Guitar Heros.

Ever since I bought into the WII phenomenon a few months back, my respect for amazing guitar work has only grown. Sure, I have played air guitar since the first time I hear the Rolling Stone's "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction," but having to manage the WII remote to play "Slow Ride" for the first time is among my most intimidating music moments.

This week, the boys and I headed to see the some good friends play some rock and roll for their fans. The Raconteurs are the closest thing to a super group (think Asia from the eighties) that the alternative rock world has right now. Jack White (of the White Stripes) and Brandon Benson (an amazing solo artist: check out is pop-rock gem "The Alternative to Love") write and play amazing music. So clear from their performance is that they are the best of pals, which I think is fun to watch on stage. Rolling Stone recently interviewed Jack White with Keith Richards together and it was an all-out love fest. And for good reason. The Raconteurs put on an old school rock and roll show at Denver's Fillmore last night- filled with hooks, licks, and showmanship. Keeping up the tradition- loud, hard, and memorable. Keith and his good buddy Mick should be proud that this next generation of classic rockers is keeping up the tradition. Too bad they'd never win on Idol.

Equal Rights are Human Rights.

Being "for" or "not for" HRC these days is kinda like being "for" or "not for" the gentleman from Illinois running for his party's nomination- you really can't lose, but know you can do better. And of course, better is the Senator from NY. But I digress.

The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) is our nation's largest GLBT lobbying organization and they talk lots about the great work they for their donors. But why is it that marriage is defined as "man and woman" in at least 40 states right now? Why is it still legal on the federal level to fire an employee simply for being gay or lesbian? Where were they on the recent "Day of Silence" sponsored by the ever-noble gay and straight school teacher's network (GLESN) to draw attention to the bully culture in so many schools? In my view, HRC does not get that politics is all about compromise and communication and education of its donors on the real issues. For all the criticism the Bill Clinton Administration weathers for the so-called "don't ask, don't tell" policy of the early -90s, future president Hillary Clinton explains that it was the best we could do at the time, and even then it was groundbreaking. Even as Melissa Etheridge threw Hillary under the bus, Senator Clinton stood firm as she explained that Washington is about compromise and playing within the system-- look back in history and you'll see that's how we change the world. Enough said.

I'm so very proud of my friend Pat for receiving the Paul Hunter Award for the inspiring work he does state-wide to advance the issues so important to humans, regardless of sexual orientation. Pat was my reason for participating in this year;s fundraising dinner and for renewing my faith in HRC during such an important time in our country's history of making sure the words equal and human go together with the word rights.

Pictured above is Pat accepting the award. Below is Pat and his delightful partner Dave and me.

Band of Influence.

The boys and I headed to see Kraftwerk last night at Denver's always accommodating Fillmore Auditorium. So very entertaining was the show and the crowd- among the most diverse concert crowds you will ever see in Denver. In the days leading up to the show, I dusted off my Kraftwerk music and fondly remembered just how much I loved electronic music growing up in the late seventies and early eighties and how it has shaped my musical tastes today. While I am a budding guitar hero, I love the crisp production of electronica. I remember Davey and I shopping for CDs in the format's early days and getting excited when a CD was "DDD."

I realized how much Kraftwerk has influenced the artists I listened to growing up, and, yes, still listen to today. Kraftwerk has been making music of influence since the days of Saturday Night Fever. Think about that-- and they are still touring the world! It's impossible to listen to this band and not think about Human League, Gary Numan, The The, New Order, Heaven 17, Naked Eyes, Depeche Mode, Tears For Fears, Howard Jones, David Bowie's eighties comeback, Madonna, Pet Shop Boys, Goldfrapp, JT, and any synthesizer-using band from the last 30 years. Yep, including the Bee Gee's-- listen to the first 40 seconds of Tragedy and you'll hear what I mean. Kraftwerk gets a tip of my hat. Well, I'd tip my hat if it didn't mess up my heavily TEN-X'ed hair. Ah, those were the days.

Thanks to my new pal Jeff for the great photo.