Whitesnake's David Coverdale Feels Bad for Led Zeppelin's Jimmy Page

Whitesnake front man David Coverdale has had a lot on his plate lately with rereleasing his band's mid-late 80's albums. During this conversation he went into talking about his friend and former collaborator Led Zeppelin's Jimmy Page.

In an interview with Sweden Rock, Coverdale expressed his empathy and feelings for Page, kind of feeling bad for him in certain regards. Coverdale says:

"The saddest thing for me, and my dear, dear, dear beloved friend Jimmy Page. I think one of the reasons he’s explored the Zeppelin catalog so significantly is because he can’t get the guys to commit to making a new record or touring.

Zeppelin’s his baby, as Whitesnake is mine, but I’m very happy to say I have a fabulous fresh chapter of Whitesnake. I’m still a recording entity and I’m still a touring entity.

I’ve recommended to him for years to do what Carlos Santana did with Supernatural. Jimmy’s got all these great songs. I said, ‘I’m there for you. I’ll do a couple of songs for you, without a doubt.’ I said, ‘Do something like Supernatural. At least you’re playing.’ It breaks my heart, ’cause he’s such a f—ing valuable musician. With what he’s already given to us, he doesn’t really owe us anything, but I just know that he’s still valid and relevant and can still play amazing guitar and write amazing songs. Where do you go after f—ing Led Zeppelin, dude? Where do you go?”

I understand what Coverdale is getting at. It's kind of difficult to figure out what to do and where to go after you've ruled the world in one of the most gigantic and influential rock n' roll bands to ever exist. I too wish Page would do SOMETHING with the music he has, even if it is in the vein of Supernatural. Santana pulled it off. Slash pulled it off. Page is more than capable of getting together some great talent and releasing one of the greatest records of the 21st century. He would blow anything the remaining members of Zeppelin are currently doing out of the water for sure.

5 Songs to Get You Through the Week #119

5 Songs to Get You Through the Week is a feature I run on Young Ears, Fresh Perspective on Sundays/early hours of Monday morning where I pick out 5 tunes that I think are notable and tell you a bit about them. The point is to give you some rocking music to help you deal with your weekday blues. You can either listen to one each day, listen to them all at once, or any other combination that you feel. As long as you can get through the week without the man getting you down, that's all I care about. Without further ado, here are the 5 tracks I've picked out for this week:

1. In My World, by Buckingham-McVie

I'm pretty stoked for the upcoming duet album from Fleetwood Mac members Lindsey Buckingham and Christine McVie. It has basically everyone in Fleetwood Mac except Stevie Nicks, which in my opinion is an improvement. This single put out a month ago is probably my favorite of the three that have been put out so far. I'm looking forward to the full thing coming out on the 9th for sure.

2. Would You Fight For My Love, by Jack White

This is another one of those songs that I didn't really care for all that much at first, but over time it's grown on me. I love the female vocal melody as well as all the unique instrument sounds and the way they are arranged. The fact that I and many of us can relate to the lyrics also makes it that much better because it forms that deep personal connection. When you manage to pack all that into one song, you definitely have yourself a lasting work of art.

3. Land of Hope and Glory, by Rainbow

This is the first new Rainbow song in over two decades. While I'm disappointed that all it is is just a soft instrumental version of Pomp and Circumstance it's always nice to hear Ritchie Blackmore play the guitar. Even after all these decades the man in black still has that touch on his instrument that many have tried to copy but will never succeed at. That said, I'm hoping Blackmore puts out a new song with Ronnie Romero singing at some point.

4. Keep Yourself Alive, by Queen

This has always been one of my absolute favorite Queen tunes. It's the perfect blend of hard rock, flamboyancy, and creative song writing. It's the first track on their first album and right from the get go you could already tell from this song alone that they were destined for great things. It's just a shame it doesn't get more radio play because it definitely deserves it. I bet if they re-released it it would be quite popular.

5. Lady of the Lake, by Lords of Black

This is hands-down one of the single greatest covers of a Rainbow song I have ever heard. This is from Ronnie Romero's (current singer of Rainbow) band. It captures the spirit of the original while still being undeniably its own. After listening to this there is definitely no question in my mind as to why Romero was chosen to front Rainbow. The man was born to do this. Maybe if we're lucky he and Blackmore will write and record together.

Fleetwood Mac Had Doubts Over Upcoming Buckingham-McVie Album

When it comes to tackling such a big yet different kind of project it is understandable to some times have doubts. Members of Fleetwood Mac were no different when it came to putting together the upcoming Buckingham-McVie album (due out June 9th).

In a recent interview with Lindsey Buckingham and Christine McVie (which can be viewed in the video above) these doubts are discussed, but then put to rest when Buckingham says:

“One of the things we thought about was to create an environment that was a departure, but also one that was familiar and felt like home. We immediately thought of John and Mick, the greatest rhythm section there is. It was a wonderful idea on paper. Whether or not that played out remained to be seen. We didn’t go in assuming it was going to be wonderful. We knew we loved each other and we wanted to do it. But whether the process would be as enlightening and effortless as it seems to have been was another question.”

It's understandable that they might have been unsure at first, but from the looks and sounds of things it's turning out to be a great album. I'm kind of glad that Fleetwood Mac is in some form moving forward despite lead vocalist Stevie Nicks not wanting to do another album as a band. Personally I am betting that the band will sound even better without her because Buckingham and McVie are way better singers and songwriters.

Throwback Thursday: Fleetwood Mac, by Fleetwood Mac

By 1975 Fleetwood Mac had gone through numerous changes in line-up and sound. However, stability and lasting commercial success would find them when two Americans guitarist/vocalist Lindsey Buckingham and vocalist Stevie Nicks joined the band. Though they wouldn't have their breakthrough album until 1977, Fleetwood Mac is the album that introduced the famous line-up and sound of the band we all know and love to the entire world.

Where Fleetwood Mac had previously had a blues/rock fusion sound, Fleetwood Mac is where their distinct signature light but melodic pop rock sound came into existence. Though it was't quite as polished as it was in Rumours there are still multiple songs on the album that are worth listening to and remembering including the still famous hits Landslide and Rhiannon. The triple blended vocal harmonies and Buckingham's unique style of guitar playing made for an album that showed what they could accomplish.

Monday Morning in my opinion is one of the best songs Fleetwood Mac ever put out. It's rather simplistic, but it is in that simplicity that the song finds its greatness. It's only a few chords and some rather easy to follow lyrics, but the way it flows and the way Buckingham makes it so melodic and catchy is what makes the song so easy and quick to grasp. Some times that is really all a pop rock song needs. Just a few chords, simple lyrics, and a vocal hook that ingrains itself into your mind so deeply that it will never go away.

Rhiannon is of course a Fleetwood Mac classic. It still gets consistent radio airplay even 42 years later. Admittedly I'm not that big a fan of Nicks, but I will admit she put together a rather memorable tune. The soft finger picking on the guitar draws you in, but its Nicks's vocal melody that you stay for. There are moments where her timbre is so sweet that you could swear you were just stuffed with a whole batch of your grandma's best cookies. Overall though, the atmosphere of the song is magical. You feel like you're swirling in a mystical dimension with a bunch of gypsies.

While Fleetwood Mac is really only just a taste of what the band would soon go on to accomplish, it is still an album worth recognizing and looking back on. I guarantee you'll find at least a couple of tunes on it that you will put on your regular playlist. It's catchy, fun, and well put together despite the fact that this line-up of the band had only just gotten together when they made it. I would definitely recommend picking it up when you get the chance.

Fleetwood Mac, by Fleetwood Mac receives 3.5 out of 5 stars.

Track List:

1. Monday Morning
2. Warm Days
3. Blue Letter
4. Rhiannon
5. Over My Head
6. Crystal
7. Say You Love Me
8. Landslide
9. World Turning
10. Sugar Daddy
11. I'm So Afraid

Buy the album on Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/Fleetwood-Mac/dp/B00B51PCWO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1495778592&sr=8-1&keywords=Fleetwood+Mac+Fleetwood+Mac

Vicky Karayiannis, Wife of Chris Cornell Pens Open Letter to Late Husband

Ever since Chris Cornell, singer for Soundgarden and Audioslave passed away last week due to suicide, countless people have taken the loss immensely hard. Most of all, Cornell's wife Vicky Karayiannis to no one's surprise or blame. To ease her sorrow, she penned and shared an open letter to her late husband for all the world to see.

The letter in its entirety can be read below:

"To My Sweet Christopher,

You were the best father, husband and son-in-law. Your patience, empathy and love always showed through.

You had always said I saved you, that you wouldn’t be alive if it were not for me. My heart gleamed to see you happy, living and motivated. Excited for life. Doing everything you could to give back. We had the time of our lives in the last decade and I’m sorry, my sweet love, that I did not see what happened to you that night. I’m sorry you were alone, and I know that was not you, my sweet Christopher. Your children know that too, so you can rest in peace.

I’m broken, but I will stand up for you and I will take care of our beautiful babies. I will think of you every minute of every day and I will fight for you. You were right when you said we are soulmates. It has been said that paths that have crossed will cross again, and I know that you will come find me, and I will be here waiting.

I love you more than anyone has ever loved anyone in the history of loving and more than anyone ever will.

Always and forever,

Your Vicky"

That is honestly one of the most touching letters I have read in quite some time. It was straight and to the point; and honestly I think that is why it is so potent. The love unbound by time or mortal life emanating from this woman's words is something you really don't see too often any more. I'm not sure you ever did. I hope for her and her children's sake that the pain becomes at least easier to deal with as time goes on. Karayiannis seems like a remarkable person and deserves that peace.

Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow to Release Two New Songs This Week

A little while back we got news that Ritchie Blackmore is going to be releasing the first Rainbow songs he has put out in over 20 years. We had no idea when these tracks would see release though, until now. Blackmore has set the two tracks for release on May 26th and also given us the names of them.

Blackmore with the current line-up of Rainbow re-recorded the Joe Lynn Turner era tune I Surrender and wrote and recorded a brand new song titled Land of Hope and Glory. In an interview with Japanese rock magazine Burrn! Blackmore talks about the songs, saying:

“We were recording until yesterday in the studio at our home. We recorded some songs for Blackmore’s Night and two songs with the new singer for Rainbow.

I wrote one new song, and also recorded one of the old ones. Ronnie, who is in Madrid now, added his vocals and sent it back. Rather than make an album, we may release as singles.”

Both songs are currently available for pre-order. Personally I'm kind of disappointed that Blackmore didn't choose a Ronnie James Dio era tune if he was going to re-record an old song, but I will still check it out anyway. Maybe it will have more balls to it this time around. That said, I'm pretty stoked to hear what Land of Hope and Glory will sound like. Probably like Doogie White era stuff, but that isn't necessarily a bad thing. We'll see. Regardless, I'm just glad there is going to be new Rainbow music this week.

5 Songs to Get You Through the Week #118

5 Songs to Get You Through the Week is a feature I run on Young Ears, Fresh Perspective on Sundays/early hours of Monday morning where I pick out 5 tunes that I think are notable and tell you a bit about them. The point is to give you some rocking music to help you deal with your weekday blues. You can either listen to one each day, listen to them all at once, or any other combination that you feel. As long as you can get through the week without the man getting you down, that's all I care about. Without further ado, here are the 5 tracks I've picked out for this week:

1. Promise, by Slash featuring Chris Cornell

With the tragic passing of Soundgarden and Audioslave singer Chris Cornell last week I wanted to pay tribute a bit with one of my absolute favorite songs of his. It might not be his most profound, but I always thought that this team-up with Slash was one of the coolest things ever. Both are extremely passionate at what they do and it shines through in this tune. It's kind of sad that it isn't better known because it's absolutely wonderful.

2. Steady, by The London Souls

I saw these guys last week at the House of Blues in Chicago opening for Rival Sons. Oh man, did they put on one hell of a show for the short amount of time they were up on the stage. Their sound is like Lenny Kravitz meets The Black Keys. It might seem like a bit of an odd combination, but it works out insanely well. This tune is a fairly decent representation of their sound, but believe me when I say you need to see them live. They will blow anything done in a studio out of the water.

3. Waiting on a Song, by Dan Auerbach

Black Keys front man Dan Auerbach is getting closer to putting out his second studio solo album Waiting on a Song. He released yet another single and video from it this past week, this time for the title track. You can definitely hear the influence living in Nashville has had on him, though there is definitely still some of that bluesy sound that has always sung from his very core. That will never fully go away no matter how over-produced and mainstream he goes.

4. Cherry Bomb, by The Runaways

Usually I'm not that heavy into girl rock, but these ladies had enough of the right attitude and stuff that I can dig it. Plus, you can't really go wrong when two of the members ended up becoming famous solo artists Joan Jett and Lita Ford. This is punk rock right at its very core, even though this came out at a time where punk hadn't really quite taken off in the States just yet. It's spunky, thundering, full of attitude, and fun.

5. Still Alive, by Jonathan Coulton

Yes, I'm letting my geeky side out to play once again. This is the song that plays at the end credits of the classic first person puzzle game Portal. The song was written by famed nerdy singer/songwriter Jonathan Coulton, but was sung by the person who voices the evil AI in the game named GLaDOS. Even if you don't know a whole lot about the game, the song has multiple humorous lines that make it rather charming and fun to listen to.