It’s been years but I called in sick today. I can’t remember the last time. Woke up with a great big sinus headache and just didn’t have the desire to fight thru it, today. Slept for a few hours and basically laid around. Hope it helps for tomorrow. Since I’m a bit slept out, for now, it seems like a good time to finish up 2011 and pop in a few looks at 2012. I know you will want to take notes so I’ll wait while you get out your pad and pens…
(waiting waiting waiting waiting-oh for crying out loud look in the drawer-waiting waiting waiting waiting-ready? OK. Here it goes)
As I have stated in an earlier blog, 2011 was a bit of a ho hum year for me musically. However that doesn’t mean there were not some excellent releases last year. Some of my favorites include Middle Brother, Amos Lee, Iron and Wine, and PJ Harvey. For atmospheric warm contemplative music it is tough to beat the new Kate Bush. Records that came out earlier in the year but held up for me were from The Decemberists and Death Cab For Cutie. The Barr Brothers is a very pleasant surprise with styles that range from folkish to bluesy (in a Black Keys style) to African. And I can’t leave out ‘Weather’ by Meshell Ndegeocello. It took a couple of listens but it has grown on me. Another new artist that I hesitated to dive into is Jonathan Wilson. ‘Gentle Spirit’ is just that in a Grateful Dead kind of way-sort of. The new Black Keys has a nice glam feel to it and I put Chris Bathgate and Over The Rhine efforts in the top echelon for 2011. Another record worth hearing is ‘Slave Ambient’ by the War On Drugs. Tom Waits latest is a fun greasy growly mess. And I mean that in a good way. Which brings me to my top releases…
Actually, I don’t rate music numerically. The list shifts by mood and time (and memory) but some records always stand out and keep returning to my iPod or stereo. The two that have stayed with me the most are ‘A Creature I Don’t Know’ by Laura Marling. “Sofia” from that disc might be my song of the year. And, I guess the music I find myself enjoying the most from last year is (drum roll-dumdumdumdumdumdumdumdumdumdum), Wilco ‘The Whole Love’. It’s just too catchy melodic and inventive to not be near or at the top of the Roselmometer for music. One caveat for this or any basket of choices by me. It can change at any time. For many reasons. But I am confidant that this music will have staying power for me in the years ahead. That is my biggest criteria. Music that moves me and I feel will do so for a long time. Too much of today’s artists make music that sounds interesting but it’s almost like the latest flavor of fancy ice cream. A treat for a while and then gets tiring.
So much for 2011. How about a few 2012 offerings? Nada Surf released a new this month. Nothing special in my opinion. Contemporary, but musically it leaves me flat. ‘Area 52′ by Rodrigo Y Gabriela is steamy, smokey, wildly mysterious music. Acoustic guitars with a large hot Cuban band. It’s varied and interesting. It’s sensual and intellectual. I might have to buy it. Craig Finn of The Hold Steady has a new solo disc that is more reflective and less intense than his music with the band. It splashes in country flourishes and even a little Neil Young era ‘On The Beach’. I like it.
Well, I feel the pressure building inside my head again so it’s off to the magic chair and the heating pad. Later, a good dose of sinus medicine which, of course, will knock me out. Check back later. You might be able to read me snoring.
Posted on January 27th, 2012 by BigBob
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Wouldn’t you know it. Here I am getting myself ready to reveal my top 2011 list in music and then start with 2012 and a few new releases I’ve heard and ding-a-ling-a-ling (no, not a review of me) the phone rings and high-ho-high-ho it’s off to work I go. So all of you who stayed up after the football games last night to get my top picks should nap and I hope to get something up very soon. I will reveal some late year surprises (The Barr Brothers) as well as the top few from a somewhat ho hum year (in my opinion). For your viewing pleasure, tonight may bring some worthwhile TV (for once). PBS has a program at 7:00 on the problems of breeding dogs and at 9:00pm an American Experience on Phil Ochs. I plan on watching (if I can stay awake). Of course, this throws my whole routine out of whack but perhaps that is appropriate (that IS a review of me).
Posted on January 23rd, 2012 by BigBob
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To say there is a chill in the air would be an understatement. Brrrrr. But that is not why I am here. I’m in between calisthenics loosening up for my trudge thru the snow today and I wanted to update you on my top picks for 2011. I did not get to as many concerts as I would have liked but some I did get to were top shelf. Favorite new artist (one I had not seen before) was Trombone Shorty. Just a fun sweaty funky time at First Ave. It was a close call between Shorty and Bon Iver. Justin Vernon and crew was a delight and a last minute decision to attend (without tickets). My pick for top show of 2011 would have to be Wilco. I think they are the best American band on the road today. They are all master musicians. The songs are melodic but inventive. They put on a sonic display that can only be appreciated live. And they usually play for 2 plus hours at a bargain ticket price (by today’s standards). This makes them a repeat pick for best show of the year in the last few years. If you have not treated yourself to a live Wilco performance do so soon.
2012 began with a fine show at the Varsity by JJ Grey and Mofro. Southern cookin’ on a cold cold night. Greasy whiskey soaked rock soul and blues. Good fun and a high standard to meet for shows by artists I haven’t seen before in 2012.
Oh oh. Gertrude, my calisthenic instructor, is barking at me to get back at. So I better. A stomping I will go. And you? Enjoy the snow but please keep your walk and steps clean to your mail box. Your letter carrier will greatly appreciate it.
Posted on January 20th, 2012 by BigBob
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Looking back to 2011 I find it was something of a hoe hum year. Some really nice releases in music but not a large number of solid discs that stuck with me. And film was even worse. I cannot think of one movie made or released last year that will make my all-time list or even add to it. A couple of music documentaries like ‘The Secret To A Happy Ending’ about The Drive-By Truckers and the DVD of the Stones 1978 tour are fun to watch and will get repeated views but none of the newer movies left much of an impression so I won’t comment further except to say I did not see a large number of films this past year. Maybe I missed something. Maybe not.
Books are always more personal, to me, and I like non-fiction best. I read books on Dylan and the recording of Highway 61. Nice but not great. A book on CBS news which was revelatory but a bit biased in tone (against-by a disgruntled employee but I’m sure some of it is true). Still enjoying the history of Sun Records and digging deeper into ‘The Rising Sun’ (about Japan and WW II) for a second time. Can’t we all just get along? Apparently not. I’ve also decided to read thru the Old Testament this year and I’m nearly done with Genesis. This project always bogs down in a few books so I’ll keep you posted.
And television? Mostly vapid and pointless. Enough said.
Which brings me to music…which I’ll have to leave for another time. Soon I hope. Right now I have to start the lengthy process of getting ready to work outside. It will take hours to climb into my specially adaptive chill suit. How many pairs of long johns can you wear and still button your pants? I’ll let you know.
Posted on January 12th, 2012 by BigBob
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And so our long Fall into Winter is complete beginning later today. Nuts! It was great while it lasted. I have been finishing up my year end favorites and will reveal them during the Academy Awards (let’s see who has the real muscle, here). OK OK I’ll reveal them before the awards but only by poplar demand (the trees cry out for answers).
The holidays have come and gone so now we trudge on with what’s left of Winter to challenge our patience and toughness. I know I can do it. I’m sure I can. Pretty sure. Hope so. Not too long, I hope. Gee, it still gets dark early. Oh my, it’s so cold. I WANT MY MOMMY!
Don’t go too far and y’all come back now, ya hear?
Posted on January 11th, 2012 by BigBob
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2011 was not a year I will look back on fondly. Not that it was such a terrible year for us but it was for some. As I reflect back on the last 12 months I remember my friend Ron who passed away in 2011. We had just begun to reacquaint ourselves when he slipped away, as was his wish. My dearest friends also suffered a deep loss in 2011 as their son, Pat, died. There is no greater loss that I have experienced and if there is I hope I never find out.
On a lighter side, I fried my cell phone and clunked my boat. Both or which have been replaced. The cell phone works fine. The new boat is waiting, patiently for now, for spring. Otherwise, I suppose, the year was uneventful. Had a couple of fine fishing vacations. Played a little (very little) baseball. Kept up the Habitat For Humanity volunteering (with various degrees of success). Still involved in church (2012 may be a pivotal year for me and my church). And, of course, continue to enjoy music, books, movies, cigars, drink, and stimulating conversation-among other things. Wine, whiskey, beer, and song.
Speaking of song (can you “say” speaking when you are writing it?) I plan to complete my partial best of lists on new music and favorite shows early next year. The public has been clamoring for for the release of this information and I have spent untold many dollars on security to keep it secret until the proper time so look for it here early next year. The wait will be so totally not worth it.
And who can forget the wonderful fun had with kids and grandkids. The family vacation was great fun and welcome Riloh and Jackson. As they grow older it can only get better.
I conclude, for now, with a little lift of the spirit. At least it was for me. Yesterday, as I was skating around my mail route I was stopped by a friend I had not seen in over a year. Someone who has had a VERY tough year. Rick. He pulled me over to say hi and tell me he was doing better. His troubles are not over but he seemed to have a positive attitude and a fighting spirit that I don’t think he possessed earlier in the year. I know things could change for him and make life difficult again but it was good to see him smile and laugh. He told me his faith and a very good friend (not me) have helped pull him through his dark night of the soul. I think that formula is the best one for us all. Faith and friends. A good way to start 2012. Happy New Year.
Posted on December 31st, 2011 by BigBob
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Not John Wayne. Boxing Day. Seems in some cultures this is the day for giving. In a few corners of the world people switch places to get a feel for what the other person experiences in their job or daily life. Soo…I’m wearing the dress today (think June Cleaver-apron optional). No, there will not be pictures. A man-womens work is never done. I have some new tunes to listen to so I’ll whistle along while I work. Vieux Farke Toure, James Maddock, Meshell Ndegeocello, Patsy Cline, The Who, Jethro Tull and others and a few new DVD’s to view on The Drive-By Truckers and Wilco and The Rolling Stones. Break out the coffee and Rum Chata and a comfy chair. Lazy is the word for the day (later, after my man-womens work). Tomorrow I enter the place of my birth…I want to be ready (a lyric by what group from what song?).
Posted on December 26th, 2011 by BigBob
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And a ho ho ho to all you blogamites as we wind down another fabulous Christmas holiday. How was yours? Mine was nice, with a few minor glitches along the way. On the happy side of the street, the snow you see in the above photo is long gone and a brown Christmas is just fine with me. Our family gathering last week (the tree is pictured above) was a treat and Jesse was such a good boy this last year he got double many things on his list. Grandkids are fun to watch as they tear into their gifts and merry was made thru the evening with good food and much wine.
The Christmas holiday is a bit stressful in the mail game but we finished it off in style with one minor mishap. Yesterday (Christmas Eve day) I noticed a small dent in the tail gate of my vehicle. Only Santa knows how it got there and it does not affect the operation of said vehicle but I do wonder what happened. With the brown Christmas we have it is a bit more of a challenge to see the “dog bombs” in the yards of people and, of course, I find myself setting one off on my shoe almost daily. Not exactly the kind of car air freshener you want. Pine tree scent it is not. And it will still be busy at the P.O. for a few weeks with tax mail and after Christmas business mailings. Just another day at the office.
I shifted gears in my reading, just a bit, and pulled out my worn copy of The Rising Sun by John Toland. I renewed my interest in Pearl Harbor after this past December 7th anniversary and got curious about the events that led up to the attack. It’s a 1,000 page book and I have no intention of reading the whole thing again but it is interesting to refresh my memory of the history of the “day that will live in infamy”.
Sigh. Well, it’s time to go play with the dogs (or take a nap) so I’ll finish up by wishing you a merry holiday. I know some of you are experiencing Christmas with heavy hearts. I hope you find peace and comfort with family and friends knowing you can enjoy the holiday season while keeping the memory of those who are not with us close to your heart. The Christmas season in not the same since Dustin’s accident and he is always missed, still, there is warmth and pleasure and I know he would want us to press on as best we can. I hope the same is true for you.
This year’s new Christmas music includes a nice disc by Oscar Peterson and Dan Hicks. They are favorites for 2011 along with a John Zorn holiday issue. Nice but lessor releases include ‘A Very She And Him Christmas’ and one by Wynton Marsalis. An older holiday disc I just bought and have yet to make my mind up about is Over The Rhine’s ‘The Darkest Night of the Year’. Beautiful and warm yet strange and challenging I’ll have to give it a few more listens. It has the potential to really grow on me. And I downloaded this year’s Sound Opinions radio show Christmas CD called ‘Swingin’ Snowflakes’ and it is. You can download it free, as well, for a cool cat hip good time.
So after a viewing of White Christmas and some eggnog I’ll do a nod off and look for sugar plums of whatever to dance in (hopefully not on) my head. No one knows for sure when Christ was born and there are many reasons we celebrate it now. The when does not matter but the if does. I hope you ifed. Merry Christmas.
Posted on December 25th, 2011 by BigBob
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Just a short note on the Ryan Adams show. A far cry from the last debacle a few years ago at the State. For 2 1/2 hours he was funny (still nutty for sure) and seemed to handle the few distractions with a bit more maturity (I know, a word rarely used for Ryan Adams). It was a subdued relaxed mellow show and it did drag a bit from time-to-time but, as a whole, it was a winner. The songs took on new colors and meanings in the acoustic stripped down versions and I have a new appreciation for his singing. It was clear and clean and a wonderful instrument on it’s own. And you get kooky Ryan with it. He wished us all a happy holiday and hoped to see us next year. I hope so, on both counts.
Posted on December 15th, 2011 by BigBob
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OK. It’s been awhile since my last blog update. Miss me? I missed you. I did. A last minute buy the tickets the day before the show trip to the Cities to see Wilco last week was a fine adventure. Really good show from row L center. They are a special band. Seems I’m checking out Ryan Adams tonight. Hope the weather holds. I have some questions for Mr. Adams. He gets a chance to answer them. Let’s hope he passes the test. Then we throw everything into Christmas high gear. It will be a busy week and one-half and then a gentle quiet Christmas. Probably lots of music. A movie or two. Maybe a nap. And, of course, a prayer or two (it IS CHRISTmas).
Still loving the extra disc with the Stones ‘Some Girls’ deluxe edition. So much more bluesy. More about the music and less about being trendy or current. My opinion and I’m sticking to it. I’ll try to compile some 2011 favorites in the week(s) ahead and I hope you will, too. And the end of this week has the Black Keys on the World Cafe radio show but the real treat for me will be next Tuesday. Garland Jeffreys. A early radio Christmas present for me. Ho Ho Ho
Posted on December 13th, 2011 by BigBob
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