12.20.2009

Best of 2009: #15 - #1

15. Noisettes – Wild Young Hearts

14. K’Naan - Troubadour

13. The Bird and the Bee – Ray Guns Are Not Just the Future

12. Peaches – I Feel Cream

11. Gossip – Music For Men

10. Lily Allen – It’s Not Me, It’s You

9. Metric - Fantasies
8. Sonic Youth - The Eternal

7. Wilco – Wilco (The Album)

6. Bat For Lashes – Two Suns

5. Fever Ray – Fever Ray

4. Yeah Yeah Yeahs – It’s Blitz

3. Phoenix – Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

2. Neko Case – Middle Cyclone

1. St. Vincent - Actor

12.18.2009

Best of 2009, Random & #25-16

BEST JAZZ ALBUM: Allen Toussaint – The Bright Mississippi

BEST METAL ALBUM: Mastodon – Crack The Skye

BEST PUNK ALBUM: Converge – Axe To Fall

Honorable Mention: The Decemberists – Hazards of Love


BEST ALBUMS PART ONE:

16. Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros – Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros
17. The Antlers - Hospice
18. Modest Mouse – No One’s First, And You’re Next EP
19. Blind Pilot – 3 Rounds and a Sound
20. The Swell Season – Strict Joy
21. Mike Doughty – Sad Man Happy Man
22. BLK JKS – After Robots
23. M. Ward – Hold Time
24. Danger Mouse and Sparklehorse with David Lynch - Dark Night of the Soul
25. Thao and The Get Down Stay Down – Know Better Learn Faster

12.17.2009

Worst of 2009: Music

MOST OVERRATED ALBUMS OF 2009
1. Animal Collective – Merriweather Post Pavilion
2. Grizzly Bear – Veckatimist
3. Super Furry Animals – Dark Days/Light Years
4. The xx – xx
5. The Flaming Lips – Embryonic
6. U2 – No Line On the Horizon
7. Cymbals Eat Guitar – Why There Are Mountains

WORST ALBUMS OF 2009
1. Bob Dylan – Christmas In the Heart
2. Chris Cornell - Scream
3. Wavves - Wavves
4. Bob Dylan – Together Through Life
5. Bruce Springsteen – Working on a Dream
6. Green Day – 21st Century Breakdown
7. Pains of Being Pure at Heart - Pains of Being Pure at Heart

12.03.2009

best of 2009

I am having trouble with some narrowing down my top lists. how do i deal with bands just hearing now? or ones discovered just after 2008 ended but released then? I should have a short list this weekend and also my goats, overrated and busts for the year then too.

Check out the side for a list of what i have heard and bought.

Anyone have any thoughts on Ida maria or Florence + The Machine?

11.28.2009

11.27.2009

Best of the Decade

There are many lists coming out of the best of the last decade as we head into 2010. Many of the lists i enjoy and often agree with so here are my five best albums of the decade. I will give some comment as to why also.

I have discovered a few artists this decade i really enjoy including Ryan Adams, St.Vincent, Neko Case, The National, Amy Winehouse (yes i know but i love those albums), The Arcade Fire, Aesop Rock, Fleet Foxes, Spoon, Blitzen Trapper, and Iron & Wine. To name a few... (if it was longer Spoon would be on here too. I love them.)

#5 The Decemberists - The Crane Wife

This is one of my top discoveries ever in the last 10 years. When i started hearing the band I fell in love with them. This album shows off the intense musicianship of this group. I enjoyed their other albums but this is the reason i went back to hear them. I have really grown into appreciating this band and while it has led to suggestions to hear Death Cab for Cutie and a few other, none of which i have really felt anything about, they remain a happy discovery into the weird wild world of strange pop.

#4 Outkast - Stankonia

This is the Rap/Hip-Hop album of the decade. None one else has had more an impact on the avantgarde aspects that can be in hip-hop. Not only do they push the limits of texture, style and methods for delivering the rhymes they also write awesome hooks (ms. jackson anyone?). What stands out to me is how edgy and fresh it still is after almost 10 years. While their double album went huge i don't find it as good as this. To me this ranks as one of the best Rap albums ever and probably right behind Beastie Boys' Paul's Boutique as my favorite. Want a good example of how weird, fresh and exciting hip hop can be, see "B.O.B. (Bombs Over Baghdad).
- PS. second best rap album of the decade, Eminem's Marshall Mathers LP and i think it was Eminem's last good album.

#3 The White Stripes - White Blood Cells

I can't think of an album that has had a more unintentional impact on music. The current garage rock champs i think entered us back into the lo-fi era with such power and stamina that it is hard to ignore. While Elephant was the big hit I think this album is why I like TWS. Part Stooges and part Rolling Stones while still being all balls out rock is impressive. "Fell in Love With A Girl" is such a rocking track but also has the Video of the Decade. This album proved that you can be a power house duo and rock out hardcore without being taken as a side note. So many bands currently owe a bit of their sound to these two, which in turn take us back to The Stooges (the most underrated band ever).

#2 Wilco - Yankee Hotel Foxtrot

To put it simple: I had never heard Wilco till i heard this album. They are now my #2 favorite band EVER. This band turned its alt-country roots and mixed with crazy-ass soundscapes into an album that I can't live without. First their record label refused to put it out. Second they streamed it on the net. They get picked up but a smaller label, Nonesuch, and it get huge. The album mixes song craft with sound samples that produces a huge sonic variation that spreads from the melodic, "Heavy Metal Drummer," to the sad "I am Tryign To Break Your Heart," to just breaking apart to silence in "Reservations." Drugs, Beach Boys, obscure British sound recordings, love, pain, and life all make up something that is both beautiful and heartbreaking. I suggest listening to "Jesus, Etc." and "Radio Cure."

#1 Radiohead - Kid A

They are probably one of the biggest rock bands in the world. At the time this was released they had put out their break-through and most successful album OK Computer and helped define 90's alternative era. The start of the decade they decide to put out a difficult and non-radio friendly album. While OK Computer is probably one of the best albums of 1990s and high on some of the best of all time, this was leaps and bounds artistically and musically from everything else. They open with "Everything In Its Right Place" and proceed to scare the casual music fan away. Those of us who were open for the rush of electronic and sonic mixture into our ears couldn't have been happy. Classical music fans grasped onto this album as the blend of the avant-garde sound work of the 60s and 70s as well as the edgy jazz the poured into the album. The electronic sounds that came in the last decade started here. Not only did they say to their fans that they were going somewhere else but locked the true fans into where they would continue to go. No wonder they are one of the most important bands of the last 20 years and since Nirvana. Really who else would Coldplay try and ripoff...

That is the best albums of the last decade. Your thoughts?

11.26.2009

Sonic Youth - Antenna - Later... With Jools Holland - 2009

I'm thankful for Sonic Youth's new album.

11.16.2009

thoughts on music

I am working on a few things for the end of the year. I am going to write about 5 of the best albums i have purchased in the last decade (2000-09). I am also working on my thoughts for 2009, the best albums and songs of 2009. These will take me sometime to put together but hopefully soon I can have something interesting.

I am sorry i don't blog much but I don't have time anymore to write or thoughts to write on.

ugh life gets in the way.

11.01.2009

purple


purple, originally uploaded by Super Bjorn.

a 35mm slide scan

10.30.2009

Bird Stealing Bread

I stole this from Nessa and Walt, who stole it from other guy. I love these things!

How many total songs?
10,114 items in my library. That’s 28.6 days, and 58.25 GB of music.

Sort by song title – first and last…
First: A-Punk by Vampire Weekend.
Last: ♠ by Marilyn Manson (weird to me too)

Sort by time – shortest and longest…
Shortest: You're My Boy Blue by Atmosphere (did not use blank tracks by oHgr)
Longest: Marais La Nuit by Neko Case

Sort by Album – first and last…
First: A.M. by Wilco
Last: 1999 by Prince

Sort by Artist – first and last…
First: AC/DC
Last: The 13th Floor Elevators

Top five played songs - Well, I just got this computer, so it may not be so accurate.
1)Feel Good Inc. - Gorillaz
2)Where is My Mind - Pixies
3)Dashboard - Modest Mouse
4)Monkey Goes To Heaven - Pixies
5)Idioteque - Radiohead

Find the following words. How many songs show up?
Sex: 58 items Death: 24 items Love: 457 items You: 1204 items
Home: 118 items Boy: 204 items Girl: 168 items

First five songs that come up on Party Shuffle…
1)Forgive Them Father - Lauryn Hill
2)Morning Bell - Radiohead
3)Firecracker - Ryan Adams
4)Angel, Won't You Call Me? - The Decemberists
5)Half Jack - The Dresden Dolls

10.25.2009

Music of the year

A short random thought on music I listened to. If I previewed an album and didn't like it should I list it on the side of this blogs with other albums or just ignore it? I need some thoughts on this.

Ely Cathedral - Cambridgeshire

This is an amazing photo. [I wish I could have taken it]

10.24.2009

Best Halloween Costume Ever

Wait for it. wait for it.

Top 60 Ghetto Black Names

I just died seeing this. Of course i hate everyone so enjoy!

10.18.2009

random crap

A quick note for those who might read this...

I am totally falling for www.lala.com because i can preview an album for free once. Sometimes all you need is one full listen to decide if you want to buy the CD or the mp3 or not at all. Much how i enjoy that last.fm monitors what i have listened to, lala allows me to explore music with out spending too much money. Then if I like an album it is often cheaper or equal to amazon's mp3s and cheaper than iTurds. (89 cents a track but some albums on sale are as low as $2). Check it out, i recommend it.

I am about to start into collecting my Best of 2009 Songs and Albums and want to know what you have liked. Please music fans leave me a comment on your best so far that I can use to research things.

PS do not recommend Animial Collective, too many bleeps and bloops and has driven me nuts. except i do like "my girls" song.

10.17.2009

Always Look On The Bright Side of Life

From one of my all time favorite films.

10.14.2009

Hitler Reacts to the Government Run Healthcare

Nancy Pelosi is Hitler. Thanks Republicans

10.05.2009

a long time

This blog is having the blogoversary today. Seven fucking years of nonsense. In honor of here is a show with the best sight gag in a long time. Re: Kurt Cobain, wait for it.

10.04.2009

fried alligator


fried alligator, originally uploaded by Super Bjorn.

yummy fried alligator

Fried butter


Fried butter, originally uploaded by Super Bjorn.

fried butter with cherry and grape on top. it was delicous

PNS Trailer Trashing - Precious

PNS Trailer Trashing - Precious

9.21.2009

Tasty Jewelry




Run right over to tastyjewelry.com! Diane is having a big sale. 40% off everything until the end of September. All you have to do is use the code: fallfling in the "discount coupon" box and hit recalculate to receive your savings. Tell everyone you know!!!


Disclosure: I copied and pasted the entire thing from Walt's blog and Holly's, because I'm EVEN lazier like that. Her stuff is great, check it out.

9.18.2009

Origin Into Schools

Fucking craziness, just fucking stupid.

9.13.2009

Rolling Stones 500 Greatest Songs (Part 2)

There was only one surprise in the batch. I had never heard Dionne Warick's "Walk On By" and wow, it is pretty good. I am not sure what to say here just I was blown away by the lyrics. I suggest checking out some of these songs when you can because all of them should be required listening.

The Overrated track is the Sex Pistols. While still worth being here I think they need to be a bit lower. I also am not a huge Elvis fan. If he weren't here i wouldn't listen to him. I don't know why. I just don't click with it. That being said, I think I like "Jailhouse Rock" more now then I thought I did. I just like the feeling and the way it all comes together.

Here is the list of #51-100:

051 - Grandmaster Flash - The Message
052 - Prince - When Doves Cry
053 - Sex Pistols - Anarchy In The U.K
054 - Percy Sledge - When A Man Loves A Woman
055 - Kingsmen - Louie Louie
056 - Little Richard - Long Tall Sally
057 - Procol Harum - A Whiter Shade Of Pale
058 - Michael Jackson - Billie Jean
059 - Bob Dylan - The Times They Are A-Changin'
060 - Al Green - Let's Stay Together
061 - Jerry Lee Lewis - Whole Lot Of Shakin' Going On
062 - Bo Diddley - Bo Diddley
063 - Buffalo Springfield - For What It's Worth
064 - Beatles - She Loves You
065 - Cream - Sunshine Of Your Love
066 - Bob Marley & The Wailers - Redemption Song
067 - Elvis Presley - Jailhouse Rock
068 - Bob Dylan - Tangled Up In Blue
069 - Roy Orbison - Crying
070 - Dionne Warwick - Walk On By
071 - Beach Boys - California Girls
072 - James Brown - Papa's Got A Brand New Bag
073 - Eddie Cochran - Summertime Blues
074 - Stevie Wonder - Superstition
075 - Led Zeppelin - Whole Lotta Love
076 - Beatles - Strawberry Fields Forever
077 - Elvis Presley - Mystery Train
078 - James Brown - I Got You (I Feel Good)
079 - Byrds - Mr. Tambourine Man
080 - Marvin Gaye - Heard It Through The Grapevine
081 - Fats Domino - Blueberry Hill
082 - Kinks - You Really Got Me
083 - Beatles - Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown)
084 - Police - Every Breath You Take
085 - Patsy Cline - Crazy
086 - Bruce Springsteen - Thunder Road
087 - Johnny Cash - Ring Of Fire
088 - Temptations - My Girl
089 - Mamas And The Papas - California Dreamin'
090 - Five Satins - In The Still Of The Night
091 - Elvis Presley - Suspicious Minds
092 - Ramones - Blitzkrieg Bop
093 - U2 - I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For
094 - Little Richard - Good Golly Miss Molly
095 - Carl Perkins - Blue Suede Shoes
096 - Jerry Lee Lewis - Great Balls Of Fire
097 - Chuck Berry - Roll Over Beethoven
098 - Al Green - Love And Happiness
099 - Creedence Clearwater Revival - Fortunate Son
100 - Rolling Stones - You Can't Always Get What You Want

9.12.2009

Herkules, not Assaf

wait for it, do you see what i see?

Red Right Hand

I just love this song. I wish I could write one as good as this.

9.05.2009

new layout

Folks, readers, and people who stumble here

I have a new layout/background. Check it out and let me know what you think.

8.31.2009

shoot me now

ugh, tomorrow is going to stress me out. The last 4 years have changed what could be/should be fun into a funeral service. it is just so hard to celebrate something so unimportant considering everyone who died in katrina. I feel like i should have stayed and moved things into the attic instead of going to san antonio.

in the end, no amount of ice cream cake will make me feel any better. i will just put on the "happy face" and pretend it is so great. like everyday...

8.29.2009

Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs (part 1)

I have started listening through all 500 of Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs. I have decided that for the blog to work i need a focus. My focus is the media and arts I consume like water. I have started with this project to see which songs are most overrated, underrated, or surprising.

Here are the 50 songs I started with:

001 - Bob Dylan - Like A Rolling Stone
002 - Rolling Stones - (I Can't Get No) Satisfaction
003 - John Lennon - Imagine
004 - Marvin Gaye - What's Going On
005 - Aretha Franklin - Respect
006 - Beach Boys - Good Vibrations
007 - Chuck Berry - Johnny B. Goode
008 - Beatles - Hey Jude
009 - Nirvana - Smells Like Teen Spirit
010 - Ray Charles - What'd I Say
011 - Who - My Generation
012 - Sam Cooke - A Change Is Gonna Come
013 - Beatles - Yesterday
014 - Bob Dylan - Blowin' In The Wind
015 - Clash - London Calling
016 - Beatles - I Want To Hold Your Hand
017 - Jimi Hendrix - Purple Haze
018 - Chuck Berry - Maybellene
019 - Elvis Presley - Hound Dog
020 - Beatles - Let It Be
021 - Bruce Springsteen - Born To Run
022 - Ronettes - Be My Baby
023 - Beatles - In My Life
024 - Curtis Mayfield - People Get Ready
025 - Beach Boys - God Only Knows
026 - Beatles - A Day In The Life
027 - Derek And The Dominos - Layla
028 - Otis Redding - (Sittin' On) The Dock Of The Bay
029 - Beatles - Help!
030 - Johnny Cash - I Walk The Line
031 - Led Zeppelin - Stairway To Heaven
032 - Rolling Stones - Sympathy For The Devil
033 - Ike & Tina Turner - River Deep, Mountain High
034 - Righteous Brothers - You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'
035 - Doors - Light My Fire
036 - U2 - One
037 - Bob Marley - No Woman, No Cry
038 - Rolling Stones - Gimme Shelter
039 - Buddy Holly And The Crickets - That'll Be The Day
040 - Martha And The Vandellas - Dancing In the Streets
041 - Band - The Weight
042 - Kinks - Waterloo Sunset
043 - Little Richard - Tutti Frutti
044 - Ray Charles - Georgia On My Mind
045 - Elvis Presley - Heartbreak Hotel
046 - David Bowie - Heroes
047 - Simon & Garfunkel - Bridge Over Troubled Water
048 - Jimi Hendrix Experience - All Along The Watchtower
049 - Eagles - Hotel California
050 - Smokey Robinson & The Miracles - Tracks Of My Tears

SO here is what i think

Overrated/Worst Song: Hotel California
This song is terrible and overrated. I cannot stand the pretension that it is and the faux folk feeling. It is so overdone that I can't stand it. The fact that it rates so high shows how terrible some people's taste is.

Surprise: How many of these hold up over the years. I actually enjoyed listening to the elvis songs.

Underrated:
1. One by U2 - their best song and it is pretty great overall. I am not huge U2 fan but this is great.
2. My Generation by The Who - How can you not listen to this and hear this hints at the future of punk rock? This song should be higher on the list.

Ok readers, what other lists and popculture things you want to hear me talk about? Stay tuned for part 2 of this with the next 50 songs and more thoughts as I hear more new songs.

8.23.2009

Suck It Fox News!

The Daily Show With Jon StewartMon - Thurs 11p / 10c
Fox News: The New Liberals
www.thedailyshow.com
Daily Show
Full Episodes
Political HumorHealthcare Protests

Lowside of the Road: A Life of Tom Waits

I find giving good reviews or even appropriate reviews to books difficult. I often like to get lost in them and enjoy their worlds. This is easier though because it is a biography (however unauthorized) and i can base it on what I learned through it.

I have grown to enjoy Tom Waits' music but at times found it difficult to enjoy. This book helped place the albums and songs in context and gave me valuable information about how Tom Waits became Tom Waits. I do wish there was more information available to the researcher because at times it feels a bit disjointed. The British anachronisms through out throw me a bit but I found I could move past them.

I enjoyed the book. The reading was not difficult or thick but presented by someone who obviously enjoys Waits and his music. I wanted more information on the collaboration of Waits and theater director Robert Wilson. Mr. Hoskyns uses mostly interviews and magazine for the information but considering how closely Waits keeps his privacy and true self guarded it makes sense.

I would give it 3.5 stars if I could because I got a better feeling of the music Waits created through it. The music says more than any book probably could but I am so grateful for the ability to get into the more difficult and experimental music that Waits created that it payed off to read.

I hope anyone who embarks on reading this also takes time like I did to listen to the music. It helps so much hearing what Mr. Hoskyns is writing about in the songs and albums.

8.22.2009

8.18.2009

Texting

Text, drive, and kill

8.17.2009

400 years of USA


400 years of USA, originally uploaded by Super Bjorn.

i fucking give up

I am done with this fucking country. I am tired of this inaction and inability to get anything done.

1. DADT - really? you can't repeal this fucking nonsense? how hard is it?

2. Healthcare - taking out the one that can make a difference in the debate allows the GOP to win. how fucking hard is it for the DFL to get into one room and work shit out before the fucking congress gets it. Since they are removing the public option there is no change. We are all still fucked. The public option would have helped my sister when my parents cannot cover her. So no change. Thanks Reagen, I mean Obama.

3. Economy - just collapse already. Obviously nothing is going to change. Either get better or get worse. Pick something already.

4. Enviroment - No one wants to change or even cares. Fuck you. Fuck all of you. We need a straight carbon tax and fuel standards that are VERY STRICT. 32 MPG should not be acceptable at all. We should require 50 MPG minimum and have a 30% tax on all cars noget getting at least 40 MPG. We need to require the removal all plastic bags and fresh paper bags. We need radical change not in 5 years but no later than 2011. We need it now or we are fucked.

5. Obama - Was a lie. Clinton would not have been better and McCain worse but we are being lied to. One and done president. We'll get another GOP in 2012, if we're lucky it will be Palin only to make everything worse.

I am going to learn French and hope to someday leave this fucking disaster and get out of here.

8.15.2009

Björk - Declare Independence

I love the song and video. Just felt like i needed a video posted since I have nothing to write about.

Sorry Nessa

8.02.2009

MOVITS! - Äppelknyckarjazz Video (Officiell)

I am totally grooving on this song right now.

7.26.2009

Favorite Music by Letter

Stolen from a friend and it seemed like a good idea

# - (none but 13th Floor Elevators and 10,000 Maniacs each have a song in my playlist)
A - Atmosphere/Ryan Adams
B - Bjork/Beatles
C - Neko Case/Clash
D - Decemberists/Bob Dylan
E - Eels
F - Fleet Foxes
G - Gorillaz/Gossip
H - Hold Steady/Jimi Hendrix (include all works here)
I - Iron & Wine
J - Norah Jones (maybe Elton John in his good periods)
K - KMFDM
L - Led Zeppelin/Jenny Lewis
M - Modest Mouse
N - Nine Inch Nails/National
O - of Montreal/Okkervil River
P - Pixies
Q - Queen
R - Radiohead
S - Shins/Sonic Youth
T - Tool/Twilight Singers
U - U2 (since there is not much else)
V - Vampire Weekend/Velvet Underground
W - Wilco/Tom Waits
X - X (punk band)
Y - Yeah Yeah Yeahs/Neil Young
Z - Zutons

7.18.2009

Best of 2009, so far...

I have been meaning since 4th of july to post this but forgot to copy and paste it. I was going to post images of the albums but i am too lazy. maybe on face book. we'll see.

Best Songs,

1. Lisztomania – Phoenix

2. Actor out of Work – St. Vincent

3. This Tornado Loves You – Neko Case

4. The Fear – Lily Allen

5. Wilco (the Song) – Wilco/Sacred Trickster – Sonic Youth

Best Albums:

Actor - St. Vincent

It’s Not Me, It’s You – Lily Allen

Wilco (the Album) – Wilco

Middle Cyclone – Neko Case
The Eternal – Sonic Youth/Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix – Phoenix

I am thinking of maybe uploading to flickr photos albums in my possession. anyone curious about this? let me know what the best albums you've heard this year.

7.07.2009

WTF?



India reallly? WTF?

7.06.2009

7.05.2009

6.29.2009

for brian and ricky

thoughts

this is going to be more or less a rambling thought. I have decided that i want to write more fiction/memoir/reflection or poetry writing. I am not sure about what but will try.

here are some random thoughts
1. Reno 911 is great. I love this show. Just the funniest thing on tv right now. I find the improv mixed with story to be great. The Larry David show is the same way. True comedic ability and skill allows the actors to be the characters to be so hilarious. Terry is the best character. "White people are so weird."

2. The State on DVD in July. I can't wait. I am pre-ordering. This show was my favorite for the short while it was on. It was back when MTV still had shows and music videos.

3. I am hoping to be able to photograph more an share the good ones. If there are any good ones. I wish i was a better photographer. I need to figure out how to shoot more and find topics. I am trying to figure out how to turn my ideas into visual images.

4. New Wilco album tomorrow. I am so excited. This band just connects with my brain and soul in a strange way. More and more the music seems to be something I connect with.

Now i need to get on with the night. someday i will write something interesting.

6.20.2009

WTF?

Who designed this? Anyone want to hang it in a church?
fail owned pwned pictures
see more Fail Blog

6.06.2009

5.30.2009

5.24.2009

mmmm bbq eating tour of the south



Wes needs to go here!

past perfects

I am doing lots of update to the blog. I am import/reposting old entries from the old blog to here. Sorry if you get lots of updates. 6 years of blogging shows up

5.23.2009

this is dallas

fail owned pwned pictures
see more Fail Blog

i am not kidding. it looks like this in every fucking parking lot

5.22.2009

5.17.2009

So i have not written in almost forever. I think Duke Nuk'em took less time between games, wait no not true. Here is a semi-rough rundown of the last few weeks.

* I spent most of April and beginning of May studying for my LEED exam. I passed the exam on the 8th and I am now a LEED A.P. Now Time to get on my ARE (architecture registration exams) so I can be a proper "Architect" instead of the computer draftsman project coordinator etc.

* After my exam on the 8th I went to RENT with friends. The cast had the orginial Mark and Roger (Anthony Rapp and Adam Pascal) and it was amazing. It might have been on the best shows I have ever seen. Totally worth the money. In July I am going to go see a former high school classmate and friend from church chior, Becky Gulsvig, in the national tour of Legally Blonde. She is Elle Woods, please see her if the show comes your way.

* On the 10th of may I had one of the busiest cultural days ever. I went over to Fort Worth and saw the best opera I have ever seen. I don't like most operas but can enjoy them. I saw Dead Man Walking and it just killed me. I was a total emotional mess over it and I really feel it might be the best English language opera if at least it is the best American Opera. This show is great for people who know nothing about opera and could be the type of show to get more people my age group into the theater. The music and cast were magnificent.

* That night I went and saw a friend's chamber chior performance. They were amazing except for a track by andrew lloyd webber. ALW sucks for the most part. The performance was good and I enjoyed it but I was dead tired and emotionally bare.

the rest of the week was work and keeping busy. The season finally of LOST was what i expected from them. Very good but very confusing.

That leaves this weekend
Friday -
I went to work then we got lunch. I ran into the record store and bought St. Vincent's album. I strongly suggest it. I mean it is incredible. Just incredible album. Yes I bought a CD. People still do that. I picked upon amazon.com the Heartless Bastards album "The Mountian" and if you like blues rock get it (hint Herbe). Then we went to the 9.15 showing of Star Trek.

Star Trek was good. I think it was a good attempt to reboot the series and hopefully it works. I think the acting was good and the characters were good. No rants here . If you take this that seriously you need mental help. there i said it.

Sat - was a whole lot of nothing. Thank god. lots of rain here and so it was catching up on the DVR and just relaxing.

Today -
I am doing this for the first time in forever. I am also going to see the musical "Lost In The Stars" and I am excited for it. First I am getting lunch at Dream Cafe with friends. Brinner!

That is all.

5.10.2009

st. vincent///actor out of work

i love this song and this artist

5.02.2009

Here in L.A.



I love this song and this guy. Buy his album if you like folk beach rock (better than jack johnson) at amazon and www.royjosephmusic.com

just watch and listen

4.18.2009

4.12.2009

-15 update

A bit longer than a month ago i embarked on an effort to listen to different music in my collection. To check out artists I haven't heard much or didn't listen to much.

These were the 15 artists I stopped listening too for a month (ok 6 weeks now but eh). The numbers in parenthesis are the playcount according to Last.fm
1. Radiohead (651)
2. Pixies (451)
3. Led Zeppelin (349)
4. Wilco (338)
5. Atmosphere (312)
6. The Beatles (306)
7. Bob Dylan (289)
8. David Bowie (259)
9. Nine Inch Nails (259)
10. The Decemberists (251)
11. Spoon (248)
12. Bjork (226)
13. Ryan Adams (211)
14. Neil Young (194)
15. Nirvana (191)

Since then the list has changed quite a bit and I have listened to artists I haven't heard in such a long time. Here is the current list of Top 15 followed by the place of the artists above who have dropped off.

1. Radiohead (651)
2. Pixies (451)
3. Sonic Youth (417)
4. Led Zeppelin (349)
5. Wilco (338)
6. The Shins (328)
7. Tom Waits (320)
8. Atmosphere (312)
9. The Beatles (306)
10. The Twilight Singers (297)
11. The Clash (290)
12. Bob Dylan (289)
13. Neko Case (286)
14. Eels (284)
14. Modest Mouse (284)

17. David Bowie (259)
17. Nine Inch Nails (259)
22. The Decemberists (251)
23. Spoon (248)
25. Bjork (226)
27. Ryan Adams (211) [does not include Ryan Adams & the Cardinals]
30. Neil Young (194)
31. Nirvana (191)

As you can see I listened to quite a few new artists that climbed into the top 15. I like limiting what I listen to at times as a great way to explore something else. The last 6 weeks have been fun and maybe in a few months I will try this again. Never know what artists I can get hooked onto then.

4.01.2009

worst song ever?

The gayest sailing song ever.

3.29.2009

4 thoughts

 I know have been kind of MIA for awhile. I just needed time away and to think through things. I read your posts from the last few weeks and am following still. Sorry. Anyways...I thought I would give 4 updates for anyone who cares or doesn't. whatever

1. All the flooding and dikes up by my parents place and my hometown, Moorhead, have got me thinking. Do I miss high school classmates? not sure, maybe some of them. Do i care about Moorhead-Fargo? yes for my family and for growing up there. It was a good place to grow up. I just don't want anyone to go through what i did in Katrina.  From that comes the thought that our infrastructure is fucked. We need to get our levees and flood control fixed, knowing that a river will do what it wants so maybe we need to give it room to do that. Next we don't need new roads but our current roads need to be in good shape. Rural america needs access to the internet, cell phones, and emergency services like urban america. These need to be seen not as luxuries but as the new utilities of the 21st century. 

2. I am like the new pitchfork media redesign. I like the connection to streaming the albums they review through lala.com. It makes me able to decide if I like the band more or not by getting a listen first. I can than legally buy the album online. Right now I am streaming the new Yeah Yeah Yeahs album "It's Blitz!" and I am really liking it. I have discovered a few bands this way (Heartless Bastards, Mirah, Melissa Nadler, Fucked Up to name a few) and I think it helps us consumers tell if we like a new band before shelling out $8 to $10 for an album that might be crap. I think i need to but the YYYs album.

3. Another place i test new music, though it is more limited, is from Spinner and Aol Music. They don't have a huge selection but for a major label album it is enough. I am always on the look out for new ways to discover music. I use Last.fm and The Sixty One for finding  new things. I am thinking about getting a Lala.com account.

4. Lastly I am on a mission to hear all of Rolling Stone Magazine's top 500 Albums (link back to my list). I am working towards hearing all the different types of music and things I would never have listened to otherwise. I have about 20% done. There is a lot by artists that i am indifferent too or never had access too. I am not a huge fan of R&B or Soul but like some artists, so they will be a challenge to listen to. I also am not big on Elvis or much country so we will see how this goes but those will probably be the last ones I listen to. I have no end for this goal just going to work through it.

Bonus: I am also trying to listen to more classical music but where to begin. I am thinking of getting a 2TB ext. hard drive with fire wire to play a very large digital collection of music (might end up digitizing all my albums as i hear them and add tons of classical too). Any tips for someone who might have over 200gb of Music that could be accessible?

Those are my thoughts for now but don't expect too much from me.

3.25.2009

arg

AAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!

thesis sucks

arg.

awgnlkanga';kfg ja
g
aksjglkawngo la
asdmlgnasljfgnaw

k just stressing out.

ok now.

J is right fast car is a good song

well time to set myself on fire in front of the entire
library.
grrr.

woohoo

b

from PiMC and I can't stand it

3.17.2009

weezer last good song

i loved this song when it came out. since then weezer has been disappointing.

3.14.2009

4 Thoughts

Just some random thoughts mostly about music.

1. This (-15) challenge has been interesting. I have discovered music in my collection that I didn’t know much about or hadn’t listened to for years. Bands from the 90’s like Candlebox, Alice In Chains, etc. It was nice reliving the good parts of high school, the music.


2. I am loving the new Neko Case album, “Middle Cyclone” because the music is amazing. The songs are beautiful and emotional. Her voice draws me in through its power. She has a such a powerful voice but she can control so much better than many other artists.


3. I don’t go to concerts anymore. It is kind of sad but going to a pop/rock concert is just not something that will happen. For lack of money (and trying to be cheaper person) and also that my tastes don’t translate into something most people want to hear. I can go to classical and some big names acts if I wanted to but I am just trying to lay low.


4. I miss skiing. I used to go in Minnesota on the hills once in awhile but I loved the few times I went to larger runs. I went to Montana for one 3 day weekend through church. I wish I could go to the mountains at least twice a year (if not live near some). I would go once at least to ski/snowboard. I would enjoy another weekend hiking another time. I love going there and enjoy hiking and being out in nature. Unfortunately Dallas does not give me an opportunity for much outside enjoyment. I need to find a way to get out more.


In other news I wish I could take a vacation but…

3.11.2009

remember when...



I miss 5th grade or something like that

3.01.2009

-15

For the month of March I challenge people to not play their top 15 artists. I am using Last.fm to determine mine but take your 15 favorite artists and not listen to them for one month. Use this time to explore new or old artists and stuff you haven't played in a long time or ever.

Here are my 15.
1. Radiohead
2. Pixies
3. Led Zeppelin
4. Wilco
5. Atmosphere
6. The Beatles
7. Bob Dylan
8. David Bowie
9. Nine Inch Nails
10. The Decemberists
11. Spoon
12. Bjork
13. Ryan Adams
14. Neil Young
15. Nirvana

That's my goal.

2.20.2009

disseminated///soul coughing

"I love this song and enjoy the lyrics."

The Goat chewed up,
Once a tin can.
The Goat shat out,
was a Ford Sedan.

I Like an eyeball.
I Like a square cut.
I Like a funny car.
I Like a monster truck.

Call up bop and I'm bunting stomach,
Koko mop I chop chunking plummet,
Thud on top, I ate the chocodile.

Call up bop and I'm bunting stomach,
Koko mop I chop chunking plummet,
Thud on top, I ate the chocodile.

And ever since then, I got disseminated,
And ever since then, I got disseminated,
And ever since then, I got disseminated,
Well It's a self-fulfilling prophecy.

The Jupiter Moon, I got disseminated,
The Jupiter Moon, I got disseminated,
The Jupiter Moon, I got disseminated,
Well It's a self-fulfilling prophecy.

A Toots Hibbert,
Up At the wrong prom.
Serves a beat down,
Upon a tom tom.

I like Genius
I like Jason
I like Joseph
I like Nirvana

Call up bop and I'm bunting stomach,
Koko mop I chop chunking plummet,
Thud on top, I ate the chocodile.

Call up bop and I'm bunting stomach,
Koko mop I chop chunking plummet,
Thud on top, I ate the chocodile.

The Jupiter Moon, I got disseminated,
The Jupiter Moon, I got disseminated,
The Jupiter Moon, I got disseminated,
Well It's a self-fulfilling prophecy.

And ever since then, I got disseminated,
And ever since then, I got disseminated,
And ever since then, I got disseminated,
Well It's a self-fulfilling prophecy.

*inst. break*

The Average Man, I got disseminated,
The Average Man, I got disseminated,
The Average Man, I got disseminated,
Well It's a self-fulfilling prophecy.

And ever since then, I got disseminated,
And ever since then, I got disseminated,
And ever since then, I got disseminated,
Well It's a self-fulfilling prophecy.

2.19.2009

Needs

Stolen from the Walt:

Google your name and the word "needs" in quotes ("Walt needs") and see what you get.

List the first 7 entries.

1. Bjorn needs to accept the fact that he will not be and is not the best Air Guitarist in the world.

2. Bjorn needs a job.

3. Bjorn needs top-five finish at Loch Lomond to win Open spot...

4. Bjorn needs longer weekends

5. Björn needs you : join the Swedish Army!

6. Bjorn needs a costume idea, something simple but devastatingly effective.

7. Bjorn needs his three wood just to keep up with a club that Woods

2.16.2009

from nessa

yes I feel this way about most of the users too. remember you're on america's second worst network iUsers

Digital Undergound

Anyone else miss this song? I do and "i say just grab 'em in the biscuit."

2.15.2009

thinking of lalalauren

Oscar Thoughts: Now time for mediocre

So I am taking the bigger categories and going to write a little bit about what i think should win and who will win. I will most my full oscar pics (for categories we know nothing about) on Sat. the 21st.

Text in Red is who I think will win

Best animated feature film of the year

* “Bolt” (Walt Disney), Chris Williams and Byron Howard
* “Kung Fu Panda” (DreamWorks Animation, Distributed by Paramount), John Stevenson and Mark Osborne
* “WALL-E” (Walt Disney), Andrew Stanton

Is their any other choice for the best animated film? Of the three only one is a work of art. Bolt should not be here and be replaced by "Waltz With Bashir" but that aside, Wall-E is the best picture of the year. It truly was the only incredible film of the year. Most of 2009 was mediocre.

Adapted screenplay

* “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” (Paramount and Warner Bros.), Screenplay by Eric Roth, Screen story by Eric Roth and Robin Swicord
* “Doubt” (Miramax), Written by John Patrick Shanley
* “Frost/Nixon” (Universal), Screenplay by Peter Morgan
* “The Reader” (The Weinstein Company), Screenplay by David Hare
* “Slumdog Millionaire” (Fox Searchlight), Screenplay by Simon Beaufoy

This might be the toughest category as the all have their problems. BB has become the forest gump and we can't fall for that trap a second time. Doubt is a mess and probably better on stage. F/N is based on real things that became a play with made up history in it (though i enjoyed it). The Reader is a good story but really Nazi Porn. It glorifies someone who couldn't see the wrong she did. SM is so conventional that it is a movie of the week on lifetime. It will go to SM just cause the academy is old. I think BB is better written but none of these films are really that great. Can they give it to no one?

Original screenplay

* “Frozen River” (Sony Pictures Classics), Written by Courtney Hunt
* “Happy-Go-Lucky” (Miramax), Written by Mike Leigh
* “In Bruges” (Focus Features), Written by Martin McDonagh
* “Milk” (Focus Features), Written by Dustin Lance Black
* “WALL-E” (Walt Disney), Screenplay by Andrew Stanton, Jim Reardon, Original story by Andrew Stanton, Pete Docter

This category is so much better than the previous one. Here we have 5 interesting screenplays (i have only seen 4) that translated into some of the best reviewed and most interesting films of the year. FR was incredible and the most honest film of the year. HGL is the one i have not seen. IB was surprisingly good and well written for a film with a huge action sequence in it. M was touching, honest and forthright about the issues surrounding the people. WE was great. Any of these would be a good choice. I want Frozen River but it will be either Milk or Wall-E.

Performance by an actor in a supporting role

* Josh Brolin in “Milk” (Focus Features)
* Robert Downey Jr. in “Tropic Thunder” (DreamWorks, Distributed by DreamWorks/Paramount)
* Philip Seymour Hoffman in “Doubt” (Miramax)
* Heath Ledger in “The Dark Knight” (Warner Bros.)
* Michael Shannon in “Revolutionary Road” (DreamWorks, Distributed by Paramount Vantage)

First let me say that all 5 are very good. JB really plays off Penn and they are the center of the film. RDJ takes something that could be racist and actually makes it not while still being funny. One of the best comedy performances I have seen in years. PSH is good but the film has so many problems. HL is just here cause he died. Let's be honest he wouldn't win if were alive. He may have been nominated but still. MS steals the film from the others while providing the emphasis of the film. I want RDJ or JB but we all know the obvious here. Long Live the Dead.

Performance by an actress in a supporting role

* Amy Adams in “Doubt” (Miramax)
* Penélope Cruz in “Vicky Cristina Barcelona” (The Weinstein Company)
* Viola Davis in “Doubt” (Miramax)
* Taraji P. Henson in “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” (Paramount and Warner Bros.)
* Marisa Tomei in “The Wrestler” (Fox Searchlight)

This is the category that i don't care who wins in. Honestly. These are 5 amazing performances and two of them make a bad movie good. I could write more but really i think who ever wins this is the best category of nominees this year. Hands down. So I am going with the most entertaining performance for me but i kind of home t hat Marisa Tomei or Viola Davis have a shot at it.

Performance by an actor in a leading role

* Richard Jenkins in “The Visitor” (Overture Films)
* Frank Langella in “Frost/Nixon” (Universal)
* Sean Penn in “Milk” (Focus Features)
* Brad Pitt in “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” (Paramount and Warner Bros.)
* Mickey Rourke in “The Wrestler” (Fox Searchlight)

These are 5 good performances. Seeing one of my favorite performances of the year here is great. Go RJ! I think Sean Penn shows us though why he might be the best actor out that right now (Russell Crowe get together you two need an Act off). I know the focus is on MR but let's be honest shakey cam and too close to real life makes one question how much acting and real life are merging here. I enjoyed and think MR deserved this and all the work he is going to get but really. SP deserves this so much more.

Performance by an actress in a leading role

* Anne Hathaway in “Rachel Getting Married” (Sony Pictures Classics)
* Angelina Jolie in “Changeling” (Universal)
* Melissa Leo in “Frozen River” (Sony Pictures Classics)
* Meryl Streep in “Doubt” (Miramax)
* Kate Winslet in “The Reader” (The Weinstein Company)

Ok here we go. AH proves shes more than a pretty face and is great but the camera work made me sick. not her fault but it is just the beginning for her. AJ is the one I have not seen. the reviews were not that huge and she is here because KW can't be nominated twice in the same Category. ML give the YEAR'S BEST PERFORMANCE. She makes you feel her and gives you all the realistic feelings of a woman in a bad situation. She is thoughtful and sweet, caring and edgy, and there was more than one scene where you cry for her because she is in a tough place and you feel it. MS is a bit overacting here and still hard to see her as a catholic but she is entertaining and delivers as usual.

KW brings the most contreversal performance of the year to the screen. Should we reward her for playing a Nazi who does not realize she committed genocide? Is the film just entertainment and making light of the murder of 6million jews and 4 million of minoties of europe? She is goig to win because she was right in Extras. it is her year and the holocaust wins. How shallow is the academy here? those questions aside the film and her performance did make me ask questions and wonder about lots of things. Of the 5 nominated her and ML are the only ones that i felt some lasting thoughts on.

I want melissa leo but it will be KW.

Achievement in directing

* “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” (Paramount and Warner Bros.), David Fincher
* “Frost/Nixon” (Universal), Ron Howard
* “Milk” (Focus Features), Gus Van Sant
* “The Reader” (The Weinstein Company), Stephen Daldry
* “Slumdog Millionaire” (Fox Searchlight), Danny Boyle

Ok this one is tough. I think DF did the best job of putting together a complex story. RH made a small thing feel bigger. GVS crafted a perfectly executed film. SD made the film work but my issues are above. DB is always a good director and that is the best part of this film. I think GVS should win but it will be this stupid conventional average film with great direction that seems to make a visual porn off the poor of india.

Best motion picture of the year

* “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” (Paramount and Warner Bros.), A Kennedy/Marshall Production, Kathleen Kennedy, Frank Marshall and Ceán Chaffin, Producers
* “Frost/Nixon” (Universal), A Universal Pictures, Imagine Entertainment and Working Title Production,Brian Grazer, Ron Howard and Eric Fellner, Producers
* “Milk” (Focus Features), A Groundswell and Jinks/Cohen Company Production, Dan Jinks and Bruce Cohen, Producers
* “The Reader” (The Weinstein Company), A Mirage Enterprises and Neunte Babelsberg Film GmbH Production, Nominees to be determined
* “Slumdog Millionaire” (Fox Searchlight), A Celador Films Production,Christian Colson, Producer

Could there ever be a reason to hate the front runner more? BB is long and not everyone's cup of tea.F/N is good glad it is here but that's it. Milk is the best film but i think because it is gay-ish that the old homophobes of the academy will not vote for it (see brokeback mountain). TR is well gald to be here. SM is average and interesting and very god directing for a pedestrian and conventional story. SM will win but I am going to chear for MILK all the way.

The Dark Knight and Wall-E should be here as they are two of the best pictures of the year.

2.09.2009

Last Supper/Dip my balls in it

BEST SKETCH COMEDY SHOW EVER! BEST SKETCH EVER!

5 bands I don't get

Very straight foward here. these are 5 bands i don't get. i don't hate but i don't like. my indifference is quite known here.

so here they are. if you can explain them to me please do.

1. U2 - i like some songs but have trouble just sitting down and listening to them
2. The Smiths/Morrissey - I just don't get it
3. REM - see U2 but i have a harder time listening to them
4. Elvis Presley - I get his historical importance but i find him hard to listen to. most songs are cheesy too
5. Bob marley - i appreciate him but i can't listen to Reggae at all. though some songs are very good.

any thoughts?

2.08.2009

Grammy thoughts Part 2: Coldplay still sucks

Here are my thoughts on the more major categories

BEST NEW ARTIST
Adele
Duffy
The Jonas Brothers
Lady Antebellum
Jazmine Sullivan

As i don't know 2 of these let's say that Adele should win. She is a better song writer than the other ones i know. Duffy is good but her voice gets to me a bit after awhile and the jonas brothers are lamer than coldplay.

So, go Adele.

BEST ROCK ALBUM
Coldplay, Viva La Vida Or Death And All His Friends
Kid Rock, Rock N Roll Jesus
Kings Of Leon, Only By The Night
Metallica, Death Magnetic
Raconteurs, Consolers Of The Lonely

I put this one here for one reason, to show you that Coldplay is going to one 1 award for sure and this is it. The rest are happy to be there.

SONG OF THE YEAR
"American Boy," William Adams, Keith Harris, Josh Lopez, Caleb Speir, John Stephens, Estelle Swaray & Kanye West, songwriters (Estelle Featuring Kanye West, artist)
"Chasing Pavements," Adele Adkins & Eg White, songwriters (Adele, artist)
"I'm Yours," Jason Mraz, songwriter (Jason Mraz, artist)
"Love Song," Sara Bareilles, songwriter (Sara Bareilles, artist)
"Viva La Vida," Guy Berryman, Jonny Buckland, Will Champion & Chris Martin, songwriters (Coldplay, artist)

I like that it will be either Adele of Coldplay. Adele wrote this amazing song and it really is fantastic. Mraz and Sara are not that good and both songs are annoying. Who the hell likes Jason Mraz anyways? he is a pussy version of jack johnson, if that is possible. I also think Kanye is overrated so that's my thought.

RECORD OF THE YEAR
Adele, "Chasing Pavements"
Coldplay, "Viva La Vida"
Leona Lewis, "Bleeding Love"
M.I.A., "Paper Planes"
Robert Plant and Alison Kraus, "Please Read The Letter"

This is one of the tough but I hope MIA gets it. That song is everywhere and it is very good. Though any of them except leona lewis (who the fuck is she?) is probably a goos choice. except cold play but i wouldn't be surprised if the iPod commercial won.

LASTLY...

ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Alison Krauss & Robert Plant, Raising Sand
Coldplay, Viva La Vida
Ne-Yo, Year Of The Gentleman
Lil Wayne, Tha Carter III
Radiohead, In Rainbows

This a cross sampling of music this year. The highest sellig album, one creative sold/given away, one you can't escape, one surpisingly beautiful, and ne-yo (who the fuck is he?).

I think is should go to Raising Sand or In Rainbows but will not be surprised if Viva suck Vida or Tha crap Carter the turd wins. sorry lil wayne sucks and it is a terrible rap record.

those are my quick thoughts. oscar thoughts start this week so pay attention for those. now back to our regularly scheduled snark and bitterness!