Sunday, May 23, 2004
THE SIMPLE PLEASANTRIES OF LIFE
A couple of days ago I was in the back seat of my parents car being driven back from an afternoon lunch we had together. Once we were about 60 seconds from our house, the song “Freshmen” by the Verve Pipe came on the radio.
Now, I hate most everything on the radio, but this song was big a few years back and I’ve always kind of dug it’s simple melody. This was the first time I’d heard it in quite a while and I was kinda bummed because I knew I wouldn’t get to hear the whole thing. After all, we were almost home.
But just then, like an act of fate, a slow-moving pickup truck pulled out in front of our car from a side street, sputtering the whole way. Well, that 60 second trip turned into about 3 minutes and I was afforded the opportunity to hear the great majority of my song. Sometimes, the simple pleasures really are the best.
STUFF YOU SHOULD DO
These are just my opinions of course, but I have a small list of things everyone should own that I’d like to share.
Music You Should Own
Sludgeworth - “Losers of the Year.” Sludgeworth is a band I’d never heard of until around two years ago when I was searching Interpunk.com for decent music. I’m a big fan of Lookout Record label as they’ve been responsible for many a band that I now enjoy. Sludgeworth isn’t around anymore, but this cd of their best stuff from a few EP’s and LP’s they released in the short time they were together is worth owning. It’s chock full of great power pop songs that everyone should familiarize themselves with. It’s good stuff and I’m glad I bought it.
The Huntingtons - “Self-Titled Album.” These are some really cool guys who release great album after greater album. In an age where many successful bands release one or two radio friendly pop songs to entice people into buying their record brimming with 10 other horrible tunes, the Huntingtons don’t know the meaning of filler...all the songs are hits. It’s just too bad the rest of the country doesn’t know it. Honestly, this may be the group’s final album. It’s a shame too, because I’ve enjoyed every single recording they’ve produced. Do yourself a favor and pick up this album, or any other you can find from this group. Rock n’ Roll!
The Manges - “R Good Enough.” Punk Rock in the United States is on life support and we can all thank MTV and the legions of braindead peons who tune in for screwing it up. This station is guilty of the attempted murder of punk rock, but there’s still a few bands out there carrying the torch. In Europe, in a country called Italy, is one of those very bands...they’re called the Manges. These guys know how to play and they still understand what rock n roll should be about. I’m in their debt, and so are you. Pick up this album and/or anything of theirs you can get off of EBay and enjoy at full volume in your bedroom.
The European Pop Punk Virus - Volumes 1 & 2. These albums are compilations of some of the best rock n’ roll coming out of Europe today. And as much as I’d like to believe otherwise, Europe is producing better bands that this country. If you still in your heart believe that rock music can be great...go find yourself these cd’s and then go find the albums by the bands that have contributed songs to the compilation. Your faith will be restored.
To find any of these releases, go to Interpunk.com and search for them. Interpunk is the best online music store, bar none. They offer reasonable prices on all of their merchandise and they ship fast. They also have a local music section, where you can find bands from your hometown who are selling their merch through the site. Because of that awesome little feature, I’ve been able to find several bands that write good tunes that I plan on following from now on. So head on over to Interpunk and see what you can find in your area.
Television You Should Watch
The Shield is probably the best drama on television right now. A group of dirty cops that protect the peace while getting deeper and deeper into the criminal underworld makes for an entertaining hour every Tuesday night at 10pm. FX, baby!
Cheap Seats is quickly becoming one of my favorite shows. If you haven’t seen it, picture Mystery Science Theater 3000 with a sports theme. And if you haven’t seen Mystery Science Theater, then what the hell is wrong with you? But seriously, it’s two guys named Randy and Jason who watch old sports programming and basically just crack jokes about how lame and cheesy it is. Sometimes it’s kinda stupid, usually it’s insightful, but it’s always funny. I think it’s on Thursdays at 10 now, on ESPN Classics.
Family Plots is one of the best of the “Reality” genre on tv. It follows the life of a family run mortuary and the things they all go through as individuals when certain situations rear their head. For instance, how will the funeral director, who went through the death of his own one year old baby, deal with arranging the funeral of a stillborn infant? This show can be extremely moving at times. It does not shy away from showing the deceased, so squeamish people should beware. However, it has it’s lighter moments too. All in all, it is both education and entertaining. Tune in Mondays at 9pm on A&E.
Movies You Should See
Saw a couple of decent flicks here recently and, ya know, you should see them too.
First was The Cooler. It stars William H. Macy as a guy so unlucky, that the most minute period of interaction with him will change your luck for the worse. He finally meets a girl who loves him for him and his luck changes. The story is set in a casino and features a good performance by Alec Baldwin as well. Pick it up for it’s good acting. Watch it again for a multitude of scenes involving Macy’s naked ass. God, what guts. Just watch and you’ll see what I mean.
The second movie was 21 Grams, starring Sean Penn, Naomi Watts and Benecio del Toro. The story involves three strangers whose lives all come together due to the untimely death of a husband and his 2 children. The acting is the not the problem here. The only thing I found fault with was the editing. Jeez, it was like they filmed the damn movie, cut it into 500 pieces, threw those pieces in a hat and picked them out one at a time to put into the final cut. If you can deal with that, you’ll enjoy the performances and the plot immensely.
Comedians You Should Hear
David Cross has two stand up comedy albums everyone should hear. The first is called “Shut Up You Fucking Baby” and his most recent is “It’s Not Funny!” Both contain a good mix of smart, political humor and keen observations about people and things that piss him off. That can range anywhere from ridiculous products (square bagels and electric scissors) to drunk rednecks. I love his comedy because, aside from being funny, it’s strongly opinionated. I know a lot of people think comedy shouldn’t be educational, but those people are retarded. Entertainment should involve thinking, at least from time to time, and David Cross is doing that as well as anyone right now.
The next comedian you should hear is no longer alive because he died of pancreatic cancer close to 10 years ago. His name was Bill Hicks and, quite frankly, the guy may have been a genius. What he did, quite simply, was point out each and every thing that was moronic about the status quo. Whether that meant attacking religion, nonsmokers or the War in Iraq...Bill Hicks was always right on track. His comedy 10 years ago is actually still completely and totally relevant today. Ten years ago he was railing against the Gulf War “distraction” and yet here were are in the present, once again at war in that area. Unfortunately, not a whole lot has changed, despite Bill’s best efforts. One of my favorite things about Hicks’ albums, not withstanding the material...is the liner notes. Every album of his I’ve purchased comes complete with a little leaflet that states, “Warning: This album contains everything your parents hate, everything the church preaches against, everything the Government fears. Enjoy.” Indeed. So pick up any or all of the following: Dangerous, Relentless, Arizona Bay or Rant in E-Minor and be thoroughly challenged and entertained by one of the greatest comic minds to ever come along.
A Statement You Should Read
This is a statement I came across in a chain e-mail. I never forward these goddamned things along, but this one kind of touched me. So, while I’m not technically forwarding it, I am going to share it here to save you the email box space.
It is the testimony of Darrell Scott, the father of a Columbine shooting victim, during his address to a House Judiciary Subcommittee. And while I don’t agree with every word he says, the honesty with which he says it speaks volumes and I thought everyone should read it. It is as follows:
"Since the dawn of creation there has been both good &evil in the hearts of men and women. We all contain the seeds of kindness or the seeds of
violence. The death of my wonderful daughter, Rachel Joy Scott, and the
deaths of that heroic teacher, and the other eleven children who died must not be in vain. Their blood cries out for answers.
"The first recorded act of violence was when Cain slew his brother Abel out in the field. The villain was not the club he used. Neither was it the NCA, the National Club Association. The true killer was Cain, and the reason for the murder could only be found in Cain's heart.
"In the days that followed the Columbine tragedy, I was amazed at how
quickly fingers began to be pointed at groups such as the NRA. I am not a
member of the NRA. I am not a hunter. I do not even own a gun. I am not here to represent or defend the NRA - because I don't believe that they are
responsible for my daughter's death. Therefore I do not believe that they
need to be defended. If I believed they had anything to do with Rachel's
murder I would be their strongest opponent.
I am here today to declare that Columbine was not just a tragedy-it was a
spiritual event that should be forcing us to look at where the real blame
lies! Much of the blame lies here in this room. Much of the blame lies
behind the pointing fingers of the accusers themselves.
"I wrote a poem just four nights ago that expresses my feelings best. This was written way before I knew I would be speaking here today:
Your laws ignore our deepest needs,
Your words are empty air.
You've stripped away our heritage,
You've outlawed simple prayer.
Now gunshots fill our classrooms,
And precious children die.
You seek for answers everywhere,
And ask the question "Why?"
You regulate restrictive laws,
Through legislative creed.
And yet you fail to understand,
That God is what we need!
"Men and women are three-part beings. We all consist of body, soul, and
spirit. When we refuse to acknowledge a third part of our make-up, we create a void that allows evil, prejudice, and hatred to rush in and reek havoc.
Spiritual presences were present within our educational systems for most of our nation's history. Many of our major colleges began as theological
seminaries. This is a historical fact. What has happened to us as a nation?
We have refused to honor God, and in so doing, we open the doors to hatred and violence. And when something as terrible as Columbine's tragedy occurs-- politicians immediately look for a scapegoat such as the NRA. They immediately seek to pass more restrictive laws that contribute to erode away our personal and private liberties. We do not need more restrictive laws.
"Eric and Dylan would not have been stopped by metal detectors. No amount of gun laws can stop someone who spends months planning this type of massacre. The real villain lies within our own hearts.
"As my son Craig lay under that table in the school library and saw his two friends murdered before his very eyes-He did not hesitate to pray in school. I defy any law or politician to deny him that right! I challenge every young person in America, and around the world, to realize that on April 20, 1999, at Columbine High School prayer was brought back to our schools. Do not let the many prayers offered by those students be in vain. Dare to move into the new millennium with a sacred disregard for legislation that violates your God-given right to communicate with Him.
To those of you who would point your finger at the NRA - I give to you a sincere challenge. Dare to examine your own heart before casting the first stone! My daughter's death will not be in vain! The young people of this country will not allow that to happen!"
A couple of days ago I was in the back seat of my parents car being driven back from an afternoon lunch we had together. Once we were about 60 seconds from our house, the song “Freshmen” by the Verve Pipe came on the radio.
Now, I hate most everything on the radio, but this song was big a few years back and I’ve always kind of dug it’s simple melody. This was the first time I’d heard it in quite a while and I was kinda bummed because I knew I wouldn’t get to hear the whole thing. After all, we were almost home.
But just then, like an act of fate, a slow-moving pickup truck pulled out in front of our car from a side street, sputtering the whole way. Well, that 60 second trip turned into about 3 minutes and I was afforded the opportunity to hear the great majority of my song. Sometimes, the simple pleasures really are the best.
STUFF YOU SHOULD DO
These are just my opinions of course, but I have a small list of things everyone should own that I’d like to share.
Music You Should Own
Sludgeworth - “Losers of the Year.” Sludgeworth is a band I’d never heard of until around two years ago when I was searching Interpunk.com for decent music. I’m a big fan of Lookout Record label as they’ve been responsible for many a band that I now enjoy. Sludgeworth isn’t around anymore, but this cd of their best stuff from a few EP’s and LP’s they released in the short time they were together is worth owning. It’s chock full of great power pop songs that everyone should familiarize themselves with. It’s good stuff and I’m glad I bought it.
The Huntingtons - “Self-Titled Album.” These are some really cool guys who release great album after greater album. In an age where many successful bands release one or two radio friendly pop songs to entice people into buying their record brimming with 10 other horrible tunes, the Huntingtons don’t know the meaning of filler...all the songs are hits. It’s just too bad the rest of the country doesn’t know it. Honestly, this may be the group’s final album. It’s a shame too, because I’ve enjoyed every single recording they’ve produced. Do yourself a favor and pick up this album, or any other you can find from this group. Rock n’ Roll!
The Manges - “R Good Enough.” Punk Rock in the United States is on life support and we can all thank MTV and the legions of braindead peons who tune in for screwing it up. This station is guilty of the attempted murder of punk rock, but there’s still a few bands out there carrying the torch. In Europe, in a country called Italy, is one of those very bands...they’re called the Manges. These guys know how to play and they still understand what rock n roll should be about. I’m in their debt, and so are you. Pick up this album and/or anything of theirs you can get off of EBay and enjoy at full volume in your bedroom.
The European Pop Punk Virus - Volumes 1 & 2. These albums are compilations of some of the best rock n’ roll coming out of Europe today. And as much as I’d like to believe otherwise, Europe is producing better bands that this country. If you still in your heart believe that rock music can be great...go find yourself these cd’s and then go find the albums by the bands that have contributed songs to the compilation. Your faith will be restored.
To find any of these releases, go to Interpunk.com and search for them. Interpunk is the best online music store, bar none. They offer reasonable prices on all of their merchandise and they ship fast. They also have a local music section, where you can find bands from your hometown who are selling their merch through the site. Because of that awesome little feature, I’ve been able to find several bands that write good tunes that I plan on following from now on. So head on over to Interpunk and see what you can find in your area.
Television You Should Watch
The Shield is probably the best drama on television right now. A group of dirty cops that protect the peace while getting deeper and deeper into the criminal underworld makes for an entertaining hour every Tuesday night at 10pm. FX, baby!
Cheap Seats is quickly becoming one of my favorite shows. If you haven’t seen it, picture Mystery Science Theater 3000 with a sports theme. And if you haven’t seen Mystery Science Theater, then what the hell is wrong with you? But seriously, it’s two guys named Randy and Jason who watch old sports programming and basically just crack jokes about how lame and cheesy it is. Sometimes it’s kinda stupid, usually it’s insightful, but it’s always funny. I think it’s on Thursdays at 10 now, on ESPN Classics.
Family Plots is one of the best of the “Reality” genre on tv. It follows the life of a family run mortuary and the things they all go through as individuals when certain situations rear their head. For instance, how will the funeral director, who went through the death of his own one year old baby, deal with arranging the funeral of a stillborn infant? This show can be extremely moving at times. It does not shy away from showing the deceased, so squeamish people should beware. However, it has it’s lighter moments too. All in all, it is both education and entertaining. Tune in Mondays at 9pm on A&E.
Movies You Should See
Saw a couple of decent flicks here recently and, ya know, you should see them too.
First was The Cooler. It stars William H. Macy as a guy so unlucky, that the most minute period of interaction with him will change your luck for the worse. He finally meets a girl who loves him for him and his luck changes. The story is set in a casino and features a good performance by Alec Baldwin as well. Pick it up for it’s good acting. Watch it again for a multitude of scenes involving Macy’s naked ass. God, what guts. Just watch and you’ll see what I mean.
The second movie was 21 Grams, starring Sean Penn, Naomi Watts and Benecio del Toro. The story involves three strangers whose lives all come together due to the untimely death of a husband and his 2 children. The acting is the not the problem here. The only thing I found fault with was the editing. Jeez, it was like they filmed the damn movie, cut it into 500 pieces, threw those pieces in a hat and picked them out one at a time to put into the final cut. If you can deal with that, you’ll enjoy the performances and the plot immensely.
Comedians You Should Hear
David Cross has two stand up comedy albums everyone should hear. The first is called “Shut Up You Fucking Baby” and his most recent is “It’s Not Funny!” Both contain a good mix of smart, political humor and keen observations about people and things that piss him off. That can range anywhere from ridiculous products (square bagels and electric scissors) to drunk rednecks. I love his comedy because, aside from being funny, it’s strongly opinionated. I know a lot of people think comedy shouldn’t be educational, but those people are retarded. Entertainment should involve thinking, at least from time to time, and David Cross is doing that as well as anyone right now.
The next comedian you should hear is no longer alive because he died of pancreatic cancer close to 10 years ago. His name was Bill Hicks and, quite frankly, the guy may have been a genius. What he did, quite simply, was point out each and every thing that was moronic about the status quo. Whether that meant attacking religion, nonsmokers or the War in Iraq...Bill Hicks was always right on track. His comedy 10 years ago is actually still completely and totally relevant today. Ten years ago he was railing against the Gulf War “distraction” and yet here were are in the present, once again at war in that area. Unfortunately, not a whole lot has changed, despite Bill’s best efforts. One of my favorite things about Hicks’ albums, not withstanding the material...is the liner notes. Every album of his I’ve purchased comes complete with a little leaflet that states, “Warning: This album contains everything your parents hate, everything the church preaches against, everything the Government fears. Enjoy.” Indeed. So pick up any or all of the following: Dangerous, Relentless, Arizona Bay or Rant in E-Minor and be thoroughly challenged and entertained by one of the greatest comic minds to ever come along.
A Statement You Should Read
This is a statement I came across in a chain e-mail. I never forward these goddamned things along, but this one kind of touched me. So, while I’m not technically forwarding it, I am going to share it here to save you the email box space.
It is the testimony of Darrell Scott, the father of a Columbine shooting victim, during his address to a House Judiciary Subcommittee. And while I don’t agree with every word he says, the honesty with which he says it speaks volumes and I thought everyone should read it. It is as follows:
"Since the dawn of creation there has been both good &evil in the hearts of men and women. We all contain the seeds of kindness or the seeds of
violence. The death of my wonderful daughter, Rachel Joy Scott, and the
deaths of that heroic teacher, and the other eleven children who died must not be in vain. Their blood cries out for answers.
"The first recorded act of violence was when Cain slew his brother Abel out in the field. The villain was not the club he used. Neither was it the NCA, the National Club Association. The true killer was Cain, and the reason for the murder could only be found in Cain's heart.
"In the days that followed the Columbine tragedy, I was amazed at how
quickly fingers began to be pointed at groups such as the NRA. I am not a
member of the NRA. I am not a hunter. I do not even own a gun. I am not here to represent or defend the NRA - because I don't believe that they are
responsible for my daughter's death. Therefore I do not believe that they
need to be defended. If I believed they had anything to do with Rachel's
murder I would be their strongest opponent.
I am here today to declare that Columbine was not just a tragedy-it was a
spiritual event that should be forcing us to look at where the real blame
lies! Much of the blame lies here in this room. Much of the blame lies
behind the pointing fingers of the accusers themselves.
"I wrote a poem just four nights ago that expresses my feelings best. This was written way before I knew I would be speaking here today:
Your laws ignore our deepest needs,
Your words are empty air.
You've stripped away our heritage,
You've outlawed simple prayer.
Now gunshots fill our classrooms,
And precious children die.
You seek for answers everywhere,
And ask the question "Why?"
You regulate restrictive laws,
Through legislative creed.
And yet you fail to understand,
That God is what we need!
"Men and women are three-part beings. We all consist of body, soul, and
spirit. When we refuse to acknowledge a third part of our make-up, we create a void that allows evil, prejudice, and hatred to rush in and reek havoc.
Spiritual presences were present within our educational systems for most of our nation's history. Many of our major colleges began as theological
seminaries. This is a historical fact. What has happened to us as a nation?
We have refused to honor God, and in so doing, we open the doors to hatred and violence. And when something as terrible as Columbine's tragedy occurs-- politicians immediately look for a scapegoat such as the NRA. They immediately seek to pass more restrictive laws that contribute to erode away our personal and private liberties. We do not need more restrictive laws.
"Eric and Dylan would not have been stopped by metal detectors. No amount of gun laws can stop someone who spends months planning this type of massacre. The real villain lies within our own hearts.
"As my son Craig lay under that table in the school library and saw his two friends murdered before his very eyes-He did not hesitate to pray in school. I defy any law or politician to deny him that right! I challenge every young person in America, and around the world, to realize that on April 20, 1999, at Columbine High School prayer was brought back to our schools. Do not let the many prayers offered by those students be in vain. Dare to move into the new millennium with a sacred disregard for legislation that violates your God-given right to communicate with Him.
To those of you who would point your finger at the NRA - I give to you a sincere challenge. Dare to examine your own heart before casting the first stone! My daughter's death will not be in vain! The young people of this country will not allow that to happen!"
Comments:
Post a Comment
