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!
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Weezer to Team with Snuggie to create their own signature "Wuggie"
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.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Single Payer Health Care and the Green Party
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.
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.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
What I love about the Republican Party!
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!
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
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
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
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Ben Sollee: Local Louisville artist on the Rise
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.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy- Back and Badder than Ever!
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.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Kalpana: a Band that understands Dynamics
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.
Saturday, May 9, 2009
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
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
Friday, May 8, 2009
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
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.
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.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Flying Pig: Ten Essential Tunes for a Swine Flu Epidemic
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...
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...
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