I just recently finished reading the book Nothin' To Lose, The Making Of KISS 1972-1975 wrote by Ken Sharp and co-authored by Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons.
If you are a fan of KISS, this is a must read. As the title of the book says, it is about KISS between the years of 1972- 1975, before KISS became the brand and were still a band trying to make it.
I found the book to be very interesting, with all kinds of interviews from not only the band members but also from bands that played with KISS back in the day, bands like Rush, Blue Oyster Cult, Bob Seger, Aerosmith, New York Dolls plus managers and road crew. And not all these people always had kind things to say about KISS. Nice to see that they didn't edit those things out. It is an honest read.
KISS weren't an over night success as you will read in this book. It took a lot of touring and recording and help from Neil Bogart of Casablanca Records and their manager Bill Aucoin.
My favorite part of this book is the story of KISS going on their first tour outside of new York. Which was a trip to Canada, playing in Edmonton, Calgary and Winnipeg. Me being from Edmonton, it was super cool to read about it.
I would have to say this is my favorite KISS book I have read. And I have read my share. Most of the stories in this book are things I have never read about before, and lots of never before seen pictures in this book as well. This is a book well worth picking up.
On Saturday night my buddies Hurl, A-Bomb and I went to the Mike McDonald solo show at the Blue Chair Cafe here in Edmonton. For those that don't know, Mike is the lead singer of Edmonton band Jr. Gone Wild and Bunch Of Marys. Sounds like Mike is going to be busy guy this year with plans to release a new Jr. Gone Wild album, and finally an EP for his band A Bunch Of Marys, as there is no actual products out there for this project, and the show that he played Saturday night was recorded as it will be released as a live album.
The show was sold out with a capacity of probably close to a hundred people. The vibe in the room was good, the crowd was appreciative and lively. Mike did two sets of about forty-five minutes, mixing it up with some Jr. Gone Wild songs, a few songs from his Mike McDonald Band stuff, like the great song "The Longest Song In The Universe", A Bunch Of Marys song and some songs that I haven't heard before. Mike's voice was in fine form as was his guitar playing.
This was an outstanding show and should make for a great live album. Looking forward to hearing it. For my first show of the year, this was an awesome one. Good times!!!
If you have read my list of favorite albums of 2013 you will be able to tell that I am no damn good at making a top ten list. So here I go with a list of my favorite concerts of the year. All shows were in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
Another great double bill, it had been a long time since I had seen the Supersuckers. Nice to see them in a club setting again. Lydia Loveless was great too.
This amazing reunion show by Jr.Gone Wild is in my top three for sure. An epic three hour show at a hall in the middle of nowhere. A turn out of about 600 people and not one person left there disappointed.
After the Interstellar Fest, it was a rush to get to the Starlite Room to catch this benefit show of two great bands that you won't see together often in such a small venue. Amazing show.
The Mahones were good but what really caught my ears and eyes at this show was opener Louise Distras from England, just her and a guitar. She won over some fans at this show. She has got an amazing voice.
It's that time of year again to pick my favorite albums of the year. While there are many albums I didn't pick up yet, these are my favorites that I did manage to get. This list is in no particular order.
Leeroy's eighth studio album is another great release. If your a fan of Steve Earle and Neil Young this will be right up your alley. A musician that deserves more recognition. Good stuff!!!
With it looking like there will be no Ween reunion anytime in the near future, it's nice to see that Mickey Melchiondo (better known as Dean Ween) is again putting out some new music.
This time with his side band Moistboyz, where he takes on the name Mickey Moist and teams up with Dickie Moist (Guy Heller). While it is no Ween record it is rocking and wacked out with some sick humour.
Moistboyz - Paperboy
Moistboyz - Chickendick
* The Sadies - A great roots rock psychedelic album from these Canadian rockers.
This album actually came out in 2012, but I only heard of them this year. This is a great album by the husband/wife duo Michael Trent and Cary Ann Hearst.
Shovels & Rope - Kemba's Got The Cabbage Moth Blues
After four long years, Canadian singer/songwriter (now based in Nashville) Mike Plume finally released a new album in 2013. Even though he now lives in the states, as you can tell by the album title he still has very strong ties to Canada. This is an independent release and is available through this link you can get it for free or pay what you want. I recommend donating a little something at least. Need to keep supporting artists or one day there will be no new records to purchase. And that would suck big time.
Mike Plume Band - Coming Home Again (Hey Hey What D'Ya Say)
Mike Plume Band - Live It Up Until They Lower Me Down
Blitzen's new album yet again gives me that feeling that I am listening to outdoor music, something about there sound that gives you a swampy outdoorsy feel. A mix of up-beat folk music with great harmonies, and yet still has a weird vibe to them.
This is a collaboration that I never expected. This is an awesome blues album, sixty-eight year old Charlie Musselwhite on harmonica and Ben Harper finally rocking some blues. The album feels loose like they are having fun making it. An old school blues album for sure.
Ben Harper and Charlie Musselwhite - Don't Look Twice
Danny Michel and The Garifuna Collective - What Colour Are You?
Danny Michel and The Garifuna Collective - Sad And Beautiful World
This has been my favorite album of the year. If you are a fan of Paul Simon's Graceland and Rhythm Of The Saints albums you will love this album. Danny Michel's song writing is incredible and his back up band The Garifuna Collective from Belize, Central America make for an incredible collection of songs. If I need a pick-up this is the album I put on, it never lets me down. After many listens, I'm still not bored of it. Not a bad song on the album. Great stuff.
I found Steve Earle's new album to be one of his better albums, more along the lines of his El Corazon release from years ago. It's rocking in places, a song that is piano driven and even a song that features his banjo playing. His voice sounds good and as usual some great song writing. All and all a really good album.
This was an album I was really looking forward to. And for good reason, it's a balls out rocker, maybe not quite as heavy as previous albums, but still a great punk album.
An album that originally came out in 1986 (their debut), but was re-mastered and re-released this year with local cow punkers Jr. Gone Wild reforming. I totally missed out on this album back in the day. The album Less Art More Pop! that came out this year has a bunch of previously unreleased songs. This album still sounds fresh today. Great stuff!!!
Jr. Gone Wild - Fine Scotch
Jr. Gone Wild - Tragedy In E
So that's my list of favorite albums I purchased this year. I am sure there were many other great albums that I missed, but with any luck I will get those in 2014 and maybe they will make my list next year.
Don't forget to support your local record shop.
Happy New Year!!!! Thanks for checking out my blog. Good times!!!
