Music

I can't talk politics all the time. People will think that's all that I'm about. The reason that there are big gaps between my posts is that the most important parts of my life are not politics but as a husband and father.

One of the other things I love is music. I don't get out to see shows but I still try to keep up with what's going on in music. I've always been lucky to have friends and relatives who are into music like me. I'm really glad that my buddy Ken has his blog. I like the recommendations on the sides of his page.




I have my uncle Phil to thank for for getting me to listen to Tom Waits. I remember checking out Small Change from the Iowa City library. The scratches and pops just seemed to add something to the album.





I also remember listening to my uncle's, Bob and Chuck, albums in their basement bedroom at my grandparents house in Wheaton. They had all the Cheap Trick records. They were also into Elvis Costello which made them pretty cool.


My father-in-law recently gave me his whole celluloid collection. I am really having fun going through his classical records as well as his blues collection.







It all started while listening to my parents records. My dad was in the Army and we were stationed in Germany. I was one. The only entertainment they had were records and books. They were into the Beatles, Crosby,Stills, Nash and or not Young, Blood, Sweat and Tears, Chicago and others. As I got older I wore out the grooves on those discs. I remember my dad bringing home Steely Dan's Aja record. I loved that one. Of course I have those records in my pile now.





Can you remember when and where you first had a really good listen to a favorite album? I was staying with some people I knew at University of Wisconsin, Madison. While very hungover Sunday morning, I first had a good listen to The The's Soul Mining album. I remember Chris B. explaining to Dar, Jeff, Todd and I his theory of the story going on in the album. It is a top ten album for me.





Another top ten album moment for me is back at the University of Iowa. I was hanging out with my buddy Matt H. and some others when he put on the Pretender's debut album. I had heard most of the songs before but had never really listened to them together. I never realized how cool and sassy Chrissie Hynde was until I heard the songs Precious and Tattooed Love Boys. They also had a great soft side too as in song's like Stop Your Sobbing, Kid and Brass in Pocket. It is one of those LP's I listen to all the way through. I also think of Matt when I listen to Harry Nilsson's Point with my kids. He put that record on one night and I haven't been the same since.

What are some of your favorite records and momements?