#randomrecordworkoutspringtraining

RANDOMRECORDWORKOUTSPRINGTRAINING2017 Session 10 Queen: Jazz Time: 45 minutes Songs: 13 Calories burned: 337 calories per song: 25.92 Calories per minute: 7.49 Scouting Report: Ok, by show of hands: who here does NOT know who Queen is/are/were? If you raised your hand, please show yourself out. Get out. Get. Out. Right the f#*% out. Jazz is the seventh studio album by the British rock band Queen, released in November 1978. The first album produced by Roy Thomas Baker since he had co-produced their 1975 album A Night at the Opera. The album's varying musical styles were alternately praised and criticized. Jazz has sold over 5 million copies to date. You know why? Because it is Queen!! And at a great time in their career! They were full swing and at the top of their games. They should be named King (#seewhatididthere)! The magical front-man wizard known as Freddie Mercury (the best in show biz if you ask me) begins our operatic adventure. "Mustapha" is perhaps an homage to Freddie's home? It is a brilliant mathematical rocker. "Fat Bottomed Girls" is of course the high charting single you will recognize. Also the theme song for many bar going women everywhere...at least in my experience. It is kind of disturbing, actually and sort of makes cringe a little inside. It s a quick, radio friendly gem though. About as classic rock as you can get with a line like " Get on your bikes and ride!" The next song, "Jealousy" is more of a ballad salad. On a diet after the heavy rock sauce from previous. Pretty, pretty, etc. "Bicycle Race" is up next. Personally, I feel as though this song should follow "Fat Bottomed..." Simply because of the aforementioned bikes line. Huh? Yeah? You hear/see it now, right? No matter. THIS is the reason to own this album in my opinion. An almost punk rock Billy Joel. Such harmonies and range. And hey!!! Who DOESN'T like Star Wars, Freddie?!!?! WTF, dude. Just kidding. Brian May's guitar are immaculate conceptions here (#seewhatdidthere). Sister tones (?? Is that a thing??) to Pink Floyd if you ask me. That is followed up with the return of Kansas level rock, with "If You Can't Beat Them". Perhaps Yes, even. Yes the band, not the affirmative actions. Multi-level harmony and vocal prowess too. Side one ends with a mildly forgettable track called "Let Me Entertain You" -written specifically by Mercury for the audience. Side two opens with "Dead On Time". Perhaps a lesser known but certainly overblown track full of sweet (suite?) and sour moments. I think this is where The Darkness learned a few tricks. A cacophony of harmonies. Written by May, it contains some very impressive guitar work. The song ends with the sound of a thunderbolt, followed by Mercury screaming "You're dead!" The thunderbolt was actually recorded by May on a portable recorder during a vicious thunderstorm. The album's liner notes humorously credit the thunderbolt to God. "In Only Seven Days" is a song about making you a man from the Rocky Horror Picture Show. Just kidding. (#seewhatididthere). Actually, it is a soft and subtle showcase of this ban's amazing range. There is literally no one like them. They can practically pull off anything. "Dreamer's Ball" follows and has an almost vaudevillian vibe. Good old ragtyme jigs. The next two tunes are "Fun It" and "Leaving Home Ain't Easy"- both mediocre and filler. And I am not just saying that because "Fun It" has disco undertones...which now that we are on the subject; gross Queen. Just... Gross. Gross in that it is disgusting use of your talents, and gross in that it is negligent for the protection of your listener's ears. It's fine though, because they recover with "Don't Stop Me Now"- one of Queen's most famous songs. It s a piano driven rocker, which Mercury was so good at live. Basically, it might just be their "November Rain". Actually, it may be the inspiration for G 'n R's aforementioned chart topper...I fully expect G 'n R fans to chime in here and correct me if I am wrong. I feel as though Freddie probably was listening to a LOT of Elton John's Yellow Brick Road around this time. Finally, the album comes to an epic conclusion with "More of That Jazz". Hold up, hold up, this isn't jazz at all!! It's borderline metal! It does also humorously sample parts of other songs on the album. Pretty witty. Truly, this may not be the magnum opus for Queen's catalog, but it really is an excellent example of why they were and still are so revered today. Aside form a few duds here, Queen equals Quality and you could certainly do your ears a favor by listening. Queen "Bicycle Race" #RANDOMRECORDWORKOUT #RANDOMRECORDWORKOUTSPRINGTRAINING2017 https://stevecanmakeanythingnerdy.tumblr.com

RANDOMRECORDWORKOUTSPRINGTRAINING2017 Session 9 Abraxas: Box Time: 39 minutes Songs: 10 Calories burned: 294 calories per song: 29.4 Calories per minute: 7.54 Scouting Report: Ok, so back in 2015, my wife and I took a trip to Europe. It was AMAZING. We visited Poland, Austria and the Czech Republic. I had a blast for a lot of reasons, but as vinyl hounds may already know, Czech Republic is where quite a few of the pressing plants are located, and very obviously the hub for all of Europe in such matters. I felt it NECESSARY to visit any small mom and pop record shop I stumbled across (of which there were many) and lug vinyl all over the EU and various airports on my journey home. All said and done, I brought home around 40 records...and this was one of them. I chose this band because the clerk at the store (Happy Feet) suggested it when I asked if there were any LOCAL early 80's new wave or punk band from The CR. Without hesitation, he pulled this record out and immediately placed on the platter, and dropped the needle. It took 2 seconds for me to say, "yes! Exactly what I was looking for". ( I also found a fairly hard to find pressing of Metro and what would normally be an import pressing of Raven's double LP). So...having said all of that, forgive me if this is misspelled or unrecognizable, as most of the titles and songs are in Czech/polish mix. All of the info I attempted to track down is in a language I do not understand, so as best I can tell, Abraxas formed sometime around 1976 and played into the late 80's, perhaps even are still active. This appears to be their best and biggest selling album and fans of the band consider it their best work. This is a fairly impressive act, and time period to be in a band when you consider that the Czech Republic is somewhat recently free from communism. Think about that. Punky band in a communist nation. Side (Strana) one (and the track I initially heard) is called "Kazdy Den Je To Jinak" (translation: everyday there's something new). It is nothing short of fantastic. Starting off with an evil sounding robotic voice, courtesy of the Talk Box (a device with an interesting history all it's own but probably most famous thanks in large part to Peter Frampton)? It is total Devo meets Kraftwerk math rock. Precision mixed with 80's punk wave featuring The Cars Ocasik or Police Sting on vox. Brilliant!! "Zene Se Toci Dokola" (the Earth is Turning Around) is the second tune. More crazy wave punk-key goodness. Nice! Again, I truthfully have no idea of the lyrical content other than translated titles, but it is an excellent bit of mod/ska and punk. "O To Jde" or, "That's What It's About" is a slowed down rocker. Have some polish dill spears and pierogi. Enjoy! "Poprve" (For the First Time) includes some great cymbal work on the hi-hats. Nice trills and some more Clash brand ska. In fact, I feel like that is what a lot the band is. Their version of popular marginalized American Alternative bands from the time. Perhaps the most directly translatable song is the purely instrumental interlude called "Magicka Noc" (Magical Night). Magical? No. But good? Heck yeah!! Strana 2 (side 2) starts off with the title track "Box" (boxing). It is again more of the reggae riboflavin. Apparently this side is the more mass audience appeal side, as tunes like "King Kong" and "Zoo" are next up. The latter of which is new wave reggae again...this time complete with animal noises. No, really. A LOT of them. Very catchy chorus too. "Nekonecny Boogie" (Endless Boogie) contains the production value of Bauhaus and makes me laugh. Mostly because it seems the translation on this should be something to the effect of "deadly boogie" or "death of Boogie". No? Just me?? The last tune is called (in the bar room) "V Baru". I love the breakups, but another instrumental and quite poppy as compared to ... Well, the rest of the album, really. Overall, nice pick up and it will forever remind me of our heritage trip to Poland and surrounding area. Abraxas "Kazdy Den Je To Jinak" https://youtu.be/twdvl28GVEc (And live because why not?) https://youtu.be/MrkJRA5-Ij8 #RANDOMRECORDWORKOUT #RANDOMRECORDWORKOUTSPRINGTRAINING2017 https://stevecanmakeanythingnerdy.tumblr.com

RANDOMRECORDWORKOUTSPRINGTRAINING2017 Session 7 Doug and the Slugs: Wrap It! Time: 38 minutes Songs: 11 Calories burned: 284 calories per song: 25.81 Calories per minute: 7.47 Scouting Report: So, TECHNICALLY it is not spring anymore, but I still have to get through 10 of these, so bear with me. I have been a bit more active and occupied this spring than I anticipated, which I suppose is a good thing...but nevertheless!! Before you ask, I will address the obvious. Yes. There IS someone named Doug in the band. Doug and the Slugs are a Canadian pop music group formed in 1977 in Vancouver. They are best remembered for the Canadian top 40 hits "Too Bad" (1980), "Making It Work" (1983) and "Tomcat Prowl" (1988). "Too Bad" was used as the theme song for The Norm Show, a 1999-2001 sitcom starring Norm Macdonald. In their formative years, it seems Doug and the Slugs had issues getting their name out there because, ironically, club owners didn't like their name. From their wiki : " They entered a battle of the bands in Vancouver at the Body Shop, but lost. Hardly discouraged, the enterprising Doug Bennett formed an underground following of dedicated fans by promoting his own dances at booked community halls (most notably the Commodore Ballroom) in Vancouver, and giving these dances attention-grabbing names like "Beach Blanket Bungle," "Secret Agent Man," and "The Last Upper." These Dances became hot ticket items due to their guaranteed-good-time status during 1978-1979. Doug and the Slugs also put on an annual outdoor dance festival known as "Slugfest". " Literally they booked their own gigs and built a fan base! I love stuff like that!! Being in a punk band, this is how you do it. D. I. Y. So this is pretty much their sophomore album and it starts off with a track called simply, "Dangerous?" Yes, with a question mark. It is fairly new wave-ish. Pretty straight up 80's and harmonious layers in the round. The voice is pretty weird, though. "Real Enough" is the second tune, and very confusing, I must admit. Do wop?? Into raggae!?! No. Seriously. WTF?!!??!!? They rescue it with "Not on the Corner" though. I get the feeling they were going for J. Geils band meets Huey Lewis + news here. I think they were successful, but only if Jello Biafra sang lead vox with Costello's half brother. This one is a little more rock 'n roll, so #decent is deserved. "Wrong Kind of Right " finds them back in another genre. Weird Al mixed in, I suppose. Is this band serious?? The liner notes are very clearly joke filled. Maybe they are comedy-core? "Partly from Pressure" is alt + Country before it was even a thing, and "Alibi" has a funk and blues beat. Ok, I am starting to see why they had a tough time getting their name out there. No one could nail them down on a sound! And that is only side one!! The flip contains "InfraRed" which completely conjures images of a wedding band for me. I feel like maybe they wore blazers with corduroy patches over a neon color shirt with tight rolled khakis. "Forget About Me" is another attempt- but sadly it seems as though maybe the 80's did indeed forget. I am fairly certain the song "Frankie" contains a lyric that goes something like: " no one listens to the God Damned scientists and I'm workin' the graveyard shift". Ok. Yes. #weshouldlistentothescientists. The last two tunes are "(just a little bit) Embarrassed " and "River" - the latter of which is a slow jam complete with ... Wait for it ... WIND CHIMES. Wind Chimes. Yes, you heard me. Wind chimes mo-fo! Wow. Diverse for sure, but too much so methinks. Doug and The Slugs "Dangerous?" https://youtu.be/wWgCuG18Rv0 #RANDOMRECORDWORKOUT #RANDOMRECORDWORKOUTSPRINGTRAINING2017

RANDOMRECORDWORKOUTSPRINGTRAINING2017 Session 6 Van Halen: Women and Children First Time: 34 minutes Songs: 9 Calories burned: 260 calories per song: 32.5 Calories per minute: 7.67 Scouting Report: Women and Children First is the third studio album by the band Van Halen, released on March 26, 1980 on Warner Bros. Records. It was the first to feature compositions written solely by the band, and has been described as "the record where the group started to get heavier, both sonically and, to a lesser extent, thematically." Van Halen is, in case you are not familiar (and if that is the case, gross and shame on you!) -an American hard rock band formed in Pasadena, California, in 1972. From 1974 until 1985, the band consisted of guitarist Eddie Van Halen, vocalist David Lee Roth, drummer Alex Van Halen, and bassist Michael Anthony. As far as I am concerned (and many other fans too), and for the purposes of my randomrecordworkout collection this is the ONLY time period that matters in the history of VH. Now, that is not to say that Sammy Hagar does not have his place. Hagar was the lead singer of Montrose, who are a great rock band in their own right...but Van Hagar is a different beast altogether. An evil, mythical beast that creeps in the glorious shadow of what the actual VH built and shall not be spoken of here. Water and oil is a description that comes to mind. I am not afraid to admit that I do own 5150 though. I gave Van Hagar a fair shake. Ok, ok, ok...enough! The Van Halen brothers were born in The Netherlands; Edward Van Halen in Nijmegen and Alex Van Halen in Amsterdam, sons to musician Jan Van Halen. The family moved to Pasadena, California in 1962. Young Edward first began studying classical piano, and became quite proficient (although he never fully mastered the art of reading sheet music). Eventually the brothers started playing music together in the 1960s – Eddie on drums and Alex on guitar. While Eddie was delivering newspapers to pay for his new drum set, Alex would sneak over and play them. Eventually Eddie found out about it, and out of frustration he told Alex, "OK, you play drums and I'll go play your guitar." The rest is history. In the late 70's their rookie debut was released and hard rock was never the same. Diamond Dave's voice and Michael Anthony's bass rounded out the sound and rock stars were born. Speaking of Dave, the first million copies of this album came with a large door size poster of Dave chained to a fence. The photo was taken by none other than Helmut Newton, and is in fact, one of the most noted photos he ever snapped. The photo actually has a sidebar all it's own. The picture almost did not happen. Dave found out Newton was in town during one of their gigs and called around town until he found the hotel Helmut was staying in. Lee Roth took it upon himself to set up a meeting and a surprised Newton. Partially intrigued by the sheer ballsy-ness, Helmut agreed to it. The rest, is history. And the music on this album? Well, it's great too! Sure not hit after hit like their first two studio efforts, or like 1984, but there are some great tunes on here too! However, do NOT rely on the track listing to tell you which cuts they are. Seriously, it is messed up both on the jacket and label! That must be a whole other story...or rush to get put out? Anyhow, " And the Cradle Will Rock" starts with plenty of Roth's signature yelps and screams. Loads of guitar licks too. "Everybody Wants Some" has that meaty beaty tahiti treaty! Great power chords and a lot of talking Dave on this one. "Fools" has a lot of guitar tomfoolery from the master. It's a dropout and break the rules anthem!! " Romeo Delight" is all at once punky and chunky like Campbell's beef stew, but without the nasty after effects. Also, the signature solo is perfection. Side two is a lttle more lackluster, but still not bad. You have to love a tune like "Could This Be Magic?" With it's slide guitar experimentals and acoustic noodles. Plus, you could consider it the title track since one of the lyrics are literally the album title. Yes, side two seems to be the band or label trying to figure out if any of these other styles suit the band and stick to the record buying public's wall. " Take Your Whiskey Home" is full of blues you can use, but the real winner is the track "In a Simple Rhyme". It is very classic VH structure and rocks thoroughly. This one SHOULD have been on the radio. Someone didn't push hard enough for that to happen. I hear rumors it contains part of a future song in the studio outtakes. Anyhow, this is VH at a moment of truth in their career. A worthy documentary piece. Van Halen "In a Simple Ryhme" https://youtu.be/n-vBHPvejvU #RANDOMRECORDWORKOUT #RANDOMRECORDWORKOUTSPRINGTRAINING2017

RANDOMRECORDWORKOUTSPRINGTRAINING2017 Session 5 Off Broadway: On Time: 37 minutes Songs: 10 Calories burned: 278 calories calories per song: 27.8 Calories per minute: 7.51 Scouting Report: Let me just start by saying, I feel like I just won the lottery with this band. Like I picked all five numbers correctly. I am very glad this happened during spring training, because I was able to listen to all 10 songs, instead of just 5! And that is exactly what I wanted to do after listening to side one; to flip over the record and continue...because those first five songs were SO GOOD, that I could not wait to hear more! Phenomenal power pop like you have never heard before. Genius level. For real! Have I raved enough? No? Good, then let me happily continue. Off Broadway is an American rock band founded by Paul Darrow, Cliff Johnson, Paul McDermott, John Pazdan and Dan Santercola in 1977 in Oak Park, Illinois. After several line-up changes including the addition of songwriter/guitarist John Ivan and Robert Harding, the band's debut album On was released by Atlantic Records in 1979. They had a single from the album, " Stay In Time" which had moderate chart success. They recorded a follow up album, and toured until their breakup in 1983. Since then they reformed a few times, once in the late 90's and more recently in 2012 - during which they released a new single. Sadly, they are an obscure band, but well received in their home market of Chicago. I am telling you now, if you are a fan of power pop like Cheap Trick and Costello, or even other smaller bands like The Kings, then this will be your new favorite band. I guarantee it! For fans of Shoes to Sloan, your mind will be blown! As mentioned prior, "Stay in Time" is the single, and why not really? It is a perfect little bouncy gem. If you want the truth, I feel like literally ANY of these songs could have found their way into singles territory. They are that good. Off Broadway have more hooks than a Disney pirate. "Bad Indication" features some GOOD inclinations for more awesome hooks. It is a bit slower and more revolving, but also contains good use of a tambourine and a nice outtro. "New Little Girl" is almost a Cheap Trick outtake, but more Cars than anything. Lock your car door though, there could be a hijack power track lurking. So good! Especially at the vocal hooks! "Drop Me a Line" finds the boys toeing a harder line . Edgier with stranger patterns but still good and off Diversy (#seewhatididthere) (#ifnotdiversyisanotherchicagostreet) (#nevermind). Just mix in a bit of Costello and follow the Attractions. Side one winds down with another hit from the hit factory in "Hang On for Love". Excellent, solid time clock punches. "Full Moon Turn My Head Around" is the B side of their single, and while catchy, I feel one of the weaker tunes in this collection. I hesitate to even say that, because it implies it is not a good song. I assure you, NOT THE CASE! Just that there are stronger ones available. Phenomenal stinger on the end though. "Bully, Bully" contains the story of "every" musicians dream in song form. Or at least something similar. Aspects of it anyhow. "You Belong to You" is perhaps the biggest surprise here. It has odd timing and structure, but that PROVES this band is legit. They have the chops and are not just a cookie cutter band. " Money's No Good" and "Oh Boy!" Are the final two cuts, and you guessed it...also great. I am not exaggerating when I say every song on here is brilliant. Even humor, as the liner states Ken Harck gets credit for both drums AND cymbals. Because most other bands have a drummer and a cymbal-er. Those goofs! Do yourself a favor and GET THIS!!!!! NOW!!!!!!!!! Off Broadway - "Stay In Time" https://youtu.be/v-dk8bQF6CQ #RANDOMRECORDWORKOUT #RANDOMRECORDWORKOUTSPRINGTRAINING2017

RANDOMRECORDWORKOUTSPRINGTRAINING2017 Session 4 Roberta Flack: First Take Time: 46 minutes Songs: 8 Calories burned: 334 calories per song: 41.75 calories Calories per minute: 7.26 calories Scouting Report: Roberta Flack is an American singer and musician. She is best known for her classic #1 singles "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" and "Killing Me Softly with His Song" the latter of which occurred a bit later in her career, and in my opinion is probably the more famous of the two. Flack was the first, and remains the only, solo artist to win the Grammy Award for Record of the Year on two consecutive years: "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" won at the 1973 Grammys as did "Killing Me Softly with His Song" at the 1974 Grammys. So needless to say, some props are in order. I must admit, though, these are really my first in depth exposure to her recordings. I was slightly disappointed, as these are really more arrangements and almost operatic in nature. Flack is similar enough to contemporaries like Aretha Franklin and Tina Turner, but distinct in that she is more classical in nature. There are generous portions of Nat King Cole mixed into her lounge act cocktail. In fact, a new genre! Opro-lounge core! Just add vermouth and cigarettes, Roberta plays piano and sings your troubles away. She is very good at capturing the sad and the emotive. "Compared to what" is an excellent start, showcasing her brilliant singing voice. It begins quiet and reserved, but by the end of it, very strong and beefy. " Angelitos Negros" is another good example, and sung en espanol! Though I have NO IDEA what is being said, it SOUNDS GOOD coming out! The title translates to Black Angels and The back cover states she would often introduce the song with the following rhetorical question: "painters, why do you always paint white virgins? You should paint beautiful Black Angels." You also hear tunes like "I Told Jesus" which personally I was hoping would sound more Elvis brand gospel, but instead was very somber and somewhat lackluster. I mean, it was still soulful and bluesy, but just not...there for me. There were some upbeat moments on the album, such as " Hey, That's No Way to say Goodbye" but they were far and few between. There was a nice number about late 60's struggles called "Tryin' Times" that was very, VERY jazzy. So, does that make what I am doing Jazz-ercise?? (#seewhatididthere). It sounded very much like the song "Fever". The album ends with "Ballad of the Sad Young Men" - making it difficult NOT to feel as though I was watching a Clark Gable film, or at least listening to the soundtrack. So yeah, basically, Roberta sounded NOTHING like what I thought I knew about her...which is apparently nothing. It certainly was not bad, but much more proper and classy than what I had in mind. I guess I just expected more soul, and fire and enthusiasm...so quiet and reserved. Perhaps if only because this was her rookie debut? Maybe she really belts it out on later records. At any rate, a talented woman, who is deserving of her past accolades. Roberta Flack : " The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" https://youtu.be/r9jmusgMgro #RANDOMRECORDWORKOUT #RANDOMRECORDWORKOUTSPRINGTRAINING2017

RANDOMRECORDWORKOUTSPRINGTRAINING2017 Session 3 The Blues Brothers: Briefcase Full of Blues Time: 40 minutes Songs: 10 Calories burned: 277 calories per song: 27.70 calories Calories per minute: 6.93 calories Scouting Report: Here is what you need to know/ understand about The Blues Brothers. From their wiki: "They are an American blues and soul revivalist band founded in 1978 by comedians Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi as part of a musical sketch on Saturday Night Live. Belushi and Aykroyd, respectively in character as lead vocalist "Joliet" Jake Blues and harmonica player/vocalist Elwood Blues, fronted the band, which was composed of well-known and respected musicians. The band made its debut as the musical guest on the April 22, 1978, episode of Saturday Night Live, performing "Hey Bartender." The band began to take on a life beyond the confines of the television screen, releasing an album, Briefcase Full of Blues, in 1978, and then having a Hollywood film, The Blues Brothers, created around its characters in 1980. After the death of Belushi in 1982, the Blues Brothers have continued to perform with a rotation of guest singers and other band members. The band reformed in 1988 for a world tour and again in 1998 for a sequel to the film, Blues Brothers 2000. They make regular appearances at musical festivals worldwide. " So basically, to summarize, they are a "fake" band formed by two SNL comedians doing Blues covers that took on a life of it's own. Utilizing a look of John Lee Hooker and sound of some of Blues finest, Sam and Dave. The other key component, and probably partly what cements them into the culture with so many is The Blues Brothers movie. In 1980, The Blues Brothers, directed by John Landis, was released. Featuring epic car chases involving the Bluesmobile and musical performances by Aretha Franklin, James Brown, Cab Calloway, Ray Charles and John Lee Hooker. The story is set in and around Chicago, Illinois. It is a tale of redemption for the paroled convict Jake Blues and his brother Elwood as they choose to take on a "mission from God" and reform their blues band in order to raise funds to save the Catholic orphanage where they grew up. Along the way, the brothers are targeted by a "mystery woman" (Carrie Fisher) and chased by the Illinois State Police, a country and western band called the Good Ol' Boys, and "Illinois Nazis." I have distinct memories of watching this film, a few years after it's release with some summer friends that would come and visit from Florida. It was too hot that day to even BE outside, so at their request we watched the movie, since I had never seen it before. I remember them laughing in hysterics at quite a few of the scenes while I watched in mild amusement, barely breaking a smile and occasionally laughing, not at the movie, but at THEM...for laughing so hard that they were crying. This is an almost perfect analogy for most of my teen and young adult, and really, CURRENT adult life. I DO NOT GET IT. Or as I like to think of it, THIS IS NOT FUNNY. honestly, I have never seen it since that summer day, so I might enjoy it now, years later. Truthfully, however, it seems kind of dumb. The whole thing. Often I encounter this about things *most* people relate to or find "hilarious" or "classic". It seems I just do not sync with the populous sense of humor. I guess I just find it too...basic. Predictable. Low brow? Maybe I would appreciate more of the music references now or something, but this has always stuck out in my mind as one of my key youth memories and realizing I was slightly left of center. I was certainly made to feel that way on that summer day anyhow. I am not even sure why I own this honestly. Ah, but the music! The music is fantastic. I mean, who doesn't like the blues!! The part I am confused by is simply the schtick. I need more backstory, I guess. They do get bonus points for actually singing and dancing, etc and genuinely performing. Songs like "Hey Bartender" (Floyd Nixon) and "Rubber Biscuit" - originally by The Chips are classics. So, in that regard, I have total understanding and respect. They are playing their favorite blues tunes and paying homage to the greats that never got fame and fortune from their great songs. Keeping the Blues alive. "Almost" is a pretty horn-y number, and "Messin' with the Kid" a slower tune complete with conversation in the middle. Getting back to "Rubber Biscuit" this a great crowd pleaser, and I totally get the appeal. Great concept here of frenzied music and each verse ends in a spoken punch line, that was partial truth. You get a real sense of the timeframe these songs were created in. The most famous tune is of course "Soul Man". Other notable items are the appearance of Paul Schafer on the recordings who later went on to be a presence on Letterman's late night shenanigans. I still wouldn't consider myself 100% a fan of the Blues Brothers, but certainly more of a fan of the Blues...so mission accomplished Jake and Elwood. "Rubber Biscuit" - The Blues Brothers (the Chips) https://youtu.be/jYyBZE0kBtE (The Chips version) https://youtu.be/Hz0UvIZw-Y0 #RANDOMRECORDWORKOUT #RANDOMRECORDWORKOUTSPRINGTRAINING2017

Ok, friends: This is it! Just like Van Halen "We're baaack! I heard you missed us. I brought myyyy PENcil!" Just because I am "playing a new venue" if you will, here is a quick rundown of what randomrecordworkout even is. I take records, at random out of my collection and listen to them while working out. I jot down notes (a review basically) and record stats, like calories burned and minutes worked out. Then I mix it all up in a musical stew and viola! Randomrecordworkout. Whomever burns the most calories per minute wins! Ahhh, but this is Spring Training! The difference? Here I am simply trying to increase my burn, this is a workout afterall. How do I get better performance? Well I take just ONE record, listen to BOTH sides and record all the same info. The twist is, I increase the resistance on the elliptical. Oh yea, I work out on an elliptical btw. Hoping that I can slowly build up tolerance for the next season. So...here we go again! A month or so off from last Season's exciting conclusion, but no more! Let RANDOMRECORDWORKOUTSPRINGTRAINING2017 begin! RANDOMRECORDWORKOUTSPRINGTRAINING2017 Session 1 Herbie Hancock: Sound System Time: 34 minutes Songs: 6 Calories burned: 249 calories per song: 41.50 Calories per minute: 7.32 Scouting Report: I have to admit, I thought Herbie Hancock was a fairly recent (recent as in the 80's) musician. I could not have been MORE WRONG. From his wiki :"Hancock was born in Chicago, Illinois, the son of Winnie Belle (Griffin), a secretary, and Wayman Edward Hancock, a government meat inspector. His parents named him after the singer and actor Herb Jeffries. He attended the Hyde Park Academy. Like many jazz pianists, Hancock started with a classical music education and he studied from age seven- his talent was recognized early. Considered a child prodigy, he played the first movement of Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 26 in D Major, K. 537 (Coronation) at a young people's concert on February 5, 1952, with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra (led by CSO assistant conductor George Schick) at the age of 11." OK. Impressive! But as if that were not enough, he also played with and recorded for esteemed Blue Note Records(famous jazz label) and the Miles Davis Quintet! Still not impressed, well in 1969 he did music for Fat Albert, as well as several commercial jingles. The man seems to constantly re - invent himself and stay current. Fast forward to the 80's. I think you might recognize the jazz/pop crossover "Rockit". That's right fatboyslims. Herbie did the original crossover hip hop synth jam. The song (one of my faves of his) features some of the mainstream's first exposures to scratching. I will admit, when I was a kid it really sounded awesome and I ruined a Journey "Separate Ways" jukebox 45 single trying to emulate it. Oops. Secondary confession, up until this exact workout Session, I believed that song was on this album. I must have received it as a Christmas gift or something because I have literally had it since it came out in 1984. Really, though, "Rockit" man! You know, the video with dancing animatronic legs. It is pretty badass still. Apparently I love robots...which then makes no sense why I have very few transformers in my toy collection...a story for another time I suppose. The Music! So, it starts off with "Hardrock" which is very very...VERY similar to Rockit. Like it is basically an outtake or remix, so maybe that is why I thought it was on here. Synth and metallic sounding guitar meet up rock style. Excellent robotic housecleaning music. "Metal Beat" is the next track up to bat. It is similar, but different enough. Slower tempos and meatier beats. More...well, metallic. "Karabali" is different in a lot of ways. Firstly, it is more tribal and funky. Secondly, there is quite a bit of piano driven melody and because of that, the arrangement seems more thoughtful. The last notable and most obvious difference: vocals. Sure they are only background mostly, but vox all the same. Herbs (I feel we are on a first name basis since I have had this record so long) is mostly known for instrumentals. On the flip side, "Junku" starts us off. Again, a bit more funky and I feel like this may have been a single? Possibly the "Rockit" B side. "People are Changing" has actual vocals for real. Lyrics and everything. I kind if do not like it now, they are not needed really. Pretty Ohio Players meets O'Jays 70's funk and Junk-u (#seewhatididthere). The B side has a distinct flavor profile, brought full circle with the last at-bat in "Sound System". This song features every single 80's breaking glass/ bam/ horn and drum sound known to man. Collected conveniently in one single tune. Hancock is mostly instrumental, so it is hard to really lock in and groove, but he is also instrumental (#seewhatididthere) in introducing arrangement and jazz into pop music which influenced many after him. Side bar: did Chip Davis and HH ever collaborate? Because they should if not. Herbie Hancock: "Hardrock" https://youtu.be/jJkyOvXM6ds Rockit: https://youtu.be/GHhD4PD75zY #RANDOMRECORDWORKOUT #RANDOMRECORDWORKOUTSPRINGTRAINING2017