Quotes of the Month: December 2011

Quote of the Month:

“You spend your life fighting the spread of evil. Then you learn a Kardashian is pregnant.”

-Batman

Stupid Quote of the Month:

“I would put our legislative and foreign policy accomplishments in our first two years against any president — with the possible exceptions of Johnson, F.D.R., and Lincoln — just in terms of what we’ve gotten done in modern history.”

-Barack Obama

And the rest:

“I’m going to be the nominee.”

-Newt Gingrich

"I used to think being president was about having power. Now I know it's just a ceremonial position."

-Fred Armisen as Obama on SNL

"I love all karaoke singers. I like all the girl singers who get up and sing with tapes. Shame on you."

-Gene Simmons

“We got disrespected so our gangsters went out and zipped them up.”

-A Xavier Basketball player after a brawl with Cincinnati

“But I think it does show courage from the kids, standing out and doing that, and some boldness.’’

-Tim Tebow on protests over the suspension of two students for “Tebowing.”

“The Taliban, per se, is not the enemy.”

-Joe Biden　

The Top 200 Albums of All Time: "K"

Tapestry: Carole King (1971)


Tapestry is the longest charting album by a female artist in history. King enjoyed considerable success as a songwriter. She recorded her own versions of “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” and “Will You Love Me Tomorrow”, which she wrote. She added new songs to round out the album which sold over 25 million copies worldwide. The record proved so influential that two tribute albums were cut by various artists.

Key Tracks:

I Feel the Earth Move
It’s Too Late
You’ve Got a Friend

Face to Face: The Kinks (1966)

Face to Face provided the Kinks their artistic breakthrough. It highlighted Ray Davies songwriting abilities and growth. The band moved from a hard driving proto-punk band to full fledged artists complete with social commentary and witty observations.

Key Tracks:

Dandy
Rosie, Won’t You Please Come Home
Sunny Afternoon

Kiss: Alive! (1975)

Kiss struggled to sell albums and decided to risk a live album. They achieved notoriety as a live band and felt that it was worth a gamble. By this point, the band was surviving on their manager’s credit card. The project paid off and made the band superstars. On top of this, Alive! represented a landmark for live recordings as well.

Key Tracks:

Rock n Roll All Nite
Deuce
Strutter

Kiss: Destroyer (1976)

Kiss broke out with their previous album. The success of Alive! boosted the band’s confidence. The band added studio musicians as well as sound effects and other production additives. Some fans believed they sold out while the rock press shredded the work. Thirty years later, it is considered one of the greatest albums of all time.

Key Tracks:

Detroit Rock City
God of Thunder
Shout It Out Loud
Beth

Rock and Roll Worthy Acts Part II

Hall & Oates

Pro: White guys that had soul, very successful duo, tons of hits, influential in hip hop

Con: Cheese factor, from the 80s, more influential outside rock, may be too poppy

Richie Havens

Pro: Woodstock, Intensity, great live act

Con: Not really a rock artist, known for his covers

Heart

Pro: First girl hard rock band, influential, Ann Wilson’s voice

Con: They’re girls

Iron Maiden

Pro: One of the most important metal bands, showed metal songs could mean something

Con: There is a thin line between cheese and cool; also as a metal band, they don’t get respect

Jan & Dean

Pro: Popular act with classic songs, they pre-dated the Beach Boys

Con: People confuse them with the Beach Boys

Waylon Jennings

Pro: Like Haggard and Cash, more Rock n Roll than most Rock n Rollers, Buddy Holly’s bass player, was rock n roll during 50s, originator of outlaw music

Con: Mostly country which overshadowed his rock

Jethro Tull

Pro: Unique as they come

Con: Jazz flute’s for sissy boys

Judas Priest

Pro: See Maiden, plus Rob Halford’s voice is the best, the band’s story is awesome

Con: See Maiden

Ben E. King

Pro: Percy Sledge is in

Con: Seen as one hit wonder

Carol King

Pro: Great songwriter, James Taylor is in

Con: Not true rock, but came out of that singer/songwriter tradition

KISS

Pro: Lots of hits, Unique persona, known for their live shows

Con: Don’t sing about anything important, reputation as weak musicians, cheese factor, too capitalist for some voters

Kraftwerk

Pro: Unique and influential

Con: German!

Kris Kristofferson

Pro: Great songwriter (Me and Bobby McGee and Sunday Morning Coming Down among others)

Con: Seen as country

The Marvelettes

Pro: Motown’s first successful girl group, “Please Mr. Postman”, 23 Hot 100 Singles (9 in the top 10)

Con: There is no con. The voters and/or selection board are dumb

MC5

Pro: Hugely influential, one of the first punk bands, incorporated many styles, representative of the counterculture

Con: See the Marvellettes, may be too raw

Rock n Roll Hall of Fame: Who didn't get in

Now for the acts that did not make it this year and will have to wait for another opportunity.

The Chantels: They were the first real “girl group” to emerge and set the sound of the early 60s. However, they did not last very long and other, more famous girl groups are already enshrined.

Kiss: They scored many hits, but most of their songs lack substance. Musically, they did not provide anything earth shattering, but their stage shows are legendary. They are overly commercial, yet have a very loyal following. They represent cheese at its finest, yet are unique. These contradictions keep Kiss from being elected. On one hand, they are very rock n roll while on the other hand, they are processed cheese.

LL Cool J: With Grandmaster Flash and Run DMC in the hall, it is surprising LL Cool J did not make it. He was groundbreaking and showed hip hop was not a fad by being a consistent big seller. He also did not follow trends and did his own thing.

Darlene Love: Love belongs in the Hall, but falls in between the cracks because she rarely got credit for her work. She scored hits, but no one knew her name because producers always attributed her work under assumed names or for others.

Laura Nyro: She is well known for writing songs for others. Perhaps she belongs in another category.

Red Hot Chili Peppers: I am shocked they did not make it. They were completely original for rock, good musicians, have a lot of hits, and have personalities which fit nicely into the Hall.

Donna Summer: Another one I thought would make it. Since they have opened the door to hip hop, the queen of disco should go in. Plus, she did mix disco with rock at times which does make her unique.

#91: KISS

KISS emerged during Rock’s third age. The 60s were dead and glam was the rage. During this period, image was as important as the music. KISS dressed up in Halloween costumes and were determined to give fans their money’s worth. Their music ranged from hard rock to classic rock to glam rock to disco to metal. Critics complain that KISS is too image conscious and more interested in making a buck than in the music. As a result, some have postulated that while most bands want to be The Beatles, KISS wants to be Coca Cola. Whatever the case may be, KISS is the only rock band out there with their own army.

Rock n Roll Moment: Gene’s photo album contains pics of all the girls he has been with. According to Mr. Simmons, he has been with over 1000 women.

Essential KISS: KISS (1974), Alive! (1975), Destroyer (1976)

KISS’ Top 10:
Rock n Roll All Night
Deuce
Strutter
Detroit Rock City
Beth
Hard Luck Woman
I Love It Loud
Creatures of the Night
Lick it Up
Heaven’s on Fire