At least depending on your interests. Three tractor-trailer loads of Gene Simmons’ stuff is now on display in Vegas. Collected over 50 years, we’re certain there is no rival in terms of the variety of memorabilia. Plus guitars, leather pants, platinum records and the iconic ax bass Gene says he, “had to use against many a deranged fan.” We vaguely remember encountering that.
Anyway, Kiss fans, there’s another reason to visit Las Vegas.
This is a Women’s Health article by Jasmine Gomez regarding the anxiety-reduction benefits of binaural tones.
“You know that urge to turn on your headphones and zone out after a stressful sitch? Turns out, your instincts are in tune with the latest science. After participants listened to 24 minutes of instrumental music infused with nature sounds and binaural beats, those who were moderately anxious experienced a significant reduction in their anxiety, researchers found. FYI: Binaural beats are composed of two tones, one played in each ear when you’re wearing headphones. In response to these sounds, your brain creates an illusory tone—one you only think you’re hearing—that is actually the difference between the two tones. Assembling a playlist of your fave hits is always a feel-good option, but what really nets the calming perks are binaural beat–filled tracks, which induce a sense of peace, says study author Adiel Mallik, PhD, a postdoctoral psychology fellow at Ryerson University. (You can find binaural playlists on Spotify and Apple Music.) Still prefer chart-toppers? Start with tunes that reflect your mood, then progress to songs that are more soothing. Sweet symphony!”
We’ll try it out and report back.
– Jet Cannon
Surrounded by fellow old Baby Boomers, we recently took an inspiring trip down harmony lane. Only Danny Hutton is left from the original Three Dog Night line up but his fellow new/old bandmates can still hit the high notes on the hits. The seventy-something trio and their backing band made us old folks feel better about our aches and pains as we watched from our seats, only standing for the encore. How nice! Three, four and sometimes five part harmony brought smiles to a lot of wrinkly but still rockin’ faces. Thank you, gentlemen.
– Jet Cannon
Remember back in the day when a new album would come out and we’d gather at a friends house to listen to the whole thing? Both sides.
Booze and Vinyl: A Spirited Guide To Great Music & Mixed Drinks is a beautiful book by Andre Darlington & Tanaya Darlington that helps us recapture the magic of music and friends paired with mixed drinks. They’ve selected some excellent LP’s in rock, chill, dance, and seduce categories and suggested a couple of appropriate drink recipes with each.
For example, Queen – A Night At The Opera is pared with a Coronation Cocktail for Side A and a Bohemian Cocktail for Side B. The book advises that “Before You Drop The Needle”, invite guest to wear their most heinous sweaters and bring casseroles. And be sure to queue up the video of Queen at Live Aid 1985, one of the greatest live performances of all time.
Coronation Cocktail
Stir ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
Bohemian Cocktail
Shake with ice and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
Then toast to Freddie Mercury!
– Jet Cannon
We recently had the opportunity to attend a Puddles Pity Party. Puddles is either a Baby Boomer or very close, depending on the biography. His sad demeanor put a huge smile on our face. His voice and stage presence make for a very entertaining show. Check out his Stairway to Gilligan’s Island. Epic.
A number of well-known and lesser-known Baby Boomer musicians are celebrating birthdays today.
We’re wondering if musicians suffer more than the rest of us when people sing Happy Birthday to them.
Thank you onthisday.com
– Jet Cannon
Classic rock has lost another star. Alan White passed away at age 72. Best known for his drumming work with Yes and the Plastic Ono Band, White was widely respected by his fellow musicians.
We had the honor of meeting him once at a charity event. One would have never known that the pleasant fellow mixing and mingling was part of rock royalty. Rest In Peace.
– Jet Cannon
Photo: YesWorld.com
Check out this excellent Carlos Santana YouTube video featuring musicians from around the world.
Photos: YouTube & Guitarplayer.com
Once in awhile it’s fun to see which famous Buzzed Boomers, with whom we’re familiar, are having a birthday. On May 13th, Stevie Wonder was born in 1950. Paul Thompson, Roxy Music drummer, was born in 1951. Dennis Rodman, 1961. And Stephan Colbert, 1964.
“You know you’re getting old when you get that one candle on the cake. It’s like, ‘See if you can blow this out.” —Jerry Seinfeld
– Jet Cannon
Photo: Biography.com
This classic Rolling Stones album, considered by many to be their best, makes the argument that drugs do make you play better.
Photo: nj.com
Thanks to modern technology, Paul McCartney, who turns 80 this year, is including a virtual duet with John Lennon as part of his Got Back tour set list. Nice touch. Click here. Thank you BestClassicBand.com
Sixty years!! The Beach Boys are celebrating their 60th anniversary of being recording artists with a June 17 re-release of Sounds of Summer. The greatest hits compilation will have some re-mixes enhanced by today’s stereo extraction technology. The 80 song, six LP boxed set will serve as a fitting celebration of a remarkable classic rock band’s career.
As Bob Dylan announced a west coast leg of his Rough and Rowdy Ways tour, Ultimate Classic Rock ranked thirty-nine of his albums. Blonde on Blonde was considered numero uno. To see the rest, click here.
