so i've kept it in for long enough...
the first two albums that helped me through the long hell that is being a midwestern guilt ridden catholic with built in (protestant) work eithic...
and made me angsty were...
A. Fugazi's -- Repeater* **
B. Nine Inch Nails -- Pretty Hate Machine
* mind you, the B-Side of this tape was Morrissey's "Viva Hate," which really helped sum up my mopey, depressed state of junior high school... but...
** some of my best friends. friends to this day...
gave me *SO MUCH SHIT* for Fugazi.
...and no offense... I love you... but fuck you.
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Saturday, October 21, 2006
Friday, October 06, 2006
Chivalry? HA! Subtlety's Dead.
(Or, How I Learn to Stop Worrying and Loathe the Leer.)
(Or, Take a Picture, It'll Last Longer.)
(Or, Drool much?)
I have been known to sneak a second glance at a nice looking lady -- there's no denying that.
What is also undeniable is the incredible percentage of New York City men that are so interchangably disgusting.
I have never ever seen so many men* turn around and physically crane their necks to stare at women's asses; giving some sort of sexually-strained, just short of wolf-whistle, praise to the God of Perfect Ass,** the way they do in this city.
It's mindblowing.
I don't know whether to laugh at how pathetic it seems or cry foul.
Obviously, I'm not worried about being called any kind of homophobic slurs which willl ultimately be launched in my direction if I were to speak up against this form of assault.
Nor am I looking to score points with species: "REAL MAN***"
So, does anyone have any suggestions that won't end with me getting my ass handed to me?
* "Black, White, Indian, Puerto Rican, and Asian"
** As expressed above, varies by race of man and woman involved.
*** Read: Douchebag
(Or, Take a Picture, It'll Last Longer.)
(Or, Drool much?)
I have been known to sneak a second glance at a nice looking lady -- there's no denying that.
What is also undeniable is the incredible percentage of New York City men that are so interchangably disgusting.
I have never ever seen so many men* turn around and physically crane their necks to stare at women's asses; giving some sort of sexually-strained, just short of wolf-whistle, praise to the God of Perfect Ass,** the way they do in this city.
It's mindblowing.
I don't know whether to laugh at how pathetic it seems or cry foul.
Obviously, I'm not worried about being called any kind of homophobic slurs which willl ultimately be launched in my direction if I were to speak up against this form of assault.
Nor am I looking to score points with species: "REAL MAN***"
So, does anyone have any suggestions that won't end with me getting my ass handed to me?
* "Black, White, Indian, Puerto Rican, and Asian"
** As expressed above, varies by race of man and woman involved.
*** Read: Douchebag
Monday, September 18, 2006
Not A Fashion-Blog.
I swear my blog isn't turning into a social critique on fashion,
nor am I vying for a spot on the next season of Rachel Hunter's Style Me.
However.
WTF is up with the recent trend of gardening clogs. You know what I'm talking about, the solid colored, plastic hunks adorning everyone's feet these days.
I've seen kids as young as three and ladies my grandmother's age wearing them. They're the new unisex jelly shoe or Ugg... and they're definitely ugg...ly. There is nothing stylish about them. Sure, you can have a pair in every color under the rainbow and supposedly they're comfortable as hell; it doesn't mean that you should try to coordinate them with anything but your gardening outfit or wear them anywhere outside of a garden!
As I see it, there's a factory in the distance,
it's chugging out these mothers as quickly as it can.
A gigantic machine shitting them out in perfect form.
Someone dumping a vat of color into the machine everyonce in a while.
Poop. Poop. Poop. Shoe. Shoe. Shoe. Blue. Blue. Blue.
Poop. Poop. Poop. Shoe. Shoe. Shoe. Green. Green. Green.
... into infinity.
nor am I vying for a spot on the next season of Rachel Hunter's Style Me.
However.
WTF is up with the recent trend of gardening clogs. You know what I'm talking about, the solid colored, plastic hunks adorning everyone's feet these days.
I've seen kids as young as three and ladies my grandmother's age wearing them. They're the new unisex jelly shoe or Ugg... and they're definitely ugg...ly. There is nothing stylish about them. Sure, you can have a pair in every color under the rainbow and supposedly they're comfortable as hell; it doesn't mean that you should try to coordinate them with anything but your gardening outfit or wear them anywhere outside of a garden!
As I see it, there's a factory in the distance,
it's chugging out these mothers as quickly as it can.
A gigantic machine shitting them out in perfect form.
Someone dumping a vat of color into the machine everyonce in a while.
Poop. Poop. Poop. Shoe. Shoe. Shoe. Blue. Blue. Blue.
Poop. Poop. Poop. Shoe. Shoe. Shoe. Green. Green. Green.
... into infinity.
Monday, September 04, 2006
Wear Whatcha Like!
Despite a bit of rain, the weather here in New York has been so lovely the last couple of days. We're getting to the last hurrah of summer, so jeans are replacing the "manpris*," and I've even had to break out a light jacket.
Allison and I are heading to Chicago for six days to catch up with friends and family. Since last I've been there, two of my friends are engaged and my brother now has a fancy pants internship. I'm looking forward to a midwest paced weekend.
So, I've had a couple of requests from friends to start blogging about music more frequently. As I'm not going to be taking classes this fall, I've given myself a self-imposed curriculum of two record reviews a week. Once I get back into the swing of things, I'm going to work on getting some of them published elsewhere.
------
*Manpris: (n.) Capri-Pants for men.
I don't know why I get so much grief about wearing long shorts, or "manpri," as it were. I have pasty-white, oh so hairy and veiny legs, which I'm not too fond of showing off.
I will not go the route of AA short-shorts, and most others are just bleeech. Too wrinkly. Too many pockets. Granted, if I wore shorts that were three sizes too big for me and hung them off my ass, I probably would still get shit, but it'd be a different type of shit. Whatever. I like my manpris. Kiss my ass. I probably get grief because I react like this.
Allison and I are heading to Chicago for six days to catch up with friends and family. Since last I've been there, two of my friends are engaged and my brother now has a fancy pants internship. I'm looking forward to a midwest paced weekend.
So, I've had a couple of requests from friends to start blogging about music more frequently. As I'm not going to be taking classes this fall, I've given myself a self-imposed curriculum of two record reviews a week. Once I get back into the swing of things, I'm going to work on getting some of them published elsewhere.
------
*Manpris: (n.) Capri-Pants for men.
I don't know why I get so much grief about wearing long shorts, or "manpri," as it were. I have pasty-white, oh so hairy and veiny legs, which I'm not too fond of showing off.
I will not go the route of AA short-shorts, and most others are just bleeech. Too wrinkly. Too many pockets. Granted, if I wore shorts that were three sizes too big for me and hung them off my ass, I probably would still get shit, but it'd be a different type of shit. Whatever. I like my manpris. Kiss my ass. I probably get grief because I react like this.
Monday, August 07, 2006
mid-nineties favorites...
I forgot how goddamn great these bands were:
To get up from that and just keep going... fucking incredible.
Not the most riff-er-riffic of their work, but it gets the point across.
Funny video. I think Sweeny is now playing with Current 93 (?) ...better than Corgan.
...AND JUST IN CASE YOU FORGOT. ...stay until the end, it's worth the wait. Actually, it's worth a watch for Mitch 's BladeRoadRunnerWarrior hairstyle and swordfighting with gtrs.
To get up from that and just keep going... fucking incredible.
Not the most riff-er-riffic of their work, but it gets the point across.
Funny video. I think Sweeny is now playing with Current 93 (?) ...better than Corgan.
...AND JUST IN CASE YOU FORGOT. ...stay until the end, it's worth the wait. Actually, it's worth a watch for Mitch 's BladeRoadRunnerWarrior hairstyle and swordfighting with gtrs.
Thursday, August 03, 2006
Damn it Feels Good to be a Gangster.
I was recently transfered to a new store.
This was welcome news to me.
I had had enough of my previous diggs.
This location is a nice mix of neighborhood and commuter.
My partners are much more agreeable, because the environment is that much more agreeable.
I was brought over to cover for the manager come October when she will be going on maternity leave.
Two weeks ago, she went into early labor due to the heat and stress she was putting on herself.
So, I've been running the show.
I love it.
I haven't been stressed the way that I used to be.
I haven't come home wanting to quit and never go back.
I'm driving the business and it feels good.
I'm liked and respected.
It's everything I thought it could be.
My employees are amazed by the amount of work I put in.
They thank me for being there.
I was called "gangster" by one of my employees today.
I have no idea what that means, and in what context I should take it,
but it sure beats being called "honky cracker."
This was welcome news to me.
I had had enough of my previous diggs.
This location is a nice mix of neighborhood and commuter.
My partners are much more agreeable, because the environment is that much more agreeable.
I was brought over to cover for the manager come October when she will be going on maternity leave.
Two weeks ago, she went into early labor due to the heat and stress she was putting on herself.
So, I've been running the show.
I love it.
I haven't been stressed the way that I used to be.
I haven't come home wanting to quit and never go back.
I'm driving the business and it feels good.
I'm liked and respected.
It's everything I thought it could be.
My employees are amazed by the amount of work I put in.
They thank me for being there.
I was called "gangster" by one of my employees today.
I have no idea what that means, and in what context I should take it,
but it sure beats being called "honky cracker."
Saturday, June 17, 2006
Truth.
So, I haven't told a lot of people, but the real reason that I'm in Michigan right now is because my mother is battling breast cancer.
As a whole, it's a scary proposition because there is no cure, and ultimately it could claim her life. What is the scariest idea is the cloud of unknown that hangs over the word itself. Cancer is such an intangible. It's almost an emotion like state. It looms. Anyone can die, any day for whatever reason, but cancer can claim its victims or let the survive. Sometimes it comes back with a vengence. Sometimes it strikes and then goes away forever. It's something my mother will have to guard against for the rest of her life. And it will always loom.
With that being said, my mother is in great shape. She came to the airport to pick me up yesterday and she's exactly as I remember her. A little tired and worn, a little thinner, but still my mother. Her attitude is amazing, but I really didn't expect anything less. The biggest change is the lack of hair. She's into her second week of chemotherapy sessions, and they will last until the middle of October. An e-mail from her last week said that Annie Lennox has nothing on her, and it's true... Sinead O'Connor has nothing on her either. She's dealing with it quite well though... lots of hats. She was worried she would go running for a wig, but I don't see my mother as being that vain, or attached to her hair for that matter. It was probably a bigger deal for her to start losing her red to grey than it is to lose her hair to radiation.
Anyway, I'm in Michigan until Tuesday.
The only plans that I have are to go see my friend Scott in a production of "A Few Good Men," and hopefully grab a couple beers with him in the next couple of days. If you read this and are around, gimme a call... I'll meet you halfway or something.
As a whole, it's a scary proposition because there is no cure, and ultimately it could claim her life. What is the scariest idea is the cloud of unknown that hangs over the word itself. Cancer is such an intangible. It's almost an emotion like state. It looms. Anyone can die, any day for whatever reason, but cancer can claim its victims or let the survive. Sometimes it comes back with a vengence. Sometimes it strikes and then goes away forever. It's something my mother will have to guard against for the rest of her life. And it will always loom.
With that being said, my mother is in great shape. She came to the airport to pick me up yesterday and she's exactly as I remember her. A little tired and worn, a little thinner, but still my mother. Her attitude is amazing, but I really didn't expect anything less. The biggest change is the lack of hair. She's into her second week of chemotherapy sessions, and they will last until the middle of October. An e-mail from her last week said that Annie Lennox has nothing on her, and it's true... Sinead O'Connor has nothing on her either. She's dealing with it quite well though... lots of hats. She was worried she would go running for a wig, but I don't see my mother as being that vain, or attached to her hair for that matter. It was probably a bigger deal for her to start losing her red to grey than it is to lose her hair to radiation.
Anyway, I'm in Michigan until Tuesday.
The only plans that I have are to go see my friend Scott in a production of "A Few Good Men," and hopefully grab a couple beers with him in the next couple of days. If you read this and are around, gimme a call... I'll meet you halfway or something.
Monday, March 13, 2006
Definitely a Liar...
...but unsure as to how thieving fits into the picture.
Nine days and I will be thirty-two years old.
That'll make eight years past doomsday, so I'm doing awfully well.
24
----
So it's not loaded stadiums or ball parks,
and we're not kids on swing-sets on the blacktop
and I thought at fifteen that I'd have it down by sixteen
and twenty four keeps breathing in my face like a mad whore.
and twenty four keeps pounding at my door.
Like a friend, you don't want to see
Oldness comes with a smile...
Oldness comes to youth who dream suicide.
(kozelek)
----
This used to resonate so deep within me.
I think we've all have had deadlines for living.
I'm finally realizing that it's never about next, but now.
Nine days and I will be thirty-two years old.
That'll make eight years past doomsday, so I'm doing awfully well.
24
----
So it's not loaded stadiums or ball parks,
and we're not kids on swing-sets on the blacktop
and I thought at fifteen that I'd have it down by sixteen
and twenty four keeps breathing in my face like a mad whore.
and twenty four keeps pounding at my door.
Like a friend, you don't want to see
Oldness comes with a smile...
Oldness comes to youth who dream suicide.
(kozelek)
----
This used to resonate so deep within me.
I think we've all have had deadlines for living.
I'm finally realizing that it's never about next, but now.
Saturday, January 14, 2006
Top Ten of 2005
So it took me a little longer that expected to suss out my top ten.
There are plenty to fill in the eleven through twenty-five spots, but I really wanted to grab the ten I think are "best."
It took me a lot less time to figure out which albums I was disappointed by this year, but I'll save those for another update.
Boom Bip - Blue Eyed in a Red Room (Lex)
LCD Soundsystem - Self-Titled (DFA)
Deerhoof - The Runner's Four (5RC/Kill Rock Stars)
The Evens -- Self-Titled (Dischord)
Bloc Party -- Silent Alarm (Vice)
The Decemberists - Picaresque (Kill Rock Stars)
Akron / Family -- Self-Titled (Young God)
(Smog) -- A River Ain't Too Much To Love (Drag City)
The Books -- Lost and Safe (Tomlab)
The Fall -- Fall Heads Roll (Narnack)
These are not in one through ten order.
LCD and Bloc Party probably spent the most time on the iPlayer.
There are plenty to fill in the eleven through twenty-five spots, but I really wanted to grab the ten I think are "best."
It took me a lot less time to figure out which albums I was disappointed by this year, but I'll save those for another update.
Boom Bip - Blue Eyed in a Red Room (Lex)
LCD Soundsystem - Self-Titled (DFA)
Deerhoof - The Runner's Four (5RC/Kill Rock Stars)
The Evens -- Self-Titled (Dischord)
Bloc Party -- Silent Alarm (Vice)
The Decemberists - Picaresque (Kill Rock Stars)
Akron / Family -- Self-Titled (Young God)
(Smog) -- A River Ain't Too Much To Love (Drag City)
The Books -- Lost and Safe (Tomlab)
The Fall -- Fall Heads Roll (Narnack)
These are not in one through ten order.
LCD and Bloc Party probably spent the most time on the iPlayer.
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
I am Reborn?
In typical New Year's fashion, I'll whole-heartedly promise to update this space a little more frequently. No really. I will.
You can expect my Top of 2005 Music List by the end of this week.
Hmmm. In the meantime, a brief 2005 recap will do:
Kalamazoo is not as I remember it.
The people, thank god, still are.
That will not bring me back to Michigan though.
Sorry friends.
I never made it to Portland, OR.
JetBlue can be thanked for that.
Saw Vegas instead. What a depressing place.
Los Angeles was nice.
Stayed in a superlux hotel.
I've been spoiled.
Finally got new glasses to replace the super-glued clear frames.
Do not have the elusive tattoo yet. Still want it.
Do not have the elusive band started yet. Closer. Inching closer.
Yes, I still watch entirely too much television.
No replacement in the reality department, thank goodness.
Lots of basketball and hockey though...
Red Wings: 26-9-3 55pts.
Still a bit concerned.
Pistons: 24-4
Win the championship.
Do not go for 70+ wins.
Please.
More to come. No. Really.
You can expect my Top of 2005 Music List by the end of this week.
Hmmm. In the meantime, a brief 2005 recap will do:
Kalamazoo is not as I remember it.
The people, thank god, still are.
That will not bring me back to Michigan though.
Sorry friends.
I never made it to Portland, OR.
JetBlue can be thanked for that.
Saw Vegas instead. What a depressing place.
Los Angeles was nice.
Stayed in a superlux hotel.
I've been spoiled.
Finally got new glasses to replace the super-glued clear frames.
Do not have the elusive tattoo yet. Still want it.
Do not have the elusive band started yet. Closer. Inching closer.
Yes, I still watch entirely too much television.
No replacement in the reality department, thank goodness.
Lots of basketball and hockey though...
Red Wings: 26-9-3 55pts.
Still a bit concerned.
Pistons: 24-4
Win the championship.
Do not go for 70+ wins.
Please.
More to come. No. Really.
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