Owl City

Hey people, Ross here. It's pretty cool when your daughter likes some of the same bands that you like. It's even cooler when she starts checking out new music on her own. That is what is happening with my daughter Abby now. She started liking this band called Owl City, and I mean liking them a lot. Intrigued, I had to check them out.

So, there's this dude named Adam Young. He was living in Minnesota at his parents' house and having trouble sleeping. Apparently there were several instruments and a computer in the basement, and he began to spend his sleepless nights down there messing around, writing and recording songs. He started to post the songs on the ever popular MySpace.com, and the response was so big, he was soon offered a contract with Universal Republic. Now, Owl City has released their first album on that label, "Ocean Eyes", and is on tour to support it. All the songs I have played here are on that album. This one's for you, Abby. Love you tons! (good taste in music must be genetic)

Zebra!

Ross here. I was having a hankerin' to hear some Zebra. 'Nuff said. If you aren't familiar with this great band, here's your golden opportunity. You're welcome.

I Used to Say I Hated New Wave

Howdy, Ross here. Now I let my waver freak flag fly high, and here is a little playlist to prove it. The version of "It's a Mistake" here is a newer recording done by Colin Hay (lead singer for the band Men at Work) on one of his solo albums. The album is called "Man at Work" and I think all the songs are new versions of old Men at Work songs. You may recall hearing the acoustic version of the song "Overkill" if you are a fan of the TV show Scrubs. Good stuff, Maynard.

My teenage daughter, Abby, is now a fan of Squeeze and The Cars, among others that are played on classic rock radio. It's hard for me to think of these bands as "classic rock", but what are ya gonna do? I'm just glad she has good taste.

'Til next time.

Me & Paul

Ross here. I have wanted to post this song since the beginning of this blog. It is my own personal theme song for this blog. The reason why is obvious, right?

Here's to your metal health.

Create a MySpace Music Playlist at MixPod.com

Hey everyone, Ross here. Here's some songs that will rock you hard. I used a random song list generation method that produced both classics along with some newer stuff, songs I know and love and songs I have not heard before. Sometimes I just get this uncontrollable urge to rock out like the old days, before the great reprogramming. I just happened upon "The Real Truth" by Steve Lukather, but it's so appropriate here. Every time I hear him I think of you, Paul. I know he is one of your longtime favorites. It's easy to hear why.

It's great to discover newer bands that still hold to the old formula of 80's metal. There was a time when Paul and I said that we would only listen to music with screaming guitar solos and screaming lead vocals. I realize that our vision was very narrow back then, but even with my ever expanding musical tastes, I can never let go of my rocker roots. Why would I want to do that?!? So, crank it up and bang your head!

Metal Health (Bang Your Head) by Quiet Riot - Classic rocker anthem. I saw these guys at The Ritz, a bowling alley/billiards hall in Salt Lake City.

Wrath of the Ripper by Grim Reaper - Underrated British metal band.

Call Me by Diamond Head - Been around since the 70's

The Child Within by Silent Force - Great guitar solo in this one.

I Remember You by Skid Row - You know this classic ballad.

Crazy (A Suitable Case for Treatment) by Nazareth - Featured on the soundtrack to the movie "Heavy Metal".

The Real Truth by Steve Lukather - The real truth is that Luke shreds like no other!

Midnight Rider by Saxon - Another underrated band.

Perfect Skin by The 69 Eyes - A blend of old school guitars and new drums and bass.

Children of the Grave by Black Sabbath - Classic war protest anthem.