*The Graham Bond Organization that included 2 members who went on to the band, Cream, served as the inspiration for the lyrics of a track we'll enjoy this evening. The original version of this track that tells a tale of settlers heading into the desert was released in 1969 by a member of Cream, became a hit in 1970 for this band. Name the group and extra credit for the name of the song....
*This horn-driven band emerged in the late '60's along with similarly inclined, Chicago and Blood, Sweat & Tears, helping to push the sound of brass-infused music into the rock era. And their album in 2018, from which we play a track this evening, celebrated a 50 year anniversary of sorts, of most excellent music. Name the band... *A track from a 1976 album that made its way into the texture of our respective souls features one of the guitar-playing members on piano and synthesizer rather than his trademark guitar groove. Thus, this song was not really typical of the overall band's usual sound. Name the band, the member and extra credit for the name of the song... *This legendary artist who started his career in 1961 started exploring the music of the Great American Songbook with his 2002 album. 17 years later then, it was really no surprise to hear this great artist singing with a full orchestra accompanying him. Name the artist... BATTLE OF THE BANDS Against The Wind by Bob Seger vs Amanda by Boston ANSWERS 1. Mountain, Theme From An Imaginary Western 2. Tower of Power 3. Eagles, Joe Walsh, Pretty Maids All In A Row 4. Rod Stewart Battle of the Bands : Bob Seger won with 55% of votes
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*This great artist is known not only by the band he fronted, but also as a most significant producer and engineer…working on notable albums with The Beatles and Pink Floyd. Name the artist…
*We’ll enjoy a song from 1992 where the artist sings from the perspective of a man whose long-term marriage is coming to an end. He’s looking back at all they went through, wondering if they can find a way to make it last. While his marriage was strong at the time, the song came true for him in a literal sense in 2014 when he and wife split up. Name the artist… *1964 was the release of this song that was conceived as a follow-up to The Ronettes, #2 hit, Be My Baby. The writer for this great band heard it on the radio and wondered aloud if he could match it. His wife had some comforting words for him, assuring him he could…and those words became the title for the track. Name the song and extra credit for the artist as well… *Saturday Night Live used to be really good back in the day (Full Disclosure...I haven’t seen one in quite some time), but the leader of this great band used to watch it religiously back then as well. He caught a performance on one of the episodes that became an inspiration for a song the band released in 1992. Name the band, the leader and extra credit for the name of the band… BATTLE OF THE BANDS Frankenstein by Edgar Winter Group vs Hold On Loosely by 38 Special ANSWERS 1. Alan Parsons 2. Neil Young 3. Don’t Worry Baby, Brian Wilson 4. REM., Michael Stipe, Man On The Moon Battle of the Bands : 38 Special won with 51% of votes *Chicago has blues roots...might we agree? This band led by its frontman has always included a few old blues numbers in their concerts. Perhaps considered more as a 'Pop' based band, they've always been able to inject blues forms into such offerings. From the midwest to the west coast, this band has been making seriously entertaining music for say 6 or 7 decades now. Name the band....
*Our friends up north in Canada have provided us with some great music most notably from the 60's through today. One such singer/songwriter gave us songs that were literate while remaining down to earth...tracks that found the artist dealing with personal matters as well as global issues in a manner that was both poetic and accessible. Name the artist who started seriously entertaining us all in the decade of the 60's and then beyond... *This European artist burst on to the scene back in the 70's with a band that had an acrimonious breakup in 1975. After all the legal battles ended, the artist was unable to release any material due to disputes about the band's remaining contractual recording obligations. Eventually, a solo album ensued with an epic track, named after a location where the artist spent most of his time playing music during the legal proceedings. Name the artist, the former band and extra credit for the name of the song... *Originally considered an R& B band that only played pop to get on the charts, this artist ranked among the most adept British Invasion acts in both styles. Incorporating jazz as well as rhythm and blues, coupled with some elements of their appearance and presentation, earned them a fair amount of fame. The frontman and namesake of the band was a 1960's workhorse releasing 14 albums, some with the help of his band, but went dark for quite a period until this 2014 album. Name the artist... BATTLE OF THE BANDS Cinnamon Girl by Neil Young vs Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right by Bob Dylan ANSWERS 1. Steve Miller Band 2. Gordon Lightfoot 3. Gerry Rafferty, Baker Street 4. Manfred Mann Battle of the Bands : Bob Dylan won with 51% of votes ![]() “Jean, all the sounds that child makes, I can’t tell if I’m hearing him, the radio or the TV. You best find somebody to give him a bunch of money for that.” That was my southern grandmother’s counsel to my mother on my first questionably creative vocalizations as I tried to mimic the sounds and character voices of my favorite cartoons. Thus began my lifelong journey into sitting in front of microphones. Perhaps it was somehow genetic that I would spend a good deal of my work life in broadcasting. My mother was a fixture in what has come to be called “The Golden Age of Radio.” She got her start on Atlanta’s pioneering radio stations WGST and WSB. In those days, performances on radio were LIVE. Music, drama, news, interviews and commentary had to be performed in-the-moment and sent straight into the ether with no chance for editing. My mother’s singing partner on air – Atlanta native Bert Parks – brought her to the attention of NBC executives in New York, and she joined the nightly network forays into American homes nationwide. Through my childhood and teen years, our home in Atlanta became a Southern rally point for her former broadcasting cronies. I could return home from school to find our living room crowded with musicians, actors, broadcasting and voice talent, industry executives and general creative riff-raff. Radio was still a dominant power in that day, and these folks instilled in me an awe of the “Voice in the Night.” After I completed my education, I tried to break into radio on my own. In those days, there were no journalism studies that had a broadcasting emphasis, so the common path was to somehow garner the basic vocal skills, grasp enough tech expertise to pass an FCC license test...and then go find a job. Said job was usually way out in the cornfields somewhere and consisted of giving the weather and farm report to the cows, chickens and occasional farm hand. I finally managed to find a broadcasting school in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, that was attached to a functioning station. It was a year-long course, and at the end, I managed to cadge a job at the station for the dark of night. About a year of that -- and in the dead of winter -- and I was ready to head back south. Almost a year of job apps passed with no takers, but the warmer South that I had run to the previous winter happened to have one of the worst ice storms in its history the year of my return. The whole city of Atlanta was just frozen to a stand-still. One of the major radio stations in the market was an all-news, all-talk, 24-hour station about five miles from our house. As I listened, I realized that the only folks there to maintain their high-intensity format were a few overnight folks, and by the second day, they were burning out. So, with the unshakable confidence of youth, I slogged the 4.5 miles (mostly sliding on my derriere) to the door of the station. A relentless pounding on the door brought a burned-out wraith of a news announcer to the door, who greeted me with a pleasant, “Whaddyawant-we’reclosed- goaway!” I told him I was an out-of-work announcer and I thought they might need some help during this emergency. He yanked me in by my collar and sat me in front of a mic and said, “Read this.” I blundered through a standard teletype UPI printout of the day, and two minutes into it, another collar yank planted me in front of a live mic. He gave me a card with the station I.D. and introduction blurbs, the latest newscast, and he shut the door. Thirty-seconds later, the red light came on and I charged in. I stayed there for two-and-a-half days, emptying the snack machines and snagging naps on couches and chairs. When the thaw allowed the real pros back in, I was thanked, patted on the head, and turned out...but not before I had secured the promise of a reference from one of the staff. I think that, without their “any-port-in-a-storm” desperation for a warm body and a semi-coherent voice, I never would have broken in to that industry. But, the guy was as good as his word, and with his reference and recommendation, I managed to get my start out with the cows, chickens and slowly-filling mudhole that became Lake Lanier on an AM daytimer. That led to several decades of jobs with stations in Milwaukee, Atlanta, Virginia and Washington, DC...and other places I’d rather not talk about. When radio went relentlessly corporate in the late 80’s, I moved on to other enterprises, but I never lost the love of that “magic medium.” Through the years, I have managed to keep my hand in by doing voice overs, audiobooks, narrations and the like. But that feeling of in-the-minute flowing communication that is radio was something I didn’t think I would ever get to experience again. So…when the opportunity to build a streaming community radio station was presented to me, I enthusiastically joined Craig Looney in building Inside The Gates Radio here in Big Canoe. The station just celebrated its fifth anniversary, and we now have live programs seven evenings a week. My contribution to these live forays comes on Saturday evening and runs under the moniker, SongSense. I hope you will join me -- and all the ITG DJs -- “on the air” with lovingly-curated music, and the news and information of Big Canoe. DJ Jeff Weigl Starts the Weekend with his Happy Hour show Beats Working on Inside The Gates Radio11/1/2023 Radio’s appeal has been consistent as America’s most popular medium. According to Nielsen 92% of US adults listen to the radio every week. Who among us doesn’t have a favorite radio station or DJ that we remember fondly? I have several from the past and some that I still enjoy. There is a relationship that develops between listeners and DJs. When you hear your favorite DJ or radio station regularly, it can be like hearing from a friend. Add to that, music is one of life’s most enjoyable experiences (that from Psychology Today). Music can bring us pleasure, provide a means of escape, evoke feelings of nostalgia, and becomes a part of who we are. It can get us excited, help us to calm down and make us feel happy. That is powerful.
Growing up in Wisconsin, my family always had music on. Being the youngest of five boys, my older brothers exposed me to bands like the Beatles and the Rolling Stones while I was young, while the other kids at school were listening to bubble gum artists. And while I do enjoy the many options available on TV, my preference is still listening to music. While in college at the University of Wisconsin I was a DJ at the student run radio station WSRM. This was 1980-1981. I enjoyed it but felt it was not a career path for me. Two of my older brothers had tried that, and I saw how difficult it was. The hours were long, and the pay was low with little to no job security. Over our careers my wife Debbie and I lived in seven different states, and at each place I found radio stations to keep current with the latest music. I heard unique regional acts and learned which artists resonated with music lovers all over the country. Fast forward to 2019 when we bought our home in Big Canoe. Debbie moved here first with our pets while I stayed back and finished my career in Insurance. When I read in Smoke Signals that a new radio station formed in Big Canoe, I thought how cool it was, and became excited at the possibility that I might be able to be a DJ again. Beats Working was a name that I thought was fun. The double entendre captures the essence of how to start the weekend; something upbeat and fun, while also being glad to be done with the work week. I start my Beats Working program a little earlier (4:00 PM) than my fellow DJs so people can still listen to the show before they start their weekend. Each week I include music from the early days of rock and roll (the 1950s) to present day (2020s) and all decades in between, with the largest share coming from the 1960s to 1980s. There has been so much music put out over the years, and I try to include the great tracks that artists have created throughout our lifetimes. And I include different types of music, not just Rock, but Rhythm and Blues, and Alternative. Music can be like an old friend. If you hear a tune you forgot, it can give you a wonderful feeling, and bring back memories, where you were, what you were doing, who you were friends with, etc. It’s also fun for me to engage with our listeners. I have two segments on each show where the listening audience gets to play along, the Canoe Connection and the Double Take. In the Canoe Connection, I play four songs that have a theme running through them, and listeners text me with their guesses on what the theme is. I have had many interesting guesses (trust me!), and some have given me ideas for future shows. For the Double Take, I play two songs that have the same title, but are completely different songs, and the audience votes on which one they prefer. Often listeners have strong opinions on which artist should win. The comments that come in with the voting are very entertaining! Last year Debbie created a Facebook page for Inside the Gates Radio, and she too has a real calling for this. The pictures she finds that go along with the shows and programs are outstanding. We have over 800 followers and likes on Facebook. Being a DJ is a way to share my love of music with friends and family. Since starting my Beats Working show, I have had friends say that I missed my calling, while others have said I have found it. Either way it is a lot of fun. Sharing music is a great joy, and it has been wonderful to be a part of the station’s success. I cannot wait to see what the next few years bring. I hope you can listen and play along every Friday at www.insidethegatesradio.com! It Beats Workin’! Jeff Weigl jeff.weigl@gmail.com 703-727-5789 *An artist that marries the legacy of the New Orleans rhythm & blues ancestors to the bold funk that dominated black American music at the time of this record's release in 1973...this track became a huge hit. The Big Easy always has the mystique of voodoo traditions and this artist helped to reinforce them. Name the artist and extra credit for the song title...
*Born in Milwaukee, raised in Dallas...this artist arrived in San Francisco in 1966 where he formed a band. This artist is one of the most inconspicuous rock stars in history...loves making and performing music, but absolutely hates doing promotions or appearing anywhere in public. Name the artist... *After spending the better part of the 1980's as a solo acoustic troubadour, the band's co-founder landed a contract for a solo album at the turn of the 1990's. He recruited some heavyweight A-Listers to contribute on this great album...Tom Petty and Mike Campbell, David Crosby and Chris Hillman. Name the artist and extra credit for the name of the album... *After experimenting with synthesizers and a pop sound on his solo debut album, this artist hit the mark on his sophomore release in 1984. This album established him as a solo artist after a most significant run with an epic band. Name the artist and his former band... BATTLE OF THE BANDS Sentimental Lady by Fleetwood Mac vs Living in the U.S.A. by Steve Miller Band ANSWERS 1. Dr John, Right Place Wrong Time 2. Steve Miller 3. Roger McGuinn, Back from Rio 4. Don Henley, Eagles Battle of the Bands : Fleetwood Mac won with 52% of votes *This excellent band burst on the scene in the early '80s with one of the most compelling presentations of rock and roll ever. Their compilation album of 1987 chronicled so very many of their singles that led many to believe they were true masters of the 'rock single.' The track that we'll play takes an old classic from a duo in 1965 and kind of puts a reggae spin on it. Name the band and extra credit for the name of the track...
*This 60's rock band was looking for a name and came up with a rather unique marketing play, They chose a name that was alphabetically close to a most popular band at the time, securing their records in prime viewing area as result. Name the band...the band and the group they wanted their records to be sold...close to... *One of the frontmen of this great band wrote a track after hearing the Bob Dylan track, 'Ballad In Plain D' on the radio. Just before the track ended, Dylan came up with a phrase that would be turned into the title of one of their big hits, and one that remains the writer's absolute favorites. Name the band, the frontman and extra credit for the name of the track... *We'll enjoy a most outstanding song from this band, released in 1980...a song that showed aplenty their signature blend of Jazz, Rock and Pop elements. The song tells a tale of the allure and dangers of instant fame and success. The title alludes to the rapid and electrifying nature of this ascent. Name the band and extra credit for the name of the band... BATTLE OF THE BANDS You Can Do Magic by America vs Call It Love by Poco ANSWERS 1. The Pretenders, I Got You Babe 2. Beau Brummels, Beatles 3. Guess Who, Randy Bachman, Undone 4. Steely Dan, Chain Lightning Battle of the Bands : America won with 52% of votes *This artist emerged from England's house music scene in 1990 to become the most popular British soul vocalist of the decade. He was known for a distinctive fusion of soul, folk, pop, dance and rock that brought him success on both sides of the Atlantic. He also had a 9 year marriage that gained him some notoriety. Name the artist...
*Like so many risk takers, this band had their share of both admirers and detractors over the years. Admirers loved the way the band pushed rock's boundaries, while to detractors they epitomized progressive rock's excesses. Another British band who made a huge splash in the 70's, they had a most unique and colorful frontman. Name the band and their leader... *This fantastic American artist was in a number of exceptional bands in the 60's and 70's. When not participating in reunions with previous bandmates, he 'd occasionally release a solo album or appear as a guest artist with other A-List musicians. At the age of 72 in 2014, he released his first solo album in 20 years with a cast of heavy-hitters, including a family member. Name the artist and extra credit if you can identify the family member... *This great band's 2007 studio album was released 28 years after their previous one. We'll enjoy a track that was inspired by one of the members environmental passion. In 1990 an initiative was started to preserve the woods where Henry David Thoreau lived and wrote. Name the band, the member who started the initiative and extra credit for the name of the album and the song... BATTLE OF THE BANDS Dude (Looks Like A Lady) by Aerosmith vs Flirtin’ With Disaster by Molly Hatchet ANSWERS 1. Seal 2. Jethro Tull, Ian Anderson 3. David Crosby, son, James Raymond 4. Eagles, Don Henley, Long Road Out Of Eden, No More Walks In The Wood Battle of the Bands : Molly Hatchet won with 50.5% of votes *This British band back in the 60's recorded a great many songs written by someone else other than existing band members. This song changed that. The group got together and started throwing ideas around and decided that they had the collective talent to indeed write songs. For this one, going through a boatload of ideas, inspiration was found as they started talking about love affairs and how relationships of the heart had ups and downs and went round and round. Shortly thereafter, they had everything for what would become a big hit for them in 1967. Name the band and extra credit for the name of the song...
*This popular American band released this 1971 song that shows the narrator ruminating about overseas locales that he has never visited, but about which he feels he has some proxy experience, primarily via the music, but also due to other presumed highlights found there. He then loosely compares his own actual travels to these more worldly spots. Name the bands and extra credit for the name of the track... *One of the great Summer jobs back in my college days was something The LooneyMan actually did...Camp Counselor. A similar experience by the frontman of this popular 60's band inspired one of their most famous songs. Said inspiration came from the pair of sisters he met one Summer. Both girls were appealing in their own ways, but it was clear that he was headed for a time of decision...which girl to choose. The track got to #2 on the charts, but was held out of the 1st spot by The Rolling Stones and Paint It Black. Name the band, their frontman and extra credit for the name of the song... *An album released in 1974 found this North American band taking a rather jazzy turn in a different direction from the guitar-soaked sound the group had mined to popularity for several years. They moved one of the band's leaders and his piano more to the front of the mix on this song.. Although the track did not chart, one from that album did. That song included a clip or two from a famous DJ. Name the band and real extra credit if you can name 1 or both of the songs... BATTLE OF THE BANDS Never Been to Spain by Three Dog Night vs Where Do the Children Play? by Cat Stevens ANSWERS 1. Hollies, On A Carosel 2. Three Dog Night, Never Been to Spain 3. Lovin’ Spoonful, John Sebastian, Did You Ever Have to Make up Your Mind? 4. Guess Who, Star Baby, Burton Cummings, Clap for the Wolfman Battle of the Bands : Cat Stevens won with 50.5% of votes *In 2013, after a 16 year absence, this band was finally reuniting from the classic lineup that produced one of, if not their best, 1987 album. The problem? One member, despite public affirmations that she was on board, bailed to pursue her solo career. Two other members who had written and readied songs for the band project, decided to record them anyway. Name the band and extra credit for the artist who bailed and the two who went forward...
*This British band's singer/guitarist wrote this song when he was a teenager, but didn't record it until much later, introducing it to the rest of the band 5 years after writing it. The track has taken on a life of its own with perhaps even more relevance today. The song basically says...just show you care. Whenever the band played it in concerts, they loved how the audience reacted with unifying hugs and singing along. Name the band and extra credit for the name of the song... *This artist was perhaps better known for his exits from a couple of bands than his presence with them. He quit one band (in 1969) shortly before the release of their first album as he was not included in the final mix playback sessions. He lasted 6 years with his next band prior to another acrimonious departure. Name the artist and extra credit for the names of the two bands... BATTLE OF THE BANDS Takin’ Care of Business by Bachman Turner Overdrive vs Back On The Chain Gang by The Pretenders ANSWERS 1. The Rascals 2. Fleetwood Mac, Stevie Nicks, Linsey Buckingham, Christine McVie 3. Supertramp, Give A Little Bit 4. Randy Meisner, Poco, Eagles Battle of the Bands : The Pretenders won with 50.5% of votes |
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