The Real Memphis Mike (don't settle for imitations)

Someone has created an "app" on Facebook regarding their idea of the 100 Most Influential Records of All Time. I disagreed with most of it. That said, what influences who is a matter of personal taste. I didn't find the list to be overly influential by genre either...but that again is a matter of personal point of view. As a musician/songwriter/producer, I see things one way...not necessarily the only way. After a few messages back and forth with the person behind the app, I decided to come up with my own list. I'm admittedly too lazy to come up with my Top 100 of anything...let alone go through my entire music collection...so here's my own unfluential Top 40...right off of my head. You may agree, disagree, or just scratch your head in wonder. It's my list and it's in no particular order. I've written notes about some of it. See what you think: 1)The Blasters - “Over There: Live At The Venue, London” This record knocked me on my ass the 1st ti...

A friend and I have been discussing (on Facebook, where such important issues are discussed) what it must be like to be a son of a Beatle. I queried that it must be Hell to be a Beatles' child. No matter what they do, they will always be known, first and foremost as the son/daughter of one of The Beatles. In my own small way, I understand this. My own childhood relegated me to being "Dr. Metzger's son". In fact, until I finally left Ohio for good, I was frequently asked if that's who I am or I would be referred to as such. My ego didn't like it...but it also taught me a lot about who my dad is. Unless you lived in Steubenville, OH (or the surrounding areas) in the 70s/80s/90s/early 21st century, my dad's name probably means nothing to you. But, if you did, you've heard of Dr. Clyde Metzger. He was, for years, the only cardiologist in the area. If you or your loved one had any type of heart condition, from high blood pressure to cardiomyopathy to ...

Cancer...aka The Big C. I saw a post on Facebook today saying something to the effect of "How many people out there wish cancer didn't exist". As a 2 time survivor, I have to admit, I chuckled. I, for one, have found cancer to serve a few purposes in my life. First off, just what exactly is cancer? Simple: can·cer /ˈkansər/ Noun The disease caused by an uncontrolled division of abnormal cells in a part of the body. A malignant growth or tumor resulting from such a division of cells.   That's really all it is. You don't catch it like the flu, it doesn't miraculously appear out of nowhere...you have cells, sometimes they do things you don't want them to. Sometimes it's controllable and/or treatable...sometimes it's not.   Since my initial diagnosis in 2000, I've come to know a lot of people who have or have had cancer. Each one of them amazes me. One friend developed spinal cancer as a baby and had at least one surg...