Category Archives for Soundtrack of Life

Only Good For Conversation – Rodriguez

Artist as Rock & Roll Enthusiast (aka ARE) Post: 38

RIP Sixto Rodriguez!

I discovered Rodriguez in 2010 when researching music for a Detroit-based episode of my former radio gig, the Fuzz Factory. Never heard of him before and his songs were good. At the time, I had no clue about his incredible life story. Turns out Rodriguez had a cult following in a few locations around the world. Unbeknownst to him, his music fueled the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa as well. In 2012, his incredible story was made into the Oscar-winning documentary “Searching for Sugar Man.” It’s a fantastic movie. If you’ve not seen it yet, check it out.

Check out his music too. He has many really good songs, most notably, The Establishment Blues and Climb Up On My Music. I thought about featuring one of those.but ultimately decided on Only Good For Conversation, probably my favorite song of his. This song has a harder edge and a more viscerally bitter tone than any of his other songs. It also has an unforgettably badass fat guitar riff.

Unfortunately, I was not able to link up the studio version of the song. At least I was able to link up a few live versions. Here they are below.

So Good To See You – Cheap Trick

Artist as Rock & Roll Enthusiast (aka ARE) Post: 37

Hey all. Yeah, it’s been a long while (like a year) since I posted about a song. I’ve meant to many times but you know how it goes. Thirty years ago, I would’ve posted about a different song every day. These days, I mostly just think about it. The soundtrack of life continues regardless. 

Today I am posting about my current ear worm, So Good To See You by Cheap Trick. It’s been stuck in my head for days and I couldn’t be happier about it. It’s such a great tune. Quite often, an ear worm is a song you enjoy at first that eventually becomes annoying. For example, Don’t Take Me Alive by Steely Dan was a common ear worm during my divorce. I really liked it at first, even seemed appropriate. However, it eventually it became a bit tedious. Sometimes an ear worm is a song you never liked. Therefore, it’s annoying from the get go. That type of ear worm occurred when I was in California last month. I heard We Built This City by Starship. Needless to say, I wanted that out of my head ASAP. Sometimes it all works well and stays that way. Like it does with this song, one of many underrated power pop gems from Cheap Trick. Been humming it for days on end.

Ooh, it’s so good to see you
I couldn’t wait another day
Ooh, I hope everyone missed you
You know they want you to stay

All Systems Go!

Look out, neighborhood. My Acoustic Research (AR) TSW-610 speakers are back in action and kicking serious sonic ass. These speakers sound so damn good! This set, and my AR receiver (also just refurbished), were part of the stereo system that was my high school graduation gift – way back in 1987. At last! Turntable and CD action are underway. My art studio stereo is now running at full speed. I’m excited! All systems go!

A Life of Illusion – Joe Walsh

Artist as Rock & Roll Enthusiast (aka ARE) Post: 36

I’ve heard this song for decades. It was released when I was 11. At the time and for many years after, I felt it was nothing special. It was just a song. As a kid, this track couldn’t compete “Rocky Mountain Way” or “Life’s Been Good.” I mean, come on! Where’s the appeal?

Years later, more like decades later, I have learned to love this song. What changed? Turns out the missing ingredient was perspective. I was too young to appreciate a song like this. I need some perspective of my own to realize it is a song ABOUT perspective. A damn, good one too.

The final verse is the one that hits me hardest:

Hey, don’t you know it’s a waste of your day
Caught up in endless solutions
That have no meaning, just another hunch
Based upon jumping conclusions
Caught up in endless solutions

Since, I couldn’t find videos worth posting from YouTube that weren’t blocked, I’ve included homemade videos to give you a taste of the audio, so to speak, see and hear.

The mariachi-like horns are a nice touch, don’t you think?

The Changingman – Paul Weller

Artist as Rock & Roll Enthusiast (aka ARE) Post: 35

Do you have a theme song? I’ve had a few over the years. Not many. Theme songs are exclusive company. You shouldn’t have too many of them. Music fans always have many songs they can relate to on multiple levels. A theme song is something more. I define a theme song as one that you relate to in such a way that it becomes a small part of your identity, because you can project your identity into the song.

One of my theme songs is from the Modfather himself, Paul Weller! Check it out, I’ve posted a couple of live versions below.

No surprise, it’s also on my list of all time favorite songs.

Is happiness real?
Or am I so jaded
I can’t see or feel, like a man been tainted
Numbed by the effect, aware of the muse
Too in touch with myself, I light the fuse

I’m the changingman, built on shifting sands
I’m the changingman, waiting for the bang
As I light a bitter fuse

Our time is on loan, only ours to borrow
What I can’t be today, I can be tomorrow

And the more I see, the more I know
The more I know, the less I understand

I’m the changingman, built on shifting sands
I’m the changingman, waiting for the bang
To light a bitter fuse

It’s a bigger part
When our instincts act
A shot in the dark
A movement in black

And the more I see, the more I know
The more I know, the less I understand

I’m the changingman, built on shifting sands
(I don’t have a plan)
I’m the changingman, waiting for the bang
As I light a bitter fuse

I’m the changingman, waiting for the bang
As I light a bitter fuse, yeah

Revolve – Melvins

Artist as Rock & Roll Enthusiast (aka ARE) Post: 34

Just a quick post about the Melvins, one of my favorite bands. Certainly, one of my favorite bands to see in concert.

Tonight, I am seeing the in concert. First time in a while. However, it’ll be my sixth or seventh time seeing them overall. They’ve been around forever. Here are a couple of clips of “Revolve,” my favorite Melvins song (but only if you forced me to choose one). It’s still a concert stable. I look forward to hearing it in person tonight. Check out how old these videos are!

I’ll add to this post later. Gotta hit the road. Concert is in Knoxville.

Good Vibrations – The Beach Boys

Artist as Rock & Roll Enthusiast (aka ARE) Post: 33

Today is the peak, the pinnacle. The summer solstice. The longest day of the year. Also, the first day of summer which I why I am posting about this song from the Beach Boys. In my opinion, “Good Vibrations” encapsulates the sound of summer better than any other song. It is the Most Summer Song of all time.

Let’s get one thing straight. I do not like the Beach Boys, but I love “Good Vibrations.” As a piece of music, it is an absolute masterpiece. It’s a magical, three and a half minute, symphonic journey. It is far superior to anything else they’ve recorded.

I tried to link the song (in any form, by any artist) without success. Therefore, I present 20 seconds, with a view outside my art studio window. No big deal. Y’all know what this one sounds like anyhow.

Ever Lovin’ Man – The Dirtbombs

Artist as Rock & Roll Enthusiast (aka ARE) Post: 32

The Dirtbombs are a garage rock band based in Detroit. Vocalist and guitarist Mick Collins formed the Dirtbombs in 1992. They’re still around, even though they haven’t released new music in almost a decade. Their sound blends diverse influences such as punk rock and soul while featuring an unusual but awesome lineup of dual bass guitar, dual drums, and one guitar.

Over the years, the Dirtbombs have gained a reputation as being one of the best live acts around. I can vouch for this, having seen them twice. Once as an opening act and once as a headliner. Both concerts were in very small venues in Chicago.

The Dirtbombs sound varies from album to album. They’ve even released an album of their version of house music and an another of bubblegum pop. They’ve got albums full of original songs and a couple filled with covers. Their cover versions are typically stellar. This song is an original, it comes from their 2009 album, We Have You Surrounded. I love this song. It’s a short, simple, scorcher. A guy’s proclamation to be the best man he can for his woman.

Anecdotal notes involving the Dirtbombs:

I really like the Dirtbombs. Still have an old Dirtbombs t-shirt. It’s a great shirt too, I still wear it. It has a picture of Blacula on it.

When I saw them in concert, Mick Collins was wearing a shirt that said “Who the Fuck is Mick Collins?” Still, one of my favorite front man moments. He was making reference to the infamous Mick Jagger version of the shirt that Keith Richards wore (see image below), and he was also poking fun at himself and anyone that might not know that he is in fact, Mick Collins. What a magnificent move!

About 15 years ago, I was told by someone that actually knows the band (now an ex-friend of my ex-wife) that they’d be open to playing a backyard concert. Specifically, my backyard, and it wouldn’t cost much more than providing lodging and gas money. Unfortuantely, I didn’t have a backyard at the time. Now I do, so I may have to see if this is still an option. Hmmmm…

Never Lose That Feeling/Never Learn – Swervedriver

Artist as Rock & Roll Enthusiast (aka ARE) Post: 31

Whoa. This one is massive. That’s the best word to describe this Swervedriver song. Massive in length and massive in sound. In my opinion it’s a sonic masterpiece.

“Never Lose That Feeling/Never Learn” close out Mezcal Head, their second full length album. Mezcal Head is definitely one of my Top 20 albums of all time. Might be in the Top 10!. Check it out if you’ve never heard it. The entire album is stellar. THREE songs from this album, including this one, made my list of 500 favorite songs.

This song (or songs) is probably my favorite of the collection. “Never Lose That Feeling” charges out of the gate and never stops. At the 4:11 mark, without interruption, the song plunges into a deep, dramatic instrumental coda for the final 7:39 of the song. The song is almost twelve minutes long, yet the groove could go on forever. That’s how good the ride is.

I’ve seen Swervedriver in concert a few times over the years. I’ve also seen Adam Franklin (founding member, lyricist, lead singer, guitarist) in concert too, with one of his other projects, Magnetic Morning. That time, I met him before the gig. Chatted for a minute as well. Turns out he was a friend of friend of my good friend in Atlanta. That’s right. Way less than six degrees of separation.

I wasn’t able to post this song from YouTube, therefore I produced my own clip, from the mantle in my art studio. It’s just a minute or so, but it covers the transition I describe in the previous paragraph.

Massive.

Kiss The Sun – The Atomic Bitchwax

Artist as Rock & Roll Enthusiast (aka ARE) Post: 30

Did I ever tell you the story of how I missed the concert and got to have a conversation about it with a guy in the band afterward? It’s a great story. One day maybe, I’ll tell you the whole thing. All the hilarious details. In the meantime, here’s the important stuff. It happened in July of 2017. In Philadelphia, at a place called Kung Fu Necktie. The band was the Atomic Bitchwax. The guy was Chris Kosnik, who founded the band in 1992. I was bummed! I was traveling and was excited to see a band I really enjoy. Fortunately, I’ve seen them before at the Masquerade in Atlanta. Turns out missing the show would end up being a much better story.

Inspired again by what came up on shuffle, here is Kiss the Sun, my favorite song from the New Jersey based band, the Atomic Bitchwax (yeah, I love that name too). First up is a super cool live version of the song, filmed on a beach in Sardinia, Italy. The second video is the first studio version, from their self-titled debut album. Wish I could find the second studio version, from the Boxriff EP. I think it’s superior version. Couldn’t find it on YouTube. It must be the only song not to make it to YouTube yet. Those super thick riffs and hooks are ear candy. This song also appears on my list of 500 favorite songs. 

Voices – Black Mountain

Artist as Rock & Roll Enthusiast (aka ARE) Post: 29

This song a definitive example of simple beauty. I love it. Basically, it’s a tribute to growing up listening to, loving, and being influenced by, rock and roll radio. This is a topic I can relate to. Growing up listening to rock and roll radio is something I remember fondly and have joyous memories of. It’s something I have often reflected upon.

Black Mountain is a Canadian psychedelic rock band based in Vancouver. They’ve been one of my favorite bands since their inception in 2004. I own pretty much everything they’ve ever recorded. I see them in concert every opportunity I get. This track is tough to get a hold of. You can find it as a B-side on the Stormy High EP.

I’m not kidding when I say I could listen to this song over and over. I truly could. I love a lot of songs, but I don’t say that about many of them. Listen to it now. See if you want to hit repeat. For the record, I did. It came up on shuffle but I’ve now played it three times in a row. So good.

Freedom of Choice – Devo

Artist as Rock & Roll Enthusiast (aka ARE) Post: 28

Working on posting to this blog when Freedom of Choice by Fu Manchu started playing. A great cover version of the fantastic Devo song. After the Fu Manchu version ended I played the original and decided to make a quick ARE post.

Freedom of choice means a lot more than we think. That’s what this song is all about. Always loved it for that, and for the groove.

A victim of collision on the open sea
Nobody ever said that life was free
Sank, swam, go down with the ship
But use your freedom of choice

I’ll say it again in the land of the free
Use your freedom of choice
Your freedom of choice

In ancient Rome there was a poem
About a dog who found two bones
He picked at one, he licked the other
He went in circles, he dropped dead

Freedom of choice
Is what you got
Freedom of choice

Then if you got it you don’t want it
Seems to be the rule of thumb
Don’t be tricked by what you see
You got two ways to go

I’ll say it again in the land of the free
Use your freedom of choice
Freedom of choice

Freedom of choice
Is what you got
Freedom of choice

In ancient Rome there was a poem
About a dog who found two bones
He picked at one, he licked the other
He went in circles, he dropped dead

Freedom of choice
Is what you got
Freedom from choice
Is what you want

Freedom of choice
Is what you got
Freedom from choice
Is what you want

Freedom of choice
Is what you got
Freedom from choice
Is what you want

The Death of Coyote Woman – All Them Witches

Artist as Rock & Roll Enthusiast (aka ARE) Post: 27

Neo-psychedelic band All Them Witches have been one of my favorite bands since their formation in Nashville a decade ago. I’ve seen them in concert a few times too. Amazing live show. Last night I was supposed to see them again. Unfortunate circumstances arrived and I had to skip the concert. One day I will see them again. My consolation is playing them in the studio today. “The Death of Coyote Woman”, is probably my favorite song of theirs, they have so many good ones. This one appears on their second album, Lightning at the Door.

Running In Place – Taylor Hawkins & the Coattail Riders

Artist as Rock & Roll Enthusiast (aka ARE) Post: 26

The world lost a good one today. Taylor Hawkins was one of the most likable people in rock and roll. He is primarily known for being the drummer for the Foo Fighters. Less known is his side band, the Coattail Riders. Here is my favorite song from Taylor Hawkins and the Coattail Riders debut album. Running In Place is a difficult song to describe. Basically, it’s a complex pop song. There are a few twists and turns in its breezy six minutes. It also happens to be one of my 500 favorite songs (https://brettcalleroartist.com/2019/09/11/my-500-favorite-songs-at-50/). Give it a listen.

Backstabbers – Jesse Malin

Artist as Rock & Roll Enthusiast (aka ARE) Post: 25

Today I was driving when I heard this song for the very first time. I was immediately taken with it. I had that feeling, the one you get when you discover a new favorite song. This is definitely a favorite feeling of mine. Perhaps my favorite feeling of all.

I’ve played this song at least 20 times today. I don’t know much about the artist other than he’s worked with other people I’ve heard of. Lucinda Williams sings backup on this song too. It’s alright because this post isn’t about the artist or the song itself. This post is all about the moment of discovery. The feeling you get during those first few listens.

That’s all for now, I’m not gonna ramble about the moment. I’m gonna continue to experience it by listening to my newest favorite song again.

Celebration Day – Led Zeppelin

Artist as Rock & Roll Enthusiast (aka ARE) Post: 24

I’ve always loved this song. As a kid, I was sold within the first five seconds. It’s one of Led Zeppelin’s best and remains a favorite. I’d tell you where it ranks on my all-time Led Zeppelin list (yes, I did that) but unfortunately, I can’t locate my list at the moment.

This post is more about why this song came to mind, today. Today is the last day of the Trump Administration. That alone is a reason for celebration. This is the beginning of the end for him. Trump for jail. Beyond the title, the lyrics of the song came to mind. The third verse reminded me of what the future holds for Trump and the Trump brand.

This song was written in 1970, but like many lyrics of that time, they speak about our world today. Serving as another reminder that the more things change the more they stay the same. Real progress and true changes come at a glacial pace.

“Her face is cracked from smiling, all the fears that she’s been hiding, 
And it seems pretty soon everybody’s gonna know. 
And her voice is sore from shouting, cheering winners who are losing, 
And she worries if their days are few and soon they’ll have to go. 

My, my, my, I’m so happy, I’m gonna join the band, 
We are gonna dance and sing in celebration, We are in the promised land. 

She hears them talk of new ways to protect the home she lives in, 
Then she wonders what it’s all about when they break down the door.
Her name is Brown or White or Black, you know her very well, 
You hear her cries of mercy as the winners toll the bell. 

My, my, my, I’m so happy, I’m gonna join the band, 
We are gonna dance and sing in celebration, We are in the promised land. 

There is a train that leaves the station heading for your destination, 
But the price you pay to nowhere has increased a dollar more. 
Yes, it has! 
And if you walk you’re gonna get there though it takes a little longer, 
And when you see it in the distance you will wring your hands and moan.”

Peace Sells – Megadeth

Artist as Rock & Roll Enthusiast (aka ARE) Post: 23

This year is coming to an end and it’s gonna feel good to turn the page on 2020. Was 2020 our lowest point? Could we reach the nadir in 2021? Will the United States of America begin to rebound in 2021 and beyond? All of this passes through my mind at some point each and every day.

On more than one occasion, a particular song will come to mind too. “Peace Sells” by Megadeth. This thrash metal song was released way back in 1986. I’ll still hear it on the radio and it still cranks out of my stereo from time to time as well. It comes to mind because the lyrics are even more relevant now than they were when they were written by Dave Mustaine a few decades ago.

Its relevance is infinite.

I’ve been working from home today and I’ve been cranking the tunes all damn day. Alright, that’s true most days for me but today it all sounded so invigorating. The relevance of this song had a role in that. There’s more work to do, let’s do it.