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
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Monday, June 24, 2013
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
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!
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!
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Kiss Army
Yes, like many people my age, I was in the Kiss Army when I was younger. Oddly, I have noticed there is always a Kiss Army in all decades. My daughters boyfriend has a veritable Kiss museum, and he is only twenty. The gallery of pictures for this article are of his "shrine". He is probably a bigger Kiss fan than I was when I was ten. I actually gave him the Kiss bubble gum cards, and the Gene Simmons who is playing Harry Potter's broomstick.
My potential future son-in-law is , or course, a card carrying Kiss Army member, as well. Paul is his fave. He even has a pair of platform boots identical to Paul's! One day, I hope to have a pair like Gene's dragon plats.
I was a big fan too, though.. still am. I wish I still had that kool belt buckle they sent me! The Kiss Army sent us loads of kool stuff. They once sent me a great poster...nearly life sized, of Paul Stanley, but my mom was crazy about him, and stole it! My mom is now in her 70's, and still loves Paul Stanley. I just realized, Kiss is the reason I always spell kool with a "K".
I always secretly wanted to be Gene (I DO play bass, you know!), but my brother was so obsessed with him, he always made me be Ace instead. Ace is kool too, though! Mom helped me make an Ace costume for Halloween one year. The things that woman could do with tin foil are amazing!
When I was in my 30's, I had the great fortune of interviewing the original Kiss tribute band, also called the Kiss Army, for a local paper when they came to my town. They are a great group of guys, and the biggest Kiss fanatics around! Next to my daughter's boyfriend, of course.
Are any of you Kiss Army?
Photograph Credits : Kiss Army member, Scott Christophers, 2013.
Content written by Laurie Tysinger. © 2013 All rights reserved.
Content written by Laurie Tysinger. © 2013 All rights reserved.
Edited from an article originally published on Bubblews, June 15th, 2013.
Monday, June 17, 2013
Thanx for Reading...Now Hit Me Up!
It still remains to be seen exactly what direction this site will take. Anything is possible. For now, I will continue to bring you music reviews, anecdotes, and all the opinions you can handle! In the future, I hope to add interviews and maybe even band sessions from a few of my musician friends. Who knows, I could even get ballzy enough to share some of my own musical creations with you via YouTube!
Feedback, comments, suggestions, debates, and even criticism are always welcome! Anything in particular you'd like to read more about, feel free to let me know at anytime. You can leave comments here, or hit me up at any of the links below.
E-mail : archaicarts@yahoo.com
Google+ : https://plus.google.com/u/0/113519521998040333844/posts
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/laurie.tysinger
https://www.facebook.com/archaicarts
Twitter : https://twitter.com/archaicarts
The Lure of a Bass Guitar
I have always loved the sound of a bass guitar, even as a small child. I would be 29 years old before I ever learned to play one myself, but have not stopped learning since.
In the Beginning
Since I was a small child, the sound of a bass guitar has been simply enchanting to me. It all started when I heard Geezer Butler of Black Sabbath back in 1970, at the age of five. When I started dance lessons a few years later, it was always the bass which seemed to move my body most readily. Even when I began singing and writing lyrics in local bands at twelve, it was Geezer (who also wrote the lyrics for Black Sabbath), and Geddy Lee (singer AND bass player for Rush) who were my greatest influences.
Since I was a small child, the sound of a bass guitar has been simply enchanting to me. It all started when I heard Geezer Butler of Black Sabbath back in 1970, at the age of five. When I started dance lessons a few years later, it was always the bass which seemed to move my body most readily. Even when I began singing and writing lyrics in local bands at twelve, it was Geezer (who also wrote the lyrics for Black Sabbath), and Geddy Lee (singer AND bass player for Rush) who were my greatest influences.
Wrong Turn?
After singing and writing lyrics in various bands, it was in my early twenties that I noticed a perhaps (in hind sight, of course) unhealthy trend I’d fallen into. That trend was dating bass players. It is not that dating bass players is a bad thing, but my choice in men obviously was. The end result was two failed relationships, and three very beautiful, very talented children, so I can’t say the experience was all together bad, now, can I?
After singing and writing lyrics in various bands, it was in my early twenties that I noticed a perhaps (in hind sight, of course) unhealthy trend I’d fallen into. That trend was dating bass players. It is not that dating bass players is a bad thing, but my choice in men obviously was. The end result was two failed relationships, and three very beautiful, very talented children, so I can’t say the experience was all together bad, now, can I?
Waking Up
At the age of 29, about the time I gave birth to my third child, I made a pivotal decision. I decided to learn to play bass myself so that I wouldn’t be so attracted to a potential cause of my own heartache. My brother, who was a luthier (he built guitars), had brought home a bass guitar that was essentially three pieces of wood and some splinters. He said he was going to fix it. I told him that if he did, I would buy it, learn to play it, and we would start something we had both always wanted…A POWER TRIO!
At the age of 29, about the time I gave birth to my third child, I made a pivotal decision. I decided to learn to play bass myself so that I wouldn’t be so attracted to a potential cause of my own heartache. My brother, who was a luthier (he built guitars), had brought home a bass guitar that was essentially three pieces of wood and some splinters. He said he was going to fix it. I told him that if he did, I would buy it, learn to play it, and we would start something we had both always wanted…A POWER TRIO!
A Learning Experience
So, with the assistance of my brother, Geezer Butler, Geddy Lee, and other notable bassists, such as Steve Harris (Iron Maiden), and Ian Hill (Judas Priest – very under rated!) I taught myself to play the bass guitar. Although I still play only by ear, can’t read music, and sometimes to this day have issues with singing and playing at the same time, I think I did rather well. I have never had formal lessons, and continue to teach myself to this day.
So, with the assistance of my brother, Geezer Butler, Geddy Lee, and other notable bassists, such as Steve Harris (Iron Maiden), and Ian Hill (Judas Priest – very under rated!) I taught myself to play the bass guitar. Although I still play only by ear, can’t read music, and sometimes to this day have issues with singing and playing at the same time, I think I did rather well. I have never had formal lessons, and continue to teach myself to this day.
Advice to Those Wishing to Learn
My advice to anyone wishing to learn a music instrument is – DO IT! If you have the passion, you can even teach yourself, but there are also many excellent teachers in the world. Take lessons, teach yourself, but the most important thing to remember is – NEVER STOP LEARNING!
My advice to anyone wishing to learn a music instrument is – DO IT! If you have the passion, you can even teach yourself, but there are also many excellent teachers in the world. Take lessons, teach yourself, but the most important thing to remember is – NEVER STOP LEARNING!
Content written by Laurie Tysinger. © 2013 All rights reserved.
Originally published on Yahoo Voices, July 14th, 2013.
Friday, June 14, 2013
Roots of Gothic Rock
While schooling a young friend recently on his "Gothic" roots, musically speaking, something occurred to me. He listens now to everything from Lacuna Coil and Reliquary, to more industrial bands like Angelspit and Skinny Puppy.
I turned my friend on to a whole new world of music he'd never heard before. From post punk/early goth bands like Souixie and the Banshees, Bauhaus, and New Order, to glam rock such as Adam Ant, he loved it all! In so doing; however, I came to a realization of my own.
It's an incite into my own "dark roots", really. It involves just how far back those roots can be said to go. Perhaps these dark elements can be found in all times, and all music...wherever there are dark souls to create them.
Most people know me only as a metal head, and, yes, from the first hearing of Black Sabbath in 1970, I certainly was. Think of it, though. How quintessentially Gothic are bands like Sabbath? This little notion lead me to look at other influences from that time period as well.
True, there is an element of mystery and deep romanticism present in Goth Rock, that is simply lacking in much of the more modern metal. Perhaps that is why I like Goth Rock as well. These elements can be found in many of my earlier influences, as well.
I invite you now to listen to a few that are, in my opinion, decidedly Gothic :
Wondering What Everyone Knows by Budgie.
I Can't See My Feelings by Budgie
Lady in Black by Uriah Heep
Look at Yourself by Uriah Heep
While it is widely known that both of these bands had a large influence on Hard Rock, Progressive Rock, and heavy metal, I am not the only one to notice the Gothic overtones. A review by Donald A. Guarisco on allmusic.com says blatantly of the Uriah Heep album Demon's and Wizards that, "This is the album that solidified Uriah Heep's reputation as a master of gothic-inflected heavy metal. "
These are but two examples from two bands. I could go on forever with Sabbath, Rainbow, etc. I hear these elements in all music and in all ages. Perhaps it is just My perception. Perhaps it is the emotions that are present. The best thing to do is listen for yourself and see what you think.
Let me know what you decide!
Coming Up!
I am working on a rather interesting musical article for my next post. It involves the seemingly unnoticed influence of bands such as Black Sabbath, Uriah Heep, and Budgie on modern Gothic (With a capital "G"!) Rock music. I am off to a great start, but since I have other priorities dealing with the Spookywoods costume I am working on, it may be a day or two before it is finished.
For those who are enjoying my musical musings, you should go read the article I just wrote about learning to play bass via the influence of the phenomenal Geezer Butler!
http://voices.yahoo.com/the-lure-bass-guitar-12185882.html
Photo credit : Carol Young, 2003.
For those who are enjoying my musical musings, you should go read the article I just wrote about learning to play bass via the influence of the phenomenal Geezer Butler!
http://voices.yahoo.com/the-lure-bass-guitar-12185882.html
Thursday, June 13, 2013
Time to Kiss the Skull
Kersey Valley Spookywoods was voted the #1 Haunted Attraction in America by hauntedhouseratings.com last year (http://www.hauntedhouseratings.com/top31hauntedhouses.cfm#top5) . It happens to be the haunt I work for. This is the story of how I found my "home" there.
Way back in 2004, my oldest daughter, who was sixteen at the time, decided she wanted to enter the work force. With a haunted house right down the street, Halloween on it's way, and friends who worked there already, it seemed an obvious solution was at hand. She got the job, "Spider Lady, in the Spider Cave", and since I was to be her ride anyway, I thought, "Why not?" It has been "on" ever since!
Little did I know the woman behind the counter, who excitedly said, "Gothic lady in the spinning vortex!" as she looked up to see who was inquiring for employment, was Donna Wohlgemuth, one of the owners of Kersey Valley Spookywoods. I spent the next month of weekends (and a few Thursdays and Sundays as well), stationed at the riser leading to the quintessential "spinning vortex".
Anyone who has visited a haunt will be familiar with these. You walk across a "bridge" type structure. Usually there are handrails for those who get dizzy due to the large spinning cylinder that surrounds you with its whirling colors and blacklight intensive artistry.
It was my job simply to lead people through a curtain, and into this whirling exit portal which ended the show. But, that's much too boring, now, isn't it? Having conveniently brought a skull along with me, I devised a way to use it in a little routine that made it much more exciting. I would not let the group pass through until one among them agreed to "kiss the skull"!
This made for some very interesting evenings thereafter!
By the end of the season, I had met Tony Wohlgemuth, as well. He (jokingly I am sure) told me that I had a job for life, if I wanted it! I AM still there! I very much look forward to seeing Tony and Donna, and many others at Spookywoods every year now. It is very much like having a family reunion to me!
Thank you, Tony and Donna, for nine wonderful years of doing what I love! I eagerly await the tenth!
Anyone in the area just look us up this Halloween! There is always something new and exciting going on! People travel hundreds of miles yearly just to visit!
DO visit : http://www.spookywoods.com/
You will probably find pictures of me there!
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Shades of Black Sabbath - 13 Live Event Review
AMAZING! I could just leave it at that, but I won't.
OH MY GOTH! I feel like I am five again, and hearing Black Sabbath for the first time! The documentary starts with Sabbath playing some of my all time favorites, namely, "The Wizard", "Into the Void", "War Pigs", and "N.I.B." I must say Ozzy sounds better than he has in years, and he remembers the words now! He often made up new ones live in the old days! Tony and Geezer...phenomenal, as always! Tommy Clufetos actually reminded me a bit of Sabotage era Bill Ward for some reason...the pig tails, maybe?
Brad Wilk; however, was the big surprise. He really got the feel of Wards style on the new album. I don't think anyone expected that! Rick Rubin is to be thanked for that, I suppose, putting everyone in the right "mood" for it by making them listen to the first album, and trying to channel that feeling. Thank you, Rick! As I have said previously in my blog, I've been a fan since I was five, and it means a lot!
I really liked what Rubin said about metal bands that are influenced by Black Sabbath taking "Shades of Black Sabbath" and incorporating it into their own music. I think that is VERY true! I have several shades of Sabbath myself! It was amazing watching them in the studio. I swear I feel five years old right now!
The new videos are amazing! The interviews were as well. It is nice to see that Geezer still writes the lyrics to go with Tonys riffs. Your words have always had a profound effect on me, geez! Ozzy sounds like his old self...the guy I fell in love with on the first album, and not the over processed stuff of his later career. The whole 13 album has the raw emotion that floored me when I was a little girl. I am so glad to hear that!
Ronnie James Dio is still my favorite singer of all time, but Ozzy was the first to catch my attention as a child. As deeply as I miss Ronnie, and loved the Dio/Sabbath years, and the band Heaven and Hell, it was the only logical thing to do in his painful absence.
Thank you Black Sabbath, it is about time everyone else in the world (13 is #1 in 50 countries according to the broadcast!) noticed what I noticed back in 1970 as a mere baby! Thank you, Rick Rubin, for being instrumental in bringing back the raw Sabbath sound that hooked me back then!
Thank you, from your fellow Sabbath fan, Laurie Tysinger...from the bottom of my little Blackly Shaded heart!
I LOVE YOU, BLACK SABBATH! I always have, and I always will!
Source : Sabbath 13 live event
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jY8kCC2uvGY
If you didn't catch it live, you MUST WATCH IT NOW!!!!
OH MY GOTH! I feel like I am five again, and hearing Black Sabbath for the first time! The documentary starts with Sabbath playing some of my all time favorites, namely, "The Wizard", "Into the Void", "War Pigs", and "N.I.B." I must say Ozzy sounds better than he has in years, and he remembers the words now! He often made up new ones live in the old days! Tony and Geezer...phenomenal, as always! Tommy Clufetos actually reminded me a bit of Sabotage era Bill Ward for some reason...the pig tails, maybe?
Brad Wilk; however, was the big surprise. He really got the feel of Wards style on the new album. I don't think anyone expected that! Rick Rubin is to be thanked for that, I suppose, putting everyone in the right "mood" for it by making them listen to the first album, and trying to channel that feeling. Thank you, Rick! As I have said previously in my blog, I've been a fan since I was five, and it means a lot!
I really liked what Rubin said about metal bands that are influenced by Black Sabbath taking "Shades of Black Sabbath" and incorporating it into their own music. I think that is VERY true! I have several shades of Sabbath myself! It was amazing watching them in the studio. I swear I feel five years old right now!
The new videos are amazing! The interviews were as well. It is nice to see that Geezer still writes the lyrics to go with Tonys riffs. Your words have always had a profound effect on me, geez! Ozzy sounds like his old self...the guy I fell in love with on the first album, and not the over processed stuff of his later career. The whole 13 album has the raw emotion that floored me when I was a little girl. I am so glad to hear that!
Ronnie James Dio is still my favorite singer of all time, but Ozzy was the first to catch my attention as a child. As deeply as I miss Ronnie, and loved the Dio/Sabbath years, and the band Heaven and Hell, it was the only logical thing to do in his painful absence.
Thank you Black Sabbath, it is about time everyone else in the world (13 is #1 in 50 countries according to the broadcast!) noticed what I noticed back in 1970 as a mere baby! Thank you, Rick Rubin, for being instrumental in bringing back the raw Sabbath sound that hooked me back then!
Thank you, from your fellow Sabbath fan, Laurie Tysinger...from the bottom of my little Blackly Shaded heart!
I LOVE YOU, BLACK SABBATH! I always have, and I always will!
Source : Sabbath 13 live event
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jY8kCC2uvGY
If you didn't catch it live, you MUST WATCH IT NOW!!!!
Friday, June 7, 2013
Yes, I "Work" in a Haunted House
Many would not consider being a seasonal actor at a haunted attraction to be actual "work", but I can tell you as I approach my ninth year of "crazy Octobers", that it most certainly is! Some may even think of it as a "fun" job, rather like a little job helping in your mom's shop during the summers, or more of a hobby than a job at all. . They might think of it as not involving much responsibility, not a lot of hassle, something you do "in your spare time".
On the other hand, most people seem genuinely surprised when they ask if I make a lot of money doing it, and I reveal that I only make minimum wage. That is it! Whatever the "going rate" is, that is what we get payed. From the greenest of "newbies" to the most seasoned of veterans, it is always the same.
As to whether or not it is "work", my first year there left me totally exhausted both mentally and physically. Every year since then has done the same. In my years as a haunt actor, I have been hit, kicked, punched (all accidental, of course), and had water splashed on me, and then had to remain wet all night, and get pneumonia from it !
We are required to be there from 7pm...til the last costumer comes through...which has been as late as 2 or 3am before. Those who have their make up done (I do my own), have to be there at 5pm! During this time, we are to be in our scenes at all times (quick bathroom breaks are permitted, of course), and if you are not where you should be once too often, you are generally fired.
It can be very tiring! Some might ask, why in the world would you want to do it, then? I think I speak for all haunt employees, worldwide, when I say, we don't do it for the money, we do it because we love Halloween. We don't do it because it's easy, we do it because we enjoy scaring people. We do it because, exhaustion aside, there is a certain thrill, and a rush of adrenaline that comes along with it...especially when you are doing your job right!
Originally published at http://fullofknowledge.com/2013/06/yes-i-work-in-a-haunted-house/
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
Laurie's Music Blog 06/05/2013 (The Ultimate first concert...Black Sabbath with Ronnie James Dio!)
I attended my first concert when I was 15. Take a WILD guess as to what band I saw! That's right, BLACK SABBATH!
It was the "Heaven and Hell" tour, in 1980. My hero, Ronnie James Dio had just joined Black Sabbath, and they came to my town...seemingly to make my dreams a reality. My favorite band, now WITH my favorite singer?! BEST CONCERT EVER!
I already loved Ronnie with Elf and Rainbow. As a child, I remembered seeing Roger Glover's "The Butterfly Ball" video for "Love Is All", with Dio as an animated frog playing a banjo! That one, I shared with my own children, and my youngest daughter loves it so much, she can be found on youtube doing her own rendition!
The song, "Children of the Sea", is my personal favorite from the album, and when they performed it live, well...
For those of you who never noticed, Ronnie James Dio was a wizard! I mean that in the best way, too...not some satanic wannabe, a real creative genius, and a wizard. Anyone who saw him live will know what I mean...when Ronnie performed, an almost magical atmosphere was created! His stage presence combined with the beauty and power of his voice gave the show a very mesmerizing quality. I was certainly entranced! Watching Dio perform, the hand gestures, the flowy shirts, the lyrical incantations...each song became its own "spell"! Mix that with the already phenomenal Black Sabbath, and you have PURE MAGIC! I really think they brought out the best in each other creatively!
I can honestly say, Ronnie and Geezer are still two of the biggest influences on me musically and creatively. Geezer is still my favorite bass player, and they both write lyrical incantations! Had Geezer left the band before that tour, I may have never become a bass player at all! THANK YOU, GEEZER! I would later mix Ronnie's mesmeric gestures with my own "feminine hippy shake" style to create my own magic on stage, but it all started with that first concert. THANK YOU, RONNIE! THANK YOU TO ALL OF BLACK SABBATH!!!! I will never forget it! I guess I am still under their "spell" to this day!
+BlackSabbath
+RonnieJamesDio
+GeezerButler
http://www.blacksabbath.com/
http://www.ronniejamesdio.com/
http://www.geezerbutler.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heaven_and_Hell_(Black_Sabbath_album)
It was the "Heaven and Hell" tour, in 1980. My hero, Ronnie James Dio had just joined Black Sabbath, and they came to my town...seemingly to make my dreams a reality. My favorite band, now WITH my favorite singer?! BEST CONCERT EVER!
I already loved Ronnie with Elf and Rainbow. As a child, I remembered seeing Roger Glover's "The Butterfly Ball" video for "Love Is All", with Dio as an animated frog playing a banjo! That one, I shared with my own children, and my youngest daughter loves it so much, she can be found on youtube doing her own rendition!
The song, "Children of the Sea", is my personal favorite from the album, and when they performed it live, well...
For those of you who never noticed, Ronnie James Dio was a wizard! I mean that in the best way, too...not some satanic wannabe, a real creative genius, and a wizard. Anyone who saw him live will know what I mean...when Ronnie performed, an almost magical atmosphere was created! His stage presence combined with the beauty and power of his voice gave the show a very mesmerizing quality. I was certainly entranced! Watching Dio perform, the hand gestures, the flowy shirts, the lyrical incantations...each song became its own "spell"! Mix that with the already phenomenal Black Sabbath, and you have PURE MAGIC! I really think they brought out the best in each other creatively!
I can honestly say, Ronnie and Geezer are still two of the biggest influences on me musically and creatively. Geezer is still my favorite bass player, and they both write lyrical incantations! Had Geezer left the band before that tour, I may have never become a bass player at all! THANK YOU, GEEZER! I would later mix Ronnie's mesmeric gestures with my own "feminine hippy shake" style to create my own magic on stage, but it all started with that first concert. THANK YOU, RONNIE! THANK YOU TO ALL OF BLACK SABBATH!!!! I will never forget it! I guess I am still under their "spell" to this day!
+BlackSabbath
+RonnieJamesDio
+GeezerButler
http://www.blacksabbath.com/
http://www.ronniejamesdio.com/
http://www.geezerbutler.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heaven_and_Hell_(Black_Sabbath_album)
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
Laurie's Music Blog 06/04/2013
This is a continuing journey of musical aspirations, and we are still only at the beginning!
Through the years following the incident with Black Sabbath and the poor fuzzy headed G.I. Joe, I grew into a bit of a "metal head". By the age of twelve, my album collection included all of Sabbath's stuff to date, all the Dio era Rainbow (we will discuss my Dio obsession in the next blog entry!), and loads of Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, etc.
Metal is not my only passion, though! I still to this day have several albums by Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin, Budgie, and tons of Uriah Heep! I also like 80's post-punk, new wave, and "blitz" music, heavy grunge, and have been extremely fascinated with goth rock since the early 90's.
My love of bands like Uriah Heep and Budgie led me to prog rock, as well. Bands like Yes and Rush would fall into this category, which leads to our next story...
Oddly, I first heard Rush on 8 track! My dad had an old 8 track system that he listened to Hank Sr, Johnny Cash, and Patsy Cline on. When he wasn't home, he let me listen to my "crazy" Rush stuff! Again, Little Laurie became a bit obsessed! I would listen for hours, emulating Geddy's vocals, pretending I had a bass like his, and could actually play it...Being a dancer, I also liked to make up my own ballet routines to Rush songs!
There is something about "power trios" that has always intrigued me. I would later play in several local power trios myself. At twelve; however, I was happy with my 8 track tapes! My older brother, now in his late teens began a power trio about this time. They were actually a bit like a Rush tribute band, only without a singer. No one on the music scene in our area at that time seemed capable of handling Geddy's vocals!
My mom took me to see my brother and his band in a "Battle of the Bands" competition one day. She marveled at the fact that, when my brothers band performed, I knew every one of the lyrics, and sang along quietly. She already knew I could sing, having heard my hundreds of times at home, but now a plan obviously formulated in her brain.
For months thereafter, my mom bugged my brother incessantly about letting me sing.
"If you'd just listen to your sister...she sounds just like that guy on the records, and knows all your songs!"
She chortle at him repeatedly.
"She's twelve!" was his constant reply for months.
One day, he finally tired of hearing her. He plugging in his guitar, handed me a mic, and said, "Sing 'Bastille Day.'"
I will never forget the look on my brothers face! He had no idea I could do that! In a fit of laughter, he called his bass player, "Dude, I found us a singer! Listen..."
Again he played "Bastille Day", and I obediently chimed along.
Afterward, he retrieved the phone, and said, "You won't BELIEVE who THAT was!"
I actually heard his bass player, who had a loud booming voice anyway as he exclaimed,
"Man, that was awesome, but if you tell it's your mom, I'm gonna shi..."
"Would believe it's my twelve year old little sister?" was my brothers reply.
Dead silence...
That is the story of my humble beginnings as a singer. Thus far, Black Sabbath and Geddy Lee have played major roles. Next time, I will tell you of the tremendous influence of the supreme wizard in my young vocal life...Mr. Ronnie James Dio!
http://www.rush.com/band/
Through the years following the incident with Black Sabbath and the poor fuzzy headed G.I. Joe, I grew into a bit of a "metal head". By the age of twelve, my album collection included all of Sabbath's stuff to date, all the Dio era Rainbow (we will discuss my Dio obsession in the next blog entry!), and loads of Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, etc.
Metal is not my only passion, though! I still to this day have several albums by Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin, Budgie, and tons of Uriah Heep! I also like 80's post-punk, new wave, and "blitz" music, heavy grunge, and have been extremely fascinated with goth rock since the early 90's.
My love of bands like Uriah Heep and Budgie led me to prog rock, as well. Bands like Yes and Rush would fall into this category, which leads to our next story...
Oddly, I first heard Rush on 8 track! My dad had an old 8 track system that he listened to Hank Sr, Johnny Cash, and Patsy Cline on. When he wasn't home, he let me listen to my "crazy" Rush stuff! Again, Little Laurie became a bit obsessed! I would listen for hours, emulating Geddy's vocals, pretending I had a bass like his, and could actually play it...Being a dancer, I also liked to make up my own ballet routines to Rush songs!
There is something about "power trios" that has always intrigued me. I would later play in several local power trios myself. At twelve; however, I was happy with my 8 track tapes! My older brother, now in his late teens began a power trio about this time. They were actually a bit like a Rush tribute band, only without a singer. No one on the music scene in our area at that time seemed capable of handling Geddy's vocals!
My mom took me to see my brother and his band in a "Battle of the Bands" competition one day. She marveled at the fact that, when my brothers band performed, I knew every one of the lyrics, and sang along quietly. She already knew I could sing, having heard my hundreds of times at home, but now a plan obviously formulated in her brain.
For months thereafter, my mom bugged my brother incessantly about letting me sing.
"If you'd just listen to your sister...she sounds just like that guy on the records, and knows all your songs!"
She chortle at him repeatedly.
"She's twelve!" was his constant reply for months.
One day, he finally tired of hearing her. He plugging in his guitar, handed me a mic, and said, "Sing 'Bastille Day.'"
I will never forget the look on my brothers face! He had no idea I could do that! In a fit of laughter, he called his bass player, "Dude, I found us a singer! Listen..."
Again he played "Bastille Day", and I obediently chimed along.
Afterward, he retrieved the phone, and said, "You won't BELIEVE who THAT was!"
I actually heard his bass player, who had a loud booming voice anyway as he exclaimed,
"Man, that was awesome, but if you tell it's your mom, I'm gonna shi..."
"Would believe it's my twelve year old little sister?" was my brothers reply.
Dead silence...
That is the story of my humble beginnings as a singer. Thus far, Black Sabbath and Geddy Lee have played major roles. Next time, I will tell you of the tremendous influence of the supreme wizard in my young vocal life...Mr. Ronnie James Dio!
http://www.rush.com/band/
Monday, June 3, 2013
LAURIE'S MUSIC BLOG (What Black Sabbath meant to one five year old little girl back in 1970...)
So, it is decided! I shall blog about music here!
In the future I hope to bring you some great band reviews and interviews.
To begin our musical journey, let me tell you the story of my musical adventures.
This is how it all began:
Black Sabbath's very first album (also called "Black Sabbath"), came out in the United States in June of 1970. Later that same year, I turned five years old. Our neighbor, a very cheerful and colorful "hippy" guy bought a copy immediately thereafter. He was a big fan of British rock bands like Deep Purple and Humble Pie. The last time I saw him, he STILL blamed Peter Frampton for ruining the "best band in the world" by leaving Humble Pie. Thinking Black Sabbath would be British rock of the same caliber, he later gave the album to my 11 year old brother (also into British rock), because it was "WAY to heavy for me, man!"
From the first time my brother played it for me, I was totally obsessed! I knew my big brother didn't like me messing with his things, especially his albums, so I would have to be sneaky! Every day when my brother went to school, I would sneak into his room, and play that album over and over again.
I was very moved by the music, and would dance about frantically to Bill's beats, while trying to emulate Ozzy's vocals, and pretending I was playing Geezer's bass. Tony's guitar, I imagined being played by my brother, for that is what he wanted to do. I would also sit and gaze at the pretty lady in front of the church on the album cover for hours. I think she may be the main reason I have always had a bit of a gothic bent. I would sit and imagine I was her, and the band was inside the church playing a concert. It never occurred to me that that might be an odd place for a band to play; after all, there was a church bell right in the opening song, calling everyone inside to come listen!
When it got close to time for my brother to get home from school, I would put everything away, just as it had been when I entered the room, and leave.This went on for several months, until one day, my brother arrived home from school early and caught me playing HIS Black Sabbath album! He was so angry, he took the album to school with him the next day, so that there would be no way I could play it. Being barely five years old, I didn't even fully understand what I'd done wrong. All I understood fully was that my brother had taken my greatest love away from me!
My brother arrive home from school that next day to find his room in a bit of a shambles (I couldn't find MY Black Sabbath ANYWHERE!). He also found his little fuzzy headed G.I.Joe in pieces, spinning round and round on his turn table. Though I got the whipping of my life for that one when my dad got home, my brother eventually started letting me listen to it while he was at school, and even shared Black Sabbath albums with me when he would get new ones in the years to come.
Even though I was the one to get the whipping, I think my brother must have learned the greatest lesson that day...
... NEVER TAKE MY BLACK SABBATH AWAY! NEVER!
Me, playing bass and singing...quite possibly a Black Sabbath song...back in 2003.
I owe it all to... http://www.blacksabbath.com/
In the future I hope to bring you some great band reviews and interviews.
To begin our musical journey, let me tell you the story of my musical adventures.
This is how it all began:
Black Sabbath's very first album (also called "Black Sabbath"), came out in the United States in June of 1970. Later that same year, I turned five years old. Our neighbor, a very cheerful and colorful "hippy" guy bought a copy immediately thereafter. He was a big fan of British rock bands like Deep Purple and Humble Pie. The last time I saw him, he STILL blamed Peter Frampton for ruining the "best band in the world" by leaving Humble Pie. Thinking Black Sabbath would be British rock of the same caliber, he later gave the album to my 11 year old brother (also into British rock), because it was "WAY to heavy for me, man!"
From the first time my brother played it for me, I was totally obsessed! I knew my big brother didn't like me messing with his things, especially his albums, so I would have to be sneaky! Every day when my brother went to school, I would sneak into his room, and play that album over and over again.
I was very moved by the music, and would dance about frantically to Bill's beats, while trying to emulate Ozzy's vocals, and pretending I was playing Geezer's bass. Tony's guitar, I imagined being played by my brother, for that is what he wanted to do. I would also sit and gaze at the pretty lady in front of the church on the album cover for hours. I think she may be the main reason I have always had a bit of a gothic bent. I would sit and imagine I was her, and the band was inside the church playing a concert. It never occurred to me that that might be an odd place for a band to play; after all, there was a church bell right in the opening song, calling everyone inside to come listen!
When it got close to time for my brother to get home from school, I would put everything away, just as it had been when I entered the room, and leave.This went on for several months, until one day, my brother arrived home from school early and caught me playing HIS Black Sabbath album! He was so angry, he took the album to school with him the next day, so that there would be no way I could play it. Being barely five years old, I didn't even fully understand what I'd done wrong. All I understood fully was that my brother had taken my greatest love away from me!
My brother arrive home from school that next day to find his room in a bit of a shambles (I couldn't find MY Black Sabbath ANYWHERE!). He also found his little fuzzy headed G.I.Joe in pieces, spinning round and round on his turn table. Though I got the whipping of my life for that one when my dad got home, my brother eventually started letting me listen to it while he was at school, and even shared Black Sabbath albums with me when he would get new ones in the years to come.
Even though I was the one to get the whipping, I think my brother must have learned the greatest lesson that day...
... NEVER TAKE MY BLACK SABBATH AWAY! NEVER!
I owe it all to... http://www.blacksabbath.com/
Sunday, June 2, 2013
Feedback! Please!
I am getting no feedback from you guys!
Perhaps no one likes either of these idea, so how about more ideas for you?
I will even make it easy by labeling them A to Z. I am quite sure we won't get to Z, but I do have a lot of ideas, and may even add more later. So, starting with the first two aforementioned ideas as A. and B., here goes:
A. Crazy characters of my own invention (various persona from my work in the haunt industry, etc.), each with it's own individual Blog, and voice.
B. Flash fiction, short stories, poetry, etc., creative writing in general...all types and genres.
C. Band reviews and interviews, music reviews, album reviews, etc.
D. How-to's on everything from arts and crafts to fashion to music to everyday life!
Just a few ideas to toss about. I will probably update later with more, and you can always make suggestions.
Simply comment...even if it is just a letter of choice, on my profile hare at :
https://plus.google.com/u/0/113519521998040333844/posts/p/pub
You can also contact me here:
archaicarts@yahoo.com
https://twitter.com/archaicarts
https://www.facebook.com/archaicarts?ref=hl
Perhaps no one likes either of these idea, so how about more ideas for you?
I will even make it easy by labeling them A to Z. I am quite sure we won't get to Z, but I do have a lot of ideas, and may even add more later. So, starting with the first two aforementioned ideas as A. and B., here goes:
A. Crazy characters of my own invention (various persona from my work in the haunt industry, etc.), each with it's own individual Blog, and voice.
B. Flash fiction, short stories, poetry, etc., creative writing in general...all types and genres.
C. Band reviews and interviews, music reviews, album reviews, etc.
D. How-to's on everything from arts and crafts to fashion to music to everyday life!
Just a few ideas to toss about. I will probably update later with more, and you can always make suggestions.
Simply comment...even if it is just a letter of choice, on my profile hare at :
https://plus.google.com/u/0/113519521998040333844/posts/p/pub
You can also contact me here:
archaicarts@yahoo.com
https://twitter.com/archaicarts
https://www.facebook.com/archaicarts?ref=hl
Saturday, June 1, 2013
Which Would YOU Read?
I am seriously considering starting several separate blogs on here...one for each of my crazy characters. Each character would then have its own separate voice on here. You would find each of them have VERY different perspectives!
Alternatively, I could make this an outlet for flash fiction or short stories, as there are many ideas in my head for such. I already have a few written up in my filing cabinet...many complete with accompanying illustrations.
Which would YOU rather read?
Any feedback would be GREATLY appreciated!
Alternatively, I could make this an outlet for flash fiction or short stories, as there are many ideas in my head for such. I already have a few written up in my filing cabinet...many complete with accompanying illustrations.
Which would YOU rather read?
Any feedback would be GREATLY appreciated!
I need feedback
I need feedback on the following, please! Starting this blog was basically what gave me the idea! I want to do something different here! Something fresh!
http://www.bubblews.com/news/594322-thinking-outloud
http://www.bubblews.com/news/594322-thinking-outloud
Hello, world! My name is, Laurie Tysinger. I have been passionate about the arts since I was a small child. My motto is : "I create, therefore, I am." I have been involved with many art forms, and have trained others in them, as well.
I sing and play bass guitar, and write much of my own material. I have been involved in a number of musical projects, beginning as a singer and lyricist at the age of twelve. I also utilize my background in dance in conjunction with my music.
I have successfully maintained a consistent seasonal acting job at a well known local haunted attraction since 2004. In addition to acting, I create my own characters, costumes, props, and make ups. Some of my characters have been featured on The Travel Channel, and I have appeared in Haunt World Magazine.
Although I love all forms of writing, my primary goal as a writer is to help instill a love of reading in children from a very young age, as well as get their parents involved, through my children's picture books. I am also endeavoring to design books for older children, and young adults that will keep them reading, or rekindle lost interest.
If you REALLY want to know me, read this :
http://fullofknowledge.com/2013/05/ten-things-i-have-done-in-my-life/
I sing and play bass guitar, and write much of my own material. I have been involved in a number of musical projects, beginning as a singer and lyricist at the age of twelve. I also utilize my background in dance in conjunction with my music.
I have successfully maintained a consistent seasonal acting job at a well known local haunted attraction since 2004. In addition to acting, I create my own characters, costumes, props, and make ups. Some of my characters have been featured on The Travel Channel, and I have appeared in Haunt World Magazine.
Although I love all forms of writing, my primary goal as a writer is to help instill a love of reading in children from a very young age, as well as get their parents involved, through my children's picture books. I am also endeavoring to design books for older children, and young adults that will keep them reading, or rekindle lost interest.
If you REALLY want to know me, read this :
http://fullofknowledge.com/2013/05/ten-things-i-have-done-in-my-life/
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