It is a rare moment when I have an hour alone; an hour to not respond to hostile work emails, or study fourth grade grammar, cook, clean, or drive. Today, Wednesday around 1:50pm, I have that hour.
So I sit down at my computer and scan. No, I do not mean "scan" adult sites. Sadly, I mean that I have time to "scan" my brain.
"OK, time to write."
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Sometimes it is easy, and other times it is not. Now is one of those "not" times.
Not for a lack of topics either. Political? There are the easy ones like Christie as a Vice Presidential or heart attack candidate. I could not be bothered.
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I had a notion to discuss the "Occupy Wall Street" movement. What, I thought, would I have to say about it? Wall Street is merely the symbol for our overall economic system. Plus, I have yet to hear a tangible solution to our problems suggested by the "99 percent". As far as I can tell they are merely stating the obvious. That is, things are suckish.
Sports? No NBA (YEAH!), the NHL is just starting, New York baseball is done and New York football is in neutral. A flatlander World Series is staring us in the face. SEC teams are the class of college football, which is a giant yawn if you ask me. At least the Madison fall sports are excelling! That is not really my department, though.
I have an hour, alone, on a rainy afternoon. My service, I believe, is to steer you toward some beautiful music.
See, I know something Simon Cowell and Clive Davis do not want you to know. There are some immense talents making music today without the approval of text votes or call ins. When you have an hour this week (and please make sure to take one), I urge you to discover some non-mainstream gems.
Ryan Adams: Ashes and Fire. Adams' latest release is confident, upbeat and very optimistic. All of that speaks to his maturity and contentment since becoming married and taking time off due to illness. However, soft beats and smart songwriting are all still evident. Take a look/listen at these examples:
"Lucky Now" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZSyvZXtA0-w
Sticking with Alternative favorites from the late '90s/early'00s, I urge you to listen to Wilco's latest, The Whole Love. Jeff Tweedy also cleaned up like Adams. He still comes off as jaded and cynical, and that plays well with me. There are dissonant (and almost Radiohead like) moments on this record. Overall, it is stirring and strong. Tweedy remains one of our finest songwriters. To wit:
"Art of Almost" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yWP4bI37mCE
"Born Alone" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=poNjj2oDlj0
"I Might" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nNs7NLwuHx0
LA band Dawes' sophomore effort, Nothing is Wrong, steals a page or two from Tweedy... and Jackson Browne... and Warren Zevon... and Tom Petty. If you are using that source material, I commend you. When you use that source material and make it its own viable art form, I praise you. Listen to these tracks and convince me I am wrong.
"A Little Bit of Everything": The last verse puts a tear in my eye everytime. Commence laughing at me. This is an awfully pretty live version.
"Time Spent in Los Angeles" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KFIyx4EaIkkI I admit, it makes me a bit upset rallying behind a left coast band singing a left coast song, but the heart wants what the heart wants.
Deerhunter: Halycon Digest- OK, Deerhunter is really Bradley Cox and a bunch of bit players. All he does is mix genres, pound out grooves, and have you simultaneously scratching your head and tapping your feet. Maybe have a beer or three before you take on this late 2010 album. Give it 8 minutes.
"Desire Lines" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aW2jOA6uIaM: Another live clip, and altogether fantastic.
"Helicopter" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CSZRJ0egftA&feature=related: From "Conan".
"Fountain Stairs" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FuywaW0voG4
"Nothing Ever Happened" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sxx-VXhHv6M&feature=related
Caveman: CoCo Beware- This New York band's debut is big, but soft. It frightens and soothes. It rocks and it rolls. Don't take my word for it; please, listen to the album instead. By the way, they will be appearing all over New York City next week in free showcases. It's worth a 45 minute trip, should you be able. Their live shows are excellent. Take a look: http://cavemantheband.com/
"Vampirer/Old Friend" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Svx2IV866Ok
"Thankful" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m_ZNibtHuEA
See what writer's block will do to you? Now, I cannot stop writing. I even forgot I had to go and find creative ways to stop animals from attacking my home at night. The once-a-week garbage has become far more annoying than I had first thought. Who voted for this thing anyway? The squirrels and racoons?
Until next week...
...please see me @ guidetosomewhere.blogspot.com
...become a fan on Facebook @ Guide to Somewhere
...and follow me on Twitter #suburbandad23
That reminds me... remind me to talk about hash tags next time... and trending... and Conrad Murray... and women who ran a marathon at 38 weeks pregnant (and gave birth right after)... and Chaz Bono's beard... and why NJT hates you... and gas prices... and adults liking Halloween too much... and pumpkin picking with all of Staten Island and Brooklyn in Chester!
