Home burglar alarm systems

A customer question-Replacing a door.

2011-10-04T11:51:00.000-07:00

While driving between installs, I received a call from a gentleman from Harahan, LA. he obtained my contact number from this blog and contacted me to ask a question. His question was a common one and I felt it would be good to share the answer in case others encounter this issue.

He had replaced his sliding glass door with outward opening french doors and in the process the existing door contact was damaged. His alarm is a standard Honeywell hard wired alarm system. He correctly acted to bypass the missing door contact so he could continue to arm the remaining alarm sensors. His alarm company quoted him $165 for the part and to send a technician out to install the replacement. Their reason included the technician 'programming' the new door contact. The customer wanted to know if he could obtain a hard wired door contact and replace the sensor himself. The short answer is probably yes.

Flush Mount Hard Wired Door Contacts

Prior to calling me, this customer had correctly surmised that since a hard wired door contact is essentially a type of magnetic switch that reprogramming the alarm would likely not be necessary. He is correct. If you replace an existing door contact with a similar contact normally no further programming is necessary. You must verify that everything functions after replacement and also that you are satisfied with the current zone number and/or description.

Recessed Hard Wired Door Contacts

You can obtain flush mount or recessed door contacts from a security or electronics supply store in your local area. These type of stores are geared to supply the low-voltage professional but are usually open to the general public also. Hard wired door contacts are inexpensive. The Honeywell variety this gentleman preferred typically are priced at $10-$15 per piece.

Installation is simply a matter of attaching the new contact to the existing wire and securing it with a low voltage electrical 'B-connector' also called a 'beanie' or 'crimp.' Secure the flush mount door contact and magnet to the door with the supplied screws. At this point you should be able to go to your keypad, remove the bypass from the zone and your new contact should function normally. A simple test is to turn on your door chimes and pull the door open and closed a few times. Each time you should hear the door chime beeping. Next arm your alarm normally, exit, wait a few minutes and re-enter and disarm. If all of these tests are successful, it is most likely that your door contact will continue to function perfectly with your alarm.

This customer had this alarm for several years and his system was no longer covered by a warranty or maintenance plan. If your system is under a warranty or maintenance plan with your alarm manufacturer or monitoring company you should check with them first to ascertain your options. It is entirely possible that a DIY repair may be unnecessary. If you have a maintenance plan to cover this repair-you may only have to pay a small one-time cost. It is also worth noting that a DIY repair could void your existing manufacturers or monitoring company warranty. In all cases you assume liability for any functional changes to your alarm system that you make on your own.

R.I.P P.O.T.S...Telephone as we knew it.

2011-08-26T16:01:00.000-07:00

Chances are if you have an alarm system your primary communication to your monitoring central station is through P.O.T.S lines. This is an acronym for Plain Old Telephone Service. This is the old fashioned two-wire ring and tip, positive and negative copper wire plug in phone connection. This type of connection has reliably provided voice telephony services to the masses in this country since the dawn of the 20th century.

Those of us with a little age on us recall the days when Ma Bell ran everything and everyone had the plain black or ivory tabletop rotary phone that weighed a ton and could cave a man's head in if used as a blunt force weapon. Dialing was accomplished by rotary pulse dialing. This remained the standard until phone company deregulation began to accelerate the adoption of newer technologies. I'm old enough to remember how exciting Touch tone dialing was when first began to be adopted by the masses. Caller ID, call waiting, call forwarding, three way calling and telco issued voicemail would all follow in quick succession. All of this was delivered on copper trunk lines-many of which had been in place for decades. The peak of standard land-line telephony had been reached. The dawn of the internet age would undo all of that in a few short years.

Initially, computers were connected to the internet by dialing up through these same P.O.T.S lines. The max speed of 56K/sec quickly proved to be too slow for customers who found themselves wishing to download music and watch streaming video. Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) allowed the customer to access a faster internet...once again through the aging P.O.T.S infrastructure. DSLwould quickly find itself in competition with other faster internet services, and the telcos themselves threatened by mobile phones supplanting landlines and a multitude of other home phone options.

The Cable television companies began running fiber-optic infrastructure into cities and towns in the mid to late nineties. This allowed cable providers to provide blazing fast cable internet, access to hundreds of digital television channels and most importantly-begin to provide home phone service. These 'triple threat' packages greatly increased the market share of cable companies because consumers could now get television video quality that rivaled mini dish satellite with fewer signal problems, reliable home telephone service, and blazing fast internet.

Cable's sudden lunge in market share forced the telcos to change their approach. AT&T began modernizing their infrastructure to digital so they could offer faster DSL and also provide television through a new service they dubbed U-Verse. The result is that many areas now have access to this service or a similar service from another large telco.

The sticking point for alarm companies has been the digital communicator device common to all alarm panels. This device was designed to pick up a standard P.O.T.S line and transmit a digital packet of information to the Alarm Central Station. The cable phone and internet phone providers such asVonage use Voice over IP (or VoIP) technology. This technology is designed to convert a human voice to a data packet and back again. It has proven unreliable in converting alarm data signals to VoIP data packets and back again. It may work 100 times in a row and fail when it really counts.

Further complicating the issue is the stage is now set for the next step-eliminating P.O.T.S lines altogether. This could happen as early as 2014. The FCC is currently examining how to sunset out of existence the remaining PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) and POTS lines. AT&T in particular is lobbying hard for this 2014 deadline because they have much of the infrastructure backbone in place to capitalize on this seismic shift.

Telguard's radios are an excellent option for primary or secondary alarm communication

So now the inevitable question-"How does all this affect me?" If you are using an alarm panel that is monitored by a central station via telephone lines you will have to switch to another method of communication. Options include a GSM radio/cellular alarm communicator or an IP based internet communicator. Both of these options are available today and are reliable alternatives to P.O.T.S.

I recommend making an existing account radio primary. This typically costs $150-$200 for the cellular alarm communicator plus an additional average monthly cost of $12 for cellular data transmission. I further recommend disconnecting your land line service-chances are you seldom use it anyway. Prepare for the switch by having your security company install a cellular alarm communicator. This presents a net monthly savings that quickly covers the up-front costs because you are replacing a $30-$40 monthly expense with a $12 monthly expense. In addition, you are prepared for the upcoming sunset of P.O.T.S lines because you have a technology that will continue to work after 2014.

What else is there?

2011-06-19T17:21:00.000-07:00

Another common question is, "What else is there?" Once a homeowner has a burglar alarm installed, there are other devices that can be added to further protect your home and family. Here are some examples:

Monitored Smoke/Heat/Fire Detector(s)-These to me should not be optional. Consider having at least one monitored fire point added to your home alarm at the time of installation. These devices will trigger an audible fire alarm and notify the monitoring station to dispatch the fire department whether you are home or not. Typically the point of installation is a great time to get a bargain while the technician is already in your home programming and installing your other devices.

Monitored Carbon Monoxide Detector(s)-Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas that has been called "The Silent Killer." Sources of Carbon Monoxide poisoning include malfunctioning fuel-burning appliances such as furnaces, ranges, water heaters and gas and kerosene room heaters; engine-powered equipment such as portable generators; fireplaces; and charcoal that is burned indoors. The symptoms of Carbon Monoxide toxicity are flu-like and as a result 170 Americans die each year from CO poisoning. Another 500 are hospitalized and treated for serious Carbon Monoxide toxicity. A monitored Carbon Monoxide detector will sound an audible alarm when CO reaches toxic levels and also notify the monitoring central station so you can be notified if you are not home.

Light Control Modules-These devices allow you to control selected home lights from your alarm panel. Some light control module systems also incorporate this functionality into a key fob remote control that is also used to arm and disarm the system.

Audio Verification Module(s)-Adds two-way voice capability to hard wired alarm panels. Typically all-in-one wireless units have this capability built in.

Window Contacts or Glass Break detectors?

2011-06-17T12:51:00.000-07:00

This is a common question from homeowners. Should I install contacts on my windows or install acoustic glass break detectors? Or both? The answer depends on the specific needs and budget of the homeowner.

Window contacts and glass break devices are both 'perimeter' devices. This means these devices are intended to sound the alarm instantly when the perimeter of your home is breached and/or entered by an unauthorized person or persons. Statistically, 85% of home burglars enter through a door. The proliferation of decorative and window glass in exterior doors has made this route easy and practical for a burglar. Still, windows continue to be used for entry in residential burglaries and window security should always be considered when choosing the components of your intrusion alarm system.

The default installation model for many years has been door contacts on all doors, window contacts on any ground floor windows with motion sensors as a backup system in the home to sound the alarm by detecting unauthorized movement. The known flaw of using window contacts is that the window must be opened to sound the alarm. A savvy crook can simply knock all of the glass out of the window frame before entering-without opening the window or triggering the perimeter burglar alarm. This allows an intruder into your home forcing you to rely on an alarm triggered by a backup device such as a passive infrared motion detector. A properly installed glass break detector eliminates this issue because it will sound the alarm immediately when the specific sound pattern of glass breaking is detected-before the burglar gains entrance.

Glass breaks are an excellent complement to any burglar alarm system and should be used anytime you have large panes of fixed glass such as picture windows or a sun room. Glass breaks can be a cost effective alternative to window contacts in rooms with 2-3 or more windows or in newer residences with large and wide open common areas. Older residences with small rooms, compact hallways and 1-2 windows in each room may require multiple glass break detectors which may be less cost effective. In a budget constrained situation, window contacts are then recommended with glass breaks in the 'hot spots' or areas most likely to be broken into. A professional security technician can advise you what is best for your home and budget.

Pictured here is a typical wireless acoustic glass break device. These are wall mountable and the typical models can hear glass breaking in an unobstructed 20'-35' 180 degree arc. This device cannot hear through walls or through structural obstructions so each one must be mounted in a room or living area with the front and sides of the detector unobstructed. Acoustic glass breaks trigger the alarm by 'hearing' the sound of glass breaking.

This device is a typical round hard wired glass break detector. These are usually ceiling mounted in the room or area you desire glass break protection. These also trigger the burglar alarm by 'hearing' the sound of glass breaking.

Window contacts operate when a magnet is separated from the body of the contact by the physical act of opening the window. These can be hard wired or wireless. The hard wired contacts pictured here are typically used for windows and doors.

I welcome your thoughts and concerns. Feel free to contact me at (504) 383-4234 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (504) 383-4234 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

Hard wired or wireless? Hybrid? How to decide.

2011-06-17T05:30:00.000-07:00

Its no secret that hard wired intrusion alarms have been the standard for homes and commercial businesses for the last 40 years. In a hard wired system, every contact or "zone" is connected via a physical wire to the alarm panel itself-which resembles an electrical breaker box with a circuit board mounted inside. This requires pulling a great deal of wire through walls up into an attic or down into a crawl space to ultimately connect to the alarm panel which is typically located in the attic or in the closet of a residence. These systems typically have a separate sounder and keypad wired to them. The sounder is mounted at a central location and the keypad typically is mounted at a central household location or near an entrance. This type of alarm can be prewired during new construction, which saves a great deal of time for the installer-who can then install the alarm easily without having to pull new wire through finished walls. These systems remain the standard for commercial installations...but things are changing in our industry for residential customers. Residential customers now have the option of wireless all-in-one panels.

Wireless all-in-one systems such as GE's Simon XT eliminate the need to pull wires for zones and separate keypad and sounder during a new installation. This makes these systems an excellent choice for a homeowner choosing a new alarm installation These units have the keypad, alarm panel and sounder as all one unit-which is wired only to a telephone line and AC power. The sensors or 'zones' are equipped with battery powered transmitters that allow the panel to supervise each zone and trigger the alarm in the event of a break in. When installed and maintained properly, these units are every bit as effective at reporting intrusion to the alarm monitoring central station as hardwired units. The advantage to a homeowner is these systems can be installed and activated in as little as 90 minutes when installed by a professional alarm technician. These units can be obtained for as little as a few hundred dollars-or even for no up front cost when a $35.99/mo for 36 month monitoring agreement is activated.

These days hard wired panels have come of age and many have the ability to communicate via wireless to sensors as well as through wire to hard wired zones. These systems are called 'Hybrid' systems.
GE's Concord IV is a hybrid alarm panel that is an excellent choice for a homeowner with an existing hard wired alarm. Usually existing wiring and in many cases existing sensors can be utilized with the new panel, allowing you to retain usage of equipment you own-having invested your hard earned dollars. New wireless zones can be added easily to expand the functionality of your alarm without having to drill holes or run more wires. A Concord IV with up to six brand new zones can be yours for no up front cost also if you have an existing hard wired intrusion alarm and elect 36 months of monitoring at $35.99/month. The panels are swapped, the old equipment connected and tested; and new equipment installed. This type of job is called a 'takeover' and represents the best deal for someone replacing an existing hard wired alarm.

Whatever you decide, hard wired, or wireless, choose a professional alarm technician to do the work and a reputable monitoring provider. I recommend ADT monitoring wholeheartedly. They are the industry leader. I welcome your questions and comments. Drop me a comment or give me a call at (504) 383-4234 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (504) 383-4234 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

Residential Security: Wireless Systems-Professional installation or D.I.Y.?

2011-06-16T17:43:00.000-07:00

The proper installation of a home burglar alarm involves considerable wire pulling. Even the most basic all-in-one wireless systems involve wiring the alarm panel to a telephone line (or cellular alarm communicator) and to electrical power. Upon completion of wiring, the wireless sensors must be learned into the panel and the panel configured properly for the monitoring option of your choice. This requires a basic knowledge of phone wiring, understanding of electrical principles, electronic device menu literacy and a great deal of common sense. If you are a skilled weekend handyman, you probably could install a consumer-grade wireless alarm system in your home in a few hours. The question is do you want to? There are advantages and disadvantages.

You can purchase a basic wireless alarm panel with motion detector and door/window contacts for approximately $300 at retail. You own this equipment outright and can subsequently shop around for alarm monitoring. You settle on a monitoring agreement with a monitoring company for $30/month. After an hour or so on the phone with the monitoring company's telephone tech support programming your system to their specifications you are off to the races...Sounds wonderful...or does it? Compare the value.

CTS Protective Services is now offering the GE Simon XT residential burglar alarm with 2-3 doors, motion detector, medical alert button pendant and remote arm/disarm key fob for no up front cost if you qualify. Your monitoring is then provided by industry leader ADT for $35.99 per month on a 36 month agreement. This system is professionally installed by a trained alarm technician and carries the ADT residential monitoring warranty. This is a level of peace of mind you cannot get with a D.I.Y installation. If you prefer to own the equipment outright from the outset you can pay $299 down plus the first months monitoring and your monitoring cost is reduced to $27.99 per month. You can elect the $299 down option regardless of your credit history!

A professional alarm technician must pass a background check and must complete a level 1 burglar alarm certification in most states before they can install or service intrusion alarm systems. This protects you as a homeowner from a poor quality installation that could ultimately fail or be defeated by a savvy criminal.You owe it to yourself and your family to make sure your alarm system meets industry standards for quality and effectiveness.

While the professional installation technician is installing your basic system they can walk through your home, analyze your security needs and suggest additional equipment to make your system more effective. For example, you could elect to take advantage of current specials on monitored smoke/heat detectors, or Carbon Monoxide detector for extra family safety. The available options to protect your family are numerous.

In conclusion, why D.I.Y when you can have a professionally installed intrusion alarm with monitoring from the industry leader? Give me a call...Adrian Coker...CTS Protective Services/ADT(504) 383-4234 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (504) 383-4234 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

Please allow me to introduce myself...

2011-06-16T16:33:00.000-07:00

I am a security technician by trade. I install and service home intrusion alarms in homes and commercial businesses. Every day I routinely talk to customers who have common questions and misconceptions about burglar alarms. This blog is my way of empowering the public with information that you can use to decide which options are best for you. I will post regularly with different topics. I look forward to hearing from you all!

Algiers Memories

2011-06-15T15:12:00.000-07:00

New Orleans. The siren's song in my heart. The one place I feel completely at home. When I finally get across the high rise after the inevitable I-10 slowdown beginning at Crowder Blvd I feel a sense of inner tranquility that is beyond explanation. No other place on earth gives me this feeling. Its as if my soul knows this is where I belong.

While I am away I miss everything...the incredible Creole food, the incomparable Jazz, Rhythm and Blues and Funk music; the inspiring ironwork on the narrow streets of the French Quarter; the bougainvillea growing on balconies everywhere; the tunnel of ancient live oaks visible from the St Charles Avenue streetcar; the the art and architecture; the gritty, funky soul of this truly unique and amazing city-my home town.

My home turf is the 15^th Ward...Algiers... aka 'Da West Bank.' This makes me an 'Algerian' or 'Algerene.' I lived on a dead end street called Evergreen Ave which carves a straight line perpendicular to the Crescent City Connection from the wide thoroughfare under the bridge I knew as Bringier St. From the dead end you could see Semmes St and the tombs of McDonoghville Cemetery. Since the late 90's, the former Bringier St under the bridge has been renamed Mardi Gras Blvd.

I loved the warm spring nights...I would walk from my home on Evergreen toward the bridge; turn left and follow Magellan across the busy Franklin Avenue, past the little Horseshoe Grocery all the way to Madison, to the railroad yard and the river levee. At Madison, in the shadow of the bridge, you could walk right up to the train tracks and closely inspect the tank and freight cars sitting idle. Maneuvering in a zig zag fashion through the idled train cars to the river levee I would walk along and watch the towboats and barges move up and downriver. I also watched the steady stream of bridge and ferry traffic crossing from East Bank home to the West. This was my time for introspection.

Revisiting "The Storm."

2010-10-15T23:39:00.000-07:00

I've been hard at work this past week going through my backlog of post Katrina pictures of New Orleans. I have a large collection of images that I have been carefully sorting and selecting the best ones for digital editing into photo artwork. I have utilized my own photography and the photography of others for this purpose. Of course I wanted images that illustrated the heartbreak, but I also wanted to include images that were both unique and hopeful. I believe I have been successful. Several of these were taken by my man Bart Everson in early 2006. He has graciously provided me with a creative commons license to edit these into art work and post them for public consumption as I see fit. Thanks!

213 N. Salcedo St Mid City. An utterly devastated shotgun house.

The Bush Mobile-Folk art sculpture using flood-damaged car on the banks of Bayou St. John

Mirabeau Avenue near the failed London Avenue Canal flood wall

Flood ruined car on Mid City neutral ground with perfectly apt graffiti.

My Mid City hangout-The Rock 'n' Bowl...what's better than bowling, beer and live music?

I took this shot in April 2010.

Cinco De Mayo 2006-Snooks Eaglin at Rock'n'Bowl.

New Glasses

2010-10-11T20:21:00.000-07:00

I'm nearsighted. Eyeglasses have been part of my daily life since I was in fourth grade. At age 17 I finally realized my vision had deteriorated to the point that I needed corrective lenses 100% of the time. Since then I have purchased eyeglasses through my optometrist, at major mall outlets and at local eyeglass retailers with widely varying degrees of quality, performance and retail price.

I was an early adopter of the internet. I wholeheartedly embraced internet commerce in the mid nineties. I've purchased music, books, electronics and clothing online-all with excellent results. In spite of my embrace of internet commerce I have been hesitant to utilize the internet for eyeglasses. This has been due to a desire to see how the frames looked on my face and to evaluate the quality of the finished product before I make a purchase decision. Time and again I visited online glasses retailers enchanted by the low prices but I still continued to purchase glasses through my usual outlets. That was before the recession. I'm one of the lucky ones because I am still working full time; albeit for a much lower salary.

Recently, I broke my newest pair of stylish glasses that I purchased from a major mall retailer. I couldn't afford to replace them as the warranty had expired. I ended up wearing a much more durable (and cheaper) pair I purchased from a big box store optical department 12 years ago. At this point my wife told me to check out Glasses USA. I figured I had nothing to lose so I typed the URL into my browser. Immediately I was surprised to find a significant selection of stylish eyeglass frames. Typically discount online eyeglass retailers have a limited selection of generic looking frames that practically scream, "CHEAP!" The contemporary and stylish selection at Glasses USA was a refreshing change. There was a considerable selection of well known designer styles available at bargain prices as well.

The biggest objection for me has been that I want to see what the eyeglasses look like on my face. Glasses USA overcame this objection by creating a way to do this virtually. Through the "Virtual Mirror" feature I was able to upload a head shot from my webcam (you can also use a digital picture) and methodically try each frame shape on to ascertain the best shape and color for my face. I tried several styles and settled on the contemporary semi-rimless style "Playground Black" which sells for a base price of $39 with standard single vision lenses.

Glasses USA gives you multiple lens and lens coating options at a very competitive pricing. I opted for thin lenses for an extra $49 and all three coatings (scratch, UV and reflective) for an additional $17.85. There were also options for Transitions lenses and a polarized sunglasses lens option and a color tinted lens option. The total for my pair came to a very reasonable $105.65 with free standard shipping. I entered the prescription information from my most recent eye exam and sent in my order.

A few days later my new glasses arrived. I unpacked them and gave them a thorough examination. I determined the glasses felt substantial and are clearly very good quality. The prescription was accurate and the finished glasses fit my face perfectly and look sharp. Glasses USA also provided a high quality padded hard case and lens cloth with my order. This unexpected extra completed an excellent experience. I highly recommend Glasses USA. The experience from beginning to end was smooth and easy. I particularly liked the easy to navigate website, Virtual Mirror feature and most of all the value. Thanks Glasses USA!

A surprising encounter!

2010-10-11T20:05:00.000-07:00

So the most unusual thing happens to me Saturday night/Sun morning. I've just finished all my shift ending paperwork about 2AM after the usual incredibly busy Saturday night and I'm walking to the front of the Fort Oglethorpe, GA Steak-n-Shake by the cash registers. As I walk up I slide my New Orleans Saints super bowl champs black and gold fleur-de-lis cap on my head. At the counter is a short, thin late 20-something black man immaculately dressed in a collared black shirt. I notice a colorful hand carved wooden rosary around his neck. He indicates he likes my hat and asks me if I'm from New Orleans. I indicate that in a manner of speaking yes I am-I spent many good years residing in the city-most recently in the 15th Ward in Algiers. He leans over the counter, grabs my hand with gusto, shakes it, and proceeds to tell me that he is a lifelong Algiers Point resident and that he came to Chattanooga/N GA after the storm. So we shot the shit for a long while...turns out we have a mutual connection to some of the same people and of course know all the businesses in the neighborhood. He was surprised to learn that L.B. Landry high had been closed and was being rebuilt. He went to Walker High out on General Meyer. He bemoaned the fact that violent crime has migrated to the West Bank due to the displaced east bank residents moving. He said he wants to go home desperately...but feels that the place he knew isn't there anymore. I feel the same way. I still want to return...because I believe that people who speak the language and understand the culture must return to prevent the culture withering away. The Quarter has already become sort of a Disneyland version of itself in places. The gentrified bullshit that is so common elsewhere infecting the rest of New Orleans would exacerbate the most real tragedy, which is the loss of the working class native who says hello to you on every corner and utters those melodious (to me) words, "Adrian, My man! Wheah Y'at?!
You can't buy that with federal dollars.

Amazon.com 100 Greatest

2009-10-08T05:07:00.000-07:00

Amazon.com has put together a list of their picks for the 100 greatest live albums of all time. Many wonderful jazz, pop and rock choices made the cut-but some glaring omissions marred the integrity of this experiment. For example- Where was "The Allman Brothers-Live at the Fillmore?" This is the quintessential live 'southern rock' album of all time. Also notable in its absence-Creedence Clearwater Revival-"The Concert" (a.k.a The Royal Albert Hall Concert.") "One More From the Road" by Lynyrd Skynyrd also didn't make the cut. "The Wildlife Concert" by the Doobie Brothers is perhaps the most comprehensive collection of their greatest hits with all three lead singers ever collected-performed magnificently-and it didn't make the list either.

To be sure, lots of great albums did make the list including:
Eric Clapton-"Unplugged"
Queen-"Live Killers"
Gram Parsons-"Live 1973"
Jeff Buckley-Live at Sin-e
U2-Under a Blood Red Sky
Lucinda Williams-Live at the Fillmore
Thin Lizzy-Live and Dangerous
Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band-Live in New York City
B.B. King-Live at The Regal
Aretha Franklin-Live at the Fillmore
Deep Purple-Made in Japan
James Brown-Live at the Apollo
Bob Dylan-The Royal Albert Hall Concert 1966
Neil Young-Live Rust
Otis Redding-Live in Europe
Eva Cassidy-Live at Blues Alley
Bob Marley Live
Rolling Stones-Get Yer Ya Ya's Out!
Roy Orbison-A Black and White Night
The Who-Live at Leeds
Simon and Garfunkel-Live in Central Park
Jimi Hendrix-Live at Monterey Pop
Cheap Trick-Live at Budokan
Frampton Comes Alive!
Kiss Alive!
Greateful Dead-Europe '72
Led Zeppelin-"How The West Was Won."
Rush-"In Rio"
Pink Floyd-"Pulse"
Stevie Ray Vaughan-"Live at Carnegie Hall"
James Taylor-"Live"
Neil Diamond-"Hot August Night"
Aerosmith-"Live Bootleg"
J. Geils Band-"Blow Your Face Out"
Janis Joplin-"In Concert"

Review-Mark Knopfler-Get Lucky

2009-10-08T04:43:00.000-07:00

Mark Knopfler is best known for his work as the frontman of Dire Straits. His folk infused voice, country and blues inspired guitar playing have always made Knopfler's work understated and utterly compelling. On 'Get Lucky,' Knopfler explores much of his musical roots. He seamlessly combines folk and blues with original songs and picturesque lyrical paintings that offer a uniquely British reference point. Knopfler has now been a solo artist for more years than he fronted Dire Straits. Each album since the band folded has seen Mark gradually reveal to us more of his diverse musical roots in his profoundly original songs and highly cinematic lyrical pictures. This disc may be his most compelling and complete work. That's saying alot...because past works such as "Golden Heart" and "The Ragpicker's Dream" made my top ten lists in the years they were released. If you are a fan of folk and blues music played and sung with passion and precision this may be your best bet this year.

Get Lucky-Four out of Five Stars

Updates

2009-10-08T04:38:00.001-07:00

My blog has been allowed to languish as I have been devoting my time to overcoming some challenges at the office. I have not forgotten my commitment here and will be posting regularly again soon.

Concert Memories

2009-09-15T05:28:00.000-07:00

I've been privileged in my life to see many great musicians live in concert. I couldn't list them all if I tried but I wanted to touch on a sampling of the best ones in a particularly good era for Classic Rock shows-the mid to late 1990's!

John Fogerty-Harborlights Pavilion Boston, MA 7/20/1997

John Fogerty had toured only twice in the twenty years leading up to these shows on the "Blue Moon Swamp" tour and had not played any CCR songs regularly live since the band disbanded. This show with the Fairfield Four was a romp through Fogerty's best stuff-CCR and solo that was everything a rock-n-roll show should be and more. Fogerty was positively energized. I got to re-live this music and have a new moment with my wife to be on Fogerty's Premonition tour at Great Woods in Mansfield, MA in 1998.

Fleetwood Mac Great Woods Mansfield, MA 9/20/1997
1997 was an amazing concert year thanks in no small part to the re-emergence of John Fogerty and the reunion of the heyday line-up of Fleetwood Mac. I took a coworker named Leanne Savino to the show and we had an amazing time. The band was phenomenal-sounding fresh and energized as this was an early stop on the tour. Stevie in particular was very energetic and Lindsey was on fire. We were the first audience to hear "Oh Daddy" live instead of "Eyes of The World" on this tour.

Stevie Nicks-Great Woods Mansfield, MA 6/12/1998
This was Stevie's tour to support her newly released "Enchanted" box set and lots of live rarities were played. This is the only time I have ever heard "After The Glitter Fades," "Rose Garden," "Sleeping Angel" and "Garbo" live at a Stevie show. I was accompanied by my beautiful soon-to-be wife and this was the time of our lives.

Bob Seger and The Silver Bullet Band Worcester Centrum 9/17/1996
Bob Seger waited nine years between albums and tours while he focused on his wife and beautful young son Cole Seger. His triumphant return to Boston area audiences was nothing short of a hard rocking all-out celebration. Seger rocked harder than I've ever heard him with a crack edition of the Silver Bullet band that included John Mellencamp's drummer Kenny Aronoff and Little Feat keyboardist Bill Payne. I went with my kid brother and a female friend named Meg who had an in for tickets since she worked for Classic Rock WZLX-FM in Boston. This was an early tour stop and no prisoners were taken.

Aerosmith Great Woods Mansfield, MA 7/11/1997
This was a phenomenal show by one of Boston's finest hometown bands. My kid brother and I went because we are huge fans and this show was an absolute revelation. I got to see Aerosmith again with my wife at the first show they performed after the 9/11 transportation ban was lifted...but that's another post for another time.

The Moody Blues with The World Festival Orchestra 7/17/1996
The Moody Blues played Great Woods with the orchestra 3 times in a four year period and at two of three shows I was there in the audience with my girlfriend Nicole Kaiser. This show in particular was special because it was the "Time Traveler" box set tour and lots of rarities were dusted off for a longer than usual set. I am a huge fan of Justin Hayward's introspective songwriting and brilliant pithy guitar work. The Moodies did not disappoint including such live rarities as "Legend of a Mind which was especially fitting given the recent death of Timothy Leary.

Music Review-Black Crowes "Before The Frost...After The Freeze"

2009-09-15T04:51:00.000-07:00

The Black Crowes disappeared from the music scene for seven years prior to releasing last year's "Warpaint." Now they seemed poised to make up for lost time. The Robinson brothers have release a double album of new material recorded live at Levon Helm's Woodstock, NY facility. There's even a new marketing strategy-all customers who buy "Before The Frost" will receive a password to download the digital version of the companion album..."Until The Freeze." This is an unexpected modern turn of events from a band so firmly rooted in the past glory of British Blues.

The sound of applause on several tracks reminds you that this is a live recording in a way the excellent playing does not. The opener "Good Morning Captain"immediately puts you in familiar territory with the Crowes enthusiastically riding a ragged roadhouse blues groove punctuated by slide guitar. The fun factor is still present, but with a profound lyrical depth. "I Ain't Hiding" is reminiscent of the Rolling Stones circa "Some Girls" with a gritty disco vibe that channels 'Miss You." "Appaloosa" is a rustic romp that woulda made Levon Helm proud. This record shows off the complex interplay you'd expect from such a seasoned group of performers without the weariness that so often creeps into the performances of established groups. This band performs with a high energy and enthusiasm that is infectious. These old road dogs sound enthusiastically alive and comfortable in their own skin-and that is a darn good thing.

"Before The Frost...After The Freeze" 4 out of 5 stars

Review-The Blue Ridge Rangers Rides Again

2009-09-04T05:55:00.000-07:00

As a musician, when I talk about my musical influences none loom larger than John Fogerty. Creedence's blending of rock, rockabilly and country into a swampy Louisiana inspired gumbo was the first sound to electrify my soul and convince me that I should play guitar. After Creedence folded, Fogerty's first release was "The Blue Ridge Rangers" a collection of country and gospel songs on which John played all the instruments. Despite being a project begun as a contractual obligation stopgap, the original Blue Ridge Rangers album has a homespun charm and undeniably enthusiastic performances. It is clear that country and rockabilly are never too far from the mind of this singer.

Fast Forward to 2009. Last Tuesday "The Blue Ridge Rangers Rides Again" was released on Verve records. This time John has enlisted top drawer studio players to play with in the studio but otherwise follows the formula of the original by simply picking favorite songs and reworking them with his inimitable sound. I had mixed feelings about John doing an album of covers at this point since he is one of America's greatest songwriters-and his last release 'Revival' proved he had lost none of his songwriting mojo. With all of this in my mind, I clicked 'buy' on Amazon.com and purchased.

First up is a reworking of John Prine's 1971 classic 'Paradise' done in a neo-bluegrass style. Fogerty's voice is so ebullient and his enthusiasm so palpable that it almost belies the sadness of this tale of appalachian environmental disaster. The tone for the rest of the album is set...it is obvious that John is having a ball revisiting some of his favorites. The classic 'Never Ending Song of Love,' 'I Don't Care (As Long as you Love Me) 'Heaven's Just A Sin Away' and 'Fallin, Fallin' Fallin' are pure country bliss with Fogerty's trademark vocals.

'Garden Party' sung with Don Henley and Timothy B. Schmit is an apt choice with its tale of being true to yourself. It is also notable that Fogerty was a huge fan of the classic rockabilly music Ricky Nelson and James Burton made together. Like Rick Nelson, Fogerty also found himself haunted by the shadows of his past work at one point in his career. He has since made peace with the past and embraced it fully.

'Haunted House' is reworked as a rockabilly rave up with Fogerty's voice crackling over a twangy guitar. Pat Boone's 1961 murder ballad "Moody River" is a left field surprise that actually delighted me. I've never been a Pat Boone fan...but this particular song in its new arrangement is undeniably great.

I'm sure Fogerty's detractors will take great pride in questioning his dobro sweetened version of John Denver's 'Back Home Again' but I'm gonna stick my neck out and admit that I like John Denver's original...and this new version. Anyone who has spent a significant amount of time traveling for a living understands the sentiment.

John did revisit one of his originals, "Change in the Weather" from the much maligned and poorly received 'Eye of the Zombie' album. Re-imagining this song in a different arrangement to underscore the prevailing feeling of the last eight years was a daring move on Fogerty's part...though I don't necessarily believe he has improved on the original.

I must say that I thoroughly enjoyed this collection of songs. I think the sheer joy and enthusiasm that this group of musicians displayed on this album is the reason. John's voice is in fine form and he sounds positively inspired. I'm eagerly anticipating an album of new material soon...but I will be listening to this regularly until then.

The Blue Ridge Rangers Rides Again-Four out of Five Stars

One of my favorites-Brother John/Iko Iko-The Neville Brothers

2009-08-23T15:05:00.000-07:00

I've made no secret over the years of my affinity for New Orleans. I am what some might call a 'regular out of towner.' I have traveled to the Crescent City many times in my lifetime and each time I have taken something intangibly beautiful and meaningful back with me. One of the most fabulous aspects of New Orleans is its music. I have soaked up the music of New Orleans like a sponge...New Orleans Jazz, Dixieland, Zydeco, Blues, Rhythm and Blues and Funk all course through my veins and the influence on my own sound is palpable.

In the history of New Orleans music there are plenty of great exports. These include Louis Armstrong, Wynton Marsalis, Fats Domino, Professor Longhair, Dr. John, Irma Thomas, Ernie K. Doe and Better Than Ezra. No mention of New Orleans music would or could be complete without mentioning Art Neville's group The Meters which is the music that became known as New Orleans funk. In 1976 the elder Neville Brother would get together with his younger brothers Aaron Neville, who already had a national hit with "Tell it Like it is," as well as sax man Charles Neville and drum virtuoso Cyril Neville to record "The Wild Tchoupitoulas" with their uncle, Big Chief Jolly. This was essentially an album of Mardi Gras Indian chants set to music. This went so well the brothers remained together as simply "The Neville Brothers" and begun officially performing together in 1977.

Their self titled major label debut hit the shelves in 1978 and they were on their way. Their second album and arguably their best "Fiyo on the Bayou" in 1981 saw them reaching deep into their funk and rhythm and blues roots...and also their Mardi Gras Indian family tradition. This is where we pick up the story of Brother John/Iko Iko. Here we have the brothers returning home to their roots on Valence Street in uptown New Orleans. Iko Iko is a song that is based on call and response chants that occur during a parade collision between tribes of Mardi Gras Indians. It was only natural for the Nevilles to incorporate the melodically similar "Brother John" which is also Mardi Gras based-and had already been recorded on "The Wild Tchoupitoulas." The result is a funky redux that is absolutely stunning and may be the best versions of these songs on record. It is impossible to keep still when this song is playing. If you want a song that will take you to New Orleans in your mind every time...this is the one.

RIP Jim Dickinson

2009-08-20T05:52:00.001-07:00

I just heard that Jim Dickinson passed away at 67. This guy was the

primary facilitator of the "Memphis Sound" which was a cross pollination

of rock, pop, blues, country, and rhythm and blues. His work with Aretha

Franklin, Big Star, The Rolling Stones, The Replacements, Ry Cooder, Bob

Dylan and Sam and Dave is some of the finest music of its kind on

record anywhere. It is also notable that Jim spawned Luther and Cody

Dickinson who are better known these days as "The North Mississippi

All-Stars." I tip my hat to his contributions to the world of music.

Rock and Roll Heaven has gained a heck of a producer.

A Milestone for the music business

2009-08-20T05:49:00.000-07:00

Atlantic Records announced in November of 2008 that digital music was

responsible for half of their revenue. That is definitely a

milestone...that digital music is now half of a major label's revenue.

Did anyone see that one coming? ;-) The story within the story is that

the overall revenue in the established music business is down

drastically and the trend shows no signs of abatement. This means that

many commercial studios, producers and engineers are struggling or going

under as the paradigm continues to shift. The old order has continued

its catastrophic collapse. This is by no means the death knell of the

music industry...independent artists have more opportunity than ever to

showcase themselves and make a real livable income with music as a full

time career. The money changing hands for independent music downloads

goes through fewer middlemen with a much more sizable cut ending up

where it belongs-in the pocket of the recording artist. There is also

much more choice for the consumer...you can obtain a wide range of music

that fits your listening preferences easily and cheaply via download. I

came up with the music business of old...but in truth I like the new

paradigm for a solo artist. I can do some shows, sell a few downloads,

make a little money and market myself via the internet with minimal fuss

and investment. What's not to like? Do you really want to go back to the

nation's programmer of 70's Top 40 AM radio telling you what to listen

to? Remember those days...when "You Light Up My Life" was number one for

so many weeks in '78 that you wanted to shoot Pat Boone for being a

daddy? Interesting how much of the music I heard Arnie 'Woo-Woo'

Ginsberg play on WMEX AM back when has vanished into the sunset...but

the stuff we heard the Woofa Goofa and Charles Laquidera play on WBCN in

the early 70's is now called 'Classic Rock.' Don't tell me those

anti-establishment types didn't know their music!

Review Redux-Cropper/Cavaliere-Nudge it up a Notch

2009-08-13T21:26:00.000-07:00

Another review-this one from 2008. -AC-

There aren't many in the world of music of any color that have the soul credentials of Steve Cropper and Felix Cavaliere. These two often found themselves competing in the top forty back in the late 60's. Cropper is notable for his work at Stax records as sideman on the releases of Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett, Sam and Dave and his own group Stax house band "Booker T and the MG's." Felix is lead vocalist and organist on such great Rascals hits as "Good Lovin'" "Groovin,'" and "People Got to Be Free. Here we are forty years on and these two old farts have not only still got it, they're proving it with their original song collaboration-"Nudge it up a Notch."

This album delivers exactly what you'd expect-Cavaliere's rich soulful vocals coupled with Cropper's pithy and perfect guitar work. It is as if the last forty years have melted away and these guys are in their heyday again-writing songs, just playing in the studio sandbox together and having a big time. "One of These Days," "To Make it Right," and "Without You" are full of strong Stax inspired grooves that show Cropper and Cavaliere playing inspired parts that weave in and out of each other perfectly. The level of perceived nonchalance and ease heard here can only be attained by professionals at the top of their game. Throw in a couple of great instrumental tracks such as "Cuttin' it Loose" which give Cropper and Cavaliere ample room to show off their guitar and organ chops and you have the combination that will no doubt make several "top 10 lists" of music critics this year.

"Nudge it up a Notch" Five out of Five.

Review Revisited-John Fogerty-"Revival"

2009-08-13T21:01:00.000-07:00

A 'review redux' from 2007-I'll post some 'oldies' here from time to time...for the sake of posterity.

"Revival" is John Fogerty's first album of all-new material since finally burying the legal hatchet regarding his past once and for all. Interestingly enough it sounds like history has repeated itself. The obvious history you'd expect from Fogerty is here...sparse driving rock songs elegant in their simplicity with lots of open string chiming riffs and swampy linear runs. It is unfortunate that there is deeper history here as well. Some of Fogerty's best stuff from CCR's halcyon days was written about an America deeply divided by war, income disparity and moral arrogance. These situations are arguably worse here and now than ever.

"Long Dark Night" and "I Can't Take It No More" are angry anti-Bush rants that rock as hard as anything Fogerty has ever done. The frustration in these songs is palpable...the urgency in Fogerty's voice is chilling. "Don't You Wish It Was True" is reminiscent of "Proud Mary" with that loping New Orleans groove...and a much more positive message. I suspect Fogerty will get some one star reviews based on dissatisfaction with his politics...they conveniently forget that Fogerty has always made rebel music...and never been a Republican! "Who'll Stop The Rain," "Run Through The Jungle," and "Fortunate Son" are so well written and memorable that it is easy to forget that all three are at their core Vietnam War era protest songs. Fogerty has always unfailingly looked out for the average working man with his music.

"Revival" is retro, but not a rerun. The musical elements are familiar because Fogerty consciously sounds like himself. He is getting back to work doing what he does best-playing "swamp rock." This is one of the absolute best albums of 2007...four and one half stars out of five...buy today!

Les Paul

2009-08-13T20:52:00.000-07:00

I've let my blog languish for quite a spell without posting...but I couldn't let this day end without mentioning the death of one of the electric guitar's greatest innovators...Mr Les Paul. His death today from complications of Pneumonia at age 94 was not totally unexpected, but leaves me stunned nonetheless.

I'm still processing the breadth of Les Paul's legacy. No one other individual did more to advance the state of the art of electric guitar and recording techniques. His recordings with Mary Ford frustrate me to this day...how to get that sound...and how to get that technique under your fingers...not an easy task. Rock and Roll heaven is rejoicing as the electric guitar's first and best innovator finally joins the band.

Without Les Paul's recording innovations...there would have been no George Martin...and without George Martin...none of those incredible sonic portraits on latter day Beatles records. So much that is taken for granted today by sound engineers and guitar players was invented or aggressively perfected by Les Paul in his lifetime.

Music Monday-How Bad's The Coffee- John Hiatt

2009-07-20T08:15:00.000-07:00

As a musician with eclectic taste it is very difficult to pick just one song each week. Personally I tend to want to avoid the beaten path. This week I've picked an album cut from one of my favorite singer-songwriters-John Hiatt. In his long and notable career John Hiatt is responsible for some of the most excellent folk and blues rock ever written. Songs such as "Thing Called Love," "Tennessee Plates," "Drive South," "Riding With The King," "Memphis in the Meantime," "Have a Little Faith in Me" have been recorded by artists as diverse as Bonnie Raitt, Suzy Bogguss, Mark Collie, Joe Cocker, B.B. King and Three Dog Night. I chose "How Bad's The Coffee" from John Hiatt's release "Beneath this Gruff Exterior" not because it is a fun song with a great hook and some killer slide guitar work by Sonny Landreth...but because I can relate to this song on many levels.

After many years of working on the road I found myself affected by the economic downturn and knew I couldn't continue and survive. Of course life on the road leads you to many truck stops, diners and local eateries since you tend to quickly tire of the chain places because the food is the same everywhere. 2008 saw me back home in North Georgia and in the restaurant business at a 50's themed diner concept quick serve restaurant. This particular restaurant had brutally awful coffee which was so strong and bitter it would turn your stomach from the first sip. This immediately put me in mind of this song...I am no longer at that particular restaurant...in fact my current employer makes excellent smooth Colombian blend coffee. Still I cherish the memories of all the great greasy spoon eateries this song brings back-even if they have great coffee! Take the Trolley Stop Cafe on St. Charles in New Orleans for example. Great greasy diner food!

Sadly there is no video available of Hiatt himself performing this song...so here is a bar band called "Bad Dog" doing their version.

Lyrics | John Hiatt lyrics - How Bad's The Coffee lyrics

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Review-Daughtry-Leave This Town

2009-07-19T09:14:00.000-07:00

Chris Daughtry has been one of American Idol's most successful contestants post-show. Interestingly enough, he has had a more meaningful (and lasting) level of success than many of American Idol's winners. Does anyone know what Ruben Studdard, Taylor Hicks and Jordin Sparks are up to these days? I don't!

Daughtry is an unlikely rock star personality. He is unapologetic about his strong Christian religious beliefs and his love for his wife and children in a world where hedonism and a lack of any sort of stability and maturity seem de rigeur. This examination of the drama and work involved in a long term relationship inform many of the songs on Daughtry's latest "Leave This Town." Daughtry isn't the first to write about marriage...but he may be the first successful rocker to write about it in such unvarnished terms. Daughtry writes intimately about the downsides-the inevitable misunderstandings, the arguments, the regrets, the momentary temptations to stray and the subsequent passionate re-discovery of each other.

For example-in "Ghost of Me," Daughtry tries to soothe a lover who in her dreams has grave doubts about the relationship. "What I Meant to Say" is actually anti-apology...coming from the perspective of a guy who can't quite seem to get the upper hand in the dialogue. These songs concentrate on real problems in relationships and not on Hollywood informed romance. When Daughtry does talk about new love in "Supernatural" it is almost done in a blushing schoolboy sort of way that would be more at home on a Jonas Brothers release than a record by a serious mature rocker. Writing about committed monogamy would work better if Chris was a more on point at the line level in his songs. He is prone to using shop-worn cliches and then will indulge in flowery phrases that show off his considerable vocabulary and work against his carefully cultivated "married Joe Average" persona.

This conceptual lyrical maturity is juxtaposed with typically anthemic arena rock played by a young band with verve and muscle. Drummer Joey Barnes is the most notable player here-his use of staying ahead of the pocket a bit pushes the band forward and drives songs that might otherwise plod and dawdle. Guitarist Josh Steely has lots of great little riffs that dart in and out of these tunes. The best thing about this record by far is Chris Daughtry's voice...it is muscular and gritty and yet he hits these high notes that are laid open-clear and strong...clearly he is a considerable vocal talent.

Daughtry has discovered a vast previously untapped market for his brand hard rock. He is popular with soccer moms, PTO parents and "nice kids" that would not go for the hedonistic vision of rockers past. The music itself is instantly familiar because it is arena rock played by-the numbers. In short, there is nothing musically groundbreaking here. Chris Daughtry's mature lyrics and vocal moral life choices are the key to his enormous appeal. He has created a sound that is going to continue to be enormously popular with middle America. Ignore Chris Daughtry at your own peril. I suspect this album will be played by radio stations for the next two years. I also expect by then I will fully tire of it.

Home again...and more death... this timeThe Great One

2009-07-19T07:38:00.000-07:00

I made it home from my week long management and motivational seminar in Nashville in one piece. I actually scored 100% on my final exam which was completely unexpected in spite of all of the time I put in studying the concepts. I couldn't resist buying a crave case of White Castle Slyders on the way home to share with my family. They didn't last long...

Upon arriving home I learned that Walter Cronkite had passed away. I have lots of memories of Walter and the CBS evening newscast he anchored from 1962-1981. To those of us above a certain age, Walter Cronkite simply was the voice of the news. Interesting historical fact-the word "anchor" or "anchorman" to describe a television newscaster was coined specifically in Cronkite's honor during his excellent coverage of the 1952 coverage of the Democrat and Republican conventions. So Walter really was the first "news anchor!" Cronkite was so popular worldwide that purportedly in Sweden television news anchors were once called simply "Cronkiters." This is reportedly due to the fact that the term "News Anchor" simply didn't translate well into Swedish and Cronkite's personal brand was so strong and identifiable worldwide.

Cronkite will be remembered for his excellent coverage of some pivotal events. These include his steady handed coverage of the assassinations of John F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King, his controversial observation during the Vietnam War Tet Offensive that the war was unwinnable and his crucial analysis of the impact of the devastation of the Mississippi Gulf Coast during hurricane Camille-which was considerably worse than Katrina for Mississippi but has been largely forgotten or ignored by the modern news media. He also covered the incident at Three Mile Island, the Iran Hostage situation and so much more. He was the man America trusted to bring the news into their homes in a timely and accurate fashion...his death reminds us what a great man he truly was...and he will be missed.

...and that's the way it is...

Music Review-'Wilco (The Album)'

2009-07-05T17:20:00.001-07:00

Wilco's tongue in cheek titled new release 'Wilco (The Album)' sounds exactly like a Wilco album. This is a very good thing. Those of us that were there for the transition from the sparse and simple days of 'AM' and 'Being There' through "Summerteeth" to 'Yankee Hotel Foxtrot' remember what a quantum leap that was for this band. Jeff Tweedy thrives on abrupt pitching strategy changes-'Foxtrot' was a change up. Then it was one curve ball after another...'A Ghost is Born' was artsy and heavy...then 'Sky Blue Sky' was so restrained it almost sounded like a tribute to Steely Dan. After a decade of determined running away from himself, Jeff Tweedy is back...the way we remember him. Its almost as though 'Yankee Hotel Foxtrot' was never released and Wilco is picking up on the heels of 'Being There' and finally releasing that continuation we were waiting on.

The album starts with a slice of silliness entitled 'Wilco (The Song)' where Tweedy actually self assuredly boasts that this group is good for what ails you and Wilco will love you. It is a perfectly tongue in cheek moment that aptly illustrates the shift away from the seriousness of the last album. The retro moments are everywhere: the light and sunny "You Never Know" is reminiscent of George Harrison. The country rock of "Sonny Feeling" could have been an outtake track from 'AM.' The garage rock staccato of "Bull Black Nova" reminds us that Tweedy was originally a punk fan. This is in sharp contrast with "You and I," the duet with Feist with its sensual shimmer and "I'll Fight," which is a minimalist straight up rocker.

This is the album Wilco fans have waited for- a solid piece of rock that draws from Tweedy's original influences without being clouded by some loftier artistic ideal. The emotions here are close to the surface, raw and most of all real.

Wilco (The Album) 4 stars out of 5. Buy this one today!

Death all around

2009-07-05T10:19:00.000-07:00

These last two weeks have been an unusually busy time for the Grim Reaper. Interestingly, there seems to be a fetish lately for high profile people. I have been in total shock trying to process it all...and finally decided I have to take a moment to honor the memory of these individuals...and what each meant to me.

Ed McMahon 3/6/23-6/23/09-McMahon was perhaps the greatest sidekick in the history of television. His work alongside Johnny Carson is what I will remember most. 'Tonight' was a nightly ritual for me-it helped me shake off the day with a good laugh and get in bed in a good mood to wake up and face another day. Ed's "Heeeeeeeere's Johnny" will be reverberating in the heavenlies as he is reunited with Carson for their first show in eternity.

Farrah Fawcett 2/2/47-6/25/09-Its a cliche...but since I am a male of a certain age I could not escape Farrah Fawcett. Her role on 'Charlie's Angels' is enough by itself to give her television immortality. Her television roles coupled with that poster...ya know the one from '76! The men of heaven will all be at attention when their new sex symbol Farrah arrives.

Michael Jackson 8/29/58-6/25/09-Michael Jackson was the very first African-American megastar. Thriller remains the worldwide best seller of all time. Nothing that has transpired since Michael hit the pinnacle of success has erased the musical legacy of the KING of POP. His music is an inescapable part of my life.

Billy Mays-7/20/58-6/28/09-You couldn't turn on American TV for any length of time without being bombarded by the voice of Billy Mays. He was perhaps the last great 'pitch man' of the old school. He was buried in a shirt with the Oxi-Clean logo...this is fitting. Now he can pitch in heaven shilling Orange Glo products door to door on the streets of gold.

Ventures member Bob Bogle dies

2009-06-18T11:34:00.000-07:00

I was deeply and profoundly saddened to hear that Bob Bogle has passed away Tuesday. His lengthy illness meant his death was not unexpected, but I still found myself choking back tears when I heard the news.

Everyone above a certain age knows a Ventures song. They really are that ubiquitous a presence in pop culture. I ran my fingers off as a young guitarist trying to master "Walk Don't Run" and "Hawaii Five-O." Bogle and Wilson should have statues erected of them in Cleveland just for those two pieces alone...but there is so much more...the recorded output of the Ventures is voluminous and covers a great deal of stylistic ground.

Bob Bogle touched and inspired a tremendous number of musicians-including some of the world's finest players. They range from obvious instrumental player devotees like Gary Hoey to some of Nashville's finest studio cats and many more in between. I count myself fortunate to have been aquainted with the music of the Ventures. I know the house band in Rock and Roll Heaven has gained one hell of an axe-slinger.

New release Tuesday overview

2009-06-17T01:14:00.000-07:00

George Harrison-"Let It Roll" (The Songs of George Harrison)-This is the first attempt to do a comprehensive post-Beatles "best of" compilation of George Harrison's music. The collection highlights material from 1970's "All Things Must Pass" through 2002's "Brainwashed." It also notably includes live versions of three Beatles songs recorded at the Concert for Bangladesh in 1971.

Hank Williams Jr.
"127 Rose Avenue"

The legendary country music icon , who is the son of Hank Williams Sr. and the father of Hank Williams III, has finally released his first studio album since 2003's "I'm One of You."

The already released single is the song "Red, White and Pink-Slip Blues," which is already a hit single at radio. The song, written by Mark Stephen Jones and Arthur Tower, addresses the reality of the current economic crisis for working folk. Williams will tour from July into September.

Other new releases
Amorphis, "Skyforger" (Nuclear Blast)
Rodney Carrington, "El Nino Loco" (Capitol)
Will Downing, "Classique" (Concord)
Don Henley, "The Very Best of Don Henley" (Geffen)
Jill Hennessy, "Ghost in My Head" (Warner Bros.)
Incubus, "Monuments & Melodies" (Sony)
Laura Izibor, "Let the Truth Be Told" (Atlantic)
Davy Knowles, "Coming Up for Air" (Blix Street)
Spinal Tap, "Back from the Dead" (Label Industry)
Devin Townsend, "Ki" (Inside Out)
Various artists, "Chess in Concert" (Reprise)
Various artists, "Highlights from Chess in Concert" (Reprise)
Rhonda Vincent, "Destination Life" (Rounder)

Review-Oak Ridge Boys-The Boys are Back

2009-06-13T08:30:00.001-07:00

I've been an Oak Ridge Boys fan since they first "went county" with Y'all Come Back Saloon (way) back in 1977. That's right...the year I couldn't stop spinning Fleetwood Mac's "Rumours" or escape anywhere from the behemoth that was "Star Wars." I've always had a weak spot for harmony...whether Fleetwood Mac's pitch perfect pop sheen or the Oak Ridge Boy's well crafted four part gospel style.

It seemed incongruous at first...Outlaw music sung in gospel harmony...but I knew from the moment "Y'all Come Back Saloon" was released and heard "Old Time Lovin'" featured on "The Dukes of Hazzard" that these fellas had taken a shot in the dark and hit a commercial bullseye. More success followed...with the Oaks having attained bona fide legend status by the release of "Monogahela" in 1988. Along the way they have dodged plenty of critical barbs and yet continued to be true to their vision at that moment. Through all of the attention, the Oaks have made their reputation as being some of the most genuine people in the business-a class act in every sense.

Fast forward to 2009. The Oaks have been making gospel albums since 1992. They've all navigated into the shallow waters of their senior years... and then the unthinkable..."The Boys are Back." By electing to make a secular country album after 17 years the Oaks have defied expectations...and reached #16 on the country charts.

The album itself is a mixed bag. The anthemic title track written by Shooter Jennings makes its point as intended...The Boys are Back. Unfortunately the song is a bit repetitive... it does clearly announce the new direction the Oaks are taking on this record. Shooter's lyrics bring some religion and politics to the table and this will no doubt cause some controversy. "Boom Boom" is a bit silly, but it actually works thanks to some well placed enthusiasm.

The production throughout is rough edged...the album was recorded in two weeks...clearly the intent was to capture the excitement the Oaks felt while working on their new sound with Dave Cobb at Waylon Jenning's old studio.

"Seven Nation Army" is a revelation. The guys sound like they were meant to sing this song...and it being chosen as the first single is absolutely right. This choice of a modern song by an aging country act invites inevitable comparison to Johnny Cash who selected a Nine Inch Nails song for his studio album "The Man Comes Around." In both cases, tackling a contemporary song provides wind for the artists sails...and the results are fantastic. I've no doubt that other critics will accuse the Oaks of "missing the point of the song" or some other such nonsense...the fact is the group identified with the song and made it their own.

Several tracks on the album evoke more traditional themes for the Oak Ridge Boys. Down home vibe abounds in "Mama's Table," "Live With Jesus," "God's Gonna Ease My Troublin' Mind," and "Hold Me Closely." Not surprisingly, these are among the album's best.

It is a bit uneven...but it is as compelling a comeback effort by a country act as I have ever heard. Go on out and buy this 'un y'hear!

"The Boys are Back" 3 1/2 out of 5 stars

Another change....

2009-05-30T19:18:00.000-07:00

I watched the final "Tonight Show...with Jay Leno" last night and the enormity of what is happening finally
hit me. I have watched "Tonight" religiously all my life...with Carson and then with Leno...It has been my nightly decompression ritual to have a good laugh and hear some new music before I turned in for 30 years. I am deeply saddened that Leno is going...and like many others I feel the brass at NBC has made a big mistake. That said, I accept that the show needs to appeal to a younger audience to keep advertising revenue coming in...and Conan is a proven talent with the younger crowds. I wish Conan the best...and I will continue to watch...

Seems Conan and I have something in common. We are both stepping away from jobs we never expected to have at a point in our lives and yet we excelled at them. We both start new jobs Monday with exceptionally large expectations on a much bigger stage. I have something in common with Leno as well...I finished out my old job on Friday. How strange is it that it worked out exactly this way?

I want to thank the wonderful people I worked with at Steak-n-Shake for their part in my success there as a restaurant manager. As I move on to bigger things as a General Manager at Krystal I reflect on my time at SNS and find I am humbly grateful to have been part of such a fine organization. We accomplished 7% positive comps in a down economy when our sister franchise restaurants averaged -5%. Do the math! That's 12% better than everybody! Thanks again!

A new instrumental

2009-05-27T11:13:00.000-07:00

I am amazed once again...While noodling with my electric guitar I composed a jazz instrumental that I am very happy with. I'm going to have to get this recorded quickly so I don't forget it...

Review-Eric Clapton and Steve Winwood-Live From Madison Square Garden DVD/CD

2009-05-24T09:46:00.000-07:00

Eric Clapton and Steve Winwood were born to play together. 1969's short lived Blind Faith 'supergroup' proved it. This release simply reminds us of what we already knew. The musical synergy between these two is undeniable. From the first notes of "Had to Cry Today" we have Clapton and Winwood alive, energized and trading guitar lines like its 1969 all over again.

Clapton and Winwood continue to feed off of each other on Clapton's "Forever Man," and the Blind Faith song "Presence Of The Lord." Both are well known now as Clapton concert favorites but Winwood sounds as if he was born to sing them.

The musical synchronicity cannot be denied. Eric's played many of his own songs so many times he could easily phone it in...but he attacks his material with renewed gusto...as Winwood's guitar and keys push this legend hard.

As the concert concludes, Clapton and Winwood play Hendrix's "Little Wing" and "Voodoo Chile." Here the fur really begins to fly. Winwood sings "Voodoo Chile" like a street corner bluesman and punctuates his bluesy phrasing with organ stabs that Clapton responds to with phenomenal guitar interplay.

Oh yeah...there's an interview too. These guys talk candidly about how this blessed reunion came about...but the real reason to buy this is the music...This is as good as it gets.

Eric Clapton and Steve Winwood-"Live at Madison Square Garden" no stars needed...if you don't buy this you clearly don't like good music.

Review-Better Than Ezra-Paper Empire

2009-05-24T09:17:00.000-07:00

The alt-rockers from New Orleans are back. They are survivors, having endured 20 years in the music business with tremendous regional success but only a brief flirtation with national acclaim back in the alt-rock playground heyday of the early nineties. BTE has hardly been prolific..."Paper Empire" is BTE's sixth studio effort. This has actually worked in this band's favor-allowing demand to build before a new album hits the streets.

Kevin Griffin's unique voice still draws you in and his saccharine sweet melodies and simple, readily accesible lyrical themes make this album immediately identifiable as Better Than Ezra. Since I owned and enjoyed "How Does Your Garden Grow" back in the nineties I can't help but get a little nostalgic when I hear these guys. This album occasionally re-creates the magic of "How Does Your Garden Grow," but mostly continues the pop accessibility of "Before the Robots," BTE's last album (gasp!) four years ago.

There is plenty of dynamic range here, seemingly capturing the best of everything Better than Ezra has done before. We have the anthemic opener "Absolutely Still," the New-Wave-esque "Nightclubbing," the pepped up singalong of "All In," the sugary pop of "Black Light" and the subdued ballad "I Just Knew." It mostly works. This is a solid mainstream rock album of mid tempo rockers and ballads without much flashiness...this is hard to find in a major label release in 2009..and makes this album all the more appealing. It isn't ground breaking...but it is good music.

Better Than Ezra-Paper Empire 3-1/2 out of 5

Review-Tori Amos-Abnormally Attracted to Sin

2009-05-23T12:54:00.000-07:00

Maybe its the social networking sites to blame or possibly the reduction of artists vision to individual track downloads on i-tunes but our attention spans are not what they once were. Whatever the cause, around 2/3 of the way through the new Tori Amos’ album Abnormally Attracted to Sin, your interest will have waned.

Don't misinterpret me. I'm a fan. This is very close to being an excellent album. Unfortunately, like the Eagles' "Long Road Out of Eden" and other Tori Amos albums I could name it is simply too long. I think Tori's motivation here is a genuine attempt to add value to this collection...and to the listener. The problem is that the substandard material runs the risk of alienating fans before they hear all the good stuff.

The album kicks off on a high note. 'Give' is dark with a salacious offhand lyric that could be interpreted as anything from S&M to vampirism. The new single 'Welcome to England' is a return to form and could become a classic. This track signals Tori seems to be abandoning the concept album trappings that have framed most of her recent work. This album purports to be a study in sin...but the songs that work the best come from somewhere more personal. For eight tracks we get Tori at the top of her form, telling stories and deriving universal truths in well crafted songs.

Unfortunately this leads us to the 'bonus' disc. This is where things get uneven. I can forgive Tori some self indulgence simply because she has been one of the most profoundly original artists in music for the better part of 20 years. Still 'Police Me,' 'Abnormally Attracted to Sin,' and 'That Guy' should have been re-worked or canned. Things begin to pick up a bit with 'Fast Horse' and 'Mary Jane' which are fairly good quality lead ins for the closing moments of the album-and some of Tori's finest work...'Lady in Blue' is melodic with a lounge jazz-esque feel that echos recent Joni Mitchell albums-but doesn't suck. "Oscar's Theme" carries the album to a close with such understated sadness that is a perfect album closer. Had these two songs shown up a half an hour back, this would be the perfect Tori Amos album.

This is an album that would have been better with some self editing on the part of its writer. Incredibly, "Abnormally..." still has moments that hit the spot. Tori's songs here are often vague or lack cohesion and are certainly self indulgent...but this album still is a good example of the breadth and depth of Tori Amos' talent. Listen without prejudice and download the ones you like. I know I will.

"Abnormally Attracted to Sin" 3-1/2 out of 5

Review-Steve Earle-"Townes"

2009-05-22T09:10:00.000-07:00

First I want to apologize to my readers for not posting my new reviews in a timely fashion these last couple of weeks. I have been extraordinarily busy working out a career change.

Steve Earle knew Townes. Perhaps no other artist knew him better. Townes' career influenced Earle's own rocky, drug addled career road with Earle ultimately emerging triumphant as a rebellious but legitimate American Troubadour. Townes as we all know was not so fortunate. Fortunately for us the music of Townes Van Zandt has shown itself to have tremendous staying power in spite of Townes' well publicized demons.

It is fitting at this point that Steve would go back to the songs that first influenced him and so many of us out there-"To Live is to Fly," "No Place to Fall," and the now iconic "Pancho and Lefty." All of these are represented here in versions so spare and understated it is easy to miss just how much passion went into this project. Every element here is in place to underscore the perfectly melancholy power of Townes' original lyrics. Earle utilized his son Justin Townes Earle and his wife Allison Moorer for support on subdued background vocals, other instrumental highlights include Shad Cobb's melancholy fiddle, Tim O'Brien's perfectly placed mandolin flourishes and Tom Morello's surprisingly perfect electric guitar accents.

The high point is "Lungs" which sends Earle's already raspy voice through an effects processor for an eerie effect that captures the sad place this song was written from. Add a spare acoustic guitar, hollow drums and a whining electric and you have the a perfect interpretation of this song's hollow desolation.

Perhaps Steve Earle has exorcised an inner demon or two with this collection of 15 of his mentor's best songs. Maybe he has made some peace with Townes' troubled legacy. He has certainly helped to elevate the work of Townes Van Zandt to an even more enduring status.

Steve Earle-"Townes" Four out of Five stars.

Review-Ben Harper-White Lies for Dark Times

2009-05-06T23:09:00.000-07:00

Ben Harper's latest album breaks in a whole new band and a new sound. The eleven tracks of heavily amplified rock and blues here showcase perfectly the sound of Ben's new band Relentless 7. Relentless 7 is an Austin, TX based trio Harper discovered when a van driver chauffeuring Harper to an Austin gig insisted he hear a demo...and Harper loved it.

The first sound on the album is Harper's slide guitar bringing in "Number With no Name" an unapologetic rocker with an uplifting chorus that sets the tone for what is to come. There is quite a bit of diversity...a nod to U2 on"Up to You Now," with its delicate vocals and heavy rhythm and also a clear sixties British invasion influence on "Lay There and Hate Me." "Shimmer and Shine" is my absolute favorite...it takes no prisoners from the first note to the last.

In spite of the amps being set on eleven, the lyrical content of this album is absolutely identifiable as Harper's. The slide guitar and vocals here are the elements that work the best...not surprisingly these have sustained Harper's career all along. The first half of this effort ranks with Harper's finest work. Unfortunately the second half isn't as well thought out and doesn't fare so well. I recommend downloading the first half and shelving the rest.

Ben Harper/Relentless 7-White Lies for Dark Times 3-1/2 out of 5

Review-Conor Oberst-Outer South

2009-05-06T22:46:00.000-07:00

Last year Conor Oberst dissolved Bright Eyes and embarked on a solo career. His self titled debut last year of laid back folk rock glorifying life on the road was a tremendous shift from the much more dour and introspective Bright Eyes material. Now Oberst has gone one step further into the unfamiliar by making a true band album with his new traveling buddies The Mystic Valley Band. All the band members are involved with the songwriting...even the drummer manages two songwriting credits. This album was written very quickly on a short tour in Mexico and as you would expect these cuts are filled with a freewheeling sense of newfound possibilities. Unfortunately this also means that one too many songs is noticably self indulgent...not suprising since you have these guys kicking the songs back and forth in the studio before recording them quickly for posterity.

Oberst is always inclined to stick with his initial ideas and his instincts are usually correct. The loose vibe with everyone contributing actually enhances Conor's songs. For Example on "Slowly" we have Conor singing about taking life in the slow lane...lounging in the pool literally letting life pass him by. This laid back and happy vibe is so out of character for Oberst it may be a bit of a shock for Bright Eyes fans...but it does actually work. There is some angst to be found here..."White Shoes" is a desperate lover's plea and "Roosevelt Room" is a left wing political rant that borders on apocalyptic.

The rest of the band is not harboring any hitherto untapped songwriter genius. The songs contributed by the rest of the band are simply decent throwaways. As you might expect the albums strongest moments come when the band is sympathetically backing Oberst on his own songs. In fact that combination of that jangly sixties folk-rock and mini organ sound coupled with Oberst's new found preference for a more relaxed pace provide the album's best moments. Oberst is to be commended for putting his ego aside and letting the band have the spotlight...it proves he can be a nice guy...

"Outer South" 3 out of 5 stars An interesting experiment

Review-Jewel-Lullaby

2009-05-06T22:31:00.000-07:00

Jewel's latest release entitled "Lullaby" is an album of children's lullabies released appropriately enough on Fisher-Price records. It would seem appropriate that she make a children's album since my single biggest ongoing criticism of Jewel has been the fact that she sings like a child. This was endearing and suited the material well when she was recording "Pieces of You" as a child herself.
Unfortunately in spite of recording more adult-level material, Jewel has resisted the urge to sing like a grown up and her faux emotional over-singing gets more ridiculous as time goes on...starting with the incredibly tedious "Spirit" and continuing progressively downhill from there. Lullaby unfortunately does not reverse the trend. The album is laden with typical Jewel arrangements with nothing standing out in any way. It all sort of blends together into a study in tedium.

Jewel-Lullaby 1 star out of five. Don't go near this one with a ten foot pole.

Other reviews in the works

2009-05-05T11:03:00.001-07:00

I've got reviews in the works for some of today's other new releases including:

Jewel-Lullaby
Conor Oberst-Outer South
Ben Harper and Relentless 7-White Lies for Dark Times

Music review-Yusuf

2009-05-05T09:03:00.000-07:00

Yusuf's new CD "Roadsinger (To Warm You Through the Night)" is in stores today. In another lifetine, Yusuf sold 60 million records as Cat Stevens. The hit songs he recorded then, "Wild World," "Peace Train," "Moonshadow," "Morning has Broken," and "Father and Son" transcend time and place and have become iconic. The singer's quiet passion, tender lyrics and vocals are still very much in evidence on "Roadsinger," Yusuf's second album since resuming his music career in 2004.

Yusuf's last album "An Other Cup" had lots of Eastern musical influences that blended beautifully with the western folk idiom to produce a well woven tapestry. On "Roadsinger" Yusuf is performing straight up Western folk music with no chaser. This may be in part due to Yusuf's rediscovering Joni Mitchell, Jackson Browne, James Taylor, Neil Young, Elton John and others while listening to a playlist on a transatlantic flight. These classic songs and artists reminded Yusuf how great the L.A. singer-songwriter sound had been and pushed him in this direction.

The production of "Roadsinger" is sparse with few overdubs resulting in an organic and slightly gritty feel. This serves the songs perfectly with immediacy and warmth coming through every performance.

The arrangements are what you'd expect from Yusuf...anchored with his tasteful understated guitar work and breezy vocals. A few songs are beautifully layered with cellos and violins or accented with horns.

The songs themselves show deep personal emotion. A beautiful love song such as 'Thinking about You" fits perfectly with "Roadsinger" a track that illustrates the power of music to bring people together. "To Be What You Must" is deep and philosophical and illustrates pointedly "To be what you must you must give up what you are." "World of Darkness" is the album's bleak moment...dwelling on just how much has gone wrong in recent years. The juxtaposition of this song with the other love songs and "All Kinds of Roses" a song about the beauty of nature all around is stark contrast...and absolutely right. "In This Glass World" illustrates the fragile nature of our world and gently nudges the listener toward the best solution-peace. This could be summed up as the albums overriding theme-peace-most importantly inner peace. This is clearly a classic album in waiting from the artist formerly known as Cat Stevens and will no doubt in time be as highly regarded as his iconic 70's catalog.

"Roadsinger"-Four and one half stars out of 5. Buy this one today!

Cinco de Mayo...and a great American song turns 40

2009-05-05T08:25:00.000-07:00

Happy Cinco de Mayo!

On this day...May 5th 1969 CCR's Bad Moon Rising was released. The song would shoot to number two on the billboard charts and remain for 3 weeks. John Fogerty got the apocalyptic vibe of the song from a movie he watched called "The Devil and Daniel Webster." This is simply a classic song...it jumps out of my radio speakers even now. You can really hear the influence of the Sun label artists on Fogerty here.

Review-The House on First Street-My New Orleans Story

2009-05-03T18:39:00.000-07:00

I am a passionate lover of New Orleans. In fact I'm a regular out-of-town visitor. I visit the city every chance I get and intend to return to live. The aftermath of Hurricane Katrina left me heartbroken. Since the storm, I have made several trips to the city and while I am heartened by some developments, the slow pace of recovery in the hardest hit areas such as The Lower Nine, New Orleans East and Lakeview is very hard to see. Still my love for this great city and its incredible culture is unmoved.

It seems everyone has a Katrina story...most are absolutely incredibly awful and yet there remains that undercurrent of grit and toughness. I've read several of these post-Katrina memoirs and so I reached for "The House on First Street-My New Orleans Story" by Julia Reed with this in mind.

The book opens by presenting the author's lifelong love of the city-recounting a trip made as a teenager with friends and the wild times had by all. Next up is a quick Fast forwarding to 1991 when the author moves into a French Quarter apartment on Bourbon Street when she is working as a reporter covering the governors race that year. So far so good. Not surprisingly, like so many others she falls in love with New Orleans and decides to remain in the city. After a number of years in the city, she remarries at 42 and the newlyweds buy their dream Greek Revival home at First and Chestnut streets in the Garden District.

At this point it becomes apparent that Julia Reed is very well-to-do. It would be fair not to hold this against her but it becomes extraordinarily difficult to endure when she goes on at great length about the ineptitude of her contractor handling the restoration of her mansion. She embarks on an endless parade of local celebrity name dropping and referencing meals eaten and alcohol consumed in fabulous restaurants such as Galatoire's. Family members saunter in and out of the story with little or no introduction only to be gone again before we ever get any context for their presence. The breezy storytelling and anecdotes are entertaining but in no way represent life for the vast majority of New Orleanians.

Enter Hurricane Katrina. I think surely this will get interesting. Evacuation and watching the ensuing flood on cable news is covered in great detail. After a few days, Julia bluffs her way back into the city with a press pass to find her house is 100% intact with no flooding. She suffered from one downed tree, a broken window and debris strewn about. This is a fairy tale ending for a homeowner in a storm that triggered the biggest man made disaster in the history of the United States.

Julia justifiably goes after the requisite local, state and federal officials for their ineptitude very briefly in the book. She is tediously self congratulatory about her many trips from Baton Rouge to bring food into the city for the National Guardsmen stationed in the post Katrina war zone. She deserves credit for her part in organizing the ReBirth New Orleans benefit but it still seems like arrogant self importance that drives her rather than true altruism.

The ever present descriptions of good food and wine did make me hungry for New Orleans cuisine... and a cohesive story. I felt like I was in the midst of a cocktail party in a room full of people I didn't know hearing bits and pieces of conversation and constantly found myself trying to make sense of it all. The conversational nature of the story telling and the short 200 page length made it an easy read but ultimately it felt unfulfilling. If you want a Katrina story to cheer about, read "The Good Pirates of the Forgotten Bayous" by Ken Wells.