troy

insober-yes, the rodeo used to be behind mexi's, but is now in the same building as sweetwaters. the owner combined the two. an odd place for a rock concert all the same. lol -troy-

he played here in fredericton back in may. he said something about for the past two shows he had played in a place called the rockin rodeo or a place attached to a rockin rodeo and would regret not playing it in the morning if he didn't. pretty funny actually.

I wanted to play high school football just so I could be like Al. lol -Troy-

I think Ray won eight grammy's. Not much of a show over all. Some of the performances were really good though. The Southern tribute was pretty cool with the Skynard and Allman borther tunes featuring the different artists. It was cool seeing Keith Urban playing guitar along side those guys, even though Keith is way better.lol. But the stand out point was the Melissa Ethridge/Joss Stone tribute to Joplin. Holy mother of God was Melissa Ethridge ever on fire. She owned the entire night with that performance. Very moving moment indeed. -Troy-

I missed that performance, but I've been noticing this huge trail of suck that the late night shows have been producing over the past few weeks. I know that when bands perform on tv, they lose a lot of the sound quality, but it's been really weak lately. Singers being out of key, instruments out of tune, ect...It's getting bad when the only stand out performance I can recently recall that I really thought was good (and I can't believe I'm saying this) was Kelly Clarkson's performance on SNL last weekend. Like her or not, she sounded great. Her voice was spot on aside from a few notes here and there, and her band ripped. I'll probably never buy an album, but her and the band definitely have live chops. -Troy-

I happen to think that this record is pretty stellar. Right from the get go, it rocks, plain and simple. For the most part, it's just snappy rock tunes, but then there's a few songs that are completely different then anything else on the record. I say kudos on a great piece of work. Appreciate it for what it is, which is a really good rock record. Something that's really hard to find these days. And stop whinning for another BM or AOB. It ain't going to happen. Move on. Apparently Matt has. -Troy-

The siger reminds me of early David Usher, just without range or the ability to sing in key. -Troy-

I'm so miffed that the shows are being run in the states. The guide on my tv says we're supposed to be getting it, but they are still running dawsons creek for the 100th time. I rarely watch tv, but absolutely adored Ed. It was smart, witty and charming. I cried when it was over. lol. Anyways, just wanted to say I love Ed and here's to hoping the Canadian stations wise up. Cheers -Troy- 10$ if you only say "burger me" when the waitress comes over to take your order! 10$ bets were friggin genius. haha!

The Junos used to be semi respectable, but have since gone the way of American award shows. The "artists" in the award catergories aren't a representation of the best that is out there, but rather the best of what's hot right now and who has racked up the most $$. It's laughable really. I love how they round out the catergories with really great artists, but the award goes to some douche who definitely doesn't deserve it. Here's my favorite example. The song writers catergory. Please explain to me how Avril Lavigne gets nominated for song writer of the year? I like her music, but I wouldn't say the song writing on her record is "song writer of the year" quality. It was nice to see Ron Sexsmith in there though. Hopefully someone on the committee can pull their head out their asses for five minutes and recognize a true talent. I was disappointed by the video nominee's as well. I thought for sure Sarah Mcglaughin would get a nod for "world on fire", but apparently unless you have naked girls draped over bouncing cars and dudes smoking pot, then I guess your video isn't quite up to par with the other artistic genius'. Who's performing this year? Anyone worth while? I've only heard neil young and the hip so far. -Troy-

Sweet Christmas! What is with the poor use of grammer and the English language? For the love of Mike, it takes 30 seconds to preview your message before you post it. I wanted to post a comment here, but the topic is beyond idiocy, so that's all I have to say about that. LOL. Play nice in the sandbox kiddies. -Troy-

Excellent point moe. There are a million other issues throughout the world that need the same amount of attention as same sex marriage. Hopefully people will soon realize this and focus their energies on something that might actually do some good instead of trying to disrupt the rights and freedoms of two people who love each. It is nice to see that some states in the U.S. are starting to take the steps, but when your President is dead set on stopping the progression of love and hell bent on promoting intolerence and indifference amongst the citizens of the country, then that seems like a long, scary road to travel down. -Troy-

I think it just depends on the artists ability to produce quality music. It takes some years to make a really good record, and it takes others a year to do three. Ryan broke his wrist early last year and didn't tour/play at all, so I'm assuming the three albums are a result of sitting around re-cooping the wrist. I'm a fan, so I'm biased in the way of saying these records will be great. There's certain artists in my opinion that cannot write a bad song. Ryan being one of them. -Troy-

Agreed. What a frickin debut album though. I'm really looking forward to the new albums this year. I thought R'N'R was a great record, even though it was just about as far away from his previous work as he could possibly get. But I think that's what makes him such an amazing songwriter. Anyone who has the guts to do something that far from the norm should be applauded, wheter you like the piece of work or not. Too many artists are so afraid of trying something new that they get stuck playing it safe and eventually die out as something new pops up. Not keeping up with the times is a career killer. That's why U2 has been around for 20+ years. Like them or not, you gotta respect it. -Troy-

I think I'd get pretty pissed too if at every show I did, someone was yelling out "play summer of 69" I read that article and laughed, especially since he gave the guy his ticket money back, then threw him out. But if you read the whole story, the guy wasn't just tossed for that. He was drunk and interupting the entire show and disturbing everyone around him. If I was there I would have applauded. Personally I think Ryan is a complete original. His writing style may be compared to Dylan, but the difference there is Ryan can sing. LOL. Heartbreaker is a genius album in my opinion. My only question is what the fuck is a winding wheel? lol. -Troy-

Thanks Pinto. It's always nice to see that there are more people concerned with enjoying the music instead of a couple of beers. I think when you look at the majority of Matt's fans, this sentiment is of general consensus. If people want to drink and act out, then that's fine. They should just be confined to one area in the venue. Here's your space if you want to get loaded. Drink up butter cup. LOL. -Troy-

Yes, I know, but what this administration has done so far leaves the doors wide open for what they are capable of doing next. I suggest that when the madman starts shooting, duck. -Troy-

I skipped most of the speech. I couldn't stomach it anymore. "Freedom and equality for all, unless you're gay that is!" He makes me just want to scream. How can you spout on about equal rights for every citizen, then completely switch gears and say that you want an amendment banning gay marriage? Equality for all as long as you follow the rules! Frickin mind blowing. I especially loved the part when he subtlely hinted that those Judges on the Supreme Court Bench who are determined to fulfill their own political agendas on allowing gay marriage will be removed and replaced with more capable Judges who share the morals of every American who wants to preserve the sanctity of traditional marriage. So if you do not share the same values as the President you will be "removed"? Lovely! As I watched in awe last night, one thought kept running through my head...4 more years, 4 more years! -Troy-

How dare you! LOL. Rock'N'Roll was great, just really different from his previous records. I always thought it was odd that the record company told him to do another album after saying Love is Hell was crapola. I'd like to shake those execs and slap them for saying it, but on the same token we got another full album out of him. I'm a big fan though since the Whiskey Town days and love all of his work. Not sure if you know or not, but there's a new track spinning on his site. I'm really digging it. -Troy- I just noticed the info. on the website track was already. Sorry, I'm not much for book smarts.

One bad apple spoils the bunch huh. LOL. I need a sandwich then it's bed time, but lets pick this up tomorrow. Night. -Troy-

I think politicians use religion because it's safe. For the most part, people accept it because it's familiar and well, if God said so, then it must true. But there are too many cases where people have that hard core belief and if a politician can come out and reinforce those beliefs for them, then that becomes and a pretty hard train to derail. This really doesn't answer any questions, but I love talking about it. Great topic. Cheers Summerbronze. Keep it up. -Troy-

summerbronze: I agree with what you said, but solely telling the masses what they want to hear, does this really alleviate the situation? To me, it just sounds like you're BS'ing the population with religious propaganda to fulfill one's own hidden agenda, whether that be political, religious, or what have you. More often than not, religion is used as an excuse or a scapegoat to mask one's ignorences or intolerances.I think having religion is great and a fantastic way to live one's life, but there are too many contradictions and half truths that it is nearly impossible for religion to have an impartial impact on the way our societies are governed. Too many wars have been fought in the Lord's name because one way is right and the other is wrong. It started with the Crusades and hasn't stopped. Anyways, there's really no right or wrong answer when it comes to religions, but I think it is time that religions start to understand that there are more then just one view or belief and accept all under one umbrella. Cheers. -Troy-

In just about every speech Bush delivers, he references the Bible, God, the Christine faith, etc. I think that religion is playing too much of a role in the way that country is being governed. What ever happened to that whole seperation of church state thing? Was that just a dream. -Troy-

HoboFactory- Just a figure of speech as to what length some bands or acts will go to get a reaction out of the crowd. Let the music do the talking is all I'm saying. -Troy-

I've always been of the opinion that this should have never been an issue to start with. People should be free to marry whom ever they please, and if that means you want to marry a goat, then so be it. I'm not sure if anyone really wants to marry a goat, but that is generally the rebutal from the neo conservative side. "If you let the gays marry, then who's to say someone won't want to marry a goat next?" I've always liked that one best. I'm definitely proud to be in a country that is seemingly pushing ahead with resolving this is issue, or at least open to discussing the idea, unlike "ahem", some countries to the South of us. And if you are going to debate it, then at least come up with something better than "it's destroying the sanctity of tradional marriage". All one needs to do to dispute this is take a gander at the Bible. There are plenty of stories in it that make that whole defence crumble. Everybody and their handmaids were a romping, and lets not forget about Noah and his daughters, mmm hmmm! I find it quite humorous as well that divorce and adultry rates are highest in the States where conservative, evangelical, fundamentalist christian values are strongest (ie: the Red States) Preach on good reverend! Thou shalt follow thee to whore houses and strip clubs nation wide. But no gays allowed. They ruin everything. -Troy-

I've played a few that have been gutted and set up, but they still don't come close. I recorded an album last year and was using a friends Les Paul Studio and he brought over his Epiphone one day for me to try out as well. I played it for a bit then gave it back to him. LOL. But you're right though in the fact that it really just depends on what you're playing. They are decent guitars to start out on, or if you're a guy who just likes to jam out, but if you're playing long enough and are serious about it, you'll quickly learn the differences in tones and playability (Is that a word?) and will want to upgrade. But having a great guitar doesn't always mean spending $3000. I love the 335's, but I'm a strat. guy and top of the line American strats are affordable at less then half the price of a 335. Tele's are great as well. If you live in a big city, check your pawn shops weekly. Beauty scores are easy to find there. Dumb people sell great gear cheaply on a daily basis. A friend of mine picked up a '76 Fender Mustang for $800 in Toronto a few years. Those scores are out there. You just have to dig a little. Another good trick is to make friends with the guitar guy at your local music stores. If they like you and see that you are willing to spend money in their store, then they will give you discounts and trade ins on the gear that you have. My guy gives me anywheres from 15-30% on every purchase. I lucked out and made a great friend, but this doesn't happen every where. Be nice and friendly and talk gear. Those guys are all gear heads and love to talk shop. Sorry, that got a little long. Anyways, point being, there are great deals on great gear out there. Happy hunting. Cheers. -Troy-