Shame Shame Shame by Ratt

I know, I know, this is a song about cheating in relationships.  However, today I was goofing off on Facebook when I received a friend request. I accept any and all requests because I’m just that type of person.  Sometimes, little warning bells go off and I check the person’s profile.

This person that added me had some major warning bells. I checked out her profile and sure enough the bells were right. First, the profile was new like it had nothing but some info and a picture. Second, the profile said she worked at Facebook HQ. I started laughing.

I waited about a minute or two and sure enough she sent me a private message that went something like this: Hello Melinda Anderson. My response, Hi. How are you and your family doing? My response, Good, how are you? ALSO Good. I’m Charlson Sherry Ann, form United States of America ,I work for Facebook social Network Inc..and you? My response, I’m from the US. I have my own business that makes no money. I was authorized to contact you by the Facebook Organization and to pass some vital information that can change your life for good which is the reason why i added you. My response, Okay, what’s the info? Before i proceed with the message i will like to know if you have heard about the Facebook online lottery. This is where I started laughing and went off.

This is the second time this year some one has tried to pull this scam on me. It took me like 20 minutes to do some research the first time to learn two things. First, the Facebook lottery is a scam. Second, Facebook employees are not allowed to contact users via private messaging on Facebook. I shared this information via Facebook the first time and this time I shared it on Facebook and my different blogs. Both times, I also shared the so called ‘profile’ of the people involved.

I understand that life out in the wide world is hard and people are trying to find anyway to make some money to survive. However, ripping off other people who work hard for what they have is not the right way to go about it. Especially, since there are people like me who will do the research, report the problem to the authorities, then warn everyone they know via social media. I may not be able to protect everyone but I can protect my small corner of the world.

Weekly Top 7

So I am rearranging this blog page aging as it is now the official blog page of The Underwater Basket Weaver Society. I am going to add a membership page and a social media page. So I better hear from all the music freaks out there!

For now, here is the weekly Top 7, that I like to listen to on my way to work:

1. Take the Bullets Away by We As Human

2. Shatter Me sung by Lindsey Stirling

3. Cop Car by Keith Urban

4. Two Black Cadillacs by Carrie Underwood

5. So Divine by Tesla

6.The Flower Song by Tom Keifer

7. Old McDonald Sold the Farm by Mark Newton and Steve Thomas

Don’t forget to nominate or vote for your favorite artists in the Sit n’ Spin awards.

 

Klaymore Video

I promise to get back to posting but for now here is an awesome band with a great video.  Queen of Nightmares.

Favorite Artists; part 9

Sorry this is so late but I have found a job to pay the bills until my writing career takes off. This will now be posted on Saturdays.

34. Pink just makes me laugh. Her lyrics and videos for the most part are funny but every once in a while she sneaks in a serious song. I first heard of pink when I was strolling through King’s Department store her in Preston, Idaho looking for a doll for my daughter. I spotted a doll, similar to the Barbie, that was simply called Pink. I thought who the hell is this, walked away, and bought a Brat doll instead. Now, I wish I would have bought the doll and locked away in my closet. Here is Pink with So What.

35. This next band, I found on Twitter and I have been following Scour for almost two years now. They are a new rock band with an old groove feel. Someday, I will get to see them live. Someday. Anyway here there are with Route 40.

38. Spider Rockets are another awesome band that I have been following on Twitter for almost two years as well. They have a killer female vocalist that meshes well with the heavy bass, guitar, and drums that they favor. Their new album Bitten was just released. Here they are with, Going Down.

39. Papa Roach is one of those bands that appeal to people of all ages because they have killer lyrics that pull you in and leave you wanting more. Hopefully, they will get some new albums and videos out. Here they are with my personal favorite Scars.

40. Aerosmith is one of those bands that you think are done and then wham! They hit you with a new album that has awesome lyrics, great vocals, and killer beats. They have constantly reinvented themselves and have proved that anybody can rock at any age. Here they are with Pink.

Don’t take my word for it, go check them out!

Favorite 100 Artists; Part 7

Well here we are, another installment of my favorite 100 artists. I decided to mix it up a little and add some artists that follow me on Twitter. For the rest of the list, I will try to add some new and some old. Okay, they may not be new to you guys but I live in BFE and the radio stations tend to play top 40 stuff or classic stuff; therefore, it is new to me. Plus, don’t forget to nominate and vote for your favorite artists in my Sit N Spin Awards. I have received some positive feedback on this and I would really like to get it going. Now for the next five on my list:

31. I found Art of Dying on Twitter. I love their music and I love the fact that as busy as they might be they try to connect with their fans via social media. They are also cross-generational. Meaning, I mentioned Art of Dying at one of the local bars and some of the people I was sitting with agreed with me. Keep in mind, I am 40, I am guessing they were 21. So cross-generational means fans of all ages. Here they are with Die Trying.

32. This next group, I watched the Bat Country video on MTV or Vh1 and I could not stop smiling. The next time it played, I made sure my husband and my kids watched it. All of us are now addicted to Avenged Sevenfold. When they lost their drummer, we were all pretty bummed. However, the guys found a new drummer and began releasing music once again. Here they are with the song that got me hooked, Bat Country.

33. My next artist kid of creeps me out every now again; especially his movies. That is right it is one of the masters of horror Rob Zombie. My oldest son, Jon, is a huge fan and wanted to watch House of a Thousand Corpses, however, he was only 12 at the time and I had a rule that I had to watch the movies first to decide if they were age appropriate. This was my introduction to Mr. Zombie. I sat and watched every minute of this particular movie. I loved it, it was a great horror movie but not age appropriate so he did not get to see it that weekend. Jon is now in his twenties and still a huge fan of Rob Zombie. Here he is with a favorite Dragula.

34. My next artist will scare, shock, terrorize you while rocking your socks off. Ozzy Osbourne has had one of a hell of career and is a great artist. I have a great story of the relief society (women’s Sunday School of the Church of Latter Day Saints) doing a lecture of Ozzy’s song Crazy Train. They actually tried to break down the lyrics and tie everything to Devil worship. They had done it on purpose specifically because I listened to Heavy Metal and I was the only grown female in the group that was openly listening to Heavy Metal. (There were a lot of closet metal heads in Newton, Utah.) I was so mad that I picked up my son and loudly declared that I would not listen to a bunch of hypocrites that pretend to be religious on Sunday but do what ever they want the rest of the week. Ozzy will always rock in my book. Here is with one of favorites, Mama I’m Coming Home.

35. Bon Jovi has always been one of my personal favorites. In fact, before the Ozzy incidence in Newton, Utah, I had a Bon Jovi incidence with the Bishop at the time. I was 13 and in love with Bon Jovi. I had to rebuy the Slippery When Wet album more then once because I wore it out. My parents had no problems with my music choices; until, someone else mention that the music I listened to was Devil music. They took me to a meeting with the Bishop where I played Wild in the Streets. I was 13, I thought the song was about having a big party in the streets with all your friends. The Bishop however informed that the song was all about sex, drugs, and being out of control. His opinion totally changed my perspective about lyrics and I became even more obsessed with Bon Jovi. (Hint to parents: let your kids enjoyt the song because it is fun and keep their childhood intact. They will eventually figure out the meaning behind the lyrics by themselves.)  Anyway, the meeting had the opposite effect of what ‘society’ wanted. Here is Bon Jovi with Wild in the Streets.

But don’t my word for it, go check them out!

Favorite 100 Artists; Part 6

I admit it, I watched the Grammy’s last night for the first time in over 15 years. And, I remembered why I quit watching them 15 years ago. I only knew like four of the artists that actually walked the red carpet. I only liked five of the acts that performed and really didn’t care for some of the collaboration work on stage. It seemed to me that the Grammy’s was more about getting famous artists to perform with unknown artists. In another words it was more of a concert type show than an actual awards show.  In fact, I told my son that I was going to start up my own awards show with random categories and nominees that would be solely based on my opinion. I was kidding last night, however, this morning I have reconsidered. I believe I will start my own award show. You guys will get to nominate your favorite bands/artists then I will either decide who wins or do a voting system, there probably won’t be a red carpet, there maybe like a patch or letter that gets sent out to artists;  I haven’t quite worked out the details. If you have any ideas or want o help out email me rayvenire@gmail.com. I will set up a page today, to get this idea rolling. Now for the next top 5 on my list.

26. Lita Ford happens to be my favorite Queen of Metal. I mean how many of you karaoke her songs and the bar goes wild. She is recognizable and has awesome talent and yes that does include playing guitar. If you grew up in this era and were female, I bet you had a pair of ripped up jeans that you wore with a black sports bra or bikini top. I know there are many other Queens of Metal from around the world and I will get to them. Lita is on her because every time I hear her songs my toes start tapping and my body starts grooving. Here she is with Kiss Me Deadly, I dare you to sit still.

27. Heart has always been a favorite in the house. Of course, my husband is a bigger fan then I am. He really likes girls, excuse me woman, who can wail on vocals and guitars. He always wanted to see them live but they never came close enough to where we lived or we never had the money for tickets. Yes, there is a story here. I do cross-stitch, look it up if you don’t know what it is, and for the last couple of years, I have entered my projects at the Eastern Idaho State fair in Blackfoot, Idaho. September 2012, We discovered that Heart would be playing and bought tickets faster than you could say Heart. Let me tell you, they rocked! Thank you ladies for including Blackfoot, Idaho on your tour! Here they are with Alone.

28. Pat Benetar has been a favorite of mine since I first saw her videos on MTV. I had all of her albums at one point in time but lost my whole collection during a move from Montana to Utah. My husband  has replaced some of the albums we had lost but as you all know sometimes the money just isn’t there. I didn’t get chance to replace my Pat Bentar albums for quite awhile; until, I finally talked my husband into buying me two of her albums. Then, last year we found out that she would be playing at the Cache Valley Cruise In, a car show, in Logan, Utah. He wasn’t interested and pretended that e wasn’t going to take me, I was devastated. However, he did get tickets and I got to see Pat Benetar live and it was awesome! Here she is with one of my personnel favorites, Love is a Battlefield.

29. When Evanescence hit the music scene, it was a much needed kick in the butt for rock. I can not remember the first time I heard their music but I will tell you what, I was an instant fan so was every one else in my family. Of course, I put them in the opera rock category along with Queensryche and Meatloaf which is not bad company to be in. When this band’s songs are played, either on a jukebox or by other bands, everyone immediately knows whose song it is and depending on the song will get people screaming or dancing along. Here is Evanescence with My Heart is Broken.

30. I try to get at least one country artist in every now and then. So for an all female top five my natural pick is Reba McEntire. This woman has been around for quite some time and still manages to produce beautiful music as well as hilarious TV shows. I love listening to her music and her voice. Hopefully, I will get to see her live someday. She has had some of country’s most famous hits like Fancy and That’s the Night the lights Went out in Georgia, among others. However, my favorite happens to be Why Haven’t I Heard From You?

But don’t take my word for it, go check them out!

Favorite 100 Artists; part 5

Here are the next five on my list. Next week will be an all female five.

21.  My next group of musicians is the one and only Motley Crue. My friends were into Motley Crue back in the eighties but they scared me to death. Their look was dark and their music was dark and I just couldn’t get into them at all.   Until, Dr. Feelgood was released. I love that album because it had great songs like Kick Start my Heart, Without You, Dr. Feelgood, etc. However, it also allowed me to get past the looks and actually listen to the lyrics. I quickly became a huge fan and I have seen these guys in concert two times in Salt Lake City, Utah.  My husband and I have all of the Motley albums as well as solo project albums and side project albums. We also have all the books ever written by the band members; I should say had because some of them were wore out. In fact, our oldest boy, Jon, took Tommyland to school with him for a reading class.  Even after learning about who wrote the book, the teacher let him read it because it is the first book my son has ever read voluntarily. Anyway, here they are with the song that got me hooked Kick Start My Heart.

22. This next group is highly under rated by the music industry and should have got way more air time; at least, in my area they should have.  Tesla is one of those bands that my husband and I always listen to but our friends ask, “Who are they?” or “Is this a new band?” We always explain that they are not a new band and they have been around for awhile. Keep in mind, we live in Preston, Idaho which is not the metal mecca of Idaho.  My husband loves Tesla and will randomly burst into one of thier songs at least once a week.  Of course, I will then plug in an iPod and listen to their music. Here is Tesla with What You Give.

23. Queensryche is a heavy metal band with operatic qualities in vocals of their lead singer Geoff Tate. They kick butt and I would love to see these guys in action on stage. With songs like Jet City Woman and I don’t Believe in Love and several others, it is hard for anyone not to find at least one Queensryche song that they like to jam to.  However, this band has caused a rift between my husband and I. I think Silent Lucidity is their best song but he prefers Empire. However, he is not writing this blog I am; therefore, here they are with Silent Lucidity.

24. This next group has always been my one of my favorites,Warrant. Their songs range from catchy like Down Boys to serious like Uncle Tom’s Cabin which are guaranteed to make you laugh or cry depending on your mood. They even performed in Pocatello, Idaho and they rocked. We heard about this concert the day before it was to take place and we quickly zoomed up there. It is only a 45 minute drive. We ate dinner at our favorite restaurant, The Sandpiper, then we headed to the rodeo grounds for the concert. It was a great show. Warrant opened for Great White then headed over to The Green T to sign autographs and hang out with friends. We watched Great White then headed over to the Green Tea. The guys in the band looked like they were about to fall over so I left them alone. I figured that I had got to see them live and that was good enough for me. Here is Warrant with I Saw Red.

25.  Any band who plays unorthodox instruments, such as a chainsaw, will be on my list. That’s right, the next group is Jackyl.  I always forget about this band; until, I here the chainsaw start up and then my blood starts to pump. I am sure they have other songs that are just as entertaining and I probably have heard several of them. However, my favorite song will always be The Lumberjack.  Someday I will see them in concert. Anyone know if they will be playing close to Preston, Idaho?

But don’t my word for it, go check them out!

Favorite 100 Artists; Part 4

Alright, before we get to the list, I want you all  check this kid out! Aidan we most definitely rock and I look forward to see what you do in the future. Now, back to our regularly scheduled program.

16. Let’s give it for Skidrow. I mean Sebastian Bach and Skidrow. No offense to Skidrow but I like Bach’s voice better. However, to be fair, I have provided a link to both Bach and Skidrow. It’s hard to alk about Skidrow without Bach because the iconic Skidrow songs have Bach’s screaming vocals. You all know what I am talking about Youth Gone Wild, 18 and Life, Sweet Little Sister. There isn’t a single one of who has not at some point in your life, put in a Skidrow song, and blasted as you are cruisin’ down the road. However, my favorite, hands’ down absolute favorite, song is I Remember You.

17. This next group has rocked who knows how many generations and still finds time to do some awesome marketing. Ladies and gentlemen, the greatest band in the world, Kiss. These guys have been through so many different lineups but have proven that a good band can survive anything and come out on the other side. To be honest, their make up scared me more times then I care to admit. I use to listen to their music and not watch the videos then the makeup came off. I was able to watch the videos but as I grew older, like other fans, I wanted to see the make up back on for a tour. The fans were rewarded and the make up was touted out for the reunion, it was the best concert I have ever been too. Here is Kiss in full make up performing I was made for loving you.

18. Now my artist is in genre that normally I have a hard time listening to but Eminem is truly talented. Go ahead, hate all you want. He is extremely talented and he is able to reach millions of kids through his lyrics that talk about every subject imaginable. I will admit at first his lyrics seemed a little angry and I was worried about my oldest boy listening to him. However, growing up in the eighties when hard rock and heavy metals fans had to defend their music, gave me a unique perspective. In other words, I listened to the message behind the lyrics and understood the appeal for angry teenagers everywhere. He was and still is their voice. Plus, he has a few songs that just make me laugh such as Without Me.

19. Alight we have metel, rock, pop, rap how about some comedians such as Weird Al Yankovic. Weird Al is one of those comedians that can always find a song or artist then mix it up a little and come out with a hit. He has been making fun of artist, topics, or lyrics since the days of Micheal Jackson. Nothing and no one is sacred to this man. I love him for it! He make me laugh with every new video and song making the world a little lighter as well as a better place to be in. Here he is with Eat it.

20. Since we have Weird Al on the list let’s put country comedian on here too. Rodney Carrington has been a favorite in this house for a very long time. His humor is a little raunchy but it is down to earth making it easy for anyone to relate too. Honestly, if you can listen to him without laughing, you need to have your funny bone checked. Here he is with one of my favorites Titties and Beer.

Don’t take my word for it, go check them out.

Favorite 100 Artists; Part 3

Another week and another five for the top 100.

11. Faster Pussycat is a band my husband absolutely loves. Me, I wasn’t a huge fan; until, I saw them live at The Joint in Las Vegas. You guessed it, there is a story behind this one. Our anniversary is June 4th and we were supposed to go camping. I decided I didn’t want to go camping. I hopped on the internet to see if I could find any concerts playing on our anniversary that he might be interested in. Sure enough, I found that Poison, Cinderella, and Faster Pussycat would be performing at The Joint in The Hard Hotel. It didn’t take much to convince him to go. What was really awesome about this weekend is that some of the band members were just hanging out. The Hard Rock Hotel has been renovated since then but Faster Pussycat will always deliver an awesome show. Here is my husband’s favorite song Bathroom Wall, I forgot how blonde Taime’s hair use to be 🙂

12. Well in number 11, I mentioned the concert we attended so it should be no surprise that my next band is Cinderella. While we were entertaining ourselves in Vegas, we heard that Cinderella would not be performing due to Tom Keifer having vocal problems. My husband was bummed, however, Keifer’s voice must have been feeling better because they did perform. We enjoyed every moment of it! Here is my favorite Shelter Me.

13. So the headliner for the concert mentioned in 11 was Poison. I love these guys and they are awesome on stage. While eating dinner one night, Rikki Rockett walked by, I smiled and he waved back. Also, Bobby Dall was gambling on some tables and I got a smile and wave. No, I didn’t ask for autographs or pictures. They would just sit on a shelf and collect dust. My memories of that weekend is good enough for me. Thank you guys for being awesome! I know what you are all thinking, she is going to link to Every Rose has its Thorn. I don’t think so, thanks to my husband and daughter having a Sing Star competition on that song for four hours straight, I no longer listen to it. Instead, I hope you all enjoy this oldie, Nothin’ But a Good Time.

14. Okay, I admit it, I was not a huge Dokken fan back in the day. There are you happy. However, a friend of mine, Stacy, won tickets to see these guys at Club Suede in Park City, Utah. We got out our eighties gear, you know ripped jeans, spandex, fake leather shirt, blue eye shadow, and lots of hair spray. We almost ended up in Vegas, never ever trust a GPS. When we got there, we were the only ones dressed in the eighties gear. Everyone else looked like college kids on vacation, slightly disappointing. However, Dokken kicked butt and I recognized more than one song. I now listen to them as often as possible. Here is Dokken with In My Dreams.

15. Okay, I have to get at least one western artist on here. Chris LeDoux  will always be a favorite in this house. From songs like Look at you Girl to Cadillac Ranch, LeDoux is the standard for western singers to be measured against. He is one of the truly great artist that do not come along very often and he is sorely missed by not only his family and friends but also his fans. I never did get to see him in concert but I am sure he put on one hell of a show. Here is one of my favorites, This Cowboy’s Hat.

But don’t take my word for it, go check them out!

Favorite 100 Artists; part 2

I hope everyone survived the holidays and had hangovers as little as mine. With that said, welcome to the new year music lovers and let’s get back to my lazy countdown. Keep in mind that I am mixing genres and that this list is in no real particular order.

6. My next artist is the man in black himself, that’s right Johnny Cash. He epitomizes rebel country that is simple but can stir something primal deep within in your soul. With songs such as Ring of Fire, Folsom Prison Blues, and Walk the Line, he stands out as a songwriter who understands the plight of the working man. Personally, my favorite will always be ‘Hurt‘ which is originally by Nine Inch Nails. Unfortunately, he died shortly after this video was made. May he live forever through his music.

7. This next group has controversy after controversy surrounding. From line up changes to taking forever to release a new album, Guns N’ Roses sure knows how to keep fans in suspense. However, this band needs to be divided into two types, original and current. Let me explain why.

I grew up with the original line up that included Steven Adler and Slash. The original line up is the group that produced classic Guns N’ Roses tunes such as Sweet Child of Mine and Welcome to the Jungle. Then the big split happened and Guns N’ Roses went through line up changes after line up changes. Fans like my husband remained loyal, fans like me got sick of the line up changes and drama. Finally, over ten years later, Guns N’ Roses released Chinese Democracy. My husband immediately purchased it, I refused to listen to it; until, he tricked me. We were on our way to Pocatello, Idaho and his ipod was on shuffle. Guns N’ Roses came pouring out of the speakers, I thought it was a song I was unfamiliar with and it was good. I asked him which album it was off of and he told me Chinese Democracy. I was blown away. Then, it was announced that DJ Ashba was in the line up. (For some reason, My friends and I are obsessed with the guitar players for Guns N’ Roses. If you don’t believe me go read The Formation of the Underwater Basket Weaver Society and The Shrine of Slash (God of the Underwater Basket Weaver Society). Yes, I am shamelessly plugging my other stuff here.)

Therefore, I can not choose between the two lineups because I like both so they are both on my countdown. Here is the original line up with Sweet Child of Mine and here is the current line up with Shackler’s Revenge live at the House of Blues in Chicago.  By the way Bumblefoot, thanks for the follow on Twitter.

8. Now my next artist I listened to as a teen and I still love to listen his stuff. Elton John has had one heck of a career that has spanned decades and influenced millions of music listeners around the world. What is really funny about his music is I find myself singing it at really odd times in my life. For some reason, I associate rain with Sad Songs (Say so Much) and I will hum this tune while it is raining. Of course other favorites include Candle in the Wind, I Guess That’s Why They Call it the Blues, Circle of Life, etc. Once again, I can not pick just one song.

9. My next artist has had troubles with the IRS and well used to smoke the funny green stuff. Thats right the one and only Willie Nelson. He has a distinct voice and singing style that is recognizable whenever his music is played. He also has songs that can make you laugh, cry, or just wish you were with the one you loved. His music has inspired artists such as Toby Keith, Never Smoke Weed With Willie Again, and Jerry Reed, The Bird. Willie also has way too many songs to pick just one favorite song, however, I have always loved Whiskey River.

10. What can I say about the next group other than they make me laugh.  Don’t get me wrong Buckcherry  has some serious songs that are slow and will get my husband and I out on the dance floor but I love them for their shock factor and tongue in cheek lyrics. From Crazy B***** to To Drunk to to F***,  you are guaranteed to laugh your butt off and they are awesome to watch live. my kids know their songs as well so when we travel Buckcherry well be blasted with all of us screaming along. My favorite song is Everything, mainly because I have melt downs and I know other people who have melt downs. When I am upset this song gets played alot but like the lyrics say ‘If I had everything would I still wanna be alive.’

Anyway, don’t take my word for go check them out.