A Bloy and his Blog

Earlier this week I got together with an old friend I’ve been neglecting, my guitar. It was the first time I took it out of its case since I moved to my condo last October. Since then I’ve had it out on four different days and thanks to Tab Robot (a search engine for guitar tabs and music), I’ve even learned to play some new songs.

Many years ago I went through some personality testing when I had consulted a career counselor. After examining the test results, one of the things she told me was that I needed to be involved with music in some way or I would not be happy. Having my guitar in my hands this week reminded me how important making music is. It’s funny how when your life is busy and hectic, you can actually forget about the things that make it worth living.

Last night at Summerfest, I saw what could be the quintessential American band, Wilco. Wilco’s musical mix of rock, folk, country and even punk at times can resonate with an almost magical quality. Both the slow, quiet songs and the loud rowdy songs had this quality last night. The tunes that stood out for me were “Monday,” “War On War” and “Misunderstood.” The band also played some excellent new songs last night (which I hope will be on their next CD).

read the rest of: A great American band

It’s the middle of Summerfest (one the the world’s biggest music festivals) and I’ve already been to some excellent concerts. The two that stand out so far are Peter Gabriel (as you would expect, his show was good both theatrically and musically) and Lucky Dube (a reggae singer from South Africa).

At Lucky Dube’s concert last night, a thought struck me in the middle of the show. Whenever I’m at a reggae show the audience is always the most diverse of all the concerts I go to. You seem to see all ages, races and if I may be presumptuous, even income classes. When you’re grooving to the music with such a diverse crowd, you begin to wonder why it is so difficult for all of us in this world to get along with one another.

Last December I listed what I considered the best albums of 2002, but I definately missed one. I recently discovered a delicious CD that was released last year: The Last Broadcast by The Doves.

The album starts with guitars ringing like a carillon of bells and follows with the band’s beautiful harmonies. Song after song the music continues to sweep you off your feet with haunting melodies, soulful rhythms and musical textures that have almost an epic quality reminiscent of U2 or Radiohead. After listening to The Last Broadcast, the musical soundscapes will hang around in your head making you want to play it over immediately.

An excellent CD and one which will help you get your mind off of any nasty April snow storms you might be experiencing (like I did here in Wisconsin today).

I am definitely behind in my blogging. I blame it on the winter. It certainly isn’t MY fault. [grin]

Short days and long nights in bitter cold temperatures bring out the hibernator in me. I find I sleep more in the wintertime and I spend more time curled up on the couch with a good book (and maybe a blanket). Of course the lack of snow doesn’t help. Looking out the window and seeing a winter wonderland of brown can be a bit depressing.

I’m as dark as December.
I’m as cold as the man in the moon.
All I hear is that lonesome sound.
The hounds of winter, they follow me down.

- Sting, The Hounds Of Winter

A few weeks ago the musical world lost a legend when Joe Strummer passed away. Formerly of the Clash, Joe and his band mates revolutionized music in the late 1970’s with their blend of punk rock and reggae music.

I never got the chance to see The Clash live, but I was lucky enough to see Joe Strummer perform a few summers ago. It was my favorite show at Summerfest that year. Along with songs from his latest album, he also played some classic Clash songs with all the raw energy that I imagine he used when he played with his old band.

If you don’t own the Clash’s classic album London Calling do yourself a favor and go out and get it. If you’ve got that one, my next pick would be Joe’s solo record Rock Art and the X-Ray Style from a few years ago. His newer releases stand up well next to the albums he made with the Clash.

Goodbye Joe, and thanks.

I honestly don’t know how I could get through life without music. It really does a lot to feed my soul. Here are my favorite albums of 2002, which I know helped me get through the year. They’re in alphabetical order, because I’m a librarian and that’s how we do things.

Beck - Sea Change
One of the best breakup albums ever made, this CD’s bittersweet lyrics and lush sounds have almost a comforting quality. Beck puts all of his emotions into this one and the end result is beautiful.

Coldplay - A Rush Of Blood To The Head
This sophomore release by Coldplay really shows their maturity. The haunting melodies, introspective lyrics and riveting guitar sound get better every time I listen to it.

read the rest of: Favorite albums of 2002