Songs of the Weekend: Journey "Raised On Radio"

It was Steve Perry's (first) kiss of death in Journey.  It marked the end of an era.  It was Journey's last great album of the 80's.  1986's "Raised On Radio".

Steve Perry had just enjoyed a hit solo album and a hit single, "Oh Sherry".  Now he was ready to really take the reins of Journey.  He talked management, guitarist Neil Schon and keyboardist Jonathan Cain into firing their two longtime bandmates: bassist Ross Valory and drummer Steve Smith.  Then he brought in studio session players to fill in for them.  On tour he used session drummer Randy Baird and veteran Randy Jackson (yes, that Randy Jackson, dawg!).  The result was still Journey enough to rock, but definitely with Steve Perry's touch.  However, it did not hold together and Journey split soon afterward.

The album's singles were a staple of mid 80's MTV and are a reminder of some good times.

"Girl Can't Help It"


"I'll Be Alright Without You"


"Be Good To Yourself"



Great stuff, but what was Randy Jackson thinking when he got dressed?!?  I know it was the 80's, but come on.  Have some pride.

Song of the Day: Even Now

This is an often overlooked Bob Seger classic.  Turn it up and enjoy the sound of vinyl, courtesy of YouTube.

Bob Seger "Even Now"

Songs of the Weekend: early Queen

Lately I have been listening to, mainly, "Sheer Heart Attack", Queen's third album.  While it was a departure from their first two albums in that it was a more straightforward pop/rock album, it still contained some ethereal lyrics and some of the flourishes of it's predecessors.  As Brian May and Roger Taylor have said, the roots of "Bohemian Rhapsody" and "A Night At the Opera" lay within their first three albums.

Here are two live clips of Queen circa 1974, as they toured to promote "Sheer Heart Attack".  These clips are from their show at the Rainbow Theatre in London.

"White Queen" from "Queen II"


"In The Lap of the Gods" from "Sheer Heart Attack"



Bonus:
"Now I'm Here" is Brian May's tale of the experiences that filled his head during their first tour of the United States in 1974.

"Now I'm Here" from "Sheer Heart Attack"

Song of the Day: Jackson Browne

Jackson Browne has made some great music over the years, and he has a connection with two other artists that I have highlighted in the past: Dan Fogelberg and the Eagles.  Browne wrote, played and sang with both of them in the early 70's.

Today I want to touch on two songs.  First is "Running on Empty".  I ran across this version on YouTube.  Not fantastic sound quality, but worthwhile.

"Running On Empty"


Next is "For America", a song that would have fit in with the music his friend Kris Kristofferson was writing around the same time.

"For America"



Bonus:

For those of us who grew up in the age of classic MTV, this video will bring back memories of the days when it seemed to be in heavy rotation.

"Lawyers In Love"

Ain't It Funny How Time Slips Away...

My god! I looked and I could not believe that it has been a month since I have updated my blog!  What can I say, sheer neglect! 

I have been busy with the local Primary.  The candidate I worked for, Rosemary Mandrici, won and won handily so all the hard work paid off.

Now I am back in the saddle for more music and memories.