Monday, November 9, 2009

Had to move to wordpress....

Due to complaints from my followers that they could not leave comments on my blog here at blogspot...I have made the executive decision to transfer my blog to wordpress and renaming it to Rockmosis.  Follow me there at http://rockmosis.wordpress.com, RockMosisTV on YouTube, and coming soon Rockmosis.com. thanks again and rock on.
-tristan

Saturday, November 7, 2009

Wonderful Future - Our Lady Peace

Last song off of the "Spiritual Machines" record. A memorable guitar riff with some edgy and tremendous drumming complimented by an easy yet flowing bassline combined with an extraordinary melody makes this tune a keeper. Unfortunately, its the last track off of the album and extends to 20 minutes, with about 14 minutes of dead air and a minute of robotism. Luckily for you, I edited that nonsense out. Rock it and chill.

Let it be, Let it be (Steven Tyler Leaves Aerosmith)

This past week, rumors surfaced that Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler was leaving the band to pursue his own personal brand. The ageless rocker, troubled with drug addiction and alcoholism back in 70s and 80s primarily (also recently this past year), has called it quits, for now. "I don't know what I'm doing yet, but it's definitely going to be something Steven Tyler: working on the brand of myself -- Brand Tyler," he told Classic Rock magazine recently.
Joe Perry, superstar guitar player for the band, spoke to the Las Vegas Sun saying "Steven quit as far as I can tell. I don't know anymore than you do about it. I got off the plane two nights ago. I saw online that Steven said that he was going to leave the band. I don't know for how long, indefinitely or whatever. Other than that, I don't know." Perry went on to say that the band plans on moving on, with or without Tyler, and will look for a new lead singer. I'm going to sound very hypocritical here because I have been in full support of bands moving on without a key ingredient to their mix (ie. Slash leaving Guns N' Roses) but I just find this completely absurd. First of all, replacing a singer isn't easy. Most average music listeners identify a band with the voice first. Is it impossible to replace a vocalist? Absolutely not. Van Halen replaced David Lee Roth with Sammy Hagar and went on to become ever bigger. AC/DC did it after Bon Scott passed away and continued to rock out kick ass albums after albums. But if Perry is serious about replacing Tyler's voice with some new character, he will fail. Aerosmith is way past their prime. It happens to every band. I'm not trying to be a hater, believe me. Aerosmith is a Boston band. I'm a Bostonian. Of course I love Aerosmith and have pride in them just like I do for the Sox or Pats, but this just isn't right, mainly because of their age. Aerosmith's last successful album arguably was 20 years ago, "Pump". They then went on to create some hits off of the records "Get a Grip", "Nine Lives", and also their most notable and first ever number 1 single of the late 90s "I Don't Wanna Miss A Thing", but any fan could tell you that their earlier work was far more potent.
Joe Perry should take a step back and look at that body of work and realize that maybe putting Aerosmith to rest isn't such a bad idea. I mean, they are in their 60s, have made multimillions, and haven't quite tarnished the Aerosmith name, although many can argue that they are just a pop mainstream act post-1993. He is walking in seriously dangerous territory if he is really contemplating moving on and replacing Tyler. It will not work out. Let it go, man. Enjoy what you've accomplished. Keep your options open for Aerosmith only if Steven is on board and ready to get back on the saddle. If not, you're talented and an icon yourself. Shuttle your work away from Aerosmith and keep creating. Don't allow the critics to laugh at this legendary band you've helped build. It will happen and I, for one, don't want to see it occur. Long live Aerosmith.


50 Year Old Rap (U2 and Jay-Z, European Music Awards)

Did you hear that New York bad boy Jay-Z came up on stage last night with U2 before the kickoff of European Music Awards? That's right, the jiggaman popped up during "Sunday Bloody Sunday" live in Berlin, Germany in front of the Brandenburg Gate giving the 10,000 fans a treat of musical brilliance. U2 arrived in their 750k-a-day spaceship, putting on a free 20 minute setlist to fans outside the venue. Both artists, neither ever shy in the past of backing down from a collaboration, showed why two musical genres, if done right, can work together in harmony. Bono, mid-song, introduces Jay as the "mayor of New York city" as he appears from the background to bust out a 40 second rhyme. HOV manages to represent his badass mofo ways by dropping the "motherfucker" bomb during his rap. Bono then goes on to scream "Wipe your tears away!" sounding peculiarly comparable to Bob Marley. Two artists, both icons for longevity in their respective fields of music, displayed why mixing and matching two types of beats into one can be a treat for any music lover.

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

The Last of the Unplucked Gems (The Tragically Hip)

One of the most relaxing songs ever. Could listen to it on repeat for hours. Short and sweet though. Last song off the "Road Apples" record. I'm kinda a Hip fan...enjoy





http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_me0vusncc

George? Greed? Capital G. (Nine Inch Nails)

Well today was an interesting day. It all started back on July 4th, 2009 when I was on the beach having some beers with friends and girlfriends enjoying our "Independence" Day under the hot summer sun. A few wiffle ball games, some tosses of the football, and hey, how about a few beers. I mean, fuck, it was a holiday and a Saturday. Doesn't make you a bad guy getting a buzz on once in a while does it? True story, I'm half a beer deep, that's right...ONE beer, haven't even started crushing yet and we see some middle-aged, short short wearing, yuppie typed tough guy come over and kick over our beers.
"Holy Shit, is this deuchbag for real?" I'm thinking, holding in all my rage to see what's next.
He then, like he practiced it in the mirror all winter, lifted his shirt a bit and and flashed his wickedly awesome badge. Man, I was so not envious of him. I actually felt bad for the robot. Anyways, still thinking I did no wrong knowing that I'm close to 7 years over the legal drinking age,I proceeded to go up to the beach house with my buddy, fetch our ID's along with everyone else's, and show these tyrants they are making a mistake. Much to my complete disbelief, the two officers have already gotten a head start on writing each one of us a ticket. We're grown adults. Its Independence Day for Christs Sake. I'm 27 years old and I'm getting a drinking ticket? Are you for real???? No one even had a beer in hand but we were found guilty of being in possession of a substance that keeps our struggling economy alive on some levels. What a catch 22. It took alot of patience from me not to instigate more issues with the officers, so I said my piece and was mum.
Obviously, when I got the $100 dollar violation in the mail, I immediately checked the "Appeal" Box which leads me to my rant. So, I'm sitting in Newburyport District Court this morning waiting for my hearing and I see yuppie-boy sitting next to the judge in the small little room where my case would be heard. It took about an hour and half to finally get a chance at redemption and I didn't back down. Fuck that. I figured I was going to pay the ticket anyways so I might as well be heard. I first started off by telling them I hadn't drank since 2007 (a blatant lie, but honestly, I didn't murder anyone so my conscience is clear and I could really care less), I told them what a joke I thought this whole ticket process was on a national holiday, Did I really commit a crime? I also mentioned that the police officer violated my personal information rights by asking my girlfriend continuously for my social security number while I was inside collecting all of our ID's. The judge and officer both completely dismissed my disagreement over my social security number and said its common practice. Oh really? I don't ever remember giving out someone elses social in order to expedite their process of writing our a ticket. Apparently, they're naive to identity theft as well. Then I it got heated. I wish I could have got an audio of this judge ripping me a new one. Worse than I ever got from any coach that I've played hockey for, but I really didnt mind. I was laughing inside, I said my piece, its a free country. Apparently, Judge Judy thought I disrespected Jesus (who I believe in) or a highly ranked army officer (which I respect the hell out of), telling me never to talk to a cop or a judge the way I did. It was a good 2 minute rant on her behalf. What a bitch she was. All I kept saying in my head continuously was "I don't care, Fuck you, I don't care, Fuck you, I don't care fuck you etc". At the end of her little speech, she let me off! Hahahahah. She believed me about not drinking. What a joke. If I told the truth I woulda had to pay that 100 big ones. I know for a fact because I was listening to the hearings before and everyone took the apologetic approach like they killed someones dog in order to get off the ticket. I simply told a little story. They lie to us. I will lie right back. I respect what most cops do. I really do. But drinking a beer on our nations holiday?!?!?!? Pleeeeeeeease, you aren't getting my dough. So, got up, thanked her for dismissing my case and walked out of the room only to see everyone chuckling and staring at me because they heard the fireworks going off. Right when I got in my truck, I drove off and put this song on right away. Capital G off of Nine Inch Nails 2007 album "Year Zero", It kinda fit the mood. Trent Reznor, full of so much rage, anti capitalism, and truth. An industrial God. Keep on rockin, Enjoy your night, and Fight for Your Rights!



Capital G (lyrics)
NIN

I pushed the button and elected him to office and a
He pushed the button and he dropped the bomb
You pushed the button and could watch in on the television
Those motherfuckers didn't last too long

I'm sick of hearing about the have and have not's
Have some personal accountability
The biggest problem with the way that we are doing things is
The more we let you have the less that I'll be keeping for me

Well I use to stand for something
Now I'm on my hands and knees
Trading in my god for this one
and he signs his name with a capital G

Don't give a shit about the temperature in Guatemala
Don't really see what all the fuss is about
Ain't gonna worry about no future generations
And I'm sure somebody's gonna figure it out

Don't try to tell me that some power can corrupt a person
You hadn't had enough to know what it's like
You're only angry cause you wish you were in my position
Now nod your head cause you know that I'm right..alright!

Well I use to stand for something
But forgot what that could be
There's a lot of me inside you
Maybe you're afraid to see

Well I use to stand for something
Now I'm on my hands and knees
Trading in my god for this one
and he signs his name with a capital G

Well I use to stand for something
But forgot what that could be
There's a lot of me inside you
Maybe you're afraid to see

Well I use to stand for something
Now I'm on my hands and knees
Trading in my god for this one
and he signs his name with a capital G

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

If the Lizard King Was Alive

I often think about what it'd be like if we never lost Jim Morrison at such an early age. The guy would only be turning 66 this December. Man oh man, what a huge loss. In my minds eye, I can see him, still in his worn out leather pants, more fragile nowadays and Dylan-isque up on stage doing some creative solo rendition of "The End" with some cool bongo player in the back adding some percussion. Or maybe he'd be performing with Ray Manzarek, Rob Kreiger and the rest of the Doors collecting royalties off of so many countless platninum albums through the 70s, 80, 90s, and 2000s. His music surely would have evolved with times. Morrison was just way too talented to be making boring records. Experimentation with folk, electric, rock, techno, industrial, country, and hip hop would surely be something the then acid-rocker would have dabbled in. Our whole musical culture would have certainly been different. Imagine The Doors doing an MTV Unplugged show matching something reminescent of Nirvana. You were the Lizard King, and You could Do Anything...Why'd you have to hit the bottle so hard?

You Probably Have Never Heard of 'Em (The Tragically Hip)

Arguably the top band ever to come from the North Country. Gord Downie's haunting lyrics along with his echoing voice have made the Hip a staple in any true Canadians list of bands. To see the Hip play live anywhere 100 miles away from the Canadian border is a spectacle for any fan. When I saw them in Boston at the House of Blues this past spring, I was standing litterally 10 feet away from the legend known as Gord Downie as he whaled out a setlist of 25+ songs. The new album, We Are The Same, released in 2009, has many hidden gems that will just add to the continuing success of these indie-Canadian rockers. This happens to be my favorite of many off the album...and go figures, they opened with it that night and I was stuck in a cab trying to give the goddamn cabbie directions to the venue. Luckily, I also have the bootleg from the show. Enjoy the Studio version for now. I'm shutting it down for the night. I'm Beat. Keep on rocking and smoke em if you got em.


Who are youuuuuuuu
Who are yooooooooouuuuuu
Who are youuuuuuuuuuuuu

GENIUS!



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UlPJz_nObYg

Monday, November 2, 2009

3rd Chinese Democracy Tour (Guns N' Roses)

Ok, so I guess third time is a charm? This will be the third time Guns will be touring in support of Chinese Democracy and the first time they have toured since they have released Chinese Democracy. Axl was last performing in early 2007 but then fell off the face of the earth again. I wonder if he will be sporting the braids. I hope he brings back the bandana and maybe Slash?!?! Let's hope after these dates across the pond and up in Canada, Guns comes home to the States to kick ass.


Dec. 11 - Taipei
Dec. 13 - Seoul
Dec. 16 - Osaka
Dec. 19 - Tokyo
Jan. 13 – Winnipeg, MB – MTS Centre
Jan. 16 – Calgary, AB – Pengrowth Saddledome
Jan. 17 – Edmonton, AB – Rexall Place
Jan. 19 – Saskatoon, SK – Credit Union Centre
Jan. 20 – Regina, SK – Brandt Centre
Jan. 24 – Hamilton, ON – Copps Coliseum
Jan. 25 – London, ON – John Labatt Centre
Jan. 27 – Montreal, PQ – Bell Centre
Jan. 28 – Toronto, ON – Air Canada Centre
Jan. 31 – Ottawa, ON – Scotiabank Place
Feb. 01 – Quebec City, PQ – Colisee Pepsi
Feb. 03 – Moncton, NB – Moncton Coliseum
Feb. 04 – Halifax, NS – Metro Centre

Got Drugs? (Buckethead- Guns N' Roses)

Man, this is some freaky shit but this guy is legit tapped. Check out this guitar lesson of the former guitarist of Guns N' Roses. You can actually hear his talent on Chinese Democracy but I don't think he ever fit into the band the way someone should be filling Slash's shoes, Nonetheless the guy (or robot) is amazingly gifted. The monster thats on his hand is named Herbie. No joke.

It's not always rock (Chris Cornell - Long Gone)

When I first heard that Chris Cornell (former lead singer of Soundgarden/Audioslave/Temple of the Dog) was in the makes of creating a hip-hop album with TImbaland last year, I, like the common public mocked the idea. It was only until 2 weeks ago that I purchased the album because I needed some new tunes to add to my repertoire. I've always been a huge fan of Cornell's so my curiousity peaked on that Sunday afternoon and I got ahold of this gem. Half a dozen songs stuck with me from the record "Scream" that I'm sure at some point in time I will end up discussing them on here. However, the track "Long Gone" makes my first "hip hop" blog spiel here. The song can strike an emotion to anyone who is at a loss of something in their life, assuming that they actually pay attention to lyrics. For all you hardcore rock n' roll juggernauts, including myself, we can let our guard down and accept it for what it is: a beautiful song. Yah its hip-hoppy and kind of sappy, but again, we are all music lovers and I, for one, appreciate the hell out of the album and this song. Any artist that can step away from their comfort zone and do something creative and non-traditional immediately gains my respect. Rock on Chris and lets get a Soundgarden reunion already!

Sunday, November 1, 2009

Come Back Travis Meeks!!!! (Days of the New)

You may have seen him a few years back on the show Intervention. Then struggling with his crystal meth addiction, Travis looked like death. A still young rockstar, with no money and his only goal to find out how to get his next high. Imagine being as successul as him and having to go back home to live with his mom. Was a sad episode to watch. This guy was 17 years old with hits such as "Shelf in the Room" and "Touch Peel and Stand" and he pissed it all away. Nonetheless, rumors in the industry say he's planing a comeback album, but is it too late? This song here, "Die Born" Is off of the Days of the New III album and was by far my favorite track. You can tell from the video how much his drug abuse has taken a toll on his appearance. Nonetheless, an amazing song and in some way kind of inspiring. In college, I even tried to get this tune as background music to a highlight end-of-the-year film, but the geeks who were editing the video didn't think it was upbeat enough. Fuckin idiots!

Saturday, October 31, 2009

2 for 1? (Eddie Vedder - Pearl Jam)

Drinking wine all night while busting out 30+ song setlists almost in every concert is something that Eddie Vedder has been doing for nearly 2 decades. Arguably the best frontman and vocalist of our era, one has to forgive him when he practically reuses the same guitar progression from both "Just Breathe" off of the Pearl Jam's new album 'Backspacer' and then forhis solo album for 'Into the Wild' with the song "Tuolomne". Nonetheless, both amazing songs, but I'd give the edge to "Just Breathe"





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Friday, October 30, 2009

Lets get started where it "ended".... (Guns N' Roses)

Guns N' Roses. What a band. So many lineups, so much potential, so much talent. I became fixed on the Gunners at a tender age of 7 in 1988 when I snuck into my older brothers hockey locker room and heard 'Welcome to the Jungle' blasting on some old school beat box. So aggressive and so powerful and man, did that shit pump me up. The first video I saw from them was Paradise City and I became hooked. I didnt know what the hell I was doing at 7 years old absolutely obsessing over a bunch of fucking junkies, but I thought they were the most badass mofo's and still feel the same way 20 years later. Granted the band has changed alot and Axl has gone and made some wonderful songs without the old lineup, but I will discuss here the last song ever played live by the "old" lineup. When I say the old lineup in this context, I don't mean the original lineup, but close to it. Close to what non obsessed GNR fans, unlike myself, would think of as a GNR lineup would be Axl, the crazy top hat wearing guy Slash, and maybe they might remember there was some guy named Izzzy or Dizzy or something like that. The real sharp ones might even know Duff or Steven Adler or Matt Sorum. Anyways, back in 1993 GNR was ending a 2.5 year tour supporting their Use Your Illusion albums and their last show was in Argentina. The last song of the night, an Appetite for Destruction hit called Paradise City was played. Little did the crowd know that this was it for this classic lineup. A lineup with the potential of making megahits every year if they wanted, up to the quality that many would compare to Led Zeppelin, Rolling Stones, or now in modern day era, Pearl Jam. Anyways, now we all get to witness this performance. You could never tell thru this video that Axl hated every other bandmates guys by this point. Enjoy!!