Who actually was the king?

While growing up, I have always been told that Elvis Presley is the king of Rock & Roll.  Due to the fact that I, well wasn't alive during the 50's, I haven't questioned it.  It wasn't until recently that I have started to think about this.  Although I do acknowledge Elvis' greatness and success, I have to say that he has some very worthy competition.  Little Richard, Chuck Berry, and Jackie Wilson being black musicians during the 1950's was remarkable enough, but they were also famous.  All three men making strides in music from Little Richard's amazing vocals and octave jumps in "Tutti Frutti," to Chuck Berry's iconic opening guitar riff in "Johnny B. Goode," to Jackie Wilson's strong and resonating tone in "To Be Loved," and "Lonely Teardrops."  I might even add that although Elvis' first album was released before Jackie Wilson's, Wilson played a key role in the King's lively stage presence and his renowned bluesy croon.  Not only did he inspire some of Presley's  most famous moves he also inspired some of Carlton Banks' moves without even knowing it.  By no means am I trashing the King but simply stating that there might not have been only one.

(See 2:35)

(Please excuse the Tom Jones) 


-Brooks Gonzales

Reggae and Skrillex...what?

As you get to know me, you'll realize that I'm fairly accepting when it comes to most styles of music, but not a lover of either Reggae or Skrillex.  But, as I was my Spotify radio a few days back I came across a song named "Make It Bun Dem" by both Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley (the youngest son of the late, great Bob Marley) and Skrillex.  When I think of Skrillex, I think of freshmen running around the halls singing clashing chords, obnoxiously high, and songs about scary monsters and fairies.  This is simply not the case for this song.  Skrillex kills it in this song with an actual melody and a great bass line!  The characteristic Reggae upbeat hits along with Damian's insanely fast lyrics that only a musical God could understand (about 1:29 to 1:34 in the video; link included here...Make It Bun Dem link) help this song reach its full potential.  Although I am a total fan of the song itself, I also have to acknowledge the amazing album cover, with Skrillex's famous "iLL" logo colored with the classic Rasta colors that enticed me to try it.  Without this I might had never even looked, shallow I know, but still, we all do it.  I'm very glad I did though, because this song helped me branch out and check out more of Damian's songs along with other great Reggae musicians like Konshens.  Major props to both of these men, great job! You've both just gained another fan.

-Brooks Gonzales