The guru has a job interview coming up. Who knows? Life is a mystery, and the ending is in the middle of the dream....
I'm feeling good about life. Sometimes, it's difficult to keep Mr. Depression away, but overall I keep kicking his sorry ass to the curb. If we do move, we'll be moving to Vancouver or Vancouver Island, which won't be too bad. It'll be nice to have some live music to go see. I'll have a better chance at getting that FT permanent programmer / web developer job I want. I figured we'd be moving down there eventually, but maybe not quite this soon. Whatever. Hopefully, the next move will be the last one for a while.
I will miss the relaxed lifestyle and beauty of Haida Gwaii, but Vancouver ain't too bad. Who knows? Maybe we'll still be here for another year or two or five or twenty?? photo courtesy of cassandraseye. ()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()
Musical Ramblings
A friend of mine (thanks Brant!) just sent Pete Townshend's "The Lifehouse Chronicles" (2000) and I'm looking forward to diving in. Pete has some of the best demos I've ever heard. His Scoop series is great!
My Can dvd is now in Richmond... almost here almost here I await impatiently... man, I'll be putting this dvd in the player pretty fucking fast!!
I've been getting into Link Wray's 70s musical output. Very enjoyable. Maybe I'll have to check out his earlier material. How can I not have "Rumble" anywhere in my collection??!!
OK...I listened to fucking Springsteen again, and what gives? Everybody loves the guy, but I just can't get into him. I listened to "The Essential Springsteen" disc 1 - the early stuff, which I thought I would like more...BUT I still don't like his stuff. He should have just been a staff writer for Manfred Mann's Earth Band!! I don't think Mr. Boss will be on my listening list anytime soon [aside: yes, I have a listening list...so what!? don't you??? haha] &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
gotta get my coffee gotta wake up... gotta get my coffee gotta wake up...
a cop stands directing traffic when a line of people marching in unison chanting this mantra walk by...the cop stops directing traffic to join in the line...others continually join in the line as they march to the nearest coffee shop...
NOW
isn't this stupid enough to be a great commercial? Any coffee shops can contact me c/o this blog and make me an offer for the use of this brilliant idea. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Did you know Bruce Lee died from smoking too much hashish? I didn't either, until I read it here. %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
youtube fun Here's The Guess Who doing "Clap for the Wolfman" from the Troiano/Cummings period. thanks billyriopelle
Here's a Boss song "Spirits in the Night" done properly by Manfred Mann's Earth Band in 1976. thanks SCC1962
So, I'm ordering a book on Visual Web Developer to keep the old computer skills sharp, and I found one. Then, smart old amazon's web site tells me that for another $8 I can get Free Super Savings (or whatever it's called), and how could I pass that up??
The Guru didn't need anything, so I thought it was time to get a new music dvd. I started searching and nothing quite hit me. So, I thought: "Would amazon have any krautrock dvds??". I pondered and found Faust "Impressions". Ummmm...that looks pretty good, but I thought I'd keep on searching. Then nirvana heaven utopia hit me in the face square in the cranium. The fucking Can dvd!!!!
Yoohooo!!!
It was over $50...but I was thinking: "what the hell?" Then I scrolled further down and found the US version for $23...well, after all this I had no choice, but to add the motherfucker to my shopping cart.
So, in a couple of weeks, I should be getting a 2 dvd set of one my fav bands of all time - Can!!! The free 1972 concert, 2 documentaries, Eno's tribute to Can, interviews...I can hardly wait!!! $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
How stupid is this???
It's the nicest week weather-wise here on Haida Gwaii, and I've got the fucking flu. I'm sleeping during the night, in the morning, in the afternoon. I'm at the tail end of it, but just woke up from a 4 hour sleep.
Sucks, dude.... %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
The Guru's job is out of control - and mine ends in October anyway (and it's not what I really want to do), so who knows? We may be moving once again. It's harder this time, than last since there are so many positive things about Haida Gwaii --- except the job situation is shitty. Well, might as well enjoy it while we're here, and who knows? I just want the Guru to be content in her job situation, and really - she could be doing so much better than she is...as a matter of fact, that goes for me as well!
Nothing definite yet. ####################
Recent great listens
Les Rallizes Denudes: I'm in love with these Japanese anarchists. I found this site that has tons of it for download: bruitage et mon cri dans l"escalier. It's got lots of cool stuff on it. Just type in Les Rallizes Denudes in the blog search to find some pretty awesome music.
The Bintangs: I heard these guys on some psych collection (I think LSD Connection - not sure what volume, and I'm sick dude) and loved it. I got Blues on the Ceiling (1969) and was playing harmonica along with it while walking around Spirit Lake. Very hard-edged blues rock...they're still around and I've got to hear some more of these guys.
Out of Focus impresses me more and more every time I listen to them.
Zloty Dawai: Teleoposis (2005) is great! I don't know who these dadaists are, but it's worth checking out. Weird jazz rock experimental avante-garde kinda stuff...
C.C.S: C.C.S 1 (1970) Alexis Korner's band after Blood, Sweat & Tears got hijacked by David Clayton-Thomas, and it's great. I mean - you've got to hear their version of "Whole Lotta Love" - jaw dropping!! The version of "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction" rocks pretty good too...good stuff!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Let's end off with the amazing "Vitamin C" from Can. Probably around 1972. thanks antiguoautomata!!!
Here's Magma from February 26th 1973 on French TV.thanks theinsectmachine666!!
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I've been working away at my life skills job - wiping me out man, but it's a great learning experience. AND trying to hang on to my computer contract job as well, since the LS job is just until October.
experience experience experience that's what it's all about dudes... &&&&&&&&&&&
but it's ok it's ok ...i must be getting old &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
I've just ordered 4 computer books from trusty old amazoni, and am looking forward to getting back into learning some web page design. I really like the life skills shit...some of the clients crack me up, and I like helping them out, BUT i gotta learn some boundaries....or I'll be screaming my way back to the crazy side of life. @@@@@@@@@@@@@
Some cool recent listens
May Blitz - I just heard The 2nd of May (1971) and really got into it. Looking forward to hearing the 1st, which has a higher rating on RYM.
Cecil Taylor's Indent (1973) was really great...so I may be able to start penetrating his genius soon. He's like Anthony Braxton - you know - so fucking brilliant it takes time to get into them, unless you have a formal musical education - which I lack. .... MAN
my brain is a fried potato ...and just as ugly! $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
To make this post educational [aside: instead of the mind-numbing stupidity it's been] here's Cecil Taylor's "Dance & Piano Solo" from Ron Mann's "Image the Sound" 1981. Check out Cecil's moves!!!!! Wow...and I mean wow on so many different levels!!thanx maxbraz06!!
***************** I'm acting the Apryl Fool one day too early!!! ^^^^^^^^^^^^
Ah...back from Rupert ferry ride up and down the waves flow ...endlessly... kids vomit on the floor up and down the waves flow... 4 hours late
12 hours altogther tired and cranky the minutes drag...and drag... i dream of bed a place to rest my weary head... ferry ride ferry ride take me home &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
The trip went well, if a little exhausting. Time to let the dust settle...hahaha Here's a youtube of Atomic Rooster from 1970 on The Beat Club doing "Friday the 13th" to keep you entertained. thanks zeezberlin
I'll off to Prince Rupert next week taking 2 clients with brain injuries for testing. That ought to be fun!!!! One's already planning to escape...I'm sure to do some mind altering substances...and his mind is altered enough!
Actually, these guys are great and I'm glad to be able to help them out. They can be a bit exhausting though. %%%%%%%%%%%%%
The Guru is over in Prince Rupert right now for a quickie holiday...and some shopping. And next week, we'll both be off-island, leaving our daughter behind...The Bah!!!! I'm taking it harder than anyone...Trouble will have no prob... &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
Some interesting new shit... at least for me
Thirsty Moon - more krautrock...actually jazzy krautrock with a driving sax...the 21 minute "Yellow Sunshine" was great...excellent high quality stuff that merits more attention...i also have their 2nd which gets a slightly higher rating on RateYourMusic.
Nine Days Wonder - yep...more fucking krautrock, and i fucking love it!!!! this is much stranger than Thirsty Moon...maybe even better..need more listening...i wish i had more ears!!!!
Negativland - ha...fooled ya...this is NOT krautrock...rather very experimental in the sound collage field...sorta more theoretical residents???? really enjoyed it on first listen and need to hear more...really cool Negativland official web presence.
Harry Manx - canadian guitarist who studied eastern music for 5-6 years accounting for the occasional sitars...strong stuff that grew on me as i listened...worth hearing more of...Harry Manx official web. $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
I'm trying to get through the introduction of Robert Christgau's "Albums of the 80s", but my mind wanders aimlessly as I'm halfway through a paragraph. Is he writing a fucking theses or what??? I do enjoy his pithy snotty capsule reviews and his grading by letter (ha...hilarious!) and love critiquing him. If I can ever make it through the intro, and have the energy I'd love to cut up tons of his reviews...I mean...that's the whole point of them, right? right?? I find him to be quite the populist, and krautrock never seems to have happened in Christagauland. @@@@@@@@@@@@@ Betcha thought I'd throw some krautrock on here...nah, let's go with Harry Manx and Kevin Breit doing "Death Have Mercy" live from Hugh's Room in Toronto...The Guru and I almost made it to Hugh's Room while were in Oakville, but alas, it was not to be. thanks indieeyes
Ash Ra: The Making Of 1978 (2002)***** - made during the making of Correlations (1979): The making of ash ra from 1979 is fucking awesome ...sounds like primo miles from early 70s heavy backbeat wailing electricity flowing flowing ingrains itself into the head and I’m laughing with enjoyment and pleasure Once the head connects with the music the music takes over and joy pure joy is rocking my soul
Wailing wailing whaling The sound flows Up and down Ocean like In its intensity and fluidity
This is absolutely classic…best stuff since schwingungen! 2nd song is also brilliant…slightly softer still intense beautiful so beautiful I want to hold I want to fuck I want to taste Float through the air Transportation on clouds I taste the sky With a tongue of fire The drumming is amazing Manuel is still whaling Out the spout of electricity.
and then we get to the ultimate rave music and ecstasy is dancing in lights flashing sordid and sweaty and the beat is driving and my body moves to the rhythm of donna wetter and we're right back to the ocean imagery... ******************** After briefly mentioning the amazing Mr. Miles Davis, here's a 10 minute clip of him from Montreux 1973. For ya Randy! thanks PedroMendesVideos
No one with any musical taste is supposed to like Bad Company. I mean, they are commercial, lameass, politically incorrect, and sold far too many records.
But...
I enjoy listening to them. On my drive back from Masset today (100 km drive), I had my mp3 player tucked into my ears, and for some reason [aside: it never makes sense...it just happens], I had Bad Company's Anthology (1999) disc 2 on - their latter, weaker material on it. And while I was driving I was getting off on the simple guitar riffs done oh so clean by Mick Ralphs...the tight rhythm section...and Paul Rodgers more macho than macho vocal stylings...I even like the 4 new songs!!! The lyrics? Fucking ridiculous. Absolutely nonsensical...no deep meanings here. In fact, when you listen, they can piss you off! Yet, somehow this is part of the charm. You can turn off your brain and just let loose on the solid hard rock done by true pros. Get your jones off as they (aside: I'm not sure who "they" are, but never mind) used to say in dem old days - of the 70s.
Let's face it...
What a pedigree! Mott the Hoople, Free and King Crimson! It's cool to like any of these bands - in fact, Mott are one of my all-time favs! And I say that proudly and without hesitation!!!
Bad Company were like modern day rock'n'roll cowboys coming to your town, fucking your sluts, cranking up the volume then moving on to the next town...and then writing about it!
What a fucking guilty pleasure!! Ssssssshhhhhhh...don't tell anyone! Feel even more guilty by wasting some internet time on them - Bad Company home page. %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Comets on Fire: Avatar (2006) I need to purify my soul, so I'll mention how much I enjoy this album by the critically lauded Comets on Fire. It's OK to like them. They're cool...much cooler than Bad Company!!!! [aside: I really loved the last 2 songs, especially "Hatched Upon the Age" - great stuff.] &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
Driving long distances is almost enjoyable...now that I have my mp3 player!!! ((((((())()())()()()(----
Here's a picture of my dog, poobah, for no particular reason:
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And if you don't like Bad Company - well, fuck you man!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Listening to Teenage Head (1971) by The Flamin' Groovies started making me see why so many alt crits dig these guys. Good shit....the title track, "Whiskey Woman" and rockin' covers of old chestnuts were my particular favs.
Bear Mountain Band: One Fine Day (also 1971) Found this obscurity and really loved it. Heavy psych hard rockin away into catchy little ditties. Found it on the blog Black Acid which is an awesome place to find some rare psych kraut and other strange obscurities.
The Groundhogs were a pretty rockin' band...heard the boot Split Shadows from 1972 and loved it.
The Legendary Pink Dots "Maria Dimension" (1991) is an excellent album. Would his voice become too samey after a bit? Great music, neat lyrics...I'll definitely check out more of these guys.
What drugs is Devendra Banhart on? I like him.
Rufus Harley was quite unique...I mean...bagpipes in jazz?!?! Yep, bagpipes in jazz, and they sound right at home in jazz's smokey surroundings.
I'm reading Lester Bang's post mortem collection: "Psychotic Reactions and Carburetor Dung" and am enjoying it. He was good. The only complaint I have is he occassionally becomes too circular in his writing. Probably from the drugs...which I wish I had right now...* sigh *
Listened to The Silver Apples: Silver Apples (1968) and Contact (1969) and it reminded how much I like these guys, and how ahead of their time they really were.
Cate Blanchett doing Dylan's amphetamine 1965-1966 period from "I'm Not There" was pretty awesome. She's quite an incredible actor...the fact that she's a woman doing Dylan, had no bearing whatsoever. Did she win an oscar? Who cares...the movie looks like it could be interesting. I'll go in not taking it as a literal bio (we got "No Direction Home" for that!) but as an interpretation. Official movie web site. Here's a 7 1/2 minute clip from the movie. thanks Matthewmooremusic!
the nightmare continues…i’m a buzzin in my madness and i know no better so have some sympathy…i am drowning in a sea of other people’s music, and want to create create create…but creation seems technologically impossible…get the idea down onto a track…what track?? tracks?? on my arm!?!?
hello hello hello every 5 seconds while someone’s crying in the background and an acoustic guitar gently caresses the soul and the dichotomy makes sense to me in my head…get it down…
as i reach to the future the past runs ahead and sticks it’s protruding tongue in my direction as i run in the present not knowing which way to go…sometimes it all seems too much but i don’t feel a breakdown coming…i’ve had 2 before and this is different…this is creative tension!!!
the need to get it down get it down as the years pass by and i get one step closer to the end…no melodrama, it happens to us all…
potential unfulfilled is haunting and keeps the drive going…then again it can shut it down completely if it gets too overwhelming or you’re dreaming in your scheming and goddammit the talent just ain’t there you’re just bullshitting yourself and that’s ok…
bullshit keeps us alive…
then again what the hell do i know i’m just trying to live to the best of my potential no matter how small that potential is…all you can do is try and keep on trying cause the word will never get written down the way you want it…the tune will never be as beautiful as it is in your head…and the idea will be holy in it’s purest state inside your mind, but when it’s out, it seems...empty…
when sex or the lack of sex was engulfing my mind in anger and confusion creativity seemed the purest form of masturbation… the anger was pure the masturbation was hard and direct…
then you get older and masturbation just seems…tiring…a duty... the purity gets lost in cynicism but no no no can’t give in to cynicism that’s too easy and predictable…embrace whatever little creativity you have left and drown in it…it doesn’t have to end…keep it hard…keep it direct…let wisdom give you an erection and keep on stroking until the end comes and your body collapses and your mind starts to rot…
i still dream adventures that feel real seem real…i can still get off on a song that hits my inner sanctum and arouses something, something that can still make me feel…
the feeling i get when i look at my family: spouse, dog, cat…and that love is pure and true, and keeps me from saying fuck it fuck it…i’ve had enough of this shit…cause it’s too easy to fall into that trap, and it is a trap, it’s a cage…you gotta roam you gotta search and seek…it’s a huge fucking world out there and there’s an awful lot going on…
death is a trip we all take and I don’t want or expect anything to happen afterwards…the cycle of life will go on without me like it did before me…i’ll do what i can while i’m here…
you can worry about bank balances and the future and everything…all you can do is do the best you can and then laugh and say i tried baby i tried and know that you really did try…it’s no joke…
but
if the effort is lacking and the soul becomes lazy then you risk becoming a walking dead a piece of human clay walking around with a vacant look wondering what’s it all about…and then you become vulnerable to fit into the…majority…and that’s what you need to avoid…our race is made up of individuals…not puppets manufactured to all look and feel and think the same…but individuals with different feelings different emotions different outlooks…
don’t impose but share your vision then others will decide how much if anything to take what you have to offer…too much imposing on each other…
i respect my nightmares and i respect my dreams now i know i have to respect my creativity to let myself be free and free is all I can and want to be… *********************
Les Rallizes Denudes: Mizutani 1970-1971 (1991) This is a motherfucking stone cold classic. I LOVE THIS ALBUM!!!! His singing is great...though I don't know what the fuck he's saying!!! The guitar is so melodic...yet discordant...yet powerful... soft....emotions from bliss to hell.... psychedelic noise entering your ear drums and rat a tat tat the cells float around in your soup bowl cranium. This is such an easy 5 *****. Brilliant fucking stuff...listen to this band's work and you'll become a better person. I guarantee it!!! and i wasn't even on drugs listening to it!!!! Here's a link to some info
Glory: A Meat Music Sampler (1969) From Houston, Texas comes an obscure classic. I love the feel of this one... late night dark and smokey let the tape roll capture the event... Wow!!! I just checked this out on Rate Your Music and it's been given a 1.86 for 7 reviews. Incredibly bad...bizarre dude!!! Maybe I'm out of my ever lovin' mind, but I really enjoyed this one. Hahahahaha I just pushed it up to 2.37!!!
Other Great Listens Gila: Gila (1971) just starting to get into these guys...awesome shit.
German Oak: Niebelungenlied (1976) yeh yeh more krautrock as the world worries whether the ultra conservative John McCain (no matter what the republicans want you to believe!) fucked a lobbyist years ago or not. I mean...listening to rambling krautrock is more enjoyable than thinking about John McCain having sex....or not...
Sir Lord Baltimore: Kingdom Come (1970) Sir Lord Baltimore (1971) heavy early 70s primo stuff. most people like the 1st one best...I differ and prefer the 2nd...they're both pretty damn good, and if you like your Sabbath check these guys out.
Edgar Broughton Band: Edgar Broughton Band (1971) God...I love these guys!!!
My Solid Ground: My Solid Ground (1971) children can make some pretty fucking great music too!! The band leader was 17 at the time. This is great stuff and worth hearing. good going kids!!! &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
I signed my official "Letter of Offer" from Northern health and am officially a Life Skills Worker until October (when the guy comes back from paternity). I'm looking forward to it! The mentally ill have a lot to teach!!! And I'm fucking serious Kerouac!!!!! **********************
Let's end with an absolutely awesome video of Les Rallizes Denudes from 1976 all hail dirk2222!!!
Here's some first impressions from new albums...by some classic old farts. Well, 2 are reissues, but fuck it!
Ray Davies: Working Man's Cafe (2007) I am VERY impressed!!! This sounds absolutely stone cold classic. Maybe I'm a-hallucinating on raindrops, but man is this the best Ray since the 70s??? Besides being catchy as all fuck, the thing I like about this is Ray isn't forcing his rock. He's letting this flow naturally, and the hooks sink in pulling you onto Ray's boat...I find this much better than last years's Other People's Lives (2006) which was good, but had a bit of that forcedness...all you Ray and Kinks fans (and you should be!) listen to this motherfucker and enjoy!!!
Vanilla Fudge: Out Through the In Door (2007) A cover of Zep songs...in 2007??? By Vanilla fucking Fudge???? Well, I was hoping it would be more over the top, but I guess Zep were already over the top (and over the hills and far away...). The Fudge play it fairly straight, and show they are the best Zep cover band around. Weird...I'm not sure what to make of it...
Kevin Ayers: The Unfairground (2007) This was one of Mole's 2007 favs, so I was looking forward to listening to Mr. Ayer's musical musings. Mole's right. This is excellent! There's a darkness underneath it all that is...ironically...very appealing.
Mott the Hoople: Live Fillmore West 1970 (2006) Mott the Hoople were one of the best live bands of the early 1970s...just listen to any of there increasing number of archival releases for proof...and this baby!!! Listen to Ian Hunter chastise the audience...punk before punk...it sounds like these guys didn't give a shit except for rockin' out, and rockin' out hard. And if the audience didn't want to rock out...well, fuck em!!!!!!!!!
C,S,N & Y: Studio Archives 1970 (2006) A bootleg release. There's lots of neat stuff on this...as usual Neil's is the best. There's absolutely some classic, and I mean classic, dialogue. What a bunch of stoned egocentric hippies! Hilarious. Stills and Crosby all stoned and full of themselves...classic. I won't spoil it for anyone. Worth it for the dialogue alone!
Man...I really can't stand David Crosby!!! *****************
"Midnight Lady" by Mott in 1971 on Australian TV. Awesome Awesome Awesome Awesome Awesome Awesome!!!!!! thanks thecatkeaton
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Happy Valentine's Day Guru T-Lu!!!!!! And Poobah and Trouble!!!!! &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
I am ME. I'm into music, computers, walking on the ocean, poetry, monitoring my depression, and most of all my partner and confidante Guru T-Lu. I sang(?!) and wrote lyrics for "The Hated Uncles", published some poetry, was an independent pro wrestler, and now it's time to share my opinions and thoughts on whatever the hell I want!
Do what you want /
Do what you will /
just don't ruin
your neighbors thrill
