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The CHIRP Blog
Mike Bennett writesJanuary 20, 2012 iPod/MP3 Shuffle—Happy Birthday Paul Stanley Edition
There are many great frontmen in rock history, but how many have a bootleg CD that is comprised solely of bits of stage patter? Yes, Paul Stanley of KISS has put a stamp on rock ‘n’ roll through the look and pageantry of KISS concerts, penning some rock classics, and showing an indefatigable love for rousing crowds of thousands all over the world. The success of KISS was not a given, as many in the rock community did not take their cartoonish make up and image seriously. But Stanley and Gene Simmons were committed to their vision and made it succeed. And they had fun while doing it. Let’s pay tribute to Mr. Stanley by grabbing your iPod or MP3 player, hitting shuffle, and sharing the first 10 songs that come up.
Mike Bennett writesFriday iPod/MP3 Shuffle—Happy Birthday Suggs Edition
Today let’s pay tribute to the lead singer for one of the most successful bands in British history, Madness. Graham “Suggs” McPherson may not be the rangiest singer, but he was perfect for both the early ska hits that put Madness on the map, and their later forays into classic Brit pop. He was a subtle sly wit in the middle of the chaos some of his bandmates created. He even had a pretty decent solo career when Madness first split, but the band is back in action, having released one of their best albums just two years ago. One more thing – he always came across has approachable yet cool in all of the band’s great videos. So in honor of the lead Nutty Boy, grab your iPod or MP3 player, hit shuffle, and share the first 10 songs that come up.
Tony Breed writesMore comics about music: “The Chairs’ Hiatus”
Hey folks! It’s been a while since I’ve shared any comics about music with you. I suppose I’ve seen them, but nothing really grabbed me enough to want to share.
But today I found this story, by Matthew Bogart, called The Chair’s Hiatus, and I highly recommend you read it.
Mike Bennett writesFriday iPod/MP3 Shuffle— Happy Birthday Syd Barrett Edition
Today, let’s celebrate a great talent who flamed out too soon. Syd Barrett was the original creative force propelling Pink Floyd, with classic singles like “See Emily Play” and the album Piper At The Gates Of Dawn. Unfortunately, drug use and mental health problems led to his departure from the band in 1968. He put out two influential solo albums (in particular, Robyn Hitchcock has taken a lot from Syd) but declined too much to continue, passing away at the age 60 in 2006. Let’s pay tribute to this unique and talented artist by grabbing your iPod or MP3 player, hitting shuffle, and sharing the first 10 songs that come up.
Tony Breed writesWhat if you were to graph your rock & rock lifestyle?
Let’s say you are a computer programmer/nerd/punk. Could there be a more perfect expression of your person than a graphic visualization of your concert attendance for the year?
This is how my friend Pam has chosen to sum up 2011, and frankly I think it’s so awesome I wish I’d done it myself.
How would you sum up your year?