Stolen from Slice. More information on the dominating play last night of If You Want My Bocce here.
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Monday, January 29, 2007
My Rekindled Love of Board Games
When I was four, I remember my parents letting me win in Candyland because they were afraid of my wrath when I lost.
When I was six, I was introduced to Sorry and Uno. I became quite obsessed with both, especially Sorry.
As I grew up, I greatly enjoyed playing games such as Life and Monopoly. When I was really young, I'd often just play games with my mom. I think Stone Groove was too busy reading the paper or listening to the latest Doug Sahm record to participate. Sometimes we'd have epic Monopoly games that would last for days.
My love of Monopoly lasted for years - in fact all the way through college. However, the last time I played it was many years ago. For some reason, I pissed off many a girlfriend while playing it. My opinion is that if you are going to play a four hour game, you should actually play to win it. The problems always arose because I think some of the people I was playing with would have rather been playing Pictionary.
Speaking of which, I've always hated those dumb party games - Pictionary being my least favorite. I suppose that I can deal with Balderdash but why should I?
I think I would have enjoyed Risk but I don't believe I've ever played. I've never been into word games like Scrabble.
I had a 7th and 8th grade love affair with Connect Four and Checkers. I, of course, never have really gotten over my APBA / Strat-O-Matic fixation. I still have no interest in the computer version of the game. In fact, I've never really gotten into the whole video game thing in general. I much prefer dice in my hand, cards on the table, and a board with stuff on it in front of me.
The past few years have been fairly quiet for me on the board game front. I just haven't had much interest in the old games anymore and not much interest in learning complicated new ones. Also Poker has pretty much supplanted playing board games with most of my friends. I enjoyed playing Eurorails about five years ago back during the infancy of Balgavy's board game obsession but not enough to become obsessed. And I still hated party games.
I did enjoy Balgavy's first Board Game Party last year but I thought that once a year was enough for me. This year's party was fun but I was too hungover from the previous night's We hate our neighbors dance party to really get into it.
But a funny thing has happened recently. I've become obsessed with board games. It all started innocently enough back in the late fall with a game of Cluzzle at Balgavy's. I always hated the party games where I had to draw stuff. At first, I was apprehensive about having to make things with clay. But when I realized that my terrible sculpting skills didn't necessarily kill me in the way that my terrible drawing skills did in Pictionary, I was hooked. In fact, my bad skills helped me a little because you don't want to have other people guess your sculpture too early.
A few weeks ago, a number of us played Apples to Apples at Skippy and Cortney's. While I'm not the biggest fan of that game, it was still a pleasant enough way to spend a few hours. And while I also enjoyed playing Werewolf on this night, I'm not quite sure if you can classify that as a board game.
But it wasn't until the past few weeks that I've really become obsessed. Ra and Ticket to Ride Europe are amazing! Both are a nice mix of strategy and luck. Both have a lot to them but neither are too bogged down in rules. I can't stop thinking about them. I want to play them all of the time. I love them. I really really love them. I love you Marc Balgavy.
When I was six, I was introduced to Sorry and Uno. I became quite obsessed with both, especially Sorry.
As I grew up, I greatly enjoyed playing games such as Life and Monopoly. When I was really young, I'd often just play games with my mom. I think Stone Groove was too busy reading the paper or listening to the latest Doug Sahm record to participate. Sometimes we'd have epic Monopoly games that would last for days.
My love of Monopoly lasted for years - in fact all the way through college. However, the last time I played it was many years ago. For some reason, I pissed off many a girlfriend while playing it. My opinion is that if you are going to play a four hour game, you should actually play to win it. The problems always arose because I think some of the people I was playing with would have rather been playing Pictionary.
Speaking of which, I've always hated those dumb party games - Pictionary being my least favorite. I suppose that I can deal with Balderdash but why should I?
I think I would have enjoyed Risk but I don't believe I've ever played. I've never been into word games like Scrabble.
I had a 7th and 8th grade love affair with Connect Four and Checkers. I, of course, never have really gotten over my APBA / Strat-O-Matic fixation. I still have no interest in the computer version of the game. In fact, I've never really gotten into the whole video game thing in general. I much prefer dice in my hand, cards on the table, and a board with stuff on it in front of me.
The past few years have been fairly quiet for me on the board game front. I just haven't had much interest in the old games anymore and not much interest in learning complicated new ones. Also Poker has pretty much supplanted playing board games with most of my friends. I enjoyed playing Eurorails about five years ago back during the infancy of Balgavy's board game obsession but not enough to become obsessed. And I still hated party games.
I did enjoy Balgavy's first Board Game Party last year but I thought that once a year was enough for me. This year's party was fun but I was too hungover from the previous night's We hate our neighbors dance party to really get into it.
But a funny thing has happened recently. I've become obsessed with board games. It all started innocently enough back in the late fall with a game of Cluzzle at Balgavy's. I always hated the party games where I had to draw stuff. At first, I was apprehensive about having to make things with clay. But when I realized that my terrible sculpting skills didn't necessarily kill me in the way that my terrible drawing skills did in Pictionary, I was hooked. In fact, my bad skills helped me a little because you don't want to have other people guess your sculpture too early.
A few weeks ago, a number of us played Apples to Apples at Skippy and Cortney's. While I'm not the biggest fan of that game, it was still a pleasant enough way to spend a few hours. And while I also enjoyed playing Werewolf on this night, I'm not quite sure if you can classify that as a board game.
But it wasn't until the past few weeks that I've really become obsessed. Ra and Ticket to Ride Europe are amazing! Both are a nice mix of strategy and luck. Both have a lot to them but neither are too bogged down in rules. I can't stop thinking about them. I want to play them all of the time. I love them. I really really love them. I love you Marc Balgavy.
Monday, January 22, 2007
Now I Can Sleep At Night Again
After a week of uncertainty, SHR is again gainfully employed. Granted, it is a freelance job. But hopefully, it will turn into a full time gig.
Things work out for the best. She'll be working for a new social networking website.
And the best part? She gets to work at home.
This is the first image that comes up when you type in "working from home" on google images.
Hott.
Things work out for the best. She'll be working for a new social networking website.
And the best part? She gets to work at home.
This is the first image that comes up when you type in "working from home" on google images.
Hott.
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Is 24 Actually Any Good?
I used to watch it. A long time ago. In fact, I watched every episode of the first two seasons.
I really dug the first half of Season 1. It was new, it was fresh, it was "holy shit, did Kiefer just cut that guy's finger off?" good. But by the middle of Season 1, it seemed like the writers had no idea where they wanted the story to go. The excuse was that they didn't know if the show was going to get a whole season or not so they hadn't really mapped out 24 episodes worth of material. When it did get picked up, they were left scrambling to figure it out. All I remember was a lot of Dennis Hopper overacting with some foreign accent.
Season 2: Don't remember much. Seemed an awful lot like Season 1 though. Still entertaining. I think this was the season where Kiefer was flying a plane that had a nuclear bomb in it or something?
Season 3: Watched the first half of the season. Gave up when things got out of control stupid. Don't remember the scenario of the season.
Season 4: I wrote this after watching the first two episodes.
This year, I haven't watched any of it but I do know that Kiefer had to get busted out of a Chinese prison or something. I know a few people who love this show including Stone Groove and my sister. But they didn't watch it until recently so they aren't sick of all the recycled plotlines yet.
But I wonder am I missing something here? This show has gotten so incredibly popular in the last few years. I want to know who has watched all five previous seasons but still finds the new season surprising and whether or not I should watch it. I understand that all the higherups in the Bush administration, including 43 himself, love this show. If that isn't a ringing endorsement to not watch the show, I don't know what is.
So is 24 actually good or is it simply the predictable, safe Cracker Barrel type television show? Not that I have anything against Cracker Barrel but I don't have the desire to saddle up for 24 visits there over the next few months either.
I really dug the first half of Season 1. It was new, it was fresh, it was "holy shit, did Kiefer just cut that guy's finger off?" good. But by the middle of Season 1, it seemed like the writers had no idea where they wanted the story to go. The excuse was that they didn't know if the show was going to get a whole season or not so they hadn't really mapped out 24 episodes worth of material. When it did get picked up, they were left scrambling to figure it out. All I remember was a lot of Dennis Hopper overacting with some foreign accent.
Season 2: Don't remember much. Seemed an awful lot like Season 1 though. Still entertaining. I think this was the season where Kiefer was flying a plane that had a nuclear bomb in it or something?
Season 3: Watched the first half of the season. Gave up when things got out of control stupid. Don't remember the scenario of the season.
Season 4: I wrote this after watching the first two episodes.
Season 5: I watched the first episode. Thought it was pretty cool with the assasination and all. But it still seemed like the same old thing so I didn't bother.
The first hour or so of 24 was pretty good. Nothing earth shattering but it was nice to see that the producers have gotten rid of all but two of the mainstays. I had had more than enough of the shenanigans of Jack's daughter. I gave up on this show about halfway through last season but I decided to give it another shot this year.
There were some really good moments and it seems like there will be some fun plot twists on the way. But it is still the same old 24. Not only is Jack going to have to save the United States from danger but he's going to have to do it as a rogue agent. Don't expect any help for 'ol Jack from the good guys. Geez, I'm sick of that fucking plot line.
Near the end of the first hour, Jack knows that a recently brought in prisoner/ terrorist has important information. Of course, Jack's superiors won't listen to him so he has to take matters into his own hands. He knocks out the guard and promptly shoots the prisoner in the leg to get the needed information. This was shocking when it first happened back in 2001. But now that he's done this kind of thing over and over, it is so damn predictable. I thought the producers were shaking things up this year! I would have loved to have seen Jack as the head of the C.T.U. and then we would have had some different plot lines.
The information Jack was able to get was good information that his idiotic bosses neglected to get for themselves. I thought, "If his boss lets him get away with this stunt, it will prove to me that the writers have some new tricks up their sleeves. But if his boss immediately kicks him out of the office and threatens future disciplinary action, then I'm giving up on this show." Sure enough, Jack got in trouble and my finger was on the delete button.
This year, I haven't watched any of it but I do know that Kiefer had to get busted out of a Chinese prison or something. I know a few people who love this show including Stone Groove and my sister. But they didn't watch it until recently so they aren't sick of all the recycled plotlines yet.
But I wonder am I missing something here? This show has gotten so incredibly popular in the last few years. I want to know who has watched all five previous seasons but still finds the new season surprising and whether or not I should watch it. I understand that all the higherups in the Bush administration, including 43 himself, love this show. If that isn't a ringing endorsement to not watch the show, I don't know what is.
So is 24 actually good or is it simply the predictable, safe Cracker Barrel type television show? Not that I have anything against Cracker Barrel but I don't have the desire to saddle up for 24 visits there over the next few months either.
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Back to the Top 5 Songs Book
October 1984
T.V shows have great theme songs. Here are my 5 favorite.
5. A-TEAM
4. MIAMI VICE
3. RIPTIDE
2. MAGNUM, p.i.
1. SIMON and SIMON
November 1985
Another Edition of my 5 favorite T.V. show themes
5. Riptide
4. Dallas
3. Night Court
2. Magnum, p.i.
1. Miami Vice
The boys of Riptide - just happy to be here.
T.V shows have great theme songs. Here are my 5 favorite.
5. A-TEAM
4. MIAMI VICE
3. RIPTIDE
2. MAGNUM, p.i.
1. SIMON and SIMON
November 1985
Another Edition of my 5 favorite T.V. show themes
5. Riptide
4. Dallas
3. Night Court
2. Magnum, p.i.
1. Miami Vice
The boys of Riptide - just happy to be here.
Sunday, January 14, 2007
2 Positives Don't Outweigh 7 Negatives
These are obviously not ranked in any particular sort of order.
Negative:
1. Lack of sunlight gets me down.
2. Writing report cards is a drag.
3. I blew the biggest possible lead in Texas Hold Em last night to Dave and finished in second place. Twice, I had him down to his last card but I couldn't close him out.
4. SHR got laid off on Friday. This wasn't a surprise and she'll get a new job. But it still sucks.
5. The last few episodes of Season 3 of Battlestar Galactica were not so good. Talk about treading water.
6. Figuring out which mortage broker to go with is super confusing.
7. Moving forward with buying an apartment with SHR getting laid off is a little bit scary. We still can back out if we want at this point but don't really want to.
Positive:
1. I've watched the first 11 episodes of Arrested Development on DVD. I like it more than I thought I would.
2. I had the best burger I've had in a long long time last night at Stone Park Cafe.
Negative:
1. Lack of sunlight gets me down.
2. Writing report cards is a drag.
3. I blew the biggest possible lead in Texas Hold Em last night to Dave and finished in second place. Twice, I had him down to his last card but I couldn't close him out.
4. SHR got laid off on Friday. This wasn't a surprise and she'll get a new job. But it still sucks.
5. The last few episodes of Season 3 of Battlestar Galactica were not so good. Talk about treading water.
6. Figuring out which mortage broker to go with is super confusing.
7. Moving forward with buying an apartment with SHR getting laid off is a little bit scary. We still can back out if we want at this point but don't really want to.
Positive:
1. I've watched the first 11 episodes of Arrested Development on DVD. I like it more than I thought I would.
2. I had the best burger I've had in a long long time last night at Stone Park Cafe.
Sunday, January 07, 2007
Too Much Writing About They Might Be Giants On My Blogs These Days
Red Sticker Collection
They Might Be Giants - Then, 1997
This is a two CD compilation of TMBG's first two records and other assorted EP's and knick knacks from that era. I already was quite familiar with Lincoln. I had their first record on tape many years ago and have heard it many times since. Some of the stuff on the EPs are very good but most of the bonus tracks are for completists only. And I sure as hell am not a They Might Be Giants completist.
One interesting thing of note - one of the best songs on their first record has a gu*st f*m*le voc*list of a student in one of my previous classes.
SHR Brought These Home
The Lemonheads - The Lemonheads, 2006
Dando's voice sounds great. The production makes me feel warm and fuzzy. Some of the songs make me feel like it is a summer day circa 1992. Alas, I wish the overall songwriting was a little better.
Danielson - Ships, 2006
Not quite sure why the press freaked out about this one. Yeah, there are tons of instruments on it. Yeah, Daniel Smith has changed his vocal style to the point that you don't want to jump out a window when you hear it, and sure Sufjan Stevens is on it. But after many listens, I just can't grasp onto this. I still have the first Danielson LP and I dig it and that is enough for me.
Jose Gonzalez - Veneer, 2006
This dude has gotten a whole hell of a lot of press. The album is kind of boring to me. He sure likes Nick Drake. I'd rather just listen to Nick Drake. That being said, I've uploaded this into iTunes before SHR sells it to hedge my bets.
The Mountain Goats - Get Lonely, 2006
I dig this album a lot. While not as immediately catchy as his last two records, this one will be one I return to more in the coming years. Completely gone is Darnielle's howl of yesteryear. He sings this entire LP in his whisper vocal style. The whole thing almost reminds me as a sad sequel to his beautiful love song "There Will Be No Divorce." But, guess what? There was a fucking divorce and this album contains the 12 songs of devastation that follow. As far as I know, Darnielle is still happily married. For his sake, this album is all fiction.
When I was a 13 or so, an older neighbor who was instrumental in introducing me to good new music was raving about some new Smithereens album or so. He had just been dumped by his girlfriend and was listening to the album many times a day. He said that it was the perfect "I got dumped" by my girlfriend album. This new Mountain Goats is the perfect "My wife left me and now my whole life is crumbling around me" record. Enticing, right?
Beck - The Information, 2006
This guy is going to have a hell of a best of one day. Then again, maybe not. I kind of like his LPs as a whole. Then again, I'm never really really in love with his records. Then again, I always enjoy them when they are on. Then again, I can never really remember anything about them when they are over - his last two in particular.
Yellow Pills: Prefill, 2005
This nugget of goodness dropped on me completely and happily out of the blue. I had never heard of this. Yellow Pills was the name of an early 90's fanzine dedicated to power pop. These two CDs compile mostly unknown bands (to me at least) of the golden era of power pop of the late 70's and early 80's.
Not all the songs are great but the sound is always great. The only misstep I'd say are the one or two songs from the mid 90's. Not good and very out of place. But those are minor complaints. Jack Watson, go buy this.
Brazil Classics 1 Beleza Tropical, 1989
No wonder David Bryne got all hot and bothered by Brazilian pop. Damn good stuff.
Tom Ze - Estudando O Pagode, 2006
This guy never lets me down. He is insane. I was introduced to him over ten years ago on a mix tape. I bought his amazing best of and until now, that is all that I owned by him. I saw him eight or so years ago and it was one of the best shows I've ever seen.
As a seventy-year-old, he just keeps getting more ambitious. This 16 track CD is divided into three "acts" and is billed an "unfinished operetta." The music is as inspired and interesting as ever.
Actually Purchased by SHR
Yo La Tengo - Yo La Tengo Is Murdering the Classics, 2006
A collection of their WFMU benefit stuff. Listening to this all the way through once was more than enough. Fun and all but a little much for my feeble brain to take.
Sufjan Stevens - Songs For Christmas, 2001 - 2006
Four out of the last five Christmases, Mr. Stevens has taken a break from writing songs about states to record and send to his friends a Christmas EP. Why not record one more in June of this year and release the whole thing as a cute little box set? And on the seventh day, he rested.
This has great packaging and was only twenty bucks. For those sick of Sufjan, this isn't for you. But I quite enjoy it.
Actually Purchased by Me
Cambodian Rocks, Vol. 1
This doesn't make me get up and do jumping jacks like the Thai Pop comp did, but it might just be better. Heavy on Sin Sisamouth and Ros Sereysothea, this 60's comp has more originals than the Thai one does. In both cases, I really need to own more. So familiar sounding yet so completely different. It is one of those things that make me nostalgic for a time and place that I have no real sense of.
Listen to Ros Sereysothea's "I'm So Shy."
Willie Nelson - Red Headed Stranger, 1975
Just continuing to whet my appetite for more Willie. A concept record about a preacher on the run after killing his wife and her lover. A lot of short songs, sparse instrumentation. Not that much to start singing along to but along with the other Willie albums that I have or will have in the future, this is well worth owning.
Burned
Mas Rock and Roll, 2006
Oh my. Mexican rock from the 60's Thank you Alex J. for burning me this. Wow. Crazy good. Much more like the Thai 60's comp I have than the Cambodian one. God damn, Mexico was clearly the place to be in the 60's. I can imagine Doug Sahm and the gang heading across the border to steal ideas for the Sir Douglas Quintet. And who ever thought that there would be a Mexican version of "Do the Freddy?" This CD must be owned by everyone. Now.
Jo Jones - The Everest Years, 2005
Jo Jones was Count Basie's drummer. Basically that is all that needs to be said. This is all stuff from the late 50's and early 60's - I think mostly culled from two of his LPs. I burned this from Hot Tub Eric on one of his visits. This is definitely for those who like their jazz in short doses - the longest of the 24 tracks is a little over 4 minutes.
Brian Eno and David Bryne - My Life in the Bush of Ghosts, 1981
A. This album is dated in a good way. B. This album isn't dated at all and, in fact, sounds more fresh than ever. Either one works here. Made in an era when Sandinista seemed like a good idea, this one is a hell of lot more listenable than that. Not that this sounds like that album or anything but the looking around the world for inspiration while kicking some ass is what this album is about. Samples galore. One review lists them as ranging "from radio talk-show hosts, Lebanese mountain singers, preachers, exorcism ceremonies, Muslim chanting, and Egyptian pop, among others." Not that I know what it was like to be hanging out in 1981 NYC doing art stuff, but I would imagine this would make a great soundtrack.
Last year's assistant Third Grade Boy Wonder dug a lot of what I played in the classroom last year. I also knew that he liked a lot of the Brian Eno ambient stuff. Plus The Talking Heads were a big part of last year's class vibe. So when I was enlisted to buy him a few gifts from the school at the end of the year since he was leaving for a year to student teach, I figured this was a good gift to get him. Of course, I promptly burned it. I wonder if he likes it.
Listen to "Help Me Somebody."
Gifts
Baby Pop
Hot Tub Eric's gift to Phoebe. As long as he keep making these, I hope I'm on the recipient list. Pebbles and Bam Bam, The Archies, The Banana Splits ... I wish that I could grow up in the Plumley household of rock and soul goodness. Lucky Phoebe.
Merry Christmas to You From Team Plumley
Another in the long line of great CDs culled from the Team Plumley archives. I've heard rumors that next year will be all the dirty stuff that Hot Tub Eric has been hiding from us ever since he became Super Dad.
Jack and Kara's First Annual Holiday Mix
Best packaging ever. Some good stuff I didn't have, some I did, and some stuff that is quite questionable like the Dresden Dolls. The Dresden Dolls?
They Might Be Giants - Then, 1997
This is a two CD compilation of TMBG's first two records and other assorted EP's and knick knacks from that era. I already was quite familiar with Lincoln. I had their first record on tape many years ago and have heard it many times since. Some of the stuff on the EPs are very good but most of the bonus tracks are for completists only. And I sure as hell am not a They Might Be Giants completist.
One interesting thing of note - one of the best songs on their first record has a gu*st f*m*le voc*list of a student in one of my previous classes.
SHR Brought These Home
The Lemonheads - The Lemonheads, 2006
Dando's voice sounds great. The production makes me feel warm and fuzzy. Some of the songs make me feel like it is a summer day circa 1992. Alas, I wish the overall songwriting was a little better.
Danielson - Ships, 2006
Not quite sure why the press freaked out about this one. Yeah, there are tons of instruments on it. Yeah, Daniel Smith has changed his vocal style to the point that you don't want to jump out a window when you hear it, and sure Sufjan Stevens is on it. But after many listens, I just can't grasp onto this. I still have the first Danielson LP and I dig it and that is enough for me.
Jose Gonzalez - Veneer, 2006
This dude has gotten a whole hell of a lot of press. The album is kind of boring to me. He sure likes Nick Drake. I'd rather just listen to Nick Drake. That being said, I've uploaded this into iTunes before SHR sells it to hedge my bets.
The Mountain Goats - Get Lonely, 2006
I dig this album a lot. While not as immediately catchy as his last two records, this one will be one I return to more in the coming years. Completely gone is Darnielle's howl of yesteryear. He sings this entire LP in his whisper vocal style. The whole thing almost reminds me as a sad sequel to his beautiful love song "There Will Be No Divorce." But, guess what? There was a fucking divorce and this album contains the 12 songs of devastation that follow. As far as I know, Darnielle is still happily married. For his sake, this album is all fiction.
When I was a 13 or so, an older neighbor who was instrumental in introducing me to good new music was raving about some new Smithereens album or so. He had just been dumped by his girlfriend and was listening to the album many times a day. He said that it was the perfect "I got dumped" by my girlfriend album. This new Mountain Goats is the perfect "My wife left me and now my whole life is crumbling around me" record. Enticing, right?
Beck - The Information, 2006
This guy is going to have a hell of a best of one day. Then again, maybe not. I kind of like his LPs as a whole. Then again, I'm never really really in love with his records. Then again, I always enjoy them when they are on. Then again, I can never really remember anything about them when they are over - his last two in particular.
Yellow Pills: Prefill, 2005
This nugget of goodness dropped on me completely and happily out of the blue. I had never heard of this. Yellow Pills was the name of an early 90's fanzine dedicated to power pop. These two CDs compile mostly unknown bands (to me at least) of the golden era of power pop of the late 70's and early 80's.
Not all the songs are great but the sound is always great. The only misstep I'd say are the one or two songs from the mid 90's. Not good and very out of place. But those are minor complaints. Jack Watson, go buy this.
Brazil Classics 1 Beleza Tropical, 1989
No wonder David Bryne got all hot and bothered by Brazilian pop. Damn good stuff.
Tom Ze - Estudando O Pagode, 2006
This guy never lets me down. He is insane. I was introduced to him over ten years ago on a mix tape. I bought his amazing best of and until now, that is all that I owned by him. I saw him eight or so years ago and it was one of the best shows I've ever seen.
As a seventy-year-old, he just keeps getting more ambitious. This 16 track CD is divided into three "acts" and is billed an "unfinished operetta." The music is as inspired and interesting as ever.
Actually Purchased by SHR
Yo La Tengo - Yo La Tengo Is Murdering the Classics, 2006
A collection of their WFMU benefit stuff. Listening to this all the way through once was more than enough. Fun and all but a little much for my feeble brain to take.
Sufjan Stevens - Songs For Christmas, 2001 - 2006
Four out of the last five Christmases, Mr. Stevens has taken a break from writing songs about states to record and send to his friends a Christmas EP. Why not record one more in June of this year and release the whole thing as a cute little box set? And on the seventh day, he rested.
This has great packaging and was only twenty bucks. For those sick of Sufjan, this isn't for you. But I quite enjoy it.
Actually Purchased by Me
Cambodian Rocks, Vol. 1
This doesn't make me get up and do jumping jacks like the Thai Pop comp did, but it might just be better. Heavy on Sin Sisamouth and Ros Sereysothea, this 60's comp has more originals than the Thai one does. In both cases, I really need to own more. So familiar sounding yet so completely different. It is one of those things that make me nostalgic for a time and place that I have no real sense of.
Listen to Ros Sereysothea's "I'm So Shy."
Willie Nelson - Red Headed Stranger, 1975
Just continuing to whet my appetite for more Willie. A concept record about a preacher on the run after killing his wife and her lover. A lot of short songs, sparse instrumentation. Not that much to start singing along to but along with the other Willie albums that I have or will have in the future, this is well worth owning.
Burned
Mas Rock and Roll, 2006
Oh my. Mexican rock from the 60's Thank you Alex J. for burning me this. Wow. Crazy good. Much more like the Thai 60's comp I have than the Cambodian one. God damn, Mexico was clearly the place to be in the 60's. I can imagine Doug Sahm and the gang heading across the border to steal ideas for the Sir Douglas Quintet. And who ever thought that there would be a Mexican version of "Do the Freddy?" This CD must be owned by everyone. Now.
Jo Jones - The Everest Years, 2005
Jo Jones was Count Basie's drummer. Basically that is all that needs to be said. This is all stuff from the late 50's and early 60's - I think mostly culled from two of his LPs. I burned this from Hot Tub Eric on one of his visits. This is definitely for those who like their jazz in short doses - the longest of the 24 tracks is a little over 4 minutes.
Brian Eno and David Bryne - My Life in the Bush of Ghosts, 1981
A. This album is dated in a good way. B. This album isn't dated at all and, in fact, sounds more fresh than ever. Either one works here. Made in an era when Sandinista seemed like a good idea, this one is a hell of lot more listenable than that. Not that this sounds like that album or anything but the looking around the world for inspiration while kicking some ass is what this album is about. Samples galore. One review lists them as ranging "from radio talk-show hosts, Lebanese mountain singers, preachers, exorcism ceremonies, Muslim chanting, and Egyptian pop, among others." Not that I know what it was like to be hanging out in 1981 NYC doing art stuff, but I would imagine this would make a great soundtrack.
Last year's assistant Third Grade Boy Wonder dug a lot of what I played in the classroom last year. I also knew that he liked a lot of the Brian Eno ambient stuff. Plus The Talking Heads were a big part of last year's class vibe. So when I was enlisted to buy him a few gifts from the school at the end of the year since he was leaving for a year to student teach, I figured this was a good gift to get him. Of course, I promptly burned it. I wonder if he likes it.
Listen to "Help Me Somebody."
Gifts
Baby Pop
Hot Tub Eric's gift to Phoebe. As long as he keep making these, I hope I'm on the recipient list. Pebbles and Bam Bam, The Archies, The Banana Splits ... I wish that I could grow up in the Plumley household of rock and soul goodness. Lucky Phoebe.
Merry Christmas to You From Team Plumley
Another in the long line of great CDs culled from the Team Plumley archives. I've heard rumors that next year will be all the dirty stuff that Hot Tub Eric has been hiding from us ever since he became Super Dad.
Jack and Kara's First Annual Holiday Mix
Best packaging ever. Some good stuff I didn't have, some I did, and some stuff that is quite questionable like the Dresden Dolls. The Dresden Dolls?
Thursday, January 04, 2007
New Year's Eve and Day
As you know, SHR and I hate our neighbors in Apt. 2R. On New Year's Eve, we got some sweet revenge. The footage you are about to witness all occurred between the hour of 1 and 2 am, I think. Not quite sure.
Obligatory Balgavy movie.
Balgavy and Suzy dance.
Stomping for revenge.
The dancing was so crazy, the music so loud that two fantasy baseball trophies fell and broke!
I had a difficult time waking up but eventually, we headed to Balgavy's 2nd Annual Board Game Party.
The highlight for me was Mitch's Family Feud. It was the Bibimbops vs. the Hater Larrys.
The Larrys get introduced.
We destroyed the Haters in 5 quick rounds. The nail in the coffin.
Some serious serious gaming was going on.
For some great Balgavy photos of his preparation.
My favorite photo of the bunch.
Balgavy's pics.
Obligatory Balgavy movie.
Balgavy and Suzy dance.
Stomping for revenge.
The dancing was so crazy, the music so loud that two fantasy baseball trophies fell and broke!
I had a difficult time waking up but eventually, we headed to Balgavy's 2nd Annual Board Game Party.
The highlight for me was Mitch's Family Feud. It was the Bibimbops vs. the Hater Larrys.
The Larrys get introduced.
We destroyed the Haters in 5 quick rounds. The nail in the coffin.
Some serious serious gaming was going on.
For some great Balgavy photos of his preparation.
My favorite photo of the bunch.
Balgavy's pics.
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
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