Blueshadow's Bon Jovi Blog » Richie Sambora

The ten songs that made me like music

admin — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 01:02:44 +0000

As you may know, I grew up during the heyday of grunge, but that style of music never spoke to me at all. (Actually, I was so utterly alienated by grunge that I spent years unable to understand what it was that made people hardcore fans of any band.) I picked up an album here and there over the years as a song caught my fancy, but it wasn’t until I bought that copy of Cross Road that everything started to come together for me to really become a fan of rock music.

So, presented here in chronological order, are the songs that led me to discover that rock and roll really can be awesome.

The Sound of Silence
Artist: Simon and Garfunkel
Album: Sounds of Silence
I swiped my mother’s cassette of Simon and Garfunkel’s Greatest Hits when I was a kid. For some reason, this song stood out in my memory–and had a tendency to get stuck in my head for days at a time. I didn’t think much of it at the time, but it was the first step to my eventual love of rock and roll.
Bat Out of Hell
Artist: Meat Loaf
Album: Bat Out of Hell
This was my first baby step into the world of rock and roll on my own. My original copy of this song was on a cassette copy of Meat Loaf’s Greatest Hits that I got as a birthday present after mentioning that I liked the song. In many ways, Meat Loaf’s work was what bridged the gap between the Broadway soundtracks that I had been listening to, and rock music.
Stairway to Heaven
Artist: Led Zeppelin
Album: Led Zeppelin IV
This was one of the first rock songs that I discovered that really spoke to me. As you can tell, I really went through a phase where I was into songs of utterly epic length…
Refugee
Artist: Tom Petty
Album: Damn the Torpedoes
I got my first Tom Petty CD because I had this song stuck in my head from hearing it on the local classic rock station, and it fit in with the story of a comic book that I was drawing at the time. Petty was one of the first artists that I really found to be accessible–his songs were things that I could understand, but at the same time, they were awesome pieces of music.
Wanted Dead or Alive
Artist: Bon Jovi
Album: Slippery When Wet
That one copy of Cross Road that I bought purely to get this song was pretty much the turning point in my discovery of music. I think I must have played that CD about ten time the first day alone. This was finally a band that really spoke to me–and the fact that their lead singer happened to be completely gorgeous was a lovely bonus.
Paint it Black
Artist: The Rolling Stones
Album: Flashpoint
Flashpoint was the first live album that I ever bought. But the song itself intrigued me long before I ever bought this album. As a matter of fact, it was one of the critical decision-making factors in buying this album–it had to have ‘Paint it Black’ on it. The end result was that I fell in love with live albums and what they could capture.
I’m Eighteen
Artist: Alice Cooper
Album: Love It to Death
After I’d discovered that I really liked hard rock, I went digging around in my parents’ basement through their old records in search of new stuff to discover. As it happened, I discovered Alice Cooper that day, and never looked back. One more step harder and darker… and I liked it.
One Light Burning
Artist: Richie Sambora
Album: Stranger in this Town
Sure, I owned several other CDs from heavily blues-influenced bands (like Led Zeppelin) when I bought Richie’s first solo album. But it was Richie who really made me realize how much I liked that sound. I went through a phase where I listened to this album–and especially this song–almost all the time.
Rainbow in the Dark
Artist: Dio
Album: Holy Diver
I first encountered this song because it had been mentioned on Deadliest Catch. Hey, I bought Cross Road because it had the theme song to that show on it; I figured this song was worth a listen. As it turned out, it was well worth listening to, and here I started to become a metalhead.
Welcome to the Jungle
Artist: Guns N’ Roses
Album: Appetite for Destruction
Back when I had a longer commute, I used to drive past a used record store every time that I drove through town instead of taking the highway. One day, I gave in and stopped there on my way home, and wound up buying a copy of this album. I stuck it in my CD player to listen to on the rest of the drive home. This being summertime, I had the windows down when I got stuck in traffic. I wound up getting funny looks from people in the cars next to me. Evidently blond girls who drive purple cars aren’t supposed to listen to this song. But I was OK with that. And that was when I realized that rock and roll had become part of my identity.

Richie’s Back

admin — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 23:35:06 +0000

So, today’s big news is that Richie has returned from rehab.

Personally, I’m glad to have him back. I’m a Jon girl, first and foremost, but I will admit to having an eye for the tall, dark and handsome as well. And for some reason I’ve really been liking the dark look lately.

I’m especially glad to just see him back and happy. Richie’s charm and charisma is a big part of what I like so much about Bon Jovi, and I’m very glad that I got to see him earlier on this tour. I can’t speak for anyone else, but if it had been me, I would have been disappointed if I didn’t get to see Richie.

Top Ten Songs for Fixing a Rotten Day

admin — Thu, 19 May 2011 01:10:22 +0000

I always wind up turning to music when I’ve had a bad day. Sometimes it’s a concert DVD, and sometimes it’s just turning on the computer and letting Windows Media Player shuffle until it hits the right song.

So, I present the top 10 songs that I turn to when I’ve had that truly rotten day…

One Light Burning
Artist: Richie Sambora
Album: Stranger in this Town
The lyrics in this particular song are so powerful–this one is more than just a bad day song, this is pure inspiration that could keep me going through just about anything.
Badlands
Artist: Bruce Springsteen
Album: Darkness on the Edge of Town
There’s just something about this song–particularly the bridge before the last chorus–that for whatever reason can really lift me right out of whatever’s going on in my life.
Rock and Roll Dreams Come Through
Artist: Meat Loaf
Album: Bat Out of Hell II
It might be a little bit over the top, but that’s what makes this one so great for a bad day. It can snap me right out of just about any funk.
I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead
Artist: Bon Jovi
Album: Keep the Faith
It might not always be my favorite song to hear live, but I love this song for pretty much snapping me straight back to a Bon Jovi concert the instant I hear it.
Paint it Black
Artist: The Rolling Stones
Album: Aftermath
This is one song where not only to the lyrics suit a bad mood, but the groove of this song is perfect for snapping me out of it.
Ride the Wind
Artist: Poison
Album: Flesh & Blood
Another song where all that really matters is the way that the lyrics can lift me up in a heartbeat.
Elvis in Vegas
Artist: Meat Loaf
Album: Hang Cool Teddy Bear
This song is six minutes of pure escape from anything. There’s something about the way the chorus just soars on this one that just lets me get away from anything.
Highway to Hell
Artist: AC/DC
Album: Highway to Hell
In addition to a title and chorus tailor made for those really rotten days, the lyrics are pure classic hard rock, my favorite form of music in the world.
Something for the Pain
Artist: Bon Jovi
Album: These Days
Something for the pain, indeed.
Rock of Ages
Artist: Def Leppard
Album: Pyromania
It might not be complicated, but this is one song that never fails to brighten up my day.

Mohegan Sun Behind the Scenes Video

admin — Tue, 10 May 2011 01:20:56 +0000

NBC has a behind the scenes video from one of Bon Jovi’s Mohegan Sun shows.

It’s from March though, so there’s no mention of Richie’s recent issues. But there are some really good shots of Richie’s guitar collection.

You know, I never really looked that hard at Richie’s guitars. I was always more interested in the sounds that man could extract from them than what they looked like.

But what makes this video so cool is that it gave me a really good look at some of his guitars, including the double-neck one that he uses for Wanted, which is actually quite beautiful.

Philly Eye Candy Commentary…

admin — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 14:34:59 +0000

And now, for the girly part of the post about last Wednesday’s Bon Jovi show… my commentary on Jon and Richie’s outfits! (The review of the concert itself can be found in this post.)

Jon’s first outfit was the best one, as far as I’m concerned. I like the tight pants, and the view from my seat provided me with a good angle on his butt. Combining those pants with that black jacket made for a pretty good rock star outfit, and I’m a sucker for the rock star ‘look’. I would have liked it even better if he’d ditched the shirt under the jacket. From my angle, it was hard to tell that it was actually a shirt–the center part of it was basically the same color as his skin, so I initially thought that he wasn’t wearing a shirt and something odd had happened to his chest hair.

As for Jon’s second outfit, I liked the way that long-sleeve t-shirt hugged his arms. But personally, I’d have preferred it if he’d skipped the t-shirt and just worn the vest buttoned up without a shirt. (I have a poster of Jon rockin’ the vest-without-shirt look from the Keep the Faith era, and it’s one of my favorites.) Jon’s got buff arm muscles–he can still skip the shirt and look hot. Plus, the t-shirt was so long that it covered up his butt a bit.

Jon’s third outfit was better–at least that one didn’t cover up the butt. No rock star can go wrong with a basic leather jacket and t-shirt.

Also, Jon’s hair was just about perfect. I’ve always thought he made a good blond, and the longer hair softens up his face a bit.

Richie started off with the outfit that he’s been wearing at the last several shows, with the jacket and vest combo. However, it’s a good outfit. Back to that whole ‘rock star look’ thing–it makes him look like a rock star.

Plus, Richie was in good shape last night. He’s really looking good–and starting to give Jon a run for the money in the handsome rock and roll hottie department again.

All told, there was plenty of eye candy at the Wells Fargo Center last week.

Commentary: Richie on Extra

admin — Sat, 30 Oct 2010 00:48:51 +0000

I did catch Richie Sambora’s appearance on Extra last night. I almost forgot, but got lucky–they mentioned Richie’s appearance during a commercial on the news right before it that reminded me.

Can I just say that I love the outfit that Richie was wearing? If that’s representative of what the men’s White Trash Beautiful line is going to be, then it’s going to be awesome. That jacket was just perfect for him. It seems like these days Richie is the one with any sense of rock star style–which I guess is a good thing, seeing as how he’s the one with a line of clothing. Jon’s clothing selections have just gotten boring.

I’m not sure whether it was the outfit or something else, but Richie was looking particularly handsome during his segment. It’s enough to make a Jonny girl think twice, let me tell you…

What makes a favorite album?

admin — Sat, 02 Oct 2010 01:37:35 +0000

I’ve counted Richie Sambora’s Stranger In This Town as my favorite album from the first time I listened to it. But I’ve never quite been able to quantify exactly why that one album made such a deep impression.

It is one of the few albums that I’ve ever encountered that I never skip a track on when I listen to it. But that can’t possibly be the only thing that made it my favorite. There are other albums like that out there–Jon’s Blaze of Glory is another that contains nothing but songs that I love. Much as I love every track on it, it’s not the album that comes to mind when someone asks me for my favorite album.

Sure, it’s got its share of songs that get into your head and won’t get out–’Rosie’ and ‘Father Time’ especially tend to linger for me. But if that was the only criteria, well, even Jimmy Buffett’s Banana Wind has way more of those.

There’s something about the songs on Stranger In This Town. They seem to have so many different facets to them–every time I listen to it, I can hear something different in them. The depth of the musicianship and skill on these songs is just amazing. This was the album that really illuminated how much Richie really contributes to Bon Jovi.

This is an album that I can lose myself in–anytime, no matter what mood I’m in. Sure, all of the things that I listed above contribute to making this album my favorite. But above and beyond that, somehow, something in this album spoke to me from the first time that I heard it, and whatever it is, it still captures me every time I listen.

Hotness from the O2

admin — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 00:41:47 +0000

Monsters and Critics has a photo gallery from the shows at the O2.

All I can say is how come we didn’t get that hot black leather shirt at the Wachovia Center back in March? Sheesh. Those pix hit all of my weaknesses when it comes to Jon. Black leather. Bare arms. Hairy chest. Floppy blond hair. Tight pants. That picture is almost as hot as my Keep the Faith poster. (Maybe even a little better–the KTF poster doesn’t have the chest on display.)

Plus, they’ve got a few good shots of Jon’s grin. The fourth shot of Jon in the gallery is great–I’m not sure what’s going on there, but it looks like he’s laughing. Makes me wish I knew what was getting that reaction. (So does the facial expression in the one where he’s holding up the guitar. He’s definitely looking at something-or someone.)

There’s also a picture of Jon and Richie playing their guitars that I just love. Those are classic Bon Jovi ‘solo faces’ on them both–Jon’s got the lip stuck out so far it’s blatantly visible in profile!

And the shot of Kid Rock sitting at the piano and sticking out his tongue is a great shot. Whoever got that one was definitely a good photographer–moments like that are tough to catch on film, but great when you do get them.

If you haven’t seen these already, they’re totally worth checking out.

Richie sings Homebound Train!

admin — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 00:55:30 +0000

I caught a video of Richie singing ‘Homebound Train’ in Seattle. If you’ve been reading some of my older posts, you know that for me, Richie forever owns ‘These Days’ after I heard him perform it at the Prudential Center back in 2007. (And above all else, it wasn’t ‘I’ll Be There For You’, which has to be one of the most tired songs in the Bon Jovi catalog.)

After seeing that video, I have to say that if I get to see Richie do ‘Homebound Train’ live when I get to see them, I think this song will be Richie’s too.

Richie was in fine voice when he did that song, and it was great. Like so many of the songs that Richie does on his own, he put that uniquely Richie blues spin on it. And Homebound Train is a song that works extremely well with that bluesy flair. Certainly better than ‘I’ll Be There For You’. I know that song is a Bon Jovi classic, but it doesn’t play to any of Richie’s strengths the way a song like ‘Homebound Train’ does.

It seems like Bon Jovi as a whole is putting a lot more effort into their set lists on this tour. Yes, they’re still covering the important bits, but by bringing out so much more of their back catalog and rotating it, it’s making us fans much happier and more excited. Now there’s a chance that I might get to hear some of my favorites–no matter how obscure.

The Music Video Exposed: Wayne Isham

admin — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 14:09:57 +0000

I caught an episode of The Music Video Exposed on VH1 Classic this weekend. That’s not one of the shows that I ordinarily go out of my way to watch. You can tell that I was still very young during the golden age of MTV–most music videos hold very little appeal to me, and they’re usually completely secondary to the song itself, as far as I’m concerned.

I caught the tail end of the episode dedicated to Wayne Isham. The name honestly meant nothing to me. I had conked out and was too tired to keep up with the game I had been playing on the Xbox, so I powered down and settled for watching VH1 Classic until the show I was waiting for came on.

As it turned out, I got lucky. Wayne Isham directed the video for Livin’ on a Prayer, and the Prayer video was one of the ones featured in his episode. There’s no profound insights here, but some interesting storytelling from Wayne Isham himself. I had always figured that the silhouette of the guy running through the curtain of sparks was deliberate–but that’s the director, abruptly realizing that he was parked in the middle of the shot. That may have been a complete accident, but I always thought that it worked.

As for the rest of it, there’s nothing really profound there, other than a few brief interview clips with Richie. He mostly talks about how Isham helped the band break big. Not sure when it was recorded. Judging by how Richie looked in the clips, it was probably fairly recent.

The other neat video included in the show was the video for Skid Row’s 18 and Life, another one of my favorite songs. Once again, nothing terribly profound, but at least on that one they got Sebastian Bach to show up. Bach’s comments were more interesting–he was remarking on how, even after all this time, he can watch the video for 18 and Life without getting embarrassed. He has a point–Isham did do a fantastic job on that video, and it really does stand the test of time better than many of the other videos from the same time period that tried to tell a story.

It was kind of neat, just tuning in randomly and getting the scoop (such as it was) on the videos to two of my favorite songs.