Too School For Cool: Pink, Story Of The Year, Bryan Adams Unplugged, King Curtis

"RAISE YOUR GLASS"          PINK

Alecia Moore, a/k/a Pink, is one of a kind.    She was basically a Britney clone on her R&B debut CD produced by Babyface and Dallas Austin.  L.A. Reid knew that wasn't the right music for this speak your mind rebel girl.   She released Missundaztood and  broke out of that shell.  I saw her opening for Lenny Kravitz and she was brilliant live.   Since then, Pink has released some highly personal songs that she wrote including "I Don't Believe You", "Sober",  "Leave Me Alone (I'm Lonely)" and the haunting "Love Song" .   "Raise Your Glass" is pure pop magic, positive energy, a pump your fist chorus, and a fun summer song that I wore out last year!   "If you're too school for cool!"

"UNTIL THE DAY I DIE"        STORY OF THE YEAR

One of my all-time favorite concerts, USF Sun Dome, Linkin Park, P.O.D., Hoobastank, and the opening band was Story Of The Year.    Didn't know much about them at the time but they were energetic, guitars slinging over the shoulder moves, lead singer leaping off the speakers, and they got the mosh pit going!     "Until The Day I Die" is SOTY's best song, great passion, intensity, with a little scream-o thrown in the mix!

"LET'S MAKE A NIGHT TO REMEMBER" (Acoustic)   BRYAN ADAMS

Another concert memory, saw Bryan's unplugged and acoustic tour at Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater.    It was simply Bryan and a rhythm guitar player.    One of the highlights was a super-fan about 40 years old who was so hyper that Bryan called him up on stage.   Unknown to Bryan and everyone else there, the guy wanted to sing with Bryan and they did the early classic "Take Me Back", it brought the house down!    "Let's Make A Night To Remember" is one of the sexiest songs in the Bryan Adams catalog and on the Bare Bones tour, it's a major highlight.

"MEMPHIS SOUL STEW"          KING CURTIS

Stax Records was the Memphis record label that competed with Motown in the 60's.    Stax had Aretha, Otis, Wilson Pickett, Sam & Dave, Percy Sledge, and so many other R&B legends.    One of my favorites is this primarily instrumental funk/blues jams by King Curtis.   Love how he calls out the instruments for their spotlight!


Today's special is Memphis soul stew
We sell so much of this people wonder what we put in it
We're going to tell you right now


Give me about a half a teacup - of bass
Now I need a pound of fat back drums
Now give me four tablespoons of boiling Memphis guitars
This is going to taste all right


Now just a little pinch of organ
Now give me a half a pint of horns


Place on the burner
And bring to a boil
That's it, that's it, that's it right there


Now beat - well