January 11, 2008

It seems like this week, I have heard more questions and comments about the popular video game "Guitar Hero". Which is strange, because Christmas is over and as a guitar teacher, I would expect more discussion on this several weeks ago. So why now? Maybe it's just my luck or purely coincidence. So, with this fresh on my mind, I'm just going to take a logical approach to this and explain myself on the subject.

Is there a future for aging rock stars besides bingo on Sunday? Who should hang it up? Who still has the moves?

Reunion tours are all the rage anymore – just ask the artists-formerly-known-as-bands raking in the cash each summer from fans willing to fork it over to relive the glory of days gone by. The Police, The Who, Van Halen, Stone Temple Pilots and New Kids on the Block are just some of the most recent groups to bury the hatchet and climb back into the old tour bus (or several personal tour buses, as the case may be).

I don't know why, but there is something about being in a bar and watching people struggle at singing. Last night, I went out for bad karaoke, and it was actually turned out really good. It happened to be was invited by a friend to come out and hang out with the company running the karaoke, and maybe do some vocal coaching because they knew I was in a band and have a knowledge of music. So all night, I talked with the hosts and came up with some great pointers to help people at singing, especially karaoke.

Polydor Records, December 1970

In the light of Clapton: The Autobiography (2007), I just wanted to take some time to write on the subject of one of my all-time favorite albums. If you haven't read this book, do so. It's become a best seller about Eric Clapton; in his own words, describing his very own private struggle with sobriety, drugs, alcohol, and women.

Minnesota is arguably as melodious as any state in the union. Over the years, it has produced almost as many great musicians and bands as it has lakes – and the variety is as diverse as the weather.

Have you ever heard of giving yourself a theme song? I remember seeing an episode of Ally McBeal where her therapist suggests that she give herself a theme song. She was to play that song in her head when she felt down or her self-confidence dipped (I think Ally's was "Tell Him" by The Exciters). Your theme song should be a song that gives you a lift as you walk down the street, a song that makes you feel happy, confident and in control. This all got me to thinking: If I had a theme song, what would it be?

Band names are like the oft-quoted line from Shakespeare: Some are as sweet as a rose, but some just plain stink. Whether a group’s name aptly represents its image and sound or simply serves as a way to alphabetize their discs in a record store, all bands must come up with one – for better or worse.

What are some of your favorite band names? Which ones should have been left on drawing board?

To get the ball rolling, here are just a few for each column from this blogger’s perspective:

Popular music has a knack for engraining itself in the sub conscious, forever associated with a particular time, place and experience. My music library is littered with "like" songs, each carrying a story unto itself, immediately catapulting me back in time to some "special time".

Everyone has 'em…first love, getting into trouble at East Park (oh, that's just me?), the song you first slow danced to…or in my case, my first slow skate.

Unfortunately, the experience is not right out of the pages of a harlequin romance. Nay!

Everyone has an album or a song (a guilty pleasure, so to speak) that you wouldn't want your friends to find out you enjoy listening to. One example for me is Stripped by Christina Aguilera. A perfectly good album, but to some of my acquaintances a purchase I should be very ashamed of. I'll also admit to groovin' to Bon Jovi, The Outfield, Night Ranger and Britney Spears in my van when I come across them on the radio. I've admitted my shameful music moments - now it's your turn. What music do you secretly love?

Do you ever get goose bumps when listening to music?