Now I feel for those people who have to write a review on events the minute after they're done. For people who have those kind of writing jobs. I feel sorry for them and at the same time, am also in awe - that some of them do it real well, give an impartial feedback, and write a spade a spade. I am also amazed by people who know exactly what they feel and are able to write about it well. I know a couple of acquaintances who could write a 1000 word literary analysis in 20 minutes flat. These are the people who have fun the rest of the time and crank out a thesis paper in just one night and graduate magna cum laude. I for one can't even write a yelp review about what I ate last night at a new restaurant (which I didn't).
So this is quite an chore. But as part of my recent self-imposed self-disciplining, and month of doing things other than destruction, this is going to be it. Also, this is the first time ever I went to Beacon Theater, so now that's crossed off my bucket list. Should've instead gone to see Donald Fagen of Steely Dan, or Dream Theater the previous night, but meh, tix were beyond me after taxes. And I'm saving for the Evanescence concert. The sacrifices we make. Life sucks.
But a change nonetheless. (Always wanted to use 'nonetheless' in a sentence.) Ok, enough putting off the actual review part.
Hmm. Not bad for a couple of middle-aged, homely ladies. I got into Indigo (i.e., heard their songs) only a couple of years ago, when I realized I had no 'happy-ish' songs in my collection, songs you can have a good time playing on your stoop and have people stop by and sing along. (other than Plastic Jesus). And I don't like country music. Folksy ballads I can take for 2 hours at a stretch, which I did last night. But hey, it is pretty amazing how synchronized their guitar playing is. And how you can still sound real good minus drums. Perfect harmonies, great acoustics. Not the foot stomping kind of music, but melodies you can sit and listen to in those plush seats. No pressure to stand up all the time and wave your hands. Just sit and clap (though that reminds me of being in a Southern Baptist church). And sip a cocktail, while looking at the chord changes (yes I was right in front, orchestra center). That's the point. An evening of relaxation, which again, self-imposed, trying not to give in to the urge to keep moving. Sure I could've stayed home, kicked up my feet and listened to Velvet Underground all night, but then I do that everyday.
Now I liked the singing, the guitar playing, they sounded real good- just like on the record if you have a good sound system. And quite fun in a quiet way, without the raging, or death wish lyrics. Amy Ray's alto blends real well with Emily Salier's sweeter tone, but then we all know that. They played a couple of songs from their new album Beauty Queen Sister - a strange (boring) song about horses or whatever (Feed and Water the Horses I think), another about their neighbor John, and the title (eponymous) song. Maybe more. Oh one song I can't recall - they resolved it like 4 times, each time the audience clapping, and they started over - so when the song actually got done, people hesitated. What a riot! (in my head of course). You shouldn't make asses of people who pay hard-earned money to see your show, either be good at creating anticipation and the unexpected, but don't trick them. Anyway, their old hits drew people to their shuffling feet - Hammer and Nail, Get Out the Map (now that was good), Shame on You, and some more that I don't know the names of. And of course they ended the show with Closer To Fine. Tamaam, as my folks would say.
Overall, a good show which didn't drive me to do whatever I'm driven to do. As expected.
Now I see I didn't mention anything about the opening band Shadowboxers. Well... kind of pop-ish, but again good harmonizing. Nothing got stuck in my head, and the audience's response was...American. Tepid, correct, polite.
So that's it. About the show. About the theater itself, well, it's ornate and pretty. Excellent acoustics. Water costs 5 bucks. Martini was $19. Well, it's not everyday you go there.
Friday, October 14, 2011
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
the door's open, but the ride it ain't free...
I promised myself a post on the Boss. Or rather a song of his that every one in their right and wrong minds should know the lyrics to: the classic Thunder Road.
The thing about thetruly greatest songs (or any other work of art for that matter) is that they draw us in and place us right in the middle of all the action, make us a part of it, we are in it, we are it. In Thunder Road, Springsteen is not just singing about his dreams, his love, or imploring his friend, it is our promises, and hopes that he is vocalizing.
The Born to Run album is definitive Springsteen - a masterpiece, and for all its heartache, it is so full of hope, unlike his later introspective and working-class-themed albums. Guess it is the youthfulness of it all. Happiness after all is just being with a girl/boy, having a car, and an open road. Let later albums (and growing older) question the direction of it all...but there's no need to think about that now,... right?
Thunder Road is the classic anthem for the dreamer, lover, and escapist in all of us. It is the opening song of the album, and is kind of like its vision statement. It asks of us a simple, yet crucial question 'Are you willing to take a chance?', and carries a hope, and sometimes urges, that we hold on to the dream -
'Well the night's bustin' open, these two lanes will take us anywhere
We got one last chance to make it real
To trade in these wings on some wheels'
This is a restless song, this is the yearning of youth, on the borderline of adulthood, wanting to grow up and escape, but still holding on to youthful aspirations - taking only the guitar, the car, and his girl on the journey. Yes, the only things that matter.
(So, what is in your backpack?)
And only Springsteen can make you see how simple and how incredibly hard it is to take that chance - in his phrasing of just a word:
'And my car's out back if you're ready to take that lo- -onng walk
From your front porch to my front seat
The door's open but the ride it ain't free...'
The lyrics are devastating, romantic, and encapsulate you in its redemption, the dream of a promised land that's at the end of this road. And all the fears that come with it, 'so you're scared, and you're thinkin' maybe we ain't young anymore'. Oh yeah...
For without risks, there are no rewards. And there is that promise of a better tomorrow, but no time to waste:
'You can hide 'neath your covers and study your pain
Make crosses from your lovers, throw roses in the rain
Waste your summer praying in vain for a savior to rise from these streets'
'All the redemption I can offer, girl, is beneath this dirty hood
With a chance to make it good somehow...'
Everyone knows what it's like to have these dreams, whose hearts we break to get there, the desperation of knowing, and not knowing. There are layers within the words that you get to glimpse with every listen, it's a fluid storyline, what you see depends on where you are on this journey. The lack of specificity in these beautiful lyrics makes this song not just Springsteen's, this is your song.
There were ghosts in the eyes of all the boys you sent away
They haunt this dusty beach road in the skeleton frames of burned-out Chevrolets
They scream your name at night in the street
Your graduation gown lies in rags at their feet
And in the lonely cool before dawn
You hear their engines roaring on
But when you get to the porch they're gone on the wind,
So Mary climb in
It's a town full of losers, I'm pulling out of here to win
If that's not poetry, I don't know what is.
The thing about the
The Born to Run album is definitive Springsteen - a masterpiece, and for all its heartache, it is so full of hope, unlike his later introspective and working-class-themed albums. Guess it is the youthfulness of it all. Happiness after all is just being with a girl/boy, having a car, and an open road. Let later albums (and growing older) question the direction of it all...but there's no need to think about that now,... right?
Thunder Road is the classic anthem for the dreamer, lover, and escapist in all of us. It is the opening song of the album, and is kind of like its vision statement. It asks of us a simple, yet crucial question 'Are you willing to take a chance?', and carries a hope, and sometimes urges, that we hold on to the dream -
'Well the night's bustin' open, these two lanes will take us anywhere
We got one last chance to make it real
To trade in these wings on some wheels'
This is a restless song, this is the yearning of youth, on the borderline of adulthood, wanting to grow up and escape, but still holding on to youthful aspirations - taking only the guitar, the car, and his girl on the journey. Yes, the only things that matter.
(So, what is in your backpack?)
And only Springsteen can make you see how simple and how incredibly hard it is to take that chance - in his phrasing of just a word:
'And my car's out back if you're ready to take that lo- -onng walk
From your front porch to my front seat
The door's open but the ride it ain't free...'
The lyrics are devastating, romantic, and encapsulate you in its redemption, the dream of a promised land that's at the end of this road. And all the fears that come with it, 'so you're scared, and you're thinkin' maybe we ain't young anymore'. Oh yeah...
For without risks, there are no rewards. And there is that promise of a better tomorrow, but no time to waste:
'You can hide 'neath your covers and study your pain
Make crosses from your lovers, throw roses in the rain
Waste your summer praying in vain for a savior to rise from these streets'
'All the redemption I can offer, girl, is beneath this dirty hood
With a chance to make it good somehow...'
Everyone knows what it's like to have these dreams, whose hearts we break to get there, the desperation of knowing, and not knowing. There are layers within the words that you get to glimpse with every listen, it's a fluid storyline, what you see depends on where you are on this journey. The lack of specificity in these beautiful lyrics makes this song not just Springsteen's, this is your song.
There were ghosts in the eyes of all the boys you sent away
They haunt this dusty beach road in the skeleton frames of burned-out Chevrolets
They scream your name at night in the street
Your graduation gown lies in rags at their feet
And in the lonely cool before dawn
You hear their engines roaring on
But when you get to the porch they're gone on the wind,
So Mary climb in
It's a town full of losers, I'm pulling out of here to win
If that's not poetry, I don't know what is.
Sunday, October 09, 2011
The road to recovery...
...is hardly paved, so when you fall, you break a lot of bones. And lose heart. Just don't take it out on your guitar. Use it to pave the way with songs. Bring along the songs, and let them carry you when you feel like you can't go on.
So here's the companion list for the long walk on this dust road. These songs make me stop thinking about everything else, and just listen...there's a newness in every listening. It's all about the beat, the melody, the riffs, the voices, emotions, and of course the words... So over to the Recovery List:
1. Bang Bang - Cher
Now this is a kick ass song though most people know the more mellow, yet ethereal cover by Nancy Sinatra used in the Kill Bill soundtrack. Cher gives this song a wildness, a wounded tiger quality.
2. Because the Night - 10,000 Maniacs
I like this version of Springsteen's / Patti Smith's original, Natalie Merchant conveys frustration, longing even, and some form of victory...something I can't define. Springsteen deserves a separate post. And yeah, the song's sexy.
3. Bittersweet Symphony - The Verve
Though I should be listening to "The Drugs Don't Work".
4. Rolling in the Deep - Adele
Wow,...this song makes me want to dance. Or throw things around. Strange song to dance to? For me dancing is foot stomping with a bit of head bobbing. So there.
5. As Tears Go By - The Rolling Stones
Simple melody, beautiful string arrangement, just lovely. A ballad that is kind of unexpected by the Stones.
6. Fallen - Sarah McLachlan
You'd be better off not listening to this one. But it reminds you of why you are here in the first place. This song is addictive, and may (or for sure) make you slip. So if you give in, it should be immediately followed by something more upbeat. Like Bruno Mars' Lazy Song for instance. Even if it's not your style.
So now I've to categorize the songs based on: 1. Must listen 2. Songs to avoid 3. To learn. Hmm..
#1 and #3 will take up a good 4 hours of your time everyday. These are the same 4 hours you would be under intense craving for substances. And now that the days are getting shorter, it is crucial to make this a habit before the dead of winter hits you.
I have now started listening to 'epic' songs - long drawn out music that tells a story either through the lyrics or creates one in your head - a kind of sonic image theater. There are also rules on how to listen to concept albums and such. First make a pot of coffee, black. Pour coffee into favorite mug.Turn on the music system or iPod, set to maximum volume. Lie down, wrap yourself in a warm blanket. Play song, slowly sip coffee, close your eyes (now this could cause some spillage now and then if you're a beginner). But close your eyes and soak in the music. This can also be done in the bathtub (without the blanket of course) if you have a bathtub. I don't. Coffee drinking in the bath is possible if you can make yourself a cap-coffee dispenser.
Anyway, In the Court of the Crimson King is an album by the King Crimson that needs to be listened to, in the closed eyes, coffee'ing way. Released sometime in 1969, this album is considered to be one of the best progressive rock albums, mixing jazz and classical elements into the standard rock/blues themes. Don't ask me what the songs are about, I haven't made sense of it yet, and actually don't want to. There are a lot of colors though, yellow jesters, purple piper, gray mornings, black queen, and 'Crimson King' of course... Well-worth your time. And someone who likes this, would obviously like Pink Floyd. And even if Meddle and Ummagumma is not everyone's cup of tea, it still shows a band's willingness to go down (or up) a musical curve. Even if they are experiments in sound with common household objects. After all, it led to The Dark Side of the Moon. So why complain?
Oh and need I say anything about David Bowie? And yes, the Yes. Queen. Guns 'N' Roses.
Another album I've been listening to is Scheherezade and Other Stories. Again progressive rock, 1975, by the band Renaissance (Annie Haslam). You really don't know when one song ends and the next one begins, so there is a bit of confusion regarding the parts. Listen to Trip to the Fair (10.5min), and Ocean Gypsy (also covered by Blackmore's Night).
For lyrical stories about the working class, Springsteen is the man, and his E Street band. His Born to Run album is the best ever in my opinion. Thunder Road, Jungleland just resonate... ok I've been listening to Thunder Road on repeat for the past week (and am right now). The live version with Melissa Etheridge (another great singer) is simply awesome - the harmonies are just perfect, their voices blend so well. Only Springsteen can sing in a higher key to accommodate Etheridge's range and still sound great. I was going to dedicate another post on this song... the lyrics, the music. I still might.
Another album to listen in its entirety is the Beatles Abbey Road - their last album, and the best in terms of structure, with the classic 16 minute Medley - I think there's about 18 measures of guitar solo, the first two bars by McCartney, followed by Harrison, then Lennon, then the sequence repeated twice. Very distinctive styles of playing ending with the memorable line... 'and in the end the love you take is equal to the love you make.' This is also the album that Alan Parsons worked on as the sound engineer, before he moved on to Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon and his own work. About DSOM, what's to say that's not been said?
On further thought, this list needs to be further classified into Albums, Singles, Bands and so on, and I still wouldn't be able to compile everything. Gives me reason to keep writing about it as and when I listen to stuff, and oh learn to play some of the favorites on my guitar.
And no Sting, I haven't forgotten you.
So here's the companion list for the long walk on this dust road. These songs make me stop thinking about everything else, and just listen...there's a newness in every listening. It's all about the beat, the melody, the riffs, the voices, emotions, and of course the words... So over to the Recovery List:
1. Bang Bang - Cher
Now this is a kick ass song though most people know the more mellow, yet ethereal cover by Nancy Sinatra used in the Kill Bill soundtrack. Cher gives this song a wildness, a wounded tiger quality.
2. Because the Night - 10,000 Maniacs
I like this version of Springsteen's / Patti Smith's original, Natalie Merchant conveys frustration, longing even, and some form of victory...something I can't define. Springsteen deserves a separate post. And yeah, the song's sexy.
3. Bittersweet Symphony - The Verve
Though I should be listening to "The Drugs Don't Work".
4. Rolling in the Deep - Adele
Wow,...this song makes me want to dance. Or throw things around. Strange song to dance to? For me dancing is foot stomping with a bit of head bobbing. So there.
5. As Tears Go By - The Rolling Stones
Simple melody, beautiful string arrangement, just lovely. A ballad that is kind of unexpected by the Stones.
6. Fallen - Sarah McLachlan
You'd be better off not listening to this one. But it reminds you of why you are here in the first place. This song is addictive, and may (or for sure) make you slip. So if you give in, it should be immediately followed by something more upbeat. Like Bruno Mars' Lazy Song for instance. Even if it's not your style.
So now I've to categorize the songs based on: 1. Must listen 2. Songs to avoid 3. To learn. Hmm..
#1 and #3 will take up a good 4 hours of your time everyday. These are the same 4 hours you would be under intense craving for substances. And now that the days are getting shorter, it is crucial to make this a habit before the dead of winter hits you.
I have now started listening to 'epic' songs - long drawn out music that tells a story either through the lyrics or creates one in your head - a kind of sonic image theater. There are also rules on how to listen to concept albums and such. First make a pot of coffee, black. Pour coffee into favorite mug.Turn on the music system or iPod, set to maximum volume. Lie down, wrap yourself in a warm blanket. Play song, slowly sip coffee, close your eyes (now this could cause some spillage now and then if you're a beginner). But close your eyes and soak in the music. This can also be done in the bathtub (without the blanket of course) if you have a bathtub. I don't. Coffee drinking in the bath is possible if you can make yourself a cap-coffee dispenser.
Anyway, In the Court of the Crimson King is an album by the King Crimson that needs to be listened to, in the closed eyes, coffee'ing way. Released sometime in 1969, this album is considered to be one of the best progressive rock albums, mixing jazz and classical elements into the standard rock/blues themes. Don't ask me what the songs are about, I haven't made sense of it yet, and actually don't want to. There are a lot of colors though, yellow jesters, purple piper, gray mornings, black queen, and 'Crimson King' of course... Well-worth your time. And someone who likes this, would obviously like Pink Floyd. And even if Meddle and Ummagumma is not everyone's cup of tea, it still shows a band's willingness to go down (or up) a musical curve. Even if they are experiments in sound with common household objects. After all, it led to The Dark Side of the Moon. So why complain?
Oh and need I say anything about David Bowie? And yes, the Yes. Queen. Guns 'N' Roses.
Another album I've been listening to is Scheherezade and Other Stories. Again progressive rock, 1975, by the band Renaissance (Annie Haslam). You really don't know when one song ends and the next one begins, so there is a bit of confusion regarding the parts. Listen to Trip to the Fair (10.5min), and Ocean Gypsy (also covered by Blackmore's Night).
For lyrical stories about the working class, Springsteen is the man, and his E Street band. His Born to Run album is the best ever in my opinion. Thunder Road, Jungleland just resonate... ok I've been listening to Thunder Road on repeat for the past week (and am right now). The live version with Melissa Etheridge (another great singer) is simply awesome - the harmonies are just perfect, their voices blend so well. Only Springsteen can sing in a higher key to accommodate Etheridge's range and still sound great. I was going to dedicate another post on this song... the lyrics, the music. I still might.
Another album to listen in its entirety is the Beatles Abbey Road - their last album, and the best in terms of structure, with the classic 16 minute Medley - I think there's about 18 measures of guitar solo, the first two bars by McCartney, followed by Harrison, then Lennon, then the sequence repeated twice. Very distinctive styles of playing ending with the memorable line... 'and in the end the love you take is equal to the love you make.' This is also the album that Alan Parsons worked on as the sound engineer, before he moved on to Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon and his own work. About DSOM, what's to say that's not been said?
On further thought, this list needs to be further classified into Albums, Singles, Bands and so on, and I still wouldn't be able to compile everything. Gives me reason to keep writing about it as and when I listen to stuff, and oh learn to play some of the favorites on my guitar.
And no Sting, I haven't forgotten you.
Fighting for sanity
Anybody under the influence knows how difficult it gets to quit something that makes you feel good. But there comes a time when that feeling passes and progresses to something quite sinister. A question that has no right answer is whether Hyde is the true nature of Jekyll or the other way round. Both or neither? Is someone's nature in-built, or carefully cultivated, or something that can be razed to the ground and rebuilt over and over?
Why do people use drugs or alcohol as a litmus test to pass judgement on someone's behavior? Is it fair to use these substances as the casting vote for a character test when it's a fact that they have a detrimental effect on a person?
Guess if you are a kinder, better person when you are high. Though the possibility of that is slim if such a possibility exists at all.
I believe the worst drug there is is alcohol. Because it is legitimate, socially acceptable, and it actually kills brain cells. In addition to ruining relationships. Which leads to further indulgence to forget the complete lack of companionship. It also makes you forget the things you enjoy. Like writing, playing music. The dying of hand eye coordination.
To fight this abuse, you need support. In its absence, you need tremendous control, and hold on to the memory of loss; the loss of friends, money, pleasure in music or sunrises. Your losses are what started all this mess, your losses are why you now want to stop. And you would need a lot of distractions to fill the time, to stop obsessing about not having a drink every minute. The fallout of trying to quit is the clarity of nightmares... which makes it so hard. Especially if the reason for drinking is to have a dreamless sleep (or the feeling of it).
The idea is to take it one hour at a time. For distractions, I now have a new playlist. Songs are analyzed, lyrics are memorized, and practiced.
Once there was a way to get back homeward
Once there was a way to get back home
Sleep pretty darling do not cry
And I will sing a lullaby...
Boy, you're gonna carry that weight,
Carry that weight a long time...
Forever, most probably. But it is time to start fighting for things that matter.
Why do people use drugs or alcohol as a litmus test to pass judgement on someone's behavior? Is it fair to use these substances as the casting vote for a character test when it's a fact that they have a detrimental effect on a person?
Guess if you are a kinder, better person when you are high. Though the possibility of that is slim if such a possibility exists at all.
I believe the worst drug there is is alcohol. Because it is legitimate, socially acceptable, and it actually kills brain cells. In addition to ruining relationships. Which leads to further indulgence to forget the complete lack of companionship. It also makes you forget the things you enjoy. Like writing, playing music. The dying of hand eye coordination.
To fight this abuse, you need support. In its absence, you need tremendous control, and hold on to the memory of loss; the loss of friends, money, pleasure in music or sunrises. Your losses are what started all this mess, your losses are why you now want to stop. And you would need a lot of distractions to fill the time, to stop obsessing about not having a drink every minute. The fallout of trying to quit is the clarity of nightmares... which makes it so hard. Especially if the reason for drinking is to have a dreamless sleep (or the feeling of it).
The idea is to take it one hour at a time. For distractions, I now have a new playlist. Songs are analyzed, lyrics are memorized, and practiced.
Once there was a way to get back homeward
Once there was a way to get back home
Sleep pretty darling do not cry
And I will sing a lullaby...
Boy, you're gonna carry that weight,
Carry that weight a long time...
Forever, most probably. But it is time to start fighting for things that matter.
Friday, October 07, 2011
mind games
The mind is a funny thing. The more we crave for change, the more our heads resist, resorting to conjuring images and sounds of the past, stuff we want to put behind us. Memories are surprising, it jumps at you when you least expect it. An 'onslaught'. Now that's a word that feels just right. From the Dutch 'aanslag', to slay. Memories do that. They do that. Always violent, even the good ones bring you to tears. Especially the good ones. Deceptive shape-shifters too, they erase, modify parts and bring up a whole new thing you think are yours. They are and aren't all at the same time.
Why do walks down the pier bring to mind bright orange-fire sunsets on the Corniche? I've never seen sunsets like that before or since.
And why do memories of sunsets lead to memories of long drives through the desert to Ruwais or Al Liwa and you wonder if you were seeing things - were those sand dunes or a brown river?
Why does early fall in New York remind you of specific December mornings in Bangalore, sipping a filter coffee under a jacaranda tree?
Why does staring at an aisle full of Pepperidge white, whole wheat, challah breads, and the umpteen other brands and types create a longing for a time when buying bread was simple? All you had to do was tag along with mom as she threw a Modern Bakery's white sandwich bread, and Lupark Danish butter. Not the million varieties of Landolakes - salted, unsalted, sticks, cubes, quarts, spreadable (spreadable?? sounds like a STD) etc..And what's with that american indian mascot on the package? (I first thought it was a picture of Nataraj. Now I remember to wear my glasses when I go shopping).
See what violence memories induced by grocery shopping cause to the gut?
Anyway, tonight seems to be the night for memories, memories that a few glasses of whiskey awakens, and a bottle of vodka hopes to put to rest. But don't discount the music. Just compound the memories as the night grows older.
Brain Damage, Coming Back To Life, Fallen, Ordinary World, No More I Love Yous, Nothin' Else Matters, the list seems endless, and the images... i should stop. dammit I still have demons in my room at night... and they're feeding on my resistance.
It's going to be a really long night.
Why do walks down the pier bring to mind bright orange-fire sunsets on the Corniche? I've never seen sunsets like that before or since.
And why do memories of sunsets lead to memories of long drives through the desert to Ruwais or Al Liwa and you wonder if you were seeing things - were those sand dunes or a brown river?
Why does early fall in New York remind you of specific December mornings in Bangalore, sipping a filter coffee under a jacaranda tree?
Why does staring at an aisle full of Pepperidge white, whole wheat, challah breads, and the umpteen other brands and types create a longing for a time when buying bread was simple? All you had to do was tag along with mom as she threw a Modern Bakery's white sandwich bread, and Lupark Danish butter. Not the million varieties of Landolakes - salted, unsalted, sticks, cubes, quarts, spreadable (spreadable?? sounds like a STD) etc..And what's with that american indian mascot on the package? (I first thought it was a picture of Nataraj. Now I remember to wear my glasses when I go shopping).
See what violence memories induced by grocery shopping cause to the gut?
Anyway, tonight seems to be the night for memories, memories that a few glasses of whiskey awakens, and a bottle of vodka hopes to put to rest. But don't discount the music. Just compound the memories as the night grows older.
Brain Damage, Coming Back To Life, Fallen, Ordinary World, No More I Love Yous, Nothin' Else Matters, the list seems endless, and the images... i should stop. dammit I still have demons in my room at night... and they're feeding on my resistance.
It's going to be a really long night.
Sunday, October 02, 2011
What happened last night
Funny how we choose to ignore what happens right in front of us. Like at 4am, all the cops came in and paramedics, whole lotta people screaming outside my door, and I was like 'aah it's saturday night again...' and just peeked outside (stubbed my nose and toes cuz the medics are big guys and the hallway is narrow).
Anyway, this chick (the ex gov's stepdaughter) - smashed a bottle on her guy's head. Man, blood on the floor, etc etc, and a couple of reporters, cops, the works. Apparently they had a major row, and he tried to strangle her, so she hit him with the bottle. Good.
Since I'm so short on my entertainment budget, I'd take anything right now. See here for what that news guy (nice friendly Canadian - is that redundant?) reported about it:
http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/2011/10/02/2011-10-02_daves_stepkid_in_bloody_battle.html
Times like this, I don't want to leave MacDougal St. Hey 'Marie C.", you got a mention :-)
Anyway, this chick (the ex gov's stepdaughter) - smashed a bottle on her guy's head. Man, blood on the floor, etc etc, and a couple of reporters, cops, the works. Apparently they had a major row, and he tried to strangle her, so she hit him with the bottle. Good.
Since I'm so short on my entertainment budget, I'd take anything right now. See here for what that news guy (nice friendly Canadian - is that redundant?) reported about it:
http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/2011/10/02/2011-10-02_daves_stepkid_in_bloody_battle.html
Times like this, I don't want to leave MacDougal St. Hey 'Marie C.", you got a mention :-)
On music making, song writing delusions
Anybody can play the guitar. On second thoughts, maybe not. If I were to apply that optimism to everything, then I'd have to believe that my old man can sing not just in B flat. (Maybe he'd do better at rap...). Or an eagle would have to consider the possibility that a sparrow could fly at ten thousand feet. Whatever. Not interested in discussing the infinite wonders of the human mind and what that means to the species in general.
So, starting over, not everyone can play the guitar, or whatever instrument of choice. But over time, anyone who does, can get better at it. Or worse. Like anything else, practice makes perfect. Point is, this 'perfection' is subjective. There is the question of style and sound. And the fact that no two guitars are the same in tone and depth even if they both belong to the same series of Martins or Taylors or the same tree.
At the same time, you can't blame a passable guitar for bad musicianship. But a good guitar can make you sound a smidgen better. Ramble ramble ramble.
There is one song that any aspiring guitarist worth his salt should know how to play. That is Stairway to Heaven. Now I know that is cliche, it is a song most of us learn in our teens to get into someone's pants. Or to show off at Guitar Center. But ever heard anyone play the entire song start to finish in any case? (Apart from the pros). Seriously, it is one cracking tune. And bloody hard to get right. And once you're past the doing things to get done stage, (note, I didn't include getting over the peacock stage - a slight narcissism and exhibitionism is a prerequisite to playing any instrument, it is why people play); it's time to really learn the song. Quite a lot of tricks in that tune, and a couple of basics of grunge rock. The chord progression is the standard that's in 90% of rock songs (Am - G- F), played different ways - you use the bar chords as well as the regular; you learn finger-picking (that arpeggiated intro), strumming, double-timing, how to slide and bend (the strings the strings) and a lot more... what an awesome solo too. Quite the workout for your fingers, hands, and feet. Quite technical. Quite emotional when you get it right...sniff..pass me the plectrum.
In the great Page's words on playing the ultimate rock anthem: "... the one thing you didn't do was speed up, because if you sped up you wouldn't be seen again. Everything had to be right on the meter all the way through. And I really wanted to write something which did speed up, and took the emotion and the adrenaline with it, and would reach a sort of crescendo. And that was the idea of it. That's why it was a bit tricky to get together in stages."
It is all about timing. Always was and always will be. And you have to keep at it no matter how long it takes to master all of it. If at all.
Still keeping at it. 1 year, 2months and counting.
Note: Two songs should never be played outside on your stoop. This is one. American Pie is the other.
So, starting over, not everyone can play the guitar, or whatever instrument of choice. But over time, anyone who does, can get better at it. Or worse. Like anything else, practice makes perfect. Point is, this 'perfection' is subjective. There is the question of style and sound. And the fact that no two guitars are the same in tone and depth even if they both belong to the same series of Martins or Taylors or the same tree.
At the same time, you can't blame a passable guitar for bad musicianship. But a good guitar can make you sound a smidgen better. Ramble ramble ramble.
There is one song that any aspiring guitarist worth his salt should know how to play. That is Stairway to Heaven. Now I know that is cliche, it is a song most of us learn in our teens to get into someone's pants. Or to show off at Guitar Center. But ever heard anyone play the entire song start to finish in any case? (Apart from the pros). Seriously, it is one cracking tune. And bloody hard to get right. And once you're past the doing things to get done stage, (note, I didn't include getting over the peacock stage - a slight narcissism and exhibitionism is a prerequisite to playing any instrument, it is why people play); it's time to really learn the song. Quite a lot of tricks in that tune, and a couple of basics of grunge rock. The chord progression is the standard that's in 90% of rock songs (Am - G- F), played different ways - you use the bar chords as well as the regular; you learn finger-picking (that arpeggiated intro), strumming, double-timing, how to slide and bend (the strings the strings) and a lot more... what an awesome solo too. Quite the workout for your fingers, hands, and feet. Quite technical. Quite emotional when you get it right...sniff..pass me the plectrum.
In the great Page's words on playing the ultimate rock anthem: "... the one thing you didn't do was speed up, because if you sped up you wouldn't be seen again. Everything had to be right on the meter all the way through. And I really wanted to write something which did speed up, and took the emotion and the adrenaline with it, and would reach a sort of crescendo. And that was the idea of it. That's why it was a bit tricky to get together in stages."
It is all about timing. Always was and always will be. And you have to keep at it no matter how long it takes to master all of it. If at all.
Still keeping at it. 1 year, 2months and counting.
Note: Two songs should never be played outside on your stoop. This is one. American Pie is the other.
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