I am stranded at a Dunn Bros. in Uptown Minneapolis. It’s pouring rain and I seem to have contrived the conundrum of technology vs. nature. I am not able to put my laptop back in it’s bag as it filled with water when I removed said laptop, and not able to walk outside with the lappy naked to the aqueous air…alas, here I sit, so I write…about what? Then a chord strikes, tired in the din of executive voices deciding how to best boost employee morale after having to “let go” the ones that matter, but don’t.

Annoyed, damp and too short of change to purchase anything adequately jolting, I find this tentative guitar strumming and my diet cola acutely distant from my current desire for Segovia and hot, spicy chai. Ah well, at this point I figure novel, live background sound is preferable to the iPod default and take a moment to listen. The guitarist is soon joined by a pianist and my perception of them as accompaniment to mundane chatter transitions quickly to hearing creative composition, complete with vocals and inspired jazz progressions.

There are a few interruptions; noise complaints from unsuspecting, sipping patrons, but they are unwarranted as these two local musicians need to be heard. Eric Mayson (piano) and Jeff Rolfzen (guitar), both self-taught, play on passionately, while maintaining a sense of clarity and sincerity for the music. I find these sensibilities harder and harder to come by in the mist of the hipster schlock that seems to be inundating the local music scene.

So, I recline in the refreshing realization that random, good, live music experiences do still exist and make a mental note to “accidentally” get stuck here more often in the hopes of catching the pair again.

The rockin’ and rollin’ antics of women’s (and men’s) derby skating is whipping it’s way into the hearts of angsty teens, resulting in the creation of junior leagues popping up in several states. Meanwhile, the feisty 20-30 and even 40 somethings touting bruises, fishnets and funky socks adorned with cross-bones and cutlery, continue to tear up the tracks to sell-out crowds. Yes, I am a wanna-be and despite being told, “you are too little and somebody will break you” I don my gear and grease the track in preparation for try-outs this spring. In frequenting the local roller rink, I have however, been re-introduced to a world of quad skating that I thought had died in the early 80′s when I traded my Barbie skates for some “totally rad” roller-blades.

I’ve since realized that Rhythm, Jam and Artistic quad skating is alive and well across the globe. Artistic skating in particular is something akin to the ice-dancing that mesmerizes my mother during the Winter Olympics and I am finding that it is just as fast, difficult, athletic and bruise inducing as practicing for derby. With artistic skating, I seem to get my ass handed to me on a much more personal basis. I can take my angst out on myself, my skates or the rink, instead of someone who, for all I know could be the nicest person in the world and has really done nothing, other than the fact that she needs to GET OUT MY WAY! Don’t get me wrong, I’m still all for a bit of healthy tactile competition, but, I’m glad to know that there is an alternative to derby that is just as sexy, saucy and (ignoring the music choice in this video) pretty bad-ass!

Last Monday, The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame celebrated the induction of several musical greats during it’s 25th anniversary ceremony. Among the “performers” inducted were, The Hollies, who’s bright “Britpop” vocal harmonics still resonate across contemporary pop and rock culture and Genesis, who’s epic career has more than earned them rank in the Hall. The Hollies and Genesis my be new to The Hall of Fame, but are certainly not rookies to the music industry. The talents of these two groups and the individuals who comprise them, have not only affected the fabric of “Rock & Roll” but helped to create and perpetuate new genres and movements in music that continue to evolve and inspire decades later.

Whether their name be an homage to the great Buddy Holly or a bit of holiday decoration hanging from the eves of Graham Nash’s home, The Hollies smooth vocal stylings and infectious pop melodies rounded out the British invasion begun by label-mates, The Beatles. Despite several line-up changes, The Hollies’ distinctive sound, solid production and quality live performances captured hearts and chart success in both the UK and the US. One of their most popular chart-toppers was, “He Ain’t Heavy He’s my Brother”. The ballad was first recorded by Neil Diamond, but released in 1969 by the Hollies (featuring Elton John on piano) a year before the Diamond single. It was inspired by the curious history of the famous orphanage Boys Town. The Hollies are one of few British Pop bands that continue to record and perform today. Two particular favorites of mine are the Creedence Clearwater Revival inspired, “Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress” and “Carrie Anne”, the song for which actress Carrie-Anne Moss was named, and features an awesome steelpan percussion solo about 2 minutes into the song.

While The Hollies capitolized on brilliant pop harmonies, Genesis’ simple melodic beginnings, quickly evolved to help define the progressive rock movement. With a rather flamboyant Peter Gabriel on lead vocals, the band incorporated elaborate stage show theatrics with musical innovation, culminating in the release of their 1974 concept album, “The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway”. In an interview following the band’s induction, Steve Hackett notes,

Imagine a British band doing an album called ‘The Lamb Lies
Down on Broadway,’ in New York with the singer playing the
part of a Native American of Puerto Rican ancestry. It’s crazy,
in a way. We were taking a New York-based show to New
York, but they accepted us. Why, I don’t know. It’s crazier
than fiction, the reality of that.
(Link to the Genesis official web-site to read the rest of the interview and other commentary about the bands induction) Yes, Genesis had been accepted, but wasn’t embraced by the multi-generational masses in the United States until after Gabriel was replaced by drummer Phil Collins in 1975. With the break down of progressive rock into punk and Collins at the helm, Genesis redirected and emerged with a solid sound that eventually shifted from “prog-rock” stylings to more accessible, radio-friendly tunes like “Follow you Follow Me” released in 1978 and the bands first and only number one single in the US, released nearly a decade later in 1986; “Invisible Touch” (no matter how bad my day, the rediculious simplicity of this video and charm of the song’s hook never fails to get me to grab my sticks and sing along).

A little something wild for which to get ye jig on…

a bit’o wicked whistling…

and some shenanigans with strings.

Cheers to the legend of the dude who banished the snakes from the Emerald Island! (Although, some reckon Ireland may not have even had snakes at the time, but Cheers all around anyway!)

I‘m sorry but this still puts Avatar to shame…

 

Look at your Facebook profile…now back to this post…now back to your profile…now back to this post. Sadly, your Facebook profile isn’t nearly as awesome as the commercial in this post. Look down…

 
“The tickets are now diamonds”…BRILLIANT!

Generally, I appreciate shiny things and good smells, but I’d rather at look at my own man with those two tickets to that thing I like. Especially, if that thing happens to be the March 6th, Minnesota RollerGirls bout. That’s right…Real. Live. Roller Derby! A smarmy, hot man on a horse selling nice smells, is all good and fine (actually, pretty damn funny), but hip checkin’ chics on skates crusin’ around a flat-track at dizzying speeds is some serious kick-assery. Roller Derby just isn’t old school pushing and shoving in tight shirts and hot-pants. It’s where fast, fun and flare meet strict rules, forceful determination, tactical decisions, skating savvy and the finesse of a fall.

 
Many a weary mother either in denial or the dark about derby, may have gotten a good lashing from begging daughters who came home from Barrymore’s Whip It, wanting skates, bruises and more black-eyeliner. Modern roller derby however, has become a sport that spans over 400 leagues world-wide. The Minnesota RollerGirls are unpaid, amateur skaters who belong to a governing body known as The Women’s Flat Track Derby Association. The skaters not only own the league themselves, but represent a cross section of their community and are involved in numerous charitable events and promotions. The recent “Rock the Cause: Gillter Ball 3″ event to raise money for Big Brothers Big Sisters, is just one of many ways The Minnesota RollerGirls give back to the community in the Twin Cities. To catch derby bouts and events near your own hometown, check out the WFTDA link and guys, if your feeling left out…get off your horse and on some wheels. Men’s derby is quickly becoming more and more popular, legit and wicked fast fun.

The recent chatter about a new Muppet movie sparked memories of Nanny’s green and white striped socks and a glassware collection preserved (I hope) somewhere in my parents basement. Back when kid’s meals actually came in handy handled boxes (perfect for transporting action figures, Legos and bits of plastic more useful than those that came with the meal), certain fast food establishments issued collectible glasses painted with pop culture’s favorite characters, including Snoopy, Kermit and even everybody’s favorite Wookiee.

We all know that it’s not easy being green and I’m not convinced that neon orange liquid they pass off as “drink” is really fit for consumption, however, when served as the backdrop for a cycling Kermit, the real question in my little six year old mind was not, “Why are there so many songs about rainbows?” but, what time do I need to wake up on Saturday morning to watch Muppet Babies?” I can think of few contemporary half hour segments that can provide a kid with silly cuteness, dangerous adventures in imagination and musical movie magic, like a Henson powered cartoon can. Then, why not wrapped it all up in a fashion statement dictating that green and white striped socks are really the only thing one needs to be fearful of? … Genius!

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