Thoughtful Tuesday

It is interesting the things that can pop up that cause sadness. To be sure there are some things that seem pretty obvious to me when I get sad. But there are other things that at times can leave me almost blindsided by the origin. Sometimes it is because the level of sadness seems almost above and beyond the cause of the sadness and it makes me feel like my response is out of proportion to what triggered it.

I Could Be Dreaming - Belle and Sebastian

I have been divorced for nearly 5 years now and most of the time I do not think about my being divorced or even that I am single. My relationship or lack thereof does not bother me. I also rarely think about my age. I do what I do and my chronological age is really not an issue in how I live my life. I am old enough to vote and to drink and as far as I am concerned that leaves me old enough to do anything that I want to do. I rarely feel old. Though I have friends who while their chronological age may be younger than mine they also seem older than me. They may seem either more mature or just more tired and uptight. I also have friends who are older than I but seem much younger than me because of the way that they live their life. To be honest once you get past 25 or perhaps 30 everyone just kind of seems all the same nebulous age. If you are living an honest and authentic life you are going to live and do what you want to do regardless of what number is tacked on your existence.

Roy Walker - Belle and Sebastian

That being said, while I rarely feel or think about my age there are times when I distinctly feel my age. When that happens in can cause some angst and often what makes it worse is that it is so pointless for me to feel angst about situations that are beyond my control. But as is often the case with my crazy brain. I sometimes wonder is my angst truly because of the situation or is it because I think that I shouldn't be feeling angst about this and because of that I create a self fulfilling prophecy concerning things. Because despite my angst and confusion I also feel that I should be honestly feeling and experiencing whatever it is I am going through and if I do not then I am doing a disservice to myself and to my friends around me.

For Prayer - Wye Oak

It is one of those questions that I suspect I will never have an answer too. For good or bad. That is my reality. All that I can do is strive to be authentic and to be present in my pain. Because to hide from it and deny its existence will, I believe, lead to a much deeper unhealthiness and a much deeper emotional sadness that will impact my life in far worse ways. Sadly knowing that does not make it any easier for me to do it. I am a passionate man. I love things and people and I get excited about them and I invest in them. That is who I am. I feel things deeply. I would not trade that for the world. But there are times that when feeling deeply also means you feel much pain when things do not go like you thought you wanted them too go. Even when you did not realize that you even had expectations at all and even worse when those expectations were so far beyond reason that you had not even realized that you were thinking them.

Sun It Rises - Fleet Foxes

It is at that point, for me, that the self loathing begins. Because I should know better and I do know better then to grow attached to people that I can't have. So too speak. But for me the frustration comes because I do not feel like I am going out there and searching for things that I can't have. By and large I am who I am at this point in my life and I let people engage with me who want to engage with me. I do not hang out searching for some sort of unattainable manic pixie girl to fix me. As much as I would like it to be, life is not a Wes Anderson or Cameron Crowe film and I am never going to find either Margot Tenenbaum or Penny Lane.

And I am not nor will I ever be Richie Tenenbaum

Or William Miller.

Though perhaps I am. Because much like them I am unable to gain closure on this.

My Beloved Monster - eels

The disconnect that I feel about this is also frustrating because I know that I shouldn't bee feeling this way at all. One of the things that I would say that I hate about myself and I have actually very good self esteem because lets face it. I really do know how awesome I am. But I hate that my emotions and feelings have a very tenuous relationship with logic. When my emotions come to town they either drive my logic away or they lock it up in some sort of hole in my sub-basement and force it too put lotion on it's skin for when they make the inevitable skin suit out of it. Thankfully logic usually escapes the hole for a little while at least. I hate to think what will happen if emotion is ever successful in its quest for supremacy.

The Chimbley Sweep - The Decemberists

 Thanks for listening folks and always your likes and comments are welcomed and appreciated. I will keep on doing what I do. Listening to good tunes and loving others. We are all in this together and caring for each other is the best way to get through it together.

Tuesday Tunes...

Alright, alright, alright. I hope this is a nice mellow Tuesday for you folks. I am certainly hoping that it is for me but I really do not know what it is going to be and I am trying to enter it with no expectations that is for sure. The plan within the plan to have no plan is to do some writing today and to listen to some sweet tunes and to just keep on keepin' on.

If She Wants Me - Belle and Sebastian

Starting off with these lads is always a good way to start. This is a very nice song. 

I watched the season premier of the Jimmy Fallon hosted Tonight Show last night. I really am not sure what to say about it. There were moments of humor during the show and some slightly funny moments as he interviewed Will Smith. But I am not a big fan of Will Smith anymore so that was just kind of pointless as far as I was concerned. Fallon and Will Smith did a history of hip-hop dancing sketch but it just wasn't as good as anything that Fallon has done in the past with Justin Timberlake. I think Timberlake is a better dancer than
Will Smith. But that may be a conversation for a different day. All in all it was different than the Jay Leno era Tonight Show and that is a good thing.

 
See What a Fool I've Been - Queen

Wow. This is a B-side but I have to tell you that as I listen to it. I can't think of very many other songs that rock so hard. Brian May just goes to work on the guitar and while the song came out in 1974 I can hear how it inspired several other rock songs over the years. I am looking at you AC-DC.

What else is going on? Oh it hasn't been covered much if at all, near as I can tell, by American Media but things are getting pretty unstable in Venezuela. Though I am reading that the U.S. diplomats have just been given 48 hrs to leave the country. I am making no predictions as to how this plays out or the reasons behind it. I just feel sad for the amount of people that are going to die in the violence that I think is probably going to follow as people continue to protest. I just hope people and their families are safe and I hope that the United States are not dabbling in regime change again. I think we did enough of that in the 70's and 80's. I guess I did have an opinion on this one. But this is not really a political blog so that is going to be the last I say about this one.

Awake My Soul - Piano Tribute

This is a nice version of the song and really the whole piano tribute album makes for some nice relaxing listening. If you are looking for some nice music to take a nap too, you can't go wrong with this album. 

My coffee this morning is the dregs of the yesterdays pot reheated in the microwave and I know that many of my coffee purist friends would be horrified by this, but honestly it is tasting really good this morning. But that may be because I got the correct amount of sleep last night and I was able to get up get my coffee and get back to writing with out seeing a single soul. I did not have to speak except for the mumbling that I do with myself and I am now just sitting here sipping my coffee, typing on the keyboard, and listening to my tunes with my headphones on. As far as I am concerned my friends this is very nearly what I would call the perfect morning.

The Bitch is Back - Elton John

A classic rocker by Elton John. Not much to say about it. Nearly everyone knows of this song and it is a good one for its type. Though I feel that their is to much saxophone in it. 


I also do not have a neck or headache this morning and that is always a plus as well. I do not have one of those everyday and they do not last all day long by any means but it is nice to have a morning when I have neither of them. I had a slightly odd dream about playing poker last night. It was odd because while I dream and remember my dreams on a regular basis I have not as I recall ever dreamed about playing poker. I used to play poker on a regular basis but I have not for several years now. I think not since the divorce so close to four years. I suppose that I could be missing that. I just do not know and as far as dreams go I usually do not bother to speculate.

Somebody That I Used to Know - Gotye

This was a great concert and I am still enjoying the song. Though to be fair it was being played so often on radio that I took a break from listening to it. The crystal ballroom made for a good venue and the lady I was with made it a fun experience as well. Good times. 

That is it for me today folks and I know that I try to leave you with a little reminder each day to love each other and to remember each others humanity but today I feel like this paragraph says it better than I can.

"Inhabit your true Self today. See things as they truly are. See people as they really are. Be mindful of the suffering of those around you. Do what will aid the liberation of others today. Seek to do no harm. Be an expression of loving-kindness, compassion, and goodness. Do not look at others through eyes of judgment. See every person as your mother or father, son or daughter, sister or daughter. Honor your highest truth today. Be kind and compassionate with yourself. When you get off track, simply be aware and return to the life that is unfolding before you in that moment. Don’t complicate it. Respond to each situation today as it requires. Don’t become embroiled in drama. Realize that you are undisturbed, at peace, and full of joy in your true self." 

                       - Jim Palmer

Keep On Dancing...

Wednesday Wedneaday

Good morning and my apologies for missing yesterday. There are times and usually it is I believe when the weather changes or I think more specifically when the pressure changes that I get very bad migraines and Tuesday morning was one of those. It was a rough one. I spent most of the morning lying in bed with a cover over my eyes. It makes me feel like Mrs Howell when I have one of those "episodes".

Rocky Road Blues - Bill Monroe

A classic from one of the fathers of Bluegrass. I discovered this man a year or so ago and I always enjoy his songs and his guitar and banjo stylings. I missed out on some good music for several years by not recognizing the musical quality of Bluegrass. It is good music. 

Today is a better day though. I woke up only slightly bleary eyed and feeling pretty good.

All of Me Loves All of You - Bay City Rollers

Oh you guys are in for a treat. The might Bay City Rollers are here to entertain you. Just give into the cheese and enjoy the music. Let it make your head bob and your toes tap. They are cheesy as hell but they certainly fun and one of the biggest pop groups to ever make it out of Scotland. 

I really am not feeling like I have much to say to you this morning. I am more interested in seeing what song pops up next on the player. Everything is coming to you today from the letter B. Though I am not sure why my music player puts the first name first when it alphabetizes. I guess it makes a little bit of sense for the band names but when it is just single name performers like Billy Joel and Ben Folds it feels kind of funny.              

Ballad - Edward op 10-1 Brahms

 Just love a lovely piece of piano music by Brahms. So nice

The Olympics are in full swing and I have only been able to see a little bit of Curling so far this time around. I was reminded as I watched a match yesterday about how much I enjoyed watching Curling the last winter Olympics. So that has been a plus but other then that I am not sure how I feel about the rest of the Olympic coverage. I want to feel like it has been less than stellar but it hasn't been horrible and I suspect that it may be more my problem than NBC or the Olympics themselves. I only like a few events and they just do not broadcast those events enough for me. I like Ice Hockey and Judo and Curling and really that is about it though do to child sports abuse I have an appreciation for Ice Skating. But that is the last I am going to say about that.

I'm A Cuckoo - Belle and Sebastian

This is a great song. I really am unable to say enough about this band. I like all that they do. 

My comments about "So I Married an Axe Murderer" caused a bit of a stir. It was as I suspected. There are people who have such fond memories of one or two stand out scenes in the film that their brain has forgotten all of the miserable fluff and video montages in between the funny bits and that my friends does not a good film make in any sense of the word. I enjoy a good montage as much as the next guy but there are times when it really is pretty sloppy storytelling and some directors will use this to pad a film. If done well the audience can totally miss it and just be caught up in the moment which is great but when done poorly it becomes glaringly obvious what is going on. Michael Bay is a good example of this kind of crap.

He's A Liar - The Bee Gees

The classic disco stylings of the Bee Gees. This is a good one even though it does has a disco back beat. I like the lyrics and it really is a great example of what was popular in the early 80's. This song came out in 1981 I believe. I like it though. Good stuff. 

That is going to be it for today. I hope today is a great one for you and despite the rain you are able to find some sunshine today either physically or emotionally. Do something that makes you happy even if for a short time. In my case I believe that I shall be listening to a lot of music today. That often does the trick for me when things are feeling kind of gloomy and gray. So Hug each other and keep on Dancing will you.

Sun In My Morning - The Bee Gees

Feel the emotion. Embrace the emotion and ride the storm through it and on the other side you will be the better for it. Trust me. 

Monday Music Mix

Late Sunday night or early Monday morning post, either way it is 3:30 in the morning and I am wide awake.

Jessie's Girl - Rick Springfield

A classic song. Give it a listen.

Well today was the day. Because Congress decided not to fund it and decided to go on their nearly month long Christmas vacation my EUC ended. Or Emergency Unemployment Compensation ended. I had nearly $2000.00 left in my account. Now I am not sure what Congress's definition of Emergency is. But mine is being out of work for over a year and having to live with my parents. It isn't that I have not been looking. I really wish I had just been lazing around and soaking up the fat cream from the Gov't teat. But that has not been the case.

So Low - Dallas Green

A very nice song. Nice and mellow and emo.

I knew that the money would not last forever and I have been applying for jobs. This will not change that. I will continue to apply for jobs but I do not foresee anything changing in the getting hired department anytime soon. It feels like every job that I apply for has several hundred applicants in front of me. Such is life I suppose. and I must continue to put one foot in front of the other and move forward one way or the other.

Old Enough - The Raconteurs

Love this song so much. Jack White is amazing and this band is really solid.

I am well aware that things could be worse for me. I am living with my parents and their is a roof over my head and I am dry and warm. There is food in the cupboard and people love me. So it is not all horrible doom and gloom. But I think, honestly, who really wants to be unemployed? I like to work. I like to be busy. I would like to be able to pay some of my school loans off and some of my other debt. To be able to do that would be a great thing.

Say You Love Me - Fleetwood Mac

Another classic song. I really do like Fleetwood Mac

As long as I can I will continue to write and post when the mood strikes me. I do not intend for this situation to stop that at all. But this is the reality that I am facing today. As nice as it is when I meditate and keep myself centered there is also certain realities and practicalities that need to be faced as well as far as my daily existence goes. The trains need to run and the bills need to be payed.

You Made Me Forget My Dreams - Belle and Sebastian

This is a haunting and lovely song. Wow. So good.

So....despite the unemployment issue. Things are actually pretty good on an emotional level. I feel good. I am feeling happy and I am putting love and empathy out into the world. I care for others and I love them and I want to be able to help others even if it is on an emotional and mental level. Since I am unable to do it on a financial level right now. I want to be there and be able to listen and too care for others. I like being that listening ear and that shoulder to cry on. That is all I really ask. That is me,

 Lance Cummins, unlicensed counselor and therapist and professional hugger and snuggler. Please email me if you would like to make an appointment. 

Courage - Manowar

Hang in there folks and above all keep on dancing.

Monday Music Mix

Morning folks. Why don't you hop on board the music train with me and we will get this week started.

It's Still Rock n Roll To Me- Billy Joel

This is a nice toe tapper to get things going this morning. I think the song is probably pretty dated but overall I do enjoy it.

Step Into My Office, Baby - Belle and Sebastian

Oh my Glob. I love this song. It reminds me of Mad Men which is a show that I love. But that isn't the only thing. It is a just a great song. So far I am feeling pretty good about the musical mix and how it is starting the day off. Good stuff.

I did my Hindu squats and my deep breathing this morning and it is actually kind of amazing to me how quickly I feel a benefit from doing that. I can feel a fundamental difference in my physical well being. I do not know if it is just me being aware of my breathing and breathing deep and slow and getting all that oxygen into my body while I do my movements but it works. At least for me.

Stranger In Town - TOTO

Classic mid 80's song. Honestly how can you not like Toto? I suppose that you can but I think you might be a musical snob if you do. It is okay to be a musical snob. I used to be one and I still am in some ways. But if you are just own it. Don't deny it. Throw it in the haters face and force them to deal with it. Back to the song. I also find the lyrics pretty interesting and it has a catchy chorus.

Work, work, work. I would love to find a way to have some sort of gainful employment. At this point depending on what happens with week with the feds and unemployment I may need to see if I can find a job flipping burgers or cleaning toilets at the local burger emporium. Lord spare me. We shall see what happens.

There She Goes Again - R. E. M.

This is a cover of a Velvet Underground song and I like what R.E.M. has done with it. When a band does something clever with a cover it is usually something that is very nice to listen too. I think that is the case here. Good stuff.

Lonely Boy - The Black Keys

This is one of my favorite songs of 2011 and one of my favorite bands. Solid rockers and they put out a nice volume and depth of noise for a duo. This song has a nice beat and is easy to dance to.

Hey You - Pink Floyd

This is nice. Slowing it down as we wrap things up for the day. As far as I am concerned, Pink Floyd is always welcome at the musical party.

Keep it real and stay warm out there today folks. Be honest with and love each other.

Friday Music Madness

Little bit of music for you folks today. This way people at the Coffeehouse think that I am working. Suckers.

I Am Africa - Book of Mormon (Musical from the South Park guys)

This is a pretty good song as far as songs from musicals go. I understand the the musical itself is very good.

Down There By The Train - Johnny Cash

I love Johnny Cash and anyone who has paid attention to this blog knows that. I think that this is one of his great songs. So good and so real in terms of his voice and the depth of his feeling. This song is from one of his American Recordings albums. I hope to meet Johnny down there by the train myself one day. Him and a few other people. I also believe that Tom Waits either covered it or perhaps even did it first. I am sure that his version is stellar as well.

Today is one of those grey sky and gloomy days in the valley. I think this is the kind of day that people who hate Oregon weather complain about. It isn't raining it is just kind of gloomy in the air. Most of the time I am totally okay with this kind of weather but I understand why some people just are unable to handle it. That is for sure.

Nice Day For A Sulk - Belle and Sebastian

This is another lovely song. It shouldn't be a surprise to anyone at this point. It seems that all their songs are good ones and easy ones to listen too.

The Power - Manowar

Yes, Yes, Yes. Time to rise up in your cubicle and start your moshing.

Aces High - Iron Maiden

This is one of my favorite Maiden songs. Just a classic and it has all the markings of classic Maiden. The song basically tells the story of being a fighter pilot. All of the classic Maiden songs tell a story of some sort. That is what makes them classic. They do not put out concept albums they put out concept songs and I love them.

Sixteen - No Doubt

This is one of the few songs that wasn't a huge hit off of this album. But I like it. It is a little more rock then Ska but I still find it listenable. I miss No Doubt. They were a fun band.

Hey! You guys have a great weekend and I hopefully will talk to you on Monday.

Manic Music Monday

I am up bright and early so lets get the music started, shall we.

Alone - Bee Gees

As I have grown older I have begun to enjoy this band more. I am not sure what says about me. But I know that I  just plain enjoy music and most of the time despite all of the disco baggage that comes with ' Saturday Night Fever' I do enjoy the music that the Bee Gees put out. That and I enjoy the skit on SNL.

Selfless, Cold, and Composed - Ben Folds University Acappella Version

I am not a huge acappella fan but the album that Ben Folds put together has some just really enjoyable and very listenable versions of his songs on it. In this format I really do enjoy them. I know this kind of music is not for everyone and in most cases it isn't for me. But in this case I highly urge you to track this album down. 'Ben Folds - University Acappella'

There is something that I like about sitting in the dark of my room with my headphones on and writing. I just like the silence and the darkness. I like the feeling that I am all alone in the world and the page in front of me is totally free and empty. A wide open face that I can fill up with whatever words I choose to use. It is a feeling of total and complete freedom and one of the few true pleasures in my life. I think for me, that is the only real benefit to getting up very early in the morning because the feeling is not the same if I just stay up all night.

Seymour Stein - Belle and Sebastian

More Belle and Sebastian and I am sorry if you are bored of them. I am not and I have a lot of them on the music player and they really do bring some peace to me when I listen to them. It is music that rewards you if you actually listen to the lyrics as well as feeling the music and that is a good thing. It is well worth engaging.

Winter Winds - Mumford and Sons (Piano Tribute)

I love this version on the piano It is just beautiful and so nice to listen to. I enjoy their music anyway but their music in piano form is very nice to listen to as far as I am concerned. It is made for extended listening and closing your eyes and just letting it flow over you. Again and this time without the lyrics but it is music that rewards you if you engage with it and let it fill you. It is okay to feel and it is okay to have emotions when you are listening to music.

There are times when I complain about how emotional I can get about things. But, honestly I wouldn't have it any other way. It is who I am and I think it really does connect me to things and to people. I feel like really at my core all I want to do is to love others and to care for them. Our humanity is what makes us stronger and our compassion is what separates us from the beasts. I know that humans can for sure be beast like, there is no doubt about that. But really it is all about loving each other for me. It is about caring for each other and remembering that we are all just trying to survive in this world and that we are all human. And it would serve us all to remember that.

Royal Jelly - John C. Reilly

This is John C. Reilly as Dewey Cox from the film 'Walk Hard' doing his best Bob Dylan impression. I really do enjoy this movie and I enjoy the spoof songs on it as well. It is worth a watch.

I Need You - America

Not much to say, just sit back and enjoy this. That is all

Hey folks. Have a great day. I know that this can be a stressful time for some or all of us. But hang in there, love each other, take some deep breathes and care for each other. Be well and be compassionate.

I am pretty sure that this is going to be me on New Years Eve and probably several other times during this week. If anyone needs me, I'll be at the Coffeehouse.

Thundering Thursday

Are you ready to rock?

Hello Goodbye - The Beatles

I have to admit that I am not a big fan of the Beatles. There is denying the impact that they had on music in general and I am well aware of that as well as their individual and group talents. But I just have never really gotten into their music. I don't enjoy it. I don't think that it makes me a bad person. I hope not anyway. This is a pretty song though.

Disenchanted - My Chemical Romance

This is one of those totally emo and theatrical bands that owes the world to Freddie Mercury and Queen but I do not mind that. Their music works for me. It affects me on an emotional level and I am nut sure the reason but when I listen to it I feel like I should be wearing eyeliner and being all angsty but sadly those days are behind me. In my head though there is a part of me that is that 14 yr old adolescent who is feeling the power of this music and using it as a tool to really express myself at school.

Nobody's Home - Avril Lavigne

I like Avril. I really do. There is just something about her music that I enjoy. I like her sense of humor and her pop culture knowledge when you watch her videos. I like that she is unafraid to sing about emotional things and painful things. The style of music that she tends to operate in is not always my favorite style but I do like it now and then and I like what she does within the limits of her musical ability.

Malverde - Red Fang

Hard to go wrong with the pounding metal of Red Fang. They are one of the best music acts to come out of Portland in the last few years if not ever. I really did them. But I know that not everyone is into metal and I am not into some of the newer metal bands that is for sure. But these guys I really like.

Dog On Wheels - Belle and Sebastian

Some more Belle and Sebastian for you. I hope you enjoy the mellowness. This one has some nice horn and guitar work as well.

Circle The Drain - Katy Perry

I really like this song. It wasn't a big hit for her and doesn't sound like her usual stuff so that is why it probably wasn't a big hit. But I think it is a good one and I think it is a about an old boyfriend of hers but I will not say his name. Give it a listen.

Monday Music Madness

The Outskirts - Trampled by Turtles

I thought at least I could give you guys some music to listen to. I know how much Carl enjoys it as well as a few of my other friends. Today these are all coming straight from my computer and not from my google music player so hopefully you folks will get to hear some songs that you haven't heard me highlight before. The song above is from a band that I like a lot. They are one of the newer bluegrass groups and I have seen them only once in concert but it was one of the best shows that I have been too. If you like bluegrass do yourself a favor and look them up. You will not regret it.

Family Tree - Belle & Sebastian

I really enjoy Belle & Sebastian and I do not listen to them enough. They have a very extensive discography and are worth checking out if you enjoy lovely music that is easy to listen too.

Now I'm Here - Queen

This is a classic Queen number just a hard rocking example of the sheer power of arena rock. Queen was one of the most talented bands in the world. So good. Brian May on guitar never disappoints and Freddie on vocals is always a marvel.

A Whole New World - Aladdin  Soundtrack

Yes, I have several Disney soundtracks. Get over it. I am not ashamed the songs on Aladdin are beautiful.

Grieg: Holberg Suite

Such good, good classical music. I honestly do not think you can go wrong listening to Grieg.

Blue Rondo A La Turk - Dave Brubeck Quartet

This is a nice way to finish today's musical journey. This is such a good piece.

I hope you folks had a great day and remember keep on dancing.

Random Music Tuesday

Well it looks like you guys are able to see the videos at least, so lets keep it going.

Complainted'vn Matelot Mourant - The Avett Bro - What a lovely somber song and I believe that the english translation is "Lament of a Dying Sailor" I highly recommend listening to this with some headphones on to fully enjoy the experience.

Just a Little Heat - Black Keys - Feel the grungy blues it makes me think of the film 'Crossroads' with Ralph Macchio and Jaime Gertz. I enjoy everything that the Black Keys do. I also always find it impressive that it is just a duo and they put out such a great wall of sound.

To Be Myself Completely - Belle and Sebastian - This song is speaking to me right now in a way that I really do not want to think about. I do not want to dive into that introspective spiral. It is enough for me to tell you that I love this song and the lyrics say a lot.

Mambo (Dreaming of 4000) - ELO - Oh ELO! I love you and your disco-prog rock sound. You have brought me so much musical joy over the years.

Dan's Silverleaf - The Middle East - I like these. I only have this one album but every time I hear it I enjoy it. I feel like there is a real depth to it and it always bears repeated listening with headphones on to be able to fully get the sound.

Random Music Tuesday

and away we go...

Jamaica Farewell - Harry Belafonte - This is a fun one and kind of a classic song. I don't know how many people remember how good of a singer he was. I know that I do not but when I do hear his songs I do enjoy them. This one is coming off of a folk music compilation disc that I have.

Jaime's Crying - Van Halen - This is classic, classic Van Halen. They were such a great band to listen too. Then Eddie married Valerie Bertinelli and she destroyed the band. That is my story and I am sticking to it.

Someday Soon  - Judy Collins - This is a song that I do not believe that I have ever heard before but it really is kind of nice. She has a lovely voice and I m kind of a sucker for songs that tell stories.

Judy And the Dream of Horses - Belle and Sebastian - I have a lot of Belle and Sebastian and while I don't listen to them on a regular basis I do enjoy them and they never fail to remind me of a Wes Anderson film and that is okay with me.

The Shortest Straw - Metallica - It cracks me up when the randomness of the music machine throws in a song that just doesn't fit. I like this song but it does not go with the flow of this random mix at all. This isn't my favorite Metallica song at all but there is something about it that I really like.

See you later losers!!