VAN DYKE: Where are the Beatles, Zeppelins, and Nirvanas of today?
May 17th
The Beatles
When was the last time you bought a CD? I just realized that it has been years since I bought one for myself. The last one I bought was a Christmas present for my wife (Adele — 21, amazing!). Before that, I am not sure. I did buy the latest Crash Street Kids album, but as a digital download. I used to buy CD’s all the time, so what has changed? Well, quite a few things, actually.
Van Dyke
For one, we truly live in the fast lane now. Like the Eagles song said over 35 years ago, today we have “everything all the time.” As soon as something new is available, it is already old. We know within a minute when anything happens anywhere in the world. Due to the onslaught of technology, we can listen to albums before and after they come out on the Internet. We can subscribe to services that make millions of songs and just about every album available for a fee that is less than the typical cost of a CD every month. I truly like these services, but I am a little conflicted about using them because I am not sure how artists are compensated by them, especially new and upcoming artists.
Also, everything is just done to death these days. It has all turned into fast food. Everyone fights to prove their burger is the best, but in the end they are all just garbage. This is what has happened to the music industry. We want fresh, new interesting and tasty music, and they give us dull, bland, recycled pink slime.
There are no ‘game changer’ artists anymore. Who was the last one you can remember? Where are the Beatles, Zeppelins, and Nirvanas of today? Who has released that monumental record like “The Wall” or “Electric Ladyland?” I am sure they are out there, but how do you find out about them? I don’t know anymore.
So, until something worthwhile comes along, I will stick with finding older stuff pointed out to me by Paul Ericson on the radio, and Pandora online. The way it is now, the music industry is gonna drop dead from eating all that junk food and it will be too late for anyone to call EMS (who you should check out this coming Sunday out at the mall, btw) to save it.
Until next time, go see some local live music this weekend; see what EMS is all about on Sunday; and as always, do something with or for a veteran. We owe them so much. OH, and maybe pick up or order that Jackson Browne CD that has that “For a Rocker” song on it…
Don Van Dyke
LIVE EVENTS: School’s out and the music is rockin’
May 17th
Rock Back to Summer featuring Devonte Clark, Unknown Faces, Somewhere In Between, Covets Avail (rock)
WHEN: 6 p.m. Friday
WHERE: Turner Hall
COST: $3
Tim Hart (acoustic)
WHEN: 7 p.m. Friday
WHERE: School’s Out for Summer Party at Spirit Knob Winery, Ursa
Saints Avenue Opry (country)
WHEN: 8 p.m. Friday
WHERE: Lewis Street Playhouse, Canton, Mo.
COST: $8
George Cate (acoustic)
WHEN: 9 p.m. Friday
WHERE: One Restaurant and Bar, 600 Hampshire
Brushfire (country)
WHEN: 9 p.m. Friday
WHERE: Johnny Bang Bang’s, 138 N. Front
13 Stitches (classic rock)
WHEN: 6:30 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: South Side Boat Club, 640 S. Front
Cheeks McGee and Fielder (acoustic/rock)
WHEN: 7 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: Johnny Bang Bang’s, 138 N. Front
Chris Cavanaugh (country)
WHEN: 8 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: Holler and Swaller Saloon, 500 York
COST: $10
The Human Aftertaste, the Texas Funerals, Busey’s Helmet and Dread Corsair
WHEN: 8 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: The State Room, 434 S. Eighth
COST: $5
Big on Blondes (classic rock)
WHEN: 8:30 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: The Dock, 1021 Bonansinga Dr.
The PimpKatz (classic rock)
WHEN: 8:30 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: Adams Trading Post, Liberty
Raised On Radio (classic rock)
WHEN: 9 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: One Restaurant and Bar, 600 Hampshire
Cheeks McGee (acoustic)
WHEN: 11 a.m. Sunday
WHERE: Bike Show and Barbecue at Kelly’s Tavern, 2902 Broadway
Bo Casey (acoustic)
WHEN: 2 p.m. Sunday
WHERE: Spirit Knob Winery, Ursa
More details on upcoming shows are available on the calendar page at www.thelocalq.com.
For information on bands and concert venues, go to the music page at www.thelocalq.com.
Submit details for upcoming shows at www.thelocalq.com/node/1767.
VAN DYKE: Guilty Pleasures?
May 11th
Bob Dylan
Recently, I saw a video of someone doing interviews on the “red carpet” for some event. Am I the only one who is tired of the “red carpet” idea? Especially now that the reporters all act like they are more famous the celebrities they talk to. Anyway, they were asking various rock musicians if they had any “guilty pleasures” that they listen to. They asked this of Slash, Alice Cooper, Marilyn Manson, and several others. Someone said Katie Perry, another liked some Justin Timberlake song. I do not remember most of them. The response that stuck with me came from Corey Taylor of Slipknot and Stone Sour. He said that he did not feel guilty about listening to anything. He said this in a way that made me believe he was implying that the question was stupid and being ashamed of something you like listening to is ridiculous. I could not agree more.
Van Dyke
What determines good music is whether or not you like it. A billion other people may disagree, but if you like it, it is good. I have no shame at all when it comes to my music collection. My playlist from today proves it. Here are the first ten songs I heard this morning:
1. Bruno Mars, “Grenade” — Great songwriter, actually sings on award shows if you can believe that
2. Neil Diamond, “Sweet Caroline” — Neil is also a great songwriter, a little cheesy, but hey, I like cheese! It is good on everything!
3. Bob Dylan, “All Along the Watchtower” — Great song. WAY better when Hendrix did it, though.
4. Def Leppard, “Pour Some Sugar on Me” — Not one of my favorites, but I don’t hate it.
5. The Beatles, “If I Needed Someone” — I have way too many Beatle songs on here. But that is how I roll.
6. The theme from the TV show “Diff’rent Strokes” — Don’t go over to the bike shop with Dudley, Arnold! Loved that show.
7. Drivin’ and Cryin’, “Fly Me Courageous” — A classic that Days Taken has done along with lots of other local bands like Stoner/McKay
8. Weezer, “Island in the Sun” — I like Weezer. I could not tell you why I like them. I just do.
9. The Kendalls, “Heaven’s Just a Sin Away” — When I was very young, I am told this was my favorite song. I still like it.
10. Kiss, “Lick It Up” — This is the first song without the makeup. We knew why they wore it immediately.
Granted, I have 2,316 songs in the iPod right now, which is only a snapshot of the over 10,000 songs I have collected over the years. This playlist is not as diverse as it can get, but it gives you an idea. I have albums that people give me funny looks about, but they listen to some awful stuff too. So if you like Nickelback, that’s great! If you don’t, even better. Do not be afraid to play your music EVER. If you hear “It’s Not Unusual” by Tom Jones playing on the radio and you want to blast it while driving down 8th Street like I did the other day, DO IT!
Do not judge people based on the music they like. There are so many other flaws that most people have. Just look at me!
Don Van Dyke
LIVE EVENTS: Follow the music
May 10th
Highway 99 (country)
WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Friday
WHERE: Lake Hill Winery, Carthage
Raised on Radio (classic rock)
WHEN: 8:30 p.m. Friday
WHERE: The Blind Pig, 900 N. 12th St.
Keith Mullin Family Fundraiser featuring Cheeks McGee, Moon and Raised on Radio (acoustic/rock)
WHEN: 1 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: The State Room, 434 S. Eighth St.
Ketcham Louden Live (acoustic)
WHEN: 8 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: Lake Hill Winery, Carthage
Madd Hoss Jackson (country)
WHEN: 8:30 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: The Dock, 1021 Bonansinga Dr.
Bowlers Banquet featuring Reunion (rock)
WHEN: 9 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: Turner Hall, 926 Hampshire
Mike Coultas and Kathy Brink (acoustic)
WHEN: 9 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: Cellar 21, 121 N. Fourth
Nowake and Further Ado (rock/country)
WHEN: 9 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: River City Billiards, 603 Broadway Hannibal, Mo.
Dave Griffin (acoustic)
WHEN: 1 p.m. Sunday
WHERE: Spirit Knob Winery, Ursa
Diamonds In-the-Rough (acoustic)
WHEN: 6 p.m. Wednesday
WHERE: One Restaurant and Bar, 600 Hampshire
More details on upcoming shows are available on the calendar page at www.thelocalq.com.
For information on bands and concert venues, go to the music page at www.thelocalq.com.
Submit details for upcoming shows at www.thelocalq.com/node/1767.
LIVE BLOG: Follow the Local Q Music Fest
May 4th
Van Dyke
Don Van Dyke, “The Breakdown” blog writer, will be live blogging from The Local Q Music Fest Saturday, May 5, at Johnny Bang Bang’s. Chicago acts Ami Moss and the Unfortunate, and Max Simmons are headlining the second annual event. The finalists in the Singer/Songwriter contest — George Cate, Bo Dirte, Katie Jean, Elizabeth Mannhardt and Michael Reynolds — also will perform. Find out more information on the event here.
While the concert starts at 7:30 p.m., Don will be arriving early to preview all the action beginning with sound check at 6:30 p.m.
Join Don as he captures the sights and sounds of The Local Q Music Fest.
VAN DYKE: Cool off with Singer/Songwriters
May 3rd
This weekend is the Local Q Music Fest at Johnny Bang Bang’s. What better way could there possibly be to unwind after all the Dogwood activities than to cool off with some fantastic live music with us? As of this writing, the temperature is supposed to be about 90 degrees all weekend, so a cooling off is definitely in order. Along with Ami Moss and the Unfortunate and Max Simmons, the five finalists in The Local Q Singer/Songwriter competition will be performing. Thankfully, there will be no opening production number like those found on some televised contests. It will be a great night, so get down to the first big riverfront party of the season. I will be attempting to do some live updates at the venue from soundcheck up until I am chased from the establishment in the early morning hours (if not before).
Van Dyke
So, who are some of the best singer/songwriters? Where can you find them? Are there any around here? Well, I am glad you asked. The first actual singer/songwriter, I remember hearing was Jim Croce. He had a bunch of hits back in the 1970s and my dad would play his greatest hits album seemingly nonstop in my early childhood memories. Then I heard a steady stream of the great country singer/songwriters like Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson, Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn and Johnny Cash until I started going to school. It was at that point I kind of got more into rock bands like the Beatles, Kiss and Cheap Trick. I rediscovered singer/songwriters when I heard the Bruce Springsteen song “Hungry Heart” and decided to check out some of his other tunes. I am not exactly sure what it was about that song. It was not really one his best. I am thinking it may be that the lyrics were coming from the point of view of some guy you may have struck up a conversation with in the local tavern. It is like you asked him, “What’s your story, fella?” Bruce has a lot of great material to mine in the unlikely event you are unfamiliar with him. Then, in the early 1980s, there was a guy named John Mellencamp (he went by John Cougar back then). Not only does he have some good tunes, but also he introduced the world to Kenny Aronoff, one of the best drummers ever. Kenny also played with John Fogerty, a tremendous singer/songwriter also. Then, there is Paul Simon, who is just a genius, Neil Young, Carole King, Van Morrison, Leonard Cohen, Neil Diamond, Billy Joel, Joni Mitchell — I could go on for a couple hours, but I will stop here. The point is that there are tons of them to discover and rediscover out there, and it is easier than ever with the technology available today. You can put one of these artists into a streaming music app like Pandora and find hundreds of others.
As far as around here, while I think you will be quite impressed with the level of talent displayed by our five finalists, there are a few others worth mentioning. I went to a local acoustic showcase a couple years ago. There were like six or seven acts on the bill, maybe more. I think a national act was playing in town also, so the crowd was kind of small. All the performers were really good, and I was having a great time. Then this guy makes his way toward the stage carrying a guitar and long dreadlocks. It was Logan Kammerer from the local band Fielder. I was familiar with Fielder and had heard their CD’s, but I was totally blown away by this performance. If you like music at all, you owe it to yourself to go see Logan acoustic or the band Fielder. Actually, you need to do both of these things multiple times.
I mention that not to single out one artist, but to show that you never know what you may find going to a local show now and then. Hopefully, one or more of the performers in the contest will have this same effect on you. In case you forgot, the finalists are George Cate, Bo Dirte, Katie Jean, Elizabeth Mannhardt and Michael Reynolds. Some other local artists to check out are Cheeks McGee, Esther Moore, the Sharrows, Keith Franx, the McKay Brothers, and I am sure I have left some out. Let me know who they are so I can hang my head in shame…
See you at the Local Q Fest! As usual, I will be the creepy old guy.
Don Van Dyke
LIVE EVENTS: Check out where local bands are playing
May 3rd
Zeke Cernea (acoustic)
WHEN: 9 p.m. Friday
WHERE: One Restaurant and Bar, 600 Hampshire
Boulevard (classic rock)
WHEN: 2 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: Pop-A-Top, Plymouth
The Elite Team and Cheeks McGee (dance/acoustic)
WHEN: 7 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: Spirit Knob Winery, Ursa
COST: $10
The Local Q Music Fest featuring Ami Moss and the Unfortunate, Max Simmons, Singer/Songwriter Contest Finalists
WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: Johnny Bang Bang’s, 138 N. Front St.
COST: $3
Eleven (classic rock)
WHEN: 8:30 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: The Dock, 1021 Bonansinga Dr.
Big Deal (classic rock)
WHEN: 8:30 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: Adams Trading Post, Liberty
Logan Kammerer (acoustic)
WHEN: 1 p.m. Sunday
WHERE: Spirit Knob Winery, Ursa
More details on upcoming shows are available on the calendar page at www.thelocalq.com.
LIVE EVENTS: Country, blues and rock in region this weekend
Apr 27th
Matt Poss and Jared Ketterman (country)
WHEN: 7 p.m. Friday
WHERE: Johnny Bang Bang’s, 138 N. Front
Ketchum Louden Live (acoustic)
WHEN: 7 p.m. Friday
WHERE: Village Vineyard and Winery, Camp Point
Dr. Duke Tumatoe and the Power Trio (blues)
WHEN: 8 p.m. Friday
WHERE: Oakley-Lindsay Center, 300 Civic Center Plaza
The McKay Bros (cover)
WHEN: 9 p.m. Friday
WHERE: One Restaurant & Bar, 600 Hampshire
Mike Coultas & Kathy Brink (acoustic)
WHEN: 8 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: Village Vineyard and Winery, Camp Point
Wreckingball (classic rock)
WHEN: 8 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: Chasers Lounge, Rushville
End the Silence benefit concert featuring Ted Holt, Sunshine Mamas, The King Bees, Pete Magliocco, Cheeks McGee and The Texas Funerals (rock)
WHEN: 8 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: The Bling Pig, 900 N. 12th St.
Harlot (classic rock)
WHEN: 8:30 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: Adams Trading Post, Liberty
KC Groove Therapy (classic rock)
WHEN: 8:30 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: The Dock, 1021 Bonansinga Drive
Highway 99 (country)
WHEN: 8:30 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: Johnny Bang Bang’s, 138 N. Front
The Kamikaze Krush (rock/reggae)
WHEN: 9 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: One Restaurant & Bar, 600 Hampshire
Zeke Cernea (acoustic)
WHEN: 9 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: Cellar 21, 121 N. Fourth
Dave Griffin (acoustic)
WHEN: 1 p.m. Sunday
WHERE: Spriit Knob Winery, Ursa
Kathy Brink & Mike Coultas (acoustic)
WHEN: 2 p.m. Sunday
WHERE: Lake Hill Winery, Carthage
More details on upcoming shows are available on the calendar page at www.thelocalq.com.
Submit details for upcoming shows at www.thelocalq.com/node/1767.
MUSIC FEST: Listen to music of Ami Moss and the Unfortunate, Max Simmons here
Apr 26th
Ami Moss and the Unfortunate, and Max Simmons are headlining the second annual Local Q Music Fest at 7:30 p.m. May 5 at Johnny Bang Bang’s, 138 N. Front in Quincy. Both are Chicago acts making their Quincy debut.
“I’m actually really excited to play for the fest, and I’m really excited to even take a little bit of time to look around,” Ami Moss said. “It just looks beautiful.”
Moss is a jazz and blues singer with a contemporary bluegrass spin, with Joby Morey on string bass and piano, Brach Siemens on guitar, and Ed Bialach on drums. Simmons started writing songs with Moss, his sister, before branching out to write his own music.
“We’re often compared to that jazzy, folk, soul, pop sound, which is a lot of genres,” she said. “The sound I’m likened to a lot is Adele or Amy Winehouse or sometimes Nora Jones. We’re a bit eclectic. We’re influenced by many genres of music.”
HERE ARE SOME TRACKS FROM AMI MOSS AND THE UNFORTUNATE:
CHECK OUT A VIDEO OF A PERFORMANCE BY AMI MOSS AND THE UNFORTUNATE HERE:
CHECK OUT A VIDEO OF A PERFORMANCE BY MAX SIMMONS HERE:
VAN DYKE: A Conversation with former Quincyan Ryan McKay, now with Crash Street Kids
Apr 25th
I recently caught up with my old friend Ryan McKay, formerly of the Quincy area band Stoner/McKay. As some of you know, that band ended around 1996 or so. He now lives in the Phoenix, Arizona, area. He has a band out there that I think is very interesting, so I decided to do a profile of them. The name of the band is Crash Street Kids. Ryan is the lead singer and guitarist. He is joined by Ricky Serrano on guitar, Deuce Gregory on bass (and a lead vocal from time to time), and the legendary A.D. Adams on drums. They have released four studio albums to date: “Let’s Rock and Roll Tonight,” “Chemical Dogs,” “Transatlantic Suicide,” and “Sweet Creatures.” They have also released a live album, “Live From the Waist Down.” All are available on iTunes and good record stores everywhere. I asked Ryan a few questions about the band and their sound:
Van Dyke
DVD: Where did you get the concept for the first three records?
RM: The first record’s idea was simply to make it sound like a 1970s rock concert. Admittedly, it was very loose. It wasn’t until the second album, “Chemical Dogs,” that we decided to make the whole album part of one concept. We thought we would explore who was the person who performed this concert from the ‘70s, what was going on behind the scenes. From there the ideas really started coming in left and right.
DVD: Was it planned to do concept records or did it just happen that way?
RM: In my mind, yes! I don’t think the other guys knew it was happening until midway through the second album! I love concept records, good and bad. I think it creates an interesting listening experience. I always enjoy taking records in as a whole instead of picking singles. Not a fan of ‘greatest hits” compilations and the like. I love seeing where an artist’s head was at in any given year.
DVD: How did you get into so-called ‘glam rock?’
RM: My brother Kevin and my cousin Kory were responsible for bringing a KISS record into my house. I was probably about 6 years old. I was shocked, scared, but ultimately fascinated by the look and sound. I also around that time got a handful of Alice Cooper records, so you can imagine my psyche was wrecked! I discovered Bowie much later and even later still drummer A.D. told me about other great bands like Mott the Hoople, T. Rex, Sweet, Slade, etc. It’s important that I make the distinction between ‘70s glam and ‘80s. The ‘80s variety doesn’t interest me even though I grew up during it. I prefer the original. It took great British bands like Beatles, the Move, Idle Race, and incorporated that sophistication to the music.
DVD: Your newest record has a song called ‘Bang, Bang, You’re Beautiful.’ I am surprised that the local venue with a similar name has not approached you to do a show there. Have you given any thought to playing in Quincy again?
RM: Yes, we’d love to come play in Quincy. I had a blast last summer when I came to visit. I still have a lot of close friends and great memories there. We’ve been talking about tour possibilities and so much of it is still up in the air. Unfortunately, money is so tight and gas is so high that it makes it increasingly difficult to tour for great distances. Hopefully we can make it to Quincy. That place is a great club. I love the view.
DVD: It seems like guitars are really in your face on most acoustic songs that are on rock radio these days (it’s bad enough that they all suck). The acoustic guitars actually sound like acoustic guitars on your records. Is there anything in particular you did to get that sound or is it just the guitar that was used?
RM: Thanks! Ricky Serrano (guitarist) and I are big on vintage guitar tones; Les Pauls and old Marshalls. We also use amps handmade by our good friend Gary at Glaswerks Amps. He’s great at catering to our tonal desires. The main acoustic guitar is a 1971 Gibson J-45 that sounds amazing no matter what mic you put in front of it. I also have a Fender 12-string acoustic that I’ve used quite a bit. That one sounds good too. The most important thing about guitars on record is don’t over-think it. Don’t over EQ it. And PLEASE, don’t go layering eight guitars on top of one another! If Jimmy Page didn’t have to, then you don’t either.
DVD: What are the band’s plans for the future?
RM: I love this question because I can channel my inner Gene Simmons. Alright, belt in, here comes my used car salesman routine! We have a new record called “Sweet Creatures” that is available at your local record store and itunes. We also have a new video for the second single called “Sad Julia.” You can see that on YouTube or our website (www.crashstreetkids.com). I can’t stress to you enough how you are really missing out if you don’t see this video because of the beautiful Mysti Moon. Our video guru Nick Orciuolo is in the edit bay now working on a second video for “Mary, Queen of the Rock.” We have some plans to start work on a new album this spring and get out and play as much as possible. I’m sure there will be more drunken adventures down at our studio (Shabbey Road) that may or may not land one of us in jail.
Here are some links to explore the world of Crash Street Kids.
Sad Julia video – http://youtu.be/2S2v1Go0bg8
website – www.crashstreetkids.com
YouTube channel – http://www.youtube.com/user/crashstreetkids/videos
Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/pages/Crash-Street-Kids/75511868391
Twitter – @CRASHSTREETKIDS
Don Van Dyke
