MOG - Blue Meenie's Posts

An unlikley pairing

Blue Meenie — Sat, 24 May 2008 17:01:38 GMT

Like folk-rock? How about Classical violin? Well Josh Ritter and Hilary Hahn are from two very different musical spectrums. Yet I believe thats what makes this so precious.

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=90185501

No marketing angles here. Just two artists that consider it a "double bill", but play together some as well.

Cartoon Cover

Blue Meenie — Sun, 04 May 2008 17:37:22 GMT

Ahhh, the 70's. Saturday morning cartoons were never missed. Faithfully watched Scooby, Spiderman, Merry Melodies (i.e. Bugs and crew, and so many more. In 1995 a disc was released titled "Saturday Morning Cartoons' Greatest Hits". So many great tracks. Here is a cool version of Hong Kong Phooey, done by Sublime,in their own unique ska-punk style.

Download SXSW artists

Blue Meenie — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 12:30:48 GMT

I'm not sure if anyone put up this link. http://2008.sxsw.com/music/showcases/date/2008-03-12.html I found it through E-music. There's many artists listed who allow you to download one of their tracks for free. (note the little cassette icon beside certain artists). I'm so far behind in reading posts, I'm just gonna have to skim thru the last little while...

Power Pop Perfection

Blue Meenie — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 03:53:15 GMT

Far from a "newcomer" to the scene, Bill Majoros has crafted a fine debut for his latest project, The Foreign Films. Check out this track, if you be likey, go to his myspace page for more...

http://www.myspace.com/theforeignfilms

Good ol' Nina Hagen

Blue Meenie — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 02:31:38 GMT

Someone posted earlier 'bout Nina, which in turn reminded me of this video...

You thought Winehouse had a kooky look. Well she ain't got nothin' on this girl.

Hoping for many more....

Blue Meenie — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 19:28:53 GMT

WOW! I guess I overshot my anniversary! One year. Time flies when your having so much fun! It's been like one long Rock N' Roll year long party! So many great MOGsters out there, it sure makes for some interesting reading, listening, laughing, and crying. I'd never been on a forum for more than a week or two, until I crossed paths with MOG. I'd tried photography groups, cooking groups, gardening groups, outdoor, canoeing, and hiking groups, etc..., but I suppose my biggest passion is MUSIC! Most of you out there must share this view, hence the strong ties that have developed among us like minded individuals. Cheers to all, and many thanks to helping me become more musically literate. EMCD's RULE!

P.S. I dunno know why the Waits tag. Just came to mind, so I threw it up there :)))

Old Friends

Blue Meenie — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 19:11:28 GMT

While listening to shuffling music at home today, Ricki Lee Jones's "Danny's All Star Joint" started. It brought to mind an old friend who was a HUGE Ricki Lee fan. She dressed like her, new every song lyric, and was just plain infectious. Turned us all on to a great artist. Many thanks Jackie wherever you got to.....I hope your well.....in Coolsville :)))

Americana........ or......Canadiana?

Blue Meenie — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 23:29:16 GMT

Lately been diggin' on a hometown hero, Tom Wilson. His last album (Dog Years)has been described as "Americana". Although recorded mostly in Nashville, Tom is all Canadian thru and thru. This excerpt is from his site, tomwilson.net

The core of Dog Years was recorded in just three days at The Rendering Plant, a studio in Nashville favoured by Shelby Lynne. Tom and Colin later added some backing vocals and guitar parts at Linden’s home, but the essential spontaneity of the sessions remained. Lending their talent are such legendary players as Funk Brother Bob Babbitt, Gary Tallent of The E Street Band, and bassist David Roe (Johnny Cash), while Colin Linden adds characteristically fluent guitar. Their approach complements Wilson’s musical mission. “The whole point of making music to me is to communicate,” he stresses. Tom communicates via a voice best seen as a force of nature. Seemingly spawned from the mud of the Mississippi Delta, it is steeped in the spirit of the blues. It also reflects Tom’s beloved hometown, Hamilton, Ontario. It is raw, honest and unpretentious, primal and a little dirty, but possessing its own unique grace. If Steeltown could sing, chances are it would sound a lot like Tom Wilson. A colourful cast of characters assist with co-writes on DOG YEARS. They include Englishman Stephan Starbuck (The Verve), American David Ricketts (Sheryl Crow, David & David), and such ace Canadian songwriters as Josh Finlayson (Skydiggers), Craig Northey (Northey Venenzuela, Odds), and Tawgs (Edwin, Kazzer). Top comedienne Cathy Jones (This Hour Has 22 Minutes) proves herself a real musical talent with Keep On Grinning penned with real-life partner Wilson. Not that the prolific Wilson requires help in the writing department. After all, his compositions have been covered by the likes of Murray McLauchlan, Billy Ray Cyrus, Edwin, and Colin James and Mavis Staples. “I just like writing with other people because I’m interested in their perspective,” explains Tom. This eclectic ensemble of co-writers helps account for the refreshing diversity of DOG YEARS.

Oh Joy!

Blue Meenie — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 21:28:09 GMT

I came home today from another marathon day of shopping (still not done!), and lo...there in the mailbox..... a package! A Secret Santa Package! Ripping it open with the enthusiasm of an eight year old I find a marvelous two disk "Winter Mix".

I've made many Christmas mixes over the years, for friends and family, but it has been quite some time since I have received one.

I've listened once thru, and am ready to hear it all again! Many artists I know, but not the track.Who knew Sarah Harmer covered Stormy Monday? Or Bright Eyes does a cover of Mushaboom? Plus some new to me groups/artists (gotta love EMCD's!) wOOt! I'm stoked! What a great mix. Darmuzz, you made me one sweet mix! Hope you too have a VERY MERRY one!!!

Favorite cartoon track

Blue Meenie — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 21:01:25 GMT

I thought I'd posted this sometime in the past (yep, just checked), but it had to do with cars. This time I was curious if everyone has a fav cartoon song. Kim Basinger oozed sex appeal in Cool World. Theme songs too i suppose. Always used to like Top Cat growing up (I know I'm freaking old!).... don't remember if it was that great a song, but I loved the show.

Feist

Blue Meenie — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 06:03:32 GMT

Well all I can say is "AWESOME!" Feist on Mon. nite was a really enjoyable show. The girl can definitely sing, AND she plays a pretty mean guitar! The subdued but effective lighting was perfect for her show, with a neat, simple shadow play (projector and various props) controlled from sidestage. I believe she played all of The Reminder, except perhaps Past in Present, with slight variations, and intro changes. Mushaboom, Gatekeeper, the Bee Gee cover..."Inside Out" I think. On more than one tune, her band would leave the stage and let her shine all alone. When the loop started for Honey, Honey, I was wondering who was gonna be singing all the backing vocals. Ms. Feist leaned over a microphone, chanting..., then again, filling up a looping vocal recorder, until a wall of harmonies backed her up. She was very entertaining with a few stories about Hamilton, and her trip to get here. Snowbound in Newfoundland, her and the band almost didn't make it. I've read other reviews that mention her red "Gibson", but she had called it her "Guildy", because it's a Guild, and by adding a "y", it seemed cute. She received it from her "Uncle Dan" who runs a studio here in Hamilton. After getting her previous guitar stolen, he gave her the "Guildy" on the condition she get it insured. She also mentioned her father, Harold Feist, has a painting, hanging in the lobby of Hamilton Place (where the show was). Great sound, crowd sang along, and backed her up on some tunes. I remember everyone singing "did I, did I" during Intuition, and " Ba-da, Ba-da-da, Ba-da, bada" for 1,2,3,4. Her band was excellent. Most were playing multi-instruments, switching from guitar to banjo to piano. Keyboards, horns, bass, drums all sounded perfect, and just filled the songs nicely. If she happens to be coming to your neck of the woods, I would highly recommend checking her out.

A good evenin'

Blue Meenie — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 15:32:28 GMT

Went out last nite to see a friend open up for Robyn Hitchcock. Little did I know there was a middle act. Sean Nelson (whom I'd never heard of before) came onstage and sang and played piano. Apparently Sean was in Harvey Danger, and has sang with many groups. http://seannelson.net/ http://www.myspace.com/seannelsonandhismortalenemies He was very engaging, witty, with a beautiful voice. He was so entertaining I had to purchase a cd from the merch table. Also a writer for a Seattle based paper, you may read more here, http://www.thestranger.com/seattle/Author?oid=969 The cd has 10 tracks. 4 originals, with others tracks written by Nilsson, Malkmus, Dylan/Danko, and Bono [+Nelson]. You can tell he is very much appreciative of great songwriters. His lyrics are clever, with a bit of sly humour. I couldn't be happier for goin' out on a thursday night :)

Ms. Feist on SNL

Blue Meenie — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 01:33:00 GMT

I missed Saturdays' show, so found the following vid. Think I'll be seeing her here next month based on the performance from saturday.

Another missed show....

Blue Meenie — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 19:51:42 GMT

Well, another show I'm gonna miss this Fri. is Eric's Trip. http://www.viewmag.com/viewstory.php?storyid=5542 I'm so tapped from my trip to the East coast last month, I've picked up a shift (Fri. night) to help pay for all the incoming bills. The irony of all this is that Eric's Trip is originally from Moncton, N.B. where I recently spent a lot of these donairo's I was just mentioning. I noticed the only previous posts about Eric's Trip were from Amy_Honey

http://mog.com/Amy_Honey/blog_post/52453

Main frontman is Rick White. Here is his myspace thingy

http://www.myspace.com/rickwhitealbum

Still more Josh

Blue Meenie — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 00:36:46 GMT

I just picked up Mr. Ritter's latest, and am still absorbing it. It came with a bonus disc, that really only has one full length tune. Wildfires comes in at a respectable 4:48. Great track too. But the snippet of a song 'Naked As A Window' kinda grabbed me. Here it is...

More Josh Ritter

Blue Meenie — Sun, 09 Sep 2007 02:10:45 GMT

I saw a post of Josh performing Springsteen's "The River" (which is awesome) http://mog.com/zoot/blog_post/106549

here is a track off the new album, from the same party. Imagine Josh just sittin' in your living room playing some of his latest stuff. How cool.....

I've missed you MOG

Blue Meenie — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 21:32:36 GMT

I guess I've been away from the pulse of MOG for some time. Now that all my money has been spent on my new home, I'm sure to be staying in, Mogging away much more. A whole month with no internet wasn't as bad as I anticipated. I even joined the New Brunswick Library! Read a few books, and got to jam with a couple friends down that way. The first weekend I arrived there was a BluesFest BBQ in town and on the beach! It was their first annual, and hopefully not the last. Saw some really talented muscians play. Keith Hallet from Fredricton was a new up and coming blues guitar talent (heard of him K?) my space : http://www.myspace.com/keithhallett A band from Ontario was also playing. Phil N' The Blanks were entertaining, with really nice vocals from the girl in the band (I've forgotten her name). Her boyfriend/husband? was playing with them, and I do remember his name as I spoke with him some. Rick Taylor. Has his own band here around southwestern Ontario, and has worked at Hamilton's Grant Ave. Studio (Daniel Lanois first studio). Rick was playing a Fender Bullit, and man, he was good. Kinda in a Jimmy Vaughn style. Anyhow, I suppose I'll be reading backposts, and commenting away for the next week or so.....

The Allure of H2O to songwriters

Blue Meenie — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 21:35:47 GMT

The rain has begun here, and it got me a thinkin'. What is the allure of writing about water? Just think about how many songs you know deal with : rain, the sea, the ocean, rivers, drowning, Floods (ie. my favorite, Peter Gabriel's "Here Comes The Flood.") I believe we all have a love for the life giving stuff, and reflect it in our art/music. I'm gonna make up a water mix....any cool tunes you wanna throw my way? 1.Talking Heads : Take Me To the River

Been Beesy

Blue Meenie — Tue, 19 Jun 2007 14:29:45 GMT

I've been away for awhile, and after all the problems MOG's been having, i suppose i am lucky to have missed the worst of it (we hope!). As the picture above relates, I've been a bee-sy guy. I've just bought a nice little house on the East coast to retire to. Unfortunately I won't be retiring for 10-12 years, so will be renting it out.

I know it's a crappy pic, but it was taken right off the MLS spec page.

Goin' down this Aug. to enjoy/work and prepare for some lucky folk. Two blocks to the yacht club. Trail out my backdoor to Parlee Beach. Just a quaint little tourist town, lobster capital of.... well Canada anyway.I had thoughts of Blair while writing this. Wishing him all the best, and wishing I could just move East (I know, opposite direction. lol)tomorrow. I think Blair has brought out the wanderlust in all of us. I've added a Tom Waits tag, although I believe Mr. Waits is speaking of a different house, I still love this song. Lines like "come down off the cross, we can use the wood", classic Tom.....

Jump Blues

Blue Meenie — Thu, 10 May 2007 01:19:54 GMT

In the vein of Louis Jordan, Edmonton's "The Rockin' Highliners", could always get a joint swinging. I suppose they've gone their separate ways now, but the shows they put on in the past were a real treat. Here's "Two Bones and a Pick", a great cover version of the T-Bone Walker classic.

more info here http://www.rockinhighliners.com/music.asp

Old time Pickin'

Blue Meenie — Thu, 03 May 2007 22:08:45 GMT

Just picked this up today...

Great stuff! I also found another classic track on YT so......

Gotta ROCK!

Blue Meenie — Thu, 26 Apr 2007 21:24:47 GMT

I dunno why, but I got an urge to jump about foolishly (a la Tom Cruise) rocking out to this classic track, with none other than Mr. Link Wray on guitar. I've heard afew versions of this tune, but I espcially like the backing vocals on this chorus. Nobody else does the "rock, rock", then "rawwwwkkkk", in their versions.

Turn it up...

Blue Meenie — Thu, 05 Apr 2007 04:53:51 GMT

Ever go to someone's place, who has a stereo system to die for? Makes ya drool with envy. Maybe 10-20 or even 30 grand invested? Ever take some music with you, hoping to hear on the aforementioned system? What music would you love to hear? Something with great production, cranked up and sweet sounding. I mentioned this track on a Jazz post earlier... Shirley Horn - Don't Let the Sun Catch You Cryin'. That and Tori Amos - Hey Jupiter can really reveal great sound from an exceptional system...

Local girl does good

Blue Meenie — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 12:26:45 GMT

Here is a local girl (Hamilton, Ontario, Canada), with such a voice, y'all should give her a listen....

I prefer her alone, or with a lone accompaniment, such as the following...

I saw a small clip of her at this years SXSW, and I believe she has now relocated to Nashville. I believe she is touring now, opening for Jesse Cook. website - http://www.melissamcclelland.com/

Spring has come

Blue Meenie — Tue, 27 Mar 2007 20:47:54 GMT

Just shot this in my yard today.

woohoo, spring has sprung!

Blues School 101

Blue Meenie — Wed, 21 Mar 2007 17:12:06 GMT

Perhaps the most important blues musician still touring today (I'd say tied with B.B. King) is Buddy Guy. Without a doubt the best showman to ever play the blues, and the biggest influence to all the rock guitar guys from the late 60's early 70's. Eric Clapton said "Buddy Guy was to me what Elvis was for others.He is by far and without a doubt the best guitar player alive...if you see him in person, the way he plays is beyond anyone." Later blues great Stevie Ray Vaughan once said "Without Buddy Guy, there would be no Stevie Ray Vaughan." Ever wonder where Jimi Hendrix got his shtick from? As told on the Wiki page... Guy’s dramatic live shows used to involve much leaping off amplifiers; playing guitar with his feet, teeth, a handkerchief or a drumstick; playing guitar behind his back; playing guitar while hanging from the rafters by his ankles; and going on a walkabout into the audience on the end of a 150 foot guitar cord: cordless guitars were not yet available. Guy would sometimes begin his sets from inside the men’s washroom, all the while shaking up the house with his wild multi-fret bends and piercing, string-snapping attack. He would then get on stage and dive into his solos, maybe capping a run by flipping his guitar backwards and sliding the pickups over his T-shirt, laughing all the way.

Born in Louisiana 1936, and transplanted himself to Chicago in 1957, Buddy worked odd jobs, and played clubs at night. He said "I didn't even dream of saying, "One day you might hit the right note and not have to drive a tow truck anymore." I didn't plan this; I didn't see this. Because after I played with Muddy Waters and Little Walter and all those guys, I thought I had to go right to bed. I didn't care about no record or nothing, and I just said, I met the guy I come here to meet. And that was high as I could go." Trained in the school of Muddy, meant alot in Chicago in the late 50's early 60's. Otis Rush, Junior Wells, Little Walter, Jimmy Rogers, James Cotton, Otis Spann, Pinetop Perkins, all played/recorded with the late great Muddy Waters. I checked out youtube, there's alot of vids from various live perfomances, but I felt they didn't do the man justice. I'll just put up a great old track from his Complete Chess Studio Recordings double cd, American Bandstand.

Reality T.V.

Blue Meenie — Mon, 19 Mar 2007 20:33:51 GMT

Earlier today, while listening to a radio announcer say "what's on T.V. tonight". I mistakenly thought this was a new group. He went on to announce who was on Leno, Conan, Kimmel, etc.., but my mind began reciting a Talking Head song "Found a Job". Bryne and crew were way ahead of reality T.V.(which I despise) when they penned this story-song. Lryics as follows...

"Damn that television ... what a bad picture"! "Don't get upset, It's not a major disaster". "There's nothing on tonight", he said, "I don't know what's the matter"! "Nothing's ever on", she said, "so ... I don't know why you bother."

We've heard this little scene, we've heard it many times. People fighting over little things and wasting precious time. They might be better off ... I think ... the way it seems to me. Making up their own shows, which might be better than T.V.

(CHORUS) Judy's in the bedroom, inventing situations. Bob is on the street today, scouting up locations. They've enlisted all their family. They've enlisted all their friends. It helped saved their relationship, And made it work again ...

Their show gets real high ratings, they think they have a hit. There might even be a spinoff, but they're not sure 'bout that. If they ever watch T.V. again, it'd be too soon for them. Bob never yells about the picture now, he's having too much fun.

(CHORUS) Judy's in the bedroom, inventing situations, Bob is on the street today, scouting up locations. They've enlisted all their family. They've enlisted all their friends. It helped save their relationship, And made it work again ...

So think about this little scene; apply it to you life. If your work isn't what you love, then something isn't right. Just look at Bob and Judy; they're happy as can be, Inventing situations, putting them on T.V.

(CHORUS) Judy's in the bedroom, inventing situations. Bob is on the street today, scouting up locations. They've enlisting all their family. They've enlisted all their friends. It helped save the relationship, And made it work again ...

Pat yourselves on the back...

Blue Meenie — Sun, 18 Mar 2007 03:54:35 GMT

Wow. Two months Mogging! I can't believe all the great new music i've been turned on to. I've been listening to sooo much new stuff, it's kinda overwhelming. Moggers are the nicest poeple i've never met, and make me feel like part of a musical community that i'm proud to be a part of. Thanks to all the EMCD's out there, for all the new addictive music. Off to watch Snow Patrol on SNL....

Just picked up...

Blue Meenie — Thu, 08 Mar 2007 21:30:00 GMT

I just grabbed this EP today and after a couple spins, I can really dig it. Only 5 tracks but its probably hard to be too productive while hitting on the pipe all day. ( Sorry I couldn't resist ). The track " I wish" stands out, with its ska inflection, and clever lryics. Have a listen....

Song meanings

Blue Meenie — Mon, 26 Feb 2007 22:56:23 GMT

I'm really enjoying the whole album, The Crane Wife. I can't stop playing "The Island, Come And See, The Landlord's Daughter, You'll Not Feel The Drowning". Even though it's so long, it's my favorite on the album. While wondering what the song was about, i found this site.. http://www.songmeanings.net/lyric.php?lid=3530822107858618544 very enlightening.....

Sexy car music

Blue Meenie — Sun, 18 Feb 2007 16:58:42 GMT

Someone posted a nice car picture a couple days ago with their favorite sexy car track. It got me to thinkin' this tune's gotta take the cake....

Downtown

Blue Meenie — Sat, 17 Feb 2007 19:55:35 GMT

Heading downtown in an hour or so to check out Jack...

haven't seen him for two or three years, but he's always great to see live. Good guitar slinging R&B flavoured blues. His web and myspace stuff....

http://www.jackdekeyzer.com/ http://www.myspace.com/jackdekeyzer

Floor Blues

Blue Meenie — Sat, 17 Feb 2007 00:22:06 GMT

I've been ripping up my old floor all day, and finding a beautiful hardwood oak floor has made it all worthwhile. Why anyone would cover this up is beyond me. My back is feeling the efforts of pulling up underlay and I thought I'd listen to a little Jimi doin' Killing Floor....any other floor songs?

Huddie Leadbetter

Blue Meenie — Tue, 13 Feb 2007 16:42:08 GMT

Just in case there's someome out there who's never heard of one of the all-time greatest singer-songwriters .....

and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leadbelly

Evil, evil, evil

Blue Meenie — Mon, 12 Feb 2007 14:11:38 GMT

Evil, evil, evil

Blue Meenie — Mon, 12 Feb 2007 14:11:34 GMT

old Ads...

Blue Meenie — Sat, 10 Feb 2007 13:23:05 GMT

How many inane, useless, but kooky, funny song lyrics are bouncing thru your synaptic consciousness. This Levi's commercial I commited to memory 'bout 30 years ago, and i can't find it on YouTube, cause it works so much better with the audio/visual, but as i remember it went like this..... Well I bought a pair of Levi's and they really been around, I've taken 'em camping, and I've laid them on the ground. They've come with me to parties, and they've climbed up a tree, They've been to school so often, they're nearly smart as me. And after years and years of wearing my Levi's in and out, I couldn't help but notice that the knee wore out. So I sewed on a patch, a flower here and there, and they look so good again that I could wear them anywhere. I'm using them as cut-offs and I'm flying through the air. Now I really think it's time that I bought another pair. You can live in Levi's........ It was an animated Ad that obviously stuck with me. I also remember an old car Ad for the Mini, and of course the old Coke song, "I'd like to teach the world to sing, in perfect harmony....." I suppose the days of clever commercial lyrics is over, as now the company just buys an artists song (or rents i suppose). Using a song this way cheapens it in my eye, as it portrays a train of thought that the song wasn't originally intended to mean. It's great to get the song heard i suppose, but still....

vote!

Blue Meenie — Fri, 09 Feb 2007 16:49:08 GMT

Did everyone vote today? i haven't see any reminders yet....i really need reminders.... https://secure.sxsw.com/peoples_choice/

new...to me :-)

Blue Meenie — Fri, 09 Feb 2007 11:58:17 GMT

While checking out the CBCradio3 website I found an artist called "Darylectones". http://www.darylectones.com/ the cbc page gives an apt desciption of..."whose music has been described as two jazz guys trying to stuff a blues singer down a well. it falls somewhere between tom waits and ry cooder in a soulful blend of world rhythms and old world sensibilities" although sounding VERY much like Tom Waits vocally, the music is much more earthy and pure with nice recordings. My hardest decision now is which disc do i wanna buy. If you go to the CBC site, http://radio3.cbc.ca/ you may listen to all their music(more than their own website). On tuesday i came home early from work (fever of 103.8 ugh) and just listened to this in a tylenol induced blur, probably 2X thru.....very sweet.

missed 'em

Blue Meenie — Mon, 05 Feb 2007 18:35:26 GMT

I suppose I missed a great show over the weekend. I didn't really know too much about Apostle of Hustle. Then today at work, I read the all about their latest release, and how good the reviewer found it. I come home, check 'em out online, and now kick myself.....

I also read today that Jacks Mannequin is coming to T.O. Feb.18th....so maybe I should check 'em out.....

Tom Waits latest...

Blue Meenie — Sun, 04 Feb 2007 16:55:01 GMT

I know we have a plethora of Tom Waits fans around hear. Not sure if anyone has posted their thoughts on Orphans. I've been listening to it sporatically for the last week or so..... A couple songs jumped out after first listen. "Sea of Love" kinda reminds me of the "HeartAttack and Vine" album. Sounds like three different tracks rolled into one. Same sounding production as well. "Long Way Home" sounds like a track that'll be covered by alot of folk. I can picture Emmylou, or Willie Nelson doin' it. With lines like "chimmney smoke, ties the roofs to the sky", "Jayne's Blue Wish" paints a picture in our minds as only Tom can. He also does more than afew cover songs. Maybe the 54 track total was a bit much for even Mr.Waits writing prowness. I think the influences (and there are many. i.e. Joey Ramone!) he chose were done to present an overall feeling/atmosphere."Goodnight Irene", and "Young at Heart", are pretty much standard and unchanged. Other gems include "Down there by the Train", "Tell it to Me", and "Never Let Go". I'm sure as I delve more into these songs, others will become favorites, as has happened with every Waits disc i own......

mixed tapes

Blue Meenie — Wed, 31 Jan 2007 20:15:33 GMT

I haven't made a mixed tape for over a decade, but still enjoy pulling one out now and again. All these posts about mixed tapes made me realize, that for me, naming the finished product was crucial..... i still name my mixed CD's, but they don't seem as inventive as the good ole' tapes..... now only seem to make mixes for special occasions like trips, and call them "canoeing classics" or some such.... I gotta get back to the old days of wacky names.....

Keepin' on with the theme....

Blue Meenie — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 01:04:58 GMT

I'm not a country lover, but I find myself lately listening to more alt.country kinda stuff. Uncle Tupelo, Wilco, The Sadies, The Jayhawks, etc.... Blue Rodeo just drips Canadiana (IMHO).....and just found this.....so.....

Lot's O' Blue...

Blue Meenie — Mon, 29 Jan 2007 16:39:06 GMT

I've notice afew postings over the last week or so, with a blue kinda theme. I thought I'd start off with a nice blue pic, and a cool Muddy tag.

Who loves BLUE(s)? Lets me see/hear what ya got..........

Hoisting one to "Jimbo"

Blue Meenie — Mon, 29 Jan 2007 02:17:16 GMT

Haven't posted for awhile. 12 hour shifts suck. I went to a " Jam" last nite, in memory of a friend who passed on last Thanksgiving. I was pretty close friends with Jimbo (now deceased), so I thought I would attend. HIs widow had phoned to make sure I was bringing my guitar, so I did.... I was told these guys are playing a set by themselves, then I would jump up after the break. I relaxed, chillin' havin' a couple brewski's, and took afew pictures. I wasn't to impressed with the band, but i guess the bass player was Jimbo's brother-in-law, and kinda running the show. I don't think he knew how to set up the sound system as he had the P.A. on the back wall BEHIND them, and monitors to muddy everything up. The bad sound, and hack playing, had soon made up my mind to just do a little solo thing (one song - maybe two) before they went up for their second set. When approched after the 1st set, which was 'bout an hour and a half, (they stopped for about 5 min.), the brother-in-law informed me he had no channel on the mixer for me to plug into, and they were going back up right away.....now i've just worked a 12 hour day shift, gotta go back in at 6:00 a.m., and can see a channel's available to hook me up. So I just grabbed my guitar, finished my beer and left with a bud. The thing that really gets me is I knew Jim BEFORE any of these folk (second wife/family), and he was a really good musician. These guys were total asshole geek jerks, who should have been a little more humble given their limited experience. The only good things were the cheap beer and the cool venue. The "room" ( kinda small to call a "hall" ) was really funky. The building was a museum for workers and various arts. I did some exploring a was fascinated with all the various displays, so I guess it wasn't all bad.........

guitar solos

Blue Meenie — Wed, 24 Jan 2007 23:15:30 GMT

I guess Guitar World has published the "100 greatest guitar solos". The following link has taken 20 or so of their favorites and put out the videos with each... http://cityrag.blogs.com/main/2007/01/100_greatest_gu.html It seems to me all 'Classic Rock" bands, which I don't mind.... hell, actually i'm really digging these......

Eno

Blue Meenie — Wed, 24 Jan 2007 21:15:02 GMT

Ripping old CD's makes one remember just how great some stuff is. This Brian Eno track was an old favorite, that still is great. Another green world, and Here come the warm jets are 2 other Eno classics. Just way, way ahead of his time.......

snow!

Blue Meenie — Mon, 22 Jan 2007 17:09:36 GMT

Well we finally have a bit of snow here.....

I guess i'm heading outside to clear it away. I'm wondering if I Iisten to my iriver, will it make the task any more enjoyable. What is good snow shoveling music?

last nite

Blue Meenie — Sun, 21 Jan 2007 16:24:45 GMT

Wow what a great show I caught last nite. Local guy Bill Majoros has a new band - Foreign Films. I've met Bill through a mutual friend and had heard the material he was to premier (thats why I went. Sounded really good!). He formerly was a member of Flux A.D. and wrote most of the last album they put out. I believe he is shopping the music around now, and I can't wait to pick it up. Kinda tricky to describe. Maybe Beatles meet Stephen Malkmus meets Metric meets Archer Prewitt. Six on stage. Cello, violin, 2 guitars, bass, and drums. Bill did double duty between guitar and keyboards. It's too bad this was only an opener for local legend Dave Rave. I hung around for a couple of his numbers, but left to see other friends, Trickbag, perform their last set at another club. I swear Hamilton, Ontario has the shit when it comes to musical talent. Of course we all like to brag 'bout our local faves. Teenage Head, Tom Wilson (Junkhouse), Richard "King Biscuit Boy" Newell, Crowbar, The Trews, Sarah Harmer, Tim Gibbons, Daniel Lanois, Killjoys, Kathleen Edwards (transplant from Ottawa - thanks Colin). I found a link to Bill's myspace page....check it out... http://www.myspace.com/theforeignfilms What artists are from your hometown?

nicer days...

Blue Meenie — Sat, 20 Jan 2007 17:51:21 GMT

It's -10 C here...brrrr...I was just longing for the summer days jamming on the dock....

Josh Ritter DVD

Blue Meenie — Fri, 19 Jan 2007 18:45:49 GMT

Damm, Josh Ritter has a new live CD coming out, but the DVD is only available in Ireland? What up with that? Now I almost bought the DVD online, but then realized it's in PAL format and wouldn't work here in North America. Anyone who has seen Josh live knows how engaging he can be. Lovely song intros that explain his mindset while writing and creating, make for a great show. Anyhow I'm hoping this will be available here soon in the not too distant future.....

bad habit?

Blue Meenie — Thu, 18 Jan 2007 01:33:24 GMT

I seem to find a song or lryic that fits into everyday events ALL THE TIME. It happens so frequently, that most of the time, i just keep my mouth shut. Someone says they were pretending to be someone their not, and I relate DMB, "Sometimes it's easy to be myself.....Sometimes, I find it's better to be somebody else". Kind of a corny for instance, but ya get the picture. I think i've spent an huge amount of brain space on meaningless lryics. Like Bowie " My brain hurt like a warehouse, it had no room to spare." See there i go again. Someone tell me I'm not the only one this habit has afflicted. Also thought I'd share afew favorite lryics - at least for this week....

"If I were a bumblebee baby, I'd sting you 
    'till your black and blue"

McKenna Mendelson Mainline

"don't you know there ain't
 no devil, there's just god
  when he's drunk"

Tom Waits

"Come down off the cross
   We can use the wood"

Tom Waits (again) 'cause i really like Tom's lyrics

bfn.....randy

oh! what to do...

Blue Meenie — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 00:55:01 GMT

Well I'm debating what to do with my kinda-sorta working i-river120. I can continue using this warhorse....

....see what I mean. My only problem.....only 4.5 gig of the HD is functioning properly. Now this baby has been EVERYWHERE from canoe trips to work in a steel mill, so it has had a workout. Battery still great. Can't seem to find 'em around anymore. I guess they just can't compete with the power of the almighty ipod. I really enjoyed having about 18 gig or so to take away with me. Files, programs, pics....ect....just a mass storage device with a jukebox. Does anybody swear by anything other than an ipod? I also enjoyed recording onto my unit at local clubs, (with permission of course). l8r on...randy

Me a Meenie?

Blue Meenie — Mon, 15 Jan 2007 23:27:10 GMT

Hello fellow music addicts. I've joined the Mog world to listen, talk, become enlighted to some new and interesting music. I'm a relatively (it's all about relativity) "old fart", but i'd like to think that i've been able to broaden my listening horizons through many years. I find most of my peers have kinda became musical "muncha cakes" when it comes to what they listen to. Whatever comes on the radio, seems to do them fine. I DESPISE standard radio format crap. Classic Rock, Edge Music, Mix, 'tis all force fed overplayed ca-ca. The Blue Meanie reference is merely my little traveling folk guitar, and a love of anything having to do with the Beatles. I'd like to think I'm rather gracious and not mean at all. If i can find afew like minded individuals to turn me onto some great new (or old) artists, i cannot think of anything better. c ya ......randy