Some random musical ramblings.

Robert Fripp is a genius. Aside from wasting a ton of time this weekend, I have reinforced this musical maxim. King Crimson are just so spanking good at what they do. I can’t help but love prog, it never gets old. I watched an old video of Elephant Talk on the mighty Youtube, it is most impressive.

The only bad part is that I feel torn between Belew and Fripp as a guitarist and then watching the incomparable Bruford; he makes me need to pound the skins so bad I can hardly stand it. I wish I did not love both instruments. I’m really not that good at either, but I do enjoy myself. If you like prog rock, check out King Crimson. Also, check out a group called Aphrodite’s Child. I am still getting used to them, but I love Four Horsemen (Thanks Joneseph and DZ).

Van Halen is in a continual state of letting me down. After yet another botched reunion attempt that ended in failure, I think I am done with these jokers. I hope that Edward can beat his addictions, he is unique; I just hope he doesn’t leave us unnecessarily early. Mike Anthony has been replaced by a 15 year old, which is just wrong. The Van Halens snubbed the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. David Lee Roth didn’t even show up. What a disgrace. To top off the insanity, Velvet Revolver wouldn’t play Jump. I didn’t know it was Velvet Revolver being inducted, why did they have a say in the matter!! They so totally screwed up Runaround that I was speechless. I could have farted the song better than they played it. What an utter wasted opportunity. Imagine if the original lineup had walked out on stage and played "Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love and Jump and then Sam Hagar came out and sang Right Now and Amsterdam. That would have been classy and shocking. At least Sammy and Mike were gentlemen enough to mention the rest of the band in civil terms. This may be the most botched induction in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s short history. It was worse than the Blondie debacle.

My little letter to Eddie: Dude, a porn star girlfriend? Making soundtracks for porn? You are Eddie Van Halen! You are the father of modern guitar, among the likes of Jimi Hendrix. You are not some starvin’ street guitarist. I am sure you could put out solo music, I’d buy it. Hell, tell Alex to put out a solo album! Why? Why? Why? You need to go on a long motorcycle ride alone, I mean for weeks. Or a wildlife retreat, with jerky, beans, and dried fruit. And I mean somewhere wild, not some Californian rich boy getaway. Purge the pampered rich guy from your system and become hungry again. The world misses you.

I was recently forcibly baptized into the world of Indie music. A friend (who shall remain anonymous) had me listen to a playlist of 102 songs. I had only heard maybe 3 of the bands on the playlist. I admit that it was a scary experience to step away from my usual progressive rock fare such as Rush, Dream Theater, and King’s X. Usually, I need a lot going on in my music for me to enjoy it, and I wasn’t sure about Indie stuff and its acoustic oddball simplicity. Let us not forget the usual snobbery expressed by the purveyors of evil Indie music.

So much for my expectations. For the most part I truly enjoyed myself. And I even heard one song that was a spiritual experience. I consider this most fortuitous, yeah even serendipitous. I estimate the odds of finding a song so moving to be one in a thousand, and I was able to find this diamond in a playlist of 102 songs. As usual, my perspective has been broadened and once more I will never be the same.

What was the song you ask? It was The Trapeze Swinger by Iron & Wine. Not the studio production, but the Itunes exclusive live cut. When I first heard this song I think my heart stopped beating, my eyes misted, and my mind filled with the rushing sounds, smells, and raw emotions of young love. Thank you Mr. Beam and your lovely sister too.

Why do we limit ourselves so often? There is a whole ‘nother world out there.

I ask you friends, family, and acquaintances. What have been your musical surprises?