Been A Long Time Since I Rock and Rolled...

Karen: Today's post was suggested by BABster Joseph -thanks for the great idea! Knowing how folks around here love to talk about music, why not discuss some of our favorite live music experiences? I'm sure that many of you have great stories to tell, and we'd love to hear them.

Karen: To get the ball rolling, I can say that my fondest concert memory is from 2005. It wasn't too long before I knew I would be leaving the Bay Area to move out to Phoenix, and a very dear friend and I got tickets to see Robert Plant and his band play at the Paramount Theater in Oakland. His album, Mighty Rearranger, had come out that year and was doing pretty well, and I had enjoyed that and Dreamland from a few years prior, so I was really looking forward to the show. Neither my friend nor I had been old enough to have experienced Led Zeppelin when they were touring, and I had no expectations that Plant would cover his old band's material, but still, to see him live, a true rock legend, would be exciting. Plus I knew I didn't have much time left to hang out with my friends as I would be moving soon, so every chance I got was special.

Karen: Well, I was in for a huge surprise: about half of Plant's set was Zeppelin tunes! He was in great form and his band was fantastic. My pal and I rocked out like we were teenagers! It was a magical night and when the show was over the place was full of smiles. I think a lot of folks were transported that night. 

Karen: Let's hear your stories now!

The Voice

Doug:  Today we're talking favorite singers -- from screeching rockers to crooners from the golden age of radio.  Throw out some great voices, performers who always bring a smile to your face or whose work you regularly play to pass the time.

Doug:  David_b and I have long voiced an affinity for the vocals of Karen Carpenter, who unfortunately left us all too soon.  I really like her mellow so-'70's sound, but at the same time I appreciate the fact that Robert Plant's voice was as much a part of Led Zeppelin's sound as was the instrumental talent of any of his three mates.  Elton John is a performer who managed to stay relevant a decade past his prime by embracing the fact that he could no longer hit the notes that were a famous part of his sound in the 1970's; while still clearly Elton, his vocals on That's What Friends Are For were powerful.

Doug:  And as long as we're talking, how about blended vocals?  I'm thinking of the Beach Boys, and Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young.  Do you like harmonies?

Doug:  As a thought toward physical exercise, is it possible to listen to Sinatra sing "The Way You Look Tonight" or "I've Got the World on a String" and not snap your fingers?

Doug:  This ought to be enough to get us rolling today.  Don't be afraid -- it's all fair game.

Doug:  Jeez, and what about Freddie Mercury?!?