root of the issue - women's rights
Maybe we're going about this all wrong? I think we need to approach this whole issue of women no longer having the right to make their own decisions about what is done to their bodies and apply it equally to men. In fact, I bet the procedures are less invasive and would be far more effective in reducing unwanted pregnancies than anything else that we're currently doing. After all, abstinence isn't working and if the religious right is upset that women are having babies out of wedlock, well then lets make sure that it doesn't happen. So I think we need to lobby our legislators to introduce a bill that would require all males, who are unmarried between the ages of 13 and 68 to undergo a mandatory vasectomy!
Maybe we're going about this all wrong? I think we need to approach this whole issue of women no longer having the right to make their own decisions about what is done to their bodies and apply it equally to men. In fact, I bet the procedures are less invasive and would be far more effective in reducing unwanted pregnancies than anything else that we're currently doing. After all, abstinence isn't working and if the religious right is upset that women are having babies out of wedlock, well then lets make sure that it doesn't happen. So I think we need to lobby our legislators to introduce a bill that would require all males, who are unmarried between the ages of 13 and 68 to undergo a mandatory vasectomy!
Viola!
No more unwanted pregnancies because one of the provisions would be that it could only be reversed once you were married (or involved in a civil union!) and had undergone counselling to ensure that you would be a willing and a good father.
Think of the savings!
No more having to worry about those "silly" women's issues!
No more wingnuts shooting doctors and stalking abortion clinics!
We couldn't make them pregnant no matter what!
All those laborious decisions about who the father is would be dramaticly reduced to a database that only contained married men! and boy would they be upset about being found out! Then we can worry about who is casting the first stone with a firm acceptance that they are morally and ethically bankrupt! ehhh... what was that Mr. Vitter?
Heck for any of those philandering Phils, we could make the sentence.... sterilization!
Okay, okay, we still have those other issues like rape and incest, but c'mon, that's not really what all this hubbub is about is it?
This appears to strike at the heart of the matter, we KNOW that men are the real issue here since so many of my gender can't control their inner tomcat and resist those feminine wiles. So here is the solution that allows us to carry on with all of our sexual selves guilt free and people can stop worrying about and being hung up on any of those outdated sexual mores and the like. Just think, when you get married, now your wife has a real reason to keep an eye on you!
With this bold "stroke" we remove that old power play that these old time geezers have over exactly who controls what, since they're so worried about bringing in babies, this cuts to the chase and makes it virtually impossible to get one unless you really want one. Imagine the example that we would be setting for the world, not to mention all of those urologists staying in business! Besides, there's no way that we would even have to worry about pre-existing conditions.
My apologies to those with sensitive sensabilities with my awkward attempts at satire and irony. I don't like the abortion option but I sure as hell do not lay any claim that I should be the one being involved in the decision unless it's between me and my partner. It's a personal decision and should be made by those who it affects. If these "people" are so ashamed about women having abortions, why aren't they working to make the alternatives, any alternative, a more palatable option, like the ru-586 pill, free contraceptives or more efficient adoption laws and caring for the unwanted. They claim that they are taking lives when in fact, they are simply controlling them. They are all ready to condemn and judge but not to solve and they have nothing to offer by way of a solution. This is a phony moral issue and I'm tired of those who seek to control the choices a woman faces when confronted with an unwanted pregnancy.
just my .02
In case I wasn't clear enough, the majority of the rant above was intended as sarcasm.
I want to be clear on this, and this is my opinion only, I don't believe that I have any more right to make this decision as any of those old duffers that have been elected to serve our nation. My problem with those forces who are anti-abortion are many and they include the thinking that while they do not want women to have an abortion, they are also against the very groups and organizations that would allow her to have a healthy child. The same ones that want to shut down the planned parenthood clinics are unable to fathom that this is only a small part of what those centers do. They help women with prenatal care and nutrition and in offering alternative methods of contraceptive care to prevent unwanted births. Not all abortions are a matter of welfare cheats who are too lazy to find another method of contraception and those that believe that abstinence is the only way to counteract teenage lustful desires are delirious. I find it laughable that men are the ones who are imposing this choice on women, whatever happened to equal rights? You say, what of the rights of the child, well that child is dependant upon the woman who would give it that foothold to exist, I do believe that sincce it is dependant upon them for life, they should be the arbiter who decides if they wish to allow it. Do I wish that abortion wasn't necessary, yes, but it's also dishonest of those who are insistent that a woman bring a baby to term to claim that they care about those innocent lives. Because there is nothing that they are doing for that innocent soul once it is born. Then that child is forgotten by those who claimed that it had a right to be born, no provision for its care or accounting for its environment, that poor soul is on its own. Charitable isn't it? God's will indeed.
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Media musings
I've been thinking about this for a while now. Especially considering the departure of Lou Dobbs. How has the media devolved to the point where we are today? The national networks all devolved into a cult of personality, sniping as each one was more interested in the numbers of viewers versus giving the public the freaking news of the day. I'm not sure if it started with Watergate, but I think that's when network news "jumped the shark". This led to the rise of CNN, which used to be an unbiased, almost BBC-like, above it all entity that focused strictly on the news itself, reserving judgement. Then it devolved into the nightly white child kidnapping/celebrity trial and/or tragedy network. Now we are left with FAUX news (the conservative opinion network) and MSNBC which does the intricate dance of catering to the right in the mornings and to the left at night.
I've been thinking about this for a while now. Especially considering the departure of Lou Dobbs. How has the media devolved to the point where we are today? The national networks all devolved into a cult of personality, sniping as each one was more interested in the numbers of viewers versus giving the public the freaking news of the day. I'm not sure if it started with Watergate, but I think that's when network news "jumped the shark". This led to the rise of CNN, which used to be an unbiased, almost BBC-like, above it all entity that focused strictly on the news itself, reserving judgement. Then it devolved into the nightly white child kidnapping/celebrity trial and/or tragedy network. Now we are left with FAUX news (the conservative opinion network) and MSNBC which does the intricate dance of catering to the right in the mornings and to the left at night.
With the advent of the Internet and the immediacy of the "I need it now" generation, the local and national newspaper reporting is soon to be no more. The writing is on the blog, as a manner of speaking. The thing is, who is holding us bloggers accountable? how do we keep the tone and the facts in line to make our case without the use of vitriol and venom. How can we be heard over the shouting from the fringes of folks that refuse to listen?
I think CNN is a real reflection of our times, the news has "become too complicated" for the folks at home or so the network execs appear to be indicating based on their programming choices, so we give them something personal to worry about in hopes that they'll tune in as if it was a nightly soap opera and sayonara to any actual news reporting. I tune in to Rachel and Keith where I hear some incredible things being said and I wonder wtf, how are these idiots still in office? aren't we supposed to be electing people that have our best, albeit local, interests at heart?
What I want to know is, if the number of rascals that we have in office is this bad (democrat and republican alike) why in the hell aren't the local rags and media picking up on this stuff and holding these people to the properly high standard of being a national representative? I know that Rachel and Keith have some incredible staffs, but cripes, isn't anyone out there trolling the back alleys of the web to find this stuff out and keeping tabs? Or do we go ahead and have to give our local (and in many cases our national) media a huge freaking FAIL and have to do it ourselves?
For those greedy and corporate purchased dems and these whacko repubs, where are our media paladins to get this stuff into commercials to let the voters know, just who is doing the decision making for them? I have faith that the public would be appalled to see some of the hyperbole that is being thrown around in the name of partisan politics and in championing the interests of the well heeled over those in need. Also, the incredible amount of stupid that is performed by the misinformed and the misguided on behalf of the American people is staggering. I believe that we can make a difference, hell just based on what I see nightly on TV, there's about 30 of these guys/gals who are too dumb or too arrogant (or both) for their own good that we should be focused on allowing them to find their way in the new economy.
I've been thinking about this for a while now. Especially considering the departure of Lou Dobbs. How has the media devolved to the point where we are today? The national networks all devolved into a cult of personality, sniping as each one was more interested in the numbers of viewers versus giving the public the freaking news of the day. I'm not sure if it started with Watergate, but I think that's when network news "jumped the shark". This led to the rise of CNN, which used to be an unbiased, almost BBC-like, above it all entity that focused strictly on the news itself, reserving judgement. Then it devolved into the nightly white child kidnapping/celebrity trial and/or tragedy network. Now we are left with FAUX news (the conservative opinion network) and MSNBC which does the intricate dance of catering to the right in the mornings and to the left at night.
With the advent of the Internet and the immediacy of the "I need it now" generation, the local and national newspaper reporting is soon to be no more. The writing is on the blog, as a manner of speaking. The thing is, who is holding us bloggers accountable? how do we keep the tone and the facts in line to make our case without the use of vitriol and venom. How can we be heard over the shouting from the fringes of folks that refuse to listen?
I think CNN is a real reflection of our times, the news has "become too complicated" for the folks at home or so the network execs appear to be indicating based on their programming choices, so we give them something personal to worry about in hopes that they'll tune in as if it was a nightly soap opera and sayonara to any actual news reporting. I tune in to Rachel and Keith where I hear some incredible things being said and I wonder wtf, how are these idiots still in office? aren't we supposed to be electing people that have our best, albeit local, interests at heart?
What I want to know is, if the number of rascals that we have in office is this bad (democrat and republican alike) why in the hell aren't the local rags and media picking up on this stuff and holding these people to the properly high standard of being a national representative? I know that Rachel and Keith have some incredible staffs, but cripes, isn't anyone out there trolling the back alleys of the web to find this stuff out and keeping tabs? Or do we go ahead and have to give our local (and in many cases our national) media a huge freaking FAIL and have to do it ourselves?
For those greedy and corporate purchased dems and these whacko repubs, where are our media paladins to get this stuff into commercials to let the voters know, just who is doing the decision making for them? I have faith that the public would be appalled to see some of the hyperbole that is being thrown around in the name of partisan politics and in championing the interests of the well heeled over those in need. Also, the incredible amount of stupid that is performed by the misinformed and the misguided on behalf of the American people is staggering. I believe that we can make a difference, hell just based on what I see nightly on TV, there's about 30 of these guys/gals who are too dumb or too arrogant (or both) for their own good that we should be focused on allowing them to find their way in the new economy.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Used Car Salesmen of Faith
After watching MSNBC for the last three years because of my growing distrust of getting anything sensible from mainstream media sources due to their continued use of datum that is easily refuted, it has been a growing concern of mine that the whole idea of "family values" have been hijacked by the "far evangelical right". What is even more of a concern is that these folks that profess to be inspired by "faith" and "religious compassion" turn out to be nothing more than "used care salesmen of faith".
Let me backtrack a bit here because I REALLY don't want to be misunderstood by my family and friends who are devout practioners of faith. I think that you are being sold a bill of goods and you are confusing someone professing to be devout as being someone who stands for good. religious extremism is not the basis on which this country was founded. In fact, the country was founded in large part because of the religious intolerance that was commonplace in England. The founding fathers idea was that religion was a personal choice and should not be involved in government so much so that our landmark documents decree that there should be a separation between church and state. Granted most of the religious differences were those based upon Christian sects but there was no provision listed for excluding the practice of any religion. namely, you could worship as you wished and with the understanding that our country isn't a theocracy.
I was brough up Presbyterian.... Mom made us go to church for a while but we sort of fell out of it as a family. In all honesty, there wasn't one sermon, moment or memory that stayed with me throughout my youth that has stayed with me to these days after my time spent in the pews. My Bible School and Bible Camp experiences were tear enduring exercises due to my youthful naivete, which were enabled by Mom and Dad thru their moral and ethical notions of never being afraid of telling the truth. The reason that these experiences were so painful is that I never "saw God". Jesus did not touch me and due to my admittance that I did not "feel". I was then ostrasized because I never felt that "special calming touch or awe in his prescence or a sense of peace with myself". Maybe I was and still am defective. I don't know.
Since that time, I will freely admit that I have never been religious nor even curious about finding a spiritual comfort of turning myself and my troubles over to a higher power. I do believe that there are people who do have faith and that it is a powerful force for them and does provide them with comfort and direction in their lives. I freely acknowledge that there are many churches that provide comfort to the sick, a helping hand to the poor and aide to our elderly. Some go so far as to help educate our children, provide care to youngsters whose parents work and in some cases, aide to the downtrodden, be they here legally or not. On the whole, I believe that without religion, a tremendous underpinning of support in our society today would be sorely missing. The thing is, I'm not talking about those people.
What bothers me the most are those folks like Mr. Robertson and elected officials like Ms. Foxx and Ms. Bachmann and Senator Ensign and Govenor Sandford and those who pull their strings. These folks appear to have "religious agendas" of intolerance. They also seem to be imbued with a sense of do as I say, not as I do that I find to be incredibly hypocritical. In my brief time in church, I always thought that one of the main foundations of Christianity was to show tolerance of others. To lead by example of living a good life and being an example to others, in addition to the belief that one should "judge not, lest thou be judged". Most notably are these gentlemen associated with "the Family" who profess christian beliefs but are committing adultery, falsifying address information to live tax free, paying off former mistresses in order to make "the problem go away". I'm not saying that a man is not fallible, but it seems obtuse not to recognize that these are the same guys who railed so forcefully about the president should have resigned over his affair but when they commit the same crime feel that maybe that isn't the best idea after all. What I find most galling is the implication that if you don't stand with them then YOU aren't being a good christian.
It's getting to the point where I'm not sure which is worse, the duplicity of the "Christian Fundalmentalists" or the "Muslim" ones.
Let me backtrack a bit here because I REALLY don't want to be misunderstood by my family and friends who are devout practioners of faith. I think that you are being sold a bill of goods and you are confusing someone professing to be devout as being someone who stands for good. religious extremism is not the basis on which this country was founded. In fact, the country was founded in large part because of the religious intolerance that was commonplace in England. The founding fathers idea was that religion was a personal choice and should not be involved in government so much so that our landmark documents decree that there should be a separation between church and state. Granted most of the religious differences were those based upon Christian sects but there was no provision listed for excluding the practice of any religion. namely, you could worship as you wished and with the understanding that our country isn't a theocracy.
I was brough up Presbyterian.... Mom made us go to church for a while but we sort of fell out of it as a family. In all honesty, there wasn't one sermon, moment or memory that stayed with me throughout my youth that has stayed with me to these days after my time spent in the pews. My Bible School and Bible Camp experiences were tear enduring exercises due to my youthful naivete, which were enabled by Mom and Dad thru their moral and ethical notions of never being afraid of telling the truth. The reason that these experiences were so painful is that I never "saw God". Jesus did not touch me and due to my admittance that I did not "feel". I was then ostrasized because I never felt that "special calming touch or awe in his prescence or a sense of peace with myself". Maybe I was and still am defective. I don't know.
Since that time, I will freely admit that I have never been religious nor even curious about finding a spiritual comfort of turning myself and my troubles over to a higher power. I do believe that there are people who do have faith and that it is a powerful force for them and does provide them with comfort and direction in their lives. I freely acknowledge that there are many churches that provide comfort to the sick, a helping hand to the poor and aide to our elderly. Some go so far as to help educate our children, provide care to youngsters whose parents work and in some cases, aide to the downtrodden, be they here legally or not. On the whole, I believe that without religion, a tremendous underpinning of support in our society today would be sorely missing. The thing is, I'm not talking about those people.
What bothers me the most are those folks like Mr. Robertson and elected officials like Ms. Foxx and Ms. Bachmann and Senator Ensign and Govenor Sandford and those who pull their strings. These folks appear to have "religious agendas" of intolerance. They also seem to be imbued with a sense of do as I say, not as I do that I find to be incredibly hypocritical. In my brief time in church, I always thought that one of the main foundations of Christianity was to show tolerance of others. To lead by example of living a good life and being an example to others, in addition to the belief that one should "judge not, lest thou be judged". Most notably are these gentlemen associated with "the Family" who profess christian beliefs but are committing adultery, falsifying address information to live tax free, paying off former mistresses in order to make "the problem go away". I'm not saying that a man is not fallible, but it seems obtuse not to recognize that these are the same guys who railed so forcefully about the president should have resigned over his affair but when they commit the same crime feel that maybe that isn't the best idea after all. What I find most galling is the implication that if you don't stand with them then YOU aren't being a good christian.
It's getting to the point where I'm not sure which is worse, the duplicity of the "Christian Fundalmentalists" or the "Muslim" ones.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Jangle Pop All Stars
A very personal list of acts that I like, that promote vocal harmony, pop riffs and lyrical quality.
as always... your mileage may vary (remember, I'm a middle aged white guy so obviously I'm biased by simply being who I am despite my best attempts otherwise)
1) Wings of a Nightingale - written by Paul McCartney vocals by The Everly Brothers.
Man their voices soar and McCartney knew exactly who this song was for. This bad boy was lovingly produced and the acoustic guitar was meant to be the instrument of choice when these guys sing together. This song has a spiritual significance for me and makes me cry whenever I sing along to it. It is, simpy put, beautiful to listen to.
Other faves from this artist
Walk Right Back, When Will I Be Loved, Crying In The Rain, Claudette, Problems
Bird Dog, Wake Up Little Suzie
2) Someday, Someway - Marshall Crenshaw, from the album with the same title.
It just has the bouncy certain something, doesn't it? It's not altogether memorable yet it's definately unforgettable. It's the ultimate song that everyone knows and says, "Oh yeah! I like this song!". This is like the character actor that you can never remember his name, but you've seen him in just about every fifth movie that you have in your DVD collection.
Other great tunes from Marshall - Mary Jean, There and Back Again, Cynical Girl, Whenever You're On My Mind
3) Go All The Way - The Raspberries (1st Album, The Raspberries)
Sung from the "girl's" POV, those harmonies simply can't be beat and Wally Bryson is obviously a guitar deity. In fact, all of the guys work so well as a team it is downright scary. I can't find a flaw in the song and it still stands the test of time after all of these years.
Also note: I'm A Rocker, Hard To get Over A heartbreak, Drivin Around, I Wanna Be With You, Starting Over, Overnight Sensation
4) Cruel To be Kind - Nick Lowe (album - labour of lust)
There is so much of this mans music that speaks to me. He understands what it means to be a man, the lusts, longing, stupidity and heartbreak of it all. The guy can write a lyric and can vocalize on his own quite effectively tyvm. This effort from his Rockpile days was still a total kick in the head because there was nothing like this being played on the radio at the time.
Other Notable Nick Knacks - Love So Fine, Wishing Well, Endless Grey Ribbon, Maureen, Half A Boy and Half A Man, Stick It Where The Sun Don't Shine
5) Another Nail In My Heart - Squeeze (album - argybargy)
Most folks pine for Pulling Mussels, but that one didn't get me like this one did. I had a hard time choosing between this one and my other favorite, Messed Around. Some folks like their singles, which are pretty good, but I tended to like the stuff that was just outside of true Poppiness.
See: Messed Around, Labelled With Love, Goodbye Girl, Hourglass, Tempted
6) Girl of My Dreams - Bram Tchaikovsky (album - Braim Tchaikovsky)
Whenever you hear that opening rift, you say....yeah, who did THAT song? It was an early 80's college radio classic and well, the voices, the guitars it just drops me into that reverie that brings a smile to my face.
Bonus stuff: Letter From The USA, Strange Man, Changed Man
7) Starry Eyes - The Records
This was their best, they did other good stuff, but nothing compares to this. I gotta guess it's on 15% of all mix tapes made between 1979 and 1983.
8) Laugh Laugh - The Beau Brummels
We have to give a shout out to the origins of the genre. The blend of the voices and iconic music refrain make it wonderous. Plus any band that got a nod from the Flintstones, well you just gotta have 'em on the list somewhere.
Groundbreaking stuff: Just A Little, Don't Talk To Strangers
9) Inside Out - The Mighty Lemon Drops
This one just gets me. Sorry I can't write more about it, it's simple, clean and heartfelt.
10) She Goes Out With Everybody - The Spongetones
Happened across this bad boy when I cadged a copy of Poptopia 80's edition. Never regretted dropping that dime.
11) Going Down To Liverpool - The Bangles
yeah, so they were popular, but they weren't popular for this one. On this one, Ms. Peterson had the lead chops and she's good. Not to say that Ms. Hoffs couldn't sing, but the band sounds pretty tight backing her on this song.
12) Midnight To Six Man - The Inmates
Do you know these guys? Maybe the Dirty Water remake, maybe from The Walk? or parhaps I Thought I Heard a Heartbeat? Do yourself a favor, if you dig guys who have solid full R&B voices (Blue Eyed Soul perhaps) and a straight ahead tap your toes, bang your hand on the steering wheel stuff, find this band.
13) The Kind of Girl I Could Love - The Monkees
Cheesy, but then again, I'm not picking the normal singles here. I'm talking straight ahead, knock your socks off teenage yearning from the 60's, okay? Entitrely different stuff. I really liked most of the Nesmith compositions and it seems like the band enjoyed playing them too.
14) Ups and Downs - Paul Revere and The Raiders
this one was also difficult (and you'd think this far in, that I'd be making some headway on not having so many tough choices) but ultimately this is one of the best "I'm gonna tough it out and move on" songs that provides a blueprint for every young man, who has just had his heart stepped on, to be able to pick himself up and move on.
15) Day After Day - Badfinger
How can a song this good be this far down the list? Well maybe I screwed up, maybe it's simply a list and not a ranking, maybe I shouldn't quit my day job. I know this much, Pete Ham died way too freaking early and it angers me to this day that these guys never got the money that they deserved and that greed took them from us before they had a chance to write more incredible music
Please see: Baby Blue, No Matter What, We're For The Dark, Denis, Watford John
16) Monster of Love - Sparks
I have to admit, I rarely heard this on the radio, but it stayed with me in that seminal scene from Valley Girl, because love and most often lust, can strike at a moments notice.
17) I Got Loaded - Los Lobos
This band makes some of the best music, check out this one and others from them and decide for yourself.
Also listen to: Let's Say Goodnight and Go Home, Rosalee, Be Still
18) Tomorrow Night - Shoes
My favorite least known band of all time. Maybe if they had been on the scene three years earlier, who knows. Good lyrics, good music, and the band sounds clean and yet.... they made records and no one bought them, or at least no one else I knew did.
Other gems: She's Fatal, You're Imagination, Susan
19) It's Getting Harder All the Time - The Mindbenders
You remember that second song done by the band in the movie "To Sir With Love"? yeah that one, the one that actually sounded like it should be a seminal hit 60's song but never was, yeah that one that has Mr. Poitier dancing with Ms. Geeson? Well I found it and remembered it for you here. No need to thank me.
20) Too Bad - Doug and The Slugs
Anyone who can name an album Cognac and Balogna is alright by me.
For those that didn't make my list, it doesn't mean that I love you any less, so apologies to The Buckinghams, Gary Pucket and The Union Gap, The Romantics, The Smithereens, Holly and The Italians et al
as always... your mileage may vary (remember, I'm a middle aged white guy so obviously I'm biased by simply being who I am despite my best attempts otherwise)
1) Wings of a Nightingale - written by Paul McCartney vocals by The Everly Brothers.
Man their voices soar and McCartney knew exactly who this song was for. This bad boy was lovingly produced and the acoustic guitar was meant to be the instrument of choice when these guys sing together. This song has a spiritual significance for me and makes me cry whenever I sing along to it. It is, simpy put, beautiful to listen to.
Other faves from this artist
Walk Right Back, When Will I Be Loved, Crying In The Rain, Claudette, Problems
Bird Dog, Wake Up Little Suzie
2) Someday, Someway - Marshall Crenshaw, from the album with the same title.
It just has the bouncy certain something, doesn't it? It's not altogether memorable yet it's definately unforgettable. It's the ultimate song that everyone knows and says, "Oh yeah! I like this song!". This is like the character actor that you can never remember his name, but you've seen him in just about every fifth movie that you have in your DVD collection.
Other great tunes from Marshall - Mary Jean, There and Back Again, Cynical Girl, Whenever You're On My Mind
3) Go All The Way - The Raspberries (1st Album, The Raspberries)
Sung from the "girl's" POV, those harmonies simply can't be beat and Wally Bryson is obviously a guitar deity. In fact, all of the guys work so well as a team it is downright scary. I can't find a flaw in the song and it still stands the test of time after all of these years.
Also note: I'm A Rocker, Hard To get Over A heartbreak, Drivin Around, I Wanna Be With You, Starting Over, Overnight Sensation
4) Cruel To be Kind - Nick Lowe (album - labour of lust)
There is so much of this mans music that speaks to me. He understands what it means to be a man, the lusts, longing, stupidity and heartbreak of it all. The guy can write a lyric and can vocalize on his own quite effectively tyvm. This effort from his Rockpile days was still a total kick in the head because there was nothing like this being played on the radio at the time.
Other Notable Nick Knacks - Love So Fine, Wishing Well, Endless Grey Ribbon, Maureen, Half A Boy and Half A Man, Stick It Where The Sun Don't Shine
5) Another Nail In My Heart - Squeeze (album - argybargy)
Most folks pine for Pulling Mussels, but that one didn't get me like this one did. I had a hard time choosing between this one and my other favorite, Messed Around. Some folks like their singles, which are pretty good, but I tended to like the stuff that was just outside of true Poppiness.
See: Messed Around, Labelled With Love, Goodbye Girl, Hourglass, Tempted
6) Girl of My Dreams - Bram Tchaikovsky (album - Braim Tchaikovsky)
Whenever you hear that opening rift, you say....yeah, who did THAT song? It was an early 80's college radio classic and well, the voices, the guitars it just drops me into that reverie that brings a smile to my face.
Bonus stuff: Letter From The USA, Strange Man, Changed Man
7) Starry Eyes - The Records
This was their best, they did other good stuff, but nothing compares to this. I gotta guess it's on 15% of all mix tapes made between 1979 and 1983.
8) Laugh Laugh - The Beau Brummels
We have to give a shout out to the origins of the genre. The blend of the voices and iconic music refrain make it wonderous. Plus any band that got a nod from the Flintstones, well you just gotta have 'em on the list somewhere.
Groundbreaking stuff: Just A Little, Don't Talk To Strangers
9) Inside Out - The Mighty Lemon Drops
This one just gets me. Sorry I can't write more about it, it's simple, clean and heartfelt.
10) She Goes Out With Everybody - The Spongetones
Happened across this bad boy when I cadged a copy of Poptopia 80's edition. Never regretted dropping that dime.
11) Going Down To Liverpool - The Bangles
yeah, so they were popular, but they weren't popular for this one. On this one, Ms. Peterson had the lead chops and she's good. Not to say that Ms. Hoffs couldn't sing, but the band sounds pretty tight backing her on this song.
12) Midnight To Six Man - The Inmates
Do you know these guys? Maybe the Dirty Water remake, maybe from The Walk? or parhaps I Thought I Heard a Heartbeat? Do yourself a favor, if you dig guys who have solid full R&B voices (Blue Eyed Soul perhaps) and a straight ahead tap your toes, bang your hand on the steering wheel stuff, find this band.
13) The Kind of Girl I Could Love - The Monkees
Cheesy, but then again, I'm not picking the normal singles here. I'm talking straight ahead, knock your socks off teenage yearning from the 60's, okay? Entitrely different stuff. I really liked most of the Nesmith compositions and it seems like the band enjoyed playing them too.
14) Ups and Downs - Paul Revere and The Raiders
this one was also difficult (and you'd think this far in, that I'd be making some headway on not having so many tough choices) but ultimately this is one of the best "I'm gonna tough it out and move on" songs that provides a blueprint for every young man, who has just had his heart stepped on, to be able to pick himself up and move on.
15) Day After Day - Badfinger
How can a song this good be this far down the list? Well maybe I screwed up, maybe it's simply a list and not a ranking, maybe I shouldn't quit my day job. I know this much, Pete Ham died way too freaking early and it angers me to this day that these guys never got the money that they deserved and that greed took them from us before they had a chance to write more incredible music
Please see: Baby Blue, No Matter What, We're For The Dark, Denis, Watford John
16) Monster of Love - Sparks
I have to admit, I rarely heard this on the radio, but it stayed with me in that seminal scene from Valley Girl, because love and most often lust, can strike at a moments notice.
17) I Got Loaded - Los Lobos
This band makes some of the best music, check out this one and others from them and decide for yourself.
Also listen to: Let's Say Goodnight and Go Home, Rosalee, Be Still
18) Tomorrow Night - Shoes
My favorite least known band of all time. Maybe if they had been on the scene three years earlier, who knows. Good lyrics, good music, and the band sounds clean and yet.... they made records and no one bought them, or at least no one else I knew did.
Other gems: She's Fatal, You're Imagination, Susan
19) It's Getting Harder All the Time - The Mindbenders
You remember that second song done by the band in the movie "To Sir With Love"? yeah that one, the one that actually sounded like it should be a seminal hit 60's song but never was, yeah that one that has Mr. Poitier dancing with Ms. Geeson? Well I found it and remembered it for you here. No need to thank me.
20) Too Bad - Doug and The Slugs
Anyone who can name an album Cognac and Balogna is alright by me.
For those that didn't make my list, it doesn't mean that I love you any less, so apologies to The Buckinghams, Gary Pucket and The Union Gap, The Romantics, The Smithereens, Holly and The Italians et al
ya gotta have "progress" before you get "progressive"
While having a looksee over at The Daily Kos, I entered into an ogoing thread discussion with someone who was feeling frustrated with our President and the rate of "change" that was being enacted on our behalf. The frustration was most evident on the lack of "fierce advocacy" that had been enacted by the President and his staff in failing to move more quickly on the removal of DADT policy and the lack of support that was issued on behalf of the Maine proposition to rescind the gay marriage status.
This is not a cut and dried solution set, while I hate being an apologist, I also have to be a realist, at least when it comes to implementing progressive agenda items because I don't believe that the rest of the country has "caught up to us" or in fact believes as we do, despite our passion about believing what we think is the best course of action. So to sum up, I want to reiterate what out newest president was up against as soon as the electoral college indicated that he was the President-Elect.
There's little arguement that he hit the ground running in gathering a staff and getting up to speed on the challenges that were laid in front of him. Unfortunately, we can characterize the feeling from those voted out as being surly at best.
So, as a gentle reminder, let's remember what he had on his plate, when he walked through the door.
1) The close aversion of the financial meltdown of the western world, unfortunately, the previous administration passed this boondoggle with nary a string or a caveat that would prevent these guys from doing it again or voting themselves huge bonuses for a job well done!
2) Yet the same guys that made sure that we gave these financial wizards carte blanche screamed bloody murder at the bailout of the auto-industry which was a tenth of the size of the bailout of the financial institutions and only then it was after getting concessions from the unions about pay rates. Hey at least THEY MAKE SOMETHING! Welcome to the office Mr. President!
3) Two wars, neither of which had the support of the American public at the time that he was elected
4) A bunch of terrorists left on a base in Cuba, the majority of whom are most likely bad guys, but there was this lil issue about us ingnorning the Geneva Convention rgarding the treatment of prisoners and our refusal to put them into the American system of justice. But they're so bad, they can only be kept in a prison in Cuba, but not the US, but we're not gonna try them and oh by the way, we tortured the crap out of a good many of them, but we lost the tapes and no, we can't have what they know brought up in a trial.... So now we have a crap sandwhich of monumental proportions and the Republicans left town with an "I dare you to prosecute us for war crimes while we wrap ourselves in the American flag" while at the same time ignoring all that America stands for (or at least what I thought it stands for).
5) The attempted trial balloon of the repeal of DADT that fell like wet laundry when he pitched it to the military. The rank and file don't seem to care, anyone willing to man the post appears to be okay with them, but the old school guys at the top can't wrap their heads around it.
6) Finallizing a game plan that allows him to pull our collective chestnuts out of Iraq and figuring out how not to get them burned in Afghanistan.
7) Having 200+ appointments to federal jobs still in limbo waiting on confirmation and the wheels of confirmation to turn. 54 of them alone in the Senate held up by Republicans just because they can. Part of this is due to the adventures of the previous administrations who for some reason couldn't keep themselves from hiring illegal immigrants to watch the kids and clean their houses, so the vetting process is now much longer than it used to be.
8) Finding a nice moderate judge to name to the SCOTUS
9) dealing with the outrage and pique of the right on everything he said and did, which at first was simply childish and has evolved to the point where they've neglected decorum so much that he's dealing with catcalls during national addresses and being called everything from not even being a citizen to a nazi to a communist and a socilist and depicted as The Joker, Hitler and a witch doctor.
10) His repeated attempts to be bipartisan in the first six months of his administration and in return, his appointees are backlogged and each attempt to be open handed, most especially on health care, is met with such ridicule from the right that if he said that water was wet, there would be a panel formed to determine what right does he have to make such an outrageous statement.
So considering what he's up against, I think we should be patient. He warned us all that this would be a hard slog. While he's not been a good advocate of LGBT rights, I want to wait and see if he gets his act together with more time under his belt.
This is not a cut and dried solution set, while I hate being an apologist, I also have to be a realist, at least when it comes to implementing progressive agenda items because I don't believe that the rest of the country has "caught up to us" or in fact believes as we do, despite our passion about believing what we think is the best course of action. So to sum up, I want to reiterate what out newest president was up against as soon as the electoral college indicated that he was the President-Elect.
There's little arguement that he hit the ground running in gathering a staff and getting up to speed on the challenges that were laid in front of him. Unfortunately, we can characterize the feeling from those voted out as being surly at best.
So, as a gentle reminder, let's remember what he had on his plate, when he walked through the door.
1) The close aversion of the financial meltdown of the western world, unfortunately, the previous administration passed this boondoggle with nary a string or a caveat that would prevent these guys from doing it again or voting themselves huge bonuses for a job well done!
2) Yet the same guys that made sure that we gave these financial wizards carte blanche screamed bloody murder at the bailout of the auto-industry which was a tenth of the size of the bailout of the financial institutions and only then it was after getting concessions from the unions about pay rates. Hey at least THEY MAKE SOMETHING! Welcome to the office Mr. President!
3) Two wars, neither of which had the support of the American public at the time that he was elected
4) A bunch of terrorists left on a base in Cuba, the majority of whom are most likely bad guys, but there was this lil issue about us ingnorning the Geneva Convention rgarding the treatment of prisoners and our refusal to put them into the American system of justice. But they're so bad, they can only be kept in a prison in Cuba, but not the US, but we're not gonna try them and oh by the way, we tortured the crap out of a good many of them, but we lost the tapes and no, we can't have what they know brought up in a trial.... So now we have a crap sandwhich of monumental proportions and the Republicans left town with an "I dare you to prosecute us for war crimes while we wrap ourselves in the American flag" while at the same time ignoring all that America stands for (or at least what I thought it stands for).
5) The attempted trial balloon of the repeal of DADT that fell like wet laundry when he pitched it to the military. The rank and file don't seem to care, anyone willing to man the post appears to be okay with them, but the old school guys at the top can't wrap their heads around it.
6) Finallizing a game plan that allows him to pull our collective chestnuts out of Iraq and figuring out how not to get them burned in Afghanistan.
7) Having 200+ appointments to federal jobs still in limbo waiting on confirmation and the wheels of confirmation to turn. 54 of them alone in the Senate held up by Republicans just because they can. Part of this is due to the adventures of the previous administrations who for some reason couldn't keep themselves from hiring illegal immigrants to watch the kids and clean their houses, so the vetting process is now much longer than it used to be.
8) Finding a nice moderate judge to name to the SCOTUS
9) dealing with the outrage and pique of the right on everything he said and did, which at first was simply childish and has evolved to the point where they've neglected decorum so much that he's dealing with catcalls during national addresses and being called everything from not even being a citizen to a nazi to a communist and a socilist and depicted as The Joker, Hitler and a witch doctor.
10) His repeated attempts to be bipartisan in the first six months of his administration and in return, his appointees are backlogged and each attempt to be open handed, most especially on health care, is met with such ridicule from the right that if he said that water was wet, there would be a panel formed to determine what right does he have to make such an outrageous statement.
So considering what he's up against, I think we should be patient. He warned us all that this would be a hard slog. While he's not been a good advocate of LGBT rights, I want to wait and see if he gets his act together with more time under his belt.
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