Punk Rock Girl

The other day I was talking with a friend about my top 5 albums of all time. My criteria is it has to be something that you can listen to from start to finish and enjoy the whole album. There are lots of single collections or greatest hits, and that would be cheating. My list is so very ME.

 

5. Let it Be-the Replacements

4. Sandinista-the Clash

3. The Joshua Tree-U2

2. Ramones-Rocket to Russia

1. London Calling-the Clash

 

London Calling to me is THE perfect rock album. It is sublime, layered and just so different. It was the moment that punk became nuanced, and took it up another level. There were different stylings, all of which had been teased by previous Clash albums, but put on vinyl with London Calling. From the opening anarchy of the title track, to the surf rock a billy of Brand New Cadillac you get treated to scat and jazz on the appropriately named Jimmy Jazz. There are early gangsta overtones with the ominous Guns of Brixton, indictments of capitalism and marketing and just a good true blue romantic pining song in Train in Vain. Back in the vinyl days, that was the hidden track. It was like hitting the aural lottery when you heard it the first time.

 

I first got into the Clash when I was about my son’s age. I was in 5^th grade. I heard Train in Vain on 102.7 WNEW and it was all over. They became my favorite band. Since it was the days before the internet, I had to read articles about them on microfiche at the library. Rolling Stone seemed to feature them a lot, so I started reading it too. (I was quite the precocious 10 year old, but that’s ok. Its made me have discriminating taste.) I remember begging my mom for London Calling and when I finally got it (after what seemed like an eternity) it stayed on my turntable for a very, very, very long time. Well, at least until I got Sandinista the following year.

The album encouraged me to read about the Spanish Civil War. 

I read Hemingway's For Whom the Bell Tolls, and another literary love affair began. I read about the Crimean war and thrilled over Tennyson's Charge of the Light Brigade. 

That led me to a poem that is still a favorite-Crossing the Bar.

 I read about Montgomery Clift and watched his movies. That in turn led to me reading another James Jones novel, the Thin Red Line. This begat me reading Rudyard Kipling, since the book title was inspired by a Kipling poem, Tommy. This lead me to read about World War I because of the Kipling poem, My Boy Jack. 

I became more literate because of the greatest rock album. Who says music can't change your life?

 

Rock Star

For years, I've advocated for and supported the Boys & Girls Clubs. I grew up in a suburban utopia, and I'm incredibly grateful that I had access to after school activities and more. For many kids, that's not always the case. The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Sioux Empire (http://www.youthenrichment.org/boys-and-girls) helps fill the gap. They offer programs for kids year round, from tutoring and homework help to teaching entrepreneurial skills. One of the newest programs being offered is the Brennan Rock & Roll Academy (http://brennanrockandrollacademy.com/).
Thanks to the generosity of its founder, Chuck Brennan (himself a graduate of the Boys & Girls Clubs here) kids in Sioux Falls will have the opportunity to learn music. They will get one on one lessons and then form a band. It's more than just learning an instrument. Music has so many more benefits than just playing.

From She Knows (http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/814331/10-reasons-why-your-child-should-play-a-musical-instrument-1):

1. IT WILL BOOST THEIR BRAIN POWER
Want to give your child a mental advantage? Music can do that. "More and more studies show a correlation between higher academic achievement with children who are exposed to music," says children's music specialist Meredith LeVande of MonkeyMonkeyMusic.com. "Music simply stimulates parts of the brain that are related to reading, math, and emotional development."

2. IT WILL IMPROVE THEIR MEMORY
Where did that shoe go? That's a question asked far too many times in far too many households with kids. Help your kids remember more (and learn more!) with music. "Further research has shown that participation in music at an early age can help improve a child's learning ability and memory by stimulating different patterns of brain development," says Maestro Eduardo Marturet, a conductor, composer and musical director for the Miami Symphony Orchestra.

3. IT HELPS THEM SOCIALLY
Picking up an instrument can also help your child break out of their social shell too, experts say. "Socially, children who become involved in a musical group or ensemble learn important life skills, such as how to relate to others, how to work as a team and appreciate the rewards that come from working together, and the development of leadership skills and discipline," says Marturet, who also oversees the MISO Young Artist program in South Florida, which allows young musicians to hone their musical skills as part of a professional orchestra.

4. IT'S A CONFIDENCE BUILDER
Are there any areas of life that aren't enhanced by having good confidence? Probably not. And if you want your child to develop their confidence, learning to play a musical instrument can help.

"They find that they can develop a skill by themselves, that they can get better and better," says Elizabeth Dotson-Westphalen, a music teacher and performer.

5. IT TEACHES PATIENCE
We live in a world of instant gratification, but real life demands having patience. When you are playing in a band or orchestra (and most musicians do), you have to be willing to wait your turn to play otherwise the sound is a mess. That inadvertently teaches patience. "You need to work together in a group to make music," says Dotson-Westphalen.

In order to make the dream a reality, it takes a lot of fundraising. I was very fortunate to be part of it. The Princess and I went to the last night of concerts for the Academy's grand opening and they saved the best for last. We knew that Vince Neil of Mötley Crüe and Stephan Pearcy from RATT were going to be performing. What we didn't know was Kiss' Gene Simmons (the Big Man's favorite band ever) was the guest of honor. They performed with a local tribute band, Hairball, who brought me back in time. They did everyone from Van Halen, Twisted Sister, Poison, Guns & Roses, AC/DC and even Prince. I've seen all the original acts in concert and they nailed them spot on.
Unlike back in the day, I was up close and personal right by the stage. I even got to shake not only Vince Neil but Gene Simmons' hands.
It was a great night out for a great cause.

Piano Man

When they were handing out talents, I must have been outside writing bad poetry or hot glueing glitter when it came time for musical ability. I play albums really well, and was one heckuva DJ, but I can't sing or play an instrument.
Unless you count the tambourine. Then I'm a rock star.
My son, on the other hand, sings beautifully. When he was 4, we got him a keyboard to bang around on. It was the best money I spent on a toy, ever. He recently started piano lessons, in a formal setting. I'm completely giddy about it, because I know he's got the talent, acumen & skill. It's channeling it correctly.
My son had been born with severely crossed eyes, and he had struggled for years with hand eye coordination.piano lessons are another way to strengthen that skill. Studies have shown that kids who take piano also perform better on math and reading tests, and have longer attention spans than their non pianist peers.
Anything to give my kiddo a boost,
I too took piano, as did the princess. U really had no ability but having to practice instilled discipline and helped me to set goals. I hope that those practical life skills translate to the Little Man's life.
In the meantime, he's learning the basics and seeing how far he could push the envelope with his teacher.
One day, he may be the piano man.

Anarchy in the UK

The other morning, it dawned on me that I was the same age as my son when I discovered punk rock, and my life irrevocably changed. It was 1979, and it was London Calling.
It was a very different era. There wasn't iTunes, no Internet, no twitter or Facebook. It was a chance to explore bands based on what you heard at the record store.
I was a few years older when I got further into the "scene", or as much as a prepubescent, precocious child could. It was several years after Sid Vicious' death; Johnny Rotten had gone on to form PiL, and I had moved from the NYC area to Salt Lake City.
From the first time I heard Johnny Rotten growling "right now" and the evil, maniacal laughter that starts Anarchy in the UK, I was a goner.
This was a magical time in the history of punk. There was a vibrant scene on both coasts, as well as Europe. Just watching Decline of Western Civilization, Penelope Spheris' brilliant documentary of the LA punk scene, justifies the hype.
SLC at the time was a crossroads. Bands from both coasts played gigs. There were vibrant local bands. Punks from all over flocked to the region, much like San Francisco in the 60's or Portland in the 90's. There was skiing, skateboarding, a terrific hangout with Raunch Records as well as local radio support. The movie SLC Punk, while attempting to portray it, never quite got it right. It was a few degrees short of truth. Or at least how I remember the truth.
The punk subculture was a great breeding ground for those of us who felt like misfits. I wrote poetry and was best, the prototype for Winona Ryder's character in Beetlejuice. I liked attempting to take pictures of lightening and old cemeteries. I looked more like a cross between a mod and a goth chick, and made it through my teen years with multiple ear piercings and tattoo free.
My son was scrolling through my track listing on iTunes the other day and he wanted to hear my favorite 5 songs of all time on there, but the catch was they all had to be from different artists.
All time?
Different groups?
Wowzers.
Tough call.
So, I fired it up and gave him an aural treat.
5. Bastards of Young-replacements
4. The New World-X
3. When the Angels Sing-Social Distortion
2. Anarchy in the UK-Sex Pistols
1. London Calling-the Clash
Needless to say, little man, who is from the era of Lady Gaga and autotune, wasn't impressed. His father has quite different musical taste than i do. My son likes ska, the mats and the clash. However his 2 favorite songs are poker face and who let the dogs out. But he's 9, and he has a solid foundation of good music.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ICXdQR1VVhw&feature=youtube_gdata_player

High Fidelity

Over the last few months I've had to write a bio for various things, and I realized how little of my light I let shine sometimes to all.
It's hard to express the role of music in my life in just a few words. I have a playlist for everything it seems, for good reason. Music is my everything, and I have my own personal soundtrack. The closest I can get to relating my relationship to music is John Cusack in High Fidelity (warning: clip below does contain some bad language)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AQvOnDlql5g&feature=youtube_gdata_player

I too have a massive collection that has morphed from vinyl to cd to now digital. Back in the day, if I made you a mix tape, it was special. You made a mark in my life and I wanted to share it with you. I wanted you to know, through song, what you meant to me. I remember giving a high school crush a tape and he didn't "get" it. I had some top 40, but had also included some real KCGL era gems. It ended my crush big time, because I realized him not getting it meant music wasn't that important to him.
The other "test" I used to give potential dates was the record store. In Salt Lake, it was Raunch, later on I would go into NYC to Vintage Vinyl and PREX in Princeton. When we moved to Sioux Falls, I made sure to find at least one good used record store. If a guy didn't get all giddy walking in there with me, especially if they found something they loved, it wasn't going to work out. Yes, it's shallow, but significant. It's what I love, and still is a favorite way to spend a rainy afternoon.
Later on I went on to DJ in college and my playlists rocked. I am somewhat embarrassed by what I played then, but I have the innate ability to put songs together to just sound good back to back.
Even today, I make mixes for my iPhone that just kill it. My current favorite is Going Back to Cali, featuring Sublime, Everclear, Weezer, Social Distortion, Red hot Chili Peppers, Rancid, Flogging Molly and No Doubt. The Cali connection is quite tenuous, but it's there. Going from Everclear's Santa Monica to Weezer's Beverly Hills has merit. Add to it, going from Scar Tissue to Father of Mine to perfect situation to santeria to When the angels sing to 7 deadly sins may not make sense at first, but there is a story arc there lyrically.

If I had to find a major, deal breaking fault with my husband, it's the music thing. We don't share the same taste. Period. It doesn't rule his life as it does mine. He doesnt even have music on his phone!! He loves arena rock, never listened to WXPN, his music collection fits on one shelf and listens to commercial radio.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ypqit7RNs98&feature=youtube_gdata_player

We make it work, but I do cringe when I am forced to listen to "his" music in the car. Our son is leaning more in my direction with musical taste too, which pleases me to no end. I love that he loves Weezer and The Shins, thanks to Yo Gabba Gabba. He even has his own mix, featuring a lot of really cool stuff including the Roots, OAR and the Replacements. Hes gaining indie cred & he's 9. Not a lot of pop music for him!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vRT8nA665Gs&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Oh L'Amour

I spent much of my teenage years living in Salt Lake City. That era was documented quite well by the movie SLC Punk, which was made by a classmate's older brother. One of the bright shining stars of that time was KCGL, which was one of the best radio stations, ever.
I still listen to that music, with an iPhone playlist devoted to "KCGL Back in the Day". It features Gene Loves Jezebel, lots of ska, the Dead Milkmen, Duran Duran, and Depeche Mode/Yaz/Erasure/Alison Moyet, Echo & the Bunnymen and others. The fact that I am still listening to this music almost 30 years later says something. I can still name my favorite DJ's-Paul Santini and Biff Raff-even though the station has been defunct since 1986.
By the time I got to college, I knew I wanted to DJ, and actually derived my playlists much the same way they did. Basically, there wasn't a formula and if it sounded good back to back, it was an added bonus.
Back in the day, I was known for my mix tapes. If you got a tape from me, that was super special. I had a bit of social awkwardness around guys when I was younger, so it was a way to tell a dude I liked them. I put a lot of effort into them, with the right balance of sass and sweet; angelic and anarchy; sexy and innocent.
As I got older, I discovered WXPN, public radio from Philadelphia. In terms of the type of music played, it's close to my heart with eclectic playlists (Lucinda Williams to Husker Du? Yes please!). It helped foster a fierce musical independence for me, and set the bar high. Thanks to modern technology, despite being 1300 miles away, with my WXPN app I can listen all day if I want.
In between, I've accumulated a vast music collection. It continues to today; still downloading after all these years. I still make mixes, although for the most part they are for the little man and myself (the big man likes radio; he doesn't listen to music on his iPhone nor does he listen to CDs. Over the air cheesy radio). My son is skewing more to my taste in music, which my makes my heart sing.
I am not impressed with local radio in Sioux Falls. For one thing, I am a musical snob. I won't deny that. Pop music and rap are for workouts mainly. The rock station really isn't my cup of tea, and let's face it I still skew to the left of the dial.
People say your musical taste is set in your teenage years, and that's true. KCGL ruined radio for me. For that, a great big thank you.


I've loved this song for nearly 30 years, thank you KCGL!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ySdAsoMILk&feature=youtube_gdata_player

We wish you a merry Christmas

I love Christmas music, it's almost an obsession this time of year. I get excited when one of my favorite artists release a Christmas album (see my review of Mindy Gledhill's Winter Moon here http://mommydomchronicles.blogspot.com/2011/12/winter-moon.html?m=1). Since the Clash never did a Christmas album, I have had to suffer through bad punk rock renditions of Christmas songs. Most are pretty awful, and are almost a mockery of the genre.
Then there's Weezer's Christmas EP. It actually has been around for a few years but I tend to be tardy to the party. Confession: I am a huge Weezer fan, as is the Princess and the Little Man. I love the fact that Yo Gabba Gabba has introduced him to some pretty cool bands ( The Roots, Ting Tings, Weezer in bug costumes, Devo) and he has begun to appreciate good music.
The musical taste test began with me playing Hark the Herald Angels Sing, which the big man wasn't fond of (not traditional enough) but a favorable response from the rest of us. It's actually kind of cool to rock out to Christmas carols. In fact, I plan on using the EP when I start walking on the treadmill again tomorrow to keep the healing moving along.
If you are not a Weezer fan, you may not like it. However, if you love the band as much as I do, you will appreciate the earnestness of the 5 traditional carols on Christmas with Weezer.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eihoE8pl4kE&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Winter Moon

I am not going to lie: I love Christmas music. I can't wait until I can start playing it on the iPod (guilty pleasure: Christmas in July). I am usually in search of something new and entertaining, and I was so excited to hear one of my favorite singers was recording a Christmas album; the great Mindy Gledhill.
What? You never heard of her? No way!
Her Anchor album was my summer soundtrack. I love, love LOVE that album. Check out the video below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=URR_4i5gIFU&feature=youtube_gdata_player

It's a little snippet of her peppy, positive music.
And I love the fact she's a wife and mom, and able to balance all that with following her dreams. That's cool and inspirational.

I was very excited to download her Winter Moon album from iTunes (or you could get it here: http://bluemorphmusic.mybigcommerce.com/cart.php)
Owning both Feather in the Wind & Anchor, I knew it would be a little quirky, a happier Tori Amos/Sarah McLachlan sound, and perfect to play in the car or at work, or when im just admiring the Christmas tree sipping my peppermint hot cocoa.
My favorite song is the title track, Winter Moon. There are two versions of it, one with puppets and one without. My son & I have been known to dance around the living room to the puppet version, especially after watching the video on you tube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sBuBjFwDj-E&feature=youtube_gdata_player

We have been known to act out the video too, because we are a bunch of goofballs, little man and I.

My second favorite song is Little Soldier. I love the line "let me dance like I was 10/even if it's just pretend". That's the purity and innocence of children, and seeing the season through their eyes.

My son's favorite song is Patapan. He sang it last year for his 2nd grade caroling from school. It was exciting to see a traditional carol included on an album that was not by Lorenna McKinnot or Enya!

One of my all time favorite carols is Silent Night. To me, it needs to be plain and simple, which is how it was intended. The origin of it was the church's organ broke on Christmas Eve, and Silent Night was born. In my home church, the Christmas Eve service ended with Silent Night. The lights would go out, section by section, until the sanctuary was bathed in candlelight. Then, the bells would ring, and it would give you chills.
Mindy Gledhill's version is, in choir terms, plainsong. No frills, just letting the message get across through the music and voice.

As an added bonus, there are some really great versions of classic Christmas songs. I am particularly fond of Little St. Nick, which is not a song I liked previously. The Big Man's favorite song, the Christmas Waltz, (and I am not a Carpenters fan) is also included so there truly is something for all of us on there.
If you are going to get just one new Christmas album this year, make it Mindy Gledhill's Winter Moon. You won't be disappointed.

Yoga playlist of the day

1. Human nature Bjork
2. Everyday is like Sunday-Morrissey
3. Sing-the Dresden Dolls
4. New Hampshire-Mat Pond PA
5. Chante Moi-Edith Piaf
6. Mykonos-Fleet Foxes
7. Mad World- Gary Jules
8. Yankee Bayonet-Decemberists
9. Breathe-Anna Nalick
10. carry Tori Amos
11. At the still Point-Jonatha Brooke
12. Hide & Seek Imogene Heap
13. Lotus flower radiohead
14. I want you elvis Costello

Come as You Are

This week it is the 20th anniversary of Nirvana's Nevermind, a seminal album in my pantheon of musical moments that changed my life. In addition, REM, a band that has helped provide the soundtrack to my life for the past 30 years or so, broke up.
It's been a weird week musically for me.
I admit that music plays a huge role in my life.
In fact, I couldn't exist without my soundtrack.
I was in college when Nevermind came out, and I dj'ed at my college radio station. I did primarily a hair metal show, but my roots are in punk rock and ska (as I wrote about here: http://mommydomchronicles.blogspot.com/2011/07/tenderness.html?m=1)
Nevermind allowed me to return to my roots and set the stage for my 20's.
My aural choices had evolved.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=auTwQcuYzdk&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Nirvana laid that groundwork.
I started to listen to more "grunge" music, and by digging that scene, I was able to be more authentic me than the guidette or hair metal scenes I was flitting about. They took too much work, and I'm a hippie at heart.
I can't consistently do hair & make up, as much as I would love to. It's just not part of my psyche.
I'm kinda low maintenance in that regard.
As a teenager I discovered REM's Radio Free Europe and I was instantly in love with the band.
As I have gone through the twists & turns of my life, REM has remained consistent.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JiYiUV-9BL0&feature=youtube_gdata_player


Few bands sound as good as REM did with their last single UBerlin, as they did 31 years ago. I'm still that geeky audiophile, listening in my bedroom with headphones on. Still wear glasses, still thrill over bands.

To quote ABBA, thank you for the music. It's been a wild ride.