Payola probe reveals what we all suspect

I'm sure by now many of you have read news reports about major labels allegedly buying airplay for artists such as Jennifer Lopez, Good Charlotte, Franz Ferdinand, Jessica Simpson. This news has come about because of an investigation by the New York state attorney general's and a report written by Fox News columnist Roger Friedman that was published at www.foxnews.com today.

If these charges are true, it should come as no surprise. After all, how do you explain commercial radio's inability to break great music outside of that pushed, promoted and pawned off by the big labels. In my Orange Pop column - which celebrates its 10th anniversary in the Orange County Register on Aug. 1, 2005 - I have written about dozen of great acts that simply can't get any airplay. Even when releasing a well-produced, professional compact disc - they hit one roadblock after the other.

Let me list the names of a number of artists you should all check out. Forget about the hype of the industry. Seek out music that connects with you. Don't listen to Franz Ferdinand or the White Stripes just because the hitmakers tell you to. Listen to national acts that don't get the acclaim they deserve; Aimee Mann (folk rock), DADA (rock), Walter Trout (blues), Lee Rocker (roots-rockabilly), Ocean Colour Scene (Brit rock), Glen Phillips (formerly with Toad the Wet Sprocket). And there are some great Orange County, CA artists worth listening to:

Roots and Americana: Michael Ubaldini. His Web site is at www.rocknrollpoet.com.

Pop-rock/melodic rock: John Hoskinson, Joe Ongie, Walter Clevenger, John Carrillo; all have urls with their name and dot-com. And check out 9 Ball at www.9ballmusic.com.

Singer-songwriters also worth noting: Jannel Rap (www.jannel.org), Bright Blue Gorilla (www.brightbluegorilla.com), Joy Flying (www.joyflying.net), and the list really keeps going. Just read my OC Reg column on Friday and stay up with how great the local scene is!

we'll try it again

Yesterday, I had just about finished my blog entry relating to this past weekend when I had to get off the computer and it was lost.

Anyway, rather than try to rewrite what I penned yesterday, I'll start from scratch. I caught Tears for Fears, Gin Blossoms and Dishwalla on Sunday night at the Pacific Amphitheatre in Costa Mesa. It's an 8,500-seat venue and it was pretty close to capacity. I had seen Tears for Fears before - a decade or so ago at the Universal Amphitheatre - but when it was the version that boasted only Roland Orzabal (so was missing Curt Smith).

This performance, although clocking in at a mere 75 minutes, was so much better than that mid-1990s show. Coming on the heels of last year's "Everybody Loves a Happy Ending" comeback disc, this was a performance that demonstrated Tears for Fears still matters. Indeed, time has only strengthened the craft of some of the duo's best '80s and '90s material. So while the highlight for me was "Call Me Mellow" off the 2004 album, older material such as "Break It Down Again," "Sowing the Seeds of Love" and "Mad World" filled the summer night with a magic that won't be forgotten any time soon.

Like Tonic - who I caught on a bill with Cracker and Hootie & the Blowfish a week ago - I would have ditched Dishwalla and allowed both Tears for Fears and Gin Blossoms to each play a bit more. Gin Blossoms, like the Smithereens, play loose in concert. And like the Smithereens, the style works for them. Songs such as "Until I Fall Away," "Follow You Down," "Allison Road" and "Lost Horizons" continue to sound beautiful in that pop-rock-dipped-in-melancholy kind of way. And just about everyone got to their feet to dance when the band closed with a strong "Hey Jealousy."

2005 is turning out to be a great year for concertgoing.

Oldies, some goodies

I had another busy musical week. I was assigned to review two shows at the Orange County Fair. I covered Hootie & the Blowfish, Tonic and Cracker on July 12, while I covered another triple act bill last night, July 14, featuring headliner Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo, Berlin and the Motels. Although you can see my reviews that ran in the Orange County Register to get the full story, general impressions are some of these acts are a lot better than many of the so-called musical press want to admit. Hootie & the Blowfish continue to prove they are the best bar band in America (being a long-time fan of the Smithereens, that's saying a lot for me!). And Cracker rocked. "Low" could be a hit on modern rock radio today - more than a decade since its release.

I was never much of a fan of Pat Benatar (my mom and brother loved them), but I really enjoyed the authentic connection she and husband-guitarist Neil had with the audience and their own music in Costa Mesa last night. Neil is a great guitarist and seems to only have improved over the years too.

I really excited about the weekend; I get to see Tears for Fears and the Gin Blossoms on Sunday night. I'll check in with you early next week about that concert.

I'm also hoping to check out Tim Burton's "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" at the movies this weekend. Composer Danny Elfman, who led the great Oingo Boingo, is back singing for the first time since "The Nightmare Before Christmas" with the soundtrack here and it should be good. I'll let you know.

A Look Ahead

Every Friday, time permitting, I'll go ahead and use this space to recommend a few upcoming shows and good reads. I will include the basics and contact info...

First, check out my story in the Orange County Register today. The subject of my Orange Pop column is Lee Rocker, the one-time Stray Cats bassist and a talented solo artist on his own. I saw him at the Hootenanny last Saturday and he was epic. He has two new albums coming out on July 12th. I cover all that and more in my feature story on him today...www.ocregister.com and click on the Entertainment button, etc.

If you don't have any plans for tonight, James Grey and Tyrone Wells perform songs and tell stories at Martini Blues, 5874 Edinger Ave., Huntington Beach, sometime after dark. Call (714) 840-2129 or visit www.jamesgrey.com for more details.

Anyone going to the Orange County Fair on Saturday, July 9th should plan on catching Grampas Grass when they perform from 4-6 p.m. on the Sun Stage. The show is free to anyone with fair admission. The band blends folk, rock, Southern rock and Latin styles. Nice outdoor music, perfect for a July afternoon while you enjoy all the great food in So Cal! Info: www.grampasgrass.com.

My continued prayers and good thoughts for our friends in London who have suffered an attack by suspected al Qaeda bombers. The victims are people like you and I, innocent people going about their lives. Going to work, to see family and friends, etc. It is sick stuff and I hope we never loose touch with how far this evil movement will go to destroy all of the freedoms we enjoy...

A Sad Day

Today recalls the saddness of 9/11/2001. The terrible attacks by murdering terrorists in London today reminds all of us who value freedom and human life of how far many will go to destroy our way of life.

I've been to London several times, in 1980 and again in June 1995. I loved both my stays in that great city and my thoughts go out to all those who suffer there. I hope authorities catch the terrorists responsible and kill them. Soon.

I hope many of the musicians who worked so hard at Live 8 - especially those who are British - will do something for their own nation. Instead of just slamming how terrible the Western World is, etc...It will be interesting to see if any of the hundreds of nations that Great Britain has helped go to her aid now...

Weekend remembered

I didn't post over the 4th of July weekend. But I have a multiple of excuses.

There was Hootenanny '05, a day-long festival next to Irvine Lake on Saturday, July 2nd. I got there early, so I could park next to the gate. And I was there all day, getting in early enough to check out Social Distortion's 30-minute soundcheck that kicked off at 11:45 or so, and was there until the Orange County band's actual set ended around 7:30 p.m. It was a long day and the music was generally very strong. And it was a hot one! Those energy drinks were a lifesaver.

In addition to the strong performance from Social D (highlights came off the band's latest album, notably the songs "Reach for the Sky" and "Highway 101"), I really enjoyed Lee Rocker's set. He delivered some great moments across 30 minutes, particularly a reworking of his old band, the Stray Cats, "Rock This Town" and a song titled "Runnin' from the Hounds" that really rocked.

Ever heard of Ricky Warwick? I hadn't either until I saw him perform at Hootenanny in 2004, and the Irish singer-songwriter returned this year. I enjoyed his set even more this weekend. He has that Steve Earle-John Mellencamp element and put on a great show.

Other great moments came courtesy of punk-styled Throw Rag, James Intveld and Deke Dickerson.

What about Live 8? Because I was at Hootenanny, I taped the day-long broadcast from VH1 and caught the ABC highlights special live that night. I also caught part of the CMT hour special last night. I was disgusted by the coverage. The stupid veejays injecting penny thoughts in the middle of songs. No Neil Young, no Cure, no Bruce Cockburn? I understand Paul McCartney played "Helter Skelter," but never a second of it on the tube. MTV is about anything but music these days.

Hopefully, some of the performances will be released later on DVD minus the chit chat...

No June gloom; Ringo Starr, Beyond 7

Looking back at the last week of June, there was little gloom.

I got to spend time with my wonderful wife Kim as she celebrated another birthday, and I got to see two great shows.

On June 29, I was lucky enough to get to cover a special club show at the El Rey in Los Angeles featuring Ringo Starr & the Roundheads. It was great to see the former Beatle and his six-man band tear it up front a standing room spot only 20 or so feet from the stage.

I never saw him more relaxed. And despite the fact he will turn 65 next week, he was in top form. He delivered the Fab Four gems, his early solo hits such as "Photograph" and "It Don't Come Easy," as well as the great tracks from his two latest albums with equal power.

The highlight of the 75-minute show for me - and the time when I got complete chills - was when he performed "Never Without You," his emotional tribute to his late friend George Harrison that was featured on his 2003 album "Ringorama." His latest album, "Choose Love," is wonderful and I've been listening to it (as well as Coldplay's "X&Y") a lot this past week.

Last night, I drove down to the Coach House in San Juan Capistrano to catch an acoustic set by Beyond 7. The band was great, and featured a number of songs off "Smoke," the forthcoming 3rd album from the band. Greg Stoddard remains one of the world's best-kept secrets. A singer with a great voice and fiery passion, he is supported by a strong group of virtuoso players with an artistic approach and melodic bent that makes for soaring performances.

Check out www.beyond7music.com for more info on this great band!

Happy Independence Day everyone. I am covering the big Hootenanny Festival with Social D., Lee Rocker and Throw Rag tomorrow, so I'll have lots to share next week!

LIVE 8; cynic in me speaks

LIVE 8 sounds so promising. The list of notables just keeps growing. Just today they announced Alicia Keys, Toby Keith, the Black Eyed Peas and Toby Keith will perform in Philadelphia. And while the excitement builds with the prospect of catching Coldplay, Keane, Paul McCartney, the Cure, U2 and many other legendary acts on MTV (reality check, will they show complete sets by anyone I like? doubtful), I don't hold out much hope that this event will end poverty.

Live 8 organizer Bob Geldof has his heart in the right place. But look at all the world attention pegged on the Sudan over the last few years, and the killing goes on. The U.S. can't get any other countries in Europe or Africa to give a damn. Other than the U.S., the world seems afraid to act. And throwing money here and there will not solve anything.

Even if the November 2005 release of the Live 8 shows proves to be the biggest selling DVD of all time, as Geldof hopes it to be, poverty will not end. Nor will peace come. All the celebrity performers will gather on July 2nd and perform and feel great. But the tragedy will go on.

I'm so very sorry.

Rusting, fading away

No, I'm not dead.
But I have been away for a spell. I was actually out of commission because of health stuff, including a painful procedure on my back at the beginning of the week. It still smarts (or, to put in bluntly, it kills!)

Anyway, I wanted to get back in the ring.

Can you believe that Carrie Underwood's 'Inside Your Heaven' song debuts as Best Selling Song in the Nation and Breaks Chart History? Does anyone really believe she is going to be a significant artist whose career will last? Is "American Idol" the answer to the record industry's woes? You tell me...

In other news, with LIVE8 coming up, isn't it clear that London is the place to be. U2, Travis, Keane, Coldplay, Snow Patrol, McCartney...it sounds promising.

On a more serious note, please see the following. It revolves around a very sad incident that hit the local community earlier this month:

LIT TRAGEDY - PARENTS INVOLVED IN FATAL MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT
June 7, 2005 – Los Angeles, CA - A. Jay & Jeremy Popoff of the Orange County rock band Lit received terrible news this past weekend. Their mother, Sheri Suglia, and their step-father Kerry Suglia, were travelling on the Ortega Highway following an afternoon visit with A. Jay, Jeremy and their children when their motorcycle was struck by a drunk driver in an SUV. Kerry Suglia was killed on impact and Sheri is in extremely critical condition with massive multiple injuries. A memorial fund has been established:

Kerry Suglia Memorial Fundc/o R & R Business Management17609 Ventura Blvd. Suite 203Encino, CA 91316

The Kerry Suglia Memorial Fund was set up for those who wish to make a donation. The money will go to Sheri to help out with things that may not be covered by insurance. Due to the extent of her injuries the rehabilitation process and future medical expenses will be astronomical. Proceeds not used will go to a charity of her choice, or a foundation may be set up in his name to help others. Cards may be sent to the address as well, but we ask that flowers not be sent until she is moved out of the Intensive Care Unit. Thank you for your love, support and prayers.

Coldplay's latest lives up to hype

Since picking up Coldplay's "X&Y," it suddenly dawned on me. Although there are many talented groups that can produce strong albums, every generation can only boast a handful of great bands capable of producing epic works that define their time.

Until a week ago, I remained on the fence, despite being a big fan of Coldplay's first two albums ("Parachutes" and "A Rush of Blood to the Head"). But no more. Like the love affair I developed with U2's creative and continuing growth after catching them at the US Festival in May 1983, seeing Coldplay explode at Coachella in May 2005 and then listening (rather than ignoring the backlash via critics who have suddenly turned on Chris Martin and company) to "X&Y," it's clear Coldplay is the best band to emerge in the '00s. After hearing excellent songs such as "Yellow" when the band began getting airplay on KCRW at the beginning of the decade, I wondered if Coldplay was a fluke; I truly believed Travis was likely a stronger contender. But time has proved me wrong. Coldplay deserves comparisons with U2, while Travis has joined Oasis as a band that was unable to live up to its potential.

With each listen, the songs on "X&Y" open themselves up. Soaring choruses, beautifully moody vocals by tenor Martin, distinctive guitar work by Jon Buckland and driving rhythms courtesy of drummer Will Champion and bassist Guy Berryman. Coldplay is a group that writes and records great songs that bond with listeners on a widespread level that has not happened since U2.

Sure, people enjoyed Nirvana. But that was anger. A sonic revolution. Coldplay is all about the music, and the songs, and the energy that transports a weary and exhausted audience to a better place. Forget about the naysayers who haven't even listened to Coldplay's "X&Y." I have and I intend to keep on listening...

No surprise: MJ walks free

If you are a celebrity in America, you can get away with anything.

O.J. Simpson, Robert Blake, and now Michael Jackson. With jurors having just acquited the one-time pop star on all 10 counts, he can go back and make plans for his future. Any parent that allows their child near the Neverland Ranch is unfit to be a parent. But everyone reading this right now knows very well there are going to be parents who gleefully send their little ones there.

It is as sad as anything I can think of.

Why can't our society convict famous people? I don't get it.

The verdict is coming

The world waits. Within 20 - 25 minutes, the cat will be out of the bag. We will know whether Michael Jackson, a one-time icon who couldn't sell out an arena if his life depended on it stateside, will be found guilty on any or all of the counts relating to child molestation and conspiracy.

The world waits. Ever the jaded journalist, I can't help but think Destiny's Child selected the wrong day to announce their upcoming split following their fall tour.

Don't cry for me California...

News and notes for Friday

Some quick thoughts go into the first weekend of June.

Andrew McMahon, Lead Singer of Something Corporate and Jack's Mannequin, Has Been Diagnosed With Acute Lymphatic Leukemia. I first met Andrew when he was in high school and Something Corporate was just getting started. I have talked with him several times and seen him perform and he is a winning personality and talented musician. My thoughts and prayers go out to him and I hope he is well soon!

I heard Pavarotti pulled out of a planned concert tomorrow. Why is that tenor still singing? He sounds terrible; his voice no longer soars and he hasn't been good in years!

Best not to get me started on the Michael Jackson trial. I would only be putting down here what so many of you are already thinking anyway. Hope to catch you all next week and thanks for reading!

Steve Winwood

I was asked to cover Steve Winwood last night, Tuesday. It was a last minute thing and I was at the show until almost midnight and had to get the review in early today. I'm tired, so tired.

Best to read my review when it runs in the OC Register tomorrow, on June 2nd to get the full story. My first time seeing him and I enjoyed it, jams and all.

I'll write more later. I just want to keep this moving. I tend to have days where I am so submerged, I don't have the strength to write another word. It's all those deadlines, and even worse, the stacks of CDs I need to get to! Where does the time go? We've all asked that, right...

Live 8

By now, everyone with any kind of passing interest in pop music has heard about the upcoming Live 8 series of shows being organized by Bob Geldof, with the poverty fight-minded shows coming to various sites in Europe and the U.S.

It sounds promising, especially with Coldplay, U2, Paul McCartney, the Cure and Keane among the artists set to perform.

But I do want to share my thoughts on Elton John. Yes, he is legendary and all that. But my feeling is he is really consumed with himself and doesn't much care about others. I attended a Disney party in connection with the DVD release of the Lion King in October 2003 and he performed at the theater, and then was at the party afterwards. Of all the notables there, including comedian George Lopez, CCR frontman John Fogerty (who couldn't have been cooler) and others, Elton John was the only one who would not talk to everyday "normal" (meaning non-celebrity) people.

Elton John is going to perform at Live 8 for the simple fact it keeps him in the public eye. There is not a warmth to him, like when you see Bono going out to greet fans before a show and such. I haven't met a bunch of rockers outside my role as a pop scribe, but of those who I have, I can tell you Mark McGrath, Danny Elfman, John Fogerty, the members of the Smithereens and the guys in Offspring were so much cooler than Elton John. Maybe he was having a bad day? Then why did he go to the party after, just to sit at a table in a roped off area and have celebrities come by to worship him? I wish the "in crowd" among rockers would disown him. After all, isn't that what Live 8 is about? Helping the helpless?

Is Anyone Listening?

Can we be honest here?

I tuned into Yahoo’s online Adult Alternative radio station today. Things started out great; heck Coldplay’s “Speed of Sound” was the first cut that was played. But things went downhill from there (with the exception of U2’s “With or Without You” somewhere along the way). Both Rob Thomas and Matchbox Twenty, Jewel, Sheryl Crow – that is not exactly my idea of alternative. More of the same old’ same ‘ol.
And like throwing the poor penguin out in the sands of the Sahara, why play any cut from Kelly Clarkson. I guess it’s the theory about reaching down to the lowest common denominator. If you want to really offer up some great cuts from the so-called Adult Alternative genre, what about some of the latest work courtesy of Ocean Colour Scene, Glen Phillips, Aimee Mann or Bruce Cockburn? Or the Finn Brothers, Ron Sexsmith, Ryan Adams or Bright Eyes…I could be wrong. I wish I were wrong.

All Music, all the time

Well, I not only survived, I thrived at the 8th annual Doheny Blues Festival in Dana Point over the weekend (May 21-22, 2005). I saw many great artists, including a number where it was my first in-person look and listen. And, overall, my impressions were this was almost Coachella on the Coast. And, thankfully, not a Gram Rabbit in the bunch!

The winners came from across the country, and represented young guns and the old guard. If you haven't seen the Blind Boys of Alabama, you should. They are entertaining and deliver gospel-blues with an energy that defies age. I have seen them several other times, and they never disappoint.

About the acts I had not caught before. Roomful of Blues fuse neo-swing, blues and R&B with musical craft; the horn section is rivaled only by the strengths of the lead singer and guitarist.

And there is something wonderful about standing in the shadow of the mighty Pacific and listening to a talented guitarist tear it up on his Fender (or Gibson) in an outdoor setting fitting the power of his delivery. Guitarists Walter Trout, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Mato Nanji (Indigenous) and Luther Dickinson (North Mississippi Allstars) did exactly that over the weekend. And acoustic performances by Roy Rogers & Norton Buffalo, as well as David Lindley were equally impressive especially given the cozy presentation afforded by the Backporch Stage.

Make sure you hit it in May 2006 if you are into the blues!

A Week's Worth awaits

Hello all,

I have not blogged this week. But that doesn't mean I've been quiet. Make sure to get the Orange County Register on Wednesday, May 18th (or visit the paper at www.ocregister.com) to read my in-depth feature on Kenny Wayne Shepherd and the Doheny Blues Festival. I interviewed the virtuoso guitar player last week and the story runs tomorrow. He is a champion of the blues and couldn't have been cooler when we talked over the phone on May 12.

Also, make sure to attend the Doheny Blues Fest this week. Not only is the event thankfully back in the hands of Omega Events, but the lineup on Saturday and Sunday, May 21-22, is great. Several of my favorite artists are back too! Steve Copeland & Raging Sun and the Blind Boys of Alabama perform on Saturday, while the amazing Roy Rogers (no, not the cowboy! the slide guitar master), Walter Trout and Shepherd all will be tearing up frets on Sunday. Not to be missed. Check out www.omegaevents.com for more details...

iPod, Cellphones; what about the music?

All over the internet news sites today, much is being made of Microsoft chairman Bill Gates talking about Apple's iPod maybe not having a bright future despite its current popularity. He says cellphones may replace iPods as the gadget of choice to serve as a portable music player.

Again, I ask, what about the music? I'd say I was sounding like a broken record. But then, does anybody remember records (albums, vinyl, you know!) anymore!

I encourage everyone, no matter how you get your tunes, to seek out good ones. Ignore the hype from Billboard, MTV, VH1 and Spin and even yours truly. Don't forget the classics and the music that moved you back in the day, but forge ahead.

Doheny Blues Fest; it's coming

Although the 8th Annual Doheny Blues Festival doesn't arrive until May 21 and 22, I am already swamped writing a trio of preview stories on the blues event that arrives on the shores of Dana Point every May.

Make sure to check out my story on Steve Copeland & Raging Sun when it runs in the Show section on Friday, May 13. Steve had a stroke and was in the hospital in critical condition last December, yet has made an amazing recovery and will be bringing his amazing blues outfit to the festival on Saturday, May 21. If you plan on going to the festival, arrive by noon so you can catch his set.

I'm also writing a story on headliner Kenny Wayne Shepherd and that will run sometime in the middle of next week. I haven't talked to him yet, so I don't know the shape of the story. But with his most recent album a good, wide-ranging affair, I'm looking forward to our phone chat and catching him at the fest too....

For more information about this always-fun fest, visit www.omegaevents.com

That's it for now...