If a building could establish itself as musical heaven, it would undoubtedly be San Francisco’s Fillmore Auditorium. This place is haunted by Rock n’ Roll’s most supreme gods. Every musician who has established itself, whether it be country or rap, has performed here.

The Fillmore has undergone some major and fatal changes throughout its 46-year history but it’s most famous for being the center for rock n’ roll’s psychedelic days in the ’60′s. It is after all, down the street from Haight & Ashbury .

In 1989, the legendary building was closed because of earth quake damage. However, it reopened in 94′ at its original location on Geary and Fillmore street and welcomed in a new musical genre of its time- 90′s grunge music. Just imagine the sight of that time: Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and a willing audience composed of  teenagers full of angst and restlessness, and all those plaid flannel shirts!

The Fillmore

Some of the quirky traditions the venue has upheld to this day are free posters from sold out concerts, free apples when you first enter the building for a show, and an old man greeting you with a cheerful “Welcome to the Fillmore!.” I need to experience this for myself! I love how much history this places holds- and you would never know outside looking in. Reading up on it, I learned more than I thought I would and that’s what is so intriguing to me.

JIM MORRISON

LOVE ME TWO TIMES

Alabama song (Whiskey bar) and Love me two times

GLORIA … DIRTY VERSION

RIDERS ON THE STORM … ORIGINAL

“Riders On The Storm” was the last song recorded by the members of The Doors, according to Ray, as well as Jim´s last recorded song to be released (recorded December 1970 – January 1971 – released in June ´71).

According to Robby, it was inspired by the song “(Ghost) Riders in the Sky: A Cowboy Legend.” The song is played in the E Dorian mode, and incorporates real sound effects of thunder and rain, along with Ray´s Fender Rhodes electric piano playing, which emulates the sound of rain. The song was recorded at the Doors Workshop in December 1970 with the assistance of Bruce Botnick, their longtime engineer, who was co-producing the recording sessions. Jim recorded his main vocals and then whispered the lyrics over them to create the echo effect. The single was released in 1971, shortly before Jim´s death, entering the Hot 100 on 3 July 1971, the day that Jim died.

INFORMATION :

WIKIPEDIA

Today I’m featuring an artist I followed long before this blog started. VOODOO FARM has sent me a couple of his tracks, so time to do some catch up. First track is an unreal remix of The Beatles track A Day In The Life, and VOODOO FARM really takes this one to next level. Here’s more filthy Dub with a remix of Earth Wind & Fire‘s track Brazilian Rhyme, don’t miss this one. Next a much more melodic Dubstep approach to this remix of DVBBS‘s track DVRGS feat. Haley Gene, with some sexy vocal chopping. Now for his newest remix of Get Money by Biggie Smalls bringing some heavy wobbles. He does some serious work on Jay-Z and Kanye‘s anthem Niggas In Paris, and the video for the track that is produced and directed by VOODOO FARM himself. Saved the best for last, this is my favorite remix from VOODOO FARM, and it’s of The Doors track People Are Strange, he nails it on all levels, DON’T MISS THIS ONE. Follow VOODOO FARM on SoundCloud, and on Facebook. Cheers.

The Beatles – A Day In The Life (VOODOO FARM DUBSTEP Remix)

TO DOWNLOAD CLICK HERE

Earth Wind & Fire – Brazilian Rhyme (VOODOO FARM DUBSTEP Remix)

TO DOWNLOAD CLICK HERE

DVBBS – DVRGS feat. Haley Gene (VOODOO FARM Remix)

TO DOWNLOAD CLICK HERE

Notorious B.I.G – Get Money (VOODOO FARM Remix)

TO DOWNLOAD CLICK HERE

Jay-Z & Kanye West – Niggas In Paris (VOODOO FARM Remix)

TO DOWNLOAD CLICK HERE

Bonus VOODOO: The Doors – People Are Strange (VOODOO FARM Remix) Don’t miss this one!

TO DOWNLOAD CLICK HERE

Hmmm lets see now, I wanted to make this list on Ms Word or keep a notebook and give it a more traditional look but blogging about it will make it easier for me to share it with everyone, add side notes, pictures, provide anecdotes etc and etc. Besides it is simply convenient to maintain a list online then keep a hard copy which is bound to get lost. And here is the best part people, I will keep adding films to this list. I watch a lot of films so this list is potentially never gona end.

Ok… what else yes before I continue let me tell you why I am doing this project.

Films are a medium of expression. A way to tell a story that has happened or COULD have happened. They are a way people can bring their ideas to life. Literally. That is what I love about them, they are born purely out of thoughts, an artists rendition of a piece of their mind. The sad part is that there is a lot of fuzz out there which the mega million dollar film industry of the world churns out every year but every once in a while I discover a film that just makes my day. That is the sorta film that keeps me hooked for the entire run time, hits the right spots in the brain, puts me in a state of bliss and after it is over I take a huge sigh of relief. But as is with everything that I do I tend to forget about it, this list will hopefully end this problem once and for all. Enjoy:

Perfume

The tag line goes “Story of a murderer”, but the story has a lot more to it. Reducing it down to simply a murder wouldn’t be fair. Our protagonist has an obsession, a fetish yes but not like the vulgar shit you see on Brazzers. This movie is about the human condition stylized and beautifully captured. A must watch!

Animatrix

For the fans of philosophy and for all those who like to think, fantasize and dream. This is it. And if you are a fan of The Matrix, possibly the best action film after Terminator 2, you shouldn’t miss this one on principle. Now I hate watching films like these on low resolution  hate missing the color and the photography, but the story was so intense that I couldn’t stop after the first few minutes of watching it on a low Youtube resolution. Oh yes you can watch Animatrix on Youtube here is the link.

Solaris

Hmmm, this is one of those movies which compelled me to start making this list. I have talked about this movie before. One of my all time favorites.

The Beach

follow the yellow brick road.

The Bourne Identity

A Crackshot CIA Assassin has lost his memory doesn’t know who he is wakes up and finds an offshore bank account number stitched inside his hip. Police, Interpol, Car chase, Sniper rifle, some really kick ass espionage stuff and fancy karate moves, the girl Franka Potante gives the movie a very European flavor which is always a plus point for me. Some melodrama does not hurt either. I like this movie.

Midnight in Paris

Now this is a recent development. The movie won an Oscar this year. Woody Allen is our director here with Owen Wilson and Marion Cotillard WOWW!! I wouldn’t call it a dreamcast not because these two aren’t great but because the best inspiration and the best hollywood work comes out of the strangest combination of people. Leave it to Woody Allen to pick em. Huge huge fan of Owen Wilson i am personally and I was mildly impressed by Marion Cotillard in NINE but over here she has her own league. The movie is set in a very scenic Paris. The feel of the movie is again very European and the story deals with drama and fantasy and there is a good lesson to be learned too.

Kaboom

The sexual awakening of some college students. It is a bit oversexed I mean what lucky bastard has this sort of a college experience. A rockstar? perhaps I am not sure. But I like the fact that the scenes have a visceral feel to them. I don’t know maybe I aspire to have a college life like this one, who knows. The movie is not for everyone but then again most of my recommendations aren’t.

The Virgin Suicides

Oh man. Kirsten Dunst and Josh Hartnett look sweet together. This movie will make you romanticize about your high school and college days. The things you could have done, the pick up lines you might have used, or perhaps the crazy things you did, the make out on some random roof top one night, I don’t know. This is way ahead of American Pie mind you. It is closer to reality which is why we can relate to it so much specially being a Pakistani, living in a conservative society.

Before Sunset

Going beyond the usually fascination for the actors Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy this film is so down to earth and real that it is beautiful. There are no fairy tale castles here, cruel antagonist keeping the maiden fair away from the knight in shinning armor. There are just two characters in the movie and all the do is talk but the conversation is so natural with real emotions that it makes for a wonderful watch.

Ok , there is a prequel to Before Sunset too, .. Before Sunrise, it is part one of this movie, both are incredibly beautiful i have reviewed this one only because i can relate to this one more…

Blade Runner

I am a big fan of the fantasy genre, movies that have a far reaching almost fantastic subject matter. Blade Runner is one of those movies that i wouldn’t mind watching on mute with the latest episode of a state of trance playing in the background .. did i mention Riddle Scott directed it?

Sucker Punch

Besides having a cast of incredibly hot chicks , this movie has amazing cinematography that you should only watch in high definition (I really mean it, cause it will be a crime against humanity if you watched in a shitty print). There is everything in it, kickass action scene, hot chicks, amazing landscapes, zombies, robots, goblins, eye candy for all…. ok mostly guys hahah hey i didnt produce it!

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

Love the concept, love the direction, love the cast, Jim Carry and Kate Winslet a sort of a romantic, fantasy, drama. When a relationship goes wrong the guy tries to undergo a procedure to literally erase the girl out of his mind… during the procedure he realizes that he doesn’t wana lose her anymore and a ruckus ensues. Man what a movie! The writer for this movie it turns out is quite eccentric , if you have seen Being John Malkovich you will know what i mean.

The Doors

Ahhh… Morrison. Riders in the Storm, Cmmon baby light my Fire, The Ghost Song, I do not have to add much except to say that Oliver Stone is the director and Val Kilmer is just out of control in this movie. The movie is a wild roller coaster ride through the 60′s there are flowers here sure, but there is more, there is spirituality, there is acid, there is passionate sex but above all there is some really good rock music. Sex, Drugs and Rock and Roll . Yea baby

The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus

A small gipsy performance enters a town. They have portable room, once inside you will have journey of your life and will be transformed. Watch it see what happens in the room!

Strange Days

Ok this movie is my most recent mental sighing journey … ok look here is the deal, imagine a device which lets you ‘experience’ someones memory. Forget the Pensieve in the Harry Potter, that only allows you to view what is going on in a memory.. I am talking about actually feeling, what the person is feeling, looking what the person is looking .. and doing! what the other person is doing. And to top it all its is a semi-post apocalyptic America.

Examiner.com’s interview with Jerry Scheff about his new autobiography Way Down.

DE: You started as a session musician that morphed from playing gigs while you were in the Navy. Do you think this kind of networking still works today?

JS: Actually, I started in clubs in my mid-teens. I lived near San Francisco Ca. and
over the years a few of those contacts had some bearing on my career. I think these days all you have to do is look at the big number of young players that are constantly rising up from the masses and making names for them selves. They didn’t just appear in a puff of
smoke; they networked their way up.

Doors fans know that Jerry Scheff played bass on “L.A. Woman” and in his new book “Way Down Playing Bass with Elvis, Dylan and The Doors” (see the Doors Examiner review Jerry Scheff: Bass Player for a Classic Age) he details his experiences with some of the biggest legends of Rock ‘n’ Roll. Jerry was kind enough to answer some questions for The Doors Examiner and Doors fans.

DE: You started as a session musician that morphed from playing gigs while
you were in the Navy. Do you think this kind of networking still works today?

JS: Actually, I started in clubs in my mid-teens. I lived near San Francisco Ca. and
over the years a few of those contacts had some bearing on my career. I think these days all you have to do is look at the big number of young players that are constantly rising up from the masses and making names for them selves. They didn’t just appear in a puff of
smoke; they networked their way up.

JS: Working with Elvis was always great. He was always respectful and loved musicians. I left his band for about two years in 1973 but it was because of the whole entourage that surrounded him. I was one of the only “Yankees” at the time and that was a little awkward for me but he personally could not have been a nicer guy.

DE: In “Way Down” you didn’t spend a lot of time on the LA Woman sessions. Could you take us inside the studio? What was it like recording with the Doors? What was the atmosphere of the sessions like?

JS: The sessions were business as usual. Jim was soft spoken and friendly. Like I say in the book, I never saw him or any of the other guys stoned on anything except a few beers. I didn’t live with them. I only saw them in a business capacity. I never witnessed an argument between them. Just calm dedication to the project.

Keep reading this interview on examiner.com…

Way Down: Playing Bass with Elvis, Dylan, The Doors and More – The Autobiography of Jerry Scheff (Backbeat Books)

In this candid and perceptive memoir of his 45-year career, bassist Jerry Scheff takes us onto Elvis’s private jet, on tour with Bob Dylan, and into the studio with The Doors. A stalwart presence behind some of the greatest names of popular music, Scheff has also played with Roy Orbison, Elvis Costello, the Association, Neil Diamond, Johnny Mathis, the Everly Brothers, John Denver, and Nancy Sinatra, to name just a few. Eschewing hype, Scheff provides a behind-the-scenes perspective, from having worked sleeves rolled up, side by side, with the great artists in their factories.

“pump the living shit out of it, man.”

Hey Cats, how yer jammin’?

Stayed in last night… I know Friday night… very Rock’n'Roll !! Thing is you see I can’t take the smokin’ ban at the gigs. So, there I was, sittin’ all  nice an’ cosy in me VW campervan, (1968 I’ll have you know!) with me black an white TV…. can’t get a reception so I stick album covers on the screen an jam along to the music!

Last night’s album was LA Woman by The Doors, a classic. Next thing I know there’s a rather fine lady standin’ or should I say swayin’ to ‘Cars Hiss By My Window’. Strange eh? No, not the woman, an’ she certainly wasn’t hissin’, just swayin’.

She told me her name was ‘Spark’ an’ she lived in a tree ( it’s not just us munkeys eh?) Good for her I say cos if we don’t start preservin’ our trees then we are gonna be in big trouble cos none of us will be able to BREATHE! Well, turns out she lived in the very same tree that I’d left some years ago. Small world eh?

We talked,smoked an’ jammed into the night and ended up eatin’ peanut butter an’ marmite sarnies ( my favourite, try them )

Had a good jam session ( or should that be marmite session ?)

So, off to the next gig.

Catch yer later jammers.

Music was so important to us then. We saw Elvis as old-fashioned and Frank and Tony as our parent’s music, if they did listen to music at all. We were not afraid of our shadows, having mothers who, gratefully, did not chauffeur us throughout our childhood, and so we thought it nothing to take the train into the city and we were by no means against hitch-hiking in.

My great old friend Terry McMurray, who grew up two blocks from me, remembers those days well. He just sent me the flyer from a concert that was held in celebration of WOR’s anniversary in 1967 at the Village Theatre, later the Fillmore East. The tickets ranged from $2.50 to $4.50. Here is who played — and I’m not kidding:

• The Blues Project (the group for us in those days)
• Janis Ian
• The Doors (yes indeed)
• Richie Havens
• Chambers Brothers

Terry and his brother went as did our long-gone but not forgotten friend, Pete Mularchuk. I didn’t go and I am wracking my brain as to why. It was not because I was too busy.