While conducting a random “cool music websites” search, I came upon an interesting Internet radio site called, Pandora Radio at: www.pandora.com Upon arriving at Pandora, you are asked to select an artist, composer, or song title and the website will choose songs by that artist and also select other music that is similar to the artist, composer, or song that you selected. A “radio station” is therefore assembled and music begins instantly based on your initial selectio... Read Full Story

Being a fan of the sounds created by a new wave of fantastic female singers like Amy Winehouse and Duffy, I was interested in hearing what all the fuss was about yet another female British songstress simply named…Adele. Adele Adkins’ debut CD, 19, turned out to be one of those CDs that I feel is a must have in any music lovers collection. Adele presents us with a very soulful voice for such a young singer (currently 20 at the time of this writing). Having already won a Grammy Awar... Read Full Story

Prior to viewing the 2004 Ondi Timoner directed documentary, DIG!, I had only heard of the band name The Dandy Warhols and had no previous knowledge at all of The Brian Jonestown Massacre. DIG! is a documentary of the two bands with footage that had been compiled over an approximate seven year span. Since viewing the Palm Pictures film, I decided to “dig” up a few recordings of the two groups to get a better aural “picture” of the bands’ music since the film tend... Read Full Story

Many are familiar with 2007 Grammy-nominated a cappella song “Hide and Seek” by English singer/songwriter, Imogen Heap. Its mid-song hook - “Mmmm Whatcha Say” - and its layered vocal effects makes the original piece highly recognizable. It didn’t hurt that the song had some massive exposure due to the television show, The O.C., and a popular parody on comedy sketch show, Saturday Night Live. What makes “Hide and Seek” stand out even more than its poig... Read Full Story

The American glam-band, Scissor Sisters’ debut self-titled CD begins with a track entitled, “Laura” with an opening piano line that makes one expect to hear Dolly Parton break into her “9 to 5″ hit from many years ago. Formed in 2001 with five members (four male, one female), Scissor Sisters draw their upbeat sound from disco, pop, and club music. While experiencing some success at home in the U.S., (including a Grammy nomination nod), Scissor Sisters, like many ... Read Full Story

It’s been many a year since I last had gone to a local musical instrument store in Michigan, (a store that no longer exists), and purchased a new electric guitar. Up until the early 1990s I had relied on two low budget Magnum electric guitars that just were not making the grade anymore as my rate of performing began to grow. I could not even begin to tell you what made me settle on that brick red Ibanez EX350 guitar with the black pickguard and “heavy metal” styling that day... Read Full Story

I finally took the time to sit down and watch the 1968 psychedelic cartoon featuring The Beatles entitled, Yellow Submarine. The catchy title song is just one of those tunes that will forever be etched in the minds of many a person. It’s children song-like quality with it’s very memorable hook (”We all live in a Yellow Submarine…Yellow Submarine…Yellow Submarine”) is sung by Beatle drummer, Ringo Starr with his much-loved, ever-so-slightly off key way of re... Read Full Story

In 1976, the rock group, The Band, featuring guitarist Robbie Robertson, bassist Rick Danko, keyboardists Richard Manuel and Garth Hudson, and drummer Levon Helm, decided to perform a final concert at San Francisco’s Winterland Ballroom.  After years of touring together and performing in many places and with numerous people, The Band decided (mostly due to Robbie Robertson’s tiring from touring, and serious injuries suffered in a boating accident by Richard Manuel) that 16 years w... Read Full Story

From the charming opening guitar played by Johnny Marr, to the charming and bouncy rhythm section of Andy Rourke and Mike Joyce, to the charming lyrics as sung by vocalist Morrissey, “This Charming Man” was, for many of us, an introduction to the popular 1980’s alternative rock band, The Smiths, from Manchester, England. Weighing in at a total playing time of 2:43 minutes, the short song serves its purpose - opening strong, remaining catchy and upbeat, telling its story, and... Read Full Story

In my previous “Climbing Those Scales” tutorials, I have touched on the subjects of Chromatic scales and Major scales. Today, I will turn your attention to my favorite scales - the Minor scales. Minor scales are my favorites because I feel that unlike their “happier” counterpart - the Major scales - minor scales add some real depth to music. Minor scales tend to be used in more serious and contemplative music when the composer wishes to draw you into the song more emot... Read Full Story