What We Learned From Metallica Letting Fans Pick Their Setlist

Last Espcae From the Stuio world tour was in 2006. It'll be eight years in 2014!

Metallica is about to embark on another episode of their "Escape from the Studio" tours in the summer of 2014. Last time they did similar was while they producing their eighth studio album, Death Magnetic. Similar to that, this time too they will be play a "New Song" off of their next album. On the other hand, next year's tour is going be very special for Metallica fans who's going to the concerts( MetCulb members) - they get to choose the setlist!!!!!!

If you want to know more about the process of this news twist, read more at http://www.metallica.com/news/metallica-by-request-south-america.asp

Song Meaning: Dancing in the Dark by Bruce Springsteen

ARTIST: Bruce Springsteen and the e street band | ALBUM: born in the u.s.a. | RELEASED: 1984

Basis/themes for most of Bruce Springsteen's songs are centered around the concept of the American dream, that is, if you work hard you can achieve your goals. Springsteen quite frequently likes to explore the way in which working class folks attempt to realize their own American dream. In that regard, "Dancing the Dark" is no exception.

Song Meaning: Whiskey in the Jar

ARTIST: UNKNOWN | ALBUM: N/A | RELEASED: N/A

Metallica's version of "Whiskey in the Jar" from Garage Inc.

Famous Iris song, "Whiskey in the Jar" has an untraceable origin, that is, the primary song writer and and year of its release is unknown. Nevertheless, it has become quite popular over years due to extensive cover versions made by some reputable bands, namely Metallica.

Instead of attempting to retrace its history, I'll just focus on the work of Metallica, who's version is based on the cover of Thin Lizzy. It's fair to say that it was Metallica who popularized the song to a point where it's interesting enough for me to analyze. :-)

To Metallica Family: Watch Rock In Rio NOW

Metallica has taken stage in Rock in Rio 2013. Lars has seems to be growing his hair again. He looks like that old guy from GTA 5. James is back with his graceback hair, which don't like.

Nevertheless, Youtube is streaming Metallica live, for free- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CEAJkOdeHXE&feature=inp-lt-rbr




"Holier Than Thou" was third on the setlist, followed by "Hit the Lights" and "Master of Puppets."

Kirk Hammet does an awesome Stars Wars solo.

Playing right now: "The Day that Never Comes" from their Death Magnetic album, the crowd is really hot tonight.

Lars' hair

Awesome crowd

"Ride the lightening" and "Fade to Black" are left out of the setlist. I don't know why. These are two of my all time favorites.

James is so cool.
James: "I saw the band Ghost. Did you guys like them"
Crowd: "noooooooooooo"
James: "You guys were scared. Don't worry, it's just a mask." 

Kirk Hammet's White Zombie guitar

Rock in rio update: one and only Metallica singing "One." [plagiarism will not be tolerated]

Song Meaning: Born to Run by Bruce Springsteen

ARTIST: Bruce Springsteen | ALBUM: born to run | RELEASED: 1975

Hello rock n' rollers, I'm back after a while with another one of my favorite rock songs, "Born to Run" by Bruce Springsteen. The title track of Springsteen's third studio album is about leaving his hometown in hopes of a better future.

Springsteen was born in Long Branch, New Jersey and raised in nearby Freehold Borough. Apparently Freehold had been a really boring place until Springsteen made it popular with this song. Written by Springsteen himself, lyrical themes of the song touches on some of his personal aspects like loneliness, adversity, love and adventurousness.

Since its release as a single, the song has been a hit on rock radio. Springsteen's mainstream success that followed, and still enjoys today, can easily be attributed to the appeal of "Born to Run." It's a fan favorite, and accordingly, been a fixture of his live concerts since 1975.

Analysis of lyrics: 

First verse introduces the setting of the song to the audience. There is an easily-understandable references to Freehold, if not New Jersey, in that of "highway 9." It's noteworthy to state that, when Born to Run was released, Springsteen wasn't the international rockstar that he's known to be today. He was in fact a regional star, struggling to gain mainstream success across the United States. So the song's intended audience was his hometown folks, and the Americans in general.

I'll continue to finish my analysis pretty soon, maybe over the weekend. Until then, take care.

---

In the day we sweat it out on the streets of a runaway American dream
At night we ride through the mansions of glory in suicide machines
Sprung from cages out on highway 9,
Chrome wheeled, fuel injected,and steppin' out over the line
h-Oh, Baby this town rips the bones from your back
It's a death trap, it's a suicide rap
We gotta get out while we're young
`Cause tramps like us, baby we were born to run

yes, girl we were

Wendy let me in I wanna be your friend
I want to guard your dreams and visions
Just wrap your legs 'round these velvet rims
and strap your hands 'cross my engines
Together we could break this trap
We'll run till we drop, baby we'll never go back
h-Oh, Will you walk with me out on the wire
`Cause baby I'm just a scared and lonely rider
But I gotta know how it feels
I want to know if love is wild
Babe I want to know if love is real

Oh, can you show me

Beyond the Palace hemi-powered drones scream down the boulevard
Girls comb their hair in rearview mirrors
And the boys try to look so hard
The amusement park rises bold and stark
Kids are huddled on the beach in a mist
I wanna die with you Wendy on the street tonight
In an everlasting kiss

1-2-3-4!

The highway's jammed with broken heroes on a last chance power drive
Everybody's out on the run tonight
but there's no place left to hide
Together Wendy we can live with the sadness
I'll love you with all the madness in my soul
h-Oh, Someday girl I don't know when
we're gonna get to that place
Where we really wanna go
and we'll walk in the sun
But till then tramps like us
baby we were born to run

Oh honey, tramps like us
baby we were born to run

Come on with me, tramps like us
baby we were born to run

Ru-uh-uh-un
Mm-mm-mm-mm
Uh-uh-uh-oh-oh-oh-oh
Ru-uh-uh-uh-un
Mm-mm-mm-mm
Whoa-oh-oh-oh
Whoa-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh
Ru-uh-uh-un

Lyrics from: http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/brucespringsteen/borntorun.html

Song Meaning: Shoot to Thrill by AC/DC

ARTIST: AC/DC | ALBUM: back in black | RELEASED: 1980

"Shoot to Thrill" is yet another classic from AC/DC's seventh studio album, Back In Black.

As it's often the case with songs that have loosely written lyrics, the meaning of such is somewhat inconclusive. Sometimes the artist(s) purposely leave these "wholes" in the songs for the listener to fill them as they wish.

Song Meaning: Everlong by Foo Fighters

ARTIST: Foo Fighters | ALBUM: The Colour and the Shape | RELEASED: 1997

Foo Fighters is the rock n' roll band that rose from the ashes of Nirvana. Dave Grohl, the former drummer of Nirvana, determined to continue with his own music after the extinction of Nirvanamania.

Bruce Springsteen OR Guns N' Roses? Who's Better

Bruce Springsteen or Guns N' Roses?
That's the question.

Song Meaning + Background: Going to California by Led Zeppelin

ARTIST: led zeppelin | ALBUM: led zeppelin iv | RELEASED: 1971

"Going to California" from Led Zeppelin IV

"Going to California" is about Robert Plant's post-teenage years when he was going through some identity crisis. The song is also based on the lives of his fellow bandmates as well.

Robert  Plant was just twenty years old when was auditioned by Jimmy Page, who was just four years senior, for New Yard Birds which eventually became Led Zeppelin.

Touring with Led Zeppelin on the road for young Plant was a new experience. For the first time he was dealing with drugs and groupies, and slowly adopting a rock n' roll lifestyle.

"Going to California" was released after a few years of forming Led Zeppelin, and it was written from the songwriter's point of view - reflecting on his old days on the road. Jimmy Page also contributed to the lyrics.

Let me know what you think of the song in the comments section.

---

Spent my days with a woman unkind, Smoked my stuff and drank all my wine.
Made up my mind to make a new start, Going To California with an aching in my heart.
Someone told me there's a girl out there with love in her eyes and flowers in her hair.
Took my chances on a big jet plane, never let them tell you that they're all the same.
The sea was red and the sky was grey, wondered how tomorrow could ever follow today.
The mountains and the canyons started to tremble and shake
as the children of the sun began to awake.

Seems that the wrath of the Gods
Got a punch on the nose and it started to flow;
I think I might be sinking.
Throw me a line if I reach it in time
I'll meet you up there where the path
Runs straight and high.

To find a queen without a king,
They say she plays guitar and cries and sings... la la la
Ride a white mare in the footsteps of dawn
Tryin' to find a woman who's never, never, never been born.
Standing on a hill in my mountain of dreams,
Telling myself it's not as hard, hard, hard as it seems.

Lyrics from: http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/ledzeppelin/goingtocalifornia.html

Early Album Failures of Aerosmith Due to Springsteen & Columbia

Aerosmith is a household name and one of the best selling hard rock bands of time, but their success didn't come easy. Tracing backing to their humble beginnings, Steven Tyler and Joe Perry were both brought up New Hampshire. Upon forming the band, five bandmates frequented neighboring Boston to their shows. Much like other prominent rock bands that we know today, Aerosmith too were only known locally. After three years of touring they became a well known rock act in New England, and managed to get the attention of Columbia Records.

The bands debut album, Aerosmith (1973), had their signature song, "Dream On" also with seven other good songs, but it failed to make an impression. The album wasn't reviewed on Rolling Stone, or by other music critics. But what did happen was that bandmates were mocked for their facial appearances; Steven Tyler was compared to Mick Jagger and Joe Perry was compared Keith Richards of Rolling Stones.

I think record companies are criminals
- Jon Bon Jovi

In the eyes of a major recording company, the album was a disaster. Columbia was hesitant of perpetuating a long term partnership with Aerosmith, but they failed to realize one thing: it was same that Bruce Springsteen, who was also affiliated with Columbia, released his debut album, Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J. Springsteen's debut album, on the other, was reviewed by critics, and was well received. Rolling Stone magazine label it as the 37th greatest debut album ever.

Main attribution for Springsteen early success was due to the fact that Columbia made a big effort to popularize it, despite having songs which weren't as good as Aerosmith's. The record company spent hundred times as much money on Bruce Springsteen as they did on Aerosmith.

Aerosmith, however, never gave up. They pushed on with adversity and went on to release some of the greatest songs and albums in the history of rock n' roll. Toys in the Attick and Rocks are considered to be some of their best works in the 1970s.

Song Meaning: Dude (Looks Like A Lady) by Aerosmith

ARTIST: Aerosmith | ALBUM: Permanent Vacation | RELEASED: 1987

Aerosmith was down on their luck in the early 1980s. Joe Perry left the band over a dispute with lead singer Steven Tyler. There two were the main creative force behind much of Aerosmith's song writings. When they eventually got back together and released the band's eight studio album, Done with Mirrors, it was a mere shadow of what they were capable of doing in the 1970s.

The album was poorly done, in fact I personally think it was terrible; it didn't sound like the band that wrote "Back in the Saddle." It took the band two more years to find their old magic, as showcased in Permanent vacation (1987). Though this wasn't Aerosmith at their best, the album was a sign of their ascend to the top. The second single, "Dude (Looks Like A Lady)," shows a glimpse of old-school hard rock sound of Aerosmith.

Song Meaning and Facts: Sweet Emotion by Aerosmith

ARTIST: Aerosmith | ALBUM: Toys in the attic | RELEASED: 1975

"Sweet Emotion" is the debut single of Toys in the Attic

Rivalry between Joe Perry and Steven Tyler is well known for Aerosmith fans. In fact their feuds are well explained in also of the band's documentaries. As the frontman and lead guitarist, they were always competing to be on the spotlight on the stage. Off stage, their differences became more personal. Steven Tyler was jealous of the lady Joe Perry was dating at the time, maybe because he wanted date her, and also due to the fact that Perry spending more and more time with her, away from the band. I think her name was Elyssa Jerret. Knowing this, to add insult to injury, Perry married her in 1975.

Song Meaning: Born in the U.S.A. by Bruce Springsteen

ARTIST: Bruce Springsteen | ALBUM: Born in the U.S.A. | RELEASED: 1984

Title track of Bruce Springsteen's seventh studio album paints a predominantly pessimistic image of the United States. The song deals with the chaotic consequences of the Vietnam War, both at home and aboard. Bruce in fact had several friends who went to Vietnam, some never came back. Much of the basis of the song comes from his in-depth secondhand experiences.

Rock and Roll: A bipartisan push for 'Yes' - CNN

CNN has an article on their Political Ticker showing an effort by both the Democrats and Republicans to get "Yes" into the Rock N' Roll Hall of Fame.

"Their music is revered by many politicians. In fact, we were excited at how quickly the two political parties could put policy disputes aside for this common goal," Brabender said in a statement.

"Republicans and Democrats actually agree on something: that Yes is one of the most influential progressive rock bands ever – and ultimately ensure Yes gets rightful place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame."

Numerous groups like Led Zeppelin and Pearl Jam have cited Yes as influential on their music. Yes are known for hits like Roundabout, Fragile and I've Seen All Good People. 

Read the full article at http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2013/08/06/rock-roll-a-bipartisan-push-for-yes/

Song Meaning: Rocks Off by The Rolling Stones

ARTIST: the rolling stones | ALBUM: exile on main st. | RELEASED: 1972

"Rocks Off" was released as a single
only in Japan, thus the Japanese letters on the cover

Another great rock song by arguably the greatest rock n' roll band ever, "Rock Off" describes a day in the life of the bandmates. The song touches on all aspects of rock n' roll lifestyle: sex, drugs and rock n' roll music.

FIVE Reasons Why Axl Rose Should Retire

It's undeniable that Axl Rose is one of the best rockers of all time... but that's all on yesterday. He single-handedly screwed Guns N' Roses, and since then he's been doing his one-man show with a bunch of his high school buddies. Now the dude is well beyond is prime and time has come for him to hang up his boots.

5. Not in shape - guy is fat and doesn't put put enough effort into music anymore. Look at other rockers around his age: James Hetfield, Slash, Flea, etc... Even old Angus Young is still in shape.

Welcome to the bakery, we got cakes and cookies

4. Losing creative juice - since Slash left Guns N' Roses, it took Axl 14 years to release the band's next album, and that wasn't even close to the material of old G'N'R. When Slash left the band, that was the end of GNR; now it's just a solo project of Axl Rose. In fact the current lineup should really be called, "Axl Rose Project," like Joe Perry used to call his band when he temporarily departed Aerosmith

3. Stuck in old anger management issues - well, this one had to be included on this list, and shouldn't be a surprise to old GN'R fans.

2. Disastrous live shows - part of the reason why GN'R doesn't put good live shows anymore is Axl doesn't care anymore, and not to mention the fact that he never shows up to them in time. If you think otherwise watch their 2011 Rock in Rio performance -- it was a complete disaster.

1. Losing hard rock voice - only a few hard rockers have been fortunate enough to either protect their voice as they age or adapt and change it accordingly overtime while still being able to sing old songs just as good. Bruce Dickinson and Brian Johnson are two that still sound good, but Axl Rose has miserably failed at this; he sounds like a mickeymouse on their lastest album.

Song Meaning, Analysis and Facts: The Unforgiven by Metallica

ARTIST: Metallica | ALBUM: black album | RELEASED: 1991

"The Unforgiven" is James Hetfield's most personal track of all Metallica songs. The song explores James' tumultuous childhood. His dad left the family when he was thirteen for no apparent reason -- only a mare note was left behind explaining his departure. James got really mad at his father for leaving them behind, given that he was the breadwinner of the family and that his mom wasn't as effective at being a single parent. She made a living painting stuff, but besides that, she wasn't able to properly take care of James and her daughter. Nevertheless they managed to push on... but not for long. His mom passed away when James was sixteen after a losing battle with cancer.

Song Meaning: Back in the Saddle Again by Aerosmith

ARTIST: Aerosmith | ALBUM: Rocks | RELEASED: 1977

"Back in the Saddle Again" is highpoint of Rocks

Along with "Walk This Way" and "Dream On," this is one of my favorite Aerosmith songs. In fact, this is a must-have-listened-to type of a song  for rock n' roll fans. "Back in the Saddle" is the first track of the bands fourth album, Rocks, which showcases some of Aerosmith's best hard rock music. 

Explore Albums: Metallica's Black Album Walkthrough

I recently wrote an article about the foundation of Metallica's 5th studio album, Metallica aka The Black Album, released in 1991. I discussed Lars Ulrich's and James Hetfield's desire to write songs 'different' from the ones on the previous two albums, and also how the producer Bob Rock put to the final touches on the tracks.

Song Meaning: Simple Man by Lynyrd Skynyrd

ARTIST: Lynyrd Skynyrd | ALBUM: Pronounced 'lĕh-'nérd 'skin-'nérd | RELEASED: 1973

"Simple Man" is a track on Lynyrd Skynrd's debut album

"Simple Man" is a heartfelt song about the mother-son relationship. This song proves that the Southern boys of Lynyrd Skynyrd were capable of stepping outside of their redneck-zone, and write meaningful lyrics.

Rock N' Roll Thoughts on Federer's Swiss Open Exit

In case any of you didn't know this already, I also love watching tennis besides doing my rock n' roll thing. It's a free world, and you can enjoy what you like except for... Bieber s&%t!

Motown City Declares Bankruptcy

Detroit has become the largest city in the United States to declare bankruptcy. This happened two days ago - I think the same day the Royal baby was born :-). You might be asking why am I so interested in a non-rock-n-roll story. Well, fact of the matter is, you could argue that Detroit is rock n' roll in someway. It was the home of Motown that produced legends like Micheal Jackson, Lionel Richie and Steve Wonder. Most recently Metallica held their annual Orion Musical + More festival, and the band was hoping the city would become a permanent place to host it annually. Well, looks like that's just not going to be the case.

Explore Albums: Making of The Black Album Aka Metallica by Metallica

Metallica's fifth and best selling studio album: Metallica

The two albums prior to the release of Metallica's Black Album featured a set of lengthy songs. Consider Master of Puppets, for instance: the shortest song, "Battery", is five minutes and twelve seconds long. Furthermore, the album contains three eight minute songs, and two six minute ones. The band continued to produce similar songs in their fourth studio album, ...Justice For All. The album contained nine songs, averaging over seven minutes a song.

Prominent Images of 1980s Glam Metal Scene

As a rock n' roll fan, I have no problem with glam metal music. Let me be clear and say this is not, and has not relation to, heavy metal though "metal" is a part of the title. Glam metal is an alternative to hard rock, except with less distorted guitar and voice. So you won't hear Brian Johnson or Axl Rose screaming bloody murder in a Bon Jovi song. But both of these genres have overlapping aspects, in that of subject matter that deals with stuff like free time, no school, ladies, feeling good being high on drugs, fast cars, and music itself.

Song Meaning: Free Bird by Lynyrd Skynyrd

ARTIST: Lynyrd Skynyrd | ALBUM: Pronounced 'lĕh-'nérd 'skin-'nérd | RELEASED: 1973

With "Free Bird", Lynyrd Skynyrd proved, for once, they were capable of letting go of their redneck, backward thinking mentality demonstrated in "Sweet Home Alabama."

Song Meaning & Analysis: Don't Stop Believin' by Journey

ARTIST: journey | ALBUM: escape | RELEASED: 1981

"Don't Stop Believin'" is the second single from Escape

The American rock band Journey, formed in 1973, decided to embark on a different musical style towards the end of the decade - one in which they put more emphasis on commercial, radio friendly rock songs. Now, as a rock n' roll fan, I don't mind this approach, and definitely wouldn't label them as "sellouts." In fact, exploring different musical paths is, in fact, beneficial to both fans and music, in my humble opinion.

Song Meaning: Mindfreak by Criss Angel

ARTIST: CRISS ANGEL | ALBUM: Mindfreak | RELEASED: 2002

Mindfreak is the soundtrack used in Criss Angel's Mindfreak TV show, at least in the first few seasons when I used to watch it. I stopped watching it later on but I don't know why; I guess I got bored. Nonetheless, for those who don't know what I'm talking about, Midfreak was/is a TV show where Criss performs street magic, illusions and tricks.

Explore Albums: American Idiot by Green Day

Is American Idiot punk ? Yes.
Is Green Day punk? Maybe
Has Green Day sold out? I don't know and I don't care.

Song Meaning: Thunderstruck by AC/DC

ARTIST: AC/DC | ALBUM: THE razor's edge | RELEASED: 1990

"Thunderstruck" is typical AC/DC hard rock material, but that doesn't mean it's bad by any stretch of the imagination. The song is about a celebration and having a good time, as it's often the case with most hard rock songs. Thunderstruck, however, specifically refers to the act of frightening a person out of the blue... in a good way. In other words, it's more of a pleasant surprise.

Song Meaning: Nothing Else Matters by Metallica

ARTIST: Metallica | ALBUM: Metallica aka black album | RELEASED: 1991

Arguably Metallica's only "love" song, "Nothing Else Matters" breaks away from the rest of songs on Black Album in terms of lyrics and melody. The distortion is, of course, tuned down to match well with the romantic feelings of the lyrics. This isn't the first time Metallica had experimented with new styles of music. They plugged the acoustic guitar for "Fade to Black," which was quite unusual for a heavy metal band.

Songs That Need YOUR Help

I just finished doing analysis on "Smells Like Teen Spirit." As I was doing it, I realized how much I don't know about some aspects of the song. So I'm opening up my blog you guys - rock n' roll fans - to add further improvements to any part of a song, or other kind of writings I on this blog, that you might find missing some important pieces of information.

It doesn't matter how small your addition is, because they all add up, and eventually improve the overall quality and depth of the article.

I'll soon compile a list of articles that need some serious editing - meaning I was kindda on the dark side of the moon when I wrote those :-). But, in general, you can suggest improvements to pretty much any post on the blog by simply making a comment below each.

UPDATE: 25/072013 --

Hello boys and girls, I'm back as promised. As for compiling a list of song that need editing and improving... that's still in the works. But I did do one important thing: I added two types of icon at the top-right corner of some articles. You'll only see one the two at a time.

Articles with this icon lacks depth and there's a lot more room for improve. So it's your chance to showcase your knowledge and improve the quality of the article. All you have do is simply make a comment in the comments section below the post.

Articles with this icon are generally considered to be good and informative. But you can still suggest any improvements if you know more about the stuff discussed in it.

Now some articles are missing either of these two. That probably means I still have to through them first and make a decision as to which one to add. I'm quite sure all necessary posts will have an icon in the foreseeable future.

Song Meaning: Smells Like Teen Spirit by Nirvana

ARTIST: Nirvana | ALBUM: Nevermind | RELEASED: 1991

Smells Like Teen Spirit is the debut single of Nevermind

"Smells Like Teen Spirit" is the definite rock anthem of the Generation X - my generation, and I'm pound to be represented by Nirvana.

Song Meaning & Analysis: Sweet Home Alabama by Lynyrd Skynyrd

ARTIST: Lynyrd Skynyrd | ALBUM: Second Helping | RELEASED: 1974

Lynyrd Skynyrd is known for popularizing southern rock. What is southern rock music, you might ask? Well, it's just a sub-genre of rock music with a little more emphasis on the southern culture of the United States. Themes of a typical southern rock song include condoning slavery and segregation, use of the confederate flag, condescending upon Black people, and the general backward-thinking mentality. These themes may not be explicitly stated in new songs, but they were very apparent when the genre was at its peak in the 1970s. Lynyrd Skynyrd, too, rose to fame in the mid 1970s with their debut album, Pronounced 'lĕh-'nérd 'skin-'nérd.

Marty Schwartz - Best Online Guitar Teacher

I've been really busy over the last couple of weeks with my stuff, you know school, and never really had much time to do any blogging, Youtubing or to watch the Daily Show. - yes I watch Daily Show and occasionally the following act, Colbert's Report.

Song Meaning, Facts & Analysis: Yesterday by The Beatles

ARTIST: THE BEATLES | ALBUM: HELP | RELEASED: 1965

"Yesterday" is like no other Beatles' song. Unlike most of their songs that are credited to Lennon/McCartney, this marked the first time where there was no extensive collaboration between John Lennon and Paul McCartney. "Yesterday" was written only by Paul when he was playing around on the piano; he was also the only Beatle present on stage when the song was played live. John Lennon, however, initially didn't like the song. In fact, he and other band members made fun of the song. This almost broke The Beatles into two bands: John's band and Paul's band.

Song Meaning: Wherever I May Roam by Metallica

ARTIST: Metallica | ALBUM: Metallica aka black album | RELEASED: 1991

Another Metallica song that comes from their heart, "Wherever I May Roam" explores the band's longevity. At the time of the release of the album, Metallica had been on the road for nearly a decade. Playing live was their only way to build a fan base, because radio stations and MTV never really played their material. In fact, I believe only dozen radio stations played Metallica songs in 1980s. That's just ridiculous given that there are well over dozen large cities in the Lower 48.

Song Meaning: Cult of Personality by Living Color

ARTIST: living color | ALBUM: VIVID | RELEASED: 1988

Living Color, as the name of the band suggests, has shown extensive interest in punk rock upon their inception in 1984 in New York City. "Cult of Personality" is one the most recognizable punk rock songs in the history of, not just rock music, but of all music.

Novak Djokovic on His Wimbledon Defeat: 'What doesn't kill you makes you stronger'

As much I love rock n' roll, I'm also a dedicated tennis fan. My favorite player right now is Djokovic, so I was disappointed so seem his lose in the finals of Wimbledon. Having said that, I have to admit Andy played a remarkable game under a lot of pressure and expectations put on by the British media, crowd and himself.

At the press conference following his defeat, Djokovic said something interesting that jumped out: “What doesn't kill you makes you stronger, I guess. I need to have that kind of mentality and move on. I'm still young, and hopefully I have more opportunities to win this title.”

This quote straightaway reminded me of Metallica's "Broken, Beat & Scarred." In fact, this song perfectly sums up Djokovic as a tennis player. He is the most relentless tennis player I've ever seen on the court. He never gives up, and never gives in, and fight to the final breath.

Forrest Gump and Elvis Presley

I watched Forrest Gump for the first time yesterday, and it was a really good. The movie depicts the life of Forrest, a boy trapped in a man's body as he struggles to find his only true love of life, Jenny. Right off the bat, let me say that I'm not a big movie guy. I watch whatever I can get my hands on, and unlike music, I don't have any preferences one way or the other. But I have to confess I really like Al Pacino and Robert De Niro as actors. I like their action and adventure movies like Scareface, Goodfells and the best, Godfather Part II.

Song Meaning: Jesus of Suburbia by Green Day

ARTIST: GREEN DAY | ALBUM: American idiot | RELEASED: 2004

"Who/what is Jesus of Suburbia?" This was what I wondered when I was listening to the song. After some Googling, I determined it was a character that front-man Billy Joe Armstrong created. So what does "Jesus of Suburbia" mean?

Song Meaning & Analysis: Boulevard Of Broken Dreams by Green Day

ARTIST: GREEN DAY | ALBUM: American idiot | RELEASED: 2004

Heartfelt song from heavy-hitting American Idiot album showcases some of Billy Joe Armstrong's best writings. Coinciding with recurring themes of the album, such as anti-establishment, anti-war, and exposure of biased media of the US, "Boulevard Of Broken Dreams" sings about a person's adversity as a consequence of thereof.

Guns N Roses Coming to Toronto

Toronto Star has an article up announcing GNR's new tour dates that includes a couple of shows in Toronto.

Tickets go on sale for the Toronto show on Friday at 10 a.m. They range in price from $125 to $350.

Fans in Toronto will only get to see one original Guns N’ Roses band member. Eccentric frontman Axl Rose is the only original member left. He quashed any hope of a reunion in the near future by boycotting the band’s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame last year.

Read more: http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/music/2013/07/02/guns_n_roses_announce_toronto_show.html

Explore Albums

Appetite for Destruction	Ride the Lightning
Guns N' Roses' debut album	One of Metallica's best albums

American Idiot
Green Day returns to punk rock scene with vengeance

Song Meaning: Crazy Train by Ozzy Osbourne

ARTIST: +OZZY OSBOURNE  | ALBUM: BLIZZARD OF ozz | RELEASED: 1980

Crazy Train was the debut single of Ozzy's first solo album

Following his brilliant career in Black Sabbath, frontman Ozzy Osbourne decided to peruse a solo career in 1980s. His debut solo album, entitled Blizzard of Oz, was both a nod to his previous act and also a reviving of his future heavy metal career - which would go on to become one of the most successful solo careers at the time ( may be of all time as well ).

Song Facts & Meaning: Back In Black by AC/DC

ARTIST: AC/DC | ALBUM: BACK IN BLACK | RELEASED: 1980

Title track of AC/DC 8th studio album,

Title track of AC/DC's best selling album is a tribute to late Bon Scott. Brian Johnson was brought into the band as the new front-man following Scott's tragedy. Although there were thoughts of abandoning the band as a result of their former front-man's death, Angus and Malcolm Young were determined to come back stronger than ever. "Back in Black", and the Album as well, is very indicative their come back journey.

Song Meaning: Hells Bells by AC/DC

ARTIST: AC/DC | ALBUM: BACK IN BLACK | RELEASED: 1980

"Hells Bells" is the first track of AC/DC's best settling album, Back in Black. I don't know if the song is a reference to band's previous album, Highway to Hell. Nevertheless, the song conforms to most of the material on their previous albums, emphasize by the fact that Angus was still struggling to learn new chords! It's a low-blow, I'll admit :-).

Song Meaning: That Was Just Your Life by Metallica

ARTIST: #METALLICA | ALBUM: DEATH MAGNETIC | RELEASED: 2008

"That Was Just Your Life" from Metallica's 8th studio album, Death Magnetic, outlines James Hetfield's rebellious past. James was known for his anger management issues and alcohol addiction, among many other things, of course. He's also known for collecting vintage cars - if you're into that kind of stuff.  Hetfield was forced to enter rehab in early 2000s to address his alcoholism, and came out clean, and in fact has been sober for the most of his life since. Nevertheless, for this song, James lays out his dark side of himself, in making a reference to everybody else dark side as well.

Song Meaning: You Shook Me All Night Long by AC/DC

ARTIST: AC/DC | ALBUM: BACK IN BLACK | RELEASED: 1980

Feel-good song of the 1980s, as I'd like to describe this :-), "You Shock Me All Night Long" perfectly sums up the essence of rock n' roll. It all about having a good time with your favorite lady.

Explore Albums: Ride the Lightning by Metallica

Ride the Lightning showcases Metallica at its best

Following their debut album, Kill 'Em All, Metallica went into to, say alcoholic mode, to explore themes related to death. What's quite unknown to Metallica fans is that, it was during this time that Lars and James learned about theory on music - stuff like melody and whatnot. Lars admitted this in an interview with Howard Stern.

Explore Albums: Appetite for Destruction by Guns N' Roses

Appetite for Destruction is GNR's first album, and it was quite a feat for a debut album by a little known rock n' roll band from California. There was absolutely nothing wrong the hard rock sound of the singles/songs; it was, if fact, a perfect record.The singles form the album sounded as if they were recorded by Led Zeppelin -- that's how insanely good this album is! In fact, I'd go as far as saying this is the record of the 1980s, better than Micheal Jackson's Thriller or Bruce Springsteen's Born In the U.S.A

Song Meaning: Nightrain by Guns N' Roses

ARTIST: GUNS N' ROSES | ALBUM: APPETITE FOR DESTRUCTION | RELEASED: 1987

"Nightrain", after doing some Googling, is a cheap, but effective, alcohol GNR used to consume in their early days when money was not so commonplace. So the song is about drugs, and only drugs, just like Mr. Brownstone.

Song Meaning: We Take Care of Our Own by Bruce Springsteen

ARTIST: BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN | ALBUM: WRECKING BALL | RELEASED: 2012

Basis for every Springsteen's song is the lifestyle and culture of the American society. That's all I can say about Bruce.

Song Meaning & Analysis: Folsom Prison Blues by Johnny Cash

ARTIST: JOHNNY CASH | ALBUM: WITH HIS HOT AND BLUE GUITAR | RELEASED: 1955

Folsom Prison Blues was re-released in Cash's 1968 live album

Many considered to be his signature song, "Folsom Prison Blues" is from Johnny Cash's debut album, With His Hot and Blue Guitar. If you have spent any amount of time studying Johnny Cash ( I haven't :-), you'd have realized that Cash absolutely loves depicting the lives of poor, needy and disadvantaged, and this song, I believe,  lays the groundwork for his eventual songs showcasing these themes. One such song is Man in Black.

Early History of Cover Songs

The cover phenomena started in the 1950s. It was an attempt by the record companies to reach out to more people by a way of reproducing original songs such that those are more appealing to a particular demography. Thus, it was commonplace for a group of White artists to "cover" a song by Black artists. The motivation behind this approach by record companies was that the White never showed enough interest in Black artists, so they were given appealing songs by fellow White artists. However, during the process of producing cover songs, the original creator(s) ( black artists ) of the song didn't receive proper acknowledgement, or any financial compensations for that matter. This was clearly racist, but the US was racially divided in the 1950s so such move wasn't against the law. But what's more telling was that the cover phenomena was an example of record companies showcasing their financial greed.

Song Meaning: Give In To Me by Michael Jackson

ARTIST: MICHAEL JACKSON | ALBUM: DANGEROUS | RELEASED: 1993

7th single from MJ's Dangerous

Micheal Jackson is known as the King of Pop, but his actual title is King of Pop, Rock and Soul. Such title is attributed to him due to the fact that he's capable of mastering any genre of music. "Give In To Me" showcases the King of Pop's hard rock arsenal as he brings out some heavy artillery in making the song, namely Slash. The song shows a significant contrast from the rest of the songs on Dangerous album as highlighted by the distorted guitar. Slash's Les Paul is as distorted as it gets for a hard rock.

Mick Jagger of Rolling Stones Swipes Obama

Huffington Post has an article highlighting what Mick Jagger, the front man of Rolling Stones, think of the Obama Administration's latest efforts on tracking household phone class in the US. "I don't think President Obama is here, but I'm sure he's listening in," said the legend.

You can read the full article here: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/06/25/mick-jagger-obama-listening-dc-concert_n_3496585.html

Song Meaning: Enter Sandman by Metallica

ARTIST: METALLICA | ALBUM: METALLICA (BLACK ALBUM) | RELEASED: 1991

Enter Sandman is the first single from Black Album

"Enter Sandman" is about a kid's nightmares. Unlike many previous singles by Metallica, this song refrain from demonic themes like death, drugs and demons, thus aiding it to become a mainstream hit. As a matter of fact, many critics attribute to this single, and the album, as the one that put Metallica on the "map." However, on the other hand, many hardcore thrash metal fans didn't like Metallica new curve ball. They criticized the band for being hypocritical for initially stand for anti-establishment, underground metal movement, but now changing course to embrace the MTV culture. Regardless of your point of view, as a rock n' roll fan, I believe that the Black Album contains good music, good riffs and cool themes. Songs like "Nothing Else Matters" and "Unforgiven" are far from being a thrash metal, but exposes Metallica's ability to explore new ground, and appeal to a new audience.

The Beatles Invade America

There were number of events that facilitated Beatlemania in the US. Some of it may seem unrelated to music, which shouldn't be surprising given that The Beatles transcended way beyond just music. America was filled with optimism in the early 1960s. There was the civil rights movement, and "I Have a Dream" speech by Martin Luther King on August 28, 1963. Furthermore, John F. Kennedy's acceptance speech at the Democratic National Convention of 1960 was known as "A New Frontier," emphasizing his message of a hopeful future. Everything changed on Nov 22, 1963 when President Kennedy was shot dead! People attribute to this event as the day that American democracy got thrown into the back seat. Everybody was very shocked, and their sadness continued for weeks, even after those responsible were taken custody.

Song Meaning: Ride the Lightning by Metallica

ARTIST: METALLICA | ALBUM: RIDE THE LIGHTENING | RELEASED: 1984

Metallica's second studio album

One of Metallica's greatest songs, "Ride the Lightning" perfectly culminates the talent of all four members of the band. Song is the title track of their second album, which is now regarded as one of heavy metal's greatest of all time. Cliff Burton's bass was a perfect; Lars was on fire on drums. Lyrics show some of James' best writing given that Metallica is still new to heavy metal scene. Kirk's solo is perfectly sets the gloomy atmosphere discussed in lyrics. Accordingly, the song has become a permanent fixture on Metallica's live setlist, and also my personal favorite :-)