the Rock Report

Man, I thought I’d seen it all …
Years ago, at the Manor Theatre in Charlotte, I finally coaxed my daddy into letting me see the first Beatles feature, A Hard Day’s Night. The sight of John, Paul, George and Ringo lookin’ “larger than life” on the big-screen was nothin’ less than awesome (even if it was in black-and-white. Who cared?) Anybody who was breathing at that time could understand why they were such an influence. It was a mix of personality, that British accent — and, of course, the music!

Years went by, and, on occasion, I caught the movie on various-sized TV screens. Somehow, although the excitement was there, the awe kinda drifted off during the commercials.

That is, UNTIL ….

I caught the movie on a wide-screen TV down in Florida! My friends had ordered one of those big screen entertainment centers from a site called Furniture From Home and, man, seein’ that movie wide-and-inside was like 1964 all over again! I mean, seein’ the Fab Four on the big (TV) screen, but in private, gave me more of a chance to study background sets, clothing, even chords that George or John were playing!

So, a few months later, I checked out their site and found some tremendous bargains on quality bar stools, Storage Beds (believe me; I raised kids, and know the value of those things!) and even classy-looking Dining Room Furniture!
Not only is their furniture top quality (you’ve gotta click that site to see for yourself!), but you can also get a 30% discount, furniture tips and suggestions — even (get this!) FREE NATIONWIDE DELIVERY!

Now tell me — who else can give ya all this for a decent price?? Only Furniture From Home! So click on that link now and start refurnishing and redecorating that home of yours today!

Well, that’s it for this edition. Until next time, remember: Keep your eyes on the skies, your feet on the ground, your heart with the music … and I’ll see ya on the flip side!

Face it … just about every successful rocker/agent/producer/manager/songwriter/etc. is using the new VoIP systems (for the uninitiated, VoIP means “Voice Over Internet Protocol”) … and are really digging some serious and positive results from it!

It has some tremendous advantages, like the ability to transmit more than one telephone call on a single broadband-connected telephone line. This can make VoIP a cool and simple way to add an extra telephone line to a home or office.

And, get this: All ya need is an internet connection to get to a VoIP provider. Businesses (including call centers) using VoIP phones can work from anywhere with a reasonably fast and solid Internet connection.

It’s the best way to keep in touch with your clients, customers, friends and family … and, whether you’re in a big superconglomerate business or a simple mom-and-pop op, it’s simply the best way to handle any sort of important contact (only in-person does better!). And VoIP phone systems give you plug and play phones that’ll work wherever you have broadband. Their Nimbus systems give you total control over your phone and its features.

Now, some of the best features of Xpander’s system is that you don’t have to buy and maintain costly, traditional PBXs with their lengthy service contracts and labor charges. With Nimbus, you’ll also have unlimited calling throughout America and free dialing to any other of their VoIP phones in the world!

So, no matter what size your business — whether you’re just “getting your feet wet” in the corporate world or an “old pro,” you’ll find a faster, less expensive and more efficient way of doing business by just clicking the link above!

Now, if you’re wonderin’ where this all ties in with rock, just ask any agent of any star anywhere and let him/her tell ya about it! Believe me, it’s a godsend to the industry!

Well, that’s it for this post! Until next time, when we proceed with the Revolution, remember to VoIP yourselves by clicking the link … annnnnnnd …
keep your eyes on the skies, your feet on the ground, your heart with the music … and I’ll see ya on the flip side!

CINCINNATI. One of the finest river-towns in America is probably best known for the rockin’ WKRP IN (well, you know …) — not for Sixties impact!
BUT …
without the bright lights and happenin’ venues of C-Town, there’d be a lot missing from the sights, sounds and even political change of that era.

To kick things off, one of the premier soul acts of all time — a group that influenced the Beatles, helped Hendrix get his start, and was able to cross the Great Disco Divide intact — The Isley Brothers, hailed from Cincy. (Remember Twist and Shout, Shout and It’s Your Thing?)

And a lot of streetsiders in the late Sixties were singin’ with their Green Tambourine in hand as well. Right — the pseudo-psychedelic Lemon Pipers were also a standout hit from the area. Although considered one-hit-wonders, these guys evolved from the local Tony and the Bandits, a tremendously-popular group from UC and UM. Later, some of the guys played with Ram Jam (Black Betty). (BTW: The guys didn’t wanna do “Tambourine,” but it was the only way they could land that all-important recording contract!)
Oh … and you also had the legendary Pure Prairie League, whose country-rock preceded and influenced The Eagles. They’re still performing strongly today (recently in Ashland, Kentucky, at a festival).

Oh … let’s not forget Marty Balin, lead singer for the Jefferson Airplane before Grace took the mike (he was also her main squeeze during the psych era) and Jerry Rubin (he of the Chicago Seven, who turned politics on its ear during the Nixon years).

CINCINNATI TODAY

Rockaholics, the Relic has visited C-Town more times than he can count, and I can tell ya that, if you’re lookin’ for a dynamite place to hang your hat, this is it! You not only have some of the greatest nightlife, best shopping and great job opps there, but you’ve got the most beee-you-ti-full scenery there by the Ohio! Add the area’s rich history, some of the nicest, down-home folks you’d ever wanna meet — along with affordable, lovely and comfortable homes, and you’ve got an unbeatable combination! Of course, if you’re into the Kentucky Derby, remember that you’re just a hop-skip-and-jump from the Bluegrass State … and not too far from Derbytown (Louisville) itself.
Now, I mentioned homes, right? If you’re looking for the best in quality, comfort, location and price in Cincinnati Homes, you need to click on that link you just passed right now! It’ll lead you to a realtor who’ll go the extra mile-and-a-half in finding the right home, just for you!
Imagine … sitting on your front porch as the dawn breaks, sipping a hot, refreshing cup of coffee in the cool breeze of the morning, and knowing that it was all made possible with the help of Ohio’s best realtor, Amy Broghamer! By clicking on her site, you’ll see how she can help you get the best for your hard-earned money. You’ll even be able to read testimonials from satisfied clients!
And, if you’re relocating to the area due to your job, she’ll not only help you find the right place at the right price but also provide you with a relocation package to help familiarize you with the area!
Believe me, she goes all-out to find what you’re looking for in housing! She also serves the scenic Hyde Park, Mt. Lookout and Loveland areas as well as Greater Cincy! Just put your search in her hands … and watch your dream home become a reality!
So be part of the history … the beauty … the progress … that is Cincinnati and click on her link today!

Well, that’s it for this special edition of The Rock Revolution. Until next time, remember to keep your eyes on the skies, your feet on the ground, your heat with the music … and I’ll see ya on the flip side …

As The Beatles and other British groups were criss-crossing America with their unique brand of rock, it seemed that every kid in the country became part of a rock group in one capacity or another. Some groups that were already performing either changed their formats, names … or, of course, hairstyles.

• From Texas, the Sir Douglas Quintet began turning the Southwest upside-down with what started as a Brit-soundalike … but then turned to Tex-Mex rock. While Doug Sahm was the leader (and became a legend in his own right), more fans went to see the Lurch-sized Augie Meyer on his Farfisa organ. Their first hits were She’s About A Mover and I’m A Tracker. But their bullet record was the Tex-Mex-flavored, happy-sounding Mendocino.
• From Seattle came the solid sound (and hilarious antics) of Paul Revere and The Raiders — who are still performing today! Their hits are — well, too many to post on one blog. One standout was the earliest anti-drug anthem, Kicks.



• From Chicago came the tight blues sound of Shadows of Knight, which gave us an almost identical cover of Them’s Gloria.
• Beantown (Boston) was home to the butt-kicking Standells, who not only showed us some Dirty Water, but actually had an LP banned for its references (one of the first white groups to do so!)



• New York had some great area bands, including The Barbarians, (Are You A Boy?, Moulty), who had the best one-armed drummer in the biz in “Moulty” Moulton; The Knickerbockers, who sounded so much like John, Paul, George and Ringo that fans thought, at first, that their hit Lies WAS the Fab Four; The Strangeloves who were billed as Aborigines from the Australian Outback, but were from NYC; and more …
• From Georgia came Dennis Yost and the Classics IV (Dennis just recently recovered from throat surgery and is back performing under the now copyrighted group’s name) Spooky, Stormy, Traces of Love … and the offshoot group Atlanta Rhythm Section are their claims-to-fame.



• And how could we end this cross-country sampling without mentioning, once again, The Beach Boys from California? Though Al and Brian have left and Dennis and Carl are, sadly, deceased, Mike Love and Bruce Johnston are still performing with the group’s name. They started the surf wave before the Beatles, but the Invasion only helped them gain momentum.

But there were others just waiting in the wings … more on that in the next post!

BEAUTY IS MORE THAN SKIN DEEP!

One thing that we always dug about the girl groups of the Sixties was their beautiful skin. Sometimes, they’d use high-priced potions, notions and oceans of other items to keep themselves looking young.
But, today, there’s a new and totally revitalizing group of products that can do the same … and better … and for a lot less money, time and trouble. The best part is that these items are actually made with Dead Sea Minerals! And, as everybody knows, the folks around the Mediterranean have some of the smoothest, softest skin imaginable!
Now you or your loved one can have the peace-of-mind that comes from proper and wholesome care by just clicking on this skin care products link!
But look what you also get: Three free samples with each order; a fantastic array of products to choose from; TEN samples (AND a catalog!) for less than five bucks, annnnnnd a 10% discount with the online coupon! These make a great gift for the Christmas season, by the way … so click the link and order now!

Well, that’s about all I have for this edition. Until next time, remember: Keep your eyes on the skies, your feet on the ground, your heart with the music, and I’ll see ya on the flip side …

Man, you’ve GOT to be kidding me! Wait … I’ve gotta take a break from the regular blog to say somethin’ here:

Look … Elvis, like Vegas, is not to be messed with! Both are definite wondrous products of this country and have brought joy to millions worldwide! Though Elvis is gone, the music … and Las Vegas … is here to stay!

So why in the world would some hokey-lookin’ guys sit themselves out in a shed and change the King’s music to fit an E.D. potion? Ummmm … if the stuff’s that good, why are they hangin’ out (sorry … wrong word. Try again …) congregatin’ instead of bein’ with their wives-and/or-girlfriends? I mean, if they’re high on that stuff, you’d think …

Unless … (?!?!?)

And … and why does that dog have a sort-of-smile on his face? (Ummmm … don’t wanna go there … let’s move on:)

Look … Las Vegas deserves Elvis’ song of praise, and not be jumbled up in some kinda sex-potion commercial! It’s got more than you’d ever want in entertainment, food, relaxation …

AND HOTELS … AND CASINOS …

And there’s one that, to those who’ve experienced it, has everything a visitor would want. Rockaholics, trust me: Paris Las Vegas provides a treasure chest of beauty, style, elegance … and you can take in the beauty of the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre and Arc de Triomphe, all from this beautiful hotel/casino (in fact, you enter through the Eiffel Tower)! It’s just minutes away from the monorail, and close to practically every attraction in Vegas!
The hotel also offers French cuisine, fantastic talent (soon, Tony Danza’s gonna be taking the stage in Mel Brooks’ The Producers), great fitness areas … and beauty beyond belief!
So be sure to click on the link up there, and, no matter where you are in the USofA, make a point to visit Paris soon … it’s just around the corner in Las Vegas!

Well, that’s all for this go’round! Until next time, remember to click on that link to Paris (you’re gonna thank me for it!) and …
Keep your eyes on the skies, your feet on the ground, your heart with the music … and I’ll see ya on the flip side!

While running the Rock Revolution series, a couple of readers have emailed (not commented) two questions that I thought I’d answered a coupla clicks ago:
What REALLY made the ’60s acts so popular? Why can’t today’s acts get the same momentum?
Well, let’s get specific elements on your screen:

• They were ENTHUSIASTIC … and it showed on and offstage. No dark, brooding images here — their attitudes were the best PR they could have! And, since enthusiasm is contagious, the teen public caught it!
• They used GOOD HOOKS in their songs — meaning, they repeated lyrics, choruses, etc. Repetition helps anyone remember. Repetition helps anyone remember.
• They were strong on rhythm, not lead — and that included drums as well. No one tried to drown out the other with fancy fills. Remember … it all came from rhythm and blues!!
• Often, they used a lot of the LOWER-STRING, “DUANE EDDY” STYLE in their rhythm — It gave the song’s backing more body. It’s the same technique used for the brooding depth of “hip-hop” trax.
• The vocals included HARMONY — Although, on some songs, the vocals were solo efforts, the big ones added backing vocals for strength and extra bounce.
• They knew to OPEN WITH ATTACK! They knew the start of a hit had to be “exclamation point,” not elliptical. It showed the ultimate reason …
• CONFIDENCE!

This is what you’ll find in every Beatles, Searchers, Stones and other major Invasion group. Now, if ya find you’re needin’ more 411 on it, just click here and find out what the Fab Four say about it themselves!

WHEN IT’S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE …

Right. Sweltering heat now, but Christmas is not that far away, Rockaholics! And that means the best time to stock up on those presents is right now!
There’s one gift idea I’ve gotta tell you about, though. It’s one that puts your (or a cherished) photo on canvas! Now, when ya think about it, what better gift to give someone whose loved one’s in the military, or who’s just had a baby? How about one for your mom or dad of each other (maybe get one for yourself?)
Think of the possibilities! More importantly, think of the sentimental value as this graces their living-room wall for years! I’m totally in awe of this idea, folks!
And these christmas gift ideas don’t just end with the project itself! The people at Canvas On Demand also share their techniques, offer free image enhancement and free gallery wrapping … and all with a 100% moneyback guarantee!
Listen … the Relic says, CLICK ON THAT LINK! It’s gonna be the most appreciated present you could give, believe me!

Well, that’s it for this installment, and I hope I answered the emailers to their satisfaction. If you’ve got a comment, compliment or complaint, just let me know either by email or comment (both are free, don’t worry!). So, until next time, remember to click that great gift link above (you will be pleased, believe me!), and …
Keep your eyes on the skies, your feet on the ground, your heart with the music, and I’ll see ya on the flip side …

Okay … we’ve talked about the beginnings of the British Invasion, and how it actually changed the face of rock-n-roll. And, though the scene, as a whole, needed the “facelift”, there were a few stateside acts that were already carving their own little niche in the genre.

• On the West Coast, the surf-and-rod sounds of The Beach Boys were already driving kids to grab their boards, their babes, and boogie down at the beach. Considered “West Coast Soul” by many, it thrives in their performances today!



• Just two states away in the tall timbers of Washington, you had the jumpy sounds of Paul Revere and the Raiders, a group that combined garage-style rock with Marx-like comedy. They were the closest thing we had to home-grown group rock since Holly died (this, according to my sources), and, of course, it didn’t hurt to have a leader with a built-in gimmick. (Paul Revere is his given name!)
• Back on the East Coast (specifically, Greenwich Village and beyond), the folk movement was “blowin’ in the wind,” and no act could connect it to the soul better than Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel. Their harmony was easy-on-the-brain, but their lyrics could either cut you like a knife or warm you like a crackling fireplace on a winter’s day. Either way, though, they could make ya think.

So, while rock was beginning to twist’n’shout via the Brits, there was still a lotta good stuff “made in the USA”!

THE BEST PHONE-Y BUSINESS

You know, whether you’re in a big superconglomerate business or a simple mom-and-pop op, the best way to handle your phone is by VoIP phone systems. Unlike the traditional PBX systems, VoIP (for Voice Over Internet Protocol) by Xpander gives you plug and play phones that’ll work wherever you have broadband. Their Nimbus systems give you total control over your phone and its features.
Some of the best features of this system is that you don’t have to buy and maintain costly, traditional PBXs with their lengthy service contracts and labor charges. With Nimbus, you’ll also have unlimited calling throughout America and free dialing to any other of their VoIP phones in the world!
So, no matter what size your business — whether you’re just “getting your feet wet” in the corporate world or an “old pro,” you’ll find a faster, less expensive and more efficient way of doing business by just clicking the link above!

Well, that’s it for this episode of The Rock Revolution. Until next time, remember to give the folks at Xpander a visit, and … of course,
Keep your eyes on the skies, your feet on the ground, your heart with the music … and I’ll see ya on the flip side!

We’ll return to our ROCK REVOLUTION series shortly. For now, I want to use this post to make a very important announcement:

It’s a sad, humbling scenario: A family member — once so full of life and ideas — now shuffles along, not even remembering who you are. A vacant, imploring stare emanates from eyes that, not too long ago, seemed bright.

Alzheimer’s. It’s a deadly, incurable scourge that is robbing over four million Americans of their minds, according to OSF Healthcare statistics.

Though a cure hasn’t been found yet, the Alzheimer’s Association is raising awareness and funds for the care, support and research of patients suffering from this tragic disease. One way they’re doing this is by bringing together thousands of concerned folks for their Memory Walk — America’s largest event to “get the word out” about this disease and raise the money needed for further research.

This walk is held each year in hundreds of communities across the country and calls on volunteers of all ages to lead the fight against Alzheimer’s. (over the past eighteen years alone, it’s raised over $225 million!)

Now, though it’s for a very worthwhile cause, it’s also fun — especially if you’re a Team Captain. Not only would you be able to recruit your members, but hold fundraisers, get pledges and really get into the “cheerleading” side of it. In other words, you’ll get a feel-good feeling by getting everything coordinated. Also, your friends, neighbors and co-workers would see you as a true leader, and someone they could really rely on!

It’s a great opportunity to show your fullest and bravest potential … and you’re involved in a bit of “friendly competition,” as you shoot for the highest number of pledges.

The Memory Walk has a special connotation to The Relic, since I’ve lost one of the strongest, wittiest and loyal friends in my life — my Uncle A. L. Hinson — to the disease. Also, a guitarist who taught me everything about “pickin’ an axe”, the great rockabilly sideman Rick Tucker, passed the same way.

So, when ya visit the site, be sure to find out when the next walk’s gonna be in your area, and go — get involved, preferably as Team Captain!


Rockaholics, this is your chance to make a big difference in the 2007 …

Memory Walk!

While Rock America was teetering on the brink of superblahdom, the new British groups were picking up steam (and extra bookings) at places like the Star Club and Kaiserkeller in Germany and, of course, the famous Cavern Club in Liverpool. Their records were becoming as big as their live performances. While the blues sets in London (Animals, Pretty Things, Rolling Stones, Pirates) were pretty independent and comfortable playing the clubs ala stateside blues artists, the rock-n-roll groups were honing their acts, readying for the next big step in the rock process … The Invasion Of America!

The day the Beatles landed at New York’s JFK International Airport signalled the exact birthdate of today’s rock: Friday, February 7, 1964, 1 PM When Pan American Flight 101 landed, it brought the needed shot-in-the-arm that our music needed!

Two nights later, on CBS Television, Ed Sullivan introduced The Fab Four to America. Now, for those who think rock-n-roll’s a terrible influence, consider this: While the “really big shew” was on (from 7 to 8 PM EST), not even one major teenage crime was reported anywhere in this country!

Of course, every kid in America wanted a part of the action that was unfolding! While groups like The Searchers, The Kinks and The Dave Clark Five started appearing on our television screens, many statesiders started forming groups that copied these performers as closely as possible. The first, and most popular, group to actually succeed was The Beau Brummels.

By mid-year — toward the tail-end of the initial Invasion — the blues groups (Stones, Yardbirds, Animals) made their appearance, adding to an explosive mix of sound, sight, action and emotion. New stateside groups drowned out the solo artists, and, soon, youngsters with names like Springsteen, Petty and Seger were influenced to take up the rock banner themselves.

NEXT UP: THE WIDER INFLUENCE (with flashbacks)

READING UP ON IT ALL

Though we dig music, television and the ‘net, the best way to be entertained, hands down, is still to bury yourself in the pages of a good book. Whether it’s informational, educational, motivational or just a good fiction piece, the pages of a book opens up a screen that’s wider than any TV or monitor: the “screen” of the open mind. Of course, it also has a calming effect as well as offering the reader a great way to concentrate!
And the best place you can click for good books is right behind that link you just passed! At Buy.com you can find mysteries, best-sellers, fiction, information — even the Harry Potter books!
They’ll give you reviews, show you the most popular pre-orders (what’s really moving among readers!), and some of the best prices you’ll find anywhere!
So click the link now, and get ready for some of the best mind-openers you could ever have!

And with that, we come to the end of another edition of The Rock Revolution. Until next post — where we get a little deeper into the effects of the new-found rock resurgence — remember to visit Buy.com for the absolute best choice in books. Annnnnnd, of course …
Keep your eyes on the skies, your feet on the ground, your heart with the music, and I’ll see ya on the flip side!

While the Beatles are readin’, lemme sneak in here (q-u-i-e-t-l-y!) and give ya a quick peek at why these (and other) groups hit so big with EuroTeens … and, later, in America:

First, the groups were simple in their set-ups. No big “pyros,” giant orchestras, turntables and DJs; just guitars, drumkit and (often) piano. Thus, it was easier for the individual personalities to shine through.

Secondly, they knew how to attack a song. They had the confidence to start it strongly, rather than just strum a few notes and hope the other blokes would feel their way into it. There were exceptions, as in ‘Til The End of The Day by the Kinks and Gonna Make You by the Troggs. But these openers were done as a parody. The kids, themselves, needed acts that were confident of themselves.

Thirdly, they had harmony. No individual “hogged the mic” all the time. The other instrumentalists would add their tenor voices to the fills, and gave the whole performance more body. No one did this better than The Searchers In fact, other folk-rock groups like The Nightcrawlers, The Critters and, of course, The Byrds, picked up on this and capitalized like wildfire!

Another factor was stage presence. Did ya ever notice how many of the “minor” groups just played and stared around like “Duh, whadda I do NOW?” You had to “liven it up” a bit … give it some substance!

There were a few other reasons that we’ll get into as we progress into the next chapter of … THE ROCK REVOLUTION! Stay tuned …

THE ACCENT’S ON SAFETY

A few weeks ago, while boxing some papers to send to a friend in Charlotte, my utility knife slipped back and cut the bejabbers outta my hand! Fortunately, it wasn’t serious … and, after washing and bandaging the hand, I went to the PC and started checking out places to get a decent safety utility knife
Man, did I hit the jackpot with the people at Martor, USA!! Y’see, I’m a lefty, and they’ve got a cutter that’s safe for us to use, has a great grip, and … well, I’ve got one now, and I honestly do feel more secure with it!
But they offer more than you’d expect: patented safety features, ergonomic knives, training videos, great prices — you can even get a free safety knife on their site!
So click there today! Believe me (and I speak from experience!), you’ll not only feel safer with their knives but more confident thanks to their durability!

Well, that wraps it up for this special edition of The Rock Revolution. Remember to visit the folks at Martor, USA, and (you know what’s coming, right?) …
Keep your eyes on the skies, your feet on the ground, your heart with the music …” and I’ll see ya on the flip side!