This guy is new to me, but judging by the amount of views he has on Youtube, he’s been around for a long time. His name is James, and he is of Led Zeppelin cover band “Virtual Zeppelin”. This dude has an amazing voice, and he covers Led Zeppelin songs in a way I’ve never heard before. Most of the stuff is played on an acoustic Guitar but not all of it. He also does other bands like Alice In Chains and The Beatles. The video below is of James covering Hey Hey What Can I Do. If you liked this, you absolutely must listed to his version of The Rain Song. It is truly unbelievable and so accurate!
For older Led Zeppelin related posts click Here.
If you were around during the short lived Grunge era, this video is a must! During a Pearl Jam concert in L.A. on October 6, Chris Cornell suddenly came on stage, and together with the band performed one of Temple Of The Dog’s classics, Hunger Strike:
Blues Traveler frontman John Popper said it best a few years back when he likened his struggles with obesity to fueling the angst and consequently the power of his sound. Sad as it sounds, Popper recognized that in shedding lbs through gastric bypass, he had lost his drive. He was too happy to make good music.
The same might be said of the new upbeat Ray LaMontagne album, Gossip in the Grain which was released today. It’s as if overnight, LaMontagne sold out to music execs demanding more poppy overtures to fuel the likes of “Grey’s Anatomy,” Grain’s songs are infused with a lighthearted cheery tempo. There are but a few songs worth listening to and it’s mostly stale. The one notable song (and no, it’s not the featured single on the album) is LaMontagne’s rather dour diddy about his quasi-freakish obsession with drummer Meg White. The song delivers us a piece of the Ray we fell in love with - all yearning and raw melancholy. It’s also probably the only genuine song on the album.
I give Ray a thumbs up on the taking chances bit with trying out a new, upbeat vibe. Hope is good. Now go back to making us sad and help us rediscover emotions we didn’t even know we had. We love that more.
Warning: This post has the potential of making you moody. Don’t read it if you are having a happy day!!!!
Riders on the storm
Riders on the storm
Into this house we’re born
Into this world we’re thrown
Like a dog without a bone
And actor out on loan
Riders on the storm
There’s a killer on the road
His brain is squirmin’ like a toad
Take a long holiday
Let your children play
If ya give this man a ride
Sweet family will die
Killer on the road, yeah
The recent rain and snow storms in my area reminded me of this wonderful song from the 1971 Doors album, LA Woman. And it also made me think about all those talented people who died at the same very young age of 27:
Jimmy Hendrix died on September 18, 1970 in London. He was 27. Just two weeks later, on October 4, 197 one of Janis Joplin’s road managers found her dead in the Landmark Motor Hotel in LA. She was 27.
Jim Morrison died in Paris. It was July 3 1971, and he was taking a bath. Guess how old he was. It took 24 years before our next 27 year old phenomenon checked out. It was April 8, 1994 when Kurt Cobain was discovered at his Lake Washington home by an electrician, after he shot himself.
Seriously, who the hell gives a damn about Gene Simmons’ sex tape? So he was having sex with a model, so what? Is it not mandatory for a Rock star, especially almost a has been like our Chaim to fool around like that? And one more thing, who the hell wants to see a 59 year old man perform? Apparently, plenty of people not only want to watch it but paid good money to avn.com, a site that flourishes from such events for the pleasure to watch the clip.
I know that Shannon Tweed has been Gene’s girlfriend since 1985, and that they have two kids together, and that she is defiantly, not the woman from the clip, but come on, he’s a rocker.
Any way, it remind me of that Family Guy episode when the Griffins meet Simmons in a diner, and Lois recognizes him as without his makeup as Chaim Witz, who she dated before he changed his name, and Peter is so proud that he announce that his wife did Kiss on public television… That was a great episode….
By the way, although he did not deny it has not been confirmed yet that the man in the clip is actually Gene Simmons. Therefore, this all might just be much ado about nothing.
Text messaging can be deadly. Especially when mixed with deaf beauty queens, railroad tracks, and oncoming trains. [CNN]
“My daddy died in Iraq. What did yours do to win Hannah Montana tickets?” [CNN]
Mel Gibson’s drunken, xenophobic rant tirades were actually so last year. [The Smoking Gun]
We mourned Tony Soprano and the end of an era. And that song by Journey that helped revive Steve Perry’s career tenfold. [YouTube]
We are all sinners and going to Hell to hang out w/the homos (according to Mike Huckabee) and Anna Nicole. Besides, she’s already keeping the place warm for Howard K. Stern. [Wonkette]
The joke fodder that couldn’t die a proper death: Larry Craig’s public bathroom etiquette. Personally, I prefer using stalls with the disposable seat covers. [About.com]
Yesterday I wrote about me developing an eye for Showtime’s Dexter. Today I read that I’m not alone. According to Reuters, CBS CEO, Leslie Moonves, said that CBS is planning to air edited version of Dexter, because of content shortage, due to the ongoing writers strike. Reuters also points that CBS is the leader in the forensic crime drama genre with the “CSI” franchise.
On a different note, the latest issue of the Rolling Stone Magazine covers the Led zeppelin reunion. Last night a got a chance to go over the piece and it is highly recommended if you are a fan of the band. Here is a taste of what Jimmy Page had to say about the reunion: “It was immediate, Everybody went in with a will to work and to enjoy it. It was a delight.”
Amy Winehouse’s new album Frank was originally released in the UK in 2003. As it often happen with British musicians, it took some time for Amy to get some recognition here in America, but now everybody knows who she is (”There is no such thing as bad publicity, except your own obituary…Brendan Behan) and Frank is now being sold in the US as her new album.
Howard Cohen from Kansascity.com wrote that Frank is “a more stripped-down, jazzy effort… finds the edgy British singer rivaling greats including Ella Fitzgerald, Eartha Kitt and Lauryn Hill with her silky, smoky voice.”"Winehouse’s voice is a jazz instrument in itself, constantly riffing around, exploring and enhancing blues chords while staying fully anchored, seemingly unable to hit a sour note. Those who would blanch at comparisons of Winehouse to timeless jazz and blues chanteuses surely haven’t heard her sing.”
I’m totally on the same page with Mr. Cohen here. Amy Winehouse’s voice belongs on that list.
To cover a Led Zeppelin song is like turning a Stephen King’s book into a movie- many have tried, but only a few have succeeded to have the same impact as the original. Godsmack (what a horrible name,) a hard rock band from Massachusetts just released a cover version to Good Times Bad Times, the 1969 Zepp hit. And (with the words of my dear wife,) I have to say, they are doing a pretty good job. Not since Minimal Compact gave their on interpretation to Immigrant Song in the mid 80’s, that I’ve heard a good Led Zeppelin cover version. And don’t talk to me about Tori Amos, cause her covers all sounds just the same!
Can’t belive I’m writing about this again, but it is confirmed that Robert, Jimmy, John Paul, and Jason will play in memory of Ahmet Etegun , Atlantic Records founder. Tickets will cost 125 British Pound about $250 and will be distributed by ballot. Due to past disapointments, I dare not think about a tour option.
All of a sudden the rumors come up again, rising from deep like a glitter of gold, sneak on you like a black dog, but when you prepare your self for a day of celebration, you find out it was just another breakdown in communication, and you are left dazed and confused, asking your self how many more times you will believe this crap about a Led Zeppelin reunion?
After Robert Plant denied the rumors of a Led Zeppelin reunion, and braking many fan’s heart by doing so, Reuters now reports that Van Halen (and I certainly bag the differ,) will reunite with original singer David Lee Roth, and will go on a US tour. Van Halen will announce the reunion next week in a news conference in Hollywood.
P.S.
My deepest apologies to all those Led Zeppelin fans who’s feeling were rightfully hurt by the mentioning of their beloved band with Van Halen.
by Scott Register
I love Kim Richey. Freaking love her. Love her engaging personality, her witty demeanor, her talent as a songwriter and that voice, oh that voice. Few things sooth my ears and soul like the sound of Richey’s voice. It brings a peace to me like the sound of listening to my two little boys breath as they sleep. Her ability to capture a moment in time and tell an epic tale in three and a half minutes is second to none. For all those reasons, I am incredibly happy that she is back with her latest offering (the first in many years mind you), Chinese Boxes (Vanguard).
This past Sunday, Kim came down to the studio from Nashville armed with her guitar, wit and voice and I sat across the console from her with a shit-eating grin on my face that I believe still hasn’t been wiped off. If you would like to check out her performance, go here and click on her link. You will not be disappointed.
While you are there, be sure to give a listen to Adam Hood’s set from the same Reg’s Coffee House program. Adam is one of my favorite Alabama artists, hailing from Auburn/Opelika, and his music makes me want to pull out my shit-kickers, pack a fat cat in my lip and suck down ice cold Buds while I shoot pool with my runnin’ buddies. He is a honky tonker’s honkey tonker and a damn good cat to boot. His debut CD, Different Groove was recently released on Pete Anderson’s Little Dog Records and Anderson even produced it. If you want to hear the sound of the road, and the roadhouse for that matter, give it a listen.
I can’t get Harry Nilsson’s “Everybody’s Talking” out of my mind since my husband told me about the film Midnight Cowboy, the first X-rated film to ever win an Academy Award for Best Picture. Of course, the film, released in 1969, would be PG-13 by today’s standards, but still the adult themes are genuine, poignant, and well, very raw. Dustin Hoffman and Jon Voigt are at their best in this film as two friends trying to live above the poverty line in New York and barely scraping by on Voigt’s soliciting of himself. Which, speaking of prostitution, there is a performance by veteran actor John McGiver as a gay man Voigt comes into contact with that MUST be the inspiration for Seth McFarlane’s Stewie from “The Family Guy.” The facial expressions, mannerisms, voice, and face are pure, unadulterated Stewie.
I spent a big part of my youth fantasizing about going to a Led Zeppelin concert. I spent hours listening to a 24 minutes Dazed And Confused on my old record player, and thinking to myself, how much I would give to see Jimmy Page doing his psychedelic guitar thing live. Not understanding how the fuck does John Bonham does what he does, especially in Moby Dick. Watching John Paul Johns reading a bedtime story to the kids when he is called to duty- a tour. And as I grew older the dream faded and faded and was almost gone until a couple of days ago, I found out that there is a good chance that the greatest rock band in history will reunite for a world tour!!!! Yes, they are doing a tribute show for Atlantic Records, and then, with Jason Bonham (son of the late drummer) on drums they are on their way!!! I don’t have any details on when and where, but I have a world map and a calendar…
How was Bonarroo? You went didn’t you? Oh, if I had a dime for every time I have been asked that question I would be adding on to my house next week. But alas, I did not go this year. As a matter of fact, I didn’t go last year. Don’t get me wrong, I love The Roo and I miss it dearly but since they moved their dates to the same weekend as my beloved hometown festival City Stages (www.citystages.org).
City Stages is no Bonarroo, it doesn’t pretend to be. At the same time, City Stages is something Bonarroo isn’t, it is a celebration of civic pride and a way for a town plagued by it’s ghosts and the sins of our fathers, to show the world that this isn’t the city some in our country think it is. While I missed seeing the incredible music at The Roo (Except for The Police. I have talked to a few dozen folks who attended and inevitably the first thing out of their mouth’s is “The Police sucked!” That’s a shame. I will just keep my memories of the Ghost In The Machine tour and avoid their latest incarnation.). I did get to see a city rally to show how much it cares about a festival that in its 19 year history has had its ups and downs but continues to prove its relevance to Birmingham. Read More…
“Once” Soundtrack (Canvasback Records) – Glen Hansard (front man for Irish rockers The Frames) and Marketa Irglova have put together what will easily be my Soundtrack of the year and as emotionally invigorating and inspiring a collection of songs as I have heard in some time. As good as the Soundtrack is, it is even more compelling after you view the film. I highly recommend checking out both. Standout tracks include “When Your Mind’s Made Up”, “Falling Slowly”, “Trying To Pull Myself Away”, “If You Want Me”, and “Once”. In a world of pre-packaged corporate bullshit and hype, this music and film cleanse the pallet and quince the purist’s thirst.
Rocky Votolato “The Brag and Cuss” (Barsuk) – Between this CD and Willy Mason’s “If The Ocean Gets Rough” (Astralwerks), modern folk music is alive and well. Votolato continues to impress me with his old soul, thought provoking lyrics, and ease on down the road melodies and this is by far his greatest collection of songs.
Amy Winehouse “Back To Black” (Universal Republic) – Yes, I am still enamored with this CD and if you haven’t noticed, Winehouse is creating a quiet storm by selling a whole lot of CDs every week under the radar. Sure, there is some hype, but I don’t think there is enough and I kind of like it that way. While everyone else is “STILL” worried about and obsessed with first week sales numbers, Winehouse steadily is selling 30K to 50K a week and the momentum doesn’t appear to be slowing. Gotta love an artist development story like this one. Isn’t that what music
is supposed to be about?
John Doe –“A Year In The Wilderness” (Yep Roc) – Like a fine Cabernet, Doe just gets better and better with age and this is his BEST solo record to date. Throw in duets with Kathleen Edwards ( “The Golden State” is a perfect song), Jill Sobule and Amie Mann, and X is alive an well and sounding as fresh as ever. I love cheering for this guy and nothing makes me happier than when a new CD from him shows up on my desk. Go John Doe Go!
I’m From Barcelona “Let Me Introduce My Friends” (Mute) – I might have mentioned before that I was late coming to the party on this one as it got lost in a sea of promos but better late than never in this case as it is going to be one of my favorite releases of the year. I’m a sucker for great pop music and this Swedish collective has made one of the smartest, infectious, rollicking pop records of the decade. If you can sit still while listening to this CD and not sing along and shake your ass then I feel for ya. Pure pop goodness as its finest. Don’t miss out on this one.
By DJ Scott Register aka Reg of Reg’s Coffeehouse.
Last weekend I spent another wonderful 3 days at the Non-Commvention. This is the last time it will be held in lovely Louisville (Seriously, if you have never spent time in this town, it is a must. Our entire country could learn a thing from Louisville about enjoying life and taking time to stop a sniff the Cabernet.) before it moves to its new permanent home in Philadelphia, PA. The conference will miss Louisville and the Brown Hotel but I’m sure the City Of Brotherly Love will be up to the challenge.
What is the Non-Commvention you ask? Well, I could give you the technical answer but I would rather put it in my own words. Non-Comm is a gathering of people who not only love music as an art form, they love getting excited about it, relishing in it, wallowing in it and turning on as many folks as they can to it. It is a music lover’s paradise. I have made so many new friends over the past few years at NonComm and because we share this love of music, there is always a common bond, always a starting point for conversation and mutual admiration flows freely.
Highlights of my Louisville weekend include but are not limited to:
Ryan Adams dark, strange, eerie, freak show of a set at the Brown Theater: OK, I heard Ryan’s set pissed off a lot of folks. To them I say, get over it.
Vietnam – If this band ever finds a way to go out with My Morning Jacket, I am quitting everything and going on tour. Rock ‘n Roll is alive and well my friends.
Augie March – This Australian band just might make it here in the States. Infectious pop jewels, poetical lyrics and a powerful presentation. I’m pulling for this band.
Dangerbird Records Showcase – The little label that can! Eulogies, Sea Wolf, One AM Radio…if the only band on
this label that you are familiar with is Silversun Pickups, you are missing out. This indie label is home to some of the finest alternative music being made today.
Sarah Borges and the Broken Singles – Hell Yeah!!! If The Replacements had been an Alt-Country-Rock band, this is what they would have sounded like. If you can see this band and not have fun, you might want to check your pulse.
Alison Krauss & Robert Plant – Watching the look on a room full of folks faces when they learned the song they had just heard was a duet by Alison Krauss and former Led Zeppelin lead Robert Plant. This record, due in October, is going to shake up the music world. STUNNING!
And last but not least…
Ingrid Michaelson – The “Grey’s Anatomy” IT girl has the songs and the voice to live up to the hype and the expectations. She’s about to become the voice of the “nerdy chic” set.
We think “nerdy” might be messing with some Amaldo.com coolness quotient, but we’ll mesh with it for now. We’re like Lisa Loeb cat-eye glasses cool like that.
I was about 17-years-old, my friend and I were sitting in his room, playing guitar and dreaming of becoming the next big thing in music. Then this kinda weird friend entered the room and said, I just got something new, you have to hear this. The moment we heard Jimmy Chamberlin’s drums on “I Am One,” we knew that Smashing PumpkinsGish was unlike anything we’d ever heard before. The band’s first official album, it was released before they started playing to more mainstream, commercial demands. Many years have pased since, but this album is with me wherever I go.
It starts very strong with “I Am One” and “Siva”, then the tempo goes down a bit with “Rhinoceros.” The album ends with the amazing “Day Dream” that leaves you with a taste for more. If you like listening to more recent Smashing Pumkins songs, this album will give you the opportunity to hear what you like but in a raw version. As far as my friend and I, we have not become the next thing, but like many more before us, we got over it..
/best_dressed_animation_lois.jpg "Lois Griffin did Kiss")
Seriously, who the hell gives a damn about 
Text messaging can be deadly. Especially when mixed with deaf beauty queens, railroad tracks, and oncoming trains. [
Yesterday I wrote about me developing an eye for Showtime’s Dexter. Today I read that I’m not alone.
According to 
Amy Winehouse’s new album Frank was originally released in the UK in 2003. As it often happen with British musicians, it took some time for Amy to get some recognition here in America, but now everybody knows who she is (”There is no such thing as bad publicity, except your own obituary…
Can’t belive I’m writing about this again, but it is confirmed that Robert, Jimmy, John Paul, and Jason will play in memory of Ahmet Etegun , Atlantic Records founder. Tickets will cost 125 British Pound about $250 and will be distributed by ballot. Due to past disapointments, I dare not think about a tour option.
by Scott Register
I can’t get Harry Nilsson’s “Everybody’s Talking” out of my mind since my husband told me about the film Midnight Cowboy, the first X-rated film to ever win an Academy Award for Best Picture. Of course, the film, released in 1969, would be PG-13 by today’s standards, but still the adult themes are genuine, poignant, and well, very raw. Dustin Hoffman and Jon Voigt are at their best in this film as two friends trying to live above the poverty line in New York and barely scraping by on Voigt’s soliciting of himself. Which, speaking of prostitution, there is a performance by veteran actor John McGiver as a gay man Voigt comes into contact with that MUST be the inspiration for Seth McFarlane’s Stewie from “The Family Guy.” The facial expressions, mannerisms, voice, and face are pure, unadulterated Stewie.
How was Bonarroo? You went didn’t you? Oh, if I had a dime for every time I have been asked that question I would be adding on to my house next week. But alas, I did not go this year. As a matter of fact, I didn’t go last year. Don’t get me wrong, I love The Roo and I miss it dearly but since they moved their dates to the same weekend as my beloved hometown festival City Stages (
By DJ Scott Register aka Reg of 
By DJ Scott Register aka Reg of 
