Yes I’m a Junkie

When someone describes another person as a junkie nine times out of ten it is perceived to be a bad thing. If you look up the definition of junkie in a dictionary sure enough the very first one you see has to do with being addicted to narcotics, but if you look further you will see a second definition; a person who is addicted to a specified interest, activity, food, etc, etc, etc., and I most definitely fall into the second category. If the truth was known I actually have more than one addiction; take a look into my office, and you would see it filled with movies, books, and video games, but without a doubt the one thing that would make your eyes pop out of your head would be my collection of compact discs. Yes I am a junkie; a proud self professed music junkie.

I had always loved music when I was growing up. Now talk about diversity: the Archies, Jim Croce, Kiss, the Charlie Daniels Band, and the soundtrack of Grease were my favorites back then, but my addiction started one night when I was twelve years old. I was tuning my A.M. radio and came across WLS; now being a young boy living in Arkansas being able to listen to a radio station in Chicago was the coolest thing in the world to me, and did I ever listen. Every night I would listen for as long as I could stay awake, and at the time WLS played music that none of my local stations were playing which I thought was even cooler because I was hearing music no one that lived in my town was hearing. All of this led to me trying to find these different bands albums at my local stores, but not only did I have to have the music I had to know as much about the band as I could learn; which led me to read as many articles as I could from various magazines. The magazines in turn introduced me to other bands; which of course I had to hear as well, and my addiction grew from there.

From 45’s to albums, cassettes, compact discs, and now to mp3’s, I-pods, and external hard drives I can proudly say I have never outgrown my music addiction, and I never will. Music consumes virtually every aspect of my life now; if I’m not listening to it for work or personal enjoyment, which is very unlikely, then I am talking about it to friends, family members, or work associates. My appetite for finding new bands and hearing new music is just a voracious today as it was all those years ago, and of course I am loyal to bands I loved from the past that continue to put out music today so I have to have their latest album as well when it is released. I will admit that educating myself about different bands has dropped off considerably since my younger days, but in all honesty that has more do to with the bands today being pretty much faceless when they are compared to some of my favorites from the past.

More than once I have been told I’m crazy for all the money I spend on music or the amount of space, both physical and virtual that I use to store my music, but to me it is definitely worth it. I couldn’t even begin to count the times music has brought a smile to my face, made me feel better, or has gotten me through rough situations. Music is with me regardless of what I am doing or where I am at, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. If you ever need to show someone an example of a music junkie; just come find me I’ll be more than happy to show them what a music junkie is.

Neglected Blog, Fat Bastard Record Companies, & I-Tunes

Wow! It's been six months since my last post?? Damn time flies, but to be completely honest if it hadn't been for the gentle prodding of my buddy Ryo Vie it probably would've been even longer for me to get a new post out. I have found there is just not enough time in the day for me to do everything that I want to do. A lot has been going on these last few months, in case you didn't know Hard Rock Hideout now has it's own radio show, which I host every Wednesday night from 9:00 p.m. til 12:00 a.m. (you should join us, I promise you won't regret it), and I am also the morning show host on KACV FM 90, Monday thru Friday from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and now the station's music director as well, which I have to say is one of my dream jobs, (writing movies for a living would be my other dream job, just in case you're wondering). On top of that, I am also taking 15 semester hours of classes with 3 labs and still need time to be a husband and father, a good one anyways. I'm not trying to use any of this as an excuse at all; I absolutely love my life right now, and wouldn't change anything. I just wanted to give you an idea of why I have the most neglected blog on the internet right now.

In case you didn't know I like to bitch about the music industry, and while I loathe and despise everything about it I still have to face the fact that it is the main way for me to still get my beloved music. Now, for years the music industry has been whining and crying about downloading, and how it is destroying the music business, and I tend to agree with them on that subject. But, I still can't feel sorry about these fat bastards that get rich off of a musician's blood, sweat, and tears. I do feel sorry for the musicians because they get fucked by the fat bastard record companies even more than the fans do and repeatedly without being asked or even lubed up for it, but they get fucked by downloading as well because it is taking money out of their pockets and the days of the super rich rockstars are over, whether you know that or not. New bands have to bust their ass on tour and selling merchandise and hope they make some kind of profit after paying back recording cost to the fat bastard record companies.

Now I know you are scratching your head wondering exactly what the hell I am rambling and ranting about well here it is...and I am not by any means endorsing downloading, but in a world where we can put a person on the moon, talk instantly online to someone half way around the world or (feel free to insert any of your own cliched examples in here) why the hell do I still have to pay an arm and a leg for the latest Gotthard album or D.A.D. boxset just because they do not have a record contract in the U.S.? The most expensive c.d. I've ever bought was Shake The Faith's "America The Violent" for $50.00 plus shipping back in 1996 or so and the price wasn't because it was a rarity, but simply because it was an import. Does it really cost that much more to record an album in Europe than it does in the U.S.? Is there not a single person in the entire world that can come up with a way for fans to get music legally regardless of where a band or their record company is from?

Yes we have I-Tunes and Amazon downloads, which I love by the way I have bought tons of music from both and will continue to do so, but still they have their limits as well when it comes to international releases. Yes it may be available on I-Tunes U.K. or I-Tunes Denmark, but because I live in the U.S. it is not available to me. Hate Gallery's "Compassion Fatigue" is a prime example, I searched for almost 4 days trying to find a way to purchase this album. Yes it was available for purchase on I-Tunes Finland, but I'm not allowed to buy it because I live in the U.S. I was finally able to find a website that let me purchase the album straight from the record company, but it was a task to say the least. The same thing has happened with albums available in I-Tunes Australia and Japan as well.

I have spent a small fortune on c.d.'s and music in my lifetime and will continue to do so until I am buried with my skull candies and I-Pod tucked right along in my casket with me. But can't someone please come up with a way for me to get the music I love for a decent price regardless of where the band is from.

Everyone talks about a world without borders, but when it comes to music we not only have borders we have brick fucking walls blocking us from getting the music we love. Now maybe just maybe if someone can find a way to knocks those walls down and open those borders music piracy and downloading would become a thing of the past or at least a speck of what it is now.

Here Comes Basherpalooza...

Music festivals have been a mainstay of summer in Europe for years and now the U.S. is finally starting to catch on to the idea. Rocklahoma, South Texas Rockfest, Dakota Rock Fest, and of course the biggest flop of the year Rock Gone Wild and I'm sure there were countless others I'm missing. But if you could start your own festival who would you have in the lineup? Now instead of a four day festival let's stick with one day so you have about 16 hours for the bands to play. The line-up has to be bands that are actually together and touring so no raising Bon, Jimi, or Janice from the dead and I am pretty sure your little festival is not not going to have enough startup cash to reunite Led Zeppelin so they are out the window. It doesn't matter what genres you use because it's your festival you can pick almost any act you want so if you want George Strait following GWAR it's ok with me. So let me see who you got....

Without a doubt Basherpalooza would be the biggest event to ever hit Amarillo, TX, other than a natural disaster that is.

Opening everything up for me would be Cockpit these 4 ladies from Hollywood are guaranteed to get everyone in a kick ass rock 'n roll mood. Badmouth would be next and the first of six Scandinavian bands in my line-up, cause anyone who knows me I am all about the Scandinavian bands. Heaven's Basement would be 3rd on my bill, but I would hope they would play at least 3 Roadstar songs which probably wouldn't happen, but they would still tear the house down anyways. Baltimore's Charm City Devils would follow, I would definitely ty to give them a little more time onstage then they are getting on Cruefest 2 so they could throw in some Child's Play songs into the set too, maybe John could get Mitch Allan to stop by and they could throw in a couple of SR-71 songs too. Along with CCD, the Last Vegas are one of the best new bands to come along in a while, I am pretty sure complete mayhem would ensue when these Chicago boys hit the stage. Hopefully Gemini Five would have a complete line-up so they could make the show, but these guys would definitely put on a hell of a show getting everyone ready for the big guns to hit the stage. Just in case CCD didn't give everyone a big enough fix of AC/DC inspired rock then I am pretty damn sure Rhino Bucket could finish the job, especially with the tracks off their new album "the Hardest Town".

Well we would have to have an intermission before the next band took the stage to set up the stripper poles and get all the Scottsdale girls ready for "the Hardest Band In The Land" Big Cock to blow everyone away (no pun intended) with some Bump 'n Grind, Get A Load of Me, & Bad Motherfucker. Hopefully they would be hard at work on their new album share would some new songs too. Hardcore Superstar would have their hands full trying to follow Big Cock but I'm pretty sure these Swedes are up to the task especially with the songs from "Beg For It". The Poodles would definitely be a change of pace especially after Big Cock and HCS but no doubt they would kick ass nonetheless and finally fans in the states would get to see one of the best bands around today. I've probably seen Cinderella more than any other band around but no matter if it is in a stadium or a club they have never disappointed me, always put on a kick ass show and I'm sure Basherpalooza would be no different. Much like the Poodles, Gotthard may not be a big name band in the U.S. but they are huge in Europe and if "Made In Switzerland" is any indication they would have the crowd eating out of their hands in a matter of minutes.

Basherpalooza would definitely have to save the best for last with co-headliners. Even if I was selfish it would still take a flip of the coin to see which headliner would close the show because these last 2 bands are among my all-time favorites, but if I went by popularity in the U.S. then D.A.D. would have to take the stage first, it is a shame these Danish ass kickers are not bigger in the states 13 albums or so and they have NEVER disappointed me absolutely one of the best bands in the world hands down.

Finally hitting the stage to wrap up a front to back kick ass day would be the Cult, they were my very first concert back in the day at UNO Lake Front Arena with Guns 'N Roses as the opening act and though I have seen them a couple of times since I will never forget the first time and how awesome they were live.

There you have Basherpalooza from beginning to end. Let me know what you think of my line-up and let me know what your's would be.

'Til next time catch you on the Flip Side

Addicting...

My name is Brian and I am a Twitterholic...actually fiending junkie may be a better description. I can't believe I am saying this but it is true. In fact, my addiction is so bad I think I actually have withdrawals!! My mornings used to start out with the usual wake up, hit the bathroom, then a cup of coffee or six (after washing my hands, of course), check my email and hardrockhideout.com and then go on about my day. NOOOOO not anymore!!! Now it is more like wake up, RUN to my computer and see what I missed on Twitter from the night before, post my plans for the day, my playlists, tease a certain other blogger, which by the way can read here Hell On High Heels, then I go on about my day but not without updating everyone throughout the day. Last week I got online and Twitter was down and I was absolutely lost, I had no idea what to do. An unnamed friend who I talk to on a constant basis was online and the first thing we said to each other....Good Morning (No)....Hey What's Up? (No)...the very first thing we said is Can You Get On Twitter?

Of all things on the internet Twitter may be the best invention yet (Can we really call it an invention?) I can follow my favorite well known and not so well known celebrities of all types (though I have yet to find Lucy Liu on Twitter), they can follow me if they chose (which blows my mind that famous and semi-famous people actually give a damn about what I have to say), I can leave messages for friends without having to type out a whole email, and post links to my reviews and interviews.

Of course with all that is good about Twitter there has to be some bad too, like the fact that I don't speak or type in the language of txt, and I have Twitter Pornbots and other scammers and spammers trying to follow me but those problems are easy enough to live with.

Who do I have to thank for my Twitter Addiction?? Ashton Kutchner of all people before his little contest with CNN I didn't have a clue what Twitter even was. So would I be better off without Twitter? Probably Would I be having as much fun without it? That's debatable but the bottom line is TWITTER IS AWESOME!!! I'm a proud Twitter junkie as my unnamed friend said "I would rather be addicted to something like music or Twitter than to something that is going to kill me."

Oh by the way, you can follow me if you so desire @brianbasher Tweet you later Tweeples

New Beginnings Again

Yes it's been a while since I posted anything and even longer since it was something interesting. But I finally got the hell out of Alaska and back down to the lower 48. Don't get me wrong Alaska was cool (no pun intended) but living on an island with 35 miles of paved road, a McDonald's, 2 Subways, and a Wal-Mart gets old after a little while and 6 years is definitely too long.

So I am ready to start again, in more ways than one, but as far as Wasted Rock Ranger is concerned you will definitely start seeing more posts than before. I'm finding I have even more that I want to talk about. Hope everyone hangs around for the trip.

Apologies

I just wanted to take a few minutes to whoever may read this to apologize for not posting anything new in the last few months. If I could sit here and rant and share my sarcasm about the so-called music industry everyday there is nothing I would love more, but unfortunately because life gets in the way more times than not. I'm not talking about life in general but the b.s. that life gives us and over the past year I have had more than my fair share of b.s.

But fortunately things are starting to look up, I am finally getting ready to move back down to the lower 48 and the real world. Even though I am leaving my family behind for 2 months and I am scared shitless about finding a new house, a job and starting school, I know it is the right thing to do. There is absolutely no way I can do the things I want to do with the rest of my life by staying here in Ketchikan, AK. So West Texas A&M and Amarillo here I come hope you're ready for me.

Once I'm there, if things go according to plan HRH may finally get our own radio show, bringing even more people to the best hard rock website on the internet. If and when it happens I will let you know the time, date, and link so you can have a listen and let me know what you think.

On a musical note, if you looking for a new band to check out you have to give Swedish rockers the Poodles "Clash of the Elements" a shot, this album is absolutely amazing!! Barring any unforescene miracles this will be my album of the year when 2009 is said and done. Any fans of Queen, Scorpions, and Gotthard MUST HAVE this album.

Wish me luck and I will catch you on the flipside.

the Sad State of Music Today

Maybe it's because I am old (38 is ancient just ask my son he will tell you) and my memory is starting to fail or rock stars just aren't as memorable as they used to be. Back in the day I could tell you the lineup and what instruments people played for just about any hard rock band out at the time whether it was superstar bands like Motley Crue, Ratt, Poison etc etc or lesser known bands like Asphalt Ballet, Shotgun Messiah, Screamin' Cheetah Wheelies, Babylon A.D. and so on and so forth. I could pretty much give you the band's entire bio back then.

If you asked me to name the members of the big bands today I wouldn't have the foggiest idea. I could tell you one person's name from Nickelback, Chad Kroeger that's it. I can name two members of Hinder, Cody Hanson, that is because I interviewed him for hardrockhideout.com and Austin Winkler simply because I've always wondered if he is related to the Fonz in someway. I can name two people from Buckcherry, Josh Todd and Keith Nelson and that is it, and my band knowledge is pretty much zilch. I could probably tell you some basic shit but not the little nuggets of information like I could in the past. The sad thing is I consider myself a fan of these bands more so towards Hinder and Buckcherry.

Two bands I could name the members of right now are Badmouth and Heaven's Basement because IMO these are the two most kick ass bands out right now. Other than that if my life depended on me naming the members of a popular band today....you might as well just shoot me and get it over with.

I know I may be beating a dead dog here but not only are the bands today not memorable but the music isn't either. I already admitted I listen to it but I am finding that I am spending less and less money on new North American bands and more money on European bands, especially Swedish, and bands from the past that I may have overlooked the first time or didn't actually like then but love now. Maybe I'm crazy but I would rather spend $25.00 or more on a 20 yr old used cut out c.d. than spend $15.00 on a new c.d.

It really explains the sad state of music today when Johnny Crash's "Neighbourhood Threat" sounds better today than 90% of the albums record companies are releasing now or when Gypsy Rose's "Poisoned By Love" means more to me than just about any song that has been released in the last 10 years.