Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Maple Mars


There are those who will say Maple Mars is simply singer-songwriter-guitarist Rick Hromadka's stage name as the other personnel has changed on each of the band's four albums. There are also those who will say Cousin Oliver from The Brady Bunch television show engineered the band's second album. And while one or more of those statements may very well be true, the bottom line is that neither one matters. Because Robbie Rist (aka Cousin Oliver) is a damn fine engineer and Rick Hromadka (aka Maple Mars) is a damn fine one man band when he needs to be. But as fine of a solo musician he may be, he never seems to have a problem putting together an awesome line-up when the time comes.

The band (or maybe it was just Rick) has been known to describe their sound as psychedelic pop from time to time. And while some may say that they are simply power pop, I say labels do not really mean much when it comes to rock 'n' roll. You really just have to let the music do the talking. And Maple Mars' music certainly has a lot to say. With soaring pop guitars over jaunty, danceable rhythms all topped off with sugary sweet harmonies and easy-on-the-ears lead vocals, this is a band that most definitely would have been right at home on the stage at Woodstock.

Monday, January 21, 2013

WONW: January Classic Rock Mix



Use the player above to hear songs from some of the bands recently featured here as well as some rarely played tracks from a few classic rock bands as well as a classic rock radio staple or two. It's a great way to spend an hour relaxing or it works well as background music while tackling those daily chores!

Saturday, January 19, 2013

Vintage Trouble


When vocalist Ty Taylor and guitarist Nalle Colt came together to form Vintage Trouble, they clearly had in mind a band with roots deep in the rock 'n' roll tradition. Rounding out the band with bassist Rick Barrio Dill and drummer Richard Danielson, a powerhouse quartet was born. Combining elements of the blues, soul and early rock 'n' roll, the band take to the stage with a wild abandon that revs up even the most sedate audience leaving them no choice but to grab on tight and enjoy the ride.

In 2012, Vintage Trouble was handpicked by Woodstock veterans The Who to open the North American leg of their first tour in four years. Their album, The Bomb Shelter Sessions, is one of the strongest debut records from a new band in years. It is a sweet slice of bombastic plastic that makes it clear this is a band to be taken seriously. With their devoted following of die-hard fans (affectionately known as "Troublemakers"), would Vintage Trouble fit in on the Woodstock stage? Absolutely!

And if you have any doubt, just check out the video of the band performing "Hand Me Down Blues" on the Late Show with David Letterman below...

Sunday, December 16, 2012

Pearl


Pearl is Pearl Aday's band and features Anthrax guitarist Scott Ian. Aday and Ian are also man and wife. Now maybe you are thinking this does not sound like the kind of band that would fit in at Woodstock. But did I mention that Pearl Aday is Meat Loaf's stepdaughter? Or that her biological father was Janis Joplin's drummer? Or that the band also features members of Mother Superior and Vintage Trouble? Do not let the thrash metal connection fool you. Pearl is a band that thrives on down-and-dirty Joplinesque rock 'n' roll.

On their debut album, Little Immaculate White Fox, Pearl manages to fill the disc with instant classic rock that could just as easily have been pulled straight out of the late 1960s or early 70s. It does not sound dated but rather completely fresh and cutting edge. Pearl Aday considers Meat Loaf her real dad and she has that same intense stage energy that Meat has always displayed. All these characteristics combine to make Pearl most certainly Woodstock all the way.

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Texas Hippie Coalition


With a name like Texas Hippie Coalition, you might think this band would be a shoe-in for the Woodstock stage. But as much as I love these guys, I am afraid that just is not the case. With their in-your-face Southern metal style, these hippies do not seem quite ready for the commune. With songs like "Pissed Off and Mad About It," "Clinched Fist" and "Damn You to Hell." these guys are definitely not Woodstock.

Friday, October 12, 2012

The Avett Brothers


Often described as folk rockers, North Carolina band The Avett Brothers are not really so easy to pigeonhole. Their catchy blend of music includes the influences of country, bluegrass and honky tonk as well as rock and roll, punk and even pop. Throw in a bit of ragtime and, of course, traditional and modern folk, and you have one of the most interesting bands to take the stage in quite some time. But would this magical mixture of styles find a home on the 1969 stage at Woodstock?

When you consider the diversity of the bands that played at Woodstock, it is clear that not only would The Avett Brothers' home-brewed hodgepodge of hippie-friendly harmonies be appreciated, but it would in fact be demanded by the Woodstock crowd. For the most part, The Avett Brothers songs are about love. Quite fitting for the "Summer of Love." But even when they stray from this theme with a song like "Me and God," they still convey a vibe that would have fit right in with the peace, love and harmony that permeated Woodstock. Definitely Woodstock.

Sunday, September 16, 2012

Black Country Communion


Black Country Communion was formed in 2009 by bassist and lead vocalist Glenn Hughes, guitarist and vocalist Joe Bonamassa, keyboardist Derek Sherinan and drummer Jason Bonham. Glenn Hughes is well-known in the world of rock music having performed with Trapeze, Deep Purple, Black Sabbath and others. Derek Sherinan gained fame with prog-metal band Dream Theater. Jason Bonham, son of Led Zeppelin's legendary drummer John Bonham, has worked with many major stars including the remaining members of his father's band while Joe Bonamassa is a well-respected, highly successful musician in his own right. No question this band is loaded with talent. But does this band have what it takes to make it to the stage at Woodstock in 1969?

On their first two albums released in 2010 and 2011, Black Country Communion established themselves as a powerhouse rock band with roots in the classic rock of yesteryear with even deeper roots in the blues while still bringing a fresh sound to the mix. With tracks like "An Ordinary Son" and "Man in the Middle," these guys have established themselves as one of the best new bands of the millennium. This is a band that could easily -- and proudly -- share the stage with acts such as Canned Heat, Ten Years After and The Who. Yes, this band is definitely Woodstock!