Only reason I may be here is because I may have not been here in some time. Notre Dame is on a roll....it may be a season of destiny, a season of disappointment or maybe both. But no doubt the Irish seem to be back which is good for all the lovers and haters out there. Schools like Northwestern are just too plain boring!
Voted today.....meet the new boss.
Ate a Double Whopper with cheese for lunch; tasted surprisingly good.
The digestive enzymes I took after ingestion really have helped with the usually inevitable indigestion.
The new Aerosmith album blows...see my review here: Aerosmith's Late$t or on Amazon.com: "The Woj" Amazon Review.
Went to Blast! yesterday for my Monday chest and shoulder work out. I was feeling really good and strong. Arnold!! Lou!!! Sergio!!! But I digress. So I decided to take a shot at benching since I have not done it in months. Got 225 lbs for 4 reps! Stopped on #4 because of a twinge turned pain in my shoulder. Today I can not lift my right arm above the horizontal and I have been popping motrin like sweet tarts. Total dumb ass move...... trying to prove something to myself I guess. So...nothing anyone really gives two shits about, but felt I needed to pay a visit none the less.
ND.....win. Bears....win. Finally, my wife started her new job! She will do wonderfully! I am so proud of her; and the kids she will be caring for are very lucky!
Hey Syd....get me a beer!
Rock on!
Not many weekends when the Fighting Irish and Da Bears both come away with victories, but this was one of them. A wee bit of apprehension heading into a Sunday afternoon with the horrible after taste of a Notre Dame loss still in the back of your throat and the weekly adventures of the Bears Offensive Line looming on the event horizon....whatever that means.
Notre Dame Football strikes more emotional chords than the Bears for sure, and both can still have an effect on my weekend even after all "these years". Monday Night Football is the best of times and the worst of times due to the extra 36 hours tacked on from the normal Sunday noon kickoff....whatever that means.
Now, I do not get nearly as emotional as I did "back in the day". Real life has shown me the outcome of a sporting event is a blip on the radar on life's timeline. However, simple pleasures and wins are always better than disappointments and losses.
With 2 games under their belt, I worry a bit about the Irish. I see at least 4 losses in their future and I hope one of them is not the coach. We shall see. Pray to Joe Pesci for the best, but expect the worst.
The Bears? A possible playoff birth and dare I say even a trip to the Big Game. But a week secondary will most likely take them in as a Wild Card with an early loss in the playoffs to the Packers or the 49ers.
But I digress...whatever that means. For now I will enjoy my cold beer, bask in my first 2 win weekend of the season and thank Joe Pesci I am not an Illinois Alum (aka All Time Loser).
As the Olympics of 2012 come to a close tonight, I am looking forward with some trepidation to the closing ceremonies. I have heard the likes of Queen, The Who and Ray Davies of the Kinks may make an appearance. I sure hope they do; and I sure hope one of them still has it in them to rock it out with style and grace. So much grace I can erase the memory of a wrinkling and out of tune Sir Paul from my memory banks.
As far as the Olympics themselves? Mildly entertaining, yes entertaining. Hum...shouldn't they be more than that? I would casually click on the TV every night, hit #5 on the remote and look forward to seeing some real Olympic Sports. You know.....kick ass, take no prisoner, old school sports. You know, sports like the original Olympics were founded on thousands of years ago.
But no...........
Did I get boxing? No I got synchronized swimming. Did I get weight lifting? No I got BMX bike racing.
Did I get wrestling? No I got hand ball. Sure, there was some decent track and field now and then, but who wants to deal with the quiche inspired sports constantly sandwiched in between?
Ancient Greek Legend tell us Hercules may have founded the Olympic Games 1000's of years ago.
I doubt he ever saw a BMX Bike, a tiny canoe, a hand ball, or did the "butterfly" while swimming.
Personally, I think the 2016 games would be more appropriate on the Oprah Network instead of NBC.
But hey, that's just me. Maybe I just tuned in at the wrong time every single night. No more "All In The Family" reruns for me either!
So, it is a few hours from NBC's telecast of "The Closing Ceremonies" ....I will watch, anticipate, and hope. Roger, please come close to hitting the high notes tonight. And Pete, please, please, please just one windmill and frantic jump in the air to punctuate these 2012 Games on the highest, purest note of all.
If you know what torrents are then you most likely have heard of Demonoid. The most excellent site out there has been busted by Ukrainian authorities with the US most likely pulling the strings in the back round.
Well "easy come, easy go" as my wife just said. I am putting out a request in this blog: if anyone knows of any alternatives to Demonoid please email me.
Hit it Ringo.......
Well, other than the 10 day hiatus I needed to take while the boys were off for summer break, I have been hitting BLAST! Fitness at least 3 times a week, usually 4. Monday - Chest & Shoulders, Tuesday -Back & Abs, Wednesday - Legs, Thursday - Arms & Abs. I am performing 5-6 different exercises each session doing 3 sets for each one. The workouts are lasting about 35-40 minutes. Right now, weights are light allowing me to do about 10-12 reps for each exercise taking very little rest in between sets. I am in the process of increasing the weight on some of my exercises; and it is not going as smoothly as I thought...or should I use the term many of my patients use...not as smoothly as "it used to be". After 20 years, what can I expect, should I expect, expect to expect? Well, only time will tell, and unfortunately time only moves in one direction. It surely waits for no one, not even me. But so far, I actually feel pretty good for being older than the first Rolling Stones album. Bench press is tomorrow and I am hoping my bum right shoulder decides to behave. We shall see...I'll keep ya' blogged in!
Brutal! The only word I can think of to describe what I just witnessed on my television screen. Well maybe 2 words.....brutal and friggin' old! Actually those are 3 words which describe Sir Paul McCartney's performance during the overblown, over the top and overly boring Olympic Opening Ceremonies. I may never be able to listen to the Beatles the same way ever again with the images of what I just witnessed now transferred into my short and long term memory. I could go on and on, endlessly with no point or meaning, but this is not the refrain from "Hey Jude". I will just say good night, a bit disappointed, a bit saddened and a bit older than I was when I started.
Well the offspring had traffic court this afternoon to face the music for her "failing to yield" blunder. We practiced what she needed to say to the judge. The first and most important words to come out of her mouth were to be "not guilty".
So we showed up to the address posted in the letter, 4000 Saratoga Ave, at about 12:30pm for the scheduled 1pm court date. It turned out the court proceedings were to be held at an ancillary court facility which was actually the local American Legion Hall (VFW Hall), 4000 Saratoga Ave....weird. The temperature was at least 105 degrees in the direct sun, ouch, as we made our way to go inside. Well, they did not open the doors until about 12:50pm. My Mennen Speed Stick wore off about 12:35pm.
Thank Joe Pesci the place had great air conditioning, so the effects of the heat wore off quickly with the exception of my Mennen Speed Stick's effectiveness.
Needless to say it was crowed and I did not expect to leave the place until at least 4pm. Plus I could not get that Twilight Zone Episode out of my head. I did not want to spend the rest of eternity trapped in a VFW hall with these people! I am sure they were all nice once you got to know them; but brevity, not nice was my priority.
The judge was awesome and did move the proceeding along very efficiently. I ascertained very quickly he was a real nice dude and was not out to lay down anything heavy on anyone unless they provoked him. I deleted George Carlin's 7 words you can not say from my temporary memory cache. Our last name was one of the last to be called. But hey, it was only 1:50pm! The judge had dispensed about 40-50 case away already! I may still make it to the gym today after all. Forget that, had to focus! Ok Syd...whisper to me, one more time (we had practiced her plea and explanation of the accident all day Sunday, otherwise her nerves would have slain us all in our sleep). She began, "Not Guilty", "I was proceeding south on Fairview doing the speed limit", "I had plenty of time to make my turn" etc. etc. Then all of a sudden we heard..."WOJCIAK!". "Here your honor!" my daughter said confidently and then leaned over to me whispering "Don't worry dad, I go this". We then approached the bench...let me type that again...approached the bench. The judge, the cool dude, said coolly, "Good afternoon Sydney, is this you dad?" "Yes sir" she replied. "Hi dad" he replied back. He then looked, all official like, at a piece of official looking paper and semi-shouted to the entire courtroom, "Is Pat Mushe here today?" He said again "Pat Mushe?" There was no reply, silence, golden silence. The person who was the recipient of Sydney's left handed compliment was not in court. "Case dismissed!" the judge decreed. He bounced his gavel once or twice and shazaam, it was over. "Have a nice day" he said with a smile.
Say what? Say nothin'!! She was free as a bird now, and this bird and her daddy bolted for the car whistlin' Dixie. Ronnie Van Zant would have been proud.
So the car accident fiasco is finally legally over. And with the exception of a jack up insurance rate, all's well that ends well. No blood and no foul! Crack me a beer and rock on!
Wow....another 100 degree day. Well at least today is Sunday! I do not have to go outside for any reason other than to get it the pool; and, that decision is my choice, no one else's. Yee-f'n-ha!
What a excellent week too! My wife passed her Nursing NCLEX Exam! The culmination of 6 years of dedication, sacrifice, pain, frustration etc. etc. Once the check clears, she will be a licensed nurse! Second, I got to work out 3 days last week (and the soreness is going away)! Third, there are no new cuts or bruises due to the SPP behavior plan. Finally, Sammy's dental trip to the vet went great without any complications! What more can you ask for than 7 healthy and happy mammals!
Our normal stress level reading for the last few years has been at least 6/10 on a daily basis. Finally the level seems to be going down a bit as our family is moving forward into a new chapter. No one knows what the future holds, but knowing at least 2 or 3 of the 5 cards is better than none.
So...the wife and daughter are out shopping (it's cheaper than therapy) and us 5 boys are just hangin' out. As a celebration of sorts, I got me a bag of pretzel rods, a cold beer, firing up the xBox and lazing on this sunny Sunday afternoon. Live in the now and rock on!
Self esteem, a belief in ourselves and selfconfidence in our own ability, we all have it, to varying degrees. It allows us to get through the rigors, challenges and events of everyday life. But, is it enough? Can we always find the strength deep within ourselves to overcome any situation life can bring? Can we get to the deepest recesses inside of us and summon the will to free us from emotional, physical or spiritual pain when we really need to?
Or....do we need faith or a belief in something "bigger" than ourselves? (I may be paraphrasing Pete Townshend from a song on "Odds & Sods" now that I think of it).
This "bigger", does he/she/it have the ability to come to our aid when we are really, really, really, really, really in need? Do they hear us? Maybe they give us a "sign", maybe a "sudden intuition" aka "gut feeling", or maybe a divine or supernatural intervention of some type? Like great seats to an Iron Maiden concert....I'm still waiting.
I can understand how when one is really empty, clueless or just lost in any aspect of life, the need to find another source of inspiration or hope is almost a given. A faith in something "bigger" is human necessity, the carrot dangling in front of the listless horse.
And maybe the faintest sliver of hope is enough to get us moving forward again. Maybe it is us reaching deeper inside our soul or inner being than we ever thought possible. Maybe this something bigger is really inside us all and we just need to tune into it properly. Maybe our inner "bigger" is what links us all together is metaphysical way. Maybe.......
Just a quick post about the overall "craziness" out in public these long hot summer days. I am not talking clinical "crazy", just plain everyday batshit nuts. Yes, the heat can do weird things, but I swear this is the craziest summer I think I have ever witnessed. Car accidents, rude people, unpleasant cashiers, smileless drones wandering aimlessly, scowling clergymen, you name it.
The crazy virus must lay dormant somewhere and emerge at a rate directly proportional to the outside temperature. Now remember, I am not talking stupid, I think stupid is a growing trrend not affected by changes in temperature or barometric pressure (effected? take off points for grammar). This is just unexplainable, nutty, rude, crazy human behavior. So as long as I see a "9" as the first character on my car thermometer, I am staying inside or in my pool. I swear the heat is even starting to get to me...I'm singing David Lee Roth solo stuff! Cool out and rock on!
Well, having discussed the progress of our new behavior plan with our behavior therapist, it looks as though we are making progress. Whether it is what we told him verbally, or the fact he saw less bruises and bleeding I have no clue. So maybe this SPP is not all Hocus Pocus after all?My wife let one of our Personal Service Workers (PSW) go in Wednesday. You can only ask for so many days off and take off early so many times before your boss realizes you're not dedicated to your job. People who are in real need depend on you to be there, depend on you to help keep people safe. Last minute requests which are actually demands for time off are not an option. So, we are a worker short, but refuse to focus on any negatives. Humans by nature seem to be negative, so trying to "be" positive goes against our nature, inherent internal conflict. Focusing on the positive however is a subtle difference, and what we are attempting to do. So there is you philosophy lesson for the day. And it was a good one!
Rock on!
Well, a few days since the unfortunate accident. Everyone seems to be healthy and uninjured so praise to God (or Joe Pesci) for that. Hopefully the other driver won't show up to court with a fake neck brace, because I don't have Mike Brady to drop a briefcase in the courtroom.
The car was indeed totaled; and our insurance company was actually generous in reimbursing us for the car. I am still waiting for the other shoe to drop, since no free lunch is a given.....just like death and taxes. So long good 'ol Ford ZX2 you were a great car, really. At least you didn't fade away, you chose to go out in style.
Well, all thing do seem to pass since everything seems to be healing physically, emotionally and spiritually. George Harrison was right and thanks Joe Pesci for looking out for us!
Just got back from the scene of an accident. My 19 year old daughter was making a left hand turn and bam! She was hit by the oncoming car. She says she had plenty of room, but the oncoming car was speeding....it is what it is. She got the ticket. I am happy she is safe (most importantly), but am extremely upset also. My 2003 Ford ZX2 is most likely totaled; we will have to see how far the insurance company wants me to bend over. I hope George Harrison was right, "All Things Must Pass", because my dials are all in the red zone.
Don't you know....people who drive an Audi are winners. They are entitled to any position they want on the road. VW owners are Audi owner wannabees and frustrate a bit more easily.
Anyway, they need to be winners behind the wheel because deep down they must feel inadequate in all other areas.
Female Audi drivers are usually trophy wives or former trophy wives who got the car in the divorce settlement.
Female VW drivers are trophy wives in waiting. They are still single and looking for Mr. Audi; but they still have the potential to possibly turn away from the four ringed, dark side and find that Mustang SVT Cobra of their dreams.
Yesterday, as I was
driving home from my daughter’s college orientation at NIU, I hit a major traffic snafu on Eastbound Route 88 which dropped my mph from about 75 to 5. So be it I thought, his will be done, all things must pass. As I crawled along between the huge orange drums
, The Rolling Stone’s “Time Waits For No
One” came on my cd player; and tears came to my eyes. Tear of joy for being so proud of my daughter
for where she has been, is now and will be; but also tears of sadness for all
those places my sons will never visit.
As I gazed across the
grassed ditch median strip and saw traffic zipping along the other direction, a
thought came to me. Life is like a road trip
(profound huh?). Everyone starts at
point A and eventually their journey ends at point Z, same 26 letter for
everyone (whether there is a new
alphabet which begins after point Z is debatable and a topic for another
day). Sometimes the road is a straight
shot, set the cruise control enjoy the
ride. Other times it
is an asphalt smelled, bumper to bumper crawl which
requires one to draw on patience
reserves and reflect on something positive.
Sometimes we need a pt stop at the oasis, other times we can hold it just a bit longer. Often we stray off the main road either
intentionally or by accident, but we eventually will find our way back and
reach point Z. Some may get through
their alphabet rather quickly, other it may take decades before their journey is complete. We can try to hit the brakes now and then,
but can never stop completely. And, unfortunately,
no reverse gear is available.
The end of the journey is will come, we really never know
when. So just live in the now and sit back enjoy the
ride. Look around you and focus on the beautiful scenery before it
passes. Ignore those obnoxious Audi drivers you will
inevitably encounter along the way. The
stress they create can get you where you’re going way to fast. Make sure you
have plenty of food and drink onboard for any
passengers who may join you along the way.
Routine maintenance is a must, so
check the oil, tires and spare tire on a
regular basis. And, make sure you have a
kick ass stereo and plenty of music to last a lifetime. Rock on!
Well, my first "official" work out at BLAST! Ftiness was yesterday and I was able to get out of bed today in less than a few minutes without any assistance! Bonus! A bit sore and stiff, but no rips, tears or breaks....everything is WNL (within normal limits)!! Stretched out a bit to oil up the ol' joints and I was ready to tackle a new day...both figuratively and literally (see SPP post below). For anyone out there who live near Downers Grove, BLAST Fitness! is really an above average facility...especially if you do not need any special help or instruction. There were maybe 15 people in the entire place during my afternoon visit yesterday and I was able to whip through my "baby steps" work out in about 30 minutes. No waiting for machines to free up or wait for those 40 lb. dumbbells, which will hopefully be 50 lbs next week, to be put back on the rack. I am a free weight person more so than machine for upper body, but for leg work outs they have advantages; and BLAST! has a mother load of machine equipment.
My biggest fear, yes fear, is my body will break down, seize up or develop some sort of vascular "issues" due to higher mileage. Why the concerns? My father dropped dead from a heart attack at age 45. I am not a smoker, he smoked 2 packs a day. My mom did not cook Pork 5 times a week and put a entire stick of butter on everything served for dinner....another plus. And, I've never asked anyone at the dinner table to pass the fat they trimmed from their meat for my own personal consumption. I have also exercised pretty extensively in the past, something dad never did. So I have that going for me. Finally, I am going to start praying for the environmental factors in the environment vs. genetic debate every night before bed. Now I just have to figure out who to pray to. Is Joe Pesci available?
Well, the newest behavior plan for our boys...and I guess for our entire household is starting out a bit rough in more ways than uno. Support, Prompt, Pause (SPP) is going to take a bit getting used to because it is the total opposite of the direct command, "drill sergeant" type of approach. No more "orders", "requests" or "directives", just simple, calm statements like "could you use some help?" or "what would you like? Nigel Tufnel's laid back approach "what size are you? I think we have that" comes to mind. I need to find my Spinal Tap DVD, my copy of Thaddeus Golas's book "The Lazy Man's Guide To Enlightenment" and well as Ozzy's first solo album for physical, moral and spiritual support.
Anyway!! Today was better and more calm than the Thrilla In Manilla yesterday, plus Ted was telegraphing his punches more than usual so I was able to dodge more effectively. I need to totally erase the "Me", "Myself" or "I" mentality from the equation. Come to think about it, doesn't one need to ditch the "world revolves around me", I drive an Audi mentality to mature in life anyway? Rock on!
Well....after years of slothdom, I finally raised my ass from this very chair beneath me and joined a gym today, BLAST! Fitness in Downers Grove. I walked into BLAST! Fitness at about 9am this morning and took a really, really good look around. The place was cool and clean with a lot of brand new shiny equipment; and most important, it was nearly empty with three lonely free weight benches in the corner whispering my name...perfect! I joined on the spot with the hope my Discover Card doesn't start ringing up unapproved charges. Will I ever get to bench those big numbers again? I think my shoulders will fall off before that ever happens....COL (Cry Out Loud), but I can dream! Realistically, if I can drop 20 pounds and pump 4 plates for 12 reps without ending up in the repair shop, I'll be happy. I am also hoping my expectations don't cash any checks my muscle memory can't cover. Heck, I'll even throw in some cardio work a few days a week to keep my system honest. So to Schwerty, Tillman, Laich, Harry-O (God bless you Harry, I still think about you often) and all my other old school "lifting" compadres over the last 34 years.....BLAST!!!!
Sunday, June 17, 2012
Hum...wondering aloud if all the pageviews listed on the Blogger's statistics page are me just visiting myself....that would be a bit disturbing although not too surprising. If you do stop by....even by mistake...drop a comment in the box even if it is a simple "(insert your name here) was here". Thanks!
Too bad I can't have virtual kids instead of "real" ones. The last few days have been brutal. My patience has been tested on a repeated basis and my sleep cycles have morphed into a unicycle (a unbalanced ride that lasts about 2 hours tops). Sanity is dripping away and I hope I can mop it back up before the dogs lick it up off the floor. Prayers? Hey, they may help, so I sure hope the man in the sky has enough bandwidth for me.
Rock on!
Well, I decided it was time I take a crack at playing guitar again. I dusted off the old Eric Clapton Strat and plugged it into my trusty ol' KMD GV60 Amp. Well, should I say "used to be" trusty, because my baby was DOA. No sound, no crackles, nothing, nada, zippo, etc., etc.
My original plan, which has since become my backup plan, was to find some forums and get advice on how to fix the KMD. In the meantime, my wife and daughter, decided to order me a new amp for Father's Day. Delivery was listed as 7-8 business days....it only took 2! My Kustom Defender V50 is here! My wife and daughter rule! Sorry KMD, sometimes you just need to move on...I will still try to repair you, buy you've become plan B.
NO pictures yet, but check this out! No, I am not that good, but only post I could find showing the amp.
Listen closely....scratch that.....read closely! Do you wear contact lenses? If your answer is yes, chances are your Optometrist fit you in silicone hydrogel contacts. Yes, they are "soft" contacts, but not the traditional soft contact lens material which has been around since The Beatles. Silicone hydrogel lenses have been increasing in popularity among eye doctors for about a decade. These lenses contain silicone which helps increase the amount of oxygen transmitted through the lens by about 500%! These types of lenses are much more healthy for the eye, allowing it to "breath" more efficiently throughout the day. The caveat of these lenses is they may get more dirty, coated, and more filmy if not taken care of properly. Silicone, like the stuff you use to caulk your bathroom, has a tendency to be "sticky" or "tacky". The silicone in the lenses allows the "stuff" which is normally floating around in your eye to adhere to the lens more quickly. So, if you have allergies, the mucous (aka eye boogers) produced in your eye will have a tendency to stick to the lenses. Ladies, who wear slightly excessive make-up, will have a tendency to dirty their lenses quicker and consequently be replacing them sooner than recommended . And....you guessed it, ladies who wear make-up and have allergies may get their lenses really, really, really dirty....DOA as I notate it.
So...what's the plan? First, always use a name brand solution; and make sure it says "for silicone hydrogel" lenses on the box. Inexpensive generic solutions are in cheap for a reason. They are old formulations which are not compatible with the newer contact lens materials. Have you ever bought cheap gas for your car or tried giving generic Fruit Loops to your toddler? 'Nuff said. Second, gently rub your lenses, gently rub your lenses and then gently rub a bit more. "No Rub" solutions were a marketing fad which disappeared a few years ago. You need the mechanical action of rubbing to get the surface debris (mucous, make-up, etc.) off the lenses before soaking them for the night. Third, if your allergies are bad, wear your glasses. Hey, they look really nice on you and can give your eyes a much needed rest. Fourth is for you wonderful ladies, just back off a bit on the make up (an occupational hazard, I know, but try).
Finally, if all else fails, several companies manufacture excellent daily wear disposable lenses. Patients can wear them full time, in place of there 2 week or monthly replacement lenses. Or you can wear daily disposables in the height of allergy season and switch back to your two week or monthly lenses when appropriate. Ask your Optometrist if a one day disposable lens is appropriate for you.
Finally, I never recommend sleeping in your lenses; but if you do, never sleep in them when your allergies are flaring up or you have a cold. Common sense over stubbornness & vanity wins every time.
Oh...and see your Optometrist every year!
First of all, this review is based on the sound of the actual cd. A cd
album which is fraggin' unbelievable. I am listening to "Old Dog" right
now and how American Dog managed to channel ZZ Top, Brownsville
Station, Uncle Ted and Rocks era Aerosmith with their own beer drenched
twist is beyond me! This really, really rocks....foot stompin' rocks.
If you prefer Budweiser and burgers over microbrew beers and
sushi....this one is for you!!
The overall sonic quality and
production is really great too. I hear a lot of Martin Birch type
production from those classic albums by Deep Purple and Iron Maiden;
and, other "old school" albums like Powerage by AC/DC and, like I
mentioned previously, Jack Douglas/Rocks era Aerosmith. The guitars
form a wall right in your face and you can separate each one of them.
The drums are centered perfectly just behind the wall of guitars. The
drummer seems to have a simple, grooving John Bonham type approach that
fits in well. Hannon's vocals blend in the mix seamlessly....no to low,
not too high, just right in there with the guitars.
The bass seem
more subtle and deeper...lower frequency than previous albums. Yet when
you single it out it is right there in your face like a Joe Frazier
left hook.
All the instruments and vocals seem to be separated and mix perfectly
with none overpowering the other.
And
then the songs! I love the Motorhead type guitar solo breaks! A lot
more bluesy based solos and riffs. The entire album seems to have more
of a bar room boogie swagger which I assume anything involving a bar
suits this band just fine!
And last but not least.....after
listening to the new Cult album "Choice Of Weapon" in all its
brickwalled sonic glory for the last week, an album that is just way,
way too loud with no Dynamic Range, this album just sounds good.
70's-80's era rock n' roll with 2012 production...if that makes sense.
Great job!! Grade? 8/10
As a long time Cultist, a fan who owns all the bands albums and box
sets, including all the Instant Live Recordings from about a half a
decade back (I know, you're happy for me), I feel I can speak with some
authority as well as write a excellent run on sentence. COW is an
obvious return to form when you compare it to the last "pink" release, I
forgot the name, in which Billy Duffy was sonically MIA, Ian sounded
winded, the songs were well below par for the band and most importantly
it did not respect "The Rock".
Personally, I may hear more of a
rebirth, reincarnation or regeneration having listened to COW about 5
times over now (and listening at a reasonably loud volume, through real
speakers. The Cult are not an earbud, mp3 player band). The songs,
their sound, the mix, the lyrics and the entire vibe of the album seems
to incorporate everything the band has ever done...including the early
Death Cult albums. COW for me, moves the band to an entirely new
level...more mature & less pretentious while still being able to
rock out and have something important to say. So, if you are a Cult fan,
this album is pretty much a done deal (I got mine at Best Buy yesterday
for $9.99 and it is the 2 disc version). I rate it 4th in the same
tier as "Electric", "Love" and "Sonic Temple". Because I have a tendency
to listen with my "Electric" tinted glasses, I rate COW at 4.5 stars
instead of 5. If you are more of a "Love" person, then it may rate a 5.
'Nuff said on that point if you really know this band. For new fans,
this is really an excellent place to start. "Place to start" is a
phrase very few older rock bands can boast on their current releases.
After spending a few weeks digesting this release, you can move back in
time to the 3 albums mentioned previously.
And last of all with no disrespect to Jamie or Matt, this is the best rhythm section the band has ever had.
So either add to cart or head over to Best Buy before they close up for good!
****Car
experience update - Having listened on my Bose computer speakers for
the first half a dozen or so listens, I did not realize how "loud" this
recording is. In loud I mean sonically challenged, similar to
Metallica's "Death Magnetic". I have read the dynamic range on this
recording is very low and some have used the term "brickwalled". I
really needed to turn the volume down in my car considerably and found
my ears a bit "pissed off" after about 20 minutes of listening. Again,
no slam on the music, just the overall "listening experience". I am
interested to read if anyone else has noticed this or has any
thoughts.....rock on!**** Grade? 8.5/10
Hey! Brand new here. Not that anyone gives 2 sh&ts on what I have to say, but you may! The Blog title says it all. I am a guy, so I like sports. I consider myself somewhat of a "music" person, just as knowledgeable as Eddie Trunk from That Metal Show, possibly moreso. I have a decent, wry, cynical sense of humor; and, I have an ability to see humor where others may not. Finally, sometime you just have to say "WTF"....that'll be here too! Throw in the occasional "midnight rambling" and there ya go! BTW...."The Woj" from over on Amazon.com, Dr. Wojciak from allexperts.com and I are all best of friends, so read between those lines. Thanks for reading...see ya!
Well, here is a 06/20/2012 Blog Title Update....since there are more ramblings than music and sports, those two subject have been deleted from my blog title...for now anyway.
