There's a lot of talk of the so-called "throwback" sound and the Dap Kings, Sharon Jones, the Daptone sound are a big part of it.
Make no mistake, this is not emulation, this is soulful execution--playful, tight, fresh, and creative. What are "oldies"anyway? I always go back to my Dawnie's line "Everyone just stole it from the Beatles"--who stole it from well, a lot of the stuff that sounds like Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings.
The crowd at Variety on the rare snowbound Atlanta night was an odd one for a sold out show; I expected more of the swing dancin' kids, and there were a few, but mostly the crowd was even older than me, populated with the usual cliques and subgroups, surprising amounts of Buckheady yick and soul-less white boys, who've apparently discovered both dancing directions--left...and right...and the usual "watchers," where I suppose I classify myself, those of us more used to the analytical appreciation of crossed arms, maybe a tapping foot, and the head--always nodding to the beat with approval.
The opener was an odd, if not highly contrasty starter...not something I'd buy or actively listen to outside the state fair--Ivan Milev Band, a folk fiddle and squeeze box band from Bulgaria--was to me, listenable and hypnotic, though maybe a bit of an energy sucker for the majority of the crowd. Still, it was sort of fun to see Ivan take to his axe (a gigantic accordion) with, at times, the vigor and finger quick attack of Eddie Van Halen in the cocaine years.
The Dap Kings come on stage in old soul fashion, advertising the night as a Super Sonic Soul Revue. The band, complete with the coordinated movements and tidy suits from the past, blaze into the set with a tight funk intro until Sharon Jones is introduced.
Then, this tiny, rotund woman comes onto the stage and takes over. She's amazing, voice spot on, never pitchy, and with a glorious power and energy forged on Sunday past. She's instantly likeable, down to earth--you want to know her, and by the end of the night, you do know her quite well through her songs.
I'd argue that if anything, the approach of Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings are capable of re-tooling anything and making it sound new and fresh--Janet Jackson's "What Have you Done for Me Lately" becomes a likeable funk groove, and the highlight of the night's covers was James Brown's "It's a Man's World" sung by a woman with fire, femininity, and a purposeful commentary.
Sharon dances, grooves, interestingly and unpretentiously talks of the dances of her ancestors-African and Native American- and turns it all into a life history lesson of music, dance, life, god and soul. She brings a young man on stage to play the role of the jilted lover, and later, brings a bevy of young Atlanta women up to dance--her prison guard past coming out as she went into enforcement mode when young ladies that didn't belong encroached. Finally, a shy young man takes in a soulful kiss from Sharon.
Boundless energy, complete and tuneful, Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings are not to be missed. woo.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Friday, January 18, 2008
Devastatingly Good Lyric
In the song "Silver Lining" the Rilo Kiley, they say...
"I never felt so wicked
as when I willed our love to die"
Sweetly bitter.
"I never felt so wicked
as when I willed our love to die"
Sweetly bitter.
Friday, December 14, 2007
Top 5's Ought Seven
I didn’t buy much music. Of the things I bought and listened to:
Top Five Records of 2007
5. Spoon, GA GA GA GA GA
4. Lyle Lovett and his Large Band, It’s not Big, It’s Large
3. Magic, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band
2. Wilco, Sky Blue Sky, Damnit
Top Five Shows I Saw in 2007
5. Wayne Hancock, Smith’s Olde Bar,
4. The New Pornographers, Variety Playhouse,
3. Fountains of
2. Jeff Tweedy, the Tabernacle,
1. Warm in the Wake, Variety Playhouse
Songs
5. Radio Nowhere, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band
4. Sunday Morning, Elizabeth Cook
3. Are you alright? Lucinda Williams
2. I-95, Fountains of
1. Hate it Here, Wilco
Biggest Disappointments
5. Wilco, Sky Blue Sky
4. The Shins, Wincing the Night Away
3.
2. Challengers, the New Pornographers (though translates better live)
1. The Cowboy Junkies show
Top Discoveries
Teddy Thompson, Thanks to the Cowboy Junkies for sucking
The Apples in Stereo, thanks to Sam
Bonnie Prince Billy/Will Oldham-Everything I learn, I learn from
Wayne Hancock, thanks to
Explosions in the Sky, thanks to late night neighbor noise and Austin City Limits
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Ha! Ha! Screw You, Dick Cheney!
So you're not part of the executive branch? oh well then, you don't need the funding we give you
as part of the executive branch!
"Rep. Rahm Emanuel, D-Ill., sponsor of the de-funding amendment, noted that five years ago Cheney claimed executive privilege in refusing to release details about his meetings with oil industry executives to discuss energy policy.
"Now when we want to know what he's doing as it relates to America's national security in the lead-up to the war in Iraq and after the fact, the vice president has declared he is a member of the legislative branch."
What a colossal flip flopper...what a, dare I? dick.
as part of the executive branch!
"Rep. Rahm Emanuel, D-Ill., sponsor of the de-funding amendment, noted that five years ago Cheney claimed executive privilege in refusing to release details about his meetings with oil industry executives to discuss energy policy.
"Now when we want to know what he's doing as it relates to America's national security in the lead-up to the war in Iraq and after the fact, the vice president has declared he is a member of the legislative branch."
What a colossal flip flopper...what a, dare I? dick.
Sunday, June 24, 2007
You Suck Dick Cheney
You suck Dick Cheney.
You suck, Dick Cheney.
Dick Cheney you suck.
Dick Cheney, you suck.
No, dear reader, this does not apply--
You, suck Dick Cheney...or You! Suck Dick Cheney.
www.nydailynews.com/news/wn_report/2007/06/23/2007-06-23_cheneys_secret_pass_.html
Stop Dick Cheney now.
Stop, Dick Cheney now.
Dick Cheney stop now.
Dick Cheney, stop now.
Clearly Sunday finds me both bored and outraged. I even wrote my congressman.
You suck, Dick Cheney.
Dick Cheney you suck.
Dick Cheney, you suck.
No, dear reader, this does not apply--
You, suck Dick Cheney...or You! Suck Dick Cheney.
www.nydailynews.com/news/wn_report/2007/06/23/2007-06-23_cheneys_secret_pass_.html
Stop Dick Cheney now.
Stop, Dick Cheney now.
Dick Cheney stop now.
Dick Cheney, stop now.
Clearly Sunday finds me both bored and outraged. I even wrote my congressman.
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Fountains of Wayne, Variety Playhouse 6/19/2007
So Stacy was there. Lots of her. Her moms were there, too. I even saw Stacy's grandma, but decidedly, she hasn't "got it goin' on."
Strangest Variety Playhouse crowd ever. Teens in braces. A guy that looked like me or my friend Brad in say, 10 more years. Yuppies. There were no patterns to this crowd. I reckon FOW does have rather a universal appeal.
At the back corner of the playhouse where we sat, there were at least two categories --three counting us--the "overworked 30 something commuters"--the hit song dancing gay guys, who were having a lot of fun as they ran down to boogie with the masses during the top hits ("Stacy's Mom", "Mexican Wine"), and the "I'm in a band" guys, including the alleged drummer who sat behind me, pretending to be maxing the bass drum pedal (in completely out of time fashion) throughout the show and shaking the entire row around him-- mostly my chair...
The show was enjoyable--FOW writes and plays pretty pop that's almost authentic, as they carefully skirt the borders of novelty and genius. Strangely, my favorite song surrounding the band isn't one they wrote or perform themselves (and I'd lose any of the remaining street cred I have since my favorite band just whored themselves out to Volkswagen, ja, and if I didn't mention this--every so called FOW reviewer does, it'd be a problem) but is instead Robbie Fulks "Fountains of Wayne Hotline," with its tongue-in-cheek admiration for the layered pop perfection that FOW so often achieves.
They have a good stage presence and tight performance skills. Most hilarious to me in terms of their overall stage 'tude is their lead guitarist, who is a mash up of the following:
Jiimmy Page in "Song Remains the Same" duh, even down to the color of his Les Paul
David Cassidy (it's the vest)
and Jackie Earl Haley's Kelly Leek from the original "Bad News Bears" film.
Anyway, I wouldn't have picked it--the same Volkswagen whores mentioned earlier were playing just down the street this same night--but given the rare rain and the crappy yuppies cum infested outdoor venue ("Chat"stain") I was perfectly happy being at Variety once I got there and got settled--settled= getting to L5P late and braving the side streets in search of parking because the opening act is going to suck and we're old and tired-- and finally finding a space.
As concerts go, its nice and refreshing to see a band that embraces and plays their pop hits without any whining or teasing about it....no Michael Stipe-esque "we're just not playing "Stacy's Mom" because, that's just not who were are anymore." Whatever.
Play "Superman" so we can go home, ninny!
Thank you, and good night.
Strangest Variety Playhouse crowd ever. Teens in braces. A guy that looked like me or my friend Brad in say, 10 more years. Yuppies. There were no patterns to this crowd. I reckon FOW does have rather a universal appeal.
At the back corner of the playhouse where we sat, there were at least two categories --three counting us--the "overworked 30 something commuters"--the hit song dancing gay guys, who were having a lot of fun as they ran down to boogie with the masses during the top hits ("Stacy's Mom", "Mexican Wine"), and the "I'm in a band" guys, including the alleged drummer who sat behind me, pretending to be maxing the bass drum pedal (in completely out of time fashion) throughout the show and shaking the entire row around him-- mostly my chair...
The show was enjoyable--FOW writes and plays pretty pop that's almost authentic, as they carefully skirt the borders of novelty and genius. Strangely, my favorite song surrounding the band isn't one they wrote or perform themselves (and I'd lose any of the remaining street cred I have since my favorite band just whored themselves out to Volkswagen, ja, and if I didn't mention this--every so called FOW reviewer does, it'd be a problem) but is instead Robbie Fulks "Fountains of Wayne Hotline," with its tongue-in-cheek admiration for the layered pop perfection that FOW so often achieves.
They have a good stage presence and tight performance skills. Most hilarious to me in terms of their overall stage 'tude is their lead guitarist, who is a mash up of the following:
Jiimmy Page in "Song Remains the Same" duh, even down to the color of his Les Paul
David Cassidy (it's the vest)
and Jackie Earl Haley's Kelly Leek from the original "Bad News Bears" film.
Anyway, I wouldn't have picked it--the same Volkswagen whores mentioned earlier were playing just down the street this same night--but given the rare rain and the crappy yuppies cum infested outdoor venue ("Chat"stain") I was perfectly happy being at Variety once I got there and got settled--settled= getting to L5P late and braving the side streets in search of parking because the opening act is going to suck and we're old and tired-- and finally finding a space.
As concerts go, its nice and refreshing to see a band that embraces and plays their pop hits without any whining or teasing about it....no Michael Stipe-esque "we're just not playing "Stacy's Mom" because, that's just not who were are anymore." Whatever.
Play "Superman" so we can go home, ninny!
Thank you, and good night.
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
More stickers...
I saw the strangest thing on the west expressway as I was driving out of Atlanta yesterday after work--
A rather average looking truck, and on one side of its back window--a "W '04" sticker, and on the other side an "Obama '08" sticker.
That doesn't even make any sense. It does, however, make me hopeful.
A rather average looking truck, and on one side of its back window--a "W '04" sticker, and on the other side an "Obama '08" sticker.
That doesn't even make any sense. It does, however, make me hopeful.
Thursday, June 14, 2007
In Loving Memory...
Why on Earth would I choose to display my feelings for a departed loved one with an "In Loving Memory" sticker on the (tinted) window of my car or SUV?
I theorize that this all began tragically with the demise of Dale Earnhardt, Sr. Suddenly, there were"3" stickers on the windows of vehicles everywhere. Then, just as suddenly there were 8's as a memorial to the living but grieving son who was also busy risking his life driving around in circles at 200 miles an hour...then it evolved and now the windshield is secondly only to the graveyard as a memorializin' locale.
I wouldn't feel right about offering up my feelings about any dearly departed person with a sticker on my car. I rarely wash my little Nissan. It's not a very holy place, as I drive in Atlanta traffic and yell profanity (often at SOB's with "In Loving Memory" stickers on their cars who cut me off), and I just wouldn't want me dear Grandmother, even in sticker memorial form, to be anywhere near me when I'm like that. I also consider the things the things that get yelled back at me! Not for the ears of anyone's dearly departed mother or grandmother...
Keep these feelings in your heart, or maybe on your sleeve--use a black ribbon or get a tattoo of your loved one's initials on one buttock or the other so I'll never see, but please, stop these stickers. Please? People are already doing enough to turn America's freeways into graveyards.
If you're considering this as part of your car decor and find that, for you, this is a must-- first, consider your car. Is that memorial sticker for your dead golfing buddy really going to look good on the back of that 85 olds Cutlass you've wrecked a couple of times now? Will others, with whom, I assume you wish to share your grief, going to be able to see it through the smoggy discharge of that olds tail pipe?
Also consider the relative location of your memorial sticker to the things you already have on display there-- of Calvin peeing on something, NRA membership stickers, your hoochie mama mudflaps, supporting stickers for ANY and all republican presidential candidates, and that "If the van's rockin' don't bother knockin" thing that's almost peeled off since you put it on back in '73.
I hope that, one day, we'll see...
I theorize that this all began tragically with the demise of Dale Earnhardt, Sr. Suddenly, there were"3" stickers on the windows of vehicles everywhere. Then, just as suddenly there were 8's as a memorial to the living but grieving son who was also busy risking his life driving around in circles at 200 miles an hour...then it evolved and now the windshield is secondly only to the graveyard as a memorializin' locale.
I wouldn't feel right about offering up my feelings about any dearly departed person with a sticker on my car. I rarely wash my little Nissan. It's not a very holy place, as I drive in Atlanta traffic and yell profanity (often at SOB's with "In Loving Memory" stickers on their cars who cut me off), and I just wouldn't want me dear Grandmother, even in sticker memorial form, to be anywhere near me when I'm like that. I also consider the things the things that get yelled back at me! Not for the ears of anyone's dearly departed mother or grandmother...
Keep these feelings in your heart, or maybe on your sleeve--use a black ribbon or get a tattoo of your loved one's initials on one buttock or the other so I'll never see, but please, stop these stickers. Please? People are already doing enough to turn America's freeways into graveyards.
If you're considering this as part of your car decor and find that, for you, this is a must-- first, consider your car. Is that memorial sticker for your dead golfing buddy really going to look good on the back of that 85 olds Cutlass you've wrecked a couple of times now? Will others, with whom, I assume you wish to share your grief, going to be able to see it through the smoggy discharge of that olds tail pipe?
Also consider the relative location of your memorial sticker to the things you already have on display there-- of Calvin peeing on something, NRA membership stickers, your hoochie mama mudflaps, supporting stickers for ANY and all republican presidential candidates, and that "If the van's rockin' don't bother knockin" thing that's almost peeled off since you put it on back in '73.
I hope that, one day, we'll see...
In Loving Memory
In Loving Memory stickers
Dale, Sr to 2007
In Loving Memory stickers
Dale, Sr to 2007
May they rest in peace next to scratch n' sniffs and garbage pail kids in sticker heaven.
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
A Horse is a Horse...Barbaro
It's a sad state of affairs when the American health care system is in the toilet, 46 Million or so Americans don't have health insurance, and suddenly, the attention of our country drifts to a dead horse who got better treatment than any of the rest of us....
Barbaro
I wish I got this kind of attention from my doctor!
And I know there's a horse joke here somewhere, given our doctor's pose.... but it's a solemn moment in our nations history so...I'll just...let it...(grits teeth) go... s i g h.
And I know there's a horse joke here somewhere, given our doctor's pose.... but it's a solemn moment in our nations history so...I'll just...let it...(grits teeth) go... s i g h.
Monday, December 18, 2006
Vote for my profile photo!
Which picture shall become my new featured blog, profile picture?
You, dear readers, will decide. Simply post a comment as to which photo you prefer:
The same old dog....
...The newest, latest dog
Or...neon Sign?
Or me standing under a 50's style neon sign somewhere in the dark mountain depths of Franklin, NC?
Top 5 Records, 2006
I couldn't think of ten that came out this year that were really worth a damn:
5. Dixie Chicks, yeah, you heard me, what of it? --Taking the Long Way
4. Johnny Cash--American V, a Hudred Highways
3. Tom Waits--Orphans (probably only as low as 3 because I haven't actually gone out and plunked down the 45 bucks yet)
2. Neko Case, Fox Confessor, Blah blah blah
1. Garden Ruin, Calexico
Engaged!
Dawn and I took a positive step forward toward the rest of our lives together this weekend.
On the lift hill of the world's greatest wooden roller coaster, I asked her if she might be interested in gettin' hitched up with me. I gave her the length of the ride to think about it, and at the end of the ride, she said yes, and then I gave her a ring.
We had a lovely trip into the Smoky Mountains. We enjoyed Dollywood, we rode the rides, saw the shows, including my favorite, "A Hokey Mountain Christmas" aka Randy Jackson's "A Very Pitchy Christmas."
On the way back yesterday, we went to the "lowest place on earth" Tallulah Gorge. It's actually the deepest Gorge East of the Mississippi. So our travels have now taken us to the ultimate geographic highs and lows. At least the ones in the Eastern U.S. , since last year we went to the "highest place on earth" or, Mt. Mitchell, NC, the highest peak east of the Missisippi.
Highs, lows, ups, downs, curves, dips, drops, loops.
More to come. I'm sure we'll handle them just fine.
Interstate Update, or cringe. Body?
The morning traffic reporter nonchalantly announced that there was a body in the road at I-75 this morning.
The body's condition was later upgraded to...alive. Last I heard, it was observed from the air that the body was, in fact, moving on the stretcher.
There was also a giant, hot air balloon floating over I-85 this morning.
This place is getting so very, very strange.
The body's condition was later upgraded to...alive. Last I heard, it was observed from the air that the body was, in fact, moving on the stretcher.
There was also a giant, hot air balloon floating over I-85 this morning.
This place is getting so very, very strange.
Friday, December 15, 2006
Interstate Update, or, Shop Vacs and Truck Fires
The newest item to add to the strange list of things seen in interestate highways comes from co-worker Cal, who had to avoid a shop vac on interstate 75 South of Atlanta.
I myself yesterday saw a full set of four fairly nice looking wicker chairs on the side of I-20 eastbound, and right next to those a wheel barrow.
I don't know what's up with the rash of fires on Atlanta's interstates. Clearly, most truck drivers can't drive worth a damn--some asshole truck driver cuts me off at least twice a day....
So lets hitch 'em up to something flammable to boot? Just this morning, a tanker truck caused lane closures on the downtown connector, which is essentially the heart that pumps Atlanta traffic. Last week, there was a bus fire, a shooting, and a grass fire that negatively impacted traffic well past the regular rush hour hours.
Let's just all stay home?
Or, better yet, let's get big trucks around the outside of the city and charge 'em to use 285?
Ban them between 6 am and 9 am, 3 pm to 6 pm?
I myself yesterday saw a full set of four fairly nice looking wicker chairs on the side of I-20 eastbound, and right next to those a wheel barrow.
I don't know what's up with the rash of fires on Atlanta's interstates. Clearly, most truck drivers can't drive worth a damn--some asshole truck driver cuts me off at least twice a day....
So lets hitch 'em up to something flammable to boot? Just this morning, a tanker truck caused lane closures on the downtown connector, which is essentially the heart that pumps Atlanta traffic. Last week, there was a bus fire, a shooting, and a grass fire that negatively impacted traffic well past the regular rush hour hours.
Let's just all stay home?
Or, better yet, let's get big trucks around the outside of the city and charge 'em to use 285?
Ban them between 6 am and 9 am, 3 pm to 6 pm?
Saturday, November 25, 2006
Ten Songs I Never Need to Hear Again
Rock and Roll radio in the Atlanta area has changed and morphed in strange ways over the past 30 years. I can rely on the major FM radio stations in the area to play the same sort of stuff, and in some cases, the same stuff--over...and over...and over and over again.
99X--Atlanta's "alternative" radio. I think they have three CD's, and two of them are Red Hot Chili Peppers records. 99X reliably plays at least 7 Red Hot Chili Peppers songs an hour, 24/7. The other CD is some crappy emo compilation. Reliably plays alterna-rock from the same albums that were popular when I was in college, in spite of 14 new releases from bands like, say, Pearl Jam since then. Stop...playing...Ten.
Dave FM--Ok, a bit better--but its a bit as if I took all the "Greatest Hits" albums from my personal collection and made them into a giant playlist.
96 Rock--Hm. The longest running radio station in its current format--blasting cock rock, metal, a lot of Southern rock and occasional songs from the list I intend to generate. I can go here when I need some good, reliable 3 chord rock for driving/reliving high school/ or for getting the catchy hook of the whiny Emo song I tried to listen on 99x as a means to "grow" in my appreciation for young artists out of my head, hopefully forever.
97.1. The River. Ok, before 92.9 changed formats and became Dave FM, they played the same 14 late 70's-early 90's songs--and the River was a great radio station, playing tuneful "oldies" (which brings me to the...what is an "oldie" anyway question?!?) from the 50's-70's. Need to hear "More than a Feeling" again? Give the River 10 minutes.
Yay for college radio. WREK out of Georgia Tech, the Georgia State radio station--both have good programming even if it proves a little noisy for my taste at times, it can be really fun.
and now...the list:
10. "Bohemian Rhapsody" by queen-play instead...well, anything really, except Boston, I want to continue to like listening to the best of queen so please stop playing it on the radio for ten, maybe 12 years--but if you have to play a Queen song, play "Fat Bottom Girls" 'cause it rocks.
9. "Fly Like an Eagle" Steve Miller--play instead "Take the Money and Run" clap clap clap clap clap.
8. "Hotel California" the Eagles-play instead "Ol' 55" at least they had enough taste to cover Tom Waits
7. "Cocaine" Eric Clapton--play instead "Spanish Castle Magic" Jimi Hendrix--a better guitarist that doesn't get nearly as much play.
6. "Another Brick in the Wall" Pink Floyd--play instead "Shine on you Crazy Diamond"
5. "Stairway to Heaven" Led Zeppelin--play instead the longest, most guitar dripping, drum solo laden live version of "I Can't Quit You Baby" possible.
4. "Money for Nothing" Dire Straits--play instead..."Romeo and Juliet-Live"
3. "Foreplay/Long Time" Boston--play instead "Watch the Sunrise" by Big Star--tuneful, poppy, but tough and well, it doesn't have that grinding prefab silicon "I'm an MIT student" sound.
2. "Peace of Mind" Boston--play instead "Let my Love Open the Door" by Pete Townsend--for some reason, they stopped playing that song.
1. "More than a Feeling" Boston--play instead "the Seeker" by the Who
I want classic rock to wear out the Who the way they have been wearing out Boston for what seems like an eternity. They were a much better, more rockin', more intelligent band. I'm quite sure that the Who could beat up Boston, and well, pretty much any other American band.
As far as American bands go, Creedence is arguably the greatest American band of the sixties. play more of their songs--"Bad Moon Rising" and "Proud Mary" are great songs, but how fantastic are "Midnight Special" and "Cotton Fields?"
Please Mr. Radio Clear Channel conservative guy, stop making them play the same ten songs from the same four records. Please?
Honorable mention:
Black Crowes-"She Talks to Angels"--play instead "Hard to Handle"
Bob Seger-"Turn the Page"--play instead "Nutbush City Limits (live)"
Aerosmith--"Dream On"--play instead "Big Ten Inch Record"
Deep Purple--"Smoke on the Water"--play instead "Cinnamon Girl" by Neil Young
Yes--"Roundabout"--play instead "When the Heart Rules the Mind" by, well, Yes, but, GTR
See, I don't even have to work in extreme obscurities to get some mix in the mix.
Ok, I'm stopping now.
Rant over. I could go on. and on. done.
fin.
99X--Atlanta's "alternative" radio. I think they have three CD's, and two of them are Red Hot Chili Peppers records. 99X reliably plays at least 7 Red Hot Chili Peppers songs an hour, 24/7. The other CD is some crappy emo compilation. Reliably plays alterna-rock from the same albums that were popular when I was in college, in spite of 14 new releases from bands like, say, Pearl Jam since then. Stop...playing...Ten.
Dave FM--Ok, a bit better--but its a bit as if I took all the "Greatest Hits" albums from my personal collection and made them into a giant playlist.
96 Rock--Hm. The longest running radio station in its current format--blasting cock rock, metal, a lot of Southern rock and occasional songs from the list I intend to generate. I can go here when I need some good, reliable 3 chord rock for driving/reliving high school/ or for getting the catchy hook of the whiny Emo song I tried to listen on 99x as a means to "grow" in my appreciation for young artists out of my head, hopefully forever.
97.1. The River. Ok, before 92.9 changed formats and became Dave FM, they played the same 14 late 70's-early 90's songs--and the River was a great radio station, playing tuneful "oldies" (which brings me to the...what is an "oldie" anyway question?!?) from the 50's-70's. Need to hear "More than a Feeling" again? Give the River 10 minutes.
Yay for college radio. WREK out of Georgia Tech, the Georgia State radio station--both have good programming even if it proves a little noisy for my taste at times, it can be really fun.
and now...the list:
10. "Bohemian Rhapsody" by queen-play instead...well, anything really, except Boston, I want to continue to like listening to the best of queen so please stop playing it on the radio for ten, maybe 12 years--but if you have to play a Queen song, play "Fat Bottom Girls" 'cause it rocks.
9. "Fly Like an Eagle" Steve Miller--play instead "Take the Money and Run" clap clap clap clap clap.
8. "Hotel California" the Eagles-play instead "Ol' 55" at least they had enough taste to cover Tom Waits
7. "Cocaine" Eric Clapton--play instead "Spanish Castle Magic" Jimi Hendrix--a better guitarist that doesn't get nearly as much play.
6. "Another Brick in the Wall" Pink Floyd--play instead "Shine on you Crazy Diamond"
5. "Stairway to Heaven" Led Zeppelin--play instead the longest, most guitar dripping, drum solo laden live version of "I Can't Quit You Baby" possible.
4. "Money for Nothing" Dire Straits--play instead..."Romeo and Juliet-Live"
3. "Foreplay/Long Time" Boston--play instead "Watch the Sunrise" by Big Star--tuneful, poppy, but tough and well, it doesn't have that grinding prefab silicon "I'm an MIT student" sound.
2. "Peace of Mind" Boston--play instead "Let my Love Open the Door" by Pete Townsend--for some reason, they stopped playing that song.
1. "More than a Feeling" Boston--play instead "the Seeker" by the Who
I want classic rock to wear out the Who the way they have been wearing out Boston for what seems like an eternity. They were a much better, more rockin', more intelligent band. I'm quite sure that the Who could beat up Boston, and well, pretty much any other American band.
As far as American bands go, Creedence is arguably the greatest American band of the sixties. play more of their songs--"Bad Moon Rising" and "Proud Mary" are great songs, but how fantastic are "Midnight Special" and "Cotton Fields?"
Please Mr. Radio Clear Channel conservative guy, stop making them play the same ten songs from the same four records. Please?
Honorable mention:
Black Crowes-"She Talks to Angels"--play instead "Hard to Handle"
Bob Seger-"Turn the Page"--play instead "Nutbush City Limits (live)"
Aerosmith--"Dream On"--play instead "Big Ten Inch Record"
Deep Purple--"Smoke on the Water"--play instead "Cinnamon Girl" by Neil Young
Yes--"Roundabout"--play instead "When the Heart Rules the Mind" by, well, Yes, but, GTR
See, I don't even have to work in extreme obscurities to get some mix in the mix.
Ok, I'm stopping now.
Rant over. I could go on. and on. done.
fin.
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Robert Altman, 1925-2006
Bonanza Episodes, Alfred Hitchcock Presents, Maverick
He forged his trademark style and brought unique storylines and style to television
M*A*S*H, Nashville, McCabe and Mrs. Miller
He cut genre wide open, and established himself as one of the world's best
Tom Waits, Lyle Lovett, Lily Tomlin, Sally Kellerman, Bud Cort
He developed an ensemble and blended our best actors, comedians, and musicians with harmonic grace.
The Player, Short Cuts, Gosford Park
For the second decade in his life, he made three films of a quality that most directors strive to achive just once in a lifetime.
Robert Altman, you've earned your rest.
He forged his trademark style and brought unique storylines and style to television
M*A*S*H, Nashville, McCabe and Mrs. Miller
He cut genre wide open, and established himself as one of the world's best
Tom Waits, Lyle Lovett, Lily Tomlin, Sally Kellerman, Bud Cort
He developed an ensemble and blended our best actors, comedians, and musicians with harmonic grace.
The Player, Short Cuts, Gosford Park
For the second decade in his life, he made three films of a quality that most directors strive to achive just once in a lifetime.
Robert Altman, you've earned your rest.
Sunday, November 19, 2006
Been a long lonely, lonely, lonely....time
Sorry dear readers, it's been awhile. I've a had a lot on my plate as the new job has finally moved into full swing. I really dig it, even the travel--though I'm still at that stage with a job where there are good weeks and bad weeks, and any time you are putting yourself out there the way you do when you train, you are bound to run into a buzz saw or three from time to time.
There are the "I'm going to ask you this, just to see if you know people."
There are the angry "I haven't taken any of the pre-requisites for this class, but why doesn't what you are presenting make sense to me?" people.
There are the "Hmm, what if I need to know this obscure and useless detail, let me ask hoooaahhahaha" people.
Largely, however, this job brings me to good people who I enjoy working with.
So that's enough about the job.
In other news, I've started playing drums with a little alt-country music band with a few friends in Atlanta. I'm feeling pretty lost with it at this point, but it's been a pretty fun Sunday afternoon activity for me lately. I know I'm a mediocre drummer, but Troy, Mike, and Aaron have been supportive and kind to let me play along.
I'm excited about the holidays. Thanksgiving is just in a few short days, and I'm looking forward to a fun and restful couple of days of cooking with mom, dad, and Dawn, seeing family, and of course, eating the goods!
Then we're off on a road trip through the lower midwest and into Chicago for the Christmas holidays.
Fun in the car.
We discovered our local public library branch this week. They have lots of CD's and books on tape, so, that'll help with the long trip into the great big open flat 0f Indiana and Illinois.
And that's about it for now. I appreciate your patience. I've made road trips to Raleigh, NC and Johnson City, TN since you heard from me last on the Travelblogue, so look for more there soon.
There are the "I'm going to ask you this, just to see if you know people."
There are the angry "I haven't taken any of the pre-requisites for this class, but why doesn't what you are presenting make sense to me?" people.
There are the "Hmm, what if I need to know this obscure and useless detail, let me ask hoooaahhahaha" people.
Largely, however, this job brings me to good people who I enjoy working with.
So that's enough about the job.
In other news, I've started playing drums with a little alt-country music band with a few friends in Atlanta. I'm feeling pretty lost with it at this point, but it's been a pretty fun Sunday afternoon activity for me lately. I know I'm a mediocre drummer, but Troy, Mike, and Aaron have been supportive and kind to let me play along.
I'm excited about the holidays. Thanksgiving is just in a few short days, and I'm looking forward to a fun and restful couple of days of cooking with mom, dad, and Dawn, seeing family, and of course, eating the goods!
Then we're off on a road trip through the lower midwest and into Chicago for the Christmas holidays.
Fun in the car.
We discovered our local public library branch this week. They have lots of CD's and books on tape, so, that'll help with the long trip into the great big open flat 0f Indiana and Illinois.
And that's about it for now. I appreciate your patience. I've made road trips to Raleigh, NC and Johnson City, TN since you heard from me last on the Travelblogue, so look for more there soon.
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
Good Songs...
Deliciously poppy:
"Girl, Inform Me"--the Shins
"You Get What You Give"--New Radicals
"It's Only Natural"--Crowded House
Completely badass:
"Have Love, Will Travel" the Blue Van AND the Black Keys
"Seven Nation Army" the White Stripes
"Girlfriend" Matthew Sweet (counts in both catagories)
Discuss.
"Girl, Inform Me"--the Shins
"You Get What You Give"--New Radicals
"It's Only Natural"--Crowded House
Completely badass:
"Have Love, Will Travel" the Blue Van AND the Black Keys
"Seven Nation Army" the White Stripes
"Girlfriend" Matthew Sweet (counts in both catagories)
Discuss.
Friday, October 13, 2006
Classical Thunder
Overheard piano player crankin' on Ozzy's "Crazy Train" in the highest classical style on the second floor of the Atlanta Airport near the USO.
It took me awhile to figure out what it was. I recognized it, but it just wasn't...quite right. I was both impressed with myself and had a snazzy giggle after that one.
It took me awhile to figure out what it was. I recognized it, but it just wasn't...quite right. I was both impressed with myself and had a snazzy giggle after that one.
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