Back In The Thick of It

Alright, I know, it's been about a month since my last post and that might be considered unforgivable. But when you get right down to it, is anyone really reading this? In my defense, I've pretty busy at work and finishing a Network+ class at the local community college. So something had to fall by the wayside.

That being said, I think I am back, and while my posts may become a bit more free-wheeling, I hope to be more diligent.

So, first off: The Dixie Chicks - They have a new album out and they are getting a lot of press, mostly about "the Incident." I'm not going to rehash the details, but all the press attention has put them back in my view. I must state that I am in no way a fan of their music. I had hoped Rick Rubin might change my mind, but alas, no luck. They are still over produced, corporate country. However, despite my disinterest in their music, I am a fan of those three women. They stood up for my favorite right: Freedom of Speech. I'm not saying I agree with what they said (this is not the forum) but I do support their right to say it. Anything else is truly un-American. Those rednecks who criticized them during "the Incident" would have probably told the founding fathers to shut up and pay their taxes. "No one should criticize the King." So, God bless the Dixie Chicks. Now if only they would stop making lousy records.

Television - (not the band) I've said it before but I will say it again, I am thrilled that "Generation X" has infiltrated the television industry. Suddenly, we have great music to accompany our pablum. Most recent example, I was watching the pilot episode of "Criminal Minds," and during the closing scene, they used the Pixies' "Rock Music" to a chilling effect. The adrenaline is still pumping. By the way, "Criminal Minds" is one of the only cop shows I watch (other than "Reno 911" and "The Wire"), but I totally recommend it. Catch the reruns this summer.

Peeping Tom - check out Mike Patton's latest project, Peeping Tom, on Conan O'Brien tonight (May 26).

Strangereaction.com - I love mp3 blogs. As you know, I am not a big fan of file sharing, but out of print and unrelease material falls into a grey area for me, so I love when people post their old seven-inch and bootleg collections online. Of course, whenever these items are commerically available, I am willing to pay for them. But currently, I am loving www.strangereaction.com. Plus, he includes plenty of links to other like minded souls. So enjoy.

Worst President Ever? - Since Rolling Stone brought up the question, I will chime in: Yes, George W. Bush is the worst president ever. Stop him now before he ruins the country. Of course, I am probably now on some NSA watch list, but hey, fuck them. And Dick Cheney. And Donald Rumsfeld. I'm an American and proud of it.

And to fully embrace freedome of speech, here is what my iPod is talking about:

1. "Cool If you Need" by Drake Tungsten
2. "Waitin' Ta Hate" by Ice Cube
3. "Best of You" by Foo Fighters
4. "All The Pretty Girls Go To The City" by Spoon
5. "Get Rhythm" by Johnny Cash
6. "Cool Scene" by the Dandy Warhols
7. "Beacon Sighted Through Fog" by the Minutemen
8. "Beneath the Valley of the Underdog" by Mudhoney
9. "Religious Vomit" by Dead Kennedys
10. "Black Tambourine" by Beck