Jar of Flies - 25 Years

 Released today in 1994 . . .

Justin Beiber

We just saw Justin Bieber on SNL, and called the girls down to watch him perform. LuLu is well and truly in love w/ the guy, and Junie says his name so cute . . . Anywho, while the Haters Hate, the kid produces enjoyable music with a radio friendly hook. Also of note: he did a fine job replicating Luda's rap from "Baby".

On Pearl Jam going too far

I'm aware of Pearl Jam's violent themed poster showing the White House in flames and the President dead on the ground (created at their own request).  It cost them my attendance in Chicago later this month, tho I am well aware that hurts me more than it does them. It is an unacceptable, juvenile and unpatriotic act that would draw my ire no matter what party was in office.

Let me be clear on another point: I've loved PJ since '91, and as with all celebrities, right and left, I've long ignored their political opinions. The ability to entertain doth not make you intellectually gifted. As much as I love Eddie Vedder, he's a high school dropout whose last "real" job was as a grocery bagger. Even as a senior in high school myself, I knew that wasn't the resume that screamed "all knowing sage."

Greta Van Fleet

Someone (probably Dan r or Mike C) mentioned listening to Greta Van Fleet,  so I picked up the CD. My literal thought as it played? "Holy s----, maybe rock isn't dead." They sound like Zeppelin with a wee bit of Heart  - so much so that it's like Zep made a secret album in 1969 and asked its release to be delayed by 50 years.  Great album,  great band.

The Grammy's

Me too (no hashtag implied)

Prophets of Rage

Members of Rage Against the Machine, Public Enemy, and Cyprus Hill came together as a group to produce a record that's pro "Resistance," anti-cop, anti-Trump, anti-drone, and pro-weed. I've listened to it three times so far. Their politics make me giggle, but the music is pretty good.

Drumline Competition

 With Lisa and YaYa, watching PD perform at the city drumline competition at MHSA. We were asked to lead the way here, but, uh, as Lisa said about her driving:

Wanna lead the caravan?.... "sure, i drive there almost everyday, have two kids at the school"....next scene.... I take a wrong turn ...lol smh

A Big Night! (Katy Perry)

Guess where Lisa and Junie are tonight? 

Drummer Boy

Smiley's Piano Recital

I just returned from Smiley's piano recital at Hamilton High School. The asterisk next to his name denotes the fact he was promoted to a higher group over the course of the three month long, weekly Milwaukee Rec class. He did great, and showed extraordinary confidence!

RIP Chris Cornell

Of the big names from the Grunge scene that I loved, and love still: Layne Staley and Andy Wood died of heroin (as did Scott Weiland), and Chris Cornell and Kurt Cobain by suicide. The last frontman standing, a mere quarter century in, is Eddie Vedder [knock on wood.] 

What a depressing day for my generation. 

RIP Chris.

A fun little guessing game

Ok not many of these look fun but this does. 10 concerts I've been to but one is a lie. Which one?

1. Alice in Chains

2. Kenny Rogers

3. Madonna

4. Metallica

5. Garth Brooks

6. Billy Ray Cyrus

7. Tina Turner

8. New Kids on the Block

9. Prince

10. Alanis Morissette

Good luck

The answer? I've never seen Metallica in concert.

Chuck Berry

 Oh no! RIP Rock n' roll pioneer, the legendary Chuck Berry

 I preordered the new NKOTB EP last week.

20 Years

20 years ago today Biggie Smalls was murdered. RIP.

Also, damn I love The Who.

Happy Birthday Kurt

 Kurt Cobain would have been 50 years old today. RIP good sir.

An Old Favorite

Listening to Meryn Cadell, happily introducing the next generation to her song, "Barbie". Thanks to Sioux for introducing me over 20 years ago. Good memories. I've been redeemed, lol - LIsa

Very True

Dean Martin was better looking than, and had a superior voice to, Frank Sinatra. Discuss.

Christmas Music

From Thanksgiving on I only listen to Christmas music on the radio, but I've grown dissatisfied with 95.7 and their repetitious secular classics. So I've switched to 93.3. Many of the same tunes, of course, but a fair number of classic carols too.

George Martin

 It hardly matters given Fred's passing but RIP George Martin, legendary Beatles producer.