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Wednesday, January 30, 2008
The Post with excitement at a website I've found
I stumbled upon a country music website today that just hits right notes for me.
It's called "The 9513." It has album reviews, single reviews, and general discussion on country music today.
I don't agree with everything they say but on the whole I do.
But then I read their essay on "The Decline of Country Radio" Man I couldn't agree more with a majority of the issue, espeically the concluding paragraph which reads like this:
"My ultimate fear is that country music is embracing an audience composed primarily of casual music listeners instead of music fans, people who play music in the background at work or in the car and like being able to say “that happened to me once” about a song that they’ll forget next week. There’s nothing wrong with this kind of music and I don’t resent the artists who record it or the people who listen to it. However, I don’t think that it will be able to maintain the popularity and identity of America’s most listened-to genre, and I certainly regret that radio talent hasn’t been more courageous in recording more of the excellent material that must be out there somewhere. "
Well said my friend- well said
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
The Post with some minor things
-State of the Union was last night. More silliness that we no longer have to hear in 51 weeks. The transcript is out on the web- find it and read it. It's your civic duty.
- Ted Kennedy supports Barack Obama which is huge. That will help Obama in the New England states and he needs that help. Also good for Obama is the fact that Kennedy left out the part as to why he was backing Barack, "I would rather drown a woman than vote for her."
- I'm off to the Smackdown taping/Live ECW show in Reading tonight. So excited as we being the Road to Wrestlemania.
Super sweet
Monday, January 28, 2008
The Post with this week's #1 movie
In a weekend where Rambo was coming out, 27 Dresses and Cloverfield were holding court the consensus was one of those would win the weekend. Instead the weekend was won by Meet the Spartans- the latest unfunny parody movie created by the two douchebags who are barely qualified to direct late night sex talk line commercials.
Parody movies are supposed to be funny. Movies like Airplane (just a funny movie in general), Young Frankenstein, Naked Gun, Scary Movie, Hot Shots, Spaceballs- all are funny to varying degrees. The guys behind Spartans have recently directed such epics as Date Movie and Epic Movie. They also totally miss the point of parody and satire. They feel the need to hammer you over the head until you laugh becasue their material isn't strong enough to stand on its own.
Supposedly- and I say that because like hell I'll see this movie in theaters- the plot makes fun of 300 by positioning all the soliders as being gay. We know this becasuse they dance to "I Will Survive" and kiss each other. HAHA man- that's some hilarity there.
Then they feel the need to hit you with every possible reference they can think of. Chris Crocker (Leave Britney Alone), Budweiser real men of genius ads, You Got Served. Do you think in a year half these references will be remembered let alone in 27 years? Frankenstein is 30 years old and still as funny as it was back then because the source material is still relevant.
The real horrible part is this movie is 68 minutes long- with a 19 minute credit sequence. The credits are almost a third as long as the movie. And people willingly paid an average of 9 dollars for this. I would've burnt the theater down and then mailed boxes of dog crap to the writer every day for a year. I might even have searched out the producer for something like this.
Seriously people- stop seeing crap like this. I'm not against looking for silly entertainment but we could be at least a little more picky. That way hacks like this can be forced to find a different way to make thier living.
Friday, January 25, 2008
The Post with my Greatest Songs of the 90's List #20-1
It's the home stretch people:
20. Beck, "Loser"- No one should ever try to rap like Chuck D. Unless you want inspiration for an awesome song- #10 in 1994
19. Foo Fighters, "My Hero"- a nice song for everyday heroes
18. Gin Blossoms, "Hey Jealousy"- I still view GB as one of the more underrated bands of the 90's. Love their stuff especially this song- #25 in 1993
17. Alice in Chains, "Rooster"- Written for Cantrell's father it is a haunting song about his experience in Vietnam
16. Beastie Boys, "Sabotage"- Some of their best work right here, and the video is completely kickass.
15. Aerosmith, "Crazy"- A simple stop screwing with me song. PLus from the TMI dept. I turned 13 the summer this video was out. Needless to say me and Alicia Silverstone had a thing- #17 in 1993
14. Pearl Jam, "Evenflow"- Their most played song live. A great little number
13. Duncan Sheik, "Barely Breathing"- It was supposed to be a throwaway hit but became his biggest hit ever.
12. The Offspring, "Self Esteem"- stupid women- always taking advantage of menand their good hearts
11. Soundgarden, "Black Hole Sun"- Just a weird kind of alternate dreamscape type song- least that's what Chris Cornell says- #24 in 1994
10. LL Cool J, "Mama Said Knock You Out"- Just a great comeback song as for the first time Cool J reinvented himself to fit the new hip hop landscape. He was bummed about the critics bashing him so his mom told him to just focus and put out an album that would "knock the critics out." PLus it gave me the line I've used many times for various activities, "Don't call it a comeback/ I've been here for years."
9. Red Hot Chili Peppers, "Under the Bridge"- The song that made Warner Brothers think- this badn is really good. After radio blew off "Give it Away" this song got released and blew up completely for them launching them into a new batch of ears. Considered by many critics to be their best song and an "untouched gem"- #2 in 1991
8. Alice in Chains, "Man in the Box"- It was originally written about censorship in the media and Layne Staley said, "I was really stoned when I wrote it." It has a great guitar riff in it and is looked at as the song with which Chains found their sound and stride as a band. That's the thoughts of critics and the band itself- #18 in 1991
7. Ricky Martin, "Livin' La Vida Loca"- Without Martin the Latin explosion never happens- at the very least it never becomes as big as it did. The song is an addictively catchy pop number fuled by horns, and a frantic pace. The video just looked like one big party, and Martin drew all kinds of attention to himself by putting on an amazing Grammy performance that year. It was the biggest song he had and a massive worldwide hit- #1 in 1999
6. DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince, "Summertime"- Pretty much the biggest hit these guys had and the preeminent song to sit back, relax, and just enjoy the summer. It samples Kool and the Gang and even throws in some harmony parts that are a throwback to some classic Gang songs. There is a slight calypso rhythm at parts and some island drum playing throughout. - #4 in 1991
5. Foo Fighters, "Everlong"- They were experimenting with the new wave musical style and that gave them the drum beat. It is also one of their favorite songs to play live and is one of the songs most fans look forward to hearing because it is a tour de force of guitar work.
4. Backstreet Boys, "I Want it That Way"- Bite me. You can say what you want about the teen pop craze but this little nugget was one of the best pop songs ever written. It's a great little melody with some good harmonies, and was a monster hit. It broke a record for most adds in the first week. Plus this song made me test my whole man of my word nature- N'Sync may have gotten the sales awards but BSB's song will live forever- #6 in 1999
3. Metallica, "Enter Sandman"- The way it was originally was written was changed after Hetfield was prompted by the producer. Hetfield thought the titel and everything was too commercial so he wrote something about crib death. That got "lightened up" to nightmares and the song was born. It's been called a metal lullaby and a throat grabber that once your past the initial riff never lets go.-#16 in 1991
2. Nirvana, "Smells Like Teen Spirit"- You might think it's not their best song, but without this song they never get to the heights they reached and Pearl Jam would've been the unequivocal leader of the grunge movement. It was a song that pretty much killed off all 80's metal and rock and was the anthem of a new generation of music lovers. For a song that killed a bunch of genres and legitimized a new one you would think thsi would make it #1. But it doesn't because one of the genres killed off in the mess had a last gasp of air by a song that became a monster hit for a band that already seemed like they had hit the pinnacle of their monster hits- # 6 in 1992
1. Guns and Roses, "November Rain"- It looked like with this song that the bands who ruled the 80's would put up a fight against the grunge movement but this was a band hitting one last home run before Axl went crazy and the genre never recovered. It's based on a short story about an old blues musician who is so screwed up from drugs that he never knows what day it is and gets into a contentous relationship with his girlfriend. He is begging her to come back and it never happens. In the video it's becasue she kills herself. This was their epic attempt at something like "Freebird," or "Stiarway to Heaven." And if you ask me they succeeded immensely.- #3 in 1992
Ok so that is the list- if you have complaints fire away
Thursday, January 24, 2008
The Post with my Greatest Songs of the 90's List #60-21
Sorry about no update yesterday but I didn't have my list so you get a double shot again.
60. M.C. Hammer, "U Can't Touch This"- As if sampling "Super Freak" wasn't enough he made the song so damn catchy.- #8 in 1990
59. Rob Zombie, "Dragula"- An odd ode to The Munsters car. A very heavy sounding, but very accessible song
58. Third Eye Blind, "Semi Charmed Life"- Sounds catchy but underneath it all is a guy falling deep into crystal meth abuse and having wild sex. Go ahead read the lyrics again- #4 in 1997
57. Everlast, "What It's Like"- His classic mix of blues, rock, and hip hop. Points a finger at those who have it great and miss all the people who have it bad- #13 in 1998
56. Vanilla Ice, "Ice Ice Baby"- I used to dislike this song but I've softened over the years to it. In fact I've grown to like it quite a bit- #1 in 1990
55. 4 Non Blondes, "What's Up"- Linda Perry is great- that is all- #14 in 1993
54. Nine Inch Nails, "Closer"- An angry sounding song that is in direct contrast to Reznor's vocal style at parts of the song.
53. Cypress Hill, "Insane in the Brain"- Maybe the most successful diss song ever. Stupid Chubb Rock- #19 in 1993
52. Sheryl Crow, "Leavin' Las Vegas"- I went through a period where I loved everythign about Sheryl Crow music. Plus it foreshadowed her better second album
51. The Wallflowers, "One Headlight"- A huge hit that you heard everywhere. I thought they were pegged for big things. Apparently they were only pegged for one huge album release
50. Lenny Kravitz, "Are You Gonna Go My Way"- This was Kravitz's 70's phase with a guitar riff lifted off Hendrix's "Ezy Rider"
49. No Doubt, "Don't Speak"- Started as a sweet love song but after her bandmate broke up with her Gwen turned it into a depressing sounding song
48. Oasis, "Wonderwall"- Their breakthrough American single, and just a great song- #8 in 1996
47. The Fugees, "Killing Me Softly With His Song"- They covered a great song and made it even better. Lauryn Hill's vocals are amazing on it- #2 in 1996
46. Matchbox 20, "3AM"- Rob Thomas wrote this about his mom's bout with cancer where she was given six months to live and stopped caring and acting crazy. He felt abandoned by his mom's failure to take life seriously
45. Counting Crows, "A Long December"- Duritz's battle with his skyrocketing fame and the depression that followed- #7 in 1996
44. Santana f/ Rob Thomas, "Smooth"- The worst part of Santana was his singing. Thomas filled that gap nicely with a song that seems to have lifted some Shakespearean tendencies- #1 in 1999
43. Fuel, "Shimmer"- First song off Sunburn and maybe their best known song- #42 in 1998
42. Britney Spears, "Baby One More Time"- Bite me. It was her first hit, her biggest hit, and despite your hatred of teen pop admit the stuff was catchy- # 1 in 1998
41. Collective Soul, "Shine"- Soul's first big hit and just a really good song. I especially like the acoustic versions of it
40. Goo Good Dolls, "Slide"- Their first song from Dizzy and about a Catholic teenager and her boyfriend deciding whether to abort their baby or not- #9 in 1999
39. R.E.M. "Man on the Moon"- Made me hunt out Andy Kaufman stuff and really appreciate his work
38. The Cranberries, "Linger"- About the lead singer's first kiss. A really sweet sounding song- # 8 in 1993
37. The Black Crowes, "She Talks to Angels"- An acoustic ballad off their first major alubm release. As good as anything else they ever released.
36. Aerosmith, "Livin' On the Edge"- Aerosmith's most successful attempt at writing a soical issue driven song. Plus a really frantic sounding final two minutes of the song- # 18 in 1993
35. Pearl Jam, "Jeremy"- A very powerful song that unfortunately keeps being releveant even today
34. Green Day, "Basket Case"- Billie Joe wrote about his anxiety before it was determined he had a panic disorder-# 16 in 1994
33. Public Enemy, "911 is a Joke"- All of you who think you know what good rap music is I demand you go buy Fear of a Black Planet right now. Maybe the best rap album ever put out. Public Enemy takes a swipe here at the response time of emergency services to black neighborhoods
32. Lisa Loeb, "Stay (I Missed You)"- Really cool sounding song as I love her voice and her lyrics for this.- #1 in 1994
31. Alanis Morrisette, "You Oughta Know"- I believe the lesson here was don't cross Alanis in a relationship because she'll write a scathing song about you- #13 in 1995
30. Weezer, "Buddy Holly"- Another song that was originally different sounding. Probably more famous for the video than the actual song itself- #17 in 1995
29. Sheryl Crow, "If It Makes You Happy"- Really blew Sheryl Crow up and damn did she look good in the video- # 10 in 1996
28. Fastball, "The Way"- A older married couple decides to detach themselves from the world and become happier. Like this song a lot- #12 in 1998
27. Barenaked Ladies, "The Old Apartement"- Their first big US hit about a man who has moved on but looking back at his life
26. Red Hot Chili Peppers, "Give it Away"- Born out of a jam session and just a great sounding song
25. The Offspring, "Come out and Play"- Their first big hit about gun and gang violence
24. Blues Traveler, "Run Around"- All kind of reference dropping. Either about his friendship with the lead singer of Spin Doctors or a fight with a female friend.- #8 in 1995
23. Counting Crows, "Mr. Jones"- Their first radio hit and in the eyes of many still their biggest hit to this day.
22. Hootie and the Blowfish, "Only Wanna Be With You"- Upbeat song about a relationship with a special girlfriend- #6 in 1995
21. Sir Mix-A-Lot, "Baby Got Back"- Songs just shouldn't be this catchy and fun. It's amusing that it caused as big a controversy as it did.- #1 in 1992
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
The Post with me shooting on some asshats
Unless you somehow avoided the news in the past 24 hours you already know this- but yesterday 28 year old Aussie actor Heath Ledger was found dead in a New York apartment as the result of an apparent drug overdose. I'm not going to try and wax philosophical about the death because I don't know the guy. I've enjoyed a lot of his films: 10 Things I Hate About You, A Knight's Tale, Candy, Monster's Ball, and he rocked the shit in Brokeback Mountain. I have no doubt he'll rock the house in The Dark Knight this summer, as his death will unfortunately probably mean even bigger numbers for the movie that was already pegged for upwards of 200 million dollars.
In reporting the death we've seen the normal horrible journalism that surrounds these star deaths. Spotty accounts, sensationalism when the situation doesn't really need it. Christ a celebrity died- a celebrity who was in a fairly controversial film and who was set to be in a big franchise film- do we need to sweeten that story any?
You would think that is the pinnacle of low people can reach but alas the illustrous group known as, "God hates Fags," decided to throw their hat in the ring. Don't believe me? Check this out then
It would be one thing if they wanted to picket the guy for a lifestyle he chose/was born into but they are picketing him because he PLAYED A GAY CHARACTER IN A MOVIE. Is that now fair game? Because if it is I'm going to picket Pauly Shore from now until the end of time for his stupid ass movies and characters.
Heath Ledger played a gay cowboy and that immediately condemns him to a life of eternal damnation and the missive "Burn in Hell?" The people who deserves to burn- not necessarily in hell- are these publicity seeking clowns. Trying to further one's ridiculous agenda based around a young man's funeral is the lowest form of low one person can possibly reach.
Also, on behalf of all people- like me- who actually believe in the Bible and are good, decent, open-minded, free-thinking, religious sect members would you jackasses please shut the fuck up. See what happens when you go on tirades like this is the good ones among us have to defend criticisms which don't stop by just saying, "Those people are morons- and I don't agree with them." In a lot of eyes we're guilty by association. This isn't going to turn into a religious disucssion but the Bible isn't specifically against homosexuality and no matter how you want to intrepret it doesn't make you right. Just because you speak louder than everyone else- doesn't make you right.
And really this is 2008- who really gives a damn if a man wants to be with a woman or another man. Hell I have an idea if you want to picket people so badly. Go picket the guys who date grotesque looking fat girls. I'm far more offended by that then I am by two men together.
And whatever reasons you spout don't merit any thought either.
"It's an attack on the family unit."
"It's unholy, and sinful."
"What will we tell our kids?"- To quote Louis C.K.- "I don't care what you tell your shitty kids."
Seriously if you want to teach your kids to grow up and be hateful douchebags then you're doing the world and humanity a greater disservice than any person just being gay will ever do.
You people are scum and what's worse you find mutant, mouth breeders who actually buy into the nonsense you sell and lap it up.
I only hope for your sakes the God you pray too and believe in whole-heartedly is as forgiving as you think he is. Otherwise it's gonna be a hot eternity for you assholes.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
The Post with my Greatest Songs of the 90's List #100-61
I know I promied starting this yesterday but I had no time to get on Blogger and get the first 20 done. So today you get a special double shot as I hit you with not only 100-81, but also 80-61. 40 songs for the price of 20. That's like double.
Now before we start know a few things:
- I won't going full on into detail about the songs. Maybe a line or two as to why I like them. I will also put there highest ranking on the Billboard chart if I can find it
- You may disagree with me but that just means you are wrong.
- It's incredibly difficult to try and take roughly 1500 songs and whittle that down to 100 songs. Not only that but to try and mesaure one genre of music against another. I've listened through the list a few times and am satisified with how it turned out.
100. Ini Kamoze, "Here Comes the Hotstepper"- I like goofy songs. This is almost like a Jamaican "Come Together"- #1 in 1994
99. Shawn Mullins, "Lullaby"- An odd story song that is haunting sounding becasue of the low spoken verses and the falsetto chorus- #7 in 1998
98. Rusted Root, "Ecstasy"- Not a huge fan of the Root but this song was a great mix of jam band styling with a great rhythm
97. The Sundays, "Here's Where the Story Ends"- I just always loved Harriet Wheeler's voice. Very dream like sounding.
96. Savage Garden, "I Want You"- Not that I ever really knew what they were saying, but I always heard the Cherry Cola part- #4 in 1997
95. AC/DC, "Moneytalks"- Trying to win over a woman by buying her expensive things. Part of the early 90's comeback for the band- #23 in 1990
94. The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, "The Impression That I Get"- Very faithful to their sound and became their biggest hit- #23 in 1997
93. Live, "Lightning Crashes"- Probably their best song, and easily their most thought provoking song. Live kind of works on my nerves though...#12 in 1994
92. Oasis, "Don't Look Back in Anger"- A man struggling to keep a long distance relationship going. Plus some really great lines in the song.
91. Chumbawamba, "Tubthumping"- Again I like goofy songs. This song has some bad lyrics but they are interesting in their awfulness- #6 in 1997
90. Hole, "Malibu"- Something about the song I always loved. Maybe it's becasue I used to see the video on NBC Friday Night.- #81 in 1998
89. Seven Mary Three, "Cumbersome"- Their biggest song was their first song. Something about the guitar work I always liked- #39 in 1996.
88. The Refreshments- "Banditos"- A really clever and funny song. Also very raw sounding with the vocals and music. Almost like they have no idea what they are doing
87. The Verve, "Bittersweet Symphony"- I just love the arrangment of music. The lyrics are ok but the music sells the song for me
86. Melissa Ethridge, "Come to my Window"- A song that can be directly attributed to her just coming out about her sexuality- #25 in 1994
85. Letters to Cleo, "Here and Now"- One of my guilty pleasure bands and a really good song- #56 in 1995
84. Ben Folds Five, "Brick"- Very different from his early stuff as it was somber and very serious. The piano is really good throughout
83. Will Smith, "Gettin' Jiggy Wit It"- His big album debut as a solo artist..And really, "NA NA NA NA NA NA NA, NA NA NA NA NA NA, Gettin' Jiggy Wit It."- #1 in 1998
82. Soul Asylum, "Runaway Train"- Very influential song and video. Very socially conscious-# 3 in 1994
81. Smash Mouth, "Walkin' on the Sun"- Kind of an ironic view of the hippie movement- # 2 in 1997
80. New Radicals, "You Get What You Give"- An upbeat youth anthem surrounded with some political statements
79. Chris Isaak, "Wicked Game"- More because the video was great, but very retro sounding song.
78. Fiona Apple, "Criminal"- A werid kind of empowerment song for females. Again though- I just loved the video which led me to say this one time about Ms. Apple, "I'd bang the grumpy right out of her."- #21 in 1997
77. Eric Clapton, "Tears in Heaven"- A very moving, touching ballad- #2 in 1992
76. Eagle Eye Cherry, "Save Tonight"- Catchy, guitar dirven pop/rock- # 5 in 1999
75. Mark Anthony, "I Need to Know"- He just really needs to know her feelings for him. Plus I really like salsa music.- # 3 in 1999
74. Shawn Colvin, "Sunny Came Home"- Sounds like a happy song but it isn't. Torching ones house never is. #7 in 1997
73. White Zombie, "More Human than Human"- One big reference to Blade Runner
72. R.E.M., "What's the Frequency Kenneth"- People beat up Dan Rather and R.E.M. gets a song- funny how that works. There is also an interesting story to this song- ask me sometime and I'll tell you it- #21 in 1994
71. Natalie Imbruglia, "Torn"- A cover and prettier sounding than any other form of it- #1 in 1997
70. Marilyn Manson, "The Beautiful People"- Maybe his most successfuly song
69. Eminem, "My Name Is"- I'm not a huge fan of the guy but his first song was as good as any first song ever
68. Kid Rock, "Bawitdaba"- I'm a fan of the guy and this was his first big hit and was marked by some great sampling and screaming.
67. Nada Surf, "Popular"- Very sarcastic advice for teens that starts quiet but turns into a gutteral scream by the end
66. Smashing Pumpkins, "Bullet with Butterfly Wings"- Easily my favorite song by them and just love the pounding guitar riff.
65. Notorious BIG, "Mo Money, Mo Problems"- A very catchy song with a great sample, even Diddy couldn't ruin it.
64. Stone Temple Pilots, "Interstate Love Song"- Weiland lyed to his girlfriend about being clean and then wrote a song about it. Very southern rock feel to it.
63. Bush, "Mouth"- I always loved the trailer for Werewolf/Paris and this song was used prominently in it. I'm more a fan of the remixed version than the original single
62. House of Pain, "Jump Around"- You know you liked this song. JUMP, JUMP, JUMP, JUMP, JUMP, JUMP, etc- # 14 in 1992
61. Jamiroquai, "Virtual Insanity"- Really awesome music video and a catchy little pop number- #34 in 1996
And there are your first 40 songs of the list
Friday, January 18, 2008
The Post with my Conference Championship Picks
3-1 last week pushed me to 5-3 in the playoffs which gives me an overall record of 163-101 which is 62 games over .500---AWESOME! I'm also two games from my goal. I would've been 4-0 last week but I picked against my Chargers. Oh well.
San Diego Chargers vs New England Patriots
So after no one gave them a chance to beat the Colts, San Diego did just that. Without LT and Phillip Rivers for significant portions. And with Norv Turner coaching. Wonders never cease. The Patriots struggled a little but never seemed in any danger of losing against Jacksonville. The Jaguars tried a don't blitz strategy which worked for 3 drives. Then Tom Brady picked them apart. You can bet San Diego will blitz more than 8 times in this week's game because that is their bread and butter. Without Rivers they might be in a bit of a jam because they will be relying on Billy Volek. LT will play but might be limited. Same with Antonio Gates. So the Chargers are entering the biggest game of their lives with the walking wounded. That's not good.
Not good for the Patriots is the report that Sunday will most likely be marked by windy conditions which could wreak havoc on their passing game forcing them to rely on short passes and running. In the end I think the Patriots are just too good and too healthy for the Chargers so New England wins.
New York Giants vs Green Bay Packers
Eli Manning is playing the best football of his NFL career right now. The Giants looked out of the game on Sunday when Dallas when on a 20 play, 10 minute drive in the second quarter. Eli promptly took them down the field in 47 seconds for a touchdown.Then the Giants started getting pressure in the second half and the Cowboys imploded. Brandon Jacobs ran through the Cowboys and then told them about it.
In Green Bay, the Packers braved inches of snow and an early 14-0 deficit to win 42-20 and make it known that they are the force in the NFC.
As well as the Giants have been playing it will be tough to go into Green Bay and knock off Brett Favre. Green Bay wins.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
The Post with me ranking my Top 20 country songs of the Year
- One thing I forgot to mention yesterday on the list. The song had to have been on country charts for at least 4 months during the year. There are a few that have come out in the last quarter that might replace some on the list- but they don't fit the criteria.
- Also things will be listed: Artist, Title, Album.
- Lastly, normally I would put the lyrics to the songs but that would make this a really long post and the formatting is a little goofy on blogger right now. So I'll be nice and provide links to the lyrics should you so want to see them. It's a fair trade off
20. Jake Owen
Startin' With Me
Startin' with Me
http://www.cowboylyrics.com/lyrics/owen-jake/startin-with-me-17275.html
A traditional theme of country music is regret and hidsight thinking. I think in all people we have some things we would change if we could turn back the dial and try again. Owen hits upon some of those themes in a genuine sounding country song marked by a somber feeling melody
19. Taylor Swift
Our Song
Taylor Swift
http://http://www.cowboylyrics.com/lyrics/swift-taylor/our-song-18777.html
The best thing about Taylor is she actually sounds like a 17 year old girl singing. None of her songs are tackling huge grown up themes. They just are what they are. This is a catchy little number about two young lovers tryig to figure out the soundtrack to their love. My favorite part is in the final chorus where she kind of does this little Valley Girl type vocal move that really showcases the age.
18. Gary Allan
Watching Airplanes
Living Hard
http://http://www.cowboylyrics.com/lyrics/allan-gary/watching-airplanes-22949.html
Gary Allan is as traditional as it gets. With the first track off his new album he writes an abstract "love left me" song where the guy is just waiting for her to come back. I get the impression that she went somewhere to chase a dream and he didn't follow waiting for her to come back. It's all backed by a driving chord beginning that never loses steam through the end.
17. Rodney Atkins
These Are My People
If You're Going Through Hell
http://http://www.cowboylyrics.com/lyrics/atkins-rodney/these-are-my-people-17222.html
Another traditional country theme is the whole "Shout out to my friends." Atkins does this by painting a picture of a weekend in small-town America from teenagers to adults. Along the way he mentions singing Skynyrd songs, playing softball, and getting drunk. You know you're in for a sing-a-long the minute the fiddle picks up beginning the song.
16. Kenny Chesney
Never Wanted Nothin' More
Just Who I Am: Poets and Pirates
http://http://www.cowboylyrics.com/lyrics/chesney-kenny/never-wanted-nothing-more-22691.html
Chesney released a song that sounded closer to some of his earlier works. A rolling little song about life and the changing priorties of what we want as we grow up. My favorite part is the third verse where despite what people try to tell him he does what he wants. I wish Chesney would focus more on this type of introspective country.
15. LeAnn Rimes
Nothin' Better to Do
Family
http://http://www.cowboylyrics.com/lyrics/rimes-leann/nothin-better-to-do-22646.html
Rimes has certianly grown up over the years becoming a better singer and picking better material in general. She co-wrote this song about a group of kids with "Nothing Better to Do" just ending up in trouble trying to relieve their boredom. It's a fun, swamp music sounding song that is kind of taking a light-hearted poke at troublemakers. The girl in teh song is basically leaving behind her overly religious parents and the rigidity of life to find adventure.
14. Sugarland
Stay
Enjoy the Ride
http://http://www.cowboylyrics.com/lyrics/sugarland/stay-18495.html
Kind of an odd thrid wheel song. The song is sung from the point of view of the other girl. It's debatable if she is having an affair with someone already locked up or there is one guy choosing between two women. I wouldn't quibble either way (although one way is a far more moving song). It does the country staple of flipping the whole song on its ear as it 180's at the end into something else. The whole time she is telling the guy he should stay with her until the end when she is fed up and says- the next time you want to leave her bed stay. It's a great powering song for women (I saw them live and witnessed it) but it's just a well written song and Jennifer Nettles sings the heck out of it.
13. Keith Urban
I Told You So
Love, Pain, and the Whole Crazy Thing
http://www.cowboylyrics.com/lyrics/urban-keith/i-told-you-so-18544.html
This song is here more becasue musically it is just a really awesome song. There is this driving guitar beat that permeates throughout. The drum beat is really cool sounding too- it's almost like a march. Lyrically it sounds like a sweet song, and parts of it is. It's about a woman leaving a man and then him telling her to come back and he won't mention it to her. At the end though it codas with a few little digs including, "But I told you so. Should've known better not to leave me." Love that.
12. Dierks Bentley
Free and Easy (Down the Road I Go)
Long Trip Alone
http://www.cowboylyrics.com/lyrics/bentley-dierks/free-and-easy-down-the-road-i-go-18619.html
A fun bouncy sounding song. That's about it. It's just a guy saying come what may I'm gonna enjoy myself, and love life. For example, "I could make a million or wind up broke/ Free and Easy down the road I go." Songs don't always need to be think pieces. I always welcome windows down singing loud songs.
11. Eagles
How Long
Long Road out of Eden
http://www.metrolyrics.com/how-long-lyrics-the-eagles.html
The old band out-countried most of country radio. The harmonies, the lyrics, the music- it all sounded like they were still singing exactly the same stuff since the mid to late 70's. Not surprising I guess considering it was written in the 70's. Oh well
10. Keith Urban
Everybody
Love, Pain, and the Whole Crazy Thing
http://www.cowboylyrics.com/lyrics/urban-keith/everybody-18553.html
Song 2 off just an amazing album that was finished and released in the wake of Urban getting out of rehab. Keeping that in mind these songs take on some different meanings. This song is about anyone who is down and having trouble staying afloat. Look around and reach out and there is someone who will help you. Lines like "You've got a voice let be heard." "You made a promise to yourself you were never gonna be this way- " could be veiled references to beating substance abuse. It's about facing trouble head-on and nto being afraid to ask for help.
9. Billy Currington
Good Directions
Doin' Something Right
http://www.cowboylyrics.com/lyrics/currington-billy/good-directions-16463.html
It's a catchy little song about a city girl who ends up falling for a country boy. It's funny in that the actual title of the song isn't said until the very end of the song. The guy gives her directions out of town but at the end throws in a little line about how she could get back to him. She comes back. Another fun song.
8. Craig Morgan
Tough
Little Bit of Life
http://www.cowboylyrics.com/lyrics/morgan-craig/tough-18380.html
I'm not gonna talk much about the song. It's one of the only ones on the list for the longest time I wouldn't, and couldn't listen to. I can listen to it again now even though it still amke me misty eyed.
7. Luke Bryan
All My Friends Say
I'll Stay Me
http://www.cowboylyrics.com/lyrics/bryan-luke/all-my-friends-say-22664.html
A morning after song that is about someone who sees his ex-girlfriend out one night and gets hammered trying to show her what she is missing out on. It's another fun sing-a-long song that has some great little fiddle riffs in the chorus, and gives rise to the "rock star, party hard, getting over you comeback kid."
6. Emerson Drive
Moments
Countrified
http://www.cowboylyrics.com/lyrics/emerson-drive/moments-18069.html
I've seen both sides of this song. It's a really touching song about a man walking onto a bridge looking to "end it" Up there he meets a homeless man who tells him how even though he is down and out now he still has things he can hang his hat on. The man responds with what he cna hang his hat on and decides maybe his life isn't so bad. In the bridge and last chorus the homeless man tells his friends about how he stopped a young man from "ending it" So they meet each other and both give each other something to live on, and for. A really sweet 4 and a half minute story.
5. Keith Urban
Stupid Boy
Love, Pain, and the Whole Crazy Thing
http://www.cowboylyrics.com/lyrics/urban-keith/stupid-boy-18548.html
See I told you I had an irritional love for his album. ANother song that seems tinged in the wake of his battles. He co-wrote the song with Sarah Buxton who did a version that pales in comparison to Urban's. To get the full effect of the song you need the album version where this song taking himself to task nicely for hurting the one he loved becomes a missive of screaming at himself over a wailing guitar solo that matches any rock player out there now. Some great lines in it as well as the woman finally walks away after she realized she could run.
4. Josh Turner
Firecracker
Everything is Fine
http://www.cowboylyrics.com/lyrics/turner-josh/firecracker-23217.html
Another of my favorite more traditional sounding guys doing one of my guilty pleasure type songs. The goofy love song wrapped around metaphors galore. The song compares the woman he loves to all types of fireworks like calling her a "blode bottle rocket." He does this with his typical low rumble bass voice which is so old school sounding. For those wondering I guess friecracker is easier to rhyme.
3. Dierks Bentley
Long Trip Alone
Long Trip Alone
http://www.cowboylyrics.com/lyrics/bentley-dierks/long-trip-alone-18613.html
I think you could take this song a couple ways. From seeing him sing it live it's either a song about religion or it is about a loved one who has passed on and is watching down. It could also be taken as I hear it most often- a song about someone yearning to find love and saying he is tired of going through the world by himself. Music is entirely interpretation so I wouldn't quibble with how you see it. It's a soulful ballad mixed with some mournful fiddle and great lyrics
2. Tim McGraw
If You're Reading This
Let it Go (newer versions)
http://www.cowboylyrics.com/lyrics/mcgraw-tim/if-youre-reading-this-22314.html
A song that was never officially released to country radio but a version from the ACM awards back in May has made the rounds and gotten played on country radio throughout the year. He wrote this with The Warren Brothers (a great country duo.) The song is sung from the point of view of a solider who has written a letter to his family that is to be read upon his death in battle. So obviously he has passed on, and says don't worry about him because "I'm already home." It's a completely sad song and McGraw does wonders with it. This is country music at its best. Thoughtful, reflective, emotional, and speaking to everyone.
1. Brad Paisley
Ticks
5th Gear
http://www.cowboylyrics.com/lyrics/paisley-brad/ticks-21177.html
The perfect example of how you can mix rock sounding guitar into country music without losing the country edge. Paisley is right there with Urban as being one of the better guitarists out today. This completely catchy, and addicting song is about a guy trying to pick up a girl in a bar saying ,"I'd like to check you for Ticks." It has a great guitar riff that bounces throughout the chorus that will have you tapping your foot before you even realize it. The seocnd verse is pretty clever (most of Paisley's lyrics are clever) as he hits you with double entrendes but doesn't soound creepy or sinister about it. A great slice of music.
That's it!! That's the list!! Hopefully county radio can continue embracing their roots more as we move into 08.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
The Post with my Top Country Songs of the year prep
This was going to be the first paragraph of my country songs post but I got busy and didn't have time to finish the list. I was going to give you 20-11 today and 10-1 tomorrow. But being busy I decided to publish the warm-up today, and just do all list tomorrow:
When I whittled down the list of country songs this year I liked/loved it surprised me. Maybe I'm just getting soft, or maybe this was sa decent year for country music. Rascal Flatts still dominates airwaves but they don't piss me off actively anymore. In fact I kind of enjoy there songs from time to time.
Toby Keith didn't really have a strong year for me. Neither did George Strait. It feels weird to have a top songs list and not include George. This was a great year for some of the contemporary traditional guys. Sugarland boomed this year. There were some really good new acts. Some older acts resurfaced (Clay Walker, Tracy Lawrence, Billy Ray Cyrus). And Keith Urban rode the tails of last year's great album with 3 amazing cuts.
I think this year country radio started to return to some of its roots. Don't get me wrong- I don't mind throwing some other ingredients in the country mix but too many people throw so much in it loses the original flavor. Look at like Big & Rich. They burst on the scene throwing rap, hard rock guitars, in with the usual country touches. Then they released a second album which soounded the same. Then a third. Now they just sound stale. Plus it's not a coincidence they had their biggest hit with one of their more traditional sounding songs. (Although its kind of a gimme considering it was a wedding song. Want a hit- write a wedding song) There are ways to effectively marriage country and other influences (foreshadowing?)
Anyway- a lot of years I felt like one person against the pop fueled invasion of country music. For the first time in a while I didn't feel like that. Beleive me- I still run into the under 5 year country fans which makes me freak out considering they barely know who Alan Jackson is. Or they somehow think this is the golden age of country music. But more often than not I felt like all these "new fans" were starting to hear some traditional things- not always sound, but lyrically as well.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
The Post with more Financial BS
http://http://money.cnn.com/2008/01/15/markets/markets_0500/index.htm?postversion=2008011517
There's a recession coming people. Oil is through the roof compared to where it was like 3 years ago.
Bad quarterly reports for retailers
Lending companies going belly up or reporting 18 Billion dollar losses
Gold value is way higher than it should be
Overseas oil companies are wanting to not get paid in the US Dollar anymore becasue the exchange rate is bad.
And the governement's response is to set up auctions to give banks much needed cash. Yes the banks need help but all your doing is rewarding them for being loan happy in the boom period of the late 90's/ early 00's. Meanwhile there are people everywhere else who are struggling to keep afloat and loaning money to their banks won't help them- unless they own a bank.
Stupid, stupid, stupid. We need a paradigm shift badly
Monday, January 14, 2008
The Post with me making an announcement and boasting
Announcements first:
- I will try to get the country songs list up this week. Also next week since there is no football the following Sunday I will spend the week putting up my list of the top 100 songs of the 90's. I know I promised this like a month ago but it's my blog so I do as I please.
All last week all I heard from experts was "There is NO WAY the Chargers will beat the Colts. NONE whatsoever."
Well guess what? The experts were wrong. The Chargers matched the Colts punch for punch and won with their back-up running back, quarterback, and their starting tight end playing at maybe quarter speed.
Now today the experts are tripping over themselves to give the credit to everything other than the Chargers.
Face facts gentlemen- The Chargers outplayed the Colts when it mattered. They forced turnovers, they converted third downs, and scored when it counted.
Bring on the Patriots!!!!!!!!!!
Friday, January 11, 2008
The Post with my Divisional Round Playoff Picks
So a fairly crappy 2-2 weekend for me. I figured one of the NFC East teams would win. I just guessed the wrong one. Damn.
Word to the wise- If you love offense than tune in during the 4th quarter of the games this week. In the 4 games combined last weekend there were 170 points scored. 79 of those points were in the 4th quarter which is just below half of them.
So let's try with our picks again this week:
Seattle vs Green Bay
The Seahawks eventually looked pretty good last weekend. They still rely too much on the air game which will cause problems against a pretty good secondary in Green Bay. Green Bay was one-dimensional for a while until Ryan Grant rose from obscurity to help start their rushing attack. The match-up here will be the Seahawks offensive line against the front 7 of the Packers defesne which is really good. I think in the end it doesn't matter because Brett Favre is playing with purpose and will win this game. Green Bay wins.
Jacksonville vs New England
I said for a while Jacksonville is who the Patriots should worry about. Now I'm not so sure. With two weeks to prepare they will have some special stuff worked up ready to go for the Jaguars. Jacksonville will need to rely on Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew to control the clock and David Garrard just needs to not turn the ball over. They do that and they have a chance. I still think that New England has too much firepower though. New England wins.
San Diego vs Indianapolis
I'm gonna keep this short becasue the longer I talk the more I'll convince myself of the opposite. San Diego matches up well with Indy, but Indy is going to be healthy and ready to go against a Charger team that is still finding itself some. Indianapolis wins. (But c'mon Chargers)
New York vs Dallas
Say what you want about the Jessica Simpson factor but it means nothing to this game. The Giants are surging a little bit right now and Eli Manning looked very good and confident last week. That should scare some teams. If he can figure it out the Giants will be tough to beat. The Cowboys are probably the better team but its more about how you finish than how you start and the Cowboys have played terrible down the stretch. Also it's tough to beat a team 3 times in one season. So- UPSET SPECIAL.........New York wins....
Enjoy the games
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
The Post with me venting a little
January 1st marks my least favorite two months of the year.
Simple reason why:
NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONAIRIES: Lemme tell you why
I try to hit the gym like 5-6 days a week and this time of year is always the worst.
There are people all over, clogging up machines, and spending 4x as much time as necessary at machines.
I had to park roughly a half mile from the building yesterday.
It wouldn't be terrible but by the end of January some of these people won't be here anymore.
By the middle of the next month another third will be gone.
By the end of Feb. maybe a handful will be left.
That means for the last 10 months of the year I'll see the same people I see everyday in there
The worst is trying to do cardio this time of year because everyone is just trying to burn 1000 calories in a shot. But because they have no stamina they start at a pace of 8 minute/mile which lasts all of 30 seconds.
Then they walk for another 60 minutes at the same pace you walk when you first get up in the morning- trying to hit the calorie threshold.
Or they jump on the elliptical and last 2 minutes before the first bead of sweat hits their eyebrows then they fold up shop and grab a smoothie at the bar in the club.
The people who use the weight machines are even worse because when they aren't with the trainers they spend 20 minutes playing trial and error with the seat height, or the amount they are lifting trying to find a weight that won't necessarily create muscle mass but will feel comfortable to do 10 reps with.
Then you have the ones who don't know about proper gym etiquette so they don't bring towels with them and decide instead that the arm and leg pads should be incubators for their sweat release. Is it that hard to carry a little hand cloth sized towel so you can wipe down machines after use? I'm already worried trying to fix my health and don't want to have to worry about staph infection central hanging around the gym.
And all you women looking to lose weight- spandex is your friend at the end of the weight loss- not the beginning. When you are pushing 2 bills and decide to pour yourself into whatever tacky jumpsuit you could find at Wal-Mart- or even worse relive your glory days from high school- it is completely unflattering and very nauseating.
It's hard enough to do that last quarter mile on the treadmill without getting seasick from watching your body jiggle like still forming Jell-O. Wear something baggy dammit!
I welcome the beginning of March
Friday, January 04, 2008
The Post with my Wild Card Weekend NFL picks
The regular season is done and we are at the only part that matters- post-season play.
The Patriots finsihed off their season undefeated (so far) in style, overcoming a 12 point deficit and then letting Eli Manning make his usual in-game mistake. Normally you would think the Pats are the AFC lock but there are some really good teams in the AFC that will make that road difficult. Say the teams who are supposed to win do just that they are looking at Jacksonville/Indianapolis back to back. Two very different styles of football and two very effective teams.
But none of that matters yet because there are 8 teams playing this weekend playing for a chance to advance against the heavyweights. And really in recent memory I can't think of a stronger batch of 4 teams waiting.
New England- A juggernaut. For most of the season they were bringing a machine gun to a water pistol fight. They have an almost unstoppable passing offense and will make teams pay for a mistake. Every close win that has been the difference.
(As far as the unstoppable passing offense- last week had the most amazing back to back plays ever. The Patriots run play action and Brady throws deep to Randy Moss as the cornerback slips. The safety is late getting there and Moss drops the underthrown pass. So next the Patriots run THE SAME EXACT FUCKING PLAY and it goes for a touchdown 60+ yards. How does a defense get burned on a play that was just run?)
Indianapolis- Probably the weakest of the four and they are the defending Super Bowl Champs. Peyton Manning is a really smart quarterback and they got the very needed rest week in between here to get guys healthy. They are fast on defense and every bit as good as they were last year.
Dallas- Very strong defense and an offense that matches up well with New Englands.
Green Bay- The always crafty Brett Favre and the now visible running game, along with a big hitting defense could cause problems. If they would get into the Super Bowl Charles Woodson and Al Harris against the Pats wide receivers would be a nice fair fight.
What isn't nice or fair is my record to finish out the season. 12-4 brings me to 158-98 on the year a solid 60 games over .500 which is a 62% winning percentage, but I wanted 160.
HOWEVER
this are my rules so the playoffs now count- so eat it.
(Before you cry foul know I stank last year picking playoff games- Also I am now aiming for 165 which would mean picking 7 of 11 correct)
Washington vs Seattle
And to start we have a tough game to pick. Washington was expected to fold up and go home when Sean Taylor was senselessly killed in a home invasion and then in the proceeding game they lost their starting quarterback to a dislocated kneecap. However, veteran Todd Collins came in and helped stabilize the team and they won every game down the stretch they needed to to get in. He has had opportunities to fall apart but hasn't yet. They have a very good defense and a strong running game
Seattle turned their season around by focusing on the passing game and becoming an air-it-out offense. They also have a very good defense which will give Collins problems.
Seattle is the favorite but in the playoffs you usually need to go with the hot hand. so I'm gonna gamble and pick Washington to hang around another week.
Jacksonville at Pittsburgh
One of the most stunning defeats of the regular season was Jacksonville going into Pittsburgh and pretty much dominating the Steelers in Pittsburgh. Time of possession was 39-21 minutes in favor of the Jaguars. They have a two-headed rushing attack in Fred Taylor (playing with purpose after being snubbed for the Pro Bowl) and Maurice Jones-Drew. Plus David Garrard just doesn't make mistakes at quarterback. The defense is one of the best units in football.
Pittsburgh has been a good team at times this year. They have not beaten any playoff pedigree teams and they are going to be missing Willie Parker in this game. Ben Rothelisberger plays well in big games but I think this is going to be too much for him to overcome. Jacksonville wins.
New York vs Tampa Bay
Give the Giants credit for playing their starters last week and making a game of it against New England. It cost them Shaun O'Hara though which is an immense loss, and will hurt greatly. Brandon Jacobs is a big back, but Tampa Bay has a good linebacking corps and tackle well. Eli Manning is Eli.
Tampa Bay has another quarterback who doesn't make many mistakes and they pretty much coasted the last two weeks of the season resting up for the playoffs. If Eli plays like he did last week the Giants win, if not they lose badly. I think he'll play closer to the bad Eli which is bad for the Giants. Tampa Bay wins.
Tennessee vs San Diego
Tennessee has lost almost all their receivers. Tight end Bo Scaife is out with a lacerated liver. Roydell Williams broke his ankle in practice. Vince Young might not play with a bad quadriceps. That means Kerry Collins at qb along with second and third string wide receivers.
San Diego has the recipe- get the ball to LT, early and often. I have to think Norv gets that done this week. If San Diego gets into a position where Phillip Rivers needs to win the game with his arm they might be in trouble but I think with Albert Haynesworth spotty the trick is to keep running. San Diego wins.
(Since I'm a fan of the Chargers- if they lose to the drunk Kerry Collins and the band of misfit receivers I might break my television.)
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
The Post with bridging 2 years
2007 has come to a close and it is now 2008. Feels weird to look at still. And I keep writing 07 which will probably continue for a few days. Oh well.
So I decided no resolutions this year- they burden me. I was about 50/50 on last year's resolutions, so really no need to mention them.
Saturday night I was going to watch the UFC fight which was riddled with problems. Eventually saw it though so that was a minor save. I also got my title for winning the fantasy football league last year which excites me way more than a fake title belt should. It was the perfect prop for me to re-enact Batista's ring entrance but that was never done.
New Year's Eve I went out to Millersville to celebrate with some friends and had a good time like always. Talked with a few about a possible new league. If we get it off the ground it will be awesome and could be the talk of the country- book it. Slept out in my Blazer then which was fine with the sleeping bag. Seriously that thing is the best. Also I love the air mattress- it makes it way too comfortable in the vehicle.
Drove home on Tuesday morning and didn't feel good. I broke my cardinal rule and it made me feel awful. Here's the thing- after a night of drinking, wake up the next morning and eat something- I prefer something hot- maybe with a little grease to it. Do that and your body recovers faster becasue you are processing something other than alcohol. I decided to wait til I got home for lunch- (becasue I'm too cheap and had 3 dollars in my wallet) So I felt bad for a majority of the day even after I ate a sandwich once I got home.
Sat most of the day and watched college football and the NHL Winter Classic. That game was great and I hope- for the NHL's sake people watched it. For those that don't know they played outdoors in Ralph Wilson Stadium in Buffalo. It was snowing for most of the game and made for great television. It was also the best ending they could hope for. Tied at 1 after overtime it went to the shootout and their biggest young star wins the game on the last shot. Couldn't have scripted it any better.
2007 overall was a bit of a downer of a year. Mainly becasue of the first quarter, but a few days before Christmas I got news that made it better so here is to a Happy, and HEALTHY 2008 for my family, and for all of yours.
