2009.08.18
Short takes on various items
August is a little slow, musically, around here. No major concerts -- but still a lot of good club shows. So I've been trying to play catch-up on e-mail and get my schedule together for what promises to be a big fall and winter of concerts in the valleys.
But hey, I haven't posted anything on the blog since Saturday. So, I thought I'd take a look at a couple of wire stories and make comments.
First off, RIP to Jim Dickinson. He was father to Luther and Cody Dickinson, of North Mississippi Allstars, but more than that, he was a huge figure in music, both as an instrumentalist and producer. Dickinson played with and/or produced Bob Dylan, The Rolling Stones, Aretha Franklin, Big Star, and the list could go on and on.
Finally, there are burial plans for Michael Jackson. He's going in the ground on the day he would've turned 51. At least the body didn't remain above ground as long as James Brown's did.
Guitar and production great Les Paul's estate was apparently less complicated than those of Jackson and Brown. He'll be buried Friday, near Milwaukee.
So, apparently, Miley Cyrus did a stripper routine, pole and all, on the Teen Choice Awards. I challenge anyone to tell me that youth culture isn't frighteningly reminiscent of Huxley's "Brave New World."
In other Cyrus news, a 53-year-old man charged with attempting to stalk the new Britney Spears is "a human being," according to this AP story headline. Well, sure. But what is Cyrus? A young fem-bot.
And finally, The Smashing Pumpkins have a new drummer. He's Mike Byrne, and a wire story said he's 19, but he looks about 13. Go, Mike!
I almost hate to say it, but the original members of Smashing Pumpkins are dropping like flies. I'm not sure what D'arcy is up to, but I read where James Iha was in a band with Taylor Hanson. There's an odd couple. I also read that was short lived.
I am wondering why the Pumpkins have such a hard time being a solidified band family. At least I got to see them one time with the original drummer and Billy. But I am sad for Chamberlin leaving.
And I agree. Byrne is rather young looking. At least the Pumpkins can keep going.
Comment by Danielle D. — September 4, 2009 @ 11:01 am
It's a crazy band. I have to admit, I've had a funny feeling about Chamberlain ever since Jonathan Melvoin's OD death.
I'm glad to see a young guy like Byrne get the gig. Hope he can handle it.
And yep, the Hanson kids are working with all kinds of people. Maybe they're providing a blueprint for the JoBros' post-teenybopper phase.
Comment by Tad Dickens — September 4, 2009 @ 11:47 am
Just speculation and going on interviews I've read/viewed with Billy Corgan, as well as things I have read that others have said about him - but it's been intimated that the reason none of the original lineup wish to be in the band with Corgan anymore is because he is an insufferable a-hole egomaniac.
Also that he is very controlling, going so far as to play bass and most of the guitars on many of the band's albums.
That said, I really enjoy and sometimes still listen to the band's earlier albums and even bought the "comeback" album , Zeitgeist.
I don't like that he carries on as Smashing Pumpkins, being the only original member, and feel he does so because few people bought Zwan and even less bought the Billy Corgan solo album.
He's not stupid, he knows what will draw the money to cash the checks.
Maybe just leave off an "s" and call it Smashing Pumpkin.
Comment by Dylan — September 4, 2009 @ 1:25 pm
Also, heard the band Tinted Windows that the Hanson guy is in now.
Not bad. His vocals are a little too polished and poppy for my tastes but the music itself definitely has tones of the bands it's members hail from (Cheap Trick, Smashing Pumpkins, Fountains of Wayne).
Plus I always enjoy seeing Bun E. Carlos play regardless.
Comment by Dylan — September 4, 2009 @ 1:43 pm
Yes, Dylan -- Bun E., regardless!
Smashing Pumpkin, with special guest, Gallagher.
Comment by Tad Dickens — September 4, 2009 @ 3:11 pm