If I Can't Rock

[Ron D Bowes]

Working on a new album and I thought it was about time I did a straight forward honest to goodness blues rocker. And here it is.

Usual set up.

[Zoltan]

I was thinking of you this morning and there it was. A new song from Ron and once again it hits all the highs and stays away from the lows. It's uplifting, it's rocking. It hits its target audience.

Rocking as Ron is.

BTW i don't want to pump my own songs so i'll comment here. That retro game thing you mentioned. THAT is bringing on the pain

[OdilonGreen]

This is deeply satisfying, from the kind-of slow burn intro to the the forceful, smoky introductory burst of the vocals, to the delightful background vocalizations, and, of course, the terrific musicianship throughout. Just wow -- really great!

[thetworegs]

loving that bass gets the ooh yeahs going then that harp and then your vocal explodes love it

[Mike_S]

Ron, you are dependable. When we need a shot of honest Rock and Roll it's never far away. A belter and a great start to your new project. It won't dissapoint. Another great listen.

Mike

[Farrell Jackson]

I dig the bass tone and your playing Ron. It keeps the song rockin' along. Your blues harp playing is always a treat. The laid back lead solo is perfect!  The cool backing oooooos support your lead vocal with aplomb!

[Ted]

This is embarrassing, but I didn't know what "hand jive" was. Exposing a hole in my cultural literacy that would have been filled if I'd ever seen Grease.

The sentiment is straightforward—Rock 'n' Roll as both survival and lifestyle—but the way you deliver it, vocally and musically, steers clear of cliché. Instead, it comes across like a threat. The lyrics might as well be: "Empty the cash register and nobody gets hurt."

The song is full of musical surprises. There are two fake-out moments where the drums and vocals hint at an imminent explosion ("Here, give us some!"), but instead the rhythm pulls back and simplifies, building even more tension. Another surprise—every damn time—is when the guitar solo enters with that bell-like tone, just as the drums switch to the ride cymbal.

The explosion finally hits—after the solo—on "When I arrive," followed by an even bigger one in the outro: "If I don't rock."

A very clever arrangement, and powerfully performed.

This might be a top-3 favorite from you.

[StephenM]

The sentiment is straightforward—Rock 'n' Roll as both survival and lifestyle—but the way you deliver it, vocally and musically, steers clear of cliché. Instead, it comes across like a threat. The lyrics might as well be: "Empty the cash register and nobody gets hurt."

these aren't threats.  Ron just tells us what happens if... been warned... stay the f back... this dog bites.
I got it... message received.  Still though I do like to get within my allowed distance of this guard dog of the rock and roll blues solar system...
bring offerings or don't show up...
yeah... I got plenty to say... this kicks major ass.
killer...killer...killer... all the way around.

[Johnbee]

This is cool.  Loving the background vocals (Bop-Do Wop).
This is one of your best, Ron.

  John B

[BerryPatch]

Super groovy bass at the start, awesome gritty vocal and excellent harmonica. I love that thick rhythm guitar holding out the chords. Very cool song!