Raised On Radio #6 - Kool and the Gang

It surprised a lot of people when Kool & the Gang was named the opening act for Van Halen's 2012 reunion tour.

Kool and the Gang do have plenty of rock cred though.

Most people assume that disco died overnight and never was played again. Now, as I found myself discovering radio in the early 80s, I can tell you it wasn't quite like that.

Now, the Village People might have never been played on radio again, but like in all things, it was time to mutate and survive. (I didn't know much about the Village People except my cousin had all their records. I thought they were fun, but for an eight year old - sing-along chants and band members dressed in various professions wasn't that big of a stretch. I could comprehend in my 8-year old mind that they had been a big thing but were no longer cool).

Disco heroes like Donna Summer made the crossover (eventually) to straight pop. KC (without the Sunshine Band) had a massive #1 hit with "Give it Up" in 1984.

However, for many, it wasn't a tough transition to disco to a rock-infused R&B sound. The Jackson, Shalamar, and Kool and the Gang were able to move into this direction (The marriage of Michael Jackson's voice and Eddie Van Halen's guitar could be considered a starting point.) Even before Run DMC and Aerosmith got together, some of these bands were getting urban sounds into rock ears.

Everyone knows the #1 hit "Celebration"- a song which was the theme song for the World Champion 1982 St Louis Cardinals and played at every wedding I've been to in the 30 years since. If I never hear it again, it won't be too soon (The 1985 pennant-winning cards theme song was "Glenn Frey's "The Heat is On", so if you're picking themes, Kool has a better track record).

Most of you probably know the ballad "Joanna" (peaking at #2 in1983), as well. However, it that string of singles following "Joanna" that are forgotten.

From 1984 through 1986, the Gang had 6 Top 20 hits (three went top 10). these songs are much more rock and dance oriented than either "Joanna" and "Celebration"- songs like "Misled", "Emergency", "Fresh", and "Victory".

Iowa Cubs 2012 edition

I usually see a handful of Iowa Cubs games and I like to document them here. I realize (outside of the most die-hard Cubs fans, which is next to no one here) that this is more for my enjoyment than anyone else's, but I do like to document them here.

I like to see which people make an impact in the majors, and yes, more often than not, the can't-misses do.

I saw my first I-Cubs game early this year

The current I-Cubs lineup is led by 1B Anthony Rizzo. Rizzo was Pacific Coast League (Yes, Iowa is in he Pacific Coast League) player of the month for April, batting .355 and 7 Home Runs.

Some top players from last year return -CF Brett Jackson (who has been named a top prospect) and #B Josh Vitter. Of the new blood, 2B Adrian Cardenas is one of the big stars (acquired from Oakland) who is expected to join the Chicago club real soon.

Pitching on Saturday was Randy Wells, who played for the Chicago Cubs ans was an expected starter, but has struggled. I thought he was supposed to be pretty good, but he struggled when I saw him (giving up seven hits and three runs in five innings).

The New Orleans Zephyrs (now minor league affiliate for the Miami Marlins) won the game. I had done a bit of web surfing prior to the game and recognized Matt Dominguez's name as a top Marlins prospect (though for all I could tell, was fairly average). Also according to the guy who sat behind us (who was knowledgeable and vocal, but nice) Chris Coghlan is somebody who has spent time on the Miami parent team. Vocal Guy also identified I-Cubs reliever Manny Corpas as someone who had spent time in the majors with the Rockies.

Now, for those who were patient enough to read my assessment, it should be noted that the participants in the mascot race sponsored by the local convenience store/gas station are Soda, Hot Dog, and Jalapeno Chips.

Although Egg Roll and his stereotypical coolie hat has since retired, you got to love a good mascot race.