Tony Morales
Morales is the pit master at Big Earl's BBQ and owner of Desert Smoke BBQ. Cheer him on at the Arizona Barbecue Festival this Saturday, March 26 at the Scottsdale Waterfront.
When you put your key in the ignition and turn on the radio, what station would play right now? Sirius Shade 45.
What's the last song played on your portal music player? Dr. Dre feat. Eminem and Skyler Grey, "I need A Doctor." Dre's beats have always rocked hip-hop artists tracks.
What's the first record you bought? Men at Work, Business as Usual (don't laugh!)
What's the first concert you saw? The Eurythmics in Hollywood when I was a kid, with my Mom, and we had great seats!
What's your favorite concert you've ever been to? I can think of two. D12 at the House of Blues in Las Vegas because the venue is tight rather than huge and impersonal like in an arena--plus they rocked it! And Def Leppard with Journey at Cricket Pavilion. This was a great show because both bands come from an era where you had to perform. There were no production aids like Auto-Tune--if they were good, they really were good, and this show was amazing!
Preferred format: CD, vinyl, cassette, 8-Track or digital? Digital. It's great to be able to have your music in a portable, high quality format even though you do lose some of the character of an original vinyl recording.
What's your favorite CD? I'm a big fan of Nappy Roots' Humdinger and Dr. Dre's The Chronic album--these are two classics in my mind and always get my head nodding to the beats!
Who is your favorite singer or band? I dont really have one favorite, but I do like Eminem, Nas, Jay-Z, Anthony Hamilton and India Arie for different reasons.
What was your favorite new or new-to-you album from 2010? Recovery, by Eminem. Say what you will about him and his personal issues, but the guy is a lyricist and can flow! Note: I saw him in concert with 50 Cent, and he sucked! Auto-Tune and drugs work wonders...
What one song would you play if you had a world-wide radio audience? Either "Three Little Birds" or "Stir It Up" by Bob Marley and the Wailers. The lyrics are still as relevant today as they were years ago and have a soulful vibe that just calms and relaxes.
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What is your favorite local venue to see music? If the weather wasn't so hot when good tours were in town, I'd say Ashley Furniture HomeStore Pavilion, but I generally go to San Diego, Los Angeles or Las Vegas for concerts.
What is your favorite music video? Dirty Money featuring Rick Ross, Nicki Minaj, "Hello Good Morning (Remix)". Nicki kills it with her cadence and mannerisms.
