Time for a New Year's Revolution

Ever seen it?

The show called, "The Biggest Loser"?

You know, they say the word, B.U.F.F.E.T (not as in Jimmy, or Warren), 'butt' ..the word, "buffet", stands for the following, of which this show has many: Big Ugly Fat Folks Eating Together.

And you probably thought that was a nmenonic device for spelling the word correctly.

Harsh, huh?

Yeah, perhaps.

Hey, I grew up skinny - with a Chicken Chest deformity.
Saw it in two Uncles; creative bastiges and heroic to me: Simeon and younger the Barry (my Mother's only two brothers).
Just waiting on the Heart Attack my mother never told me would happen. In time.
Always freaked out about everything I did; always told me to be careful, worried about my heart....just never alluded to or mentioned that IT will happen. And, so the precautionary mothering kinda helped for me.

But IT....Happened to my to two older bros.

Two normal and healthy fokkers.

Yet, I still have the pup-tent Chicken Chest, accompanied by man teats and a beer belly. Neither of which my bros have.
What an ugly way to say: "Thank GOT for DNA".

Thank GOT for Seinfeld and the manzeer.
Which they don't sell at Kohl's, danggitt.

Yessir: Moi identifies with the heavy dudes up there on the scale on TBL.
So, I'm used to it. The abuse, that is. From others; and selfish 'miner' that I 'is'.

Palpitations.

How is that, one questions: Well, of course, I have a wife and two kids.
That's me, aka, the beneficiary of leftovers and no real time to myself to exercise.
Great excuse; I'm just lazy.
I'm my own coach.
Mental quote: "Sprint to the fridge, beotch"!

The above = workout.

Hence, the beer belly.
Which I prefer to call that trophy is "Travel-Bling"....from many, and much needed, 'inexpensive stay-cations'.

So, out of that 40 some plus/year experience, as a skinny punk, then fatter fella, husband and dad.... I developed empathy and compassion.
After and during which, I gained weight.

So much so that I was up to about 215 + lbs and managed to get down to about 190 with many more LBS to 'big lose'.
Its always a fight.
The real thrilla - over vanilla wafers.
And Pringles....and singles of Stax....my fave.
That sheit will clog your arteries.
Including that main vein.
The Vena Cava......and, the Vena pointa towardza Vuh Gina.

Be very careful.
Dern soap makers turned tuber uber-extraordinaire$.

But, the real-meal ticket to more weight loss is two other complimentatry words: Friggin' Excercise.

Think and stink 'till your pink
.
For me, that's painful (literally).
So that one word, excercise, is truly is a catch 22.
If you can not exercise, because of pain, you can't lose the weight.
But you C.I.L.L. the pain, with weight gaining substances.
Liquid bread in a can!
It has been said, "Man can not live on bread alone".
This is true.
He must have at least a few more loaves (Bread(s) in a can....glass, or bottle).

And so it becomes, truly, a daily battle of mind over matter, if not a war.....and a fire fight in between.
Speaking of 'witch':
Ever tried Sriracha sauce (the Rooster)?
That's another story entirely.
Highly recommended sauce.
Twice burner; lovely.

Yet, please.....recall that ancient adage, Easy come, easy go?

Entire...complete....Bull SHEET....iimprecise - Horse Hockey.

But, here's the deal.

In re the T. V. show, "The Biggest Loser", instead of having these good humans 'doing the tread mill', and or other silly calorie burning gameativities, why don't they select a Golf Course, preferably in the AZ desert, where its hotter than hurl, and give them each - a rotary push mower - and have them.....sprint.....push.....mow..... incessantly, hours on end, all Marine-like, in order to burn off the weight?

Folks, given the current economic conditions, Golf courses are hurtin' more than these overweitghters.

All courtesy of the Bush Administration.
Evil Big Oil gluttonouss and WWI an WWII, current wars, irresponsible and certainly Hell-bound bastards of a family....but I digress.
May they continue to have a pox upon their familial house for 7 generations.
Mother Fokkers.

Back to the point.

Think about it: BUFF, out on the golf course.....with Hooters girls serving as Beer Wenches to entice the heavy straight dudes.
And banana-hammocked pool boys, 'pour' boys, serving 'whine' coolers - to entice the heavier chicks - and 'otherwise interested'. Hey I don't judge here. DNA is DNA.

While we're at it, here's another idea: Quit freaking eating!

"How"; i hear u AXE-ing? And, is that a 'werd', Alex?

Is anybody still reading- or pist off- yet?

That is th goal here, Thinker's!

Yeah, quit eating.

How......Via a medically induced coma - for 40 days.

Say WHAUUUT?

American BUF Folks love pills; how about a 40 day chill pill?
Acutally, if you project plan this, it would initially require a morning evacuation, insertion of a drip line, yada yada yada....bed, 24 hour scientific watch, documented on paper and film, etc. Nurses to excercise your limbs, Johnson/Matilda, etc. U GIT IT. We ALL have so much to learn as humans.

So...Yip, 40 days.

And: No Sweat.

Kinda llike Hey Zeus did in the desert -only he had courage.
Actually, I'd prefer the record to reflect how I really feel and that is the 'man' had balls; but I have too much respect for the dude saving my/our ashes. Plus, back in the day, balls were common.....just written about differently.

And so this proposed T.V. show takes no courage. Just a cash infusion. Which would generate cash infusion into our economy, with advertising, like always, being the catalyst.

The results of the weight-loss-coma? The awakening. Fliming would be pre, duing, and post. Then, put the newly thinned in some Teva's, banana hammock or bikini, new suit/dresses.....no excercise at all. Can you imagine? EZ Weight loss miracle. Fashion and Avertising sales. Plus the medicine takes on a new specialty. Yeah, it takes 40 days...but you slept through it and still lost weight. Here's the trophy: Man tits for the bros and no tits for the women.

Perhaps thee actual ticket to economic recovery, right there folks. If not, take a vacation at your nearest LOCAL Brewer. Mine is Sweetwater and Terrapin (Athens, GA).

I like the golf course mowing scenario better though.

Scratch and sniff T.V.

Hey, how did Phil Mickelson lose his man tits?

Maybe I need to take out a loan and purchase a membership the Atlanta Athletic Club.

Nah, I need a vacation.

the Pigman

The Polkaholics! ... Catch them at the Dankhaus on New Years Eve!

The Polkaholics! ... P1050140
Originally uploaded by Vera Gavrilovic ... PolkaSceneZine

I will be in Chicago for New Years Eve and there are plenty of things to do. My best bet is to catch the Polkaholics at Dankhaus. Their high speed collision of punk and polka are not to be missed. They do for polka what the Real McKenzies have done for Scotland the Brave... I caught on to them a couple of years ago with their tune "Who Stole the Kishka". A traditional polka tune done up speedcore style. The manage to love the punk and love the polka at the same time. They make fun of themselves, but the music isn't taken lightly. Doors open at 8pm and the cover is like 5 bucks or something. What the world needs is more polka punks singing songs about giant lizards stomping their way through the Windy City. They are a real Chicago treat. Like deep dish pizza, they may not be good for you, but the are TASTY!

The Pigman Takes on Tiger

Can Tiger Woods 'Survive' the Mass Hysteria? Read More for the Full Scoop
Originally uploaded by Melissa_Blonde

Here's the deal on this.

TW's wife is and was hot. A gem in most men's eye, right or left.......testicle too. For a total stud like TW, aka TVV, it is simply put.... never enough.. Can never get enough. Man can not live on bread alone....and he makes alot of dough. So it ain't all about the greens and the green greens. There is that smell in the rough. And so it goes that when you are a Rock Star, defined as a traveling musician, athlete, or even a corporate salesman/engineer, etc.....and heterosexual....your body demands more than gatorade, which he could do commrrcials for the new flavor called, Tiger's Select Pussy Flavor and body rejuvinator...."providing one with the prowess to make that .....hole in one"

Ah, the dining schedule of said Rock Star: Poontang for breakfast, uh, shum Pussay for lunch, and, guess what.....hot steaming fresh pussy for dinner....and all the pussay, defined as Snack-algesic....you can stand...in one day, dammintt. Daily, 24/7x 365.....until now....DOH!

Ergo, on a diet like that.......YOU HAVE NO BUSINESS BEING MARRIED!

UNLESS.....unless you have an understanding and a written agreement with said spouse. An arrangement, spousal agreement pertaining to all things procreational and matrimonial, the benefits being Vegas-like, in that what happens on the tour stays on the tour. Only TMZ got in the way and frocked it up for every swinging dick with a card and bag of testosteronic clubs.

I submit TW has that arrangement, understood and well documented..

SO this is Christmas......and this is damage control.

And the man who brought Thanks Giving and Christmas and many a Happy New year to the PGA......must finally rest his 10'' iron wood.

Ciao main.

Bebo

Great radio is still around: WXRT Chicago

WXRT tower
Originally uploaded by MDavid11

Driving home today from the cold, snowy Windy City, I was tuning around the dial. It landed on an old familiar spot at 93.1 WXRT. I was on the Kennedy Expressway, trying to see out the one clean spot on the windshield of my van, and grooving to the music. They played a nice mix of old and new like always. Some Natalie Merchant, some Rolling Stones, Grateful Dead... The highlight for me was Taj Mahal's version of the old "Six Days on the Road". In a world where all the crap is pre-fab, pre-programmed blandness, I am glad WXRT is still going strong.

O’Reilly | Hannity | Limbaugh [aka brownshirts]

O’Reilly | Hannity | Limbaugh [aka brownshirts]
Originally uploaded by the|G|™

I listen to AM talk radio. It feeds the masochist in me. It is essentially unballanced drivel from the near to far right. One thing rings clear. FEAR! THE SKY IS FALLING. What else do these guys have? Fear the brown president, fear the immigrant, fear the queer, fear the ... well, you get it. How does anyone listen and believe this crap? I listen sort of like one would watch a video of a bad car crash, out of morbid curiousity. Here is what the creator of this interesting illustration said about it:
"The main [and most appalling] problem with O'Reilly, Hannity, Limbaugh et al and the sharper end of 'Foxilosophy' is that they, quite simply and wittingly, brook no argument. None.

These people are in possession of mouths [which are seldom silent], but seem devoid of ears. To these people and their ilk, to listen is quite simply seen as absurd. They are right. Only they know.
The handmaiden of this ludicrous notion that every viewpoint and argument but theirs remains erroneous is the appearence of that most prophetic of garments, the brown shirt.
They realise only too well [they are not wholly ignorant and obtuse] that the mere act of listening will lead to possible, if not probable, intellectual defeat.
Listening is thus to be avoided at all cost.
Dogma must, and should, devour reason whole.
The very last word one can use to describe these vapid, egotistical, and dangerous cretins is 'reasonable'."

I wanted to say something like that, but this guy is far more eloquent than I am.

London Calling: Voted Best Punk Album of All Time by Dissident Readers!

London Calling
Originally uploaded by Adriano Comissoli

We have closed the polls and the votes are in. London Calling by The Clash, was voted the best punk album of all time. I can't say that I disagree. There have been so many great punk records over the years, but London Calling was a special record. It was a double LP that blew away any notions of what punk should sound like. Running the gamut from punk to ska to folk and dub, the songwriting was deep and the tunes were classic.
The opening cut was the title track, the plaintive London Calling. This is still a classic. Brand New Cadillac, a psychobilly tune was next. Jimmy Jazz, track 3, was a jazzy little number. Hateful and Rudie Can't Fail are both tuneful tracks to end side 1.
Side 2 featured some nice softer tunes. Spanish Bombs and Lost in the Supermarket are VERY soft from a punk perspective, but are great songs, full of insight. Clampdown is more straight-forward power punk. Then follows the punk classic, Guns of Brixton.
Side 3 boasts rockers Koka Kola, and Death or Glory. Side 4 finishes with my personal theme song of the time I'm Not Down, along with Train in Vain and Revolution Rock. If you don't have this disc, GET IT! I was still in high school when it came out 30 (ugh!) years ago. I graduated in 1981. This was the soundtrack of my youth, alongside other greats such as Black Flag - Damaged. Hope you have enjoyed this tribute to the album Dissident Times fans have voted their favorite all-time punk recording.

Goodbye and God Bless, Ted Kennedy

Edward Kennedy Hearse Motorcade 8-27-09 058
Originally uploaded by CapeLawOffice.com

Saying goodbye to Ted Kennedy this week. An unashamed Liberal (like myself), I always loved the way he got under the skin of the right wingers. They used his name like a curse word, much as they do the word "liberal" itself. I will not go into great discussions about Ted's legacy or body of work. These stand for themselves. A member of the senate for as long as I have been alive. A stalwart liberal through it all. We will miss you Ted. I hope others step up to take up the Liberal cause and fight for the little guy like you always did.

Why I Don't Like Coldplay

Coldplay GF3Q1817.jpg
Originally uploaded by kingpinphoto

I remember the first time I heard a Coldplay cd. I had heard all the buzz and wanted to hear them for myself. I borrowed a disc from a friend and put it in the system. The first track was slow, downtempo and boring. I fast forwarded to the next track. It sounded like a long intro to a song that never arrived. Then it hit me. All of their tunes sound like a long intro waiting for a song to happen. But the song never happens. I wrote it off to my love of in-yer-face SoCal punk that offers instant gratification, hooks that beat you over the head, instant energy. But I asked other friends who weren't fans of Fat Wreck Chords compilations, and they told me the same. Coldplay is simply this: BORING. Like Pink Floyd minus the cleverness and psychedelia. Now they are on 60 Minutes and next I guess it will be Corn Flakes commercials. There is truly a void in the big arena of corporate rock that Coldplay fills I guess. I will stick with my indie and punk roots. Bands that are creative and make music for the sheer joy of making music.

To all those loudmouths disrupting Town Hall meetings on healthcare...

CHUY CAN'T PASS...
Originally uploaded by defekto

Sit down. Shut up. Wait your turn. Think for yourselves. Remember, silence is golden but duct tape is silver...

Hit the Switch! New record is out, and it rocks HARD

Chino, California based Hit the Switch has a new cd out. Hit the Switch mixes SoCal punk, hardcore and thrash that is powerful stuff. I found them a couple of years ago on their cd, Domestic Tranquility and Social Justice. The new disc is called Observing Infinity.I love their low tech, straightforward approach to the music. It sounds raw, energetic and thrashes with a real sense of urgency. Take a stroll to their myspace page here:

Only in NYC! The Big Gay Ice Cream Truck

BGICT - yummmmm...
Originally uploaded by e.Conrad

I heard about this guy on NPR. He is a professional musician, but in his spare time he earns extra cash with his ice cream truck. He has been roaming NYC for a few months selling his self-described "metro-sexual" menu of plain and fancy ice cream novelties and cone. Ain't America great?!? I hope my old high school friend Mark gets the west coast/ LA franchise of this company.

Louisville Under Water...

August Flood 09
Originally uploaded by tonykeith51

So I was out of town today. Everyone kept calling me telling me that Louisville was getting hammered by 6" of rain. I was in Bowling Green. A few sprinkles, but no big deal. When I was driving home listening to WHAS, I started to hear the extent of the flooding. People rescued from UofL in boats, and the Watterson Xway closed due to flooding. I got home. No water in the basement. Earlier this summer I bought a new sump pump that was like 2 times bigger than the recommended size. Hey anything worth doing is worth overdoing. I have included some flickr video here from some folks near Churchill Downs. Some areas got hit pretty hard...

Funk for a New Generation: Alan Wilkis

Age of Funk
Originally uploaded by Chester The Disaster

Just checked out a new track from Brooklyn artist Alan Wilkis. His music is described as dance/pop/funk for a new generation. That is a pretty good description. I hear shades of Parliament Funkadelic going on there. He has a blog that features free downloads definitely worth a listen. http://wilcassettes.com/blog He is definitely channeling Bernie Worrell on the synthesizers. Bernie was the P Funk and Talking Heads key guru with the distinctive sound. I have been waiting for some new funk for ages. Prince has kept up the funk, and George Clinton as well. But we need the new FONK... Here it is.

PINK AND PURPLE is this new release. Brooklyn-based producer/instrumentalist, Alan Wilkis brings some great tracks on the new material... Hear some of what was good about the 1980s - Vintage synth hooks and a cheerful groove. "6 songs of non-stop electro-pop dynamite."

My office is near this guy

WKU H20 Tower
Originally uploaded by ScottiePippin

How could you not be happy seeing him on a regular basis???

The Newest Framptons: Meg and Dia

Meg and Dia
Originally uploaded by TheUniversalCynic

While listening to the 2009 Warped Tour compilation, I got this insidious tune stuck in my head. It had great pop hooks and beautiful vocals. It really stood out from the screamo of many of the bands on the disc. I was in love. With Meg and Dia? Who the heck are Meg and Dia? I had to look further. Here, courtesy of their website, is the lowdown on some talented youngsters, Meg and Dia Frampton.

"Seeing the world is an eye-opening experience—especially if you grew up in the tiny town of Draper, Utah—so it’s no wonder Meg & Dia’s new album, Here, Here and Here, paints a portrait of what life has been like for this hard-working band as they’ve toured for the past two and a half years in support of their 2006 debut album Something Real (which spawned the fan favorite singles “Roses” and “Monster”). Despite being fronted and named after sisters Meg and Dia Frampton, Meg & Dia is very much a collaborative effort between five individual musicians. With the upcoming release of their second album Here, Here and Here, this group of five friends has begun to evolve into the kind of musicians they want to be—although they’re the first to admit that it’s still a collective work in progress. “On the first record, Dia and I were these little naïve girls who got this huge opportunity to make a record,” Meg recalls. “We went into it completely unaware of everything. Then we traveled the world and our perspective expanded a hundred-fold.”

It was this newly gained viewpoint that influenced all the songs on Here, Here and Here, whose title is inspired by a quote courtesy of Mozart: “There’s nothing to composing. You just need to focus on here, here and here,” he said in reference to his head, heart, and ear. If there’s a consistent theme throughout the album, it’s that life doesn’t come with instructions or a map. “All of the songs reflect the sentiment that we’ve been on this really long journey—from point A to point B—and it’s taken us a long time to learn all these different things,” Meg explains in regard to their learn-as-you-go attitude. “We wanted to create the feeling of progress, even though we’re not done yet. The whole album has a feeling of motion…that we’re trying to get somewhere while still having a little more way to go.”

Meg & Dia have certainly shown just how far they’ve come since their debut release. Here, Here and Here is a musical and emotional rollercoaster through various striations of pop-rock sounds and sensations, with each of the 13 tracks brimming with the band’s signature candor and charisma. Meg & Dia stepped outside of their musical comfort zone by experimenting with different instruments and arrangements. “Hug Me” is an upbeat rocker inspired by Brave New World and the desire to be your own person amidst a sea of expectation; “What If” is a guitar-driven, alt-rock romp that’s filled with hypothetical questions we all encounter in our lives (i.e., “What if I find my purpose first?/What if I fulfill my life’s work?/What if you’re counting on my failure made me live?”); “Bored Of Your Love,” a revealing and bittersweet duet performed with Tom Higgenson of the Plain White T’s, marks Meg and Dia’s first co-writing experience with an outside person; and “Black Wedding” is an ominous-yet-sassy salsa with fist-pounding choruses and arena-rock guitar solos.

To help Meg & Dia realize their vision, the band turned to noted producer Howard Benson, who is known for his work with My Chemical Romance and The All-American Rejects among many others. “Howard encouraged us to do a bit of soul-searching and inspired us to push ourselves creatively as artists to the limit,” Meg says. “I learned what I am capable of and to not be afraid to try any idea no matter what it is. He taught me to have faith in myself and not sell myself short just because I'm young and haven't had as much experience. His hand in the arrangements really helped bringing the songs together as a whole, making them more cohesive and emotionally solid.”

Never ones to hold anything back lyrically or musically, Meg and Dia also pride themselves on the fact that—for better or for worse—they are responsible for all of their own material. Meg mastered the GarageBand recording program while the band was demoing songs, which resulted in the final tracks not varying too much from their original form. “Organic” and “authentic” were keywords during the songwriting process, which meant that everything—from the lyrics, to the guitar lines, to the string arrangements—is 100 percent a product of the band. The result is an album that encourages the listener to use their imagination and glean their own meaning from the songs. “Today a lot of musicians hire people or just go with big, corporate writing teams,” Dia says. “That kind of thing scares me to death. “Even though we’re still learning, it’s just cool that no matter what, it’s all completely us.”
Check out the Warped Tour Compilation for Meg and Dia, along with a lot of other interesting bands.

Don't Go Away Mad...

Why Sarah Palin Scares Me
Originally uploaded by Jon Person

Sarah Palin released a real head-scratcher yesterday when she announced she is resigning as governor of Alaska. What she will do next is a mystery that she didn't explain. I personally hope she is fading into the sunset, but my fear is that we haven't seen the last of her. Just like other wingnut media stars, Anne Coulter, Newt Gingrich and the like, they keep coming back like the cockroaches they are. Anyone got a can of Raid?

Against Me! has new trax due on July 7th!

Against Me at Warped Tour
Originally uploaded by tomkclarke.com

At least somewhat new, to us. The new disc is called "The Original Cowboy" and it features hard rocking demos from circa 2003. Hailing from Gainesville, they manage to NOT sound like Lynryd Skynrd, and blaze their own musical trail. Just last year, Against Me! was named best punk band by Rolling Stone mag. As if they know punk, but I agree with them on this one. This band IS a great punk band. Not derivative of earlier punks, and forging a new sonic trail through the murky swampland. I love the vocals and the bass work of this band. Every great punk band needs that low end and the raspy vocals. Against Me! never disappoints...

The Pigman talks Decemberists, etc. and is CRAZY FROM THE HEAT!

Pigman Series - No. 9 (2008)
Originally uploaded by kevin.insomnium

O.K., it's hotter than a Spanish Bull's balls out there right now; and the Bermuda's lovin' it. But the Bluegrass is spent. I'm just trying to stay Kool, in the home 'orfice'.
And so I'm takin' in the latest CD from PASTE Magazine from here in Decatur. If you don' t know about PASTE, you should. Please take the opportunity and check out the following linky: www.pastemagazine.com/subscribe

Note: I get nada for this. For me, it's like turning someone on to another good band, like my bro Michael did for me with this mag/link. Trust me, if you dig in, you'll dig it. Speakin' of which, got to see the Decemberists at the Tabernacle a couple of weeks ago. Incredible. "Fore" words and a period: The Hazards of Love.
"Blind Pilot", Phreakin' Wrocketed!!! They were great; Fore tee five minutes of just cool shtuff. Very impressive. The Decemberists will blow your pea brain if you have hazard enough love. Incrdible show. I just don't know how folks, back in the day, sat in their Sunday best, sweatin' they assh off and never once said, GOT Damn, it aint nuttin' but HAWT in heuha!
When I moved here, I was big fan of CMJ and SPIN (b/c you get free CD's with the purchase price). PASTE is cool.
Speaking of cool, from Decatur, besides Eddie's Attic, and the several pour pubs, I get the XNL emails straight outta the 'ville (Kudos for keepin' the love flowin' and keepin' Louisville wierd); and so I saw where there was to be an in-store show by The Indigo Girls, from here in Decatur...I thought, WOW. What an opportunity. They don't do that all the time. Well, maybe. Just not enough, dammit. We've seen them inumerable times. Everytime: Incredible show, and special to be there. I once got nervous in NYC, circa Jan. 1986, Chinatown, when me and my friend were the only caucasians and darkness was chompin' at the bit tyass I had back then. Same feeling at one of their shows; only no worries. Plus, they always share the stage with the best local talent; and they are incredible! Kinda like Ed Rowland does at Eddie's Attic every December.

Speakin' of foresekins, and 'beards" (think Vuh Jay J).....what the hurl is Cat Stevens doing putting out 'another' album/CD? Did not he 'fore' give that 'sheit' up, many moons ago? And, how does his current and long-embraced gig condone/accept this 'music'?

Speakin' of Brits who have been around for many moons (dark side, or other), these 'cats' may be on their 14th record.....but if you are into Pink Floyd, you'll love Porcupine Tree. Very Phloydinal. Recreational users take note. You will likey.

Ciao for now.

Bebo Pigmon

Rancid's "Let the Dominoes Fall" due on Tuesday!

Tuesday will be a busy day for me. My son who broke his arm a while back will be getting his cast off. I will be starting a new job and have to travel to Pittsburgh for some training. Somewhere along the way I need to pick up the long awaited Rancid cd, "Let the Dominoes Fall" coming out on Epitaph Records on June 2. From the previews I have heard, it sounds like classic Rancid. They don't stray too far from their traditional sound, but that is a good thing. It has a mellower vibe to it than their 2000 classic "Rancid" album. That's great too. We can't keep up that intensity forever, but can mature and keep the fire going. Like Husker Du, who continued to evolve after Zen Arcade, I feel that Rancid still has years of great material in them.
They are touring in support of the album. I call the best gig on this tour at Summerfest in Milwaukee. If you have never been there, the environment is great, the food is plentiful, and there is more music than you could shake a bratwurst at. I have seen some memorable shows there on the lakefront in Milwaukee. Violent Femmes, B52s, Sugar Cubes, Public Image Ltd, you name it.
Like I said, the disc has a mature vibe to it. Like when 40 year old guys play punk. But that is a good thing!

Weezer to Team with Snuggie to create their own signature "Wuggie"

Weezer
Originally uploaded by Photographer Christine Taylor

And in news of the strange, Weezer is reportedly teaming up with Snuggie. They are going to create their own "wuggie". It is exactly like a snuggie, except it has Weezer's name on it. No report of whether they will wear them in concert or not.

Single Payer Health Care and the Green Party

Green Party logo
Originally uploaded by paraplegicpanda

Our country has the most expensive health care system in the world, yet we were ranked 37th by the World Health Organization in 2000.

The Green Party advocates for health care as a right for all, and we support a Single-Payer system as the most efficient and effective way to get there. We are the only political party to do so. A Single-Payer system would eliminate the for-profit insurance companies, lower the cost of health care in the United States by as much as one third, and would remove the financial burden on businesses suffering from the recent economic meltdown - replacing employee-based health care benefits.

But Single-Payer has been barred from the public debate because of the influence of insurance, HMO's, and pharmaceutical lobbies through campaign contributions, 'astroturf' (false grassroots) operations, and dishonest advertising.

The health care reform debate demonstrates why America desperately needs an independent noncorporate party. Democratic and Republican politicians are swimming in campaign donations from the insurance industry, receiving over $46 million in insurance money in 2008. There is no Single-Payer voice at the table.

Happy Memorial Day from the Times

To all the doughboys and GIs and grunts and regular Joes who gave, and did what they felt was the right thing. Pictured here is my dad in Korea- era navy gear. Good job to those who have served.

What I love about the Republican Party!

The Republican Party Seal
Originally uploaded by Dave Ward Photography

Did you know that CIA torture is Nancy Pelosi's fault? What did she know and when did she know it?

Did you know that Barack Obama is the prime cause of abortion in the world? Don't let him speak to the Catholics at Notre Dame!!!

Torture is ok. Dick Cheney told me that if you want America to be strong, you HAVE to torture. America is weaker without great thinkers like the Mighty Dick.

For this, and other hot topics, don't bother to educate yourself... Have FOX News, Sean Hannity and Rush Limbaugh spoon feed it to you. Drink the kool-aid! Ignore that bitter aftertaste!

The Pigman takes on The Kings of Leon

The Kings of Leon
Originally uploaded by chris tuite

This new shtuff by the "Kings of Leon" is just rediculously infectious.

I mean, FOK the Swine Flu.

I can't get outta my small pea brain head, "Sex on Fire" and "Use Somebody". Which have found their way onto several mainstream stations here.

The guitars in SOF remind me of the 80's imports staples. Give it a listen, Mr. Alex Trebec. And, name that band!

The voice in both SOF and US remind me of Eddie Money from the '70's (not that I ever loved Eddie Money....I loved Eddie Munster...but that was earlier in the '70's of the '60's and Billy Munster too in the '80's when he had that "FISH HEAD" song after a long career lost in space).

We have a major avenue here, in the A. Te El, called Ponce de Leon; hence, I thought, pea brainingly that for sure "these 4 Kings are from Ponce, man".

Nope.

Says it plain as day, on "our" SPACE: Dem kangs is from the other 'Ville.

As in Nash. Which is still a good thing. Anything between here and home is on the way, relative.

And so if you look at their group photo, looks like two of 'em belong; dos are emo's.

But they must be doing something right. 91,xxx,xxx hits.

That is math ole W could not comprehend. These foks are huge already.

Yeah, that's right. It's pop music. And these Kangs is a goin' places.

Ciao main.

Bebo

Ben Sollee: Local Louisville artist on the Rise

Ben Sollee
Originally uploaded by Kingsnake

Here is Ben Solllee (recent UofL grad and extremely talented dude who toured with Bella Fleck last year)
Here is the bio from his website www.bensollee.com
It was the cat-poles around the lake at his grandfather’s farm that inspired Ben Sollee’s debut album Learning To Bend. The frailty of those awkward looking plants standing stoutly against winds that challenged even the strongest of nearby trees is an affecting metaphor for human struggle and perseverance. This idea is central to Learning To Bend.

Key tracks on Learning To Bend include two reactions to the current political landscape, “A Few Honest Words,” and an adaptation of Sam Cooke’s “A Change is Gonna Come,” in which Ben has written updated, politically relevant verses. Other highlights of the album are the playful, soul track, “How To See the Sun Rise” and the vulnerable yet insistent “It’s Not Impossible,” where Ben laments the unfortunate status quo that “boys don’t cry.”

Ben has found considerable success in recent years through his ability to bend. In 2007, he was named one of NPR’s “Top Ten Unknown Artists of the Year.” His distinctive cello technique and soulful voice have been marinating for years in his work with avant-garde bluesman Otis Taylor, The Sparrow Quartet, (featuring banjo-master Béla Fleck), and on the internationally known Woodsongs Old Time Radio Hour.

Ben’s unique performance experience and creative vision trump his 24 years and traditional classical training; he is poised to emerge as a solo artist, bridging genres and demographics with earnest and dynamic songwriting. However, the single most salient quality of Learning to Bend, is Ben’s contagiously optimistic worldview. Ben is not just expressing his personal quest for flexibility, he is asking the entire country to learn to bend, learn how to cry, learn how to see the sun rise… He is at the forefront of a movement that is happening right now: a zeitgeist in which a nation can face reality and empower itself to evolve and feel deeply and stand up for the power of hope.

http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&VideoID=57066003

Ciao for now.

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy- Back and Badder than Ever!

big bad voodoo daddy
Originally uploaded by amandavisualzen

Around the turn of the millenium, there was a so-called swing revival. Bands such as Cherry Poppin Daddies, BBVD, Royal Crown Review and Big Time Operator were harkening back to the swing sounds of the 40's and 50's. As all trends come and go, there are still some great musicians out there throwin it down. Big Bad Voodoo Daddy is one such band. All highly skilled jazz musicians, they rock the swing tunes HARD. They bring an energy that rocks the house, and they have the chops to do it. Their new album is 11 tracks of classic swing from Cab Calloway. Cab was about the hepest cat EVER. The cd is called "How Big Can You Get" and it sounds great. I grew up with an appreciation of music with horns (I am a sax player) and got a love of swing music from my WWII-era dad. BBVD bring the sound FRESH, without sounding nostalgic or tribute-band-esque. They will tour on support of this cd. They get no closer to me than Evansville, but I just might make the trip.

Kalpana: a Band that understands Dynamics

Rare Show Flier, Aug 12
Originally uploaded by Guyermo

I have long been a fan of bands that can play with dynamics. I appreciate loud AND soft passages. I appreciate slow AND fast tempos. One such band is Kalpana. I first heard them on their release "Hors de Combat". The music is very interesting and cinematic. The guitars go from ambient to screaming at the drop of a hat. I hear shades of ...and you will know us by the trail of dead, Husker Du, and other enigmatic noise machines. It is both post art, post punk, post noise, and interesting. Their 2 recordings can be purchased on their myspace page. Check them out.

Ten Essential Tracks for Mothers Day (It's This Sunday, Slackers)

Another Mothers Day is upon us. Let's make her a Ten Essential Playlist for her iPod. I know she likes indie, punk and the like so here is my list for Mom:
1. My Mom Still Cleans My Room..........MXPX
2. Anything by "Say Hi To Your Mom"
3. Cockadoodledoo............Momma Stud
4. The Sky is Falling and I Want My Mommy.....NoMeansNo
5. I Wanna Get a Mohawk (But Mom Won't Let Me Get One)...AFI
6. My Mother Was A Chinese Trapeze Artist...The Decemberists
7. Mother Superior........Good Riddance
8. Tie Your Mother Down......Queen
9. Mother Knows Best.......Richard Thompson
10. Anything by Frank Zappa and the Mothers

Terror Alert: Now that's Funny right there...

Terror Alert
Originally uploaded by Justin Harter

I don't care who you are.

Bargain Bin Treasure: Jon Cougar Concentration Camp CD

I am a sucker for cd bargain bins. I am also a sucker for a band with a great name. These two things came together when I found this disc:
Jon Cougar Concentration Camp "No More Room in Hell". I had vaguely heard of these guys years ago, but never heard them. Turns out there was an interesting story there.
The band started as four friends jamming in the San Diego area. The friends went on to cut some tracks, and join other bands. The Queers, a great surf punk band is one of them. I always liked them, but stumbled on their name. I felt like I was offending someone when I mentioned them... Another member joined The Dwarves. Both bands that I had heard of. JCCC, as they are known has been defunct for many years, but this disc has a lot of raw energy and power. Sounds like it was recorded in a basement in about 45 minutes, but that is a GOOD thing!
I love the bargain bins. You never know what you will find.

Flying Pig: Ten Essential Tunes for a Swine Flu Epidemic

Flying Pig
Originally uploaded by Lizette Greco

The Swine Flu has flown, or at least it seems to have. Here is a list of tunes to load up for such an occaision:

1. Little Piggies... The Beatles
2. Little Pigs... Mucky Pup
3. War Pigs... Black Sabbath
4. Old School Pig... Tilt
5. Devils, Rats and Piggies... The Mekons
6. Pork Tornado... Pork Tornado
7. Primus... Pork Soda
8. When Pigs Fly... by local scene artists Eddie & the F@#k Munkeys
9. Smell the Bacon... Madball
10. Pigs (Take your Pick...)... Pink Floyd

Just a nice little playlist to celebrate the pig flu season and all the things it has brought us. Hope you enjoy. Where else would you find psychedelic rock and hardcore on the same playlist...

It was 20 Years Ago Today... Royal Crescent Mob

1991 Royal Crescent Mob
Originally uploaded by clare_and_ben

I was just listening to some old Royal Crescent Mob today. Spin the World, was released in 1989. I like a lot of the music from that era. The punk funk fusion of bands like 24-7 Spyz, Momma Stud, Red Hot Chilipeppers, and the RC Mob were banging it up, with funk bass, punk guitar and rap/rock lyrics. It was a nice time, and the music had a good natured feel to it.
The scene was throbbing with heavy bass and punk/metal guitar riffs.

Here are some of my faves from 20 years ago:
Royal Crescent Mob- Spin the World
24-7 Spyz- Gumbo Millenium
Fishbone- Bonin' in the Boneyard
Red Hot Chili Peppers- Blood Sugar Sex Magic

I thought it was THE FUTURE of music. I thought ALL music would sound like this. The real breakout bands from that era were Red Hot Chili Peppers and Faith No More. They had a little staying power.
But tastes change. Good music lives on. I thought Momma Stud was going to be THE next big thing. I was wrong. Still sounds great however. Listen to some older cd's and expand your mind. See where we THOUGHT music was going at one time. You just may enjoy it!

Make Do and Mend: Good Band to Check Out!

Originally uploaded by Sacha Maxim

Whilst rummaging through material of new and up-and-coming bands to write about, I kept coming back to these guys. Make Do and Mend. They are set to release Bodies of Water in the next few days. Hailing from West Hartford CT, the new tunes will be available on vinyl or cd. Tour dates mostly on the east coast and west coast. Nothing in the middle 2/3 of the US for now. Their sound is classic and fresh at the same time, going down familiar roads but not getting stuck there. Tuneful, post-HC/punk and thoughtful lyrics. Check them out!

Big D and the Kids Table News: Ska is still (Not!) Dead

Big D and the Kids Table
Originally uploaded by DanCox_

Am I so uncool to still enjoy the skapunk sound even though it was last cool in the 90s? Regular readers of the Dissident Times will notice I still harbor affection for bands like Voodoo Glow Skulls, Bosstones, and Reel Big Fish.
Big D and the Kids Table are a great band to get you ska going. They are regulars on the Ska is Dead Tour and the Warped Tour. Right now they are finishing up some east coast dates and getting ready for the 2009 version of Warped Tour. I heard recent noise that they are due to release a new cd in the summer of 2009. Catch em on the Warped Tour if you get the chance.

Earth Day Every Day: Be Kind to Your Mother Earth!

Earth Day Every Day
Originally uploaded by MontanaRaven

Here we are at another earth day. I remember back in the 70s when the hippies got the whole thing started. Thank you hippies. If there is at least one day that environmnetal issues are mentioned, at least it is Earth Day. So go out and do something good for the planet. Recycle, plant a tree, bike to work or ANYTHING. As Jello Biafra says in a Dead Kennedys song "Its the only world we got, let's protect it while we can."

Dave Ernspiker- Big Rock Show guitarist dead at 39

Dave Ernspiker
Originally uploaded by John Adkins II

With great sadness I heard of the passing of Dave Ernspiker, guitarist of Louisville's Big Rock Show. Dave was a real life Dewey Finn, the character from School of Rock. He lived to rock. Playing out in the clubs 6 nights a week, and then doing church gigs on Sunday. The man was born to play guitar. He always had good advice for me on amps and stuff. A bear of a guy, who will leave a giant hole in the Louisville music scene. Rest in Peace, Dave. You are in Rock and Roll Heaven now.

Columbine, Ten Years On

Anti Gun Violence Campaign
Originally uploaded by adwriter

And nothing really has happened with gun control. We are "shocked" by the Virginia Tech massacre, but nothing changes. We are shocked when a man kills a minister in the pulpit in Illinois. We are shocked when Northern Illinois University becomes a battleground, but nothing changes. We are shocked when a man kills people in an East Tennessee church because he "hates liberals". We are shocked when a man (too many to count) kills his family and then turns the gun on himself. We are shocked when students are gunned down at Heath HS right here in Kentucky. We are saddened when.........................
But nothing changes. America loves its guns. America will suffer its high murder rates to keep those guns at all costs. I am not shocked by the Columbines. I am just wondering where the next one will hit. Like a tornado or earthquake. Angry people with easy access to guns is the formula for this carnage. Why are we surprised?

Coming Soon to a Town Near You. The Republican Party's Faux Tea Party

Tea Party Crate/Dan Streety
Originally uploaded by dstreety

So the public is reportedly feeling angry about the Stimulus plan. They fear Government spending is out of control. You ask yourself, "Is this a populist movement?" Look no further than the Karl Rove Republican party for the answer. Trying to stay out of sight behind the scenes, their fingerprints are all over this phony media event. Wednesday, we will have our phony tea "protest" here in Louisville. I hear Terry Meiners on the Republican- mouthpiece WHAS-AM talking to two "average citizens" about it. Amazing how this protest just sprung up and got media attention. Terry never talked to Iraq War protesters or gave them free PR. Stick to the comedy, Mr. Meiner. You are skilled at it. Let the Republican party pay for their advertisements on WHAS. It will be good for Clear Channel's revenue.

Mutabaruka: Reggae's Poet Laureate

Mutabaruka
Originally uploaded by hzphotography

Right now I am sitting at the computer and listening to some old tracks by Mutabaruka. Muta, for short, is a poet who rhymes over reggae and dub beats. His 1982 recording "Check It" was radical at the time it was recorded. Rap was in it's infancy, and the idea of speaking poetry and singing over the track seemed strange to many. When I hear his early stuff, it still sounds current, urgent as it did in the early 80's.
From his book of poetry, The Next Poems he states:
“My poems,” Mutabaruka has said, “are to show you the
problems that face us in the world and then motivate you to find solutions to these problems – I don’t think I could show people how to get out of their problems with poems, but at least I could motivate actions.”
His rhymes are creative, humorous, sad; they run the gamut of human emotions and deal with many different topics. If you really are looking for something different, thought-provoking and interesting, check him out. His website is: www.mutabaruka.com

New Material from Strung Out

Jason Cruz - Strung Out
Originally uploaded by andrew_mo

Just listening to the new cd by Strung Out. They are sounding as raw and melodic as ever. The new disc is called Prototypes and Painkillers. There is a track called Lost Motel, a free mp3, which can be found here: http://www.fatwreck.com/record/detail/736.
The new disc is a follow up to their 2007 standout recording Blackhawks over Los Angeles. Hoping they make it to the midwest soon.

Vote the Green Wedge!

"The Green Party has never been as relevant as it is today. Millions of Americans face job loss, eviction, and lack of healthcare because of corporate greed and government negligence. Instead of offering solutions to create jobs and build a sustainable future, Democrat and Republican politicians from both parties continue with business as usual, spending our tax dollars to line the pockets of corporate CEOs.

Last fall, Congress gave insurance giant AIG $85 billion as part of the three trillion-dollar taxpayer funded corporate bailout. This week, it was revealed that AIG used some of that money for bonuses for its top executives.

Why are our tax dollars going to the corporate criminals who got us into this mess in the first place? Maybe it has something to do with the fact that AIG is a top campaign contributor to the elected officials who gave them the bailout.

According to the Center for Responsive Politics, AIG has donated over $9 million to both Republican and Democrat campaigns over the last 20 years. AIG is a top contributor to Senate Finance Committee chair Max Baucus (D-MT) and the fourth largest contributor to Christopher Dodd (D-CT) chair of the Senate Banking Committee. As for the 2008 presidential campaign, AIG hedged their bets as usual and donated to both the Obama and McCain campaigns. In fact, Obama accepted $23,000 after AIG federal bailout funds.

In case you were wondering, Green Party presidential candidate Cynthia McKinney did not accept any money from AIG; nor did any of our other candidates and officeholders. Green officeholders will never put corporate interest above people because we will never be beholden to corporations for campaign contributions. We need a strong Green Party today, now more than ever." Amen! From an email I received from the Green Party. Until we get politicians in Washington that aren't in the pocket of Wall Street, we will see no reform.

AIG Exec to Explain Bonus Payouts

FGR : Seven Deadly Sins (Greed) (44/365)
Originally uploaded by Tony…

Only in America. When the auto companies were asking for help, they were told they needed to gain concessions from their workers, UAW members, before they would be given a bailout. At the same time, AIG got their bailout. Did the workers take a pay cut? No. It appears the inept leaders who led AIG into the abyss got HUGE BONUSES. Ain't that the Wall Street way... In the words of Paul Westerberg, "The rich are getting richer and the poor are getting drunk." If you work the line at GM or Ford, you have to give up what you have earned through years of hard work and negotiation. I think we working class should be rightly angered at the greed and arrogance.

Rusted Root is sounding great as ever!

0275 Rusted Root
Originally uploaded by simpsonradio

Just listening to some tracks from the upcoming Rusted Root cd "Stereo Rodeo", set for release on 3/17. they are sounding as organic, vibrant and lively as ever! If you are not aware of Rusted Root, you need to check them out. Theirs is a sound of americana meets jam band. With a diversity of instrumentation they bridge a gap between folk, rock, funk and jam that makes for a great sound. They have toured with Robert Plant back in the 90's, so they have been around for a while, but they are still churning out great tunage.
Here are some dates coming up:
Mar 14 2009 8:00P Kent Stage Kent, Ohio
Mar 20 2009 9:00P Spring Jam Core Party Aspen, Colorado
Mar 27 2009 8:30P Hard Rock Cafe - Niagara Falls Niagara Falls
Apr 4 2009 8:00P The State Theatre State College, Pennsylvania
Apr 10 2009 10:00P Cubby Bear Lounge Chicago, Illinois
May 1 2009 9:00P Hard Rock Hotel & Casino - Las Vegas, Nevada Jun 26 2009 8:30PDavid Ulrich City Courtyard Lockport, New York
Jul 5 2009 8:00P Great Blue Heron FestivalJamestown, New York
Jul 23 2009 9:00P Riverside Park Oshkosh, Wisconsin
Sep 6 2009 7:30PHartwood Acres Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Check 'em out and buy their new cd!

Bush-whacked Times Two!

IT is pretty much a given that George W. is the worst president anyone can remember. And I am an old fart, at 45 years young. I was thinking this the other day. I have been Bush - whacked TWICE! Turn back the clock to the early 90's. Durning the reign of King George I, the company I worked for went bankrupt and my job was eliminated. Times were tough. I had to relocate to Milwaukee to get a job. Send out a hundred resumes, get 2 responses...
Now, fast- forward to the regime of King George II. Last week amid the dismal economic situation created by said bad president, my job was eliminated again. Back to sending out resumes. I was employed continuously since 1993. Blame the presidents? Why not. The two Bushes are like bookends on either side of prosperity. If any other Bushes come along, let's pass.

Ten Essential Uplifting Punk Songs for these Hard Times!

"Rise above" graffiti, Erie Canal
Originally uploaded by jcolman

Times are tough. Here is a batch of punk songs that will make it easier. In no apparent order, here are some of my favorites:

Rise Above - Black Flag
The be all end all of great punk tunes! "Try to stop us, it's no use!!!" Henry Rollins screaming into the mic, and he means business...

I'm Not Down - The Clash
A very personal and thoughtful account of personal trials and mustering up the strength and courage to overcome them.
"I've been beat up, I've been thrown Out
But I'm not down, Oh I'm not down
I've been shown up, but I've grown up
And I'm not down, Oh I'm not down"

Somewhere Over the Rainbow - Me First and the Gimme Gimmes
If this classic song done up SoCal punk style doesn't bring a smile to your face, then, as Louis Jordan would say, "Jack, you dead!"

I'm OK You're OK - MXPX
In a comforting way, MXPX is like your old pal, reminding you of better times, and that things are gonna be alright...

Do or Die - Dropkick Murphys
Leave it to the Murphs to give you the wakeup call against complacency. Don't let the bastards get you down!
"Your dreams are in danger, and We Must Rise
Our time has come we are under the gun It's Do or Die"

Living - The Circle Jerks
"Everyday is such a test, When this world's such a mess
But I'll try hard- I'll do my best, Won't get bogged down- like all the rest
Got no hamsters in my head- No monkeys on my back
No chains and shackles- to hold me down I wanna fly- I wanna fly"
That was my theme song back in the early 90's. I better find that cd and give it a spin!

New Day Rising - Husker Du
The whole lyric is like, Bob Mould shouting and screaming over and over "New Day Rising", but for some reason I get comfort from this...

Somewhere - Husker Du
Once again, in bittersweet verse, Bob Mould promises us that:
"Somewhere the dirt is washed down with the rain
Somewhere there's happiness instead of pain
Somewhere satisfaction has no name Somewhere I can
be the same". Hopeful lyrics.

I Believe in Miracles - The Ramones
I used to be on an endless run. Believe in miracles cause Im one.
A have been blessed with the power to survive. After all these years Im still alive.
I believe in miracles.
I believe in a better world for me and you.
I have been blessed with the power to survive.
After all these years Im still alive.
The futures here today. Its not too late.
Its not too late, yeah! I believe in miracles.
I believe in a better world for me and you.
Oh, I believe in miracles. I believe in a better world for me and you
Very deep stuff in a Ramones sort of way.

Rise Up - Pennywise
"Well it's up to you what you really want to do - take time - to find a way
Focus on your vision you're on a secret mission
Ignore what the masses say
Well it's up to me what I really want to be
And I'm still searching for the day
We got to fight we got to feel we got to know that this is real
If we're going to win this race
We gotta rise up open our eyes up."

Put these tracks on a playlist and you might find yourself feeling better about the world, the economy, the situation we are currently in. I know you folks out there have some favorite tunes, so PLEASE comment below!
Rise Above!!!

It is Now SIR Edward Kennedy, Thank You!

Knight Templar
Originally uploaded by Creativity+ Timothy K Hamilton

Gordon Brown announced today in his address to congress, that the Queen has made Ted Kennedy a knight. Not sure what goes along with that knighthood, but Senator Ted deserves it, as he has fought tirelessly for the progressive cause all these years! Go Ted!

Hello from the Land of Unemployment

If the content on this site has suffered as of late, please note that I was laid off last Friday. Most of my creative energy is used to send out resume and type up cover letters. I would rather use my spare time to comment on cool punk and indie music, politics and the like, but for now I have a new full time job - finding a job! Until then, enjoy the past content and I will keep up as best I can.
RT

Obama Drives Stake Through the Heart of NeoCon Vampires

Obama in Dallas - Reunion Arena
Originally uploaded by slight clutter

During last night's address to the nation, he attempted to lay out his agenda for the next four years, among other things. Not intended to be highly detailed, his words were more optimistic and idealistic.
One thing of note was his pointed words toward the final vestiges of the Bush neo-conservative movement. He spoke of closing Guantanemo, and he spoke against torture. He spoke against the greed that marked the no-bid Haliburton era politics of the last eight years. As a Progressive, I was excited to hear such talk. Although Obama is a moderate, not a liberal as he is so often painted, I am glad to see him expressing concerns about issues important to the progressive movement. Good job Mr. President!

CNN Gives John Ziegler's Wingnut Movie Credibility

Conservative Media Liars
Originally uploaded by mariopiperni

Just finished watching CNN give conservative wingnut John Ziegler credibility and a free promo for his movie that purports that the evil liberal media tanked Sarah Palin's 2008 campaign. I watched the interviews, I think that Sarah tanked her own campaign.
I hate how the CNN reporter lobbed softball questions at Ziegler, and gave him credibility as a "film maker". I thought he was just another jackass talking head conservative radio host. He was when he was here in Louisville on WHAS-AM, before leaving town amid shame and sexual harassment allegations.
Until reporters ask tough questions of EVERYONE they interview, I guess anyone can get free credibility just by showing up. The right wing of the Republican Party comes across as sore losers, at a time that our country faces great challenges, most of which were created by said conservatives.

Agent Orange: Tour 2009 Info

Agent Orange
Originally uploaded by epmd

If you are not familiar with these guys, Agent Orange goes back to the early days of SoCal punk. Their sound has stradled punk, surf, and the early days of what we called hardcore. Their power trio format was the schematic for many a punk band in the 80's, mine included (Angry Dissidents). With a guitar, bass and drum attack, the music takes on an urgency that you miss with a fuller sound. Take the Minutemen, Husker Du, and the Meat Puppets. These were diverse and sparse power trios of the same era. Nice to see the boys on tour. I may get out the old Blood Stained Hitz compilation, and trip up to Newport for a show.
February 24, 2009 New City Suburbs Edmonton, Alberta
February 25, 2009 Cheers North Red Deer, Alberta
February 26, 2009 The Underground Calgary, Alberta
February 27, 2009 Amigos Cantina Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
February 28, 2009 The Distrikt Regina, Saskatchewan
March 1, 2009 Royal Albert Arms Winnipeg, Manitoba
March 4, 2009 The Embassy London, Ontario
March 5, 2009 Touche Bar Hamilton, Ontario
March 6, 2009 The Alex Brantford, Ontario
March 7, 2009 Katacombes Montreal, Quebec
March 8, 2009 Mohawk Place Buffalo, New York
March 9, 2009 Southgate House Newport, Kentucky
March 10, 2009 Tiger O'stylies Berwyn (Chicago), Illinois
March 11, 2009 Knickerbockers Lincoln, Nebraska
March 12, 2009 Pt's Club Inferno Denver, Colorado
March 13, 2009 Club Vegas Salt Lake City, Utah
March 14, 2009 The Cheyenne Saloon Las Vegas, Nevada
March 15, 2009 Cocky Bull Victorville, California

Academy Awards Day

Academy Award by Jeremiah Christopher
Originally uploaded by jclushlife

Actors I have never heard of winning awards for movies I will never see. Hooray for Hollywood.

...And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead to release new CD This Week!

...And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead
Originally uploaded by vhf

Followers of this blog know that one of my favorite bands and band names out there is "...And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead". Century of Self is the title, and as usual the Austin- based band pushes the sonic envelope. From the samples on their website and myspace, I am looking forward to the new offering. I hear shades of Husker Du, Smashing Pumpkins and a lot of other sonic mayhem in their sound. Hoping a tour will follow.

Republican Votes for Stimulus Package: 0, Republican Concern for the Common Worker in America: 0

The Republicans are back in their favorite roll... Obstructionists. They have proven over the last few years that they are incapable of providing anything meaningful to add to the discourse. They are just interested in lining their pockets and the pockets of their friends... They are showing their obstructionist solidarity, and the fact that they all march lock-step to the tune of Rush Limbaugh. Funny that NONE of them had a mind of his or her own. So much for bipartisanship in Washington. I hope we can rid ourselves of more of these losers in the 2010 election.

Voodoo Glow Skulls!

Voodoo Glow Skulls
Originally uploaded by Riff55

For those who say that ska is dead, The Voodoo Glow Skulls drive a stake right through their head. Since 1988, these SoCal skacore aficianados have been bringing it. I have been into these guys since the Band Geek Mafia days, and they continue to put out great music. Check out Epitaph Records website and Victory Records for free mp3's of these guys. I love the "in yer face" attitude of their music. My favorite tracks by these guys are "Left for Dead", "Steady as she Goes" and "Hit a Guy With Glasses". Check them out!

Primeval Punk Pics

Here are a couple of pics a friend sent me of a punk band I played in back in the late 70's and early 80's. Standing up there on a flatbed truck cranking out some Ramones no doubt... Check out the trucker hats, before the guy from Pennywise spoted one, and the old coffin shaped Phantom guitar. I am playing the ES 335 archtop guitar, proving that ANY guitar is a punk guitar. Very funny stuff!

Decemberists Ready to Take on the World in 2009

One of my favorite indie bands is getting busy in time for Spring 2009. The Decemberists are planning a tour in support of their new record Hazards of Love, which is due on March 24. Sorry to see there are no dates for Louisville (humble home of the Dissident Times) as of yet, but I am hoping they flesh out the schedule as the tour approaches.
Here is what the dates look like so far:

May 19, 2009 Hollywood Palladium Los Angeles, CA
May 20, 2009 Fox Theatre Oakland, CA
May 21, 2009 McDonald Theater Eugene, OR
May 24, 2009 Wilma Theatre Missoula, MT
May 26, 2009 Fillmore Auditorium Denver, CO
May 27, 2009 Uptown Theater Kansas City, MO
May 29, 2009 Riverside Theater Milwaukee, WI
May 31, 2009 The Pageant St. Louis, MO
June 1, 2009 Lifestyle Communities Pavilion Columbus, OH
June 3, 2009 Tabernacle Atlanta, GA
June 4, 2009 Memorial Auditorium Raleigh, NC
June 5, 2009 The National Richmond, VA
June 6, 2009 Tower Theatre Upper Darby, PA
June 9, 2009 Bank of America Pavillion Boston, MA
June 10, 2009 Radio City Music Hall New York, NY
June 11, 2009 Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival Manchester, TN

Blink 182 to reunite, prepare for summer tour

Blink fans are happy, as they have announced an upcoming summer tour. An "on-the-mend" Travis Barker will join the rest of the members for a summer tour. It also appears there will be an upcoming album in the works. Nice to see a group that has great chemistry get back together and continue where they left off.

Dead Confederate - psychedelic southern rock

2008-11-13 DEAD CONFEDERATE 076149
Originally uploaded by zimfo

Dead Confederate filters their southern rock through equal measures of psychedelic and indie pop. Hailing from Athens, Georgia, the 80's cradle of college rock acts such as Drivin and Cryin, REM, the B52s, these guys have a haunting sound.
Atmospheric waves of guitar are layered on more traditional pop underpinnings.
Bandmates Hardy Morris (vocals, guitar), Brantley Senn (bass), Walker Howle (guitar), John Watkins (keyboards), and Jason Scarboro (drums) bonded over a shared affinity for Pink Floyd and Black Sabbath. I hear a little of both in their sound.
Making a splash at the SXSW fest, the group has relied on its touring efforts, and released both an EP and full length in the last few months. Dead Confederate appears on The Artists Organization (label) and issued their debut EP in early 2008. A full-length album, Wrecking Ball, followed in September. Definitely worth checking out.

Live Blogging the Superbowl

Bruce Springsteen
Originally uploaded by Ray Radlein

So far here are my impressions. The Cardinals came out looking overwhelmed. They seem to have found their footing. The fat guy from Pittsburgh had a great interception and 100 yard runback. He sure did enjoy his oxygen afterward. He is a hero to me. I like fat guy runbacks. The 3D commercials were kind of lame. I had the glasses, and was 7 feet from a 52" plasma, and it didn't look that great to me. Then Bruce showed up to save the day. Doing a nice set from his 30 year career, he is a little older, heavier and slower, but still rocks the house. I would have liked to just finish the evening with Bruce and the E Street Band, and then watch the rest of the game at a later date. Bruce still rocks!