The United Kingdom Faithfully Honors Rock Music

"There's a guy in my block, he lives for rock
He plays records day and night
And when he feels down he puts some rock 'n' roll on
And it makes him feel alright
And when he feels the world is closing in
He turns his stereo way up high

He just spends his life living in a rock 'n' roll fantasy
He just spends his life living on the edge of reality
He just spends his life in a rock 'n' roll fantasy
He just spends his life living in a rock 'n' roll fantasy
He just spends his life living on the edge of reality
He just spends his life in a rock 'n' roll fantasy
He just spends his life living in a rock 'n' roll fantasy"

"Rock 'N' Roll Fantasy" by Ray Davies of the Kinks

I just finished watching the UK Music Awards. So many of my favorite bands were honored on this show—The Who, Pink Floyd, The Kinks, Black Sabbath, Jimi Hendrix, and Bob Dylan.

I have decided to take those six bands/artists this week and give my favorite cuts (no more than two) and my favorite albums. Go out and celebrate the true gift our overseas cousins gave us and give these classic bands their due and a listen.

Jimi Hendrix—My favorite tracks are Voodoo Chile and Are You Experienced? Great fret work and an incredible sound. He makes a guitar moan for God’s sake! Best album—Are You Experienced? That was easy.

Bob Dylan—my favorite Dylan tracks are Subterranean Homesick Blues and Clean Cut Kid. Subterranean Homesick Blues is an obvious one, but Clean Cut Kid? I do not know why, but I love it. It reminds me of myself in youth. It is from the Empire Burlesque album—a highly underrated Dylan LP. Best Dylan album—has to be Blood On Tracks—arguably the best album made in the early to mid 1970s.

Black Sabbath—the best Heavy Metal band of all times. Paranoid and Am I Going Insane (Radio)? Are my favorite tracks—both minor hits. I give a nod to Volume IV, but Sabbath Bloody Sabbath is the best album in my opinion and probably their most “pop” oriented. Still, the heavy drone of Iron Man, War Pigs, Black Sabbath, Sweet Leaf, and Snowblind cannot be underscored. Even if you have a dislike for most metal, you have to admit Black Sabbath is an incredible band that truly made a genre.

The Kinks—I would safely argue one of the greatest bands ever from the UK. They are also, as noted in the Rolling Stones Record Guides, the most “British” of the British Invasion bands. My favorite tracks are You Really Got Me and Lola, but one can make arguments for a few dozen songs like Waterloo Sunset, Harry Rag, Village Green Preservation Society, All Of The Day and All Of The Night, Low Budget, Around the Dial, Destroyer, National Health, State of Confusion, Better Things, I’m Not like Everybody Else (my third favorite) and Sunny Afternoon. Simply put, a fantastic band. As far as an album, I would give a nod to Muswell Hillbillies, but their first You Really Got Me LP is a Mod/Punk Rock fan’s dream. Like the Jethro Tull blog, I will write my Kinks Tribute soon, as I agree with Pete Townshend of the Who, this group has been ignored for far too long.

Pink Floyd—Money and Pigs (from the Animal LP) are my favorite tracks and their best album by far is Dark Side of The Moon. Fantastic sounds, deep lyrics, and that production make this just about the best rock album ever made. Everything is perfect and as someone on the UK show noted, it is “a masterpiece.”

The Who—My all-time favorite band. Deciding on two tracks is like choosing between my cats. I will try. The first HAS to be Can’t Explain. Punky/Mod (in fact this song basically invented the genre of Mod with something for the punks to grab onto) and it is just infectious; this is nearly the perfect rock song. It just has this incredible sound. My next favorite track is probably Magic Bus (the LIVE version) from Live At Leeds. What incredible energy on this standout track. The WHO must be heard live—it is just one of those things. As far as the album, it has to be Who’s Next with such classic tracks as Baba O’Riley, Love Ain’t For Keeping, Won’t Get Fooled Again, Bargain, Getting In Tune, Behind Blue Eyes, and Going Mobile. This is, in my opinion, the GREATEST ROCK ALBUM EVER MADE, EVER!

My hats off to the UK selections of bands; it was a great show. Feel more than free to add your own choices if you desire.

Exactly What Is A "Coward?"

“Welcome to a new kind of tension.
All across the alien nation.
Everything isn't meant to be okay.
Television dreams of tomorrow.
We're not the ones who're meant to follow.
Well that's enough to argue.”

“American Idiot” by Green Day, 2005.


I tend to laugh at things that strike me as inept. Ineptitude is certainly a trait many of us have. Compound inept behavior with sheer arrogance and mindless stupidity, well…now you have a unique type of person.

Take the case of Republican Representative Jean Schmidt who referred to a decorated war hero and established Democratic Representative John Murtha as a “coward.” Full quote after she said she had received a call from a Marine colonel, who "asked me to send Congressman Murtha a message: that cowards cut and run, Marines never do." She then retracted her statement after debate ensued, and she claimed she did not mean Murtha.

Uh-huh...right.

Alas, the silver-tongued lackey Schmidt is not alone in her comments. Vice President Dick Cheney said, “the president and I cannot prevent certain politicians from losing their memory or backbone, but we're not going to sit by and let them rewrite history."

I am confident he did not mean Murtha either, right?

Here is the problem. Freedom of speech means that—freedom of speech. Now, I agree some blowhard (uh…like me) taking potshots is pushing it because I have never served and I do not understand the military approach as much as many more seasoned citizens. However, Murtha does. If Murtha says that he sees a problem with the war, the knee-jerk reaction to calling him a coward is inept and dangerous. It is also wrong.

And speaking of rewriting history, Mr. Cheney--WMD's??? Please be fair.

One has to love Murtha, though. He is quick-witted enough to fire back. "I like guys that have never been there to criticize us who have been there."

Yay! Win one for the intelligent side.

When did it become Un-American to voice an opinion? When did it become Un-American to ask the government questions? When did it become Un-American to say despotism is unacceptable? When did it become Un-American to question a President? Adams, Jefferson, Jackson, Van Buren, Lincoln, Grant, Tyler, McKinley, Wilson, Roosevelt, Truman, Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, Ford, Carter, Reagan, Bush Sr., Clinton, and the current Bush have all had their fair share of detractors. They knew it walking into the post and they should accept and expect it.

To call a decorated Veteran, who has faithfully served his country for over 40 years and who has the self-esteem to stand up and say he questions the goals of the government in a military action, a coward is just plain wrong. The cowardly acts seem to come from those who are clinging to political party lines and who lower themselves to throw disparaging names at loyal Americans.

America’s greatest strength, as historian Shelby Foote once noted, is its power and intellect to analyze and compromise. In these difficult times for our men overseas, let us not forget that. Let’s not forget what made America the great nation that it is.

I hate paranoia, I cannot accept inept behavior from people who should know better, and I cannot stand the hypocrisy of condemning a man, who risked his life and served his country and continued to serve after the battles were over, by people who have no idea what he experienced.

Kudos to President Bush, as he commented that he respected Murtha. Now, if only he could teach the rest of his party to do the same.

Stupid Is As Stupid Does

“I'm not like them
But I can pretend
The sun is gone
But I have a light
The day is done
But I'm having fun

I think I'm dumb or maybe just happy
Think I'm just happy

My heart is broke
But I have some glue help me inhale
And mend it with you
We'll float around
And hang out on clouds
Then we'll come down
And I have a hangover...
Have a hangover

Skin the sun
Fall asleep
Wish away
The soul is cheap
Lesson learned
Wish me luck
Soothe the burn
Wake me up
I'm not like them
But I can pretend
The sun is gone
But I have a light
The day is done
But I'm having fun”

“Dumb” by Kurt Cobain of Nirvana

Never underestimate the power of stupidity.

In recent news, I have witnessed many stupid things. I promise not to mention the current executive branch of the government to often—but the inevitable will occur. Anyway, here are some of my favorite banal acts of the most recent time. My apologies if I have offended you, but it is not my goal to turn you off or away. Enjoy and realize the humor, the pathos, and the illogical logic that is swelling from these words.

Here are my favorites acts of stupidity—add yours if you so desire.

T.O. Stands for Totally Obnoxious.
What a moron this idiot is. He fights with teammates, threatens others, goes on the radio and complains that he thinks a better quarterback is on another team, whines because the team does not stop a game to honor a catch, and wants us to believe he is unselfish. Hey Owens—here is a clue—quit. We hate you, we think you are a jackass, and we wish you would break both of your legs—only after you bite off your tongue.

Pat Robertson—We Are All Going To Burn in Hell
Here we go—let’s mix politics and religion—I mean that’s what the founding fathers wanted, right? This stupid little man (assumingly possessing a very small penis) has condemned a town to Plagues and Chaos and Toads and Hellfire because they reject preaching the bible in schools. The only plague that would befall that town is if this dipstick walked into it.

Bill Clinton—Thinking With His “Little Voice”
OK, I admit, I like Clinton much more now than I ever have—especially dealing with who is in office now (Bombs away, we’re OK). Still, to say that Clinton’s impeachment was not necessary is a stretch. Sorry, perjury is a crime and if I can paint a black ring around the current President’s eyes (and I WILL), I have to say to Mr. Clinton—you lied under oath and wasted over six million dollars to cover it up. Sorry, Mr. Former President, but you were wrong and you need to let it go. Speaking of lying...WMD’s anyone??? Watch the film Fog of War and witness a very frightening truth.

Bird Flu Paranoia—Regular Flu No Vaccine
There are no cases of Bird Flu in the country, and I am not suggesting that we do not prepare, but massive paranoia is not helping either. Further, for the FOURTH YEAR IN A ROW, we are seriously lacking vaccinations that can protect the citizens from flu’s we currently have infecting the population. Now that is totally and utterly irresponsible.

Gas Gouging—Fuel Costs.
I cannot think of a greater waste of my money than Gas Prices going up. I like it when the President flies around the country and pays nothing for it, and then has the nerve to tell me not to fill up completely. Uh-huh. Maybe if you would release some oil or maybe if you would cancel some Kittibunkport Retreats for Mummy and Pater who made a fortune on oil, I would take you seriously. Let’s give our citizens a fair share, please.

Preoccupation with People Like Jennifer Aniston and Paris Hilton
Granted Aniston is totally hot, but enough is enough. I do not care who she dates, I do not care what is involved in her personal life, and I do not care if her and Brad Pitt hate each other. Paris Hilton, I could not care any less than I do now. So let’s ignore their personal lives and get on to something really important: like a website that has nudies of them. Please leave all addresses in the comment areas so we can all share…

Howard Stern Suspended For Mentioning Sirrus Radio
Hello people. Giving this guy ANY attention is like free advertising. Sheesh—the Media Com (or whatever company owns his current show) must have holes in their heads for what they have done—suspend him for talking about his new job which makes more news and reminds people he is leaving than if you said nothing??? Wow—no wonder Stern thinks everyone is an idiot—in his case, these people are.

The Apprentice—The World’s Dumbest People
Have you watched this show this season? Pam and I do and I am totally convinced that Donald Trump picks the most foolish people in the world to be on the show so he looks more intelligent. They had this doofus named Marcus on the show who could not finish a sentence. He has the business savvy of a blind squirrel. He hopped around and missed everything. They also had this cute woman named Kristi on the show who was a raving loon. Cute but stupid and had this “I’m a southern girl” attitude, accent, and stereotype.

Mike Tice—The Titanic Is Leaving And You Are On Board…
Talk about not controlling your team. Mike Tice has as much control over the Minnesota Vikings as Charlie Manson has in a knife shop. He is not going to coach again, ever. His team is full of losers, they break laws, they are renting boats for orgies, he gave away his best player for nothing, and he SOLD HIS SUPER BOWL TICKETS for a profit. Bye Bye, Tice—you deserve to go down with the ViQueen ship.

Cartoon Network Executives—Where is JLA Unlimited???
The best cartoon made, more than likely, and you decide not to air the reruns until you have new shows??? DC is going through a huge change right now and interest in the characters is being generated. Now do the right thing and put back my JLA!!!!!

Martha Stewart—Apprentice Volume II—It’s a Clinker From the Clink
This show is equally as insipid as Trump’s show. Martha rips someone to shreds in the board room, sends these two people to spy on them, makes them feel like dirt, and then writes them a corny “condolence” letter. Hey people kicked off the show—sell the letter on eBay and make some real money. My favorite is when she tells people they do not have the “integrity” to work for her organization!!! Is she kidding? Let’s get the “insider” information on that one.

XMRadio and Sirrus HYPE
I had Satellite stereo stations years ago through the cable company—I admit they are cool, but you will not listen to them as much as you think you might. Whereas it would be great to have it in the car, here is a cheaper way to enjoy it. Buy the second tier of Dish Network (or any Satellite Dish Network—I believe) and hook the sound through your stereo. You will have the Sirrus and a network called CD network for no additional costs. If you use AOL, you have XMRadio streamlined for free. Again, I accept the fact that this would be great in a car, but I own so many CD’s, I think I can safely say that Pam would kill me if I did not play them in the car. No Satellite for me, I guess.

And lastly—Catholics Ban The Use of Wal-Mart
Unreal, “Happy holidays” and an informal email has sent the Catholic Church in an uproar about Wal-Mart. Don’t we have better things to do besides ban Wal-Mart? On the other hand, I urge my Catholic family and all my friends, Catholic or not, to join this ban at Wal-Mart. You see, I want SUPERIOR QUALITY Christmas gifts—not mid-range items. Not that I do not appreciate your gifts from the past, but hey--follow the Papal Dynasty on this one--I'm all for it. Go all out—I need a new computer, new Stereo equipment, a new house in a posh neighborhood, a new Lexus Car would be nice, and some real estate. I agree—NO TO WAL-MART, Yes to spending all of your cash on me! Remember, do what the Catholic Church says--oh and pray for my soul....

Blog on and reply if you are so inclined…

Sunday Morning's All Right For Fighting

Do the hammer lock! a-Do the hammer lock!
Raid! Do the hammer lock, you turkey necks!
Yeah, do the hammer lock! a-Do the hammer lock!
Everybody's doing it

Raid!Do the eye gouge!
Yeah, do the eye gouge!Raid!
Do the eye gouge, you turkey necks!
Yeah, do the eye gouge! a-Do the eye gouge!
Everybody's doing it

Raid!
Okay, you turkey necks, gather 'round!Raid!
Let me show you how to do the Crusher
If you don't learn it now, I'm gonna get you in the ring
Raid!
Okay, you take your fist and put it on your waist
And if you don't, you're gonna be a disgrace
Because you squeeze your partner's head til she is blue in the face
Raid!

Do the Crusher!
Do the Crusher!
Raid!
Do the Crusher, you turkey necks!
Yeah, do the Crusher! a-Do the Crusher!Everybody do it now!
Raid!

“The Crusher” performed by The Novas, 1965.


Every Sunday I had a ritual growing up. My brother, my father and I would deliver Sunday Morning Chicago Tribs and Sun-Times to the East Side of our town, go to the Ottawa News Agency (where I was usually given a stack of one hundred or so COMIC BOOKS), have an egg-McMuffin, go to church (10:30 Mass at St. Pat’s) and then I would watch Bob Luce Wrestling on Channel 26—WCIA Chicago.

This was the greatest Wrestling show for sheer frugality. There were Ben’s Auto Sales ads (5858 South Western—where the Wrestlers buy their cars) A One Stop Ad (where you can buy Beer and Chitlans by the case) and Empire Carpet ads (588-2300 Empirrrreeee).

The wrestling announcer was Sam Menecker and the show was a taped grainy affair featuring the likes of Sailor Art Thomas, Wilbur Snyder, Bobo Brazil, Dick The Bruiser, Spike Huber, The Valliant Brothers, King Kong Brody, and THE CRUSHER.

The Crusher has recently died and it put some retrospect on one of my favorite pastimes.

Many of my favorite Wrestlers have died. Most die young because of the physical toll on their bodies (yes it is not “real” but it still probably hurts) or they have a bused drugs or they live a less than stable lifestyle or hundreds of other reasons. I found this great website that gives interesting information on the demise of some of my favorite wrestlers: http://www.garywill.com/wrestling/decwres.htm. Check it out as it is interesting. I did not know Pepper Gomez recently died, or Chris Candido.

The Crusher, according to his obit, was well in his 70’s and working out the day before he died. That’s the way to go out I suppose.

Granted, even in fourth grade, I knew that this was choreographed and that these guys were probably not really “mad” at one another. I mean, who gets mad if you are called a geek or turkey-neck or someone spills powder on you?

I followed the Wrestling Culture fairly thoroughly as I bought The Wrestler and Inside Wrestling Magazines. I figured out that there were numerous Wrestling federations and the WWWF (WORLD WIDE WRESTLING FEDERATION) was on the East Coast (they always wrestled in Madison Square Garden). I figured out that the NWA (NATIONAL WRESTLING ALLIANCE) was in the South as they always wrestled in Athens or Charlotte. I figured out that AWA (American Wrestling Alliance) was more Midwest based as they had promotions in Minnesota and Chicago area. The Channel 26 stuff was part of a federation out of Chicago, Gary, and Terra Haute and they would combine with the AWA upon occasion.

The magazines told me who were the champs, who was a good guy, who was a heel (bad guy) and what rotten things they did to one another. When a “good guy” turned traitor on another good guy (like Peter Maiavia turning on Bob Backlund in the WWWF) then I was supposed to hate the traitor.

I knew that Ric Flair was arrogant, The Sheik would light you on fire and then use pencils in your face, Mil Mascaras was the high-flying ace of Lucha Libre (Mexican Wrestling), Bruno Sammartino was a long time champ who lost to Superstar Billy Graham, Jack Brisco was a short lived NWA champ, Dusty Rhodes had major feuds with nearly everyone, and Jumpin’ Jim Brunzell was a “nice guy.”


It was a very simple world back then and easy to follow. As it is now with Wrestling, it is more annoying than entertaining. When I was a kid, it was a comic book world with heroes and villains and there were very little shades of grey.

Seems the same is true today in so many aspects of our culture.

The shows were corny and I remember my dad took me to a Wrestling show in the LP gym. I saw a kid in attendance from school so I waved and I asked my dad if he knew anyone there. “God, I hope not…” he said. Still, we had fun and my dad knew it was stupid, but he took me there for my interest.

It was a good show and yes, we saw The Crusher.

Now the Crusher has joined Dick The Bruiser, Bobo Brazil, Sailor Art Thomas, Wilbur Snyder, and King Kong Brody in that big Six Man Tag in the sky. Have a beer up there for me gents—see you sometime later.

Now I need to go to Ben’s Auto Sales and find that 1976 Dodge Aspen and pick up my free tickets for the Friday Night Fights. You know, I wonder if the place still exists.