Its So Hard To Say Goodbye....

Last week Oprah ended.

Let me just pause and let that sink in.....

Boys 2 Men and Jimmy Kimmel pretty much summed up how I feel about it.

Music Idols Combine Forces!

Check out the picture just posted to Phish's twitter account of bass player Mike Gordon after his run in NJ this morning stopping to pay respects to another one of my music idols Bruuuuuuce Springsteen. 

Tonights NJ show is going to be epic. Its also one of the only times in the last 10 years I have wish I lived back in NJ. 

The Big C

I pause this musical blog to bring you something from the television world. My favorite show that started last year has to be "The Big C" on showtime. Staring Laura Linney as a mom who has been diagnosed with terminal cancer. 

Here is the catch... its a comedy. And its hilarious, smart, on point and fantastic! Season two starts at the end of June and well if you haven't yet, get to your netflix and order up the first season before the second one starts.

Trust me on this one. Here is a behind the scenes feature about season two. 

Got An Itch...

I have a feeling I will be doing this again before too long....

All of the Lights

Ok Kanye, you got me with this one. 

I rocked this song on my ipod, my car, my home stereo and now here all weekend long.... 

So good. 

Oh and Rihanna, put some clothes on. I get it you've got a sick body, but nobody needs to see that much.... I love you... I'm just saying. 

I Love Martin Short

Friend of mine just posted this video on her page and well I just have to share, because there is nothing not to like about the following video. It stars the hilarious Martin Short, on Letterman, singing about Obama taking down Osama. 

Never gets old I tell you....

Oh Weezer...

I really can not decide what I feel about this band. I used to love them. Then I hated them when they turned all pop-ish. Then I loved them again, then quickly turned to hate. 

And then they went and did this and I love them again.... oh the drama! 

Here is a very good cover of Radiohead "Paranoid Android". 

I can only imagine how tough it is to actually pull off a radiohead song...

I'm Baaaaack!

I'm back people! Yup thats right, sorry for the last two weeks and the lack of decent posts. But I had a lot going on in my life, which has all seemed to settle down now and I'm back on course.

Funny that this seemed to align this weekend with the start of Phish tour up in Bethel but damn what good timing. So to kick off what will be a week of amazing stuff coming out of this blog lets just start where we all want to be tonight. In NJ at the Phish show. But, unfortunately I'm no longer a resident of NJ and I'm sadly typing this from work. But I will still go home tonight, cook myself dinner, get on the internet and listen to it live. Because well thats technology in 2011 folks, and I love it.

That is how I heard this amazing gem this weekend from their epic weekend in Bethel. Enjoy kids. (And no I will not post about Phish all week....don't worry.)

Very Happy Lady

Phish opened their tour in Bethel last night, and well it says something about the band that I'm extremely happy that somewhere in the great US their music is being heard and played. (Not to mention I have friends who are there seeing them... that too makes me happy)

Yup. I'm that crazy.

The show last night looked and from what I've listened to so far, sounds amazing! Merriweather can not come soon enough....

But for now I take my place on my couch for couch tour 2011. I will not miss this show tonight...

Bring it boys. So happy you are back!!

Amy Poehler - Genius

"You never know what is around the corner unless you peek...hold someones hand when you do it.. it won't be so scary"

Great choice Harvard great choice! 

Gaga Central Park!

This was the image I woke up to on my tv this morning. Gaga playing Central Park. And well while you can say what you would like about this girl, I watched an hour interview with her last night that absolutely blew my socks off. 

She talked all about growing up in an Italian family in NYC. And how its her parents fault for getting her into the music she makes.... "Its totally their fault" she says, "Don't spoon-feed me the Beatles and Stevie Wonder and Bruce Springsteen, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin and Elton John, and expect for me not to turn out this way". 

But its the way she talked about her idol Bruce Springsteen and how his song Thunder Road (also my favorite) changed her life. It was the first 'rock' song she learned to play on the Piano with the incentive that her dad would take out a loan for a Baby Grand if she could perfect it.. she did. She talked about his song writing and especially the lyric "its a town full of losers and we are pulling out of here to win" and how that still inspires her today in her song writing abilities. 

My favorite line because its so true: "Whenever I surge down a highway, I can't not think about Bruce, it just doesn't happen. Thats whats great about real legends. They own the whole fucking interstate". 

Ha. True. 

And finally I'll end with a quote which she said this morning that I think rings true for real talents. When asked if she wasn't a singer what profession would she be? She looked dead in the eyes of the host and answered "oh i'd still be singing... just nobody would care". 

Say what you like but thats how I like to hear musicians speak.

Some Big Things

I know I know I basically abandoned this blog this week. I had to, some more important things came up. Or if you really want to know, I have spent the last two days sick as a dog throwing up. Yay. So as you can tell it has just been an amazing week.... :)

Anyways, today is Friday. Its Memorial Day weekend. And while I am not traveling or going anywhere I can not wait. There is nobody here. There are a ton of fun things to do around town. And I'm going to do all of them. 

I'm also going to spend some time at my old apartment on the Boulevard cleaning it up and getting all my security deposit back.  

I will do this all hopefully after this stupid fever breaks. 

Oh and I can't believe I'm missing Phish kick off their summer tour this weekend... boo. Yet I'll see them down here in Maryland in just about two weeks. yay.

New Apartment Art

So I know I have been ignoring this blog but there is a good reason.... I've been picking out new art for my apartment. I know this is huge. Big. 

I think I have found some that I like. I want to have a theme. And well... I love these.

Rapture Prank

Have a good weekend everyone!

Temptation of Adam

Let me start by saying that. I love Josh Ritter.

If you were to ask me what my favorite song of his is.... its easy. 'The Temptation of Adam' in my world is the perfect love song. Its simple, sweet and beautiful. I mean if you really take the next few minutes to listen to the lyrics of this song that paint a beautiful picture, I promise you, you will cry.

Sorry but you will. Its that hauntingly beautiful. You see... its about the end of the world... and love. Perfect.

"We could hold each other close and stay up every night

Looking up into the dark like it's the night sky

And pretend this giant missile is an old oak tree instead

And carve our names into the warhead

Oh Marie there's something tells me things just won't work out above

That our love would live a half-life on the surface

So at night while you are sleeping

I hold you closer just because

As our time grows short I get a little nervous

I think about the Big One, W.W. I.I.I.

Would we really care the world had ended

You could hold me here forever like you're holding me tonight

I look at that great big red button and I'm tempted. 

Sons & Daughters

Now a song about what will happen after the world ends.... from one of my favorite bands ever The Decemberists. Sons & Daughters thinks cheerfully about what could be ahead... just take a look at the lyrics.

"When we arrive

Sons & Daughters

We'll make our homes on the water

We'll build our walls aluminum 

We'll fill our mouths with cinnamon now....

Take up your arm

Sons and daughters

We will arise from the bunkers

By land by sea, by drigible

We'll leave our track untraceable now

When we arrive

Sons and daughters

We'll make our homes on the water

We'll build our walls aluminium

We'll fill our mouths with cinnamon now"

Until the End of the World

Nothing better than some really old school U2 to get you going. This is probably one of the better written songs they have ever made. 

This is the U2 I fell in love with.

Final Countdown

No words for this song... but if the world was going to end on Saturday I would like to go down swinging to this song...

R.E.M.

You can not talk about end of the world songs without mentioning this one... its amazing. It wraps everything into a nice little bow and says well...."its the end of the world as we know it.... and I feel fine". Again, when it comes to end of days songs... this one takes the cake. 

Judgement Day

Is the world going to end on Saturday or what? Just in case... today I dedicate the blog to "end of the world" songs.... Enjoy!!!

First I bring you the obvious choice...because well if Saturday is it, this song speaks pretty simply to where most of the people I know including me are heading... :)

HIGHWAY TO HELL

Haley Rocks Zeppelin

In one of the more suprising moves in Idol history, the only good one left Haley took to the stage last night to make her case on why she should be in the finals. And unlike the other two singers who choose songs from the likes of Lonestar, Kenny Rogers, Faith Hill and many other country stars, Haley went crazy.

She choose Zeppelin. Thats right. She had the balls to do it and she pulled it off (with the help of her dad on guitar... thats right!)

Check out a performance that even after she fell on her face still rocked out. Why?

Because rock and roll ain't pretty. 

ALCATRAZ

This week NBC announced that they have picked up JJ. Abrams (Lost, Mission Impossible) new television show called Alcatraz. I for one can't wait!

Check it out.

GAGA Subway Train?

Promotion is underway for GAGA's latest album and it starts in the NYC Transit system. Check it out. 

Pretty insane.... but fun.

Pathetic.

Here is a picture of Pittsburgh Steelers tough guy crying on Dancing with the Stars last night.

Pathetic. You're a football player, get your shit together! Its a tv show!




...and yes I maybe am saying this as a really bitter Jets fan, but still :)

Pure Imagination

Last night Glee did everything right. It was just one of those hours of television where you knew you were watching something special. Something that has just fit together perfectly. It was called "the funeral" it focused around the loss of Sue's sister. While it was a very occurance they took the opportunity to sing one of my all time favorite songs from one of my all time favorite movies. Thats right...

"Pure Imagination" from Willy Wonka. 

Looooved it. And really what a perfect song to play at a funeral. I mean think of the lyrics....

"Come with me.... and you'll be

In a world of...pure imagination

Take a look...and you'll see

Into your imagination

We'll begin....with a spin

Traveling in...the world of my creation

What we'll see

Will defy....explanation

If you want to view paradise

simply look around and view it

anything you want to do, do it

Wanta change the world?

There's nothing...to it

There is no...life I know

To compare with

Pure imagination

Living there...you'll be free

If you truly wish to be

Smile Like You Mean It.... Let Yourself Go

I know that I have posted this song before but I'm doing it again in case you missed it. If you don't know of Mika yet, I highly suggest you do your homework. 

He is so versatile its amazing. 

Yet its this delicate song that gets me every single time I hear it play on a tv show, a movie, or just on the radio. Its one of those songs that just can fit perfectly into any situation. 

And in case you are left wanting more... go check out his song "Grace Kelly" it will be in your head for the rest of the day.

This Ones For Rick

Was lucky enough to be awake yesterday morning for the last ever launch of the Space Shuttle Endeavor. Very awesome. But what is more awesome is this picture that a lady got while flying during the launch. Its the first picture to ever be shot at this angle and well, I don't know if there is a cooler one out there.

Rick I'm going to find the best copy of this frame it and get it to you. I promise. 

Below is the launch in case you missed it (turn HD on). Followed by some more really cool pictures of the launch. (taken from the ground...)

Best Parody Picture Ever?

The cast of the hit series "The Office"

Lauryn Hill Sings Bob Marley

One of my all time favorite people to ever come out of NJ singer Lauryn Hill recently paid visit to the Jimmy Fallon set to participate in his Bob Marley Week. Hill has a personal connection to the reggae legend and his legacy, her partner is Marley's son Rohan, with whom she has five children. Below you will first see the beautiful rendition of "Chances Are" followed by a badass throwdown of "Could You Be Loved". 

Good to see you back at it Ms. Hill. 

"Chances Are"

and my one of my all time favorites...."Could You Be Loved" to say that I was on my couch dancing would be a gross understatement. 

New Start

The above picture is where you can find me for the next six months or until the weather turns ugly. Thats right, its my new roof deck of my new apartment. 

Its been a long time waiting for this one... I'm extremely happy and really have this sense of accomplishment that the life I have made for myself down here in Richmond is real and there is no turning back. And really that to me is all that matters.... 

Here is to a fresh start.

Oh and I have internet again too which means a lot more posting since I come up with ideas usually during the evening hours and not while at my day job :)

I'm Back!!!

First post from the new apartment! This blog is about to get a lot more interesting..... be warned. 

Video of the Day

No words just love for these boys....

Favorite Quotes

Here are some of my favorite Bob Marley quotes to end the day with....

"The winds that sometimes take something we love, are the same that bring us something we learn to love. Therefore we should not cry about something that was taken from us, but yes, love what we have been given. Because what is really ours is never gone forever"

"One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain"

"The truth is, everyone is going to hurt you. You just got to find the ones worth suffering for."

"Money can't buy life"

and my favorite....

"Life is one big road with lots of signs. So when your riding through the ruts, don't complicate your mind. Flee from hate, mischief and jealousy. Don't bury your thoughts, put your vision to reality. Wake up and Live!"

"Rise up this mornin', smiled with the risin sun

Three little birds, Pitch by my doorstep

Singing sweet songs

Of melodies pure and true

Sayin, "This is my message to you-ou-ou"

Singin: "Don't worry about a thing, worry about a thing, oh!

Every little thing gonna be all right. Don't worry!

Don't worry about a thing - I won't worry!

'Cause every little thing gonna be alright"

Bob Marley Week on Jimmy Fallon

Of course Jimmy and his house band The Roots can pull this off. All this week they are celebrating the life of Mr. Bob Marley with music tributes. Monday was his son Ziggy's turn at "Get Up Stand Up", last night it was Chris Cornell singing "Redemption Songs". The rest of the week they have people like Jennifer Hudson, Lauryn Hill, Jackob Dylan and Lenny Kravitz doing this great musician justice.

Worth checking out for sure. Here is Ziggy paying tribute to his Dad. 

Redemption Song

"Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery; none but ourselves can free our minds"

"Redemption Song" is the final track on Bob Marley and the Wailers ninth album, Uprising. The song considered one of Marley's seminal works, with lyrics derived from a speech given by the Pan-African orator Marcus Garvey.

At the time that he wrote this song in 1979, Bob had been diagnosed with the cancer that ultimately took his life. According to his wife "he was already secretly in a lot of pain and dealt with his own mortality, a feature that is clearly apparent in the album, particularly this song". Unlike most of his tracks, this one is a simple solo acoustic recording, it was just Bob singing and playing an acoustic guitar without accompaniment. When he started to play it live with the Wailers, some small drums were added to the back. 

In 2004, Rolling Stone placed the song at number #66 among the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. 

(I think it should be higher)

What is important in this song is the lyrics, which is why I'm including a hauntingly beautiful cover of it by Johnny Cash and Joe Strummer. 

Amazing.

Bob Plays Soccer

Many people are surprised to hear that Marley was a fanatic soccer player and fan. It doesn't seem to fit the image of the world's most legendary reggae star. But he simply just loved kicking the ball. Every single day when on tour or in the recording studio he can be seen kicking. 

A famous story that while on a trip to Brazil in 1970 Bob joined in on a heated street soccer game with some fellow musicians, street kids and Paulo Cesar, member of the 1970 Brizillan World Cup team. Before the game the Brazilians had given him a number 10 Santos shirt (Pele's number). Bob smiled and when he put it on was heard saying that just like Pele, he could play in all positions. 

Many of his friends claimed that if Marley had not been so dedicated to his music, he could have made it as a professional soccer player.