In Snake's Collection
None, so sad!
Hey, I Know Those Guys
Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain - Pavement & Darkland - The Jesus And Mary Chain
I got a different album by each of these bands given to me once. I remember not being blown away, but still digging the The Jesus and Mary Chain a little bit more than Pavement. I think they were given to they supposedly sounded like Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, or something about they were like the Pumpkins or some crap like that. I think I threw away the CDs the other weekend when I cleaned out my collection if that tells you anything.
The Rest
Damaged - Black Flag
Whenever I hear the name Black Flag anymore, I think of the Ataris cover of 'Boys of Summer' where they changed the line from Deadhead sticker to Black Flag sticker on a Cadillac. I think I could really like this album. But it seems to me that Henry Rollins wishes he was Iggy Pop. But the dude knows his stuff and I definitely wouldn't wanna meet him in a dark alley.
The Dandy Warhols Come Down - The Dandy Warhols
Here is my thoughts on what Red posted. This one makes it because this is what the Warhols were known for. I haven't heard but snippets of this album, but that is what I read from the big fans. 13 Tales doesn't make it because according to the true Dandy fans, they sold out making that album. The head of the band basically said he set out to make a tribute to the classic rock album where the whole album was the main focus, not any particular song (which he nailed). But to the fans, they read that as selling out cause he made music people wanted to hear, not what he wanted to make. It doesn't quite make sense, but maybe if you were with them from the beginning, it might. It seems more to me that they just kinda flow from one sound to the next, because the follow up, "Welcome To The Monkey House" sounded pretty different from 13 Tales.
Da Capo - Love
I see how The Doors opened for these guys. I listened to excerpts on ITunes and they basically sound like the Doors but without the Charisma that was Jim Morrison. Kinda of like that grooving 60's sound that was pretty mellow and had that druggy feel to it.
Crosby, Stills and Nash - Crosby, Stills and Nash
I would add 'Wooden Ships' to the list of great songs. They played it at Woodstock and that is where I know it from.
SNUBS:
None, this was a weird week.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
1001 Albums (176-190): Crocodiles - Darkness on the Edge of Town
Note: Another pretty blah week. But do not fret, next week promises to deliver the best group we've had in awhile and the best group we'll probably get out of the "Ds."
In Red’s Collection
I thought I might break this string this week. Oh, well.
Red’s Shameless Plug
The Dandy Warhols Come Down (1997) by The Dandy Warhols
I am going to plug this album even though I’ve never heard it. I love the Warhols later album “13 Tales of Urban Bohemia” which somehow is left out to this book. Listen to this band, it’s 60s meets 90s. “Come down” is the Warhols second album. I haven’t ever checked out their earlier stuff.
No Doubt About It
Crosby, Stills and Nash (1969) by Crosby, Stills and Nash
One song an album does not make a great album – Suite: Judy Blue Eyes – nearly disproves that theory. I don’t know much else from this album, but it sparked a decade of music from this group that later incorporated Neil Young.
Darkness on the Edge of Town (1978) by Bruce Springsteen
All of Springsteen’s albums seemed to be title at the beginning of the alphabet too. This is the long awaited follow up to Born to Run. It’s a dark commentary on small town life. I don’t have this album, but probably should give a listen at some point
Not Sure Where This Goes
Damaged (1981) by Black Flag
Everyone likes to talk about Black Flag as an important band. If I’ve heard any of their stuff, I don’t remember it. Henry Rollins is a pretty crazy guy, so I would bet that this is pretty intense stuff.
Remember That One Time
Cyprus Hill (1991) by Cyprus Hill
The stuff that I’ve heard from Cyrpus Hill is funky and usually quite humorous. They were a staple of the early 90s hip hop scene.
Dare (1981) by The Human League
This album was playing in the apartment where Lester Bangs (music journalist) was found dead. I am not saying anything, but listen at your own risk. Everyone knows “Don’t You Want Me Baby,” if for no other reason that’s its been in Cookie commercials lately.
Best band name of the week
Crocodiles (1980) by Echo and the Bunnymen
This doesn’t even sound too bad. Echo was what they named the drum machine they used before they actually started using a drummer.
The Best of the Rest
Crossing the Red Sea With The Adverts (1978) by the Adverts
This was a punk band that missed the first big wave of English punk. Thus, they were sort of overlooked at their time. Looking back, this as good as the other punk that came before them.
The Rest
Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain (1994) by Pavement
It seems like I should know this band, but I haven’t recognized any of the songs. It’s pretty standard Indy Rock from the Mid 90s.
Cupid and the Psyche 85 (1985) by Scritti Politti
Very weird 80s dancing music. I’ll pass.
Cut (1979) by The Slits
Girl punk band that cut its teeth by touring with the Sex Pistols.
Da Capo (1967) by Love
The Doors opened for this band. Sounds like the album’s songs are either kind of cool or really bad.
Dance Mania, Vol. 1 (1958) by Tito Puente and His Orchestra
Puente is the king of Mamba. This the album that introduced to the entire world. He also made an appearance on the Simpsons.
Darkdancer (1999) by Les Rythmes Digitales
They call this Europop. Hah.
Darklands (1987) by The Jesus and Mary Chain
Well, they tell me this group saved 80s rock ‘n roll. OK then.
.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Snakes Encore: The College Dropout - Crime of the Century
Note: I hope everyone had a good holiday weekend. Just wanted to say that to point out the late entry. :)
In Snake's Collection
Cosmo's Factory - CCR
This is CCR's defining moment. Every song on this album is amazing and it almost reads like a Greatest Hits. In fact counting the track list again, 7 of the 11 songs on this album appear on Chronicles, the official greatest hits. 3 of the 4 remaining tracks are good covers of older blues songs and 'Ramble Tamble' kicks off the album with a bang. The cover always makes me laugh, too. Like some weird 60's back room and the photographer snapped a candid of the band goofing off. I dunno, it has always just struck me as funny. If Greatest Hits didn't exist, everyone would have this album.
Jolly Good Show
CrazySexyCool - TLC
This album was every where. 'Waterfalls' is a good song and was a big hit for the group. Even if the group isn't your cup of tea, it is hard to not get caught up in some of their grooves.
Crime of the Century - Supertramp
While not the overall success that "Breakfast In America" was, this album is probably their critical success and height of their progressive rock roots. 'Bloody Well Right' is a good tune. Personally, I don't understand how this is on a list and BIA isn't. I guess this author/editor is a prog rock purest and just plain forgot about it. Maybe it is just me.
Is There A Connection Here?
Countdown to Ecstasy - Steely Dan
Why is like every Steely Dan album titled in the letters A or C? I won't give this one the recommendation of "Can't Buy A Thrill", but I like the songs on here better than "Aja". 'My Old School' is a pretty good song that is believed to be in reference to an arrest back in Fagan's college days.
Overrated
The College Dropout - Kanye West
Autotune is like the new movement of disco music. Computers ruining the industry and making it easier for people who can't sing but look good and put on a good show to be famous. That is fine as long as you label them an entertainer, not a sing. Kanye can't sing and is one of the biggest overrated pieces of crap out there today. There I said my peace.
Noteworthy Misses
The Colour and The Shape - Foo Fighters
This was the break through for the Fighters. 'My Hero', 'Monkey Wrench', and 'Everlong' highlight this very good album.
Countdown to Extinction - Megadeth
'Symphony of Destruction' alone probably merits this album to the list. It is a good time all around and most of the songs are cries out against something bad in the world.
Cowboys From Hell - Pantera
Technically their fifth album, it is usually considered at their debut due to the new direction they took as a band moving from glam metal in the 80's to heavier metal that would define their career. 'Cemetery Gates', 'Domination' and the title track are must listens. I don't care if Metal ain't your bag. Dime-bag Darrell was still known as Diamond Darrell (RIP).
Cracked Rearview Mirror - Hootie & The Blowfish
This was a smash hit in the early 90's and is kind of a staple of the times. 'Let Her Cry', 'Hold My Hand' and 'Only Wanna Be With You' highlight this very good album that forever have people referring to Daruis Rucker as Hootie.
In Snake's Collection
Cosmo's Factory - CCR
This is CCR's defining moment. Every song on this album is amazing and it almost reads like a Greatest Hits. In fact counting the track list again, 7 of the 11 songs on this album appear on Chronicles, the official greatest hits. 3 of the 4 remaining tracks are good covers of older blues songs and 'Ramble Tamble' kicks off the album with a bang. The cover always makes me laugh, too. Like some weird 60's back room and the photographer snapped a candid of the band goofing off. I dunno, it has always just struck me as funny. If Greatest Hits didn't exist, everyone would have this album.
Jolly Good Show
CrazySexyCool - TLC
This album was every where. 'Waterfalls' is a good song and was a big hit for the group. Even if the group isn't your cup of tea, it is hard to not get caught up in some of their grooves.
Crime of the Century - Supertramp
While not the overall success that "Breakfast In America" was, this album is probably their critical success and height of their progressive rock roots. 'Bloody Well Right' is a good tune. Personally, I don't understand how this is on a list and BIA isn't. I guess this author/editor is a prog rock purest and just plain forgot about it. Maybe it is just me.
Is There A Connection Here?
Countdown to Ecstasy - Steely Dan
Why is like every Steely Dan album titled in the letters A or C? I won't give this one the recommendation of "Can't Buy A Thrill", but I like the songs on here better than "Aja". 'My Old School' is a pretty good song that is believed to be in reference to an arrest back in Fagan's college days.
Overrated
The College Dropout - Kanye West
Autotune is like the new movement of disco music. Computers ruining the industry and making it easier for people who can't sing but look good and put on a good show to be famous. That is fine as long as you label them an entertainer, not a sing. Kanye can't sing and is one of the biggest overrated pieces of crap out there today. There I said my peace.
Noteworthy Misses
The Colour and The Shape - Foo Fighters
This was the break through for the Fighters. 'My Hero', 'Monkey Wrench', and 'Everlong' highlight this very good album.
Countdown to Extinction - Megadeth
'Symphony of Destruction' alone probably merits this album to the list. It is a good time all around and most of the songs are cries out against something bad in the world.
Cowboys From Hell - Pantera
Technically their fifth album, it is usually considered at their debut due to the new direction they took as a band moving from glam metal in the 80's to heavier metal that would define their career. 'Cemetery Gates', 'Domination' and the title track are must listens. I don't care if Metal ain't your bag. Dime-bag Darrell was still known as Diamond Darrell (RIP).
Cracked Rearview Mirror - Hootie & The Blowfish
This was a smash hit in the early 90's and is kind of a staple of the times. 'Let Her Cry', 'Hold My Hand' and 'Only Wanna Be With You' highlight this very good album that forever have people referring to Daruis Rucker as Hootie.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
1001 Albums (161-175): The College Dropout - Crime Of The Century
Note: I didn't have a lot of motivation for this group and I had even less time. I'll let Snake handle any indepth analysis that I missed. We finish of the "Cs" next week and dive into the "Ds."
Red's Shameless Plug
Come Away With Me (2002) by Norah Jones
This is an awesome album that I heard hundreds of times when I worked for a school. We popped this in because it was relaxing. It grew on me, and someday, I’ll probably add it to the collection. I always forget Jones is the daughter of Ravi Shankar, but it seems like everyone is related to that guy.
No Doubt About It
Cosmo’s Factory (1970) by Creedence Clearwater Revival
This is the fifth of six albums released in a 2 ½ year span by CCR. No shortage of greats from their cover “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” to “Looking Out my Backdoor” and Vietnam era anthems “Run Through the Jungle” and “Who’ll Stop the Rain.”
CrazySexyCool (1994) by TLC
TLC turned it up here from teen band to a group of girls with some attitude and some things to say. I’ve never been a big fan of their music, but it does have lasting importance. They’d probably still knocking out hits if Left Eye had not died.
Not sure where these go
The College Dropout (2004) by Kanye West
The solo debut of probably the biggest act around right now. I always found him to be a little too pompous for my tastes.
Crime of the Century (1974) by Supertramp
I don’t know much from this album. Snakester seemed to have an ax to grind when Supertramp was left off earlier in this list, maybe he can enlighten us.
Remember That One Time
Colour By Numbers (1983) Culture Club
Well it’s Boy George. It’s “Karma Chameleon.” It’s a lot of 80s nonsense.
Enough Already
Countdown to Ecstasy (1973) by Steely Dan
I still don’t have much to say about Steely Dan. I also didn’t recognize any of the songs they mentioned on this album.
Court and Spark (1974) by Joni Mitchell
I’d say this on par with the other Joni Mitchell’s we’ve seen already on this list.
The Rest
The Colour of Spring (1986) by Talk Talk
This synthesizer steeped band did a 180 and made a traditional rock album. That’s about all I got to say.
Connected (1992) by Stereo MCs
Here’s some more rap from the UK. This book seems to love those kind of guys.
The Contino Sessions (1999) by Death in Vegas
Well here’s a UK band in the mold of the Chemical Brothers. I wasn’t a big fan of that band, not sure I’d get into this either.
Copper Blue (1992) by Sugar
Ahhh. We’re stuck in 90s bands that I’ve never heard of. This is the lead singer from Husker Du. Jump up and down if that inspires you.
The Coral (2002) by the Coral
UK bands galore. What's up with that.
Country Life (1974) by Roxy Music
One last UK band. The best part of this album seems to be the album cover. Check it out, if you get a chance.
In Red's Collection
This is getting embarrassing.
Red's Shameless Plug
Come Away With Me (2002) by Norah Jones
This is an awesome album that I heard hundreds of times when I worked for a school. We popped this in because it was relaxing. It grew on me, and someday, I’ll probably add it to the collection. I always forget Jones is the daughter of Ravi Shankar, but it seems like everyone is related to that guy.
No Doubt About It
Cosmo’s Factory (1970) by Creedence Clearwater Revival
This is the fifth of six albums released in a 2 ½ year span by CCR. No shortage of greats from their cover “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” to “Looking Out my Backdoor” and Vietnam era anthems “Run Through the Jungle” and “Who’ll Stop the Rain.”
CrazySexyCool (1994) by TLC
TLC turned it up here from teen band to a group of girls with some attitude and some things to say. I’ve never been a big fan of their music, but it does have lasting importance. They’d probably still knocking out hits if Left Eye had not died.
Not sure where these go
The College Dropout (2004) by Kanye West
The solo debut of probably the biggest act around right now. I always found him to be a little too pompous for my tastes.
Crime of the Century (1974) by Supertramp
I don’t know much from this album. Snakester seemed to have an ax to grind when Supertramp was left off earlier in this list, maybe he can enlighten us.
Remember That One Time
Colour By Numbers (1983) Culture Club
Well it’s Boy George. It’s “Karma Chameleon.” It’s a lot of 80s nonsense.
Enough Already
Countdown to Ecstasy (1973) by Steely Dan
I still don’t have much to say about Steely Dan. I also didn’t recognize any of the songs they mentioned on this album.
Court and Spark (1974) by Joni Mitchell
I’d say this on par with the other Joni Mitchell’s we’ve seen already on this list.
The Rest
The Colour of Spring (1986) by Talk Talk
This synthesizer steeped band did a 180 and made a traditional rock album. That’s about all I got to say.
Connected (1992) by Stereo MCs
Here’s some more rap from the UK. This book seems to love those kind of guys.
The Contino Sessions (1999) by Death in Vegas
Well here’s a UK band in the mold of the Chemical Brothers. I wasn’t a big fan of that band, not sure I’d get into this either.
Copper Blue (1992) by Sugar
Ahhh. We’re stuck in 90s bands that I’ve never heard of. This is the lead singer from Husker Du. Jump up and down if that inspires you.
The Coral (2002) by the Coral
UK bands galore. What's up with that.
Country Life (1974) by Roxy Music
One last UK band. The best part of this album seems to be the album cover. Check it out, if you get a chance.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Snakes Encore: Chicago Transit Authority - Coat of Many Colors
In Snake's Collection:
Chocolate Starfish And The Hot Dog Flavored Water - Limp Bizkit
Surprised right? I actually got this album from a friend when we traded music. This album can really go either way when you look at it. Some people truly hate it and others love it, obviously since it made this book. My experience has been kind of surprising with this album. Not long ago I was trying to clean up some of my music that was listed on my computer. So, I gave this a listen to see if I wanted to keep it or not. And some how it is still on my Ipod. I would say there are some surprises here. It isn't all the rap metal they started with; there is some growth on this album. Wes Borland plays some very interesting and adventurous guitar on the entire album. Especially as a period piece, I would agree that this belonged in the book. Am I gonna listen to it alot? Probably not.
Close To The Edge - Yes
I put this album together for myself off of Napster, back when you could do that. (I know, the music industry will be knocking on my door now with the cops) It is a hard album to get into unless you are really interested in the deep long story songs. There are only 3 songs on the whole thing, although they are broken down into sub-tracks. I like the song 'And You And I' but the title track usually bores me out when I listen to it. I would prefer other Yes music.
The Good
Chicago Transit Authority - Chicago
It takes some balls I think to come out with a double album for your debut. I don't recognize any of the song names but maybe I have heard them before.
The Chirping Crickets - The Crickets
Pure classic, not much else to say about this one.
The Bad
Close To You - The Carpenters
I know alot of people love these guys and the tragic life of Karen Carpenter, but this stuff is crap. Old people and the general population of Florida listen to crap like this.
The Ugly
A Christmas Gift For You - Phil Spector
Seriously, this dude is crazy ugly and just plain crazy. He paved the way for guys like Brian Eno, so you know where that puts my stance on him.
Chocolate Starfish And The Hot Dog Flavored Water - Limp Bizkit
Surprised right? I actually got this album from a friend when we traded music. This album can really go either way when you look at it. Some people truly hate it and others love it, obviously since it made this book. My experience has been kind of surprising with this album. Not long ago I was trying to clean up some of my music that was listed on my computer. So, I gave this a listen to see if I wanted to keep it or not. And some how it is still on my Ipod. I would say there are some surprises here. It isn't all the rap metal they started with; there is some growth on this album. Wes Borland plays some very interesting and adventurous guitar on the entire album. Especially as a period piece, I would agree that this belonged in the book. Am I gonna listen to it alot? Probably not.
Close To The Edge - Yes
I put this album together for myself off of Napster, back when you could do that. (I know, the music industry will be knocking on my door now with the cops) It is a hard album to get into unless you are really interested in the deep long story songs. There are only 3 songs on the whole thing, although they are broken down into sub-tracks. I like the song 'And You And I' but the title track usually bores me out when I listen to it. I would prefer other Yes music.
The Good
Chicago Transit Authority - Chicago
It takes some balls I think to come out with a double album for your debut. I don't recognize any of the song names but maybe I have heard them before.
The Chirping Crickets - The Crickets
Pure classic, not much else to say about this one.
The Bad
Close To You - The Carpenters
I know alot of people love these guys and the tragic life of Karen Carpenter, but this stuff is crap. Old people and the general population of Florida listen to crap like this.
The Ugly
A Christmas Gift For You - Phil Spector
Seriously, this dude is crazy ugly and just plain crazy. He paved the way for guys like Brian Eno, so you know where that puts my stance on him.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
1001 Albums (146-160): Chicago Transit Authority - Coat of Many Colors
Note: Going through this group was kind of like watching the Mariners and Orioles play a baseball game. I like baseball so I'd probably watch, but I don't really have strong feelings for either of the teams so I'd have a hard time staying interested. It's the whole not having a dog in the race syndrome.
In Red's Collection
Rarely is it good when this spot is empty.
Red's Shameless Plug
Uh, oh.
No Doubt About It
Chicago Transit Authority (1969) by Chicago
The band actually was called Chicago Transit Authority before the real CTA took legal action, that’s when this band became just Chicago. That’s sort of what happened to their music also. This album is pretty big in sound with horns, guitars, pianos and that kind of good feeling vibe that built around the lead singers voice. This would probably be the album I’d get if I were so inclined. Their later stuff gets really cheesy and commercial.
The “Chirping” Crickets (1957) by The Crickets
The world was introduced to some guy named Buddy Holly on this album and for a lot musicians around the world, music would never be the same. Holly’s mix of rock and blues and country and mixed together in the perfect pop stew. “That’ll Be the Day” and “Oh Boy” and “Not Fade away” are gems.
The Chronic (1992) by Dr. Dre
This album is listed as being on page 684. But it’s actually 689. That’s a shout out to all those copy editors out there. This is a landmark rap album. I can’t say that I’ve listened to it, but I have heard “Nuthin’ But A “G” Thing.” More importantly, Snoop Dogg makes his debut all over the place as Dre hits it big solo.
The Clash (1977) by The Clash
While The Clash are sometimes placed behind the Sex Pistols in importance in terms of punk bands from the 70s, the Clash were a more politically driven and stronger skilled group than the Pistols. This album has endured the test of time.
Remember that one time
Chocolate Starfish and the Hot Dog Flavored Water (2000) by Limp Bizkit
If you didn’t hear “Rollin’” around this time, you probably didn’t have MTV or VH1. Bizkit, led by backward-red-hat-wearin’ Fred Duerst and that guitarist that looked like he should be playing with Marylyn Manson, were at the top of their fame. It wouldn’t last as most people figured out that the songs were all pretty much the same.
Not sure where these go
Close To The Edge (1972) by Yes
We might have studied this in class, but I am not sure. There are three song this album so it seems like it would fit.
Close To You (1970) by The Carpenters
Well this is about as poppy and produced as you can get. Everybody knows a Carpenter song, they may not know it’s the Carpenters, but I guarantee they know one of their songs. How bout “We’ve Only Just Begun.” If you’ve seen Happy Gilmore, you know this song.
Cloud Nine (1969) by The Temptations
This was another classic band stepping out a little bit, getting a little more political, a little more serious and a little more experimental.
Coat of Many Colors (1971) by Dolly Parton
Parton penned a ton of songs that hit the top of the charts. I don’t really know this album, but they call it her masterpiece. I have to give Parton her props. She knew how to make music and how to make lots of money.
The Best of the Rest
Chore of Enchantment (2000) by Giant Sand
Although with various incarnations this underground band survived from the early 80s into the 2000s. Not bad for someone who never hit it really big. A guy named Howe Gelb pretty much runs this show. The song “Shiver” is pretty good. The rest seems kind of dark and depressing.
The Rest
A Christmas Gift For You (1963) by Phil Spector
This is exactly what it sounds like. Christmas tunes mixed by Spector and various artists. It was originally released the day before JFK was shot and subsequently pulled out of respect. (Maybe that was Hal’s fathers plan all along. Stop Phil Spector.)
Clandestino (1998) by Manu Chao
This might be the French version of Sublime. I can neither confirm nor deny this. It does feature four different languages.
Closer (1980) by Joy Division
There seems to be little joy here as this essentially became the lead singers suicide note put to music.
Club Classics Vol. One (1989) by Soul II Soul
Well this dance music and album designed to recreate the club scene. That really isn’t my scene.
Clube Da Esquina (1972) by Milton Nascimento and Lo Borges
They compared this album to Sgt. Peppers in the first sentence. I stopped reading there.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Snake's CD Project Part 4
Note: http://sbrlists.blogspot.com/search/label/Snake%27s%20CD%20Project Here is a link that will show you all the previous parts together. I am sure since I haven't posted on this since March 24th, that most will need a refresher. I think I have found some new energy on this project and as I reread some from this set, I am thinking I might be pulling inspiration from Red as points. But what finally helped was a I let go of my story a little bit and let the lyrics help me decide the pacing and what should happen.
Disc 1
Track 8
Intimate Secretary
The Racontuers
Broken Boy Soldiers
Is this greeting the type that’s meant for me?
The morning sun shined down onto Justin sitting at the edge of his bed. He could hear the birds chirping out in a nearby tree even though the windows were closed. His hands throbbed as they pressed into the mattress. His back ached and his head hurt. He looked back down at the bed, his impression still visible in the mattress.
The shower head continues to drip after Justin shuts off the water and exits the shower. The water plops as it hits the drain. He barely notices it anymore. He throws his towel onto the bar, forgetting it came out of the wall last week. It crashes to the floor with a bang. Justin continues walking out of the bathroom failing to notice.
Fully clothed, he slips his watch onto his left wrist. Looking at the time, he realizes Pete should have been here by now. Justin quickly turns on the TV to make sure his watch wasn’t lying to him.
Patting his pockets and turning in circles, he frantically looks through the room. Justin jogs out to the kitchen area and finds his phone vibrating on the counter. It reads ‘6 missed calls.’ He swears under his breath.
Just as he goes to check the calls, it vibrates in his hand. The screen reads ‘Braum’. Another curse escapes Justin’s lips as he flips open the phone.
“Yeah, Lieutenant?”
“Carson!” The gruff voice on the other end screams. “Where the hell have you been?”
“Sorry, sir. Phone was on Vibrate.”
“Well since you’re partner bothered to show up this morning, I already sent him onto the crime scene. You need to get your ass there now!”
“Yes, sir” Justin’s eyes started to roll back into his head as he listened to the address. “Got it.” Justin ended the call and flipped through his missed calls, two from wrong numbers, four from the Lieutenant and none from Pete. With a clap, he flipped the phone shut and deposited it into his right pocket.
Disc 1
Track 9
I’m Seeing Robots
Kool Keith
Black Elvis/Lost in Space
Difference effect to their bodies, sometimes too many to even know.
Justin stepped out from the entrance to his uptown apartment and hailed a nearby taxi. The driver quickly flipped on his light and swung over to the curb. Justin opened the door, sliding into the back seat. He gave the driver the downtown address. At this time of day with traffic, it would easily be a 20 minute cab ride.
As the taxi pulled away, Justin rested his head back against the seat letting out a sigh. The thought crossed his mind that the ride would either give him time to mellow out before the madness of the crime scene or make him really irritable in time for his arrival. Either way, he was going to need to have words with Pete after yesterday and now this morning.
Still, that could wait. 20 minutes will feel like an hour when he was so accustomed to zooming through the streets with lights flashing. He reached into his pocket to check his phone, again. No missed calls from Pete magically appeared since the last time he checked.
Justin closed the phone and deposited it back into his left pocket. He felt sick to his stomach and still achy from his sleep. He wished it was the flu instead of the scarier emotional alternative.
Justin had some of the same feelings, ill effects on the body, after a rough night with Kristy. It was the last straw of their strained relationship, if such a thing could exist. She had questioned his commitment, to the force and to her. That was one thing they could never have in common.
The scene replayed in his head. It was the first time he had ever been aggressive with her. He swung landing his right fist right at the top of her ear. The sickness in his stomach was the same now as he had felt an hour after the blow. He had been proud of his instincts at the time to hit her high on the head so to not leave visible bruises like a shot to the face would have.
Just then, the street sign caught Justin’s eye. It read ‘Pershing Ave’. The taxi had made it to Midtown. He fought down a convulsion from his body. He knew what sign was coming next and didn’t want to read it. He looked up at the ceiling of the cab and closed his eyes. The word “Kristy” escaped from his lips as the taxi cross the intersection marked ‘Dement Ave’.
Disc 1
Track 10
Lonely Day
System of a Down
Hypnotize
And if you go, I wanna go with you. And if you die, I want to die with you.
Justin finally opened his eyes. The taxi was stopped at a red light. A quick look told him they were close their destination. The traffic was getting more congested as they headed into the business district downtown.
The pain in Justin’s stomach had died down. He wasn’t sure if he actually made himself pass out or what, but the taxi made it ten blocks in seemly no time. His newfound health gave him the courage to get his phone back out and do something he felt he should have done as soon as he left his apartment.
He scrolled through his phonebook and picked our Pete’s number. Justin pressed the ‘SEND’ button knowing there was no turning back now. It rang twice before it was answered with an abrupt, “Yeah?”
“Hey, it’s Justin.”
“Yeah,” the voice was irritated.
“I am stuck in a cab and hitting traffic, I should be there in another 10 minutes.”
“Braum call ya?” Justin could hear the cigarette sitting between Pete’s lips in the corner of his mouth.
“Yep, he was almost as cheerful as you this morning. Do we have a lot of looky loos to deal with?”
“It is downtown, everyone and their brother is down here.” Pete paused to take a drag. “Probably why you are stuck in traffic. We shut down the block and rerouted traffic. You might need to hoof it from Cascade St on down to here.”
“Got it.” Justin paused for a second as he heard Pete have another toke. “Hey Pete, I was the idiot yesterday man. Wasn’t your fault. I get a little up tight thinking about someone copying an ‘X’ murder.”
“Don’t worry, I only pissed blood for the next hour. Nice and clear today though.” A half grunt, half laugh came out of the phone.
Justin let his laugh go, that was Pete. He was a bull and could handle anything. The memory quickly came to mind of the time they needed to enter a nightclub on a raid. The bouncer was twice Pete’s size and before he could get his badge out the big skin head literally tossed him across the street. Pete’s faced was covered in blood from a broke nose and he had horrible road rash up his left arm. He got back up and kneed the guy right in the nuts, then flashed his badge as he laid their in pain. He set his nose back himself and had Justin take a picture. It still hangs on the corkboard next to his desk like a badge of honor.
“Well, hopefully you guys aren’t waiting on me then.”
“Actually we are,” Pete replied. “There was an ‘X’ on her thigh.”
Justin had to scramble to pick the phone back up off the taxi floor boards. He could hear Pete asking if he was ok or something along those lines. He managed to say, “There in 5” before shoving the phone into his right pocket.
The taxi driver stopped and he paid the man. His blood was pumping so hard now that he felt he could have run the entire distance from his apartment to the crime scene in 10 minutes. The 12 blocks that he had to go was going to be a piece of cake.
Disc 1
Track 8
Intimate Secretary
The Racontuers
Broken Boy Soldiers
Is this greeting the type that’s meant for me?
The morning sun shined down onto Justin sitting at the edge of his bed. He could hear the birds chirping out in a nearby tree even though the windows were closed. His hands throbbed as they pressed into the mattress. His back ached and his head hurt. He looked back down at the bed, his impression still visible in the mattress.
The shower head continues to drip after Justin shuts off the water and exits the shower. The water plops as it hits the drain. He barely notices it anymore. He throws his towel onto the bar, forgetting it came out of the wall last week. It crashes to the floor with a bang. Justin continues walking out of the bathroom failing to notice.
Fully clothed, he slips his watch onto his left wrist. Looking at the time, he realizes Pete should have been here by now. Justin quickly turns on the TV to make sure his watch wasn’t lying to him.
Patting his pockets and turning in circles, he frantically looks through the room. Justin jogs out to the kitchen area and finds his phone vibrating on the counter. It reads ‘6 missed calls.’ He swears under his breath.
Just as he goes to check the calls, it vibrates in his hand. The screen reads ‘Braum’. Another curse escapes Justin’s lips as he flips open the phone.
“Yeah, Lieutenant?”
“Carson!” The gruff voice on the other end screams. “Where the hell have you been?”
“Sorry, sir. Phone was on Vibrate.”
“Well since you’re partner bothered to show up this morning, I already sent him onto the crime scene. You need to get your ass there now!”
“Yes, sir” Justin’s eyes started to roll back into his head as he listened to the address. “Got it.” Justin ended the call and flipped through his missed calls, two from wrong numbers, four from the Lieutenant and none from Pete. With a clap, he flipped the phone shut and deposited it into his right pocket.
Disc 1
Track 9
I’m Seeing Robots
Kool Keith
Black Elvis/Lost in Space
Difference effect to their bodies, sometimes too many to even know.
Justin stepped out from the entrance to his uptown apartment and hailed a nearby taxi. The driver quickly flipped on his light and swung over to the curb. Justin opened the door, sliding into the back seat. He gave the driver the downtown address. At this time of day with traffic, it would easily be a 20 minute cab ride.
As the taxi pulled away, Justin rested his head back against the seat letting out a sigh. The thought crossed his mind that the ride would either give him time to mellow out before the madness of the crime scene or make him really irritable in time for his arrival. Either way, he was going to need to have words with Pete after yesterday and now this morning.
Still, that could wait. 20 minutes will feel like an hour when he was so accustomed to zooming through the streets with lights flashing. He reached into his pocket to check his phone, again. No missed calls from Pete magically appeared since the last time he checked.
Justin closed the phone and deposited it back into his left pocket. He felt sick to his stomach and still achy from his sleep. He wished it was the flu instead of the scarier emotional alternative.
Justin had some of the same feelings, ill effects on the body, after a rough night with Kristy. It was the last straw of their strained relationship, if such a thing could exist. She had questioned his commitment, to the force and to her. That was one thing they could never have in common.
The scene replayed in his head. It was the first time he had ever been aggressive with her. He swung landing his right fist right at the top of her ear. The sickness in his stomach was the same now as he had felt an hour after the blow. He had been proud of his instincts at the time to hit her high on the head so to not leave visible bruises like a shot to the face would have.
Just then, the street sign caught Justin’s eye. It read ‘Pershing Ave’. The taxi had made it to Midtown. He fought down a convulsion from his body. He knew what sign was coming next and didn’t want to read it. He looked up at the ceiling of the cab and closed his eyes. The word “Kristy” escaped from his lips as the taxi cross the intersection marked ‘Dement Ave’.
Disc 1
Track 10
Lonely Day
System of a Down
Hypnotize
And if you go, I wanna go with you. And if you die, I want to die with you.
Justin finally opened his eyes. The taxi was stopped at a red light. A quick look told him they were close their destination. The traffic was getting more congested as they headed into the business district downtown.
The pain in Justin’s stomach had died down. He wasn’t sure if he actually made himself pass out or what, but the taxi made it ten blocks in seemly no time. His newfound health gave him the courage to get his phone back out and do something he felt he should have done as soon as he left his apartment.
He scrolled through his phonebook and picked our Pete’s number. Justin pressed the ‘SEND’ button knowing there was no turning back now. It rang twice before it was answered with an abrupt, “Yeah?”
“Hey, it’s Justin.”
“Yeah,” the voice was irritated.
“I am stuck in a cab and hitting traffic, I should be there in another 10 minutes.”
“Braum call ya?” Justin could hear the cigarette sitting between Pete’s lips in the corner of his mouth.
“Yep, he was almost as cheerful as you this morning. Do we have a lot of looky loos to deal with?”
“It is downtown, everyone and their brother is down here.” Pete paused to take a drag. “Probably why you are stuck in traffic. We shut down the block and rerouted traffic. You might need to hoof it from Cascade St on down to here.”
“Got it.” Justin paused for a second as he heard Pete have another toke. “Hey Pete, I was the idiot yesterday man. Wasn’t your fault. I get a little up tight thinking about someone copying an ‘X’ murder.”
“Don’t worry, I only pissed blood for the next hour. Nice and clear today though.” A half grunt, half laugh came out of the phone.
Justin let his laugh go, that was Pete. He was a bull and could handle anything. The memory quickly came to mind of the time they needed to enter a nightclub on a raid. The bouncer was twice Pete’s size and before he could get his badge out the big skin head literally tossed him across the street. Pete’s faced was covered in blood from a broke nose and he had horrible road rash up his left arm. He got back up and kneed the guy right in the nuts, then flashed his badge as he laid their in pain. He set his nose back himself and had Justin take a picture. It still hangs on the corkboard next to his desk like a badge of honor.
“Well, hopefully you guys aren’t waiting on me then.”
“Actually we are,” Pete replied. “There was an ‘X’ on her thigh.”
Justin had to scramble to pick the phone back up off the taxi floor boards. He could hear Pete asking if he was ok or something along those lines. He managed to say, “There in 5” before shoving the phone into his right pocket.
The taxi driver stopped and he paid the man. His blood was pumping so hard now that he felt he could have run the entire distance from his apartment to the crime scene in 10 minutes. The 12 blocks that he had to go was going to be a piece of cake.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Red's CD Project: Afterword
Note: Maybe this will only be interesting to me, but I thought I'd jot down what's in my head and see what you all think. Sorry it got a little long.
“The scariest moment is always just before you start. After that, things can only get better.” – Stephen King
Seventy-five days and roughly 14,000 words later, I return to this quote that I used to introduce this project. Of all the things Stephen King could be talking about, he’s discussing writing. I’ve never found a more accurate statement about this dirty little habit that I’ve little or no intention of kicking. Sitting in front of the blank screen with a couple words or maybe a sentence or two tickling the synapses in my brain is terribly scary because once I start I never know where I’m going to end up. Doesn’t it get better as the lines start to add up? Usually, but that is not always the case.
I’d say nearly every time I sat down to type on this project during the last 12 weeks that I experienced some level on anxiety. At first, it was did this story have the legs to make it through 38 sections. If so, was there anything about it to warrant such an endeavor. Gradually, that fear subsided and gave way to a new one. Do I have enough sections left to fit what I want to put in here? I never totally conquered that one, but it did get blocked out by one all encompassing fear. Am I going to screw this up?
No wonder writers are notorious drinkers.
In the beginning…
So where did this story come from? Unlike some of the other things I’ve posted on here and many other things that haven’t appeared that have kicked around my brain for years, this story seemed materialize from thin air. In fact, many of the historical tidbits and religious connotations that appear later are things that I would never have predicted writing about.
But, the statement that this came from nowhere is entirely accurate. It was stirred to the forefront by the first song lyric I used from The Band. For those that don’t want to look back – Oh, the streets of Rome are filled with rubble. Ancient footprints are everywhere.
I guess I was a little like a bride looking for something old. This little line made me think about the fall of Rome. Then I started thinking about the fall of other great civilizations and other significant historical events. I came to one unscientific and unverified conclusion – every generation something big happens, and that big event includes bloodshed.
Well, what if one family was indirectly responsible for these events? Like it was their calling to stir the pot. How was that torch passed? The Glock family was born (without their complete lineage fully realized in my mind).
Early on, I hit one minor stumbling block and one I still might have to work through. The world theater from the end of WWII in the 1940s to now has been relatively quiet. Sure, there was Vietnam, the Gulf Wars and the terrorist attacks of 9/11.
So what the hell did Hal’s father do? I went with the assassination route. I almost think that I have to go back and work on this. Part me almost thinks that Hal’s father was a failure. While many this assassination attempts were successful, did any of them cause any real devastating global events? My uneducated answer is no. Maybe I am wrong with that. Although, I think Hal’s father was allowed a pass, because Hal’s grandfather had been very successful in steering Hitler toward his madness.
The lyrics and songs
I found the use and importance of these lyrics to vary in importance depending upon the lyric and the section. By halfway through the story, my vision of the story was shaping up and thus I started to skim the songs for lyrics that matched up with what I wanted to write rather than shaping the text by the lyric.
It’s still a fun exercise trying to see how they tie together. At times, I found that song titles or album titles or band names played just as much a part of the text as the lyric I picked out.
I liked this process in that sense. In the edit, I’ll probably pull the lyrics altogether because I am not sure they add that much and they will probably confuse new readers to the text more than they help them.
Essentially, this process was developed to introduce these albums to Snake. I guess the hope is that when he listens to them, he’ll think about Hal’s adventure and wonder about some the issues the story brought up.
Although, I did find it interesting to find dark lyrics even in the brightest of songs.
Oh, God
First and foremost, I am no religious scholar. My Christian knowledge is dependent upon a lot church and Sunday school growing up where I didn’t usually pay full attention to say the least and my English Lit classes where professors would say “notice the religious symbology” and everyone in the class would shake their head as if they understood what they hell they were talking about. My knowledge on the Islamic faith is even less. I had to think every time I wrote whether I should put Muslim or Islamic. One’s a religion the other is the people that follow that religion. I sort of survived by using the cliff notes version of the religion, but as I edit I’ll probably have to take a closer look at their beliefs and customs.
Once I made the connection between the Glock line and the story of Cain and Abel, I became enamored with that “religious symbology” stuff. It’s not accident that Hal kills his victims in a field with a stone. It’s not accident that there was three graves which is symbolic of the holy trinity. Although, I admit that one I sort of lose how the victims represent the branches of said trinity. Other things are more obvious – the snake, the wolf, the fact that Hal’s wife is Mary and she gets pregnant. The spilling the blood of the innocent is religious also and connects with the image of the lamb being slain by the wolf from the beginning of the story.
The field, which the Snake mentions in his comment on the last section, evolved into the big symbol of the story. While some saw the field as evil, I see it as the representation of the continuation of the process. Each generation a new crop grows tall and strong till the harvest comes and it is destroyed. So I guess the field represents society to some degree.
The field also binds the family to Cain, who was the farmer of the two brothers. I always thought it was odd that God favored the offering of the slain animal over that of the grown plant. That choice drives this story. It shows that, at least the Old Testament God, favored spilt blood over creation. Ultimately, this leads Cain to sacrifice his brother. An in the twist, Cain is cast away to Nod with a wife (who’s identity is a biblical mystery, but doesn’t Hal also gain his wife by making his sacrifice). Cain is marked but also allowed to live his life.
It’s easy to get carried away with this stuff once you start. I hope that didn’t become the case here. Most of all, I wanted the reader to question what is God’s role in this story.
So he’s crazy, right
Snake posed the question of Hal’s sanity in one of his comments. Maybe Hal is crazy. Maybe Abdul is also crazy. Maybe it’s a coincidence that their paths cross. The modern world has become obsessed with sanity. One can overlook any act by claiming insanity.
I wanted to run on the idea that there was a time in this world when it was perfectly acceptable to believe that someone was inherently evil or, at the very least, capable of being inflicted with evil. Isn’t that what really happens to both Hal and Addul? Both men catch evil like the common cold and both let it run its course to get well again. Although, I don’t believe Abdul ever reaches that point.
One and the same
Something unattended happened as I started dealing with Hal and Abdul. I realized that they were the same person in opposite realities. Hal is a free man that in imprisoned by a duty to create evil. In order for him to gain everything back that he has lost, he has to perform these tasks. Abdul is imprisoned in a cell, but he’ll lose everything by gaining his freedom.
With that being said, Mary and Misba essentially fulfill the same role for both men. The symbolic nature of the Virgin Mary and the meaning of Misba’s name as innocent one is also unattended, but it’s a fortunate coincidence.
I also feel like that as these two cultures actually do continue to escalate violence in the real world. These two men represent the fact that they’re good and bad men and women on both sides.
Something I continue to ask myself is whether or not Abdul’s turn is due to Hal’s presence or is he a separate pawn in the great plan. Abdul hears the snake and wolf on his own. I don’t believe Hal planted these sounds outside his cell.
Is it bad to like these guys?
Hal and Abdul are two guys that do some nasty things. Yet, we meet them both as vulnerable and broken men. We sympathize with their problems. Even when they do terrible things, we sort of understand why they are doing it.
In the end, this comes down to being able to rationalize motives. The readers don’t look at these men’s crimes as senseless. They are motivated by love, maybe by God, and certainly by being pushed to extremes.
It’s sort of like the question pretty much everyone asks when they hear someone does something heinous – “How could anybody do such a thing?”
That’s the question everyone hears, the question not verbalized and maybe not even consciously realized is “Could I ever do such a thing?”
Hal and Abdul are the answers to how normal people with their societies can be pushed to that extreme. The story’s answer to the second question inevitably is “yes.”
What’s next
Well, Mr. King compares writing a story to digging up a dinosaur. I’ve framed the ground where the skeleton is buried. Now I need to get out my toolbox and the brushes to start working out all the details.
Maybe in another 75 days or so, I’ll know exactly what I have here.
“The scariest moment is always just before you start. After that, things can only get better.” – Stephen King
Seventy-five days and roughly 14,000 words later, I return to this quote that I used to introduce this project. Of all the things Stephen King could be talking about, he’s discussing writing. I’ve never found a more accurate statement about this dirty little habit that I’ve little or no intention of kicking. Sitting in front of the blank screen with a couple words or maybe a sentence or two tickling the synapses in my brain is terribly scary because once I start I never know where I’m going to end up. Doesn’t it get better as the lines start to add up? Usually, but that is not always the case.
I’d say nearly every time I sat down to type on this project during the last 12 weeks that I experienced some level on anxiety. At first, it was did this story have the legs to make it through 38 sections. If so, was there anything about it to warrant such an endeavor. Gradually, that fear subsided and gave way to a new one. Do I have enough sections left to fit what I want to put in here? I never totally conquered that one, but it did get blocked out by one all encompassing fear. Am I going to screw this up?
No wonder writers are notorious drinkers.
In the beginning…
So where did this story come from? Unlike some of the other things I’ve posted on here and many other things that haven’t appeared that have kicked around my brain for years, this story seemed materialize from thin air. In fact, many of the historical tidbits and religious connotations that appear later are things that I would never have predicted writing about.
But, the statement that this came from nowhere is entirely accurate. It was stirred to the forefront by the first song lyric I used from The Band. For those that don’t want to look back – Oh, the streets of Rome are filled with rubble. Ancient footprints are everywhere.
I guess I was a little like a bride looking for something old. This little line made me think about the fall of Rome. Then I started thinking about the fall of other great civilizations and other significant historical events. I came to one unscientific and unverified conclusion – every generation something big happens, and that big event includes bloodshed.
Well, what if one family was indirectly responsible for these events? Like it was their calling to stir the pot. How was that torch passed? The Glock family was born (without their complete lineage fully realized in my mind).
Early on, I hit one minor stumbling block and one I still might have to work through. The world theater from the end of WWII in the 1940s to now has been relatively quiet. Sure, there was Vietnam, the Gulf Wars and the terrorist attacks of 9/11.
So what the hell did Hal’s father do? I went with the assassination route. I almost think that I have to go back and work on this. Part me almost thinks that Hal’s father was a failure. While many this assassination attempts were successful, did any of them cause any real devastating global events? My uneducated answer is no. Maybe I am wrong with that. Although, I think Hal’s father was allowed a pass, because Hal’s grandfather had been very successful in steering Hitler toward his madness.
The lyrics and songs
I found the use and importance of these lyrics to vary in importance depending upon the lyric and the section. By halfway through the story, my vision of the story was shaping up and thus I started to skim the songs for lyrics that matched up with what I wanted to write rather than shaping the text by the lyric.
It’s still a fun exercise trying to see how they tie together. At times, I found that song titles or album titles or band names played just as much a part of the text as the lyric I picked out.
I liked this process in that sense. In the edit, I’ll probably pull the lyrics altogether because I am not sure they add that much and they will probably confuse new readers to the text more than they help them.
Essentially, this process was developed to introduce these albums to Snake. I guess the hope is that when he listens to them, he’ll think about Hal’s adventure and wonder about some the issues the story brought up.
Although, I did find it interesting to find dark lyrics even in the brightest of songs.
Oh, God
First and foremost, I am no religious scholar. My Christian knowledge is dependent upon a lot church and Sunday school growing up where I didn’t usually pay full attention to say the least and my English Lit classes where professors would say “notice the religious symbology” and everyone in the class would shake their head as if they understood what they hell they were talking about. My knowledge on the Islamic faith is even less. I had to think every time I wrote whether I should put Muslim or Islamic. One’s a religion the other is the people that follow that religion. I sort of survived by using the cliff notes version of the religion, but as I edit I’ll probably have to take a closer look at their beliefs and customs.
Once I made the connection between the Glock line and the story of Cain and Abel, I became enamored with that “religious symbology” stuff. It’s not accident that Hal kills his victims in a field with a stone. It’s not accident that there was three graves which is symbolic of the holy trinity. Although, I admit that one I sort of lose how the victims represent the branches of said trinity. Other things are more obvious – the snake, the wolf, the fact that Hal’s wife is Mary and she gets pregnant. The spilling the blood of the innocent is religious also and connects with the image of the lamb being slain by the wolf from the beginning of the story.
The field, which the Snake mentions in his comment on the last section, evolved into the big symbol of the story. While some saw the field as evil, I see it as the representation of the continuation of the process. Each generation a new crop grows tall and strong till the harvest comes and it is destroyed. So I guess the field represents society to some degree.
The field also binds the family to Cain, who was the farmer of the two brothers. I always thought it was odd that God favored the offering of the slain animal over that of the grown plant. That choice drives this story. It shows that, at least the Old Testament God, favored spilt blood over creation. Ultimately, this leads Cain to sacrifice his brother. An in the twist, Cain is cast away to Nod with a wife (who’s identity is a biblical mystery, but doesn’t Hal also gain his wife by making his sacrifice). Cain is marked but also allowed to live his life.
It’s easy to get carried away with this stuff once you start. I hope that didn’t become the case here. Most of all, I wanted the reader to question what is God’s role in this story.
So he’s crazy, right
Snake posed the question of Hal’s sanity in one of his comments. Maybe Hal is crazy. Maybe Abdul is also crazy. Maybe it’s a coincidence that their paths cross. The modern world has become obsessed with sanity. One can overlook any act by claiming insanity.
I wanted to run on the idea that there was a time in this world when it was perfectly acceptable to believe that someone was inherently evil or, at the very least, capable of being inflicted with evil. Isn’t that what really happens to both Hal and Addul? Both men catch evil like the common cold and both let it run its course to get well again. Although, I don’t believe Abdul ever reaches that point.
One and the same
Something unattended happened as I started dealing with Hal and Abdul. I realized that they were the same person in opposite realities. Hal is a free man that in imprisoned by a duty to create evil. In order for him to gain everything back that he has lost, he has to perform these tasks. Abdul is imprisoned in a cell, but he’ll lose everything by gaining his freedom.
With that being said, Mary and Misba essentially fulfill the same role for both men. The symbolic nature of the Virgin Mary and the meaning of Misba’s name as innocent one is also unattended, but it’s a fortunate coincidence.
I also feel like that as these two cultures actually do continue to escalate violence in the real world. These two men represent the fact that they’re good and bad men and women on both sides.
Something I continue to ask myself is whether or not Abdul’s turn is due to Hal’s presence or is he a separate pawn in the great plan. Abdul hears the snake and wolf on his own. I don’t believe Hal planted these sounds outside his cell.
Is it bad to like these guys?
Hal and Abdul are two guys that do some nasty things. Yet, we meet them both as vulnerable and broken men. We sympathize with their problems. Even when they do terrible things, we sort of understand why they are doing it.
In the end, this comes down to being able to rationalize motives. The readers don’t look at these men’s crimes as senseless. They are motivated by love, maybe by God, and certainly by being pushed to extremes.
It’s sort of like the question pretty much everyone asks when they hear someone does something heinous – “How could anybody do such a thing?”
That’s the question everyone hears, the question not verbalized and maybe not even consciously realized is “Could I ever do such a thing?”
Hal and Abdul are the answers to how normal people with their societies can be pushed to that extreme. The story’s answer to the second question inevitably is “yes.”
What’s next
Well, Mr. King compares writing a story to digging up a dinosaur. I’ve framed the ground where the skeleton is buried. Now I need to get out my toolbox and the brushes to start working out all the details.
Maybe in another 75 days or so, I’ll know exactly what I have here.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Snake's Encore: Calenture - Chelsea Girl
In Snake's Collection:
Californication - Red Hot Chili Peppers
This album exploded out across the world sometime in my junior and senior year of high school. I know I looked up the release date, yet it still didn't register to me which year I would have been. It is all a blur except the music and TV shows. Anyway... I think there was a parallel between their maturity as a band and the maturity I was coming to face. The sex drive is still there, but there is also moments of great insight and thoughts of the world around you. Previous Peppers albums would have been like the screaming horny Fresh/Soph high schoolers. 'Scar Tissue' is a good song, but I always preferred 'Other Side'. I remember watching the video for that one over and over. 'I Like Dirt' is a nice little gem that I can still remember discovering with Red as we listened a little farther into the CD, good nonsense in a way.
Oh, I Wish I Had It
The Cars - The Cars:
The track list reads like a classic rock radio play list for a day. The second tier songs behind their mega hits are still better than most. 'Bye, Bye Love' and 'You're All I've Got Tonight' are gems. I never used to like 'Moving In Stereo' until I saw "Fast Times At Ridgemont High". Now, it is an awesome song. In a way, it helped me get it and that riff is pretty cool stuff.
Girl Power!
Celebrity Skin - Hole & Cheap Thrills - Big Brother And The Holding Company
You can draw alot of similarities between Joplin and Love, but it would probably end up disrespecting both of them. Although, there is a part of me that wonders how it was that Janis died from her vices, and yet, Courtney is still around plaguing us. Both spent their time on these albums focusing on their singing, which I give the upper hand their to Janis. Love wrote most of the lyrics which is a plus for here even if she did have a better support system in Billy Corgan and Melissa Auf der Maur (check her out, this girl rocks, although I still wouldn't put her solo album on this list). In the end, these albums are both shining achievements for two amazing singers.
Agree To Disagree
Can't Buy A Thrill - Steely Dan
I'll disagree with Red a little bit on this one. Unlike their first entry on the list "Aja", this album is more of what I originally liked about Steely Dan. 'Do It Again' always fools me into thinking it is Santana. It just has that vibe to it, and futures a pretty good organ solo & electric sitar. 'Reelin' In The Years' is by far my favorite of theirs. Again, still a little mellow, but I think that captures the feeling of the times. Some of the others songs on this album sound familiar. This is the Steely Dan album I would buy. And Jeff "Skunk" Baxter is one of the coolest names ever!
And You Are?
Cars Wheels On A Gravel Road - Lucinda Williams
This one continues to perplex me. Her name is one I have heard many times before, yet I can't place any of her songs in my head. I have no cheated (that is what I told myself it would be) by listening to one on-line. 'Still I Long For Your Kiss' was even features in "The Horse Whisper", but still I can't place it. As I write this, it has been 5 days since I read the posting with this title in it and my brain still cannot remember her songs. Yet, as soon as I read it, I knew I knew her name and had heard them before. I am gonna say it is her understated song style and soft country ways, cause I am not that old yet, damn it!
No Homers Club (That's Homers, which means we can have one)
There are 3 albums that I like on my Ipod that fall into this letter range, but I really don't feel they are omissions. (sorry, I thought up the title and had to add in the addition line in reference to the Simpsons.)
Carnival of Souls: The Final Sessions - Kiss
Here I go talking about Kiss again. This is Kiss unlike you've ever heard before. This is the last album Paul & Gene made before the reunion of the original Kiss members and reapplying of the makeup. It is very heavy and sort of grungy like Alice in Chains. It is really good actually and will forever get lost in the shuffle, cast off as a copy of the grunge movement and lost in the shadow of the big reunion.
Carnival Ride - Carrie Underwood
Sophomore effort from the Idol queen. At first, I didn't like it as much as "Some Hearts" (probably because I was just used to Some Hearts), but it grew on me. Helped land her the 'Entertainer of the Year' award this year at the Academy of Country Music Awards.
The Chase - Garth Brooks
This was Garth's 4th album and his star was continuing to rise building each time on the success of "No Fences" and "Ropin' The Wind". I've read where Brooks feels this is his most personal, favorite album where he seems to do his best writing. The album loses some of the country cookie cutterness of the previous two and goes just a bit darker. Some songs seem more social conscious and he starts to make statements.
In Closing: Maybe next week will blow our socks off, although I hear we will have to wait until next week for that. All my fault, I take the blame. Maybe there will be enough albums once we get through 'C' to go back and make a top ten list from that group.
Californication - Red Hot Chili Peppers
This album exploded out across the world sometime in my junior and senior year of high school. I know I looked up the release date, yet it still didn't register to me which year I would have been. It is all a blur except the music and TV shows. Anyway... I think there was a parallel between their maturity as a band and the maturity I was coming to face. The sex drive is still there, but there is also moments of great insight and thoughts of the world around you. Previous Peppers albums would have been like the screaming horny Fresh/Soph high schoolers. 'Scar Tissue' is a good song, but I always preferred 'Other Side'. I remember watching the video for that one over and over. 'I Like Dirt' is a nice little gem that I can still remember discovering with Red as we listened a little farther into the CD, good nonsense in a way.
Oh, I Wish I Had It
The Cars - The Cars:
The track list reads like a classic rock radio play list for a day. The second tier songs behind their mega hits are still better than most. 'Bye, Bye Love' and 'You're All I've Got Tonight' are gems. I never used to like 'Moving In Stereo' until I saw "Fast Times At Ridgemont High". Now, it is an awesome song. In a way, it helped me get it and that riff is pretty cool stuff.
Girl Power!
Celebrity Skin - Hole & Cheap Thrills - Big Brother And The Holding Company
You can draw alot of similarities between Joplin and Love, but it would probably end up disrespecting both of them. Although, there is a part of me that wonders how it was that Janis died from her vices, and yet, Courtney is still around plaguing us. Both spent their time on these albums focusing on their singing, which I give the upper hand their to Janis. Love wrote most of the lyrics which is a plus for here even if she did have a better support system in Billy Corgan and Melissa Auf der Maur (check her out, this girl rocks, although I still wouldn't put her solo album on this list). In the end, these albums are both shining achievements for two amazing singers.
Agree To Disagree
Can't Buy A Thrill - Steely Dan
I'll disagree with Red a little bit on this one. Unlike their first entry on the list "Aja", this album is more of what I originally liked about Steely Dan. 'Do It Again' always fools me into thinking it is Santana. It just has that vibe to it, and futures a pretty good organ solo & electric sitar. 'Reelin' In The Years' is by far my favorite of theirs. Again, still a little mellow, but I think that captures the feeling of the times. Some of the others songs on this album sound familiar. This is the Steely Dan album I would buy. And Jeff "Skunk" Baxter is one of the coolest names ever!
And You Are?
Cars Wheels On A Gravel Road - Lucinda Williams
This one continues to perplex me. Her name is one I have heard many times before, yet I can't place any of her songs in my head. I have no cheated (that is what I told myself it would be) by listening to one on-line. 'Still I Long For Your Kiss' was even features in "The Horse Whisper", but still I can't place it. As I write this, it has been 5 days since I read the posting with this title in it and my brain still cannot remember her songs. Yet, as soon as I read it, I knew I knew her name and had heard them before. I am gonna say it is her understated song style and soft country ways, cause I am not that old yet, damn it!
No Homers Club (That's Homers, which means we can have one)
There are 3 albums that I like on my Ipod that fall into this letter range, but I really don't feel they are omissions. (sorry, I thought up the title and had to add in the addition line in reference to the Simpsons.)
Carnival of Souls: The Final Sessions - Kiss
Here I go talking about Kiss again. This is Kiss unlike you've ever heard before. This is the last album Paul & Gene made before the reunion of the original Kiss members and reapplying of the makeup. It is very heavy and sort of grungy like Alice in Chains. It is really good actually and will forever get lost in the shuffle, cast off as a copy of the grunge movement and lost in the shadow of the big reunion.
Carnival Ride - Carrie Underwood
Sophomore effort from the Idol queen. At first, I didn't like it as much as "Some Hearts" (probably because I was just used to Some Hearts), but it grew on me. Helped land her the 'Entertainer of the Year' award this year at the Academy of Country Music Awards.
The Chase - Garth Brooks
This was Garth's 4th album and his star was continuing to rise building each time on the success of "No Fences" and "Ropin' The Wind". I've read where Brooks feels this is his most personal, favorite album where he seems to do his best writing. The album loses some of the country cookie cutterness of the previous two and goes just a bit darker. Some songs seem more social conscious and he starts to make statements.
In Closing: Maybe next week will blow our socks off, although I hear we will have to wait until next week for that. All my fault, I take the blame. Maybe there will be enough albums once we get through 'C' to go back and make a top ten list from that group.
Red's CD Project Part 12
Note: Well, this is the end. I won't say much here because I think I'll type up an afterward talking about the entire project in the next couple of days. I may do that instead of a 1,001 album list this week. Snake still needs to do an encore for last week anyway. I hope you've enjoyed reading this journey half as much as I have enjoyed writing it.
Disc 2
Track 16Redemption Song
Bob Marley and the Wailers
Legend
Won’t you help to sing these songs of freedom? Cause all I ever have redemption songs.
The two days to follow similar attacks were successful in both New York and Los Angeles. The country’s three biggest cities were cast into turmoil with the police force in each decimated. The National Guard was stretched thin. Crime waves swept through the cities like the evening tide over a sandy beach.
Even worse, hate spread like wildfire. Fingers pointed everywhere. Angry families of the slain formed mobs that marched through the cities burning and pillaging everything and everyone.
Finally on the third day, Abdul stood up via a taped speech delivered to NBC news. Hal watched alone and in silence in the living room. Mary was still packing things at her parents’ home. When the broadcast ended, Hal went to a drawer and removed the letter. It was late afternoon and a steady spring breeze blew across the farmyard.
Hal walked down the gravel lane that led to the barn thinking about how Abdul had looked on TV. Abdul had rambled on and on until he brought out the pictures.
He held one up to the camera.
“For this, I do this.”
He put the picture down and lifted a second.
“For the blood spilt upon this sajada, I do this.”
He flicked the picture away. Abdul took a momentary look at the third picture. His face contorted. The millions of Americans watching thought it was the face of a maniac, Hal knew it as the face of man whose heart was breaking again.
“For her, I declare jihad against the world that let this happen.”
The picture turned to the screen and the image faded away. The news anchor appeared ready to spin the tape. The anchors talked about the man and the possibility of a holy war.
The pictures faded from consciousness of the media and America.
Hal reached the spot in the field and the sun fell behind a cloud. He opened the letter and read.
Dear Misba,
I believe my freedom rests in your hands now my love. I have told you that I am compelled. Hate fuels my dreams through the night. I envision the world burning at my toes and I feel my heart taking pleasure in the flames.
But, when I think of you, I feel the jets of water quelling the heat and I am content. The compulsion for great evil only smolders in the embers of tiny coals instead of in the giant torrents of a mighty blaze.
They are releasing me this morning and I plea for you to meet me the day you receive this letter.
Come away with me then and be my wife. Let us, you and I, flee and leave the night behind. Let us outrun the howl of the wolf and leave the snake’s hiss behind. Perhaps, we will return to the garden and begin again.
Maybe the Christians are right. That freewill exists. We can choose our destiny and not be prodded toward to it. Perhaps, we can prove that true. Perhaps, I can turn this rage into love.
Perhaps.
Abdul
Hal read the letter aloud one last time before taking a lighter from his pocket and lighting it. He dropped the paper to the ground of the field. It curled in the heat before the breeze came along and blew the ashes up. They danced for a moment in a swirl of air and then skipped away across the field.
Disc 2
Track 17
The Wind
Cat Stevens
The Very Best of Cat Stevens
I listen to the wind. To the wind of my soul. Where I end up I think, only God really knows
Hal let the chest’s lid close softly. He snapped it shut and with it all the memories of the past few months seemed to settle out of his mind. The things he did would not haunt him. Oh, he thought every spring he’d be compelled out to the field at dusk to stare at the sunset, but no more than that. Every bit of evil in him was concealed in the wooden chest left to collect dust in the attic. He sat peering out the window and the sun hit the rows made by tiny green plants.
The door at the bottom of the stairs opened and Mary walked up. Her hair was matted with sweat, but she still radiated a glow. The kind of glow only a woman has when she’s nurturing life within her. Hal smiled and watched her climb up.
“Whatya doin’ up here?”
“Oh, I was just putting some stuff away. I got caught up looking out at the fields.”
“Yeah, they look OK?”
“Pretty good.”
“Yeah. They going to grow up in big straight rows then.”
“Yep.”
He grabbed her around the waist and planted a kiss on her lips. They smiled and looked out the window together.
“Yep, they’ll grow nice and tall. The crop will be mighty.”
Mary just moaned in approval.
“Then we’ll knock it all down again.”
They stood in the quiet attic for a few minutes looking at the young crop then turned and walked down the stairs.
Disc 2
Track 18
Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World
Israel Kamakawio’ole
Facing Future
I like the dark and I think to myself. What a wonderful world.
Henry hadn’t been home for years. He loathed the way his passive father had floated through life. His mother had been a quiet, humbled woman. She had died when he was 18 from breast cancer. Henry had left home shortly after and not spoken to his father very often.
Henry had been working his way through medical school in California, but he wasn’t that interested in becoming a doctor. It just felt like something he should do. A week ago, he received a letter telling him that his father had died suddenly of a heart attack.
It had taken him a week to get home and his father had already been buried by then. He opened up the old farm house and thought about all the memories of growing up there.
On the kitchen table there was a letter.
Son,
If you take nothing else from here, take the old chest up in the attic.
Dad.
Henry thought the letter was odd. Why would his father leave a note for him if he didn’t know he was coming? His father had not expected to have a heart attack. There was no way for him to know.
Henry scratched his head above his ear and then walked upstairs to get to the attic. When he got there, the dust was thick and irritated the scar on his cheek. He’d been in a bar fight a few weeks ago and a guy cut him with a broken bottle leaving a long curved scar on his cheek.
He found the chest at the top of the stairs and decided to have a look inside before he took it anywhere.
He popped open the old, rusted locks and the musty smell of a long sealed container burst into his nostrils. On top of a heap of artifacts was a white envelope. Henry opened it up and inside was a letter.
Son,
Yet. It’s a small word my son. In fact, as I write this you are not born yet. But you will be and even though no one has told your mother and I the sex of the baby, I know you will be a boy. See, there is a promise in the word ‘yet’.
It’s a promise that brings you here, hopefully many years from now. It’s a promise that is fulfilled generation after generation.
It’s now come to you. I am sure you don’t understand. But you will. You haven’t seen or done anything in your life like this. At least, not yet.
Hal Glock
June 1, 2009
Henry put the letter down with his eyebrows curled. On top of the heap of stuff was an old Polaroid camera. He put his eye to the shutter and a gruesome scene started to play.
After a few minutes, Henry put the camera down. His stomach turned and part of him wanted the heave himself down the steps toward the nearest toilet. But he stayed still. After a couple moments he looked out the window. He could make out the long straight golden rows of the fall corn harvest in the field behind the barn. A grin crept up at the corners of his lips.
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