PRINTInside Tracks with Patrick Keenan
Radio host and guitar instructor shares some of his essential tunes
Photo courtesy of KOPN
Pat’s Power Pop & Punk Hours airs Fridays, 6-8 p.m. on 89.5 KOPN.
September 6, 2012 | 12:00 a.m. CST
Got headphones? Vox has song suggestions from one of the city’s musical masterminds. When Patrick Keenan isn’t teaching guitar at the Columbia Academy of Music, playing lead guitar in Missouri Weather and The Wait 5 or hosting Pat’s Power Pop & Punk Hours on 89.5 KOPN, he’s rocking out to these tunes.
“Cygnus X-1 Book II” by Rush
There’s such a variety of sounds and tempo changes in this song. It’s a long epic song.
“Watermelon in Easter Hay” by Frank Zappa
I’ve got every single one of his albums. “Watermelon in Easter Hay” just holds a special place in my heart. It’s the song that was playing when Frank was buried.
“Drive” by Todd Rundgren
I call Todd the true king of pop. He plays all the instruments and produces the mixes on his album. He pretty much does everything.
“Starship Trooper” by Yes
It starts with a big epic progressive rock intro and then goes into an acoustic breakdown. Then the whole band kicks in with a nice, gentle piece. And I don’t know how to describe the ending other than orgasmic.
“Wild Dogs” by Tommy Bolin
I can’t explain what it is, but the way he selects notes and the speed he plays them gives me an adrenaline rush.
“Do You Remember Rock ’N’ Roll Radio?” by The Ramones
Ever since Johnny Ramone died, I’ve started every radio show with, “Do You Remember Rock ’N’ Roll Radio?” I want to bring back real rock ’n’ roll radio.
