SPAGHETTI WESTERNS:
I'm digging good ol' classic Eurowesterns! Just got done watching "Killer Caliber 32" or "32 Caliber Killer" whichever you prefer, starring Peter Lee Lawrence. Its a very good little Spaghetti Western!
AOR MUSIC:
On the music front, I am liking "Hugo Valenti" who just goes by "Hugo". He sounds considerably like Steve Perry (and also LOOKS like Steve Perry). He sings lead vocals on several projects: Valentine, Open Skyz, Ramos, and his own solo material. He also is the lead singer in a Journey tribute band called "Voyage". Anyway, he is VERY good.
What is it about melodic rock (or AOR = Adult Oriented Rock) that I find so utterly irresistable? In addition to the intangibles, there are 3 things that must be in place for an AOR band/musical project to be worthy of consideration. FIRST you must have a good singer. Traditionally this singer should be able to sing very mellifluously. Usually in a rather high register. Steve Perry is the ultimate example of this kind of singer. SECOND you must have a good guitarist. This person must be able to do quick runs and arpeggios with ease, and zero mistakes. THIRD you must have good songwriters. It does no good if your band has all the talent in the world, but the songs are boring, generic, or just plain bad.
Journey is the gold standard by which most of the other AOR bands are judged. They have the above things in spades, as well as very good intangibles (good rythm section, general charisma).
There are TONS of other bands out there who are also fantastic. If I generated a list it would be rediculously long. Some of my favorites are:
There is a comfortable deliciousness about this music. Often times it seems to sum up conditions of the heart better than most other genres. When done right, a good AOR power ballad has been known to literally change lives.
