“The intermediate stage between socialism and capitalism is alcoholism.”

Friday, September 30, 2005

Jerry Juhl, R.I.P.



Man, I was pretty sad to learn just today that Jerry Juhl, longtime writer for Jim Henson, and creator of Fraggle Rock, passed away on Monday after a short battle with cancer. I've always been a huge fan of Jim Henson and The Muppet Show, I've actually got a Kermit the Frog tattoo. Just this week I've been reading a book called It's Not Easy Being Green: And Other Things To Consider which is a collection of quotes, stories, anecdotes, songs, and insight from Jim Henson, his characters, family members, friends, and collaborators. I'm about half way through it so far and I've really enjoyed it. There are a number of great stories from Jerry Juhl about his relationship with Jim and the work atmosphere that they had while working on various Muppet projects. Here's a link to a nice little memorium written about Jerry at IGN.com --> [Link]. Jerry and Jim's contributions to our world will hopefully never be forgotten, their outlook on life was unique and uplifting, something we rarely see any more. Also be sure to pick up the first season of The Muppet Show, recently released on DVD to further enjoy the phenomenon for yourself, and maybe even with your kids.


Thursday, September 29, 2005

Damn Right, I've Got The Blues!

Buddy Guy has always been one of my favorite "modern" bluesmen, revered by rock legends such as Clapton, Hendrix, and Stevie Ray Vaughn. Here's a peek at his newest album featuring collaborations with the likes of John Mayer, Anthony Hamilton, Carlos Santana, Tracy Chapman, and Keith Richards. It's a good solid blues record, leaning a little towards the soul/R&B side with songs by Curtis Mayfield, Isaac Hayes, Otis Redding, and Steve Cropper. Bernie Worrell tears up the Fender Rhodes, which is a sound I've always loved! I've listened to it a few times already and it seems to grow on me a little more with each listen. I just heard on the ray-did-e-o that Guy will be performing in Mt. Pleasant, MI with Jonny Lang on October 27th, hopefully I'll be able to make it to the show!!! I hope you enjoy this little slice of blues from a true master.

Buddy Guy - Bring'em In


Part 1 Part 2
password: mcboozo


Friday, September 23, 2005

Diamond Nights --> New Music that rocks!

As promised here is the full length debut album from New York band Diamond Nights...these guys totally rock and I'm digging on this CD in a major way! I haven't been able to find a ton of info on these guys and when I checked the other day to see if they were going to hit Detroit any time soon it just so happened that they were playing there the next night, unfortunately I couldn't make it on that short of notice :( Anyway, their music kind of sounds like a cross between Thin Lizzy and The Darkness. The guitars are rockin' with the perfect 'crunch' and they give you a taste of some bluesy rock along with a couple of songs that sound like they just stepped out of a Judas Priest show circa 1985. There are a couple of excellent acoustic numbers to balance the whole thing out as well. All in all it's a great listen and is well worth the time to check out. Let me know what you think of these guys, the couple of people at work that I've shared the album with liked it, although noting that it was definitely "different". I'm interested to hear what other people think of it, I just can't stop listening to it personally. If you enjoy it support the artists and go see a show or buy the album here!

Diamond Nights - Popsicle
password: mcboozo




Tuesday, September 20, 2005

S. Flavius Mercurius

I've got a special treat for all those Jimmy Page fans out there with today's post...

After the demise of Led Zeppelin in late 1980 (following the death of drummer John Bonham), James Patrick Page, a full-blown heroin addict at the time, subsequently went into a self-imposed exile. After going nearly two years without even touching his guitar he resurfaced both composing and playing on the motion picture Death Wish II soundtrack.

1982's Death Wish II was a terrible film, but Jimmy Page's soundtrack has its moments. Indeed, in terms of creativity at atmosphere, its hard rock songs were better than Page's subsequent efforts in The Firm, even though that latter was somewhat redeemed by Paul Roger's distinctive vocals, rather than the patchwork of vocalists Page employs here. When Page isn't in Zeppelin-crunch mode on the soundtrack, the album alternates between slow compositions with Page on acoustic guitar fronting a small orchestra, and scary, dramatic effects, apparently recycled from Page's earlier aborted soundtrack for Kenneth Anger's Lucifer Rising. The real standout is "Prelude", based on a Chopin composition, but with the melody played by Page on his B-Bender equipped Fender Telecaster. Blink and you'll miss it in the movie (it was used as "source music" for a radio playing in a restaurant, as I recall), but it's a nifty little piece of guitar playing on the soundtrack album. This album is extremely hard to find (the CD was only issued in Japan) and I want to thank Chops 411 for the contribution! If you've got requests or want to make a contribution e-mail me!

Click on the picture below to download the Death Wish II soundtrack [password: mcboozo]


Added Bonus!!!
Jimmy Page's solo album
Outrider
Click on the picture below to download Jimmy Page - Outrider [password: mcboozo]

Outrider
was released by Geffen Records on June 19, 1988. The album marks the first time since 1969, Jimmy recorded with another label other than Atlantic Records / Swan Song Records. It was recorded at The Sol, a studio owned by Jimmy at the time, located in Cockham, Berkshire, England and was mastered at Sterling Sound in New York. Robert Plant guests on one track, "The Only One", while John Bonham's son Jason drums with Page for the first time on record. The album debuted at #26 on the Billboard's Pop Albums chart.

Monday, September 19, 2005

Talk Like A Pirate Day!



Avast Ye Landlubber's! Join me in celebrating "Talk Like A Pirate Day" on this fine September 19th. Check out the official site by clicking on the picture below, lest ye be aimin' to walk the plank ye scurvy dogs!


Friday, September 16, 2005

Popularity contest

Just a quick update here...I'm a little unnerved at the individual song download counts so far, Joe Pesci & Jim Carrey are currently tied for the most downloads, which I'm assuming is probably based more on the fact that they covered Beatles tunes. Paris Hilton also seems to have a rather large number of downloads so far as well. I really thought that Richard Dawson would be getting more love but he's towards the bottom of the barrell thus far, and pulling up the rear is Catherine Bach...where's the Dukes of Hazzard love at? Anyway, I hope everyone is enjoying the songs so far, I'm already hard at work on another volume, maybe in the next month or so I can pull together another interesting set. For the immediate future though I'm working on a couple of other spectacular posts that I think you'll all enjoy. Don't be afraid to post a comment or two if you're digging what I'm doing, I love to hear the feedback...it's kind of encouraging actually. I'm out like Seacrest's trouser snake at an 8th grade graduation dance!

Wednesday, September 14, 2005

McBoozo's Celebrity Showdown Volume One!

Well folks,
Here's a crazy little collection that I've put together for everyone..."McBoozo's Celebrity Showdown Volume One". Celebrity Showdown is a wild and crazy collection of songs sung by celebrities, some not so bad, some extremely baaaaaadddd! This is your chance to hear songs by some of your favorite celebrities of yesterday and today. In addition, I am offering up the opportunity to download only those songs that you are interested in listening to individually or you can download the whole album in one pop. Options man, options...what more could you ask for? Anyway, I hope you enjoy this crazy little compilation put together by everybody's favorite drunken circus clown, yours truly!



(Click the picture above to download the entire CD [with special bonus track & cd cover] or click on the individual tracks below for each song separately)

Track Listing


1. Ani DiFranco & Jackie Chan - Unforgettable


2. Richard Dawson - Apples and Oranges



3. Catherine Bach - Down Home American Girl



4. Hulk Hogan - Hulkamaniac



5. Jerry Springer - Mr. Tambourine Man



6. Leonard Nimoy - Put A Little Love in Your Heart



7. Ed McMahon - Thank Heaven for Little Girls



8. Mohammed Ali - Who Put the Crack in the Liberty Bell?



9. Joe Pesci - Got to Get You into My Life



10. Jim Carrey - I Am the Walrus



11. Paris Hilton - Screwed



George Bush Doesn't Care About Black People

Ok, ok...you've heard it from me before, I try to avoid anything political around here but this one had me interested. This song's been floating around the 'net for a little bit now but I thought I'd post it here as well since I really enjoyed it. Here's a little more info behind the song, click on the picture below to download it. Also, help out the victim's of hurrican Katrina by donating to the Red Cross here!!!

The Legendary K.O. delivers powerful message against George W. Bush Through Song “George Bush Doesn't Care About Black People” Receives Widespread Acclaim

As the world has seen and heard by now, rapper Kanye West expressed his frustration at the Katrina relief efforts and his thoughts on U.S. President George W. Bush last week during a nationally televised benefit. While his thoughts and statement have received much attention, a rap group from Houston, The Legendary K.O., has taken it one step further and recorded a song, entitled “George Bush Don't Like Black People”, using the Kanye West “Gold Digger” instrumental.

Legendary K.O. member Micah Nickerson lives minutes away from the Astrodome, where many Katrina victims are being housed, came up with the song concept immediately after hearing Kanye West's remarks.

“I had really wanted to write about this in the first-person, as someone stuck in New Orleans and left by this administration to basically fend for myself, but was having trouble putting the emotions I felt into words. When I heard Kanye during the benefit, the rest as they say was history,” said Micah.

Damien Randle, the other member of The Legendary K.O., says that the song expresses their and many others feelings about this administration.

“No matter which side of the political debate we reside on, I think we can all agree that this situation represents the ultimate human tragedy, and highlights the need for sweeping improvements in some of the most fundamental segments of society. The safety and well-being of all people should always be considered first, and we felt compelled to express that through song,” said Damien.

The Legendary K.O. is not staying on the sidelines during this tragedy, making music, but not taking action. Micah and Damien have also donated food, clothes, and time to local organizations and urge anyone that has not donated to please do so.



R.I.P. Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown





HOUSTON (Sept. 12) - Weakened by lung cancer and devastated by the destruction of his beloved New Orleans by Hurricane Katrina, Grammy Award-winning singer and guitarist Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown died in Texas this weekend, his longtime keyboard player said Sunday.

Brown, 81, won a blues Grammy in 1982 for his album "Alright Again!" and was a pioneering electric guitar player who helped make the instrument a centerpiece of popular American music.

Early in his 60-year career, he was a drummer for blues legend T-Bone Walker and a friend of Lightnin' Hopkins, but he eschewed the label of "bluesman" and played a range of styles including blues, jazz, country, big band, rhythm-and-blues and Cajun.



Tuesday, September 13, 2005

The "F" Word

Warning!!! - Not Safe For Work
Now that that's said and done...

Here's a little something to entertain you:



The "F" Word