The Adventurers Club

Thanks Mike

I was sad to hear that Mike Smith passed away before the Dave Clark Five could be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Mike has had a tough time the last few years. A fall at his home paralyzed him, and contributed to the numerous health problems he was having. Mike was looking forward to the induction ceremony and a lot of people were helping him make the trip.

Just a few weeks ago Mike had been the special guest at a Springsteen concert. Bruce has always been one of the more vocal supporters of the DC5's inclusion into the hall. That event appeared to be a turning point as it was the first time Mike had been out since the accident.

I've been a long time critic of the Hall of Fame as I think the induction committee is basically controlled by Jann Wenner but I was looking forward to seeing the DC5 at the ceremony. They'll still be there, but it just won't be the same without the "voice".

'til Dave reissues the DC5 records

Keep the Adventure Alive,

Adventuretom

and the Hall of Fame adds another stellar class

I've lost count of how many times I've complained about the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Therefore, my new years resolution is to no longer care, and take it as it is.

That said let's look at the newest members of the hall.

Madonna - When I think of Madonna the first thing I think of is shredding guitar solos. Okay, that's not how I think of Madonna at all. My first image of Madonna that comes to mind is that outfit with the giant cone bra she used to wear.

You see, that's the problem with Madonna. Yes, she's been influential, and she certainly has changed styles more than a chameleon. But where's the rock? I don't see a lot of old school rockers, or any rockers, clamoring for her entry into the hall. Oh well, it could be worse. Couldn't it?

Leonard Cohen - Huh? I asked about this one and the answer I got was, "His contribution to songwriting." I checked on that one and came up with one song, Suzanne. I'm sure there are more, but when you're signature song is average, at best, how does that qualify?

John Mellencamp - I used to like some of his early, pre-fame, music. But I got over Johnny Cougar long ago. At best, he's a second rate Springsteen, at worst an egotistical jerk.

Dave Clark Five - I love the British invasion era of rock. The DC5 has never been in the first tier of that group. That honor belongs to the Beatles, Stones, Who, and Kinks. But the DC5 did make a memorable, and unique, contribution. Their records were original, and at least during the first couple of years, they set a musical style instead of following one. And here's the big thing, old school rockers have been clamoring for their membership. Bruce Springsteen is one of the most vocal supporters of the band, and he considers them a major influence on his career. I'm not a major fan of Bruce's music, but I have a lot of respect for the guy, and if Dave and the boys played a major role in his early take on music, there must be something there.

The Ventures - When Joe Walsh was asked to name his favorite guitar solo he said, "Walk Don't Run, the whole song." That's the thing about The Ventures, some of their albums can be painful to listen to, in an "elevator music" kind of way, but when they were on, the guys could play. And they are arguably the sixties band that drove more kids to pick up the electric guitar than any other. They also have that old school vote.

But, since I know longer care, this class doesn't annoy me as much as it could.

I still want to know, when is Joan Jett getting in?

'til the Blackhearts close the induction ceremony

Keep the Adventure Alive,

AT