Freddy's Open Mind

The 2026 3 Albums A Week Challenge; October

2026-11-02T16:38:42.364-05:00

The 2026 3 Albums A Week Challenge; October

October

2026 Album Challenge (Home Link)

The Beatles- Help!

Format: Apple

Fiio FT1 Headphones

Notes: Of course any Beatles album I play, I have heard a hundred times. This is still a favorite of mine and probably what I consider to be the best album before they grew into the formidable power of pop/rock music. The title track, "You've Got To Hide...", "Yesterday".....so many great songs.

Jason Isbell- Something More Than Free

Format: Apple

Fiio FT1 Headphones

Notes: Isbell is an artist that I have grown to appreciate and I probably don't listen to his albums enough. I rarely hear anything by him that puts me off. This is the first album I got into when I discovered him. A very thoughtful and eclectic record that highlights his ability to craft lyrics that feel personal. "24 Frames" is a favorite, but I also love "Something More Than Free", "If It Takes A Lifetime", and "Children of Children". I give this album a high recommendation.

Jason Isbell- Southeastern

Format: Apple

Fiio FT1 Headphones

Notes: This record, like "Something More Than Free" was produced by the great Dave Cobb. I don't find it quite as good as that record, but it has its' highlights and again showcases Isbell's talent for crafting thoughtful and relevant lyrics.

Led Zeppelin- Houses of the Holy

Format: CD

Stereo

Notes: This may well be my favorite Led Zeppelin record. Top to bottom there is nothing to skip. "The Rain Song" is a classic with a psychedelic slant along with "No Quarter". If you want to rock, "The Ocean" and "Dancing Days" will get you there too.

Beck- Hyperspace

Format: Apple

Stereo

Notes: Another great Beck record. Has that same lyrical vibe as Sea Change and Morning Phase, but with a heavy dose of synth which I feel elevates it and sets it apart. Not saying it's better than those records, but it gives it its' own space and isn't retreading the same ground. "See Through" is a super cool song that could be on any "Date Night" mix.

Beck- Ride Lonesome

Format: Apple

Stereo

Notes: He gets back to many of the musicians he used on "Morning Phase" and "Sea Change" and musically it's not far from those records. A good dose of melancholy acoustic tunes. If the aforementioned records are in your Beck "wheelhouse", then you are going to enjoy this one. "It Ends Right Here" is one I really like and it borrows the vocal stylings of Jim James. Very disconnected and ethereal. "If You Don't Know What Love Is" is another one I suggest for any laid back playlist you may have concocted.

Lukas Nelson- American Romance

Format: Apple

Stereo

Notes: The debut solo record by Nelson was produced by Shooter Jennings and focuses on the songwriting with a more "held back" musical approach. Nelson has been a band guy for most of his career so far and with this one, he is focused on a much more country feel. Jennings doesn't allow the music to overwhelm the songs and while I find this a little less engaging and uneven than his music with Promise of the Real, it's something that I would probably connect with a little better with headphones and joint. If nothing else, listen to "Make You Happy".

The Eagles- Eagles

Format: CD

Stereo

Notes: The Eagles debut record and it's a dandy. Before they veered into the fast lane of rock, The Eagles were children of Gram Parsons, Buffalo Springfield, and The Byrds. Their early country sounds and harmonies are ear candy and you can't go wrong with the Jackson Browne penned "Take It Easy" and the classic soft rock tune "Peaceful Easy Feeling". If you think you know the Eagles from the "hits" give this one a listen and discover "Take the Devil".

David Gilmour- On An Island

Format: CD

Fiio FT1 Headphones

Notes: I won't really recommend any songs of this record. It's best served as a piece of music, much like Pink Floyd albums. Cutting it up does a disservice to the flow, although if you pressed me, "Take A Breath" would be the song I would want to introduce you to, to sell the record. The guitar work is typical of the Gilmour sound and put the headphones on or crank the stereo and immerse yourself into it. I highly recommend this to anyone that loves Pink Floyd. This isn't exactly that, but it has those connections.

Neil Young- Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere

Format: CD

Stereo

Notes: Maybe my favorite Neil Young album....maybe not. Depends on what day you ask me, but what I absolutely am sure of, this is a 5 star record. The title track begs to be played over and over and would be right at home playing in the background of a keg party. Other highlights and stalwarts in the Young roster of great songs are "Cowgirl In The Sand", "Cinnamon Girl", and "Down By The River". If you have not heard this record from top to bottom, do yourself a favor and put it on.

REO Speedwagon- Hi Infidelity

Format: Apple

Stero

Notes: An album my mom wouldn't let me buy when I was a youngster because of the album cover. My exposure came from the radio hits. Overall, this is peak REO Speedwagon and a great "arena rock" album. It hit #1 in 1980 and stayed there for almost 4 months. As a comparison, just under 30 rock albums have managed to do that. No overnight sensations, this was the 9th studio album by the band and launched them into super stardom. Who doesn't love "Take It On The Run"? These days, it's going to sound dated of course, but it can still hit your feel good if you let it.

Dolly Parton- Coat of Many Colors

Format: Apple

Stereo

Notes: If you listen to only one Dolly Parton album, may I suggest this one? I don't know much about her other records, but this one is tremendous. A tight 28 minute listen that puts the human condition on display. Coming to grips with loneliness, overcoming poverty, and breaking free of abuse. The title track is the highlight, but if you dig her at all, you must listen to "If I Lose My Mind" and pay attention to the words. The songs are simple, but the topics are not. This is what makes Parton the gift to country music that she was and will always be.

Jerry Jeff Walker- Jerry Jeff Walker (Live)

Format: Apple

Fiio FT1 Headphones

Notes: If you love music, then you must listen to this album. A live in the studio album that gives off a very intimate vibe sure to make you feel that 70's outlaw country sound in your bones. This is very well mixed, with the rhythm section being as much a part of the sound as the vocals and guitars. Nothing stands out front, so you get a consistent feeling from song to song. Listen to the first track "Hill Country Rain"....if that doesn't do it for you, just put on something else, because you aren't gonna "get it". I hope you do though!

The 2026 3 Albums A Week Challenge; September

2026-10-08T15:31:06.959-04:00

The 2026 3 Albums A Week Challenge; September

September

2026 Album Challenge (Home Link)

The Olivia Tremor Control - Music From The Unrealized Film Script: Dusk at Cubist Castle

Format: Apple

Fiio FT1 Headphones

Notes: An album and band I had never heard of until Chris brought it to album night. It definitely leans into The Beatles more psychedelic tendencies. It won't be the last time I put this on with headphones.

Jim James - Wowed Out

Format: Apple

Stereo

Notes: Not much difference between his solo work and MMJ in my opinion. It's occasionally interesting, but mostly tends to run together song after song. There are some artists and bands that kind of run out of steam or find themselves in a rut, unable to push into new ground. I have felt that way about MMJ and Jim James for awhile.

Prince - Timeless

Format: Apple

Stereo

Notes: Cool record! Not a properly formed album that we likely would be getting from Prince if he were still with us, but a collage of songs culled from a long period of time. If you like Prince, you will like this. "Heaven" is a track that could sit right at home with his Revolution work.

Son Volt - Sound Signal Serenades

Format: Apple

Stereo

Notes: Jay Farrar and Son Volt doing what they do. They have never strayed far from their core sound and for a lot of bands that would feel stale, but somehow Son Volt overcomes that consistently. "Away From The Blues" is as good anything they have done and "The New Low-Down" has a nice energy to it.

The Jayhawks - Sanctuary Park

Format: Apple

Stereo

Notes: It seems to be a trend this month, hitting new albums from old favorites. Just like Son Volt, the Jayhawks know what works for them and manage to make interesting music despite not veering far from what fans recognize. "Keeping Our Heads" is a pure pop tune that could easily find a home on Smile or Rainy Day Music. Check out "Young Mr. Lincoln" (drummer Tim O'Reagan gets his usual tune) and "American Midnight".

Neil Young - On The Beach

Format: Vinyl

Stereo

Notes: Hard to go wrong with 70's era Neil Young. I bought the vinyl reissue and having never heard this in its entirety, i enjoyed it. I can't say I was surprised. It sounds like what you would expect. "Motion Pictures" has long been a favorite for me and "Ambulance Blues" closes the album feeling like a familiar friend.

Neil Young - Homegrown

Format: Vinyl

Stereo

Notes: The album shelved back in the 70's for the much darker "Tonight's the Night". Some songs about his relationship breaking down. There's a lot to like here and again, this is familiar territory for anyone that knows Neil Young's output from this period of time. "Homegrown" is the title track, I'll let you figure out what it's about. Other highlights include "Star of Bethlehem" (best song on the record?) and "White Line". Give it a listen if you haven't. Solid stuff.

George Harrison - Wonderwall Music

Format: CD

Stereo

Notes: I can't believe I had never heard this....any of it. It was part of "Beatles" weekend and a pleasant surprise. Not quite as abstract and "Indian" as I expected. Not music I would go back to a lot, but I can see myself revisiting under certain mental conditions. :)

The Beatles - Rubber Soul

Format: CD

Stereo

Notes: Another one I listened to over Beatles Weekend with Chris, but I have listened to it 5 or 6 times since in different versions (Mono, Stereo, 2026 Stereo, Atmos) and it never fails to deliver. This jump started the album era and the band went on a journey musically that set the tone for what pop could be. Obvious favorites are obvious "Norwegian Wood", "The Word", "In My Life", "Think For Yourself"....blah blah blah.....

The Beatles - Abbey Road

Format: CD

Stereo

Notes: Sometimes my favorite Beatles album and sometimes my favorite album period. It's so good it overcomes 2 mediocre songs (Maxwell's Hammer, Octopuses Garden) to still be great. The production and care put into the musicianship and brilliant vocals cement its' spot as a true masterpiece. Favorite track? All of side 2.

The Beatles - Magical Mystery Tour

Format: CD

Stereo

Notes: A psychedelic powerhouse. Not much to say about it other than if I considered it a "proper" album, it would rank way up there in Beatles cannon. I know most consider it cannon....I just don't. It's a song collection, albeit a great one!

Tears For Fears - The Hurting

Format: CD

Stereo

Notes: I have always loved their album Songs from the Big Chair, but didn't get into them much past that. A mistake for sure. This is their debut. The talent is undeniable. "Mad World" and "Change" are pure 80's and I unapologetically love those.

The 2026 3 Albums A Week Challenge; August

2026-08-26T16:43:56.109-04:00

The 2026 3 Albums A Week Challenge; August

August

2026 Album Challenge (Home Link)

*This month I kind of got a little caught up in playing personal favorites instead of stretching my legs a little. With four months of my challenge left, I still have time to do a bit more of that. I still have a few to get to that were recommendations from friends, so that should be fun as always. I am already studying on my "challenge" for 2027 and I believe I may do an "Album Showdown", complete with a bracket of my 32 favorites. I want to see where it takes me when I have to pair two great records against one another and then keep putting them to the test.

Harry Nilsson - Nilsson Schmilsson

Format: Vinyl

Stereo

Notes: A terrific, if not slightly dated album, from one of pop music's great voices. Well, at least until he ruined it with the help of John Lennon and the Hollywood Vampires. I try to give this a listen at least twice a year. Highlights are "Coconut", "Gotta Get Up", and "Without You", but the real steal of the album is the rockin' "Jump Into The Fire", made famous in the helicopter scene in the movie Goodfellas.

Steely Dan- Two Against Nature

Format: CD

Stereo

Notes: I have really come around to this record. I had always thought it was a bit sterile, but upon further listening, I was off the mark. There are a few songs where the drums are a bit too robotic (maybe flat?), for lack of a better word, but honestly, I just didn't take the time to appreciate the layers of sound Fagen and Becker meticulously supplied the songs with. My favorites are "Gaslighting Abby", "Almost Gothic", and Janie Runaway. An album that truly grows with every listen.

Joe Henry - Scar

Format: CD

Stereo

Notes: The easy path for listening to a Joe Henry record would be to go with Fuse. A terrific album that saw Henry push out of his "alt-country" image and into some funk and groovy hooks. But, I will get to that later. Scar is the follow up and isn't quite the equal to Fuse, but it does its' best to get there and it starts to show his veering towards jazz. It has an incredible five song run to begin the record and that probably makes the rest feel like a let down. The favorites for me are "Stop", "Mean Flower", and "Rough and Tumble". He has musical run ins on occasion with his sister in law Madonna (yes, THAT Madonna) and he delivers an all-time great quote regarding their both recording the song "Stop";

Another track of note is "Stop", a tango written by Henry. His wife, Melanie, sent an early demo of the track to her sister Madonna, who re-used the lyrics for "Don't Tell Me". Henry often quips during live gigs that "I recorded my version as a tango, and she recorded hers as a hit". (from Wikipedia)

Phil Collins - Face Value

Format: CD

Stereo

Notes: Obviously, everyone has heard "In The Air Tonight", but I wanted to find out if there was more to the solo debut of Collins. Turns out there was. An album that he conceptualized as his marriage was breaking up, it somehow feels a bit more lighthearted than one would expect. Being a drummer, he really put an effort into the percussion, which is continuously a highlight, song after song. Horns were also a big part of the project. "I Missed Again" is a stand out and there is a weird yet irresistible version of The Beatles "Tomorrow Never Knows"....not an easy track to tackle.

John Mellencamp - The Lonesome Jubilee

Format: IPod

Stereo

Notes: Another standout record from Mellencamp. He churns out "banger" after "banger" (as the kids say) on this 1987 album. "Paper in Fire", "Cherry Bomb", "The Real Life" are all fantastic songs, but the absolute standout and my favorite song of his is "Check It Out". The album is a reflection on American life and growing older in complicated times. It's not quite the listen that Scarecrow is, but it's not too far off.

Christopher Cross - Christopher Cross

Format: CD

Stereo

Notes: A big hit upon it's release in 1979, it's kind of hard for me to believe I hadn't listened to it yet. Sure, I have heard "Sailing" and "Ride Like The Wind", but the coolness of the music doesn't end there. "Never Be The Same" is another piece of ear candy. He doesn't show off his talents with the guitar near enough for my taste, although he does get in a couple of solos to close out a few tunes. Too many people don't know how great of a guitarist he is. The album is clean and well produced, much like a Steely Dan record. I can't see it being something I will go back to often, but I haven't had my last listen.

The Beatles - Revolver

Format: Vinyl

Stereo

Notes: This continues to teeter with Abbey Road as my favorite Beatles album. I don't have a lot to say about it. If you don't know it by now, where have you been? "Taxman", "Eleanor Rigby", "Good Day Sunshine", etc....

Their transition from pure pop to stretching what pop could be was in full effect here. What started with Help and Rubber Soul was finally taken to the brink with this record and the transition from the black and white cover art to the color explosion on Sgt Peppers is a sometimes unnoticed characteristic and analogy. One of rock's best albums ever. It just is.

The Monkees - Headquarters

Format: CD

Stereo

Notes: Probably my favorite album by the Monkees. It was their first shot at making a record where they had a large piece of creative control and played a majority of the instruments. It's very much of its' time, but still a fun listen with "Randy Scouse Git" closing the record with a highlight.

The Cult - Sonic Temple

Format: Apple

Stereo

Notes: A recommendation from my friend Larry. It's not exactly in my wheelhouse, but I am glad to be able to go into directions I wouldn't always choose for myself. Is this metal? Maybe....but I think it's probably more of a hard rock album (ala Def Leppard) with some polish on it. "Edie (Cia Baby) is a good one and "New York City" has a driving beat that would make a great driving song.

My Morning Jacket - Z

Format: Apple

Stereo

Notes: I was addicted to this band in the 2000's. They play a great live show and their albums can go in different directions and offer a smooth flow. This one utilized plenty of keyboards and, as usual, the soaring voice of Jim James, with "Gideon" being among their most underrated songs. "Off The Record" and "Wordless Chorus" shine also.

Wilco - Yankee Hotel Foxtrot

Format: CD

Stereo

Notes: A true gem and perhaps my favorite Wilco record. This really broadened what was already a fairly eclectic catalog. Abstract lyrics with some great guitar riffs sprinkled in, kind of recalls REM, if not in sound, then in execution. "Jesus Etc" is a GREAT song, with "Pot Kettle Black", "Heavy Metal Drummer" and....well....hell...the entire record is a treat.

Steely Dan - Can't Buy A Thrill

Format: Vinyl

Stereo

Notes: It generally gets overlooked on any "Best Debut Records of All Time" list, but it shouldn't. The record shines. It really precedes what will become the Steely Dan trademarks. Flawless and masterful musicianship and biting, satirical (in many cases) lyrics. This is from a time when they were an actual band and not just a two man crew hiring studio musicians to craft their albums. "Dirty Work" is an all time great 70's song with "Reelin' In The Years" and "Do It Again" pulling the most weight with radio play. If you have not heard this record, please do yourself a favor and give it a listen.

REM - Automatic for the People

Format: CD

Stereo

Notes: I have been hitting a lot of personal favorites this month....not really stretching out too much, but sometimes the heart wants what the heart wants! And the heart chose wisely. This is pretty much their "White Album". Sonically it fits together fairly well, and some of the song writing wonders into the abstract and analogy. It has some very low key, almost somber moments (Find A River, Sweetness Follows, Everybody Hurts) but then will turn right around and inject some energy into you (Sidewinder Sleeps Tonite, Ignoreland, Man on the Moon). Another album I can't recommend highly enough. A true 5 star effort, from one of America's great bands.

Neil Young - Harvest

Format: Vinyl

Stereo

Notes: OK, another personal favorite. Is it really rock? Is it really country? Is it folk? Yes, it is. If you think you don't like Neil Young, then give this some attention from beginning to end. It flows fantastically and is much more layered musically then first impressions. Some of Young's best songwriting, with greats like "Old Man", "Alabama", "Needle And The Damage Done".

The 2026 3 Albums A Week Challenge; July

2026-08-02T13:05:15.803-04:00

The 2026 3 Albums A Week Challenge; July

July

2026 Album Challenge (Home Link)

My Morning Jacket - Circuital

Format: Vinyl

Stereo

Notes: A favorite of mine and after this album, I kind of lost touch with this band. Don't get me wrong, I still enjoy their music since, but I am not as engaged with it as I once was. This record reminds me a lot of YHF by Wilco. It has this vibe with one song that kind of breaks up the mellow thing that's going on. "Holding On To Black Metal" is that song and it really kicks. I also really like "Wonderful" and "The Day is Coming" too.

Don Henley - Building The Perfect Beast

Format: CD

Stereo

Notes: This record holds a lot of nostalgia for me. It was a big hit during my high school days and I listened to it A LOT in my car cassette player. It still holds up after 30+ years and I enjoy every song on it.

Tears For Fears - Songs From The Big Chair

Format: CD

Stereo

Notes: Another record that I was in love with during my high school days. Several songs were all over the radio including one of my all-time favorite pop songs "Head Over Heels". The album can feel dated in spots, but I also feel like it has a timeless energy that drifts at times into a jazz....smokey feel. Don't sleep on "Mothers Talk"....pretty kick ass song.

Concrete Blonde - Bloodletting

Format: CD

Stereo

Notes: I was turned on to this band and album by a business professor/assistant baseball coach when I was in college. I was a couple years older than most of my classmates after sitting out of school for two years after I graduated high school. That helped me have a relationship with some of the coaches that bordered on friendship. Coach John Howery was older, but he was big into music. He gave this CD to me one day saying it was a "little dark" for his tastes, but he thought there was some stuff on it I would like. He wasn't wrong. I loved this record and so did the guys on the baseball team I lived with. We put on the CD constantly. Yeah, it's definitely dark and brooding at times, but the energy and aggression is infectious. "Joey" and "Caroline" are standout tracks and "Days and Days" is a terrific rocker. I never tire of this album.

Fleetwood Mac - Rumours

Format: Vinyl

Stereo

Notes: Back to the 70's with this all time classic. Not a lot to say about it. Just a gem from start to finish and another album that I can listen to over and over. The "reality" that the songs bring is alluring from a distance. "Go Your Own Way" is a favorite off an album that has no filler.

Beastie Boys - Check Your Head

Format: CD

Stereo

Notes: Yes....Paul's Boutique is their masterpiece....their Sgt Peppers if you will. BUT, this, in my opinion is their best overall record. It has something about it that keeps it becoming attached to the early 90's like so many records from that time period seem to have. It still feels fresh. It's fun and the energy is real. They picked their instruments up again and reinvented who they were as a band. Great record that any alternative or roots hip hop fan should dig into at least once.

Donald Fagen - The Nightfly

Format: CD

Stereo

Notes: Simply put, one of the most well produced albums of all time. It is just flawless. Every instrument is given space and is played to perfection. It's very much in the line with what Donald Fagen was doing with Steely Dan. If you doubt me, put on "IGY" and/or "New Frontier" with your headphones on. A real master work by what I think is one of our most underappreciated American artists. This record garnered seven....yes, seven, Grammy nominations in 1983.

Waylon Jennings - I've Always Been Crazy

Format: Vinyl

Stereo

Notes: Probably my favorite Waylon album. I wrote about it here;

I've Always Been Crazy....about this album!

Rolling Stones - Foreign Tongues

Format: Apple

Air Pods

Notes: This feels like an extension of "Hackney Diamonds" release a few years back. It definitely has the Stones vibe and while it has some good tracks.....really, most of the songs are OK, but not much stands out. I will probably take a song or two and put them on my Stones compilation, but overall, can't see myself revisiting this one too much, especially with all the great albums they released in the 70's.

Rolling Stones - Hackney Diamonds

Format: Apple

Air Pods

Notes: I really enjoyed this record when it came out. I listened to it quite a bit for a few weeks. Several songs would fit right into the "best of" in my opinion. Favorites include "Angry", "Bite My Head Off", and "Get Close". A shout out to "Sweet Sounds of Heaven". Recorded with Lady Gaga, it gets a thumbs up too!

Rolling Stones - Let It Bleed

Format: Vinyl

Stereo

Notes: Probably going to go ahead and accept that this is my favorite Rolling Stones Record. Very gritty and loose. At times it leans into Keith Richard's love of country music and that's not a detriment to their sound and roots at all. It only expands on their greatness. "You Can't Always Get What You Want", "Gimme Shelter" and "Monkey Man" are absolute classics, but I really like "Country Honk", and "Midnight Rambler" as much as anything on the record.

Lynyrd Skynyrd - Pronounced Leh-Nerd Skin-Nerd

Format: Vinyl

Stereo

Notes: One helluva debut record from a band that put "southern rock" on the map. "Simple Man", "Tuesday's Gone", Gimme Three Steps", and "Free Bird" all on their first album? GTFOH. If you have never heard this from front to back, do yourself a favor and put this in your head!

The Police - Synchronicity

Format: Vinyl

Stereo

Notes: Lots to like here. Catchy tunes with some biting lyrics. This is a band that was destined to fail. The personalities just didn't mesh. Before they hung it up, they gave us some pretty good music though. Favorites on this one are the title track, "Synchronicity II" and "King of Pain". They even take a shot at being Tom Waits with "Mother".

Def Leppard - Diamond Star Halos

Format: Apple

Air Pods

Notes: I enjoyed this album when it first came out, giving it a few spins. I decided to revisit and now, I find it a bit bloated and less interesting that my original dive. It doesn't need to be an hour long with 15 tracks. The quality of the music/songs aren't served by numbers. An 11 song album would have given fans a tight experience. This still has those signature harmonies and layers of guitar, but again, there are too many songs that just don't hold up. I do enjoy the throwback vibe they were going for, recalling Mott The Hoople, Bowie, and T-Rex. The standout song for me is "This Guitar" which features Alison Krauss. A must listen for Def Leppard fans, but anyone with a passing interest, may want to skip it and revisit "Hysteria" instead.

Mile Davis - A Tribute to Jack Johnson

Format: Apple

Fiio FT-1 Headphones

Notes: Maybe the best instrumental album I have ever heard. It only has two tracks (overall clocks in around 52 minutes), but the way the music is weaved through, it doesn't feel tiresome. Different instruments take front and center and come alive at various times. It's music you can sit with and pick out which instruments to focus on while taking the ride. It's got some rock n roll mixed in with the jazz and definitely plays with improvisation throughout. A joy to listen to and an album I will revisit often. A Miles Davis masterpiece....but then he's got a few.

Waylon Jennings : I've Always Been Crazy (about this record!) REVISED

2026-07-17T17:49:49.146-04:00

Waylon Jennings "I've Always Been Crazy"

REVISION: I have done some "quasi" reviews of albums over the years when the mood has struck me in between some political and personal rants and stories....but anyone that knows me or knows this blog at all, knows that I live for music and I don't want to insinuate that this is a "review". I am not judging this record. It's more like a string of thoughts and interpretation weakly weaved together. This is about what I hear and what it means to me.

I listen to this album several times a year and also hit individual tracks from it quite often on my Waylon or country playlists. For some reason this album really hit me the other night while listening and this is after having heard this thing probably a hundred times in my life. I have it both on CD and vinyl, but had the vinyl on when I got a bit of inspiration over it. The record was from my dad's collection, which he gave me a few years before he died. Waylon, along with Jimmy Buffett, Pink Floyd, and Neil Young was very special to him. He "got on" with what Waylon was doing. I didn't just inherit his records, I also inherited a lot of his tastes as those are also artists dear to me as I approach 60 years of age.

At any rate, this record was released at the end of the 70's as Waylon's reign as the king of outlaw country was winding down. Almost as if by choice, he was closing out the "Outlaw Movement". This album has a song called "Don't You Think This Outlaw Bits Done Got Out Of Hand?"....if that doesn't clue anyone in to where his head space was, nothing will I suppose. I don't want to pretend that what I am writing is the end all be all of what this album is about. I am writing and thinking from my perspective and interpretations. I have an affinity for the man's music and I will probably wander into making some mythology for myself. So be it. It's done from a love of the music and this album as a snapshot in time, but not dated. Yeah, it's art.

OK, so admittedly, I was a bit high listening, but I believe that only enhanced my thinking as each track went by. Three of the five songs on side 1 were penned by Waylon. They all feel very personal and seem to approach areas of some frustration and trying to set a few things straight. You really couldn't lead off with two better songs; "I've Always Been Crazy" and the aforementioned "Don't You Think....". They really make a statement and set the tone of the record. Autobiographical and real. The truth. The record starts off aggressively, before giving way to some sentimentality and almost a "good bye" to the persona that was thrust on him, fairly or not. Maybe mostly in fairness.

"Billy" was written by Tony Joe White. If you didn't know better, you would swear Jennings was singing to his "outlaw" buddy Willie Nelson. It truly feels like a good bye, as if he is purposefully drifting away from the life that gave him his reputation. Settling in as a proper musician and giving more time to his wife Jessi Colter who would soon have a son, Shooter. Being on the road would likely start to look a little bit different. Being at home and/or with his family seemed like a better alternative to staying up for days on end and being a caricature. That's what I feel like you always got with this man....he was the real thing. He didn't play act. He shook the outlaw thing before it was able to shake him. If he was the motivation for the genre, well then it was his business to put it down.

The next song "A Long Time Ago" has a lyric that is a direct response to a huge part of Waylon's and music in generals legend; "....don't ask me who I gave my seat to on that plane. I think you already know...." is pretty much putting to rest how he feels about the Buddy Holly/Big Bopper and friends tragedy. Why ask him questions you know the answers to? This is a track many music fans probably aren't overly familiar with, but it's my favorite on this album. A real gem in my opinion.

The closing track of side one is "As the 'Billy World Turns". A song that sounds like he could have written it with Willie in mind, or perhaps I am creating my own myth surrounding the song. Light hearted in tone and pace, it depicts a songwriter asking his partner to throw a tune together with him. Maybe it will rhyme, maybe it won't. It's a fun shift in tone and sets the stage for side two.

Flipping the record over, Waylon pays tribute to his old friend Buddy Holly with a medley of Holly's most popular songs and he brings along The Crickets to back him. While the rest of this album is produced by Waylon himself, along with his long time friend and drummer Richie Albright, the legendary Duane Eddy is taking the handle on these songs. Before going further, a word about Richie Albright. To me, he is a legend. My dad was a drummer and a big music fan and the only drummers I ever heard him talk about over and over were Danny Seraphin, Charlie Watts, and Richie Albright. I had the pleasure of brief exchange with Mr. Albright in Louisville (at the now defunct Jim Porter's Goodtime Emporium) some years back while he was touring with Shooter. I made sure I told him how much my father thought of him and how that was handed down to me. OK, moving on. This medley, comprised of "Well Alright", "It's So Easy", "Maybe Baby", and "Peggy Sue" get the Jennings treatment. You know...that thing he does where he tends to reshape a song in a subtle manner, but in such a way that he takes some ownership of it. You just don't hear the songs again, without at least thinking of his version. This is a fantastic listen and makes me wonder if this isn't the direction Holly would have taken had he lived. He was a Texan and one has to believe that he would have leaned into bringing that sound and attitude to his music more and more as he had aged. Maybe? Regardless, it's a fantastic tribute to his friend.

The next two songs are covers also, and he places two legendary singer/songwriters in their rightful place with Buddy Holly. These songs don't really distance him from the "outlaw" thing as they have the "feel", but are both distinctly mainstream and perhaps, at the time, the most notable songs from Johnny Cash and Merle Haggard. Cash's "I Walk The Line" is slowed down here. A much more patient rendition, but he lets go of that famous Waylon vocal styling at the 2:10 mark and seizes the song and elevating the spirit and feeling. The style would fit into any Friday night honky tonk's cover bands set list.

"Tonight The Bottle Let Me Down" really seems like an attempt to "steal" the song from Haggard. He doesn't change up the pace much, but his distinctive voice and style at least arm wrestles with the Haggard version. He even tells Merle to "eat his heart out" and the Waylon guitar picking is right there in the mix. A fun song. A true classic.

The next track (Girl I Can Tell) was written by Fred Carter (guitarist for Waylon) and Jennings and is a melancholy song about a woman growing up in her relationship. I don't consider this song "filler" by any stretch because I don't feel like there is any space wasted on this album, but it's the track that is most likely to be forgotten if I am discussing the record and maybe because it gives way to another melancholy type song that is tremendously written (multi-talented artist Shel Silverstein) and performed. Whistlers and Jugglers. Waylon performs it almost as a waltz in tempo at times. Poignant and a fitting way to top off the album. The protagonist of the song is in some ways a mirror image of Waylon. Doing her own thing, a bit of a rebel that doesn't go in for cozying up to the "haves".

In all, I just really feel like this album had a purpose. Intent. Maybe not quite a "concept album", but a album that is conveying a message. The songs seem to be arranged in such a way as to take you through Waylon Jenning's mindset as the 70's were coming to a close and a less raw version of country music was emerging. A safer version of country music. Hopefully my interpretations were not a mile off the mark, but I just feel like I had to get this stuff out. I wanted to talk about the record. It puts me in a certain mood listening to it and some of it involves feeling like Waylon was taking some stock in his life at this point and turned it into a piece of artistic expression that's as good as anything he's ever done.

Thanks for hanging in here if you made it this far. Peace.

The 2026 3 Albums A Week Challenge; June

2026-07-01T15:06:38.028-04:00

June

2026 Album Challenge (Home Link)

The Replacements - Dead Man's Pop

Format: Vinyl

Stereo

Notes: This is the "Matt Wallace" mix of the Don't Tell A Soul album and just like "Let It Bleed", this is now my definitive version of the album. It's stripped away some of the layered guitars which really dated the record and brought Westerberg's vocals more to the front. The little nuances, like the banjo on "Talent Show" have been unearthed and the overall feel of the record is more in line with what one would expect of this band. "I'll Be You" and "Achin' To Be" are big hits in an alternate universe.

Steely Dan - Aja

Format: Vinyl

Stereo

Notes: I don't really think I have to say much about this album. Everyone familiar with rock knows that this is one of the definitive albums when it comes to near perfection in its' production. This is before the digital age when performances in the studio were caught as they happen. Steely Dan as record producers were the Stanley Kubrick of music. A beautiful album with great performances from Larry Carton, Bernard Purdie, and Jeff Porcaro among others. Just a first class album.

Paul McCartney - Tug of War

Format: Apple Music

Stereo

Notes: I have only heard this once previously and it was probably 30 years ago. I don't remember being enamored with it. Today? I think it's a really good record, but not an essential listen in my opinion. "Take It Away" is a great pop song....and well....McCartney always manages to have at least one great song on every album.

Pink Floyd - Wish You Were Here

Format: Vinyl

Stereo

Notes: This band owned the 70's and this doesn't quite get the attention it deserves as a follow up to Dark Side of the Moon. It's a masterwork on its' own. A mix of blues, synth, and prog rock, it's immersive and a top shelf "stoner album". Of course the title track is an all-time great song and "Have A Cigar" is not too far behind it.

Willie Nelson - Dream Chaser

Format: Vinyl

Stereo

Notes: The 79th solo record from Willie and while it may not hold up to Red Headed Stranger (not many country albums do) it's got a great feel. It sits right along side his best works from the 70's and 80's in tone, pace, and bringing home that Willie Nelson vibe. A brisk 30 minute listen is well worth repeating and soaking in fantastically written and performed gems like "We'd Make A Good Movie", "Fly Away", and one that checks all the outlaw boxes "Whiskey Wants Me To".

Willie Nelson - Always On My Mind

Format: Vinyl

Stereo

Notes: One of Willie's best. "The Party's Over", "Always On My Mind", and "Permanently Lonely" all shine and don't sleep on the Procol Harum cover "A Whiter Shade of Pale".

Jackson Browne - Running on Empty

Format: Vinyl

Stereo

Notes: This is a record that garnered two Grammy nominations and is just chock full of greatness. The title track, "Cocaine", "The Load Out", "Stay", "Rosie".......the entire album just hits. Life on the road....the fans, the people met, the joy of playing music....the boredom! This is a must listen for any fan of 70's rock. A pleasure to listen to.

John Mellencamp - Scarecrow

Format: Vinyl

Stereo

Notes: Arguably Mellencamp's best record. Loosely conceptual, it deals with the ideas of America's heartland, time slipping away, and longing for a simpler time. If you have never heard this album front to back, please do yourself a favor and sit with it. Give it your attention. A rewarding record from one of the best pop song writers in American rock.

Al Stewart - Year of the Cat

Format: Vinyl

Stereo

Notes: I have not heard this in its entirety since I was a child. Once I got a minute into the first track, it came rushing back. A mellow, cinematic group of songs that may dare to give you diabetes! It's so buttery and sweet. I need to listen to it with headphones soon as I believe that is gonna be a real treat. The title song is one of the better pop songs ever written, but try on "On The Border" and "If It Doesn't Come Naturally" for size.

Henry Gross - Release

Format: Vinyl

Stereo

Notes: One of my dad's favorites. Not really sure why. I am not saying it's not good, it is just kind of out of left field for him. The biggest draw on this record is "Shannon". A tear jerker that goes full on Beach Boys while lamenting the death of Carl Wilson's (yes, of the Beach Boys) dog.

Bob Burkett - Loner

Format: Vinyl

Stereo

Notes: OK, I can hear you; "Who the fuck is Bob Burkett?" Hell, I don't know. It was another one I pulled from my dad's vinyl collection. I have never heard it and it's not easy to find ANY information on this album. I mean....VERY difficult. A search of The Google yields very little. Even if it was a "must listen", I can't tell you where to hear it unless you come over. Anyhow, it's a mid 70's era album that is probably 5 to 10 years too late. It calls to mind the Monkees, the Turtles, and Gerry & The Pacemakers. Definitely a folk/rock vibe with sprinklings of British Invasion. A fun listen and actually, I will likely spin it again at some point.

UNKLE - Where Did The Night Fall

Format: Apple Music

Stereo

Notes: Not exactly in my "wheelhouse" so to speak, but I did enjoy the listen after being suggested by Tanner. Pop oriented, with lots of synth. Some 80's feel to it. The standout tracks for me were Ablivion, The Healing and On A Wire.

Neil Young - Trans

Format: Vinyl

Stereo

Notes: This isn't a typical Neil Young record. The songwriting is there, but it's mostly electronic type music with his voice going through a synthesizer. A nice follow up to UNKLE and an album I have enjoyed since I was a kid. "Transformer Man" is a great song in any genre and while it can be a bit muddy here, it gets the "Unplugged" treatment on the MTV show and shines.

Spiritualized - Ladies & Gentlemen We Are Floating In Space

Format: Apple

Bose 700 Headphones

Notes: Chris brought this one out for album night. It's a bit long, but delivers a sometimes bluesy psychedelic vibe that weaves it's way through the record. Definitely an immersive listen with headphones and under the influence. "I Think I'm In Love" and "Come Together" are excellent tracks and it was cool to hear a shout out to John Prine's "Sam Stone".

The 2026 3 Albums A Week Challenge; May

2026-06-02T16:33:06.766-04:00

May

2026 Album Challenge (Home Link)

Glen Campbell - Wichita Lineman

Format: Apple Music

Fiio FT-1 Headphones

Notes: A great, but dated, album from one of country/pop music's finest voices and guitar players. Campbell was one of the kings of the 70's and this record is a showcase of his talents. Favorites are the title track, along with "The Straight Life" and "Dreams of the Everyday Housewife".

Jim Sullivan - UFO

Format: Apple Music

Fiio FT-1 Headphones

Notes: Found this treasure through a mention on a Charley Crockett record. A tight 30 minute record with every song as good or better than the last. His history is quite interesting and I honestly mean it would consider it a big miss for me musically if I hadn't discovered this record. "UFO", "Rosey", and "Roll Back the Time" are the standouts on a record full of great tunes.

Jim Sullivan - Jim Sullivan

Format: Apple Music

Fiio FT-1 Headphones

Notes: The follow up to UFO and another solid record. If you catch UFO and like it, then ease into this one next.

Jim Sullivan - If The Evening Were Dawn

Format: Apple Music

Fiio FT-1 Headphones

Notes: Yeah, I was on a Sullivan streak! This is an album comprised of demos. All acoustic, but has a raw, barroom, feeling to it. This album on vinyl is available for a good price, so I picked it up....glad I did. A very intimate and interesting listen, comprised mainly of songs from his first records, but without any additional vocals or instrumentation.

Merle Haggard - Big City

Format: Apple Music

Apple Airpods 2

Notes: I've always been a Haggard fan, as I enjoy older country, including the "outlaw" subgenre, which I consider him a part of. A straight up authentic album full of tunes that would be at home on any Haggard record. "My Favorite Memory" is top notch.

Paul Cauthen - Room 41

Format: Apple Music

Apple Airpods 2

Notes: A throwback country artist with an edge and a chip on his shoulder. The voice sets him apart from the run of the mill male country singer these days, but his songs are the bedrock. The album starts off with a bang ("Holy Ghost Fire", "Prayed for Rain", and "Cocaine Country Dancing") and never looks back.

Paul McCartney & Wings - One Hand Clapping

Format: Apple Music

Bose 700

Notes: This album made the rounds as a bootleg for decades and it finally got a proper release. It may be a "violation" of my rules, but a worthy one. Wings performing in the studio, rolling through some of their best music ("Band on the Run", "Live and Let Die") as well as a few Beatle standards. A double album worth the listen for any Beatle/McCartney fan. A more stripped down version and a spontaneous feeling.

Sturgill Simpson - Dood & Juanita

Format: Apple Music

Apple Airpods 2

Notes: A nice little country concept album Simpson did just before he took a hard right turn into his Johnny Blueskies alter ego. A visit from Willie Nelson on "Juanita" is a highlight and the record feels like a cousin of Willie's "Red Headed Stranger".

Marty Robbins - Gunfighter Ballads & Trail Songs

Format: Apple Music

Stereo

Notes: I enjoy Robbins in short bursts or in mixes, but hadn't previously listened to a full album. This one seemed to be the "best" by most accounts, so I put it on one lazy Sunday morning. Great songs, of course, but I found it a bit redundant at times. That said, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to anyone that enjoys that old country/western sound. The cream of the crop here is "Big Iron", " Cool Water", "They're Hanging Me Tonight" and of course "El Paso".

Willie Nelson - Red Headed Stranger

Format: Vinyl

Stereo

Notes: I kind of got in a rut. Listening to a couple of country "concept" records back to back, I had to go with "The Red Headed Stranger" to cap it off. This album doesn't need much hype. It's fantastic, with a great narrative and just enough edge to make it at home on any dive bar around. The highest recommendation to anyone that hasn't heard it. Not a background record, it is served best front to back, top to bottom with your full attention. Notables include "Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain", "Red Headed Stranger" and "Remember Me".

Meat Loaf - Bat Out of Hell

Format: Vinyl

Stereo

Notes: I stuck with a theme....still doing concept records, but this time moving over to the pop/rock genre. A great voice and at times it feels like a "rock opera". Produced by the great Todd Rundgren, this album hits right from the start. One of the best selling albums ever, it has earned it's place in rock history. It doesn't get any better than "Two Out of Three Ain't Bad".

Pink Floyd - The Wall

Format: CD

Fiio FT 1 Headphones

Notes: Not the best Pink Floyd album, but when you have a run of records like they had in the 70's, it doesn't mean at all that this isn't worthy of their hall of fame discography. Another concept record, this one dives into the psych of lyrical genius Roger Waters. Hitting themes of loss, paranoia, and narcissism, it delivers a satisfying deep, intimate listen as good as any album ever made, despite the intended "isolation" undertones meant by Waters. If you don't have the patience for it all, I recommend "Comfortably Number", "Young Lust", and "Run Like Hell".

The Beatles - Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band

Format: Streaming (Atmos)

Stereo

Notes: Perhaps the most important pop album ever made....or at least the first most important. Remember when Dorothy goes from black and white to color in the Wizard of Oz? This record did that for music in the mid 1960's. It's regarded as a concept album, though John Lennon has been dismissive of that at times. An eclectic mix of rock, standards, Indian, and psychedelic music the songs themselves can be overshadowed by the instrumentation and arrangements, which elevated music from mere entertainment to art.

Michael Jackson - Thriller

Format: Streaming (Atmos)

Stereo

Notes: This is one of the first albums I ever bought. It was the "jam" everyone was playing when I was a freshman in high school. It still holds up pretty well, despite having a lot of the musical trappings of the time. "Billie Jean" will still be a great song a hundred years from now!

Neil Young - Rust Never Sleeps

Format: Vinyl

Stereo

Notes: My dad used to play this frequently when I was a child. Neil Young was a big favorite of his and over time I began to appreciate the level of artist that Young was and is. Great lyrics, a knack for creating fresh melody, and he's a great raw guitarist. "Pocahontas", "Powderfinger", and "Thrasher" are classics in his catalog.

The Replacements - Tim (Ed Stassium Mix)

Format: Vinyl

Stereo

Notes: A fantastic album from the mid 80's when college/alternative rock was emerging into some mainstream circles. Originally produced by Tommy Erdelyi (Ramone), it never really sounded as good as it should have. Flat in many areas, it needed a revamp to bring it back to life. Enter Ed Stassium, who remixed the album and has turned the "new" edition into the definitive way to hear the album in my opinion. Instruments are given space, Westerberg's voice feels alive....just a pleasure to hear with or without headphones.

Paul McCartney - The Boys of Dungeon Lane

Format: Streaming

Fiio FT-1 Headphones

Notes: Well....I gotta admit, I was pleasantly surprised by how great this record is. I love McCartney, but I have been a bit hot and cold on his solo records. Some, I can listen to straight through with enjoyment, while others I just choose a few songs. This latest release is pretty much a straight through listen for me. Thematically it works as an aging (elderly?) Paul looks back on his pre-Beatles life, paying homage to lost love, his parents, hanging with his mates, and the place he grew up. It's as eclectic as McCartney has been for awhile, in the sound. It feels as though he is influenced by some modern pop artists such as Foster the People and Portugal the Man. Pleasant melodies, tempo changes, and at times, some searing guitar work. He played 17 different instruments while creating this and the songwriting is spot on and I think that was helped by him sticking with the aura of the album.

I really enjoyed McCartney III and thought it was probably as good as he could do at this point, but I was wrong. All of my Beatle "fanboy" stuff aside, this is a very solid record and sounds contemporary. Not a relic trying to reach back for a comfortable sound, but an experienced musician that has awoken and expanded sonically in a way he hasn't done for awhile.

The strongest tracks are "As You Lie There", "Ripples In A Pond", "Come Inside", and "Mountain Top". He also has a cool little duet with Ringo that is a highlight.

The 2026 3 Albums A Week Challenge; APRIL

2026-04-29T17:15:00.002-04:00

April

2026 Album Challenge (Home Link)

Johnny Blue Skies (aka Sturgill Simpson) - Passage du Desir

Format: CD

Stereo

Notes: An easy listening album. A definite departure from "Sound & Fury" with a laid back vibe that sort of reminisces on past love and embracing the present. A lot of Gordon Lightfoot and Jimmy Buffett weaved in.

The Beatles - Get Back

Format: CD

Stereo

Notes: This is the album that "Let It Be" originated. The band wanted to find a stripped down sound with no overdubbing. Just them playing live. Glyn Johns gave them that with this record, but they eventually agreed that it wasn't worthy of their catalog and I can't disagree. It's fun in places and a very loose atmosphere permeates the listen. It would have felt more at home as a post punk early 80's college rock album. Overall, I will revisit it from time to time, but it's not really for passive fans.

Gordon Lightfoot - Sundown

Format: Apple Streaming

AirPods 2

Notes: Lightfoot's best record. Start to finish a pleasure. The songwriting is as good as it gets for a folk/rock writer with a direction towards the pain and paranoia he was feeling in his relationships.

Led Zeppelin - IV

Format: CD

Stereo

Notes: Not a lot to be said about this album that hasn't been covered a thousand times. Epic rock record and probably the pinnacle of John Bonham's drumming. "Four Sticks" is the only song I am not in tune with, but even at that, I rarely skip it when listening to this record. Iconic and an all-time great.

Charley Crockett - Lonesome Drifter

Format: Streaming

Stereo

Notes: The first of a three album trilogy produced by Shooter Jennings. A nice starting point and the first time I started getting into Crockett's records beyond just a few singles I had heard on recommendation from Chris. "Jamestown Ferry" is a favorite.

Charley Crockett - Dollar A Day

Format: Streaming

Stereo

Notes: The second album in the trilogy. Yes, I listened to them back to back to back! I think this album exceeds the first in overall quality start to finish.

Charley Crockett - Age of the Ram

Format: Streaming

Stereo

Notes: This one ends the trilogy and does so on a high note. The music is increasingly melodic from album to album and you can definitely feel the Shooter Jennings touch as the album leans into Marty Robbins type storytelling in a style not far from Hank Williams Jr, early-mid 80's sound. He covers Jimmy Buffett and Billie Joe Shaver and you gotta respect that!

Wilco- A.M.

Format: CD

Stereo

Notes: The first effort for Jeff Tweedy after the breakup of Uncle Tupelo. It's not far off from the Uncle Tupelo sound, but it very much drifts off into REM/Replacements territory at times. Not their best record, but a solid debut that set the stage for them developing musically and being a band that never hits you with the same sound twice.

Willie Nelson - Stardust

Format: Apple Music

Fiio FT1 Headphones

Notes: A suggestion from Chuck and a good one. I have heard a few songs over the years from this record, but had yet to listen to it completely. Glad I did. I enjoy "standards" and Willie may not exactly make each song the definitive version, he wouldn't be far off. If someone only heard these songs through Willie and then heard the originals, I'm betting on at least half the songs, the preference would be towards Nelson's version. He pays proper respect to the tone of the songs, but puts his own flair to it in a way that makes the tunes totally Willie! Favorites are "Blue Skies", "September Song", and "Georgia On My Mind".

Queen - A Night at the Opera

Format: Apple Music

Fiio FT1 Headphones

Notes: Another I had never heard straight through. A good rock n roll album. I think sometimes the Freddy Mercury persona does them a bit of a disservice as it's easy to think of them as some sort of "glam rock" act when the reality is they are a combo pop/hard rock band. "You're My Best Friend" is one of my favorite pop songs ever.

The Hold Steady - Boys & Girls in America

Format: Apple Music

Fiio FT1 Headphones

Notes: An album night selection from Chris and a very good one! I had only dabbled into the Hold Steady's music previously. This was a top notch introduction. I can't really express their sound by pinning it down to one artist, but if you like The Replacements, Big Star, Counting Crows, and/or Springsteen, there is a lot for you to dig on this record. Several great narrative driven songs. Fun and pushy.....I recommend this if you are not familiar and like power pop.

Animal Collective - Merriweather Post Pavilion

Format: Apple Music

Bose 700 Headphones

Notes: An interesting album suggested by my buddy Tanner. Really gave off Beach Boys/Brian Wilson vibes in a more sonic, wall of sound way. "My Girls" and "Guys Eyes" were standouts for me after one listen. I can definitely see myself revisiting this.

Hank Williams, Jr - Whiskey Bent & Hell Bound

Format: Apple Music

Airpods 2

Notes: A "standard" Hank Jr album if there ever was one. I have mostly listened to his singles over the years, as I have found quite a bit of his music either really good.....or very much filler. It is what it's supposed to be. "The Conversation" and the title track are favorites.

Prince - Sign O' The Times

Format: Apple Music

Airpods 2

Notes: I have heard some songs off this record, but never the entire set. I've listened to Purple Rain, Diamonds & Pearls, and 1999 quite a few times over the years, but never managed to get all the way into this one for some reason. Well, I enjoyed it so much I bought the CD set, just in case my streaming ever went away, I would have access to it. Terrific album. Many say it's his best....maybe, but I am still partial to Purple Rain as it was the soundtrack to some of my high school days. Good record....I recommend it. Some soul, some funk, some rock, some politics, some culture, some lust. He packs it all in there!

The 2026 3 Albums A Week Challenge; March

2026-04-06T16:27:00.002-04:00

March

2026 Album Challenge (Home Link)

Johnny Blue Skies (aka Sturgill Simpson) - Mutiny After Midnight

Format: YouTube

Stereo

Notes: I was expecting to listen to this in March, but not as early as the 2nd. The release date is officially the 13th, but Sturgill did his usual wildcard thing and put it up on YouTube for the masses. It's an easy score for Simpson (or Johnny Blue Skies by his alter ego) with me as I haven't heard anything yet from him that I didn't care for. This one is a kind of a mix of Sound & Fury and his last record Passage du Desir. You will find the occasional "country" note here and there but this is mostly a mixture of pop, soul, and disco. Not quite a jam record, but it does take the opportunity at times to cut loose. On my first couple of listens, I really like it. Early favorites are "Don't Let Go", "Stay On That" and "Ain't That a Bitch".

The Beastie Boys - Paul's Boutique

Format: CD

Fiio FT-1 Headphones

Notes: One of my favorite albums ever. I was on board way before most people discovered it. Quite a sonic pleasure with a lot of funk running through the albums veins. Lyrically, it's quite diverse and it is the starting point of them being more conscious of who they want to be and how they want to impact their fans and the hip hop genre. The album was largely ignored upon release but has since been called "The Sgt Peppers of hip-hop" and has garnered 5 star reviews from Rolling Stone, Mojo, All Music, as well as 10/10 from Pitchfork and Spin, with most other reviewers clocking in with top notch praise. "Hey Ladies", "Looking Down The Barrel...", "Shadrach", and "Car Thief" are my favorite tracks.

The Beach Boys - Surf's Up

Format: Apple Music

Fiio FT-1 Headphones

Notes: When this was released, the Beach Boys were going through changes. The songwriting began to be spread out among the members of the band instead of falling largely to Brian Wilson. The album is full of melody as you would expect and while it's not as striking as Pet Sounds (I mean, how many albums are?) it has its' moments. "Feel Flows" is the highlight of the record in my opinion. Penned by Carl Wilson and their then manager Jack Rieley it's a soft, haunting psychedelic tune with a melody that sticks in your head. Cameron Crowe used it in his fantastic film "Almost Famous". "Disney Girls" is a catchy effort by Bruce Johnston that tells of a man that is stuck in nostalgia. I think this one is severely underrated and if you like the Beach Boys, give it a shot. It's probably a little late for their "hey day" and a little early to have cashed in on the emerging "AM Gold" songs from the mid to late 70s.

Amy Winehouse - Back To Black

Format: Apple Music

Bose 700 Headphones

Notes: I really like this album. She has a great voice and Winehouse has a knack for personal and playful lyrics. My favorite tracks are "Rehab", "Back to Black", and "Love Is A Losing Game".

Pete Searcy - Could You Please and Thank You

Format: Apple Music

Airpods Pro2

Notes: A recommendation by my friend Brian, I enjoyed the listen. I knew a little of Searcy, but had never listened to an album previous to this. Very much of its time (90s), it calls back to a sound that will be familiar to radio listeners from that time. It falls in line with bands like Goo Goo Dolls, Soul Asylum, Gin Blossoms, etc. Standout tracks for me were "Nothing", "Bored", and "Furniture".

Big Star - #1 Record

Format: Apple Music

Airpods Pro2

Notes: One of the most underrated bands and albums of the 70s. They were power pop before a term had even been thought of. Big Star influenced the likes of REM, The Jayhawks, and The Replacements among others. "Feel", "Ballad of El Goodo" and "In The Street" are favorites on an album that is top notch front to back.

Buckingham Nicks - Buckingham Nicks

Format: Vinyl (yellow edition photo I took)

Stereo

Notes: A cool record that shows their emerging talents just prior to joining Fleetwood Mac. You can see where they were going to take their new bandmates with the solid pop melodies and guitar work.

Billy Joel - Glass Houses

Format: Apple Music

Stereo

Notes: I have always loved 52nd Street, but this is probably his best album overall. As they say, "All killer, no filler.".

Paul Westerberg (aka Grandpa Boy) - Mono

Format: Apple Music

Stereo

Notes: In my opinion this is as good a record that Westerberg did without the Replacements name on it. Energetic, fun, and one of his finest songs ever "2 Days Till Tomorrow".

The Eagles - Hotel California

Format: CD

Fiio FT1 Headphones

Notes: An album that I like to hit a couple times a year.

Paul McCartney - McCartney III

Format: Apple Music

Stereo

Notes: In the tradition of the previous "McCartney" albums, Paul plays all the instruments and wiggles away from some of his more conventional ways.

Jimmy Buffett - Living & Dying in 3/4 Time

Format: Apple Music

Stereo

Notes: A stellar record from when Buffett made great albums and didn't rely on a vibe to skate through another record.

Tyler Childers - Purgatory

Format: Apple Music

Fiio FT-1 Headphones

Notes: Fantastic debut record without weakness. This put him on the map and "Whitehouse Road" was on repeat for days in my car!

The 2026 3 Albums A Week Challenge; FEBRUARY

2026-03-02T18:15:00.001-05:00

FEBRUARY

2026 Album Challenge (Home Link)

The Eagles - One of These Nights

Format: CD

Fiio FT-1 Headphones

Notes: Probably my favorite Eagles album, with apologies to the great Hotel California. They were transitioning on the spectrum from near country to near pop. Nominated for four Grammy's and winning one, it was another in a succession of top notch albums. Favorite tracks are "Lyin' Eyes" and "After The Thrill Is Gone".

Bob Dylan - Blood On The Tracks

Format: Apple Music

Fiio FT-1 Headphones

Notes: I will probably do a couple of Dylan albums. I wouldn't say I'm a big fan, but can like his music in small bursts. In 57 years, I've never listened to a full album, but I had an idea of what this may sound like. I was wrong. Much more rock than I was expecting, as I kind of figured it would be mostly filled with folk ballads. "Tangled Up In Blue" is an easy favorite, but the best song on the record, in my opinion, may well be "Idiot Wind".

Carole King - Tapestry

Format: Apple Music

Audio-Technica ATH-AD700

Notes: I have always loved this record. I played it a lot for my daughter when she was younger and it was fun watching her jump around the house to "I Feel The Earth Move". Most albums, no matter how solid, will have some filler here and there, but this record is mostly "bangers" as the kids say. The first seven tracks are an unbelievable run of songs to start off an album with. One of my favorite pop tunes is "It's Too Late" and along with "Smackwater Jack" and "Way Over Yonder", this album has imprinted on my mind that it's one of the best of all time. That is supported by being in the Grammy Hall of Fame. Produced by the great Lou Adler, it won four Grammy's in 1972, including Album of the Year, and Record of the Year (not sure what the difference is) and is in many notable "Best Of..." lists including Rolling Stone and has been certified 14x Platinum, which is currently 39th for best all time. If you have never listened to this from top to bottom, treat yourself.

Yes - Fragile

Format: CD

Fiio FT1

Notes: I have never been a big fan of Yes, and this record didn't really change that. I like a handful of songs and a couple of them are on this record. "Roundabout" is a great song....period. A lot of energy and a funky bass line that elevates the song. "Long Distance Runaround" is another notable track. Overall, not a bad listen, but just not what I am going to go to for more than a sonic treat when I am in a certain state of mind. I think I am better off liking them in bits and pieces.

The Beatles - Let It Be

Format: CD

Stereo

Notes: Was feeling like some Beatles and while this is probably not a record most fans would gravitate to first, it does have it's great moments. "Let It Be", "I've Got A Feeling", and "Get Back", being those, and there are a couple of underrated songs, by their standard (Across The Universe, Two of Us).

The V-Roys - All About Town

Format: CD

Fiio FT1

Notes: A record I am very familiar with and I have listened to it a lot over the years, but haven't visited it in awhile. A great band that deserved more, this album is a collection of songs that runs the spectrum of influence from The Beatles, to Roger Miller, to John Prine, to Neil Young. I suppose this could be considered a pop album, but not sure that sticks as there is quite a bit of country and even bluegrass and Celtic weaved through it. When Scott Miller and Mic Harrison click (The Window Song) it feels right as their voices play off each other. The entire record is a highlight, but "Mary" and "Fade Away" are absolute standouts in songwriting craft.

Miles Davis - A Tribute To Jack Johnson

Format: CD

Stereo

Notes: I got turned on to this by my friend Steve, who is no longer with us. I had called him to catch up and he had this blasting in the background and it just hit right, even over a cell phone. I have since listened to it several times. It can be explosive and then relent into ballad form and then back to the rollick. It's every bit rock n roll as it is jazz. It's an album I will likely revisit again and again.

The Beatles - The Beatles (aka; The White Album)

Format: Blu-Ray 5.1 Surround

Stereo

Notes: I didn't really intend to do this album so quickly after doing "Let It Be", but I ordered the Super Deluxe box and it had the 5.1 blu-ray mix, so I sorta HAD to listen to it. It didn't disappoint. The surround mix brings new life to a few songs and overall it doesn't have any hint of "gimmick". "Dear Prudence" is immersive as is "Long, Long, Long" and "Why Don't We Do It In The Road?" (a song I don't have much affection for) has been rescued by the mix, with Paul's vocal performance dominating.

The Old 97's - Satellite Rides

Format: Apple Music

Air Pods Pro 2

Recommendation: Brian

Notes: A solid album front to back. The Old 97's lean into power pop for many tracks but also manage to stay adjacent to their twangier side at times. I was surprised that this album is a 2001 release, as I would have had it pegged about 5 or 6 years prior. Standout tracks for me were "Rollerskate Skinny", "Weightless", and "Nervous Guy". Overall, as initially stated, this album is full of catchy songs. No filler.

Crosby, Stills, & Nash - Crosby, Stills, & Nash

Format: Apple Music

Bose 700

Notes: The debut of the trio and it's a very good record. A little folk, a little rock, it's a nice blend that falls pretty close to the first couple of albums by The Band. The lead track (Suite Judy Blue Eyes) may be their most recognizable song and many would say their absolute best. I wouldn't disagree. Other notables are "Marrakesh Express", "Helplessly Hoping", and "Wooden Ships", although "Guinnevere" is as haunting and sublime as almost anything else they ever did.

Manfred Mann's Earth Band - The Roaring Silence

Format: Apple Music

Bose 700

Notes: I wasn't sure what to expect from this, I decided to listen to it after sort of rediscovering "Blinded By The Light" on a live YouTube video. Overall, it was enjoyable enough and much more eclectic than I thought it might be. Some fun tracks including "Singing The Dolphin Through" and "This Side of Paradise". Is it something I will revisit? Not sure. Again, I didn't dislike it, but I am very hit and miss on "prog rock".

Gerry Rafferty - City to City

Format: Vinyl

Stereo

Notes: A very solid album start to finish from the guy that brought you "Stuck In The Middle With You" when he was with Stealers Wheel. The most famous song, and rightfully so, is "Baker Street". But this record is much more than that. Other standouts are "Right Down The Line" and "Home and Dry" and they both have gotten air play over the years. I suppose this could be considered "Yacht Rock" (a term I am not fond of), but I think that limits its' appeal. A lot of great guitar riffs and solid musicianship.

Phosphorescent - Muchacho

Format: Apple Music

Airpods

Notes: Chris and I resurrected "Album Night" from the ashes and this was our first album, chosen by Chris. I didn't know what to expect, but this was a really good listen that I put on again a couple days later. It calls to mind the bands U2 and Kay Kay & His Weathered Underground, as well as Joe Henry. I can't say there was a weak song on the record, but there were a couple that stood out; "The Quotidian Beast" is an epic song that instantly calls to mind Chris Isaak's "Wicked Game", with a little more giddy up to it. "Ride On/Right On" is an absolutely catch tune as well.

The 2026 3 Albums A Week Challenge; JANUARY

2026-01-28T18:13:00.000-05:00

JANUARY

2026 Album Challenge (Home Link)

Kicking off the challenge with a few favorites that I grew up listening to through my dad and his vinyl collection, which I have inherited. I have taken recommendations from friends, and I will definitely be getting to those as I move along throughout the year. Any photos I include will be plucked from the web unless I signal otherwise.

Pink Floyd - Dark Side of the Moon

Format: Vinyl (original)

Stereo

Notes: One of my favorite albums ever and I inherited this record from my dad. He played it a lot when I was a child, but the record has been taken care of and still sounds fantastic after all the decades that have passed. I have this on several formats including Atmos/5.1, so it's an album I go back to frequently.

Bob Marley - Rastaman Vibration

Format: Vinyl (original)

Fiio FT1 Headphones

Notes: Another album that was steeped into my psyche at a young age and the draw to it has never gone away. Great melodies and themes. Many prefer "Exodus" or "Catch A Fire", but this one is the Marley album I listen to multiple times a year.

The Replacements - Pleased To Meet Me

Format: Vinyl (original)

Fiio FT1 Headphones

Notes: An album I am very familiar with. A friend (Brian) insisted this one on me back in high school. Once I caught on, it expanded my musical tastes to a new direction. My favorite record from The Replacements, although the Ed Stasium Mix of "Tim" has really elevated that record for me.

Pearl Jam - Vs.

Format: Apple Music

Sony XM3 Headphones

Recommendation: Larry

Notes: I have heard several of the songs previous to the listen, but this is my first time listening to the album. I was pleasantly surprised by the eclectic nature. I enjoyed it, with "Rats", "Go", and "WMA" being highlights for me. Will I ever listen to it as a whole again? Probably. Really good rock album.

R.E.M. - Green

Format: CD

Stereo

Notes: The first REM album I've ever listened to. Turned on to it by my cousin Chris. Although it's not my favorite by them, I really do enjoy it. REM is going to be one of those bands that enjoys a resurrection at some point. They seem a bit lost on the recent generation, but the music is too good not to merit a rediscovery. "I Remember California", "World Leader Pretend", and "Orange Crush" are my favorites among an album full of fantastic songs.

Cliff Cody - Shipwreck

Format: Apple Music

AirPods 2

Recommendation: Chuck

Notes: Listened to this on the advice of my friend Chuck. He's a Jimmy Buffett fan and knows I am and thought this might interest me. Solid record. Very much in the spirit of Buffett, especially his mid to later albums. I don't know if anyone can be the icon that JB was in the genre he basically invented, but I love that there are singer/songwriters out there making an attempt. This is "good time" music, something to chill and vibe out to. If you are lost in thought with a beer or margarita, you can bet Cliff Cody will help you along your way. Highlights include "Keeping It Low Key" and "Rest In Paradise".

Beastie Boys - Licensed to Ill

Format: Vinyl

Stereo

Notes: An old favorite. The first rap album I ever listened to. Loved how "rock n roll" it was and it drew me to the genre as I expanded into LL Cool J, Run-DMC and others. This one hasn't aged as well as "Paul's Boutique" and "Check Your Head", but it still can be a fun listen for some nostalgia. Stand outs for me are "Hold It Now", "Rhymin' & Stealin'", and "No Sleep Till Brooklyn".

Frank Sinatra - In The Wee Small Hours

Format: Apple Music

Fiio FT1 Headphones

Notes: I do like some old school crooner music and there isn't anyone better than Sinatra when it comes to that style of music. This has been called the first "concept" album. Maybe. The main theme seems to surround lost love and the fear of lost love. It was enjoyable, but definitely a piece of mood music. Drink in hand, maybe a cigarette, with the lights down low. It will put you in a place and time mentally, which is much of the allure for me.

James McMurtry - Black Dog & The Wandering Boy

Format: Apple Music

Fiio FT1 Headphones

Recommendation: Chris

Notes: A very solid effort by an underrated songwriter. This one reminds me of a cross between Tom Petty (think Wildflowers) and early John Prine. It starts strong....ends strong....the middle is a bit weak as the almost ham fisted political rant "Annie" is a dated effort. My favorites upon first listen were "South Texas Lawman", "Sailing Away", and "The Color of Night". It won't be the last time I put this on.

Marvin Gaye - What's Going On

Format: CD

Stereo

Notes: It's been a couple of years since I have listened to this album. Considered not only one of the greatest R&B/Soul records of all-time, but also one of the best albums in music overall. It's a thoroughly enjoyable listen, especially in the right mood. Gaye's vocals and the lyrical content stand out, but that doesn't mean the musicianship isn't top notch. Obviously the title track and "Mercy Mercy Me" are all time greats, but my favorite track is "Right On".

Huey Lewis & The News - Sports

Format: Apple Music

Fiio FT1 Headphones

Notes: This album was a huge hit back when I was in high school. You couldn't escape it. All over the radio and MTV. It's probably been 30+ years since I have listened to it, but had fond memories and I wanted to see if it still held up. It does. A really tight, 9 song, 38 minute affair, that's fun and energetic. Not as overly synth heavy as much of the music being made at the time, but it's still there and it makes it very much a product of its' time but not to the point of it not being able to connect now. Very little filler, with the standouts (for me) being "If This Is It", "Walking On A Thin Line", "Bad Is Bad", and of course the infectious "Heart and Soul".

Waylon Jennings - Songbird

Format: Vinyl

Stereo

Notes: A collection of mostly finished songs by Waylon that had never been released. These songs were recorded between 1973 and 1984 and have that original, authentic Waylon sound. A very enjoyable listen, that really does have the feel of a record he would have released back in the late 70s. Kudos to his son Shooter for finding these gems and putting in some work to make them into a "real" album and not just a collection of outtakes. My favorites are the Christine McVie classic "Songbird", Johnny Cash's "After The Ball" and "Dink's Blues", with "The Cowboy" definitely being a highlight.

2026 New Year's Resolution / Challenge

2025-12-22T13:47:00.012-05:00

2025 is probably the first year I have ever kept up with a resolution. Not even probably....it's definitely the first time. I had read last year about a guy that was going to watch 5 movies a week throughout the year. I am a movie lover, but I thought 5 might be asking a bit much, so I decided I wanted to do that challenge also, but would go with averaging 3 a week, each month. Meaning, I had to watch at least 12 movies every month. I couldn't "catch up" the next month, so if I only got in 11, then the challenge would be failed.

There are still a few days left in 2025 and I'm sure I will watch a movie or two before we hit 2026, but as it stands, I have watched 235 different movies (including concert films), with a few "Peanuts" specials thrown in there. That's an average of almost 20 a month. My strongest months were January and October. January, I attribute to the early anticipation of wanting to start out right, kind of like people do when they promise to hit the gym. October is a big month for me traditionally due to my love of horror films, and I hit 30 movies that month.

My weakest months were August (14) and September (13), and November (15), so I definitely tailed off the last half of the year. That said, I was able to make it!

Now, what should I do for 2026? Hmm...I got it, how about 3 albums a week. That should be no problem at all. Perhaps I could do 5, as I probably do 2 or 3 a week right now, without even thinking about a "challenge" or "resolution". I suppose, I will just keep it at 3, or make sure I hit at least 12 every month. Yep, that's it.

I have requested a few friends to suggest 3 albums each to me that I will randomly put into the rotation through the year. That will help me be a bit more eclectic in my experiences and challenge my tastes. At any rate, I used the "Clap" app last year to track my movie watching, but so far, I can't find anything exactly like "Clap" for albums, but I think "Musicboard" will probably work.

I am going to track the music on this page weekly or monthly, depending on when I get around to it. Not sure anyone would care about what I'm listening to, but I thought it would be a good exercise to document my favorite art form (music albums) as I move through the year. I am not sure about any limitations (or rules) that I will put into place.....anything that is an "official" release by an artist or label will count, but I am inclined to leave out any "best of" or soundtracks. I will also try to keep up with the format I listen on and if I use headphones or not. I will not be counting albums I listen to at work or as "background". If I don't give it my full attention, it won't count towards my 3 per week.

I have a modest "enthusiast" 5.2.2 stereo set up. Denon receiver, Audio-Technica turntable, Technics CD player, JVC cassette deck with Polk towers up front and Klipsch speakers to the rear and height. My 2 subs are Sony. For streaming, I use Apple Music and can run Atmos through my system using an Apple TV box.

I will provide a link to each month below. Let the fun begin!!!

Running On Empty

2024-10-23T18:42:00.001-04:00

I feel like writing about this song, "Running On Empty" by Jackson Browne. It's been heavy on my mind for the past couple of months. I guess I could say "not sure why", but I am not going to pretend that it doesn't hold some sort of meaning for my psyche or where I feel like I am in life and trying to make sense of getting older.

Some know, some don't, but my dad chose to take his life a few years ago. We were not exactly estranged, but we weren't exactly close. The relationship was complicated for reasons that don't really matter in context of the writing I am doing. There is no need to get into that very deeply, but he holds a place in what the song means to me and why I feel impacted by the lyrics.

His timeline coincided with the lyrics of the song. In '65 he was 17. In '69 he was 21. I never got the sense he was satisfied with his life or how it played out. Like there was something he was consistently missing out on. He would change his life several times. He would want to be Jimmy Buffett, then Neil Young, and then Waylon Jennings.....chasing something other than what he had.

My dad wasn't much of a Jackson Browne fan and to be honest, outside of about 10 songs, I can't say I am either. Just never made that move, diving into his music. I certainly respect his songwriting ability and those handful of songs, I really do enjoy, but let's stick with the task at hand; "Running On Empty", which I consider to be a masterpiece of a song. The music flows well, it's catchy, the lyrics are really on point, and Browne has the only voice that should ever sing it.

So, why does my dad tie into this, a song that I am wanting to explore from my point of view? Well, he spoke highly of this particular song and when it came on, and we were together, he never failed to make mention of how he felt in tune with it. I didn't really get it. Yeah, I love music and feel very emotionally attached to a lot of bands, albums, and songs, but I didn't really "GET" what he felt. I think I do now. Maybe. At 56, I have been coming to grips with a couple of things; I am going to die, sooner rather than later and time will strip away the people and places you have attachment to. Life has been rushing by and I only now have started understanding it's like a road. Plowing forward, never really sure of the destination. Well, not sure until you realize that the road has an eventual end, if not a destination.

At 17, he was close to being married......at 21, just a few years later, he was married and I was a year old. Life changed fast for him at that age, but it was all in front of him. Adult life. It was the start of his real journey. You don't know that you should be clinging to childhood while it's happening. You spend the first 15 or so years in a state of learning and a carefree existence. You don't yet have your wheels on the pavement. You are still in the middle of feeling that childhood even as you are becoming an adult with responsibility gaining on you.

It's only when you reach a certain age that you say "Oh shit.....it's here. Life is here. Time is not on my side the way it once was." At different times you take stock the best you can. Knowing that you were too young to appreciate what it meant to have youth. "Youth is wasted on the young" as the man in a great movie once said. So, what we can do is stop and see where we are now. At 40. At 50. At 60. At 70. In my case at 56. Closer to 60 than 50. Where did that time go? Regrets are useless unless you can make amends for any pain you have caused. For the things you can't "fix", you have to let it go, but not really. They will visit. In the middle of the night or at times when you are alone and perhaps digging into some music that brings up a memory that perhaps would be best left buried. We have to let those things go. The things we can't do anything about. Pray, meditate, do a little Gestalt work.....whatever it takes to put those things (the demons?) to rest.

The flip side is taking stock of it all and where are we going to go from here. To this point, I have mixed up the personal with the figurative "we". The "we" that may have commonality on those things. Hell, if that's not you, stop reading. It's OK. Don't create concern, worry, or thought that isn't a positive.

Looking out at the road rushing under my wheels

Looking back at the years gone by like so many summer fields

'65, I was 17 and running up 101

I don't know where I'm running now, I'm just running on

Running on (running on empty)

Running on (running blind)
Running on (running into the sun)
But I'm running behind

Life will pass you by. Browne immediately takes stock in it from the opening lyrics. It's rolling on and you can't hit the brakes. He is on a path, but he doesn't know where it will eventually lead. Do any of us? You start having the realization that the road is going to end, but we are all running hard, chasing the sun and that sun is eluding us. Always in the distance, as if it's a destination. He didn't care at age 17, didn't give it a thought. The road went on forever.

Gotta do what you can just to keep your love alive

Trying not to confuse it, with what you do to survive
'69, I was 21 and I called the road my own
I don't know when that road turned into the road I'm on

Running on (running on empty)

Running on (running blind)
Running on (running into the sun)
But I'm running behind

Growing into adulthood, responsibility takes hold. You get into the "I have to" pretty quick. I have to get a job, because I have to pay for the house and I have to take care of my wife and child. The carefree road of 17 has changed, no longer can you be carefree. You still don't know where you are going to go ultimately. What will life bring? It's all in front....still chasing the sun. Not catching up. You grab material, you grab relationships, you start making sacrifices for comfort. You settle in a little.

Everyone I know, everywhere I go

People need some reason to believe
I don't know about anyone, but me
If it takes all night, that'll be all right
If I can get you to smile before I leave

At some point, we start understanding that it's life. This is what is happening for everyone, to varying degrees. We search for meaning in our loves, possessions, work......we are in the middle of it all. Browne recognizes that and states it with "people need a reason to believe", but immediately follows up with "i don't know about anyone but me", recognizing that he's not sure that everyone else feels the way he does and doesn't want to speak for them and comes to the point of knowing his best life is being a positive presence. I have only recognized that in the last few years. I have tried to change my persona. My internal "Freddy" can sometimes feel different than what I project. I have awoken to the realization that the only thing I will really leave is how those that knew me will think of me and even how they feel or think about me now. The need to be better, despite any external stimulus and events. Make a positive impact and make certain those that I love know that I do care for them and love them. I don't have a lot left in the tank, but it's enough to make people feel better about their lives and who they are. Be the things I have gotten and try to be the things I needed, but perhaps didn't get.

Looking out at the road rushing under my wheels

I don't know how to tell you all just how crazy this life feels
Look around for the friends that I used to turn to to pull me through
Looking into their eyes, I see them running too

I started realizing a short time ago that the road (life) is rushing under my wheels....I am still plowing on towards the sun that I seem to never catch up to. When I finally do, it will be setting, won't it? I don't know how to make sense of it all, other than to take stock. Part of that taking stock is hitting me a little harder than I thought it might. My grandfather built his families home when I was a baby. The house is "home" to me, even though I only lived there for short periods of my life. He hand dug the basement. He built it solid. He made it to please my grandmother and did it out of love and to make sure she had a solid foundation and surroundings to raise a family. That's leaving. The house is being sold. It's the right thing. It's time for someone else to love the house, the property and forge memories around it. It's time for new people to love it. My family and I will be ghosts. 56 years of ghosts that the new owners won't see. They won't know the love, the hardship, the pain, the hugs, tears, kisses, and arguments that made that place home and a factor in lives that still move on. Soon, it will all be memory...like it wasn't already, right?

I always had a fear that I wasn't keeping up. That my friends were adults with lives that they had carved out, knowing what was ahead and enjoying the moment. Like they had arrived. In recent years I have come to understand that they are sharing the same feelings I am. They are chasing the sun with life rushing past them too. Taking stock. Being uncertain. Still trying to find contentment. Waiting for a life to begin that they know already has and they just didn't hear that starting gun. I'm not alone. We are all in it together.

Honey, you really tempt me

You know the way you look so kind
I'd love to stick around, but I'm running behind
(Running on) You know I don't even know what I'm hoping to find
(Running blind) Running into the sun, but I'm running behind

Standing still isn't an option. Many of us like the thought of that. Personally, I have to come to grips with change and change that I wasn't prepared for. Losing pieces of my life that I never thought I would. Knowing that ultimately, that is going to happen for everyone....but somehow, I didn't think it would apply to me. Right now looks pretty good to me, which I feel in the lyric "the way you look so kind". But, like every passing year behind me, this is going to be fleeting also. It's going to rush past me. I'd love to stick around, but I'm running behind, right? I don't know what I'm moving towards, but the inevitable is leaving this consciousness. Leaving my family, friends, co-workers....all the connections. Or, I last long enough for them to leave me.

I still feel like I'm moving forward, but I sure would like it to stall out for awhile. To be able to enjoy my family as they are. To express love to my wife in a way that I may not have been able to as a younger man. To enjoy my daughters before they start hitting those "I have to" stages and begin to realize they are also running on empty and the road is rushing under their wheels. To give companionship and love to my friends and try to make their lives better in the rare times we spend together. I always say I hate getting older, but as a couple of friends have told me "Freddy, it beats the alternative.". I guess they are right.

I'm "running on empty"....always have been, I just didn't know it. Do any of us, until we hit a certain age or point in our lives?

Taking stock in it all without dwelling in it feels like a positive, but it's not easy. Emotions are conjured up. Memories. Some good, some bad. If I knew that I would miss my past this much, I would have appreciated it more, but here I am, still running on empty and I don't even know what I'm hoping to find. None of this is feeling sorry for myself at all. Just a look at where I am and sometimes I like to share that. It's a snapshot of my mindset just having turned 56, and losing the feeling of "home". Many more years behind me than in front.

Thanks for reading if you made it this far. I suppose it's become evident that I'm not writing about the song really. I'm writing about my feelings and the song is just a facilitator for my expression. Hmm...OK....

Closing Out 2020 With Thankfulness

2020-12-24T09:45:00.003-05:00

Hello, it's Christmas Eve morning and I felt like jotting down a few things. The past year has been wild and seemingly without a lot to celebrate. Alas, I am here to cheer you up (or at least try to make your thoughts a little less grim)! The things to celebrate, are probably closer to "real" than the things we usually point to. They are a bit deeper and more in touch with our humanity. I'm not going to tell you there haven't been a lot of downs and reasons to be out of sorts, but so often the negative dominates the positive. We dislike and fear that feeling, so when it permeates our routines, we forget to see the positives that are still around us.

If you are reading this, you are still here and "survived". For 95% of the people on earth, I'm sure still breathing is decent enough, seeing how the alternative holds permanence....as far as we know. I am thankful to still be here and able to enjoy every day, even if it's in a small way. Enjoying a laugh. Sharing a hug. Listening to someone tell you how excited they are about something or another. Having a good slice of pizza or a two finger pour of a favorite bourbon. I like to be able to sit and clear my mind every day, which is a luxury all of us can give ourselves, even if only for a few minutes.

Take the time to put the negative aside and think on those things we often overlook and take for granted. I have much more to be happy about or thankful for than I realize and some of those things should loom large in my life and this is a reminder to myself to allow it.

I am thankful for my family and the time we have spent in the past year together, even when we may have picked at each other or been frustrated at the circumstances. Having extra time and really, just being in proximity of my children as they grow up is a blessing in itself. More than I deserve! The love I have for my wife is immeasurable and she definitely makes my life "work". My love is best expressed to and through my "girls". I'm thankful that my mom has apparently kept the cancer away and is doing well and that my wife's mother and father, while having some health issues, are still doing well enough to keep on keeping on!

I am thankful that I work for a company that didn't gut itself by laying off employees to take advantage of the down turn of the pandemic. I am very thankful for the handful of friends that are as much family to me as anyone I share blood with. I love 'em. I got to continue to see one of my oldest and closest friends fairly regularly during the year. We helped each other through commiseration and laughter. I have also seen my other friends, not as frequently, but enough to know our bonds are strong. We used technology to get together and when we felt we could, we spent time in each others presence. We continued "Director Day", doing so over Zoom for one of our dates. We "gifted" each other throughout the year, knowing we are still on each others minds.

My life is going about as well as can be expected, given my age and health. I don't have much of a quarrel with how things are personally. I know there are a lot of people out there hurting, some worse than others. Those are people I feel for. My family tries to be charitable within our means and I know a lot of people do the same. That makes the world a little better....to know that we can rely on each other and if we put our egos aside and take into consideration that no matter what hardship we may face, the person we don't know, that we encounter on a daily basis, may have it even tougher. Showing kindness and patience is a great gift to give everyone we run into day in and day out. Don't give it because they "deserve" or "earn" it....but give it because of who you are. That's a gift you can give for free.

Since I don't post as often as I used to, I don't suppose I'll have anything to say before the New Year rings in. I hope that anyone reading this is doing OK and the people on planet Earth get a little better shake moving forward.

As a man, much wiser than myself once said;

"....but remember brothers and sisters, you can still stand tall.

Just be thankful, for what you got."

--William DeVaughn--

We Are Breaking Down As A Nation.....

2020-08-26T18:39:00.001-04:00

Welcome to 2020! A helluva party right? We are breaking down socially and politically. Our country is coming unglued right before our eyes....we are in the midst of a change, there can be no doubting that. We have children watching their parents and the people they are supposed to be learning life lessons from shooting each other, beating each other, and destroying property and business. They see liars and charlatans all around. Respect and taking pause before action are no longer things to be valued or taught. We have political leaders calling portions of Americans "enemies". We have leaders calling a portion of Americans terrorists. We have a president and a former presidential candidate saying they won't accept the results of the election.

We have people with their lives being destroyed over things they have written or said at much younger ages. We are getting dangerously close to compelled speech as we are told what we can and can't say. Our social media platforms, which should be awesome tools for conversation and working through differences used for making duck faces and piling hate and anger on to one another. People are starting to lose their homes. Bills are piling up. Small business' closing forever. We are on the brink of lawlessness. Our police have lost the respect and trust of a large number of people by being too heavy handed over the years and showing the inability to have empathy or to exhibit self-control in high pressure situations. We have citizens with no regard for law and order. Healthcare bills causing people's lives to be ruined, their savings to be depleted many go into depression and become suicidal. Some people want to actually protest in a peaceful manner to highlight injustice. Some people want to take advantage of that and loot and destroy our cities. Some people see that their leadership isn't reacting, so they feel the need to do so by protecting the streets. Our leadership sits on their hands and won't work together because they are scared of the mob or how many votes it may cost them. We are reflecting that in so many ways. We have a media that won't show us the truth, gaslights, and editorializes hard news to manufacture consent in the pursuit of political power and clicks. There is little hope....there is much hate.

Polls show we, as American citizens, want the following;

Campaign Finance Reform: the two parties don't

End the costly wars in the Middle East and northern Africa: the two parties don't

Stop subsidies for the fossil fuel industry; the two parties don't

Marijuana legalization/descheduling/decriminalization; the two parties don't

Universal healthcare; the two parties don't

Ending corporate welfare/bailouts: the two parties don't

Congressional term limits: the two parties don't

Our wants are not being addressed. We are at each others throats mainly due to our leadership, or lack thereof and the unwillingness to see through the long con. We have been played. We have been duped into this uber-tribal way of thinking as if our lives are ran by two sports teams. We reject compromise and talking to each other in a way that can lead to common ground and progress. We demonize each other to the contentment of the elite. The better for them to get away with pillaging our hard work, the planets resources, our liberties, and our humanity. We no longer even value our "sacred" vote. How will we ever get what we want if we don't demand it and use our votes to bring about substantial change? Aside from politics or voting, can we even put our egos aside for any sort of time that will allow us to hear and consider another opinion? Will our upheaval end up as a winner take all or will we be able to compromise into some sort of acceptable climate that we can build into a stable framework to move our country forward with? I don't know.....

Pandemics, 4/20, & Everything Else.....

2020-06-22T17:00:00.000-04:00

NOTE: I wrote this in April...for some reason it didn't post when I scheduled it. I don't think the world missed it.

Here we are, another 4/20 is upon us. Where does the time go? This year's holiday is marred by a national lock down due to the COVID-19 virus, but since marijuana stores are deemed as "essential" business most people should be OK to celebrate, unless you are dry in a dry state. At that point, shame on you for not having an emergency stash. Smoke up Johnny!

I've been working from home for over a month now and I can't say that I hate it. I'm not a real people person, so I tend to be able to get my work done and do it with a little less stress at home. No drive time. No burning up my gasoline. I still get up and do my normal routine, so the only difference for me is not driving to an office. I can walk 8 feet from my couch to my "office". I love it!

Other than work, I've been enjoying the time I have been able to spend with my family. It's a second chance to connect with the kids. We have never been a family that sits down to dinner every night, but during the "lock down", we have been doing so at least 4 or 5 nights a week. It's been wonderful for me. Having my oldest home from college is nice, though I'm sure she would prefer to split her time between home and her college friends. This thing has kind of stalled out her "life development" and what she had gotten used to.

I've also been watching some TV and listening to music more than I usually do. I have some shows I have gotten into and my friends have also been sending me suggestions. I've started texting my dad and brother a little bit and we exchange music. I don't often connect with them, so it's funny that we would be doing so while we are locked down, but I guess it's not something that I should take as unlikely, since all of us are at home with more down time than usual.

My wife probably had the virus back in March. I don't think I've ever had a more physically and mentally wrecked week. Seeing someone in bed for nine days (that usually won't even spend a day of downtime for an illness) and not getting better was taxing, but we made it through. I've started tuning out on the news a little, I'm just tired of the politics involved and seeing the shit show that is emerging from our leadership and from the reactions of the public in general. The information is conflicting from week to week and sometimes day to day. All I can do is stay as locked down as practical and try to wait things out. I like to control my life and this has taken that away, but I've adapted.

During this time, I've also started cooking more than I ever have. Firing the grill up a few times a week, making BBQ and cheesy potato soup....mmm, mmm good!

I don't really have anything else to say and this may be the most uninteresting stuff I've ever written, but I felt the need to just put some thoughts down for posterity. Hopefully anyone that reads this is doing OK and has come through the pandemic with their family and health intact.

I Like The Sound & Love The Fury: Sturgill Simpson's "Sound & Fury"

2019-10-09T20:02:00.001-04:00

SOUND & FURY

Sturgill Simpson has managed to do what I wasn't sure anyone could do for me anymore; introduce me to something unique musically. I need to start this off by admitting my bias. I'm a fan of Sturgill Simpson. I've poured over his lyrics, made the connections and admired the concepts of each record he has made. I suppose "man crush" could be a proper term.....I crush on the man's music. It's changed my life, much like The Beatles, The Beastie Boys, The Replacements, and Waylon Jennings have done after I absorbed their music. So, yeah, this album I'm about to talk about was going to be a tough record for me to NOT like. So, with that out of the way, I'll continue. One doesn't usually associate psychedelia, meditation, and rebellion with what most would consider a "country" artist. I am not a fan of genre, but for the sake of conversation, I do realize categorization is necessary. With the release of "Sound & Fury" I think it's safe to say that Simpson is a genre-bender on an all-time great scale. With the release of the Grammy Award winning album "A Sailor's Guide To Earth" you could feel it coming on as he started the transition away from a traditional sound to a style that was willing to dip its' toes into a lot of different musical pools, metaphorically speaking of course.

"Sound & Fury" may not sound like the prototypical "outlaw" album, but I feel it's the most outlaw thing he's done since giving a good woman a ring. You would never describe this as honky tonk or country music, but it does have those elements soaked in that you can vaguely feel bubbling below the surface. Lyrically, Sturgill isn't too coy, but most of his fans are going to understand that he is singing to Nashville, the corporate music world, and the fame machine and there isn't much sweetness in his words. He gets his digs in. He "love(s) to say no to all the yes men, just to see the looks on their face" and announces that it's "fuck y'all season". To go along with that, the music is also a thunderous message to the establishment. He is telling them he won't be boxed in and he is separating the wheat from the chaff. This is a man letting the world know that he is going to make his art and shape his life in a way that he sees fit. There isn't much room for compromise and you can either stick with him and his art, or you can get off the bus. There is also a Japanese style anime movie released as the video track for the album. You can find that on Netflix. There are plenty of visual clues in the film that coincide directly with the message he is putting out there in the music.

Yeah, anyone that knows me, is going to understand all of the aforementioned is in my wheelhouse. I love musicians and filmmakers that don't lock themselves into an idea of themselves, or what others see them to be. You can't move forward running in place. Sturgill keeps forging ahead and with each album release, you can feel that he is stretching his talents and challenging himself. "Sound & Fury" is a collection of music that I've heard thousands of times, yet feels fresh and special. All the boxes are checked; The Cars, ZZ Top, Pink Floyd, James Brown, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Kool and the Gang, Led Zeppelin, Giorgio Moroder among many other influences. No, you don't see Merle, Hank, or Waylon on that list. Their spirit remains, but the music is rooted in 70's hard rock, funk, New Wave, and southern style rock n roll. The guitar work is vicious and in your face at times and rarely feels restrained. Sturgill continues to impress me with his guitar work. The astute listener will hear Jimmy Page, David Gilmour and other rock gods permeating from the strings. It's a lot of fun to watch him go to work when seeing him live, but he manages to convey his energy and skill on wax as well. I'm not sure if it was any part intentional, but there is NOTHING on this record that can be played on your local Top 40 country radio station. Nashville will not be able to even try to get a hand on his coattails He has black balled them from his success. He didn't need them to become who he is. The CMA and money machine has stripped most mainstream music from Nashville of its' authenticity. To borrow the title of one of the albums strongest tracks, Sturgill is going to "Make Art, Not Friends".

The album has been a revelation. I've never heard anything quite like it. It was like hearing "Dark Side of the Moon" or "Paul's Boutique" and being truly overcome with the feeling that what you are hearing is special. It hadn't been done THAT way before. It demands to be listened to loud. The mix pulls the vocals back into the music, so if you want to find them, you gotta crank the volume to 11. You gotta work for it. The album sleeve says it all; "Fuck Your Speakers". He is meaning to kick your ass and grab you by your metaphoric balls. "Sound & Fury" is a great headphone album. The synth grooves, vicious guitar, and relentless rhythm section give it an "ear candy" quality without being soft or immediately soothing. After a few listens, the subtlety started to emerge for me. I got comfortable with the music and the funk groove and beats started to show through and just totally hooked me.

This is a true concept album. With each album it has felt like an evolution was taking place in the way Simpson structured song sequences and weaved a bit of a narrative from start to finish. This record sees all of that come to a head. You are hearing the collection of songs as one piece of art. The listener is along for the ride as the radio switches stations suddenly and we get a blast of something different than what we were just immersed in. On The Joe Rogan Experience, Simpson made it clear that he saw the album as one piece of music. There aren't many musicians that make albums quite like that anymore. How many artists will release an album these days with only 9 or 10 tracks? Usually you will get 13 to 15. It's all thrown at you, hoping a song or two sticks. Sturgill is about creating an experience and in my opinion, he has made his best album to date. The total package is there. The lyrics, the music, the concept, the passion, the visuals are at a peak (or are they?). Some of his fans are going to treat this like Bob Dylan going electric. That's OK, because Sturgill isn't stuck in the past. He is moving on. The anime video is moving him towards a potential new group of fans. He has a graphic novel based on the "Sound & Fury" film in the works and the musical direction is putting his sound into the ears of millennial types who may not have otherwise wanted to listen to "country" music. It's shrewd and potentially risky, although I'm not sure Sturgill would even acknowledge either. He doesn't seem like a guy that doesn't have a plan though. He is the anti-sell out. The easy move would have been to do a sequel to "A Sailors Guide...". To stay accessible for his audience and new fans, but not really challenging himself or them. With "Sound & Fury", Sturgill Simpson has set the bar high. It has quickly catapulted into one of my favorite records ever. It feels wrong to wrap this up without having mentioned Sturgill's band. They are a trio of fantastic musicians that give Sturgill the excellence that he strives for. He allows them to be a part of the process and they reward him with steady, clever, and on point craftsmanship. Drummer Miles Miller, bassist Chuck Bartels, and keyboardist Bobby Emmett are all Sturgill needs to burn a house down. Those guys can rock, they can slow it down, they can be whatever they are needed to be.

There are a ton of reviews out there, if you like that sort of thing and I urge anyone that isn't really into sitting down and listening to an album, to perhaps turn on Netflix and check out the anime film which coincides with the album. It may not be everyone's cup of tea, but it's a visual doorway into the music and that music is worth hearing.

10 Year Anniversary of Freddy's Open Mind

2019-08-15T10:38:00.000-04:00

It's hard to believe that I started this blog ten years ago. A lot has changed. I've passed through my 40's, I am at a different job, and the friends I see the most of have changed. Neighbors have come and gone. I've watched my kids grow up and I've seen myself change as a person.

Being able to put things I've thought or opined on into a type of "journal" just sitting out there for anyone to read has been a bit of a blessing and a curse. I can look back and see where I have changed. World view, politics, passions, hobbies.....I have had ups and downs with those things and I'd like to believe I have evolved into a better version of myself for the most people possible. I started writing so I could entertain myself and a few others and it eventually grew into a place for me to express my ideas and to organize thoughts and beliefs. I went on record with myself. I have really slowed down on the writing since my job now demands me be in front of a computer monitor all day long. I'm not as interested in coming home and hitting the keyboard again, after doing it for the past eight hours.

I'm not implying that I really have anything to say these days and I'm missing out on getting stuff down. Just the opposite actually. My life has become very run of the mill and I will hesitate to use the word "boring", but I will say that life has become fairly predictable for me. So much so, that I wonder if this is how it's going to be from now on. What will I respond to about this particular piece ten years from now? Will I be into something else as a hobby? Will I even still manage to care about writing once in awhile? Of course I have no way of knowing that, but my strongest suspicion leads me to think that life will be as different at 60 as it was from 40 to 50.

I'll admit that I miss some things from ten years ago. Oddly enough, I miss the kids being dependent. I'm very happy of course that they are growing into interesting young people, but I know that's going to eventually trend towards them leaving home. It's already partially happened with my oldest daughter living at college more than at the house. My youngest is an independent thinker and while I always enjoy engaging her in conversation, she is much more guarded with her time as she gets older. My immediate family is the most important aspect of my life. I care about how they are progressing and have worked on me so I don't impede them.

I miss the friends that I don't get to hang out with anymore. Everyone moves on. Families start, people find new jobs and interests. It happens. When we are in the moment, it seems like what we are used to and probably content with, will roll on indefinitely. There is always that "last time" though, that we do something we enjoy and don't realize it's over. I also believe it works the other way. Sometimes things we don't enjoy end. Again, we just move on and something new fills the void in our time and relationships.

That's about it I suppose, as I didn't want to let the date pass without acknowledging a decade of writing and sharing. I do sort of hope that this blog will be a tool for my kids to use to learn a little more about me than they may have ever wanted to know. If I croak out tomorrow, anyone could start at the beginning and work through enough of my posts to figure out who I was. My motivations for writing changed from time to time and all in all, I have enjoyed just getting to write on stuff I loved, hated, laughed at, or cared about. If my children or friends want to learn about how I felt about a topic or what I was interested in or pissed off about or what I thought about politics, culture, etc....well, it's here.

My New Hobby: Bourbon & Whiskey

2019-06-08T18:10:00.000-04:00

As I get older, the ability to continue past hobbies has either gotten to a point where I can't physically do those things anymore, or I have become a bit bored or disinterested. I've always been fairly athletic and enjoyed baseball, softball, and basketball (sometimes golf) over the years, but as aforementioned, my "physicality" at age 50 just isn't going to allow for those things any longer. I've collected baseball cards and as I've gravitated away from MLB, it just doesn't interest me like it used to. Vinyl albums are a hobby also, but other than a few discs that I'm on the lookout for, I have just about everything I care about musically. By the way, I'm looking for "Seed of Memory" by Terry Reid....so if you see it when perusing a flea market, grab it for me! :) My growing older and waning interest in past endeavors has led me to start becoming a bourbon/whiskey enthusiast.

I've been a fan of the stuff since my mid 20's, as I'm not much on beer and while I do enjoy rum on occasion, it's whiskey that has more or less interested me as both an intoxicant and as an interest. I decided some months back to engage bourbon/whiskey as more of a hobby. I started learning about it; how it was first invented, how it's distilled, bottled, the terminology, and of course the different varieties one can find.

YouTube and a few "review" sites on the 'net have had a large hand in my education. Nothing can beat actually tasting though as an education into the hobby. That has led me to a nearly full blown obsession with finding recommended bottles and giving them a try. I have a decent beginner collection (for want of a better term), but I'm not really a collector. If I buy it, I intend on drinking it eventually. I don't care about "investing" in it or just having full bottles sitting around, although they do make nice conversation and decorative pieces in a lot of cases.

Here is a shot of my "better" bourbons (along with a bottle of Monkey Shoulder scotch, which I really like) and the highest cost of any bottle there is $80. Most of what I have shown here can be had for under $50 or more in the $40 range.

I have become a fan of the McKenna 10 year old bottled in bond from Heaven Hill in the past year and it has won a couple of awards in 2018 and 2019 which has made it a little more scarce than I'd like. I used to be able to pick up a bottle at $30 any time I wanted and these days it takes a little more hunting and can run up to $50. I'm not inclined to pay more than $35 for it, so it may be a brand that I eventually have to let go of. The "run" has inflated the prices and while I do enjoy it and will always try to have a bottle around, I can find some good value under $30 that I know I'll be able to get almost any time I want. So, there is an element of supply and demand when it comes to bourbon and it can be a little frustrating to know that there are "hoarders" that buy up stuff with the intention of reselling at a higher rate.

I have found some of my favorites to come from the bottom shelf, which in whiskey terms is basically "the cheap stuff". Cheap doesn't always equate with bad though. Bonded in Bond bourbons (click the link to learn more) are generally cheap in price, but can pack a good punch and my entry into learning about bourbon started in that area. BiB is always going to be 100 proof, so the strength is there and while they are usually a little bit younger (they have to be aged 4 years at least) there is a decent enough flavor profile. I enjoy Fast Eddie's favorite, JTS Brown quite a bit, and in addition to the aforementioned McKenna, Evan Williams BiB is also pretty damned good for under $20. My cheap go to though is the Heaven Hill green label. Aged 6 years and I believe only sold in Kentucky, it's a great starting point for anyone wanting to put on the training wheels and get into the hobby.

These are my favorite cheaper brands that I sip on....

I have found a couple of great resources for learning about bourbon on YouTube, my favorite being "The Bourbon Guild". A group of four bourbon enthusiast friends do reviews and blind tastings of different brands and it's fun and interesting to watch them discuss and argue about flavor and aroma profiles as well as value. They may be my favorite YouTube program. Always entertaining and informative, I have learned the tendencies and preferences of each of them and that helps me decide what I may want to try and what I may want to avoid. Hats off to Dutch, Dillon, Jules, and Ben Richards the butcher of Bakersfield for putting together such a fun show to watch.

Another good program is "The Whiskey Vault". The "Somm" and the "Mooch" are also very entertaining and while they may not do the straight up review that other programs work from, they are very informative and dive into different areas that help one to expand their knowledge and understanding. They also get into a lot of different shenanigans....some miss, but most hit and they are an interesting pair to listen to. Their motto is basically like this; "the best whiskey to drink is what you like and the best way to drink it is the way you enjoy it"...I am paraphrasing, but that's the gist of it and how I try to approach my sipping! I would recommend either of these programs for people that want to learn more about the hobby or try to find out about some brands they may want to try. Most of the programs on YouTube that review bourbon are OK and can be fun to watch, but there are a few that just give arbitrary number scores to what they are sampling and without a discussion, I can't trust that what they like, I will like.

Well, that's what I have been up to in recent months. I like to sip a few days a week while listening to music or whatever and I'm finally learning to pick up on flavor and aroma profiles. That has been a little difficult for me, but I feel like I would get disinterested in expanding my horizons if there wasn't a "game" to bourbon sipping. The nuance and discovering what I like and don't like in the profiles keep me coming back!

Take care.....and I'll leave you with a couple of videos....

From The Bourbon Guild, hilarious and informative, they have me sold on wanting this. It's out of my price range, but maybe Christmas? I swear, Ben Richards may be a long lost relative!

The Whiskey Vault takes on Heaven Hill white label.....

Happy Birthday Nancy!

2019-02-25T00:01:00.000-05:00

My wife is turning a certain age on 2/25/2019. Like most of us who finally get to this "life event", I think she is a bit dumbfounded that this is really happening. How did we get to be 50? Wasn't it just yesterday, we were graduating high school with the world and future ahead of us? Wasn't it just last night we were leaving college and marrying, with the prospects for our life looking limitless? It sure seems like it, but the numbers find a way of catching up to us. We are ahead of the game, or so we believe, for decades. Then, as the Pink Floyd song goes "and then one day you find, ten years have got behind you". The future gives way to the past, but we adjust and move on. We move forward, but the years pile up behind us and we take stock in who we are. Hopefully we all find peace, understanding, patience, and a willingness to share our love more readily as we grow older. 50 isn't just an age, it's a milestone. A move from one phase of life to another and I have found there is no reason to fear it. There is still time to be who you want to be ,experience what you want to experience, and to learn what you have always wanted to know.

This is a love letter to my wife and an expression of my love for her, as I take stock in who she is and what she means to me.

Nancy, I hope on this most significant of birthdays, you don't feel old. I hope you feel in touch with who you are more than ever and realize the value of being present in the moment as much as possible. The now is all we really have, for the past is a memory and the future is a dream.

I love you very much. Through some ups and downs, we have stayed faithful to one another and have never had a serious discussion about bringing our friendship, partnership, and marriage to an end. It's just not who we are. There are times we probably haven't liked each other very much, but there has never been a time when I haven't loved you. I hope what I am writing is a better expression than the way I bear out my love in a practical way day to day. I know me and I know that I can be distant, judgmental, and surly, so knowing myself means that I know I am not the ideal husband. I apologize to you and our children for that, but never let there be a doubt that I am yours. Love seems to evolve over time. There is being "in love" and there is "loving". I prefer the latter. It's real. It lasts. There is something tangible about understanding and knowing another person and, despite that, remaining loyal to them. I know your secrets. You know mine. Nothing is left to hide and despite all of that, we stick with each other through the difficulties that life can and has thrown at us.

Happy Birthday Nancy! For over 30 years I have loved you and been committed to you and I want to express that in writing, because I seldom seem to do a good job of it verbally.

What do I think of you? Who are you to me? Why do I love you? I can think of a reason or two.....or 50.

You are as beautiful as ever.

Your smile is warm and genuine.

You care for the well being of others.

You listen and you hear...most of the time. LOL!

You give more than you take.

You allow me to be me.

You are committed to your friends.

You love your family.
You like Pink Floyd.

You are independent in action and thought.

You support your family.
You are the family doctor and psychiatrist when we need it.

You are the most compassionate person I know.
You love hugs.

You don't turn your back on anyone in need.
You trust me.

You make the house our home.
You let me choose the music when I drive and most times when you do.

You gave me two wonderful daughters.
You understand chicken wings make me feel better when I'm down.

You care for and love our children beyond yourself.

You are dependable.
I never run out of razors. I'm assuming it's not the razor fairy keeping me stocked up.
You can be tough when needed.
You take care of the bills.
You never complained about that pitiful engagement ring.
You try to see the best in everyone.

You forgive my insanity.

You are honest.
You love our kids in a way that I would describe as admirable.
You turned me on to "Lost".

You work hard.

You humor even my craziest ideas.

When I need you, you are always there.

You are intelligent.

You honor your commitments.

You are strong.
You are tender.

You are warm.

You are a fantastic mother.

You are a great daughter, sister, aunt and daughter-in-law.
You encourage me when I need it.
When we saw The Jayhawks, you encouraged me to get closer to the stage.

You are welcoming and kind to strangers.
You are trustworthy.
You are a fantastic wife.
You are empathetic.
You are my best friend.
You share your love unconditionally.
You have made me a better person.

I am proud to be your husband and there isn't anyone that I would rather spend my life with. I love you absolutely and that will never change. Thanks for being my friend and my wife. You have been a blessing to my life and invaluable in my evolution as a person. My life is complete and meaningful because of the love you give me.

Thanks for being who you are and I love you from the deepest depths of my heart and soul. Happy Birthday Nancy, you are the best person I've ever known.

Freddy

Gun Violence: Why Do We Resist Action?

2018-07-03T19:15:00.001-04:00

As Americans, we live in a reality where gun violence takes nearly 100 lives each and every day. Those of us who are not directly affected seem to have accepted this reality and probably don't even give it a second thought unless we read about or see on TV, the news of another mass shooting. Why do we continue to accept this? Why are we resistant to action to reduce this number? My shot at answering those questions mainly touch on a few points (surely there are plenty more others can cite); 1) we cling to the 2nd Amendment in our Bill of Rights as if it's some sacred decree that MUST be given the broadest interpretation without regard to the present or future 2) we have become so ego driven and narcissistic in our politics that we are unable or unwilling to consider that we may be wrong at the individual level, which would mean something may be wrong on a mass level and 3) guns are woven into our culture in such a way that they are not only used as entertainment or recreation at a practical level, but also in our artistic expressions of television, film, and literature.

I want to touch on each of those points a little and along the way I will more than likely use quite a bit of personal opinion derived by analyzing this from my own world view. And at that, I fully realize I may well be wrong or even characterize an aspect incorrectly. For that, I apologize up front, with the realization that I am not saying my opinions are facts, but they are my musings based on statistics, observation, experience, and yes, even feelings. All I can ask is that this is read with an open mind. That even if you disagree, understand that I'm not attacking you. It's not personal and you could very well write in contrast and I hope you would expect the same open look at your opinions as I am asking for mine. We don't have to agree, but somewhere along the line we all need to try to see this as a social and human problem and not just a political one. I also want to add the caveat that I am not for repealing the 2nd Amendment. I am for sensible gun control. I choose the rights of Americans to live over the right of someone to own and possibly use a weapon that can kill or injure multiple people in a matter of seconds.

In his book "12 Rules For Life", noted research psychologist Jordan Peterson wrote a chapter on being truthful and part of that truth is not just in our relationships to others, but being truthful with ourselves. There is a short segment in that chapter that addresses why we need to be truthful and see things as they are. Not doing that can eventually cause suffering and/or continued suffering and lack of progress. This piece of the chapter stood out to me.

Peterson writes (emphasis is his) "Things fall apart. What worked yesterday will not necessarily work today. We have inherited the great machinery of state and culture from our forefathers, but they are dead, and cannot deal with the changes of the day. The living can. We can open our eyes and modify what we have where necessary and keep the machinery running smoothly. Or we can pretend that everything is alright, fail to make the necessary repairs, and then curse fate when nothing goes our way.

Things fall apart: this is one of the greatest discoveries of humanity. And we speed the natural deterioration of great things through blindness, inaction, and deceit. Without attention, culture degenerates and dies, and evil prevails."

We are allowing the past, a dead past, control our actions today. The Bill of Rights and the Constitution of the United States are two of the human race's greatest documents, but things change. We are not the society or culture of the late 1700's. Much has changed in regards to society, culture, and mechanism. To be able to review, debate, and come to a new agreement on our governing documents may be the way to start sorting through some of our greatest problems. We have to adapt to changing times and that means inspecting even our most sacred of cows.

Our politics has seeped into our social and cultural thought process. Hell, it's even wormed its' way into our sports and entertainment at such a pervasive level that it's almost impossible to escape the long tentacles of political ideology and the discourse it breeds when it permeates every aspect of our lives. We have really dug into our positions. We have started to believe that changing your mind or listening to a different opinion is a sign of weakness or capitulation. With that in mind, we don't seem willing to explore what is happening around the world in regards to guns. There are countries that don't put up with mass shootings. There are counties that don't put up with seeing double digit murder numbers in their cities over the course of a weekend. We consider Japan a free society and they have very strict rules and regulations on acquiring and owning guns. Homicide by gun shot is almost non-existent. Check out the link below and learn a little more about what nations have gun control and you can see how effective it can be. All it takes is just to set aside our rigid views a little and at least consider stricter gun laws.

This Is How You Do Gun Control

I'm not an advocate of censorship, so it's difficult for me to want video games, music, film, television or any other artistic media to be stifled in what they can't and can show or have as a topic. I do, however, agree with the warning labels that are put on some media for language, violence, sexual content and the like. I'm not sure that art plays a huge role in gun violence, but there are a lot of instances where it certainly does glorify firearms and the damage they do. How much can that impact a young mind? Maybe none. Maybe a little. In a few cases, maybe a lot. How much does it impact an adults mind over time? Everyone is different and we have to be aware that we should stay in touch with what our children have access to and even stay alert to what we are allowing our brains to become saturated with. Learn who our children are and know what they can handle. If you don't, how can you expect society to? You can't. If we are responsible to one another and promote open dialogue, that can't be a bad thing.

Video Games & Gun Violence

Violent Media & Behavior

I find it difficult to dive into any of these facets very deeply. There is just so much to be said. So much to be shared. So much to hear. So much to learn. I guess, all I ask from anyone reading this is to perhaps have another look at what you believe. Do some research. It's too important an issue to not have all the information you can have on it. This is one of those issues that I don't think any of us want to be on the wrong side of, so putting the politics and ego aside is necessary in trying to figure out what's best. The majority eventually gets what it wants in this country. It takes time. We owe it to ourselves and future generations to start thinking and acting on this now. We have kicked this can far too long. It's time to think, act, and hold conversations like adults that care about the well being of others. Even if your view, pro or anti gun control, isn't changed, you can be honest in any conversation you have about your beliefs and can consider yourself educated on the subject. That's all any fellow citizen can ask, isn't it?

So, in closing, you may ask what my stance is. Fair enough. I would like to see a much more stringent application process. Education is key and the more a person learns about guns in both physical use, statistics, and safety, the less likely the chance they will be involved in a gun event of a negative nature. Hold owners responsible if their guns are used by friends or relatives or even if they are stolen, which means that all weapons kept in a home should be required to be in a safe. Every gun that isn't a single shot rifle or shot gun, in my opinion, should be registered with local law enforcement. The more left leaning side of me is almost to the point of believing that if you want to use a machine gun or any rapid fire gun, that you should have to go to a gun range and use it on that premises. Mental health evaluations should be a piece of the puzzle and while that's not an angle I gave any time to in this blog, I do realize that should be a part of any serious gun debate. I guess I am to the point to where we need to change gun ownership from an undeniable right to a privilege. A privilege that will be fairly easy to earn if you are responsible and go through the process to acquire. That's some of where I am, but I don't know that I'm set in stone on all of it. I tend to sway a little on the right versus privilege thing, simply because I do take our Bill of Rights seriously and even though I THINK it would be wise to explore changing what doesn't work, I have a healthy respect for the fact they have worked to this point pretty well.

As always, I welcome any comments, and admittedly, I'm a little bit all over the place with this particular blog post. The topic demands so much more than I am able to give, so this small piece will have to do for now. My mind is open on most any subject, so if you don't agree, let me hear it.

Movies I Like That Most People Hate

2018-02-06T11:38:00.000-05:00

Do any of you folks have something that you really enjoy that you have found most other people don't? I sure do. I have a few movies that are among my favorite that seem to be big turn offs for a lot of people.

Revolver

I have liked "Revolver" right from the get go. In fact, after the first time I watched it, I immediately started it over again. There was something going on that I was trying to grasp. I had been studying up on self-awareness and ego and this movie hit those themes hard, but wove it into the story so well that the film begged to be seen multiple times to peel back the layers. The main character in Guy Ritchies most under appreciated film spends the entire movie trying to beat back that inner voice (his ego) that has kept him in trouble and caused him so much fear. Rotten Tomatoes has this one at 17% and Roger Ebert was scathing in his criticism; "It seems designed to punish the audience for buying tickets." I suppose I've punished myself about 7 or 8 times since the first time I've seen it. Despite criticism of the film, I think I get a lot of it and that's why I love it. I see it as art and as something that isn't to be viewed once and tossed out. If you are interested in the message, it'll hold your attention and leave you thinking long after the movie has ended.

2001: A Space Odyssey

I can totally understand why there are people that don't like this movie. It's long, it can be boring in spots, and it's not quite obvious on the initial viewing as to what the purpose of the film is. That said, I think it's a cinematic masterpiece and Stanley Kubrick sure has a knack for dabbling in that rare air. Shot in the early/mid 60's, the special effects still hold up today. It was another 10 or so years (Star Wars) before anyone could duplicate what was done. The story is that of man, but only in evolutionary jumps. From our time barely surviving on plant life to transcending our mortal bodies, the film shows how those jumps could occur without being very specific. We just know that we started using tools and weapons and that kick started us into being meat eaters that developed a greater understanding of the universe and our place in it.

The Fountain

This film by Darren Aronofsky is one that a lot of people haven't seen. Generally, people get confused by it and it's a movie that will cause either reflection or revulsion from a viewer, I would imagine. There are three stories going on and each has a tie to the other, though the main character(s) is the same. It's beautifully shot and it's another one of those films that bears repeated viewings. It touches on loyalty, determination, love, death, and dealing with all of those things in the confines of a finite lifetime. In the end, the main character (Thomas) is able to transcend death and accept that we think of as dying is really just rebirth in another form. A different way for the universe to examine/experience itself apart from our conscience being.

Con-Air

This is one that many self-proclaimed, serious film buffs love to pick at and hate on. I won't defend it against assertions that it is text book action film making by Simon West. It is, but it's also a farce. A sort of parody that plays it close to the vest. It has all the elements of a block buster action film, but it isn't taking itself seriously. It throws everything at the audience. Every cliche' of the action film genre gets dealt with. A misunderstood, wronged hero who is just trying to get back to his family? Check. Menacing bad guys that have specialties in their criminality? Check. A wife and child just waiting for their hero to make it home? Check. A good guy that is trying to help out all he can, while having to fight off incompetence from those around him? Check. Corny self-serving dialogue? Check. Gun shots? Check. Shit blowing up? Check. Las Vegas? Check. Sappy and happy ending while a sappy song plays showing a family reunited against impossible odds? Check. It's an easy film to watch and a lot of fun. Remember, you can't watch this seriously.....it wasn't made to be watched that way. It's not taking itself seriously and neither should you! It's just a ride (to steal a phrase from Bill Hicks)!

My Pull Back To The Right

2018-02-04T11:32:00.003-05:00

I made a comment last week to a friend that I was feeling a pull back to the right (politically speaking). My reasoning was due to how insane the left and liberals seem to have become in recent years. I have been influenced quite a bit over the past 10 years or so by left leaning writers and commentators such as Bill Maher, Richard Dawkins, Sam Harris, Christopher Hitchens, and Dave Rubin. I also delve into philosophers like Alan Watts and Terence McKenna in an effort to "feed my soul" so to speak and try to keep from being overly accepting of the aforementioned influences. Naturally, being influenced by these people would definitely see me move towards a more overall liberal worldview. I still maintained that I wouldn't necessarily call myself a liberal, but I was done with conservatism as a worldview that I would adhere to in a staunch manner as I had for most of my adult life.

My choice was to stop identifying with one or the other and go issue by issue and stake out positions based on as much information I could get from both sides of any issue and my own personal parsing of that info. That's who I want to be and who I have attempted to be for quite some time now. With that said, I feel like at this point, I need to acknowledge that I am rethinking how openly I support liberalism as a whole. I could always forgive some of the economic things I didn't agree with because I felt that there was more open compassion from the left, because there were more people that could identify with how others lived based on their past and socio-economic position.

Over the past year or so I have been introduced to Jordan Peterson, Michael Shermer, and Ben Shapiro. I wouldn't call any of them far right, but Shapiro is definitely a conservative, Peterson isn't a classic conservative, but he leans that way in how he attempts to make sense of our social/cultural constructs, and Shermer only appears to be right leaning because of how insane the far left has become. Shermer is probably where I am (or possibly Dave Rubin) speaking comparatively. I may not have shifted as much as the fact that the spectrum has moved under my feet. I don't even know if I'm speaking politically unless we are going to focus on specific policy/issue. This writing is geared more towards my rejection of political correctness and the general attempts of the "regressive" left to impose their fascist inclinations on everyone else.

Dave Rubin has recently started rejecting his identification as a "liberal", simply because of what it seems to imply at this point in time. I strongly feel that a dishonest media, along with people who believe they need to be offended for others in an effort to gain power or some sort of misguided moral superiority are moving us backwards as a nation. It's going to turn out to be a phase, as we are already seeing a correction, as level headed liberals are moving towards the right and we have a president that is anything but politically correct. People are being driven into the arms of Trump in the same way that moderate Republicans were pushed to Obama or a more libertarian view by the George W. Bush years. I love freedom of speech, even when it offends me (which doesn't happen often, because I need to feel the hit personally) and I don't think anyone's communication with others should be stifled or made against the law. I want to hear from people I don't agree with. I can't understand when others don't want that. It's a chance to sharpen your own beliefs and more importantly, it's a chance to try to understand another person viewpoint. That's been very important to me for awhile. If I have a "fault" when I participate in group political/social discussion, it's that I seem to waffle, but that's really because I am trying to find out how it feels to hold each position. What about a persons worldview, up bringing, or person experience makes them stake out a particular position? I truly believe it's made me a better person by triggering critical thought and patience.

I would really like to write more on the influence of people like Joe Rogan, Jordan Peterson, Dave Rubin, Austin Peterson, Larry Elder, Michael Shermer, and Sam Harris have had on me, but that would make for a small book. I have kept an open mind, as much as possible. Anyone that knows me or knows my past writing should understand that I try not to live in a bubble. I cull info from a lot of different places and I trust the words of people more than I do any information that comes from a for-profit organization.

The bottom line for me and what I've picked up from Jordan Peterson in a big way is that none of us have a right to not be offended. If a person is offended, it's a choice. Words have no power that we don't give them as individuals. That's been a position of mine for a very long time. I'm much more interested in seeing our country move forward on the basis of fact than feeling. When people (or a group of people) call others fascists and then seek to shut down those people's ability to speak freely (going so far in some cases as to try to create law limiting speech), the true fascist is revealed. If the middle and moderate right is where I have to identify and where I have to speak to others from, so be it. I accept freedom, personal liberty, and fact as the most important influences on how I think and act, and right now, the left side of the spectrum (and largely from those further on the left) isn't living up to being the progressives that they think they are. They rely on stifling the speech and freedoms of others as a way of making the country better and I firmly believe that is misguided and it eventually will lead to the authoritarianism, and yes, fascism that they fear.

I'm going to stick with what seems tangible and real. I know that being correct on so many things is subjective and I accept that as truth. On the other hand, there is also fact on many other issues and there is intellectual honesty and working from those areas has to be the best for us all. Maybe I'll have more on this later. Maybe someone will challenge me with a comment. Either way, I will do my best to be honest about how I feel and respond to what is swirling around me every day in the world.

The Rubin Report

YOU TUBE: The Rubin Report

How I Learned To Stop Worrying And Love The Last Jedi

2017-12-20T19:58:00.000-05:00

MAJOR SPOILERS

If you haven't seen The Last Jedi and want to remain pure, don't read this. If you don't care about spoilers....hell, you still may not want to read it. Consider yourself warned.

How I Learned To Stop Worrying And Love The Last Jedi

I suppose I expected there would be some fans that were let down by The Last Jedi, but I didn't figure on the split with the fans being 50/50 (according to Rotten Tomatoes) on whether they liked the film or not. No Star Wars film is ever going to make everyone happy. There is no way to make a film that captures what the original trilogy gave us. You know, the intricate character development, giving us origin and background information on the characters, definitively tying up loose ends in the plot, and a penchant for giving the fans just what they expect. You know....on second thought, the original trilogy didn't really do those things in the way our memories are telling us they did. I'm going to argue that The Last Jedi is closer to the vibe and tactical story telling of the original trilogy than any of the 5 films that came before or after episodes 4 through 6.

Before I begin what promises to be an exhaustive and probably little read diatribe, I want to acknowledge that yes, absolutely there are some problems with The Last Jedi. There are some cringe inducing moments. There are some downright head scratching moments. I don't want to tell anyone they are wrong for not digging those moments. I don't want to tell any Star Wars fan they are wrong for not liking the movie....but I'm going to anyhow. Just to give an example or two on what I didn't really enjoy, I will say I didn't care for the way they brought Leia back from the almost dead. I didn't mind that it happened so much as the execution of it on film. It was very weird looking.....like she was Mary Poppins flying in from the heavens. I think it would have worked much better if her body had been rescued and the force brought her back in that manner. Another aspect of the film that I didn't care for was not so much that it was there, but that it was really underutilized and unnecessary. I'm speaking about Canto Bight, the high brow gambling city. That sounds contradictory, but if you are not going to have two central characters explore that world a little more while trying to pull off that plot line, just chuck it and make the situation a bit more simple. It seemed like a very forced way (no pun intended) to make a political point (and yes, The Last Jedi has some politics woven into it and I think we may see some of that spill over into the final film).

There are other little things, but I'm not here to dwell on the 10% of the film that I wasn't on board with, I want to break down why I feel like the film was true to the original trilogy, more so than any of the prequels. More than Rogue One. More than The Force Awakens. I'll try to go through some complaints that I have read and talked to people about over the past couple of days. Hopefully I can convey my experience in a way that may make someone take pause and see the film a bit differently.

I want to start by saying I believe that the prequels are a burden to the sequels and have rewired the way a lot (most?) fans think about episodes 4 through 6. Try to recall the time when there was no prequel. Remember seeing A New Hope for the first time and try to do so without allowing any of the other films to compromise your mind. ANH was a simple story. We met a crazy looking villain early on and had no idea where he came from. We met a girl that was called "Princess", but had no idea what was behind her royal lineage. We got to see a simple farm boy of no particular importance grousing about his place in the universe. We met a hermit that seemed to be a little more than met the eye. The story moved on from there and we went on a thrill ride the likes of which film hadn't seen before. The hero defeated the villain by using a thing called the force. Luke wasn't trained in using the force, but completely let it control him as he destroyed the Death Star. Not unlike the force using Rey and her keeping pace with an under trained Kylo Ren. We seem to forget that Luke had little training and was able to channel the force and understand it enough to let it control him. During A New Hope we were given small details about who the characters were and how the story got to the point where we dropped in, but we were not soaked in it. It wasn't central to the story and for any film to be worthy of your time, it should be a good story. The story trumped the details. The prequels took the mystery out of the cinematic Star Wars universe and the sequels now have to compete with that. The fans want their expectations met and only want a "twist" they expect. They want a literary film instead of one that asks the viewer to take a ride and get caught up in the inertia of the story. Instead, we now wait for expected developments and let our preconceived notions control our enjoyment or dissatisfaction. Hell, there are a large number of people that hated the film before it was even finished being made. How does a filmmaker expect to satisfy a fan base in this climate? They can't, so Rian Johnson made his vision and I applaud his effort. While Joss Whedon and Zack Snyder turn out predictable fan boy satisfying films, Johnson took a more artistic approach and made the movie he wanted to see. A movie that pretty much forgets the impact of the prequels and nuzzles up to the originals like it should.

The Empire Strikes Back came along and picked up some time later. We didn't know exactly what had been going on, but we see that the rebellion was still the underdog and that the Empire had regrouped and still controlled the galaxy. Relationships between the characters developed and some of it was just implied....we didn't even get to see what happened. We got to see Luke use the force with a little more confidence and started to get a sense that it could be manipulated by those that had a special connection to it, and they could be trained to use it in all sorts of beneficial ways. We know it could be used to move objects and for telepathy. We learned it could be manipulated to give the user additional physical powers. Again, we hold Rey's use of the force against her, but were OK with how Luke used it under similar circumstances. The force using and being used by a young whipper snapper is another parallel between The Last Jedi and the original trilogy. When we get to the climax where we learn Vader was Luke's father, we gasped! How can this be? We got what we didn't expect and that was so important to the original trilogy. Han was frozen and in the hands of a bounty hunter. Nothing was going right for the good guys. The film ended without resolution and there didn't look to be any hope. A mainstream movie ended with the bad guys winning? This film turned the twist ending into an iconic moment in film history and filmmakers of all sorts have followed that model since. The movie ultimately was about dealing with adverse circumstances and even failure. Once again we can see how The Last Jedi runs along beside the original films. TLJ is full of failure. Poe is reckless and undisciplined and gets many people killed. Rey can't turn Kylo. Kylo can't turn Rey. Rey can't get Luke to come save the day. Fin and Rose don't get the job done leading to the death of many resistance soldiers.

With Return of the Jedi, we move further into the story. We saw Jabba the Hut and his lair.The good guys had infiltrated the camp and had a plan devised to get Han Solo back. We didn't need Lucas to tell how all of this happened, we could use or imaginations to fill in the details, but it wasn't central to the story and remember, the story is what is important. Luke learned from Yoda that Leia was his sister and passed that knowledge on to her. The film got away from itself with the Ewoks helping to take down the Empire (which even as a youngster I wasn't impressed with), but we got to see a final battle between Vader and Luke and low and behold we get some time with the Emperor. We don't know where he came from. We don't know why he was a bad ass that was ruling the universe and kept Vader on a tight leash. We didn't have to, the story wasn't about him. The film hashed out father and son.....good and evil issues. It completed the story, or so we thought. There were many questions that were unanswered and I don't really remember to many people caring. If you did, you read the novels and got into the extended universe. The important thing was the story. I'll get to the Snoke and Emperor parallels in just a moment.

The prequels came along and filled the gaps in. Often times in weird ways that didn't quite fit what we thought we knew about the characters and the force. Lucas tried to fit everything together and it made for a saturated mess of information that wasn't really necessary. Episodes 4, 5, and 6 worked because of the story and the characters executing their roles. The prequels felt very much like it was a cash grab and in my opinion it set up these sequels to be over scrutinized. They carry a weight of expectation. Fans now expect every character to be connected. They expect every moment to have significance beyond what is being shown. We want an explanation for everything and it has to fit into OUR ideas of what we think Star Wars is or what it should be. The prequels gave us all the information we thought we wanted, but it rewired us to believe that the original trilogy had all this information that it didn't have. They stole the magic. They stole our imagination. Sorry....I just had to take another shot at the prequels. I know it's heavy handed writing, but I want to make sure that this point is not lost.

One of the complaints I have heard more than once is that Snoke was taken out too early and he didn't come clean about who he was and how deep his involvement may have been throughout the history of the Star Wars timeline. Looking back to the original trilogy, the Emperor wasn't given back story. He wasn't even given a great deal of screen time, but we knew he ran the universe and probably shouldn't be trifled with by some farmer boy that worked on harvesting water. He was ultimately killed by his apprentice in a conflicted act of compassion and confusion. Fast forward to TLJ and we see the same circumstance. Kylo Ren acknowledged a "pull to the light" in TFA and is in a struggle with himself that wasn't helped by his connection with Rey. The two characters are conflicted about who they are and who they will become. They have no connection to their family and feel as though they were left to find their own way without guidance. This confusion and connection causes Kylo to kill Snoke. Not only did this mirror the events from ROTJ, but it also defied expectations of the audience. It's what was so gripping about episodes 4 to 6, you felt surprised and had to adjust your expectation and sensibility. It was a fantastic move and it let you know, in no uncertain terms, that this film isn't about Snoke. If he had started telling Rey about who he was, what would it matter to her? She has no frame of reference. She didn't even believe Luke Skywalker was real. Rian Johnson held true to the original trilogy on this and didn't service the fans.

Another top issue is Luke Skywalker.....and pretty much everything about the character, from the way he reacted to Rey to his demise. First off, these first two films have been largely about Luke, even if he wasn't a screen presence in TFA. What was the original trilogy about? Mainly Luke Skywalker. Luke has spent the couple of decades secluded. He has rethought this whole Jedi thing. Over time he came to the realization that he no longer believed the Jedi were always right, that they were always the light. He was finished being a Jedi and a hero. He saw himself as a failure. He unsuccessfully started a "Jedi Academy" and basically took Han and Leia's son away. He almost murdered Ben Solo (Kylo Ren) in his sleep. He had been in seclusion and convinced himself that he needed to just wait out death. He wasn't Obi Wan. He wasn't waiting for the right moment to emerge and save the day. He was waiting for it to be over. Rey came along and he lightly trained her, but did so in a way that only allowed her to develop as a force user, not necessarily as a Jedi. The force uses people to maintain balance and some people can connect with it and manipulate it. Rey is strong in that regard and the force has "awoken" in her and leads her. Rey is helped by Luke, not all that different that Luke was trained by Yoda. That is a reflection of TESB and holds the line with the formula of the original trilogy. The deviation, much to the chagrin of many fans is that Luke doesn't get involved in a way that was expected or wanted by the fans (including myself). Director Rian Johnson was true to the plot line and the story. Luke didn't want to be found. He didn't want to come back and join the fight. He wanted to be left alone. He did what he could to help without changing who he had become. He let himself go back to the force. He was exhausted and he was finished. The character went out in an unexpected way, without fan service or kissing the pasts ass.

Character development has always been an up and down affair when it comes to Star Wars. As I have tried to hammer home, the story is what it's all about. The characters were secondary to the story in episodes 4 through 6. TFA was heavy in nostalgia with the old characters, but it also had to quickly set up a new generation of characters to carry the story. That was a difficult thing to do, but in my opinion, JJ Abrams successfully rebooted the franchise for a new generation of fans, while giving the older fans a reason to come back and re-engage. I believe there was plenty of character development where it was needed to push the story and set up the climax for episode 9. No character has been given the once over like Kylo Ren. We know a lot about him and there should be no questions now about his motivation. He constantly feels betrayed and isn't about to trust anyone. He likes his power and uses it to take what he wants. He has little nuance in how he uses the force and when he doesn't get his way, becomes a bully. Rey is a little behind in this regard, but she has the same general situation as Kylo, but has maintained a positive outlook on her life. Only when the force starts moving in her does she start becoming conflicted. Only when she sees how things really work does she start to develop an edge. Her naivety is wore off fast in this latest film. She is becoming a willing participant in the story. Poe Dameron was also given a lot of room in this movie. We got the feeling he was a hot shot "do gooder" that liked being a hero, but in this film we got to see that he is a very flawed person. He has the ability to lead, but has no patience. He is loyal to the cause and genuinely cares for the people around him, but is a risk taker that never sees where a miscalculation can turn a controllable situation into a disaster. I believe the character development was in line with the original trilogy. It didn't give us everything, but it gave us enough to understand their motivations in the story.

This is already way too long, but since I'm here, I'll address the point that there was no climax and that the film didn't push the story forward. I disagree with this notion. This is the second of three acts. There shouldn't be an expectation of climax to the story, only to some situations and characters. TESB had the same climax as this film and it's considered by many to be the gold standard of Star Wars films. The story has taken us to the edge of disaster and hopelessness. As fans, we can now speculate on what might happen and in the fashion of the original trilogy, it's very open ended. We expected to know who Snoke was. We expected to know Rey's origins. We expected Luke to save the day and lead the charge towards the finale'. We expected a Leia and Kylo moment. We got none of that and that should be OK. The story is on going and now that we have had our heads spun by not getting what was expected we can have fun speculating on how our heroes are going to emerge. Will there be a time jump? We saw the kid at the end....just a slave kid who was apparently strong with the force. Is the rebellion going to be young people rising against the authoritarian regime? Is Rey going to train a new generation of force users that are not specifically Jedi or will she continue to work with Chewbacca? Will Kylo rule with his emotions and be undone by his search to bring Rey to his side? Will Poe emerge as a dependable leader? Will Fin find his calling within the resistance (he has seemingly bought into it by the end of TLJ) and will his relationship with Rose continue? Are C-3P0 and R2-D2 going to have continued roles? Will there be an uprising of the people based on the centralization of power and wealth that the First Order is trying to achieve? Is Snoke really dead? Was Kylo trying to minimize Rey's confidence by planting in her head that she had no role in this story? That she really wasn't important? Is Luke gone for good? These things intrigue me and make me excited for the next film. My expectations have been turned upside down by The Last Jedi. I'll forgive the purple hair, the under utilization of Benicio Del Toro's character of DJ, and a couple of oddly placed jokes. I'll forgive Leia Poppins. I'll let the notion of running out of fuel go to. I will embrace the Porgs. I love the new ways the force can be used. I anticipate seeing how the relationship between Huck and Kylo Ren develops and how the inevitable show down with Rey and Fin will play out. All options are on the table and just like with the original trilogy and with The Last Jedi, expect the unexpected!

All in all, I think this film is going to be looked at much better by Star Wars fans in a few years. I trust that Rian Johnson is a big Star Wars fan that followed the original trilogy battle tested formulas and brought a refreshing twist to the franchise. I believe he has made one of the better Star Wars movies. It entertained me as a movie lover and it maintained my excitement as a Star Wars fan. I hope I helped to soften some rough edges for a person or two. Remember, in the end, it's just a movie and if you are a Star Wars fan, there is so much to like in this film that I implore you to not let a few instances ruin it. In this film we got a bad ass fight with Rey and Kylo destroying the Elite Praetorian Guard, Luke projecting himself and making a fool of Kylo, Poe phone trolling Huck, and all the sweet looking action that took place on the salt planet of Crait, Luke face to face with Leia, and the epic opening space battle. Not to mention Luke meeting the force as he looks out at the setting suns. A most fitting farewell in the way that the character wanted it. Nobody is having their childhood raped. Nobody is dying because of the direction Johnson took in telling this part of the story. Be glad we have more Star Wars. I don't want to live in a galaxy without it!

Key lines of relevance in the sequels.....the very first sentence in The Force Awakens was muttered by the legendary Max Von Sydow (as Lor San Tekka) and he said (and I believe it to be accurate)....

"This will begin to make things right"

In The Last Jedi, the Luke and Kylo characters both had lines that could be applied to the film....

Luke "This isn't going to go the way you think"

and Kylo "Let the past die. Kill it if you have to".

Nothing In 2017

2017-08-19T18:51:00.002-04:00

I've got several half written, half started musings saved from the past eight months, but I just haven't had the inspiration to finish them. Like this offering, I sort of went about what I wrote with a half-hearted attitude. If I don't have anything to express or say, I just won't publish or I'll delete. At this point, I'm just making sure I get on the board for 2017

There is so much going on in the world, but my feelings float back and forth between disgust and exhilaration. From politics to science it seems every day brings something else to occupy my curiosity. Any sort of passion is out though. I don't really care much that the election of Trump is causing a melt down. He's a buffoon and a jackass that in over his head and the hysteria his election has caused can be a little entertaining. I don't feel like there are any politicians with anything to offer, so let this bitch catch fire for a little while. I've gotten some solid laughs and "WTF's?" out of it all so far.

I have found a few bands that aren't new, but they are new to me. I recently started listening to Jason Isbell and Chris Stapleton and that was born out of my love of Shooter Jennings and Sturgill Simpson. A natural progression into more music made by artists that are not locked into the mainstream. I have also started listening to a pop band called "Portugal. The Man" and I dig them quite a bit. They have been around for awhile and are very much in the same vein as "Broken Bells", and "Foster the People"......sweet melodies and infectious hooks with a sensibility to the lyrics that are largely missing from today's radio pop/rock.

I finally learned how to use Twitter. That's been OK. I get my news from there now instead of going to CNN/FOX. I really hate the mainstream media and want to be able to find information based on the level of importance instead of having to sift through click bait headlines and stories that I know contain editorial bias. I will probably tire of it, but at the moment it fills some time for me when I don't have much else to do. It's not a bad thing to read Ryan Adams melting down at least once a week.

Tommy Stinson Steals A Kiss From Yours Truly

Oh, I did get to hang around a bunch of people that were hanging around Tommy Stinson at a "store show" for his "Cowboys in the Campfire" tour. That was pretty cool.

Joe Rogan is still awesome and his podcasts are almost always worth my time. I continue to miss Christopher Hitchens and wish that Bill Hicks were here to comment on modern society. That would be a treat right about now.

So, there it is. Nothing. My only offering of 2017 thus far. If you don't hear from me again.....I'm not gone, just gone away until next time. Enjoy life, it's probably the only one you'll get.