Friday, December 14, 2012

Welcome to my Nightmare

This morning I took my son to school.  It was just like any other day.  He's 10 and I have been super protective of him his entire life.  I have a habit of dropping him off at school, walking him to class and watching him get settled in.

For the last couple of weeks, I have been working on having him walk to class on his own.  Give him his Independence.

So, this morning, I decided today was the day.  We got out of the car, I walked with him to the gate, said goodbye and said "have a great day" and gave him a kiss.

He walked on his own and turned twice to look back to see if I was in my same place shadowing him.  I wasn't and he kept going with a smile. 

I realized that it wasn't him that needed me to walk him to class, but it was me that needed it.  It's so hard to accept the fact that kids grow up.  I actually teared up as I watched my little man on his own.  It was the first moment in my life as a dad, where I realized he's his own person.  My Little boy is so smart, so sweet and such an inspiration to me.  He has his challenges and will never be 100% on his own, but he's on his way and I know if he gets the character and drive to succeed that is in his genetic make up, he's going to be great.

I called my wife to share the feeling and I know she also got choked up.  It's an indescribable feeling when you have that moment of pride for a child and fear of their independence.

Then I came home to see the news of the tragedy in Connecticut.  My joy turned to sadness.  For a parent, taking your kids to school and watching them grow is such a daily milestone.  School is a place to learn, to make friends and to become a person.  We look to teachers and school as a place of safety.  When I drop off my kids, i feel comfortable and confidant with their caregivers and educators.

A day like today, really makes you realize that nothing is ever in your control.  There are crazy, disturbed monsters in the world that we can't always be around to protect them.  I think there should be a word that was stronger than tragedy.

That feeling of letting my son go on his own to his classroom...the fear, the pride, the letting go of the chord that I felt so good about as taken in a moment when the reality of life and the world was put in front of my eyes by one monster and his violation and disrespect for innocence and life this morning.

I look forward to picking up Miles this afternoon, looking at his beautiful face and giving him a hug.  As long as I'm around him, nobody will ever hurt him without a fight.



Thursday, November 8, 2012

and not consolation

For some reason, over the weekend I thought of Jeff Buckley.  I went through my CD's to find his album Grace.  I don't think I've listened to the album in years.  When I put it on, it made me very sad.  Sad to think about how he died and how early in his life.  The fact that what had been released was only scratching the surface of his potential. 


I knew Jeff from working at Columbia Records and from my neighborhood.  To say we were friends would be an insult to his friends, so I would say we were friendly.  When we would see each other out, we would always have a real fun chat about absolutely nothing, but he always was really nice and such a talent. 


But, listening to Grace, brought back more feeling for me than just those for Jeff.  Hearing the song "Last Goodbye" brought me back to the time of when I worked at Columbia.  The memory is so amazing, because I could feel and remember everything from the time I was there.  My friend Steve Berkowitz, who signed Jeff to Columbia, had his office 2 doors down from mine, so when he would be listening to tracks, they would come through my walls.  So, I could walk over to his office and ask him questions about it or just give my opinion.  You see, this time I'm talking about was a time when all of us in the A&R department worked together.  Not together in the same office, but together as friends and supporters.



This period of time (for me at least) wasn't in this place the whole time I was there. This was after David Kahne came in as head of the department and under the direction of our boss Don Ienner, the label was going to be lead by A&R.  Our signings were to be done for both creative growth and commercial success.  Some were instant and some we growers over time.  The idea was great and maybe really stuck for a few years, but in the end, you need to sell records (it is a business, right) and the patience for growth got a lot shorter.  Not to say it didn't exist, it was just a lot harder to wait for something to become (financially) big for the investment.  I get it.  It's a bummer, but I get it.



Anyway...so this period of time, the people I had the honor of working with were A&R people.  I'm talking about people who LOVE music and wanted to create careers (and of course have hits and sell records...yes you can do all of the above at once).  This is before the photo-op A&R people or political a&r people came to the company (these types were usually the same guys).  This is why I say it was a short period. 


We would go to bat for each other.  Give advice.  Constructive criticism.  Sure, there was definite competition, but it wasn't an angry type, it was only because you didn't want to lose out priority to someone else.  But again, it wasn't bitter, it was healthy competition. 



During this time, there were young guns like me, who had the passion, but lacked the experience.  There were the mid level executives that had the passion and the experience.  These guys were there for me and other friends to help us learn and guide us through both the creative and corporate waters.  Then there were the veterans who (in my eyes) were my elders (like "Uncle" Don Devito or "Papi" Mike Corbett), whom I respected, admired and went to for everything.  The guys that would take time out of their day to tell me old stories of working with legends, to ask me how they can help by speaking to the bosses.  It was a true team of what real trickle down guidance would look like.  In the end, you would gain experience through success.  Real on the job training.  But, trust me, without these people looking out for you and helping, you would never have gotten there.


The department didn't work in a state of fear.  I wasn't there to take anyone's job and they weren't there to steal my artist is they did well to take credit oh don't forget the photo OP.



This was a magical time for me.  I'm sure other people had a similar type of experience, but those who worked with me during this period will totally understand and recall how it was (or maybe think I was high and it was never like this).  That snapshot of how it should always be in a creative environment.  I had a good run while at Columbia and other than being my bootcamp, it's my fondest memory of my career.



I have been so fortunate in my career where I was employed at several other companies.  I have met and worked with so many amazing people and have had the honor of helping so many talented people.  To see where they are now, from where they were when I met them is so rewarding.  I have also seen where a lot of the most talented people I know fell into the dark from all the changes that happened over the years through mergers, redundancies and the general collapse of the music business and this makes me sad. 



I watched the business change as I would move from company to company and realize that I will never have that same experience I had for that period of time I had at Columbia.  The competition, the fear that others had, the backstabbing I witnessed was just a canary in the coal mine of what was going to happen.  Here we are not 15 years later and we are really just down to a handful of labels, no records stores and a lot of unemployed people.



What makes me bummed in the current environment is the talent that is hired in the entry level of the companies who have no people there to guide them.  Like I said earlier, if it wasn't for these guys in my early years, I would never have gotten anywhere.  There are so many people with the experience that exist today that could be that role at the labels, but they seem to be passed over.  So what I have seen has been a bunch of young, enthusiastic kids getting hired, who in the end have really short careers due to the fact that A&R is more than going to the clubs and knowing what bands are cool.  The veterans that are at the labels are scared to death to lose their jobs, so don't really mentor these guys to the degree they need it, so you end up with a bunch of stillborn artists and stiff releases (and a loss of jobs for these under experienced guys).  For the ones that squeak through, it's almost like a miracle (but it does happen). 



The a&r process is a lot like the idea of building from the middle class out.  With a strong group of well experienced (and helpful) people in the middle helping those learn and excel, you would grow a strong foundation and have better odds at success.  It's the middle (the core) that strengthens it all.  But, I guess it's not cost effective when you have over paid executives and really underpaid entry level people, not to mention the increase of quick turnover, conveyer belt artists that have a really, really short time to succeed before it's onto the next.




I find so much joy in finding a young musician, or a young talent booker, young a&r people with a job at a label or a student who just loves music and giving them help or guidance to meet their true potential.  There is such a reward when you see others succeed for me.  Sure, I'm currently unemployed and maybe writing this post is therapy for myself to just get it out or maybe it's hope for someone to rediscover me...who knows. 


I just know that without the support system we had at Columbia Records, I don't think myself and many of my former colleges could have ever had long term careers. 


I made some of my best friends over these years.  Some I speak to daily, some monthly and some hardly ever, but I know we all shared the same experience and we will forever be connected because of that.


I can't listen to the 90's station, Lithium or Back Spin on Sirius without hearing a song during an hour where I can say Nick, Josh, Jim, Mitchell, Mary, Randy, Matt, Faith, Benjie or Steve signed that. It's pretty amazing.



The day I heard the news of Jeff Buckley's passing, I thought of Steve.  I was sad like everyone else who was touched by his music.  Jeff was Steve's signing, but at the Columbia A&R department, he was all of our artist.  That support system was what made us so strong. 


Jeff tragically died walking into a river by himself and got caught up in a strong and violent current that swept him away into the dark. 



As I wax poetic (not Wax Ecstatic) about this period of time at Columbia Records, I feel as though this time also got pulled by a strong current of change where the art and family support system on the creative side of the music business has also disappeared into the dark. 



I hope it can come back to the light and not be our Last Goodbye...


Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Father Time

Has it really been almost 4 months since I posted last?  Wow... and so little has happened.  It's pretty interesting to reflect on where the time has gone and why I stopped any form of banter that I spew on this page.  After said reflection, I can honestly say that nothing happened.  Just life.

Summer came and went.  Kids home bored, kids at camp, me bored, wife works...


 Things of note include watching both seasons of The Walking Dead and Both seasons of Boardwalk Empire.  I really love TV and love the fact that you can download (legally) these programs.  Of course, now I hate waiting a week for the next episode.

Music:  Nothing new.  New music pretty much sucks.  Rediscover old records and realize how much music sucks today.  Justin Bieber thew up on stage while the track of him singing kept playing, which made him run off stage.  This of course, made me think of Milli Vanilli on the Club MTV tour, where their hit "Girl You Know It's True" skipped win the middle of the show "Girl you know its, Girl you know its, girl you know its..." where Rob Milli (or was it Rob Vanilli) then ran off stage.

All these hacks are the same... I feel like Philip Seymour Hoffman playing Lester Bangs in Almost Famous now.  Is this a sign of age? bitterness? or truth?  Perhaps a bit of all...

Anyway... I hope to get back to this blog on a regular, because even if nobody reads it, It's a nice outlet to just talk about nothing.


Speaking of talking about nothing, Jerry Seinfeld has an amazing web series called Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee... It's great.  My personal favorite is the Ricky Gervais episode.


Sunday, June 17, 2012

No Sense In Us Cavemen Burning Our Hands

Today is Fathers Day.  I've been a dad for 9 years, but for some reason, this year seemed to be the first time when I felt like it was recognized by many friends and the wife.  Not to say she never recognized it, but this one felt different.  I'm sure it's because it's really the first year where I haven't had a full time office job and our 2nd kid is now 2.  Huge difference between 1 and 2.  At one, they are little things..at 2, they are little people.

It was really nice to get this unexpected recognition.  Mostly, because being a stay at home dad just becomes a job and like most jobs, you tend to feel overlooked for your achievements (understandably, because they are expected of you...just like at an office job) and criticized for for under performance (again, just like an office job).  But, being put on a pedestal and being given a day, really is rewarding.

I started out the day getting up early to go surf with my cousin and nephew... no better way to start fathers day.  And on my way called my dad.  We had a great chat and the conversation made me reflect on a lot of things.

I always looked at my father as my own personal Ward Cleaver.  He worked real hard all day.  Was a loving husband and cared about his two boys.  Like Ward, he always wore a dress shirt and slacks and dress shoes.  Would help us with our homework (sometimes got really into it and would actually DO my homework).  But, really set the bar high for me as a Father.

I had the great fortune of being raised by 2 great parents.  Both brought different things to my life, but both were equally important.  My Mom and I were extremely close and until she died. We would speak daily (usually 2 times a day) and she helped me though a lot of things.  It's tough not having her around.  My Father was important because he taught me the importance of working hard and discipline.  He taught me how to be patient, pick you battles and always go through life with understanding for others.

I actually recently found all my report card from High School and after reading them, called my dad to apologize for being an idiot in school.  Sure, I graduated, finished college in 3 years, but man, for being the son of an overachieving genius, I must have been a disappointment on the academic side for sure.

After my mother died, my dad and I went thought a bit of a rough patch, but that was short lived.  People get emotional and confusion at the loss of a family member, but in the end, the example he set for me growing up was much more valuable to me than any issue we had.  You only have one father.

I feel bad for people that don't have that kind of relationship with their families.  Understandably, many are for good reasons that make it so the should never communicate, but I have seen more that usually are from petty or short term arguments that blow out of control to where they can't put the cap on the bottle again.  It's kind of sad to watch, because when its too late to fix it, it becomes a thing that you live with forever.  It haunts your soul and you wish for that one more chance to say "I'm sorry" or "I love you".

I came home to two wonderful card from my wife and my kids.  OK... both from my wife.  And they were the most touching cards a dad could ask for.  I felt important.  Important to my family and recognized for what I have done being at home taking care of things.  Yesterday, I was down on where I am.  A former executive folding laundry and doing household chores.  Today, I feel like I'm making a difference.  I hope to be Ward Cleaver to my boys.

I don't know if this feeling will last.  It's a tough transition for any stay at home dad.  But, If I'm making the same kind of impression on my boys that my folks made on me to shape who I am.  It's a good day.


                                                    Oh...How times have changed...

Thursday, June 7, 2012

Chili Con Carne

Ever since I was a little kid growing up in NY... One meal that I always loved was the Chili my dad would make.  I remember him getting up super early and starting it up and letting it cook for a long time.  We would eat it that night and it was great as a left over.  Chili actually tastes better the 2nd day.  No idea why.  Maybe it's just me.  Oh and as I got older, the last thing you wanted to smell first thing int he morning when you had a hangover, was his chili... just a side note from my memories.

As I became a dad, I wanted to share this fine recipe and meal with my boys.  Of course, they won't eat it.  So much for tradition.  My wife loves it and we really can have it a few times during the week and is always easy to reheat.

I wish I could say the recipe was some magical family one, handed down from generation to generation... but it's really just from the New York Times cookbook. 

I actually called my dad a couple years ago to get "the secret recipe".  That's when the balloon was burst.  NY Times.  Anyway... It's awesome.

Ingredients:





3 Tablespoons of Butter or Olive Oil
1 Large Onion
2 Garlic cloves, minced



1 pound chopped beef (I use turkey)
1 1/3 cups of canned or diced tomatoes with the juice (that's equal to one 14.5 oz can)
1 green pepper, minced
1 cup water

2 tablespoons of chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin seed, crushed
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon celery seed

1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/8 teaspoon basil
1 small bay leaf


 1 can of kidney beans (drain the liquid before using or else it makes it gross and sweet)


Directions:

So the most important thing I learned was to prep.  Meaning get everything in order before you start.  That way, you aren't cursing looking for stuff while something is cooking, etc.  If you have everything ready, once you start, it's just about adding.  Also makes it easy to clean after.



1. Mince the onion and garlic cloves and place in a dish.  Mince the green pepper (I like to drain some of the juice so it's not too watery) and mix all your spices into a bowl and set aside.

2. Heat the butter or oil in a large pot.  Add the onions and garlic and saute until golden brown.  While this is happening and you are stirring the onions and garlic so they don't burn.  In a separate pan, place your meat and brown it.



 3. Once both are nice and browned, add the meat to the onion and garlic and mix them well.



4.  Add the remaining ingredients to the pot and bring to a boil.  Once it's boiling, reduce to a simmer and cook uncovered for 3 hours or until the sauce is as thick as you desire it to be.




 5. After 3 hours or when you are satisfied with the thickness of the chili, add the can of kidney beans and cook through (about an additional 10-15 minutes on simmer.



 6. That's it.  Serve and eat with chips or plain.  The total time this takes is about 3 hours and 15 minutes to 3 and a half hours.  The prep itself is about 15 minutes, the rest is waiting.  Your house will smell awesome and like I said, the meal is great on day two.  If you have to make more, just double the ingredients.  It never goes wrong.





Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Stand Up Chicken

This is one of the easiest things to make.  It's healthy, delicious and everyone loves it... other than vegetarians,  Sorry.

I will say, this is the one meal (as easy as it is) makes me squirm a little in the prep process.  I like to pretend that food I eat was never alive once.   So, the seasoning of this chicken, you can't escape the reality of what you are cooking.

As a chicken eater, I can't do bones.  I don't like eating anything with bones.  But, after this meal is cooked, for some reason (maybe it's how long I cook it), I don't mind.

This meal is a two step process and takes about an hour and a half. 

Ingredients:

                                                                    One Full Chicken

                          Any Season All - I use McCormick- (Now Morton) Season All Seasoned Salt

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350.


2. Prepare the Cookie Sheet and Stand Up Chicken holder by covering with aluminum foil.  This isn't necessary, but it takes no time and will save you so much time at the end (clean up). 




3. Wash the chicken thoroughly and pat it dry.


4. Cover the chicken generously with the Season All to coat the entire chicken.  This includes under the wing and under the drumsticks

5. Place the chicken on the standard place in oven for 90 minutes.  It should be cooked through by this point.  I personally like it very crispy, so leave it in for an addition 10-15 minutes.  Remove from oven.


6. When cutting the chicken, make sure to leave it on the stand.  Your first cut will release a lot of juice.  That's good.  From there, Slice as desired and serve.


7. For a side, I live to just make some rice and corn.  The kids really dig that.  You can make anything really.  It's chicken.



Whatever you don't use, you can just slice up and use later in a salad or as another meal later.  Enjoy.



Monday, June 4, 2012

How You Like Them Apples?


Ben Affleck is a career and franchise killer.

I'm not a fan at all.  It's not just because he's a Boston guy (I'm sure that might be how he first got on my douche radar), but more from watching how he has killed franchise films, characters and ruined the careers of everyone he has been close too.

I would like to start out my noting that fellow Bostonian and co-academy award winner and former best friend, Matt Damon (I am a huge fan, regardless of the love for the Red Sox) ran for the hills.  I would guess he has some sort of Spider sense that was beyond tingling... Another reason that I love Matt Damon.

Back to Affleck... The first time I saw him was in 1993's (and personal top 10 favorite film of all time) Dazed And Confused.  He played the douche character "O'Bannion".  A bully dickhead who gets his from the kids he gets off torturing.  I didn't think much of him, other than he was a dick.  Interesting, that the 1st impression I got of him stuck with me all these years.  But, he was playing a character, my dislike for Affleck came more from his uncanny ability to ruin a lot of things I really like.

After Dazed and Confused, the next time I saw him was in Kevin Smith's sophomore film Mallrats. As a huge fan of Clerks, I had beyond high hopes for this film.  Kevin Smith was my favorite up and coming guy.  He liked comics and movies... He put good music in his movies (I credit my buddy Benjie for that, since he was the music supervisor on that film when we worked together).  But a good comic guy and film guy shows how smart he is by who he chooses to advise him on music....

Mallrats was pretty bad.  Not horrible, but not great.  The curse of Affleck began.  Kevin Smith, unlike Matt Damon, did not possess the Spider Sense.  You would think a comic freak, who believes in the Force would see or trust his instinct.  My Guess is Affleck was too far in his head.  Then along came Chasing Amy.  Again, not a horrible film, but was not going in the right direction for career building as Clerks had set up Kevin Smith.  This would be where I would have hoped Kevin Smith would cut Affleck from his downward spiral... No.  His work wasn't done yet.

Then along came Good Will Hunting.  A brilliant film that was (allegedly) co-written by Affleck.  But, from watching that film, I have always been suspect that Affleck jumped on the Damon coattails and rode the wave.  An academy award later, he had credibility.  But, I'm positive that Spider Sense was tingling in Damon's head.  Matt went his own way and got involved with films like Saving Private Ryan, Rounders, The Talented Mr. Ripley...later to get involved with franchise films like Oceans Eleven, The Jason Bourne series and Martin Scorsese... Sans Affleck.  He ran for the hills.  Smartest career move ever.

Affleck looked like he was going to make it back.  Get off that bad streak.  He went into Armageddon.  Huge hit (he did kill Bruce Willis though).  It was looking better!

He got to star with Sandra Bullock in Forces of Nature... That force made old Sandy run to never make another film with him again.  Spider Sense.  Bravo Sandy...Just wish it worked for your with Jesse James...we can't win them all.  But you saved your film career.

Then, old Kevin Smith broght him back for 2 more movies that were the precursors to hitting rock bottom, again courtesy of Affleck.  I'm getting ahead of myself.  Affleck and Smith convinced (I think I would call it guilt) Damon to appear in a small roll in two more failures, Dogma and Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back.

He also was responsible for blowing up Pearl Harbor again with his horrible acting in a horrible film.

Somewhere in this time period, he met and started dating Jennifer Lopez.  Lopez, coming from nothing but hard work to get up in the business was at her highest point at this point.  Starring in her breakthrough role of Selena, acting with George Clooney in the fantastic film Out of Sight and having number one hit songs and tours as a singer.  J-Lo was on fire.  Then came Affleck.

The two of them started dating, he appeared in her videos and the two of them starred in the (before mentioned Rock Bottom) fall of Kevin Smith's Jersey Girl.  As the final nail in coffin of  Jennifer's rising film career came Gigli.  Sure, both Smith and Lopez would recover (kind of), but it wasn't until they got rid of Affleck.

The same year, Affleck took the time to really ruin one of my favorite comic book characters and kill the film franchise before it even had a chance to become one.  In the same film he met his future wife Jennifer Garner, who was fresh of the brilliant JJ Abrams TV series Alias.  She had nothing but success in her future.  She could be an action star, America's sweetheart.  Sky was the limit.  Then came Affleck.  The two of them starred in the horrible Daredevil.  She played Elektra (why, I have no idea).  Not only was the film a flop, but so was any future Daredevil movies.  Frank Miller wrote a series that could have been a film franchise.  Garner went on to do a horrible spin off of Elektra (another bomb) and so was the rest of her film career.  The two had kids, she's pretty much over with A list status and He is still out there getting more chances.

I can go on, but it makes me sound insane.

So below are some other examples of his career/franchise killing: 
 
The Sum of All Fears - He played Jack Ryan. A character Harrison Ford had made a franchise (fucker)
Clerks 2- Really Kevin? I feel like I need to stage an intervention

Things I will give him credit for, because I try and find a positive in everything:

Hollywoodland - Very good performance of George Reeves (Irony.  Reeves killed himself/was killed after killing the Superman franchise)
Gone Baby Gone - Didn't see it.  heard it was good
The Town - Heard it was good, didn't care, because it's Affleck and Boston.

I looked him up on IMDB and it looks like he will be spending more time directing and writing than acting.  I fear for the poor up and coming actor that may get caught in his web of career death.  I also saw Matt Damon may be in an untitled production as well.  I'm guessing the every ten years guilt  film.

I hope you have that Spider Sense, Matt.  I'm a huge fan.

Pineapple Upside-Down Cake GF/CF

After discovering the skill of cutting a pineapple, I decided to look into other things I can do with it other than snack and use in the green juice

I decided to try the old Pineapple Upside-Down Cake.  It was actually pretty easy.  I haven't tasted it, but it looks good.  I wanted to make if Gluten and Dairy free so everyone in the house could enjoy it. 
Truth is, I hardly ever eat this stuff, I just need new ways to pass the day and try and impress the family. 

Making things GF/CF is really easy.  Betty Crocker made now make boxes for things like Yellow Cake.  So that just makes the experimenting of what GF flour is best, etc...

This took no time at all.  It was maybe 10-15b minutes of mixing etc and the baking was around 40 minutes.  You let it cool off for around 30 minutes and can either serve it immediately or refrigerate for later.

Here's the ingredients:

1/4 cup of Butter (I use Earth Balance that comes in a stick for easy measuring)
2/3 Cup packed Brown Sugar
2 tablespoons light corn syrup
6 slices of fresh cut pineapple
6 maraschino cherries (i hate these, so opted out...your choice)
1 box (15oz) Betty Crocker Gluten Free yellow cake mix
1/2 cup butter (softened. I just put it in the mixing bowl and put in the microwave)
2/3 cup of water
2 teaspoons vanilla
3 eggs

The instructions:

1. Pre heat the oven at 350.  In a 9 inch pan (I used a rectangular one).  Place the 1/4 cup of butter, place it in the pan and in the oven to melt.  Once melted, stir in the brown sugar and corn syrup.  Spread this combo evenly in the pan.  Arrange the slices of pineapple on top of the spread.  If you like the cherry thing, put those in the center of the pineapple slices.

2. In the large bowl, beat the cake mix, 1/2 cup of softened butter (this is why I soften it int he microwave), water, vanilla and eggs with an electric mixer on slow for 30 seconds.  Then increase the mixing speed to medium for around 2 minutes while scraping the sides so it mixes well.  Pour the batter over the pineapples evenly.

3. Back the cake on the center of the oven for around 40 minutes.  After 40 minutes, check if it's done by sticking a toothpick int he center and make sure it comes out smooth and clean.  If it's done, remove from the oven, run a knife along the sides to make sure it's not sticking to the pan.  Put a plate or cutting board (easier due to the size of the cake) and flip the cake over onto the board or place.  Remember, this is hot, so make sure to use oven mittens or towels.  Leave the pan on top of the cake to let the sugar topping drizzle over the cake.  After 5 minutes, remove the pan and let it cool for 30 minutes.


Saturday, June 2, 2012

And then it just becomes an industry of... cool.

I was doing my normal surfing the web stuff checking out new bands and seeing if anything would blow my mind.  I have been lead down the bad path my entire career.  People that know me, know that there are buzz words that get me excited.  When I read reviews, and I see some of those words, I'm quick to jump and give it a shot.

Back, pre MP3's or even as that whole world was just starting up, a lot of indie bands and unknowns were not easy to find, so that's when I would go to the local record store and find it or even ask them to order it for me.  I can't tell you how many times I threw Cd's out my window so bummed that I got sold a bill of bullshit.  There are some writers that I actually like.  Cameron Crowe, Robert Christgau, Jon Parales, Toure...I was too young to have been around for Lester Bangs, but I'm sure I would have loved him.  I'm also sure he would have annoyed me too.  But writers like these examples always write (or wrote) from a standpoint of merit, not what's cool.  I don't want to listen to music because you are supposed to, I want to listen because it matters and is good.

The one that stands out to me this day (and I still think are bullshit) was The Gossip.  I read some review in maximum rock and roll or some magazine like that, that said they were a modern take on the garage band of whatever.  I wish I remembered who wrote that review, so I could kick him in the ass.  Years later, I would see NME and Perez Hilton, praising Beth Ditto as some rock goddess... I stared to question NME from that day on... Perez Hilton, well, he's the last person I'm going to follow when it comes to music recommendations.

The London Souls

Anyway... I was looking and came across a band from NY, I had never heard of called The London Souls.  The place I got the tip from didn't compare them, but mentioned bands like Cream, Led Zeppelin as similar artists.  This was exciting.  With the wonders of the Internet, I was able to find their album on Spotify

It was easy and didn't cost me a dime, but I must say, It took away a lot of the discovery process I used to love. 

Back to the band.  I listened with such high hopes and was once again disappointed.  I didn't dislike it, I think I was just hoping for so much more.  The vibes were all there, I liked where they were going, but it always comes down to the song.  They unfortunately had none. I was actually hoping this post would be a praise of the band, but it became more of a thought about how no matter what the medium (press or blogs), I have to learn once and for all, not to listen to reviews. 

I'm sure a lot of people hate my opinions and recommendations, so perhaps someone has the same rant based on something I suggested. 

Fast forward to the following day.  Again, I have never heard of The London Souls in my life.  All of the sudden, I'm reading another post somewhere and there is a post about the band.  Unfortunately, It wasn't about new songs or a tour, but the singer Tash Neal was in intensive care after a hit and run incident in NYC. 

I have a lot of hopes for the band, I just don't think they are there yet.

I hope everything turns out OK for Tash and he has a speedy recovery to get back to it!  I'm pulling for you my man.




 


Friday, June 1, 2012

Gabba Gabba Hey

I may have said this before, The Ramones are my favorite band of all time.

There isn't a band/artist I listen to more.

When 3 of the 5 original members died, I couldn't have been sadder.  Joe Strummer came a close 2nd to breaking my heart.  I look back at moments when I could have said something to any of them (Dee Dee lived near me in Hollywood and I would see him all the time), Joey, I would walk by or see at shows in NYC and Johnny, who I recall sitting next to me at a restaurant long after they broke up in Los Angeles.  But, one of my issues in life (and my career), is that I'm a fan first and get super scared and intimidated when I'm in the same room as people I admire.

I just spent the evening watching End Of The Century - The Story of The Ramones for the 8th time.  Every time I watch this brilliant documentary, I get sad all over again.  Sad from the story itself, sad that they are gone and never to play again and sad that I never said the things I wanted to say when the opportunity presented itself.



The words that were written in their huge catalogue and the melody and most important, the influence they had just kills me.  This happens so often when pioneers and talented people that are responsible for a sound, for an emotion from the listener, never gets it's due.  The Ramones, Fishbone, Bad BrainsSchooly D, the list goes on.  It's so frustrating to me.  I can only imagine how it feels for those artists.

I hope one day to have an opportunity to tribute The Ramones and let people see these songs and these performances for the beauty and genius they brought to rock and roll.

Until then, we have the catalogue, the DVDs, T-Shirts, the bootlegs and the books...

Thanks Joey, Dee Dee, Johnny, Tommy and Marky for giving everyday of my life a soundtrack.

I miss you.

Here's the whole film for your viewing pleasure.



Thursday, May 31, 2012

Fuck art. Let's dance

Being a stay at home dad, you find yourself to be really busy doing chores, housework, running errands and being a chauffeur. 

I mentioned earlier that the saving grace are headphones

I spend a lot of time listening to music.  I try to check out new bands, but I swear, a lot of them suck.  There are some standouts, but the majority suck.  I feel like labels and bands have gone to do things like Facebook.  If you don't refresh fast enough, you are forgotten or you move on to the next "big" thing.

That's why I find myself back to the classics or albums I grew up on and making playlists of those songs.

I always loved the labels that created a scene.  Labels that when they put things out, you bought it because there was a trust between you and the label.  There are some that still try that, but I don't trust them as I would others.  Third Man (in theory) would be a modern version of that kind of label, but I feel like I just don't care about a lot of the releases and that it's more about Jack White and what he does than the artists.

When I look back, I think of labels like 2 Tone, Def Jam, Sire, IRS, Sub Pop , Creation even Fat Wreck Chords and Epitaph and Hellcat for a while... These labels were such a trusted brand, fans were proud to wear T Shirts , Jackets and buttons of the LABEL.  The label was as big a star as the artists on it.  I love that.

I recently saw a documentary about one of my favorites Stiff Records.  They were so great for the diversity in what they released.  It didn't have to sound like everything else, sometimes it sucked, but I trusted them.  I saw they tried to recently revive it and it was retarded.

I see a lot of these names getting revived and hope to see them make it work.  It would be nice to go to places for substance and build that trust again.

If I ever get a chance to do something again, it would be to create and build that kind of label.

Here's the Stiff Documentary in pieces...








Wednesday, May 30, 2012

And almost everything you'll see is eatable, edible. I mean, you can eat almost everything.

When you have two kids and are in charge of all things homemaking.  After you put on your dress and apron and really feel manly, you spend a lot of time doing laundry.  Lots of dirty clothes, dirty sheets and dirty towels, these are 3 things I can assure you if you don;t take care of, the boss will stick it to you when she gets home.

I was raised by a mom who wouldn't stand for any of these things, so I've already been trained to take care of these issues, even if I was working full time.  Laundry is a nuisance but the reality is that it really takes no time.  Other than the folding, the time to put it ion the washing machine and transfer it tot he dryer is about 90 seconds.  The washing is automatic.  Sure, folding and putting away could take a whole 5 minutes, but I'll sacrifice 5 minutes out of my very busy day to do it.

I recently discovered the Tide Pod.  This colorful pod is a miracle.  It really makes washing clothes real easy.  No measuring, so mess.  Just throw it in and that's it.  You are done.

Tide Pods


Of course... and there is always a catch, this pod is very dangerous around kids.  It really looks like an Everlasting Gobstopper candy made by Wonka.  I experienced the danger first hand.  I was sitting in my kitchen goofing off, I mean folding laundry, when I heard a "pop".  This "pop" was my 9 year old holding a pod and squeezing it.  Luckily, It just shot across the kitchen (just missing his eye by an inch).  I wanted to yell at him for playing with it, but when you see it, it looks like a balloon of some sort.  It cleaned my floors real nice, but made me realize that these babies need to be hidden.  I'm just glad he popped it and didn't try to eat it.  Like I said, It looks like something Wonka would make.

Wonka Everlasting Gobstopper


A few days later, my cousin Cindy came over and saw them.  She asked me if I had read about the dangers of the pods.  i hadn't.  Well, I'm just glad I'm not the only idiot parent not thinking.

Take this as my warning to you, so you don't have a bad experience.  Put these suckers up high and away from kids.  But enjoy their adult convenience.



Tuesday, May 29, 2012

One Night in Vegas...with Hepcat and some payasos

I had the pleasure of spending one night in Vegas working with one of my favorite bands, Hepcat.  I first heard Hepcat in the early 90's while living in NY.  Their debut album Out of Nowhere came out on Moon Records and was one of those records that just leaves you in awe.

Years later, I would marry the person who had been managing Hepcat for years.  So, by association I became part of that family.

Hepcat went on to record 3 more albums, tour the world and then take a long (of a few) hiatus.  The beauty of a hiatus is that you can really start to miss a group, so when they return, It's special.  Some bands never take the time off and burn themselves out, ruin all they worked for by making bad decisions and just losing that special element.  Bands like Fishbone continuing without the original members that made them Fishbone was a mistake.  I get it.  It's their livelihood, but at who's expense?  The brand?  the audience?  it's such a hard thing to criticize and hard to understand.  Everyone has their own reasons and opinions.

Back to Hepcat and Las Vegas.  After another 2 year hiatus, the band came back to perform at an event called Punk Rock Bowling.  I didn't see any bowling, but I know it was happening.  I did see some punk rock.  Rancid headlined and always deliver, Cockney Rejects performed and were great as well. I heard them the 1st time on the compilation called Oi The Album in 1981.  The songs are still great.

I saw a lot of new punks with their hot topic clothes and their very well manicured hairstyles (and IPhone), I also saw the old punks that really shouldn't look that way anymore, but maybe dust off the old tshirt, old jacket and relive the old days.  I have to say, myself and Hepcat aged the best.  We can all wear the same kind of clothes and not look like "Payasos".

Having a traditional ska and rock steady group in the middle of a bunch of punk bands was a true example of how the scene was back in the good old days.  I don't think the new bands would get it as much today.

The other observation I had was how the hierarchy of punk still exists.  Who gets on stage to watch and where is still such an important status symbol.  I hate to say it, but the best view and sound is still from the floor.  I never understood why everyone was so hell bent of standing behind the drums.  You can't hear shit and you really can't see the show itself.

I was on stage for Hepcat, because I had to be.  Here's some video from where I stood.  oh the sound is awesome (sarcasm)!




I hope to see more Hepcat shows in the future.  These guys are all class.  Thanks for letting me be part of the family.


Saturday, May 26, 2012

You're Not Gonna Get Docta Doom????

I had some of my family over earlier today.  We always have a great time.  We took a walk down the street to this comic book store called Meltdown.  There are very few of these stores left.  It's quite depressing actually.  The ones that remain are big and well put together, they are still run and employed with the most annoying people in the world.  This is not a put down, this is just the fact that these people talk the most nonsense and are always super loud so you know, they know more than you. 

I think of myself of having a vault of useless information, but when you overhear them comparing Hank Pym (Antman) with Chris Brown (apparently Hank Pym, like Chris Brown beat his girlfriend and that's a thing that no matter what he does, he can't shake off from being remembered for...Yes, this was the conversation I just heard) my vault of dumb information runneth half full.  The comic geek beats me hands down.

In New York in the 80's, I would go to stores like The Batcave on MacDougal street to buy my comics, I would go to conventions (they always smelled) and had, really, no problem following a series and a storyline.  Back then, all the stationary stores and magazine stands by the bus stop carried them as well, so it was easy to keep up.  I could read Daredevil, X-Men, Spiderman, The Flash, etc and it was real simple.

Walking through Meltdown, I had no idea where to even start.  There were so many comics that even if I decided to start now, I would be out an easy $500.00 out the door.  So, after a couple walkthrough, I decided to not even bother, but to see where the current books are compared to the old days.

Well, everyone has changed.  The appearance and what I knew is now gone.  This was proven with two books alone.  Classic "comic"characters.  Archie and Richie Rich.  I'm not going to even try to describe the difference, but show you...by the way, Archie Meets Kiss.  Why is Archie meeting Kiss?


I know the writing is great these days and the stories have moved to be relevant to real life.

I actually applaud Archie comics for standing up for Gay characters and welcoming them into Riverdale as well as addressing the Occupy Wall Street movement.  It was a bold and brave move.  My favorite thing was the outrage by Christian retards and how the CEO of Archie Comics responded,  “As I’ve said before, Riverdale is a safe, welcoming place that does not judge anyone. It’s an idealized version of America that will hopefully become reality someday. ... Kevin Keller will forever be a part of Riverdale, and he will live a happy, long life free of prejudice, hate, and narrow-minded people.”

The X-Men just took on gay marriage (much respect to Marvel)

As far as current comics go, I think I just need someone to guide me through where to start and what's great.  I saw tons of graphic novels, so maybe that's the solution.  I just know my "collecting" days are way gone.

On of my fondest memories comic related and I still laugh about this day, was back when I used to collect action figures (dolls, if you want to be a dick about it), and my friend Benjie and I were at the Toys R' Us in Union Square.  We were just minding our own business browsing.  Benjie picked up a pretty cool Dr. Doom action figure and was contemplating buying it.  He decided not to and carefully placed the action figure back on the shelf when this fat, smelly guy with glasses came running down the aisle yelling (and i mean yelling) "YOUR NOT GONNA GET DOCTA DOOM????" I have never seen Benjie jump quicker to kung fu stance in my life.  If you saw this guy, you would have too!

Let's just say that was a real reality check.  I may have ceased my collecting after that day.


Friday, May 25, 2012

It's a Smilin' Saturday Morning

In the 70's (and the 80's), Saturday Morning Cartoons were a special block of time dedicated to kids. 

These days, I think it's mostly crappy news shows and you can hardly find a cartoon.  Not that kids should be plopped in front of the TV, but there was nothing wrong with having "our time" on Saturdays. 

The shows were a lot more fun and were geared to age groups.  Today, you need to watch Nick Jr for preschool programming, Nick for grammar school and TeenNick for more mature kids...of course there is Nick at Nite for us old folks. 

If it wasn't for Nickelodeon, there would be very little for kids to watch.  I'm not just saying that because I almost got a job there.  Missed it by that much.  I would still love to work there at some point in my career, it's true.  I love their shows.  As a dad, they are a relief.


But, back to the 70's and 80's.  All the networks focused on Saturday Morning TV.  You would see ads in comic books, their would be previews and the shows would be featured in scholastic magazines like Bananas.  There were shows like Battle of the Network Stars, Happy Days, Wonderama and School House Rock...


 Every year on the eve of the debut of the the new Saturday Morning line up, there would be a sneak preview on prime time.  I remember how much I couldn't wait for this.  I was looking for a particular show I loved that very few recall called Kids from C.A.P.E.R. and came upon the 1976 preview.  I wonder how high Freddie Prinze was.



I had just moved back with my family from 2 years living in Pakistan.  This was amazing to me.  For the last two years, I had no TV and my only connection to the US was comic books (that were 6 months behind) and the Sunday comics we would get from the US newspaper.  I have no idea what paper or if this is true...i might be making that part up, but it sounds right.


Watching these clips, took me back to the excitement of being able to watch these shows for the first time and only time.  No VCR, no Tivo... You watched it and it was over.  You would then spend the rest of the week at school talking about what you saw with your friends.

These days, I hate to wait for anything, but I wish the anticipation and excitement still could be achieved.  It was a special feeling.








Thursday, May 24, 2012

I Call That A Bargain

Who doesn't love a deal.  Amazon does a daily deal.  Most of the time, they are useless items you will never need.  Sometimes, there is something you always wanted, but never could justify paying the asking price.

Following the Amazon deal of the day, you might just find something.  In addition to the deal of the day, there are also Lightning Deals.  These are usually hourly and have a time and quantity limit.

Items I have picked up included The Godfather Collection on bluray for $20.00 (I don't even have a bluray player), The Complete Little Rascals for $25.00 (I already own it, but could be a good gift), an Expedition First Aid Kit for $11.00 (you never know...but it was $11 bucks!), the Wolverine 35mm Slides and Negatives Digital Image Converter (love this) for $40.00 and have missed many deals due to not checking on time (A blessing in disguise).

I have the Amazon app on my iPhone to keep tabs when sitting around waiting for something to happen in my day (This is just sad).