Steel Notes Magazine www.steelnotesmagazine.com SAVE THE HIPPIES COMIC THOSE DAMN CROWS CELTIC WARRIORS OF OTZENHAUSEN Summer 2017
Olivia Newton John
Ann Wilson
Rocks the Keswick Theatre
at The State Theatre, Easton PA
Richie Kotzen @ Musikfest Cafe
Charlie Huhn
Interview
Carl Bell
Releases Tennessee Fuel
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Steel Notes Magazine
Summer 2017 Summer Issue 2017
Steel Notes Magazine is a monthly magazine featuring what is happening in the art, music, entertainment, and fashion industry. Copyright is reserved. Re posting is whole or in part on other sites and publication without permission is prohibited. All right to photos belong to their respective owners.
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INSIDE Summer 2017
FEATURED
STEEL NOTES MAGAZINE STAFF LISTING
4 Olivia Newton-John Review ADMINISTRATIVE 8 Tennessee Fuel Debut Release from Carl Bell Alexxis SteelePublisher/Editor-In10 Ann Wilson Rocks the Keswick Theatre Chief
Film and Music Reviews
Guido Colacci15 The Wizard Of Lies film review by Jerry Assistant Editor Saravia 17 This Is Dan Bell Article Mick ReynoldsProofreader/Copy 20 Hoagie Nation Festival With Hall And Editor Oates And Tears For Fears At Penns Landing Jeffrey HeldDesign/Layout/Cover 24 Radiohead Anniversary CD Review 26 Infinite Tuesday: Autobiographical Riffs Josie Janci The Music Review VP of Business Development 30 UnSullied Miracle on the Hudson Film Review 34 The Music Hall PHOTOGRAPHERS 36 Save The Hippies
International Corner
41 Alessia Bastianelli Better Focused or Distracted 43 Interview of Foghat Singer and Guitarist Charlie Huhn Colin Campbell 49 Scotland Interviews Shane From Those Damn Crows 52 Walkway Wwiii By Colin And Suzycampbell Scotland 54 Celtic Warriors of Otzenhausen by Inès Honig 56 Antattack Festival Review
Articles
58 "The Cigarette" A Short Story by Rex Oppenheimer 60 Last Gentleman Smuggler 62 Summertime Photos By Gary Preis
Alan Ottenstein Bill Des Jardins Bob Klein Brian Azar Brian Limage Brian Matus Brian Smith Dave Hummell Derek Mitch John Warner Gary Preis Larry Dell Renee Jahnke Ron Shirey Sheri Bayne Travis Eisenhard
VIDEOGRAPHERS
STAFF WRITERS Alexxis Steele Alex Shaffner Alessia Bastianelli Alex Shaffner Bob Klein DC Ryder Dana Saravia Drama D Emily Ashmore Guido Colacchi Inès Honig Josie Janci JR Muffley JennyCat Jerry Saravia Johnny Gibbs Jr Peterson Karma Moonbeam Kelly Mitch Luca Cerardi Marlowe B. West Mick Reynolds Mike Dorn Monique Grimme Nikki Palomino Noah J Gambino Patrick Campbell Rex Maurice Oppenheimer Rick Dessi Scott Aber Scott Saxon Sheri Bayne Stewart Brodian Stormy Boz Tanya Green The Grouch The Gypsy Poet Todd Sobczak Tony Angelo Victor Colicchio Yvonne Sotomayor
Lisa Koza Larry Dell
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Olivia
Summer 2017
NewtonJohn Is Still The One That You Want by Scott Aber Photos by Bob Klein
Taking the State Theatre stage for the first time in 4 years, Olivia Newton-John wowed the audience in Easton, Pa with a non-stop 90-minute performance that spanned her 44-year career as a living and performing music legend on Thursday April 13, 2017. True Olivia fans who have seen any of her live performances either in person, or on video, know that there are some standard ingredients to be expected every time she performs. First, any and all material from “Grease” will be performed near the end of the show. Second, she will undoubtedly close the show with her iconic ballad “I Honestly Love You.” Olivia certainly did not disappoint in these areas. But there were also plenty of surprises that were definitely not expected. Since I was anticipating a video montage and instrumental medley to open the show before Olivia even graced the stage (another known tradition of hers), I was surprised that Olivia came out rather quickly to perform “Magic,” the first single from the “Xanadu” movie soundtrack, after just a few seconds of the music video for the Dave Aude'-produced single “You Have to Believe.” “You Have to Believe” is the reworking of “Magic”, with Olivia's daughter Chloe Lattanzi performing the lead vocals, that hit #1 on Billboard's Hot 100 Dance Chart back in 2015. Olivia is very proud of her daughter Chloe, and made a special point of sharing some stage time with her in this way. Olivia then stayed with the “Xanadu” motif by performing the movie and album's title track, before taking guests on a slight “Totally Hot” detour by performing “Deeper Than the Night.” Olivia then “Suddenly” returned to “Xanadu” with a stunning duet featuring back up singer and vocal coach Steve Real.
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The earlier-anticipated video montage and medley came next, with Olivia vocalizing on “Make a Move on Me,” “A Little More Love” and “Twist of Fate,” before reaching back to her crossover country/pop roots with another medley of hits including “Have You Never Been Mellow,” “Please Mr. Please” and “Let Me Be There,” as well as her 1976 cover of Dolly Parton's hit “Jolene.” For this country medley, Olivia entertainingly joked, “If you know the words and want to sing along... don’t, because you might mess us up.” Olivia's next song was another pleasant surprise. In 2002, she released an album of duets called “(2),” whose 12th track “Act of Faith” contains about a minute of dead air before presenting listeners with a slow jazz rendition – which Olivia once called her “age-appropriate version” – of “Physical,” ala Alanis Morissette. Olivia performed this slow version exclusively for many years in concert. But State Theatre guests were treated to the traditional
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up-tempo version, performed as if no time whatsoever had passed. Olivia then segued into introducing her band, by mentioning that back in its day, “Physical” was banned due to its racy lyrics. Olivia also quipped, “Compared to what’s on the radio now, (Physical) sounds like a “lullaby.” Another track from “Physical,” “The Promise (The Dolphin Song)” came next, as the beginning of 2-slow song set about some of the animal and environmental issues Olivia is so passionate about. That set concluded with “Don't Cut Me Down,” a song from her 1994 album “Gaia: One Woman's Journey,” which describes her feelings for old growth forests that are being threatened by man. Olivia then performed “Not Gonna Give In To It,” her self-described anthem, and another song from “Gaia,” an album she wrote following her 1992 breast cancer diagnosis. “Grease” became the word as a video medley of various cover versions of “You're the One That I Want” - including one by a speed metal band – preceded Olivia's duet and accompanying dance moves with Steve Real, which were fun and inspired. In another Olivia tradition during live performances, she dragged Steve across the stage by the lapel of his leather jacket, love-slave style.
life. One of which is to still be singing. She then graced us with the title track from her album “Grace and Gratitude,” which she calls her personal theme song.
The rest of the “Grease” set – which included “Hopelessly Devoted to You,” “Summer Nights,” and “We Go Together” - sounded surprisingly fresh. And even more wonderful than they did 40 years ago.
Olivia then left the stage for a quick wardrobe change, and came back out to perform her encore. Her closing song, as mentioned above, was “I Honestly Love You.” It's a song she feels very lucky to have found early in her career. She has had a lot of time to sing it, and claims she never gets tired of it. That is absolutely believable, considering the powerful emotion she performed it with.
Olivia remarked that she is grateful for so many blessings in her
Based on the audience's reaction to this stellar performance –
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which included a standing ovation – I believe the same can be said for how they feel about Olivia. Some guests, myself included, were able to purchase meet and greet passes to have our photos taken with Olivia. She was as sweet and down to earth as I always knew she would be. Despite having wanted to meet her my entire life, I really wasn't star struck. I felt very much at ease in the presence of this mega superstar. Olivia was even kind enough to make an exception to the evening's “no autograph” policy, and sign a bra that will be auctioned off for breast cancer this coming October. More info on that can be found at www. ThinkPinkNights.com. As this article goes to press, Olivia is currently being treated for yet another bout with breast cancer. Positive feelings and messages have been shared on all of Olivia's social media pages. There are various ways for you to donate financially to the Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Centre. And fellow “Greaser” Sean Moran – a dancer in the movie “Grease” - even has a very special way for you to contribute.
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By logging onto www.MovieGreaser. com, you can order Sean's book - “The Diary of a Movie Greaser,” and check the box that says you would like your money to go to the Olivia Newton-John cancer and Wellness Centre.
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t u b e D l e u F e e s s e Tenn e from CarSlteeBleell By Alexxis Releas Carl Bell, singer/songwriter and founding member of rock band "Fuel" to release a country cd , on June 16th, in tribute to his late father. Bell goes back to his Tennessee roots when he was growing up on a rural farm in this 10 track cd. He brings you back in time, imagining his father roaming across the dirt with his John Deere tractor with songs he penned: "Dad, "Run Away", Kiss and more. Bell went on to explain in his interview with Alexxis Steele on WDLS Radio , that while he was on tour with Fuel, he was unable to attend his annual family reunion in which his father was the guest of honor. It was after he hung up with his mother that he
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felt bad that he would miss the event, and the idea of the song as a thank you to his dad came about. Look for his upcoming release on I Tunes, Amazon, and other retailers, June 16th, in time for Father's Day You can find out more about Carl Bell by going to: http://www.carlbellmusic.com https://www.facebook.com/CarlBellMusic/
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CARL BELL EPK https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0AK_o8yB3m8 Steel Notes Magazine www.steelnotesmagazine.com
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Summer 2017
Ann Wilson Rocks the Keswick Theatre
By Alexxis Steele, Photos By Mike Dorn
Ann Wilson of Heart, one of the most notable female rock vocalists in history performed a more intimate show for her second solo album at the Keswick Theatre, Glenside Pa on April 6, 2017.
The nearly sold out crowd broke into applause as she approached the stage, and she and the band broke into The Who Song “The Real Me”, as if she were letting the crowd know from the start this is what you can expect from her and nothing less. This night and show, was all about what she wanted to do and her interpretation of previous Heart material, as evident with tempo changes. I had previously spoken with Ann , less than a week prior to the show, and she was explaining how she tries to avoid being around people that are sick, but unfortunately got bitten by the bug and was fighting it off before her show at The Keswick. It was evident when she started the second song of the eveningone of her most popular Heart songs- “Barracuda” when she chose to take the safe route by bringing down the notes in the melody , rather than trying to hit the high notes on that as well as on the slowed down version of “Crazy On You”. This night was not just about Ann doing versions of Heart tunes, but to showcase her latest solo materi-
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al with her band with blues song “Fool No More” and “Anguish” the song Ann penned in her hotel room when she was on tour missing the new love in her life. I had asked Ann a question during our interview about how she felt about being a female interpreting a male song, and she said that she believes that songs are neither gender. Ann has performed many male dominate songs such as covering tunes like Led Zeppelin’s “Rock N Roll” and “Battle of Evermore”, the latter I was hoping to hear that evening. She did not disappoint though by performing a myriad of cover tunes, including The Animals- “We Gotta Get Out Of This Place, and two Who tunes- “We Won’t Get Fooled Again”, and “Love Reign O’er Me”, which made Pete Townsend and Roger Daltry proud, ending the night with Ray Charles’s “Danger Zone”. The crowd would have stayed all evening if more encores were offered by Ann, but were quite satisfied by all the great music Ann and her band had to offer and we look forward to seeing her again!
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For more info on Ann: Her Official website: http://www.annwilsonofheart.com/ Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/annwilsonheart/
Ann Wilson on Steel Notes Radio! Listen Now!
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Film Review:
A Walking Zombie By Jerry Saravia (Pseudo Film Critic)
White-collar liars who steal money from the poor and give nothing back to the community are typical cinematic and literary antiheroes – there is nothing existential about them, they are just greedy yet they possess a snake oil charm. Modern cinema has had them in great ubiquity, among the most reptilian without question was Gordon Gekko in Oliver Stone’s “Wall Street.” The mistaken assumption is that Gordon was seen as a hero of the cocaine-laden, money-hungry 1980’s. He was no hero and goes to jail for his offenses, you know, buying stock and selling it cheap and making millions in the process. Still, Gordon had something money can’t buy – sophistication and a smile that most grifters could never muster. Bernie Madoff, a real-life swindler, used a Ponzi scheme to rip off wealthy people through the wealth management branch of his firm. It amounted to more than 65 billion dollars fraud, the biggest of its kind in history. (continued on next page)
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In 1960, Barry Levinson’s deadly serious film, “The Wizard of Lies,” Bernie is an amoral man who steals, and steals, and steals and there is nothing more, nothing less at stake. From beginning to end, he is the same exact person, resolutely uncaring and undeniably evil. In 1960, Bernie Madoff (Robert De Niro) founded and was chairman of the Wall Street firm Bernard L. Madoff Investment Securities LLC. Although I can’t begin to understand this firm’s business model, let’s just say that it was linked to the creation of NASDAQ. The roots of the firm’s prominence and longevity, however, hold little interest in “The Wizard of Lies.” The film starts off in December 2008, just after the economic collapse, when the turds began to fly and hit innocent victims in the face. Well, not so innocent to Madoff who justifies his criminal activity of more than two decades by claiming that his victims should’ve known better than to invest. His victims were greedy, if not more so than he was. The fascinating aspect to “The Wizard of Lies” is that there is no sense of sneaky, amoral fun to the schemes, no real kick. A business meeting is what it is, and when Madoff scores and gets the billions, he has no real pleasure in what he does. Ironically, it is as if it meant nothing to him, just another day at the office. Madoff ’s marriage to Ruth (a spectacularly awesome Michelle Pfeiffer) lacks passion, to say the least, and the most disturbing scene between them (which could have been unintentionally funny under the wrong hands) is when Ruth decides that a suicide pact by ingesting lots of Ambien would be preferred than dealing with the consequences of losing her husband in jail. Ugh, that was too alarming for me, too realistically conveyed particularly when Madoff decides to join her. Once again, there is no fun to be had in this marriage before or after the convictions against Madoff. Madoff ’s relationship to his two sons who work at the firm results in tense arguments and friction. Things get heated between Ruth and Bernie – how did these two ever fall in love in the first place
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or was it merely a business transaction? That reminded of De Niro’s business-minded Ace Rothstein in Scorsese’s “Casino” who got his Vegas girlfriend (Sharon Stone) to commit to a marriage by approaching it like a business transaction. The difference was that Ace seemed to really care about his wife in that film – Madoff can’t or won’t show emotion. Essentially, “The Wizard of Lies” is about an obsessively business-minded suit with no emotional interior or exterior. Everyone else in the family shows some measure of regret, particularly at not knowing what gross misdeeds the family patriarch was up to. Robert De Niro, still one of our finest actors ever (watch “The Intern” for proof that he never lost his bite post-“Analyze This”), has a difficult task at hand – he has to play a blank-faced man with zero emotion. When his sons get too inquisitive, he brushes them off with angry, curse-laden words. Yet De Niro, a passionate actor of a highly level of intensity, never expresses any other singular emotion except the look of a sourpuss who has avoided a human connection beyond the discussion of borrowing money. His Madoff (and no doubt the real person as well) is an aggressive Ponzi schemer who can take and take without ever feeling the repercussions. Sure, he ends up in jail with several life sentences but it does not affect him. Yes, there is the aforementioned Ambien fever dream sequence where Bernie and Ruth take several pills with the intent of committing suicide and all he can ask is, “are you sure?” Ruth eventually leaves him, his sons die (one a tragic suicide, the other from mantle cell lymphoma) and he is still standing around like a passive statue in prison without remorse. If there is any sense of compassion, he sure has a funny way of showing it. De Niro, the fiery Method actor who gave us solid emotional firecracker portraits in the past like Jake La Motta and Travis Bickle, has given us his first apathetic sociopath. He gets several rude awakenings but all they do is enclose him further from us. We come up empty and realize that De Niro and director Levinson have made us angry at this monstrosity. Our feelings matter, his do not.
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Cultural Documentarian/Trailblazing Artist
Walking Through The Ruins-Documenting Our Past And Present Through Urban Exploration
This Is Dan Bell By Dana Saravia
Malls have played a part of the American Dream and the modern suburban lifestyle, loomed large in both the literal and figurative landscape for a few decades. All over the country as they continued to spring up, they made a huge impression on the American consciousness and became neon-coloured hang outs for teenagers, retail wonderlands, weekend destinations and an indelible part of 1980's pop culture. Recently, almost as suddenly as they appeared, they began to disappear from our way of life. As these once important attractions are slowly becoming abandoned shells, ghosts of their former selves, a new form of media has sprung up to help capture these malls before they face the inevitable wrecking ball. Spearheading this movement is Baltimore-based artist and urban exploration filmmaker Dan Bell. Though there are several other YouTube channels--a few quite good, some pure trash--that have also started to document dead or near dead malls in addition to other retail locations, Dan is one of the originators and has made his series into a true art. This Is Dan Bell, the YouTube channel where his "Dead Mall Series" can be found, features beautifully done pieces about each mall he films. As we are given a respectful tour of the interiors of each location, viewers are treated to narration that not only provides as complete a background story as possible of the malls being filmed, it’s done with the respect and a tinge of sorrow that further enhances the spirits of the past life and the mournfulness for the times gone by so present in this places; the feeling itself is nearly visible on the screen. Not only does Dan's voice and narrative complement the footage perfectly, he chooses a new style music called vaporwave that manages to evoke the past and present of the mall all at once. These mini-documentaries bring a wistful sadness, a nostalgia not only for the buildings, but the era. Watching these short films brings back for many of us memories of our youth, of our friends and former selves as well as the brick and mortar buildings--the times and places we once thought would last forever.
In addition to capturing abandoned retail spaces with such artistry, Dan also turns his camera to urban exploration in other areas around the country with equally memorable results. Dan is often joined by his exploring buddy, Will Krupinsky, who adds his own presence and humour to the clips where he appears. Together they have visited places from abandoned homes full of objects, history and mystery of people suddenly disappeared with their belongings left to tell their tale to abandoned motels and resorts. Also featured on the This Is Dan Bell channel is one of my https://youtu.be/BtK54ZoTsBY favourite short documentary-style films of the past several years--a tragic and haunting piece on the town of Picher, OK. This story of a town left abandoned, people's lives torn apart and ruined by the toxic remains and greed of a former mine is a chilling 16 minutes that has more impact and emotion than many feature length documentaries.
https://youtu.be/qCj2hRc_F6Y
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Another series featured on his This Is Dan Bell channel is the popular and far more lighthearted (though certainly not for the faint of heart when it comes to gross) "Another Dirty https://youtu.be/_8awCKdJVag Room" series. On these trips, Dan, Will and their friend Rick, who also serves as a cleanliness investigator, head to motel rooms in Baltimore and beyond to find out how just how clean they really are. What they usually find is what the title only gently hints. Most of these rooms are so incredibly filthy, they would make Babs Johnson ill or at the very least jealous. The trio's humour makes the series hilarious even as it tests viewer's grossout levels and the strength of their stomachs. One thing is certain-you'll always feel just a little more queasy and uneasy whenever you stay at a motel after watching these. Dan Bell/Film It is his second YouTube channel and is equally as transfixing and illuminating as the first. While continuing to feature intriguing abandoned places, https://youtu.be/WQes0ug_yDc from the remains of the Branch Davidians' compound in TX to the Skyline Drive-In in WV where Hank Williams was found dead, Dan also features some fascinating still active locations from all over the country. The piece on the historic El Rancho Hotel Motel, full of photos of notable past guests and some truly cool decor in Gallup, NM, is a sunny standout and the clip of the absolutely far out Flintstones roadside attraction--featuring an awesome full size reproduction of the town of Bedrock-in Bedrock City, AZ is a real joy to watch. The Film It channel also has clips highlighting some nationally known places around Baltimore, from a quiet and respectful visit to the place where they found Hae Min Lee's body, the tragic story of her murder made well known from being featured on the "Serial" podcast, to a short exploring Cutty's Gym from HBO's acclaimed series "The Wire", local, national and international viewers will find much of interest here to discover with Dan and Will. https://youtu.be/qhMC1PQ4p04
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Though there are many channels on YouTube that feature interesting subject matter, This Is Dan Bell and Dan Bell/Film It are made up of a very rare blend of exploration turned documentary and art. I have spent many hours watching his unique and fascinating videos, some more than once. This article has only touched on the treasure trove of sights and variety of places shared on both channels. Check out both and be sure to become a subscriber--new material is added often and once you see what's already available, you'll be hooked. Dan's personality, intelligence and curiosity, as well as his passion for his work are a big part of what helps to make his films special and will continue to bring you back for more. I'll close this article with a filmed Ted talk Dan gave in October 2016 discussing his work. I hope it will inspire you to not only more fully check out his work, but to follow your passion in life as well.
https://youtu.be/AYzA2uyd9_s
Links: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/moviedan https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7xXgdp_IJDASe1guOTAfCA Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thisisdanbell Twitter: https://twitter.com/thisisdanbell Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisisdanbell Store: https://www.shopdanbell.com You can also help support Dan Bell's ongoing work by contributing to his Patreon page: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ThisIsDanBell
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HoagieNation Festival Review By Josie Janci, Photos by John Warner On Saturday, May 27th, Penns Landing hosted it's first annual "HoagieNation", a day long music event with multiple stages and over 15 bands that were there to celebrate all that Philadelphia is. The event had three stages set up for music and festivities, with duo-headlining acts Tears for Fears and Hall and Oates. There was; of course, a hoagie stage sponsored by Dietz & Watson with a Hall and Oats themed menu featuring hoagie selections such as "Maneater" (roast beef) "Sara Smile" (Santa Fe Turkey
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Hoagie) "I Can Go For That" (Rustic Italian) and even a vegetarian selection named "Some Things Are Better Left Unsaid". What a great combination for the day - music and hoagies! I never really thought about that coupling before, but it sure worked! The opening bands performed on all three stages and the lineup included Schoolly D, Mutlu, Allen Stone, Kandace Springs,Son Little, Vivian Green, Marah, G.Love & Special Sauce, and In The Pocket. All in all , the festival lasted almost10 hours and was a huge attendance success. Now, onto the music! The opening bands boasted genres ranging from rap to blues and each band there was a great representation of both their style, and of Philadelphia. Marah had a nice highlight when they closed out their set with "Love Train" and the band members had their preteen children come up on stage for the song, some taking instruments from dad to play the song themselves. It was a "brotherly love" kind of moment and not wasted on the crowd. Tears for Fears; although not playing in the Philly area for more than 20 years, had a huge audience Satur-
day night and played to the swelling crowds like the pros they are. It was 80's flashback time and the average age of the attendees was much lower than you would think! Tears for Fears played a hopping hour and a half set and included all the sing- a-longs you remember. Some highlights included opening song "Everybody Wants to Rule the World”, a cool cover of Radiohead's "Creep" and a perfect encore selection "Shout". The band was amazing and the energy in the crowd was electric!
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list Tears for Fears Set to Rule the World Everybody Wants Secret World Love Sowing the Seeds of at Heart g Advice for the Youn py Ending ap H Everybody Loves a Change Mad World Memories Fade cover) Creep (Radiohead Pale Shelter ain Break It Down Ag Head Over Heels
Once Tears for Fears finished there was a mass exodus over to the other stage to get ready for Hall and Oates. Although I didn’t think it was possible, there were even more people on that side of the venue! H & O had the Philadelphia experience covered, they were introduced by Ben Franklin (well, a costumed person) and baseball hall of famer, Mike Schmidt. The show was worth the wait. Hall and Oates were in true form playing hits and even a few cover songs the crowd adored. They opened with a Mike Oldfield song "Family Man" then went quickly into their hit song Maneater. Around the middle of the show they started a huge sing a long when they did The Righteous Brothers "You've Lost That Loving Feeling ". As the show went on the tempo seemed to slow down a bit and that was just a perfect way to end a nine hour day of music and deli meat. Their encore consisted of fan favorites, Rich Girl, Kiss on My List, Private Eyes; You make my Dreams, and a cover song. SURPRISED? Dont be, they aptly selected a song by The Delfonics-"Didn't I (blow your mind this time). Keep on the lookout for next years HoagieNation, its an event worth experiencing! Josie Janci
Encore: Shout
Hall and Oats Setlist Family Man (Mike Oldfi eld cover) Maneater Out of Touch Did It in a Minute Say It Isn't So You've Lost That Lovin ' Feelin' (The Righteous Brothers cov er) One on One She's Gone Sara Smile Wait for Me Is It a Star I Can't Go For That Encore:Rich Girl Kiss on My List Private Eyes You Make My Dreams Didn't I (Blow Your Mi nd This Time) (The Delfonics cover)
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"Change of Seasons" by John Oates review By Mick Reynolds
This is a work written by John and the Notable writer and journalist Christopher Epting. The first 90 pages reads like a colorful travelogue embracing John’s humble beginnings on Quince Street in the city of Philadelphia to New York City, Nashville, Los Angeles and onwards To Europe. Change Of Seasons seems less like the saga of the rock and roll life of two great artists, but more the evolution of the heart and soul of a genuinely good man. John is keenly perceptive with a delightfully aesthetic sense of life. The creative production of John and his partner Daryl is truly noteworthy: 13 million albums 6 million singles 18 studio albums 11 live albums 27 compilation albums And 63 singles John’s book often reminds me of the travels of Homer’s Odysseus and his narrative style is captivating. We are all so familiar with the success Of John Oates and Daryl Hall However, CHANGE OF SEASONS Is a delightful narrative about the John Oates we never had the opportunity to really know until now. The songs of John Oates and Daryl Hall speak of life's dramatic adventures and even more dramatic resolutions that eventually drift from the cacophony of loud concert halls to the stillness of mountain passes. Johns reflections are on a life both unexpected and ultimately wonderful! Bravo!
Photo by John Warner
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Simple Healthy Sweet
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My passion is to educate you on how important it is to take care of yourself, practice self-love and grow gracefully into the beautiful human being you are meant to be in order to Þnd your signiÞcant purpose here on Earth. We all have one. My hope is to help others reach their goals by providing my unconditional support and teach you how to live a more fulÞlling, purposeful and happy life. Ready for a change in your life? Contact me today!
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W E I V E CD R R
Y ALEX SHAFFNE R A S R BY : NIVE
AN The 20th anniversary edition (OKNOTOK) of Radiohead's masterD A E DIOH piece OK Computer was just released yesterday. So let's talk about Radiohead!
RA
Arguably the most significant and celebrated album of the last quarter century, it shifted a change (in British Rock at least) from the popular Britpop scene to a more introspective and atmospheric kind of rock music. Thom Yorke and Co. first broke on to the scene with their album "Pablo Honey" and alt-rock hit "Creep" in 1993. From there they would undergo an incredible artistic evolution over the next 7 years moving away from their original Alternative Rock sound in favor of Art/Experimental Rock and Electronic. Their next three albums "The Bends" (1995), "OK Computer" (1997) and "Kid A" (2000) are among the most celebrated albums in the history of music. So since this post is about the re-release of OK Computer, I guess I should go into detail about the record for a bit.
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Works like OKC are a very rare breed (hence why I have it ranked the #2 album of the 90s and #5 album all-time) I want to say I was about 17 the first time I listened to the album (I had heard "Karma Police" on the radio before this) I can't really remember what my expectations were at the time, but all I knew was that it was a highly acclaimed work. So one look at the track-listing and you'll find "Airbag" as the first song on the album. Let's hit play! I was not ready for what I was about to hear. I hit play and my ears were introduced to the bending, swirling and kaleidoscopic guitars of "Airbag". The "snap" of the drums is incredible, too. THIS is how you open an album. From there you move on to "Paranoid Android" the multi-part experience inspired by songs like The Beatles' "Happiness Is a Warm Gun" and Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody". It's their best song: period. The weight of Thom Yorke's voice and the most brilliant bits of this classic are heard at two points: "With your opinion which is of no consequence at all, what's that?" and in the third "movement", "rain down, come on rain down on me from a great height..." The combination of these vocals and instrumentation might send shivers down your spine. A memorable riff and blistering guitars occupy the middle section. I'm really not sure which part is my favorite; they're all equally great. Now, I like every song on here and brilliant moments pop up on various points of the record. Whether it's the eastern-tinged electronic guitar riff of "Subterranean Homesick Alien", the beeps/ bloops and final chord stroke at the ending of "Let Down" or the overall desolate and creepy Neo-Psychedelia of "Lucky", there's one more song I want to really focus on: "No Surprises". It's so cold and calculated and its lyrics speak of unhappiness, disillusionment, and suicide, but the way the song is structured with its brilliant melody and intentionally passionless vocal delivery; it's beautiful. Plus, it's got some glockenspiel! "Such a pretty house and such a pretty garden" Just because someone has attained these nice things, doesn't mean that reflects the feelings of someone on the inside. In short, you should listen to OK Computer, OK? Some people will never appreciate Radiohead's sound. (You can say this about any artist, though) Their music contains very little happiness, fun, or humor. Better words to describe a great deal of their music would be melancholic, cold, and anxious, (which is like the opposite of The Beatles, but pretty close to Joy Division) but that does not mean it doesn't contain emotion, creativity,
ambition, innovation and resonance. All of these words apply to Radiohead's catalog of albums and songs. So let's see what the best are, shall we? Radiohead Albums Best to Worst [My Record Rating] 1. OK Computer [10] 2. The Bends [9] 3. Kid A [9] 4. In Rainbows [8] 5. Amnesiac [8] 6. A Moon Shaped Pool [7] 7. Hail to the Thief [7] 8. The King of Limbs [6] 9. Pablo Honey [5] Radiohead's 25 Greatest Songs 1. Paranoid Android 2. Idioteque 3. Daydreaming 4. Fake Plastic Trees 5. Everything In Its Right Place 6. No Surprises 7. Reckoner 8. How to Disappear Completely 9. Airbag 10. Pyramid Song 11. Creep 12. Let Down 13. Street Spirit (Fade Out) 14. Karma Police 15. Climbing Up the Walls 16. Planet Telex 17. The Daily Mail 18. 15 Step 19. The National Anthem 20. Lucky 21. Exit Music (For a Film) 22. Optimistic 23. I Might Be Wrong 24. Just 25. There, There Spotify Play Lists: https://open.spotify.com/album/4ENxWWkPImVwAle9cpJ12I https://open.spotify.com/‌/‌/playlist/4bFtLUMsb4Y3iJAmaK4pG3
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By Dana Saravia Steel Notes Magazine July 2017 Music Review Classic Artists, New Compilations -- Great Reasons To Head To The Record Store And More
Now that summer is here with its slower pace and a hopefully a chance to take some time to relax, these releases from classic artists will take you deeper into their catalogues and provide a great vacation, even if you don't leave home.
First release is a new compilation from an artist everyone remembers, but sadly not nearly as many people have gotten to know beyond his earliest work, singer and songwriter Mike Nesmith. Formally a member of the well-known 60's made-for-TV band The Monkees, Mike not only wrote and performed some classic tunes within the group, but continued his songcraft and innovation well beyond those years. After leaving The Monkees, Mike formed the groundbreaking country rock First National Band before continuing on to a brilliant, if sadly underheard and underappreciated solo career. Including songs dating from the pre-Monkees years of Mike's songwriting when he used the pseudonym Michael Blessing, a few selections from each band and spanning his solo career from the 70's to present day, this new compilation of previously released material is titled "Infinite Tuesday: Autobiographical Riffs The Music ".
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Recently released to coincide with the arrival of his compelling new non-fiction book "Infinite Tuesday: An Autobiographical Riff", this album serves as a reminder of Mike's pop hits as well as an introduction to Mike's solo work for listeners who are unfamiliar, and as a nicely curated overview for longtime fans. The album by itself works as both as a standalone piece that exemplifies a master songwriter's creative evolution over the years and a wonderful companion piece to the similarly titled book. Though I will cover the book more thoroughly at a later date, for now I will say I highly recommend purchasing the "Infinite Tuesday" album and book. However, the CD alone, for Monkees fans, music lovers and those wanting a unique musical journey that blends and defies simple genres, this album will take you on a trip this summer without leaving the side of your speakers.
Website: www.videoranch3d.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michaelnesmith Mike's Videoranch 3D FB: https://www.facebook.com/Videoranch3D/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/videoranch3d
This summer also marks a great time to pick up the much-anticipated release of the deluxe editions of stellar band Crowded House's studio LPs. These Australian imports not only include the band's original CDs, but a second disc of newly released and hard-to-find material, each a treasure trove of demos, outtakes, live performances and rare tracks. Also packaged with a beautifully done booklet featuring full lyrics from the official albums as well as information about the material included on the additional discs, rare photos, fantastic liner notes written by everyone from longtime band associate and excellent group ambassador Peter Green to noted rock journalist Dino Scatena along with classic interviews and recent remarks from the band themselves, these deluxe editions are thorough and informative.
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Spanning the from the band's well-known and well deserved international smash hit debut album to their most recent release "Intriguer", these lovingly rendered sets are a rich document of this incredible band and demonstrate the development and continuing expansion of one of music's finest and most gifted songwriters. For the long-term, hardcore Crowded House/Neil Finn fan, these releases are an absolutely essential addition to your collection. For either the casual fan or those who remember only the band's still stunning debut, which for me continues to stand as the finest debut LP ever released by any group, purchasing the self-titled first album is highly recommended. Not only will hearing it again reconnect you with an LP that has become a certified classic, listening to the second disc provides a deeper appreciation of Neil's extraordinary songwriting talent and the construction of this well realized and long beloved debut. The home demo for Neil's best known song, the masterpiece "Don't Dream It's Over" is simply breathtaking. Hearing one of the best songs ever written in this demo forum brings into clear focus the delicate, heartfelt poetry of the lyrics and the emotional, evocative melody of the tune. This demo alone makes this edition more than worth the purchase.
The deluxe packages of these Crowded House albums are a fine addition to any music lover's record collection and give listeners a chance to re-experience and further explore the work of one of the most spectacular writers and dynamic bands of the 20th century. Although these imports may be a bit tougher to track down, they are worth their weight in gold. Crowded House was, and will continue to be, a band that impacts lives and these LPs not only showcase the band's heart, but remind you of why they continue to touch the hearts of so many fans around the world.
Website: https://www.crowdedhouse.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/crowdedhouse/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/crowdedhousehq
And for anyone looking for a weekly radio program that will both introduce you to new music and take you on a trip down DC/Baltimore classic WHFS memory lane, you must give a listen to Robbie White's Forbidden Alliance program. Airing live every Sunday morning from 9am until 12 noon ET, Robbie features the very best music that once aired on much missed FM free form rock radio over the years. Local legend and DJ from the glory days of the original WHFS,
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Weasel, often joins Robbie in the studio, which makes for great conversation and brings back fond memories. In addition, the second half of each week's program features in-studio visits from some of the best local and nationally known performers from the DC/Baltimore scene. Not only do you get to hear blasts from the past talking about their careers and revisiting tunes you know, but hearing what the musicians are up to currently as well as any new music is a joy. Robbie brings his deep knowledge and love for the bands and their music to these interviews and approaches the entire show with the same passion and care.
The Forbidden Alliance show airs live Sundays from 9am to 12 noon ET and is available worldwide on the internet at the link below as well as airing in the DC/Takoma Park area on 94.3 FM. https://takomaradio.org
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Steel Notes Magazine July 2017 Film Review UnSullied Miracle on the Hudson By Jerry Saravia (Pseudo Film Critic)
Not unlike Clint Eastwood’s tour-de-force film biography “American Sniper,” Eastwood’s “Sully” places us squarely in the cockpit seat with its lead heroic character. Obviously both films deal with the true stories of true-blooded American heroes who have been defined as such in an oversaturated media – holding up Sully and the Lethal Sniper, the late Chris Kyle, as American icons of different strengths and values. Captain Sully is an experienced pilot with years of superior airline service with not one infraction, except for an emergency landing of a plane on the Hudson River. Chris Kyle had 166 confirmed kills during four tours of the Iraq War. The difference is that Chris Kyle had some complications in his life including his PTSD, his rocky relationship with his wife, and it showed a man who had some uncertainty of his standing in life. U.S. Airways pilot Captain Sullenberger is depicted as a man who felt landing the plane on a river and saving people was the best maneuver he could manage under the stressful circumstances. Only the film is not willing to show much more. Truth be told, as based on a 2009 memoir by the Captain entitled “Highest Duty: My Search for What Really Matters”, maybe there is not much more to Captain Chesney Sullenberger. As
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played with a quiet ease and always admirable restraint by a silver-haired, silver-mustached Tom Hanks, he is merely a hero for saving lives in a city that has been fraught with terror and much more in its past. He is New York City’s hero but Sully doesn’t feel like a hero, he just did his duty. That is about as complicated as the character gets, that and the nightmares he has of losing control of the plane by flying too low over New York and crashing into buildings (a scene repeated twice so anyone who has fear of flying, you’ve been warned). Sully has some 9/11 visions wrapped around his head, nightmarish visions that may have crossed the mind of many airline pilots post-9/11. After he lands the plane safely in the water, he and his co-pilot, Jeff Skiles (astoundingly good performance by the underrated Aaron Eckhart), are still crossexamined by the National Transportation Safety Board for potential pilot error, something that could end their airline careers. Although I can imagine that the NTSB would want to do a thorough investigation, apparently they did not like their depiction in the movie, citing that they were never hostile to the pilots (a claim supported by the real Sully himself). The error may be in landing safely on the Hudson rather than trying to land the plane at Teterboro airport or LaGuardia. Sully claims both engines malfunctioned after hitting a flock of birds while the NTSB claims only one engine failed. In any case, Sully’s decision during this six-minute flight is to brace for impact on the water, fearing he might never make it to either airport.
Aaron Eckhart as Jeff Skiles (left) and Tom Hanks as Captain Sullenberger (right) in Clint Eastwood’s “Sully”
Aside from Hanks’ Sully speaking to his wife on the phone throughout the movie (Laura Linney, by the way, plays the thankless role of a woman holding her emotions in check while on the phone), Eastwood’s film is nothing more than a superbly realized dramatization of an airline pilot who achieved something rare and miraculous. We all think of him as a hero, but he didn’t,
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something which Hanks embodies almost too well. Once the funnyman with a wicked, smartass veneer to him, Hanks migrated to more serious, mature roles that defined a certain Everyman, an American hero-type in a now largely existential era where so few exist anymore. That might be a good enough reason for Hanks to play the role and for the audience to embrace such a tale of a hero with no superpowers, thankfully. I only wish there was more to the man himself. Coming from the same director who helmed “American Sniper” and “Bird,” a densely dark film about saxophonist Charlie Parker, I expected more than a simple entertainment that provides solid proof of bravery without any measure of depth.
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Arcade Fire: An Overview
BY : ALEX SHAFFNER
Formed in 2001, Canadian rock band Arcade Fire gained critical acclaim with their 2004 debut album "Funeral". I feel as though Arcade Fire's influences are clear: U2, Bruce Springsteen, David Bowie, Neutral Milk Hotel, New Order, and Brian Eno while Indie Rock, Chamber Pop and Alternative Dance are genres they've touched on the most in their career. Now, this particular funeral is no sombre affair so let me talk about it for a bit. "Funeral", which was named after the fact that 3 close relatives of various members of the band passed away during the writing and recording of the album, is simply one of the best albums ever produced. It's epic, romantic, uplifting, cathartic and bittersweet with brilliant production and instrumentation. Though some are turned off by its bombast, I completely embrace it. Lead singer Win Butler, as well as fellow band member and wife RĂŠgine Chassagne, breathe such life and emotion into the record. Very few records captivate me like "Funeral" does. I honestly can't name a better album released in the 2000s than this masterpiece.
album, Arcade Fire more openly embraced dance music. (They had flirted with it in the past) For help in this department, they recruited LCD Soundsystem mastermind James Murphy. It's a bit of a bloated and uneven record and clearly their worst album they had released at this point but it's still a good record, and shows how great Arcade Fire had been up to this point if this was their worst album yet. However, the title track shines VERY brightly and features David Bowie as a guest vocalist. A haunting
Their followup "Neon Bible", released in 2007 is just as bombastic, although it's certainly darker but still emotionally captivating. "Intervention", the album's greatest song, is both anti-religious AND anti-war, though the lyrics aren't preachy or clichĂŠd in the slightest. The organs just fill the song up with such grandiose fashion. It's probably their most sing along song on "Neon Bible" (that's a compliment by the way) Though not at the level of "Funeral", "Neon Bible" remains a worthy follow-up. I also I want to say I really enjoy the cover art. It's literally lit neon Bibles with the colors meshing very well with the black background. Even though Arcade Fire had been releasing brilliant music up to this point, the general public didn't really give them much attention. That changed a bit in 2010 when they released their third studio album "The Suburbs". In fact I was part of that general public that didn't who they were until 2010. The song that really gave them more exposure was "Ready to Start", and for good reason. The difference between a good song and a great song can be just a small thing. What makes this a GREAT song? That five note keyboard riff: Simple as that. It was like magic coming out of the car speakers. Without it, the song is less captivating, distinct and memorable. "The Suburbs" eventually won "Album of the Year" at the 2011 53rd Grammy Awards, surprising a lot of people. It probably deserved it, as it has great songwriting and production and features five of their twenty best songs. Their 4th album "Reflektor" was released in 2013. A double
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and gripping alternative dance track, "Reflektor" is certainly one the best songs of the current decade. So here we are with the very recently released "Everything Now", which was produced by various individuals like Daft Punk's Thomas Bangalter and Pulp's Steve Mackey, and I can safely say it's not a good album unfortunately, and easily the worst of the five albums they have released in their career. The only great song on here is the title track, and "Put Your Money On Me" has some interesting and lively production, songs like "Chemistry" and "Signs of Life" are among the worst songs Arcade Fire has ever produced. I can't imagine what they were thinking with
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those. It just overall feels like a pointlessly cynical and pedestrian alternative dance album with very few highlights released by a band losing its identity a bit. Not offensively awful of course, but basically, they're going through their 90s U2 phase. (Okay, mid to late 90s U2 phase, Achtung Baby is pretty great) So hopefully this mean they'll have a bit of a quality comeback in 2020 and release their equivalent of "All That You Can't Leave Behind". (I'm kind of joking here, but honestly, let's hope) Though I'm a critic and I try to be honest as I can, I'm a music lover too! And I love Arcade Fire, and frankly they're the only band that's formed in the last 20 year that I love. I like many (well, many might be a strong word) modern bands, but Arcade Fire is the only one that I can assign that word "love" with. However, if there is one overall honest criticism of them I can make, it's that each and every studio album they have released has been worse than the last (Neon Bible and The Suburbs are pretty neck and neck however). And though they're seemingly past their "prime", nothing will change the fact that "Funeral" is one of the greatest albums of the 21st century. So with all that in mind let's take a look at their best albums and songs shall we? Arcade Fire Albums Best to Worst: [My Record Rating] Funeral [10] Neon Bible [8] The Suburbs [8] Reflektor [7] Everything Now [5] Arcade Fire's 20 Greatest Songs Neighborhood #1 (Tunnels) Wake Up Rebellion (Lies) Intervention Reflektor In the Backseat Sprawl II (Mountains Beyond Mountains) Neighborhood #3 (Power Out) Ready to Start No Cars Go The Suburbs My Body Is a Cage Neighborhood #2 (Laika) Afterlife Black Mirror We Used to Wait Crown of Love Everything Now Une annÊe sans lumière Suburban War
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Alessia Bastianelli – Italy Venice 06.22.2017
Better focused or distracted?
. The human mind often wanders without an apparent goal. This does not mean it is inactive. Simply, it is not focused on a goal. Fluctuations of attention and distraction and attention again fall under the physiology of brain activity. How many times do you get distracted while reading a book or watching a movie or show? The right question would be another one: Has it ever happened to not distract you? Have you ever not been distracted while engaging in these activities? Mind wandering is something that happens to us frequently. It seems that we spend almost half of our mental life in wandering thoughts. This kind of experience occurs every time we are distracted from what we are doing. Often, it is an inner dialogue or an imaginary conversation with someone, but it can also be planning for the future, anticipating something we will do, or recalling the past. Mind wandering is the “movie” that plays in our head. Even when we are focused on an attentional task, our imagination goes wild flies out and then surprisingly, we realize that we have spent the last minutes or seconds absorbed in thoughts, away from reality, and we did not even notice it.
Research on mind wandering dates back to the 18th century. However, it is in the last decade that studies have most contributed to the understanding of the neural mechanisms involved by identifying some specific areas of the brain related to these events. This area is called the default mode network. It is a neural network with a specific activation pattern: The cells of these areas tend to decrease significantly their activation when the mind is engaged in a cognitive task—paying attention to something—while the cells increase their activity levels when the mind is at rest. Why does mind wandering distract our brains while engaging in an activity that might be important? And why does the mind get involved in an apparently unnecessary activity that could potentially damage our performance? Why are we captured by thoughts that distract us from reality? These are only a few of the questions that research is trying to answer.
In a paper, Jonathan Schooler and colleagues summarize data from different studies and try to explain the role played by mind wandering—or better, the roles, since it seems
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that it has several functions. One of its functions is future planning. This is probably its primary function, given that a significant proportion of mind wandering is dedicated to future thinking. This process is increased by a period of self-reflection and reduced by an unhappy mood which generates the autobiographical predictions necessary to successfully navigate the complex social world. A second function seems to be the increasing of creativity. There are infinite anecdotes of illuminating ideas suddenly coming to an individual’s mind during wandering episodes. Although direct research exploring this issue is only now underway, a number of indirect sources provide information that is consistent with the hypothesis that mind wandering can contribute to creative solutions. These studies argue that fantasy contributes to lengthening the incubation time of ideas and the creation of more creative solutions. Another function is related to attentional cycling. For an individual accustomed to pursuing different goals at the same time, the ability to pass through different streams of information can be adaptive. Wandering could therefore be an extension of the tendency to continually balance the attention between different and sometimes conflicting needs and goals, but both are fundamental to survival.
Finally, some studies put forward that learning processes are helped by a distributed practice over time, rather than by a massive and continuous energy expense. In this view, the last function of mind wandering could be to refresh the mind. Therefore, to leave the mind free to wander for a few moments during a task in progress allows the mind to
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operate a refresh and recover the skills needed to perform the task better. Whatever its function, mind wandering seems to be an involuntary and automatic mechanism, difficult to intercept when it happens but surely easy to recognize once it has happened. How many times did your mind wander as you read this article? .
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Luca Cerardi Interview with
Charlie Huhn This month I had the pleausure to talk with Charlie Huhn, from Foghat. I have been always a fun of this band for their ability to play an hard rock blues songwriting that I really like. When I had the chance to try to search for a singer for our Not Over Yet hard rock blues songs I tried directly to go to Charlie and I had the great opportunity to know and have him on the disc. I can’t loose the opportunity then, to sit down and talk about him, his music, his bands and his story. I hope you enjoy it and long live to Foghat!
What about singing instead?
To be able to sing means being able to express myself in a theoretical, musical plane. Expressing moods and delivering convincing performances are consistently my goal. I am so fortunate to be able to sing and perform at a high level. I wouldn't if I couldn't! When did you realize that playing guitar and singing were going to be a big part of your life?
What does playing guitar mean to you? What do you feel?
Guitar playing means making beautiful sounds that touch my inner self. I strive for beauty and total quality. The final purpose is to achieve personal satisfaction and hopefully that of others. I feel a huge satisfaction when I am able to compose and deliver pleasing sounds on the guitar which stimulate an inner drive. It’s incredible to hear the magic created by all the tones and notes in their combination of moods.
And when was it that you thought you could actually be a professional guitarist/singer?
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When I was 12 years old I could sing with a perfect pitch. I already had had eight years of piano lessons by then. I came to realize that I could really sing! And that I could actually learn to perform like my heroes. All I needed to do was to learn how to play guitar, so that was my next challenge. If you hadn’t succeeded as a professional musician, what would you have done? In other words, what other passions do you have in addition to music?
I probably would have used my college degree and gotten into business. I have to say, however, that I do like science and might have tried to be a geologist or archaeologist. I also enjoy the outdoors, so maybe I could have been a ski bum or a travel guide.I do really enjoy going on vacation and seeing other places!
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the high school dance after the football game. It went well and gave me encouragement. Nothing like being put to the test, right? Feet first into the fire! Have you always had the support of your family over the course of the years?
I sort of had the support of the family in my early career. I guess it was challenging to be good enough and successful enough to satisfy some, whereas others were behind me. Who inspired you the most along your career?
It's interesting that personal friends were the most inspiring early on. Only after achieving success we got support from many people, but that was after several years of laborious work and playing shows to achieve higher level of competency. Two people have been pretty special in my life. First, Ted Nugent,who introduced me to the real pro music field. He hired me to play and headline arenas and major music events with his band, and I recorded 4 albums in major studios. Second, Gary Moore. He gave me so many professional insights, and he had an amazing talent at performing and effortlessly writing songs produced by Jet and Virgin labels. What about turning points in your career or a specific person that changed your life?
Do you remember your first gig?
I vaguely remember my first gig. I played a Farfisa organ and we did cover songs of contemporary mid-sixties charting songs at
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I would like to thank my mother for letting me play records all day when I was a toddler. She was really inspirational with her beautiful voice.She was also my music coach, in fact for 8 years she taught me how to play the piano. I would also like to thank a high school friend of mine, his name is Vic Amato. He was a drummer who worked with me in my first and post-college bands. That is what really allowed me to develop my craft. As I mentioned before, a big thanks also has to go out to Ted Nugent for allowing me to
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audition for his lead vocalist/guitarist position and for hiring me. Day 1 of your career and today: how have you changed over the course of your career?
Every day I would feel a little more confident and secure. There are many variables involved with performing and recording music and each one of these variables can affect you a lot, in a positive or negative way. You try to remain positive and overcome obstacles, just like in your personal life. It's like a constant improvement process. You always played rock/hard rock/bluesinfluenced music. What was it that drove you towards this musical genre?
I have always enjoyed hard rock music ever since the late fifties when it was invented. I discovered it as a child, listening to the radio. I've been very fortunate to continue playing that style of music, as it is my first love. I have always been a big fan of hard rock/bluesinfluenced rock. Mixing Blues with country and giving it that back beat… that’s magic to me. Plus, all the different formulations have only made it more interesting and intriguing. I especially like really energetic songs. Blues and rock fit perfectly together, and you and the other Foghat members seem to know exactly how to make this type of music come to life. What do you enjoy the most about blues and rock?
Blues has a tremendous feel and earthiness. Its beat is compelling and stimulating. Rock is energetic and uplifting. Once you combine them together, they produce amazing emotional results in me – and others, I am sure. Foghat has exciting performers, who have honored their craft in the blues/rock genre. I am very lucky to be part of this band. We all wear the same hat and we’re all in it for the long haul, to derive enjoyment and satisfaction from each single note. We always say that we're going to roll ‘til we're old and
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rock ‘til we drop. It’s four good old blues rockers from back in the day. Everybody has the same focus and direction, experience and commitment. Our recording sessions are totally enjoyable and productive, and we're not smilin' happy ‘til it's right. The magic happens when we begin writing, and come up with cool jams and songs that are pleasing and moving. If it don't rock, it ain't right! It's so much fun and an amazing feeling. My blues bass comes from learning from the masters, especially the Delta Blues guys. The British blues invasion was also monumental in my blues-rock formulation, but it was always there from the late 50's when Elvis, Carl, Jerry Lee, Buddy, Eddie and Gene threw it all down.
What kind of music is most appealing to you nowadays?
I still put on the good oldhard rock classics and moving blues rock of the 60's, 70's and 80's when I need my blues rock fix. There are great players today, but generally speaking most of the music does not move me like the forty years of rock leading to the 90's. I understand the evolution of music, the business and different tastes and styles. People are aging and their respective life changes, but as far as I am concerned, my favorite genres will always be hard rock/metal/blues. A guitarist is about solos and riffs, as well as musical expression. What is going on in your brain in the moment you start a solo? How does the song-writing process work for you? Do you need a special environment or a particular inspiration?
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When I compose a solo, I like to make it exciting. Not too busy, I’d rather tell a story. It has to represent my mood at the moment of writing. Delivering the notes to set the mood is imperative, and being expressive with notes selection is a must as well. Now let’s talk about singing. Singing also means being a front man. What’s the difference between being a guitarist and being a singer? Do you prefer one to the other for various reasons?
I like to be creative and edgy when creating a vocal melody,but I also want to stay within the blues scale mostly. Repetition helps,especially when you come up with a cool line. Sometimes it's easier to sing and be expressive without the guitar, but often I feel like playing and singing at the same time helps in terms of creativity and expression. It's also fun to sing and play the same notes/harmony to add embellishments.
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Many years playing, long tours… How have you been keeping up with the rock-star lifestyle from a physical perspective?
I try to stay in shape, work out, exercise, get enough sleep, be active and not party or exert my voice. Through the years I have developed an ability to endure multiple sleepless nights, which are no fun and very taxing on the body and the voice. I think I'm a seasoned veteran now, and you can't hold me down! Once you get up on stage, the volume is cranked up, the crowd is cheering… all of the tiredness goes away and the adrenaline takes over. Sometimes in the studio, when I'm singing for long periods of time and belting out the high hard stuff, I can get singer headaches, that’s how I call them. That's a danger sign to me, and I have to take a break or fully stop. I really do not want to push myself beyond safe limits. The key is to determine the difficult parts of the set, and practice them so that you can perform them flawlessly but convincingly. In the set list we Advertisement: do not put two difficult songs back-to-back. You don't want to kill the singer! One word to define your experience with Foghat?
Tremendous. That is the one word that I can use to describe my 18-year tenure with Foghat. There are many more words I could use, but that one summarizes it pretty well. What’s your relationship with the past? Do you like to talk about your memories and experiences, or do you prefer to stay focused on the present and keep looking forward?
I like to think of the past and pull from memories and experiences, tough times and fun times. I also like to think of the future, but that is unpredictable in so many ways… I also feel like accomplishing something in the future is only possible by learning from the past. For example, last year our bass player got cancer. He is virtually unreplaceable as a talent, because of the magic he brought to
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the band. Then, three months ago, our lead guitar player had to have heart bypass surgery, and was out for 3 months. All this is totally unpredictable and you have to keep the ball rolling. It's a struggle, but that’s what you're dealing with in the future. Foghat is a long standing band in the music world. What’s the plan for the future?
With Foghat, we want to keep performing, writing new music, putting out new products and having fun playing forever! Things have changed in the music business, but that is normal. You have to adjust and figure out new strategies over time. We are fortunate to have a rock and roll pension in our touring circuit which is how we achieve most of our financial longevity. It has never been easy, and you just have to pick yourself up by the bootstraps and dust yourself off when things get tough. It's a continuous process of adjusting and keeping yourself visible. If you're not appearing, you're disappearing.
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My suggestion to those who want to begin being a musician or want to pursue a music career is to follow your passion, practice hard and perform often. Make sure to learn music theory and be creative in your writing and performing style. Don't forget to eat your vegetables, be nice to your fans, and party like rock stars (or not). Bottom line is to have fun and try to put a smile on people's face.
Social media and technology. A lot has changed from the day rock music started. How do you feel about them? Have they helped or damaged musicians?
Social media and technology have been awesome for music and musicians. Nowadays it is so much easier to record and to get the word out about gigs and new product releases.It's unbelievable. It's so costeffective as well. In the early days the advancement of technology was viewed negatively. Music was being sampled and exploited without compensation. That was all resolved. Recording became sterile with digital sounds and recording techniques, but that, too, has been fixed. The advantages of social media and technology advancements far outweigh any drawbacks - unless you're Mariah Carey! We all fall victim to technology malfunctions, but that's the way it is. What is your suggestion for all those people around the world who want to start playing music today?
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Summer 2017
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Colin Campbell Scotland Interviews Shane from THOSE DAMN CROWS Colin - Hi Shane how are you doing tonight? Shane - How's it going Colin mate? Good to speak to you too. Colin - Its going very very, well thank you, how's your 2017 been going so far? Shane - Very well mate, We've had a big sort out with new management, band representatives, etc., and we've recently signed to Uprawr publishing, so there were big changes for us just after Christmas. Colin - Ah right ok Shane - With those changes we're already seeing the re percussions it's having on us as a band....doing more shows, got more say. The main goal is just to try and do as much shows as possible. Colin - Excellent, so is this not the original line up of the band then? Shane - Well Dave joined the band around two years ago after we recorded the album as we thought we needed a bit more of a punch when it came to playing live shows. Colin – Alright, so it was just the management team. Shane - Yeah it was management and the agent we were with, so yeah all that's been changed. Colin - Good, good, so it's going better for you now that's the main thing? Shane - Yeah it seems to be, just in the last few months, we've seen a massive change already, we're doing more shows and the support and feedback at those shows have been immense. Colin - So where are all you guys from? Shane - We are from Bridgend in South Wales, so when we travelled up to your neck of the woods (Scotland) to do Wildfire it was an eight hour drive, it was horrendous! Ha! Colin - Well its ten hours when we come down to Hard Rock Hell, so we are one ahead of you. (Laughs) Shane - It actually
takes about four and a half hours to get from South Wales to North Wales to do that show, we did that show two years ago.... Hard Rock Hell. So even though it's Wales it's still a four and a half drive. Colin - Yeah I was really surprised at how big Wales is, you know I'm just one of those silly Scotsmen that think...you know Wales is just a tiny little place, and I was just like "wow" Shane - I'm a Welshman and thought exactly the same. (Laughs) Colin - Well impressed though, really nice people. So how did you feel Wildfire went for you? Shane - We were pretty overwhelmed actually, soon as we got there people were coming up and recognized us, and people wearing our merch, our t-shirts,
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and it was really cool! After the show the merch table was full,
couple of years. Saying that I hope it doesn't go too big so you lose
asking for autographs, it was a pretty special feeling, We were
the atmosphere you know.
really shocked and surprised, we went down well.
Colin - Yeah it's one of these ones...where do you stop at.
Colin - Great, so how do you feel the Scottish crowds differ from
Shane - Yeah exactly. Colin - The line up has been really good,
the English or the Welsh crowds?
every one that he's done, he definitely gets the bands and gets the
Shane - They are just super passionate, they just know what they
crowds in, he knows what he's doing for sure.
like you know. They are just super fans of rock music and just
Shane - You can tell mate, so well run, all the staff there are great,
appreciative of what you are doing and you can just tell. It was
incredible festival. It's brilliant!
one of the easiest shows I've done because you immediately feel at
Colin - Good, glad you enjoyed it. When are you due back in
ease, everybody was onboard, everybody was supportive and after
Scotland?
every song there was a huge applause, they are just really passion-
Shane - That's a great question. I'll be speaking to Dave Ritchie
ate about their music. We went up the day before so we kinda got
next year hopefully. (Laughs) Colin - I'd be hoping to see you
the whole atmosphere embedded in us, everybody was so friendly
before then.
and welcoming.
Shane - We've got a few shows coming up in London, Cardiff and
Colin - It's a very well run festival.
Swansea, we are supporting 'Aaron Buchanan', we are supporting
Shane - Dave Ritchie; what a genius. I had a chat with him after-
'Massive'... the Australian band 'Massive'. There's still shows that I
wards, I can almost see that festival being so much bigger in a
can't really say right now because they haven't been announced.
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Colin - Ah right ok.
Shane - Anywhere mate, because we just love to play live, I think
Shane - But there's some big shows coming.
we are better live, I think there's an energy about the band, so
Colin - Anything in Scotland?
we'll literally play anywhere. Whether it be a pub with fifty people
Shane - Nothing in Scotland unfortunately.
or a big festival, the show is kinda the same. The same sort of
Colin - So we need to get you up here then, that's what we need
impact for the live shows whether they are big or small.
to do.
Colin - What is the biggest audience you've played for so far?
Shane - Absolutely.
Shane - That was probably Hard Rock Hell...two years back, we
Colin - Get you on some sort tour up here.
were on at the same time as Saxon were playing on the main
Shane - We love Scotland.
stage, so we thought ah well there won’t be many watching us
Colin - Now who's the main songwriter in the band?
tonight but we're really surprised in just how many came and
Shane - We all pretty much do it to be honest, whether it be a
STAYED to see us! Giants of Rock in January this year was
riff from one of the boys or myself. Ronnie and I pen the lyrics,
packed to the rafters too mind.
but the music and everything it's a complete collaboration with
Colin - "Cool"
the band, we could just be jamming and something will come up
Shane - Apparently GOR next year is going to be bigger, we are
or one of the guys will have an idea, bring it to the table and we
on the bill again for next year, we've been told there's a capacity of
will all work on it together. We've all got our own studios too, so
around 7,000! So we can't wait for that, really looking forward to
if they've got this idea they send it over then I add to it, the boys
it. Another really well done festival and the people that go there
add to it, then go to the rehearsal room, jam it out, things will be
just know their stuff, they know their music. It's half the battle
changed again then write lyrics "job done". It's a brilliant process,
sometimes.
everybody's so creative in the band, it's not just one person, it's
Colin - Nothing worse than playing to an unappreciative audi-
really really refreshing.
ence, it doesn't work.
Colin - So who were your influences growing up? Because you
Shane - Absolutely mate.
know you've got a really wide genre of music when you listen to
Colin - You recorded and released 'Murder and the Motive',
the album.
which came out last year, have you got any material written for a
Shane - Yeah it really is across the board, me personally I grew up
new album, is there anything on its way?
listening to my dad who was a bit of a singer himself, he loved all
Shane - Yes we've pretty much got about seven to eight songs
the Country and Western sorta stuff...so Johnny Cash, Waylon
done ready for the next album, but there's talk of us doing an EP
Jennings all those singer song writers, then you've got Bruce
first, we are looking to record that in September... or releasing
Springsteen another singer songwriter, story telling element was
it in September actually. Next weekend we are going up to the
huge when I was growing up. Then the bands like Nirvana they
studio to record some tracks to see how it's goes, not sure if we
were massive for me the grunge scene, was massive when it hit
are going to use the track for the the EP but we are just trying
our hometown of Bridgend. Soundgarden, Alice in Chains. Then
out a few ideas and studios to see what's what and we'll be doing
across the board with the boys we love Led Zeppelin, Motorhead,
that next weekend up in Birmingham, so yeah hopefully EP in
AC/DC, sort of the classic rock bands, Aerosmith etc as well as
September.
'The Police', Foo Fighters, Green Day... Man.... the list goes on and
Colin - Excellent, well can I thank you from myself and Rock-
on!
fiend Publications Scotland for giving me your time tonight.
Colin - You can really hear so many different bands when you
Good luck with the rest of 2017, and hopefully we'll get you back
listen to the album and when each time you listen to the album
in Scotland very very soon.
you hear different things again.
We'd love to mate, we'd love to, thank you Colin
Shane - Yeah, yeah I'm so pleased you said that, we've been told
Thank you Shane!
that before, so that's good. Colin - Is there anywhere that you really want to play, that you haven't played yet?
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WALKWAY WWIII BY COLIN CAMPBELL SCOTLAND Seeing this band live for the first time at Hard Rock Hell really opened our eyes. We had to hear more and we weren't disappointed. Now they have just released their third album WWIII, we were lucky enough to be given a listen to the new tracks before the release date (thanks Chris).
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WALKWAY have created an album that is heavier and fuller but still melodic with Chris's distinctive vocals. James' riffs fill the tracks up, Kiss Me, Stutter and Leap of Faith are the tracks we find very catchy, the album as a whole is captivating and highly-listenable. Stutter opens the album, we are looking forward to hearing it
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live. 14 killer tracks, will keep new and old fans happy. You can hear influences from the 80s and 90s in a few tracks, definitely no fillers on this all hard rocking melodic album. Their best, most satisfying album to date. 'This band deserves to hit the big time CC
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CELTIC WARRIORS
BY INES HONIG
It is a special concern of mine to present to you the wonderful Saarland in a culturally and musically way I have the honor to introduce you a full package of these two things. Of all let us have a look at the cultural Background. The Celtic culture has shaped Europe parts of Eurasia for about a millennium. They continue to live Through language, music legends although they didn't left much finds. A national or ethnic identity Never existed so their politic or social base items was always the tribe and there were hundreds and Hundreds. The Celts symbolize something I call „ metal romanticism“with axe and sword tough men and druids. The wall at Otzenhausen (Hunnenring) is the largest Celtic fortification in Europe and was constructed on the Dollberg. More interesting for us is the fact that association I'd like to talk about comes from the area and is called Celtic Warriors of Otzendhausen (CWO). Music always live for and from the fans and this is why I think it is also important to show their great engagement. Let's check out how they describe themselves. The story begins in the depths of winter at the beginning of the year 2003 in the high north of Saarland, at a drunken little place named Otzenhausen. The crazy idea of creating a club with metal fan friends to organize parties, bus tours and stuff like that was born. The honorable later president Stone held a sword in his hand screamed unexpected and in a woozy condition across the village pub the words „Stahl, Titten, Alkohol ! „ ( means „ Steel, boobs,
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alcohol“ ) and this is how the battle cry emerged. This one seemed at the beginning to be so scary that the first inaugural meeting at „ Opa Pauls Hütte“ ( Grandpa Pauls hut) did only count 11 fearless warriors who were ready to start this adventure. In that night, after a lot of cool drinks , Stone, Nase, Adrian,Borsti, Sebbi, Gandalf, Alexandra, Dirk, Jürgen, Bello and Mätti, went to the last sculpture within the Celtic fortification "Hunnenring “to seal their commitment. A few month later the first wild, bloody fog, dark woody binge drinking metal party took place at „Opa Pauls Hütte“. Because of the extension it get baptized as „ Three Days Of Thunder“
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and takes place every year. One year later they decided to organize a metal disco event at the parish hall. It was successful for two years but at that point they had to find another location because the parishioners were scandalized to find a club number sleeping in his hearse the morning after the party and found and pig head in the near. So the story. Proud to be kicked off in such a cult way they decided to continue establishing the metal disco, this time in the much bigger „Hunnenringhalle“. As it should be for an indesent metal club, live concert should not be missed. So the „ Steel Crusade“ started in 2007 at the youth center of Otzenhausen and it was a surprise that although the place and the stage is not that big, a lot of local bands and even from all over Europe came to play. The fifth anniversary was celebrated adequately during „ Die Schlacht um Otzenhausen“ (the battle for Otzenhausen) with 8 Bands and 400 guests. This festival takes place every year and has two stages so it makes possible to enjoy a lot of music and bands like Tankard and Nitrogods. But it’s also about being a forum for underground bands and give the opportunity to introduce them and play. The organization's charitable status has been recognized as a logical consequence of their contributions to culture and music. The Celtic Warriors are continuing to grow. The little drunken group from the beginning has turned to a club with over 100 people including many young and older ones full of enthusiasm. They attach great importance to solidarity, not everyone can become a member of CWO although there are no acceptance ritual. The reelected president Mätti noticed at the last annual general session that „the club is in the lucky position to have no problem with getting new members“. The Warriors stick together
and take care of each other. This togetherness is shown by club meetings or „Three Days of Thunder“for example during the club- own „Warrior battles“ with stuff like trunk throwing. They also camp at many festivals, not only the big like Wacken and Bang Your Head but also especially at the underground in south west . Using them battle cry „ Ihr keltischen Krieger auf Euer Wohl- Stahl, Titten, Alkohol“(„to your health celtic warriors- steel,boobs,alcohol“) it's not just a way to recognize eachother but it also helps the members to find the horde or the campsite. Festivals give the opportunities to get some new friends, meet new people and associations so the CWO are always welcome thank to their opened manner. The bus tours to the shows still be legendary and the one or other organizer and fast food restaurant was amazed at the sight of 50 cheerful warriors arriving at the door. It makes no difference for the Celtic warriors if it is a big show like The Big Four Motörhead, an underground festivals like ACFM or a new year’s eve' show in Andernach. At that time the warriors are planning the next „battle to Otzenhausen“ . If somewhere on this planet you get to hear „Ihr keltischen Krieger auf Euer Wohl!“, just answer „Stahl- Titten-Alkohol“ and you can be sure to meet a funny little group from Otzenhausen to easily drink one or ten beers (or more) and have a great metal time with. Their belligerence and boundless thirst is nowhere near to end. In the foreground still always metal and solidarity between the warriors. In April the 29th the 32th, Steel Crusade“ will take place as always at the youth center Otzenhausen. For more up-to-date information, just visit the website www.cwo-ev.de
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Antattack Festival Review BY INES HONIG
Punkrock is more than just music, it's a way of life and expresses a rebellious attitude against institutions and society. It always feels good to be in between like-minded people and to scream out the frustration about a system that becomes more and more increasingly and to set a statement against racism together. The Antattack Festival took place for the third time in Neunkirchen whereby it was allready the eighth edition of this great event. The location has a little romantic touch for rock lovers as the "Gebläsehalle" (in engl. Blasting hall ) is a part of the "altes Hütten-Areal" which remembers of the industrialization which was an important moment for rockmusic.
ROGERS: This band comes from Düsseldorf and already played with BROILERS, SLIME, THE CREEPSHOW and used to play at many festivals. Their first album was released in 2013, the second one in 2015 „Nichts zu verlieren“ made it into the Media Control Charts. 2016 they started their own tour. A young band with an amazing begining. FAHNENFLUCHT: Started 1995 under the name „Keine Ahnung“and played with ZAUNPFAHL,MORGENROT, BETONTOD, ACK. The music is german Punkrock with some Hardcore Punk influences. The lyrics treat politic themes and are strict
Line up MILLENCOLIN: The swedish band was exist since 1993. Their amazing music is not the only remarkable thing about them because after touring with PENNYWISE and rocking all five continents they also played at big european festivals. THE REAL MCKENZIES: Come from Vancouver and find the inspiration in „Ceilidh“. This callic word for a party that takes place during several days. Frontman Paul McKenzie used to play as a child the traditional music and had to wear a kilt. As a „revenge“ they have been playing scottish punk rock since 1992 with kilts, knee-lengh socks ,wallet and honor their forefathers. By the way McKenzie don't refer on Paul's last name but is Scottland cheapest Whisky. They allready used to tour through North America, Europe with bands like Rancid or Flogging Molly. THE BONES: Amazing swedish band touring since 1996 with giants like MOTÖRHEAD, SICK OF IT ALL, 7 SECONDS and DIE TOTEN HOSEN, one of Germany's most famous Punk Band. The stage performance is absolutly gorgeouse and the music just fantastic. LOVE A: Indie/Punk Band coming from Rheinland-Pfalz formed in 2010. They fight against the inhuman policy of the EU, support refugges organisation and used to donate the proceeds of their tour „Jagd und Hund“ to Sea-watch.org. Absolutly Punk.
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antifascist. The new albums deal with terrorism, the supervision measures coming with it and the refugee crisis. ISOTOPES PUNK ROCK BASEBALL CLUB: Also coming from Vancouver, they were tour with THE REAL MCKENZIES and their main theme is sport and everything about it. KUCHENCLUB: Coming from Beckingen, they represented Saarland and their minimalistic way to play music remember of what punk is standing for. It is not about complicated rythm and amazing solos but it comes right from the heart. When something is good, then it can also be simple. This make the difference and so it can be something special.
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THE CIGARETTE “Here,” he said, pushing the cigarette into my mouth, then shoving the lighter so close to my face I felt my nose start to burn. Jerking my head back I sucked the smoke into my lungs, numbing out thoughts and feelings. The Captain stared at me, our eyes meeting for only for a second before I shut mine and felt myself tumble into blackness. When he’d asked, I had nodded my head that yes I wanted a last cigarette, which is kind of funny since my last cigarette is my first cigarette in ten years. Even though I no longer needed to fear cancer, or anything for that matter, since my death was just minutes away, and even though the cigarette did blot out so many feelings while still helping me to focus in some strange way on the moment, I felt guilty and remorseful for taking it. What do they say, that virtue is its own reward? Was quitting smoking a virtue? It was certainly good for me. I’d learned to not really miss cigarettes and to even think of them in a completely negative way. The veins in the Captains neck were pulsing, and his dark skin was becoming almost maroon, as blood rushed to his face. I exhaled slowly, letting the smoke form a curtain between us. The smoke’s bitterness bit my tongue. I saw the marksmen, in their mismatched uniforms, about 20 yards in front of me. Two of them were arguing, gripping their rifles tightly and shouting at each other. The other three were ignoring them, smoking and laughing. The sky had a jewel-like quality, and the trees seemed to relish the breezes, sparkling in the sun. Sure there were lots of times that smoking was more than enjoyable. When it would bring me feelings of comfort, relief and wellbeing. But once I’d quit and learned to live without it, I would denigrate those very concepts. Now I knew that smoking didn’t enhance the moment or increase my happiness; it contributed to my unhappiness. Had I been kidding myself? If virtue is its own reward shouldn’t I be steadfast in not smoking, no matter what my circumstances? Did I really still want to smoke? If not, why do it now? Yes, I’m about to die, so none of the negatives matter, or do they? I don’t have to fear disease, and I don’t really care how my clothes or breath smells, but what about facing reality? My reality now is a firing squad. Will the cigarette change that? I am about to die because I was in the wrong place at the wrong time. The Captain pulled his cell phone from his pocket and turned his back. Dialing a number he started talking in Sowani, and I couldn’t understand a word. How I ended up in Africa probably isn’t important. God, I’d ended up in so many strange countries and situations in my life, most as a result of some crazy whim. Like the time I was smoking a joint, drinking a beer and playing my Moroccan drums on the roof, when I’d looked up at the wisps of white clouds in an endlessly blue sky and said out loud that if I got a letter from Greg tomorSteel Notes Magazine row, from India, I’d go. Naturally when the letter arrived it was www.steelnotesmagazine.com
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some kind of cosmic sign, and I was off and running. Chasing fantasy, again. Africa had always attracted me. The women, the music, that sense of romance and art I always conjured out of the third-world’s faded edges. The streets were dusty, the people wrapped in cloth of many colors, life basic, the buildings worn down and yet glazed with a soulful patina, a sort of storied wisdom in the beauty of being. It held a sensual reality that touched my heart. Then, as I’d become more settled in my life, and as wars, AIDS and other violent dangers seemed to dominate more of the continent, I’d lost interest. Now the streets of Paris effervesced with romance and artistic spirit that diminished the allure of the thirdworld, which had, in my vision, descended into the reality of its poverty, dirt and disease. When I got the assignment to come to Africa and write a story about corruption I’d actually hesitated. But it was an offer I couldn’t refuse. Circumstances had made it necessary to take what paying jobs I could get, and the chance to travel, which I still loved, with an attractive expense account, was just too tempting. The irony of my interviewing a corrupt cop just when he was arrested by his corrupt enemies and my being arrested, too, well, what can I say, I can’t find the humor in that. And what followed, my being accused of spying, sentenced without trial and kept in solitary confinement until being led to this field where I face five ragtag rebels ready to shoot me dead. When the Captain said the name of my paper in English, I looked over at him. His back was still turned. I could hear the words “ransom and deadline, and I am within my rights to execute a spy,” before he walked farther away. The idea that people knew of my whereabouts and that he was asking for a ransom shook my body with the frisson of possibility, was there still a chance I might live and see those I loved again? But then the reality of the almost universal proclamations that negotiating with terrorists only encouraged terrorism struck my hopes dead. If the paper knew the government must too, but outside of cash there was little leverage that could be used. Sowana got nothing from the U.S. Whether I was a spy or not, which I’m not, didn’t matter either. The publicity, which many may see as negative, would suit the Captain just fine. As much as he’d like to get a ransom, he would also be satisfied to earn whatever notoriety and reputation he could by standing up to the United States. He looked me in the eyes, “Hurry and finish,” he said, “We don’t have much time.” Sweat was dripping down my forehead as I closed my eyes and sucked more smoke into my lungs. I could see the marksmen putting out their cigarettes and checking their weapons. Is this the time for an act of defiance? Do I spit the cigarette at the Captain? My hands are tied; my options are limited. Do I come to peace with my life and death? Is there comfort in reviewing my life, trying to savor my memories and love of my
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wife and children? Do I seek to feel the presence of God? Do I pray that the cavalry comes charging over the hill? How can I stretch out these last few minutes or seconds, how can I change this reality? The Captain reached up to pull the cigarette from my mouth. “Please,” I said from the corners of my lips, beseeching him to let me finish. I was through thinking. A last few puffs were all I had of this existence. He drew back his hand, and I sucked deeply. I could taste the filter starting to burn. The cigarette was finished. I was done. I spit it on the ground and looked at the Captain. I wanted to tell him about my family, about my life, all that was right about it and all that was wrong. God, I’d made so many mistakes; there was so much of life I’d let slip by. So many things I didn’t try, didn’t do. His eyes were full of blood, his pupils hard. I knew nothing about him, and I knew he didn’t care about me. There was no way I could reach him. “Do you want a blindfold?” he asked. I looked at the hood he was turning over in his hands. I couldn’t think of what to say, “I don’t know.” Throwing the hood on the ground he pushed me against the tree at my back. Spitting beside my feet, he walked away. Stopping halfway between me and the marksmen, he barked an order. They hastily arranged themselves in a line, their rifle’s butts on the ground beside them. The Captain called out again, and they cradled their guns across their chests. One more command and they all took aim, seemingly noticing me for the first time, they worked the bolt’s on their weapons, the sound of the metal clinking against metal seemed in this moment of insane reality to ground me. I stared back at them. The Captain, this time in English, called out, “fire!” In that second my heart, my breath, the blood in my veins all froze. In the next second I heard more metal clicking against metal, as each marksmen pulled the trigger on his empty gun. There were no bullets. I came to my senses, taking a shallow breath. My legs were shaking and I realized I’d pissed myself. The Captain, smiling for the first time, approached, “I am going to let you talk to your family. I want you to tell them that if I don’t receive $500,000 by wire in the next two days I will kill you.” He brought his face a couple of inches from mine. His bloodshot eyes as thick and hard as those in a corpse. “Will you do that?” I looked up at him, “give me a cigarette,” I said.
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Steel Notes Magazine www.steelnotesmagazine.com
Summer 2017
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Steel Notes Magazine
COMING 2017-2018: The non-fiction drug crime book "The Last Gentleman Smuggler" by Steven M. Kalish and Nikki Palomino What better way than to celebrate moving into 2017 like those who celebrated going into 1967.... COMING 2017-2018 the non-fiction crime book "The Last Gentleman Smuggler" by Steven M. Kalish and Nikki Palomino ...."You've had the Cocaine Cowboys, George Jung, Barry Seal, the Hippie Mafia and the Biggest Pot Dealer in New York City’s History, now you've got Skip, the fulcrum between Panama, Colombia, the US War On Drugs, Rock 'n Roll and Beautiful Women." PAGES: Letters From Prison, OCTOBER 19, 1989 "Tammy, I was not pleased with what I had become at the time of my arrest. I had allowed myself to be corrupted with the lure of power. I believed I was invincible and had dreams of grandeur. Once I had earned millions of dollars, I wanted the power to influence the lives of others. Of course I believed my motives were noble and my cause just but I had aligned myself with despicable people. And I had forgotten the age-old adage that absolute power corrupts absolutely." You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view—until you climb into his skin and walk around in it. THE TRUTH BEHIND THE LARGEST DRUG SMUGGLING RING EVER DISCOVERED IN THE UNITED STATES...... COMING 2017-2018 the non-fiction crime epic about one of the most compelling stories in the twentieth century "The Last Gentleman Smuggler" by former Texans Steven M. Kalish, a fifteen-year-old hippie drop-out to one of the largest pot smugglers and money-laundering masters in a tribe not his own, and Nikki Palomino, award-winning author/filmmaker DAZED Novel Trilogy, rock journalist, former grunge rock musician/radio personality. For Friend of Smuggler Rob Pierce, author and editor, Flash Fiction Offensive rag and novel series "Uncle Dust" and more. #TheLastGentlemanSmuggler http://punkglobe.com/thelastgentlemansmuggler0717.php https://www.facebook.com/groups/1100845919933061/ https://www.facebook.com/DAZEDGrungeRockerAuthor/ https://www.facebook.com/Dazed-The-Film-898991600172454/ https://www.dazedthestory.com https://www.facebook.com/dazed.novel.series/?fref=ts https://www.facebook.com/groups/506370846059672/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/dazedraioshow/. https://www.facebook.com/groups/889183727860495/ #DazedTheFilm http://punkglobe.com/nikkipalominosdazedfilmad0717.php #StillDazed
Iggy Pop... Bang Bang
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Summertime Photos By Gary Preis
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Steel Notes Magazine
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Steel Notes Magazine
Coming Summer 2017:
All NEW Steel Notes Magazine Website!
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Steel Notes Magazine www.steelnotesmagazine.com
Summer 2017