First off...RADIOHEAD!
Most of you will not fully appreciate the above video. This was a concert that I had hoped to see for many years. I first listened to Radiohead in high school when "Creep" became popular. I bought Pablo Honey. Though it was okay. Basically ignored the next two albums until a college roommate convinced me that OK Computer was one of the best albums ever recorded. I borrowed it, and he never got it back. I listened to it sparsely as well, at first, enjoying it superficially. Somehow, though, I got hold of The Bends, and I was hooked completely. "High and Dry," I recognized somehow. But I just loved the musicality. I was in Nashville at the time I listened to it the most, and that was a time when I discovered the importance of rhythm guitar. At least, good rhythm guitar. And I contend that The Bends has some of the best rhythm guitar ever. Off of this album, "The Bends" is perhaps my favorite song. That's the song in the video above. But I could have an inner debate for quite a while about my favorite Radiohead song.
Among Radiohead fans, there are the "Bends" allegiant, and there are the "OK Computer" allegiant--each fans typically declares one of the two as their best. I'm a "Bends" guy. So is my cousin Blair (who was next to me at the concert and acquired the tickets from a guy named Franklin). More people are "OK Computer" people, I think. Certainly the following albums are great (Kid A, Amnesiac, Hail to the Thief, and In Rainbows), but a clear diversion from their previous albums to more inaccessable to the masses, but innovative, progressive, and artistic. In my world, I want the musicians to be a bit weird or unusual, especially in their approach to writing. But not so much as to alienate the fans. I understand it's all subjective. But Radiohead seem to write such tremendous "art" songs, creating transcendent moods with music, taking pop instruments and creating chords and sounds that stretch the mind and acoustic palate.
(Geez, I'm really flowing here.) All of this to say, it was a great moment for me. They have been quite influential in my playing. You can hear it when I play guitar. I bought a Fender Telecaster because Johnny Greenwood (Radiohead guitar player) played one. I bought a Small Stone Phaser (a guitar special effect) because he used one. As I mentioned earlier, their rhythm guitar style inspired me and changed my approach to playing. Just listen to "My Iron Lung" to hear what I'm talking about--I still love it and it inspires me. Listen to the special effects in the intro, then listen to the chords under the verses. Then this song also shows off Thom Yorke's voice. "Bones"--the simplicity of the guitars in the verse, then the octave jumps mixed with blues during the chorus; Thom's vocals--perhaps the most dynamic, and a very inventive melody. (Note: I'm very effusive with my compliments...must be the coffee.) I could probably over-analyze all of their songs. And most of you aren't interested. So I'll end with a summary statement: favorite band, finally saw them live, great show.
...Since my last posting, the Royals have been no-hit by Jon Lester of the Red Sox, had a 12 game losing streak, and now have won only 3 of their last 19 games, nestling them in
last place in the AL Central. Fortunately, they're in a battle for last with Detroit, whose fans must be even more disappointed. The Royals have a knack for making opposing pitchers look like Cy Young candidates, with some suggesting teams should give a slumping pitcher a start against the Royals to break a slump. I've seen Sidney Ponson look like a magician. Went to my first game when the Twins were in town, and the Royals lack of hitting made Kevin Slowey (who?) look like a stud. They've also sent their best young hitter to the minors because of a lack of production. This really is a talented young team in many ways. Except for hitting, it appears. Their pitching staff has done well, often performing at a winning or first-place level. But too often, they lose close games, especially on the nights when the pitching struggles. They're doing well against the monstrous Yankees, especially Jose Guillen even in a loss yesterday. Right now, they're down 6-3, but they still look competitive. I'll keep watching.
...What would you bury yourself in? Maybe we should ask this instead of, "What would you have written on your tombstone?"
...Chalk these up to something I thought of as a kid and am amazed to see come to fruition. I'd love to try it out.
...aaaaand the Royals have lost now, 6-3.
...really? First, Hollywood people can be so weird, and it baffles me that anyone would listen to their opinions in regards to politics or anything worthwhile besides art, fashion, music and other creative ventures. Second, when is Clay Aiken gonna tell everyone he's gay? Seems like he's treating us like sleuths, like ET with the Reese's pieces, giving us clues like little bits of candy. Just say it! Third, does the fact that she artificially inseminated indicate one or both of them just hate sex? Or heterosexual sex? What can be made of it??
...Thanks for reading. So here's an update, in case you're interested. I finish residency in December. Have been looking at jobs in OKC, the Dallas area, and in Austin. All of which are tempting for their own different reasons. I'm ready to leave KC--just needing a change of scenery.
