Ever kept a journal, a Diary, a record of your life in words? I have. In many forms. I never called it a Diary though. This blog is much like a record of my life in words coupled with music of course. I don’t know what’s better, my ramblings or the music? I’ll split it up in saying that sometimes what I’m writing is possibly more interesting. Other times I’m sure the music wins out. Even better would be when both the music and the words produce something much higher.
Team Tomato was recently brought to my attention in the past few days. Initially my brain ran off to a world of classic horror films in the less than B grade tradition with Attack of the Killer Tomatoes. I realize that this movie probably was no where near their brains when they decided to name their band, but me and my wacky connections did. I think it would be a great backstory to how they came up with the name. I hope the band drops by and leaves a comment as to how they really did come up with it. Then we could compare.
As you can hear, there is a more raw quality to the recording here. More so than a vast majority of the music I’ve posted before. Truthfully I was thinking of starting another classification day called Basement Tapes. Where it would be about music that isn’t as polished but still has a commercial flavor. I was thinking of making it a Wednesday thing, but fuck it. Monday’s will end up being for the occasional band that comes my way that fits the Basement Tapes definition. Funny thing is – I would tend to think that Basement Tapes wouldn’t usually be for sale, but I’ll have to make it for those who have put it up for sale.
Is raw rock dying as a genre? Hmmm… something to ponder. This past Saturday I happened to catch most of a concert that I was hoping to see all of. Jack’s First Concert at Irvine Meadows in Irvine CA. They had the Violent Femmes, Cheap Trick, Billy Idol, Journey, and Def Leppard. Much like Jack FM, the lineup was a strange mix, but full of classic bands. I missed the fems and barely heard some of Cheap Trick as I was parking the car. I did catch the last three bands, but I was mainly there for my old buddy Jeff Scott Soto. He’s Journey’s new lead singer. The overall show was good. But Journey’s set was on fire. Jeff was like a firecracker bouncing around the stage. It was an awesome show. I had never seen Billy, Journey or Def Lep. They were all very good. I even saw my friend Brian Tischy bangin drums and pounding guitar for Billy. Def Leppard sounded great too – especially watching from backstage. I had seen Cheap Trick a couple times in the past – I wish I had gotten there in time for them. As for my question, the answer is – not at this show. It was sold out. So I’d say there’s still a good sized market for it.
As for Team Tomato, I hear the inklings of what could become a future move for rock in the music industry. I actually really like the opening guitar riff. It reminded me of something a couple of buddies of mine wrote in music school, I liked it then, I like it now. I like the energy that they exude, but there is something I’d like to hear them do and that is to spend more time on mastering their instruments a bit more. I think that’s a longshot to ask for since they’re not apologizing for their rock style. The spark is there and that’s a great start. I do like the vocals and the harmonies. They work for me. It’s where I’d like to see some commercial rock go, into an adventurous territory.
I haven’t had a great deal of time to do much research on the band, but I think they’re worth your support. That means, go see a show, buy a CD or snag it off iTunes. Do it!