...if you're waiting for an AC/DC concert! November 8 is just a bit over a week away and whoa, the waiting is definitely the hardest part. Steve emailed that the New Orleans show was hot! and loud! It's like Bibi has always thought: it's no good if it's not loud.
Been difficult getting over the loss of the cds, but thank the maker for computer music files and the Ipod. Have already replaced two of the key works: High Voltage, Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap. Will make do with copies of the rest until Christmas and make sure to send out a wish list for Powerage, Let There Be Rock, If You Want Blood, Black Ice (deluxe version), The Razor's Edge, Who Made Who, Ballbreaker and Stiff Upper Lip, plus Live!, of course.
Of course, been thinking a lot about the upcoming Mexico City trip. It's finally cool weather here and I've been told it will be colder down south. Just hope I can determine the best clothes to take with me.
Hopefully, Bibi is sufficiently recovered to maintain more regular postings now. we will see...
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Kicked in the Teeth Again: all my AC/DC cds were stolen today
Bibi's faith in humanity has been severely tested: all the AC/DC cds in the car were stolen today. It was a beautiful day, the top was down and when it was time to put the top up, all of them gone, gone, gone. The only one left is the one in the cd player, Highway to Hell. Will Bibi ever purr again? It's such a blow, like all the oxygen was sucked out of the environment. All you can say is: a pox on them! What jerks! Bibi was led to believe she lived in a safe neighborhood. Really wondering about that now.
can't write anymore right now; too depressing, thinking of rebuilding from this loss. (sigh)
can't write anymore right now; too depressing, thinking of rebuilding from this loss. (sigh)
Friday, October 16, 2009
It's a Long Way to the Top, If You Wanna Rock n Roll
Excerpt from a Buffalo, NY, paper:
As AC/DC returns to Buffalo, some thoughts on the band’s endurance
By Jeff Miers, News Pop Music Critic
Last week, Harper Collins released a book by veteran music journalist (and former Rolling Stone contributor!) Anthony Bozza, beneath the imprimatur “Why AC/DC Matters.” The book is a hoot, but it’s also more than just that — it seeks to undo decades of nasty criticism by claiming for the band’s musical legacy the highest of honors. According to Bozza, AC/DC’s primal art is fully actualized, its apparent simplicity belying the consummate skill beneath.
“You could argue that they’re a metal band and that metal fans are dedicated,” writes Bozza on his Web site ( www.AnthonyBozza.net ). “But AC/DC’s music transcends that. It’s much more primal and fundamental, which is the real case for their widespread appeal. There is a reason that Chuck Berry and all the forefathers of rock and roll started a revolution. It was because there was no denying the electricity of the music and the magnetism of the back beat. It spoke to, and continues to speak to, generations of fans. AC/DC’s contribution to music history runs parallel to that.”
Bozza raises an interesting point. For what feels like forever, the popular wisdom concerning AC/DC suggested the group was a heavy metal act. Most of the folks who’ve suggested as much must not really know what heavy metal is, but oh-so-clearly, AC/DC ain’t it.
In a nutshell, heavy metal is largely a European construct. It is grandiose music, delivered with incredible energy and volume, but its motifs are largely classical. It has virtually nothing to do with the blues. AC/DC, though the band hails from Australia and Scotland, is a proponent of American art forms — most clearly, the Chicago blues of the 1950s and ’60s, and the deepest strains of American rock ’n’ roll. The band has much more in common with the Rolling Stones than it does with Black Sabbath, for example, and its allegiance is to Muddy Waters, Little Richard and Jerry Lee Lewis, not Satan. (Har, har.)
If you took Chuck Berry’s “Carol,” say, and cranked it through a wall of Marshall stacks, you’d get something an awful lot like “Whole Lotta Rosie,” “Riff Raff” or “Problem Child.” The reason so many young people are succumbing to the swank and swagger of AC/DC’s bad boy boogie today is the same reason people fell for Jerry Lee, Elvis and Little Richard; the same reason proper English society was absolutely horrified by the Rolling Stones’ raw sexuality; the same motivation behind a million parents banging on a million teenaged bedroom doors and screaming “Turn that awful noise down!”
It’s the power of that back-beat. It’s got the life force in it.
As AC/DC returns to Buffalo, some thoughts on the band’s endurance
By Jeff Miers, News Pop Music Critic
Last week, Harper Collins released a book by veteran music journalist (and former Rolling Stone contributor!) Anthony Bozza, beneath the imprimatur “Why AC/DC Matters.” The book is a hoot, but it’s also more than just that — it seeks to undo decades of nasty criticism by claiming for the band’s musical legacy the highest of honors. According to Bozza, AC/DC’s primal art is fully actualized, its apparent simplicity belying the consummate skill beneath.
“You could argue that they’re a metal band and that metal fans are dedicated,” writes Bozza on his Web site ( www.AnthonyBozza.net ). “But AC/DC’s music transcends that. It’s much more primal and fundamental, which is the real case for their widespread appeal. There is a reason that Chuck Berry and all the forefathers of rock and roll started a revolution. It was because there was no denying the electricity of the music and the magnetism of the back beat. It spoke to, and continues to speak to, generations of fans. AC/DC’s contribution to music history runs parallel to that.”
Bozza raises an interesting point. For what feels like forever, the popular wisdom concerning AC/DC suggested the group was a heavy metal act. Most of the folks who’ve suggested as much must not really know what heavy metal is, but oh-so-clearly, AC/DC ain’t it.
In a nutshell, heavy metal is largely a European construct. It is grandiose music, delivered with incredible energy and volume, but its motifs are largely classical. It has virtually nothing to do with the blues. AC/DC, though the band hails from Australia and Scotland, is a proponent of American art forms — most clearly, the Chicago blues of the 1950s and ’60s, and the deepest strains of American rock ’n’ roll. The band has much more in common with the Rolling Stones than it does with Black Sabbath, for example, and its allegiance is to Muddy Waters, Little Richard and Jerry Lee Lewis, not Satan. (Har, har.)
If you took Chuck Berry’s “Carol,” say, and cranked it through a wall of Marshall stacks, you’d get something an awful lot like “Whole Lotta Rosie,” “Riff Raff” or “Problem Child.” The reason so many young people are succumbing to the swank and swagger of AC/DC’s bad boy boogie today is the same reason people fell for Jerry Lee, Elvis and Little Richard; the same reason proper English society was absolutely horrified by the Rolling Stones’ raw sexuality; the same motivation behind a million parents banging on a million teenaged bedroom doors and screaming “Turn that awful noise down!”
It’s the power of that back-beat. It’s got the life force in it.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Tuesdays are tough on Bibi
On acdc.com there was a poll asking for votes on which classisc song we would pick from the list below if it might be picked as part of the set list. Could vote for only one. Bibi voted for Who Made Who. Here are the results:
Live Wire [ 18 ] [17.48%]
She's Got Balls [ 3 ] [2.91%]
Problem Child [ 6 ] [5.83%]
Rocker [ 2 ] [1.94%]
Bad Boy Boogie [ 10 ] [9.71%]
Overdose [ 3 ] [2.91%]
What's Next To The Moon [ 5 ] [4.85%]
Kicked In The Teeth [ 4 ] [3.88%]
Walk All Over You [ 4 ] [3.88%]
Night Prowler [ 6 ] [5.83%]
Have A Drink On Me [ 6 ] [5.83%]
Given The Dog A Bone [ 7 ] [6.80%]
Put The Finger On You [ 2 ] [1.94%]
Evil Walks [ 1 ] [0.97%]
Flick Of The Switch [ 2 ] [1.94%]
Guns For Hire [ 4 ] [3.88%]
Sink The Pink [ 3 ] [2.91%]
Shake Your Foundations [ 3 ] [2.91%]
Who Made Who [ 8 ] [7.77%]
That's The Way I Wanna Rock N Roll
[ 6 ] [5.83%]
I've never heard the shaded ones, so hope none of them win. If they take one of the top three, then Who Made Who, Bad Boy Boogie and Live Wire have a chance which would be great with me. It's possible the post-er on acdc.com got the list from AC/DC, so we'll see, maybe as soon as October 16 when the guys hit the road again. The road to ... Houston!
Live Wire [ 18 ] [17.48%]
She's Got Balls [ 3 ] [2.91%]
Problem Child [ 6 ] [5.83%]
Rocker [ 2 ] [1.94%]
Bad Boy Boogie [ 10 ] [9.71%]
Overdose [ 3 ] [2.91%]
What's Next To The Moon [ 5 ] [4.85%]
Kicked In The Teeth [ 4 ] [3.88%]
Walk All Over You [ 4 ] [3.88%]
Night Prowler [ 6 ] [5.83%]
Have A Drink On Me [ 6 ] [5.83%]
Given The Dog A Bone [ 7 ] [6.80%]
Put The Finger On You [ 2 ] [1.94%]
Evil Walks [ 1 ] [0.97%]
Flick Of The Switch [ 2 ] [1.94%]
Guns For Hire [ 4 ] [3.88%]
Sink The Pink [ 3 ] [2.91%]
Shake Your Foundations [ 3 ] [2.91%]
Who Made Who [ 8 ] [7.77%]
That's The Way I Wanna Rock N Roll
[ 6 ] [5.83%]
I've never heard the shaded ones, so hope none of them win. If they take one of the top three, then Who Made Who, Bad Boy Boogie and Live Wire have a chance which would be great with me. It's possible the post-er on acdc.com got the list from AC/DC, so we'll see, maybe as soon as October 16 when the guys hit the road again. The road to ... Houston!
Monday, October 12, 2009
It's All About High Voltage Rock n Roll
Some of Bibi’s favorite things…treats, naps, towels that smell like lavender, Angus Young, especially with really short hair. But, she’s not into housekeeping at all. EXCEPT: blog housekeeping. In this cat-egory, Bibi wants to give a meow-out to two lovely individuals, Denese and Jann. Jann is from down under and shared some great ACCA DACCA stories with Bibi the other day, to the amazement of Denese, who didn’t know of Jann’s AC/DC interest. Jann has even been to an AC/DC concert in Australia! Great talking to you!
Another bit of keeping everything straight: YES, the travel arrangements to Mexico City are complete! Angus, see you there! Bibi is so excited about finally getting back to her roots!
Yes, I know…where is the TDF for the last several days? We won’t even try to rationalize the absence of those critical posts, but now that the Houston concert tickets have been bought, maybe Bibi can settle down a bit—or not! Thing is, been listening to High Voltage again and how to choose? It’s still Bibi’s favorite.
Another way to put it: if I could have only one AC/DC album to explain to someone about AC/DC, right: Let There Be Rock. But, every time I play High Voltage (international release), I can just picture a really hungry, hot, new band that's ready to ROCK the joint down! It was my introduction to The Jack, Live Wire, Can I Sit Next to You Girl, Little Lover and High Voltage and each cut is so raw, so fresh every time I hear it. The level of talent and confidence they display in this first album--incredible! So, it's the second one I would have the uninitiated listen to, althought it’s definitely first in my heart. I’ve already named most of the album’s great songs, but if you haven’t heard it, you won’t realize that TNT and It’s a Long Way to the Top are also on this one. All fantastic, but I’ll focus on the TDF, already noted in a previous post devoted solely to HV: The crowning jewel among these rubies and pearls of rock gemstones is High Voltage. AC/DC is rarely given credit for lyrical styling, but High Voltage is a superb example of Bon Scott’s diamond in the rough, spot on writing gift. The winning hook is setting the song as a series of questions: from family, or (possibly) a girlfriend’s father, and maybe, one day, an interviewer: why I grow my hair, why I’m in a band, why I like to sing, why I like to play. Only one answer, one reason: the band does it for HIGH VOLTAGE ROCK AND ROLL!!! When Bon screams: wine, women and song, jeez, all the rock elements—words, drums, guitars--come together and the power the band generates with their music washes over us mere mortals as we’re swept up in AC/DC’s rhythm and drive into complete abandon to the moment.The free for all feel of the collaboration between words and music so evocatively conjures up the band's--and our--rock n roll dreams and adventures, real or only wished-for, that we’re inexorably sucked into a dizzy, wild tumble of right here, right now lyrics with no subtle meanings to confuse or distract us, scorching, pure guts guitar breaks exquisitely laid over heart pounding drums and aggressively hard as a rock bass and rhythm guitars. Just give yourself up to the sweaty, driving, good-time energy and love it, love it, love it. Whew…anybody for a cigarette? Before listening to High Voltage again…cranked up to eleven….
Another bit of keeping everything straight: YES, the travel arrangements to Mexico City are complete! Angus, see you there! Bibi is so excited about finally getting back to her roots!
Yes, I know…where is the TDF for the last several days? We won’t even try to rationalize the absence of those critical posts, but now that the Houston concert tickets have been bought, maybe Bibi can settle down a bit—or not! Thing is, been listening to High Voltage again and how to choose? It’s still Bibi’s favorite.
Another way to put it: if I could have only one AC/DC album to explain to someone about AC/DC, right: Let There Be Rock. But, every time I play High Voltage (international release), I can just picture a really hungry, hot, new band that's ready to ROCK the joint down! It was my introduction to The Jack, Live Wire, Can I Sit Next to You Girl, Little Lover and High Voltage and each cut is so raw, so fresh every time I hear it. The level of talent and confidence they display in this first album--incredible! So, it's the second one I would have the uninitiated listen to, althought it’s definitely first in my heart. I’ve already named most of the album’s great songs, but if you haven’t heard it, you won’t realize that TNT and It’s a Long Way to the Top are also on this one. All fantastic, but I’ll focus on the TDF, already noted in a previous post devoted solely to HV: The crowning jewel among these rubies and pearls of rock gemstones is High Voltage. AC/DC is rarely given credit for lyrical styling, but High Voltage is a superb example of Bon Scott’s diamond in the rough, spot on writing gift. The winning hook is setting the song as a series of questions: from family, or (possibly) a girlfriend’s father, and maybe, one day, an interviewer: why I grow my hair, why I’m in a band, why I like to sing, why I like to play. Only one answer, one reason: the band does it for HIGH VOLTAGE ROCK AND ROLL!!! When Bon screams: wine, women and song, jeez, all the rock elements—words, drums, guitars--come together and the power the band generates with their music washes over us mere mortals as we’re swept up in AC/DC’s rhythm and drive into complete abandon to the moment.The free for all feel of the collaboration between words and music so evocatively conjures up the band's--and our--rock n roll dreams and adventures, real or only wished-for, that we’re inexorably sucked into a dizzy, wild tumble of right here, right now lyrics with no subtle meanings to confuse or distract us, scorching, pure guts guitar breaks exquisitely laid over heart pounding drums and aggressively hard as a rock bass and rhythm guitars. Just give yourself up to the sweaty, driving, good-time energy and love it, love it, love it. Whew…anybody for a cigarette? Before listening to High Voltage again…cranked up to eleven….
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Angus Young, We Salute You, in Houston November 8
Alright! I've got my tickets!!!!! Bibi can't deal with seats on the floor--my delicate paws, my lovely fur, and I'm a tiny little thing--so she likes seats in the lower level, a bit of a distance from the stage so there's a great view of the stage, the screens and of course, Angus's solo in Let There Be Rock, and that's what she got, on Cliff's side of the stage. SO FANTASTIC!!! Cousin Rolan says he's going with me and that's so cool because back in the 90's he and Michelle saw the boys at the Summit (now a Lakewood Church!!!). They had excellent front row seats, so these won't be the same, but I'm looking forward to hearing a comparison between that show and this one
Just before the hour struck when you could enter the ticket site, I was listening to 74 Jailbreak, Ain't No Fun, and thinking, really, it ain't no fun not knowing what seats you'll get. By the time I put in the cc info, it was School Days and really, it didn't matter to me that I was spending the money. I was going to see the boys again AND I was listening to a rocking song by them. I know, gushing fans, how lame! Just SO happy!
Even though today is Jimmy's fourth "anniversary" and Bibi is in a very reflective mood, he would have been so up for this whole AC/DC thing. Even if he really didn't like their music--can't imagine that, but he was a big Eagles fan--he would have been with Bibi in Europe and at the Houston and Mexico City concerts, she knows. Really miss him.
The TDF's have been on hiatus, but they should be returning very soon, so the vast readership should hang in there.
Just before the hour struck when you could enter the ticket site, I was listening to 74 Jailbreak, Ain't No Fun, and thinking, really, it ain't no fun not knowing what seats you'll get. By the time I put in the cc info, it was School Days and really, it didn't matter to me that I was spending the money. I was going to see the boys again AND I was listening to a rocking song by them. I know, gushing fans, how lame! Just SO happy!
Even though today is Jimmy's fourth "anniversary" and Bibi is in a very reflective mood, he would have been so up for this whole AC/DC thing. Even if he really didn't like their music--can't imagine that, but he was a big Eagles fan--he would have been with Bibi in Europe and at the Houston and Mexico City concerts, she knows. Really miss him.
The TDF's have been on hiatus, but they should be returning very soon, so the vast readership should hang in there.
Friday, October 2, 2009
You Shook Me All Night Long says it all
Bibi has already praised Highway to Hell for the masterpiece it is and Back in Black has been universally declared one of the greatest albums ever composed. Even if we didn’t know the background of Brian becoming part of AC/DC and helping to create BIB, both as lyricist and lead singer, it’s one unbelievably great album. The fact that with BIB, AC/DC essentially came back from the abyss with songs that so cogently express everything they’re about and their absolute belief in themselves, Back in Black is astounding no matter how many times you listen to it. Brian’s voice complements the killer guitar riffs superbly, combination so incredibly alive, they challenge a listener to take issue with them. It’s like Angus, AC/DC personified, is in your face, saying: what??? The entire band declares: Bon’s not with us, but he will always be part of our music in spirit and with this album, we honor his memory; we will rock till we drop. Repeatedly, throughout the songs, they confirm this, but the last track of the album sums it up: rock n roll ain’t noise pollution/Rock n roll will never die. Purists will go one way or the other depending on their specific tastes, but Bibi says (so listen up) IT’S AC/DC—WHAT’S THE PROBLEM? Bon was a fantastic front man and AC/DC rocked with him. Brian is a great front man and AC/DC rocks with him, plus, we can’t get Bon back. Either one totally expresses AC/DC’s music credo: live hard, rock harder. End of argument, if you insist there is an argument that pits Bon vs Brian.
There are no weak cuts on BIB, although I don’t like a couple of them as much as I like all the others, but what (besides HTH) can compare to a work that includes You Shook Me All Night Long, Shoot to Thrill, Back in Black and Hells Bells, anyway? And, is there a finer natural two-fer in the world than Back in Black and You Shook Me All Night Long (they follow each other on the album)? Okay, there’s the Highway to Hell and Girls Got Rhythm sequence on HTH. For this album, for me, the TDF choice is so undeniable: You Shook Me All Night Long. I’ve actually heard people say: yeah, an AC/DC concert without YSMANL, okay. WHAT IDIOTS!!! Should they even be allowed to speak at all if they’re going to say stupid stuff like this? I don’t think so. What next? No HTH or beer at an AC/DC concert? Dogs and cats living together? Life without convertibles? Cats writing blogs? Men on the moon? Oops, okay, but you get the idea. Jeeeeezzzzz, some people!
The point is, the concept of a rock n roll good life would not exist without the exuberance, the sheer joy of living expressed by YSMANL. The joint threatens to crash down, the fans go even more insane, a roar almost drowns out the moment Angus and the SG give us the unmistakable, sparkling, opening notes. Phil joins in, just beating his drum kit silly, then Brian sings those immortal words: She was a fast machine/She kept her motor clean/She was the best damn woman I had ever seen. Beyond transcendent, to the sublime, and I’ve been there three times. The rest of the song celebrates the classic rock fantasy: guy meets hot girl. What makes this iteration of the fantasy better than most is, of course, AC/DC’s pure rock band talent and their humor, including considerable insight: Taking more than her share/Had me fighting for air/She told me to come but I was already there. Great, great song!
Bibi won’t be giving a blow by blow comparison between HTH and BIB, do it yourself and have a really good time, but try Walk All Over You and Touch Too Much vs What Do You Do for the Money and Giving the Dog a Bone. Excellent! Once you listen, I predict, you have to say that it’s a draw between the two albums. Each stands on its own as a testimony to AC/DC as the greatest rock band in the universe.
There are no weak cuts on BIB, although I don’t like a couple of them as much as I like all the others, but what (besides HTH) can compare to a work that includes You Shook Me All Night Long, Shoot to Thrill, Back in Black and Hells Bells, anyway? And, is there a finer natural two-fer in the world than Back in Black and You Shook Me All Night Long (they follow each other on the album)? Okay, there’s the Highway to Hell and Girls Got Rhythm sequence on HTH. For this album, for me, the TDF choice is so undeniable: You Shook Me All Night Long. I’ve actually heard people say: yeah, an AC/DC concert without YSMANL, okay. WHAT IDIOTS!!! Should they even be allowed to speak at all if they’re going to say stupid stuff like this? I don’t think so. What next? No HTH or beer at an AC/DC concert? Dogs and cats living together? Life without convertibles? Cats writing blogs? Men on the moon? Oops, okay, but you get the idea. Jeeeeezzzzz, some people!
The point is, the concept of a rock n roll good life would not exist without the exuberance, the sheer joy of living expressed by YSMANL. The joint threatens to crash down, the fans go even more insane, a roar almost drowns out the moment Angus and the SG give us the unmistakable, sparkling, opening notes. Phil joins in, just beating his drum kit silly, then Brian sings those immortal words: She was a fast machine/She kept her motor clean/She was the best damn woman I had ever seen. Beyond transcendent, to the sublime, and I’ve been there three times. The rest of the song celebrates the classic rock fantasy: guy meets hot girl. What makes this iteration of the fantasy better than most is, of course, AC/DC’s pure rock band talent and their humor, including considerable insight: Taking more than her share/Had me fighting for air/She told me to come but I was already there. Great, great song!
Bibi won’t be giving a blow by blow comparison between HTH and BIB, do it yourself and have a really good time, but try Walk All Over You and Touch Too Much vs What Do You Do for the Money and Giving the Dog a Bone. Excellent! Once you listen, I predict, you have to say that it’s a draw between the two albums. Each stands on its own as a testimony to AC/DC as the greatest rock band in the universe.
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