GETTING MORE TALE #804: Freestylin’
I thought I’d try something different, and just sit down at the keyboard and write. I have a warm coffee next to me (I drink large regular now) and some music in my speakers. I’m listening to a Japanese import of Quiet Riot’s new album Hollywood Cowboys. Just listening; not reviewing. You have to spend time just listening.
I do most of my listening at my keyboard these days. My main room music setup is seldom used anymore. Only when I’m spinning something in 5.1 surround do I usually roll out the big guns. Otherwise I’m content to just listen at my desk or on a pair of headphones. It’s a nice comfortable spot for me, right by a window. Outside the ground is dusted in a shallow layer of white. It is December 20th, 2019.
I dared go to the mall today. Long story short, a bunch of stuff I ordered for Jen for Christmas got cancelled (out of stock). Not having much choice this late in the game, I went to the mall where I accomplished my mission. It wasn’t what I’d call “fun” but it was also pretty painless. I stopped at Sunrise records where I inquired about The Rise of Skywalker soundtrack. I would have taken CD or vinyl, but their stock had not yet arrived.
I do know this. A “deluxe edition” of the soundtrack is coming in March. Then, later in 2020, a 27 Blu-ray (!) Skywalker Saga boxed set. I don’t know how far that will put me back, and I actually don’t care! I’ve been enjoying speculating what could be in that box. The press release specified it was being billed as a complete Skywalker Saga. That’s 9 films. Let’s guesstimate that each movie will be a 2-disc set. That’s 22 discs, plus 5 extra Blu-rays? That’s one possibility. With George Lucas out of the picture, we could be getting an “original” original trilogy and a Holiday Special. Sky’s the limit, so let’s make some wishes.
This Quiet Riot album is decent. I liked Jamed Durbin with that band. You simply cannot hear that Frankie Banali was ill. I hope Frankie fights a hard battle against that bitch named cancer, and many more albums are still to come. You can do this, Frankie. The Japanese bonus track this time out is an acoustic version of the bluesy “Roll On”.
I’ve been listening to a lot of Ozzy Osbourne over the last few weeks. You’ll see some of that in future content I’ve written. I played a few of his more recent albums, Scream and Black Rain in addition to all the classics. Those two are not bad. They hold up better than I thought they would. It’s refreshing when you get to Scream, with Gus G on guitar. Too much Zakk Wylde can lead to ear fatigue. The Randy Rhoads era stands out absolutely as the pinnacle. The way he wrote and played guitar is unlike anyone else, and there just isn’t enough Randy music in the world.
In case you’re curious, there’s one Ozzy album I never bought, and that’s Down to Earth (2001). I’ve heard it and I’m just not interested. Too many outside writers and too much influence from the producer, would be my nutshell review. I have no plans to add it to my collection, though I did buy the CD singles. I like having B-sides.
I think I’ve rambled long enough. Christmas is coming and I still have one special post to go, as a gift to a reader. Thanks for hanging in — and stay tuned for the annual year-end lists!
And may the Force be with you, always.