I posted this @ 4/20/2008 03:16:00 PM.............Need a link?..........
3/04/2008
I AM NO GOOD FOR YOU
Sunday evening I felt the beginnings of a cold or flu or Hanta Virus coming on. I can usually tell because my ears will get hot and itchy. Sure enough, by the time I went to bed I was feeling achy. Now this week is kind of busy. I can't miss work, because they're Nazis. This weekend is the school musical Mark has been co-directing. I don't want to miss it or spread my contagion. So health matters! I went to the store first thing yesterday to procure the needed supplies. I came home with coca-cola, cough medicine, and a couple cans of ravioli. Because let's face it. When you really can't taste anything, there is something good to be said about the mushy pasta/sauce vegetable protein disguised with meat flavoring that really sounds good. I forgot the juice... DAMN!
You may or may not be surprised how effect a nice cold coke is at eating away any junk in your throat. Seriously... it's the new Magic Mouthwash.
So I get home and take a dose of the cough syrup when I notice two startling things on the box.
Non-drowsy? ALCOHOL-FREE?!! WTF?! I was looking forward to a syrupy induced mental haze brought down upon me by the makers of Robutussin. I was sadly disappointed.
To help induce the feeling I was looking for I watched this video endlessly. It's my new favorite song of the moment.
I posted this @ 3/04/2008 07:32:00 AM.............Need a link?..........
1/31/2008
I CAME TO THIS STRANGE WORLD HOPING I COULD LEARN A BIT 'BOUT HOW TO GIVE AND TAKE
If you've seen a commercial for the latest Macbook, then you've heard the song. And as a result you've stumbled across the latest song that I can't get enough of. Yael Naim's "New Soul".
I posted this @ 1/31/2008 06:37:00 PM.............Need a link?..........
1/15/2008
MAMMA MIA
I hadn't been home from a super shitty day at work when I get a message from Bryan.
Bryan: it's a little early in the night to be spanking it, isn't it? Cris: fuck you Cris: i'll whip it out if i want too. Bryan: which is why you can't go back to Kohl's
That was exactly that type of laugh that I needed to really stop me from seeking out someone to exact my revenge. Tho most likely it would be orc-like creatures on WoW, but what can you do.
And no... I wasn't "spanking it."
No kind of bad day that can't be perked up by listening too ABBA!
I posted this @ 1/15/2008 04:47:00 PM.............Need a link?..........
11/15/2007
MUSIC IS MY BOYFRIEND
It's hard for me when I find a song that I like and then my feelings toward the song change when I see a bad video or some crazy-ass behavior by the band.
The new iPod commercials got me looking for a song. "Music is my boyfriend"... and I find this.
I posted this @ 11/15/2007 07:03:00 PM.............Need a link?..........
11/01/2007
THE WEEKEND
Ok... so I totally ganked this from another blog, but I liked the song so much I wanted to pass it along. Also it really fits my mood right now. After a couple stressful days at work I am ready for the weekend to begin. Listening to this song I can't help but start to groove.
The Weekend by Michael Gray
This video also confirms my gayness. When I'm not grooving to the music I'm looking at the interesting strappy bikini thinking that must be a pain to put on and not get a random arm or leg stuck.
I posted this @ 11/01/2007 05:58:00 PM.............Need a link?..........
10/01/2007
THE I LOVE YOU SONG
It's been an emotional week for me. If guys get their own version of PMS then this has been my time of the month. Seriously... take note people. Last week of the month!
I could go on about how even an hour away is a long-term relationship. But I know people who have harder situations. So I'll keep my mouth shut on that one.
What I will say tho is that there was something pretty damned special knowing that he'd be there when I got off work. It really got me through the day on Saturday, after working twelve hours. I love you for that, you know. :-* :x >:D<
Ok, ok, ok...
On Friday Mark and I went to The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Which is my first 'actual' Broadway show. Touring... but still Broadway, compared to local theater where I learned to feel bad about my penis or question why someone wrote a song about pee.
I was really excited to see this show. I'd been listening to the music for a LONG time... a few songs in particular. One of them being The I Love You Song.
A little set up about this show and this song in particular. The show is very interactive with the audience. Each show there are several volunteers that get up on stage and take their turn spelling with the 'kids' in the spelling bee. There is a lot of improv that happens as a result of having new people on stage each night.
Overall the show focuses on these six competitors and the personal issues they face as a result of being in the spelling bee. The need to be perfect at everything. Pressure from parents to win at any cost. Parents who are neglectful of what's important to their kids. Not feeling like you are as smart as other kids. It's not really a downer tho. You really feel for these characters, but they make you smile. The make you laugh through the tears as they each come to terms with their situations. In a way it reminds me a LOT of The Breakfast Club. Each of these kids knows that they have problems just like anyone else and that really... in a way, they are all winners.
The I Love You Song was one of the first that Mark turned me on to. So in that respect alone it makes me think of him a lot anyway. Then when you listen to the lyrics and really understand how sad this girl is... well... when I saw it on stage... I was a mess. I knew it was coming. I'd been emotional all week anyway like I said and that was just the home run for me.
So let's have something chipper now. I can't take much more of the weepy stuff. I'm spent. :P
I posted this @ 10/01/2007 12:42:00 PM.............Need a link?..........
9/04/2007
THE SONG REMAINS THE SAME
Put your iPod on shuffle and write about the first ten songs you hear.
Warning: This is kind of a long entry!
Music for me has been like artwork. I may not 'get' what it is the song is trying to say. I may have a different interpretation of it. I may be completely off in what it means. But as long as you get 'something' from it... isn't that what's really important?
10,000 Maniacs - A Campfire Song: This is one of the first 10,000 Maniacs songs I can remember hearing. Angie would play it all the time when we would work the closing shift at McDonald's. Her huge crush on Michael Stipe compelled her to listen to the bridge of the song over and over. It's frequently played song in my rotation, even today.
Something is out of reach. Something he wanted. Something is out of reach. He's being taunted.
The Fray - How To Save A Life: This is one of those songs that I like for a reason different from it's meaning. The Fray's music being used in anything Zach Braff has his hands on, this song Loss. The break-up with someone you called someone special. A friend. A lover. A fight. A death. A mistake. A wrong choice.
Step one you say we need to talk He walks you say sit down it's just a talk
Where did I go wrong, I lost a friend Somewhere along in the bitterness
The Knife - Heartbeats: There is a cover of this song that is absolutely beautiful. But I suppose that would be writing about a different song. Life has a soundtrack. And the DJ is full of perfect timing and irony.
Ten days of perfect tunes The colours red and blue We had a promise made We were in love
AC/DC - Thunderstruck: It's time for me to come out of the closet. There is a part of me that love classic rock. Arena rock. Guitar-driven. Eardrum-pounding... RAWK!
I remember being on vacation once and playing with some kids at a RV park who were listening to AC/DC. I was young, impressionable. I was also a pretty regular conservative baptist church-goer. AC/DC was "devil music". And how! It was forbidden ear-fruit. (Ear-fruit. Hee!)
It wasn't until later in high school and college that my love of classic rock would really come screaming through. Thunderstruck is definitely one of those songs. \m/
Jamiroquai - Black Capricorn Day: Little Chris and I were at a friends dance recital when I first heard this song. I was already a Jamiroquai fan and this just strengthen that love. Maybe I'm oblivious, but I still don't know what a Black Capricorn Day is that he is going through.
Ben Folds - Landed: This song for me is break-up set to music. I discovered it about the same time I was picking myself up from a bad relationship.
We'd hit the bottom I thought it was my fault And in a way I guess it was
...and I did. I was the one who didn't have the balls to get out sooner. The distancing of friends because you were in an unhealthy relationship and they couldn't reach you. But in the end, you get your shit together.
And you will be so happy to know I've come alone It's over
Train - I'm Not Waiting In Line: From a 'musicians' viewpoint, I love this song because of the electric piano/Hammond organ that can be heard. There is something funky about it that goes back to why I like Jamiroquai. Playing a bit of piano myself, it seems like a fun instrument to play around on. When you're really into a song and you're just going with the music, wherever it leads.
Lyrically I am amused by this song. A whole song about how he thinks the object of his affection is The Shit. Even then... he's not going to sit around and wait for the guy to figure out that he's crushing on him big time. Conversely, he knows he has other suitors, so why bother waiting around for someone to figure out that he has a crush. Then it's the last almost-whispered coy line, "Unless you want me to."
I'm not waiting in line And I'm not changing my mind for you I'm not wasting my time I'm not waiting in line
Unless you want me to
The Proclaimers - I'm Gonna Be 500 Miles: A good, friendly, loving, drinking song. Sung for a lover... Sung for a friend... A fun jaunty little diddy that gets me feeling upbeat in no time. I always loved to sing the back-up part during the chorus where the guy just shouted almost every other word or syllable.
AND I WOULD WALK FIVE...-DRED... AND I WOULD WALK FIVE...-DRED... TO...A...WHO...A...-SAND... TO...DOWN...YOUR DOOOOR!!!
Oasis - Wonderwall: This is a song that I loved to play on the piano. Oasis is my emo. Wonderwall is one of those songs that you sing about unrequited loves.
Maybe you're gonna be the one that saves me. And after all, you're my wonderwall.
Jefferson Airplane - White Rabbit: I get a contact high just listening to this song. Seriously... there is very little sane about this song. Unless you're stoned out of your gourd and the universe has exposed it's secret to you... and only you... "Go ask Alice... when she's ten feet tall." Any song that is based on a Lewis Carroll story... well, I think you have to be high.
I posted this @ 9/04/2007 01:44:00 PM.............Need a link?..........
8/23/2007
WHY DOES IT ALWAYS RAIN ON ME
Lloyd posted a video of a song by Travis that I love. Travis is my new Oasis (except with less inter-band sibling fighting).
Their songs have always been rather peaceful and tranquil for me. Melodramatic in their own dreamy way. This video reminds me of when I used to work overnight. On my nights off I'd still be awake and it was a good time to go grocery shopping. I'd meander up and down the aisle. Take my time. Develope interesting stories about my fellow midnight shopping denizens and workers.
The music played in stores is very purposeful. Upbeat music for the rush hour. Lite music for the afternoons. Overnights seemed to be a mix of classic rock and adult alternative. I can easily see Travis being played during this time.
I'd be lying to say I didn't envision a musical number breaking out amongst store employees when the place was virtually empty. I'm sure I warded off quite a few people unintentionally by singing some little diddy as I made my way down the cereal aisle. This song makes me happy. It's good for a rainy day like today. Or maybe, considering the weather, this other song from Travis would be better suited.
I posted this @ 7/17/2007 08:35:00 AM.............Need a link?..........
6/18/2007
DON'T STOP THINKING ABOUT TOMORROW
I'm backwards of most people. I mainly listen to upbeat music when I need an emotional pick me up. This song always does the trick. Plus it has a fucking march band! BAND GEEKS RULE!
All i want is to see you smile, If it takes just a little while, I know you don't believe that it's true, I never meant any harm to you.
I posted this @ 6/18/2007 04:05:00 PM.............Need a link?..........
4/13/2007
FOR THE ACTOR
Music has always been a big part of my life. I've said on this blog dozens of times that life should have a soundtrack. Just the right song playing at just the right moment to bring everything together. A classic romantic moment heightened by the crescendo of a catchy chorus.
I have many playlists on my iPod. Some based on a theme (cover songs, 80s, musicals). Some based on moods (dancey, mellow, sing-along). Mix tapes are like soundtracks. I think they are one of the 'milestones' I mentioned in a relationship. Especially if the two people involved are both in music. Even if the other person has a different taste in music than you do, knowing that someone put a collection of songs together just for you makes each song a little more special.
I think most of you readers know my favorite song. If not it's pretty easy to find out what it is. I've sat in my car listening to that song on numerous occasions. I have the song on my iPod. I had the cassette. I have the movie it's in. I could hear it in any number of places. Yet, when it's played spontaneously it is suddenly more special.
Pamie quotes Rob Sheffield, "I'd rather hear the Beatles' 'Getting Better' on a mix tape than on Sgt. Pepper any day. I'd rather hear a Frank Sinatra song between Run-DMC and Bananarama than between two other Frank Sinatra songs. When you stick a song on a tape, you set it free."
I have probably heard this song on their album. Yet, for some reason Mates Of State's 'For The Actor' is all I want to hear right now. I've been playing it constantly all week. I even woke up in the middle of the night at one point and was humming the song. I had to start playing it on the keyboard, the next day, in an effort to get it out of my head. I just sat down and started pecking away until I had Kori's (the wifely half of the duo) keyboard part recognizable on it's own.
The easiest way to hear the song if to check out their My Space page and click on For The Actor in the audio box on the right.
So if anyone asks what song I have in my head right now, this would be it. It is the current song on my 'soundtrack'.
I posted this @ 4/13/2007 12:25:00 PM.............Need a link?..........
4/09/2007
COFFEE & TV
This was a favorite song of mine when it first came out. Occasionally I'll put it back on my Currently Spinning playlist. The little Milk Carton was pretty darned cute running around trying to find the missing guitarist.
Now here is the really great part! Some time ago I stumbled across this on Flickr. Now you can make your very own little Milk Carton!
I posted this @ 4/03/2007 12:42:00 PM.............Need a link?..........
3/15/2007
I'M COMING OUT
...of the American Idol closet that is.
For years I've remained firm in not watching American Idol because it was too painful. I've ranted about it in many ways. Now, this isn't to say that I didn't care about it. I just couldn't watch because of the awful performances. The last time I watched was when Fantasia won. I saw her perform her 'victory song'. Prior to that... never. ANYWAY... I didn't feel I needed to watch. Because of friends like Mike & Jen and Zaida, when I worked with her I would hear about all I needed to know. I didn't have to watch. I was doing so by-proxy.
I watched American Idol this week. Admittedly, begrudgingly... but I did 'watch'. I remain firm that these people suck. Well, more specifically, the men suck. The women seem to be much better. Are the sucky men better than me? Oh, hell yeah. Do I want to hear/see someone embarrass themselves in front of millions of viewers by forgetting the lyrics and not being able to pick 'one' key to sing in? Well... I still feel their pain.
Maybe I'll have to hold out til they are down to the final two or three.
Other notes... Diana Ross looks cuh-RAZY!!! Seriously! That can't be her real hair and she should get sponsorship from Sharpie for doing her make-up. As Cute Teacher mentioned to me afterwards, her presence made Paula seem normal.
The whole closet/coming out banter that Simon and Ryan did was uncomfortable. For EVERYONE!
What the fuck is up with the music video at the beginning? Is this normal? I used to like Modest Mouse's song "Float On". Now that I have the Idolini's faux-stop animation version burned into my retinas... I may have to reconsider it occupying my playlist.
My picks? Lakisha or Melinda. I honestly think that Jennifer Hudson's big Oscar win and role in Dreamgirls will carry over to help these two go a long way.
I posted this @ 3/15/2007 08:26:00 AM.............Need a link?..........
3/12/2007
YOU'RE THE ONE THAT I WANT
After many stressful weekends in the Cute Teacher's life, the 'big' weekend finally arrived. After months of late rehearsals and snow days and trips to various thrift stores to find accessories and props, the day had arrived. The Cute Teacher was the assistant director for a high school production of Grease. I haven't watched the actual show in ages. I know the songs, and have been hearing a lot of them lately by association. To finally see it all put together was very cool.
I arrived a half hour in town a half hour before the show started. I cruised around a bit before actually heading to the show. I didn't want to be tooearly. This was the wrong thing to do. I was unprepared for how many people would actually be in attendance. The auditorium was easily seating 500 people.
That is one thing I enjoy about small towns. The community support for such local productions is amazing. Of course, it's because the majority of people know someone in the show and they are there to root them on. Because of my early (yet tardy) arrival I sat towards the back of the auditorium. I could still hear everything, but occasionally my view would be obstructed by the elderly gentleman in front of me. Fortunately he slept through most of it and I was able to see over his slumped-forward head.
I, apparently, had seated myself in the gossip section. Not only did I hear about various vacations or group trips that people were planning on taking. I also learned that apparently some times were printed incorrectly which was the cause of strife between one couple as they showed up a half hour into the show and took a seat next to me. He was apologetic enough, but she could have been related to a harpy. For the first act of the show you could hear her complain that her husband had wrote down the wrong time. She might as well go home because she couldn't see the stage. She demanded his keys several times so she could go to the car. After her second plea for the keys, following much complaining... I was willing to give her mine jsut so she would shut the hell up.
During intermission I believe she must have crept off to have a quick drink because she returned in a much better mood. Now she was singing along with the songs... Hate.
But overall the show was really good. There were several students that I was impressed with their performance. The Cute Teacher tries to play the shows down, partially out of modesty, but also I believe so that I won't get my hopes up. Considering I've not seen an actual Broadway show, I'm perfectly content with the performances that a high schooler can give. He is a much tougher critic than I.
This weekend has really brought about a small town feel. Nothing unusual. I get this every so often. I went to Nebraska City over the weekend as well. I like the fact that most things remain the same there. It is a nice way to ground myself and get going again. It's relaxing to me to see people that I've known for over a decade. It's reassuring to know that however hectic my life may seem that I can find peace in something like a small town.
Would I ever move back? Who knows... I don't foresee it anytime soon. But, I still like it.
I posted this @ 3/12/2007 09:19:00 AM.............Need a link?..........
I'm a 30-something student of human nature. A music-lovin', groove-shakin', laugh-inducin', dish-cookin', gossip-slingin', type of guy. This is my diary of sorts...
