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

Thanks to Tracey and Jim for inspiring this. So you want to be an entertainer (singer, musician, DJ, comedian, etc...), well good for you. Now that you've decided to reach for this lofty goal, allow me (with 30+ years experience) to clue you to reality. I don't care what it is in life you hope to achieve...but if YOU don't place a value on YOUR talents, no one else will. Let's face facts, those that 'purchase' in the entertainment industry are not just the patrons in the clubs or those who buy CDs, download mp3s, etc. The REAL purchasers are the club owners, promoters, etc. that YOU essentially work for. So much for that idea of being "self employed". You ALWAYS work for SOMEONE. Unless someone is willing to PAY you for your time, you are an amateur. Not that that's bad. Amateur comes from latin, meaning to do something for the love of it. And that's cool too! But this piece is for those who want to make money from their talents. Unless you liv...

I love old movies. Way back in the glorious days of B&W, there was at least an attempt to make an original film. Sure...there were sequels (Son of Frankenstein, etc...) but they were usually decent. So, as yesterday was a dreary, rainy Sunday, I decided to watch John Waters' films on Netflix. At one point during a lecture/documentary, Waters mentioned the film " The Bad Seed ". I figure if John Waters is bragging it up, I have to see this movie! How have I lived 45 years without seeing this movie???????? It was amazing!!!!!! And to think it was filmed in 1956!!!!!!! Wanna know why this movie isn't a household name? (OK, it did receive some recognition )Because when it came out, I can pretty much guarantee ya it was slammed for being too disturbing! Needless to say, I loved every minute of it. The young'un, however, did not. I'll give her credit...she made it through the 1st half hour. Normally she runs screaming when I put on an old B&W movie. OK, may...

Yeppers kids! It's almost Mikesmas! And you know what that means!!!!!!!! LOL And now, a lil something to help you get in the Mikesmas spirit! 'Twas the night before Mikesmas, when all through the house Not a creature was stirring, not even the cats; The beercans were flung on the floor without care, In hopes that a french maid soon would be there; The cats were nestled all snug in the couch, While each had visions of fricassied mouse; some bimbo in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap, were each taking turns giving each other the clap, When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter, I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter. Away to the window I flew like a flash, Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash. The moon on the breast of the new-fallen rain Gave the lustre of Yuengling to objects below, When, what to my wondering eyes should appear, But a 94 Olds, and eight tiny cold beers, With a little old driver, cute as a tyke, I knew in a moment it must be Memphis Mike...

While out doing some last minute Christmas shopping, I came across Tom Jones' CD "Praise & Blame" at Best Buy for $7. I'd downloaded a couple of tracks from it earlier this year and really enjoyed them, so I figured what the heck, I'd get myself a lil Christmas pressie. WOW! That's the best I can give for starters. I've long viewed Mr. Jones as a bit of a joke, albeit a very successful one. I've found most of his music to be tepid, calculated and droll...appealing only to the old women who throw their granny panties at him, and to those who claim to like his music purely for kitsch value. Jones, however, has long had a rebellious streak. His 1st singles were considered 'raunchy' but he soon learned to conform. When his career began to lag, he turned to country music. This never quite clicked for him but in 1987, he recorded the Prince song "Kiss" backed by The Art of Noise. Considered at the time a fluke, this was pretty damned...

OK, so the new CD hasn't even been officially released and we have our 1st review already! LOL It's all about promotion kids! LOL That said, the reviewer, my good buddy Marvin over at Blackcat Rockabilly Europe mentioned at one point that I "put a little distortion on the guitar amp and out comes Little Juliet". Allow me to say this: I do NOT use effects! I've never liked them. I like the sound of a guitar through an amp. Period. Full stop. Nuff said. That said, I used the same amp on every song on this CD. In fact, I don't even think I changed the settings at all during the sessions! I did, however, manage to get a nice array of sounds. "HOW?" you may be asking. Well, I'll tell ya! When I play, I keep my volume & tone controls wide open. If I'm using my 1960 Gibson 175, especially for a rockabilly song like "Starlight Starbright", I'll use both pickups and maybe dial the neck pickup back a hair. If I'm using one of my ...

Here it is, already December! Time for Christmas shopping and the usual silly season stuff. This time of year I always try to think back on what's happened in the past year. 2010 has been an exceptionally WEIRD but WONDERFUL year! It's been 3 years since my heart attack and I'm still kicking! The legal mess continues and while some would be ready to give up, I refuse to. As my beloved Aussies say, "She'll be right mate". I can say that I've been blessed in many ways...some obvious, some not so obvious. This year I got back into my field and damn, I missed it! 2 years away from it seemed like a lifetime! If you're not lucky enough to have a career that you love, stop what you're doing and find one! It makes all the difference in the world! I'm proud to say that I've made a difference in the lives of some very special clients...including one who everyone had pretty much given up on. He & I now share a trust and friendship that I have to ...

This is the 5th year in a row that I've posted this blog. I hope y'all enjoy it! A lot has changed in my life since the 1st time I posted it but all in all, life is good! Cheers! BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND!!!!!! 5th YEAR!!!!!! Thanksgivus Thanksgivus: that's what she called it. The 'she' in question would be a very short, loud, middle aged black woman with retardation who I supervised for years. Her name is Omega...fitting because she truly is THE END! Omega didn't exactly have a speech problem but I think her hearing wasn't 100% on the mark, as certain words would get slurred together such as "Thanksgivus". Another fave was her version of Social Security, which often sounded more like "sociable secretary" (of which I've known a few). Thanksgivus (which is what I now prefer to call the US holiday Thanksgiving) is the last Thursday of November (this is for my overseas friends who may not be fully knowledgeable of the subject). It is the ho...