You have to check out this blog!!!

I have found free music Nirvana.....This blog is great for free Mp3's of great music!

Uh....yeah....they have some great Black Crowes stuff .....but yes there is more!!! Check out the cover band FOAMFOOT! :-)


http://aquariumdrunk.blogspot.com/

The Week In Review

With such a serious title....you would think my week was pretty deeeern important!

Work was its typical grind.....I REALLY need to find something else to do for a living. I am a man of many talents and skills. Unfortunatly....focus and career direction has been a problem. Please drop a prayer or 2 in for me to get better in that area.

On a much more uplifting note. This week in music was a big gold star for me. I am getting a bit concerned about how deep I am getting into the Black Crowes. This band just keeps amazing me and holding my interest. I mean....with the tons of music I have around...I usually mix things up very regularly. Maybe its been the sorta up and down emotional thing I have been going through...but the crowes deliver on all of the moods.....so....I will just be happy I have em!! :-)

Back to the gold star stuff. Black Crowes DVD came out this week. The Black Crowes "Freak and roll into the fog". First DVD for these guys and it captures the energy very well. Great sound and shot in Hi-Def. Yes you get to see the Chris Robinson "chicken dance"! ahhh what entertainment!

Picked up a great CD. Govt Mule. Debut-

I have other 'Mule' cds. This one simply blows you away. If you love gritty vocals...and 10 minute songs filled with grab your throat guitar solos. Get it! NOW! Warren Haynes is a great talent that deserves to be heard! Turn it up....clear your head!

Received a very nice email from my good friend Jeff . Its always such a good feeling to hear from him. It makes me miss my hometown. I need to go back there in the near future and see some of the people that I grew up with.

The pic I am including is a shot of Jeff and I when I was very young and tan!

Thanks to the people that read this thing......I do appreciate it!

Cd Review : Donald Fagen- Morph The Cat

For those that are not interested in wordy reviews of music......here is the Readers Digest version. If you love Steely Dan music, BUY THIS CD! If you don't love Steely Dan music....you need to sit down with good ol' Mike and we should talk!

Thanks for continuing on to the 2nd paragraph. Its only March...but this CD is at the top of my top 10 list for 2006. Impeccably produced, smartly written, and a sweet mixture of funk/jazz and smooth rock. Sure, this music is very polished sounding and not "edgy". But like Mr. Fagens group Steely Dan, the mix is addicting.

This is Donald Fagens 3rd solo effort. The first in 12 years. Fans of Steely Dan have always been hooked by the strange and obscure lyrics in some of the "dans" songs. This CD is a little more intimate in its nature. Not autobiographical, but a little less demanding to decipher the intent of the lyric.

Standout tracks:

What I do- A song based on a conversation with Ray Charles. The groove is funky, slow and addicting. This song will stick in your head and in a good way!

The Night Belongs to Mona: Interesting song about post 9/11 fear. Mona comes alive in her apartment when the city goes to sleep. She drops her defenses when there is no threat of human interaction. Once again... the mix of music and lyric is one that sticks in your head.

The entire CD is filled with strong moments. Do yourself a favor and give this a listen. Then put it on again and enjoy it one more time! Repeat as needed! :-)

Spring is not here.....yet!

This time last week.....I was talking about birds and think green...

Well.....its still March...no green for a while.

10 inches of snow today....my daily workout was replaced by snow shoveling..still a good workout!!!!

Still hear the birds though....unfortunatly....they are not singing! Probably yelling at one another for flying into this frozen state waaaaaaaaaaaaay too early!

Scary Pictures of Chris Robinson...new Links!

Ok....I love the Black Crowes (duh...Mike has been on a rant about em since oct.) but frontman Chris.....you snap a scary photo from time to time!

Exhibit #1- The glam bowie...meets raccoon eye makeup thing.....errrr not makin it!

Exhibit#2- My fave...Stoner triangle!!!! Check out the concentration as he launches into yet another 15 minute "angle" solo ( really this band isn't prone to this....TRUST ME!)

Exhibit #3- This shot is from the late 90's By your side era. One of my favorite 'Crowes' Cd's...released when I was going through a rough time.....the cd spoke to me! ( I just got ill re-reading that spoke to me stuff!) anyway......it didn't sell very well, and one of the reasons why was the decision to dress the band like they were in a HERVE VILLECHEZ -TATTOO FROM FANTASY ISLAND TRIBUTE BAND!!!!!!!!

I have added some links to the right-
All music is a great reference for any type of music.....hence the name ( duh pt2)
The black crowes.....great picture and triangle reference :-)
You tube....click on videos....type in any band or musical artist....and you have some great underground videos.......there is a great Prince/Michael Jackson/James Brown jam in there....just type in Michael Jackson....should get you there. Anything else you find in there....I take no responsibility!!!! I aint your Daddy! :-)

Birds

I heard a few the other morning while taking the furry 4 legged one out. Funny how just the sound of them made my day a little better. Spring is around the corner!

Think green!

Sadness

I dont usually cry over sports figures. Today I cry.

One of my sports idols has passed away. Kirby Puckett. At the young age of 45.

I had the privilige of watching many of his games in person. I never ever felt cheated of my money when I was able to watch him. He played the game the way I loved to watch it played. Hard, fearless and with passion. At 5'8 and the shape of a bowling ball...he captured the hearts of everyone that watched him. Hardcore fan or Grandmother that was attending her first game.

For those who dont know his career...he was forced to retire after glaucoma in his right eye blinded him at the age of 34. He was inducted into the hall of fame in 2001.The street that runs past that wretched Metrodome is named after him.

Life after baseball was not a easy adjustment for Puck. His image became a little tarnished ...and his health was worrisome to many that saw him.

Yesterday he suffered a massive stroke. One day later he is gone. My words are hard to come by at this moment.

Thanks for sharing your love of the game with this guy that grew up with you. I hope you knew how much you were loved by all.

New Purchase....

The CD to the right is my latest addition to my small little collection of music!

Derek Trucks is a young guitarist that is currently playing with the Allman Brothers Band. His uncle Butch is a founding member of that band and one of its 2 drummer attack. This is Dereks 3rd solo release...21 years old and talent to burn.

If you love gritty slide guitar...the kind that makes the paint peel off your walls...love smooth Wes Montgomery type jazz cording....or love world music. Check this young man out. This release is more along the line of a jazz CD. But not the kind of jazz that you listen to and think "I better say this thing is cool because it makes me sound sophisticated" kind of jazz. This hybrid of jazz and blues/rock is very easy to swallow!

I found it for $4.95! Another hidden treasure dug up by your music guru!!!!

Bowling Update

Behold the game face pic.....had the youngsters psyched out!!!!!



Then the 192 score!!!!! :-)


We had a great time!!!! I did give the lads some pointers!!! Wasnt in total destruction mode!

Geeez 2 posts in a day!

Ok.....I have rebounded.

Whats with all the pics and the arty black and white stuff????

Anywaaaay....tomorrow I am planning on taking Reggie ( the somewhat less hairy dog) to his first agility competition.

Its a pretty low key thing ( at least that is what they say!) but should be fun for him! He just gets nutty excited to be able to run around the course.....I get a kick out of it too! It truly is a team "sport"....and fun to bond with the 4 legged beast! :-)

I am being reminded that its time to leave for the birthday party....results of the bowling will follow!!! :-) Yeah maybe some black and white photos also!

ITS STEVENS BIRTHDAY PARTY!!!!

Today is Stevens big day! (Monday is the actual day...but...its a paaaaartaaay day!)

Ahhh to be 11 and in love with the rock group KISS! Hey....I only had a little to do with getting him into a group that was around at least 25 years before he was born!!! :-)

The look on his face when he picked up his cake with the KISS image on it was all worth it! How cool is it to have your favorite rock group on a cake!!! Geez....when I was a kid....blah blah old guy grumble about to occur!

Its off to the bowling alley to celebrate. 6 of Stevens good buddies will be there! Cherols job is to organize...mine???? To keep the lads entertained and to destroy them with scary high scores!!!! I will keep the fist pumping and finger pointing under control!! :-)

HAPPY B-DAY STEVEN!!!!

New material.....

Yes, yes.....

The blog has been neglected. I haven't really had the urge to write much. I have really been focusing on my health....and true to my form.....have substituted one interest for another.

I have lost almost 14 lbs and have been working out 5-6 times a week. My eating has gone back to the old healthy way.....havent been to McDonald's for over a month. When I go to a fast food place...I have been eating salads and other "healthy" things. I let myself eat the things I like....but in much smaller portions.

January was a very rough month on me. I was very depressed through much of it. I found that getting back into the gym and taking care of myself and doing positive things made my outlook much more optimistic. Some of the things that depressed me still exist...they still have the power to bring me down. But.....having a outlet that releases the anger,anxiety, and stress is something that I truly look forward to every day.

I purchased a cheap MP3 player and loaded it with music that I knew would move me.....and it works well with me. Nothing like a great blasting version of "wont get fooled again" with the cathartic scream at the end to make you feel like you are throwing a metaphorical rock off of your back.

I go to bed every night feeling good that I am not sneaking down to the fridge for something to eat before I rest my head. I even look forward to getting on the scale and seeing results.

Here is to a new beginning!

Sly Stone

Those of you that hung in there for the Grammys saw a real live trainwreck.

Sylvester Stewart aka Sly Stone. Legendary leader of one of my fave funk n roll groups, Sly and the Family Stone. Made his first public appearance in close to 20 years. Joss Stone...Maroon five ( geez is there NOT a tribute these people do not play) and others butchered a medley of songs...before a decent Steven Tyler/Joe Perry performance led to the announcement of Sly to sing "Wanna take you higher"

Sly...as you can see...decided a mohawk and a gnarly looking cast on his hand would be a good look for the evening. As he walked out...my mouth was in agape mode. Where did his neck disappear to ???? He has the old man above the equator pants and belt cookin. Its so sad to see your idols age....and this badly.

I still held out hope that maybe he could perform. Well it was not meant to be. He lasted about 3 verses of him mumbling "waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaannnnna take yaaaaaa higher" and he left the stage. The assembled cast was forced to finish without him.

Reportedly. He left the building and nobody knows where he went. Will it be the last we see of Mr. Stewart? Lets hope it was just a bad bad night.

olympics

Tonight I watched the opening ceremonies for the 20th winter olympics in Torino Italy.

It was the usual mix of dancing trees and skaters with flames roaring from thier helmets. Very colorful and interesting. Its very cool to see all of the different cultures come together...even if it is for a sporting event.

I dont think I will glued to the action like I used to be as a wee lad. Way back before cable....( Mikes rocking chair squeeks) there wasnt much else to watch.....SO YOU WATCHED IT ALL!!!

In other news.....HAPPY VALENTINES DAY to all out there! Hope the day of love is something special!

Working out love is still strong.....encouraged by the early results!

Simple Joy

Spent today with my wife and son. We did the usual things on a Saturday. Lots of running around and looking for stuff that is needed. Some of it is fun and some of it is just plain tedius at times!

My wife is a smart woman. She knew we were in a area of town that we dont get to often. She also knew that there is a very small little record shop that I LOVE to duck into . I know that this place isnt her cup of tea. But she understands.....she sees the look in my eye as I thumb through rare old albums and imported bootleg DVDs of concerts!!!!! It was a very nice gesture.... a simple joy!

By the way....I resisted purchasing two WHO DVD's and a ALICE COOPER DVD. Man, I have grown up.....uh sorta! :-)

Renewing a old love

Even though I am a total hopeless romantic type. This isnt a tale of a lost love found. Well not in the romantic sense. But, rather my renewed love of taking care of my self through exercise. For about 2.5 years I had a great habit of going to the health club 5 days a week to work out. I loved it and really craved that time to myself. I lost almost 40 lbs and felt better than ever.

Then....I lost my love ( violins play here)

I began to love Mcdonalds. Taco bell beckoned my call and seduced me away from my healthy living. My temple of a body ( quiet...no laughing) began to look like a dirty old house. It was sad, the great foundation that was built was shaken and tossed aside. Memories of the good days were a distant memory.

But like all great true loves. The love never dies. As much as you try to block those memories...they are always there....if you choose to remember them. Yes...the health club has welcomed me back with open arms. Forgiving me for my past transgressions and trusting that I wont make the same horrible mistakes again.

I have lost 8 lbs and am finding my way back to the place that makes me feel complete! Thank you Health Club! Its good to be back in your arms! ( See how a romantic can make a trip back to a health club sound like a Oprah book of the week! not bad eh!)

Condolences

Got news from my childhood bud Jeff Smith that he lost his sister to a brain tumor. My prayers go out to his family.

Catching up !

There is a gap in time here that I didn't do much writing. I know there a still a few people that read this and kinda care. So here is a recap.

Reggie graduated from his agility class. He finished in the top 5 in his class. We are moving on to the next level ,beginning this week.

Cherol,Steven and I journeyed down to the St.Paul Riverplace to hang out at the Land o lakes dog show for an afternoon. Lots of stuff to look at if you are a dog lover. We spent a fair amount of time looking at the agility dogs. All sizes and speeds....was interesting. For me :-)

Cherol and I had the chance to go see Walk the Line. I really enjoyed it. Thought they did a good job capturing Johnny Cash. Warts and all. I give it the stamp of approval!

I have been enjoying my Sirius Radio. Stern made his appearance on the airways about a week ago, but I still am really enjoying the music. Personal fave at the moment is a station called "The Vault". Its a really nice mix of deep album ( remember those kiddies?) tracks from obscure artists and better known artists. When was the last time you heard "White Punks on Dope" by the Tubes? Well its on here. I guess the better question is....have you ever heard that track at all? If I have peaked your curiosity.....give it a listen!

That should satisfy all of your cravings for info. related to yours truly! :-)
Your fan club tee-shirt is in the mail!

A surprise find!

I think I have written about this before...but...I love to go to the library to pick up music to listen to. Its lead to many discoveries musically that I would have never explored had it not been for the free library.

I came across this gem the other day!

James Brown- Soul on Top -1969

Most people of my age think of James Brown as the guy that NOBODY can understand a word he sings or the guy that Eddie Murphy impersonated on SNL in the 80's ( Da hot tub....heeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeey it toooo hot!).

I have always been a fan....and this CD proves why. This was James attempt at a Jazz album, but not in the traditional jazz form. James decided to use strings and horns to augment his R/B sound. He changed the way he phrased his singing style. The results are very exciting.

Take a listen to the way he reworks "Its a Mans,Mans,Mans world". Most James Brown fans know this song inside and out. This version is much more powerful. Clocking in at almost 7 minutes....I played it over and over...and still cant get enough of it. The rest of the CD is full of surprises . I think the casual fan will be shocked on how well James sings. He blows away all the ill informed that think he is just a screamer.

Check it out if you can get your hands on it!

back in the saddle

Been out the blogging loop for a little bit! Dont worry! I have been busy! Just havent had the itch to write,...but I am back! Please dont hurt yourself with frantic applause!

Its January 12th and guess what kind of weather we have in the northern icebox? RAIN! Very odd for this time of the year. I dont mind it. At least we had a little sun this morning!

This was lame...11 days without writing and I breakthrough with a weather report! Pathetic!

I will return with a music review.....something meaty,beaty,big and bouncy! (great WHO album reference!)