A blog about Arts & Entertainment, Kern County, and Health & Wellness.
|
John McCain should be proud to be associated with Bush: I'm proud of our President! A Couple of Mavericks: Hear the new song and keep an eye on the winning ticket Jimmy Carter denegrates McCain's military service: Alt rock song asks Carter, do you have a soul? Makin' Great Strides: New alt rock song about rise and fall of John Edwards Promises made in the Parking Lot at Trout's: hear/review new Krock (Kern County country rock) song It's Rainin' at my Favorite Honky-tonk: For my friends at Trout's: R.I.P. Vern Never Mind the Bollocks: Here's the Alvis Edgar Wannabes: Our First Single/First Trivia Quest The BLT in BeaTLes: Answer this riddle to win Dr BLT cover of song by Buck's favorite band Dr BLTrivia: Identify what the girl says at the end of the Sour Grapes song! Win free blow-up doll! Sour Grapes and Lemons: Dr BLT featuring mystery female artist August 06 September 06 October 06 November 06 December 06 January 07 February 07 March 07 April 07 May 07 June 07 July 07 August 07 September 07 October 07 November 07 December 07 January 08 February 08 March 08 April 08 May 08 June 08 July 08 August 08 September 08 
RSS 2.0    |
|
|
I've been walking Homer Joy's Streets of Bakersfield, all the way From Buck Owens Blvd to Merle Haggard Drive. I've been meeting people and writing songs that tell their stories. Some are true, some are altered to protect the innocent, and some are flat-out fiction, like the song I'll debut next Monday, April 7 at Starbucks right off of 99 on Buck Owens Boulevard, right next door to Denny's at 8:30 am.
She's a Merle's Girl words and music by Dr BLT copyright 2008
NU BAKO SOUND RECORDINGS she's a Merle's girl she's got Merle posters on her wall she's even got an autographed guitar she knows every word in every song he sings from Branded Man to Always Wanting You
When she's sad she sings Someday When Things Are Good When she's thrilled she sings A Natural High She's a groupie She follows Merle to every show She's always in the second row
her daddy left when she was 3 years old now Merle's the only dad she knows she adopted Merle way back in 62 now she's nearly sixty too (as in "also")
She's a Merle's girl she lives in Oildale on her own she's a widow who doesn't own a home but don't you ever call her trailer trash she'll kick your ass and make stew out of you
her daddy left when she was 3 years old now Merle's the only dad she knows she adopted Merle way back in 62 now she's nearly sixty too (as in "also")
C'mon, you can do it! Welcome to my blog n roll studio. I'm your host, Dr BLT. In the game of blog n roll, I supply the topic and the tunes, and you supply the talk.
I took this pic at the Merle Haggard street-signing ceremony a few weeks back, on The Day Merle Haggard Stole My Pen. Picture the Sound------The Bakersfield Sound, and then answer the question to win a free mp3 of the song I slipped into this blog n roll jukebox of mine. Ready? Set? BLOG N ROLL! I have a confession to make about the following confession. It's built on a vast exaggeration. But, then again, it's Trout's and isn't it true that to tell a good fish story, at least at little exaggeration is required to capture the interest of the listener? Thanks for the drink, Rockwell, but I didn't get blitz out of my mind as suggested by the song. My first beer must have been shaken up a little too hard, because when it was opened, most of it fizzled out and spilled all over the place. I had one more, and then the one you brought me. Homer brought the roof down with a rowdy, real country performance that had people dancing their butts off. It was all part of a 2-night tribute to the Bakersfield Sound. I stood on the sidelines and took it all in. Then I woke up in the morning, not with a hangover, but with a Homer song in my head, and a song of my own that followed his. So, without further ado, here's the rough, unplugged version of My Sunday Mornin' Confession ('bout Saturday Night at Trout's). I'll perform this song "live" this morning at Starbucks on Roseday Highway near Calloway at about 8:30 am. Here are the lyrics:
My Sunday Mornin' Confession ('bout Saturday Night at Trout's) words and music by Dr BLT copyright 2008
well, I woke up Sunday mornin' with a Homer song in my head and one hell of a hangover don't remember a thing I said don't remember what I did either well, I do but with some doubt it's my Sunday mornin' confession 'bout Saturday Night at Trout's
Rockwell bout me a Budweiser and I drank to the Bakersfield Sound but by the time that it was over I couldn't find my way 'cross town well the place was filled with cowboys and cowgirls that'd make you shout and it's my Sunday mornin' confession 'bout Saturday night at Trout's
hell, yeh! Hee Haw I can't remember what I heard there and I can't tell you what I saw hell, yeh! no doubt it's my Sunday mornin' confession 'bout Saturday night at Trout's it's my Sunday mornin' confession 'bout Saturday night at Trout's
Here's your chance to judge the song before others do. This my American Idol Songwriter Competition entry. This Dr BLTune is covered here by local artist Alyssa Kaess. While you're at it, name the correct number of Beatles song titles named in the song, and win a free mp3 copy of the song. It looks like my wish to squeak through the door at the last minute to record a collection of songs paying tribute to the old Buck Owens Recording Studios, more recently known as Fat Tracks, is going to come true, God willing. Thanks to the graciousness of the powers that run the place, on Tuesday, April 2, 2008, I will have the humble honor of being The Last Man Standing at the old stomping grounds of artists like Buck, Korn and many more, as I record songs like Phat Chance, a song written when I was in doubt as to my chances of getting in the door; The Last Man Standing (the one you hear here in rough form) and Walls of Sound are Fallin'. I will also be recording The World is Coming to an End, which pays tribute to the closing of World Records, another historic musical landmark in Kern County. As many songs as I can squeeze in during the available time will be included in an EP, which will also include some earlier rough, unplugged recordings of some of the songs.
The Last Man Standing words and music by Dr BLT copyright 2008 I wanna be the last man standing there as the walls of sound come crashing down I wanna be the last man standing there at the place where history was born chorus: the last man standin' there waitin' on a wing a wing and a prayer somethin' special's in the air the last man standin' there
I wanna be the last man standin' there on the Avenue where Buck Owens stood where Korn was born and Willie Nelson sang The Buckaroos and Dwight Yoakam too
somethin' could happen on the way to the studio or someone could record after me but just to be among the remainin' few with a chance to be there makes me feel brand new (chorus)
Oops, sorry for the typo, but let's take this lemon and make lemonade out of it by "starting a conversation" about starting a conversation about global I said it yesterday, but it's just as true today:
It's not easy being an underdog. As an underdog---a true underdog, you have to be content paying your dues until the day you die. but if you're going under, and you're misunderstood, understand this: There's no sweeter way to go under than going under as an underdog. BLT
I'm Poor in Fans, but Rich in Songs words and music by Dr BLT copyright 2008
If I had a dollar for every fan that ever attended one of my shows I'd be the poorest man in Bakersfield if I had a cent for every single CD that I sold I'd nearly have a nickel to my name
I'm poor in fans but rich in songs God gives me nearly 4 or 5 a day I'm poor in fans but rich in music I'm reminded of that every time I play
If I got a 20 dollar bill each time I got a cheer I'd make much less than 20 bucks a year if I got a 10 for every now and then when I earned myself a tip I'd have nothin', notta, squat, not, zero, zip (chorus)
I guess the good Lord figured I had far too many fans especially when I'm playin' with the band so he took the few I had and turned them all to brand new tunes just to give me cause to sing the blues (chorus)
Welcome to BLTv. I'm Dr BLT. I'm your host and your bloggin' VJ. Today we're featuring the Notorious Cherry Bombs with their notorious hit: It's Hard to Kiss the Lips at Night... Well, you get the picture. Now, let's get on with the show!
Here's the link in case you can't activate the video directly from here: It's not easy being an underdog. As an underdog---a true underdog, you have to be content paying your dues until the day you die. but if you're going under, and you're misunderstood, understand this: There's no sweeter way to go under than going under as an underdog. BLT
I'm Poor in Fans, but Rich in Songs words and music by Dr BLT copyright 2008
If I had a dollar for every fan that ever attended one of my shows I'd be the poorest man in Bakersfield if I had a cent for every single CD that I sold I'd nearly have a nickel to my name
I'm poor in fans but rich in songs God gives me nearly 4 or 5 a day I'm poor in fans but rich in music I'm reminded of that every time I play
If I got a 20 dollar bill each time I got a cheer I'd make much less than 20 bucks a year if I got a 10 for every now and then when I earned myself a tip I'd have nothin', notta, squat, not, zero, zip (chorus)
I guess the good Lord figured I had far too many fans especially when I'm playin' with the band so he took the few I had and turned them all to brand new tunes just to give me cause to sing the blues (chorus)
There you have it. I've laid my doubts about Obama on the table, the "turn table" you might say. But the real question is, have the tables been turned in this struggle between Hillary and Barak and between the Republican party and the Democratic party? Does Obama's close, long-term association with Rev. Wright render him damaged goods for the remainder of this campaign. Do I believe that Obama is as extreme as his pastor appears to be? No, I don't even believe his pastor is as exteme as he appears to be. My problem is that Obama's passivity from the pew. He allowed things to be said from the pulpit that called for some type of open protest. By the way, the term "choir boy" that I used in this song is simply a play on the term "preaching to the choir," extending it in such a way as to single out Obama as an individual who could have reacted with protest, but, instead, responded with passivity. I intended no allusion whatsover to the more condescending "boy" spoken by white bigots and slave owners from days of yore. I have great respect for the way Obama has handled his campaign thus far. I have great respect for his intelligence and willingness to openly discuss the issue of race, (though he used his speech as a scholarly-framed diversion). I simply believe that he is too passive when it comes to principles that most of us as Americans share. If you stand for something, you must be willing to stand against those who shake the very ground upon which you stand and those who directly threaten the things you stand for. I was intrigued and moved by this one child's ability to take a sour, sour lemon, and make lemonade out of it, in the true Steve Swenson tradition. It makes me wonder how I can possibly drum up so much self-pity in the midst of showers of blessings that God has bestowed upon me. Jesus turned water into wine. He offers it to us from heavenly gates, as he earnestly invites us to his glorious feast. Somehow I manage to turn that wine into whine or, even slime. Here is Alex's story. Here is her lemon. Here is her lemonade. http://www.alexslemonade.or... Tell us your story. Do you know somebody who has taken a tragedy and turned it into a victory? Perhaps that "someone" is you. If you're new to the game of blog n roll, I supply the topic and the tunes. You supply the talk. The tune I've chose today is from the man formerly known as Cat Steven. It's a song Yusaf called Moon Shadow. It's on my CD, Running for Covers. Often times as I have found myself at the end of a storm, or at the calm I'm anticipating will lead to a storm, and often times as I wait for the next shoe to drop, this song reminds me that when you've lost everything, there is nothing left to lose. Now I ask you, what have you got to lose by sharing your story? Ready? Set? BLOG N ROLL! PS: Stay tuned at http://www.drblt.net Well....... I'm waiting. Who wants to be the first to speak out? What's the matter? Right-wingers Need Love Too Dr BLT words and music by Dr BLT copyright 2008 http://www.drblt.net/music/...
Or, join in here:
Once I submit the songs, I will play them for you here, so you can determine how well I'm representing this town and it's sound. Here are the lyrics to the two songs I will be submitting, When I Heard you Sing, and Today:
When I Heard You Sing Words and music by Bruce L. Thiessen, aka Dr BLT Copyright 2008 When I heard you sing “Yesterday” When I heard you sing “Things we Said Today” For a moment I believed Nothin’ was impossible And anything could happen If you just believe When I heard you sing All the Lonely People And Let it Be When I heard you sing All You Need is Love And Yellow Submarine (chorus) Like Eight Days a Week And it makes me sad When My Guitar Gently Weeps When I heard you sing Across the Universe Suddenly I caught a dream And never let it go When I heard you sing The Long and Winding Road and Penny Lane When I heard you sing Please Please Me And Love Me Do (chorus) Today Words and music by Bruce L. Thiessen, aka Dr BLT Copyright 2008 Today is filled with unknown secrets Unbridled fate Today is filled with tomorrow’s dreams But tomorrow may be too late Today I’m standing face to face with Everything I own My wishes, wants, my aspirations The fruit of yesterday’s seed’s unknown But somewhere between Before and after Somewhere between The tears and laughter Somewhere between Tomorrow and yesterday I know I’m gonna have to face today Today I have so many gifts you’ve bestowed on me but I know one day they could be gone so I must set them free today I’m still alive and so I breath another time as if it were sweet wine Talk on the Streets of Bakersfield suggested it was highly anticipated. Now it's here. Two other publications have notified me of their plans to publish it. I only pitched it to these two and Tollbooth, so more may be wanting to jump on the Bakersfield Sound bandwagon with this interview. Phantom Tollbooth was the first publication out of the gate on it, and now, you can link to it, and drink from it right here, right now. Here's my interview with Homer "Streets of Bakersfield" Joy and Bakersfield's own Rockwell: I'll meet you noonish today on the patio between Zingo's Cafe and The Boss on Buck Owens Boulevard. Get Rich quick. Cash in on a real HooteNOONee today. Kick back and earn some hard-earned play as I get into a set featuring back-2-back Buck Owens/Johnny Cash tunes---not to mention a little Charlie Rich. Most Beautiful Girl If you'd like to start your week off by listening to the best of me and the best of Merle---an early morning outdoor set of songs from my forthcoming From Buck Owens Blvd. to Merle Haggard Drive CD, along with some Merle Haggard covers, meet me on Merle Haggard Drive, at Starbucks, right next door to Dennys right off the 99. We spent it in San Diego with relatives on my wife's side of the family. We had the typical Easter egg hunt for the kids, but we had it on Saturday, actually. Then, on Sunday, we attended a church that featured a hard rock introduction with a huge, lit-up spinning wheel hoovering over the band, and a message that was a little tricky to connect to the Easter story, but inspiring, nevertheless.
On our way home, we stopped for dinner at Buca DePeppo. I dropped my wife and toddler off at the restaurant, then I went to park in the parking complex. I has just parked and was leaving my vehicle when a car pulled out with a hostile, white, middle-aged male who proceeded to point to the painted stop sign on the concrete, while cussing me out at the top of his lungs. When I ignored him, he screeched his tires and began to follow me, demanding that I meet him face-to-face. I held up my phone and informed him that I was about to call the cops. That, and probably the fact that there were a few surrounding witnesses, stopped him from taking it further, but I swear, this guy was very close to ending things in a very ugly fashion. My family is safe, and so am I. Somebody is out there raging, and he will rage again and again. One day he will rage on the wrong person. Oh well, all is well that ends well. I hope you all had a happy Easter! In the game of blog n roll, I supply the topic and the tunes, like this Beatles/Dr BLT medley In My Life/All Those Memories: http://www.drblt.net/music/... and you supply the talk. Ready? Set? BLOG N ROLL! Bakersfield Sound Trivia Quest: What was the name of the band that played at the Crystal Palace several days after Johnny Cas passed away---the one featured on this music video that also happens to feature me and many others?: http://www.youtube.com/watc... 1. Steppenwolf 2. Bachman Turner Overdrive 3. The Dixie Chicks 4. The Clash 5. Cake The winner will receive the hand-written lyrics to the following good-bye song for World Records, which is, sadly, closing it's doors. I plan to record the song at Fat Tracks (yes, I made it through the door), on Wednesday, April 2. I took the day off from my day job. Collect your prize by emailing me with your snail mail address or showing up at one of my gigs. Good luck!
Ready, set, BLOG N ROLL!
The World is Comin' to an End words and music by Dr BLT copyright 008
the world is comin' to an end the doors will be closin' soon I can't remember if I read April, May or June but... chorus: it's comin', comin' comin' round the bend it's closin' time in bakersfield and the world's come to an end
Pat, the guy who runs the place is everybody's friend he even sold my records there but it's comin' to an end (chorus)
Mr. bartender pour me a drink I heard you say, "Last round!" it's closin' time in Bakersfield home of the Bakersfield Sound (chorus)
Resurrectin' Buck words and music by Dr BLT copyright 2008 Nu Bako Sound Recordings I was on my way to work just the other day when a train came and caused a big delay Rosedale Highway was blocked for miles and miles so I got off and found another way
the detour that I took brought back memories of a man that left his mark wtih such a legacy the church that held his funeral was standing there and I could hear that old familiar prayer
forgive me, Lord forgive me, Lord yes, I'm aware that it is almost Easter time forgive me, Lord forgive me, Lord I'm resurrectin' Buck inside my mind
Stay tuned at: |
