Definitions by I Saw U2 Live Twice

proto-punk

a hard-to-classify group of bands and performers who laid the foundation for and inspired punk rock's development in the mid-1970s. These acts sported tough guy looks, rebellious attitudes, the longest hair in the neighborhood, sometimes simple 3-chord arrangements and/or feedback and garage band aesthetics. Some of these acts were called "punk rock" by critics in the late 60s and early 70s. That label later was applied to later bands of the mid-70s, starting with the Ramones. Elvis Presley may be the original "proto-punk" rocker. He wore denim and leather, wore his hair long for the 50s, swiveled his hips provacatively, rode motorcycles, sneered when he sang, and more. The term "proto-punk" wasn't used until after punk itself came into its own.

Here are some examples of proto-punk acts:
The Kinks
The Who
Velvet Underground
The Stooges
The MC5
? and the Mysterians
The Seeds
New York Dolls
Roxy Music
Creedence Clearwater Revival
Rolling Stones
... and many more.

proto-punk by I Saw U2 Live Twice November 20, 2006

New York State 

a pleasant state of America that has many exciting attractions such as the Great American Kazoo Factory (in Eden), Niagara Falls, New York City attractions, and several Iroquois Indian reservations where you can stock up on gas and other stuff without paying a state tax (all the money goes back to the Native American community)!

Eveywhere I went in New York State I couldn't find a "I-heart-NY" shirt. I do love New York State, a lot.

New York State by I Saw U2 Live Twice November 20, 2006

Love Removal Machine 

this is open to interpretation. It's the title of a 1987 hit by the band the Cult. My guess is that the singer is referring to his girlfriend. This is funny: we all know that people want to give love. And get it. But remove it? What the hell is going on here? The lyrics to this song are incredibly dumb. Still, I like this song a lot. It's so stupid it's cool. You can't help but like it. It's just one of those things. It's stupid fun ;)

When I walked out of the El Dorado casino and out to the Reno Strip I heard a radio blasting from a passing car. The song was Love Removal Machine by the Cult.

Love Removal Machine by I Saw U2 Live Twice November 19, 2006

Queensryche 

an intelligent progressive heavy metal band from Seattle. They released their first album in 1983 and has always stood out from other heavy metal bands in the 80s and beyond. They released the concept album "Operation Mindcrime" in 1988, earning the respect of fans and critics alike. Singer/keyboardist Geoff Tate has a stunning voice often described as "operatic". All of their albums range from good to great. Check out "Operation: Mindcrime", "Empire", "Tribe" and "The Art of Live".

I saw Queensryche at a club near a university 2 years ago and they are dynamic performers. Queensryche, who are inspired by Pink Floyd and Rush and other bands, are often referred to as the "thinking man's heavy metal band". Check them out live.

Queensryche by I Saw U2 Live Twice November 18, 2006

Losing my Religion 

1. a southern slang phrase that means "flying off the handle", losing ones cool and losing ones self-control. Some people also think it could mean to get laid.

2. a big 1991 hit song from the Georgia rock band R.E.M..

1. George: Jeremy has been acting funny since he polished off a bottle of Wild Turkey.

Billy: Yep, he's lost some of his religion.

2. The title Losing My Religion caused some confusion at first here in the MidWest.

Losing my Religion by I Saw U2 Live Twice November 18, 2006

Ziggy Marley

a son of Bob Marley who is a reggae superstar in his own right. He performed with his brother Stephen and 2 sisters in the Melody Makers in the 20th century and now is on his own, as is all the other Melody Makers. He is true to his legendary father's legacy.

I saw Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers as an opening act for the B-52s in 1990, as an opener for Midnight Oil in 1993 and as a headlining act in 1998. It was great Caribbean rock'n'roll and good vibes each time. See Ziggy Marley for top-quality reggae.

Ziggy Marley by I Saw U2 Live Twice November 18, 2006

reggae 

quite simply, reggae is a soulful Carribean form of rock'n'roll. Inspired by American soul, ska, calypso and other Carribean music styles, reggae is usually in a laid back arrangement, relaxed and based on guitars. Reggae was invented in Jamaica but there are other performers in other countries that perform reggae. Many bands in various other rock styles have written reggae-influenced songs. Many reggae songs have scored international success over the past 25 years or so. Reggae is usually about island life, celebrating life in spite of poverty and oppression, sunshine, peace, racial equality, sometimes "ganja" and sometimes Rastafari.

Some world-wide reggae hits:

"Tomorrow People" - Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers
"Can You Be Loved" - Bob Marley and the Wailers
"Bad Boys (Theme from COPS)" - Inner Circle
"Red Red Wine" - UB40
"Pass the Dutchie" - Musical Youth
"Smoke Two Joints" - the Togues (sp?)
"Electric Avenue" - Eddy Grant

and some reggae and reggae-inspired hits from artists in other genres:

"I Shot the Sheriff" - Eric Clapton
"Down Under" - Men at Work
"Do You Really Want to Hurt Me" - Culture Club
"The Tide is High" - Blondie
"Bobo Tempo" - Huey Lewis and the News
"Heart" - Nick Lowe

and many others, too numerous to list here.

reggae by I Saw U2 Live Twice November 18, 2006