All posts by Kev Brock

I'm a musician, singer/songwriter, blogger, writer, poet, bodybuilder, movie lover, music lover, video gamer, history/political buff, conservative/republican, etc. I like to do a lot of things.
Local music, music

Bob Dylan’s speech at MusicCares really was powerful, inspiring and moving… thanks Bob!!!

Leave a comment

I was never that big of a Bob Dylan fan over the years but I guess I am now. Bob Dylan’s half hour speech at MusiCares is not in youtube yet… couldn’t find the video online anywhere so I read the transcript.

Read it here…

Bob Dylan’s Full MusiCares Speech: How He Wrote the Songs, a Master Class Must Read

My favorite part is when Bob lashed out at his critics and haters about his singing and songwriting, Bob said…

“Oh, yeah. Critics have been giving me a hard time since Day One. Critics say I can’t sing. I croak. Sound like a frog. Why don’t critics say that same thing about Tom Waits? Critics say my voice is shot. That I have no voice. What don’t they say those things about Leonard Cohen? Why do I get special treatment? Critics say I can’t carry a tune and I talk my way through a song. Really? I’ve never heard that said about Lou Reed. Why does he get to go scot-free?
What have I done to deserve this special attention? No vocal range? When’s the last time you heard Dr. John? Why don’t you say that about him? Slur my words, got no diction. Have you people ever listened to Charley Patton or Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters. Talk about slurred words and no diction. [Inaudible] doesn’t even matter.” – Bob Dylan

——————————————————-

I’m feeling him though ’cause I’m in the same boat as him. People gave me shit about my singing, songwriting and talent since day 1 as well. Seriously, people around the music scene online and off gave me a lot of shit but I never cared. I just played music and continued to play ’cause that’s what I do. It’s what I live for.

People always had this debate on whether I was a professional musician or a “hobbyist” but my thought is who cares? If music is what you love to do then go for it, ya know? You don’t have to be the best singer in the world and don’t have to be great at your instrument to do what you love to do. If you can’t sing, who cares.. just go for it. Singers like Neil Young and Billy Corgan weren’t the best vocalists either but they sing anyway ’cause they love it.

People have said lot of nasty things about my singing over the years… talking about having a speech impediment and all that crap. Who cares? Everybody else doesn’t sing all that perfect either. Other peoples speech is a lot worse than my own and they don’t get flak for it.

You don’t have to be a good singer to write songs and make music. As long as the music says something and has heart, that’s all that matters, ya know?

Over the years, I’ve struggled to get recognized as a songwriter. There are local music websites around this area that refused to promote me when I submitted my music to them for a possible shout-out or a small review but got nothing. I usually get mocked, bullied and get made fun of by other musicians around the area and all that rotten garbage. All the cliques did their best and tried to make me feel left out.

So yeah, I’m in the same boat as Dylan. How did I get all of this special attention as well?

You never saw me get on the cover of the Metroland or get a review on Nippertown but that’s okay.

I’m happy what I’m doing is writing songs and making music… that’s all that matters. This music scene likes to make me feel like I’m nothing but that’s okay, let ’em, ya know? I’m a musician like everyone else and no different than them.

Bob Dylan got so much negativity over the years and I can’t blame him for ranting like this. He just wanted to rant and get it off of his system and this was his opportunity. Why was the speech a half-hour? Because he’s fucking Bob Dylan! He’s a legend, he can talk as long as he wants! Rock on, Bob, and thanks! \m/

Kev

music

My love for rock n’ roll and metal…

Leave a comment

Isn’t it funny on how when you play mostly acoustic guitar, people immediately think you’re into country music, folk or bluegrass? It seems to be like that with every acoustic guitarist. Yes, most acoustic guitarists out there are into country, folk and bluegrass ’cause that’s what people would expect them to play when they pick up an acoustic guitar but not me, though! I maybe mostly an acoustic guitarist myself but my preferred genre of music is mostly rock n’ roll and metal.

Don’t get me wrong, though… I do like some country, folk and bluegrass but I’m not really all that big on that genre. I do like listening to Johnny Cash, Patsy Cline, Hank Williams Sr., Sharon Van Etten and Patty Griffin but that’s about it. I’m not really all that huge on country and folk music.

I do try to get into more country and folk though but rock n’ roll and heavy music is my main genre. Most people seem surprised that I am mostly into rock and metal stuff.

I’ve always been into rock and metal ever since I was a child. When I was a child, I was listening to stuff like Twisted Sister, AC/DC, Guns N’ Roses, early Metallica, Jethro Tull, The Clash, Aerosmith, etc. My love for rock n’ roll and metal never stopped.

In high school, I started listening to 90’s grunge, punk, some death metal, and hardcore.

These days I’m trying to focus on electric guitar more than acoustic, though. It’s hard to switch to electric ’cause I’m so used to playing acoustic guitar over the years.

While I do listen to all sorts of music, rock and metal would always be my main genres. I’ve always had a love for rock n’ roll and it’s the kind of music I wanna play myself if I ever get my own band going. I wished I picked up the guitar as a child but I didn’t pick up the guitar until the age of 18 after my first guitar instructor first introduced me to Led Zeppelin and Joe Satriani.

I do listen to a little bit of everything else like some blues, jazz, pop & rap but rock & metal will always be my no. 1. I just love hearing music with great guitar playing. My love for rock and metal will never die. I’ll never grow out of it!!! \m/

Kev

music

Why Dream Theater is the greatest band on Earth right now…

Leave a comment

Dream Theater is one of the greatest rock bands on Earth right now. While they are very underrated and not many people know who they are but at the same time, this band is very successful. It may not seem like it but this band also has their share of haters. Some people do respect them as musicians and stuff but James La Brie who is the singer usually gets knocked for his vocals. I don’t know why. I think James La Brie is one of the greatest rock signers out there. His voice is pretty powerful, in my opinion. He really shows heart with his music when he sings and that’s what makes him amazing.

I think Dream Theater is the Led Zeppelin of this generation. I’m trying to collect all of Dream Theater’s albums in their discography. So far they only have 12 albums and I only have six of them. I’m halfway done collecting their music.

I got interested in Dream Theater years ago ’cause the musicians community have always been talking about them in guitar forums and stuff like that so that’s when I finally decided to check them out and I’ve been hooked to their music ever since. I think the first Dream Theater album I bought was “Octavarium”. Yeah, I was pretty late getting into them but that’s okay.

Dream Theater is a fucking amazing band. John Petrucci is beginning to be one of my favorite guitarists and that’s what I love about the band the most is his guitar playing.

What I love about these guys is that they are not worried about writing hit songs that you can sing along and dance to. They’re about writing music that they are proud of. I admire that in bands. So you’re never gonna see this band all over the mainstream industry. They maybe pretty mainstream in the musicians world but outside of that, no.

The whole band are great musicians. I think John Myung is pretty sick on the bass and Jordan is sick on the keyboards as well. I would love to see Dream Theater live in concert and never got to. So far out of all the Dream Theater albums I’ve listened to, I think “Images and Words” is the best Dream Theater album but that’s just me.

I also can’t wait for the new Dream Theater album later this year as I will get it right when it comes out for sure. I’m sure they will go on tour for it and I hope they do play Albany when they do, though. I would like to get my chance to see them live.

I’d like to see this band get their time in the “Rock and Roll Hall of Fame” ’cause this is one band worthy of an induction.

Dream Theater just rules. They are beginning to be one of my top 10 favorite bands right now.

Kev

Politics/war

Trey Gowdy to interview a bunch of people for Benghazi investigation…

Leave a comment

A list of people who were important witnesses in the Benghazi attack will soon be interviewed by Trey Gowdy and his Select Committee starting in April. Yes, you can betcha Jay Carney, Susan Rice, Leon Panetta, Ben Rhodes and David Petraeus are on the big witness list.

While I’m sure all of these guys are gonna get interviewed, I’m pretty sure not one of these people will be honest and will continue to protect Obama/Clinton over Benghazi.

A lot of people accuse Trey Gowdy of chasing for more political gain and power over Benghazi and people cry that they waste tax money but in Trey’s defense, he’s really serious on this investigation. He’s committed to this investigation and he’s taking it very seriously. He’s not backing down no matter what anyone else thinks. This man has heart for the 4 victims families and that’s what Trey is doing this for pretty much.

The family of the Benghazi 4 wants answers and to all those libtards saying shit like they’re wasting tax money and trying to shut the investigation down is disrespectful to the victims families and most importantly, it’s disrespectful to America.

It’ll be nice if Trey would get honest witnesses for once. For sure, Jay Carney and Susan Rice will probably do the most lying. I can’t wait for those two to try lying in front of Trey’s face and Trey will give them the ultimate smackdown that will make their heads spin. Trey is a tough dude… he doesn’t take shit from anybody.

I’m still sticking with it that I think liberals are afraid of Benghazi ’cause they don’t wanna see Obama and Hillary go to prison for it, that’s what they’re afraid of… they know prison is coming for them.

The reason Benghazi matters is ’cause of all the “stonewalling”, the cover-ups and lies of this administration. What makes people think they can get away with it all? I think the truth will prevail and Trey will succeed.

Benghazi Committee’s Democrats and Republicans Want to Question Hillary Clinton

Kev

movies

Mark Hamill is such a great speaker!!! WOW!!

Leave a comment

Here’s Mark Hamill telling movie theater goers no talking and no texting during a movie. Like everyone else I LOVE hearing Mark Hamill’s speaking voice. His speaking voice is so amazing.

My question is why didn’t Mark become a radiotalk show host or start his own podcast show? I think he would be great at both of those!

Mark is looking good, though. Better than he has before. Look like he’s been working out and eating right. Starting to look like Luke Skywalker again.

Mark is one of the best speakers out there and I’m sure he doesn’t even need a teleprompter at all.

Looking forward to seeing him back in Star Wars later this year! Rock on, Mark! \m/

Kev

Random/off topic posts

Seems to me that facebook video gets more attention than youtube these days…

Leave a comment

Is it just me or is facebook video a new way for your videos to go viral and get more attention? It seems so! I’ve noticed youtube have been getting lack of attention lately. Youtube’s popularity is diminishing. I can see why ’cause youtube is getting very strict on rules, the TOS and copyrights… things like that, ya know? People have been uploading videos in facebook more than youtube. Probably because a lot of people in facebook don’t even go to youtube. It’s faster getting videos out there in facebook instead of youtube.

I’m noticing lately that each time I put up a video I did in facebook, they get a lot more views in facebook than youtube.

With this being said, I’m thinking about ditching youtube and just post my videos to facebook instead… not sure.

I’ll have to admit though that I don’t really like youtube anymore ’cause they are strict with the copyrights when you wanna put up cover songs and stuff, that’s why. Facebook has more freedom.

I’ll have to think about this.

Kev

Random/off topic posts

Just purchased 5 albums from Itunes…

Leave a comment

I haven’t purchased albums from Itunes in a while ’cause I was trying to save some cash for all that recording gear. So I figure I would grab some more albums from Itunes…

Here’s what I picked up:

– Al Di Meola “Casino”
– Al Di Meola “Flesh On Flesh”
– Dream Theater “Images and Words”
– Queensrysche “Empire”
– Joan Jett & The Black Hearts “Greatest Hits”

I’ve got the Queensryche album “Empire” ’cause I’ve always loved the song “Silent Lucidity”. I’ve always wanted that album for a long time so since it was $5.99 in Itunes, I thought, “Hell yeah, I’ll get that one”.

I keep getting more Al Di Meola music ’cause his music is addicting to me.

The question you have to ask is do I feel guilty buying a lot of music? OH HELL FREAKIN’ NOOO!!! Listening to music is a huge part of who I am. Music is what I do. It’s my life. Whether playing my own music or listening to others music, I’m happy. I’ve been collecting a lot of music since I was a kid in high school and still do to this day. It’s what I do.

Supporting music is good for ya, support the artists ’cause they need it. To me, it’s important to listen to as much music as possible.

Kev

movies

Mel Brooks says he’s writing “Spaceballs: The Search For More Money” sequel and I’m all for it!!!

Leave a comment

Mel Brooks, the comic genius and legend appeared as a guest on Adam Carolla’s podcast show and Mel confirmed he’s writing the sequel to Spaceballs which is still gonna be titled, “The Search For More Money”.

This is pretty cool and I’m all for a “Spaceballs” sequel ’cause “Spaceballs” is one of my favorite comedies of all time. I do hope Rick Moranis comes out of retirement just for this one movie ’cause it’ll be awesome if he agreed to reprise his role as Dark Helmet. I’m sure Bill Pullman will return as Lone Star and Daphne Zuniga will return as Princess Vespa.

Of course, it isn’t possible for John Candy and Joan Rivers to return to their roles, though.

Hopefully, Rick agrees to return. It doesn’t hurt for him to do one last film?

http://consequenceofsound.net/2015/02/mel-brooks-says-a-spaceballs-sequel-is-in-the-works/

Kev

Politics/war, TV

What do you think of the national news media now, y’all???

Leave a comment

Like I was trying to tell y’all, I don’t watch the news anymore for a lot of reasons and all the controversy surrounding Brian Williams as of late only proves my point on how bad the media really is today. I don’t watch “NBC Nightly News” well at least I try not to, sometimes I get dragged into watching it. Do you trust the media now, do ya?

Do you believe that journalism today is now dishonest, broken and corrupted? The last thing you wanna believe is look at national news media outlets such as NBC, CNN, and CBS as credible source ’cause they are not. They never were. All liberal propaganda.

The national news media have been dishonest about the Obama administration ever since Obama got elected president. They refuse to report his criminal actions, call out his lies and his fraudulent presidency.

While it’s good that Brian Williams is getting investigated for his so-called journalism, the rest of the media needs to get investigated too. They all need to be jailed for protecting criminals and Marxists.

Brian Williams is just one of those Obama lovers trying to protect him as well.

Why would so-called news journalists lie about stories and protect other people? Well, I’m sure it helps make them more money and gives them more ratings for their news shows. That’s the only reason they lie about things, in my opinion.

While Brian Williams lied about being aboard a helicopter that was hit by an RPG, you gotta wonder how many more lies he told us through “NBC Nightly News” ever since he took over Tom Brokaw. I’m almost positive that wasn’t the only lie he told.

Kev