At about half-way through the book, this song came to me.  I have yet to officially review the book, or interview Brian.  I'll keep you posted. 


















What Have I bin Dreamin'
words and music by Dr BLT copyright 2007 Smash Records

what have I bin dreamin'
what have I bin sold
is the road
to rock n roll
what have I bin wishin'
is this the way it ends
because you woke me up
I can call you friend

is this a dream
or is this a nightmare
I think my question's
answered now
upon the page
you give a reason
to wonder why
I bought it all
just yesterday

what have I bin dreamin'
you seemed to have it all
you played to sold out shows
the women came in droves
at your beckoned call
but in your silent world
all alone you screamed
the fame was not enough
to take the pain away
it was a tragic dream

is this a dream
or is this a nightmare
I think my question's
answered now
upon the page
you give a reason
to wonder why
I bought it all
just yesterday

I'm drownin'
he's drownin'
she's drownin'
everybody's drownin'
I'm drownin'
he's drownin'
she's drownin'
everybody's drownin'
inside this dream

Stuck in Bako

by Dr BLT

My name is Karl Wasser.  It was Friday, July 27, 2007.  I was on my way to Woodland Hills, California.  My BMW had been in a wreck, and I was driving this Dodge Caravan rental that overheated.  I was pissed.  It was hot as hell.  It must have been 100 degrees or more.  I was in no mood to be stuck in this town---the very town me and my friend's used to call Bako because of the scorching heat. 

I was cussing as I hoovered over my mounted hood with this damn rental vehicle.  Here I was, a big-shot executive for a major record label, stuck on 99 somewhere near the Buck Owens Boulevard exit.  Well, at least the street name carries with it some musical significance.

This kid in an old Geo Metro with a worn-out Three Chord Whore sticker on his bumper stopped and said something to me.   A rocker dude with long, black-dyed hair crawled out and said something to me.  His voice was overpowered by some loud, raw punk rock (or to be more accurate, post-punk rock) coming from his stereo. 

"What did you say, bro?" I shouted?

"Dude, you need a lift? Wait, let me turn this down."  He walked back and turned down the tunes. 

"Sure.  By the way, what have you got playing on your stereo today?"  I asked, with half-sincere interest.

"Oh, that's In-Denials, a local band.   It's pretty cool stuff."  He replied. 

"Yeah, I haven't heard that before.  And yes, I could use a ride."

I looked a little closer into his car and noticed that he had a girl with him, and some other, slightly older, rocker dude in the back seat. 

"Oh, this is my girlfriend, Netty.  She's a rocker chick, if you hadn't noticed.  I met her a couple of years ago at this Dr BLT gig at Dagny's through her friend, Alyssa Kaes, a girl with a killer voice that was opening the show."

I said "Hi!" She smiled, but didn't say a word.  She looked like she hadn't slept for at least 72 hours. 

"Oh, and this is a drummer friend of mine, Pat Frase.  I was just giving him a lift over to McGees.  He's got a gig with a couple of musicians tonight who call themselves the Zeke Victor Trio."

Pat, a tall dude, with a shaved head, got out and shook my hand.  He was real friendly, in contrast to the kid's girlfriend.  I climbed in the car and we took off.  The whole car reeked of pot.

"Don't inhale,"  Pat warned as he chucked and added, "It wasn't me." 

(to be continued)

 

 

 

I was talking to 60s folk icon Barry McGuire the other day and he was sharing about the demands of being married and being a touring musician.  His wife, Mari told me being married to a touring musician is like being part widow. 

When Paul McCartney was married Linda, I understand he used to take her on tour with him.  This may have been the secret to his rare, long-lasting celebrity marriage.

At this time, most of my touring is local, so this isn't really a personal concern of mine.  But since I seem to be meeting more and more people who are juggling a relationship and a tour, I wanted to find out your various opinions on the matter.

Those few folks that follow my musical trails will notice that all of my released material is still in progress.  This song is no exception.  I hope that if you heard the song yesterday, you will gain a new appreciation for, not necessarily the song, but the man that inspired it.  And if you haven't heard it, check it out.  Find out what a song sounds like after it's been "shrink rapped." 

The photo is Brian checking out the song on the jukebox.  Not.  It's just Brian kicking it.  However, he did say he's heard Tradin' in Korn (For a Krown of Thorns) the other song he inspired.  I didn't ask him whether he liked it or not (fearing the answer).   Have a great day! Out!

What do you think about our nu-est rising star for Khrist and his Konversion?

 

 

 

 

Korn Off da Kob
Dr BLT
words and music by Dr BLT (c) 2007 Shrink Rap Records

he broke away from the band
that caused him fame
but his involvement in the band
well, it made him go insane
the road and the heavy load
the meth and the mob
made him turn to Christ
and now he's
Korn off da Kob

Korn of da Kob
Korn off da Kob
well he's climbin' the New York Times
best-selling list
he's Korn off da Kob
and he's baskin' in the bliss

some people criticize him
'cause he up and left the band
but he found out
he must draw the line
in the sand
when he criss-crossed over
some say his boys got dogged
but his daughter had a better dad
in Korn off da Kob
(chorus)

tradin' in Korn
for a Krown of thorns (repeat)

I met him in a sandwich shop
our daughters both had birthdays
wanted his autograph
in the worst way
so I helped him take his cookies
to his car
and I thought
yo, dude is humble
for an ex-Korn risin' star
(chorus)

Word to the mothers!  My little baby girl just turned 2 a couple of weeks ago.  To celebrate her 2nd birthday, I've remixed our parody of Vanilla Ice's Ice Ice Baby.  She was 5 days of age at the time she assumed the aka of Vanilla Nice, and proudly participated in this recording session. 

By 5 months, she had already made her radio debut on a song of her daddy's aired at a college radio station in Christchild, New Zealand.   Her people said to my people: "Use her a.k.a."  Her peeps further demanded, "'No paparazzi and no photos!" so the baby pictured here is not actually her, but a Vanilla Nice wannabe. 

Word...

Nice, Nice Baby (lyrics)
Dr BLT ft. Vanilla Nice

B.A.B.E., let's kick it...

Nice, nice baby (repeat)
Alright stop, collaborate and listen
My baby's here and she's God's new invention
Someone grabbed a hold of me tightly
cries like a baby daily and nightly
Will she ever stop? Yo
Turn off the lights, and who knows?
Maybe she'll sleep, or she'll scream like a vandal
lights up my life, lights the mic like a candle
dance, bum rush the diaper that smells
skills killin' my nose like the diaper from hell
deadly, but I play a dope melody
anything less than the best is a felony
love it, or leave it, you better gain way
Her name is Kassidy, and it's spelled with a K
If you think it's a problem
You're gonna have to face it
check out the hook
let her rap
don't erase it

Nice, nice baby (repeat)
Vanilla nice, nice baby (repeat)

Now that the baby is jumpin'
with the mom hooked up
and the breast is pumpin'
quick to the point
to the point, no fakin'
this is what you get when you're makin' bacon
readin' stories like Jack B. Nimble
She goes crazy when she hears a cymbol
or a high hat with a souped up tempo
she's on a roll, time to go solo
strollin' in her Graeco stroller
baby's on standby
she's a rock 'n roller
did you stop?
now, we just strolled by
kept on pursuin' to the next stop
we busted left
movin' like a go-cart
the block was dead, yo
so we proceded to turn a left
on Buck Owens Boulevard
baby was hot in her great big blanket
I brought her bottle and she quickly drank it
headin' home--- to my home studio
finished this rap
now it's time to go
yo!

Nice, nice baby
Vanilla nice, nice baby (repeat)...

If you want to show Chris Daughtry how big a fan you are, and how much support Kern County has to offer for this passionate performer and straight-from-the-heart rocker, deliver the goods in the form of a comment. 

If you hate him, and you're into dissin' Daughtry, I'm not going to delete you, but this new series is primarily reserved for Bakersfield fans who want to show their support and stay connected with what's happening with his career. 

So put on your headphones BakoBlawgDawgs4Daughtry, fasten your seatbelts, and get ready to rock.  As you may notice, with this brilliant performance, he's outshined Bon Jovi, the original artist who put the song out. 

I Want My Nickelback: new BLoG sErIeS from me, the Nickelbacker

Hi, I know I've already got too many aka's but for the purpose of my new blog series, I Want My Nickelback, I'm the Nickelbacker.  For the first in a series of Nickelback fan threads, I'd like you to listen to this song, sing along with the moving lyrical video, and get ready to have a great Monday.

As you do, reflect on the lyrics, then to participate in my blog n roll discussion, simply tell me how things would change right here in Bakersfield if everyone cared.

blogINblack series by the FANinBLACK

What difficult fact of life that you initially struggled with have you come to accept?  In I Guess things Happen that Way, Johnny Cash shares his difficult journey on the way to acceptance.  It has to do with the reality of a love that's lost its sparkle and shine. 

The Cash cover you hear here is a bonus track from my CD, Blackout: A Tribute to Johnny Cash, which features mostly original songs about the life and music of Johnny Cash.

Guess Things Happen That Way Lyrics
Well you ask me if I'll forget my baby.

I guess I will, someday.
I don't like it but I guess things happen that way.
You ask me if I'll get along.
I guess I will, someway.
I don't like it but I guess things happen that way.

God gave me that girl to lean on,
then he put me on my own.
Heaven help me be a man
and have the strength to stand alone.
I don't like it but I guess things happen that way.

You ask me if I'll miss her kisses.
I guess I will, everyday.
I don't like it but I guess things happen that way.
You ask me if I'll find another.
I don't know. I can't say.
I don't like it but I guess things happen that way.

God gave me that girl to lean on,
then he put me on my own.
Heaven help me be a man
and have the strength to stand alone.
I don't like it but I guess things happen that way.

At the age of 13, I had my head in the clouds.  I would listen to my favorite songs on AM radio, and create my own little rock n roll heaven in my head.  All I needed was a theme song for my own personal paradise.  Enter the Righteous Brothers and their big hit of the summer of 74, Rock n Roll Heaven.   The song begins with these words:

If you believe in forever
then life is just a one-night stand
if there's a rock n roll heaven
well you know they've got a hell of a band...

More recently, Sebastian Prooth recreated and produced the song, which, in this YouTube video, features singer, Ronnie Kimball,   In includes a number of artists not included in the original Righteous Brothers recording.  My question is this:

If there were a Rock n Roll Heaven, who, in your opinion, should be the first to take the stage?  Which artists would you include as featured guests at a heavenly rock n roll show?

The original recording, featured here is a song I wrote and recorded for my CD, Confessions of a Buckaholic, a collection of original songs representing a vast variety of styles, all serving as tributes to the late Buck Owens.  This isn't exactly a hot seller, but if you're one of my few fans that are interested, you can check it out on my website, or visit Russo's books.  

Let me know what you think of the song, the video and what a list of your heavenly set of performers might look like.

PS:  The band pictured here is the Councilmen, from Bakersfield.  They will get a nation-wide debut this week.  It could be their big break:

http://www.bakersfield.com/...

How many times should the United States initial peace talks with leaders of the Middle East?  Is it a waste of time?  Hasn't it always been the same old story: One step forward, and two steps back?  Given the intensity of hostilities between enemies, is peace even possible?  Is it possible to achieve peace or is it just a word or an illusive prospect?  In short: What would it take to achieve world peace?  Once achieved, what would it take to maintain it?  I hope this doesn't start a fight.  I'm just looking for a "peace" of your mind.

I think it takes maturity.  I think it takes a solid foundation of mutual trust.  I think it takes gentleness.  I think it takes loyalty.  I think it takes humility.  I think it takes unconditional love.  I think it takes sacrifice.  I think it takes unselfishness.  I think it takes hope.  I think it takes creativity.  I think it takes risk.  I think it takes support.  I think it takes time.  I think it takes faith.  Then again, what do I know?

What do you think it takes for a RELATION SHIP to stand the test of time--to weather the storms of life?  Let's pool our resources and see if we can form an ocean of insight. 

psychoSONGanalysis

Never mind that I earn my living getting into disturbed psyches, trying to untangle mangled relationships, and unscrambling messed up minds and emotions.  It doesn't take a psychologist, or any mental health professional to figure out the message contained in this song, a song by one of my favorite bands, music-wise, and one of my least favorite bands, message-wise. 

The music clearly rocks the house down.  There is a fever and intensity that delivers a modern alt rock style with unbridled passion and urgency.  The problem involves the message that laces the brilliantly written, brilliantly produced, brilliantly delivered music.

The message is this: If you're the victim of an abusive relationship, and if you're involved with a woman who offers a Bipolar Disorder complete with a side order of Borderline Personality Disorder, instead of addressing the problems; instead of ending a poisonous relationship; and instead of addressing your highly disturbed desire to be the recipient of some termagant's rage, simply escape your pain with drugs and sex.  If you want to find the perfect definition of regression; the perfect definition of dysfunction; the perfect definition of developmental impasse; and the perfect definition of Freud's dark death force known as Thanatos, look no further for these definitions than in the lyrics in this song. 

Am I missing something here?  Is there a more positive, less destructive message here somewhere between the lines.  I hope so, because I love it far too much, and I'm far too addicted to the music to give it up. 








Get Stoned
Hinder

Just hear me out
If it's not perfect I'll perfect it till my heart explodes
I highly doubt
I can make it through another of your episodes
Lashing out
One of the petty moves you pull before you lose control
You wear me out
But it's all right now
Lets go home and get stoned
We could end up makin love instead of misery
Go home and get stoned
Cause the sex is so much better when you're mad at me
You wear me out (We could end up making love instead of misery)
But it's all right now
Without a doubt
The break up is worth the make up sex you're givin me
Lets hash it out
Cause your bitchin and your yellin don't mean anything
Don't count me out
I can handle all the baggage that you're carrying
You wear me out
But it's all right now
Let's go home and get stoned
We could end up makin love instead of misery
Go home and get stoned
Cause the sex is so much better when you're mad at me
You wear me out (We could end up makin love instead of misery)
But it's alright now
Lets go home and get stoned
We could end up makin love instead of misery
Go home and get stoned
Cause the sex is so much better when you're mad at me
Go home and get stoned
We could end up making love instead of misery
Go home and get stoned
Cause the sex is so much better when you're mad at me
You wear me out
(We could end up makin love instead of misery)
But it's all right now
(Cause the sex is so much better when you're mad at me)
Lets go home and get stoned
Lets go home and get stoned
Lets go home and get stoned
Lets go home and get stoned

Is it okay for a woman to vandalize property as payback against a man for infidelity and/or for leaving a troubled relationship?  Do you find yourself sympathizing more with a woman who violently attacks an unfaithful spouse than a man who does such to a woman?  Does our society hold a double standard when it comes to payback between men and woman? 

In the game of blog n roll, I spin an original song, ask a question, and you get to answer it.  In short, you put the "roll" in blog n roll.  Oh, BTW, you're listening to the new mix of my internet "smash" hit parody, Before She Beats (The Wrong Jeep), inspired by Carrie Underwood's Before He Cheats.

Oops, how did this vicious rumor get started?  I hope none of you who visit here are responsible for starting it or spreading it. 

I'm here to vehemently deny any false rumors that may be circulating out there that Avril responded to my parody about her by striking this pose.  This is a pose that comes quite natural for her, and I can assure you it had nothing to do with my song.  It's a false rumor, and one that probably didn't exist until just now : )

Hello Bakersfield blog community members and visitors!

If you haven't heard the latest controversy surrounding Avril Lavigne and the song she supposedly co-wrote, check out the story via this link:
http://www.dlisted.com/node...

If you haven't downloaded (for free) the latest parody by Avril Latrene and the Extremes, aka Dr BLT, hear it here:

I Wanna Rip Your Song Off
new lyrics by Dr BLT (adapted from Avril Lavine's Girlfriend)
hear the song at this link:
http://www.drblt.net/music/...

[Chorus]
Hey! Hey! You! You!
I wanna rip your song off!
No way! No way!
I think I need a new one
Hey! Hey! You! You!
I wanna rip your song off

Hey! Hey! You! You!
I wanna rip your song off
No way! Jose
You know it’s not a secret
Hey! Hey! You! You!
I wanna rip your song off

[Verse 1]
It’s so fine
It should be mine
You’re song is so delicious
I think about it all the time
Your song is so addictive
Don’t you know what I could do to make the song my own?
Don’t pretend that you don’t know what I have up my sleeve
And Hell Yeah, you know I am a
I’m a mother freakin’ thief

[Bridge:]
You’ll say I ripped your song off
But it’ll be the best song I got
Not don’t you start to
Bitch and complain
“cause without me
you’d have no fame

Hey! Hey! You! You!
I wanna rip your song off!
No way! No way!
I think I need a new one
Hey! Hey! You! You!
I wanna rip your song off

[Verse 2]
I can see the way, I see the way you look at me
Like I’m engaged in some high-tech thievery
You know I know
Stealin’ rhymes is a crime
But watch me get a way with it
No, don’t you bitch and cry cause…

[Chorus]
Hey! Hey! You! You!
I wanna rip your song off!
No way! No way!
I think I need a new one
Hey! Hey! You! You!
I wanna rip your song off

(this verse not included on latest recording)
Can’t you see
Me flash my middle finger
If you cussed in your rendition
Then you could have made it linger
No I’m not the songwriter
But I’m one hell of a singer
And it’s not your song no more
But it’s a real dead ringer!!!

Hey! Hey! You! You!
I wanna rip your song off!
No way! No way!
I think I need a new one
Hey! Hey! You! You!
I wanna rip your song off

Hey, you
Have you got any more of those songs?
I wanna rip ‘em off man!

Today, I decided to play a game of my own invention, Random Jukebox, right here at Bakotopia.  My random trip of the day took me to the In-Denials.  It was raw punk at its best.  It was a group of rebels having fun while making a loosely-structured but clearly identifiable statement.  It was raw.   It was real.  It was In-Denials. 

They were good enough to earn the dubious title I now bestow upon them: 

Dr. BLT's Random Jukebox Pick of the Day.  Rock on, In-Denials!

Before She Beats the Wrong Jeep
parody based on Carrie Underwood's The Next Time That He Cheats
by Dr Bruce L. Thiessen, aka Dr BLT

(I'm still having technical difficulties with the usual uploading method, but you can hear the song here for free and download one copy for free):

Before She Beats the Wrong Jeep
(Carrie Underwood Parody)
parodied lyrics by Dr BLT (Smash Records)
http://www.drblt.net/music/...

Right-now
She probably thinks I’m out
With a red-necked blond
Just actin’ like an Okie
Right now, she probably thinks
She’s drinkin’ a fruity little drink
As she sings karaoke
Right now
I see her with a bat
Hitin’ some guy’s truck
But the truck ain't mine
And it  looks the same
And mine is parked near by
But she's got the wrong Jeep
And she’s got the wrong guy

She’ll soon find out
Revenge ain’t sweet
She’ll land herself in jail
For more than just a week
Does she really think
She’s getting’ back at me
I see a cop car pull
Pull right up
To what was once
A real nice truck
And she must know that I’m
Not the type to cheat
And now she’ll have
A rap to beat
‘cause they caught her red-handed
in the street
maybe next time she’ll think
before she beats the wrong jeep

Right now
She probably thinks I’m drunk
At a redneck bar
Showin’ off my pool skills
Right now
I bet she thinks
I’m hangin’ with a
ho
‘bout to show me a cheap thrill
right now
she’s takin’ out her anger
on a poor guys
only means of transportation
right now
she’s probably thinkin’
that she’ll put it in a song
and sing it to the nation
but she don’t know
no, she don't know

She’ll soon find out
Revenge ain’t sweet
She’ll herself land in jail
For more than just a week
does she really think
She’s getting’ back at me
I see a cop car pull
Pull right up
To what was once
A real nice truck
And she must know that I’m
Not the type to cheat
And now she’ll have
A rap to beat
‘cause they caught her red-handed
in the street
maybe next time she’ll think
before she beats the wrong jeep

She might have saved a little trouble for the right guy
'cause the next jeep that she beats..
oh you know it won't be my jeep
no.. not my jeep

She’ll soon find out
Revenge ain’t sweet
She’ll land herself in jail
For more than just a week
Does she really think
She’s getting’ back at me
I see a cop car pull
Pull right up
To what was once
A real nice truck
And she must know that I’m
Not the type to cheat
And now she’ll have
A rap to beat
‘cause they caught her red-handed
in the street
maybe next time she’ll think
before she hits the wrong jeep

My daughter was having a birthday party on Saturday, June 30.  She will be turning 2 on July 5.  We needed some food for the party.  My wife placed an order at Subway and sent me on my way. 

I wanted to stop off at Target and pick up a copy of Nickelback's latest CD, but changed my mind half way down Coffee Road and headed back North on my way to Subway.

When I arrived at Subway, on Olive and Coffee, I couldn't believe who was standing in line with his daughter.  It was none other than Kern County's own Brian "Head" Welch, formerly of the supergroup, Korn. 

I approached him boldly, trying hard to appear cool while deluding myself into thinking I was hiding my star-struck excitement.   He appeared rather timid, but nonetheless friendly and hospitable.  As it turned out, his daughter was also having a birthday party on the same day as mine.  I can't remember for sure, but I think he said she was turning either 7 or 9. 

I managed to secure an autograph on the back of a Subway Restaurant Comment Card, I helped grabbed his platter of cookies, as I insisted on helping him carry his food to his car, which just so happened to be parked right next to mine.  I told him about Tradin' in Korn (For a Krown of Thorns), and, as it turned out, he had heard the song---a  song I had written about him upon learning about his departure from Korn and about his conversion.

I told him I wrote for an ezine called Phantom Tollbooth that I write for and asked him if he was doing interviews.  He said yes, adding that he is about to embark upon a tour to promote his new book.  He gave me his manager's phone number. 

I noted some interesting food parallels that mimicked an encounter I had a few years back with John McCrae, frontman for the band, Cake.  That was an incident in which, similar to this one, I had been sent by my wife on an errand involving food.  On that incident, she got a craving for ice cream and sent me to a local grocery store to pick it up.  On that incident, (which became what I referred to as my "Cake and Ice Cream" evening), like my recent encounter with Head, what started out as a food errand evolved into an encounter with a primary member of band with a name that sounds like a food product.  It all makes an even more interesting recipe for rock when you consider my aka which doubles as a formal presentation of my initials.  There's nothing quite like a BLT sandwich doc mixing it up with a key Cake ingredient and a kernel of Korn that fell off the cob and landed firmly on holy ground. 

When I arrived home with sandwiches in hand. 

That's my encounter with Head in a nutshell.  It looks like an interview may be in the works.  I'll keep you all posted.  In the meantime, while you're waiting for Brian's new book, Save me from Myself, to come out in bookstores around the world on July 7, check out this song:

Korn-bred
Dr BLT
words and music by Dr BLT (c) 2007 Smash Records
http://www.drblt.net/music/...

Brian “Head” Welch Book Tour

Brian “Head” Welch will be doing a tour in support of his autobiography, Save Me From Myself. The book will be in stores on July 7. Click MORE for tour dates.

07.13 ATLANTA
7:00 PM Books-A-Million

07.16 PHOENIX
7:00 PM Borders @ Mesa

07.17 LOS ANGELES
7:00 PM Border @ Torrence

07.18 LOS ANGELES
7:00 PM Book Soup

CHICAGO TBS

07.13 ATLANTA
7:00 PM Books-A-Million

07.16 PHOENIX
7:00 PM Borders @ Mesa

07.17 LOS ANGELES
7:00 PM Border @ Torrence

07.18 LOS ANGELES
7:00 PM Book Soup

CHICAGO TBS