Hello there.
So, just a couple of quick things: we have a new writer over at The Music is the Message. Please welcome Bear, otherwise known as The Ursine Calamity. His first post went up today.
I almost killed our temp yesterday. She's quite nice, if a bit quiet. I have a tendency to come bursting out of my office, which I did yesterday after a fairly urgent matter came out. She was walking down the hallway. I... um... "bumped" isn't really the right word. I smashed into her and sent her flying into the printer table. She doesn't appear to be permanently injured, however.
Anyway, I though people might like to know these things.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Tuesday, August 05, 2008
The Continued Adventures of Tart and Audrey
Look, we're still not keeping her, OK? But since everybody won't shut up about it...
(click to enlarge them)
I'll stop posting pictures of kittens and three-legged beagles when they stop being so goddamn cute.
Manda, I'm going to do my best to ensure that her new owners call her Tart.
(click to enlarge them)
I'll stop posting pictures of kittens and three-legged beagles when they stop being so goddamn cute.
Manda, I'm going to do my best to ensure that her new owners call her Tart.
Monday, August 04, 2008
Random crap
Weekend Update:
I'm sorry to say, folks, that Tart has found a home... and it's not mine. As adorable as she is, she's going to live with a great guy that Mrs. TK works with, a veterinary nurse and his girlfriend. We've got her for the remainder of the week, during which I'll continue to spoil her rotten, but come Friday, she's gonzo.
Saturday I bought this:
Hey there, sexy
It's not some super-fancy $1,000+ bike, but it's still awesome - especially when compared to my old beater of a bike. I'm already looking forward to seriously injuring myself on it. Bought on Saturday, already put 40 miles on him. I'm definitely loving it. So yeah, yesterday I rode for 25 miles... and then we went kayaking. It was probably the most active day I've had in my entire life. I'm feeling a little banged up today, I admit.
I wrote another post on The Music Is The Message. Click here to read it.
Saturday night a friend and I went to a Boston Cannons lacrosse game. For those who may not know, the Cannons play for the professional lacrosse league. It was pretty fun, even though it was somewhat rainy so there were only a couple thousand people there. Of course, I'd had a bit of whiskey before hand, but I kept myself in check (it's VERY family friendly and there were a lot of kids). Highlights included the halftime show, which was two little league lacrosse teams playing a quick, 10 minute game. They were probably 8-10 years old and straddled the line between cute and hilarious. The temptation to stand up and scream "YOU SUCK WINCHESTER!" was strong, but I held back. At one point, we had the following conversation:
TK: Is it bad that I kinda want to see one of these kids get completely cleaned out?
My Friend: Yes. Well... yes.
TK: Well, I'm not saying I want them to have to roll an ambulance onto the field...
MF: You just want to see someone get knocked around.
TK: Exactly, just get their bell rung a little.
There are myriad reasons why I don't go out in public very often. Also, why I don't have children.
I'm sorry to say, folks, that Tart has found a home... and it's not mine. As adorable as she is, she's going to live with a great guy that Mrs. TK works with, a veterinary nurse and his girlfriend. We've got her for the remainder of the week, during which I'll continue to spoil her rotten, but come Friday, she's gonzo.
Saturday I bought this:
Hey there, sexy
It's not some super-fancy $1,000+ bike, but it's still awesome - especially when compared to my old beater of a bike. I'm already looking forward to seriously injuring myself on it. Bought on Saturday, already put 40 miles on him. I'm definitely loving it. So yeah, yesterday I rode for 25 miles... and then we went kayaking. It was probably the most active day I've had in my entire life. I'm feeling a little banged up today, I admit.
I wrote another post on The Music Is The Message. Click here to read it.
Saturday night a friend and I went to a Boston Cannons lacrosse game. For those who may not know, the Cannons play for the professional lacrosse league. It was pretty fun, even though it was somewhat rainy so there were only a couple thousand people there. Of course, I'd had a bit of whiskey before hand, but I kept myself in check (it's VERY family friendly and there were a lot of kids). Highlights included the halftime show, which was two little league lacrosse teams playing a quick, 10 minute game. They were probably 8-10 years old and straddled the line between cute and hilarious. The temptation to stand up and scream "YOU SUCK WINCHESTER!" was strong, but I held back. At one point, we had the following conversation:
TK: Is it bad that I kinda want to see one of these kids get completely cleaned out?
My Friend: Yes. Well... yes.
TK: Well, I'm not saying I want them to have to roll an ambulance onto the field...
MF: You just want to see someone get knocked around.
TK: Exactly, just get their bell rung a little.
There are myriad reasons why I don't go out in public very often. Also, why I don't have children.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
She pads, paws... pads, paws and claws
Everyone likes a cute kitten, right? Well, here's one for you:
This is No Name Kitten. She is roughly 4-5 weeks old, and was born on a farm, and then apparently fell on her head. She is, as Mrs. TK artfully put it, "Dain Bramaged." So much so that when I first met her, she couldn't see, couldn't walk, couldn't do much of anything except lie there and cry and twitch. So, of course, she is temporarily staying with us while she rehabilitates. It's actually been pretty cool, watching her re-learn everything from eating to seeing to walking. After a couple of days, she could move around, but her wiring was clearly faulty. She would try to walk, and her back legs would kick up over her head and she'd basically accidentally somersault. It was simultaneously sad and hilarious.
Fortunately, the dogs seem to like her. Here she is hiding:
She's much better now, she can walk/stumble without somersaulting, and while she still runs into things pretty regularly, she doesn't fall down nearly as much. She is No Name Kitten because I believe that as soon as you name an animal, you are tempted to keep it, and I can't take on another member to the pack. So No Name Kitten will, after a few more days, have to find someone else to take care of her. It shouldn't be hard, since a) she won't be retarded for much longer and b) she's fucking adorable.
But until then:
She should be fine. Also, she should be plenty clean since Audrey the Beagle enjoys constantly licking her.
Couple more notes on the weekend:
We went shopping on Saturday and when we got back on the highway, got caught up in a horrendous traffic snare. Why? Because the highway was jammed up with people going to... a Kenny Chesney concert. Sigh. There are few things more upsetting that watching a bunch of New Englanders suddenly acting "country" because they're going to see some douchebag country singer. People in cowboy hats, plaid shirts with the sleeves ripped off - I wanted to kill everyone on the road. There was even a car with "Kenny Chesney #1 Fan!!" written in white on their rear window. Incidentally, that car was full of guys. Die, all of you. Please. Needless to say, Chesney does NOT belong here. Instead, I'd rather he was here.
But, as a neat little segue, last week I wrote a post on The Music is the Message about "screamy music." Over the weekend, I was looking up a bunch of the bands that people recommended in the comments section, including a band called Gallows, recommended by an anonymous reader. So I found and downloaded an album... and was sort of baffled. Well, come to find out there are two bands by that name. One, this band a British hardcore punk band that when I finally tracked them down, is actually fucking awesome (thanks, Anon!).
The other, the band I dl'd by accident, is this band, whose music was this sort of lazy, laid back hillbilly porch music that, to be honest, I really liked. I might even put them on the list. Clearly, based on the album art, they are totally dissimilar.
So, by happy accident, I discovered two new (and completely different) bands.
And that was my weekend. Kittens and music. Not bad.
----------------
Listening to: Grizzly Bear - Marla
This is No Name Kitten. She is roughly 4-5 weeks old, and was born on a farm, and then apparently fell on her head. She is, as Mrs. TK artfully put it, "Dain Bramaged." So much so that when I first met her, she couldn't see, couldn't walk, couldn't do much of anything except lie there and cry and twitch. So, of course, she is temporarily staying with us while she rehabilitates. It's actually been pretty cool, watching her re-learn everything from eating to seeing to walking. After a couple of days, she could move around, but her wiring was clearly faulty. She would try to walk, and her back legs would kick up over her head and she'd basically accidentally somersault. It was simultaneously sad and hilarious.
Fortunately, the dogs seem to like her. Here she is hiding:
She's much better now, she can walk/stumble without somersaulting, and while she still runs into things pretty regularly, she doesn't fall down nearly as much. She is No Name Kitten because I believe that as soon as you name an animal, you are tempted to keep it, and I can't take on another member to the pack. So No Name Kitten will, after a few more days, have to find someone else to take care of her. It shouldn't be hard, since a) she won't be retarded for much longer and b) she's fucking adorable.
But until then:
She should be fine. Also, she should be plenty clean since Audrey the Beagle enjoys constantly licking her.
Couple more notes on the weekend:
We went shopping on Saturday and when we got back on the highway, got caught up in a horrendous traffic snare. Why? Because the highway was jammed up with people going to... a Kenny Chesney concert. Sigh. There are few things more upsetting that watching a bunch of New Englanders suddenly acting "country" because they're going to see some douchebag country singer. People in cowboy hats, plaid shirts with the sleeves ripped off - I wanted to kill everyone on the road. There was even a car with "Kenny Chesney #1 Fan!!" written in white on their rear window. Incidentally, that car was full of guys. Die, all of you. Please. Needless to say, Chesney does NOT belong here. Instead, I'd rather he was here.
But, as a neat little segue, last week I wrote a post on The Music is the Message about "screamy music." Over the weekend, I was looking up a bunch of the bands that people recommended in the comments section, including a band called Gallows, recommended by an anonymous reader. So I found and downloaded an album... and was sort of baffled. Well, come to find out there are two bands by that name. One, this band a British hardcore punk band that when I finally tracked them down, is actually fucking awesome (thanks, Anon!).
The other, the band I dl'd by accident, is this band, whose music was this sort of lazy, laid back hillbilly porch music that, to be honest, I really liked. I might even put them on the list. Clearly, based on the album art, they are totally dissimilar.
So, by happy accident, I discovered two new (and completely different) bands.
And that was my weekend. Kittens and music. Not bad.
----------------
Listening to: Grizzly Bear - Marla
Thursday, July 24, 2008
I don't like you because you're dangerous.
Monday, July 21, 2008
I had a dream I was a vigilante's side kick
Top Five Comic Book Movies:
5. The Crow - I pretty much explained why here.
4a: Spider-Man II - Succeeds in being engaging, exciting and fun as well.
4b: Blade - Snipes mastered everything about this role - the movements, the darkness, the general badassery, the whole thing. The second one ain't bad either.
3: Superman II - Kneel before Zod!
2: Iron Man - Perhaps not the strongest film on the list (though still damn good), but Downey is note-perfect, possibly the best comic book character portrayal ever - yes, even better than Bale as Batman.
1: The Dark Knight - Holy shit. Holy shit. We saw it last night, and yes, it is amazing. It does not live up to the hype... it exceeds it. Also, Ledger really is that fucking good. Daniel Carlson gave it a splendid write-up here.
Yes, none of the X-Men movies made the list - the first two are wonderful, no doubt, but they really never made me feel like I was watching the X-Men from the comics. They always felt like a really, really good episode of "Mutant X" - with the exception of a couple of shots of Wolverine. They're still great movies, just not top five.
Also notably absent is Batman Begins, which is not at all fair. It belongs in the top five, but I cheated because I had too many in there (there's already six in my top five anyway). So consider The Dark Knight as the two rolled into one entry. Other honorable mentions: Spider Man I, The Incredible Hulk, Blade II, Batman (1989). Also, I have a bit of a soft spot for Superman Returns.
Top Five Comic Book Movies that spit in the faces of fans:
5: Batman and Robin - The worst of the original four by a long shot (although Batman Forever sucked big time as well. Completely missed the mark in every conceivable way, with every single actor in it over-acting. Interestingly, I've read that this movie served as a wake-up call for George Clooney, who started being much more serious about his role selection after this.
4: The Punisher (2004) - A miserable, cheesy, PG-13 shitshow of a movie. It felt absolutely nothing like a Punisher movie - the Punisher, one of the darkest, most violent and unhinged characters in the marvel universe... never actually punishes. He's no more than a prankster in this. Awful. I pray that Ray Stevenson's upcoming portrayal will salvage this character.
3: Elektra - Not even the hotness that is Jennifer Garner could salvage this mess.
2: X-Men III - I will never forgive Brett Ratner for this disaster. It completely throws the canon out the window, effectively neutered one of the best characters in the Marvel universe, killed off two key players, and basically just butchered the franchise forever.
1: Catwoman - Not content with being the worst comic book movie ever made, Pitof (note: never trust a director with only one name) succeeded in making one of the worst movies ever, in any genre, period.
Dishonorable mentions: Daredevil, Batman Forever, both Fantastic Four movies, Ghost Rider, Superman 3 and 4.
/geek-out
----------------
Listening to: Rancid - Side Kick
5. The Crow - I pretty much explained why here.
4a: Spider-Man II - Succeeds in being engaging, exciting and fun as well.
4b: Blade - Snipes mastered everything about this role - the movements, the darkness, the general badassery, the whole thing. The second one ain't bad either.
3: Superman II - Kneel before Zod!
2: Iron Man - Perhaps not the strongest film on the list (though still damn good), but Downey is note-perfect, possibly the best comic book character portrayal ever - yes, even better than Bale as Batman.
1: The Dark Knight - Holy shit. Holy shit. We saw it last night, and yes, it is amazing. It does not live up to the hype... it exceeds it. Also, Ledger really is that fucking good. Daniel Carlson gave it a splendid write-up here.
Yes, none of the X-Men movies made the list - the first two are wonderful, no doubt, but they really never made me feel like I was watching the X-Men from the comics. They always felt like a really, really good episode of "Mutant X" - with the exception of a couple of shots of Wolverine. They're still great movies, just not top five.
Also notably absent is Batman Begins, which is not at all fair. It belongs in the top five, but I cheated because I had too many in there (there's already six in my top five anyway). So consider The Dark Knight as the two rolled into one entry. Other honorable mentions: Spider Man I, The Incredible Hulk, Blade II, Batman (1989). Also, I have a bit of a soft spot for Superman Returns.
Top Five Comic Book Movies that spit in the faces of fans:
5: Batman and Robin - The worst of the original four by a long shot (although Batman Forever sucked big time as well. Completely missed the mark in every conceivable way, with every single actor in it over-acting. Interestingly, I've read that this movie served as a wake-up call for George Clooney, who started being much more serious about his role selection after this.
4: The Punisher (2004) - A miserable, cheesy, PG-13 shitshow of a movie. It felt absolutely nothing like a Punisher movie - the Punisher, one of the darkest, most violent and unhinged characters in the marvel universe... never actually punishes. He's no more than a prankster in this. Awful. I pray that Ray Stevenson's upcoming portrayal will salvage this character.
3: Elektra - Not even the hotness that is Jennifer Garner could salvage this mess.
2: X-Men III - I will never forgive Brett Ratner for this disaster. It completely throws the canon out the window, effectively neutered one of the best characters in the Marvel universe, killed off two key players, and basically just butchered the franchise forever.
1: Catwoman - Not content with being the worst comic book movie ever made, Pitof (note: never trust a director with only one name) succeeded in making one of the worst movies ever, in any genre, period.
Dishonorable mentions: Daredevil, Batman Forever, both Fantastic Four movies, Ghost Rider, Superman 3 and 4.
/geek-out
----------------
Listening to: Rancid - Side Kick
Friday, July 18, 2008
Three Things
1) Today is my last day as the Pajiba Love... person. It's been interesting. I've probably read more pop culture information in the last four days than I have in the last four years, but... I enjoyed it.
2) Party Music Friday! Because it's Friday, which I am eternally happy about.
3) This made me laugh uncontrollably, to the point where I had to shut my office door.
Happy weekend.
2) Party Music Friday! Because it's Friday, which I am eternally happy about.
3) This made me laugh uncontrollably, to the point where I had to shut my office door.
Happy weekend.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Abashed, the Devil stood and felt how awful goodness is.
This week's review: 1994's The Crow. Sadly, I think this movie is frequently forgotten in discussions about best comic book-inspired movies. I probably watch it once a year, and it is consistently excellent. So please, click here and get some.
fin
fin
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Into the Great Wide Open
Dear all American airline companies:
I hope you eat burning feces in Hell.
Sincerely,
TK
In case you were wondering, the trip to Seattle wasn't so good. Once we GOT there, it was spectacular. Better, in fact. Orcas Island, where we stayed Friday and Saturday night for the wedding, is breathtakingly gorgeous. Mountains, forests, beautiful, glassy waters that you can see straight to the bottom of. Quaint little towns that serve food that made me want to swoon. Friday night we went to a "Paella party" at one of the beaches, where someone cooked a gigantic cast-iron pan of paella - enough to feed over 50 people. It, also, made me want to swoon.
Saturday I ate Salmon Benedict for breakfast. It came with avocado, and I'm weeping thinking about it right now. Then we walked around a bit, then Mrs. TK and I and another couple of friends went kayaking, where we saw seals and roughly 2,000 starfish of varying colors and sizes. I also got to leap off big rocks into the ocean. That night was the wedding, which was also lovely - picturesque, fun, and more good food and drink.
So overall, the time there was amazing. The time getting there, however... not so much. I don't want to get into it too much, because it will make me seethe with rage and begin biting people's faces... which is what I do when I think about air travel in general. But allow me to sum it up with one simple fact:
We were leaving from Boston, MA. Flying to Seattle, Washington.
We spent seven (SEVEN!) hours... in Greensboro, South Carolina. Why, you ask? That's an excellent question. The answer, of course, is because THERE IS A GOD WHO IS AN EVIL, MALEVOLENT BASTARD AND HE CURSES MY EVERY WAKING FUCKING MOMENT.
Door to door, the trip out there took about 15-16 hours. I wanted to kill everyone around me. Then bring them back from the dead so I could kill them again.
Anyway. I've got some pictures that I'll post later.
By the way, I'm doing the "Pajiba Love" daily bit over at Pajiba this week, since Stacey's on vacation. Take a look if you've got a moment. Click here for today's.
I hope you eat burning feces in Hell.
Sincerely,
TK
In case you were wondering, the trip to Seattle wasn't so good. Once we GOT there, it was spectacular. Better, in fact. Orcas Island, where we stayed Friday and Saturday night for the wedding, is breathtakingly gorgeous. Mountains, forests, beautiful, glassy waters that you can see straight to the bottom of. Quaint little towns that serve food that made me want to swoon. Friday night we went to a "Paella party" at one of the beaches, where someone cooked a gigantic cast-iron pan of paella - enough to feed over 50 people. It, also, made me want to swoon.
Saturday I ate Salmon Benedict for breakfast. It came with avocado, and I'm weeping thinking about it right now. Then we walked around a bit, then Mrs. TK and I and another couple of friends went kayaking, where we saw seals and roughly 2,000 starfish of varying colors and sizes. I also got to leap off big rocks into the ocean. That night was the wedding, which was also lovely - picturesque, fun, and more good food and drink.
So overall, the time there was amazing. The time getting there, however... not so much. I don't want to get into it too much, because it will make me seethe with rage and begin biting people's faces... which is what I do when I think about air travel in general. But allow me to sum it up with one simple fact:
We were leaving from Boston, MA. Flying to Seattle, Washington.
We spent seven (SEVEN!) hours... in Greensboro, South Carolina. Why, you ask? That's an excellent question. The answer, of course, is because THERE IS A GOD WHO IS AN EVIL, MALEVOLENT BASTARD AND HE CURSES MY EVERY WAKING FUCKING MOMENT.
Door to door, the trip out there took about 15-16 hours. I wanted to kill everyone around me. Then bring them back from the dead so I could kill them again.
Anyway. I've got some pictures that I'll post later.
By the way, I'm doing the "Pajiba Love" daily bit over at Pajiba this week, since Stacey's on vacation. Take a look if you've got a moment. Click here for today's.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
Leavin' on a jet plane
Greetings,
So I'll be off the grid for the next few days - we're going to see my good friend Chris get married in one of the more complicated wedding trips ever: a plane to Seattle, followed by a rental car to Anacortes, followed by a ferry to Orcas Island, one of the lovely San Juan Islands. The getting there is a bitch, but the result will be a blast. Anyway, check Pajiba later this afternoon for a review, and The Music is the Message will keep chugging along - we're still shooting for a post a day, until we run out of ideas - unlikely considering the participants.
So anyway, have a splendiferous few days. Let's hope I don't have any awful airplane-related incidents. I'd hate to see a repeat of this or this. Because frankly, I don't think I can handle any more.
Adios. Back on Sunday.
So I'll be off the grid for the next few days - we're going to see my good friend Chris get married in one of the more complicated wedding trips ever: a plane to Seattle, followed by a rental car to Anacortes, followed by a ferry to Orcas Island, one of the lovely San Juan Islands. The getting there is a bitch, but the result will be a blast. Anyway, check Pajiba later this afternoon for a review, and The Music is the Message will keep chugging along - we're still shooting for a post a day, until we run out of ideas - unlikely considering the participants.
So anyway, have a splendiferous few days. Let's hope I don't have any awful airplane-related incidents. I'd hate to see a repeat of this or this. Because frankly, I don't think I can handle any more.
Adios. Back on Sunday.
Metal Militia!
Yes, I am shamelessly promoting this site. But I guarantee that Boo's writeup about metal will be one of the awesomest things you read today, regardless of your musical inclinations. Trust me.
Monday, July 07, 2008
I'm not proud of this
So I was eating a salad, and I guess I was going at it a little too aggressively.
Regardless, I failed to remove the fork from my mouth in time, and ended up biting down pretty hard and shattering the plastic fork.
In my mouth...
... and then I swallowed some of it by accident.
It hurts a little, in my belly.
This is worse than that time I bit my finger while eating a sandwich. Also, I have salad dressing on my shirt. And pants.
Goddamnit, does this shit happen to anyone else? I need to know. I desperately need to know. I can't be the only one of my kind, can I?
Fuck. Do me a favor and read my newest Music Is The Message post please? Just to make me feel better?
[sigh]
Regardless, I failed to remove the fork from my mouth in time, and ended up biting down pretty hard and shattering the plastic fork.
In my mouth...
... and then I swallowed some of it by accident.
It hurts a little, in my belly.
This is worse than that time I bit my finger while eating a sandwich. Also, I have salad dressing on my shirt. And pants.
Goddamnit, does this shit happen to anyone else? I need to know. I desperately need to know. I can't be the only one of my kind, can I?
Fuck. Do me a favor and read my newest Music Is The Message post please? Just to make me feel better?
[sigh]
Wednesday, July 02, 2008
She Makes Me Wanna Die
The creepiest goddamn movie I've seen in a loooooong time.
Read the review here. Thank me later for the lack of spoilers.
In the meantime, Music Is The Message is progressing nicely. Do stop by when you have a chance.
Monday, June 30, 2008
Brave New World
So... I started a new internet project. It spawned out of the country music post, which received an amazing response. Then I kicked it around for a few days, enlisted some incredibly talented contributors, and Music Is The Message is born.
I'm hoping it'll be a way for everyone - reader and writer alike - to learn something new - new bands, new genres, new sounds. So come on by, check us out regularly.
Peace.
-TK
I'm hoping it'll be a way for everyone - reader and writer alike - to learn something new - new bands, new genres, new sounds. So come on by, check us out regularly.
Peace.
-TK
Friday, June 27, 2008
Sneaker Pimp
Do people over the age of 16 still wear Chuck Taylors?
Because, well... this is n excellent point. I mean, seriously now. Get a real pair of shoes, people.
That link is from my friend Ervie, who is getting his blogging feet wet. Keep an eye on him. He's shifty.
Also, what's got to thumbs and is super-excited for his four-hour policy meeting this afternoon on a gorgeously warm sunny day?
Some other asshole, I guess.
This is one of the more terrifying webcomics I've ever seen:
So, the response to the country music post was kind of insane... but in a really awesome way. Probably the most comments I've ever received, far too many for me to address/respond to individually. So let me just say to everyone who read and/or commented: THANK YOU. That was amazing, both that people were that interested, and also that I got so many new names to look up as a result. In fact, Ervie (my friend who sort of inspired it, as well as who de-lurked to comment) and I spent a few hours last night throwing back PBR's and geeking out over the whole thing and music in general. So again, let me just say - thanks. You guys rock.
I'm considering on expanding upon the idea... maybe doing something fairly regularly, either here or via a new blog. Something sort of round-table-ish, collaborative, with reader input, multiple authorship, that kind of thing. What do you guys think? Would people be interested in reading/participating? It seems like a cool way to learn about new kinds of music, minus the pretense of, say, Pitchfork. Kind of like Blog Me a Tale, but for music. So what do people think?
Anyway, have a good weekend, folks. Be careful out there.
Because, well... this is n excellent point. I mean, seriously now. Get a real pair of shoes, people.
That link is from my friend Ervie, who is getting his blogging feet wet. Keep an eye on him. He's shifty.
Also, what's got to thumbs and is super-excited for his four-hour policy meeting this afternoon on a gorgeously warm sunny day?
Some other asshole, I guess.
This is one of the more terrifying webcomics I've ever seen:
So, the response to the country music post was kind of insane... but in a really awesome way. Probably the most comments I've ever received, far too many for me to address/respond to individually. So let me just say to everyone who read and/or commented: THANK YOU. That was amazing, both that people were that interested, and also that I got so many new names to look up as a result. In fact, Ervie (my friend who sort of inspired it, as well as who de-lurked to comment) and I spent a few hours last night throwing back PBR's and geeking out over the whole thing and music in general. So again, let me just say - thanks. You guys rock.
I'm considering on expanding upon the idea... maybe doing something fairly regularly, either here or via a new blog. Something sort of round-table-ish, collaborative, with reader input, multiple authorship, that kind of thing. What do you guys think? Would people be interested in reading/participating? It seems like a cool way to learn about new kinds of music, minus the pretense of, say, Pitchfork. Kind of like Blog Me a Tale, but for music. So what do people think?
Anyway, have a good weekend, folks. Be careful out there.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
In Defense of Country Music
It recently came to my attention in the comments section of another site that country music is pretty unpopular among many of my peers, friends and associates. It's an unfortunate trend, bred mostly out of ignorance. I don't say ignorance to be insulting, mind you, but instead use the word in its true sense - people are simply ignorant of what good country music sounds like. The fact is, when the average person thinks of country music, they think of Big and Rich, Billy Ray Cyrus, or (God forbid) Toby Keith. Big, dumb pop stars with little or no respect for the genre's roots other than the occasional fiddle and a southern accent.
The truth is, country music is so much more. As it's grown and evolved over time, country music has been a vehicle for protest and change, not the rabid, propagandist "America, Fuck YEAH!" bullshit that they have bastardized it into. Country music, in all its forms, can be in equal parts beautiful, funny, dark, subversive, clever, scary, sad, romantic and tearful. More importantly, it, like most types of music, is more than just one type of sound. It's changed over time, drawing influence from bluegrass, blues, rock, metal, pop, you name it. It's impossible to nail down country anymore, and that's why I get so irate when people slam it wholesale.
So. A challenge was issued (well, I kind of volunteered for it) - create a list of good country music, that those who denied its appeal would enjoy. And since I a) love a challenge, b) love music in general and c) love lists, I picked up the gauntlet and ran with it.
Only one small problem: I realized, after looking at the thousands of songs in my collection, that I own a fuckload of country/alt-country/country rock/ etc. music. Because make no mistake: the purpose of this exercise is not to create a list of country songs. That's boring, not to mention that inevitably some jerkoff is going to come along and say that they're not the "best" songs, only my "favorite" songs. No, instead the purpose is to demonstrate the reach and influence of country music, and to show that it has something for everyone. Now the dilemma: what to leave off the list? Because the original list was literally over 100 songs.
In the end, I decided, sadly, to leave out the classics. Hank Williams, Elvis, Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings - I figured people (hopefully) knew those reasonably well. Besides, like I said, the point is to see what the genre is capable of, not where it came from. The more roots-oriented stuff can be part of another list - a list, to be honest, that others are probably more qualified than me to generate (it should be noted that probably 50% of this would never be in my library were it not for my friend Ervie, a true country junkie).
So, here's the list. It's still long as hell - 50+ songs at last count. But I guess that's the point - there's that much out there. More importantly, there's something for everyone. Like Punk rock? Try Tenderloin. More into the hardcore stuff? Mule. How about Metal? Maylene and the Sons of Disaster. OK, like the female sound? Alison Krauss, Beth Orton (a former Chemical Brothers collaborator), Norah Jones, Lucinda Williams, even the Dixie Chicks. Dig Alt-Country? There's Uncle Tupelo, not to mention it's offshoots - Son Volt & Wilco, as well as Whiskeytown, The Patrons and dozens of others. Hell, even techno is represented with A3 and Andrew Bird. There's literally something for everyone.
Please to enjoy, and thanks for indulging me. And Bethy, should you read this - consider your challenge answered.
Yeah, I know. I have too much spare time. This is what happens when Mrs. TK works overnights.
----------------
Now playing: Willie Nelson - Whiskey River
via FoxyTunes
The truth is, country music is so much more. As it's grown and evolved over time, country music has been a vehicle for protest and change, not the rabid, propagandist "America, Fuck YEAH!" bullshit that they have bastardized it into. Country music, in all its forms, can be in equal parts beautiful, funny, dark, subversive, clever, scary, sad, romantic and tearful. More importantly, it, like most types of music, is more than just one type of sound. It's changed over time, drawing influence from bluegrass, blues, rock, metal, pop, you name it. It's impossible to nail down country anymore, and that's why I get so irate when people slam it wholesale.
So. A challenge was issued (well, I kind of volunteered for it) - create a list of good country music, that those who denied its appeal would enjoy. And since I a) love a challenge, b) love music in general and c) love lists, I picked up the gauntlet and ran with it.
Only one small problem: I realized, after looking at the thousands of songs in my collection, that I own a fuckload of country/alt-country/country rock/ etc. music. Because make no mistake: the purpose of this exercise is not to create a list of country songs. That's boring, not to mention that inevitably some jerkoff is going to come along and say that they're not the "best" songs, only my "favorite" songs. No, instead the purpose is to demonstrate the reach and influence of country music, and to show that it has something for everyone. Now the dilemma: what to leave off the list? Because the original list was literally over 100 songs.
In the end, I decided, sadly, to leave out the classics. Hank Williams, Elvis, Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings - I figured people (hopefully) knew those reasonably well. Besides, like I said, the point is to see what the genre is capable of, not where it came from. The more roots-oriented stuff can be part of another list - a list, to be honest, that others are probably more qualified than me to generate (it should be noted that probably 50% of this would never be in my library were it not for my friend Ervie, a true country junkie).
So, here's the list. It's still long as hell - 50+ songs at last count. But I guess that's the point - there's that much out there. More importantly, there's something for everyone. Like Punk rock? Try Tenderloin. More into the hardcore stuff? Mule. How about Metal? Maylene and the Sons of Disaster. OK, like the female sound? Alison Krauss, Beth Orton (a former Chemical Brothers collaborator), Norah Jones, Lucinda Williams, even the Dixie Chicks. Dig Alt-Country? There's Uncle Tupelo, not to mention it's offshoots - Son Volt & Wilco, as well as Whiskeytown, The Patrons and dozens of others. Hell, even techno is represented with A3 and Andrew Bird. There's literally something for everyone.
Please to enjoy, and thanks for indulging me. And Bethy, should you read this - consider your challenge answered.
| Artist | Song Title | Album |
| Jenny Lewis & The Watson Twins | Run Devil Run | Rabbit Fur Coat |
| Defiance, Ohio | The Temperature is Dropping | The Great Depression |
| The Legendary Shack Shakers | Thin The Herd | Pandelirium |
| The Pine Hill Haints | When You Fall | Ghost Dance |
| Old Crow Medicine Show | Tear It Down | O.C.M.S. |
| This Bike Is a Pipe Bomb | Better Off Dead | Three Way Tie For a Fifth |
| The Gourds | Ringing Dark & True | Dem's Good Beeble |
| The Little Willies | I Gotta Get Drunk | The Little Willies |
| Gram Parsons | How Much I've Lied | G.P. / Grievous Angel |
| The Reverend Horton Heat | Five-O-Ford | Liquor in the Front |
| Calexico | Yours And Mine | Garden Ruin |
| Blaze Foley | Election Day | Live at The Austin Outhouse |
| Maylene & The Sons Of Disaster | Plenty Strong And Plenty Wrong | II |
| Tenderloin | Hearty Beef Party | Bullseye |
| Blacktop | Tornado Love | I Got a Baaad Feelin' About This |
| Lazy Cowgirls | Another Long Goodbye | Ragged Soul |
| Andrew Bird | Fake Palindromes | Andrew Bird & the Mysterious Production of Eggs |
| Pedal Steel Transmission | Maritime Glare | The Angel of the Squared Circle |
| Norah Jones | Lonestar | Come Away With Me |
| The Bottle Rockets | Get Down | Hell-Bent: Insurgent Country Vol. 2 |
| Old 97's | Time Bomb | Hit By a Train - The Best of Old 97's |
| Hillbilly Hellcats | Train To Nowhere | Our Brand |
| The Black Keys | Strange Times | Attack and Release |
| P.W. Long's Reelfoot | Aw Bruiser | We Didn't See You On Sunday |
| Gillian Welch | Dear Someone | Time (The Revelator) |
| Lucinda Williams | Drunken Angel | Car Wheels on a Gravel Road |
| The Patrons | Didn't Love You Anyway | All That Is Tied |
| Uncle Tupelo | Life Worth Livin' | No Depression |
| Alison Kraus and Union Station | Find My Way Back To My Heart | So Long So Wrong |
| William Elliott Whitmore | Life My Jug (Song For Hub Cale) | Ashes To Dust |
| Indigo Girls | Three County Highway | Despite Our Differences |
| Gob Iron | Death's Black Train | Death Songs For The Living |
| Bare Jr. | Tobacco Spit | Boo-Tay |
| Blanche | The World I Used To Be Afraid Of | Little Amber Bottles |
| Rocket From The Crypt | Ball Lightning | Scream, Dracula, Scream! |
| Lucero | What Else Would You Have Me Be | Rebels, Rogues & Sworn Brothers |
| Dixie Chicks | Lubbock or Leave it | Taking the Long Way |
| Whiskeytown | Sit & Listen to the Rain | Pneumonia |
| Noahjohn | More Like Jesus | Tadpoles |
| Ryan Adams | The Sun Also Sets | Easy Tiger |
| Jesse Sykes & The Sweet Hereafter | The Air is Thin | Like, Love, Lust & the Open Halls of the Soul |
| Railroad Jerk | Natalie | Third Rail |
| Son Volt | Tear Stained Eye | Trace |
| Uncle Tupelo | Moonshiner | March 16-20, 1992 |
| Jay Farrar | Cahokian | Terroir Blues |
| Drive-By Truckers | Hell No, I Ain't Happy | Decoration Day |
| Beth Orton | She Cries Your Name | Trailer Park |
| Mule | Lucky | Mule |
| A3 | Speed of the Sound of Loneliness | Exile on Coldharbour Lane |
| Sun Kil Moon | Carry Me Ohio | Ghosts of the Great Highway |
| Jackie-O Motherfucker Wilco | Beautiful September (We Are Going There) That's Not The Issue | Fig. 5 A.M. |
Yeah, I know. I have too much spare time. This is what happens when Mrs. TK works overnights.
----------------
Now playing: Willie Nelson - Whiskey River
via FoxyTunes
Thursday, June 19, 2008
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