McCain Selects His Vice President

Greetings my fellow Democrats!
Methinkith..........McAnus forgot the 7 P's.
Prior proper preparation prevents piss poor performance.

This is a Republican disaster.And, they don't need 'Her-ick-a-knee' named ' Gustave', to rain on their parade. McAnus has already pissed on it. McAnus went and blew it. Blew it more fierce than Gustave's winds the Republicans feared Fox would rather cover (no way Rupert would allow that).He dissed Romney (whose name sounds like an old 70s shoe by Addidas) - and the Huckster. Even dissed Hillary by comparing Pallin's inexperience - and Hillary's experience. Say what?

It boils down to this: Life Insurance.

He has some policies I don't care for; but he's risking leaving us, the US, with no policy. Brilliant? Hardly - this will go down historically as a bold and calculated attempt to attract Hillary Dems, et al. And, she will probably persuade folks to let us drill in Alaska for oil. (BTW, the supreme court decision to lessen Exxon's damages over Valdeez was simply WRONG).But his choice for VP, it flies in face of logic. The man is 72, had several bouts with cancer, and is ready to stroke out any minute. He has failed already at the most important issue which is the mitigation of the risk of his coding. The starving masses need worthy leftovers.

A vote for McAnus is NOT worth the risk of an inexperienced anybody taking the helm (man, woman.... red, yellow, black or white or whit-etc).They say Obama lacks experience; compare his Senate experience to her political experience.
If Obama ascends to the pearly gates, we got Biden. If McAnus gets burried 6 foot under, ashes to ashes, we got her?

No thanks.

Ciao for now.
bEBo

New Release of Eva Cassidy Material

If you aren't familiar with Eva Cassidy, she was one of the most pure voices I have ever heard. Seldom does a singer come along with such a true voice. Emmylou Harris and Joni Mitchell are such voices. So is Eva Cassidy. Her material spanned diverse categories, recording folk, jazz, blues, and pop in her short career. Eva's life reads like the script from a Lifetime Network movie. Just at the time she is about to fulfill her dreams, she is told she is dying from malignant melanoma.
It has been over 10 years since Eva Cassidy's death, but their is still strong interest in her recordings. This new release, entitled "Somewhere" is a collection of cover tunes and standards along with a pair of original tunes she wrote. It is available at Amazon and other outlets around the web.
Listening to Eva's music is a mixture of joy and sadness for me. Joy at the beauty of a true artisan, and sadness that she is no longer with us, her great talent unfulfilled.

Available in January 2009, willing to relocate.

RESUME

GEORGE W. BUSH
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue
Washington, DC 20520

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Law Enforcement:
Arrested in 1976 for driving under the influence of alcohol. I pled guilty, paid a fine, and had my driver's license suspended for 30 days. My Texas driving record has been "lost" and is not available.

Military:
Joined the Texas Air National Guard and went AWOL. I refused to take a drug test or answer any questions about my drug use. By joining the Texas Air National Guard, I was able to avoid combat duty in Vietnam .

College:
Graduated from Yale University with a low C average. I was a cheerleader.

PAST WORK EXPERIENCE:

Ran for U.S.Congress and lost.

Began career in the oil business in Midland Texas, in 1975. I bought an oil company, but couldn't find oil in Texas. Company went bankrupt shortly after I sold all my stock.

Bought the Texas Rangers baseball team in a sweetheart deal that took land using taxpayer money.

With the help of my father and our friends in the oil industry (including Enron CEO Ken Lay), I was elected governor of Texas.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS AS GOVERNOR OF TEXAS:

Changed Texas pollution laws to favor power and oil companies, making Texas the most polluted state in the Union. During my tenure, Houston replaced Los Angeles as the most smog-ridden city in America.

Cut taxes and bankrupted the Texas treasury of billions in borrowed money.

I set the record for the most executions by any governor in American history.

With the help of my brother, the governor of Florida, and my father's appointments to the Supreme Court,I became President, after losing by over 500,000 votes.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS AS PRESIDENT:

First President in U.S.history to enter office with a criminal record.
Invaded and occupied two countries at a cost of over one billion dollars per week.
Spent the U.S. surplus and effectively bankrupted the U.S. Treasury.
Shattered the record for the largest annual deficit in U.S. history.
Set an economic record for most private bankruptcies filed in any 12-month period.
Set the all-time record for most foreclosures in a 12-month period.
Set the all-time record for the biggest drop in the history of the U.S. stock market.In my first year in office, over 2 million lost their jobs. That trend continues.
The members of my cabinet are the richest of any administration in history. My "poorest", Condoleezza Rice,has a Chevron oil tanker named after her.
Set the record for most campaign fund-raising trips by a U.S. President and world record-holder for receiving the most corporate campaign donations.
My largest lifetime campaign contributor, and one of my best friends, Kenneth Lay, presided over the largest corporate bankruptcy fraud in U.S. history, Enron.
My political party used Enron private jets and corporate attorneys to assure my success with the U.S. Supreme Court during my election decision.
I have protected my friends at Enron and Halliburton against investigation or prosecution. More time and money was spent investigating the Monica Lewinsky affair than has been spent investigating one of the biggest corporate rip-offs in history. I presided over the biggest energy crisis in U.S. history and refused to intervene when corruption involving the oil industry was revealed.
I presided over the highest gasoline prices in U.S. history.
I changed the U.S.policy to allow convicted criminals to be awarded government contracts, and appointed more convicted criminals to my administration than any President.
I created the Ministry of Homeland Security, the largest bureaucracy in the history of the United States Government.
I've broken more international treaties than any President in U.S. history.
I am the first President in U.S. history to have the United Nations remove the U.S. from the Human Rights Commission.
I withdrew the U.S. from the World Court of Law.
I refused to allow inspector's access to U.S. "prisoners of war" detainees and thereby have refused to abide by the Geneva Convention.
I am the first President in history to refuse United Nations election inspectors (during the 2002 US election)
I set the record for fewest numbers of press conferences of any President since the advent of television.
I set the all-time record for most days on vacation in any one-year period. After taking off the entire month of August, I presided over the worst security failure in U.S. history
I garnered the most sympathy ever for the U.S. after the World Trade Center attacks and less than a year later made the U.S. the most hated country in the world, the largest failure of diplomacy in world history.
I have set the all-time record for most people worldwide to simultaneously protest me in public venues (15 million people), shattering the record for protests against any person in the history of mankind
I am the first President in U.S. history to order an unprovoked, preemptive attack and the military occupation of a sovereign nation. I did so against the will of the United Nations, the majority of U.S. Citizens and the world community.
I have cut health care benefits for war veterans and support a cut in duty benefits for active duty troops and their families in wartime.
In my State of the Union Address, I lied about our reasons for attacking Iraq and then blamed the lies on our British friends.
I am the first President in history to have a majority of Europeans (71%) view my presidency as the biggest threat to world peace and security.
I am supporting development of a nuclear "Tactical Bunker Buster," a WMD.
I have so far failed to fulfill my pledge to bring Osama Bin Laden to justice.

RECORDS AND REFERENCES:

All records of my tenure as governor of Texas are now in my father's library, sealed and unavailable for public view.
All records of SEC investigations into my insider trading and my bankrupt companies are sealed in secrecy and unavailable for public view.
All records or minutes from meetings that I, or my Vice-President, attended regarding public energy policy are sealed in secrecy and unavailable for public review. I specified that my sealed documents will not be available for 50 years.

Unknown Hinson Live Album due in September!

Unknown Hinson,(aka Stuart Daniel Baker) the undiputed king of psychobilly rock will be releasing a new live CD in September, according to his website. Those who are unkowing of Unknown, check him out. Apart from his campy image and wild getup, he is a GREAT master of the Telecaster. He can throw down the rockabilly, twang and blues licks with the best of them. His songs cover the vast territory of women, whiskey, heartaches, murder and the like, as if ripped from the headlines of the Weekly World News. Unknown has a cult following that includes celebrifans such as Hank III (who has a tattoo of Unknown on his forearm), Matt Groenig and Billy Bob Thornton. I am already looking forward to Kentucky Derby Week 2009, as Unknown Hinson is scheduled for a gig sometime that week at the Phoenix Hill Tavern. For a nice live audio of Unknown Hinson, see WFPK's Live Lunch concert series on their website.

Hanoi Hilton Veterans For Truth

It is important that the true story be told. John McCain was not a resident of the Hanoi Hilton. During the Viet Nam conflict, Mr. McCain was actually working as a bell hop at the Honolulu Hilton. Making minimum wage during the days and surfing the afternoons away, Mr. McCain was busy listening to Beach Boys music and riding the waves. He was an exemplary employee according to his manager, Ima Ho (Don Ho's distant cousin). "He was very careful with the guest's bags, and alway on time...".

Why am I bringing this to light now? As a former Swift Boat Veteran who was captured at the battle of Sum Yung Ho, I spent years at the Hanoi Hilton and never saw Mr. McCain. The truth must be told. Now, Mr. Rove, can I have my money?

Harvest Wind Farm

On my recent bike tour in the thumb of Michigan, I saw a welcome sight for greenies everywhere. The Harvest Wind Farm is a cooperative of 32 working windmills in rural Michigan northeast of Flint. All but one of these were turning and generating power as I rode by. The other was inop/not yet installed? According to the blurb I read on a signpost when I got to Pigeon, Mi. This windfarm generates enough power to meet the needs of 1500 households. There is a constant breeze off Lake Huron, and these babies will get a workout!

Bike Tour of Michigan Thumb

I spent a couple of days last week touring the "Thumb" area of Michigan. This is a rural area filled with farms, flat land, wide shoulders and constant headwind off Lake Huron.
I went through areas like Frankenmuth, which is a neo-Bavarian tourist town. Lots of nice shops and restaurants along the way. I skirted Bay City and made my way over toward Bad Axe where I spent the night. Lots of heat and humidity. The roads were great except for the small portion that turned out to be gravel for about a half mile. Sometimes the map isn't very clear about stuff like that. I like to tour with an open agenda and little formal planning. Just ride and end up where you end up. I stayed the night in Bad Axe because I like the name of the place.
Day Two: All went well until I experienced a catastrophic drivetrain problem in a little town called Unionville. At this point I was only 35 miles from my car, so I stayed with my gear and my friend Mark peddled on to get the car, and then drove back to get me. Note to self: Get your derailleur and cables check over before the ride, especially on a 10 year old Bianchi with 10,000 miles on it... Otherwise the Bianchi did great.



This scenic river flows into Lake Huron.

On a whim, I took a side road into this park and was glad I did. I sat there for a while beside the still waters and restoreth my soul.















Here is Pigeon, Michigan which, like the namesake of the town itself was a great place
to roost for a short time. I sat on the bench in the picture, fluttered around a bit, made a lot of noise, annoyed the passers-by and talked to locals about the humidity. I'm not sure a pigeon would do the latter, but I did. I refrained from pooping on any statuary, which was also very unpigeonlike of me. Overall a scenic little town with friendly folks.

Next year I will do another ride somewhere. I have all winter to plan it. And maybe do some bike maintenance. New cables, derailleur tuneup. And definitely take less stuff with me. I must ask this question of everything in my panniers. "Do I really need to peddle this?" Every ounce takes energy to move it.

New Retrospective of Camper Van Beethoven

This June marked the 25th anniversary of the enigmatic rock band Camper Van Beethoven, an indie band at the forefront of indiebandom in the nascent 80s. I remember hearing them on WXRT in Chicago back in the late 80's and puzzling over their genre-busting sound. "Our Beloved Revolutionary Sweetheart" was the disc I bought, and I lost it somewhere, but that is another story. It is pictured at right. If you have it, please give it back to me...

Anyway...
To celebrate their Silver Anniversary CVB released a greatest hits collection aptly named "Popular Songs". This overdue set of tracks features eighteen of Camper Van Beethoven's best known tunes from their 1985 debut to their 1989 effort "Key Lime Pie".
Songs from the band's diverse catalogue shows their eclectic influences - from punk rock, ska, Eastern-flavored instrumentals, alt-country as well as psychedelia.
Early college radio favorites "The Day Lassie Went To The Moon," "Good Guys & Bad Guys" and "Take The Skinheads Bowling," which is still a staple at alternative, college and rock radio to this day are featured. College radio rocked back in the 80's until it got too important, or self-important. The Campers are a happy reminder of the early days. Happy 25th!

My Morning Jacket-Louisville Homecoming

From all accounts, the hometown concert by My Morning Jacket was a smash success. Three of the members of the band call Louisville home, and the band was started here. On the Great Lawn, the sprawling park along the banks of the Ohio River, under a full moon, MMJ returned to their hometown as conquering heroes. Even though the mayor referred to them as "Our Morning Jacket" (intentional or not?) they ran through a 3 hour set that covered both new material from the latest cd, "Evil Urges" along with tracks from their days of playing the 'Ville back in the 90's, MMJ showed why they are fast garnering a reputation of being one of the best live bands on the scene. I, unfortunately, had to work and couldn't make it. I have heard nothing but positive reviews of the show however. The local Courier Journal had nice writeups both pre- and post-concert. www.courierjournal.com

Big Sandy and His Fly- Rite Boys

Here is a band that has been around for 20 years, but still relatively unknown, and that is a shame...
Big Sandy plays authentic rockabilly, rock 'n' roll, with a little western swing thrown in for good measure. Using retro instrumentation for the sparse sound of the era, the band really swings. Upright bass, Fender Telecaster, accoustic guitar and snare drums are the weapons of choice on most of their tracks. Buddy Holly would be familiar with their style, as would Eddy Cochran, Gene Vincent, Link Wray and the King himself. They fell through a time warp and dropped here from someplace in the 50's, and I am glad they came! http://www.bigsandy.net/ is where they hang out, listening to their old 45's and waxing up their vintage Telecasters. The hang out on the West Coast for the most part, but I hope to see them come to the midwest one of these days.

Ready for my Summer Tour '08

A few years ago, my friend Mark and I decided to do a short bike tour. We rode from Marshall, Mi. across northern Indiana and back. We are going to do it again this year, riding along Lake Huron in the "thumb" of Michigan.

Here is the funny thing about me and Mark... We love bike touring because there is always some near catastrophic event that we can laugh about later. Years ago, we were in Cincinnati and our car got towed in 10 degree weather. We had to walk several miles in the cold and dark to retrieve it. I had left my coat in the car as well. One time when in college, we were walking to a local restaurant when it started to downpour. Mark was running head-first into the restaurant, when he accidentally hit his head on their advertising sign, cracking both the sign and his head. On our last bike tour, we rode through rain for 25 miles. We arrived at our destination for the night, a town in rural northern Indiana. We had made no reservations, since it was "in the middle of nowhere". Got there. Sold out. We are looking forward to what calamity this year's ride will bring. It makes for great stories. Years down the road! We would never use GPS. Who wants to know where they are at all the time?

And we never pack enough food or water. That way I can halucinate convenient stores over the next hill. (I know there's one just ahead...)

New CD from Dropkick Murphys

The new disc from Boston's own Dropkick Murphys is an interesting set of tunes. Along with the rollicking fun tracks they are known for, they offer a distinctively serious side as well. Their arrangements featuring an amalgam of traditional Irish folk and hard-headed punk rock is both unique and derrivative of bands like the Pogues. Not that there is anything wrong with that.
The band's latest includes moving tributes to fallen hometown heroes, funeral dirges and folk tunes that tell a story, along with their usual alcohol-fueled brutality. Highly recommended!

FLAMING APES HEAD: The Next Great Band from Liverpool UK?

When you think about Liverpool, a certain band comes to mind. That band is probably not FLAMING APES HEAD. Combining an interesting

blend of garage-inspired punk-grunge-pop, these guys know how to rock. I like the way the fanzine Smelly Baby describes their sound:

"The band's called Flaming Apes Head and their bassist, Neil, proposed to his girlfriend in the disabled toilets one night out in town, so if you're expecting them to sound like Coldplay and Keane then you'll be disappointed. If you want them to sound like the Pixies, McClusky and the Dead Kennedy's and be a bit of a dirty rock band, then you won't be." I concur.

To hear for yourself, follow this link:

http://www.flamingapeshead.co.uk/Music.shtml

Glen Campbell to Cover Green Day Tune

How about this for signs of the apocalype? The Cubs are in first place (in August...) and country musician Glen Campbell has released a cover of Green Day's popular 1997 track "Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)" from Nimrod. The strange thing? It sounds pretty cool. I would rather hear his take on "American Idiot" but until he does an entire tribute cd of Green Day covers, this will have to do. You can find it on Glen Campbell's Myspace page.

Texas School to Allow Teachers to Carry Guns

This is reprinted from the Houston Chronicle:
HARROLD, Texas — A tiny Texas school district may be the first in the nation to allow teachers and staff to pack guns for protection when classes begin later this month, a newspaper reported.
Trustees at the Harrold Independent School District approved a district policy change last October so employees can carry concealed firearms to deter and protect against school shootings, provided the gun-toting teachers follow certain requirements.
In order for teachers and staff to carry a pistol, they must have a Texas license to carry a concealed handgun; must be authorized to carry by the district; must receive training in crisis management and hostile situations and have to use ammunition that is designed to minimize the risk of ricochet in school halls.
"When the federal government started making schools gun-free zones, that's when all of these shootings started. Why would you put it out there that a group of people can't defend themselves? That's like saying 'sic 'em' to a dog," Thweatt said in Friday's online edition of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
Thweatt said officials researched the policy and considered other options for about a year before approving the policy change. He said the district also has various other security measures in place to prevent a school shooting.
"The naysayers think (a shooting) won't happen here. If something were to happen here, I'd much rather be calling a parent to tell them that their child is OK because we were able to protect them," Thweatt said.
It was unclear how many of the 50 or so teachers and staff members will be armed this fall because Thweatt did not disclose that information, to keep it from students or potential attackers. Wilbarger County Sheriff Larry Lee was out of the office Thursday and did not immediately return a phone call seeking comment, the newspaper said.
Barbara Williams, a spokeswoman for the Texas Association of School Boards, said her organization did not know of another district with such a policy. Ken Trump, a Cleveland-based school security expert who advises districts nationwide, including in Texas, said Harrold is the first district with such a policy.
The 110-student district is 150 miles northwest of Fort Worth on the eastern end of Wilbarger County, near the Oklahoma border.

Dissident Commentary:
Ok. So let's arm the teachers. Hum the old Beat Farmers tune "Gun Sale at the Church" to yourself "...our two main men are Jesus and ole John Birch, so we're going on down to the gun sale at the church..."
Or maybe some classic Alice Cooper (Grim Facts) "the boy's got trouble the boy's got stress, the boy's got a .38 hidden in his desk..."

You get a stressed out teacher with a firearm. Or a student who disarms the teacher and wreaks havoc.
Yes, Texas is a strange land, far stranger and exotic a place does not exist.

Anti-Flag Playing Free Show at Republican Convention

I gleaned this little bit of info from Anti-Flag's website:

Tue. Sep. 02 in St. Paul, Minnesota @ Minnesota State Capitol @ 1:00 pm FREE!***Republican National Convention*** Appearing with Wookie Foot, Matisyahu, Dead Prez, I Self Devine, B Dolan, Prolyphic, and Michael Franti & Spearhead...

If you are going to be in the Twin Cities, sounds like a great show. What better way to scare the Conservatives than a great punk show? They are doing a paid show the following day at the Target Center with Rage Against the Machine.

"These events will be exciting and important, we look forward to seeing as many of you there as possible as we push for progression, for accountability, equality, and justice. http://www.rippleeffect08.com

Sept. 03 Minneapolis, Minnesota @ Target Center With Rage Against the Machine

Much respect.

Anti-Flag"

Jackson Browne Suing John McCain

It appears that John McCain is being sued by 70s music man Jackson Browne over his use of "Running on Empty" as a campaign song. Browne seems worried that it will hurt his career. I figure any mention of Jackson Browne outside of the obituaries would be good for his career. Anyway, he does have the right to tell McCain to stop, since it is his tune in the first place. In a similar vein, Sir Mix-a-Lot is also suing McCain for using the tune "Baby Got Back". Ok, I made that part up, but wouldn't it be a great campaign theme? "I like big butts and I cannot lie..."

Fender Joe Strummer Telecaster

Check out this axe. I want one really bad. I need one. Like a rabid NRA member needs another shotgun.

Joe Strummer (of The Clash- but you knew that of course, or you are on the wrong blog) used the Tele, the most utilitarian of guitars. Like Joe, the Tele is a worker. Unpretentious. Battle-scarred. Joe bought his Tele in a London pawn shop back in the seventies. Not much of an artist, he used automotive spray paint and stickers to decorate his axe.
The automotive spraypaint wore off badly, revealing bare wood in some places and the original tobbaco sunburst finish in others. Joe just kept on playing it. Even in the last days with his band The Mescaleros, he still played this shopworn Tele.
Fender has issued a nice tribute to Joe Strummer in the way of a Mexican Tele that has aged parts, decals and the trademark worn black spraypaint, same as Joe's guitar.
I had a 69 Tele reissue a few years back, and got rid of it in a guitar trade for a 76 Les Paul. I need a soulful Tele to replace it in my arsenal. Could You Be The One? (the Husker Du fan asks himself). The Muddy Waters signature Tele is also a guitar worth looking at, but that is a blog for another day. Time will tell.

Chinese Team Uses Robot Athletes

As the 2008 Summer Olympics reaches its 85th day, controversy errupted again regarding the Chinese Gymnastics Team. It was revealed by the IOC today that the Chinese government used robots instead of actual people for their gymnastics team. An investigation into their supposed underaged team members revealed that they are all merely robots. More to follow

Ten Essential Punk Albums You Should Own

Here is another of my useless "Ten Essentials" lists. This is my subjective, opinionated, useless list. If you disagree with it, fine. How punk is that?

Black Flag- Damaged

This was the "White Album" for alienated youth in my day. Black Flag and Henry Rollins combined to form a scary amalgam of punk and metal noise not unlike the Hindenberg crash. When Henry shouts "I want to live... I wish I was dead", it was like a rallying cry for us 80's punks.

Dead Kennedys- Frankenchrist

This album was deemed so dangerous that the LAPD had to break some heads... Jello Biafra's satirical lyrics and the band's fast-paced delivery set the tone for Reagan-era punk. This infamous psychedelic edged hardcore album features 10 tracks including the old favs Soup Is Good Food, Jock- O- Rama, Goons Of Hazzard and MTV Get Off The Air!

Descendents- Somery
What more can be said? "All"! These guys wrote the blueprint for SoCal self-effacing punk with a sense of humor. Their "heart on sleeve" tunes were emo before there was emo. Short, interesting uptempo songs rule the day. All-O-Gistics should be a recognmized religion...

Husker Du- Zen Arcade

Recorded in a whirlwind session, this double album set the standard for hardcore and noise punk. The swirl of guitar feedback, and pounding drums set a thousand imitators in motion. Songs like "Broken Home Broken Heart" invented emo, while others like "Standing by the Sea" pushed hardcore into new directions with longer and slower arrangements and new ideas. This is a must have cd.

Minor Threat- Discography

Invented straight-edge punk. Sparse, emotional music that predated emo, before emo was a bad word. Minor Threat was short-lived but long will be remembered. One of the all time classics.

Minutemen- Double Nickels on the Dime

This double album had like a hundred songs on it. All of them good. DIY punk from 'Pedro CA. This was my soundtrack for the 80's. "This Ain't No Picnic" was a great one... The neat lyrics by D. Boone, the pounding bass from Mike Watt and the impeccable druming of George Hearly was a match made in indie punk heaven. The sound was sparse and excitable. As Mike Watt would say in his unique dialogue: "These guys jammed econo".

Rancid- 2000

The Punk Revival record that shows that punk is still alive and kicking. This album is THE punk record of the new millenium. Makes you love punk again. In the 90s, as I got a job and became a member of society, I was searching for some new grooves. Along came great SoCal bands like Rancid, NOFX and the gang. This album rocks, it goes for the throat, and it proves that the younger generation "gets it". Punk lives!

Ramones- Ramones

The first punk record ever. The Ramones invented punk. Do not be misled...

I remember hearing this album and thinking, these guys are nuts. Second playing... these guys are pretty good. Third playing... these guys are gods... Took arena rock and sacraficed it on the alter of rock and roll.

Sex Pistols- Never Mind the Bollocks

The Britpunk esthetic. Snarling, bad attitude, off key. Often imitated, never topped. Johnny Rotten set the standard for impudent, arrogant, hateful band leaders in the early days. Sid Vicious was, well Sid Vicious. And the rest of the band wailed with an urgency and self-destruction that let you know that the Pistols would self destruct but become imortal.

The Clash- London Calling

As a high school kid growing up, this album was my favorite. So many songs. So many styles. The Clash showed that you can be punk and still cover a lot of territory. Here is ska, punk, crooked jazz, street folk, and a plethora of other styles filtered through this amazing band.

Hope you find some good albums on this list. If you have any comments, or other albums I forgot, let me know. Here is a good start for a punk cd collection that will show you a lot of different bands that were important along the way. Happy listening!

I Still Detest China for their Lack of Human Rights

I can not wash the image from my mind of innocent people being killed by their government just for speaking their mind. I know it was 20 years ago, but it doesn't seem that things have changed that much. I try my best to eschew Chinese products, as hard as it is. I think the business model of importing cheap goods from the other side of the world is a horrible waste of energy. I try to forget the bloody images of Tian an Men Square in '89. We call them "Most Favored Nation" and buy their crap by the shipload. They can take their Olympics and run over it with a tank like they did the Pro Democracy protestors. They faked the opening fireworks, they faked the song that 7 year old supposedly "sang". They faked their gymnastics team, who are pre-teens, breaking the rules (they must be 16). So, they lie, they cheat, they steal... They crush their dissidents with tanks. I am not anti-Chinese people, just anti-Chinese government. They are just nazis with a plastic smiley face and an olympic insignia painted on. I can't wait for the Olympics to go away.

My ecomodder bumper sticker

It says "Please Don't Hit Me. I'm Doing the Speed Limit"
I have gone from 32 mpg to 36 mpg by doing the speed limit. Every drop of gas I save is my patriotic way of sticking it to Exxon and the rest of the evil empire...

My Morning Jacket- Louisville- August 16

Touring in support of their new release, "Evil Urges", the Jacket will return home to Louisville on August 16th. When they were just local guys making noise, who'd have thlought they would be playing big gigs like Red Rocks, coming up later this month, or their New Year's Eve gig at Madison Square Garden? Good to see the locals make big. Looking at their tour schedule, it looks like a nice mix of outdoor gigs like Red Rocks and Riverfront Park, and some arena shows as well. The tunes aren't that bad, either. None other than Rolling Stone Magazine said that they are fast becoming the best live act on the planet. Still the haunting vocals, layered guitars and hook-laden riffs they are known for.

Isaac Hayes is Dead at 65

The most soulful of soul singers departed us over the weekend. As a kid growing up, I remember the Theme from Shaft and thought it was about the heaviest tune EVER. I remember him on TV wearing his trademark heavy chains while he performed. His voice was one of a kind. I don't know what to do now. No Barry White. No Isaac Hayes. Heaven just got a lot more soulful. Right on!

Pigman Takes on Edwards

Just in case NUN o'u whole moe's don't seek bloggage. And note: There is never a mind of mine to mine. Its all about toast.
I may shake like a 6.9, but my column is always a mouthful.

Kornfucious say: seek progress, not perfection......for you will find first in roots, not dyed, the latter in chase.
Frogs....It is a sad day when a shtupid asshh mofo runs for El Presidente........while he's cheating - on his brilliant-smart-lawyer-wife...who just happens to be suffering from BREAST CANCER!!!! Eee Dee IT. If there is ever a candidate for the award, "You SUCK, and should die,..." it'd be him. Ignorant MOFO = him.
Sorry about my Passionate- French: But, holy cow -what an ass whole. POS complete. Flushable. Delete from historical memory, fool.
And, I ain't judgin' here. But I am sayin'.
Between this one and the one who recently supported his wife's run, for El Presidente, post experience in ARK, USA, and impeachment - cheatin' sunny beach- why, why - would anyone vote for John Mc Anus? Mc Anus did the exact same thing....which is......cheated on his FIRST WIFE!
Pete Rose was not the first one to cheat on a wife....or Baseball...or on his fellow AMERICANS.
Err' one of these type has the Joe Thiesman syndrome.
Just lucky enough that their mom's chute was big enough to birth such a big ass head without Guiness World Record Author there to substantiate the event.

This country needs somthing fresh.....like LOYALTY....ACCOUNTABILITY.......
If, and say this like a "BEARS" fan........if Buh RACK....O'BAMA.......frocks up.....and I don't think he will......we, as a country are not only economically in piss poor shape...but we are in that world of hurt that even the GW WWIII DID NOT HELP US escape.

So, what is next?

U freakers tell me!

Now that I've knife-laden the sandwich bread with my jelly.....here's the 'speaking of which' non-peanut butter, which makes it a think-wich: http://www.ireport.com/docs/DOC-57943

Pax vobiscum.

Bebo

June 4, 1989- Remember the Dissidents in China

So China is now our buds. I still have a bad taste in my mouth from 20 years ago. Remember tanks running over unarmed civilians. Remember pro-democracy rallies broken up by the PLA firing indescriminately into the crowd. Killing civilians? Innocent children? Bystanders? I have a hard time feeling warm and fuzzy about this band of thugs who deny human rights to their citizens. I guess they cleaned the blood off the ground at Tian an Men in time for the olympics. http://http//www.learntoquestion.com/seevak/groups/2003/sites/tiananmen/rightsidetimeline/june_4.html

Goodbye Good Riddance! Thanks for the Tunes

Good Riddance was a punk band. Hailing from Santa Cruz, Ca. they featured a melodic brand of punk and hardcore that was hummable. They performed their last concert earlier this year in their hometown, and thankfully it was recorded for posterity. The cd is called "Remain in Memory". Although it doesn't break any new ground musically, it is a great retrospective of the material from all their earlier albums. It is also a testament to their excellent live show. Good Riddance were certainly no musical innovators, but did have a nicely recognizable style that offered great musicianship and memorable melodies. The world could stand more bands like these guys. They will be missed.

The Real McKenzies = Great Canadian Celt Punk

In the tradition of such bands as Dropkick Murphys, here is another of my favorite Celt Punk bands. The Real McKenzies. And they are too. Real McKenzies, that is. Doesn't every band need three guitarists and a bagpipe player?

Hailing from Vancouver, BC, their sound has been best described as "the Sex Pistols meet Scottish folk". Here is some info taken from the band's MySpace page:

"Founded by frontman Paul McKenzie in 1994, he cites his family as another motivating factor, “As a lad, my parents and grandparents would dress me up in a kilt and make me sing and dance to traditional Scottish music. Starting a Scottish punk band is my way of getting revenge!” You’re probably wondering how it is that group of Canadians can rightly rollick and roam the countryside in the name of Scotland. Paul McKenzie offers an explanation, “A great many Scots immigrated to Canada. Ya see, the Scottish went north and the Irish went south...as they often do.” The Real McKenzies have just finished up recording their latest full length 10,000 Shots, at San Francisco’s esteemed Motor Studios with Fat Mike behind the knobs. 10,000 Shots is their first album for Fat Wreck Chords and it follows up two full lengths on Honest Don’s: Loch’d & Loaded and Oot & Aboot. No doubt about it though, this is their best sounding record thus far and it always helps to get these drunks in a proper studio with someone urging them along. Guitarist Dirty Kurt clearly explains, “We don’t wanna cut into our drinkin’ time, so we spend as little time as possible in the studio.” Makes perfect sense to us. The Real McKenzies are proven warriors of the road, having toured North America six times and Europe (where they draw huge crowds) five times. They’ve toured and played shows with Rancid, Shane MacGowan, NOFX, Flogging Molly, The Bay City Rollers (yep, it’s true), The Briefs, and many more. Always touring, always drinking, and always rockin’, the haggis-fueled McKenzie clan is hearty bunch that desires only to bring their brand of Celtic punk rock to every remote corner of the globe. Dirty Kurt puts it best, “We’ve been through tons of members, tons of broken bones, and tons of beer.” Their unending tour schedule would make William Wallace himself exhausted. Always performing in full Highland regalia, the Real McKenzies are a true credit to their ancestors. For their live show they don kilts, high stockings, and sporrans (those weird belt thingies). And you really have to see the size of their bagpipe player’s mohawk to truly appreciate it! Okay okay, so it’s not entirely traditional, but their live show is hands down the rowdiest punk show this side of Glasgow. These inclusive punks see to it that everyone has a good time and a stiff drink in their hand. Preferably Scotch..."
Free mp3s are to be had here:

http://www.fatwreck.com/record/detail/731

Car Companies and BIG AWL pt 2

There was a great article in Bz Wk, last issue. There is this guy. Named Farley. Looks similar to his 1st cuz, Chris. Only, he is the smart one.

Any way, Ford has their work cut out for them. Farley was hired away from Toyota (dumb arses didn't put in a thall shalt non-compete clause).

Ford's problems are heavy......but simple.
First, the failed to recognize a couple of things.
1) gas prices going up
2) lack of cars that get good gas mileage
3) unions
4) unions
5) see number 1).....
6) see number 2)
7) if you've done nothing to address any of the aforementioned in the past 8 years, you are a LOSER......I mean a FORD.

But Farley doesn't hit the pavement Hizzy-sheet-asz-pantz screaming, "......live in a van down by the river'.
He is calculated. Brilliant-Smart.
The article did not lead into product. It intimated. A road. Beyond Day Traw.
But to keep alive, you know where Ford is going.

To a Ford lover, it is time to BUY.
BUY now, and BUY more.
Did I say BUY?
Yip!

If you do, I would put down a couple thou b/c I believe this Farley will breath his and his cousins life into saving this company.
"Do the Henry"

Ciao main.
Bebo

Bebo Speaks...

Hey man! This is probably bloggage.....bloggable.......only.... Its a use it or lose it. I'm not gonna remember it later. Alot of what comes in......leaves courtesy of a $63.63 check ever twelve weeks to transport away from the Store Ship Enterprise. If you want, use some, post it, what not.....but cite your authority -and move on. Ciao main.

p.s. Monday, a week ago, I dropped my progeny off at a day camp and as I squeezed into the big parking spot I thought I'd left, apparently some dyed blonde parked so close to me that as I squeezed my fat ash into my tiny ride......
I banged my short leg on the console of Rhonda, the FIT. I truly thought I'd broke the Fibula or Tibia. And, I may have. I live with a very high threshold for pain; and self medicate.So, yesterday, my wife took my progeny to the pool for 2 hours; I jammed with my band......Walk Man. I felt every bass drum pound. Each one. And, I fought through the pain.
Because......I'd self medicate. There is a song in there somewhere. But, when I roll over in bed, it hurts too. The past week on the sleep mattress....this wknd in Bhm, on a leakingair mattress....not only was the crack in my leg hurting but the crack in my ash.....this is another story I won't go into (familia). So when I drum, its because I need it. And, it was good. It usually is ........fun. Ciao main. Gonna watch 'Jeauneau' (Can I have a vowel, Pat, you puhtard?). -----

The Weapon of Choice

My entire childhood, I was a diagnosed Fender freak. I played a Fender Mustang and thought Fender was the be-all end-all. I always viewed the Gibson Les Paul as a large piece of furniture. A few years ago I purchased a Gibson NightHawk. It played nice enough. Then a friend offered to sell me his old Les Paul Deluxe for a sweet price. I am now a card-carrying Les Paul convert. I love the low profile frets, which they have called "the fretless wonder". I love the mini-humbuckers, which offer a nice balance between single coil crunch and Les Paul wall of sound. It weight a ton, but is a great player. It is my favorite axe in the whole arsenal.

Ten Essential Reggae Artists to Know

Like my list of essential Blues artists, here is a list of reggae artists that I feel are "must haves" for any startup reggae collection. If you want to expand your musical knowledge and add a new style to your CD collection, here are a few suggestions in the reggae genre. In no particular order, here are some reggae artists I feel have had much influence in their field.
1. Bob Marley
The most influential reggae artist, known throughout the world. Bob Marley transcended musical influence and was also a social influence in the world.Simple, plaintive tunes that spoke to the masses about oppression, racism, and freedom. "Legend" is a great disc to start with. Dig a little deeper and add "Uprising" and "Rastaman Vibration". There are a lot of interesting books and DVDs about Marley and his influence in reggae and beyond.
2. Black Uhuru
Black Uhuru (Swahili for "Freedom) incorporated modern beats and electronic drums in their sound. They were THE band of the 80s and early 90s. Great songwriting, excellent grooves and an instantly recognizable sound were the trademark of Uhuru. My favorite albums were "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner", "Iron Storm" and "Red". There is an "Ultimate Collection" available as well.
3. Mutabaruka
Dub poet and reggae artist, Muta's words are as great in print as they are to a reggae beat. I recommend "Check It" which was recorded in the early 80s, but still has an urgency for today, as well as his "Greatest Hits" collection that is available. Mutabaruka mixes pain, humor, politics and many other emotions into his raves. Do yourself a favor and check out his stuff.
4. Aswad
My favorite CD is "Hulet" although Aswad has always maintained a great, tight reggae groove filled with excellent musicianship. Aswad has often incorporated smooth R&B influences into their music and have had crossover appeal because of this.
5. Sly and Robbie
Sly and Robbie have appeared on countless reggae recordings over the years. They have also recorded with Bob Dylan and the Rolling Stones. Playing together for many years has allowed them to have a remarkably tight Bass and Drums sound that lays down a thick groove. Having Sly and Robbie on the recording is like the reggae "Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval". You know it is quality stuff. Their own CD "Friends" won a Grammy in 1999.
6. Peter Tosh
Peter Tosh cut his teeth with Bob Marley and the Wailers early on. Going out on his own in the 70's, "Legalize It" was a dangerous, subversive thought, and Peter Tosh had it on his album cover, standing in front of a pile o' weed... Other than that, the recording was excellent and thoughful. This CD is a must for an understanding of reggae back in the day. Powerful stuff. His "No Nuclear War" is another great one, and won the 1988 Grammy for Best Reggae Album. His "Captured Live" album is also a good one.
7. Bunny Wailer
Another Bob Marley and the Wailers graduate, Bunny Wailer was the softer of the reggae sound, producing "Roots" reggae that is thoughtful and soulful. "Blackheart Man" is a great example of his sound and soul. Over the years he has won 3 Grammy awards for Best Reggae Album. "Time Will Tell" was one such CD and was a tribute to Marley.
8. Burning Spear
Nominated for 11 Grammy Awards over the years, Burning Spear has produced consistantly excellent music over the years. Burning Spear hails from the same town as Bob Marley and Marcus Garvey, Spear advocates messages of honesty, peace, and love, along with the religious and political messages of Rastafarianism and black unity. "People of the World", "Resistance" and "Rasta Business" are all excellent, although all of Spear's material is of high quality.
9. Toots and the Maytals
Here is another group that goes all the way back to the beginning of time, or at least seems to. They are as influential as Marley musically although not socially or politically. The group appeared on one of reggae's greatest soundtracks, - "The Harder They Come", a 1972 film starring Jimmy Cliff .On Vanity Fair's Top 10 Best Soundtracks of all time. Their material has even been recorded by The Clash.
10. Jimmy Cliff
Cliff's career took off at age 14 with "Hurricane Hattie". "Hard Road to Travel" was another influential early recording. "Wonderful World, Beautiful People" and "Vietnam" were both well received early material as well. He won a Grammy in 1985 with "Cliff Hanger". He has been active in both reggae and pop music and had many hits. His music has been covered by artists such as Bruce Springsteen and Cliff has collaborated with many pop, rock and R&B artists.

Hope this little guide will get you interested in expanding your musical pallate. Reggae is great soulful music and everyone should have some in their library. Happy Listening!

Ten Essential Surf Artists to Know

I have always liked surf music. It has laid back grooves, mixed with great instrumental tracks and WAVES of Fender guitars! Here in no particular order, is one more of my random musical guides:
1. Dick Dale and the Del-Tones
The undisputed and reigning king of surf! Dick Dale's staccato attack on the Fender Stratocaster is timeless. Wielding a metallic seafoam Strat, Dick has a tone and delivery that will peal paint off the wall. His early stuff was great, and many say he invented the style, and he has continued to put out decent material even into recent years. You gotta love this guy!
2. The Beach Boys
These guys were the most popular surf band, and eventually went on to become one of the most popular pop bands of their era. The Wilson Brothers with Mike Love and Al Jardine, and their great musicianship and nice harmonies, defined the laid-back Southern California sound. Brian's great studio production and musical vision, and the 'Boys musical prowess took them to the top of the charts. The Beach Boys were around long after the Surf craze died out. "Pet Sounds" and "Endless Summer" are among my favorites.
3. Jan and Dean
Best known for "Surf City", Jan and Dean epitomize the cool California sound of Surf. I will always remember their "Batman" album from my childhood. I wore the grooves off of that one. Tragedy struck this pair and cut them down in their prime. But if you want a great slice of California sunshine, check out Jan and Dean.
4. The Surfaris
Who hasn't heard "Wipeout"? It is a classic of the surf genre. Led by a great drummer, Ron Wilson, and a cool guitar attack, the Surfaris were head and shoulders above the average surf band. Their run of successful albums in the early to mid 60's was quite impressive.
5. The Ventures
Hawaii 5-0, "Walk Don't Run" and "Pipeline" are the best track here. The Ventures played straightforward instrumental surf. This band continued on and off into the 90's and had a worldwide influence. The Best of the Ventures is a must-have of the surf genre.
6. The Trashmen
Widely known for the wacky hit "Surfin Bird" this combo combined crazy vocal techniques with booming guitars and beats that can still be heard in punk acts today. Hailing from Minneapolis, they gained popularity doing surf in the Midwest to the land-locked fans of the genre. Their sound is reminiscent of the wild and unabashed rock and roll we all love.
7. The Chantays
A true surf band, hailing from Santa Ana, California, they are known best for the tune "Pipeline". Catchy instrumental melodies with nice guitar work were the calling card for this band. They represented the legit surf bands, as their biggest hit was reportedly recorded in the back of a surf shop. They were the real deal.
8. Ronny and the Daytonas
Although they were from Nashville, these guys straddled the line between surf and revved-up hotrod tunes. Not surprising considering they were named after a hotrod. I include them in my list since they represented the convergence of the two popular styles of the early 60s. "GTO" was the hit here. Come to think of it, their main hit was named after a hotrod too...
9. The Tornados
Here is one of the earliest of the surf bands. Their instrumental hit "Bustin Surfboards" set the tone for surf. Precise, melodic guitar lines, instrumental grooves, and splashy and pounding drums were their style. And REVERB REVERB REVERB!!! This set the tone for many of those who would follow.
10. The Pyramids
In 1964, the Pyramids hit the charts with "Penetration," the last big national instrumental surf hit, and one of the best of thegenre. From Long Beach, California they too were the real deal SoCal surf outfit. A victim of the British Invasion, which stole the spotlight from the Surf sound, they disbanded after one album and a few singles.They were there at the end of the era, and their hit "Penetration" left a resounding echo.
Hope this list gives you something to think about. Happy Listening!

Ten Essential Blues Artists to Know

So you want to learn more about the Blues? Here is a list in random order of essential artists and recordings to get familiar with the genre. Start your collection from the vast resources of eBay listings! You will find a treasure trove of rare and valuable tunes!!!
In no particular order:
1. Muddy Waters: "The Father of the Chicago Blues"
Great albums include "Hard Again" which was a compilation of old and new tunes with an allstar band including Johnny Winter, Pinetop Perkins, James Cotton et al. No collection should be without a collection of Muddy's hits and there are many nice compilations out there. Muddy took the Delta sound and electrified it in Chicago, with such musicians as Willie Dixon, Koko Taylor, Little Walter and James Cotton.
2. B.B. King: "The King of the Blues"
The most widely recognized blues artist of all time, BB has made it from the Mississippi cotton fields to the White House and Buckingham Palace. A true worldwide artist, BB has played the blues EVERYWHERE. My favorite is the boxset "King of the Blues" which covers his career from the 50's to the 90's. "Live at the Cook County Jail" is another classic. BB King "Live at the Regal" is classic BB live. It was described as an opera of humor, depression and every emotion in between.
3. John Lee Hooker " The King of the Boogie"
JLH is a great storyteller and his songs are full of emotion. I like his early stuff, which is great with tracks like "Dimples", "Boom Boom", "Mighty Fire" etc. I also like his later works such as "Mr. Lucky" which featured Hooker's tracks with Dr. John and Carlos Santana. Hooker was an original whose influence can be heard everywhere, in such groups as ZZ Top and others. Get a greatest hits compilation and you won't be dissatisfied.
4. Albert King "Godfather of the Blues"
I like Albert for his more modern urban style blues, with full horn sections and the Hammond organ blaring away. "I'll Play the Blues for You" is a classic of the early 70's era that I still listen to all the time. Self taught, Albert played a Gibson Flying V which is a strange choice for a bluesman. It is his signature axe.
5. Koko Taylor " The Queen of the Blues"
Koko entered the traditionally all-male blues genre and demanded respect. Songs like "I Can Love You Like a Woman or Fight You like a Man" say it all. Koko teamed up with Willie Dixon early on and she learned how to take a song and make it a hit. "Wang Dang Doodle" is her signature tune, penned by Willie Dixon. "I Got What it Takes" is a classic recording from her early days. At 72 years old, she shows no signs of slowing down.
6. Elmore James "King of the Slide Guitar"
Delta bluesman Elmore James brought the slide guitar to the attention of blues fans early on. Slide guitar is a difficult style to master, and can still be heard by the likes of Little Ed, Bonnie Raitt, and others. Elmore's early tracks were very influential and his style still rings through today.
7. Robert Johnson "King of the Delta Blues"
Early blues artist Robert Johnson was a delta bluesman, favoring the folksy and sparse style of the region. There is a nice box set of Robert Johnson available that contains his essential tracks. This is early blues so the recording quality is not always the greatest. The singing and playing shines through these rough tracks, however.
8. Willie Dixon "The Poet Laureate of the Blues"
A writer, producer and bass player, Willie Dixon was also an artist in his own right. An influential artist of the Chicago scene, his tracks have been recorded by the likes of Led Zeppelin, the Doors, Grateful Dead, the Kinks, as well as all the usual blues artists. A good book on Willie is "I Am the Blues" [ISBN-0-7043-0253-5]. Many good compilations exist of his material. Get one!
9. Howlin' Wolf "Smokestack Lightning"
From Mississippi, like so many other artists of the genre, Wolf moved to Chicago and the whole Chess Records scene in the 1950s. An influential artist, his Blues Shouting style was unique. A nice compilation "His Best" contains all the hits.
10. Bo Diddley "The Originator"
Bo was the bridge between blues, boogie and rock and roll. Still rocking it after all these years, his trademark square guitar in hand, Mr. Diddley still rocks the house. Voted to Rolling Stone's 100 most influential artists list, many great recordings exist of Bo Diddley.
Hope this helps. I love the Blues and want to help others who want to get some discs, but maybe didn't know where to start. Happy Listening!

Ten Essential Jazz Guitarists to Know

Here is another of my endless lists of artists you should know in a certain genre. I enjoy doing these because if you are interested in a certain style, this will give you an idea of where to start. As alway, the artists are in no particular order. Just a list of great artists in the genre.
1. Charlie Christian
All discussion of jazz on a guitar starts right here with Charlie. He was an originator and innovator in the genre. Using the guitar as a solo instrument in jazz was not really done that much before him. He used chord voicings that were like a little horn section, playing chord solos on the amplified electric archtop guitar, with the swing of a Coletrain or Monk. All jazz guitarists can trace at least some of their technique and style to Charlie Christian.
2. Wes Montgomery
Described as a natural extension of Charlie Christian, Wes picked up the torch and carried it forward. Wes used a heavy tone and a thumb stroke to produce his trademark tones. Soloing in single notes, octaves and then chord fragments, Wes played difficult passages with the upmost of ease. I recommend ALL of his recordings. I have never been disappointed by a Wes Montgomery recording. The Riverside sessions, as well as the Verve sides, were are great. Wes is my all time favorite guitarist and jazz artist.
2. Barney Kessel
An early electric guitarist, Barney Kessell was both a commercial studio musician and a sought- after jazz player. In the era after Charlie Christian, Kessell picked up the torch of the jazz guitar and carried it forward. He cut his teeth performing with greats like Artie Shaw and Oscar Peterson. In the 70s, Kessel played with a guitar trio with Herb Ellis and Charlie Byrd. Talk about an all-star team! I loved Kessel's smooth "west coast" style.
3. Herb Ellis
Herb played Bop with a western drawl, they say. Including elements of bop and western swing style riffs, Herb was an excellent guitarist. Herb has done trio work with Joe Pass and Barney Kessel, and his fluid style rings through. Herb played with Oscar Peterson, Ella Fitzgerald, and a myriad of others.
4. Joe Pass
Joe was a great guitarist and creator of his own "virtuoso" style, as can be heard on his "Vitruoso" album series on Pablo records. He would play impossible arrangements of standards on the solo guitar, unaccompanied. In a group setting, Joe played with Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughn, as well as Oscar Peterson, Duke Ellington, and Count Basie. His expressive solo runs on guitar and beautiful chord voicings. You gotta check out some Joe!
5. Django Reinhardt
Here is a pre-electric guitarist who had a great influence on the jazz scene. He used an "outside the box" approach to solos and melodies that hearkened back to his gypsy soul. Django took the humble accoustic guitar and put it front and center on the bandstand alongside "serious" jazz instruments. He passed away at the dawn of the electric age, but his style and influence will not be forgotten.
6. Jim Hall
I include Jim Hall because I like his non-flashy style of playing. His style is more laid back and he likes to create beautiful sonic landscapes with his chords. Jim does not try to impress with hot licks, but to find the right chord and tone to fit the song. He is creates some of jazz guitar's most beautiful music because of his fundamental style.
7. Kenny Burrell
Duke Ellington listed Kenny as his favorite guitar player. Not a bad endorsement. No doubt it was for his tasteful, swinging style and cool bop. He played on sesions with Dizzy Gillespie, Coltrane and Billie Holiday to name a few. Kenny did a lot of nice solo work as well as the sides he cut with the aforementioned jazz legends.
8. Pat Martino
Pat has been a great innovator in jazz guitar, emerging in the 60s. Pat incorporated jazz, rock and world music into his style, and created something entirely new. Pat had a stroke at age 36 and had to completely relearn the guitar. He did, and is still a great guitarist.
9. Pat Metheny
Pat is not afraid to take chances. That is for sure. Like artillery, some of it hits the target and some of it doesn't. Pat is both a talented player and fearless innovator. That said, be careful of his material because some of it is very challenging to the listener. Pat brings modern- era playing into jazz guitar using world, avant garde, rock etc. into his technique.
10. Al Di Meola
I put Al on the list because it's my list and I wanted him there... But seriously, I have been a fan of Al's beautiful playing since I caught on with him in the 70s with Return to Forever. Al plays a fusion of world, flamenco, latin and classic jazz riffs and blends them into a nice mix. One of the most melodic and romantic players of the modern era.
These are the guys I would check out if I was interested in getting into a jazz cd collection and liked guitar music. There are an incredible amount of great jazz guitarists, and I had to leave a lot of greats off the list, but these are the ten I feel have had the most influence. Happy Listening!

Ten Essential Bluegrass Artists to Know

1. Bill Monroe and the Bluegrass Boys
Monroe was born at Jerusalem Ridge Kentucky, the youngest of eight children. Because his older brothers had already taken up the fiddle and guitar, Bill was left with the mandolin. He would go on to make this weak stepchild instrument his own, and a formidible force as well. With his brother Charlie he began forming a new style of music called Bluegrass. In 1939, he auditioned for a spot on the Grand Ole Opry, impressing Opry founder George Hay. Fast tempos and virtuosity characteristic of bluegrass music was a staple of the group even early on. The addition of banjo prodigy Earl Scruggs in December 1945 rounded out the group. Scruggs played banjo a distinctive three-finger roll that caused a sensation. Monroe had also acquired the 1923 Gibson F5 model "Lloyd Loar" mandolin which became his trademark instrument for the rest of his career. Later on, Bill settled into the role of musical patriarch, continuing to influence younger musicians and sometimes bully them as well to keep his vision of Bluegrass true. He considered himself the father and caretaker of bluegrass, and more than 150 musicians played in the Blue Grass Boys over the decades. Monroe tended to recruit promising young musicians as apprentices before turning them loose to become artists in their own right. Some of Monroe's band members who went on to greater prominence include Flatt and Scruggs, Mac Wiseman, Jimmy Martin, Carter Stanley, Del McCoury, Peter Rowan, Don Reno, Sonny Osborne and Chubby Wise. One of my favorite things is when he recorded with guitar virtuoso Doc Watson. You will notice Bill Monroe "Bluegrass Boy" dna scattered throughout all the acts listed below.
2. Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs / Foggy Mountain Boys
Flatt and Scruggs were also early members of the Blue Grass Boys. Moving on as musicians do,they then formed the Foggy Mountain Boys. Scruggs' banjo playing and Flatt's warm vocals were a key component to their sound. Most famous for "The Beverly Hillbillies" theme and "Petticoat Junction", as well as "Foggy Mountain Breakdown" from the soundtrack of "Bonnie and Clyde".They had broad appeal in the 60's. They split in the late 60's due to different musical visions. Scruggs saw the beginning of the "Newgrass" movement on the horizon while Flatt, a traditionalist, continued on with his sons in the Earl Scruggs Revue. Flatt died in 1979. Scruggs still performs occasionally, as his health permits.
3. Jimmy Martin
An off-shoot of Bill Monroe and His Bluegrass Boys, Martin put the "high lonesome" voice in Bluegrass. Martin challenged Monroe to raise the key on many classics to B flat or B (B is for Bluegrass! they say). He was in the classic Bluegrass Boys lineup with Flatt and Scruggs. Martin's lead defined "lonesome" in songs such as "Memories of Mother and Dad" and "I'm Blue, I'm Lonesome". He left and started "The Sunny Mountain Boys" in the early 50's, featuring banjo master J.D. Crowe. My favorite tune was always "Widowmaker", the truck driving tale. He also appeared on the Dirt Band's classic, "Will the Circle be Unbroken". Any of Martin's albums that feature a picture his coondogs or Jimmy wearing a loud sport coat (I think they all did) is worth checking out.
4. The Stanley Brothers and the Clinch Mountain Boys
Carter and Ralph Stanley hailed from rural, mountainous Dickenson County VA. between the KY and TN borders, growing up on a small farm in the Clinch Mountains. Their music followed an old time style, with Ralph playing banjo in the old two-finger style, as well as old-timey claw hammer style. They formed the Clinch Mountain Boys in the mid 1940's, one of the earliest bands to adopt the new music style called Bluegrass [created by Bill Monroe]. Carter played guitar and had a knack for writing lyrics that conveyed strong emotion. The Stanley's style remained close to the Primitive Baptist stylings they grew up with. The brothers performed together until 1966 when Carter Stanley passed away. After Carter's death Ralph revived the Clinch Mountain Boys and is still performing. Among the musicians who have played in the modern era Clinch Mountain Boys are Ricky Skaggs, Keith Whitley and Larry Sparks. Ralph's career was given a major lift with his appearance on the successful soundtrack of "Oh Brother Where Art Thou" Among my favorite Stanley Brothers' recordings are "Man of Constant Sorrows", "Rank Stranger", "Angel Band", and "Ridin' That Midnite Train".
5. J.D. Crowe and the New South
James Dee Crowe of Nicholasville Kentucky is a banjo player best known as J.D. Crowe. And what a banjo player he is. He is known for his tremendous ability to keep the timing and rhythm of the beat with clockwork accuracy. With his band, New South, he tours the country throughout the year, playing Bluegrass festivals and the Grand Ole Opry on occasion. Crowe got his professional start playing with Jimmy Martin's Sunny Mountain Boys while still in his teens.The 1975 version of Crowe's New South band is widely considered one of the most influential bluegrass groups of the last thirty years. The band consisted of Crowe on banjo,Ricky Skaggs and Tony Rice along with Jerry Douglas. In other words an all-star team. I love the gospel tunes like "The Model Church".
6. Ricky Skaggs
Ricky Skaggs started playing music at age 6, and as a child he played mandolin on stage with Bill Monroe. He also wanted to audition for the Grand Ole Opry, but was too young. In his mid-teens, Skaggs and teen prodigy Keith Whitley started playing together with Whitley's banjoist brother Dwight. By 1970, they had earned a spot opening for the Clinch Mountain Boys. Skaggs and Whitley were eventually invited to join Stanley's band. He later joined J.D. Crowe and the New South. After an almost seperate Country Music career that brought much success, in the 1990s and 2000s, Skaggs returned to his roots, as well as experimenting with new sounds. With his band, Kentucky Thunder, he is a perennial winner of Grammy Awards and International Bluegrass Music Association for best bluegrass album. "Ancient Tones" and "Bluegrass Rules" are both excellent recordings by Skaggs. I also like his duet CDs with Tony Rice. "I always want to try to promote the old music, as well as trying to grow, and be a pioneer too," Skaggs has said.
7. Del McCoury Band
Del McCoury, leader of the Del McCoury Band, plays guitar and sings lead vocals along with his two sons, Ronnie and Rob who play mandolin and banjo. Del sang lead vocals and played rhythm guitar for the Bluegrass Boys in the 60's, with whom he first appeared on the Grand Ole Opry in 1960s. Del and company became members of the Grand Ole Opry in October 2003 and has relocated to Nashbille. McCoury has performed with bands such as Phish, Sting and Steve Earle. I like his CD "The Cold Hard Facts" which includes a cover of a Tom Petty tune as well as Robert Cray. I also like his cover of the Richard Thompson tune "Vincent Black Lightning 1952."
8. Alison Krauss and Union Station
Arriving on the scene in the late 80s- early 90's, Alison and Company brought great interest to Bluegrass in an new era. Alison's pure vocals and the nice instrumenation of the band gave them broad crossover appeal. She also won many awards as a young fiddler in her natice Illinois. I include them as they have kept the flame of Bluegrass going into the future.
9. Newgrass Revival
You will either love them or hate them. They featured influential members such as Sam Bush and Bela Fleck. New Grass has come to be a nickname for progressive bluegrass. The New Grass Boys did odd things like tour with Leon Russell, and open for the Grateful Dead. They were also notable among bluegrass bands for their instrumentation, which included drums, piano, electric guitar and bass, electric mandolin, electric fiddle, slide mandolin, etc. They straddled the line between bluegrass and jam band. Nearly every album contained at least a 7 to 20 minute instrumental, and the songs lasted even longer in their live performances. At the time, bluegrass was very traditional and the New Grass boys kicked down the doors; the New Grass Revival had long hair, wore whatever they wanted, and played whatever they wanted, including music such as classic rock, reggae and protest tunes, all done up bluegrass style.
10. The Osborne Brothers
Before there was Ozzy Osborne, there was THE Osborne Brothers, Sonny and Bobby. They were an influential early act from the hills of Eastern Kentucky. Best known for their hit "Rocky Top", their pure harmonies and down-to -earth approach caught the attention of fans. During the 1960s, the duet caused some controversy among purists for incorporating electronic and percussion instruments in their live act. The were highly regarded for their virtuosic soloing and tight, high vocal harmonies. I have long admired their vocal abilities as well.

Recycled- A visit to Goodwill

I have been a fan of the recycled for years. I noticed a long time ago that clothes almost never wear out. That said, there is really no reason not to go used when buying clothes. I recently visited Goodwill in Chicagoland (Diamond Lake) and purchased 3 new T-shirts for 1.59 each. Now that ain't bad. In the past, I purchased a Nordic-Trac that was like new for $5. I also purchased a bike rack for my car for $4. It was missing two bolts, which I got at Home Depot for about a dollar, and I have used it extensively.
Here is my feeling on things. 1st choice is "get it free". 2nd choice is "get it at Goodwill", 3rd choice is "Get it used on eBay", and last choice is "Buy it new". By buying used we limit the amount of resources put into circulation. Also, getting rid of the clutter around the house should go through a similar process, such as to donate it, yardsale it or ebay it. I am always looking around the house for stuff I don't need. Live simply!

Ecomodder.com- A great source for hypermiling info

http://ecomodder.com
Tired of getting jacked around by the oil companies? Here is a great website to start. For those willing to change their driving style and modify their car here and there, this website is full of great people and great info.
As we heard yesterday, Exxon (XOM) posted another record quarter, with profit in the BILLIONS. I don't see them turning back anytime soon. We have been conditioned to overpaying for fuel now so why would they lower the price.
Rather than complain, I decided to do something about it. By maximizing the potential mpg of my car, I seek to give as little money to the oil companies as possible. On this website, you can learn driving techniques that maximize mpg, as well as simple and not-so-simple mods you can perform on your car to max out the mpg.

Nice Concert of the Smiths on Insight On Demand

There is a nice 70 minute concert on Insight On Demand (Channel 99) that features a lot of the classic material from their heyday.

The thing I like so much about The Smiths is their layers of pop guitar and interesting lyrics. Morrissey always sang and said what was on his mind, so the songs have a spontaneous quality about them, even 20 years on. I plan on DVDing this concert for my permanent collection. I love the classic humor and irony of tunes like "Girlfriend in a Coma" and "Please...Let Me Get What I Want". Thanks to Insight for providing eclectic programming like this.