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?
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.
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
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.
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.
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…
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
Artist as Rock & Roll Enthusiast (aka ARE) Post: 22
Seems to me, I have a backlog of music-related posts to make. The recent passing of Eddie Van Halen moves the band that takes his name to the top of that list of posts.
I’m not going to wax poetic about how brilliant a guitarist Eddie Van Halen was. Everyone knows he was a virtuoso that reinvented the instrument in ways unlike anyone else before or since. All rock fans have anecdotal moments centered around the virtuosity of Eddie Van Halen. My personal favorite is how the song “Eruption” instantly became the ultimate test for any aspiring guitarist. If you could play that you weren’t just good you were awesome. My mind goes back to that college dorm room with that guitar guy playing his attempt at that solo for the other dudes in the hall. It happened a lot. Usually followed by “Wish You Were Here” on acoustic, you know, to chill things out after the heat coming from that semi-blistering version of “Eruption.”
Instead, I want to reflect on my life at the time Eddie Van Halen came into my world. It was 1978 and I was nine years old. I was already starting to get into music. I had a record player of my own. I owned a few full-length albums. Bought them when going to neighborhood garage sales with my Mom. I had a few singles of my own too. Ultimately, Van Halen’s first releases were some of my very first albums on cassette tape.
When Van Halen’s debut came out, I heard it everywhere and like everyone else, it caught my ear. Never before had I heard any guitar like that. It was crunchy and fast but strangely smooth and slippery too. I have vivid memories of hearing that band in those days. Didn’t matter where I was, Van Halen was there too; the local recreation center, the swimming pool, the playground, the backseat of my Mom’s car, even coming from someone else’s car at a red light. Eventually, from my Walkman.
The gestalt present in their sound is unique. It’s simultaneously a cohesive unit and a single dominant force (Eddie Van Halen). Van Halen, Van Halen II and Fair Warning are my favorites. I could have chosen any song from the debut album. The album is that good. I decided to feature the song “On Fire” in my post for a few reasons. “On Fire” is the closing track and it’s a barnburner. It comes as advertised, three minutes of fire. It has remained one of my absolute favorite Van Halen tracks over all these years. Unlike many Van Halen songs, this song means business. It has a speed metal intensity and its purpose is to kick your ass. It’s not messing around. (“Mean Street” on Fair Warning is my all-time favorite Van Halen song for a similar reason). “On Fire” is good enough to close out their debut AND be an opening track in concert (see attached video).
To be fair, I started to lose interest in their music a couple of years into the Sammy Hagar era. That said, I can still listen to all the David Lee Roth albums with a smile on my face. That’s the secret ingredient and the true magic of Eddie Van Halen and the band Van Halen. They just wanted to put a smile on your face and that’s what they did best. Eddie Van Halen’s smile while playing guitar is my indelible, unforgettable memory of him.
Artist as Rock & Roll Enthusiast (aka ARE) Post: 21
Today is my birthday. I’m 51. It’s the first day of my sixth decade. My day, year, and decade started with something that most would say is a minor serendipitous moment. However, I know otherwise. My higher power speaks through music. This was no accident.
I often wind down the day by listening to music in a lowly lit room. Last night was no exception. When I’m not in the mood for a specific artist or album, or a deep listening of something new to me, I’ll often hit shuffle on a vast playlist filled with hundreds of songs I know. That’s what I did last night.
At 11:59 (I looked at the clock) one of my absolute favorite songs came on. Ain’t Got Nothing (To Go Wrong) by Dead Meadow. Not only is this a favorite song, I consider it one of my theme songs. Only a handful of songs become theme songs to me. I’ve written about them before and will surely feature them again in my Artist as Rock & Roll Enthusiast posts. Typically for me, the music carries me through the song. That’s the case here as well. The guitar solo in this song is incredible. However, my personal relationship to the lyrics and their overall feel with the music, are for me, the elements that elevate a song to the highest level.
The moment midnight came and the calendar turned to the eleventh of September, my birthday, shuffle gave me this song. A piece of music with great personal importance to me. It wasn’t serendipity. It was meant to be. I wouldn’t have had my new sixth decade start any other way.
Lemon yellow sun up overhead today What more is there that I could say then Lord, let it stay I ain’t got nothing to go wrong today No, not today
I’ve been up and down this street for quite some time The gutters get filled, it takes all kind like fish on a line The way that things go these days, I’m fine Yeah, I’m doing fine
Good times come, they sure come slow Why that may be I don’t know, just let it flow All things in this world they come, they go Yes, this much I know
If silence is golden then your words they’re lead I can’t believe how that shit sticks in my head The sun shines away, there’s nothing to say People they talk anyway, they’re talking away
Artist as Rock & Roll Enthusiast (aka ARE) Post: 20
Do you remember?
I know it’s been a shitty year all around but the best month of the year has arrived. September is my favorite month and not just because it’s my birthday month. We need this song. It’s pure joy. Celebrate!
The lesson of the song? Never let the lyric get in the way of the groove. Ba-dee-ya!
Artist as Rock & Roll Enthusiast (aka ARE) Post: 19
For various reasons, I have decided that this is one of my theme songs. I have a few of them, not too many. Zig Zag Wanderer, it rings true for me on many levels. This decision comes after many years of living life and many hours of listening to music. This is a decision made through experience. I even wrote about it here, in another post.
I am not even a huge fan of Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band even though I respect Don Van Vleet and his important contributions to music as an alternative rock pioneer and beyond. In fact, I had not even heard this song until I was around 35-40 years old, when I took a deep dive into early psychedelic rock.
You can jump you can holler Never lose what I have found Heaven’s free ‘cept for a dollar You can zig you can zag Whoa I’m gonna stay around gonna stay around
Artist as Rock & Roll Enthusiast (aka ARE) Post: 16
White. Male. American.
This song about police racism was released in 1993. It was inspired by an incident in which Eddie Vedder got into an altercation with a group of police officers who hassled his black friend but ignored him.
“He won the lottery by being born
Big hand slapped a white male American
Do no wrong so clean cut
Dirty his hands, it comes right off
Police man, police man, police man
Police stopped my brother again”
This song is now 27 years old. I’ve listened to it often over the years. Objectively it’s a pretty great song too. The tribal backbeat is hypnotic and it’s message is as vital as ever. Let’s listen to it like it’s brand new because the subject certainly isn’t old. #blacklivesmatter
Brett Callero: Visual Artist 