Mr. Moderator

When not blogging Mr. Moderator enjoys baseball, cooking, and falconry.

Intros and Outros

Apr 112014

Quick: What are the first rock ‘n roll intros and outros that come to mind for you! It doesn’t matter if they are from live or studio recordings.

The first intro that just came to mind for me (not my favorite) is the alternating 2-singer count-in to The Rascals’ “Good Lovin'”. That is what’s going on at the start of that song, right?

The first outro that just came to mind for me (possibly my favorite) is Ian Hunter’s “I’ve wanted to do this for years!” during the fade of “All the Young Dudes.” WHAT is it he’s wanted to do for years? That always sticks with me.

KISS Alive I & II are loaded with classic intros, that even I would recognize if I had to hear them again.

Sometimes the outro can come via a show’s MC: “Elvis has left the building!”

All-Star Jam

Posted by Mr. Moderator

Apr 112014

It’s the weekend! Tell us what’s on your mind, where you’ll be somehow, somewhere Friday night.

Lou Reed…As His Music Was Meant to Sound!

Posted by Mr. Moderator

Apr 102014

Yesterday, on the eve of KISS‘ induction into the Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame, I learned that Lou Reed cowrote a song for the band’s Bob Ezrin-produced concept album, The Elder. Certainly, upon the completion of this recording, Lou must have remarked that KISS and his Berlin producer captured his music the way it was meant to sound!

In Defense of Straight Stands

Posted by Mr. Moderator

Apr 082014

Straight stand. Round base. It’s cooler. Simple as that.

Straight stand. Round base. It’s cooler. Simple as that. Prove me wrong!

For the purposes of discussion, let’s leave the benefits of boom stands for drummers, keyboardists, and dudes playing Ovation roundback acoustic guitars out of the equation. Anyone can argue for boom stands and stands with the tripod bottom for reasons of comfort. James Brown might have worn beige orthopedic shoes had he been concerned for his onstage comfort.

Let’s Put on a Show!

Posted by Mr. Moderator

Apr 072014

Since Jesse Winchester is not, as of this writing—contrary to reports earlier today—yet dead; since I cannot muster even the mildest false devastation over the sudden and unexpected death of “media personality” Peaches Geldof, the daughter of Bob Geldof and the late Paula Yates, whose presence I never knew existed until this unfortunate turn of events…let’s celebrate the life—and mourn the confirmed death—of a great…song and dance man, Mickey Rooney. Let’s put on a show!

Have you ever mustered the enthusiasm, idealism, drive, and insanity to put on a show? I have. Even when the show itself is a complete flop by objective standards, it’s almost always a blast. Hell, I can’t think of a time when it hasn’t been a blast, so I’ll drop the “almost” from that statement. Mickey’s Andy Hardy character had it right. When the chips are down, when no one believes in you and your artistic compatriots, when your community needs you, put on a show!

Let’s hear your stories of organizing shows.

Need a Reason to Start Getting into Classical Music or Video Games or Whatever?

Posted by Mr. Moderator

Apr 032014

It gets worse.

The almost-always well-intentioned but annoying Steven Hyden of Grantland takes a disturbing look at the future of the always-annoying, not-even well-intentioned Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame. Check it out. Don’t shoot the messenger, Hyden, who is only doing the dirty work of confronting a credible future.

Which contemporary artists, if their careers ended today, would definitely get into the Rock Hall? Which artists need a little help? Who is going to get snubbed? The rank speculation that follows is rooted in five assumptions:

1. The Rock Hall will continue to exist well into the foreseeable future.

2. My personal taste will continue to run contrary to the Rock Hall’s choices.

3. The Rock Hall will become noticeably less rock-oriented in the years ahead. Pop, hip-hop, and electronic/dance artists will be ascendant. Metal and punk bands will (still) be largely ignored. But it will still be known as a “rock” museum.

4. The Rock Hall will always care more about commercial success than critical acclaim. But some critical acclaim is required.

5. None of this will ever matter, but I will find it interesting anyway.

All-Star Jam

Posted by Mr. Moderator

Apr 032014

Anything goes in an All-Star Jam, even the use of slang! What’s the happening chatter around your locker in the Halls of Rock?

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