Homeskoolin’ Volume 160, Tom Bukovac, “The Honey Man”

[@gtr1952]

Every time I see "analog man" I think of Joe Walsh. LOL I have a good friend who is newer to guitar, and he started liking the modeling amp things. When he comes over, I always get out a tube amp. Like a cab with Celestion Blues in it. The difference is like playing through a "radio", and playing through a real amp! The analog thing loses so much, low, mid and high. Side by side it just sounds hollow. Maybe its just me.... 8-/ --gary

[@501chorusecho]

He’s just using the wrong kemper….the early grey panel ones sound way more “tubey”…you gotta find one with a serial number below XTHKFFFFBTUFFE450000075432975558900553

[@MovingBlanketStudio]

That was a good song-. I hear ya.

[@kevinafflack]

@@501chorusecho now that’s funny!

[@tomcoryell]

@@501chorusecho It’s the epoxy primer they used that makes them so tubey.

[@gwbuilder5779]

All I know is that if you run two full Marshall 100 watt tube stacks next to any 2 modeling rigs, it ain't the same!🤪🤙

[@scottpeterson9609]

I kinda thought at my age, 70, that I had pretty much quit learning new stuff and to be content with what I already know. But I swear, Homeskoolin' has been a real blessing for me, I learn something from every episode. Today's lesson is one of the best, thanks Tom for everything.......

[@niguel4438]

Oh yes, from another 70 year old. Ive just started playing again with a younger band. Bizarre and fantastic. Thanks Tom. I think I’ve watched every episode. You’re in the room with all your fans. Cheers.

[@tratko3150]

I agree, Scott. At age 67 I'm really just a solid intermediate, having taken it up in 2009, but I have drawn so much knowledge from Tom and his approach to this channel. Sure, much has been above my skill level, but at least I try and gain something by doing so. I have been here from way back, in the Corona Lessons day. I never miss one.

[@thefraish2660]

THANK YOU for giving recognition to this amazing song! James Honeyman-Scott was just brilliant. Those first 2 Pretenders albums continue to mean more and more to me, 40+ years on. The 10 note solo in 'Birds of Paradise" can bring tears to my eyes. Thanks for all you do, Tom. The 'Plexi Soul' CD is getting plenty of play in my car here in Hawaii.

[@lionelmandrake785]

Lets not forget The Honey Man did this when he was 22! Wow, the Pretenders, what a band. Thats what it is all about; great guitar playing in the context of a creative collaborative vision delivered with swagger. Exquisite stuff demonstrated here Tom.

[@Johngonefishin]

"Let's move on"........15:15-15:50 absolutely sums up what young players don't understand......real amps = real tone. Thank you Uncle Larry for that, it needs to be said more.

[@chrisboule970]

"You're definitely going to die at some point. Don't forget that" Words to live by.

[@501chorusecho]

there are people out there who will argue pretty much anything i say....but that's kind of a tough one to make a conspiracy theory about.

[@Jerrylumdegaard]

Still wrapping my head around “good tone is heavy and hard to carry”.

[@jonnybeck6723]

...I was grooving along, living forever and then I remembered: Oh yeah I hafta die (?) Duh, I don't get it Chris...

[@dannyriccardo-kornpet4599]

@@Jerrylumdegaard I think he means some of us are going to die carrying a Crown PB2.

[@stratmagic6893]

I was lucky and grew up in the perfect time to see so many great shows. I saw the Pretenders early on in a small theater in NYC and was in the second row and caught one of Martin Chambers drumsticks he sent flying into the audience 😳. First concert was Terry Reid. Ike and Tina Turner. BB. KING and The Rolling Stones in 1969 at Madison Square Garden in 1969. Get yer Ya Ya's Out. Memories are precious 💖 keep making new ones. Thx Tom

[@bsherbine]

tom- i watch damn near every episode over the last few years. i've improved significantly with my pitiful guitar playing because of your vids, not to mention the inspiration and entertainment. thanks larry

[@SeeCSeesCC]

❤I loved this album so much… it took me right away and I had joined a band that could do this type of material. It was wonderful. It was a wonderful time.

[@andycasile]

Ep. 158: Good tone is heavy and hard to carry. Ep. 160: Good tone is hissy and turns to glue. This is the content the guitar community needs in 2022.

[@michaelheinz3954]

Awww, man...one of my favourite guitar solos ever...fluid, intelligent, moving with the chords...brilliant proof that a good guitar solo feels as if it was sung

[@JLBurg]

Love the channel Uncle Larry. I just picked up your autographed CD+TShirt! Speaking of old school "listening and learning tricks", my favorite was turning the turntable down to 16 rpm, then tuning up a half step. It worked pretty well, though it made Geddy Lee sound like Leonard Cohen.

[@bbaker9277]

Dude, thank you many many times over. I look forward to EVERY one of these videos. I can't even begin to tell you- you have become my favorite teacher. Keep em coming my friend.

[@mh1972ga]

Your channel is like “Inside the Actors Studio,” with James Lipton, except for musicians. Pure genius man.

[@CurranKevin]

Oh man, I totally agree, "Kid" is a *great* song. A really good example of a rock band taking the task of song-writing *seriously* -- no just phoning it in. Thanks as always for the channel, Tom!

[@levicox5441]

Dearest Tom- I really love these types of episodes where you break down parts. Thanks for the badass lesson once again.

[@rigelloar7474]

Tom, Your explanation of "everybody being a little out of tune is ok" was spot on. Along with MANY others, It's the Stones sound in a nutshell, like 8th grade band, but with guitars. For all of us who are OCD about intonation, the guitar ( as sweet as it is ) can be a mighty cruel joke sometimes. Thanks for your generosity Tom, your playing and perspectives are wonderful, but your musicality is BEYOND all that, and an absolute JOY to hear!

[@sametsean]

“It doesn’t matter if it’s outta tune, it matters if it’s awesome!” 👏👏👏👏🥳👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼 Love it uncle Larry!

[@gdwgwd8853]

Tom, great song and great video you made about it. Damn, one of the most impressive things I have seen from you. Love that you love great music without any bullshit. Trina's husband- Greg

[@sccrhns]

So cool to see you focus on this song, and honey man! This has always been one of my favorite songs, and solos.

[@Marcus_C51]

Managed to miss this one, Jame Honeyman Scott what an absolutely gorgeous playing style he had! So nice to have you go through Kid and point out the fine points of the Pretenders songwriting craft. Always love me some add9's! I always loved playing "Brass in Pocket", that is another magical chordal textures tune, Mystery Achievement was quite the badass rocker too, Hell there are too many to name. Your concept on "modeling being looked on in the future like acid-washed jeans"THAT was killer-ha! So you had the opportunity to buy Honeyman-Scotts Les Paul? Oooh man, I'd think that would have some melodic mojo. Continue to carry on--your vids are like gold! Thanks Uncle Larry! PS-caught that short vid of the vibrating football game--I stand corrected, the players actually DO go the right way at times-nice run up the gut for the long gain. Too bad he had to fall down. Too many GOOD vibrations...

[@randyrothschild7340]

Crazy coincidence. I still love listening to the Pretenders and was just going through this song yesterday to reminded myself how to play it. Brilliant band! Great pick Uncle Larry

[@keeponrockin62]

"To achieve maximum effect Play this album loud!" Yes I remember 1980. Mystery achievement was the one I remember most with the iconic baseline and killer guitar solo.

[@severebash9153]

GASSSSSP my favorite Pretenders song! That record hits when you’re a young buck at 21. What an underrated solo!

[@billkuhels7225]

Yes! James H Scott is way underrated, well missed & left us WAY too early. One of my favorites. Thanks for this, Unc L!!

[@gregmock6808]

Those first two Pretenders albums were perfection start to finish...pop genius! Johnny Marr once said he warmed up before every show to the solo from Kid! The Pretenders would be an awesome gig as a sideman...great parts to play

[@koho]

Ha! Love this, great breakdown, Uncle Larry. I play this all the time. Great solo, Johnny Marr's warmup, so I had to learn it. So cool with the key change. James H Scott and Chrissie were perfect together. 1979-1983 was may favorite period, so much great new stuff. So lucky I got to see it all live. Talking Heads, B52s, Elvis Costello, Pretenders, Dead Kennedys, Public Image, R.E.M., Gang of Four, X, Iggy Pop, Dire Straits, a Zappa high point, Smiths emerging, and 20 others I can't recall offhand.

[@verticaldude]

Little Tommy, i had a lump in my throat when you cut the track right before the solo. But you had a Plan. Absolutely one of the Best Songs and Solos ever Written. What a Talent. This episode runs neck and neck with the Lifes Been Good Solo Breakdown Episode. Glad yer Shakin’ off the Jetlag.

[@scotttowns3745]

Enjoy every video Uncle Larry. Jump on em when they show up. Appreciate the realness. So amazing your talent. And NO pompous BS. Just a dude that has information that is worth hearing. Thanks man.

[@guitargirlRosann]

I agree. One of the best solos! Had the opportunity to see Honeyman Scott 6 times. Amazing live!!

[@bobgure]

“ Whiz Kid” was a wonderful surprise, and now this brilliant gem. I love it here. Thanks!

[@davidt9841]

I’m a bit late to the party today.. but I’m watching and listening (and have been for quite some time), and I realized I must give a tip of the hat to you - for your eclecticism. Someone in your formative years definitely exposed you to the value of diverse thought, and curiosity, and how to make it work for you, and, of course, filter out what doesn’t! Play On! 👍🎸✌️😎

[@stephenmckenna6488]

Uncle Larry breathing life back into the legendary Pretenders. Beautiful.

[@n05liw]

JH-S - one of my favourite guitarist, one of my favourite songs and solos. So much fun to play.

[@h.sinclair]

such a great vid Uncle Larry so many Pretenders memories! And you explained it all for us!

[@23coburn]

Thanks Larry. She is still at it! The magnificently gifted madame Hynde. I'll hit your tip jar for this comrade!

[@guitarss4928]

Cool song. You've opened my mind to new music uncle Larry. I was pleased with my purchase of looking for clues by Robert Palmer. I'll have to dig into some pretenders now! I used to be such a music snob and missed out on a lot of great stuff. God bless

[@Big-A-Russel]

One of my buddies loves to use flex seal for his old peddle restorations.

[@SomeKindOfMadman]

That Strat is awesome Mister Tom

[@sccrhns]

I love your philosophy about owning a bunch of gear, and just enjoying that you got to play it rather than hoarding.

[@AllenGarberGuitarFun]

Dude, I’m just now reading Chrissie’s autobiography ‘Reckless’. It’s a real pleasure to read…and by God, The Pretenders have such lovely chords. And man, Jimmy was so into alternate tunings and crazy layering and Chrissie is such a brilliant rhythm player in addition to being a total package frontperson and superior vocalist. I love “Kid” and I know Jimmy was really proud of that one in particular.

[@markkennedy1022]

Terrific homage to a standout band and one of my favourite tracks of theirs. Thanks for the breakdown, but also just for sharing your geeked out explanation and appreciation about what made it so cool. Teach it, preach it! Thanks, Uncle Tommy

[@philf4086]

What an immediately recognizable song! Kid!! Thanks UL, fun video. From one of Ohio's best, Ms. Hynde and her group. James was a great player. I agree with you on the masses losing the knowledge of how an amp sounds. I'm as guilty as anyone. I've only got two amps, one is a SS Fender Princeton Chorus. Good amp, but it is always played clean.

[@motoriffer7557]

I remember Honey Man Scott was named best new talent in Guitar Player magazine the year he died. Loved those jangly chorused out tones.. Digging episode 160!

[@joshellyson]

Thanks Uncle Larry, love this tune breakdown. Your insights help us to revisit some of the interesting musical ideas being done then. There is a lot that can be learned for music today. And you are hitting at something pretty worrisome. With all the cool gear out there, are we forgetting to just plug straight into an amp and learn how to make it sing. And lastly, with you on loving those imperfections in things like Gilmore's solo...none of us are without imperfections, maybe that is what makes us each so unique...i just wish god would lend me your ear now and then.

[@brianmusgrove8547]

According to an interview in Rolling Stone several years ago - she said she was talking to her guitar player - James Honeyman Scott, who had died recently from an overdose. She was telling him she was back on the chain gang - in other words, back working with the band and carrying on. She said she missed him terribly, he was a very important force in her life.

[@brianmusgrove8547]

Okay - a comment on the wrong song. I thought we were talking about 'Back on the Chain Gang' - definitely one of my favourite Pretenders songs. I will pay more attention in future. A great, great band!

[@limpindug]

Well uncle you make me happy, with your love of old stuff and me 73 what can a say. 😂😂Crissie top artist and married to a Scotsman for a minute. Another wee gem of a video. 👍🥃Respect to you mate.

[@erickwalsh9258]

I love that strat! That’s my dream guitar.

[@richlee5796]

Thanks Tom! have always loved James Honeyman...great loss...

[@chuckg3475]

Had me tapping my foot with that intro ... loved the lesson. You definitely keepin this channel "Thick as a Brick" lol

[@danrobertson7095]

Gone too soon! James Honeyman Scott was one of my all time favorites. Great video as always.

[@jeromevanvolkenburg1361]

Great stuff Uncle Larry ! love your playing and commentary , it is top notch.keep it comin.

[@BossDM-2]

Yeah, my first pedal was the ubiquitous at the time Distortion +. Had the block font DyanaComp, Phase 90, Flanger and power supply that used 1/4 jacks to supply the juice. I'm so happy you had so much love for one of my favorite guitar tracks of all time, and that I actually have been playing it right for many years, because it's how you were demonstrating it.

[@blakegilliam8223]

love your musings takes me back JH Scott yes

[@robmillsap]

Thanks again Tom!

[@23coburn]

Thank you for this Larry! the magnificently gifted Ms. Hynde. For this I will hit your tip char comrade.

[@gwbuilder5779]

Great conversation Tom.👌 Getting rid of all my original gear and the old MXR pedals, Distortion, Phase 90, Chorus, DynaComp, gut punch regret, but life goes on. I started listening to the 78 discs (I think they were made out of Bakelite or something like that), then the 33s and 45s for hours and hours and hours. Definitely no rewind bottom.😂 I'm sure a large chunk of the Skoolhause has spun the vinyl discs for tunes back in the day.🤙

[@riffcodger]

Agreed. Fabulous song. One of my all time favourites. Always loved the band. And she's still walking the boards. Great vid Uncle.

[@robertlewis8024]

Loved the "stone-washed jeans" comment. Thanks as always.

[@mkii1964]

One of my favorite tunes from one of my early influences!

[@Deliquescentinsight]

All things must pass, quite so, the realization of this energizes me - "Nothing is Easy" is one of the nicest Jethro Tull songs, I love that song.

[@timharris3716]

2 of my favorite amps are a 1950 Gibson GA 75 W/15" speaker and a SOVTEC MIG 60 Head both sound great W/ strat, LP, 513, 355. Love all the information you give to help all learn! Thank You. Tim Harris, Hachita, NM

[@Grant_Ferstat]

Thanks Tom. Kid is just such a perfect song. I absolutely love it. I've probably worn out those first two Pretenders albums but they're going on the turntable today so I guess I'll find out! JHS was an absolute genius who left us too soon. Chrissie has always had great taste in guitar players. Robbie McIntosh is a bit of a favourite of mine too.

[@MichaelAntus]

Deep thoughts dispensed today. Much respect Uncle Larry...

[@TALinTune]

I dig these “vintage gear wisdoms” episodes. 🙏🙏🙏

[@jimbeaux4988]

I wore out that cassette of the pretender's 1st album. Still love all those songs to this day.

[@crilf5830]

Thanks again!

[@johnmcelhaney8490]

Tom I really appreciated all the videos from the road. Love Analogman. I know you use the KOT, and other pedals from him? His Fuzz and Chorus are incredible. Keep on Rockin!

[@nikolaibarbarich7887]

i swear the VCB section are my favourite parts of the videos lol

[@marksc1929]

Love the Pretenders...saw them live in Nashville

[@bubzulu]

I caught that Hendrix Quote in Even It Up !!! Lovely !

[@Ruudis9er]

James Honeyman Scott… underrated! Love Homeskoolin’ Uncle Larry rocks! Great Lesson, highly nutritious Thanks so much Larry.

[@ccaputa]

Classic. Thanks Larry.

[@Rvp5150]

“They’re also playing modeling amps, which is not cool.” Preach it Uncle Larry.

[@sonicmistress]

Many many years ago in my youth, I came home one day and my best Pal had left a message for me with my Mum saying if I was back in time to meet him at the local bus terminal as he was going to see a friends band, so off I went to meet him and we jumped on the bus to the Apollo (Manchester UK) and in we went through the Stage Door, made our way backstage, walked in the Green Room and his mates Band where there and The Pretenders!....Even my mate didn't know and we stood there just looking at each other with grins on our faces, great night and for my first experience into live Music so close up, not bad at all.

[@josephwwebster]

Oh man, "Kid" is one of my favorite Pretenders songs. That, and their cover of "Stop Your Sobbing". As a lifelong Clevelander, Chrissie Hynde being from Akron is a point of pride. Such great songs.

[@timgelder4263]

Excellent episode. Thanks Tom

[@steveh1273]

Uncle Larry's wisdom on doing something irreversible to a vintage guitar "its like drawing a mustache on the old Mona Lisa." Good one Tom.

[@Hbomb731]

Thank you Unc!!!! I bought the line 6 JDR 500x, then I got the helix LT. I need them for the “quiet stage” at church. But none of it sounds like a good fender or marsh amp. I just bought a new Fender Deluxe Reverb, broke out my old boss, MXR and whatever pedals for jamming with my pals. I’m in bliss! Only an amp sounds like an amp! Now if I can fix that old CS 800!!! Lol.

[@toploadtele]

I just scored the new Walrus Mira Optical compressor which has some great features to overcome the nuanances of using a compressor pedal, its pretty rad! Like I said yesterday... Buk has GOLDEN Ears!

[@meanmud1]

Thanks Tom!

[@SeeCSeesCC]

❤ this came up and it was old but I let it play I’m processing the day, letting videos play at will. . I’m so glad I did. I just need to laugh. You know we all talk to the screen when you start giving us a conversation. We are gonna die. Heck yeah that’s real.

[@Brunobudvah]

Hey Tom, great analysis of the old Pretenders song! I just wanted to say you made me check my T-shirts. I found a couple of bad ones, just as you skillfully drew😁. Thank you for that sobering experience. Love the show!

[@philroselle1514]

A Very cool episode, Thanks Tom!!

[@VictorRochaGaming]

I saw JHS perform with the Pretenders. His solo on Kid sent chills down my spine. He was so damn good. One of the highlights of my life. Also, thanks for breaking it down. Epic, dude. Thanks.

[@iancombs857]

James Honeyman-Scott had a real knack for playing very USEFUL guitar.

[@TeleCS]

Awesome Uncle Larry!!! Always great to jam to. 👌🏻

[@herringbone72]

Absolutely love the chord progressions to Pretenders songs.

[@jodyakkerman4640]

Hi Tomq... It's Jodyq from Prairie band in Kansas... great meeting you and the band and crew, so much fun!! Loving your pod cast!!

[@501chorusecho]

Jodyq!!!!

[@jodyakkerman4640]

@@501chorusecho Hi!!!

[@501chorusecho]

@@jodyakkerman4640 great hangs at the bar

[@jodyakkerman4640]

Absolutely, how to do it again some day!!!

[@tdguitar]

First guy to pose in front of a amp modeler with stonewashed jeans wins a Mona Lisa with a mustache

[@DieselWeazel]

And a free IR pack

[@bradleycoffin1767]

Hey uncle Larry first time caller longtime listener and fellow north coast Ohio guy! Just drove to Youngstown back to Toledo to pick up a beautifully dirty Beat up F’d up 52 I think, Gibson GA40 Les Paul amp. “ Tube amps ….just you watch!” Hell yeah!!

[@davidpepper442]

There were some great rock bands in the 80s with female lead singers like Chrissie Hynde, Ann Wilson, Pat Benatar, Debbie Harry. Very cool time for rock and roll.

[@tyronemckenna2541]

James Honeyman-Scott evidently a big influence on Johnny Marr - btw Uncle Larry, talking about the 80's - do you dig Roland JC120's or side with the "they're crap" camp? I think if you can work them, especially wet/dry with a tube amp, they sound fantastic (e.g. Andy Summers/Jeff Buckley etc)....its a bit like all gear in the right hands, really...

[@jeffcooley1861]

Excellent class today Unk!

[@mardin56]

I have all kinds of pedals and yet when I plug directly into a Mesa Lone Star Special, it sounds great. Clean channel or gain channel, whichever. The MXR Dyna-Comp does makes the direct-to-amp connection sound better. And a TC Ditto looper is useful too.

[@craigdees1177]

Tom: Great show, as usual. Instructive and entertaining. Regarding James Honeyman-Scott, I read Chrissie Hynde's memoir a while back. Not surprisingly, JHS figures into her story prominently, how his guitar style changed things and put the band on a different trajectory. But what's really sweet is that she comes back to him at the end of the book, specifically calling out his central role in her music. Nice touch.

[@AllenGarberGuitarFun]

I’m reading ‘Reckless’ now…a fascinating read, and I imagine a time machine for Uncle Larry to hear about Akron and Cleveland in days of yore. Such a cool book about a cool person!

[@TheMrWences]

Definitely agree with the modelers statement!!! I fought for years with them trying to milk a passable facsimile of any decent sounding amp. Never worked. Kemper is the closest you'll ever get as far as tonal, almost, happiness. But, tube amps will never die as long as I got a few bucks in my pocket and I'm still breathing!!!

[@blackstratblues]

One of my favourite solos! I love the 2 4 0 under the F#m, though under the B I think he's playing 2 0 0 instead. That harmonic at the very end is the cherry on top, just like the Nowhere Man solo.

[@jimmyfrombrooklyn8550]

Had a noisy MXR Distortion +, I used a piece of bicycle tire tube to replace disintegrated foam, same for phase 90. Chrissy had an interesting pocket rhythm wise. Honeyman Scott was just an interesting player- tragic history with her guitarists. Thanks for posting UL

[@rbull7777]

My first pedal was the MXR Distortion+ Wish I still had it! I'm frome Cleveland too. Love the Pretenders!

[@MarkJMusic2022]

James Honeyman Scott. Brilliant parts. We covered a lot of Pretenders off of the first album in one of my musical groups.