From Thames TV’s computer program Database back in 1984, let host Jane Aston help you learn how to send an email.
By Patti Smith
Band Does Foo Fighters’ “My Hero” Slowed-Down For A Reason That Will Make You Cry
Musicians Blair Crimmins and The Hookers created this emotional, slow arrangement of Foo Fighters’ track My Hero specifically for their friend’s Mom, who suffers from Parkinson’s disease. She wanted to be able to dance at her son’s wedding, so they chose this song, and the tempo, and now it’s very dusty in here.
Patti Smith On Jefferson Airplane: “They were masters of their own ship”
It is said we become whom we love. We who loved Jefferson Airplane shook off our postwar skins, said farewell to the 50s and marched through the 60s toward the new Jerusalem. It was a Blakean city that was as much a state of mind as architecture, one of unbridled freedom built on the ashes of nationalism, conformity and materialism.
San Francisco was the emblematic meeting ground. Jefferson Airplane, the premiere standard-bearers of the Summer of Love, ushered us through its psychedelic gates.
They were masters of their own ship, and their words and music reflected all the possibilities, kaleidoscopic chaos and tribal energy of the sea they were navigating. Their modular personnel issued the clarion call of Surrealistic Pillow, and it remains a testament to their depth.
The core band of Jefferson Airplane entered the scene as a group of equals, exemplifying the electrifying rise in cultural consciousness. Paul Kantner’s science-fictional reaches for the cosmos. Jorma Kaukonen’s plugged-in virtuoso fingerstyle folk blues. Jack Casady’s fluid and stalwart bass lines entwining the propulsive creativity of Spencer Dryden’s drums. And there was vocal anarchy in the midst of mystical beauty, projected through the soaring combination of Grace Slick’s acerbic wit and fearless charisma and the romantic purity of Marty Balin.
Grace Slick: we all owe her a debt
How Surrealistic Pillow served in the transformation of an entire generation is well documented. For myself, a 20-year-old girl in rural New Jersey, hearing the voice of Grace Slick on the radio was a revelation. “Somebody To Love” and “White Rabbit” both contained the emotional trajectory of an aria. Make no mistake; we all owe her a debt. She was like no other and opened a door that will never close again.
On my worktable is a small orange button with the words “Jefferson Airplane loves you” in green. It is nearly half a century old. How fortunate we were to be loved by them. Their banner was also our own. They gave us anthems of love. They gave us instructions for action — feed your head! Got to revolution! And within Crown Of Creation, a requiem for a time all too brief. Yet their message enduringly calls, for all who listen, to unite once more through the collective consciousness of love.
That Time The Pixies Hosted MTV’s PostModern Show In 1989
A video compilation of The Pixies’ guest-host appearances on 1989’s Post-Modern MTV as they support their new album (at the time) Doolittle. This video features clips from the Town & Country ’88 show and the Here Comes Your Man music video. The Pixies introduce and host music videos and Top 10 Lists, mentioning how the band formed, Francis’ stage name and the originally intended title of Doolittle. Also, note how Frank’s second middle name is spelled incorrectly, how do you spell that anyways?
https://youtu.be/FTS0S7L8qkY
EMI’s Response To Venom’s Demo Tape Is…Um…Well…
In 1980 EMI responded to metal band’s Venom’s demo tape with an answer that left little room for interpretation. I don’t know if this is real, but I bet a LOT of A&R people have thought the same thing about a band at one time or another.
George Carlin & Richard Pryor on Johnny Carson’s Tonight Show, 1981
Back in 1981, two of comedy’s greats appeared on the same night on an episode of The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. George Carlin shines with a dazzling standup routine, then Richard Pryor spoke about his erratic personal life, while still maintaining his sense of humour.
The Cult’s Ceremony Poster
Ceremony is the fifth studio album by The Cult, first released in September, 1991. The album was highly anticipated by both music critics and fans as a result of the band’s previous worldwide successes with their 1987 album Electric and its 1989 follow up Sonic Temple. Their album sales might have tapered off since then, but the best was yet to come, with Born into This (2007), Choice of Weapon (2012), and Hidden City (2016).
The Clash Concert Poster From Their Combat Rock Tour
Combat Rock is the fifth studio album by The Clash, and spent 23 weeks in the UK charts and 61 weeks on the chart in the US.