For this reason alone, I'm seriously considering moving to Norway. Enjoy.
Monday, January 30, 2012
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Underrated
Is there a better band than “Gary Lewis and the Playboys”? Seriously. Whenever they come up on my Pandora I perk up. Even when singing about heartbreak, they make is sound sunny and fun. They are an extremely underrated band.
So, here’s my list of other underrated musical acts. This is a brief list and I may come back to this subject again, but here it begins.
1 – Stevie Ray Vaughn – Now, I understand that Stevie is a well respected guitarist. But, the fact is he belongs in the number two position behind Jimi Hendrix on any list of the greatest of all time. In many ways, he was better than Jimi because when he played the Blues, you felt it. The problem is that few people were exposed to him in his short career. I actually got the chance to see him a few months before he died when I attended the “Late Night with David Letterman” 10th Anniversary show he did in Los Angeles. He was just sitting in with the band, but he overwhelmed all the rest combined. Years later, I saw a video of him playing in a club. He didn’t look at his instrument one time during the set. I commented on this to a musician friend of mine and he replied, “Do you look at your feet when you walk?”
2 – Pink – Pink oftentimes gets lumped in with Britney Spears and Christina Aguilara. Funny thing is, back when they all started out she was considered the troubled one. Who knew? Anyway, the thing I love about Pink is that her music is personal; almost to the point of being voyeuristic. Her songs come from such a personal and vulnerable place that it feels like she’s truly pouring her heart out. It feels real and, unfortunately that is something that’s lacking in a lot of music today.
3 – Jethro Tull – OK, now, forget about the long haired ‘70s kid telling you “Disco Sucks”. All right, now that you have the image of a younger me that '70s kid out of your mind, think about it. First, they’re named after an English agricultural pioneer who developed the technology of planting seeds in neat rows. B – The lead singer is an anachronistic minstrel with a flute. That’s two self-imposed strikes against them. Still, they rock with tunes like “Aqualung” (Is there a better lyric than, “Snot is running down his nose”?) and “Thick as a Brick”. I once had the opportunity to listen to them on a really high end stereo system. It wasn’t until then that I really heard Ian Anderson’s voice. It's amazing! Behind all of the weirdness he could sing. But, it’s the combination of talent and strangeness that makes them really great. Plus, last I heard Ian owns a fish farm. Now that’s a Renaissance man.
4 – The Ramones – The reason “The Ramones” are on this list is that there is no way of overestimating their impact on music. The East Coast Beach Boys followed in the footsteps of “The New York Dolls” and crushed the fat heads of “Prog Rock” with the big stick of Punk. Stripping songs down to their bare essentials and playing them like they were beating a gutter rat. They were naturally rough without the prissy manufactured feel of the self-righteous, Johnny Rotten. Nor did they take things too seriously like Sid Vicious. And, they held it all together while their lead singer, Joey, and guitarist, Johnny, didn’t speak to each other for over fourteen years.
5 – Men at Work – That’s right, I said “Men at Work”. From their cockeyed singer, Colin Hay, to their flute playing (another underrated band with a flute!), Greg Ham, they were a pure, good time, devil may care band from a land down under. But, unlike the drama of INXS, the monotony of AC/DC, the undeniable sexiness of the Bee Gees or the unending boredom of Olivia Newton John, these guys felt like real Aussies. Like Russell Crowe, only nice. They were so good it almost made you want to eat Vegemite. I once saw these boys in concert at the old Salt Palace in Salt Lake. They had removed the front three sections of seats so everyone could just have a giant dance party. Somehow I ended up in front Greg Ham and about 10 feet from the speakers. When it was all over my cousin had his shirt hanging by one sleeve and we had to find his shoes. Sadly, my ears are still ringing.
So, here’s my list of other underrated musical acts. This is a brief list and I may come back to this subject again, but here it begins.
1 – Stevie Ray Vaughn – Now, I understand that Stevie is a well respected guitarist. But, the fact is he belongs in the number two position behind Jimi Hendrix on any list of the greatest of all time. In many ways, he was better than Jimi because when he played the Blues, you felt it. The problem is that few people were exposed to him in his short career. I actually got the chance to see him a few months before he died when I attended the “Late Night with David Letterman” 10th Anniversary show he did in Los Angeles. He was just sitting in with the band, but he overwhelmed all the rest combined. Years later, I saw a video of him playing in a club. He didn’t look at his instrument one time during the set. I commented on this to a musician friend of mine and he replied, “Do you look at your feet when you walk?”
2 – Pink – Pink oftentimes gets lumped in with Britney Spears and Christina Aguilara. Funny thing is, back when they all started out she was considered the troubled one. Who knew? Anyway, the thing I love about Pink is that her music is personal; almost to the point of being voyeuristic. Her songs come from such a personal and vulnerable place that it feels like she’s truly pouring her heart out. It feels real and, unfortunately that is something that’s lacking in a lot of music today.
3 – Jethro Tull – OK, now, forget about the long haired ‘70s kid telling you “Disco Sucks”. All right, now that you have the image of a younger me that '70s kid out of your mind, think about it. First, they’re named after an English agricultural pioneer who developed the technology of planting seeds in neat rows. B – The lead singer is an anachronistic minstrel with a flute. That’s two self-imposed strikes against them. Still, they rock with tunes like “Aqualung” (Is there a better lyric than, “Snot is running down his nose”?) and “Thick as a Brick”. I once had the opportunity to listen to them on a really high end stereo system. It wasn’t until then that I really heard Ian Anderson’s voice. It's amazing! Behind all of the weirdness he could sing. But, it’s the combination of talent and strangeness that makes them really great. Plus, last I heard Ian owns a fish farm. Now that’s a Renaissance man.
4 – The Ramones – The reason “The Ramones” are on this list is that there is no way of overestimating their impact on music. The East Coast Beach Boys followed in the footsteps of “The New York Dolls” and crushed the fat heads of “Prog Rock” with the big stick of Punk. Stripping songs down to their bare essentials and playing them like they were beating a gutter rat. They were naturally rough without the prissy manufactured feel of the self-righteous, Johnny Rotten. Nor did they take things too seriously like Sid Vicious. And, they held it all together while their lead singer, Joey, and guitarist, Johnny, didn’t speak to each other for over fourteen years.
5 – Men at Work – That’s right, I said “Men at Work”. From their cockeyed singer, Colin Hay, to their flute playing (another underrated band with a flute!), Greg Ham, they were a pure, good time, devil may care band from a land down under. But, unlike the drama of INXS, the monotony of AC/DC, the undeniable sexiness of the Bee Gees or the unending boredom of Olivia Newton John, these guys felt like real Aussies. Like Russell Crowe, only nice. They were so good it almost made you want to eat Vegemite. I once saw these boys in concert at the old Salt Palace in Salt Lake. They had removed the front three sections of seats so everyone could just have a giant dance party. Somehow I ended up in front Greg Ham and about 10 feet from the speakers. When it was all over my cousin had his shirt hanging by one sleeve and we had to find his shoes. Sadly, my ears are still ringing.
Monday, January 16, 2012
The Work is Hard
The Work is hard. That was the first line in an email we received from my son, Niall, today. He’s serving a mission for the Church in Kortrijk, Belgium, right now. He learned Dutch in the MTC and is in an area that speaks Flemish. It's like being taught English, then being sent to the Mississippi bayou. It's the same, just different. He can’t understand their language and people are indifferent to his message. But, he’s got a good attitude and he’ll come through this a better man. I’ve always been proud of him, but in these past few months I’ve grown to admire him and the spirit he possesses.
Going through my mind all day has been this phrase: the work is hard. I had a physical examination today. As the doctor was examining my prostate, I couldn’t help but think that as uncomfortable as this was for me, this is his job. He may have to do this several times a day. The work is hard, indeed.
Niall probably doesn’t realize it, but he pretty much summed up life on earth. Adam and Eve were kicked out of the Garden of Eden and basically told, “Work hard if you want anything.” What a blessing it is to have hard work. There are many people today who would give almost anything to be back doing hard work. Then there are people who think that the rewards of hard work should be theirs without effort. Why? The Law of the Harvest is one of the greatest blessings we have in this life. We work and get rewarded. Depending on the path we chose the rewards may be monetary or they may be more spiritually gratifying, yet they do come. There are also roads we may take that cause the harvest to be disproportionately large or small, still the way we go is in our control.
Each day the roads spread out before us. Most of these roads are overgrown with disuse while one or two are worn smooth from constant travel. Roadside attractions go unnoticed as we robotically travel the trails we’ve trekked habitually for years. Once in a while it’s good to sharpen up the old machete and hack a new course.
Going through my mind all day has been this phrase: the work is hard. I had a physical examination today. As the doctor was examining my prostate, I couldn’t help but think that as uncomfortable as this was for me, this is his job. He may have to do this several times a day. The work is hard, indeed.
Niall probably doesn’t realize it, but he pretty much summed up life on earth. Adam and Eve were kicked out of the Garden of Eden and basically told, “Work hard if you want anything.” What a blessing it is to have hard work. There are many people today who would give almost anything to be back doing hard work. Then there are people who think that the rewards of hard work should be theirs without effort. Why? The Law of the Harvest is one of the greatest blessings we have in this life. We work and get rewarded. Depending on the path we chose the rewards may be monetary or they may be more spiritually gratifying, yet they do come. There are also roads we may take that cause the harvest to be disproportionately large or small, still the way we go is in our control.
Each day the roads spread out before us. Most of these roads are overgrown with disuse while one or two are worn smooth from constant travel. Roadside attractions go unnoticed as we robotically travel the trails we’ve trekked habitually for years. Once in a while it’s good to sharpen up the old machete and hack a new course.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
In Memory of Weird Beard
I used to have a supervisor we simply called Weird Beard. He was pompous, laughed derisively if you didn't use proper grammar in conversation and generally made forty hours a week more miserable than it needed to be. So, in memory of Weird Beard, here we go.
Let's begin with some weird beards:
Is that a Lemur tail?
The "Chin Strap". This one seems like a lot of effort for a little result. Even if you're in a boy band.
Which brings us to the opposite. The "1970s Biker / ZZ Top Beard". No effort, just free flowing manliness. But, I can't help thinking that the idea of this one is more fun than the actual practice. Like leather pants or a Bon Jovi tattoo.
This guy's a champion.
There's the "Bee Beard". This one isn't gender specific.
And, of course, "Tree Beard".
Which leads straight into the "I'm way too involved in my fantasy world" beard.
Let's not forget the "creepy flesh colored" beard.
This one hits a little close to home, but there's the "I'm losing my hair, but I can still grow a beard" or the "symmetrical head / facial hair" look.
Although, some guys can pull this one off.
And, we'll close with the "I'm so good looking that it doesn't matter what my stupid beard looks like" beard.
Let's begin with some weird beards:
The "Chin Strap". This one seems like a lot of effort for a little result. Even if you're in a boy band.
Which brings us to the opposite. The "1970s Biker / ZZ Top Beard". No effort, just free flowing manliness. But, I can't help thinking that the idea of this one is more fun than the actual practice. Like leather pants or a Bon Jovi tattoo.
There's the "Bee Beard". This one isn't gender specific.
And, of course, "Tree Beard".
Which leads straight into the "I'm way too involved in my fantasy world" beard.
Let's not forget the "creepy flesh colored" beard.
This one hits a little close to home, but there's the "I'm losing my hair, but I can still grow a beard" or the "symmetrical head / facial hair" look.
Although, some guys can pull this one off.
And, we'll close with the "I'm so good looking that it doesn't matter what my stupid beard looks like" beard.
Monday, January 9, 2012
Three Movies
Recently I saw three movies by well known directors: “Midnight in Paris” by Woody Allen, “Hugo” by Martin Scorsese and “The Tree of Life” by Terrance Malick.
Two of these directors are superior story tellers. One has his movie on the critics “Best of 2011” lists.
“Midnight in Paris”
Woody Allen has always been hit and miss for me. Much of his work just doesn’t appeal to my suburbanite sensibilities. “Midnight in Paris” hit the mark for me primarily because it could have been written about me. I’ve always dreamed of a Golden Age in the past (or future) and often miss the joys of the present. This is an excellent story told in a masterful way by someone that appears very involved in its plot.
“Hugo”
Much of Martin Scorsese’s work doesn’t appeal to me. I’m just not that into gangster the types of movies he seems to be known for. However, there is one thing that cannot be denied. He loves making movies. That single attribute comes through loud and clear in this amazing story told from the perspective of a boy who lives in the Paris train station. It is a lovely setting filled with outstanding character actors. But, in the end, it’s a simple story, exquisitely told, about the love of film.
“The Tree of Life”
This film appeared on the “Top Five Best Films of 2011” lists of all three critics on a recent TV show. I’d never heard of it, but it happened to be at my local Redbox, so I rushed out and rented it. It may be the first time that I paid $1 for a DVD rental and felt ripped off. This vague story, disjointedly told, of a family is framed in beautiful shots of nature, out of place CGI dinosaurs and Sean Penn kneeling in wet sand wearing a nice suit. If I wanted nature shots I would have watched Planet Earth. As for Sean Penn acting strangely, there’s always TMZ for that.
After the fact, I read several reviews. The critics, it turns out, didn’t get it either. So, why did they like it? Is it because Terrance Malick only comes out of the wilderness every few years to make a movie, so it must be good? Or is it that other, more seasoned, critics liked it, so the newbies just jumped on the bandwagon to avoid looking dumb? Perhaps it’s because it has Brad Pitt and Sean Penn. Anything with two guys like that must be good, right?
I think it’s the same reason people pay $100 million for Jackson Pollack paintings. They’ve been told it’s great art, so by owning it, they’re part of the “IN” crowd. They get it. The problem is there’s nothing to get. The same is true for “The Tree of Life”. It was made for critics to love, not for regular people who enjoy a good story nicely told.
Two of these directors are superior story tellers. One has his movie on the critics “Best of 2011” lists.
“Midnight in Paris”
Woody Allen has always been hit and miss for me. Much of his work just doesn’t appeal to my suburbanite sensibilities. “Midnight in Paris” hit the mark for me primarily because it could have been written about me. I’ve always dreamed of a Golden Age in the past (or future) and often miss the joys of the present. This is an excellent story told in a masterful way by someone that appears very involved in its plot.
“Hugo”
Much of Martin Scorsese’s work doesn’t appeal to me. I’m just not that into gangster the types of movies he seems to be known for. However, there is one thing that cannot be denied. He loves making movies. That single attribute comes through loud and clear in this amazing story told from the perspective of a boy who lives in the Paris train station. It is a lovely setting filled with outstanding character actors. But, in the end, it’s a simple story, exquisitely told, about the love of film.
“The Tree of Life”
This film appeared on the “Top Five Best Films of 2011” lists of all three critics on a recent TV show. I’d never heard of it, but it happened to be at my local Redbox, so I rushed out and rented it. It may be the first time that I paid $1 for a DVD rental and felt ripped off. This vague story, disjointedly told, of a family is framed in beautiful shots of nature, out of place CGI dinosaurs and Sean Penn kneeling in wet sand wearing a nice suit. If I wanted nature shots I would have watched Planet Earth. As for Sean Penn acting strangely, there’s always TMZ for that.
After the fact, I read several reviews. The critics, it turns out, didn’t get it either. So, why did they like it? Is it because Terrance Malick only comes out of the wilderness every few years to make a movie, so it must be good? Or is it that other, more seasoned, critics liked it, so the newbies just jumped on the bandwagon to avoid looking dumb? Perhaps it’s because it has Brad Pitt and Sean Penn. Anything with two guys like that must be good, right?
I think it’s the same reason people pay $100 million for Jackson Pollack paintings. They’ve been told it’s great art, so by owning it, they’re part of the “IN” crowd. They get it. The problem is there’s nothing to get. The same is true for “The Tree of Life”. It was made for critics to love, not for regular people who enjoy a good story nicely told.
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
An Open Letter to the Kardashians
Dear Kardashians,
We, the people of the United States of America, have been patient through the drama, butt x-rays, cosmetic surgery, marriages, and that creepy guy with the same name as the 1976 Olympic Decathlon Gold Medalist. But, enough is enough.
We appreciate the fact that you make a fortune with your bad acting and spelling things with the letter “K”. It’s one of the things that make America great. It also makes the terrorists hate us, and probably the Canadians. But, let’s face it; the whole shtick has gone stale. It’s time we both moved on.
Here is an idea: Use 2012 as your big finale. Like a victory lap around the internet and tabloids. Go nuts this year! A few of you can get married (Hey, Kim, third time’s the charm, right?). Have a few cosmetic procedures done while it’s still on the E! Channel’s budget. Get a few of those younger family members exposed to the wonderful world of fame and fortune based on mindless excess and no talent. You know - the works! The advertisers will eat this up. You could even look into some sort of cross marketing with the “Real Wives” franchise where you all are locked in the mansion of a fad diet doctor. Sort of like “Survivor” or the “Hunger Games”.
Anyway, it’s just a thought. You’re the experts and we’re confident that you will find a way to turn this year in to another vapid, degrading and profitable experience.
Sincerely,
The tired 99%
We, the people of the United States of America, have been patient through the drama, butt x-rays, cosmetic surgery, marriages, and that creepy guy with the same name as the 1976 Olympic Decathlon Gold Medalist. But, enough is enough.
We appreciate the fact that you make a fortune with your bad acting and spelling things with the letter “K”. It’s one of the things that make America great. It also makes the terrorists hate us, and probably the Canadians. But, let’s face it; the whole shtick has gone stale. It’s time we both moved on.
Here is an idea: Use 2012 as your big finale. Like a victory lap around the internet and tabloids. Go nuts this year! A few of you can get married (Hey, Kim, third time’s the charm, right?). Have a few cosmetic procedures done while it’s still on the E! Channel’s budget. Get a few of those younger family members exposed to the wonderful world of fame and fortune based on mindless excess and no talent. You know - the works! The advertisers will eat this up. You could even look into some sort of cross marketing with the “Real Wives” franchise where you all are locked in the mansion of a fad diet doctor. Sort of like “Survivor” or the “Hunger Games”.
Anyway, it’s just a thought. You’re the experts and we’re confident that you will find a way to turn this year in to another vapid, degrading and profitable experience.
Sincerely,
The tired 99%
Monday, January 2, 2012
Musings at Year's End
End of one year and beginning of the next. This is a good time for reflection based on an arbitrary chronological milestone.
It’s a cliché, but I’d really like to do something different in 2012. There have been changes in my family. Last Friday my daughter and her husband moved to Seattle to start a career in an exciting new place. Today my son left for the Netherlands to embark on a similarly thrilling mission. The changes are happening all around. It’s exciting to watch my children. I remember when that was me. All of the possibilities! Life ahead of me to create anything.
Life is still in front of me. It may not be as much time as I had all those years ago and I’m carrying a few extra pounds and a less hair, but it’s still there for the taking. It's time to reach out and take it by the horns. Not like in the Breakfast Club where you mess with it and get the horns. More like a steer wrestler who twists it around and takes it down. Although, I hope not to get dirty and smell like horse when I’m done.
I’ve got it in my head to make some changes physically, mentally, emotionally and behaviorally. Part of it is that I want to write in this blog a couple times a week. Now, I know I said that last year (if you remember, you stand alone). But, I need more creativity in my life. This is a goofy little outlet for that. Besides, I’m not particularly talented, I just talk too much. So, here's to a new year, changes and the possibilities.
It’s a cliché, but I’d really like to do something different in 2012. There have been changes in my family. Last Friday my daughter and her husband moved to Seattle to start a career in an exciting new place. Today my son left for the Netherlands to embark on a similarly thrilling mission. The changes are happening all around. It’s exciting to watch my children. I remember when that was me. All of the possibilities! Life ahead of me to create anything.
Life is still in front of me. It may not be as much time as I had all those years ago and I’m carrying a few extra pounds and a less hair, but it’s still there for the taking. It's time to reach out and take it by the horns. Not like in the Breakfast Club where you mess with it and get the horns. More like a steer wrestler who twists it around and takes it down. Although, I hope not to get dirty and smell like horse when I’m done.
I’ve got it in my head to make some changes physically, mentally, emotionally and behaviorally. Part of it is that I want to write in this blog a couple times a week. Now, I know I said that last year (if you remember, you stand alone). But, I need more creativity in my life. This is a goofy little outlet for that. Besides, I’m not particularly talented, I just talk too much. So, here's to a new year, changes and the possibilities.
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