PG Staff and Guest Picker Rich Robinson share how they will make their marks guitar-wise before the end of the world on December 21, 2012.
Because the always-dependable Mesoamerican Long Count calendar (and the profound Hollywood blockbusters based on its prophecies) has foretold humankind's demise at the end of 2012, the staff of Premier Guitar—as well as Guest Picker Rich Robinson (Black Crowes)—is holding this summit to discuss how we will make our mark as guitarists before our impending doom on December 21.
Andy Ellis -- Senior Editor
What am I listening to?
The Kentucky
Headhunters, Dixie
Lullabies. Armed with a
real-deal ’58 Les Paul, Greg Martin shines
in this greasy mix of ballads and brassknuckle
rockers.
Guitar-wise, how am I going to make my
mark before the world ends on December
21, 2012?
In 1969, my guitar teacher—the
wise Mick Goodrick—said, “Each time you
pick up the guitar, play like it’s your last.” I
don’t buy anyone’s doomsday prophecy, but
I’ll face 2012 with this mantra in mind.
Shawn Hammond -- Editor in Chief
What am I listening to?
moe., What Happened
to the La Las? I’m not
normally a big jam-band
guy, but La Las is chock-full of catchy vocal
melodies, laid-back, feel-good grooves,
adventurous, harmonically rich guitar
excursions, and fully realized songs that
don’t drag on forever.
Guitar-wise, how am I going to make my
mark before the world ends on December
21, 2012?
Traditional Mayan tunes. All.
Year. Long.
Nick Ireland -- Marketing Manager
What am I listening to?
Revisiting Johnny Cash’s
“Hurt”—one of the
most powerful and evocative
covers of all time, in my opinion.
Guitar-wise, how am I going to make my
mark before the world ends on December
21, 2012?
Going to take the reins on lead
for a cover of Chuck Berry’s “Run Rudolph
Run” at an upcoming holiday gig. Those
in attendance will bear witness to ... semiadequate
guitar work.
Tessa Jeffers -- Managing Editor
What am I listening to?
Outlaw music from
the TV show, Sons
of Anarchy—three
EPs of gritty originals by various artists
(Curtis Stigers, The Forest Rangers, Lions)
refreshingly mixed with face-lifted tunes
from Leonard Cohen, Neil Young, Pete
Townshend, and Dylan.
Guitar-wise, how am I going to make my
mark before the world ends on December
21, 2012?
I aim to play something that
brings at least one person to tears.
Chris Kies -- Associate Editor
What am I listening to?
At the Drive-In’s
Relationship of
Command. The band
went out on top with its third and final
album of high-octane indie rock. Led by
Cedric Bixler-Zavala’s maniacally melodic
vocals and Omar Rodriquez-Lopez’s cuttingly
groovy guitar orchestration, it’s truly
a non-stop thrill ride that’s been on repeat.
Guitar-wise, how am I going to make my
mark before the world ends on December
21, 2012?
Keep faking it ’til I make it ... or
12/21/12 comes.
Rich Osweiler -- Associate Editor
What am I listening to?
Richie Owens and the
Farm Bureau, In Farm
We Trust. There’s a dash
of classic rock, blues, bluegrass, and more on
the varied tunes from multi-instrumentalist
Owens’ latest offering, all with evident
Southern roots and wicked-fine musicianship.
Guitar-wise, how am I going to make my
mark before the world ends on December
21, 2012?
I have a stash of strings that
would have lasted a few years. I’m going to
distribute them to all the buskers downtown
so they have fresh sets for their
final performances.
Rich Robinson -- Guest Picker
What am I listening to?
I can’t stop listening to
Helplessness Blues by the
Fleet Foxes. Beautiful
songs and beautiful harmonies.
Guitar-wise, how am I going to make my
mark before the world ends on December
21, 2012?
As far as making my mark on
the world before December 21, 2012—it
will happen one note at a time.
Charles Saufley -- Gear Editor
What am I listening to?
Howling Hex, Wilson
Semiconductors. Neil
Hagerty, the 6-string
savant behind Royal Trux, shape-shifts
between Chet Atkins sitting in with Sun
Ra and Jimmy Page jamming with a futureshock
Sir Douglas Quintet. Twisted homebrew
from an American guitar genius.
Guitar-wise, how am I going to make my
mark before the world ends on December
21, 2012?
Nothing is ending. I will counter
the forces of destruction with fuzz.
Jason Shadrick -- Associate Editor
What am I listening to?
Chick Corea, Eddie
Gomez, and the late
Paul Motian, Further
Explorations. This live album celebrates the
50th anniversary of Bill Evans’ landmark
Explorations album—which Motian played
on—with a collection of tunes from Evans’
catalog along with some originals. Motian’s
beat on “Hot House” will be missed.
Guitar-wise, how am I going to make my
mark before the world ends on December
21, 2012?
Work on mastering the underwater
theme from Super Mario Bros.