Rating the KISS Unmasked Draft Albums - by Nick Jezierny

Click here for complete results of KISS Unmasked Fantasy Draft

(editor’s Note: On a 100-degree day in Boise, Nick decided not to ride his mountain bike like he does every Tuesday and chose to sit around in his Kiss boxers and rate these records. “Seems like a productive thing to do,” his wife said sarcastically.)

This is going to be harder than I anticipated – I’ve studied the albums, tried my own crazy formula to rank them (way too complicated and probably too scientific). I thought about ranking all songs from 1-71 and then scoring the records like a cross country meet.

That seemed like a lot of work, and since my love of Kiss sometimes means a song I’m not super-high on one day becomes a favorite the next, I’ve decided I’m just going to go with my gut and that means this: the best rule for unmasked Kiss – the fewer Gene songs, the better.

Let’s be honest. The Demon struggled mightily between the last makeup record “Creatures of the Night” and the last non-makeup record (at least in this draft) “Revenge.” He was making movies and the 80’s fashion trends didn’t suit him well.

So the record that starts with “Domino” and ends with “Lonely is the Hunter” and has a total of eight Gene songs is automatically eliminated. Not only does it have eight Simmons songs, but none of his best five from this era are included.

• Thou Shalt Not

• Secretly Cruel

• Unholy

• Betrayed

• Fits Like A Glove

The highlight of this last-place record in “Silver Spoon,” one of my favorites.

Time to eliminate another record. Two others records have at least five Gene songs, but Gene songs are created unequal. The album that contains two of his epic duds – “Murder in High Heels” and “Any Way You Slice It” – among six Simmons offerings is the next on the chopping block.

While the Gene songs didn’t help — “No No No” is another stinker — it was the lack of great Paul songs that led to its demise. While “Exciter” and “Tough Love” are above-average, they aren’t enough to warrant this record as the winner. And it has “My Way,” which is “no way” in my book.

The next cut was difficult. It would be easy to take an album with five Gene songs, but I’m going a different direction. The album that starts with “Take It Off” and ends with “Carr Jam” is the next to go.

While this album featured a legitimate No. 2 pick in “A Million To One,” there wasn’t enough substance to follow it. I found myself wanting to rank this higher, but there are a lot of forgettable or blah songs, including “(You Make Me) Rock Hard,” “While the City Sleeps,” “Get All You Can Take” and “Who Wants To Be Lonely.”

This disc only had two Gene songs – “Not For The Innocent” and “Spit” – but those aren’t album killers, but they also couldn’t help it stave off elimination.

That leads us to the five-Gene song album that starts with “Unholy.” Between that hit and “Fits Like A Glove,” some of Gene’s best non-makeup work shows up. So does his worst: “Love’s A Deadly Weapon.”

There are some other strong picks – “I’ve Had Enough (Into The Fire),” “Heart of Chrome” and “Thrills in the Night” – but there’s too much filler to warrant a top-two finish. I consider “Reason to Live” like much of the “Crazy Nights” record – average at best. “I’ll Fight Hell to Hold You” is a forgettable tune and might be the worst second song on any Kiss record. (It’s worse than “Any Way You Slice It”!)

That takes us to the top two records. Both are strong records for different reasons, but I’m going to eliminate the record that opens with “Crazy, Crazy Nights” and ends with “The Street Giveth and The Street Taketh Away.”

This record had a lot going for it. “I’m Alive” and “Tears Are Falling” are very strong, and two of Gene’s best - “Thou Shalt Not” and “Secretly Cruel” - are as good as it gets from him in this era. I even like “Forever” enough to ignore “Let’s Put the X in Sex.”

What really sunk this record is the inclusion of “Hide Your Heart.” Back in 1989, when I was a senior at Ohio University, Kiss released “Hot in the Shade” around the same time as Ace Frehley released “Trouble Walkin’,” which as you may know, also featured a version of “Hide Your Heart.” I thought Ace’s version was vastly superior to the poppier Kiss version to the point where I dislike the Kiss version. So that was my tiebreaker – “Hide Your Heart” made this record worse than our champion.

Congratulations to the record that starts with the ultimate opening song from the non-makeup era, “King of the Mountain” and ends with perhaps my pick for the steal of this draft, the 11th-rounder “You Love Me To Hate You.”

In between, this record includes “Lick It Up,” “Heaven’s On Fire” and “God Gave Rock and Roll to You II” for hits. If you want some under-the-radar magic, you’ve got “Gimme More,” “Under The Gun” and a not-so-bad “Betrayed” as one of only two Gene songs on the mix.

We can overlook “Radar For Love” and “When Your Walls Come Down” and realize each of these albums has a dud – “Bang Bang You.”

So that’s it. I intentionally didn’t look at the names of the albums or who drafted them. I wanted to keep this on the up-and-up. Really, I’m jealous I couldn’t participate and would have liked to have included “Carnival of Souls” because there are five or six songs that would have been fine additions to some of these records.

Nick Jezierny is a former journalist who has seen Kiss 10 times on nine different tours and in eight different venues in six different states. He works as a Communications Specialist at Blue Cross of Idaho where he writes a Song Lyric of the Day each morning on the whiteboard in his cubicle.

Joan Jett / Bad Reputation: Go See This Movie. Now. - by JCE

I went to see Bad Reputation, a new documentary on Joan Jett, on a rainy Wednesday evening recently. When I got home from work, the idea of driving almost an hour to the theater where it was playing wasn’t too appealing, but my wife and I made the trip, as it was a one-night only showing at a cool place called the Violet Crown in Charlottesville, VA. Man, am I ever glad we went. On the drive there, I told my wife that I hoped the movie would not be too Runaways-centric and spend more time on her career with the Blackhearts. I was also kind of hoping to hear a little about her childhood since I knew she lived in Rockville, MD and went to Wheaton High School, not that far from where I grew up.

The movie started straightaway with the Runaways story, so I didn’t get any childhood info, but it continued well into the Blackhearts era, and right up to the present. There was a ton of screen time with Joan (in the present) talking and recounting how things went, and I really liked that—hearing it directly from her. There were also many others on-screen talking about Joan, including some of my rock n roll heroes. Debbie Harry of Blondie was featured. Ian Mackaye (Minor Threat, Fugazi) & Kathleen Hannah (Bikini Kill) were also very prominent, and since they are from the DC music scene I grew up in, I greatly enjoyed that. Mike Ness was interviewed. There was also some great footage of both the Runaways and the Blackhearts throughout.

One highlight for me was some footage from the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony in which Joan fronted Nirvana. I am sure that is readily found on YouTube, but I had not seen it before. At the end of the film, after the credits rolled and most of the theater was empty, there was some never-before-seen footage of a few Blackhearts songs being played live during a sound check somewhere. We stuck around the extra ten minutes to take that in. I highly recommend that you make an effort to check the film out, if you like rock & roll documentaries. The main takeaway for me was what a pioneer Joan Jett really was. I have always considered her to be important, but I may not have been giving her enough credit for her place in history.

I got to seen Joan Jett and the Blackhearts in Bethesda, MD at a little place called the Psyche Delly right when the first Blackhearts record came out. There was Joan and the band, clad entirely in black leather, blasting out “Bad Reputation” about ten feet from me. I count myself very lucky to have witnessed that show. I have since seen her in larger venues, but it was never as good as it was that night.

For an entirely superfluous (but somewhat related) live review of Joan Jett from 2012, check out Joan Jett & the Blackhearts Live at the Obetz Zucchini Festival from Ricki C’s old blog.

Ricki C. and JCE (John, to his friends & family) first bonded over their shared mutual love of Boston's Finest Sons - The Neighborhoods - and everything extended out from that rock & roll ripple.  JCE lives in Culpeper, Virginia with his wife & daughter, and thinks a long-rumored new Neighborhoods record being released in 2018 would make this a perfect year.

Tom Petty: Treasure This, a Box Set Primer - by James A. Baumann

On October 20, Tom Petty was supposed to turn 68 years old. Instead, last year, a week after completing his band’s 40th anniversary tour—during which, we learned, he was playing through pain every night—an accidental overdose closed his songbook.

The first posthumous release, the aptly-titled Tom Petty: An American Treasure, arrived at the end of September. Its 60 tracks are a mix of demos, live songs, alternate takes, and a variety of deep cuts. It’s sort of an odd mix. It’s not the instant gratification of a greatest hits disc, nor is it as unique as the previous all-live box set. Still, it certainly delivers. Taken individually, the tracks include a number of gems. As a whole, it is a fitting testament to Petty’s gift: an American treasure indeed. The following is a completely subjective list of 10 shiny coins in this treasure chest. 

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“Listen To Her Heart” / “Anything That’s Rock ‘N’ Roll” (live)

These early live tracks illustrate how and why TP&HP got grouped in with the New Wave bands. The guitars are pointier, the riffs cut, and everything has a bit more of an edge to it. It’s noticeable even when Petty is introducing the new song to the crowd; the voice would eventually mellow into a southern drawl but here it’s a more of a snarl.

Listen to Her Heart - Live at The Record Plant, Sausalito, CA, 4/23/77, a song by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers on Spotify

 “Lost In Your Eyes” (outtake)

This was recorded by Petty’s pre-Heartbreakers band, Mudcrutch, in 1975 but it has elements that wouldn’t have sounded out of place on records that would come 15-plus years later. Amazing how fully-formed they were even then.

Lost in Your Eyes - Outtake, 1974, a song by Mudcrutch on Spotify

 “Even the Losers” (live)

Petty was always public about not wanting to just trot out the hits during tours, but also was aware of what the fans wanted to hear. His way around that, oftentimes, was to strip the song down to its skeleton. This 1989 recording shows how his brilliant storytelling can make an acoustic version into an anthem. It helps when you have an arena singing along with every word.

Even the Losers - Live at Rochester Community War Memorial, Rochester, NY, 9/9/89, a song by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers on Spotify

 “Keeping Me Alive” (unreleased)

This, along with “Keep A Little Soul” (also included in the set), were recorded during sessions for Long After Dark. “Soul…” is rock solid, but one can imagine it not making the final cut because there were similar songs already slotted. I have no idea how this didn’t end up on some record along the line.

Keeping Me Alive - Outtake, 1982, a song by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers on Spotify

 “The Apartment Song” (demo)

With Stevie Nicks adding harmonies and some counterlines, this demo, in many ways, has more going on than the final version that ended up on Full Moon Fever.

The Apartment Song - Demo, 1984, a song by Tom Petty, Stevie Nicks on Spotify

 “Rebels” (alternate version)

This song famously lead Petty to punch a wall in frustration as he struggled to get it just right. This version, with a livelier horn section and (I think) a slightly faster tempo comes off a bit more like a celebration than the official version which sounded more defiant.

Rebels - Alternate Version, 1985, a song by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers on Spotify

 “King of the Hill” (early take)

Dude, it’s Tom Petty singing with Roger McGuinn.

King of the Hill - Early Take, 1987, a song by Roger McGuinn, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers on Spotify

 “Lonesome Dave” (outtake)

A loose rocking and rolling tune, it sounds like yet more evidence of Petty’s Elvis worship. Driven by Stan Lynch’s drumming, it also is highlighted by deft Benmont Tench (piano) and Mike Campbell (guitar) solos. One could imagine the band breaking this out at a Gainesville house party to get everyone dancing, despite the fact they recorded it in search of a track to add to their greatest hits album.  

Lonesome Dave - Outtake, 1993, a song by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers on Spotify

 “I Don’t Belong” (outtake)

This comes from the batch of songs written for the (underrated) Echo album. Therefore, the lyrics are not the cheeriest in the batch. Musically, though, it sounds like it could have fit right in on one of the Travelling Wilburys’ records.

I Don't Belong - Outtake, 1998, a song by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers on Spotify

 “Two Men Talking” (outtake)

This entire collection is a testament to Petty, but it also showcases the amazing musicians he played alongside throughout his career. In the later years, the whole gang seemed more likely to break out of the 3:30 radio-hit format and let the band flex its considerable muscle. This is a formidable example of just that. 

Two Men Talking - Outtake, 2012, a song by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers on Spotify

A playlist featuring Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Mudcrutch, Tom Petty, and others

Remembering The Records: RIP John Wicks - by JCE

   1979

1980

   1982

The three albums pictured above are all excellent.  One of them is an absolute classic.  The first album by The Records contained “Starry Eyes,” which many feel is the greatest power-pop song ever written.  (editor’s note: THE greatest power-pop song EVER written? I dunno, to me that sounds like ample fodder for the “Comments” section below.) For me, that first album with “Teenarama,” “Girl,” “Girls That Don’t Exist,” “Up All Night,” “All Messed Up and Ready To Go,” “Affection Rejected” and “Starry Eyes” is one of the most important and excellent records ever made. 

The Records were formed by John Wicks and Will Birch.  Their songs still sound fresh to me even now, and I never get tired of them, no matter how much I play them.  After these three albums, the band faded out and at some point, John Wicks moved to Virginia and did some gigs around the Northern Virginia/Washington D.C. area.  One album - Rotate - came out during that time period (1994) under the name John Wicks and The Records.  It is excellent as well, even all those years after the original band had parted.  I sincerely regret not hunting down a show and going to see John Wicks during that time period, as I also never got to see the original band live.  He moved out west to L.A. several years ago.

John Wicks died from cancer on or around October 7, 2018.  He will be truly missed by many fans who were touched, as I was, by his incredible songs.  Rest In Peace John Wicks.

The Records on American TV, 1979, John Wicks on lead vocals & rhythm guitar

Ricki C. and JCE (John, to his friends & family) first bonded over their shared mutual love of Boston's Finest Sons - The Neighborhoods - and everything extended out from that rock & roll ripple.  JCE lives in Culpeper, Virginia with his wife & daughter, and thinks a long-rumored new Neighborhoods record being released in 2018 would make this a perfect year.

The Best, Most Prolific Rock & Roll Band from Illinois Not Named Cheap Trick - by JCE

editor’s note: I fully realize that most readers perceive that the Pencilstorm writers & editorial staff all reside together in a communal household like the 1968 Grateful Dead, but that is only partially accurate: everybody lives together three weeks out of every month, and the fourth week we all go home to our wives & families.  (Mostly because we need a break from Big $ going on & on & frickin’ ON about the Cleveland Browns.)  Occasionally this leads to problems: just before the September break Scott Carr and JCE were listening non-stop to Enuff Z’nuff, and when JCE went home to Virginia, we wound up with double E/Z blogs. Since this is roughly the four-year anniversary of Watershed opening for Cheap Trick in Myrtle Beach, it would be a good time to post the second. (After all, since Pensilstorm has run approximately 1100 KISS entries, we didn’t think two Enuff Z’nuff were too many.) 

Our fearless Pencil Storm leader Colin might ban me for writing this blasphemous piece suggesting that I might love Chicago rockers Enuff Z’Nuff as much as I love Cheap Trick, but I’ll take a chance.  Let me start with this very accurate introduction to the band as found on ALLMusic.com: Chicago’s Enuff Z’Nuff emerged in the late 1980’s during the waning days of the glam metal scene, but their sugary melodies and keen power pop smarts hewed more closely to artists like Cheap Trick and Badfinger.  Despite their obvious pop leanings, Atco (their record company) pushed hard to market the group as a glam metal act, much to their detriment.

Enuff Z’Nuff released what I believe is their fifteenth studio album on August 10, 2018.  They have at least two live records, and a couple of greatest hits compilations, but I am not including those here.  Upon release of the latest, “Diamond Boy,” I decided that I should follow in Colin’s footsteps and rank every Enuff Z’Nuff song, the same way he did for Cheap Trick.

After thinking about it for a day or two, I concluded that the task was too daunting for me, so I decided to rank their albums instead.  

Before I rank the albums and name the best songs on each, let me say that this band is one of the most underrated and misunderstood bands of all time.  As alluded to above, the reputation as a hair metal band that these guys got saddled with is absurd.  I have often considered Cheap Trick to be the perfect definition of a rock and roll band.  I always thought “power pop” was not the right description for them.  Enuff Z’Nuff is very similar—they are not really power pop, but they  certainly are not metal.  They are a rock and roll band.  Period.  They have other similarities to Cheap Trick as well.  Both are from Illinois, both record a ton of records, both have been around a long time and are still making excellent, relevant rock and roll music (I love “Summertime Looks Good On You,” the new Cheap Trick single by the way).  If you only know a handful of Enuff Z’Nuff songs, and you are a Cheap Trick fan, you owe it to yourself to dig deeper.  Much deeper.  The band has had a ton of personnel changes over the years, with the only absolute constant being Chip Z’Nuff.  His writing partner and co-founder of the band, Donnie Vie, has had a hand in almost everything up until the most recent 2018 release. 

Here Is My Ranking of 15 Great Records by ENUFF Z’NUFF,  ranked from one (best, awesome!) to fifteen (not the very best, but still really good):   

1.  Enuff Z’Nuff  -  (Released 1989)

This is the one of my favorite records of all time.  It is the record that launched the band, it is the closest thing to a hit record they ever made, and unfortunately, it is the record that landed them in the hair metal conversation.  I still don’t know why, other than the look they had, which was clearly pushed by their record company in hopes of selling more records.  The best songs here are “For Now,” “I Could Never Be Without You,” “Fly High Michelle” and “New Thing” but every song on this record is excellent.  

  2.  Strength  -  (Released 1991)

Strength was the follow up to the successful debut.  The band tried mightily to downplay the glam rock, make-up wearing reputation they had been saddled with and made a great rock and roll record which was critically acclaimed.  Unfortunately, it did not sell well.  The highlights here are “Hollywood Ya,” “Something For Free” and “Baby Loves You.”  It’s really good all the way through though.

3.  Clown’s Lounge  -  (Released 2016)

This record is only two years old, but it is made up mostly of material written and recorded back in 1988 and 1989.  It is vintage Enuff Z’Nuff and does not sound at all like a bunch of B-sides or demos.  My favorite track is “Dog On A Bone” which interestingly is the only new track on the record.  Another excellent song here is “The Devil of Shakespeare” which features guest vocals by the late Jani Lane from the metal band Warrant.  That song is circa 2004.

  4.  Animals With Human Intelligence  -  (Released 1993)

The boys just kept rolling along, churning out masterpieces for record number three.  “These Daze” is my personal favorite, but “One Step Closer To You” and “Bring It On Home” are other standouts on another great record.

5. 1985  -  (Released 1994)

This record came out in 1994, but as the title implies, the songs were recorded much earlier.  If there is one Enuff Z’Nuff record that truly is power pop, this is it.  “Hollywood Squares,” “Aroused” and “Fingers On It” are the standout tracks.  “Fingers On It” also appeared on a Yellow Pills Power Pop compilation record.  The liner notes were written by shock jock Howard Stern.

6.  Question  -  (Released 2004)

This record simply titled “?” includes some new material and some outtakes from prior recording sessions.  The best tracks on the record include “Home Tonight” which is just a beautiful song, as well as “Help” and “Man With A Woman.”

7.  Dissonance  -  (Released 2010)

Donnie Vie rejoined the band for this release.  It is a solid effort.  My favorite track is “Lazy Dazy” along with the title track and “High.”

8.  Diamond Boy  -  (Released 2018)

This is the first and only record that Chip Z’Nuff delivered with no Donnie Vie assistance and himself as lead vocalist.  The record is solid all the way through.  Frankly, it’s better than I expected.  The tracks “Metalheart” and “Faith Hope & Luv” are particularly good, and are definitely the rockers on this effort.  There is also plenty of softer power pop sounds here too.

9.  Tweaked  -  (Released  1995)

This was the first independent release after the initial four records by the band.  The lead guitar is toned way down as they continued to fight the glam metal reputation they had been saddled with.  “We’re All Alright,” “Has Jesus Closed His Eyes,” “Mr. Jones” and “How Am I Supposed To Write A Love Song” are my favorite tracks.

10.  Welcome to Blue Island  -  (Released 2003)

This record was the last with Donnie Vie fully involved in the band.  The record features the excellent “Saturday.”  Another favorite track from this one is “Roll Me.”

11.  Paraphernalia  -  (Released 1999)

This record has guest appearances by Billy Corgan (Smashing Pumpkins) and Rick Nielson (Cheap Trick, Duh!).  It includes a cover of “Everything Works If You Let It” by Cheap Trick.  The best tracks are “Ain’t It Funny” and “Believe In Love.”

12.  Ten  -  (Released 2000)

This would be the 10th release by the band (but only the ninth studio album).  It is on the pop side of the spectrum.  “There Goes My Heart” and “Holiday” are fine songs.

13.  Peach Fuzz  -  (Released 1996)

This record, like 1985, was made up of older songs and B-sides of singles.  The songs were mostly recorded around the time of the Animals With Human Intelligence record, but these songs are much more pop oriented than that album, which is likely why they were left unreleased until Peach Fuzz.  The best tracks are “Let It Go” and “Make Believe.”

14.  Seven  -  (Released 1997)

This, as the name implies, was release number seven by the band.  It was originally released in Japan under the title “Brothers” as a record by Chip Z’Nuff and Donnie Vie, rather than by Enuff Z’Nuff.  It is one of the most mellow releases, which causes it to be near the bottom of my list.  The best track is “On My Way Back Home.”

15.  Covered In Gold – (Released 2014)

There’s a little bit of everything here.  “Everything Works If You Let It” is a Cheap Trick cover that appeared on an earlier record.  “She Sells Sanctuary” is a very well done cover of The Cult.  The Beatles are covered here, too.  It’s a mish mash.  There’s a version of Nirvana’s “All Apologies” and even David Lee Roth’s “Yankee Rose.”  It is my least favorite record by one of my favorite bands.

              
That concludes my list.  If there are any Enuff Z’Nuff fans out there that read this, please tell me what your favorite record is.  

Click here for Scott's entry: August 1989 / Enuff Z'Nuff Release Their Debut Album.

Ricki and JCE (John, to his friends & family) first bonded over their shared mutual love of Boston's Finest Sons - The Neighborhoods - and everything extended out from that rock & roll ripple.  JCE lives in Culpeper, Virginia with his wife & daughter, and thinks a long-rumored new Neighborhoods record being released in 2018 would make this a perfect year.

Jorma Kaukonen At Lost Weekend Records Sunday October 7th - by Scott Carr

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee and Grammy Lifetime Achievement recipient Jorma Kaukonen will be making a very special appearance at Lost Weekend Records this coming Sunday, October 7th. Jorma will be promoting his autobiography Been So Long : My Life and Music, released by St. Martins Press on August 28th, 2018.

Jorma is a founding member and lead guitarist of the pioneering San Francisco based psychedelic rock band Jefferson Airplane. Jorma was a member of Jefferson Airplane during the bands entire existence from 1965 until their breakup 1972. In 1969 Jorma formed Hot Tuna with fellow Airplane member bassist Jack Casady, while Jefferson Airplane was on a hiatus. For awhile both bands co-existed and Hot Tuna even opened shows for Jefferson Airplane. After the 1972 Airplane breakup, Jorma turned his focus to Hot Tuna. Initially Hot Tuna was an acoustic-based unit that showcased Jorma's finger-picking guitar style. Eventually Hot Tuna would go "electric" with the release of their 1974 album The Phosphorescent Rat. Various members of Jefferson Airplane performed with Hot Tuna over the years but Jorma and Jack have been the core of the group and they still perform several shows each year as Hot Tuna. Jorma has also released several solo albums over the years, beginning with 1974's Quah.

In 1998 Jorma - along with wife Vanessa - opened Fur Peace Ranch located in the village of Pomeroy, the county seat of Meigs County Ohio. Fur Peace Ranch is a music and guitar camp that has allowed Jorma to get back to his roots of teaching guitar, which is a passion he had been pursuing prior to his days with the Airplane. The guitar camp gives players of varied skill sets a chance to spend a weekend together and immerse themselves in music and learn from each other. It's not a Rock N Roll Fantasy camp, but more of a creative adventure that sparks inspiration.

Jorma performing at Fur Peace Ranch with Steve Earle. Photo taken by Kyle Siegrist.

Jorma calls it “a ranch that grows guitar players.”

Lost Weekend Records owner Kyle Siegrist attended his first guitar camp at Fur Peace in September of 1998 and has returned several times over the past two decades.

In 2007 Jorma did an in-store performance at Lost Weekend Records to promote his then recently released Stars In My Crown CD. The store was standing room only for this performance and even the parking lot was full of Jorma fans hoping to hear a bit of the performance.

This Sunday, October 7th, Jorma is returning to Lost Weekend Records for a very special and intimate event focusing on his new book Been So Long: My Life and Music.

Jorma will be conducting two readings from the book which will include song performances, a Q&A session and a chance for attendees to get copies of Been So Long signed. The first reading will take place at 11AM, followed by another at 1PM . With limited space for the book readings, both sold out quickly. The good news is, Jorma will be hanging around the store for an extra 2 hours to sign books and meet fans that weren't able to get into the book readings.

Lost Weekend Records will have plenty of books on hand to purchase and get signed. The General Public book signing will begin at 2PM and go until 4PM. No tickets are needed for this portion of the event.

Lost Weekend Records is located at 2960 North High Street Columbus, OH 43202

I would be remiss if I didn't mention the recent passing of Jefferson Airplane member Marty Balin. Marty passed away September 27, 2018 at the age of 76.

Jorma posted a touching tribute to his fallen band mate and friend. Here is just a piece of that tribute..

"Marty and I were young together in a time that defined our lives. Had it not been for him, my life would have taken an alternate path I cannot imagine. He and Paul Kantner came together and like plutonium halves in a reactor started a chain reaction that still affects many of us today. It was a moment of powerful synchronicity. I was part of it to be sure, but I was not a prime mover. Marty always reached for the stars and he took us along with him." - Jorma Kaukonen

I will leave you with a few YouTube clips featuring some of Jorma's work over the years, including a song Jorma co-wrote with Marty Balin called "She Has Funny Cars" from Jefferson Airplane’s Surrealistic Pillow album.

Scott Carr is a guitarist who plays in the Columbus, OH  bands Radio Tramps and Returning April.  Scott is also an avid collector of vinyl records and works at Lost Weekend Records. So...if you are looking for Scott....you'll either find him in a dimly lit bar playing his guitar or in a record store digging for the holy grail.

Title: She Has Funny Cars Album: Surrealistic Pillow Track No: 1 Written By: Marty Balin, Jorma Kaukonen Marty Balin - Lead Vocals Grace Slick - Vocals Jorma Kaukonen - Lead Guitar Paul Kantner - Rhythm Guitar, Vocals Jack Casady - Bass Guitar Spencer Dryden - Drums

Jorma Kaukonen playing Embryonic Journey Live Jefferson Airplane, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony 1996 Re-uploaded as the sound on the original video had become distorted.

Hot Tuna - Keep On Truckin' Recorded Live: 3/22/1973 - 46th Street Rock Palace - New York, NY More Hot Tuna at Music Vault: http://www.musicvault.com Subscribe to Music Vault on YouTube: http://goo.gl/DUzpUF

From Quah.

Title: Third Week In The Chelsea Album: Bark Track No: 8 Written By: Jorma Kaukonen Grace Slick - Vocals Jorma Kaukonen - Lead Guitar, Lead Vocals Jack Casady - Bass Guitar with Will Scarlett - Harmonica (uncredited)

@ I do not own the copyright to this recording so if it needs to be removed, I will remove it. If you like this album please buy it for the full experience.

@ I do not own the copyright to this recording so if it needs to be removed, I will remove it. If you like this album please buy it for the full experience. Line-up / Musicians Jorma Kaukonen - vocals, lead guitars Jack Casady - bass, vocals, eyebrow, bass balalaika Sammy Piazza - drums, percussion Tracks Listing 01.

Stars in My Crown album Townes Van Zandt - The Highway Kind , Malvina Reynolds - the Albatross , The Little Mouse