In-Progress

At the beginning of the month, like the beginning of the past two Novembers, I set out to complete the novel challenge. And like the previous two Novembers, I failed. But unlike the last two years, I haven't had to abandon projects due to other obligations. And unlike the previous years, I split my time working on two projects, which didn't contribute to accomplishing the goal. However, progress was made on both and both continue to move forward, which isn't something I could say when the calendar flipped to December before.

Sometimes, I think we need to look at accomplishments in increments. Progress is, in itself, an accomplishment.

Weekend Music Roundup (Black & White Edition)

It's the weekend and this time around, the Roundup took on an unexpected theme. As I was putting it together, I realized how many records that were waiting for a review featured Black & White cover art. The range of music goes from hard rock, noise rock, folk, and jazz, but the covers are all colorless. Some new releases on here that I'd been excited for, and some wonderful discoveries as well. Hopefully you'll find something to check out. Enjoy.

Richard Swift - The Hex: One of my favorite songwriters of the previous decade, I was saddened when Swift passed away over the summer. Though he'd been active with The Arcs, this is the first solo release of his work in nine years. It was certainly worth the wait and stands proudly along his best works. Swift had a way of bringing a 70's blue eyed soul sound like Boz Scaggs and combining it with current indie singer songwriter sentiments to create something that was loving, warm, and yet heartbreaking at the same time. "Sister Song," "Selfishmath," and "Dirty Jim" are my personal favorites. 

Marriages - Salome: This the only full length release from the L.A. based noise rock band, though it was released in 2015, it has recently been re-released and I decided to check it out. While listening to it, I thought, "Wow, this is great...it sounds like Emma Ruth Rundle" only to find out that it is Emma! And then I found out that Emma is also the voice of another band that I love, The Nocturnes. There's something about the vulnerable darkness of her work that I find incredible, something akin to Katie Jane Garside (Daisy Chainsaw and Queenadreena). I've really been digging this record and love hearing her voice with more of a noise rock feel. 

Tom Petty - An American Treasure: This boxset was set into motion almost immediately after Tom's death last year and features a wealth of unreleased and rare material. I've always respected Petty's work, even if he's often a hit or miss for me. The songs of his that I love, I really love. The one's I don't love, I still find to be alright. He's always been a poor man's Bob Dylan in some respects, but he owned that and that's what makes it work. There's lots of great stuff on here, but listening to this definitely made me aware of what my Petty limit is. I like him in much smaller doses than this lengthy box set. 

Pearl Jam - Greatest Songs: I've never considered myself a Pearl Jam fan, though they've always had songs that I've liked here and there. They were just too based in classic rock for my tastes back in the day. My tastes have changed over the years, and recently, I've been digging their songs when they come on the radio. This compilation is one of those bootleg comps that have been going around for pretty much every band and I figured it was worth checking out. As it's titled "Greatest Songs" there's no real reason to list tracks, but though I knew there were a bunch I liked, I was surprised by how many great tunes that I wasn't familiar with, and how many more there were that I knew and liked. I was also struck by how much I was reminded of The Doors while listening to this album. 

Charlie Parker - New Bird: Hi Hat Broadcasts: Recorded in 1953, two years before the legendary sax man's death, this captures a live performance from the Hi Hat Club in Boston. Jazz, more than other genres for me, is usually best when recorded live. I think that's because each time, the piece is different. Jazz is organic. There's no wonder why Parker was considered the definition of "cool" with the smooth way he tackles a groove and bends it.   "Now's the Time," "Ornithology," and "Groovin' High" are standouts for me from this set.  

It's Not Harmless...It Means Something.

I saw the above image circulating on social media and it made me pause. Before I had a daughter, I don't think I would've given it a second thought, and that's part of the problem. Having a daughter has made me think about gender equality in entirely different ways. 

Had this said "intelligent" or "caring" or "strong", I would've shared it without thought. Though I do think my daughter is beautiful (every parent does), I don't want her to grow up thinking beauty is the only attribute worth having. Too often we teach our daughters that beauty is the most important thing. Fairy tales teach that as well. I recently wrote a research paper on gender stereotypes in Fairy tales, and one lesson that most of them teach girls is that beauty is the most powerful gift a girl can have. And as I watch my daughter get sucked into the Disney Princess marketing machine, I've been trying extra hard to counter that message. 

This week, over 100 women were elected to Congress...not because they were beautiful, but because they are smart, compassionate, and strong leaders. Those are the qualities that matter most. And while I do tell my daughter that she's beautiful, I tell her that she is smart at least ten times more often. I know there are people out there who will think I'm making too big of a deal out of something so harmless, but I disagree. All of these "harmless" things add up and multiply and help to reinforce the traditional gender roles that have never benefited women. I want better for my daughter and her friends.

Weekend Music Roundup

There's no doubt that Autumn is finally here to stay on this wet and chilly day. After Halloween ends, and before Christmas, this is the time when I really like to listen to the kind of music that fits a grey day. With that mood in mind, this week features some new releases and older albums that fit that feel for me. Some favorite artists have new albums on here, some that really surprised me. Hopefully you'll find something worth staying indoors for on the list. Enjoy.

Cat Power - Wanderer: It's been six years since the pioneer indie singer songwriter's last album, but thankfully she's returned with her tenth album. I was expecting something very good, simply because all of her albums have been really good, but this one really grabbed me in a way that her best work has. It so heartbreakingly honest and genuine, the way indie folk rock is supposed to be. "You Get," "Woman," and "Black" are standouts, though honestly, there isn't a bad song on here. 

Richard Ashcroft - Natural Rebel: The Verve frontman's fifth solo album sees a return to his attempts over a decade ago to capture the soul vibe of Marvin Gaye, albeit in a pop rock vein. As a long time devotee to his work, I have mixed reactions to these attempts, finding myself wishing for more of his Britpop roots to show through. Given that, it always takes me a few listens to wrap my head around this direction of his work, which is certainly worthy, just not always my cup of tea. That said, I do enjoy this album. "Birds Fly," "Surprised by the Joy," "Born to Be Strangers," "Streets of Amersterdam," and "Money Money" are my personal favorites. 

The Magic Numbers - Outsiders: It's been 13 years since this London band of sibling pairs released their first album. This past spring, they released their fifth, and while it's still a pleasant indie pop sound that they've always had, they definitely move toward a country rock sound here, or at least incorporate country rock influences. I enjoyed this album and the Fleetwood Mac vibe it gives off. "Ride Against the Wind," "Sweet Divide," and "Dreamer" are my personal favorites.

Count Basie - Basie's Best!: This compilation was released in 1967 and features recordings from throughout the NJ native's long career. This is Big Band music and swings from start to finish. I love his piano work and the crazy rhythms that he produces from the keys. "Red Band Boogie," "It's Sand, Man!," "The Mad Boogie," and "Taps Miller" are my personal favorites.  

The Skygreen Leopards - The Jingling World of the Skygreen Leopards: This new release from the S.F. psychedelic folk band is a compilation of their first two self-released albums from 2001 (I Dreamt She Rode on a Pink Gazelle & Other Dreams and The Story of the Green Lamb & The Jerusalem Priestess). I have both of those digitally, but I'm sure glad this has seen the light of day on vinyl. The band is in raw form, dreaming of a lo-fi psych sound that has gained prominence, but was certainly fringe back then. A great way from people to check out a band that hasn't released anything in four years.

They Want You Scared...Very Scared!

It's nothing new, it's an old story...election time comes around and the Grand Ole Populists want to scare up your vote. Literally. This cycle, the Republicans don't want voters to focus on the past two years in which they've controlled the governing branches of the government and have nothing to show for it except a huge tax cut for the rich that will bankrupt this country in eight years. Oh, and two wildly unpopular Supreme Court justices.

Remember Paul Ryan's promise of a unified Republican government? What has it gotten us? The answer is: two years of constant chaos from the executive branch. A dramatic decline in global standing. Rollbacks in environmental protections designed to benefit big industry at the expense of our air and water and future. A sharp rise in racism, fascism, and hatred. A trade war. A warming up to dictators and a cooling toward historical allies. And several (thankfully) defeated attempts to destroy the Affordable Care Act.

Not a great record to run on. That means it's time to bring out the fear. Let's talk about a caravan, let's inflate the numbers, let's falsely claim there are "Middle Easterners" in it. Let's deploy thousands of troops to the border at the cost of 150 million in tax money. Let's play to the suddenly comfortable racism of Republican voters to turn them out to vote. Let's lie. Let's lie. Let's lie!!!

I'm looking forward to voting and showing them that their fear doesn't work any longer. Please join me.