Our house was built by an eccentric couple, Mr. and Mrs. Crab, in 1949. I never hear much about Mr. Crab, but Mrs. Crab seems to have been a very interesting lady, indeed. My bedroom was her art studio/laundry room (and it's pretty much still used that way, come to think of it; there must be some kind of creative energy in that room, because it's my favorite place in the whole world to write); our laundry hall/room is the greatest place to grow violets and orchids, and our living room counter is the ideal spot to winter my geraniums... I know, she built the house that way. Her love of plants lives on in the few of her Day Lilies still lingering from the Crab Era of our home. What with today being so lovely and drizzly, I figured I'd stretch my macro muscle and take some shots (my mother is convinced I'm a vampire... if I were, I don't think I'd be here)! Would you like to see them? Oh, come on!
Well, I've made the slideshow anyway, the least you can do is have a peep.
In other news, yesterday was Ringo's birthday. Beatles-A-Rama celebrated in it's own way... Yeah.
Less than a week to go for Paul! 'Tis a beautiful thing. It gets me to thinking, though... the other day, as I was watching the Hard Rock Calling stream (again), it occurred to me that, though I have been part of the audience many times, I've never actually looked at the audience itself. I mean, when Paul is standing in front of you, chances are that you aren't going to give a damn about the ordinary mortals surrounding you... but the Hard Rock Calling video shows that audience in abundance! I loved a couple of them so much, I decided to take screen caps, and share them with you. The top two contenders are...
The Weeper...
...and, the bestest one of all, Screamer Man-Man...
"The girls" (mother, sister, myself) were talking about music the other day. I don't know how, but we got to talking about modern music, and we all know how I feel about that.
But wait, there's more! There is something I have never publicly shared, because, frankly, it's none of your business; however, this blog is like a sponge, soaking up ideas and oddities as I bumble along day to day. You'd better sit down, 'cause it may shock you. Are you ready? There is actually good modern music out there. Yes. That's right. I just said that. Now, hold off the holy water until I've said my piece.
My musical taste has been through a series of changes over the last decade or so. My whole life, I have lived and loved the 60's sound - hell, one of my earliest memories is being a very small child, singing along to Hey Jude in the back of our old van, legs not even long enough to reach the edge of the seat. It's my favorite sound, it's where I feel the most comfortable, and, in my opinion, there is nothing better than that. Helloooooooo, Nurse!
HOWEVER. With a sister who was in high school in the early 90's, and as a public school kid later in that decade, I was familiar with that sound, too, and I still sometimes put on some Sugar Ray if I'm feeling nostalgic. Yes, they were the typical social pressures. Wretched business. Fast forward to the new millennium... I was pulled from public school, left with nothing but my own fancies. I went for the exact opposite of everything I had been pressured into; I listened to quite a lot of Big Band, cherished my Cherry Poppin' Daddies albums, and went through a period where I listened to nothing but Dean Martin. Believe it.
In 2006, the first time we went to Las Vegas, I was exposed to more modern music, which I just couldn't make myself like. In 2007, though, as we were driving back from Toronto, there was a song that was played everywhere we went (and I do mean everywhere)... perhaps you've heard of it, "Hey There, Delilah"? Though I procrastinated for a long time, I finally got curious, and looked the band up. I have been a fan since then (like a lot of other people), and vowed that, whenever I got curious about something, I would simply have to look it/them up. Usually when I do this, I end up with nothing, or, if I'm lucky, one or two songs; but what a thrill it is when I find something new! My latest addition is a gear little band out of Yorkshire, One Night Only.
So, why the hell am I talking about all this rubbish? As the three of us were chatting, it occurred to me that, though my sister is also a fan of the Plain White T's, she had no idea what they were up to. She was completely unaware that they've got an album coming out in the fall, or that they've been playing their first single in the Chicago area only (it's not available for purchase yet); her biggest surprise was that they participated in the complementary soundtrack to Alice In Wonderland...
(I told her it sounded like Being For The Benefit Of Mr. Kite... was I wrong?)
Sure, when they had their hit, and were signed to a bigger label, their name was put out there, but the general record-buying public looses track of these kinds of things. When the labels don't do their proper job of promoting their artists, it's up to the artist (within their contractual rights, of course, which are still incredibly limited, as is explained in this article); if that artist doesn't self-promote, folks have no idea what's happening with them.
I proceeded to tell her about One Night Only, and she just looked puzzled (but then, she always looks puzzled when I take over the conversation). This, of course, brings up an entirely different problem, in that overseas musicians (i.e. those silly Brits) have no way of "making it" in America (and, let's face it, if there's money to be spent, the good ol' US of A is going to do so) if their record label doesn't promote them here. Sure, you can buy One Night Only off amazon.com, even in vinyl, but, really, who purchases tangible CDs anymore, or, for that matter, a vinyl record? The hipsters have all gone digital, man. And who is it exactly that record labels should be trying to target? That prized 18-35 range, much? I realize that my sister hasn't any time for looking up this sort of drivel (and really, who does?), so I have done the laborious searching for you! Aren't you glad you read this blog?
I was immediately impressed by these chaps purely because they dress like 60's mods. Examples to further prove my point? I thought you'd never ask!
The Kinks...
The Who...
One Night Only... That's right, kids, mods for the 21st century! Weller would be proud.
Beatle Boots, drainpipe jeans, and man-fringe... I didn't even have to hear their sound before I was making a post-it note in my head to check them out later. That was a little less than a week ago, and, though they've only got one album out, I've been lapping them up. This particular song has a lot of great elements to it, but I particularly like the chorus...
Many moons ago, my sister was impressed with the band 98 Degrees when they slipped a lyric about Dr. Zhivago into their song; I was impressed with One Night Only when they put the scientific formula for glucose into their chorus.
Yet, no matter what I listen to, at the end of the night, I always go back to Paul...
I LOVES THAT MAN!
Now, let's all hope this discussion never comes up again. Amen.
It's that time of year again, folks; time for going out to buy explosives, setting your back yard on fire (that actually happened at our house one year, but it was small, and we dealt with it), getting eaten up by vampiric insects and dealing with screaming children whilst trying to enjoy a display of larger fireworks... you know, the ones you couldn't afford when you talked to the firecracker display man. Have you guessed it? It's the Fourth of July! Lilly, watching the local fireworks display from our front yard last night.
For a majority of the country, this is a day to celebrate our nation's independence from those silly limeys... an occasion on which to drink, blow stuff up, and light up the grill... Remember, all burgers are not created equally.
For others, it offers a chance to reflect on what a great nation we were... um, are.
For the lasses at Fusspot Farm, it merely means we're closer to this...
However you choose to celebrate today, be safe, and remember the real reason for the celebrations. Happy Glad We Aren't Still Britain Day (but that doesn't mean we can't love them oodles and bunches)!
Oh, the glory that is digital remastering. The Beatles remasters blow my mind (and, if I ever get the chance, i.e., after algebra, I'll share the goods, never fear!); the upcoming Paulie remasters have me wetting my britches; now, we are finally getting full details about the John remasters, out to celebrate his 70th birthday! There will be several releases... just the hits, which would probably be what you, dear reader, would prefer, but I'm going right for the jugular: John Lennon Signature Box all the way! It sounds really gear, and just in time for my own birthday, too (hint to close relatives, hint, hint, hint)! As quoted from the Imagine Peace website:
The John Lennon Signature Box is a deluxe 11CD and digital collection of the eight remastered albums, a disc of rare and previously unreleased recordings, and an EP of Lennon’s non-album singles. The CDs will be housed in digisleeves within a deluxe box including a collectible limited edition John Lennon art print and a hardbound book featuring rare photos, artwork, collages, poetry, and new liner notes by DeCurtis.
Previously unreleased recordings? Not even in the Anthology? Ooo, do tell, love, do tell. By far one of the coolest things with this set is going to be the Double Fantasy strip-down...
Double Fantasy, 1980’s GRAMMY Award winner for Album of the Year, will be presented in a newly remixed ‘Stripped Down’ version remixed and produced by Yoko Ono and Jack Douglas, co-producers of the original mix with John Lennon. The new stripped down version of the album comes in an expanded 2CD and digital edition pairing the new version with Lennon’s original mix, remastered.
YOKO ONO added: “Double Fantasy Stripped Down really allows us to focus our attention on John’s amazing vocals. Technology has advanced so much that, conversely, I wanted to use new techniques to really frame these amazing songs and John’s voice as simply as possible. By stripping down some of the instrumentation the power of the songs shines through with an enhanced clarity. Double Fantasy Stripped Down will be complemented by the original album in the 2CD format. It was whilst working on the new version of this album that I was hit hardest emotionally, as this was the last album John released before his passing.”
How incredibly fun is this going to be? More goodies to bother everybody with! Um, I mean, to blog about!
Song Time! This was the first one that came to mind, and I don't know why, but I'm running with it anyway.
I'm taking a physical education class this summer... I figure it's better to take an eight-week course than the full sixteen (and they always said I was an idiot... that's THEM told off, then!); I mean, it's not anything major, it's just a fitness walking class (AKA, you need the PE credit to get your degree, but you're an out-of-shape numpty, so here's an easy one, 'cause it's hard enough to pass algebra, so there you go). Anyway, I walk five or six days a week on my mother's treadmill, and, to be pretty honest, it's dead dull. Reading doesn't really work (nowhere to put my book, you know), so I resort to watching inane television. Most of the time, I can watch Headline News, but they stop playing actual news at four o'clock in the afternoon (they think that Showbiz Tonight is more interesting than real news, like Lucy's grandfather being discovered? Yeah, wasn't covered in the thirty minute tape loop that day, or any day afterward. Go figure.) So the story went today... I watched Headline News until the weekend edition of their mindless evening shows came on (and, by the way, weekend Headline News is also a laughing matter... they just covered the anniversary of Michael Jackson's death, and the tornado in Montana last Sunday). I had to resort to something called Tacky House. Have you heard of this abomination? Please, click the link, see what they're all about. I'll wait.
In case it isn't on their homepage, here's a video of the specific episode I saw...
Did you see it? Are you disturbed? I sure was. Certainly not by the woman, or her house, but that someone out there funds and executes this idea. To me, it's a reflection of one of the biggest, most detrimental flaws of human character: not accepting fellow humans for what they are. That lady liked her house; she was the only one living there, she was comfortable with it, and, most importantly, with herself. What was it any of the designer's, or, more importantly, the "informant's", AKA, her old friend, business if it wasn't exactly normal? It didn't harm anyone, and it made her happy. It's not like she kicks puppies into the street when the sweeper is driving down the road; she's not lacing the kiddie's Halloween candy with D-Con... she just likes leprechauns. To be honest, I love leprechauns, too. I'm very proud of my mostly Irish heritage, and I like to have my little nick-knacks sitting about, too. Combine 'em, and whatta ya got? This.
Here's a solute to my own lack of taste...
I know there are other shows highlighting people's "lack of taste"... I've always had a sneaking suspicion that my sister or brother-in-law would sign me up for What Not To Wear (when I go out in public, it's always dark blue or black skinny jeans, and Beatles t-shirts for me. I know my lack of make-up and hairstyle bugs the hell out of everybody but my mother, too... the way I figure it, though, is if Linda McCartney got Paul by just being herself, there's something to it), and I've always had similar issues with that show... but I think Tacky House just takes it to a whole new level of intolerance. What Not To Wear doesn't tell you what kind of knickers to wear, and that's just as personal as telling someone that their decorating sense isn't "updated", "hip", or whatever the hell brainwashing they've decided to call it these days. Maybe it's a big deal to me because I always have to explain myself to folks that don't understand exactly who I am (which is pretty much everybody). I know they don't get the vintage dresses, the t-shirts, how I love to plaster my walls with whatever my "thing" is that day, or, the biggest one of my entire life, why I rarely cut my hair. I have a very Linda McCartney attitude toward other people (i.e., if you don't like it, it's your problem, not mine), but I have observed that most other people have genuine problems opening themselves up to exploring who they really are. It's a personal, spiritual journey that takes a very long time to get used to... and shows like the two I've mentioned don't help make it any easier. It's like saying, "You suck, change." And the participants say "Oh, alright, if I can fit in this way, I'll do it." It's three shades of screwed up, and it's very hard to watch... like a car accident, you know? You'll slow down to look at the cars involved, and the folks on their cell phones, or screaming at each other, morbidly intrigued by the debacle unfolding in front of you. It's that, but crushing your personality instead of your fender and tail light.
I try to avoid this topic on the blog. As you can see, it's a big issue with me, and if you ever get the chance to talk with me in depth, you'll find out that I ramble, as is also evident with this post. You know, this post came at a good time for me, though. I was just thinking this morning (because I think about the blog quite a lot) that I post too much Beatles/Paul stuff, that perhaps I should cut back on it. After all, I like to think I have a small readership, and, if I want to keep that, maybe I should add a little variety. Where was my Linda attitude this morning? If you read this drivel, you can sift through the Paulieness! It's me, and I like it, so tough titty.
Although, if you don't like sifting through the Paul stuff, it's your lucky day! Beatles-A-Rama (which, by the way, are turning to a subscription only station, the bastards) played a song I haven't heard in at least ten years, if not more. I had actually forgotten how much I loved this song when I was little... I used to sing it to myself at the school playground ('cause I actually did go to public school for about three years, believe it or not), and the other kids would tell me to sing real songs. Impertinent little tits. So, a blast from my past, here's The Who...
It's official. This blog talks way too much about our Paulie. Don't think it's exclusive to the blog, though... I'm just as bad in person, except I have to explain the videos that I see in my head, rather than just embedding them here. There are worse things to talk about than Paul, though. We could talk about the global economy, the BP oil disaster, or why Kate Gosselin creeps her way into international headlines on MSNBC ('cause that bugs me).
This is not what you were going to blog about, was it, Assbutt?
No, Reginald Kitty, it wasn't what I was going to blog about. Let's get back to talking about Paul. Why, you may well ask? Because it's his BIRTHDAY! And how often do we get to wish The Babyface a happy birthday? Yes, I realize it's once a year, but you get the point.
So, raise your teacup high, and toast the cuteness...
...the advertising campaigns...
...but, most importantly, the ongoing life of The Precious!
You know, the title of this blog was going to be "Botanical Bonding", but I think the one we've got suits the day a bit better.
ANYWAY.
Seester and I spent the morning in a basement... umm, I mean, at the Botanical Gardens, "learning" all about photography. Sort of. Our morning was kind of like this...
...but all in text, and not toward each other. 'Cause we're Rock 'N' Roll like that.
Anyway, we got to take pictures of some lovely flowers, so I got to stretch my macro muscle (because that's what it's called) and take some shots of more tropical fare, and other bits.
You say you'd like to see them? Really? Do you mean it? Well, you're watching 'em, anyway.
Now, wasn't that fun? I thought it was. And the Botanical Garden is boasting free admission through the month of June, so perhaps we'll go back sometime when we've got more time to spare.
Oh, and perhaps you were wondering... Lester Who? Well, I've Googled him, and this, apparently, is Lester.
Lovely lad, but he's not our Reginald Kitty...
And to think, we almost made it an entire post without our Reginald. At least you escaped without mention of Paul... ...oh, never mind.
Hi, my name is Archibald Heatherington Nastyface (first names only, please), and I have a Paul McCartney addiction. (Hey, some folks go sky diving...) I started experiencing symptoms in 2001, and then, I saw The Precious in May of 2002. The affliction has only grown from there. We went again in 2005, where we caught our first "limo watch", as it's called on the boards. In 2008, after suffering three years of Paul-withdrawals, I camped out in a van for eleven hours just to watch him leave his hotel. In 2009, we followed him to Tulsa and Dallas, marking the first concert in almost four years. In 2010, we dove in for Lobster In Maine, and headed out to Phoenix to celebrate the first show for the Up And Coming Tour...
We're going to make a complete circle on July 15th, because we're going BACK to Pepsi Center, where the magic really began to set in, for another dose of awesomeness with the Babyface.
So, what does this mean? It means we're going to see another Paul concert, for those of you who didn't quite understand my long-abouts way of presenting this information.
Reginald Kitty will not be joining us in Denver.
For those of you who have never experienced a Paul pre-sale, it's your lucky day! I have documented the experience through the magic of film (well, it's actually an SD card, but you get the point... digital, don'cha know)!
10:13 AM Computers already poised for the 11AM pre-sale. We take no chances when it comes to The Precious!
10:14 AM Already trying to get through on the phone lines!
10:15 AM Provisions for the stressful wait...
10:17 AM Phone central...
10:17 AM A real human!... who told us there were no phone sales. Can't say we didn't try!
10:20 AM Mile Marker 1...
10:26 AM Questions for unsuspecting box office employees...
10:28 AM We're slightly confused by the box office employee (this is such a stressful situation, common words like your name take a few seconds to process)...
10:34 AM Mile Marker 2... tensions are really growing high at Fusspot Farm...
10:45 AM Mile Marker 3... tensions doubled in eleven minutes...
10:50 AM I am beginning to get impatient, and experiencing similar symptoms to those anti-depressants they prescribe so freely (nausea, headaches, runny nose, jitterbugs)...
10:56 AM Four minutes to pre-sale kick-off, and I just couldn't keep standing. I had to sit in front of the computer... it felt productive.
10:59 AM I wanted to take a picture at 10:59, but I was afraid I wouldn't be able to hit the button at exactly 11 o'clock. When I Googled "10:59 AM", this came up. I have no idea why.
11:26 AM With two computers going at the same time, I got in, Mama didn't. It all depends on those split seconds whether you see this screen... ...or continue the buying process. It's a scary feeling!
We made it by the skin of our teeth (and we all know how thin that is... I use a prescription toothpaste, personally, but Sensodyne works for most people), but we're going!
My Grandy, bless, gets lots of junk mail from The Bradford Exchange... you may remember the Elvis pillows highlighted here not too long ago? Well, boy howdy, glum-gee-diddle, have they got a doosie for us today! Limited to only 1,953 pieces, the Marilyn Monroe "Sparkle of a Legend" statue adds "the fluid grace of Marilyn" to any decor!
They were going for this...
...created this...
...which reminds me of something I saw in Vegas...
As quoted from the brochure, cross my heart and hope to fly: Notice how perfectly the sculptor brings to life the beauty of Marilyn's face...
YOU BE THE JUDGE.
In other news, one of my favorite magazines, Metropolitan Home... Hubba hubba
...went, for lack of a better phrase, tits up. That being said, they have decided to fill in the remainder of my subscription with Woman's Day... I'm under 20, and weigh 100 pounds fully dressed, do you think I give a monkey's arse if I make guilt-free desserts? TVP-Helper is a stretch of my imagination.
Why do I bring this up? Well, they've got something called the Month of Menus... guess what they include for every Monday?
Sooo... YAY for Meat Free Monday! Making a difference, one less burger at a time. And don't blame me that it's such a catchy tune, I can't help it if you're singing this until next Monday, and then the vicious cycle starts all over again. Nope, can't blame me.
Now, it's time for more random stuff that's been floating about in my brainbucket. Isn't it your favorite part of the program? It is mine!
Firstly, my mother thinks that one of the guys on this season of The Bachelorette looks like the guy in "Emergency!"
Bachelorette guy...
Emergency... I'm inclined to believe her. YOU BE THE JUDGE.
It's not his fault, they can't all be Ed...
ANYWAY.
This week's forecast? Mostly hot, with a chance of war...
...and the jobs forecast is just about the same...
THIS IS ANIMAL DISCRIMINATION!
They want to make sure we know Igor is American, 'cause his name might confuse us...
Today's psychoses weren't brought to you by...
Yeah. Have you seen this? You bet yer knee-highs that's Paul and Pete Townshend.
And another thing! As a public service announcement, I'm telling you not to see The Hot Tub Time Machine. You will thank me. Yes, yes, I know, the preview looks great...
...but it will only lead to disappointment in John Cusack's role-picking ability since High Fidelity.
Hey, when has Nick Hornby ever let us down?
I will say this for Hot Tub Time Machine, though... it got that stupid song, "Jessie's Girl", stuck in my head.
Yes, I know that isn't the original, but this one has a little more grit, a little less... well, '80s.
I think we need something to clear the palette...
OK, I can function at optimal level now my Paul-Cuteness gagues are reading at full.
Last, but certainly not least, since this is the Turret Full Of Raven's 222nd post, I think it only fitting that we use a fitting song, because it's fitting.
Dear Yoko, Tonight, my mother and I watched The Beatles LOVE documentary. I would firstly like to commend you for taking such impeccable care of John's legacy, big details and small; it was very evident in the documentary that it's a task you don't take lightly, and we all appreciate it. Something you said in your interview, though, has been ringing in my ears: I cannot quote it verbatim, but it was something along the lines of John being "just a voice now". I have to tell you that hearing you say those words just broke my heart. The purpose of this open letter, then? Words aren't good enough to describe what John means to me, but I want you to know that, in my own life, John isn't just a voice. It's just something I thought you should know.
Do I think Yoko will ever read this? No. Why did I do it, then? Because I want to make sure that, to as many people as possible, John Ono Lennon doesn't just become "a voice".
