Sunday, July 26, 2009
Week Thirty
July 19: TV: 0 min.
Read: The Lost Continent 30 min. ( -2 hr. 55 min.)
July 20:TV: CRAP!!! 2 hr.
Read: The Lost Continent 30 min. (-4 hr. 25 min.)
July 21: TV: 0 min.
Read: The Lost Continent 30 min. (- 3 hr. 55 min.)
July 22: TV: 0 min.
Read: The Lost Continent = 30 min. (-3 hr. 25 min.)
July 23: TV: 0 min.
Read: The Last Olympian 30 min (-2 hr. 55 min.)
July 24: TV: 0 min.
Read: 0 min. (-2 hr. 55 min.)
July 25: TV: 0 min.
Read: 0 min. (-2 hr. 55 min.)
Read: The Lost Continent 30 min. ( -2 hr. 55 min.)
July 20:TV: CRAP!!! 2 hr.
Read: The Lost Continent 30 min. (-4 hr. 25 min.)
July 21: TV: 0 min.
Read: The Lost Continent 30 min. (- 3 hr. 55 min.)
July 22: TV: 0 min.
Read: The Lost Continent = 30 min. (-3 hr. 25 min.)
July 23: TV: 0 min.
Read: The Last Olympian 30 min (-2 hr. 55 min.)
July 24: TV: 0 min.
Read: 0 min. (-2 hr. 55 min.)
July 25: TV: 0 min.
Read: 0 min. (-2 hr. 55 min.)
Friday, July 24, 2009
Ants Marching
I am a man of lists. I like a good long list to systematically check off. I like grocery shopping for this reason.
When I do not have a list I create them. About three years ago my computer crashed and I have to work so magic to get everything restored. Actually my brother-in-law Matt did this thing. When my new computer was up and running, I noticed that my iTunes showed all my music as having never been listened to. Play count of 0. I vowed to listen to every song in my music catalog.
Three years later, yesterday, I accomplished my goal. I crossed off the last song in my list. When Dave Matthews finished singing the 7 minute live version of "Ants Marching" I had done it. 6952 songs, 18 days:19 hours:45 minutes:58 seconds of music all have been listed to.
When I do not have a list I create them. About three years ago my computer crashed and I have to work so magic to get everything restored. Actually my brother-in-law Matt did this thing. When my new computer was up and running, I noticed that my iTunes showed all my music as having never been listened to. Play count of 0. I vowed to listen to every song in my music catalog.
Three years later, yesterday, I accomplished my goal. I crossed off the last song in my list. When Dave Matthews finished singing the 7 minute live version of "Ants Marching" I had done it. 6952 songs, 18 days:19 hours:45 minutes:58 seconds of music all have been listed to.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Conor Oberst & The Mystic Valley Band: Outer South
Charlie said: I know what you are thinking, "Where in the hell did Charlie hear about this album?". Truth be told, I never have heard of Conor Oberst & The Mystic Valley Band until Tina plopped it on my lap last Thursday. After seeing I had no idea what I was given, Tina told me that Conor Oberst was the lead singer of Bright Eyes.
I was still lost.
Actually, Tina introduced me to Bright Eyes awhile back and I like them. Conor Oberst sounds very much like the Violent Femmes and he writes some smart quirky lyrics.
In "Outer South", I was surprised not only to hear the familiar voice of Conor Oberst but also several others. After some research I found out that Conor only sings on 10 of the 16 songs. This bothered me at first but after a second listen I started to enjoy the variety. It makes for a clumsy album but as Sarah says "It's not terrible."
My favorite songs are Slowly (Oh So Slowly), White Shoes, Ten Women, and Nikorette. I am going to give this album a Promote It on the Tina/Charlie Promote It, Lend It, Deny It scale because I believe Bright Eyes and Conor Oberst needs to be discovered.
Tina said: I like Bright Eyes. I like Conor Oberst and The MysticValley Band.
Charlie, I agree with you when you say that the CD is a little choppy, as the lead vocals switched back and forth. I also agree with Sarah when she says that it’s not necessarily a bad thing. It provides a nice check to see if you’re listening, and when an album has 16 songs, sometimes you need a wake up reminder.
It’s hard too not like Conor Oberest and the Mystic Valley Band. Especially when the opening line of one of their songs (Nikorette) is; “I’m just trying stay human being, sitting in the sun eating ice cream”. This line makes me smile inside. What I like about Conor Oberst is that his albums, often times have a hint of bluegrass intermingled throughout the album. I hear this in Big Black Nothing, and Spoiled (which I think is about being an only child), However there are some moments where this band provides some rockin’ guitar riffs, as in Roosevelt Room, Air Mattress and Slowly (Oh, So Slowly). I hear Wilco, Fleet Foxes, and a hint of something from the 1960’s.
On the Charlie/Tina Promote it, Lend it, Deny it rating scale. I give this album a promote it; once you listen you will realize that there is something for everyone.
I was still lost.
Actually, Tina introduced me to Bright Eyes awhile back and I like them. Conor Oberst sounds very much like the Violent Femmes and he writes some smart quirky lyrics.
In "Outer South", I was surprised not only to hear the familiar voice of Conor Oberst but also several others. After some research I found out that Conor only sings on 10 of the 16 songs. This bothered me at first but after a second listen I started to enjoy the variety. It makes for a clumsy album but as Sarah says "It's not terrible."
My favorite songs are Slowly (Oh So Slowly), White Shoes, Ten Women, and Nikorette. I am going to give this album a Promote It on the Tina/Charlie Promote It, Lend It, Deny It scale because I believe Bright Eyes and Conor Oberst needs to be discovered.
Tina said: I like Bright Eyes. I like Conor Oberst and The MysticValley Band.
Charlie, I agree with you when you say that the CD is a little choppy, as the lead vocals switched back and forth. I also agree with Sarah when she says that it’s not necessarily a bad thing. It provides a nice check to see if you’re listening, and when an album has 16 songs, sometimes you need a wake up reminder.
It’s hard too not like Conor Oberest and the Mystic Valley Band. Especially when the opening line of one of their songs (Nikorette) is; “I’m just trying stay human being, sitting in the sun eating ice cream”. This line makes me smile inside. What I like about Conor Oberst is that his albums, often times have a hint of bluegrass intermingled throughout the album. I hear this in Big Black Nothing, and Spoiled (which I think is about being an only child), However there are some moments where this band provides some rockin’ guitar riffs, as in Roosevelt Room, Air Mattress and Slowly (Oh, So Slowly). I hear Wilco, Fleet Foxes, and a hint of something from the 1960’s.
On the Charlie/Tina Promote it, Lend it, Deny it rating scale. I give this album a promote it; once you listen you will realize that there is something for everyone.
Monday, July 20, 2009
The Hold Steady: Stay Positive
Charlie said: “Stay Positive” is Hold Steady’s forth album but the first I have listened to. Four of the five members are from Minneapolis/St. Paul which explains the lyrics in several of their songs. I kind of like hearing St. Paul mentioned in a song which is very Texan of me. Texans love to hear their state mentioned regardless what light it is in. Minnesotans cannot stand to be criticized. For instance, I laughed hardily at the Minnesotan accent in Fargo. Several of my work mates were offended and refused to watch the movie.
During my first listen I try to take in the album just to get an initial impression and see where that takes me. The first thought I had for Hold Steady was Hootie & The Blowfish. The lead singer, Craig Finn, has the same brooding big voice and the “Hold Steady” is driven by guitar and drums.
I liked the songs “Constructive Summer”, “Sequestered in Memphis”, “Stay Positive”, and “Ask Her For Adderall / Cheyenne Sunrise / Two Handed Handshake”. The songs tell interesting stories that was a cross between the Replacements and Bruce Springsteen.
After the first two songs Hold Steady changed from storytelling to preachy. I hated the song “One For the Cutters” which highlighted a harpsichord. What the hell. “Navy Sheets” I think was a failed attempt to sound like the Cars. Again, why?
I was not blown away by the songs I liked and there were some songs that I could not stand. Therefore on the Tina/Charlie Promote It, Lend It, Deny It I would give it a mediocre Lend It.
Tina said: First off all Charlie, I’m having a difficult time seeing the connection between the Hold Steady and Hootie and the Blowfish. Hootie and the Blowfish could possiblybe one of most painful bands to listen to from the 1990’s. I would never compareThe Hold Steady to the washed-up, painful sounds of Hootie and theBlowfish. However, I too have mixed feeling about The Hold Steady 4th Album Stay Positive.
I recently saw The Hold Steady in concert at the Basilica Block Party. The band performed on the small stage, and even though the concert was outdoors the venue provided a very intimate setting. Prior to attending the concert, Ididn’t know much about The Hold Steady. I had heard a couple of their songs on the radio, but most importantly are liable source informed me that they put on a great show. Needless to say the concert wasamazing! Craig Finn, the lead singer is a short middle-aged man with a smallbeer belly, and has a receding hair line. He wears a button up shirt, that has all of the buttons buttoned, for lack of better words he presents him self as a huge nerd. With all of that said, I have never been to a live show were the lead singer has so much energy and enthusiasm. Throughout the entire show he was jumping up and down, swinging his arms around in circles and running around the stage. This energy spread to the crowd, who was surprisingly made up of a group of 25-40 year old super fans. After listening to the lyrics to many of the songs I found it to be rather strange that a bunch of middle aged adults would be rockin’ out to songs about sex, drugs and alcohol. I guess I need to get out more… At the concert everyone seemed to know all of the words to the songs, and had just as much energy as Craig Finn. I left the concert giddy and excited about this band, and could not wait to hear their studio albums.
Still being giddy and excited from The Hold Steady concert experience, I was looking forward to listening to their album “StayPositive”. My first impressions of this album left me feeling like I was looking for something more. The album is rather flat. I too heard the Ramones, but also hint of Green Day. The Hold Steady tries to create this punk rock sound, which they did live, but could not do it in the studio. I too liked “Stay Positive” and “Sequestered in Memphis”, however the rest of the songs on the album were just okay, and nothing seemed to really grab my attention. On the Tina/Charlie promote it, lend it, deny it rating scale; I’m going to stay positive with this album and give it a promote it. Only because if you’re planning on seeing one of the best live shows you might want to be familiar with the song lyrics so you can rock on with the rest of the crowd.
During my first listen I try to take in the album just to get an initial impression and see where that takes me. The first thought I had for Hold Steady was Hootie & The Blowfish. The lead singer, Craig Finn, has the same brooding big voice and the “Hold Steady” is driven by guitar and drums.
I liked the songs “Constructive Summer”, “Sequestered in Memphis”, “Stay Positive”, and “Ask Her For Adderall / Cheyenne Sunrise / Two Handed Handshake”. The songs tell interesting stories that was a cross between the Replacements and Bruce Springsteen.
After the first two songs Hold Steady changed from storytelling to preachy. I hated the song “One For the Cutters” which highlighted a harpsichord. What the hell. “Navy Sheets” I think was a failed attempt to sound like the Cars. Again, why?
I was not blown away by the songs I liked and there were some songs that I could not stand. Therefore on the Tina/Charlie Promote It, Lend It, Deny It I would give it a mediocre Lend It.
Tina said: First off all Charlie, I’m having a difficult time seeing the connection between the Hold Steady and Hootie and the Blowfish. Hootie and the Blowfish could possiblybe one of most painful bands to listen to from the 1990’s. I would never compareThe Hold Steady to the washed-up, painful sounds of Hootie and theBlowfish. However, I too have mixed feeling about The Hold Steady 4th Album Stay Positive.
I recently saw The Hold Steady in concert at the Basilica Block Party. The band performed on the small stage, and even though the concert was outdoors the venue provided a very intimate setting. Prior to attending the concert, Ididn’t know much about The Hold Steady. I had heard a couple of their songs on the radio, but most importantly are liable source informed me that they put on a great show. Needless to say the concert wasamazing! Craig Finn, the lead singer is a short middle-aged man with a smallbeer belly, and has a receding hair line. He wears a button up shirt, that has all of the buttons buttoned, for lack of better words he presents him self as a huge nerd. With all of that said, I have never been to a live show were the lead singer has so much energy and enthusiasm. Throughout the entire show he was jumping up and down, swinging his arms around in circles and running around the stage. This energy spread to the crowd, who was surprisingly made up of a group of 25-40 year old super fans. After listening to the lyrics to many of the songs I found it to be rather strange that a bunch of middle aged adults would be rockin’ out to songs about sex, drugs and alcohol. I guess I need to get out more… At the concert everyone seemed to know all of the words to the songs, and had just as much energy as Craig Finn. I left the concert giddy and excited about this band, and could not wait to hear their studio albums.
Still being giddy and excited from The Hold Steady concert experience, I was looking forward to listening to their album “StayPositive”. My first impressions of this album left me feeling like I was looking for something more. The album is rather flat. I too heard the Ramones, but also hint of Green Day. The Hold Steady tries to create this punk rock sound, which they did live, but could not do it in the studio. I too liked “Stay Positive” and “Sequestered in Memphis”, however the rest of the songs on the album were just okay, and nothing seemed to really grab my attention. On the Tina/Charlie promote it, lend it, deny it rating scale; I’m going to stay positive with this album and give it a promote it. Only because if you’re planning on seeing one of the best live shows you might want to be familiar with the song lyrics so you can rock on with the rest of the crowd.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Twenty-Nine
July 12: TV: 0 min.
Read: Battle of the Labyrinth 30 min. ( -55 min.)
July 13:TV: 0 min.
Read: Super Crunchers 30 min.
Battle of the Labyrinth 30 min. = 1 hr. (5 min.)
July 14: TV: 0 min.
Read: The Lost Continent 30 min.
Battle of the Labyrinth 30 min. = 1 hr. (1 hr. 5 min.)
July 15: TV: CRAP!!! 3 hr.
Read: Super Crunchers 30 min.
Battle of the Labyrinth 30 min. = 1 hr. (-55 min.)
July 16: TV: 0 min.
Read: Battle of the Labyrinth 30 min (-25 min.)
July 17: TV: 0 min.
Read: The Lost Continent 30 min. (5 min.)
July 18: TV: CRAP!!! 4 hrs.
Read: The Lost Continent 30 min. (-3 hr. 25 min.)
Read: Battle of the Labyrinth 30 min. ( -55 min.)
July 13:TV: 0 min.
Read: Super Crunchers 30 min.
Battle of the Labyrinth 30 min. = 1 hr. (5 min.)
July 14: TV: 0 min.
Read: The Lost Continent 30 min.
Battle of the Labyrinth 30 min. = 1 hr. (1 hr. 5 min.)
July 15: TV: CRAP!!! 3 hr.
Read: Super Crunchers 30 min.
Battle of the Labyrinth 30 min. = 1 hr. (-55 min.)
July 16: TV: 0 min.
Read: Battle of the Labyrinth 30 min (-25 min.)
July 17: TV: 0 min.
Read: The Lost Continent 30 min. (5 min.)
July 18: TV: CRAP!!! 4 hrs.
Read: The Lost Continent 30 min. (-3 hr. 25 min.)
The Battle of the Labyrinth
by Rick Riordan
Another amazing (pun intended) quest for Percy Jackson and his friends.
Intelligently constructed, the forth book in the Olympus series tackles the myth of Daedalus's workshop and the Labyrinth. Percy, Annebeth, Tyson, and Grover are on a desperate search for Daedalus to convince him not to help Luke use the Labyrinth to find a way into Camp Half Blood to start the war on Olympus.
Rick Riordan creates realistic relationships between the teens and nicely sets up excitement for book five.
Mike and I give it two thumbs up!!!
Another amazing (pun intended) quest for Percy Jackson and his friends.
Intelligently constructed, the forth book in the Olympus series tackles the myth of Daedalus's workshop and the Labyrinth. Percy, Annebeth, Tyson, and Grover are on a desperate search for Daedalus to convince him not to help Luke use the Labyrinth to find a way into Camp Half Blood to start the war on Olympus.
Rick Riordan creates realistic relationships between the teens and nicely sets up excitement for book five.
Mike and I give it two thumbs up!!!
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Turkey Trot
I was running this morning at a park near my home. It has wooded trails that serpentines through a ravine and is very tranquil. Today was crisp and I was feeling strong.
As I rounded a turn I surprised two turkeys who where feeding. They trotted off over a rise. I smiled and started up. To my amazement when I crested the hill, they were still ahead and again trotted off around the next bend. This continued for about 20 minutes. It got funnier and funnier with each shocked reaction by the turkeys.
Was it funny because the turkeys were not expecting me or that I was expecting them?
As I rounded a turn I surprised two turkeys who where feeding. They trotted off over a rise. I smiled and started up. To my amazement when I crested the hill, they were still ahead and again trotted off around the next bend. This continued for about 20 minutes. It got funnier and funnier with each shocked reaction by the turkeys.
Was it funny because the turkeys were not expecting me or that I was expecting them?
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Super Crunchers
by Ian Ayres
Interesting at times, Super Crunchers advances the value of decision making based on data. The implications of this lessens the value of "experts". Wine critic, doctor, and teachers, to name but a few, could see a decreased role if Super Crunching is properly played out.
Ian Ayres did a nice job explaining standard deviation and how political polls are misunderstood (me included).
I might have liked this book more if I had not read Freakonomics first. It does not compare in scope or enjoyment.
Interesting at times, Super Crunchers advances the value of decision making based on data. The implications of this lessens the value of "experts". Wine critic, doctor, and teachers, to name but a few, could see a decreased role if Super Crunching is properly played out.
Ian Ayres did a nice job explaining standard deviation and how political polls are misunderstood (me included).
I might have liked this book more if I had not read Freakonomics first. It does not compare in scope or enjoyment.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Sonic Youth: the eternal
Charlie said: I did not even know Sonic Youth was still together when I heard about their new cd "the eternal". The last song I remember from them was "Kool Thing" so you could say I am not a huge fan.
My favorite music critics (sorry Tina), Jim and Greg, from Sound Opinions really like this cd claiming it had the New York sound. I have a brother in New York and being a fan of him as well I decided to give Sonic Youth a listen.
Apparently I do like the New York sound. It has a distinct heavy rock style lead by a strong guitar. There was also a feel of Lou Reid and the Ramones. I was drawn to the guitar experimentation on many of the tracts. First impressions were positive. I liked "Sacred Trickster" and the follow up track "Anti-Orgasmic". The rest of the album continued to impress.
This cd rocks hard. I would say "the eternal" was dramatic, trippy, hypnotic, and cathartic at some point. On the Tina/Charlie Promote It, Lend It, or Deny It, I would give it an hard rocking Promote It.
Tina said: Over the 4th of July weekend, I was discussing which album Charlie had brought to share, and how I was not looking forward to reviewing the new Semi-Sonic album. I’m embarrassed to admit, but I know realize that Semi-Sonic and Sonic Youth are two completely different bands.
Sonic Youth’s The Eternal is their most impressive collection of tracks. I gathered this after listening to the 30-second clips of other Sonic Youth albums on iTunes. What I like about this album is their grunge rock sound with a mixture of punk. They rock, and they rock hard. The guitar riffs remind me of Pearl Jam, Nirvana and Red Hot Chili Peppers. I enjoy Sacred Trickster, Leaky Lifeboat, and Antenna. This album definitely would be enjoyable while hammering out some intervals at your local track, or in your basement on trainer.
I was surprised with this album, it clearly was not the drawn out whiney sounds of Semi-Sonic, but the rockin’ hard guitar riffs and beats of Sonic Youth. On the Tina/Charlie promote it, lend it, deny it. I too give it a youthful promote it!
My favorite music critics (sorry Tina), Jim and Greg, from Sound Opinions really like this cd claiming it had the New York sound. I have a brother in New York and being a fan of him as well I decided to give Sonic Youth a listen.
Apparently I do like the New York sound. It has a distinct heavy rock style lead by a strong guitar. There was also a feel of Lou Reid and the Ramones. I was drawn to the guitar experimentation on many of the tracts. First impressions were positive. I liked "Sacred Trickster" and the follow up track "Anti-Orgasmic". The rest of the album continued to impress.
This cd rocks hard. I would say "the eternal" was dramatic, trippy, hypnotic, and cathartic at some point. On the Tina/Charlie Promote It, Lend It, or Deny It, I would give it an hard rocking Promote It.
Tina said: Over the 4th of July weekend, I was discussing which album Charlie had brought to share, and how I was not looking forward to reviewing the new Semi-Sonic album. I’m embarrassed to admit, but I know realize that Semi-Sonic and Sonic Youth are two completely different bands.
Sonic Youth’s The Eternal is their most impressive collection of tracks. I gathered this after listening to the 30-second clips of other Sonic Youth albums on iTunes. What I like about this album is their grunge rock sound with a mixture of punk. They rock, and they rock hard. The guitar riffs remind me of Pearl Jam, Nirvana and Red Hot Chili Peppers. I enjoy Sacred Trickster, Leaky Lifeboat, and Antenna. This album definitely would be enjoyable while hammering out some intervals at your local track, or in your basement on trainer.
I was surprised with this album, it clearly was not the drawn out whiney sounds of Semi-Sonic, but the rockin’ hard guitar riffs and beats of Sonic Youth. On the Tina/Charlie promote it, lend it, deny it. I too give it a youthful promote it!
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Twenty-Eight
July 5: TV: 0 min.
Read: Battle of the Labyrinth 30 min. ( -25 min.)
July 6:TV: Everybody Loves Raymond 30 min.
Read: Super Crunchers 30 min.
Battle of the Labyrinth 30 min. = 1 hr. (5 min.)
July 7: TV: 0 min.
Read: 0 min. (5 min.)
July 8: TV: 0 min.
Read: Super Crunchers 30 min.
Battle of the Labyrinth 30 min. = 1 hr. (1 hr. 5 min.)
July 9: TV: CRAP!!! 4 hours
Read: Battle of the Labyrinth 30 min (-2 hr. 25 min.)
July 10: TV: 0 min.
Read: Super Crunchers 30 min. (-1 hr. 55 min.)
July 11: TV: 0
Read: Super Crunchers 30 min. (- 1 hr. 25 min.)
Read: Battle of the Labyrinth 30 min. ( -25 min.)
July 6:TV: Everybody Loves Raymond 30 min.
Read: Super Crunchers 30 min.
Battle of the Labyrinth 30 min. = 1 hr. (5 min.)
July 7: TV: 0 min.
Read: 0 min. (5 min.)
July 8: TV: 0 min.
Read: Super Crunchers 30 min.
Battle of the Labyrinth 30 min. = 1 hr. (1 hr. 5 min.)
July 9: TV: CRAP!!! 4 hours
Read: Battle of the Labyrinth 30 min (-2 hr. 25 min.)
July 10: TV: 0 min.
Read: Super Crunchers 30 min. (-1 hr. 55 min.)
July 11: TV: 0
Read: Super Crunchers 30 min. (- 1 hr. 25 min.)
Friday, July 10, 2009
Wilco: Wilco (the album)
Charlie said: My brother-in-law tells a funny story about the time he went to see Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace with a fanatical friend. This friend was so excited he was shaking with excitement. My brother-in-law hated the movie especially when his friend giggled through-out. Even knowing this story, I was at Target at 8 AM on June 30th to buy Wilco (the album).
Having listened to the album none stop for the past two weeks I can honestly say I am past the giggling stage.
This album offers the listeners a lot. From the opening song, "Wilco", where the band Wilco tells the listeners not to worry about being down, depressed, or hurt, "Wilco loves you baby". Through the heart wrenching "One Wing" where being separated is like being one wing and all you can do is wave bye. To the hopeful "Everlasting Everything" where Wilco's every lasting love is alive. Wilco delivers.
The more I listen to Wilco (the album) the more I see how it mirrors the Beatles Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. Both albums tell the listeners to sit back and relax and enjoy the show. A show that is well worth the listen.
I like this album so much I have made a copy for my brother-in-law and I giggled when I gave it to him. On the Tina/Charlie Promote It, Lend It, Deny It scale I give it a big Promote It.
Tina said: The Tuesday that Wilco (the album) was released was a very important day in my life, my half birthday. On this day I officially entered my late 20’s. I am now closer to 30, than I am 25. I could have been “under the impression, this isn’t [my] life.” I might have had an opportunity to “dabble in depression.” As this life changing half birthday approached, I realized that I had nothing to worry about, because after listening to the title track of Wilco (the album), Wilco (the song) I knew that “Wilco, will love [me] baby”.
Wilco (the album) carries the classic Wilco sound throughout the album. Jeff Tweedy did not try to reinvent their sound; they still use light guitar distortion, and a consistent melody that harmonized with the other instruments. What Wilco (the album) has that is different than the other Wilco albums is a difference in their lyrics. This album speaks the truth about the ups and downs of life (or as I have been referring to in my summer school class, the highs and lows), but continues to remind you that no matter how bad things get there is always a moment of hope. This is shown in the songs “You Never Know”, “Sonny Feeling” and of course the album opener “Wilco (the song)”. This album leaves me with a feeling of happiness, and hope that life is going to get better for us all, because “Wilco will love you baby”.
On Charlie/Tina promote it, lend it, deny is scale, it’s clearly a promote it.
Having listened to the album none stop for the past two weeks I can honestly say I am past the giggling stage.
This album offers the listeners a lot. From the opening song, "Wilco", where the band Wilco tells the listeners not to worry about being down, depressed, or hurt, "Wilco loves you baby". Through the heart wrenching "One Wing" where being separated is like being one wing and all you can do is wave bye. To the hopeful "Everlasting Everything" where Wilco's every lasting love is alive. Wilco delivers.
The more I listen to Wilco (the album) the more I see how it mirrors the Beatles Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. Both albums tell the listeners to sit back and relax and enjoy the show. A show that is well worth the listen.
I like this album so much I have made a copy for my brother-in-law and I giggled when I gave it to him. On the Tina/Charlie Promote It, Lend It, Deny It scale I give it a big Promote It.
Tina said: The Tuesday that Wilco (the album) was released was a very important day in my life, my half birthday. On this day I officially entered my late 20’s. I am now closer to 30, than I am 25. I could have been “under the impression, this isn’t [my] life.” I might have had an opportunity to “dabble in depression.” As this life changing half birthday approached, I realized that I had nothing to worry about, because after listening to the title track of Wilco (the album), Wilco (the song) I knew that “Wilco, will love [me] baby”.
Wilco (the album) carries the classic Wilco sound throughout the album. Jeff Tweedy did not try to reinvent their sound; they still use light guitar distortion, and a consistent melody that harmonized with the other instruments. What Wilco (the album) has that is different than the other Wilco albums is a difference in their lyrics. This album speaks the truth about the ups and downs of life (or as I have been referring to in my summer school class, the highs and lows), but continues to remind you that no matter how bad things get there is always a moment of hope. This is shown in the songs “You Never Know”, “Sonny Feeling” and of course the album opener “Wilco (the song)”. This album leaves me with a feeling of happiness, and hope that life is going to get better for us all, because “Wilco will love you baby”.
On Charlie/Tina promote it, lend it, deny is scale, it’s clearly a promote it.
Wednesday, July 08, 2009
Grateful
Saturday, July 04, 2009
Week Twenty-Seven
June 28: TV: 0 min.
Read: Battle of the Labyrinth 30 min. ( -2 hr. 55 min.)
June 29:TV: 0 min.
Read: Super Crunchers 30 min. (-2 hrs. 25 min.)
June 30: TV: 0 min.
Read: 0 min. (- 2 hr. 25 min.)
July 1: TV: 0 min.
Read: Battle of the Labyrinth 30 min. (-1 hr. 55 min.)
July 2: TV: 0 min.
Read: Super Crunchers 30 min. (-1 hr. 25 min.)
July 3: TV: 0 min.
Read: 0 min. (-1 hr. 55 min.)
July 4: TV: 0
Read: Battle of the Labyrinth 30 min. (- 55 min.)
Read: Battle of the Labyrinth 30 min. ( -2 hr. 55 min.)
June 29:TV: 0 min.
Read: Super Crunchers 30 min. (-2 hrs. 25 min.)
June 30: TV: 0 min.
Read: 0 min. (- 2 hr. 25 min.)
July 1: TV: 0 min.
Read: Battle of the Labyrinth 30 min. (-1 hr. 55 min.)
July 2: TV: 0 min.
Read: Super Crunchers 30 min. (-1 hr. 25 min.)
July 3: TV: 0 min.
Read: 0 min. (-1 hr. 55 min.)
July 4: TV: 0
Read: Battle of the Labyrinth 30 min. (- 55 min.)
Wednesday, July 01, 2009
Grateful
Phoenix: Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix
Charlie said: Here is all I know about this group. They are from France, this is their fourth CD, and it is getting a lot of play on the radio. I have heard the opening song, Lisztomania at least three times on the Current.
I listened to this CD first while running at the Ravine Park and would highly suggest this. This CD has some great running songs; Lisztomania, 1901, and Lasso to name three. I also enjoyed the rest of the tracks. Love Like a Sunset, Pt. 1 and Pt. 2 is great interlude that got me ready to listen to the rest of the CD. I especially enjoyed Lasso, a song got me up a very steep climb with a smile.
At times during this CD I was reminded of Ben Kweller. All in all, this was a light, carefree, good-natured listen. On the Tina/Charlie promote it, lend it, or deny it scale I would give it a promote it, with a smile.
Tina said: I purchased this Album because I spotted it in the $7.99 section at Target. Before purchasing this album, I knew nothing about Phoenix or their recent album Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix. While I do not have much information on this band or album, I do know one thing; I like it. Phoenix is fresh, light, and has an interesting mix of what I would call techno-alternative melodies. I especially hear this in Love Like a Sunset Part I. As I listened to this album numerous times I noticed each of the song builds, and I found myself rocking out in the kitchen while cooking.
Charlie, I however do not hear Ben Kweller (well maybe the lead singers voice sounds similar). However, I do hear the Killers and LCD Sound System, and maybe a hint of the Decemberists.
Phoenix’s Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix is a great summer album. It is light, fresh and it makes me feel like I’m driving in a convertible around the beach on a hot summer day. On the Charlie/Tina promote it, lend it, deny it scale; I give this album a strong promote it.
I listened to this CD first while running at the Ravine Park and would highly suggest this. This CD has some great running songs; Lisztomania, 1901, and Lasso to name three. I also enjoyed the rest of the tracks. Love Like a Sunset, Pt. 1 and Pt. 2 is great interlude that got me ready to listen to the rest of the CD. I especially enjoyed Lasso, a song got me up a very steep climb with a smile.
At times during this CD I was reminded of Ben Kweller. All in all, this was a light, carefree, good-natured listen. On the Tina/Charlie promote it, lend it, or deny it scale I would give it a promote it, with a smile.
Tina said: I purchased this Album because I spotted it in the $7.99 section at Target. Before purchasing this album, I knew nothing about Phoenix or their recent album Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix. While I do not have much information on this band or album, I do know one thing; I like it. Phoenix is fresh, light, and has an interesting mix of what I would call techno-alternative melodies. I especially hear this in Love Like a Sunset Part I. As I listened to this album numerous times I noticed each of the song builds, and I found myself rocking out in the kitchen while cooking.
Charlie, I however do not hear Ben Kweller (well maybe the lead singers voice sounds similar). However, I do hear the Killers and LCD Sound System, and maybe a hint of the Decemberists.
Phoenix’s Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix is a great summer album. It is light, fresh and it makes me feel like I’m driving in a convertible around the beach on a hot summer day. On the Charlie/Tina promote it, lend it, deny it scale; I give this album a strong promote it.
