One Short Life
Current mood: miserable
Category: Life

This set of lyrics have to be, by far, the best I have ever read!! 

~Crash

"ONE SHORT LIFE" by Motorhead

My Momma told me lots of things about the life we lead
Told me it was too easy to live a life of greed
She said you be a good man
And I'll be proud of you
Cuz you can't do no better if that's all you learn to do

[Chorus]
All we have is one short life
As far as we can find
And if you don't know how to live
The world will be unkind

No, no curse upon my name
No way I'll look at the bad guy
And think that I'm the same
No, I won't be blamed
If I live without dishonor
I won't have to die ashamed

Already told me plenty
Told me what to do
How to act in society
How to make it through
She said always mind your manners
And don't you talk no trash
And if you hear somebody dissing you
Go over and kick his ass

One thing is for certain
I always go with love
If you compromise your integrity
You should drown in your own blood

No, no curse upon my name
No way I'll look at the bad guy
And think that I'm the same
No, I won't be blamed
If you live without dishonor
You won't have to die ashamed

[SOLO]

So, even though I'm old and weird
I remember what she said
I always knew that she was right
So I kept it in my head

I never tried to hurt the world
I never was drove by greed
I believe I mostly did my best
What more do you want from me?

All there is, is one short life
As far as we can find
And if you don't know how to live
You are going to lose your mind
No, no dirt upon my name
No way I'll look at the bad guy
And think that I'll share the blame

No, I'm not the same
As I live and die
I swear that I refuse to die ashamed

Listen to song here!!

Currently listening : Motorizer By Motörhead Release date: 2008-08-26

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Eric Sardinas & Big Motor Set Wichita Ablaze.....
Current mood: accomplished

WOW!  Now granted I am not the most unbiased person when it comes to Eric Sardinas & Big Motor but HOLY SHIT they were on fire last nite at Sam's Place in Wichita, KS.  The last time I saw ES & BM was in 09/06 and a combination of a shitty club, rude waitresses and piss poor promotion made the show a bummer.  You could tell that if not for the fact the fans wanted them there that the band DID NOT want to be there!  While the show still rocked it lacked the passion that the band is notorious for.....

Fast forward to last night.....the band was firing on all cylinders and put on one of the best shows I've seen of Eric since the first time I saw him in 2002!  This is by far the tightest lineup I've seen with Eric, hence why they are called BIG MOTOR!!  A simple three piece band with the power of ten, the band consists of Eric Sardinas on Dobro/Vocals, Levell Price on Bass/Backing Vocals and Patrick Caccia on Drums/Percussion/and Backing Vocals!!  I was accompanied to the show by my dear friend Marlena and my ex-brother in law Todd who was the one responsible for getting me into THE BLUES almost 20 years ago, so this was kind of my Thank You to him!!  He was highly impressed with the show!

Having just released a new album simply titled ERIC SARDINAS & BIG MOTOR this week!! The album consists of nine (9) original tunes and two (2) cover tunes that run the gament of straight ahead rockers, to sweet acoustic numbers and everything in between.  This is their best recorded ouput so far!!!

Unfortunately, I believe their record company, Favored Nations, which is ran by legendary guitarist Steve Vai, is sabotaging any chance this record has at success by not getting the word out that it has been released and by only making actual cd's available through their own website store or at Eric's live shows.  This means you can't run down to Best Buy, Wal Mart, Target, Circuit City or one of your favorite 'Mom n Pops' stores and get it.  I, for one, don't own an iPod and I know many people who don't plus I'm kind of old fashioned in the fact I'd rather buy a CD and I look forward to seeing the artwork, lyrics, photos and whatever else they cram into the liner notes!

AVAILABLE AT:

Back to the live show....Eric & Company hit the stage around 8:30pm and were in fine form.  The crowd wasn't as big as I'd like to see but for a Sunday night it was more than I expected and they were behind ES & BM 110%!  The setlist consisted of (in no particular order) I'm Worried, Treat Me Right, Texola, I Can't Be Satisfied, Hellhound On My Trail, It's Nothin New, If You Don't Love Me, As The Crow Flies, Ride and 8 Goin' South.  Those are what I can remember as I didn't keep a list and I know there were several more including a nice solo spot for Levell and Patrick that ended up in a balls-to-the-wall jam with Eric. 

After the show I had a chance to catch up with my pal Levell as well as Eric.....Patrick was occupied by the presence of a few young ladies but did take the time to say Hello!  Eric was gracious enough to sign some graphic art that Jaylene had done of him, I just wished she could have attended and heard the compliments of him first hand but health issues forced her to stay home and relax, oh well, there's always next time!  Hopefully, it won't be another year and a half before the next time!!  If you have a chance to catch ERIC SARDINAS & BIG MOTOR.......DO IT!

ALL PHOTOGRAPHY/GRAPHIC ART COURTESY OF JUSTIN CRAFTON EXCEPT THE CD COVER, PLEASE DO NOT USE THEM ELSEWHERE................................................OR ELSE!!!!!!!!!!!!

Currently listening : Treat Me Right By Eric Sardinas Release date: 23 February, 1999

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My Interview w/ The Song & Dance Man.....JANI LANE of WARRANT!!
Current mood: artistic
Category: Music

http://www.sleazeroxx.com/interviews/lane2.shtml

Currently listening : Dog Eat Dog By Warrant Release date: 25 August, 1992

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The Bash Brothers Jr. Re-United After 18 Years
Current mood: ecstatic

In early 1989 I moved to Long Beach California (LBC) w/ my biological father Curtis.  Everyone I knew at the time begged me not to do it esp my Mom, her soon-to-be husband Omar (my adoptive Dad) and my brother Greg!  They wondered why I would choose to go with him considering from the time I was a baby I had hated and despised him.  Long story short is he was a drug addicted alcohol fueled MONSTER in every since of the word who often used the excuse he had polio when he was a child for his actions! 

 Well, to be honest, I was 10 1/2 years old, my Mom slaved away at several jobs to keep us fed, I hardly ever saw her and on top of that my brother was locked up and my sister was off chasing rockstars!  Curtis promised me the moon and the stars! 

He told me if I moved to LBC w/ him he'd get me a Nintendo, he'd take me to any Oakland A's ball games when they were in Anaheim and I'd get to see the LA Lakers play.  At that age, I was a huge A's/Lakers fan esp of the A's 33 Jose Canseco and the Lakers 33 Kareem Abdul-Jabbar!  It sounded too good to be true....and it was!  Sure, I got the Nintendo and got to see and meet Canseco but what I went through was HELL to say the least! 

Everyday living in LBC w/ Curtis was like living with a schizophrenic tornado.  The beatings got worse as Greg or my Mom were no longer there to take theirs.  I got em' all!  I've often said I could find a cure for Cancer and AIDS in the same day and Curtis would bitch (than bitchslap me) for not curing Herpes too!  There was no winning with him!

Granted I wasn't an angel!  I had made friends with a kid from school named Ron Voll and his brother Joey.  We were hellion thugs to say the least.....if it could be stole or broken, we stole it or broke it!  We jipped school more times that I care to remember.....my claim to fame was that I attended 8 days of school my entire 6th grade year in LBC!!  I was eventually expelled from the entire school district!!  But Curtis never knew of all this!  He would fly off the handle because we were home when he got home at 2am from drinking or that we hung a towel in the bathroom wrong!  I'd hate to see what happened if he knew what all we had done!

Ron and I were inseperable.  Where one was, there was the other!  We shared soooo many interests, we might as well been twins!  He was a huge Mark McGwire fan, 25 for the Oakland A's at the time.  So, when we played little league or neighborhood baseball games, everyone dubbed us 'The Bash Brothers Jr'!!  Towards the end of 1989 I couldn't handle the physical, mental or other abuse that I was taking and began plotting to either run away or kill Curtis.

I'd contacted the LBC Police after he hit me across the face with a razor strap that had his name embossed in it.  It welted my face and left Curtis embossed across my face for weeks, however, they claimed I had a friend do it and never questioned Curtis.  Curtis always had a gun for protection.  One day I stole a handful of bullets from his stash and the gun.  I had had enough and was gonna slay the monster for good.  I just had to to at the most opportune time.  I feared if I tried it when he was awake he'd get the gun and kill me so I was going to wait for a night when he passed out and pump his head full of lead. 

Before the plan could be hatched and after seeing the aftermath of someone's suicide, I was whisked away and told that Ron had killed himself  To my recollection I spent a few weeks in a psych-ward and than shipped to my aunt and uncle's in Kansas.  That whole period was a blur, from the beginning of 1990-1992, I went through extensive psychological treatment and was put on meds to control my anger, mood swings, tantrums and nightmares!  The nightmares began after returning to KS.  In these nightmares, I would get a call to go to Ron's for an emergency, when I arrived his Mom was freakin out, the cops wouldn't let me in so I scaled the back fence and burst inside to see Ron under a sheet and drenched in blood.  I pulled the sheet open and picked up what remained of my friend and kissed him and screamed it wasnt supposed to be him.  Than I'd awaken!  The suicide actually happened......years later I learned it wasn't Ron though!

For 15+ years I'd re-live this scene in my dreams every week!  Than in late 2004 as Curtis battled terminal cancer, someone gave him my telephone number and he left a message that stated "Guess what, your best friend isn't really dead, I brainwashed you into believeing that, haha!"  My Dad (Omar) and best friend John Ketron heard the message, I was freaking, why after I cut that asshole out of my life was he making fun of Ron's suicide.  After talking w/ my Mom she convinced me to try and track his parents down for answers!  With the internet, I was able to find his Dad's and called.  A lady whom I have since learned was his aunt said they no longer lived in the house but had moved just up the street and that she'd deliver a message to Ron Sr. for me.  I gave her my old name and explained I was a friend of Ron's, had moved to LBC from Ks in 1989 but was shipped back in late 1989 after Ron (Jr) committed suicide.  The lady than told me I was mistaken, Ron Jr and Ron Sr were both alive.  I was shocked and in tears.  She called me a few days later saying Ron Sr didn't remember me and that was probably because both Ron's were estranged from each other for years.

All these years, 15 or more, I'd suffered painful nightmares and extensive emotional problems all because some monster had convinced me and brainwashed me that my best friend had committed suicide.  How sick can one person be?  All the years since my return from LBC I told everyone he was a monster and I didn't want to be near him.  Hell, in 1992 he faked his own death to avoid jailtime only to show up on my parents doorstep in 1993.  The only people that EVER believed me of his sick sadistic nature were my Mom and my Brother.  My own sister thought he was a sweetie, his own sister thought he could do no wrong but admits he did have a temper, his own neice and nephew adored him, and my Dad never understood til 2004 why I was so set on being adopted and distancing myself from everything having to do with his evil-ness!!

Fast forward to this week!  I'd spent since late 2004 trying to find Ron or his older brother Joey.  I looked in NCIC (a tool for those in Law Enforcement) and searched anything I could on the internet!  Than Saturday night I ran my 'monthly' search for people named Ron Voll in LBC and there he was!  I started balling and shaking.  For 15 years I thought he was dead, for the last 3+ years I knew he wasn't yet couldn't find him and with a few keystrokes, there he was!  I msg'd him and his brother whom also had a MySpace page.  His brother Joey responded within an hour and quickly set me up with his number, we finally made contact Wednesday night!  Turns out he told them I was dead as well!!  Sick S.O.B.!  Either way, THE BASH BROTHERS JR ARE BACK TOGETHER!

We are hoping to get together in the Summer of 2008!

I designed a tattoo for Ron and I back in 2000, and am planning on getting it as soon as I can.....when I do, I will post it!

Currently listening : Carnival of Souls: The Final Sessions By Kiss Release date: 28 October, 1997

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New Beginnings, Old Haunts and ANTHONY GOMES
Current mood: happy
Category: Life

Greetings Ya'All~

Currently listening : Music Is the Medicine By Anthony Gomes Release date: 08 August, 2006

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Rave On Stevie Ray Vaughan!!
Current mood: calm
Category: Life

Sadly, today marks the 17th Anniversary of the tragic and untimely death of STEVIE RAY VAUGHAN!!  It didn’t dawn on me until this morning while sitting at work doing paperwork when I looked at the trusty calendar to see today’s date.  Than it hit me like a ton of bricks and bummed me out for the rest of the day!!

Anyone who knows me, knows I am a massive fan of all things STEVIE RAY VAUGHAN!!!  Many don’t know the story of how I became a fan/devotee of SRV.....more on that in a minute!  I got off work @ 4pm and started making the 71 mile trek home, anxiously awaiting the mile marker where the shitty rock station from Oklahoma cuts in so I could block out the sound of the wind.....not realizing until a few minutes ago that, DUH!!  I have SRV cd’s in the glovebox!!  As I passed Protection, KS. I called the Mrs. to ask her a question and than turned the radio on, I was shocked as that same crappy station had their weekly Blues hour, within seconds of tuning in they were mentioning the anniversary of his death and prompty went into a double shot of "Life By The Drop" (my FAV SRV tune ever!) and "House Is Rockin’", without missing a beat they followed that double shot up with Buddy Guy’s anthem "Damn Right I Got The Blues"......that song summed up my emotions in realizing for the 17th straight year that I never got to see STEVIE RAY VAUGHAN live nor would I ever.........

Sure his music lives on through various CD and DVD releases.  On November 6th, SRV fans will be in for a treat (clink link)  but I could only dream what it’d be like to feel the ’passion & soul’ that was STEVIE RAY VAUGHAN LIVE or wonder what it’d be like just to chat with him for 5 minutes.  While there has never been a movie made of his life, I do have his VH-1 Legends One Hour Special on the left side of my page for everyone to view.  I’ve literally watched it over 100 times since it premiered several years ago and everytime I watch it, I CRY!!  Why did GOD take such a beautiful spirit from us when he had so much to give?  WHY?  Everytime I ponder that, I’m taken back to his song "Life Without You"........which I have a live performance of that song on the right side of my page!! 

Well hello baby, Tell me, How have you been?
We all have missed you, And the way you grin
The day is necessary, Every now and then
For souls to move on, Given life back again

Fly on, Fly on, Fly on my friend
Go on, Go on and live again, Love again
Cause day after day, Night after night
Sittin’ here singin’, every, every minute

As the years go passin’ by, by, by, by
A long look in the mirror, We come face to face
Wishin’ our love we took for granted
A love we had yesterday, Cause Life Without You

All the love, you’ve passed our way
Angels have waited, for so long
Now they have their way
Take your place....

Onto how I came to know and cherish STEVIE RAY VAUGHAN and his music so dearly.........

Back in early 1990 after I returned from living in Long Beach California, I was stuck in many hazes, it was truely a dark period in my life, albeit I was only 12 at the time, I was going through immeasureable hell within my life and so depressed I felt suicide was the only option.   I was also stuck within a haze of ’Hair Metal’, nothing else existed music-wise unless their name was Poison, Motley Crue, Cinderella, Skid Row, Warrant or Guns N’ Roses  or played Ibanez racing guitars.  That would soon change.

In the Spring of 1990, my than brother-in-law (now, I proudly just call him my brother!!), Todd LaFever, gave me a cassette copy of STEVIE RAY VAUGHAN’s ’In Step" album and my life was forever changed.  While too young to truely grasp the context of the lyrics and understand where SRV was in his life at the time the album was written, I knew I was onto something great!!  It peaked my curiousity to say the least, I soon began reading anything I could on him.....if only the internet was around at the time.....from SRV I traced his influences to Buddy Guy, Eric Clapton, Albert & Freddie King, Albert Collins, and many more.....from those I learned of Elmore James, T-Bone Walker, and Lightning Hopkins....wait, there is even more because from those guys I discovered the likes of Son House, Charley Patton, Robert Johnson, HoneyBoy Edwards, BBQ Bob and Bukka White plus countless more.....

I was entranced in the world of THE BLUES!!  Some thought I was on drugs, so I kept it ’my little secret’ for many years!!  Soon after coming to the light that is SRV, he was taken from us way too early.....I didn’t understand it, your heroes ARE NOT supposed to die......in 1993 it was summed up the best I’d ever heard it by comedian Denis Leary when he said "STEVIE RAY VAUGHAN is dead and we can’t get Jon Bon Jovi in a helicopter!".....cruel but true.  Where SRV had sooooooooo much to offer the world not only musically but as a human, Jon Bon Jovi offered us what, new hair sprays, the same ’Tommy & Gina’ lyrics over and over, oh and let us not forget his ’Los Muertos’ film.......finally a role that required him to suck! 

My LOVE for all things STEVIE RAY VAUGHAN has only intensified over the years to the point I’d reserved a place on my arms for a tattoo in honor of THE MAN!  Fast forward to mid 2007, I had just moved back to Kansas, one day while surfing MySpace I decided to see if my ex brother-in-law was amongst the many, BAM!  There he was!!  I was estatic as we’d been without contact since late 2003 when I was going through a turbulent divorce while he dealt with the same with my sister!!  I prompty msg’d him and began reading his blogs to see what he had been up to.  Todd was ALWAYS more of a mentor or a big brother to me, he was the 1st Rock Star I knew (Go Chainsaw!), and he had helped me through some of the worst times in my life.  We instantly reconnected!!  It felt great to say the least!  While digging through his blogs, I discovered he had taken up oil painting and to my surprise, which shouldn’t have came as one, but he had done one of THE MAN, STEVIE RAY VAUGHAN!!  Than it hit me, it was of the ’In Step’ cover with a new twist but the vision was there!!  It INSTANTLY took me back to feeling I first had when I first listened to that tape, 17 years ago!

Fast forward a month, and Todd and I were joined by my GF Jay as well as our friends,through the glorious adoption of my dog Magoo, Jenn & Jace!!  Todd told me he was gonna give me the painting cause he knew how much I’d cherish it!!  I was floored and brought to tears!!  Here is a hero of mine who poured his heart and soul into a painting of a hero of ours and he was just willing to give it to me as if I’d asked to loan $5 for lunch!!  IT WAS TRUELY AN HONOR & I DO CHERISH IT!!  WITHOUT A DOUBT!!  Here is the painting as well as a picture of Todd giving it to me.......

If you are reading this, THANK YOU TODD......I HOPE YOU KNOW THAT IT MEANS THE WORLD TO ME NOT ONLY TO HAVE THIS PAINTING IN MY LIFE BUT TO HAVE YOU BACK IN MY LIFE MAKES IT THAT MUCH GREATER!!  You can see more of Todd’s artwork HERE

The fact that SRV brought us closer in 1990 and changed my life forever than to have a painting unknowingly inspired by that moment 17 years prior bring us full circle leads me to STEVIE RAY VAUGHAN’s song ’Life By The Drop’..........

Hello there, my old friend
Not so long ago it was ’til the end
We played out in th’ pouring rain
On our way up the road we started over again

You’re livin’ our dream, wo you on top
My mind is achin’, Lord it won’t stop
That’s how it happens livin’ life by th’ drop

Up and down that road in our worn out shoes
Talkin’ ’bout good thangs, singin’ th’ blues
You went your way, I stayed behind
We both knew it was justa matter of time

You’re livin’ our dream, wo you on top
My mind is achin’, Lord it won’t stop
That’s how it happens livin’ life by th’ drop

No wasted time, we’re alive today
Churnin’ up th’ past, there’s no easier way
Time’s been between us, a means to an end
God it’s good to be here walkin’ together my friend

We’re livin’ our dreams
My mind’s stopped achin’
That’s how it happens livin’ life by th’ drop

THANK YOU

STEVIE RAY!!!!!!

Currently listening : The Sky Is Crying By Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble Release date: 05 November, 1991

9:11 PM - 3 Comments - 2 Kudos - Add Comment

How To Sing The Blues....
Current mood: creative

1. Most Blues begin, "Woke up this morning."

2. "I got a good woman" is a bad way to begin the Blues, 'less you stick something nasty in the next line, like " I got a good woman, with the meanest face in town."

3. The Blues is simple. After you get the first line right, repeat it. Then find something that rhymes ... sort of: "Got a good woman - with the meanest face in town. Got teeth like Margaret Thatcher - and she weigh 500 pound."

4. The Blues are not about choice. You stuck in a ditch, you stuck in a ditch; ain't no way out.

5. Blues cars: Chevys and Cadillacs and broken-down trucks. Blues don't travel in Volvos, BMWs, or Sport Utility Vehicles. Most Blues transportation is a Greyhound bus or a southbound train. Jet aircraft an' state-sponsored motor pools ain't even in the running. Walkin' plays a major part in the blues lifestyle. So does fixin' to die.

6. Teenagers can't sing the Blues. They ain't fixin' to die yet. Adults sing the Blues. In Blues, " adulthood" means being old enough to get the electric chair if you shoot a man in Memphis.

7. Blues can take place in New York City but not in Hawaii or any place in Canada. Hard times in St. Paul or Tucson is just depression. Chicago, St. Louis, and Kansas City still the best places to have the Blues. You cannot have the blues in any place that don't get rain.

8. A man with male pattern baldness ain't the blues. A woman with male pattern baldness is. Breaking your leg cuz you skiing is not the blues. Breaking your leg cuz an alligator be chomping on it is.

9. You can't have no Blues in an office or a shopping mall. The lighting is wrong. Go outside to the parking lot or sit by the dumpster.

10. Good places for the Blues:

a. highway
b. jailhouse
c. empty bed
d. bottom of a whiskey glass

Bad places:

a. Ashrams
b. gallery openings
c. Ivy League institutions
d. golf courses

11. No one will believe it's the Blues if you wear a suit, 'less you happen to be an old ethnic person, and you slept in it.

12. Do you have the right to sing the Blues? Yes, if:

a. you're older than dirt
b. you're blind
c. you shot a man in Memphis
d. you can't be satisfied

No, if:

a. you have all your teeth
b. you were once blind but now can see
c. the man in Memphis lived.
d. you have a retirement plan or trust fund.

13. Blues is not a matter of color. It's a matter of bad luck. Tiger Woods cannot sing the blues. Gary Coleman could. Ugly white people also got a leg up on the blues.

14. If you ask for water and Baby give you gasoline, it's the Blues.

Other acceptable Blues beverages are:

a. wine
b. whiskey or bourbon
c. muddy water
d. black coffee

The following are NOT Blues beverages:

a. mixed drinks
b. kosher wine
c. Snapple
d. sparkling water

15. If it occurs in a cheap motel or a shotgun shack, it's a Blues death. Stabbed in the back by a jealous lover is another Blues way to die. So is the electric chair, substance abuse, and dying lonely on a broken down cot. You can't have a Blues death if you die during a tennis match or getting liposuction.

16. Some Blues names for women:

a. Sadie
b. Big Mama
c. Bessie
d. Fat River Dumpling

17. Some Blues names for men:

a. Joe
b. Willie
c. Little Willie
d. Big Willie

18. Persons with names like Sierra, Sequoia, Auburn, and Rainbow can't sing the Blues no matter how many men they shoot in Memphis.

19. Make your own Blues name (starter kit):

a. name of physical infirmity (Blind, Cripple, Lame, etc.)
b. first name (see above) plus name of fruit (Lemon, Lime, Kiwi,etc.)
c. last name of President (Jefferson, Johnson, Fillmore, etc.)

For example, Blind Lime Jefferson, or Cripple Kiwi Fillmore, etc.

(Well, maybe not "Kiwi.")

20. I don't care how tragic your life: you own a computer, you cannot sing the blues. You best destroy it. Fire, a spilled bottle of Mad Dog, or get out a shotgun. I don't care

21. Hey there, you can READ! This too be a big ol' problem. Most folks singin' the
Blues ain't never had much a chance for education. In the Blues… the three R's stand
for Railroads, Runnin' and Rehab.

22. It gots to be dark to sing the blues, preferably after midnight. Singin' da blues at noon is forbidden.

23. If none of the above works, try one last, pathetic stab at authenticity: name your guitar. Remember, Lucille is taken.

24. Epitaph on a blues musician's tombstone: "I didn't wake up this morning"

Currently listening : The Essential Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble By Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble Release date: 01 October, 2002

9:11 PM - 0 Comments - 0 Kudos - Add Comment

Updates From CrashVille........
Current mood: chipper

Dear Friends, Family and Enemas (or is it enemies),

Howdy doody!  Just thought I'd give everyone an update on all the news that is news in CrashVille!! 

For those who were not aware, in May, I moved back to Kansas....Eureka to be exact and am living w/ my bro Black and his super-kickass fiancee Sammi!

I am in the process (still!) of trying to find a good job, got apps in many places, only one promising lead, that being with the Barber County Sheriff's Office doing the ol' dispatch gig.......thanx to my pal Kenny for the 'hookup'!! 

Been doing more journalism gigs as of late....had interviews published with Craig DeFalco (LAIDLAW), Phil Varone (ex- Skid Row) and Jani Lane (ex-WARRANT) in the past few months!  Working on a few more in the coming weeks and months!  Did a massive yet biased review of the new RICHIE KOTZEN cd!

In the last month, I found my dog Magoo whom had to be put up for adoption earlier this year!  Kind of a small world vibe with that.  One day I was looking through my ex-brother in law Todd's page and saw a lady posted a comment with this very adorable pooch on his page......I about shat as it was a spitting image of Magoo, down to the black 'V' on his lip and the fact he was under a blanket w/ a pillow!  Soooooo, I msg'd Todd and the lady who had posted the pic and JACKPOT, IT WAS MAGOO!

Through a week or so of correspondence with the lady (Jennifer), she was ever-so-cool in extending the invite to come see him in Wichita!!  A few weeks ago, Sammi and I drove to Wichita to hang w/ Magoo as Sammi was kind enough to take care of him after I couldn't do to me losing my job in Ashland last year!  He went bonkers when I walked in the door!  It felt beyond great that he remembered me and Sammi! 

We stayed for an hour or two, hangin' and chattin' with Magoo and the GREAT PEOPLE who adopted him, Jennifer & Jace!!  They made us feel soooooo welcome in their lovely home and extended the invite to drop by anytime we were in town!!  Turns out that Jennifer & Jace had known Todd for 20+ years, as had I....weird, we never ran into each other over the years!

Anyone who has known me for a few years knows that Todd and I were VERY close....he WAS married to my sister until 2003.....he was like a father figure and a mentor to me!  He was the man who single-handidly drop kicked my ass into the wonder world of MUSIC!  Whenever I was down or in trouble, which was a lot of the time, I could ALWAYS turn to Todd no matter if I was at fault or not! 

Back in late 2003, for the 1st time in my life, I listened and believed something that spewed out of my sisters' mouth and reacted in a way that I thought damaged Todd and I's relationship forever.  I hadn't seen nor heard from him since that day.....it was mostly my fault as I could have reached out to him but didn't know how to admit my fault nor did I know where he was as my relationship with my sister is basically nothing.

One day in late May, I searched MySpace wondering if his old band, LaFever, had a music page.  It was through that that I found him.  We chatted a few times via IM and the phone but it was through finding Magoo and an impromptu visit to Jennifer & Jace's last Sunday that led to our 'reunion'!! 

It was friggin' amazing to hang with Todd, Jennifer, Jace, and Magoo!  Thanks to Jay for accompaning me as well!  It was like old times....no bad vibes or ill well held!!  I GOT MY BRO BACK!!  I'm not sure if those will understand excatly what it means to me but it means a ton!! 

I was about brought to tears when Todd gave me a painting he had done!!  It is of STEVIE RAY VAUGHAN!

  It was Todd who turned me onto SRV years ago, up until the day I discovered SRV thru Todd, I'd been stuck in a Poison, Motley Crue and Kiss-haze!!  Todd & SRV opened my eyes to the wonderful world of "The Blues"!!!!  Through that awakening I've discovered the likes of Son House, Honeyboy Edwards, Charlie Patton, and newer cats such as Anthony Gomes, Eric Sardinas, Joe Bonamassa, and Kenny Wayne Shepherd!!  I AM FOREVER INDEBTED!!

I feel, that I have made lifelong friends with Jennifer and Jace.......they're amazing spirits who have truely made me feel welcome!!  THANK YOU BOTH!!  It is always nice to meet such cool people and to regain family you have lost!!  I FEEL BLESSED!!

Till next time............

Cheers~

Crash

****UPDATED SUNDAY AUGUST 5TH @ 1:30pm****

I have an interview and testing tomorrow in Medicine Lodge (Thanx to Kenny) and will not be in Eureka until the 16th.  I will be staying w/ friends @ Ashland!!  I am hoping to land a job while gone!!  Keep yer fingers crossed!!

Currently listening : Music Is the Medicine By Anthony Gomes Release date: 08 August, 2006

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My Review of Richie Kotzen & his new CD "Return Of The Mother Heads Family Reunion"
Current mood: creative
Category: Music

Can You Feel It......

My Review of Richie Kotzen's "Return Of The Mother Head's Family Reunion"

First off, I must warn everyone that when it comes to anything that has Richie Kotzen's name attached to it, I am 100% biased I will admit!  I've been a devoted fan of all things Kotzen since I got his 'Fever Dream' cassette in 1990.  I am not so "blinded" as a fan that I won't admit when something isn't up to par with Richie's talent.  Case in point, his 1999 release 'Break It All Down'.  That disc sonically was flat and sadly the writing and playing seem very un-inspired with the exception of the song 'It Burns'.  However, with that being said, to say I was a tad leary of what was to come when Richie announced a few months back that the title of his forthcoming CD was "Return Of The Mother Head's Family Reunion" would be a MASSIVE UNDERSTATEMNT!! 

To someone new to the abudant talents of Richie Kotzen or to the casual listener, this wouldn't be that big of a deal but to this devotee and to all his hardcore fans worldwide, it was cause for us to hold our collective breaths.  It would be the equivilant, to the biggest fan of Guns N' Roses to hear the news that their next album was to be titled 'Appetite For Destruction PT. II', because just like Guns N' Roses, only the frontman remains from the lineup that made the album such a benchmark for all things that Richie has done since 1994 or before are judged.

Gone are drummer Atma Anur, bassist John pierce (who played on the album but did not tour behind it, that was John Moore), and producer Richie Zito.  In their place is powerhouse drummer Franklin Vanderbilt (who has toured with Richie in the past and played on his 'AI SENSHI ZxR:Music From The Animation Series Gundam, released in 2005), bassist Virgil McKoy who was discovered by Richie playing in a bar in Lancaster County, PA., keysman extroidinaire Arlan Schierbaum who has played on several of Richie's past solo albums, amd taking over the Production helm was Richie himself (which to RK fans is nothing new considering most of his solo output was handled by himself).  

This album also marks the recording debut of Richie's beloved 10 year old deaughter, August Kotzen.  She definitely gives her Dad a run for his money.  Mark my words, judging by the talent displayed on the four tracks in which she appears, she will, one day, make an impact on the music industry if she chooses to follow in her Dad's footsteps.  Of course, it should be noted that her genes play a major role in that talent!

The original 'Mother Head's Family Reunion', released in 1994 on Geffen Records, was an intimate look inside Richie's world at the time.  Fresh from his stint in Poison, newly married, and set to make his major label solo debut, all eyes were on Richie.  He had released three solo albums between 1989 to 1991 (two instrumental and one vocal) for the Indie label Shrapnel Records.  He also had a song on the 1991 soundtrack for Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey before joining Poison in January 1992.  'Mother Head's Family Reunion' was a lyrical diary of sorts for all that happened in 1993-1994.  Ever-present were the virtuostic guitar skills that made Richie stand out in the late 1980's/early 1990's guitar player scene.  What was not expected with 'MHFR' was the maturity and diversity shown not only as a guitarist but also as a songwriter and vocalist.  This was due primarily and unjustly because of he was only 22 when 'MHFR' was released and because of his tenure in Poison.  Richie had grown leaps and bounds from his last solo output, 'Electric Joy', in 1991.  Such growth displayed on 'MHFR' was responsible for his expanding and loyal fanbase and for making the album his equivilant of Guns N' Roses "Appetite For Destruction" or what "IV/Zoso" is considered to be by Led Zeppelin fans.

(L to R):Franklin Vanderbilt, Richie Kotzen, Arlan Schierbaum,Virgil McKoy

HERE IS MY TRACK BY TRACK RUNDOWN.............

GO FASTER (2:55):The title of the lead track is an indication of what to expect from this hard-driving tune.  Showcasing Virgil's funky bass runs as well as an extremely catchy chorus.  Richie tastefully returns to his shredder roots on the short-yet-sweet solo that will leave your head spinning.  Arlan weaves some hypnotic sonic textures throughout and let us not forget the angelic background vocals of August Kotzen.  Franklin keeps in right in the pocket with his subtle yet Bonham-esque drumming.  This tune should make a fantastic opener for Richie's live shows in the near future as it certainly kicks this cd off to a scorching start!

FEED MY HEAD (3:37):While the opening bars of this send-off tune are earily reminisent to the opening run of 'Socialite' from the original "MHFR", it fits as this appears to lyrically be a sequeal of the aforementioned track.  Franklin lays down a skull-crushing funkified backbeat fitting in perfectly with Virgils' Bootsy-esque bass licks.  Enough can't be said for what Arlan brings to the mix.  Richie's aggressive vocals bring to mind some of his heavier performances from his 'Forty Deuce' project, whilehis guitar playing is exactly what his fans have to come to expect from him.  Translated.....meaning, BRILLIANT!

FOOLED AGAIN (8:00):Multi-layered vocal harmonies and Arlan's Floyd Cramer inspired touch give this epic a soulful heavenly feel.  Virgil really shines, taking the listener on a journey compelling you to close your eyes and lock into the groove.  This tune is soooooo good that if you will follow my advice and close your eyes and just 'feel it' that you will be stunned to learn that eight minutes had just went by!  I can only imagine that live, this cut will be extended into a jam that would make the Allman Brothers Band quiver. 

CAN YOU FEEL IT (4:25):Opening with a blues boogie and vocal that is nothing short of an ode to ZZ Top.  The boogie never stops while Richie's vocals head back to familiar territory for his listeners.  The overall vibe of this romp is one of a Southern Baptist Church Tent Revival that makes you want to stomp n' rejoice along with it until its 110 degree heat makes you collapse.  Franklin and Virgil are as great of a rhythm section as I've seen since first discovering Anthony Gomes' bassist Biscuit Miller (Anthony Gomes MySpace) and the long list of drummers who have kept the beat behind him over the years.  Yet another blistering solo from Richie and let's not forget the 'beyond her years' harmonies of August.  Billy F. Gibbons and the boys would be proud of this cut!

YOU'RE CRAZY (5:19):WARNING.....Turn the bass down on this one because Franklin's subtle yet earthquake-inducing bass drum along with Virgil's 'right-there-in-the-pocket' groove will leave you and your abode trembling.  Arlan's sparse keys have a H.I.M. tonality to them.  Richie's wah-wah infused guitar intermengles beautifully with Arlan, leaving you wondering which is which.  Lyrically, Richie seems to come from a 'lover scorned' point-of-view while trying to resist the temptation of returning to the one that caused him such pain.

CHASE IT (3:52):Without a shadow of a doubt, this is my favorite song on this album.  It takes me back to when I first heard Richie's angelic vocals on 'A Woman & A Man' off of the 1994 CD.  Richie's solo is one that would make Slash go back to the drawing board.  This piano driven track is mixed with wonderful vocal harmonies, so much so that this could easily be a Top Ten radio hit here in the U.S. if it weren't for the close-minded, trend-chasing idiots who helm the major record companies of today!

BAD THINGS (4:56):This track has a Doyle Bramhall II & Smokestack and The Black Crowes stank all over it!!  For anyone who has ever heard those bands, you know that can't be a bad thing (sorry, I couldn't resist!).  Richie channels some serious Jimi Hendrix mojo within his solo while the rest of the band holds down the fort throughout this chugging track.

DO IT TO YOURSELF (3:45):Full of catchy hooks and a sing along chorus, lrically this songs seems to be a cautionary tale.  Maybe someone needs to lock up the young Hollywood scene into a room without their Blackberry's and cell phones and make them listen to this track over-and-over for an hour.  It may do them some good but I highly doubt it.  Similar in context to 'Get A Life' and 'Change' from Richie's 2003 album of the latter-mentioned name.  It will inspire you to get off your ass and make some much needed improvements to your life if it s in need of such.  Oh, and musically speaking, it is not too shabby either and will have you tapping your foot along for the duration.

DUST (5:28):Starting off with a tasty run of the frets that would make Stevie Ray Vaughan proud, this cut will surely leave you in the dust if you are not careful (Once again, I couldn't resist!)!  By far the best guitar tone of the album is displayed on this cut.  Not enough praise could be heaped upon Franklin and Virgil for the the relentless groove they bring to the table on this cut and the album itself.  Arlan blends in some psychedelic keys to make this song a lethal cocktail of energy!

FAITH (6:40):This track starts off with Richie and Arlan blending their respective instruments into nothing short of an evangelical journey that has Virgil, Franklin, and August backing them up in their ever-graceful way.  You feel a sense of deja-vu that takes you back to the 1993 Poison hit 'Stand'.  It should be stated that contrary to what the albums (Native Tongue) leads you to believe, that song was 99% Richie's with Bret changing a few words around (IMO, because he wouldn't have been able to sing it as it was wrote by Richie!).  If you are in doubt, do yourself and buy a Japanese Import copy of Richie's 2004 album "Acoustic Cuts".  It features the song as it was, lyrically and melody wise, when Richie brought it to the band in 1992 but in its pure acoustic form.  I'm off my soapbox now but 'Faith' will leave you basking in a spiritual light that his purely Richie Kotzen and his band!

YOU KNOW THAT (3:55):This fusion funky track takes you back to Richie Kotzen circa 1995-1997.  Equal parts 'Inner Galactic Fusion Experience', 'Wave Of Emotion', and 'Something To Say', all albums from that era in Richie's vast discography, brought to today by each respective musicians' enormous talents.  Arlan in particularly shines on this song.  Once again the choir infused harmonies provided by August and her 'has to be proud' Poppa bring this tune into another level.  Let us not forget yet another rippingly tasteful solo from the man!

SATELLITE (4:15):I am usually not to keen on instrumentals by any means.  largely due to the fact that the majority of them are ego stoking wankfests.  This one is not one of them.  Sure there are brief moments of the 'go for the spotlight' mentality for each musician involved that is common with instrumentals.  It never takes away from the song as a whole.  This song could have easily been from 'Inner Galactic Fusion Experience' or the album Richie did in 1999 with Stanley Clarke and Lenny White called "Vertu".  To put it simply, this band is sheer virtuosity at its finest!

In conclusion, Richie has returned to a more guitar oriented approach without sacrificing the song.  This CD has far exceeded my lofty expectations, I NEVER thought I would see the day that Richie would release an album that would replace the masterpiece known as "Mother Head's Family Reunion" as my favorite in his impressive discography but HE HAS DONE IT WITH THIS ONE!!!!  Rest assured he has done the 'legend' of MHFR justice, and than some!  That being said, endless praise should be given to Franklin, Arlan, Virgil and August for the brilliance they brought to this album.  The production, songwriting and musicianship are all top notch.  I can only hope and pray that Richie keeps this lineup together for a long time to come....or at least until August decides to go solo ;-) 

DO YOURSELF A FAVOR AND HAVE THIS ALBUM IMPORTED INTO YOU CD PLAYER, SURE IT WILL SET YOU BACK AT LEAST $30 BUT IT IS DAMN WORTH IT!

Now, back to jammin' this badboy!...................................

Cheers~

Justin 'Crash' Crafton

Currently listening : Return of the Mother Head's Family Reunion By Richie Kotzen Release date: 01 August, 2007

10:46 PM - 0 Comments - 0 Kudos - Add Comment

My INTERVIEW w/ JANI LANE is online!!!
Current mood: accomplished
Category: Music

http://www.sleazeroxx.com/interviews/lane.shtml

Check it out when ya got time...............

If ya dig it.....leave me some lovin' on here!!

Cheers~Crash

Currently listening : Greatest and Latest By Warrant Release date: 12 October, 1999

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