Redemption Song

Just started reading the Joe Strummer biography by Chris Salewicz that I found in tatters on the discard shelf of the local public library. Not really in shreds but the binding had been broken and the book is now in several sections and a smattering of loose pages. Somehow this seems apropos for a story about Joe Strummer. Not sure when or if the film will be available around here likely it will be out on DVD or it may show up at the university theatre here in town. Not to end the year on a bummer but its not a bad time to pop in some Clash records or a Joe Strummer & the Mescaleros cd to ring in the new year. In a lovely piece of foreshadowing I found a decent copy of their Global a Go-Go cd a few weeks back for a buck. Happy New Year to all. Peace.

Happy Boxing Day!

Woodpecker forgoes the treated lumber for suet.

I have been well away from computers this past week so a belated Merry Christmas to all. I am hopeful that all is well with my small devoted readership.

This weekend we visited over at S's sister's house. I finally got my chance to butcher a song on Guitar Hero III. I mangled Social Distortion's "Story of My Life" or at least that's what I think it was supposed to be. Much fun.

The Coldest Winter

I had a laptop accident. This sounds completely made up but one of the cats knocked the laptop off of the coffee table and it landed squarely on the wireless network card. So until I get my new card to work (Windows 98 challenges etc.) I am back to using the library or catch as catch can. Anyhow, I found the video clip over at Powell's Books. I ganked this holiday song from the I Am Fuel music blog which was in turn ganked from Coldplay website. Seems like if they made a video for this version of the Pretenders song it would have to include Zach Braff.

"2000 Miles" - Coldplay

Wilco Residency Tour Announced

I would love to be able to see (read afford) all of these shows. I still may try and catch the first night as it is on my birthday. Tickets go on sale this Friday morning for these and for a show in Iowa. They will be playing Val Air Ballroom in Des Moines on March 9th. I am adding a bonus Jeff Tweedy song from a show at The Vic in Chicago from March 2005 plus a Christmas song that was highlighted over at Chromwaves.

Remember the Mountain Bed- Jeff Tweedy (Woody Guthrie)

A Christmas Dirge- Nellie McKay

The Ice Storm

I think most of our neighborhood was without power for at least a few hours yesterday. It was a perfect opportunity for an afternoon nap followed by some delivery pizza. I found this song in my email from some time last year.

Mrs. Claus' Kimono- Drive By Truckers

NY Times Books of the Year

The Sunday NY Times choose their books of the year for 2007. I have only skimmed one of them but in the spirit of Pierre Bayard, whose book I have also so far just flipped through, I can recommend The Savage Detectives by Roberto Bolaño. This book required more attention than I could give it at the time and had to return it to the library. It is worth the effort.

Former Iowa Writer's Workshop author Denis Johnson made the list in addition to winning a National Book Award for his tale of Vietnam Tree of Smoke. There is one notable exception to heaps of praise this book has received. A different take from B.R. Meyers in Atlantic monthly was republished here at Powell's Books website. Is this a hatchet job or is the emperor naked? I am suspicious of some of Meyers' claims but I still need to read the book. Or at least skim it.

How about a Christmas song? Here is one from the compilation Stockings by the Fire (Its in a Windows media format as I having some mp3 conversion issues. Thanks to a friend I am now the proud owner of a ten year old Gateway laptop Pentium III running Windows 98 so I have some compatibility issues but I am grateful for the computer as my former desktop is dead.) Anyway let me know if there are any issues. I will try and put up some more holiday songs.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer- Jack Johnson

Good game yesterday but I do feel that we will see Pittsburgh again in January and it will be a tougher game as Pittsburgh's offense was impressive and the Steelers first string safeties will be back. I think 16-0 would be great but I want the Pats to win the Super Bowl first and foremost. This season is uncannily similar to the year Payton Manning blew up the record book but then ended up watching the Pats win the Super Bowl from his couch. Speaking of big games and guaranties; Anthony Smith meet Freddie Mitchell, Freddie Mitchell meet Anthony Smith.

Christmas Shopping

Recommended for the reader on your shopping list. I have championed him before (incessantly some would say). This just came out in time for this holidays. Check out an excerpt here.