Top 40 Albums of the Last Decade

The List:

*1. Kid A (Capitol Records, 2000) – Radiohead

Kid A marked a milestone in Radiohead’s long career, the band’s first record to debut at number one on the charts. Kid A also was the turning point for Radiohead from their Rock sound of the 90’s to the Progressive band they are today. This gem appears on countless numbers of top 10 lists and is generally touted as Radiohead’s greatest record. I happen to agree.

 

*2. Love and Theft (Columbia Records, 2001) - Bob Dylan

Love and Theft continues Dylan’s musical comeback that started with 1997’s Time Out of Mind. The beauty of this album is the amount of variety Dylan packs into it. It goes from a boogie swing dance track like Summer Days to the dirty electric blues wail of Lonesome Day Blues. Dylan, in a single album, travels the spectrum of American music and he does it with grace and integrity.

*3. How the West was Won (Atlantic Records, 2003)- Led Zeppelin

Zeppelin released an album recently? Yup, they sure did! Jimmy Page took old recordings of Zeppelin’s 1972 U.S Tour, a time Page considers Zeppelin at their “artistic peak”, and compiled them into 3 disks of classic live Zeppelin. How the West features all of Zeppelin’s greatest hits in rare form. From a twenty-five minute psychedelic Dazed and Confused to a delicate Going to California, every fan of classic rock will be pleased.

*4. Elephant (V2, 2003) - The White Stripes

Remember that bass line from Seven Nation Army? Yea, this is that album. The White Stripes had loyal fans but, until this record, the critics weren’t impressed. Jack and Meg White bring on the dirty, guitar driven rock in this album with more finesse than their previous 3, totally rocking, records. And Meg even takes a stab at sitting behind the microphone. Elephant is The Stripes at their best.

*5. How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb (Interscope, 2004) - U2

U2 is either the most overrated band in history or they’re going to save us from the apocalypse but, the algorithms don’t lie, How to Dismantle is a great album. U2 stripped this down and took out all of the bells and whistles; it’s just pure rock and roll. U2 must have done something right, the band won eight out of the nine Grammies that they were nominated for. Good Stuff.

*6. SMiLE (Nonesuch, 2004) - Brian Wilson

If nothing else, this album gets the award for “album in development the longest”. Brian Wilson scrapped the original SMiLE project way back in 1967 after Wilson almost went crazy trying to write the music for Mrs. O’Leary’s Cow. Apparently, this album is a journey from east to west across American. Nobody ever said Brian Wilson was completely sane but, then again, nobody ever said we were either.

*7. Speakerboxxx/ The Love Below (LaFace, 2003) - OutKast

This double album is OutKast’s fifth studio album and their most successful thus far. Rather than being a single cohesive album Outkast created 2 separate solo albums for Big Boi and Andre 3000. This album made Grammy history by winning “album of the year” in 2003, making it the only album ever to win the prestigious award with a parental advisory sticker and also only the 2^nd rap album in history to win.

*8. The College Dropout (Island Def Jam, 2004)- Kanye West

Love em or hate em, you can’t deny the great music that Kanye produces. Dropout was West’s first album and, arguably, his best. This album became a huge success around the world, producing 3 top 10 singles and winning a Grammy for “Best Rap Album” and nominated for 10 others. West also brings in music power houses John Legend and Jay-Z on several tracks.

*9. Modern Times (Columbia Records, 2006)- Bob Dylan

Dylan is going to be a staple in American music for a long time to come. Modern Times renewed Dylan’s status as the singer/songwriter king. It was his first #1 album since 1976 which made Bob Dylan the oldest living musician (65) to have such an honor. Modern Times is a classic mixture of blues, folk-rock and jazzy vocals. Check this out; it’s a great driving album especially if you happen to be driving down back roads in Mississippi.

*10. Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots (Warner Bros. Records, 2002) - The Flaming Lips

Wayne Coyne took The Lips from early 90’s pop sensations down a path of Technicolor and weirdness to what they are now, Technicolor-strange-progressive-ambient-pop-rock. Yoshimi combines modern recording techniques and musical production with good old school, guitar pushing musicianship. That said, this is a great headphone album. Yoshimi was also turned into a Broadway musical in 2007. What a strange trip that would be.

*11. Is This It (RCA, 2001)- The Strokes

12. Raising Sand (Rounder, 2007) - Robert Plant & Alison Krauss

Take rock’s #1 front man and bluegrass’s most powerful pipes and toss in T-Bone Burnett to produce it and you’ll have a Grammy winning album. Raising Sand is gentle, passionate, beautiful and so smooth. Plant and Krauss come together in silky harmonies that intoxicate your ear no matter what genre of music you prefer. This album also raised speculation about Plant’s return to Zeppelin for a reunion tour. We’re still waiting Plant…we’re still waiting.

13. Transatlanticism (Barsuk Records, 2003) - Death Cab for Cutie

14. *15. Lateralus (Volcano Entertainment, 2001) – Tool

Beware, this album might give you a 78 minute long freak out. Lateralus was Tool’s first album in six years and the hype wash huge. Amid legal troubles and bogus leaks online Tool still delivered one of the hardest rocking album experiences in the last ten years. Lateralus also ranks #1 on Digital Dream Door’s 100 Greatest Drumming Albums. This album will definitely send you on some sort of wild metal journey that you’ve never experienced before.

15. Alice (Epitaph, 2002) - Tom Waits

*16. In Rainbows (2008)- Radiohead

In Rainbows was the most anticipated album of 2008. This self-released beauty made shockwaves in the music industry with Radiohead’s “pay what you want” attitude towards the digital download. In Rainbows changed the way records were distributed to their audiences, cutting out the middle man. Musically, In Rainbows is Radiohead’s most ambitious album. Yet, it’s also Radiohead’s most subtle album. It’s quite the gem.

*17. American IV: The Man Comes Around (Universal, 2002) - Johnny Cash

The Man Comes Around is the last album released by Cash before his death in 2003. It is also Cash’s first (non-compellation) album that went gold for over 30 years. Also, The Man Comes Around won “album of the year” at the CMA Awards. The record is a mixture of covers, done in Cash’s sparse style, and original songs rarely heard before from Cash. This is a wonderful way to remember Johnny Cash.

18. Hail to the Thief (Parlophone, 2003)- Radiohead

*19. Live at the Reading (Geffen, 2009)- Nirvana

Unfortunately, Cobain didn’t grace enough of us with his presence so Nirvana released this CD/DVD combo for hungry fans around the world wanting another taste of the grunge masters. Curt whisky growls his voice and gnashes his guitar in ways that more casual fans of Nirvana may find off-putting but, damn, it just sounds so good. This is, hands down, the best live rock album of the decade.

*20. Kala (XL, 2007)- M.I.A

This British dance/alternative/hip-hop artist just happened to single handedly write the anthems for 2007. If you happen to have been living under a rock the last two years, we’ll let you in on a little secret. The song Paper Planes is the biggest pop culture phenomenon since The Slinky. Kala is a groovy mix of dance beats and political undercurrents all done in M.I.A’s signature style.

*21. 10,000 Days (Volcano, 2006)- Tool

22. Yankee Hotel Foxtrot (Nonesuch, 2002) - Wilco

23. Rubber Factory (Fat Possum, 2004)- The Black Keys

Here’s one for the home team. Rubber Factory is The Keys’ third album and their most popular. Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney recorded this volcanic album in an old tire factory, thus the name. This record gives us the duo at their most accessible. The gnarly guitar rock and perfect drumming drive this album into the top 20 of the decade.

24. Kill the Moonlight (Merge, 2002)- Spoon

*25. ( ) (Fat Cat Records, 2002) - Sigur Ros

What exactly is Sigur Ros? It’s hard to say but this album rounds out our top 25 albums of the decade. What separates this album from the rest is the dedication to the avant-garde aesthetic. Jónsi, the lead singer, sang the album’s lyrics in a completely created language he titled “Hopelandic”. ( ) combines powerful crescendos and wonderful melodies to make it, truly, one of the most beautiful albums on our list.

26. Graduation (Island Def Jam, 2002)- Kanye West

*27. Discovery (Virgin, 2001) - Daft Punk

Discovery revived Daft Punk and 80’s dance pop all in one fell swoop. It’s hard to tell if this album is poking fun at the era or embracing it with corny melodies and catchy beats. The biggest hit on this album is the, now cliché, song One More Time. Pop this baby in and crank it up and as you begin to gyrate your body like some diseased tropical fish remember how good it felt way back in March, 2001.

28. Hot Fuss (Island, 2004) - The Killers

*29. A Rush of Blood to the Head (Capitol Records, 2003) - Cold Play

A Rush of Blood is Chris Martin’s last album before he started going all falsetto on us so ,naturally, it’s the best album Cold Play has released. The events of 9/11 affected the songwriting. A Rush of Blood is much more piano oriented than Cold Play’s previous album Parachutes. The singles The Scientist and Clocks are nestled nicely in the Grammy’s “Best Alternative Album of the Year”.

30. The Blueprint (Island Def Jam, 2001) - Jay Z

31. Good News for People Who Love Bad News (Epic, 2004) - Modest Mouse

32. American Idiot (Reprise, 2004) - Green Day

33. Phrenology (Geffen, 2002)- The Roots

34. Demon Days (Virgin, 2005)- Gorillaz

35. I’m Wide Awake, It’s Morning (Saddle Creek, 2005)- Bright Eyes

36. Continuum (Columbia Records, 2006)- John Mayer

37. Franz Ferdinand (Domino, 2004)- Franz Ferdinand

38. Food and Liquor (Atlantic, 2006)- Lupe Fiasco

39. Living with War (Reprise, 2006) – Neil Young

40. At War with the Mystics (Warner Bros. Records, 2006)- The Flaming Lips

I don't even know what I'm going to talk about here. I should be working on my short story for tomorrow.

Maybe I'll post something a little old but still relevant.

One day, the sun didn't rise
Much to our surprise.

We all waited and waited all night
We waited for our sky to light but
The sun never came

My daddy tried to make the sun rise
He begged the sun but that didn't work
He yelled at the sun but that didn't work either
He tried and tried and tried

Finally, a light in the sky! What do I see
with my little eye? The sun?
No, just the moon.

The neighborhood wanted the sun
The entire city wanted the sun
The whole world! wanted the sun back

Without it, life wasn't much fun

One night everybody just gave up

No more begging
No more crying
No more sorrow

Maybe the sun will rise again tomorrow.

The Hopeless Romantic Post

In The Adventures of Augie March, Saul Bellow writes, “…the unity of humanity should maybe be not one but two.”

Kerouac writes in On The Road, “Boys and girls in America have such a sad time together; sophistication demands that they submit to sex immediately without proper preliminary talk.  Not courting talk—real straight talk about souls, for life is holy and every moment is precious.”

Finally, Rob Bell writes, “We get incredible mileage out of this tired old English word ‘love’ don’t we?  I mean, we’ll tell someone we love them and then in the same breath we’ll talk about how much we love a new car or a certain pair of pants.  I mean, I love my wife and, I also love tacos?”

Every now and again I find myself sitting down and contemplating the past, present and, in some cases, the future. And often I begin to notice particular patterns throughout my time line. 

My love of music, for example, is apparent from the time I was a kid making mixed tapes on my radio pretending to be a DJ and introducing the latest music.  I would say silly things like, “coming up next The Police with Message in a Bottle.”  I can’t count how many times I listened to that song.  Those truly were some of the happiest days of my life.

Also, other patterns become apparent.  My love of solitude.  Or my distaste for liars and fakes.  The fact that I always let my imagination go in weird places, getting my hopes up, only to be disappointed in the end.  My willingness to make others happy.

These patterns all come together to shape what is called personality.  Personality is a combination of these past patterns, present trends and expectations of the future.  And boy, do I have a lot of personality.

But, more importantly, the one pattern I’ve recently discovered is my terrible luck with relationships.  Not just any relationships mind you.  My terrible luck with close knit relationships and, particularly, relationships with the opposite sex.

These problems can all stem from some Freudian fruit cake fucked up analysis of my prior relationships and how my sexual frustrations manifest themselves in bizarre and wild ways but, I’m taking a different approach.  Rather than living in the past I’m looking forward to the future.  I’m looking forward to bettering myself and those around me.  I’m looking forward to being able to catch myself before I fall back into those same patterns.

From this day forth I declare my sobriety.  I’m kicking the habit.  I’m confronting those demons.  Tomorrow will be my first day off of love. 

Wish me luck.

Thank You

It’s Been a While Since I have Seen a Sunrise.

School is in full motion now.  No time to stop and smell the roses, only enough time to consume copious amounts of Captain Morgan.  This is what my life has, and in times of great stress, become.

My only hope for rescue comes in the serenity that I feel with the pen and paper, old school like curled up someplace with my eyes a’ spyin. 

I’ve been but.  I  must be doing something right, I’m dreaming again.

Here’s What I’m Working On

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Updates

Just moved into the new house.

New desk.

New classes.

I’ll be posting some photos soon and once I get settled in I’ll be keeping up with ye olde blog again.

America, Fuck Yea!

Check out these links.

This is what I hate about America.

Wizard of Oz Sequel

KFC's Gross new "Sandwich"

Weed Killer in the Water Supply

 

Enough Said.

A little late night procrastination…

Really, I should be working on Buzzbin Magazine’s Fall TV Preview 2009 but I need a break for a bit.  Been a while.  Been a long time.  Personal posts are nice every now and then.

Moving into the new house in Kent this week.  Pictures will be up soon.  This semester seems fun but…doesn’t it always seem fun in theory?  It’s awesome until the work starts coming in and sacrifices need to be made.

Books I read this summer:

Kitchen Confidential, The Art of War, Pygmy

I’ll be glad when this college thing is finally over.  I’m ready to get on with my life.  Next: writing.  Next: teaching cert.  Next: bestowing the gift of knowledge and the gift of passion onto others.  Next: LIFE. 

I’m a purist.  To write, it must be pen to paper.

Eating fried green tomatoes.  Eating carrots.  Eating lots of fiber.

I’ve been wearing black lately.  I feel like a ninja.  I’ll even practice some old kicks for a laugh or two.

Listening to Mega Faun’s album Gather, Form & Fly.

Written mush.  Written thought. 

Done.

 

Peace.

Education? Yes Please!

Because of Kent State’s recent refusal to allow me access to my Federal Pell Grant I have decided to do a bit of research on the cost of education and legislation that has affected education.

The cost of higher education has steadily been increasing every year for the past twenty years as federal loan and grant programs have remained relatively static. Since 2005 the average cost of attendance for four year universities has gone up $1000 a semester or $2000 an academic year. Private institutions have raised tuition by (roughly) double that figure. The cost of tuition in the past four years has increased 15%-17%. The other statistic increasing in the US? Unemployment. Ohio’s unemployment is now at 11.2%.

Why is the cost of higher education increasing at such a startling rate? Supply and demand. In the United States students are encouraged to attend universities without any real knowledge about the realities of a college life style. With private student loans handed out like candy to anybody who applies, everybody can afford to go to college. Everybody can afford to go to college if he or she is paying 9% on their loan amount.

My estimated cost of attendance (according to KSU) is $21,000 per academic year. Yet, Kent State just yanked nearly $5,000 worth of aid from me. Keep in mind my program GPA is 3.23 and my overall GPA is 2.9. My GPA is acceptable. So, it being too late to get scholarships, I may have to not attend this year.

Why does the system insist on students graduating with debt? Isn’t it a step backwards?

…Not happy about it.

So.

I hear that the teaser trailer for Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland is out and about for everybody to see.

I go to youtube.  Disney blocked it.

I went to The Huffington Post… Disney blocked it

I went to Disney.com and searched for Alice in Wonderland… No Luck

Now… is it just me or is this Copyright bullshit a bit…old?

I understand for music… and video games… and feature films but… Teaser Trailers?  I mean really??

Disney… Don’t you want people all over the planet to see this trailer and start talking about your movie?  Yes?  Then why in the hell are you keeping us all from seeing it??  Bad PR Disney… Bad PR…

 

EDIT:  The teaser isn’t supposed to be out till Comic Con…  Fuckers

Edit: Thanks Stef

A Little Rant…

So, you want to know what’s wrong with America and most of the industrialized world?  I’m going to tell you.  Watch all of those world’s strongest man competitions.

First, watch and see if you see any Asians or 3rd world contestants.  No.  Never.  You never see a huge-ass jacked up Asian.

Now… when you’re watching these big fucks pay attention to how they show off their superhuman, steroid induced, elephant, strength.

They TOSS beer kegs over a 20 foot bar above them.  They pull 747’s on chains… What The Fuck!?  THEN you see them stick a Volkswagen on their shoulders and carry that fucking thing like 20 yards… 

These guys are unbelievable. 

So, what’s wrong with this…?

Why not have these human hormone pills do something practical to show off their huge muscles?

Give one of these guys a pick-axe and send them to Africa.  See how many diamonds he can mine.  Or send them to The Congo and have them chop down trees and pull the fallen wood back to villages?  How does’ pulling a 747 help anybody?

It’s the End of the World as We Know it…

The end of the world?  Yea, the thought of it scares me.  It doesn’t help that it’s been part of the social fabric of our society of our culture for the past ten years. 

 

First it was mad-cow disease, y2k, 911 and, bird-flu.  Now people are talking about asteroids, swine-flu and, super volcanoes.

 

 

Turn on any “educational” TV channel and you’ll see shows like, “Life Without Humans” and “The Real Armageddon”

Jesus Christ, I can’t take it anymore!  What are the chances any of us experiencing the end days?

What would you do if you knew the end of the world was coming?

 

Leave Your Comments!

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, deserving of mixed reviews.

Before the Potter geeks get all violent, let me say that my review is purely about the film adaptation. I have never read the book nor will I. It’s just way too damn trendy.

Unfortunately, The Half-Blood Prince didn’t impress me like the previous films. The reason? Frankly, the film was dull, slow, tedious and boring. I get it. The Potter movies are not simply about action but throw us a bone here. Most of us expect the movie to deviate from the book. It’s ok to use artistic license and throw in a massive dragon battle scene, we don’t mind.

The younger cast members have all grown up and they have done so gracefully. Radcliffe is “brilliant” as usual. Emma Watson and Rupert Grint keep the audience intrigued enough to keep us awake. Michael Gambon (Dumbledore) really shines in his final Potter film.

The real problem was not the action or the direction yet, the screen play that wasn’t flashy enough to excite the casual Potter fan. Keep an eye out for the final installment, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, in two parts, coming November 2010 and July 2011.

Regina Spektor- Far- Album Review

My love for Regina has been around for nearly 5 years now ever since I heard her single “Us”.  This Russia-born New York piano princess has recently released a new album titled “Far”.  For this album Regina teamed up with legendary producer Jeff Lynne, who has worked with Bob Dylan, Tom Petty and many other class A artists. 

  “Far” is an eclectic piano pop album with subject matter ranging from a man’s death to wallets.  Regina keeps her quirkiness as well.  Some tracks include her signature little vocal flurries.

Once again Regina is making her signature in the quirky pop world.  The only way to describe this album is “a fun and gentle experience.”

Thanks Regina

The Fat Guy Rap

Just came up with this in the shower.

Life ain't easy as a fat guy
I look down my balls are squeezed between my thighs
Don't worry no need to sympathize
I goto Mac Donalds order super size

I wear size 46 bitch
I break chairs every time I sit

triple triple triple X G
Now I need some burgers that are mini
to feed me
in my belly

Now do the fat man...

*A couple measures of a dance*

Hey, what's that over there?
I gots Burger King in my crosshairs
You skinny people eat one burger
that's not fair

When I eat 12 everybody stares
Life's not easy as a fat guy
I have my breakfast
with a side of pie

Random Free-Write… Dylan Style

Change is coming

it’s coming soon

as grass is green

and flowers bloom

and those who eat

from silver spoons

will be singing

different tunes

from me and you

me and you

from me and you

me and you

 

This is the hour

hold the wire

as they fall

from ivory towers

all their fruit

has gone sour

let them lie

in the shower

as we take

all their power

 

As time will tell

the truth be told

for the hugs

are mighty cold

the great ones say

don’t talk, behold

this right here will

take the old

and change anew

the way things were

through and through

when rotten meant

just like you.

 

A gunshot rings

the weakest ears.

Seriously….? This is what I’ve been saying all along!

Read This

Spider vs. Spider… The Daddy

This morning, after the great thunderstorm that made its way though Kent, I saw a huge daddy long-legs chilling in my living room.  “No big deal”, I thought as I was slipping my shoes on for work, “daddy long-legs are my friend”.

Tonight, I come home and start to pack up my kitchen.  I see “the daddy” making himself at home.  “The daddy” is exploring my little kitchen with his long and skinny feelers out in front of him.  He seemed to be enjoying his new home.

I made a pot of tea.  I’m so civilized.

Then, I look down and see him, my little friend, dangling in another spider’s super deadly web.  I paused.  Thinking.  Thinking.  Deciding.  Should I save him?  Should I save the daddy?

I grabbed my flashlight and shinned down on him like an angel.  He must have been relieve to see his savior a mere inch away from helping him from this rut.

Alas, I would not be playing God today.  The other spider was faster than I. 

The daddy contorted and wiggled and writhed in, what must have been, pain.  I’m not familiar with arachnid nervous systems but I’m sure his obviously had better days.  Days when the movements it made were voluntary.

It is a beautiful thing, mother nature.  The smaller, more nimble spider simple out-witted the mammoth daddy.  And with a single kiss, sealed the marriage between predator and prey.

I watched.  The smaller spider took his time wrapping the daddy up.  Meticulous.  He would occasionally nibble off the sticky webs and replace them with stronger, more permanent, webs to ensure the daddy’s stay.

I feel as if the spider was performing just for me.  A spot-light, an occasional gust of breath.  The spider must have known.

Beautiful.  

What would Jesus REALLY do??

Dear Jesus,

Thank you Jesus… thank you for ruining yet another day of my life.  Boy, I just can’t tell ya how much I appreciate your crazy little followers.

Now, Jesus, don’t get me wrong here… I don’t hate you.  I don’t even dislike you.  I would even go so far as to say… I appreciate what you’ve done for the world. 

BUT. 

Please.  Please.  Please!  Get some of your followers under control!! 

In particular, crazy bitch from the party tonight.

Long story short:

Crazy bitch went… crazy.  Everybody was having a good time until crazy bitch went seemingly insane and started calling everybody demons. 

Demon eh?  I know I may turn red when I drink.  I may have a potty mouth.  I may even do some mischievous things…  I have never, ever blown fire from my mouth.  Nor have I ever sprouted horns, wings or hooves.

I am NOT a demon.

I am NOT the anti-christ.

I am NOT a bad person.

Jesus, I implore you… get control of this crazy-psycho Jesus freak.  This woman snorts the lord for breakfast and she needs to stop before I give her my two cents on religion. 

Thank You,

Signed

Will Flannigan

Independence Day

Happy Independence Day!!!  Celebrate your Independence!  Find a Law and Break It!

My Dreams…I remember

It’s not often that I have vivid dreams.  Usually, my dreams consist of conversations that pass through my brain at the speed of light only to leave me wondering what the hell is going on.

I have had the occasional dream about plane crashes and tidal waves, only to see headlines the next morning. 

But, last night I had a dream that left me shaken.

I dreamed of the apocalypse.

We were sitting in bleachers, watching a once in the lifetime event.  I’m not sure what we were watching yet, something about it seemed very very important to me at the time.

It was that time at dusk where everything turns orange.

Then… sirens explode into “Waaaaaaaaas” and everybody begins to panic and run in all directions.

My friend, who I can’t identify, and myself run from building to building trying to find some shelter.  We keep looking up at the sky and the tallest building around, which happens to be 10 or 12 stories.  A plain looking building.

We then hear somebody announce, “They sent drones”.  Whatever that means.

We turn a corner and see a group of people gathered around a balloon.  The balloon is a large yellow smiley face. 

They release it.

Then, explosions.

 

I don’t know how to explain it.  That smiley face is really striking.  

Sitting at the Laundry Mat

There  really is little to love about your typical laundry mat.  For starters, the smell can be a bit of a turn-off.  Then there’s the dirty  bathroom, ghettofied with a makeshift lock on the door fashioned from some wire and a screw driver.  Not to mention the way, in some municipalities, that some people judge those who use the laundry mat as a place to hook up with drug dealers and the shady.

Me, on the other hand, I love the fucking place.  Give me a handful of quarters, a Sierra Mist, 2 baskets of filthy drawers and don’t expect to see me for 3 hours or until I need a snack, whichever comes first. 

The churning of washing clothes is enough to lull me to sleep…

All laundry mats serve the same purpose yet, not all are created equal.  Some are nice enough to offer Wi-Fi or offer an over-priced bar to serve, usually, cans of beer.  Or, like the one in which I am currently sitting, some may be open 24 hours a day, allowing the riff-raff to come in and clean clothes at their convenience.

I believe laundry mat etiquette is as follows:  Never, under ANY circumstance, look at a person or what they are washing.  If you do, you may find yourself elbow deep in a mafia cover-up, or worse yet, you may attract some of the homosexuals who frequent the place.

Example:  Two Hispanics walk into a laundry mat, no, this is not a joke.  Both men are wearing high end, expensive, top of the line clothing.  Yet, they are obviously washing aprons from the Mexican dive down the street.  Everything seems peaceful.  Then you hear the one Mexican gasp…then giggle… as the other pinches him firmly on the ass.  “Oui!”

I love this place.   

The Michael Jackson Post

Something is all the buzz right now and I can’t help it, I must give my two-cents.  You all know what’s coming.

This is the Michael Jackson Post.

Right now, I’m sitting here at my desk in my polka-dotted boxers jamming to Billie Jean and remember the first time I experienced The King of Pop.

I used to watch TV late at night as a kid.  The first, and ultimately the most profound, music video I ever remember seeing was Michael Jackson’s Black or White.  It was so new to me.  An entirely different experience.  The video was epic, well directed, highly entertaining and it presented a catchy lesson.  Although I always found it a bit ironic.  Maybe my generation owes more than we think to the late Michael Jackson.

It was always a great day when I happened to catch a Michael Jackson video on television.

I was young and impressionable but, Michael Jackson, despite his own personal struggles, always presented an idealistic view of humanity through the lens of his music.

His songwriting was genius to the point of absurdity.  He had a special way of taking serious topics and turning them into 5 minute earworms that would keep you foot-tapping all day.

Even though many other musical artists were hitting the air-waves in the early 90’s, I grew up Michael Jackson.

Thank you Michael.  You will be forever remembered. 

Bonnarooing

Between joyous yells of “Bonnaroo” and the constant presence of hippies, freakers, burnouts and vagabonds it’s hard to remember the reality that waits just beyond the festival gates, what most of us call “the real world”. But for four days and three nights Bonnaroo 2009 was the apex of human experience; pressed, wrapped and sold in individual baggies to any who were brave enough to go for the ride.

For a seemingly frail guy like me, Bonnaroo presented many unique problems. Problems that I can assure you were a nice escape from the responsibilities of responsible life. Sunburns, chaffing, insect bites, forced intoxications and lastly the loss of mind are all factors in bringing any novice to his knees. Yet, something gentle and welcoming remains an integral part of the Bonnaroo experience. Mainly, the people who, despite the grueling conditions, show enormous generosity and fortitude that can only be explained as a necessity.

It’s this selfless behavior that binds the festival community together to form hundreds of personal relationships that may, or may not, continue outside of the festival grounds. Amazingly, it’s rather easy to make friends while walking around half-dead, smelling of puss in a drunken and confused stupor.

Bonnaroo, for myself, is as much about the people as it is about the bands. For example: Bruce and Carla, glass blowers from Asheville, North Carolina. The couple makes it out to festivals every year to sell their double and triple blown goods. Or Christie, who recently became domesticated, she ditches her husband every year to head to “The Roo”. Finally, Harry Perry, the greatest guitarist who has ever lived. That last sentence is tongue in cheek.

Now that Bonnaroo 2009 has passed I’m left feeling a bit empty inside. As if some primal part of my personality stayed behind in my camping spot. That part of every person that allows him to connect to others on a level deeper than what is typical. Human to human. Heart to heart. Mind to mind. The commonality of the human condition baffles me.

Attention:

New Blog in the Works!

Groovy...

White Lies for Dark Times—Album Review

Ben Harper is one of the most dynamic artists still producing records.  Ben is known for reinventing himself with every album.  From his soul driven acoustic days to his more recent date with rock and roll Ben Harper is hard to pin down.  Think of Ben Harper as the music industry’s legendary phoenix, a bird that dies and is born again from it's ashes.  This time however, Ben has been born with a new band, The Relentless 7.

Hailing from Texas, the three members of Relentless 7  rev up and rock out Harper on 12 tracks of good ole’ bluesy rock and roll. 

Harper’s signature vocals and guitar playing are not lost behind the  rockier sound however.  Ben still reminds us that it’s always been his call and he’s still the star of the show.  “Keep it Together (So I can fall apart)” is the best of the new  Harper.  The song breaks down into  a bluesy guitar solo giving Ben the time he needs to purge his soul and make his statement.

“White Lies for Dark Times” will please Harper fans but  new listeners may be confused…Is it rock?  Is it blues?  Is it soul?  The answer is:  It’s Ben Harper.  This album will get you stomping a foot or two and breaking local speed limits.  Check it out.

Notable Tracks:  “Number with no Name”, “Why must you Always dress in Black”, “Fly One Time”, “Keep it Together (So I can Fall Apart)”  

Album Reviews!

Hey guys!

I was just checking out the people who are viewing my blog.  I’m getting hits from Spain!  <—That’s pretty awesome.

Anyways, the things people are mostly checking out my blog for are the album reviews!  I’m stoked.

Soooo if there is an album coming out, or a favorite album of yours that you want me to take a look at, send me the info and I’ll get right to it!

Almost finished with school for the time being!  After next week I’ll be updating hopefully once or twice a week.

Don’t forget about The Letter Project!

Will Flannigan

5712 Rhodes Road APT B

Kent, OH 44240

Mean Everything to Nothing—Album Review

Manchester Orchestra is bringing back authenticity in the Nickelback era.  Thank fucking god.  Mean Everything to Nothing is the Georgian 5somes second studio album and it’s everything indie rock fans want, an album with heart.  Andy Hull, the band’s vocalist and guitar player purges his demons on every track, spilling his guts in ways nobody has seen since Kurt Cobain.

The meat of the album comes from a confessional theme that permeates through its eleven official tracks (and one hidden track).  The Only One, the first track, gets the lost and emotional ball rolling with the line “I am the only one that thinks I’m going crazy/ I don’t know what to do”.

Soooo excited!  Thanks a lot Phil and be expecting something from me soon.  Now I have to run to class, have to turn in a paper today.

I’ll have more later.

Neat… Newsy… Not much Time

Hey there again my fellow bloggers.  First a couple little things I’ve stumbled upon while surfing the web.  Then, I’ll get into a couple little personal comments…

Drawball.com

This little experimental website is good for a quick and interesting visit.  The premise is people from around the world are given access to a kind of digital canvas that allows them to create anything they want.  I visited this site often a few months ago and was astonished by the quality of some of the artwork.  Recently however more restrictions have been applied to keep the graffiti from ruining the established artwork.

Isohunt.com   

Here is a great site to find all those little illegal music, movie, television and executables that you’ve always wanted.  Isohunt.com is a huge database of millions of torrents from around the web.  It also provides user feedback which is helpful when trying to choose a dependable source file.  Keep in mind, file-sharing is illegal…if you get caught.  I’ve downloaded my fair share of files from here and I’m often pleased with the results.

The Speech Accent Archive

The Speech Accent Archive is a project by George Mason University and it’s one of the coolest things I’ve ever seen.  The website gathers English speakers from around the globe to read a paragraph.  Then GMU plugs all of these speakers into a model of Earth and they let you travel around the planet to hear how others from around the world speak.  This website was a huge HUGE help to me back in my acting days. 

Elements 4 Health.com

Finally this is one of the best natural remedy websites out there.  There is plenty of informative articles on things like; nutrition, depression, holistic medicines, fitness and current health news.  The layout is simple and very user friendly.  Don’t forget to check out their videos either.  If you feel like being a super health nut… check it out.

 

Other News:

I’m going to an Indian’s baseball game tonight!  Woot!  Also, going to an album release party up at a recording studio.  Media Only!  I’m stoked.  I’m stoked.  I’m stoked.  Did I mention that I’m excited?  Maybe?

New Blog Coming Soon?!

Hey guys,

I may be starting a music exclusive blog soon completely separate from this “personal” blog.  I’m interested in going from this traditional confessional format into something a bit more productive and interesting.  

BUT

I need a name… what should it be called???  Hmm….

UnBelonged

 

I closed my blinds to convince myself it was still dark outside…

This is yet another lame attempt at video making.  Don’t judge… I think I’m getting better.  Anyways I want to get some better editing software… Windows Movie Maker sucks ass. 

Also the song in this particular video is Stephen Marley’s Mind Control.  Great album by the way.  I’m also thinking about using You Tube from now on… although I won’t be able to get away with the copyrighted songs. 

Enjoy!  Leave me some comments!  I need all the help I can get.

http://www.twinoaks.org/

http://www.ic.org/

http://www.podcastingnews.com/2008/02/25/podcasting-statistics-television/

 

 

Don’t knock it before you try it.  Seriously, Easy Star All-Stars have impressed me before with their rendition of Dark Side of the Moon and Radiodread.  With their newest album Easy Star’s Lonely Hearts Dub Band the band impresses me again.  I just bought the album 30 minutes ago on ITUNES.

The album has a major balancing act to perform; keeping true to The Beatles yet engaging the reggae fans with a good funk and also being careful not to alienate The Beatles purists out there. 

I hate to say it but…it fucking works!  Sgt. Pepper’s was never my favorite Beatles album yet… amazingly… it’s just become my favorite reggae album so far.  Easy Star All-Stars took especially great care of The Beatles best known singles from the album notably With a Little Help… and Lucy in the Sky…