music

  • Some people who read my blog regularly, might think this is an odd piece. However, aside from history my other passion is music, and specifically guitar music I do play guitar myself. The history of the guitar is rich and spans several millennia, evolving through different cultures and technological advancements. Here’s an overview of its…

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  • I know Bon Jovi has become more of a Country and Western band recently, but when they started off, or rather when he started off, it was a proper Hard Rock band. “Runaway” is the debut single by Bon Jovi. It was originally recorded in 1981 for the so-called “Power Station Demos” at the beginning…

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  • In the last few weeks, Patrick has been on my mind a lot, probably because of the UEFA Euro 2024. Shortly after UEFU Euro 88, we went on an interrail trip through the Benelux and went camping. All the Dutch we met were still celebrating the Dutch win of the Euros; it was a great…

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  • Der Kaiser von Atlantis

    Viktor Ullmann’s “Der Kaiser von Atlantis” (The Emperor of Atlantis) is a unique and poignant opera composed during World War II. During this time, Ullmann was imprisoned in the Theresienstadt Concentration Camp. Viktor Ullmann was born on January 1, 1898, in Teschen, Austrian Silesia (now Český Těšín in the Czech Republic). Both his parents were…

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  • They Are Back…

    In 1993, the Dutch band “De Jazz Politie” wrote a song titled “Ze Zijn Terug,” which translates into English as They Are Back. The song was a protest against the rise of right-wing radicalism and neo-Nazism. The song is described from the perspective of a Holocaust survivor who relives her experiences through the right-wing radical…

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  • “Poundcake” is a Van Halen song and the opening track on their 1991 album For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge. (FUCK) “Poundcake” was the first song to be released as a single from the album, reaching number one on the US Billboard Album Rock Tracks chart and number 74 on the UK Singles Chart. Van Halen performs…

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  • Elvis Presley attended Humes High School in Memphis, Tennessee, and graduated in 1953. While there, Elvis was not particularly notable for his academic achievements but was known for his interest in music. He famously received a C in music class. Despite this, he was passionate about his musical pursuits and often brought his guitar to…

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  • Iron Maiden – “The Trooper”Album: Piece of MindRelease Date: June 20, 1983Genre: Heavy MetalSongwriters: Steve HarrisLength: 4:11Background and Theme:“The Trooper” is inspired by the Charge of the Light Brigade during the Crimean War, particularly drawing from the poem of the same name by Alfred, Lord Tennyson. The song vividly describes the horrors and heroism of…

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  • “Fire Water Burn” is a song by American rock band Bloodhound Gang, released as the first single from their second album, One Fierce Beer Coaster (1996). The chorus (of the song) is derived from “The Roof Is on Fire” by Rock Master Scott & the Dynamic Three, yet sung considerably slower. The song was remixed…

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  • “Big Bad Moon” is a classic track by the virtuoso guitarist Joe Satriani. It’s known for its energetic rhythm, catchy melody, and of course, Satriani’s signature guitar wizardry. The song showcases his incredible talent for blending rock, blues, and a touch of psychedelia into a captivating instrumental piece. Satriani’s ability to create such dynamic and…

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