The Moody Musings

Reading Music 101

2011-05-27T13:42:00.000-07:00

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Interview: John Mahon- Sir Elton John's Percussionist

2010-08-27T08:48:00.001-07:00

Interview: John Mahon- Sir Elton John's Percussionist
The musician talks about his time with the EJ band, his side projects as a session player and songwriter, and the hobbies he enjoys when not on the road.
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Near the age of twelve, John Mahon picked up a pair of drum sticks with the aspiration of becoming a drummer. As an adult, John has not only realized his dream by becoming a professional musician, but he has built a stellar performance resume that is filled with A-List names in the music industry.

Mahon, a percussionist and vocalist, has worked with artists such as Brian Adams, Sting, Phil Collins, Mary J. Blige, Ray Charles, Cher, Tina Turner, Bonnie Rait, and many, many more. For the last several years, John has accompanied music icon Sir Elton John on his journey down the Yellow Brick of Road of Rock and Roll, serving as a percussionist and background vocalist for the Rocket Man's legendary stage and studio band.

John was kind enough to take some time while on vacation from his heavy tour schedule with the EJ Band to talk with me about his life as a musician, his experience with Elton John and his band, his side projects as a songwriter and session musician, and the hobbies he enjoys when off the road.

INTERVIEW:

I understand that you chose to become a drummer at around age twelve when your father took you to Canton Ohio Police Boys Club and you signed up for the Drum and Bugle Corp. I also understand that, throughout your young years, you were extremely active in the performing ensembles offered by your schools. How did these experiences shape you as a music fan and as a performer?

Participation in the school music programs broadened my musical experiences. I was exposed to many different genres of music that I would never have heard or played if not for the school bands. Of course, we played marches but there were classical pieces and even some contemporary compositions. Another part is the choir which was a good way to learn pitch and ensemble singing.

These programs teach a musician to play with an ensemble, take constructive criticism, and be motivated by your fellow band members.

Do you come from a musical family? If so, please tell us about it.

My father was the musical side. He sang and played trumpet. My Uncle was a big band singer, and my grandfather played guitar. Everyone in my family played an instrument of some sort, and most of us sing. That said, my younger brother was unexpectedly asked to leave a McCartney concert recently - it's likely they heard him singing!

When and how did you make the transition from amateur to professional musician?

When I was still in high school, a friend asked me to play with his band and perform at parties. That was the start of getting paid to play. I always worked a day job and did gigs at night until I was about 23. Then it was full on music- -although I had to get a part time job for a while when I moved to LA to pay the bills- - driving a delivery truck! Back in the late 70s and 80s, bands were playing everywhere every night. It was easier to make a living as a musician then. Clubs and Hotels had dance bands 5-6 days a week. It was a great time - no DJs!!!

Who is your biggest influence as a drummer? A vocalist? A songwriter?

I love funk and jazz drumming, so there are so many. I'd have to say, Tony Williams, David Garibaldi, Billy Cobham, Steve Gadd, Clyde Stubblefield, Peter Erskine, Danny Seraphine, Lenny White - just to name a few.

Vocalists - Larry Williams of Tower of Power, Marvin Gaye, Steve Perry, Stevie Wonder, Sinatra, Bennet, Otis Redding.

Songwriters - Steely Dan, Elton John, The Beatles, Led Zep, Pat Metheny, Chick Corea. Stevie Wonder, Quincy Jones, James Taylor. But I love new bands as well-- U2, Radiohead. So many!!

How did you come to be part of the acclaimed Elton John Band?

I met Davey Johnstone after he heard a recording I was working on with Bob Birch whom I have known and played with for many years since moving to LA. I did some recording for Davey and Guy Babylon, and not long after that session, Davey asked me to audition for Elton's band.

I've read on your personal website that you spend some of your free time writing and recording your own original songs. Can you describe how you approach the mysterious task of songwriting and tell us a bit about your original music?

My music, I suppose, is pop based with a soul/jazz influence. I like to write lyrics first most of the time. Sometimes I will just come up with a musical motif or loop that I like writing around. I write all kinds of music - soundtrack, electronic, organic - even some kid's music. I think all these influences have put me in the musical blender!! Of course I love drums and percussion based music - who doesn't?

Several years ago, your band mate and fellow singing drummer, Nigel Olsson, released a solo project that was quite good. When can we expect a solo project from John Mahon, and what sort of a project will it be?

I might be asked to come up with some ideas and then Elton, or whoever is producing the session, will pick what they like. Maybe they will change it a little or even suggest something completely different. I would not call it freedom because every note you play will be scrutinized and criticized so you better be ready to play anything and understand how to take direction. It can be really fun or it can be very challenging. Most of the time when you hit on something it will just work - that's the magic part.

Do you play any instruments aside from drums? If so what?

I play the keyboards some and strum the guitar. Drummer/Percussionists need to know another instrument so we can talk with the really smart musicians!!

Of all your many accomplishments as a musician, of what are you the most proud?

I come from a very humble upbringing in a small town. Playing and recording with an icon like Elton John is quite an accomplishment. Not many musicians, or people for that matter, get to experience what I have. The travel, the concerts, the amazing audiences.... I am very fortunate indeed.

Aside from music, what other interests and hobbies do you have that might surprise us?

I love mountain biking and cycling in general. I've also been playing a bit of tennis. I just like being outside. I don't mind some home improvement projects — which I'm not bad at, and I guess I like photography but that has just come out of my travels. I really love recording too. When there is no pressure it is like painting... adding colors and creating freely - It is very rewarding to me.

Do you have a favorite city or venue to play in?

New York City is amazing. Rio was great. Anywhere in Ireland has the best audiences. I have to say American audiences are the most fun overall — they love to rock out. Playing Hyde Park was great as well as Rome in front of the Coliseum — and lately the Mayan pyramids of Chichen Itza, Mexico.

What do you like most about your current touring job? The least?

I enjoy the camaraderie of the crew and band. We are a big family and it's fun to be around them all. I do enjoy going to some great cities and getting a little sightseeing in. Then, of course, there is the music part- - playing the shows is always the highlight of the day. I loath airports, airport security, airport food, and the smell of airports. Did I say I hate airports? Finding a consistent meal and cup of coffee are the most challenging thing to me on the road. Oh yes, I need good water pressure!!

Now a few questions for John, the fan...What is your favorite Elton John song? Album?

My favorite song might be "Levon" - mainly because I used to play it as a kid. I love Madman Across the Water, Captain Fantastic, and the Made In England album.

(Aside from those from your boss) What are your three favorite albums of all time?

That's not fair! Steely Dan Gauchos. Herbie Hancock, VSOP, Chicago II.

What future musical projects are on the calender for John Mahon?

Elton is touring almost constantly. I plan to continue writing lyrics and songs. I just played drums and percussion on some smooth jazz tracks for a new artist "Ja Nya Sol". I'm producing and playing some music with a friend in Ohio, David Marchione who is extremely talented. We are doing experimental soundtrack music right now. As always, listening, learning, and keeping the darn computer working!!

Visit John Mahon's website: http://www.johnmahon.com/

Article first published as Interview: John Mahon: Sir Elton John's Percussionist on Blogcritics.

Sharon Robinson Releases Remixed Live Track from 2009 Cohen Tour

2010-04-20T09:58:00.001-07:00

Sharon Robinson Releases Remixed Live Track from 2009 Cohen Tour
Mrs. Robinson has recently remixed a live recording from 2009 and made it available for free download to her fans via her website.
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Article first published as http://blogcritics.org/music/article/sharon-robinson-releases-remixed-live-track/>on Blogcritics.org

Interview: Actor Robert Englund- the Original Freddy Krueger

2010-02-19T20:00:00.001-08:00

Interview: Actor Robert Englund- the Original Freddy Krueger
With Robert Englund busy promoting his memoir and horror fans anxiously awaiting the new Nightmare installment, an interview with the original Freddy Krueger seemed appropriate.
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With a remake of the horror classic A Nightmare on Elm Street in post-production and scheduled for theatrical release in late April of this year, Freddy Krueger, the infamous villain of the franchise, is poised to once again terrorize the dreams of movie goers. In this new re-imaging of the original Nightmare movie, Krueger’s trademark hat and razor-clawed glove will be worn by a new actor (Jackie Earle Haley) for the first time. However, it is impossible to forget Robert Englund — the man who first brought the sinister character of Krueger to life and who helped to establish the fictional serial killer as a permanent part of pop culture.

Mr. Englund, a classically trained actor, first portrayed Krueger in the 1984 original installment and continued to play the role in eight subsequent slasher films, as well as in various TV appearances. In fact, Englund and Doug Bradley (Pinhead from the Hellraiser series) are the only actors to have played a horror character eight consecutive times. He last portrayed Freddy in the 2003 movie Freddy vs. Jason.

Outside of his famous work with the Nightmare franchise, Englund has also starred in numerous other film and TV roles and has worked as a director on films such as 976-EVIL and Killer Pad. Most recently, Englund has written a memoir entitled Hollywood Monster: A Walk Down Elm Street with the Man of Your Dreams with co-author Alan Goldsher. The book was released last fall and is an account of his life in the movie business.

With Robert Englund busy promoting his memoir and horror fans anxiously awaiting the new Nightmare installment, an interview with the original Freddy Krueger seemed appropriate.

I was fortunate to have had the opportunity to pose questions to Mr. Englund about his experiences portraying Freddy Krueger, his other projects as an actor and a director, his favorite horror movies, his thoughts on the possibly participating in the new incarnation of the Nightmare movies, and his future in movie business.

You are an established icon of the horror genre. Were you always a fan of horror movies, or did your involvement in them come by chance?

I remember watching Frankenstein on TV as a kid and being very scared. Back then, movies were shown largely uncut to fill time. It freaked me out.

My involvement came by chance. I was starring in V as Willie, the good alien and thought I would be forever typecast as the lovable sidekick. My agent called me to go on an interview for Wes Craven, whom I'd heard of. It sounded interesting and a nice change from Willie so I went. The rest is history.

As I understand, you are a classically trained actor. How, if at all, did that background influence your performance as Freddy Krueger?

Freddy's physicality, his gunslinger swagger, is influenced by stage acting and my classical training. Most straight acting is really reacting. So Freddy gives me a chance to be more broad.

When creating the role of Freddy in the original Nightmare movies, were you given a great deal of freedom by director Wes Craven, or was he very specific about how he wanted the character to be portrayed? Also, if you were given freedom with the role, what were your inspirations as you created it?

Wes created the character and had many ideas. I brought his vanity (he hides his bald head under a hat) and in later movies his humor and sexual threat. I was influenced by Klaus Kinski in Nosferatu and a pocket book cover for The Shadow with a man in a fedora.

Your role as Freddy opened the door for you to star in and/or be involved with a number of other horror films outside of the Nightmare franchise. Which is your favorite of those films and why?

Because horror is international, Freddy really opened the door for me to star in movies internationally. Il Rittorno Di Cagliostro, directed by Cipri and Maresco was an amazing experience to film. We shot in studios and villas around Palermo in southern Italy. The film received a ten-minute standing ovation at the Venice Film Festival.

Of the Nightmare films, which is your favorite and why?

New Nightmare really holds up. It is so clever — a deconstructed horror movie, a wink to the fans of the genre. Wes is a smart guy. Plus it was fun to be reunited with actors from the original cast.

During the years that you portrayed Freddy Krueger, the character gradually took on a bit of a jokester personality that wasn’t as prominent in the original two films. Was this by your choice, or did the idea come from the writers and directors? Also, what is your response to those who have criticized that change in the character?

I blame the editors. Often when filming a scene I would give the editor the choice of a dark moment or a laugh. For better or worse, most of the laughs stayed in. Also, it is easier to scare the audience if you catch them off guard. Humor and horror go hand in hand for that reason. Critics are always going to criticize something, right?

What is the most frightening horror film that you have seen? What makes it so terrifying?

When I was eight or nine I went with some friends to a movie for a birthday party. The mom dropped us off. We were supposed to see some kid's matinee but instead saw the grown-up WWII movie The Naked and the Dead. In it there is a scene where a GI gets bit by a lime green snake and dies horribly, writhing in pain and foaming at the mouth. I have had an abiding fear of snakes ever since.

Aside from acting, you are also a talented director. What has influenced you the most as a director and why?

My classical training taught me to respect the word. I read the script and try my best to tell that story.

The Nightmare franchise is being revived with a new team, and I’ve read of your excitement about the project. If this new revival produces sequels, would directing a future Nightmare movie (and the new Freddy, Jackie Early Haley) interest you at all?

Not particularly. I would prefer to direct small stories about people rather than big budget FX extravaganzas.

You have finished your autobiography. Was writing it an enjoyable experience?

I am pleased that it is finished. I worked with a ghost writer who helped shape it. It will be coming out in Spanish soon.

What projects does the future hold for Robert Englund as an actor and/or a director?

I have a few projects lined up that are shooting in Spain. I don't want to jinx them by saying more.

Robert Englund's new memoir, Hollywood Monster: A Walk Down Elm Street with the Man of Your Dreams, can be purchased wherever books are sold. You may visit his website to learn more.Read more: http://blogcritics.org/video/article/actor-robert-englund-talks-about-horror/page-3/#ixzz0l0XzMq4p

Article first published as http://blogcritics.org/video/article/actor-robert-englund-talks-about-horror/ on Blogcritics.org

Interview: Grammy Award Winning Singer/Songwriter Sharon Robinson

2010-02-15T19:31:00.001-08:00

Interview: GRAMMY Award Winning Singer/Songwriter Sharon Robinson
Leonard Cohen's critically acclaimed producer and collaborator discusses her career and debut album as a solo artist.
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Article first published as http://blogcritics.org/music/article/interview-grammy-award-winning-singersongwriter-sharon/ on blogcritics.org

Interview: Scott Rinning of the Cinematics

2009-10-23T09:56:00.001-07:00

Interview: Scott Rinning of the Cinematics
The Cinematics' frontman was kind enough to set aside some time and answer a few questions about the new album, The band, himself, and a few other more random subjects.
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2316850/interview_scott_rinning_of_the_cinematics.html

The Cinematics, an up-and-coming alt rock band from the Scottish Highlands, recently unleashed their second album, Love and Terror, onto the music scene. This new release has earned the group a barrage of positive reviews that praise the new, edgy, and darker material.

Love and Terror was created during a very transitional period for The Cinematics. Their label, TVT Record Company, had collapsed in bankruptcy, causing the band to be passed off to a New York based business. Also, the group had replaced their former lead guitarist, Ramsay Miller, with newcomer, Larry Reid.

Benefiting from an increase in creative freedom offered to them by the new record company and from the addition of new talent, Love and Terror is a collection of songs with distinctive character, pulsing energy, and intriguing moodiness. It is fueled by emotion and seems to flirt with Goth stylings, offering a sound that is organic and, at times, even sparse (in a good way). Many critics (this one included) agree that The Cinematics are on the verge of superstardom.

A defining feature of the band’s sound is the unique voice of the lead singer, Scott Rinning. He has a straight forwad style of delivering the lyrics and a beautiful, soaring upper-register that is accentuated by a slight vibrato when he brings his highest notes to a close. The songs from Love and Terror offer him a chance to show off the expansive range of his voice and his ability to convey a variety of emotions effectively.

For the past few weeks, Scott and the boys have been busy honing their musical craft and building their reputation as an exciting live act while on tour promoting the new album. Luckily, the frontman was kind enough to set aside some time to answer a few questions about the new album, The Cinematics, himself, and a few other more random subjects.

Since the release of A Strange Education in 2007, The Cinematics have undergone some major changes in label and personnel. Can you tell us a bit about those changes and what influences (if any) they had on the sound and overall mood of the new album, Love and Terror?

Well obviously a new member is going to have an effect on a band's sound, especially someone as crucial to the sound as the lead guitarist. Larry has a much rawer, let it rip and let the sound man deal with it if it's too loud approach to his guitar sounds, which I think stems from his love of bands like Jesus and Mary Chain and My Bloody Valentine. He has also been a major contributor to the songwriting on this album. The collapse of TVT also had an effect on the album. It covers some dark terrain but not for melodramatic effect.

We haven't been living in comfort with celebrity girlfriends while still trying to pretend life is hard so we can mine a rich field of disenchanted youth who are hungry for some morbid music to cry along with. This is an album about four young guys living in a world that seems to be spiraling out of control while we worry about if anyone will ever hear the songs we're writing and whether our partners will still be there when we come out of the studio. It’s a real genuine honest album. The lyrics aren't hiding behind metaphors. They read pretty straight- from the yearning for a lover of "New Mexico" to the random pursuit of no string sex in "lips taste like tears". Its all from a real place, but it is still art — so don't read into it too much.

I notice that the writing credits for the new songs are pretty spread out across the band. Describe the writing process you guys undertook for Love and Terror. Did you write separately and bring finished work into the studio or was the material written during the sessions?

Writing is a mysterious thing. It comes to people at different times in different ways. People always ask me, "how do you write a song?" And I understand why people want to know. I want to know too. It's a funny thing. You want to record an album, so you book sometime in a studio at some point in the future, and then you just hope the magic- that is, the songs just fall down to you- happens before that allotted time. It's like getting a group of people together in a field with spades and cement and all the things they need to build a house, apart from instructions and any idea of how to build one, and then just hoping it will happen.

Don't get me wrong, there is a lot of hard work that goes into it too. It can be an incredibly taxing soul destroying pursuit that makes you question your worth as a human being, but at others it makes you remember why you do what you do, what you’re living for- and that's so rewarding. But the simple answer to your question is; we wrote together, we wrote separately, we had finished ideas before we hit the studio, and we just made it up as we went along. There is no process or repeatable pattern to describe. Every song is different.

On the subject of writing, the album notes state that you wrotethe songs "New Mexico" and "Lips Taste Like Tears". What inspired these songs, and how do you approach the task of songwriting?

Well, "New Mexico" was a song I wrote while touring in America. The person I was going out with at the time was living in Scotland, and I'd been away so long i think they started to question why they were waiting for me to come back. They took some time out to think about it and didn't call or answer my calls for a couple of weeks. The song is about being apart from someone and wanting to hear from them, about being able to sleep and looking up at the sky and knowing, despite the fact you're on the other side of the world, you're covered by the same sky.

It’s hopelessly romantic and cheesy, but it’s real. And to be honest, I write most of my songs as a kind of therapy. I think most artists do. So you’re really paying money to listen to their therapist’s old case notes turned into a musical.

You guys have always received a great deal of favorable reviews from the music critics. However, some writers have accused the band of being stuck in the past and too derivative of bands like Joy Division or The Cure. What is your response to such criticism?

So anyway, the said person in Scotland decided they didn't want to be with me when I got back. So I did what most ordinary people do when they feel a little heart broken,go out and find other broken hearted people to hide from the world with. And that's what "Lips Taste Like Tears" is about. Why am I telling you this stuff??

What aspect of the new album pleases you the most? Anything you'd change in retrospect?

What pleases me most is that, from its conception to its creation, we didn't know if it would ever be released. Therefore, it was never tainted by record company demands or fears for how it would be received by the press. We weren't trying to appease anyone with this album. We made it exactly the way we wanted to and just had fun experimenting with sounds and ideas. To answer would I change anything in retrospect- no. This album is what it is. It is the way it had to be. We won’t write or record the same album twice. There are things we have learned, and the next album will be another huge step forward for us again.

Many of the tracks on Love and Terror" display some wonderfully written melodies. I can imagine that several of the songs would sound great "unplugged" and "stripped down." Any chance of hearing some acoustic material from The Cinematics on future releases?

Yes.

Tell me how the band came up with "The Cinematics" as a name?

Well, I once had an acid trip in which the whole world was turned into flickering black and white and my life became a film noir movie. The movie had a mysterious sound track that inspired me so I decided I should form a band to write the soundtrack to our lives and call it The Cinematics. I'm not sure if that's true, I might just have thought The Cinematics was a good name for our band. Pick the story you think feels right don't spoil your life with the truth.

Has there been a big fence put around a large part of the human condition with a sign that reads, "trespasser's will be mocked with lazy comparisons to previous visitors"? Can we not write about the darker side of life without being compared to the few other bands that have had success there? The real question is are we pretenders or are we the real deal, carrying the baton of our genre forward? There are a lot of pretend gloom merchants out there. It’s for other people to decide who's real or not, but time will tell who really had something to say.

Could you briefly describe your background as a musician?

I grew up in a small town in the Scottish Highlands. There wasn't a hell of a lot to do. I could go out and play football in the rain with people I didn't like very much or stay in listening to records, playing the guitar, and dreaming of getting a band together so i could get out of the god forsaken place.

The Highlands is a beautiful place, but it’s a depressing place to live. There aren't any jobs and life is hard- especially for slight, fey musicians. There wasn't a music scene in my area. There weren't any cool bars with leather jacket wearing members to learn from. So, I listened to the music that I came across by accident. My friends and I all had older brothers and sisters, so we would steal their Cd's- things like The Smiths, The Cure, and whatever caught our attention. We'd then record it to tape and put it back before they noticed.

So, in this little town in the Scottish highlands, where most of the kids listened to euro pop/dance, there was this little group of skinny pale kids that looked like extras from The Lost Boys. We didn't think we were cool or not. we didn't know anything. we were in the middle of nowhere doing what we wanted to, and we were well outside the reach of the cultural homogenizing power of MTV.

As a vocalist, who has influenced you the most and why?

I remember my friend tapping on my window one night and saying he had this record that he'd nicked off his sister that I had to listen to. It was a Jeff Buckley record. He was still with us at that time, and I remember being blown away by his voice — it was incredible. I'd never heard anything like it before. Most of my favorite bands up to that point didn't really have what you would call great singers. When I listen to him now, the songs don't grab me as much, but his voice is still spectacular.

Most of my friends that aren't in bands are very jealous of my job. Larry often says they should be. There aren't many things about my job I would describe as bad. I think constantly living in a fish bowl, being under scrutiny, and being judged is difficult. The Internet is good for bands, but a bit bad for a band member’s mental health. Having reviews and interviews online for eternity is strange. I imagine it would be like having your work appraisals online for everyone to look at. I'm a very paranoid anxious person anyway so i could have picked a better job in that respect. The fact my doctor keeps my medical records written down makes me panic, so you can only imagine what the seas of stuff written about me online does to my health. The good things are endless though, and as I say, I'd be anxious whether I was in the public eye or not — so I can’t really complain. I'm doing what I want to do, and not everyone can say that.

It was British singers that had the biggest impact on me though. When I was growing up a lot of bands in my area were singing with affected American accents, and I hated it. I knew from the records my friends and I were listening to we had a great musical heritage that had been forgotten about in the 90s. So I looked to singers like Ian McCulloch of Echo and the Bunnymen, Billy Mackenzie of The Associates, and Jim Kerr of Simple Minds for my inspiration. Funny enough it looks like a lot of boys around the world were doing a similar thing doesn't it, ha ha.

The Cinematics have enjoyed an impressive amount of success ina notoriously difficult business. Has this success (and the music business in general) changed you in any way?

I don't think in any particularly bad way. I might be a little more cynical than I used to be, but at the same time, I'm also a little thicker skinned too. Being in an industry like ours will effect you but the challenge is to make sure it makes you stronger not weaker.

You've had the chance to do a considerable amount of touring over the last few years and have seen a large part of the world. If you could have a second home in any of the places you've visited, where would it be and why?

There are lots of places I'd love to spend more time in. We don't get to see as much as you'd think. I could write a great traveler's guide to the bars and clubs of the western world's major cities, but that's about it. NYC was a city that occupied my imagination for a long time as a future home, and it may still be. But at the moment, we are all preparing to move to Berlin. It's right in the middle of Europe so it cuts down traveling times when touring, and it’s got a rich and vibrant cultural life. The city has only been unified for 20 years, so in away, it’s still young and, most importantly for artists, cheap. Where there is cheap rent there are artists. That is, until Starbucks arrives, and then it all starts going wrong.

Do you prefer working and recording in the studio or performing live? Why?

They both have their merits, but I much prefer playing live — that's what it’s all about for us. An album is an advert for your live show. It always was and even more so now when no one actually buys records. A live show is a little break from real life for the band and the audience. I love going to gigs whether I'm playing or not. I've not lost my passion for live music. I think it’s the only way to listen to music. The record is just like a photograph — something to take home to remember it by. It’s nothing like being there.

What musical artist would we find on your iPod! that might surprise your fans?

There are lots of things on my iPod I think our fans would be surprised by, especially now — it’s been stolen. I suppose something like Julie Fowlis, a traditional Scottish singer, would be a surprise to people. It surprises me too, but it reminds me of home, and I'm not alone in my appreciation. Bijork and Phil Sellway of Radiohead are fans too.

Who is the most impressive person you have met as The Cinematics have climbed the ladder of the music business?

We have met lots of great people in our time. I've never met any of my idols though, and i don't think I'd want to. Our idols are idols because we don't believe they are really human, and I'd like to keep it that way. It’s like magic - we don't really want to know how it’s done.

Aside from music, what are your hobbies, and what do you do when you're not touring and recording?

I live in a great part of Glasgow over looking a park with a couple of my best friends. I like cooking, eating, and drinking when I'm not on tour. I'm a big fan of Stand Up comedy. Maybe it’s to offset my musical life, but if you find yourself in Glasgow your most likely to find me propping up the bar at the stand comedy club. I like reading a lot too. I'm a bit of a geek really. I'm reading The Stornaway Way by Kevin McNeil at the moment.

Going out to see new bands is still a big part of my life. I'm really into Wild Beasts like everyone else at the moment, but it’s been in my stereo for months now. I love their new album. His voice is both outrageous and brilliant. My flat mates are going mad now though, so I might have to put the headphones in.

Do you have any interest in recording a solo project at some point?

Anything is possible, but not anytime soon. My main focus is The Cinematics.

What does the future hold for The Cinematics? For Scott Rinning?

Well, we are already working on new material. We are going to really push the boat out on the next record. I really want to experiment more with my voice on the next record. I can do a lot more with it than I’ve been doing so far. So there is a lot of ground still to cover and a lot of great things still to come form The Cinematics. I feel we've at long last developed the confidence to start doing the things we always knew we were capable of, and I for one, am really excited about the future.

Lastly, here's a chance for you to give a sales pitch. Whyshould everyone rush to buy a copy of your new album, Love and Terror?

Because its one of the best albums you'll hear until our next one. You should buy it now before everyone has it, so you can say "Yeah The Cinematics' new album — it's great — I got it ages ago. Where have you been?!"

*THE CINEMATICS: Scott Rinning on lead vocals, Larry Reid on lead guitar, Adam Goemans on bass, and Ross Bonney on drums make up The Cinematics. The new album, Love and Terror, can be purchased wherever music is sold.

Article first published as http://blogcritics.org/music/article/interview-scott-rinning-of-the-cinematics/ on blogcritics.org

Interview: Mikael Jorgensen of Wilco and Pronto

2009-10-07T08:26:00.001-07:00

Interview: Mikael Jorgenson of Wilco and Pronto
Mikael recently took some time out from his busy schedule and dual life as frontman and sideman to discuss the new direction he took with The Cheetah, his life as a musician, and what he has planned for Pronto in the future.
http://www.associatedcontent.comarticle/2258977/interview_mikael_jorgenson_of_wilco.html

Article first published as http://blogcritics.org/music/article/interview-mikael-jorgensen-of-wilco-and/ on blogcritics.org

Music Review: The Cinematics- Love and Terror

2009-10-07T08:09:00.001-07:00

Music Review: The Cinematics - Love and Terror
The Cinematics have delivered a sophomore album that bravely explores new, darker territory in their genre and that establishes them as a fresh and unique presence on the alt. rock scene.
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2258947/music_review_the_cinematics_love_and.html

Along with the dawn of the twenty first century came a musical movement called the post-punk revival that brought us bands like The Strokes and The Killers. These are groups that strive to sound like bands from two decades ago while keeping a finger on the pulse of modern times and pop culture. Arriving late on the scene of this “revival,” The Cinematics, a four piece band from Scotland, released their debut album A Strange Education in 2007, beginning a rise to prominence that is still unfolding.

The debut release was filled with inventive beats, memorable guitar riffs, infectious melodies, intense lyrics, powerhouse vocals, and plenty of post-punk angst. It received generally positive reviews and established a solid fan base for the band. However, some critics dismissed the project as being stale and tagged The Cinematics as a band that was retreading old ground, having been left behind by the founding groups of the post-punk revival.

Now, as if to answer their critics, The Cinematics have delivered a sophomore album that bravely explores new, darker territory in their genre and that establishes them as a fresh and unique presence on the alt. rock scene.

The album Love and Terror was created after TVT Record Company collapsed in bankruptcy, causing the band to be passed off to a New York based company called, The Orchard. According to the band, this move allowed for more artistic freedom when creating music for their second album.

Benefiting from this new creative freedom, Love and Terror is a collection of songs with distinctive character, pulsing energy, and intriguing moodiness. It is fueled by emotion and seems to flirt with Goth stylings, offering a sound that is organic and, at times, even sparse (in a good way).

The album features Adam Goemans on bass, Larry Reid on guitar (replacing former band mate Ramsay Miller), and Ross Bonney on drums. Scott Rinning contributes nuanced lead vocals and some guitar work. Extra instruments are tastefully reserved and used sparingly enough to make the instances of their inclusion have more impact.

The album wastes no time warming up, roaring to life with a pulsing opening track titled “All These Things.” The song, a stand-out from the album, strikes a somewhat forbidding and threatening tone that sets the pace for entire album. The chorus finds Rinning’s vocal trading off with a syncopated guitar riff that burns itself into the mind.

The second track, “She Talks to Trees,” maintains the established energy level and is just as catchy with busy drumming and a purposely frantic chorus the fits the lyric nicely. “New Mexico,” the only track penned by Rinning, is a well written and finely performed pop/rocker that sounds like it could be a cover of Killers’ material.

The title track, number four on the album, is the strongest song of the bunch. It opens with a relentless, trudging riff that is soon given a laid back drum grove by Bonney. As always, strong musicianship and creativity are evident in the guitar parts. In this case, the guitar fills and riffs help to lighten up the track. Otherwise, it could have been too dark, mysterious, and heavy.

Reid, the newcomer to the band, displays keen, radio friendly writing skills on this title track, and Rinnings sexy vocal, with its slight vibrato on the word “terror," is irresistible as it shines through the heavy atmosphere of sound on the recording. The song ends with an extended instrumental section that ventures away from the initial sound of the piece and builds slowly in intensity. It is a fantastic song, indeed.

Sadly, after the title track, the album begins to lose its momentum as it chugs towards its finale. “Lips Taste Like Tears” does allow drummer Bonney to show off with work on the toms, and the walking bass line has an interesting interplay with a complex and creative guitar part. But while the chorus has a memorable hook, the song overall seems a bit aimless. The track “Wish” suffers from the same lack of direction and isn’t as well composed as other numbers on the album.

Unfortunately, “Moving to Berlin” and “You Can Dance” almost seem like filler material.

The album closer, “Hard for Young Lovers,” has moments that hint of an epic that could have been. The chorus, complete with nice vocal harmonies and synth effects, has a hypnotic melody that works with the arrangement to create a textured, ambient mood. Unfortunately, the verses are too long and could have benefited from a more interesting musical development. Perhaps the guys should have thrown in more experimental sounds with this number and ended the album on a bigger and more daring note.

In the end, Love and Terror boasts ten tracks that vary greatly in quality and little in style. The first four display moments of brilliance and offer well crafted melodies, impassioned lyrics, and impressive musicianship. These four tracks are tightly composed and well produced, displaying The Cinematics at their best. While in no way “bad”, the remaining six tracks don’t meet the standard set by the opening numbers and could have benefited from further work at the composition and production stages.

That being said, it is important to remember that the band have experienced some major changes in the way of personnel and management and that they are breaking in new shoes mid-game. Fortunately, the current line-up shows limitless potential, and all signs seem to point a promising future for the band.

With Love and Terror, The Cinematics have not delivered a perfect album. However, they have proven that they are learning their craft, honing their skills, and positioning themselves to take the music world by storm. It seems they are beginning to find their own voice and to step out of the shadow of the bands they have emulated.

With these guys, when they are good, they are damn good. They offer top-notch musicianship, lyrics that are far better than those from most rock bands, and what seems to be a new found passion for setting themselves apart from their peers. One can’t help but wonder if this band is on the cusp of something huge and if this is a good album that will ultimately be but a precursor to a great one.

*The record is out on October 6, 2009 and will be available wherevever music is sold. "The Cinematics" will be touring the United States in early 2009 in support of the album.

Visit the The Cinematics on MySpace.

Article first published as http://blogcritics.org/music/article/music-review-the-cinematics-love-and1/ on blogcritics.org

A Nightmare on Elm Street (2010) Teaser Trailer Hits MySpace

2009-09-30T15:00:00.001-07:00

"A Nightmare on Elm Street" (2010) Teaser Trailer Hits Myspace
the first glimpses of a contemporary re-imagining of the Wes Craven classic, A Nightmare on Elm Street, have been made available on MySpace in a newly released trailer. This much anticipated remake is due to hit theaters on April 30, 2010.
http://www.associatedcontent.comarticle/2232693/a_nightmare_on_elm_street_2010_teaser.html

Article first published as http://blogcritics.org/video/article/a-nightmare-on-elm-street-2010/ on blogcritics.org

Music Review: Pronto - The Cheetah

2009-09-25T08:43:00.001-07:00

Music Review: Pronto- "The Cheetah"
Wilco's keyboardist, Mikael Jorgenson, returns with his side project, Pronto, to deliver and instrumental album of mellow experimentation with technology and music.
http://www.associatedcontent.comarticle/2212965/music_review_pronto_the_cheetah.html

Article first published as http://blogcritics.org/music/article/music-review-pronto-the-cheetah/ on blogcritics.org

Music Review: Elton John - Blue Moves

2009-09-22T15:27:00.003-07:00

Album Review: "Blue Moves" by Elton John
What led to the album that helped bring an end to Elton John's 1970's reign as the King of the music business?
http://www.associatedcontent.comarticle/2192051/album_review_blue_moves_by_elton_john.html

Article first published as http://blogcritics.org/music/article/music-review-elton-john-blue-moves2/ on blogcritics.org

2009-09-22T15:27:00.001-07:00

Twelve More of the Best Obscure Elton John Songs
After receiving such positive feedback and interest from a previous article, I decided to spend some more time digging into the Rocket Man's vast catalog in order to unearth a few more unappreciated and long lost gems.
http://www.associatedcontent.comarticle/2086677/twelve_more_of_the_best_obscure_elton.html

2009-09-22T15:26:00.001-07:00

Who is the Greater Musical Artist: Michael Jackson or Elton John?
Of course, the answer to this question is one of personal taste. That being said, I think it is worthy of thought and discussion, and such a conversation may offer some insight into how people view and value the art of popular music.
http://www.associatedcontent.comarticle/2077857/who_is_the_greater_musical_artist_michael.html

2009-09-22T15:25:00.001-07:00

Ann Coulter: Political Commentator or Entertainer?
She fuels her book sales and her place in the media by fanning the flames of controversy with insulting, outrageous, and degrading language. Should Coulter be billed as a legitimate political commentator or as an entertainer, satirist, or even comedian?
http://www.associatedcontent.comarticle/1405409/ann_coulter_political_commentator_or.html

2009-09-22T15:24:00.001-07:00

Ten Perfect Love Songs for Valentine's Day
Here is a list of ten great and timeless songs of love you should consider using when creating the soundtrack for your own perfect night of romance this February 14th.
http://www.associatedcontent.comarticle/1375212/ten_perfect_love_songs_for_valentines.html

"Day and Age" by the Killers: An Album Review

2009-09-22T15:23:00.001-07:00

"Day and Age" by the Killers: An Album Review
With their new album The Killers deliver a nearly perfect pop/rock record that reflects the band's sin city roots and embraces their ongoing domination of the world's music scene.
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1372198/day_and_age_by_the_killers_an_album.html

With their new album, "Day and Age", The Killers deliver a nearly perfect alt./rock record that reflects the band's sin city roots and, at the same, embraces their ongoing domination of the world's music scene.

These guys have come along way since their debut album, "Hot Fuss," burned up the charts several years ago. Back then, The Killers embraced a glam rock image and churned out hits like the paranoia charged rocker, "Mr. Brightside". In those days, lead singer Brandon Flowers wore mascara and led The Killers into becoming the musical embodiment of all that is Vegas, unapologetically mixing various styles with extravagance and pulsing energy. In "Hot Fuss" the band brought us synth infused, big stadium, dance tracks- and we loved them for it.

Then came their second studio collection, "Sam's Town," which Mr. Flower's had promised would be the best rock album of the last quarter century. Sadly, with this sophomore project, the glam roots of Vegas had vanished, giving way to a more earthy, (and at times bizarre) old west/Americana themed collection of songs. Maybe Springsteen or Mellancamp can get by with this "down to earth", "everyman" approach to songwriting- but not The Killers! Fans of "Hot Fuss" will be pleased to hear that with "Day and Age" our boys have left the world weary old west of "Sam's Town" in the dust and are, once again, riding the rocket toward the glam rock stratosphere where they belong.

STAND-OUT TRACKS:

"Losing Touch"
From the first minute of this opening track, it is obvious that The Killers are back in true form and that this is going to be a worthy album. After a short building of layers and volume, this track begins to drive as the lead guitar trades off with a biting riff from a tenor sax driven horn section. Soon, Mr. Flowers begins to sing the verse over this repeated riff, foreshadowing the incredible arranging and layering effects that are to come. The song's lyrics and tune shift in mood throughout, with instrumentalists and vocalist obviously on the same wavelength throughout. A stellar guitar solo at the end of the track is worthy of attention. This song goes from driving rock to soft pop and then back again and stays stylish all the while.

"Human"
The first single released from the album brings Brandon Flowers' synth work back to the forefront. While the song also features a undeniably catchy melody, the lyrics are somewhat confusing and troublesome (not uncommon from The Killers), having sparked much controversy in the blog world. There is a line from the chorus that reads, "Are we human or are we dancer?" that many fans are hearing as "Are we denser" (which some would contend makes more sense and avoids faulty syntax). Nonetheless, Flowers claims that he was inspired to write these lines by condescending quote from the late writer Hunter S. Thompson about Americans raising a generation of dancers. Lyrical confusion aside, this is a gem of an alt. rock song that introduces new sound effects to the genre and leaves its melody playing in your head after each listen.

"Spaceman"
The third track of the album keeps the energy high as the band mates kick it off with a chorus of repeated and often syncopated "ohs". This is possibly the most feel good song about alien abduction ever recorded. Here again, we have an over-the-top, silly lyric coupled with a catchy tune that brings to mind the paranoid drive of "Mr. Brightside". It's like "Space Oddity" or "Rocketman" on post-punk stimulants. There is a short drum break that segues into the bridge that stands out on this track. Three tracks into the album and the fantastic hooks just keep coming. In fact, this song has several of its own!

"Joyride"
While this song is not likely to be released as a single, it is a personal favorite- at least for it's verse. The track starts out with a funk tinged bass line before Flowers enters with the vocals. The melody is simple but full of glam rock, sleazy likability. The lyrics are somewhat Vegas-dirty, and Flowers' shaky voice handles them perfectly. There is a clever drum and sax fill between the first chorus and second verse. Though the chorus is a bit of let down in that it doesn't hold up against the verses, overall this is a track that displays The Killers at home with their own brand of raucous Vegas excess.

"A Dustland Fairytale"
In this track, we have a bit of an epic that many have said is reminiscent of Jim Steinman with a lyric about a modern day/western Cinderella. It begins with just piano and Flower's solo vocal and soon builds into an up-tempo, dramatic, rock production that brings to mind Elton John's "Levon" in many ways (just a more highly charged version). With "Dustland," the lyric has potential , but gets a bit ridiculous with lines like "Cinderella's in a party dress/but she's lookin' for a night gown" and "I saw the Devil wrapping up his hand/He's getting ready for a showdown". Such off-beat lyrics can be forgiven when placed in context with the beautiful melody and stirring arrangement. I only wish the solo piano and vocal in the first verse had been extended longer. Flowers really has a unique and emotive voice that shines on this track. It is unfortunate that we can't hear it without the constant wall of background sound more often.

"This is Your Life"
Believe it or not, this song actually begins with the guys chanting "a wimoweh" (which is used as a backing figure through much of the song). This creative intro soon segues into an infections lead guitar riff. Before you know it, the synth joins in, the drums strike a rock march beat, and the vocal delivers another catchy melody leading to a chorus that hooks you immediately. This track boasts another perfect arrangement that layers sounds and melodies in a way that hearkens back to Beatles recordings.

"Goodnight, Travel Well"
To close the album, The Killers create a sound scape that sounds like a mixture of Pink Floyd, Coldplay, and Radiohead. If "Dustland" was a bit of epic, then this one is the real thing. The arrangement makes use of booming pedal points in the bass instruments, synth sound effects and conga drum fills. With perhaps the best lyric on the whole record (with lines like "all that stands between the soul's release/this temporary flesh and bone" and "The unknown distance to the great beyond/Stares back at my grieving frame") , Flowers sings about coming to accept the loss of someone in his life and makes the lyric completely believable as he and the ethereal instrumental arrangement build to a fantastic crescendo that is nothing short of beautiful. Cymbal crashes and background vocals from the rest of the band help to make this closing song a big, bold, and powerful finale to a wonderfully produced album. This track is The Killer's first true masterwork and is a signal of their growing maturity as a rock band.

"Day and Age" is an album that is very well produced. The songs are all radio friendly and are filled with great musicianship, infectious energy, and broad appeal. It would be pushing it to call any of the tracks from this project bad. While tracks like the rocking "Neon Tiger," the steel drum laced "I Can't Stay," and 80's inspired "The World We Live In" aren't as focused and well recorded as the aforementioned songs, they are still far better than average and serve as more than filler material on this triumphant collection. On their third album, The Killers are back in their stride. They are a little loud, a little retro, a little excessive, a little glam, and a little punk- just like we like them.

While their lyrics may not be the most intellectual or even coherent, the music still delivers. After all, did we ever listen to The Killers for the depth of their lyrics in the first place? If it's thoughtful and artsy lyrics you long for, listen to a Cohen or Taupin song. However, if it's great quality alternative rock you want to hear, you won't go wrong with this new recording from The Killers. After experimenting with different approaches in "Sam' s Town," The Killers have come back home to their Vegas showmen roots and their 80's, post-punk inspiration to deliver what is one of the best albums of its genre this decade. While perhaps Brandon Flowers was being a bit egotistical when he billed "Samstown" as the best rock record in the last 25 years, in the case of "Day and Age" it seems he just might have something to brag about.

2009-09-22T15:22:00.001-07:00

Traditions of the United States Presidential Inauguration
On January 20th of this year, Barack Obama will be sworn in as the 44th POTUS, prompting the country to engage in the familiarity of the old ceremonial traditions to inaugurate a completely new kind of president.
http://www.associatedcontent.comarticle/1356606/traditions_of_the_united_states_presidential.html

2009-09-22T15:21:00.001-07:00

Top 10 Best Obscure Elton John Songs
In this article I have created a "top ten list" of some songs written by Elton and his long-time lyricist, Bernie Taupin, that were never huge radio hits and are not featured on the standard "Greatest Hits" compilations.
http://www.associatedcontent.comarticle/1348850/top_10_best_obscure_elton_john_songs.html

2009-09-22T15:20:00.001-07:00

John's Vision of Christ from Revelation 1:12-18
Are the images from John's description of Jesus to be read as literal, or are they symbols being used to describe the nature of the Christ character John wishes to present?
http://www.associatedcontent.comarticle/1330637/johns_vision_of_christ_from_revelation.html

2009-09-22T15:19:00.001-07:00

The Revelation of St. John: Historical or Prophetic
Can this book of supposed prophesy be understood without prior knowledge of the time and place in which it was written. Is it meant to be a book of hope or one of fear? Perhaps the answer can be found by placing the text in a historical context.
http://www.associatedcontent.comarticle/1330265/the_revelation_of_st_john_historical.html

2009-09-22T15:17:00.001-07:00

"Joseph, Better You Than Me" by the Killers and Elton John: A Review
The Killers and Elton John team up to write and record a charity single for Aids Awareness. The track features vocals from Neil Tennant and reminds us why Elton has such staying power and why The Killers will be around for a long time to come.
http://www.associatedcontent.comarticle/1297166/joseph_better_you_than_me_by_the_killers.html