Roots

My musical roots are in good ol Rock and Roll. I guess that you could argue my initial exposure was to the old school "praise and worship" projects such as "Praise 1" and "Praise 2" in the 70's.

My cousin exposed me to Steely Dan in the late 1970's and early 1980's. I still smile when I hear stuff off of Pretzel Logic, Katie Lied or The Royal Scam. You know, "Rikki Don't Lose that Number" or "Green Earrings". But when I got to a point around 1982 and the years to follow, I was able to make my own musical choices I had two main threads - Pop and Rock. Not to be confused with Pop Rock. One distinct Rock track which included my all time favorite band: Van Halen, along with the Scorpions, Quiet Riot, Ratt, Poison and other ridiculous hair bands. Track two was MTV driven: Michael Jackson, Tears for Fears, Simple Minds, Genesis and many many more.

Straight up truth, I LOVE THE 80's! You would think looking at pictures would convince me otherwise, but to this day I look back with fond memories.

I remember my mom trying to introduce people like Chuck Gerard, Tim Shepherd and Larry Norman as alternatives to the music I was finding on MTV and from my friends. But it just did not stick. I remember clearly my first Christian Rock tape, Petra "More Power To Ya". One track on the project caught my ear, "Judas Kiss" the rest made me either laugh or sick.

What brings on this musical history reflection?

As I was reading today I decided to wade a little further into my iTunes library than U2, David Crowder and ColdPlay. I ended up at Queensryche.

The Seattle-ites rock. Empire is the project I am listening to this morning and these guys rip. The tight bass and drums groove is unusual for this type of rock, accompanied with creative guitar riffs and vocals that only Geoff Tate can provide. Good rock.

Anyway, back to work.