MOG - Vinnie Morrison's Posts

Massive guilt and the "Ick" factor

Vinnie Morrison — Wed, 14 May 2008 20:13:50 GMT

Let's face it. As much as all of us here would like to think that we have impeccable taste in music, each and every one of us has some skeletons in our closet. They may be a bubble-gum pop band from your adolescent years or some novelty song that was once all the rage.

I, too, have a big skeleton in my closet.

I am not ashamed of the music this man created.

I am ashamed of liking this man's music because of his current reputation.

I am talking about Gary Glitter.

There's no denying that the man has some incredible glam gems in his arsenal. I dare anyone to not get sucked into "Do You Wanna Touch Me? (Oh Yeah)", and while I've never wanted to touch him "there" I've always loved his tunes because great pop songs are supposed to be fun as hell. Gary definitely does not scrimp on the fun.

He also doesn't scrimp on child porn and having sex with minors.

As some of you may know, Mr. Glitter has had a few brushes with the law within the past decade, and it is because of said brushes that I feel icky for listening to my "Best of Gary Glitter" collection.

This guilt and ick that I feel leads me to these questions: Do we throw an artist by the wayside for actions that occur past their heyday? In other words, does Gary Glitter's perversions taint his success and should I feel guilty for getting down to "Rock and Roll Part 1 & 2"?

Discuss.

My Current Obsessions

Vinnie Morrison — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 05:08:32 GMT

Anyone who's a member of MySpace knows that every week, without fail, your friend request box is filled with at least a few invites from random bands that usually suck to high heaven. Finally, after being a member for God knows how long, a band that doesn't blow has requested my "friendship", and I was more than happy to accept.

Oohlala is a blues-boogie band out of Sydney. It's bands like this that make me want to leave my beloved Detroit and move to Australia. Ever since coming across AC/DC at age 14, my interest in Aussie blues/pub rock has increased to almost an obsession.

I don't know what it is.

Maybe it's something in the Foster's.

But it seems like only the Aussie's can capture that element of fun, sex and boozing in a proper fashion to the point where it's not annoying or totally cliche.

Anyways, do yourself, myself and the band a favor and go check them out at:

www.myspace.com/oohlalaband

Moving on...

In hot Canadian news, I've grown extra fond of George Stroumboulopoulos, host of the CBC magazine news show "The Hour". If you have access to the CBC and you are not watching this show, hit yourself right now. "The Hour" covers politics, entertainment and other current events, with just a dash of sports thrown in for good measure.

George is the perfect mix charisma and intelligence, and it is damn sexy! To paraphrase a comment I once read, he's like Carson Daly, except he's not a douche bag.

For those who do not have access to the CBC and want to check out some interviews from the show go to:

http://www.youtube.com/user/TheHour

I would have picked a video to post on here but I couldn't choose just one. So just go to The Hour's channel page and go nuts!

"A ripe old age, that's what I am"

Vinnie Morrison — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 14:26:43 GMT

Every major holiday has a soundtrack. Christmas, obviously, has its carols. Valentine’s Day can be summarized through a mix CD containing the Three Wise Men of Love: Marvin Gaye, Al Green and Barry White. Halloween has the “Monster Mash”.

St. Patrick’s Day belongs to Flogging Molly, the LA-based Irish-punk band whose fourth studio album Float only further solidifies them as the quintessential band to narrate the festivities of March 17th.

While Float continues to run in the same musical direction of traditional Irish folk music meets rock and roll that their fans know and love, the album is mellower than their previous efforts.

In retrospect, this is exactly what makes the album haunting and almost ghost-like. Slower tempo songs like “The Story So Far” and the title track are the type of epic songs that most musicians strive to create. They are the songs that demand attention but are not brash and overpowering in the process. They are natural and effortless in their execution.

Die-hard Flogging Molly fans shouldn’t fret, though. This doesn’t mean that the band has gone soft in search of mainstream success, as if the mainstream would know what to make of the seven-piece band, especially 46-year-old lead singer Dave King. (At their most recent show in Detroit, King described himself as looking like “Elvis Costello on crack”. What’s scary is that he’s kind of right.) Songs like “Requiem for a Dying Song” and “You Won’t Make a Fool Out of Me” still reflect the ferocious spirit that is the essence of Flogging Molly’s being. King’s vocals roar on “Lightning Storm” and “Punch Drunk Grinning Soul” to the point where he’s not so much singing as he is howling.

The true beauty of Float is that all eleven tracks are pure and no nonsense. Each one of them are full of heart and hope, no matter how dark the music may get at times. This is not just the perfect soundtrack to St. Patrick’s Day. The album, and Flogging Molly for that matter, is much bigger than one day. This music can be the soundtrack to life.

Swing a little more...

Vinnie Morrison — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 00:09:22 GMT

Some may find it impossible to have a St. Patrick's Day hangover on February 10th. However, if a Flogging Molly show is involved, somehow is all makes perfect sense.

Flogging Molly's Green 17 tour rolled through Detroit on a fridged Saturday evening that showcased some material from the band's upcoming album, Float, due out March 4th. This was the first time I have seen the band live and from my experience that night, it surely won't be the last.

Everything was perfect! From the set list, to the crowd and even the opening acts, it was one of the most enjoyable shows I have ever taken in.

Actually, I take that back. The night was NOT perfect.

"Why", you may ask? (Warning: angry all caps message to follow.)

THE FUCKING BAR RAN OUT OF GUINNESS AT 9:45!!

I know that shouldn't make or break someone's night but I think fans can somewhat understand the frustration.

It's Flogging Molly! As a venue, you need to stock accordingly for specific events. And last time I checked, you can NEVER have too much Guinness.

Aussie Aussie Aussie, Oi Oi Oi!!!!!

Vinnie Morrison — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 02:12:03 GMT

I intended to listen to Daniel P. Carter's Radio 1 Rock show for an interview with Dan Hawkins but ended up with an added bonus. Shortly after the interview a reverberating guitar riff began to emit from my laptop. It was a sound I couldn't possibly ignore and I immediately turned the volume up to full blast. By time the band exploded into the chorus I knew I found a new addition to the soundtrack of my college party years.

That fateful night when I heard "Runnin' Wild", the title track from Airbourne's debut album, it reminded me of the way I felt when I first began my love affair with rock n' roll. The way a chugging riff and a steady backbeat can get your heart racing and adrenaline pumping through your veins is one of the most incredible feelings in the world. And the album is chock full of that feeling.

Airbourne is a band that provides exactly what is stated on a sticker from the album's jewel case:

"GENUINE FIST-PUMPING, SWEAT-SOAKED ROCK N' ROLL"

Some may dismiss the Melbourne-based rock band as sleazy and unoriginal. While that thought may hold some truth, at the end of the day, sometimes you just want to rock the fuck out. And at the end of the day, Airbourne wants to do the same thing. I think we all can agree that there ain't nothin' wrong with that.

I love this chick!!!!

Vinnie Morrison — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 00:05:45 GMT

I know I may sound like another person jumping on the Sia bandwagon but I adore Some People Have Real Problems. My only wish is that I heard of her before this release. I'll have to wait until my next paycheck to delve into her other works but until then I think I'll just watch this video for "Buttons". Did I mention I love this chick? How could you not love anyone who is willing to put a condom over their head for the sake of art? Not to mention, "Buttons" is pure pop heaven. With just one listen, you'll be hooked.

YOU CAN'T DANCE TO U2!!!!

Vinnie Morrison — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 23:29:57 GMT

Calm down fans of POP! I’m not talking about “Discotheque” or a few b-sides that are ass-shaking worthy. I’m looking at the early 80’s part U2’s catalog.

Let me explain why the need for this post…..

I recently checked out a U2 tribute band called Zooropa because cover/tribute bands kind of mystify me. (For an answer to this interest, read chapter/track five of Chuck Klosterman’s Sex, Drugs, and Cocoa Puffs.)

Anyhoo, the lasting memory of the night wasn’t faux Bono’s surprisingly great vocals or even the bartenders crazy white pig-tailed wig. It was a group of girls near the stage who were dancing to “New Year’s Day”.

“New Year’s Day” is a song that someone could maybe pogo to but not a song to grind against a dude to. Does this album cover say “shake your ass”?

I rest my case.

SLASH

Vinnie Morrison — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 19:04:33 GMT

It has come to my attention that I have neglected my MOG account like its some bastard redheaded stepchild and I apologize to it profusely. If my MOG were an actual living being (and I had the funds to make it up to them), this would be the time where I would buy it a pony, a dog or whatever it is the kids dig these days.

The main reason for the neglect is school. College has taken me over and I have become its bitch, constantly studying trying in vain to better myself in order to find a decent job, despite the fact that Michigan's economy is so shity that there is no other way to describe it but it being shity.

With that in mind, I took a break two hours ago from my studies to indulge in what will probably become my greatest distraction over the next month: I finally started reading the autobiography of Slash.

I received the book for Christmas much to my delight because I have loved Guns N Roses since I was 15. I can remember riding the school bus in the morning and listening to Appetite for Destruction as I looked out the window at the local businesses that I passed by. While my suburban neighborhood could never really be the "jungle" that is Los Angeles, that collection of tracks acted as my caffeine that prepared me for the wonderful high school existence that lay before me for the next seven hours.

Needless to say, I’m kind of a fan. Slash mystifies me the same way that Keith Richards does: How can someone, who has done so much damage to their body by means of drugs and alcohol, not only be alive but coherent enough to tell us about it?

While I have only read the first two chapters, I’m already hooked. If I’m this enthralled with an adolescent Slash getting caught stealing cassettes from Tower Records just imagine what I’m going to go through when I start to read about how GNR came together!

That being said, I really must dash and attempt to get some work done. Take care fellow Moggers!

Sincerely,

Vinnie

"Superbad", "Panama", and the Van Halen "Reunion"

Vinnie Morrison — Sat, 18 Aug 2007 19:51:41 GMT

First and foremost, for anyone wondering if they should see the movie “Superbad”, stop reading this and search for your local movie times right now. I am going to predict right now that this movie will become the new “Napoleon Dynamite”: the lines will become part of the lexicon and, mark my words, everyone with a “Vote for Pedro” t-shirt will now own/make their own McLovin apparel. The movie also showcases Van Halen’s “Panama” during the ultimate “hey, even cops can be cool” scene of all time.

Speaking of Van Halen, many of you may be aware of the upcoming Van Halen reunion tour with Diamond David Lee Roth. While I love seeing a Roth-fronted Van Halen as much as the next rocker, you cannot call it a reunion when the bass player is Eddie Van Halen’s 13-year-old son. Don’t get me wrong; I’m sure Wolfgang is a wonderful bassist. It cannot be called a reunion without Michael Anthony.

Before anyone gets their panties in a bunch and says the 2004 Van Halen tour wasn’t a reunion either because Sammy Hagar was at the helm instead of Roth, consider this: the 2004 tour contained the full line-up of the Hagar-era of Van Halen. No one was replaced. While some wouldn’t call it a true reunion, it was a reunion nonetheless.

Music and Death

Vinnie Morrison — Fri, 13 Apr 2007 01:27:16 GMT

Death is always a touchy subject, specifically in regards to how one grieves the loss of another. With me personally, while I do shed tears, I have always found that this was one of the many times that music takes on the role of consoler or, to quote former Darkness lead singer Justin Hawkins, becomes a “sonic cuddle”. It’s that shoulder that’s always there to lean on. It’s the hand that pulls you to your feet after you have been knocked on your ass. In my eyes, it’s the greatest form of therapy.

These ideas became even more apparent recently with the passing of my Grandmother. I found myself more and more dependant on music than my family to actually get through the funeral process. The same went for when my Grandfather died. (For anyone that actually cares, the grandparents mentioned in this blog are my father’s parents. Just a little FYI for those at home keeping score.) I became so attached that I realized I subconsciously created soundtracks to these events.

Yes, that’s right. I have created soundtracks that correspond with the deaths of my Grandmother and Grandfather…and you can now own both volumes for just $19.99! (Just kidding. Even I am not that incredibly tasteless. Although I have come close.) These soundtracks are comprised of entire albums and individual songs. Anyway, here they are. Both soundtracks in all of their disturbing glory.

*Note-Individual songs with be in quotes.

Grandpa

• Jane’s Addiction-Nothing’s Shocking

• Heart-Dreamboat Annie

• The Velvet Undergroud-Loaded

• Liz Phair-Exile in Guyville

• AC/DC-“Jailbreak” (I was actually listening to this song when I got the call that my grandfather died)

• U2-“Walk On” and “Kite”

Grandma

• Arcade Fire-Neon Bible

• Kings of Leon-Because of the Times

• Amy Winehouse-Back to Black

• Arctic Monkeys-Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not

• Spoon-“Back to the Life”

• Patti Smith Group-“Rock and Roll Nigger” (This was the song I was listening to when I got the call that my grandmother died)

• Antiproduct-“Bungee Jumping People Die”

New Donnas Track

Vinnie Morrison — Thu, 05 Apr 2007 22:14:03 GMT

I really need to get in the habbit of writting on this thing at least once a week. I can't believe the last time I posted was in November!

Anyway, for any fans of The Donnas, they have a new song called "Don't Wait Up For Me" available for download at their MySpace page for 99 cents.

http://www.myspace.com/thedonnas

Go check it out! It's a rocker and will no doubt be a crowd favorite at future shows. The band has finished recording their new album so look out for a new album from The Donnas soon. They are no longer recording for Atlantic Records so I don't know what lable they will be releasing their material under. Either way, if the new song is any indication of what the album will be like, then the future is full of promise.

The New Gwen Stefani song

Vinnie Morrison — Wed, 22 Nov 2006 22:53:40 GMT

Maybe I'm the only one who feels this way but I cannot stand this song! Does she think she's being creative by sampling songs from "The Sound of Music"? I don't know what she is trying to do. The only song I liked off of the first album was "What you waiting for" and that song of course was written by Linda Perry, someone in my opinion who could turn piles of crap into gold.

Call me a snob but I much prefer Gwen as a member of No Doubt as opposed to a solo artist. Although many people would say that she basically was the group, I would at least pay to see No Doubt. Even No Doubt's "Rock Steady", which was the most pop/dance/mainstream of their albums, was more tolerable than this material.

Now please, talk amongst yourselves....

September: A great month to be a U2 fan

Vinnie Morrison — Thu, 05 Oct 2006 16:45:02 GMT

I had my first two exams in late September and despite the fact that I went to class everyday and studied my ass off I still managed to fail both my Anthropology and Astronomy exams. After getting over the initial shock of this (mind you I have NEVER failed an exam EVER!), I pondered to myself, "What went wrong?"

After over thinking the hell out of this question, the answer was as clear as day.

I know you're thinking, "well, that's completely irresponsible of you to let a rock band fuck up your GPA". Yes it was irresponsible. But like none of you have been in a similar situation. And really, I did study a shitload. If I have to read about another kinship chart or about early Astronomers like Kepler or Tycho, I might just scream.

I think I was doomed from the start because no matter how much I read, none of that information would stick as much as to visual assult that ZooTV brought me. This was the first time I have seen a complete ZooTV show and I just watched in awe. It was absoulutely amazing.

And then there was the performance with Green Day, which I was completely taken by surprise. I didn't want to get my hopes up, but their performance of The Skids' "The Saints are Coming" totally blew me away. I can't wait for the official release of the single.

Last, by certainly not least, is the book, "U2 by U2". While I am only at the part of the book where the band are making their debut "Boy", I find it very to be a great read. I have heard a few of the stories before, there are many new interesting facts I was not aware of, like how U2 signed their record contract in a ladies bathroom.

TA-DAH! Scissor Sisters are back!

Vinnie Morrison — Thu, 05 Oct 2006 16:11:48 GMT

As stated in a previous post, I love Scissor Sisters! And with their new album, Ta-Dah, my love for them has grown. The album is indeed darker than the debut but darkness doesn't mean that the party has stopped. Just listen to the one-two-three punch of "Kiss You Off", "Ooh", and "Paul McCartney" (tracks 7, 8, and 9). I've been stuck on these three songs since getting the album. The only thing that disapoints me is the fact that there isn't a stop in Detroit on their current US tour. Hopefully after their run in Europe late this year, they will come back to the States for another round of shows.

The Shangri-Las

Vinnie Morrison — Thu, 05 Oct 2006 15:48:41 GMT

I know it's been a while since I posted anything on my MOG but I'm trying to juggle a part time job AND 16 credit hours. So if anyone has a problem with that, well, that's just too damn bad.

ANYWAY...

I recently purchased "The Leader of the Pack" by The Shangri-las and I'm absolutely in love with it! I don't know if I'm going through some girl group phase but I find every song simply divine. I may infact be the only person on my campus that's cranking "Remember (Walking in the Sand)" in their car as they enter the school parking lot. There's an innocence in these songs that I find so sexy. If there is anything that's missing in popular music today it's innocence. Not that there's anything wrong with sexy. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy sexy as much as the next person. I just find innocence to be so refreshing. Listen to "Give Him a Great Big Kiss" if you want to understand where I'm coming from.

New Scissor Sisters Single

Vinnie Morrison — Wed, 16 Aug 2006 00:33:25 GMT

Scissor Sisters have been one of my favorite bands that I have been fortunate enough to come across. While they are huge in the UK, they are much more under-the-radar in their native USA. They produce, in my opinion, some of the best pop music I have ever heard, or at least some of the best pop music out currently. Every song on their self-titled debut are perfect pop gems.

Co-written by Sir Elton John,"I Don't Feel Like Dancin", their first single on their follow-up album titled "Ta-Dah", is another modern pop classic that does just the opposite of what the title suggests because it could in fact be the best party/dance song that most of the US hasn't discovered. I only hope that the States can realize just how great this NYC-based group is with their second effort, due out later in September.

The New York Dolls

Vinnie Morrison — Fri, 28 Jul 2006 01:52:45 GMT

Ya know, when I first heard that David Johansen and Syl Sylvain were in the studio working on a new album for the New York Dolls catalog, I was excited and nervous. I remember picking up the debut when I was 17 and falling in love with it. I hoped that a new released would bring another round of songs for me to blast on my car stereo while the conservatives in my neighborhood looked at me with mass confussion on their faces. What I feared though was that this was going to be a half-assed effort in order to make a few bucks. There is nothing more dissapointing than when a band/artist you love releases a crap album.

Luckily for me and Dolls fans everywhere, "One Day It Will Please Us To Remember Even This" was brought forth with a full-assed effort. (I'm sure making a few bucks was an intent in the back of the Dolls minds, but hey, as long great tunes are put forth to the listeners, I really don't give a shit about the intensions.) With songs that ring with the classic Dolls sound like "Dance Like A Monkey" and "Punishing World" to ballads like "I Ain't Got Nothin' " and Maimed Happiness" , "One Day..." leaves me in the same state as when I heard the debut: grinning like an idiot and wanting more.

TOWERS OF LONDON

Vinnie Morrison — Wed, 26 Jul 2006 02:22:59 GMT

This band is one of my new obsessions. Are they original? Not really. But god damn do they have spirit! And I dare any of you who watch/listen to this clip to try and get this song out of your head. It has been stuck in my head for days now, and I can't wait until their album comes out on August 1st.

CHERRY BOMB!!!!

Vinnie Morrison — Fri, 30 Jun 2006 03:05:06 GMT

I adore The Runaways. They define what it is to be the bad-ass rock and roll chick. I haven't had a chance to see their movie, Edgeplay, yet but it is on my to do list. Man, I wish I had the balls to wear something like Cherie. Of course she was 16 at the time, so it is something that would tickle Gary Glitter's fancy (well, actually, she might have been too old at 16) . But come on! Look at her! Not to mention, Joan Jett and Lita Ford on rhythm and lead guitar are simply amazing.

I'M SO EXCITED!!!

Vinnie Morrison — Thu, 29 Jun 2006 13:44:28 GMT

You know, I'm about to lose control and I think I like it. I'm about to leave on a much needed vacation in less than a week to San Francisco to visit my fabulous cousin and his fabulous boyfriend. GOD I CAN'T WAIT! I need to get away from everything. Well, not everything, just my job. I work at the local Target (I know you're jealous of my glamorous life). I shouldn't really complain though. I am lucky to even be employed and getting a steady income to help pay for school and other expenses but things are just so repetitive there. Not only that but seeing as though I work at the returns counter, I get yelled at by complete strangers over a return policy I never even made up. If anyone reads this, please pass on to your friends and family members to always keep the receipt. For the love of God, KEEP YOUR DAMN RECEIPT!!!! You will have no problems returning merchandise if you keep your receipt. This isn't rocket science!

Sorry about that little outburst. I just needed to get that off of my chest. Like I said, I just really need to get away for awhile. Just six more days...

My first MOG (An intro of myself)

Vinnie Morrison — Fri, 23 Jun 2006 19:07:51 GMT

DAMN IT!!!! As if I already didn't spend enough time online, now MOG comes around. Well, it looks like I won't be getting much of a tan this summer will I?

Anyway....

I won't disclose my real name but everyone can call me Vinnie. I'm 19 and have just finished my first year of college where I plan to major in journalism. I'm a music dork (just like everyone who maybe reading this) I'm all over the place with my musical preferences but I stick mostly to rock.

You might be looking at my page an have a couple of questions.

Question 1) What's up with your musical taste and your first concert?

Alright. Yes, I was an NSYNC fan at one point in my life. But mind you I was 13, I have grown up since then and have become more wise for the wear.

Question 2) Was "The Joshua Tree" really your first album?

Honestly, no it wasn't. Frankly, I can't recall my first album but U2's "The Joshua Tree" was the first album I remember falling in love with. I came across it when I was 14 and my life has never been the same. I remember hearing it for the first time and how it made want to replace every NSYNC poster I had on my walls with pictures of Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen Jr. After gathering enough photos two weeks later, that mission was complete. That album was basically my crutch from age 14 to now. When listened to carefully, it's a really sad record. But it is in its sadness where I found its longing and passion in tracks like "Where the Streets Have No Name" and "In God's Country". This album has got me through all of the growing pains, death, depression, family problems and countless other issues I have dealt with in the past few years. The album means so much to me that I have a Joshua Tree tattoo on the middle of my back. I love this tattoo. It's just a reminder of all the bullshit I've been though and reassures me that if I can get though all of those things, I can get through anything.

Hopefully that answers those questions you may or may not have been pondering. Until next time....