Surfacing Slowly

Happy April Fool's.  What's your AF resolution?  Mine is to quit smoking by my birthday. 

Anyway, regarding my current earworm... a good friend of mine wrote this song for my brother a long time ago.  I've always loved it and can relate to it all too well... it's hard to keep afloat in these turbulent times, so the song is as relevant today as it was during its conception. 

If you want to hear it, hit me up for the mp3.

Surfacing Slowly

=============

Words and Music by... well, hit me up if you really want to know. 

been underwater since i don't know when

and time passes slowly five into ten

been underwater and i still don't know who i am

i can get back to a better off place 

with the sun in my hair and a smile on my face

i can get back to the time when i still won the race

and i'm surfacing slowly

surfacing slowly

surfacing slowly with you

seems like the right thing to do

down fifteen fathoms the pressure's so strong

and you can't move your head 'cause it just takes too long

down fifteen fathoms the current don't move you along

i can get back to a better off place 

with the sun in my hair and a smile on my face

i can get back to the time when i still won the race

and i'm surfacing slowly

surfacing slowly

surfacing slowly with you

seems like the right thing to do

carry me quickly 'cause i don't wanna go

'cause i'm tired of sleeping and moving so slow

carry me quickly 'cause when i get there i will know

been underwater since i don't know when

and time passes slowly five into ten

been underwater and i still don't know who i am

i can get back to a better off place 

with the sun in my hair and a smile on my face

i can get back to the time when i still won the race

and i'm surfacing slowly

surfacing slowly

surfacing slowly with you

seems like the right thing to do

surfacing slowly

surfacing slowly

surfacing slowly

surfacing slowly

Peace out, babies.  

ZM

This Dizzy Life

Good morning… I spent last weekend out in the country. Er… “out IN”? The grammar police probably has issues with me, and frankly, my dears, I don’t give a damn.

Anyway, it was a weekend of both downtime and celebration… downtime because I’ve been working harder than a rented mule and celebratory in that we threw my father a little surprise birthday party. Dad’s probably the hardest working man I know; and please understand, that’s a hard benchmark to clear in my world. But for reals, he's the best man I know.

So this morning I was driving to the latest greatest project meeting… and as I reached cruising velocity I decided it was time to rock out in preparation for meetings about, well, setting up more meetings, … unfortunately, I did not have any Ice Cube CDs in the changer, so the winner was Counting Crows and their latest offering, an impeccable double-album work entitled Saturday Nights and Sunday mornings.

Track 2 on Disc 1 appeals to my soul – and while every CC fan knows that Adam Duritz is (quite literally) a poster child for Prozac, man can he smith a song. So this one’s for uh, all five of you who read this inspiring blog… especially my wingman Bengal up in the Big Apple. Today this song will be stuck in my head, as my own personal theme song... tp paraphrase Family Guy's Peter Griffin, "I've always wanted my own theme music"!


Hanging Tree

She brings her friends so we wont have to be alone
Fear I might lose my composure without warning
I am a child of fire I am a lion I have desires
And I was born inside the sun this morning

This dizzy life of mine keeps hanging me up all the time
This dizzy life is just a hanging tree
This dizzy life of mine keeps hanging me up all the time
This dizzy life is just a hanging tree

They say good evening when they dont know what to say
They say good morning when they wish you would go home

You open windows and you wait for someone warm to come inside and then freeze to
death alone

This dizzy life of mine keeps hanging me up all the time
This dizzy life is just a hanging tree
This dizzy life of mine keeps hanging me up all the time
This dizzy life is just a hanging tree

She calls a waitress when its time for her to go
And I know everyone is eventually leaving
I got a pair of wings for my birthday baby and I will fall down through the sun
to see you mine

This dizzy life of mine keeps hanging me up all the time
This dizzy life is just a hanging tree
This dizzy life of mine keeps hanging me up all the time
This dizzy life is just a hanging tree

For me, for me, for me

Artist: Counting Crows (Buy Counting Crows CDs)
Album: Saturday Nights and Sunday Morning
Mood: Melancholy Power-Pop

Get Along Little Doggies

There are some definitely interesting events that happen when you live on a farm. One of those happened recently, and has been the subject for several posts on other blogs, but I digress.

After a long day in the big city, I came home and put the kids to bed and settled down to write up a nice post about my day and its musical impressions.

You saw that post yesterday.

Well this post is about the phone call.

The call was from the county dispatcher asking if we had any cows.

Of course, I said yes we have some here.

The nice dispatcher told me that they were walking along the highway on the edge of the property.

I being a greenhorn when it comes to cattle did what any responsible greenhorn does and goes and tells his wife.

Now I am not exactly a greenhorn when it comes to cattle. I quickly progressed through some of the early levels of being a cowboy. Below are my current skills and qualifications at being a cowboy.

1. Stand Right There and Hold This stick. - passed with flying colors (I can even pick out my own stick now. 2x4s make great sticks)
2. Hold this gate right here open.
3. Close that same gate after the cow goes through.
4. Open gates ahead of the cows. (Apparently not every gate is the proper gate to open)
5. Open the right gates ahead of the cows.
6. Close the right gates to keep the other cows from getting out.
7. Actively engage the cows while holding approved stick. (also know as not letting the cows run over you or get past you.)

The next level I will be working on is 8. Drive cows in any direction.

Well during the great escape I kept hearing the Blues Brothers singing Rawhide.

Song: Rawhide
Artist: Blues Brothers

Survey Sunday : Got LYRICS?

Got LYRICS?

We’ve designed our format to include full song lyrics at the end of all the posts. "And why?" you might ask. Because we voted, and the lyric lovers won! In case you were wondering, (duh) I’m one of the lyric lovers!

I know (most of ) the words to almost every (intelligible) song I’ve ever heard. I’m weird that way. As I age, and my memory becomes less reliable, I employ the method of one of my college room-mates when she was doing hair-brush-karaoke in the dorm – I fill in the blanks with "sumpin’ sumpin’ sumpin.’" It works great, next time you’re at a loss, try it.

This quotation from the movie "Music and Lyrics" sums up the way I feel about the words to a song:

Alex Fletcher: It doesn't have to be perfect. Just spit it out. They're just lyrics.
Sophie Fisher: "Just lyrics"?
Alex Fletcher: Lyrics are important. They're just not as important as melody.
Sophie Fisher: I really don't think you get it.
Alex Fletcher: Oh. You look angry. Click your pen.
Sophie Fisher: A melody is like seeing someone for the first time. The physical attraction. Sex.
Alex Fletcher: I so get that.
Sophie Fisher: But then, as you get to know the person, that's the lyrics. Their story. Who they are underneath. It's the combination of the two that makes it magical



Am I alone? Who else thinks the lyrics are important? What are your favorite song lyrics?

A shout out to the "Come-Here's"

And when I say “come-here” I’m not giving you the cyber equivalent of a “come hither” look. I’m talking about the non-natives in our little coastal hometown, referred to by the natives as “come-here’s.”

When I joined Facebook not long ago, I was surprised that a major topic of conversation among the members of our High School graduating class was how the “come-here’s” felt looked down upon by the "natives."

As a "native," hearing that made me sad. I certainly never intended for anyone to feel that way. If anything, I was a little intimidated by the non-natives who had come to us from bigger schools and had far-away (perhaps more sophisticated) extended families. My family went "across the river" to the city about twice a year. You could say we didn't get out much. The new kids at school were fascinating, and I was always a little afraid that they'd look down upon me and my simple life.

Our small town was (and is) a little, coastal backwater, but it's a beautiful place. To its inhabitants (new AND native) it's very special. In many ways, it's unspoiled and beautiful, and it's the home of some wonderful folks. As they say about Lake Wobegone, "all the women are strong, all the men are good looking, and all the children are above average."

I hold my head up and claim my native status, and when I do, remember friends, I'm not saying I'm better than you, I just love my home. Maybe it isn't really all that special, but it's special to me, and I'm glad y'all came along to share!

If you're not familiar with Kung Fu Panda, forgive me (we watch A LOT of animated movies at our house these days):

Mr. Ping: The secret ingredient is... nothing!
Po: Huh?
Mr. Ping: You heard me. Nothing! There is no secret ingredient.
Po: Wait, wait... it's just plain old noodle soup? You don't add some kind of special sauce or something?
Mr. Ping: Don't have to. To make something special you just have to believe it's special.
Po: There is no secret ingredient...

So, for the "come-here's" here's a little ditty (one of my favorites!) that says it all -- Dear "Come-Here's," You're not from Texas, but Texas wants you anyway!

That's Right (You're Not from Texas)
(watch Lyle perform it!)

You say you're not from Texas
Man as if I couldn't tell
You think you pull your boots on right
And wear your hat so well
So pardon me my laughter
'Cause I sure do understand
Even Moses got excited}
When he saw the promised land

That's right you're not from Texas
That's right you're not from Texas
That's right you're not from Texas
But Texas wants you anyway
That's right you're not from Texas
That's right you're not from Texas
That's right you're not from Texas
But Texas wants you anyway

See I was born and raised in Texas
And it means so much to me
Though my girl comes from down in Georgia
We were up in Tennessee
And as we were driving down the highway
She asked me baby what's so great
How come you're always going on
About your Lone Star State

I said that's right you're not from Texas
That's right you're not from Texas
That's right you're not from Texas
But Texas wants you anyway
That's right you're not from Texas
That's right you're not from Texas
That's right you're not from Texas
But Texas wants you anyway

Oh the road it looked so lovely
As she stood there on the side
And she grew smaller in my mirror
As I watched her wave goodbye

Those boys from Carolina
They sure enough could sing
But when they came on down to Texas
We all showed them how to swing
Now David's on the radio
And old Champ's still on the guitar
And Uncle Walt he's home with Heidi
Hiding in her loving arms

That's right you're not from Texas
That's right you're not from Texas
That's right you're not from Texas
But Texas wants you anyway
That's right you're not from Texas
That's right you're not from Texas
That's right you're not from Texas
But Texas wants you anyway

They're OK in Oklahoma
Up in Arkansas they're fair
But those old folks in Missouri
They don't even know you're there
But at a dance hall down in Texas
That's the finest place to be
The women they all look beautiful
And the men will buy your beer for free

And they'll say that's right
you're not from Texas
That's right you're not from Texas
That's right you're not from Texas
But Texas wants you anyway
That's right you're not from Texas
That's right you're not from Texas
That's right you're not from Texas
But Texas wants you anyway

So won't you let me help you Mister
Just pull your hat down the way I do
And buy your pants just a little longer
And next time somebody laughs at you

You just tell 'em you're not from Texas
That's right you're not from Texas
That's right you're not from Texas
But Texas wants you anyway
That's right you're not from Texas
That's right you're not from Texas
That's right you're not from Texas
But Texas wants you anyway

Title: That's Right (You're Not from Texas)
(watch Lyle perform it!)
Artist: Lyle Lovett
Album: The Road to Ensenada
Year: 1996
Genre: Western Swing

I am My Own Wave of Mutilation

I spent some time on the tractor today, getting the feel for the equipment that I will need to used to gather up some manure (aka cow pie, cow s$%t, s$%t, etc...).

While not a city slicker, I do not use tractors that often and need time to get proficient with equipment I have not used before.

While in the process of dodging trees, ditches, fences, building, other farm implements and cows themselves, one song chorus rang through my head.

"Wave of Mutilation" sang true as I plowed (figuratively, I wasn't actually plowing... yet) through the lightly wooded back pasture trying to scrape up dung.

FYI: No cows were harmed during the production of this post.

Cease to resist, giving my goodbye
Drive my car into the ocean
Youll think Im dead, but I sail away
On a wave of mutilation
A wave
Wave

Ive kissed mermaids, rode the el nino
Walked the sand with the crustaceans
Could find my way to mariana
On a wave of mutilation,
Wave of mutilation
Wave of mutilation
Wave

Wave of mutilation
Wave

Song: Wave Of Mutilation
Artist: Pixies
Album: Doolittle
Year: 1989

Feelin' Groovy

Hey there, babes and boys... sorry I haven't posted in a while. I'm working on a super-secret project... takes up all my time at the moment.

If you want a little hint... google the word "intermedia" and tell me what it means to you... and hey, let me know what you think... post away.

Meanwhile, let's discuss the song stuck in my head...

First person to post the name of the artist wins something special... probably a night of heavy drinking, with some of the finest people you invite along for the ride... at Cha-Cha's most likely, though we can flow from there... and what's more, I'll catch the tab.

Dig it. Ready, set, GO!

Slow down, you move too fast.
You got to make the mornin' last.
Just kickin' down the cobblestones,
Lookin' for fun and feelin' groovy.
Ba da da da da da da, feelin' groovy.

Hello, lamppost, whatcha knowin'?
I come to watch your flowers growin'.
Ain'tcha got no rhymes for me?
Doo it doo doo, feelin' groovy.
Ba da da da da da da, feelin' groovy.

I got no deeds to do, no promises to keep.
I'm dappled and drowsy and ready to sleep
Let the morningtime drop all it's petals on me
Life, I love you, all is groovy!
Ba da da da da da da ba bap a dee...

Note: it would help if you're a really, really hot babe. :>~

ZM

Earworm

Gentle Readers........

er um Gentle, Singular Reader....

silence....crickets chirping.....more silence....

Oh well, Fellow Bloggers,

I intended a few days ago to begin a feature on the blog that would henceforth be called "Survey Sunday" (hold your applause until the end, please). But those good intentions were foiled by well-meaning family members, work brought home on the weekend (what was I thinking?), and "less-time-than-I-though-I-had," a phenomena that has plagued me thoughout my life.

So, these good intentions led me straight down the path that good intentions often lead.... and no new feature was launched on Sunday. (quit booing and hissing until I'm done!)

However, I am launching "Survey Sunday" on Monday and am hoping it has the same good reception that usually meets other late offerings... such as breakfast for dinner, which is a great favorite in our household. (I will save Trivia Tuesday for another, less harried week)

Let us commence with Survey Sunday, wherein I pose our readership with a question... and am most likely met with deafening silence... since we don't really have a readership.

A song stuck in your head can be called:

an Earworm (from the German Ohrwurm),
a Phonological loop (don't ask me),
a "repetune,"
an "aneurhythm,"
a "humbug" (get it? heh),

I'm not making these up! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earworm

It's a serious, medical problem according to an article on WebMD! Apparently these are the top ten songs that get stuck in our heads:

1. Other. Everyone has his or her own worst earworm.
2. Chili's "Baby Back Ribs" jingle.
3. "Who Let the Dogs Out"
4. "We Will Rock You"
5. Kit-Kat candy-bar jingle ("Gimme a Break ...")
6. "Mission Impossible" theme
7. "YMCA"
8. "Whoomp, There It Is"
9. "The Lion Sleeps Tonight"
10. "It's a Small World After All"

Some people choose to make fun of it:
Songs That Get Stuck In Your Head Collection!

But we know it's a reall affliction. So, tell me Gentle (lone, singular) Reader ( I know you're out there!), what songs get stuck in your head? and what do you do when that happens?

Back in Black

Hey people... sorry I haven't been around... I can't legally say what I've been doing, but trust me - Zack Morris knows how to have fun.  So, to give you a little hint... 

Back in black 
I hit the sack 
It's been too long I'm glad to be back 
Yes, I'm let loose 
From the noose 
That's kept me hanging around 
I've been looking at the sky 
and it's gettin' me high 
Forget the hearse 'cause I never die 
I got nine lives 
Cats eyes 
Cruisin' every woman, never wonderin' why 

CHORUS: 
'Cause I'm back 
Yes, I'm back 
Well, I'm back 
Yes, I'm back 
Well, I'm back, back 
Well I'm back in black 
Yes, I'm back in black 

Back in the back 
Of a Cadillac 
Number one with a bullet, I'm a power pack 
Yes, I'm in a bang 
With a gang 
They've got to catch me if they want me to hang 
Cause I'm back on the track 
And I'm beatin' the flack 
Nobody's gonna get me on another rap 
So look at me now 
I'm just makin' my play 
Don't try to push your luck, just get out of my way 

CHORUS 

Well, I'm back, Yes I'm back 
Well, I'm back, Yes I'm back 
Well, I'm back, back 
Well I'm back in black 
Yes I'm back in black 

hooo yeah 
Ohh yeah 
Yes I am 
Oooh yeah, yeah Oh yeah 
Back in now 
Well I'm back, I'm back 
Back, I'm back 
Back, I'm back 
Back, I'm back 
Back, I'm back 
Back 
Back in black 
Yes I'm back in black 
Out of the sack

Song: Back in Black
Artist: AC/DC
Album: Back in Black
Year: 1980
Mood: Zippy

No Time Left For You

Well the weekend is here time to get all the things done that you were not able to manage during the week.

And of course what you want to do all of them all at once, then you realize that there is No Time.

No time left for you
On my way to better things
No time left for you
I'll find myself some wings
No time left for you
Distant roads are calling me
No time left for you.

No time for a summer friend
No time for the love you send
Seasons change and so did I
You need not wonder why
You need not wonder why
There's no time left for you
No time left for you.

No time left for you
On my way to better things
No time left for you
I'll find myself some wings
No time left for you
Distant roads are calling me
No time left for you.

No time for a gentle rain
No time for my watch and chain
No time for revolving doors
No time for the killing floor
No time for the killing floor
There's no time left for you
No time left for you

Song: No Time
Artist: Guess Who
Album: Greatest Hits & Canned Wheat
Year: 1969

Friday Friday Friday

It is finally Friday.

End of the work week for most of us.

Just a few thought on the end of the work week, by Skid Row.

You got me forced to crack
My lids in two
Im still stuck inside this rubber room
I gotta punch the clock that
Leads the blind
Im just another gear in the assembly
Line - oh no

The noose gets tighter around
My throat
But I aint at the end of my rope cause
I wont be the one left behind
Cant be king of the world
If youre slave to the grind
Tear down the rat racial slime
Cant be king of the world
If youre slave to the grind

Get it?

A routine injection, a lethal dose
But my day in the sun aint even close
Theres no need to waste
Your prayers on me
You better mark my words
cause im history
Yes indeed

You might beg for mercy to get by
But id rather tear this thorn
From my side

I wont be the one left behind
You cant be king of the world
If youre slave to the grind
Tear down the rat racial slime
Cant be king of the world
If youre slave to the grind

They swallowed thier daggers by
Turning their trick
They tore my intentions apart
Brick by brick
Im sick of the jive
You talk verbal insecticide

They swallowed thier daggers by
Turning their trick
They tore my intentions apart
Brick by brick
Im sick of the jive
You talk verbal insecticide

I wont be the one left behind

You cant be king of the world
If youre slave to the grind
Tear down the rat racial slime
You cant be king of the world
If youre slave to the grind

I said slave to the grind
Slave to the grind
Slave to the grind

Song: Slave To The Grind
Artist: Skid Row
Album: Slave to the Grind
Year: 1991

And now a word from our sponsors

Things got you down?

Frustrated with the current economic situation?

Feel like banging your head against a wall?

Don't hurt the walls...

Just bang your head!

Well I'm an axe grinder Piledriver
Mother says that I never never mind her
Got no brains I'm insane
Teacher says that I'm one big pain
I'm like a laser 6-streamin' razor
I got a mouth like an alligator
I want it louder
More power
I'm gonna rock ya till it strikes the hour

Bang your head! Metal Health'll drive you mad
Band your head! Metal Health'll drive you mad

Well I'm remonstrated
Outdated I really want to be over-rated
I'm a finder and I'm a keeper
I'm not a loser and I ain't no weeper
I got the boys to make the noise
Won't ever let up
Hope it annoys you
Join the pack
Fill the crack
Well now you're here
There's no way back

Bang your head! Metal Health'll drive you mad
Bang your head! Metal Health'll drive you mad

Metal Health'll cure your crazy
Metal Health'll cure your mad
Metal Health is what we all need
It's what you have to have

Bang your head
Wake the dead
We're all metal mad
It's all you have
So bang your head
And raise the dead
Oh yeah!
Metal Health
It's not too bad
Bad Bad

Oh get your straight-jackets on tonight Oh
Bang your head! Metal health'll drive you mad
The bad boys are gonna set you right Rock on Rock on Rock on
Bang your head! Metal health'll drive you mad
Bang your head!

Song: Metal Health (Bang Your Head)
Artist: Quiet Riot
Album: Metal Health
Year: 1983

Back the Truck UP!

"Back the truck up!" is one of my favorite phrases -- for use when life is moving a little too fast. (I am known among my co-workers for my wacky, hick colloquialisms – I collect them, but that’s another post)

I am feeling really OLD these days, and the words of one of my favorite John Mayer songs, "Stop This Train," come to mind:

So scared of getting older
I'm only good at being young
So I play the numbers game
To find a way to say that life has just begun


(and yes I am slightly embarrassed to admit that I have MORE THAN ONE favorite John Mayer song -- he got his start in bubblegum pop, but my gut tells me he's here to stay. I keep his CD's next to James Taylor, Billy Joel and Sting in my visor holder, SO THERE!)


I really never liked that verse as much as I liked the rest of the song, which is about fear of losing his parents (JM, like moi, is the child of older parents). I never thought of myself as afraid of growing older, but maybe I am.


If I gave myself a moment to contemplate, I would realize that I am (and justifiably I believe) in the middle of a full-on middle-aged freak-out (we're way beyond crisis). Losing my father a few years back brought home the realization that I am going to die and all those I love will eventually die -- and it brought it to my doorstep in an undeniably solid, sad package that I trip over every time I try to think about my life.


So yes, John (I call him John), if we could stop the train, even for a short while....I'd love a few extra minutes to cuddle my children, show my husband how much I really do love him, and make my Mom laugh. Hell, I'd settle for just catching my breath every once in a while.


Stop this Train

No, I'm not colorblind
I know the world is black and white
Try to keep an open mind
But I just can't sleep on this tonight


Stop this train
I wanna get off
And go home again
I can't take the speed it's moving in
I know I can't
But honestly, won't someone stop this train?


Don't know how else to say it
Don't want to see my parents go
One generation's length away
From fighting life out on my own


Stop this train
I wanna get off
And go home again
I can't take the speed it's moving in
I know I can't
But honestly, won't someone stop this train?


So scared of getting older
I'm only good at being young
So I play the numbers game
To find a way to say that life has just begun


Had a talk with my old man
Said "help me understand"
He said "turn sixty-eight
You renegotiate"


"Don't stop this train
Don't for a minute change the place you're in
And don't think I couldn't ever understand
I tried my hand
John, honestly we'll never stop this train"


Once in awhile, when it's good
It'll feel like it should
And they're all still around
And you're still safe and sound
And you don't miss a thing
Till you cry when you're driving away in the dark


Singing
Stop this train
I wanna get off
And go home again
I can't take the speed it's moving in
I know I can't
Cause now I see I will never stop this train


Title: Stop This Train
Artist: John Mayer
Album: Continuum
Year: 2006
Genre: Pop, Rock

The Silence Between Us...

Man, it's been a day. Long day, but less stressful than previous days... which is a good (and long-needed) situation. Everyone's been walking on eggshells since the layoffs, so I needed a good day, and I got one... how about them apples? I really feel blessed... most of the time.

So yeah, I'm packing up at the day job and headed up the road to do a few errands, stop by to see a friend or two, and then meet one of my oldest friends and my brother up at 3Monkeys, where we will drink excessively and flirt with college girls, whom - if you don't know this, listen up, dudes - are actually quite interested in talking to older guys.

I'm totally serious. These little hotties don't get the clueless frat-boy ridiculous come-ons from the boys from 32A. No, sir - we're good-looking, unique, intelligent guys with a lot of life experience... they are both caught off guard, surprised and intrigued by this. Really! No joke!

All I have to say is... it's good to be a thirty-something single guy, at this particular time in my life.

Hells, yeah.

Psyching up to get on the road: I just spun up Bob Mould's District Line ... I subscribe to Paste Magazine - which by the way, is absolutely AMAZING - sign up immediately if you care about great new indie music... and check it out, every issue comes with a free sampler CD containing tracks off new (and very cool) releases.

Anyway, I got off track there (surprise). The best song on District Line is definitely, imho, The Silence Between Us. You might want to click on this link - you can download the song for FREE!

I can't wait to turn that one up LOUD and drive down the road feeling like I'm 22 again, screaming the lyrics and remembering how much I love, love, LOVE Sugar's Copper Blue.

(That was only one year ago, of course. ;)

There were trails of fallen trees
Deciduous and weeding marsh
The lowland birds and crickets roared
The final sound of fall
Along the banks of the river
We approached the footbridge
Entering the wilderness
Following my footstep

The silence between us is the time
When I can't hear the thoughts
That's on your mind, yeah

Beyond the panic and worried that
Seems to consume most every thought
There lies a calm and steady hand
That someday you might see
Perhaps it isn't what you wanted
Or even what you're looking for
But once you see the symmetry
Once you see the you and me

The silence between us is the time
When I can't hear the thoughts
That's on your mind, yeah
Winter lovers, we're so nervous
The words will disappear
What thoughts are on your mind, yeah

You park the car outside the Holiday Inn
We cross the highway single-file
And you were walking in a hurry
And there was me without water with a smile
Yeah!

The silence between us is the time
When I can't hear the thoughts
That's on your mind, yeah

Winter lovers, we're so nervous
The words will disappear
What thoughts are on your mind, yeah
On your mind, yeah
On your mind, yeah
On your mind, yeah

Album: District Line
Artist: Bob Mould
Genre: Bob Mould (seriously... this guy does everything well. Amazing mus

It's No Big Deal...

On this nice sunny day "It's no big deal..." was running though my head. I was doing my thing with the song playing in my head and had to look for some stuff on Amazon, and Amazon has a LOT of stuff.

Until today I had not seen this on any website; now granted, I am not a professional web-surfer. When I was at the top of my game Yahoo was brand new. That being said, I did a search for something that I had never found until today (granted, I have not searched for this in more than a year).

Amazon.com SEARCH: Waxing Poetics

Result: WOW, the entire Waxing Poetics library is there.

I have been waiting for this day, (or actually, probably shortly after the date of my last search) for a long time. TWP was (is?) a very regional band with a pretty short time in the spotlight. I am not a normally excitable guy so I did not shout "Woo Hoo!!!" or anything like that but I did utter something.

time don't capture light just right
it makes your face too long
time don't capture light just right
makes your name seem wrong
but it's no big deal you say
it's no big thing
time don't capture love at all
& love don't capture anything

found out what happened to baby jane
tried to take another photograph
take it to the masses
take it to the masses

look what happened to baby jane
look what happened to america
look what happened to baby jane
the same thing happened to america
but it's no big thing you say

it's no big deal

time don't capture love at all
& love don't change the way you feel

found out what happened to baby jane
tried to take another photograph
dress her up in plastic
take it to the wasteland
take it to the wasteland

and it's no big deal you say
it's no big thing
time don't capture love at all
& love don't capture anything

found out what happened to baby jane
tried to take another photograph
take it all for granted
take it all for granted

Song: Baby Jane
Artist: Waxing Poetics
Album: Manakin Moon
Year: 1988

Shakedown Charlottesville

I just got two tickets to see The Dead in Charlottesville... so some lucky person will be joining me for a ride to the Hook on April 15. I. Cannot. Wait.

I never got to see the Dead with Jerry. That's one of my biggest regrets... my brother was lucky enough to catch one of Jer-bear's last shows, in DC, and he isn't even much of a GD fan, per se. Oh well - hindsight's always 20/20.

So, you know what's stuck in my head now... Green Day. KIDDING! It's an old favorite called Terrapin Station, baby... my good friend Kathryn gets credit for hooking me on this album.

Terrapin Station

Let my inspiration flow in token rhyme, suggesting rhythm,
That will not forsake you, till my tale is told and done.
While the firelights aglow, strange shadows from the flames will grow,
Till things weve never seen will seem familiar.

Shadows of a sailor, forming winds both foul and fair all swarm.
Down in carlisle, he loved a lady many years ago.
Here beside him stands a man, a soldier from the looks of him,
Who came through many fights, but lost at love.

While the story teller speaks, a door within the fire creaks;
Suddenly flies open, and a girl is standing there.
Eyes alight, with glowing hair, all that fancy paints as fair,
She takes her fan and throws it, in the lions den.

Which of you to gain me, tell, will risk uncertain pains of hell?
I will not forgive you if you will not take the chance.
The sailor gave at least a try, the soldier being much too wise,
Strategy was his strength, and not disaster.

The sailor, coming out again, the lady fairly leapt at him.
Thats how it stands today. you decide if he was wise.
The story teller makes no choice. soon you will not hear his voice.
His job is to shed light, and not to master.

Since the end is never told, we pay the teller off in gold,
In hopes he will return, but he cannot be bought or sold.

Terrapin station

Inspiration, move me brightly. light the song with sense and color;
Hold away despair, more than this I will not ask.
Faced with mysteries dark and vast, statements just seem vain at last.
Some rise, some fall, some climb, to get to terrapin.

Counting stars by candlelight, all are dim but one is bright;
The spiral light of venus, rising first and shining best,
On, from the northwest corner, of a brand new crescent moon,
While crickets and cicadas sing, a rare and different tune,
Terrapin station.

In the shadow of the moon, terrapin station.
And I know well get there soon, terrapin station.
I cant figure out, terrapin, if its the end or beginning, terrapin,
But the trains put its brakes on, terrapin,
And the whistle is screaming, terrapin.

Terrapin station - at the siding

While you were gone, these faces filled with darkness.
The obvious was hidden. with nothing to believe in,

Sullen wings of fortune beat like rain.
Youre back in terrapin for good or ill again, for good or ill again.

Artist: The Grateful Dead
Album: Terrapin Station
Year: 1977
Genre: Jerry!

A Twilight Song of Longing....

This unseasonably warm weather has erupted into a nostalgia for summer so palpable that I can taste it. I lay in bed night-before-last listening to the frogs sing and drinking in the breeze from the open window. The mental soundtrack was “after the boys of summer have gone” by Don Henley.

For me that song WAS high-school-era summer nights. Growing up in a coastal town with lots of summer-time visitors, I could feel the angst of the home-town guy watching his girl cavort with the summer people. A twilight song of longing…..

I want to ride in a convertible, walk barefoot on the beach and just plain play hooky!!!! No more cold weather!!!

The spell of warm weather has come to an end, but Summer, “my love for you will still be strong” when you come back for good ….long about May? I can hardly wait!!!!

Nobody on the road
Nobody on the beach
I feel it in the air
The summers out of reach
Empty lake,
Empty streets
The sun goes down alone
I’m drivin’ by your house
Though I know you’re not home
But I can see you-
Your brown skin shinin’ in the sun
You got your hair combed back and your
Sunglasses on, baby
And I can tell you my love for you
Will still be strong after the boys of
Summer have gone

I never will forget those nights
I wonder if it was a dream
Remember how you made me crazy?
Remember how I made you scream?
Now I don’t understand what’s happened
To our love,
But babe, I’m gonna get you back
I’m gonna’ show you what I’m made of
I can see you-
Your brown skin shinin’ in the sun
I see you walkin’ real slow and you’re smilin’ at everyone
I can tell you my love for you will still be strong
After the boys of summer have gone

Out on the road today I saw a deadhead sticker
On a cadillac
A little voice inside my head said, don’t
Look back. you can never look back.
I thought I knew what love was,
What did I know?
Those days are gone forever
I should just let them go but-
I can see you-
Your brown skin shinin’ in the sun
You got that top pulled down and that radio on baby
And I can tell you my love for you will still be strong
After the boys of summer have gone
I can see you-
Your brown skin shining in the sun
You got that hair slicked back and
Those wayfarers on, baby
I can tell you my love for you will still be strong
After the boys of summer have gone

Artist: Don Henley
Album: Building the Perfect Beast
Year: 1984
Genre: Rock

Weezer - The Green Album

I can't stop listening to this album tonight... thinking of some good times down in southwestern Florida. :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n9t4mukS-lw


Open the door and let your love come down
Over the wall, you're spinning 'round and 'round
'Cause you wanted some love
I'll make it happen

'Cause I don't wanna break
Your fine face. I can't take
The way you wanna wrap me up
Inside your smile

Open your heart and let the good stuff out
Water me girl and let me ease the drought
'Cause you wanted some love
I'll make it happen

'Cause I don't wanna break
Your fine face. I can't take
The way you wanna wrap me up
Inside your smile

I can't be gone, darling
For very long, no
Never know what you're gonna do
Standing there deep in front of you
Take a look in between my eyes
Because I'm back, yeah

'Cause I don't wanna break
Your fine face. I can't take
The way you wanna wrap me up
Inside your smile

I can't be gone, darling
For very long
Never know what you're gonna do
Standing there deep in front of you
Take a look in between my eyes
Because I'm back, yeah

Give me a chance if you can force yourself
Look at me girl and get up off your shelf
'Cause you wanted some love
I'll make it happen

Artist: Weezer
Album: Weezer (The Green Album)
Year: 1993
Genre: Emo (ok, that's just mean, sorry.)

She's On Another Planet...

So it's a beautiful night in the Fan. You can open the windows, turn off the TV, fire up your media player of choice, have an adult beverage and kick back... nights like these are why we live here in the first place.

I spooled up old Media Monkey a few minutes ago and put it on the "Auto DJ" selection. Great little feature, better than iTunes most certainly (I'm not hating on Apple, mind you - they're awesome).

Here comes Matthew Sweet - the best expression I've ever heard regarding this completely underrated music genius was when my buddy Shea said, "I'll listen to anything this guy ever records."

I'll probably have Evangeline stuck in my head all night. Life is good, y'all.


Evangeline

She's on another planet she's in my dream
She's some kind of angel if you know what I mean
Try her on and she fits like a glove
Too bad she only thinks about the Lord above

Evangeline Evangeline
I think I love you
But Evangeline Evangeline
I want you

Now if I called you up do you think you could deliver my soul?
Won't you take a drink little darlin' the cup is full
And every night I bow to pray
But I'll feel a whole lot better once you're coming my way

Evangeline Evangeline
I think I love you
But Evangeline Evangeline
I want you

So come on down [solo]

So tell me how you want it
Come on, tell me how you want it
Just tell me how you want it

Just tell me how you want it we won't be seen
You can tell your father it was all a dream
Try her on she fits like a glove
Too bad the only man you trust is God above

Evangeline Evangeline
I think I love you
But Evangeline Evangeline
I want you

Now Evangeline Evangeline
I think I love you
But Evangeline Evangeline
I want you

She's some kind of angel if you know what I mean

Evangeline

Artist: Matthew Sweet
Album: Girlfriend
Year: 1990
Genre: Power Pop

Jesus He Loves Me and He Knows I'm Right

I was doing some thing very old fashioned. I'm having a telephone call with one of the other authors.

He was describing the viral effect in today's wired world about a girl with a Christian blog, and having to turn off comments due to too much religious debate.

Immediately, I heard Phil Collins telling me "Jesus he loves me, and he knows I'm right..."

It also reminded me to check our settings to make sure folks can comment.

Jesus He Knows Me

Do you see the face on the TV screen
Coming at you every Sunday
See the face on the billboard
That man is me

On the cover of the magazine
There's no question why I'm smiling
You buy a piece of paradise
You get a piece of me

I'll get you everything you wanted
I'll get you everything you need
Don't need to believe in hereafter
Just believe in me

Cos Jesus he knows me
And he knows I'm right
I've been talking to Jesus all my life
Oh yes he knows me

And he knows I'm right
And he's been telling me
Everything is alright

I believe in the family
With my ever loving wife beside me
But she don't know about my girlfriend
Or the man I met last night

Do you believe in God
Cos that is what I'm selling
And if you wanna go to heaven
I'll see you right

You won't even have to leave your house
Or get out of your chair
You don't even have to touch that dial
Cos I'm everywhere

And Jesus he knows me
And he knows I'm right
I've been talking to Jesus all my life
Oh yes he knows me
And he knows I'm right
And he's been telling me
Everything is alright

You won't find me practising what I'm preaching
Won't find me making no sacrifice
But I get you a pocketful of miracles
If you promise to be good, try to be nice

God will take good care of you
Just do as I say, don't do as I do
I'm counting my blessings

I've found true happiness
Cos I'm getting richer, day by day
You can find me in the phone book
Just call my toll free number

You can do it anyway you want
Just do it right away
There'll be no doubt in your mind
You'll believe everything I'm saying

If wanna get closer to him
Get on your knees and start praying
Cos Jesus he knows me
And he knows I'm right

I've been talking to Jesus all my life
Oh yes he knows me
And he knows I'm right

And he's been telling me

Everything is alright

Artist: Genesis
Album: We Can't Dance
Year: 1991
Genre: Art Rock

Head like a Hole

I woke up today with a headache, it being allergy season, I am not surprised.

I was also feeling kind of in a dark mood.

So some old school Nine Inch Nails came flooding in. "Head like a hole" from Pretty Hate Machine.

Advil and a big glass of water fixed the headache and Trent fixed my mood.

God money Ill do anything for you.
God money just tell me what you want me to.
God money nail me up against the wall.
God money dont want everything he wants it all.

No you cant take it
No you cant take it
No you cant take that away from me
No you cant take it
No you cant take it
No you cant take that away from me

Head like a hole.
Black as your soul.
Id rather die than give you control.
Head like a hole.
Black as your soul.
Id rather die than give you control.

Bow down before the one you serve.
Youre going to get what you deserve.
Bow down before the one you serve.
Youre going to get what you deserve.

God moneys not looking for the cure.
God moneys not concerned with the sick among the pure.
God money lets go dancing on the backs of the bruised.
God moneys not one to choose
No you cant take it
No you cant take it
No you cant take that away from me
No you cant take it
No you cant take it
No you cant take that away from me

Head like a hole.
Black as your soul.
Id rather die than give you control.
Head like a hole.
Black as your soul.
Id rather die than give you control.

Bow down before the one you serve.
Youre going to get what you deserve.
Bow down before the one you serve.
Youre going to get what you deserve.

Bow down before the one you serve.
Youre going to get what you deserve.
Bow down before the one you serve.
Youre going to get what you deserve.

Head like a hole.
Black as your soul.
Id rather die than give you control.
Head like a hole.
Black as your soul.
Id rather die than give you control.

Bow down before the one you serve.
Youre going to get what you deserve.
Bow down before the one you serve.
Youre going to get what you deserve.

You know who you are.

Song: Head Like a Hole
Artist: Trent Reznor/Nine Inch Nails
Album: Pretty Hate Machine
Year: 1989
Genre: Industrial

Welcome to The Song Stuck in My Head

Ever get a song stuck in your head for hours and hours on end?
So have we!

Just a few hours ago my wife was listening the Genesis: "Invisible Touch" and of course now the chorus is stuck in my head. While I am a Genesis fan I for the most part I prefer their early stuff (Peter Gabriel singing).

Right now the chorus is on repeat forever ... and ever ... and ever.

Hopefully, tomorrow will bring a different song.

Song: Invisible Touch
Artist: Genesis
Album: Invisible Touch
Year: 1986