Growing up in Southern California was awesome. Great weather, great people and great music. My dad surely influenced my formative musical years. Music was surely playing, if Dodger baseball was not. I was fed a steady diet of The Doors, Cream, Eric Clapton, Rolling Stones and the Kinks. We had great radio stations growing up. LA had KMET, KLOS and KRTH. Good music and holidays were full of countdowns. The number one song on the countdown was usually "Light My Fire" or "Stairway To Heaven".
My mom also peppered her stuff in there. She was a huge Ricky Neslon fan and the Everly Brothers were in there with Eddie Rabbit. I had a wide variety of music playing in the home. Vacations were the tape killers. We had a very small choice while driving to the Sierras. We usually got a steady diet of Dire Straits' "Sultans of Swing" or the "Urban Cowboy Soundtrack". In 1983, we got a few albums thrown in there. We got Hank Willams, Jr "Greatest Hits" and Def Leppard "Pyromania". Good change, but one was missing.
I was turned on to something new by friend Mike (now Mikey) Lopez. I heard the opening of Motley Crue's "In The Beginning" off of "Shout at the Devil". The hair on my neck stood up. As "Shout at the Devil" started I was hooked. I thought, "Holy shit! This is crazy!". This was the best rock music that I heard since KISS and Cheap Trick. This also spawned my interest in Ozzy, Black Sabbath, Motorhead, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, RATT, Van Halen and Aerosmith.
What a mind fuck to now that half of Motley Crue were from Glendora/Covina. Tommy Lee and Vince Neil went to Charter Oak High and/or Royal Oak High. Motley Crue and pro wrestling were the basis for my longest and most treasured friendship in life. Thank you to Jason Cabana for 30 years of friendship and brother hood. We have seen the Crue together probably 7 times. That is cool as hell. We had a teacher in high school, Mr. Chin, that had also been Tommy Lee's teacher. In junior high, Mr. Dvorak was a teacher that we had in common, as well. Totally cheesy, but trivial, too. Another bond for Cabana and I.
Through all these years, albums like "Too Fast For Love", Shout at the Devil", "Theatre of Pain", "Girls, Girls, Girls", "Dr. Feelgood", "Motley Crue", "Generation Swine", "New Tattoo", "Saints of Los Angeles" and a slew of greatest hits and boxed sets, have meant a lot to me. I can remember what my life was like and where I was when I hear these albums. They were my formative, teen age and adult years. It was like these guys helped me grow up. Not only the music mattered but seeing the disarray that their lives were in, I knew that was not what I wanted for me.
Motley Crue also helped usher in a very important era of music. Just like Van Halen before them, Motley Crue made their bones in the Hollywood club scene. They played places like The Whiskey, The Roxy, The Troubadour, Gazarri's, Perkin's Palace and The Timbers" in Glendora. That paved the way for groups like Guns n Roses, Bang Tango, Poison, Warrant, Stryper and Bulletboys, to name a few.
I write this because recently Motley Crue has decided that their next tour will be their last. Now, unlike Ozzy and KISS, Motley Crue has signed a contract that at the conclusion of the tour, they shall no longer play together, ever. The only caveat, all four members have to agree to dissolve the contract. They are adamant that this will not come to pass. I believe that. Sure Tommy is gonna enjoy not having to play the same stuff night after night.
In conclusion, I want to thank these four rowdy, debaucherous, ass kicking, rehabbed, un rehabbed, talented bastards for giving me a sliver of escapism in their music. Their music was always a good time for me. It takes me back to a simpler time. It makes me realize that the world was not always a crazy place to navigate through. Thank you for allowing me to check out and rock out for bit.
You know I'm a dreamer, but my heart's of gold, I had to run away high so I wouldn't come home low. Just when things went bad doesn't mean they were always wrong. Just take this song and you'll never be left all alone. Take me to your heart, feel me in your bones, Just one more night and I', coming of this long and winding road................................ I'm on my way, I'm on my waaaay.....................
HOME SWEET HOME
Monday, April 21, 2014
Friday, April 18, 2014
KISS....really?
I am an unabashed KISS fan. For those who are saying to themselves "What the hell is KISS?", well, KISS is a band. KISS was the first rock band that I got into and they blew my mind. The opening bass riff to "Detroit Rock City" had me hooked. It did not hurt that my uncle was a huge fan. In fact, he gave me my first two rock albums, KISS "Rock and Roll Over" and Cheap Trick "Live at Budokan". "Rock and Roll Over" had great songs like "Hard Luck Woman", "I Want You" and "Calling Dr. Love". I have been a fan ever since.
KISS has had a very storied history. Band member changes and marketing ideas from condoms to caskets and Hello Kitty crap. So, recently, the geniuses at the Rock and Roll Hall Fame voting committee decided to vote them in. KISS had been eligible for 15 years and only got in due to some serious lobbying from Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine fame. The Rock and Hall of Fame voters are, basically, comprised of current and former Rolling Stone writers, music executives and musicians.
A few notes about KISS and their accomplishments. They have sold over 100,000,000 albums, have 28 gold records, close 100,000,000 DVD sales and are one of the highest selling American artists of all time. Do they belong in the Hall? Uh, yeah!
Since KISS was formed in 1973, they have undergone a lot of line up changes, but, the most popular version has been Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Ace Frehley and Peter Criss. They were the core of the band's highest selling and most popular music. Thus, causing the Hall of Fame to induct these four members only. Mind you, the band has had members Vinnie Vincent, Mark St. John, Bruce Kulick, Eric Carr, Eric Singer and Tommy Thayer as members, as well.
There have been huge amounts of acrimony over the years as Paul and Gene have denigrated and marginalized Ace and Peter's contributions to the band. This has ranged from Ace and Peter's well known substance abuse issues, as Paul and Gene are notoriously clean and sober and always have been. So, when the Hall came calling, Paul was steadfast in not playing a set with them and slandering them in the process.
I watched the Induction on youtube.com. I was pleasantly surprised that the speeches were from the heart and were complimentary of each other. Awkward? Hell yes. But, the they were sure to say that each one was instrumental in their success, as a group. It was great to see those four guys together on stage, even though they did not play and show us why the were the best at what they did for many years.
I say thank you to those men for introducing me to music that really changed my life. They gave me that rock and roll itch. They expanded my musical horizons. They allowed me to love the music that is so important to the world. They gave artists such as Motley Crue, Pantera, Van Halen, Rob Zombie and so many others the inspiration to play the music that they do. Thank you KISS for making me love rock and roll and hate over commercializing yourselves and making yourselves a laughing stock of the genre. May you get back to worrying about sounding good and not selling condoms.
KISS has had a very storied history. Band member changes and marketing ideas from condoms to caskets and Hello Kitty crap. So, recently, the geniuses at the Rock and Roll Hall Fame voting committee decided to vote them in. KISS had been eligible for 15 years and only got in due to some serious lobbying from Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine fame. The Rock and Hall of Fame voters are, basically, comprised of current and former Rolling Stone writers, music executives and musicians.
A few notes about KISS and their accomplishments. They have sold over 100,000,000 albums, have 28 gold records, close 100,000,000 DVD sales and are one of the highest selling American artists of all time. Do they belong in the Hall? Uh, yeah!
Since KISS was formed in 1973, they have undergone a lot of line up changes, but, the most popular version has been Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Ace Frehley and Peter Criss. They were the core of the band's highest selling and most popular music. Thus, causing the Hall of Fame to induct these four members only. Mind you, the band has had members Vinnie Vincent, Mark St. John, Bruce Kulick, Eric Carr, Eric Singer and Tommy Thayer as members, as well.
There have been huge amounts of acrimony over the years as Paul and Gene have denigrated and marginalized Ace and Peter's contributions to the band. This has ranged from Ace and Peter's well known substance abuse issues, as Paul and Gene are notoriously clean and sober and always have been. So, when the Hall came calling, Paul was steadfast in not playing a set with them and slandering them in the process.
I watched the Induction on youtube.com. I was pleasantly surprised that the speeches were from the heart and were complimentary of each other. Awkward? Hell yes. But, the they were sure to say that each one was instrumental in their success, as a group. It was great to see those four guys together on stage, even though they did not play and show us why the were the best at what they did for many years.
I say thank you to those men for introducing me to music that really changed my life. They gave me that rock and roll itch. They expanded my musical horizons. They allowed me to love the music that is so important to the world. They gave artists such as Motley Crue, Pantera, Van Halen, Rob Zombie and so many others the inspiration to play the music that they do. Thank you KISS for making me love rock and roll and hate over commercializing yourselves and making yourselves a laughing stock of the genre. May you get back to worrying about sounding good and not selling condoms.
Monday, January 27, 2014
An Open Letter to the Grammys
Dear Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences-
I am an unabashed fan of hard rock and heavy metal music. I was happy that Black Sabbath was the recipient of the Best Metal performance. However, Led Zeppelin was nominated for best Rock Performance. Unfortunately, the album was recorded in 2007. How is that possible? Oh, the Grammy's really have a loose vetting system. This is how Black Sabbath was nominated in both Metal and Rock categories.
Looking back over the history of the Metal category, it is so apparent that the Grammy's really have no clue. in 1989, Jethro Tull was named winner of the first Grammy in the category over, um, METALLICA! There some ""geniuses" that want to say that Tull really is metal. I say no and they are delusional. Here are some greatest hits over the years.
In 1990, the field included Metallica, Faith No More, Queensryche and Dokken. Which of these are not like the other? Dokken? Really? In 2000, Black Sabbath was awarded the Grammy for a live version of "Iron Man". The original version was recorded in 1970. What? A Grammy for a 30 year old song? Oh, and in 2010, Judas Priest won for a live version of "Dissident Aggressor". OK, but the song was originally recorded in 1977. Last, but not least, Motorhead was awarded for a cover of a Metallica song. Out of touch? Maybe....
I would love to see this category shown a bit more respect and thought. It appears that the Grammy people are depending on their 18 year old kids to tell them what to nominate. Come on people, wake up! this genre is not a joke and it was created by YOU because of the demand. Please do it justice by nominating the right groups in the right categories for NEW work and not just on reputation and trying right wrongs of the past.
On another note, you "In Memoriam" spot was incredulously devoid of any mention of Slayer guitarist Jeff Hanneman. As a member of Slayer, he was nominated 5 times and winning 2 awards. Not only was he a musician but he was the principle songwriter of those winning songs. he was noticed on the Grammy website, however, there entertainment lawyers, DJ's and critics that nobody knew of that were mentioned and pictured on the telecast. I have lost any and all respect for this institution. They rank right up there with the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as those who are oblivious and insulated with what is relevant in Hard Rock and Heavy Metal music and it's influence on many of today's musicians.
I am an unabashed fan of hard rock and heavy metal music. I was happy that Black Sabbath was the recipient of the Best Metal performance. However, Led Zeppelin was nominated for best Rock Performance. Unfortunately, the album was recorded in 2007. How is that possible? Oh, the Grammy's really have a loose vetting system. This is how Black Sabbath was nominated in both Metal and Rock categories.
Looking back over the history of the Metal category, it is so apparent that the Grammy's really have no clue. in 1989, Jethro Tull was named winner of the first Grammy in the category over, um, METALLICA! There some ""geniuses" that want to say that Tull really is metal. I say no and they are delusional. Here are some greatest hits over the years.
In 1990, the field included Metallica, Faith No More, Queensryche and Dokken. Which of these are not like the other? Dokken? Really? In 2000, Black Sabbath was awarded the Grammy for a live version of "Iron Man". The original version was recorded in 1970. What? A Grammy for a 30 year old song? Oh, and in 2010, Judas Priest won for a live version of "Dissident Aggressor". OK, but the song was originally recorded in 1977. Last, but not least, Motorhead was awarded for a cover of a Metallica song. Out of touch? Maybe....
I would love to see this category shown a bit more respect and thought. It appears that the Grammy people are depending on their 18 year old kids to tell them what to nominate. Come on people, wake up! this genre is not a joke and it was created by YOU because of the demand. Please do it justice by nominating the right groups in the right categories for NEW work and not just on reputation and trying right wrongs of the past.
On another note, you "In Memoriam" spot was incredulously devoid of any mention of Slayer guitarist Jeff Hanneman. As a member of Slayer, he was nominated 5 times and winning 2 awards. Not only was he a musician but he was the principle songwriter of those winning songs. he was noticed on the Grammy website, however, there entertainment lawyers, DJ's and critics that nobody knew of that were mentioned and pictured on the telecast. I have lost any and all respect for this institution. They rank right up there with the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as those who are oblivious and insulated with what is relevant in Hard Rock and Heavy Metal music and it's influence on many of today's musicians.
Again?
On September 27, 2013, the world lost an absolute gem, Dean Richard Menart. Dean, also known as Deano, Menart, Menarf or kid, was my older brother from another mother. No, I am trying to be urban. Dean just had another mother. The story of how Dean came to be in the Crawford family is quite simple. He showed up one day and he never left.
In 1980, we moved to Glendora. Ugh, the awkward search for friends in a new place. My brother Chris met Dean in 8th grade. Dean was a quiet and pretty weird kid. Once he was comfortable with us, he really loosened up. Chris is 7 years my senior and we shared a bedroom for a few years. OK, many years. We had had the typical brotherly relationship. He kicked my ass and I cried. Well, he just had fun at my expense. In case you need a clue, this writing is dripping with sarcasm. Chris easily messed with me on his own. Now that Dean was in the picture, things took on a whole new life.
Dean and Chris were devious and quite inventive when they combined forces. Having to deal with two evil geniuses was a test at times. I will tell some tales of the their"genius". Expert lock pickers, they constantly picked the bathroom lock while I was in the shower. This usually resulted in getting squirted with hand lotion and hair conditioner, getting thrown out of the house naked and doors locked behind me or being thrown in the poll with my left wrist handcuffed to my right ankle. Try swimming like that. The favorite of all was picking me up by my hands and feet and swinging me (as if to toss one in a pool) while our little dog, Whiskers, jumped, barked and bit me.
Dean was also known for exiting the room but grabbing my head and farting on me. He was also notorious for getting up and just leaving the house without saying a word, thus earning another nickname of "Gonzo". That was the enigma of the man. This man had a heart of gold. He would do anything for his friends and family. One of the smartest men I have ever known. He chose to be a police officer. He was awesome at what he did. However, he had a serious distrust of upper management. Dean had the education and common sense needed to be a chief of police in most places at a relatively young age. I can remember getting an email announcing his promotion to Sergeant at El Monte Police Department, the ever so eloquent title of "Hell Has Frozen", was attached.
Dean had been diagnosed with cancer. He fought and fought and gave all of his being. Unfortunately, the brave fight was not enough. Dean passed away just short of his 47th birthday. Sometimes you do not realize the sheer impact of a man until he passes and see the positive impact he had on so many. His impact was profound on me. Deano, I love and miss you everyday. We shall have a frosty beverage with the inn keeper someday, brother.
On December 30th, another man with a profound effect on my life, Chuck Love, passed away. Chuck was my boss while working at Pasadena Courthouse. I was familiar with Chuck for a few years before he and I were paired together as I was moved in the Civil Department. I had no clue about that litigation and my initial training was, let's just say was pitiful at best. So, Chuck made it his mission to make me an expert.
Chuck was a USC graduate, I will not hold that against him, and a graduate of Loyola Law School. Chuck was a history buff and loved to teach people by equating history and civil law in his sessions. Chuck taught me a lot. He was also a man that had some issues similar to me that we both had a tendency to catch the attention of administration. Unfortunately, it was not the positive attention that we garnered. We were able to commiserate and get through the adventures. He made it clear that he felt that I was smart and that I could do the job. I always appreciated his faith in my abilities. We also shared the fundamental belief that we always stand by our staff, even when they were wrong. We smacked them when we had to.
I did not realize the sheer effect of Chuck's guidance until January 4, 2014. This is the day of Chuck's funeral. It was then I had that overwhelming sense of the reality of his impact. Chuck was an American through and through. He wore an American flag tie most everyday at work. It was proper that the services ended as we all sang "America the Beautiful". I know that I never said it, but, Chuck, thank you for always having my back and being a teacher.
In 1980, we moved to Glendora. Ugh, the awkward search for friends in a new place. My brother Chris met Dean in 8th grade. Dean was a quiet and pretty weird kid. Once he was comfortable with us, he really loosened up. Chris is 7 years my senior and we shared a bedroom for a few years. OK, many years. We had had the typical brotherly relationship. He kicked my ass and I cried. Well, he just had fun at my expense. In case you need a clue, this writing is dripping with sarcasm. Chris easily messed with me on his own. Now that Dean was in the picture, things took on a whole new life.
Dean and Chris were devious and quite inventive when they combined forces. Having to deal with two evil geniuses was a test at times. I will tell some tales of the their"genius". Expert lock pickers, they constantly picked the bathroom lock while I was in the shower. This usually resulted in getting squirted with hand lotion and hair conditioner, getting thrown out of the house naked and doors locked behind me or being thrown in the poll with my left wrist handcuffed to my right ankle. Try swimming like that. The favorite of all was picking me up by my hands and feet and swinging me (as if to toss one in a pool) while our little dog, Whiskers, jumped, barked and bit me.
Dean was also known for exiting the room but grabbing my head and farting on me. He was also notorious for getting up and just leaving the house without saying a word, thus earning another nickname of "Gonzo". That was the enigma of the man. This man had a heart of gold. He would do anything for his friends and family. One of the smartest men I have ever known. He chose to be a police officer. He was awesome at what he did. However, he had a serious distrust of upper management. Dean had the education and common sense needed to be a chief of police in most places at a relatively young age. I can remember getting an email announcing his promotion to Sergeant at El Monte Police Department, the ever so eloquent title of "Hell Has Frozen", was attached.
Dean had been diagnosed with cancer. He fought and fought and gave all of his being. Unfortunately, the brave fight was not enough. Dean passed away just short of his 47th birthday. Sometimes you do not realize the sheer impact of a man until he passes and see the positive impact he had on so many. His impact was profound on me. Deano, I love and miss you everyday. We shall have a frosty beverage with the inn keeper someday, brother.
On December 30th, another man with a profound effect on my life, Chuck Love, passed away. Chuck was my boss while working at Pasadena Courthouse. I was familiar with Chuck for a few years before he and I were paired together as I was moved in the Civil Department. I had no clue about that litigation and my initial training was, let's just say was pitiful at best. So, Chuck made it his mission to make me an expert.
Chuck was a USC graduate, I will not hold that against him, and a graduate of Loyola Law School. Chuck was a history buff and loved to teach people by equating history and civil law in his sessions. Chuck taught me a lot. He was also a man that had some issues similar to me that we both had a tendency to catch the attention of administration. Unfortunately, it was not the positive attention that we garnered. We were able to commiserate and get through the adventures. He made it clear that he felt that I was smart and that I could do the job. I always appreciated his faith in my abilities. We also shared the fundamental belief that we always stand by our staff, even when they were wrong. We smacked them when we had to.
I did not realize the sheer effect of Chuck's guidance until January 4, 2014. This is the day of Chuck's funeral. It was then I had that overwhelming sense of the reality of his impact. Chuck was an American through and through. He wore an American flag tie most everyday at work. It was proper that the services ended as we all sang "America the Beautiful". I know that I never said it, but, Chuck, thank you for always having my back and being a teacher.
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