My Brother

There are many reasons why I haven't posted a new entry in a while. Mostly because I've been busy with my schoolwork. The main reason is because my older brother criticized my blog to the point where I couldn't work up the energy to write a new entry. Perhaps this entry will help me let off some steam.

My brother: My brother and I were inseparable growing up. That's because we were forced to be in each other's presence. We shared a room, went to the same schools, were involved in the same Boy Scout troop, and had a few mutual friends. Growing up he treated my like a typical older brother, he would get angry at me, belittle me, inflict pain on me, and make me feel bad. No matter how many times I told my parents, they always said the same thing, "it's just a phase." But it wasn't 'just a phase'. It would continue throughout high school, and even right now as I'm going through college. You think he would grow up by now, right? Wrong. What's sad is he thinks he's better than me when the fact is, we're not that different. We both graduated in the top quarter of our respective high school classes, were both Eagle Scouts, and we both attended the best universities in the state of Texas. 

It has now been 6 months since I last spoke to him. His behavior has been immature and very childish. I hope he matures by the time he gets back home. If he doesn't, well, I don't like to think about it really. I'm just rambling here. 

To be honest it feels good to be back. 

Top 10 Heavy Metal Guitar Solos

They make playing heavy metal look easy. Welcome to Kiker's Blog, and today I'm listing my top 10 heavy metal guitar solos. For this list I limited it to one song per artist. Also keep in mind that this list is focused mainly on heavy metal, so no hard rock acts like Van Halen, or Aerosmith.

10. Powerslave-Iron Maiden
What do you do when you have three guitarists in your band? Have them take part in an epic three way solo. They didn't track the original recording, but that doesn't stop them from bringing down the house these days. Starting with a slow melodic melody that that builds into a heavy eruption, Powerslave has it all.

9. Floods-Pantera
Pantera is considered by many to be one of the greatest metal bands of all time, and for good reason. Aside from clever lyrics and an awesome attitude, late guitarist Dimebag Darrel is respected and viewed as one of the greatest guitarists that ever lived. Throughout his career he gave us many memorable solos like the one from Cemetery Gates, but Floods is the most unique and different. It may be slower paced and less flashy, buy it never loses the heaviness that was Darrel's trademark.

8. Afterlife-Avenged Sevenfold
Some guitar solos are all about flash, and Avenged Sevenfold has that and more. Reminisced of the many bands that influenced them, the Afterlife solo is lightning fast and dares anyone to try and keep up. It's old school metal mixed with modern metal. As part of a mainstream band, guitarist Synyster Gates introduces the art of the heavy metal solo to those who might not have had exposure. And helped the band reach the top 20 on the Billboard rock chart.

7. You Don't Remember, I'll Never Forget-Yngwie Malmsteen
With a name like that, you know you're in for a rockin' good time. Listening to the riffs alone will give you goosebumps. Though Malmsteen's discography is highlighted by epic instrumentals like the Iconic Black Star, You Don't Remember, I'll Never forget is one of his few songs that has lyrics. If there was a solo that told you what period of time you were in, this would be it.

6. Seasons in the Abyss-Slayer
Even if you just say the word Slayer, every metal fan will know what you're talking about. One of the best reasons to head bang is this track from their fifth album of the same name. Blindingly fast and unapologetic, Slayer brings the pain. It's as about as metal as you can get.

5. Painkiller-Judas Priest
If there is any band that knows how to make a heavy metal anthem, it's Judas Priest. Glen Tipton and K.K. Downing are masters of their craft. Two is better than one, and combining these two made the perfect combination. Painkiller cranks the amp to 11, then 12, then beyond. This song is what speed metal is all about, and my neck is still sore from banging my head.

4. Children of the Grave-Black Sabbath
Guitarist Tony Iomi one one of the reasons why Black Sabbath is one of the key originators in heavy metal. Many credit Iomi's ingenuity as inspiration, and credited his work as a milestone. The solo from Children of the Grave is clearly of of his best and showcases everything Black Sabbath is about.

3. Mr. Crowley-Ozzy Osbourne
It's a little weird to have Black Sabbath and Ozzy Osbourne next to each other on this list, right? However Randy Rhoad's solo is hands down one of the best guitar solos ever regardless of genre. It's an extension of the song, but it doesn't have a personality of its own, which is exactly what a guitar solo should be. Rhoad's career is full of successes, and this is one of them.

2. Tornado of Souls-Megadeath
For those of you that don't know, Dave Mustaine used to be in Metallica before being kicked out, but that didn't stop him from forming a little band of his own. He does have a number of fine solos in his catalog along with his band mate Marty Friedman who delivered a masterpiece on Tornado of Souls. Lengthy, rip-roaring, and full of shred, it's exactly what a heavy metal guitar solo should be.

Honorable Mentions:

Through the Fire and the Flames-Dragonforce

The Dark Eternal Night-Dream Theater

Hard To See-Five Finger Death Punch

Back In Black-AC/DC

Feed My Frankenstein-Alice Cooper

1. One-Metallica
When it comes to lead guitarist Kirk Hammett, there are a lot of solos to listen to in order to determine which one is the best. For example there's the very popular and iconic power ballad Fade to Black. After much thought, I settled on One. The reason is simple: if I have to explain Metallica to someone who hasn't heard of them, this is the song I play. Fast, melodic, and beautiful, this track off of ...And Justice For All is the essence of a Kirk Hammett solo. The song also made for a perfect first music video.

Top 10 Guitar Solos

It takes a whole band to rock, but these solos will make you roll. Welcome to Kiker’s Blog, and today I’m listing my top 10 guitar solos. For this list I limited it to one solo per artist/group, and excluded instrumentals.

10. Ritchie Blackmore from Deep Purple-Highway Star

With Smoke on the Water, the Deep Purple guitarist paved the way for classical music and blues rock; and brought to life one of the most iconic riffs in history. However, when it comes to solos it’s hard to overlook Highway Star.

9. Eric Clapton from Cream-Crossroads

As one of the greatest guitarists of all time, it’s no surprise Clapton has a number of signature solos under his belt. While he made history with Layla’s signature sound, it’s with Crossroad’s solo that he really nails it. In fact, this arrangement of Robert Johnson’s original blues tune is so good; I think he might have signed a deal with the devil too.

8. Randy Rhoads from Ozzy Osbourne-Mr. Crowley

Rhoads exploded into the heavy metal universe after giving Ozzy Osbourne’s music a new life. While Crazy Train features one of the genres most iconic riffs, it’s actually the second single from the same album that captures Rhoads’ guitar skills best. Mr. Crowley contains not one, not two, but three stand out guitar moments, but the masterpiece’s climax is the best solo of the song.

7. Joe Walsh from Eagles-Hotel California

The Eagles produced another number one hit with Hotel California. That record spawned the smooth and soulful title track that classic rock stations won’t let us forget. Aside from its surrealist lyrics, Hotel California showcases some of the most memorable electric guitar chemistry ever between Walsh & Felder.

6. Allen Collins & Gary Rossington from Lynyrd Skynyrd-Freebird

With their defiant solos and remarkable rock and roll swagger, Lynyrd Skynyrd became fixtures of the southern rock scene. It’s because of this that Lynyrd Skynyrd became a household name across America. Due in no small part to its structure, half ballad, half up tempo guitar solo, Freebird also became their second top 40 hit. Keeping crowds pumped for decades.

5. Brian May from Queen-Bohemian Rhapsody

With Freddie Mercury’s theatrical vocals and lively stage presence as with May’s virtuoso guitar abilities, Queen scored big overseas thanks to Bohemian Rhapsody. Featuring elements of hard rock, balladry, and opera, its unconventional style initially baffled critics. Today it’s one of the Brit’s most popular songs. It’s in this melodic chorus less tune that May played one of the most incredible solos ever. And the song wouldn’t be the same without it

4. Jimi Hendrix from the Jimi Hendrix Experience-All Along the Watchtower

Though Purple Haze or Voodoo Child could’ve easily made this list, it’s this iconic guitarist’s legendary cover of All Along the Watchtower that lands a spot on my list. The Jimi Hendrix Experience gave Bob Dylan’s folk rock original a psychedelic rock spin which included a killer guitar solo that helped Hendrix earn his only top 20 American hit. Even Dylan was inspired; his later performances of the track were influenced by Jimi’s version.

3. Slash from Guns N’ Roses-Sweet Child O’ Mine

While Slash stood out on a wide range of songs from Night Train to Welcome to the Jungle, it’s Sweet Child O’ Mine that set the stage for the band’s later work. Though its brilliant riff was conceived as a joke, the track’s chart topping success and incredible solo were anything but a joke. Appetite for Destruction also became the best-selling debut album in American history.

2. Jimmy Paige from Led Zeppelin-Stairway to Heaven

No list of the op guitar solos would be complete without Stairway to Heaven. With Robert Plant’s incredible vocals and Bonham’s thunderous bass drum, you have an unmatched sound blending blues, hard rock, and folk. However, it’s Paige’s complex guitar work that’s truly left a measurable influence on later artists.

Honorable Mentions:

Chuck Berry-Johnny B. Goode

John Frusciante from Red Hot Chili Peppers-Dani California

Billy Gibbons from ZZ Top-Sharp Dressed Man

George Harrison from The Beatles-Twist and Shout

Alex Lifeson from Rush-Limelight

Eddie Van Halen from Van Halen-Hot For Teacher

1. David Gilmour from Pink Floyd-Comfortably Numb

The third single from The Wall ensured fans that they weren’t numb to their music. They may have been known for introspective lyrics, studio experimentation, extravagant shows, but their sound wouldn’t have been the same without Gilmour. His blues inspired guitar on Comfortably Numb’s final solo helped solidify the band’s popularity and success.

Top 10 Coolest Movie Characters

They're the coolest person in any room. Welcome to Kiker's Blog, and today I'm listing my top 10 coolest movie characters. For this list I'm looking at the coolest movie characters only, so TV characters need not apply. Also superheroes like Tony Stark didn't make it. 

10. Trent Walker-Swingers

A quick-witted, good looking actor, Vince Vaughn made Trent the perfect man to shepherd his lonely friend who just can't let go of his previous relationship in Swingers. Trent is there at every turn to teach any and all of his friends how to handle every aspect of getting a lady while simultaneously working to rebuild the shattered ego of his friend. Trent is undoubtedly the alpha dog in this movie. 

9. Axel Foley-Beverly Hills Cop franchise

When this street smart cop from Detroit finds himself in Beverly Hills, he's able to employ his natural charm and the tricks he learned along the way to outwit every other cop in the city. Prior to Eddie Murphy landing the role, Mickey Rourke and Sylvester Stalone almost brought the character that would make Murphy a star to the big screen. Though those two stared in several films that we love, it's the comedic timing and improvisational feel that Murphy brings to Foley that lands him on this list.

8. Tyler Durden-Fight Club

Tyler is one of the few who lives outside of the lifestyle of visceral men who want to break out of society's barriers that most of us comply with. As a result, he leaves the audience wanting to do the same during every viewing of Fight Club. Durden lives in a run down apartment that leaks and floods with brown water; yet somehow he leaves the audience envious of the life he lives. It could be his lack of compromise, or his ability to lead. Either way, he makes it all look cool. 

7. James Bond-James Bond franchise

This spy genre of films is populated with characters who are trying to be cool. Whether it's gadgets, or his entire demeanor, James Bond is the best of them all because he doesn't need to try. Often considered one of the greatest film heroes ever, audiences can assume that Mr. Bond can save the day and get the girl in the end. To top things off, 007 always does things in style even over 20 films later.

6. Danny Ocean-Oceans trilogy

It took a huge amount of charm and presence for George Clooney's character to outshine Frank Sinatra's version. In the 2001 remake, Danny is the brains behind a group of criminals that manages to pull off the impossible. Danny rolls with whatever changes come his way, and always makes sure that everything works to his advantage. He's cool, calm, and collected through and through.

5. John Shaft-Shaft franchise

Shaft is the black private dick that's a sex machine to all the chicks, and we can all dig it. Whether it's the clothes he wore, the women he slept with, or the attitude, he made it clear that he's not one to be messed with. One thing's for certain; Shaft was is, and always will be the man.

4. Rick Blaine-Casablanca

"We'll always have Paris." And we'll always have rick Blaine thanks to this iconic romantic drama, and one of the greatest films of all time. As the owner of a high-class Morocco night club, he's jaded on the outside, but underneath the cool exterior is a man who's torn between love and virtue. With a sketchy background that adds to his mystique, Rick is the tough, but smart guy in a trench coat. He sticks his neck out for nobody, and is the envy of all other men. Here's looking at you Rick!

3. Jim Stark-Rebel Without a Cause

James Dean's short lived film career defined what is was to be cool for a generation. It was this character from the mid 50's drama that defined his legacy the most. The fact that the actor died in a high speed car crash shortly before the film was released put even more weight on Dean's shoulders. He portrayed a teen trying to make sense of the world he lives in, but in a unique, interesting way. James Dean made this character into one that we can relate to. 

2. Han Solo-Star Wars

Luke Skywalker may be the ultimate hero of the Star Wars saga, but it's his friend Han that audiences always wanted to be. Han is a scoundrel with a heart of gold, and is always interested in making a quick buck. He'll also save the day along the way. 

Honorable mentions:

Butch Cassidy-Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid

Crash Davis-Bull Durham

Jules Winnfield-Pulp Fiction

Jacob Palmer-Crazy, Stupid, Love

Ferris Bueller-Ferris Bueller's Day Off

1. Jeff "the Dude" Lebowski-The Big Lebowski

All he wanted to do was bowl, drink a White Russian, and get high. Instead the Dude finds himself in the middle of intrigue and violence. He does raise his voice in a scene or two, but the Dude is mostly relaxed and takes everything in stride. There's one thing that's for certain; the Dude abides, and we take comfort in that.

Mulaney: The New Seinfeld?

In the late 80's and early 90's, it seemed every comedian had their own sitcom. Most were simply "based on the comedy" of the main character, putting the star in situations that provided the best situation in each episode. Whether it was Roseanne, or Home Improvement, The Cosby Show, or Everybody Loves Raymond, the comedian was never a comedian on the series. Except, of course, on Seinfeld, probably the most successful and influential of them all.

Since the "show about nothing," several stand-ups have followed in their footsteps with series that followed a version of their lives in comedy. Curb and Louie come to mind, but the format has strayed from the milti-camera, laugh track days of Seinfeld. Until now. Twenty-five years after Seinfeld debuted, Fox is trying to make history repeat itself with an obvious homage to the ground-breaking NBC sitcom. So, what's the deal with Mulaney? Sadly, the great material at the heart of the throwback comedy can't save it from feeling out of time. Believe me, we all know how important timing is for comedy.

Part of Fox's new Sunday Funday lineup, Mulaney follows an up-and-coming New York stand up comedian named John Mulaney. His roommates include an uptight personal trainer named Jane, played by formerr SNL cast member Nasim Pedrad, and Seaton Smith as Motif, another struggling but working comic. Another veteran of Saturday Night Live, Martin Short stars as Mulaney's new boss, a self-absorbed comic legend turned game show host named Lou Cannon. Also in the cast are Zach Pearlman, who plays trust-fund baby/drug dealer/punching bag Andre, and Academy Award nominee Elliott Gould, who is the elderly Jewish stoner neighbor named Oscar.

The main problem for any throwback is to avoid feeling dated, and Mulaney suffers by not adding a new spin on the old formula. It is Seinfeld all the way down to the stand-up sequences and noise between transitions. I promised myself I wouldn't mention Seinfeld in this entry, but that's nearly impossible. Even the sitcom itself calls Mulaney (the character) a 'Seinfeld ripoff' in the much improved fourth episode, titled "Sweet Jane," that dramatizes his bit about the impossibility of forcing girls to be friends.

The good news is that the Fox series does get better with each installment. the bad news is that the pilot is terrible, so getting worse was practically an impossibility. None of this is good for me because I'm a fan of Mulaney's work, the stuff he wrote for SNL (including Stefon and his two Weekend Update appearances), his stand-up bits with Nick Kroll on Kroll Show. He's funny, but his show is not good and I don't know why. The pilot got no laughs out of me and that's not good for a comedy.

Perhaps having seen some of the material before cause some would-be laughs to become smiles? I'm willing to admit that maybe Mulaney doesn't feel fresh to me because I've already heard the jokes and not because of the well-worn format. However, I don't think that's the case. I like the cast, and the show does improve with every episode (I've seen five), just not enough to recommend when there's so much more to watch on Sunday nights.

Top 10 Rock Drummers

These guys rocked to the beat of a different drum. Welcome to Kiker's Blog, and today I'm listing my top 10 rock drummers. For this list I chose standout drummers who were the perfect mix of technical talent, popularity, and who proved themselves essential to the music of the bands they were in. I'm excluding drummers from genres such as heavy metal, hip hop, and jazz.

10. Phil Collins-Genesis
As Genesis evolved from progressive to pop rock, Collins showcased a strong musicality and versatility on the drums. Audiences were also impressed with his rare talent of singing and drumming simultaneously. Though he played jazz fusion, folk, and blues in other projects, it was as a solo artist that Collins found further success; with the gated reverb of In The Air Tonight shaping much of the 80's pop drum sound.

9. Nick Mason-Pink Floyd
Pink Floyd wouldn't have been the same without Mason, who was the only unchanging band member on all their records. Weather playing acoustic, or electronic drums, or even percussion, he knew how to bring everything together to complete the psychedelic and progressive rock sound. The proficient studio musician also also knew how to show off on stage as demonstrated by the band's heavy and extravagant live performances.

8. Ringo Starr-The Beatles
He may not have been the finest technical drummer ever, but his offbeat and creative style helped build The Beatles' sound we love. Despite being left-handed, Starr used a right-handed kit to keep the beat and ensured the tempo was just right. His crucial contributions showed that drummers can be just as important to songwriting as other band members, and influenced countless drummers from then on. 

7. Mitch Mitchell-The Jimi Hendrix Experience
Mitchell's session drumming including his time with The Who landed him a permanent spot in The Jimi Hendrix Experience's lineup. By fusing his Jazz influences with rock, he developed a rhythmic and melodic playing style that perfectly complimented the music. Mitchell's heavy beats, snare drum stroke patterns, rolls, and fills were also a source of creativity for Hendrix in studio and on stage.

6. Ginger Baker-Cream
Cream's blues and psychedelic rock would've been very different without Baker's flashy jazz inspired drums. While in the group, the drummer broke new ground by using double bass drums and playing lengthy solos. Baker continued to find success with his world music after the breakup of Cream, but it was his booming 60's style that set the stage for today's heavy metal drummers.

5. Stewart Copeland-The Police
He helped craft The Police's new wave mix of punk, reggae, and jazz by incorporating those styles with his rock and Middle Eastern influences. Known for using accented beats and splash cymbals, he had a highly defined and innovative technique and had a nack for enhancing songs with groove.

4. Dave Grohl-Nirvana, Queens of the Stone Age, Them Crooked Vultures
He's best known as the frontman for Foo Fighters, but this multi-instrumentalist first made waves by hitting hard and fast in several bands. It was his fierce and intense drumming in Nirvana that cemented Grohl's place in grunge. The nicest guy in rock further flaunted his passion for drums by lending his passion for drums by lending his talents to Queens of the Stone Age, Them Crooked Vultures, and many more. 

3. Keith Moon-The Who
Moon lived life as wildly as he played the drums. Knowing his time was cut short, his ingenious and frenzy drumming lived on. With an intense and sensational style, Moon epitomized sex, drugs, and rock and roll. He also proved fundamental to The Who's sound with his back beats and double bass drum playing. He often stole the spotlight with his explosive antics. 

2. John Bonham-Led Zeppelin
Thanks to his speed, heavy drumsticks, powerful arms and rapid right foot, Bonham's thunderous bass drum was unlike anything anyone had ever seen. His talent for finding the groove and mighty drum solos helped forge Led Zeppelin's original and unforgettable blend of hard rock, blues, and folk. Despite his short life, Bonham's style remains unmatched and fans, critics, and musicians alike continue to crown him one of the all time greatest drummers.

Honorable Mentions:

Tré Cool-Green Day

Mike Portnoy-Dream Theater

Phil Rudd-AC/DC

Chad Smith-Red Hot Chili Peppers 

1. Neil Peart-Rush
From hard rock to jazz then to progressive rock, Peart could play it all and he could play it well. The Award winning drummer distinguished himself with his unconventional time signatures and unique rhythmic styles, but also displayed extreme endurance by playing extensive live solos on massive drum kits. Respected for his technical experience, he is known for reversing his drum sticks to make heavier sounds.

Breaking Bad

WARNING: The following blog entry contains spoilers

In a world where TV has replaced movies as a medium for adult entertainment comes the best HBO style drama (that can't use the F word or show any boobs, yet it's so good) that finally made TV fanatics shut up about The Wire: Breaking Bad. Breaking Bad is literally the greatest TV series I have ever watched. The show is so powerful I binge watch it on Netflix, so all-consuming I push it on my friends even if they don;t watch TV, and so addicting I can't shut up about it; it's basically like drugs.

Premise: Set in scenic New Mexico (because state tax laws make it cheaper to shoot there than Los Angeles), chemistry teacher Walter White has been diagnosed with the kind of cancer that makes him cough...a lot. Walt teams up with his junkie former student to cook crystal meth. He cooks and sells meth to pay for his expensive cancer treatments, then to save money for his family's future, and then just because he loves it. His partner Jesse Pinkman: a junkie who prefers the formal term for female dog. Together they battle the baddest villains in television history (all of whom happen to be angry Latino men). Walt also has trouble at home: there's his annoying wife Skylar. At first I wished she would just go away, then I wished she could just get away because it just so happens she's married to a complete sociopath. There's also a baby named Holly...who only shows up when it's convenient. His son Walter Jr. who...I don't know if I can make fun of him. And a brother-in-law DEA agent who's terrible at telling jokes, and is even worse at noticing his family is running a crystal meth empire.

If you haven't seen this show: prepare yourself for five epic seasons of awesome, unforgettable moments. Such as explosions, a dead corpse dissolved through a bathtub, and intense dialogue. However, like any other AMC drama there's a lot of boring moments. It takes a while to pay off, but the intensity of the story makes it totally worth it. This is a show where anyone can be killed at any time and in any way: from box cutter, to bike lock, to ATM machine, to decapitated head turtle bomb, to exploding grandpa, to overdosing on heroin, do AED machine, to Pontiac Aztec (now that's product placement!).

Running gags: Breakfast, POV shots, Marie always wearing purple, bald guys, foreshadowing, magnets, rocks (sorry, minerals)

Starring: Bryan Cranston (Malcolm's dad from Malcolm in the Middle), Anna Gunn, Aaron Paul (the guy who won a desk on the price is right), Dean Norris (this guy always plays a cop), RJ Mitte (his disability made him famous), Bob Odenkirk (half of Mr. Show)

Seriously, if you haven't started watching this show, you better start ASAP.