Review: “Surf: The Musical” Opening Night Performance in Las Vegas

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By Jim Fusco:

Last week, my wife and I were on vacation in Las Vegas.  We were SO excited to learn that we were there on opening night of “Surf: The Musical”!  We got tickets and honestly, I didn’t know what to expect.  We went over to Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino…

Well, we were pleasantly surprised!  The show featured 30 Beach Boys songs and even had a couple of obscure ones, like Dennis Wilson’s “Be Still” (from the 1969 album “20/20”) and (slightly less obscure) “Getcha Back” (from the 1985 album “The Beach Boys”).

One of the coolest moments was after a car crash, the chorus sang “Our Prayer” (from Smile)- it was the perfect song choice.  Actually, I was surprised at how well the lyrics to all the songs fit in so well with the story.  They had to change a few lyrics (mostly gender-related), but it was done well.

Of course, the show was “Vegas-fied” with a lot of dancing, skimpier outfits than anyone would’ve worn in 1965, and there were a lot of special effects and lighting tricks.  The background was a set of three large LCD screens.  That was a great touch because the background changed with each scene- it allowed them to have different “locations” without having a ton of set props.  There was even a really cool Ferris Wheel effect that drew applause from the audience.

The singing was done pretty well- normally I can’t stand hearing people over-dramatize my favorite songs.  But, these stayed fairly true to the originals.

Overall, we had a ton of fun and I would really recommend it to any Beach Boys fan.  I hope it does well!

“Mourning Train” (The Wallflowers Cover)

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By Jeff Copperthite:

I’m back after a short hiatus!  Welcome to your special Friday edition of The Laptop Sessions.

Tonight’s song is the first Wallflowers cover in a long time.  I have selected another song from their 2nd album “Breach”, and I plan on closing out my 2008 run w/ the Sessions with another song from this album (I did mention it in an earlier post which song it is going to be)

As you know by now, I am a huge Wallflowers fan.  I enjoy all their albums and they are so easy to listen to at any time of the day.  My wife enjoys this band as well.  This cover is still a first for me though.  Up until now, i’ve covered their upbeat songs, and this is the first that is among their slower, gentler tunes.  It allows me to really sit back and play a nice, neat song with the cool writing of Jakob Dylan.

And yes, that is Bob Dylan’s son (in case you didn’t know).

We need not go into further detail, but know that we are committed to bringing you the best cover songs!  Jim, Chris, and I will continue our dedication not just through this year, but into the next.  We can’t wait to announce to you when you can look forward to more cover songs from the three of us!

Editor’s Note: Unfortunately, Jeff’s acoustic cover song music videos are no longer on YouTube, but we decided to keep his cover song blog posts up.  We figured these music blog entries would be good for posterity’s sake and because Jeff always gave such insightful posts each Session.  We hope to see Jeff’s impressive catalog of acoustic rock songs here on the Laptop Sessions cover songs and origianal music blog again in the future.  But, for now, please make sure to check-out hundreds of other acoustic cover songs from all of your favorite bands here on the Laptop Sessions music blog!

“Tangled Up in Blue” (Bob Dylan Cover)

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By Chris Moore:

I’ve recorded a series of Bob Dylan songs for the Laptop Sessions, and yet I haven’t recorded any songs from one of his best albums, Blood on the Tracks. From the moment I heard “Tangled Up in Blue,” I’ve always loved this song. I think it’s the story and how — even though it’s a classic structure of verse, bridge, chorus (repeat seven times) — the story shifts after every chorus. My favorite alternate version of this song is from his 1984 live album Real Live. I was caught off guard by this version, as Dylan changes a good portion of the lyrics and shifts the perspective of the narrator.

When Jim and I went to see Dylan a couple years ago in the rain in an open field (which was a less than pleasant way to spend $60!), the highlight of the show was probably when one of the band members broke out an acoustic guitar and Dylan sang a rockin’ “Tangled Up in Blue.” We were still soaked, but it helped make up for it…

I hope you enjoy tonight’s Bob Dylan acoustic cover song version of “Tangled Up In Blue” here on the Laptop Sessions music video blog. Stay tuned for even more music videos of your favorite songs from your favorite songwriters- all done acoustically!



“1 Corinthians 15:55” by Johnny Cash – Chords, Lyrics, & How to Play

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To see how it’s played in the cover song music video, CLICK HERE!

“1 Corinthians 15:55”
Johnny Cash

A
Oh, death, where is thy sting?
E                                           A
Oh, grave, where is thy victory?
A                                        D
Oh, life, you are a shining path, and
D                                      A
hope springs eternal just over the rise when I
E                                              A
see my Redeemer beckoning me.

A
Oh, row my ship over the waves of your sea; let me
E                                     A
find a safe port now and then.
A       D                                   A
Don’t let the dark one in your sanctuary
B                                  E
until it’s time to pack it in.

Oh, row, row my ship with the fire of your breath
and don’t lay a broadside on your ship as yet.
Blow, ye warm winds when it’s chilly and wet,
and don’t come too soon for collecting my debt.

Oh, death, where is thy sting?
Oh, grave, where is thy victory?
Oh, life, you are a shining path,
and hope springs eternal just over the rise when I
see my Redeemer beckoning me.

Oh, let me sail on with my ships to the east
and keep my eye on the North Star.
When the journey is no good for man or for beast,
I’ll be safe wherever you are.

Just let me sail in to your harbor of lights
and there, and forever, to cast out my line.
Give me my task and let me do it right,
and do it with all of my might.

Oh, death, where is thy sting?
Oh, grave, where is thy victory?
Oh, life, you are a shining path,
and hope springs eternal just over the rise when I
see my Redeemer beckoning me.

** These chords and lyrics are interpretations and transcriptions, respectively, and are the sole property of the copyright holder(s). They are posted on this website free of charge for no profit for the purpose of study and commentary, as allowed for under the “fair use” provision of U.S. copyright law, and should only be used for such personal and/or academic work. **