And I care because

Years ago my brother and I went to an ensemble show at the Abbey Pub. I think it was called the, “women who rock” series. One of the minor acts (Panda Panda) asked us, “is anyone eating out there?”. Some one shouted back, “the cheeseburgers rule!” which made the frontwoman stop and say with a sneer, “I just think it’s funny that someone would eat meat at a Panda Panda show,” the guitar and drum duo then went on to perform entirely forgettable set. I don’t think they got more than polite applause after each song. Even the vegetarians were underwhelmed.

The comment remains burned into my memory mostly as a warning: don’t be snarky unless you can back it up. Most People at the show didn’t come for Panda panda. I doubt a quarter of the crowd new that Panda Panda were vegatarian or vegan. The headliners were The New Pornographers and Mates of State (who, by the way, rocked). Panda Panda’s content was, at best, filler. They didn’t have a single stand out moment outside of their snarky dismissial of someone’s dinner.

I realize that I’m, at best, contributing to the filler of the Internet. I do try to back up my snark with decent content-and I do think I have a few good posts-yet I also realize that posting sparse chip review doesn’t help my position out. I hope to step up my game shortly.

Tin Whistle!

A new Goal for 2009, learn this:

via Tin Whistle Buyer’s Guide and FAQ

The whistle can be used to play haunting slow airs or the most complex up-tempo jigs, reels, hornpipes and other dance tunes. You will find many people who have heard and loved Irish Music and didn’t realize it was the little whistle often creating those beautiful sounds. The Tinwhistle is often heard in pop, rock, and modern music too

Other Goals for 2009:

Run for Congress

Get a FOID card

Get a Motorcycle License

Aerosmith: Trying to Remain Relevant (again)

via Aerosmith’s Joe Perry walks this way with John McCain – BostonHerald.com

I have one Aerosmith song in my iTunes collection: Walk this Way. I have it because Run DMC makes it awesome. Otherwise, I find Aerosmith to be the rough equivalent of Greasey Spoon/Bad Diner music. It tastes great but it gives you diabetes and leaves a bitter aftertaste in your mouth. Personally, I find Aerosmith to be completely unpalatable. They’re like Grits: Texture, but no flavor, unless you add said flavor.

So I was not surprised when I heard this:

“I’ve been a hardcore Republican my whole life,” he told the Herald. “My mother and father drilled into me from the very start that if you work hard and be positive, you’ll get what you’re working for. I guess I’m living proof of that.”

Of the rocker’s endorsement, McCain spokesman Tucker Bounds said: “Joe Perry is an icon of rock-and-roll and a great American. John McCain absolutely appreciates his support.”

I will concede that Perry, and Aerosmith, are Icons of rock. I’m not sure why this makes Perry a great American. My parents drilled into me to work hard, be positive and be kind. Does this make me a great American to?

The entire thing is ridiculous. Aerosmith is completely irrelevant to today’s rock scene. They reinvented themselves in the 80s with Run DMC. They attempted to do it again with Bon Jovi, Britney, Mary J Blige and Nelly. I do not care if, historically speaking, they a “great band.” What have the done for the scene recently? Their Blues recording? An entire album featuring the same bloody riffs?

Aerosmith, like the Stones, jumped the shark long ago. The fact that Joe Perry backs McCain is not surprising in the slightest. Both Aerosmith and McCain are tired, old, and saying the same damn thing OVER AND OVER again.

2008 Political Mix

So I made a CD for Sid’s and the Debate Party we’re having next week. Since it’s my idea, I’m guest bar tending. If you’re in the area, you should stop by.

Anyway, on to the CD:
Power To The People: John Lennon
War Pigs: Cake
Know Your Rights: The Clash
All You Fascists: Billy Bragg and Wilco
War Sinéad: O’Connor
Redemption Song: Joe Strummer
Paranoia (Never Enough): Ted Leo and the Pharmacists
I Got Your Number: Ted Leo and the Pharmacists
Shake the Sheets: Pharmacists & Ted Leo
Last to Die: Bruce Springsteen
The Rising: Bruce Springsteen
Keep The Car: Running Arcade Fire
Four Winds: Bright Eyes
Plasticities (Remix): Andrew Bird
16 Military Wives: The Decemberists
Hey Clown: Firewater
Dirty Old Town: The Pogues
The Yeah Yeah Yeah Song…(With All Your Power): The Flaming Lips
Indian Summer: Pedro The Lion

This is a jukebox CD, meaning I can get away with multiple songs by one artist.  At the same time, I feel that the CD is missing something.  The ending track could be a lot stronger (read:  Louder).  Anyone have any ideas?