We’ve all done it: Singing along in the car – at the top of our lungs – is a great tribute to your favourite songs. Sometimes it’s just a great way to vent the frustrations of a long day. No matter the reason, when we do it, we are awesome. Although we may not have a clue what the lyrics are.
I actually play a game with my wife - or anyone else within ear-shot - where I hear what she’s saying, but automatically “mis-interpret” it as something ridiculous. I do this because it makes me laugh. She thinks I’m an idiot.
For example:
Erin: “So, I was looking at this sectional couch...”
Me: “Sexual couch!?”
This is then followed by a blank stare...possible a shaking of the head. It depends on how many patience I’ve used up with her at the time.
The same kind of thing can be done with song lyrics. Hendrix wasn’t saying “excuse me, while I kiss this guy” in Purple Haze. Nor was John Lennon saying “hold you in his arm hair” in Come Together. Though, it certainly is fun to sing it that way.
Uncle Rob and I were talking about misheard song lyrics today, and it reminded me of this video I saw on youtube the other day:
*For the record...these are the ACTUAL lyrics to Yellow Ledbetter...(I think):
Unsealed, on a porch a letter sat Then you said I wanna leave it again Once I saw her on a beach of weathered sand And on the sand I wanna leave it again yeah On a weekend I wanna wish it all away yeah And they called and I said that I want what I said Then I call out again And the reason oughta leave her calm I know I said I know what I wear not the boxer or the bag
Ah yeah can you see them Out on the porch yeah but they don't wave I see them round the front way yeah And I know and I know I don't want to stay
Make me cry
I see ooh I don't know why there's something else I wanna go my own a-way I said I don't I don't know whether I was the boxer or the bag
Ah yeah can you see them Out on the porch yeah but they don't wave I see them round the front way yeah And I know and I know I don't wanna stay at all
I don't wanna stay yeah I don't wanna stay-ee I don't wanna stay I don't, don't wanna oh Yeah Ooh oh oh oh oh Ooh oh oh oh oh oh
Now THAT was a wind-storm! We did well at Chez Crash: held onto power til about 11:30 last night...2 minutes more and we'd have finished that episode of The Shield...
...sigh...
I love that show (The Shield) by the way, and I have more on Hurricane Irene (and my "coverage" of her) below**...but since I brought up TV:
Last weekend (Aug.20th), I made my Television debut in the one-hour TV movie Delivrance. I had a supporting role as a Private in the King’s Army, tasked with following a conspirator after a group of Acadians break out of Fort Beausejour. It was set in 1756.
If you caught it, I thank you for tuning in. Does TV really add 10lbs? It was a lot of fun to be a part of, and I hope to do more work like it in the future.
Speaking of the future, here’s a photo taken on set of Delivrance which depicts my character as though he were a 1970’s police officer who went back in time to join the red Coats:
Taken by Matt Carter
It was kind of a trip to see myself on TV, so I know exactly how Andy Brown might be feeling...even though he, himself won’t be appearing on TV.
This Thursday night, Andy’s song “Ashes” will be featured in the show Rookie Blue. Pretty cool stuff!
*This posts's title is a game I play with my brother in law: Take a word (ie: Hurricane)and use clever setups to change one of the syllables. Vowel sounds must remain intact.
**As I watched some coverage of Hurricane Irene and her joyride along the East coast this past weekend, I eventually lost count of the reporters who stood near (or in) the ocean to report on the storm. I figured I’d get in on the action, too:
Working in an office offers many things: steady income, friendships, juicy gossip...
And pranks.
I love a good prank. I can’t really call myself a prankster, although I’ve been known to execute a few on my co-workers over the years. My personal favourite was inching a sales associates’ desk in a bit each night after he’d left for the day, until eventually he barely had room to sit down.
He didn’t notice until that moment.
I’ve also been subject to the pranks of my co-workers. Most memorably during this past Roll Up The Rim Season. You may recall our receptionist’s decorative makeover inspired by my epic losing streak:
Those cups still haunt me.
A couple of weeks ago, I took a road trip to see theFoo Fighters in Montreal. Awesome show. While I was out of town, a couple of schemers put a lot of time and effort into giving my office a new image; one clearly based on my very manly, rock ‘n roll loving lifestyle:
I assume little blue-birds helped hang the streamers
Here’s some video the culprits captured when I finally did return to work:
I’m now trying to decide how to execute payback...I’m willing to entertain suggestions...
A win for Huckleberry Win; and it was all over but the beer-drinking.
Last night, the Fredericton Ultimate season came to a close. Huckelberry Win (the team I play for) was in a playoff. If we won, we’d be done and finish 3rd in our tier. If we lost, we played a consolation game for even lower than that. We wanted a win.
Being a hockey-player first and foremost in the sports world, I took the term “playoffs” seriously. I even made sure I had my beard. I must say, Huckleberry Win played with the heart of a playoff team. We were up against Pain Train, who we’d played a few times this season; once or twice coming very close to a win. They’re a tough competitor. This was a tough game.
Everyone was in the zone, if you will, as we ran faster, jumped higher and focused tighter than we ever have. We were diving to catch discs, and making some smart plays. We got up to a 3-0 lead, which is something unheard of for our team. Pain Train wasn’t long catching up, however.
It was close the whole game. We’d score, then they’d score. It was intense. Fouls started to rack up, and at one point I even got run over in a quasi-body-check style play. It was after I attempted to grab the disc, no foul on the play. It was party my fault for stopping in front of the guy. But like I said: I’m a hockey player; I can take a check.
We were ahead when last point was called, but we really wanted to end the year on a high note, not only with a win, but the final point as well. As we did, our team rejoiced, gave the standard “three cheers for Pain Train” and then we high-fived each other on a job well done. Then we posed for a Team photo (although 3 players are missing):
It was our team cheer at the start of the game which put us over the top, I think: “1-2-3 EARTHQUAKE!”
My first season as a Frisbee player was a good one; we didn’t win a lot, but we sure had fun. I’m already looking forward to next year...and our team party, of course.
Jack Layton’s eternal optimism and dedication kept him fighting to the very end, which unfortunately came this morning at the age of 61. I had great admiration for the man; a man I didn’t even know. His actions spoke far greater than any words he (or any other politician) could ever give in speeches.
I’m not overtly political, but while Layton’s party may not share the same political views as you or I, it was obvious Layton loved this country and believed in making it a better place for everyone. His determination to do so saw him go from the underdog to the official opposition. He was dedicated to the cause despite his health, and his commitment to bettering this country is a true inspiration.
Reading the tributes and condolences from across the country on news and social media outlets, it’s obvious he had an effect. He wasn’t afraid to speak his mind and stand up for himself, his party or his country. He was the kind of politician you felt like you could have a beer with.
And he wore that moustache like a champ.
RIP
My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we'll change the world - Jack Layton
The best road trips are done with friends...because they help pay for gas.
Last Wednesday, My brother (Brandon) and two friends (Granter & Jeremy) loaded into my ’04 Civic and we set forth on our journey to see the Foo Fighters. All four of us are pretty big fans, and had yet to see them live, so this trip was destined for epic proportions.
We left Fredericton bright and early (7:30am) and it wasn’t long before granter was snoozing in the back. And let this be a lesson to you when traveling with 3 other guys: when you fall asleep, a picture being taken is the least of your worries....Granter got off easy this time (we couldn't find a marker):
2 hours in, he had already waived his bladder’s say in pit-stop frequency.
We were making record time, as I refused to stop until I needed gas.We were already into rural Quebec before we made our first stop, and the dude pumped my gas for me. Good thing, too...it cost me about $1.30/L.
Once in Montreal, we checked into our dorm - masquerading as a hotel – and made our way to some eats and then back to our room to relax before the show.
Jeremy made the mistake of buying a case of beer in the city, where Quebec’s cheaper booze price is non-existent, apparently ($30 for a 12-pack of Bud is not my idea of a deal) although, to be fair, it was still cheaper than buying at the Bell Centre...
We decided to measure our small living quarters with the two tallest members of our posse on opposite ends of the floor:
My Bro ( 6’2”)+ Jeremy (6’1”) = Very few secrets kept during our stay.
We arrived to the show early to catch the openers and get a sweet spot on the GA floor. FYI: this is a concert going rule: you want close-proximity to the stage; go early. Otherwise people punch you in the neck for trying to step in front of them.
After a $10 Molson Export, it was time to enjoy the first act:
Fucked Up were great, but their screaming, underground style wears on you after while, at least it did for me. There were small sections of the crowd who ate it up, and the bands front man made sure to jump in the crowd and show his appreciation for it.
Great musicians and great performers; just not my cup o’ tea.
The crowd was starting to build a little as the newly reformed Montreal pop-punk band Doughboys hit the stage.
Doughboys had their time in the late 80’s.early 90’s and enjoyed a bit of success in Canada. (Their song Shine was the theme for Much Music’s The Wedge) before breaking up in 1997. They’ve reformed and plan to release a new album at some point. But first, they are opening up the Foo Figthers’ Canadian shows. And boy were they impressive.
I loved this band. They had their hometown excited and the band themselves seemed rejuvenated. A lot of times, the openers get over looked because of anticipation for the Headliner, but I can honestly say Doughboys had me hooked form their first song; the energy in the building alone was worth it.
I will say, though, as they closed their set and announced “Foo Fighters are up next”, It was hard to contain the excitement.
After a break to set up the stage, the lights went down and the video screens lowered to the stage to conceal the band as the opening lines of Bridge Burning echoed through the Bell Centre and the sold-out crowd erupted. Dave Grohl & Company came out swinging; and kicking; and screaming.
From Bridge Burning they went into Rope, The Pretender and My Hero before Dave finally addressed the crowd. He informed us that it had been a long time since they’d played Montreal and that they had “a lot of making up to do”. That’s when I caught this video:
“We have a lot of F---in’ song, you know that right?” – Dave Grohl
The band played for a solid two hours before leaving the stage to thunderous applause; and they played just about everything you could hope they’d play, both old (This is a Call) and new:
After all of this, an encore was inevitable.
After getting us to focus attention on a backstage camera featuring the band members egging us on, Dave appeared at the back of the room, atop a riser connected to the catwalk.
He did two songs solo before the band joined him in the middle of Times Like These. I got video of Wheels:
The band capped the night with Everlong, and everyone left satisfied. 2.5 hours and 24 songs later, I’d seen my favourite band perform, and you couldn’t wipe the smile off of my face. Hell yes, I’ll see ‘em again someday.
**By the way, we took our time leaving Quebec the next day. We walked around Montreal for a bit, but the highlight of the way back was definitely stopping at Le Madrid.
Apparently the place is closing down at the end of the month, so we took full advantage of our time at the place of Dinosaurs & Monster-Trucks:
What if one of the biggest rock bands in the world performed a small, private concert for you and your friends in your garage; how would you feel?
I’d be amazed it happened...I don’t have a garage...
One week from today, I’ll be on my way back home from Montreal after having finally seen my favourite band perform live. I’ll have pictures; probably a video or two; and more than likely a big ol’ smile between my ringing ears.
Music is a link to your emotions. It’s why film-makers use it to enhance a scene’s emotional weight. Whether it brings about fear, suspense, love or happiness, the right song will undoubtedly make you feel something. Music can be an escape, or a release; a bad day can be forgotten by putting on a set of headphones and cranking your favourite album, or song. In that moment, it’s you and the music; it’s a connection.
When a band is able to make a connection like that with you, it would have to be entirely surreal for them to suddenly show up at your door. It’s one thing to go see them perform at an arena, but to see them walk across your yard and into YOUR garage is another thing entirely.
My favourite band is the Foo Fighters; I’ve made that very well known. Your favourite is probably someone else entirely, but imagine that feeling. You might react with awe. Maybe you’d simply see these so-called rock stars as they really are: just regular guys who happen to play music for a living. Either way, rock stars in your garage provides more bragging rights than you could ever hope to have.
When the Foo Figthers recorded Wasting Light in Dave Grohl’s garage, they had an idea to do a small garage tour to celebrate. The band held a contest for fans to win the chance to host the band and invite all of their friends. They filmed the tour, and the 40 minute doc has made its way online.
The film is filled with the kind of reactions I’ve just described: fans in awe that their favourite band is playing music where they park their car; host a weekly poker game; where they practice with their own bands. It’s a pretty cool sight to see: not only do the fans geek out, but the band appears truly humbled by these super fans. Maybe Foo Fighters aren’t your thing; that’s fine, it’s still a cool doc to watch:
**WARNING: Some cussing is involved**
I can’t wait to see them at the Bell Centre, next week.
What follows is video & pictures I took while at the U2 show in Moncton.
Saturday, July 30th, 8am: Rain…lots of rain.
I awoke to the down-pour and set out to find my concert attire. Memories of the inaugural Fred Rock raced through my mind. (May my sneakers rest in peace.) I would be prepared for a soggy day at Magnetic Hill.
After donning our rain-gear, which made us look like bargain basement Ghostbusters, My father, brother & I boarded the shuttle at the Moncton Coliseum to set forth toward what had been predicted to be "The Entertainment Event of a Lifetime”. U2’s 360° tour was hours away from wrapping up in the Hub city and we were ready to make the best of it.
Ready for rain & U2 (As we walked through the gates, the rain stopped…naturally; but this attire would prove beneficial…especially later.)
As much as I love flip-flops in the summer, a rock show on a rain soaked grassy hillside is no place for loose - or white - footwear. So, boots on, we trudged through the mud and got our first glimpse of the huge space-ship stage set-up (The Claw) which U2 has been trucking around for just over 2 years.
World record for The largest concert stage structure.
We had seats in the rear grandstands, but as the opening band, Carney, took the stage, the video screen had yet to show anything and the band was facing away from us. So, we moved down to the GA area to get some pics.
We never left.
Carney was an impressive opener. The vocal abilities alone were outstanding, and their musicianship was equally impressive. I’d encourage you to check them out. They did a short cover of Queen’sBohemian Rhapsody, which is no easy song to sing.
They opened with the aptly titled Ready to Startand went directly into Keep The Car Running. It was fitting, as from the opening chord, they were a band that kept the engines rolling, and the energy never ceased. I’ve been vocal about my lack of interest in this band, despite the widespread acclaim they receive; their albums have just never really done anything for me.
Seeing Arcade Fire live is a totally different experience:
A superb live act, worthy of the praise they receive.
As Arcade Fire wrapped up, the crowd had swollen considerably. There was nary an empty seat in the grandstands (except our vacant three) and anyone on the ground near the stage was getting to know the person next to them very well.
A lot has been said about certain celebrities who may or not have been in attendance for the final show of the tour, but I didn’t see any. Apparently Pierce Brosnan was there…and so was Dion Phaneuf. Angie & Brad were not. Even still, there was one appearance I thought was especially cool: the F-18s.
This is the 2nd of 3 fly over just before U2 hit the stage; quite possibly louder than the actual concert.
As the sun went down, David Bowie’s Space Oddity began to emit from the massive sound system and the lights went down. The crowd erupted. On the screen, making their way from the dressing-room, was U2. Bono flashed a peace sign into the camera and it went dark. The “Entertainment Event of a Lifetime” had just begun.
They opened a 26 song set* with Even Better Than The Real Thingfrom 1991’s Achtung Baby, and ripped into hit after hit, with various nuggets from throughout their 35 year career. Bono even sang a verse of The Ballad of Springhill, a song he hasn’t performed live in nearly 20 years.
The crowd was enthusiastically vocal all night. 80,000 people singing along is an unbelievable sound; The band themselves were an unbelievable sound; not so loud your ears would ring for days, but loud enough to carry to the entire crowd; and then some.
After 2 years of touring, U2 was a well-oiled machine, sounding even better than their recordings, and putting forth a seemingly effortless show. Bono’s voice held up pretty well for the nearly three hours on stage. Although, watching my video of With Or Without You, you can tell the night had taken its toll on his vocal chords, opting to let the crowd sing the final chorus.
The whole night was a spectacle: with an unbelievable light show. The huge video screen moved up and down, and expanded; and a video message of Commander Mark Kelly from aboard the International Space Station was a cool way to introduce a Beautiful Day.
The band seemed retrospective on their final night of the tour: “we’re a band from Dublin, this our first single” was how Bono introduced Out of Control, and as the band thanked the crowd for giving them a wonderful life and Bono popped open a bottle of champagne, I couldn’t help wonder if this might be the last time they tour.
The show ended with 40, from the band’s 1983 album War. It was a poignant way to leave the stage: one band member at a time, with Larry Mullen Jr. the last to go after stepping up to the mic and saying “We’ll miss you; Goodnight”; the other members waiting off-stage for their band-mate and friend to join them.
As we walked past the abandoned beach towels and flip-flops on our way off the concert site, we reflected on the night and the show we had seen. It really had been something; a once in a lifetime kind of experience...
Even Better Than The Real Thing The Fly, Mysterious Ways, Until the End of the World, I Will Follow, Get On Your Boots, I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For - Ballad of Springhill, Stay, Beautiful Day - Space Oddity, Elevation, Pride, Miss Sarajevo, Zooropa, City of Blinding Lights, Vertigo, I'll Go Crazy (remix) - Discotheque, Sunday Bloody Sunday, Scarlet, Walk On ENCORE: One, Hallelujah - Where the Streets Have No Name
ENCORE 2:
Hold Me Thrill Me Kiss Me Kill Me, With or Without You, Moment of Surrender, Out of Control, 40
