#I love you Peter at Monterey <3< /div> Explore tagged Tumblr posts

[meirimerens]

please tell me more headcanons you have about peter, I'm enamoured by him 😳

ok. disclaimer i have no idea how many of those I have already posted so you deal with it with me

this one's new bc i just posted it on twitter: I think he loves to lie down on the floor so someone he trusts (either brother or friends or lover [his mom doesn't do that anymore bc he's too heavy now but she used to until he was like 15]) can grab him by the wrists or ankles and drag him around like a corpse i think he loves it. i think it's like a sensory stim for him.

i think he (both the twins actually) has a congenitally missing lateral incisor in his top row, and he has a little cuspid instead of it (like that on our right side [link is an image of the singer from Heilung singing for a poster]). for him that quirk is on his right side, and for andrey on his left. since all teeth are one-forward on that side, it's the one side he has a wisdom tooth in.

he had waaay longer hair at some point, like waist-length, that he ended up cutting in a paranoid haze (<- pretty sure I've mentioned that one)

since he's full of alcohol always he can't handle a lot of foods. if you put paprika in his dish he will explode. there is a very specific list of bland harmless foods he can eat and the only ones to know it are his mom and his brother (the list will be passed on to his lover when the Council has decided him fit to care for peter) (the foods are like. boiled potatoes drizzle of olive oil. eggs.)

he and andrey made up a cryptophasic language (cryptophasia is phenomenon of a language developed by twins that only the two children can understand) when they were babies. they're still using it at almost 30 years if age. year after year it has developed and expanded with new words and new languages they've learned, and in its current state it's a mix of polish (their mom's side of the family's language), Italian (their dad's side of the family's), greek, hebrew, bits of latin, german, and New Church Slavonic (where the fuck they learned that last one no one knows. they're not Christian)

he has a wide and fucked up taste in music. i think he would love 2 Hours Of Squid To Relax/Study/Work To | Lofi Hip Hop | Monterey Bay Aquarium Krill Waves Radio and William Basinski's works especially Disintegration Loops and Water Music (hence why that last one is on his playlist I made)

he accepts affection (whether platonic, familial/filial, or romantic) through hair-brushing. he always had long(-ish) hair so it was a love language at home and kept being one as he grew up. when he becomes a dad (through adopting grace. it's important to me when he adopts grace) he also brushes her hair as a familial love language. she never had that in her life so it's special.

guy who paces. like in general

had nightmares for the first like 3 years of his life of something unbelievably heavy falling on him and crushing him and years later he learned that's because andrey would scale the bars of the crib to throw himself in his and fell on him everytime because. well it's kinda hard to gauge these things when you are 12 months old.

guy who lives with depersonalization/derealization from The Illnesses but also with how he Twinning it was kinda bound to happen

ok... that's it for neow...

[ascendingtostardust]

A

Abba - Arrival

Amy Winehouse - Back to Black

B

Barbara Streisand - Stoney End

Beatles - Sgt. Pepper

Beatles - The Red Album

Blood, Sweat, and Tears - 3

Billie Eilish - Happier Than Ever

Billy Joel - The Stranger

Bing Crosby - Merry Christmas

Bob Dylan - Real Live

Brandi Carlile - In These Silent Days

Bruce Springsteen - Born to Run

Bruce Springsteen - Greetings From Asbury Park NJ

The Byrds - Untitled

The Byrds - Mr. Tambourine Man

C

Carole King - Rhymes and Reasons

Carole King - Music

Carpenters - Close To You

Carpenters - Horizon

Carpenters - Passage

Carpenters - Ticket To Ride

Carpenters - A Song For You

Carpenters - Christmas Portrait

Charlie Byrd - Aquarius

Claudine - The Look of Love

Crosby, Stills, and Nash - Self Titled

D

Daisy Jones & The Six - Aurora

Dan Fogelberg - The Innocent Age

Dan Fogelberg - Netherlands

Dan Fogelberg - Phoenix

Dave Mason & Cass Elliot - Self Titled

Deep Purple - Perfect Strangers

Diana Ross and The Supremes - Greatest Hits

Dolly Parton - Best of Dolly Parton

Dolly Parton/Kenny Rogers - Once Upon a Christmas

Duane Eddy - Lonely Guitar

E

Eagles - One Of Those Nights

Elton John - Honky Chateau

Elvis Presley - Blue Hawaii

Elvis Presley - Elvis’ Golden Records

Emmylou Harris - Quarter Moon In a Ten Cent Town

Erin Rae - Lighten Up

Etta James - At Last

Eydie Gorme - Don’t Go To Strangers

F

Fleet Foxes - Self Titled

Fleetwood Mac - Rumors

Fleetwood Mac - Self Titled

Fleetwood Mac - Tusk

Florence & The Machine - Dance Fever

Four Seasons - 2nd Vault of Golden Hits

G

Gallery - Nice To Be With You

Gladys Knight and The Pips - Silk n’ Soul

Greta Van Fleet - Black Smoke Rising

Greta Van Fleet - From The Fires

Greta Van Fleet - Anthem Of The Peaceful Army

Greta Van Fleet - The Battle At Gardens Gate

Greta Van Fleet - Live From Los Angeles

The Grass Roots - Golden Grass

H

Hamilton, Joe Frank & Reynolds - Self Titled

Harry Styles - Fine Line

Houndmouth - Good For You

I

Ida Mae - Click Click Domino

J

Jackson 5 - ABC

Jethro Tull - Stand Up

Jim Croce - Time In A Bottle

Jim & Ingrid Croce - Another Day, Another Town

Joan Baez - Where Are You Now, My Son?

Joan Baez - Come From The Shadows

Josh Baez - Diamonds and Rust

Joan Baez - From Every Stage

Joan Baez - One Day At a Time

Joan Baez - Any Day Now

Joan Baez - Blessed Are…

Joan Baez - Noel

John Denver - Greatest Hits

John Denver - Greatest Hits Vol. II

John Denver - Seasons Of The Heart

John Denver - An Evening With John Denver

John Denver - Poems, Prayers, and Promises

John Denver - Farewell Andromeda

John Denver - Rhymes & Reasons

John Denver - Autograph

John Denver - Windsong

John Denver - Aerie

John Denver - It’s About Time

John Denver - Some Days Are Diamonds

John Denver - Rocky Mountain Christmas

Judy Garland - Judy

K

Khalid - American Teen

L

Lana Del Rey - Lust For Life

Led Zeppelin - Led Zeppelin II

Led Zeppelin - In Through The Out Door

Leslie Gore - Golden Hits

Linda Ronstadt - Greatest Hits

Lord Huron - Lonesome Dreams

Lord Huron - Strange Trails

Lord Huron - Vide Noir

Lord Huron - Long Lost

M

Mac DeMarco - 2

Mac Miller - The Divine Feminine

Mama Cass - Bubble Gum, Lemonade, and Something For Mama

The Mamas and The Papas - Self Titled

The Mamas and The Papas - Greatest Hits

The Mamas and The Papas - Live At The Monterey International Pop Festival

The Mamas and The Papas - People Like Us

The Mamas and The Papas - If You Can Believe Your Eyes And Ears

The Mamas and The Papas - Deliver

McKendree Spring - 3

Monkees - Headquarters

Monkees - Greatest Hits

Moody Blues - Seventh Sojourn

Moody Blues - Days Of Future Past

Moody Blues - On The Threshold Of A Dream

Moody Blues - To Our Children’s Children’s Children

Moody Blues - Every Good Boy Deserves Favour

Moody Blues - This Is The Moody Blues

N

Nancy Sinatra - Nancy

O

Oklahoma - Self Titled

The Ozark Mountain Daredevils - It’ll Shine When It Shines

P

Peach Pit - Being So Normal

Peter Paul and Mary - 10 Years Together

Peter Paul and Mary - In Concert

Peter Paul and Mary - Late Again

Peter Paul and Mary - Album 1700

Peter Paul and Mary - Self Titled

Peter Paul and Mary - See What Tomorrow Brings

Peter Paul and Mary - Moving

Peter Paul and Mary - In The Wind

Pink Floyd - Animals

Q

R

Ricky Nelson - Ricky Sings Again

Robert Plant - Pictures At Eleven

Rolling Stones - Big Hits (High Tide And Green Grass)

Rolling Stones - Got Live If You Want It

S

Selena - Ones

Sierra Ferrell - Long Time Coming

Simon and Garfunkel - Bridge Over Troubled Water

Simon and Garfunkel - Greatest Hits

Smokey Robinson - Smokey

Sonny and Cher - The Wondrous World Of Sonny And Cher

Stevie Nicks - Bella Donna

Styx - Paradise Theater

T

Tash Sultana - Flow State

Tom Rush - Wrong End Of The Rainbow

U

U2 - War

V

Van Halen - 5150

W

Whitney Houston - Self Titled

Woodstock (original recordings)

X

Y

Z

Misc

2001 A Space Odyssey Soundtrack

Valley Of The Dolls Soundtrack

A Chorus Line Soundtrack

Funny Girl Soundtrack

Sound Of Music Soundtrack

My Fair Lady Soundtrack

[tortoisesshells]

Top 5 places to visit in New England, because I’m planning a trip to Salem/Boston for next autumn (pandemic willing…)

OOH. Hmm. This list is going to (1) have a lot of boats/coastal areas, because I'm part of the subspecies Homo novanglius maritimus and not mountainus & (2) be pretty Southern New England focused, because I really haven't spent any significant time in NH/VT/ME & (3) not include anything in Boston/Salem because that's a different story & (4) lean on you having access to a car, because outside the Boston metro area/the immediate vicinity Boston-NYC rail corridor there's not a lot of public transit that's convenient to sight-seeing.

(If you want lists of recommendations for Boston and Salem specifically I will happily run my mouth off about that!)

This list also assumes, contrary to the decided opinions of my long ago college roommate from Rhode Island, that Connecticut is in fact part of New England.

tortoisesshells's brief 'n’ biased recs (touching on Mystic, CT; Newport, RI; New Bedford, MA; Portland, ME; Acadia National Park, ME) under the cut!

(1) Mystic, CT - (which isn't actually a town but a postal code but no1 asked for that lecture) there's two GREAT things to see in Mystic - the Aquarium, which isn't on the level of say, Monterey Bay or (more locally!) the New England Aquarium in Boston, but is still a delight! If packed to the gills, if you'll pardon the pun, during the summer/early fall - AND Mystic Seaport, one of the loves of my life. Seriously. Go to Mystic Seaport. The actual campus of the museum is huge; the traveling exhibits are usually fascinating, last wooden whaling ship in the world; there's a working shipyard where something is always happening; the demonstration squad does everything from setting sails, whaleboat drills, life-saving/breeches-buoy drills, and others; the permanent exhibit on American whaling and the maritime world was completely overhauled a few years ago and it's very well done. Mystic is tiny, too, and fairly walkable: about a half-mile away from the museum in the "downtown" is the Drawbridge Ice Cream Shop and their Mystic Mud ice cream is to DIE for. So is their blueberry ice cream, if chocolate piled on chocolate piled on chocolate isn't your thing. Also walkable from the Seaport: the Daniel Packer Inne, which has a fantastically moody bar section and at least used to have the best Dark and Stormy in town (it’s been a gr8 two years), if a little pricey. If you want my full restaurant guide from breakfast to last call, with detailed instructions on where to go for which type of seafood, I will be only TOO HAPPY to oblige.

too! if you’re in Mystic in the fall, there’s a wonderful cider mill around 2 and a half miles up the road from the Seaport that makes the best cider donuts. And cider slushies.

OR! if you drive up Route 1 for a couple miles, you can go to Stonington Borough, which is very adorable and very overpriced, but has a couple nice wineries, a very lovely lighthouse, and gorgeous views of Fishers Island Sound, as well as the last commercial fishing fleet in CT. The Borough proper used to be a working town, but it’s been pretty thoroughly gentrified & the Portuguese-American community that sustained it for the better part of a century pushed out to North Stonington. Peter Benchley summered there for a bit, too - in case you wanted to get in the water. :D Keep an eye out for the town cannons and the signs about the two separate times - 1775 and 1814 - Stonington was bombarded by the Royal Navy (which, in 1814, included HMS Terror far in advance of her more famous and permanent tangle with history!).

The other side of Mystic is Groton, which ultimately is far more geopolitically important - or was - than interesting as a tourist destination, though if you’re fascinated in the history of submarines, the USS Nautilus museum is there! If you enjoy stories of American colonial forces getting their asses handed to them by the British Army (led on this occasion by Benedict Arnold, boo! hiss!) there’s Fort Grisworld Park.

(2) Portland, ME - Obligatory plug for the Kingston Trio's "Blow the Candle Out" to set the mood: Portland's a beautiful city and you will not want for either food or drink (go. to. Duckfat. but either early or late for lunch, and be prepared to wait. the rocks across the road are comfy if it's not raining.); there's a number of different museums (Maine Historical Society, Portland Art Museum, the Portland Head Lighthouse) depending on whether art or literature or history tickles your fancy. One must: ride the Casco Bay ferries OR take a harbor tour if you'd rather. Portland is gorgeous, yeah, but it's the Bay that's breathtaking, and every time you've seen a picture of a New England lighthouse, 90% odds it's either Portland Head or Cape Elizabeth.

(2a) If you're staying in the Portland area, the Maine Maritime Museum in Bath is a good day-trip; OR you could head to Rockland for a day trip to the Farnsworth Art Museum; OR you could head up to Bangor for the day and stroll past Steven King's VERY on brand house, or head over to Freeport and get lost in the LLBean flagship store/pose by the giant boot ...

(3) Newport, RI - blah blah blah giant summer cottages blah blah blah Vanderbilts. The Mansions are VERY EXPENSIVE for admission, probably for good reason in terms of upkeep for the Preservation Society; everyone I know has a different opinion on which one to see if you're just going to see one (The Breakers is usually the top choice, just because it's that opulent, but my money's for Marble House - if only because you get whacked over the head with Alva Vanderbilt taking a $7m (in early 20th C) mansion covered in Italian marble in the divorce, marrying Oliver Hazard Perry Belmont and moving in to his "cottage" Belcourt for the summers and turning Marble House into a very expensive walk-in closet. hearing that story while very aware of a hole in your shoes is a sublime experience. or something.) DO walk the whole of the Cliff Walk! It's a long walk, so make sure your shoes are up to it, and there are some public restrooms along the first part of the walk, which is important to note - the end of the walk is rocky and unpaved, but the views of the southern end of Aquidneck are spectacular - plus, the Walk drops you on Reject's Beach, which is adjacent to the "Spouting Rock Beach Association" and you can laugh or ogle or fume at the ritziest private beach club in an already ritzy town. The downtown part of Newport, very much separate from Bellevue and Victorian/Edwardian excess (though it is the yachting capital of the US and uh. you’re gonna see a lot of watches that can pay your student loans off.), is very cool to see - Newport was one of the largest seaports in British North America and [former tour guide lecture cut for time] the colonial city’s architecture is pretty well preserved. The Newport Historical Society runs walking tours that focus on the city's history to 1860ish, highly recommend that as the fastest way to get the lay of the land. Highlights: Colony House/the old statehouse atop the green; Touro Synagogue & associated museum; The Great Friends Meeting House; Hunter House is run by the Preservation Society and not always open but very much worth it for an 18th century house tour; the Island Cemetery & Common Burying Ground (where my guy Oliver Hazard Perry, not to be confused with his banker grand-nephew mentioned above, is buried); and Fort Adams. If you have time and a car, popping across the bridge to Conanicut Island and picnicking at Beavertail State Park is HIGHLY recommended.

oh! and whatever you do. THE ‘NEWPORT TOWER’ IN TOURO PARK WAS NOT BUILT BY VIKINGS OR ALIENS OR JOHN FUCKING DEE IT’S A 17TH CENTURY WINDMILL. built by Governor Benedict Arnold. yeah, that Arnold’s ancestor. thank you for coming to my tedtalk.

anyway. I have strong pro-Newport feelings. The first time I saw it, I was in grade school; the second time I was incredibly hungover; the third time I was in love; the fourth time I had a summer job that paid ... well. it paid. - and every time there’s been something magical about that very, very weird city.

(4) New Bedford & Fairhaven, MA - whalingmuseumwhalingmuseumwhalingmuseum; I love Mystic Seaport with my whole soul but New Bedford has whale skeletons leaking oil in the atrium and a much larger permanent exhibit space; the Rotch-Jones-Duff House museum and gardens is well worth the visit while you're there and want to see what a complete lack of concern for the health and safety of sailors and whales could buy you in the 19th century; the food, beer, and coffee is cheaper than in Boston for sure; and New Bedford is a lot more emblematic of cultural and economic/industrial changes in New England than any other the other places I've recommended. It's got the largest working fishing fleet in SNE (mind the bridge across the Acushnet River between New Bedford and Fairhaven); when it goes up you will get stuck for a bit); the millwork is gone but the buildings are still there; DO pop your head in the bakeries and get fresh Portuguese sweet bread & head over to the Museum of Madeiran Heritage for another view of the maritime world and SNE. Fort Phoenix State Park in Fairhaven is a great place for a swim or a picnic. Or both! If you have a spare couple hours, you might want to pop on the Buzzards Bay ferry and go out to Cuttyhunk and back, for another view of the city; if it's a clear day you'll be able to see Martha's Vineyard from the boat.

(5) Acadia National Park, ME - I could have stuck this under the Portland tab, since it's not too long in the car between Portland and Bar Harbor, though in true New England fashion, you can't get theah from heah in a straight line - either you hug the coast on 1 and stop at every lobster shack that strikes your fancy (highly recommended) or you loop up through Augusta and Bangor. Only national park (well, park-park) in New England! Breathtaking views! Coastal hiking! Isolated rocky shores! Downside: literally everyone and their grandmother is there during the summer, so perhaps only go if you're here in the early fall. It's not great for swimming and the beach bum experience, I find, but it is sublime.

NB: people swear by the beaches of Cape Cod, but I’m going to be real: I have never been to the beach in Cape Cod, except once when I was young in a very cold Memorial Day Weekend where (1) I found a dead cat in the dunes, (2) my parents and the parents of the family friends we were visiting got very drunk and played volleyball which ended about as well as you’d expect, & (3) I saw Robin Hood: Men in Tights for the first time. None of this has anything to do with enjoying the beaches, so I’m afraid I cannot comment.

If you want to go to the beach? It depends - how much surf do you like? If yes to waves, probably somewhere in MA or RI! If a more lake-like experience is to your taste, there’s always Long Island Sound.

[grapevynerendezvous]

Jefferson Airplane -Surrealistic Pillow

The release of Surrealistic Pillow, Jefferson Airplane’s second album, coincided with so many new things going on in the world of music, and the world in general. It brought national attention to the psychedelic music scene flourishing in a drug-infused counterculture of Summer of Love San Francisco that had its’ roots in the ‘50s beat scene. The record came out two months before the release of the band’s first hit single, Somebody to Love (b/w She Has Funny Cars, and nearly two months before the next one, White Rabbit (b/w Plastic Fantastic Lover. The actual first single RCA chose to issue from the album was My Best Friend written by Skip Spence (b/w How Do You Feel). It failed to  break into the Billboard Hot 100, cresting at No.103. Both Spence and former lead female singer Signe Anderson had departed in 1966 and veteran drummer Spencer Dryden had come aboard along with Grace Slick, formerly of another San Francisco band The Great Society, several months later. Slick brought along the two songs that became huge hits for The Airplane. Somebody To Love, written by her brother-in-law at the time, Darby Slick, had been performed and recorded by The Great Society as Someone To Love. Slick was the composer of White Rabbit early on in the Great Society’s existence. In August 1966, a few months prior to Grace Slick joining Jefferson Airplane, the band fired manager Matthew Katz. A protracted precedent-setting artist-management legal battle ensued over the terms of their contracts, which lasted two decades. Marty Balin’s roommate and friend, Bill Thompson, was their road manager and filled in as band manager for awhile. As Surrealistic Pillow was about to be released, Jefferson Airplane became managed by Bill Graham which lead to their first time on the East Coast. Along with the Grateful Dead and Quicksilver Messenger Service they co-headlined the Human Be-In at Golden Gate Park on January 14, 1967.

The recording of the album took place November 1966 at RCA studios in Los Angeles, not long after Grace had joined the band. The span of dates actually goes from Oct. 31 to Nov. 22, but the band spent less than two weeks in the studio total. There are various takes on how the process went with RCA staff producer Rick Jarrard, but suffice it to say that the band members were not overly happy working with him despite the results or perhaps, in their minds, because of the results. It is noted on the liner notes on the album that Jerry Garcia was the Musical and Spiritual Adviser. There is disparity as to what influence he may have had over the recording. Producer Rick Jarrard denied that Jerry had any presence on any of the tracks. This has been countered by band members, and Jerry himself said in a 1967 interview that he played guitar on three tracks, the high lead on Today, and also Comin’ Back to You and Plastic Fantastic Lover, plus he rearranged Somebody to Love. In his book, Been So Long: My Life and Music, Jorma Kaukonen wrote, "I used to think about him as co-producer, but now that I really know what a producer is, the producer of that record was Rick Jarrard. Jerry was a combination arranger, musician, and sage counsel.” Reportedly Garcia was also the inspiration of the album name with his comment, “as surrealistic as a pillow is soft”, according to two sources, Light into Ashes-Grateful Dead Guide: Jerry Garcia & Surrealistic Pillow, and JGMF-Jerry Garcia’s Middle Finger: Jerry on Jefferson Airplane, Surrealistic Pillow.

Released February 1, 1967, the album went as high as No.3 on the Billboard Top 200 while being on the chart for over a year. It was awarded a Gold Record for over a million sold (eventually certified Platinum) and is ranked 146 on the Rolling Stone list of 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. Somebody to Love hit No..5 and White Rabbit No.8 on the Billboard Hot 100. Both songs are in Rolling Stones list of 500 Greatest Songs of All Time, Somebody to Love at 274 and White Rabbit at 478. The B-side of White Rabbit, Plastic Fantastic Lover, received extensive airplay in the San Francisco Bay Area and perhaps other markets as well. Jorma Kaukonen’s guitar instrumental, Embryonic Journey, also got some airplay in the Bay Area and was performed on at least one network television show. The Airplane also benefited from being on TV shows such as The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, The Ed Sullivan Show, and The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour. Jefferson Airplane became a national and international phenomenon, thanks in part to the influence of music critic Ralph J. Gleason, The Airplane was invited to play at the first major rock festival, Monterey Pop in June 1967, just prior to the White Rabbit release. Surrealistic Pillow was, as Allmusic reviewer Bruce Eder put it, “…a groundbreaking piece of folk-rock-based psychedelia, and it hit like a shot heard round the world”. It was considered original for its; time, and the band’s fusion of folk rock and psychedelia lined up with pioneering musical directions of The Byrds, The Beatles, The Yardbirds, Bob Dylan, and The Mamas and the Papas.

The songwriting for the album was spread out amonst five of the band members, the result of which was, as Bruce Eder puts it, “resplendent in a happy balance of all of these creative elements”. She Has Funny Cars, written by Marty Balin and Jorma Kaukonen, starts with a rhythm and blues based Bo Diddley Beat, and goes on to highlight the new harmony magic of Marty and Grace Slick. The song expresses the materialism in American Society, but the title has been attributed to Spencer Dryden’s girlfriend’s “funny car(s)”. The next two songs on the album were written by other local musicians that the band had been associated with. Somebody To Love was written by Darby Slick, Grace’s brother-in-was at the time, and it was released as a single by their band The Great Society, under the name Someone To Love. With Grace’s decision to join Jefferson Airplane at Jack Casady’s suggestion, The Great Society band came to an end. While Grace’s presentation of Somebody (Someone) To Love with them was more subdued, in the  Jefferson Airplane version “she sounds far more accusatory and menacing”, per SongFacts. My Best Friend was a nod to the Airplane’s folk rock beginnings, and in some ways had the type of harmonies reminiscent of The Mamas and Papas, and before that, Peter, Paul and Mary. It was composed by former drummer Skip Spence, who had left to form Moby Grape. The two tracks that close out side one are ballads written by by Marty Balin with Jack Kantner co-writing the first one, Today. Balin said that he was inspired to write Today while being in a recording studio next to one where Tony Bennett was recording. He had thought to write the song for Tony in hopes that he might meet him and give it to him. This never happened and it ended up being one of the Airplane’s most beautiful songs. Another lovely song, Comin’ Back to Me, which features Grace Slick on recorder, was written by Balin in one sitting, afterwards going right to the studio to record it with any available musicians. It has been included on soundtracks of several American feature films. 3/5 of Mile in Ten Seconds is a psychedelic blues-rocker that sheds light on the vibrant, drug-drenched San Francisco scene of 1966 while “there is a sense of reflection in some of the lines”, per Matthew Greenwald’s Allmusic song review. D.C.B.A.-25. The title is pretty simple, the letters are for chords in the song, and -25 comes from LSD-25. Paul Kantner composed it. A true sign of the times. The next song is the only one on the album written by someone not connected to the band in some way. Tom Mastin is the composer of How Do You Feel, which is similar to My Best Friend in that it is a folk-rock number with shades of The Mamas and The Papas in the vocalization. Like Comin’ Back to You, it also features Grace Slick on recorder in addition to her vocal harmonies. Little is known about Tom Mastin. Grace Slick had merely said that he was a friend of the band according to Barbara Rowes' biography of Slick. There is some light shed on him in a biography on the Brewer and Shipley website. Michael Brewer met Tom Mastin in Kent, Ohio in 1964, playing in a local club together, and they decided to check the scene out in San Francisco. Perhaps this is when he met up with local musicians at a time when bands like Jefferson Airplane and The Great Society were forming. After a brief stay Mastin and Brewer headed for Los Angeles to meet up with some friends. They ended up recording a three-song demo produced by Barry Friedman (later known as Mohawk Frazier), and Columbia Records offered a contract for them to record as Mastin & Brewer. As they, and two other band members added to the group, were preparing to record, Mastin walked away from the band. He is said to have suffered severe bouts of depression and eventually committed suicide in the ‘90s. The single was actually completed when Brewer recruited his brother Keith to perform Mastin’s vocals and Columbia released the Brewer & Brewer record, which attracted little attention. As already noted, Grace Slick had already written White Rabbit, but the first studio recording of it occurred shortly after she joined Jefferson Airplane. The thinly disguised references to psychedelic drugs meant it was banned in some markets, but it still managed a high position on the charts. It was not included on the U.K. version of the album and the released single there only reached No.94 on the UK Singles Chart. Marty Balin wrote the final cut on the album, Plastic Fantastic Lover, after spending time in a Los Angeles hotel watching television. It is his somewhat sarcastic viewpoint about how much people watch the medium, all done in a blues-rock style with the influence of James Brown/funk.

This one finally hit close to home for me. It was my first San Francisco "sound", Summer of Love record. It is also one of my all-time favorite records, as I’m sure it is with many other folks. It wasn't too hard to be attracted to The Airplane's music, what with first one big hit, and then another, riding the airwaves. They weren't new songs to the SF music scene, but soon the whole world was paying attention. Somebody To Love and White Rabbit were and still are catchy tunes that spoke to a generation. New generations are still tuning in. A young singer songwriter I know, Lisa Azzolino, covers White Rabbit. It is undoubtedly the most remarkable version I've heard since Grace Slick held forth with it back in the day. I remember being struck by some of the song titles and the band’s appearance. It was pretty foreign to me and quite fascinating. The album itself was likely something I might have bought even if I hadn’t heard  Somebody To Love. I even went so far as to buy the 45rpm of White Rabbit and Plastic Fantastic Lover. I’m pretty sure I got it because it was played so early in the Bay Area and hadn’t risen to hit status as yet. As time went by, Bay Area Top 40 stations were playing not only the two huge hits, but Plastic Fantastic Lover (which was on the single), Today, and even Embryonic Journey as well. The one song on the album that didn’t do much for me was My Best Friend. Perhaps it was too “folksy” for me, or seemed a bit “country”, but as time went on it started sticking in my head more and more. I even realized that it would just pop into my personal play list and I would be singing it to myself, probably as much or more as Somebody To Love, or Today. I never heard the single version on the radio though.

As I was researching information for this the name Matthew Katz stood out to me immediately. I’ve been familiar with it for a long time. primarily because of his likewise unscrupulous management associations with Moby Grape and It’s A Beautiful Day. I have friends involved in both bands and have heard some horror stories directly from them which include, among other things, “legal” control of publishing, and even the names of the bands. He refused to let go of these things and took advantage of them as much as he could without ever considering renegotiation. The fact that his legal wranglings with Jefferson Airplane has had a major impact on how artist-management arrangements are being handled since those days is gratifying to say the least.

I never got to see Jefferson Airplane in person, but I have seen Starship and a later version of Jefferson Starship. I saw the latter at Marin County Center one night. I recall that Paul Kantner was there on rhythm guitar, and Marty Balin sang a handful of his great songs, including some Jefferson Airplane favorites. It was special that Signe Anderson came out and sang a few songs which included her joining with Marty on Its No Secret. I had an opportunity to go to Monterey Pop because I had just spent a week in Pacific Grove that year and a friend who lived there invited me down for this festival that was happening a week or two after I was there. The problem was I didn’t have a way down and I didn’t really know how to approach such a thing with my parents. Ah well, nothing too much happened there, right?  And the Bay Area connection was special in more ways than one. Grace Slick nee Wing attended my alma mater Palo Alto High School, but switched to the private all-girls Castilleja High School, also in Palo Alto. I estimate she started Paly 14 or 15 years before I did, which meant I hadn’t arrived in town yet. Paul Kantner, born in San Francisco, was sent to a catholic military boarding school by his father after his mother died when he was eight years old. He graduated from St. Mary’s College High School in Berkeley in 1959, also before I moved to California, but ten years before I graduated from Paly High. To think, a religious military school. Paul puts it best in regard to his experience of being forced to be at St. Joseph’s Military Academy in Belmont CA: “I was an abandoned little child. The school was out of necessity, (his 61-year old salesman father couldn’t raise him on his own)  but still rather drastic. Nuns and guns. As a result, I now fear nothing.”

https://www.allmusic.com/artist/jefferson-airplane-mn0000840102/biography

https://www.allmusic.com/album/surrealistic-pillow-mw0000591676

https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-album-reviews/surrealistic-pillow-251704/

https://books.google.com/books?id=TKyYNB0pGIoC&pg=PA15&lpg=PA15&dq=paul+kantner+saint+mary%27s+college+high+school+graduate&source=bl&ots=qa5ymlMsuE&sig=ACfU3U2fe1iOMB1NLVQgq0h-HTapXX4Ukw&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwizipu0yqrpAhUHKKwKHZPdAYwQ6AEwAnoECAoQAQ#v=onepage&q=paul%20kantner%20saint%20mary's%20college%20high%20school%20graduate&f=false

Somebody to Love http://www.songfacts.com/detail.php?id=1251

https://www.amazon.com/best-friend-how-feel-single/dp/B007A6SAGI

https://www.allmusic.com/song/3-5-of-a-mile-in-10-seconds-mt0056876477

How Do You Feel composer https://www.allmusic.com/artist/tom-mastin-mn0001774142 http://www.brewerandshipley.com/Bios&Liners/Mastin&Brewer.htm

Surrealistic Pillow https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzEG2f9QAl8OaEk6_Mz2gG3DXBImWofzm

LP18

[imaginationstimulation]

I recently read A Visit From the Goon Squad written by Jennifer Egan.

This novel reads more like a collection of short stories about different characters who are almost inconsequentially related to various degrees. 

One obvious theme is about the interconnectedness of all people. 

More deeply, the book is a reflection on time and the endlessness of growing up; how our values and, more seriously, our identities change--or don’t--with time. 

These are the lines and excerpts I highlighted as I read: 

“I’m always happy,” Sasha said. “Sometimes I just forget.” (Chapter 1).

“She could tell that he was in excellent shape, not from going to the gym but from being young enough that his body was still imprinted with whatever sports he’d played in high school and college.”

“...something more than relief: a blessed indifference, as if the very idea of feeling pain over such a thing were baffling.”

“In fact the whole apartment, which six years ago had seemed like a way station to some better place, had ended up solidifying around Sasha, gathering mass and weight, until she felt both mired in it and lucky to have it—as if she not only couldn’t move on but didn’t want to.” 

“She wanted badly to please him, to say something like, It was a turning point everything feels different now, or I called Lizzie and we made up finally, or I’ve picked up the harp again, or just I’m changing I’m changing I’m changing: I’ve changed! Redemption, transformation--God how she wanted these things. Every day, every minute. Didn’t everyone?”

“Bennie knew that what he was bringing into the world was shit. Too clear, too clean. The problem was precision, perfection; the problem was digitization, which sucked the life out of everything that got smeared through its microscopic mesh. Film, photography, music: dead. An aesthetic holocaust! Bennie knew better than to say this stuff aloud.” (Chapter 2).

“an urge to confess the malapropism to his fourth grader.”

“As he sipped, a sensation of pleasure filled his whole torso the way a snowfall fills up a sky. Jesus, he felt good.”

“Hearing the music get made, that was the thing: people and instruments and beaten-looking equipment aligning abruptly into a single structure of sound, flexible and alive.”

“The baby he and Stephanie had nuzzled and kissed—now this painful, mysterious presence.”

“He remembered his mentor, Lou Kline, telling him in the nineties that rock and roll had peaked at Monterey Pop. They’d been in Lou’s house in LA with its waterfalls, the pretty girls Lou always had, his car collection out front, and Bennie had looked into his idol’s famous face and thought, You’re finished. Nostalgia was the end—everyone knew that.”

“Rich people like to hostess, so they can show off their nice stuff.“ (Chapter 3). 

“Hey, Lou goes. He leans down so our faces are together, and stares straight into my eyes. He looks tired, like someone walked on his skin and left footprints. He goes, The world is full of shitheads, Rhea. Don’t listen to them—listen to me. And I know that Lou is one of those shitheads. But I listen.”

“I can’t tell if she’s actually real, or if she’s stopped caring if she’s real or not. Or is not caring what makes a person real?”

“Lou is one of those men whose restless charm has generated a contrail of personal upheaval that is practically visible behind him:” (Chapter 4, [My favorite chapter]).

“Structural Resentment: The adolescent daughter of a twice-divorced male will be unable to tolerate the presence of his new girlfriend, and will do everything in her limited power to distract him from said girlfriend’s presence, her own mascent sexuality being her chief weapon.”

“Structural Affection: A twice-divorced male’s preadolescent son (and favorite child) will embrace and accept his father’s new girlfriend because he hasn’t yet learned to separate his father’s loves and desires from his own. In a sense, he, too, will love and desire her, and she will feel maternal toward him...” 

“Structural Desire: The much younger temporary female mate of a powerful male will be inexorably drawn to the single male within range who disdains her mate’s power.”  

“These four are locked in a visceral animal-sighting competition. (Structural Fixation: A collective, contextually induced obsession that becomes a temporary locus of greed, competition, and envy.)”

“The members of Ramsey’s safari have gained a story they’ll tell for the rest of their lives. It will prompt some of them, years from now, to search for each other on Google and Facebook, unable to resist the wish-fulfillment fantasy these portals offer: What ever happened to...? In a few cases, they’ll meet again to reminisce and marvel at one another’s physical transformations, which will seem to melt away with the minutes.” 

“Structural Dissatisfaction: Returning to circumstances that once pleased you, having experienced a more thrilling or opulent way of life, and finding that you can no longer tolerate them.”

“My questions all seem wrong: How did you get so old? Was it all at once, in a day, or did you peter out bit by bit? When did you stop having parties? Did everyone else get old too, or was it just you?“ (Chapter 5).

“Your desultory twenties,” my mother calls my lost time, trying to make it sound reasonable and fun, but it started before I was twenty and lasted much longer.”

“The TV is new, flat and long, and its basketball game has a nervous sharpness that makes the room and even us look smudged.“

“Seventeen, hitchhiking. He was driving a red Mercedes. In 1979, that could be the beginning of an exciting story, a story where anything might happen. Now it’s a punch line.”

“...how better to mark success than by going to a place where you didn’t belong?“ (Chapter 7).

“I don’t want to fade away, I want to flame away.” 

“It felt impossible, as if Jules’s excitement were being siphoned from inside her, leaving Stephanie drained to the exact degree that he was invigorated.“

“All that can be said for sure is that in the presence of Kitty Jackson, the rest of us become entagled by our sheer awareness that we ourselves are not Kitty Jackson, a fact so brusquely unifying that it temporarily wipes out all distinctions betwen us--our tendency to cry inexplicably during parades, or the fact that we never learned French, or have a fear of insects that we do our best to conceal from women, or liked to eat construction paper as a child--in the presence of Kitty Jackson, we no longer are in possession of these traits; indeed, so indistinguishable are we from every other non–Kitty Jackson in our vicinity that when one of us sees her, the rest simultaneously react.” (Chapter 9.)

“At what precise moment did you tip just slightly out of alignment with the relatively normal life you had been enjoying theretofore, cant infinitesimally to the left or the right and thus embark upon the trajectory that ultimately delivered you to your present whereabouts—in my case, Rikers Island Correctional Facility?”

“Bix and Lizzie’s apartment is tiny, like a dollhouse, full of plants and the smell of plants (wet and planty), because Lizzie loves plants.” (Chapter 10).

“It’s okay,” she says, and you know you should leave it there—it’s fine, leave it alone, but some crazy engine inside you won’t let you stop:”

“He has an optimist’s attraction to everything new—a faith that it will enrich him, not hurt him.“

“The two of you reel away from her. Hilarity keeps you busy for several blocks, but there’s a sickness to it, like an itch that if you keep on scratching, will grind straight through skin and muscle and bone, shredding your heart.”

“We’re going to meet again in a different place,” Bix says. “Everyone we’ve lost, we’ll find. Or they’ll find us.” “Where? How?” Drew asks. Bix hesitates, like he’s held this secret so long he’s afraid of what will happen when he releases it into the air. “I picture it like Judgment Day,” he says finally, his eyes on the water. “We’ll rise up out of our bodies and find each other again in spirit form. We’ll meet in that new place, all of us together, and first it’ll seem strange, and pretty soon it’ll seem strange that you could ever lose someone, or get lost.”

“Sunsan was baffled at first, then distraught. [...] But eventually a sort of amnesia had overtaken Susan; her rebellion and hurt had melted away, deliquesced into a sweet, eternal sunniness that was terrible in the way that life would be terrible, Ted supposed, without death to give it gravitas and shape.” (Chapter 11).

“...all of this bolstered his awe at the gymnastic adaptability of the human mind.”

“...a fibrillating excitement such as he hadn’t felt for years in response to a work of art, compounded by further excitement that such excitement was still possible.” 

“A feeling,” Bennie said, rousing himself slightly from his deep recline. “That we have some history together that hasn’t happened yet.” (Chapter 13).

“Her confidence seemed more drastic than the outcome of a happy childhood; it was cellular confidence, as if Lulu were a queen in disguise, without need or wish to be recognized.”

“There are so many ways to go wrong,” Lulu said. “All we’ve got are metaphors, and they’re never exactly right. You can’t ever just Say. The. Thing.”

“They could meander indefinitely, these conversations...” 

[chrisgoesrock]

Al Kooper - You Never Know Who Your Friends Are (US 1969)

You Never Know Who Your Friends Are was the second album by New York City-based multi-instrumentalist Al Kooper, issued in 1969 on Columbia Records.

A continuation of sorts of his début, the album displays another eclectic mix of rock, rhythm and blues, jazz, pop, and blues, though without the psychedelics that had somewhat permeated through I Stand Alone. Utilizing a large group of musicians under the direction of Charlie Calello, known collectively as "The Al Kooper Big Band", Kooper also strayed away from the heavy string orchestrations of his début. Relying on more original compositions, with nine of twelve tracks by Kooper (with the remaining three by Harry Nilsson), and Motown staff songwriters, the album further helped to cement Kooper's reputation.

Al Kooper's second solo album is a bit more uneven than its predecessor, I Stand Alone, for understandable reasons -- it would have been nothing less than a miracle for Kooper to have matched the consistency and daring of that album, and he doesn't have quite the same array of memorable tunes here. He's still ranging freely, however, through pop, jazz, R&B, and soul, with some songs that are among the most glorious of his output. "Magic in My Sock" is a good enough opener, making up in its virtuoso horn parts and guitar for what it lacks in melodic invention; "Lucille" is hardly the best ballad that Kooper has ever written, but it forms a good bridge to "Too Busy Thinkin' About My Baby," a Motown cover that's one of the highlights of Kooper's entire output -- from a black singer this track would be a priceless gem, but coming from Kooper it's extraordinary in its every nuance.

You get some blues instrumental (principally piano-based) and an abortive but entertaining effort at pop/rock with the title tune, and then Kooper plunges into arty balladry with the hauntingly beautiful "The Great American Marriage/Nothing." He goes back into Motown territory, just as successful as before, on "I Don't Know Why I Love You," and back to moody art-song with Harry Nilsson's "Mourning Glory Story." Kooper returns to the soulful side of rock on "Anna Lee (What Can I Do for You)" and finishes with "I'm Never Gonna Let You Down" -- the latter would be worth the price of the album by itself, a soaring, more lyrical and moody original classic that manages to be unpretentious yet epic in its treatment. [AMG + Wikipedia]

»»» Al Kooper Biography ««« Al Kooper (born Alan Peter Kuperschmidt; February 5, 1944) is an American songwriter, record producer and musician, known for organizing Blood, Sweat & Tears (although he did not stay with the group long enough to share its popularity), providing studio support for Bob Dylan when he went electric in 1965, and also bringing together guitarists Mike Bloomfield and Stephen Stills to record the Super Session album. He has had a successful solo career since then, written music for film soundtracks, and has also lectured in musical composition. He continues to perform live.

Kooper, born in Brooklyn, grew up in Hollis Hills, Queens, New York. His first musical success was as a fourteen-year-old guitarist in The Royal Teens, best known for their 1958 ABC Records novelty twelve-bar blues riff, "Short Shorts". In 1960, he joined the songwriting team of Bob Brass and Irwin Levine, and wrote "This Diamond Ring", which became a hit for Gary Lewis and the Playboys. When he was twenty-one, Kooper moved to Greenwich Village.

He performed with Bob Dylan in concert in 1965, and in the recording studio in 1965 and 1966, including playing Hammond organ with Dylan at the Newport Folk Festival in 1965. Kooper also played the Hammond organ riffs on Dylan's "Like a Rolling Stone". It was in those recording sessions that Kooper met and befriended Mike Bloomfield, whose guitar-playing he admired. He worked extensively with Bloomfield for a number of years. Kooper played organ once again with Dylan during his 1981 world tour.

Kooper joined The Blues Project as their keyboardist in 1965, leaving the band shortly before their gig at the Monterey Pop Festival in 1967. He formed Blood, Sweat & Tears in 1967, leaving after the group's first album, Child Is Father to the Man, due to creative differences in 1968. He recorded Super Session with Bloomfield and Stills in 1968 as well, and in 1969 he collaborated with 15-year-old guitarist Shuggie Otis on the album Kooper Session. In 1975 he produced the debut album by The Tubes.

Kooper has played on hundreds of records, including ones by The Rolling Stones, B. B. King, The Who, The Jimi Hendrix Experience, Alice Cooper, and Cream. On occasion, he has even overdubbed on his own efforts, as on The Live Adventures of Mike Bloomfield and Al Kooper and on other albums, as "Roosevelt Gook".[4] After moving to Atlanta in 1972, he discovered the band Lynyrd Skynyrd, and produced and performed on their first three albums, including the single "Sweet Home Alabama" and "Free Bird". Kooper also wrote the score for the TV series Crime Story and the film The Landlord and has also written music for several made-for-television movies. He was also the musical force behind many of the children series, Banana Splits pop tunes, including "You're the Lovin' End."

Kooper has published a memoir, Backstage Passes: Rock 'n' Roll Life In The Sixties (1977), now available in revised form as Backstage Passes & Backstabbing Bastards: Memoirs of a Rock 'N' Roll Survivor (1998). The latter includes indictments against "manipulators" within the music industry, including his one-time business manager, Stan Polley. His status as a published author enabled him to join (and act as musical director of) the Rock Bottom Remainders, a band made up of writers including Dave Barry, Stephen King, Amy Tan, & Matt Groening.

Kooper is currently retired from teaching songwriting and recording production at Berklee College of Music in Boston, and plays weekend concerts with his bands The ReKooperators and The Funky Faculty. In 2008, he participated in the production of the album Psalngs, the debut release of Canadian musician John Lefebvre and was inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville, TN.

In 2005 Martin Scorsese produced a documentary, No Direction Home: Bob Dylan for the PBS American Masters Series, Kooper's most notable playing with Dylan is the organ parts on "Like a Rolling Stone". Kooper had been invited to the session as an observer, and hoped to be allowed to sit in on guitar, his primary musical instrument. Kooper uncased his guitar and began tuning it. After hearing Mike Bloomfield, who was the hired session guitarist for the sessions, warming up in the room, Kooper concluded that Bloomfield at that point, was a much better guitarist, so Kooper put his guitar aside and retreated into the control room.

As the recording sessions progressed, keyboardist Paul Griffin was moved from the Hammond organ to piano. Kooper quickly suggested to producer Tom Wilson that he had a "great organ part" for the song (which he later confessed was just a ruse to play in the session), and Wilson responded, "Al, you're not an organ player, you're a guitar player", but Kooper stood his ground. Before Wilson could explicitly reject Kooper's suggestion, he was interrupted by a phone call in the control room. Kooper immediately went into the studio and sat down at the organ, though he had rarely played organ before the session. Wilson quickly returned, and was shocked to find Kooper in the studio. By this time, Kooper had been playing along with Dylan and The Band, his organ can be heard coming in an eighth-note just behind the other members of the band, as Kooper followed to make sure he was playing the proper chords. During a playback of tracks in the control room, when asked about the organ track, Dylan was emphatic: "Turn the organ up!"

Performers: ♦ Al Kooper: piano, organ, guitar, ondioline, vocals and arrangements ♦ With The Al Kooper Big Band under the direction of Charlie Calello ♦ Guitars: Ralph Casale, Stu Scharf and Eric Gale ♦ Piano and Organ: Ernie Hayes, Paul Griffin and Frank Owens ♦ Moog Synthesizer: Walter Sears ♦ Electric Bass: Chuck Rainey, Jerry Jemmott and John Miller ♦ Drums: "Pretty" Purdie and Al Rodgers ♦ Trumpets: Bernie Glow, Ernie Royal and Marvin Stamm ♦ Trombones: Ray Desio, Jimmy Knepper, Bill Watrous and Tony Studd ♦ Saxophones: George Young, Sol Schlinger, Seldon Powell and Joe Farrell ♦ Voices: Hilda Harris, Connie Zimet, Albertine Harris, Lois Winter, Mike Gately, Lou Christie, Robert John   and Charlie Calello ♦ Record Cover Art Direction and Design: Ron Coro

Discography (Solo): ○ I Stand Alone (February 1969) ○ You Never Know Who Your Friends Are (October 1969) ○ Easy Does It (September 1970) ○ New York City (You're A Woman) (June 1971) ○ A Possible Projection of the Future / Childhood's End (April 1972) ○ Naked Songs (1973) ○ Act Like Nothing's Wrong (January 1977) ○ Championship Wrestling (featuring Jeff "Skunk" Baxter) (1982) ○ Rekooperation (June 1994) ○ Black Coffee (August 2005) ○ White Chocolate (2008)

Album Tracks: 01. "Magic in My Socks" (3:55) 02. "Lucille" (3:24) 03. "Too Busy Thinkin' 'bout My Baby" (Norman Whitfield, Janie Bradford, 3:20) 04. "First Time Around" (2:48) 05. "Loretta (Union Turnpike Eulogy)" (3:48) 06. "Blues, Part IV" (5:04) 07. "You Never Know Who Your Friends Are" (2:53) 08. "The Great American Marriage / Nothing" (3:19) 09. "I Don't Know Why I Love You" (Lula Mae Hardaway, Don Hunter, Paul Riser, Stevie Wonder, 3:22) 10. "Mourning Glory Story" (Harry Nilsson, 2:16) 11. "Anna Lee (What Can I Do For You)" (3:18) 12. "I'm Never Gonna Let You Down" (4:37)

[beatdisc]

RSD 2019 LIST

Record Store Day, our favourite day! Because we love celebrating with all our beloved regular customers and new friends. This year we're planning to make it the biggest and best day ever! Here's what's happening this year. > HUGE RANGE OF RSD EXCLUSIVE RELEASES (list below) < > LIMITED EDITION BEATDISC COFFEE MUG! < > 500+ OF PRE-OWNED LPs HITTING THE RACKS < > THOUSANDS OF 45s & CDs FROM THE ARCHIVE ** < > 20% OFF AUDIO-TECHNICA TURNTABLES (2019 RANGE) ** < > TWO A-T LP60 TURNTABLES TO WIN < > MARK-DOWNS** GIVEAWAYS, PIZZA, PARTY! < > COFFEE VAN FROM 6AM (see below) < ** = SAT & SUN 

OUR LIST OF RSD EXCLUSIVE TITLES

This year we have 192 TITLES! A few things to note for the morning rush. If you're here first thing please join the line and we'll serve everyone in order. One copy per RSD title per person & no holds. AUS LIST TITLES Bob Evans - Suburban Songbook [LP] Broderick Smith – Suitcase [LP] Jebediah - Of Someday Shambles [2LP] Johnny Diesel & The Injectors - Johnny Diesel & The Injectors [2LP] The Amity Affliction – Youngbloods [LP] The Birthday Party - Mutiny/Bad Seed [2LP] The Hard Ons - Harder & Harder [7”] The Loved Ones - Magic Box [LP] The Mint Chicks - Screens [LP] The Reels - The Reels [LP] US LIST TITLES Ace Frehley - Spaceman [LP] Adrenalin O.D. - Let's BBQ [LP] Alien Weaponry - Tu [LP+7''] Anderson .Paak - Bubblin' [7''] Angelo Badalamenti, David Lynch - Twin Peaks: Season Two Music And More [2LP] Aretha Franklin - The Atlantic Singles 1967 [5x7'' Boxset] AxCx (Anal C**t) - Picnic Of Love [LP] B-52's, The - Mesopotamia [LP] Bad Religion - My Sanity [7''] Basement - Be Here Now [7''] Benjamin Gibbard - Me And Magdalena / The Concept [7''] Bill Hicks - Revelations: Variations [2LP] Billy Joel - Live At Carnegie Hall 1977 [2LP] Bingo Hand Job (R.E.M. w/ Bragg, Hitchcock & Holsapple) - Live At The Borderline 1991 [2LP] Bone Thugs-N-Harmony - E. 1999 Eternal [2LP] Broken Social Scene - Let's Try The After Vol. 1 & 2 [LP] Buari - Buari [LP] Buffalo Tom - Buffalo Tom (30th Anniversary) [LP] Canned Heat - Remember Woodstock [LP] Captain Beefheart and His Magic Band - Trout Mask Replica [2LP] Charlatans, The - Us And Us Only [LP] Chris Robinson Brotherhood - Dice Game And Let It Fall [10'' Chuck Mosley - Joe Haze Session #2 [7''] Courtney Barnett - Everybody Here Hates You [12''] Craig Mack & The Notorious B.I.G. - B.I.G. Mack (Original Sampler) [LP+Cassette] Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young - 4 Way Street (Expanded Edition) [3LP] Culture - The Nighthawk Recordings [LP] Curren$y, Freddie Gibbs and The Alchemist - Fetti [LP] Czarface - Double Dose Of Danger [LP] David Bowie - Pin Ups (2015 Remastered Version) [LP] David Bowie - The World Of David Bowie (Compilation) [LP] David Bowie / Marlene Dietrich - Revolutionary Song / Just A Gigolo [7''] Death Grips - Steroids (Crouching Tiger Hidden Gabber Megamix) [LP] Def Leppard - The Story So Far, Vol. 2 / B Sides [2LP] Desmond Dekker & The Aces - Pretty Africa [LP] Devo - This Is The DEVO Box [6LP] Doors, The - London Fog [10''] Dr. Dog - Live 2 [LP] Dr. Dre - Nuthin' But A ''G'' Thang [12''] Duran Duran - As The Lights Go Down (Live) [2LP] Ed O.G. & Da Bulldogs - Life Of A Kid In The Ghetto [LP] Elton John - Live From Moscow [2LP] Elvis Costello & The Imposters - Purse EP [LP] Elvis Presley - Live At The International Hotel, Las Vegas, NV August 23, 1969 [2LP] Eric Clapton - One More Car One More Rider [3LP] Fatlip - The Loneliest Punk [LP] Flaming Lips, The - King's Mouth: Music And Songs [LP] Fleetwood Mac - The Alternate Fleetwood Mac [LP] Frank Black - Frank Black [LP] Frank Black - Teenager Of The Year [2LP] Frank Zappa - The Guitar World According To Frank Zappa [LP] Golden Earring - Moontan [LP] Gorillaz - The Fall [LP] Grateful Dead - The Warfield, San Francisco, CA 10/9/80 [2LP] Green Day - Woodstock 1994 Live [LP] Green Jelly - Cereal Killer Soundtrack [LP] Green River - Live At The Tropicana 1984 [LP] Greta Van Fleet - From The Fires [LP] Hawkwind - The 1999 Party: Live At The Chicago Auditorium 21st March, 1974 [2LP] High On Fire - Bat Salad [LP] Hockey Dad - Dreamin' [LP] Idles - Meat / Meta [EP] Iggy Pop - Hippodrome - Paris 77 [2LP] Iggy Pop - The Villagers b/w Pain & Suffering [7''] Insurgence DC - Broken In The Theater Of The Absurd [LP] James Brown - Sho Is Funky Down Here [LP] Janis Joplin - Woodstock Sunday August 17, 1969 [2LP] Jeff Buckley - In Transition [LP] Jeff Tweedy - WARMER [LP] Jethro Tull - North Sea Oil [10''] Joe Strummer - The Rockfield Studio Tracks [12''] John Cage Meets Sun Ra - John Cage Meets Sun Ra: The Complete Film [7''+DVD] John Lennon - Imagine: The Raw Studio Mixes [2LP] Julien Baker - Red Door / Conversation Piece [7''] Justin Courtney Pierre (frontman of Motion City Soundtrack) - Open Mic At The Lo-Fi Vol. 1 [LP] Kooks, The - Live At The Moth Club [LP] Kool Keith - Complicated Trip [12''] Kristin Hersh - Crooked [LP] L7 - Burn Baby [7''] Lemonheads, The - Can't Forget / Wild Child [7''] Lou Reed - Ecstasy [2LP] Louis Armstrong - Disney Songs The Satchmo Way [LP] Madonna - La Isla Bonita: Super Mix [LP] Madonna - True Blue (Super Club Mix) [LP] Mark Lanegan Band - Stitch It Up [7''] Mark Ronson - Nothing Breaks Like A Heart [12''] Mastodon - Stairway To Nick John [10''] Matthew Sweet - Pleasure Island, Live [LP] Menzingers, The - No Penance b/w Cemetery's Garden [7''] Midnight Oil - Breathe Tour '97, Live [LP] Mission Of Burma - Peking Spring [LP] Mo-dettes, The The Story So Far [LP] Monty Python - Monty Python's Life Of Brian [LP] Morrissey - Lover-To-Be [7''] Moses Sumney - Black In Deep Red, 2014 [12''] Motorhead - Overkill / Bomber [2x7''] Motorhead - Rockaway Beach [7''] Mumford & Sons - Delta Acoustic Sessions | Live From Electric Lady [10''] My Chemical Romance - The Black Parade Is Dead! [2LP] Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds - Wait & Return [LP] Ol' Dirty Bastard - Intoxicated [LP] Olafur Arnalds - Re:member + String Quartets [LP+7''] Otis Redding w/Booker T. & The M.G.'s + The Mar-Keys - Just Do It One More Time! Live At The Monterey Pop Festival [LP] Parliaments, The - Baby I Owe You Something Good [LP] Pearl Jam - Live At Easy Street [LP] Pelican - Midnight & Mesaline [7''] Peter Howell & John Ferdinando - Ithaca, Agincourt And Other Psych-Folk Fairy Tales [2LP+CD] Pink Floyd - A Saucerful Of Secrets (Mono) [LP] Police, The - Message In A Bottle [2x7''] Prince - His Majesty's Pop Life / The Purple Mix Club [2LP] Procol Harum - Procol Harum (50th Anniversary USA Edition) [2LP] Queen - Bohemian Rhapsody (Soundtrack) [2LP] Queen - Bohemian Rhapsody / I'm In Love With My Car [7''] Ramones, The - Live At The Palladium, New York, NY (12/31/79) [2LP] Robert Johnson - Kind Hearted Woman Blues / Terraplane Blues [10''] Robyn - Body Talk [2LP] Rolling Stones, The - Big Hits (High Tide And Green Grass) (UK) [LP] Rolling Stones, The - She’s A Rainbow / Live At U Arena, Paris / 25.10.17 [10''] Rolling Stones, The - Through The Past, Darkly (Big Hits Vol. 2) (UK) [LP] Roxy Music - Roxy Music - Remixed [2LP] RZA - Birth Of A Prince [2LP] Salvation Army, The - Live From Torrance And Beyond [LP] Santigold - I Don't Want: The Gold Fire Sessions [LP] Serj Tankian - Harakiri [LP] Sherman Brothers, The - Simply Sherman: Disney Hits From The Sherman Brothers [LP] Shocking Blue - Single Collection (A's & B's), Part 2 [2LP] Sly & The Family Stone - Woodstock Sunday August 17, 1969 [2LP] Soccer Mommy - For Young Hearts [LP] Sublime - Nugs: Best Of The Box [LP] SUNN O))) - Life Metal [2LP] Tangerine Dream - Le Parc [2LP] Tangerine Dream - Machu Picchu [LP] Ten In The Swear Jar (Xiu Xiu) - Fort Awesome: Complete Recordings [2LP] Teyana Taylor - Gonna Love Me / WTP (Remixes) [12''] Thrice - Deeper Wells [LP] Todd Rundgren - The Complete U.S. Bearsville & Warner Bros. Singles [4LP] Too $hort - The Pimp Tape [2LP] Townes Van Zandt - The Best Of Townes Van Zandt [2LP] U2 - The Europa [LP] Van Morrison - Astral Weeks Alternative [10''] Various Artists - Boy Meets Girl: Classic Stax Duets [2LP] Various Artists - Brazil Classics 30th Anniversary Box Set [3LP] Various Artists - Coneheads (Soundtrack) [LP] Various Artists - Folk And Pop Sounds Of Sumatra Vol. 2 [2LP] Various Artists - Ghost World (Soundtrack) [2LP] Various Artists - I Am Sam (Soundtrack) [LP Various Artists - Lost In Translation (Soundtrack) [LP] Various Artists - Malcom X (Soundtrack) [LP] Various Artists - Mickey Mouse Disco [LP] Various Artists - New Jack City (Soundtrack) [LP] Various Artists - Office Space (Soundtrack) [LP] Various Artists - Poppies: Assorted Finery From The First Psychedelic Age [LP] Various Artists - Rockabye Baby! Lullaby Renditions Of Weezer [LP] Various Artists - South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut (Soundtrack) [2LP] Various Artists - Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse (Soundtrack) [LP] Various Artists - Stax Does The Beatles [2LP] Various Artists - Sugar Hill Records: The 12'' D.J. Boxset [6x12'' Boxset] Various Artists - The Crow (Soundtrack) [2LP] Various Artists - Where The Action Is! Los Angeles Nuggets Highlights [2LP] Various Artists - Woodstock 3 Days Of Peace Music (Mono PA Version) [3LP] Violent Femmes - Hallowed Ground [LP] Vitamin String Quartet - VSQ Performs Bjork [2LP] Weezer - Dusty Gems: The B-Sides [LP] Weezer - Weezer (Teal Album) [LP] Wes Montgomery - Back On Indiana Avenue: The Carroll DeCamp Recordings [2LP] Wipers, The - Alien Boy [7'' EP] Wonder Years, The - The Wonder Years Live From Maida Vale [10''] Yes - Yes [LP] UK LIST TITLES Dexys Midnight Runners - At The BBC 1982 [2LP] Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five - The Message [2LP] Mighty Boosh - The Complete Radio Series [3LP] Ronnie Lane & The Band Slim Chance - At The BBC [2LP] Sigur Ros - Lunar Halo 22° [LP] Sigur Ros - Variations In Darkness [LP] Thin Lizzy - Black Rose [2LP] Various Artists - The Freakbeat Scene [2LP] Various Artists - The Mod Scene [2LP] Various Artists - The Northern Soul Scene [2LP] Various Artists - The Psychedelic Scene [2LP] Various Artists - The R&B Scene [2LP] Venom - Manitou [7" picture disc] Yazoo - Reconnected: Live [2LP]

[brn1029]

Wow. Lotsa folks dead on this date in music. Some were sick, some in an accident, some drugs, and way too many left us of their own hand…

And there were some other notable moments as well…

April 5th

1962 - The Beatles

The Beatles performed at The Cavern Club in Liverpool as part of a special night presented by the Beatles' fan club. The Beatles wear their black leather outfits for the first half of the performance, for old time's sake, then change into their new suits for the second half of the show.

1967 - Monkees

Monkees fans walked from London's Marble Arch to the US Embassy in Grosvenor Square to protest Davy Jones' planned call-up. Jones was exempted because he was deemed responsible for supporting his father.

1975 - Minnie Riperton

Minnie Riperton went to No.1 on the US singles chart with the Stevie Wonder produced song 'Loving You' (a No.2 hit in the UK). It was the singers only US chart hit. Riperton died of cancer on 12th July 1979.

1981 - Bob Hite

Canned Heat singer Bob "The Bear" Hite died of a heart attack aged 36. (1970 UK No.2 & US No.26 single 'Let's Work Together'). Played at both the 1967 Monterey Pop Festival and the 1969 Woodstock Festival.

1983 - Danny Rapp

Danny Rapp, leader of 50s group Danny and the Juniors committed suicide in a hotel in Arizona by shooting himself. With Danny and the Juniors he had the 1958 US No.1 & UK No.3 single 'At The Hop'.

1984 - Marvin Gaye

Marvin Gaye's funeral took place at The Forest Lawn Cemetery, Los Angeles; Smokey Robinson, Stevie Wonder, Quincy Jones, Berry Gordy and other Motown singers, writers and producers, attended the service.

1994 - Kurt Cobain

Kurt Cobain committed suicide by shooting himself in the head at his home in Seattle. Cobain's body wasn't discovered until April 8, by an electrician who had arrived to install a security system, who initially believed that Cobain was asleep, until he saw the shotgun pointing at his chin. A suicide note was found that said, "I haven't felt the excitement of listening to as well as creating music, along with really writing . . . for too many years now". A high concentration of heroin and traces of Valium were found in Cobain's body. His death was officially ruled as suicide by a self-inflicted shotgun wound to the head.

1995 - Jimi Hendrix

Monika Dannerman, the one time girlfriend of Jimi Hendrix committed suicide, two days after losing a court battle with another of the guitarist's ex-lovers.

1998 - Cozy Powell

British drummer Cozy Powell (Colin Flooks) was killed when his car smashed into crash barriers on the M4 motorway near Bristol, England. Powell had worked with the Jeff Beck Group, Whitesnake, Black Sabbath, Rainbow, Brian May, Peter Green and the ELP spin-off Emerson, Lake, and Powell. Powell, known as one of the most driving drummers in rock, had also had hits as a solo artist, including Dance WithThe Devil and The Man In Black, and had fronted his own band, Cozy Powell's Hammer.

2002 - Layne Staley

American singer Layne Staley of Alice in Chains was found dead from a mixture of heroin and cocaine in his home. It was reported that the 6-foot (1.8 m) Staley weighed only 86 pounds (39 kg) when his body was discovered. His body was partially decomposed when he was found. Medical examiners had to identify it by dental records.

2006 - Gene Pitney

Gene Pitney was found dead aged 65 in his bed in a Cardiff hotel. The American singer was on a UK tour and had shown no signs of illness. Pitney helped The Rolling Stones break the American market with his endorsement of the band. Jagger and Richards wrote his hit 'That Girl Belongs to Yesterday' which became the Stones duo's first composition to reach the American charts. He scored the 1962 US No.4 single 'Only Love Can Break A Heart'. and 1967 solo UK No.5 & 1989 UK No.1 single with Marc Almond 'Something's Gotten Hold Of My Heart', plus over 15 other US & UK Top 40 hits.

2007 - Kiss

Former Kiss guitarist Mark St. John died from an apparent brain haemorrhage at the age of 51. St. John was Kiss' third official guitarist, having replaced Vinnie Vincent in 1984 and appeared on the album 'Animalize'.

2008 - iTunes

Apple's iTunes overtook supermarket group Wal-Mart to become the largest music retailer in the US. Market research firm NPD said iTunes surpassed Wal-Mart in January and February if 12 downloads are considered equal to the sale of one CD album. iTunes had sold more than four billion songs since its launch in 2003

2011 - Nirvana

A statue in tribute to Nirvana singer Kurt Cobain was unveiled in his hometown of Aberdeen, Washington, The unveiling marked the 17th anniversary of Cobain's death, which occurred on April 5, 1994. The statue designed by local artists Kim and Lora Malakoff was of his signature Fender Jag-Stang guitar. The concrete guitar was eight and a half feet tall and also featured a ribbon with lyrics written on it from Nirvana's 'On a Plain'. It reads: "One more special message to go and then I'm done and I can go home."

2012 - Jim Marshall

Jim Marshall, who made rock ’n’ roll rawer and noisier by inventing the Marshall amplifier died at a hospice in London, aged 88. His amplifiers and speakers known as 'Marshall stacks' were used by Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page and almost every other major rock guitarist in the ’60s and ’70s and by the next generation of guitarists as well, including Kurt Cobain, Eddie Van Halen and Slash.

2013 - Mark Knopfler

Mark Knopfler cancelled two shows in Russia in protest over what he called the country's "crackdown" on human rights groups. The former Dire Straits frontman pulled out of the gigs in June after Russian authorities searched the offices of organisations including Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International. Critics said the raids were an attempt to crush government dissent.

[myblacknightworld]

Whelp. And here we are again. New OC guys!

P.S. I'm happy to see you again

<3

Well, this girl up here it's Johanna Ryder, Jo to friends. Well, what about her? She's a new student in Midtown Highschool of Science (YES, it's because I love Spiderman Homecoming and that smol bean that's Peter Parker, it also does help the fact that Tom Holland plays Peter. YES, he's one of my actor crushes). She's an orphan: she never knew her father (her mother had ensured it stayed a secret and everything Jo tried to find out who he was came to nothing) when she was ten her mother died during a robbery and Jo has panic attacks since then. After that she moved from a foster family to the other until she finished with Gabriel and Quinn in Queens, NY, and got saved by Spiderman during a robbery. Well, the robbery it's after Gabriel and Quinn moved from the apartment (they had rented the apartment for six months, but they had to move because of Gabriel's job and Jo didn't want to move with them and so they made a deal with the CPS (child protective services)(I don't even know if this is possible in real life but whatever. Here it is) so that Jo and one of the social workers lived there until the rent was payed off completely and so that she could finish school). She found out Peter was Spiderman because it's obvious (also, she's a genius, she has an IQ of 303). After Homecoming happened, Peter took her to the Stark Tower (in this story the Avengers Compound doesn't exist because I hate it) to know Mr. Stark because she was working to replicate the Iron-man suit and he wanted Mr. Stark to know about it. And then surprise! Jay (her A.I.) found out that Jo's DNA matched with.... *drums*... suspence... more suspence... it's gonna be obvious but more suspence... still suspence... suspence again... I'll say it, don't worry... but now, MORE SUSPENCE... *drums intensify*... Tony Stark! I said it was gonna be obvious. Well, her mother, Annabelle Ryder, was a well known scientist and she and Tony had a drunk one-night thing (but he had still been super careful about condoms and things) and here Johanna is.Well, long story short, Jo moved in with Tony and Pepper, kept attending Midtown High, kept inventing things, started to call Pepper mom after a year or so (because yes, I think Pepper's the mother hen type and acts all mother hen on every kid she crosses path with), started dating Peter (because if I was a Marvel character I would do it as well. Also I don't ship Peter/MJ (I don't like MJ, well, I like how Zendaya played her, but still). I would ship Peter/Gwen, but Gwen's not in Spiderman Homecoming, so...), etc. etc. ...

Also, I made a file about her

NAME: Ryder, Johanna “Jo” AGE: 16 BIRTHDAY: 11/11/2003  (it's an approximate date. I dunno in the MCU when's Peter Parker born?)   BLOOD TYPE: 0- POB: Austin, Texas

GENDER: Female RACE: Caucasian HEIGHT: 1,58 m WEIGHT: 45 kg

HAIR: Brown EYES: Blue/almost black (right one), black (left one) IDENTIFIABLE MARKINGS: Heterochromia

KNOWN RELATIVES: Ryder, Annabelle (mother/deceased) - Stark, Anthony Edward “Tony” (father/alive/Avenger)

FOSTER FAMILIES: John & Mary Reeds, Lucas & Peyton Scott, Matthew & Andrea Andrews, Jessamine Lucas, Beryl & Jacob Grace, Noah & Mary Ann Sawyer, Oliver & Isabella Alvarez, Anthony & Abigail DiAndrea, Delilah Rush & Roxy Sciuto, Marty & Laura Jacobs, Troy & Victoria Johnston, Gabriel & Quinn James DOCUMENT CITIZENSHIP: American

LANGUAGES: Italian, English, Spanish, French, German, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian, Danish, SKILLS: SuperGenius (Recent Q.I test 303), well versed in lots of science fields, created a functioning A.I., JAY, in 2nd grade with scraps, has her own arsenal of tech she calls J-Tech, fine hacker (hacked S.H.I.E.L.D. twice, Stark Industries, KGB, CIA, currently trying with Wakanda), knows self-defence

POWERS: None

AFFILIATIONS: Spiderman, Iron Man, Stark Industries ALIAS: None

CURRENT ADDRESS: Stark Tower, Park Av., NY

PREVIOUS ADDRESSES: Austin Texas - Chatam, Massachusets - Slidell, Louisiana - Monterey, California - Bakersfield, California - Cookeville, Tennessee - Walker, Minnesota - Clay Springs, Arizona - Seattle, Whashington - Seattle, Washington - Salina, Kansas - Santa Rosa, New Mexico - Queens, NY

[sanguinemsaucius]

So @overzealous-panda-yak​ asked me to do all the questions on that one music ask. I can’t do some since they require an option provided by the asker, but I’ll do the rest!! Thanks for asking!

2. Weirdest song I love? Hmmm, probably Moisissure by Igorrr. It’s a bunch of undead moans, and it’s got an odd ambiance about it.

3. Heaviest rock song I love? Uhhhhh, would Ora Pro Nobis Lucifer by Behemoth count as rock? 4. Least favorite song by my favorite band? I Think I’m Going Bald by Rush. 5. Which one would I most want to have been at - Monterey, Woodstock, or Altamont? ... The only one I know is Woodstock, so... that. 6. Favorite rock n’ roll photographer? Hipgnosis. 9. Band I would’ve most loved to see live in their heyday? All my favourite prog bands from back in the day, definitely. Rush is my first choice of course, but I would love to see Genesis, Yes, ELP, King Crimson... Yeah. 10. A food-related song I love? Because it’s the first one to come to mind, Pizza aux Narines by Igorrr. 11. A color-related song I love? Shit, man, there’s so many... Red Sector A, Red, Red Hill Mining Town, Red Tide... (I’m sensing a theme here...) And who could forget Any Colour You Like? 12. A song that makes me cry? Armour and Sword, Bravado, and Available Light by Rush. 13. In my opinion: a. most underrated classic rock band or b. most overrated classic rock band? A) Hmmm, can’t really think of any, unfortunately. B) The Beatles. 14. A few lines of lyrics I’ve been obsessing over? Just because it’s been stuck in my head for a month because I’m doing a project based on the album it’s from: Three horned face Pillar of red Evil lives atop my crooked spine        (Siberian Divide by Mastodon)

15. Lennon or McCartney? Eh, I don’t care about either, but McCartney seems okay. 16. Page or Plant? Plant. No contest. 17. My top 10 obsession songs at the moment? - Atoma by Dark Tranquility - Elysium by Stratovarius - My Negation by Dark Tranquility - Steambreather by Mastodon - Show Yourself by Mastodon - Horses and Chariots by Billy Talent - Lupus Dei by Powerwolf - Du Hast by Rammstein - Ludwig the Holy Blade from the Bloodborne soundtrack - Bravado by Rush 18. A song that turns me on? Wow, this is gonna be embarrassing, but... Resurrection by Erection by Powerwolf. 19. A song I hate that everyone loves? I dunno, there’s a lot of songs like that. Go on any top 40 station, and you’re bound to find something. Not to sound elitist, it’s just not my cup of tea. 20. A song I love that everyone hates? Seems like everyone hates Tai Shan by Rush, but it’s not that bad in my opinion. 21. A cover I like better than the original? Powerwolf’s cover of Gods of War Arise by Amon Amarth. 22. Someone I hate as a person but love as a musician? Eh, I know he does a lot of charity work, but something about Bono kinda rubs me the wrong way. He seems a little... full of himself? I dunno. 23. Someone I love as a person but hate as a musician? Hmm, can’t really think of any. 24. Musician I’m attracted to but wish I wasn’t? Till Lindemann is oddly attractive, but let’s face it, he’s a creepy-ass man. 25. Musician I wish I could play like? Keith Emerson. I wish I could keyboard like that. 26. Musical sound I wish I could live inside of? Anything prog and all of Powerwolf’s werewolf/vampire songs because hell yeah aesthetic. 27. Political message song that I: a. hate or b. love? A) Can’t think of any at the moment. B) Pick something from Rush’s discography that isn’t Ayn Rand-related, and you’ve got a winner. 28. Favorite male folk singer-songwriter: Nick Drake, Paul Simon, Bob Dylan, Donovan, Cat Stevens, Leonard Cohen, all six, or another? I haven’t listened to any of these people all that much, but I really respect Leonard Cohen. 29. Favorite female folk singer-songwriter: Joni Mitchell, Joan Baez, Judy Collins, Sandy Denny, Buffy Sainte-Marie, Mary Travers, all six, or another? I unfortunately haven’t listened to any of these artists... 30. Favorite of the great classic rock bands: Led Zeppelin, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Who, Queen, Pink Floyd, or another? Out of this list, Pink Floyd. 31. Favorite prog-rock band? Rush. 32. Favorite psychedelic artist? Does Pink Floyd count? 33. Favorite British Invasion act? Out of the list I found on Wikipedia, Cream’s my favourite. 34. Favorite all-female band? I really need to listen to more all-women bands... I haven’t listened to much, but Babymetal’s pretty banging. 35. Musician or band with the best clothing/fashion sense? Peter Gabriel in the 70s is a fashion icon. 36. Favorite rock groupie/spouse/girlfriend/boyfriend/muse? Don’t have one. 37. Musician I want to marry? None. 38. Best hair in all of rock? I can never pass up an opportunity to bring light to the marvelous Geddy Raccoon Hat of the 80s. 39. Best classic rock group that’s still together? *shrug* 40. An album I’ve been spinning way too much lately? Elysium by Stratovarius and Emperor of Sand by Mastodon. 41. Ultimate rock n’ roll fantasy? Travel back in time and see Rush live in 1976.

[montereyroseman]

This all #jade rockbalance has a threaded rod holding it all together. It later can be unscrewed to make 4 Pendants and 3 jade beads. The bottom piece makes a cool paperweight 3 inches long 1 3/4 inches wide and almost an inch thick. Posting on my Etsy today Here’s something I’m sending out to help make this happen! This is really starting to roll. A few weeks ago an invitation to a Seaglass festival in Santa Cruz arrived. This is their 11th annual and This is The Big One. I never thought I would ever be selling at such a incredible high end venue, or to be at that level, Period. It has really surprised me, and now that it has finally sunk in ,I’m now realizing the cost is quite a bit in advance to secure the booths / spaces . Now I have another invite from the Woman’s Veterans Alliance WVA on October 11th at Montereys Hilton. 1,000+ ladies walking by my Beautiful roses,and my bad-ass Seaglass Jewelry. Cha-Ching. Then I found 3 more Festivals that are perfect for me. All of them are late August thru October. In September a private party invited me to show off my jewelry, and my roses. Later in the afternoon, I will be teaching 50+ people how to balance rocks, some will be stackers but I can teach most to really do some great balancing. Counter-balancing, On Point Balancing, Zig-Zag Balancing, Symmetric Balance, Asymmetric Balance, I just love stealing the names from famous Rockbalancing Artists. (Hey Peter im going to need a few of your books on balancing ) A few will be able to make some free standing Arches. Did I mention the best part, I’m getting quite the fee from each student. I don’t mind showing somebody a few pointers but getting paid is sweet. If you can help me share this or help in anyway I would really appreciate it. Any donations made on my Gofundme can be used as credit towards your next purchase on my Etsy site. Just contact me for the checkout code. Thanks Ron O’Brien (at Monterey, California) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bwmfl44AWI9/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=hd0kdwffgmo5

[newagesispage]

                                                                        AUGUST   2020

PAGE DEB

 There is a limited series coming to Showtime ,Blackbird: Lena Horne and America.

*****

Barack Obama joined a zoom call to Crip camp for the 30th anniversary of Americans with Disabilities act.** Hearing Obama, Clinton and even Bush speak as they remembered John Lewis reminds us how calming it can be to hear inspiring words.** Feel bad that Jimmy Carter could not attend since it was in Georgia. We miss ya.**John Lewis put his own words out there in the NY Times on the day of his funeral. He also wrote letters over the last couple of months to many activists to continue the fight.

*****

Racism is so American that when you protest it, people think you’re protesting America. – Romy Reiner

*****

Check our Smartless, the new podcast from Sean Hayes, Jason Bateman and Will Arnett. Each episode one of the hosts brings a surprise guest that answers questions.

*****

Opening some states is like opening a ‘peeing’ section of the pool. –Neil de Grasse Tyson

*****

Rumor is that Dave Chappelle will be on Letterman’s next batch of Netflix shows, My next guest needs no introduction.

*****

Check out the album Grandpa Metal from Brian Posehn, Brendon Small, Scott Ian, Al Yankovic, Corey Taylor and Jill janus.

*****

Reports have come thru that Brett Kavanaugh wanted the Supreme Court to avoid decisions about abortion and Trump’s financials.

*****

The Redskins have become the Washington Football team.

*****

Hulu will bring us Nine Perfect Strangers with Nicole Kidman, Melissa McCarthy and Michael Shannon.

*****

Days alert: I wish Bonnie would turn out to be Adrienne. If the switch was made when she chose Justin over Lucas,that would explain a lot. Eve is back for revenge but Ciara and Hope will find Ben. Will it be too late? I hope this brings Shane  and Teresa back to town.  Allie will have a boy but who is the Father? Rumor is that it could be Theo Carver or Parker Jonas or Tripp Dalton. Will Eli and Lani have twins? Sarah and Xander will reunite??

*****

Spencer Grammer was stabbed while trying to break up an altercation in NY. She is on the mend.

*****

The Green Banana is a sort of 425 foot bright blue sink hole that has been found off the coast of Florida. Divers say it is about 155 feet below the surface.

*****

The Department of Homeland Security has more law enforcement capability than all other branches combined.** Why aren’t the storm troopers working on real crime?? Fingers crossed for no more Trump troops for “Operation Legend.”

*****

Jim Jordan says that, “Big tech’s out to get conservatives.” The top performing FB posts that day: Ben Shapiro 2. Fox news 3. Dan Bongino 4. CNS news 5. Ben Shapiro 6. Ben Shapiro 7. Fox news 8. CNN  9. Blue lives matter

*****

2 million Americans do not have running water.

*****

Actor Bryan Callen has been accused of sexual assault.

*****

Breonna Taylor is on the cover of O.** The WNBA has dedicated their season to Breonna and the Black Lives Matter movement.

*****

Epix has brought us a sort of new look at Manson with Helter Skelter: An American Myth.

*****

Southern Crossroads has a slogan: Rednecks for Black lives!!

*****

Louis De Joy, the new Postmaster General has apparently shut down sorting machines and cut overtime so that mail carriers must leave mail behind.

*****

David Duke is permanently banned from Twitter.

*****

The Emmy noms are here: Netflix broke all previos records for number of noms. Leading the pack was Watchmen, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Ozark, Succession, The Mandolorian, SNL and Schitt’s Creek. The best drama category is the toughest with The Mandolorian, Ozark, Succession, Better Call Saul, The Crown, The Handmaids tale, Killing Eve and Stranger Things. Best supporting actor in drama and comedy is tough including Kieran Culkin, Giancarlo Esposito, Matthew Macfayden, Andre Braugher, Tony Shalhoub, Kenan Thompsonand Daniel Levy. The limited series or movie supporting actress is loaded with goodies too like Holland Taylor, Uzo Aduba, Margo Martindale, Tracey Ullman, Toni Collette and Jean Smart. How can you pick?? The 72nd Emmy’s will be hosted by Jimmy Kimmel.

*****

A new low: College Covid parties in Alabama to see who can get it. I think we need to crack down on education because we have some pretty stupid people in this country. Why do we want to work the medical professionals within an inch of their lives??** 155 thousand dead. The total cases have dipped slightly but fatalities are up. ** Pelosi has issued mandatory mask order for the house.** In the new covid bill they want 1.75 bill for a new FBI building that will stay in the same place that it now stands?? This surely couldn’t be because it is across the street from the Trump hotel and he does not want competition and likes his special locale. **The Senate decided to take a long weekend and not deal with it until August. How do so many not care about their fellow man??** The longer it takes to get the virus under control, the more business’s we lose forever.

*****

The Catherine’s clothing chain is closing.

*****

We need more detective shows with real stories about cops that don’t do things by the book. We have all heard of the fucked up crime scenes like Jon Benet Ramsey or Jeff Macdonald and we know that is just the tip of the iceberg.

*****

There have been shootings all over the country at various gatherings which should not even have been held.

*****

There is a long history with these vipers, Bill Barr’s Father hired a 20 year old Jeff Epstein to teach at Dalton. He was a high school drop out with no degree.** The usual suspects, Nugent and Baio et al.will speak virtually for Trump at the Republican convention.** Contrary to what the administration said, Paw Patrol was not cancelled.** You knew he would get around to wanting to postpone the election. Too bad for him congress has to agree and if they can’t work it out  then the speaker may have to take over.

*****

Shep Smith has joined CNBC.

*****

Colin Kaepernick’s life will come to Netflix from Ava Duvernay. **

*****

The world hates us so much right now. We’ve been ruined in more ways than we know.** What kind of shithole President wishes a child sex trafficker well?

*****

Billy Eichner will play Paul Lynde in Man in the Box.

*****

The U.S. has told the Chinese consulate in Houston to shut down. Is this because of intellectual theft?? Now China has moved us out of our consulate there.

*****

Fairfax County will rename Robert E. Lee high after John Lewis.

*****

The Reagan foundation has asked the Trump campaign to stop raising money off of his name.

*****

I’ve been begging everyone for years; please wear a mask! –Emo Phillips** CVS and Wal Mart no longer require masks!!

*****

The company, Tele Tracking that took over control of the covid info is owned by Chris Johnson. The 10 mil contract went to the NY real estate dude.

*****

Funny how everything is a handout besides generational wealth.

*****

Hooray to the Yankees and the Nationals for taking a knee before the game.** Trump claims he was busy with Covid and could not throw out the first pitch. Come to find out, he was not asked. He made it  up.

*****

Favre and Trump golfing, yea, that sounds about right.

*****

A company can keep women from birth control if there are religious or moral objections. About 126 thousand women will lose coverage.

*****

Lt. Col Vindman had been approved for promotion but the President would make the final decision. The brave hero decided to retire.

*****

The Supreme Court ruled that Trump can’t block his records being released. It is in the public interest but Trump can try again to block with different tactics.** They also ruled that most of Eastern Oklahoma will remain Native American land.** The Esselen tribe of Monterey county have reclaimed land on  the Big Sur coast that was theirs 250 years ago. This was a cooperative effort between them, the California natural resources agency and a conservancy group.

*****

Trump calls the Black lives matter in front of Trump tower, “a symbol of hate.”** Cops shot, Cops killing civilians, mask confrontations: The mental illness in this country is officially off the charts.

*****

Biden claims he will use the Trump tax cuts to pay for 5 million new jobs in products and technology. The Dems released their agenda that touts free child care.** 100 days before the election, Brad Parscale was demoted.  Jared puts his friends in high places and it goes on.** They say John Kasich will speak for the Dem convention. **

*****

Hey Seth Meyers: I LOVE the sea Captain!!

*****

Muddy Water’s former Chicago home at 4339 S. Lake Park Ave. will be a museum.

*****

Sen. Tom Cotton called slavery, “a necessary evil.”

*****

Still advertising on Fox news: Verizon, Noom, Allstate, Pfizer, Ancestry, Honey, Poshmark, Purple and Sanofi. ** And we know never to eat Goya again.

*****

Jean Smart will star in Miss Macy.

*****

Oprah mag will stop print.

*****

It is so Scary Clown: The only thing the enemy can’t stand is being laughed at. –Mark Twain

R.I.P. all the Covid victims, Nick Cordero, Hugh Downs, Ennio Morricone, Bill Field, the elephants of Botswana, Ronald Schwary, Charlie Daniels,  Mary Kay Letourneau,  Max B. Bryer, Kelly Preston, Naya Rivera, Ben Keough,  Phyllis Somerville, Grant Imahara, Emitt Rhodes, Regis Philbin, John Lewis, John Saxon, Peter Green, Malik B., Herman Cain, Alan Parker and Olivia de Havilland.

[wineanddinosaur]

12 of the Best Wines at Costco Right Now, Ranked

Costco is more than a bargain-buying warehouse. It’s an international phenomenon. So loyal are its fans, the conglomerate has inspired Instagram accounts and blogs unaffiliated with its business yet devoted to sharing its wares — and wines.

Costco’s wine selection includes its own Kirkland brand, as well as bottles from other producers. Wine is sourced from “hundreds and hundreds of wineries” around the world, Annette Alvarez Peters, assistant general manager of wine at Costco, tells VinePair in an email. This includes “most of the major wine growing regions, from California to Washington to France.”

Distribution varies by region, state, and even store. In addition, Peters says, “since we have a treasure hunt mentality, we are constantly rotating our items in and out of our system.” So, stock can be difficult to pin down, but shoppers can trust certain guidelines. “Kirkland Signature wines seems to be pretty widely distributed, and are almost always a very good buy — and a good representation of region or varietal,” Andrew Cullen, founder of CostcoWineBlog.com, tells VinePair in a phone interview. But, he warns, “Like anything else at Costco… it moves fast.”

Costco could not share pricing, so average U.S. retail prices below are sourced via Wine-Searcher. However, it is worth noting that Costco prices are often discounted, so it’s possible a $20 wine on this list could be found between $10 to $15.

Below, VinePair narrows down Costco’s vast wine selection to a dozen of the best bottles available right now. Overall, our tasters found these labels balance quality and quantity, offering true bang-for-your-buck value.

12. Ménage à Trois California Red 2017

This 100 percent Cabernet Sauvignon from Lodi, Monterey, and the North Coast of California begins with a chocolatey aroma, followed by soft, jammy fruit notes. Our panelists enjoyed its “juicy” quality, and agreed it can be enjoyed sans food pairing. “It’s a SOLO cup, drink you up,” one taster said. Average U.S. retail price: $8.

11. Robert Mondavi Private Selection Chardonnay 2017

This Chardonnay looks and smells like movie theater popcorn butter, but eventually opens up to offer bruised apple and pear aromas. The finish was weighty for some tasters, but a majority of our panelists enjoyed this Chardonnay’s unabashed oaky flavor. “This is a party wine,” one panelist said. “Not a dinner party, a party party.” Average U.S. retail price: $9.

10. Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon 2016

Panelists were impressed by this wine’s garnet hue and indulgent fruity flavors. One taster found it ideal for a late-night home stash. “Buy a case of this so when you get home, you don’t open your [expensive bottles],” they said. Lush fruit flavors are balanced by a slightly astringent finish. Average U.S. retail price: $9.

9. Terra d’Oro Zinfandel 2017

A cornucopia of aromas includes “brown mustard,” “canned peach,” and “yogurt,” according to our panelists. Although not a traditional Zinfandel, panelists agreed it’s an interesting take on the style. “This does not taste like a Zinfandel,” one taster said, noting its not-too-oaky, not-too-smoky flavors and tannins. Another taster said it would pair great with a “big, bloody burger, with a hunk of cheddar.” Average U.S. retail price: $17.

8. Eroica Riesling 2017

Canned fruit, peaches, and apricot meld with petrol aromas, followed by “beeswax,” “lip balm,” and “Coppertone sunscreen,” our panelists said of this Riesling’s complex tropical nose. It’s sweet on the palate, and has a short finish with “nice acidity,” one panelist said. Average U.S. retail price: $21

7. Bodega Garzon Tannat Reserve 2018

Tasters admired this 100 percent Tannat’s “beautiful” color, as well as its “funky and complex” nose. Mushroom, raw meat, and “stinky cheese” aromas are followed by soft, fruity flavors. “It tastes much fruiter than it smells,” tasters agreed, and would pair well with a protein-rich snack. “Meat and cheese will bring out the fruit flavors even more,” one panelist said. Average U.S. retail price: $15.

6. Kirkland Ti Point Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2019

This “super-fruity” Sauvignon Blanc starts with pear and passion fruit aromas, followed by “green” notes including jalapeño seeds, green bell pepper, and pyroxene. “There’s no kitty litter aroma!” one taster exclaimed, referring to this style’s common comparison to “cat pee.” Instead, this wine is “creamy and a little sweet — a bridge for the Pinot Grigio drinker [to Sauvignon Blanc],” they said. “It’s got all the refreshing character you want from Pinot Grigio, but good concentrated flavors, too.” Average U.S. retail price: $9.

5. Kirkland Signature Côtes du Rhône Villages 2018

This Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvèdre blend “smells like cake batter,” “vanilla,” and “Black Forest cake.” It’s juicy up front, but has balancing tannins. “It’s perfect for dinner with friends,” one panelist said. “It will go with a lot, and has no competing flavors.” A little hot and heavy on the finish but not too oaky, our panelists agreed this is a good pick for a “meat and cheese party.” Average U.S. retail price: $9.

4. Michael David Winery Petite Petit 2017

Inky purple with prune, fig, and raisin aromas and flavors, this Petite Sirah (Durif) from Lodi, Calif., is  “fun to drink and easy to love,” one taster said. Our panel predicted it will appeal to fans of Amarone. One such panelist added, “I think it’s incredible.” “Buy this one in bulk,” another said. Average U.S. retail price: $15.

3. Kirkland Signature Asolo Prosecco Superiore

This DOCG Prosecco pours pale and sparkling, with tropical pineapple aromas. It’s crisp and dry and has a gentle, balanced finish. “It’s a little bit saccharine, but not too cloying,” one panelist said, adding it has a pleasurable bitterness on the finish. Our panel agreed this would do well in Mimosas, but is good enough to drink on its own, too. Average U.S. retail price: $10.

2. Château de Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2014

Pouring deep garnet, almost brown, this southern Rhône red blend begins with black pepper on the nose and has a gentle acidity on the palate. “This is interesting and different,” one panelist said, admiring its “lightly savory” flavor. It’s a great introduction to the Rhône region, but is notably pricier than other Costco selections. “If you’re balling out for Thanksgiving and you can find this for $65, it is worth it,” one panelist said. Average U.S. retail price: $77.

1. Charles Smith Substance ‘Cs’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2017

Soil-scented with notes of crunchy dead leaves, this wine rose above the rest for its individuality. Floral, earthy flavors follow the pleasurably “dirty” aromas. “This is the gem — the diamond in the rough,” one panelist said. Average U.S. retail price: $17.

The article 12 of the Best Wines at Costco Right Now, Ranked appeared first on VinePair.

source https://vinepair.com/buy-this-booze/12-best-costco-wines-2019/

[johnboothus]

12 of the Best Wines at Costco Right Now Ranked

Costco is more than a bargain-buying warehouse. It’s an international phenomenon. So loyal are its fans, the conglomerate has inspired Instagram accounts and blogs unaffiliated with its business yet devoted to sharing its wares — and wines.

Costco’s wine selection includes its own Kirkland brand, as well as bottles from other producers. Wine is sourced from “hundreds and hundreds of wineries” around the world, Annette Alvarez Peters, assistant general manager of wine at Costco, tells VinePair in an email. This includes “most of the major wine growing regions, from California to Washington to France.”

Distribution varies by region, state, and even store. In addition, Peters says, “since we have a treasure hunt mentality, we are constantly rotating our items in and out of our system.” So, stock can be difficult to pin down, but shoppers can trust certain guidelines. “Kirkland Signature wines seems to be pretty widely distributed, and are almost always a very good buy — and a good representation of region or varietal,” Andrew Cullen, founder of CostcoWineBlog.com, tells VinePair in a phone interview. But, he warns, “Like anything else at Costco… it moves fast.”

Costco could not share pricing, so average U.S. retail prices below are sourced via Wine-Searcher. However, it is worth noting that Costco prices are often discounted, so it’s possible a $20 wine on this list could be found between $10 to $15.

Below, VinePair narrows down Costco’s vast wine selection to a dozen of the best bottles available right now. Overall, our tasters found these labels balance quality and quantity, offering true bang-for-your-buck value.

12. Ménage à Trois California Red 2017

This 100 percent Cabernet Sauvignon from Lodi, Monterey, and the North Coast of California begins with a chocolatey aroma, followed by soft, jammy fruit notes. Our panelists enjoyed its “juicy” quality, and agreed it can be enjoyed sans food pairing. “It’s a SOLO cup, drink you up,” one taster said. Average U.S. retail price: $8.

11. Robert Mondavi Private Selection Chardonnay 2017

This Chardonnay looks and smells like movie theater popcorn butter, but eventually opens up to offer bruised apple and pear aromas. The finish was weighty for some tasters, but a majority of our panelists enjoyed this Chardonnay’s unabashed oaky flavor. “This is a party wine,” one panelist said. “Not a dinner party, a party party.” Average U.S. retail price: $9.

10. Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon 2016

Panelists were impressed by this wine’s garnet hue and indulgent fruity flavors. One taster found it ideal for a late-night home stash. “Buy a case of this so when you get home, you don’t open your [expensive bottles],” they said. Lush fruit flavors are balanced by a slightly astringent finish. Average U.S. retail price: $9.

9. Terra d’Oro Zinfandel 2017

A cornucopia of aromas includes “brown mustard,” “canned peach,” and “yogurt,” according to our panelists. Although not a traditional Zinfandel, panelists agreed it’s an interesting take on the style. “This does not taste like a Zinfandel,” one taster said, noting its not-too-oaky, not-too-smoky flavors and tannins. Another taster said it would pair great with a “big, bloody burger, with a hunk of cheddar.” Average U.S. retail price: $17.

8. Eroica Riesling 2017

Canned fruit, peaches, and apricot meld with petrol aromas, followed by “beeswax,” “lip balm,” and “Coppertone sunscreen,” our panelists said of this Riesling’s complex tropical nose. It’s sweet on the palate, and has a short finish with “nice acidity,” one panelist said. Average U.S. retail price: $21

7. Bodega Garzon Tannat Reserve 2018

Tasters admired this 100 percent Tannat’s “beautiful” color, as well as its “funky and complex” nose. Mushroom, raw meat, and “stinky cheese” aromas are followed by soft, fruity flavors. “It tastes much fruiter than it smells,” tasters agreed, and would pair well with a protein-rich snack. “Meat and cheese will bring out the fruit flavors even more,” one panelist said. Average U.S. retail price: $15.

6. Kirkland Ti Point Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2019

This “super-fruity” Sauvignon Blanc starts with pear and passion fruit aromas, followed by “green” notes including jalapeño seeds, green bell pepper, and pyroxene. “There’s no kitty litter aroma!” one taster exclaimed, referring to this style’s common comparison to “cat pee.” Instead, this wine is “creamy and a little sweet — a bridge for the Pinot Grigio drinker [to Sauvignon Blanc],” they said. “It’s got all the refreshing character you want from Pinot Grigio, but good concentrated flavors, too.” Average U.S. retail price: $9.

5. Kirkland Signature Côtes du Rhône Villages 2018

This Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvèdre blend “smells like cake batter,” “vanilla,” and “Black Forest cake.” It’s juicy up front, but has balancing tannins. “It’s perfect for dinner with friends,” one panelist said. “It will go with a lot, and has no competing flavors.” A little hot and heavy on the finish but not too oaky, our panelists agreed this is a good pick for a “meat and cheese party.” Average U.S. retail price: $9.

4. Michael David Winery Petite Petit 2017

Inky purple with prune, fig, and raisin aromas and flavors, this Petite Sirah (Durif) from Lodi, Calif., is  “fun to drink and easy to love,” one taster said. Our panel predicted it will appeal to fans of Amarone. One such panelist added, “I think it’s incredible.” “Buy this one in bulk,” another said. Average U.S. retail price: $15.

3. Kirkland Signature Asolo Prosecco Superiore

This DOCG Prosecco pours pale and sparkling, with tropical pineapple aromas. It’s crisp and dry and has a gentle, balanced finish. “It’s a little bit saccharine, but not too cloying,” one panelist said, adding it has a pleasurable bitterness on the finish. Our panel agreed this would do well in Mimosas, but is good enough to drink on its own, too. Average U.S. retail price: $10.

2. Château de Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2014

Pouring deep garnet, almost brown, this southern Rhône red blend begins with black pepper on the nose and has a gentle acidity on the palate. “This is interesting and different,” one panelist said, admiring its “lightly savory” flavor. It’s a great introduction to the Rhône region, but is notably pricier than other Costco selections. “If you’re balling out for Thanksgiving and you can find this for $65, it is worth it,” one panelist said. Average U.S. retail price: $77.

1. Charles Smith Substance ‘Cs’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2017

Soil-scented with notes of crunchy dead leaves, this wine rose above the rest for its individuality. Floral, earthy flavors follow the pleasurably “dirty” aromas. “This is the gem — the diamond in the rough,” one panelist said. Average U.S. retail price: $17.

The article 12 of the Best Wines at Costco Right Now, Ranked appeared first on VinePair.

Via https://vinepair.com/buy-this-booze/12-best-costco-wines-2019/

source https://vinology1.weebly.com/blog/12-of-the-best-wines-at-costco-right-now-ranked

[isaiahrippinus]

12 of the Best Wines at Costco Right Now, Ranked

Costco is more than a bargain-buying warehouse. It’s an international phenomenon. So loyal are its fans, the conglomerate has inspired Instagram accounts and blogs unaffiliated with its business yet devoted to sharing its wares — and wines.

Costco’s wine selection includes its own Kirkland brand, as well as bottles from other producers. Wine is sourced from “hundreds and hundreds of wineries” around the world, Annette Alvarez Peters, assistant general manager of wine at Costco, tells VinePair in an email. This includes “most of the major wine growing regions, from California to Washington to France.”

Distribution varies by region, state, and even store. In addition, Peters says, “since we have a treasure hunt mentality, we are constantly rotating our items in and out of our system.” So, stock can be difficult to pin down, but shoppers can trust certain guidelines. “Kirkland Signature wines seems to be pretty widely distributed, and are almost always a very good buy — and a good representation of region or varietal,” Andrew Cullen, founder of CostcoWineBlog.com, tells VinePair in a phone interview. But, he warns, “Like anything else at Costco… it moves fast.”

Costco could not share pricing, so average U.S. retail prices below are sourced via Wine-Searcher. However, it is worth noting that Costco prices are often discounted, so it’s possible a $20 wine on this list could be found between $10 to $15.

Below, VinePair narrows down Costco’s vast wine selection to a dozen of the best bottles available right now. Overall, our tasters found these labels balance quality and quantity, offering true bang-for-your-buck value.

12. Ménage à Trois California Red 2017

This 100 percent Cabernet Sauvignon from Lodi, Monterey, and the North Coast of California begins with a chocolatey aroma, followed by soft, jammy fruit notes. Our panelists enjoyed its “juicy” quality, and agreed it can be enjoyed sans food pairing. “It’s a SOLO cup, drink you up,” one taster said. Average U.S. retail price: $8.

11. Robert Mondavi Private Selection Chardonnay 2017

This Chardonnay looks and smells like movie theater popcorn butter, but eventually opens up to offer bruised apple and pear aromas. The finish was weighty for some tasters, but a majority of our panelists enjoyed this Chardonnay’s unabashed oaky flavor. “This is a party wine,” one panelist said. “Not a dinner party, a party party.” Average U.S. retail price: $9.

10. Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon 2016

Panelists were impressed by this wine’s garnet hue and indulgent fruity flavors. One taster found it ideal for a late-night home stash. “Buy a case of this so when you get home, you don’t open your [expensive bottles],” they said. Lush fruit flavors are balanced by a slightly astringent finish. Average U.S. retail price: $9.

9. Terra d’Oro Zinfandel 2017

A cornucopia of aromas includes “brown mustard,” “canned peach,” and “yogurt,” according to our panelists. Although not a traditional Zinfandel, panelists agreed it’s an interesting take on the style. “This does not taste like a Zinfandel,” one taster said, noting its not-too-oaky, not-too-smoky flavors and tannins. Another taster said it would pair great with a “big, bloody burger, with a hunk of cheddar.” Average U.S. retail price: $17.

8. Eroica Riesling 2017

Canned fruit, peaches, and apricot meld with petrol aromas, followed by “beeswax,” “lip balm,” and “Coppertone sunscreen,” our panelists said of this Riesling’s complex tropical nose. It’s sweet on the palate, and has a short finish with “nice acidity,” one panelist said. Average U.S. retail price: $21

7. Bodega Garzon Tannat Reserve 2018

Tasters admired this 100 percent Tannat’s “beautiful” color, as well as its “funky and complex” nose. Mushroom, raw meat, and “stinky cheese” aromas are followed by soft, fruity flavors. “It tastes much fruiter than it smells,” tasters agreed, and would pair well with a protein-rich snack. “Meat and cheese will bring out the fruit flavors even more,” one panelist said. Average U.S. retail price: $15.

6. Kirkland Ti Point Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2019

This “super-fruity” Sauvignon Blanc starts with pear and passion fruit aromas, followed by “green” notes including jalapeño seeds, green bell pepper, and pyroxene. “There’s no kitty litter aroma!” one taster exclaimed, referring to this style’s common comparison to “cat pee.” Instead, this wine is “creamy and a little sweet — a bridge for the Pinot Grigio drinker [to Sauvignon Blanc],” they said. “It’s got all the refreshing character you want from Pinot Grigio, but good concentrated flavors, too.” Average U.S. retail price: $9.

5. Kirkland Signature Côtes du Rhône Villages 2018

This Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvèdre blend “smells like cake batter,” “vanilla,” and “Black Forest cake.” It’s juicy up front, but has balancing tannins. “It’s perfect for dinner with friends,” one panelist said. “It will go with a lot, and has no competing flavors.” A little hot and heavy on the finish but not too oaky, our panelists agreed this is a good pick for a “meat and cheese party.” Average U.S. retail price: $9.

4. Michael David Winery Petite Petit 2017

Inky purple with prune, fig, and raisin aromas and flavors, this Petite Sirah (Durif) from Lodi, Calif., is  “fun to drink and easy to love,” one taster said. Our panel predicted it will appeal to fans of Amarone. One such panelist added, “I think it’s incredible.” “Buy this one in bulk,” another said. Average U.S. retail price: $15.

3. Kirkland Signature Asolo Prosecco Superiore

This DOCG Prosecco pours pale and sparkling, with tropical pineapple aromas. It’s crisp and dry and has a gentle, balanced finish. “It’s a little bit saccharine, but not too cloying,” one panelist said, adding it has a pleasurable bitterness on the finish. Our panel agreed this would do well in Mimosas, but is good enough to drink on its own, too. Average U.S. retail price: $10.

2. Château de Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2014

Pouring deep garnet, almost brown, this southern Rhône red blend begins with black pepper on the nose and has a gentle acidity on the palate. “This is interesting and different,” one panelist said, admiring its “lightly savory” flavor. It’s a great introduction to the Rhône region, but is notably pricier than other Costco selections. “If you’re balling out for Thanksgiving and you can find this for $65, it is worth it,” one panelist said. Average U.S. retail price: $77.

1. Charles Smith Substance ‘Cs’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2017

Soil-scented with notes of crunchy dead leaves, this wine rose above the rest for its individuality. Floral, earthy flavors follow the pleasurably “dirty” aromas. “This is the gem — the diamond in the rough,” one panelist said. Average U.S. retail price: $17.

The article 12 of the Best Wines at Costco Right Now, Ranked appeared first on VinePair.

source https://vinepair.com/buy-this-booze/12-best-costco-wines-2019/ source https://vinology1.tumblr.com/post/189169055824

[horrorfictionreviews-blog]

The Meg, Revisited

by Mark Lorenzana

This was a fanboy post that I published in Facebook when the first The Meg trailer was released, roughly three months before the movie hit cinemas:

OK, as a huge Steve Alten fan, someone who’s read all the books in his Meg series, all the books in his Loch series, and all the books in his Mayan Domain trilogy, finally seeing a trailer of the movie adaptation of his 1997 novel (after languishing in developmental hell for 21 years—21 years!) has got me stoked. So please indulge me and allow me to go into fanboy mode here. Warning: Minor spoilers ahead, as I nitpick on a couple of the differences between the novel and the upcoming film based on a two-minute trailer. LOL

1. In the book, the megalodon that deep-sea diver Dr. Jonas Taylor (Jason Statham) discovers in the Marianas Trench is albino-white and blind, owing to an evolutionary adaptation of deep-sea creatures that live in pitch-black darkness. Of course, originally, megalodons weren’t albino and blind, and they didn’t live in deep-sea trenches either, but the megalodons in the book survived extinction over a period of 23 million years (thus even outliving the dinosaurs in the process) by gradually moving deeper and deeper, escaping the frigid surface waters of the ice age and finding a home in the abyssal waters heated by undersea thermal vents or black smokers that spew chemicals from the earth’s interior. We see in the trailer that the megalodon is an olive-green color, and that’s cool too (although we don’t really know the actual skin color of megs because all that paleontologists have found are their fossilized teeth and jaws—a shark’s skeleton is made up entirely of cartilage), but it would have been awesome to see the original glow-in-the-dark meg.

2. Finally seeing Dr. Jonas Taylor in the flesh still feels strange to me, especially since the actor cast to play the role is Jason Statham. I imagine Jonas Taylor, as he is described in the book, as more of an academic type—imagine Dr. Robert Langdon in Dan Brown’s novels (which is why I could see Tom Hanks–or Hugh Grant, or Edward Norton, or even Pierce Brosnan—definitely owning a Jonas Taylor portrayal). I guess the people behind the movie wanted someone more badass, though, and I’m willing to give Mr. Statham the benefit of the doubt.

Silly, mindless summer flick coming your way, folks. Let’s not take this seriously and just enjoy the ride, shall we? As the novel’s original blurb says: Jurassic Shark! :)

I finally saw the movie last month. My verdict? It did a pretty good job of porting over a horror novel full of blood and guts (what can you expect from a novel about a giant prehistoric shark that’s unleashed on the general public?) to the big screen as a PG-13 flick. The result was a mindlessly fun movie with, well, less blood and guts, which apparently disappointed Jason Statham but got the desired effect of raking in approximately 500 million in the box office.

It goes without saying here that I read Steve Alten’s original novel more than two decades ago, and I absolutely loved it. As a kid I was an animal freak, and I loved (still love, by the way) sharks especially, and it’s no surprise that all these years I still reread Alten’s Meg series as well as Peter Benchley’s novels Jaws and White Shark.

Currently I’m reading Alten’s newest book in the Meg series, Meg: Generations (the sixth in the series), and before I finish it I’d like to write a book review of each of the previous five novels that came before. But right now, inspired by that fanboy post I made on Facebook, please indulge me as I dedicate this post to discussing more of the differences between the novel and the movie (major spoilers below).

1. Jonas Taylor, both in the book and in the film, is  a Navy deep-sea diver who, for many years, has had to live with his guilt after accidentally killing two of his colleagues when he piloted a submersible to the Marianas Trench only to panic after seeing what he believed was a megalodon that was about to attack them. He is dismissed from the Navy as a result. In the book, Jonas, in an attempt to try to convince himself and the others around him that he is not crazy, devotes himself to the study of megalodons, even earning himself a PhD along the way. In the movie, he retreats to Thailand and drowns his sorrows in beer (thus never earning his PhD, what a waste).

2. In the novel the marine research team is headed by Masao Tanaka, of Japanese descent, and his research facility is situated off Monterey Bay, California. In the movie they decided to change Masao’s character into a Chinese guy and move the research facility from the United States to Asia, which was a good move actually because the movie raked in millions from the Chinese audience. Cha-ching.

3. In the novel Jonas’s best friend, James "Mac" Mackreides, is an alcoholic helicopter pilot with a taste for prostitutes, while in the movie he’s one of the smart guys, a crew at the research station. (I still love the whoring Mac in the novel, by the way.)

4. In the novel, DJ is the only son of Masao Tanaka. He is also an expert at doing deep-sea dives and piloting the submersibles; in the movie DJ is a black guy who’s a source of comedic entertainment. And no, movie-version DJ doesn’t die first.

5. In the novel, Jonas’s ex-wife is a slut that deserved to die, but in the movie Jonas’s ex-wife is pretty cool and doesn’t deserve to die.

6. The movie is funnier; it embraces its campy tone wholeheartedly, which is why even if a lot of  the stuff that’s happening is unbelievable, the film can actually get away with it. The novel takes itself more seriously, sometimes way too seriously, but as a whole the novel has more action, is more violent and intense, and has way more gore. With that said, I hope they show an uncut version of the movie (*crosses fingers*).

7. In the movie’s climax, Statham’s Jonas did a very badass Statham thing: he first split open the megalodon from snout to tail by using the submersible he was piloting, then he actually got out of the submersible with a spear gun in hand, grabbed on to one of the giant shark’s gill slits, and as the animal breached the surface of the water, Jonas pierced the meg’s eye and drove home the spear into the animal’s brain, killing it. This would be so fucking awesome if not for the fact that in the novel Jonas did a very badass Chuck Norris thing: he intentionally piloted his one-man submersible into the meg’s open mouth and parked it in the shark’s stomach and, while Jonas breathed through an oxygen mask, made his way to the animal’s giant heart and sawed it off using a fossilized meg tooth that he kept with him at all times as a souvenir (Movie Jonas: 0 Novel Jonas: 1). 

I’ll keep adding to this list as a I remember more details. Meanwhile, I’ll keep on reading through  Meg: Generations as my schedule allows, and will post a book review once done. Ciao for now.