Rolling Stone music store in Chicago near the HIP. One of my fave places to cash in on the latest and descent prices for todays music and to complete your collection. I've been goin here for years starting out with vinyl, goint onto cassettes and now updating to cd's. There is a music player on there with songs to shuffle thru and joing their mailing list for a coupon.
Music Matters, a bit of helpful information from this site of bands around the Chicago area. Some big names, some tribute bands, all around good times. Anything live is awesome I think.
Early Warnings by the Chicago Reader also keeps you up to date and links to get tickets for shows in the Chicagoland area and upcoming shows coming to town.
Here is the link for MyYahoo music. Listen to it at work and let me know what you think of the plethora of music I have rated. Other music sites, some official some just plain awesome but mostly bands I have music on or just enjoy listening to:
Wow look at this, you may not see it but its a turntable you can hook up via USB cable to your pc to record your vinyl songs into mp3's. Now where was this technology years ago when I needed it. I still have my records and won't give up some of them. But who knows with the move I may part with some for the right price!
Peter Gabriel, one of my favorite artists. I enjoy practicing his songs either at home or karaoke. His words really relate and he's one of those perfectionists that really makes his songs awesome.
Pink Floyd, the offical site up and running. My best band, need i say more. See you on the dark side of the moon.
Cheap Trick, local awesome group I've loved over the years and try to see at least once every year. I want You to Want me.
The Beatles One of my all-time fave bands, and I enjoy the Lennon songs a bit more since I can karaoke to them a whole lot better.
Sting, a truly great artist. I enjoyed his music way back when he was with the Police, his solo career has skyrocketed.
RUSH one of my favorite bands especially the sounds of Geddy Lee's bass playing and Neil Pert's drum playing and fabulous solo's at concerts. One of the reason I bought a bass guitar in my life. True rock gods and an awesome band to see live.
Midnight Syndicate A truly unique work of gothic, instrumental music for the wicked. Great for halloween with intricate sounds something you wont hear anywhere else with haunting melodies.
Texas, a really great band I enjoy from a friend in the UK. Very melodic tunes some pop stuff but worth the listen to.
David Bowie, Ive always enjoyed his style and melodic tunes. I didnt know of his music till the 80's and gradually got into the early 70's stuff and found it to be a total thrill and wild.
Coldplay Hey there are not one-hit wonders here to stay and definately playing to sell out crowds with awesome lyrics and music heard on radio play.
ACDC one of my favorite bands and great looking site. A classic band i never get tired of listening to but havent seen them since the 80's during back in black tour.
finalist for new singer for INXS on that reality show. I think he would have made a great replacement, after him doing a version of WISH YOU WERE HERE, by Pink Floyd it was awesome. Now with his band from Chicago, you can hear his great music on their cd and check their website. Very nice looking with song samples, tour dates and more. Music reminded me of The Outfield, Creed, early Cheap Trick and more. See who they are touring with....
Alice Cooper, official site of the one and only Cooper. Seen him a few times in concert much like the video I seen thanx to Kurt.
Third Eye Blind 3eb A band I found out about back in 99 thru a friend who passed away from New York. She told me of the brash awesome songs and said I needed to check this cd out and I did, enjoyed them ever since and always reminded of her when I hear them play.
Iron Maiden, I've enjoyed this band just after the release of Number of the Beast and was totally hooked. I bought the albums, yes i still have them, of their early days like Killers and really liked them from on. Ive seen them twice in my life, the lastest with my son, sister and brother in law and they still rock! I give them credit for being themselves, true to their fans and energetic.
Aerosmith, cmon who cant love the true gods of rock! Were not worthy! One of the few bands from the 70's still rockin and still together making awesome music. And even mistress enjoys this band.
Heart Official site of upcoming events, bio, gallery and more. Ive seen them a few years back unplugged just Ann and Nancy and they were fabulous. Still with the awesome voices they have and guitar work. Truly amazing glad i went
Garbage, and yes its the awesome band female lead singer
with a unique blend of vocals. I enjoy their music and riviting guitars. Her voice is mezmerizing not to mEention they did a bond movie theme.
Snake River Conspiracy, two peole, loud music, creative energy and really awesome. A blend of thrash, gothic industrial rock music. Check em out.
Marilyn Manson, noone rocks like Manson, one of my son's fave bands and Ive enjoyed his music over the years, some not all but enjoyed some of his covers and he really is unique with a pretty good sound.
Depeche Mode One of the truly unique bands termed goth by some others a dancy pop band. I have to thank an ol friend who got me into this havent heard from here since the 80's and going to the concert with my sis as well. Dark lyrics along
with alot of syn and stylish music for the masses.
koRn, Something my son got me into and I have to say they are pretty good. Loud and unique blend of sounds. My son mostly got me into this band.
The Cure, a band I've always enjoyed listening to. Not only their pop stuff but dark melodic stuff I can truly relate to. A unique voice and awesome lyrics. Something truly cherish even if your not attracted to the darker side. What was the hype about i decided to get an 80's collection of their greastest hits and enjoyed them ever since.
Nickel Back, Im starting to like them, even tho one of their
major songs was from the Spiderman soundtrack. Alot of people enjoy the videos at the hard rock cafe.
U2, not sure if this is the official site but still quite good if it is. Sign up for info, lyrics tour dates and more. They are awesomely good and play with alot of heart and soul into their music. Ive enjoyed their music over the years never seen em in concert, had a live dvd gave it away (sigh) and have one album on cassette and cd media first band ever to have a album on three different types of music media.
Blondie I remember I enjoyed this band back from the start with Heart Of Glass and knew the voice music and band were headed in the right rock n roll direction. STill performing and making a gap within rock/rap.
Cruxshadows, goth band. Avery unique blend of darkened music. Very kewl some dance or what they call dance remixes and dark harmonies. really kewl downloads pics and more at their official site. Listen to a young fan sing Merryland My Bitterness.
Erasure, official site, I enjoyed their music found accidentally and enjoyed their live shows. What awesome powerful music these two guys make. Hats off to Andy and Vince.
Santana What makes Santana so great? His style of music blending in his heritage with rock and a superb guitarist. Nowadays he has been collaborating with artists of today to create some great music. Even classic artists he has recently teemed up with like Steven Tyler of Aerosmith a music in the making indeed.
Madonna She has a style all her own from the beginnings in the 80's up till now always reinventing herself with controversy and great music. I always enjoy hearing her voice.
Weird Al Yankovic, a monster to some a creative talent to others. Ive seen him in concert a few years back and he was awesome talented and flat out funny. Just like his videos. Hes very creative in creating parodies that at least make sense.
Journey, everyone likes Journey. Their songs have rocked us in the past, and they eventually went into the love mood songs which we all know and love and recognise. With a new singer who sounds just like Perry and they were great in concert too this past summer. A band I grew up with in life and a big impact on my music writing as well. Check out their official site.
Grand Parade. a band out of chicago that performs ye old Genesis classics, as well as Yes, Jethro Tull and King Crimson songs. I had the pleasure of being the singer for the band back in 98. It was an awesome experience. They are really good in concert.
Mel C, former spice girl gone solo with a really great career ahead of her. I personally think she has an awesome voice. She's still putting out great music to listen to. I found a disc of hers a few years back at a second hand music store and enjoyed it ever since.
Bob Marley. Hey check out this site with music. His foundation pics and info on his career and life. He has a unique reggae sound and noone has duplicated it. Many have re-made his songs but his are the best.
Huey Lewis and the News, yeah some of you may think I'm weird and crazy but I still enjoy them than most popular bands around. They always had popular lyrics and catchy toe tappin tunes with great videos of the 80's. This was the most interesting site available.
Evanescence, I heard them thru a friend and enjoyed the slightly dark ambience of their work. Really nicely done and enjoyed alot of the melody. I just wish i would have checked them out sooner.
Sammy Hagar, ok for all you Sammy fans and Van Hagar, i know your out there, I did this for you to check out, very kewl site. The music popped up and he was pretty good in concert this past summer. For those of you who drink, check out his Cabo. wowsers.
One of the most influential bands I have encountered many times in concert here in Chicago is our very own Poi Dog Pondering.
A delightful Poi Dog Pondering video from places and people around Chicago. Note: when Susan plays out on the street thats near my neighborhood on Division/Wood street just outside Smoke Daddy and Phyllis' Musical Inn. How kewl is that? Soul Kitchen is right down not far away by the Damen Blue Line. How many times have I waited for the bus there.
Remembered Songs
I am listing songs that have meant something in my life, where I was what I was doing, when I first heard it, personal stuff in my life I found to share with everyone. If you have an exciting story feel free to share....
Run To The Hills by Iron Maiden. Another group I found myself, enjoyed many of the album covers thru the years even got A's on two of them I drew for class and seen them live in the 80's and within the past five years. They still rock hard and heavy and I enjoy their music. This song always stuck in my mind. Baracuda by Heart. One of the first female rock songs I really came to enjoy not only because of the guitar riffs but the lyrics as well. Women can definately rock as well. I get to reaquint myself with this song playing guitar hero on xbox 360. Its also great live. Saved By Zero by The Fixx. One of those 80's bands that just came out with a few memorable hits that seemed to be always on the radio. I remember this going to high school alot. Twighlight Zone by Golden Earring. A real awesome song I thought when it first came out in the early 80's. There were two versions, one short one long and a cencored video. I love the guitar work from this classic. Sharp Dressed Man by ZZTop. Who can forget the videos, the girls the car and the long beards. A song which popularized them more with the video and a catchy tune.
Waiting for the Weekend by the Vapors. Mostly famous for their Turning Japanese song. This was a follow up which I remember they also did a video for and which I really enjoyed the lyrics and the melody. Cars by Gary Numan. One of the most influencial songs to introduce into cassettes. It changed the way people listened to music by compancting music from vinyl albums to cassettes and this song will always be remembered for that and its creative artist. Goodbye Stranger by Supertramp. Also one of those albums I bought myself thru a club and played alot. I heard it many times on the radio and wanted to get it for myself and many nights enjoyed this album Breakfast in America. Just Like Starting Over by John Lennon. This was a very pivitol song. It was mostly played after Lennon was shot and I remember being really upset. Moreso then when Elvis died. I remember the night well hearing the news and knowing what a profound influence his music over the years for everyone. Goldeneye by Tina Turner. I love alot of the Bond movie themes. This one alot as well. Not only introduced a new actor playing 007 but a really fun N64 game I played alot and still enjoy having. The song really was hungry and in Bond style. In the Air Tonite by Phil Collins, I always thought this was a powerful song. The video from what I heard years ago is now nothing more than a folk tail of someone killing themselves after going to Collin's concert. It proved Phil Collins was a great artist on his own creating haunting melodies and great lyrics to come. Going Down by the Monkees. I tried to look for this song forever. It was in a wacky video from their show with the monsters, Dracula Frankenstein and the Wolfman chasing them. I finally found it a few years back and always remembered this song when I was growing up. How silly but yet inspirational they were to me growing up and seeing them live a few times now that they do play their own instruments. Bungle in the Jungle by Jethro Tull. I never really appretiated Tull till later on in life thru my friend Don. After listening to some songs at his and Jean's house after a party I was determined to get some more music and hearing this song growing up, I almost forgot it. It brings back childhood memories of going to grammer school and something different to listen to. She;s So Cold by the Rolling Stones. One of the albums I bought growing up from Emotional Rescue along with Tatoo You. I enjoyed this rock driving song after hearing it on the radio and enjoyed it. I began to go further and enjoy many of their earlier stuff better and collect them over the years and appretiate the band more.
Bad Bad Leroy Brown by Jim Croce. One truly great artist who left the music world early. I enjoy this tune listening to the words growing up as a kid, got the 45 and played it alot. Dragon Attack by Queen. A less noted song but from a great album in the 80's , The Game. I also purchased this during my high school days and played the heck out of it liking other hits like Another Bite;s the Dust, Crazy Little Thing called Love and Sail Away Sweet sister. I only wish I had discovered Queen earlier and seen them in concert. They really influenced me with their sound and lyrics.
Lackluster/ Poi Dog Pondering. I was listening to XRT years ago early 90's and loved the song. I enjoyed listening to it and finally bought the cassette and enjoyed many songs. I seen them many times in concert, in big venues, live and in smaller places more intimate. Just seen them recently after Thanksgiving. They are awesome live. Too Young to Fall In Love-Motley Crue. I real true hair band of the 80's. I liked the original sleeve cover for the album now that its rare and you hardly see the Pentagram. But I liked the raw essence of the band in the beginning and their licks from the guitar. Material Girl- Madonna. I always liked her voice and her sexiness. She has withstood the test of time rising from the 80's and always created something new for herself and her music. This one started it all for me.
Crazy Train-Ozzy, I liked Ozzy during the Black Sabbath years and when he went solo, I enjoyed him even more. I seen him in concert years ago and was amazed. I liked when Randy Rhodes was his axeman, it was a match made in heaven. I remember playing this cassette over and over. Brings back high school memories.
Sugar Sugar/ Archies- This was my first record my mom bought me back when I was little. Played it so much, I had to get a new one. I found it earlier this year online and downloaded it. Brings back youthful memories always. Wish You Were Here/ Pink Floyd , one of my favorite band's songs in the world, i never get tired of hearing, when I do I stop listen remember the movie, the concert, just relaxing, even Marty Casey does an awesome version of it. In Your Eyes, by Peter Gabriel, Ill always remember a friend named Leanne gave me the So tape to listen to and since then he has been a favorite of mine. Not only being former lead singer of Genesis but his heartfelt music has stayed with me since then. I have many of the dvd and cd';s but this song I enjoy singing karaoke and reminds me of love everlasting. Dont Dream Its Over, by Crowded House. I was dating someone who got me into the Stephen King books, now I have nearly everyone and the movies as well. One movie The Stand stuck out when the song Dont Dream Its Over came out after most people died of the the super flu and I had dedicated it to someone long ago on a radio station as well. It kinda has an eerie love theme to it and it reminds me of just that. Working In a Coal Mine, by Devo. I first heard the song from the soundtrack from Heavy Metal the cartoon movie. Totally awesome and that song stuck in my head more than Whip it did. Touch and Go by The Cars. Ive always enjoyed this band, found them myself and bought one of my first albums by them when Panorama came out and began liking their music ever since. This was back during freshman year of high school at St. Rita back in 1980. Motorcycle Drive By, by Third Eye Blind. Never really knew about the band until I got online knew some friends and this woman from NY drove all the way to visit and gave introduced me to 3Eblind music and the cd. I reacted instantly to this song in particular, played it over, memorized it and sang it alot in my basement. I thank her for this cd. Not shortly after returning did I find out she commited suicide have problems in her life. Purple Rain, by Prince. This was a tender one not only from the song and movie by the same name but it influenced me once again to dig deeper into more songs. The lyrics hit me and I was hooked. Played and remembered mostly during college at WIU when our floor and sister floor did a play/musical stint during some sort of doing on the quad. It was really hot then. Angel In Blue, by J. Geils Band. I loved this record and played it constantly while reading my comic books in my basement during the 80's at the time. Mostly I remember this song while reading and really getting into the Uncanny Xmen series and getting my subscription. Dont Do Me Like That, by Tom Petty. I remember this song as a kid going off to day camp and hearing it while getting ready early in the morning waiting with my friends to begin a fun day at camp. This was the song that really got me into Tom Petty and just last year, I finally got to see him in concert at summerfest in Wisc. Thanx Jen!!! The Night Chicago Died, by Paper Lace. This song I heard alot when I was a kid growing up in the 70's, getting up going to school or when my mom drove us to places. I think I had a 45 of this song as well. I Want You To Want Me, by Cheat Trick. One of my alltime favorites by the band whenever I get to see them live. Alot of people know it and I enjoy hearing it everytime especially live. I got my first album from them with Dream Police and the origial version. Tom Sawyer by Rush, The band that got me into playing a bass. I played this album frequently and now have it on cd after all these years. I enjoyed Geddy Lee's basslines without technology back then and wondered how did he do all of that. Listening to this song reminds me of the times I tried to practice in the basement alot. Turning Japanese by the Vapors. I seen their video years ago on tv and liked the song, I took a chance and bought the album and there are alot of other good songs noone hears about. I read comics then and remember listening to the album then too. You May Be Right, by Billy Joel. Ive been a fan back then since The Stranger album but really got into Glass Houses album. One of my first albums again I bought thru columbia house music and had to get another copy cus I played it so much. The first song hit me always and it was Billy belting out his music. I real rock classic. A Little Respect by Erasure. I wanted to find some new music while looking for a Depeche cassette back in late 80's before my son was born. I was in a mall in Gurnee IL and found an Erasure, Innocents cassette bout it and enjoyed every track. You know its good if you like more than 90 percent of the songs on the cd. I wasnt aware at the time of their dance single and didnt know that one of the guys was formerly in Depeche mode but now when I see them, they are awesome live. Working With Fire And Steel by China Crisis. I found out about this song during my time in the Army at Fort Sam Houston back in 86 with the help of a pinko bastard Alex Sterling.He got me into the group and years later I found cassettes and other music and still enjoy this band. Definately unique great lyrics. Open Arms by Journey. Everyone likes Journey and so do you. This was one of their more popular love songs aside from their earlier rock tracks from the past. This 80's tune was also in the animated Heavy Metal movie. It brings back memories of the movie and at a time being in high school. Steve Perry has the unique voice. Golden Years by David Bowie. It was awesome to hear this live a few years back seeing Bowie in concert. This reminds me of the movie by Stephen King and I enjoy trying to sing it when I can at a karaoke bar. Its one of those tunes I couldnt get out of my head. Its catchy and kinda dancy. New Sensation by INXS. It was sad that Michael Hutchence passed away and Im sure he would still be making great music for the band. This was off their most popular disc KICK which came out in the 80's and it seems to be a favorite for alot of people which I can hear at jukeboxes at bars. I even bought the 33rpm extended version of the song.
20 Heart of Rock and Roll by Huey Lewis and the News. All on one line, this band goes back to me reading my comic books, watching back to the future and seeing Huey videos back in the day when there was a station that only did music videos. Now isnt that a concept. Back in the 80's you couldn't miss a Huey video and sorry I never got to see them in concert but they still tour thank goodness. An upbeat tune with many versions one I know of at the end they added the city Chicago at the end along with a few other cities.A hip tune. Musical Box by Genesis, From the early Gabriel days, this wonderful musical diddy I learned while I decided to join the band Grand Parade back in 98 and listened to the song many times to get the sound voice and accent right. It was fun to do and a memory Ill always remember. Dirty Laundry by The Eagles. A great tune I remember from growing up, it was simple fun and easy to learn the words to. Someone I know had themselves teased and was nicknamed dirty laundry. Angel by Aerosmith. I didnt know that much about the band's earlier trax but when they got towards the 80's making more music coming back to concert they had a few hits with their permanent vacation cd and I remember enjoying them and liking their sound all over again. They are truly gods of rock still rockin. Crazy On You by Heart. One of the all time favorite girl rockers singing and guitaring it up on some awesome songs. Ive seen them in an acoustic show and they played awesomely. Reminds me of early youth in the 70's. Land Down Under by Men at Work. Ah the 80's. How many times have I heard or we all heard this song. The videos and what is a vegemite sandwich? The End by The Doors. One of the most influencial songs for me by them not only because it reminds me of Apocalypse Now in the beginning but the song in its complete entierty how moving and great it sounds from fast to slow and everything else. Night Moves by Bob Seger. A truly wonderful song as I listen to it from time to time. It reminds me of the track in the animated movie, American Pop, and how music has changed over the years and how Seger's voice is unique yet remembered by this tune. Dirty Deeds by ACDC, one of rocks mainstream and yet unforgetable bands that are still with us and still rock today. When they came out to America they put a new voice in rock and they will always be remembered for many a song but this one was one of my firlst vinyls I bought and really enjoyed.
"Into the distance a ribbon of black,stretching to the point of no turningback...."
