Playlist Wednesday

9 albums down - 3 more to go. Here is the review from today's listening pleasure and I use the term 'pleasure' very loosely.



U2 - Achtung Baby

Like Joshua Tree, Achtung Baby is an album with which (is that even grammatically correct?) I was somewhat familiar. I was in high school at the time and you had to be living in the far reaches of the Earth to not hear the singles from this album. Mysterious Ways and Even Better Than The Real Thing are solid but not spectacular but I'm still not much of a fan of Who's Gonna Ride Your Wild Horses. I would listen to that song without getting angry now (big step) but I wouldn't seek it out. I realize that One has been played out possibly more than any other U2 song ever written. Commercials, movies, movie trailers, tv, the song has been everywhere. Most people would scream that this song has been sold out but I think the real reason it has been used in so many mediums is because it is one of the greatest songs ever written. There I said it. One hidden gem that I don't think I had ever heard was So Cruel. Bono's vocals soar effortlessly and maybe it was because I was lacking in quality tunes to listen to today but I found myself going back to that song often. All in all I would say Achtung is third on their list of albums behind Joshua and Rattle so far.

U2 - Zooropa

I read that this album was originally supposed to be an EP and it was recorded while on the road during the Zoo TV tour. Probably should have stuck with that plan. Not a lot to like here. In my opinion this is by far their most experimental album and one of their weakest. I always had a soft spot for the song Numb, possibly because the video for the song was reenacted with Barney in my Senior Class assembly but regardless, I like the randomness of the song, it would fit right in on a Radiohead album. Other than that you have Stay (Faraway, So Close!) and Wanderer (featuring Johnny Cash) as the only other real gems on this album. It was kind of fun to think to myself, "what the what? Is that Johnny Cash?" as the album wound down. Not fun though? The alarm noise that plays at the end of the album for about 10 seconds. However I did discover that rather than being the answer to the question "What is the most annoying sound on the planet?" the siren would be the answer to "What is an alarm that sounds when disc jockeys have 10 seconds of dead air?" Remember that when you are on Jeopardy.

U2 - Pop

Hands down the worst album U2 has ever put out. I imagine most of their fans expected some Zen like music but instead were treated to this. I will never listen to this album again and I will pretend that it never even existed.

New Music Monday Night

As I threatened on Sunday night, this is U2 week at The Skog Blog and I am giving a sincere effort to try and see if I can be converted to U2. I had spoken with Herms regarding this project and he didn't think that it was possible to go back and be converted. His reasoning was that at the time these first three albums were released they were groundbreaking. The fans were members of an exclusive club (more like a cult) and the music could only be heard on KJQ. I would like to think that I can be objective because I can honestly say that I have never heard these early albums in their entirety. I gave each one a listen at least once with headphones and then multiple times at my desk while working. I didn't skip songs, I just let them play. Here are my findings from Day 1.

U2 - BOY

Boy starts off strong with I Will Follow a song so good that my initial thought was I will follow this Bono character into musical salvation. Twilight, the 2nd track is a nice little song about a girl who falls in love with a vampire and was also very enjoyable. Then the wheels (not Wheels) fall off for a few songs until we get to Out of Control, which was by far the best song I heard all day - an instant classic. The rest of Boy is unable to reach the highs of Control and the remainder of the album kind of all ran together with no other songs that stood out to me.

U2 - October


Like Boy, this album explodes right out of the gates. Not since Laura Branigan sang her heart out has there been such a fantastic song titled Gloria. The second track I Fall Down is also excellent but then just like their debut the album seems to have quite a few filler tracks that didn't really resonate with me until the final track left me wondering, Is That All?


U2 - War

War is filled with songs that even the most militant U2 hater has heard and I would dare say, possibly like. Sunday Bloody Sunday, New Year's Day, and Two Hearts Beat As One have all been staples on alternative rock stations for years. The songs that I had not ever heard but enjoyed on War were Like A Song and the album closer 40.

All in all I was a bit disappointed with the first three albums. Only War has more than three or four good songs and usually the debut albums are a band's strongest efforts. Each album followed the same pattern of starting off with a bang and then kind of losing steam in the middle and then closing with a solid finale. Had U2 combined the great tracks from each of these and called the album October War Boy then we would possibly have a 13 track masterpiece that could standup against many of the greatest debuts of all time. At least my playlist of enjoyable U2 songs was expanded by a few songs so the day wasn't a complete waste.

The Skog Family Week In Review

April 20 - April 26

P AND KG CHEER ON THE FLASH



On Monday, KG and P went to the Utah Flash game as special guests of the owner, an old friend and mission companion of KG. We had excellent seats - 2nd row on the floor right in the corner that allowed P to stand on the edge of the court and really go to town with her cheer sticks. Much popcorn and root beer was consumed and by halftime P was even able to remember that we were at a Flash game and not a Jazz game. Thanks to Brandt for the tickets. I apologize for the extreme HD quality of the videos. Apparently my cell phone's camcorder is the Fisher Price PXL-2000. You have my 100% guarantee that the pixelated face in these video clips is actually P.

KG GETS ONE YEAR OLDER


KG doesn't believe in the Chinese calendar therefore 2009 is not the Year of the Ox, it is the Year of the Bird, Larry Bird, as KG turned 33 this week. I received some nice gifts from the girls, some cash from my parents and the parents of Wheels to fund my concert and Yerba Mate addictions, and a cherry chip cake, decorated in blue frosting and sprinkles that was the brainchild of P. Oh, and I also got a cold sore for my day of birth. A huge one that was very painful. It would explain why my smile and the look on my face would lead you to believe that I just got home from major dental work. The good news is that I was able to blow out all 33 candles in one shot and with such ease that Big J would have had a new example for his snow blowing metaphor. The bad news is that I forgot to make a wish. Oh well.



TOOTS EATS A SANDWICH

When you see a headline like this you think, "wow, slow news week..." but it was mainly just to have photographic evidence of a Wheels Family sandwich. The Wheels Family lives by The Creed of Carl's Jrand I have actually seen them polish off a bottle of mustard and a jar of miracle whip in one day*** Well Wheels is starting the condiment brainwashing with Toots. I hope she can stay strong.

*** citation needed

THE WHEELS FAMILY REUNION

The Wheels Family staged a mini reunion this week at the Skog home. Wheels' parents, her brother Marc and his family, her sister Marissa and her family and her little brother Jason **** spent a few nights in our home. All we were missing was her brother Andy and his family. Jason was able to go through the temple for the first time on Friday night and then Saturday was spent running around the Greater Northern part of our state attending the wedding of Wheels' lovely cousin, Stephanie. Congrats to her, congrats to Jason and thanks to the Wheels Family for putting up with some ornery kids.

P and Toots loved the reception, especially the station where the kids could fill up tiny candy baskets. I think P and Toots each filled up their baskets anywhere for 7 - 12 times. P's only beef with the reception was that it didn't have enough dancing like Flanksteak's reception.

The Little Rockstar made her first public appearances this weekend as well and she tried her best to leave her mark. Luckily for all of us, her mark didn't leak through all over Stephanie's wedding dress, but it was touch and go there for a split second as we pulled her away to check. No harm no foul, Lil' J.

**** Actor, not actually Jason.

WEEK IN PREVIEW - ANNOUNCEMENT

This week I will be conducting what might be the most insane and controversial experiment of this decade. Something so daring and life threatening that David Blaine wouldn't even try it. I'm going to spend the week listening to nothing but U2. I know! The Horror! My disdain for U2 and Bono in general is well documented, however I am going to see if even the most cynical U2 hater can be converted. I reckon there are 12 albums so I will listen to 3 of them each day - all day, M-Th and then report on my findings on Friday night. Will it be a very special confessional where KG breaks down and finds Bono? Stay tuned.

News and Whimsy

Thanks again to Lindsey for her Wednesday playlist, good tunes and good fun. If anyone wants to do an upcoming playlist just let me know.

True or False - KG wrote the following statement:

Anyone? Anyone?
Any one go to see Franz Ferdinand Tuesday night? If so, how was it? Let me know either here or e-mail it to me and I'll post it here. I wanted to be there, especially after it moved to the Avalon from Saltair, but the in-laws are visiting Thursday and I had to put the new vaccum cleaner together. And then I couldn't figure it out, so my wife had to put it together. She's handier than I am.

False. It was the SL Trib's music writer David Burger but it described my week perfectly.

RANDOM LINKS FOR THE WEEK

The talented singer/guitar player Ben Harper put on a concert for Earth Day and can be seen here.

Here is a contest to win a bunch of albums on vinyl from the aforementioned Mr. Harper as well as Radiohead, Beastie Boys, David Bowie and Nat King Cole. (I told you these links were random).

Summer Blockbuster season will get fired up here in the next couple of weeks and I will be seeing many of the flicks hopefully but I can't lie and say that KG and Wheels aren't more excited for this little beauty coming out in July. We may or may not watch this trailer multiple times each week. And yes Corbie has already seen it because she is cooler than the rest of us, or maybe because she is a Sundance junkie, or both.

Special Guest Playlist

It's Playlist Wednesday and The Skog Blog has another special guest columnist. Tonight we have Lindsey, wife of Spammon and all around cool gal. Let's get it on.

A LOVE PLAYLIST FOR HUMP DAY

Ammon would argue that Radiohead’s “High and Dry” best describes the past eight months of our relationship… see, every time he gets his bedrooms eyes on I just want to belt out Michael Jackson’s “Leave Me Alone”. Which is why I’ve decided to help Ammon (who has had a long and lonely 8 months) and possibly KG out (he and Wheels are now in the post pregnancy phase)… I’ve put together a little playlist that would give even a pregnant girl and her just-given-birth peers the urge to make a little love…

Bob Marley – “Is This Love?”
This is the first Bob Marley song I heard and will forever be my favorite… a simple positive song about love and the joys of being together in the same room on a single bed. Let’s face it though, Bob may not have been singing this one to just one woman; he shared his single bed with quite a few different ladies. PIMP.

Kings of Leon – “Sex on Fire”
An obvious choice and a reminder to give credit when it’s due - flattery is a great way to get laid. I love the intenseness in Caleb Followill’s voice.

The Cure – “Lovesong”
I’m attracted to the feeling of forever in this song, “however far away, I will always love you - however long I stay, I will always love you - whatever words I say, I will always love you.” We all long for a little permanence now and again.

Coldplay – “Scientist”
First and foremost, I’m a sucker for the piano… better start taking lessons Ammon. Secondly, I love a song that tells a story and this one is told beautifully. My favorite line is “I had to find you, tell you I need you, tell you I set you apart”. I find his vulnerability and sensitivity very sexy. Write a song like this for your woman and she’ll melt like butter.

Future Dub 1 /Gregory Isaacs’ – “Night Nurse”
I picked the Dub version of this song; the original doesn’t have the same effect on me. Call me crazy (I already know I am) but I think the calming dub beats and Gregory Isaacs’ voice have a lot of sex appeal. My favorite line is “She’s the one, the only remedy”, again I go back to a vulnerable man admitting he needs a particular woman.

Peter Gabriel – “In Your Eyes”
A perfect explanation of how people feel when they are in love. Man I’m hormonal!

The Beatles – “Something”
The gentle weeping of the guitar and soft drum beats make me want to slow dance in my living room. I love the line “and all I have to do is think of her”. There’s just something about this song.

Oldies But Goodies

When I laid down the rules for 'Oldies But Goodies' I declared that it could either be an album that was great but forgotten or a band that got a bad wrap for being a one hit wonder but was much better than that and my selection tonight definitely falls into the latter category and that band is Guster. The band consists of three friends who met at Tufts University in 1991 during Freshman orientation and began writing songs in their dorm rooms. After a few self released albums in the mid 1990's, Guster finally achieved a small amount of commercial success with the song Fa Fa from their third album in 2000. Even without the tiny taste of fame Guster has been able to develop a rabid cult following because of their quality tunes, good humor and unbelievable live shows. Guster has definitely found a spot on KG's 'Do Not Miss At Any Cost' list for bands that must be seen, no matter how many times they have been seen in the past when they come to town. I have lost count of the number of perfomances of Guster's that I have seen since I discovered them in 2000.

Before I briefly review their albums let me touch upon their humor. Besides the clever lyrics and witty stage banter, Guster always has something planned for their live shows that will make you laugh. Once they dressed as psychedelic hippies and opened for themselves as a band called 'Trippin Balls' - it was high comedy to hear the 'fans' in the audience talk about how badly the opening band was sucking when in actuality it was their beloved Guster in costume. Another time the show started, the stage was empty and the theme from The Price Is Right played and the members of Guster each had their names called out and they ran up onstage from random places in the venue where they had been hiding. Good stuff indeed.

When Guster started they were a three piece band with 2 guitar players (Ryan and Adam) who alternated vocals and harmonies and a drummer (Brian - nicknamed The Thundergod by the fans) who only played bongos, cymbals and all manner of percussions with his bare hands. Their first album, Parachute, I would describe as Indigo Boys, as in a similar sound to maybe the Indigo Girls. Acoustic, folk rock, not extremely edgy just good harmonies and earnest lyrics. I would dare say even a bit cheesy.

With their second album, Goldfly, the boys continued to improve their songwriting skills. Their songs became a bit more catchy and they even flirted a tad with the 'jam band' genre while touring with the likes of Dave Matthews Band, etc. After traveling for a few years in support of this record the band signed with a major label and re-released this album to a wider audience.

Lost and Gone Forever was the band's breakthrough album that contained their 'hit' song Fa Fa. As is often the case, Fa Fa was probably the worst song on this album and I have no idea why it caught on or became the lead single. This was the first album of theirs that I heard and for me it was love at first listen. I remember reading about them, buying the album on a whim, popping in the cd and falling in love with the first track that was some kind of mutant Patridge Family meets the Brady Bunch with a touch of bongos. The harmonies, the dueling vocals were a breath of fresh air from the pop/punk crap that I had been listening to at the time and I nearly wore out this cd.

While recording their next album, Keep It Together, the Guster group made some decisions that in my mind pushed them over the top from a pleasant, novelty type band to the real deal. First off the band added a fourth member, Joe, who was a utility type guy who could play multiple instruments and add another layer of harmonies to the mix. Then the drummer, Brian, decided to not limit himself to just bongos and he started to become more proficient as an actual drummer. Apparently smashing your hands night in and night out isn't conducive to a long and fruitful career so he figured he needed to start preserving his livelihood. I had a chance once to go backstage after a show and Brian had huge icepacks taped to his hands and you could see the cuts and broken skin on his fingers. That same show was when they unveiled a drum kit for the first time that looked like it would belong to a 12 year old but Brian got up and busted out a few songs on them and it was fantastic. Keep It Together is still their best album to date. If you only bought one Guster album, this would be it.

Their most recent album, Ganging Up On The Sun was released in 2006 and the band continued to experiment and show more depth and confidence. Another solid album that would rank either 2 or 3 on my list of the Guster top 5, depending on the day and my mood at the time of listen. Here is one song from that album that is near and dear to my heart, even if just for the title alone.

The word on the street is that album number six is set to come out at some point this year and with that would hopefully bring the boys to town once again on tour. I know I'll be there - the question is will you?

New Music Monday Night

Three new excellent choices up for you this week. Let's get right at it.

Clem Snide - Hungry Bird

This is studio album number six for the talented band led by lead singer/songwriter Eef Barzelay. Clem Snide currently resides in KG's All Time Top 10 Band List and when commissioned by Flanksteak to create a greatest hits mix cd I was unable to narrow the list down to less than 40 songs. Last week after a disappointing concert that left me wanting to disown the band, I repeatedly listened to this album and it got better with each spin. The lyrics are sarcastic yet poignant. I will not be divorcing Eef and the boys anytime soon.

Camera Obscura - My Maudlin Career

Camera Obscura is a band that formed in Scotland in 1996 and this is their fourth release. The band has a 1960's vibe about them, in fact if you heard someone playing this album you might think it was an old record he/she had stolen from their parents. This is another album that grows on you and is good enough that our boy Vanwarmer recently stood in line at the SXSW Festival in Austin, TX for 6.5 hours on a waiting list just to get in to see them play. He said it was worth it and I'd have to agree with him. Luckily for us, Camera will be playing in SLC in June and if you buy tix now you won't have to spend all day waiting in line to see them.



Iron & Wine - Norfolk 06.20.05

For those of you unfamiliar with Iron & Wine, it is basically a one man band by a guy named Sam Beam. Beam might be the finest acoustic guitar player currently in the Indie/Folk scene and sings with a comforting voice that reminds me of Elliott Smith at his most delicate. This album was a special release for the Independent Record Store Day and is just a live concert album from 2005. I have seen Sam Beam in concert once but I did miss him during the 2005 tour so I was very pleased to pickup this CD as a reminder of what a pleasure it is to see him live. Please be advised that The Trapeze Singer contains one moment of salty language and is rated PG-13. I apologize if it offends anyone but the song is a favorite of mine.

ONE LAST PIECE OF NEWS

I realize Monday night is not a news night but I wanted to pass along this letter written to the SL Tribune by a member of the Graywhale staff. Some of you may or may not have seen that Brandi Carlile had to postpone her Saturday in-store performance until Sunday (as first reported by Skog Blog reader, Mindy) but I think excuse is very understandable and I loved the fact that she seemed to sincerely be upset to not be able to do a show to benefit the Independent Record Stores. Here is just a portion of the letter that can be found on this blog. As a guy who once dreamed of owning his own record store I found it very cool on her part.

But really more than the numbers and the units moved, more importantly was the general feel of the day and the emotional weight we all felt. There were truly some magical moments. I'll never forget how kind and gracious Brandi Carlile was to us. With 48 hours to go to RSD she got a call she had been dreaming of since she was a little girl: Elton John asking her to come record a song. But the only window of time to perform was, yes you guessed it, Saturday afternoon, right during record store day when she was planning on playing at Graywhale. Let it be said that from talking to her, I gathered that this was a big struggle for her (come on, it's Elton F***ing John, but yet she really struggled with what to do!) Luckily a decision could be reached as she had a travel day on Sunday and she could perform on Sunday. So RSD was a 48 hour event for Graywhale. And perform she did. A lovely 80 degree day, sun shinning, mountains in the background, 250 passionate fans, and an amazing set by Brandi, the Twins, and the cellist (sorry, I forgot your name!) Sitting by the door, as Brandi dedicated "The Story" to me and Graywhale, pleading with fans to never take for granted independent record stores and the joy they bring to our lives, fans soaking in every note of that great song ... I couldn't ask for a better day. I won't lie, might have been dusty for a second there outside the 'Whale for me (damn allergies I'm sure). Many thanks to Brandi, Sony/Columbia (especially Liberty and the others I never met behind the scenes that helped make the move to Sunday happen) and Michael Kurtz for making a half hour outside a 24 year old record store so special.

The Skog Family Week In Review

April 13 - April 19

THE WEEKLY LITTLE ROCKSTAR REPORT

The little Rockstar tipped the scale this week at 7.5 lbs. KG weighed in at a buck ninety nine. If you don't believe me, ask Flanksteak. He can vouch for me. Back off.

TOOTS CONTINUES TO TEETHE


Toots started the week off with a bang. Another Sun/Mon double whammy of fevers, teething and little sleep. Look at the picture above though - adorable, sad, but mostly adorable. We tried everything to console her and nothing would work and when it all came down all she wanted was her sister, P.



Heartbreaking stuff folks, what can I say? Well on Tuesday after two days of close to no sleep the normally mild mannered Toots finally snapped. Wheels brought her in from playing outside so she could feed Lil' J and the sweet Toots went berserk. The mother of all tantrums. The type of tizzy fit that if thrown by an adult would get them locked up and placed in a straightjacket. There was much wailing, gnashing of what few teeth she has and flying toys. Like something right out of a zombie movie. I wish I had witnessed the spectacle. Luckily Wheels lived to tell about it and sent me the following picture with a message that said, "I took this pic right before Toots bit me..."

NICE WEATHER = OUTDOOR FUN

By Wednesday Toots had recovered and all of the girls except the Rockstar took in some fun out in the yard with bubbles and a slide.









KG GETS A HAIRCUT AND SHAVES

I know what you are thinking 'Slow news week if we are discussing KG's haircut.' Anyone who has seen KG knows that a KG with a smooth face these days is very newsworthy. Wednesday night I decided it was the right time to get ready for Summer and get the usual buzzcut. Wheels did her normal fantastic trim but afterwards the hair on my head was shorter than the beard on my face so I clean shaved my face for the first time in a few months. When Toots finally saw me she was a bit freaked out and uncertain as to whether or not I was really KG or some imposter. It was only when she found me perched upon my, uh, throne that she gave me a big smile and new it was really me.

Feeling that the house was missing some facial hair P and Toots worked on their beards all week and did an admirable job. P went for the pencil thin mustache with goatee while Toots went for the mustache and soul patch, or as I like to call it the 'Phil Jackson.'

TOOTS TICKLES THE ROCKSTAR'S TOES AND GET A NEW FAVORITE FOOD

Without making this week too Tootscentric here are a couple of cute clips. One of her tickling the Rockstar's toes and another of her preparing to dine on a gourmet dish that I think the French call 'Le Poche Chaud.'





WHEELS DOES WELL AT NCAA FINALS AND IS NAMED FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICAN

And finally, KG and the girls are so proud of their amazing wife and mother, Wheels. Way to go Wheels! We knew you could do it!

Cover Song Saturday Night - REM Edition

Just over a month ago a bunch of bands and singers got together to pay tribute to the greatness that is REM. Tonight the Skog Blog does the same.

Here is REM with The Boss peforming Man on the Moon. I realize if the band themselves are playing it shouldn't fall in the 'cover song' category. So what. As I've said in the past, this is the Skog Blog and I will do what I darn well please. This song was submitted earlier this week by Corbie for inclusion on Cover Song Sat Night. Feel free to email me great covers as well, loyal readers.



Next up the talented Sufjan Stevens returns to Cover Song Saturday Night doing a haunting rendition of The One I Love with Rosie Thomas.



If I've said it once I've said it 100 times, Darius Rucker might have the smoothest voice on the planet. I Believe indeed.



Not sure that I love this one but it is a very creative version of the classic Nightswimming by Ingrid Michaelson.



Last up tonight is The Fray. I don't love them but I do love this pleasant cover of The Great Beyond from the REM scored soundtrack for the Andy Kaufman film Man on the Moon.

If Lovin' X Is Wrong Then I Don't Wanna Be Right

It's Friday night and Wheels is having a girls' night out with one of her friends and the Little Rockstar. Toots and P are finally asleep and I too am very sleepy. Long week with only myself (too many late night concerts) and Toots' teeth to blame. Because of this I have decided tonight that if lovin' sleep is wrong then I don't wanna be right.

However, before I allow the moonlight to take the lid off of my dreams, I do have one quick confession - I keep forgetting to share one of the coolest sites on the web and for this I apologize. The Black Cab Sessions. Basically it is a group of British filmmakers that take a singer/band for a ride in an actual London cab and have them perform an acoustic song. Whether you like the bands or not, give them a listen. The acoustics in the cabs are surprisingly good. My favorites are My Morning Jacket, Bon Iver (of course), Death Cab For Cutie, The Futureheads, Fleet Foxes, Damien Jurado, and Doves. That is just a small sample of the goodness that is The Black Cab Sessions. So I guess that if lovin' some British stalkers who film people singing in a cab is wrong then I don't wanna be right.

Also, the songs of the day are dedicated to Wheels - hope her Friday Night out is as exciting as Jens' and to my sister Kim and my cousin Dave for the opposite reasons. To Kim for enjoying her Saturday mornings and to Dave for missing out on them. Good Night and Pleasant Dreams, Skog Blog Readers.

News and Whimsy

Thanks again to Robyn for the guest playlist yesterday. I have enjoyed the guest columns very much and have decided that each Wednesday will now be 'Playlist Wednesday' on the Skog Blog. Hopefully I will get a Skog Blog reader to pick a theme and provide a playlist, if not, I will create one. Lots of good possibilities there I think.

Anyway, on to the News and Whimsy...

ANNOUNCEMENTS / NEWS

This Saturday, April 18th, is Independent Record Store Day. I'm not going to pretend like I don't ever buy CDs from Best Buy or Target but if you are in the market for a new album, Saturday is the day to support your local indie shops. Most of the stores have special in store performances (such as Brandi Carlile performing at the UofU Graywhale location) as well as special albums, t-shirts and items only available to the non chain record stores.

WHIMSY

Just a couple of links tonight -

What happens when you mix Sponge Bob, Sir Mix-a-lot and the creepy Burger King guy? The world's most bizarre commercial.

Many of you have probably already seen this but I thoroughly enjoyed it. I love the fact that everyone was ready to mock this woman who was trying out for 'Britian's Got Talent' but instead were treated to the finest rendition of I Dreamed a Dream since Neil Diamond recorded it. For all of you that thought the Skog Blog was just about depressing music, here's your feel good story of the week.

Special Guest Playlist

After a few days off The Skog Blog returns with a fantastic new Guest Playlist. Unlike last week, this guest requires a small introduction. She is an old friend of mine and once in the 9th grade while playing hoops, blocked my shot in such a Millsapian manner that I nearly retired from the game. Her playlist tonight focuses on songs that are repeat worthy and even though she selected a couple of country tunes, I will give her a pass because one of her selections is arguably my all time favorite song. I'll let you guess which one it could be. Ladies, Gents, and Skog Blog readers - the talented Robyn.

LISTEN, REPEAT AND REPEAT

This is my collection of songs that are worth hitting the repeat button. Actually, push the repeat button repeatedly. My list includes songs I have actually hit repeat and listened until I slept. They are THAT good! Some I may have cried to, ok probably all of them, and most of them are a little slow. Sorry, it’s a little hard to fall asleep to a running song. I admit to being 100% amateur and know that this will be nothing like your readers are used to.

“Last Supper”, by Howard Jones – I believe this is when my ‘repeat until sleep’ fetish began. I was in 7th grade. It’s been in my top 5 songs since then. I have been to many a Howard Jones concerts and every single one I have yelled as loud as I can “Last Supper!” He has yet to play it for me live, even when I screamed it from the second row!

“We Close Our Eyes”, by Oingo Boingo – When Death smiled at me and told me to be patient and just take my time, I was hooked. This band could be my favorite of all time. Even though some of their songs make me feel like I am on a strange carnival ride, I really have always liked a good roller coaster.

‘Nightswimming”, by R.E.M. – I don’t have to explain this one to you. 5 stars!

“Addicted” by Dan Seals – This is one you will not love, but so many others will. If you are a girl and have been in love (or thought you were in love) with a guy who just didn’t love you back – well this was put on repeat.

“With or Without You”, by U2 – Every person reading your blog has listened to this great classic over and over. It’s just the truth. I broke up with Jeremy in front of Brandon McCloy’s house when this song was playing. It was sad. Until we got back together.

“Summertime Rolls”, - Janes Addiction – I shouldn’t explain myself on this one, it may reveal too much. It’s a good song.

“Smoke in Her Eyes”, by Ty England – You knew I would have more than one country song on this list, and you still asked me to be your guest. So here is a less known country song and singer for that matter, but still one of my favorites. It’s one of those ‘it’s better to have loved and lost, than to never have love at all’ songs. I know, mushy.

“Ten Years Gone”, and/or “Bron-Yr-Aur”, by Led Zeppelin – I admit to not knowing much about this group until I met the husband. He introduced me and I am grateful. These two songs from the album Physical Grafitti, are absolutely worth hitting repeat. Bron-yr-Aur is instrumental only and if someone could play that for me on the guitar, I would be in heaven.

“She Said Yes”, Rhett Akins – I know you probably won’t even listen to this one because of the ‘hick’ name Rhett Akins. This song came out around 1995 which is when J.P. and I were married. Everything really started for us on the dance floor (gym floor) at a stomp at J.H.S. Enough said.

"Brand New Day", Joshua Radin - my new favorite artist. The song I need every morning. Repeat and Repeat.

The Skog Family Week In Review

APRIL 6 - APRIL 12

Before I start this week in review I have to do a correction of something that was left off the previous week's review - the highlight of P's last week. On Friday, April 3rd, P went to see her cousin Brooke perform as the Cat in the Hat in her school's production of Seussical The Musical. P was of course passed out asleep when she got home Friday night but Saturday morn she burst into our room and said, 'Dad, why didn't you come? You should have come? Brooke was... so good. It was amazing Dad, amazing.' I think the reason I failed to discuss it last week was because of the lack of sleep and no photographic evidence to help my memory when putting together the week in review. Either way, the Skog Blog apologizes for the error.

THE ROCKSTAR WEIGHS IN

This week the Little Rockstar weighs in at 7 lbs and 4.5 oz. She is a giant. An adorable, gentle giant. She's even wearing 'newborn' clothes now and fitting into them.

TOOTS CUTS MORE TEETH

The highlight of KG's week most definitely was Sunday night/Monday morn when Toots decided that she was going to stay up all night. In her defense she was cutting more teeth and was running a fever of 104 so hard to be mad at her. However, I couldn't help but be disappointed when Toots passed out at 4:06 AM. I really thought she could pull the all nighter. Keep working at it Toots, you can accomplish anything if you put your mind to it. Better luck next time. (I just jinxed myself for tonight big time...) She had a similar performance on Mon night/Tues morn so Wheels and I decided she should go into the doctor just to make sure she didn't have another reason to be running such a high fever. All specimens were negative (strep, bladder) - just teeth. The good news is she only has approximately 16 more teeth to go. Good times!

P GOES TO THE MOVIES

P was invited by her cousin Max to go see Monsters vs. Aliens in 3-D. I am not sure what possessed Jen and Mike to take on such a task but apparently it went off without a hitch and went something like this i am sure. P was introduced to a magical place called 'Rays' where the soda is cheap and the candy is cheaper. P and Max shared Pop Rocks and P helped keep Max's 3-D glasses on and had a most delightful evening.

EASTER

Easter started earlier this week at the Skog home. On Monday our community earned its high national ranking and provided an excellent egg hunt for the kids. P scored a lot of tasty treats but this was her favorite:

On Saturday the girls and their cousin Millie colored eggs. P even dared taste an egg and in a crazy turn of events liked the white part but not the yellow. This is strange since P recently has taken a liking to fried eggs and toast. Of course she only dips her toast in the yolk and won't eat the white part. If we could somehow hard boil an egg with a runny yolk we might create P's dream food.

Sunday, the Easter Bunny came and P was very excited for her small toys and candy. Her favorite items included a necklace with her birthstone (pink oddly enough) (that may or may not have not lasted through church before breaking) and a CTR ring. Here is P describing her presents and then the girls enjoying their bubbles.





Later in the afternoon we had the annual Extended Skog Easter Egg Hunt at a local park and the girls loved that. Hope you all had an excellent week and a Happy Easter. Until next week!

Cover Song Saturday Night - Radiohead Edition

I was out fertilizing the yard this morning while listening to some tunes on shuffle and a Radiohead song came on. I decided I was in a Radiohead kind of mood so I switched off the 'shuffle all' and proceeded to listen to Radiohead pretty much the rest of the day. So today is Cover Song Sat Night - Radiohead Edition. Even the Song of the Day is a Radiohead cover, performed by an Irish folk singer by the name of Luka Bloom.

First up tonight is Radiodread (Easy Star All-Stars) Featuring Skog Blog Favorite, Citizen Cope performing Karma Police. It's been a rough week for Brohammas on the Skog Blog so here is one for him. I know Spammon is a fan of this cover and I assume Brohammas will be once he hears it as well.



Next up let's slow things down somewhat and even get a bit, I dare say, jazzy. I present to you Jamie Cullum, a British guy who is a cross between Harry Connick, Jr and Ben Folds. The song is High and Dry.



When you take one of the most innovative bands in Rock (Radiohead) and mix them with one of the most original bands of the past few years (Gnarls Barkley) you get this cover of The Reckoning.



Kid A was a polarizing album that was either loved or hated with equal amounts of passion by fans and non fans of Radiohead. Here is John Mayer doing the title track from that album. I like it since you can actually understand the words unlike the album version that was some kind of freaky computerized voice.



Last is my favorite Radiohead cover of one of their greatest songs Fake Plastic Trees. Duncan Sheik has played this the last three times that I have seen him in concert and it never disappoints. The first time I heard him play this song was at an in-store performance at the Taylorsville Graywhale CD. When the band kicks in for the final verse I may or may not have gotten the chills.

Skog Blog Meet n Greet Review

Before I get to this week's Friday Night Confession I wanted to give a quick concert review from last night's Airborne Toxic Event show.


In the picture above are Kristy, Josh (has commented as Half Poly Friend), Penny, KG, Wheels, Lindsey, Corbie and Vanwarmer. One would be hard pressed to find a funner (more fun?) concert going group than this one. Airborne played all of the songs we wanted to hear. First experience at the Murray Theater and I thought it was a fantastic venue. Good times. Good music. Don't miss out on the next Skog Blog Meet n Greet.

IF LOVIN' X IS WRONG THEN I DON'T WANNA BE RIGHT

My name is KG (Hi KG!) and I am a Yerba Mate addict. I have known this for some time but last night it finally hit me that I might have a problem. Wheels' little brother received his mission call yesterday and when Wheels informed me of the destination, Uruguay, my first thought was "Wow he is going to be in the heart of Yerba country..." It wasn't "Hey, my buddy Robb went there..." or "Jason will be learning Spanish..." Nope, my mind went straight to the Mate.

So what is Yerba Mate? Without going into great detail that might bore you I will say that it is an herbal tea, native to South America. You drink it through a filtered metal straw (bombilla) out of a gourd or a wooden cup preferably made from Santo Palo. You fill the cup with hot water, a pinch of sugar and then drink it. Once gone, you repeat, and take turns drinking until the infusion loses its flavor. If you want more info google it.

I started drinking Mate while serving a LDS Mission in Chile. Back then my mother, Crazy Sue, feared that I was turning into some kind of Bubba Gump but my shrimp was Yerba Mate. My letters home included tales of drinking Mate out of assorted fruits, picking herbs from the yard to put into my Mate and practically every picture I sent was an action photo of me drinking the good stuff. Fear not, I never actually drank Mate during Sacrament meeting, the above photo was taken to freak out my mother. I was even 'edgy' back then.

When I came home I was not sure if I would be able purchase or find Mate in the dear old USA. I packed one suitcase with souvenirs and then stuffed my carry on bag and other suitcase full of Mate. I successfully sweated my way through customs and continued my habit through college. I even converted my college roommate Brohammas to the Buena Yerba, who is still a practicing Matero to this day. In fact he sent the following pics last week from the City of Brotherly love - A Mate Cafe. I think I just found my next business venture...

Yerba Mate has become easier to find over the past few years. You can actually purchase it at local grocery stores or you can by some super gourmet stuff online.

Some of you might be thinking, 'KG, are you sure you are an addict?' Well I would answer that by saying if you have a picture of yourself drinking Mate while wearing a shirt that you made of a random guy drinking Mate then, yes, you are probably an addict. But if lovin' Mate is wrong then I don't wanna be right.

Random side note, that is the same Mate cup that I purchased in Chile 14 years ago. Brings a tear to your eye, doesn't it?

News, Whimsy, and A Special Guest Playlist

ANNOUNCEMENTS

This week brings several excellent concerts to the Salt Lake Scene - here is a quick list:

Airborne Toxic Event - April 9 (KG, Wheels, and many Skog Blog Readers will be there!)

The Ting Tings - April 9 (If P were 14 we'd be attending this show instead)

The Hold Steady - April 11 (KG will be in attendance)

Clem Snide - April 13

Travis - April 14

Lupe Fiasco - April 15


WHIMSY

Here is a little something for the Star Wars Fan in your family. Wheels, enjoy your Christmas!


A SPECIAL GUEST PLAYLIST

Yesterday I received an email from Brohammas asking if he could impose his musical stylings upon the Skog Blog readers. Seeing that I am not exactly an expert in the Reggae or Hip Hop genres, I turn to the closest thing to an expert we have. I have added the youtube clips so hopefully they are what Brohammas would have wanted. All he asks is you give these songs a listen in their entirety before you make any judgements. Below are his selections with his descriptions as to why you should listen. I do have one beef with his playlist - any Brohammas playlist should include "Cold Beverages" the greatest song Brohammas ever introduced me to.

ESSENTIAL LISTENING BY BROHAMMAS

“Barack Obama” by Cocoa Tea- just for all those out in Utah who are regular skogblog readers this serves up two things that may grate on you like steel wool, cheesy reggae and a Democratic President. But no matter your politics this little ditty will work its way into your head and you will find yourself humming it, even on your way to a Sarah Palin rally.

“$13,000 is a lot of food” by Skankin’ Pickle- My five year old requests this one by saying “play the one that’s real fast then gets happy. It’s a ska masterpiece.

“Sunshowers” by M.I.A.- Understanding that KG is the anti-Mtv, High Fidelity type music snob, I could see one bucking M.I.A.’s performing at 9 months pregnant self, but this song is just good and original. Forget what you may think, pretend you don’t know her and have a listen. Makes me want a mango.

“Gotcha” by Lupe Fiasco- For all those who think rap is just non-talented thugs talking about girls and guns, how’s this? The guy has a whole verse about smells. Who does that? Classic rap braggadocio with lighthearted creativity. (Scroll down and click on the song to listen)

“Get Up Offa That Thing” by James Brown- If this song doesn’t at least make you move a little, you are dead.

“Green Eyes” by Erykah Badu- this may very well be her best song and she is one of THE greatest ever, so this doesn’t come lightly. It is long and should be played while sitting back on a quiet evening, it’s not car music. It has emotion weaving through movements like a symphony. Lean back, dim the lights, maybe even light a candle.

“On My Nerve” by Turbulance- Of course its reggae, its even more of that dance hall style that so many despise (or pretend they do), but give this a chance. It has possibly the best line someone in a committed relationship has ever uttered, “woman, I love you but your friends are getting on my nerves.”

“What I Am” by Edie Brickell and the New Bohemians- It’s a bit pretentious but that guitar lick is a keeper.

“Man Woman Boogie” by Q-Tip- His newest album is tops front to back but just since “Getting Up” was on regular video rotation I’ll suggest one not so known, because a little man/woman boogie is always called for.

“G.O.D. (Gaining One’s Definition)” by Common featuring Ceelo- This is why Common is called “conscious” and will always be considered great, no matter how many crappy songs he makes. Ceelo, one half of Gnarls Barkley, was single handedly the one who turned my hater ways and converted me to hip-hop. Ignore what you may think of the doctrine, false or otherwise in this song and listen, more people think like these guys than you may realize.

“Jailer” by Asah- Nigerian who is making some noise, even though you have never heard of her. I can’t vouch for all her stuff, which I find surprisingly techno, but this acoustic song is worth muddling through her other stuff to find. Luckily I already did that so you don’t have to.

“Royal Flush” by Big Boi - “Liberation” by Outkast- Sure you know Outkast but have you heard these songs? Royal Flush has one of the best rap verses I have heard delivered by Andre, mixing a great rhyme scheme and words of wisdom both, “the morals that you think you got, go out the window, when all the other kids are fresh and they got new Nintendo…” Liberation is another long one slapped onto the tail end of an album and hardly has any rapping in it at all, but if you turn it up loud, sit back without doing something else, you will feel it.

Oldies But Goodies - Special Guest Edition

Tonight's 'Oldies But Goodies' was written by a special guest columnist. Before I post the entry I just want to extend the same invite to all readers of the Skog Blog. If you have a column about a favorite song, album, anything, feel free to send it my way and I will post it here. Tomorrow night we actually have another guest author so I will keep you in suspense until then.

Last week I posted a link to an article written by Paul Shirley and tonight's author is almost as good. I fear that if I continue to allow actual writers with in depth reviews on the Skog Blog my own reviews will continue to look more and more like The Chris Farley Show.

Without futher ado, someone who needs no introduction, here is Skog Blog reader, Corbie.


Borrowing the title from a Douglas Coupland book, the media has labeled our generation, my generation, Generation X. This label is widely understood to mean that we are cynical, introspective, and emotionally confused (the result of growing up as tech-savvy latchkey kids, the children of baby boomer parents who chased the almighty dollar and raised us to assume that the perfect six figure job would fall into our laps while we played Atari in their over-mortgaged, asbestos infested basements). For the most part, Gen X music reflects this disillusionment, confusion, and isolation – Pearl Jam, Nirvana, REM - they told our story and gave us something to cling to as we raged against the corporate, political, and social machine.

Now, I love angst as much as the next person (okay, more) but I also love the concept, the imagery, the sound of hope. Yes, folks, hope has a sound, and I present you with it here…the 1993 album So Tonight That I Might See, by Mazzy Star. Often viewed as a one-hit wonder (for the song ‘Fade Into You’), the entire album (as well as their subsequent 1996 album Among My Swan) is powerful and haunting and full of underappreciated gems. The lead singer, Hope Sandoval, can (and regularly does) sing about heartbreak, misery, loneliness…and yet still leaves you feeling like something better awaits. It is the ability to capture the 90’s angst while still managing to sound hopeful that makes this album, in my opinion, a good representation of this generation, my generation. I mean, while the generations that came before us got out there and put their noses to the grindstone chasing the almighty dollar, we remain living in our parents’ basements (now accompanied by spouses and children, of course), playing Xbox and waiting for the perfect six figure jobs to fall into our laps – that kind of behavior can only be described as hopeful.

I present you with Mazzy Star’s, So Tonight That I Might See - an oldie but a goodie - and my favorite three tracks from the album.

New Music Monday Night

I'm still getting caught up on some of the albums that I had missed so far this year so I'll post two older releases and then one new one that comes out tomorrow. I will most likely keep this entry short and sweet because I'm on 4 hours of sleep (thanks Toots!) and depressed because UNC appears to be headed for another National Championship (thanks Mich St for showing up!)

Coconut Records - Davy

Coconut Records is actually a solo project of the actor, Jason Schwartzman, who is best known for playing the lead role in the film Rushmore. Originally he was the drummer for the band, Phantom Planet, who had a breakthrough hit with the song California that ended up being the theme for The OC. Davy is the second album that Jason has released under the Coconut Records name and continues his foray into 1960's - Beatlesesque pop. A solid record.



Ben Kweller - Changing Horses

Changing Horses is Ben's fourth studio album and like the previous three albums, has quickly entered into heavy rotation for KG. However, although this album is recommended, it is definitely the weakest of Mr. Kweller's discography. Ben's previous efforts have been more of the rock/pop variety but on Horses the native Texan decided to delve into his Country roots to mixed results. Give the album a shot and if you like it pick up his earlier work because you should like it even more.



Doves - Kingdom of Rust

The songs of Doves (not THE Doves, just Doves) are extremely dramatic and I realize are not exactly commercial or what one might expect to hear on the radio. It is the kind of music that should be played as the credits roll after a good movie. Very cinematic. In fact, when KG gets his movies made he has a Doves song picked out for each of his films. The boys of Doves hail from Manchester, England and in a just world would be sharing stages across the world with the likes of U2 or Coldplay. I have only had the experience of seeing them live on one occasion and would travel great distances to see them again. Kingdom is their fourth studio release and hits stores tomorrow. Checkout 10:03 and tell me it isn't the greatest song that Bono never wrote.

The Skog Family Week In Review

March 30 - April 5, 2009

LITTLE ROCKSTAR ON THE RISE

Wheels took Lil' J in for an 'official' weighing on Tuesday and she tipped the scales at 6 lbs. 5 oz. Her doctor said that she seems to be gaining weight at a good enough rate that she doesn't need to continue the feedings with supplemental formula. Fun fact - today was her original due date.

P TRIES BBQ CHICKEN

Anyone who knows P knows that her preferred diet is Kraft Mac n Cheese and Totinos Party Pizza. She would eat them everyday, alternating lunch and dinner if we allowed her to do so. Recently Wheels and I have been working to try and refine her palate, as tasty as those two items might be. P has actually started trying new things. Here is proof of her bravery, even if the BBQ sauce was 'yucky.'



P GOES TO THE DENTIST



Wheels took P to the dentist for the second time this week. Ever since P had to have the inside of her mouth stitched up when she was two years old she has had a fear of people sticking sharp, shiny objects in her mouth. Although nervous, she did excellent. Also, only one of them had cavities. It wasn't P. She didn't come home with any cavities but she did get a pretty sweet bag of swag.



THE GIRLS RECEIVE GIFTS FROM GRANDMA AND GRANDPA WHEELS

P and Toots received a package in the mail on Friday from Grandma and Grandpa Wheels and could not wait to open up their goodies.

TOOTS MAKES HER MOVE TO BE THE LEAD SINGER

Toots made a strong play this week to become lead singer of the Skog Sisters while KG was watching a concert movie of the Swedish rock band, The Hives. Checkout her moves and how she already knows how to wish the crowd goodnight.



WHEELS BREAKS OUT THE CENTRAL VAC

The Skog Family has lived in our current home for nearly two years. For some reason we have never broken out the central vac that was probably the only feature of the home that actually excited Wheels. Well, the vac and the spring loaded ladder to get into the attic space in the garage. After hearing Grammie Sue rave about the central vac in her home, Wheels was determined to get ours up and running. She did it. She plugged it in. I told you she is the mechanical wizard in the Skog home. Kudos to you, Wheels!

Cover Song Saturday Night - Special Conference Edition

Since it is General Conference weekend for the LDS Church I thought I would post a few covers of religious songs this week.

Up first we have perhaps the most famous spiritual song of all time Amazing Grace performed by Skog Blog favorite, Sufjan Stevens.



While searching for the final song that I will post, I stumbled upon this random guy on youtube and he does some excellent folky versions of hymns and gospel songs. Here is 'Marcus' covering Come, Come Ye Saints.



Final song this evening is from the documentary New York Doll - the story of Arthur 'Killer' Kane, the bassist from the glam punk band The New York Dolls who eventually converted to the LDS Church before passing away of leukemia. If you have never seen the film I highly recommend it. Here is the New York Dolls lead singer, David Johansen, doing a tribute to Arthur by performing A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief.

The Return of If Lovin' X Is Wrong Then I Don't Wanna Be Right

In the beginning, Friday Night on the Skog Blog was a sanctuary for us to confess our guilty pleasures without shame or judgement. For more info on the genesis of this idea, click here.

Tonight I wanted to discuss the concerts of which we should be ashamed but instead had enjoyable experiences or fond memories. Before I tell you about said concert of mine I need to give you a little back story.



Many of you know that back in the day Big Al moved in with my family. Al and myself had a nightly routine that involved Kool-Aid (either Purplesaurus Rex or Rock-a-dile Red), Popcorn and watching 2 episodes of Night Court and then The Arsenio Hall Show.

Any fan of Night Court knows that Judge Harry T. Stone had one person that he loved even more than Christine Sullivan. That person was The Velvet Fog - Mr. Mel Torme.


One evening in the Summer of 1998, Big Al and myself were looking through the SL Trib trying to find a movie or something to do for entertainment. My eyes scanned the small type of the paper like those of a 3rd grader doing a word search, until they saw the words 'Mel' and 'Torme' and they screeched to a halt. The Velvet Fog was playing down in Orem, UT at the Scera Shell Ampitheatre. I half jokingly threw the idea out to Big Al who immediately accepted the plan and before we knew it we were at the point of the mountain on I-15 heading south.

The tickets were cheap, no more than $10. We found ourselves a patch of grass to sit on and waited for the magic. Mel came out dressed in a polo type shirt and a pair of dockers like your grandpa or some old man in your neighborhood. He was accompanied that night by a small jazz trio - piano, bass and drums and proceeded to belt out Jazz standards as if he were headlining at Carnegie Hall rather than a small theatre in the middle of Happy Valley, UT. Mel's silky smooth vocals thrilled the crowd and he received a standing ovation after nearly every song which was quite impressive because of the effort this required from the mostly geriatric crowd.

Mel passed away the following summer. Had I skipped the show I would have never had the opportunity to see a legend like the Velvet Fog or gain the respect for him that I did that night. It may have been the best $10 I ever spent. If loving the Velvet Fog is wrong then I don't wanna be right!