The internet is littered with websites I’ve launched, and abandoned. Some you probably know, and others you don’t. Thank God… But I’m thinking about starting a new one — in addition to the Surf Report, of course.
You see, I try not to mention my book projects, and what’s happening currently. It takes up a lot of space in my head, but I always feel like I’m boring you guys to tears with it. In fact, someone sent me an email, saying exactly that. And since it confirmed something I was already worried about, it stung a little.
So, I don’t mention it as much as I did in the past. But I’ve reached a point where things are about to change a great deal. I don’t want to get into the specifics right now, but I’m about to go down a new path with all this stuff. One of two new paths… And I feel like writing about it.
Some of you might want to follow along, and others will have little interest in the process. And that’s cool. But it’s why I’m thinking about doing it elsewhere. I believe it will appeal to a few of you, and also a new group of folks who are attempting to break into publishing (or screenwriting or whatever), and experiencing some of the same highs and lows as I am.
I’ll keep you posted, of course, but this is something I’ve been working on for a few days. I have a ridiculous amount of notes already, and I’m excited about it. These things can change, but I’m fired-up at the moment.
And just to be clear, it won’t be a completely self-indulgent exercise (if it happens at all). It’ll be about my experiences, but will also feature general discussions about the roadblocks and problems encountered by people who embark on creative endeavors.
Yes, these are the kinds of things I use to occupy my mind, so as to avoid a full mental collapse… Stay tuned.
And do you know what classic rock band doesn’t get the due it deserves? Thin Lizzy. I have most of their albums, and listen to them regularly. They were a great band, and most people think they recorded one song: “The Boys Are Back in Town.”
And it really bugs me when an accomplished artist has one hit, and the general population doesn’t know anything beyond that one song.
Like Warren Zevon, for instance. The man is responsible for decades-worth of genius, and dumbasses say, “Oh, is he that ‘Werewolves of London’ guy?” Grrr…
The same thing used to happen with Randy Newman, and “Short People.” Randy Newman is one of the greatest songwriters of the twentieth century, and people associated him with a novelty song. It was maddening to me. But, at this point “Short People” isn’t even remembered, and it’s “Randy who?” For some reason I prefer the latter.
Can you think of other artists who fall into this category? Please use the comments link below.
And finally, I’d like to know your favorite flavors of burps. I like Bac-Os, and hot dogs. Not together necessarily, although I wouldn’t be opposed to trying it.
What foods create your favorite-tasting burps? A little disgusting, I know… But when did that ever stop us? Tell us your thoughts on the subject.
And I’ll see you guys again next time.
Have a great weekend!
Some of you seem to think I decided to limit mentions of the book here, because of a single negative email. I mean, seriously… I’ve been doing this for more than ten years, and negative emails are a part of the bargain. I just felt in my bones that I was droning on and on a bit, and the email was perfectly timed to confirm it.
Also, Randy Newman released three masterpiece albums in a row, during the early to mid-1970s. They are 12 Songs, Sail Away, and Good Old Boys. Three of the best albums ever, by anyone. And his other stuff ain’t too shabby, either. But, of course, that’s just my opinion…
And Thin Lizzy might be well-known by musician types, but just regular walking-around Americans know one, maybe two songs. Because those are the only two songs classic rock (formerly AOR) stations play. And unless something is spoon-fed to them, most people don’t have the energy or curiosity to go lookin’.
I just cracked open my first beer of the night, at 2:51 am. Just an FYI.
Jeff,
I agree, just about word for word, what you say about Mr. Newman. He’s certainly some kind of genius, and an underrecognized one at that.
From this listening post, you weren’t droning on at all. If you choose not to write about the book project for any other reason, of course that’s up to you. I, for one, have learned something about the publishing process from your adventures, and there’s nothing inherently wrong with learning. Besides, one of the characters in the epic is an ingenue with large breasts.
(Come to think about it, I don’t actually know what this woman looks like, so I’m not so sure about the breast thing. I don’t get out much.)
jtb
Also…
Whatever the secret writing/publishing/Web project is, please count me in if there’s room. I’ve done a little bit of writing and I’d like to do a little more.
jtb
yeh…what he said.
Me too, because…well, I don’t really have a good because so how about…just because? No! That’s something a deranged malcontent would say after being discovered having killed seven neighborhood cats. So…how about?…because.
I like to write. I would write even if they took away my paper and pen. I would cover the walls of my house with my own blood in scripted text, unleashing the torrent of torment that is my mind. I would run naked into the streets to tell my stories to the…
“Hey…shut the fuck up. Keep it down for christ sake.”
Two Northwest bands that led the way to punk and the rebirth of Rock…
The Wailers
The Sonics
Older Reporters will probably remember one or both. Both merited much more national radio play than they got.
jtb
jtb, did you ever read Pat O’day’s book that came out several years ago? Quite a few pages were dedicated to the Wailers and their concerts that Pat promoted. Merrilee Rush, the original artist of “Angel of the Morning” was married to the lead singer.
Worth the repeat:
Opium Trail by Thin Lizzy is one of the best.
ANYTHING by UFO before and including the Wild, Willing and the Innocent.
Oh, and I like champagne burps as well as hashbrown and eggs.
Happy Saturday, Surfers!
In America you’ll get food to eat
Won’t have to run through the jungle
And scuff up your feet
You’ll just sing about Jesus and drink wine all day
It’s great to be an American
Ain’t no lions or tigers ain’t no mamba snake
Just the sweet watermelon and the buckwheat cake
Ev’rybody is as happy as a man can be
Climb aboard little wog sail away with me
.
Sail away sail away
We will cross the mighty ocean into Charleston Bay
Sail away-sail away
We will cross the mighty ocean into Charleston Bay
This land is made of mountians
This land is made of mud
This land has lots of everything
For me and Elmer Fud
This land has lots of trousers
This land has lots of mousers
And pussycats to eat them
When the sun…goes…down.
Play that dead man’s song.
I like vagina flavored burps.
And benzene.
Man, I’m completely with you on Warren Zevon. I have most of his albums, but I grind my fucking teeth when I hear “Werewolves Of London.” Seriously, the dude wrote so many great songs and THAT’S what people remember him for?
Another one (for me) is Talking Heads. Seriously- they did other songs besides “Burning Down The House” (no matter how great a tune it might be), but it seems like that’s the only song of theirs stations here have in their playlists. That’s why I pretty much exclusively listen to my own music at work, in the car, or whatever.
Watching Jeff Beck tearing it up with a bunch of rock-a-billy artists on PBS. Very strange.
Any burp is good unless it brings something up with it. Those I don’t care for.
A “velch”, as we call it. Also see “shart”.
.
We call that a “verp”
This looks like it might be good…a different take on ET:
http://screenrant.com/cowboys-and-aliens-trailer-poster-rothc-87747/
Wow. Very different! I’ll wait for it.
Oh yeah- I remember seeing the Stones at the Gator Bowl in Jacksonville about 20 years ago and Living Color was the opening act. People booed them off the stage after “Cult Of Personality.”
Another Jeff Kay website?
I’m in, but I hope that he consults with Bill Oates first.
Doesn’t anyone remember the band Beru Review?
They were based out of the Philadelphia PA area.
Beru started to get popular in the mid eighties then fizzled out.
McGuffey Lane from Columbus, OH never got their due nationally, but were huge in OH, WV, and PA.
Personally, I always loved Tesla. Kinda big, but coulda been bigger.
Faith No More did more than the song “Epic,” and very nearly all of it was amazing.
Also, the combination of Pepsi and mesquite barbecue potato chips produces some pretty great burp flavor.
Also, the Minutemen were more than just “the band that did the theme song from Jackass.”
Thee most beautiful UFO song ever
my favorite Thin Lizzy song. Love those twin guitar harmonies
the addresses didn’t show. The UFO song is called Love to love
the Thin Lizzy song is called Emerald
check em out at YouTube if you have time
Opeth deserves popularity…Genius music. Check out their album Damnation for all clean vocals
LOVE me some Thin Lizzy and anyone else who does, too. Cowboy song is probably my fave . . .
And my sister and I used to play “burp and blow” a.k.a. name-that-injestible. Rockin’ good times.
Love you. Love your blog.