardcore but do like this album. Listen to this on a regular basis. Love the rough vocals and the tempo changes.

* The Black Keys - "El Camino" on vinyl.
- This release is a more up tempo rock album then there previous album "Brothers". Great ass shaking tunes.

* Wilco - "The Whole Love" on vinyl.
- The band back to being their weird selves. This album is along the lines of Yankee Hotel Foxtrot. One of my very faves of the year.

* Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks - "Mirror Traffic" on vinyl.
- Mirror Traffic sounds like his old band Pavement in a lot of places oh this album. I really like this one too.

* Deer Tick - "Divine Providence" on vinyl.
- This album feels like the boys sitting around the studio swilling beers and jamming. Way more rocking then their previous folk/country album "Born On Flag Day", which is also very good.

* Steve Earle - "I'll Never Get Out Of This World Alive" on vinyl.
- Steve getting back to his roots, a great album.

* John Popper & The Duskray Troubadours - "Self Titled" on CD.
- I hated this album on my first listen. I was so disappointed, cause I am a big fan of "Blues Traveler" and love John's voice. After a few more listens, it has now made my best of list for the year. A great Sunday morning album, also nice to listen to after a good night of drinking. Awesome voice.

* Blitzen Trapper - "American Goldwing" on vinyl.
- Love this album, reminds me of 70's folk rock music. Little bit psychedelic, great lyrics. Another one of my very faves.

* Ry Cooder - "Pull Up Some Dust And Sit Down" on vinyl.
- A somewhat political album, great song subjects, great song writing and an old school folk/blues album. Best album title of the year too.

* Beastie Boys - "Hot Sauce Committee Part Two" on vinyl.
- Not much of a fan of rap music at all, but you can't go wrong with the Beastie Boys. Old school rap music,loving this album. This shit makes me jump around my apartment suite pretending I know how to groove. So much fun.

* Middle Brother - "Self Titled" on vinyl.
- An album I read about in Rolling Stone magazine and had a hard time finding for the longest time. When I finally did get it, it was well worth the wait. A great twangy kind of album with (John McCauley) from Deer Tick on vocals. Actually this is the album that got me interested in Deer Tick. A fun indie folk album.

* My Morning Jacket - "Circuital" on vinyl.
- A jam heavy psychedelic listen.

* Drive-By Truckers - "Go-Go Boots" on vinyl.
- Southern rock at it's best, one of my favorite bands and records of the year.

* Chuck Ragan - "Covering Ground" on vinyl.
- Great singer/songwriter album by Hot Water Music lead singer, reminds me of Bruce Springsteen a lot.

* The Horrible Crowes - "Elsie" on vinyl.
- A mellow sounding album led by Brian Fallon of Gaslight Anthem. Took me a while to get in to this album, but do enjoy it now.

* Gregg Allman - "Low Country Blues" on vinyl.
- Been a long time since anything new from Gregg and the boys, but finally a solo album by Gregg, an album full of blues covers and a couple of originals. Love this album.

* Black Joe Lewis and the Honeybears - "Scandalous" on vinyl.
- A band that my brother got me in to. If you need a funk fix, this is the album for you. Picks up where James Brown left off. Great funk music.

* Leeroy Stagger - "Little Victories" on CD.
- Another awesome singer/songwriter album. Gritty Steve Earle like music. The album was released last year, but just got myself a copy this year.

Ya, I know it's a long list, but then I bought a lot of new music in the course of the past year. Other albums I enjoyed that didn't make the list were by Paul Simon, Steel Panther, Cave Singers, Bob Dylan, C'mon, Avett Bros., Tom Waits and Anvil. A great year in music. Looking forward to seeing and hearing what comes out in 2012.

Gig Posters Video (Drive-By Truckers)

I know I haven't done very many posts lately, part of that is due to me trying to make a video, wow, what a fucking hassle that was. This is the finished product for my first try. The music is by Drive-By Truckers, the song is called "Let There Be Rock" from their live album "Live at Austin City Limits" released in 2009. The song was originally released on the studio album "Southern Rock Opera" that came out in 2001. The posters are from concerts I have been to. Hope you enjoy my video. Watch for part 2. like to say coming soon, but can't promise that.

Prince In Edmonton 12/13/11

Tuesday night, my buddy A-Bomb and I went to the Prince concert at Rexall place. While I have never really been a fan of Prince, I have seen a few clips of him where he looks and sounds like a hell of guitar player. I thought I would take the chance and buy cheap seats and checkout the show.

The night didn't get off to a very good start. Tickets said 8pm start, well Prince decided to pull an Axl, after over an hour wait he finally made his way to the stage, which is a good thing, cause another 10 minutes and I was going to call it a night and go home. When the show was supposed to start, I was looking around the Coliseum and the place was looking pretty sparse, didn't look like he was going to get a very good turn out. But, by the time the show did start, the place was damn near full,probably around 12,000 people. We managed to upgrade our seats, we ran into A-Bomb's brother at the show and went and sat with him in his 115 dollar seats, no problems all night, so that was a bonus.

Prince opened the show with the song "Let's Go Crazy" that sounded good. Other songs he played were Purple Rain, 1999, Raspberry Beret, When Doves Cry and a few other tunes that I recognized but don't know the titles. Prince was also very cognizant in letting us know he had lots of hits to play and saying "Edmonton", like wow, how many times do you have to say our city name, little weird I thought. His stage was in the shape of the symbol that he switched to years ago, so the stage went all over the place. Wish I could show you a picture, but security were very tight about pictures being taken, I saw very few flashes from a camera all evening. I thought Prince was pretty decent when he was playing the guitar , the guy can play, the funky stuff was cool as well.His back up band was good. I thought we were in for a three hour show, having read a few reviews beforehand. But Tuesday nights show was only 2 hours long. His encore was done with the house lights on, after a long wait too. Lots of people had left thinking the show was over. I kind of got the feeling Prince wasn't really into on this night. All and all an alright show. Like I say, have never been a real big fan of him, and after seeing him, have to say, I'm still not. Good show, just glad I only paid 45 dollars for my ticket. But then, I would never have gone of it was more then that. A-Bomb and I had a good time, and that's what matters. Good times!!!

Setlist for the Edmonton show.

(Thunderstorm show intro)
Let's Go Crazy
Delirious
1999
Shhh
Take Me With U
Controversy
Sexy Dancer (instrumental) / Get Down Tonight
Play That Funky Music

[Sampler set]
When Doves Cry / Nasty Girl (instrumental) / Sign O' The Times / Darling Nikki (instrumental) / A Love Bizarre / Alphabet St. / I Would Die 4 U / Hot Thing

Purple Rain
Love Rollercoaster (aborted)
Raspberry Beret
Cream
Cool incl. Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough

Kiss
Nothing Compares 2 U
Get Wild
D.M.S.R.

Book Review (Led Zeppelin)

I recently finished reading the book "The Lost Chronicles Of Led Zeppelin's 1975 American Tour LZ-75'" wrote by Stephen Davis. This is the second book he has written about Zeppelin, the first being the 1985 book "Hammer Of The Gods". LZ-75' was released in 2010 after Stephen found the lost journals he had wrote while on tour with Led Zeppelin in 1975.

Stephen Davis was invited to follow the Zeppelin tour by Danny Sugerman who himself wrote the Jim Morrison biography "No One Here Get's Out Alive". Danny was looking after Led Zeppelin's label "Swan Song" at the time, when he sent the invite out to Stephen. Stephen followed Zeppelin's tour through the start on the east coast of America and then getting the chance to fly on Zeppelin's plane The Starship.

Zeppelin were touring for the album "Physical Graffiti" before it was even released. So the fan reaction was different from city to city as no one had heard the new music yet. There seemed to be a lot of issues with the members of Zeppelin on this tour, from sickness, Robert Plant fighting the flu for the first month of tour, homesickness was another issue, as most of the members didn't like being away from their families, drugs, Jimmy Page was heroin at the time, all the members were doing coke, and John Bonham being a drunk. Sounds like John Bonham was an asshole when he was drinking, some wild stories in this here book about him.

The book is a quick read as it is not a very long book, easy to read in a few sittings. I found the book interesting, being a big Zep fan. The author Stephen Davis does a good job covering the ins and outs of the daily life of being on the road with the band, from concert to concert, city to city and the shenanigans they got up to while not on stage. All and all a good book.

KISS Collectible Of The Day Dec.5th

Today's KISS Collectible is another old poster, I am thinking this is from around 1977-78 or so. I couldn't find a date on it. It measures 33"X21" and was distributed by Campus Craft. If I am wrong on the date, I am sure my Brother will correct me,lol.

Poster.

KISS Collectible Of The Day Dec.4th

Today's KISS Collectible is a KISS stash can that was given to me a few years ago. It's perfect for all your stash needs :)

KISS Collectible Of The Day Dec.1st

Well, we are now in the month of December and we all know what is up and coming, ya, Xmas time. So, today's KISS Collectible is an Xmas ornament I got three years ago from my Sweetie Janis. It's a little heavy for the tree, but looks damn good hanging on my wall unit. The ornament plays the KISS song "Shout It Out Loud" and the KISS logo lights up when you press a little button that is on it. It's pretty damn cool I say!!!!

KISS Ornament.

The Frolics and Prisoner Cinema Free Show at Permanent Records 11/26/2011

On Saturday Permanent Records in Edmonton celebrated their first anniversary of opening the doors with two bands The Frolics and Prisoner Cinema playing a free show in the afternoon. A good turn out for both bands too, which was good to see, that, and people were buying records and CD's,also nice to see.

The first band of the afternoon was The Frolics, a band that started in Nashville in 2007 and later relocated to Edmonton. They are a three piece band that play, what the band call "Sexy Psycho Surf" music, kind of psychobillyish. The Frolics are led by Barbie Doll look a like Amy on bass and vocals,husband Scott on guitar (originally from Edmonton) and newest member Ali D on drums.

The Frolics played a 40 minute set with lots of tunes from their latest release "Ripe" which was recorded in Nashville. I thought Amy had a great set of vocals with a good range and the band played tight. Very entertaining playing songs such as, Rig Pig, Bridezilla, Three Floor Walkup, Travelin' Meth Lab and a the Johnny Cash song Ring Of Fire. My only complaint is I thought the bass could have been a little heavier in the mix, nonetheless a good show.

The Frolics.












I did pick up The Frolics latest release at the show. Watch for a CD review soon.



After an hour break and going to the Commie for few drinks, it was back to Permanent Records to catch the second band of the afternoon. Local punk band Prisoner Cinema were next up and come out playing super loud, not sure what the knitting store and the corset store next door thought, but they came out slamming, they done shook the foundations of the building that's for sure. Prisoner Cinema is a three piece band consisting of Paul Schmold on guitar and vocals (from what I understand he is also legally blind), Josh Bosse plays bass and rounded out by Chris Maskell on drums. I am not sure how to describe them, probably just good old raw basement punk/thrash music. They were excellent, like I say loud and abrasive. If your into punk, this is a band that is worth checking out.

Prisoner Cinema.










A big congratulations to Permanent Records (8126 Gateway Blvd.) for surviving the first year of your store, you can never have too many record stores in a city. Keep up the great work and keep putting on the shows, loving them, it is introducing me to some local bands that I normally wouldn't get out to see, but will be now.

In concert news...The Frolics will be rocking Filthy McNasty's (10511-82ave) on Saturday December 10th.

Also looks like Prisoner Cinema will be playing the same day at DV8 (8307-99st) as part of the PiND reunion show. Sounds like this will be their last show, as they are parting ways as a band after playing together in one form or another (Brewkowskis) after 12 years.

Thanks Hurl for accompanying me to the show Saturday afternoon, had a great time. Good times!!!

KISS Collectible Of The Day Nov.27th

Today's KISS Collectible is computer video game called KISS Pinball. The game was made by Global Star Software in 2002. I have tried the game and don't much care for it. I actually forgot I even had it. I believe my parents bought this for me as an Xmas gift back in 2002.

Packaging.



There are two table tops you can choose from to play. Here are a few screen shots of the game.



Table top one.



Table top two.

KISS Collectible Of The Day Nov.25th

Today's KISS Collectible is the last of the four members of KISS posters of a series from 1977. This one is of drummer Peter Criss.

Poster.

KISS Collectible Of The Day Nov.24th

Today's KISS Collectible is another poster released in 1977. This one is of Gene Simmons. Gene Simmons was my favorite member of the band as a kid. Still think this is an awesome poster.

Poster.

KISS Collectible Of The Day Nov.23rd

Today's KISS Collectible is another poster in a series of posters that were released in 1977. This one is of Paul Stanley and measures 34"X22". Again the poster is in pretty good condition.

Poster.

KISS Collectible Of The Day Nov.21st

Today's KISS Collectible is an old Ace Frehley poster that I bought at a flea market back in the 80's. It was put out in 1977 and distributed by C/C Sales. The poster is 34"X22" in size and in pretty good condition considering how old it is.

Poster.