Toby Covich teaches art at Placer High School, he has for many years.  The Cafe Rock lunchtime show is played in the class everyday, and his students start their class the same way everyday..”We’re hungry!!”. 21 years ago, as a class project, Toby’s students made a ceramic fishbowl, with a stand and complete with all kinds of fish and fish by-products in the bowl. It was a wonderful piece and has been with me all these years. Now, 25 years later Toby came by with his student Jason Hicks who presented me with a bust of me. It was Jason’s senior project. It was done in the style of ‘Arneson’, the man who did the controversial Mayor Moscone statue in San Francisco. What an honor for me. Not only to be such a big part of this class all these years, but to have it’s students be so inspired to make Cafe Rock themed works. Here is a picture of Toby, his student Jason, and myself. Notice the other person in the room. Amazing. The Bob Keller Bust now lives at the Cafe Rock and you’ll have to rub his head for good luck next time you come in. Thank-you Toby and Jason. You made my day.

Niner fans are understandably anxious about tomorrow.  We don’t know what we’re going to get.  What started out as unbridled optimism turned south pretty quickly, especially after last week’s embarrassing debacle against Houston.  Of course, it’s only preseason but a bad night is a bad night.  Even Head Coach Jim Harbaugh seemed at a loss for words.  I enjoyed the Barry Tompkins piece on what Jim really means.  JH Answer:  “We’re in training camp mode.”  What JH really means:  “Right now, we suck.”  Matter of fact, this is kind of a pattern these days… and I don’t blame him.  When he says “I have a lot of respect for Taylor Mays”..  I think he means “I’m glad he’s not in our secondary.”  “Their offense will be a challenge..” is code for… “I hope they don’t drop 60 on us.”  How about Colin Kaepernick?  “I just want to get better every day.”  Which means  “I’m so confused I can’t even think straight.”  And when the coach says “I don’t want to single anyone out.”  I think he means “What was Joe Staley doing while they were running by him… taking pictures?” 

monica’sdad photo

By Bryan Wawzenek

Guitarist Lindsay Buckingham is optimistic when it comes to a Fleetwood Mac reunion. In a new interview with Rolling Stone, Buckingham said the legendary band could be back on the road in 2012 – and might even work on a new album.

“I wouldn’t be shocked if it was a tour and possibly an album. We’ll have to wait and see. Nothing is on the books right now,” he said. “With Fleetwood Mac, there’s a lot of landmines out there politically and it’s hard to get everybody on the same page at the same time – but I think this might be one of those years where everyone will want to do the same thing. Whatever that is.”

It’s assumed that the reunited lineup would consist of John McVie, Mick Fleetwood, Stevie Nicks and himself – Christine McVie left the group and retired from touring more than a decade ago.

In the meantime, Buckingham is releasing a solo album, Seeds We Sow (out Septmber 6) and playing a 50-date tour this fall.

By Bryan Wawzenek

Aerosmith fans will have to wait the better part of a year before the band’s new album will be released. Of course, they’ve already waited since 2004 (Honkin’ on Bobo) for a new Aerosmith album, and since 2001 (Just Push Play) for a new Aerosmith album of original material.

In a new message posted on the band’s official website (via Blabbermouth), producer Jack Douglas let fans know when they can expect the album that’s being worked on right now: “The new album should be out around May 2012. I know that’s a long wait, but after the South American tour and Japan in October, November and December, we will just get back to work on it in mid-January.”

In addition, Douglas gave fans an inkling of what the record will sound like. “For those who are asking, this album will be raw, nasty, tough rock with a good deal of the old Aerosmith ‘tongue in cheek.’”

Douglas previously worked with Steven Tyler and friends on their ’70s classics Get Your Wings, Toys in the Attic and Rocks.

Brought to you by ThisDayinMusic.com.

Born on this day:

1939: Jerry Allison, drums, The Crickets
1945, Van Morrison, singer-songwriter, Them
1948, Rudolph Schenker, guitar, Scorpions
1957, Gina Schock, drums, The Go-Go’s
1957, Glenn Tilbrook, guitar, vocals, Squeeze
1960, Chris Whitley, singer-songwriter
1963, Reb Beach, guitar, Winger, Whitesnake
1970, Deborah Gibson, singer
1977, Del Marquis, guitar, Scissor Sisters
1977, Craig Nicholls, vocals, guitar, The Vines
1979, Simon Neil, vocals, guitar, Biffy Clyro

1957, Elvis Presley appeared at the Empire Stadium in Vancouver, Canada. This was only the third time ever Presley had performed outside of the U.S. – and it would be the last. 26,000 fans attended the show with tickets costing $1.50, $2.50 and $3.50.

1963, The Ronettes first entered the U.S. singles chart with “Be My Baby,” the girl group’s only Top 10 hit.

1968, The Move, The Pretty Things, The Crazy World of Arthur Brown, Orange Bicycle, Jefferson Airplane, Fairport Convention and Tyrannosaurus Rex all appeared at the first Isle of Wight Festival, held over two days. Tickets: 25 shillings ($3).

1969, During a North American tour, Led Zeppelin appeared at the Texas International Pop Festival in Lewisville. Also on the bill: B.B. King, The Incredible String Band, Sam and Dave, and Janis Joplin.

1974, Traffic made their last live performance at the annual U.K. Reading Festival. Other acts appearing included Alex Harvey, 10cc, Focus, Steve Harley and Procol Harum.

1976, George Harrison was found guilty of “subconscious plagiarism” of the Ronnie Mack song “He’s So Fine” when writing “My Sweet Lord.” Earnings from the song were awarded to Mack’s estate; The Chiffons then recorded their own version of “My Sweet Lord.”

1984, Purple Rain, the movie starring Prince opened at cinemas across the U.K. with special late night previews.

1985, Brothers in Arms by Dire Straits started a nine-week run at #1 on the U.S. album charts. The album also topped the charts in 25 other countries and went on to sell over 20 million worldwide.

1987, The largest pre-order of albums in the history of CBS Records occurred as 2.25 million copies of Michael Jackson’s Bad album were shipped to record stores in the U.S. The LP followed the Jackson album,Thriller, Jackson’s biggest seller of all time (over 35 million copies sold). Bad went on to sell over 13 million copies.

1991, Metallica started a four-week run at #1 on the U.S. album chart with Metallica. The album featured “Enter Sandman,” “Sad but True,” “The Unforgiven” and “Nothing Else Matters” and went on to sell more than 10 million copies in the U.S. alone. For more on this story, see This Day in Music Spotlight.

1994, Aaliyah and R. Kelly secretly married at the Sheraton Gateway Suites in Rosemont, Illinois. Aaliyah never admitted being married, though Vibe published a copy of the marriage certificate. She was only 15 at the time, so the marriage was later annulled.

2002, NASA announced that Lance Bass, singer with *NSYNC, was to become the first celebrity astronaut. His $23.8 million (£14 million), place on a Russian Soyuz module would make him the youngest person at 23 years of age to go into orbit. Bass ended up not taking part in the flight after failing to pay for his multi-million ticket.

2007, Hilly Kristal, founder of the New York punk club CBGB, died from complications arising from lung cancer at the age of 75. Kristal was credited with discovering Patti Smith and The Ramones and his club became a breeding ground for punk rock. The New York City venue, whose full title CBGB OMFUG stood for “country, bluegrass, blues and other music for uplifting gormandizers,” was originally launched to showcase country music.

A new workout trend is gaining in popularity down in San Diego – yoga on the ocean. No, not on the beach, on the ocean. Katherine Alfredo teaches a stand-up paddle board yoga class off the coast of Coronado. She says, “Doing yoga on a mat is one thing but when you create an unstable surface, like doing it on a paddle board, you’re firing way more muscles to stabilize. So like a down dog if you’ve been doing it for years and years, all the sudden becomes a more challenging pose all over again.” Ya think?  Alfredo said anybody can do it, just as long as you’re able to swim. Right…I know – what could possibly happen?

It’s a coincidence that we have 2 birthdays on the same day, from the same band, both turning the same age. Happy B’day to Quicksilver Messenger Service drummer Greg Elmore and guitarist-singer Gary Duncan..both turn 65 this saturday. Quicksilver was always one of my favorite bands from the SF Ballroom era. The guys in Quicksilver were really an important part of the Haight-Ashbury community. They hung out at 1090 Page Street, along with the Albin Brothers who would form Big Brother. A band called Sopwith Camel also hung out there and it was quite a scene. The Albin Brothers inherited this huge rooming house, originally intended for Irish immigrants. Music jams were held all the time in the spacious basement. This house was, along with the Deads house at 710 Ashbury, ground zero for the communal music lifestyle that would define San Francisco in the mid 60s.

Spirits that left us on this date include Woody Gutherie in 1967. Woody, in my opinion, was the origianl troubador. Spreading his truth with his guitar, riding the rails and brushing up against America. “This Land Is Your Land”..He sang about all of it, the good, the bad and the ugly. No wonder Dylan tried to channel his spirit, and in the end, pulled it off. Woody died of Huntington’s chorea at age 52. His son Arlo continues the tradition. Another passing was that of Alan Blind Owl Wilson, co-founder of the band Canned Heat. Drug overdose at the age of 27. What is it about the age 27? Jim Morrison, Jimi Hendrix, Janis, Kurt Cobain, Amy Winehouse and a dozen others. Spirits come and Spirits go. Be at the Revolution this weekend. Saturday 7-10am. You’ll re-connect with some special spirits from the past.

Peace Out

Don’t blame Tim Lincecum for those gopher balls he served up.  Here’s my take on the situation… The Giants have had a first class pitching staff, and a last place offense.  Sooner or later, the bottom drags down the top.  You just can’t ask a pitcher to throw a shutout every single game.  Giving up one run is fine… but when it gets to two, the roof caves in.  He’s thinking “Oh no… we’re sunk now..”  You can see it in the body language.  It’s happened to Timmy, to Cain, to Vogelsong and to Mad Bum.  The shocking thing is they haven’t snapped… thrown tantrums, taken hostages.  And Shawn Estes says “Well, you can’t think that way.”  Guess what Sherlock, they’re all thinking that way, ‘cuz they’re human.  I’d bet the Huntington Beach Little Leaguers could take two out of three from the Giants.  I wish I was kidding…

sddirk photo

By Russell Hall

In its day, glam rock was dismissed by some as a passing craze that would never stand the test of time. Today, however, few people would deny that glam artists produced some of rock’s greatest music. Serving as the engines behind that music were legions of superb guitarists who churned out memorable riffs and thrilling solos in equal measure. Below are 10 songs featuring solos that drive that point home with a vengeance.

10. “Stone Cold Crazy” – Queen (Brian May)

On Queen’s seminal ’70s work, Brian May sometimes played with stately elegance; other times, he let loose with scorched-earth abandon. Both the riff and the solo on this classic from 1974’s Sheer Heart Attack fall squarely in the latter category. A few years later, bands such as Metallica would borrow heavily from the style May forged on songs like this one.

9. “Amazona” – Roxy Music (Phil Manzanera)

Of all the glam guitar greats, Roxy Music’s Phil Manzanera may well be the most under-appreciated. Utilizing his trusty Gibson Firebird, Manzanera came up with riffs and solos that were perfect for Roxy Music’s innovative ’70s work. The solo for this track, from 1973’s Stranded, showed just how integral Manzanera’s style was to the Roxy sound.

8. “Black Diamond” – KISS (Ace Frehley)

The solo for this song, which closed out KISS’s 1974 debut album with a bang, signaled that Ace Frehley would be a major six-string force for years to come. With his ever-present Les Paul, Frehley went on to pump out sensational riffs and scorching solos in equal measure. For years, during their live shows, KISS often saved this crowd-pleasing rocker for their pyrotechnics-filled finale.

7. “I’m Eighteen” – Alice Cooper (Glen Buxton)

Alice Cooper’s Michael Bruce and Glen Buxton crafted some of the most potent riff-rock of the glam era. On this early anthem, Buxton unleashed a blistering solo on his iconic white SG Custom. “Glen’s playing was like an angry hornet,” bassist Dennis Dunaway told Gibson.com, in 2007. “He was all about feel – edgy and loose.”

6. “Bad Girl” – New York Dolls (Johnny Thunders)

In keeping with the band’s glam-punk ethos, the New York Dolls’ Johnny Thunders mostly eschewed lengthy solos in favor of memorable riffs. But this ferocious ditty from the band’s debut album showcased Thunders’ talent for getting the most out of his brief solo turns. Small wonder legions of Thunders’ followers made the Les Paul Junior their guitar of choice.

5. “Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting” – Elton John (Davey Johnstone)

Elton John’s work has always centered on piano, of course, but during John’s spectacular run in the ’70s, guitarist Davey Johnstone often got a chance to shine. This blast of soaring riff-rock from 1973’s Goodbye Yellow Brick Road album constituted one of Johnstone’s finest moments. Like most of his lead work, this solo was succinct and to the point – perfect for Sir Elton’s sharply crafted pop rock.

4. “Never Turn Your Back on Mother Earth” – Sparks (Adrian Fisher)

Sparks’ glam-era albums for Island Records contained some of the most brilliantly demented (and catchy) pop-rock ever committed to vinyl. As exemplified by this track from 1974’s Propaganda album, guitarist Adrian Fisher was a key cog in the whacked-out approach formulated by founding brothers Ron and Russell Mael. Fisher’s solo, played on a Les Paul, is a model of understated pop elegance and beauty.

3. “Hymn for the Dudes” – Mott the Hoople (Mick Ralphs)

With the exception of Mick Ronson, no glam guitarist delivered lead lines that were more melodic than those of Mott the Hoople’s Mick Ralphs. This majestic ballad from Mott, the band’s 1973 masterpiece, was highlighted by a searing solo blast that seemed to come out of nowhere. Not surprisingly, Ralphs’ instrument of choice was a Les Paul.

2. “Ballrooms of Mars” – T.Rex (Marc Bolan)

Marc Bolan offered up the most breathtaking solo of his career on this 1972 ballad. Framed by strummed acoustic guitar, the glam-rock pioneer took his Les Paul on a soaring, celestial flight that’s evocative of everything the song’s title implies. “We did five takes of the solo, and I could have made a composite from all of them,” producer Tony Visconti told Gibson.com in a 2008 interview. “But instead, I threw up all five faders simultaneously, with all five tracks. Marc and I just looked at each other and said, ‘That’s it. That’s the way it’s going to go down.’ The result was glorious.”

1. “Moonage Daydream” – David Bowie (Mick Ronson)

Mick Ronson’s extended solo on this Ziggy Stardust track constitutes one of glam rock’s definitive moments. Shaping the tone of his Les Paul with just a wah pedal, Ronson uncorked a series of bends and slurs that captured perfectly the essence of Bowie’s glitter aesthetic. Simply put, Ronson was the engine that propelled Bowie’s Ziggy-era songs to astral heights.

By Bryan Wawzenek

The storyline of David Bowie’s 1969 single “Space Oddity” has been used for a new children’s book. The lyrics have become the basis of a colorful book written by author/artist Andrew Kolb, according to Ultimate Classic Rock.

In less than 40 pages, the kids’ book recounts the story of astronaut Major Tom, who goes into space and becomes a media hero back on earth. Yet, when Tom ventures out to explore even further, something goes horribly wrong.

Fans can check out a free, full PDF file of the book at Kolb’s website (although the site seems to be experiencing some technical difficulties – much like Major Tom’s spacecraft).

More Bowie:

It’ll Take a Miracle for David Bowie to Record Again

David Bowie Revisits ‘Golden Years’

The Essential David Bowie Albums