Friday's Rockin' Roundup - High School Reunion Edition

Tomorrow I will be attending my 20-year high school reunion. I know it’s hard to believe that your cousin Ryo is really that old, but it’s true. I have mixed feelings about the fact that twenty years have passed since my high school graduation day.

While there is a lot of nostalgia in attending my reunion, there are also some mixed feelings of uncertainty. Reunions can serve as a reinforcement of all that we have accomplished in life, but they can also serve as a reminder of all that we have not achieved. In high school dreams are endless, the sky is the limit. And a lot of us really believed that we were going to have it all---fame, fortune, and a life much different from anyone else.

While I love the fact that I’ve been chasing my dreams with full force lately, I still have a tendency to look around at all that I have yet to do. A 20-year reunion is just a harsh reminder of how fast the time goes. That just leads me down a road of doubt and uncertainty, which is a place I do not visit very often.

Yes, it will be nice to see classmates from yesteryear. It will be nice to catch up and learn what everyone has been up to. It will be nice to reminisce and banter about our glory days. When it’s all said and done, however, we have to continue to move forward. So, I will try my best to enjoy the night for what it is, and then move on and move forward.

Here’s what rocked this week:

No Anniversary For The Monkees
And without reason or explanation, The Monkees have cancelled their anniversary tour. Personally, I think the band was ready to kill each other. Sometimes, you just can’t go back to what you once had. I guess there are a lot of very unhappy 60 year old ladies this week.

Lollapalooza Wrap Up
The 20th Lollapalooza was held last weekend and the reports all appeared positive. Here’s a nice wrap up of the entire weekend in just a few hundred words. I did not realize that the Cars were performing at Lollapalooza this year. I also didn’t realize that Big Audio Dynamite got back together. Perhaps I need to check up on my music news a little more carefully, or get a better memory.

Gavin DeGraw Assaulted
This is a real shame. Gavin DeGraw was hospitalized after being assaulted in New York City by unknown suspects. And apparently, the attackers were not after his money. It all just sounds a little odd to me. Here’s hoping that he has a quick recovery.

Big Boi Arrested For Illegal Substances
Apparently, Outkast’s Big Boi likes to get high and then get his freak on. Nothing wrong with that, I guess. However, it would bother me less if he and Andre 3000 would get back together and work on a new album. I know there are rumors for a 2012 disc, but I want something concrete.

For more rants, raves, reviews, news, concert updates, and odd little chirps, you should follow me on twitter. www.twitter.com/ryovie

Friday's Rockin' Roundup - The Holidays Are Coming Edition

Believe it or not, I’ve already started thinking about my Christmas shopping. I know that it’s only October (and unseasonably warm here in Jersey), but I’m starting to put together my lists for everyone that is getting a Christmas gift from me this year.

The Mrs. has already dropped hints on what she wants, and I know what else I want to buy her, so now it’s just a matter of waiting for the right sale. We also know what we are getting our daughter, so that falls into the same category of waiting for the right sale.

The rest of the family gifts are being carefully selected, and with a little luck, I can have my shopping completed by Thanksgiving. That would be a first and it would ease my holiday stress a thousand-fold. Dare to dream!

What about you? Have you started thinking about the Holidays? Have you started your Holiday gift list or your Holiday wish list? The guru is hoping for lots of things Dave Matthews, Kiss, and Iron Maiden this year. Hopefully Santa will get the message.

And while I was preparing holiday lists and starting my early Christmas shopping, here’s what rocked this week:

U2 Will Broadcast a Live Concert On You Tube
Following the footsteps of Dave Matthews Band who broadcast a live show on Hulu, U2 and You Tube have teamed up to bring you a live U2 concert. Can’t beat the cost.

ACE Frehley Tour Initial Tour Dates Announced
What? No New York show? How utterly disappointing!

Some Things Never Change
I knew that the Monkees never got along, and I always knew that they were a forced together response to the Beatles (and a weak one at that), but to see Davy Jones bash his ex-bandmates with the vigor of someone who actually had talent is pretty comical. Don’t get me wrong, I like a few Monkees songs, but Davy’s off his rocker if he thinks that he has any talent beyond the church choir.

Public Enemy Need Your Help
This is an interesting idea, but if I’m paying for their album, I want to produce at least one track and I want a production credit.

15 Singers That Have Lost Their Voice
And finally, I’ll leave you with this interesting piece. I totally agree about Bob Dylan (read my write up on his Christmas CD), but I have to disagree about Chris Cornell. Well, I’m still holding out for a Soundgarden reunion anyway.