Mr. Moderator

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

Batter Up!

Mar 312008

Nobody does it better!

As some of you know, baseball runs neck-and-neck with your moderator’s interests to rock ‘n roll. Unlike the good old days, when baseball started on a regular schedule, with the first official game of the season played in the U.S. of A. in Cincinnati, now some teams get to start a few days early across the globe – or they play a 1-game homestand in their new stadium. It’s a mess! Regardless, feel free to use this space to share your thoughts on the following baseball subjects – and whatever else captures your fancy! Questions follow the jump. If you don’t give a hoot, don’t bother whining! Concentrate on the Nesmith thread and all the other musical goodies here for discussion.
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Rock Town Hall Celebrates the Cub Scouts of America

Posted by Mr. Moderator

Mar 312008

Courtesy of 2000 Man…
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Stephen Malkmus Show Makes Me Appreciate Jon Anderson

Posted by Mr. Moderator

Mar 302008

Admittedly this is one of the most out of touch things I’ll ever share, but Stephen Malkmus‘ show at the Philadelphia’s TGIF of “legendary” rock clubs, the Fillmore at the TLA, furthered my appreciation of Yes frontman Jon Anderson. After a grandiose musical introduction, Anderson’s vocals would set up some 9-minute cosmic musiical excursion by the rest of the band. While Steve Howe, Rick Wakeman, Chris Squire, et al noodled away, Anderson would shake a tambourine, walk about the stage, cheer on his bandmates, but never turn his back on the audience. When things settled down long enough for Anderson to rattle off a few more spacey couplets, he was one more Boss. He was always the anchor for the audience.
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Critical Upgrade: Linda Rondstadt

Posted by Mr. Moderator

Mar 282008

For those of you of a certain age, think of all the great songs from an earlier era in rock ‘n roll that you first heard through the hit cover versions by Linda Rondstadt. Take Betty Everett‘s “You’re No Good”. I know you, loyal Townsperson, are about as cool and knowledgeable as rock ‘n roll fans get, but if you’re of that certain age range, I doubt you’d ever heard of Betty Everett and her version of “You’re No Good” until years after you’d dug then completely denied the wonders of Linda Rondstadt’s string of ’70s hits. Excluding those of you younger than 38 years old, raise your hand if you honestly heard Everett’s excellent original before this major hit song. In fact, I’d bet that most of us didn’t know if was a cover until a good 5 years after the song’s release.

Linda’s version isn’t as cool as the original, but you’ve got to give her credit for looking good in a Plain Jane way.

Let’s pause for a second to reflect on just how cool the original version of “You’re No Good” is…and let’s give thanks to Linda for turning most of us onto this definitive version!

Good grief!

Posted by Mr. Moderator

Mar 282008

Dana Carvey’s Amazing Frank Zappa Impersonation!

Posted by Mr. Moderator

Mar 272008

As mentioned by Townsman Oats…

Dugout Chatter

Posted by Mr. Moderator

Mar 252008

If you know the drill already feel free to dig right into this week’s questions. If Rock Town Hall’s Dugout Chatter is new to you, the rules are simple: read the following questions – one at a time – and answer the following questions – one at a time – candidly and from your gut! There are no right or wrong answers, but follow-up questions and comments are encouraged. Let’s get a little chatter going!

Regardless of your talent – and assuming you’ve got the guts – what’s the one song you’d sing in public, if required? Dream on, if necessary.

Linda Thompson or Sandy Denny?

If you could erase one hit song by The Kinks from the public record, which song would it be?

Name a band you initially thought was cool based on the musicianship of a particular member but later realized that musician’s strengths were not enough to carry the day (most obvious example: Santana, thanks, initially, to the strength of the band’s namesake).

Sandy Denny or Emmylou Harris?

What do you most hope to get out of reading a record review?

If you primarily play a particular musical instrument (including vocals), what other instrumental role do you most covet?

Who’s the most effective artist at executing double-tracked performances (vocals, guitar, whatever)?

Fill in the blank: Songs about _________ typically annoy me.

Fill in the blank: The prime exception to the previous statement is __________.

I look forward to your responses.

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