This is a post by the editor for everyone. Other contributors' opinions are not represented in this posting.
I am amazed at how much this nation has changed since I was a child. I did not grow up with my parents worrying about what I was being taught in school (other than how you can catch AIDS), if I might get shot by some loser student with a personality disorder, or if I'd have a future after college. Sadly, those fears are on all parents' minds today. Ontop of those fears come rising gas prices, the threat of losing jobs, the global warming issue, sexual predators, rising taxes, government debt, lack of funding for education, misappropriated funds, an every growing government, deadly diseases, terrorists (homegrown and foreign), and the general unappealing nature surroundng everything political.
It's a national bombardment of worries. A lot of this is due to the media wanting to cash in on big money issues, which get blown way out of proportion. You don't believe me? For every "fact" brought up to show global warming is a present day concern, there is a conflicting "fact" that shows it is not as huge as was thought. I could walk outside right now and say the weather is quite reasonable for it being the summer. The real fact is no one knows for sure. Scientists argue constantly over things that do not effect our everyday lives. Global warming is not a major concern in the short term. That is where normal people live. Day to day. I'm not suggesting we don't look to the future. I am implying that issues we deal with in the present should overrule future concerns.
The "healthcare crisis" that the media has expanded upon is a wonderful example. Really? Is there a crisis? I have yet seen a person lying anywhere dying who hasn't received medical care. People complain that they have to wait in hospitals or emergency clinics. It's called triage. If your condition is not as serious as another's, guess what. You aren't going to be picked first to see a doctor. Life is not defined as first come first served. You have to wait an hour or four, life sucks, get over yourself.
That is what the government has begun to pray upon. The "me" sense of existance. Politicians want to sell their agendas. They want you to feel you are being served properly. However, they have their own agendas. They simply ply their goals to sound like it fits the public's own. The truth is the government is looking out for itself. Politicians want power, which goes against their duty of service to the public. We get blinded by the promises made. This is made worse by partisanship. Those radical left and right wingers do nothing to help this country.
I do not have a viable or sane solution to this problem. No one does. Those who shout "revolution" are insane. Those who just go with the parties are as bad. It's us in the middle, who hate seeing America be perverted. We suffer, yet have some hope. If anyone can devise a solution, please do it.
Friday, September 4, 2009
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Duke vs. Memphis
Merry Lamley - Sports Commentary
Raleigh NC
After the huge shock (I am being sarcastic) of a John Calipari coached Memphis Tigers team being under the thumb of the NCAA regulators, what else can be said? Gary Parrish of CBS says Duke should lose their 1999 record as well. What is the difference? I guess, beyond calling Parrish a tool, the fact Derrick Rose cheated his way into his school while Corey Maggette took money (unbeknownst to anyone at Duke) before he ever attended.
The fact is that there was a concerted effort to get Rose into Memphis even though he was not up to par, education-wise. As for Meggette, he and his agent could sort things out. As far as Duke is concerned, there was no proven violations perpetrated while he was at the school. As a UNC fan, I don't want the Devils to have any more of an advantage than they can get. But fair is fair. Duke University did nothing wrong. On the same note, the Memphis Tigers do not deserve their punishment either. It is simpy not befitting. None of the hands involved are with the school anymore.
Here is my solution (not created by me completely, but revised). The coaches should be held responsible. If a coach feels comfortable enough to make his team out of cheats, then he should carry the resposibility. I say the NCAA bring down the axe on coaches, like Calipari, who bring in their latest thug to play a year and leave for the pros. Fine them. Take away their wins. Soon, such coaches will have a hard time finding a job, instead of being the highest paid of their era. The threat of losing any credibility and their money will surely clean things up a bit. The only problem, then, is dealing with schools the NCAA ignores for violations.
Raleigh NC
After the huge shock (I am being sarcastic) of a John Calipari coached Memphis Tigers team being under the thumb of the NCAA regulators, what else can be said? Gary Parrish of CBS says Duke should lose their 1999 record as well. What is the difference? I guess, beyond calling Parrish a tool, the fact Derrick Rose cheated his way into his school while Corey Maggette took money (unbeknownst to anyone at Duke) before he ever attended.
The fact is that there was a concerted effort to get Rose into Memphis even though he was not up to par, education-wise. As for Meggette, he and his agent could sort things out. As far as Duke is concerned, there was no proven violations perpetrated while he was at the school. As a UNC fan, I don't want the Devils to have any more of an advantage than they can get. But fair is fair. Duke University did nothing wrong. On the same note, the Memphis Tigers do not deserve their punishment either. It is simpy not befitting. None of the hands involved are with the school anymore.
Here is my solution (not created by me completely, but revised). The coaches should be held responsible. If a coach feels comfortable enough to make his team out of cheats, then he should carry the resposibility. I say the NCAA bring down the axe on coaches, like Calipari, who bring in their latest thug to play a year and leave for the pros. Fine them. Take away their wins. Soon, such coaches will have a hard time finding a job, instead of being the highest paid of their era. The threat of losing any credibility and their money will surely clean things up a bit. The only problem, then, is dealing with schools the NCAA ignores for violations.
Friday, August 7, 2009
Healthcare Debate: Eric vs. Lenn
To much popular demand, here is the recent argument... I mean debate... between Eric and Lenny. You may need a drink afterwards. I sense a future brawl in the street.
Eric – This whole thing is insane. There is nothing good about this bill.
Lenn - Whatever, you only say that because you don’t agree with the government. There is a definite need for healthcare reform. Millions of dollars go to insurance companies that could be saved if they weren’t monopolizing everything.
Eric – That’s not the true issue. The bill is wrong because it addresses the wrong points. We don’t need “big government” taking over healthcare. Healthcare reform doesn’t mean giving power to the politicians. It means fixing a broken system.
Lenn – Do you think the insurance industry is going to fix that by themselves?
Eric – No. I don’t want the presently proposed bill to fix it either. There are numerous flaws and I simply don’t agree with it.
Lenn – So what is wrong with it? It provides insurance to those who can’t afford insurance.
Eric – Have you even read the proposed bill? Basically they want to require you to have the government healthcare. Otherwise you will be taxed… on top of the amount they will tax you to pay for the others getting covered.
Lenn – So what. The wealthy will pay for others’ well being. I see nothing wrong with that. They duck taxes and get to enjoy life to the maximum.
Eric – You really believe that? There are several problems with that statement. 1) People who don’t pay taxes won’t be paying for the taxes for this new system. 2) The wealthy can’t carry the healthcare system. Everyone needs healthcare. Insurance companies would crumble if they taxed for private insurance. Then you would have three options. The government could take over the private companies in a bailout. That means total control by the government over all Americans. The insurance companies are allowed to implode and all that is allowed is government controlled healthcare. That means you have no option. Finally, the insurance companies miraculously find a way to survive with only wealthy clients. Who do you think will get primary and premium care? Government insured people, audited by the same people who said “Cash for Clunkers” would last 10 months (when it actually lasted 4 weeks)? I think it’d be the privately insured rich people that can get full care without having to worry if their angioplasty was approved or if the auditors felt it wasn’t worthwhile.
Lenn – Jeeze! You are straight up brainwashed by the insurance industry. Why don’t you just read a straight line off the FOX News blogosphere? This is a load of special interest crap that has been fed to your types for so long it’s become retarded.
Eric – Whoa there, Lenny boy. I don’t totally side with FOX News. I watch CNN and BBC. I get my thoughts by actually reading and analyzing the material at hand. Also, “your types” have been trying to push the blame for public decent on this issue for a month or two. First it’s the Republicans and Libertarians. Then it’s the radio media. Next, why not blame FOX News. Now it’s the insurance industry’s fault. Try blaming the guys trying to push a crooked bill. Also, most liberal types don’t like the word retarded. Try saving that comment for your inner circle.
Lenn – Oh, so who backed all these big protests at the town hall meetings? Things got very violent. It seems to me that there are plenty of special interest groups pushing for these fights.
Eric – Is it beyond your comprehension to think, maybe, the public is really angry?
Lenn – Angry about what? They may need to pay a bit more to help those in need?
Eric – Uhhhh …. Listen, Lenny. Here’s some news for you. The majority of the public doesn’t want to pay out of their rear ends for something that isn’t solid. Most of us normal people have been fairly quiet about our distrust of politicians jacking up the National Debt. This could be seen as the final straw.
Lenn – Hey, I don’t want to pay unwanted tax dollars. But this going to a worthy cause. We are going to help those who can’t help themselves. However, the greedy people that Americans are, they fly up in outrage when they may have to give up a few dollars to someone else.
Eric – The outrage doesn’t come from having to pay taxes. It’s the dishonest politicians that sit in office. Have you seen these town hall meets? The politicians duck and dive all the honest questions. That’s what happened in Pennsylvania. Then they shut out the people who might not agree with them. That is what happened in Florida.
Lenn – Whatever. It’s the GOP up to their old games. They worked the same magic to rig the elections when Al Gore ran for office. Everyone makes a scene, and the government bows to them. It’s an old routine. Anyone with half a brain could see through it. However, you dolt-head Republi-Cons get brainwashed every time. “Oooooo. We’ll just yell until no one can hear anything but us.” It’s the FOX News way.
Eric – I now understand how infinitely stupid you are. Dissent isn’t a GOP tactic. Common sense is. FOX didn’t invent yelling at someone over politics. Heck, our founding fathers fought constantly. They fought with fist and guns over our Constitution. I don’t just mean the Revolutionary war. I also mean the writing of our sacred parchment. They even insulted each other’s families and wives. Some shouting is small compared to the American past.
Lenn – How sad. I would think we had evolved beyond our primitive forefathers. All they knew was the way of the gun. It was a macho-centric society then. I would love to think we have developed a more diplomatic state of mind over 300 years. Even today one of North Carolina’s own representatives was given a death threat over this issue of healthcare.
Eric – What a load of BS. You really have no clue of what is right and wrong. It’s all agenda. I’ve read Howard Zinn and know when I’m being dealt some liberal crap. As for your reference to Brad Miller, he didn’t receive a death threat. A comment was made to one of his aides that he was too chicken to hold a town hall meeting because he was afraid for his life. It was a snide remark, not a death threat. I for one agree. He and most politicians are afraid for their lives. They should be.
Lenn – So you want to kill a politician? You are a typical terrorist minded conservative.
Eric – No. I just feel that politicians have become elitists. They feel they can vote however they feel and we’ll innately trust that it’s in our best interest. When there’s a complaint they just say, “Oh it will pass when the next big issue comes along.” There’s been too many big issues passed along and everyone has become fed up. Now their anger is becoming public and our representatives are thinking, “Holy crap! We’ve got to get control of the situation.” They aren’t used to public anger directed toward them. The politicians are running for cover, hiding from their own constituents. I’m glad to see Americans sanding up for themselves; voicing and shouting their outrage.
Lenn – The “constituents” voted their representatives into office. They should respect those they wanted to represent them. You can’t fight the government when it is what the people want.
Eric – Then why are people fighting? You Liberals are pissed off because you think public protest is your own domain. If the Abbie Hoffman yippie, pot smoking, college guys were doing this (just so they could prove to their professors and girlfriends that they were politically minded) no one would care. In fact they’d be touted as heroes. However, it is middle class Americans, who are stepping out of their socially accepted place, who are protesting and shouting. That has politicians scared, because they don’t have a plan for the middle class doing this. What will they do? Shoot tear gas into a mob of baby boomers? How would that look to the majority of Americans? Keep in mind that America is made up of mostly working middle class. Don’t portray this as a Republican deal either. Plenty of voting Democrats are ticked off as well. The majority of America is mad and politicians better wizen up.
Lenn – I am so tired of this. Don’t label me as a liberal. I don’t have to argue over this issue because I know it’s right. If you want to be a slave to corporate America, then fine. The rest of America will move on without you. The People spoke when they elected their officials and it’s too late to turn back now. America is moving forward to better things.
Eric – This whole thing is insane. There is nothing good about this bill.
Lenn - Whatever, you only say that because you don’t agree with the government. There is a definite need for healthcare reform. Millions of dollars go to insurance companies that could be saved if they weren’t monopolizing everything.
Eric – That’s not the true issue. The bill is wrong because it addresses the wrong points. We don’t need “big government” taking over healthcare. Healthcare reform doesn’t mean giving power to the politicians. It means fixing a broken system.
Lenn – Do you think the insurance industry is going to fix that by themselves?
Eric – No. I don’t want the presently proposed bill to fix it either. There are numerous flaws and I simply don’t agree with it.
Lenn – So what is wrong with it? It provides insurance to those who can’t afford insurance.
Eric – Have you even read the proposed bill? Basically they want to require you to have the government healthcare. Otherwise you will be taxed… on top of the amount they will tax you to pay for the others getting covered.
Lenn – So what. The wealthy will pay for others’ well being. I see nothing wrong with that. They duck taxes and get to enjoy life to the maximum.
Eric – You really believe that? There are several problems with that statement. 1) People who don’t pay taxes won’t be paying for the taxes for this new system. 2) The wealthy can’t carry the healthcare system. Everyone needs healthcare. Insurance companies would crumble if they taxed for private insurance. Then you would have three options. The government could take over the private companies in a bailout. That means total control by the government over all Americans. The insurance companies are allowed to implode and all that is allowed is government controlled healthcare. That means you have no option. Finally, the insurance companies miraculously find a way to survive with only wealthy clients. Who do you think will get primary and premium care? Government insured people, audited by the same people who said “Cash for Clunkers” would last 10 months (when it actually lasted 4 weeks)? I think it’d be the privately insured rich people that can get full care without having to worry if their angioplasty was approved or if the auditors felt it wasn’t worthwhile.
Lenn – Jeeze! You are straight up brainwashed by the insurance industry. Why don’t you just read a straight line off the FOX News blogosphere? This is a load of special interest crap that has been fed to your types for so long it’s become retarded.
Eric – Whoa there, Lenny boy. I don’t totally side with FOX News. I watch CNN and BBC. I get my thoughts by actually reading and analyzing the material at hand. Also, “your types” have been trying to push the blame for public decent on this issue for a month or two. First it’s the Republicans and Libertarians. Then it’s the radio media. Next, why not blame FOX News. Now it’s the insurance industry’s fault. Try blaming the guys trying to push a crooked bill. Also, most liberal types don’t like the word retarded. Try saving that comment for your inner circle.
Lenn – Oh, so who backed all these big protests at the town hall meetings? Things got very violent. It seems to me that there are plenty of special interest groups pushing for these fights.
Eric – Is it beyond your comprehension to think, maybe, the public is really angry?
Lenn – Angry about what? They may need to pay a bit more to help those in need?
Eric – Uhhhh …. Listen, Lenny. Here’s some news for you. The majority of the public doesn’t want to pay out of their rear ends for something that isn’t solid. Most of us normal people have been fairly quiet about our distrust of politicians jacking up the National Debt. This could be seen as the final straw.
Lenn – Hey, I don’t want to pay unwanted tax dollars. But this going to a worthy cause. We are going to help those who can’t help themselves. However, the greedy people that Americans are, they fly up in outrage when they may have to give up a few dollars to someone else.
Eric – The outrage doesn’t come from having to pay taxes. It’s the dishonest politicians that sit in office. Have you seen these town hall meets? The politicians duck and dive all the honest questions. That’s what happened in Pennsylvania. Then they shut out the people who might not agree with them. That is what happened in Florida.
Lenn – Whatever. It’s the GOP up to their old games. They worked the same magic to rig the elections when Al Gore ran for office. Everyone makes a scene, and the government bows to them. It’s an old routine. Anyone with half a brain could see through it. However, you dolt-head Republi-Cons get brainwashed every time. “Oooooo. We’ll just yell until no one can hear anything but us.” It’s the FOX News way.
Eric – I now understand how infinitely stupid you are. Dissent isn’t a GOP tactic. Common sense is. FOX didn’t invent yelling at someone over politics. Heck, our founding fathers fought constantly. They fought with fist and guns over our Constitution. I don’t just mean the Revolutionary war. I also mean the writing of our sacred parchment. They even insulted each other’s families and wives. Some shouting is small compared to the American past.
Lenn – How sad. I would think we had evolved beyond our primitive forefathers. All they knew was the way of the gun. It was a macho-centric society then. I would love to think we have developed a more diplomatic state of mind over 300 years. Even today one of North Carolina’s own representatives was given a death threat over this issue of healthcare.
Eric – What a load of BS. You really have no clue of what is right and wrong. It’s all agenda. I’ve read Howard Zinn and know when I’m being dealt some liberal crap. As for your reference to Brad Miller, he didn’t receive a death threat. A comment was made to one of his aides that he was too chicken to hold a town hall meeting because he was afraid for his life. It was a snide remark, not a death threat. I for one agree. He and most politicians are afraid for their lives. They should be.
Lenn – So you want to kill a politician? You are a typical terrorist minded conservative.
Eric – No. I just feel that politicians have become elitists. They feel they can vote however they feel and we’ll innately trust that it’s in our best interest. When there’s a complaint they just say, “Oh it will pass when the next big issue comes along.” There’s been too many big issues passed along and everyone has become fed up. Now their anger is becoming public and our representatives are thinking, “Holy crap! We’ve got to get control of the situation.” They aren’t used to public anger directed toward them. The politicians are running for cover, hiding from their own constituents. I’m glad to see Americans sanding up for themselves; voicing and shouting their outrage.
Lenn – The “constituents” voted their representatives into office. They should respect those they wanted to represent them. You can’t fight the government when it is what the people want.
Eric – Then why are people fighting? You Liberals are pissed off because you think public protest is your own domain. If the Abbie Hoffman yippie, pot smoking, college guys were doing this (just so they could prove to their professors and girlfriends that they were politically minded) no one would care. In fact they’d be touted as heroes. However, it is middle class Americans, who are stepping out of their socially accepted place, who are protesting and shouting. That has politicians scared, because they don’t have a plan for the middle class doing this. What will they do? Shoot tear gas into a mob of baby boomers? How would that look to the majority of Americans? Keep in mind that America is made up of mostly working middle class. Don’t portray this as a Republican deal either. Plenty of voting Democrats are ticked off as well. The majority of America is mad and politicians better wizen up.
Lenn – I am so tired of this. Don’t label me as a liberal. I don’t have to argue over this issue because I know it’s right. If you want to be a slave to corporate America, then fine. The rest of America will move on without you. The People spoke when they elected their officials and it’s too late to turn back now. America is moving forward to better things.
Editor's apology
Okay,
Sorry I haven't posted in a while. I could feed you excuses but the truth is as follows: I have my posters submit their posts before hand so I can see what is going on. I am an editor. I do not descriminate posts... but I do want my submissions to be well thought out. Also I have been busy, so my editing duties have fallen behind. I have a long line of submissions I really want to post.
Consider this the post script to a very important topic. My friends Eric and Lenn posted an online debate they just had about the healthcare bill. It is a present day issue so I choose to put it first enjoy.
Sorry I haven't posted in a while. I could feed you excuses but the truth is as follows: I have my posters submit their posts before hand so I can see what is going on. I am an editor. I do not descriminate posts... but I do want my submissions to be well thought out. Also I have been busy, so my editing duties have fallen behind. I have a long line of submissions I really want to post.
Consider this the post script to a very important topic. My friends Eric and Lenn posted an online debate they just had about the healthcare bill. It is a present day issue so I choose to put it first enjoy.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Monkey in the Middle
Greg Adlehause - Paleontology/Archeology/History
York, PA
Everyone is making a huge deal out of the "missing link" skeleton that was recently found. I am both Christian and believe in evolution, but this is all hype. Don't buy into it.
Recently a skeleton was discovered that ties humans to monkeys, or lemurs if you wish to be exact. It is known as Ida, and Darwinius masillae scientifically. Which ever it is called it shows very little. The actual fossil shows advanced primate like traits, including hands that can grasp, shorter apendages, and an opposable thumbs. However, this is like Tiktaalik. For those who do not know, Tiktaalik is the amphibian that supposely lead to all land dwelling reptiles. Tiktaalik had fins that may have allowed it to raise it's head out of water, and may have had lungs to breathe air. The truth is unknown. There is no link between this air brething fish and reptiles. No proof shows either Ida or Tiktaalik was a missing link.
That is the rub. Certain fossils may seem to be "the missing link" between fish and amphibians, monkeys and man, or even dinosaurs and birds. However, with every missing link found comes another missing link. What better or less evolved animal led to this or followed this animal? The science community should dissuade the term missing link. It simply denotes there is a straight line in evoltion and everything can be drawn up neatly. For all we know our missing links are nature's way of testing out abilities. These missing links may be abnormalities that died out quickly before evolving in another group of the same animal. It's a wasted term that gets way too much attention.
York, PA
Everyone is making a huge deal out of the "missing link" skeleton that was recently found. I am both Christian and believe in evolution, but this is all hype. Don't buy into it.
Recently a skeleton was discovered that ties humans to monkeys, or lemurs if you wish to be exact. It is known as Ida, and Darwinius masillae scientifically. Which ever it is called it shows very little. The actual fossil shows advanced primate like traits, including hands that can grasp, shorter apendages, and an opposable thumbs. However, this is like Tiktaalik. For those who do not know, Tiktaalik is the amphibian that supposely lead to all land dwelling reptiles. Tiktaalik had fins that may have allowed it to raise it's head out of water, and may have had lungs to breathe air. The truth is unknown. There is no link between this air brething fish and reptiles. No proof shows either Ida or Tiktaalik was a missing link.
That is the rub. Certain fossils may seem to be "the missing link" between fish and amphibians, monkeys and man, or even dinosaurs and birds. However, with every missing link found comes another missing link. What better or less evolved animal led to this or followed this animal? The science community should dissuade the term missing link. It simply denotes there is a straight line in evoltion and everything can be drawn up neatly. For all we know our missing links are nature's way of testing out abilities. These missing links may be abnormalities that died out quickly before evolving in another group of the same animal. It's a wasted term that gets way too much attention.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Musical Skeen: Chickenfoot Preview
Jeddy Skeen - Music Review
Raleigh NC
Let's begin with the band's line up.
Chad Smith: The drummer of The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Smith has proven himself as one of the biggest drummers in American Rock. He can play any beat needed, and has enough talent to know when to not play the fills. Also, he looks like Will Ferrell.
Michael Anthony: The bassist of Van Halen fame. Yes, Eddie has a wicked grinding guitar. However, the reason those whiny axe licks don't bleed your eardrums is because Anthony offsets them with a groovy and rock based bass. He's very underestimated as a musician.
Sammy Hagar: Sure, he'll get the headline. He's got monster vocals. He was with Montrose and Van Halen. Those are two of the best rock bands ever. Still, we have to question his rockness, due to the Van Hagar legacy. How could a band turn so wussy in so few years.
Joe Satriani: If you want a guitar god, this is one of the top five on anyone's list (who knows modern rock). He was recruited by Mick Jagger. He played for Deep Purple. Everyone from Jeff Beck to Eric Clapton says he's one of the best guitarists around today. He's Classic Coke in a New Coke world.
Preview:
I haven't heard but three songs from the Chickenfoot album. In short, they rock.
The first song I heard was "Down the Drain". It's a simple song but it reminds me of what Van Halen should have been with Sammy Hagar. I believe Hagar refound his Montrose roots with this song. It's a solid song.
"Soap on a Rope" is another winner if you love classic rock. It's dirty and sounds much like ZZ Top blended with Van Halen. I pictured women dancing in a cloud of bubbles while they wash my car. That's what rock is about.
The third song is Chickenfoot's first single. "Oh Yeah" is a rock crowd pleaser. There is the "audience reply" OH YEAH! It's a driving song. It has a low point to build tension. I say it should be replayed for at least a year on classic rock stations.
Finally:
Chickenfoot stands for a version of a peace symbol. I say the portions of the album that I have heard call for a peace between pop rockers and classic rock fans. This sounds like a solid album. Sadly I only think classic rock fans will pick up on it. Everyone on this album is a major talent. It's excellently produced. No song sounds like the band hated being involved, as far as I've heard. If a "Super-Group" had the talent to get along, I'd say it's this one. They all have the same laid back temper. This won't be the last of this group, hopefully.
Raleigh NC
Let's begin with the band's line up.
Chad Smith: The drummer of The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Smith has proven himself as one of the biggest drummers in American Rock. He can play any beat needed, and has enough talent to know when to not play the fills. Also, he looks like Will Ferrell.
Michael Anthony: The bassist of Van Halen fame. Yes, Eddie has a wicked grinding guitar. However, the reason those whiny axe licks don't bleed your eardrums is because Anthony offsets them with a groovy and rock based bass. He's very underestimated as a musician.
Sammy Hagar: Sure, he'll get the headline. He's got monster vocals. He was with Montrose and Van Halen. Those are two of the best rock bands ever. Still, we have to question his rockness, due to the Van Hagar legacy. How could a band turn so wussy in so few years.
Joe Satriani: If you want a guitar god, this is one of the top five on anyone's list (who knows modern rock). He was recruited by Mick Jagger. He played for Deep Purple. Everyone from Jeff Beck to Eric Clapton says he's one of the best guitarists around today. He's Classic Coke in a New Coke world.
Preview:
I haven't heard but three songs from the Chickenfoot album. In short, they rock.
The first song I heard was "Down the Drain". It's a simple song but it reminds me of what Van Halen should have been with Sammy Hagar. I believe Hagar refound his Montrose roots with this song. It's a solid song.
"Soap on a Rope" is another winner if you love classic rock. It's dirty and sounds much like ZZ Top blended with Van Halen. I pictured women dancing in a cloud of bubbles while they wash my car. That's what rock is about.
The third song is Chickenfoot's first single. "Oh Yeah" is a rock crowd pleaser. There is the "audience reply" OH YEAH! It's a driving song. It has a low point to build tension. I say it should be replayed for at least a year on classic rock stations.
Finally:
Chickenfoot stands for a version of a peace symbol. I say the portions of the album that I have heard call for a peace between pop rockers and classic rock fans. This sounds like a solid album. Sadly I only think classic rock fans will pick up on it. Everyone on this album is a major talent. It's excellently produced. No song sounds like the band hated being involved, as far as I've heard. If a "Super-Group" had the talent to get along, I'd say it's this one. They all have the same laid back temper. This won't be the last of this group, hopefully.
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