So by now most everyone knows about the debacle over the weekend at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater. Kings Of Leon performed three songs of their set and abruptly walked off stage. The official reason given was that the band felt the conditions were too unsanitary to continue. Apparently there are currently pigeons living up in the rafters and one of them pooped in the bass player's mouth. Maybe the bird just thought the band sucked, I don't know. But I do know a lame excuse when I hear one. I call shenanigans.
First of all, I've never seen any other band stop a show on account of bird poop. If you play outside, you take that risk. You risk bugs flying into your mouth, right? So it's not a big leap to bird poop. And it's not like this is the first person who's had this happen. Most famously, Cyndi Lauper got a mouthful at an outdoor show...and she kept singing. She finished the show. So the bass player from KOL gets hit and can't continue? What, no Listerine backstage? Wash it out, man up and get back out there.
Oh, and stop blaming the venue. Hey, it's my home venue and I hate it as much as anyone. Yet I don't blame them for nature. They can only do so much to control the birds, it's illegal in most places to spread poison or shoot 'em, so the venue has to do what it can in other ways. Blaming the venue for pigeons is just as dumb as blaming them for wind, rain, or temperature change. Hey, if the concert was cancelled due to rain, because equipment was shorting out and the risk of being electrocuted was high, most people wouldn't complain. But that's not what this is.
Another possible reason sighted for the cancellation was the heat. You remember I mentioned the stifling heat a week before in Chicago at the Iron Maiden concert. Apparently it was the same story here, as on the very same night Mike Campbell from Tom Petty's band suffered heat related illness. He is reported to have played the last three songs of the main set sitting down. There was a rather long pause in the show, and Petty himself came out to tell the crowd that Campbell was ill but to hand in there and they'd try to do some more. Ten minutes later, Campbell, Petty and company came back out for what was by all accounts a high energy rocking encore. So, um, I'm guessing the heat wasn't it.
So I've deduced two things from this whole situation. Neither of these excuses hold much water. Granted, no-one wants to be pooped on, and I certainly wouldn't wish it on anyone, but c'mon. This sounds to me like a band who didn't want to put on a show that night so they found an excuse not to perform. Very W. Axl Rose, but that's not a compliment. This also illustrates how lame rock fans have become...when Axl walked off stage there were riots, now people just wait for their refund...but that's a different story.
The other logical conclusion is that Kings Of Leon are a bunch of wussies. Dudes, Cyndi Lauper and Tom Petty's guitar player are both tougher than you. That is so not cool, and I like those two artists. But come on, you're one of the biggest rock band out there. Earn it. Look, I enjoyed the latest KOL album, and liked their first two even more, Aha Shake Heartbreak particularly. So I've got no real problem with them musically (they could be a little less dirty, but whatever).
I just think that a rock band should act like one. You've embarrassed yourself here guys, by acting like Diva rock stars instead of the dirty, groove laden, sex and party rockers you've made yourself out to be. You've killed the image. The music stinks of grit and sweat...but this act stinks of dishonesty. And that smells worse than pigeon poop any day.
Wow, I didn't even go to this show and I'm this ticked off about it. I also spent way too much time on it, I was going to touch on a few more things in this post, but I guess they'll wait for next time. See you all soon.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Friday, July 23, 2010
Non-Reading List
Last post I mentioned that I received a new graphic novel for my birthday, and would read and review it soon. That is, assuming I finish it. I've had a habit lately of starting books and never finishing them. We all have that experience of course, but it's happened with almost everything I've tried reading this past year. I think the only book I actually finished was "A Clockwork Orange" by Anthony Burgess, but it's short so that might be why. Not having ever seen the movie (just a few scenes and pop culture references) it was a difficult read, the slang that seems fairly straightforward on film is hard to decipher in print. Then when I did work out what's being said...well, I sometimes wished I didn't as it's usually quite nasty. I understand the movie leaves out the entire last chapter, as did the original American book release, so fans of the film would be advised to seek it out as it pretty much puts a whole different perspective on the work as a whole.
But I digress. The point is I currently have three books on my nightstand in varying degrees of completion. I hope to finish at least two of them someday soon. Say, this year. Here is a list of the books and my reasons/excuses for not finishing them.
1. "And Another Thing" by Eoin Colfer
This is an attempt to keep the "Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy" series going after the author, Douglas Adams, died. Mr. Colfer was a friend of the late author, and does have a similar writing style. The problem here is that he's trying too hard. There are some interesting ideas and some decent laughs, but there are problems too. The technical stuff, for example, is too technical and lost me. There was always a little bit of that in the original series, but here it's too much. Also, of the aforementioned good ideas, there are too many. Way too much going on here. It's nice to have some sub-plots and bring back beloved minor characters but this is overkill. I do want to read it to the end but my patience is waning.
2. "Catch 22" by Joseph Heller
I know, it's a classic. But see, I have this weird thing about books where I actually want something to HAPPEN. I'm about halfway through, and so far it's just been descriptions of enlisted men being driven crazy by war, and the certifiable idiot nut-bags who put them there. Quite a revolutionary idea for a book when first published, but now it just tells us what we already know. It has been quite funny, I'll grant you, but I'm yearning for a story here, and there are way too many characters involved-I have no idea who's supposed to be important and who's just in the book to provide comic fodder for a few set pieces. Maybe I just haven't read far enough, but it's just becoming tedious. I never saw the movie here either, so no comparison to be made there. But since there is a movie something's bound to happen, right? I mean, they don't make movies with no plot...well, "Lost In Translation" but otherwise...
3. "Watchmen" by Alan Moore
Okay, this I like and am not disappointed by in the least. It's just that this thing is so dense. It's the weightiest graphic novel ever published. Calling it a graphic novel is limiting, though. The scope is far bigger than your average comic, and after every chapter there are multiple pages of text. The film, though great in it's own way, doesn't do justice to the source material, even as faithful as it is. It couldn't. So I'm very interested in it, but it's really a chore to read-though I mean that in a good way. The book requires commitment as there are so many layers. I literally feel tired after each chapter, though no less intrigued. Plus I want to know what the deal is with that squid.
So that's where I'm at with reading stuff. Not sure if anybody cares or not, but there you go.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On a completely unrelated note, look for a posting soon about a new tax law that has the potential to cripple the business I'm in (probably won't, but could). I don't quite have enough information to mention much now, therefore it would be irresponsible of me to do so.
I'm actually thinking about starting up a separate blog dealing with social/political issues where I can rant freely about what's going on in the news and how it affects my life...and yours too. So maybe that post I referred to will show up in a new thing. Haven't got a title for it yet or a clear direction, but it's something I've been working on for a while now. Then I can have two blogs, and maybe more than eight people will start reading my stuff. I'll keep you posted.
Stay thirsty my friends.
But I digress. The point is I currently have three books on my nightstand in varying degrees of completion. I hope to finish at least two of them someday soon. Say, this year. Here is a list of the books and my reasons/excuses for not finishing them.
1. "And Another Thing" by Eoin Colfer
This is an attempt to keep the "Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy" series going after the author, Douglas Adams, died. Mr. Colfer was a friend of the late author, and does have a similar writing style. The problem here is that he's trying too hard. There are some interesting ideas and some decent laughs, but there are problems too. The technical stuff, for example, is too technical and lost me. There was always a little bit of that in the original series, but here it's too much. Also, of the aforementioned good ideas, there are too many. Way too much going on here. It's nice to have some sub-plots and bring back beloved minor characters but this is overkill. I do want to read it to the end but my patience is waning.
2. "Catch 22" by Joseph Heller
I know, it's a classic. But see, I have this weird thing about books where I actually want something to HAPPEN. I'm about halfway through, and so far it's just been descriptions of enlisted men being driven crazy by war, and the certifiable idiot nut-bags who put them there. Quite a revolutionary idea for a book when first published, but now it just tells us what we already know. It has been quite funny, I'll grant you, but I'm yearning for a story here, and there are way too many characters involved-I have no idea who's supposed to be important and who's just in the book to provide comic fodder for a few set pieces. Maybe I just haven't read far enough, but it's just becoming tedious. I never saw the movie here either, so no comparison to be made there. But since there is a movie something's bound to happen, right? I mean, they don't make movies with no plot...well, "Lost In Translation" but otherwise...
3. "Watchmen" by Alan Moore
Okay, this I like and am not disappointed by in the least. It's just that this thing is so dense. It's the weightiest graphic novel ever published. Calling it a graphic novel is limiting, though. The scope is far bigger than your average comic, and after every chapter there are multiple pages of text. The film, though great in it's own way, doesn't do justice to the source material, even as faithful as it is. It couldn't. So I'm very interested in it, but it's really a chore to read-though I mean that in a good way. The book requires commitment as there are so many layers. I literally feel tired after each chapter, though no less intrigued. Plus I want to know what the deal is with that squid.
So that's where I'm at with reading stuff. Not sure if anybody cares or not, but there you go.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On a completely unrelated note, look for a posting soon about a new tax law that has the potential to cripple the business I'm in (probably won't, but could). I don't quite have enough information to mention much now, therefore it would be irresponsible of me to do so.
I'm actually thinking about starting up a separate blog dealing with social/political issues where I can rant freely about what's going on in the news and how it affects my life...and yours too. So maybe that post I referred to will show up in a new thing. Haven't got a title for it yet or a clear direction, but it's something I've been working on for a while now. Then I can have two blogs, and maybe more than eight people will start reading my stuff. I'll keep you posted.
Stay thirsty my friends.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Birthday Weekend
This post is a little late, but this is the first chance I've had to sit and type.
Last weekend was my birthday weekend. The celebration was two fold.
Saturday night we had the entire family (both sides) out to the house for some grilled meats, cake, ice cream and good old fashioned family bonding. So basically we ate a lot and passed babies around. Everyone seemed to enjoy the food, which is a nice compliment for yours truly. It was made known that I'm saving up for an ipod itouch, and donations would be appreciated. The gifts received were generous. Also got a graphic novel from my sister in law Elizabeth which I haven't read yet but will review here as soon as I get it done.
Then on Sunday (my actual birthday), I went on a road trip to Chicago with my brother to see the mighty Iron Maiden in concert. I've been a fan of the band since I was in 5th grade, 1983. My first Maiden concert was in 1988 (how'd that take so long?) and they are one of those bands that I'll see any chance I get, and I will buy any new release of theirs with no hesitation. Actually, I will buy pretty much anything with the words "Iron" and "Maiden" on it. Over the years I've had at least 12 t-shirts, multiple posters, at least 2 hats, a wallet, a jacket, buttons, books, and of course all of their albums on LP, cassette, CD and I even a downloaded song (something I almost never do). Iron Maiden is one of those bands that inspire fierce loyalty in their fans. Either you get it or you don't and it's okay if you don't. It just adds to our enjoyment.
So to see one of my all time favorite bands on my birthday was pretty cool. Although the weather was really hot. I mean, like, unbearably so, and I like hot Summer days. I don't even mind humidity...but this was just nuts. It was hot and sticky in the late afternoon/early evening, and when the sun went down, it got worse. As much as I love Maiden, about halfway through the show I just wanted to sit down and stop for a while. I couldn't help but notice that the band took slightly longer breaks in between songs as well, which meant singer Bruce Dickinson got to ramble on about whatever the hell it was he was talking about, I'm still not sure. I think the guys just needed to cool off for a few minutes.
The heat did nothing to decrease the performances, however. The band has just as much power and passion as they've ever had. In fact, I believe they sound better now than ever. These guys are full of energy as well. Dickinson, for example, is 51 and leaps about the stage, jumping all over the ramps and risers with an energy that rivals that of entertainers in their twenties. Steve Harris (bass) was all over the stage as well, and the rest of the band were all on top of their game.
Many have commented that the set list for this tour is too heavy on the newer material. Granted, it would have been great to hear some more of the classics, but the newer material is still top notch, and when delivered as well as it was, it's hard to argue with the decision. As with any band, every fan has songs they want to hear, and if I had my druthers I probably would have dropped two or three for some older songs as well. But I give credit to the band for sticking to their guns and doing sop much new stuff. Again, lots of old school fans are complaining, but as a fellow fan, I can't in good conscience do the same. I still follow the band, and am familiar with all the songs, because that's what a fan does. Otherwise, you're just a poser, and there's no room in my world for that.
One other brief point (too late!), the fan base for Iron Maiden seems to be getting steadily younger. I noticed lots of young teenagers at the show, at least 10 of them in the rows behind and in front of us. Youngsters rocking out next to receding hairlines and beer guts. That's pretty cool.
As for the rest of the trip, we stayed at a fairly nice Hilton Garden Inn hotel in Tinley Park. We ate at Rosie's diner just outside of Mokena Il. and had some really good hot dogs in a cool little neighborhood diner. The pickle made the dog. On the way back we saw pigs in a truck, an antique mall with a bunch of crazy crap on the lawn (pink elephant + spaceship = awesome), and laughed out loud about the Senator Paul Simon Freeway sign-it has a bow tie! A little rain and a little construction, but we made good time.
So, all in all, a great weekend. I got a little dehydrated at the show, my feet hurt for two days and I came home tired but it was all worth it. Thanks to everyone who came to the party. Thanks to my brother Derek for coming along. Big thanks to Valerie for letting me go and staying back with the twins. You're the best.
Up The Irons!
P.S.: Also on the bill was prog-metal band Dream Theater. One of my favorites from the early 90's, I stopped following them around 2003 or so, because I felt the material was getting weaker. Really good set though, makes me think I should check out some of what I missed.
Last weekend was my birthday weekend. The celebration was two fold.
Saturday night we had the entire family (both sides) out to the house for some grilled meats, cake, ice cream and good old fashioned family bonding. So basically we ate a lot and passed babies around. Everyone seemed to enjoy the food, which is a nice compliment for yours truly. It was made known that I'm saving up for an ipod itouch, and donations would be appreciated. The gifts received were generous. Also got a graphic novel from my sister in law Elizabeth which I haven't read yet but will review here as soon as I get it done.
Then on Sunday (my actual birthday), I went on a road trip to Chicago with my brother to see the mighty Iron Maiden in concert. I've been a fan of the band since I was in 5th grade, 1983. My first Maiden concert was in 1988 (how'd that take so long?) and they are one of those bands that I'll see any chance I get, and I will buy any new release of theirs with no hesitation. Actually, I will buy pretty much anything with the words "Iron" and "Maiden" on it. Over the years I've had at least 12 t-shirts, multiple posters, at least 2 hats, a wallet, a jacket, buttons, books, and of course all of their albums on LP, cassette, CD and I even a downloaded song (something I almost never do). Iron Maiden is one of those bands that inspire fierce loyalty in their fans. Either you get it or you don't and it's okay if you don't. It just adds to our enjoyment.
So to see one of my all time favorite bands on my birthday was pretty cool. Although the weather was really hot. I mean, like, unbearably so, and I like hot Summer days. I don't even mind humidity...but this was just nuts. It was hot and sticky in the late afternoon/early evening, and when the sun went down, it got worse. As much as I love Maiden, about halfway through the show I just wanted to sit down and stop for a while. I couldn't help but notice that the band took slightly longer breaks in between songs as well, which meant singer Bruce Dickinson got to ramble on about whatever the hell it was he was talking about, I'm still not sure. I think the guys just needed to cool off for a few minutes.
The heat did nothing to decrease the performances, however. The band has just as much power and passion as they've ever had. In fact, I believe they sound better now than ever. These guys are full of energy as well. Dickinson, for example, is 51 and leaps about the stage, jumping all over the ramps and risers with an energy that rivals that of entertainers in their twenties. Steve Harris (bass) was all over the stage as well, and the rest of the band were all on top of their game.
Many have commented that the set list for this tour is too heavy on the newer material. Granted, it would have been great to hear some more of the classics, but the newer material is still top notch, and when delivered as well as it was, it's hard to argue with the decision. As with any band, every fan has songs they want to hear, and if I had my druthers I probably would have dropped two or three for some older songs as well. But I give credit to the band for sticking to their guns and doing sop much new stuff. Again, lots of old school fans are complaining, but as a fellow fan, I can't in good conscience do the same. I still follow the band, and am familiar with all the songs, because that's what a fan does. Otherwise, you're just a poser, and there's no room in my world for that.
One other brief point (too late!), the fan base for Iron Maiden seems to be getting steadily younger. I noticed lots of young teenagers at the show, at least 10 of them in the rows behind and in front of us. Youngsters rocking out next to receding hairlines and beer guts. That's pretty cool.
As for the rest of the trip, we stayed at a fairly nice Hilton Garden Inn hotel in Tinley Park. We ate at Rosie's diner just outside of Mokena Il. and had some really good hot dogs in a cool little neighborhood diner. The pickle made the dog. On the way back we saw pigs in a truck, an antique mall with a bunch of crazy crap on the lawn (pink elephant + spaceship = awesome), and laughed out loud about the Senator Paul Simon Freeway sign-it has a bow tie! A little rain and a little construction, but we made good time.
So, all in all, a great weekend. I got a little dehydrated at the show, my feet hurt for two days and I came home tired but it was all worth it. Thanks to everyone who came to the party. Thanks to my brother Derek for coming along. Big thanks to Valerie for letting me go and staying back with the twins. You're the best.
Up The Irons!
P.S.: Also on the bill was prog-metal band Dream Theater. One of my favorites from the early 90's, I stopped following them around 2003 or so, because I felt the material was getting weaker. Really good set though, makes me think I should check out some of what I missed.
Monday, July 5, 2010
Checking In
Wow, can't believe how long it's been since I last posted. Sorry. I've been super-busy and super tired which is not the greatest of combinations. Now let's catch up.
So yesterday was the 4th of July. We played "Stranglehold" til the stereo couldn't take no more of that rock and roll so we put on a little George Jones and just sang along. Shooter Jennings reference. Sounded cool though, didn't it?
Actually I had a really relaxed Fourth. After church the babies went to sleep and Valerie got to go run some errands by herself, which is a luxury these days. I stayed in the basement all afternoon watching the new documentary DVD on awesome Canadian band Rush, and finishing up another difficult to take movie by Brazilian director Mojica Martens. I mentioned his movies in the last post and while I still can't recommend them, I am strangely drawn to them, though fairly repulsed as well. Anyway, after all that, I decided to actually do something fairly patriotic (and St. Louis specific) and grilled us up some pork steaks. Mmm-mmm. That's good eatin'. Then we watched some fireworks from the window at our back porch (we can see like three different displays from there), and called it an early night.
Last Wednesday Valerie and I took Tessa for her first trip to the zoo. Overall, we had a really good time. There were a few temper moments, but she's two so that's forgivable. Tessa loved the children's zoo (natch), where she got to brush the baby goats...and a really big one, too. She had fun on the carousel, watching the penguins, seeing the elephants and hippos, and of course, riding the zooline railroad. There were a few moments that bothered her, mostly walking into dark exhibits. I had to carry her into the penguin house ("I scared, Daddy.), but once she saw those goofy little guys splash in the water she couldn't get enough. Tessa also clung tight to Daddy in the tunnels during our train ride, but she enjoyed it. Unfortunately we weren't able to see all of the animals-we had to leave about 1:00 for nap time. So the giraffes, monkeys and crocodiles will have to wait until next time.
So, what else? Let's see, my brother and I have begun dipping our toes into the waters of being a band again. We've only had one rehearsal going over the Blue Tattoo stuff, but it sounded pretty good. We're still a little ways from figuring out where to take things next, but a few more rehearsals/meetings should help things along. Things could get exciting again soon. Watch this space.
I guess the only other major thing that happened was Father's Day. I got my cake, as well as some books. One was "The Barbecue Bible" by Steven Raichlen is basically a giant recipe book with some good ideas from across the globe. A little too involved for my tastes-I like simplicity on the grill, but still interesting and with some good information that should keep me inspired and grilling for some time.
I also got the first two volumes of "The Complete Bloom County" by Berke Breathed. "Bloom County" was my favorite comic strip during its run. I've really missed it since it went away. Not for its political stance-that stuff gets dated. In fact, there are notes in the side columns of the books to explain who some of the people referenced in the strip are. Contrary to popular belief Bloom county wasn't really a liberal strip-it was satire and during the 80's conservatives were in power so that's what got spoofed. But the strip also poked fun at the media and culture of the time. Every fad and social trend worth its weight, from Heavy Metal bands to T.V. Evangelists to yuppies and plastic surgery was sent up in Bloom County. Sure, the dialogue was biting and the tone sometimes dark. Yet there was also an essential sweetness to the strip, an innocence and optimism found in characters like Opus and Binkley that seemed to ground the strip and make the reader feel that, anxiety closets filled or not, somehow we'll all get through this mess all right. Many of these qualities really came through in the later years, but it's fun reading the early stuff just the same. Sorry to ramble about a friggin' cartoon but reading this stuff is kind of like getting a letter from an old friend. That's what good art can do for you. Even if it's about a talking penguin and a cat who barfs a lot.
Alright, gotta go. Need to get some sleep. See ya real soon.
So yesterday was the 4th of July. We played "Stranglehold" til the stereo couldn't take no more of that rock and roll so we put on a little George Jones and just sang along. Shooter Jennings reference. Sounded cool though, didn't it?
Actually I had a really relaxed Fourth. After church the babies went to sleep and Valerie got to go run some errands by herself, which is a luxury these days. I stayed in the basement all afternoon watching the new documentary DVD on awesome Canadian band Rush, and finishing up another difficult to take movie by Brazilian director Mojica Martens. I mentioned his movies in the last post and while I still can't recommend them, I am strangely drawn to them, though fairly repulsed as well. Anyway, after all that, I decided to actually do something fairly patriotic (and St. Louis specific) and grilled us up some pork steaks. Mmm-mmm. That's good eatin'. Then we watched some fireworks from the window at our back porch (we can see like three different displays from there), and called it an early night.
Last Wednesday Valerie and I took Tessa for her first trip to the zoo. Overall, we had a really good time. There were a few temper moments, but she's two so that's forgivable. Tessa loved the children's zoo (natch), where she got to brush the baby goats...and a really big one, too. She had fun on the carousel, watching the penguins, seeing the elephants and hippos, and of course, riding the zooline railroad. There were a few moments that bothered her, mostly walking into dark exhibits. I had to carry her into the penguin house ("I scared, Daddy.), but once she saw those goofy little guys splash in the water she couldn't get enough. Tessa also clung tight to Daddy in the tunnels during our train ride, but she enjoyed it. Unfortunately we weren't able to see all of the animals-we had to leave about 1:00 for nap time. So the giraffes, monkeys and crocodiles will have to wait until next time.
So, what else? Let's see, my brother and I have begun dipping our toes into the waters of being a band again. We've only had one rehearsal going over the Blue Tattoo stuff, but it sounded pretty good. We're still a little ways from figuring out where to take things next, but a few more rehearsals/meetings should help things along. Things could get exciting again soon. Watch this space.
I guess the only other major thing that happened was Father's Day. I got my cake, as well as some books. One was "The Barbecue Bible" by Steven Raichlen is basically a giant recipe book with some good ideas from across the globe. A little too involved for my tastes-I like simplicity on the grill, but still interesting and with some good information that should keep me inspired and grilling for some time.
I also got the first two volumes of "The Complete Bloom County" by Berke Breathed. "Bloom County" was my favorite comic strip during its run. I've really missed it since it went away. Not for its political stance-that stuff gets dated. In fact, there are notes in the side columns of the books to explain who some of the people referenced in the strip are. Contrary to popular belief Bloom county wasn't really a liberal strip-it was satire and during the 80's conservatives were in power so that's what got spoofed. But the strip also poked fun at the media and culture of the time. Every fad and social trend worth its weight, from Heavy Metal bands to T.V. Evangelists to yuppies and plastic surgery was sent up in Bloom County. Sure, the dialogue was biting and the tone sometimes dark. Yet there was also an essential sweetness to the strip, an innocence and optimism found in characters like Opus and Binkley that seemed to ground the strip and make the reader feel that, anxiety closets filled or not, somehow we'll all get through this mess all right. Many of these qualities really came through in the later years, but it's fun reading the early stuff just the same. Sorry to ramble about a friggin' cartoon but reading this stuff is kind of like getting a letter from an old friend. That's what good art can do for you. Even if it's about a talking penguin and a cat who barfs a lot.
Alright, gotta go. Need to get some sleep. See ya real soon.
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