So one thing about me is that music is a huge part if my life, always has been. I remember as a child my parents always had records playing of Neil Diamond, The Beach Boys, and Michael Jackson. On long trips in the car up an down the eastern seaboard listening to oldies on the radio. As I grew older I would play various wind instruments in school, and eventually picked up the guitar.
So listed here are 5 of the most influential albums TO ME. This in no way is a reflection of what I feel are the best albums ever, or necessarily my favorite. They are simply the ones that had a significant effect on me both musically and emotionally:
1- Master of Puppets (Metallica): Could possibly be one of the top albums not only in metal history, but in history all together. The speed and technicality of the songs is second to none. This took the shredding that was on their first two albums, and harnessed it into more precise songs, and added a groove that made my blood pump. The lyrical content touching on various social and interpersonal issues. Just all together struck a cord in me and made me want to shred on my guitar and also to start writing lyrics of my own.
2- Nevermind (Nirvana): I can still remember the first time I listened to this album, and being totally immersed in it and thinking that this was something I had never heard before. It took the haunting melodic sway into loud crushing choruses. They were simple songs that somehow carried a swagger. You could feel the pain and discomfort that Kurt Cobain carried with him through his words and guitar, and the violent drum beats of Dave Grohl kept the head banging throughout.The fact that Nirvana has such a limited catalogue has lead to a lot of overplayed songs, but whenever I go back and listen to this CD from start to finish it is as exciting as it was back then.
3- Rage Against the Machine (Rage Against the Machine): When a friend of mine first played this album for me, I was floored. When he then told me that it was just a four-piece with no keyboards or synths, and that all the odd sounds and screeches I heard were Tom Morello playing his guitar through a single effects pedal, I was in total disbelief. Rage Against the Machine created something completely different, mixing rap vocals with funk and metal grooves, adding in heavily politicized topics. This was an album that rock and metal heads could head bang to, and rap fans could sway to. It was, and still is, an album like no other, and they were truly originals.
4- Dirt (Alice in Chains): This album is pretty much a diary or the struggle with which Layne Staley had with substance abuse, a struggle he eventually would lose. The haunting tone in Staley's vocals through out strike a nerve, and you can tell how cathartic is was for him to tell of his use, abuse, and disgust of what he had become. Add to that the vocal counter-melodies of Jerry Cantrell, as well as "Rooster", a song about his father's battle with life post-Vietnam service. Again, an album that I can listen to start to finish, and every time I get totally immersed in it.
5- Ashes of the Wake (Lamb of God): I was big into metal in high school and shortly after, and then kind of lost touch with a lot of the newer metal in the years after that. But about 6 or 7 years ago I started to get back into it, and the one album that was responsible for raising my adrenaline levels and the hairs on the back of my neck was Ashes of the Wake by the band Lamb of God. Their third album, it is their first, in my opinion, that had true direction and top notch production. Most of the songs focusing on political distrust and displeasure with the wars overseas, the album is full of passion as well as some of the most precise and technical guitar and drum work you will find on any rock or metal album. Ashes of the Wake reminded me of why I had become a metal fan to begin with as a teenager, and has once again struck that nerve in me in my thirties.
Showing posts with label pop culture. Show all posts
Showing posts with label pop culture. Show all posts
Monday, April 29, 2013
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
I Remember
Today marks the 11 year anniversary of the most horrific day in recent history. It marks the anniversary of the day that changed the way we live our lives forever. And today, on another Tuesday, September 11th, the weather was comfortable and clear just as it was that fateful day. I remember the following days, weeks and months, and how things felt and how they changed.
I remember...how the entire country stopped, whether it was New York City, California, or anywhere in between. Not only did the airline industry stop all air traffic for 2 days, but people stopped what they were doing and gathered and consoled each other and just took time to reflect and to mourn. Suddenly, the hustle and bustle of everyday life slowed and people found time to reflect of how precious life really is.
I remember...the kindness that poured out of so many. Rescue personnel as well as plain civilians flocked to Manhattan to help in any way they could, whether it be in clean up or recovery or just doling out supplies to those who were. Corporations, athletic teams, churches, and communities from all over the surrounding areas and the rest of the countries collected, sent, and helped distribute food and living supplies to rescuers and those impacted. Communities around the country, as well as some in Canada, who took in and welcomed with open arms those who's planes had been grounded in areas other than their destinations, and made the ordeal a lot less troubling. It was a time where the good in the American people truly shined bright.
I remember...the patriotism that this horrible event brought out of just about everyone. Never before had you seen so many people bearing American flags outside their houses, on their cars, on their clothing. You would hear groups chanting impromptu "USA, USA, USA" cheers at sporting events, speeches, concerts, and anywhere else large crowds were gathered. Whether at a star-filled concert at Madison Square Garden to benefit victim's families or a New York Mets or Yankees baseball game, both the spectators and the stars beamed with not only hurt and sorrow, but they also showed a great sense of pride to be Americans.
I remember...the unity towards one common belief, which was a belief in Our Country. In the years leading up to 9/11/2001, Rudy Giuliani hadn't been the most popular mayor in New York City history. But the way he conducted himself after the attacks and the way in which he united not only a city but also the country made him a beloved leader. People stopped seeing him for the political differences they made have had, but instead for his compassion, his leadership and the way he made people feel safe and secure in an otherwise turbulant time. President Bush, still in his first year in office, was dealt an unprecedented situation, and handled it in a very calming and decisive manor. He stood up for the country he was in charge of leading, and took swift action. Unfortunately in the years to follow there were many short comings and failed plans, but none of that should take away form the actions taken that put faith and pride back into our great country initially.
It is sad that it takes this one day each year to think back and remember how things WERE following the attacks of September 11th. What was undoubtedly the worst day in American history brought out the best in people and in a country as a whole. With each passing year, though, that pause and kindness and patriotism and especially unity has tarnished and slipped further and further away. With time wounds heal, but with time all these positives that we gained have also faded. We are at a time in our history when things are not very good. Whether it be financial woes, social issues, immigration and race tensions, or political debates, the country is as divided in 2012 as it was unified in 2001.
So please remember...the way our great country joined together in the face of it's darkest time. Remember the feeling of pride and patriotism and how we were all Americans. Whether you are Republican or Democrat, regardless your ethnicity, whether rich or poor or in between, we need to all take pride in being AMERICAN, and help to better this glorious country our ours. It's time to fight for our common goals and forget the whole "me first" mentality. This country was founded on the belief of "We the People", and it is time that we all remember what those words meant to the founding fathers, what they meant after 9/11/2001, and what they mean now...
I remember...how the entire country stopped, whether it was New York City, California, or anywhere in between. Not only did the airline industry stop all air traffic for 2 days, but people stopped what they were doing and gathered and consoled each other and just took time to reflect and to mourn. Suddenly, the hustle and bustle of everyday life slowed and people found time to reflect of how precious life really is.
I remember...the kindness that poured out of so many. Rescue personnel as well as plain civilians flocked to Manhattan to help in any way they could, whether it be in clean up or recovery or just doling out supplies to those who were. Corporations, athletic teams, churches, and communities from all over the surrounding areas and the rest of the countries collected, sent, and helped distribute food and living supplies to rescuers and those impacted. Communities around the country, as well as some in Canada, who took in and welcomed with open arms those who's planes had been grounded in areas other than their destinations, and made the ordeal a lot less troubling. It was a time where the good in the American people truly shined bright.
I remember...the patriotism that this horrible event brought out of just about everyone. Never before had you seen so many people bearing American flags outside their houses, on their cars, on their clothing. You would hear groups chanting impromptu "USA, USA, USA" cheers at sporting events, speeches, concerts, and anywhere else large crowds were gathered. Whether at a star-filled concert at Madison Square Garden to benefit victim's families or a New York Mets or Yankees baseball game, both the spectators and the stars beamed with not only hurt and sorrow, but they also showed a great sense of pride to be Americans.
I remember...the unity towards one common belief, which was a belief in Our Country. In the years leading up to 9/11/2001, Rudy Giuliani hadn't been the most popular mayor in New York City history. But the way he conducted himself after the attacks and the way in which he united not only a city but also the country made him a beloved leader. People stopped seeing him for the political differences they made have had, but instead for his compassion, his leadership and the way he made people feel safe and secure in an otherwise turbulant time. President Bush, still in his first year in office, was dealt an unprecedented situation, and handled it in a very calming and decisive manor. He stood up for the country he was in charge of leading, and took swift action. Unfortunately in the years to follow there were many short comings and failed plans, but none of that should take away form the actions taken that put faith and pride back into our great country initially.
It is sad that it takes this one day each year to think back and remember how things WERE following the attacks of September 11th. What was undoubtedly the worst day in American history brought out the best in people and in a country as a whole. With each passing year, though, that pause and kindness and patriotism and especially unity has tarnished and slipped further and further away. With time wounds heal, but with time all these positives that we gained have also faded. We are at a time in our history when things are not very good. Whether it be financial woes, social issues, immigration and race tensions, or political debates, the country is as divided in 2012 as it was unified in 2001.
So please remember...the way our great country joined together in the face of it's darkest time. Remember the feeling of pride and patriotism and how we were all Americans. Whether you are Republican or Democrat, regardless your ethnicity, whether rich or poor or in between, we need to all take pride in being AMERICAN, and help to better this glorious country our ours. It's time to fight for our common goals and forget the whole "me first" mentality. This country was founded on the belief of "We the People", and it is time that we all remember what those words meant to the founding fathers, what they meant after 9/11/2001, and what they mean now...
Monday, September 10, 2012
Are You Ready for Some Football???
So this weekend began another new football season...a time where fantasy leagues and weekly pools and instant replay become household terms and sanity and tranquility take a temporary reprieve. Yes, every sport has it's share of fanatics and blind devotees, but there is something a little different about football and the football season in general. Unlike the other sports, football games are all played on Sundays (with the exception of the Monday night game...oh, and now the Thursday night game...um, and some Saturday games late in the season), which creates something of an event for many football junkies.
Sundays during football season are something of a holy day for sports fans, where rituals and habits become normal and elevated decibel levels are understood and for the most part accepted. From when she was an infant, my daughter has worn Tampa Bay Buccaneers outfits and hair bows every game day during football season. She learned how to say "Let's Go Bucs" shortly after learning how to say "mommy" and "daddy". She now knows at 4 years old that Daddy is not really mad at anyone when he is yelling at the TV during the games (well, except maybe the stupid play calls or the Swiss cheese defense), but instead just really into the games.
Yes, Football season is very much a unique time in many households. To me, football is the one sport where I can watch just about any game even if my team isn't one of those playing, and really enjoy it. And so for people like me the NFL Sunday Ticket is a glorious invention. Being able to watch any and all games on Sunday, I almost need the relief of the lone Sunday night game in order to give my thumb a rest from clicking back and forth from game to game for 8 hours.
So here's to another season, another year of hope and pride, beer and snacks, jerseys and rally towels, big screens and surround sound, cheering and cursing. I am definitely ready for some football...
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
What is this World Coming To?
Can someone please tell me what the hell our society is becoming? The things that you see on TV today, the clothes that young kids are wearing, the language that is becoming a regular part of our accepted vocabulary, it is all decaying at a rapid pace.
Now do not for a second take me for a do-gooder or an extreme right-wing conservative, I take pride in being very much middle of the road on my views. I am just looking around all the time and thinking "what is this world coming to?" Things are becoming downright scary, and we are all at fault.
You need look no further than the Teen Choice Awards that were on earlier this week. On a show that is aimed at young teens, you had the queen of teen imagery, Miley Cyrus, in a skimpy outfit swinging around on a stripper pole. Now I enjoy watching a stripper as much as the next guy, but there is something fundamentally wrong with a society that feels it is okay for a 16 year old to act that way in from of a targeted teenage audience. But this is just the latest in young girls being exploited for money and fame. And the thing is, it is more common and ingrained into our pop culture that it seems to be less shocking anymore. I have a 16 month old daughter, and the last thing I want when she grows up is for her to think that kind of behavior is acceptable for a child.
It's also the language and content that we hear and see on TV shows these days. I remember growing up the most risque show in TV was Threes Company. These days that show wouldn't even get aired because it would be considered too corny. Today you see more and more flesh, sexual innuendo and foul language, and it is on DURING DINNER TIME! As an adult in my 30's, I curse as much as the next guy and don't mind seeing nudity. But there is a time and a place, and our society and the regulators seem to have forgotten about a little thing called TACT. Again, I am far from being a prude, I just feel there is a time and place for everything.
And the effects all come to a head when you take a walk in your local shopping mall. When you walk around, you see young girls wearing less and less. Teenagers who are following the people they see on TV, prancing around half naked because "it is the style". It seems our generation figures we didn't like being told what to do, and hated being told NO, so in turn we are allowing our kids to do what they want so that they "like us" more than we liked our parents. Well guess what? You are a parent, NOT A FRIEND! As a parent you don't always have to be liked, most important is that you are RESPECTED. We need to stop trying to be our kids' buddies and start teaching them how to be respectful and how to be respected.
Hopefully I am not the only one who feels this way, because if I am we are in for a lot more trouble in the coming years...
Now do not for a second take me for a do-gooder or an extreme right-wing conservative, I take pride in being very much middle of the road on my views. I am just looking around all the time and thinking "what is this world coming to?" Things are becoming downright scary, and we are all at fault.
You need look no further than the Teen Choice Awards that were on earlier this week. On a show that is aimed at young teens, you had the queen of teen imagery, Miley Cyrus, in a skimpy outfit swinging around on a stripper pole. Now I enjoy watching a stripper as much as the next guy, but there is something fundamentally wrong with a society that feels it is okay for a 16 year old to act that way in from of a targeted teenage audience. But this is just the latest in young girls being exploited for money and fame. And the thing is, it is more common and ingrained into our pop culture that it seems to be less shocking anymore. I have a 16 month old daughter, and the last thing I want when she grows up is for her to think that kind of behavior is acceptable for a child.
It's also the language and content that we hear and see on TV shows these days. I remember growing up the most risque show in TV was Threes Company. These days that show wouldn't even get aired because it would be considered too corny. Today you see more and more flesh, sexual innuendo and foul language, and it is on DURING DINNER TIME! As an adult in my 30's, I curse as much as the next guy and don't mind seeing nudity. But there is a time and a place, and our society and the regulators seem to have forgotten about a little thing called TACT. Again, I am far from being a prude, I just feel there is a time and place for everything.
And the effects all come to a head when you take a walk in your local shopping mall. When you walk around, you see young girls wearing less and less. Teenagers who are following the people they see on TV, prancing around half naked because "it is the style". It seems our generation figures we didn't like being told what to do, and hated being told NO, so in turn we are allowing our kids to do what they want so that they "like us" more than we liked our parents. Well guess what? You are a parent, NOT A FRIEND! As a parent you don't always have to be liked, most important is that you are RESPECTED. We need to stop trying to be our kids' buddies and start teaching them how to be respectful and how to be respected.
Hopefully I am not the only one who feels this way, because if I am we are in for a lot more trouble in the coming years...
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