3 In A Row

I'm trying to get back into the habit of posting every day of so. I don't really have much to report today so I thought I'd just pay tribute to one of my favorite bands....

This is one of my favorite songs - the video is just a bit strange but it's directed by the fabulous Anton Corbijn and his visuals although sometimes a little left of center are pretty lush.



This one showcases the tremendous harmonies especially after the three minute mark



Just love the whole "King Without A Country" thing



The woman in this video had the best job in the world that day.



Another one directed by Anton. An oldie but a goody



And then of course the yummy cowboys need to be shown.

Good Morning

Let's see what is going on in the world these days?

If you head over to NIN you can download the whole new album for free. This is the second free album that Trent has put out since his contract ran out and he's still making shitloads of money. Pay attention people this is how it's going to work from now on!

Can someone please explain to me how both the Bush Administration and Sen. John McCain can oppose the new GI Bill? It seems pretty simple to me - you put your life on the line - we pay for you to get an education when you get home. It's not like it hasn't been done. We had great success with this after World War II. So what's the problem? I have no idea. Oh wait yes I do Bush is a dumbass.

The head of the US Institute for Mental Health (who knew we had such a place?) has warned that left untreated mental scars will outpace the battlefield as a cause of death. This is something that is not being addressed by the Dept. of Defense or the Veterans Administration. Once again we are asking people to put their lives on the line but not taking care of them upon their return. It's disgusting - oh yeah and Bush is a dumbass.

If you watch NASCAR (like me) you know how Kyle Bush took out Jr during the last few laps of the race on Saturday night in Richmond. I'm mature enough to know it wasn't intentional but that doesn't mean I have to like it. You gotta have bad guys in a sport to have good guys. Kyle Bush is a punk and look it works here too - Bush is a dumbass.

Christ - this woman was given a "mom of the year" award? Her daughter's been to rehab at least three times and her other teenage daughter is going to star in a reality show. Way to go mom.

Is it me or is Oprah EVERYWHERE these day? I don't know how much more I can take.

No matter what he's been through I love and will continue to love Robert Downey Jr and although this movie isn't my thing- I'm thrilled to see him doing so well.

In the spirit of "Hey man, we're getting the band back together" Tom Petty has reformed his orginal band Mudcrutch. These were the guys who originally went to California with him but the record label made him get rid of the drummer and guitar player because they were "weak". The other two (Benmont Tench and Mike Campbell) went on to become two of the Heartbreakers. You can download the album at iTunes and highly recommend that you do its fantastic. In fact here is a track from the album that I love love love



I love this list of the 25 best hairbands. This was so my sisters scene.

Oh and Bush is a DUMBASS.

More Music

Lately I've been thinking a lot about the 80's. Bad hair, bad clothes but some great music. The most obvious band of the 80's was of course U2 but there were lots more.

Here are some classics:

Was there ANYONE hotter than Michael Hutchence? No, I didn't think so



Nice outfit here...kind of a poor man's Wendy O (Who I will not post because I don't want to scare the crap out of people)




Everyone knows Berlin for the crappy song from "Top Gun". They did great msic before that.




Ladies and Gentlemen....Debbie Harry and that's all that needs to be said



This is classic 80's hair and makeup



Hands down Aimee Mann had the best 80's hair



I wonder what these guys think of this when they watch it now



I LOVED these guys (still do) and I LOVED this song (still do)



So very 80's and so very good


Ok just one more - can you believe this was the 80's? It feels like it was just yesterday

More Music and Another Countdown????

This song just came on - on my iTunes. I'd forgotten how much I loved it. The video is pretty freakin strange....



OK so here's the deal. My thesis is due March 1st. I've just gotten back my 2nd draft (actually my 4th but we'll go with 2nd full draft). I've got a lot of work to do on it and then it needs to go to my 2nd reader by Monday. Then it will probably come back with more edits....but it has to be done by March 1st.

So this really is the home stretch and I may be absent from blogging (kind of like I have been) but any support that any of you can send me would be really appreciated. I know that I will finish and I know that it will be good - but there are moments when crawlin into bed and hiding under the covers never looked so good. I'm sure most of you know what I mean.

The other day in a meeting I saw what the diploma's are going to look like. I'm so happy that they are green (my favorite color). I just can't believe that in less than month (there are two weeks in between) that I am going to be a college graduate! It really is very exciting. Maybe I'll be more exited when I'm not so freakin tired!

And so with that all said I leave you with one of my favorites....

Just Because (again)

What a voice....

Just Because

Daisy posted this and I loved it so now I'm posting it. Isn't it great how this blogging thing works....

So In Love...

With this song - I can't get it out of my head

Talent

There is a distinct lack of talent out there these days. The radio has become unbearable with the exception of noon to 1:30 when they play "old" stuff. This has made it tough to come across new stuff that I like. That being said I have found a few bands -

Paramore - please forgive the matching red pants and the overdone Gwen Stefani like background. Just listen to her fabulous voice.



I love this song - and the video kicks ass. The band is Mute Math


They aren't destined to go down in history as one of the best bands ever but I love this video - it's freakin hysterical- and hey Junior makes an appearance I always love that!



I swear to GOD if Kid Rock smiled and winked at me like that it would get him anything.


And you gotta love a song with a straight forward message..


I've posted this video before but I don't care....I freakin LOVE Josh Homme

Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers

Here is the thing - I think Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers are simply the best band ever. Straight ahead rock and roll with no bullshit. Benmont Tench's skill on the keyboards is unmatched in my opinion (and I have a HUGE crush on him) and Mike Campbell's guitar and writing skill make him hard to beat. But then there is Tom. The front man. Great showman and just your average every day weird looking guy with a strange voice. Love Love Love him. The best news is he is playing the Super Bowl this year and my PATRIOTS are there too!!

I have several "favorite" TP songs - so we'll just say these are in the top 10.

The lyrics to this song get me every time....



Look how happy he and Stan (the drummer) look - you'd never be able to tell that in 10-15 years Tom would be kicking him out of the band.


Really bad haircut and wardrobe there Tommy - but I forgive you.



They wouldn't they me embed these and they have to be represented so here are the url's

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0m7EkhhX8vE


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-8qyoVssNQ

There was no good video for Even The Losers - but that would be there too.

This is not necessarily in my top 10 but I love the video and the whole trippy concept.



RIP Howie Epstein

Slinger - is it who you thought it was?

Beastie Boys

OK I don't think I've been posting enough about music - or about music that isn't Nine Inch Nails. Here's the thing. I like rap music - and by that I mean good rap music. Dr. Dre, Old Snoop, NWA all that stuff - I love it.

My favorite though is the Beastie Boys. Yeah they started off as kind of a joke but they quickly showed what they were made of. Great lyrics - hysterical videos and talent plain and simple talent. These guys were a complete anomaly - white, Jewish and from Brooklyn and they wanted to rap? It was great to watch them break through.

Here are my three favorite Beastie Boys songs:

After the first album (which has some great stuff on it) we got Paul's Boutique. Eclectic and fabulous -

Hey Ladies - an excellent tribute to Saturday Night Live (notice the paint can)


Some of the best lines ever
I've got an open mind so why don't you all get inside

She's got a gold tooth you know she's hardcore
She'll show you a good time then she'll show you the door

Sure Shot - from Ill Communication - love the fish eye lens

And this is how you knew they were different:
I Want To Say a Little Something That's Long Overdue
The Disrespect To Women Has Got To Be Through
To All The Mothers And Sisters And the Wives And Friends
I Want To Offer My Love And Respect To The End

And finally
So Whatcha Want from Check Your Head


This song will always have a special place in my heart - mind. This is the song that came on without fail at 2 in the morning when we were partying our brains out. The kitchen (which was huge) would erupt and everyone would just start dancing. It didn't matter what condition you were in - you just had to dance. You could be on the other side of the house and this was like the call to get back out there for round 2.

It always worked.

Tomorrow we are going to talk about my #1 absolute favorite band in the entire world. They are all in their 50's now - but they are still the best. I got their first record in 1978 or so and there was no looking back.

Until tomorrow...

Music To Make Me Feel Better

Good Music

It's no secret that I love music. It's like oxygen to me. I don't do many things without my iPod in, the radio on or music coming out of my computer (drives my boss crazy). I can remember the exact moment that I became completely enthralled with music and musicians. No, it's not when Pretty Hate Machine came out it was far earlier than than.

Barbara M. my friend growing up had 4 brothers who were all older.. One day when I was over there I walked into Dennis's room and there on the wall was the biggest poster I had ever seen. It was of one band but had multiple pictures on it. One of the pictures was this one That was it - I was hooked. Jimmy Page just looked so BAD up there - I just had to have him (you know what I mean).

And there began my love affair with both Jimmy Page and rock and roll.

Now today was the Led Zepplin reunion concert over in England. I would have loved to have been there. Tonight I am house sitting at a friends house and they just got a 65 inch flat screen TV. It's ridiculously big and it KICKS ASS. They also have satellite and get every channel in the world. So I head over to VH1 classic and lo and behold they are playing The Song Remains The Same. I turn it right on and turn it way up (he also has great sound attached to the big tv). It was FABULOUS.

Robert Plant is crazy sexy with pants so tight you can tell his religion. He doesn't dance so much as slither and I mean slither in a really good way.

Everyone is dressed really really bad. It is after all the 70's. John Paul Jone is wearing these brown bell bottoms with the awful cowboy looking shirt and he keeps looking around like he's waiting for someone to tell him what to do. John Bonham - well we don't like to speak ill of the dead but let's just say he could have used some fashion tips too.

But of course the best was Jimmy. He has on this black and silver suit with moons and stars and planets and all kinds of stuff. No, it isn't this suit but this just shows you how bad the 70's clothing really was.
And let's not forget the music. My absolute favorite song is Immigrant Song. If you listen real close you hear the crazy bass line. I love it. My favorite album is Led Zepplin III. It has so many great songs on it - Tangerine, That's The Way. Gallows Pole and of course Immigrant Song. Great record from beginning to end.
This is the kind of music I want my nieces and my young cousins to listen to and to understand - instead they are listening to 50 cent and Fall Out Boy. I feel like such a failure.....

Where Are They Now?

This just came on my iTunes. Remember this song? What a great one hit wonder in the 80's.



So that got me in the "where are they now" frame of mind...

This was not Level 42's big hit (Something About You was) but I loved this song. I didn't even know there was a video for it - thank you youtube




And come one what would a retrospective be without these guys....



At least one of you out there tried to have this hairstyle - I know you did!

Now Johnette Napolitano is hands down my favorite female voice EVER in rock and roll. She's still doing her solo thing but I don't think enough people know about Concrete Blonde beyond the one MTV hit "Joey" which doesn't even begin to do them justice. This is from Mexican Moon - my favorite Concrete Blonde album




Ok now I love old school hip hop - I mean the real thing I loved NWA so it stands to reason that I'd love Dr. Dre. Look at how young Snoop is here, he actually looks shy and his hair is so short. Yes I know the gun thing is not cool - we're all adults here so deal



I want my car to do that...and I think Dre is HOT

I never understood why Paul Young wasn't more popular - he was cute, had great hair and a kick ass voice - he also later did a great cover of the Chi-Lites "Oh Girl"



And finally my punk rock crush.....




Now wasn't that a lot better than writing the 10 pages I was supposed to write tonight? Yes, I thought so too

Thanks

First of all thank you to all of you who emailed, phoned and left comments wishing me a happy birthday. I really appreciated it. I had a great birthday - lots of fun.


This song just played on my iTunes. I had forgotten how much I loved it. Lauryn Hill - so much talent.

Yes!

This is why I love this man










You are right Trent...sometimes you just have to say "fuck it" and get on with things. That boys and girls is today's lesson...

When Bad Videos Happen To Good Songs

The 80's were a funky time for music. MTV was actually playing videos and record companies where trying to figure out how to best use this medium to their benefit. Some bands like Duran Duran figured it out quick. Their Hungry Like The Wolf video was groundbreaking (for that time frame). Vibrant colors. exotic women and a wrestling match with Simon. I was a sophomore in high school and I remember being completely transfixed. These guys were gorgeous, sexy and now we got to see them too? I begged my parents for cable and was transfixed every day after school.

Now there were some rock and roll stars that were unbelievably talented but maybe didn't fit the rock and roll mold so much. Mark Knopfler was one of these guys. His guitar playing and lyrics are some of the greatest you'll ever hear.

So why in the world would he allow this video to be made? Romeo and Juliet is a masterpiece in my opinion. So why Mark? Why????? Talk about bad management decisions.



Just for fun I've included the lyrics. For those of you who can't make it through the video (it's that bad)

a lovestruck romeo sings a streetsuss serenade
laying everybody low with a lovesong that he made
finds a convenient streetlight steps out of the shade
says something like you and me babe how about it?

juliet says hey it's romeo you nearly gimme a heart attack
he's underneath the window she's singing hey la my boyfriend's back
you shoudn't come around here singing up at people like that
anyway what you gonna do about it?

juliet the dice were loaded from the start
and i bet and you exploded in my heart
and i forget i forget the movie song
when you gonna realize it was just that the time was wrong juliet?

come up on different streets they both were streets of shame
both dirty both mean yes and the dream was just the same
and i dreamed your dream for you and now your dream is real
how can you look at me as i was just another one of your deals?

when you can fall for chains of silver you can fall for chains of gold
you can fall for pretty strangers and the promises they hold
you promised me everything you promised me thick and thin
now you just say oh romeo yeah you know i used to have a scene with him

juliet when we made love you used to cry
you said i love you like the stars above i'll love you till i die
there's a place for us you know the movie song
when you gonna realize it was just that the time was wrong?

i can't do the talk like they talking on the tv
and i can't do a love song like the way its meant to be
i can't do everything but i'd do anything for you
i can't do anything except be in love with you

and all i do is miss you and the way we used to be
all i do is keep the beat and bad company
all i do is kiss you through the bars of a rhyme
julie i'd do the stars with you any time

juliet when we made love you used to cry
you said i love you like the stars above i'll love you till i die
there's a place for us you know the movie song
when you gonna realize it was just that the time was wrong?

a lovestruck romeo sings a streetsuss serenade
laying everybody low with a lovesong that he made
finds a convenient streetlight steps out of the shade
says something like you and me babe how about it?

And just for some more fun....

Rock & Roll part 2

I can't believe I forgot this guy:

He is a very close second to Trent Reznor. Long hair - short hair
beard - clean shaven... I don't care I just love him.

Digital Music

I could take the easy way out and write about how good it is to be a New England sports fan right now. We just won the World Series - the Celtics look good- the Bruins are doing well and of course we have the game today with Indy. It should be a bastards). I'm going to watch the game with some friends - and that will be fun. But that's not what is on my mind right now...

There is a yet another big uproar about digital files being swapped and music being downloaded for free. The big record labels are fighting for all they are worth to keep the few pennies that they are making coming in. They don't seem to get it - it's OVER. Stick a fork in you - you're done, so just get over it and figure out how to deal. You've held artist's and their music captive long enough with your "recoupable" cost bullshit. Don't forget I worked in the industry for years. I saw what was charged back to the artist and it was SHAMEFUL. It's amazing any artist's make any money at all.

I remember years back when the group TLC declared bankruptcy and the whole world was like WHAT? How can they have no money? It was pretty easy actually. Massive tours, ridiculously high tech videos, management costs and a bad deal. That's all it takes.

So now artists like Trent Reznor are giving the major labels a big old "fuck you" and fulfilling their contracts and then going out on their own. Now you might say that independent artists have been doing this right along - and that's true. But to have an artist of Reznor's caliber do it - it's bound to raise a few alarms. Now not only is he doing it but he is helping other artist's sell their music without a labels backing. I've got news for you - when someone like Reznor says "buy this" - his minions buy it. I know this for sure because I bought it. Yes I'm a minion and DAMN proud of it.

You can go to www.nin.com and buy the new Saul Williams' album. You can pay $5 or you can get it for free. The difference between this and Radiohead is that Saul isn't going to sell out and sign a deal with a label after he does this. The other big difference is the quality of the digital files is far superior.

I don't know about you but the big downer for me in all of this is having all of my music in files on my computer. I miss artwork. I've missed it since the invention of the CD. Remember those great sleeves that the albums came in? Who out there had Led Zepplin's Physical Graffiti? It was so cool how the sleeve played into the album cover.







Or Houses of the Holy - artwork of all those strange naked blondish people crawling up the rocky mountain. It was strange - scary and beautiful all at the same time.

I'd like to this that digital music is just a phase - but I'd just be fooling myself. I do buy digital music - but if I like it enough I buy the CD. I want to own the music, I want to touch the case and read any little liner notes that they are able to put on there. I downloaded Year Zero on iTunes and then went and bought the actual CD and I'm glad I did. The only thing that could be better is vinyl - but I don't even have a turntable.

Here is another album cover memory. My first favorite band was Kiss. When I was in junior high they all released solo albums. The covers were completely black with just their faces in full makeup. They KICKED ASS. I immediately went out a bought Paul Stanley's and Ace Frehley's. They were my boys. I didn't care about the other two. I had them on vinyl and 8 track (for the car!). Anyway - back to modern day - this memory was brought on by "Back In The New York Groove" playing on my iTunes.




Everyone out there should buy Year Zero. It shows you in no uncertain terms where our country is headed. As I saw on another blog (I can't remember whose it was) - It's not fascism if we do it. Ain't that the truth.

26 days and counting....

Music For You

Feeling kind of sad....just listen

Some Quick Music

To piggyback on my friend George's post for Canadian Music Friday I decide it was time to throw some music back on my blog. It's late so I'm only doing one - but I think this is one of the best songs performed by quite possibly the best band ever.

"Don't Do It" The Band



Rick Danko's voice is so sweet on this and of course Levon's is just as rough as ever. The talent that these 5 men had/have (Richard Manuel and Rick Danko have passed away) is unbelievable. I never tire of listening to them.