Thursday, March 31, 2011

Connie Talbot is only 10 Years Old

This girl really makes me feel like a slacker. Check out 10 year old Connie Talbot absolute slay one of my favorite songs of the moment, Adele's "Someone Like You". 

And when I say slay. She destroyed it. Left no prisoners. If this girl is not famous in 5 years I'm going to be shocked. Just listen to some of these notes. And again I will repeat, Connie is 10.

Katy Perry - E.T. Premiere

Check it out. The world premiere of Katy Perry's song "E.T." ft. Kanye West.

Girl is everywhere these days!

See You Monday

If you were to find me in my office today I look like the image above.
Wish I was joking.

Huge event here at work tomorrow. Working through the weekend at another event. VCU game Saturday night. 

So yeah... see you later. 

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Jack White Plays a Parking Lot?

Well if this doesn't sum up SX/SW Festival down in TX, I don't know what does... 

Love this man and the music he makes.

Lizz Wright

Hi Lizz. I don't know who you are. But I'm about to. I've fallen in love in about 8 minutes, and I have a feeling everyone else will to. Think Nora Jones or Tracy Chapman. 

I have a feeling I will be writing more about you soon.

While Away Do Me A Favor

Head over to espn.com/maddenvote and vote for my boy Mark Sanchez to be on the cover of Madden 12!
Thanks so much. 

Out Today

Sorry will be back either later today or tomorrow. Too damn busy!

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Leo Part of Ram Nation

Leo DiCaprio knows whats up. Go VCU Rams!


Teyana Taylor. Respect.

Meet Teyana Taylor. I first heard this name while...yes... watching "My Super Sweet 16" one afternoon on MTV. (I know my TV obsession is out of control...more on that later). Anyways, this was a few years ago. She was on the show because she was an 'up-incoming artist' and well she had a flare that most 16 year olds would wish to have. 

Every since then I have been slowly watching her make the rounds. She was featured on Kanye West's new album, as well as releasing her own single called "Google Me". I didn't really think she would make much out of herself until I read the following article on Edge Magazine written by Iman Milner and well I give this chick mad respect. 

Go do you Teyana.

Here is the article: Yes its long but deal. Its a good one. 
"Teyana Taylor is a presence. She is one of those rare women who walk into a room and take it over just because she’s unapologetically original. At only 20-years old she has found and embraced what most women spend their whole lives trying to alter: the very essence of who she is.
The person she has become is admirable.
But you won’t find that on your favorite blog site.  By most she’s ridiculed and bashed for being “famous for nothing” or “just that girl who was on Sweet Sixteen”; however, the Harlem native is so much more than what meets the eye. After remaining pretty mum about her critiques, Teyana Taylor is ready to show the many layers that make up the woman who is always one step ahead of the pack.
With her bold attitude and fearless style, Teyana Taylor is a constant reminder that leaders are born and not made. While her peers are fighting for pieces of the same spotlight, Taylor has been busy carving out her own path to the top. But as with any journey, there have been roadblocks along the way. In Teyana Taylor’s case there’s the ever-present looming idea that she hasn’t worked for her place in the limelight. But she insists that what people don’t see is often times what they simply don’t want to understand. “It gets really hard because people don’t really know what’s happening on the inside of things. People can be so cruel and not even know your situation and not want get to know”, she says in her soft spoken and perfectly raspy tone. This transparency and softer side may shock many who know Taylor as the Jordan wearing, opinionated skateboarder chick whose big hair and unique style is being copied by young girls everywhere. But the sincerity in her vulnerability is magnetic. The wisdom and understanding she possesses at such a young age is enviable. Though having been moving in silence in the industry since her single “Google Me” in 2008, Teyana hasn’t been out of the public eye at all. From popping up on runways during Fashion Week to lending her voice to the title track on Kanye West’s My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, Teyana is closing the gap between her and her peers…and everyone can feel her coming.
But so many people still doubt that a girl like her can win in this game. There is no recipe for a Teyana Taylor even she knows that. “I’m a piece of work and I am certainly one of a kind, I know for sure that I am”, she says, “but I honestly can care less about this industry. I just do what I love”. In her confidence is also knowledge of the power she has as a role model for young girls that need a place in this world to feel accepted. She speaks for a large part of the new generation of young women who simply want to be who they are but fear no one will understand. When talking about her responsibility to the girls coming after her, Taylor’s speaks with the wisdom of a veteran twice her age. “I want to inspire young people, with everything I do. Even through my style”, she says, “if you can change the world or just change lives directly, why not go for it? If I can encourage kids to be themselves and to be cool with being different that’s what I’m going to do. I have a responsibility to try to change as much as I can”. Her passion for showing young girls how to love who they are comes in part from her own experiences and struggles with accepting and loving herself.
In an industry that devotes hours of attention to promoting standards of beauty, a girl like Teyana Taylor can fade into the background. She does not fit that mood—neither does half of the world. And though many people praise her beauty, Teyana has had to remind herself at times that no one can define how she must feel about herself. “The standard of beauty is just ridiculous, it’s unfair. Now to be beautiful you have to be light and have long hair and a big butt. That’s just stupid. If your lips aren’t small or your nose isn’t contoured enough…you’re less than”, she explains as the tone of her voice shifts, “sometimes I feel like I’m not beautiful because I have big lips or just because of the other features I have. I had problems growing up and I was teased a lot. People don’t see inner beauty anymore. It hurts me to go online and see “light skin vs. dark skin” stuff. Beauty is more than what’s on the outside”. In her explanation lies the very reason why so many people adore the very core of who Teyana Taylor is. Her youthful and fun attitude often overshadows the wonderful and complex mind she has—a mind that gives her the freedom to think completely for herself, right down to what she wears.
Unlike many of her peers, Teyana doesn’t have a stylist. *Gasp * Tis true. The evolving style chameleon picks every outfit she wears without the help of an image team. Perhaps one of the most unique things about Teyana Taylor is her ability to flow freely from one style to another and somehow everything works. “It’s unexplainable (my style), I kind of just get up and go. It’s one of those things—if you’ve naturally got it, you’ve got it. I don’t have a setstyle, I dress the way I feel”, she says before dropping a gem, “I guess I would say my style is a story. Everything has to tell a story”.  While her place in style history is writing itself, Teyana is embarking on a new chapter in her career as she is set to star opposite Bow Wow, Loretta DeVine and Tyler Perry in his upcoming film Madea’s Big Happy Family. Though new to acting, Taylor felt at home on set. “I’m already a funny person so playing another character was nothing but fun for me”. And how did she feel about her boss and co-star? “He’s super focused even as funny as he is. So he creates a nice balance”, she says.
Along with venturing into acting, Teyana has brought back her popular blog, IAmNba.com much to the pleasure of her fans. A basketball player herself, Taylor created the blog to give fans a closer look at the players we all love. “Before I got signed I was a skateboarder and I played basketball. I gave it up for my career because the label saw a lot of danger in it.  I wanted to do something so that I could still have basketball in my life and as a fan I wanted to know more about players”. Her small gesture to remain close to the sport she loves turned into a 100,000 strong following in just one week, a number that she hadn’t planned for. “The site kept crashing”, she says with a raspy laugh, “we didn’t build the site for those kind of numbers. But we’ve been back for almost three weeks and we’ve already gotten almost all of our traffic back…. it’s good to know people didn’t forget about it”.
Being remembered is something that Teyana Taylor will never have to worry about. With so many avenues to dominate, everyone is holding their breath for the true arrival of Teyana Taylor. Without a doubt there are secret hopes that maybe she won’t hit. That maybe all she’ll ever be is a friend to the biggest stars or that girl who knows how to put together a good outfit.  That maybe she’s just living out an extended 15 minutes of fame.  But if we had to place our bets on a contender we’d take the one who was born with a crown…it’s pretty hard to beat what is destined."

Luke Thompson Releases Single For Charity

Well this is something everyone should get behind. Singer Songwriter Luke Thompson has teamed up with the wonderful people over at GOOD to make a song for clean water. 

Luke said: "All funds received will go towards building wells in parts of the world where there is no clean drinking water. 100% of everything the GOOD trust receives goes directly to the projects they support. Check them out and donate if you can. I heard these guys speaking and heard about the amazing things they were doing and then kind of accidentally wrote this song that is very much their's."

Well I love it. And I support this project too! 

Great Music Terrible Video

Stumbled upon some pretty great music today. Too bad the video is quite terrible but if you close your eyes and just listen you will understand where I am coming from. Meet Sarah Lipsate also known as Noveller. She is a Brooklyn filmmaker/sound artist. She is all about the noise that she can make come out of her guitar. Its gorgeous.  She has been part of bands before in the past, but now she is starting to make music of her own. 

Great great music. This is talent.

Monday, March 28, 2011

Hey Nutzy

Well since today all I'm thinking and writing about is all Richmond related its only appropriate that Nutzy Richmond's Flying Squirrel Mascot came to my work to visit with the kids on the 8th floor.

I needed to grab a picture... obviously.

ESPN Analysis Eat Words

63162_ncaa_vcu_kansas_basketball_medium
This is just great. Take a peek at what some of the talking heads over at ESPN had to say about VCU making it into the tournament. "They don't even pass the laugh test..."

Really? Who is laughing now?

First Four to Final Four

Those are the words that are ringing through the streets of Richmond, Virginia today; one day after our little art school VCU pulled off what is the biggest upset of the college basketball year by beating Kansas, winning a berth at their first Final Four appearance. 

Now, for all that are not from this great city you need to understand something. The biggest team we have here within our city is a baseball team called the Richmond Squirrels. Thats right, Squirrels. Before yesterday the thought of Richmond VA being put on the map for basketball was just about as likely as me winning the 100+ million lottery on Friday night. 

But somehow VCU was able to do it. They made believers out of an entire city and well today if your not in Richmond, I truly feel bad for you. The entire city is buzzing. Everyone is happy, wearing their VCU gear with pride. Welcome Richmond to the national stage. I don't know about you but I'm happy to be here!!!

Here are some great pictures from the paper today! Oh yeah a paper who has officially changed their logo to this below. Ha. 

the Richmond Times-Dispatch

Here is how our city reacted last night.... I have never seen so much VCU gear in my life!

VCU fans

VCU Fans

VCU fans

VCU fans

Loooove it!
More to come. 

Go VCU!!!

Great day to be a resident of Richmond, VA. 

As I try and figure out how exactly VCU has made it into this years Final Four. I bring you my favorite picture of the day.

This sums it all up.

Friday, March 25, 2011

Tiny Dancer

 
Whenever I hear this next song I'm instantly put back to the age of 20. This movie was very important to my friends and I in college. There was something about it that rang true for all of us. We all loved it, we all watched it, we all sang at the top of our lungs when this scene would come on. 


Its also the perfect scene for a song to completely take over the movie. Its also a great song to put an end to the soundtrack week I have had here. Its been fun, and well moving forward I will probably try and find more of these themes to do. 

Until then I'll leave you with one of my favorite quotes from the movie...
"Some people have a hard time explaining rock n roll. I don't think anyone can really explain rock n roll. Maybe Pete Townshend, but thats okay. Rock n roll is a lifestyle and a way of thinking...and its not about money and popularity. Although, some money would be nice. But its a voice that says "Here I am...and fuck you if you can't understand me". And one of these people is gonna save the world. And that means rock n roll save the world....all of us together..... But what it all comes down to is that thing. The indefinable thing when people catch something in your music". 

Almost Famous Music

This movie had some of the best quotes about music ever....Like in this following scene where you really see where this kids love of music was born. It was a few minutes after his sister had left to "go be free". (this is one of my favorite scenes)

"This is a house of liiiiies"


After this scene, he runs to the car, they hug goodbye and she sent him back into the house. She informed him had left a present for him under his bed, and that this present would soon change his life. He then found all of her old records and the line "Listen to "Tommy" with a candle burning and you will see your entire future!". 

Here you see the love of this music form in a little kid, and you meet the crazy character known as Lester Bangs. A genius in his own right. If you don't feel this scene there is something wrong with you.

Kate Hudson as Penny Lane "Its All Happening"

almost famous penny lane Pictures, Images and Photos
"She danced the dance of Flames and Fire, she danced the dance of swords and spears, she danced the dance of stars and the dance of space, and then she danced the dance of flowers in the wind." - The Wanderer, Khalil Gibran

Movie roles like the one Kate Hudson was lucky enough to grab only comes across once in a lifetime. This role was made for someone like Kate. Someone who acts with her body and soul and not just her words. Everyone knows her story, born daughter to Goldie Hawn she was destined for stardom. But how she evolved into this role is something that nobody ever expected. She easily earned her first Oscar nomination for her portrayal of Penny Lane, the 'girl on the road... is she lost...or does she really have it all".

One of my favorite movie characters of all time. Why? Easy. Kate. 
She became this role. She blurred the lines of reality and the movie. And for that I will forever be grateful, because when I watch scenes like the next two, its hard not to get goosebumps. And yes feel the way she uses the silence and music to her full advantage. Shes good. Real good. Or as Penny would say...
"Its All Happening"

The first clip is just perfect. Its her dancing to her own tune. 


The next clip was one of the more defining moments of the movie. It was right after the kids first show as a reporter for Rolling Stone. He is walked out to the parking lot by Penny and she well asks him a few questions... 



"I always tell the girls, never take it seriously, if ya never take it seriously, ya never get hurt, ya never get hurt, ya always have fun, and if you ever get lonely, just go to the record store and visit your friends."

Stillwater - Fever Dog

Stillwater while they were an actual band in the early 1970s, the band in the movie was fictitious and played music written by movie creator Cameron Crowe with help from Nancy Wilson and Peter Frampton. 

Yet while watching the movie, the band certainly gave the feel that they were real. They had energy, passion and well the songs were pretty amazing. Checkout Fever Dog below. 

Have I mentioned how much I love Jason Lee? No... okay well I do!

Friday is Here!

Yup thats right, somehow I have made it through this week! I have to admit, I have been having fun doing themes here on the blog. It keeps me focused and well lets admit, with my ever present ADD I need it.

So that being said, since it is Friday I need to end this week long run of soundtracks with a bang and well... how about this one... Almost Famous! I know I have talked about it a lot on here, but it too good not to be included. You will easily see why it won the Grammy the year it came out.

The movie is a simple concept. At the age of 16 a young writer is tapped to go on tour with Stillwater. At the time, a band that was at the top of their game. The movie is about the entire music scene as seen through this kids eye. It was amazing.

Check out the trailer below and then I'll get on with the music.

"I have to go home now...... you ARE home"

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Let Go

"What are you waiting for...."

That is what this next song from the soundtrack asks you. "Let go...let go... its all amazing here.... its all starting off without you...." 

Don't miss life. 
Be active in your decisions.
Be who you want to be.
Don't be afraid to jump - to leap.
What are you waiting for?
Let Go

Music Final Four

The Beatles
I pause my soundtrack week to bring you something topical. Kind of. 

ESPN's "The Herd" (a great radio show, if I do say so myself) is doing a musical competition matching up legendary bands in a bracket like tournament. They are down to the final four and well I'm not too surprised about the match ups...a little but not much... are you?

(the numbers are the seeds)
1. The Rolling Stones vs 1.Led Zeppelin 
1.The Beatles vs 4. Aerosmith 

I have a feeling the finals will be a epic match up between Zeppelin and The Beatles with the Fab Four pulling out a close victory. 

Favorite Scene


The following is my favorite scene from the movie. After struggling, struggling, struggling, finally you see a breakthrough. And it all happens while Simon & Garfunkel are playing in the background. Again, way to go Braff in matching the music to this movie. I knew there was a reason you won a Grammy for it! 

Here is the scene below. Enjoy!

sometimes everyone needs to let it out a little...

Don't Panic - Coldplay

Coldplay is a band that I have listened to for what feels like my entire youth. I remember vividly when their first album came out with that song "Yellow" on it. I loved it. Like obsessively loved it. Then the got very popular. While I didn't like that part too much, I still couldn't hate on the music. They pushed boundaries, stood up for what they believe in and continued to make some pretty remarkable music. 

Yet I'm not sure anything they ever do will top their first album. It was just so delicate, so perfect. Of course "Don't Panic" was used for the Garden State Soundtrack... of course!

Garden State Day!!!

As you have noticed this week I'm on sort of a movie soundtrack kick. And well today there is another great one to focus on. This is not only one of my favorite movies, but its about my home state, how can I not love it.  At the time it was released I found almost no other soundtrack as enjoyable as this Zach Braff masterpiece. Thats right, the Scrubs star not only acted in the movie, he wrote it, directed it, and handpicked the entire soundtrack. 

I give him props for this. Mad props. 

So here it goes, hope you all enjoy it (I know my friend Amy will....) Here is the first track I will focus on. "New Slang" by the Shins is what made you know this soundtrack was going to be a hit. Like most soundtracks there is one song that sums up the movie. This is it. Its perfect. Also anyone who doesn't like the Shins can just leave now. Its going to be a long day.

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood

This song was orignially written by Bennie Benjamin and Gloria Caldwell for the singer Nina Simone, who first recorded it in 1964. Since then it has been re-recorded and covered by many artists, most noteably being the 1965 recording by "The Animals". Finally in 1977 a disco/latin edition by Santa Esmeralda was finished. This final version is the version you see below during Kill Bill. Its again, a perfect match between music and battle. Tarrintino has this part of movie making down! 


Set during the O-Ren vs The Bride battle this instrumental beauty is perfect for choreographing the entire sequence. Enjoy!

Bang Bang/About Her


These songs sum up the movies for me pretty perfectly. Bang bang originally sung by Nancy Sinatra was such a fitting song. Like yesterdays "Rise Up" Bang Bang is to the point and well the lyrics say it all "Bang Bang...My Baby Shot Me Down", its a perfect tribute to everything 'The Bride' went through...

Great video tribute as well below:

The second song is called "About Her" and is brilliantly redone by Malcolm Mclaren. Its perfectly placed during the final scenes of the second movie. Its just perfect. There is nothing else to be said about it. Check out the scene below and try, just try, to think of another song that fits better then this right here.


God these movies are amazing! 

Battle Without Honor or Humility

This is the absolute perfect song for the arrival of O-Ren Ishii at "The House of Blue Leaves". 

This fight is one of the more badass fights of the entire movie, and the music he uses leading up to the battle is just perfect. It so awesome, that I think I may adopt it as my new theme song for people to play when I walk into a room. Could you imagine.....I can. 

Kill Bill Day

Well I guess its just soundtrack week around here, yesterday "Into the Wild" today..."Kill Bill Vol 1 and 2". Why? Because this weekend in NJ they were playing on repeat and I watched both movies... twice. Like I have many, many times before. These two are two of my favorite movies of all time... why? I think the question is more of a why not! 

The soundtrack is one of the most amazing things that I have ever heard (mostly produced and orchestrated by RZA and the 'Wu-Tang Clan" . Visually the movies are stunning and the story... ha well the story is completely out of this world. Everything lines up perfectly in these two films, I still think that Tarantino deserved the Oscar. 

Here is the short story:
"The lead character, called "the Bride" was a member of the Deadly Viper Assassination squad lead by her lover 'Bill'. Upon realizing she was pregnant with Bill's child, she decides to escape her life as a killer. She fled to Texas, met a young man, and on the day of their wedding was gunned down by a jealous and angry bill (will assistance from the Deadly Viper Assassination squad). Four years later, 'The Bride' wakes from a coma and discovers her baby is gone. She, then, decides to seek revenge upon the five people who destroyed her life and killed her baby. The story of Kill Bill begins..."

if you have yet to see these movies, please stop what your doing and rent them. thank you.

Moving forward.... here is the trailer. I will be focusing on the soundtrack later.

RIP Elizabeth Taylor

fp_5093055_taylor_elizabeth__opt.jpg
RIP Elizabeth Taylor who passed away early this morning at the age of 79.

Not much to say about this woman that hasn't already been said so just take a look at a short tribute by Paul Newman. Elizabeth you will be missed.

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Rise Up

Final post of the day and final song that I want to feature from the "Into the Wild" soundtrack. 

Rise Up is a song that basically captures the story that the movie is trying to portray. I read the book back in high school and it forever changed my life. I followed the production of the movie, and was very happy to see the finished product. 

Based on a true story after graduation from Emory University in 1990, top student and athlete Christopher McCandless abandoned his possessions, gave his entire $24,000 savings account to charity and hitchhiked to Alaska to live in the wilderness. Along the way, Christopher encounters a series of characters who shape his life.

If you have not read this book, just ask me, I have at least 3 copies. I read it least once a year. For me its the story of freedom. To many its the story of stupidity. Either way the man did what he wanted to and achieved his lifelong dream. 

Can't sum it up much better than this song.
Have a good evening.

Hard Sun


This is the most upbeat song off the "Into the Wild" Soundtrack. Its called Hard Sun and well its pretty amazing. My favorite part is the all and out jam session that goes down during the final two minutes. 

Again I just can't get over how beautiful this entire soundtrack is. So glad its back in rotation.

Jesse J

Meet Jesse J.

I was introduced to her a few weeks back when she became the first singer to grace the Saturday Night Live stage without ever releasing an album. I must admit at first, I didn't know about her. She kind of looks like Cameron Diaz with a black wig on. But then I got over her trying to be tough and well the following song has been stuck in my mind for two weeks. So its time, you get your fair shot. 

I'm picking the acoustic version of the song because it really shows two things. First how talented she is, and second the lyrics of the song are pretty badass.
"Not about the money, we want to make the world dance, forget about the price-tag" 

So yes, Jesse J. You are growing on me. Lets see how your album does... you may hear more from her. 

Guaranteed


I've talked about having one of these moments before. A moment when a song lyric comes in through your ears and your world changes for that moment. You think of things a little different, you see things a little bit more clear and for that moment you are completely at peace with the music. 

I'm lucky that I am able to recognize these moments as they come, stop and appreciate them. I mean isn't that what this whole life game is all about. Stopping to smell the roses, taking time to appreciate the little things? 

This is the moment that caught me last night. It was the final cut of the album. An album that I listened to in full in my apartment last night. It was thunder storming outside and it was for a moment I was in complete peace. It was wonderful. 

"Everyone I come across in cages they bought
They think of me and my wandering, but I'm never what they thought
I've got my indignation, but I'm pure in all my thoughts
I'm alive...

Wind in my hair, I feel part of everywhere
Underneath my being is a road that disappeared
Late at night I hear the trees, they're singing with the dead
Overhead

Leave it to me as I find a way to be
Consider me a satalite, forever orbiting
I knew all the rules, but the rules did not know me
Guaranteed."

Into the Wild


Last night I revisited a soundtrack that had been lost out of rotation for the last year. Why? No idea. But I'm sure glad its back. And well since I'm strapped for time and well energy today I'm going to bring you some of my favorites from the album. Enjoy.

Lets start with "Society" a song so beautiful it makes you just want to curl up on your couch and listen. 

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Music Kicks

Check out these pretty bad-ass sneakers I came across today...

Great collectors items. 

image
The Beatles Shoe 

Blondie

AC/DC

Pink Floyd (I would actually wear these...)

Ozzy complete with stray-jacket straps. ha. 

 
The Doors

Ramones 


Okay I know I am a terrible blogger this week. I don't have many excuses other than I just didn't have the time. Its quite difficult to balance everything and well this week I let the blog go. I'm sorry I promise I'll make it up to you in the near future! 

This week has been full of crazy anxiety. 

Work has been very stressful. Good but stressful... lots to do...so little time. Tomorrow morning I'm jumping on a plane for my final NJ dentist appointment. Thats right, its finally over. Two years of back and forth...back and forth is finally coming to an end. (or at least it better or me and Dr. F are going to have words). 

This whole dental process has been a blessing/curse. I am extremely blessed to have two parents who care about me and my health so much that they would help me with this huge undertaking. But the curse has been that every single visit back home for the last two years have been plagued with dentist visits and well its extremely tough to be in a fantastic mood when you are being drilled in your head for hours each morning. 

So yeah I'm ecstatic that it is coming to a close. 

So I will return here on Sunday. Hopefully with renewed vigor for this blog... I need to get back on track.

So for now I leave you with a song from a band that I virtually grew up with. 

Here is Blaire Reinhard Band with "St. Patricks Day"

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Best Soundtrack Ever?

THE MUSIC NEVER STOPPED – MUSIC FROM THE MOTION PICTURE
Track Listing

1. “Till There Was You” – Peggy Lee
2. “Uncle John’s Band” – Grateful Dead
3. “Sugar Magnolia” (Live) – Grateful Dead*
4. “I Threw It All Away” – Bob Dylan
5. “Magic Carpet Ride” – Steppenwolf
6. “Mellow Yellow” – Donovan
7. “Suite: Judy Blue Eyes” – Crosby, Stills & Nash
8. “Not Fade Away/Goin’ Down The Road Feeling Bad” (Live) – Grateful Dead
9. “Truckin’” (Live) – Grateful Dead*
10. “Touch Of Grey” (Live) – Grateful Dead*
11. “Ripple” – Grateful Dead
12. “Summer Song” – The Tulips*
13. “Gabriel’s Theme” – Paul Cantelon

* Previously Unreleased

Yeah I would say its up there as one of the best....

26th Annual Rock n Roll Hall of Fame Ceremony In Pictures

Last night the ceremony was held for the 26th annual induction into the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame. The inductees included Tom Waits, Alice Cooper, Neil Diamond, Darlene Love, Leon Russell and Dr. John. 

Besides Waits, nothing too crazy this year, unlike Genesis induction last year. Here is my take... in pictures.

Alice Cooper

Inductee Neil Diamond speaks onstage.
Neil Diamond

Bruce Springsteen performs.
Performer Bruuuuuce Springfield 

Presenter Elton John speaks onstage.
Presenter Elton John

Darlene Love and Bette Midler perform onstage.
Inductee Darlene Love and Bette Midler sing on stage 

Inductee Tom Waits speaks onstage.
My man inductee Tom Waitts makes his speech

Inductee Neil Diamond performs onstage.
Neil Diamonds performance