tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74985442012-01-03T21:37:41.452-08:00Welcome to my asylum for ideas and thoughts on movies, politics, culture, and all things Bruce Springsteen.Paul in Brentwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17733224891533205668noreply@blogger.comBlogger5211100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498544.post-58384122097701050552012-01-03T21:30:00.000-08:002012-01-03T21:37:41.481-08:00

Bruce sat at his kitchen table to record a tape of demos. Rough outline sketches that would serve as a blueprint for the E Street's next album. He couldn't get past the vision of the music from the demos, even (supposedly) after recording the album with his band. Thank goodness, his manager, Jon Landau, said, "this is the album." What Bruce gave us was, not only half of his smash Born in the

Paul in Brentwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17733224891533205668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498544.post-77998686414632266292011-12-31T15:13:00.000-08:002011-12-31T18:22:54.971-08:00

It's been a while, indeed. '11 has been a kicker, though, and I'm glad to see it go. With that, I still found many treasures to make my life happy. My favorite novel is Amor Towles's Rules of Civility, a book I find myself thinking about nearly daily. I saw many concerts, including U2's 360 Tour, which was stunning, a beautiful Hardly Strictly Bluegrass, the Branford Marsalis Quartet and last

Paul in Brentwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17733224891533205668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498544.post-20994073883117792372011-10-05T20:29:00.000-07:002011-10-05T20:43:57.253-07:00

Did I last write about the baseball game? National anthem, wonderful. A's and Giants fell to pieces in September. Looking to see the Brewers take the nation's hearts and the Yankees, the pennant. Won tickets to see Branford Marsalis Quartet at Yoshi's in the city with my friend Ana. Justin Faulkner's behind the kit now and he's the ripe old age of twenty. Eighty minutes, and the BMQ altered

Paul in Brentwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17733224891533205668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498544.post-50399136774385728042011-09-18T22:07:00.000-07:002011-09-18T22:18:35.273-07:00

I wanted to at least log this before I filed and/or lost some things...Caught Truth & Salvage Co. twice (and a half) three weeks ago. Postings:August 26, at the Starry Plough, BerkeleyCall BackRise UpIslandBad TimesL.A.Skynyrd song (can't remember the title, again)Charm CityHeart Like a WheelSummertimeShePick Me UpJump the ShipOld PianoMiddle Island CreekLGPGiantSee HerE: Games People Play (Joe

Paul in Brentwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17733224891533205668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498544.post-33638098118442984742011-05-16T21:45:00.000-07:002011-05-16T21:59:54.806-07:00

The last two months have been much less stressful than the winter. It's been relatively cold and I've enjoyed the brisk weather. I need to be living somewhere that doesn't have so much heat. Watching my kids running around in the back yard with either little or no clothing in the sprinklers and bicycles makes me think I'm right. Of course my roots are here and yet it's tempting to look

Paul in Brentwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17733224891533205668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498544.post-78163087040818500712011-05-16T21:23:00.000-07:002011-05-16T21:42:49.318-07:00

Last Thursday (5/12) Truth & Salvage Co. rolled into Oakland for a sole Bay Area shot. With some much-deserved rest (and chances to write and jam), the band hit the New Parish stage for a ninety-minute set of stalwarts and surprises. This was my third chance to see bassist Frank DiVanna with the band. March's shows were great, with hints of new material and some alterations of some of their

Paul in Brentwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17733224891533205668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498544.post-88803297820018726742011-03-21T22:18:00.000-07:002011-03-21T23:01:37.455-07:00

For the last several weeks, I've been fixated on the decade of my birth. I recently completed the 33 1/3 on Big Star's "Radio City" and Colum McCann's Let the Great World Spin. My beautiful wife and I watched "Man on Wire" and I've still been in the mode of my rock history class that just wrapped up the decade that Mick Jagger et al claimed that "sucked". And yet, so much of what I continue

Paul in Brentwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17733224891533205668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498544.post-26922807577823966172011-03-18T23:09:00.000-07:002011-03-18T23:44:52.594-07:00

This beautiful mid-March night and I'm in love. For the last day and a half, we've been blessed with lovely rain, something that we're soon to be missing as the fourth month arrives. Day Five of Spring Break and I'm torn; my kids are bored and frustrated that they can't go outside and they're getting into lots of mischief. I'm ready, keys in hand, when my wife arrives home from work, to go for

Paul in Brentwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17733224891533205668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498544.post-23101478545288013832011-03-13T10:20:00.000-07:002011-03-14T21:33:14.975-07:00

Cafe du Nord, San Francisco, 3/11/11Them JeansJump the ShipEnvyIslandBrothers, Sons and Daughters101Charm CityHeart Like a WheelStanding (Stuck) CenterWelcome to LAHail HailCall BackOld PianoSummertimeShe Really Does it For MeRise UpSee HerPure Mountain AngelE: Middle Island CreekGiantTruth & Salvage Co. roared back into the northern part of our wonderful state last week, stopping first in the

Paul in Brentwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17733224891533205668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498544.post-32639521124677221522010-12-30T21:56:00.000-08:002011-02-27T16:18:17.721-08:00

As we're ready to kiss 2010 goodbye, we all need to give our thoughts to the twelve months we're leaving. Bittersweet year, professionally and personally but when it comes to music, it's probably been the best year of my life. I caught more shows this year than any other and while my collecting habits have become a bit safe and parochial (thank my age and the economy for that), I've ultimately

Paul in Brentwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17733224891533205668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498544.post-28390963901983378092010-12-20T19:53:00.001-08:002010-12-20T19:54:31.158-08:00

While my own review of last night's performance will come, we'll have to just read Jambands.com's review. Yeah, it was that good.http://www.jambands.com/features/2010/12/20/the-last-time-the-black-crowes-last-stand

Paul in Brentwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17733224891533205668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498544.post-72535241862700852832010-12-08T20:46:00.000-08:002010-12-08T20:51:58.716-08:00

Today shouldn't be any easier or harder than the previous anniversaries. Not focusing on the monolithic "30" but the fact that I still miss and hurt. It is still painful. I found a clip on Youtube of the Monday Night Football game that I was watching when Howard Cosell broke the news to the nation. My memory was correct that the Miami Dolphins were playing; I don't know why I couldn't

Paul in Brentwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17733224891533205668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498544.post-38153261564876798252010-12-08T20:42:00.000-08:002010-12-08T20:45:47.346-08:00

And why Robert Reich continues to inspire here.I hate thinking it, much less printing it, but I'm ready to take my Obama sticker off the back of my car. Rolling over on tax cuts for the wealthiest of Americans? Break another campaign promise? Want my support? You're losing it, sir. Rapidly.

Paul in Brentwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17733224891533205668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498544.post-21602287438022080112010-12-05T22:17:00.000-08:002010-12-12T23:09:14.483-08:00

One week later, and now I can give a short but decent review of a phenomenal weekend. T&S swept through northern California and delivered two amazing performances. Very well could be the two best performances I've seen by them. Not sure whether it's the familiarity of the songs in the extended sets, the band's hot performances or a little of both but these two shows left each respective

Paul in Brentwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17733224891533205668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498544.post-72880904715792473652010-11-24T21:31:00.000-08:002010-11-24T22:04:39.969-08:00

Does one judge another by their treasures or their trash? This week, I've wrestled with this as I spin continuously Bruce's "The Promise", the two-disc set of unreleased "junk" from the Darkness on the Edge of Town sessions. Old masters, a couple of outtakes, rejected singles and incomplete songs that the man and others have completed. It's amazing. As good as the album? No, and it's not

Paul in Brentwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17733224891533205668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498544.post-3291281370048914862010-11-10T21:43:00.000-08:002010-11-10T22:21:52.888-08:00

I absolutely love November. I always say that September is my favorite month and think that October is the best but the reality is that November is just the greatest. Crisp and sharp mornings, clear mornings and warm sun on the skin, brisk days and cold nights. Once Halloween has past, families gear up for the holidays of celebration and in two weeks, families are to gather to give thanks for

Paul in Brentwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17733224891533205668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498544.post-9973151504881826312010-11-02T23:25:00.000-07:002010-11-02T23:46:35.708-07:00

Last night was beautiful - the San Francisco Giants won the World Series with an amazing 7th inning blast by Oscar Renteria to ultimately win the game for the self-proclaimed group of misfits. As I've evolved from a once-fan to a non-fan to a casual observer to an obsessive, I've been watching our Bay Area teams with fascination and excitement over the last few years. While the mediocre A's are

Paul in Brentwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17733224891533205668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498544.post-82072869025444362242010-10-30T21:28:00.000-07:002010-11-01T22:51:49.606-07:00

Number Nine, number nine, number nine, number nine...Bolted out of town yesterday afternoon with my friend and neighbor to head to Modesto, the quaint Valley city known for, well, I'm not sure what Modesto is known for now. George Lucas hails from there and gave us American Graffiti, which is supposed to be the story of his youth. Formed, like so many Valley cities, on a grid, little Modesto

Paul in Brentwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17733224891533205668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498544.post-11303243561024836242010-10-24T21:33:00.000-07:002010-10-24T21:47:02.325-07:00

Had a ticket for today's Bridge School Benefit concert. My friend and I (smartly) chose to pass on the day, with the rain falling all throughout the afternoon and my house needing a good straightening-up. Had I gone, I'd still be there watching the headliner and I'm just not ready to burn the candle at both ends just yet. The family was hit with the stomach flu all week and thankfully, I was

Paul in Brentwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17733224891533205668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498544.post-47412090518682439732010-10-19T22:23:00.000-07:002010-10-19T22:45:27.353-07:00

Dear Bob,I'm writing this letter out of frustration. I'm a grown man, just as adult as the other guy and hung up on the past, even more than others. But honestly, you're killing me. I'm a dad, a professional, an amateur musician and one who does all he can to keep every next day to be just as reliable and sane as the next. I hate most businesses, gimics and the re-packaging of previous trends

Paul in Brentwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17733224891533205668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498544.post-76884657081140208342010-10-11T21:35:00.000-07:002010-10-11T22:17:11.927-07:00

The trip to my brother's family was amazing. Three days of thunder and lightning and the opportunity to read New York. The kids played in the backyard and I drank coffee all morning with my hair pulled back and pined for the chance to watch baseball. Mellencamp's cd will now remind me of our wonderful trip just as Moondance did ten years ago. My brother wished to take me out for my birthday

Paul in Brentwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17733224891533205668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498544.post-50757946047741511902010-10-10T23:04:00.001-07:002010-10-10T23:17:38.525-07:00

Ready to return from a two-week break. Well rested? Not really. A week's vacation in San Diego was just nearly perfect, including three days of rain which made for relaxation, lots of reading time and opportunities for the cousins to play for hours on end. Was actually able to read my birthday present in its entirety, New York, the novel, at a whopping 860 pages. Wonderful book; a review is

Paul in Brentwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17733224891533205668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498544.post-82741429656212215722010-09-29T00:00:00.000-07:002010-09-29T00:03:22.887-07:00

Fun gig at Harlow's in the capitol city. Up and back and time for a decent bad night's sleep. Sound wasn't that great but no big deal. Great time. Set:Hail HailCall BackHeart Like a WheelWelcome to L.A.101GiantLGPSee HerShe Really Does It For MeRise UpPure Mountain AngelNice birthday present. Thanks, everyone!

Paul in Brentwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17733224891533205668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498544.post-22014077778618833942010-09-25T20:50:00.000-07:002010-09-25T20:56:08.146-07:00

Spun Led Zeppelin (runes), Houses of the Holy and Physical Graffiti to recognize the thirtieth anniversary of the passing of John Henry Bonham, the greatest, most thunderous drummer in rock history. Half that time, fifteen years ago, I lost a friend on this date due to a congenital heart defect that the doctors only knew about post-mortem. Today I think of him and his family, whom I love

Paul in Brentwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17733224891533205668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498544.post-17834242715006328712010-09-21T21:55:00.000-07:002010-09-21T22:04:08.944-07:00

The weirdest summer, truly, of my life. One that made me feel I truly lived in the Bay Area. Especially June, with temperatures rarely in the nineties and often in the seventies. Usually, weather's in the high nineties and low hundreds and we just bear with it. Summer left us today with a high of maybe seventy-five degrees, giving us the hope and excitement for a fall of morning chill,

Paul in Brentwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17733224891533205668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498544.post-62600878526106668882010-09-20T22:39:00.001-07:002010-09-20T22:41:19.966-07:00

Spun:McCoy Tyner - The Real McCoyBela Fleck, V.M Bhatt, Jie-Bing Chen - Tabula RasaBruce - Unreleased Masters, Vol. IIIBob Dylan - Live at the Gaslight 1962John Mellencamp - No Better Than ThisMiles - MD and the Modern Jazz Giants

Paul in Brentwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17733224891533205668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498544.post-31306354807090911612010-09-19T21:05:00.000-07:002010-09-19T21:14:35.655-07:00

Memorial weekend, so to speak. Saturday marked the fortieth anniversary of the death of Jimi Hendrix. Spun his music all day. Moms came over for dinner as the mayor was in San Diego on business. Are You ExperiencedAxis: Bold As LoveBand of GypsiesWoodstock (first half of the second set, though no obligatory SSB>PH>Villanova Junction. That said, that's my favorite twenty minutes of his entire

Paul in Brentwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17733224891533205668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498544.post-37377141431070746502010-09-16T20:52:00.000-07:002010-09-16T21:18:57.829-07:00

I remember first reading a review in a magazine and didn't think anything of it. Then I read the review that Friday morning in the Fresno Bee which gave it an "A-". I was impressed as well as nonplussed, considering it was a Cameron Crowe film. He'd recently put out "Jerry McGuire" which was not that great though it contained a couple of quotable lines. The most commonly plugged image was a

Paul in Brentwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17733224891533205668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498544.post-700157032762820302010-09-15T22:53:00.000-07:002010-09-15T22:59:05.391-07:00

To one of the coolest movies ever made, Cameron Crowe's Almost Famous. It was released on this date, ten years ago. It made its debut in Fresno the next day, in which some of my best friends and I caught it. That'll be tomorrow, after my beautiful wife and I watch it. For the four millionth time.What have I been listening to? Stillwater! Actually, all this week, I've been listening to the

Paul in Brentwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17733224891533205668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498544.post-60003823367862318702010-09-13T22:35:00.000-07:002010-09-13T22:39:11.618-07:00

Haven't forgotten - just out of town. Totally forgettable weekend in Twain Harte though great to spend it with some dear friends. The lake's marvelous and the weather was perfect. Still spinning:McCoy Tyner Quartet - Live at Yoshi'sChristian McBride - Kind of BrownPink Floyd - Atom Heart MotherManassas - PiecesRichie Havens - PortfolioJudy Collins - Who Know Where the Time GoesSimon and

Paul in Brentwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17733224891533205668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498544.post-53958241369312399242010-09-09T22:51:00.000-07:002010-09-09T22:55:05.264-07:00

Horrible news of a PG&E explosion in San Bruno and an entire neighborhood engulfed in flames. I've had the news on all night; I feel I'm reliving the earthquake or fire in that the t.v. has connected me with someone or something bigger in the greater area. Please donate or help as you can!Giants showing the Padres who should win the West. Spinning today:Van - His Band and the Street ChoirBruce

Paul in Brentwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17733224891533205668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498544.post-24393595024574220412010-09-08T22:00:00.000-07:002010-09-08T22:09:29.212-07:00

How can the A's, Cubs and Giants all lose while the Padres win? Whatever. One of those days I question whether I entered the right profession. Am I the only one who's ever had one of those days? I need a shot of confidence right now to make it to the quarter break. Spinning today:Buffalo Springfield: epon., Again - man, the music's dated but it's really good for formative, mid-60s rock.

Paul in Brentwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17733224891533205668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498544.post-35805795196987845492010-09-07T18:39:00.001-07:002010-09-07T18:55:03.771-07:00

Happy 80th birthday to the Saxophone Colossus, Mr. Sonny Rollins. I've cracked many keys over my love for this man's muse and music. What a milestone (no pun intended) to reach, especially for someone who's faced and conquered many demons, something that did not often happen in his line of work. His albums will make up my entire evening's listening. I'd love to catch him one more time but

Paul in Brentwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17733224891533205668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498544.post-78771629018468017652010-09-06T22:36:00.000-07:002010-09-06T22:47:57.420-07:00

Must report to Superior Court tomorrow after being excused in June. Same nerves. Same fears. I don't care if I get out of work; it's the trouble, the hassle, the headache of trucking in over an hour away for something other "peers" can decide. Should I bring my papers to grade? My Bible to keep on my lap? Crime and Punishment or East of Eden? At least I get a day "off" tomorrow...I did

Paul in Brentwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17733224891533205668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498544.post-77037642388866426762010-09-02T23:41:00.000-07:002010-09-02T23:45:16.939-07:00

I am truly blessed. I write to remember; however, I'm narcissistic enough to post for others to read. Occasionally, I receive comments and feedback on my musings. I received one from a nice person, (thank you, "CM") who must have thought I was a fool, raving about an album in which I could not correctly name. "Before the Frost...Until the Freeze" is the proper title of the Black Crowes' album

Paul in Brentwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17733224891533205668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498544.post-91019809649358814222010-09-01T23:24:00.000-07:002010-09-01T23:26:59.594-07:00

New Mellencamp, Harry Smith Anthology, Sonny's 80th, upcoming vacations...don't wait so long to write.

Paul in Brentwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17733224891533205668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498544.post-64436517472152930952010-09-01T22:15:00.000-07:002010-09-02T23:41:30.185-07:00

Ah, I love September. While we all gear up for autumn to roll in, we're still promised hot weather, difficulties in school and work and a terrible end to another season for the A's (either by injury or failure to hit the ball). There seems to be a mental change with the month, though, and I don't know if it coincides with the traditional school calendar; fresh starts, new beginnings, friends

Paul in Brentwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17733224891533205668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498544.post-19332760980145161772010-08-19T22:15:00.000-07:002010-08-19T22:29:25.052-07:00

Can Sam Adams really put out its Harvest Collection in mid-August? Pumpkin Ale is a bit odd with hot, even warm weather, though for numerical correctness, the Octoberfest is always a welcome annual treat. Helps get through grading papers ;)We've recovered from the Lite Brite Incident and have moved onto nursery school. Can't believe what my kids do and say. Oldest listened to and from school

Paul in Brentwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17733224891533205668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498544.post-74499940063079348982010-08-10T20:59:00.000-07:002010-08-10T21:10:22.768-07:00

Last night's "Jerry Garcia" much of a mixed bag. We missed the music and Phil and Bob singing the national anthem due to crowds and the muni running late. Our seats were great but the Cubs scored early and the Giants played poorly most of the night. Very little Dead-ness for how it was advertised and then the damned game went into extra innings. I'm all for a nail-biter on a weekend with no

Paul in Brentwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17733224891533205668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498544.post-39039615169418947402010-08-04T22:09:00.001-07:002010-08-04T22:40:57.931-07:00

Mr. President, may your 49th birthday have brought you peace, relaxation and a day with your girls. Gosh, I sure hope to be able to meet you on Monday!!!A U.S. District Court judge ruled today that my state's Proposition 8, which banned gay marriage, is unconstitutional. I was late catching the news and yet, I told colleagues and friends. While many of my friends, family and co-religionists

Paul in Brentwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17733224891533205668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498544.post-71021195010105344252010-07-31T15:34:00.000-07:002010-07-31T16:19:26.723-07:00

On Thursday, Big Head Todd and the Monsters rolled through town. I remember their hey-day when I was in college as they had a couple of minor hits. The band's always been noted in certain circles, especially the jam band scene, though they never struck me as a jam band. I honestly couldn't name a single song of theirs but have never seen a reason to not like their music. They just never

Paul in Brentwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17733224891533205668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498544.post-20614310952691437362010-07-26T22:21:00.000-07:002010-07-26T22:33:09.902-07:00

At school. Today marked the twentieth anniversary of Dead keyboardist Brent Mydland's passing. He lived in Lafayette and I was always envious of my wife that her town owned a member (and one of my favorites) of the Grateful Dead. Brent brought blues, gospel and a whole lot of fun to the band, succeeding Keith Godchaux, not an easy task. Keith, who performed predominantly on the grand piano,

Paul in Brentwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17733224891533205668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498544.post-29486007819490883972010-07-11T22:59:00.001-07:002010-07-12T00:00:20.524-07:00

Last night wasn't a concert, it was a happening. Event. Pilgrimmage. Catharsis. I'd never seen Paul McCartney and always had mixed feelings about doing so; somewhat akin to meeting your heroes, sort of thing. I mean, he's a Beatle; how does one live up to that? I bet he probably burps after dinner and his toilet paper roll goes along the wall, instead of the internationally-agreed upon

Paul in Brentwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17733224891533205668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498544.post-31141227937813943442010-07-06T22:26:00.000-07:002010-07-07T07:02:05.790-07:00

As Sam once said, is a summer in the city. Last Thursday night was no exception. Caught a nap before heading out west and feared a train wreck with the Bay Bridge tolls up at $6, but since I left later than I wanted, I missed the 'peak hours' and made it into Oakland (ah, Rockridge), onto the Bridge and into the city in an hour!!! What I didn't realize was that Truth & Salvage wasn't to hit

Paul in Brentwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17733224891533205668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498544.post-86220917220843222422010-07-01T11:41:00.000-07:002010-07-01T11:46:37.460-07:00

It's now a month old, but my friend, Steve, gave me a copy of the record release party show on DVD!!! Here's T&S in Asheville, NC the night their record came out:Setlist 01. Hail Hail 02. 101 03. Heart Like A Wheel 04. Welcome To L.A. 05. Call Back 06. Rise Up 07. Old Piano 08. Brothers, Sons & Daughters 09. Charm City 10. Island 11. LGP 12. Our Love 13. Giant 14. The Shape I'm In (The Band) 15.

Paul in Brentwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17733224891533205668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498544.post-64428939727367295342010-06-28T22:29:00.000-07:002010-06-28T22:48:37.396-07:00

Just received my vinyl of Richie Havens' "Something Else Again", from 1968. Reading Greil Marcus' book on the Basement Tapes. Just how good was the rock music from that era? Man; I can only imagine dropping the needle on this lp (or a vast many others) on my hi-fi system in my apartment with some friends around, crashing on the floor and letting the music (and some of God's organic assistance)

Paul in Brentwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17733224891533205668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498544.post-26591365968589727472010-06-28T09:10:00.000-07:002010-06-28T09:21:36.291-07:00

It's concert week, boys and girls! Wednesday is the Black Crowes' summer romp through northern California and a precursor to the band's wintertime run. The Crowes have announced that finalizing the tours will be an "indefinite hiatus", which means, if anything, I will have more money in my pockets for the next couple of years. All I want is much of the new album from last summer, the best

Paul in Brentwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17733224891533205668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498544.post-76894021306620927752010-06-27T23:52:00.000-07:002010-06-28T00:16:03.349-07:00

I can only imagine (always being so self-conscious and of course narcissistic) how this post will turn out and what others (who do read this, but why?) may think. I just completed C.K. Williams' On Whitman, the textual analysis of the loafer's "Leaves of Grass". My eyes were opened to the fact that he and many, many others prefer Whitman's first 1855 editions of the poems and reject the later

Paul in Brentwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17733224891533205668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498544.post-59562487028137583922010-06-17T23:37:00.000-07:002010-06-17T23:53:07.263-07:00

My three children had their first experience in the Haight-Ashbury district of San Francisco this afternoon. It was a smashing success. The car ride there was a bit precarious, with younglings screaming and crying and parents arguing and parking a frightful stress. Once out of the Suburban Assault Vehicle, however, we made our way down the street, past wonderful freak shops and into a great

Paul in Brentwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17733224891533205668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498544.post-5177607480576643822010-06-17T23:22:00.000-07:002010-06-17T23:36:59.802-07:00

(I am re-typing this post as the computer deleted it last night. Unfortunately, the mood and words are lost; I still want to leave something, though.)Certain experiences of childhood define who we are or who we think we are based on what we hold onto as adults. While I am cynical and often angry, I also am nostalgic, sentimental sap. Thus, yesterday's anniversary was not lost on me. To get to

Paul in Brentwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17733224891533205668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498544.post-72604115723263390282010-06-10T23:07:00.001-07:002010-06-11T00:00:17.381-07:00

Did anyone else read about the FUBAR SNAFU regarding Arlington today?!?!?!?!? Find it on Reuters (that is, if things haven't been edited - check those lovely photos about the Israeli commandos and the Palestinian flotilla!). The article was just vague enough that my stomach curled - my grandfather is buried there. Are his remains really underneath the marble marker that claims to mark his

Paul in Brentwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17733224891533205668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498544.post-55687985424009192602010-06-09T19:55:00.001-07:002010-06-09T20:29:43.112-07:00

Is it technically summer in the 'Wood when the high is 88% and the low is the high 40s!!! Man, the breeze moving through my open kitchen door is downright cold! The kids are running in and out of the house with their toys and I'm stealing away this little slice of free time to reconnect.School's out; has been for nearly a week. I missed graduation, my first since returning to my alma mater,

Paul in Brentwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17733224891533205668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498544.post-69233175447615671622010-05-30T12:07:00.000-07:002010-05-30T12:19:16.601-07:00

Sorry, no musings on jazz, though I've been spinning some 30s Duke, some mid-40s Bird and Kind of Blue in my classroom.Their first Basement Tape? VERY cool. It's called "Middie Island Creek".We lost Gary Coleman, who actually was a fixture of my childhood. I watched tons of "Diff'rent Strokes" though it took growing up to see just how much of a minstrel show the whole thing really was.And

Paul in Brentwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17733224891533205668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498544.post-21222214116114129252010-05-28T20:45:00.000-07:002010-05-28T20:49:49.952-07:00

Snap - how 'bout these two for your record reviews? When was the last time a review was as good as the record? Paste's, the one I was hoping they'd nail, paints the picture of the road that as soon as my stupid cd arrives, I'm rolling for at least forty-two minutes with the windows down and the sunroof open:First, Popdose.Here's Paste.

Paul in Brentwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17733224891533205668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498544.post-53247018085133538052010-05-25T20:56:00.000-07:002010-07-01T10:46:57.380-07:00

It's here. Well, kind of. The cd and goodies didn't arrive but the album's available to listen to online, which I did. Even on my laptop's cruddy little speakers, the sound quality's good and the production value is solid. Chris Robinson's New Earth Mud sound is on this one. While I've heard these songs live several times and have given them countless listens on youtube, these studio cuts

Paul in Brentwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17733224891533205668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498544.post-52198742011726848142010-05-24T22:41:00.000-07:002010-05-24T22:47:47.094-07:00

In less than twenty-four hours, the Truth & Salvage Co.'s eponymous first album will be out and spinning. Twelve songs of great rock and roll. I'm desperately waiting for my mp3 to arrive so I may burn and play it a couple of times tomorrow. I'm hoping to gather some articles and reviews from the wires and net. T&S is playing a record release gig in their hometown of Ashville, North Carolina.

Paul in Brentwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17733224891533205668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498544.post-80642436950716185172010-05-14T17:44:00.001-07:002010-05-14T17:47:02.925-07:00

I attempted to post this yesterday but apparently it didn't save properly. Check this out: The T&S guys performing 'Call Back', acoustic fashion. It's pretty cool. It's here.

Paul in Brentwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17733224891533205668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498544.post-55391194798069594182010-05-12T19:03:00.000-07:002010-05-16T12:21:54.903-07:00

When did you learn that Tapestry was supposed to be in your collection? I had been aware either in late high school but more likely, college, when I supposed to own this one. My American Pop Culture History course in my sophomore year cinched it; an essay in an assigned text made me at least grasp its importance. Only Dark Side of the Moon charted longer in the decade than Carol's record. I

Paul in Brentwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17733224891533205668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498544.post-1305769630137240772010-05-10T22:21:00.000-07:002010-05-10T22:23:39.066-07:00

Nice job by Dallas Braden in his perfect game in the A's' victory over the Rays. #19; congrats!A new tome on my favorite poet: On Whitman. Off to pick up tomorrow. Sing, Walt.

Paul in Brentwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17733224891533205668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498544.post-9768537360558895002010-05-10T21:46:00.000-07:002010-05-10T21:58:08.051-07:00

Rock and roll will never die! Here's a concert review from a show in Indianapolis and yet it could have been the same for my show in Santa Cruz. It's here.What band wouldn't kill for a review like this? Well, when you earn it, you need not wish too much. Nice show, guys.And here's an interview with the band that came out a day after this Indy show. I dig it as I was at the show they mention

Paul in Brentwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17733224891533205668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498544.post-8183488676867946672010-05-03T22:09:00.000-07:002010-05-03T22:24:35.613-07:00

Last Wednesday, I shot down to Santa Cruz to a small blues bar in order to catch the coolest new band on the road, the Truth & Salvage Co. They drew attention opening for the Black Crowes last fall and winter and this spring opening for the Avett Brothers. They were supposed to play the Boom Booom Room in San Francisco over the MLK weekend but due to a scheduling conflict, they cancelled. Not

Paul in Brentwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17733224891533205668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498544.post-76541545655941619932010-05-02T21:11:00.000-07:002010-05-02T21:49:05.570-07:00

Last weekend my beautiful wife and I had the chance to truly escape. A concert, for which we had purchased tickets at least six months in advance, friends to watch all three lit'luns and a free hotel, provided by the slumping economy and central planning of the Doubletree Hotel. We shot to metropolitan Modesto, CA to see, for my first time, Arlo Guthrie, and two generations of family members

Paul in Brentwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17733224891533205668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498544.post-2673954373233467002010-04-27T19:07:00.000-07:002010-04-27T19:20:39.819-07:00

How did I find this place under so much dust? It's time to re-discover my voice and write again. I don't even care if anyone reads this; I want to simply get this moving forward once again. A year has passed and quite a lot has happened, of course. Now that 2010's a third finished, there are many things to celebrate. The first being my little ones' birthday! Happy arrival date, little ones!

Paul in Brentwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17733224891533205668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498544.post-49817847834300454092009-04-10T13:13:00.000-07:002009-04-10T13:19:47.203-07:00

So long, Frank Lloyd Wright.I cant believe your song is gone so soon.I barely learned the tuneSo soonSo soon.Ill remember Frank Lloyd Wright.All of the nights wed harmonize till dawn.I never laughed so longSo longSo long.Architects may come andArchitects may go andNever change your point of view.When I run dryI stop awhile and think of youSo long, Frank Lloyd WrightAll of the nights wed harmonize

Paul in Brentwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17733224891533205668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498544.post-1126339042668210202009-04-08T22:32:00.000-07:002009-04-08T23:04:24.441-07:00

One week ago tonight, I caught 'em. Drove down to San Jose and saw the band bang out a wonderful two hour-forty minute performance that announced to the world, "this one could be another great one!!!!" Then I read the news today that Bruce was named as "the other man" in a divorce case filed in New Jersey. I'm going to stay out of both of those marriages as I struggle in my own daily.

Paul in Brentwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17733224891533205668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498544.post-34615102036697204842009-04-08T22:18:00.000-07:002009-04-08T22:31:21.674-07:00

Every day, I tell myself I need to release the thoughts that rattle around my brain and every night close to midnight, my head slams against my pillow and I pass out from near-exhaustion. School needs to change, or something about it, but I'm growing tired of some of my classes. I'm not stressing nor am I letting my failures as a teacher eat at me any more. Life's too short for that.After

Paul in Brentwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17733224891533205668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498544.post-48994013486474074372009-03-29T22:55:00.001-07:002009-03-29T22:58:14.688-07:00

M. Ward - Hold Time. Liking the spritual yet non-preachy lyrics and mellow sound. And Zooey's visit, too.Eagles - Desperado. A great concept album even with some uneven songs. Gene Clark - epon.Benny Green - Naturally. Dave Brubeck - Time Out! Blue Rondo still throws me with that amazing 10/4 time opener.John Coltrane - Lush LifeMiles Davis - In A Silent Way. This, along with Bitches Brew;

Paul in Brentwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17733224891533205668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498544.post-52315649605604290372009-03-29T13:39:00.000-07:002009-03-29T13:46:48.642-07:00

I know I'm that terrible of a dad when I'm champing at the bit to get back to work, as I'm at the end of my rope being cooped up in the house with three sick and busy kids. Nothing much else to record except for my listening habits. Country-rock theme mostly going for the last couple of days. Last night, I caught the Carol King Live From the Living Room concert on PBS. Absolutely wonderful,

Paul in Brentwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17733224891533205668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498544.post-31384008404355096522009-03-26T14:27:00.000-07:002009-03-26T14:32:58.242-07:00

We Americans love choice. We love the idea of having the freedom to choose what we want. And yet, what so many of us don't realize is that our freedom of choice comes with great cost. In fact, whether it be education or elections, we'd rather pay more believing the freedom of paying more is worth it. And then, these statistics come to us from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, via the San

Paul in Brentwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17733224891533205668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498544.post-21420320133174723012009-03-26T13:44:00.000-07:002009-03-26T13:48:07.736-07:00

Those who give up essential liberties for temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.- Benjamin FranklinThe chain reaction of evil - wars producing more wars - must be broken or we shall be plunged into the dark abyss of annihilation.- Martin Luther King, Jr.Before the war is ended, the war party assumes the divine right to denounce and silence all opposition to war as unpatriotic and

Paul in Brentwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17733224891533205668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498544.post-697925517097681232009-03-25T15:53:00.001-07:002009-03-25T16:14:17.694-07:00

I was on hiatus last November and didn't even record my thoughts of the election. That month held many anniversaries, many sad. The Jonestown massacre. The 27th marked the thirtieth anniversary of the assassination of San Francisco mayor George Moscone and city council member Harvey Milk. I spent that day in reflection and remembrance. Now I can't seem to get all of that out of my head as

Paul in Brentwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17733224891533205668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498544.post-2999687813267068682009-03-25T15:35:00.000-07:002009-03-25T15:52:58.376-07:00

Back from San Diego after visiting my family. Good time, though the trips were long. Uni High no longer exists, so my Almost Famous landmark is gone. Too bad. I did get to drive through O.B., though, so that was cool. SpinningVan the Man - St. Dominic's (on St. Paddy's Day!)Greenfire - good ol' Celts...Beatles - Magical Mystery TourBruce - BITUSA, WOAD. Doing all I can to avoid the

Paul in Brentwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17733224891533205668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498544.post-30413929980108545702009-03-25T15:30:00.000-07:002009-03-25T15:35:15.067-07:00

Emmylou - Luxury Liner. Finally 'got' this one. Listened to it for two continuous hours and it wasn't enough. Just lovely.EL - Pieces of the SkyWaylon - Lonesome...Levon Helm - Dirt FarmerWillie Nelson - Shotgun Willie. Picked up NEW for $5.50. Imagine that. The only way this record would sound better is if it were playing in an 8-track in a '70 El Camino while I was drinking Coors in the

Paul in Brentwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17733224891533205668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498544.post-27609660019846537722009-03-25T15:27:00.000-07:002009-03-25T15:30:17.330-07:00

Spinning this from the jazzier side of things:Joe Henderson - In 'n OutWayne Shorter - Speak No EvilBill Evans Trio - Portrait in JazzHerbie Hancock - Maiden VoyageLester Young - With the Oscar Peterson TrioDuke Ellington - Meets Coleman HawkinsJohn Coltrane - Crescent

Paul in Brentwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17733224891533205668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498544.post-50318627887279903602009-03-15T21:53:00.000-07:002009-03-15T22:03:15.865-07:00

After my last rant, I need to clear my head. Here's what's been making me happy lately:my children, when they're on.late '50s jazz. Miles still slays me. Sonny Stitt. Hank Mobley. Rollins.The Sun Also Rises. Want to finish it tonight and move on.Baseball season right around the corner.The weather.The Allman Brothers Band's current Beacon run. And the fact that I have a ticket to see them

Paul in Brentwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17733224891533205668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498544.post-79680426837901738652009-03-15T21:07:00.000-07:002009-03-15T21:52:34.140-07:00

And yet. And yet. Since January 20th, I have read and listened to nothing but vitriolic attacks and nay-saying towards the Obama Administration. People claiming that the president is steering us towards socialism. That The "Pelosi Congress" (whatever the hell that is) is a joke and has no clue as to what its doing. That the nation's ruined and that recovery is nowhere in sight. Maybe it's

Paul in Brentwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17733224891533205668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498544.post-43605776453898198682009-03-14T18:22:00.000-07:002009-03-14T18:30:13.342-07:00

On a two-week quarter break from school. Looking forward to nothng but family and feeding the self. Then ten weeks of modern U.S. History with a hundred students that were born the year I graduated from high school. Have been listening to:John Coltrane - Lush LifeJC - A Love SupremeSonny Stitt - New York JazzMcCoy Tyner - The Real McCoyBill Evans - Village Vanguard, disc oneHank Mobley - Soul

Paul in Brentwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17733224891533205668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498544.post-7586084492082867422009-03-09T22:30:00.000-07:002009-03-09T22:44:10.536-07:00

As per one of my most recent posts, I talked about my first band I was in; Blue Sky. Steve Dutcher came up with the name as the two of us were on our way to see the Allman Brothers Band in Bakersfield on July 30, 1999. I can't remember whether Dee Dee was in the band yet or not but it doesn't matter. She probably was. We played a junior-high carnival that year and, nerves aside, pretty good.

Paul in Brentwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17733224891533205668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498544.post-55582639201469279052009-03-09T22:21:00.000-07:002009-03-09T22:30:51.173-07:00

Tonight began the Allman Brothers Band's run at the Beacon Theater, an amazing piece of music history that any fan of this band needs to experience. A kind of hajj one needs to complete, if not being able to experience a Red Rocks show. Thankfully, very thankfully, I've had the blessings of being able to experience both. The former in 2004, the latter in 2001. Tonight's setlist and early

Paul in Brentwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17733224891533205668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498544.post-62181445976868161042009-03-09T00:58:00.001-07:002009-03-09T01:51:25.706-07:00

Last week I slipped out and went cd shopping. Picked up four albums that had been drawing my attention and as the week has passed listening to little else, I'm still not sure what to think of them.The first if the latest U2 album, No Line On the Horizon. Initial spins place the sound of this record somewhere between Zooropa and All That You Can't Leave Behind. Get On Your Boots is the latest

Paul in Brentwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17733224891533205668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498544.post-91946041148012761902009-03-02T21:01:00.000-08:002009-03-02T21:42:49.679-08:00

I just began my two week unit on the Great Depression. How to teach it without ignoring the obvious contemporary parallels? I had a student crying this afternoon when we made the connections between 1929 and 2008. The accounts of anger, fear, pain, loss and helplessness are the stories I always wish to impart, along with the attempts to shore up and reform the economic system that so blindly

Paul in Brentwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17733224891533205668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498544.post-90465836018613488392009-03-02T20:49:00.000-08:002009-03-02T21:00:55.329-08:00

A half century ago this afternoon, Miles Davis and his sextet of Paul Chambers, Cannonball Adderley, Jimmy Cobb, Bill Evans and John Coltrane recorded the first three tracks of what would be known as Kind of Blue. The quintessential and greatest jazz record in the history of recorded music, KOB's impact and legacy are so widespread and great that to discuss it would be an exercise in futility.

Paul in Brentwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17733224891533205668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498544.post-5191179032017756952009-02-24T22:08:00.000-08:002009-02-24T22:26:44.829-08:00

Tonight, President Obama delivered a speech to a special session of Congress which essentially served as his State of the Union address. In sparing the details here, I saw a president planning his vision to a Congress which is bitterly divided in policy. There is a portion of Congress that wishes to try to fix the economic crisis the nation is in while another wishes to recycle stale cliches

Paul in Brentwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17733224891533205668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498544.post-84133289442993909722009-02-23T22:23:00.001-08:002009-02-23T22:26:50.581-08:00

After looking at the awards this morning in the Chronicle, I can't really think of much to say. Except for Mickey Rourke and what his career just may do. Also, a story on NPR reported that Sean Penn was picketed as he drove into the awards ceremony last night. Do these people realize that actors essentially play dress up and have imaginary friends? Sean Penn was PRETENDING to be Harvey Milk.

Paul in Brentwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17733224891533205668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498544.post-7554946772098461292009-02-23T22:18:00.000-08:002009-02-23T22:23:22.463-08:00

What's been spinning today:Willie Nelson and Wynton Marsalis - Two Men With the Blues - an absolutely beautiful record that deserves more play than I've been giving it. Paul Simon - epon.Joni Mitchell - Court and SparkRichie Havens - Mixed Bad - e-mailed him in a fit of insomnia last night. Am having to pass, unfortunately, on his Bay Area visit in a couple of weeks. My loss. Tift Merritt -

Paul in Brentwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17733224891533205668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498544.post-6068758120854589872009-02-23T22:09:00.000-08:002009-02-23T22:18:53.237-08:00

The GOP continues to paint itself in a corner as an irrelevant and unwilling participant in an overall success plan for the nation. News leaks such as this and this and this make me want to take the entire organization and put it into a museum next to the Know-Nothings and Constitutional Union parties. And while you're at it, and I don't care what what your favorite show is, you should vote for

Paul in Brentwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17733224891533205668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498544.post-83199899556356247562009-02-22T22:41:00.000-08:002009-02-22T23:03:06.969-08:00

Tonight's Academy Awards were a bit underwhelming. Hugh Jackman started off comedic but for some reason, the whole kit and kaboodle felt rushed. The sound was horrible (that, or the music director didn't realize that when people are presenting, the orchestra is supposed to stfu) and impersonal. The tribute portion of the show, which is always the most moving and favorite portions of mine, was

Paul in Brentwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17733224891533205668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498544.post-77338653989283738912009-02-19T22:40:00.000-08:002009-02-19T22:46:38.168-08:00

Tomorrow is a nice day. Not only Friday but the one-month mark of President Obama's tenure. I've slept better and have cringed less in the last thirty days than the previous eight years. It's also my parents' forty-third wedding anniversary. Way to go, Mom and Dad.I've been busy and swamped with school. Bought my first cd in almost a month and weirdly enough, it's Born in the U.S.A. Last

Paul in Brentwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17733224891533205668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498544.post-83919417492267566072009-02-19T22:37:00.001-08:002009-02-19T22:40:11.058-08:00

Listening to the title track of WOAD, I got to wondering: what other (great) rock and roll songs incorporate whistling? Odd topic, I know, but the more I began thinking, the more I thought of. I'd also love to hear of other songs I've omitted:WOADMe and Julio Down By the Schoolyard - Paul SimonThe Stranger - Billy JoelWinds of Change - ScorpionsJealous Guy - John LennonBridge Over River Kwai -

Paul in Brentwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17733224891533205668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498544.post-33866278012955305552009-02-14T19:33:00.000-08:002009-02-15T14:19:43.906-08:00

A disastrous dinner from a restaurant downtown, which will be the last time we frequent that establishment. Three hours and nearly $100 wasted with nothing to show but two styrofoam boxes and animosity. And the waiter even chalked it up to Friday the 13th. Thanks, dude.If this doesn't make you tear up, nothing will. What an amazing performance from a true national treasure. And I'm not

Paul in Brentwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17733224891533205668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498544.post-65262572110558903752009-02-12T22:14:00.001-08:002009-02-12T22:23:05.737-08:00

To celebrate great men. Two hundred years ago on this date, Charles Darwin and Abraham Lincoln, on two different continents, both entered this world. Both would leave it a very changed place. Two individuals, two magnificent and influential men. My attention is drawn today towards the Rail Splitter and his impact. While I've been to D.C. and seen the places - Ford's, the Patterson House, the

Paul in Brentwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17733224891533205668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498544.post-52253250614753814812009-02-12T22:07:00.000-08:002009-02-12T22:14:04.080-08:00

Listening over the last couple of days. A bit of a change of pace, though very nice. Some times the lack of words speaks more profoundly:Don Friedman Trio - A Day in the CityJackie McLean - Destination Out!Clark Terry - Serenade to a Bus SeatMiles Davis Quintet - Workin'Sonny Rollins - Saxophone ColossusThelonious Monk - Genius of Modern Music, Vol. ILouis Armstrong - Plays W.C. Handyjazz at

Paul in Brentwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17733224891533205668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498544.post-41431371458492071782009-02-10T20:55:00.001-08:002009-02-10T21:12:31.403-08:00

After heeding the advice of a fellow Backstreets poster, I called TicketB*****d to see what I could find. I was able to find a single lower level seat for the San Jose gig. More of a relief than excitement, I can now rest assured that I'm at least in the venue the first night of the tour. I know this sounds completely greedy, but I'd still like to trade up for a GA ticket, though I'm counting

Paul in Brentwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17733224891533205668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498544.post-80675276714376063372009-02-09T19:52:00.000-08:002009-02-09T20:03:25.942-08:00

Today was grown ups' day in every way. Tunage:Patti Scialfa - Play Is As It Lays. Isn't it great when adults can make adult music for adults and it hits the spot? Great music. Not for the young at heart.Bruce - WOAD, The River. Marvin Gaye - I Want You. This is more of a dj's sampler record with Let's Get It On in mind. Lyrically void but sonically rich and deep, this is a good mood record

Paul in Brentwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17733224891533205668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498544.post-77274858386259194482009-02-08T22:13:00.000-08:002009-02-08T22:28:08.128-08:00

I posted an 'ad' looking for a general admission ticket for Bruce's 4/1 show in San Jose. Yesterday, I guy on the Backstreets board said he'd sell me an extra; all I needed to do was e-mail him. I did. Twice. Then once this morning. Then, this afternoon, I find the guy re-posts an offer to sell what should have been the ticket I offered to buy. I e-mailed him asking what the deal was and he

Paul in Brentwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17733224891533205668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498544.post-66485978980453847682009-02-07T21:13:00.000-08:002009-02-07T21:30:32.576-08:00

I'd like to get back to logging all of my artistic habits, simply to journal what I'm consuming in my spare time. I finished Extremely Loud and this novel left an indelible impression on me. Next up, Doctorow's Billy Bathgate and Angel In My Pocket by Beth Blachman Decker, a colleague of mine. A good friend and fellow teacher, Beth has written a piece of "historical fiction" in that she's

Paul in Brentwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17733224891533205668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498544.post-80799986854637898202009-02-06T23:07:00.000-08:002009-02-06T23:16:10.439-08:00

I'm beginning to appreciate and love WOAD for what it is. I've also understood that the record is a good one for what it isn't.This is a record by Bruce for Bruce. It's his Tunnel of Love without the midlife crisis. It's Sheryl Crow's Wildflower, a beautiful and deeply rewarding record that only diehard fans will love. The songs do not resonate with the listener. They are rich and melodic

Paul in Brentwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17733224891533205668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498544.post-52822452194722898962009-02-06T22:55:00.000-08:002009-02-06T23:07:46.600-08:00

Still waiting on finding a ticket. While there's plenty of time before the show, I'm growing increasingly nervous. Any extras? The trip to the Steinbeck Center and Monterey Bay Aquarium was wonderful. The trip through the heartland of California's central coast brought back the memories of traveling to college. The rain made the hillsides a deep, rich green and the warm sunlight through the

Paul in Brentwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17733224891533205668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498544.post-18625862578680445112009-02-03T20:39:00.000-08:002009-02-03T20:52:15.069-08:00

I can still remember when that music used to make me smile. Last night/this morning marked the fiftieth anniversary of the plane crash that took the lives of three young musicians and cemented into the culture of American music an ending that brought about an incredible rebirth. The impact and influence left by Richie Valens and especially Buddy Holly on that particular generation of musicians

Paul in Brentwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17733224891533205668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498544.post-76663113705133639762009-02-01T21:01:00.000-08:002009-02-01T21:06:29.192-08:00

Well, I think we can all agree that we caught one of the coolest Super Bowls in history. What a nail biter, eh? I really expected the Cards to pull it out at the end, but...Bruce opened with a bubbling Tenth Avenue, catching me honestly off guard. Great opener. Lots of energy and the band looked great. Right into BTR, which, while very short, worked well. Working came off quite well, making

Paul in Brentwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17733224891533205668noreply@blogger.com