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June 26, 2009

Putting Michael Jackson In Perspective

With the sudden, unexpected passing of Michael Jackson (one of those "remember where you were when you heard the news" events) there's been heated discussion about celebrating his life and work.  I understand the passion on both sides, but here's my take. 

Certainly his life over the past 10 plus years has been that of a troubled and peculiar person.  He was cleared of the child abuse charges.  Yet, because there was a payout to the victim's family there's a clear majority thinking that he was guilty. 

His desire to change his skin color and entire appearance was looked on my some as an insult to African Americans.  Personally, I think he was transgendered and ideally wanted to look like a woman. 

Sure, there's plenty of fodder for talking about his personal life.  I haven't even gotten into Neverland and his exotic animal fascination. 

I prefer to remember the music.  Granted, Michael Jackson is not even close to the top of favorite artists of mine.  It's rare that I'd play any of his music other than when DJing parties.  But I realize what an impact he had on our culture. 

I am a year older than Michael Jackson.  And I recall vividly two TV appearances that had me riveted. 
Ed Sullivan Show in 1970


The Motown 25th Anniversary Show in 1983
I'm certain a number of you remember with amazement just as I do. I will not call him the "King Of Pop". It doesn't count when you crown yourself with a title. Still, he was an icon and left us with some great music.
Photo by Cleveland rock photographer Janet Macoska, the 1986 Bad tour
MJ

March 30, 2009

The Wrecking Crew, The Musicians Who Formed The Soundtrack Of The 60's

Wercking_crew_tommy_carol Yesterday I had the pleasure of seeing The Wrecking Crew at The Cleveland International Film Festival.  It's a joyful celebration of the unheralded musicians who performed on countless records in the 60' and 70's.  The list of artists is way too lengthy.

It was a revelation, even for me, to discover how many albums they appeared on.  In those days the musicians who played on an album weren't typically listed.  Thus, they remain quite anonymous.  Drummers Hal Blaine and Earl Palmer are a couple who've been recognized through induction into The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame

The movie is a loving tribute created by Denny Tedesco, son of Wrecking Crew guitarist Tommy Tedesco.  The project is 12 years in the making and counting.  It's just wrapping up its festival circuit and Denny hopes to go for a general theater release as well as a DVD release. 

The problem arises in the fact that there's samples of about 300 songs in the fim and getting them cleared at a reasonable cost is a daunting task.  The typical short sightedness of the record industry is at play here. 

So, learn about this amazing part of rock and roll, spread the word and, if on the odd chance you know someone in the industry, let them know this film needs to be seen and appreciated by a wider audience. 

Here's the trailer:
 

March 20, 2009

New Cavaliers Song By Bootsy

Bootsy-collins I'm not sure what Bootsy Collin's ties are to Cleveland other than his connection to the Rock Hall.  For whatever reason Bootsy took it upon himself to come up with a new Cleveland Cavaliers song as the team readies for the playoffs and battles for home court throughout.  And yes, it's damn funky. 

 

January 15, 2009

Vital Mines Benefit

On Christmas morning a friend of mine, Dan McCafferty, passed away after a courageous challenge against prostrate cancer.  He was only 47 and left behind a wife and kids. 
He also left behind is music for us to enjoy.  His band, Vital Mines, was one of the joys of his life.  You can sample their music on My Space
The band was working on their second release all the way up until the end.  It's nearly finished and everyone involved wants to get it pressed for Dan. 
That's why Friday night, January 16th at The Backstage Cafe in the Agora complex there will be a band benefit and memorial for Dan.  The proceeds will go to production costs for the new CD.  A lasting memorial for Dan and his words and music.  
Check out the flier below.  Yep, I'll be DJing between acts. 


 
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New Show 1.14.09

Yes, it's a new year's resolution and hopefully I can keep it.  More consistent shows.  And here's a new one for your enjoyment.
Radio Hannibal 1.14.09

December 30, 2008

A new Live 365 set...finally

I finally updated my Live365 playlist.  It's pretty much my top 40 singles for the year as listed in an earlier post. 
Just click on the character signing "listen" over there to your left. 
Happy new year folks!

December 24, 2008

Light At The End Of The Tunnel - The Best Of Radio Hannibal 2008

A Christmas present to you all.  Yes, it's my annual best of the year compilation. Merry Christmas!

Light At The End Of The Tunnel - The Best Of Radio Hannibal 2008

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December 17, 2008

Xmas A Go Go!

So, I was considering making my own Christmas mix but I have so many from other creative types that I thought I'd share one of those so I can get some shopping done. This one's courtesy of Jonathan. A tip of the Santa hat to him indeed. Yeah, no Live 365 stream this year. Just follow the directions below and enjoy!

Simply download the rar file.  You'll need the program here to open it.  From there you can play it on your PC, put it on your MP3 player or burn it to CD.

Xmas A Go Go!

December 07, 2008

My Top 40 Singles of 2008

1. Jenny Lewis – Acid Tongue
2. British Sea Power – Waving Flags
3. Dr. Dog – The Old Days
4. Blitzen Trapper – Furr
5. Beyonce – Single Ladies
6. Duffy – Warwick Ave.
7. Fleet Foxes – White Winter Hymnal
8. Adele – Chasing Pavements
9. Tom Jones – If He Should Ever Leave You
10. She And Him – Why Do You Let me Stay Here
11. Weezer – Pork And Beans
12. Kings Of Leon – Sex On Fire
13. Amadou and Mariam - Sabali
14. Black Kids – I’m Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend How To Dance With You
15. Elbow – Grounds For Divorce
16. Raphael Saadiq – Love That Girl
17. The Hold Steady – Sequestered In Memphis
18. Glasvegas – Geraldine
19. Santogold – L.E.S. Artistes
20. TV On The Radio – Dancing Choose
21. Conor Oberst – I Don’t Want To Die (In A Hospital)
22. Coldplay – Viva La Vida
23. The Killers - Human
24. Gnarls Barkley – Who’s Gonna Save My Soul
25. Hercules & Love Affair – You Belong
26. My Morning Jacket – I’m Amazed
27. Chris Brown - Forever
28. The Last Shadow Puppets – Standing Next To Me
29. The Streets – The Escapist
30. David Byrne and Brian Eno – Strange Overtones
31. Duffy – Mercy
32. R.E.M. – Hollow Man
33. Usher – Love In This Club
34. Death Cab For Cutie – I Will Possess Your Heart
35. Jenny Lewis – The Next Messiah
36. Lucinda Williams – Real Love
37. Vampire Weekend – A Punk
38. The Black Keys – Strange Times
39. Radiohead - Nude
40. Nick Cave And The Bad Seeds – Dig Lazarus Dig

December 05, 2008

Little Steven To Become More Visible

I love Steven Van Zandt and his commitment to pure, unadulterated rock and roll.  The guy seems to do it all.  A member of the E Street Band, actor on The Sopranos, satellite radio programmer of Underground Garage. 
Now he's about to get much more visible in inking a deal with IMG
He'll be endorsing products and what's really exciting is his plan for bringing rock and roll back to TV.  Read all about it in Ad Age.