Eric Alán • L.O.V. & E.

Kicking off the weekend with a little frisky fun! After all, don't we all need a little "L.O.V. & E." now and again? I know I do, and apparently, Eric Alán understands all about it. You see, Eric grew up in Southern California, in a home that seemed to have little patience for a little boy who knew he was special. His life continues to be eventful, as he tries to make music as well as a living, for he works 3 weeks a month on deep sea oil rigs, to help pay for the studio time when he is home. He also writes his own music, and his latest release is "L.O.V. & E.". The video includes cameo performances by Latin pinup model Gio Dell along with the late Arpad Miklos. I would like to add that if you are at work, the video can get a bit deliciously spicy. Yum!!

At this point, Eric is an out and proud gay man, and in many ways celebrates his own acceptance with an ease and freedom of his dashing good looks and sexy Latino moves. You can see more of that amazing freedom in his single from a while back, "Pornstar". The camera does love Eric, as you can see in this music video.

You can purchase "L.O.V. & E." on iTunes and Amazon. Also, "Pornstar" is available as a single on both iTunes and Amazon. To learn more about Eric Alán, check him out on Facebook or 'follow ' him on Twitter.

Pansy Division • Undressed

As the weather heats up, we are reminded that Mother Nature cannot be denied, and summer is on the way. With that warm weather comes thoughts of summer music, and my mind starts to drift back to summers when I was younger. Hey, not that much younger, but still. I remember when I thought there was nothing better than some great rock songs to keep me going, and then I did it. I thought of Pansy Division, and what great summer music they make, and it was over. I couldn't think of anyone else, and, in fact, didn't want to think of anything, so I went directly to iTunes and started playing 'The Essential Pansy Division', a great favorite of mine. Then I checked out some of the individual releases, and discovered that 20 years ago this past March, they released the album I first fell in love with, 'Undressed'. The band, who I think of as one of the Leather Daddy of Queercore, were came together in 1991, and made their debut in 1993. At that time, Jon Ginoli, Chris Freeman, and Patrick Hawley made up the band. Ginoli and Freeman have been the core of the band throughout, and Ginoli has written much of their songs. To be honest, I didn't find them until '94, when they made a big splash with inclusion on several Punk compilation albums, and being chosen to open for Greenday on the 'Dookie' tour. But once I found them, I've never let them go...

'Undressed' was their debut album, and it featured short songs often performed at breakneck speed, typical for Punk bands. It also bore witness to the influences of many Punkers, Pop music of the 1960s. What was not so typical, however, was the content, as Ginoli wrote songs specifically about his experience as a gay man, including some sexually explicit themes. Like much of Punk, the 'safe' was the only taboo. From the opening song to the last, Pansy Division was in-your-face gay, a startling and welcome relief from many gay boys who thought the genres was exclusively heterosexual. The music is bold and brash, while the lyrics are salacious, real, and often funny. They spoke of gay men and gay sex in an honest way, and often tackled bigotry with a raised fist and a wry smile. Let's begin with a track I love, but before I do, I will have to say this music is meant to play loud, and not in an office. Some might be offended by the frank language. Luckily, I am not. I begin with "Bunnies", taking a look at the very early stages of some very special physical relationships I would bet we all have had.

Ah, yes, we've all be there before. Now I will move an to another song, one with a stronger melody, a mid-tempo song. "Hippy Dude" speaks to a particular penchant one might have, for a particular type of guy. Some might like a Twink, while others a Bear. Some get excited by seeing a Punk, while still others get turned on by a Geek. Apparently, the San Fransisco-based band had a thing for counter-culture boys. I hope you enjoy "Hippy Dude".

Next up, I thought I would share with you this amazing cover song. Well, quasi-cover, as it were. You see, "Rock & Roll Queer Bar" take the music of "Rock & Roll High School" and Ginoli gives it new lyrics, making the song a whole new present to the world. The band lampoons the experience, poking lightly at the 'stereotypes' found in the typical gay bar. Enjoy "Rock & Roll Queer Bar".

Finally, I bring you the last track on the album, "ANTHEM". The song allows the boys to stand up and be out and proud rockers, with no apologies. Once again they are in-your-face, announcing they are "the butt-fuckers of rock & roll". The song has great energy, and some fantastic electric guitar work. So watch out world, they are coming to get you. Listen to "ANTHEM" by The Pansy Division.

This 13-song effort is fantastic from top to bottom. They shift between relentless Punk tempos to melodic Pop songs with a grace and ease few could. What never shifts is the commitment to offering a view of gay life, or of life seen through the gay eyes of a Rock band. Two decades ago, it was unlike anything I had heard before. And when I listen to it today, it still sounds fresh and new, and just as irresistible. You can purchase 'Undressed' from iTunes and BandCamp. You can order the physical CD from Amazon. For more information about Pansy Division, you can visit their official website, 'like' them on Facebook, or 'follow' them on Twitter.

Reasons Be • Hands Up EP

I was recently made aware of a new release from a band named Reasons Be. The band, comprised of Scotty Dickert and R.E.L., put out the 'Hands Up' EP last year. I hadn't heard about it at the time, but will admit I am a fan of R.E.L. when he was fronting the band Belkins, a straight ally whose music I really enjoyed. With a bit of research, I learned R.E.L. had answered an advertisement on Craigslist, and this is when he met Scotty. It seems they instantly bonded, and the duo was established. When I heard about the new situation, I admit I was excited to first hear the new music to be found on 'Hands Up'. I was truly excited when I hit the 'Play' button to get started.


Let to right: Scotty Dickert and R.E.L.

'Hands Up ' is a four-song EP with a crisp sound. It opens with a delicious Pop confection, "Hands Up". The song is up-beat and melodic, and I started humming along seconds after hitting play. The rhythms are driven by the bold acoustic guitar, and the flawless vocals. There is an inherent sweetness to the opening of "Voice of Mount Mary", but as the production builds, so does the song. We feel the emptiness of the singer missing his love, just wanting to be home. There is a sexy and rocky opening for "Carry Me Home", showing a sassy side to the duo. This song was made for the radio, demanding to be heard, and daring you not to move with the contagious beats. The final cut on the EP is "Love the Way", which opens with the guitar sounding so sweet and lyrical, only to be topped with Scotty's vocals. Well, give a listen for yourself.



There is more Pop freshness, as you could hear. I really enjoyed this first outing for Reasons Be, and look forward to hearing more. If you would like to learn more about Reasons Be, visit their official website. You can also 'follow' them on Twitter, or 'like' them on Facebook. You can purchase the 'Hands Up' EP on iTunes, Amazon, and CD Baby.

Robert Plant & Alison Krauss • Raising Sand

In 2007, an album was released that is arguably the best release in the new millennium. 'Raising Sand' featured the vocal talents of Alison Krauss and Robert Plant, the iconic singer best known for his time with Led Zeppelin. Plant not only had roots in Hard Rock, he also recorded some of the great 1950s standards as frontman of the band The Honeydrippers. Krauss was known for her Bluegrass Roots music, both solo and with the band Union Station. The unlikely pairing as brought together seamlessly by producer T-Bone Burnett, whose career as a musician, songwriter, and producer has been nothing short of amazing. His work with Bob Dylan, Roy Orbison, John Mellencamp, Counting Crows, Elton John & Leon Russell, and Elvis Costello, to just name a few, shows how well he works to make great music. The album debuted at number two on the Billboard 200, selling about 112,000 copies in its first week, the highest chart position for either artists' solo work, although Plant had previously reached #1 several times with Led Zeppelin. 'Raising Sand' was certified platinum by the RIAA in 2008. On February 8, 2009, 'Raising Sand' won all five awards for which it was nominated at the 51st Grammy Awards: including 'Album of the Year'; 'Best Contemporary Folk/Americana Album'; 'Record of the Year' for "Please Read the Letter".

First I will feature one of my favorite tracks on the album, "Rich Woman". The song was written by Dorothy LaBostrie and McKinley Millet, and recorded by McKinley "L'il" Millet and his Creoles in 1955. I just loved the sound of the song, and how incredible the voices sounded together. It just has such amazing depth and texture to it, which could be why it also was named 'Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals' at the 2009 Grammy Awards.

The second track on the album, "Killing The Blues" was written by Rowland "Roly" Salley. The songwriter is perhaps better known for playing the bass guitar as part of Chris Isaak's band Silvertone. Putting his beautiful song into the artful hands of Plant, Krauss and Burnett allowed the song to be shown at it's best, their voices taking a haunting feel that works to well. At the 2009 Grammy Awards, the song was named 'Best Country Collaboration with Vocals'. Here is a clip of the song being sung live on 'Later...With Jools Holland' in 2008.

I was also just insanely crazy about the song "Gone Gone Gone (Done Moved On)". It was written by Don and Phil Everly and recorded by the Everly Brothers. Of course, it was written with themselves in mind, and their incredible harmonies that were the trademark of the duo. But Burnett mixed it up a bit, giving the song a timeless feel, and Plant and Krauss responded with amazing vocals. "Gone, Gone, Gone (Done Moved On)" was released as a single, and it was also named 'Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals' at the 50th Grammy Awards. Enjoy this music video shot for the song.

Finally, I also loved "Fortune Teller", written by Naomi Neville. This was a pen name for Jazz great Allen Toussaint, when he was writing in the 1950s and 1960s, trying to work his way around publishing contracts. The song has a great feel to it, with interesting rhythms and a dark and brooding feel. I hope you enjoy "Fortune Teller".

You can purchase 'Raising Sand' on iTunes and Amazon.

Kevin Allred • Distractions & Forgotten Songs

Some days I consider myself luckier than usual, and so it was the day that I got an email from Kevin Allred, and artist I must admit I knew little about. He was sent my way via JD Doyle, and he wanted to send some music for me to hear. And that is when I first heard his album, 'Distractions & Forgotten Songs', a sweet combination of original music and three cover songs, all coming straight from the heart of the Boston-based musician. A cursory look at his website and I learned more, including his good looks and edge reminded me of a young and handsome Bruce Springsteen. Well, the next logical step was to give a listen to the music, which I did.

So, 'Distractions & Forgotten Songs' is a 2013 release, and it starts off with the count at the start of "Distraction", a song that has a wonderful feel of some early Bob Dylan, very personal and confessional, pulling me in closer and closer. There is something very real in his voice, like it is vocalizing his emotions, speaking right from the heart. The next cut is "Irreplaceable", a cover of the Beyoncé song. It is interesting, for his stripped down version of the song carries a bit more production that his first original song, picking up an electronic sound, but pared back so the core of the song can be heard and felt. For the third cut, we return to the original songs with "Through My Fingers". There is a certain feel to the song that makes me think this is a Rock song given a Folk treatment, and it working very well. Give a listen yourself.

I actually get that from Allred's music, a feeling of 'Rock rebellion' with a certain amount of anger and disenchantment running through it, both lyrically and in his vocals. This is definitely true of the next song, "How High", recorded at a live performance. There is a feeling of heartbreak, and yet while there is a hurt, there is never the feeling of resigning, of accepting the pain as anything more than the painful air he is moving through to make it someplace better. There is a beauty in this journey, and being able to hear about it. While on the road, Kevin also addresses love, and how he falls for "Every Waiter". In a world of caffeine and driving to the next destination, he takes a look at the life of a musician, and how that effects him. There is a real beauty to "When It's Gone", with a delicate guitar playing as he sings of his heart being torn apart. Next up is a wonderful cover of Robyn's "Call Your Girlfriend", given a new twist when sung by a gay man. Here is Kevin singing an acoustic version of his take on "Call Your Girlfriend".

There is a somber feeling to the opening of "Playground Alone", when he speaks to the issue of trying to find his way through the day with a broken heart, "trying to find the energy to drink my self to sleep". Love is hard, and it hurts. There is a new tone with "Compromise", when anger really kicks into gear, not quite the easy target he once was, for he is fighting for love. There is a decided brightness in tone for "Beautiful", a very sweet love song. There is such joy in the song, it is so great to hear that in Allred's voice. That is followed up with the third and final cover of the collection, "Runaway" by Kanye West. Kevin plugs in the electric guitar, adding a hard-edged melody to the song. That is followed by "Calculated Risk", with the rhythm carried by the acoustic guitar. The song, which weighs the calculated risk of making that first contact, not a date, but maybe just a cup of coffee. "Just Like Home (Live)" is a happy song for Kevin. I think he might be right, but you can check it out for yourself.

"Waltz" s next, and talks about the dance we all sometimes do, trying to find out footing in a relationship. There is a a real beauty to this song, between the lyrics and a sweet, sweet melody I really loved. And, finally, we have "Packed House", the last cut on the album. It is a very personal song, hinting about his musical process, but really more about a journey, and how we are influenced by the way we see ourselves. Ultimately, I feel hope at the base of this song, as we all dig down deep to keep moving on. 'Distractions & Forgotten Songs' is a highly charged emotional journey, one that Allred freely shares with the listener. He is part troubadour, part confessor, and part angry young man, shaking his fist in the air to injustice. His emotions are raw and very real, easy to identify, and to identify with. To learn more about Kevin Allred, visit his official website. You can also 'like' him on Facebook, and 'follow' him on Twitter. You can purchase 'Distractions & Forgotten Songs' from iTunes, Amazon, and BandCamp.

The Doors • RIP Ray Manzarek

Clockwise from bottom left: Robby Krieger; Ray Manzarek; John Densmore; and Jim Morrison

With the passing of Ray Manzarek after a battle with cancer, I thought it would be appropriate to look at some of the music he made when he was keyboardist with the iconic band The Doors. While the band might bring to mind the images of frontman Jim Morrison in tight leather pants, it should also remind us of the soaring organ music that helped define the sound. It was Manzarek who gave The Doors this signature sound, one that immediately makes me think of The Doors and the late 1960s.

Left to right: Jim Morrison; Ray Manzarek; Robby Krieger;and  John Densmore.

The Doors were one of the preeminent rock bands of the time, and were made up by Morrison, Manzarek, Robby Krieger and John Densmore. It is still amazing to me that The Doors left such a rich catalog of music, despite being together for just eight years. And, when you look at is, it was really just six years, as Morrison dies in 1971, and while they continued to make music with Manzarek and Krieger on vocals, they never achieved the success, and disbanded in 1973. But when they was on point, there were few American Rock bands that could compete. Between the talent and charisma of Morrison, and the brilliant musicianship of Manzarek, Krieger and Densmore, their power was unmistakable. I will start with a look at their first #1 song on the Billboard Hot 100, "Light My Fire". The song, written by the band, stormed up the charts in 1967.

The following year, the song was covered by José Feliciano, and the song went to #3 on the Billboard Hot 100. Feliciano, an accomplished guitarist, put his own sound into the song. "Love Me Two Times" was another hit in 1967. The song, also written by the band, once again had their signature sound, combining the rich voice of Morrison with the strength of Manzarek's keyboards. I found this clip of the band playing in Europe in 1968.

For the 1968 hit "Touch Me", The Doors changed up their sound a little bit, adding both string and a horn section. This gave the song a richer sound, with additional textures. But it still had that very special sound for which the band became known. The song, written by Robby Krieger, made it to #3 on the Billboard Hot 100. The following clip features the band playing on 'The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour', and featured the string and horn section of the Nelson Riddle Orchestra.

I will come to a close with the second #1 hit for The Doors, 1968's "Hello I Love You". Like much of their music, the song was written by the band. It was featured on the 1968 album 'Waiting For The Sun', their third album, and the first to hit #1 on the Billboard album chart, just as the single topped the Billboard Hot 100. This clip is from a 1968 concert at the famed Hollywood Bowl.

It has been well-documented that Jim Morrison died on July 3, 1971, in Paris, France, of an apparent drug overdose. As I mentioned earlier, the band released two more albums before disbanding. However, the first six albums are all certified Platinum in sales, and continue to be discovered and purchased by music lovers today. on May 20, 2013, Manzarek died of complications related to bile duct cancer, the second member of The Doors to leave us. Rest in peace, Ray. Hope you find Morrison and you can play together once again. To learn more about The Doors, visit the official website. You can purchase 'The Very Best of The Doors' on both iTunes and Amazon.

Bobby Jo Valentine • Home Video

Bobby Jo Valentine has been one of my musical crushes since I first found his music, as well as the latest album, 'Home'. Well, that did nothing to change my feelings, except maybe endear the singer/songwriter to my heart just a little bit more. And since he released this new video, featuring Bobby Jo performing the title clip live, I can tell you Bobby Jo still has a place in my heart. Check out this video for "Home", and tell me you didn't lose just a little piece of your heart as well.

There is just something to true, so honest about Bobby Jo's music, I find it irresistible. Much like a delectable snack, I find myself never listening to just one song, but wanting to hear the whole album. And so I do! For more about Bobby Jo Valentine, visit his official website. Both the song and the album 'Home' can be purchased on iTunes and Amazon.