altjiranga mitjina: January 2009

Friday, January 30, 2009

Old School Fridays: Remakes (Originals vs. Remakes)

This is a cool theme. I love cover versions. I love listening to an artist's take on a song that I already like. First up is Bruce Springsteen's "Dancing In The Dark." I have to admit that as much as I like the album Born In The USA this song wore out its welcome with me. I remember watching that video with Courtney Cox about a million times. You couldn't escape it if you turned on MTV, they were playing it all the time. And it was Bruce's first really big hit single so the radio was all over it. And it wasn't even my favorite song from the album, not by a long shot. Now years later I can listen to it and enjoy it, but it took awhile. I think it works better live.

Now the cover version. Tegan and Sara are a sister act from Canada that I would not have expected to cover this song. But they do a nice job just with their guitar in the radio station.

Next up is Nine Inch Nails' song "Hurt."

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The cover version is one of those covers where you identify the song more with the person covering it than the original and this is no knock against Trent, but Johnny Cash owns this song.

Thursday, January 29, 2009

Thursday Thirteen: 13 TV Shows On DVD

Image via Wikipedia

For this edition of Thursday Thirteen I'm going to list 13 TV Shows that I own on DVD. I'm only listing 13 shows that are complete, shows that have finished their run and are now collected in their entirety on DVD.

As a side note I have a question: What happened to the Thursday Thirteen site?

1) The West Wing: It's hard to pick my absolute favorite television show but this one would be in the running for first place. Created by Aaron Sorkin it showed us what our politicians could be.

2) Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Like I said I would have trouble picking my number one pick for favorite show ever but this one would be in contention. I named my dog after Buffy.

3) Angel: The spin off from Buffy and another great from the mind of Joss Whedon.

4) Veronica Mars: It only lasted three seasons but to me this show was the spiritual heir of Buffy. No supernatural elements but Veronica owed a lot to Buffy. There's talk of a big screen movie in the works.

5) Arrested Development: This is one of those shows I never watched while it was on TV. Critics were crazy over it and I think their enthusiasm for it turned me off. I finally picked up the first season on DVD after a friend raved over it and I saw it on sale for such a cheap price I figured it was worth a chance. I'm glad I did. The critics were right, this is one of the funniest shows ever.

6) Alias: I'm in love with Jennifer Garner, it's as simple as that. A spy show that you never knew who was the good guy or who was the bad guy. From the creator J.J. Abrahams who would later have a hand in creating Lost.

7) Homicide: The best cop show on network tv. From Barry Levison who was the man behind Diner and a host of other good movies and journalist David Simon came a cop show based in Baltimore.

8) The Wire: After Homicide David Simon went to HBO and created one of the best shows ever. Set in Baltimore and a cop show this was so much more. I am in awe of this show it's so good.

9) Wonderfalls: This show was created by Bryan Fuller, who went on to create Pushing Daises and Tim Minear who was a writer on Angel and Firefly. It was about a young girl who talked to various animal figurines. The show as canceled after just four episodes but when the DVD was issued it contained 13 episodes, including the ones never shown. This is such a fun, feel good show.

10) Sportsnight: Created by the genius behind West Wing Aaron Sorkin. This series only lasted two seasons before it ended. Full of the type of writing and direction that would make The West Wing so good.

11) Northern Exposure: Set in an Alaska before Sarah Palin. This is one of my favorite shows. It mixed fantasy with reality in such an unusual way. A very unique show.

12) MASH: One of the greatest shows ever on TV. When I first bought a VCR years ago one of the first things I attempted to do was tape every episode of MASH. At the time it wasn't that difficult as there always seemed to be an episode of MASH on somewhere. The problem was the commericals and they never played them in order. This was way before DVDs and the thought of putting an entire television show in a collection.

13) Firefly: The third series from the creator of Buffy. Joss Whedon created this show only to see it not even finish its first season run. I think this show had the potential to be as good or even better than Buffy it had continued. In its short run it really made an impression on me.

Ok, there you have it. Thirteen shows that are no longer on the small screen but will still live on in their DVD collections.

Why?

I just have one question. Why would they take a brand that is world known and change its name? And to G? Le me have a bottle of G...I don't think so.

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Kelly Clarkson Song Leaps To Number One

Kelly Clarkson's new single "My Life Would Suck Without You" made the biggest leap in Billboard history. It went from Number 97 to Number 1 in a week. This last week it sold 280,000 digital downloads, which I guess in today's world is the same as selling a 45 back in the day. Her new album comes out in March.

Obama's Bill Passes House

Image by Getty Images via Daylife

Barack Obama's $819B stimulus bill passed the House today with the votes evenly split among party lines. The vote was 244-188 with every Republican voting against it. Now I'm not saying that a majority of the Republicans might have found fault with the bill but everyone? It's just the same ole same ole, vote along party lines no matter what. Politicans follow party line so much nowdays that they forget that they're not supporting their party they're supposed to be supporting our country.

Dollhouse

On Friday the 13th of February Dollhouse premieres. The series is created by Joss Whedon, the mastermind behind Buffy the Vampire Slayer. It stars Eliza Dushku who was Faith from Buffy. I so can't wait for this series to start. I'm just hoping that Fox gives it a chance. They're not starting off too good by putting the show on Friday night where everyone expects it to vanish without much of a chance. I hope not. Here's a minute and half of Joss and Eliza talking about the show.

And now another clip that explains more about Dollhouse with some scenes from the show.

LOST Tonight

So the second episode of the new season is over. I have to admit I was surprised when the solider from the Others turned out to be Charles Widmore. And just what is up with Richard? Is he the real brains behind the Others? And Des and Penny have a little boy named Charlie. Ok, what did everyone else think?

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

New Springsteen Out

Bruce Springsteen's newest album Working On A Dream came out today. The reviews are in and most of them are better than good. Rolling Stone gives it five stars out of five here. Entertainment Weekly gives it an A here. Not all the reviews are positive, but even the ones that aren't quite as glowing about the album seem to like it.

This album is more of a departure from his last few that dealt more with politics and their effects on our lives. Overall I liked this album a lot. There are a few misses, but the majority of the album holds together very well. I love the opening "Outlaw Pete" which is one of Bruce's longest songs to date, clocking in at over eight minutes. The album does fall light on creating new characters to inhabit his songs, Bruce pulls out the I and you in these songs.

To my ears the weakest song on the album is "Surprise, Surprise". Usually with a new Springsteen album I have to listen to it a few times before it sinks in on me. When I first listened to The Rising I wasn't that impressed. I now think of that album as one of my favorites and the title song which I initially didn't care for has become one of my favorite songs by him. But with just one listen I'm liking this album a lot.

My biggest complaint with the album is the cover. I think it's terrible. The picture of Springsteen in the gatefold would have made a much better cover. The cover of his Walmart Greatest Hits exclusive would have been a better cover. As far as I'm concerned anything would have been better. I really don't like the cover.

This is the first album of the year by a major artist so I expect it to be a big seller. And after Bruce's SuperBowl appearance it should really jump up there. This could be one of Bruce's biggest sellers.

But to repeat one more time I really do like this album and it's worth your money.

Coming Up Buddy Miller's New Album

Buddy Miller is one of the most talented singer/songwriters in the Americana genre. He's served as bandleader for Emmylou Harris, guitarist with Robert Plant & Alison Krauss as well as releasing albums under his name and with his wife Julie. This video is an interview with him talking about the making of his new album Written In Chalk.

Buddy Holly

Fifty years ago the music died...

Sunday, January 25, 2009

New Palm Pre

I have to admit I'm a gadget type person. I love to get new gadgets. I don't have an IPhone, mainly because it's on AT&T and I'm on Sprint. Yes, I know I could change, but I'm not sure I want to. I've had a few friends that were with AT&T tell me that they don't like the service and they've ended up switching. So far I haven't had any problems with Sprint and I've been with them for at least ten years.

Palm has developed a new phone called the Pre which is set to debut later this year which is their answer to the Iphone. So far all the articles I've read about it have pretty much raved about it. You can read more here and here to see what I mean.

I'm thinking about getting this phone when it comes out. Anyone have any opinions on some good phones.

Saturday, January 24, 2009

Chuck!

I just finished watching Season One of Chuck. I never caught it when it first came on last year, but I've heard so many good things about this show that when Target ran the first season for $15.00 I decided to pick it up. I'm glad I did.

This is one of those shows that has instantly become one of my favorites. It walks that line between drama and comedy without falling too far into the absurd side. I was sorry when I finished the last show, as that meant I was finished with Chuck.

I am very impressed with this show and plan to grab the second season when it comes out and I might even do something so original as actually watch it as it comes on tv too.

Friday, January 23, 2009

Obama's New Record Collection

NEW YORK - JULY 14: A group of Rolling Stone ...

Image by Getty Images via DaylifeI never would have thought about it, but the President of the United States inherits an awesome record collection when he takes office. Read more about it here from Rolling Stone. If I was President Obama I'd be transferring some of those albums to my Ipod.

Obama Busy

WASHINGTON - JANUARY 21: U.S. President Barac...

Image by Getty Images via DaylifeOur newly elected President has been a busy man. One of the things that slipped under the radar as far as much press coverage was his reviving the Freedom of Information Act. Looks like he really means for keeping the government open to the people its supposed to work for. Go read more here.

Watchmen Widget

Thursday, January 22, 2009

Carbon/Silicon

Carbon/Silicon evidently as a band has been around since 2002, but I'm just hearing about them now. The band formed between two punk legends, Mick Jones from the Clash and Tony James of Generation X.

Blog For Choice Day

Today is the 36th anniversary of Roe vs. Wade. I think what I said about this subject was best said in a past post, which I'm going to reprint here:

She has to drive herself even though he said he would be there for her and they would go together so she didn't have to go through this by herself. She waited as long as she could, but couldn't wait any longer because her appointment was for one. Really she's not that surprised he didn't show. He hasn't shown himself much around here since she told him. But it would have been nice to have someone go with her. She's scared.

She tries not to cry on the ride to the clinic, but she can't help it. She's thought about this decision long and hard and to her it's the only choice she can make. It's not fair, but than what's happened isn't fair either. She keeps wiping at her eyes as she drives. Her hands shake as she takes them off the steering wheel to wipe at her eyes.

As she pulls up towards the street she sees a crowd in the street and the parking lot. This is just too much for her. She pulls the car to the side and just sits behind her steering wheel and cries. She is close enough to see the signs and the pictures they have on the signs. She feels sick. She wants to have the strength to continue and do what she knows she must, but she doesn't know if she can go through that crowd.

She's never felt more alone than at this moment.

This post might, no change that, this post will upset some people. I can't help it. This subject is probably one of the most emotional subjects in politics today. What am I talking about? Abortion. Anyone that doesn't want to read any farther feel free to excuse yourself now.

Saturday when I went over to visit my brother we drove over to Metairie to check out the book stores and CompUSA. To get to Borders we drive through the back roads and one road brings us past a clinic. Yes, one of those clinics. And in the street and the parking lot are a crowd of people with signs and little children and yelling and you know the drill.

I've driven this way plenty of times before and there are ususally a few people walking around outside the clinic with signs, but this time there had to be at least fifty people protesting. Adults with their children. I saw kids in strollers, kids that were just walking, kids older...all following behind a protesting Mommy or Daddy.

How could someone that needed to get to this clinic even get to the parking lot? It was chaos. I can't even begin to imagine what a young girl that has made what is probably one of the most difficult decisions of her life has to think when she gets to this clinic and has to basically fight her way to the front door.

Last time I looked abortion was legal in this country. I know protesting what you don't believe in is a time honored tradition and there is no shame in it, but this is going beyond simple protesting. They are trying to make it impossible for someone to get into the clinic.

Now I'm a man so I feel like I'm a little out of my depth in this argument. Why should I be able to tell a woman what she can do with her body? What right do I have to tell her to have the baby, no matter what the consequences. I don't believe I do. It is her decision whether to have the abortion or not.

This issue hits so many hot points. The religious right have taken it as their rallying point. Supreme Court justices are decided on by whether if they'll overturn Roe vs. Wade. The basic premise of state and church being separate get a lot closer to each other when the subject is abortion. The religious right want to ban abortions because every life is sacred, but it supports the death penalty. I guess it gets to decide which life is worth saving or not.

I guess it depends on when you decide life begins. The anti abortion side wants to keep pushing that definition back, until it basically becomes life as soon as the sperm does its job.

I'm not talking about abortion as birth control. I really don't think that is as common as the anti abortion side tries to claim it is. They want to use a lot of scare tactics to make people think everyone that has an abortion is evil.

There are no easy answers, but the one answer I know is that if a woman wants to have an abortion that is her right and she should be able to and at the moment that is the law and she should not have to feel like a pariah to accomplish this.

Everyone should remember it's not their decision, it's not my decision, it's her decision.

Personality Quiz

Over at Starlight's site she has a link to a Personality Quiz.

Check out my
personality profile!

I'm not sure I agree 100% with it, but overall I think it's pretty accurate. Give it a go and see what you get.

LOST: The New Season Begins

Image via WikipediaOk, who out there watched the two hour season premiere of LOST last night? What did you think? Are they answering any of our questions or just posing more questions? I read somewhere that this season they are going to put a spin on the flashbacks and flashforwards. I'm not sure what that can mean unless it's actual time travel like they showed in these two episodes. I for one am waiting for Jack to get back to being the Jack we all know and love. Jack has always been one of my favorite characters in the show but I'm tired of seeing him all whiny and such a loser. Only this season and next to wrap all this up and explain everything. I would think we'd start seeing more answers this season.

So everyone discuss....

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Why I Hate American Idol Sometimes

Image via WikipediaI've got the tv on as I type these words and American Idol is on before I stop to watch the two hour premium of Lost. Of course they're showing singers that are so bad and than making fun of them, something I think is terrible. These people are putting their hopes and dreams up there in front of millions of people and they get made to be a laughing stock. Than I heard a voice that I could see singing bluegrass or old type country music, he had that high keening voice and after he finished the judges basically said he was terrible. That's what I truly hate about American Idol, they are looking for just one type of singer in effect and anyone that doesn't fit into their mold isn't going to make it. I'd love to hear a Bob Dylan or someone else with a unique voice on the show. But it isn't going to happen. As much as I like some of the winners, they all fit into a mold.

Hillary Clinton Approved

WASHINGTON - JANUARY 04: U.S. Sen. Hillary Ro...

Image by Getty Images via DaylifeIn a vote 94-2 the Senate approved Hillary Clinton as the next Secretary of State. Only two Senators voted against her. And guess what? One of them was David Vitter from my home state of Louisiana. This is from the Senator who was caught in the Washington D.C. Madame sting and still has not admitted to any wrong doing. He trots God out when its convenient for what he wants, but when he gets caught cheating on his wife with a prostitute it's another thing. I really don't care that much what he does in his private life, its the hypocrisy that bothers me.

He's coming up for re-election soon and I'm hoping that there are enough other people in this state that are as tired of him as I am.

Obama Working

On his first day in office President Obama went right to work. One of his first tasks was to shut down Guantanamo Bay detention center. Read more about it here.

HBO Owns Everything From The Concert

For more about this go read here.

This Land Is Your Land

The day before Obama was sworn in there was a concert at the Lincoln Memorial. One of the musicians there was Bruce Springsteen. Here he is with Pete Seeger singing one of the greatest songs ever written about the USA.

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

A New President

Image by //amy// via FlickrWe have a new President. I just watched the inauguration on television. I was lucky that I don't go to work till this afternoon. I have to admit that I teared up as I watched, this was history in the making. Mr. Obama comes into office with a country in worse shape than it's been in years, but I am confident. He is a very intelligent man and I am glad that our fate is in his hands. I could never understand during the election when I would hear comments about the newly elected President being too smart, too elite. I'm sorry I want my President to be as smart as can be. I want him to be smarter than me. We've seen what happens when we don't have a smart man as President for the last eight years. I feel like eight years of a nightmare is over. It won't be easy, things will probably get worse before they get better. But I feel like they will get better.

This is a wonderful day.

Inauguration

Washington D.C.

Monday, January 19, 2009

New Blog To Check Out: Diversity Ink

There's a new blog over here called Diversity Ink. I'll let the creator of the blog tell more about it:

One of the reasons the racial divide continues is that members of a particular ethnicity may talk amongst each other about race issues, but not to members outside their race. Also, because race is such a sensitive issue, people are reluctant to come out in the open with any of their views, questions, etc. My hope is that Diversity Ink might lead to the bridging of the divide and the breaking down of some of these walls.

He's assembled an outstanding crew of men and women to write about this subject and I'm proud to say that I'm one. Please check out this blog and leave your impressions. It's up with a first wonderful post about Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

MLK

Today is Martin Luther King Jr. Day and tomorrow we welcome an African American as President. As bad as things can get in this country there is still an American Dream.

One Word (Peace) | Music Codes

Almost Over

WASHINGTON - NOVEMBER 10: U.S. President Geo...

Image by Getty Images via DaylifeEight years later and George W. Bush is almost out of office. I know I'm just being paranoid, but I'll feel better on Tuesday after Barrack Obama is sworn in. I keep waiting for Bush to do one more stupid thing....like invade Iran or something.

Sunday, January 18, 2009

Listening Now: Wilco

MANCHESTER, TN - JUNE 17: Jeff Tweedy of Wilco...

Image by Getty Images via DaylifeWilco is one of my favorite groups. They were born from the ashes of Uncle Tupelo. In that group the two main songwriters were Jeff Tweedy and Jay Farrar. Just as the group was beginning to get serious national attention, having released one album on a major label, Farrar announced that he was quitting. Farrar went on to form the group Son Volt and Tweedy created Wilco.

In the beginning Wilco started off as the continuation of Uncle Tupelo, the group was pretty much Uncle Tupelo simply without Farrar, and in that most of its material could be labeled in the genre of Americana. On their second album they decided to venture into uncharted musical territory and released Being There.

Since than the group has continued to experiment with their sound and grown as a cult favorite. Their next album Yankee Hotel Foxtrot got them dropped from their label Reprise but once released on a new label went on to win critical and commercial success.

This song, "Handshake Drugs" is from their fifth album A Ghost Is Born.

Friday, January 16, 2009

More From The Wire

I finished all five seasons of The Wire and I have to say it's one of the best tv shows ever. Here's another great scene.

Thursday, January 15, 2009

Old School Fridays: TV Theme Songs

I was never that big a fan of this show, it was one of those stupid dad/smart kids shows that seem to be everywhere. But the theme song is sung by one of my favorites, Will Hoge. The show was Still Standing. This is the full song, not just what you hear on the tv show.

This meme was developed by Marvalus View and Ms. Grapevine. The rules are simple:

1. Anyone can participate; any music genre
2. Old School is defined as music created before 1999
3. No offensive words allowed, please use edited radio version
4. Post a video of your favorite Old School song to take us back down memory lane
5. Add your name to the meme list so that others can check you out
6. Have fun & don't forget to leave comments for other participants

Thursday Thirteen: Jazz Fest Acts I Want to See This Year

I know Jazz Fest is still a ways off, but it's never too early to start planning. I thought that I'd list 13 acts that are performing at this years Jazz Fest that I want to make sure I see.

1. Wilco: For me there's no one better. I've been a fan of Jeff Tweedy from his days in Uncle Tupelo and his growth as the leader of Wilco is just amazing. I've seen this group at least three times and that's still not enough. Here's Wilco with Fleet Foxes singing one of my favorite songs of all time "I Shall Be Released."

2. Patty Griffin: I have been in love with this woman's voice and music since I stumbled across it a few years ago. Of all the acts that I want to see I think she's the one I'm most excited about since I've never seen her live before.

3. Drive by Truckers: Another band I've seen live a few times. A few years ago I saw them at the Voodoo Fest and for my money they were the best band there that year. And their Jazz Fest appearance includes Booker T. Jones.

4. Amanda Shaw: Another act I've seen more times than I can count. A local Amanda has grown up before our eyes, singing and playing since she was a child. She just recently celebrated her 18th birthday and her first album out on a major label.

5. Los Lobos: This is a band I've been a fan of for years. I remember buying their first album (yes it was vinyl)back before anyone had ever heard of them. I saw a little review of it somewhere and decided to pick it up. I see them as a modern day version of The Band in a lot of ways. I've never seen them live and look forward to hearing them.

6. Solomon Burke: I have to admit that I didn't really discover Mr. Burke until his "comeback" prodcued by Joe Henry. That is such an beautiful album and he is another act I've never seen live yet. I simply love this song.

7. Theresa Andersson: I know this is someone everyone that reads this blog has probably gotten tired of me talking about, but for as many times as I've seen this lady perform I'll go out of my way to see her again. This is the song that she's been opening her show with the last year and it is simply amazing.

8. Charmaine Neville: daughter of Charles Neville of the Neville Brothers, Charmaine is a talent herself. Again I've seen her before, again I'll see her.

9. Avett Brothers: Another band I've just recently been turned onto, but am enjoying very much. Looking forward to seeing them for the first time.

10. The Vettes: Another local band but one I haven't had the chance to see live.

11. Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings: Soul music. I haven't seen her yet either so this will be a treat.

12. Irma Thomas: Talking about soul music I have to mention Irma Thomas, New Orleans Queen of Soul. Yes I've seen her a few times but every time is worth it. She performed "Bridge Over Troubled Water" with Paul Simon and Allen Touissant and it was beyond words. Here's she singing a song the Rolling Stones all but stole from her.

13. Jakob Dylan: Son of you know who. I saw him at the HOB with his band the Wallflowers and they put on a fun show.

There's 13 but I could keep going on. And what's even more fun is discovering the acts that I had no idea of listening to, just wandering from one stage to another and overhearing a snatch of song and having to investigate to hear something that roots you to the spot.

I'm Back

Inventory is over and it went very well except for at the start and was caused by outside sources who thought they were so smart but didn't know what they were doing and I really don't want to go into all of that, but our end of it went very well.

The cold is finally in retreat. It's still hanging on, but the worst, I hope, is over. It hit the hardest on Inventory night of course. I thought I was going to hack a lung up. The next day wasn't that great, but today when I woke up I felt halfway decent. In fact right now I feel pretty good. The fact that I'm actually off the next three days might have a little to do with that too.

So I'm back and hopefully blogging and visiting in the next few days, trying to catch up with everyone. If I left any messages that made no sense on anyone's blog in the last few days it was the fever...

Friday, January 09, 2009

The Wire

Ok, I know I just said I won't be around for the next few days and here I am. One thing being sick has left me not wanting to do anything but lay around in bed and while I'm home laying in bed I figure I can at least watch tv and what I've been watching is The Wire. I recently purchased the complete series and am now on Season Five, the final one. I'll talk later about how good this show is, but I thought I'd just leave with the introduction of the show in this scene.

Missing

I may be missing for the next few days. I woke up yesterday feeling sick and don't feel much better today. And of course this Monday is Inventory so there is no chance of missing any work the next few days. So between Inventory and overall Sickness I might be taking a few days off from blogging. But don't worry...I shall return.

Old School Fridays: The Year That Was...

A song from the year I graduated high school. The year was 1977 and the band is the Ramones.

Monday, January 05, 2009

Best of 2008: Gaslight Anthem

This group is from New Brunswick New Jersey and wears its Jersey sound proudly. The influence of Bruce Springsteen is evident from the first cords of their songs. Their sound has elements of everything from punk music to Tom Waits as well as Springsteen. This is one of those albums you might have to do some searching for. I never did find it as a brick and mortar store, I ended up getting it online as a digital download.

For those that feel like Springsteen has moved beyond his favorite subjects this band sings about hometown life, cars and girls. They bring fun to their music and deserve a lot wider recognition.

The 59 Sound | Music Codes

New Springsteen

Another one I'm waiting for this year is Bruce Springsteen's newest Working On A Dream. This one is slated for the week before the Super Bowl, where Bruce is going to be the half time show. The week before his new album comes out Bruce is releasing a new Greatest Hits that will be exclusive to Walmart. The new album will be everywhere, it's only the Greatest Hits that you'll only find at Walmart.

1. Outlaw Pete

2. My Lucky Day

3. Working On a Dream

4. Queen of the Supermarket

5. What Love Can Do

6. This Life

7. Good Eye

8. Tomorrow Never Knows

9. Life Itself

10. Kingdom of Days

11. Surprise, Surprise

12. The Last Carnival

13. The Wrestler (Bonus Track)

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