Pencilstorm Rockers Have Rocking Gigs Coming Up - by Jeff Hassler

Want to rock the night away with some of the guys from Pencilstorm?  In September and beyond, Scott, Colin and Wal will all be appearing locally (but separately).  Check out the details below. - Jeff Hassler

Colin Gawel

Every Thursday

Pencilstorm Editor-In-Chief and infamous Columbus rocker, Colin Gawel, takes his solo talents to the stage every Thursday night at the Four String Taproom on West Sixth in Grandview Hts. A more intimate version of his solo bands and Watershed, Colin sounds like part Springsteen jamming out his acoustic on the Jersey Shore with a little bit of Black Crowes and The Rolling Stones mixed in. But like the good Black Crowes that played "She Talks to Angels." Not that hippy stuff.  Make sure to catch his set starting at 9pm. Every week will be a different set of Watershed, League Bowlers and solo tunes. Though he has still NEVER played "Wanted Dead or Alive" even though I request it all the time. One time I covered his rent and he promised to play it for me one day. Could that day be one of these days?? It's only fair. Just sayin'. A quick word of warning about Four String Brew, everybody knows I'm a Coors Light guy but I do really like their new Hilltop Lager. But last time I was at the taproom for our Thursday night pinball league, Greg May bought me a couple of Switchblade IPA and I threw up all over the KISS game and ended up asleep in the Five Guys dumpster covered in mustard and some kind of sauce resembling mayonnaise.  That Switchblade packs a punch so take er sleezy when you are sucking down those sudz! Hassler warned ya!!

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Radio Tramps

Sept. 23

Resident discographer and historian, Scott Carr, will be rocking out with his band Radio Tramps this Saturday, September 23 at Cardo's Pizza & Tavern in Pickerington. Performing hits that span nearly four decades of rock, dance and pop,  the Radio Tramps will give you a total live, raw and in-your-face four-hour music experience. With soaring vocals, high energy, and a relentless pursuit of fun, they are sure to please all night long. The show starts at 8:30 pm. Get your grub on, get your drink on and get Tramped! I should know. I got Tramped at their Red, White and Boom show, tried to hug Tiffany and then fell off the stage in front of thousands of people. Even worse, my boss, Mr. Johansen saw the video on youtube and suspended me from all church activities for three weeks. Very embarrassing. Great band though! 

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Armada

Sept. 30

Wal Ozello will be fronting his band, Armada, next Saturday, September 30 at King Avenue 5. Once credited as "Rush meets Bon Jovi," Armada will play a staple of originals made popular during their days at the Alrosa Villa along with a mix of covers from '80s hair bands. Not your average bunch of musicians, you'll have to catch them as they pull off Rush, Journey, Tesla and Guns N Roses in a way few other bands can. Rumor has it this may be one of their last shows, so make sure to catch them while you can. I know I will be there. Not only do they always put on a great show but I met my future ex-wife Kim at one of their sold-out shows at the Alrosa Villa back in the day. Actually it was my first and last time working as the Armada drum tech but if I hadn't gotten fired before showtime Kim and I never would have hooked up. She liked that I knew drummers and was hoping I could get her back stage. She used to be so much fun back then and she looked so sexy in her Triumph Sport of Kings T-shirt. If I had known how she had gotten the shirt from Gil Moore in the first place I probably wouldn't have proposed so soon but I was young, dumb and full of.....ANYWAY... Doors open at 7pm and special guest No Direction starts at 8 pm. Make sure to get there early as Armada promptly takes the stage at 9 pm.

Look for more Pencilstorm appearances in the upcoming weeks! See ya at the gigs and buy me beer why don't you? - Hassler is out. 

TV Party Tonight! Part Eight: Generation Axe - by Wal Ozello

Colin let me take over this week's TV Party. When this was first pitched at Pencilstorm’s Editorial Committee meeting, we all started visiting each others' You Tube feeds to check out what each other was watching.

Much to the surprise of most of the staff, mine wasn’t filled with Journey, Bon Jovi, Queen or dozens of those tenor rock vocalists. When I go deep diving on Youtube, it’s all about the gods of guitar. And not those bluesy, riffy guys like Keith Richards or Slash.  I like the pure distorted rapid neoclassical sounds of what’s known now as Generation Axe. 

So sit back, relax and prepare to have your mind blown. Remember all this stuff is LIVE. Engage rabbit hole… NOW.

We start with the man who broke the ceiling with rock guitar virtuosos and I'm not talking about Eddie Van Halen (snooze), I’m talking about the one and only Steve Vai.

You can’t listen to Vai without his contemporary, Joe Satraini.  While Satriani has dozens of amazing songs, here’s a gem I found.

Eric Johnson is another amazing guitar talent from this generation.  It’s hard to mention Vai and Satriani without Johnson.  Here’s his most famous.

Europe gave birth to this neoclassical heavy metal guitarist, Yngwie Malmsteen. Wow. Just wow.

There are some people out there who can do on four strings what others do on six. Here is bassist Billy Sheehan and guitarist Paul Gilbert doing an amazing duet.

And speaking of duets… make sure to watch this completely. At first, it’s just Joe Satriani playing his signature, “Always You, Always Me,” but half way through Steve Vai joins him on stage and it’s just mind-blowing to hear two masters go at it together.  It's like watching Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo paint together.

Pencilstorm contributor Wal Ozello is the lead singer of the Columbus Hairband, Armada, and the author of several time travel books.

Eight Romantic Rock Movies To Watch on Valentine’s Day Instead of La La Land - by Wal Ozello

editor’s Note: Rob Braithwaite and Ricki C. have been doing a great job of reviewing the Oscar noms this year. Check out what they have to say about La La Land. In the meantime, here’s Wal Ozello, our “Holiday Reporter,” with some ideas on Valentine’s Day.

If you haven’t seen La La Land yet, there’s no doubt your loved one is going to drag you to the movie theatre on Valentine’s Day to see this overhyped movie. I hope Emma Stone got paid millions for this one, and received a lifetime pass to Massage Envy because she totally carried this beast on her shoulders.  My two cents is to save your money, stay home, snuggle up on the couch and watch one of these amazing romantic rock movies instead.  It’s a diverse list and you and your loved one are bound to enjoy at least one of them.

Singles

This Cameron Crowe film features the Seattle Grunge music scene so much that it might as well be credited as a cast member. In fact, there’s cameos from Chris Cornell, Pearl Jam and Alice In Chains.  Featuring Bridget Fonda, Matt Damon and Kyra Sedgwick this movie depicts Gen X’ers looking for love while discovering who they are… infused with the angst of grunge music.  Make sure to check out how tough it is to pick up girls in the Seattle in the clip below.

Pair with: Decaf Café Mochas, Hamburgers and Fries

The Commitments

If Soul and Blues is more your thing, then see Alan Parker’s, The Commitments. The twist is the band is a bunch of white working class stiffs from Ireland playing a traditionally black American music form.  Egos come into play and so does romance, but of course there’s a big huge music number at the end.  Classic scene is watching back-up singers with thick Irish accents try to sing “Ride, Sally Ride.”

Pair with: Guinness and Fish & Chips

High Fidelity

Arguably in my Top Five All-Time Romantic Movies, this movie is about a guy who owns a record store and revisits all his past relationships.  Starring John Cusack and Jack Black in a supporting role, it’s a little bit of comedy, some angst from unrequited love and a whole lot of music. Don’t blink or you’ll miss out on a slew of cameos, including one from The Boss.

Pair with: Malbec and Rosemary & Garlic crusted Lambchops

Almost Famous

This coming-of-age story from Cameron Crowe is more about the lead character getting exposed to life through the eyes of rock n roll than a love story. The romantic edge to the story explains how love isn’t always puppy dogs and fairy tales, especially in the ego and passion filled world of rock n roll. A little darker than La La Land, but more fulfilling.  Kate Hudson gives a brilliant performance and the fake band, Stillwater, comes across so real that you’ll be searching for them on Pandora.

Pair with: Budlight and a Pizza

The Wedding Singer

If you’re a child of the '80s and you haven’t seen this movie, then download it immediately and start watching. Next to This Is Spinal Tap, it’s the best rock comedy you’ll ever see and the '80s references come a mile a minute.  Adam Sandler plays a wedding singer that falls in love with Drew Barrymore’s character, who’s getting married to another guy.  He helps her plan her wedding while all the time trying to figure out a way to profess his love and keep her from becoming “Mrs. Julia Gulia.” Make sure to stick around to the end for Steve Buscemi’s rendition of Spandau Ballet’s True.

Pair with: Cheap champagne and Baked Chicken

That Thing You Do!

If you’re looking for something more on the cheesy side, then go with this one.  Tom Hank’s directorial debut is a homage to the '50s one-hit wonders. The romance comes in the form of the band’s drummer falling for the lead singer’s girlfriend, played by Liv Tyler.  It’s filled with fun music and a few cameos, include Kevin Pollack as Boss Vic Koss, a local DJ celebrity from Pittsburgh.

Pair with: Iron City and Stew

Purple Rain

Yeah, I’m putting this one on the list.  Prince is an amazing guitarist and performer.  While his acting is a bit lacking and the story line is simplistic, it’s filled with a bunch of great R&B pop rock songs by the man himself. For those of you that love real music that you can dance to, put in your DVD of this and relive your high school days. Make sure you cuddle up next to your loved one on the couch for some extra fun. Here's a particularly hot scene.

Pair with: Chardonnay and Steamed Lobster

Walk The Line

If Country is more your thing, and you’ve actually made it this far down on my list, then may I remind you of this gem of a movie. Joaquin Phoenix does such an awesome job in this movie, you believe you’re actually watching Johnny Cash. Likewise, Reese Witherspoon nails it as his soulmate, June Carter. This movie is full of demons (what country story isn’t) but true love conquers.  I dare you to watch this proposal scene and tell me you don't want to see the rest of it.

Pair with:  BBQ Ribs and Jack Daniels

What Now America? What NOW? How About a Mixtape? - Wal Ozello

By Pencilstorm contributor - Wal Ozello

We have a strict rule here among us Pencilstorm contributors - no politics.  Even with the tumultuous Presidential election, I stopped myself from blogging about it.  After Tuesday's results came in my facebook feed lit up and it's been crazy ever since.  Both sides are still talking about what America needs.

You know what America needs now?  Some good ol' rock n roll.  So I made a mix tape for you America.  Enjoy!

American Girl - Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

Liberty - Journey

Rockin' In  The Free World - Neil Young

For Those About To Rock, We Salute You - AC/DC

Johnny B Goode - Chuck Berry

Paradise City - Guns N Roses

American Idiot - Green Day

Right Now - Van Halen

Rock In America - Night Ranger

The Rising - Bruce Springsteen

Star Spangled Banner - Jimi Hendrix

Feel free to add your own in the comment section below.  It's time to rock.

Wal Ozello is a science fiction techno-thriller novelist and the author of Assignment 1989 ,  Revolution 1990, and Sacrifice 2086. He's a resident of Upper Arlington, Ohio and a frequent customer at Colin's Coffee.

Pencilstorm Hall of Fame Nominee: Mean Mr. Mustard's AC/DC - Cult Night

By Pencilstorm contributor Wal Ozello

Mr. Mustard’s AC/DC – Cult Night was the most amazing OSU College Campus Experience and I dutifully submit it as a first ballot Pencilstorm Hall of Fame nominee.

For those of you who have been to Mean Mr. Mustard’s AC/DC – Cult Night, you are sure to agree with me. If you haven’t, here are the facts:

1)      It’s AC/DC – Cult Night, not AC/DC Cult night. Every other song they played that night was by AC/DC or The Cult. The other songs were filled in with metal or hard rock. Imagine an evening of Thunderstruck, For Those About to Rock, Fire Woman and She Sells Sanctuary, mixed with Master of Puppets, Dr. Feelgood, or Mr. Brownstone. If you remember the Campus Bars sound systems like I do, those speakers were LOUD.  Imagine metal played over them instead of club music. Piercing distorted guitars and double bass drums never sounded better. 

2)      Buckets of beer. Well… every OSU bar sold buckets of beer. But if you’ve never been to an OSU campus bar, understand they had 2.5 gallon buckets which were completely filled with beer from the tap... for $5. That’s about five and half pitchers. We'd put three people on a bucket and get sloshed.

3)      It was every Sunday night. The last ditch effort of the weekend to party your ass off. What better way to do it then with metal and buckets of beer. Sometime I looked at it as the end of a great weekend, other times I thought of it as the beginning of an awesome week. Either way, it rocked. Finished it off with a trip to BW3's wings or the Greek place to get a gyro.

4)      Mean Mr. Mustard’s was known as the alternative bar. It was usually filled with pre-goths types listening to sad stuff like Morrissey, Depeche Mode, and R.E.M.  – but on Sunday night the metal heads took over. Everyone there was for the rock music. Lots of hair, leather, tattoos and jeans.  

5)      It was truly balls to the wall music. You had metal heads, college kids, and locals all getting together to listen to music that really rocked. Imagine Headbanger’s Ball but live. Every song, one after the other, was an awesome surprise of “in your face” metal.

I have amazing memories from AC/DC – Cult Night and many more experiences that I don’t remember (note… buckets of beer). If I got my hands onto a time machine, this would be one of my first stops. 

AC/DC - Cult Night deserves an honored spot in Pencilstorm's Hall of Fame. It represents everything we stand for hear at Pencilstorm. 

Wal Ozello is a science fiction techno-thriller novelist and the author of Assignment 1989 ,  Revolution 1990, and Sacrifice 2086. He's a resident of Upper Arlington, Ohio and a frequent customer at Colin's Coffee.

Valentine's Day Playlist For The Broken Hearted

By Pencilstorm Contributor Wal Ozello

It's Valentine's Day. The day you snuggle up to the one you love, make romantic love, and create lasting blissful memories. You softly turn up the stereo and listen to Journey’s Faithfully, Zeppelin’s Thank You, Eagles' Peaceful Easy Feeling, or Firehouse’s Love of a Lifetime – all depending on your flavor of rock.

But if there’s one thing that rock teaches us is that love is complicated. It’s messy, at times disappointing, and even a lifetime full of love can be littered with a rocky journey. So with that said, I'd like propose an alternate Valentine's Day rock playlist - one for the brokenhearted and one that's more reflective of reality.

For those of you who are longing for more out of your relationship, may I suggest this song from Cheap Trick.

Looking for something a little more physical? Maybe a bit celebratory about last night’s adventure?  Look no further than this classic by AC/DC.

Maybe it's been a little long since your ex left you but you still can't get over her. You seem to be going out of your way to run into her. Others claim you're stalking her. She's put out a restraining order on you. This is probably your theme song.

Pining over your ex? Even though they've moved on? How about some Scorps.

Maybe you’ve finally come to terms that your relationship wasn’t supposed to be? You were living one big lie.

This rock classic captures the pains and heartbreaks of love in a way no other does.

Here’s the ultimate Valentine’s Day Rock Anthem. Whether you’re alone today or in a long lasting relationship, I’m sure you’ll at some point in your life you've agreed with this song.

Finally - how about a laugh this Valentine's Day? Here's special version of a hit from the 80's made famous by Bonnie Tyler. Trust me - watch it all the way through. 

Wal Ozello is a science fiction techno-thriller novelist and the author of Assignment 1989 ,  Revolution 1990, and Sacrifice 2086. He's a resident of Upper Arlington, Ohio and a frequent customer at Colin's Coffee.