How many actual albums did Michael Jackson release during the past thirty years? Three? Four? Hell, he’s only a few ahead of me, and I’ve been sitting around eating Funyuns and power-farting into upholstery my entire adult life.
In any case, it’s been a bad couple of weeks for celebs, hasn’t it? Maude, Ed McMahon, Farrah Fawcett, Michael Jackson, Sky Saxon, Billy Mays, Scott Baio… Who am I missing?
I liked Ed, a lot; he and Johnny were the classiest, and the best. Maude scared me a little; I think she could palm a basketball. It was hard not to like Farrah; she provided, um, fuel for an entire generation of boys, worldwide.
Michael Jackson released some great singles, but I was never a huge fan; I probably own more than 10,000 albums and CDs, and not one is by MJ. Sky Saxon was one of the 1960s acid casualty musicians; I own two CDs by his old band, The Seeds.
I hope Billy Mays’ denim shirt and beard are on their way to the Smithsonian, as we speak; he seemed like a good guy. And Scott Baio hasn’t died, as far as I know; I just listed him as a “joke.”
Agree with my quickie reviews of the recently deceased? Tell us about it, in the comments.
On Friday the family, plus one, went to Knoebels amusement park. And it was a great time, as usual. Well, after we extracted ourselves from the Interstate 81 cluster-copulation, that is…
For roughly an hour we were either sitting still, completely, or inching forward so slowly the speedometer couldn’t read it. I hate I-81, it’s the devil’s parkway. I think the state of Pennsylvania just uses it as a jobs program, putting people to work doing “repairs” to stretches of road that don’t need fixin’.
But after that high-aggravation, we jumped onto I-80, and it was smoove sailing. Before we knew it, we were walking into the greatness that is Knoebels. God, that place is awesome…
It’s like going back in time to, say, 1965 or so. But everything is clean and well-maintained, and you never feel like you’re putting your kids at risk. It might be “vintage,” but it’s no K-Mart parking lot carnival.
Their food is also shockingly good. During the day I had cheese fries, a “Southern Style” barbecue sandwich, a sweet tea slushie type of deal, three perogies, and an ice cream cone (Moose Tracks).
And all took up residency under the heading of yum.
The boys don’t really need our help with anything anymore, so they were off on their own most of the time. Therefore, I didn’t ride as many things as I usually do. (Too busy eating.) But I went on the Phoenix roller coaster, and I think they had the speed all cranked-up on that thing.
You know how you practically come to a stop at the top of the first big hill of a coaster? Then you creep over the top, and all hell breaks loose? Well, on Friday we went sailing over that peak, without even a hint of slow-down.
It was crazy. The thing was careening around the corners, and it felt like the fillings were about to fall out of my teeth. I’ve probably been on that ride twenty times, and it’s never moved so fast. I was mildly concerned.
But it was a great day. While we were driving home, the younger Secret said, “Can we go again tomorrow?!” It always leaves you wanting more.
The older Secret brought a friend whose mother is a little on the Nancy side of the spectrum. She doesn’t let him eat garbage and crap, and everything’s gotta be a learning experience. Therefore, he loves going places with us…
I think he had four bottles of root beer, a couple hot dogs, a wheelbarrow full of candy, and a family-sized serving of macaroni and cheese for dinner, at Cracker Barrel. His mother would’ve had a stroke, but I think he had more fun than any of us.
I took a bunch of pictures during the day, but this is the only one I really like.
What did you do over the weekend? Anything exciting? Tell us about it, won’t you? Use the comments link below.
And I’ll see you guys tomorrow.
Musical thoughts
June 30, 2009
I consider myself to be a great fan of music- All music- not just the stuff that gets me through the day, but I am always open to listening to what others like. Sometimes, those particulars continue to get rammed down my throat for all eternity, to the point where I want to scream if I hear THAT FUCKING SONG OR BAND AGAIN!!!! There are a few bands through the decades that come to mind.
Now I know I am going to piss someone off here, but, seriously, what the fuck is the drawing power of Jimi Hendrix? It’s not like he was the first brother to play the electric guitar, so rule that out. His voice was nothing spectacular. He didn’t write anything that meant anything. I can’t get behind any of his songs. None were number one hits. In fact, All Along the Watchtower, not even written by him, is the only song to reach the top twenty in the US (#20). I cannot change the station fast enough if I have to listen to the radio and Hendrix comes on.
Now I know I am going to piss someone off here, but, seriously, what the fuck is the drawing power of Motley Crue? Vince Neil sounds like a cat that can speak , and looks nowadays like Jon Lovitz with a blonde wig. The other guys have not let themselves go like that. Mick Mars has always had that Joey Ramone “I’m almost dead” look, so he does not count. The songs all sound the fucking same to me. I can’t get behind any of them. I seriously thought these assholes would disappear about 20 years ago, but the fan base just keeps letting them go on, and on, and on, and on. The only two bands I really liked that came out of that era were Tesla and Skid Row. And while we’re at it……
Now I know I am going to piss someone off here, but, seriously, what the fuck is the drawing power of Aerosmith? Couldn’t they have just put out “Night in the Ruts” and “Toys in the Attic” and then just left with the money. Why, oh God, why did they come back? I blame RUN-DMC for this. If not for the re-done “Walk This Way”, we would have never heard from Steve and Joe again. But no, we had to endure “Dude Looks Like…. And Love in an Elevator…. And that fucking awful song from the meteor movie” and there’s no sign of them leaving any time soon.
Now I know I am going to piss someone off here, but, seriously, what the fuck is the drawing power of Coldplay? I can’t get over the fact that when the song “Yellow” came out, I boldly predicted that this band would never be heard from again. Now, everybody I know likes goddamn Coldplay. Maybe this plagiarism thing between them, Joe Satriani , Creaky Boards and the terrorist version of Cat Stevens will make them go away, but who knows.
I apologize to any Ed McMahon fans out there who were offended by my “Heeeeeere’s Jesus!” statement upon his death. I know it was cold and callous of me, and I am deeply remorseful. If you have any terrific and awesome Ed McMahon stories to share, please put them in the comments section. Okay, didn’t think so. However, there is good news. I got 64 points in the celebrity death pool. Thanks, Ed!
Seriously, does no one fucking remember that just a week ago, Michael Jackson was branded a child molester. It’s as if all is forgiven now by the press, the conglomerate that ran him into the dirt for sucking off little boys. Oh, I’m sorry, ALLEDGEDLY sucking off little boys. The 27 million dollar payoff, much more than a trial would have cost, only meant he did not want to be bothered with it, therefore, giving him much more free time to suck off little boys. And today, of course, they found that he taped a video just two days before his death. Well of course he fucking did. Nothing like stretching this out as far as it can go. I always hated MJ, and always will. Leave it to this prancing little faggot to steal Farrah’s thunder. It’s like—“The greatest motherfucker in the world of music died today, and so did Farrah Fawcett”. I’m just sickened by it.
Heard this song on the radio yesterday- performed to the repeated song line of Billie Jean-
“Michael Jackson is dead, You fucking hypocrites, don’t pretend you give a shit, remember what you said he did.” Michael Jackson is dead, You fucking hypocrites, don’t pretend you give a shit, remember what you said he did.” I think this might be it http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tVACUjHn6yU, but the corporate pinheads have blocked sound from coming out of my computer, so I do not know. Try it and let me know.
Did you know- Michael Jackson sucked off Corey Feldman and MacCauley Culkin, and they will reveal that in the weeks to come, just never letting this story die?
On IPOD right now- “When the Levee Breaks”- Led Zep
Goodnight sweet prince.
OK, more info, in case you wanted it. “Michael Jackson is Dead” is by a guy named “Jon Lajoie”. Also did a really good song called “Show me your Genitals” Crazy Canadian!!
Did you know- Betsy Ross was born with a fully formed set of teeth?
On IPOD right now- “Runnin’ with the Devil”- VH
I always look forward to the photos of previous trips to Knoebels. Won’t you please post them again for us to enjoy?
AWG – I couldn’t agree more.
Crappy updateless afternoon.
Happy Tuesday, Surfers!
Hey, kids – it looks like Mr. Knucklehead and I may be on House Hunters International! I’ll keep you posted.
I thought Biggie was Al Roker the first time I looked at it!
@ Brynhildr – An excellent choice, I had to read Metamorphosis in high and then again in college. Lets just say my college professor was in for a big surprise when he started asking questions about the story.
@ bennigan’s nazi – They are doing special tribute to Billy on the next episode of “Pitch Men”. I guess the Sham Wow guy is the next in line to take Billy’s place on the show.
oops, I almost missed it
On IPOD right now- “Shame”- Robin Trower
Queen of Pin up posters dead.
King of Pop dead.
King of infomercial dead.
King of Ass Clowns…Just won his court case and will be Minnesota’s next Senator… way to go Al Franken.
@ AngryWhiteGuy – Steve Vai, the guy is in my opinion an better guitarist that Jimmy Page but thats my opinion. After I heard his duel with Ry Cooder in “Crossroads”, I was sold. I don’t even hear Steve Tyler’s voice when I listen to Aerosmith but he is a descent frontman. Not perfect but descent.
On IPOD right now – “Whiter Shade of Pale”- Procol Harum
This is what happens when I’m bored at work, and there’s not a new WVSR update:
http://twitpic.com/8votb
@ND: That is so multi-level wrong, but i like it! LOL !!
ND – that is so cute.
nothing’s going on….
…just sayin’
Ho-ly shit. The kid in further evidence video is gonna end up in a tall building with a high powered rifle someday.
I think the part that disturbs me the most is where in his fit of rage he attempts to shove the remote control up his ass. The hell ?!? You know, I’ve been pretty pissed off at various times in my life but it’s never reached a pitch where I felt like shoving things up my ass.
Further Evidence kid. Total fake. I knew it when I saw this.
http://j.photos.cx/scrxuw-9b6.gif
Further Evidence kid. Total fake. I knew it when I saw this.
[img]http://j.photos.cx/scrxuw-9b6.gif[/img]
Crap. Sorry for the double post.
@ Bennigan’s Nazi – excellent Billy Mays mock….
@ AngryWhiteGuy
You don’t know dick about good music.
Yes, “Night in the Ruts” was a travesty. But the first four Aerosmith albums (Aerosmith, Get Your Wings, Toys in the Attic, Rocks) fuckin’ rocked. Just the fact that you mentioned “Night in the Ruts” and “Toys in the Attic” in the same sentence demonstrates that you are not paying attention.
And Jimi lit his guitar on fire! Are You Experienced? Who lights their guitar on fire any more?
Next you are going to be telling us that Nirvana was just another one-hit wonder, and the Who were overrated.
Get the fuck out of town. List three albums that you enjoy and I will mock them into the ground.
Woo hoo hoo, we got us a good old surf report throw down brewin’
Hope that internet gets fixed in the bunker before it gets too ugly around here.
Also, I don’t know why but I do enjoy me some Coldplay…mock away
No, Nirvana and the Who are high on my list of what I listen to. I forgot about Hendrix lighting his guitar on fire. That changes my opinion about the music altogether.
So anyway, those were my opinions.
Try these three-
1. Exile on Main Street- Rolling Stones
2. Hotel California- Eagles
3. The Specials- The Specials
“Now I know I am going to piss someone off here”- see?
@ Taiwan On – Now, now, let ‘s not go Further Evidence level rage, like me, he was only stating his opinion. I am quite sure some people think I’m crazy for hinting that Jimmi Page is an over rated guitarist. Sure, he can play guitar with a violin bow but I have not seen him sporting a triple neck guitar. I concur that Aerosmith’s first four were good solid rock albums, I even like some of the offerings in Pump and Permanent Vacation. They seem to have taken a commercial bend as of late and I have not enjoyed anything produced after the Armeggedon song. I think he did that for Liv more than for musical taste. My approach would have been a little more aggresive if I knew my daughter was being poked by Ben Affleck, my god, didn’t he poke Jennifer Lopez? Ewww…
Glad you folks are listening.
Let me start by saying that Liv Taylor is a full on hottie. It blows me away that Steve Tyler produced this thing of beauty. I would definitely hit that.
And thanks AWG for fessing up on Aerosmith’s original albums and Jimi being Jimi. True.
Here I will try to mock three albums that I know you selected because they are excellent and extremely unmockable:
1. Exile on Main Street – Rolling Stones. The Rolling Stones never really made one good album. They pumped out a lot of good singles, but they weren’t a classic album band. Except for the zipper.
2. Hotel California – Eagles. Man you are really taxing my mockabilities. This is a great album. But weren’t the Eagle’s a little pussy? And what up with Hell Freezes Over? They lose points for not being able to keep it together.
3. The Specials – The Specials. No matter how hard I try, I can’t say anything bad about the Specials. Please don’t freak.
I know, pretty weak mock. You listed three excellent albums. Jeezum Crow.
Thanks, Taiwan, there’s more where those came from. Have a great B-Day on Friday.
Ok, here my spin.
The Rolling Stones have just been at it for so long, nobody even know if they have done anything bad. Back a few years when they started getting into the commercialism of MTV. I was less appreciative of anything they wrer putting out but they seem to have turned it around and gotten back to what works.
Hotel California is still critically acclaimed as the best album ever recorded “acoustically speaking”. If we can ever get Henley, Fry and Walsh to stop acting like little babys with a little to much pop in their pants, they can produce another album of equal or better performance.
I have to say that I have never experienced the offering from The Specials since most of my rock listening is mainstream and I tend to listen to studio bands more than performing artist. I don’t listen just because somebody says they are a good band. I listen because I am want to hear and experience the artists feelings about they music and unfortunately, a lot of rock bands don’t have feeling in there music. It’s just noise to me. I guess thats why I listen to Robin Trower, Neal Schon and Eric Johnson more than any other artist. These are the guys most try to emulate when it comes to pure emotion in their art. But you can tell when someone is faking it and brother, there are a lot of bands out there faking it.
Aerosmith- “Honkin on Bobo”- Check it out. Although most of the songs are covers, it is fantastic.
Counterpoint!
Taiwan On you ignorant slut:
The Stones did actually make one really good album; flawless, I would dare to submit. The album is entitled “Beggars Banquet”, and it represents a transition from the Brian Jones* era Stones to the Keith- and Mick-dominated era. This record really doesn’t contain any weak material. Its the first Stones record produced by Jimmy Miller. I had not thought of this record for awhile, but put it on over the weekend while cleaning house, and was reminded of it’s flawlessness.
*You can hear some great Brian Jones harmonica and slide guitar parts on this album, but a lot of his instrumentation was more or less buried in the mix. He was too f*cked-up to make it to very many sessions, and was dismissed from the band at this point. Not long after, we was found floating in his pool.
@ Lee Harvey Ramone – I can smell the passion!!!
I am mainly into the dead rock musicians (i.e. the 27 club). Interestingly enough, Brian Jones was the one without the white lighter at the time of his death.
I think I’ll go join Jason on the uncool / un-hip couch because I just had to Google “white lighter” to understand WTF you were talking about.
Brynhildr-Would you save me a spot on the couch?
I’ll bring a six pack of Light beer and my Dave Matthews CD’s?
Congratulations to West Virginia for picking up the bronze in the Adult Obesity Olympics. Mississippi took the gold, and Alabama the silver. Wear it with pride.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/31681795/ns/health-fitness/
@ Brynhildr – Your still cool/hip in my book. I just listen to a lot of music and have for a long time. First rock group I got introduced to was the Kinks. I love the AM groups from the 70’s, you know, the ones you hear on the radio on those long cross country drives. We did a lot of travelling around since my dad served in the Airforce. I worked for IU Soul Revue as a roadie when I was in college because I had one of the best ears for sound placement. When I was in the Navy, I had my own one hour radio rock show on AFRTS. I showcased a lot of the current jazz, rock and r&b bands then. I’ve lost my DJ chops but not my love of music.
Playing now on the iPod – “Before Dawn” – Joyce Cooling
WB – you’re welcome to join us, but sadly there isn’t enough room for Dave Matthews because Coldplay are already there. Lite beer is OK, though. Like drinking water. I’m parched.
@ WB in OH – Sacrelidge, just pure unadulterated sacrelidge, lite beer and Dave Matthews…
Playing now on the iPod – “25 or 6 to 4” – Chicago
Happy Canada Day, Eh!!
I’d bring some Yuengling but the bastards don’t sell it in Ohio.
I know that what I’m about to say is blasphemy, but here goes…Yuengling is overrated. There, I’ve said it. Now 86 me if you must.
Kevindust – Bon
Sorry Kevindust, I was about to attempt something rude in French, but fate intervened and I accidentally clicked “submit”. Must be telling me to shut up.
@ WB in OH – I’d say roadtrip but it takes too long to go anywhere in Ohio unless you are in Cinncinati.
Playing now on the iPod – “Sweetest Pain” – Loose Ends
Brynhildr- I would probably agree with you if I were able to get it on a daily basis. But when you only get once or twice a year it seems special. Yuengling that is.
WB – I guess then you just have to look forward to birthdays and anniversaries… for Yuengling, that is.
Cincinnati rocks! A lot of late teens/early 20s road trip memories from there. And awesome chili, different, but awesome. Can we still bring up chili here?
Did you know- the Bic lighter was introduced in 1973?
On IPOD right now- “Sky Pilot”- the Animals
Shiny- you got that right.
Brynhildr-I’m speechless and LMAO
AWG- Skyline or Goldstar?
I must be off! Hopefully an update when I return!
@ AngryWhiteGuy – Attended some of the best concerts there. Riverfront Stadium had the best acoustics for rock bands. I saw Peter Frampton in 70’s there and still feel he should taken the recording there instead of Plattsburgh Field House.
Playing now on the iPod – “A Prayer for Peace” – neal Schon
Jimi set his guitar on fire with liglhter fluid. Fine reason to enjoy his revolutionary work.
The question is ONLY PARTLY “how does Jimi sound 40 years later?” The LARGER QUESTION is: “what was music like before Jimi vs after Jimi. I was there for both, and saw Jimi in concert (from about 60 feet away) at the Seattle Center.
It’s really easy for people who don’t understand how the sausage is made to rock out on their solid state hand held devices without thinking what went in.
When Jimi (and Janis and bzimmerman and the early recordings of those moptops from across the pond) were playing and recording, there was very little overdubbing, most recordings were done live, simultaneously, with only levels adjusted in editing, and the notion of “post production” was, at most, nascent (yeah, Les Paul invented it a few years earlier, but rock recording didn’t use it and it was all implemented in hardwdare…If you couldn’t produce it live, you didn’t use it).
But as to Jimi…Before the Band of Gypsies, he played with Mitch Mitchell on drums and Noel Redding on bass. That’s it. Jimi played rhythm, melody and flourish all at the same time (and, by the way, sang lead whilst he was at it). So fuck “All Along the Watchtower” (which he did better than Dylan). He wrote, sang, and played three or four parts, none of them overdubbed, on “The Wind Cries Mary”, “Are You Experienced?”, “Purple Haze”, “Foxey Lady”, “Manic Depression”, “If 6 was 9”, “Castles Made of Sand”, “Crosstown Traffic”, and dozens of others, and played and sang the best “Hey Joe” in the business.
No software, no studio post-production magic, no bullshit. I saw him do all of these; I never saw fingers move faster…I never saw more feeling put into a vocal (except Janis)…I never saw a better, more inspired guitar player.
He was classy, a consumate performer, and an inspired genius. As it happens, there are several musicians I prefer, but I like Jimi, and an ignorance of history will only lead to a greater ignorance of the present, so I had to speak.
And, yes, he did set his guitar on fire in Seattle and it was cool. The crowd kept the fire marshalls from approaching the stage to hose the instrument down. Those were the days.
jtb