Music

While I don’t recall ever being this bad, I have come closer to ending up on the floor than perhaps I should admit:



Surely there are some others among y’all who’ll confess to that capturing an element of their being as well ...

Another moment neatly captured by XKCD.

If you’re thinking “cowbell”, guess again.

Things have been too serious around here lately. I have some important (to me, anyway) stuff on my mind, but can’t really string the thoughts together well enough to share ’em at this point. So maybe the new year musings will emerge tomorrow ... but for now, some music!

I just happened to visit the Rush web site, and read some excellent news:

After a hugely successful 2007 run, Rush are pleased to announce they will extend their Snakes & Arrows World Tour into 2008. The band will begin rehearsals in March to revamp the set list before kicking off the tour with their first ever appearance in San Juan, Puerto Rico in April.

2008 will see Rush tour in over 40 cities throughout the United States and Canada making stops in many where they haven’t performed in well over a decade including: Orlando, Oklahoma City, New Orleans, Austin, Jacksonville and Winnipeg to name a few. Along the way, Rush will play new venues in Chicago, Detroit, Philadelphia and Seattle and will revisit some familiar ones in Boston, Washington and Charlotte amongst others. Rush fans can look forward to a complete tour announcement in mid January. ....

I promised Snolf the First that if they toured again, I’d take him ... so I guess I better start saving my pennies now. Wouldn’t a Rush concert meetup be just too much fun? Gotta keep that possibility in mind once the tour dates and venues are announced.

For those who didn’t make the show, here’s a vid (it goes live partway through) of a song I listened to the day before leaving for the show and thought, “This is one song I’m never gonna hear live”—imagine my surprise when the open chords rang out!


(Direct link to vid on YouTube)

I know, I know—I should be raving about That Big Band’s reunion. And sure, I wish I could’ve been there too ... but I’ve been craving old music of a different sort lately.

Well, things weren’t exactly that bad; but I have been in a bit of a funk lately. I’m working my way out of it, and one thing that’s helping is some of my favorite music:


(Link to vid on YouTube)

I adore this song on many, many levels. One very close to the top is Geddy’s wicked bass playing. Anyway, I’m driven to start completing various projects at long last, and have a time frame for the long overdue Salon. Turns out my October/November interview victim is having some issues now, so that’s going to be delayed for a while. Thus, I’ve decided to be really nasty to my thirteen Salon readers and do a double issue. Expect it in mid-December ...

Joey Bishop has died. I must say that I vaguely recall him—my Rat Pack faves were Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr.—but he will be missed with all of the gents. And I’ll miss them as much for their talents as for the camaraderie they displayed. Don’t think we’ll see the like again anytime soon.

Five year plans and new deals
Wrapped in golden chains

Yet another example of the perils of blogging while sleep-impaired ... my “evening with four gentlemen” wasn’t what some of you might be thinking based on what I said! Here’s a little something to provide a clearer mental picture:

My apologies for the lack of email responses, and general inactivity everywhere I’m usually spotted online. A few days back, I embarked on a jaunt, primarily to spend an evening with four gentlemen of my acquaintance.

Some things have not changed much . . .

Let it roll, baby, roll . . .

Often people mention roads as a function the state must perform. Eminent domain sometimes figures prominently in their arguments. Not long ago state roads came up here. I figure this post qualifies as somewhat relevant to that.

Unlike Sunni, who came "rather late to the Jethro Tull party," I’ve been a Tull fan for a very long time. I am willing to say they’ve made some of my favorite music (admittedly Anderson’s overblowing can distract, but I excuse it). I saw them perform live in Madison back in 1973 on their Passion Play tour. (Yeah, I’m getting old. I wasn’t certain about that concert date, but as always the web came in handy.)

If I asked who might represent libertarians in progressive rock (or folk rock, or some other rock category, I don’t want to argue over which Tull might best fit - that misses my point), I doubt many would suggest Jethro Tull as the group to get the nod. However, on occasion, they deliver a subtle anti-state message. I usually like subtle more than a swinging 2 by 4.

How many songs about the essential injustice of eminent domain can you name? How about this one ?

I find it moving.

Unofficial Steve Earle lyrics page; 'nuf said.

You can't keep us 'cause our eyes can see.
Mainly marine images with a classic from Van Morrison.

Someone (not me) recently made a birthday present for their "angel."
(Click the player image on the start button to view here or on another part of the image to get the video at YouTube.)
I have lyrics after the "read more" jump.

Tom worked his webby magic on my ramblings and we are pleased to present to you the May/June issue of Sunni’s Salon. Don’t worry, there’s none of the negativity that burst out here fairly recently, and aside from my opening rambling remarks, it strikes me as a mostly light and fun issue. We hope you enjoy it!

Oh, and a scheduling note: it’s my goal to get future issues up closer to the beginning of the second month they cover from now on. This one was delayed by that aforementioned emotional turbulence; and I’m already taking steps to try to minimize the disruption my imminent adventure might bring on. Hoping is.