From the soundtrack to a fantastic movie. This is the track that made me rethink Skynyrd "in all its misunderstood glory," to quote Patterson Hood. I'm sure he's in mourning today, too.

Tuesday's Gone - Lynyrd Skynyrd

Labels: dbt, lynyrd skynyrd

It would be completely remiss of me to not mention the passing of one of the best rock keyboardists of the modern era, Billy Powell, of Lynyrd Skynyrd. As you will read if you click the link, Powell was 56, and had a history of heart problems. You cannot listen to Skynyrd without hearing Powell, who was widely recognized as being a brilliant rock keyboardist. It's truly a major loss in the world of rock music, and given the band's history of tragedy, one that truly resonates.

Our best wishes to the family and friends of Billy Powell, and to all the Skynyrd fans worldwide.

Labels: billy powell, lynyrd skynyrd

Last weekend, I acquired Let It Bleed, Sticky Fingers, and Exile on Main Street. I'm starting to get it, now, as I always fell on the side of The Beatles in the perennial-if-ridiculous, "Beatles or Stones" argument. Don't even deny that you've had it. You're lying. Let It Bleed and Sticky Fingers, I see the immediate appeal. I need to sit with Exile a little longer.

It's snowing, and I have the day off. PJ's and coffee seem like the only things I need to do at this moment.

Moonlight Mile - The Rolling Stones

Labels: The Rolling Stones

Heh...

Tumbling Dice - The Rolling Stones

Labels: The Rolling Stones

Dear Partner-in-Crime,

You're challenging me to make you like Radiohead? I can't begin to count the ways that this band has influenced my life personally. I've probably said this a million times, but "OK Computer" is the single finest recording of songs in my lifetime. It got me through the absolute darkest times I've had as a functional human being (although some would argue with the "functional" part of that statement). It literally speaks to me as a whole, where mostly, others are able to do it through individual songs. For example, while I think "Pet Sounds" is a great, great record, realistically the one song from that record that truly touched me is "God Only Knows". That song still stands out for me as one that I would put on a "Mixtape for Life", were such a creation available. But that's the difference for me with a record that many consider to be one of the best of their lifetimes in "Pet Sounds". "OK Computer" is MY transcendant moment. It's the record that I go to when I feel like there's nothing left to be gained, no more heartache to be dealt with, no more pain I can stand. I surmise that my dependance on "OK Computer" and my enduring love for it still will give it a room in my heart for a lifetime.

There are other reasons to love this band, though. Think about this for a moment. Think about our youth (and while I know I'm a bit older than you, we essentially share the same set of memories about music) and all the so-called "Super Groups" of music that were out there. You and I have been alive during the time when the Rolling Stones were still extremely relavant. Pink Floyd put out one of the defining pieces of music history during our existence. Bruce Springsteen's musical journey encompasses our lifetimes. U2 has realistically been on the map for our adulthood, consistently churing out good-to-great things. We've been alive to see all this. We've also been alive to see those folks come to an era where music is now disposable. Sure, there are bands that come along now, such as My Morning Jacket, that we both can recognize as having the chops and abilities to perchance break through the ceiling and become self-sustaining. Honestly, though, can you think of a band out there right now that reminds you of the groups of our youth? A band who's every record is met with breathless anticipation? A band that despite it's overall lack of popularity on terestrial radio, still manages to outsell most "popular" artists every time? A band who's followers obsess over every move, discuss every lyric, and feel as though the band belongs only to them, despite the millions and millions out there who claim the same thing?

I don't want you to love them because they are a band that I love. I don't want you to love them because they represent something that's been lost forever in this new digital world we now inhabit. Think about the things in life that have "chosen" you. Things that you may have not ever thought would inspire you, but have done so. A fantastic piece of artwork, a well-written book, a simple stroll along a snow-covered field when the sun is coming up. Radiohead chose ME. They didn't do it on purpose. They wouldn't know me if I sat next to them in a pub. But they chose me, nonetheless. They continue to choose me on a daily basis. I can't explain it any better than that.

I don't think I can convince you to like them. I would ask that you try to give them a shot from time to time. Listen to "In Rainbows". Make the mashup playlist with every other song from "OK Computer" and "In Rainbows" that's so popular nowadays. They may choose you some day. They may not. Rest assured, I'll only bother you so much about it.

Hugs and smooches.

Your faithful partner in crime

Labels: Radiohead

I have known too long that I would post this song, once I knew that this had come to pass. And, it breaks my heart to know she's gone. It breaks my heart to know I tried, and failed.

Rest in peace, old friend. Say hello to the rest of the neighborhood up there.

Rosemary - Grateful Dead

Labels: grateful dead, RIP

Dear Partner-in-crime,

This may come from the fact that I am deliriously tired today. The only reason I'm still even remotely functioning is that The Office and Celebrity Rehab: Sober House are on tonight. But, I have a question for you to ponder...

...why don't I like Radiohead?

Every musical atom in my body should be spinning towards that nucleus. Biting lyrics, interesting music, cult following. So, why hasn't it resonated? What am I missing? Is it really as simple as my just not liking Thom Yorke's voice? I can't be that short-sighted; I mean, I could listen to Craig Finn sing all day, and more people would line up behind his voice being nails on a chalkboard than Yorke's. Take away the voice, though, and I'm all over it. But, I listen to Tweedy here, and suddenly, I'm in love with Fake Plastic Trees. And this Jaydiohead mashup? Fascinating. So, here's the point of this rambling, and reminder, I am beyond delirious right now.

Help me enjoy Radiohead.

This is your challenge. Find the linchpin that will turn this for me. Because really, I SHOULD like Radiohead. I really don't understand what's wrong with me there. So, help a sister out.

Peace, love, music.
C.

Labels: Radiohead

Wrong Prayer - Jaydiohead

Labels: mashup

Title lyric from: Keepin' It Real - Shaggy

When "keeping it real" isn't enough, we turn to the internet, right? Right.

I will be starting a writing project at this space, regarding the cyclical nature of rock and roll. It will mostly be opinions based on a theory that a friend put forth to me. Still, though, in doing my pre-research for this, I find this theory to be amazingly accurate. I will also say that if this theory holds up, this current calendar year will not be a good one in terms of overall music quality. One of the first releases this year that could be considered a "hot" release is the new Franz Ferdinand record that's due on the 26th/27th of this month (depending on where you live). It's highly probable that this release may signal the bellweather of whether or not this year will be positive or negative. The trending is all negative, mind, but as with any theory, it exists to be debunked. Nevertheless, I'm excited for this project and it may be nothing more than a lark to read, it should be fun.

Also, I wanted to start recommending some things other than just albums, so today, I'm starting with this DVD, of Queen, live at the old Wembley stadium, circa 1986. Queen was the best band I've ever personally had the pleasure of seeing live, and this performance is an amazing showcase of them at the height of their powers. It's well worth the 15$ you'll spend at Amazon to pick it up if you enjoy live music and unbelievable performances. Highest recommendation given.

Have a lovely Wednesday. I should learn to post when I'm in a better mood, like now. Apologies for last night.

Cheers.

Labels: QUEEN, the amazing writing project

Title of post from: "Scale" - Interpol

It's ridiculously fun to have your flaws as a human being pointed out on a daily basis. It sure does keep a man humble, that's for sure.

Remember when I promised, oh...12 or 13 days ago, to post every day this year? Well, one of my most hugest ugliest faults as a human being is apparently not keeping promises. So since this is what I do best, I apologize for being a such a humongous failure.*

You know, it's funny to relate your life to a John Hughes movie, but honestly, if you can't see yourself in one of the five Breakfast Club roles, or a hybrid thereof, you're not a human being.

My current Genius playlist
Welcome Ghost - Explosions in the Sky
All Fired Up - Interpol
Librarian - My Morning Jacket
Atoms for Peace - Thom Yorke
Joke about Jamaica - The Hold Steady
She Dies - A Place To Bury Strangers
Is There A Ghost? - Band of Horses
Miss Modular - Stereolab
Summer Skin - Death Cab For Cutie
Evil - Interpol
Weekend Wars - MGMT
Good Day to Die - Hot Hot Heat
The Righteous Path - Drive-By Truckers
My List - The Killers
Still Fighting It - Ben Folds Five
Touch ME I'm Going To Scream - My Morning Jacket
Re-Offender - Travis
It's Beginning To Get To Me - Snow Patrol
Spanish Bombs - The Clash
The Clock - Thom Yorke
The Scale - Interpol
Take a Bow - Muse
Ode to LRC - Band of Horses
On Top - The Killers
Videotape - Radiohead

I swear that's how it came out. Genius is scarily accurate for our times, people.

Have a fucking fantastic Tuesday. We'll see about this whole "posting more often" thing. I refuse to promise anyone anything anymore. You get it, right?

*The beginning part of this post has NOTHING at all to do with anything relating to Courtney, I just want that known. It's a personal gripe that's got nothing to do with her, so please, if you're reading this, don't think anything more than MJ venting about his personal shit. Thanks. Over and out.

Labels: My head hurts

Indulging MJ a bit here. When he mentioned posting every day, I guess I didn't pick up on the fact that he wanted my help. At ANY rate...

Enjoy this. I do immensely.

Rocket Man -My Morning Jacket

Labels: MMJ