He was no hero. (12/22/02)
Yet there was such a passion to his music and that of the Clash that you could not ignore.
They were loud, political, with a sense of intelligence that wasn't in many of the other 'punk' groups of the time.
I really hadn't heard of them until London Calling. The explosion of the opening cut, the cynicism of Lost In The Supermarket, and what were they saying about Montgomery Clift?
The bloated Sandinista came out after that. For a friend's radio poetry project I read the lyrics of Somebody Got Murdered.
Goodbye, for keeps, forever.
Then, at the station, we got a 45 from Epic Records. No group was listed on the label. It was a promo of Should I Stay or Should I Go. Things had changed for the group, or had they? Were The Clash becoming hit makers on their own terms?
I saw them live, at Rich Stadium, opening for The Who. they did their 45 minutes, closed with I Fought The Law. They weren't a stadium band. They needed the intimate raw energy of a small club to get their message across.
At the bar I worked as DJ, at the end of one evening I heard a voice call out, 'Ed, play The Clash. they have something to say.' A couple of years later I found out that voice belonged to someone who became a good friend.
They had the torch, but as Strummer later said, they dropped it.
The band split, a very ugly split between Strummer and Jones.
There was a strange Clash record done in the mid 80's. Jones did Big Audio Dynamite. Strummer had a few decent solo records, recorded with The Pogues, did some acting.
The Clash are being inducted into he Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in March.
Joe Strummer will be missing.
It will not be the same.
Showing posts with label music 2010. Show all posts
Showing posts with label music 2010. Show all posts
Saturday, December 22, 2012
Sunday, December 12, 2010
21 Cool Songs from 2010
2010 has been a year of electronic loss: The hard drive in the laptop fried out, while little music was not backed up, many photographs, folders and slide shows vanished. The CD player in the car gave up the ghost as well, and local radio does not cut it, making me a sad driver. Yet, as the year ends, we have endured another twelve months of watching the world go crazy.
It's an international cast this year as two thirds of this list is from outside of the United States. An unprecedented two bands from Columbus have made the cut. It was almost three with Scott Woods barely sliding out of contention. Frightened Rabbit was also not good enough to make it through to the final twenty one. Almost put an unreleased track from the Rolling Stones Exile on Main Street record on, but that would have been cheeky of me. I owe Janelle Monae an apology. Disappointments include Arcade Fire, who gave me no inspiration, and Rufus Wainwright - I should have known better to purchase that one. There's a festive blend of old geezers, legends and up and comers who I hope have long careers ahead of them; all complied for your listening pleasure.
The link to download these songs is at the end of this post, if you don't care to read my musings. Not sure what order they are in, but the obsessive liner notes below is the tracking that, after many hours of testing, I have come up with. You, of course, may listen to these songs in any order you wish. As always in this day of the MP3, it's not about the album, but the songs.
1) Sakert - Dansa, Fastan. Also known here as Hello Saferide, Annika Norlin has made her second project as Sakert. This was a tough record to find as getting an MP3 of Facit was forbidden from the amazon.co.uk website but my google-fu prevailed and Swedish Pop won the night. I'm always impressed by the ache in Ms. Norlin's voice even though I have no idea what she's singing about.
2) Jonsi - Boy Lilikoi. Taking the solo route while Sigur Ros is on hiatus has lead singer Jonsi edging toward Jon Anderson territory, but thankfully not going all there way there. This song was almost the lead track until Sakert pushed it down a notch.
3) Robert Plant - House of Cards. Robert Plant takes it back to pre-Zeppelin days by resurrecting the Band of Joy moniker. Replacing foil Alison Krauss with Patti Griffin was a move that added some grit to the vocals as did putting Buddy Miller on guitars and in the production seat. Plant once again finds some well chosen covers, including this one from Richard and Linda Thompson to make my favorite album of the year. I do worry he's going to the cover well too often though, how about some originals next time? Here's the Band of Joy on Jools Holland.
4) Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings - Money. I like the sass of this Brooklyn band. I like that they record to tape. I'm not impressed with the lack of bass in the mix though.
5) Nick Tolford & Company - I Kissed Her. A Columbus band that is doing a lot of things right. Soulful lead singer, competent musicians and decent songs. Plus, this record was recorded live. No overdubs. I bought this a Spoonful Records and got the download code with the vinyl. That's how you do it record industry, listen to the indies!
6) Cee-Lo Green - Fuck You. If you have not heard this you have been in a cave most of the year.
7) Cypress Hill - Amada Latina. Not a band I usually listen to but I heard the CSN&Y riff to Suite Judy Blue Eyes and I got sucked in by the hook. Why this was not a bigger hit is beyond me.
8) Gil Scott-Heron - Me and the Devil. After a sixteen year absence that saw him imprisoned and seeing some hard times it was a relief to hear that Gil Scott-Heron's working again. His voice now a guttural rasp, but it still has the power. Useless trivia I did not know until this year - his father, Giles, was the first black player to play for the Scottish Premier League team Glasgow Celtic in the 1950's, where he was known as "The Black Arrow." The record is called "I'm New Here."
9) Tom Jones - Burning Hell. Seventy years old and still has his chops. Working with Ethan Johns as producer gave him vitality. "Praise and Blame" was recorded live in the studio. A hot selection of gospel and blues that puts to shame singers of half the Welshman's age. Here's Tom on Jools Holland.
10) Drew Grow and The Preachers Wives - Bootstraps. I found these group through the "I Am Fuel, You are Friends" blog. Grow's out of Portland, Oregon and this song is hypnotic. Very primal, swampy, it got in my head. Grow's parents are ministers and he's got the ability to testify. A band to watch for.
11) Admiral Fallow - Squealing Pigs. From Glasgow comes one of my favorite songs of the year. That damn accent pulled me in, combined with the female backup then that wacky coronet solo. Good stuff. This video was recorded at T in the Park.
12) Kid Canaveral - Good Morning. Another Scottish band, this one from St. Andrews. Some straight forward pop/rock with decent melodies you can shout along with.
13) Cours Lapin - Cache Cache. Producers of Danish movie soundtracks find a girl singer, write their songs in French. Happens every day, right?
14) Super Desserts - Funeral. For the first time, two bands from Columbus are on the list. I'm charmed by this seven or nine piece group who put out two record this year. One is Banjo Forever, the other, Twee as Folk. Both are gentle, quirky and possess a rare charm.
15) Belle & Sebastian - I Want the World to Stop. This record has been growing on me. As long as I forget the mistake of a Norah Jones duet, this is one of my favorite records of the year. What I am very pleased with is the emergence of Sarah Martin in the band's songwriting and arrangement dynamic. The progress she has made is a marvel.
16) Furland - Quiero Ser Un Color. This was culled from the Music Alliance Pact. An earnest young man from Mexico. Great little song that battled all year to make the final list. I think it was that George Harrison slide guitar that did it.
17) Broken Records - A Leaving Song. They've been here two years in a row now. This Edinburgh band released their first full length record, Let Me Come Home, a couple of months back. They've become less of an Arcade Fire type ensemble and more of a rock group. This is a good thing. They're coming to the U.S. early next year, sadly, nowhere near Columbus. See this band in the clubs before they become too big for them.
18) Paul Weller - No Tears to Cry. The geezer is still relevant. Anyone who tells me otherwise is itching for a fight.
19) Mynabirds - Numbers Don't Lie. This song's been in my head all year. A fantastic song with mega girl group influence. It's the creation of Laura Burhenn. What We Lose in the Fire We Gain in the Flood is the name of the record. Here's the band at SXSW.
20) Divine Comedy - I Like You. Neil Hannon made another record that no one in the states really heard. Bang Goes the Knighthood was not even released here. Thanks to Amazon.co.uk for shipping it here! This is one wacky video.
21) Mumford & Sons - Winter Winds. These guys penetrated my soul this year. Absolutely went nuts off their debut record and they met all expectations when I saw them at the Wexner Center for only $12 in May. You'll never see them again in a small venue and forget about paying that price to see them. They're huge now. Hell, I have Sigh No More on vinyl. Thank you Spoonful Records!
The link for the songs is HERE.
Click on 2010songs.zip.
It's an international cast this year as two thirds of this list is from outside of the United States. An unprecedented two bands from Columbus have made the cut. It was almost three with Scott Woods barely sliding out of contention. Frightened Rabbit was also not good enough to make it through to the final twenty one. Almost put an unreleased track from the Rolling Stones Exile on Main Street record on, but that would have been cheeky of me. I owe Janelle Monae an apology. Disappointments include Arcade Fire, who gave me no inspiration, and Rufus Wainwright - I should have known better to purchase that one. There's a festive blend of old geezers, legends and up and comers who I hope have long careers ahead of them; all complied for your listening pleasure.
The link to download these songs is at the end of this post, if you don't care to read my musings. Not sure what order they are in, but the obsessive liner notes below is the tracking that, after many hours of testing, I have come up with. You, of course, may listen to these songs in any order you wish. As always in this day of the MP3, it's not about the album, but the songs.
1) Sakert - Dansa, Fastan. Also known here as Hello Saferide, Annika Norlin has made her second project as Sakert. This was a tough record to find as getting an MP3 of Facit was forbidden from the amazon.co.uk website but my google-fu prevailed and Swedish Pop won the night. I'm always impressed by the ache in Ms. Norlin's voice even though I have no idea what she's singing about.
2) Jonsi - Boy Lilikoi. Taking the solo route while Sigur Ros is on hiatus has lead singer Jonsi edging toward Jon Anderson territory, but thankfully not going all there way there. This song was almost the lead track until Sakert pushed it down a notch.
3) Robert Plant - House of Cards. Robert Plant takes it back to pre-Zeppelin days by resurrecting the Band of Joy moniker. Replacing foil Alison Krauss with Patti Griffin was a move that added some grit to the vocals as did putting Buddy Miller on guitars and in the production seat. Plant once again finds some well chosen covers, including this one from Richard and Linda Thompson to make my favorite album of the year. I do worry he's going to the cover well too often though, how about some originals next time? Here's the Band of Joy on Jools Holland.
4) Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings - Money. I like the sass of this Brooklyn band. I like that they record to tape. I'm not impressed with the lack of bass in the mix though.
5) Nick Tolford & Company - I Kissed Her. A Columbus band that is doing a lot of things right. Soulful lead singer, competent musicians and decent songs. Plus, this record was recorded live. No overdubs. I bought this a Spoonful Records and got the download code with the vinyl. That's how you do it record industry, listen to the indies!
6) Cee-Lo Green - Fuck You. If you have not heard this you have been in a cave most of the year.
7) Cypress Hill - Amada Latina. Not a band I usually listen to but I heard the CSN&Y riff to Suite Judy Blue Eyes and I got sucked in by the hook. Why this was not a bigger hit is beyond me.
8) Gil Scott-Heron - Me and the Devil. After a sixteen year absence that saw him imprisoned and seeing some hard times it was a relief to hear that Gil Scott-Heron's working again. His voice now a guttural rasp, but it still has the power. Useless trivia I did not know until this year - his father, Giles, was the first black player to play for the Scottish Premier League team Glasgow Celtic in the 1950's, where he was known as "The Black Arrow." The record is called "I'm New Here."
9) Tom Jones - Burning Hell. Seventy years old and still has his chops. Working with Ethan Johns as producer gave him vitality. "Praise and Blame" was recorded live in the studio. A hot selection of gospel and blues that puts to shame singers of half the Welshman's age. Here's Tom on Jools Holland.
10) Drew Grow and The Preachers Wives - Bootstraps. I found these group through the "I Am Fuel, You are Friends" blog. Grow's out of Portland, Oregon and this song is hypnotic. Very primal, swampy, it got in my head. Grow's parents are ministers and he's got the ability to testify. A band to watch for.
11) Admiral Fallow - Squealing Pigs. From Glasgow comes one of my favorite songs of the year. That damn accent pulled me in, combined with the female backup then that wacky coronet solo. Good stuff. This video was recorded at T in the Park.
12) Kid Canaveral - Good Morning. Another Scottish band, this one from St. Andrews. Some straight forward pop/rock with decent melodies you can shout along with.
13) Cours Lapin - Cache Cache. Producers of Danish movie soundtracks find a girl singer, write their songs in French. Happens every day, right?
14) Super Desserts - Funeral. For the first time, two bands from Columbus are on the list. I'm charmed by this seven or nine piece group who put out two record this year. One is Banjo Forever, the other, Twee as Folk. Both are gentle, quirky and possess a rare charm.
15) Belle & Sebastian - I Want the World to Stop. This record has been growing on me. As long as I forget the mistake of a Norah Jones duet, this is one of my favorite records of the year. What I am very pleased with is the emergence of Sarah Martin in the band's songwriting and arrangement dynamic. The progress she has made is a marvel.
16) Furland - Quiero Ser Un Color. This was culled from the Music Alliance Pact. An earnest young man from Mexico. Great little song that battled all year to make the final list. I think it was that George Harrison slide guitar that did it.
17) Broken Records - A Leaving Song. They've been here two years in a row now. This Edinburgh band released their first full length record, Let Me Come Home, a couple of months back. They've become less of an Arcade Fire type ensemble and more of a rock group. This is a good thing. They're coming to the U.S. early next year, sadly, nowhere near Columbus. See this band in the clubs before they become too big for them.
18) Paul Weller - No Tears to Cry. The geezer is still relevant. Anyone who tells me otherwise is itching for a fight.
19) Mynabirds - Numbers Don't Lie. This song's been in my head all year. A fantastic song with mega girl group influence. It's the creation of Laura Burhenn. What We Lose in the Fire We Gain in the Flood is the name of the record. Here's the band at SXSW.
20) Divine Comedy - I Like You. Neil Hannon made another record that no one in the states really heard. Bang Goes the Knighthood was not even released here. Thanks to Amazon.co.uk for shipping it here! This is one wacky video.
21) Mumford & Sons - Winter Winds. These guys penetrated my soul this year. Absolutely went nuts off their debut record and they met all expectations when I saw them at the Wexner Center for only $12 in May. You'll never see them again in a small venue and forget about paying that price to see them. They're huge now. Hell, I have Sigh No More on vinyl. Thank you Spoonful Records!
The link for the songs is HERE.
Click on 2010songs.zip.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Woken up by the Rain
Pretty heavy rain moved through here about 3AM. Everyone else is still asleep. The kid needs his sleep as he's been sick the past few days. I'm hoping he gets enough rest so he can head back to school instead of to the doctor. It's hard when he can't tell you what's wrong and he's good at detecting when you spike his food with medicine.
Been busy getting ready for the move at work. Monday will have my department going to a new location. I will have a window close to my desk.
Also been working on the year end CD. This year's will be available for download and should be finished in a week to ten days. Watch this space for exciting developments.
Been busy getting ready for the move at work. Monday will have my department going to a new location. I will have a window close to my desk.
Also been working on the year end CD. This year's will be available for download and should be finished in a week to ten days. Watch this space for exciting developments.
Monday, November 8, 2010
I'm Not Sure What's Going on Here
After about a three year absence, the new Sakert record was released in August. Readers here know that Sakert = Annika Norlin = Hello Saferide. I like them all, even if I have no knowledge of Swedish.
Annika shows up in the video at the 1:45 mark.
In trying to find a link to purchase, I found a download at a very reasonable price through Amazon.UK. This is very good news.
Annika shows up in the video at the 1:45 mark.
In trying to find a link to purchase, I found a download at a very reasonable price through Amazon.UK. This is very good news.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
There is no pain, you are receding.
Friday night I saw the most memorable blending of rock and roll and theater. Roger Waters "The Wall" is the theater Ray Davies could never quite achieve on stage, the technology Pete Townshend could never grasp during his peak writing years.
The whole arena is used as a set. This could never be done on Broadway, the stages are too small.
The amount of time that went into planning this show has to be phenomenal. The costs of the ticket are justified when one sees the amount of people that have to be paid to truck this show from city to city. I saw at least two dozen semis outside of the Schottenstein Center the afternoon before the concert.
Every detail of the stage set is amazing. The surround sound was clean and incredible. The musicians, first rate. The crowd, odd, and I'm not talking about the guy in front of us who smothered us in pot smoke, but the people who yelled out they did not pay to see Waters projected on or behind a screen. Um, you're seeing The Wall, what did you expect? Loved the hotel room bit.
I've never been much of a Pink Floyd fan, but always respected Waters as being the band's main songwriter. At 67 he's not out there running around the stage, and he lacks the stage presence of most of the frontmen of his era. During "Comfortably Numb" while one of the other members of the group sang the David Gilmour parts, Waters mimed the words, reaching for the crowd with his hands. It was one of the most emotional performances I've seen on any stage.
He also has to hit his mark on the wall, every night.
Naturally, the wall came down.
We took our time leaving and while I was in the bathroom line, my friend took some footage of the set being broken down. I wondered what the wall was made of, know I knew.
The whole arena is used as a set. This could never be done on Broadway, the stages are too small.
The amount of time that went into planning this show has to be phenomenal. The costs of the ticket are justified when one sees the amount of people that have to be paid to truck this show from city to city. I saw at least two dozen semis outside of the Schottenstein Center the afternoon before the concert.
Every detail of the stage set is amazing. The surround sound was clean and incredible. The musicians, first rate. The crowd, odd, and I'm not talking about the guy in front of us who smothered us in pot smoke, but the people who yelled out they did not pay to see Waters projected on or behind a screen. Um, you're seeing The Wall, what did you expect? Loved the hotel room bit.
I've never been much of a Pink Floyd fan, but always respected Waters as being the band's main songwriter. At 67 he's not out there running around the stage, and he lacks the stage presence of most of the frontmen of his era. During "Comfortably Numb" while one of the other members of the group sang the David Gilmour parts, Waters mimed the words, reaching for the crowd with his hands. It was one of the most emotional performances I've seen on any stage.
He also has to hit his mark on the wall, every night.
Naturally, the wall came down.
We took our time leaving and while I was in the bathroom line, my friend took some footage of the set being broken down. I wondered what the wall was made of, know I knew.
Friday, October 15, 2010
Brand Extension
Picked this up on cd yesterday. Yoko is now officially scraping the bottom of the barrel with all the remasters and compliations that have been released in the thirty years since John's death. This one though, a Stripped Down version of Double Fantasy, is worth seeking out. Lennon's voice is brought up way up in the mix and a lot of the extraneous noise (choirs, for example) has been taken out. This works well on a few of the songs with a major difference on Woman and turns the rest of side two into a naked mess. I like Starting Over most and Yoko's Give Me Something works with this raw polishing.
You also get a remastered version of the original included. A decent twofer.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
One Hard Drive Later
Been listening to Write About Love, the latest from Belle and Sebastian for the last couple of mornings. I'm concluding that, with this record, B&S is a band and not the efforts one person. There are songs by Stevie Jackson and Sarah Martin that, while not in the style of Stuart Murdoch, fit the record and theme.
I'm not pleased with the celebrity cameos, especially the Norah Jones duet and am puzzled that the lovely yet voiceless Carey Mulligan gets a track. Why not include one of the singers from the God Help the Girl soundtrack, or has Murdoch cut away completely from that project?
There are a couple of fine songs on this record, the opener I Didn't See it Coming and I Want the World to Stop are quite infectious. I'm not sure how much longer B&S will sustain itself now that special guest stars are showing up. When will Cousin Oliver add his vocals?
In other news, despite massive efforts at resuscitation, it looks like the hard drive on the macbook is now an ex-hard drive. For the moment, I'm taking the loss rather well. I guess losing a lot of pictures and three years of music does not effect me much. Most of the writing can be reassembled. It's not going to be an easy transition. Realizing that lists and songs are gone, probably forever, will be tough when it hits me.
I'm not pleased with the celebrity cameos, especially the Norah Jones duet and am puzzled that the lovely yet voiceless Carey Mulligan gets a track. Why not include one of the singers from the God Help the Girl soundtrack, or has Murdoch cut away completely from that project?
There are a couple of fine songs on this record, the opener I Didn't See it Coming and I Want the World to Stop are quite infectious. I'm not sure how much longer B&S will sustain itself now that special guest stars are showing up. When will Cousin Oliver add his vocals?
In other news, despite massive efforts at resuscitation, it looks like the hard drive on the macbook is now an ex-hard drive. For the moment, I'm taking the loss rather well. I guess losing a lot of pictures and three years of music does not effect me much. Most of the writing can be reassembled. It's not going to be an easy transition. Realizing that lists and songs are gone, probably forever, will be tough when it hits me.
Monday, October 4, 2010
Make me dance I want to surrender
Survived the weekend festivities. While driving into Fredonia on Saturday afternoon I heard two friends on the campus station. The alumni took over the radio for the weekend in hour shifts. I was asked, but declined.
When I got there though, my friend Chris asked if I'd join him as he did not want to be alone. He did not have to ask twice.
With Mike as our board operator and Chris' iPod as our record library we did an hour of live, unrehearsed radio and have a freaking blast doing it. I read the weather forecast for the first time in over twenty tears, talked about bagging an elk on Center Street. All was right in the world. It felt great to be back on the air. No one could afford my services now though, but Chris and I should consider a podcast.
Finally got to see a show at the renovated Opera House, Dan Berggren did an hour set in a beautiful theater.
Then it was over to BJ's for the shenanigans. 600 wings were devoured by starving alumni. There was live music and flashbulbs. Felt like a pinball bouncing around between people. Pheromones and dollar well drinks filled the air. My Scottish Wife had a good time and talked to a few people too. She was amazed that the bartender gave her a free coke with her drink.
After the music was over, I stood on the stage and took pictures of the crowd. I was joined by Sue, and as she and I talked a crowd gathered around us for a group shot. The price of fame I suppose.
Had to leave early to drive back to Buffalo in a pissing down rainstorm. Stayed sober and responsible. No drama, no first wife showed up.
Drove home yesterday in more heavy rain. Still made it home in excellent time. Been listening to the new Belle and Sebastian record, it helps to have connections as it's not being released until next week.
Typing this on a borrowed net book, still trying to decide on a permanent home computer situation. We have a couple of weeks to decide. Have nowhere to upload pictures to yet, but have a few to share. I look very odd in the pictures I've seen of me from this weekend.
When I got there though, my friend Chris asked if I'd join him as he did not want to be alone. He did not have to ask twice.
With Mike as our board operator and Chris' iPod as our record library we did an hour of live, unrehearsed radio and have a freaking blast doing it. I read the weather forecast for the first time in over twenty tears, talked about bagging an elk on Center Street. All was right in the world. It felt great to be back on the air. No one could afford my services now though, but Chris and I should consider a podcast.
Finally got to see a show at the renovated Opera House, Dan Berggren did an hour set in a beautiful theater.
Then it was over to BJ's for the shenanigans. 600 wings were devoured by starving alumni. There was live music and flashbulbs. Felt like a pinball bouncing around between people. Pheromones and dollar well drinks filled the air. My Scottish Wife had a good time and talked to a few people too. She was amazed that the bartender gave her a free coke with her drink.
After the music was over, I stood on the stage and took pictures of the crowd. I was joined by Sue, and as she and I talked a crowd gathered around us for a group shot. The price of fame I suppose.
Had to leave early to drive back to Buffalo in a pissing down rainstorm. Stayed sober and responsible. No drama, no first wife showed up.
Drove home yesterday in more heavy rain. Still made it home in excellent time. Been listening to the new Belle and Sebastian record, it helps to have connections as it's not being released until next week.
Typing this on a borrowed net book, still trying to decide on a permanent home computer situation. We have a couple of weeks to decide. Have nowhere to upload pictures to yet, but have a few to share. I look very odd in the pictures I've seen of me from this weekend.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
A Man and His Love
Yeah, he went there. This guy is brilliant, a shame he does not tour in the U.S. due to a lack of a market.
Monday, September 20, 2010
The Woods are Lovely, Dark and Deep
Had a very relaxing weekend in the middle of nowhere, Ohio. It was good to unplug, even though we discovered the cabin had Direct TV. The woods are not quiet. The roof was bombarded by random assaults of walnuts. Even our hike was dangerous, as we we dodged a constant dropping of hickory nuts.
Ever eat a tree? Many parts are edible.
I built a fire, on my own, out of logs and a few Sunday editions of the Akron Beacon Journal. Eventually it burned on its own, and I figured out how to open the damper so we did not die of carbon monoxide poisoning.
It was an easy two hour drive. The car did well enough, getting almost 25 miles per gallon. Something's up with the tailpipe though.
Took today off to make sure the gas meter got read and to have the furnace looked at. It conked out on us in April and it's time to get it ready for winter. It's been having a repetitive issue with the pressure switch, which is easily fixable but there's a new twist to each repair.
I'm really digging Band of Joy, the new Robert Plant album. He has Patti Griffin as his foil this time around and it's quite gritter than Alison Krauss on Raising Sand.
One thing I admire about Plant's post Led Zeppelin career is that he's not coasting on his accomplishments. Sure, he's worked with Jimmy Page and done the one off reunion concert, but he's not peddling the same old show the way many, many, many other rockers of his generation continue to do to this very day. I'm not going to name names, but you can guess a few.
He also looks his age. Every one of his 62 years.
He's challenged himself by working with a diverse and talented cast of musicians and reworking the folk rock that influenced him. My one complaint is that he's not doing any originals, where are they at? Buddy Miller's collaboration is much rawer and looser than T-Bone Burnett's polish. Band of Joy is going to be one my favorite records this year.
Ever eat a tree? Many parts are edible.
I built a fire, on my own, out of logs and a few Sunday editions of the Akron Beacon Journal. Eventually it burned on its own, and I figured out how to open the damper so we did not die of carbon monoxide poisoning.
It was an easy two hour drive. The car did well enough, getting almost 25 miles per gallon. Something's up with the tailpipe though.
Took today off to make sure the gas meter got read and to have the furnace looked at. It conked out on us in April and it's time to get it ready for winter. It's been having a repetitive issue with the pressure switch, which is easily fixable but there's a new twist to each repair.
I'm really digging Band of Joy, the new Robert Plant album. He has Patti Griffin as his foil this time around and it's quite gritter than Alison Krauss on Raising Sand.
One thing I admire about Plant's post Led Zeppelin career is that he's not coasting on his accomplishments. Sure, he's worked with Jimmy Page and done the one off reunion concert, but he's not peddling the same old show the way many, many, many other rockers of his generation continue to do to this very day. I'm not going to name names, but you can guess a few.
He also looks his age. Every one of his 62 years.
He's challenged himself by working with a diverse and talented cast of musicians and reworking the folk rock that influenced him. My one complaint is that he's not doing any originals, where are they at? Buddy Miller's collaboration is much rawer and looser than T-Bone Burnett's polish. Band of Joy is going to be one my favorite records this year.
Friday, September 17, 2010
The New Retail God
Spoonful Records came through again, without even asking. The owner posted that he had some new vinyl in, including Mumford & Sons "Sigh No More."
I immediately asked what he was asking for it. He told me, and I said I'd be there in less than an hour.
This is excellent customer service in the age of social media. Odd that the next time I would have been there I was going to ask him if he could get this for me. Knowing a customer needs without asking, that's amazing!
Now I'm on my second spin of this record, and it sounds so much better than on the laptop. The vinyl is thick! The sleeve was shrink wrapped! I think it's the second new vinyl I've purchased in years, the last being Mossy Liquor by Robyn Hitchcock - that would have been 1996,
Going on a bit of a road trip after a half day of work. You kids have a good weekend.
I immediately asked what he was asking for it. He told me, and I said I'd be there in less than an hour.
This is excellent customer service in the age of social media. Odd that the next time I would have been there I was going to ask him if he could get this for me. Knowing a customer needs without asking, that's amazing!
Now I'm on my second spin of this record, and it sounds so much better than on the laptop. The vinyl is thick! The sleeve was shrink wrapped! I think it's the second new vinyl I've purchased in years, the last being Mossy Liquor by Robyn Hitchcock - that would have been 1996,
Going on a bit of a road trip after a half day of work. You kids have a good weekend.
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Friday, September 3, 2010
Change in the Weather
After many listenings, both at home and in the car, I’ve concluded that Arcade Fire’s latest bores the crap out of me. A big revelation in the grand scheme of things, but there it is. There’s no connection between me and this record. None of the songs move me to do anything but turn them down, or off. Yes, it’s about the boring suburbs and the movement of people and children back to their parents’ homes in times of financial peril. I get that. Does not make me care about the music though.
Weird year, most of the music I’ve bought has been disappointing. The music I’ve found through other means has been more exciting and vibrant. What does that mean?
What I’ve heard from KT Tunstall’s upcoming release has not been great.
Hope this does not bode well for the Belle and Sebastian release in October that I have already preordered.
Shifting to poetry: this Monday the sixth, Labor Day, I will be participating in a poetry slam at the Upper Arlington Arts Festival, which is HERE. It all starts at 2:45PM.
Hope to see you there and have a great weekend.
Weird year, most of the music I’ve bought has been disappointing. The music I’ve found through other means has been more exciting and vibrant. What does that mean?
What I’ve heard from KT Tunstall’s upcoming release has not been great.
Hope this does not bode well for the Belle and Sebastian release in October that I have already preordered.
Shifting to poetry: this Monday the sixth, Labor Day, I will be participating in a poetry slam at the Upper Arlington Arts Festival, which is HERE. It all starts at 2:45PM.
Hope to see you there and have a great weekend.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Look at the Lines
The new lenses arrived yesterday. Immediately on fitting I noticed the bifocals, unlike the last lenses I had which were supposed to be bifocals. Not sure if the last prescription I had was incorrect or if there was a screw up at the lab, but something was not right with the last lenses.
New ones are taking a bit of getting used to, but reading is easier now.
My son was looking at one of his picture books a couple of nights ago. He turns the pages fast so it's tough to interact with him. I was asking him what some of the pictures were and he named a few that surprised me. He said words I'd never heard him say, and have no idea where he picked them up.
His vision therapy seems to be going well. His therapist noticed some continued eye contact and excellent following of directions during the last session. It's not hurting him. He also seems a lot calmer and has fewer meltdowns. Good things regardless.
Still trying to form an opinion of the new Arcade Fire album. If I have to think about it so much, what does that say?
This is not an indictment but an observation. Only three posts from Live Journal in the last eighteen hours, and one of them was a digest of tweets.
New ones are taking a bit of getting used to, but reading is easier now.
My son was looking at one of his picture books a couple of nights ago. He turns the pages fast so it's tough to interact with him. I was asking him what some of the pictures were and he named a few that surprised me. He said words I'd never heard him say, and have no idea where he picked them up.
His vision therapy seems to be going well. His therapist noticed some continued eye contact and excellent following of directions during the last session. It's not hurting him. He also seems a lot calmer and has fewer meltdowns. Good things regardless.
Still trying to form an opinion of the new Arcade Fire album. If I have to think about it so much, what does that say?
This is not an indictment but an observation. Only three posts from Live Journal in the last eighteen hours, and one of them was a digest of tweets.
Saturday, July 10, 2010
One Way to Earn Respect
I was so excited a few months ago when it was announced that Squeeze and Cheap Trick would be touring, together. I had never seen either band and the nostalgia appeal was too good to pass up. Plus, tickets after the ridiculous fees were only $28 each. So I had to go.
My Scottish Wife was familiar with some of Squeeze's songs but had only heard just one or two Cheap Trick songs. She was interested, and once the rain stopped and a few beers at Barley's we were all looking forward to the show.
Squeeze opened. It was their first show on this leg of the tour.
They opened with Black Coffee in Bed. Then tried to turn it into a singalong, which really was not the best way to handle it. Turning the opening song into an extended jam was not a good idea either.
They sounded a bit tired, or not used to the idea of playing together yet. I have to say that Glenn Tilbrook sounded fantastic. Chris Difford, on the other hand, phoned in Cool for Cats.
They dug deep into their back catalog, included a couple of songs from the Difford & Tilbrook record, which was quite the surprise. Plus, a nice version of Someone Else's Bell from East Side Story, which is a record that lived on my turntable during freshman year of college.
We were a bit disappointed they did not do Another Nail in My Heart or Pulling Mussels from the Shell, it was still a good time.
For whatever reasons I've never been able to take Cheap Trick seriously. Live at Budokan is certainly a fine live album. Dream Police and Surrender are great songs, but the rest always seemed uneven to me. Then there was The Flame, and the horrors that come from that song.
So I was very curious as to what kind of show they'd give.
Jesus I was impressed from the start. The energy these guys can still put out after being together for over thirty five years is very impressive. Robin Zander has developed and kept some serious vocal chops, and at the age of fifty seven can still wail with the best of them. Rick Neilsen has an untold number of guitars, (he brought out the five necked one!) and can play them all with the best of all the guitar heroes. Incredibly, at the age of sixty three, he was running around the stage with the energy of a twenty something.
They performed a few hits amidst some what may have been some newer or even some deep cuts from the older records. It did not matter, what they did rocked the shit out of the place!
A memorable moment came during Dream Police when a police helicopter went over the LC and shined its spotlight on the crowd. One of the freakiest thing I've ever seen at a show. No way this could have been planned, right? Also on the weird scale is that my ex wife's ex boyfriend saw me there and texted her. He also saw us at Cuco's on Thursday night. Who is stalking who? And hey someone from Florida who looked here for a long time yesterday, how about an introduction?
After finally seeing Cheap Trick I seriously have to wonder why these guys are not in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. I was boycotting the place until Ronnie Spector got in. Now, there is another legitimate reason to not go.
My Scottish Wife was familiar with some of Squeeze's songs but had only heard just one or two Cheap Trick songs. She was interested, and once the rain stopped and a few beers at Barley's we were all looking forward to the show.
Squeeze opened. It was their first show on this leg of the tour.
They opened with Black Coffee in Bed. Then tried to turn it into a singalong, which really was not the best way to handle it. Turning the opening song into an extended jam was not a good idea either.
They sounded a bit tired, or not used to the idea of playing together yet. I have to say that Glenn Tilbrook sounded fantastic. Chris Difford, on the other hand, phoned in Cool for Cats.
They dug deep into their back catalog, included a couple of songs from the Difford & Tilbrook record, which was quite the surprise. Plus, a nice version of Someone Else's Bell from East Side Story, which is a record that lived on my turntable during freshman year of college.
We were a bit disappointed they did not do Another Nail in My Heart or Pulling Mussels from the Shell, it was still a good time.
For whatever reasons I've never been able to take Cheap Trick seriously. Live at Budokan is certainly a fine live album. Dream Police and Surrender are great songs, but the rest always seemed uneven to me. Then there was The Flame, and the horrors that come from that song.
So I was very curious as to what kind of show they'd give.
Jesus I was impressed from the start. The energy these guys can still put out after being together for over thirty five years is very impressive. Robin Zander has developed and kept some serious vocal chops, and at the age of fifty seven can still wail with the best of them. Rick Neilsen has an untold number of guitars, (he brought out the five necked one!) and can play them all with the best of all the guitar heroes. Incredibly, at the age of sixty three, he was running around the stage with the energy of a twenty something.
They performed a few hits amidst some what may have been some newer or even some deep cuts from the older records. It did not matter, what they did rocked the shit out of the place!
A memorable moment came during Dream Police when a police helicopter went over the LC and shined its spotlight on the crowd. One of the freakiest thing I've ever seen at a show. No way this could have been planned, right? Also on the weird scale is that my ex wife's ex boyfriend saw me there and texted her. He also saw us at Cuco's on Thursday night. Who is stalking who? And hey someone from Florida who looked here for a long time yesterday, how about an introduction?
After finally seeing Cheap Trick I seriously have to wonder why these guys are not in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. I was boycotting the place until Ronnie Spector got in. Now, there is another legitimate reason to not go.
Sunday, May 23, 2010
You Cannibal, You Meat Eater...
It can be a drag when two events you want to attend happen at the same time. I bought two tickets to the Mumford & Sons show before I found out about my friend's barbecue. I would have eaten the $12 tickets but I really wanted to see this band.
You never know what to expect when you see a sold out show by a very hyped group. Will the crowd be a bunch of people there just to talk through the show and be seen? Will the band be road weary and cynical of their own newly found fame? Luckily neither of these were the case and Mumford & Sons met all expectations.
The opening band was an Australian septet called The Middle East. I was thrilled that they were opening because I've heard a couple of their songs and liked what I heard. Onstage they presented themselves rather seriously with their quiet, folksy songs that were more akin to a sit down show rather than the setting of standing on the Mershon stage. I was more impressed by their louder songs, and they could make a glorious noise when they wanted, than the softer tunes.
While waiting for the headliner I was approached by the reviewer for the local paper, whi I used to work with at the bookstore. We swapped opinions and waited for the show to start.
The band came out, opened with Sigh No More and it was off to the races. These guys can play, they can sing. I have not heard such great four part harmonies live since Moxy Fruvous. Yes, it's an odd comparison.
I hope the band does not paint themselves into a corner, but a formula for quite a few of their songs is to start out slow, then go full throttle. While it is exciting to hear, you want a band to show some versatility. They are combating this, during one new song Marcus (the lead singer) went behind the drum kit and showed some chops. This caused the local critic to tell me he did not expect that and had not seen that since he saw Jack White play drums for Goober & the Peas about fifteen years ago. This kind of freaked me out since I was at the show he told me about. So I can now say I've seen Jack White play before he became the White Stripes.
The sold out crowd was really well behaved and respectful to both bands, each of whom made mention of the pleasure of hearing themselves play without loud talking going on. It was my second time seeing a show on the Mershon stage and the sound is excellent. We're getting old though, it's hard to stand for three hours. My wife is not a fan of the group, but she appreciates when a band could play well. She kind of squealed when Marcus played a thin body electric. She likes good gear.
While it was sad to miss the party, seeing this band for $12 is never going to happen again, and I'm very pleased to have made that decision. I even bought a t-shirt, something I have not done since seeing Robyn Hitchcock about eighteen years ago. That's how good Mumford & Sons are. They're selling out their shows, hitting the festivals, and will be playing much bigger venues the next time around.
You never know what to expect when you see a sold out show by a very hyped group. Will the crowd be a bunch of people there just to talk through the show and be seen? Will the band be road weary and cynical of their own newly found fame? Luckily neither of these were the case and Mumford & Sons met all expectations.
The opening band was an Australian septet called The Middle East. I was thrilled that they were opening because I've heard a couple of their songs and liked what I heard. Onstage they presented themselves rather seriously with their quiet, folksy songs that were more akin to a sit down show rather than the setting of standing on the Mershon stage. I was more impressed by their louder songs, and they could make a glorious noise when they wanted, than the softer tunes.
While waiting for the headliner I was approached by the reviewer for the local paper, whi I used to work with at the bookstore. We swapped opinions and waited for the show to start.
The band came out, opened with Sigh No More and it was off to the races. These guys can play, they can sing. I have not heard such great four part harmonies live since Moxy Fruvous. Yes, it's an odd comparison.
I hope the band does not paint themselves into a corner, but a formula for quite a few of their songs is to start out slow, then go full throttle. While it is exciting to hear, you want a band to show some versatility. They are combating this, during one new song Marcus (the lead singer) went behind the drum kit and showed some chops. This caused the local critic to tell me he did not expect that and had not seen that since he saw Jack White play drums for Goober & the Peas about fifteen years ago. This kind of freaked me out since I was at the show he told me about. So I can now say I've seen Jack White play before he became the White Stripes.
The sold out crowd was really well behaved and respectful to both bands, each of whom made mention of the pleasure of hearing themselves play without loud talking going on. It was my second time seeing a show on the Mershon stage and the sound is excellent. We're getting old though, it's hard to stand for three hours. My wife is not a fan of the group, but she appreciates when a band could play well. She kind of squealed when Marcus played a thin body electric. She likes good gear.
While it was sad to miss the party, seeing this band for $12 is never going to happen again, and I'm very pleased to have made that decision. I even bought a t-shirt, something I have not done since seeing Robyn Hitchcock about eighteen years ago. That's how good Mumford & Sons are. They're selling out their shows, hitting the festivals, and will be playing much bigger venues the next time around.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Welcome Back Mr. Hannon
He made a cameo on the God Help the Girl album last year. "Is that Neil Hannon?" My wife asked. I had no idea who he was. She sent me links to a couple of his videos and I was hooked.
The record has a UK release on the 31st of May. Not sure if it's coming over here.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Non Numerical Post
Not much to report. Spring is here in Ohio. The days lengthen, the temperature is warming up, the Mets are sucking and the Blue Jackets are golfing.
I'm actually leaving work early tomorrow to go to the local and watch Everton play Aston Villa. If the Toffees can't win this game, chances of the Europa League are slim.
I'm thinking the song of the summer is this one.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXSBhvnNdSk
I'm actually leaving work early tomorrow to go to the local and watch Everton play Aston Villa. If the Toffees can't win this game, chances of the Europa League are slim.
I'm thinking the song of the summer is this one.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXSBhvnNdSk
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Somewhere to the North and East
My Scottish Wife asked me about a place we went to, long ago. "You know, the place with the tap handles that were all high. I had a veggie reuben."
Well, no. I did not remember. Until just after I woke up this morning. Wracked my brain for nothing most of yesterday afternoon.
The boy was on the toilet last night. We're all waiting for poop. He's sitting, reading 'Go Dog Go!' My Scottish Wife is reading it to him. He's letting her, which is rare. I go up to sit with him and he's making his stim noises and other sounds. I join him with some weird shrieking of my own. He looks right at me and says, "You're silly!"
Needless to say, he did not poop, in the toilet that is.
While goofing off on Youtube last night I discovered a series of George Harrison demos I've never heard before. Really cool tapes of him on an acoustic in 1970, playing for Phil Spector. George has a bit of a cold but they're sweet performances. Here's my favorite song of his.
From a bootleg I do not have called Beware of ABKCO. There is so much undiscovered material out there.
Well, no. I did not remember. Until just after I woke up this morning. Wracked my brain for nothing most of yesterday afternoon.
The boy was on the toilet last night. We're all waiting for poop. He's sitting, reading 'Go Dog Go!' My Scottish Wife is reading it to him. He's letting her, which is rare. I go up to sit with him and he's making his stim noises and other sounds. I join him with some weird shrieking of my own. He looks right at me and says, "You're silly!"
Needless to say, he did not poop, in the toilet that is.
While goofing off on Youtube last night I discovered a series of George Harrison demos I've never heard before. Really cool tapes of him on an acoustic in 1970, playing for Phil Spector. George has a bit of a cold but they're sweet performances. Here's my favorite song of his.
From a bootleg I do not have called Beware of ABKCO. There is so much undiscovered material out there.
Monday, March 29, 2010
It's Old. It's Grey, and Confusing
The car is falling apart. The rear window windshield wiper arm broke off in my hand one frozen morning. The driver's side bezel for the headlights vibrated off on I-70 one night.
Brakes wear down, it's natural. Ended up taking the day off since the shop had to special order brake pads. What? You don't have parts for an '88 Volvo 760 (with a 740 4 cylinder engine!) behind the counter?
While I waited for them to figure out what they were ordering I got a substantial part of Ian Rankin's 'Strip Jack' read. What a pleasure the Rebus story is. A brilliantly put together character with plenty of flaws and humanity. Only thirteen more in the series. I'm reading them in order, and not really rushing the process. Rankin's awesome.
So in the meantime I've been minimally productive. I got a haircut and then went to Nancy's for some food. First time back since the reopening. Home fries undercooked, toast passed under a 100 watt bulb for five seconds. Yes, they're back!
I'm listening to Lily Allen do a cover of Straight to Hell, yes the Clash song. Know what? It does not suck.
Brakes wear down, it's natural. Ended up taking the day off since the shop had to special order brake pads. What? You don't have parts for an '88 Volvo 760 (with a 740 4 cylinder engine!) behind the counter?
While I waited for them to figure out what they were ordering I got a substantial part of Ian Rankin's 'Strip Jack' read. What a pleasure the Rebus story is. A brilliantly put together character with plenty of flaws and humanity. Only thirteen more in the series. I'm reading them in order, and not really rushing the process. Rankin's awesome.
So in the meantime I've been minimally productive. I got a haircut and then went to Nancy's for some food. First time back since the reopening. Home fries undercooked, toast passed under a 100 watt bulb for five seconds. Yes, they're back!
I'm listening to Lily Allen do a cover of Straight to Hell, yes the Clash song. Know what? It does not suck.
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