Let's Take a Journey Shall We?

The Feelies

I'm embarrassed to admit it, but I don't think I've ever heard a song by this band before today. KEXP played a track while I was driving and I was drawn to the extended breakdown that was somewhere between Devo and Bo Diddley and featured a mix of surf music and tribal rawness. Upon a little research on the web, I found out who it was, and the song I heard was "Crazy Rhythms" from the album of the same name. Here's the full recording. 

Enjoy. I know I am.

Philm ... at 11

So good to see Dave Lombardo moving on after breaking up with Slayer and making some really good music. He was the lifeline of Slayer and was not given his share of their profits at all. I don't blame him from getting the hell out from under Tom and Kerry's grip - those two have become Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons of what once was a great band... 

Goosebumps this one gives me.

Can You Dig It?

The Warriors had an enormous impact on me when I was growing up. So much so I would fantasize about moving to NY and joining a gang. I once called a random number in NY just to speak to someone from The City. I thought everyone from there was in a gang. 

Quotes from the film can still be heard today, as everyone knows, "Warriors ... come out to playeyay." From the first time I watched The Warriors to the countless other times I've spent with the film, it never goes out of style. 

Do you hear me boppers? Good, real good.

Tres Años Después

It's been three years ago, as of today, that my wife and I said our vows. Though it's been a roller coaster ride since then - we bought a house, we've learned about the commitment it takes to be married, etc. - life has been good. 

We used a song by this band for our first dance together as a couple and I was rifling through some old footage today when I found this gem from 2003. Like My Morning Jacket, we've made some changes, matured, and grown together. Here's to another three. 

Weener

Oh how I love this band. I recently read a story about Dean Ween "borrowing" Carlos Santana's guitar to record the solo for "Transdermal Celebration" off of 2003's "quebec" album. It makes sense now that I think of it. Whether imitating or originating, Ween always did things their own way. 

One of the best live shows I've had the pleasure of seeing was Ween at Portland's Crystal Ballroom in 2003. It was one of those shows where it seemed incomprehensible to miss a second of. In fact, I was asked to go to the bar and grab a beer at one point during the set. I turned it down to remain firmly planted, or in that case, bouncing (the Crystal Ballroom is notorious for its bouncy flooring) along with the band and the audience. The following video was recorded that same year and brings it all back home. All hail the Boognish.

RIP Ezra Caldwell

Though I never met Ezra, I started following his journey with cancer a while ago. He was incredibly positive through it all and I hope he is in a better place, riding endless miles of singletrack and smiling from ear to ear. 

http://www.teachingcancertocry.com

Red Balls and Monster Synergy

The Red Bull Rampage gets crazier every year. There are guys pushing the boundaries that most of us can, or can't, only dream about. Take for instance the following run.

Balls to the Wall, man. 

Friday Afternoon Jams - Look Into the Light

This a great example of simplicity that sounds intricate. Huge guitar sound by The Blank Tapes here.

WHORES.

I know, right? Not a real family friendly name but this recent discovery has me grinning ear to ear. Whores. is a heavy three-piece outfit that isn't exactly doing anything groundbreaking, but they sure sound and look like they are having a good time. And that, is what music should do to those playing and listening to it. 

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