UnClever NearRhymes and other Mysterious Things

Whilst driving today I happened to hear a couple of country songs which sent me into a little zone of unfortunate rememberance.

Songs with annoying and highly un-clever near rhymes.

I'm talking about:

Brooks & Dunn with "Jesus" and "Pieces".

Darryl Worley with "Forgotten" and "Bin Laden".

Jamie O'Neal with "Man Is" and "Atlantis".

In turn, much to my wife's dismay, this memory led me into a thought process on one man's art versus another's.

I do not like songs that spell everything out. Songs with metaphorical imagery and multiple interpretation appeal to me much more strongly than say, a Martina McBride song about pitching in at the grocery store line to help those "a little less fortunate" than she.

I love how some songs can change meaning with age. Case in point: my song, "Forget". It's my response to 9/11, cloaked in a reference to those I know who've been sexually assaulted. I didn't clearly recognize just how plural the meaning was until this morning. As Bono said once, even he doesn't know what his own songs are about until much later.

I'm not trying to put anyone else down for their listening tastes, but I am trying to clarify just what makes it "Art" to me.

Tune in next time when I'll reveal which Radiohead song is about breast augmentation.

And Another Thing...

A perk of living in the country:

It would take serious effort to receive a noise complaint from a neighbor.

Bruuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuce! (Hornsby)

Can't help but recommend a track.

I'm so lucky I found it, but on a whim I downloaded some stuff from Itunes the other night and found a real gem. There's a new compilation album produced by Del McCoury (bluegrass artist) called Moneyland just released last July. On this album is a new arrangement of The Way It Is, with Bruce Hornsby playing a solo piano accompaniment with some subtle gospel quarted backgrounds provided by the Fairfield Four. Please check it out. I realize I'm probably the only one to openly weep at the arrangement or the piano tone, but I am almost sure you will be touched by the sensitivity of this version.

Copy this link for a clip:

http://www.amazon.com/Moneyland-Del-McCoury/dp/B00197XF9G/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1221972473&sr=8-1

Stream of Consciousness

My Itunes is feeling kind of hippie-ish (Psst. I like it.)

These were all in a row with no interference from me!

Love and Peace (or Else)-U2
Listen-Collective Soul
Brother Against Brother-Degarmo&Key

Ryan Adams made me mad. He was quoted in American Songwriter this month saying how much he hates country music. May I ask you then, Sir Pretention, why you use country instruments and employ monster twang in a 90% of your recordings if you hate it so much? Fat load of good dating Mandy Moore did you. Jerk.

Reality shows that intentionally set up awkward meetings between former lovers to see if they'll kiss and make up really make me uncomfortable.

My guitar could use some new strings.

So could my bass.

100 degree days aren't nearly as fun as they sound.

Cars drive me crazy.

I need to blog more.

Ramblingnessosityism

Last night I was so bored so I did a search on some classic Christian Rock Bands in our B&N network. I found out, much to my surprise, several "Big Name Studio Musicians" were in early versions of Whiteheart. Names like Dan Huff and Chris McHugh. You probably don't know them from Adam, but they are all over your favorite Carrie Underwood, Lonestar, Keith Urban, Faith Hill, and Jewel recordings.

And remember Steve Green? He recorded that nice little ditty, "People Need The Lord" back in the 80's. I can remember 1,000 different instances of people murdering that song in Special Music segments at church growing up. He was the original lead singer of Whiteheart. *Gasp* The things you find out while searching the internet.

Have you heard of Grammatrain or Galactic Cowboys? No? Those bands were keeping up with Post Grunge America, sonically, in the mid 1990s. They were alot like Stone Temple Pilots, only without the cross-dressing and heroin.

Mudcrutch reminds me of a band I played with in college. They play "Six Days On The Road" much better than we would've.

"Back To The Street", "This Means War", and "On Fire". The trifecta of amazing output from Petra. I'm glad you think so, too.

"Tea and Sympathy" by Jars of Clay has a boatload of chord changes.

I've been craving classical music. Check out the Chinese pianist Lang Lang and you'll understand.

Sushi rules.

So does Stevie Wonder.

That's all for now.

Concerts R0x0r

Katrina and I



went to see Collective Soul in Boulder last night. The following are some crappy cell-phone pix of the event:

Ed in a traditional lead singer pose.

Joel playing some lead riffs.

Dean, rhythm guitar master.

Dean actually moves from stage left.

Ed gets close to us.

Ryan laying the groove down.

And Will, bassman extraordinaire.

Finally, a Break!

A happy post for once in a blue moon.

I had an interview for an "Operations Assistant" position at the University of Denver Bookstore on Monday, and they called me back today to offer me the position.

I gladly accepted their offer and will begin my official employment with DU on May 30th.

There are some great benefits to this position, including some great holidays off, paid public transportation pass, and education opportunities!

Plus, some of the guys on the staff are gigging musicians!

Things are looking up!