Feb 14 2008
How internet browsing discovers unexpected results
Don’t even ask how I found this. It has a surreal dreamlike quality that appeals to my Hulk Hogan flamethrower enhanced psyche.
Sep 11 2007
Here is what is-Daniel Lanois film
Daniel Lanois may be the most under rated musician I’ve ever heard. Of course that could be an over statement of huge proportions. As he has worked with many of the biggies, Dylan, U2, Emmylou Harris, Brian Eno, Peter Gabriel, and Willie Nelson, (Nelson’s Lanois produced album-Teatro is probably in my top ten album list of all time) he is not under rated, just sort of behind the scenes. Certainly there are many under appreciated talents. Will Oldham, Tom Waits, Broken Social Scene, Wilco, Wolf Parade, but each has their own sort of relative white hot flame of fame. Daniel Lanois has his own relative gravity and heat I guess. His solo albums are magnificent. And based on his own relative fame, I am always surprised when no one has heard of him. Because I am into some commercial rock and roll, obviously I can’t claim to be indier than thou. The pitchfork bashing showed no bounds on Lanois’ last albums. I guess I differ, probably more than just be age, and feel that a thing of beauty transcends impressing your friends with how off-radio your record collection is. My argument is always the same, ever hear The Beatles Revolver? Beautiful isn’t it?
Lanois has made a film called, Here is what is that is purportedly all about the new music he has been making with Brian Blade, U2 and Eno. I’m always excited to see what they come up with. I’m cautiously optimistic about the U2 end of things, but outrageously excited about the Lanois end of things. Check out the trailer below.
The film debuts at the Toronto Film Festival this September.
Nov 22 2006
Be here now
Be Here Now: Music Video by Mason Jennings
Choices are often the enemy of life. Any choice you make will eventually come back to bite you in the arse. The best you can do is to make a commitment to be involved in the present. Sure there is tomorrow but who knows what that will bring. If anything can be said it is that to think about what might have been, what could have happened, what might have been will drive you crazy. Ultimately cause you to run headlong into disaster.
Chris Duff wrote in On Celtic Tides about the 5 yard circle around his boat. When the water of the North Atlantic got lumpy and textured, when the wind started to howl, all he could do was focus on a five yard circle around the kayak.
This is often how I feel surfing too. You have to be completely involved in the moment or you will quickly find yourself in trouble. Focusing on the texture of the water, the direction of waves, the speed of the wind. You also have to be flexible. If you get swallowed by a giant wall of water, don’t automatically assume all is lost. Hold on. Brace and see what happens. More often than not you will surface with the paddle in your hand ready to take another great ride.
The sentiment, if not overly sentimental song from Mason Jennings speaks to my state of mind this Thanksgiving season. Be involved in the moment. It won’t come again.
