casapete

[quote name='T-Bay' timestamp='1505495682' post='3372420'] Hmmm, since when did popularity = quality? [/quote] Probably about the same time as obscurity = the best thing ever?

Never really liked Dire Straits, yet admire Mark Knopfler a lot. Great player, writer and a top bloke.

[quote name='PaulWarning' timestamp='1505378903' post='3371400'] that's because they've not had chance to go past their sell by date, who knows how Buddy Holly, Hendrix etc, would have turned out if they'd lived. Here's another one I just don't get Tom Jones [/quote] I didn't get Tom Jones in a big way until fairly recently. Saw him live a few months ago and he totally blew me away - great band / material / attitude, and that voice! At 77 years old, one of the very few singers left of his generation who are actually as good if not better than when they first found fame. Never heard Tom come even close to missing a note, an amazing singer. His last few albums are definitely worth a listen too, quite dark and bluesy. Completely get it if you don't like his voice, but honestly don't think he is overrated.

[quote name='Bassassin' timestamp='1505327687' post='3371121'] Florence & The Machine. She has an immense voice, completely wasted in that messy, mimsy indie twaddle. [/quote] Missed them/her off my 'overrated' list. Her voice is unremarkable and struggles to sing in tune live, with the songs sounding like a support band at a 1970's college gig. I know, I'm probably getting old etc.....

[quote name='Chris2112' timestamp='1505325450' post='3371098'] Stewart Copeland is a great drummer and I loved his work with Stanley Clark on the Animal Logic records. However, the band he made his fame with, The Police, are absolutely sh*t. [/quote] Not a massive Police fan, though largely due to Mr Copeland's input - has there ever been a more annoying drummer? I'm sure he is technically very capable, but all that busyness and accenting everything gets very wearing. After about a minute. Reminds me of Simon Philips, another drummer I'm sure could play everything in 13/9 time if he so desired. However, saw him years ago playing at a Secret Policeman's Ball gig - standard blues shuffle with Eric Clapton and Jeff Beck IIRC - and he murderedthe song / feel / groove. IMHO of course

Okay, my list of 'don't really get why they're so popular' or overrated - Rush Muse Coldplay The Cure Radiohead Nirvana Blur Pet Shop Boys

[quote name='Phil Adams' timestamp='1505301883' post='3370833'] Thanks for that. I didn't actually say I didn't like him, I guess I just don't understand. I'll give you and example, and this is purely my take on it. A concert with Roy Orbison, obviously about 20 years ago coz he's dead now. Bruce is onstage with many other notable musicians, Elvis Costello being one that sticks in my mind. You don't hear Bruce's voice, nor his guitar. Why was he there? Another: In his book, he claims that all his early gigging honed his playing and made him a really good guitarist, but Ive never heard him play a solo, he's always there with the Tele around his neck, but to me, seemingly silent. And I stress, I'm not looking for an arguement, I'm looking for enlightenment. I've got his early greatest hits compilation CD, and of course all the songs are so well worn that they offer little to me, should I be listening to something else? (meant sincerely!) [/quote] Think the concert you mention is probably Roy Orbison's 'A Black and White Night' . Bruce features quite a lot in it, notably on guitar (Ooby Dooby, Oh Pretty Woman etc) where he trades licks with the great James Burton, and also vocally ( Dream Baby, Uptown etc). Must admit a lot of it is quite err...'raw', but I like that - no autotune or fancy editing evident. Regarding listening to slightly lesser known stuff, try Lucky Town or Human Touch (both 1992), Magic (2007) or for a complete change of style the 2006 We shall Overcome - Seeger Sessions collection. As you will have gathered, have been a fan since the mid 70's. Also around the same time I got into New Jersey band Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes, who have long been linked with Bruce. Many of their albums contain great songs penned by him, and also some feature Little Steven, Bruce's guitarist from The E Street Band. Went to see Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul recently in Manchester, absolutely stonking gig again featuring some songs co-written with Bruce.

[quote name='Phil Adams' timestamp='1505283793' post='3370656'] I just dont get Bruce either. Could someone explain please? Great performer, songwriter and all round good bloke agreed, but legend?? How?? I read his biography and enjoyed it and it took me a bit closer to him, but legend`??? [/quote] Blimey, tough crowd! An amazing body of work over 45 years, universally acclaimed live shows, killer band , supporter of human rights - just for starters. For me, Springsteen carried on the legacy of Chuck Berry - songs people could easily relate to about girls, cars, the American Dream etc. But he also matured into so much more, his prolific songwriting skills developing with each album without ever making a duffer IMO. I've been fortunate to see him perform a few times, and he remains the best live act I've ever seen. Always delivers, with a wry sense of humour that complements his more 'serious' material perfectly. Fully understand if you don't like him, but overrated? Nah...........

We played at the Reload festival in Norwich yesterday. Good lineup of mainly 80's-ish bands, including the Gibson Brothers, Jocelyn Brown, Aswad, Blue and Billy Ocean. We were sandwiched between The Christians , who were just amazing, and Odyssey, who were also brilliant. The weather was a bit autumnal with a strong wind not helping, but the sound onstage (and off ) was fantastic. Our band went down well, with lots of audience participation and cheering. A really enjoyable gig. The organisation of the event was also top notch, the crew and everyone involved being helpful and upbeat. Even the catering was excellent too! All in all a great event which we hope we are involved in again.

Slightly OT, a few years ago I went to see The Mavericks in concert. They were at the height of their popularity and were amazing, with a six piece band plus a four piece brass section too. They came back on for a few encores as the crowd wouldn't let them leave. For the last one they did a cover of 'Swinging Safari' which absolutely tore the place down. Fantastic tune with a great bass part. Love the sound on the original, so evocative of the era.

I keep a P style bass as a backup for my P-Lyte. Always keep it in the wings of the theatre where it can be grabbed if needs be. It doesn't sound the same as the Lyte really, or play the same either for that matter.However, the odd time I've needed it ( always old theatres whose electrics don't like active basses for some reason ) it's been fine if a little heavy. I do have another P-Lyte at home should a major fault develop, but prefer keeping the unbranded P bass as a stage spare as I'm not too precious about it when on the road.

Some good advice here. When loading the van , try and keep the heavier things spread out a bit. I was stopped on the M6 driving a band van (a hired SWB Transit ) as it looked like we were overweight. Got escorted to a weighbridge where the front and rear axle loads were calculated. One was a touch over, one a bit under so the nice policeman sent us on our merry way, although I daresay he could have given me a ticket. If there's a council weighbridge near you it's definitely worth loading the van and seeing what it adds up to for your peace of mind. Maybe obvious too, but check your tyre pressures - often a big difference between laden and unladen figures.

Just seen that Justin Hayward is touring soon. Details here http://www.justinhayward.com/wind-heaven-2017-uk-tour/

[quote name='TheGreek' timestamp='1504354026' post='3364321'] Great idea....You might want to think about selling some on eBay - oh no, somebody beat you to it... [url="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mute-Aid-Bass-Guitar-Mute-Turn-your-Electric-Bass-into-a-Double-Bass-5-Pack-/222590591527?hash=item33d36ee227:g:ObQAAOSwX61ZC4CF"]http://www.ebay.co.u...bQAAOSwX61ZC4CF[/url] [/quote] ....."long lasting specialized foam." Mmm....interesting.

Thought it was a bit of a mixed bag really, although enjoyed it overall. Agreed about Sir Tom & Beverley Knight keeping it going in places, enjoyed William Bell and James Morrison too. Some rather 'interesting' moments,particularly endings and the odd intro. For me, the mix was a bit off - brass far too quiet, as well as Booker T's great Hammond and some vocals, but Mr Swift was well up there thank goodness. Also let's not forget all of the original Stax guys appearing are well into their 70's / 80's now, and Sir Tom is still just amazing at 77.

Thanks for posting Dave, will be watching this with interest.

Nickel wound D'Addarios for me in my ELO tribute band. As dannybuoy says, the brightness can be tamed with the tone control, but I can't get flats to sound 'ringy' enough.

Slightly OT, we have a few fans who come to see our show regularly, all over the UK. Two are couples and there are a few single guys and ladies as well, all have been to over 100 of our gigs. Some may think it's a bit crazy, but as someone previously pointed out above, who knows how their lives pan out and what makes them happy? They are all paying customers too, and I for one am just grateful they think we're worth it!

[quote name='Mickeyboro' timestamp='1503655032' post='3359960'] What Brown Sugar so often lacks (apart from the sax) is acoustic guitar. [/quote] Absolutely. Along with - Drummer not playing the toms in correct places , same for the crash cymbals. Guitarists not getting the open tuning thing / overplaying. Incorrect lyrics (I was guilty of this for years...) and not singing over the outro. Proper ending !!

As I may have mentioned before on here ....... we had Lee Pomeroy, Donavan Hepburn and a couple more guys from Jeff Lynne's ELO come to see our ELO tribute band last year. They came up to meet us as we were packing down after the gig. Lee had a go on my Precision Lyte, and was a top fella. Glad I hadn't seen him until the end of the gig or else would have freaked.

Sorry, still not feeling it. Great musicianship ( + nice guitar / Hammond etc) but ultimately just doesn't grab me at all. Guess I'm dead then?!!

This obviously runs the risk of everyone just listing their set up, which I guess is okay insomuch as that's what we currently use / recommend. So...... I've used GK amps and cabs for a long time now with no problems whatsoever. At the moment am running a Gk1001RB head into a GK Neo410 cab, and it's great, lots of power and tone options. My smaller rig is a GK MB800 head into a Barefaced Compact 1x15 cab. The head is amazing, weighing next to nowt but again tons of power and variety of tonal options. You need to check out Barefaced cabs whatever head you decide on - they really are fantastic.