Rock and Roll History: The 90's!!!

[ABlairican Pie]

One year prior to the siege on Waco, another incident galvanized many into fury against the federal government. A man by the name of Randy Weaver moved into rural Idaho to escape what he saw as a "sinful" world. He joined with the Aryan Nations church and lived his life out with his wife Vickie. On August 21, 1992, agents fromthe Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms descended on his home on suspicion of his Aryan Nations affiliations and weapons possession. After shooting the family dog, a gun battle ensued where Weaver's wife and son and a U.S. Marshall were killed.

While Weaver and others were acquitted of murder of the marshall, the incident convinced many that the U.S. government were all to blame for attacking and murdering those who lived separatist lives and beliefs. "The government was evil and corrupt!" White separatist groups and militias pointed the finger at President Clinton and Attorney General Janet Reno as the ultimate culprits who justified "lawful" killing and encroachment on separatist societies.

[ABlairican Pie]

Not all terrorist suspects fit the stereotype of uneducated backwoods types.
Timothy Kaczynski was a scholar with a Ph.D who sought to undermine technical advancement in society by sending out bombs to various firms and factories.

For years he was simply known as The Unabomber ("University" and "Airline" bomber). Growing up he was denied physical affection from his mother, which caused him to withdraw from his family and from others in general. He compensated for his lack of social skills with a keen intellectual bent--with a sort of coldness to human empathy. he was vastly intelligent but severely lacking in feeling or kindness. He eventually entered Harvard at the age of 16.

[Steve M.]

One quick note: The Oklahoma City bombong occurred on April 19, 1995, not April 23, and Ted Kacsynski wasn't caught until 1996.

[Steve M.]

But back to 1994 for a moment or two. . . .

The Republican takeover of Congress that marked the start of a dark, dark era in American history - stil in progress - caused a lot of folks to enter the Christmas season that year depressed by Ebenewter Scrooge, the Gingrich that stole Christmas. As always, the Beatles were there to cheer us up. :)

On December 6, Apple released Live at the BBC, a collection of dozens of BBC Radio performances of familiar Lennon-McCartney songs and fifties standards that had appeared on their early albums - plus fifties and early sixties songs from the Beatles's prefame stage act that had never appeared on their records!

http://www.echoooo.com/music/album/m-c/live_at_the_bbc.jpg

These performances had been heard once before since their original broadcast on the Beeb all those years ago, by the way. They aired on American radio in the historic special "The Beatles at the Beeb," hosted by British musicologist Andy Peebles, in 1982.

[Steve M.]

At the end of 1994, Anita Baker released her fifth album, Rhythm of Love. The first single from the LP was "Body and Soul."

http://www.abekuma.com/ladysoul/anita_baker1.jpg

Unfortunately for Baker, critics and fans who heard the album found little of either in her lastest collection of tunes. Many scribes in the pop press slammed Anita for sounding like she'd phoned it in. Faced with the realization that she'd begun coasting, Baker decided to retrench and figure out how to reverse her artistic slide before she set about taping a sixth album. And then it happened.

Both of Baker's parents beame gravely ill soon afterwards. Dropping the diva persona and revealing herself to be a wonderful human being, Baker walked away from her singing career to care for her mother and father rather than hire someone to do all the work for her. In addition, she tended to the needs of her husband and children. She wouldn't make another album for a decade.

[ABlairican Pie]

One quick note: The Oklahoma City bombong occurred on April 19, 1995, not April 23, and Ted Kacsynski wasn't caught until 1996.I wanted to mention that, at the time, the anonymous Unabomber was still on the loose and part of the wave of terror taking place across the country.

[ABlairican Pie]

Young blues man Kenny Wayne Shepherd, still in his teens, released Ledbetter Heights, which showed that the blues still had a big attraction for younger fans. A disciple of Stevie Ray Vaughn, whom he had known personally when he was younger, Shepherd found that the darkest day of his life was when his hero was killed in that tragic copter crash in 1990. He carried the torch for his great mentor, and seemed poised for greatness himself. However, many listeners criticized his age and youthful looks, but no one could doubt his ability to play. One criticism, however, was that his vocalist seemed not to have the lusty blues voice. The songs were sung simply straight on. But other than that, it was an album worth checking out.

Deja Voodoo

Needles in my heart, spell on my mind,
your powerful potion gets me every time
I toss and turn, I can't sleep at night,
your kiss burns, through my dreams

(Chorus )
Here it comes again,
I don't stand a chance
Soul possession,
got me in a trance
Pullin' me back to you
Deja voodoo

Fire in the dark, pounding in my brain,
driven by the chant calling out my name
I toss and turn, I can't sleep,
your kiss burns, through my dreams

Needles in my heart, spell on my mind,
your powerful potion gets me every time
I toss and turn, I can't sleep at night,
your kiss burns, through my dreams

(Chorus: )
Here it comes again,
I don't stand a chance
Soul possession,
got me in a trance
Pullin' me back to you
Deja voodoo

[Steve M.]

EMI released a Beatles BBC recording of the Shirelles's "Baby It's You," which differed slightly from the studio cover the Beatles did for Please Please Me, as a single; the CD version of this release featured three supporting tracks (BBC takes of "I'll Follow The Sun," "Devil In Her Heart," and "Boys") not found on the album.

http://www.moosenet.com/beatles/pix/bbc2orig.jpg

The one album track that caught people's attention was the Lennon-McCartney composition "I'll Be On Way," given to Billy J. Kramer and the Dakotas back in the early sixties and never properly recorded by the Beatles themselves.

More was to come in 1995. :woohoo:

I'll Be On My Way - the Beatles

(Lennon / McCartney)

The sun has faded away,
That's the end of the day.
As the June light turns to moonlight,
I'll be on my way.

Just one kiss and I'll go,
Don't hide the tears that don't show.
As the June light turns to moonlight,
I'll be on my way.

To where the winds don't blow,
And golden rivers flow,
This way I will go.

They were right, I was wrong,
True love didn't last long.
As the June light turns to moonlight,
I'll be on my way.

To where the winds don't blow,
And golden rivers flow,
Which way will I go?

They were right, I was wrong,
True love didn't didn't last long.
As the June light turns to moonlight,
I'll be on my way.

I'll be on my way, oh,
I'll be on my way. . . .

[ABlairican Pie]

Meanwhile, the alternative nation kept rolling along. One band who had a few
sightings under the rock and roll radar, Live (pronounced as "Live, from New York...") released a hugely popular album, Throwing Copper. The band, featuring Edward Kowalczyk on vocals and guitar, Chad Taylor on guitar and background vocals, Patrick Dahlheimer on bass, Chad Gracey drums and background vocals, were often compared to U2 with the passionate energy of their vocals and guitars on album and onstage, as well as more than a hint of spiritual themes. Strangely, people considered them a Christian band--one of those "crossover alternative" types like U2. "They were so upfront about their beliefs!" But in fact, their spiritually minded lyrics were from another source--from Eastern paths such as Krishnamurti and yoga.
They were very put off at being confused for a "Christian" band. Which was ironic that they were taken more seriously at being passionate "Christians" than actual Christian bands who came off as pretentious and lackluster in their attempts to mimic the prevailing pop culture.

I Alone

It’s easier not to be wise
And measure these things by your brains
I sank into eden with you
Alone in the church by and by

I’ll read to you here, save your eyes
You’ll need them, your boat is at sea
Your anchor is up, you’ve been swept away
And the greatest of teachers won’t hesitate
To leave you there, by yourself,
Chained to fate

I alone love you
I alone tempt you
I alone love you
Fear is not the end of this!

It’s easier not to be great
And measure these things by your eyes
We long to be here by his resolve
Alone in the church by and by
To cradle the baby in space
And leave you there by yourslef
Chained to fate

Oh, now, we took it back too far,
Only love can save us now, all these riddles that you burn
All come runnin’ back to you, all these rhythms that you hide
Only love can save us now, all these riddles that you burn
Yeah, yeah, yeah

:rock: :guitar: :guitar: :rock:

[ABlairican Pie]

All Over You

Our love is like water
Pinned down and abused
For being strange

Our love is no other
Than me alone
For me all day
Our love is like water/angels
Pinned down and abused

All over you, all over me
The sun, the fields, the sky
I’ve often tried to hold the sea
The sun, the fields, the tide
Pay me now, lay me down

:guitar: :banana: :mango

Ed Kowalczyk:

[ABlairican Pie]

Lightning Crashes

Lightning crashes, a new mother cries
Her placenta falls to the floor
The angel opens her eyes
The confusion sets in
Before the doctor can even close the door

Lightning crashes, an old mother dies
Her intentions fall to the floor
The angel closes her eyes
The confusion that was hers
Belongs now, to the baby down the hall

Oh now feel it comin’ back again
Like a rollin’ thunder chasing the wind
Forces pullin’ from the center of the earth again
I can feel it.

Lightning crashes, a new mother cries
This moment she’s been waiting for
The angel opens her eyes
Pale blue colored iris, presents the circle
And puts the glory out to hide, hide

Barbara Lewis (1973-1993)

[ABlairican Pie]

One of the more rocking tracks on the album featured a segment of preaching by charismatic evangelist Kenneth Copeland.

White, Discussion

I talk of freedom
you talk of the flag
I talk of revolution
you'd much rather brag
and as the decibels of this disenchanting discourse
continue to dampen the day

the coin flips again and again, and again, and again
as our sanity walks away
all this discussion though politically correct
is dead beyond destruction
though it leaves me quite erect

and as the final sunset rolls behind the earth
and the clock is finally dead
I'll look at you, you'll look at me
and we'll cry a lot
but this will be what we said
this will be what we said

Look where all this talking got us, baby.

:rock: :guitar: :guitar: :rock:

Live on the cover of SPIN:

[ABlairican Pie]

Selling the Drama

and to love: a god
and to fear: a flame
and to burn a crowd that a name
and to right or wrong
and to meek or strong
it is known, just scream it from the wall

I've willed, I've walked, I've read
I've talked, I know, I know,
I've been here before

hey, now we won't be raped
hey, now we won't be scarred like that

it's the sun that burns
it's the wheel that turns
it's the way we sing that makes 'em dream
and to Christ: a cross
and to me: a chair
I will sit and earn the ransom from up here


Chad Taylor:

[ABlairican Pie]

Live's first album Mental Jewelry came out in 1991. The lyrics were full of struggle and searching through pain and frustration. One can see the turmoil in the song below.

Operation Spirit (The Tyranny of Tradition)

Heard a lot of talk about the ocean
Heard a lot of talk about the sea
Heard a lot of talk about a lot of things
Never meant that much to me

Heard a lot of talk about my spirit
Heard a lot of talk about my soul
But I decided that anxiety and pain
Were better friends
So I let it go

Did you let it go?
Let's get it back
Let's get it back together

Heard a lot of talk about this Jesus
A man of love, and a man of strength
But what a man was two thousand years ago
means nothing at all to me today

He could have been telling me about my
higher self
But he only lives inside my prayer
So what he was may have been beautiful
But the pain is right now
And right here

Let it go!
Let it go!
Let it go, my friend
And let's get it back
Let's get it back together

[ABlairican Pie]

One of the biggest success stories was that of a Southern California ska-punk band who turned to more mainstream sounds, No Doubt.
The focus of the band was an incredibly gorgeous platinum blond chanteuse by the name of Gwen Stefani with band members Tom Dumont on guitar, Tony Kanal on bass, and Adrian Young on drums. The band was originally started by Gwen's brother Eric (whose first song, at the age of 11, was "Stick It in the Hole"--about a pencil sharpener ;)), and they created a stir in the Orange County club scene for several years. Tragically, their first lead singer John Spence killed himself in a park in 1987, and the band nearly called it quits until a few days after that, Gwen decided to take over on vocals. Their first big breakthrough, Tragic Kingdom, featured one of the most popular hits of the 90's, documenting Gwen's devastating breakup with the band's bassist:

Don't Speak

You and me we used to be together
Every day together, always

I really feel that I'm losing my best friend
I can't believe this could be the end

It looks as though you're letting go
And if it's real, well I don't want to know

Don't speak
I know just what you're saying
So please stop explaining
Don't tell me 'cause it hurts
Don't speak
I know what you're thinking
I don't need your reasons
Don't tell me 'cause it hurts

Our memories they can be inviting
But some are altogether mighty frightening

As we die, both you and I
With my head in my hands I sit and cry

Don't speak
I know just what you're saying
So please stop explaining
Don't tell me 'cause it hurts
No no no
Don't speak
I know what you're thinking
And I don't need your reasons
Don't tell me 'cause it hurts

It's all ending
I gotta stop pretending who we are

You and me
I can see us dying, are we?

Don't speak
I know just what you're saying
So please stop explaining
Don't tell me 'cause it hurts
No no
Don't speak
I know what you're thinking
And I don't need your reasons
Don't tell me 'cause it hurts

Don't tell me 'cause it hurts
I know what you're saying
So please stop explaining
Don't speak, don't speak, don't speak, oh
I know what you're thinking
And I don't need your reasons

I know you good, I know you good
I know you real good, oh

Ladadada, ladadadada
Don't! Don't!

Oh, oh
Hush, hush, darling - hush, hush, darling
Hush, hush - don't tell me 'cause it hurts
Hush, hush, darling - hush, hush, darling
Hush, hush - don't tell me 'cause it hurts
Oh
Hush, hush, darling - hush, hush, darling

[ABlairican Pie]

As pop music's biggest breakup song skyrocketed to the top of the charts and stayed there, No Doubt was the talk of the music world for well over a year. Everyone was bedazzled by the blonde Betty Boop who was clearly the focal point of the band. But Gwen Stefani and the rest of the band were adamant that she was NOT "the band", the group consisted of other members as well. The scenario was similar to the one Skid Row faced a few years earlier when lead singer Sebastian Bach was featured on Rolling Stone MINUS the rest of the band (assuring that his attention-grabbing stunts would reflect poorly on the rest of them). But the magazines and press had their way, the other band members were shifted to the sidelines as the entertainment world gobbled up this piece of feminine eye candy.

The song below is in reference to Gwen's mother insisting she act "like a girl" and not swear. When she did, her mother would not speak to her for a week.

I'm Just a Girl

Take this pink ribbon off my eyes
I'm exposed
And it's no big surprise
Don't you think I know
Exactly where I stand
This world is forcing me
To hold your hand
'Cause I'm just a girl, little ol' me
Don't let me out of your sight
I'm just a girl, all pretty and petite
So don't let me have any rights
Oh...I've had it up to here!

The moment that I step outside
So many reasons
For me to run and hide
I can't do the little things
I hold so dear
'Cause it's all those little things
That I fear

'Cause I'm just a girl.
I'd rather not be
'Cause they won't let me drive
Late at night
I'm just a girl,
Guess I'm some kind of freak
'Cause they all sit and stare
With their eyes
I'm just a girl.
Take a good look at me
Just your typical prototype
Oh...I've had it up to here!
Oh...am I making myself clear?

I'm just a girl
I'm just a girl in the world...
That's all that you'll let me be!

I'm just a girl, living in captivity
Your rule of thumb
Make me worry some
I'm just a girl, what's my destiny?
What I've succumbed to
Is making me numb
I'm just a girl. My apologies
What I've become is so burdensome
I'm just a girl. Lucky me
Twiddle-dum there's no comparison

Oh...I've had it up to!
Oh...I've had it up to!!
Oh...I've had it up to here.

:guitar: :banana: :mango

[ABlairican Pie]

Spiderwebs

You think that we connect
That the chemistry's correct
Your words walk right through my ears
Presuming I like what I hear
And now I'm stuck in the web
You're spinning
You've got me for your prey...

Sorry I'm not home right now
I'm walking into spiderwebs
So leave a message
And I'll call you back
A likely story, but leave a message
And I'll call you back

You're intruding on what's mine
You're taking up my time
Don't have the courage inside me
To tell you please just let me be

Communication, telephonic invasion
I'm planning my escape...

Chorus
And it's all your fault
I screen my phone calls
No matter who calls
I gotta screen my phone calls

Now it's gone too deep
You wake me in my sleep
My dreams become nightmares
'Cause you're ringing in my ears


Chorus

[ABlairican Pie]

One song that was also getting a bit of airplay was the one by techno-alternative band Filter, whose album Short Bus featured the controversial track "Hey Man Nice Shot". Many listeners thought that the song was about the suicide of Kurt Cobain, but in fact it was about Budd Dwyer, the Pennsylvania treasurer who was found guilty of bribery, fraud, and conspiracy in 1987, and then went on to shoot himself to death on live local television news. The song was ominous and riveting.

Hey Man Nice Shot

You think that we connect
That the chemistry's correct
Your words walk right through my ears
Presuming I like what I hear
And now I'm stuck in the web
You're spinning
You've got me for your prey...

Sorry I'm not home right now
I'm walking into spiderwebs
So leave a message
And I'll call you back
A likely story, but leave a message
And I'll call you back

You're intruding on what's mine
You're taking up my time
Don't have the courage inside me
To tell you please just let me be

Communication, telephonic invasion
I'm planning my escape...


Chorus
And it's all your fault
I screen my phone calls
No matter who calls
I gotta screen my phone calls

Now it's gone too deep
You wake me in my sleep
My dreams become nightmares
'Cause you're ringing in my ears

Chorus

:rock: :guitar: :guitar: :rock:

[ABlairican Pie]

Group pic:

[ABlairican Pie]

One band was making a name for itself with a song simply called "Name": The Goo Goo Dolls wrote clever tunes with thoughtful songwriting and simple, straightforward rocking music. The above hit from their album Boy Named Goo was a nice gentle ballad that received much airplay. But don't expect to find it at Wal-Mart. The ever-consciencious low-price shopping giants decided that the kid on the front was a victim of abuse with blood on his face and refused to carry the album. More sensible individuals could shop elsewhere, knowing the kid merely had jam or some confectionary concoction on his face (hence the album title).

Name

And even though the moment passed me by I still can’t turn away
I saw the dreams you never thought you’d lose tossed along the way
Letters that you never meant to send lost or thrown away

And now we’re grown up orphans that never knew their names
Don’t belong to no one that’s a shame
You could hide beside me maybe for a while
And I won’t tell no one your name
I won’t tell em’ your name

Scars are souvenirs you never lose , the past is never far
Did you lose yourself somewhere out there , did you get to be a star
Don’t it make you sad to know that life is more that who we are

You grew up way too fast and now there’s nothing to believe
And reruns all become our history
A tired song keeps playing on a tired radio
And I won’t tell no one your name
I won’t tell em’ your name

I think about you all the time
But I don’t need the same it’s lonely where you are come back down,
And I won’t tell em your name

[ABlairican Pie]

This is one of the best songs on the album:

Naked

Yeah I’m fadin’
And I call out
No one hears me
Never been, never felt, never thought I’d say a word

Weighed down
Say it now

You’re naked inside your fear
Can’t take back all those years
Shots in the dark from empty guns
Never heard by anyone
Never heard by anyone

Yeah I’m hiding
In the fallout
Now I’m wasted
They don’t need me, don’t want me, don’t hear a word I say

Weighed down
Say it now

Inside your head
No one’s there
And I don’t think I’ll ever be
And I don’t care

[ABlairican Pie]

The Goo Goo Dolls were fronted by John Rzeznik on vocals and guitar, and Robby Takac on bass and vocals.

Flat Top

Flat top intervention
Bringin’ home the new invention
See it there in pieces on the ground
A television war between the cynics and the saints
Flip the dial and that’s whose side you’re on

Ah, sleeping on the white house lawn ain’t never changed a thing
Look at all the washed out hippie dreams

And it’s fallin’ all around us
Is this some kind of joke they’re trying to pull on us?
Fallin’ all around us
I’ll turn my head off for a while

The tabloid generation’s lost
Choking on it’s fear
Used to be that’s all we had to fear

And conscience keeps us quiet while the crooked love to speak
There’s knowledge wrapped in blankets on the street.

A visionary coward says that anger can be power
As long as there’s a victim on tv

Chorus

And my dirty dreams all come alive
On my tv screen
And assasination plots
Show me what I haven’t got
Show me what I love, and who I’m s’posed to be
Show me everything I need
Show it all to me
Show it all to me

Chorus

:guitar:

John Rzeznik:

[ABlairican Pie]

Sponge were another alternative band with a driving guitar sound, layers of feedback and distortion. Their album Rotting Pinata featured the rolling hit "Plowed", but other than that, this very decent track was the only claim to fame on their rock and roll resume. Was the alternative gravy train losing steam?

Plowed

Will I wake up
Is it a dream I made up
No I guess it’s reality
What will change us
Or will we mess up
Our only chance to connect
With a dream

Say a prayer for me
I’m buried by the sound
In a world of human
Wreckage
I’m lost and I’m found
And I can’t touch the
Ground
I’m plowed into the sound

To see wide open
With a head that’s broken
Hang a life on a tragedy
Plow me under the ground
That covers the message
That is the seed

Will I wake up
Is it a dream I made up
No I guess it’s reality

:rock: :guitar: :guitar: :rock:

[ABlairican Pie]

One new band that seemed poised to take up the alternative mantle was Australia's Silverchair, a rather young band barely out of high school who were in their teens when their demo tape won in a local t.v. talent contest. The band, featuring guitarist Daniel Johns, bassist Chris Joannou, and drummer Ben Gillieswere often refered to as Nirvana clones (who wasn't??) due to their boyish looks (after all, they were signed when they were 15), but their musical influences were geared toward Black Sabbath and Helmet (whom Johns claimed was the greatest band in the world). Their debut album, Frogstomp, featured the hit "Tomorrow", a scathing attack on the rich, powerful and corrupt.

Tomorrow

It's twelve o'clock and it's a wonderful day
I know you hate me but I'll ask anyway
Won't you come with me to a place in a little town
The only way to get there's to go straight down
There's no bathroom and there is no sink
The water out of the tap is very hard to drink
Very hard to drink
You wait til tomorrow
You wait til tomorrow

You say that money isn't everything
But I'd like to see you live without it,
You think you can keep on going living like a king,
Oohh babe, but I strongly doubt it,

Very hard to drink,
Very hard to drink,
You gonna wait too, fat boy,
Fat boy, wait til tomorrow,
You gonna wait too, fat boy,
Fat boy, wait til tomorrow,

You, wait til tomorrow,
You, wait til tomorrow,
You gonna wait too, fat boy,
Fat boy, wait til tomorrow,
You gonna wait too, fat boy,
Fat boy, wait til tomorrow.

:rock: :guitar: :guitar: :rock:

[ABlairican Pie]

This next song brought controversy when it was claimed to inspire a young teen to murder a family due to the abrasive nature of the lyrics. Even in the alternative scene, bands were not above suspicion for allegations of anti-social behavior.

Israel's Son

Hate is what I feel for you
And I want you to know that I want you dead
Your late for the execution
If your not here soon I'll kill a friend instead
Over pain I fear you
You'll then start to hear you
Over an hour I get to

I hate you and your apathy
You can leave you can leave
I don't want you here
I'm playin this pantomime
But I don't see ya showing any signs of fear

Over pain I fear you
You'll then start to hear you
Over an hour, I get to
This time I'm for real
My pain cannot hear you
You will be dead when I'm through

Hate, is what I feel for you
And I want you to know that I want you dead
Your late, for the execution
If your not here soon I'll kill a friend instead

Over pain, I fear you
You'll then start to hear you
Over an hour, I get to
This time I'm for real
My pain cannot hear you
You will be dead when I'm through
Ohhh, ohhhhhh

Pain, and execution
Put your hands in the air
Put your hands in the air
The air, yeah

Aaaarrggghhhh
I am, I am Israel's son
Israel's son I am
Put your hands in the air
Put your hands in the air

I am, I am Israel's son
Israel's son I am
Put your hands in the air
Put your hands in the air
Aaaarrggghhhh, yeah

:rock: :guitar: :guitar: :rock:

[ABlairican Pie]

The lyrics below counter the allegedly "violent" message of "Israel's Son":

Pure Massacre

People, dying, for no reason at all,
Age is no difference or if you're large or small
Families, been torn apart,
Doesn't have to be this way,
Some people, just have no heart,
It's happening every day,

Pure massacre,
Pure massacre...
Pure massacre,
Pure massacre...

Machine guns pumping,
Hearts thumping,
Death is all around, yeah,
People crying for freedom,
No one hears the sound, ohhh,

Pure massacre,
Pure massacre...
Pure massacre,
Pure massacre...alright,

There's people crying,
There's people dying,
But someone's taken it all, yeah,

Machine guns pumping,
Hearts thumping,
Death is all around,
People crying for freedom,
No one hears the sound,

Pure massacre,
Pure massacre,
Pure massacre,
Pure massacre,
Pure massacre,
Pure massacre,
It's gonna be,
A pure massacre,
Yeah

Daniel Johns:

[ABlairican Pie]

Alice In Chains released their third full-length, self-titled album in the fall of 1995. The album, which was originally going to be named "Tripod", featured a photo of a sad little dog with a missing leg. Jerry Cantrell related the story of a three-legged dog who used to chase him when he was younger. Now it all makes sense: tripod, as a camera tripod, and three legs on a dog. Interesting humor.

The album returned to its familiar churning brand of hard rock (of course a little too dark and metal-esque to be called grunge--those days were over, thanks to the late Kurt Cobain), but instead of repeating parables of the folly of drug abuse, the band touched on topics of relationships, as well as the merciless media machine which fed obvious lies about the status of the ever-elusive band who barely toured and remained reclusive.

Grind

In the darkest hole, you'd be well advised
Not to plan my funeral before the body dies, yeah
Come the morning light, it's a see through show
What you may have heard and what you think you know, yeah

Let the sun never blind your eyes
Let me sleep so my teeth won't grind
Hear a sound from a voice inside

Sure to play a part, so you love the game
And in truth your lies become one and same, yeah
I could set you free, rather hear the sound
Of your body breaking as I take you down, yeah

Let the sun never blind your eyes
Let me sleep so my teeth won't grind
Hear a sound from a voice inside

In the darkest hole, you'd be well advised
Not to plan my funeral before the body dies, yeah

Let the sun never blind your eyes
Let me sleep so my teeth won't grind
Hear a sound from a voice inside

:rock: :guitar: :guitar: :rock:

[ABlairican Pie]

Layne Staley reacted hostilely against the intense media speculation surrounding his heroin usage. It seemed that for the moment he had cleaned up. But was it really up to the gossip-mongers to decide? This next murky song spat back at the sensationalistic music press:

Sludge Factory

Woo ooo ooo ooo
Woo ooo ooo ooo Wooooooo (repeat)

You insult me in my home, you’re forgiven this time
Things go well, your eyes dilate, you shake, and I’m high?
Look in my eyes deep and watch the clouds change with time
20 hours won’t print my picture milk carton size
Carton size, carton size

Call me up congratulations ain’t the real why
There’s no pressure besides brilliance let’s say by day 9
Endless corporate ignorance lets me control time
By the way, by the way, by the way

Once again you see an in, discolored skin gives you away
So afraid you kindly gurgle, out a date for me

Now the body of one soul I adore wants to die
You have always told me you’d not live past 25
I say stay long enough to repay all who cause strife

Once again you see an in, discolored skin gives you away
So afraid you kindly gurgle, out a date for me (2x)

’i bear true and an existing witness
To this barrel of monkeys.
A self proclaimed immoral success,
Perfected by each whereof
Individually deadly and equally so
And spread about the surrendered troops,
For even thousands of miles will not
Tear apart their communication, or the lack thereof.
Vultures, liars, thieves, each proclaim their innocence
In no suggestion or rhyme, your weapon is contained in
The wrecking of the keeping the desired effect.
The breaking of the spirit thwarts the whole being.
Your weapon is guilt, your weapon is guilt, your weapon is guilt.
Guilt.’

:rock: :guitar: :guitar: :rock:

[ABlairican Pie]

Guitarist Jerry Cantrell lent his vocals to the next track:

Heaven Beside You

Be what you wanna be
See what you came to see
Been what you wanna be
I don't like what I see

Like the coldest winter chill
Heaven beside you... Hell within
Like the coldest winter chill
Heaven beside you... Hell within
Like the coldest winter will
Heaven beside you... Hell within
And you think you have it still, heaven inside you

So there's problems in your life
That's ****ed up, and I'm not blind
I'm just see through faded, super jaded
And out of my mind

Do what you wanna do
Go out and seek your truth
When I'm down and blue
Rather be me than you

Like the coldest winter chill
Heaven beside you... Hell within
Like the coldest winter chill
Heaven beside you... Hell within
Like the coldest winter will
Heaven beside you... Hell within
And you wish you had it still, heaven inside you

So there's problems in your life
That's ****ed up, and I'm not blind
I'm just see through faded, super jaded
And out of my mind

Like the coldest winter chill
Heaven beside you... Hell within
Like the coldest winter chill
Heaven beside you... Hell within
Like the coldest winter will
Heaven beside you... Hell within
And you know you have it still, heaven inside you

So there's problems in your life
That's ****ed up, but You're not blind
You're just see through faded, overrated
And out of your mind

:rock: :guitar: :guitar: :rock:

[ABlairican Pie]

Again

Hey, let them do it again, yeah
Hey, you said you were my friend
Hey, turn me upside down, Oh
Hey, feelin' so down
Hey, hey...hey...hey...

You made a fool of me again
Again

Hey, I know I made the same mistake, yeah
I, I won't do it again, no
Why, Why you slap me in the face, oww
I, I didn't say it was OK, no
No, No...

You violate a part of me again
Again

Ah, ooo
Whoo whoo, yeah

Hey, you had time to think it out, yeah
Hey, Your weak will won't help her heal her heart
Hey, I'll bet it really eats you up

Extending part of me again
Again

Ooo
Whoo whoo, yeah

:rock: :guitar: :guitar: :rock:

Layne on guitar:

[ABlairican Pie]

This would be the last official Alice In Chains studio album for a long while. As for how long the band would take for a new album was uncertain. In spite of Layne Staley's insistence that he was clean and sober, doubts remained about his health. The band dropped off Metallica's Summer Sanitarium Tour which featured Suicidal Tendencies on the bill. The non-appearance of Alice was a huge disappointment for Lars Ulrich who claimed that Alice In Chains were very much a 90's version of Black Sabbath with dark themes and music.

Over Now

Good night...
Yeah, it’s over now, but I can breathe somehow
When it’s all worn out, I’d rather go without

You know it’s been on my mind
Could you stand right there
Look me straight in the eye and say
That it’s over now

We pay our debt sometime

Well it’s over now, yet I can see somehow
When it’s all gone wrong, it’s hard to be so strong

You know it’s been on my mind
Could you stand right there
Look me straight in the eye and say
That it’s over now

We pay our debt sometime
Yeah, we pay our debt sometime
We pay our debt sometime
Yeah, we pay our debt sometime

Guess it’s over now, I seem alive somehow
When it’s out of sight, just wait and do your time

You know it’s been on my mind
Could I stand right here
Look myself in the eye and say
That it’s over now

We pay our debt sometime
Yeah, we pay our debt sometime
We pay our debt sometime
Yeah, we pay our debt sometime

[ABlairican Pie]

The other event in Seattle music was the release of the album Above by Mad Season, a one-time-time only supergroup along the lines of Temple of the Dog which featured Layne Staley on vocals, Pearl Jam's Mike McCready on guitar, Screaming Trees' drummer Martin Barrett and a bassist simply known as "Baker", or John "Baker" Saunders, who had played with blues greats as Hubert Sumlin and others. Screaming Trees' Mark Lanegan would also contribute vocals on the record. The album was quite successful and it was hoped that another album would follow. But this was not to be. Baker would die of a heroin overdose in 1999.

Tragically, he would not be the only fatality within the band. :(

Wake Up

Wake up young man, it's time to wake up
Your love affair has got to go
For 10 long years, for 10 long years
The leaves to rake up
Slow suicide's no way to go, oh
Blue, clouded grey
You're not a crack up
Dizzy and weakened by the haze
Moving onward
So an infection not a phase
Yeah, oh

The cracks and lines from where you gave up
They make an easy man to read, oh
For all the times you let them bleed you
For little peace from God you plead, and beg
For little peace from God you plead
Ahhaahh, Yeah, Ahhaahh, Yeah, Ahhaahh, Yeah

Wake up young man, wake up, wake up
Wake up, wake up, wake up, wake up
Oh, yeah

Wake up young man, it's time to wake up
Your love affair has got to go, yeah
For 10 long years, for 10 long years,
The leaves to rake up
Slow suicide's no way to go, oh
Slow suicide's no way to go
Wake up, wake up, wake up
Wake up, wake up, wake up

:rock: :guitar: :guitar: :rock:

[ABlairican Pie]

The standout track on the album was the sad, bittersweet song "River of Deceit", which reflected on Layne's troubled life and mistakes. The guitar on this song was absolutely perfect, a pure signature melody from Mike McCready.

River of Deceit

My pain is self-chosen
At least, so The Prophet says
I could either burn
Or cut off my pride and buy some time
A head full of lies is the weight, tied to my waist

The River of Deceit pulls down, oh oh
The only direction we flow is down
Down, oh down
Down, oh down
Down, oh down
Down, oh down

My pain is self-chosen
At least I believe it to be
I could either drown
Or pull off my skin and swim to shore
Now I can grow a beautiful shell for all to see

The River of Deceit pulls down, yeah
The only direction we flow is down
Down, oh down
Down, oh down
Down, oh down
Down, oh down

The pain is self-chosen, yeah
Our pain is self-chosen

[ABlairican Pie]

I'm Above

For clear space and soundess of mind
I've let you play me for some time
One can only receive and retain
But the lies you recite for your gain

So you rely on my faith in your kind
Or rather continue to pretend that I'm blind
You say I made your life a living hell
And yet still let me pay you when I fell

How is it you're feeling so uneasy?
How is it that I feel fine?
Life reveals what is dealt through seasons
Circle comes around each time
I've been blessed with eyes to see this
Behind the unwhole truth you hide
Bite to remind the bitten, bigger
Mouth repaying tenfold wide

I'm above
Over you I'm standing above
Claiming unconditional love
Above

Try to keep bad blood in the past
Never thought a chance, a chance it would last
I have strength enough, enough to forgive
I desire peace where I live

I've been blessed with eyes to see this
Behind the unwhole truth you hide
Bite to remind the bitten, bigger
Mouth repaying tenfold wide
How is it you're feeling so uneasy?
How is it that I feel fine?
Life reveals what is dealt through seasons
Circle comes around each time

I'm above
Over you I'm standing above
Claiming unconditional love
Above

I'm above
Over you I'm standing above
Claiming unconditional love
Above

I'm above
Over you I'm standing above
Claiming unconditional love
Above

[ABlairican Pie]

I Don't Know Anything

I don't know anything
I don't know anything
I don't know anything
I don't know who I am

I don't know anything
I don't know anything
I don't know anything
I don't know who I am

Why we have to live in so much hate everyday? Oh yeah
Why the fighting and the coming down, am I sane?
I don't know, yeah

I don't know anything
I don't know anything
I don't know anything
I don't know who to be

I don't know anything
I don't know anything
I don't know anything
I don't know who I am

Why we have to live in so much hate everyday? Oh yeah
Why the fighting and the coming down, am I sane?
I don't know
When the teacher put the ruler down on my hand
I laugh!
Cross my heart and hide reliever in trails of blood,
I love?!?

I don't know anything
I don't know anything
I don't know anything
I don't know who I am

I don't know anything
I don't know anything
I don't know anything
I don't know who to be

Why we have to live in so much hate everyday? Oh yeah
Why the fighting and the coming down, am I sane?
I don't know
When the teacher put the ruler down on my hand
I laugh!
Cross my heart and hide reliever in trails of blood,
I love?!?

:rock: :guitar: :guitar: :rock:

Layne Staley live with Mad Season. Didn't Scott Weiland from STP adopt this look around this time?? :eek: :confused: How's that for Weiland's originality. :rolleyes:

[ABlairican Pie]

The Nixons were another post-grunge pop-alternative band from Oklahoma City with jangly, driving melodies who couldn't but sound like...you heard them from somewhere before. Their big hit from their debut album Foma was the laid-back tune, "Sister". The band was fronted by singer and guitarist Zac Maloy, but after this song and a few more albums, their popularity never really peaked after this breakthrough track.

Sister

Here I am again,
Overwhelming feelings
A thousand miles away
From your ocean home
Part of me is near

Thoughts of what we were invade
The miles that stand between
We can't separate
Your all I hoped you'd become

Sister I see you
Dancing on the stage
Of memory
Sister I miss you

Fleeting visits pass
Still they satisfy
Reminders of the next
Overshadow goodbye
Our flames burn as one

Sister I see you
Dancing on the stage
Of memory
Sister I miss you

All I am begins with you
Thoughts of hope understood
Half of me breathes in you
Thoughts of love remain true

Here we are again saying goodbye
Still we fall asleep underneath the same sky
You're all I knew you'd become

Sister I see you
Dancing on the stage
Of memory
Sister I miss you

Entwined, you and I
Our souls speak from across the miles
Intertwined, you and I
Our blood flows from the same inside
Half of me, breathes in you
Thoughts of love remain true

I see you, I feel you
When I close my eyes
I see walking there...
I see you dancing in my mind

[ABlairican Pie]

Here is a group pic of The Nixons:

[ABlairican Pie]

:doh: Woops! The BAND, The Nixons! :lol:

http://www.ear.fm/Encyclopedia%20N/nixons.gif

[ABlairican Pie]

One Seattle band was making some noise that caught on in the post-Nirvana scene, Sunny Day Real Estate, who were pioneers of the so-called emo or "screamo" alternative music. Emo was short for emotional, and was characterized by passionate playing and intense singing--almost screaming. Lyrics generally tended to deal with the lead singer's personal issues, but differed from Nirvana and others by their frantic riff-age. It was more sensitive and less nihilistic than traditional punk and hardcore, and perfect for the Clintonian "I feel your pain" mood of the times. While many fans gobbled it up, many punk purists felt it was too whiny and contrived, a little too mall-jammer-friendly. :crybaby:

Lead vocalist Jeremy Enigk was also a Christian who felt at odds often with his musical calling, wondering if he was in the right business. But for now, business seemed to be doing well, emo seemed poised to the sound of the future--however long that future was. Their 1994 album was Diary.

Seven

Sew it on
Face the fool
December’s tragic drive
When time is poetry
And stolen the world outside
The waiting (could) crush my heart
Noooo

Sew it on
Face the fool
The tide breaks a wave of fear
And brave songs disappear
The secret voice of dawn
This last time
Raise my eyes
Noooo

You’ll taste it
You’ll taste it
In time (4x)

The right words
In time
The right words
In time

Sew it on
Face the fool
The mirrors lie
Those aren’t my eyes
Destroy them
Raise my hand
Reflects in savage shards
A new face, soul reborn
Noooo

You’ll taste it
You’ll taste it
In time (4x)

The right words
In time
The right words
In time

:rock: :guitar: :guitar: :rock:

[ABlairican Pie]

So what does an explosive band with a huge following due while waiting to release their second album? Disband, of course! Such was the case of Sunny Day Real Estate? Was it the Christian conflicts with Enigk? Was it personality clashes? Fear of success? Who knows, it could be all of the above. But the emo movement had begun to roll. Enigk would embark on a critically acclaimed solo career.

[ABlairican Pie]

Primus released their most popular album in 1995, Tales From the Punch Bowl, which featured everyone's favorite hit, "Wynona's Big Brown Beaver". The wacky tune caught on with just about everyone and was a lot of fun to sing along to (even though some critics read a little more into the title than was necessary ;) ). Other favorites included the goofy tune "Professor Nutbutter's House of Treats" and "On the Tweek Again". The video to "Beaver" was a total hoot, with Les Claypool and Co. donning outrageous cowboy suits and jamming along.

Wynona's Big Brown Beaver

Wynona’s got herself a big brown beaver
And she shows it off to all her friends.
One day, you know, that beaver tried to leave her,
So she caged him up with cyclone fence.
Along came lou with the old baboon
And said recognize that smell?
Smells like seven layers,
That beaver eats Taco Bell.

Now Rex he was a Texan out of new orleans
And he travelled with the carnival shows.
He ran bumper cars, sucked cheap cigars
And he candied up his nose.
He got wind of the big brown beaver
So he though he’d take himself a peek,
But the beaver was quick
And grabbed him by the kiwis.
Now he ain’t pissed for a week.
(and a half!)

Now Wynona took her big brown beaver,
And she stuck him up in the air.
Said I sure do love this big brown beaver
And I wish I did have a pair.
Now the beaver onces slept for seven days
And it gave us all an awful fright.
So I tickled his chin and I gave him a pinch
And the bastard tried to bite me.
Wynona loved her big brown beaver
And she stroked him all the time.
She pricked her finger one day and it
Occurred to her she might have a porcupine.

:guitar: :banana: :mango

[ABlairican Pie]

Professor Nutbutter's House of Treats

C’mon kiddies gather round. who’s your foremost friend in town?
From main to maple the name resounds, professor nutbutter.
He’s the one, the humble one, the barkley county prodigal son.
Here to serve only you, professor nutbutter.
At old nutbutter’s house of treats from jellied jams to sacks of
Sweets,
There’s creamy and nutatious spreads for all.
Chemist, master of entomology the professor for a modest fee
Will cure what ails you, guaranteed professor nutbutter.
It’s alright, don’t fear the worm.
C’mon kiddies don’t be shy be youthful til the day you die.
The man the myth, the magic of professor nutbutter.
He’s the one the only one the meeklybville prodigal son.
Here to help us with ourselves, professor nutbutter
It’s alright to fear the worm.

[it’s all right to fear the worm. the worm, the worm is our friend.
Um, but not all of the properties of the worm can be, uh, fully,
Fully, well, appreciated by the, uh, the human body itself, but, um
It’s, it’s, it’s, it’s ok to, to fear the worm. um, i, myself, have
Had no, uh, problems with the worm but in a certain situation, uh, i
Would feel like, what, what, uh, ramifications, um, could occur? uh,
There’s, there’s really no need to, uh, to fear much of anything, you
Know. fear of the, fear of the temptation is a, more, probably, more,
More, appropriate word in this particular scenario. um, the, uh,
Well, it, depends on what you want, I suppose. it really depends on,
On what you want.]

:guitar: :banana: :mango

Les Claypool live:

[ABlairican Pie]

Alternative's other power trio, Green Day, had a small quandary: would their next album hit the heights of their groundbreaking Dookie album? Well, Insomniac fared well, but it was not the huge megahit that its predecessor was. No matter, the album still had a few thrashers such as "Brain Stew/Jaded" and "Geek Stink Breath". A sophomore release (even though Green Day had been recording on independent labels for years) is generally expected to be a disappointment. The band crossed their fingers and hoped for the best.

Brain Stew/Jaded

I'm having trouble trying to sleep
I'm counting sheep but running out
As time ticks by
still I try
No rest for crosstops in my mind
On my own... here we go

My eyes feel like they're gonna bleed
Dried up and bulging out my skull
My mouth is dry
My face is numb
F:censored:ed up and spun out in my room
On my own... here we go

My mind is set on overdrive
The clock is laughing in my face
A crooked spine
My sense is dulled
Passed the point of delirium
On my own... here we go

My eyes feel like they're gonna bleed
Dried up and bulging out my skull
My mouth is dry
My face is numb
F:censored:ed up and spun out in my room
On my own... here we go

Jaded

Somebody keep my balance
I think I'm falling off
Into a state of regression

The expiration date
Rapidly coming up
It's leaving me behind to rank

Always move forward
Going "straight" will get you nowhere

There is no progress
Evolution killed it all
I found my place in nowhere

I'm taking one step sideways
Leading with my crutch
Got a ****ed up equilibrium

Count down from 9 to 5
Hooray! We're gonna die!
Blessed into our extinction

Always move forward
Going "straight" will get you nowhere

There is no progress
Evolution killed it all
I found my place in nowhere

Always move forward
Going "straight" will get you nowhere

There is no progress
Evolution killed it all
I found my place in nowhere
In nowhere(2x)

:rock: :guitar: :guitar: :rock:

[ABlairican Pie]

This is one of the band's coolest songs:

Geek Stink Breath

I'm on a mission
I made my decision
To lead a path of self-destruction

A slow progression
Killing my complexion
And it's rotting out my teeth

I'm on a roll
No self control
I'm blowing off steam with
Meth Amphetamine

Don't know what I want
That's all I've got
And I'm picking scabs off my face

Every hour my blood is turning sour
And my pulse is beating out of time

I found a treasure
Filled with sick pleasure
And it sits on a thin white line

I'm on a roll
No self control
I'm blowing off steam with
Meth Amphetamine

Don't know what I want
That's all I've got
And I'm picking scabs off my face

I'm on a mission
I got no decision like a cripple
Running the rat race

Wish in one hand and s:censored: in the other
And see which one gets filled first

I'm on a roll
No self control
I'm blowing off steam with
Meth Amphetamine

Don't know what I want
That's all I've got
And I'm picking scabs off my face

Geek... Stink... Breath

:rock: :guitar: :guitar: :rock:

[ABlairican Pie]

As was the case only ten years earlier, the mid-decade of the 90's was turning up to be a rather safe affair. As the irreverent outrage and spit of grunge had dissipated into the corporate alternative radio-friendly tunes of Candlebox, so the rest of the musical fans in the pop culture went searching for a new musical savior. They found it in an East Coast band from down south aways....

Hootie and the Blowfish.

Fronted by African-American lead singer Darius Rucker, the otherwise Caucasian pop rock band churned out a slew of feel-good tunes that sat well on Top 40 and Adult Contemporary/Alternative charts. There was nothing very distinctive about the band, other than that they sounded like a bland cover version of Bruce Hornsby (no offense, B.H.) and Bruce Springsteen throwaway tunes. Their huge-selling album Cracked View Mirror stormed up the charts with fluffy songs such as "Only Wanna Be With You" (which was turned into a song parody on a Seattle radio station as
"I Only Got a Three Inch Tool". :lol: )

Only Wanna Be With You

You and me
We come from different worlds
You like to laugh at me
When I look at other girls

Sometimes you’re crazy
And you wonder why
I’m such a baby
Cause the dolphins make me cry

Well theres nothing I can do
I’ve been looking for a girl like you

You look at me
You’ve got nothing left to say
I’ll only pout at you until I get my way
I won’t dance
You won’t sing
I just want to love you but you want to wear my ring.

Chorus:
Well there’s nothing I can do
I only wanna be with you
You can call me your fool
Only wanna be with you

Put on a little dylan
Sitting on a fence
I say that line is great
You ask me what I meant by
“said I shot a man named gray
Took his wife to italy
She inherited a million bucks
And when she died it came to me
I can’t help it if I’m lucky

Only wanna be with you
Ain’t bobby so cool
Only wanna be with you

(solo)

Yeah I’m tangled up in blue
Only wanna be with you
You can call me your fool
Only wanna be with you

Sometimes I wonder
If it will ever end
You get so mad at me
When I go out with my friends
Sometimes you’re crazy
And you wonder why
I’m such a baby yeah
The dolphins make me cry

Well there’s nothing I can do
Only wanna be with you
You can call me your fool
Only wanna be with you
Yeah I’m tangled up in blue
Only wanna be with you

:banana: :mango

Wow, and they rip off Achtung Baby as well:

[ABlairican Pie]

Let Her Cry

Let her cry

She sits alone by a lamppost
Trying to find a thought that’s escaped her mind
She says dad’s the one I love the most
But stipe’s not far behind

She never lets me in
Only tell me where’s she’s been
When she’s had too much to drink
I say that I don’t care I just run my hands
Through her dark hair and then I pray to god
You gotta help me fly away

And just...
Let her cry...if the tears fall down like rain
Let her sing...if it eases all her pain
Let her go...let her walk right out on me
And if the sun comes up tomorrow
Let her be...let her be.

This morning I woke up alone
Found a note by the phone
Saying maybe, maybe I’ll be back some day
I wanted to look for you
You walked in I didn’t know just what I should do
So I sat back down and had a beer and felt sorry for
Myself.

Let her cry...if the tears fall down like rain
Let her sing...if it eases all her pain
Let her go...let her walk right out on me
And if the sun comes up tomorrow
Let her be...let her be.

-solo-

Let her cry...if the tears fall down like rain
Let her sing...if it eases all her pain
Let her go...let her walk right out on me
And if the sun comes up tomorrow
Let her be...let her be.

Last night I tried to leave
Cried so much I just
Could not believe
She was the same girl i
Fell in love with long ago
She went in the back to
Get high
I sat down on my couch
And cried
Yelling oh mama please
Help me
Won’t you hold my hand.

And
Let her cry...if the tears fall down like rain
Let her sing...if it eases all her pain
Let her go...let her walk right out on me
And if the sun comes up tomorrow
Let her be...let her be.

Let her cry...if the tears fall down like rain
Let her sing...if it eases all her pain
Let her go...let her walk right out on me
And if the sun comes up tomorrow
Let her be...let her be.

[ABlairican Pie]

Ah, yes, Hootie and the Blowfish, perfect yuppie music for the perfect yuppies. Did you know that a blowfish is considered a Japanese delicacy--but only if you cut it a certain way? Otherwise it can kill you with its poison. :eek: Of course we all saw that Simpsons episode. :doh:

A perfect metaphor for the state of music in the mid-90's.

Hold My Hand

With a little love, and some tenderness
We’ll walk upon the water
We’ll rise above this mess
With a little peace, and some harmony
We’ll take the world together
We’ll take ’em by the hand

’cause I’ve got a hand for you
’cause I wanna run with you

Yesterday, I saw you standing there
Your head was down, your eyes were red
No comb had touched your hair
I said get up, and let me see you smile
We’ll take a walk together
Walk the road awhile, ’cause

’cause I’ve got a hand for you
I’ve got a hand for you
’cause I wanna run with you
Won’t you let me run with you? yeah

Hold my hand
Want you to hold my hand
Hold my hand
I’ll take you to a place where you can be
Hold my hand
Anything you wanna be because
I wanna love you the best that, the best that I can

See I was wasted, and I was wasting time
’till I thought about your problems, I thought about your crimes
Then I stood up, and then I screamed aloud
I don’t wanna be part of your problems
Don’t wanna be part of your crowd, no

’cause I’ve got a hand for you
I’ve got a hand for you
’cause I wanna run with you
Ah, won’t you let me run with you?

Hold my hand
Want you to hold my hand
Hold my hand
I’ll take you to the promised land
Hold my hand
Maybe we can’t change the world but
I wanna love you the best that, the best that I can, yeah

Hold my hand
Want you to hold my hand
Hold my hand
I’ll take you to a place where you can be
Hold my hand
Anything you wanna be because
I...oh...no, no, no, no, no

Hold my hand
Want you to hold my hand
Hold my hand
I’ll take you to the promised land
Hold my hand
Maybe we can’t change the world but
I wanna love you the best that, best that I can
Oh, the best that I can

Darius Rucker:

[ABlairican Pie]

Going back to the alternative rock scene, one band fought against the conceptions of what "alternative" should be: Monster Magnet from New Jersey crafted intense, driving sounds on their second album
Dopes to Infinity, which fell into the category of the growing "stoner rock" movement. Their lyrics were surreal as their guitars were trippy, as they revitalized the sounds of the pyschedelic 60's and early 70's for an updated 90's feel. Fronted by vocalistDave Wyndorf, the band found itself playing for the likes of Soundgarden, C.O.C., and later Metallica and Megadeth.

Negasonic Teenage Warhead

Saw your face last night on the tube
Strong fine snake in a sucker's vacuum
15 clicks and it's time to say bye
15 trips and a love that won't die

Me and myself killed a world today
Me and myself got a world to save
Broadcast dead revolution don't pay
Strapped up freaks on the Lazarus plane

I can tell just by the climate, and I can tell just by the style
I was born and raised on Venus and I may be here a while
Cause every supersonic jerkoff who plugs into the game
Is just like every subatomic genius who just invented pain

I will deny you
I will deny you baby
I will deny you
I will deny you baby
I will deny you
I will deny you baby
I will deny you
I will deny you baby
Yeah yeah, yeah, wow

Oh baby, I'm lazy
Oh baby, introduce me to God
Oh baby, I'm lady
Oh baby, set a place for the dog, for the dog

yeah, Oh

Shut me off 'cause I go crazy with this planet in my hands
Shut me off 'cause I go crazy with this planet in my hands
Shut me off 'cause I go crazy with this planet in my hands
Shut me off 'cause I go crazy with this planet in my hands

I can tell just by the climate, and I can tell just by the style
I was born and raised on Venus and I may be here a while
Cause every supersonic jerkoff who plugs into the game
Is just like every subatomic genius who just invented pain

I will deny you
I will deny you baby
I will deny you
I will deny you baby
I will deny you
I will deny you baby
I will deny you
I will deny you baby

Yeah, yeah, yeah
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah,
yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, wow
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah

:rock: :guitar: :guitar: :rock:

[ABlairican Pie]

Here is a very cool song with a very cool title:

Look To Your Orb For the Warning

Going down now

The mountain screamed three times today
I guess it thought it'd like to play
How much does one have to pay
To fry a peak and melt away
Launching titan's breath on mine
The sweating measure lands on time

And the old man, down by the river
Well he walks up and he walks on down
To the spaceship that's parked at your doorstep
And it's waiting to take you away now

Goin' down now
Goin' down now

Looking for the rate that crowed
He's hooked up down in Mexico
Slap my nerve now give me more
It's my disaster friend, not yours

And the old man, down by the river
Well he walks up and he walks on down
To the spaceship that's parked at your doorstep
And it's waiting to take you away now

And the last one, it's down by the river
Where he gets up and he walks on down
To the spaceship that's parked at your doorstep
And it's waiting to take you away now

It's down by the river, it's always this way now
It's down by the river, it's always this way now

Going down now
Going down now
now, now, now

down, down, down

:rock: :guitar: :guitar: :rock:

Band pic and Dave Wyndorf picture disk:

[ABlairican Pie]

Candlebox's second album, Lucy, was no stunning success, even though it had a moderate hit with the song "Simple Lessons". Even though the album was merely doable, the one good thing about their increased visibility is that it rankled the likes of Courtney Love, who called in to complain to Seattle record stores about why "those hacks" of Candlebox were on the charts higher than she was. The stores explained they were just posting what the charts said. In response to her tantrums, all the members of Candlebox dressed themselves up as Courtney Love and posed for a hilarious cover of the The Rocket Magazine in Seattle!! :lol:

Simple Lessons

Simple, simple lessons, simple...
Sound to be where, make you want to scream.
Always left without, saying hello.
I've seen chains the bear less, snap and fall long before you let go.
Times run over your sink onto my floor,
It's okay, we've cleaned them many times before.
Simple lessons are, simple lessons are, simple lessons are, simple lessons are, simple...
Sounds might be where, yeah I want to cry
Always left before, I said hello.
He's had days where shades of brilliance, never granted him space.
Green shades of painful rains, it's okay, they'll wash away now
Simple lessons are, simple lessons are, simple lessons are, simple lessons are, simple...
Always taught you how, drain yourself empty.
Always taught you how, drain yourself empty.
We're all scarred up from ages of childish games.
Yet I've never seen your head up higher.
It feels real this time, I see you happy again.
Reel it in for awhile, oh enough to take my
Ain't enough to take my ain't enough to take my, ain't enough to take my, ain't enough to take my place
Sounds might be where, you want to scream.
Always left without, saying hello.
I've seen chains that bear less, snap and fall long before you,
Long before you let go

[ABlairican Pie]

Okay, so this one came out over a year before, but still worth mentioning: Tad, the Seattle so-called "grunge" band who put the heavy in heavyweights with their portly lead singer Tad Doyle, came out with a very decent followup to Eight Way Santa, with Inhaler. The album had a cute album with two doggies chasing a remote controlled car, but the music was anything but "cute". It reeked of sheer heaviness that was oddly ignored by all the touchy-feely anti-heavy pseudo-grunge types, with songs such as "Grease Box", "Throat Locust", "Lycanthrope", and "Rotor", among others.

[ABlairican Pie]

While not necessarily a "stoner rock" band, Seattle's seminal "grunge" band The Melvins released perhaps their most commercial release which received much airplay, Stoner Witch, which featured the riveting track, "Revolve". Of course, by this time the band had relocated to San Francisco, but had not abandoned its Seattle roots.

Revolve


Freedom on like stems from walk away
You gotta hold your time
You gotta hit him with the right of way.
Maybe black too far for any like the one seen
In a way it's sane,
Either way it's gotta mean.
Red sister might be chokin'
But I ain't about that kind
Answer me with the rhythm of a body that was born to lose two times.

Hey big bo day
He says deny but you're for tin lie.
Head my shoulder
Big boat deloves, big boat denies.

They might try to hide
But they have to have some more dead sense
You might be rye
Like a ball in the wind.
Poison dandy lifeforms crime
Mix both down cross,
Sticky pedal the line.
The flavor might be missin'
But he acts to cross that anyway
You can bet he can diddle with the promise in the power of another day.

Hey big bo day
He says deny but you're for tin lie.
Head my shoulder
Big boat deloves, big boat denies.

Two of you sold my wallet
One of you stole my tie
Didn't you say that you're watching?
Denied.
Venomous stole in me
Three of you standing by
Didn't you say that you've got it?
Watch me eye.

:rock: :guitar: :guitar: :rock:

[Steve M.]

Candlebox's second album, Lucy, was no stunning success, even though it had a moderate hit with the song "Simple Lessons". Even though the album was merely doable, the one good thing about their increased visibility is that it rankled the likes of Courtney Love, who called in to complain to Seattle record stores about why "those hacks" of Candlebox were on the charts higher than she was. The stores explained they were just posting what the charts said. In response to her tantrums, all the members of Candlebox dressed themselves up as Courtney Love and posed for a hilarious cover of the The Rocket Magazine in Seattle!! :lol:



Candlebox were a bunch of poseurs who profited off the grunge movement. They were too pop-ish, and too many girls liked them. :p

[ABlairican Pie]

Candlebox were a bunch of poseurs who profited off the grunge movement. They were too pop-ish, and too many girls liked them. :pIt's strange, because I had never really heard anything about them on the local scene before they got signed. It seemed kind of like they came out of nowhere, which was odd, because no band ever escaped the local scene's attention here in Seattle when they went from the independent labels to the majors (which by this time was seen as "selling out"). And you're right, NO BAND in Seattle could have started with that much pop appeal, just about every band in Seattle had a real cutting-edge sound in some way, and after a point, after you had established yourself, you could become more or less "mainstream". Candlebox started out "alternative mainstream", but it was by riding on the flannel coattails of established artists as Pearl Jam.

We can imagine Madonna flying the flannel in her new wardrobe at this point.

[Steve M.]

It's strange, because I had never really heard anything about them on the local scene before they got signed. It seemed kind of like they came out of nowhere, which was odd, because no band ever escaped the local scene's attention here in Seattle when they went from the independent labels to the majors (which by this time was seen as "selling out"). And you're right, NO BAND in Seattle could have started with that much pop appeal, just about every band in Seattle had a real cutting-edge sound in some way, and after a point, after you had established yourself, you could become more or less "mainstream". Candlebox started out "alternative mainstream", but it was by riding on the flannel coattails of established artists as Pearl Jam.

We can imagine Madonna flying the flannel in her new wardrobe at this point.

Uh, guess whose label signed Candelbox! Madge saw grunge as a threat to her desire to make her brand of dance pop dominate the world, so she signed Candlebox to infiltrate and neutralize the grunge movement, which attempted to get rid of performers like her! You defeat the enemy by singing his own song, like George W. Bush singing "Give Peace a Chance!"

Bitch! :mad:

[ABlairican Pie]

Uh, guess whose label signed Candelbox! Madge saw grunge as a threat to her desire to make her brand of dance pop dominate the world, so she signed Candlebox to infiltrate and neutralize the grunge movement, which attempted to get rid of performers like her! You defeat the enemy by singing his own song, like George W. Bush singing "Give Peace a Chance!"

Bitch! :mad:Of course I knew before that Madge created the so-called "Maverick" label and signed Crayonbox to it. I had a funny feeling that there was more to it than merely wanting to cash in on the grunge craze. So if the alternative scene seemed safe by 1995, you know who to blame--Madge!! It WAS because of her corporate pet "grunge" acts like Crayonbox! Kurt Cobain's death was partly to blame for the decline.

[Steve M.]

"Crayonbox" is an appropriate name for a group that was dangerous as a beatnik from South Dakota! (Tom Brokaw said he tired to be a beatnik in his hometown on Yankton., South Dakota by burning incense. He didn't have any - he used crayons instead.) :rofl:

[ABlairican Pie]

KMDFM was a techno band featuring Tim Skolde, formerly of the late 80's hair metal band Shotgun Messiah on bass. The band became a huge favorite on the electronic industrial circuit. Their album Nihil was released in 1995.

Ultra

When you peel back my eyes,
I see the pain and feel alive.
My hatred heaps upon this fire,
that burns inside and you blow higher.
But I don't need to you anymore.
You cannot hurt me anymore.

Keep it away from the fire unless you want it to burn.
It burns - wildfire.
Give it to me!
Your wildfire - don't take it from me!
Wildfire - give it!

And when you take me in your mind,
into this dirty sodden shrine.
I do not need you anymore.
You cannot hurt me anymore.

Keep it away from the fire unless you want it to burn.
It burns - wildfire.
Give it to me!
Your wildfire - don't take it from me!
Wildfire - give it to me!
Set on fire - don't take it from me!
Your wildfire - take it!

When you peel back my eyes,
I see the pain and feel flive.
My hatred heaps upon this fire,
that burns inside and you blow higher.

Keep it away from the fire unless you want it to burn.
It burns - wildfire.
Give it to me!
Your wildfire - don't take it from me!
Wildfire - give it to me!
It burns - wildfire - don't take it from me!
Wildfire - give it!
Wildfire - give it to me!
Your wildfire - don't take it from me!
Wildfire - give it to me!
Your wildfire - don't take it from me!
You caught on fire.
On fire.
On fire - I do not need you anymore.
Fire - You cannot hurt me anymore.
Fire - give it, give it to me!
On fire - I do not need you anymore.
Fire - You cannot hurt me anymore.
Fire - I do not need you anymore
Fire - You cannot hurt me anymore.
fire - you cannot hurt me.

[ABlairican Pie]

Juke Joint Jezebel

I can't reject this empty hole
I cannot count the bloody cost
I can't believe this wretched soul
Come penetrate all this loss
Come on and kill this sense of life
And be the one who is denied
Now show me one more upturned knife
And fill the emptiness inside

If I could leave my burning skin
That has been used up in your sin
Is there a tiny part of me
Untouched-unsoiled by misery

I am the city that will lie
You are the one that blame passed by
This is the place where I will weep
The loneliness of sweet conceipt

Be mine sister salvation
Juke Joint Jezebel is coming for my cremation
Be mine sister salvation
Closer now see the revelation

[ABlairican Pie]

Another huge name in the techno/industrial scene were Skinny Puppy, a darker version of dance bands that went beyond the predictable sounds of Depeche Mode and other bands. The band had been around since the early 80's and had experimented with atmospheric sounds and video, but one thing that set them apart from other outfits that they became outspoken proponents of animal rights, environmentalism, and other burning issues.

Sadly, their lead singer Ogre died in 1995 from a drug overdose. :(

[ABlairican Pie]

Remission was released in 1984.

Smothered Hope

withered rope you hang what's empty can't remain to put it simply
in time cry the hollow words to sing with false disguise
smothered hope fly from sorrow for a new divine tomorrow
i just don't want to know anymore
life shifts up and down everybody knows it's wrong
why don't you care? now do it seem fair?
it's not in the rhyme or reason
so it goes with every season crawl to top fall through bottom
first hand love is really rotten
slice of life find what's plenty inch towards a sanctuary
light with me inside the womb
i know everyone everybody knows it's me
it's my voice, my voice cries out obscenity
sightless eye regard my past sometimes it should
i just don't want to know anymore.

[ABlairican Pie]

Mind-Perpetual Intercourse was released in 1986.

Antagonism


flesh makes a stretch through the hoop again no faults nothing ever gained
livid fear, our time has come about what was believed now turned inside out
drastic hate, frantic air growing up while inching near a reason no throwing
back down in it's place cutting in with open space cancer in each new cell
rotting food left on the shelf

alive yet unaware asking do you really care
Nivek, rehgard with care witness our philosophy

melting features came to the light remains burn out comes rushing back again
cold claws lifeless abject hate power unleashed a vagrant mind in bits
grasping for warm embrace detest all views of place remember...

alive yet unaware asking do you really care alive alive

exiting crystal set view left below no truth now burning bright inside
absinthe grows cold open scar on the wall disregarded no bitter rotten
flames rip and follow break through never saw this inching near enough
fleeting, the image cracks ripping past the frame love's never came
wrapping the face dripping blade in love receding wrenching the image cell
who will decide what goals we set

alive yet unaware asking do you really care

listen as the hours pass back on the bridge again rebuild
nothing's quite the same slipped poison cancer central brain retracing
he steps so easily mislaid knife in my hand so don't you make demands
discorse at times or is it just in my mind

alive yet unaware asking do you really care
oh my god my god help me god help me
witness eyes eyes reveal witness eyes eyes quickening

[ABlairican Pie]

Cleanse Fold and Manipulate was released in 1987.

Addiction

desperate deranged talking in my sleep again eyes twitch
retain a sentimental something looked lorn and we burned and burned
I was a cinder body soul in my dreams breakdown amidst the mixtures
avoid addictive plea responding disillusion encrusted cruelty decribe
why nails enclose me eating so evenly there exists a lot of reasons
to support fatality abstience possessed hardly what you think it is
hearts beat positive provided there's progress ignorance does insist of
the right coffin took some food offered me can't see myself drank the
wine wished the feverish burst of terror breakdown amidst the
mixtures avoid addictive plea insist that nothing happened chilled
bloodless fatigue recharge with bitterness fanatics beckoning mistook
a look impassioned absorbed with clarity consciousness drifts away
discarded memory packaged shelf life bad display breakdown amidst
the mixtures avoid addictive plea excessive near romances comfort
is treachery so pound the nails in tight eyes screaming out of sight
against a grain like curtain unbearably alive

[ABlairican Pie]

Vivisect VI was released in 1988:

Human Disease (S.K.U.M.M.)

whatever painted part taught deeply enclosed in mother earth life born
addict breathe angel whatever paint it up so closer to farther apart
meat seeking missiles consuming rain forest infested veins the
river flow urban needle inject carcinogen chemicals relieve the stress slows
consumer rotting sight no taste odorless clear seeping water poisoning
all producing nothing intelligent to cause disease human breed in self
perpetuating whatever close at hand finger cramp virtuoso closet problem
epileptic machines shudder shock who is over who is on top malformed
earth born shake all is a disease biped walk so straight earth can be so
giving as it can be irrate what if to burn up and out with illing over
doubt sight no taste odorless fda recommends to take daily allowance
of them 26 unknown carcinogens 26 unknown cancer causing supplements
infested chemicals fda virtuoso closet problem whatever to plot or build
to self destruct the so called lesser beast exhibits harmony walk straight
biped relate walking disease green is the grass of survival
feeding the cows that they dine on all is a disease human disease survival

[ABlairican Pie]

Other albums included Rabies and Too Dark Park. After Ogre's death, the band continued on.

Here is one of the tamer live pictures of the band in concert. Generally Ogre would be shirtless with his chest caked in gore. :eek:

[ABlairican Pie]

During the 90's, Depeche Mode's output had not only become sporadic, but increasingly more somber as well. The band had put out 1993's Songs of Faith and Devotion, which had featured guitars and attempted to lure in more grunge oriented fans. The album hit the charts at the top but had fallen as quickly as it has entered. Keyboardist Alan Wilder had left the band by that time and the band decided to continue as a three-piece. But drugs, in particular heroin, were taking their toll on the band, leading to arrests and the threat of an early demise for the once-influential 80's band.

I Feel You

I feel you
Your sun it shines
I feel you
Within my mind
You take me there
You take me where
The kingdom comes
You take me to
And lead me through
Babylon

This is the morning of our love
It's just the dawning of our love

I feel you
Your heart it sings
I feel you
The joy it brings
Where heaven waits
Those golden gates
And back again
You take me to
And lead me through
Oblivion

This is the morning of our love
It's just the dawning of our love

I feel you
Your precious soul
And I am whole
I feel you
Your rising sun
My kingdom comes

I feel you
Each move you make
I feel you
Each breath you take
Where angels sing
And spread their wings
My love's on high
You take me home
To glory's throne
By and by

This is the morning of our love
It's just the dawning of our love

[ABlairican Pie]

Meanwhile, on the brighter side of music, AC/DC had returned with their first studio album in a few years, the ever-so-unsubtly-titled Ballbreaker. Of course, with them, every single song title was a double-entendre just about (common in the blues tradition). The album may have not the chart-topper that Back In Back was, but AC/DC cared little for hits. The album sold very respectably, but they knew the audience was always there for their brand of simple straight on rock and roll. As Angus Young responded a few years earlier, when asked if they were tired of making the same album over ten times, he said, "That's a dirty lie! We've made the same album ELEVEN times!" :lol:

However, though the album was produced by Rick Rubin of Slayer and Beastie Boys fame, the band felt he was a "phony" even though he was a hardcore AC/DC fan. The band didn't think he was a real fan of rock and roll at all. But no matter, the album and subsequent tour went over huge, selling over four million copies in its first week of release.

Hard as a Rock

A Rollin' rock, Electric shock
She gives a lickin' that doesn't stop [That don't stop]
She line 'em up, Push you 'round
Smokin' rings going round and round

Her hot potatoes
Will elevate you
Her bad behavior
Will leave you standing proud

CHORUS:
hard as a rock [I'm hard as a rock]
Hard as a rock
Harder than a rock [Well it's harder than a rock]
Hard as a rock
Harder than a rock [Well it's harder than a rock]

The lightnin' rod, Strike it hot
Gonna hit you like a Rushmore rock [It's gonna hit you like a Rushmore rock]
No nicotine, and no pipe dreams
So low and dirty it's darn right mean
Hell elevator
I'll see you later [Yeah, sooner or later]
no I ain't gonna take it
I'm busting out [Listen, I'm busting out]

Chorus

yea
Hard as a rock
Harder than a rock
Hard as a rock
yea

I'm getting harder
yeah
yeeeeeeeeaahh!

harder than a rock
Well I'm harder than a rock
Hard as a rock
Baby I'm harder than a rock
Hard as a rock
Well it's harder than a rock
hard as a rock
Yeah it's harder than a rock
yeah
hard as a rock
well I'm harder than a rock
hard as a rock
yes I'm harder, harder, harder, harder than a rock.

:rock: :guitar: :guitar: :rock:

[ABlairican Pie]

Here is one of the best songs on the album:

Cover You In Oil

I like to slip into something good
I see a young girl in the neighborhood
The way she move, I must confess
I like to run my hands up and down her legs
The way she dress, she look so fine
I'll make her wet, I'll make her mine [Gonna make her mine]
She like it hard, she like it slow [She don't like it slow]
All right honey, come on lets go

Baby, what you want, it's the way she move [Baby, feel what you want]
Feel what you need, come on let's go [Baby, feel what you need]

Cover you in oil
I wanna cover you in oil [Let me cover you in oil]
Let me cover you in oil [I wanna cover you in oil]
Cover you in oil [Let me cover you in oil]
[Yeah]
Pull on the zip, she give good lip service
It's nothing for the show, I just pay to see her go
She make you hot, you spray your lot
[So] Comin' in honey, we're headin' to the top
The way she push, don't give a dime [she don't give a dime]
Abuse your life, gonna make you satisfied
She's kinda rough, she give it tough
Come on honey and strut your stuff

Baby [feel] what you want, it's the way she move
[Baby,] Feel what you need, come on let's go

Cover you in oil
I wanna cover you in oil [Cover you in oil]
Let me cover you in oil [I wanna cover you in oil]
Cover you in oil [Let me cover you in oil]

[Let's go
Ooooh yeah
Yeeeeeeeah

Baby what you want
It's the way she move me
Feel what you need
So come on let's go - yeah

Cover you in oil
Cover you in oil
Let me cover you in oil
I wanna cover you in oil
I wanna cover you in oil
Cover you in oil
Let me cover you in oil
Cover you in oil
Cover you
In oil ]

:rock: :guitar: :guitar: :rock:

[ABlairican Pie]

On this album, AC/DC came back to their blues roots (not that they had ever really left them):

Boogie Man

Some people say, I'm only out at night
Maybe those folks, might of got it right
And some people say I drive a cadillac car
Or sell my wares hauntin' hotel bars

I'm the boogie man, [yeah] the boogie man

[Yeah, yeah, yeah]

I like fine suits, smoke the best cigars
Like talkin' sex to women, girls in fast cars
I might be under the bed, ready to bite
So little girl becareful, when you're on your own tonight

['Cause] I'm you're boogie man, you're boogie man
And I hope, that you don't misunderstand
your boogie man

[Oh, I'm your boogie man
I'm your boogie man
Yes I'm your boogie man
I'm your boogie man
Yow, here we go

And I hope, that you don't misunderstand
Your boogie man]
And don't let the sun, come up on me
Your boogie man

I'm your boogie man, your boogie man
[I'm your boogie man, your boogie man
I'm your boogie man, your boogie man
Boogie man
I'm your boogie man
Yeah yeah
I'm your boogie man
I'm your boogie man
Boogie man]

Live in Helsinki:

[ABlairican Pie]

Once again, lining the bargain bins of under-promoted albums by former influential bands was Forbidden by Black Sabbath. This was another in a long line of albums that their record company neglected to advertise very heavily. It languished on the shelves as the band (with only Tony Iommi being the original member) shuffled across the country to tour. Tony Martin, the longest non-original lineup member to last with the band, fronted the group in concert, which, in spite of the ever-changing lineup, managed to put out a very entertaining show. Veteran rock drummer Cozy Powell was on hand, as well as former Whitesnake bassist Neil Murray. Martin, while being a decent frontman in his own right, lacked the charisma of Ozzy or Dio. Many believed the band was a floundering shadow of its former self--if not an entirely different band all together.

The only noticeable things about Forbidden was that it featured Ice-T in a rap on the song "The Illusions of Power", and T's own Body Count guitarist Ernie C. produced it. The music was passable and doable, not anywhere up to Sabbath standards, but one thing must be added about the album: It was the last full-length studio album by the Sabbs.

The Illusions of Power

What is it that turns you on to the illusion of power,
This thing that grabs you by the heart and makes you want to tear things down.
There is no reason why I should need all this power, but if you cross me now,
I'm gonna tear your whole world down.

The illusion of power, things I feel, seem so real,
The illusion of power.

I can't get the emotional thing straight in my head,
Everything I love dies too soon, or is already dead.
Don't stand too close I spit and breathe fire,
Anything I've got now you cannot desire.

You want to be my friend, I promise you nothing.
Nothing I can give you, nothing I can do for you,
I'm being chased by the sins of my past and it's killing me now,
Killing me now.

The illusion of power, things I feel, seem so real,
The illusion of power.
The illusion of power, it's already set signed and sealed,
The illusion of power.

Fool, you're caught in a complex catacomb of your own inadequcies and pitiful weaknesses,
Your soul secretes insecurity.
So you live on the reflection side of the mirror; you're terrified of true power.
You Fear

I can tell you stories of my
shaded past and I can drag you down into the depths of my soul.

The illusion of power, things I feel, seem so real,
The illusion of power.
The illusion of power, it's already set signed and sealed,
The illusion of power.

Why don't you come closer, Promise a story I will tell, yeah,
I'll save you from your dreams, yeah
I'll save you from your dreams.

[ABlairican Pie]

Forbidden

If I had to live again, I'd change everything,
'Cause everything I do, you know that I can't win.
You say it isn't right, but you say it isn't wrong,
How the Hell am I supposed to please everyone.

Tell me what it is that I'm supposed to do.
I aint here for everybody, but I aint here for you,
You said it isn't right, but you said it isn't wrong.
I wish somebody could tell me, what it is that I've done wrong.

The best things in live aren't given, these things aint for you and me,
Every time you shout Forbidden, makes me wonder what you see.
The best things in live aren't given, these things aint for you and me,
Every time you shout Forbidden, makes me wonder what you see.

You know it's gonna get you now, and you know it starts to bring you down.

Tell me what it is that I'm supposed to do,
I aint here for everybody, but I aint here for you,
It seems I have to fight, for all the things I want,
Wish somebody could tell me what it is that I've done wrong.

The best things in live aren't given, these things aint for you and me,
Every time you shout Forbidden, makes me wonder what you see.
The best things in live aren't given, these things aint for you and me,
Every time you shout Forbidden, makes me wonder what you see.

It's Forbidden.

The best things in live aren't given, these things aint for you and me,
Every time you shout Forbidden, makes me wonder what you see.
The best things in live aren't given, these things aint for you and me,
Every time you shout Forbidden, makes me wonder what you see.
Makes me wonder what you see.

This is no ordinary soul, that you're destroying,
Not just another life that drifts along with the sands of time.
We tried to show you on your way, but still, you cannot see, you're hurting me
You told too many lies and so it ends, yeah

You tried to touch me, but then I knew your plan,
You tried to take my world away, oh no,
Now I see it, it's as clear as day,
No you'll never stand a chance, oh no you'll never stand a chance.

You tried to lead me, to the land where you keep your lies,
But I've seen this read before, oh yeah,
There is no reason why I should listen now,
No you'll never stand a chance, oh no you'll never stand a chance.

So many people tried before, but still I came through stronger than before,
Someone like you will never get through my door no more,
Nothing you can do will hurt me, I am indestructible.
Nothing you can do will hurt me, I am indestructible. Yeah.

Every lie that you tell you get closer,
Closer to the edge of the Cauldron and in to the fire, yeah.
Every life you destroy will return, it will come back and haunt you,
For ever and ever.

Nothing you can do will hurt me, I am indestructible.
Nothing you can do will hurt me, I am indestructible. Yeah.

This is no ordinary soul that you're destroying,
Not just another life that drifts along with the sands of time.


Tony Martin live:

[ABlairican Pie]

Rusty Angels

They say you came from heaven but I know that's not the truth,
Cause I don't think an angel could look anything like you,
Your eyes are made from sapphires and your heart is made from stone,
You gotta be the closest thing to hate I've ever known,
And if I didn't know better I'd say you had come alone to the party.
Oh yeah.

The light is always shining, but you swear that it's gone black,
The tide is always turning, but you're never looking back,
If I didn't know better I'd say times were pretty bad,
Because Rusty Angels they can't fly,
Rusty Angels gonna die, yeah,
Rusty Angels they can't fly,
Rusty Angels gonna die, gonna die.

The gifts you bring are fire, and your dreams they turned to dust,
Your flying days are over, and your wings have turned to rust.
If I didn't know better, I'd say all you had is lost,
Because Rusty Angels they can't fly,
Rusty Angels gonna die, yeah,
Rusty Angels they can't fly,
Rusty Angels gonna die, gonna die.

If you swallow just a little pride, you might find a little love inside,
Open up and let somebody in, 'cause if you need somebody,
You know it's not a sin.

Rusty Angels they can't fly, Rusty Angels gonna die, yeah,
Rusty Angels they can't fly, no, Rusty Angels gonna die,
Gonna die, yeah, you can't fly, oh no,
Gonna die, oh yeah, you can't fly, oh no.

Tony Iommi live:

[ABlairican Pie]

Retirement was short but not sweet for the Ozzman. Ozzy would hang around the mansion and watch t.v., but inside, he was bored and restless. He
liked to draw on paper sketch tablets, but Sharon noticed something odd about what he was drawing. It was notes. Musical notes. Things about music always filled his artworks. There was no question--he had to make music again.

He got Zakk Wylde into the studio, as well as Steve Vai, and recorded separate tracks with the both of them. Most of Zakk's were used, while only a handful of Vai's remained on the upcoming album, Ozzmosis. But Zakk was too busy to join him on the upcoming tour for the album, which was
frustrating for Ozzy--he needed a definite response from Zakk as to whether he was on or not, but when Zakk remained MIA, he hired Joe Hughes, formerly of the David Lee Roth band, to join him on the tour.

Ozzy and Sharon had bigger plans to announce Ozzy's return from retirement.
Why not have him join the Lollapalooza lineup? That seemed to be a big summer tour which would make him visible. It was an alternative festival, but Ozzy was sure to be a draw. The organizers of Lollapalooza laughed at her suggestion: "OZZY??!! THAT OLD GUY??!!" Which was ironic, seeing that none other than veteran crooner Tony Bennett was on the Lollapaloozer bill!! :eek: This gave Sharon a few ideas of her own..... :idea:


This song opens with the familiar t.v. theme song, one of the shows Ozzy liked to watch (along with "I Love Lucy"):

Perry Mason

On his way to dinner when it took him by suprise
And with one pull of the trigger he would vanish overnight
Dancing by the roadside, holding on for dear life
Then a gun from out of nowhere made a widow of his wife

I don't mind, single file down the runway
Feelin' fine, and I'll see you my friend
Over and over again

Who can we get on the case?
We need Perry Mason
Someone to put you in place
Calling Perry Mason

Riding painted horses, oh the kids they love it so
You can see it on their faces, how they love the wind to blow
Minding my own business like my mama always said
But if I don't try to help him they could wind up on the front page

I don't mind, draw the line then draw me an arrow
Feelin' fine, then I'll see you my friend
Over and over again

Who can we get on the case?
We need Perry Mason
Someone to put you in place
Calling Perry Mason again, again

Wake me when it's over, tell me it's all right
Just keep on talking baby, I've been doing this all night
How much did you give me, tell me it'll be all right

Who can we get on this case?
We need Perry Mason
Someone to put you in place
Calling Perry Mason, again, again, again, again

:rock: :guitar: :guitar: :rock:

[ABlairican Pie]

While Ozzy was enjoying his return from retirement doldrums, he was not enjoying the attention he was getting from issuing "remastered" versions of his first two solo albums, Blizzard of Ozz and Diary of a Madman. Apparently the first two disks were remastered due to his supposed dislike of bassist Bob Daisley and drummer Lee Kerslake on the tracks. So in order not to have them paid royalties--voila! No offending "original" albums to speak of! This was rather ironic since Daisley and Ozzy had collaborated since those two albums--Daisley appears on the "No Rest For the Wicked" album (though is replaced on the tour by Geezer Butler), and has written many of Ozzy's lyrics (including "Suicide Solution"). In fact, the truth is that Blizzard of Ozz was the name of Ozzy's new band in 1979 after leaving Black Sabbath, but since Ozzy (or Sharon) wanted him to be strictly a solo artist, Daisley and Kerslake were relegated to being a "backup band" (which happened to feature the great Randy Rhoads). So Blizzard of Ozz merely became the name of the first album. Daisley and Kerslake were pursuing Ozzy for back royalties at this point in 1995, and the legal wrangling continued for years. What was going on??

This song is written for Ozzy's late guitarist Randy Rhoads:

See You On the Other Side

Voices, a thousand, thousand voices
Whispering, the time has passed for choices
Golden days are passing over, yeah

I can't seem to see you baby
Although my eyes are open wide
But I know I'll see you once more
When I see you, I'll see you on the other side
Yes, I'll see you, I'll see you on the other side

Leaving, I hate to see you cry
Grieving, I hate to say goodbye
Dust and ash forever, yeah

Though I know we must be parted
As sure as stars are in the sky
I'm gonna see when it comes to glory
And I'll see you, I'll see you on the other side
Yes I'll see you, I'll see you on the other side

Never thought I'd feel like this
Strange to be alone, yeah
But we'll be together
Carved in stone, carved in stone, carved in stone

Hold me, hold me tight, I'm falling
Far away. Distant voices calling
I'm so cold. I need you darling, yeah

I was down, but now I'm flying
Straight across the great divide
I know you're crying, but I'll stop you crying
When I see you, I see you on the other side
Yes. I'll see you. See you on the othe side
I'm gonna see you. See you on the other side
God knows I'll see you, see you on the other side, yeah

I'll see you. See you on the other side
I'm gonna see you. See you on the other side
God knows I'll see you, see you on the other side, yeah
I wanna see you, yeah, yeah, yeah, see you on the other side
God knows I'll see you, see you on the other side, yeah
I'm gonna see you. See you on the other side

[ABlairican Pie]

Going back about a year before, Steve Vai decided to follow up the monster success of Passion and Warfare with an actual band project. He regretted that he had done no touring behind PAW, which would have been amazing, so he put together a group with top-knotch musicians, including his old friend drummer Terry Bozzio from Frank Zappa's band and Missing Persons. His vocalist was Devin Townsend, an enigmatic frontman with a head shaven but for dreadlocked ponytail. Townsend was not a huge fan of guitar shredders, but added his own bit of guitar to the album which Steve Vai released under his new band name Vai. The album was entitled Sex and Religion, which reflected his mystical pursuits (and was sure to bring in a steady response with the provocative title). Unfortunately, the whole band project was a disaster.

Steve Vai found that he was letting go of too much creative control of his music, everyone seemed to have too much input on the album. The members were considered virtuosi in their own right, but the musical cohesion did not seem to gel. Too many people's ideas conflicted with each other's, and above all, Steve Vai's ultimate vision. As much as Passion and Warfare was personal stunning success for Steve, the first half of the 90's was a dark turbulent time for one of the most radical guitarists out there--as it was for many shredders. Shred guitar had been supplanted by grunge and alternative, of course, darker themes had crept in, and Vai felt compelled to "keep up" with the times than follow his own muse. He was unprepared to take on a full band which lacked chemistry, and a subsequent backlash followed with SAR's release--it was not the album people expected. To top it off, his mentor Frank Zappa had passed away. Steve even despaired at the replaying of his hampered performance on the Tonight Show and was demoralized that he was hardly at his peak It would take some time for Steve Vai to regain his full stature.

However, the Sex and Religion album did gain quite a hugely supportive audience who were deeply inspired by it. Steve Vai was able to look back and find that much of the output on the album was rather excellent and the musicianship was superb.

The album contained songs such as "Earth Dweller's Return", "Still My Bleeding Heart", "State of Grace", "Touching Tongues", and "The Road to Mt. Calvary."

Sex and Religion

Repent, repent, repent ye sinners -

What do you think you got
When you thought you had a lot
But all your feelings are dead?
And who do you think you are
When you're reaching for the stars
But all your feelings are dead?

Must you make a decision
Between sex and religion
Why can't you love God in your bed?

Well, Jesus Christ
Is in your bed tonight
To bring you back from the dead

How are you gonna fight
For what you think is right
If all your feelings are dead?

And what can you know of love,
From the eyes of a child to the heavens above
When all your feelings are dead?

It's a tragic condition
Sex and religion
Makin' a manic mess in your head

Jesus Christ
Is in your bed tonight
To bring you back from the dead
Jesus Christ
Or any son of the heatless light
When all your feelings are dead

Resurrection!

I raise my hand high up into the air
Get down on my knees
And then I start a-prayin'
When love walks in
My body begins
I feel my promised land comin'
But I gotta go to hell now
And those creatures
Evangelist preachers
The ones that take money
For the promise of hope
Well, they are dangerous
I'm not dangerous
Brain washing us
And we're not gonna take it

I just wanna know
Oh Lord how is it so
How is it that you can take my sins away?

Oh Lord tell me
So I can see the light again
I don't think anybody can take my sins away

But how can the truth be known
If we got little black holes in our souls
And all our feelings are dead?

Are we imprisoned by sex and religion
Or is God the one that's trapped in our mess?

So remember folks
When you kneel to pray
Blow a little kiss to the hypocrites
Good God knows when you turn the other cheek
Which direction you're pointing it

[ABlairican Pie]

Devin Townsend was pictured on the cover to Sex and Religion. In another ten years he would rise to prominence in another hard-edged band.


In My Dreams With You

I'm watchin' you, I'm wantin' you, but you turn away
I'd crawl through broken glass to you, but it wouldn't pay
You take me for a fool, but if you only knew
What I do in my dreams with you

You're so cold and critical, and baby that's too bad
So my reality will have to come to me in my dreams

Chorus:
I know that you belong to me every night, you suddenly appear in my eyes
It happens when I sleep, it isn't right, what I do in my dreams with you
It isn't right what I do in my dreams with you

I love the way you come to me every night
My fantasies are real, and they never lie
If you only knew, what I do in my dreams with you, yeah
It isn't right, Lord knows that it isn't right

The world can make you cynical, with all its love and pain
But I don't have to carry the weight of the world

(chorus)

(Solo)

Baby don't wake me, let me take you on an endless journey
We touch, and the softest kiss explodes with lust, yeah
It's real, you can't deny the heat you feel
And if I die before I wake, baby, that's all right

(chorus)

I know that you belong to me every night, you suddenly appear in my eyes

[Cactus Jack]

What year are wein now?

[ABlairican Pie]

In 1995, Steve Vai released Alien Love Secrets, which featured songs such as "Bad Horsie", a song about Jimi Hendrix called "The Boy From Seattle",
"Kill the Guy With the Ball/The God Eaters", and "Tender Surrender". His silver makeup was becoming his constant calling card-- a sure sign of his virtuosic zaniness.

:ufo::alien1

[ABlairican Pie]

What year are wein now?1995!!!

[ABlairican Pie]

In 1995, another band making news in metal was Down, a band featuring Phil Anselmo of Pantera, Pepper Keenan of Corrosion of Conformity, Jimmy Bower of Eyehategod, and Kirk Windstein and Todd Strange of Crowbar, all members of Southern metal bands who shared their love for Black Sabbath (before it was popular to like Sabbath, they said) and wanted to record an album of no-nonsense gut-busting tunes. Their album was called Nola, which featured tracks such as "Lifer", "Pillars of Eternity", "Rehab", "Hail the Leaf", "Stone the Crow", and "Pray For the Locust". This album was a sure sign that metal was hardly dead in the age of Crayonbox alterna-lite.

Lifer

free at last, I'm the past,
undone in unknown prison,
I'm holding on. Peace and need?
A mouth to feed?
I'm standing way on

the other side. I'm staring
right back at myself,
and through it's frozen image,
I'm laughing right back
at my health - Lifelong
Arms in knots, never spot,
My blood is fading

on the world. Stealing keys?
Soul to me?
and to the BrotheRhood with what
writes the pain.
I'm staring
right back at myself,
and through it's frozen image,
I'm laughing right back
at my health - Lifelong

I'm a lifer.

I'm staring
right back at myself,
and through it's frozen image,
I'm laughing right back
at my health

I'm a lifer.

:rock: :guitar: :guitar: :rock:

[ABlairican Pie]

Phil Anselmo had the total green light from the rest of Pantera to outside projects. Interestingly, it was going to be an ongoing pursuit with the firebrand vocalist.

Temptation's Wings

I feel the pressure, it lightens
to judge this spirit of mine
to be like the judgement
to be the king that is left behind

to hell with I miss you
I said I 'd do it alone
ripping apart from you
a broken vision to call my own

I gave my life to reason
so now I'm watching my life go
my wit is falling apart
I can't shake temptations wings
I can't shake temptations wings

I bury my head with frustration
and I look at others and wonder why(?)
I'm feeding my cancer
A broken vision that stole my sight

I gave my life to reason,
So now I'm watching my life go -

My wit is falling apart

I can't shake Temptation Wings!
temptations wings...
temptations wings got me pale
why?

[ABlairican Pie]

Morbid Angel released Domination, their fourth in their alphabetical album titles ("C" was 1993's Covenant). The album featured the track "Where the Slime Live", where lead guitarist Trey Azagthoth played a 7-string, the kind of guitar Steve Vai designed. The 7-string came in handy for very low subterranean tones and increased heaviness (which would be fully supplanted by a "new" style of rock in the months to come). But Azagthoth was completely oblivious to current trends in rock (operative word: trends), in fact, the song lyrics below make clear as to who he may be really talking about (as opposed to creepiness for its own sake).

Where the Slime Live

Where the slime live
(They are the lowest forms of life)
Where the slime breed
(They make a new one too corrupted)
When the wind blows
(The winds of truth are blowing now)
And the cradle falls....down

Their poison fingers that wrote the poison lines
Their poison lingers
What a tragedy when their fingers are removed

Where the slime live

Their burning dogma
Introducing to our mind - lies
They plot for the total control of the morals
And what a tragedy when the "god-heads" are removed.

They crawl, they breed, they hide but we see
They burn
I see the smoke of the funerals rising
God lives in thier heads now laid to rest

What a sight
As their kingdom comes tumbling down
We burn - the ones with contrite souls be gone!

Long gone are the filthy liars
Long gone are their filthy lies
I know they'll come again some day
Where the slime live and how the slime gets washed away

:rock: :guitar: :guitar: :rock:

[Steve M.]

The breakup of the Beatles in 1970 left a lot of loose ends that were never quite tied up. Imagine if the four Beatles had reunited. Imagine if they'd gotten back together long enough to record two new songs for their fans and include it in a collection of previously unreleased tracks and used the project to tell their story in their words.

Well, thanks to the magic of technology and the precedent set by Natalie Cole, they did.

Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr took two unfinished John Lennon demos and added their voices and instruments to the tapes, producing two new Beatles songs. The first, "Free As a Bird," was released as a single in 1995. It was debuted on the three-part television special The Beatles Anthology, aired in the United States on ABC.

http://www.beatles.onlinehome.de/1anth.jpg

Hot on the heels of "Free As a Bird" as Anthology 1, a collection of rare and previously unreleased songs, alternate takes, and early recordings from the group from their Liverpool days to their global triumphs in 1964. The new single kicked off the album. :)

Free As a Bird - the Beatles

(Lennon / McCartney / Harrison / Starkey)

Free as a bird,
It's the next best thing to be,
Free as a bird.

Home, home and dry,
Like a homing bird I'll fly,
As a bird on wings.

Whatever happened to
The life that we once knew?
Can we really live without each other?
When did we lose the touch
That seemed to mean so much?
Always made me feel so. . .

Free as a bird,
It's the next best thing to be,
Free as a bird.

Home, home and dry,
Like a homing bird I'll fly,
As a bird on wings

Whatever happened to
The life that we once knew?
Always made me feel so. . . .

Free as a bird,
It;s the next best thing to be,
Free as a bird,
Free as a bird.

[Steve M.]

"Free As a Bird" was one of several previously unheard Beatles songs on Anthology 1. Also included were tunes that either were never properly recorded for EMI or committed to demo recordings and thought lost. "In Spite Of All The Danger" was the first of the lot.

In 1958, the Quarry Men - John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, John Lowe and Colin Hanton - showed up at a local Liverpool recording studio and cut a record for the princely sum of 17/6 (seventeen shillings and a sixpence, about two dollars in 1958 American money). Each of the pre-Fab Five kept the record for a week, but John Lowe somehow forgot to give it up after a week and kept it for twenty-four years! Handed over with care to Apple in 1982, it was carefully preserved and included in the CD compilation of Anthology 1.

The A-side of the thick, breakable record was a cover of Buddy Holly's "That'll Be The Day," with John Lennon singing lead. The B-side - again, with John on lead vocals - was an original Quarry Men tune, "In Spite Of All The Danger," written by Paul and George.

The Quarry Men soon disbanded afterwards. Lowe and Hanton, who treated music as a hobby, went on to get real jobs, leaving the other three chaps to reform as Johnny and the Moondogs. They later changed their name to the Rainbows. John Lennon soon realized they weren't going to get anywhere without a better name - or a drummer. :lol:

http://www.geetarz.org/reviews/beatles/dc-3-4.jpg

In Spite Of All The Danger - the Quarry Men

(McCartney / Harrison)

In spite of all the danger,
In spite of all that may be,
I'll do anything for you,
Anything you want me to,
If you'll be true to me.

In spite of all the heartache
That you may cause me,
I'll do anything for you,
Anything you want me to,
If you'll be true to me.

I'll look after you
Like I've never done before,
I'll keep all the others
From knocking at your door.

(REPEAT ALL VERSES, THEN REPEAT FIRST VERSE)

I'll do anything for you,
Anything you want me to,
If you'll be true to me.

[Steve M.]

John, Paul and George performed as a guitar-playing trio long before Crosby, Stills and Nash, but that wasn't exactly the kind of group they wanted to be. They wanted to be a band. They needed a bass player and a drummer, and finding anyone who could play drums in particular was difficult in Liverpool at the turn of the decade; drum kits were simply expensive. Any Liverpool rock and roller who owned a kit, though, was highly coveted by all the Mersey groups in need of a drummer (i.e., most of them). John and Paul performed briefly as a duo, the Nurk Twins, to gain extra experience.

They did get themselves a bassist in 1960 - John's art school pal Stu Sutcliffe, who bought an electric bass with money he made from selling a painting of his. He couldn't play a note , but he proved to be a quick study.

Still with no drummer, John, Paul, George and Stu passed the time committing songs to demo tapes. One improvised original number, "You'll Be Mine," managed to survive thrity-five years and appeared on Anthology 1.

You'll Be Mine - the. . . Rainbows? :lol:

(Lennon / McCartney)

Well, darling, all the night,
You'll be mine and I know
You'll be mine 'til you die,
You'll be mine.

And so all the night,
You'll be mine,
You'll be mine.
And the stars always shine,
You'll be mine.
Oh. . . ,

My darling. . .
When you burnt that toast the other mornin,'
I. . . I looked into your eyes,
And I could see your National Health eyeball,
And I love you, like I've never done,
Like I've never done before!

Oh darling,
In your eyes, and you'll be mine,
You will be mine.
You'll be mine
At the star and so,
You'll be mine. . . .

http://www.beatlesagain.com/images/stu1.jpg
(Stu Sutcliffe, sporting his James Dean look.)

Searching for a new name, John Lennon suggested a catchy name like Buddy Holly's group, the Crickets. Lennon always loved the pun on "cricket," the British baseball-like sport, even though Holly's backing musicians were American and didn't know about the game. Stu Sutcliffe half-jokingly suggested calling themselves the "Beetles," and the others thought, why not?

And so it was decided - the group would be named the Beetles, the spelling, at John's urging, would be changed to "Beatles," as a pun on beat, and "You'll Be Mine" would be dropped from their set list. :lol:

[Steve M.]

The Beatles finally found a permanent drummer after making do with temporary members on various gigs. Once Pete Best joined, they got a plum gig playing in Hamburg. Soon they were going back and forth between Hamburg and Liverpool playing some of the best clubs in both cities.

In Hamburg, in 1961, the five Beatles recorded as backing musicians for Tony Sheridan, an Englishman living in Germany who was enjoying great success there at the time. At this point the group took some time to tape a couple of numbers on their own - "Cry For A Shadow," a Lennon-Harrison instrumental, and a cover of the twenties standard "Ain't She Sweet," which had been made famous in the rock and roll era by Gene Vincent.

http://www.montibeton.com/Programme/Specials/Sheridan/sheridan_kopf_2.jpg
(Tony Sheridan, 1961.)

Ain't She Sweet - Gene Vincent

(Ager / Yellen)

Oh, ain't she sweet,
See her walking down the street,
Well, I ask you very confidentially -
Ain't she sweet?

Oh, ain't she nice,
Look her over once or twice,
Well, I ask you very confidentially -
Ain't she nice?

Just catch the light in her direction.
Oh me, oh my - ain't that perfection?

(REPEAT FIRST VERSE)

Both of these Beatles recordings are on Anthology 1 - along with the Tony Sheridan/Beatles take on "My Bonnie" that brought the group to the attention of one Brian Samuel Epstein. :)

[Steve M.]

By January 1, 1962, much had changed for the Beatles. Brian Epstein became their manager, they started getting more gigs in Britain, and they were regulars at a Liverpool club called the Cavern. Also, Stuart Sutcliffe left to return to his first love, art, and Paul McCartney replaced him on bass. (Tragically, Stu died of a brain tumor in 1962.)

All John, Paul, George, and Pete Best (pictured below) needed was a recording contract. On New Year's Day, 1962, they auditioned for Decca Records, and producer Mike Smith recorded them performing fifteen songs - mostly covers of Coasters songs! Brian Epstein was convinced they were on their way to fame and fortune. "1962 will be your year," he told them.

http://www.brunchradio.com/images/petebest_color.jpg

Five of the songs from the Decca tapes made it on Anthology 1, including two Lennon-McCartney songs. One, "Hello Little Girl," was eventually given to another Liverpool group managed by Eprtein called the Fourmost.

Hello Little Girl - the Beatles

(Lennon / McCartney)

Hello little girl,
Hello little girl.
When I see you every day, I say, mm-mm,
Hello little girl.
When you're passing on your way, I say,mm-mm,
Hello little girl.

If I see you passing by, I cry, mm-mm,
Hello little girl.
When I try to catch your eye, I cry, mm-mm,
Hello little girl.

I send you flowers, but you don't care.
You never seem to see me standing there.
I often wonder what you're thinking of,
I hope it's me - love, love, love.
So I hope there'll come a day when you say, mm-mm,
You're my little girl.

(REPEAT FIRST TWO VERSES)

It's not the first time it's happened to me.
It's been a long, long time and it's so funny to see,
That I'm about to lose my mind.
So I hope there'll come a day when you say, mm-mm,
You're my little girl,
You're my little girl.

http://www.merseybeatnostalgia.co.uk/assets/images/The_Fourmost.jpg
(The Fourmost, the first artists to record "Hello Little Girl" for commercial release.)

[Steve M.]

"Helo Little Girl" was a Lennon song. In the interest of equal time, the Beatles also played a McCartney number for their Decca audition, "Like Dreamers Do."

Like Dreamers Do - the Beatles

(Lennon / McCartney)

Dreams, I saw a girl in my dreams,
And so it seems
That I will love her.
You, you are that girl in my dreams,
And so it seems
That I will love her.
And I, yi yi, waited for your kiss,
Waited for the bliss,
Like dreamers do.

And i, I yi yi yi yi,
Oh I'll be there, yeah,
Waiting fo you.

You, you came just one dream ago,
And now I know
That I will love you.
I knew, when you first said hello,
That's how I know
That I will love you.
And I, yi yi, waited for your kiss,
Waited for the bliss,
Like dreamers do.
Like dreamers do.

The Beatles passed the audition - at least as far as Mike Smith was concerned. He wanted to sign them on the spot, but his boss, a fellow named Dick Rowe, overruled him and turned the Beatles down. "These boys won't make it," Rowe told Epstein. "Fourgroups are out. Go back to Liverpool, Mr. Epstein, you have a successful business there."

If Dick Rowe is still alive, he's kicking himself to death. :eek:

And so, despite Brian Epstein's prediction, 1962 would not be the Beatles's year. (1962 was the Tornadoes' year. Their instrumental "Telstar" made them the first British pop group to have a hit in the U.S., even though it. . . SU- ucked!) But there was always 1963. . . .

(To be honest, if the Beatles had played you crap like "Like Dreamers Do," you wouldn't have signed them either.)

http://www.thebeatles.com.br/pics2/voce-sabia/applejacks.jpg

"Like Dreamers Do" saw the light of day for the first time as a single from the group the Applejacks (pictured above) in 1964. The record was produced by - you guessed it - Mike Smith.

[Steve M.]

On June 6, 1962, the Beatles had another audition set up at Parlophone Records, an EMI label, at EMI's Abbey Road studios. This time proved the charm, and they got themselves a recording contract when Parlophone boss George Martin decided to sign them. "I've got nothing to lose," he reasoned.

http://www.tennystreetroadhouse.com/Shows/petebest3.jpg
(The Beatles circa 1962, at the same time they got a recording contract. But one of these guys was destined never to set foot into Abbey Road Studios ever again. . . .)

Wow, that must have been great for Pete Best to know he was going to be a rock and roll star at last. Fame and fortune were just around the corner. Than on August 16, 1962, the Beatles fired him for being a boring drummer and being better looking than Paul. One Richard Starkey - you know him as Ringo Starr - replaced him.

http://www.beatles.ws/rsdrums.jpg
(Richard Starkey, future M.B.E. and rock drummer extraordinaire. :) )

The new lineup reported for the recording session for their debut EMI single on September 4, 1962, and George Martin told them to record an original song written by a chap named Mitch Murray, "How Do You Do It." The Beatles refused to record it, but Martin put his foot down. They recorded the song, but they also recorded "Love Me Do" for consideration. George Martin looked very hard at "How Do You Do It" - it was that good - but went with "Love Me Do" in the end. In fact, after song publisher Dick James heard some of the group's own songs, it was decided that only Lennon/McCartney (and later, Harrison) compositions would be featured on U.K. singles henceforth. Most of them would be published by James.

The Beatles's recording of "How Do You Do It" finally came out on Anthology 1 in 1995.

How Do You Do It - the Beatles

(Murray)

How do you do what you do to me?
I wish I knew.
If I knew how you did it to me,
I'd do it to you.

How do you do what you do to me?
I'm feeling blue.
Wish I knew how you do it to me
But I haven't a clue.

You give me a feeling in my heart
Like an arrow piercing through it,
I suppose that you think you're very samrt,
But won't you tell me, how do you do it?

How do you do what you do to me?
I wish I knew.
If I knew how you do it to me,
I'd do it to you.

(REPEAT BRIDGE)

(REPEAT THIRD VERSE)

Wish I knew how you'd do it to me,
I'd do it to you.

Brian Epstein later give "How Do You Do It" to another one of his artistes, Gerry and the Pacemakers. It was a major it in Britain in 1963, andit also was a big hit in the U.S. in 1964. So even though the Beatles never wanted to record one of his songs, Mitch Murray didn't do too badly.

As for the Beatles's single "Love Me Do," it got up to number seventeen in the charts. Not bad for a first try. "Please Please Me," the followup, made number one in three of the four British singles charts of the time but only made number two in the now widely quoted fourth chart. Then came two smash albums, three more chart-topping singles, a number one in America, every single in the U.S. Top Five in April 1964, and. . . the rest is history.

[Steve M.]

When pop musicologist Mark Lewisohn became combing through the EMI vaults for unreleased Beatles recordings to include on the Anthology collections, some fans were hoping he'd find Beatles songs rumored to have been written and recorded but never issued, like "Pink Litmus Paper Shirt" and "Colliding Circles." Of course, these songs were never recorded by the Fabs, and never even existed.

One such "mythical Beatles song" was discovered, and the story that went with it is just as fascinating. One June 3, 1964, the Beatles were to tape a fourteenth song for the soundtrack album for their movie A Hard Day's Night before setting off on a world tour, but Ringo came down with tonsilitis. Jimmy Nicol temporarily replaced Ringo for the tour, and this session was spent rehearsing a few numbers with him. After Nicol left, John, Paul, and George taped a demo for what was likely meant to be the fourteenth song for A Hard Day's Night, a George Harrison composition called "You Know What To Do." Thus is solved the mystery of why A Hard Day's Night had only thirteen songs instead of the pre-Pepper 14-song standard. . . and why the Beatles's third album is the only one comprised entirely of Lennon/McCartney songs.

"You Know What To Do" was rumored to have been written and recorded by the Beatles, but no one could find any proof of it. . . until the June 1964 demo, believed lost, was discovered in the Abbey Road vaults in 1993 - nearly thirty years after it had been first taped. And guess what - it's a good song! :)

You Know What To Do - the Beatles

(Harrison)

When I see you I just don't know what to say,
I like to be with you every hour of the day.
So if you want me just I need you,
You know what to do.

I watched you walking by and you looked all alone,
I hope that you won't mind if I walk you back home.
And if you want me just like I need you,
You know what to do.

(BRIDGE)
Just call on me when you're lonely,
I'll keep my love for you only,
I'll call on you if I'm lonely too.

Understand I'll stay with you every day,
Make you love me more in every way.
So if you want me just like I want you,
You know what to do.

(REPEAT BRIDGE)

(REPEAT THIRD VERSE)

http://www.cottageviews.com/Artists%20Photos/Beatles/George%20Harrison%201964.jpg

(George Harrison during the making of A Hard Day's Night.)

[Steve M.]

It was not typical - but not unheard of - for the Beatles to record more songs than they needed for an album and an accompanying single. During the sessions that produced their fourth album, Beatles For Sale, the group taped a remake of "Leave Me Kitten Alone," a fifties rock and roll standard. When the running order for the LP was worked out, though, this song was surplus to requirements and left off the record. It finally saw the light of day on the Anthology 1 set in 1995.

Leave My Kitten Alone - the Beatles

(John / Turner / MacDougal)

You better leave my kitten all alone,
You better leave my kitten all alone.
Well, I told you, big fat bulldog -
You better leave her alone.

You better leave my kitten all alone,
You better leave my kitten all alone.
This dog is gonna get you
If you don't leave her alone.

Well, Mister Dog, I'm gonna hit you
On the top of yo' head.
Your child is gonna miss you,
You're gonna wish that you were dead
If you don't leave my kitten all alone.
Well, I told you, big fat bulldog -
You better leave her alone.

http://www.stevesbeatles.com/cds/album-covers/beatles_for_sale.jpg

(The front sleeve of Beatles For Sale - which does not include "Leave My Kitten Alone!")

These were just a few of the previously unheard Beatles songs (except for those with access to bootlegs) that EMI was to put out. More was to come on Anthology 2 and Anthology 3 in 1996. :)

[ABlairican Pie]

Now that Bruce Dickinson had left the picture to pursue a solo career, the rest of Iron Maiden had prove once again that they could come up with a capable vocalist. Replacing Bruce seemed like a daunting task--as he replaced previous vocalist Paul Di'Anno--but soon they came up with a comparable singer by the name of Blaze Bayley, formerly of the up-and-coming band Wolfsbane, who immediately broke up upon Blaze's departure. Would the new lineup work? Blaze was a fine singer, though fans took a while to get used to the fact that this was not Bruce "Scream for me, Donington!!" Dickinson. The band released a new album that felt a little different from their past releases, 1995's The X Factor. While the album retained its classic anthemic epics and the like, the band was venturing into darker, more introspective themes, as the self-analytical tone of the 90's came to represent. Bassist/founder Steve Harris wrote lyrics of self-searching, depression, futility, and even religious and spiritual themes. Many fans were disappointed with the new direction, while the band and others felt that this was one of their more mature works.

Sign of the Cross

Eleven saintly shrouded men
Silhouettes stand against the sky
One in front with a cross held high
Come to wash my sins away

Standing alone in the wind and rain
Feeling the fear that is growing
Sensing the change in the tide again
Caught by the storm that is brewing
Feel the anxiety hold off the fear
Some of the doubt in the things you beleive
Now that your faith will be put to the test
Nothing to do but await that is coming

Why then is god still protecting me
Even when I don't deserve it
Thought I am blessed with an inner strenght
Some they would call it a penance
Why am I meant to face this alone
Asking the question time and again
Praying to god won't keep me alive
Inside my head feel the fear start to rise...

They'll be saying their prayers when the moment comes
There'll be penace to pay when it's judgement day
And the guilty'll be bleedwhen that moment comes
They'll be coming to claim, take your soul away

The sign of the cross
The name of the rose, a fire in the sky
The sign of the cross

They'll bve coming to bring the eternal flame
They'll be bringing us all immortality
Holding communion so the world be blessed
My creator, my god'll lay my soul to rest

The sign of the cross
The name of the rose, a fire in the sky
The sign of the cross

Lost the love of father above
Chose the lust of the earth below
Eleven saintly shrouded men
Come to wash my sins away

[ABlairican Pie]

It was not easy losing Bruce. He simply came to a point where he wanted to honestly create his own music and not be locked in as a member of Maiden, "someone else's band". The band and their management appreciated his straightforwardness, after all, if he was not going to put forth the effort, it would end up hurting the band. So the band finished a few concert dates in 1993, and they could tell Bruce was not into it--was he sabotaging his own performance? Questions about his final days with the band and about his being a team player turned into frustration and disappointment after he had left. The band felt relieved to have let him go and put in new blood.

But that was 1993, and this was two years later. Maiden was going to perservere. The band had gotten back into the club scene, the days of colossal stage sets were behind them (and perhaps the reason for the stripped down club shows was most likely because of the anti-metal stance of
music fans who were still pining for Kurt C. and grunge--no major band of the 80's, except for Metallica, wherever they were, could sell out arenas).

Speaking of 1993, the band wrote a song based on a movie that came out that year--"Falling Down" with Michael Douglas, which we have mentioned earlier, where the band had moved ahead from its medieval-themed power metal leanings into the frantic present.

Man On the Edge

The freeway is jammed and it's backed up for miles
The car is an over and baking is wild
Nothing is ever the way it should be
What we deserve we just don't get you see

A briefcase, a lunch and a man on the edge
Each step gets closer to losing his head
Is someone in heaven are they looking down
'Cause nothing is fair just you look around

Falling down

He's sick of waiting of lying like this
There's a hole in the sky for the angels to kiss
Branded a leper because you don't fit
In the land of the free you can live by your wits

Once he built missiles a nation's defence
Now he can't even give birthday presents
Across the city he leaves in his wake
A glimpse of the future a cannibal state

Falling down

The freeway is jammed and it's backed up for miles
The car is an over and baking is wild
Nothing is ever the way it should be
What we deserve we just don't get you see

A briefcase, a lunch and a man on the edge
Each step gets closer to losing his head
Is someone in heaven are they looking down
'Cause nothing is fair just you look around

Falling down

[ABlairican Pie]

Judgement of Heaven

A lonely cry for help peaching out for help to anymore
A silent prayer to god to help you on your way
I've been depressed so long
It's hard to remember when I was happy
I've felt like suicide a dozen times or more
But that's the easy way, that's the selfish way
The hardest part is to get on with your life

You're searching in the dark clutching at straws to find a way
You take the tarot cards and throw them to the wind
You ? question your beliefs your inner thoughts,
Your whole existence
And if there is a good then answer if you will
And tell me of my fate, tell me of my place
Tell me if I'll ever rest in peace

If you could live your life again
Would you change a thing or leave it all the same
If you had the chance again
Would you change the thing at all
When you look back at your past
Can you say that you are proud of what you've done
Are there times when you believe
That the right you thought was wrong

All of my life I have believed
Judgement of heaven is waiting for me

All of my life now I have believed
Judgement of heaven awaits for me...

Blaze Bayley:

[ABlairican Pie]

Fortunes of War

After the war and now that they've sent us homeward
I can't help but feel that I'm on my own
No one can see just what this conflict has done to
The minds of the man who are on their way home

I'm scared for life but it's not my flesh that's wounded
So how can I face the torment alone
The vivid scenes and all the recurring nightmares
I lay there and sweat until it gets light...

People say "Don't worry"
Say that time's a perfect healer
That the nightmares they will come to pass
Can't hear what they're saying
I am living in my own world
And I'm feeling trance like all the time

I hear voices in my head
Could I really be going crazy
In the night the visions seem so real
Do you care if you live or die
When you laugh are you really crying
You're not sure what's feel anymore

Fortunes of war
Fortunes of war no pain anymore

Sometimes I wake
I feel that my spirit's broken
I wonder if I've the strenght... to carry on.


X Factor alternate cover:

[ABlairican Pie]

In one interview just a few years earlier in 1991, Scott Ian of Anthrax, Dave Mustaine of Megadeth, and Kerry King and Jeff Hanneman of Slayer discussed the state of thrash metal's popularity while they participated in the Clash of the Titans tour. They seemed not to worry about the direction of thrash, if it were to dissipate tomorrow, no problem, they would still keep soldiering on as before.

By 1995, Anthrax and other thrash bands had a lot to worry about.

That year saw the release of Anthrax's Stomp 442, a decent metal album which, sadly, found itself without an audience due to their record company's unwillingness to promote it. After all, what trendoid in their right mind would be buying a metal album in the year of the Hootie and the Crayonbox--er, Candlebox?? Metal was a dead issue, was it not? It was quite a shame, really, because the album featured stellar guitar work by Dimebag Darrell, on loan for the album from Pantera. The band dealt with the loss of Danny Spitz by using various guitarists in the studio. But it was still ironic that one of the primier thrash metal bands who helped found the scene with Metallica (and where were THEY??), as well as injecting rap into metal just a few years before would find themselves stalled career-wise in the middle of the 90's.

Random Acts of Senseless Violence

Shut up, don't pass the blame
The same god-damn thing just the name's have changed
On the day you were busted your forgot the line
Don't do the crime if you can't do the time
An animal's acting instinctively
Glorified murderer, insanity
Do you think I'd kill you just count to one
You're the coward, with the gun

Yeah, you thought you knew me
Yeah, you hardly knew me
You don't know me
I know I shouldn't care
My crazy senses of right and wrong that can't be made to break this,
break this, break this

I see something wrong and fix it with my hands
I walk a thin blue line, this cross I came to bear

So now you're dead well wha' dya know
And am I sorry no, I don't think so
They wanted sympathy now that's a bit much
How much did you show, how much
Take the value for one human life
And place it all right down on a roll of the dice
And a one, two, three for the pain you bring
I'm the bird without the left wing

Yeah, you thought you knew me
Yeah, you hardly knew me
You don't know me
I know I shouldn't care
My crazy sense of right and wrong that can't be made to break this,
break this, break this

I see something wrong and fix it with my hands
I walk a thing blue line, this cross I came to bear

Random acts of senseless, random acts of senseless
Random acts of senseless, random acts of senseless
Violence

I see something wrong and I fix it with my hands
I walk a thin blue line, this cross I came to bear
I see something wrong and I fix it with my hands
I walk a thin blue line and I'll be the one who laughs when,
You die

[Main Solo : Paul Crook]
[Morsecode Guitar : Charlie Benante]

[ABlairican Pie]

Here is one of the many songs on the album which Dimebag plays:

Fueled

I'm out to mix it up and change my complexion
To coat the feelings and cure my depression
A shot of petrol is my bonafide method
To lose control and get thorougly distracted

I'm on the money, here I come
Fuel for my engine, and I'm gone

I like to forget why I feel this compulsive
As I toss tomorrow's dreams in the garbage
What's important is a mind that's sicker
Turning Jekyll into Hide much quicker

I'm on the money, here I come
Fuel for my engine, and I'm gone

1,2,3,4,1,2,3,4
Kickstart and turn me over
Punchdrunk, but I'm still sober
Fourteen years and a whole lot bolder
And I don't flinch
Hungry and I'll take the best
'Cause I never wanted anything less
What doesn't kill me makes me stronger

It's like a war inside me, I'm good, I'm evil
Two sides of the coin and I've been blessed with both
On one hand I am you, but I don't like you
I guess that's the nature of the way things work

I'm on the money, here I come
Fuel for my engine, and I'm gone

1,2,3,4,1,2,3,4
Kickstart and turn me over
Punchdrunk, but I'm still sober
Bukowski's on my shoulder
With much to think
Hungry and I'll take the best
'Cause I never wanted anything less
What doesn't kill makes me stronger
It's like a war inside me, action is all I know
Tell me it's suicide, tell me something I don't know

I don't know why I've been made some kind of hero
When I've done all I can do to prove I'm not
It's amazing to think someone could trust me
Tell me what do you know about me really ?
And I you make the mistake of getting close to,
Me, you'll just give me all that you've got
So I don't know why I've been made some kind of hero
When I've done all I can do to prove I'm not

1,2,3,4,1,2,3,4
Kickstart and turn me over
Punchdrunk, but I'm still sober
Fourteen years and a whole lot bolder
And I don't flinch
Hungry and I'll take the best
'Cause I never wanted anything less
What doesn't kill me makes me stronger

1,2,3,4,1 I can't close this broken door

It's just the nature of the way things work
You wanna be me, I don't give a damn
Anyone can do it but it takes a man not to
Try so hard to give me a real life
Anyone can do it but it takes a man not to
It's just the nature of the way things work

[ABlairican Pie]

Danzig were able to manage a "confessional" radio hit from Danzig 4 with the "confessional" song "Cantspeak", a haunting song with dark brooding thoughts.

Cantspeak

can't speak
can't talk
can't do anything they want

can't hide
or change your mind
gonna live w/ all my soul
inside

can't speak
can't talk
can't stop for the reeling cause
or love
I told 'em all about it
can't talk
cause I'm already lost

can't think
can't cry
keep thinking of a suicide
it's hard
I just can't forget it
gonna fade cause I'm already dead

can't think
can't dream
don't care if I live or die
don't talk
I just can't believe it
gonna fade cause I'm already deadcan't speak
can't lie
don't go anywhere to hide
can't think
can't cry
keep thinking of a suicide

can't speak
can't talk
can't do anything I want
can't hide
or change your mind
gonna live w/ all my soul inside

[ABlairican Pie]

Van Halen's 1995 album Balance featured a song in response to the suicide of Kurt Cobain called "Don't Tell Me (What Love Can Do)", perhaps in response to Courtney Love's criticism of the myth of "tough love" changing a person's self-destructive direction. Eddie Van Halen was in fact enamored by Kurt Cobain's playing, however, a few years earlier at the height of Nirvana's popularity, Eddie was very drunk at a get-together where he told the primier grunge guitarist that "I'm washed up, I'm finished. You're the guys who rule now." Kurt and the other members of Nirvana were appalled at Eddie's alcohol-induced statement of self-pity and loathing.

The album cover actually caused a bit of controversy, especially in Japan where the image of the conjoined twins brought back horrific memories of similar children who were genetically disfigured due to the effects of the atomic bombs dropped in World War II--the effects of which had lasted for generations. The cover was altered in the Far East. It's pretty much a tacky cover in and of itself.

Don't Tell Me (What Love Can Do)

It's ok, I'll do what I want if I choose
I can take the fall, there's a choice
It's my destiny in my hands
Yeah, it's up to me

I can drive
I can shoot a gun in the streets
Score me some heroin
I can jump, be the sacrifice
Bear the cross just like Jesus Christ

And I don't wanna hear what love can do
No, I ain't gonna tell you what's right for you

Is it right, to take the easy way?
Close your eyes, get on your knees and pray
Now you're saved, by a higher voice
Givin' up, givin' up, givin' up your choice

If I'm wrong, then I'll pay for it
If I'm right, yeah you're gonna hear about it
But I'll try, yeah I'll try for it
I'll try and I'll try, 'til I'm satisfied

And I, I'm tired o' hearin' what love can do
And I, ain't gonna tell you what's right for you

I've seen the damage done
Yeah, I heard the shotgun
And felt the settin' sun on my kingdom come
Ohhh!

(Guitar Solo)

Is it right, uh, to take the easy way?
I don't know, I get down on my knees and pray
Now I'm saved, by a higher voice
Givin' up, givin' up, givin' up my choice

If I'm wrong, hey! Then I'll pay for it
If I'm right, yeah, you're gonna deal with it
'Cause I'll try, yeah I'll try for it
I'll try and I'll cry, even die for it

No, I don't wana hear what love can do
No, I, I can't tell you what's right for you
Oh, I, I, I tell you what love can do
No, I, I, I can't say when your time is through

I've seen the damage done
Oh Lord, I heard the shotgun
I felt the settin' sun on my kingdom come
Nooo!

(Guitar Solo)

Yeah! A-hey, hey, hey!

Don't tell me what love can do, uh
Hey hey hey! Uh!
Hey hey hey hey!
Don't tell me what love can do, alright
Hey hey hey!
What love can do
Hey hey hey!

:rock: :guitar: :guitar: :rock:

[ABlairican Pie]

One song, "The Seventh Seal", included a chorus of chanting Tibetan Buddist monks. Though it was not the best idea to bring them on the road with them--concert audiences didn't get it. :confused:

The Seventh Seal

Oh, yeah!
Huh!
Huh!

Walk me down to the wishin' well
Help me find that miracle
Splash that holy water on me
Drown my faith in Trinity, yeah
Oh, Lord

Little by little gonna get it I swear
One more piece of the puzzle, I'm there. Yeah
Gotta get lucky, gotta get that done
Little bit o' luck never hurt no one

Come on, take me down, down, down, down
I'm in a cold sweat
Lord, don't let me drown, drown, drown, drown
In Mother Earth's soul, yet!

Oh, yeah yeah!
Under darken skies
We'll see the light

Yeah!

Broken now, I can't help but feel
Someone cracked the seventh seal
Nothin' sacred, nothin' left unturned
When nothin's simple, then nothin's learned

So take me down to the virgin spring
Wash away my suffering, oh
Splash that holy water on me
Wash my eyes so I can see

Come on, take me down, down, down, down
I'm in a cold sweat
Yeah, don't let me drown, drown, drown, drown
In Mother Earth's soul, not yet
Lord, I think I found, found, found, found, found
My mother lode! Hey!
Oh, yeah!

Lord, Lord, Lord, Lord, Lord, Lord
Yeah! Down, down, down, down, down, down
Take me down, down, down, down, down, down
(Down, down, down, down, down, down)
Take me

:rock: :guitar: :guitar: :rock:

http://www.phy.davidson.edu/StuHome/RyConatser/balance_band4.jpg

[ABlairican Pie]

The band took a bit of flack for its goofy lyrics to the next song. The capital of the Van Halen brothers' home country was a virtual wonderland of rock and roll hedonism with hashish, hookers, and everything else.

Amsterdam

Light 'em up!

Yeah!

Lookin' good through the window
Shinin' red and blue light, yeah
A little thick in the bottom
But still lookin' alright, yeah

Got a pocket full o' money
Got me a long night ahead
Quick stop by the Bulldog
Score me some Panama Red, yeah

Oh, wham bam, oh Amsterdam (Yeah yeah yeah)
Stone you like nothin' else can (Yeah yeah yeah)
Woo! Hot damn, roll an Amsterdam (Yeah yeah yeah)
She can't then nothin' else can

Uh! Caught a plane outta Moscow
Spent one cold night in Berlin, yeah
It's a long hard way but I'm a-comin'
Back again, yeah

Oh, wham bam, oh Amsterdam (Yeah yeah yeah)
Stone you like nothin' else can (Yeah yeah yeah)
Yeah, come on up, roll an Amsterdam (Yeah yeah yeah)
If she can't then no one else can

Yeah!
Yeow!

(Guitar Solo)

Ohhh!

(Yeah yeah yeah) Woo-hoo
(Yeah yeah yeah) Ooo-hoo
(Yeah yeah yeah) Ooo-hoo

Yeow!

Oh, wham bam, oh Amsterdam (Yeah yeah yeah)
Will stone you like nothin' else can (Yeah yeah yeah)
Yeah, hot damn, roll an Amsterdam (Yeah yeah yeah)
If she can't then no one else can (Yeah yeah yeah)
Woo! Wham bam, oh Amsterdam (Yeah yeah yeah)
Don't have to worry 'bout the man (Yeah yeah yeah)
Woo! Hot damn, uh, burn an Amsterdam, yeah (Yeah yeah yeah)
Stone me like nothin' else can (Yeah yeah yeah)

[ABlairican Pie]

So here was Van Halen at the pinnacle of the Van Hagar era. Eddie Van Halen had a new line of Peavey guitars named after his son Wolfgang, he had gone from the whizzbang 80's guitar shredder to a solid, pop-rock sound minus the acrobatics--but not without some edgy tone and playing. His hair was cut and he sported a beard. He and his band were standing on top of the world.

For a little while.

Can't Stop Loving You

Hey!
There's a time and place for everything. For everyone
We can push with all our might, but nothin's gonna come
Oh no, nothin's gonna change
An' if I ask you not to try, oh could you let it be?

I wanna hold you and say
We can't throw this all away
Tell me you won't go, you won't go
You have to hear me say

I can't stop lovin' you (Ooooo)
And no matter (Ooo-ooo-ooo) what I say or do
You know (Ooo-ooo-ooo) my heart is true, oh
(Ooo-ooo-ooo) I can't stop lovin' you

You can change your friends, your place in life
You can change your mind
We can change the things we say, and do any time
Oh no, but I think you'll find
That when you look inside your heart
Oh baby, I'll be there. Yeah!

Hold on. I'm holdin' on
Baby, just come on, come on, come on
I just wanna hear you say

I can't stop lovin' you (Ooooo)
And no matter (Ooo-ooo-ooo) what you say or do
You know (Ooo-ooo-ooo) my heart is true, oh-oh!
I can't (Ooo-ooo-ooo) stop lovin' you

Oh, I'm so twisted and tied
And all I remember, was how hard we tried
Only to surrender

(Guitar Solo)

(Ahh-ahh) And when it's over
(Ahhh-ahh) I know how it's gonna be
And true love will never die
Or, not fade away

And I can't (Ooo-ooo-ooo) stop lovin' you
And no matter (Ooo-ooo-ooo) what I say or do
You know (Ooo-ooo-ooo) my heart is true, oh
I can't (Ooo-ooo-ooo) stop lovin' you

And I know (Ooo-ooo-ooo) what I got to do
Hey Ray, what you said is true, oh
I can't (Ooo-ooo-ooo) stop lovin' you, oh no
(Ooo-ooo-ooo)
Oh, can't (Ooo-ooo-ooo) stop lovin' you

:rock: :guitar: :guitar: :rock:

Eddie Van Halen on the cover of a 1995 Rolling Stone, acting like the future was so bright he had to wear shades: :cool:

[Steve M.]

After an ad hoc duets album with lots of different folks and a collaboration with lyricist Tim Rice for a Disney soundtrack, Elton John got back to making "regular" records. In 1995, he released this twenty-fifth studio album and the first album comprised entirely of Elton John/Bernie Taupin tunes in three years, Made In England.

http://www2.cconnect.net/robertsmp3/Elton_John-made_in_england.jpg

Aside from the title track, the songs all bore one-word titles. :lol: "Believe" (not the Cher song of a few years later) was the hit single. :)

[Steve M.]

Bruce Springsteen released The Ghost of Tom Joad, an acoustic folk concept album about America's working poor and the plight of Mexican migrant workers, in 1995.

http://www.wherehouse.com/amgcover/music/large/f5/43/f54361utdmf.jpg

The titlle song referred to the lead character in John Steinbeck's tale of poor Oklahoma farmers headed for California, The Grapes of Wrath, played by Henry Fonda in the movie version. At the end of the story, Tom Joad always promises to be wherever the poor and the indigent are being persecuted. Springsteen's song is about waiting for him to show up now, when we need him the most.

The Ghost of Tom Joad - Bruce Springsteen

(Springsteen)

Men walkin' 'long the railroad tracks
Goin' someplace there's no goin' back
Highway patrol choppers comin' up over the ridge

Hot soup on a campfire over the bridge
Shelter line strecthin' 'round the corner
Welcome to the new world order
Families sleepin' in their cars in the Southwest
No home no job no peace no rest

The highway is alive tonight
But nobody's kiddin' nobody about where it goes
I'm sittin' down here in the campfire light
Waitin' on the ghost of old Tom Joad

He pulls a prayer book out of his sleeping bag
Preacher lights up a butt and takes a drag
Waitin' for when the last shall be first and when the first should be last
In a cardboard box 'neath the underpass
Got a one-way ticket to the promised land
You got a hole in your belly and gun in your hand
Sleeping on a pillow of solid rock
Bathin' in the city aqueduct

The highway is alive tonight
Where it's headed nobody knows
I'm sittin' down here in the campfire light
Waitin' on the ghost of old Tom Joad

Now Tom said "Mom, wherever there's a cop beatin' a guy
Wherever a hungry newborn baby cries
Where there's a fight 'gainst the blood and hatred in the air
Look for me Mom I'll be there
Wherever there's somebody fightin' for a place to stand
Or a decent job or a helping hand
Wherever somebody's strugglin' to be free
Look in their eyes Mom you'll see me."

Well the highway is alive tonight
But nobody's kiddin' nobody about where it goes
I'm sittin' down here in the campfire light
With the ghost of old Tom Joad

:(

[ABlairican Pie]

I was just hearing Rage Against the Machine's cover of "The Ghost of Tom Joad" a while ago on the radio, and it's great!! :cool: I would like to hear Bruce Springsteen's original version.

Speaking of which...

[ABlairican Pie]

Flipping back a few years, Bruce Springsteen, going solo from the E Street Band, pulled a Guns N' Roses move and released two albums on the same day, 1992's Lucky Town and Human Touch. The albums were not the hugest sellers, but Springsteen had the creative control to do what he wanted. The album contained songs such as "Better Days", the title track, and "If I Should Fall Behind".

Lucky Town

House got too crowded clothes got too tight
And I don't know just where I'm going tonight
Out where the sky's been cleared by a good hard rain
There's somebody callin' my secret name

I'm going down to Lucky Town
Going down to Lucky Town
I wanna lose these blues I've found
Down in Lucky Town
Down in Lucky Town

Had a coat of fine leather and snakeskin boots
But that coat always had a tread hangin' loose
Well I pulled it one night and to my surprise
It led me right past your house and on over the rise

I'm going down to Lucky Town
Down to Lucky Town
I'm gonna lose these blues I've found
Down in Lucky Town
Down in Lucky Town

I had some victory that was just failure in deceit
Now the joke's comin' up through the soles of my feet
I been a long time walking on fortune's cane
Tonight I'm steppin' lightly and feelin' no pain

Well here's to your good looks baby now here's to my health
Here's to the loaded places that we take ourselves
When it comes to luck you make your own
Tonight I got dirt on my hands but I'm building me a new home

Down in Lucky Town
Down in Lucky Town
I'm gonna lose these blues I've found

[ABlairican Pie]

The other album in Bruce Springsteen's dual release set in 1992, Human Touch, featured a moderate hit, "57 Channels (and Nothin' On)", about suburban malaise:

57 Channels (and Nothin' On)

I bought a bourgeois house in the Hollywood hills
With a truckload of hundred thousand dollar bills
Man came by to hook up my cable TV
We settled in for the night my baby and me
We switched 'round and 'round 'til half-past dawn
There was fifty-seven channels and nothin' on

Well now home entertainment was my baby's wish
So I hopped into town for a satellite dish
I tied it to the top of my Japanese car
I came home and I pointed it out into the stars
A message came back from the great beyond
There's fifty-seven channels and nothin' on

Well we might'a made some friends with some billionaires
We might'a got all nice and friendly
If we'd made it upstairs
All I got was a note that said "Bye-bye John
Our love is fifty-seven channels and nothin' on"

So I bought a .44 magnum it was solid steel cast
And in the blessed name of Elvis well I just let it blast
'Til my TV lay in pieces there at my feet
And they busted me for disturbin' the almighty peace
Judge said "What you got in your defense son?"
"Fifty-seven channels and nothin' on"
I can see by your eyes friend you're just about gone
Fifty-seven channels and nothin' on...

[ABlairican Pie]

One bright spot in the post-grunge era was the release of the debut album by none other than the band put together by the former drummer of Nirvana, Dave Grohl. For the past several years he had a stash of songs under his belt but refused to release them for fear of upsetting the chemistry of Nirvana. Now that Nirvana was history, he was a free agent. He decided not to join up with bassist Krist Noviselic so that fans would think the new project was "Nirvana Mach II", so he pulled together members of the newly-disbanded Sunny Day Real Estate and guitarist Pat Smear (the non-official guitarist who aided the rest of Nirvana on their final live dates), formerly of the veteran punk band The Germs. Naming themselves after World War II secret force that allegedly researched UFOs, they became:

The FOO FIGHTERS!!!!!!

The debut album stunned the alternative world--it was that good. Not only had Grohl wrote and played the music, but he ventured away from his drum kit to actually sing and play guitar on it. The songs were energetic, driving pop rock, catchy and yet featuring an edge.

This is a Call

visiting is pretty
visiting is good
seems that all they ever wanted was a brother

this can be a secret
we can keep it good
even all the ever wanting had a problem

this is a call to all my
past resignations
it's been too long

fingernails are pretty
fingernails are good
seems that all they ever wanted was a marking

them balloons are pretty big
and say they should
ever fall to ground
call the magic marker

this is a call to all my
past resignations
this is a call to all
this is a call to all my
past resignations
it's been too long

minicyn is pretty
minicyn is good
seems that all the cysts and mollusks tend to barter

ritalin is easy
ritalin is good
even all the ones
that watered down the daughter

:rock: :guitar: :guitar: :rock:

[ABlairican Pie]

One song on the album, "I'll Stick Around", touched on what was seen as a growing problem outside of the band: Apparently, Kurt Cobain's widow Courtney Love was more than undone by her husband's untimely death, she began unravelling publicly, and seemed very hellbent on attaining the limelight that her husband allegedly spent his last years rejecting. In trying to hold on to her husband's legacy and estate, she attempted to shove the remaining members of Nirvana out of it, treating them as a bunch of "hacks" who had no part of what her husband had to offer. Dave Grohl wrote this song in response:

I'll Stick Around

I thought I knew all it took to bother you
every word I said was true that you'll see

how could it be I'm the only one who sees your rehearsed insanity

I still refuse all the methods you've abused
it's all right if you're confused let me be

I've been around all the pawns
you've gagged and bound
they'll come back and knock you down and I'll be free

I've taken all and I've endured
one day it all will fade
I'm sure

I don't owe you anything

I had no other hand in your ever desperate plan
it returns and when it lands words are due

I should've known we were better off alone
I looked in and I was shown
you were too

I've taken all and I've endured
one day it all will fade
I'm sure

I don't owe you anything

I'll stick around and learn

:rock: :guitar: :guitar: :rock:

[ABlairican Pie]

The video for the next song was one of their most popular. It prompted many fans to shower Dave Grohl with Mentos mints in the same way fans over 30 years ago pelted Ringo Starr with jelly beans after the Beatle drummer admitted his love for the candies.

Big Me

when I talk about it
it carries on
reasons only knew
when I talk about it
Aries or treasons
all renew

big me to talk about it
I could stand to prove
if we can get around it
I know that it's true

when I talked about it
carried on
reasons only knew

but it's you I fell into

(repeat)

well I talked about it
put it on
never was it true

:guitar: :banana: :mango

[ABlairican Pie]

Alone + Easy Target

they knew all along
they're not dumb, they were so wrong
she's not always fun
hate it now, call when I'm done

pieces fell in place
puzzles suck, laughin my face
turn and swing the pace
I'll give this, keep the good waist

head is on
I want out
I'm alone and I'm an easy target
metronome
I want out
I'm alone and I'm an easy target

crazy T.V. dreams might be true
not what it seems.
food and cavitys, chewing words
tear at the seams
he don't feel so good, don't feel bad
not that he should
I don't feel so good, don't feel bad
not that I should

:rock: :guitar: :guitar: :rock:

[ABlairican Pie]

Dinosaur Jr. followed up their Where You Been album with Without a Sound, which featured the poppy yet heavy alternative hit "Feel the Pain". J. Mascis was adept at creating ear-catching tunes at very high volume.

Feel the Pain

I feel the pain of everyone then i feel nothing
i feel the pain of everyone then i feel nothing
i feel the pain of everyone then i feel nothing
i feel the pain of everyone then i feel nothing is

P to me ? you won't wait to see
screwed us both again
about as close as you dare

i feel the pain of everyone then i feel nothing
i feel the pain of everyone then i feel nothing
is it up to me ?

Won't wait to see screwed us yet again
about as close as you dare
hey now, take it back get off me,
you're sad trailin' on your scene
just try and keep it clean

:rock: :guitar: :guitar: :rock:

[ABlairican Pie]

Dinosaur Jr. also had a string of successful independent releases prior to signing to a major label. One such album was Bug from 1988, which featured the popular underground hit "Freak Scene".

Dinosaur Jr. were about to called themselves Dinosaur, but quickly changed their name when former members of 60's band Country Joe and the Fish threatened them with a lawsuit when they called their band Dinosaur.

Freak Scene

Seen enough to eye you
But I've seen too much to try you
It's always weirdness while you
Dig your much too much to fry you
The weirdness flows between us
Anyone can tell to see us
Freak scene just can't believe us
Why can't it just be cool and free us?

Seen enough to eye you
But I've seen too much to try you
It's always weirdness while you
Dig your much too much to fry you
The weirdness flows between us
Anyone can tell to see us
Freak scene just can't believe us
Why can't it just be cool and leave us?

It's so f:censored:d I can't believe it
If there's a way
I wish we'd see it
How it could work
Just can't conceive it
Oh what a mess
It's just to leave it

Sometimes I don't thrill you
Sometimes I think I'll kill you
Just don't let me f:censored: up, will you?
'Cos when I need a friend
It's still you

What a mess...

[ABlairican Pie]

Released around the same time as Bug was their indie-rock classic You're Living All Over Me, which drew influences from similar noise-rock pioneers as Sonic Youth.

Sludgefeast

I'm waiting, please come back
I've got the guts now
To meet your eye
Those guts are killing
but I can't stop now
Got to connect with you girl
before I forget how
Please won't you hang around?
Can drop you under
What it is we found

I'm waiting, please come back
I've got the guts now
To meet your eye
Those guts are killing
but I can't stop now
Got to connect with you girl
before I forget how
Please won't you hang around?
Can drop you under
What it is we found

[ABlairican Pie]

One of Dinosaur Jr.'s biggest pre-major label albums was 1991's Green Mind, which featured Mascis' powerhouse guitars, clever hooks, and even harmonies on songs such as "The Wagon", which was made into an innovative
video using comical Claymation figures.

The Wagon

There's a way I feel right now
Wish you'd help me
Don't know how
We're all nuts so who helps who?
Some help but no one's got a clue

Baby why don't we?
Baby why don't we?

There's a place I'd like to go
When you get there
Then I'll know
There's a place I know you've been
There's a wagon
Get on in

Baby why don't we?
Baby why don't we?
Baby why don't we?
Baby why don't we?
Why don't we?

(You won't see me)
There you are and here I stand
Tryin' to make you feel my hand
(You won't see me)
I ring the doorbell in your mind
But it's locked from the outside
(You won't see me)
You don't live there anyway
But I knock on it all day
(You won't see me)

There's a place I go
But you're not there and I'm supposed to know
How to get to where you're gonna be
But you don't even know
So I'm flakin while you're shakin it
With every stub you find
Without a mind
Without a spine
What is it that you wanna find?

There's a place I go
But you're not there and I'm suppsed to know
How to get to where you're gonna be
But you don't even know
So I'm flailin while you're sailin' off
Without a course in mind
Without a mind
Without a dog
What is it that you wanna find?

There's a place I'd like to go
When you get there
Then I'll know
There's a place I know you've been
There's a wagon
Get on in

Baby why don't we?
Baby why don't we?
Why don't we?

(You won't see me)
There you are and here I stand
Tryin' to make you feel my hand
(You won't see me)
I ring the doorbell in your mind
But it's locked from the outside
(You won't see me)
You don't live there anyway
But I knock on it all day
(You won't see me)

:rock: :guitar: :guitar: :rock:

[ABlairican Pie]

Band member Lou Barlow left Dinosaur Jr. to form the band Sebadoh. Apparently he and Mascis were not on the best speaking terms. In interviews, Mascis seems to have a rather introverted personality.

J. Mascis live:

[ABlairican Pie]

One other post-grunge power trio hailed down south a ways from Seattle, in the city of Portland, Oregon: Everclear, whose successful debut Sparkle and Fade yielded such alt-pop favorites as "Santa Monica" and "Heartspark Dollarsign". Guitarist/lead vocalist Art Alexakis wrote smart, dark and ironic lyrics tinged with a sense of humor. The album was a huge hit and a promising start for the band.

Santa Monica

I am still livin' with your ghost
Lonely and dreamin' of the west coast
I don't wanna be your downtime
I don't wanna be your stupid game
With my big black boots and an old suitcase
I do believe I'll find myself a new place
I don't wanna be the bad guy
I don't wanna do your sleepwalk dance anymore
I just wanna see some palm trees
I will try and shake away this disease

We can live beside the ocean
Leave the fire behind
Swim out past the breakers
Watch the world die
We can live beside the ocean
Leave the fire behind
Swim out past the breakers
Watch the world die

I am still dreamin' of your face
Hungry and hollow for all the things you took away
I don't wanna be your good time
I don't wanna be your fallback crutch anymore
Walk right out into a brand new day
Insane and risin' in my own weird way

I don't wanna be the bad guy
I don't wanna do your sleepwalk dance anymore
I just wanna feel some sunshine
I just wanna find some place to be alone
Yeah watch the world die

:guitar: :banana: :mango

[ABlairican Pie]

This is a great rocking song:

Heartspark Dollarsign

Time stops when the whispers blare
The voices drop hard, but the eyes still stare
The world resolves into a death's head grin
Because I walk with pride with a black girlfriend
My mom said not to bring her around
'Cause she's black my family would put her down
I'll break the white-trash ties that bind
Trade a love so pure for a hate so blind

She said, she said
Forget the fact that I don't look like you
She said, she said
You're possessed with a power
Bigger than the pain
Time stops when we lie so close
In my room where we share what no one knows
From the day that we start
Until the day that we end
I know I know I know now

We will never find a place where we can just fit in
Me and my black girlfriend
She said, she said
Fend for yourself, you're alone
She said, she said
You are possessed with a power
Bigger than the pain
A power bigger than the pain
Heartspark dollarsign


:rock: :guitar: :banana: :mango

[ABlairican Pie]

Radiohead, one of the most popular bands of the post-grunge era, released The Bends, which featured the hit, "Fake Plastic Trees". The song fit in with the typical self-pitying of tortured rock stars who were climbing both charts of Britain and the U.S. at the time, though the U.S. was slowly responding to the lure of Britpop. Over in England, the band was a mad sensation.

Fake Plastic Trees

Her Green plastic watering can
For her fake chinese rubber plant
In fake plastic earth.
That she bought from a rubber man
In a town full of rubber plans.
Just to get rid of itself.
And It Wears Her Out, it wears her out
It wears her out, it wears her out.

She lives with a broken man
A cracked polystyrene man
Who just crumbles and burns.
He used to do surgery
For girls in the eighties
But gravity always wins.
And It Wears Him Out, it wears him out
It wears him out, it wears him out.

She looks like the real thing
She tastes like the real thing
My Fake Plastic Love.
But I can't help the feeling
I could blow through the ceiling
If I just turn and run
And It Wears Me Out, it wears me out
It wears me out, it wears me out.

And if I could BE who you wanted
If I could BE who you wanted,
All the time, all the time, ohhh... ohh...

[ABlairican Pie]

One Seattle band was bringing back fun in a serious way: The Presidents of the United States of America was a three-piece group featuring Chris Ballew on bass, Dave Dederer on guitar, Jason Finn on drums. While their songs were memorable, infectious pieces of grunge-drone pop, what was particularly interesting about them was that Ballew and Dederer had less than five strings on both instruments--Ballew had two strings on his bass, and Dederer had three on his guitar. Less complicated that way to be sure. The hits on their self-titled debut were, "Lump", "Kitty", and "Peaches".

Lump

lump sat alone in a boggy marsh
totally motionless except for her heart
mud flowed up into lump's pyjammas
she totally confused all the passing piranhas
she's lump she's lump
she's in my head
she's lump she's lump she's lump
she might be dead
lump lingered last in line for brains
and the ones she got were sorta rotten and insane
small thing's so sad that birds could land
is lump fast asleep or rockin' out with the band

she's lump she's lump
she's in my head
she's lump she's lump she's lump
she might be dead

lump was limp and lonely and needed a shove
lump slipped on a kiss and tumbled into love
she spent her twenties between the sheets
life limped along at subsonic speeds

she's lump she's lump
she's in my head
she's lump she's lump she's lump
she might be dead

is this lump out of my head i think so
is this lump out of my head i think so
is this lump out of my head i think so
is this lump out of my head

:guitar: :banana: :mango

[ABlairican Pie]

This next song was edited for radio due to certain profane lyrics, with a series of "meows" over the offending word (sounds better that way). One of the band members wrote it for a cat who often annoyed him for meowing loudly because of hearing loss.

Are they implying anything else in these lyrics? :confused: ;)

Kitty

meow meow meow meow meow meow
meow meow
meow meow

little bag a bones been out all night
little bag a bones been out all night
can you hear him scratchin' at the screen door
can you hear him scratchin' at the screen door
little bag a bones been out all night

he needs some pettin' and lovin' on his head
he needs some pettin' and lovin' on his rain soaked hide
he's circlin' around my ankle
he's circlin' around my ankle
he needs some pettin' and lovin' on his hide
hey kitty won't you come inside

kitty at my foot and i wanna touch it
kitty at my foot and i wanna touch it
kitty at my foot and i wanna touch it
kitty at my foot and i wanna touch it

kitty at my foot and i wanna touch it
kitty at my foot and i wanna touch it
kitty at my foot and i wanna touch it
kitty at my foot and i want to touch it

meow meow meow meow meow meow

meow meow
meow meow

apussy purrin' and lookin' so satisfied
apussy purrin' and lookin' so satisfied
lost in his little yellow round eyes
lost in his little yellow round eyes
pussypurrin' and lookin' so satisfied

kitty rear up and scratch me through my jeans
kitty rear up and scratch me through my jeans
f:cat:MEOW you kitty you're gonna to spend the night
f:cat:MEOW you kitty you're gonna to spend the night
f:cat:MEOW you kitty you're gonna to spend the night OUTSIDE!!!!

kitty at my foot and i wanna touch it
kitty at my foot and i wanna touch it
kitty at my foot and i wanna touch it
kitty at my foot and i wanna touch it

kitty at my foot and i wanna touch it
kitty at my foot and i wanna touch it
kitty at my foot and i wanna touch it
kitty at my foot and i want to touch it

touch it i want to touch it
i wanna touch it i wanna touch it
i wanna touch it wanna touch it
i wanna touch it

kitty kitty kitty kitty kitty kitty touch it
kitty kitty kitty kitty kitty kitty touch it
kitty kitty kitty kitty kitty kitty touch it
kitty at my foot and i want to touch it

:rock: :guitar:

[ABlairican Pie]

Peaches

movin' to the country gonna eat a lot of peaches
i'm movin' to the country i'm gonna eat me a lot of peaches
i'm movin' to the country i'm gonna eat a lot of peaches
movin' to the country i'm gonna eat a lot of peaches
peaches come from a can they were put there by a man
in a factory downtown
if i had my little way i'd eat peaches everyday
sun soakin bulges in the shade

movin' to the country i'm gonna eat a lot of peaches
movin' to the country i'm gonna eat a lot of peaches
i'm movin to the country gonna eat a lot of peaches
movin' to the country gonna eat a lot of peaches

i took a little nap where the roots all twist
squished a rotten peach in my fist
and dreamed about you woman
i poked my finger down inside makin' a little room for a ant to hide
nature's candy in my hand or can or a pie

millions of peaches peaches for me
millions of peaches peaches for free
millions of peaches peaches for me
millions of peaches peaches for free

look out

millions of peaches peaches for me
millions of peaches peaches for free
millions of peaches peaches for me
millions of peaches peaches for free

look out

:guitar: :banana: :mango:

[ABlairican Pie]

Kick Out the Jams

well i've been elected to rock your asses 'till midnight
well this is my term and i've shaved off my perm but it's alright
i solemnly swear to uphold the constitution
got a rock 'n' roll problem well we got the solution
just let me be who i am and let me kick out the jams yeah
let me kick out the jams i done kicked 'em out

well i've been selected to orbit the planet in a rocket in a rocket
i'm goin' to mars i got a message for the poodle in your pocket
in your pocket
well mission control callin' supernova the hotline's rockin'
you can come on over and let us be who we am
and let us kick out the jams yeah
kick out the jams we done kicked'em out

:rock: :guitar: :banana: :mango

[ABlairican Pie]

In the fall of 1995, the Smashing Pumpkins released what would become one of the biggest landmark albums of the alternative era:

Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness.

The band wrote and recorded dozens of songs for the album, which became a double-disc set as well as a three-record vinyl release. The album was intended to be a 90's version of Pink Floyd's The Wall, with a huge story concept behind it, but though the idea for a concept album was ultimately dropped, the song thread depicting the tales of woe revolving a disenfranchised angst-filled youth remained. The album featured a number of massively popular hits including, "Bullet With Butterfly Wings", "Tonight, Tonight", "1979", and "Zero", songs which best captured the turbulent and often dismal feelings of displaced youth. For a while, they seemed to be the best replacement for Nirvana in terms of expressing adolescent depression and detachment. The Pumpkins had truly peaked with this album, which featured a wide assortment of musical arrangements, including orchestras and electronic beats.

In the months to come, things would take a definite downturn.

Tonight, Tonight

Time is never time at all
You can never ever leave without leaving a piece of youth
And our lives are forever changed
We will never be the same
The more you change the less you feel
Believe, believe in me, and believe , believe!
That life can change, that you're not stuck in vain
We’re not the same, we're different.
Tonight, tonight, tonight
So bright
Tonight, tonight.

And you know you're never sure
But you're sure you could be right
If you held yourself up to the light
And the embers never fade in your city by the lake
The place where you were born
Believe, believe in me, and believe, believe.
In the resolute urgency of now
And if you believe there's not a chance tonight
Tonight, Tonight.
So bright tonight, tonight.

We’ll crucify the insincere tonight (Tonight)
We’ll make things right, we'll feel it all tonight (Tonight)
We’ll find a way to offer up the night tonight (Tonight)
The indescribable moments of your life (Tonight)
The impossible is possible tonight (Tonight)
Believe in me as I believe in you,
Tonight, tonight, tonight,
Tonight
Tonight…

[ABlairican Pie]

This song became one of the biggest alternative anthems full of rage, fustration and energy. One could clearly tell that lead guitarist/vocalist Billy Corgan was having issues, as he was becoming Kurt Cobain's successor to the angst-driven alternative icon title. The Pumpkins had become the most important band in America at this point.

It wasn't long till people got the idea that the new face of alternative would seem a little...whiny. :crybaby: The teen angst thing was a big topic, but after a point, it became a little too redundant. How often could the industry market it?

Bullet With Butterfly Wings

the world is a vampire, sent to drain
secret destroyers, hold you up to the flames
and what do I get, for my pain
betrayed desires, and a piece of the game
even though I know-I suppose I'll show
all my cool and cold-like im told

despite all my rage I am still just a rat in a cage
despite all my rage I am still just a rat in a cage
then someone will say what is lost can never be saved
despite all my rage I am still just a rat in a cage

now I'm naked, nothing but an animal
but can you fake it, for just one more show
and what do you want, I want change
and what have you got
when you feel the same
even though I know-I suppose I'll show
all my cool and cold-like im told

despite all my rage I am still just a rat in a cage
despite all my rage I am still just a rat in a cage
then someone will say what is lost can never be saved
despite all my rage I am still just a rat in a cage

tell me I'm the only one
tell me there's no other one
jesus was an only son yeah
tell me I'm the chosen one
jesus was an only son for you

despite all my rage I am still just a rat in a cage
despite all my rage I am still just a rat in a cage
then someone will say what is lost can never be saved
despite all my rage I am still just a rat in a cage

despite all my rage I am still just a rat in a
despite all my rage I am still just a rat in a
despite all my rage I am still just a rat in a cage

tell me I'm the only one
tell me there's no other one
jesus was an only son for you

and I still believe that I cannot be saved
and I still believe that I cannot be saved
and I still believe that I cannot be saved
and I still believe that I cannot be saved

:rock: :guitar: :guitar: :rock:

[ABlairican Pie]

This next song touched on the wonderful glorious days where new wave ruled and the socially awkward high school types were becoming someone. The song had an electronic feel to it as well:

1979

Shakedown 1979
Cool kids never have the time
On a live wire right up off the street
You and I should meet
Junebug skipping like a stone
With the headlights pointed at the dawn
We were sure we'd never see an end to it all

And I don't even care to shake these zipper blues
And we don't know
Just where our bones will rest
To dust I guess
Forgotten and absorbed into the earth below

Double cross the vacant and the bored
They're not sure just what we have in the store
Morphine city slippin' dues down to see

That we don't even care as restless as we are
We feel the pull in the land of a thousand guilts
And poured cement, lamented and assured
To the lights and towns below
Faster than the speed of sound
Faster than we thought we'd go
Beneath the sound of hope

Justine never knew the rules,
Hung down with the freaks and the ghouls
No apologies ever need be made
I know you better than you fake it to see

That we don't even care to shake these zipper blues
And we don't know just where our bones will rest
To dust I guess
Forgotten and absorbed into the earth below
The street heats the urgency of now
As you see there's no one around

[ABlairican Pie]

Here is another anthem reflecting Corgan's alienation and frustration.

Below are photos of Billy Corgan with Eddie Van Halen, who were both big fans of each other. Corgan thoroughly loved the Fair Warning album from 1981 for its dark themes when he was growing up. Since Corgan was known as a guitar innovator in the 90's (a "shredder", if you will), it was only natural that Eddie Van Halen would be interested in a fellow guitarist who experimented in sound and technique as he himself did. Both Corgan and Rage Against the Machine's Tom Morello were seen as a new kind of "virtuosi" in the 90's, playing with a passion and abandon (and not simply just drony noises and sludgy power chords common to grunge).

Zero

my reflection, dirty mirror
there's no connection to myself
i'm your lover, i'm your zero
i'm the face in your dreams of glass
so save your prayers
for when you're really gonna need 'em
throw out your cares and fly
wanna go for a ride?

she's the one for me
she's all i really need
cause she's the one for me

emptiness is loneliness, and loneliness is cleanliness
and cleanliness is godliness, and god is empty just like me
intoxicated with the madness, i'm in love with my sadness

bull:censored: fakers, enchanted kingdoms
the fashion victims chew their charcoal teeth
i never let on, that i was on a sinking ship
i never let on that i was down
you blame yourself, for what you can't ignore
you blame yourself for wanting more
she's the one for me
she's all i really need
she's the one for me
she's my one and only

:rock: :guitar: :guitar: :rock:

http://www.guitarworld.com/images/interviews/9604.corghalen4.gif
http://www.guitarworld.com/images/interviews/9604.corghalen3.gif

[Steve M.]

Turning fifty in 1995, Rod Stewart continued his post-eighties, pre-big-band-phase comeback toward respectability with his album A Spanner In the Works

http://www.rock-pop-tipps.de/images/rod-stewart-a-spanner-in-the-works.jpg

The hit single from the album was a cover of Tom Petty's "Leave Virginia Alone," and it included a tribute to Rod's heroes Messrs Waters, Cooke and Redding, "Muddy, Sam and Otis." :)

[ABlairican Pie]

The Red Hot Chili Peppers, whom we haven't heard from for a while, had weathered a number of changes since the huge success of Bloodsugarsexmagic. The lineup which had featured guitarist Arik Marshall, who had replaced departing guitarist John Frusciante (who was battling drug addiction), now featured former Jane's Addiction guitarist Dave Navarro who replaced Marshall. The lineup would last for a while, but would yield only one album with Navarro, 1995's One Hot Minute. In the next few years, a string of near tragedies would force the band from the limelight, including motorcycle accidents, a typhoon ruining their show in Japan, and the general consensus that their best years were behind them. One Hot Minute saw the band drifting into different musical directions, but as the album was nowhere near the chart-topper that Bloodsugar was, the album languished into commercial obscurity. Many critics felt the songs lacked cohesion and wider appeal. Their funky sound was no longer the hit many had expected.

Warped

My tendency
For dependency
Is offending me
It's upending me
I'm pretending see
To be strong and free
From my dependency
It's warping me

So much love
So rare to dare
Afraid of
Ever being there
Take me home
I need repair
Take me please
To anywhere

Descend all the way all the way

Descended from
Demented men
Struggle with
The art of Gen
Please don't look
Too close at me
You might not like
What you see

Chorus

Night craving
Sends me crawling
Beg for mercy
Does it show
A vacancy
That's full of holes
Hold me please
I'm feeling cold

Chorus

Chorus :
Descend all the way all the way
Everyday
Warped and scared
Of being there
Of being there

:guitar: :banana: :mango

[ABlairican Pie]

The album also featured songs such as "Aeroplane", "Shallow Be Thy Name", and "Transcending".

Shallow Be Thy Name

I was not created
In the likeness of a fraud
Your hell is something scary
I prefer a loving god
We are not the center
Of this funny universe
And what is worse
I do not serve
In fear of such a curse

Shallow be thy Game
2000 years look in the mirror
You play the game of shame
And tell your people live in fear

A rival to the way you see
The bible let him be
I'm a threat to your survival
And your control company

Chorus :
You'll never burn me
You'll never burn me
I will be your heretic
You can't contain me
I am the power free
Truth belongs to everybody

To anyone who's listenin'
You're not born into sin
The guilt they try and give you
Puke it in the nearest bin

Missionary madness
Sweep up culture with a broom
Trashing ancient ways
Is par for course
It's ****ing rude

To think that you're above
The laws of nature what a joke
oh Purple sashes feeding masses
Smoke on which to choke

I might be a monkey
When it comes to being holy
Fundamental hatred
Get down on your knees and

Chorus

I was not created
In the likeness of a fraud
Your hell is something scary
I prefer a loving god
We are not the center
Of this funny universe
And what is worse
I do not serve
In fear of such a

Chorus x 2

:guitar: :banana: :mango:

[ABlairican Pie]

Often times, the album seemed to vascillate between their usual funky style and a more grungy sound, as on songs like "Warped" and the title track:

One Hot Minute

I was riding
Riding on my bike
Me with my friend
We're so alike

Am I all alone

She said all we
Have is this
We just had to stop
And shared a kiss

Am i all alone

One hot minute
And I'm in it come and get it x3
If I chase it

I might waste it
Come and get it

Am I all alone x2

Sitting in the fire
Get along and have some fun
Floating to be higher
Maybe I'm your special one
Silent testifier
Breathe the moon
And eat the sun
Sitting in the fire

Close your eyes
And click your heels
Can you believe
How good it feels

Am I all alone

One hot minute
And I'm in it come and get it x3
If I chase it I might waste it
Come and get it

Am I all alone x2

Sitting in the fire
Get along and have some fun
Floating to be higher
Maybe I'm your special one
Silent testifier
Breathe the moon
And eat the sun
Sitting in the fire

(chants)

Three lbs. of love
Inside my skull
A million more lives
It's never dull
Just a few times spun
Spun around the sun
A couple more or less
And then we're done

Sitting in the fire
Get along and have some fun
Floating to be higher
Maybe I'm your special one
Silent testifier
Breathe the moon
And eat the sun
Sitting in the fire

[ABlairican Pie]

The Red Hot Chili Peppers' song "Soul To Squeeze" was featured on the 1993 movie The Coneheads which starred Dan Aykroyd, Jane Curtin, and Chris Farley, the daughter's human love interest as Saturday Night Live's alien family from the planet Remulac who planned to take over the world while the father Beldar posed as a driving instructor from France.

Soul To Squeeze

I've got a bad disease.
Up from my brain is where I bleed.
Insanity, it seems,
Has got me by my soul to squeeze.

Well all the love from me.
With all the dying trees I scream.
The Angels in my dreams, yeah,
Have turned to demons of greed.
That's me.

Where I go, I just don't know.
I've got to, got to, gotta take it slow.
When I find my peace of mind,
I'm gonna give you some of my good time.

Today love smiled on me,
It took away my pain said please.
Oh let your ride be free.
You gotta let it be,
Oh yeah!

Where I go, I just don't know.
I've got to, gotta, gotta take it slow.
When I find my peace of mind,
I'm gonna give you some of my good time.

...Yeah...

Oh so polite indeed.
Well I've got everything I need.
Oh make my days a breeze,
And take away my self-destruction.

It's bitter baby,
And it's very sweet.
I'm on a rollercoaster,
and i lost my feet.
Take me to the river,
Lay me on your shore.
I'll be comin' back baby,
I'll be comin' back for more.

Do do do do dingle zing a dong bong.
Ba-ding ba-da ba-zumba crunga cong gone bad.
I could not forget, but I will not endeavor.
Save my pleasure, I'm much better,
But I won't regret it.
Never.

Where I go, I just don't know,
I've got to, got to, gotta take it slow.
When I find my peace of mind,
I'm gonna give you some of my good time.

Where I go, I just don't know,
I might end up somewhere in Mexico.
When I find my piece of mind,
I'm gonna keep you till the end of time.

:banana: :mango:

[ABlairican Pie]

Unfortunately, for the groundbreaking African-American rock band Living Colour, all good things came to an end when the group, suffering from the typical "creative differences" alibi, decided to disband. The band atttempted to write and record their fourth full-length album, but could not agree on the direction of their music. The plans were scrapped and the band went their separate ways, leaving behind the "contractural obligation" best-of album Pride to placate fans.

[ABlairican Pie]

In 1993, Living Colour released their final full-length album (of original songs), Stain. Unfortunately, as the grunge juggernaut was in full swing, anything even remotely connected to the 80's was largely ignored, and this album was not quite the flannelized forte that the trendy Alternative Nation were about to embrace. Which was a shame, since Living Colour were one band that embraced what were supposedly the ideals of the alternative movement--inclusion of various styles as well as ethnic diversity.

Oddly enough, Seattle Weekly published an article around that time that asked, "Is Grunge Music Too White?" Some musical journalists posed that the music scene in Seattle was not quite so inclusive and embracing, and used the time that when Living Colour were scheduled to play there with a slew of other bands in a mini-fest, but at the last minute organizers scrapped the idea of having other African-American bands there out of fear of "not wanting to make it into some BLACK thing". :eek: ohno: Instead, the organizers just put on popular local "white" grunge bands to open for Living Colour.

The album cover featured a black man trapped in a fiendish harness used to restrain slaves in the old days. A metaphorical statement?

Leave It Alone

We must never take these words too seriously
Words are very important but then if we take them too seriously
We destroy every thing...

I'm not one of those joiners
I'm not down with the club
There's no place I'm going to
You see, it's the hole I dug

I just leave it alone
I just leave it alone
I just leave it alone

I'm not down with this one
Their motives are much too severe
And that one, they're much too serious
I don't plan to make this a career

I just leave it alone
I just leave it alone
I just leave it alone

We're always talking about peace
But it's pieces that we find
What's with all this tension?
What is on your mind?

Why are we always talking about peace?
But it's pieces that we find
Tell me what's with all this tension
Tell me what is on your mind

I wouldn't get into that one
Naw, don't go for all their hype
And you know I'll never be like that one
Come on, I'm just not the type

Well I gotta leave it alone
Just gotta leave it alone
Gonna just leave it alone
Just gotta leave it alone
No, no, no

Leave it alone
Leave it alone
Leave it alone

:rock:

[ABlairican Pie]

One song from the Stain album did not quite endear them to Malaysian government. The East Asian country banned the album due to the following song:

Bi

People, if they choose you, then they want you to decide
But you'd rather relax, kick back, enjoy the ride
There's a catagory if you're straight or gay
You're a wild card gambler and you like it both ways

Everybody wants you when you're bi
Looking at the girls and eyeing all the guys
Everybody loves you when you're bi
But the tension and the passion's double amplified

My lover told me, well, that she's bi
I wanted to scream, there were tears in my eyes
She said baby, baby, don't you cry
'Cause the one I am with, you've been seeing on the side

Everybody wants you when you're bi
Eating with the girls and laughing with the guys
Everybody loves you when you're bi
But the tension and the passion's double amplified

Everybody wants you when you're bi
Feeling all the girls and touching all the guys
Well, everybody loves you when you're bi

Well a friend of a friend of a friend told me
Everybody's messed up with their sexuality
Well a friend of a friend of a friend told me

I need a closet big enough to live in
A closet for the whole world to live in
I want a closet big enough to live in
A closet for the whole world to live in

Everybody wants you when you're bi
Loving all the girls and loving all the guys
Everybody needs you when you're bi
But the tension and the passion's double amplified

Everybody wants you
That's right
Everybody needs you
Um-hum
Everybody likes you
I'll bet
Everybody loves you

Everybody, yeah
Everybody
Everybody, come on now
Everybody, not me

Everybody, whoo
Everybody, yeah
Everybody, come on now
Everybody

Well everybody loves you

Bi
Licking all the girls
Licking all the guys

Everybody's f:censored:ed up with their sexuality
You like it both ways
Like it both ways
Bi

;)

[ABlairican Pie]

On a more serious note, the band touched on a topic dealing with another part of the world on the song "Auslander", about increased violence and hatred taking place in Germany against Jews and people of color, including Turks and other Middle Eastern immigrants occuring in the 1990's.

Auslander

In a new place, in a strange land
An undone new world, not a part of the plan
Hatred and fear is the language I know
Out of my home, out of control

Everything that I want, isn't it everything that you've got?
Everything that I want, isn't it everything that you've got?

How much more do you think I can take?
I yield to your smile, a victim's mistake
I don't want your life, I've got my own needs
A life of my own, a chance to be free

Everything that I want, isn't it everything that you've got?
Everything that I want, isn't it everything that you've got?

Everything that I want, isn't it everything that you've got?
Everything that I want, isn't it everything that you've got?
Everything that I want, isn't it everything that you've got?
Everything that I want, isn't it everything that you've got?

Vernon Reid:

[ABlairican Pie]

Better Than Ezra were a countrified alternative pop band that were confused with many one-hit wonders glutting MTV at the time, but this band had a little more substance. Their 1995 album Deluxe featured the song "Good."

Good

Looking around the house
Hidden behind the window and the door
Searching for signs of life but there's nobody home
Well maybe I'm just too sure
And maybe I'm just too frightened by the sound of it
Pieces of note fall down but the letter said

Uh huh, it was good
Living with you
Uh huh, it was good

Good, good, good, good, good, good

Sitting around the house
Watching the sun trace shadows on the floor
Searching for signs of life but there's nobody home
Well maybe I'll call or write you a letter
Now maybe we'll see on the Fourth of July
But I'm not too sure
And I'm not too proud
Well I'm not to sure
And I'm not to proud to say

Uh huh, it was good
Living with you
Uh huh, it was good

Yeah you were so good
Yeah you were so damn good.

(Yeah, that's right!)

[ABlairican Pie]

Band pic:

[ABlairican Pie]

The Catherine Wheel released Happy Days which featured the droning bittersweet alternative pop song "Judy's Staring At the Sun" with guest vocals by Julianna Hatfield. The album also featured the track "Eat My Dust You Insensitive F:censored:" which was not at all to be found at fine Wal-Mart stores everywhere or anywhere.

Judy's Staring At the Son

Smacked up again behind the door
Begging please give me some more
A vein that's open for the day
Feel the pulse beneath the skin
And smiling as it all begins
Oh where have you been?

Judy's staring at the sun
Judy's staring at the sun
Judy's fantasy has come

So amplify this little one
She;s a volume freak
She hears as much as she can see
And what she sees she can't believe
It's just what Judy needs a moment of release
To give her peace peace peace

Judy's starting at the sun
Judy's day passed out of sight
Judy will be suffering tonight
She's suffering

She passed by and said good-bye to him
And in a rare and lucid state
She said my days are unoriginal
I wanna fade fade fade
She's suffering

Judy's staring at the sun
Judy's day passed out of sight
Judy will be suffering tonight

[ABlairican Pie]

Collective Soul, the Atlanta band named after a concept in Ayn Rand's Objectivist philosophy novels, returned with their self-titled second album, simply called Collective Soul. The song featured the gentle hit "December" as well as quirky tracks such as "Gel" and "Where the River Flows".

December

Why drink the water from my hand?
Contagious as you think I am
Just tilt my sun towards
your domain.
Your cup runneth over again.

(Chorus 1)
Don't scream about
Don't think aloud
Turn your head now baby
Just spit me out
Don't worry about
Don't speak of doubt
Turn your head now baby
Just spit me out

Why follow me to higher ground?
Lost as you swear I am.
Don't throw away your basic needs,
Ambiance and vanity.

Don't scream about
Don't think aloud
Turn your head now baby
Just spit me out
Don't worry about
Don't speak of doubt
Turn your head now baby
Just spit me out

(Chorus 2)
December promise you gave unto me
December whispers of treachery
December clouds are now covering me
December songs no longer I sing

(chorus 1 and chorus 2 play duet)

:guitar: :banana: :mango

[ABlairican Pie]

Gel

Color me any color.
Speak to me in tongues and share.
Tell me how you'd love to hate me.
Tell me how you'd love to care.
Well I just want to shake us up.

Let's mingle
And make it well.
Come together now.
Yeah let's gel.

Clothe me in any fashion.
Glitter to so mundane.
Tell me how you'd love to change me.
Tell me I can stay the same.
I just want to shake us up.

Let's mingle
And make it well.
Come together now.
Yeah let's gel.
Well let's bungle
And live to tell
How we came together.
Yeah how we gelled.

:guitar: :banana: :mango

[ABlairican Pie]

This song has rather jarring detuned guitars:

Where the River Flows

Give me a moment
Got to get this weight up off my chest
Don't feed me sorrow
Pain is a poison I digest

Find yourself another soul to hold
You think, you thought, I know
Off upon my journey I must go
To where the river flows

I'll give you answers
To the questions you have yet to ask
Silence is beauty
Words they only complicate the task

Make no more wishes
All of my patience has been spent
Gods of the season
Lead me to my next incident

:guitar:

[ABlairican Pie]

The Canadian band The Tea Party came back with another intriguing set of pyschedelic rock songs on their album The Edges of Twilight, which featured tracks such as "Fire in the Head", "Sister Awake", and "The Bazaar". The three-piece band used many different instruments as sitars as well as exotic styles which created a very mystical feel to their music.

Fire In the Head

you stay
silent, knowing, always in time
see how this love stays divine
sleep here
hoping, knowing, always in time
see how the love stays divine

and i'm waiting
when I return to her I find
i'm waiting
flowers of evil in my mind
and i'm waiting
dancing with fire on the edge
i'm waiting
remembering all of what she said
and i'm waiting
hoping the rains will wash away
i'm waiting
hoping a guide will show the way
and i'm waiting
dancing with fire on the edge
i'm waiting
remembering all of what she said
with this fire in the head

:rock: :guitar: peace:

[ABlairican Pie]

This next song incorporated many Middle Eastern styles, tunings and instruments for a hypnotic effect. The Tea Party were one of the few bands reaching back into the 60's for inspiration while remaining completely original.
This song is excellent:

Sister Awake

when the winter was over
she returned there to find him
and her memories filled her with light

she remembered the beauty
she remembered desires
and her memories filled her with light

i am the sun in the flame
cold from the flame turns away
and in these winds came a change
she awakes...

sister walk through these fields of delight
but I want you to know
desperation's the tenderest trap
so gently you go
what will it take
sister awake

when this beautiful cult of desire
has left you for dead
isolation will cradle the lies
of things left unsaid
what will it take
sister awake

and you'll look to the heavens above
and taste it's deceit
these temptations have blinded desires
to sleep at their feet
what will it take
sister awake

and you'll hear them call out your name
invoking the fates
chances are you've travelled too far
in stirring their hate
what will it take
sister awake
awake

:guitar: peace: :banana: :mango

[ABlairican Pie]

Going back to the Smashing Pumpkins for a moment, the band released Pisces Iscariot in1994, a collection of B-sides and outtakes including raw tracks as "Hello Kitty Cat", "La Dolly Vita", and "Pissant".

Hello Kitty Cat

Say hello before you say goodbye
I should go before you make me cry
She wants to bleed every drop inside of me
But I am to please the little girl inside of me, too

Yeah, yeah
You know i hate to say it
Oh no, I always stay
I don't want to be like the others, please

Who is sorry now?
Who is sorry now?
If I show you how,
Will you let me down?

Slit my wrists and die a whore
Love to love to love what you adore
I can give you anything,
But please let me be your everything
You lose

Yeah, yeah
You know I hate to say it
Oh no, I always stay
I don't wanna be like the others, please

Who is sorry now?
If I show you how,
Will you let me down?
Will you let me down?
Who is sorry now?
Who is sorry now?

My love is weakness
My love is oh so wrong
My love is sadness
My love is oh so strong
My teeth are razor sharp
My love is ****ing strong
I'll be with you
But not for long

Oh, oh, oh

Yeah, yeah
You know I hate to say it
Oh no, I always stay
I don't wanna be like the others, please

Who is sorry now?
Who is sorry now?
Who is sorry now?
If I show you how,
Will you let me down?
Will you let me down?
Please let me down
Please let me down

(song's over)

:rock: :guitar: guitar: :rock: :cat:

[ABlairican Pie]

Oasis released one of their most successful career-defining albums, (What's the Story) Morning Glory? The album featured standout tracks such as "Morning Glory", "Wonderwall", "Champagne Supernova", and "Don't Look Back In Anger". The runaway popularity of the album clearly indicated that Britpop had arrived, and Oasis were the new leaders--at least on the other side of the Atlantic. Fandom was a little slow in America, but followers were still plentiful. At least the band was making headlines in Britain with the Gallagher brothers' wild, raucous behavior and fighting. Noel Gallagher made no secret about his drug and alcohol abuse. Regardless, the band made some rather Beatlesque alternative pop gems.

Morning Glory

All your dreams are made
When you're chained to your mirror with your razor blade
Today's the day that all the world will see
Another sunny afternoon
(I'm) walking to the sound of my favorite tune
Tomorrow never knows what it doesn't know too soon
Need a little time to wake up
Need a little time to wake up wake up
Need a little time to wake up
Need a little time to rest your mind
You know you should so I guess you might as well

What's the story morning glory
Well
(you) need a little time to wake up
Wake up well
What's the story morning glory
Well
Need a little time to wake up
Wake up

(Cos) all your dreams are made
Now you're chained to the mirror with your razor blade
Today's the day that all the world will see
(It's) another sunny afternoon
Yeah I'm walking to the sound of my favorite tune
Tomorrow doesn't know what it doesn't know too soon

Need a little time to wake up
Need a little time to wake up
Need a little time to wake up
Need a little time to rest your mind
You know you should so I guess that you might as well

What's the story morning glory
Well
Need a little time to wake up, wake up
Well
What's the story morning glory
Well

Need a little time to wake up, wake up
Well
What's the story morning glory
Well
Need a little time to wake up, wake up
Well
What's the story morning glory
Well
Need a little time to wake up, wake up

:rock: :guitar: :banana: :mango

[ABlairican Pie]

This was one of their biggest songs:

Wonderwall

Today is gonna be the day
That they're gonna throw it back to you
By now you should've somehow
Realized what you gotta do
I don't believe that anybody
Feels the way I do about you now

Backbeat, the word is on the street
That the fire in your heart is out
I'm sure you've heard it all before
But you never really had a doubt
I don't believe that anybody feels
The way I do about you now

And all the roads we have to walk are winding
And all the lights that lead us there are blinding
There are many things that I would
Like to say to you
But I don't know how

Because maybe
You're gonna be the one that saves me
And after all
You're my wonderwall

Today was gonna be the day
But they'll never throw it back to you
By now you should've somehow
Realized what you're not to do
I don't believe that anybody
Feels the way I do
About you now

And all the roads that lead you there were winding
And all the lights that light the way are blinding
There are many things that I would like to say to you
But I don't know how

I said maybe
You're gonna be the one that saves me
And after all
You're my wonderwall

I said maybe
You're gonna be the one that saves me
And after all
You're my wonderwall

I said maybe
You're gonna be the one that saves me
You're gonna be the one that saves me
You're gonna be the one that saves me

Single cover:

[ABlairican Pie]

Champagne Supernova

How many special people change?
How many lives are lived estranged?
Where were you while we were getting high?
Slowly walking down the hall
Faster than a cannonball
Where were you while we were getting high?

Someday you will find me
Caught beneath the landslide
In a champagne supernova in the sky
Some day you will find me
Caught beneath the landslide
In a champagne supernova
A champagne supernova in the sky

Wake up the dawn and ask her why
A dreamer dreams she never dies
Wipe that tear away now from your eye
Slowly walking down the hall
Faster than a cannonball
Where were you while we were getting high?

Some day you will find me
Caught beneath the landslide
In a champagne supernova in the sky
Some day you will find me
Caught beneath the landslide
In a champagne supernova
A champagne supernova

'Cause people believe that they're
Gonna get away for the summer
But you and I, we live and die
The world's still spinning round
We don't know why
Why, why, why, why

How many special people change?
How many lives are lived estranged?
Where were you while we were getting high?
Slowly walking down the hall
Faster than a cannonball
Where were you while we were getting high?

Someday you will find me
Caught beneath the landslide
In a champagne supernova in the sky
Some day you will find me
Caught beneath the landslide
In a champagne supernova
A champagne supernova

'Cause people believe that they're
Gonna get away for the summer
But you and I, we live and die
The world's still spinning round
We don't know why
Why, why, why, why

How many special people change?
How many lives are lived estranged?
Where were you while we were getting high?
We were getting high
We were getting high
We were getting high
We were getting high

[ABlairican Pie]

Don't Look Back in Anger

Slip inside the eye of your mind
Don't you know you might find
A better place to play
You said that you'd never been
But all the things that you've seen
Will slowly fade away

So I start a revolution from my bed
Cos you said the brains I HAD went to my head
Step outside the summertime's in bloom
Stand up beside the fireplace
Take that look from off your face
You ain't ever gonna burn my heart out

So Sally can wait, she knows it's too late as we're walking on by
Her soul slides away, but don't look back in anger
I heard you say

Take me to the place where you go
Where nobody knows if it's night or day
Please don't put your life in the hands
Of a Rock n Roll band
Who'll throw it all away

Gonna start the revolution from my bed
COS you said the brains I HAD went to my head
Step outside cos summertime's in bloom
Stand up beside the fireplace
Take that look from off your face
You ain't ever gonna burn my heart out

So Sally can wait, she knows it's too late as she's walking on by
my soul slides away, but don't look back in anger
I heard you say

So Sally can wait, she knows it's too late as we're walking on by
HER soul slides away, but don't look back in anger
I heard you say

So Sally can wait, she knows it's too late as she's walking on by
My soul slides away, but don't look back in anger, don't look back in anger
I heard you say

At least not today

[ABlairican Pie]

One of the most anticipated movies in the summer of 1995 was 'Batman Forever', which featured the partner of Robin in the Batman movie series.
The motion picture, which starred Val Kilmer in the title role, Chris O'Donnell as his crimefighting sidekick, Tommy Lee Jones as the schizoid villain Two-Face, love interest Nicole Kidman, and a stellar performance by Jim Carrey as maniacal villain The Riddler, also featured the hit by U2, "Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me, Kill Me".

Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me, Kill Me

You don't know how you took it
You just know what you got
Oh Lordy you've been stealing
From the thieves and you got caught
In the headlights
Of a stretch car
You're a star

Dressing like your sister
Living like a tart
They don't know what you're doing
Babe, it must be art
You're a headache
In a suitcase
You're a star

Oh no, don't be shy
You don't have to go blind
Hold me, thrill me, kiss me, kill me

You don't know how you got here
You just know you want out
Believing in yourself
Almost as much as you doubt
You're a big smash
You wear it like a rash
Star

Oh no, don't be shy
It takes a crowd to cry
Hold me, thrill me, kiss me, kill me

They want you to be Jesus
They'll go down on one knee
But they'll want their money back
If you're alive at thirty-three
And you're turning tricks
With your crucifix
You're a star

(Oh child)

Of course you're not shy
You don't have to deny love
Hold me, thrill me, kiss me, kill me

[ABlairican Pie]

Lollapalooza 1995 featured a fine slew of bands, but considering the events of the past year, the alternative scene was seeming rather predictable and lackluster. The festival featured such acts as:

The Mighty Mighty Bosstones
Jesus Lizard
Beck
Elastica
Yo La Tengo
Sinead O'Connor
Pavement
Cypress Hill
Hole
Sonic Youth

The festival also featured such attractions as political action booths for such causes as the legalization of marijuana and freeing jailed activist Mumia (imprisoned for killing a police officer in Philadelphia; many had felt he was not given a fair trial), as well as for aromatherapy and other politically correct pleasures.

Hole's Courtney Love live at Lollapalooza '95. As expected, she not only showed off a lot of skin, but rattled the crowd with her abrasive rants and stirring the mosh pits into a violent mess:

[The Chauffeur]

The Canadian band The Tea Party came back with another intriguing set of pyschedelic rock songs on their album The Edges of Twilight, which featured tracks such as "Fire in the Head", "Sister Awake", and "The Bazaar". The three-piece band used many different instruments as sitars as well as exotic styles which created a very mystical feel to their music.

Fire In the Head

you stay
silent, knowing, always in time
see how this love stays divine
sleep here
hoping, knowing, always in time
see how the love stays divine

and i'm waiting
when I return to her I find
i'm waiting
flowers of evil in my mind
and i'm waiting
dancing with fire on the edge
i'm waiting
remembering all of what she said
and i'm waiting
hoping the rains will wash away
i'm waiting
hoping a guide will show the way
and i'm waiting
dancing with fire on the edge
i'm waiting
remembering all of what she said
with this fire in the head

:rock: :guitar: peace:


That's funny! I remember when I first moved to BC, my husband kept ranting on about this band he hated called the Tea Party. I finally got a chance to catch them on the radio and loved them! Canada has quite a few great bands, another great one is Sloan. Have you heard anything by them?

[ABlairican Pie]

That's funny! I remember when I first moved to BC, my husband kept ranting on about this band he hated called the Tea Party. I finally got a chance to catch them on the radio and loved them! Canada has quite a few great bands, another great one is Sloan. Have you heard anything by them?I haven't heard anything by Sloan yet, which is strange because being near Seattle, I thought we'd pay more attention to other Canadian bands!

Did you have a previous user name? I recognize the avatar!

[The Chauffeur]

I haven't heard anything by Sloan yet, which is strange because being near Seattle, I thought we'd pay more attention to other Canadian bands!

Did you have a previous user name? I recognize the avatar!


Yep, wynter72 was the previous one. I got tired of it. That's odd that you haven't heard Sloan there. That was the first Canadian band i heard when I was living in Seattle. I think it was the song "Coax Me" you should check out some of their stuff.

[robyrob]

Yep, wynter72 was the previous one. I got tired of it. That's odd that you haven't heard Sloan there. That was the first Canadian band i heard when I was living in Seattle. I think it was the song "Coax Me" you should check out some of their stuff.
you should also check out:

Underwhelmed, The Good In Everyone, Everything You've Done Wrong, Money City Maniacs, She Says What She Means, If It Feels Good Do It, The Other Man - or just pick up their hits album: A-Sides Win (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00080Z624/102-4382043-6617700?v=glance)

[ABlairican Pie]

Sonic Youth, the band whose sound pretty much invented the 90's (though not from Seattle) released Experimental Jet Set, Trash and No Star in 1994. The album featured more of their trademark droning, detuned guitars and quirky effects on songs such as "Bull in the Heather", "Winner's Blues", "Skink", and "Self-Obsessed and Sexxee".

It was painful to go to the Grand Opening of the Guitar Center on Westlake in Seattle in the spring of 1997 and hear these teen grunge dudes try to make these horrendous copycat Sonic Youth licks from this album when they picked up the new guitars off the racks. ohno: Look, you guys, it's cool when Thurston Moore and Lee Ranaldo do it, but you ain't them. Nothing sucked worse than doing grunge badly (is that redundant?). Maybe I was tired of everything being a bad ripoff of everything that was trendy at that point in music. I don't think I was going to hear Stairway to Heaven that evening at the store.

Bull in the Heather

10, 20, 30, 40
Tell me that you wanna hold me
Tell me that you wanna bore me
Tell me that you gotta show me
Tell me that you need to slowly
Tell me that yr burning for me
Tell me that you can't afford me
Time to tell yr dirty story
Time f'r turning over and over
Time f'r turning four leaf clover

Betting on the bull in the heather

10, 20, 30, 40
Tell me that you wanna scold me
Tell me that you a-dore me
Tell me that you're famous for me
Tell me that yr gonna score me
Tell me that you gotta show me
Tell me that you need to sorely
Time to tell yr love story
Time f'r turning over and over
Time f'r turning four leaf clover
Betting on the bull in the heather

:guitar: :guitar:

[ABlairican Pie]

1995's Washing Machine saw the band exploring a little more poppier territory on songs such as "Becuz" and "Unwind", as well as retaining their abrasive style on "Junkie's Promise" and the title track.

Becuz

Wish I could change the way that you feel
Standing with him you feel more real
Looking so sweet with all your might
Trusted in him to put it night (?)

Holding his hand like a brand new kite
Blue eyes sparkle, open, alright
Wish I could see, the girl who'd fight
Playing and laughing and trying to show it

Running and falling and dying to know it
Staring you down with her gaze hold it
Wish I could free you but I can't don't blow it

Angel, gonna show it
Lord
The devil, go on hold it
Angel, gonna show it
Lord
Blow it

Becuz of you, becuz of you, becuz of you, becuz of you
Becuz of you, becuz of you, becuz of you, becuz of you
Becuz of you, becuz of you, becuz of you, becuz of you
Becuz of you, becuz of you, becuz of you, becuz of you

Wish I could free you, but I can't, don't blow it
Wish I could free you, but I can't, don't know it


Unwind

Lay down your lucky hand, upon her heart
Morning becomes a kite, tangled up in stars
Laugh in the midday light, and leave - it behind
Move out into his sundry eyes, and sing, unwind

Hang down your lucky head, a sign to time
Morning becomes the sun, for the dandy line
Sooner than the midday light, we leave behind
Love is out into the sundry light, you sing, unwind

[ABlairican Pie]

One band that captured the spirit of original punk more than most was Rancid, whose 1994 album Let's Go featured the hit, "Salvation".

Salvation

Come on baby won't you show me what you got
I want your salvation

there's a neighborhood called blackhawk
where all the rich people hide
I was down on my luck working for the salvation army
The shelter is where i reside
Everyday we drive into blackhawk
and we pick up the offerings
Microwave, refrigerator for the suffering

Come on baby won't you show me what you got
I want your salvation

I can't believe these people live like kings
Hidden estates and diamond rings
I'm a rat out on a mission
I'm in your front yard under suspicion

Come on baby won't you show me what you got
I want your salvation


:rock: :guitar: :guitar: :rock:

[ABlairican Pie]

Bay Area band Rancid formed in 1991 after the breakup of their previous band Operation Ivy when members guitarist and vocalist Tim Armstrong and bassist Matt Freeman took their ska influences and combined them with hardcore punk. The band found that their pursuit of music was keeping Armstrong from wallowing too much in a serious drug and alcohol addiction, and that their direction was paying off as the fledgling band was becoming quite a draw on the local scene. The band even summoned Green Day's Billy Joe Armstrong (no relation) to join, but he was too focused on the rising punk revival trio to consider it (though he did play one show with Rancid).

1995's ...And Out Come the Wolves which displayed more of their Clash-inspired ska-punk influences, featured the MTV hit "Ruby Soho".

Ruby Soho

Echoes of reggae comin' through my bedroom wall
havin' a party up next door but i'm sittin here all alone
two lovers in the bedroom and the other started to shout
all i got is this blank stare and that don't carry no clout at all

destination unknown
ruby ruby ruby ruby soho

he's singin and she's there to lend a hand
he's seen his name on the marquee but she will never understand
once again he's leavin' and she's there with a tear in her eye
embraces with a warm gesture it's time, time to say goodbye

destination unknown
ruby ruby ruby ruby soho

ruby's heart ain't beatin cause she knows the feelin' is gone
she's not the only one who knew there's somethin' wrong
little lover's in the distance as she wipes a tear from her eye
ruby's fading out, she disappears, it's time, time to say goodbye

destination unknown
ruby ruby ruby ruby soho ...

:guitar: :banana: :mango:

[ABlairican Pie]

This song is dedicated to the other happening punk scene in the Pacific Northwest:

Olympia, WA.

Hangin' out with Lars down on 6th street
he knew I was in trouble
I was feeling much like the devil
there was something burnin' deep inside of me

ran into three Puerto Ricans
these girls took us to the funhouse
where we played a lonely pinball machine

hangin' on the corner of 52nd. and Broadway
cars passin' by but none of them seem to go my way

New York City well I wish I was on a highway
back to Olympia...

I'm having a hard time understanding
it gets all too demanding
she's all gone and I'm stranded
there was something burning deep inside of me

all I know it's 4'o'clock and
she ain't never showed up
and I watched a thousand people go home from work

hangin' on the corner of 52nd. and Broadway
cars passin' by but none of them seem to go my way

New York City well I wish I was on a highway
back to Olympia...

how many times will it take me
before I go crazy?
before I lose everything?
there was something burning deep inside of me
ran into three Puerto Ricans
those girls took us to the funhouse
I don't wanna be alone again.

hangin' on the corner of 52nd. and Broadway
cars passin' by but none of them seem to go my way

New York City well I wish I was on a highway
back to Olympia...

[ABlairican Pie]

Group pic:

[ABlairican Pie]

Speaking of Olympia, in the midst of the grunge hysteria, bizarre things were going on in the Washington's capitol--namely, the attempt to clamp down on what many considered to be "immoral, indecent" and misogynist lyrics. Now that music was the talk of the town in the Pacific Northwest, many Nervous Nellies feared that the music industry would compete with such local staples as Boeing, Starbuck's, and Microsoft as a profitable business. So "decency" bigwigs petitioned the legislature in Olympia to draft what was called the "Erotic Music Bill", which would target albums such as by rap artists with their tales of bitch-slappin', rape and pimpin' ho's, or whatever else came to the Decency Brigade's fevered minds.

Oddly, the grunge scene was not one of the likely suspects who sang about violent or degrading sex, but the Seattle rock community rallied behind proponents of free speech. But targeting violent and degrading lyrics as "erotic" was acutally misleading--erotic meant simply, sexy or sexual, songs to entice and arouse, like an episode of Showtime's Red Shoe Diaries. Nothing wrong with that there. But songs about beating up and raping women in rap lyrics was not exactly "sexy" or erotic, unless people had sick tastes in sex. Nonetheless, Governor Booth Gardner signed the bill into law in 1992, making it illegal for young people to purchase such albums, and the cassettes and CDs come with a Parental Advisory sticker. The PMRC lives. ohno:

The battle even extended to heavy metal: one photo in a local magazine featured a fan holding up a sign reading "Fight the Erotic Music Bill or you won't get to hear the new Carcass album" (not exactly a sexy, erotic band either).

Governor Booth Gardner:

[ABlairican Pie]

Fortunately, the Seattle music community was not idle in response to the pending "erotic music bill". Many bands, artists, and fans flocked to Olympia to make their voices heard.

And one of the biggest proponents of freedom of speech was none other than Nirvana's own Krist Novoselic. Now that Nirvana was history, he had time to form a new band, Sweet 75, but that project nowhere. But there was a new pursuit on the horizon: political activism. Novoselic pitched the point that music was a growth industry that must be safeguarded against governmental reprisals by a chosen few. The music scene could get bigger and create more income for talented individuals, the government would do well to support and encourage it. Unfortunately, Seattle was embroiled in an ongoing controversy over the Teen Dance Ordinance, where many debated whether young fans should be allowed to attend local shows where alcohol was served to those of legal age. For all of Seattle's reputation as being so hip, forward and progressive, the city acted a little too repressed and Victorian, in many ways a curious combination of conservative and politically correct types (which meant no fun :mad: ).

Krist:

[ABlairican Pie]

One band, perhaps named for their rather Euro-trash image and musical style, Garbage, featured haunting hottie Shirley Manson on lead vocals, with Nirvana producer Butch Vig on guitar. The band's self-titled album featured catchy, dark alternative pop songs such as "Only Happy When It Rains".

Only Happy When It Rains

I'm only happy when it rains
I'm only happy when it's complicated
And though I know you can't appreciate it
I'm only happy when it rains
You know I love it when the news is bad
And why it feels so good to feel so sad
I'm only happy when it rains

Pour your misery down, pour your misery down on me
Pour your misery down, pour your misery down on me

I'm only happy when it rains
I feel good when things are going wrong
I only listen to the sad sad songs
I'm only happy when it rains

I only smile in the dark
My only comfort is the night gone black
I didn't accidentally tell you that
I'm only happy when it rains
You'll get the message by the time I'm through
When I complain about me and you
I'm only happy when it rains

Pour your misery down, pour your misery down on me
Pour your misery down, pour your misery down on me
Pour your misery down, pour your misery down on me
Pour your misery down
You can keep me company as long as you don't care

I'm only happy when it rains
You wanna hear about my new obsession
I'm riding high upon a deep depression
I'm only happy when it rains

I'm only happy when it rains
Pour some misery down on me
Pour some misery down on me
Pour some misery down on me
Pour some misery down on me

Pour some misery down on me
I'm only happy when it rains
I'm only happy when it rains
I'm only happy when it rains
I'm only happy when it rains

:guitar: :banana: :mango:

[ABlairican Pie]

Supervixen

Come down to my house
Stick a stone in your mouth
You can always pull out
If you like it too much

Make a whole new religion
A falling star that you cannot live without and I'll feed your
obsession
There'll be nothing but this thing that you'll never doubt

A hit is hard to resist
And I never miss
I can take you out
With just a flick of my wrist

Make a whole new religion
A falling star that you cannot live without and I'll feed your
obsessions
There is nothing but this thing that you'll never doubt this thing
that you'll never doubt

And I'll feed your obsession
The falling star that you cannot live without I will be your religion
This thing you'll never doubt
You're not the only one
You're not the only one

Now I want it too much
Now I want it to stop
Now I'm lucky like a falling star fell over me

Bow down to me

Scottish-born songstress Shirley Manson:

[ABlairican Pie]

The members of Garbage had been active in music for years but had very little success (aside from Butch Vig producing Nirvana's Nevermind). It came as a surprise when their songs began taking off on MTV.

[ABlairican Pie]

Pennywise was another punk band that found fame during the mid-90's punk revival, but proudly stuck to their "old-school" roots and influences by not caving into the lure of sounding "pop-punk". They had the chance to sign to a major label and follow the course of bands such as Offspring and Green Day, but they remained to their indie label instead. Formed by guitarist Fletcher Dragge and bassist Jason Thirsk in the late 80's, the band took their name from a character in the Stephen King novel "It", Pennywise the Dancing Clown and recorded a few albums before releasing About Time in 1995 which featured tracks such as "Peaceful Day", "Freebase", and "Try".

Tragically, bassist Jason Thirsk left the band due to a problem with alcohol, and though he conquered it temporarily, he committed suicide in 1996 after a relapse. :( The band continued on in his sad departure.

Peaceful Day

Listen up everyone there's something wrong
We got the answers in our sights now
But somehow still we struggle along
Looking for solutions in a threatening sky
But we never get an answer

Just a chorus of voices wondering why
We're stuck here without a peaceful day
It's a promise in the night I'll be okay
The superlative is telling me that help is on the way
Won't someone tell me how will I make it through today
Looking towards the future and all I can see
Is the next generation looking back
With pity on me

Hunting for some insight or mean to change
But do we have the will to or will our
Future look the same

How can I live when you won't let me in
How can I die without reasons why
How can I laugh when I want to cry
How can I go on with nothing nowhere
How will I make it

:rock: :guitar: :guitar: :rock:

[ABlairican Pie]

Perfect People

All the perfect people sha
Staring back at me on tv in magazines
look so good like a box of fresh twinkies
What the hell happened to me?
So I took a drive to a rich and wealthy country
Saw everything I wanted and everything I need
Went right up and tried to join their party
You oughta seen the look when they saw me

F:censored: up eyes stupid grin
Perfect people won't let me in
Who's who list where's my name
They won't let me join their game
I bet that you think that I'm insane
There's no one left for me to blame
Screw the perfect people
F:censored: they all look the same

We're not much to look at
Too short dumb and so fat
Never gonna win a beauty pageant its a curse
Always gonna be a better doorman
At the best clubs
How could things be any worse?
Don't have much to go on don't want your opinion
Don't have much to gain and I ain't got much to lose
Looks like you got it all and I'd really like to
Get some
You got something I could use

:rock: :guitar: :guitar: :rock:

[ABlairican Pie]

Sick of It All were a hardcore New York band that offered a more fierce alternative to what was considered "punk" in the 90's. Formed in 1986 by brothers Lou and Pete Koller on vocals and guitar respectively, the band built a huge following in the local club scene, but when the band signed to a major label, many responded with cries of "sellout", as was the case with many punk bands who shifted musical gears to become more pop-ified and palatable for the trendy masses. Their 1994 album Scratch the Surface was their scathing response to this. It remains an intense, brutal album.

Their climb to the top was not without controversy: In the fall of 1992, a mentally disturbed student wearing a Sick Of It All t-shirt shot and killed two people at a school in Massachussets while wounding others. A backlash erupted against the band by many who claimed that the group inspired violence and mayhem at their shows and in their music. The band eloquently defended their music and message in the press, insisting that the band was not in any way encouraging anti-social behavior.

The following song rips through the trendiness and poseur-ism of the so-called
alternative scene:

Step Down

In the underground, integrity lies within
in the underground, image doesn't mean a thing
when the substance lacks it's plain for all to see
if the deal is right then respect is where it should be.

For the fakes and frauds it's a f:censored:ing fashion show
total compromise will have them sell their soul.
all the negative all the useless influence
all the emptiness all the violent detriment
makes no sense...

Please have more to give than fashion and images
please have more to give than fashion and images

Caught up in a trap of media crap that's no way to live
Caught up in a trap of media crap so little to give
Caught up in a trap of media crap that's no way to live
Caught up in a trap of media crap so little to give

In the underground, integrity lies within
in the underground, image doesn't mean a thing
we can do away with this negativity
it's a golden day we can force them to stepdown

:rock: :guitar: :guitar: :rock:

[ABlairican Pie]

This song was written in response to others' claims that their music inspired and ecouraged the school shooting:

Goatless

Before us is an empty slate
we can impress how we please
Bombard them with the usual schlock
whatever we've got up our sleeve

Teach them that violence can solve all their problems
Teach them to act on a whim

The horror the one we present is just where the horror begins...
Violent fantasy, comes reality the effect will be quite a tragedy

We'll point the finger
we'll point the finger
we'll point the finger
we'll point the finger
of blame, Before us is a twisted world
no one can work out the knots we've got
an enemy here they could be blamed for a lot

We'll say they're the problem,
we'll say they're the cause
they'll be the scapegoat now - goatless - we'd be on the spot
we can't let the truth come out If
the pressure cracks another
and they know who to come after whe'd be goatless

:rock: :guitar: :guitar: :rock:

[ABlairican Pie]

From the ashes of Seattle's Hammerbox came Goodness, fronted by dynamite lead vocalist Carrie Akre. Her voice was powerful and passionate, and made her a local sensation for years in the local scene. Their 1995 self-titled album featured the local favorite single, "Superwise".

Superwise

ya I wish you could see all the things I can't feel
now here's to the future that seems real
and if you think i'd ever sit here
instead of offer less
well open wide
open wide!

cuz there's got to be ya
something real comes to me ya
happiness, 1-2-3 ya
because there's more to this
that our eyes can't see, hey

now why am i waitin'
i'm said to be superwise
well i can't sink again
if you open your mind
to all the things you can't find

ya here's to all my friend who i hold dear
now power to the people who see clear
now if you think i'd ever sit here
instead of offer less
well open wide
open wide!

cuz there's got to be ya
something real comes to me ya
happiness, 1-2-3 ya
because there's more to this
that our eyes can't see, hey

now why am i waiting
i'm said to be superwise
and i can't sink again

if you open your mind
to all the things you can't find

and you'll never be lonely again
i don't wanna be lonely again
i don't need to be lonely again
no need to be lonely again
no no no
no not again
no no no
ya ya ya

now why am i waiting
i'm said to be superwise
i can't sink again

if you open your mind
to all the things you can't find

that's how see it
which way to go
just when you need it
i'll be right around here
i don't mind
i'll stick around
i get what i want
and i push you down

:guitar:

Carrie Akre:

[ABlairican Pie]

Jumping back a little ways by about a year, one avant garde metal/ambient band, Neurosis, released dark, brooding albums such as Enemy of the Sun. Beginning as a punk-metal band in the mid-80's in Oakland, the band would evolve into various styles while retaining a dirgey, angst-filled tone. Their experimental sound would remain consistent with similar avant-metal bands such as Tool.

Lost

My eyes were jades, so close to the centre I could not see
But now they are fixed and glaring at the sacrifice to be made
Now that I'm aware of the cycles I pray that I can deal
Now that I have shown you these cycles I pray that you can feel

In and out of the stray
Taking the bait
Feeling compelled to obey, betray
The isle of await

Running scared from their thought
Thinking I can summon some ancient truth before wrong
Seeking my nature, our nature with fear of being caught
Or have we been like this all along

The dawn of birth gives way to men
Age brings dimness to sight as it must
Death seals the eyelids on darkness once again
Augmentation of the dust

[ABlairican Pie]

Faith No More continued on with the departure of guitarist Jim Martin by replacing him with new axeman Trey Spruance from vocalist Mike Patton's side band Mr. Bungle, but he reportedly left the band when he felt unable to tour. By this time, the band, who several years before were considered groundbreaking in the advent of the 90's with their introduction of metal and funk influences, were virtually ignored by MTV due to their sound being so difficult to categorize. Their 1995 album, King For a Day, Fool For a Lifetime, featured more of their intriguing songs such as "The Gentle Art of Making Enemies", "Get Out", "Evidence", and the title track. The band showed it was not willing to let itself be pigeonholed by travesties such as MTV to gain "hits".

The Gentle Art of Making Enemies

The words are so familiar-
All the same greats, the same mistakes
It doesn't have to be like this.
If you don't make a friend, now
One might make you-
So learn
The gentle art of making enemies
Don't look so surprised
Happy birthday...F:censored:er
Blow that candle out,
We're gonnaa kick you
[Don't say you're not because you are]
[Don't say you're not because you are]
[History tells us that you are]
[History tells us that you are]
All you need is just one more excuse
You put up one hell of a fight
I wanna hear your very best excuse
Never felt this much alive
Your day has finally come -
So wear the hat and do the dance
And let the suit keep wearing you.
This year you'll sit and take it
And you will like it -
It's the gentle art of making enemies
I deserve a reward
Cuz I'm the best :censored: that you ever had
And if I tighten up my hold -
You may never see the light again
[There's always an easy way out]
[There's always an easy way out]
[You need something wet in your mouth]
[You need something wet in your mouth]
Never felt this much alive

[ABlairican Pie]

King For a Day

It is not a good day, if you are not looking good
This is the best party that I've ever been to
Today I asked for a god to pour some wine
in my eyes
Today I asked for someone to shake some
salt on my life
Look!
Everything's spinning
(We're on the ground)
Never cheer before you know who's winning
(Don't make a sound)
Sniff the glass and let it roll around on you tongue
Let me introduce you to someone before the party is done
Someone to look to in need or in want or in war
If you give him everything, he may give you even more
This is the best party I've ever been to
Don't let me die with that silly look in my eyes

[ABlairican Pie]

Steel Pole Bathtub were one band with a very tortured punk sound, very jarring yet having a pop touch. Their 1995 album Scars From Falling Down featured tracks such as "The 500 Club", "Population 2" and "Home Is a Rope".

The 500 Club

I know something (about you)
I know something (about you)
I know something (being alone)
I know something (being alone)
but knowing ain't saying
but knowing ain't saying
but knowing ain't saying
I ain't saying
I ain't saying
I ain't saying nothing
NOTHING
You've got those pain in your eyes
You know I know
Satifies, I'm getting
There ain't no God
You can't
I know something (about you)
I know something (about you)
I know something (being alone)
I know something (being alone)
but knowing ain't saying
but knowing ain't saying
but knowing ain't saying
I ain't saying
I ain't saying
I ain't saying nothing
NOTHING
No boys the murdering kind
I know you can not know you're nothing
Outside I doing
There ain't no God
Nothing
I know something (about you)
I know something (about you)
I know something (being alone)
I know something (being alone)
But knowing ain't saying
But knowing ain't saying
But knowing ain't saying
I ain't saying
I ain't saying
I ain't saying nothing
NOTHING

:guitar:

[ABlairican Pie]

Steel Pole Bath Tub's 1993 album The Miracle of Sound in Motion featured the haunting and twisted track "Exhale" along with "Train to Miami" and "Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride".

[ABlairican Pie]

Naturally, not all Seattle alternative bands were destined for the big time. Such was the case with Flop, whose pre-breakup album World of Today was released in 1995. They were one of the many poppy, hook-laden post-grunge bands with a driving sound who managed to make a decent following, but by the mid-90's, the moment had passed. Not unexpected for a band called Flop.

[ABlairican Pie]

Not even could Flop succeed on a major label like Sony, in spite of the still-brimming alterna-hype. Their 1992 album Whenever You're Ready failed to make decent sales but for a small following. The album featured songs such as "A Fixed Point", "Port Angeles" (named after the Western Washington penninsula town), and "Woolworth".

[ABlairican Pie]

The one album that caught the major labels' attention was Flop and the Fall of the Mopsqueezer! which featured tracks such as "Morton the Venerologist", "Parasite", and "Ugly Girl Lover". The album was released on Frontier Records, which caught the attention of Epic Records, who liked the energetic sound of the band.

[ABlairican Pie]

Seaweed were a tight punk-"grunge" band from Tacoma, Washington, whose 1995 major label debut was Spanaway, named after a suburb of Washington's City of Destiny. But as destiny would have it, Seaweed would neither become a household name as did their brethren in Nirvana or Mudhoney. Their music got a lot of attention locally, however--and a video which was seen on MTV featured a so-called PSA which announced, in a parody of commercials warning of missing children, "Every day, 1000 bicycles are stolen across the country."

Their 1995 album featured such songs as "Free Drug Zone", "Start With", "Saturday Nitrous", and "Crush Us All".

[ABlairican Pie]

Seaweed's 1993 release on Sub Pop was Weak. Even though their major label career languished, their underground fan base was going strong.

[ABlairican Pie]

One artist who actually merged the sounds of rockabilly with straight-on punk was Reverend Horton Heat, a former bar manager who became a preacher, among other things, who spread the holy word of some great blasphemous rock and roll. His 1994 album, Liquor in the Front , was named after the double-entendre, "Liquor in the front, poker in the rear." ;) The album featured some blistering tracks as "Baddest of the Bad", "Big Sky", "Rockin' Dog", and "Five-O Ford".

[ABlairican Pie]

Reverend live:

[ABlairican Pie]

Another band which combined traditional early rock and roll with the energy of punk was The Supersuckers. Fronted by guitarist/vocalist Eddie Spaghetti, the band's 1995 album fully titled The Sacrilicious Sounds of the Supersuckers, featured bad-ass tracks such as "Born With a Tail", where Eddie confirmed that not only did he "use his dick for a walking stick" but that he was "in league with Satan" and that he was going to burn in an eternal lake of fire, greatly underscoring the politically and Biblically incorrect notions of rock and roll as "the Devil's music" with deadly accuracy. Forget heavy metal, the Supersuckers were the house music of hell!!

The album also featured such tracks as "Bad, Bad, Bad", "The 19th Most Powerful Woman in Rock", "Stoned If You Want It", and a song dedicated to rock's biggest bad boy, "Ozzy".

[ABlairican Pie]

The Supersuckers were not shy about their country influences either:

[ABlairican Pie]

The Jesus Lizard were a noise-rock band which punctuated their drony guitars with a heavy rhythm section complete with thumping bass lines and pounding drums. The lead vocals of David Yow were very tortured and painful to listen to. The band found an ardent fan in Nirvana producer Steve Albini, but their partnership disintegrated when the band switched to a major label, something that the producer considered a sell-out move (in spite of In Utero being on a major label).

Their 1994 album, Down, featured tracks such as "Fly On the Wall", "Mistletoe", "Destroy Before Reading" and "Horse". The band also got into trouble while touring with Ministry; at a concert in Seattle, Yow engaged in crowd surfing, jumping into the throngs of attendees, which infuriated the local authorities. Claiming this was a safety hazard, the band was banned from ever playing in Seattle again--but were able to perform future shows in Olympia. Fans didn't mind the drive down on their next appearance in the Northwest.

The band got their name from a reptile known also known as a basilisk, which has the amazing ability to run on top of water.

[ABlairican Pie]

Live band pic:

[ABlairican Pie]

Helmet, the one band who appeared to be one of the few bands that mattered in the 90's, released their followup to 1992's Meantime, the 1994 disc Betty. Ironically, the album, while having a number of guitar-heavy tracks, failed to ignite the same passionate interest of its predecessor.
One track, however, remained a radio staple, "Milquetoast", which appeared on the Brandon Lee movie 'The Crow'. Guitarist Page Hamilton remained an idol of up-and-coming bands such as Silverchair, and his intense, chunky riff-age would inspire countless guitarists. The message was clear: technique was out, riffs, loud, heavy, intense, fist-sized riffs, were very much in. While Betty may not have been their most popular album, Hamilton's minimalist "technique" would remain the standard for the next few years.

This song had a quirky rhythm and riff:

Biscuits For Smut

Served up in the backyard
Cooked too long on high
Flying out the window
Even dogs have passed them by
Didn’t know she was tied up
Better fed than forced
Time to meet the protagonist, boy
He never showed remorse

Choking on the one thing
His tongue had gotten too fat
A barely walking dead man
Seemed to know where he was at
Drive himself to the airport
Getting out of here
Overworking the small town
The law couldn’t get too near

Come on smut
You might’ve stayed

:guitar:

[ABlairican Pie]

Milquetoast

Tell me if you think it’s all right
I’ll give in to what you know
I don’t see the habits that
Become me
I’ve saved up my useless thoughts

Well means, it works I’m on your side
I said that? well so, I lied
Remeber I tried not to be wary
This failed me once too much

Unrecognized
Well preserved
Don’t forget what you heard

:rock: :guitar: :guitar: :rock:

'The Crow' Soundtrack:

[ABlairican Pie]

On a more mainstream note, Soul Asylum's followup to Grave Dancer's Union was the less successful Let Your Dim Light Shine. The album was produced by Nirvana producer Butch Vig, an odd choice given his heavy guitar-layered style, and the band was more of a "rootsier" alternative sound. The album failed to ignite much interest, as the lyrics were less than stellar and more hokey. The one standout track was the infectious rocker "Just Like Anyone".

Just Like Anyone

She walks into the outhouse
The cold night breathes into her face
The flies are standing still now
The moon it spills through the place

And she starts wondering it’s like to be liked by everyone
And like everyone be just like anyone
And just wants to be so just like anyone

She reaches through the darkness
Her fingers touch the porcelain seat
She spins and pulls her pants down
The cold air holds her like a theif

She starts wondering what they mean, do they just mean to be mean
And thinking about the scene, do they just want to be seen
And trying not to seem so just like anyone

The door comes screeching open
She walks into the evening air
She disappears in the darkness
All that’s left’s the faint smell of her hair

She’s done wondering what it’s like to be liked by everyone
And like everyone be just like anyone
And just wants to be so just like anyone
And wondering what they mean, do they just mean to be mean
And thinking about the scene, do they just want to be seen
And trying not to seem so just like anyone

:guitar: :banana: :mango:

[ABlairican Pie]

The Rentals were one-hit wonder which could be considered
the missing link between 90's grunge and 80's synthy new wave with keyboards on their big song "Friends of P." Their album Return of the Rentals had one of the most captivating album covers since Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon. :yeahthat And how about those chick harmonies!!

Friends of P.

:woohoo: :woohoo:

I'm a good guy for a gal
So won't you look my palm over
I've got time for a chat
So won't you tell me my future
I'm gonna break down at fifty
And I'm not quite a stallion
I'm a good guy for a gal
And I'm mentally slipping
Oh yeah, oh yeah
What's that ya' see?
Oh boy, find out what's up with me
Oh yeah, oh yeah
What's that ya' see?
Tell me more of what's gonna be
If you're friends with P.
Well, then you're friends with me
If you're down with P.
Well, then you're down with me
Friends of P.
Friends of P.
Friends of P.
Friends...
Somebody's fame and fortune is gonna come to me early
I get two loves in my life, and I'm dying at 90

:guitar: :banana: mango:

[ABlairican Pie]

The Meat Puppets, the influential alternative band who had a huge impact on
Nirvana and other bands, followed up their Too High to Die album with No Joke! which did not live up to the popularity of its predecessor. While the album featured a modest radio hit, "Scum", the rest of the album was rather average in the minds of most critics while fans enjoyed it immensely. It didn't help sales with the tacky album cover.

Unfortunately, brother Chris Kirkwood's heroin addiction began to take a toll on him, as the drug had on many musicians at this point, but now the band began to splinter as they became unable to work together. The band went on hiatus, and Kirkwood would end up with various brushes with the law. No joke.

Scum

In some forgettable rhyme
We crawled across the border line
We kissed the enemy till
I thought we traveled out of time

You couldn't have heard me speak
There was, so it did seem, I say
A fog so heavy that I
Could not tell if it was night or day
Hand over all water
You know that means business
Scum

Under the stone
We find the scum
Under the stars
We find the scum

I thought a beautiful thing
A fire was lit within my mind
On ruby hummingbird wings
Went shivering up and down my spine

The water that quit our thirst
Was not from earthly vineyards mined
And then we drunkenly sailed
The gutter of our invisible shrines

:guitar:

[ABlairican Pie]

Matthew Sweet released another decent album full of fuzz-toned alternative pop on his 1995 album 100% Fun, which featured the MTV hit "Sick of Myself". While Sweet was a critical favorite, it was surprising his tunes were not as big as they deserved to be.

Sick of Myself

You don’t know how you move me
Deconstruct me
And consume me
I’m all used up
I’m out of luck
I am starstruck
By something in your eyes that is keeping my hope alive

But I’m sick of myself when I look at you
Something is beautiful and true
In a world that’s ugly and a lie
It’s hard to even want to try
And I’m beginning to think baby you don’t know

I’ll take or leave
The room to breathe
The choice to leave you
I’ll throw away
A chance at greatness
Just to make this
Dream come into play, I don’t know if I’ll find a way

’cause I’m sick of myself when I look at you
Something is beautiful and true
In a world that’s ugly and a lie
It’s hard to even want to try
And I’m beginning to think baby you don’t know
I’m beginning to think baby you don’t know

There’s something in your eyes that is keeping my hope alive
But I’m sick of myself when I look at you
Something is beautiful and true
In a world that’s ugly and a lie
It’s hard to even want to try
And I’m beginning to think baby you don’t know
I’m beginning to think baby you don’t know

:guitar:

[ABlairican Pie]

Matthew Sweet's 1993 album Altered Beast featured more of his bittersweet pop alternative songwriting with a variety of styles, but his tone was a bit darker in his lyrics than before. The critically acclaimed album contained two versions of a song called "The Ugly Truth", one which had violin, and the other with louder guitars (called "Ugly Truth Rock").

The Ugly Truth

You don’t want to die
But the living gets you down
We want you to act like nothing’s wrong
Even though you heard a sound
And then you’re ripped right out of the ground
Like a f:censored:in’ root
No you simply cannot hide
From the ugly truth

You fell you must be wise
’cause you could find yourself
Among a sea of smiling faces
It’s a way I’ve never felt
Yeah, it kinda flies right into my face
And out the other side
Oh, the ugly truth leaves nothing to decide
The ugly truth makes every one of us a liar
Ugly

If you can dig a big enough hole
To bury all your youth
No you still won’t be prepared for the ugly truth
No you’ll never be prepared for the ugly truth
You simply cannot hide from the ugly truth
Ugly

:guitar:

[ABlairican Pie]

One band that would qualify as alternative lite was the West Coast band Toad the Wet Sprocket, whose soft acoustic jangly guitars were an anomaly in an era of (quickly quieting) loud droney electric axes. Their 1994 album Dulcinea featured such gentle pop tracks as "Fly From Heaven", "Nanci", "Woodworking", and "Windmills".

Fly From Heaven

Paul is making me nervous
Paul is making me scared
Walk into this room and swaggers
Like he's God's own messenger

Changed the name of my brother
Changed the things that he said
Says that he speaks to him
But he never even knew the man
But I'd give my life for him

Like water through my hands
You'd give him any endin'
But if he's all you say
Would he fly from heaven
To this world again
To this world again

Take whatever you're needing
Take whatever you can
We are broken from within
Run to another land (run to land)

Like water through my hands
Or is it just beginning
But if he's all you say
Would he fly from heaven
To this world again
To this world again

They took my brother
They ripped him from me
To twist his words as they did his body
Denied his family
Denied his beauty
To lie him down at the feet
Of those he couldn't save
Couldn't save, couldn't save

Will it be the end
Or is he still ascending?
But if he's all you say
Would he fly from heaven
To this world again
To this world again

[ABlairican Pie]

Toad the Wet Sprocket, whose name came from a Monty Python sketch, released Fear in 1991. The album put them on the map with their brilliant cover of early 80's power-pop artist Bram Tchaikowsky's "All I Want", as well as "Walk On the Ocean." For a while, it seemed that their "unplugged"
pop sound would become the wave of the 90's, but not quite. The 90's did tone down on the electric drone often, however.

All I Want

Nothing’s so loud
As hearing when we lie
The truth is not kind
And you’ve said neither am i
But the air outside so soft is saying everything
Everything

All I want is to feel this way
To be this close, to feel the same
All I want is to feel this way
The evening speaks, I feel it say...

Nothing’s so cold
As closing the heart when all we need
Is to free the soul
But we wouldn’t be that brave I know
And the air outside so soft, confessing everything
Everything

And it won’t matter now
Whatever happens to me
Though the air speaks of all we’ll never be
It won’t trouble me

And it feels so close
Let it take me in
Let it hold me so
I can feel it say...

[ABlairican Pie]

Walk On the Ocean

We spotted the ocean at the head of the trail
Where are we going, so far away
And somebody told me that this is the place
Where everything’s better, everything’s safe
Walk on the ocean
Step on the stones
Flesh becomes water
Wood becomes bone
And half and hour later we packed up our things
We said we’d send letters and all those little things
And they knew we were lying but they smiled just the same
It seemed they’d already forgotten we’d came

Now we’re back at the homestead
Where the air makes you choke
And people don’t know you
And trust is a joke
We don’t even have pictures
Just memories to hold
That grow sweeter each season
As we slowly grow old

[ABlairican Pie]

Former bassist for the late great 80's band The Minutemen and fIREHOSE Mike Watt released Ball-hog or Tugboat? in 1995. The title, which is a slang expression for whether one will triumph over circumstances or die in abject failure, featured a rather provocative cover illustration, but the real draw of the album was the duet with Eddie Vedder on the song "Against the 70's", a slam against youth culture's obsession with retro chic (in this case, the cheesy trendy decade which brought us The Brady Bunch and disco macrame. :schmack: ).

Against the 70's

I asked him if he knew what time he had
He said he wasn't sure, maybe a quarter past

The kids of today should defend themselves against the 70's

I peered in his eyes as we stood in line just to have a look
But the pages I found looked like an unbound coloring book

The kids of today should defend themselves against the 70's
The kids of today should defend themselves against the 70's

It's not reality, just someone else?s sentimentality...
It won't work for you...

Baby boomers selling you rumors of their history
Forcing youth away from the truth of what?s real today

The kids of today should defend themselves against the 70?s

Stadium minds with stadium lies gotta make you laugh
Garbage vendors against true defenders of the craft

The kids of today should defend themselves against the 70's
The kids of today should defend themselves against the 70s
It?s not reality, just someone else?s sentimentality...
Look what it did to us...

(Speakin' as a child of the 70's)

The kids against the 70's...
Kids against the 70's...

The kids of today should defend themselves against the 70's
The kids of today should defend themselves against the 70's

The kids of today should defend themselves against the 70's
The kids of today should defend themselves against the 70's

The kids of today should defend themselves against the 70's
The kids of today should defend themselves against the 70's

The kids of today should defend themselves against the 70's
The kids of today should defend themselves against the 70's

The kids of today should defend themselves against the 70's
The kids of today should defend themselves against the 70's

The kids of today should defend themselves against the 70's
The kids of today should defend themselves against the 70's

:guitar:

[ABlairican Pie]

Recent live pic of Watt:

(Not to be confused with deservedly disgraced Reagan's Secretary of the Interior James Watt ;) )

[ABlairican Pie]

Mike Watt's band which formed after the death of d. Boon of the Minutemen was fIREHOSE, which resembled the former band but with longer song structures. Unfortunately the band broke up in 1993, but not without lasting impact. Bands such as the Red Hot Chili Peppers have cited him as an influence and Sonic Youth has collaborated with Watt as well.

[ABlairican Pie]

One leading figure in 90's music was Moby, named after the Herman Melville novel, whose real name was Richard Hall. He went from playing in local New York punk bands such as Vatican Commandos and others when he decided to shift gears and play techno, electronic, and dance music.
His 1995 release was Everything Is Wrong, which featured such songs as "Feeling So Real" and "All That I Need Is To Be Loved", which combined chaotic punk guitars with dance rhythms.

Moby defined himself not only as a Christian, but also as a animal rights activist and vegetarian, as well as later identifying himself as bisexual. He became an outspoken proponent of liberal causes. Religious and spiritual themes underlie his dance tracks, making his sounds a sort of house music for heaven. Dance music was becoming a new form of praise and worship, though the house of the Lord resembled more of a rave or club--and music became a form of communal celebration. His music was in no way contemporary Christian music, but his form of electronic church celebrated the movement of the flesh, which was not a bad thing.

All That I Need is To Be Loved

This song is called All That I Need Is To Be Loved, let's play it a little faster

One two LET'S GO!
All that I need is to be loved
Can't you take this out of me?
All I want is to be near you
Oh dear god won't you please heal me?

Love!

All that I love for is to live
Can't you make me out of this?
All I love for me to be with you
Oh my god won't you please heal me?

Love!

So long
In my hands
Fell her
So it's gone
Fell lone one
My hand
Said no one understand
When I was here
So low
What I was saying
So it's gone
So I go
Loves her, gone
I said it's no too, one two, one two **** you!
NO
All that I need is to be loved
No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no

Thank you very much, my name's Moby

:banana: :mango:

[ABlairican Pie]

One Canadian "alternative lite" band had the greatest name in the world: Barenaked Ladies. The band had the perfect combination of jangly, poppy acoustic guitars and infectious percussion, as well as witty lyrics. Their album Maybe You Should Drive featured catchy tunes such as "Jane", "A", "These Apples", and "Alternative Girlfriend". The album was not a huge seller in Canada, where they had been a mainstay for the past several years, but popularity was gaining ground slowly in America.

These Apples

A friend brought me flowers, she said they were lilacs
But I’ve never been good with plants
Her next presentation, a new dictionary
She’d circled the word romance
So enthusiastic, a little bit drastic
I shaved her name in my head
And as she beheld it, she said I misspelled it;
Need more be said!

Chorus:
These apples are delicious!
As a matter of fact they are, she said
Can all this fruit be free?

She wrote me a letter as big as a phonebook
I’ve never been big on mail
I sent her a postcard from somewhere near lethebridge
And wondered if it still went by rail
I’ve never been frightened of being enlightened
But some things can go too far
Though sometimes I stammer and mix up my grammar,
You get what my meanings are

Chorus

I’m not trying to sing a love song -- I’m trying to sing in tune.
I know I am sometimes headstrong
Falling love, catching fire -- I want to be consumed
Wondering will I ever tire, will I ever tire!

Chorus

:guitar: :banana: :mango:

[ABlairican Pie]

The band consisted of Kevin Hearn, Ed Robertson, Steven Page, Tyler Stewart, and Jim Creeggan. Their first brushes with success was their cover of Bruce Cockburn's "Lovers In a Dangerous Time" on a tribute album to the veteran Canadian songwriter, as well as a now-rare cassette called Yellow Tape whose sales skyrocketed after the group was banned from a concert at the Toronto City Hall when the mayor's assistant took offense at the band's name, saying it "objectified women". :rolleyes:

Alternative Girlfriend

You’re in an all-girl band
Your futon’s second hand
Your parents understand but you don’t care
I have a job in a shop
I’m an undercover cop
I make sure the customers aren’t thieves
Old at being young
Young at being old
Everything’s on hold within our evolution

Chorus:
You’re my alternative girlfriend
I love you, and now you cannot pretend
There’s nothing left that won’t cross over

Last night we slept on the lawn
You woke up and I was gone
Back to the dream I dream to leave
My life with her is a bore
A worn-out metaphor
No more surprises up it’s sleeve
We’re old at being young
Young at being old
Everything’s been sold to other’s revolutions

Chorus

You live above your dad’s four-car garage
With your vinyl and imaginary entourage
If I pull up in a u-haul, pack up quick
So we can get out of this town ’cause it makes me sick

Chorus

[ABlairican Pie]

Chris Whitleywas a Texas-born guitarist/songwriter troubador in the vein of Neil Young who alternated between dark acoustic rock on his trademark National guitar (an acoustic blues staple instrument) and morose electric guitar-driven rock. He made a name for himself playing all over Europe and performing countless tour dates in America. His 1995 album Din of Ecstasy featured a more bluesy rocking sound.

Narcotic Prayer

As the party closes
I ain't got a clue
Red and yellow roses
Nipple rings and tattoos
Well, I never met no girl
No one, no where
I never met no girl
Narcotic Prayer

If I seen her breathing
How could I adjust
Should I see her bleeding
Calling me in trust
Well I never met no girl
No one, no where
Narcotic Prayer

I copped and caught a movie
But you know it can't last
Lights come up and I just crashed

[ABlairican Pie]

Chris Whitley's commercial breakthrough was 1991's Living With the Law.

Living With the Law

Brother runnin' powder money
Daddy's somewhere on a drunk
In the hours, after washing
I do my dreaming with a gun

Well I come down from the country
Find a lesson in the draw
There ain't no secrets in the city
It's hard living with the law

They got machines, mama I can't figure
They got a romance made for doing time
Send me out child, running outside
Out along a world of crime

Gonna swing my scythe, got a hand upon the handle
Gonna shade my children ways I understand
Milk the trigger, kill the hunger
Staring down this broken land

So fetch on up your greasy apron
Spread your lover in the straw
Hear me baby, I'm nearly crazy
It's hard living with the law


Below he is pictured with his National dobro guitar:

[ABlairican Pie]

Shock-rocker Marilyn Manson was preparing for his next full-length album when he released an EP full of cover songs and re-mixes under the title Smells Like Children. The album was not very impressive for fans and listeners who wanted something new, but this was only to hold them until the upcoming release came out. The hour-long "mini-album" featured covers of the Eurythmics' "Sweet Dreams" which Manson had made popular earlier, Patti Smith's proto-punk anthem "Rock and Roll N:censored:", early 60's blues howler Screamin' J. Hawkins' "I Put a Spell On You", as well as various versions of Manson's "Dope Hat", "Cake and Sodomy", and "Scales, Guns, and Peanut Butter", among other provocative titles.

I Put a Spell On You

I put a spell on you
Because you’re mine.
I can’t stand the things that you do.
No, no, no, I ain’t lyin’. no.
I don’t care if you don’t want me
’cause I’m yours, yours, yours anyhow.
Yeah, I’m yours, yours, yours.
I love you. I love you.
(repeat three times)
Yeah! yeah! yeah!
Yeah....
I put a spell on you.
Lord! lord! lord!
....’cause you’re mine, yeah.
I can’t stand the things that you do
When you’re foolin’ around.
I don’t care if you don’t want me.
’cause I’m yours, yours, yours anyhow.
Yeah, yours, yours, yours!
I can’t stand your foolin’ around.
If I can’t have you,
No one will!
I love you, you, you!
I love you. I love you. I love you!
I love you, you, you!
I don’t care if you don’t want me.
’cause I’m yours, yours, yours anyhow.

[ABlairican Pie]

"Sweet Dreams" became the first "hit" by Marilyn Manson. It was spooky, jarring, and tortured--and would Annie Lennox and Dave Stewart approve?

During the tour behind this album, drummer Sara Lee Lucas parted ways with the band when Manson doused his drum kit with lighter fluid and set it ablaze--with Lucas still behind the kit!! :eek: He was replaced by new drummer Ginger Fish. Could Manson and Co. top this stunt?

Sweet Dreams

(verse)
Sweet dreams are made of these
Who am I to disagree?
Travelled the world
And the seven seas
Everybody’s looking for something

(chorus)
Some of them want to use you
Some of them wanna get used by you
Some of them want to abuse you
Some of them want to be abused

repeat

:rock: :guitar: :guitar: :rock:

[ABlairican Pie]

The Obsessed were a "stoner-rock" band fronted by guitarist Scott "Wino" Weinrich who played sludgy, droney metal in the style of Black Sabbath, which would have seemed a dime a dozen in the 90's had it not been for the fact that Weinrich and the band went back to the early 80's ages before "grunge" became a household word. Weinrich even was even fortunate enough to see Black Sabbath and Rick Derringer on the same stage on his 12th birthday in the early 70's.

The Obsessed broke up in the mid-80's while Weinrich formed other side project bands such as St. Vitus' Dance and others. The Obsessed regrouped in 1989, and by 1995, upon the release of The Church Within, seemed poised for stardom and decent exposure when they were slated to open for White Zombie on an upcoming tour. Sadly, label support dried up, leaving them to perform in the shadows of the fickle music industry, but "stoner-metal" was quickly gaining ground elsewhere.

The Church Within featured tracks such as "To Protect and To Serve", "Field of Hours", "Blind Lightning", and "Mourning".

[ABlairican Pie]

While Weinrich counts his seeing Black Sabbath and Rick Derringer on his birthday as one of his early joys, for much of his early adult life his time at home was hell. He estranged himself from his family by his excessive use of drugs, including reckless activities such as fprcing others to lick acid tabs off tips of hunting knives! :eek: But later he reconciled himself with his family and kicked his drug habit, finding his true passion in the healing power of music.

[ABlairican Pie]

Those fortunate enough to catch Black Sabbath on their Forbidden tour in 1995 also had the treat of seeing metal veterans Motorhead touring behind their latest album Sacrifice, another wickedly powerful slab of sonic brainkill by the masters Lemmy and Co.

Sacrifice

Why do they not believe
I have not lied, even for this,
Now no-one can conceive
The lie becomes the loving kiss,
But I would not,
Fall in love,
Like this.

The woman stiches the shrouds,
The children murder all the world,
If only you believe,
Then only you will die,
How can you not,
See the stars,
In your eyes.

Sacrifice, sacrifice, sacrifice, sacrifice,
Sacrifice, pay the price, blood like ice, sacrifice.

The pain is on you now,
Do not consider flight for gain,
In you the poison breeds,
Crawling with the mark of Cain,
And no-one shall,
Set you free,
Again.

Sacrifice, sacrifice, sacrifice, sacrifice,
Sacrifice, sacrifice, sacrifice, sacrifice.

:rock: :guitar: :guitar: :rock:

[ABlairican Pie]

Sex and Death

Here we are still fighting
fighting for our lives!
Danger in the trenches
but we still survive!

We know who we are!
We know who we are!
We remember every move
(We still bear the scars!)

Don't look for maturity-
don't you even dare!
We are our own security,
and we don't even care!

We know what we do!
We know what we do!
We do what we must
(and we admire our attitude!)

Be damned, if you can't handle it,
(We) hope you break your neck-
Sex and Death!

Show 'em your guitar!
[guitar solo]

Here we are in trouble,
comin' every day
Slaughter in the alley?
(that would) make our bleedin' day!

We know all the rules!
We know all the rules!
We know more than you would like-
(cuz) we ain't in your school!

We are tired of you now-
we are sick and tired!
We are tired of hearing you
say we should be quiet!

You ain't worth our time!
You ain't worth our time!
You ain't worth a nickel, babe-
you ain't worth a dime!

We ain't gonna give it up
as long as we got breath:
Sex and Death!!

The answer to life's mystery
is simple and direct:
Sex and Death!

Runnin' down the highway
and we ain't tired yet:
Sex and Death!

Sex and Death!!!

:rock: :guitar: :guitar: :rock:

[ABlairican Pie]

While Zakk Wylde took time off his duties from playing guitar for Ozzy, he formed a new band with the former bassist for White Lion called Pride and Glory. This was a radical departure from his work with rock's biggest madman, the band's album featured such things as country playing and twangy acoustic guitars, yet did not forsake one bit his trademark blistering electric Les Paul licks.

Horse Called War

If the end be a comin'
I soon be a bummin'
All you Jesus freaks I hope you're wrong
I've got so much left to live for
All these religions without God's supervision
All you Jesus freaks you kill yourselves
All in the name of the Lord

You're gonna meet your maker
Soon he be comin' to town
You tear the horse a comin'
Mercy on your soul when you're found

Been out ridin'
Ridin' a horse called war
Ain't no denyin'
You can't bury a horse called war

All of this hatin'
Just social masturbation
All you Jesus freaks we need you now
What the hell are you waiting for
Through all the pollution
Ain't seen no solution
For you Jesus freaks that ride the horse called war

You're gonna meet your maker
Soon he be comin' to town
You hear the horse a comin'
Mercy on your soul when you're found

Been out ridin'
Ridin' a horse called war
Ain't no denyin'
You can't bury a horse called war

Everyone's talkin'
But nobody's walkin'
We keep feedin'
It keeps eatin'
We'll be down, down, down on the killin' floor

You're gonna meet your maker
Soon he be comin' to town
You hear the horse a comin'
Mercy on your soul when you're found

Been out ridin'
Ridin' a horse called war
Ain't no denyin'
You can't bury a horse called war

[ABlairican Pie]

The greatest, most visionary band in the world, GWAR, released This Toilet Earth in 1994. As the band increased their visibility on MTV, problems ensued when such obscene topics on the album involving perverted sex acts, the record was the first of theirs to be censored. Actually, the album told a story about their evil enemySkulhedface, an alien queen who was deformed in a Synnite Warrior raid on her planet centuries before. In retaliation, she travels to Antarctica, encounters Gwar while they are hibernating, and steals their Jizmoglobin, or life force. Her midget slave Flopsy and she then create a creature made up of the melded parts of evil historical figures (such as Hitler) called the Flesh Column. Skulhedface disguises herself as an evil executive for the Glomco corporation, and uses propaganda to turn Gwar into sickeningly cuddly cartoon characters. Meanwhile, Gwar discovers that the World Maggot is their only opportunity to escape Earth, but Skullhedface stands in their way. Oderus & Co. must regain their Jizzmoglobin and catch the maggot in time.

This concept album stands the test of time next to prog-era Rush. :cool:

The album also featured the band expanding its musical boundaries with horns on "Saddam a Go Go", and various explorations into the pop format. The video for their hit from the album, "Jack the World", was featured on Beavis and Butthead.

Saddam a Go Go

I at the time was a communist
Lived on a collective farm
She was a part-time antichrist
Our sex went off like a bomb
Living the life of a terrorist
Looking for the man Saddam,
Who gave me a gun as Iran to the sun
If you die like a dog then you are then you are Saddam
They shall drown in their own blood!
Hail Saddam a go-go!
Going to Saddam a go-go
Everybody is there
Business of strange bed fellows
Makes you dance around like a bear Ein, Schwein, kick him in the eye
Teamed up with the Asian eye
They were the ones Who could rise with the sun
As they lived in their planes
And they died
[repeat a lot!]
How they died... Hail!
The running paper tiger chases its own tail
Hail Saddam a go-go
He was someone who was there for people like me
Hi there Saddam, loved the party
Yes they're all here with me
Bloody Saddam
Loves you always, always a kick
Bloody Saddam
Even though the smell is making me sick
As we sit on our roofs
And cheer as your scuds fall like rain
Here at the ancient ziggaraunt Saddam is presiding there
Running around with a saxophone Where is the president, where?
Here it comes, the black tornado
Let's have a cheer for Sarajevo
If you survive what falls out of his mind
You'll make the political world

:rock: :guitar: :guitar: :rock:

Shouldn't that be Zigguraut? :confused:

[ABlairican Pie]

Jack the World

Rid yourself of all the worthless crap in which you wallow
Here's an iron fist of death for you to swallow
Undead from Antarctia, the signals pumping free
C'mon lets wake the maggot up, it's on
Slave Pit TV
You might sleep on concrete slabs, or be a blithering bohab
Yet your growth is exponential if you consume excremental

[Chorus:]
Pay to Play
Every single day
You feel your brain cells
Melt away
The appalling calling
Why don't you go away?
We'll jack your world!

Now your in the maggot chamber, corpses fill the charnel manger
Toilets pointing underground, can't forget the sloppy sound
Jack jack the world [x3]
[Chorus]
I wanna suck like lovers do I wanna lose a
Grammy too I wanna kick the teeth outta you

:rock: :guitar: :guitar: :rock:

Oderus and band pics:

[ABlairican Pie]

GWAR's next stellar example of epic storytelling, Ragnarok from 1995, marked the return to full-on heavy metal. The album essentially story about the end of the world. The story involves Oderus and his alien sister Slymenstra being forcibly mated with the aid of rogue space aliens. Meanwhile, a comet hurdling towards planet earth is inciting the populace to revolt, and anarchy has set in all over the globe. An AIDS-like plague has crippled the masses, who await the meteor's arrival and their subsequent death. However, it turns out that the comet is actually Cardinal Syn, a robotic agent of harsh Catholic dogma. Syn is representing the Warrior Pope, who is demanding that all bow down to him and obey his insane whims. But Syn is drawn to Slymenstra's alien baby, for a reason that is left for the listener to uncover... As it could be supposed, the concept is about the ridicule of Christianity (especially in the song, "Martyr Dumb"). The highlights of the album include "Dirty, Filthy" (a rousing comedy anthem), the title track, and "Meat Sandwich". In other news, Drakulich does a mock-rapping bit as Sleazy P. in "Think You Oughta Know This", and there is an energetic duet between Oderus and Slymenstra in "Fire in the Loins". In the closer, for once, Gwar actually shows a serious side in detailing their problems with protestors (the ballad, "None But the Brave"). Finally, "Surf of Syn" shows the technical side of GWAR, as they touch upon a style of music never found in previous GWAR albums. There are hints of flamenco inspired tidbits that show up in the song.

It's comforting to know that GWAR have a sense of social commentary. :cool:

RagNaRok

To die, perchance to sin, that's the rub
For in that sleep of sin, what, what kingdom may come?
What of the limitless sex and violence in the wake of RagNaRok
Welcome to the slaughter, what are going to do?
What will be your epitaph, when we get done with you?
Are you gonna cry for your momma, are you gonna have a good time?
Are you gonna be a bohab, when it's your turn to die?
It all gets pretty crazy, bedlam all around
Anarchy, chaos rule the street, it's a RagNaRok party town!
Your head it is a turnin', your brain it is a burnin'
As your sanity slips away
The final hour's here, now grab yourself a beer
You're only king for one day
Go on and get a gun, we're gonna have some fun
Snuffin' out some fools, and breakin' all the rules
The only rule is winnin', that means a lot of sinnin'
Sinnin' feels so fine, you're running out of time!
It's always one hell of a party, when RagNaRok rolls around
RagNaRok N Roll, RagNaRok N Roll
It's time to trash the planet, RagNaRok battleground
Welcome to Valhalla, do not be afraid
Now you are a zombie, and all your friends are dead
It all gets rather naughty, when we get backstage
Everybody take a load off, I hope you're underage
Whip out your bologna, your feeling mighty horny
And you wanna have one more chance
Looking for a lubbah, no need to where a rubbah
Have a RagNaRok N Roll romance
Go on and find somebody and get them really bloody
Peelin' and a porkin', dealin' and a dorkin'
Chokin' and a jokin', laffin' and a load'n
Load in lot of fun, hurry now you're running out of time!
Dust to dust
To die, perchance to sin, that's the rub
For in that sleep of sin, what, what kingdom may come?
What of the limitless sex and violence in the wake of RagNaRok
Welcome to the slaughter, what are going to do?
What will be your epitaph, when we get done with you?
Are you gonna cry for your momma, are you gonna have a good time?
Are you gonna be a bohab, when it's your turn to die?
It all gets pretty crazy, bedlam all around
Anarchy, chaos rule the street, it's a RagNaRok party town!
Your head it is a turnin', your brain it is a burnin'
As your sanity slips away
The final hour's here, now grab yourself a beer
You're only king for one day
Go on and get a gun, we're gonna have some fun
Snuffin' out some fools, and breakin' all the rules
The only rule is winnin', that means a lot of sinnin'
Sinnin' feels so fine, you're running out of time!
It's always one hell of a party, when RagNaRok rolls around
RagNaRok N Roll, RagNaRok N Roll
It's time to trash the planet, RagNaRok battleground
Welcome to Valhalla, do not be afraid
Now you are a zombie, and all your friends are dead
It all gets rather naughty, when we get backstage
Everybody take a load off, I hope you're underage
Whip out your bologna, your feeling mighty horny
And you wanna have one more chance
Looking for a lubbah, no need to where a rubbah
Have a RagNaRok N Roll romance
Go on and find somebody and get them really bloody
Peelin' and a porkin', dealin' and a dorkin'
Chokin' and a jokin', laffin' and a load'n
Load in lot of fun, hurry now you're running out of time!
Dust to dust
To die, perchance to sin, that's the rub
For in that sleep of sin, what, what kingdom may come?
What of the limitless sex and violence in the wake of RagNaRok
Welcome to the slaughter, what are going to do?
What will be your epitaph, when we get done with you?
Are you gonna cry for your momma, are you gonna have a good time?
Are you gonna be a bohab, when it's your turn to die?
It all gets pretty crazy, bedlam all around
Anarchy, chaos rule the street, it's a RagNaRok party town!
Your head it is a turnin', your brain it is a burnin'
As your sanity slips away
The final hour's here, now grab yourself a beer
You're only king for one day
Go on and get a gun, we're gonna have some fun
Snuffin' out some fools, and breakin' all the rules
The only rule is winnin', that means a lot of sinnin'
Sinnin' feels so fine, you're running out of time!
It's always one hell of a party, when RagNaRok rolls around
RagNaRok N Roll, RagNaRok N Roll
It's time to trash the planet, RagNaRok battleground
Welcome to Valhalla, do not be afraid
Now you are a zombie, and all your friends are dead
It all gets rather naughty, when we get backstage
Everybody take a load off, I hope you're underage
Whip out your bologna, your feeling mighty horny
And you wanna have one more chance
Looking for a lubbah, no need to where a rubbah
Have a RagNaRok N Roll romance
Go on and find somebody and get them really bloody
Peelin' and a porkin', dealin' and a dorkin'
Chokin' and a jokin', laffin' and a load'n
Load in lot of fun, hurry now you're running out of time!
Dust to dust

:rock: :guitar: :guitar: :rock:

[ABlairican Pie]

Now the question begs to be asked: Is all this tackiness and tawdriness onstage and on albums truly permissible in a free society? One way to look at this is that what we consider "obscene" actually serves as a counterpoint to societal repression. As we have seen, it was people's hunger for "forbidden" rock and roll on foreign airwaves in the Soviet Union whick led them to realize the horrible coverup of the Chernobyl disaster--which led to an uprising against the communist system. What we consider "pornographic" features ideas and concepts which help viewers and listeners question what the media has previously force-fed them. Truly revolutionary artists such as GWAR enable people to have critical minds toward institutions such as government, church, and other authoritarian organizations. Often, as many scholars have pointed out, many things which have been condemned as "pornographic" by dictatorships were not so much for sexual content as they were for social commentary not flattering of the ruling class.

Meat Sandwich

Meat Sandwich

In the name of Gwar
In the name of love
In the name of the blood dripping out of the sun

I call out your god
'til before me he stands
But don't send me Jesus
He's only a man!

Meat sandwich!x4

I have come as a feral thing
Clutching at your bloated underbelly
Let the agony of the is to be
be the shrieks the warnings of the death screams

Pummelling the wretched
Crushing the defiler
Pummelling the wretched AYE!

Slay them all, let them come,
let them come, let them come
They come for...
Meat sandwich!x2

I have come as a feral thing
Snapping at your bloated underbelly
To crucify, Shrieks of the crucified

Let the agony of the is to be
Be the shrieks the warnings of the death screams

Pummelling the wretched (you know who)
Crushing the defiler (you know who you are)
Pummelling the wretched AYE! (you know who)

Pummelling the wretched (you know who)
Crushing the defiler (you know who you are)
Pummelling the wretched (you know who)

Pummelling the wretched (you know who)
Pummelling the wretched (you know who you are)
Pummelling the wretched (you know who)

Slay them all, let them come,
let them come, let them come
They come for...
Slay them all, let them come,
let them come, let them come
They come for...
Slay them all, let them come,
let them come, let them come
They come for...

Meat sandwich!
Meat sandwich!
Meat sandwich!
Meat sandwich!

Meat sandwich, Meat sandwich
Meat sandwich wo-o-woah

Meat sandwich!

:rock: :guitar: :guitar: :rock:

The lovely Slymenstra:

[ABlairican Pie]

With the above commentary in mind, we now come to a more conventional release from 1995, Amorica by the Black Crowes. The album cover was very provocative, taken from a cover of a Bicentennial issue of Hustler magazine in 1976.

http://www.progscape.com/collection/images/4093f.jpg

The cover was totally in keeping with the true nature of rock and roll, as was the music. The album featured more of their traditional Stones-y rock and roll, and while the album did not reach the pinnacles of popularity of their previous releases, it showed that they were true to their musical vision. The album contained tracks such as "Gone", "A Conspiracy", "She Gave Good Sunflower", and a ballad "Cursed Diamond". The album cover was later altered so as not to offend the discriminating clientele at fine Sam Goody stores everywhere.

She Gave Good Sunflower

I’ve been lost in the headlights
All night long
Said I’ve felt taller, yes I heard
The dealer’s song
Say babe don’t mark me absent
I only missed out by a fraction
Be the sun that bursts through my clouds
It’s hard enough just living on this ground
Chorus:
Say don’t pretend to me
I beg and I plead, your sunflower I need
Thought nothing would surprise me
I was wrong now I see
Come on baby and just do me if you please
This made me reminiscing
About the honey we made
I feel warm in your blizzard
And your flood I crave
I won’t abuse my anger
I promise you no lecture
Come be the sun bursting through my clouds
It’s hard enough just living on the ground
Chorus

[ABlairican Pie]

Gone

Save me
From this season’s dead air
Take me
Blind naked scared
Want you to burn me, burn me baby
Cover your eyes with my ashes
C’mon why don’t you pray for me
Sit back and watch my divine spark flash

Chorus:
Gone
Good riddance I’m gone
Gone in a wasted way
Wasted my way I’m gone
Push and pull on me baby
With your fingernails full of fur
I want you to stab me
Do it, do it, ’cause you know it don’t hurt

Chorus
Jinx me, jinx me baby
Beautiful like a fool
C’mon and remove me
Dilated and burned

Chorus

[ABlairican Pie]

Back on the metal side, Voivod released Negatron, an album that did not hit their commercial potential due to the departure of original vocalist Snake. The album was considered a musical disappointment by many critics, but fans still embraced their intense music and bizarre sci-fi themes on songs such as "Insect", "Nanoman," "Planet Hell", and the title track. The cover featured a mechanical ant terrorizing a tiny city.

Insect

Mindless, now you will do as you're told
Restore, worship the god of control
Victims, helpless
New Slave, brain dead
Betray thy god
Facing endless damnation
Prepare, we'll have a new world our own
Regress, withdraw and you'll burn alone
Maintain respect
Obey Insect
Twisting your fate
Facing endless salvation
People from the outside
Craving for utopia
Nowhere near perfection
Future desolation
Join in now, join in now
Join in now, join in now
Promising heaven, celestial home
Inside your head now, insect has grown
There is no problem to analyse
Leaving this wasteland towards the sky
No need to worry, you're in the zone
Mind control fury, whispering tone
Overbearing manipulation
Impure, sadness, manic depression
Victims, helpless
New slave, brain dead
Betray thy god

:rock: :guitar: :guitar: :rock:

[ABlairican Pie]

Voivod's 1993 album The Outer Limits was a vastly underrated album in the year that gave us Crayonbox and Snoop Doggy Dog and other cartoon characters, but for the eleven people who actually bought it, it certainly wasn't for the nifty album cover which came with a pair of 3-D glasses for proper viewing, the intellectual space-thrash songs were worth the price of admission. The album featured tracks such as "Fix My Heart", "Time Warp", "Moonbeam Rider", "Le Pont Noir", and "The Lost Machine". No doubt they were fans of the 60's sci-fi t.v. show, which re-appeared as a new series in the 90's.

The Lost Machine

Lost machine, giant maze
Big engine, cruising space
Ozone years, controlled daze... keeps the engine running

Silver beams, analyze
Robot teams, supervise
That was then, this is now... it must run anyhow

Don't you try, to know why
We can't talk, close that door

My father, remembers
Grand-father, remembers
Patching holes, in the sky... it's running all of the time

I can tell, this is hell
No one talks, no one talks
One day will we understand
How much the future is here right now?
One day will they understand...
How true... the future is here, and how!

Remain silent

Lost machine, never fails
3-D screen, one message
Keep working, generate... it's the same everyday

Don't you try, to know why
I can't talk, close that door

My father gave me a small stone that he received from his father. This
stone was brought from earth by our early ancestors over 3OO years ago,
since the machine started working. Our mission... my mission, to reach
central control and throw it into some vital part of the main engine...
and blow the precious generator... I do not want to have to pass this
down to my own son...

[ABlairican Pie]

Voivod's 1991 album Angel Rat was a departure from their earlier riveting thrash on their 80's releases. Fans were at first disappointed with their "softer", more commercial tone, but the band still excelled on songs such as "Twin Dummy", "Golem", "The Prow", and the title track. The songs dealt with such intriguing epic themes as the enchanting carved Lorelei on the front of a ship, suicidal attempts to dive for the sun, and robotic workers trapped in hellish factories (something we can all related to).

Angel Rat

the idiot walks along a canvas
Sunday rendezvous; mister phobia

"maybe, today, fear will go away, I'll
fly!"

a gruesome rain, a seraph wailing
flapping madly, shaking on the wing

"listen, my friend, never look down
from the cliff"
"take care, beware! do try to catch
the eclipse"

obsession, the will to fly
it would be nice
still, a nagging doubtful mind
it will be fine
straight ahead half luna shines
now is the time

here comes darkness
distanced from above
bold emptyness
omniscient fog

up on the edge
ready! one, two...go!
rat or angel
does one really know?

the idiot walk along a canvas

[ABlairican Pie]

In the 90's, Ted Nugent became, among all things, a radio broadcaster in Detroit known for spouting ultra-conservative views, thus earning him the moniker "Rush Limbaugh with a guitar" . On the show he went on about Second Amendment rights (freedom to bear arms), as well as expressing his hatred and contempt for drugs. He admits that in the 60's however, he did smoke at least fifty joints and tried cocaine only once. But he was filled with contempt for "dirty" hippies and the poison coursing through their systems, the whole ugliness and pathetic image of it all. As much as The Nuge would harp on about others serving in the military, he himself fought being inducted into the draft by making himself as completely repulsive as possible--for days he ate nothing but junk food and drank Pepsi, refused to bathe, and even defecated in his pants and wore them like that for days--:eek: all in order to convince the draft board to turn him down! Not surprising, his disgusting ploy worked. He later said that he avoided the draft since he felt he would end up "killing everybody, including all the stoned hippies in foxholes." :rolleyes: Bear this in mind in the next few years when his comments would come back to haunt him. ohno:

For being a champion of "family values" and other conservative causes, no doubt many people on the right would not take kindly to his constant womanizing in years gone past, or his having a child out of wedlock (as well as the story where he adopted a seventeen-year-old Hawaiian girl in order to "legally" have sex with her. puke: ). What a guy. Model Republican. ohno:

Below The Nudge is pictured with music execs including (bearded) John Kalodner:

[ABlairican Pie]

Before Terrible Ted became master of the domain of conservative radio rock shock jocks, his supergroup band with Tommy Shaw of Styx and Night Ranger's Jack Blades, Damn Yankees, released a followup sophomore album to their self-titled debut. Don't Tread, released in 1992, featured more commercially appealing rockers such as the title track "Don't Tread On Me", and the harmony-filled ballad "Where You Goin' Now".

But problems began to plague the band as they faced death threats on tour by animal-rights extremists who abhorred Ted Nugent gloating of the pleasure of hunting, as well as with their record label neglecting to promote their latest release, perhaps due to their being seen as a group of irrelevant "has-beens" from the 70's and 80's who didn't fit in to the Crayonbox alterna-lite music scene. And the outrage over his pro-hunting views may have been a factor as well. The band was set to release a third album, but it never saw the light of day. The band went their separate ways.

Don't Tread On Me

Freedom rider
On a midnight cruise
On my way
I got nothing to lose
Sister mercy
Gonna take my hand
Lead me over
To the promised land
But you'd better not
Set your sights on me
'Cause it just might spoil your victory

Don't you dare
Don't you tread on me
Don't you tread on me
Don't you try
And make some fool of me
Don't you dare
Don't you tread on me

We walked the gound
Of ancient ones
Lit the fire
With a rising sun
You and me
We got a full on rage
Won't ge fooled
No I won't be caged
Make love not war
Was you claim to fame
Now you're takin' me down
Well I won't be tamed
Don't you dare
Don't you tread on me
Don't you tread on me
Don't you try
And make some fool of me
Don't you tread on me
Don't you dare
Don't you tread on me
Don't you tread on me
Don't you dare forget your history
Don't you tread on me

[ABlairican Pie]

Where You Goin' Now

there's a face in the mirror
and you close your eyes
much easier to turn away
than to take a look inside
so you're thinking it's over
walking away
let your little world crash and burn
oh what a price to pay
didn't anybody tell you
it's not who's right or wrong
hold the line
is this what's going on

where you goin' now
when your world's turned inside out
isn't love what it's all about
where you goin' now

when you get to the too of the hill
gonna be there yes i will
there's a crack in the mirror
there's a hole in the sun
full moon in the midnight sky
and you feel like you want to run
so you blow out the candle
and you turn out the lightthen you stumble into darkness
do you believe that love is blind
didn't anybody tell you
it's never too late to try
hold the line before you say goodbye

where you goin' now
when your world's turned inside out
isn't love what it's all about
where you goin' now
when you get to the top of the hill
gonna be there yes i will
i'm not talking
about what's good for me
and i'm not saying
how you ought to be
but if there is a message
shining on through to you
take a little piece of mind
and let that love light shine
didn't anybody tell you
it's never too late to try
hold the line
before you say goodbye

where you goin' now
when your world's turned inside out
isn't love what it's all about
where you goin' now
when you get to the top of the hill
gonna be there yes i will

Aside from a minor "best-of" album The Essentials, a third studio album of new material was shelved by the record label:

[ABlairican Pie]

Speaking of politically incorrect cartoon figures, one such character was shown late nights on weekends on the USA cable channel: Duckman! Voiced by Jason Alexander (George from Seinfeld), the mature-adults cartoon told the tales of the frustrated fowl detective who bungled his way through life with his deadpan assistant Cornfed, a mild-mannered pig who speaks as the voice of reason, along with his politically correct assistants, two big-eyed teddy bears named Fluffy and Uranus. His home life was equally atrocious, as a widower, he lived with his late wife's domineering twin sister Bernice who abhorred him for his incompitence, intellectual conjoined twin sons Charles and Mambo, his mentally thick son Ajax, played by the late Frank Zappa's son Dweezil Zappa, who always spoke in Valley-dude drawl, as well as the eternally mute (and possibly comatose) Grandmama, who did little else other than sitting in an armchair and emitting flatulence.

Duckman was often besieged by the villain King Chicken, voiced by actor Tim Curry. The avant-jazzy theme song was composed by Frank Zappa's band.

Duckman was known for uttering in a rage, the expression, "What the hell are you staring at??!!" :cuss: He was definitely a 90's twist on other angry middle-aged ducks such as Daffy and Donald.

[ABlairican Pie]

Clips of Duckman with his family; Duckman and Cornfed consulting a fortune teller; cute little Fluffy and Uranus; and Cornfed with a photo of Duckman's sons:

[ABlairican Pie]

1995 was also the year which Microsoft introduced its finest, most user-friendly software package to date*--Windows 95, and the song to herald the advent of new personal computer technology was none other than "Start Me Up" by the Rolling Stones! :clap:



*(until Windows XP came out about five years later, and forget about Windows Me. :2help )

Start Me Up

If you start me up
If you start me up I'll never stop
If you start me up
If you start me up I'll never stop
I've been running hot
You got me ticking gonna blow my top
If you start me up
If you start me up I'll never stop

You make a grown man cry
Spread out the oil, the gasoline
I walk smooth, ride in a mean, mean machine
Start it up

If you start it up
Kick on the starter give it all you got, you got, you got
I can't compete with the riders in the other heats
If you rough it up
If you like it you can slide it up, slide it up

Don't make a grown man cry
My eyes dilate, my lips go green
My hands are greasy
She's a mean, mean machine
Start it up

If start me up
Give it all you got
You got to never, never, never stop
Never, never
Slide it up

You make a grown man cry
Ride like the wind at double speed
I'll take you places that you've never, never seen
Start it up
Love the day when we will never stop, never stop
Never stop, never stop
Tough me up
Never stop, never stop, never stop

You, you, you make a grown man cry
You, you make a dead man come
You, you make a dead man come

[ABlairican Pie]

There was much excitement in the music world when rock veterans Jimmy Page and Robert Plant joined together for a live concert and album, No Quarter: Jimmy Page and Robert Plant Unledded. For the first time in fifteen years, the two main members formerly of Led Zeppelin recorded songs together, acknowledging their past as one of the greatest bands of all time. For years they discounted their legacy and refused to participate on reliving past glories, but now the time was right. The album and DVD included such Zeppelin staples as "Nobody's Fault But Mine", "Thank You", "That's the Way", and Kashmir", as well as new releases such as "City Don't Cry", "Yallah", and "Wonderful One".

But this was not a Led Zeppelin reunion. In fact, they decided not to include
bassist John Paul Jones, who was now producing albums for other artists. Understandably, he was rather miffed and disappointed. Why did it have to be seen as a "Led Zeppelin reunion"? Jones was an integral part of the band, but this could have been just the three of them when they went out on tour later that year.

Wonderful One

So throw it down, Cleveland rain
The queen of love has flown again
To seek her daughter
Who must lie beside the thief
Whose golden tongue she will believe
Defies the order, ohhh

Ohh, that is why
Ohh, that is why

Shall we dance and never stop
Take my hand and stop the clock
From turning over
And spirit weave and spirit bend
In the move that has no end
That we must follow

Ohhhhhhh
Ohh, ohh

Show me your eyes
Oh, light of the son
Touch me with fire
My mind is undone
All life conspire
My freedom has come
I drift through desire
My wonderful one

When you do what you do
I can never, never, never
Let you go
When you feel the way you feel
You can never, never, never
Let it show

Show me your eyes
Oh, light of the son
Touch me with fire
My mind is undone
All life conspire
My freedom has come
I drift through desire
My wonderful one

Oh, hoh-hoh, ah ah-ah,
Mmm oh oh-oh, oh ohhh ohhh hohhh

So throw it down, Cleveland rain
The queen of love has flown again
To seek her daughter
Who must lie beneath the thief
Whose golden tongue she will believe
Defies the order, oh yeah yeah yeah

That is why
That is why
That is why
Oh yeah, that is why

[ABlairican Pie]

On March 31, 1995, tragedy struck when Selena, known as the Queen of Tejano music, was shot dead by the president of her fan club at a hotel in Corpus Cristi, Texas. Her assassin, Yolanda Saldivar, was accused of embezzling funds and shot Selena when she attempted to confront her. Latinos and Latin-Americans all over where stunned and devastated by the death of the beautiful singer, comparing her death to that of John Lennon or President Kennedy. Her funeral drew over 60,000 fans to mourn her early passing. In October Saldivar was sentenced to prison for life without parole.

Selena was not even yet 24.

:crying:

[ABlairican Pie]

Selena, whose full name was Selena Quintanilla, was born in Lake Jackson, Texas and grew up in Corpus Cristi with musical parents. Her father was a singer in the famed Mexican singing group Los Dinos, and encouraged his children to sing and perform music as well. Selena formed her own singing group which later included Chris Perez, a guitarist who later would find romance budding with the young Latina songstress. They married in 1992, and even lived next door to her parents.

Selena performed concerts that sold out huge places such as the Houston Astrodome, where over 64,000 were in attendance. Interestingly, Selena became a star by singing in her second language, English. Her albums were a massive hit with fans of both Spanish and non-Spanish speaking persuasion. She even opened her own clothing boutique and designed her own fashions, and even acted in a film with Johnny Depp called Don Juan de Marco.

A film biopic about Selena's life starring Jennifer Lopez was released in 1997.

[ABlairican Pie]

Selena was even nominated for a Grammy for her Live album.

Here is her 1994 album, Amor Prohibido (Forbidden Love):

[ABlairican Pie]

Another passing in 1995 was that of Baltimora, real name Jimmy McShane, who allegedly died of AIDS. The one-hit wonder had a hit with the catchy dance song, "Tarzan Boy", which was hugely popular in the clubs in 1985 and was later used in Listerine commercials.

Tarzan Boy

Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh

Jungle life
I'm far away from nowhere
On my own like Tarzan Boy

Hide and seek
I play along while rushing cross the forest
Monkey business on a sunny afternoon

Jungle life
I'm living in the open
Native beat that carries on

Burning bright
A fire the blows the signal to the sky
I sit and wonder does the message get to you

Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh

Night to night
Gimme the other, gimme the other
Chance tonight
Gimme the other, gimme the other
Night to night
Gimme the other, gimme the other world

Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh

Jungle life
You're far away from nothing
It's all right
You won't miss home

Take a chance
Leave everything behind you
Come and join me
Won't be sorry
It's easy to survive

Jungle life
We're living in the open
All alone like Tarzan Boy

Hide and seek
We play along while rushing cross the
forest
Monkey business on a sunny afternoon

Night to night
Gimme the other, gimme the other
Chance tonight, Oh Yeah
Night to night
Gimme the other, gimme the other
Night to night
You won't play

Night to night
Gimme the other, gimme the other
Chance tonight, Oh Yeah
Night to night
Night to night
Gimme the other, gimme the other

Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh...

:banana: :mango:

[ABlairican Pie]

Going back a bit to the subject of animation, let's not forget the combination live action/animated movie Cool World from 1992. The movie featured Brad Pitt, Gabriel Byrne, and an animated Kim Basinger as a hottie cartoon figure (known as a "doodle") named Holli Would, who attempts to the cartoonist who created her in an attempt to become a real person. Her creator's response: "Guys don't have sex with doodles". The movie, being a "mature audiences" attempt at duplicating the success of "Who Framed Roger Rabbit?", did only mediocre business at the box office. The film did feature the song "Sex on Wheels" by My Life With the Thrill Kill Cult. A sexy animation of Kim Basinger is not necessarily a bad thing.

[ABlairican Pie]

Another Holli pic:

[ABlairican Pie]

Going back a little over a year, 'Wayne's World 2', the sequel to the immensely successful "Wayne's World', was released but did not match the popularity of the original. In this followup flick, the two cable show dudes attempt to put on a rock festival called Waynestock while an unscrupulous record producer makes his moves on Wayne's girlfriend (played by Tia Carrere). The soundtrack featured songs by Robert Plant, Aerosmith, Gin Blossoms, Norman Greenbaum, Joan Jett, Dinosaur Jr., 4 Non-Blondes, Golden Earring, Bad Company, Edgar Winter Group, and even the Village People, in a little smattering of retro and recent.

[ABlairican Pie]

One of the big names to debut in 1995 was Alanis Morissette, a female singer from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada who would become one of the brightest stars of the decade. Originally she starred on the show You Can't Do That On Television and was slated to become a teen diva of sorts. She released her debut album in Canada under the name simply Alanis to avoid confusion with the other Canadian pop star Allanah Myles. She won Juno Awards for her more dance-oriented pop tunes in the early 90's, but soon wanted to pursue a deeper musical direction. She traveled around America trying to hook up with the right musicians and songwriters who shared her musical vision, but the attempt was futile. She then found herself under the tutelage of veteran songwriter Glen Ballard, and a musical spark was kindled. The pair began writing songs for what would become her first major album. Unfortunately, while in the streets of L.A., she was robbed at gunpoint by a man she feared would steal the song lyrics in her purse, but she was relieved to find them intact.

When her 1995 album Jagged Little Pill was released, there was very little interest in the industry, until a DJ in Los Angeles played the song "You Oughta Know" on a constant basis, and immediately, the song and album took off. People began talking about the ballsy female singer who sang with raw passion and even profanity in her deeply confessional lyrics. But while the album became a huge hit, many criticized her collaboration with Ballard as being a tool for the corrupting music industry, another "corporate sell-out", but the truth was that her lyrics and songs were uniquely her own musical voice.

Hand In My Pocket

I'm broke but I'm happy
I'm poor but I'm kind
I'm short but I'm healthy, yeah
I'm high but I'm grounded
I'm sane but I'm overwhelmed
I'm lost but I'm hopeful baby

What it all comes down to
Is that everything's gonna be fine fine fine
I've got one hand in my pocket
And the other one is giving a high five

I feel drunk but I'm sober
I'm young and I'm underpaid
I'm tired but I'm working, yeah

I care but I'm restless
I'm here but I'm really gone
I'm wrong and I'm sorry baby
What it all comes down to
Is that everything's gonna be quite alright
I've got one hand in my pocket
And the other one is flicking a cigarette

What it all comes down to
Is that I haven't got it all figured out just yet
I've got one hand in my pocket
And the other one is giving the peace sign

I'm free but I'm focused
I'm green but I'm wise
I'm hard but I'm friendly baby
I'm sad but I'm laughing
I'm brave but I'm chicken s:censored:
I'm sick but I'm pretty baby
What it all boils down to
Is that no one's really got it figured out just yet
I've got one hand in my pocket
And the other one is playing the piano

What it all comes down to my friends
Is that everything's just fine fine fine
I've got one hand in my pocket
And the other one is hailing a taxi cab...

:guitar: :banana: :mango:

[ABlairican Pie]

You Oughta Know

I want you to know that I’m happy for you
I wish nothing but the best for you both
An older version of me
Is she perverted like me
Would she go down on you in a theater
Does she speak eloquently
And would she have your baby
I’m sure she’d make a really excellent mother

’cause the love that you gave that we made
Wasn’t able to make it enough for you to be open wide, no
And every time you speak her name
Does she know how you told me you’d hold me
Until you died, ’til you died
But you’re still alive

Chorus:
And I’m here to remind you
Of the mess you left when you went away
It’s not fair to deny me
Of the cross I bear that you gave to me
You, you, you oughta know

You seem very well, things look peaceful
I’m not quite as well, I thought you should know
Did you forget about me mr. duplicity
I hate to but you in the middle of dinner
It was a slap in the face how quickly I was replaced
Are you thinking of me when you :censored: her

’cause the love that you gave that we made
Wasn’t able to make it enough for you to be open wide, no
And every time you speak her name
Does she know how you told me you’d hold me
Until you died, ’til you died
But you’re sill alive

Repeat chorus

’cause the joke that you laid in the bed that was me
And I’m not gonna fade
As soon as you close your eyes and you know it
And every time I scratch my nails down someone else’s back
I hope you feel it...well can you feel it

:guitar:

[ABlairican Pie]

You Learn

I recommend getting your heart trampled on to anyone
I recommend walking around naked in your living room
Swallow it down (what a jagged little pill)
It feels so good (swimming in your stomach)
Wait until the dust settles

Chorus:
You live you learn
You love you learn
You cry you learn
You lose you learn
You bleed you learn
You scream you learn

I recommend biting off more than you can chew to anyone
I certainly do
I recommend sticking your foot in your mouth at anytime
Feel free
Throw it down (the caution blocks you from the wind)
Hold it up (to the rays)
You wait and see when the smoke clears

Repeat chorus

Wear it out (like a three-year-old would do)
Melt it down (you’re gonna have to eventually anyway)
The fire trucks are coming up around the bend

Repeat chorus

You grieve you learn
You choke you learn
You laugh you learn
You choose you learn
You pray you learn
You ask you learn
You live you learn

:guitar: :banana: :mango:

[ABlairican Pie]

Head Over Feet

I had no choice but to hear you
You stated your case time and again
I thought about it

You treat me like I’m a princess
I’m not used to liking that
You ask how my day was

(chorus)
You’ve already won me over in spite of me
Don’t be alarmed if I fall head over feet
Don’t be surprised if I love you for all that you are
I couldn’t help it
It’s all your fault

Your love is think and it swallowed me whole
You’re so much braver than I gave you credit for
That’s not lip service

(repeat chorus)

You are the bearer of unconditional things
You held your breath and the door for me
Thanks for your patience

You’re the best listener that I’ve ever met
You’re my best friend
Best friend with benefits
What took me so long

I’ve never felt this healthy before
I’ve never wanted something rational
I am aware now
I am aware now

(repeat chorus)

[ABlairican Pie]

Ironic

An old man turned ninety-eight
He won the lottery and died the next day
It’s a black fly in your chardonnay
It’s a death row pardon two minutes too late
Isn’t it ironic... don’t you think?

Chorus:
It’s like rain on your wedding day
It’s a free ride when you’ve already paid
It’s the good advice that you just didn’t take
Who would’ve thought... it figures

Mr. play it safe was afraid to fly
He packed his suitcase and kissed his kids goodbye
He waited his whole damn life to take that flight
And as the plane crashed down he thought
Well isn’t this nice...
And isn’t it ironic... don’t you think?

Repeat chorus

Well life has a funny way of sneaking up on you
When you think everything’s okay and everything’s going right
And life has a funny way of helping you out when
You think everything’s gone wrong and everything blows up
In your face

A traffic jam when you’re already late
A no-smoking sign on your cigarette break
It’s like ten thousand spoons when all you need is a knife
It’s meeting the man of my dreams
And then meeting his beautiful wife
And isn’t it ironic... don’t you think?
A little too ironic... and yeah I really do think...

Repeat chorus

Life has a funny way of sneaking up on you
Life has a funny, funny way of helping you out
Helping you out

:guitar:

[Steve M.]

One of the big names to debut in 1995 was Alanis Morissette, a female singer from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada who would become one of the brightest stars of the decade. Originally she starred on the show You Can't Do That On Television and was slated to become a teen diva of sorts. She released her debut album in Canada under the name simply Alanis to avoid confusion with the other Canadian pop star Allanah Myles. She won Juno Awards for her more dance-oriented pop tunes in the early 90's, but soon wanted to pursue a deeper musical direction. She traveled around America trying to hook up with the right musicians and songwriters who shared her musical vision, but the attempt was futile. She then found herself under the tutelage of veteran songwriter Glen Ballard, and a musical spark was kindled. The pair began writing songs for what would become her first major album. . . .

When her 1995 album Jagged Little Pill was released, there was very little interest in the industry, until a DJ in Los Angeles played the song "You Oughta Know" on a constant basis, and immediately, the song and album took off. People began talking about the ballsy female singer who sang with raw passion and even profanity in her deeply confessional lyrics. But while the album became a huge hit, many criticized her collaboration with Ballard as being a tool for the corrupting music industry, another "corporate sell-out", but the truth was that her lyrics and songs were uniquely her own musical voice.

Hand In My Pocket

I'm broke but I'm happy
I'm poor but I'm kind
I'm short but I'm healthy, yeah
I'm high but I'm grounded
I'm sane but I'm overwhelmed
I'm lost but I'm hopeful baby

What it all comes down to
Is that everything's gonna be fine fine fine
I've got one hand in my pocket
And the other one is giving a high five

I feel drunk but I'm sober
I'm young and I'm underpaid
I'm tired but I'm working, yeah

I care but I'm restless
I'm here but I'm really gone
I'm wrong and I'm sorry baby
What it all comes down to
Is that everything's gonna be quite alright
I've got one hand in my pocket
And the other one is flicking a cigarette

What it all comes down to
Is that I haven't got it all figured out just yet
I've got one hand in my pocket
And the other one is giving the peace sign

I'm free but I'm focused
I'm green but I'm wise
I'm hard but I'm friendly baby
I'm sad but I'm laughing
I'm brave but I'm chicken s:censored:
I'm sick but I'm pretty baby
What it all boils down to
Is that no one's really got it figured out just yet
I've got one hand in my pocket
And the other one is playing the piano

What it all comes down to my friends
Is that everything's just fine fine fine
I've got one hand in my pocket
And the other one is hailing a taxi cab...

:guitar: :banana: :mango:

I know someone who appeared in the video for "Hand In My Pocket" - one of the nuns at the beginning! The nun on the left? That's her.

Blink and you miss her. She and the other actress playing a nun are in it for only five seconds.

[Steve M.]

Another passing in 1995 was that of Baltimora, real name Jimmy McShane, who allegedly died of AIDS. The one-hit wonder had a hit with the catchy dance song, "Tarzan Boy", which was hugely popular in the clubs in 1985 and was later used in Listerine commercials.

It's very sad that he died, but that doesn't change the fact that "Tarzan Boy" . . . SU-ucks!! :barf:

[ABlairican Pie]

It's very sad that he died, but that doesn't change the fact that "Tarzan Boy" . . . SU-ucks!! :barf:

Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh

doesn't make a good epitaph. :nod:

[ABlairican Pie]

On May 26, 1994, the music world was stunned to learn that Michael Jackson, the embattled King of Pop, had wed Lisa Marie Presley, the daughter of Elvis "The King", in a ceremony in the Dominican Republic. Lisa Marie had always loved Michael ever since she had seen him as a child in the 70's performing with the Jackson 5. It almost made sense, two people of similar backgrounds, growing up in the lap of luxury as part of the legacy of the two biggest performers of all time. But in the long run, it was just too much for people to take seriously. It would never last, people said.

To prove that it would, Jacko and Lisa Marie appeared on an MTV awards show kissing each other, :eek2: as a response to the naysayers' claims that the marriage was a farce. After all, what better way to divert attention from Jacko's legal woes over molestation allegations than to marry a celebrity's daughter?

Eventually, people were proven right, the marriage ended in 1996, and Lisa Marie went on to say that the marriage was a mistake. Was it all for money that he did it? Was it all about restoring his reputation? No one really knew.
She loved him, or so she thought, but it was hard for her to know what really was in it for him. The relationship seemed doomed from the start.

[ABlairican Pie]

One new punk band not quite tied in with the Seattle grunge scene was MxPx, or Magnified Plaid a trio from Bremerton, Washington, who happened to be in fact all practicing Christians. While their albums were sold in Christian bookstores, their real impact was felt outside the pristine walls of the church as tons of secular punk fans gobbled up their driving, often "sloppy" sounding songs. Their 1994 album, Pokinatcha, was recorded while the band were still in high school, and yet sounded like a very impressive debut. The bands members included bassist/vocalist Mike Herrera, guitarist Tom Wisniewski, and drummer Yuri Ruley . Their albums appeared on fledgling label Tooth and Nail, a Christian label with a cutting edge style.

Anywhere But Here

It seems like life would be better some other
Way some other day, life is what you make it
That's what some say just go away, i don't want to
Hear it i'm confused i'm not amused, right now
I'm incoherent i'm not on my own still i'm alone,

I should have seen it coming i didn't want to see
I can see us breaking permanently!
I guess it's out of my hands that's exactly what i hate

There's one thing left to turn to it's not a girl and it's not the world,
When everyone has their own thing
He's into you and he loves you too. he's
What keeps me going when i'm afraid any my beds not made.
Still i haven't forgotten that they're over there and
I'm right here. i might not always be here.

:rock: :guitar: :guitar: :rock:

[ABlairican Pie]

MxPx released Teenage Politics in 1995, which pointed to a growing trend in punk rock--it was actually sounding a rather bit teenaged. The snarl and scowl of traditional punk was supplanted by a more whiny, non-shouting voice. It seemed that the new generation of young punk rockers were losing sight of the original abrasive spirit of punk. The album featured tracks such as "Punk Rawk Show", "Sugarcoated Poisoned Apple", "Democracy", and ". Like Sand Thru The Hourglass... So Are The Days Of Our Lives".

Punk Rawk Show

We ain’t got no place to go
So let’s go to the punk rawk show
Darling take me by the hand
We’re gonna see a punk rawk band
There’s no use in tv shows
Radio or rodeos
I wanna get into the crowd
I wanna hear it played real loud
Aint’ got no money to pay
We’ll get in anyway doesn’t matter I don’t care
It’s feel good so we should share
We’re going to the punk rawk show! oooohh!! ooohh

:rock: :guitar: :guitar: :rock:

[ABlairican Pie]

A bigger outfit escaping from the Christian music "evangelical ghetto" was Jars of Clay, whose soft acoustic pop melodies fit right in with the trend toward lighter rock songs. The band, which featured Dan Haseltine on vocals, Charlie Lowell on piano, organ, accordian, keys, and background vocals, Stephen Mason on guitar, stringed instruments and vocals, and Matthew Odmark, also on acoustic guitar, banjo, background vocals, became one of the biggest "Christian crossover" acts since Amy Grant did only ten years before. Their songs like "Flood" became a radio hit, and even explicitly Christian songs such as "Love Song for a Savior" became familiar to fans who had little time for church. The interesting thing was that Jars of Clay sounded just like what one expected to hear on a Christian station, yet had enough secular appeal (though some listeners balked at the fact that they were hearing a Christian band). The band drew their name from verse in Ist Corinthians, but considering they were tied in with the "unplugged alternative" movement, it may be possible they got their name from a take on the Jar of Flies EP by Alice In Chains.

Flood

Rain, rain on my face
It hasn't stopped raining for days
My world is a flood
Slowly I become one with the mud

Chorus:

But if I can't swim after forty days
and my mind is crushed by the crashing waves
Lift me up so high that I cannot fall
Lift me up
Lift me up - when I'm falling
Lift me up - I'm weak and I'm dying
Lift me up - I need you to hold me
Lift me up - Keep me from drowning again

Downpour on my soul
Splashing in the ocean, I'm losing control
Dark sky all around
I can't feel my feet touching the ground

[Chorus]

Calm the storms that drench my eyes
Dry the streams still flowing
Cast down all the waves of sin
And guilt that overthrow me

[Chorus]

Lift me up - when I'm falling
Lift me up - I'm weak and I'm dying
Lift me up - I need you to hold me
Lift me up - Keep me from drowning again

[ABlairican Pie]

Their debut album, simply titled Jars of Clay, was produced by veteran guitarist Adrian Belew (of King Crimson and David Bowie fame).

Love Song For a Savior

in open fields of wild flowers
she breathes the air and flies away
she thanks her Jesus for the daises and the roses
in no simple language
someday she'll understand the meaning of it all
he's more than the laughter or the stars in the heavens
as close a heartbeat or a song on her lips
someday she'll trust him and learn how to see him
someday he'll call her and she will come running
and fall in his arms and the tears will fall down and she'll pray

i want to fall in love with you

sitting silent wearing sunday best
the sermon echoes through the walls
a great salvation through it calls to the people
who stare into nowhere, and can't feel the chains on their souls

he's more than the laughter or the stars in the heavens
as close a heartbeat or a song on our lips
someday we'll trust him and learn how to see him
someday he'll call us and we will come running
and fall in his arms and the tears will fall down and we'll pray

i want to fall in love with you

it seems too easy to call you "Savior"
not close enough to call you "God"
so as i sit and think of words i can mention
to show my devotion

i want to fall in love with you

my heart beats for you

[ABlairican Pie]

Going back over a year, we must not forget Lenny Kravitz and his breakthrough album Are You Gonna Go My Way, which featured more of his classic rock, soul, and funk influences. In an era which was more dominated by rap and hip hop, as well as "retro" sounding alternative bands who seemed to take a detour through the 70's, Kravitz' music seemed closer to the real deal. He was one of the few persons of color, other than Vernon Reid of Living Color and Rage Against the Machine's Tom Morello, who actually played guitar (a Gibson Flying V, no less), it seemed. Critics decried the album as being too derivative and half-baked, but the title song remains one of his all-time hits with its solid, thumping groove.

Are You Gonna Go My Way

I was born long ago
I am the chosen I'm the one
I have come to save the day
And I won't leave until I'm done
So that's why you've got to try
You've got to breathe and have some fun
Though I'm not paid I play this game
And I won't stop until I'm done

But what I really want to know is
Are you gonna go my way?
And I got to got to know

I don't know why we always cry
This we must leave and get undone
We must engage and rearrange
And turn this planet back to one
So tell me why we got to die
And kill each other one by one
We've got to hug and rub-a-dub
We've got to dance and be in love

But what I really want to know is
Are you gonna go my way?
And I got to got to know

Are you gonna go my way?
'Cause baby I got to know
Yeah

:rock: :guitar: :banana: :mango

[ABlairican Pie]

In 1995, Lenny Kravitz released Circus, an album not quite as successful as its predecessor, but the opening song, a diatribe against rock star decadence, seemed to encapsulate what many were feeling about the music scene in general. In 1995, some forty years after the big bang started and changed the face of music and popular culture, rock and roll, as a unique ground-shaking combination of white country & western and black rhythm and blues, had lost a lot of meaning. Even though there was a rise in popularity among more traditionally based bands, the whole idea of "Woodstock Nation" and return to the 60's innocense was little more than nostalgia. Rock music in all its forms was simply regimented and compartmentalized into meaningless genres, sub-genres, and listener-friendly radio formats. It had become all things to all men (and women), yet it had become...what?? :confused:

With that in mind, we close off 1995, and this thread with the following song from Kravitz' song Circus:

Rock and Roll is Dead

You think you're on top of the world
But you know it's really over
Runnin' round with diamond rings
And coke spoons that are overflowin'
Rock an Roll is dead
But all the money in the world
Can't buy you from the place you're going to
Rock an Roll is dead
Rock an Roll is dead
Rock an Roll is dead

You can't even sing or play an instrument
So you just scream instead
You're living for an image
So you got five hundred women in your bed
Rock an Roll is dead
But it's real hard to be yourself
When you're living with those demons
In your head
Rock an Roll is dead
Rock an Roll is dead
Rock an Roll is dead

Rock an Roll is dead
Rock an Roll is dead
Rock an Roll is dead
Rock an Roll is dead
Rock an Roll is... dead
Rock an Roll is dead
Rock an Roll is dead

:rock: :guitar: :banana: :mango: peace: peacesign: :schmack: