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Killer Beats - August 2008

Rock of Ages

August 30th 2008 03:18

This year, Michael Jackson and Madonna who once symbolized the insolence and iconoclasm and adrenaline of youth, are now walking museum pieces (oh yeah I said it). Only in the rock genre does the aging process make the public feel uncomfortable; only in the world of rock do middle-aged performers feel pressure to exit the scene before they start making fools of themselves. th the exception of a few chosen ones - would like all the Claptons and Collinses and Joels and Stewarts to get off the stage, go into retirement, take up producing young upstarts, try their hand at a reality show (think Bret Michaels), or slowly fade out of sight.

Okay so call me totally shallow but my friend and I posed this question to one another so here I am asking you dear readers. What middle aged rockers still have it (musically, physically, etc? Nothing like a totally mindless post for the weekend:

Here are mine:

3. Prince

2. Anthony Kiedis

1. Lenny Kravitz

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Steely Dan

August 27th 2008 04:41

In the '70s Steely Dan were two kinds of bands. The first incarnation delivered perfectly crafted pop-rock hits while the second included a jazz and funk flavor. But perfectionist founders Fagen and Becker thought the line-up never gelled as a touring band. They retreated to the studio to create a more pristine sound with assistance from some of the world's top session players.

Recently the Woz and I had the opportunity to see Steely Dan in Dallas. We were amused by the droves of middle aged men ready to rock, sporting Hawaiian shirts and white socks with sandals. We giggled when the lady seated next to me asked why the Shriners chose a Steely Dan concert for a meet up.

Steely Dan's show definitely skewed toward their jazz influences as opposed to the studio versions of their work. In their prime, Becker and Fagen had an untouchable knack for disguising complex, challenging jazz as easily digestible pop. And you may never have noticed, but within those ultra-polished groove lurks a shadow world of drugs, creeping sexual desire, and world-weariness. The evening began with the Dan’s eight-piece orchestra performing instrumental versions of "Everyone’s Gone to the Movies" and "The Fez." Becker and Fagen entered, leading three backup singers to the stage and offering "The Royal Scam." They clearly played more to the true Dan fans and ignored the Rikki or else crowd. We were impressed with their rendition of "Kid Charlemagne", “Aja”, “Black Cow”, and "Deacon Blues," as the songs were reproduced almost note-for-note.

The musicianship was immaculate: tenor, alto, trombone and trumpet all get to the chance to show their chops on solos even before Becker and Fagen took the stage. The jaw dropping special effects of guitarist Jon Herington and drummer Keith Carlock paid for the price of the tickets. The audience went wild as the set closed. Steely Dan returned for their encore of 'Pretzel Logic' and the classic 'My Old School' and both songs had the crowd on their feet.

We had a question about Becker’s midsong celebration of the libidinous powers of Cuervo Gold. Goofy. The Woz was put off about the extended jams (although integral part of their stage performance). We both agreed that Donald's voice was fading with age and his lyric memory spotty (not that the crowd cared as they “helped” Fagen all along the way). No matter, the lyrics are the thing. Gotta love the Yacht Rock. It’s the sweet glaze on a poisoned donut.

Pretzel Logic

pic by Indienote protected under Creative Commons license

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Talk Amongst Yourselves

August 17th 2008 04:04

You turn up the music that hide the noise. Other people turn up their music to hide yours. You turn yours up again. Everyone buys a bigger stereo system. This is an arms race of sound “you don’t win with a lot of treble. This isn’t about quality. This is about volume. This isn’t about music. This is about winning.

Chuck Pulanik