Thanskgiving Break

The Starbucks red cups have been in use since November 1st.  Every major retail window in NYC is decorated as if Santa is coming tomorrow.  It appears many stores are going to be open on midnight Black Friday rather than the more pedestrian 4am or so we have grown accustomed to.

Far be it for me to step on the toes of merchants and capitalists these days...  but can we all slow the hell down???

This is after all the week we should take a look at what is important, no?

Give thanks for mothers willing to take time out of there day and spend time with the grandchild so folks like me can see a rock show.

Not, give thanks for the great deal on the new Sony LCD 3-D TV that will be obsolete next year this time anyway.

Give thanks for your health and the health of your friends and family.

Or perhaps take a moment to think about the poor folks who have to cut there Thanksgiving meal short so they can get ready to open Target at midnight so us countless buffoons trample their underpaid and under-appreciated asses so we can buy the last "Screw My Wallet Elmo."

Can this be a week of slow reflection?

Can bargains wait until the weekend?

Can we learn to slow down and appreciate your fellow man?  You fellow customer service worker?  Your co-workers?  Dare I say, your family?

Perhaps I am biased a bit because I was born on Thanksgiving, but really, isn't it the best American holiday?

Christmas and Easter play to Catholics and Christians so that obviously hurts with those who don't believe in Jesus.  July 4th and New Years are great, but they can be affected by weather, and drunking amateurs.

Thanksgiving is food and football and naps and NO expectations.  We are simply away for a few days to decompress.  Should a fine meal, great conversation and camaraderie naturally occur we chalk that up to good karma.   But in reality we expect someone to get annoyed or drink too much.  Inevitably an aunt or uncle will say something they shouldn't have.  And that is a great thing.

We need not worry about the gift being the wrong size.  There are no awkward moments when you realize you forgot to get your niece a gift.

Eat, drink, be merry.  The beauty is you can do it all sitting on your favorite couch (ideally.)

As the year 2012 hurries by us take time to thank all that is good and right with your World.  Chances are you will be more compelled to stay home and cherish those nearest you rather than chase that bargain at Wal-Mart half drunk Thanksgiving night.

Least, that's what I plan on doing.

An Evening in Montclair, Lykke Li Edition

About mid-way through Swedish rocker Lykke Li's set it occured to me, Europe seems to have cornered the market on female angst-ridden rock stars.  In fact, other than a few exceptions, Alanis Morrisette and Karen O from the Yeah Yeah Yeahs for instance, the US seems better at producing pop women as opposed to alt women.

And make no mistake, Lykke Li is an alt women.  After a 5 minute pulsating light and smoke machine intro Li and her bandmates went about hypnotizing the surprisingly large New Jersey crowd with a mix of tribal percussion, haunting melody and raucous fun.  Performing in support of her sophomore LP, Wounded Rhymes, Li kept the between song banter to a minimum.

At one point there was some debate if the crowd was attending a rock show or some crazy coven ritual.  Dressed in an all black Free People-esque outfit that might find it's way in Stevie Nicks' closet Li has all the markings of a high priestess looking for her next victim.  She would fit right into a 70s Christopher Lee flick.   Had she asked me to eat the brains of someone toward the end of the set I would have considered it.

Oh, and the sound is pretty darn good too.  She is primarily known for the infectious and foot stomping "Get Some" which boldly asserts "I'm your prostitute/You're gonna get some."  Wounded Rhymes on record is a soft,  synth heavy mood piece.  On stage it has more elements of high brow concept pop meets 50s percussion-centric lounge act.  Li relies a lot on dark lighting and heavy strobes.  It is as much theatre and vibe as it is pop rock.  Her band layout is unusual too: drummer stage left and lead guitarist front stage elevated where drum kit usually resides.  At first, it was a little off putting.  Toward the end of the brief 80 minute show it made perfect sense.  Since there were at times three percussionists on stage they would appear to be waging war with the keyboard and guitars adjacent them.

It was a competitive battle and one worthy seeing again.  There was a 3 song ballad interlude that included her Righteous Brothers cover "Unchained Melody" that might have been 1 song too many.  Mainly because the songs before and after the soft stuff rocked so hard.  Her most notable, "Sadness is a Blessing", "Little Bit", "Youth Knows No Pain (which had Li singing through a megaphone... AWESOME!!!)" and "I Follow Rivers."

I was certainly a lesson in exceeding expectations.  She marks the third Northern European alt leading lady I have seen in 2 weeks (Ritzi Bryan from Joy Formidable and Maja Iversson from The Sounds are the others.)  The trend is headed markedly up.  The US does pop and auto-tune real well.  Think Gaga, Katy Perry, Kesha, Britney, and Nicki Minaj for instance.

Europe brings the goth, book reading, glasses wearing, eating disorder, angst ridden, female rocker far better than we do.  Think of it as your mysterious girlfriend.  You have Katy and Gaga all day, but when it comes time to let the hair down you can sneak into a club and watch the sultry mistress seduce you with her song, with her look, with her art.

Then you come home with the girl that brung you.  A better night than "Moneyball" or "Breaking Dawn" I can guarantee you.

Further Research:

http://lykkeli.com/

Pics from last night's show:  http://houselist.bowerypresents.com/2011/11/18/lykke-li-the-wellmont-theatre-november-17-2011/

"Get Some" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-TTPGAy5H_E

"I Follow Rivers" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZYbEL06lEU

"Youth Knows No Pain" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iF_BcZRpsiU

"Little Bit" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upnTg2GPgTM&feature=fvwrel

"Unchained Melody" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_qoXm_CSdJo  Live acoustic version.  Showcases the beJesus out of her talent.  Voice and arrangement could slide easily into the worst David Lynch dream.  There is some Cat Power (ok she is American angst) sound in here.  If you take a look at one clip make it this.  Probably the best voice you have never heard.


Had a conversation with someone the other day who is probably a bit older than me.  He made mention of the problem he had with my music...  "I just don't get it."

Made me wonder why you have to "get" anything?  You take a chance on movies Friday nights don't you?  You talk yourself into thinking "Jack and Jill" or "Tower Heist" are going to be worth your investment (time and money.)  In reality, the event far surpasses the art.  You can call it a success because you were out of the house.

The music business is in a far trickier spot.  Movies are an institution and translate very well to the flat screens we all have in our living rooms.  We rarely if ever purchase 3 dimensional music anymore.  Music is increasingly mobile too, but at what cost to the artists?  They have to make money at some point or what is the point of carrying on?  An artists gotta eat, right???

Take a look at some of these venues and give a band a try.  Open your mind and allow yourself a different $100 Friday evening.  What's the worst that happens?  You get a good meal and some drinks in a different location and fail to latch on to a band?  No worse than a bad kids comedy at the Cineplex, right?  Best case is you become a fan of something/someone you would have never anticipated.

http://www.bowerypresents.com/
http://www.livenation.com/

Some bands I have heard/seen (and would never expect to like a mere 2 years ago) and am now devoted fan:

White Rabbits:  "Percussion Gun" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IClBpch9vmM

The National: "Mr November" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bxWQMyoYJBU  Live from Brooklyn Academy

Ryan Adams:  " Do I Wait" http://vimeo.com/30003746

Mute Math: "Blood Pressure" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cv2mjAgFTaI  This is a seriously addicting video

St Vincent: "Cruel" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Itt0rALeHE8  Another in a long list of visually stunning and smart videos that are being produced today.

Of Monsters and Men"Little Talks"  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Dw8qdmT_aY   More Nordic stuff!!!  Think Edward Share and Damien Rice meet Bjork with a hint of the Pogues and a splash of Fleet Foxes.  GREAT pop song here done live @ KEXP.

The Sounds "Yeah Yeah Yeah" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2cfSy4enIrE  You could argue a straight man should not be posting this...  fair enough

Viva Brother "Darling Buds of May" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2cfSy4enIrE  Here performed live.  Grit Brit pop.  Fun and energetic.

Wolf Gang: "The King and All His Men" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TZLv36LvRo8  Brit Synth reminiscent of 80s.  Foster the People across the pond??

Deerhunter "Desire Lines" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aW2jOA6uIaM  Bradford Cox did a stine last  dj-ing last week for Sirius XMU.  It was a glimpse into the mind of a very creative, very smart and very odd man.  Another live version of his best song from last years Halycon Digest.   Cox has the ability to excel in just about every genre.  It can alienate fans for sure, but one can't help being awe-struck with his ability.  This piece takes off around the 3:30 mark and does not STOP!!!


Enjoy the weekend folks!!!  Sorry for all the music but it has dominated my mind lately.  Good thing, cause it takes the stress of hearing Christmas music in early November.  Where did the year go???

Thankfully Thanksgiving is less than a week away.  It is the greatest Holiday (and not because I was born on it!)

May you get through the Holiday in one piece and eat like a monster.  If you are anything like me you have a LOT to be thankful for.

10 underrated songs to hold you over

XTC: "Ballad of Peter Pumpkinhead" http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x1ubey_xtc-the-ballad-of-peter-pumpkinhead_music

James Morrison "Under the Influence"  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pHrfsE0TbZc

Gomez "Get Miles" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pHrfsE0TbZc

Tori Amos "Cornflake Girl"  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Eiv7H9XQRY

REM "Imitation of Life" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0vqgdSsfqPs&ob=av3n

Eric B and Rakim "Microphone Fiend"  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uPfIIn5V_LQ&feature=relmfu

The D.O.C. "It's Funky Enough" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uPfIIn5V_LQ&feature=relmfu

Bruce Hornsby and The Range "The Valley Road" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hV_oaJAyJBQ

Lindsay Buckingham "Go Insane"  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2o_YI_PgK0o&feature=related

Eels "Novocaine for the Soul"  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2o_YI_PgK0o&feature=related


Carry on...

Off to Lykke Li in Montclair...  full review tomorrow and maybe some thoughts on the continuing saga that is Occupy Everything...  Penn State and its abject perversion...  the annoyance of school half days... the Astros move to the American League...  the lack of interest in an NBA lockout...  and whatever else might come up from now to then.

A Evening in Newark, Foo Fighters Edition

About 10 seconds into Foo Fighters opening song last night, "Bridge Burning" from their new album Wasting Light, the message was very clear:  Dave Grohl is the consummate rock star.  He should not be trapped behind a drum kit.  Although, he does that very well as evidenced by his time in Nirvana and more recently drumming for Cage the Elephant when their drummer took ill.  Also, it should be noted,  the Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins is both an exceptional musician and beyond competent frontman/rock star.

This is Grohl's band though.  And last night he gave his fans all they could want, and more.  He attacked the stage as furiously as he did his guitar and vocal chords.  He commanded your attention and quickly informed the packed house:  "Just wanted to let you know you are at an Arena Rock Show!!!  We don't play an hour and a half and get out.  Text your boss and say I'm not feeling well.  It's gonna be a long night."

Indeed.  Dave Grohl is America's great rock star.  Had Kurt Cobain lived you can't help wonder how they would co-exist?  Is there a more energetic and charismatic performer working these days?

Foo Fighters plowed through an impressive setlist (http://www.setlist.fm/setlist/foo-fighters/2011/prudential-center-newark-nj-13d1f9dd.html).  They nailed classic tracks, like a freewheeling, jam-filled "Monkey Wrench", "My Hero" and the rocking 1st set finale, "All My Life."  There new tracks, namely "These Days" and "Walk" were welcome additions to an impressive resume.  Grohl runs from stage left to stage right like a tiger chasing his prey.  He roams around eliciting crowd reaction and participation.  He makes eye contact with awe inspired fans.  He is always in command and you can't take your eyes off him.  Oh, and his voice is amazingly strong and guitar work equally impressive.

There will forever be regrets missing the final (4!!! of 6) encores including a cover of Tom Petty's "Breakdown" and their classic "Everlong."  But so it goes when you attempt the mini-van roadtrip.  6 different humans bringing unique circumstances to a Monday evening rock show.  Mother of 4 sipping the Sangria pre-show.  Longtime buddy who took a sick day today and was prepared to stay up all night.    Wife worked a half day in NYC and then right back out to stand for 5 hours.  We should have either taken 6 cars or had called a personal driver for each of us.  Maybe this reality/virtual tour is not such a great idea.  Some drink.  Some don't.  Some rock.  Some roll.  Some want their couch the moment the clock strikes 11.  Who can blame them???

The floor at an arena show like this can be quite daunting for a 30, er 40 something.  There are 18 year old kids in there!!  And they can be quite aggressive.  Although I was impressed with a few teenagers who were able to roll a joint while standing up in and around a mosh area (stopping short of calling it a pit.)  Thing is if you leave to catch a breathe you can never get back in.  And when you are not on the floor for the show you really aren't experiencing everything.

Grohl and his mates (Nate Mendel bass, Chris Shiflett and Pat Smear guitars and Hawkins) give the audience a lot to experience.  Should you have half the energy next time they are in town take a look.  But make sure you have an overnight sitter.  In the meantime watch them perform "Bad Reputation" with David Letterman this evening.  And also check out the following resources.

http://www.foofighters.com/us/home  Foo Fighters home page
http://www.billboard.com/events/foo-fighters-recruit-joan-jett-bob-mould-1005519362.story#/events/foo-fighters-recruit-joan-jett-bob-mould-1005519362.story   MSG show from 11.13.11 featuring Foo Fighters and Joan Jett.

We arrived early mainly because the Wales trio Joy Formidable opened last night.  There 30 minute set has gotten much tighter since they took the stage earlier this year at Webster Hall.  What surprised me is how this heavily bassed band filled the enormous Prudential Center with sound.  Ritzy Bryan (guitar/lead vocal), Rhydian Dafydd (CRAZY LOUD bass and vocals) and Matt Thomas (drums) play with an anger and urgency that is hard to ignore.  Bryan sings "You make me sleep so badly/Invisible Friend" in their biggest hit "Whirring" from the debut album The Big Roar.  The irony is anything Joy Formidable plays could never put you to sleep.  And they, like their sound, are anything but invisible.  You should have such friends.

http://www.socialdistortion.com/
"Whirring" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a2BUEzdjfpY
"Cradle"  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W66yhfMb4d0&feature=relmfu
"Austere"  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W66yhfMb4d0&feature=relmfu
A Heavy Abacus"  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YsGg_07VrX0&feature=relmfu

Social Distrotion were the middle band last night but they should hardly feel slighted.  Formed in 1978 Fullerton, Califronia co-founder Mike Ness and his boys can be defined rather easily: professionals.  After losing their other founder Dennis Danell in 2000 due to an aneurism the band carried on and continue to perform, and perform well.  It is Ness's scrappy voice and bluesy guitar licks that stand the test of time.  They spit and clawed through a 40 minute set touting their new record but with an eye on their history.  Their cover of Johnny Cash's "Ring of Fire" was spot on rock-a-billy goodness.  Cheesy rock dictionary defines Social Distortion as "pretty darn cool."  Agree.

For more:  http://www.socialdistortion.com/
"Ring of Fire"  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JbFlM6pFjso&feature=related  Happen to like the comment to this comparing Ness to Chuck Norris in terms of "badassery"  You can't really be a soft punk rocker
"Bad Luck"  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tQOJY4NXYzM  These guys are just so cool it hurts.


Should be noted that the evening began at Forno's of Spain in Newark's http://www.fornosrestaurant.com/) Ironbound section.   Much can be made of the problems of Newark, and there are many.  The Prudential Center is quite nice and Forno's is a nice dinner/pre-game spot.  Spanish tapas and sangria served by old school wait staff eager for you to leave.  What's not to like?  Try the Veal Siciliana, Red Sangria, Osso Bucco, and even the chicken fingers!!!  They can easily accommodate an 6 or 8 top.  But if you just want a drink the bar is ample.  Slip the valet a 10 spot and you can walk to the Pru Center too if weather permits.  This way you can experience the urine smelled streets of Newark post show.  Nothing like the sobering realities of crime and poverty that await you after spending $12 bucks on 3 coffees moments earlier.

Does that make me the 1%?  Or are the 99% all living beyond their means?

That's what I feared.  Til next time...

Lykke Li in 2 days...  Ugh, need about 24 hours of sleep first.  And for my cat to not wake me up with grim reaper fearing yells and vomit sounds.  Not bloody likely.


Check this out...  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KT1oPhF5KyI&feature=related   some footage from the show my friend assures me he is in...  he was on front row for sure so let's take his word for it.  He's the guy with his hands up and bald head around the 4:50 mark.

Stop it Adam Sandler!!!

First, can everyone please stop going to see Adam Sandler movies???  Jack and Jill ended up in the weekend plans and it was without question the worst movie of this year, and maybe of all time.  And I sat through Smurfs and Junie B Jones!!!

His act is old.  His writing is lazy.  And his acting has never been great.  Shame on all the bit players and cameos too!!!  Jared the Subway guy?  Billy Blanks??  Michael Irvin!!???  Worst of all Al Pacino!!!???   An embarrassing mess from start to finish.

We can only suspend disbelief for so long.  In his last movie he was a successful LA doctor dealing with a love triangle between Jennifer Aniston and Brooklyn Decker.  Here he is a advertising magnate which is an excuse for shameless product placement.  He has made his millions and left us all with quite a legacy.  But really, enough is enough.

Also, a moment of silence for the NBA please.  It was announced earlier today that the players rejected the latest proposal from the owners.  It looks as if the season will not happen.

Now, if the NHL can capitalize and take the coveted audience away maybe the players will understand NO ONE WILL MISS THEM.  They want 50% of the revenue!!!  Tell you what, go out and buy arenas and all the other things that it would require to start a league and see if anyone shows up.  Oh, and make sure you pay your performers have the take.

There is not a business in America that works like that (and stays solvent.)  March Madness is several months away.  Why do I get the feeling they will cave before the Ides are upon us.

All for now...  Foo Fighters await!!!  Tune in tomorrow for a full recap.

Wish you could join me...

Tonight's bill:

Joy Formidable:  "Whirring"  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a2BUEzdjfpY

"Cradle"  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W66yhfMb4d0&feature=relmfu

"Austere"  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PbYghzgt9IU

Social Distortion:  "Story of My Life"  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oh8zcbC_Dcw&ob=av2e

"Ball and Chain" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_NWjehpGSO0&feature=relmfu

"Bad Luck"  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tQOJY4NXYzM

Foo Fighters:  "Everlong" http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=everlong&aq=f  Still one of my favorite videos

"My Hero" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EqWRaAF6_WY&ob=av3e

"Walk" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4PkcfQtibmU

Paterno, Veterans and Your weekend soundtrack enhanced

My sister posted something clever regarding a certain story that transfixed the nation this week.  "So, anything ELSE to talk about this week???"
Have we had enough coverage folks?  ESPN has so many folks in State College, PA they could probably rationalize another sister station.  ESPN Worst Humans Ever Network.

What exactly are we surprised at here?  That the awful atrocities could have possibly taken place?  No, we have all lived through enough evils to comprehend the realities.  We need not accept them, but it should not surprise us.

Could it be the falling of an icon?  An inglorious end to an illustrious career?  Hardly.  Isn't it we are all waiting for anyway?  Aren't we disappointed when it ends happily.  Lou Gehrig seemingly went out as classy and dignified as we could all hope for.  Then he died shortly thereafter. 

Allow me to argue/defend agism.  Joe Paterno is an 84 year old man employed to lead 18-25 year olds in a world very much different than the one he grew up in.  He does not use social media.  He has been injured and frail so often lately he cannot even coach from the sidelines.  He thought by resigning and telling the trustees not to bother wasting anymore time on it the situation would die. 

This is a man clearly out of touch.  Much like he was when he heard of a horrific child rape and thought the only play was to tell the Athletic Director.  This, after his subordinates let the accused live to finish the assult and systemically carry out others for years after. 

If one man is so powerful that a University president and all its staff is unable to report a crime to the police it is time for that man to leave.

Right and wrong is not only defined by holding penalites and out of bounds calls.  Turns out there are REAL kids and young men who need an example set outside the playing fields.  That might mean turning in someone from the inner circle.  Doing what is required legally is not the ONLY alternative. 

It has become chic to suggest 1 bad act can hardly wash away 60 odd years of good work.  Bull***!

Who cares about the countless linebackers Mr Paterno taught at this moment in time?  Tell that to the young boys who were assaulted AFTER the inital report.

"Sorry son, he may have had a moral obligation, but did you see what his defense did to Vinny Testaverde?"

Hypocrisy at its lowest level.  How can it not remind you of the Catholic Church (Paterno's religion?) 

"Problem?  Us?  No way.  We are as pure as can be."  Maybe not.  Or, likely not.  Right, not at all.

Wake me up when we can look at a sports program, or political institiution, or hedge fund, and find nothing wrong with it.  Better yet don't, let me dream.

Happy Veterans Day
As our military continues to fight invisible enemies and ever changing battlefields a moment to give thanks.  It is quite a country that allows me to conduct a quality meeting with good people, grab a quick and delicious meal, spend some time on a computer typing nonsense while listening to any digital song I could ever want to hear.

It is a better country for you being able to ignore it, shop online, spend time with your family, take a walk without worrying about stepping on a land mine, go outside without a burka on, stroll the mall, buy a house, rent a car, take a flight, see a movie, whatever the hell you like.

Never take it for granted and always be thankful.  This is still a great country, and it is in large part because of our service men and women.  Thanks.

Music Section:

Finally, it has been an eye opening couple of weeks musically.  Lots and lots of good stuff out there these days.  Next week there are (2) live shows on the horizon: Foo Fighters in Newark and Lykke Li in Montclair.  For more info take a look here: http://www.foofighters.com/us/home  and http://lykkeli.com/.  Also, one of my new favorites I have been touting all year, Caveman, got their first headlining gig at Bowery Ballroom!!!  The show is 1.20 and tix went on sale today.  I suspect they will sell out.  At $13 a ticket I am urging anyone within earshot to join me/us/Cave people...  For more:  http://www.boweryballroom.com/ It's a Friday people!!!!

In the meantime...  some notable tracks from the 3 very diverse acts listed above and some others you should download, immediately.  Unless you really have to watch more PSU coverage...  or the debacle they call the Republican race...  or whatever the hell passes for entertainment these days.  Ashton Kutcher tweets?  Lady Gaga's wardrobe?  CMA's?  Adam Sandler movies????  Ugh.

Foo Fighters:  "These Days"  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zPHzknP7jNQ  A performance from David Letterman.  Great stuff here in terms of both production value and performance.  Dave Grohl is an American gem/icon/hero.  The more success he has I am further reminded how overrated Nirvana/Kurt Cobian is/was.  Grohl did the strong thing and kept living.  We have all benefited from this.  Taylor Hawkins' drumming is off the charts too.

Lykke Li: "Get Some"  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-TTPGAy5H_E&ob=av3e  Is she Swedish?  Is she Indian?  Who cares?  This is pure pop/rock gold.  Maybe the grooviest song of the year.  "I'm your prostitute, you're gonna get some."  Yes please.

Caveman:  "Thankful"  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m_ZNibtHuEA  Moody, hypnotic and easy going rock.  Percussion and bass section so solid with this group.  The more this album enters my bloodstream the better man I become.

She Wants Revenge "Take the World"  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lQJVeOiC-wc  Super sounds and an insanely hot video.  Think Madonna's "Justify Your Love" meets Harold Faltemeyer meets The Suicide Girls.  Director/one part of She Wants Revenge duo Adam Bravin has made a video very much equal to the sultry voice and beats created by he and his partner Justin Warfield.  This seems to be a trend...  artists making their own videos... 

like Mute Math's: "Blood Pressure"  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cv2mjAgFTaI&ob=av2e  Drummer directed/conceived this high energy and visually compelling piece.  Song kicks a little ass too.  Give me these guys over Black Keys anyday!!!

Figures Brit pop/synth act Wolf Gang would wear me down after hearing them for months now.  Indeed, "The King and All Of His Men" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TZLv36LvRo8 is parts Pet Shop Boys, part Robbie Williams and every bit Foster the People meets Naked and the Famous.  Bubble Gum alt: yes please.

Finally, a moment on Ridgewood, NJ's Real Estate.  There 2nd album was released a few weeks back and it is the perfect fall weekend companion.  Think foliage drive soundtrack...  or folding laundry watching the big game...  preparing a nice meal...  mellow background party music...  Good, clean stuff for your not so clean living.

Some choice picks:

"Green Aisles"  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uVms4qIKYRI

"It's Real" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_3v1dW0aws8&feature=related 

GO NJ!!!  Represent!! 

Perspective

Saturday morning after a lovely date night with my wife I rolled over and caught the news I missed.  These days that means heading to the smart phone.  Emails and instant messages are first.  Then the social media. The routine soon became heartbreaking.

A post by a dear friend asked for thoughts and prayers for their daughter, my goddaughter, after she had been hit by a car the previous night.  The rest you kind of black out.  The details are irrelevant.

Now, it has been years since I visited them (a mere 100 miles away.)  Life is funny that way.  We both went our separate ways several years ago and that tiny distance has felt like a continent away.  But nothing has changes other than distance.  I love them today as I did before.  I would do anything and everything I can for them.  I simply cannot get there as much as I would like.

I moved across town a few years back and rarely see my old neighbors, although I would love to spend time with them every damn weekend if I could.

That I was receiving this horrible news via Facebook is both alarming and comforting.  How can we all expect to maintain these tangible friendships without the help of electronic assistance?  But that is a different discussion.  The frenetic pace in which we live our lives marries itself to social media.  We should all embrace it.

At that instant it was clear I was making a trip south.  A friendship was renewed and an overwhelming feeling of optimism followed.  We can never be there physically for those important people in our lives.  We are responsible to ourselves and family first.  That should be clear.   But social media, although 85% nonsense, gives us the window into our friends lives.  Next thing you know you are sharing a beer with a trusted friend telling him it's gonna be ok.  Life may be an unbearing battle that tests you every step of the way...  but sometimes it's good to know you can get in the car and connect with those who have defined you.  And I mean it, guys, it's gonna be ok.

You have the support of many and your amazing daughter is a fighter.  Stay positive.  Stay strong.  And when her eyes are open you can expect another visit.


Makes the rest of the week/month/year seem somewhat comical.  Look at the news this week.  Gloria Allred is calling more surreal (thanks Benjy Bronk: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/11/07/sharon-bialek-press-conference-hijacked_n_1080623.html) press conferences.  How is Herman Cain still on anyone's radar???  Forget the harassment charges, has anyone heard him speak???  I am sorry, if you cannot use the English language I do not want you to run the Country.

Exhibit A:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V1Tb4MYDoj4  We deserve a more eloquent and grammar savvy speaker.   Go to the 2:35 mark for an abusive attack on the language.  His use of "reject" scares me.  And he really does use the phrase "Ain't gonna happen."  Ugh.

Fact is there are problems with these charges and accusations too.  It is understandable if a young boy is scared to talk about being molested in the showers (I will get to you next JoePa) but a 25 year old woman who has someone try to lift her skirt should know a little better.  Either a) you report it/slap him in the face and press charges IMMEDIATELY or b) ignore it and move on like the countless women who deal with this type of assault every day from us disgusting men.

Hardly seems like the right circumstances to have a photo session/press conference.  What exactly is the end game here?  Maxim spread?  Dancing with the Stars spot?  Couple grand pay off from the Democratic party?  Republican party?

Either way it is cheap, ugly and distasteful.

But not half as distasteful of the news coming out of State College, PA.

It goes without questions that the accused/disgraced coach Jerry Sandusky's alleged actions are the most horrifying thing to come out of this story.  The remaining parties come pretty close in their negligence, apathy and seemingly blind eye.

Did no one realize what was witnessed is wrong?  Was their game plan against Minnesota more important than the innocence of these young boys?  When the man continued to hang around campus and nothing ever came of  what was witnessed no red flag game up?

Could he have abused more kids?  Could he have been doing it all along?

A phone call to your superior satisfied each and every one of them.  Had a man been shot and killed would the reaction been different?  Had a woman getting mugged would a call to the police been in order?

A young boy raped in your locker room shower and the police are not called?  Worse, the assailant is not forcibly removed from the victim and beat unconscious???

And now thousands of Penn State's student body gather on Joe Paterno's street and cheer for him in support?  And Paterno himself shields questions yesterday yet is able to run his team's practice??

He has announced today that he will step down at the end of this season.  Thanks Joe.  Make sure you go out and mold those young boys into men on Saturday afternoon.  Get that W!!!  It is clear that has been your priority all along.

Your example, once revered, has now been forever damaged.  It would be better to admit your negligence and walk away with whatever dignity you have left.  The last thing anyone needs to see is to see you in the coaches box this week, or ever again.