A to Z Band Challenge : Special "F" Word Edition

There are other bands that begin with the letter "F", but since this is MY list of the first five on MY mind, you won't be seeing any garbage like Fall Out Boy on it! Though I debated on Foghat, they missed the cut, simply because others came to mind first. My top five for musical "F" words are :

NaNoWriMo on a Sour Musical Note? NAH!

Thus far, I have failed to meet ANY of my "NaNoWriMo on a Musical Note" challenges! I have barely touched my bass, I have no recording method set up yet, and I haven't had time to touch my friends poems / songs. I have yet to TOUCH that file cabinet with all the songs in it, so that will not be happening this month, either. In fact, although I have kept up with all of my editorial duties, I have yet to get much over 10,000 words in my regular NaNoWriMo challenge.

A to Z Band Challenge : The Letter E

It is getting harder and harder to stay on target with this challenge. For some letters I have way too many bands to include here. For a few, there may wide up being a shortage, though I haven't run across that yet. Perhaps if I do, I can go back and hit a few I missed, but I will probably just do an "honorable mention" on all of those at the end. "Z" may be a bit harder anyway...we shall see.

A to Z Band Challenge : The Letter D

Doi, Wikimedia Commons, Public Domain

It will be hard containing this one to the first five that come to mind, but I will try.

Dio -

Ronnie James Dio was, in my opinion, one of greatest singers who ever lived. RIP, Ronnie. You were a true wizard on stage. You mesmerized your audiences with both your phenomenal voice, and your massive stage presence. There is no other like you...try though they may. Joe Lynn Turner could not replace him in Rainbow, nor can Tony Martin in Sabbath...sorry guys, no offense intended...just how I see things. Dio is still a major influence on me. His large body of work, with various groups, and as a solo artist still influences many besides myself. 

NaNoWriMo on a Musical Note

Can we as musicians also participate in NaNoWriMo? Well, why not? Unless they are strictly instrumental, songs are composed with words too. Often they are composed to accompany catchy phrases, thus is the allure of pop music, right?

An opera is a complete story in and of itself. Many have even sprung from the premise of a classic or popular novel. We even have rock operas from bands such as The Who, Pink Floyd, and Queensryche. The 70's were replete with progressive rock bands who themed side long, or even entire albums with a specific story line. Yes, Rush, and Pink Floyd all come to mind there. 

Any great opus of musical work can be compared to a novel, can it not? If they aren't the type of a novel, they are often major biographical works for that particular artist, at the very least. How better to learn a bit about your favorite musician, than to study the depth of their lyrics...in depth, no less. 

My personal musical endeavors for NaNoWriMo are sadly far less adventurous. I plan first and foremost to create a system on which to record. This has been a major thwart to my musical creation of late, and it is time to solve the issues at hand...somehow. I then plan to finish working out the music and vocal melodies that I started to accompany my friends wonderful poetry. There are currently two songs left dangling unfinished in this vein. 

If the above plan for recording falls through somehow, or if by some miracle I manage to finish these projects ahead of schedule, then I will proceed will another ambitious musical endeavor. The collecting, organizing, and potential re-working of my own massive fountain of lyrical creations. These will hopefully come to some fruition of their own in various manners. 

Those are my personal planned experiments into a "novel musical approach". I wonder if any of my fellow musical mad scientists have any such motivations. I'd love to hear about it if you do.

This article was inspired in part by articles written about the late Lou Reed by  Julia Muransky and  ChrisJarmick , both of which can be found on http://fullofknowledge.com/ .

A to Z Band Challenge : The Letter C

I have decided I must narrow this thing down to five per letter. This will not be an easy task for me, as I love so many different bands and forms of music. I am limiting it to the first five bands that come to mind. On to the letter "C", and a brave attempt to be more succinct in my choices.

Candlemass -
A great Swedish doom metal band that were quite popular in the 80's and 90's, though I prefer their earlier stuff, such as "Solitude", and "A Sorcerer's Pledge" from there first album, Epicus Doomicus Metallicus. Best album title ever! Candlemass are still making music, with a new singer, but I have yet to check their latest offerings out.

The Cult -
An 80's British band, considered post punk Goth rock. I just love The Cult. To me it is very straight forward rock. Though I love them dearly, especially singer Ian Astbury, and Billy Duffy's guitar work, the bass always disappoints me. I find it far too simplistic for my taste.
Favorite songs from these guys are hard to pick, as I love so many! A few would include, "In the Clouds", "Spiritwalker", She Sells Sanctuary", and "Rain".

The Cure -
Quintessential 80's Goth Rock, and of course, who doesn't love Robert Smith to this day? He is the definitive Goth icon, with Siouxsie Sioux being the female counterpart, of course. A few of my favorites by The Cure would be "A Forest", "Like Cockatoos", and "If Only Tonight We Could Sleep".

Clan of Xymox -
80's darkwave from The Netherlands, I love this moody band! I love much of their stuff, but my two personal faves are probably "She is Dangerous" and "Creature".

The Cruxshadows -
Yes, we are on a Goth roll with the "C"'s, ending with 90's darkwave lead by the more current Goth icon, Rogue. I love so very many of their songs including "Deception", "Solus", "Eyes to Heaven", and "Cruelty", to name but a few.

There...only five...I did it! On to letter "D"...

Originally published on Bubblews, October 24th, 2013.

A Few of My Favorite Spooky Tunes

A lot of the music I listen to would fit nicely this time of year. Being that I am predominantly a fan of metal and Gothic rock, I suppose that's not too surprising. Still, there are certain songs that just resonate extra well with the the spirit of Halloween for me. My list will probably surprise a lot of people, because there are way scarier songs I could have picked. The ones I did pick have special significance to me, though. Some are songs that I have associated with Halloween since I was a child. Other tunes are things I have used in my scenes at the haunted house, so they will ALWAYS represent Halloween to me.

From least (5) to greatest (1), here are my personal top five songs to play at Halloween:

5. "I Put a Spell on You" by Marilyn Manson. 

There are many great versions of this song, and I love them all. I have since I was a small child. Though I am not a huge Manson fan, I think he does an excellent job on this one. The mood of his version is quite spooky, and great for Halloween celebrations.

4. "Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress" by The Hollies

I know most people will laugh at this choice, but since I was a little girl, I have always been certain the woman The Hollies spoke of was a witch. I played this all the time, especially at Halloween when I was a child. I always thought the music was awesome too, and I still do. It will always be one of my 

favorites.

3. "The Mob Rules" by Black Sabbath

This one screams Halloween to me because it has always made me think of the mob with torches 

coming after Frankenstein's Monster in the old Universal classic movie. In addition to that, it is used in the soundtrack to the movie "Heavy Metal", which I used to watch every Halloween on VHS till I wore that thing out.

2. "Believal" by Bruce Dickinson

To me, this song evokes the spirit of Halloween in its imagery of smoking carcasses and its chorus of a "belief in evil". I've used it at the haunt many times, and it is just a great spooky vocal song. I have scared many a patron simply my singing the chorus at them to the top of my lungs.

1. "Voodoo" by Godsmack

Yes, I know, you are saying "not that Halloweeny" once again. Considering that I portrayed a voodoo lady at a haunted house for 5 years, and am STILL called that often, though I am now an Aztec Priestess, this song will always be about Halloween for me. I once got a standing ovation from a group at the haunt who caught me playing the drums to it on the arms of an old rocking chair with femur bones for drumsticks.

Those are my Halloween favorites. My list of spooky songs could actually continue forever with bands like Helloween, Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Fastway, and a plethora of Goth bands to fuel it for aeons to come. Anyone else care to share a few of their favorite spooky tunes for All Hallows Eve before it is upon us?

Image credit : Image Credit : Wikimedia Commons, Public Domain.

A to Z Band Challenge : The Letter B (Finally!)

Finally, we are on to the letter "B". Sadly, there are plenty of bands here, as well! Or course we have to start with my all time favorite...

BLACK SABBATH -
Everyone knows my feelings about these guys, I am sure! My favorite band since I was 5, and the only you will see in all caps! A favorite song is VERY hard to pick, but I will choose "Children of the Sea" because one day, I will learn to play bass and sing it at the same time (that's SINGING Dio, while PLAYING Geezer...WHEW!)! When this is accomplished, I am quite sure I will become a veritable god! 

Budgie -
Probably only us musicians even remember this band, but they are actually still making some great music. I'll have to just mention my favorite album here, "In for the Kill". I love the whole thing! If forced to pick a song, it would be "Wondering What Everyone Knows". It is the "quirkiest" on the album.

Bruce Dickinson -
I mention Bruce outside of Iron Maiden because Bruce has done some phenomenal stuff...outside of Iron Maiden! I MUST name a FEW : "Cyclops", "Believal", "The Alchemist, "The Arc or Space and Time", "The Gates of Urizen" to name but a smattering!

Blutengel- 
Very interesting, very danceable, sometimes more traditional, classical, sometimes more industrial, always VERY theatrical, German Goth Rock. "Lucifer", "Born Again", "You Walk Away", to name but a few...GOTTA LOVE 'EM!

Bjork - 
Yep, she's NUTS, and I LOVE HER for it! This woman is totally ageless! I think it is her childlike, yet all-knowing spirit! My personal favorites would be "Army of Me" and "Come to Me", two drastically different tunes which I think showcase her massive versatility. I have loved her since the Sugar Cubes! 

I promise to TRY and limit the next post to only 5 more "B's", but no promises!

A to Z Band Challenge : The Letter A - Part 3

Just a few more on the "A" list. I will try to be brief, but there are just so many good "A" bands.

Acid Bath -
A little known, little remembered , sadly overlooked 90's metal band that I simply adore. They have more heavier stuff, but my favorite is probably, "Scream of the Butterfly". I think the bass line is beyond awesome, and there is a kool sounding mandolin in it. 

Adam Ant -
No one really seems to notice, but this guy is still kicking butt on the music scene. To this day, he seems to remain very true to himself. Most people will be familiar with his older stuff, but I newer song I really like is "Shrink". It is funky, electronic, and rather heavy for "Ant Music"!

Asrai -
Quintessential "Girlie Goth", and I can't say I like a lot of girlie stuff, but they do it well. A favorite of mine would be "Pale Light". It has attitude, and a really trippy colorful video.

Alien Sex Fiend - 
These guys are crazy punks, and I love them! My favorite is probably "She's a Killer". I do have to be in a certain "mood" to listen to them for long though. 

I am sure there are many I have forgotten, but that is a good sampling of the variety of music I like, and we are only finishing the "A's"! I could include a few more, like Anthrax ("Time"), but I am giving them a mention, so...

Originally published on Bubblews,  October 5th, 2013

A to Z Band Challenge : The Letter A - Part 2

In continuing with the "A-list", here are a few more of my personal faves. This is by no means all inclusive. I love lots of stuff. These are just a smattering of the ones that really stand out in my mind.

Alter Bridge-
These guys are basically Creed with a better singer. The music is way better, and Myles Kennedy's vocals are phenomenal. My personal fave is "Watch Your Words". 'Nuff said!

Audioslave-
Yeah, I know these guys are more or less disbanded, but I liked them a lot, so I felt they deserved a mention. I am sure there will be more bands I love on here that are gone now. The music is still here, though, so I still dig it! Audioslave was basically Rage Against the Machine with Chris Cornell from Sound Garden singing. Any band which features Tom Morello AND Chris Cornell is going to have my ear, at least for a while. Many of you probably remember "Like A Stone" by Audioslave. 

Argent -
Yep! These guys are an oldie, but a goodie! Argent is a late 60's, early 70's band that featured members from the Zombies. There biggest hit was probably "Hold Your Head Up". It is a personal fave of mine.

AngelSpit -
"And now for something completely different..." Angelspit are an industrial band. I like to industrial dance, what can I say. If you can get past the often "caustic" lyrics, you might like them too. If you are already into industrial, you probably love them. Raunchy though it may be, my fave by them is still "100%"

Alice Cooper -
Cooper is, of course, the godfather of obscene rock shows. My mom used to say he looked 50 when he was 20, but would always look the same. She is right, he does! In earlier Cooper, my fave is "Under My Wheels".

Originally published on Bubblews, September 3rd, 2013.

A to Z Band Challenge : The Letter A

As Spookywoods is now in full swing, and I don't have the time I'd like to post here, I thought I'd simply share the A to Z Band Challenge I am working on elsewhere...it does fit. It is simply brief notes on some of my favorite bands. Comments and debates are welcome, as always!

Yes, I have decided to start a new A to Z challenge. Each day I will talk about my favorite bands that begin with a particular letter. This may be one, or many; it depends on the letter.

 I am starting this in honor of my favorite Goth band, Angels of Liberty, who have just granted me an interview. It may be Halloween before they have answered all of my questions, so here is to staying busy until then. These will be like mini-reviews of each band, unless there is only one for a particular letter. In that case....we will see. Some letters may even take several days to complete. For example, we have a lot of "A's", so here goes...

 Angels of Liberty - Angels of Liberty is a Goth Rock band from the UK. They write synth music that sounds amazingly like music done with real instruments. This is one thing that impresses me so about them. They also write about some very controversial subject matter, such as reptilian aliens, and mind control. Fascinating stuff for any rock band.

 Alice in Chains- I love these guys newer stuff too, but I really loved them before Layne Staley died. You can still hear him a bit in songs which guitarist Jerry Cantrell sings, and I am happy for that. I believe Cantrell once said Staley was responsible for getting him to start singing more, so I would imagine he is a great influence vocally because of that. Staley had a very emotive vocal style, of which I am very fond.

 A Perfect Circle- This is a side project of Maynard from Tool that pretty much took on a life of its own. I love all of Maynard's bands, though Tool is still my favorite. All three of Maynard's bands contain top notch musicians. A Perfect Circle did an album of cover tunes that is very interesting. 

Needless to say, we will continue with the letter "A" tomorrow.

Originally published on Bubblews, September 2nd, 2013.

Angels of Liberty: A Very Interesting Interview Forthcoming

Jean Baptiste Regnault La Liberté ou la Mort
Wikimedia Commons, Public Domain.

Well, it would seem my recent post on "My Current Playlist" has finally gotten me the interview I have desired for so long! I am interviewing my favorite Goth band, Angels of Liberty! These guys were at the top of my list for potential interviews when I first started this blog. This is just the kind of music I had hoped to bring forth to "mystify the masses".

Angels of Liberty are very reclusive, and based in the UK. I was honored that they even considered my request for an interview. Even more amazing is the fact that THEY contacted ME about the interview. It should be VERY interesting, to say the least.

Lyrically, they have much to say about some very controversial subjects.They write about reptilian aliens and alien bloodlines, and even more about spiritual liberation. I think you guys will be intrigued. This falls right in line with many of my own pursuits, from music, to my historical fiction about this material, and my own beliefs of a more spiritual nature. Naturally, I am very excited about it.

I do believe I am the first person to even question them on such subjects. Most journalists simply ask them about the music, but I, of course have "other questions" HEHE! I do plan extensive articles on their music, as well, so there should be lots of interesting material forthcoming on this blog.

There are many things about this band which intrigue me. I believe them to be a frontrunner on the Gothic music scene, and perhaps even the epitome of the better aspects of the current Goth  movement, and of Goth culture itself. There is definitely no other quite like them around.

Yet another impressive aspect of Angels of Liberty is the fact that they seek to promote the entire culture, including other bands, and even small time journalists, such as myself.  They bring many things to light about the Gothic movement that would otherwise be shrouded in the hype of the latest "trends". In my opinion, they represent "true Goth", as opposed to the mainstream media crap we are currently being fed about it, which seems all about "fashion", and lacks in actual substance.

This is the singers response to my queries thus far...
Voe Saint-Clare : "Just wanted to let you know: Got the questions this morning. Fantastic questions. Its more like a meeting of minds than an interview. This is the first one I've done that is intelligent and interesting. I think music journalism is your forte. "

So...yeah! This should be QUITE interesting, and you won't BELIEVE some of things I have asked him. I will keep you all posted.

Source of quote: My personal Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/laurie.tysinger

One of many places you can find the wonderful music of Angels of Liberty is on ReverbNation.
http://www.reverbnation.com/angelsofliberty
They are in my own personal playlist there as "Best band on here", and with good reason.

You should check them out there, or on their website at :
http://www.angelsofliberty.com/

My Current Playlist

My favorite band of all time is without a doubt, Black Sabbath. I have loved them since I heard there first album at the age of 5 when it first came out. It is good to see them finally getting a bit of the notoriety they deserve with the new album, '13'. Still, I miss the Ronnie James Dio years. I saw them in concert when he first joined them. Best concert ever!

If you have read my work at all, you are probably quite well aware of my undying affection for all things Sabbath, but what else do I listen to, you ask? I listen to many things. The foregoing are but a few of the bands in current rotation on my playlist.

However; if you are looking for newer music, I really like the band Opeth. Okay, so they are not so new, but they are wonderful melodic metal from Sweden (and Spain), nonetheless. Unlike most metal bands now days, though they do the "cookie monster" vocal thing, Mikael Akerfeldt also alternates this with very beautiful melodic vocals as well. I respect that. If you are going to scream or growl, that's fine, but at least show me that you can sing first. Amazingly, the singer also writes all the music, and plays awesome leads as well. 

Another newer band I really admire is Angels of Liberty. They are a UK based Goth Rock band. They sound the way I would imagine Sisters of Mercy would have sounded if Pam Morrison had stuck around and actually contributed to the band the way she did when she joined the Damned. Angels of Liberty has some interesting music, great bass lines, and intriguing lyrics, as well. They seem to seek to liberate minds, and put the capital "G" back in Gothic...where it rightfully belongs. It is a personal goal of mine to interview these two wonderfully intriguing musicians, Voe Saint-Claire and Scarlet Powers one day. I just KNOW those fabulous bass lines I love so are synth bass! I simply must know for sure, though guys!

Yet another up and coming band to watch is Brighter Fires. Though they are classified as Goth Rock, and the members also play for the Goth band  Bella Morte, Brighter Fires is a completely different animal. Their music and lyrics are really "catchy", and I am surprised they don't get more air play and notoriety! There is most definitely a very different emotional response elicited by the music of Brighter Fires than that which Bella Morte evokes. I'd love to interview these two gentlemen one day, as well. It would be quite interesting to hear their take on the two very different musical projects. 

More on each of these wonderful bands is forthcoming. Lastly, I simply have to mention the fabulous band Kobra and the Lotus once again. You can find my rather high opinion of them at: 

laurietysinger.blogspot.kobra-and-lotus

Go on, give it another read! You KNOW you want to! These are but a few of my current favorites, how about you?

Update: September, 28th, 2013

Amazingly, I have been granted an interview with the phenomenal Voe Saint-Claire of Angels of Liberty. A testimony to just how genuine this band is is the fact that he contacted me upon reading this article.

If you haven't checked out Angels of Liberty, you should do so at the hyperlink above. They are quite fascinating. Even reptilian aliens appear in their lyrics. Anyone who has read my historical fiction on Ancient Astronaut theories knows my fascination with this subject. 

Needless to say, it should make for a very interesting interview, and I thank you, Mr. Saint-Claire in advance for this wonderful opportunity. 

Can I "Spin" My Own Songs?

Wikimedia Commons. Public Domain

People have asked me on various occasions why I do not have any of my own music on sites such as ReverbNation, SoundCloud, or Fandalism. The answer is simple. I don't own full copyrights to them.

My only contribution, in most cases are bass lines, lyrics, and vocal melodies. Since my brother wrote the guitar parts, he got the larger percentage of these copyrights, and is the holder of the actual physical paperwork on them. There are even some, which have lyrics written by the drummer, for which I hold no copyright at all, even though the bass lines and vocal melodies were completely mine.

Yes, I fully realize this is my own stupidity, but the real question for me now is, can I use my parts elsewhere? Can I simply take my bass lines, lyrics, and vocal melodies and create entirely new songs, which sound nothing like those written by my brother? Would this be akin at all to "spinning" them, as one might "spin" an article for publication elsewhere?

It is true, I could simply write new songs, which is something I have done, and am in the process of doing. Some of the older songs hold special meaning for me, though, and I really don't want to part with them. Some contain elements of which I was quite proud, and that were totally my own creation and contribution. Am I wrong in wanting to salvage them?

Perhaps there are implications I have yet to consider here, both of the moral and legal variety. However; my gut tells me these individual parts belong to me. I can even hear in my head how I might have done them differently had my brother not insisted that one simply "can't write music on bass guitar!"

Whether these new "spins" on old songs see the light of day outside my own musings remains to be seen. Still, I feel compelled to make this a new pet project. I suppose we will simply have to see what evolves from it.

Music is Essential

Music IS the background to my life. I find myself listening to music during nearly every activity I undertake each day. This is how it has been pretty much all of my life.

It is there when I do my morning exercises. It is there while I check my email. Whether I am editing or writing, there is always background music to my story. If I am working on an art project, there must be musical accompaniment. 

Even if I am not playing music myself, someone in my house is always singing. That is simply how we all are. When I am not playing music, it is often because I am playing music...on my bass. I never even fall asleep without a song in my head.

Music is just as much a part of my life as art, writing, acting, or any of the other activities I do. In fact, it complements each and every one. I create in time to music. I can't write without it. I use it in my scene while acting because it helps me create my characters. 

I incorporate music into everything I do, be it work or play. I don't honestly think I could do all the things I do without it. It aids my creativity, and shapes everything I do. My life does have a soundtrack, but it is one that never ends. Music is my world, it is my essence, it is in and around everything I do.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J2SYPzKzD94

When Will Maynard Bring the Wine?

Photograph Credit : Wikimedia Commons, Public Domain.

There is a running joke around my house, and among some of my friends about "When Maynard Will Bring the Wine". It came about during a conversation that involved two things : The George Carlin book, "When Will Jesus Bring the Pork Chops?" (which is actually a whole other story in it's own right!), and a discussion of  Maynard James Keenan , Tool, A Perfect Circle, Puscifer, NIN, Trent Reznor, and of course, Maynard's vineyards.

We had just discussed the Carlin book, and cut into a discussion on Maynard. While sipping a glass of cheap red wine (Sangria, most likely, knowing me), I joked about how Maynard and Reznor, and all those wonderful "luminaries" of this age (they are most certainly among the great poets, philosophers, and luminaries of our generations), most likely sit around discussing bold philosophies, arcane wisdoms, and metaphorical paradigms whilst partaking in the bountiful fruits of Maynard's vineyards.

After lengthy and weighty discussion of this, and assumed topics therein (our own philosophical ponders naturally ensuing), I proclaimed that:

"This has been a lovely little discourse, and I truly enjoy it when we ponder such things, but seeing my glass is now empty, my deepest wonder is, when will Maynard bring the wine?" None us us being able to afford Maynard's wine, I thought he should bring us some, don't you?

It has been a running joke ever since, and now anytime I am gifted with a bottle of wine, bring home a bottle, or am caught sipping a glass, it of course brings about similar conversations. My eldest daughter even gave me a bottle of wine and a Puscifer CD one year for X-mas, or my birthday, with a note to the effect that "Maynard didn't bring the wine, but I did, mom!"

http://fullofknowledge.com/2013/08/when-will-maynard-bring-the-wine/

Originality Seems Lacking in Pop Culture

Image courtesy of WikimediaCommons
Public Domain

Originality is something I find greatly lacking in the entertainment industry these days. Particularly with regard to movies and music. That is not to say that there is not a plethora of very talented and immensely creative individuals alive on this planet today. There certainly are.

Unfortunately, many of them are not heard on the radio, or seen at the box office. Instead, we must contend with what is generally “popular”. This “popular” entertainment culture consist primarily of people with the voices of whining dogs, and the acting skills of sweaters.

This is just my opinion, of course, and there is still some talent and originality to be found in the entertainment industry. It just sickens me to see the same useless faces, and hear the same unpleasant voices (or, at best…simply “common”) over and over again, when I also see very creative individuals go virtually unnoticed as they struggle to find a place in all this, and make their own mark.

Originally published on Bubblews, August 2nd, 2013.
And on FullofKnowledge : http://fullofknowledge.com/2013/08/originality-seems-lacking-in-pop-culture/

What’s in a Name? Band Names from My Past

I think pretty much every band I have ever been in had an awesome moniker. Naming a band can be lots of fun. It can also be aggravating when dealing with the ideas of separate members. I have never had too much trouble compromising, though.

The first band I was ever in was called Hexx. I was all of 12 years old, and I thought that was a really neat name for a band. I still do. Given the opportunity I’d definitely use that one again. I think it suits my style quite well.

That only lasted about a year. When I was 13, we changed the name to Palladin, which was a name given to Charlemagne’s knights. The only real difference in the band was the drummer (there is a reason Spinal Tap blows those up, I think), but everyone wanted a new name, and being the youngest person there, I didn’t argue, though I still prefer Hexx.

At 15, I left the company of my brother (who played guitar) and set out on my own. I joined a band called Aftermath. I like this name, as well. The songwriter (and rhythm guitarist) was very much into prophecy and apocalyptic themes. Our first original tune was fittingly called “Armageddon”.

At 16, I joined a band called Hexter Steel. I thought this a great metal band name, but I can’t remember how they came to it, as that was before my joining them. After that, I took time off from music. My father had died, and my boyfriend had been in an accident. I wouldn’t rejoin the music world until my early 20′s.

Then there was quite a string of bands. Malaki, Impact, Silent Mistress, Miss Der Meaner, and Wired, to name but a few. After these, I learned to play bass, and rejoined my brother.

We had bands such as Savage Steel (which lasted through most of the 90′s, with various drummers, though I swear we didn’t blow any of them up). These were always power trios, and we went by several other names in various incarnations later, such as Night Wing, Three, and even Booger.

Since leaving my brother for the last time, there have been a few more, such as Paradox VI, and Kounterstryk. This last was another compromise. I wanted to call it Counterspell, or Kounterspell (from my love the game, Magic the Gathering). My band mates; however, were afraid that between the name, and the fact that I look like the “witchy” chick off the first Black Sabbath album cover, we might get a rep. as some kind of Satanic band. I couldn’t argue.

I haven’t played with a band for a few years now, and the ones I did play with never seemed to make it to the “naming stage”, for one reason or another. Recently I have been thinking of forming a new band. Time to come up with a new name.

Originally published on FullofKnowledge.com

http://fullofknowledge.com/2013/08/whats-in-a-name-band-names-from-my-past/

Note: You won't find any of these bands here on Google, as they were all just local bands here in my area. Does anyone else have a long line of interesting band names?

Tool : Modern Metal With a Spiritual Element

Another band of which I am very fond is Tool. I have enjoyed their music since they first started releasing it in the early 90's. They are certainly not your average metal band. Some don't even consider them a metal band, but some their stuff is pretty "heavy", so I do. They actually combine elements of metal, hard rock, progressive rock, and many other genres.

One thing I love about this band is the fact that they are also very melodic. Most of the metal I prefer is very melodic. Tool is different; however, in that sometimes the timing is odd, in terms of different instruments, but still "fits" together quite nicely somehow. This combined with the fact that they often add a very "tribal" element, makes their music very unusual, and almost hypnotic at times.

This tribal element, as well as the spiritual aspect of many of their lyrics, is another reason for my fascination with them. The music moves me greatly. I find myself using it often when trying to meditate, a task that is actually very hard for me because I have a hard time getting my mind to shut up. Tool seems to help with that a bit.

I also enjoy dancing and doing yoga while playing Tool. I find my movements to be more fluid and natural than with any other music, and often end up combining yoga and dance together during the process. This too can be very meditative.

Here is a prime example of some really kool stuff Tool does. In this particular piece, you will find that the famous Fibonacci sequence has been used. This sequence is found throughout all of nature.

More on Fibonacci:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fibonacci_number

Here is the Tool song, "Lateralus", with an explanation of how the Fibonacci sequence is used therein.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wS7CZIJVxFY

http://fullofknowledge.com/2013/08/tool-modern-metal-with-a-spiritual-element/

Bass and It's Low Frequencies

I loved the sound of a bass guitar long before I began to play. There is something in the lower frequency ranges of it that just "moves" me. I find this a bit ironic, as my readings on these things have shown that lower frequencies in sound can actual depress, or even agitate people. I find that to be true when someone rides by my house with their low frequency "boom, boom, boom" bass speakers, and it vibrates my windows. It is not the case; however, when I hear a bass guitar.

It has nothing to do with volume either...I LOVE loud music...I am a metal head, after all. The lower vibrations of a bass guitar actual soothe me. I feel it to the very core of my being, every time.

I love hearing other bass players as much as I do playing myself. In fact, if any of my fellow bass players have kool songs or bass riffs you'd like to share, I'd simply LOVE hearing them. PLEASE, feel free to add videos, or sound bytes, or links in the comments below, or share them on my Google profile. I always love hearing new and different bass stuff.

When I get my camera situation ferreted out, I promise to share mine, as well. Thank you, in advance, and keep those low frequencies coming!  SHARE THE BASS LOVE!

Bass Porn : My Bass Lute/Sitar

Though I have no formal training, my brother was once a pretty good luthier. He was schooled in Phoenix, and actually built some lovely instruments before addiction got the better of him. I have to say, I learned a great deal from him, and it has been invaluable to me.

If put to the task, I could probably build a guitar or bass myself, given lots of time, a bit of experimentation, and the proper tools. My brother taught me a bit about everything but the wiring thereof. This is something I have since found out was not his strong suit to begin with, so I am rather glad he didn't try to educate me about it. I have since taught myself to patch bad cables when needed, but beyond that, I am electronically clueless.

The project I hope to finish one day, however, does not require wiring, so I should eventually be able to bring it to fruition. What I am endeavoring to create is a Bass Lute, or Sitar. It will probably have elements of both. All that is really holding me back on this project is finding an enormous gourd for the back of the body, and a sturdy piece of bamboo with a rather large diameter.

The front of the body is already more or less complete. I carved it from an old acoustic top with "F" holes, and hand painted it. It started as a simple lute, or "teardrop" shape, but I have since carved it into the shape of a skull, and it hangs in my work room as a decoration at the moment. I even used it as an ornamental piece one year at Kersey Valley Spookywoods, the haunted house where I work.

Also found at http://fullofknowledge.com/2013/07/bass-porn-my-bass-lutesitar/

Kobra and the Lotus

I'm really digging this band right now. I had heard a bit of their earlier stuff, and I really liked it, but I believe Kobra Paige's voice has gotten even stronger. Their self titled debut is a "must hear".  

Once again (probably as usual), I am likely to incur the wrath of some of my fellow metal heads,but I suppose that is inevitable, one way or the other. It is; after all, my blog, which means my opinions reside herein, so...here goes.

Personally. I tire of all metal having a repetitive vocal style. I refer to two styles in particular. One of these is the seemingly constant need to either scream or growl. Now, I don't mind hearing a bit of it, my own vocal style can be a bit caustic at times, but does it have to be so redundantly present? Can you at least show me that you can sing, like say, Opeth, for example?

The second of these I liked initially, but now it is getting a bit "cliche" in both metal and goth rock. I am referring to operatic vocals. I like them, they are great, but does every goth or metal band with a female lead have to sound like either Nightwish or Reliquary?

Enter Kobra and the Lotus. I really like these guys. They are a breath of fresh air. Some might argue that they are reminiscent of 80's metal bands like Iron Maiden (personally, I hear Helloween), and maybe that is one reason I am growing so fond of them. I do miss 80's metal, I suppose. I don't miss the "hair metal" crap, but I do miss the true metal of the 80's. I do hear a lot of that in this band, but there is also a fresh sound in there I haven't quite been able to pinpoint as yet.

One thing I know I really love is Kobra Paige's vocals. She mingles some of the operatic elements (being classically trained from what I hear), but is careful not to over do it. She also adds a bit of the metal "raunchiness", but doesn't do that to the extreme either. It is all very balanced. 

My kids tell me I just like her because she sounds like me (or like I used to, at any rate), and THAT I can only take as a complement. They weren't even being sarcastic or trying to insult me this time, either. At any rate, Kobra and the Lotus are a good solid metal band. The musicianship is impeccable, and they are lead by a true "metal goddess". 

Check them out for yourselves : 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YEpzKdQ1e2U

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/kobra-and-the-lotus/id632705399?ign-mpt=uo%3D4

http://www.kobraandthelotus.com/

Also published on FullofKnowledge : http://fullofknowledge.com/2013/08/kobra-and-the-lotus/

Been Busy!

Sorry to have not posted much lately. I have been very busy. Spookywoods rehearsals are upon me. The majority of my time; however, has been spent on this...

http://fullofknowledge.com/2013/07/the-seven-tablets-of-destiny-part-1/

I just completed Part 6, but the links to all are in the one above.
Anyone interested in Ancient Aliens, or Ancient civilizations in general should check it out.
It is historical fiction, and I fully intend to be the "Dan Brown" of Ancient Astronaut theories!

Songwriting on Bass

Working on some new songs with a friend who writes great poetry that I think will make great songs has me thinking back to something my brother used to tell me back in our "power trio" days. He always argued, when I came up with song riffs without his valuable assistance, that you could not write music on bass. I say you can. Perhaps I will show you all just how that works for me in the coming weeks.

In the meantime, some feedback from my fellow bassists and musicians, please? Do any of you write your music on your bass, or do you switch to guitar to do so, as my brother says is so necessary? Personally, I always thought my brother said that simply because he wanted to be the one to write all the music, as I usually had the lyrics covered.

Insult "Fail"

When I was in my 30's, and still sung and played bass more actively in local bands, I used to sing about the house a lot while doing housework. One day, while washing the dishes, I was singing along with the heavily cracked stereo as usual. I remember a few of the bands, even, Judas Priest, Korn, Disturbed, Sound Garden, Dio, and the like.

My oldest daughter, who was about 13 at the time, came in from school and was greeted by this joyous cacophony. Though her tastes have changed dramatically since then, at the time she was into the Spice Girls, the Backstreet Boys, etc. Apparently, having such a lovely voice herself (she really does, and is studying to be an opera singer at present), my loud rustic vibrato tones did not please her.

After being told I needed to stop, she then attempted to insult me.
"You only THINK you can sing, because you sound just like all those GUYS you are trying to copy!" she ranted.
"Why, thank you, sweetie, that's the nicest thing you've said to your old mom in a long time!" was my heartfelt reply. At 13, it truly was the nicest thing out of her mouth for sometime.

A few days later, I was listening to The Cult while writing at the computer. My daughter, who was sitting nearby doing homework, and quite obviously disturbed by this, grabbed her things, and proceeded towards her room. Before exiting our living room, she vainly attempt once again to hurl the most ferocious insult she could manage at me.
"You know, if you WERE a dude, you'd sound JUST LIKE that guy!" she exclaimed with a look of obvious disgust.
"Oh, Lita, that is the best compliment EVER! Thank you!" was my excited reply, which sent her storming out of the room as I tried to attack her with a big appreciative hug.

Nowadays, my daughter is a huge fan of Ian Astbury and The Cult herself. I wonder if she still thinks I sound like him.

Also Published on FullofKnowledge : http://fullofknowledge.com/2013/07/insult-fail/

Geezer Fan

Geezer Butler is the main reason I play bass. Although I didn't actually learn bass until I was in my late 20's, I have been singing and writing songs since I was 12, and I have always followed the bass in songs. I don't know why, the low resonance just moves me. No one plays bass like Geezer! His runs have influenced many other great bassists, as well. One of my favorite sayings is (and please don't take this one the wrong way, guys), "Geezer's great, Geezer's good, worship Geezer...like you should". 

He has also been a big influence on me lyrically. Not a lot of people knew this back in the day, but even Ozzy admits that Geezer writes almost all of Black Sabbath's lyrics. I think he has a very interesting style, with the turn of a phrase, as well as the crank of a bass. 

The new Black Sabbath album, 13,  is great, because they went back to recording old school, like they did way back in 1970 when I first heard them. It is just raw live Sabbath...no studio overdubs. This is how  I have always recorded my music! There is an emotional impact recording live has that no studio dubbed recording can match!

Photo courtesy of Wikipedia Commons :
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/40/Heaven_And_Hell_09.jpg

By Shadowgate (Flickr: Heaven And Hell 09) [CC-BY-2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons .

Modified and edited from an article originally published on Bubblews, June 11th, 2013.

My First Bass

This bass is essential trash now...due to the neck bowing. It was originally 3 pieces of wood and some splinters that my brother reassembled and made a new neck for. I was so impressed, I bought it from him, and learned to play bass! That was almost 20 years ago. I keep it for sentimental reasons, and because it has the SWEETEST sounding pick ups, which my brother hand wound using a gadget he made from one of my mom's old sewing machines! I hope to one day put these little babies in another instrument! 

Unleashed in the East - "Event Horizon", Music from Guitar Virtuoso Jeff Swanson

No, this is not a review of the classic 1979 Judas Priest live album. If it were, I could simply say, best live album EVER. I am quite sure the talent guitarist at the center of this review could play the entire album for you, though, if he chose to. He could probably play both Glenn and K.K.'s parts simultaneously if he so desired.

I have been aware of the genius of this man for quite sometime. He is an excellent guitar teacher. After you listen to the original tunes that I just heard, you may wish to go visit his website at http://jeffswanson.com/ for a quick lesson. According to his students, he offers a very unique and engaging  approach to learning guitar. One which seems to somehow combine their own passions to keep learning more interesting. 

Jeff Swanson, to my knowledge has been playing guitar since his early teens, and his years of obvious hard work have now culminated in a recently released 5-track CD available at CDBaby.com for the mere pittance of $4.95 per download. Jeff has just announced that is now available through XBox Music, as well. It was this announcement that brought this music delightfully to my attention. 

From the very first track of "Event Horizon", Jeff's influences are quite apparent. Personally, I hear "Gates of Babylon" era Ritchie Blackmore on opening title track, but though these influences be readily heard, there is an air of  brilliant originality in Mr. Swanson's style and songwriting ability that gives his work a very fresh "feel". 

There is no lack of diversity in his songs, either. This is something I personally love, variety from one track to the next, and the ability to span a wide range of musical genres within one is a big draw for me as a music fan. This CD certainly delivers on that. 

A favorite track of mine so far would be "Fear" because it delivers the chunky in your face metal of which I am so fond. Then, there is a beautiful ballad, "Wendy Lee". I would love to hear a rendition of this one with vocals. I mentioned to Jeff that this is the only point on which I find his music lacking. Perhaps it is the singer within me who craves this; however, for the music stands very well on it's own as instrumental rock. The more I listen, the more I feel the lack of vocals actually gives it a "mood" that I really enjoy. 

The 4th track, "Ever After" brings us full circle back to straight forward rock and roll. The CD then ends (rather soon, in my opinion...I'd like to hear more, please, Jeff) with a soft and soothing track called "Twilight". The pervading words when I hear this song are "lilting refrain", simple as that. 

If you enjoy instrumental rock and phenomenal guitar virtuosity, you should really give Jeff Swanson's "Event Horizon" a listen. 
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/jeffswanson1

If you are ever in  the Southeast, you may want to look him up for a lesson or two. He lives right here, in Greensboro, North Carolina. 
 http://jeffswanson.com/ 

Photos Courtesy of Jeff Swanson, 2013.

Am I a "Vocal Snob"?

Normally, when a band replaces a singer with one who is obviously trying to sound like their former singer, it really turns me off. I can't bare to listen to 90's era Rainbow. I've simply never been able to get past Joe Lynn Turner. The music is still phenomenal, still quintessential Blackmore, but I never found Turner to be an adequate replacement for Ronnie James Dio.

Poor Joe, he's really a great vocalist, but he tries so hard to be Dio, and falls so short of it, I find myself wondering what the real Joe Lynn Turner sounds like. I am likely going to anger a few of my fellow metal heads with this post, but I feel the same way about Tony Martin.

It is so painfully obvious that Martin is trying with every fiber of his being to channel Dio's magic. Again, he falls short. I hate even saying that, as Tony has a massive voice, but it just doesn't work for me in the context of Black Sabbath. He deserves massive points for helping keep Sabbath going all those years, and I do thank you for that, Tony, I truly do. He was a good collaborator for Tony Iommi, they wrote excellent songs together, but I still can't get past it.

It is not that I feel no one besides Dio is suitable for Rainbow or Sabbath. I love the Sabbath album with Ian Gillian, and the Seventh Star albums with Glenn Hughes are nothing short of spectacular. I also love Sabbath with Ozzy, as well as Sabbath with Dio, but vocally, they are all very different song birds, so to speak. I don't feel the same of Martin or Turner.

It isn't just Dio, either. The Judas Priest years with Ripper Owens didn't interest me in the slightest. It is just too obvious that Ripper hailed from a Priest tribute band. Though a great singer, he too falls short. Great pipes, or no, he simply isn't Rob Halford. Perhaps if they would stop trying so hard, and let me hear their own way of doing it, it wouldn't bother me so.

It didn't bother me in the slightest when Bruce Dickinson replaced Paul Di'anno in Iron Maiden, but Di'Anno and Dickinson have two totally different style, both of which I find amazing. I respected Bruce even more for being Bruce, and not just "the new Di'Anno".

I have often wondered, as you all probably are right now, if I was being a bit of a "vocal snob". Then, I happened upon the new Queensryche album...sans Geoff Tate, of course.

While I do wish Queensryche had chosen someone who did not sound like Geoff Tate, I can actually listen to this. Musically, it is typical Queensryche, very much so vocally as well. As I've said, normally that would bug the crap out of me, but why does it not in this case?

The answer is simple, Todd La Torre. Todd already sounded considerably similar to Geoff Tate. I already liked La Torre when he was with Crimson Glory. Even though he sounded like Tate, I liked him. Perhaps even because he sounded like Tate...I like him. The new Queensryche sounds great. 

The only thing to dislike now, is the apparent "bad blood" between the two vocalists. It is apparent that La Torre was influenced by Tate. Admit it, get past, and everyone get on with the business of making fabulous music, shall we?

New Queensryche :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6w4RfoUv9KU

Crimson Glory (compare for yourself) :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JVFLFQ1b95A&list=TL2esV_W_2mJk

Oh, and, thank you, +LooseCannon700 for the side by side comparison. Great job!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZigtUTnigsk

Bands I Miss - Drain STH

I'd like to give props to a band I really miss...Drain STH. Drain was an all female metal band, but don't let that fool you. Even by today's standards of female fronted metal, such as Otep and Nightwish, and the plethora of metal bands these days in general, Drain could never be classified as a "chick band".

These four ladies, from Stockholm, Sweden (hence the "STH"), may look like supermodels, but they sounded more like metal gods. They had an enormous influence on me in the nineties, and still do to this day. They are true "rock goddesses"!

From the raspy, yet highly melodic and very ear pleasing vocals of Maria Sjöholm, to the melodic metal maelstrom of guitar riffs from Flavia Canel, it's obvious these ladies know their metal. The back beats from the rhythm section wouldn't be complete without Anna Kjellberg on bass, or Martina Axén on drums and backing vox, either. All together, it is a simple yet perfect formula for raw, in your face metal. 

I am glad to see these ladies are still doing things, at least according to http://www.metaladies.com/bands/drain-sth/ .
According to them, Flavia has stopped playing guitar, but is now managing some kick butt bands. Anna plays bass for kool bands like Opiates for the Masses. 

Martina, whose voice is a bit "sweeter" than Maria's, sang with Snake River Conspiracy for a while, and is now doing solo stuff. Though I have always preferred a little raunchiness in vocals, like Maria's, Snake River is a pretty awesome band too. I guess it's a "Heart" thing, you know. I always preferred Ann's strong voice to Nancy's mild one, but both are Kool!

As for Maria, well, when you marry Toni Iommi, I suppose you have all the music you need right there, now don't you? I understand she is no longer doing anything musical, but, hey...she has Tony to take care of!

Does anyone else miss these awesome femme fatals as much as I do? If you can't be bothered to comment, at least give me a +1 for bad ass female musicians! Did you EVER see these ladies live? They had the stage presence of, well, no comparison, really. We need a reunion tour so you can check it out for yourselves! 

http://www.metaladies.com/bands/drain-sth/
https://www.facebook.com/DrainSTH?fref=ts
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=EVtBRO_FxYQ

Laurie's Music Blog, June 24th, 2013.

I just found a great new music site! 
The details are in a review I wrote for it.
http://expertspages.com/2013/06/vinyl-that-rocks/
Music lovers should check this out.
Musicians should check this out.
Those who love flowers should check this out.
Environmentalists should check this out.
People who love vinyl records should check this out.
Sounds crazy, huh?
Well, CHECK IT OUT!