Rock&Roll

 

So. I hear the world as we know it is ending Tuesday unless he or she gets elected! I hear life as we know it will be forever changed. Well as an old boomer my life has already changed. So send in the clowns.

That doesn't make sense? Well neither does rooting for a politician. 

When i was young i would sometimes have trouble falling asleep. So i'd choose major league baseball all star teams position by position until i fell asleep. 

I later in life started meditating and if you google Yoga Nidra i highly recommend it for getting to sleep. 

But i also like to think of stuff i enjoy and am thankful for whenever the world seems unstable. 

You have to be a certain age (old as dirt) to remember. But back in the day we had rock stations that would play complete albums at night. I was thinking of that today.

Birmingham, Alabama had one that was written up in Rolling Stone Magazine. Back before google, tic tock and Facebook magazines were a big thing and when it came to rock there was none bigger than Rolling Stone!

I can still hear the DJ late at night talking about the albums calling them restaurant menu style:

Tonight we have some Skynard followed up by some Zeppelin with a little Sabbath. Later we're serving up some Queen and some Heart. Then we're going deep into some Floyd and following up with Rondstat and a little Wet Willie. 

It was a great time to be young and to be into music. So i'm going to list some of my favorite albums. I wish i could hear that B-ham "pilot of the Airwaves" counting them down one more time. 

1. One of These Nights...Eagles

Why i love it: the last great classic Eagles album. They were leaving some of the early 70's California sound behind and heading towards Hotel California. This one has Randy Meiesner and Bernie Leadon still blending perfect harmony. Don Felder solidifying the changes that were coming. My favorite album from my favorite band.

2. Rumors...Fleetwood Mac.

Why i love it: Stevie Nicks bet ya saw that one coming. But also Christine Mcvee and her piano doing "For You " along with Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie putting their marks on the band. Fleetwood Mac was a really Good deeper and more serious British band. But the addition of the 2 Americans and the more energetic pop sound lit a fire.

3. Queen...News of the World.

Why i love it: Freddie Mercury. Wow! He is in full throated talent which this album. He does a piano solo called "Melancholy Blues" that is unforgettable.

4. Styx...The Grand Illusion 

Why i love it: This album has one of my all time favorites "Come Sail Away."

There are also songs i remember loving and certain places and people i associate with them. 

"Day after Day"...Bad Company 

Why i love it: a middle school gym and a childhood friend that i suddenly realized was a good looking girl. 

Slow Ride...Foghat

Why i love it: A hot Southern night, beer and a certain blond haired crush.

Witchy Woman...Eagles

Why i love it: did i mention blond haired women and Pony Miller's?

Sunday Morning Coming Down...Johnny Cash

Why i love it: Way back before the internet and satellite TV and Walmart. Sunday hit different. And if you were a young man who had imbibed a few too many on Saturday night. Sunday could be a long dry soul searching day.

Honorable Mention: Steve Miller Band "Fly like an Eagle." I once traded this 8 track after partying to much for the legendary piece of crap "Frampton Comes Alive " Talk about buyers remorse the next day. People shouldn't take advantage of young men who stupidly drink themselves silly. Another good reason to stay sober.

Albums and artists i hate. 

1. Frampton Comes Alive...Did i ever mention i hate this album?

2. Bruce Springsteen...Dear Bruce,

I hear you're a pretty good dude. It's not personal. It's just that your music makes me want to lose my hearing until you shut up! You're the most depressing artist i've ever come across. You should go on a long slow lifetime cruise to China.

PS: please take Peter Frampton with you. 

Peace!