rockband Blog and Journals

I don't know if this quite describes my life at this moment, but it certainly describes the song I'm listening to.  I've had my share of ups and downs, but who hasn't.  Jake came down sick before the ass crack of dawn and 3 kids were dropped off for a day of babysitting at 6 a.m.  A 5-year old tried to steal my kids quarters.  Another told lies.  The boy said barely anything at all....and they are my family. 

I love these kids.  I wish I could be in their lives more.  I try to be a positive part of their lives, but damage has been done and it breaks my heart.  Their parents were too young and too stupid to be having kids.  They are much better parents now than than they were years ago, but like I said...damage has been done.  And honestly, I don't think it will be undone.

The boy who barely talks....you can tell he's been to hell and back.  It's not that he never has light in his eyes, but it's not there as much as it should be.  Unlike his parentage, he's highly intelligent, analytical and creative.  This kid will easily be an architect, engineer or something along those lines.  I don't know if his parents see that, but if they do it isn't encouraged.  I had to give his grandfather advice on what to give him for a Christmas gift this past year and he sees the boy way more than I do.  And that's just the boy.  I think talking about the other two would just give me an aneurysm.  Speaking of....

Anyone else think the media is massively hypocritical about Michael Jackson's death?

I told myself I wasn't going to talk about this and give the issue more attention, but I have something to say about it.  The media outlets were more than happy to bury this guy alive with an epic fuckload of attention to the scandal that became his life.  The media smells blood and they are all over it, especially if it's bleeding from a fatal wound.  I understand that it's the media's job to report what's going on in the world, but did we really need a rehash about the sexual abuse allegations in the middle of the day during summer vacation?  Turn on the television or radio and you will hear one of two things:  1) He's venerated as though he's Jesus Christ himself or 2) The scandal that became his life is retold over and over and over again until you want to vomit.  Did these people forget that Farrah Fawcett died also?  Granted, she hasn't been as controversial as Michael Jackson, but she doesn't deserve to have her death buried beneath the sensationalizing of Michael Jackson's death.  If it were up to me they would all shut the fuck up and let these people rest in peace.  Both of them left behind family, friends and children that would appreciate the opportunity to mourn in peace, without all of this 24 hour coverage in our faces.  This represents everything I can't stand about the media.  Sensationalize and cheapen the shit out of someone, cash the check and bury your remains next year once someone more bankable than you comes along.  While I'm in a ranting mood, I'd like to take issue with some other public figures.

Certain musicians are taking issue with the music gaming industry that is Guitar Hero and Rock Band.  I will be the first to admit I love these games...and I'm not going to apologize.  My son and I have a lot of fun playing them, we have neighborhood kids over to play and we love the music.  Here are some of the quotes musicians have made about music gaming:

"It's depressing to have a label come and tell you that is how kids are learning about music and experiencing music. If you have to be in a video game to get in front of them, that's a little sad." - Jack White

Jack, why is it depressing?  Is it depressing because you envision kids everywhere glued to the tv all day, or is it sad that you can't make as much cash in album sales as you could if you licensed your music to a corporate enterprise for what you consider cheap entertainment?  I can see why this would harsh your rock n' roll ethos, but I'm sure you aren't in this purely for the art.  Most people don't try to have two bands to cash in on.  On top of that, why does it matter to you how kids become exposed to your music?  Most good musicians like yourself get lost in the cacophony of Disney outfits and regurgitated hip-hop beats.  Sorry I'm coming down on you Jack, but you have to see the light.  We're in an age of gadgets and technology, like it or not....and you benefit from it just like everyone else.  It's fine, have an opinion and express it just like everyone else does, but be sure you don't end up eating your words and selling yourself out.

Meanwhile Page said that he can't imagine kids are really learning anything significant about playing instruments through video games. "You think of the drum part that John Bonham did on Led Zeppelin's first track on the first album, 'Good Times, Bad Times,'" he said. "How many drummers in the world can play that part, let alone on Christmas morning?"

source

Ok, Jimmy....I can't disagree with you on this one.  I know there are people who think Zeppelin is shit, but I find it truly amazing myself.  However, I have to argue a critical point not mentioned here...and that's interest.  Anyone in their right mind knows that playing a video game does not make them an expert in whatever medium the controller takes on screen.  I played Duck Hunt when I was a kid, but that doesn't mean I thought I could shoot a gun.  This might be a bit of a stretch, but I think you get my point.  Anyway, there is something to be said for a kid getting interested in music.  I'll ask this question again:  Why does it matter how a child gets exposed to music?  Not every child is lucky enough to have parents who are interested in the arts, nevermind musically-inclined.  You have a right to your opinion, but I think you are missing the point.  There is a reason why foundations like Save The Music were started.  Music education is incredibly important to a child's overall education.  I'm not trying to say music gaming is at all in the same arena as Save The Music, but they both have their own way of bringing interest and awareness to the table when it comes to music.  If a child learns to enjoy music and makes it part of their life then all is well, whether they choose to pick up an instrument or not.  Either way, it's a far better alternative to gun play whether it's of the virtual or toy variety.  It's ok that you don't want to license your music out, but don't bag on the kids who have learned to enjoy music in this way.  If you dislike it that much, offer us an alternative solution.  Otherwise, you should probably stick to enjoying your retirement.

"I don't ever want to be the kind of guy who rails against whatever progress has taken place. But Guitar Hero was devised to bring the guitar-playing experience to the masses without them having to put anything into it. And having done both, there's nothing like really playing guitar. I mean, what would you rather drive, a Ferrari or one of those amusement-park cars on a track?" - John Mayer 

Good point, John.  I do prefer the Ferrari myself.  I also prefer a real AK-47 to the fake shit in those military games.  I really want to put my all into it, you know?  Srs bsns.  My family has locked away the Super Mario games because they are afraid that I might end up bringing home little mushroom men.  Sorry, this answer was crying out for sarcastic response.

"I just think it's more important that kids learn how to actually play the guitar." - Prince

Great idea!  Apparently there are other kids that feel the same because a recent poll shows an increase in children taking music lessons due to exposure to games like Guitar Hero and Rock Band. And it's not just happening in the States.

Although I think these games are wonderful, I know that trouble lurks.  With the development of DJ Hero and Band Hero (not kidding, look it up on guitarhero.com) overexposure is but a short leap away.  As irritating as this will become in the future, right now we can simply enjoy ourselves with a type of gaming that is non-violent, can be enjoyed by all and encourages an interest in music.  If I were to offer any words to these musicians, I would ask them to open their eyes.  Any child that is being raised properly knows that these games are no substitute for playing real instruments.  The fact that more kids are buying instruments and taking lessons because of their exposure to these games is testament to that fact.  Don't get so stuck on the means of delivery that you miss the point:

"Guitar Hero is a great gateway drug to real music," said James Hetfield. "If you've got the music bug, nothing's gonna stop you. It's your destiny to express your gift."

Enough said.