Today marks the one year anniversary of David Bowie’s passing. Instead of going on and on about all the deaths in 2016, I thought I’d just share some covers of David’s songs, as a celebration of him.
Remember… “Heroes Get Remembered but, Legends Never Die!”
Smashing Pumpkins (well Billy Corgan and others)- Space Oddity:
When I was a kid my first memory of Glenn Frey wasn’t with the Eagles. It was his contributions to the Miami Vice soundtrack. The songs “You Belong To The City,” and “Smugglers Blues,” are forever in my head. I can’t forget Glenn’s small role he had as a smuggler pilot on Miami Vice too. It wasn’t till I got older, did I fully realize that the Eagles were more than a Big Lebowski joke. I really sat down and listened to the albums, and boy what a great thing to do. To be able to hear the songs that Glenn and Don Henley wrote and created shows how unstoppable they were songwriters together. To be honest I don’t know why the Eagles get such a bad rep. Sure, the radio has overplayed a bunch of their songs, but you can’t deny the quality of the song. To have something that keeps going for 40 plus years is astounding. If you are looking for a way to get into them, I strongly suggest watching the documentary The History Of The Eagles. It’s one of the best music docs I’ve ever seen. And if you weren’t a fan or didn’t appreciate them, this might be the thing to change your mind.
Thank you Glenn for all the great songs and music through the years!!! You will be missed.
There are people out there that have the ability to transcend fantasy yet at the same time keeping you in touch with reality. David Bowie was as gifted and talented as they come. His talent came from truth and experience, thus allowing him to reinvent himself constantly without ever missing a step. When David Bowie released a new album you know it was purely him and not any attempt to just be. His artistry and songs can captivate, influence, and bring people together. His use of story through different characters would make your imagination run wild and provided a soundtrack to those images in your mind. Bowie was always true to himself and his craft, never giving in to any trend or mood. His discography is filled with countless classic albums and songs that will live on for generations to come. Not to get too cheesy while writing this tribute but, the quote from the movie “The Sandlot” really rings true for David Bowie… “Heroes get remembered, but legends never die.”
The music community lost one of the greatest voices last night. Scott Weiland’s voice, presence and words will now forever stand the test of time. Scott’s brilliant melodies could give you chills throughout your body. The way he sang and put himself out there with his words made him something special. His slithering dancing inspired by the likes of David Bowie and Iggy Pop, allowed you to really get in the groove of the music and feel like you were in the song. Through Scott’s career with Stone Temple Pilots, he carved out his place amongst the other bands during his time. He had the ability to reach so many people. Once STP released their classic and in my opinion ultimate masterpiece Purple, you knew that Scott was the real deal. Even his debut solo album 12 Bar Blues was a unique experience and really gave you insight to who Scott was.
I had the pleasure of seeing STP a few times in my life. Any time I saw them, Scott was on his game and delivered great performances. Velvet Revolver was a different story. So I just rather relive my moments with STP to remember Scott by.
When I heard the news of his passing last night, it really caught me off guard. We all knew that this was bound to happen, but the fact that it occurred now, just really bummed me out. It’s truly a beautiful feeling to be inspired and influenced by someone like Scott. Sure he had his demons and other personality traits that might not have been the greatest, but he sure could write great songs. Thankfully there is still the music that will continue on.
Here’s to Scott. Thank you for all the years of great music. May he find the peace he deserves.
Today marks the 35th anniversary of Ian Curtis of Joy Division’s passing. During his very brief career, he left a lasting effect on the music landscape and influenced countless bands and artists over the years. So in tribute to Ian, here are my favorite covers of Joy Division songs and the albums themselves.
Nine Inch Nails- Dead Souls:
Bush- In A Lonely Place:
The Killers- Shadowplay: This also the best thing this band has ever and will ever do.
In Decemeber 1998 the singer for the band Snot was killed in a car accident. The band had been riding high after releasing their debut album Get Some in 1997. the band disbanded not too long after Strait’s death. Before his death though, the band had begun work on their follow up album, but Lynn had yet to record vocals for the album. So in 2000, it was decided that the album’s vocal tracks would be completed by friends of Strait as a tribute. The end result being “Strait Up.” Released on November 7, 2000, the album featured appearances by the lead vocalists Serj Tankian of System Of A Down, Jonathan Davis of Korn, Max Cavalera of Soulfly, Brandon Boyd of Incubus, Corey Taylor of Slipknot, Dez Fafara of Coal Chamber, Lajon Witherspoon, Clint Lowery and Morgan Rose of Sevendust amongst a few others. The album does feature one complete song entitled “Absent” with Lynn Strait’s vocals. When the album was released it was met with high praise from critics and assorted music magazines. A little known tidbit is that song that was sung by Serj on the tribute album actually had lyrics by Lynn, and if you’ve heard the live Snot album alive you’ll be able to hear that version.
The tribute album was very fitting and a really nice send off by all those involved to their fallen friend and brother. If you’ve never heard the album you really should!
It has been over 12 years since the death of Layne Staley. I was always more of an Alice In Chains fan than a Nirvana fan. So in 2002, when it was announced that Layne was dead, it hit me pretty hard. Over the years there have been many songs written about Layne, a few of which I’d like to share with you all, as well as the great MTV Unplugged performance. Layne had such a unique voice and wrote straight from the heart. His ability to connect with people through his pain and struggles, provided so much help to those in need. Layne is forever missed and never fogotten.