There are a metric ton of under-appreciated bands from the late 90's. But for me, Big Wreck is easily in my Top 10.
Ian Thornley and company produced some of the most honest music of the time that hardly anyone took note of. And by that, I mean that the mainstream music outlets in many markets weren't playing them.
Sure, they had one hit video on MTV with probably the most commercial track they ever produced, but that's not what made the band important.
As far as ballads go, Big Wreck had a way of melding heavy riffs and passion with a vocal style that would have left post "Badmotorfinger" Chris Cornell wondering where he had gone wrong.
Tonight, we feature two tracks from Big Wreck:
Blown Wide Open
That Song
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Melding The Messages
It's no surprise that the Modern American Right are attempting to make Weiner's ultimate downfall the downfall of the entire Democratic Party.
The Voice of the Right, Rush Limbaugh, claims that Weiner is an example of Democratic Family Values while one of the more popular Right Wing magazines, National Review, has in it's online edition an even more generalized spin on the Weiner controversy.
Whenever we hear anyone within the Modern American Right talk about "Family Values" or "Morals", this is nothing more than verbal special effects be used in the hopes that their intended audience will forget all the extra-marital transgressions and illegal activities that come from their side of the aisle as well.
Equivocation is a pointless game, but trying to pretend that someone on your side doesn't do it - even going so far as to blatantly and unblushingly lie about it while you're attempting to chastise your opposition for their own nefarious activities.
For the Modern American Right, "morals" simply means submitting in total to a authority figure; while "Family Values" falls alongside in a similar fashion - though it usually encompasses that which Liberals/Progressives fight against in their own family lives. One classic example of this is how the Right continually insist that "gay marriage" would be detrimental to "the family unit", while the reality is that more than half of all straight marriages end in divorce. But that's getting off the path a little here.
As stated previously, Weiner is at fault and will have to deal with the consequences, but we can't let this be spun into the image that the entire Liberal/Progressive population of America is somehow complicit in what he has done. And rest assured, that's what they are trying to do.
The Voice of the Right, Rush Limbaugh, claims that Weiner is an example of Democratic Family Values while one of the more popular Right Wing magazines, National Review, has in it's online edition an even more generalized spin on the Weiner controversy.
Whenever we hear anyone within the Modern American Right talk about "Family Values" or "Morals", this is nothing more than verbal special effects be used in the hopes that their intended audience will forget all the extra-marital transgressions and illegal activities that come from their side of the aisle as well.
Equivocation is a pointless game, but trying to pretend that someone on your side doesn't do it - even going so far as to blatantly and unblushingly lie about it while you're attempting to chastise your opposition for their own nefarious activities.
For the Modern American Right, "morals" simply means submitting in total to a authority figure; while "Family Values" falls alongside in a similar fashion - though it usually encompasses that which Liberals/Progressives fight against in their own family lives. One classic example of this is how the Right continually insist that "gay marriage" would be detrimental to "the family unit", while the reality is that more than half of all straight marriages end in divorce. But that's getting off the path a little here.
As stated previously, Weiner is at fault and will have to deal with the consequences, but we can't let this be spun into the image that the entire Liberal/Progressive population of America is somehow complicit in what he has done. And rest assured, that's what they are trying to do.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Late Night Music Club feat. Robert Plant and the Band of Joy
Bonnaroo starts on Thursday afternoon and I'm honestly still a little bummed that I won't be there this year. But, having to be an adult and hold true to your responsibilities does take precedent - and buying a new car does tend to put a dent in your summertime funds.
For tonight's music session, we take a look at an artist I have had the honor of seeing many times over the last 15 years - most recently at Bonnaroo with Allison Krauss.
Robert Plant and the Band of Joy
For the full line-up of the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival, check the official blog here and be sure to listen to Bonnaroo Radio for all the music that makes this weekend special.
For tonight's music session, we take a look at an artist I have had the honor of seeing many times over the last 15 years - most recently at Bonnaroo with Allison Krauss.
Robert Plant and the Band of Joy
For the full line-up of the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival, check the official blog here and be sure to listen to Bonnaroo Radio for all the music that makes this weekend special.
Reclaiming Their Obvious Title?
It seemed like literally moments after Barack Obama took the Oath Of Office that Conservative Republicans renounced the (R) on their voter registration cards and took up the mantle of the "Independent" - something the Tea Baggers championed on literally a daily basis.
But as Obama's first term entered the later portion, the Tea Baggers seemed to become less relevant and the so-called "Independent" began to disappear from media coverage and those that championed them started to wonder where all the Republicans were.
One such person is Hot Air's own Ed Morrissey.
In another of his meandering poll evaluations, he concludes with this statement:
Where did the love of the Independent go?
And this isn't the first time Morrissey pulled the victim card when a particular poll didn't suit his particular need or reflect his desire to make people believe that a majority of Americans believe exactly as he does. If he were as honest as she should be - given Hot Air's love for the Tea Baggers - he would be able to at least tacitly admit that just because you claim to be "Independent" doesn't mean that you always agree with and vote along Democratic Party lines.
I've noted here many time, polls are interesting snapshots into a particular moment in time but in no way dictate how people will vote come election day. But there is an obvious caveat that I should offer here.
The embrace of Scott Rasmussen by the Modern American Right seems, to me at least, that many of them look to polling and focus groups as voting indicators. This is quite troubling when you begin to take a deeper look into it, as this completely contradicts the Right Wing notion that they act based off their own desires and not the desires of any outside force. But that's another story for another day.
But as Obama's first term entered the later portion, the Tea Baggers seemed to become less relevant and the so-called "Independent" began to disappear from media coverage and those that championed them started to wonder where all the Republicans were.
One such person is Hot Air's own Ed Morrissey.
In another of his meandering poll evaluations, he concludes with this statement:
Finally, let’s look at the sample. The D/R/I in the April poll sample was a ridiculous 32/22/41. This sample has a slightly better split, although still skewed at 31/25/39, which still undersamples Republicans. In a sample more reflective of reality, Obama’s job approval would be lower than the 47% shown here, and he’d be in deeper trouble against Republican challengers than this shows.
Where did the love of the Independent go?
And this isn't the first time Morrissey pulled the victim card when a particular poll didn't suit his particular need or reflect his desire to make people believe that a majority of Americans believe exactly as he does. If he were as honest as she should be - given Hot Air's love for the Tea Baggers - he would be able to at least tacitly admit that just because you claim to be "Independent" doesn't mean that you always agree with and vote along Democratic Party lines.
I've noted here many time, polls are interesting snapshots into a particular moment in time but in no way dictate how people will vote come election day. But there is an obvious caveat that I should offer here.
The embrace of Scott Rasmussen by the Modern American Right seems, to me at least, that many of them look to polling and focus groups as voting indicators. This is quite troubling when you begin to take a deeper look into it, as this completely contradicts the Right Wing notion that they act based off their own desires and not the desires of any outside force. But that's another story for another day.
So He Was Right.......This Time
In light of yesterdays confession by Rep. Anthony Weiner, it's no wonder that Breitbarts Big Blogs are in full on gloat mode.
But there's something that people need to realize - this doesn't vindicated Breitbart in any fashion other than he somehow managed not to screw this one up. And for the man that is perpetually wrong, that's a pretty big step up.
The downfall is ultimately going to be two-fold: Weiner will likely face an ethics investigation and will probably be resigning in the weeks or months to come, and Breitbart will get away with the narrative that all criticism of him, his websites, and his "employees" are completely unfounded because he showed the world Rep. Weiner's - well - weiner.
What this should cause all people to do is put more pressure on Breitbart to prove his legitimacy. We shouldn't let the media give him a complete pass on this. After all, this is the same guy that pushed the demonstrably false ACORN story that the media didn't even come close to correctly covering.
So the question I find myself asking is this - would Breitbart take the same stance against a GOP member of Congress? Likely not, as his modus operandi is strictly "anti-left" and in no way objective in nature. I would suggest we not hold out collective breath in the hopes that Breitbart "expose" conservative misdeeds.
The boasting and bragging will likely dominate media coverage for the remainder of the week, so look for Fox"News" to claim some moral victory before lunchtime today.
As for Weiner, his credibility is pretty much shot in the eyes of the average media audience. But that was the idea, was it not? As one of the most vocal and intelligent opponents of the Modern American Right, Breitbart knew that he had to get this one right so they could be rid of Rep. Weiner. But the Congressman wasn't really a victim so much as complicit in his own downfall, Breitbart just knew he had to exploit it the best way possible.
But there's something that people need to realize - this doesn't vindicated Breitbart in any fashion other than he somehow managed not to screw this one up. And for the man that is perpetually wrong, that's a pretty big step up.
The downfall is ultimately going to be two-fold: Weiner will likely face an ethics investigation and will probably be resigning in the weeks or months to come, and Breitbart will get away with the narrative that all criticism of him, his websites, and his "employees" are completely unfounded because he showed the world Rep. Weiner's - well - weiner.
What this should cause all people to do is put more pressure on Breitbart to prove his legitimacy. We shouldn't let the media give him a complete pass on this. After all, this is the same guy that pushed the demonstrably false ACORN story that the media didn't even come close to correctly covering.
So the question I find myself asking is this - would Breitbart take the same stance against a GOP member of Congress? Likely not, as his modus operandi is strictly "anti-left" and in no way objective in nature. I would suggest we not hold out collective breath in the hopes that Breitbart "expose" conservative misdeeds.
The boasting and bragging will likely dominate media coverage for the remainder of the week, so look for Fox"News" to claim some moral victory before lunchtime today.
As for Weiner, his credibility is pretty much shot in the eyes of the average media audience. But that was the idea, was it not? As one of the most vocal and intelligent opponents of the Modern American Right, Breitbart knew that he had to get this one right so they could be rid of Rep. Weiner. But the Congressman wasn't really a victim so much as complicit in his own downfall, Breitbart just knew he had to exploit it the best way possible.
Monday, June 6, 2011
Palin, History, And Conservative Framing
I've been watching, with great interest, how The Modern American Right have been doing the utmost in damage control in light of Sarah Palin's ignorance of American History that she claims to hold dear.
What troubles me about this the most is that it's not Palin's ignorance, nor that of her sycophants, that will ultimately gestate within certain cross-sections of children in our country, but that far too many people are willing to accept conservative "framing" of American history and allow that to be the basis of their response.
As the father of two young girls - one that just recently got an award of excellence in History - I often wonder what teachers are doing in relation to media exposure of people like Sarah Palin. Do they teach class in conjunction with conservative posturing? While this may sound familiar to some of my more Right leaning readers - as they are want to claim that the modern public school classroom is a breeding ground of far-left thought - I have seen a great deal of textbooks that are used in classrooms today that are more akin to far-right ideology.
Should we honestly have to counter Palin's idiocy simply because it is there?
Should we have to digitally grapple with the likes of Fox"News" and their ilk because they place Palin, and her ignorance of American history, on a pedestal?
The answer isn't so simple, but the results would yield dividends for Liberals/Progressives.
I believe that it's time that we take on the issues that matter to all of America, and not what The Modern American Right believes "America stands for". I say let Palin look idiotic on her own while we tackle the real issues. I say let Fox"News" and their easily lead compatriots twitch and chatter all they want while we make this country stronger.
It's time we end the reign of conservative framing.
What troubles me about this the most is that it's not Palin's ignorance, nor that of her sycophants, that will ultimately gestate within certain cross-sections of children in our country, but that far too many people are willing to accept conservative "framing" of American history and allow that to be the basis of their response.
As the father of two young girls - one that just recently got an award of excellence in History - I often wonder what teachers are doing in relation to media exposure of people like Sarah Palin. Do they teach class in conjunction with conservative posturing? While this may sound familiar to some of my more Right leaning readers - as they are want to claim that the modern public school classroom is a breeding ground of far-left thought - I have seen a great deal of textbooks that are used in classrooms today that are more akin to far-right ideology.
Should we honestly have to counter Palin's idiocy simply because it is there?
Should we have to digitally grapple with the likes of Fox"News" and their ilk because they place Palin, and her ignorance of American history, on a pedestal?
The answer isn't so simple, but the results would yield dividends for Liberals/Progressives.
I believe that it's time that we take on the issues that matter to all of America, and not what The Modern American Right believes "America stands for". I say let Palin look idiotic on her own while we tackle the real issues. I say let Fox"News" and their easily lead compatriots twitch and chatter all they want while we make this country stronger.
It's time we end the reign of conservative framing.
Friday, June 3, 2011
Later Night Music Club feat. The Cure
The Cure have endured many line-up changes through the years, and it's too difficult on most days for me to pic my favorite Cure LP. But for me, the years with Porl Thompson and Simon Gallup are the best.
And some have called Disintegration the greatest Cure album of all time - something I can't completely argue against, mind you - I've been revisiting Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me over the past year and I realized why it always stood out alongside Disintegration.
So tonight, here's a live version of the title track ( The Kiss ) featuring one of the greatest Cure intros of their entire catalog:
And some have called Disintegration the greatest Cure album of all time - something I can't completely argue against, mind you - I've been revisiting Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me over the past year and I realized why it always stood out alongside Disintegration.
So tonight, here's a live version of the title track ( The Kiss ) featuring one of the greatest Cure intros of their entire catalog:
The Palin Jokes Just Write Themselves
Fox"Nation" and frequent contributor Jim Hoft went full "woman on crustacion" fetish today with this post:
This whole non-story sounded a lot like this scene from Clerks II
So what's next, Herman Cain molests a slice of Supreme Pizza? Mitt Romney combs his hair in slow motion, or Tim Pawlenty does...........well, I don't know what the Right does up north, but it proabably involves ice, a Vikings t-shirt, and some KY Touch Massage.
But in all seriousness, this whole Palin fetishism is getting WAY out of hand. But it makes for good material.
This is why they hate her…
She can bash Obama’s job-killing policies while she pets lobster.
Former Alaska governor Sarah Palin (L) touches a lobster held by her father Chuck Heath during their visit to Yankee Seafood Cooperative in Seabrook, New Hampshire June 2, 2011.
This whole non-story sounded a lot like this scene from Clerks II
So what's next, Herman Cain molests a slice of Supreme Pizza? Mitt Romney combs his hair in slow motion, or Tim Pawlenty does...........well, I don't know what the Right does up north, but it proabably involves ice, a Vikings t-shirt, and some KY Touch Massage.
But in all seriousness, this whole Palin fetishism is getting WAY out of hand. But it makes for good material.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Pro Versus Anti-Honesty
Having had someone close to me be faced with the choice - and yes, it is a choice - of abortion or having her life or the life of her unborn child be put at risk, I find the continued drumbeat of Fox"News" and the Modern American Right that anyone of opposing political alignment is purely a "pro-abortion" party to be simply ridiculous.
But, they seem to have their hooks in their easily lead droogies, so why should they give it up?
What Fox and the Right are missing is the fact that the platform of "choice" is not about a woman sitting around at her house going "jeez, if only I could get pregnant just so I could have an abortion". Nor is their insistence that Planned Parenthood is nothing more than an "abortion mill" even remotely accurate.
The choice that a woman makes is hers, not that of an alleged "law-maker" that doesn't even know her or her situation. The choice of a woman is not taken lightly, as they would have you believe. The choice of a woman is all to often that of life and death - and not in the fashion that the Right would have many of us believe.
This, more than anything, is about control and regulation of the reproductive system of women all across America - regardless of what is written on their voter registration card. Sadly, the Modern American Right still view women as second class citizens, no matter how many times they shove Sarah Palin in our faces.
But, they seem to have their hooks in their easily lead droogies, so why should they give it up?
What Fox and the Right are missing is the fact that the platform of "choice" is not about a woman sitting around at her house going "jeez, if only I could get pregnant just so I could have an abortion". Nor is their insistence that Planned Parenthood is nothing more than an "abortion mill" even remotely accurate.
The choice that a woman makes is hers, not that of an alleged "law-maker" that doesn't even know her or her situation. The choice of a woman is not taken lightly, as they would have you believe. The choice of a woman is all to often that of life and death - and not in the fashion that the Right would have many of us believe.
This, more than anything, is about control and regulation of the reproductive system of women all across America - regardless of what is written on their voter registration card. Sadly, the Modern American Right still view women as second class citizens, no matter how many times they shove Sarah Palin in our faces.
Late Night Music Club feat. Norah Jones
I never thought I would like Norah Jones as an artist, but once I gave her a chance she really got her hooks in me.
Also had the good fortune to see her at the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival a few years ago. I would have posted my video I took of her there, but YouTube keeps yanking it for some reason.
So here's a interesting gem I found a while back of Jones and her band covering what is quite possibly my favorite AC/DC track:
Ride On
Also had the good fortune to see her at the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival a few years ago. I would have posted my video I took of her there, but YouTube keeps yanking it for some reason.
So here's a interesting gem I found a while back of Jones and her band covering what is quite possibly my favorite AC/DC track:
Ride On
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