Average Jane Starts a New Band

Did I mention that the classic rock band broke up? Well, it did. We played the one gig, then everyone but me lost interest. Or maybe they just said that to get rid of me. Who knows? The end result was the same either way: I took my gear and went home.

So I immediately set about forming a band of my own. My husband is playing drums, we got back a guitarist and bass player from a previous band, and we added a rhythm guitarist who does great background vocals.

Our plan is simple: we want to learn songs quickly, play out often, make as much money as possible, and keep practices to a minimum.

A few weeks ago, we'd chosen ten songs and e-mailed the list to everyone. Last night was our first practice and everyone did a splendid job learning the songs on their own. We each chose two more songs for the Tuesday after next and I'm hoping the next batch goes just as smoothly.

So far everyone seems to be pretty compatible personality-wise. The bass player is one of those people who makes a great show of grumpiness, so we had to explain to the rhythm guitarist that he wasn't in imminent danger of quitting the project. The guitarists sounded good together, the vocal harmonies were awesome, and my ears only rang a tiny bit after we finished up.

We're choosing songs from a huge list of popular tunes from the 1970s, 1980s, 1990s and 2000s. Any suggestions for songs we should do? The only requirement is that they be rock songs (no country, rap, pure pop, etc.).

Comments

[Keith]

As i know how passionate about music you are, I know you'll do it and have a lot of fun in the proces. Average Jane - rock Chick !

[Kennon]

A song dear to my heart: Black Betty - Ram Jam.
My band had plans to cover this song with me (the bassist) doing lead vocals. Alas, it never happened but I still love this song.
Your new band sounds like a cool project with a sound plan.
Rock on.

[monkey]

Sister Havana by Urge Overkill

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H6AFfQBxx4w

This is off my absolute #1 fave album of all time. This is probably the most famous song but I can't say it's even the best one!!! DAMN that was a good CD.

[Patrick]

One of the greatest bands of my generation: Tool. Metal, rythmic and MJK's melodic vocals. Ever think of covering Sober or Schism?

[Keith Sader]

We liked you better before you sold out anyway ;-)

http://www.dieselsweeties.com/archive.php?s=534

[Joolie]

I'm a total sucker for almost anything off Def Leppard's Pyromania, myself.

[S Simon]

I taught music for about 20 years. Be very careful with your hearing. You may want to use some ear plugs to soften the damage to your ears. Repetitive exposure to loud sounds, such as rock music and the instruments that play it, will make you lose hearing. Once lost, it can't be regained. If you know any speech therapists, they have the best ear plugs, usually free. Hope this helps.

My husband lost a great deal of his hearing on his right side due to repeated exposure to a medium loud sound over several years. He wishes he had protected his hearing. Now he can't hear over the phone, or some conversation.