August 2010 Archives

Once and For All: What’s the Second-Most Definitive Use of Harmonics in a Rock Song?

Aug 192010

Clearly the harmonics that open the Yes classic “Roundabout” represent the most definitive use of harmonics in a rock song, but what’s the second-most definitive use of this device? There are a couple of instances of what sounds like an arpeggio of harmonics in my favorite Fleetwood Mac song, “Over My Head,” but I wouldn’t call this the second-most definitive use of harmonics in a rock song. One especially distinctive and definitive use of harmonics in a rock song comes to mind, but let’s see if you suggest it as rock’s second-most definitive use of said device…once and for all.

Dave Navarro Regrets

Posted by Mr. Moderator

Aug 192010

Dave Navarro, the judge of our recent Tom Petty Cook-Off Contest, is a good guy – really – who regrets those moments when he’s less of his usual good-guy self. From his Facebook page:

Once in a while, a Jane’s Addiction fan will approach me when I am hungry or tired on just in a bad mood. The interaction can feel a little tense, simply cause of how I feel, nothing to do with them. However, they take it personally and I can actually see the disappointment in their eyes as they realize this guy in a band they like is kind of a dick!

Hey, E. Pluribus Gergley! Why Exactly Is It Wrong for People to Recreate Music Like This?

Posted by hrrundivbakshi

Aug 182010

Hey, Gergley!

Mockcarr and I are about to form our umpteenth band together, in which we’re planning to focus on simple 60s beat music. One of the finalists for the set list is “Come On,” by Australian combo The Atlantics. I’m sure you’d be appalled that men of such exquisite taste would dare attempt to recreate something that veers so closely to the “garage” flavor. But that just begs the question: why exactly is it bad form for old geezers to play music like this? And a corollary question is: what forms of rock are okay — or decidedly not okay — for geezers to play in public?

I really want to know!

Your pal,

HVB

Flight Not Included

Posted by Mr. Moderator

Aug 182010

Just got back from our trip to Taos, New Mexico via Denver, Colorado. I don’t have a lot to report on the Taos music scene. The lovely wedding we attended featured a fine acoustic-based band playing covers of Sufjan Stevens and his ilk. They were just right for the event, but they were no threat to the sage brush. I also saw a young hippie woman sitting atop the roof of a hostel, accompanying her rich voice with a mandolin. She had an excellent voice, but her act was an anachronism.
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RTH Mailbag, 8/18/10

Posted by Mr. Moderator

Aug 182010

Those of you not interested in the behind-the-scenes drama of Rock Town Hall are advised to steer clear of the following jump. Because I’ve been on the road for most of the last 2 weeks and therefore a little behind in clearing up some offlist issues, I’ll take care of your concerns and off-topic comments here, in public.
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E. Pluribus Gergley Wants to Know: What the Hell Is Everyone’s Problem with Herman’s Hermits?

Posted by hrrundivbakshi

Aug 162010

To every peckerhead up here who refuses to take off the Peter Fonda sunglasses and motorcycle jacket, I want to know right here and now what your beef is with Herman’s Hermits. And if you do have a problem, please provide a well thought out reason for your disliking. And I don’t wanna hear any of that Andy “my record collection consists of 8 greatest hits LPs, the centerpiece of which is that Stones thing that’s shaped like an octagon” Rosenau crap like “Yeah, and Freddie and the Dreamers really kick it out too” drivel.

Know you’re dealing with someone who knows the Hermits catalog very well.

Let’s go. I’m ready for it.

Sincerely,
E. Pluribus

Last Man Standing: Bespectacled Edition
Or Win a copy of Roy Orbison: The Last Concert on CD

Posted by The Back Office

Aug 162010

New RTH-BFF, Universal Music is back. This time they sent us a CD copy of Roy Orbison: The Last Concert (December 4, 1988). More info on the CD after the fold.

So we’re going to do a Last Man Standing that has an actual bonafide prize for the winner. That’s right “bragging rights” AND an Orbison CD. Who’s your daddy?!

Drill is simple. Name a rock musician known for wearing glasses. Not sunglasses. Glasses. The more identifiable the glasses with the artist the better.

The Back Office along with guest judge, Soft Cell’s Marc Almond (photo not available) will have final verdict. Deadline 2am Tuesday morning PST. So if you’ve got an ace-in-the-hole you best set your alarm or party on through.

Marc can only think of two others. You gonna let Soft Cell’s Marc Almond (photo not available) one up you?!

Ready-steady-go!

More about the CD.
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