Musical ABCs

Alanis Morisette-One of the first artists I remember really listening to.
Beatles-No explanation is really needed here is it? Though there were several other contenders (Bob Dylan, Brett Dennen, Backstreet Boys)
Christina Aguileria-She was, and still is, the more talented of the pop stars.
Duran Duran-If only for the song 'What Happens Tomorrow'
Eric Clapton-Complete and raw talent.
Frank Zappa-Pure, underrated genius. A truly revolutionary musician.
Gwen Stefani-I love her solo stuff as much, if not more, than her No Doubt material.
Hanson-Well, let's just say some people see them as gods. I just happen to think they are the best songwriters and musicians of this generation and deserve a trillion times more respect.
Iron and Wine-Okay, technically I don't own any of their music, but it was really slim pickings for I and I think I would really like them.
James Blunt-Who else can capture such tragically sad sentiments in such a beautiful way?
Kanye West-Sure, he's pompous, but he sure can deliver a rap. And has amazing collaborations.
Leonard Cohen-He's a poet! And he knows it!
Mika-Just the right blend of whimsical yet thoughtful lyrics.
Nsync-I suppose I have to put them there. I own most of their CDs and went to a concert. Though I could save a lot of face by putting No Doubt or Nada Surf.
Oasis-Wonderwall...need I say more?
Puff Daddy, P Diddy, that dude over there-Cause we're bad boys for life.
Q-I don't have a single Q artist in my iTunes, so I suppose I can't say anyone. I have one Q song...Quit Playing Games with my Heart by the Backstreet Boys.
Rolling Stones-Another classic. Ruby Tuesday is the best.
Sean Lennon-He channels his father in a slightly terrifying way. But clearly very talented musically and lyrically in his own right.
Tony Bennet-Because he always reminds me the best is yet to come...and babe won't it be fine!
U2-Cause, well, their U2. And Bono may one day rule the world.
Velvet Underground-Throw Nico into the mix, and you've got pure gold.
Will Smith-Classics here. Gettin Jiggy with it. Miami. Summertime. Some of the best songs ever.
X-Again, no X artists. One X song-X&Y by Coldplay.
Yellowcard-The hours I spend listening to Ocean Avenue number a little too high for me not to pick them. Though Yo-Yo Ma was a close second.
Z-Not a single artist with a Z...not even a song with a Z. Does that seem peculiar?

"We are ugly, but we have the music."-Leonard Cohen

A Few Words from George Carlin

We're so self-important. So arrogant. Every body's going to save something now. Save the trees, save the bees, save the whales, save the snails. And the supreme arrogance? Save the planet! Are theses people kidding me? Save the planet? We don't even know how to take care of ourselves; we haven't learned how to care for one another. We're gonna save the fucking planet?....And by the way, there's nothing wrong with the planet in the first place. The planet is fine. The people are fucked! Compared with the people, the planet is doing great. It's been here over four billion years...The planet isn't going anywhere folks. We are! We're going away. Pack your shit, we're going away. And we won't leave much of a trace. Thank god for that. Nothing left. Maybe a little Styrofoam. The planet will be here, and we'll be gone. Another failed mutation; another closed-end biological mistake.


---George Carlin

Wonderful Tonight

Wonderful Tonight: George Harrison, Eric Clapton, and Me
Pattie Boyd (With Penny Junor)
Published in 2007
307 pages

I decided to read this after reading Clapton's autobiography. It was a very nice accompaniment to his. Besides being the inspiration behind several passionate love songs, Pattie Boyd's life is quite intriguing on it's own. Born into a broken marriage, raised in Kenya, and later English boarding schools, Boyd clearly has an interesting background. Leaving home, she began to pursue modeling, which led to George, which led to Eric. At times her story almost seems unbelievable. This little girl from England somehow finds herself living and partying with The Beatles, Mick Jagger, Clapton, Ronnie Wood, all the big names of the time. It's the epitome of a rock 'n roll fairy tale. Although the book may leave something to be lacked in the prose department, the plot was captivating enough for me. She tells so much about the two greatest guitarists whom she knew so intimately. It is also wonderful because you can see throughout her life how she changes, and how she finally becomes secure and gains confidence in herself. Boyd answers the question most people probably wonder: Why leave Clapton or Harrison? While she wasn't driving the rock 'n roll revolution, she definitely was sitting in the passenger seat, which makes her memoir worth reading.

Clapton: The Autobiography

Clapton: The Autobiography
Eric Clapton
Published 2007
328 pages

I'm not sure what made me pick up this book. I hadn't read any reviews of it, no one had recommended it to me and I only had a commercial knowledge of Eric Clapton's music. Nonetheless, I bought it. And it was fabulous.

Clapton has led an incredible life. For an autobiography of a music legend and guitar god, it is relatively short. Yet, it is most fulfilling. It of course starts out with the basic childhood highlights and then moves fairly quickly into his adult career. It is really quite fascinating to read his stories and tales as he was there was "it" was all happening. The Beatles, Hendrix, the drugs, rock n roll, the whole evolution of modern music. It's the little stories and tidbits that are often times most intriguing. For instance, the song 'Here Comes the Sun' was written by Harrison at Clapton's home in England, Hurtwood during a particularly beautiful sunrise. And for a nice chuckle, Clapton reveals what Paul McCartney's original lyrics were to 'Yesterday.'

It is at times comical and light-hearted, but make no mistake. Clapton, by no means, glorifies himself. In fact, he becomes more and more human as it progresses. He speaks with ease and candor about his many, many mistakes and trials. And while there is a degree of the technical music & guitar jargon, it doesn't detract from the larger story. In the end, it is really just a breathe-taking tale of a man trying to find his place in the universe.

On Paradise Drive

On Paradise Drive: How We Live Now (And Always Have) in the Future Tense

David Brooks

Published in 2004

281 pages

This book comments on an interesting view of America while incorporating quite possibly ever single subject that has ever existed. It incorporates history, politics, humor, satire, religion, philosophy, statistics, gender roles, the list goes on. But what sticks out the most is his message and the humor used to get there. Here are a few samplings

"Bathroom tile is their cocaine; instead of blowing their life savings on narcotic white powder, they blow it on the handcrafted Italian wall covering they saw at Waterworks."

"He is interested in college football and tassels. His loafers have tassels. His golf bags have tassels. If he could put tassels around the Oklahoma football vanity license plate on his Cadillac Escalade, his life would be complete."

But besides offering some much appreciated humor, Brooks also succeeds at making some well-founded arguments. And most of the time it seems less like an argument and just some basic observations that we need to be reminded of. It's a very quick read, seeing as it is jammed pack full of various people and thoughts, such as Cotton Mathers, what fruit Columbus thought the Earth was, what sport can be used to explain suburbia, a Great Gatsby reference, and what cosmic blondes and cosmic brunettes are, and just how the American Dream behaves.

Genesee Depot-Unincorporated

It's (almost) summer! After some late, saved up April showers, it is starting to finally seem like summer is here. And what's summer without a spontaneous road trip? Really, I did always intend to tour south central Wisconsin. Otherwise, lots of things have been going on.

• I graduated! Thirteen years later, I am bestowed with the honor of donning an absurdly ridiculous hat and trying to maneuver a gown that could cover Rhode Island. Again, why can't we all just wear ball gowns and tuxedos?
• I finished Fair Game-Valerie Plame Wilson. She was an undercover CIA operative whose cover was blown by Scooter Libby, a Dick Cheney henchman. It covers everything from her youth to her current life. At times it is factual, with footnotes and all, and other times it is a poignant memoir, filled with justified ire. And don't let the length deceive you--a good portion of the book has been redacted by the CIA, but there is an afterword that fills in some of those gaps.
• Continuing with books, I have big plans (shocker) for summer reading. I want to read as many books as I can and I intend to spend one week reading all seven HP books. I don't know when I'll do it, but I'm guessing there will be several nearly sleepless nights.
• The Presidential race has been...well, I guess it was already pretty heated up...But it's been a decisive week or two. Barack Obama nabbed the nom. (Thank you Hillary for letting go) And he always announced to wouldn't accept public funding. We'll just have to wait and see how that goes.
• Speaking of Presidents, my new love (possible life-consuming obsession) is The West Wing. I may be perhaps a few years late, but hey, I was nine when it started. I was slightly more concerned about Rugrats and Figure It Out. The show is really quite captivating and deserves all the praise it receives.
• On a sad note, Tim Russert, moderator of Meet the Press and an ever present face on MSNBC, passed away last Friday. It is an astonishing blow to journalism and politics. His loss will undoubtedly be felt in these months prior to the election and for much time to come.
• More sad news. Bananas and Bangladesh are both on their way out! Sad pandas.
• And for a light note, some historical and philisophical mocking involving chickens. (Really, don't worry.
  

"The gladdest moment in human life, methinks, is a departure into unknown lands. The blood flows with the fast circulation of childhood."

Proust Questionairre

What is your current state of mind?

Calm, relaxed. Confident.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Being with the ones I love most and the ones who love me most. Enjoying each others company with laughter, love, food, music. Christmas essentially.

What is your greatest fear?

Being hurt, deeply hurt, by someone I love. Again.

What is your most marked characteristic?

It would probably be better to ask someone other than myself, but I will say adaptability.

What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?

Inability to trust people.

What is the trait you most deplore in others?

Ignorance, apathy, self-centeredness

Which living person do you most despise?

Can't really say anyone in particular...anyone who causes extreme pain and suffering

What is your greatest extravagance?

All material goods.

What do you consider the most overrated virtue?

Normalness.

On what occasion do you lie?

When lying is the only way to prevent unneeded pain and suffering. And only to people that I don't love with all my heart.

What do you dislike most about your appearance?

Never being satisfied.

What quality do you most like in a man?

Protectiveness. Ability to articulate. Chivalrous. True intelligence.

What quality do you most like in a woman?

Intelligence. Confidence. Independence.

What or who is the greatest love of your life?

My family. Mainly, my sisters.

What do you most value in your friends?

Loyalty. Understanding.

When and where were you happiest?

As a child, at my grandparents house. Perpetually bliss.

Which word or phrase do you most overuse?

Dumbass. Have a good day.

Which talent would you most like to have?

The ability to clearly and confidently say what I mean.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

Absolutely no fear.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Getting up each day and being happy despite some crazy shit.

If you were to die and come back as a person or a thing, what do you think it would be?

A well-loved dog. Or a British person.

Where would you like to live?

Europe, East coast, Somewhere with snow and autumn

What is your most treasured possession?

Music and photos. My intellect.

What is your favorite occupation?

Perpetually learning and growing.

What do you regard as the lowest depths of misery?

Complete and utter tragic sadness.

Who are your favorite writers?

All writers. Anyone who is bold enough to put their heart and soul onto paper.

Who is your favorite hero of fiction?

Severus Snape & Harry Potter, for very similar reasons

Who are your heroes in real life?

Myself.

What are your favorite names?

Audrey, Sophie, Ethan, Charles, Molly, Jane, Daniel

What is it that you most dislike?

Any form of ignorance. Limited mindset.

What is your greatest regret?

No regrets. Everything made sense at the time.

How would you like to die?

Asleep in my bed, very old and peacefully.

What is your motto?

Keep Calm and Carry On.