Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Retro Summer - Time to Scare Everyone!

Today is Ramblings of Amy’s Retro Summer Blogfest! Here’s the scoop:
Find an old mixed audio you haven’t listened to in a while and post the following:
- Write down all the tracks: Artists and song title.
- Write what they mean to you and why you like it.

Now, here comes the amusing part I promised on Monday. As I tried to explain to my wife, guys don’t normally like songs because they ‘mean’ something – we just think they’re cool. Now, my version of cool might send you running. So, to the best of my ability, I described why I think the songs are cool.

Massive Metal Mix” (I know some of you are running right now!)
1 – Static X – Wisconsin Death Trip – Brutal & aggressive, great groove, and Wayne Static’s quirky voice. Yeah, don’t you wish your last name was Static?
2 – Pantera – Where You Come From – Ultimate in heavy. Any excuse to listen to Dimebag Daryl shred!
3 – Def Tones – My Own Summer (Shove It) - Maybe the coolest opening riff ever. I want this song to play when I enter rooms.
4 – Jimmie’s Chicken Shack – High – Cool riffs. (However, I do not condone drug use in any shape, form, or fashion, wicked cool song or not.)
5 – Chevelle – Mia – My first introduction to this band. I found it by accident, proving accidents can be good!
6 – Powerman 5000 – When Worlds Collide – Ultimate science fiction geek metal! Got to dig a lead singer named Spider. (He’s also Rob Zombie’s brother.)
7 – Soundgarden – Room a Thousand Years Wide – All right, THIS should be the song that plays when I enter a room, just to make people nervous…
8 – Rob Zombie – Dragula – Hey, Spider’s brother! Now we have horror geek metal covered.
9 – Anthrax – Harm’s Way – How can you not dig a song that starts “Here comes the biggest a__h___ the whole world has ever seen?”
10 – Helmet – It’s Easy to Get Bored – I once got my car up to a hundred mph while listening to this song!

Now, for those of you brave enough to reach this point, does anyone even know who those bands are????

Aleta at Fleur de Aleta hosts the ABC of Your State weekly blogfest. Today is “C.” So, out of everything in the Carolinas, I offer you – Charleston, SC! This historical Colonial city boasts a cool downtown with market, Patriot’s Point Navel & Maritime Museum, Fort Sumter, plantations & tours, ghost tours, SC Aquarium, and more! For those of you who write period pieces or horror stories, if you’re not inspired by Charleston… Well, I don’t know what to do with you then!

Been to Charleston? Is there a cool place near your home? Still wondering who the hell are those bands?

99 comments:

RHYTHM AND RHYME said...

You did a good job with the blogfest, but sad to say I don't know any.As I am on the otherside of the Big Pond perhaps that's the reason.

Have a good day
Yvonne.

Li said...

Oh yes! Rob Zombie, for sure. And Powerman 5000 has a great song on the soundtrack from End Of Days (still one of my fave metal CDs). I think my most embarrassing mix is a bunch of sappy ballads, none of which I am willing to name. :)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Yvonne, most are heavy metal.

Li - good for you! And I think my wife has a couple mixes of sappy ballads as well, so it's all right.

Suze said...

My husband loves Pantera and my brother-in-law loves Chevelle.

Where's Rush!? :)

T. Powell Coltrin said...

Hey, I'm catching some "meaning" hidden in there.

Good job on both blogfests.

Old Kitty said...

Who the hell are these bands?!?!?

And why am I not in Charleston?!?!? I need tickets!

Take care
x

Amy said...

Great list Alex!

I have a few other mixes with Static X, Chevelle, Powerman 5000, Soundgarden, and Rob Zombie. Those bands are great. :)

Had no idea that Rob Zombie's brother was in Powerman!

Unknown said...

I have never heard of any of these bands! Oh well, learn new stuff everyday. I would love to visit Charleston someday.

Randy Johnson said...

Six I'm familiar with and four i listen to on a regular basis(even at my advanced age of s-cough,cough-e.

Jan Morrison said...

Don't know the bands but I bet my step-kids do. Well, now I know who I need to tap if I need some background for my next novel!
Charleston sounds great - my parents went there a zillion years ago and I would love to go with my sweet patootie. First Paris though.
Jan Morrison

Anonymous said...

You have totally stumped me with your playlist. I have not heard of a single one, although I am intrigued by Jimmie's Chicken Shack. It sounds like a restaurant on Route 66.

Jeremy [Retro] said...

retro music... that is such a great choice of real music. the only music i still had a cassette was a x-files mix... but it was all music...

ps the book is coming to you.
sorry for the delay.

jeremy

Rusty Carl said...

Bless you Alex, for you have stolen my musical heart. You had me at Pantera.

Christine Rains said...

Ah, I haven't listened to some good metal in a long time. I don't have any cassettes left, but I remember all the ones I had of 1980's music taped off the radio. I even had some Doctor Demento, if anyone remembers that show!

Liza said...

Oh dear...so out my league here. Perhaps I need to expand my music appreciation?

Luanne G. Smith said...

I don't think I've heard a single one of those songs!

No heavy meaning there. Just lots of guitar I'm guessing. :)

Unknown said...

Okay, I listened to Alternative way back when, so I don't know any of these songs. But! I do recognize some of the band names, does that count? So much fun. : )

Heather M. Gardner said...

ROCK ON!!!

I know 8 out of 10...but...how can you have Anthrax and not Metallica???

I'm telling the Metal police!

Charleston is on my list of places I must travel to in the next 5 years. I have only heard wonderful things about it and I would love to experience some old world charm.

Thanks for sharing with us!

\m/

Mary Aalgaard said...

I don't know any of those songs or bands. And, what are you doing driving 100 mph?! Would love to visit Charleston, though.

Sarah Ahiers said...

i'm reminded once again that we have similar tastes in music

Christa Desir said...

I'm laughing so hard at this. Those bands are so much more hardcore than my audio mix, which would include: Guns N Roses, Poison, Bon Jovi, Van Halen, and Aerosmith. And I thought I was all badass. Ha!

Anonymous said...

I've only ben through South Carolina once going to Georgia to see friends. That whole are of the APpalachians is awesomely beautiful. Love that southern charm and hospitality!

Carol Kilgore said...

I'll state officially that I've never heard of any of those bands. But I LUVZ Charleston!

Christopher Hudson said...

Rock on, Dude!

Laila Knight said...

Charleston just reminds me of the dance...love it.

Definitely wondering who the hell those bands are. I should point out that a few of the guys I dated did listen to lyrics...specially if they liked Country.

You should stop by when you get a chance. My post today is about you...sort of. :)

Oh, and I stuck the ABC thing at the top. "C" was too easy to ignore.

Matthew MacNish said...

Hardcore.

mshatch said...

of course I know who they are! Well...at least some of them, like Pantera (my son thinks Dimebag rules as well), Soundgarden, Anthrax, and Rob Zombie, altho I admittedly only listen to them when forced. I prefer Tool or Rage against the Machine or NIN, maybe some Opeth.

Mary@GigglesandGuns said...

Not a clue!!
Just proves that friends can have very different tastes. (One does need taste for this music, correct?) :D

Bossy Betty said...

You're making these up, right?

M.J. Fifield said...

As a matter of fact, I have heard of these bands. My significant other and my best friend are metal heads even if I am most definitely not.

Loved what you wrote about track #3!!

Mark said...

Cool post. I just discovered your blog...luv sci fi:)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Suze, they're more progresive than heavy...

Kitty, you would enjoy Charleston!

Amy, you are a cool chick then! And Rob's brother is the frontman.

Randy, you are never too old to rock...

Liz, it just might be!

Jeremy - great! Looking forward to reading it.

Rusty, knew there was a reason I liked you!

Christine, I remember Doctor Demonto!

Liza, this is a direction few dare to tread...

Kris, close enough! Soundgarden was part of the Seattle/alternative sound.

Heather, you rocking chick! And this is just one of many massive metal CDs.

Mary I feel the need for speed.

Sarah, you're a cool chick as well!

Christa, nothing wrong with those bands either.

Laila, I will be by soon! And I can't do the country thing. Makes my ears bleed.

MsHatch, I know those bands!

Betty - who me?

Thanks, MJ!

Mark, welcome!

Sand Castles and Snow Forts said...

I must admit, I'm going to have to google. Driving at 100 mph with heavy metal blasting.... too funny.

Anonymous said...

I'd heard of, but not heard, a few of these bands. I asked my son, and he rattled them off, as well as some of their songs, as if he were reciting the ABC's. (The alphabet, not the blogfest.)

Sigh. The generational gap continues to widen.

julie fedderson said...

Pantera is awesome, I have them on vinyl. Found them during my Type O Negative phase. And the Deftones and Anthrax are just a** kicking goodness. Sigh, I want to dive in a mosh pit now.

Aleta said...

"Been to Charleston?"

I've never been there, but now I want to :)

I have to admit, I don't know the band names Lol, but then I'm pretty horrible when it comes to knowing who is playing what.

Jennie Bailey said...

Two blog fests in one day - you're mighty ambitious Mr. Cavanaugh! I had never heard High before. Just went and listened to it. I totally think you're trying to get me to do drugs. ;-) You're right, cool riffs. That's exactly why my husband likes songs - not for what they say, but for the actual music.

Jamie Gibbs said...

I want that mix tape! Powerman 5000, Rob Zombie and Static X takes me back about 10 years and headbanging for 3 hours straight. Good times :)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Bryce, I may be Generation X, but I try to stay current with my metal.

Julie, you do that and I want a picture!

Aleta, you would feel at home in Charleston.

Jennie, I'm a Ninja - we can be everywhere at once.

Jamie, you the man!

Copyboy said...

Totally know 'em! BTW...I'm seeing def L. next saturday. Can't wait!!!

Ciara said...

I've never heard any of these. I love Charleston, though. :)

Susan Oloier said...

Alex, I'll have to show my husband your list; he was a big heavy metal fan back in the day.
My mixed tapes are on cassettes, and I no longer have a cassette player. I would love to find out what is on them, though.

Carolina M. Valdez Schneider said...

Um, I've heard of Soundgarden, but I could't pick their music out of a line-up...

Bish Denham said...

I've heard of both Rob Zombie and Anthrax, though I'm not sure I've ever listened to any of their music. Hmmmm.

Never been to Charleston. As for cool places near-by, San Antonio and the Alamo are an hour away.

M Pax said...

Have some Static X, Panera, Powerman 5000 and Soundgarden on my play list.

I don't think I've ever been to SC. Used to live in VA and I've been to the outer banks in NC.

Nancy Thompson said...

I have Deftones, Chevelle, and Soundgarden all on my iPod right now! They are all fantastic bands!!

Chevelle is one of my favorites. Too bad I'll be visiting San Francisco when they come to play in my hometown of Seattle next month. I'm super bummed.

Unknown said...

I know and love 6 out of 10.. Pantera, Helmet, Soundgarden, Rob Zombie, Anthrax and Def Tones. Pantera is a ruling class band, I got introduced to their music by a friend whose cousin is a shredder with a metal band. They also introduced me to Biohazard.

If you ever get to Chicago, I'll take you to some wicked music clubs and a one of my fave new places, the Smart Museum of Art. It's a cool place that blends traditional studio art with multimedia.

Anonymous said...

Cool list - going to check them out as I need some new music while I write:)

Lisa said...

i have been to charleston, loved the colorful old colonial homes.

Anonymous said...

Dragula? NICE! I saw Chevelle at OzzFest a few years back, and they seriously rocked it.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Copyboy, enjoy! I saw them a few years ago with some other 80's bands.

Susan, I've thrown out most of my tapes, so had to go with a more recent CD.

Bish, be neat to see the Alamo.

Mary, you are cool then! For K, I'll probably pick Kittyhawk.

Nancy, that sucks! Glad you're a rocker chick.

Melissa, that sounds wild! And you're a rocker chick as well.

Oceangirl, it's a great town.

Milo, I've seen Chevelle as well - they're great in concert.

Sue said...

Nope, never heard of any of them ... it can't mean I'm over the hill can it? Darn...
Charleston sounds good. Is it too late to join in on an ad hoc basis?
Sue

Tonja said...

I know of four (but never ever listen to them). I am more of an Ozzy kind of girl.

Jeff Beesler said...

I've heard of only 4 out of those bands. Anthrax, Pantera, Soundgarden, and Rob Zombie. And I'm pretty sure I came across my sparse familiarity with them by sheer accident.

Heidi W said...

I'm jealous of your metal mix. I want one!

Not only have I heard of all the bands except one (Jimmie's Chicken Shack), I listen to most of them as well.

I'm off to check out Jimmie's Chicken Shack.

alexia said...

I like some metal now and then... I've heard of about half of them! No Metallica?

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Sue, I don't think it's too late!

Jeffrey, I knew from your previous music posts you don't listen to my kind of rock. But that's all right!

Heidi, that's cool! And welcome to the Ninja Army.

Alexia, they are on another CD...

Vicki Rocho said...

I don't know a single one of those songs, but my 8 year old has decided he likes metal and has been tuning the radio in the car to some mighty intense tunes. Ask me again in a year!

L. Diane Wolfe said...

I love Chevelle! One of my favorite bands. And I've done several booksignings in Charleston. Beautiful city.

Brenda Sills said...

My favorite part is that twice after you listed a song, you said you wanted it to be playing when you entered a room. Funny and Ingenious! I'm going to get right on thinking of my Room-Entering Song.
And I Love Charleston! Beaucoup charm and character.

Lydia Kang said...

A little too hardcore for my list, but I love seeing what you like!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Vivki, soon you'll be in the know!

Brenda, they were both cool entrance songs.

Lydia, sorry if it scares you.

Trisha said...

Hey, you had me at the mix title ;) I know these bands:

Pantera
Deftones
Jimmie’s Chicken Shack
Soundgarden
Rob Zombie
Anthrax
Helmet

Of those, the two I know EXTENSIVELY are Helmet and Soundgarden - recently saw Helmet live, and it was an amazing experience!

I want to check out the artists in your list I don't know!

ali cross said...

Dude! My husband has that mix tape! I swear it *hand over heart*.

And he's totally not allowed to listen to it when I'm with him. :D

Rawknrobyn.blogspot.com said...

I'm not sure if I'm ashamed or proud to say I don't know any of those. Is Static really his last name? That is pretty cool. Great job, Alex. I think they should play this whole mix whenever you enter a room.
xoRobyn

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

I'm of the opinion that heavy metal is bad for one's health--especially while driving. :P

Michael Di Gesu said...

Nope,

Never heard of those bands, but I've never been into heavy metal.

Charleston sounds amazing. I've never been, but I hope to some day.

Enid Wilson said...

I'm totally lost here. Amen.

Chemical Fusion

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Trisha, you are cool!

Ali, that's mean. I torture my wife all the time.

Robyn, that would be cool! Yes, that's really his last name. Fitting, huh?

Angela said...

It's a guy thing then, liking a song for it's sound? My husband and I fight over this all the time.

Him: I like this certain song.
Me: But the word are awful.
Him: Who listens to the words?
Me: Who doesn't listen to the words?

p.m.terrell said...

I'm afraid I don't know any of them, Alex! I guess I'm showing my age here. I remember when these artists were young: the Beatles, Rolling Stones, Tina Turner, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, the Doors... And after all these years, I still listen to them and get feel the same thrill!

Helen Ginger said...

I know none of those bands, although #3 sounds intriguing. And, yes, I've been to Charleston! Even spent the night there. It is a beautiful town, although I can see your point about the creepy side.

Karen Lange said...

I have not been to Charleston but I hear it is nice. The last local-ish place (3 hours away) we visited in KY was Cumberland Falls. Very nice - a smaller version of Niagara. Have a great weekend!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Angela, you'll be happy to know I do listen to the words! But a heavy guitar crunch is also essential.

Patricia, as long as you still enjoy them, that's what matters!

Helen, I think it's one of the most haunted cities in America.

Small Town Shelly Brown said...

I have NO idea what any of those songs are, but I bet my husband does :) He listened to that kinda stuff as a kid.

Shari said...

I haven't heard of any of those bands. I'm such a loser.

Talli Roland said...

Anthrax, har!

I've never been to Charleston. I'd like to go, though!

anthony stemke said...

The sound is what counts. You did pretty good with Pantera and Anthrax, but overall you should have - or I would have mentioned Ac/Dc, Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Deep Purple. ut I still like The Harptones, Moonglows and many more doowop groups.
But after all, it is very subjective.

CA Heaven said...

Many good bands on that list. I know more than half of them; Pantera, Def Tones, Chevelle, Soundgarden, Rob Zombie, Anthrax and Helmet >:)

Cold As Heaven

LynNerdKelley said...

What a fun post. Nope, I've never heard of these bands, but I'm not into heavy metal. I bet my son has heard of them. He loves that noise -- sorry, I mean music! They played some at the end of his wedding reception (after most of the guests had left), and they were picking up the kids and swinging them all over the place. I was relieved no one was dropped or got hurt! Just like a mom, but I got a kick out of them getting into that wild music and having a blast.

Anonymous said...

I'm so out of it with "modern" music. But my son is with all of this.

Charleston, S.C. I would love to visit the place. I got close when my daughter and I lived for 6 months in Raleigh, NC, spring and summer of 2007. All of these "southern" places inspire me, which is why I love living in Virginia. I think Williamsburg, VA is the "coolest" place. And yes, I do wonder what the "h..." those bands are!?

And I think you write some of the "coolest" posts in bloggerland.
Ann Best, Author of In the Memoir, A Memoir of Shattered Secrets

PK HREZO said...

Never been to to SC. Such a shame since I'm so close.
And I know half the bands on your list. You were a metal-head. :)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Talli, it's not just a disease!

Anthony, this is one of a dozen metal mixes.

Cold, good for you!

Music, Lyn, music!

Ann, you're so close, you should go to Charleston. And thank you - I try my best to entertain with my posts.

Pk, I still am!

RaShelle Workman said...

I have been to North Carolina, but I don't remember it. I was just a girl.

Your songs are interesting. Must say, I do love your reasoning behing why you like them. =D

Jemi Fraser said...

Okay - the only one I know is Rob Zombie! :)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

RaShelle, I like what I like!

Jemi, that's good.

Chuck said...

Wow...what a mix. I had to go to youtube and relive some of these bands. I still say the video for Chevelle's Mia was freaky badass!

Dragula has been a favorite of mine since I based an entire Halloween party around it as a theme. Ahh good times.

Thanks Alex!

Anne R. Allen said...

OK, I have heard Rob Zombie, and my nephew once gave me a Pantera CD, but I'm feeling pretty uncool here.

Rhonda @Laugh Quotes said...

Well done with the blog fests, although I learned that we listen to completely different music.

Cheeseboy said...

Wow. I am only comment #92. I am embarrassed for you. ;)

One thing I learned is that we do not have the same taste in music. Except I do enjoy a good Soundgarden tune now and then. Definitely more in my teen years.

Ella said...

I recognize some of your picks! I have a few songs like you mentioned that make me speed. After my lst and hopefully last speeding ticket; I have to control my heavy foot, no fun!
Odd, I was caught speeding ticket in a Honda Civic! augh~ I had a Grand Prix with a turbo booster; I just never got caught ;D

Gail said...

I have heard of a few but I hear a muscian speaking, the riffs are what takes you away, the pure blast of the creativity that song shows is what draws you in. The shock of the words is also a pull because you are a master with words and work with them to blend and create a piece that speaks volumes louder than any music.

I am older so my love of music tends to the primitive. The fascination with the musical creation is a draw but the words, the pain, the soul of blues...old blues...is what truly wakes my heart. Music must have a message, even if it's one only I can hear.

I am deep into any music that I can feel the emotions of the players, the creativiy has to resonant and the music has to play the strings in my soul.

Your music does not scare me at all. Our hearts and souls hear on many levels. Many of us fail to reach beyond one level, you are not one of those.

Good music, like to a good book, must leave something behind, within us, when the moment is over.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Chuck, now that sounds like a cool party!

Rhonda, there's not a lot of people here who listen to my type of music...

Cheeseboy, I am filled with shame...

Ella, did you tell the cop "I didn't know this Civic went that fast?"

Gail, that was wonderful! Since I am a musician, it's the complexity of the music that fascinates me, and I find that often in progressive and hard rock. Thank you!

Anonymous said...

Have to admit I really like this song and video ... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eWdA1DKfbwo&feature=related

Missed Periods said...

I've heard of 7 of the 10, but Soundgarden is the only one that I listen to. I like them because they are cool and Chris Cornell is dreamy.

Pat Tillett said...

I must say that I'm a bit surprised at your music choices. You will also be surprised that I am familiar with them! Great choices...
Hope you had a good weekend Alex.

Unknown said...

I'm embarrassed to admit that a full half of those are on my iPod ... ;)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Missed, he still looks good for his age.

Pat, that's cool then!

KLo, no - be proud.

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