Hello,
I've been reading two books recently following my thrilling reading of "The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo". The first book is Max Brooks "World War Z". I really like that book so far. It's obviously a piece of fiction about how zombies come alive and bring an assault on the world. They are eventually stopped but not before they leave behind a long trail of destruction. This novel is written in an oral history format, which usually isn't a style of writing I enjoy. After 22 pages into the book that style of writing is working for me in this case.
The other book I'm reading is John Irving's "The Cider House Rules". Unfortunately I'm struggling with this book. I didn't like the movie, having Tobey Maguire in it doesn't help. Maguire has to be one of the wimpiest actors currently going, other than playing the nerd or geek there is no role he's convincing in. The "Cider House" story was just not interesting. However operating on the theory that almost always the book is better than the movie I decided to give it a shot. Also John Irving is one of my favorite authors. I have read the first 45 pages and I'm just not getting into it. I'll give it a bit longer. But so far I'm very disappointed by this book.
Last night my wife and I watched "Four Christmases" which stars Vince Vaughn and Reese Witherspoon. (Previous to a couple of days ago I never thought of Reese Witherspoon as a babe. After seeing her in "I Walk The Line" and this movie I have changed my opinion.) I didn't expect to enjoy this movie much, but I actually liked it. I certainly understand wanting to skip some family activities on Christmas Day though.
Jerry Jones told his Dallas Cowboys, after improving to 8-3, not to get over confident. Jerry have you watched this team play? They have run into some really mediocre team to get to that impressive 8-3 record. I think the next 3 games will tell us a lot about this team. They play in order the 6-5 and playing for their playoff lives New York Giants, the high scoring 8-3 San Diego Chargers and the still undefeated New Orleans Saints. The Saints are 10-0 now and play tonight against the New England Patriots. If they emerge from those 3 games with a 9-5 record I'd be very happy. Of course if they win a playoff game finally I would also be very happy. However if the Cowboys don't win a playoff game, Jerry you must fire underachieving coach Wade Phillips. I hear Mike Shanahan is out of work.
Thanks to Oprah Winfrey making a couple of Christmas MP3's free, especially Sugarland's "Silent Night". That is such a beautiful song and Jennifer Nettles voice is so amazing. One of my all-time favorite country bands, Sugarland, appears on Oprah today.
themusicaddict
Monday, November 30, 2009
Sunday, November 29, 2009
BYU-Utah
Hello,
Congrats to BYU for their victory over Utah yesterday 26-23. BYU is now 10-2 make their annual trek to play in the not very exciting Las Vegas Bowl. Utah falls to 9-3 and will probably be going and playing in the Poinsettia Bowl. Don't feel too bad for the Utes as that bowl is in San Diego.
Max Hall made a few comments last night that I wish he wouldn't have. Max please put a little more thought into what you say when you have a microphone in your face.
Also congrats to TCU and Boise State for their big wins. With Oklahoma beating Oklahoma St 27-0, that should pave the way for both BSU and TCU going to BCS Bowls. The last BCS Bowl Boise State went to was one of the greatest college football games of all-time.
themusicaddict
Congrats to BYU for their victory over Utah yesterday 26-23. BYU is now 10-2 make their annual trek to play in the not very exciting Las Vegas Bowl. Utah falls to 9-3 and will probably be going and playing in the Poinsettia Bowl. Don't feel too bad for the Utes as that bowl is in San Diego.
Max Hall made a few comments last night that I wish he wouldn't have. Max please put a little more thought into what you say when you have a microphone in your face.
Also congrats to TCU and Boise State for their big wins. With Oklahoma beating Oklahoma St 27-0, that should pave the way for both BSU and TCU going to BCS Bowls. The last BCS Bowl Boise State went to was one of the greatest college football games of all-time.
themusicaddict
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Happy Thanksgiving
Happy Thanksgiving,
A good day to you all. Thanksgiving is a day known for food, family and football. Of the football there are some intriguing games today. Texas and their Heisman candidate Colt McCoy goes into Texas A&M tonight. I'm pulling for and hoping for a miracle by the Aggies. I'd love for TCU to sneak into the BCS Title game and expose the absurdity of the BCS. (It would be too much to hope for both BSU and TCU to play in the BCS title game.)
The NFL has three games today, including my Dallas Cowboys. That offensive power- house who has exploded for 14 points over the last two games. In that span they went 1-1 vs. two teams with a combined total of 7 wins. To give you perspective of that Dallas has won 7 games by themselves.It's time for Tony Romo to put up or for the Cowboys to start looking for a new quarterback. The other games are a mixed bag. The first game of the day will be Green Bay-Detroit. Other than fans of both teams I don't know who will be watching this game.
The nightcap should be the best game of the day. Both teams have winning and losing streaks this season. After winning their first 6 games, Denver has lost their last four games. They've been exposed as a pretender, as usually happens with Denver this time of the year. Denver is now 6-4 this season. Meanwhile the Giants started out with 5 wins in a row, lost 4 games in a row. They did win their last game to go to 6-4 on the season. Normally I wouldn't care who wins this game, but today I'm cheering for Denver. My boy loves the Broncos and the Giants are a NFC East rival to Dallas. On December 6th Dallas plays New York, that game will go a long ways to determining who wins the NFC East.
There are also basketball games going on today. The Jazz are playing their first Thanksgiving game ever since moving to Utah. They are playing the young and explosive Bulls. With Carlos Boozer leaving the Jazz after this season, the Jazz don't have a whole lot of chemistry. This season is pretty much going to be a wasted season for the Jazz. The other game is the Orlando Magic, who played a great game last night, against the Hawks.
Two more other NBA notes. According to espn.com Dwight Wade may be going to the Orlando Magic. If that does happen, what the hell is Miami thinking? It looks like Allen Iverson is going to retire. Good riddance to the most overrated player in NBA history. I'm sure he will make at least one comeback attempt.
Last night I finished reading "The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo". If I had the next in the series, "The Girl Who Played With Fire", in my possession I would have immediately started reading it. Alas I'm #14 still on the waiting list for that book at my local library. Instead I read a little more in John Irving's "Trying To Save Piggy Sneed". It's a collection of memoirs, short stories and essays. I was disappointed by the first and second memoir, they were boring and uninteresting. That really surprises me as Irving is one of my all-time favorite authors. "A Prayer for Owen Meany" is one of the greatest books ever.
I also watched "V" the other night, it's the fourth of four episodes that will be shown this fall/winter. If the ratings are good enough "V" will be back in March, 2010. The second episode was sleep inducing but the fourth episode is much better. I haven't been able to see the first or third episodes yet. Please ABC show them again. I want to see those two episodes before I can accurately form an opinion. My initial impression of "V" is that I'm a bit disappointed.
My lovely wife and I watched "Walk The Line", the Johnny Cash story. It was an okay movie. Reese Witherspoon did a great job but Joaquin Phoenix was not as good. Is that where Phoenix got the idea to try and be a pseudo rapper? I read Phoenix sang all the songs himself, I think they should have used Cash's actual voice. Phoenix is a pale imitation of the legendary Cash.
I'm glad Cash rebounded from his personal battles, he is definitely one of the all-time greats.
themusicaddict
A good day to you all. Thanksgiving is a day known for food, family and football. Of the football there are some intriguing games today. Texas and their Heisman candidate Colt McCoy goes into Texas A&M tonight. I'm pulling for and hoping for a miracle by the Aggies. I'd love for TCU to sneak into the BCS Title game and expose the absurdity of the BCS. (It would be too much to hope for both BSU and TCU to play in the BCS title game.)
The NFL has three games today, including my Dallas Cowboys. That offensive power- house who has exploded for 14 points over the last two games. In that span they went 1-1 vs. two teams with a combined total of 7 wins. To give you perspective of that Dallas has won 7 games by themselves.It's time for Tony Romo to put up or for the Cowboys to start looking for a new quarterback. The other games are a mixed bag. The first game of the day will be Green Bay-Detroit. Other than fans of both teams I don't know who will be watching this game.
The nightcap should be the best game of the day. Both teams have winning and losing streaks this season. After winning their first 6 games, Denver has lost their last four games. They've been exposed as a pretender, as usually happens with Denver this time of the year. Denver is now 6-4 this season. Meanwhile the Giants started out with 5 wins in a row, lost 4 games in a row. They did win their last game to go to 6-4 on the season. Normally I wouldn't care who wins this game, but today I'm cheering for Denver. My boy loves the Broncos and the Giants are a NFC East rival to Dallas. On December 6th Dallas plays New York, that game will go a long ways to determining who wins the NFC East.
There are also basketball games going on today. The Jazz are playing their first Thanksgiving game ever since moving to Utah. They are playing the young and explosive Bulls. With Carlos Boozer leaving the Jazz after this season, the Jazz don't have a whole lot of chemistry. This season is pretty much going to be a wasted season for the Jazz. The other game is the Orlando Magic, who played a great game last night, against the Hawks.
Two more other NBA notes. According to espn.com Dwight Wade may be going to the Orlando Magic. If that does happen, what the hell is Miami thinking? It looks like Allen Iverson is going to retire. Good riddance to the most overrated player in NBA history. I'm sure he will make at least one comeback attempt.
Last night I finished reading "The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo". If I had the next in the series, "The Girl Who Played With Fire", in my possession I would have immediately started reading it. Alas I'm #14 still on the waiting list for that book at my local library. Instead I read a little more in John Irving's "Trying To Save Piggy Sneed". It's a collection of memoirs, short stories and essays. I was disappointed by the first and second memoir, they were boring and uninteresting. That really surprises me as Irving is one of my all-time favorite authors. "A Prayer for Owen Meany" is one of the greatest books ever.
I also watched "V" the other night, it's the fourth of four episodes that will be shown this fall/winter. If the ratings are good enough "V" will be back in March, 2010. The second episode was sleep inducing but the fourth episode is much better. I haven't been able to see the first or third episodes yet. Please ABC show them again. I want to see those two episodes before I can accurately form an opinion. My initial impression of "V" is that I'm a bit disappointed.
My lovely wife and I watched "Walk The Line", the Johnny Cash story. It was an okay movie. Reese Witherspoon did a great job but Joaquin Phoenix was not as good. Is that where Phoenix got the idea to try and be a pseudo rapper? I read Phoenix sang all the songs himself, I think they should have used Cash's actual voice. Phoenix is a pale imitation of the legendary Cash.
I'm glad Cash rebounded from his personal battles, he is definitely one of the all-time greats.
themusicaddict
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Teen Beat strikes again, Ashley Greene
Hello,
Teen Beat (formerly known as Rolling Stone) strikes again with their latest cover subject, Tyler Lautner. He plays the role of Jacob/ wolf in "New Moon". That's good that someone has finally discovered that small independent movie. Please that movie needs hype as much as Adam "I Went Too Far" Lambert does.
For full disclosure I loved Stephenie Meyer's four books in the "Twilight" series. However I was very disappointed by the first "Twilight" movie and I have no desire to see "New Moon".
If we really have to have a "New Moon" cover, which we don't, this is the one I suggest.
There are also promos for Season 9 of "American Idol" already out. See below:
No sign of the guest judges or Kara. I think "AI" is embarrassed having her still on the show. I'm sure glad they featured Randy Jackson and one of his 5-7 phrases that he continuously recycles. The promo showed Randy "110% yes". We didn't get to see any of his other brilliant phrases like yo, yo, yo", "you can sing the phone book", "dawg", "pitchy" etc.
I've read reviews of Kris Allen's new CD and I've heard it described as not very exciting. Really! One of the most boring contestants ever makes boring music! No shock there. It's first week sales were only 80,000 copies, which was only good enough for spot # 11 in the Top 200. Also this is the lowest first week sales for an "American Idol" winner in it's 8 seasons. Why is anyone surprised by this?
I almost finished reading "The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo" last night. It took superhuman will to not finish it. I will finish it tonight. There was a development that took me by complete surprise. I won't ruin it here but it's a development that I did not see coming at all. I say that as a compliment, if you know what's going to happen it takes away the thrill of discovery. (One of the all-time most predictable movies ever is "The Notebook". I'm not a genius but even I could see that corny ending a mile away.)
Here's a pretty cool story, although there is great sadness behind that happiness. Congrats to Francisco Rodriguez and his family for giving away 8 of his organs and saving 8 other lives. Rodriguez was killed in the boxing ring. What a great family that raised him to have such unselfish ideas. The following is from espn.com. Thanks to them.
"The death of junior featherweight Francisco "Paco" Rodriguez on Sunday night will not have been in vain.
Two days after Rodriguez was knocked out by Teon Kennedy in the 10th round of a ferocious fight for a regional title at Philadelphia's famed Blue Horizon, Rodriguez died from a brain injury he suffered in the bout.
His death, however, will save the lives of at least eight people, including his uncle. Rodriguez's family announced that it was donating multiple organs from the fallen fighter, including a kidney to his uncle.
"We just learned that Paco and our uncle are a match," Alex Rodriguez, Francisco's brother, said in a statement. "Our uncle has been on the waiting list for a kidney transplant for a long, long time. So although we've tragically lost Paco, we're able to give this incredible gift of life to another family member.
"My family is desperately grieving the loss of Paco, but there is some comfort knowing that he will save at least eight lives and benefit so many families."
Rodriguez's organs are being donated through the "Gift of Life" donor program".
I think donating our body parts after death is something we should all consider. Think about it and thanks to Francisco and his amazing family.
themusicaddict
Teen Beat (formerly known as Rolling Stone) strikes again with their latest cover subject, Tyler Lautner. He plays the role of Jacob/ wolf in "New Moon". That's good that someone has finally discovered that small independent movie. Please that movie needs hype as much as Adam "I Went Too Far" Lambert does.
For full disclosure I loved Stephenie Meyer's four books in the "Twilight" series. However I was very disappointed by the first "Twilight" movie and I have no desire to see "New Moon".
If we really have to have a "New Moon" cover, which we don't, this is the one I suggest.
There are also promos for Season 9 of "American Idol" already out. See below:
No sign of the guest judges or Kara. I think "AI" is embarrassed having her still on the show. I'm sure glad they featured Randy Jackson and one of his 5-7 phrases that he continuously recycles. The promo showed Randy "110% yes". We didn't get to see any of his other brilliant phrases like yo, yo, yo", "you can sing the phone book", "dawg", "pitchy" etc.
I've read reviews of Kris Allen's new CD and I've heard it described as not very exciting. Really! One of the most boring contestants ever makes boring music! No shock there. It's first week sales were only 80,000 copies, which was only good enough for spot # 11 in the Top 200. Also this is the lowest first week sales for an "American Idol" winner in it's 8 seasons. Why is anyone surprised by this?
I almost finished reading "The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo" last night. It took superhuman will to not finish it. I will finish it tonight. There was a development that took me by complete surprise. I won't ruin it here but it's a development that I did not see coming at all. I say that as a compliment, if you know what's going to happen it takes away the thrill of discovery. (One of the all-time most predictable movies ever is "The Notebook". I'm not a genius but even I could see that corny ending a mile away.)
Here's a pretty cool story, although there is great sadness behind that happiness. Congrats to Francisco Rodriguez and his family for giving away 8 of his organs and saving 8 other lives. Rodriguez was killed in the boxing ring. What a great family that raised him to have such unselfish ideas. The following is from espn.com. Thanks to them.
"The death of junior featherweight Francisco "Paco" Rodriguez on Sunday night will not have been in vain.
Two days after Rodriguez was knocked out by Teon Kennedy in the 10th round of a ferocious fight for a regional title at Philadelphia's famed Blue Horizon, Rodriguez died from a brain injury he suffered in the bout.
His death, however, will save the lives of at least eight people, including his uncle. Rodriguez's family announced that it was donating multiple organs from the fallen fighter, including a kidney to his uncle.
"We just learned that Paco and our uncle are a match," Alex Rodriguez, Francisco's brother, said in a statement. "Our uncle has been on the waiting list for a kidney transplant for a long, long time. So although we've tragically lost Paco, we're able to give this incredible gift of life to another family member.
"My family is desperately grieving the loss of Paco, but there is some comfort knowing that he will save at least eight lives and benefit so many families."
Rodriguez's organs are being donated through the "Gift of Life" donor program".
I think donating our body parts after death is something we should all consider. Think about it and thanks to Francisco and his amazing family.
themusicaddict
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
"Dragon Tattoo", AMA's Performance Reviews
Hello,
I had to go to bed some time last night or I would have stayed up later reading "The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo". What a great book, it's very hard to put down. I just want to find out all the mysteries quickly. WHat does Henrik Vanger have to hide and what is the reason for his true animosity towards Wennerstrom? However I also enjoy in between readings in a book> When I have time to contemplate what's going on and what could happen, that's also a great pleasure of reading.
The author of this book, Stieg Larsson, unfortunately passed away. He has two other books dealing with the same "The Girl etc." theme. I don't know if it's the same girl in every book, but I hope so. Lisbeth Salander is a very interesting character, her name is appropriate for the dirt she finds out about people. She had quite a shock when Mickael Blomquist showed up at her door.
From my reading and 'net surfing I heard a lot about Adam Lambert and Jennifer Lopez's American Music Awards performances. I find it ironic that I grade both of those performance F-. I finally couldn't resist seeing what the buzz was about. Adam Lambert continues to lower the level of taste in America. I know he's some- one's puppet, but this performance was terrible. What is up with the ugly hair and the makeup? Why does he always scream, his patented screech. I don't understand why there's so much hype about him. Of course hype is used a lot of the time to hide crap. That's what is happening here. Adam Lambert please go away, and take that slick, crappy "For Your Entertainment" with you. Grade: F- (I just heard that Good Morning America canceled Adam Lambert's appearance due to his lurid performance.)
Someone I like but was disappointed with was Lady Gaga. The song was meh! and her and the dancer's outfits were hideous. Grade: D.
Another singer I really like but who I was also disappointed with is Rihanna. The song she sang is mediocre and why does she have spikes on her clothes like Adam Lambert? In spite of this performance, Rihanna is currently my favorite female singer. Grade: C.
Continuing the disappointing theme what is up with Shakira and Whitney Houston? Shakira's performance was marginal. Shakira: C+ Whitney Houston why can't you just sing the damn song? Ever since she started her comeback at Clive Davis' after Grammy party she has had that weird phrasing. (Clive it's time to cut your puppet strings on Whitney.) Is the phrasing due to her losing her voice a bit? Whitney just please start singing the songs they are made to sing. Even if you've lost something from your amazing voice, you still have a great voice. She did have one of the best songs of the night. Due to the song, the grade is C+.
Alicia Keys/ lame rapper (I know his name but he seems to be living on reputation now rather than being relevant. Of course in my opinion he was never relevant.) Was it just me or did that song seem to go on forever? Grades: Alicia: B, lame rapper F-
Alicia Keys later sang by herself and that song was much better. The song "Try Sleeping With a Broken Heart" is a much better song than "Empire State Of Mind". "Sleeping" did seem to go on a bit too long also. Grade B+
Nelly Furtado sang with Timbaland and another female singer I never have heard of. Although Timbaland does fall under the "lame rapper" category, I actually liked this song. Although his rapping was a tad bit annoying. Grade: B.
Carrie Underwood, looking gorgeous as always, sang "Casanova Cowboy". This may have been the best song of the night, however it was also close to being the ugliest outfit of the night. Because this was one of the last performances I watched, the pop sheen was especially noticeable on this song. I wonder what country music radio thinks about that song, not that it matters because of course they are playing it. Also that song had some blistering guitars in it as well. Grade: B.
Janet Jackson started off the show with a blistering medley of some of her classic back-in-the-day songs. Her performance started out as hot, but by the end it had developed into a hot mess. Grades: first half: A, second half: C.
Daughtry: the only song of the night that didn't have a pop sheen. Just a straight forward pop/rock song sung by Chris Daughtry. The song was a little boring though. Grade: C.
Jennifer Lopez Yawn! The name of her song is "Louboutins", named after a line of shoes. When I heard her sing the line about a part time lover, I was hoping she was going to bust out the Stevie Wonder classic. No such luck and "Louboutins" is a pretty generic song. (Since the performance is boxing themed of course they have to fly Michael Buffer in to say, "Let's Get Ready To RUMMMMBLE!" Grade F- While researsching this song I discovered a very cool website. Check it out, it's at musicloversgroup.com.)
Quick reviews: Rihanna's "Rated R" her grown up CD. After one listen I give this CD a C. Them Crooked Vultures, this song has some pretty good musical ideas. After one listen it's more of a collection of songs rather than an album though. That will probably come with time.
Also when did Britney Spears start singing like a chipmunk?
Have a great day, I'll be back tomorrow. themusicaddict
I had to go to bed some time last night or I would have stayed up later reading "The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo". What a great book, it's very hard to put down. I just want to find out all the mysteries quickly. WHat does Henrik Vanger have to hide and what is the reason for his true animosity towards Wennerstrom? However I also enjoy in between readings in a book> When I have time to contemplate what's going on and what could happen, that's also a great pleasure of reading.
The author of this book, Stieg Larsson, unfortunately passed away. He has two other books dealing with the same "The Girl etc." theme. I don't know if it's the same girl in every book, but I hope so. Lisbeth Salander is a very interesting character, her name is appropriate for the dirt she finds out about people. She had quite a shock when Mickael Blomquist showed up at her door.
From my reading and 'net surfing I heard a lot about Adam Lambert and Jennifer Lopez's American Music Awards performances. I find it ironic that I grade both of those performance F-. I finally couldn't resist seeing what the buzz was about. Adam Lambert continues to lower the level of taste in America. I know he's some- one's puppet, but this performance was terrible. What is up with the ugly hair and the makeup? Why does he always scream, his patented screech. I don't understand why there's so much hype about him. Of course hype is used a lot of the time to hide crap. That's what is happening here. Adam Lambert please go away, and take that slick, crappy "For Your Entertainment" with you. Grade: F- (I just heard that Good Morning America canceled Adam Lambert's appearance due to his lurid performance.)
Someone I like but was disappointed with was Lady Gaga. The song was meh! and her and the dancer's outfits were hideous. Grade: D.
Another singer I really like but who I was also disappointed with is Rihanna. The song she sang is mediocre and why does she have spikes on her clothes like Adam Lambert? In spite of this performance, Rihanna is currently my favorite female singer. Grade: C.
Continuing the disappointing theme what is up with Shakira and Whitney Houston? Shakira's performance was marginal. Shakira: C+ Whitney Houston why can't you just sing the damn song? Ever since she started her comeback at Clive Davis' after Grammy party she has had that weird phrasing. (Clive it's time to cut your puppet strings on Whitney.) Is the phrasing due to her losing her voice a bit? Whitney just please start singing the songs they are made to sing. Even if you've lost something from your amazing voice, you still have a great voice. She did have one of the best songs of the night. Due to the song, the grade is C+.
Alicia Keys/ lame rapper (I know his name but he seems to be living on reputation now rather than being relevant. Of course in my opinion he was never relevant.) Was it just me or did that song seem to go on forever? Grades: Alicia: B, lame rapper F-
Alicia Keys later sang by herself and that song was much better. The song "Try Sleeping With a Broken Heart" is a much better song than "Empire State Of Mind". "Sleeping" did seem to go on a bit too long also. Grade B+
Nelly Furtado sang with Timbaland and another female singer I never have heard of. Although Timbaland does fall under the "lame rapper" category, I actually liked this song. Although his rapping was a tad bit annoying. Grade: B.
Carrie Underwood, looking gorgeous as always, sang "Casanova Cowboy". This may have been the best song of the night, however it was also close to being the ugliest outfit of the night. Because this was one of the last performances I watched, the pop sheen was especially noticeable on this song. I wonder what country music radio thinks about that song, not that it matters because of course they are playing it. Also that song had some blistering guitars in it as well. Grade: B.
Janet Jackson started off the show with a blistering medley of some of her classic back-in-the-day songs. Her performance started out as hot, but by the end it had developed into a hot mess. Grades: first half: A, second half: C.
Daughtry: the only song of the night that didn't have a pop sheen. Just a straight forward pop/rock song sung by Chris Daughtry. The song was a little boring though. Grade: C.
Jennifer Lopez Yawn! The name of her song is "Louboutins", named after a line of shoes. When I heard her sing the line about a part time lover, I was hoping she was going to bust out the Stevie Wonder classic. No such luck and "Louboutins" is a pretty generic song. (Since the performance is boxing themed of course they have to fly Michael Buffer in to say, "Let's Get Ready To RUMMMMBLE!" Grade F- While researsching this song I discovered a very cool website. Check it out, it's at musicloversgroup.com.)
Quick reviews: Rihanna's "Rated R" her grown up CD. After one listen I give this CD a C. Them Crooked Vultures, this song has some pretty good musical ideas. After one listen it's more of a collection of songs rather than an album though. That will probably come with time.
Also when did Britney Spears start singing like a chipmunk?
Have a great day, I'll be back tomorrow. themusicaddict
Monday, November 23, 2009
Congratulations Real Salt Lake!
Hello,
Congratulations to Real Salt Lake in winning the MLS title in only their fifth season in existence. That's pretty cool!
I'm listening to Rihanna's "Rated R" this morning, the CD was released today. (Thanks Rhapsody!) A review coming soon. I also am listening to her previous CD, "Good Girl Gone Bad". That's a great CD!
Adam Lambert go away!
themusicaddict
Congratulations to Real Salt Lake in winning the MLS title in only their fifth season in existence. That's pretty cool!
I'm listening to Rihanna's "Rated R" this morning, the CD was released today. (Thanks Rhapsody!) A review coming soon. I also am listening to her previous CD, "Good Girl Gone Bad". That's a great CD!
Adam Lambert go away!
themusicaddict
Saturday, November 21, 2009
"The Girl WIth The Dragon Tattoo"
Hello,
I recently finished reading Guillermo Del Toro and Chuck Hogan's "The Strain". It is a very clever vampire novel, changing up and freshening the mythology a bit. With the second book of the trilogy not out until next year I started reading Stieg Larsson's "The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo". So far it's a very good and intriguing book.
Due to issues with a USB port going out on my computer, my computer isn't able to communicate with the external hard drive. I don't know when we'll we be able to replace it, so I've been re-downloading my complete CD library again. It's a very time consuming project. However it gives me an opportunity to do an inventory of all my CDs. I'm missing some of my CD's but also rediscovering some CDs. I had forgotten that I have Rev Run's "Distortion". I also pulled out the R.E.M. import "Aural Pleasure". Most of it is recorded live at Milton Keynes Bowl. It's a great chronicle of R.E.M.'s "Monster" tour. I listened to The Smashing Pumpkins Greatest Hits and enjoyed "Bullet With Butterfly Wings" several times. That's just a great song.
Sports: First of all congratulations to the Utah Jazz for winning their first game in San Antonio in 10.5 years. My 13 year old was only 2.5 years old at the time. To show you how long ago that was, the Jazz last won in San Antonio in 1999. Remember that was when everyone was nervous about Y2K.
College football: The top 4 teams play cream puffs, in fact #1 Florida and #2 Alabama are already off to big leads. #3 Texas and #4 TCU play their creampuff games later. # 6 Boise State crushed Utah State last night, they imposed their will on the Aggies. Sports Illustrated had a nice article about Boise State in this week's issue. USC has a bye today. Utah and BYU also play later today.
themusicaddict
I recently finished reading Guillermo Del Toro and Chuck Hogan's "The Strain". It is a very clever vampire novel, changing up and freshening the mythology a bit. With the second book of the trilogy not out until next year I started reading Stieg Larsson's "The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo". So far it's a very good and intriguing book.
Due to issues with a USB port going out on my computer, my computer isn't able to communicate with the external hard drive. I don't know when we'll we be able to replace it, so I've been re-downloading my complete CD library again. It's a very time consuming project. However it gives me an opportunity to do an inventory of all my CDs. I'm missing some of my CD's but also rediscovering some CDs. I had forgotten that I have Rev Run's "Distortion". I also pulled out the R.E.M. import "Aural Pleasure". Most of it is recorded live at Milton Keynes Bowl. It's a great chronicle of R.E.M.'s "Monster" tour. I listened to The Smashing Pumpkins Greatest Hits and enjoyed "Bullet With Butterfly Wings" several times. That's just a great song.
Sports: First of all congratulations to the Utah Jazz for winning their first game in San Antonio in 10.5 years. My 13 year old was only 2.5 years old at the time. To show you how long ago that was, the Jazz last won in San Antonio in 1999. Remember that was when everyone was nervous about Y2K.
College football: The top 4 teams play cream puffs, in fact #1 Florida and #2 Alabama are already off to big leads. #3 Texas and #4 TCU play their creampuff games later. # 6 Boise State crushed Utah State last night, they imposed their will on the Aggies. Sports Illustrated had a nice article about Boise State in this week's issue. USC has a bye today. Utah and BYU also play later today.
themusicaddict
Friday, November 20, 2009
Songs rockin my iPod
Hello,
1) "Mayor of Simpleton"- XTC 2) "Up The Cuts"- Against Me! 3,4 & 5) "Trust", "U Got The Look" (with Sheena Easton) "1999" and 6) "King Nothing"- Metallica 7) "Black"- Pearl Jam 8) "The Weakness In Me"- Joan Armatrading 9) "Spinning Wheel"- Alexandrea Lushington 10) "Africa Unite"- Bob Marley 11) "View From The After- noon"- The Arctic Monkeys 12, 13, 14 & 15) "One", "Red Hill Mining Town", "Pride (In The Name of Love)" and "Until The End of the World" (I think that, "Bullet The Blue Sky", "Sunday Bloody Sunday", "With or Without You" are my four favorite U2 songs 16) "Mainstreet"- Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band 17) "Peg"- Steely Dan 18) "Blister In The Sun"- Violent Femmes 19) "Paint It Black"- The Rolling Stones 20) "Spoonman"- Soundgarden 21) "The Time Is Wrong"- Tickle Me Pink (This song kicks butt.) 22) "Freewill"- Rush 23) "Kiss This"- Aaron Tippin 24) "Seether"- Veruca Salt (Whatever happened to them?) 25) "Mr. Roboto"- Styx 26) "My Dogs Still Walkin'"- Smokin' Joe Kubek and Bnois King (I completely understand this song. This is a great Blues song. 27) "Cotton Eyed Joe" (Dance Version)- Various Artists (I couldn't find the one by the original artists so I got this one.)
I will be back tomorrow with a longer blog, themusicaddict
1) "Mayor of Simpleton"- XTC 2) "Up The Cuts"- Against Me! 3,4 & 5) "Trust", "U Got The Look" (with Sheena Easton) "1999" and 6) "King Nothing"- Metallica 7) "Black"- Pearl Jam 8) "The Weakness In Me"- Joan Armatrading 9) "Spinning Wheel"- Alexandrea Lushington 10) "Africa Unite"- Bob Marley 11) "View From The After- noon"- The Arctic Monkeys 12, 13, 14 & 15) "One", "Red Hill Mining Town", "Pride (In The Name of Love)" and "Until The End of the World" (I think that, "Bullet The Blue Sky", "Sunday Bloody Sunday", "With or Without You" are my four favorite U2 songs 16) "Mainstreet"- Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band 17) "Peg"- Steely Dan 18) "Blister In The Sun"- Violent Femmes 19) "Paint It Black"- The Rolling Stones 20) "Spoonman"- Soundgarden 21) "The Time Is Wrong"- Tickle Me Pink (This song kicks butt.) 22) "Freewill"- Rush 23) "Kiss This"- Aaron Tippin 24) "Seether"- Veruca Salt (Whatever happened to them?) 25) "Mr. Roboto"- Styx 26) "My Dogs Still Walkin'"- Smokin' Joe Kubek and Bnois King (I completely understand this song. This is a great Blues song. 27) "Cotton Eyed Joe" (Dance Version)- Various Artists (I couldn't find the one by the original artists so I got this one.)
I will be back tomorrow with a longer blog, themusicaddict
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Hello,
I have been chewing through "The Strain" (it's a book about vampires you see!) It's a pretty good book and I've enjoyed it very much. My only quibble with it is that it is the first book in a trilogy. The second book "The Fall" isn't out until 2010 and the third book "The Night Eternal" isn't out until 2011.
I read Stephen King's "Dark Tower" 7 book series. I didn't start reading that until all 7 books were out. That was much more enjoyable to me. Usually when there's a long break in a book series I lose interest. That's probably why I lost interest in the Harry Potter series.
I didn't watch "V" last night, my DVR messed up. I was sort of wanting to watch it, but sort of not caring. Watching the second episode just left me blah.
themusicaddict
I have been chewing through "The Strain" (it's a book about vampires you see!) It's a pretty good book and I've enjoyed it very much. My only quibble with it is that it is the first book in a trilogy. The second book "The Fall" isn't out until 2010 and the third book "The Night Eternal" isn't out until 2011.
I read Stephen King's "Dark Tower" 7 book series. I didn't start reading that until all 7 books were out. That was much more enjoyable to me. Usually when there's a long break in a book series I lose interest. That's probably why I lost interest in the Harry Potter series.
I didn't watch "V" last night, my DVR messed up. I was sort of wanting to watch it, but sort of not caring. Watching the second episode just left me blah.
themusicaddict
Dearest Pandora! Open Letter
Dearest Pandora,
I love your music service. I have discovered many great bands and songs since listening to Pandora. I'm also glad they struck down the attempt to increase royalties which would have effectively shut you down.
However the music genome song matching system has some to be desired. I'm speaking specifically of when I typed in "Rihanna". There are three ratings of the music you have matched to Rihanna so far: Yes, No and Hell NO! Yes = Matching artists that are appropriate: Rihanna, Cascada, Fergie, Technotronic, C + C Music Factory and the Black Eyed Peas. No = artists that don't really match: Recent JJ, most Madonna, DJ Encore. The Hell NO! artists, these are artists that have nothing in common with Rihanna: Kanye West, Sean Paul and Maroon 5. (Maroon 5? What the heck?)
Also it would be nice if I have a Rihanna radio station, that her songs are played at least every third song or so. I've listened to at least 30 songs since the last Rihanna song was played.
Overall I'd have to give your service a B+ though and the price can't be beat :)
themusicaddict
I love your music service. I have discovered many great bands and songs since listening to Pandora. I'm also glad they struck down the attempt to increase royalties which would have effectively shut you down.
However the music genome song matching system has some to be desired. I'm speaking specifically of when I typed in "Rihanna". There are three ratings of the music you have matched to Rihanna so far: Yes, No and Hell NO! Yes = Matching artists that are appropriate: Rihanna, Cascada, Fergie, Technotronic, C + C Music Factory and the Black Eyed Peas. No = artists that don't really match: Recent JJ, most Madonna, DJ Encore. The Hell NO! artists, these are artists that have nothing in common with Rihanna: Kanye West, Sean Paul and Maroon 5. (Maroon 5? What the heck?)
Also it would be nice if I have a Rihanna radio station, that her songs are played at least every third song or so. I've listened to at least 30 songs since the last Rihanna song was played.
Overall I'd have to give your service a B+ though and the price can't be beat :)
themusicaddict
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Rihanna rocks, R.I.P. Ken Ober, Nien Cheng
Hello,
Let's start with the sad news first. Ken Ober, host of the classic MTV game show "Remote Control", has died at the age of 52. (My favorite "Remote Control" question of all-time: Out of the three main characters on "Three's Company", who has the smallest boobs?) Ober became very popular after that show, but he quickly faded away. I hadn't thought about him in several years. Ken Ober was a great host mixing in jokes while keeping the show running efficiently. Here's a taste:
"Remote Control" was a great show back in the day. This is a nice time capsule episode. Most people don't remember Julie Brown. She's probably most famous for the video for "Homecoming Queen Has Got a Gun". LL Cool J was pretty cool in this episode, I love that he had a bodyguard. Weird Al should have brought a pasty white bodyguard with him. Weird Al is obviously a big Beatles fan, whereas LL Cool J isn't. "Remote Control" brought Adam Sandler to fame. Okay that meant that "Remote Control" had it's problems. Whatever happened to Colin Quinn and the gorgeous Kari Wuhrer? For that matter what happened to Ken Ober after this show was over.
The author of the book "Life and Death in Shanghai", Nien Cheng, died at the age of 94 in Washington. This book is Cheng's memoir of life for the elite during China's brutal and disastrous so-called cultural revolution. Chairman Mao was the man behind this movement. Unfortunately many students were sucked into this stupidity. Arrested in 1966, essentially for being rich and a diplomat's wife, she was stuck in solitary confinement for 6 years. According to Time magazine "Among the evidence gathered for the false charge: her London education, collection of classical music records and taste for marmalade". Cheng showed a resilience in a brutal time in China's history. (Thanks to Time magazine.)
I love, love Rihanna. Her new CD "Rated R" is out next week. I love her new song, "Russian Roulette". She's gorgeous and has such a great voice. (Although when I told my wife I wanted Rihanna for Christmas, that didn't go over very well with her.) I've been listening to Rihanna on Pandora. Pandora has played many of her great songs, as well as other similar songs. One song that I had never heard of, but I really like is Kardinal Offishail's "Dangerous". (On youtube.com too many of her videos are "embedded by request" or I would have had more here.)
Rihanna was rated #8 on Maxim's Hot 100 babes on its most recent list. I'd have to agree with that. But how seriously can you took a list when January Jones is not even on here. Jones is one of the most beautiful women in the world.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MCFpn1jVEYY
Have a great day, themusicaddict
Let's start with the sad news first. Ken Ober, host of the classic MTV game show "Remote Control", has died at the age of 52. (My favorite "Remote Control" question of all-time: Out of the three main characters on "Three's Company", who has the smallest boobs?) Ober became very popular after that show, but he quickly faded away. I hadn't thought about him in several years. Ken Ober was a great host mixing in jokes while keeping the show running efficiently. Here's a taste:
"Remote Control" was a great show back in the day. This is a nice time capsule episode. Most people don't remember Julie Brown. She's probably most famous for the video for "Homecoming Queen Has Got a Gun". LL Cool J was pretty cool in this episode, I love that he had a bodyguard. Weird Al should have brought a pasty white bodyguard with him. Weird Al is obviously a big Beatles fan, whereas LL Cool J isn't. "Remote Control" brought Adam Sandler to fame. Okay that meant that "Remote Control" had it's problems. Whatever happened to Colin Quinn and the gorgeous Kari Wuhrer? For that matter what happened to Ken Ober after this show was over.
The author of the book "Life and Death in Shanghai", Nien Cheng, died at the age of 94 in Washington. This book is Cheng's memoir of life for the elite during China's brutal and disastrous so-called cultural revolution. Chairman Mao was the man behind this movement. Unfortunately many students were sucked into this stupidity. Arrested in 1966, essentially for being rich and a diplomat's wife, she was stuck in solitary confinement for 6 years. According to Time magazine "Among the evidence gathered for the false charge: her London education, collection of classical music records and taste for marmalade". Cheng showed a resilience in a brutal time in China's history. (Thanks to Time magazine.)
I love, love Rihanna. Her new CD "Rated R" is out next week. I love her new song, "Russian Roulette". She's gorgeous and has such a great voice. (Although when I told my wife I wanted Rihanna for Christmas, that didn't go over very well with her.) I've been listening to Rihanna on Pandora. Pandora has played many of her great songs, as well as other similar songs. One song that I had never heard of, but I really like is Kardinal Offishail's "Dangerous". (On youtube.com too many of her videos are "embedded by request" or I would have had more here.)
Rihanna was rated #8 on Maxim's Hot 100 babes on its most recent list. I'd have to agree with that. But how seriously can you took a list when January Jones is not even on here. Jones is one of the most beautiful women in the world.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MCFpn1jVEYY
Have a great day, themusicaddict
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Another short blog
Hello,
I continue reading through Guillermo Del Toro and Chuck Hogan's excellent vampire novel "The Strain". I wish I could go somewhere and finish reading it one sitting. It's that good of a book and also a quick read.
Unfortunately if you surf a lot or read a lot as I do, you continue to read and hear about new books to read. That happened yesterday to me again. In two places I read about the book "Drood" by Dan Simmons. When I got home last night from work I put it on hold at the library. It's a very intriguing sounding book based around Charles Dickens. I'm sure the people at the library get sick of seeing me. Coming up around Thanksgiving I have about 5 of 7 days off and I hope to squeeze a lot of reading into that time.
Sports: tomorrow is a big, big game for my alma mater, the Utes. #16 Utah travels to play #4 TCU in Texas. I hate to say it but I think the Utes are going to get crushed tomorrow. Just as the Utes were a wrecking ball crew and a team of destiny last season, that's how the TCU Horned Frogs seem to be this year. TCU is at home and they are battling for a longshot chance to play for the National Championship. TCU already has a fantastic team and with this extra motivation they will be even more dominant. I think the Utes will be lucky to keep it within 21 points. To show how big of a game this is, it was on espn.com's front page this morning.
Other games of interest #22 BYU goes into New Mexico to play the 0-9 Lobos. #5 Boise State welcomes 7-3 Idaho. Also #9 USC battles Stanford in LA. This is the same Stanford team who scored 50+ points on the previously Top Ten Oregon.
Have a good day, themusicaddict
I continue reading through Guillermo Del Toro and Chuck Hogan's excellent vampire novel "The Strain". I wish I could go somewhere and finish reading it one sitting. It's that good of a book and also a quick read.
Unfortunately if you surf a lot or read a lot as I do, you continue to read and hear about new books to read. That happened yesterday to me again. In two places I read about the book "Drood" by Dan Simmons. When I got home last night from work I put it on hold at the library. It's a very intriguing sounding book based around Charles Dickens. I'm sure the people at the library get sick of seeing me. Coming up around Thanksgiving I have about 5 of 7 days off and I hope to squeeze a lot of reading into that time.
Sports: tomorrow is a big, big game for my alma mater, the Utes. #16 Utah travels to play #4 TCU in Texas. I hate to say it but I think the Utes are going to get crushed tomorrow. Just as the Utes were a wrecking ball crew and a team of destiny last season, that's how the TCU Horned Frogs seem to be this year. TCU is at home and they are battling for a longshot chance to play for the National Championship. TCU already has a fantastic team and with this extra motivation they will be even more dominant. I think the Utes will be lucky to keep it within 21 points. To show how big of a game this is, it was on espn.com's front page this morning.
Other games of interest #22 BYU goes into New Mexico to play the 0-9 Lobos. #5 Boise State welcomes 7-3 Idaho. Also #9 USC battles Stanford in LA. This is the same Stanford team who scored 50+ points on the previously Top Ten Oregon.
Have a good day, themusicaddict
Friday, November 13, 2009
Books I'm reading
Hello,
I don't have much time today, just a quick blog. Thanks again to all veterans for all you have done for our country. May your victories be many and your losses few.
The main book I'm reading now is Guillermo Del Toro and Chuck Hogan's "The Strain". It's the first book in what is scheduled to be a trilogy. I've read about the first 65 pages so far. It is very good and extremely intense. Yes this is yet another vampire novel, but it's a good addition to that genre. If Del Toro's name sounds familiar to you, he's the creator of "Pan's Labryinth".
I also started reading a couple of books just to get a sense of them and whether they would be books I like. Those books are Dean Koontz's "The Good Guy". I just got a small taste of this book so far, but I really liked the taste. I also read the first few pages in John Irving's, one of America's greatest writers, "Trying to Save Piggy Sneed". This book has some short stories, memoirs and appreciations of the authors Charles Dickens and Gunter Grass. I was attracted to read this book because of Irving's memoir "The Imaginary Girlfriend".
I also am reading Arthur Schlesinger's "One Thousand Days", an insiders view of the Kennedy White House. That's one of the most historic Presidencies in US history. Kennedy himself is a veteran and a World War 2 hero.
I also recently finished reading Sena Jeter Naslund's "Four Spirits". She was living in Birmingham during some of their turbulent Civil Rights history. This is an account of that in a historical fiction novel, centered around 4 little girls who were slaughtered at the 16th Street Baptist church. I thought it was a good book overall. My only qualm is I wish Naslund would've put a lot more details of the Civil Rights movement in the book.
themusicaddict
I don't have much time today, just a quick blog. Thanks again to all veterans for all you have done for our country. May your victories be many and your losses few.
The main book I'm reading now is Guillermo Del Toro and Chuck Hogan's "The Strain". It's the first book in what is scheduled to be a trilogy. I've read about the first 65 pages so far. It is very good and extremely intense. Yes this is yet another vampire novel, but it's a good addition to that genre. If Del Toro's name sounds familiar to you, he's the creator of "Pan's Labryinth".
I also started reading a couple of books just to get a sense of them and whether they would be books I like. Those books are Dean Koontz's "The Good Guy". I just got a small taste of this book so far, but I really liked the taste. I also read the first few pages in John Irving's, one of America's greatest writers, "Trying to Save Piggy Sneed". This book has some short stories, memoirs and appreciations of the authors Charles Dickens and Gunter Grass. I was attracted to read this book because of Irving's memoir "The Imaginary Girlfriend".
I also am reading Arthur Schlesinger's "One Thousand Days", an insiders view of the Kennedy White House. That's one of the most historic Presidencies in US history. Kennedy himself is a veteran and a World War 2 hero.
I also recently finished reading Sena Jeter Naslund's "Four Spirits". She was living in Birmingham during some of their turbulent Civil Rights history. This is an account of that in a historical fiction novel, centered around 4 little girls who were slaughtered at the 16th Street Baptist church. I thought it was a good book overall. My only qualm is I wish Naslund would've put a lot more details of the Civil Rights movement in the book.
themusicaddict
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Happy Veteran's Day
Hello,
It's Veteran's Day and all of us owe a big debt of gratitude to all those who have fought and died for this country. I'm not trying to be maudlin with the following clip. I also know a regular civilian like me can never appreciate being in a combat situation. The following is about the closest we can get. It's hard to appreciate what it would be like to be under the threat of being killed at any moment. The D-Day and Iwo Jima invasions are probably the two most bloody World War 2 encounters for the USA in actual combat.
The following story is an indication of the losses that can occur even when our military is not in a war situation.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/31/us/31crash.html
Thank you Marines (Semper Fi!), Navy, Army, Coast Guard and National Guard. Thanks to all those who have fought for the US and us. Thanks to those who fought in the Revolutionary War, War of 1812, World War 1, World War 2, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq Afghanistan and all the other wars, battles and clashes America has fought in.
There's other news of course. Aerosmith is not breaking up! Did anyone know that they were still together. A band that has many great songs, but very few are going to be heartbroken when they break up. I saw them in concert back in the day and they were not that good. Aerosmith and Bon Jovi were two of the most disappointing concerts I have seen.
Billboard has finally come to their senses about CD's that should be considered for their Top 200 CD list. Before this soon to be policy change if a CD was older than 18 months, it could not be on the Top 200 list. No matter its sales. The absurdity of this was really highlighted when Michael Jackson died. He had the best selling CD for 6 weeks, yet never reached #1 on the Billboard Top 200. It never reached the #1 spot on the Top 200 due to how old it was. I always thought that was a dumb qualification. The only criteria that should be considered when the top selling CDs are tracked is which CD sells the most. That seems pretty logical to me and why have any other rules than that?
I watched the second part of "V" last night. I was very disappointed. I did not see the first one, however I heard that episode was very good. It was hard to tell by last night's episode. The sound is terrible, many times it was difficult to understand what the actors were saying. Not that they were saying anything very interesting most of the time. I'm not really buying Elizabeth Mitchell as an FBI agent. I'm also not buying Logan Hoffman as a rebel, he looks more like a puppy dog. It's hard to believe the hot alien babe would be attracted to him. He looks like the kid who would play a stoner in a movie. What is with that ugly haircut as well? Besides those two unbelievable main characters the story was kind of slow and yawn inducing.
I don't understand ABC's strategy with this show. They are going to show four episodes and if it has enough viewers there will be nine more episodes starting next March. That makes no sense. It would give the writers time to punch up the story and find more believable characters. I'm going to watch the next two episodes and then I will go from there.
With "Mad Men" off the air until approximately next August, I'm looking for another show to enjoy. "Cold Case" and "Medium" are usually pretty good shows, but I'm looking for something to add a little zing to my TV watching.
themusicaddict
It's Veteran's Day and all of us owe a big debt of gratitude to all those who have fought and died for this country. I'm not trying to be maudlin with the following clip. I also know a regular civilian like me can never appreciate being in a combat situation. The following is about the closest we can get. It's hard to appreciate what it would be like to be under the threat of being killed at any moment. The D-Day and Iwo Jima invasions are probably the two most bloody World War 2 encounters for the USA in actual combat.
The following story is an indication of the losses that can occur even when our military is not in a war situation.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/31/us/31crash.html
Thank you Marines (Semper Fi!), Navy, Army, Coast Guard and National Guard. Thanks to all those who have fought for the US and us. Thanks to those who fought in the Revolutionary War, War of 1812, World War 1, World War 2, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq Afghanistan and all the other wars, battles and clashes America has fought in.
There's other news of course. Aerosmith is not breaking up! Did anyone know that they were still together. A band that has many great songs, but very few are going to be heartbroken when they break up. I saw them in concert back in the day and they were not that good. Aerosmith and Bon Jovi were two of the most disappointing concerts I have seen.
Billboard has finally come to their senses about CD's that should be considered for their Top 200 CD list. Before this soon to be policy change if a CD was older than 18 months, it could not be on the Top 200 list. No matter its sales. The absurdity of this was really highlighted when Michael Jackson died. He had the best selling CD for 6 weeks, yet never reached #1 on the Billboard Top 200. It never reached the #1 spot on the Top 200 due to how old it was. I always thought that was a dumb qualification. The only criteria that should be considered when the top selling CDs are tracked is which CD sells the most. That seems pretty logical to me and why have any other rules than that?
I watched the second part of "V" last night. I was very disappointed. I did not see the first one, however I heard that episode was very good. It was hard to tell by last night's episode. The sound is terrible, many times it was difficult to understand what the actors were saying. Not that they were saying anything very interesting most of the time. I'm not really buying Elizabeth Mitchell as an FBI agent. I'm also not buying Logan Hoffman as a rebel, he looks more like a puppy dog. It's hard to believe the hot alien babe would be attracted to him. He looks like the kid who would play a stoner in a movie. What is with that ugly haircut as well? Besides those two unbelievable main characters the story was kind of slow and yawn inducing.
I don't understand ABC's strategy with this show. They are going to show four episodes and if it has enough viewers there will be nine more episodes starting next March. That makes no sense. It would give the writers time to punch up the story and find more believable characters. I'm going to watch the next two episodes and then I will go from there.
With "Mad Men" off the air until approximately next August, I'm looking for another show to enjoy. "Cold Case" and "Medium" are usually pretty good shows, but I'm looking for something to add a little zing to my TV watching.
themusicaddict
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
"Mad Men" rules 2
Hello,
As you probably know this past Sunday was the last episode of Season 3 of "Mad Men". I think this was my favorite season of the three. Season 1 we were getting to know the characters, season 2 was a little blah and this season rocked.
It was good to see Joan back with the boys, she's the heart of the show and any firm she is a part of. I'm hoping we won't have to deal with her dreary husband anymore.
I thought the final few scenes were especially poignant. Henry, Betty and baby Gene off to Reno. Carla watching TV with Bobby and Sally. Don walking into his new residence with Christmas decorations all around. That was one of the many bitter sweet moments in the show. The capper of them all of course was in one room Don calling and telling Betty he won't fight the divorce and the look of resignation on his face. He then walked into the next room and their was a feeling of energy in the air at the start of a new firm.
What is going to happen with Kenny Cosgrove, Paul Kinsey and the others left behind at Sterling Cooper? Will be get Sal back next season? (Please yes AMC and Matt Weiner.) Will Don hook up with Miss Farrell again now that he doesn't have marital bonds to hold him? Not that they had held him before. Is Carla taking care of Sally and Bobby all six weeks while Henry Francis, Betty Draper and baby Gene are in Reno. Carla has a family of her own after all. Will Henry and Betty really getting married? I'd put my money on "no". Now with the blinders off, is there any hope of Don and Betty having a reconciliation. How long until Roger and Joan throw off their marital bonds and get back together? With this new firm, does that mean Duck will no longer be in the show. Are you glad like me that Lane Pryce will still be around? He and Joan are probably the two most essential pieces to the new firm.
From the Melinda Doolittle that I receive occasionally. Doolittle is one of my all-time favorite "Idols". I am much more excited about her music and voice than I am about Adam Lambert. I just don't get why he gets so much publicity.
"I'm really excited to be able to announce my 'official' New York debut!
I can't believe I get to say that I will be at Feinstein's for an entire week. Not only is this an amazingly elegant place, but I get to do the kind of show I have always dreamed of doing...a cabaret!
I'll definitely be doing songs from my CD, Coming Back to You, but it won't stop there. I will also be singing some of my all time favorite Jazz and Broadway tunes. So not only do I get to do my dream show, singing songs I've always wanted to sing, but it's in the perfect intimate setting. This means that I can make each night personal and we can just have a great time from start to finish. I love getting the chance to show my silly, fun loving, hopeless romantic side and also sing my heart out!
Please come join me November 17-21 and while you're at it, invite some friends. Can't wait to see you there!"
Love,
Melinda
Speaking of former favorite "Idols", Megan Joy (or whatever she's going by this week) is appearing in commercials in the local Salt Lake area. She's doing commercials for a local clothing store. The commercial is cheesy to say the least. However she sings in the commercial and its good to hear that fantastic voice again.
themusicaddict
As you probably know this past Sunday was the last episode of Season 3 of "Mad Men". I think this was my favorite season of the three. Season 1 we were getting to know the characters, season 2 was a little blah and this season rocked.
It was good to see Joan back with the boys, she's the heart of the show and any firm she is a part of. I'm hoping we won't have to deal with her dreary husband anymore.
I thought the final few scenes were especially poignant. Henry, Betty and baby Gene off to Reno. Carla watching TV with Bobby and Sally. Don walking into his new residence with Christmas decorations all around. That was one of the many bitter sweet moments in the show. The capper of them all of course was in one room Don calling and telling Betty he won't fight the divorce and the look of resignation on his face. He then walked into the next room and their was a feeling of energy in the air at the start of a new firm.
What is going to happen with Kenny Cosgrove, Paul Kinsey and the others left behind at Sterling Cooper? Will be get Sal back next season? (Please yes AMC and Matt Weiner.) Will Don hook up with Miss Farrell again now that he doesn't have marital bonds to hold him? Not that they had held him before. Is Carla taking care of Sally and Bobby all six weeks while Henry Francis, Betty Draper and baby Gene are in Reno. Carla has a family of her own after all. Will Henry and Betty really getting married? I'd put my money on "no". Now with the blinders off, is there any hope of Don and Betty having a reconciliation. How long until Roger and Joan throw off their marital bonds and get back together? With this new firm, does that mean Duck will no longer be in the show. Are you glad like me that Lane Pryce will still be around? He and Joan are probably the two most essential pieces to the new firm.
From the Melinda Doolittle that I receive occasionally. Doolittle is one of my all-time favorite "Idols". I am much more excited about her music and voice than I am about Adam Lambert. I just don't get why he gets so much publicity.
"I'm really excited to be able to announce my 'official' New York debut!
I can't believe I get to say that I will be at Feinstein's for an entire week. Not only is this an amazingly elegant place, but I get to do the kind of show I have always dreamed of doing...a cabaret!
I'll definitely be doing songs from my CD, Coming Back to You, but it won't stop there. I will also be singing some of my all time favorite Jazz and Broadway tunes. So not only do I get to do my dream show, singing songs I've always wanted to sing, but it's in the perfect intimate setting. This means that I can make each night personal and we can just have a great time from start to finish. I love getting the chance to show my silly, fun loving, hopeless romantic side and also sing my heart out!
Please come join me November 17-21 and while you're at it, invite some friends. Can't wait to see you there!"
Love,
Melinda
Speaking of former favorite "Idols", Megan Joy (or whatever she's going by this week) is appearing in commercials in the local Salt Lake area. She's doing commercials for a local clothing store. The commercial is cheesy to say the least. However she sings in the commercial and its good to hear that fantastic voice again.
themusicaddict
Monday, November 9, 2009
Songs rockin' my life
Hello,
Songs rockin' my life: 1) "Take On Me"- a-ha 2) "Cryin'"- Aerosmith 3) "Year of the Cat"- Al Stewart 4) "The Arms of the Orion"- Prince with Sheena Easton 5) "Africa Unite" and "Iron Lion Zion" by the great Bob Marley 6) "To L.A."- Brandi Shearer 7) "Together"- Styx 8) "Sex 'N' Money"- Oakenfold 9) "Stronger"- Meika Pauley (the CD this song comes from is very good.) 10) "Rock The Casbah"- The Clash 11) "Freedom"- Wham! 12) "The Day That Never Comes"- Metallica 13) "Kiss"- Prince 14) "Song of the South"- Alabama 15) "Didn't We Almost Have It All"- Whitney Houston 16) "Just Like Paradise"- David Lee Roth 17) "The Big Empty"- Stone Temple Pilots
Be back tomorrow with a longer blog, themusicaddict
Songs rockin' my life: 1) "Take On Me"- a-ha 2) "Cryin'"- Aerosmith 3) "Year of the Cat"- Al Stewart 4) "The Arms of the Orion"- Prince with Sheena Easton 5) "Africa Unite" and "Iron Lion Zion" by the great Bob Marley 6) "To L.A."- Brandi Shearer 7) "Together"- Styx 8) "Sex 'N' Money"- Oakenfold 9) "Stronger"- Meika Pauley (the CD this song comes from is very good.) 10) "Rock The Casbah"- The Clash 11) "Freedom"- Wham! 12) "The Day That Never Comes"- Metallica 13) "Kiss"- Prince 14) "Song of the South"- Alabama 15) "Didn't We Almost Have It All"- Whitney Houston 16) "Just Like Paradise"- David Lee Roth 17) "The Big Empty"- Stone Temple Pilots
Be back tomorrow with a longer blog, themusicaddict
Friday, November 6, 2009
The Droid is pretty cool
Hello,
My condolences to the families of the 13 people killed, 30 people injured and the shooter's family. It looks like the shooter is going to live, which is probably what he didn't want to happen.
Verizon Wireless releases two new Droid phones today. The Droid OS, which is the OS on these two phones, is from Google. The two phones are The Droid by Motorola and the Droid Eris by HTC. I had a chance to play with these and also the Storm 2 yesterday. They are all pretty cool mini computers. (Calling them phones belittles all the many things they can do.) The Droid offers a pretty close to iPhone experience on the nation's best network. For those keeping track at home, VZW's network is 5 times bigger than AT&Ts. The Storm 2 has improved a lot from the original Storm. The original Storm is a mess. One warning, if you don't like touch screens or $30 or $45 a month data packages, these are not the phones for you. A data package is needed as these phones are constantly connected to the internet, without a data package the phone bill would be very expensive.
Congrats to the New York Yankees on winning their 27th championship, it only cost them 400 million. They have one of the greatest legacies in MLB history. Players such as Babe Ruth (The Sultan of Swat), Lou Gehrig (The Iron Horse), Joe Dimaggio (Joltin' Joe), Mickey Mantle, Don Mattingly, Reggie Jackson (Mr. October) and Derek Jeter all have played for the Yankees. They even have cool nicknames. Some of my saddest sports moments were caused by the Yanks.
themusicaddict
My condolences to the families of the 13 people killed, 30 people injured and the shooter's family. It looks like the shooter is going to live, which is probably what he didn't want to happen.
Verizon Wireless releases two new Droid phones today. The Droid OS, which is the OS on these two phones, is from Google. The two phones are The Droid by Motorola and the Droid Eris by HTC. I had a chance to play with these and also the Storm 2 yesterday. They are all pretty cool mini computers. (Calling them phones belittles all the many things they can do.) The Droid offers a pretty close to iPhone experience on the nation's best network. For those keeping track at home, VZW's network is 5 times bigger than AT&Ts. The Storm 2 has improved a lot from the original Storm. The original Storm is a mess. One warning, if you don't like touch screens or $30 or $45 a month data packages, these are not the phones for you. A data package is needed as these phones are constantly connected to the internet, without a data package the phone bill would be very expensive.
Congrats to the New York Yankees on winning their 27th championship, it only cost them 400 million. They have one of the greatest legacies in MLB history. Players such as Babe Ruth (The Sultan of Swat), Lou Gehrig (The Iron Horse), Joe Dimaggio (Joltin' Joe), Mickey Mantle, Don Mattingly, Reggie Jackson (Mr. October) and Derek Jeter all have played for the Yankees. They even have cool nicknames. Some of my saddest sports moments were caused by the Yanks.
themusicaddict
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
World Series Game 6, Them Crooked Vultures
Hello,
Am I the only one excited for tonight's Game 6 of the World Series? I went to espn.com to read about tonight's game. Other than a small box at the top of their main website, there is no other mention of tonight's game.The pitching match up is very good: Pedro Martinez vs. Andy Pettite. This should be a great game. Two playoff tested pitchers in the twilight of their careers going for one more shot of glory. (If the Phillies win, it'll even be a more exciting pitching match up: 2-0 Cliff Lee vs. 2-0 CC Sabathia.) The Yankees are trying for their 27th World Championship on one hand and the Phillies are trying to defend their World Series Championship on the other hand. Other interesting storylines: Andy Pettite is the all-time postseason winning starting pitcher. Yankee's closer, Mariano Riveria, is nearly unhittable in the postseason. Which Brad Lidge will show up? The one who blew 11 saves in the regular season or the Lidge who has nearly been perfect in the postseason.
A band I'm very interested in, Them Crooked Vultures, has released a free song through iTunes. The song is called "Mind Chaser, No Eraser". It's a worthy song of the musicians in the band, including Led Zeppelin's John Paul Jones. rhapsody.com also has started releasing free MP3's again. Today's selection is by jazz musician Melody Gardot. The song is called "Baby I'm A Fool". This is also a pretty cool song, it has a really mellow vibe.
This is always a great time of year for new music. Here are some of the most interesting CD's of fall and winter seasons. The following is the CD's release date, album title, artist and themusicaddict's excitement level about it. That's out of 1-10 *'s with 10 being I want to go steal it right now. (Unfortunately I can't afford them.)
September 8th, 2009: "Here Comes Science"- They Might Be Giants *****
September 14th, 2009: "Mi Plan"- Nelly Furtado. This is a Spanish language CD. I'd be more excited if I knew Spanish. (However Shakira's Spanish language CD's are pretty good.) *******
September 15th, 2009: "Get Lucky"- Mark Knopfler The former lead singer for Dire Straits is an under appreciated artist. I don't know how good this CD is, but I highly recommend his 2000 CD "Sailing to Philadelphia". *****
"Resistance"- Muse I downloaded the first single free from rhapsody.com. I really like it. I don't know if the CD is any good but "Uprising" is a great song. ******
September 29th, 2009: "Revolution"- Miranda Lambert The singer who sang about old boyfriends and relationships in "Kerosene" is back. *****
"Memoirs of An Imperfect Angel"- Mariah Carey. "The Emancipation of Mimi" was pretty good so ******
"Brand New Eyes"- Paramore **********
"Celebration"- Madonna (A two CD greatest hits collection.) *********
October 20th, 2009: "Southern Voice"- Tim McGraw (Thank goodness it's not another greatest hits collection.) *******
October 26th, 2009: "This Is It"- Michael Jackson ***
"Full Circle"- Creed ******
"Cosmic Egg"- Wolfmother The Australian wunderkids are back finally. *******
"Believe"- Orianthi I never heard of her before Tuesday, but a song from this CD is the iTunes free song of the week. The name of the song is "According To You" and it's a great song. *****
November 3rd, 2009: "Play On"- Carrie Underwood *********
November 10th, 2009: "Memento Mori"- Flyleaf Another band that has taken too long to have new music. ********
November 17th, 2009: Them Crooked Vultures *********
"Echo"- Leona Lewis *******
Kris Allen 0 *'s
November 23rd, 2009: "Rated R"- Rihanna This is probably the CD I'm looking most forward to. I love Rihanna. She's gorgeous, has a great voice and always has great songs on her CD's. **********
"She Wolf"- Shakira The current Rolling Stone cover girl. ********
"I Dreamed A Dream"- Susan Boyle **
"For Your Entertainment"- Adam Lambert 0 *'s
November 24th, 2009 "New Moon" Soundtrack- Various Artists **
December 1st, 2009 "Just Like You"- Allison Iraheta **********
themusicaddict
As always a shout out to my friends at condron.us, throwbackfootballjerseys.net
Am I the only one excited for tonight's Game 6 of the World Series? I went to espn.com to read about tonight's game. Other than a small box at the top of their main website, there is no other mention of tonight's game.The pitching match up is very good: Pedro Martinez vs. Andy Pettite. This should be a great game. Two playoff tested pitchers in the twilight of their careers going for one more shot of glory. (If the Phillies win, it'll even be a more exciting pitching match up: 2-0 Cliff Lee vs. 2-0 CC Sabathia.) The Yankees are trying for their 27th World Championship on one hand and the Phillies are trying to defend their World Series Championship on the other hand. Other interesting storylines: Andy Pettite is the all-time postseason winning starting pitcher. Yankee's closer, Mariano Riveria, is nearly unhittable in the postseason. Which Brad Lidge will show up? The one who blew 11 saves in the regular season or the Lidge who has nearly been perfect in the postseason.
A band I'm very interested in, Them Crooked Vultures, has released a free song through iTunes. The song is called "Mind Chaser, No Eraser". It's a worthy song of the musicians in the band, including Led Zeppelin's John Paul Jones. rhapsody.com also has started releasing free MP3's again. Today's selection is by jazz musician Melody Gardot. The song is called "Baby I'm A Fool". This is also a pretty cool song, it has a really mellow vibe.
This is always a great time of year for new music. Here are some of the most interesting CD's of fall and winter seasons. The following is the CD's release date, album title, artist and themusicaddict's excitement level about it. That's out of 1-10 *'s with 10 being I want to go steal it right now. (Unfortunately I can't afford them.)
September 8th, 2009: "Here Comes Science"- They Might Be Giants *****
September 14th, 2009: "Mi Plan"- Nelly Furtado. This is a Spanish language CD. I'd be more excited if I knew Spanish. (However Shakira's Spanish language CD's are pretty good.) *******
September 15th, 2009: "Get Lucky"- Mark Knopfler The former lead singer for Dire Straits is an under appreciated artist. I don't know how good this CD is, but I highly recommend his 2000 CD "Sailing to Philadelphia". *****
"Resistance"- Muse I downloaded the first single free from rhapsody.com. I really like it. I don't know if the CD is any good but "Uprising" is a great song. ******
September 29th, 2009: "Revolution"- Miranda Lambert The singer who sang about old boyfriends and relationships in "Kerosene" is back. *****
"Memoirs of An Imperfect Angel"- Mariah Carey. "The Emancipation of Mimi" was pretty good so ******
"Brand New Eyes"- Paramore **********
"Celebration"- Madonna (A two CD greatest hits collection.) *********
October 20th, 2009: "Southern Voice"- Tim McGraw (Thank goodness it's not another greatest hits collection.) *******
October 26th, 2009: "This Is It"- Michael Jackson ***
"Full Circle"- Creed ******
"Cosmic Egg"- Wolfmother The Australian wunderkids are back finally. *******
"Believe"- Orianthi I never heard of her before Tuesday, but a song from this CD is the iTunes free song of the week. The name of the song is "According To You" and it's a great song. *****
November 3rd, 2009: "Play On"- Carrie Underwood *********
November 10th, 2009: "Memento Mori"- Flyleaf Another band that has taken too long to have new music. ********
November 17th, 2009: Them Crooked Vultures *********
"Echo"- Leona Lewis *******
Kris Allen 0 *'s
November 23rd, 2009: "Rated R"- Rihanna This is probably the CD I'm looking most forward to. I love Rihanna. She's gorgeous, has a great voice and always has great songs on her CD's. **********
"She Wolf"- Shakira The current Rolling Stone cover girl. ********
"I Dreamed A Dream"- Susan Boyle **
"For Your Entertainment"- Adam Lambert 0 *'s
November 24th, 2009 "New Moon" Soundtrack- Various Artists **
December 1st, 2009 "Just Like You"- Allison Iraheta **********
themusicaddict
As always a shout out to my friends at condron.us, throwbackfootballjerseys.net
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
The Greatness of "Mad Men"
Hello,
Is there any better show on television now than "Mad Men"? No! Sunday night's episode was devastating both for the United States and Don Draper. The footage of Walter Cronkite fighting back the tears is one of the most genuinely touching moments of TV history.
This was the central event of this past Sunday's "Mad Men". The assassination of JFK casts a dim light on this entire episode. I like how the show works the death into the storyline. It does it very deftly without being exploitive. I only have a couple of events in my life that are even close. I remember when Ronald Reagan was shot. I was at South Davis Jr. High and I think we were sent home early. Two big differences: Reagan survived that and I don't think he was nearly as beloved as JFK.
Look how chaotic that is and how bodies just lay on the sidewalk as they wait for the ambulance. Ronald Reagan was the target of this assassination, but he wasn't the only victim. "Reagan, White House Press Secretary James Brady, and Secret Service agent Timothy McCarthy were also wounded in the crossfire. Delahanty was shot in the neck by one of John Hinckley, Jr.'s six bullets,[and he fell to the ground next to Brady (who had been seriously wounded in the head)." (Thanks to the Thomas Delahanty wikipedia.org webpage.)
The other memorable traumatic event is obviously 9/11. I remember almost nearly every detail of that day. How my mother-in-law called our house, how I dropped my oldest kid off at preschool and how everyone was in a state of disbelief at work. It was very similar to a dream state. Then how I got to B&N right before they closed early. How I went and saw Lonestar that night in concert with my Mom. I called the venue at least three times in surprise that the concert was still going to happen.) I wonder is Matthew Weiner is trying to say what would happen if President Obama was assassinated.
Next week is the Season 3 finale and then we'll be left hanging for about 8.5 months until Season 4. I'm hoping Betty stays with Don. I know he hasn't been very good for her in fidelity, but I still think there's hope for them. I'm hoping Sal is welcomed back to Sterling Cooper. Will Joan come back! Please, her character has really grown on me over the last three seasons. There were hints that he may be making a reappearance. Who are the possible suitors for Sterling Cooper? Does Bert and Roger have enough money to buyback their namesake firm? Can we get rid of Duck and Pete and their loathsome personalities. (Yes, I already know the answer to that question.) Speaking of loathsome, what the hell is Peggy doing with Duck in the first place. That's the most unbelievable hookup in "Mad Men".
If you are not currently watching this show, why not? This season has been so incredibly strong. With JFK's death not saved until the season finale, how explosive is the season finale going to be?
On a much lighter note here's some funny video of Pearl Jam in Philadelphia.
Thanks youtube.com, I love your website :))
themusicaddict
Is there any better show on television now than "Mad Men"? No! Sunday night's episode was devastating both for the United States and Don Draper. The footage of Walter Cronkite fighting back the tears is one of the most genuinely touching moments of TV history.
This was the central event of this past Sunday's "Mad Men". The assassination of JFK casts a dim light on this entire episode. I like how the show works the death into the storyline. It does it very deftly without being exploitive. I only have a couple of events in my life that are even close. I remember when Ronald Reagan was shot. I was at South Davis Jr. High and I think we were sent home early. Two big differences: Reagan survived that and I don't think he was nearly as beloved as JFK.
Look how chaotic that is and how bodies just lay on the sidewalk as they wait for the ambulance. Ronald Reagan was the target of this assassination, but he wasn't the only victim. "Reagan, White House Press Secretary James Brady, and Secret Service agent Timothy McCarthy were also wounded in the crossfire. Delahanty was shot in the neck by one of John Hinckley, Jr.'s six bullets,[and he fell to the ground next to Brady (who had been seriously wounded in the head)." (Thanks to the Thomas Delahanty wikipedia.org webpage.)
The other memorable traumatic event is obviously 9/11. I remember almost nearly every detail of that day. How my mother-in-law called our house, how I dropped my oldest kid off at preschool and how everyone was in a state of disbelief at work. It was very similar to a dream state. Then how I got to B&N right before they closed early. How I went and saw Lonestar that night in concert with my Mom. I called the venue at least three times in surprise that the concert was still going to happen.) I wonder is Matthew Weiner is trying to say what would happen if President Obama was assassinated.
Next week is the Season 3 finale and then we'll be left hanging for about 8.5 months until Season 4. I'm hoping Betty stays with Don. I know he hasn't been very good for her in fidelity, but I still think there's hope for them. I'm hoping Sal is welcomed back to Sterling Cooper. Will Joan come back! Please, her character has really grown on me over the last three seasons. There were hints that he may be making a reappearance. Who are the possible suitors for Sterling Cooper? Does Bert and Roger have enough money to buyback their namesake firm? Can we get rid of Duck and Pete and their loathsome personalities. (Yes, I already know the answer to that question.) Speaking of loathsome, what the hell is Peggy doing with Duck in the first place. That's the most unbelievable hookup in "Mad Men".
If you are not currently watching this show, why not? This season has been so incredibly strong. With JFK's death not saved until the season finale, how explosive is the season finale going to be?
On a much lighter note here's some funny video of Pearl Jam in Philadelphia.
Thanks youtube.com, I love your website :))
themusicaddict
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)