Having been recruited into the KISS Army in the mid 70s at a young age, I was sure no one could play as well as Ace Frehley (gimme a break, I was eleven).

When Van Halen released their self-titled debut album on this exact day (Feb 10, 1978), who the hell knew this would be such a game changer? Eruption anyone?

VH played so many backyard keg parties, BBQs, high school gigs, clubs, and convention centers, and the world was finally let in on a HUGE secret. His name was Eddie Van Halen. And their debut album went on to sell over 10 million copies. Plain insanity.

After almost 40 years, it still stands the test of time. And who knew Gene Simmons would be responsible for getting their demos recorded and in front of Warner Bros Records. If I knew that when I was a kid my small brain would've exploded. Including Gene trying to get Eddie to join KISS at one time.

Let there be light, sound, and Edward Van Halen.

Van Halen
Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love
Selland Arena - Fresno, CA
January 28, 1978

Thursday, March 6, 2014

Happy 68th David Gilmour

David Gilmour is an artist I wish we saw more of over the years. Aside from his years in Pink Floyd, he carved out his own direction via solo albums, which had something to offer outside the ‘walls of Floyd’. But the music he created in Pink Floyd is why he’s in the Rock and Roll history books. Last studio album David released was in 2006 “On An Island” and the title track alone stops me in my tracks when I hear it. It has that full on Floydian feel to it, but the tones which emanate from that song are truly spectacular.

My favorite Gilmour/Floyd tracks:

“Division Bell”
“Not Now John”
“Time”
“Wish You Were Here”
“Sorrow”
“Dogs”
“There’s No Way Out of Here”
“Young Lust”
“All Lovers Are Deranged”
“Comfortably Numb”
“On An Island”
“Learning To Fly”

Happy birthday, David!! Salute! <insert cold shot of Crown here>