This autobiography about a woman who helped shape the politics of Canada over the last 15 years could be more aptly titled "A History of the Reform Populist Movement, Sprinkled with Deb Grey's holiday logs". At times she wrote one paragraph about what was happening in Parliament and the next would be about her motorcycle adventures or something about people not related to the political story unfolding. I see the relation, that the need for a politician to escape the silliness of politics and into normalcy. For Deb, it was particularly daunting, because she'd fly back and forth from Ottawa visiting her riding in Alberta every weekend - a true democrat. Without saying it, she's saying being an MP is actually difficult, which it is.
The book begins with Deb Grey describing in painful detail of her young life in British Columbia living with an alcoholic father and her difficult life growing up. What I particularly liked reading about was her path to religious faith - where she had none, to going to a post-secondary Bible school and embracing the teachings of Christ and her relationship with God - which is congruent with my own beliefs - so I had a deeper sense of her mindset. This belief is not in a fanatical way, but a tolerant and respectful view of people and the world. This was an important aspect of the book, as I'm sure many political hacks viewed Deb Grey as somewhat of a right wing religious fanatic, which she clearly wasn't by any means. Her views on the separation of church and state solidified her respect from MPs in all parties. This belief is paramount to being a politician of fortitutde and balance.
During Stockwell Day's new leadership of the new Canadian Alliance Party, he made many grave errors as a leader, a politician, and in policy. The book outlines them all, including stuff we didn't hear about in the news. The internal politics in the party was fascinating to read in 2001, with Deb and a dozen or so other Canadian Alliance MPs renouncing Stock as a leader and that he should step down. Deb really battles with this one before making the announcement. She always thought things over before she acted. She certainly made the right call here.
I thought for sure there was an underlining conspiracy from the "Manningites" (MPs still loyal to former leader Preston Manning), and perhaps there was, as most of the MPs who renounced Day as leader were loyal to Manning, but Deb shows that basically these people were there in the Reform Party from the very beginning and didn't want to see the whole movement go down in flames. They had to do something quickly. During their renouncements I found it interesting that every day or so, another MP would get up and tell Stock to step down. The timing to create a media momentum was perfectly executed - I think these rebel MPs planned it, but Deb doesn't mention it in the book.
They were quickly tossed from the CA caucus and left in limbo as independents.
The whole fiasco basically exposed the hard right socially fundamental religious side of the party, who were die-hard supporters of Day, no matter what. It was like "Blind faith" although he made some serious gaffes. These "Stockaholics" sued Deb Grey and were relentless as a grassroots movement. She of course won in the end.
She goes into a lot of detail during the odd period when these rebel MPs formed the Democratic Representative Caucus (DRC) and a parliamentary coalition with Joe Clark's Progressive Conservitive caucus, forming policy, sharing critic roles, etc. Little do people realize, but this was the real seed planted that helped stem the uniting of the the Canadian Alliance and PC Party. Again, though she's doesn't get credit for it, but Deb was instrumental in building these bridges.
The emergence of Stephen Harper, Deb's former assistant in the late 80's, policy researcher for the Reform Party, MP from 1993-1997, creator of the Clarity Act, then leader of the Canadian Alliance, beating out Stockwell Day, was thoroughly outlined in this book.
Deb, however, leaves a few things out in the book that I know she said on TV about Harper. One was when Stephen Harper threw his hat into the Alliance leadershp race to replace Stockwell Day, she said he'd be okay, but not really great as a leader - something to that effect (boy did he prove her wrong!). She didn't seem enthusiastic about it as I think she was quitely supporting Diane Ablonczy, who didn't fare well in the final results. But the book shows Deb's enthusiasm for Stephen, so I was kind of confused. But then, hey who said politics wasn't confusing!
Then she delves into Stephen's rise as party leader, and then the merger talks with new PC leader, Peter Mackay, and of course, the leadership race for the new Conservative Party. She beams with pride over Stephen's and Mackay's efforts, lack of ego, and negotiation skills. She hacks into Joe Clark a bit -- I really enjoyed that part!
While I don't wish here to detail the history of her political career, I find it ironic that although she was once a Progressive Conservative voter, she rightfully becomes disenfranchised, helps start the Reform Party, then years later is instrumental in "reuniting" the two conservative parties, again - back to where we were 20 years ago ... or are we?
Later she describes the names and relations of everyone she's met and thanks them personally, but they had nothing to do with the political story that obviously underlines the book, so this part was difficult to read and perhaps unnecessary. But for an MP who I've met on several occassions, and even asked her to run for leader (but she refused), and who was instrumental in shaping this country, she can thank anyone she wants.
I wished the book got into more of the grit and grime and backroom deals of politics, but she leaves her mark, knowing that 2004 was the right time for her to move on - as she says, "or you'll rot". This is sound advice. And with that, I'll bump up the book a full point.
If you're into federal politics, overall, this is a great read, a heartfelt story, but seems to intentionally leave out the nitty gritty (perhaps for legal reasons). However, the subtitle of the book is "Never Retreat, Never Explain, Never Apologize", a quote from Agnes McPhail, the first woman MP in parliament, so she kind of proves that.
Snak gives the book "Deborah Grey - Never Retreat, Never Explain, Never Apologize - My Life, My Politics" 3.81 fists out of 5.
Friday, February 18, 2005
Tuesday, February 15, 2005
The Nickelback sound is officially dead
Thank you hybrid group Velvet Revolver! Thank you for beating out Nickelback at the Grammy's for (whatever the fuck the category is called - "hard rock" I think). Guitar solos are back! Thank you Slash. Roosters are back. Thank you Scott! And now that VR is coming to town, this only solidfies what I already described that the Theory of a Nickelfault/Chad Kroeger sound was dead as soon as it peaked.
REAL rock and roll, where guitar solos and riffs are abound, drumming is meaningful, bass playing that doesn't just follow the root note, and singers who can actually sing and walk the cock on the block, have returned. I mean, I think Chad seriously ran out of songs to compose in that dull four chord style. The only reason he tuned down to C, C#, or D is so he could hit certain notes in his singing, which sounded like the grinding of my old 100MB hard drive. "I like your pants around your feet"? What genius!
What's ironic is that the true rockers from the early 90's had to come back and show 'em how it's done. Rock on!
REAL rock and roll, where guitar solos and riffs are abound, drumming is meaningful, bass playing that doesn't just follow the root note, and singers who can actually sing and walk the cock on the block, have returned. I mean, I think Chad seriously ran out of songs to compose in that dull four chord style. The only reason he tuned down to C, C#, or D is so he could hit certain notes in his singing, which sounded like the grinding of my old 100MB hard drive. "I like your pants around your feet"? What genius!
What's ironic is that the true rockers from the early 90's had to come back and show 'em how it's done. Rock on!
Sunday, February 13, 2005
A Feline Legacy Comes To An End
I write this today, to reflect on an old friend. Today, I took my cat, Polo, to the emergency vet and had him put down to end his suffering. Born in October 1983, I got him as a Christmas present that year from my dad who got him from one of his best friends (also my dentist). Older than some of you reading this, he died peacefully on February 13, 2005. So that made him over 21 years old! He was a part of two-thirds of my life and I will miss him dearly. Sadly, he suffered from a kidney failure, and for the past several days, did not want to eat or drink water. He was ready to go. But cats are very proud animals and do not like themselves being seen unclean or suffering. I knew he was ready but kept hanging on for my benefit. May God embrace his little kitty soul.
I will miss him meowing at 6:00am for two hours to get fed when I woke up at 8. Most especially I will miss him sitting next to me on the couch watching TV together while I petted his itchy head. Most of you reading this met him at some point, knew he was a very handsome grey short haired cat with perfect white markings on his face, underside, and paws.
My dad wanted to put him down a year ago, due to his uncontrollable urinary problems, but I refused, and defended his life, as I felt he had about another year left in his spirit. When the west end flood happened in July 2004, I took him to a kitty lodge for four days while I found a new place to live. We moved into my new downtown apartment and he settled in quite well for being an old man. The building actually didn't allow pets, but I received their sympathy when I told them of my dire situation. I was grateful for that.
Granted, he's pretty much peed everywhere, I had to change my sheets several times and now I have to steam clean the carpets -- whole kit and kaboodle (pun intended).
So was it worth it to continue his life for another 7 months after the flood? You bet. I have no regrets about that. Sleeping in a bed with a cat is very peaceful - the purring is scientifically proven medicine. Like a true rockstar, he's been deaf for the last couple of years. His fur was always soft and he wasn't overly friendly, didn't like children much, but loved his head scratched. He hated being picked up like a baby, but loved it when you brushed him.
In 1988, we got another kitten, and I named him Hugo. He was, without a doubt, the greatest pet ever. Sadly, my dad had to put him down ten years later as he suffered from a liver disease. Polo, however, didn't like this new kid on the block, and Hugo, in a friendly way, would play with Polo who was never in the mood for such nonsense. They fought a lot, but Polo still had his claws. So when Hugo got in battle situations with other cats in the neighbourhood, Polo watched to see if declawed Hugo could defend himself. You see, Hugo ate a plant when he was a kitten and after that, could barely meow, a defence necessary in the cat heirarchy. So Polo would jump in, and this took place on the fence usually, and he'd bellow out his best stuff toward the offending cat, who'd quickly be intimidated, and run off. So Hugo adored Polo, but that same love was not reciprocal - or was it?
I remember one day back in 1991 when I came home from school to find a dead rabbit on the front porch. Polo sat there very proud that he killed this animal, guts wide open, and shockingly, a fetus lying there. Well, he was certainly punished for that and never did it again.
But what a great and long life he lived - any human would love it. In cat years, he was about 101! He was fed everyday, stayed healthy, lived in four houses, defended the old neighbourhood and protected one of his friends for ten years. I thought I should give him that same courtesy and protect him.
Am I thinking of getting another cat? Yes. But for now, I lament in melancholy, reflecting, remembering all the great and peaceful times we had together. You see, I believe all living things are connected by a powerful living energy that we transfer between us - plants, animals, nature, and humans. We all depend on each other for our growth, our life, and evolution. When one of these beings gives you unconditional love for 21 years, you can't help but feel a loss in your heart. But as long as you never forget, they never die, and for Polo, his courageous spirit will live on.
I will miss him meowing at 6:00am for two hours to get fed when I woke up at 8. Most especially I will miss him sitting next to me on the couch watching TV together while I petted his itchy head. Most of you reading this met him at some point, knew he was a very handsome grey short haired cat with perfect white markings on his face, underside, and paws.
My dad wanted to put him down a year ago, due to his uncontrollable urinary problems, but I refused, and defended his life, as I felt he had about another year left in his spirit. When the west end flood happened in July 2004, I took him to a kitty lodge for four days while I found a new place to live. We moved into my new downtown apartment and he settled in quite well for being an old man. The building actually didn't allow pets, but I received their sympathy when I told them of my dire situation. I was grateful for that.
Granted, he's pretty much peed everywhere, I had to change my sheets several times and now I have to steam clean the carpets -- whole kit and kaboodle (pun intended).
So was it worth it to continue his life for another 7 months after the flood? You bet. I have no regrets about that. Sleeping in a bed with a cat is very peaceful - the purring is scientifically proven medicine. Like a true rockstar, he's been deaf for the last couple of years. His fur was always soft and he wasn't overly friendly, didn't like children much, but loved his head scratched. He hated being picked up like a baby, but loved it when you brushed him.
In 1988, we got another kitten, and I named him Hugo. He was, without a doubt, the greatest pet ever. Sadly, my dad had to put him down ten years later as he suffered from a liver disease. Polo, however, didn't like this new kid on the block, and Hugo, in a friendly way, would play with Polo who was never in the mood for such nonsense. They fought a lot, but Polo still had his claws. So when Hugo got in battle situations with other cats in the neighbourhood, Polo watched to see if declawed Hugo could defend himself. You see, Hugo ate a plant when he was a kitten and after that, could barely meow, a defence necessary in the cat heirarchy. So Polo would jump in, and this took place on the fence usually, and he'd bellow out his best stuff toward the offending cat, who'd quickly be intimidated, and run off. So Hugo adored Polo, but that same love was not reciprocal - or was it?
I remember one day back in 1991 when I came home from school to find a dead rabbit on the front porch. Polo sat there very proud that he killed this animal, guts wide open, and shockingly, a fetus lying there. Well, he was certainly punished for that and never did it again.
But what a great and long life he lived - any human would love it. In cat years, he was about 101! He was fed everyday, stayed healthy, lived in four houses, defended the old neighbourhood and protected one of his friends for ten years. I thought I should give him that same courtesy and protect him.
Am I thinking of getting another cat? Yes. But for now, I lament in melancholy, reflecting, remembering all the great and peaceful times we had together. You see, I believe all living things are connected by a powerful living energy that we transfer between us - plants, animals, nature, and humans. We all depend on each other for our growth, our life, and evolution. When one of these beings gives you unconditional love for 21 years, you can't help but feel a loss in your heart. But as long as you never forget, they never die, and for Polo, his courageous spirit will live on.
Friday, January 28, 2005
Hey asshole, you can have your nickel back!
Here's an article found in the Edmonton Sun about Hanna's own Nickelback...
------------------
I was betrayed, says drummer
MIKE ROSS, EDMONTON SUN
Former Nickelback drummer Ryan Vikedal would like to set the record straight: His departure from the band was no "departure." He was fired. "I still don't know the reason," he says during a phone call to the Sun yesterday.
"We met with producer Bob Rock before Christmas holidays and everything seemed fine, but when I got back from the holidays, I was told I was fired."
Vikedal says he was taken completely by surprise and had been ready to start work on the next album when he got the news.
He says he wasn't impressed by how singer Chad Kroeger and the other musicians handled it - summoning him to the tour manager's house for a meeting on Jan. 3 only to be told "my heart wasn't in it," the 29-year-old drummer says.
"And then they went on to say that I'm not quite the rock drummer that they were looking for - and this after three albums and 17 million records sold.
"I had to direct the meeting because they kept blabbing about my playing and that I wasn't happy with the band. It was just a bunch of lame excuses because no one could tell me the deal.
"I had to tell them to cut the s--- and get to the point. And even then they couldn't bring themselves to tell me I was done."
Vikedal says his replacement will be Three Doors Down drummer Daniel Adair, who is from Vancouver.
Nickelback and Three Doors Down toured together last year and Vikedal says he figures the change was in the works even back then.
On the prospect of Three Doors Down now needing a drummer, he shoots back, "No, thanks. I'm done with them."
Now, he says, "I feel like there's a weight off my shoulders but I'd like the honest truth to come out.
"I feel pretty betrayed by what was once called a family."
Vikedal says he's going to take a year off to study music in Boston, with teachers from the Berklee College of Music.
Nickelback, meanwhile, will not be working with Bob Rock after all, according to Vikedal, as Kroeger will again produce the band himself for the followup to the multi-platinum selling album, The Long Road.
Following the hit single How You Remind Me in 2001, the former Hanna group became one of the biggest modern rock bands in the world.
Of the snippets of new Nickelback material Vikedal has been privy to hear, he offers a one-word description: "Ballad-y."
A spokesman at Nickelback's Los Angeles management company denied that Vikedel has been replaced, saying he and the band have just "parted ways." The band itself was not available for comment.
-----------------
Now my comments:
Typical.
I predicted after their last album, which was pretty shitty, that it would spell the end of Theory of a Nickelfault. This style of sound was dying before it peaked as there are only so many 4 chord drop D tunes one can do, especially the ballad part.
But the real nail in the coffin is Kroeger not having Bob Rock produce the album. By not having one of the greatest hard rock producers take a band with obvious limited proportions in skill and advance them to the next level (as what happened to Metallica and Tonic), will most certainly spell the end of Nickelback and further Kroeger’s career as a control-freak egotistical asshole (i.e. government politician).
If the next album is ballady, it’ll likely get bought by hairspray 30 something rock chicks, vehemently found in rural Alberta, and sales will be their worst as no sane man who appreciates music will buy it, and it’ll doomed by critics as Kroeger’s ballad voice is about as appealing as Freddy Kruger’s face.
Ryan Vikedal should count his blessings. It's likely he won’t be back. Not even for a nickel.
------------------
I was betrayed, says drummer
MIKE ROSS, EDMONTON SUN
Former Nickelback drummer Ryan Vikedal would like to set the record straight: His departure from the band was no "departure." He was fired. "I still don't know the reason," he says during a phone call to the Sun yesterday.
"We met with producer Bob Rock before Christmas holidays and everything seemed fine, but when I got back from the holidays, I was told I was fired."
Vikedal says he was taken completely by surprise and had been ready to start work on the next album when he got the news.
He says he wasn't impressed by how singer Chad Kroeger and the other musicians handled it - summoning him to the tour manager's house for a meeting on Jan. 3 only to be told "my heart wasn't in it," the 29-year-old drummer says.
"And then they went on to say that I'm not quite the rock drummer that they were looking for - and this after three albums and 17 million records sold.
"I had to direct the meeting because they kept blabbing about my playing and that I wasn't happy with the band. It was just a bunch of lame excuses because no one could tell me the deal.
"I had to tell them to cut the s--- and get to the point. And even then they couldn't bring themselves to tell me I was done."
Vikedal says his replacement will be Three Doors Down drummer Daniel Adair, who is from Vancouver.
Nickelback and Three Doors Down toured together last year and Vikedal says he figures the change was in the works even back then.
On the prospect of Three Doors Down now needing a drummer, he shoots back, "No, thanks. I'm done with them."
Now, he says, "I feel like there's a weight off my shoulders but I'd like the honest truth to come out.
"I feel pretty betrayed by what was once called a family."
Vikedal says he's going to take a year off to study music in Boston, with teachers from the Berklee College of Music.
Nickelback, meanwhile, will not be working with Bob Rock after all, according to Vikedal, as Kroeger will again produce the band himself for the followup to the multi-platinum selling album, The Long Road.
Following the hit single How You Remind Me in 2001, the former Hanna group became one of the biggest modern rock bands in the world.
Of the snippets of new Nickelback material Vikedal has been privy to hear, he offers a one-word description: "Ballad-y."
A spokesman at Nickelback's Los Angeles management company denied that Vikedel has been replaced, saying he and the band have just "parted ways." The band itself was not available for comment.
-----------------
Now my comments:
Typical.
I predicted after their last album, which was pretty shitty, that it would spell the end of Theory of a Nickelfault. This style of sound was dying before it peaked as there are only so many 4 chord drop D tunes one can do, especially the ballad part.
But the real nail in the coffin is Kroeger not having Bob Rock produce the album. By not having one of the greatest hard rock producers take a band with obvious limited proportions in skill and advance them to the next level (as what happened to Metallica and Tonic), will most certainly spell the end of Nickelback and further Kroeger’s career as a control-freak egotistical asshole (i.e. government politician).
If the next album is ballady, it’ll likely get bought by hairspray 30 something rock chicks, vehemently found in rural Alberta, and sales will be their worst as no sane man who appreciates music will buy it, and it’ll doomed by critics as Kroeger’s ballad voice is about as appealing as Freddy Kruger’s face.
Ryan Vikedal should count his blessings. It's likely he won’t be back. Not even for a nickel.
Wednesday, January 26, 2005
Snak's Intermittent Movie Review - "The Forgotten"
Starring Julianne Moore, this movie has a freaky x-files feel to it, but in a cool more clever, what-the-fuck-just-happened sense. Imagine having a son for nine years who then dies in a plane crash after you send him on his way to summer camp. Everyone around you thinks you're crazy for imagining this delusion, but you refuse to believe them, and try to prove them wrong, always on the run.
In fact, this was the only movie that caused me to do my rarely heard male scream/yell, not once, but twice, and really loudly. It gave me the chills. After I watched the whole thing, I had to rewind to several scenes and re-live the excitement.
The cinematography was excellent. A little shaky at times, but this was necessary to create realism. Julianne, the main character, sure can run. Good thing she's fit, 'cause she's always running and out running government agents, but she can't seem to keep with her son. Odd.
The movie has the regular ending and an alternate ending. The former makes more sense and flows better and the latter is cheezy and insulting.
The background music is haunting, but I heard the usual quick random bassy piano, which made me chuckle internally.
I normally don't get shocked that badly and the movie is always moving forward non-stop, but I was always one step ahead of the plot. However, because of the several times I was broadsided, this movie moves up a whole notch.
Snak gives The Forgotten: 4.17 fists out of 5.
In fact, this was the only movie that caused me to do my rarely heard male scream/yell, not once, but twice, and really loudly. It gave me the chills. After I watched the whole thing, I had to rewind to several scenes and re-live the excitement.
The cinematography was excellent. A little shaky at times, but this was necessary to create realism. Julianne, the main character, sure can run. Good thing she's fit, 'cause she's always running and out running government agents, but she can't seem to keep with her son. Odd.
The movie has the regular ending and an alternate ending. The former makes more sense and flows better and the latter is cheezy and insulting.
The background music is haunting, but I heard the usual quick random bassy piano, which made me chuckle internally.
I normally don't get shocked that badly and the movie is always moving forward non-stop, but I was always one step ahead of the plot. However, because of the several times I was broadsided, this movie moves up a whole notch.
Snak gives The Forgotten: 4.17 fists out of 5.
Tuesday, January 18, 2005
The Look of Twig
Hope y'all like ta new look, mon. Gyotta chyange tyngs up ya know.
And if you think Mischa Barton from "The OC" is hot, you're an idiot. She's about as fat as a praying mantis. Gawd! So skinny. Hugging her must feel like hugging a rake. So why do the tabloids and celebrity mages keep showing her off like a piece of ... er ... lemon grass!? Her eyes make her image look like two blue goldfish bowls held up by a Charlie Brown Christmas tree. Talk about disproportionate.
So now Lindsay Lohan is losing a tonne of weight as well. Frankly, she was cuter and more real when she had more lovin' to go 'round.
Hey, wasn't Twiggy that robot that carried Dr. Theopolis on his chest on the show "Buck Rogers"? Man Erin Gray was hot back then eh? I heard they're bringing back the show on Space! Sweet.
And if you think Mischa Barton from "The OC" is hot, you're an idiot. She's about as fat as a praying mantis. Gawd! So skinny. Hugging her must feel like hugging a rake. So why do the tabloids and celebrity mages keep showing her off like a piece of ... er ... lemon grass!? Her eyes make her image look like two blue goldfish bowls held up by a Charlie Brown Christmas tree. Talk about disproportionate.
So now Lindsay Lohan is losing a tonne of weight as well. Frankly, she was cuter and more real when she had more lovin' to go 'round.
Hey, wasn't Twiggy that robot that carried Dr. Theopolis on his chest on the show "Buck Rogers"? Man Erin Gray was hot back then eh? I heard they're bringing back the show on Space! Sweet.
Wednesday, January 05, 2005
Ranking U2 Albums
1. The Unforgettable Fire (1984) - A personal favourite. This album was created as a dedication to Martin Luther King Jr. and for it's time, was light years ahead of anything else produced at the peak of poppy crap in the 80's. Songs like Bad, Unforgettable Fire, Wire, Indian Summer Sky really take you to unforgettable places of melancholy, dreamy happiness and for me, memories of junior high house parties. The album title is a theme for me, reminding me of the passion I had for music then and how it impacted me on the rest of my life. This is the album that made U2, U2. Without the experimentation and learning done on this album, The Joshua Tree wouldn't have been as good as it is. I absolutely love The Edge's mega reverbed sound that Brian Eno skillfully produced.
2. The Joshua Tree (1987) - Like The Boss killed disco, with this epic album, U2 put the nail in the coffin for the upcoming death of hair metal and literally eliminated all the potential head bangers from my high school - save a few hardcores. Every song is excellent, memorable, and well produced - once again by Lanois and Eno. The song writing is simple yet the melodies are second to none. This is not only one of the best U2 albums, but one of the best albums of all time. It's a true "driving through the mountains" compilation of tunes as it talks about God quite a bit. "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" is Shlab's theme song as his journey in search for Godliness. "Running To Stand Still" steadies along so eloquently and passionately - I love the harmonica riff. But I actually prefer the second side of the album (back when there were 'sides'). "In God's Country" is a fantastic song with trademark "chunk-a-chunk" strumming from the Edge. Lots of harmonica from Bono gives it that real earthy feel. It's a dark album full of hope. "One Tree Hill" is one of my faves. The last songs of the album beautifully take you off into the sunset and into a starry night.
3. Achtung Baby (1991) - The band took a hard right turn with this awesome album. I still can't believe it's 14 years old! Absolutely cutting edge when it was made - the Edge got edgier, and Larry's drumming got funkier, while remnants of their old style with "One", "Who's Gonna Ride Your Wild Horses" remain, "Even Better Than The Real Thing" - an in your face song echoed by their recent release "Vertigo".
4. Rattle and Hum (1989) - Followed up by a movie, this album reminds us of where and how rock n roll all started. It took us back to the roots. The re-made live songs were very well done and every one of the new songs weren't fillers by any means. A very dynamic album - it flows along and ends with one of the greatest songs and videos they've ever done - "All I Want Is You". (Boobie, you gotta give this album more credit.)
5. All That You Can't Leave Behind (2002) - Whew. We thought we lost 'em. But they're back. Although a few songs could have been left behind, the rest remind us what makes U2 so great, and the album title refers to that.
6. War (1983) - A rightful cynical album. It opens with "Sunday Bloody Sunday" - the modern theme song for the Irish conflict. "New Year's Day" has a brilliant piano riff with knife cut guitar, reminding us that in other parts of the world, war is war, and resolutions don't really change us. "Two Hearts Beat As One" has pumping bass and a pounding chorus exemplifying a heart beat.
7. Zooropa (1993) - Obviously an experimental album with hints of genius. I love the song they did with Johnny Cash. Sort of a retro-country tune. "Lemon" is sure a strange song, but catchy. Because I listened to it so much in the summer of 1993, it stuck with me. I sometimes play it again to relive the memories of that year.
8. Pop (1997) - Fun fun fun. I really like this non-U2 U2 album. Riding the mini disco comeback with "Discotheque", their Villiage People antics gave us some nostalgia there. U2's Popmart tour to Edmonton is something I'll never forget. "Mofo" is just a trippy electronica zinger obviously brought forth by producer Flood. Bono said, "We like it up here", and they did for a while, took their fans to new places, but forgot who they were.
9. How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb (1994). Starts off great with Vertigo, but then it's too much Bono lamenting. This album is a repeat of All You Can't.. but not as good. It may grow on me yet, as a lot of U2 albums do.
10. Boy (1980) - "I Will Follow", a great song, one that will always be played, marks the start of a "musical journey" for the band. The rest of the album is very early 80's kind of stuff.
11. October (1981) - U2's follow-up album, while not quite as good as 'Boy', thankfully wasn't so bad that it killed them.
Overall, U2's peak period was between 4 albums, "Unforgettable Fire", "Joshua Tree", "Rattle and Hum", and "Achtung Baby". The next two albums experimental. And the last two try to match the magic of their peak period. Bono seems tired at times. "All You Can't" is a dynamic album, but sappy at times. They have a bad tendency to write too many two chord ballad filler tunes. They need a cause to write - to bring the rebelliousness back - to rock again. "Vertigo" certainly does that for me - but I want MORE!
2. The Joshua Tree (1987) - Like The Boss killed disco, with this epic album, U2 put the nail in the coffin for the upcoming death of hair metal and literally eliminated all the potential head bangers from my high school - save a few hardcores. Every song is excellent, memorable, and well produced - once again by Lanois and Eno. The song writing is simple yet the melodies are second to none. This is not only one of the best U2 albums, but one of the best albums of all time. It's a true "driving through the mountains" compilation of tunes as it talks about God quite a bit. "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" is Shlab's theme song as his journey in search for Godliness. "Running To Stand Still" steadies along so eloquently and passionately - I love the harmonica riff. But I actually prefer the second side of the album (back when there were 'sides'). "In God's Country" is a fantastic song with trademark "chunk-a-chunk" strumming from the Edge. Lots of harmonica from Bono gives it that real earthy feel. It's a dark album full of hope. "One Tree Hill" is one of my faves. The last songs of the album beautifully take you off into the sunset and into a starry night.
3. Achtung Baby (1991) - The band took a hard right turn with this awesome album. I still can't believe it's 14 years old! Absolutely cutting edge when it was made - the Edge got edgier, and Larry's drumming got funkier, while remnants of their old style with "One", "Who's Gonna Ride Your Wild Horses" remain, "Even Better Than The Real Thing" - an in your face song echoed by their recent release "Vertigo".
4. Rattle and Hum (1989) - Followed up by a movie, this album reminds us of where and how rock n roll all started. It took us back to the roots. The re-made live songs were very well done and every one of the new songs weren't fillers by any means. A very dynamic album - it flows along and ends with one of the greatest songs and videos they've ever done - "All I Want Is You". (Boobie, you gotta give this album more credit.)
5. All That You Can't Leave Behind (2002) - Whew. We thought we lost 'em. But they're back. Although a few songs could have been left behind, the rest remind us what makes U2 so great, and the album title refers to that.
6. War (1983) - A rightful cynical album. It opens with "Sunday Bloody Sunday" - the modern theme song for the Irish conflict. "New Year's Day" has a brilliant piano riff with knife cut guitar, reminding us that in other parts of the world, war is war, and resolutions don't really change us. "Two Hearts Beat As One" has pumping bass and a pounding chorus exemplifying a heart beat.
7. Zooropa (1993) - Obviously an experimental album with hints of genius. I love the song they did with Johnny Cash. Sort of a retro-country tune. "Lemon" is sure a strange song, but catchy. Because I listened to it so much in the summer of 1993, it stuck with me. I sometimes play it again to relive the memories of that year.
8. Pop (1997) - Fun fun fun. I really like this non-U2 U2 album. Riding the mini disco comeback with "Discotheque", their Villiage People antics gave us some nostalgia there. U2's Popmart tour to Edmonton is something I'll never forget. "Mofo" is just a trippy electronica zinger obviously brought forth by producer Flood. Bono said, "We like it up here", and they did for a while, took their fans to new places, but forgot who they were.
9. How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb (1994). Starts off great with Vertigo, but then it's too much Bono lamenting. This album is a repeat of All You Can't.. but not as good. It may grow on me yet, as a lot of U2 albums do.
10. Boy (1980) - "I Will Follow", a great song, one that will always be played, marks the start of a "musical journey" for the band. The rest of the album is very early 80's kind of stuff.
11. October (1981) - U2's follow-up album, while not quite as good as 'Boy', thankfully wasn't so bad that it killed them.
Overall, U2's peak period was between 4 albums, "Unforgettable Fire", "Joshua Tree", "Rattle and Hum", and "Achtung Baby". The next two albums experimental. And the last two try to match the magic of their peak period. Bono seems tired at times. "All You Can't" is a dynamic album, but sappy at times. They have a bad tendency to write too many two chord ballad filler tunes. They need a cause to write - to bring the rebelliousness back - to rock again. "Vertigo" certainly does that for me - but I want MORE!
Snak's Intermittent Movie Review - "De Lovely"
"De Lovely" starring Kevin Kline and Ashley Judd is a wonderful movie about the life of the irrefutable jazz composer, Cole Porter.
As Cole Porter never met a piano he didn't like, he never met person he didn't like sexually. He was bi-sexual playboy. Sometimes he would swing one way for many weeks, then come back to his wife, played beautifully by Ashley Judd. She knew about his exploits and tolerated it. They got married on that condition. But eventually, it would take its toll on her. They loved each other dearly.
But Cole's pursuit for "what is this thing called love" is emphasized in this story. He loved being loved ... by anyone. The underground gay scene is aptly shown, thankfully without taking things too far.
The story is uniquely told from the point of view where Cole as an old man is dying and his life is flashing before his eyes. He sits in a theatre where another man, indirectly referred to as Gabriel the Archangel, takes Cole through his life after college through to the end. They both sit and watch how wonderful his life really was.
Cole Porter's music is fun, romantic, and sexy. Throughout the movie, his songs are portrayed at all the shows he produced in his career, and it's topped off by guest vocal appearances from Sheryl Crow, Elvis Costello, Diana Krall, Natalie Cole, and many other familiar faces. (Sheryl's singing was by far the best).
The movie drags on near the end, but you get pulled into the lifeless state Cole's life became in his old age. There's a lot of cigarette smoking, which although probably accurate, got annoying to watch. Cole and his wife probably had fits of rage in argument, but this wasn't shown, and really would have made the movie spectacular. Just when you thought it would finally end, the last scene goes out with a bang number "Blow, Gabriel, Blow". And as they say, "Never open a show with a ballad. Never close a show with a ballad."
The makeup on the actor's faces to make them look old is so very well done as time moves forward, it's seemless.
I recommend this movie if you like Cole Porter's music, which I do, thoroughly. The acting is excellent, direction from Irwin Winkler second to none, and the era clothing, so perfectly done by Georgio Armani himself tops it off.
Snak gives "De Lovely" 3.91 fists out of 5.
As Cole Porter never met a piano he didn't like, he never met person he didn't like sexually. He was bi-sexual playboy. Sometimes he would swing one way for many weeks, then come back to his wife, played beautifully by Ashley Judd. She knew about his exploits and tolerated it. They got married on that condition. But eventually, it would take its toll on her. They loved each other dearly.
But Cole's pursuit for "what is this thing called love" is emphasized in this story. He loved being loved ... by anyone. The underground gay scene is aptly shown, thankfully without taking things too far.
The story is uniquely told from the point of view where Cole as an old man is dying and his life is flashing before his eyes. He sits in a theatre where another man, indirectly referred to as Gabriel the Archangel, takes Cole through his life after college through to the end. They both sit and watch how wonderful his life really was.
Cole Porter's music is fun, romantic, and sexy. Throughout the movie, his songs are portrayed at all the shows he produced in his career, and it's topped off by guest vocal appearances from Sheryl Crow, Elvis Costello, Diana Krall, Natalie Cole, and many other familiar faces. (Sheryl's singing was by far the best).
The movie drags on near the end, but you get pulled into the lifeless state Cole's life became in his old age. There's a lot of cigarette smoking, which although probably accurate, got annoying to watch. Cole and his wife probably had fits of rage in argument, but this wasn't shown, and really would have made the movie spectacular. Just when you thought it would finally end, the last scene goes out with a bang number "Blow, Gabriel, Blow". And as they say, "Never open a show with a ballad. Never close a show with a ballad."
The makeup on the actor's faces to make them look old is so very well done as time moves forward, it's seemless.
I recommend this movie if you like Cole Porter's music, which I do, thoroughly. The acting is excellent, direction from Irwin Winkler second to none, and the era clothing, so perfectly done by Georgio Armani himself tops it off.
Snak gives "De Lovely" 3.91 fists out of 5.
Tuesday, January 04, 2005
December 2004 - What a month!
Call it God's Month due to their annual celebrations from Christians, Jews, and Muslims, it was also a month replete with anquish, victory, and hope.
Ukraine
The Ukrainian presidential election 2nd time-'round run off vote (which I've commented on several times in this blog) saw a big victory for western friendly liberal democrat Viktor Yushchenko, who was diagnosed as being poisoned by dioxin. Defeated candidate Yanukovych wouldn't concede claiming fraud (hypocrite?). Yushchenko called on his protestors to block the government building to prevent a meeting between Yanukovych (outgoing Prime Minister) and his outgoing cabinet. Brilliant. Finally, after several days, Yanukovych resigned. YAY!
Tsunami
The worst disaster of our generation has devistated the lives of millions. The outpouring of support from around the world is showing that although we have over 6 billion people now (2 billion more than in the 70's) that the world is getting smaller. Private donations are almost matching governmental aid and that is really good to hear. The survival stories are truly incredible and make any further Survivor TV shows look like a drop in a sandbox. There is hope.
We're pretty lucky. The weather is really shitty. People suffer from seasonal distress disorder (SAD) around this time. Let's think about what we do have here and appreciate the people around us.
Ukraine
The Ukrainian presidential election 2nd time-'round run off vote (which I've commented on several times in this blog) saw a big victory for western friendly liberal democrat Viktor Yushchenko, who was diagnosed as being poisoned by dioxin. Defeated candidate Yanukovych wouldn't concede claiming fraud (hypocrite?). Yushchenko called on his protestors to block the government building to prevent a meeting between Yanukovych (outgoing Prime Minister) and his outgoing cabinet. Brilliant. Finally, after several days, Yanukovych resigned. YAY!
Iraq
19 American soldiers were ambushed and killed. Iraqi security forces are being captured and executed by terrorist insurgents. For anyone who thought Al Queda wasn't in Iraq before the war had better think again. Bin Laden acknowledged Zarqawi as his lieutenant in Iraq.
The worst disaster of our generation has devistated the lives of millions. The outpouring of support from around the world is showing that although we have over 6 billion people now (2 billion more than in the 70's) that the world is getting smaller. Private donations are almost matching governmental aid and that is really good to hear. The survival stories are truly incredible and make any further Survivor TV shows look like a drop in a sandbox. There is hope.
We're pretty lucky. The weather is really shitty. People suffer from seasonal distress disorder (SAD) around this time. Let's think about what we do have here and appreciate the people around us.
Tuesday, December 21, 2004
Ricky said it best
"Christmas isn't about shopping, crap, and all that stress - it's about getting drunk and stoned with your family and friends. So fuck it, I'm gonna go get drunk and stoned with my buddy Bubbles. I fuckin' love you, dad." - Ricky
So every Christmas Eve, I have some fine scotch with my dad. On Christmas Day, I have a few more drinkypoos with family. But you stay sober because of all that food.
On New Year's Eve, I have a plethora with my friends. The best part is you can't choose your family, but you can choose your friends. I have the best friends in the world. I love New Year's Eve. I loath the next day.
That's what it's all about.
Helps you sing too! Cheers.
So every Christmas Eve, I have some fine scotch with my dad. On Christmas Day, I have a few more drinkypoos with family. But you stay sober because of all that food.
On New Year's Eve, I have a plethora with my friends. The best part is you can't choose your family, but you can choose your friends. I have the best friends in the world. I love New Year's Eve. I loath the next day.
That's what it's all about.
Helps you sing too! Cheers.
Thursday, December 16, 2004
Snak's 2004 Music Review
Remember about, oh, 8 years ago when disco made a comeback? There were disco parties everywhere. People raided Value Village just to fit in again. The scary part was that disco style stuck and strong elements are in the latest homme fashion designs. I say, cool, ya dig?
But this is a review of 2004. You know, 2004 was the year of crapolla fuck-all for new original music. That extra day in Feb didn't help one iota either. I spent the year relistening to the 2 year old albums from Matchbox, Sheryl, Blue Rodeo, and Tonic hoping they would have released new material. So I lament.
2004 was the year that didn't know what year it was. It felt like a mass battle of the 80's music styles. On one side we had all those unoriginal punkish new wave bands all called "The Blanks" that merely copied that trend of band names back in the rollerskating days. Plus it reminded us true music veterans of what really made the late 70's and early 80's so unique, so pure, so pre-MTV. In Canada, The Trews came out well last year, and the first time I heard them they were playing live in front of HMV at WEM. I thought I erely heard Michael Hutchence again. I guess I was "stuck in a moment" and I couldn't get out of it.
Then on the other end we have a strong hair metal rock comeback. Old bands from the 80's are cool again, they're touring and the cougars are buying tickets. And because of this, thankfully the classic and memorable single note power guitar riff hooks have returned, swiftly killing all the 4 chord drop-d unimaginative Theory of a Nickelfaults. And to me, the band that did it, ironically, is Velvet Revolver. For its lieutentants in Canada, we can thank The Tea Party for pumping out one of the best power albums in recent memory, "Seven Circles", making Chad Kroeger think about putting more into his RSP, or is that R.I.P.?
Jet is a band that smartly rode the fence like Paul Martin in drag at a business luncheon. A little Iggy Pop here, a bunch of AC/DC there. But how long can they keep regurgitating blended old stuff in a neat little teenage package, only time will tell. I'll give it one more album, then that's it.
I'm not even gonna talk about rap and hip hop - that's not even music to start with. The pop dance music of today lacks ... well it lacks everything. These songs don't last a week. It's a candy sugar high and not worth anyone's time in the long run. More people are worried how Britney's bellybutton looks than her, um, er ... lips, sing(c)ing. Whatever happened to Cathy Dennis anyway? But seriously, I'll put any Nelly Furtado song against all that pop crap out there and quash it, a la Forca!
If "video killed the radio star" well over 20 years ago (side note: aptly written by Geoff Downes, formerly of Yes and Asia), things have come full circle again and will likely loop many times through the generations. Value Village and keyboard synthesizers will have blips of record profits every 20 years or so.
The sad thing is, I just don't see us climbing back up the stairway of heaven, the mega hey day of music - that's right, the 70's (including 69, 80-81). The post-Woodstock pre-MTV zone that people forget. Homer Simpson even agrees: "1974 was the greatest year of rock n roll. It's a scientific fact." Of course, that's the year Rush debuted and Led Zep had already released five lasting albums. Rolling Stone mag, when ranking the top 500 albums of all time, the majority, I repeat, the majority were from the 70's. There was nothing to do but make music then. I was there! I saw my babysitters light up the stove burner and pull out my parent's LP collection. Thankfully, with Internet radio, I can listen to all that amazing psychadelic progressive music again and rediscover that place in the heavens when songs were true works of art. So check out www.radioio.com and go to 70's classic rock.
So there ya go. Call me a purist. But credit should be given where credit is due. The icing on the cake, and proof positive of my diatribe today was recently hearing that Sports World Rollerrink opened up again!!! Now where did I put my Jordache Jeans and Precision Dominions?
The winner in the end? Well, the end of the loop is the beginning of the next generation (what letter are we on anyway?) -- a generation that forgets, that needs the quick fix fed to them by the record companies like a dog on coke. True music lovers will see the whole "moving picture" and appreciate originality, creativity, imagination, and the true artists who take us to the next level, the next rung on the ladder if you will. They are the winners, the explorers, who leave the tireless loop and forge forward to new frontiers, because then, and only then, can we evolve.
But this is a review of 2004. You know, 2004 was the year of crapolla fuck-all for new original music. That extra day in Feb didn't help one iota either. I spent the year relistening to the 2 year old albums from Matchbox, Sheryl, Blue Rodeo, and Tonic hoping they would have released new material. So I lament.
2004 was the year that didn't know what year it was. It felt like a mass battle of the 80's music styles. On one side we had all those unoriginal punkish new wave bands all called "The Blanks" that merely copied that trend of band names back in the rollerskating days. Plus it reminded us true music veterans of what really made the late 70's and early 80's so unique, so pure, so pre-MTV. In Canada, The Trews came out well last year, and the first time I heard them they were playing live in front of HMV at WEM. I thought I erely heard Michael Hutchence again. I guess I was "stuck in a moment" and I couldn't get out of it.
Then on the other end we have a strong hair metal rock comeback. Old bands from the 80's are cool again, they're touring and the cougars are buying tickets. And because of this, thankfully the classic and memorable single note power guitar riff hooks have returned, swiftly killing all the 4 chord drop-d unimaginative Theory of a Nickelfaults. And to me, the band that did it, ironically, is Velvet Revolver. For its lieutentants in Canada, we can thank The Tea Party for pumping out one of the best power albums in recent memory, "Seven Circles", making Chad Kroeger think about putting more into his RSP, or is that R.I.P.?
Jet is a band that smartly rode the fence like Paul Martin in drag at a business luncheon. A little Iggy Pop here, a bunch of AC/DC there. But how long can they keep regurgitating blended old stuff in a neat little teenage package, only time will tell. I'll give it one more album, then that's it.
I'm not even gonna talk about rap and hip hop - that's not even music to start with. The pop dance music of today lacks ... well it lacks everything. These songs don't last a week. It's a candy sugar high and not worth anyone's time in the long run. More people are worried how Britney's bellybutton looks than her, um, er ... lips, sing(c)ing. Whatever happened to Cathy Dennis anyway? But seriously, I'll put any Nelly Furtado song against all that pop crap out there and quash it, a la Forca!
If "video killed the radio star" well over 20 years ago (side note: aptly written by Geoff Downes, formerly of Yes and Asia), things have come full circle again and will likely loop many times through the generations. Value Village and keyboard synthesizers will have blips of record profits every 20 years or so.
The sad thing is, I just don't see us climbing back up the stairway of heaven, the mega hey day of music - that's right, the 70's (including 69, 80-81). The post-Woodstock pre-MTV zone that people forget. Homer Simpson even agrees: "1974 was the greatest year of rock n roll. It's a scientific fact." Of course, that's the year Rush debuted and Led Zep had already released five lasting albums. Rolling Stone mag, when ranking the top 500 albums of all time, the majority, I repeat, the majority were from the 70's. There was nothing to do but make music then. I was there! I saw my babysitters light up the stove burner and pull out my parent's LP collection. Thankfully, with Internet radio, I can listen to all that amazing psychadelic progressive music again and rediscover that place in the heavens when songs were true works of art. So check out www.radioio.com and go to 70's classic rock.
So there ya go. Call me a purist. But credit should be given where credit is due. The icing on the cake, and proof positive of my diatribe today was recently hearing that Sports World Rollerrink opened up again!!! Now where did I put my Jordache Jeans and Precision Dominions?
The winner in the end? Well, the end of the loop is the beginning of the next generation (what letter are we on anyway?) -- a generation that forgets, that needs the quick fix fed to them by the record companies like a dog on coke. True music lovers will see the whole "moving picture" and appreciate originality, creativity, imagination, and the true artists who take us to the next level, the next rung on the ladder if you will. They are the winners, the explorers, who leave the tireless loop and forge forward to new frontiers, because then, and only then, can we evolve.
Tuesday, December 14, 2004
Snak's Man of the Year
While I may be bias toward Canadian Conservative Leader Stephen Harper and his ability to unite two federal parties, run for the leadership and easily win, and come just over 30 seats from becoming Prime Minister, all within 6 months, his obstacles weren't nearly as great as one man whom I admire greatly.
Hands down: Ukrainian opposition leader and presidential candidate, Viktor Yushchenko is Snak's Man of the Year for 2004.
In the past several weeks, the world's attention has focused on the presidential elections in Ukraine. This country, with a rich culture of tradition, compassion, industry and work ethic, has been supressed by Russian Soviet influence, starved to death by Stalin, taken over by Nazi's, and since its Independence from the Iron Curtain in 1991, has been ruled by an autocracy of thugs under the umbrella of quasi dictator of Russia, Darth Vladimir Rasputin.
This event has been earmarked as a defining time of the post Cold War era. It's East vs. West again. The U.S. and Canada declared the election bunk while Putin congratulated fraudulant winner Yanukovych. Putin played his cards badly and now has yiachi juice on his face.
Viktor Yushchenko not only has proven that he has the majority of support of Ukrainians in that country, but all around the world. Orange-clad Yushchenkomania has swept the hearts of all freedom loving peoples, Ukrainian or not. His calls for closer relations with the west, NATO, and the European Union, while continuing strong trade with Russia, make sense for this breadbasket of a country.
He has rallied hundreds of thousands of supports to camp out in the bitter cold to protest in Kyiv for weeks on end. He has gracefully subvered the ruthless propoganda campaign from eastern Ukraine and civil war threats from the Russian northern border. Yushchenko has the entire democratic world rooting for him. Thousands of people from around the world are coming to observe the election, ensuring a fair vote ensues.
The east-west divide you see in Ukraine just simply isn't true - it's propoganda that has become a false reality. Yushchenko supports are now getting in their cars and travelling to eastern Ukraine to connect with those same supporters who have been threatened and beaten for not supporting the other candidate and current Prime Minister Yanukovych, who was appointed by Leonid Kuchma, outgoing president and Putin lacky.
Yushchenko knows how to play the art of politics to the extreme to achieve the result you really desire. His masterful decisions have stymied a propoganda machine propped by Russian dollars.
And to top that off, he has been poisoned by dioxin. The Yanukovych campaign recently said it was a campaign ploy. What crap. Mr. Yushchenko's once movie star face has been badly potmarked and disfigured. He has now proven that good looks aren't what Ukrainians are looking for - they're looking for freedom, democracy, human rights, not continued bullying, and Viktor Yushchenko is the man that's taking them there. He will win this mini cold war on December 26, the date marked for the repeat vote of the presidential election run-off, on behalf of true Ukrainians, and for all freedom loving peoples of the world.
And his charisma reminds me of another man who won the Cold War for all - former U.S. President, Ronald Reagan.
Hands down: Ukrainian opposition leader and presidential candidate, Viktor Yushchenko is Snak's Man of the Year for 2004.
In the past several weeks, the world's attention has focused on the presidential elections in Ukraine. This country, with a rich culture of tradition, compassion, industry and work ethic, has been supressed by Russian Soviet influence, starved to death by Stalin, taken over by Nazi's, and since its Independence from the Iron Curtain in 1991, has been ruled by an autocracy of thugs under the umbrella of quasi dictator of Russia, Darth Vladimir Rasputin.
This event has been earmarked as a defining time of the post Cold War era. It's East vs. West again. The U.S. and Canada declared the election bunk while Putin congratulated fraudulant winner Yanukovych. Putin played his cards badly and now has yiachi juice on his face.
Viktor Yushchenko not only has proven that he has the majority of support of Ukrainians in that country, but all around the world. Orange-clad Yushchenkomania has swept the hearts of all freedom loving peoples, Ukrainian or not. His calls for closer relations with the west, NATO, and the European Union, while continuing strong trade with Russia, make sense for this breadbasket of a country.
He has rallied hundreds of thousands of supports to camp out in the bitter cold to protest in Kyiv for weeks on end. He has gracefully subvered the ruthless propoganda campaign from eastern Ukraine and civil war threats from the Russian northern border. Yushchenko has the entire democratic world rooting for him. Thousands of people from around the world are coming to observe the election, ensuring a fair vote ensues.
The east-west divide you see in Ukraine just simply isn't true - it's propoganda that has become a false reality. Yushchenko supports are now getting in their cars and travelling to eastern Ukraine to connect with those same supporters who have been threatened and beaten for not supporting the other candidate and current Prime Minister Yanukovych, who was appointed by Leonid Kuchma, outgoing president and Putin lacky.
Yushchenko knows how to play the art of politics to the extreme to achieve the result you really desire. His masterful decisions have stymied a propoganda machine propped by Russian dollars.
And to top that off, he has been poisoned by dioxin. The Yanukovych campaign recently said it was a campaign ploy. What crap. Mr. Yushchenko's once movie star face has been badly potmarked and disfigured. He has now proven that good looks aren't what Ukrainians are looking for - they're looking for freedom, democracy, human rights, not continued bullying, and Viktor Yushchenko is the man that's taking them there. He will win this mini cold war on December 26, the date marked for the repeat vote of the presidential election run-off, on behalf of true Ukrainians, and for all freedom loving peoples of the world.
And his charisma reminds me of another man who won the Cold War for all - former U.S. President, Ronald Reagan.
Monday, December 06, 2004
Snak's Intermittent Movie Review No. 3
"The United States of Leland" (2003)
Directed and Written by: Matthew Ryan Hoge
Starring: Ryan Gosling, Don Cheadle, Chris Klein, Jena Malone, Lena Olin, Kevin Spacey
Plot Outline: "The United States of Leland" tells the story of a young man's experience in an American juvenile detention centre that touches on the tumultuous changes that befall his family and the community in which he lives.
Snak's take: Well, there were parts when I fell asleep. The very few parts where Kevin Spacey, who plays a famous writer and Leland's estranged father, was of course perfect. The main character, Leland, is a pathetic self-righteous stupid kid. If that's the part he was supposed to play, then Ryan Gosling nailed it. Chris Klein's character, Allen, as an unpredictable seemingly outsider, which, for me put the movie over a 50% grade because I couldn't figure him out. Don Cheadle who plays Leland's teacher in the detention centre, is still an underrated actor, and the only real and believable character in the entire movie. It's a boring movie overall and listening to Leland speak about his thoughts about God and the devil, good vs. evil, is just absolute drivelling nonsense. This character killed someone in cold blood and we're supposed to feel real sorry for him. Just pathetic liberal trash. eg. "Maybe bad things exist so we know what good is." No wonder See Magazine gave it 4 stars. What crap. The only people who can identify with this movie are kids like "Jeremy ... spoke in class today" and Scott "Heroin" Weland. How in the hell the writer got Kevin Spacey dragged (drugged?) into this one is beyond me. (But it was nice to see Sherilyn Fenn though - Leland's description of her was bang on - "electricity in her eyes".) But whatever - a blah movie.
Should be titled: "The United States of Pathetic"
Rating: Yesterday I gave it 2.63 fists out of 5, but now that I think about it, it's not even a 2. So Snak gives this movie 1.91 fists out of 5. Don't waste your time. Watch "Shawshank Redemption" again for the 97th time - that'll make you feel better and pick out a plot point that you hadn't seen or considered before.
Directed and Written by: Matthew Ryan Hoge
Starring: Ryan Gosling, Don Cheadle, Chris Klein, Jena Malone, Lena Olin, Kevin Spacey
Plot Outline: "The United States of Leland" tells the story of a young man's experience in an American juvenile detention centre that touches on the tumultuous changes that befall his family and the community in which he lives.
Snak's take: Well, there were parts when I fell asleep. The very few parts where Kevin Spacey, who plays a famous writer and Leland's estranged father, was of course perfect. The main character, Leland, is a pathetic self-righteous stupid kid. If that's the part he was supposed to play, then Ryan Gosling nailed it. Chris Klein's character, Allen, as an unpredictable seemingly outsider, which, for me put the movie over a 50% grade because I couldn't figure him out. Don Cheadle who plays Leland's teacher in the detention centre, is still an underrated actor, and the only real and believable character in the entire movie. It's a boring movie overall and listening to Leland speak about his thoughts about God and the devil, good vs. evil, is just absolute drivelling nonsense. This character killed someone in cold blood and we're supposed to feel real sorry for him. Just pathetic liberal trash. eg. "Maybe bad things exist so we know what good is." No wonder See Magazine gave it 4 stars. What crap. The only people who can identify with this movie are kids like "Jeremy ... spoke in class today" and Scott "Heroin" Weland. How in the hell the writer got Kevin Spacey dragged (drugged?) into this one is beyond me. (But it was nice to see Sherilyn Fenn though - Leland's description of her was bang on - "electricity in her eyes".) But whatever - a blah movie.
Should be titled: "The United States of Pathetic"
Rating: Yesterday I gave it 2.63 fists out of 5, but now that I think about it, it's not even a 2. So Snak gives this movie 1.91 fists out of 5. Don't waste your time. Watch "Shawshank Redemption" again for the 97th time - that'll make you feel better and pick out a plot point that you hadn't seen or considered before.
Friday, December 03, 2004
Darth Vladimir
Former head of the KGB in the USSR days, current president of Russia, Vladimir Putin reminds me of a certain character in the Star Wars series. No not Darth Vader. Definitely not Luke, Han, or Chewey.
The manner in which he has conducted himself politically for years has been one of caution, diplomacy, and prudence. He had quietly placed his puppet, Leonid Kuchma, to run Ukraine as president for the last 10 years.
Yet when the new Ukrainian presidential elections recently ended amidst massive ballot box fraud, particularly in Eastern, more Russian speaking Ukraine, (Ras)Putin had to have a premature congratulatory statement to the fraudulent winner, current Ukrainian Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych. Then as western countries like Canada, the U.S. and the European Union denounce the elections as fraudulent, Putin tells everyone to "leave Ukraine alone and let them handle their own affairs."
You see, with Putin, who can be considered a political genius (up to this point anyway), is brilliant at saying one thing and doing the complete opposite behind closed doors. So whenever you read or hear something Putin says, like "leave the Ukrainian people alone", he's got tanks on the northern border, he's getting lynchman to bully eastern workers into voting for his new puppet, Yanukovych, instead of pro western liberal Yushchenko, who has been slowly poisoned.
He knows controlling Ukraine again would benefit Russia for trade, labour, as Ukraine is the fastest growing economy in the European area. So Putin needs Ukraine like cars need oil and has done everything he knows to try and win it over. It's like Putin plays both sides for his own gain, but no one knows it. Putin may seem he's all pro western democracy kind of guy, but in reality he's given himself sweeping powers and has created a Stalin-like cult status for himself in Russia.
Again, reminds me of a certain character in Star Wars I and II. That character being Chancellor Palpatine/Darth Sidious/The Emperor. But I'll call him Darth Vladimir.
The Dark Side may seem stronger, but it's always "the good in people" that win. Little did Darth Vladimir realize how the will of the people of Ukraine would remain in their protest camp supporting Yushchenko for days on end. And just 30 minutes ago, the Ukraine Supreme Court ruled the last vote invalid due to fraud and that the run-off vote be repeated before Dec. 26.
The gig is up Vlad, you've been exposed for who you really are. Your lightning bolt shocks on a country that is tired of being oppressed by Russians for centuries won't work anymore. Time to get thrown down the shaft.
The manner in which he has conducted himself politically for years has been one of caution, diplomacy, and prudence. He had quietly placed his puppet, Leonid Kuchma, to run Ukraine as president for the last 10 years.
Yet when the new Ukrainian presidential elections recently ended amidst massive ballot box fraud, particularly in Eastern, more Russian speaking Ukraine, (Ras)Putin had to have a premature congratulatory statement to the fraudulent winner, current Ukrainian Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych. Then as western countries like Canada, the U.S. and the European Union denounce the elections as fraudulent, Putin tells everyone to "leave Ukraine alone and let them handle their own affairs."
You see, with Putin, who can be considered a political genius (up to this point anyway), is brilliant at saying one thing and doing the complete opposite behind closed doors. So whenever you read or hear something Putin says, like "leave the Ukrainian people alone", he's got tanks on the northern border, he's getting lynchman to bully eastern workers into voting for his new puppet, Yanukovych, instead of pro western liberal Yushchenko, who has been slowly poisoned.
He knows controlling Ukraine again would benefit Russia for trade, labour, as Ukraine is the fastest growing economy in the European area. So Putin needs Ukraine like cars need oil and has done everything he knows to try and win it over. It's like Putin plays both sides for his own gain, but no one knows it. Putin may seem he's all pro western democracy kind of guy, but in reality he's given himself sweeping powers and has created a Stalin-like cult status for himself in Russia.
Again, reminds me of a certain character in Star Wars I and II. That character being Chancellor Palpatine/Darth Sidious/The Emperor. But I'll call him Darth Vladimir.
The Dark Side may seem stronger, but it's always "the good in people" that win. Little did Darth Vladimir realize how the will of the people of Ukraine would remain in their protest camp supporting Yushchenko for days on end. And just 30 minutes ago, the Ukraine Supreme Court ruled the last vote invalid due to fraud and that the run-off vote be repeated before Dec. 26.
The gig is up Vlad, you've been exposed for who you really are. Your lightning bolt shocks on a country that is tired of being oppressed by Russians for centuries won't work anymore. Time to get thrown down the shaft.
The Frozen Clown
It's been a long time since I had been to The Rose and Crown Downtown. Last night I was there because my sister was in town on business and she invited me out for a 'few' cocktails. What makes the Rose and Crown special is the atmosphere, not so much created by the staff, but it's simply the music and one man who plays the boogie woogie on piano like no one else. He's engaging, he's entertaining, witty, and very talented.
His name is Don Johnson. No, not of Miami Vice fame, but someone with real talent. He's not "searching for a hearbeat", or anything like that. Don plays a variety of songs and styles and has an excellent tenor voice.
You see, the story is this ...
Back in "tha day" (circa 1990-1993), I used to frequent at the Rose with friends and being some of the younger crowd in a mature bar we thought we were kings. We'd sit at the piano bar and listen and sing along with Don, chat it up with any decent looking woman under 30, and have a great time. Yeah, we had successes and misses, but it was all in fun. Don had been playing there regularly from like 1984 to 1995, then he opened up his own bar called "Don Johnson's Piano Bar" on the Boardwalk, then took off to San Antonio for many years. Well, he's back home. And it was great to see him again. He remembered my name.
As many of you know, my half-sister found my mother and me in 1998. Mom gave her up for adoption at birth. All that time, I had no idea she existed. And now she's in my life with her two kids and husband. We've hit it off really well - I think she's amazing.
Okay, here we go ... you see, my sister used to also frequent at the R&C around the same time as me, back in "tha day". She also knows Don from being in the hospitality business with hotels and stuff. (I think you see where this is going.) That's right, ... this is crazy ... there's a pretty good chance that while sitting at the old piano bar crooning with Don, that at one point, I think, I'm pretty sure, that ... that, I hit on my own sister back in 1990! I know, it's crazy - you're crazy man, but I like you.
Well, thank God she turned me down.
So last night, my sister and I had a "reunion" at the R&C because we knew that Don had returned. Don had no idea my sister and I were such, and when we told him our story, he started playing "We Are Family". Then he played the old classics where he'd change the lyrics for more hilarity - "...and the microphone smells like a scotch...", etc.
So my critique today of the Rose n Crown (aka "Frozen Clown" after a few pints) is this: The bar prices are about $1 more than they need to be, but the food is good. They renovated it since last time I was there - now it's very open and a bit more modern. No dart boards anymore, but a neat private room with a pull down screen for presentations, etc. There are several snugs to give it that old English pub feel. The fireplace is still there and the bar is open rounded style - very chic.
But again, there were some old faces -- remants of the "All Virgin Choir" and good ol' Don tickling the ivories. Even the Edmonton Police Piper and Drum band were there. That was cool. Seeing Don play again and hearing the old songs is what makes the Clown that fun, entertaining place it is. Don said to me last night that he kept playing after payroll (without pay) because there were people still having a great time, dancing, and singing. He said especially with all these hospitality people, you want them to remember and return. He's a true ambassador for Edmonton.
So balancing all this out, Snak gives the Frozen Clown Downtown with Don, 4.37 fists out of 5. Without Don, it's like a 2.435.
Don Johnson plays at the Rose and Crown from Tuesday through Friday every week. He plays a mean harmonica as well.
His name is Don Johnson. No, not of Miami Vice fame, but someone with real talent. He's not "searching for a hearbeat", or anything like that. Don plays a variety of songs and styles and has an excellent tenor voice.
You see, the story is this ...
Back in "tha day" (circa 1990-1993), I used to frequent at the Rose with friends and being some of the younger crowd in a mature bar we thought we were kings. We'd sit at the piano bar and listen and sing along with Don, chat it up with any decent looking woman under 30, and have a great time. Yeah, we had successes and misses, but it was all in fun. Don had been playing there regularly from like 1984 to 1995, then he opened up his own bar called "Don Johnson's Piano Bar" on the Boardwalk, then took off to San Antonio for many years. Well, he's back home. And it was great to see him again. He remembered my name.
As many of you know, my half-sister found my mother and me in 1998. Mom gave her up for adoption at birth. All that time, I had no idea she existed. And now she's in my life with her two kids and husband. We've hit it off really well - I think she's amazing.
Okay, here we go ... you see, my sister used to also frequent at the R&C around the same time as me, back in "tha day". She also knows Don from being in the hospitality business with hotels and stuff. (I think you see where this is going.) That's right, ... this is crazy ... there's a pretty good chance that while sitting at the old piano bar crooning with Don, that at one point, I think, I'm pretty sure, that ... that, I hit on my own sister back in 1990! I know, it's crazy - you're crazy man, but I like you.
Well, thank God she turned me down.
So last night, my sister and I had a "reunion" at the R&C because we knew that Don had returned. Don had no idea my sister and I were such, and when we told him our story, he started playing "We Are Family". Then he played the old classics where he'd change the lyrics for more hilarity - "...and the microphone smells like a scotch...", etc.
So my critique today of the Rose n Crown (aka "Frozen Clown" after a few pints) is this: The bar prices are about $1 more than they need to be, but the food is good. They renovated it since last time I was there - now it's very open and a bit more modern. No dart boards anymore, but a neat private room with a pull down screen for presentations, etc. There are several snugs to give it that old English pub feel. The fireplace is still there and the bar is open rounded style - very chic.
But again, there were some old faces -- remants of the "All Virgin Choir" and good ol' Don tickling the ivories. Even the Edmonton Police Piper and Drum band were there. That was cool. Seeing Don play again and hearing the old songs is what makes the Clown that fun, entertaining place it is. Don said to me last night that he kept playing after payroll (without pay) because there were people still having a great time, dancing, and singing. He said especially with all these hospitality people, you want them to remember and return. He's a true ambassador for Edmonton.
So balancing all this out, Snak gives the Frozen Clown Downtown with Don, 4.37 fists out of 5. Without Don, it's like a 2.435.
Don Johnson plays at the Rose and Crown from Tuesday through Friday every week. He plays a mean harmonica as well.
Wednesday, December 01, 2004
Snak's Intermittent Movie Review - "Ray"
I totally forgot to review this. "Ray" starring Jamie Fox is an excellent movie. The acting, the passion, the story, and the music are top notch. While a bit long (2.5 hours) you do get the feel of his long life. There were no points in the movie that did not add to the plot - in fact, there were certain elements of his life that were missing - his teenage years, his mother's death, and his growth as an amazing piano player (which was likely while a teenager). They do show him learning piano when he was about 6 being taught by a local man at the drug store in his town. I loved that part - reminded me of me at that age.
Starting from his southern roots as a child who lived with his determined mother and younger brother, throughout the movie Ray often has inspirational flashbacks to his childhood -- the time he could see up until 7 years of age. These are the parts of the movie I really enjoyed; the child actors here are what cap the movie - they were adorably excellent and believable. He draws on his mother's advice and strong words of wisdom in these flashbacks - it's very touching.
Ray Charles Robinson lived the typical life of a talented musician constantly on the road - sex, drugs (lots), cheating, run ins with the law, but he gave the world a variety of music styles and combinations that are still admired but not perfectly imitated today. Early in his career, people used and abused his talents for their own gain, which he himself would repeat later in life against the people that helped him get to the top - typical Americanism.
Jamie Foxx is not only believable as Ray Charles, there are many moments when you truly feel Ray is alive again (he actually passed away just after the movie was completed and before it was released). Foxx's method acting, by literally having his eyes glued shut for months, worked. I hope he wins an award for it. The supporting cast is fantastic - lots of personal relationships.
This is one of the most inspirational movies I have ever seen and I highly recommend you see it soon.
Snak gives it 4.73 fists out of 5.
Starting from his southern roots as a child who lived with his determined mother and younger brother, throughout the movie Ray often has inspirational flashbacks to his childhood -- the time he could see up until 7 years of age. These are the parts of the movie I really enjoyed; the child actors here are what cap the movie - they were adorably excellent and believable. He draws on his mother's advice and strong words of wisdom in these flashbacks - it's very touching.
Ray Charles Robinson lived the typical life of a talented musician constantly on the road - sex, drugs (lots), cheating, run ins with the law, but he gave the world a variety of music styles and combinations that are still admired but not perfectly imitated today. Early in his career, people used and abused his talents for their own gain, which he himself would repeat later in life against the people that helped him get to the top - typical Americanism.
Jamie Foxx is not only believable as Ray Charles, there are many moments when you truly feel Ray is alive again (he actually passed away just after the movie was completed and before it was released). Foxx's method acting, by literally having his eyes glued shut for months, worked. I hope he wins an award for it. The supporting cast is fantastic - lots of personal relationships.
This is one of the most inspirational movies I have ever seen and I highly recommend you see it soon.
Snak gives it 4.73 fists out of 5.
Monday, November 29, 2004
Snak's Intermittent Movie Review
"The Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind"
Starring Jim Carrey, Kate Winslet, Tom Wilkinson, Froto ("Tofu") Baggins
Recently seen on DVD, this movie is not like other movies you may have seen, except perhaps "Momento" and "Being John Malkovich" because the main story thread is sometimes difficult, yet fun, to find since you really have to pay attention when watching it, and surprisingly, when you eventually understand what's going on inside Joel's (Carrey's) mind as it's being erased, you get caught up in it and get to really experience the deep feelings portrayed by an outstanding performance from both Carrey and Winslet who in the movie play a strange lonely couple.
If you thought that last sentence was a run-on one, then you'll get the idea of what to expect in this movie. It took me a while to figure out what was really going on, and I never felt my intelligence was insulted, which sadly happens in a lot of movies, so snaky gives it 4.4 fists out of 5. There were a few plot lines that didn't seem to go anywhere.
Oh, and watch out for Froto. He acts more like Gollum in this one though.
Starring Jim Carrey, Kate Winslet, Tom Wilkinson, Froto ("Tofu") Baggins
Recently seen on DVD, this movie is not like other movies you may have seen, except perhaps "Momento" and "Being John Malkovich" because the main story thread is sometimes difficult, yet fun, to find since you really have to pay attention when watching it, and surprisingly, when you eventually understand what's going on inside Joel's (Carrey's) mind as it's being erased, you get caught up in it and get to really experience the deep feelings portrayed by an outstanding performance from both Carrey and Winslet who in the movie play a strange lonely couple.
If you thought that last sentence was a run-on one, then you'll get the idea of what to expect in this movie. It took me a while to figure out what was really going on, and I never felt my intelligence was insulted, which sadly happens in a lot of movies, so snaky gives it 4.4 fists out of 5. There were a few plot lines that didn't seem to go anywhere.
Oh, and watch out for Froto. He acts more like Gollum in this one though.
Thursday, November 25, 2004
Ranking Blue Rodeo Albums
Okay Boobie, if you're gonna do Floyd (which you're fully qualified for), I must provide my take on another one of Canada's most underrated bands. As I told Jim Cuddy one night, "I think you and Greg are the greatest songwriters -- you're like the Lennon and McCartney of Canada." Jim said, "Oh, thank you very much." A nice guy all around. Here we go...
1. Five Days in July (1993) - I think everybody agrees with this one. This is my deserted island album and the one I MUST listen to whilst driving to Jasper. Why? Because there's a road sign on the way that says "<-- Cynthia 23km" and in Jasper you can visit "Pyramid Lake with you". The greatest song ever is on this album: "Hasn't Hit Me Yet" plus many more wonderfully written, simply produced, and beautifully sung songs like "Bad Timing". Cameos by Sarah Maclaughlin, especially the acapella with Greg on "Know Where You Go/Tell Me Your Dream" are the icing on the cake. Nice to hear some piano on its own in "Dark Angel". This is the kind of album you want to sit in a chair in the shallow water of a lake while watching the sun go down (kind of like the album cover). I can't say enough about this album. It is a must own for anyone. In case you didn't notice, but the drummer never uses drumsticks, just brushes adding to a softer feel. Lots of harmonica which gives it an earthy feel and Greg's softer singing makes the album border on country-celtic music without actually going there. That's exactly what Blue Rodeo is - their own category and this album defines them perfectly.
2. The Days in Between (2000) - Break out the telecaster and the drumsticks! I love the melodies and vocals on this album - "The Seeker", "Andrea", "Always Getting Better", and "Rage" are examples of this. Blue Rodeo are masters at providing a variety of styles of music and this album is no exception. Songs such as "This Road" and "Bitter Fruit" sung by Greg once again are awesome while driving.
3. Palace of Gold (2002) - Break out the horn section! Just an awesome album overall with all sorts of styles - "Cause for Sympathy" and "What A Surprise" are reminiscent of some good old early 1970's AM radio tunes that you'd listen to while driving through Roger's Pass - just some nice reverb hall sound coupled with a mini symphony and staccatto trumpets makes that all happen. "Bulletproof" is one of Cuddy and Keelor's best written songs with a nicely placed augmented seventh chord.
4. Tremolo (1997) - After a couple listens at work, I fell in love with this album. A really gentle album - I can put it on and just sit back, relax, and sing alone. These songs are great for driving to Wainwright - lots of cows and sheep along the way.
5. Casino (1991) - This album shows off Jim's singing really well - especially on "After The Rain". "Trust Yourself" is the best song and has one of the best intros of a song ever. Lots of fun harmonica on this album.
6. Nowhere To Here (1995) - The album starts of slowly with two dark and long Greg songs, but after travelling through this deep forest of lament, you reach a meadow of song reaping with humble regret, frustration, yet hope - "What You Want", "Better Off As We Are", "Blew it Again", and "Get Through To You" indicate deep feelings in Jim and Greg. A very passionate album.
7. Lost Together (1992) - Another fun album similar to Casino. Best listened to with good friends and many beers - "Already Gone", "Lost Together", "Rain Down On Me", "Restless", "Where Are You Now", "Willin' Fool" are excellent examples of this.
8. Outskirts (1986) - "Rose Coloured Glasses" and "Try" are still two excellent songs that will stand the test of time. Other songs hold up pretty well, but "Try" is what made Blue Rodeo in the first place.
9. Diamond Mine (1989) - The title track is actually one of my favourite Blue Rodeo songs, with a Doors-type feel it's got tonnes of passion. "You say that you don't love me ... you talk about the other boys and you laugh in my face." Ouch! The rest of the album isn't really Blue Rodeo to me - more like Malcolm Burn the producer, and seems to ride coat tales of the title track.
1. Five Days in July (1993) - I think everybody agrees with this one. This is my deserted island album and the one I MUST listen to whilst driving to Jasper. Why? Because there's a road sign on the way that says "<-- Cynthia 23km" and in Jasper you can visit "Pyramid Lake with you". The greatest song ever is on this album: "Hasn't Hit Me Yet" plus many more wonderfully written, simply produced, and beautifully sung songs like "Bad Timing". Cameos by Sarah Maclaughlin, especially the acapella with Greg on "Know Where You Go/Tell Me Your Dream" are the icing on the cake. Nice to hear some piano on its own in "Dark Angel". This is the kind of album you want to sit in a chair in the shallow water of a lake while watching the sun go down (kind of like the album cover). I can't say enough about this album. It is a must own for anyone. In case you didn't notice, but the drummer never uses drumsticks, just brushes adding to a softer feel. Lots of harmonica which gives it an earthy feel and Greg's softer singing makes the album border on country-celtic music without actually going there. That's exactly what Blue Rodeo is - their own category and this album defines them perfectly.
2. The Days in Between (2000) - Break out the telecaster and the drumsticks! I love the melodies and vocals on this album - "The Seeker", "Andrea", "Always Getting Better", and "Rage" are examples of this. Blue Rodeo are masters at providing a variety of styles of music and this album is no exception. Songs such as "This Road" and "Bitter Fruit" sung by Greg once again are awesome while driving.
3. Palace of Gold (2002) - Break out the horn section! Just an awesome album overall with all sorts of styles - "Cause for Sympathy" and "What A Surprise" are reminiscent of some good old early 1970's AM radio tunes that you'd listen to while driving through Roger's Pass - just some nice reverb hall sound coupled with a mini symphony and staccatto trumpets makes that all happen. "Bulletproof" is one of Cuddy and Keelor's best written songs with a nicely placed augmented seventh chord.
4. Tremolo (1997) - After a couple listens at work, I fell in love with this album. A really gentle album - I can put it on and just sit back, relax, and sing alone. These songs are great for driving to Wainwright - lots of cows and sheep along the way.
5. Casino (1991) - This album shows off Jim's singing really well - especially on "After The Rain". "Trust Yourself" is the best song and has one of the best intros of a song ever. Lots of fun harmonica on this album.
6. Nowhere To Here (1995) - The album starts of slowly with two dark and long Greg songs, but after travelling through this deep forest of lament, you reach a meadow of song reaping with humble regret, frustration, yet hope - "What You Want", "Better Off As We Are", "Blew it Again", and "Get Through To You" indicate deep feelings in Jim and Greg. A very passionate album.
7. Lost Together (1992) - Another fun album similar to Casino. Best listened to with good friends and many beers - "Already Gone", "Lost Together", "Rain Down On Me", "Restless", "Where Are You Now", "Willin' Fool" are excellent examples of this.
8. Outskirts (1986) - "Rose Coloured Glasses" and "Try" are still two excellent songs that will stand the test of time. Other songs hold up pretty well, but "Try" is what made Blue Rodeo in the first place.
9. Diamond Mine (1989) - The title track is actually one of my favourite Blue Rodeo songs, with a Doors-type feel it's got tonnes of passion. "You say that you don't love me ... you talk about the other boys and you laugh in my face." Ouch! The rest of the album isn't really Blue Rodeo to me - more like Malcolm Burn the producer, and seems to ride coat tales of the title track.
Ranking the Rush albums...
Rush is the most successful and talented Canadian rock band ever. They've been around so long and pumped out so many albums, I thought I'd rank and review them for you.
1. Moving Pictures (1981) - Even Neil Peart says this was the pinnacle album. “The Camera Eye” rules - even my dad liked it when he heard it. The album has everything you want - even a mob of drunken people chatting outside the studio in the cold (beginning of Witch Hunt). Crenching lyrics: "The night is black without a moon. The air is thick and still."
2. 2112 (1976) - This epic song, "2112", is divided into parts and tells the story of a man who rebels against an oppressive regime using music. A futuristic adventure plus many other great tunes from hard rock to subtle ballads. This album exploded Rush into the U.S. market.
3. Permanent Waves (1980) - Two tunes make the album awesome and truly Rush: "Jacob's Ladder" and "Natural Science". Of course, "Spirit of the Radio" and "Freewill" are the popular ones, but that's the beauty of Rush, usually their singles aren't the best songs on the album.
4. Hemispheres (1978) - Another album with an epic song of the album title. This continues the song of the story of blackhole of Cygnus X-1 - along with the telling of Greek gods. "La Villa Strangiatto" is the greatest rock instrumental of all time. And like Ricky says "I don't fucking understand Bubble's obsession with Rush. Fucking trees are talkin' to each other. Now Helix - 'Rock You' - that's something I can identify with."
5. Counterparts (1993) - Just a full prog rock album. The band returns to a harder edge and Neil is on fire.
6. Vapor Trails (2002) - Heaviest album. Neil is back after a 5 year hiatus riding his motorbike all over North America after his daughter and wife died. He gets fucking angry with his drumming and lyrics - especially in Ghost Rider - "Pack up all those phantoms..."
7. Presto (1989) - This is the album that got me hooked on Rush. Phonics too. A well produced album with a variety of songs. Many singles off this one.
8. Signals (1982) - Keyboard time - classic new wave '80s. I like the keyboards and can play every song on album.
9. Grace Under Pressure (1984) - Again, lots of keyboards combined with grooving bass lines. Neil goes nuts on electric drums -
10. Farewell To Kings (1977) - Any album that has a song about a black hole ("Cygnus X-1") has to be good. Bubbles' favourite song is on this one too ("Closer to the Heart"), but "Madrigal" has got to go.
11. Fly By Night (1975) - An unofficial Lord of the Rings soundtrack. "By-Tor and the Snow Dog" make the album good.
12. Power Windows - (1985) - It's sequencer time! Perhaps too much sequencer.
13. Roll the Bones (1991) - Rap shit sucks ass, but the rest is a pretty good listen.
14. Hold Your Fire (1987) - Still a lot of keyboards. "Mystic Rhythms" video shows Neil's 360 degree drum set from above. Cool.
15. Test for Echo (1996) - Some songs just don't do it for me. No passion on this album. Songs could be faster and have more groove.
16. Caress of Steel (1975) - With a song called "The Necromancer" you know it's gonna be neat. The band really experiments with epic style song structures and writing.
17. Rush (1974) - "Working Man" is the theme of all theme songs. Still heard on the radio, but I never listen to it at home. No Neil Peart, so it's at the bottom.
If you haven't seen the DVD "Rush in Rio" you must. All the fans in Brazil knew all the lyrics.Tuesday, November 23, 2004
Ras(Putin)
I've been saying this for years. Putin may seem all friendly, but he's not. He's a dictator. He's slowly been retaking power in Russia and heavily influencing neighbouring countries - like Ukraine. He's already congratulated communist Yanukovych on his "convincing" win and even publically supported him during the election! Since the school bombing, he has literally taken over all aspects of power. He's created a cult-like propoganda machine, much like Stalin did.
And now, because of the unrest in the Ukrainian election, Ras(Putin) is moving troops to the northern border of Ukraine. Most of Yushchenko's support is in Western Ukraine, where a lot of my family is.
This could get really ugly very soon.
And now, because of the unrest in the Ukrainian election, Ras(Putin) is moving troops to the northern border of Ukraine. Most of Yushchenko's support is in Western Ukraine, where a lot of my family is.
This could get really ugly very soon.
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