1. “Mandocello”

We might as well start at the beginning. With the debut. Which got little traction and I must admit I did not buy first. Produced by Jack Douglas, it’s got a different feel from the Tom Werman stuff. It’s more raucous, earthier. And to the degree anybody still references it it’s because of the opening cut, “ELO Kiddies,” which Cheap Trick has continued to play. But if you sit down and play the whole album, which we used to do, you discover this quiet, hypnotic gem.

Once upon a time music wasn’t for everybody, just for you. It was your escape. You put on a record and you felt the only people who understood you were the band. “Mandocello” sounds like this. It’s not made for the radio, but your bedroom, on headphones, squeezing out all the b.s. of the world. With “Mandocello” playing, your life works.

The riff hooks you. But it’s really a compilation of sounds, including Robin Zander’s voice. But the piece de resistance is the magical change at 3:09. It’s like you’ve driven through the neighborhood picking up all your friends and now you’re cruising. Or better yet, you’re riding with your beloved. Only she doesn’t know you’re in love with her, even though you think about her all the time, fantasize about just being near her, never mind touching her.

Furthermore, most people are completely unaware Concrete Blonde covered “Mandocello,” faithfully, on their 1994 album of loose ends entitled “Still In Hollywood.” Yup, that’s the way it used to be, even the stars were fans, they knew not only the hits, but the album cuts.

2. “So Good To See You”

And then came “In Color,” the band’s breakthrough. Word started to spread, you heard about it and purchased it and it became your favorite new album, everywhere you went you talked about it, you wanted to share the joy.

“So Good To See You” was the closer. Instead of fading out this was an unexpected encore that FORCED you to drop the needle and hear the whole album again.

How did they get it so right? With enough edge but also Beach Boys harmonies and exquisite changes. By this time bands could vamp over the same chord for the entire verse, whereas “So Good To See You” twists and turns like a roller coaster.

Once upon a time, a band had to have a great singer. You couldn’t fix it in the studio. Someone with power, and in Robin Zander Cheap Trick had someone who could do both rough and smooth, he could both prance and entrance.

“So Good To See You” is a tour de force. From an era when album tracks weren’t filler, but the main course.

3. “Come On, Come On”

Sure, it was on “Budokan,” but the polish of the studio take…it’s like someone from the seventies was jetted back to the sixties with everything he now knew but was forced to record in the earlier style. It sounds both dated and current at the same time!

And the chorus has you moving your jaw, singing along with the sweetness with bite.

4. “Clock Strikes Ten”

This was on “Budokan” too, but the best part of the studio version is Zander’s vocal, which has got the guttural roughness of early rock and roll, quite a contrast to the sweetness evidenced in songs like “So Good To See You.”

“Clock Strikes Ten” is a romp. Under three minutes, you’re instantly energized, dancing around the room, burning off all your everyday frustration.

5. “Oh Caroline”

Okay, now I’ve mentioned four of the five songs on side two of “In Color,” and “Southern Girls” is probably better than all of them. Yes, “In Color” is a classic. “Oh Caroline” has got the darkness of an English record translated through a midwest sensibility, it sounds like dancing in front of your TV during “Shindig” or “Shivaree” felt like.

6. “Takin’ Me Back”

Sure, “Surrender” had hilarious lyrics, it was a good ditty, but this was always my favorite cut on “Heaven Tonight,” the second side opener with the monster riff. You couldn’t help but CRANK IT!

This is like an AC/DC monolith, if the Aussie band ever featured any melody. It’s veritable wall of sound that single-handedly makes you feel life is worth living.

The elements are spectacular. From the oo’s to the break to the whirling synth “Takin’ Me Back” is truly a slice of heaven. It keeps going on, keeps twisting and turning, getting louder and softer, it never lets you down, it always surprises you. I never hear anybody talk about it, but “Takin’ Me Back” is my absolute favorite Cheap Trick track. It’s everything I love about rock and roll.

7. “Tonight It’s You”

So after parting ways with Tom Werman, and experimenting with everybody from George Martin to Roy Thomas Baker to Todd Rundgren, all huge hitmakers in their own right, Cheap Trick went back to the well, to their original producer, Jack Douglas.

If “Tonight It’s You” had only come out half a decade earlier, it would have been a radio staple. Oh, the track got some traction, even video play, but it was not a hit and is nearly completely forgotten. But “Tonight It’s You” is one of those rare tracks that keeps building and building to a towering height that you don’t believe can be maintained. Kind of like “White Punks On Dope,” it demands more and more energy, more and more focus, and then leaves you high and dry at the mountaintop, stunned.

First it’s the sound of the guitars, the picking in one speaker and the distorted echo emphasis in the other. It’s like the cavalry’s appearing on the horizon.

And then Robin Zander starts telling a story. He’s part of the mix. And then…

So stop what you’re doin’
Start on something new

It’s like a choirboy has risen above the troops, a sweetness you thought was impossible in this context.

And then the song swings down…

I don’t know why you mean that much to me
You don’t know what it feels like lovin’ you
We all know a change is good for you
That’s all right, gotta do what you gotta do
Anyway

Wow, where did all this anger come from? Who’s this three dimensional singer who can go from smooth to intense so fast, who can evidence all the emotions of real life?

And then this angry pissed off person sings…

All I want is a place in your heart to fall into
All I need is someone to love
And tonight it’s you, tonight it’s you

He’s gone from pissed off to cunning enticement just that fast.

And then we’re back to that spacy intro dynamic once again. Whew! It’s like reading a book and suddenly finding yourself back at the beginning. Wiser, with another chance.

Then there’s a spooky interlude!

Come to my world
Come away with me

Huh? It’s like they stopped the action and the lead broke character and spoke directly to the audience. It’s unnerving…and so right.

And then finally, after four minutes, they settle into the groove, endlessly repeating, imploring you, and you can’t resist, because…

TONIGHT IT’S YOU!

Rhinofy-Unheralded Cheap Trick

Previous Rhinofy playlists

He’s my trusted source.

Ever notice how there’s no tech help? I think it started with video games, which came without instructions, you were just supposed to figure it out by yourself. Then came the Internet, where everything was FREE! Well, not exactly, you gave up your data in return, but these companies started off with no business model and were making no money and if you thought you could get an answer, you were sorely mistaken.

So who do you turn to?

I don’t like Twitter’s iPhone app.

I’m overstating the case. You see Twitter’s official iPhone app doesn’t give me everything I want, and what I want isn’t so exotic, I just want a search function that lists each and every mention of me. And if you think I’m trolling for compliments, you’re not privy to my feed. That’s where the haters say all the nasty things about me. It’s like eavesdropping on a party you were not invited to. And it’s astounding how many are “journalists.” I chalk up their constant stream of put-downs and vitriol to jealousy, but it’s never fun to read. But if you’re not willing to embrace all feedback, you’ve got no idea what’s really going on.

But Twitter’s app doesn’t give all this data. It seems if something is mentioned once, the retweets don’t appear. And that’s when you know they’ve really got it in for you, when this cabal of “journalists” keeps retweeting the hate, patting each other on the back, proving what a complete idiot I am.

But where do I turn? How do I solve my problem?

At first I just kept dealing with the settings in the official Twitter app. That didn’t work out. So I did a bit of research, but was overwhelmed with the input, I don’t want to spend a few days testing out Twitter apps, but I do want my problem solved.

And then DHH started to tweet.

DHH… Who’s that?

David Heinemeier Hansson. You know, the mainstream media’s go-to guy.

Not.

You know the mainstream media. That critical enterprise that always reveals the truth. Like how stocks are overvalued and make no sense to buy…

You don’t even read that in the “Wall Street Journal.” It’s all go, all the time.

But not in DHH’s world. All the tech companies…he analyzes the numbers, their future, and he’s always right. Because that’s the world he lives in. He’s the creator of Ruby on Rails… Then again, you probably don’t know what that is, and I never use it either, but Ian at Topspin does, it’s a web development tool. And DHH wrote “Rework,” which I wrote about here:

Rework

The money quote being if you’re in it to cash out, stay out.

And suddenly, DHH starts tweeting about Twitter apps. Early in the morning of December 6th, he’s reviewing Twitterific. And in a series of posts he reveals…

“Of all Twitter apps, though, Echophone for the iPhone is by far my favorite. Good balance between looks and functionality.”

So I immediately go to the App Store to check it out. Turns out it’s called Echofon and the reviews are stellar! And unlike Amazon, not everything worth checking out gets four and five star reviews in the App Store.

So I download it and…I LOVE IT!

Not only does it solve my problem, revealing each and every mention of me on Twitter, it tells me on the home screen how many new mentions I’ve got. Even tells me how many new tweets I’ve got. It’s got all the info I thought was gone forever. Voila!

I’m even thinking of upgrading to the paid version, for $4.99. Then again, I’d only get rid of the ad. Meanwhile, the ad is so minor and unobtrusive and there’s only one…I’d buy an ad on Echofon in a minute, because you see it!

And now I’m telling you.

Turns out we don’t want to hear everybody’s opinion. Just that of a couple of people. Who we invest in and trust.

And even though the Internet has decimated help, it’s also enabled us to hook up with gurus, in every field, who are trustworthy filters.

And DHH is not trying to build anything on Twitter. His tweets run the gamut from reviews to stock analysis to corporate policy to auto racing. It’s like having a best friend you never talk to.

DHH is my trusted filter. And he’s the future.

twitter-dhh

website – David Heinemeier Hansson

1. Hard Day Of The Dead

Hard Day Of The Dead

Watch this video and tell me you don’t feel like you missed it!

But that’s not why I’m writing about it. Then again, match music with images and you can end up with something greater than the sum of its parts.

But the bottom line is I LOVE this track!

Music, when done right, jolts you right out of your seat, inspires you, makes you come alive. There’s no way I can listen to “MYB” by Oliver without twisting my body, shaking my head and pounding the desk. My inhibitions fall away. I can’t help but dance to the music.

Come on, put your hands in the air. Don’t be afraid. There’s nothing wrong with partying.

2. Striking Matches

Got an e-mail about their song “When The Right One Comes Along,” featured in last night’s “Nashville.”

The show has not met expectations, but you’ve got to laud anything that features brand new music instead of airheads singing yesteryear’s hits. This is pretty good. Especially the cover in the show.

There’s hope.

3. The Grammy Fiasco

“Who the Hell Is Al Walser and How Did He Get an EDM Grammy Nomination?”

This is what happens when you try to be all things to all people.

I actually thought this year’s Grammy noms were good. Finally, the younger generation is wresting this antique giant from the clutches of the oldsters who think they know better. Black Keys, Mumford…one thing you can say, it’s not the usual suspects!

Then you’ve got something like this.

For this to slip through demonstrates that systems are inadequate. Any EDM fan could tell you this was a nonstarter. But no EDM fan was called to vet the nominations.

The real story will come out.

But the point is, they should cancel all those Grammy nominations. You know, the ones that don’t make the telecast. Leave the big awards and forget the rest.

I know, I know, the musos will bitch. But if you really think a Grammy will change your life you’ve probably still got your swim team ribbons. This is America at its worst. Where everybody gets a trophy, where everybody deserves to get into the Hall of Fame, where everybody is a winner.

Acknowledging you in your tiny sliced up category is something for your local group to do, not a national organization. The Grammys make all their money from CBS, not the dues-paying members. If the Grammys were smart, and they’re not, they’d put the knife in the back of all these losers who are not known outside their backyard but believe they’re entitled to national recognition.

The point is the Grammys are now bigger than the Oscars. The Oscars have lost touch. TV has eclipsed the movies. There’s no there there. Whereas music is fresh and direct and if you don’t like what we’re making today, just wait until tomorrow…

That’s the power of institutions. Wait around long enough, and you become relevant.

The Grammys mean more than they ever have before. Credit longevity, credit social media, but don’t credit the besuited players who think they’re part of a big tent. No, you’re not. Grammy is for those who impact everybody. Not Herbie Hancock doing lame covers of Joni Mitchell songs or Steely Dan putting out an album notches below its greatest work. The Grammys are today. Thank god.

4. “The ‘Mad Men’ Economic Miracle”

The ‘Mad Men’ Economic Miracle

This is why your cable bill is so high:

“Cable TV has developed one of the most clever business models in our modern economy. Until recently, AMC was a basic-cable backwater known for ‘Threes Stooges’ marathons. But a few years ago, it tweaked its business and began offering two or three hours of original programming on a few dozen nights a year. Starting with ‘Mad Men’ in 2007, the network landed hit shows that developed small but obsessive followings. Soon after, it began making larger financial demands of the cable and satellite providers, like Comcast and DirectTV, that carry the network. AMC now charges these providers about 40 cents a month for each subscriber, including the millions who will never watch ‘Mad Men’ or ‘Breaking Bad.’ These providers can refuse to pay up, but doing so would infuriate legions of vocal viewers. (Last summer, the Dish Network played chicken with AMC and lost.) AMC collects $30 million a month in fees alone on a base of 80 million subscribers, which is pretty good considering that the last episode of “Breaking Bad” had fewer than three million viewers.”

In other words, cable TV is heading for the cliff. This monopoly has such sky high fees they’re going to break the model. If you’re not thinking of canceling at least part of your cable, you’re not a subscriber. It’s truly getting cheaper to buy a la carte. Or wait and watch it on Netflix. This is the record business charging $14 for a CD with one good track. Works for a while, then the public revolts.

5. Zappa Scheme

Roxy By Proxy

This is so wrongheaded, thank god it didn’t get any traction.

The problem has been solved, they call it Kickstarter. Who in the Zappa camp is so ignorant that they think this is a good idea?

6. Out of Reach: If the Media Covers You, You’€™d Better Bring an Audience – If an item runs and no one reads it, does it make a sound?

Out of Reach: If the Media Covers You, You’d Better Bring an Audience

Things are so bad in mainstream media that they want to piggyback on your Twitter feed!

Build your audience, it’s all you can depend on. Those reading (or not reading!) about you in mainstream media are grazers, who probably won’t become fans anyway.

7. “Tim Cook’s Freshman Year”

Tim Cook’s Freshman Year

“That’s a part of our base principle, that we will only do a few things. And we’ll only do things where we can make a significant contribution. I don’t mean financially. I mean some significant contribution to the society at large. You know, we want to really enrich people’s lives at the end of the day, not just make money. Making money might be a byproduct, but it’s not our North Star.”

Are you making a difference?

Or is it just about piles of cash.

You want to wake up not only refreshed, but eager to head to work, to continue your mission. Don’t be me-too, be cutting edge, that will inspire you and keep you going.

And remember, you can’t do everything, be content to do just a few things, well.

8. “‘Walking Dead’ becomes first cable series to top fall TV ratings”

‘Walking Dead’ becomes first cable series to top fall TV ratings

This is why the major labels have to be very afraid…

While they’re chasing trends, the indies are creating them.

And now with distribution flattened, with anybody able to play, we’re going to experience even more left field hits.

To the cable subscriber it doesn’t matter what channel a show is on, just that it’s good.

Remember when you bought the record based on its major label imprimatur?

Neither do I.

We need to believe you believe. That you’re just not doing it as a stepping stone. That this is all there is. And you’re gonna keep on doing it whether anybody pays attention or not.

Steve Jobs was a prick. But he had a quest for excellence nonpareil. That’s what we love about Apple, that’s what we love about BMW, the refusal to compromise, the desire to get it right, even when it doesn’t count.

You see it’s the little things that matter. The features we rarely use but are thrilled you included. The way you not only thank your fans, but the way you do it that evidences your personality.

Passion has to be in your recorded music, in your live presentation. Passion is the key to making fans who will fund your projects on Kickstarter, who will come and see you. They’re attracted to that white hot heat, your burning desire to express yourself.

Start there. There’s no passion in marketing. That’s selling. It can be done well, but ever since Josh Freese broke the paradigm, people think the more innovative the marketing, the greater success you’re gonna have. No, the more we can see you having fun, testing limits, the more we’re interested, the more we’re drawn to you.

Like PSY. It’s when he does that dance. You know, when he’s fake riding a horse. It’s the only thing I can remember about that video and I’ve seen it a zillion times. Here you’ve got a chubby man willing to hang it all out there, to do it completely different, risk it all. Yes, there’s a thin line between success and failure. So most people play it safe, looking for insurance. But that limits you. We’re drawn to the mold breakers.

It’s when the original rockers grimaced when they hit the note. The way the drummer bangs the heads so hard they break. The way the bassist nods his noggin like he’s pushing a rock up a hill. We can feel it.

Most people are playing by the rules, doing what they don’t want to. They’re afraid to be themselves, to challenge authority. They’re looking to artists for leadership. Sure, John Lennon was a great musician, but we loved him because he was completely uncompromised, he spoke his mind, he could have gotten a girlfriend you liked, who looked like she was out of a magazine, but he picked Yoko Ono because of her mind, because of her passion. Whew!

And we felt it in the early hip-hop hits. Straight outta Compton. They wanted to prove it. And if you didn’t pay attention and they had to go back to the ghetto, so be it. But they were gonna give it a fighting chance. Listen to N.W.A. or Public Enemy…

And there’s nothing inherently wrong with posing and partying. Just as long as that’s not what you’re known for.

Bruce Springsteen is an above average songwriter with a serviceable voice but his delivery on stage makes converts to the point where he does great business years on. People believe in him.

Do they believe in you?