JIM MCGORMAN TAKES HIS TOP 5 CDS VERY SERIOUSLY!
Exclusive
Interview by ReX, Rock Star Go Home Founder Over
the past eight weeks, we have seen the talent on Rock Star: INXS rise
and fall. Recently, however, the performances of the five remaining
rockers have displayed moments of brilliance and pure, musical energy.
From Suzie’s "Bohemian Rhapsody" to Marty's "Wish You Were Here", we
have all felt those special chills running down our spines. The
source of that musical energy is the Rock Star: INXS House Band. Last
week, the band extended its membership to include strings, horns and a
gospel choir. At one point, over twenty-five musicians were on stage…
Jamming! One
of the multi-talented musicians in the House Band is Jim
McGorman. Jim plays rhythm guitar, keyboards and opens his own
pipes as a backing vocalist. Earlier today, Rock Star Go Home caught up
with Jim to learn more about this Philadelphia native that has rocked
with New Radicals, Michelle Branch, Poison and several other premiere
acts. RSGH: You ready for
this? Jim:
Yah. Shoot. RSGH: Right on. Let's
start with a toughie… Jim:
Ahh. Ohhh-kay. RSGH: Batman or
Superman? Jim:
Ahhhhh. Batman. RSGH: Why? Jim:
Because he's a real man. I mean, anybody you know could be batman. He
really is human just like you and me. RSGH: Gotcha. Another
tough one. Coke or Pepsi? Jim:
Coke. Straight up. No cherry, lime or diet… The classic cola all the
way. RSGH: Right on. RSGH: What's your top
five cds of all time? [Silence.
Jim thinks and thinks and.... thinks some more. More silence. He then
asks me if he could send me the answer via email because that question
is so difficult for him to answer. Here is the cut-and-paste of that
email.] As
far as the top five records - I've decided that if a record is
something that you put on and listen to from beginning to end - loving
every song, there are very little records that I can say I love all the
way through. (not including Greatest Hits, which I realize are not
within the guidelines). But
here are some of the songs/records that definitely influenced me.
Pretty much most bands from England (Stones, Beatles, Kinks, Who -
Tears for Fears, Travis, etc.), And, U2 Joshua Tree, Michael Jackson's
Thriller, Hall N' Oates were HUGE for me. The Rolling Stone were HUGE
also... Crowded House... Springsteen ("Streets of Philadelphia" is one
of my most favorite songs). Most of the 80's pop/ rock stuff (from Bon
Jovi to Genesis to Rick Springfield, Jackson Browne to Todd Rundgren...
Prince and the Police too. As far as the soul side: JAMES BROWN is the
funkiest man that has or ever will be "one of the best singers/
performers of all time". Marvin Gaye, Ray Charles piano playing is
maybe my favorite - Philly sound, etc. Sorry for all the info, but know
you've got an idea of the kind of stuff that moves me. Jim
with Suzie and Rafa doing 'Bohemian Rhapsody' RSGH: You toured with
Poison, a massive 80's hairband… So, is it Def Leppard or Ratt? Jim:
Def Leppard. Hysteria was epic… An amazing cd. RSGH: As for rock
movies, Purple Rain or Spinal Tap? Jim:
I'm a movie buff. I've been around them my whole life. My dad was in
the business. So, I have seen Spinal Tap a million times. So, it's
gotta be Spinal Tap. Purple Rain is pretty good but, ya know… it was
Prince really trying to act. Spinal Tap was more a mockery of itself. RSGH: Okay. How about
Airplane or Caddyshack? Jim:
Caddyshack [no hesitation]. That was Bill Murray's introduction to the
world. Plus, the flick gave Rodney Dangerfield the recognition he
deserved as an amazing comic. RSGH: Beastie Boys or
Run DMC? Jim:
Run. Jim:
I’m a huuuuuuuuuuuuge Mac guy!! Huge! RSGH: What recording
software do you use on your righteous Mac? Protools or Logic? Jim:
Mostly Protools. But I do some stuff on Logic. RSGH: Are you sponsored
by any music gear companies? Jim:
Yah, so I've got to give a shout out to all the folks that sponsor me –
Gibson for guitars, Matchless for amps, Dean Markley for strings, and
Trailer Trash pedalboards. RSGH: Got it. You're
trapped in an elevator for 10 hours… What one person would you want in
the elevator with you? Jim:
Hmmm. That's a good one. My fiance. Yahh. I'd say it would be her. Ahh.
Wait a minute! 10 hours is a long time. I'd get real hungry if I'm
stuck for 10 hours. Scratch my last answer. I'd need a food vendor.
Probably an ice cream guy. That would be cool. [Jim laughs]. RSGH: What was the last
mp3 you downloaded? Jim:
I'm going back these days. I've sought out the tracks that remind me of
when I was growing up – Everything from Joe Jackson to 80's hits like
Springfield's Jessie's Girl. You just gotta have those classics. As for
the more current stuff, I recently pulled Cold Play. RSGH: Legal or
illegally? Jim:
LEGAL! Alllll legal. You have to support your fellow artists. RSGH: Which service? Jim:
iTunes. Again, I’m a mac guy, remember? RSGH: Right on. Who
would you say is your musical icon? Jim:
I could say the greats - more the Rolling Stones than the Beatles
and the great songwriters... Billy Joel, and some of the Motown guys.
I'm more of a melody and words guy and the man who introduced me to
chords, melodies, harmonies… That was my dad. He really paved the way
for me in music. RSGH: Very cool. Back
to food. Spicy tuna or California roll? Jim:
Spicy tuna! RSGH: What do you think
was the best performance on Rock Star: INXS to date? Jim:
Let me take two swings at that. First,
when it's just the band… We can be going off during a soundcheck. Not
many people know but before the shows, during soundcheck, we jam out
the tracks that the singers will eventually sing over. Paul will sing.
Or, I will sing. During those sessions, it can groove so hard… Man, you
should have heard when we let out "Rock the Casbah". There's just
something about when this band plays together that really works. These
guys really are some of the best musicians I've ever worked with. It's
a bonus that get along so well and laugh so hard during rehearsals. As
for the cats trying out for the INXS lead, I'd have to say that
anything Suzie performed after week two, has been stellar. She has
great pitch, tone, phrasing and her rhythm is right in the pocket. Then
again, she's had some great songs in "Start Me Up" and "Bohemian".
Phew, that Bohemian… No one can touch that! Jim:
Great question. I'd say it's mostly reality. I must admit, at times I'm
a little bit dumbfounded by the choices made. Because, at the end of
the day, it's a collective effort. And, none of us want to create
anything less than something which is amazing. Plus,
we've been doing this for a while. And, when our opinions aren't
considered or listened too, that's when it can get frustrating. Then,
the looks and snappy comments come out. That's me. I'm an opinionated
guy and I don't contain thoughts, emotions or feelings. You can see it
on my face. I guess that could be a blessing or a curse. All
I really want is for each performance to be the best! RSGH: Cool man. Thanks
for the time. Jim:
No worries. |