The Deejay Dread Pete Banks

Sometimes, you have to be a Pirate to succeed on the oceans of life. The Imperial Dread Sea Scrolls are a collection of motivational scrolls that have been written by the Dread Pirate. Because personal strength, positive thought, and inner motivation are the Rogue's best friends, he has gathered a treasure chest from which you will draw forth the Pirate's own secrets to energize and motivate your while you ponder and chart the course of your journey. The Imperial Dread Sea Scrolls are a collection of motivational entries that cover a wide variety of seaworthy topics. From inner motivation, to exterior action, these writings help you ponder how effectively you sail the journey we call life.

This rock opera written by Pete Townshend is a big Broadway production number: a huge cast of vocalists, orchestra and sleek arrangements. Sort of the Who does Cats. `I Won't Run Any More' an excellent anti-establishment anthem for middle-agers with the line "I'm not gonna run anymore/I'm not gonna run like a rat to a piper's tune." The guitars rip on par with `Won't Get Fooled Again.' `Dig' is far removed from the egotistical `My Generation' with Roger Daltrey respectfully praising parents and grandparents. John Lee Hooker's guitar work on `Over The Top' and `I Eat Heavy Metal' is majestic and masterful. `I Eat Heavy Metal' is a torrid electric blues number played to put the Top-10 Hair Sissies to shame. Hooker sounds as though he's snacking on automobile engine blocks. Roger Daltrey and the percussion on `Fire' light-up Iron Man like a 1,000 watt bulb. Iron Man closes with Chyna and Nicola Emmanuel leading the entire cast in the inspired Grand Finale (New Life/Reprise). Iron Man is a captivating work about children for adults who aren't too "cool" to share children's fantasies. I'm not cool, just a middle-aged guy with the faith, energy and compassion of a child. Iron Man works for me.

Features 39 tracks on 2 CDs and includes 2 booklets that contain extensive notes celebrating 50 years of singing and songwriting by one of the truly great artists of the 20th century. This collection includes a new song by Seeger, as well as rare appearances by artists like: Bruce Springsteen, Ani DiFranco, Bonnie Raitt, the Indigo Girls, Peter, Paul & Mary, Judy Collins, Tim Robbins (yup, the actor) and more! A pretty stunning group of socially conscious performers (from Bonnie Raitt to Billy Bragg) join in tribute to the inspirational music and life of Pete Seeger on this expansive 2 CD set. The grand selection of songs is well-annotated with notes from the artists and Seeger himself about each piece and its place in the pantheon. Among the many highlights are Bruce Springsteen's heartfelt "We Shall Overcome," John Trudell's tense "Torn Flag," actor Tim Robbins's rap-like "All My Children of the Sun," and Ani DiFranco's quiet, brooding "My Name Is Lisa Kalvelage." Further listening: the Smithsonian/Folkways release of If I Had a Hammer, a remarkable collection of Seeger singing his own songs. –Michael Ruby