Monday, May 2, 2011: Martha Reeves and The Vandellas - Nowhere To Run

I tell you, gentle reader, there is nowhere to run to, no trying to escape the beginning of the week. Whether tracking Charlie through the bush back in 'Nam, or just sitting at a desk in an office, Mondays come for all of us.

Probably the best we can do is crank up some solid, driving sounds of the true classic soul.

Ladies and Gentlemen, let Martha & her Vandellas take us rocking into the week.

Enjoy.

Sunday, May 1, 2011

No blogging on a Sunday.

See you Monday!

Saturday, April 30, 2011: Men At Work - Overkill

This is one of those rare songs that both encapsulates and transcends its time.

It reminds me a lot of Space Age Love Song by Flock Of Seagulls in that way.

Sure, Men At Work will forever be knows as those goofy lads from Down Under, but for me this was their best song by far.

And, yes, it's ironic to have a song by Men At Work on a Saturday.

Unless you are actually working this Saturday.

Then, stop reading this blog and get back to work!

Friday, April 29, 2011: Toby Keith - I Love This Bar

Really cool bars are hard to find these days. Trust me, I've searched.

So many taverns, at least in the US, are these bland, bloated, corporate owned nightmares that are too garish, too loud, too boring.

So, what makes a good bar?

1) Atmosphere: This includes things like decor, lighting and space. A good bar has interesting, authentic items around the room, not glossed up corporate junk that a thousand other identical bars around the country have. The lighting would tend to be on the dark & intimate side. In short, a good bar has character. Soul.

2) A Good Jukebox: This is a must. I've been in OK joints that have rocked out with great music, and I've been in great joints that just got all the life sucked out of them by a horrid, lifeless playlist.

3) Games: A pool table is a must. Two or three are better. A couple of old-school stand up video games is a good thing, an actual pinball table is miles better. Real darts is great too, with a chalk board on either side of the board to keep score on. If you see the wimpy, nanny-state special that is those horrible electronic darts games, then try to find another place.

4) Clientele: If you can smell a poser a mile away, you know this is critical. If they crowd is a bunch of hipsters, or fashionistias, or 50 year old stockbrokers who dress like bikers every Saturday and half of Sunday, then definitely find another place.

5) Drinks: Cold and cheap - I like my drinks the exact opposite of how I like my women.

6) Bartenders: They don't have to greet you with a smile and a wave as soon as you walk in the door, but if you have to stand around like a mental patient while the person behind the bar tries to chat up a hot chick, or just straight up ignores you, then that place doesn't deserve your money. On the flip side, if the service is quick and friendly, always - ALWAYS - tip well.

7) You: The most important ingredient. If you are a jerk, or an obnoxious drunk, or try to hit on anything that has two legs, then maybe you don't deserve a cool bar.

But, that said, if you do find a local, independently owned tavern that has most, if not all, of the above, then please support it. Local bars need our help. Invite your friends.

Let's keep on keeping it real, for us. And for future generations.

Seriously.

Thursday, April 28, 2011: The Superman Lovers - Starlight

Women can be so cruel.

You know who you are.

EOM

Wednesday, April 27, 2011: Lou Reed - Satellite Of Love

Here's to all the bands that wouldn't exist today if it weren't for Lou Reed.

The conventional wisdom used to be that everything sprang from Bob Dylan, it was Dylan that was the inspiration for most pop music.

Screw that.

We'd be nowhere without Lou.

Here's to one of the most honest songwriters and performers out there. Here's to someone with that rare combination of craft and vision and cool.

Here's to you.

We're all waiting for our man, dude. My man is you.

Tuesday, April 26, 2011: Cut Chemist - The Garden

Totally stole this from a friend's Facebook feed.

I swear, I have the coolest friends.