The Life of Bryan

Wasatch Trail Running

2011-03-29T21:49:00.000-07:00

Currently in SEO class at BU, we have been given the task to create our own site and optomize it for SEO. I've created wasatchtrailrunning.com as a place for others to find information on trail running in Utah.

I'm a novice in the sport (and at creating site) but wanted to create a site on a hobby as I thought it would keep my interest more.

The site is continually being updated with new content as I have time. Please check it out if you have the chance.

Thanks!

2010-05-12T21:39:00.000-07:00

Some of my classmates have asked that I put up more photos on my blog so here we go!

Hiking with the fam

Eating my fill of treats in Japan

Hiking in the High Uintah's

Hello BU ECommerce Classmates

2010-05-10T21:13:00.000-07:00

Upon logging into Blogger, I found that I already had a blog! So hopefully this is not cheating but I will add to this one. Long forgotten, my last post was clear back in December of 2007 and much has happened since then. New job, one more kid (that makes two total) and now am on my third class pursuing a Master's Degree from BU!

I currently live in Utah, am married and have two sons, two and four years old. It's spring time and is slowly getting warmer with longer days too. We enjoy being in the outdoors and are looking forward to new adventures this summer. This is my third class in the MET program and have found the prior two courses challenging and very helpful in my current job working as a financial analyst for a mid-size health and wellness company.

I look forward in getting to know everyone and wish each of you the very best!

Best Albums of 2007

2007-12-22T19:08:00.000-08:00

What a great year for music, even if the number one album for 2007 was an American Idol contestant; showing that musical talent apparently has a direct correlation with record sales. But those willing enough to to take time to look, 2007 was an incredible year.

Here is what I enjoyed the most over the year. No American Idols allowed......

I know some of these styles can be difficult to listen to but give them a chance you may be surprised and be sure to take the time to listen.

#10 LCD Soundsystem Sound of Silver

What a great dance dance record! These guys toured with Arcade Fire this year and were great to see live. Fantastic band with a great energy around them. They have the rare ability to take complex dance beats and mix those with indie pop that turn out to make outstanding records. Please give them a listen.

#9 The National Boxer

This band is a diamond in the rough. Behind the rustic vocals and simple guitar are great lyrics and simple pulsating beats that will have your foot tapping the entire time. If you haven't checked out their third album, Alligator you ought to. I like the songwriting on that one a lot more; however Boxer is really growing on me.

#8 Spoon Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga

If you aren't already listening to this band you should be. They have a great talent for writing music that is more than easy to listen to but at the same time still try new styles. This has quickly become one of my favorite Spoon albums and with each album they keep on getting better and better.

#7 Interpol Our Love to Admire

Pioneer to the Falls wins the best opening track on any album this year in my book. Fans will instantly recognize the return to Turn On the Bright Lights sounds with uniquely tuned guitars and haunting vocals, an addicting sound that continues to win critical acclaim.

I was fortunate enough to see these guys live and they are a delight!

#6 Beirut The Flying Club Cup

Great vocal style, great use of melody and great overall feel, Beirut does a wonderful job this time and every time around. What makes this album really stand out are the vocals which compliment the melodies extremely well. Brilliant and beautiful tracks are all over. From Nantes to The Penalty, the well-written songs show the range of this amazing, unique artist.

#5 Bloc Party Weekend in the City

Bloc Party does it again with another great album this year. Although on the first couple of listens I didn't find Weekend in the City as enjoyable as Silent Alarm because of the different style but on repeated listens I found myself listening more and more throughout the year.

This is a truly great, young, talented band that is not afraid to take chances. I applaud them for the difference in style on this record. Few bands have the maturity and talent to pull that off.

#4 Battles Mirrored

The first time I heard Battles admittedly I couldn't stand the sound. But on more listens you realize how dynamic this band is. The best way I can describe the music is simple: Battles will turn everything you know about music upside down then rearrange it in such a way that will blow your mind. Appropriately named bionic rock, give battles some time and you'll learn what makes them special.

They make amazing videos as well.

#3 Arcade Fire Neon Bible

I was fortunate enough to see this band earlier this year and I must say it was an incredible show! (Watch the video.) Truly an incredibly talented group with lots of energy that is carried in their sound. During the concert I was amazed to see how many times members would switch between different instruments and play them extremely well.

Arcade Fire follows through on this sophomore album after their critically acclaimed debut Funeral. What surprised me most about this album was how much it grew on me. After every listen I caught something new that I hadn't heard before. No Cars Go and Windowstill are great tracks.

#2 Radiohead In Rainbows

Probably the biggest surprise of the year, Radiohead released In Rainbows over the internet for digital download showing their label that they can still do what they want, when they want. We are Radiohead, do not mess with us. Better yet, you had the option of paying whatever price you thought was fair. Pretty neat idea and it worked out well. The 'free' download was for a limited time but don't worry, if you missed out you can now pick the album up in stores.

Many of the tracks reminded me of Kid A, with classic Radiohead electronic beats and the chilling voice of Thom Yorke, the album is sure to please many.

#1 Okkervil River The Stage Names

I found this album more than any other this year to be the most consistent throughout. Amazing vocals, lyrics, and music that will keep you rocking all day, Okkervil River give an outstanding performance. Looks like Conan thinks so too. So many times I kept on picking up my iPod just to listen to tracks from this record. Instant gratification. How can you not like these guys?

On first listen the first three songs grabbed my attention instantly and have quickly become some of my most loved tracks of the year. Do not overlook this album....keep it up guys!

Stuff worth checking out:

The White Stripes

Liars

Sigur Ros DVD: Some of the most beautiful cinematography and music you will see on DVD. If you have ANY interest in this band, you ought it to yourself to see this. It does not disappoint.

Shout Out Louds

Sigur Ros Hvarf/Heim: They were busy this year. They also released a two disc album with acoustic and new recorded tracks. A very welcome record for the year that includes a new favorite Sigur Ros track of mine, Hljomiland (...and no I do not know what that means nor do I care, the song is great!).

What's The Frequency Kenneth??

2007-01-09T18:45:00.000-08:00

I like to think of myself as someone who appreciates music for what it is. I have a specifc taste that I've devloped over the years and am able to confidently say what I like and what I don't like.

I really enjoy driving to and from work. Thanks to Apple, I can carry some of my favorite music and listen over the car radio by cassette tape. Yes, old school I know but hey, it keeps me happy. By the time I get to work I'm happy and when I get home the stress from the work day has left.

Often, I'll take the company car from the office in Springivlle to go to our manufacturing facilities in Salem. Most of the time, I'll have a CD at my desk that I take with me and pop it in for the ride but today no CD's on the desk--darn! On the way over to Salem I decide to turn on the radio. There has to be something that I like on, right? Wrong, dead wrong. It's been a good while since I've listened to the radio and what suprised me the most was not matter what station I turned to they all touted, "New music coming your way", "the best hits of the today", etc. I wasn't impressed at all.

Just about every station I listened to had the exact same playlist: Greenday, Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Stone Temple Pilots, REM. Same stuff. No variety whatsoever. I thought to myself, "These are the exact same songs that were on the radio when I used to listen religously five years ago!!" Wow. Just wow.

I don't mean to offend anybody but honestly, how can anyone enjoy the radio anymore? Same stuff all the time, recycling years and YEARS of the same stuff. Thankfully, when I got to back to the office in Springivlle I whipped out my trusty iBook, plugged in the headphones and turned up The Knife, Cat Power, The Wrens and much more. Never have they sounded so good! It was as if I came home and was greeted by good friends.

Greatfully, I have a good friend that opened my eyes and helped me see that great music exists. I'd like to take a moment and thank him publicly. Thanks man! You know who you are.

Happy New Year

2007-01-08T18:03:00.000-08:00

For any of you that did not receive a Christmas Card from the Simmons family, we're sorry. We can't believe at how many friends and family that we do have. So, to share with everyone, here are the pics that we had taken last month. These were taken by a good friend of mine, Deven, who loves taking photos.

Happy Birthday!!

2007-01-04T19:47:00.000-08:00

I've been meaning to post this for awhile now but have not yet set aside enough time to do it.

Being a parent now, I realize how fast time goes. It's crazy. Once you get on the parenting train it seems like everything is just a time warp. Everything else in your life gets sucked away it seems and all your attention becomes focused on your kids. Wow, our little guy is one year old! It really does go by fast.

We had a little birhtday bash here out our place. Edward didn't know what to think at first with all the people crammed in our little place but once we started to sing 'Happy Birthday' he realized all attention was focused on him and he did't even mind. He caught onto opening presents fairly quickly.

Another Great Weekend

2006-10-12T14:52:00.000-07:00

The traveling continues! We got back from St. George on Saturday night. Most of the family went down to watch Dad run in the St. Greorge Marathon. Pretty incredible Dad if you tell me. We were all very proud of what he accomplished. I don't know too many guys that would run a marathon weeks after they had radiation treatment. Awesome, just awesome.

I would have pictures but guess what--no batteries, arrgh! Before we left home, Katie asked if we needed to bring extra batteries and clueless as I am said, "Ahh, we don't need any. We'll be fine." Shows what I know (or don't) So no pics this time.

I'm sure we will go next year. Hopefully, I'll get my butt in gear and train. A marathon has been something I have always wanted to do.

Cheers Dad!

Trips

2006-09-22T23:58:00.000-07:00

I meant to do this much sooner. From August 14 to the 18th Katie and I went on seperate trips. Don't worry, everything is okay in paradise. Katie and Edward went to D.C. to spend some time with family she had not visited with for a long time and I went with a friend to Yosemite on a greuling backpacking trip. I'll post a recap of my trip soon. I have had the draft written for weeks, I've been lazy and haven't quite finished it yet. So in my attempt to keep this blog somewhat up-to-date here are some pics.

Us at Aspen Grove. We hiked to one of the many falls that can be seen as you hike up Timponogas.

Edward and his uncle Mike (Katie's younger brother) at Iwo Jima Memorial. Interesting fact: Edward is less than one year and has been to an amazing number of out of state locations for his age. Let's see......Nevada, California, Idaho, and D.C. in his first nine months? Go Ed!

Ouch....This Could Hurt

2006-08-07T08:47:00.000-07:00

As if Middle East concerns are already enough to send the price of oil spiraling, it was announced today by BP, one of the top three oil producing firms, they are shutting down their Alaskan plan "indefinetely." What is this going to do to gas prices and more importantly my wallet? A senior analyst at BP says:

"This latest setback to global oil production comes in the context of a relatively tight oil market," analysts at BNP Paribas said in a research note.

"In this environment we maintain our forecast for Brent crude of $77 a barrel this quarter, and so implicitly expect prices to move above $80 a barrel at some point this quarter."

In other words....ouch! I'm already a little on edge after watching Syriana over the weekend. The end of the summer could only get worse before it gets better too. Take into account the escalating tensions in the Mideast, coupled with an approaching hurricane season and summer driving, I wouldn't be suprised if oil spiked well aboe $80 before winter comes.

Hmmm....riding a bike to work seems temtping.

Update: It's already noon and oil has reached $77 per barrel. Here it comes....

Take It Away Yorke!!

2006-07-15T09:58:00.000-07:00

Any Radiohead fans out there? Well, I'm sure most of you have heard that Thom Yorke debuted with a solo album this past week entitled The Eraser. It is a great listen. Yes, most of it is electronica, which in my opnion is not a bad thing in anyway. If you are a huge fan of Kid A, this album will blow you away. There are so many influences from that album that make The Eraser solid.

A quick track favorite of mine, The Clock can be see in the video below. This version is different from the album version but was sent to me by a friend and its too good to pass up. Enjoy!

Reflection

2006-07-12T22:07:00.000-07:00

It's late.....very late. I can't sleep. My mind has a million thoughts running through my head right now and I have no idea how to settle down. The events of today have caused me to reflect on life and relationships and that recurring age old question, "Why do bad things happen to good people?" I hope by writing, somehow I'll be able to sort through my thoughts and relive some of the stress I have right now.

There have been few moments in my life that have really caused me to stop and think long and hard about where I am going, things I want to accomplish in life and where I need to better myself. Up until today however all these events were happy moments that gave me reason to positively reflect on life. First returning home from my LDS mission in Japan. Then came my wedding day to my beautiful, loving wife. Not too far behind was our first son, Edward, who has brought more joy into my life that words can express. And last graduating from college. All of these events caused me at one time or another, to stop, think, and assess where I was, where I wanted to go and how I was going to get there. From these events, I awaited with great anticipation for what the future would bring and look forward to the challenging and new adventures that I would soon be able to experience.

Today's event, however, feels completely the opposite. I feel sick. Tired. Heavy inside. And most of all scared. I realize that more than likely, I'm over rationalizing and shouldn't be thinking the way I am. I need to be focused and stay utterly optimistic without any doubt in my mind that things in the end will work to my families' advantage. But see therein lies the problem because what exactly does that mean? The future just seems so uncertain right now. Rather than a future of adventure and opportunity, its a future of worry and fear. I realize there are many steps in the next few weeks before anything can really happen but what exactly is going to happen? Maybe that is what I am so scared about. I nor anybody knows what exactly is, if anything going to happen. And there is where my fear lies. Uncertainty.

On the other side, this could be a great thing. I have no idea how or why but maybe that is something that I can look forward to the future. What good, if any will come of this trial? What benefits will come with it? But see there lies my problem again: uncertainty for the future. I have no idea or way of telling if any good is going to come from this.

I know that this entry makes no sense whatsoever. That's okay, ambiguity never hurt anyone right? Well, maybe only the reader. More than anything though, this post has been for me. A healthy way to sort through my thoughts and learn how to cope with this new challenge. I'm still very confused, have a billion feelings running through my body (are there a billion?), and still have no idea or methodology to take on this new challenge with. Life sure does know how to keep things interesting and exciting though. It's when you think you have things figured out and life seems to be going fine that Life decides to throw you to the ground and kick you in the stomach.

Lesson Learned: Be optimistic, find the good and be excited for the new challenges that will come our way. DO NOT worry about the future.

Concert Goodness!!

2006-05-24T09:41:00.000-07:00

I have been a real slacker lately. My posts on this blog have been few and far between, not good. Especially when I am such a spoiled boy. Earlier this month in May, I attended two outstanding concerts in the same week that in my opinion (yes, my opinion means something, this is my blog), were the greatest pairs of shows I have ever been to. Period. Dare I say better than a U2 concert? Gasp! Possibly.

Concert #1

May 2, first show of the week. A friend and I went up to Salt Lake City to go to the venue early. Mogwai, easily one of my favorite post-rock bands were to play at The Depot. If you know nothing of this band let me tell you this: if you want to hear some serious guitar, I mean the kind of guitar that shakes your very soul, listen to this band. The sad thing is that to hear one of their albums through even a good pair of earphones does not even come close to doing this band justice. This music is MEANT to be heard live.

It has been a couple of weeks since the concert, I have had a hard time remembering the set list, so I'll do my best and only mention songs I felt were the best of the best. Don't get me wrong though, the entire show from beginning to end was outstanding.

The show kicked off with Glasgow Mega-Snake found on the new Mr. Beast album. This album has received a lot of grief when it came out. Critics referred to it as a shortened version of the capabilities of Mogwai. That Mogwai stunted their growth. The album is only 43 minutes long, their shortest by far. But you see, Mogwai proves a point with the songs found on this album. I had no idea that Glasgow Mega-Snake was meant to sound like that. Ear-splitting guitar combined with bass and pounding drums. Amazing. Short song, yes. But who else can combine that kind of power in such a short time? Point proven.

Mogwai continued to play songs from Mr. Beast. All sounded unbelievable. I cannot underestimate this enough. Sound for Mogwai is what makes the concert so enjoyable. It’s the lifeblood of the show. Without it, Mogwai sounds like any other band. See there is loud, louder and loudest but Mogwai takes loudest and do it in a way that isn't meant to be annoying but it honestly sounds good. Sure other bands might be just as loud but Mogwai combines loud and power in such a way that simply cannot be explained. You WANT it to be loud.

The song that stood out to me was without any question. New Paths to Helicon, Pt. 1. This was without a doubt one of the best live songs I have heard, ever. The guitars and drums slowly came together at the end to form one of the loudest, ear-piercing, beautiful songs that I have ever heard. It was as close to a musical religious experience that I think I will ever get to. Towards the end of the song, there is a part where the music quiets down and the guitars come back pounding. I was anticipating this part. The music quieted down and the guitars screamed back. It shook my body and literally scared me. I still get goose bumps thinking about it. I honestly yelled out loud, but no one could here my muffled cry though over the unseemingly loud music. I felt as if I was going to fall over.

That is exactly what Mogwai wants to have happen. They want their toys to bring you to your knees. They want the sound to penetrate through your body into your soul. I know that sounds crazy but if you were there, you would understand. They could have ended the show there but they quickly followed up with Mogwai Fear Satan. Another great song. There were a couple of times during this song that both my friend and I looked over at each other at exactly the same time and smiled. We both knew we were witnessing something special.

The show ended too soon. Two hours passes by quickly. It took at least 24 hours before the ringing left my ears and my hearing returned to normal. I will never listen to another Mogwai album the same ever again.

Concert #2

Sigur Ros. Period.

Sometimes that is all that needs to be said. Quite honestly, I cannot think of another band who's music has compltely changed the way in which I listen to music. Sure, some may call their music obscure and hard to listen to. Admittedly, I couldn't stand them the first time I listened to them. However, after multiple listens I began to appreciate the hidden talents of Sigur Ros.

For those who do not know, Sigur Ros (and Mogwai for that matter) are part of a genre of music that I have really enjoyed listening to lately called Post-Rock. This genre uses atmoshperic sounds, instruments and voices to create music that will almost likely reshape the way in which most people listen to music (for those of us who take the time to listen anyway). Mogwai, mostly concentrate on loud guitars and deep, brooding bass. Sigur Ros on the other hand, are on the opposite side of the spectrum. By using violins, drums, guitars (by the way, the lead guitarist plays with a violin bow. I know, it blew my mind too.), horns, etc, etc. A Sigur Ros track is simply amazing. This band has easily become one of my favorites within the past few years. No wonder, I was over estatic when I learned this Icelandic horde was coming to the far reaches of the world to the like of Salt Lake City.

I was somewhat curious to see what types of people would show up to a show like this and needless to say, I was suprsied. I found people of all ages, from early twenties to, honestly, a couple who looked to be in their mid-60's. The crowd made the experience that much more enjoyable. No one acting like a fool, tossing around their body, shouting idiotic phrases, or causing any distractions. This is the kind of music you listen to after a long day, slipping on headphones and lying on the couch. The concert, which I am gald to comment, was no different (except for the couch.....and the earphones......oh, and lying down...). Everyone was respectful and only wanted to sit back and enjoy the show so the music could be heard in its purest form; without any interuptions.

I only wish that I would have written this review a lot sooner. Seeing as how it has been a couple of months, I've forgotten the set list and other specifics that I wanted to mention. So I'll keep it short and say this: Sigur Ros was one of the greatest sounding concerts I have ever been to. The crowning moment of the show was the ending song, Hafsol, a track redone from Sigur Ros' first album Von.

The song opens with the lead guitarist/singer rythmically pounding his guitar with what looks like to be a drumstick. The crux of the song is an explosion of sound; drums, violins, horns, and singing all intertwine into one to form a sound that is uttelry hard to describe. Towards the end of the song, the lead guitarist is soley hitting his guitar with a violin bow in constant rythm with a drum and flute. It may sound crazy but it was far above amazing.

Bottom line, in reference to an old adage: "You have to hear it, to believe it." Sigur Ros has definite talent and that talent shines through in their shows. Only complaint is that it ended way toon soon.

Best of 2005

2006-01-03T20:57:00.000-08:00

Wow, it has been another unbelievably great year for music!

Each new year I feel my taste in music becoming more refined and that is in part, some reason for this list. So many albums, so many new bands. I have not even purchased all of the albums I wanted that debuted this year.

It is so difficult to keep up on all of bands I wanted to listen to, let alone purchase them all. So, while my list may not be inclusive of all the albums that came out this year, the list will review albums that I listened to throughout 2005, the ones that I purchased and took the time to really listen to. This list is entirely a matter of personal preference.

This list is for my enjoyment and for anyone else who has similar music interests. So, with all of 'that', let's get started!

10. Sleater Kinney--The Woods

The only all-girl band to grace the list! This was indeed an interesting album. Everything I read about the album had me excited. They were a new sound for me this year even though they have been around since the mid-90's. From my first listen I was absolutely hooked. Right from the opening song of the album I was sucked into Corin Tucker's, the lead singer, high shrilled screams and amazing vocal range. These girls definitely know how to fuse great vocals with funky guitar riffs. These gals know how to rock!

9. LCD Soundsystem--Self Titled

One of my favorite electronica albums of the year. Not too much needs to be said about these guys but be sure to turn it up on songs like"Daft punk is Playing at My House" and "Movement". So many fun, exciting songs. Great opening album guys, here's for more to come, I hope.

8. Death Cab for Cutie--Plans

Another great album by one of the best known, well-recognized indie rock bands to date. Some of the hard core fans will complain that Death Cab went to a bigger recording label and have grown out of the indie rock scene by having the album single being played on the radio. Whatever shall we do??!!Give them a freaking break, they're a band! They want to be well-known! Long time fans should be happy for their success. This CD has some unforgettable songs and great lyrics. I have found this to be one of their better albums, in my opinion. So called "hard core" fans should give this entry, one more listen and less complaining. There's so much good, classic Death Cab in this album!

7. Wolf Parade--Apologies to the Queen Mary

After I saw that this album received such a high score from Pitchforkmedia.com, I decided that it was at least worth a purchase. Thanks with help from Modest Mouse, Wolf Para was able to refine their sounds and this little gem of an album has received so much praise from critics. I was blown away with songs like "Its A Curse" and "Grounds for Divorce"--this band shows a ton of potential. Sure some of the songs can be considered a little poppy but sheesh, that's what they're good at. They mesh together simple drums and guitar so well that I've wanted to listen to this album multiple times already.

6. New Pornographers--Twin Cinema

While this record isn't vastly different from any of their previous albums, The New Pornographers concentrate on what they do best, making bright, hooky sounds that play throughout an entire album. While I find this album simple in its musical aspects, its lyrics always surprise me and make me smile. There is so much energy in this record that it is always great for multiple listens. Just as with their other albums, I also found this one an enjoyable listen throughout its entirety.

5. Wilderness--Self Titled

There is a lot that can be said about this new group. Upon first listening to the album you can tell the band spent awhile putting this one together--almost three years. It's solid! This is an impressive album with loads of different sounds that come together to form a great new style/genre of music. Most notable is the bands approach to vocals, what can we call it? Singing, shouting, what?? It's a combination of both but the vocals fused together with the clear cut guitar and solid drums make for a one-of-a-kind sound. Highly recommended.

4. Doves--Some Cities

Doves, what can I say? It's you third album and once again your diligence in making a solid album shines through to show the breadth of your talent. With each album, my love for this band has grown larger. From Lost Souls you showed how dark and mysterious you can be. From Lost Broadcast you showed that you can write catchy, ambient songs with grace and style. Now from Some Cities we see how honest your music can be which seems to be a union in sound from the previous two albums. What you hear is what you get. That is what this album is about. What a great shift in style from their previous albums. I applaud them for they're best album yet, with songs like "Snowden" who wouldn't be happy with this purchase.

3. Decemberists--Picaresque

Love them or hate them, you must admit that no other band does it better. They know how to play a song. On this album and previous ones, The Decembrists show that they can be great orators and musicians at the same time. Simple, straight forward guitar is complemented with a playful and sometimes serious lyrical tone that adds to the albums depth. From the thunderous opening of "The Infanta" to the closing lyrical ballad "Of Angels and Angels", The Decemberists show us the wide range of talent they possess. This album does not disappoint.

2. Sigur Ros--Takk

Every once in awhile a band comes along that will change the way how you think about music, Sigur Ros is that band. Their albums as an entire whole are so much more than the music that is put on them. To only download a single from this band and never listen to one of their albums from the beginning, I feel, is to put the band to an open shame. Most of the songs on this album by themselves do not disappoint and can stand on their own. Sigur Ros keeps on doing what they do best and deliver a more tightly, grounded album this time around. In other words, if you aren't familiar with this band, give this album a listen. I would assert that its the easiest to warm up to. And if you are one of those iTunes types that don't want to break down to buy the whole album, might I suggest "Saeglopur". This song will give you a glimpse of what this Icelandic band has to offer. If Takk is a glimpse of what Sigur Ros is capable of, beyond what they have already done, the future looks bright indeed.

1. Bloc Party--Silent Alarm

I hesitated to put this as number one. I honestly don't know what it is. This album from first to the last minute is extremely well polished and done so well that is just screams repeated listens. I've played this CD more than any other this year. So many of these songs are done extremely well. Bloc Party is able to showcase their various styles in just a brief amount of time that the entire CD just feels right. Its hard not to repsect this bands first attempt at a full length album. They honestly made sure that every song contained the lyrical and muscial content they set out to make. The entire album is honest and fun, while being poppy and bittersweet at the same time. Believe me, after the first listen you'll want to embrace this album for a long time to come. And if you can't get enough of this one be sure to check out the remixed version, which is just equally as good.

Honorable Mentions (in no particular order)

Franz Ferdinand--You Could Have It So Much Better
Cold Play--X&Y
Fiery Furnaces--Self Titled EP
Spoon--Gimmie Fiction
The Hold Steady--Seperation Sunday
The White Stripes--Get Behind Me Satan

--Plus many more, I should have expanded my list to be twenty albums instead of ten. Oh well, there is always next year........

The Thrill of Music

2005-10-06T17:55:00.000-07:00

A friend gave me the neatest article on music. I always find it interesting to talk with people who seem to enjoy music the way I do but more often then not while talking with the person I find that our musical tastes are totally different.

After reading this article I now regard myself proudly as what the author coins as a "Rock Snob"or "CD Snob". In this high-tech world we live in now, it seems that it is easier for one another to take on identities when most of the time that person might not deserve that identity. More than often, this same type of person doesn't even recognize their sense of place. It's taken me a long time to refine my musical taste and I finally have reached that point where I want to be when it comes to my musical taste. Fine, I'll say it, it's something I'm proud of. But I'm more than sure that will change over the years.

Just read the article. Hopefully you'll find the same joy and humor in it that I did.

Since the dawn of rock, there have been individuals, usually young men, of argumentative tendencies who have lorded their encyclopedic musical knowledge over others." So states the introduction of the recent Rock Snob's Dictionary, compiled by David Kamp and Steven Daly. I like to believe I'm not the insufferable dweeb suggested by this definition. Certainly, much of the dictionary's obscure trivia (former Television bassist Richard Hell is now a novelist; Norwegian death metal stars actually murder one another) is news to me. But I do place an unusual, perhaps irrational, value on rock music. I take considerable pride in my huge collection and carefully refined taste. And I consider bad rock taste--or, worse, no rock taste at all--clear evidence of a fallow soul. I am, in other words, a certified Rock Snob. But I fear that Rock Snobs are in grave danger. We are being ruined by the iPod. While the term "Rock Snob" has a pejorative ring, the label also implies real social advantages. The Rock Snob presides as a musical wise man to whom friends and relatives turn for opinions and recommendations; he can judiciously distribute access to various rare and exotic prizes in his collection. "Oh my God, where did you find this?" are a Rock Snob's favorite words to hear. His highest calling is the creation of lovingly compiled mix CDs designed to dazzle their recipients with a blend of erudition, obscurity, and pure melodic dolomite. Recently, I unearthed a little-known cover of the gentle Gram Parsons country classic "Hickory Wind," bellowed out by Bob Mould and Vic Chestnutt, which moved two different friends to tears. It was Rock Snob bliss. In some ways, then, the iPod revolution is a Rock Snob's dream. Now, nearly all rock music is easily and almost instantly attainable, either via our friends' computers or through online file-sharing networks. "Music swapping" on a mass scale allows my music collection to grow larger and faster than I'd ever imagined. And I can now summon any rare track from the online ether. But there's a dark side to the iPod era. Snobbery subsists on exclusivity. And the ownership of a huge and eclectic music collection has become ordinary. Thanks to the iPod, and digital music generally, anyone can milk various friends, acquaintances, and the Internet to quickly build a glorious 10,000-song collection. Adding insult to injury, this process often comes directly at the Rock Snob's expense. We are suddenly plagued by musical parasites. For instance, a friend of middling taste recently leeched 700 songs from my computer. He offered his own library in return, but it wasn't much. Never mind my vague sense that he should pay me some money. In Rock Snob terms, I was a Boston Brahmin and he was a Beverly Hillbilly--one who certainly hadn't earned that highly obscure album of AC/DC songs performed as tender acoustic ballads but was sure to go bragging to all his friends about it. Even worse was the girlfriend to whom I gave an iPod. She promptly plugged it into my computer and was soon holding in her hand a duplicate version of my 5,000-song library--a library that had taken some 20 years, thousands of dollars, and about as many hours to accumulate. She'd downloaded it all within five minutes. And, a few months later, she was gone, taking my intimate musical DNA with her. I'm not alone in these frustrations. "Even for a recovering Rock Snob, such as myself," Steven Daly told me, "it's a little disturbing to hear a civilian music fan boast that he has the complete set of Trojan reggae box-sets on his iPod sitting alongside 9,000 other tracks that he probably neither needs nor deserves." It's true: Even if music leeches don't fully appreciate, or even listen to, some of the gems they so effortlessly acquire, we resent them anyway. One friend even confessed to me in an e-mail that "I have been known to strip the iTunes song information off mix CDs just to keep the Knowledge secret." But resistance is futile. Even the Rock Snob's habitat, the record shop, is under siege. Say farewell to places like Championship Vinyl, the archetypal record store featured in Nick Hornby's High Fidelity. "The shop smells of stale smoke, damp, and plastic dust-covers, and it's narrow and dingy and overcrowded, partly because that's what I wanted--this is what record shops should look like," explains Hornby's proprietor, Rob. Like great used bookstores, the Championship Vinyls of the world are destinations where the browsing and people-watching is half the fun. (A certain kind of young man will forever cling to the fantasy of meeting his soul mate as they simultaneously reach for the same early-era Superchunk disc.) Equally gratifying is the hunt for elusive albums in a store's musty bins, a quest that demands time, persistence, and cunning, and whose serendipitous payoffs are nearly as rewarding as the music itself. Speaking of book-collecting, the philosopher Walter Benjamin spoke of "the thrill of acquisition." But, when everything's instantly available online, the thrill is gone. Benjamin also savored the physical element of building a collection--gazing at his trophies, reminiscing about where he acquired them, unfurling memories from his ownership. "The most profound enchantment for the collector is the locking of individual items within a magic circle in which they are fixed," he said. But there's nothing magic about a formless digital file. I even find myself nostalgic for the tape-trading culture of Grateful Dead fans--generally scorned in the Rock Snob world--who used to drive for hours in their VW vans to swap bootleg concert tapes. My older brother still has a set of bootleg tapes he copied from a friend some 20 years ago during a California bike trip. Having survived global travels from Thailand to Mexico, the tapes have acquired an almost totemic quality in his mind. I feel the same way about certain old CDs, whose cases have become pleasantly scuffed and weathered during travels through multiple dorm rooms and city apartments but still smile out at me from their shelves like old friends. Soon our collections will be all ones and zeroes stored deep in hard drives, instantly transferable and completely unsatisfying as possessions. And we Rock Snobs will have become as obsolete as CDs themselves.

http://www.tnr.com/doc.mhtml?pt=ul%2FTmp41uepOi%2B9uLEPE3n%3D%3D

Apple......I Love Thee!

2005-04-19T14:28:00.000-07:00

I consider myself an avid technological freak. If it's new, has cool gadgets, and makes my life better I usually must buy it. For a long time I've been a PC user. I own quite a bit of software and different kinds of peripherals that I think are really cool and I alawys thought that I had the best of the best. I always saw myself as a computer aficionado, software and hardware included--man was I wrong.

Apple got me at my weakest point, music. For years they have pushed the benefits of their iPod player. To tell you the truth I never had enough interest to buy into one. I never really thought that I would use such a device, seeing as how most of my music collection is on CD and I rarely ever would have the need of using a walkman (yes, I'm one of those people who insist on having the atcual album).

That's until Apple introduced me to the Shuffle. A small yet versatile little machine that let me enjoy my hobby anyway, anytime I wanted. I used it for months and found more execuses to have headphones in my ears. I got so used to it's ease of use that I had the irrational idea of buying an Apple laptop. Why would a guy like me ever buy an Apple? PC is king, I knew that. But after using the Shuffle for so long I was drawn into the Apple world. I soon found myself purcahsing my very first, yes, Apple iBook. Never have I been so excited about anything related to computers. This thing is unreal!

Ever since my new found religion I have recieved scoffs and scorns from friends and co-workers. If they could only know the truth, the simplcity and versatility of Mac OS, they would be drawn into its power like I have. Since purchasing Apple my life has become better, easier and simpler. Say goodbye to the old, klunky, insophisticated ways of PC--Apple I'm here to stay, I've seen the Light!!!

Wahooo!!

2005-04-18T21:51:00.000-07:00

Hello All!

Wahoo, I'm on the blog bandwagon. I thought hey what the heck, it's free, right? Anyway, this is my feeble attempt to try and be creative. I want to use this site as a way to express my thoughts and opinions on events and ideas as I see them or interpret them. You might not feel the same way as me but I hope someone will find my comments interesting. Also, I figure this will be a good way to update family freinds who are wondering what is going on in my crazy life.

This first post is merely to see if this thing works and see if I can figure out how to use this. Look for more psots to come soon!