New CD - Brian "Head" Welch - Save Me From Myself

Another CD blog, since there isn't a ton else going on.

I recently picked up the CD from ex-Korn guitarist Brian "Head" Welch. A couple years back, Brian found salvation in Jesus Christ, and became a born-again Christian. He promptly left the band Korn, as he found he could not continue being a part of that particular band.

Earlier this year, an "autobiography" was released titled "Save Me From Myself". With a bit of help, Brian put together his story of drugs, life with the band Korn, and how he found Christ. Two "versions" of the book are available, with a less "graphic" version for those looking to share the story with a younger or more sensitive audience (title of less graphic version is "Washed By Blood"). I have not read the book, but have read reviews saying the story doesn't "sugar coat" any of the realities of the life Brian was "living".

In September, Brian released his first solo music CD, also titled "Save Me From Myself". One can find many similar experiences and themes in the songs, compared with the book.

Musically, it is VERY similar to early era Korn. Production is outstanding, and the music is definitely heavy. If you found yourself enjoying some of what was best of the "nu-metal" style, you would likely enjoy this CD. The creepy dissonant guitars are all over the disc. Brian handles lead vocals, and this is the one point that some have a problem with. Brian is not a great vocalist, and his style isn't anything like Korn's Jonathan Davis. In many ways, the songs may have benefited from a more versatile vocalist. But, this isn't a huge issue. I think it only stands out, because the music is so well done. I especially like the arrangement of the song "Re-Bel", with the children's singing sections. The "chorus" section is provided by Brian's screaming vocals. Musically, this song reminded me quite a bit of the band Rackets & Drapes, and their song "Trick or Treat".

Lyrically, Brian has some good ideas, but I have the feeling it's lacking some spiritual maturity or counsel. His song "Die Religion Die" is attacking the "business" of organized religion, and pleading with the church to unite more and not put so much emphasis on buildings. Not a bad idea, but nothing new really. Songs like "Re-Bel", come from the perspective of Jesus reaching out to the lonely or disconnected. Again, not anything wrong with this, but nothing new. Generally, I find the lyrics simply reflect a "young Christian" as he desires to share his new found faith with the world. Many of the lyrical ideas are fine, but simply not presented in any unique fashion. Almost to the point of being cliche.

There is some controversy surrounding the single "Flush", which addresses Brian's past addiction to drugs (specifically Crystal Meth). The song opens with sounds of vomiting, which can be a bit much for the casual listener. The song directly speaks to his battle with the drugs, and overcoming them with Christ. A video for the song was recently released, which visualizes some of the songs lyrics. In many ways, the video is a bit over done with scenes of vomiting and obsession over a pink powder. Although Brian has directly addressed the concerns with specific references to his own experiences, I'm not entirely sure the visual aspects needed to be so graphic in order to make the point. To me, this is part of his spiritual immaturity, as he seeks to convey his message as best he can. As Brian continues to grow spiritually, I would expect he could find more effective and less controversial ways to convey his message. I do agree with Brian that it is odd to hear about stores removing his CD from their shelves, when the video is not at all included with the CD.

Overall, the CD "Save Me From Myself" is an outstanding nu-metal CD, from one of the pioneers of the style. The lyrical content is boldly Christian, and I have no problem with that. In fact, the lyrics would likely spark good discussions with both Christians and non-Christians.

I'm hoping Brian doesn't take years to complete his next CD, as I'm anxious to hear what's next.

My grade: B

A+ = must have
A = almost perfect
A- = should have
B+ = highly recommended
B = recommended
B- = slightly recommended
C+ = worth checking out if on sale
C = worth checking out if in cut-out bin
C- = worth checking out if at garage sale
D+ = wouldn't want it in my collection
D = wouldn't take it even if it was free
D- = couldn't recommend it to anyone
E = avoid at all costs

A Classic Revisited - Aerosmith "Live Bootleg"

Since I haven't got a ton of things going on, I figured I'd take some blogs to post thoughts on recent CD purchases.

This week: Aerosmith - "Live Bootleg"

For me, this live release captures Aerosmith at their 70s peak. Granted, some of the pleasure comes in reminiscing, since I remember seeing my first Aerosmith concert in 1978. Most of the recordings come from the 1978 era, around the "Draw The Line" tour. Not only do you get the early classics like "Dream On", "Mama Kin", and "Train Kept A Rollin", but you also get later 70s era tunes like "Back In The Saddle" and a cover of The Beatles "Come Together" (which they recorded originally for the movie version of "Sgt Pepper", staring the Bee-Gees and Peter Frampton).

You wouldn't get any argument that this wasn't the "tightest" version of Aerosmith, since this was back before everyone completed their first detox tours. In my opinion, this is Aerosmith at their best. Bluesy hard rock, played just a bit sloppy, but with tons of attitude.

Originally released as a 2-LP project, I remember not being able to get a copy because it was too expensive ($9). Now, we get most everything on a single CD (around $11.99), and the remastering does add some punch to the live mix. The new booklet features all the photos and notes from the original LP set, as well as some previously unreleased photos. Overall, it's a nice package for the classic rocker.

If you are looking for the more recent "soundtrack ballad" Aerosmith, you won't find it here. But, if you want to hear want built this band into a classic rock staple with millions in unit sales, here's a snapshot of the energy. I only wish there was a decent video of this era Aerosmith, so we could see some of these performances as they happened.

It's not perfect, but that wasn't the point. They didn't call it "live bootleg" for nothing.

My grade: A-

A+ = must have
A = should have
A- = highly recommended
B+ = recommended
B- = slightly recommended
C+ = worth checking out if on sale
C = worth checking out if in cut-out bin
C- = worth checking out if at garage sale
D+ = wouldn't want it in my collection
D = wouldn't take it even if it was free
D- = couldn't recommend it to anyone
E = avoid at all costs

I'm not racist...but I will have an opinion

It would seem that the only reason some believe I'm voting for McCain, is because I'm racist - at least, that's what they end up concluding. I'm getting tired of hearing these "thinking people" resort to name calling, in order to support their agenda that any "thinking person" cannot possibly support McCain. Well, I'm here to burst their bubble.

You see, I personally have no problem with race, and it plays no part in my choice for president or even friendships. I do have a problem with poor choices and bad judgment (regardless of race), and will not support either. Trouble is, just because I personally disagree and will not support someone due to their own choices, does not mean I have any problem with their skin color. You can be white, black, brown, yellow, whatever, and it has no bearing on whether I would consider you someone I would respect. It has everything to do with how you behave and present yourself, as well as whether you are respectful of others. A white person that is full of tattoos and body piercings may be a genius at rocket science, but their choices of "personal expression" will cause me to seriously consider their judgment. It has nothing to do with race. Similarly, the black or white or yellow man who wears his pants down around his knees may be a genius at economics or law. But, their choices of "personal expression" will again cause me to seriously consider their judgment. It has nothing to do with race. On the flip side, I could see a person well dressed and groomed who presents themselves well, could be a complete moron on just about every topic. I would be less likely to question their judgment, as they are not overtly displaying their own "personal expression". It has nothing to do with race.

The point is that I have no problem with Obama's race. I've got tons of problems with his lack of experience, and complete ignorance on how to fund his great plans for the USA. Not to mention, that ALL of his ideas would need congressional approval, and we know how productive those folks are (NOT!!). Obama may have grand ideas, but he seems to leave out how to accomplish them effectively.

I'm not without reservation regarding McCain, but the guy has decades more experience with regards to actually running the country. He's not the best choice, but he sure beats the pants off of an Obama presidency. At least McCain seems to understand that it's not all up to him to solve all the problems in the country, nor will he take that responsiblity. He understands the job involves leadership, and not just pandering.

It has nothing do to with race. It has everything to do with experience, judgment, and an understanding of what makes the USA great.

It's the individual citizens, and not the politicians!! Stop putting so much faith in the politicians, and start putting faith in ourselves!! It has nothing to do with race.