Ken, I just got done with my first listen of your mix CD. Once again, most of these I never would have been exposed to on my own, even with the wide variety of material.

I think I was paying attention more at the end, as several of those tracks stood out for me. I really liked "Classical Thump," "Musette," and "Mr. Crowley." I have to admit I'd never listened to Ozzy before, and I liked this track.

Sean was right. The Dixie Chicks song wasn't bad. I actually have nothing against them. I don't think I'd mind hearing more of their stuff, really.

Thanks for sharing. I'll have to pay closer attention on my next listen.

You've never listened to the Oz, oh my...

I hear he cometh.

There are definitely gaping holes in my listening experience.

Glad you enjoyed it! I'm amazed you've never heard Ozzy. Actually, I wouldn't be surprised if you had and didn't realize it--do you know the song Crazy Train?

Have you heard of John, Paul, Ringo, and George?

or Somewhere Over the Rainbow....

I'm sure I've unwittingly heard tons of artists I'm unfamiliar with, but the thing about ignorance is I can't tell you which ones.

Gasp! I suppose Ozzy's Black Sabbath days have been sidetracked too then. I feel it is only right to send you down the path to the dark side.
And Yes, I am your father!

Iron Man, Live in Paris - 1970.
Not the best version but this one should be treasured. Not because it's vintage but because it's early enough in his career that when he speaks to the crowd, you can still clearly understand his words.

War Pigs - 1970
A few weeks ago I went to see a friend's kids play at an open mike night. Even though the crowd was 99% nineteen to 25 year olds, the whole crowd got into singing Warpigs and they all knew the words. For a brief moment in time, I didn't feel old.

They both start very plain, dark, and simple but if you can make it to the end, you can't help but get hooked on the beat and the guitar licks.

The whole crowd only knew the words because War Pigs is one of the songs in Guitar Hero 2. I'd venture to guess that that game series has introduced a whole new generation of kids to some good rock music they would have never know otherwise.

Hmmm. I guess its a mater of perspective. I know who Ozzy is and I'm almost old enough to have gone to a concert when he could still be understood. I even hung out with people who loved to listen to Black Sabbeth at earbleed levels on bad stereos, but I could never really get into Ozzy.

War Pigs is great. A blast to sing with 'Rock Band' on our PS3. I'm the only one who loves the Ozzy songs in 'Rock Band', but they always oblige me. I think I scored just over 90% on expert. LOL...

That's always been the problem with you older rockers. You bemoan us youngsters for not appreciating "your" music while never giving ours a chance.
I still remember my first "real" concert: Rush when they were promoting their Hemispheres album. I also saw Van Halen that year. That was their first American tour.

Well, honestly, since Layne Staley killed himself there really hasn't *been* much new music to give a chance.

Honestly?

Yeah, we pretty much need more people battling with inner drug demons to share their pain with us in the form of music.

Nice performances, Murph. Thanks for sharing. "Iron Man" I of course recognize, most recently in the movie of the same name, and I know "War Pigs" from Cake's recent cover. You're right about getting hooked on the beat and guitar. Very cool.

Actually, I'd have to call you on a friendly exception to that one. My most recent rock CD purchase was the brand new "Disturbed". I've seen Billy Talent live 'twice' now and my song library is full of everything from the latest NU Metal down to the more 'artsy' John Butler Trio. Not bad for a 39 year old I think.

About the only kind of music I rank lowest on my scale is some of the really commercialized pop stuff.