Part of it’s the mix, but I listened to the studio version of this Thin Lizzy song, “Whiskey in the Jar,” and heard the same lack of restraint in the lead guitar. I’m not an expert on matters of tasteful guitar – and I’m a big fan of The Velvet Underground‘s “I Heard Her Call My Name” – but is the guitarist (Eric Bells?) stepping all over Phil Lynott’s vocals? I guess it’s supposed to be “Celtic” sounding, but man, get a little stringed instrument!

Tasteful guitar experts, what do you think? Is there a song that comes to mind when you think, Lead guitarist showing absolutely no restraint?

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As an open-minded, true believer in The Power and Glory of Rock, I often wish I could better appreciate critically acclaimed bands that have never “done it” for me. Who doesn’t want to feel part of the In Crowd when hanging with rock ‘n roll tastemakers? You’ve heard my tales of revisiting bands like Love, Randy Newman, and others, and I appreciate that you have been moved by my efforts.

Occasionally, howver, my desire to appreciate a critically acclaimed band is driven more by simple social climbing in the rock world than entry into rock’s secret society of taste-making. Sometimes I think about how my social network could be extended if only I could sincerely nod approvingly when a “cool” band I previously didn’t like comes on the stereo at a party populated by people I’d enjoy getting to know better.

This feeling was more prevalent when I was young and single and seeking broader social networks and a girfriend. Being incredibly opinionated and taking pleasure in confrontation has its downfalls, Townspeeps. I suffer less for my ways these days because I exist in the comfort zone of a loving family and rapidly diminishing personal delusions, but when I was a young man I used to think about how much better my social life could have been if only I could like The Replacements. Continue reading »

Some time ago we discussed rock images, good and bad, that are burned in our brains. I mentioned an image from the Disco chapter of my high school-era edition of Rolling Stone’s Illustrated Encyclopedia of Rock, or whatever it’s called. At the time another Townsman, maybe BigSteve, looked for the picture I described in his copy of the book, a different edition. He didn’t see it. It was probably too disturbing to publish in subsequent editions. Tonight I came across my ancient copy of this book and scanned in the image. I apologize in advance for any unrest this image might cause you over the next 30 years. Ready? Continue reading »