Friday, April 18, 2008
A conversation worth recording.
Although it was basically one-sided.
Elijah, my 13yo, said to me:
“Mom, when I start a thrash metal band, it’s gonna be like an 80s thrash metal band. It’s not going to be like a lot of the thrash metal bands are today, with just thrash metal influences. They’re all trying to be the heaviest. I just want to stick to the roots of thrash metal.”
I didn’t reply, just stuck out my fist for a pound.
Then he got to the real point. “So, uh…when are we going to look for guitar lessons for me? I mean, I need someone to teach me how to solo. And how to write music.”
I told him maybe this weekend we could look around. He’s taught himself a lot already and even composes music on his computer with a freebie program he found. He’s actually made some cool stuff on it, but it only saves the files out as midi sounds rather than actual guitar sounds, so it sounds kinda silly.
Later that night I told Daniel what Elijah said. Daniel’s response: “Nice! A thrash purist.”
(Old school thrash metal = Megadeth—Elijah’s favorite band—and early Metallica.)
There are some really good videos on solo guitar playing, hard rock wise. We have a couple from way back and are pretty good at showing how it’s done. Check you tube.
Hi Susan!
I’m glad Amber gave you my blog! I’m addicted to blog reading- now I can add your blog to my list! It looks like you’ve been blogging for 3 years now- it will give me something to read on the nights when I can’t sleep (which occurs more often than not!)
That’s awesome that Elijah wants to take guitar lessons! I’ve been taking guitar lessons for about 1.5 years and I love it! I’m actually on a break right now, but I’m itching to get started again.
To answer your question, yes, Dave is still in the greenlake area. I love going to his shows to, but like you, I prefer smaller venues and more intimate performances. This was my first Dave show in 3 years. I just can’t bring myself to make the trek to the gorge ampitheater with the only 10,000 people.
I hear Muncipal Waste from richmond VA are a newer band that keeps the thrash old school, maybe he’d dig them.
Thanks I’ll check them out. I know the name—chances are my husband (and Elijah) already know about them, but I’ll find out.
Anna Marie, fun to see you blogging! I’ve added yours to my reader so I’ll keep up with it. I never went to the Gorge, either—too hard to get away for a weekend without the kids back then.
Chronicler, we’re always telling Elijah to look stuff up online and on youtube (Dave Mustaine has some cool tips on youtube!). Elijah will do it sometimes, but he really wants a real teacher.
He should give Death Angel a try. There’s some connection to Metallica there. The bay area thrashers i.e. Death Angel, Testament, Metallica, they had something special. It’s too bad there’s not a modern day equivalent.
Death Angel have a new album out.
I think Elijah plans on being the modern day equivalent.
You heard Three Inches of Blood?
awesome! i can totally dig it. old school thrash is not a bad place to start. sometimes there’s nothing better than head banging to some kill ‘em all era metallica.
well i’m off to see the sword now. their new album has a bit more thrashiness to it than age of winters. hopefully it will be a good show. you know anything about the opening band, slough fed?
Slough Feg. I’ve got their album, they crack me up. Sound like old 70s stuff with…goofy…lyrics. I really wanted to check them out. How was it?
slough feg was fun. the lead singer had longish curly hair with a receding hairline, so he kind of reminded me of some 80’s rocker, like the singer of quiet riot. and the guitarist had long, straight gray hair, and looked just like a short, chubby j mascis.
the sword was great. very tight on the music, and very high energy the whole way through. since they only have 2 albums they pretty much played all of the songs i wanted to hear (”barael’s blade,” “winters’ wolves,” “freya,” “iron swan”) and several new songs. the place looked sold out and the crowd was into it. the vocals were a little weak, but they really had the guitars and drums mixed perfectly. it seems like all of the songs they played from age of winters were played just a bit faster than on the album.
too bad you guys couldn’t make it.
I wanted to see Slough Feg. Their music cracks me up. It’s too bad there were so many shows this weekend, would have liked to have seen the Sword. We made the right choice, though. :)