My Writings. My Thoughts.

The Best Music of 2010 – (NOT A Top 10 List!)

// December 22nd, 2010 // 3 Comments » // Music & Entertainment

Nope. No top 10 list. Pretty sure I’ve seen 45,679 top 10 lists for music and movies already. So… since this is my blog I wanted to share the music that I loved in 2010. Sure, I’ll tell you which one was my #1 (the one I listened to the most) but you’ll have to wait till the end.

( if you want to listen and see if I’m crazy or delusional this list is also on Listmania! on Amazon-  look and listen here–>  Listmania for My Favorite Music of 2010 )

Albums that were great and listened to a lot:

So I guess it turned into a list either way, huh.  At least I didn’t rank them!  There was a lot of great music this year and a lot of great music that evidently I just didn’t get into (Mumford & Sons, Deerhunter, Arcade Fire).   I’ve definitely lost my ‘cool’ since those were the hip/amazing bands of 2010.  Sorry!

So what was my favorite of 2010???  It’s 30 Seconds To Mars –  Wait, what?  That didn’t come out this year?  Well, it was released in December of 2009 so technically it’s possible to be my favorite of 2010.  I listened to it more than any other record!  Second was Grace Potter & The Nocturnals then The Dead Weather.

What was your favorite record of 2010?  What should I listen to that I might have missed?

This Is A Real War

// December 7th, 2010 // 1 Comment » // life

Found this on an archive site. It’s a live news broadcast a few hours after the Pearl Harbor bombing… I can’t imagine hearing this live- but the part where he say’s “This is a real war…” just gave me chills. Since radio was what most people had back then I thought we should hear the audio only.

Flash required

For even more on Pearl Harbor and this day of infamy visit Pearlharbor.org

Social Media Can Make You Live Longer (theoretically)

// November 16th, 2010 // 1 Comment » // life

I’m not a doctor nor do I play one on TV but hear me out.

While reading about health and healthy living I stumbled upon a Univeristy of North Carolina study that found people with friends, family and community involvement were 50 percent less likely to die early than those with no social life.  Also, Socially-connected people live an average of 3.7 years longer, according to the report which claimed the impact of friends was comparable to the effects of quitting smoking.

Now I don’t think Facebook is a medical breakthru but it’s interesting the quick growth of social sites like Facebook and Twitter could actually positively effect someone’s life.  Crazy, right?

I’m very active on Facebook and Twitter and I love being able to keep up to date with friends and family.  I smile a lot during the day from the silly pictures, funny status updates and the random “hey!”.  Granted we all have our pet peeves that can often annoy-  the difference is that on Facebook you can ‘hide’ the annoying parts.  If you haven’t done that yet… do it.

One other piece to consider,  when people talk about a “social life” they don’t usually mean a ‘digital friend’.  However, I’d argue that being connected like my example above is a way of ‘connection’ to others.  Maybe you don’t get the 3.7 extra years from Facebook-  maybe 2.5 more years???

What do you think?  It’s an interesting subject to think about and the possibility that Facebook can actually extend your life?  Well who knows if there will ever be proof but for now…  we’ll take it.

Work Out Music For People Who Hate Working Out

// November 3rd, 2010 // No Comments » // life, Music & Entertainment

I need motivation.  Lots of it especially when it comes to working out/exercising or doing anything physical (mowing the yard).  Since I’m so musically ‘driven’ I figured I’d share a 40 minute playlist that really keeps me moving and pushing thru that workout!  What kind of playlists do you create?  Go ahead and share them!

If you’d rather here this playlist you can hear all but 2 on this ‘listmania’

  1. Good And Ready  by Anti-Flag (punk never hurt anyone)
  2. Lock, Step & Gone by Rancid (punk/ska whatever you want to call it.)
  3. Second Skin by The Gits (Grunge lady rock… )
  4. Grammatizator by Rise Against (This one really pushes you when you need it!)
  5. Yeah Yeah Yeah by New Politics (just added this one- fun/good groove)
  6. Time Bomb by Hollowick (the rock rolls in)
  7. Monkey Wrench by Foo Fighters (who doesn’t have this in their rock playlist?!)
  8. Bulls On Parade by Rage Against The Machine (just when you think you are getting tired…)
  9. Lights and Sounds by Yellowcard (AAAHHHHHH!!! That’s how I feel by now)
  10. Angels of the Silence by Counting Crows (steady way to start ending this workout)
  11. Kings and Queens by 30 Seconds To Mars (edit intro out- start song @ :34.990!
  12. Paris by Grace Potter & The Nocturnals (good way to end.  Promise.)

I created this list on Amazon- You can preview them all in one place.  All but Grammatizator by Rise Against and Time Bomb by Hollowick.  However both of those are on iTunes!  Hopefully the iMix will be available on iTunes in the next few days as well.

Republicans and Democrats: It’s Not That Easy

// November 3rd, 2010 // No Comments » // life

My frustration/political post of the year.  Yes, it’s coming today because of all the posts/tweets/statuses for voting today.

My thoughts… I’m not registered as a republican or a democrat.  In all the years of voting I’ve never voted a straight ticket and in this day and age I don’t see how anyone could support one party and one party only.  Do you seriously think that one party has your best interests in mind from top to bottom?

The past few years have proven that neither party is willing to ‘work’ together for a better America.  Wait, what is a better America???  My point exactly.  What I think a better America is and what you think a better America is…  well, I guarantee you it’s two different ideas.  So with that said.  I urge you to THINK.  Drop your ‘party’ ties and think about each candidate, each race, each proposition, each issue…  Decide based on what you think will make America better.

I know this will come off as simplistic and that I don’t understand how the political system works…  well, just fyi…  I do.  I know the control, the money and the way the system is won’t change overnight.  I pay attention.  Just because I’m not outspoken about it doesn’t mean I’m clueless.

Yes, I wish things would change.  No, I don’t think its that easy… Will I give up?  Nah.  I won’t let the political structure effect my attitude and willingness to seek out a better America (especially for my kids).

Ok-  So….  how ’bout that new Taylor Swift album?

Rockumentaries That Rock!

// October 25th, 2010 // 4 Comments » // Music & Entertainment, video

rockumentary
The past few years I’ve been sucked in by so many documentaries.  These are my reality TV.  This really started with Netflix-  then being able to stream on the ipad and Xbox just took it to another level.   When I work I either listen to music or listen/watch documentaries.  I figured I’d start sharing the different documentaries I like, I’ll start with the ‘Rockumentary’. The Rockumentary is usually a documentary that is music focused…  it will follow the rise, fall and in between of a band or artist.   So here are some of my favorites (with a ‘Mockumnetary’ thrown into the mix)… what are yours?

***Just a warning-  many of these contain STRONG language.  Just FYI.  The links are to the actual documentary on Netflix***

  • I Need That Record! : Really cool doc about the disappearing record stores in the US.  Great numbers and thoughts about ‘why’.
  • The Gits : An influential band in the early Seattle grunge days.  Life of the band was cut short when their lead singer was brutally raped and murdered.
  • LoudQUIETloud : A film about one of my favorite bands The Pixies.  This doc goes inside their reunion tour.  Really good.
  • It Might Get Loud : 3 influential rockers from three different times in music.  Amazing documentary.  Features Jack White, The Edge and Jimmy Page.
  • Kurt & Courtney : A doc that looks into the death of Kurt and ultimately tries to connect Courtney Love to his ‘murder’.  Don’t really agree but it was an interesting doc.
  • Heavy Metal in Baghdad : Documentary of a metal group who put on a sold out show in Baghdad in ’05 –  A year later filmmakers return to find the band and country torn apart by war.
  • Kurt Cobain “About A Son” : Not the most visual documentary but great to listen to while working.  The interviews are long and really deep into who Kurt Cobain was.
  • Michael Jackson’s This Is It : Great pieces put together documenting the tour that never happened.
  • Spinal Tap : What? This isn’t real???  One of my favorite ‘Mockumentaries’ ever!  A must watch. (this one doesn’t stream… just DVD)
  • Betty Blowtorch : Behind the scenes of this all metal band… just a good rockumentary!
  • HYPE : Great behind the scenes of the Seattle grunge scene (focus on the other ‘grunge’ bands- not just Nirvana)

This is a super short list and just the ones that I’ve watched recently so come on and let me know some great ones that I’m missing!

Grace Potter & The Nocturnals: Paris (Oh Oh La La)

// August 27th, 2010 // 1 Comment » // Music & Entertainment

It’s just nice to find some great rock and roll.

Love this album.  Get it on iTunes or Amazon -

via hulu.com

Influence

// August 24th, 2010 // No Comments » // life, Music & Entertainment

I’ve had a post in draft mode for months talking about influence in music and how we create what we create—  I deleted it today.  Simple reason.  My friend Matt Stanfield said it in a few short words and nailed it.  So today.  It’s his words:

Influences aren’t ideas we copy, they are concepts we assimilate. Those concepts merge and mingle, and the collective result is what sets you apart. It may even push you to do something new.

Tom Petty Makes Me Think Like An Old Dude

// August 13th, 2010 // 1 Comment » // Music & Entertainment, Technology

I’m about to sound really old so here goes…


“They just don’t do it like they used too…” I’m talking about music.  Music in general.  The recording, the band, the sound, the writing, the live show, the professionalism…  Bands these days are trying hard to stand out for 5 minutes.  Many have a gimic or are trying to think about that one thing that can launch them to stardom.  Now I don’t blame the bands.  Currently we have access to hundreds of thousands of bands online.  We also have access to their fans telling us to listen to this one and that one.  Again, not knocking the band or the fans-  I’m guilty.  I try to share good music and artists that may otherwise go undiscovered by my friends.

The process of writing great songs,  being in a band, building a following and working your ass off to get noticed has moved to sitting at a computer, recording pieces/ideas (not days in a basement rehearsing) of a song, finding followers on one of the many social media networks, uploading a song to sell THEN start thinking about how do i play a live show and we should probably learn these songs as a band soon…   Yes, I know that is a bit of an exaggeration, but if you’re in a band you probably know what I’m talking about.

Wait! What does this have to do with Tom Petty???  I’m getting there I promise.  I’ve been to a ton of shows in this short life of mine (a way of saying I’m still young).  My first show was Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young in the early 80′s at Starwood Amphitheater right outside of Nashville.  I remember it vividly.  It was awesome.  Crosby Stills & Nash actually opened up for Tom Petty last night… so it came full circle for me.

So… Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers. I’ve been a fan for a long time.  I own most all his albums.  Last night I saw him live and it just hit me-  ’They just don’t do it like they used too…”.  Petty has written hit after hit after hit and continues to put on an amazing show to back up those hits.  He’s the total package-  he doesn’t have a gimic, he doesn’t change his sound every album to match what is out currently and he just does what he does.  Rock.

I’m not saying that Tom Petty is the only guy who has this figured out.  There are a lot of great artists and bands out there doing this.  This is just something that stood out to me last night.

Here’s a question.  Do bands like Tom Petty, U2, Rolling Stones, Metallica and other ‘supergroups’ have an advantage since they went through the old school music system?  They had heavy radio and video play back in the day when that was one of the only ways to discover new music.  Has the internet and new media outlets changed the music game that much?  I say, yes.  I’m not complaining-  it’s a fine line.  I love these outlets and discover great music that I’d otherwise not find but sometimes I just want great music that is consistent, real and a true reflection of who the artist/band is.

What do you think?

Goodbye AT&T. Goodbye iPhone.

// August 9th, 2010 // 3 Comments » // life, Technology

Yes.  I’ve given up my iPhone.  Don’t get me wrong.  I liked my iPhone.  A lot.  However, from a personal and business position I had to evaluate more factors than “is it an iphone?”.

I have many friends who have no problems with their iphones or AT&T.  I’m glad they don’t and I’m not here to bash the iphone or AT&T.  I do want to share some factors that brought me to this decision.

First reason, OPTIONS.  For a while, there were no real options for me.  I was in a contract with AT&T and I dug my iphone.  It was light years beyond other ‘smart’ phones.  Times have changed.  There are many options now including the Google Android platform… which is really cool.

Second, COVERAGE.  Yes, AT&T claims to have the best coverage.  And they may-  however that includes their Edge network which is not data coverage for me-  meaning, it’s not fast enough to be traveling and use.  I travel a lot.  I want 3G coverage everywhere.  Our new service has lined the interstates (where I travel most) with 3G coverage.  I now have fast data and phone service in the majority of places I travel.

Third, the $$$AVINGS.  With our new service, we will be saving over $50 a month AND we have more features, all that I will use.  This is where I can break it down and say this was a common sense move for me.

Our base plan on AT&T was the Family 1400 which was $80-
The second phone was $9.99
Data plans for both of these phones is $60
Text Messaging for each phone (basic 200) was $10
Data tethering for the iPhone  $20

That total plan is $179.99 –  That does not include tax and services.  We hit $200 pretty easy.

The new plan with Sprint and the HTC Evo 4G is base @ $139.00  (that is for two phones.  Unlimited data, unlimited texting, mobile 2 mobile calling on any network)

I added the Hotspot option for $30.  This lets me turn my phone into a wireless router so that up to 8 devices can get on the internet at any time.  No need to ‘tether’ one device anymore.

This brings our new phone plan to $169.00.  We are saving $10!  Wait, actually because of my business we were offered a corporate discount of 23%.  We just saved another $40…  In the end we save $50 a month AND have increased our data usage and eliminated our overages on texting… which happened a lot!

One other bonus is the 4G network that is rolling out this year.  The download speeds for data will be close to cable modem speeds.  Pretty fast for mobile computing!

For us, it was easy to make the decision.  I’ll keep my old iPhone-  it’s now an iPhone touch.  :)  I’m still a lover of Apple products.  Always have been and always will be.  My iPad will keep me happy no doubt.

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