Your favorite song was recorded in Van Nuys

Fleetwood Mac. Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. Pat Benatar's Hit Me With Your Best Shot. Rick Springfield's Jessie's Girl. Nirvana's  Nevermind. Cheap Trick, Ratt, Guns n' Roses, REO Speedwagon, Neil Young, Carl Perkins, Barry Manilow, Johnny Cash, Dio, Rage Against The Machine...the list goes on and on. What do these artists and songs have in common? The recording studio called Sound City, in Van Nuys, CA., the subject of Dave Grohl's (of Nirvana and Foo Fighters fame) documentary Sound City. I  remember as a kid looking at the back cover of Rick Springfield's Working Class Dog album and wondering why he had said, "God Bless Van Nuys", and why so many albums seem to have been recorded there in the 1980's. I remember thinking, "What is it about this Van Nuys place, and why does everyone record their albums there?" Now I know why!

The Show I'll Never Forget:

Last year I came across this wonderful book while I working at the Golf Links Library. This is must reading for any type of music buff as it covers nearly every genre of music. There is nothing better than talking with someone about the music they love and why they love it. Usually, when I hear a fresh perspective through heartfelt and organic words regarding a particular musician, I find myself eager to learn more about that artist. I often ask friends what was the best show they ever attended. This single question often blossoms into some of the finest discussions I've shared with friends. Just listening to someone talk about a great live act they once saw is almost like seeing the show for yourself because the person talking always describes everything so vividly with fondness. "The Show I'll Never Forget" is a collection of such descriptions. Please continue reading to learn more.

New Year's Musical Resolutions!

1. Play more guitar: Alright, I admit it, there's a layer of dust covering my guitar! But I promise to find more time to practice in 2013. And since I'm a little rusty, I will probably start with a song that's easy and fun to play, like anything from a Nirvana album.

2. Attend more concerts: There were some great shows I missed this year because they either sold out (I'm looking at you, The Lumineers) or I double-booked that evening (I'll see you next time, Of Monsters and Men)! Luckily, next year is looking great for concerts in Tucson. Personally, I'm excited for the XX and Tegan and Sara at the Rialto and That 1 Guy and Ra Ra Riot at Congress.  What concerts are you looking forward to?

3. Download from Freegal:  Life is busy and I often forget about my three, free, legal songs each week from Freegal. But no more! I promise to finish downloading that awesome new Calvin Harris album and maybe pick up the stunning Adele Bond track, Skyfall, along the way.

Bonus resolution - No more Rick Rolls: I promise to never sing Rick Astley songs at karaoke again.


-James

To find some of the bands I mentioned:

Nirvana (click me)
The Lumineers (click me)
Ra Ra Riot (click me)
Tegan and Sara (click me)
Freegal (click me - each week)!

Marooned : the next generation of desert island discs

Imagine that you are stranded on a desert island. You have plenty of shelter, food, and no worries in the world. Now, what music do you wish to keep you entertained in this sudden paradise? This is the age old question and if you are anything like me, that list is constantly changing as you broaden your horizons year by year and discover new music that is unforgettable. I just finished the wonderful book Marooned : The next generation of desert island discs and I am eager to share this fun little book.

The ABC'S Of Rock!

Here is a little treat for those of you who have children and would like to get them interested in rock music at an early age. The ABC'S Of Rock by Melissa Duke Mooney and The Print Mafia is a dynamite little picture book that has an A-Z listing of some of Rock music's finest talent.