He has a radio program on WXOU out of Oakland University
Wild At Heart
Wouldn't it be cool if roller derby was actually a college credit class?
Just a random thought before I get into something really bothering me.
Good day everyone! I just put in my first 40 hour work week in about 2 years and it felt really good. Actually, it was 47 due to a second job but that is just being picky. Just got home from a big day of museums, dance and rock N roll. Saw Papa Roach and Jet at the Fillmore which was a good time. I thought Papa was OK but I really liked Jet. For those that tuned in know I had their lead singer, Nic Cester, on my show Saturday morning. Their band had a lot of early rock influences (The Who, AC/DC) though it was the Australian band You Am I who was their biggest influence. Their new album is entitled "Shaka Rock" and while being their third album, Nic states that it feels more like a second album. Their second album was a departure for them esp since it came after the death of his father and dealt with a lot of that emotional baggage. Nic was happy to put that emotion aside and get back to making a good rocking record this time around which should appeal to their fans.
I also saw Noah & the Whale this past week and if anyone needs someone to play a young Lou Reed in a film, they need to look at front man Charlie Fink who looks and sings just like him.
I recently sat through the new Michael Jackson movie "This Is It" which is an interesting document of the King of Pop which takes footage of the rehearsals of the cancelled concert series, looking at both on-stage and behind the scenes developments. While the footage was never originally intended for release, I assume despite AEG's denials, that they wanted to try and recapture some of the money they had spent in putting this tour together. Some family members and fans wanted to see this proposed film aborted but they went ahead and edited the footage together to an interesting finale. The footage was filmed at The Forum and the Staples Center in Los Angeles and really looks incredible at times. While the sound is a bit off at times, it doesn't hurt the stronger songs and it is amazing to see some of the FX work that was being done on this show from the hundreds of green screen soldier dancers for "Bad" which are also used for "They Don't Really Care About Us" to the video vignette for "Smooth Criminal" as Michael enters a 50's film noir clip to some new Thriller video footage of ghosts and zombies. There is also a giant robotic spider, some aerialist stunts and my babe guitarist Orianthi Panagaris taking center stage getting a cool guitar solo. The one thing I find lacking is some exposition added to have someone introducing the scenes concerning what Michael's vision for the performances was but that is minor and if the lady behind me yelling "you still got it Michael" is any indication, this should be a nice tribute to what would have been a great show. I only wish we can see this show now but I don't think asking Tito or Marlon to take over would work:) Whatever, the motivation behind releasing this film, I feel they did a good job respecting Michael and his work. I still thinks he looks a bit creepy but he still has the moves and his voice can still belt out favorites like "Man in the Mirror" and "Beat It". A must see for Michael fan and most music fans should check it out also for it's behind the scenes look. I give the film a B+.
Speaking of sexy guitarists, I had the lovely Katya performing on my show last Saturday. She is a sexy rock chick who seems to be a cross between Joan Jett and Lita Ford. She recently broke a song onto a number of radio stations and is expecting an album out soon, entitled "ROCK LIVES!" which will be released in June of 2010 and consists of nationally known guest stars David Campbell, Stephen Perkins (Jane's Addiction), Gonzo Sandoval (Armored Saint), Jerry Peterson (Eric Clapton), Adam Cohen (Ray Charles) Paulo Gustavo (Graham Bonnet), John Philip Shenale (Tori Amos) and Eliza James (Burt Bacharach). Despite playing a stripped down set in the studio, including her first single “The Power of Rock and Roll”, she shows that she can rock loud and hard. She is hoping to do an official tour of the area soon bt if you want to check out her music now you can go to www.katyamusic.com. She also has a a full line of psychadelic dog wear you can purchase online to give people another reason to check out the site and feel free to email her at katya@katyamusic.com if you would like your pet featured on Katya's website. Check her out!
There is also a bit a news for the holiday with the passing of Victor Mizzy, the American composer for television and movies who was best-known works for his TV themes for the 1960s sitcoms Green Acres and The Addams Family. Snap your fingers twice please! Also Al Martino was taken from us this month. He was an American singer (his single "Here in My Heart" was number one in the first UK Singles Chart) and actor (best known for the role of singer Johnny Fontane in The Godfather). Also, wrestling manager Lou Albano who is known as much for his numerous champions as his odd outfits. His collaboration with Cyndi Lauper helped usher in wrestling's crossover success with a mainstream audience.
I spent a little bit of time at the Charles Wright Museum yesterday before heading down to the Opera House for Philobolus which was incredible. Check out their appearances at the Academy Awards or Conan O'Brien on youtube if you have a moment. Anyway, their are 2 new exhibits at the Charles Wright starting with a look at "Joe Louis: Hometown Hero" starting with his birth as the son of an Alabama cotton picker and through his storied career as a boxer. A nice tribute to a great man. The main reason I went down was to see the "Legends of the Music - The Photography of Leni Sinclair" which while not as large as I would have liked, it has a number of great photographs featuring a number of musical pioneers including Thelonious Monk, Miles Davis, Sun Ra, Buddy Guy, Aretha Franklin and Jimi Hendrix. Let's face it, her work is iconic and her photos have been a chronicle of those musicians of Detroit and the stronger underground scene and political movements, esp in Detroit. If you are a music fan, make sure to make a little bit of time to check out this exhibit which will be there until May.
This weeks concert calendar includes a good line up starting with Tuesday (11/03) as Uncle Kracker opens up for Train @ Royal Oak Music Theatre or you can road trip to Toledo for the Celtic Woman @ the Stranahan Theatre. Wednesday (11/04) has Jill Sobule (the original "I Kissed A Girl") w/Erin McKeown. Thursday (11/05) has blues singer/guitarist Ana Popovic @ Callahans. Friday (11/06) is the big day with the lovely Jessica Lea Mayfield opening for Dan Auerbach (of the Black Keys) @ the Magic Stick, local bands Thunderbirds Are Now & Zoos of Berlin opening for Black Heart Procession @ The Crofoot, Bob Dylan @ the Fox Theatre, 80's favorites The Cult @ the Fillmore, Chicago folk singer Joe Pug @ the Ark and the Ska Is Dead Tour featuring the Toasters & Mustard Plug @ the Magic Stick. Saturday (11/07) is another big day with Bassnectar @ St Andrews Hall, the Bouncing Souls w/Bayside @ the Majestic, Manna & Quail @ Crofoot and OK Go @ the Blind Pig. Sunday (11/08) has bluesman Tab Benoit @ Callahan's. And make sure to be responsible when you are at the venues despite the fact that I actually do like watching people get carried out of concerts before the headliner and seeing their boy/girlfriend yelling at them for being so stupid. Ah happy days!
To recap from last week's rally to save the Michigan ’s Film Incentives, Mike Manasseri of Bigscreenmichigan.com urged participants to send their good news stories of people and businesses that have come to Michigan because of the Film Incentives to info@bigscreenmichigan.com. For information on how you can continue to help save Michigan filming and to watch video from the rally, visit: www.BigScreenMichigan.com.
That seems to be everything for this week so stay warm and take care!