Thursday, July 30, 2009
News and Whimsy
NEWS
A couple of concert announcements for the coming week:
Air Supply - Friday Night at the Fabulous Sandy Amphitheater.
Gomez - one of the greatest live bands on the planet - Aug 5th.
The Blanks - who are The Blanks? If you are a fan of Scrubs you might know them as 'Ted's Band.' Performing on Sat, Aug 8th in Layton.
WHIMSY
Paste Magazine made a list of the Top 20 R.E.M. Songs Ever. Don't agree 100% but not a bad list.
Another nice countdown, Radiohead's Top 10 Videos. Nearly a perfect list.
Bill Simmons from ESPN tweeted this link to the worst movie ending ever.
In case Wheels is wondering what to get me for Christmas, she can start here.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Wednesday Night Playlist
In order to get The Skog Blog back on schedule, here is a playlist chock full of oldies but goodies. As I mentioned in my previous post, I saw Huey Lewis and The News this past Saturday Night and was reminded of how many fanfriggintastic songs they had. The videos and clothes might not hold up more than 25 years later but the tunes have aged much better than most of us might remember. I'm not even really including many of the songs from their album Fore that was pretty much a greatest hits album in its own right. Let us all partake of their goodness and enjoy.
The Greatest Hits of Huey Lewis and The News
The Heart of Rock n Roll
I Want A New Drug
If This Is It
The Power of Love
Jacob's Ladder
Do You Believe In Love
Heart and Soul
Back In Time
It's Alright
Perfect World
Workin' For A Livin'
The Greatest Hits of Huey Lewis and The News
The Heart of Rock n Roll
I Want A New Drug
If This Is It
The Power of Love
Jacob's Ladder
Do You Believe In Love
Heart and Soul
Back In Time
It's Alright
Perfect World
Workin' For A Livin'
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
The Skog Family Week In Review
What We Did On Our Summer Vacation
Some of you may or may not have noticed that The Skog Blog went on a little hiatus. What happened? Sickness? Lack of sleep drove KG and Wheels to the brink of madness and we've spent the past two weeks wandering the Earth in search of zen and enlightenment? Actually, Wheels and the girls were out visiting her padres in NV and KG used his 'bachelor days' eating sushi, some good (Mikado) some not so good (Simply Sushi), watching crappy movies (I wish I could blame Flanksteak but both movies were my choice) and catching up on TV Shows and sleep. The good news is that I have plenty of pics to share from the past two weeks. The bad news is that you have to read it and watch our boring slideshows. If you think my post about Yellowstone was tiresome you ain't seen nothing - Enjoy!
Toots Writes the Great American Novel
Before Wheels headed out on the road someone had to pay for our expenses. We put Toots to work and she cranked out a fantastic new novel and will be writing the guest playlist this week. I have a feeling it will only consist of 'Old McDonald' and 'The ABB's' but it will be fun IRregardless.
The Little Rockstar Update
Before I get too far into this post, here is your Little Rockstar Report. She has decided that binkies suck and thumbs, in fact, do not suck.
Lunchtime Is Not Fun
When P gets in new situations she goes into super spaz mode. Long time readers will remember that getting P to eat is never a good time and even worse when she's trying to 'impress' her friends and/or family. My favorite part of this clip is when the always mild mannered Papa D tries to feed her (for the record, this isn't his first attempt) and has to give up in disgust. I'm seriously not sure what we are going to do with P. Any suggestions are welcome in the comments section.
Swimming Is Fun
Although meal time is the worst time at the Skog home, water time is the best. Doesn't matter if it is an inflatable pool, bath tub, water storage facility or a tub used to bathe a large dog, the Skog girls love them some water time.
P Rides A Bike
Here is your KG Fun Fact of the week: KG is a big wuss (not the new fact because this is common knowledge) and has the balance of an old woman with a severe case of vertigo. Because of this I have never been able to walk across a balance beam and I didn't learn how to ride a bike until I was eight years old and needed to participate in the Cub Scout Bike Rodeo. The apple doesn't fall too far from the tree, my friends.
Lake Tahoe On The Rocks (Ain't No Big Surprise)
In another example of the apple not falling too far from Wheels' tree, the girls headed up to spend the day at Lake Tahoe. The beaches were too crowded and the Skogs would have just said, "oh well" and headed home. Not the Wheels family. Being the troopers that they are they found a nice place on some rocks and had a very enjoyable day at the 'beach.' We actually made a second trip up to Tahoe and got there early enough for a beach locale and P said it wasn't nearly as fun as her day on the rocks.
100 Degree Weather Causes Night Madness
The only downside to a day spent in 100 degrees is that it causes madness not seen since Ren and Stimpy were in space.
Too Hot To Go Outside
So what do you do when it's too hot to go outside? Spend the day making a fort with Grammie D.
Wheels' Little Bro Heads to YerbaMate Country
One of the main reasons the girls were out in NV was to spend some time with Wheels' little brother Jason before he headed off on his mission. He reported to the MTC in Buenos Aires on July 23 and it's probably for the best that I wasn't there when he flew out because I would have stowed away in his bag for a chance to get to Yerba country. Best of luck to Jason, we know he'll be great.
Tahoe On the Sand
As previously stated, the girls had such a great time in Tahoe that they made me go back with them once I arrived in NV. I'm the fat guy with the 49ers shirt on, not like I have a hairy back or anything, just didn't want to get sunburned...
Scheels, The World's Greatest Store???
In Reno there is a sporting goods store called Scheels that is so friggin awesome I would live there if only it had a music section and wi-fi. Toots especially loved the fish and P couldn't believe it had a ferris wheel.
The Power That Makes the World Go Round
The highlight of my trip out to NV, other than seeing my girls of course, was seeing my boy, Mr. Huey Lewis and scratching the number one band off of my 'never seen in concert' list. Only a few of the original members of The News remained at this point but the band was able to crank out the hits all night long. The concert took place on a golf course as part of The Lake Tahoe Music Festival and so the crowd wasn't exactly the usual concert goers that I see. More of a wine and cheese crowd than a t-shirt and shorts kind of people as witnessed in the following pics:
Portable wine and cheese table
Many laughs were had over the evening but my favorite line was a text received from my cousin Dave after I texted him with, "Finally seeing Huey Lewis after 33 years, wish you were here..." His reply, "The fact that you are even thinking about me is the power of love." Wise words, my friends. I love you all. Thanks for reading this crap.
Some of you may or may not have noticed that The Skog Blog went on a little hiatus. What happened? Sickness? Lack of sleep drove KG and Wheels to the brink of madness and we've spent the past two weeks wandering the Earth in search of zen and enlightenment? Actually, Wheels and the girls were out visiting her padres in NV and KG used his 'bachelor days' eating sushi, some good (Mikado) some not so good (Simply Sushi), watching crappy movies (I wish I could blame Flanksteak but both movies were my choice) and catching up on TV Shows and sleep. The good news is that I have plenty of pics to share from the past two weeks. The bad news is that you have to read it and watch our boring slideshows. If you think my post about Yellowstone was tiresome you ain't seen nothing - Enjoy!
Toots Writes the Great American Novel
Before Wheels headed out on the road someone had to pay for our expenses. We put Toots to work and she cranked out a fantastic new novel and will be writing the guest playlist this week. I have a feeling it will only consist of 'Old McDonald' and 'The ABB's' but it will be fun IRregardless.
The Little Rockstar Update
Before I get too far into this post, here is your Little Rockstar Report. She has decided that binkies suck and thumbs, in fact, do not suck.
Lunchtime Is Not Fun
When P gets in new situations she goes into super spaz mode. Long time readers will remember that getting P to eat is never a good time and even worse when she's trying to 'impress' her friends and/or family. My favorite part of this clip is when the always mild mannered Papa D tries to feed her (for the record, this isn't his first attempt) and has to give up in disgust. I'm seriously not sure what we are going to do with P. Any suggestions are welcome in the comments section.
Swimming Is Fun
Although meal time is the worst time at the Skog home, water time is the best. Doesn't matter if it is an inflatable pool, bath tub, water storage facility or a tub used to bathe a large dog, the Skog girls love them some water time.
P Rides A Bike
Here is your KG Fun Fact of the week: KG is a big wuss (not the new fact because this is common knowledge) and has the balance of an old woman with a severe case of vertigo. Because of this I have never been able to walk across a balance beam and I didn't learn how to ride a bike until I was eight years old and needed to participate in the Cub Scout Bike Rodeo. The apple doesn't fall too far from the tree, my friends.
Lake Tahoe On The Rocks (Ain't No Big Surprise)
In another example of the apple not falling too far from Wheels' tree, the girls headed up to spend the day at Lake Tahoe. The beaches were too crowded and the Skogs would have just said, "oh well" and headed home. Not the Wheels family. Being the troopers that they are they found a nice place on some rocks and had a very enjoyable day at the 'beach.' We actually made a second trip up to Tahoe and got there early enough for a beach locale and P said it wasn't nearly as fun as her day on the rocks.
100 Degree Weather Causes Night Madness
The only downside to a day spent in 100 degrees is that it causes madness not seen since Ren and Stimpy were in space.
Too Hot To Go Outside
So what do you do when it's too hot to go outside? Spend the day making a fort with Grammie D.
Wheels' Little Bro Heads to YerbaMate Country
One of the main reasons the girls were out in NV was to spend some time with Wheels' little brother Jason before he headed off on his mission. He reported to the MTC in Buenos Aires on July 23 and it's probably for the best that I wasn't there when he flew out because I would have stowed away in his bag for a chance to get to Yerba country. Best of luck to Jason, we know he'll be great.
Tahoe On the Sand
As previously stated, the girls had such a great time in Tahoe that they made me go back with them once I arrived in NV. I'm the fat guy with the 49ers shirt on, not like I have a hairy back or anything, just didn't want to get sunburned...
Scheels, The World's Greatest Store???
In Reno there is a sporting goods store called Scheels that is so friggin awesome I would live there if only it had a music section and wi-fi. Toots especially loved the fish and P couldn't believe it had a ferris wheel.
The Power That Makes the World Go Round
The highlight of my trip out to NV, other than seeing my girls of course, was seeing my boy, Mr. Huey Lewis and scratching the number one band off of my 'never seen in concert' list. Only a few of the original members of The News remained at this point but the band was able to crank out the hits all night long. The concert took place on a golf course as part of The Lake Tahoe Music Festival and so the crowd wasn't exactly the usual concert goers that I see. More of a wine and cheese crowd than a t-shirt and shorts kind of people as witnessed in the following pics:
Portable wine and cheese table
50 year old dude in capris
Sadly none of my pics or footage do the concert justice. It was attended also by my pals Vanwarmer and Flanksteak and trust me there were plenty of older women who would have liked to be in a warm van with them.
Many laughs were had over the evening but my favorite line was a text received from my cousin Dave after I texted him with, "Finally seeing Huey Lewis after 33 years, wish you were here..." His reply, "The fact that you are even thinking about me is the power of love." Wise words, my friends. I love you all. Thanks for reading this crap.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Friday, July 10, 2009
News and Whimsy
Bon Iver/Jenny Lewis Concert Review - The music was better than I could have even hoped. The way Bon Iver was able to recreate the songs from the album was amazing and Jenny Lewis looked and sounded fantastic. However the crowd was worse than I imagined possible. Too many people, especially high school kids talking on cell phones. People! If you don't want to listen to the music why do you come to concerts? Never ceases to boggle my mind. Sorry. (End of rant).
I have been trying to get my nephew, Brandon, to do a guest playlist or post on The Skog Blog for sometime because underneath the quiet exterior is a very witty writer who likes good tunes and road trips to Seattle to see obscure indie/punk bands. I guess the reason he's been giving me the brush off is because he's busy filming a mockumentary about the trials and tribulations of gangsters in a small Utah County town. Pretty good stuff - comparing the quality of this to my childhood and high school movie attempts would be like comparing The Godfather to The Adventures of Pluto Nash. FYI - Brandon is the tall, skinny kid in the black suit who has the longest legs seen on screen since Jack Skellington.
Grew up listening to The Smothers Brothers records with Big J and always loved this song. However here is a sad and bizarre story not quite as funny.
Many of you are tired of the endless MJ tributes but this site is a pretty cool time waster.
I have been trying to get my nephew, Brandon, to do a guest playlist or post on The Skog Blog for sometime because underneath the quiet exterior is a very witty writer who likes good tunes and road trips to Seattle to see obscure indie/punk bands. I guess the reason he's been giving me the brush off is because he's busy filming a mockumentary about the trials and tribulations of gangsters in a small Utah County town. Pretty good stuff - comparing the quality of this to my childhood and high school movie attempts would be like comparing The Godfather to The Adventures of Pluto Nash. FYI - Brandon is the tall, skinny kid in the black suit who has the longest legs seen on screen since Jack Skellington.
Grew up listening to The Smothers Brothers records with Big J and always loved this song. However here is a sad and bizarre story not quite as funny.
Many of you are tired of the endless MJ tributes but this site is a pretty cool time waster.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Wednesday Night Playlist
The Twilight Concert Series begins Thursday Night and as previously discussed I am super excited, yea I dare say even giddy for the two acts that will open the series, Bon Iver and Jenny Lewis. Long time readers might remember that Bon Iver had the #1 album from the 2008 Skog Blog 12 Days of Christmas Countdown and this will be my first time seeing him (Justin Vernon) and her (Jenny Lewis) perform.
I can't imagine I need to do too much convincing to get people to show up for this concert but let me remind you that it is FREE and here are a few songs to assist with the persuasion. If you want more in depth Skog Blog Bon Iver coverage click here.
BON IVER/JENNY LEWIS TWILIGHT SERIES MIXTAPE PLAYLIST
Bon Iver - Flume
Bon Iver - Lump Sum
Bon Iver - Skinny Love - if this song doesn't make you a fan, none of them will.
Jenny Lewis is a former child actress who starred in The Wizard (a movie Wheels claims was shot in her hometown), Troop Beverly Hills and a Velveeta commercial featuring a young Kirk Cameron. Lewis is best known for her indie band called Rilo Kiley, has done some side work in the group The Postal Service and has released two solo albums. Her music spans many genres including rock, twang and electronica/techno and to top it off this talented gal isn't too hard on the eyes.
Rilo Kiley - 85 and The Frug - The first two Rilo Kiley songs I ever heard back in the Napster glory days of the early 2000's. I stumbled upon this amazing band but could never find their albums at the cd store because I was searching for Kilo Riley. I like to blame my diminished intelligence on my recent lack of sleep but even then I wasn't the sharpest cat in the litter.
A few songs from her solo efforts:
Jenny Lewis - See Fernando
Jenny Lewis - Rise Up With Fists
Jenny Lewis - Carpetbaggers (Featuring Elvis Costello)
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Oldies But Goodies
Brendan Benson - Lapalco
In a just world Brendan Benson would be selling millions of records and teaching the art of perfect pop songwriting at his private college, Pop University. Even with gushing critical acclaim, Lapalco achieved only minor success and has slid under the radar as one of the underrated gems of this past decade.
Lapalco, released in 2002, was the second and best of three solid albums for Mr. Benson. The problem is that in 2002 the radio waves were still clogged with Pop Punk and Rap Metal garbage posing as 'Pop Music' and there was no room for Brendan. Had this album been released in the late 60's or early 70's we might be seeing it in Rolling Stone articles where they discuss the Top 100 albums of all time. Lapalco wasn't alternative enough for play on modern rock stations or commercial enough for Top 40 so he did what other musicians in similar situations do - get a few songs in movies, commercials and TV shows and that pays the bills enough for them to tour and continue cranking out fantastic yet barely heard music.
I too often throw out 'Beatlesesque' when describing music like the 12 songs found on Lapalco but this is one case when it is well deserved. The slow burn of Metarie that explodes in harmonies upon reaching the chorus would make Lennon and McCartney proud. Other songs that wouldn't seem out of place on a late Beatles record include Good To Me, What and Jet Lag. You can tell that Brendan grew up listening to the classic albums of the 60's and 70's and his music seems familiar without sounding like a cheap imitation.
More recently Brendan Benson has found popularity and more commercial success partnering with friend Jack White in The Raconteurs. He also has a new solo album My Old, Familiar Friend set to be released later this year and I already have it penciled in for The Skog Blog End of the Year Top 12 Countdown.
Monday, July 6, 2009
The Skog Family Week In Review
A DAY AT THE POOL
It appears my Sunshine Playlist appeased Mother Nature and we were blessed with some good weather this week. This allowed the girls to get out and play in the Amazing Inflatable Skog Pool (available at your local Target or Walmart) with cousin Millie and friend Kire. Wheels and I have decided that one of our girls will end up marrying Kire (and/or his little brother Jack) in order to create some sort of ridiculously good looking superhuman race, even if his mom, Skye likes to mock my music.
P AND THE LIL' ROCKSTAR CHOCOLATE FACTORY
P loves to hold Lil J. She asks constantly and usually it looks something like the pictures below.
This week, however, disaster struck. While holding Lil' J, P was given an all exclusive tour of her chocolate factory, including a free sample. Poor P was not amused and may or may not have been scarred for life. How horrible are we as parents when catastrophes like this occur and our first thought is to grab the camera. Viva La Skog Blog! The horrified look on P's face is both sad and hilarious. I'm a terrible father.
It appears my Sunshine Playlist appeased Mother Nature and we were blessed with some good weather this week. This allowed the girls to get out and play in the Amazing Inflatable Skog Pool (available at your local Target or Walmart) with cousin Millie and friend Kire. Wheels and I have decided that one of our girls will end up marrying Kire (and/or his little brother Jack) in order to create some sort of ridiculously good looking superhuman race, even if his mom, Skye likes to mock my music.
P AND THE LIL' ROCKSTAR CHOCOLATE FACTORY
P loves to hold Lil J. She asks constantly and usually it looks something like the pictures below.
This week, however, disaster struck. While holding Lil' J, P was given an all exclusive tour of her chocolate factory, including a free sample. Poor P was not amused and may or may not have been scarred for life. How horrible are we as parents when catastrophes like this occur and our first thought is to grab the camera. Viva La Skog Blog! The horrified look on P's face is both sad and hilarious. I'm a terrible father.
NO WORK = ALL PLAY
We enjoyed a very pleasant 4th of July indoors. Most people are out hiking, swimming, etc but the forecast called for rain so we headed to the sanctuary of the local Fat Catz/Pizza Factory for some tasty lunch and mini golf.
4TH OF JULY EXTRAVAGANZA
I was mocked by my family for not following through with the fireworks playlist. In my defense, Flanksteak bailed early and Utah Fun was out of commission with an angry stomach. Bro in law Troy and nephew Calvin subbed for them and put on a respectable show nonetheless as evidenced by these photos. My favorite photo is Utah Fun lingering in his van because he didn't want to miss the show. Not quite as impressive as Michael Jordan's 'flu game' in the 1997 Finals against the Jazz but a valiant effort indeed.
NOW TOOTS KNOWS HER A-B-B'S
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Wednesday Night Playlist
Hopefully everyone has a nice BBQ and fireworks show lined up for this weekend. Just like your Memorial Day BBQ, KG is here to help make your fireworks show even better. This playlist is intended for the Driveway Fireworks Extravaganza, featuring Piccolo Petes and the TNT Pack from Costco. Upon further reflection though I suppose you could put these on your mp3 player and enjoy while watching the fireworks at your local park. My brothers Flanksteak and Utah Fun and my nephew Brandon have become maestros of the driveway fireworks, knowing exactly which cones work together and saving the best mix for the grand finale. This year we will take it up a notch and include some music. If you want Big J's address just let me know.
SONGS FOR A SPECTACULAR DRIVEWAY FIREWORKS SHOW
The Doors - Light My Fire - You don't want to start the show off too intense. This song will at least show your neighbors you mean business but hopefully isn't an omen for the fire you might start in the vacant lot across the street from your parents' home. Compatible fireworks for this song are Snakes, Flowers, and Bees.
Higher Ground - Feel free to choose either the Stevie Wonder or RHCP version or both.
Outkast - Bombs Over Baghdad - At this point Flanksteak has the crowd in a frenzy and this will keep up the enthusiasm during the lull in the middle of the show when we have to burn off the lesser quality fireworks.
Midnight Oil - Beds Are Burning - A nice classic song for the adults to enjoy while the kids run around with sparklers.
AC/DC - Thunderstruck - Sparklers are gone, kids are getting a bit restless, this song will either excite them or frighten them. Either way we are winners.
US Army Chorus - Battle Hymn of the Republic - Let's not forget why we are celebrating the 4th of July and this is my favorite patriotic song of all time.
Neil Diamond - America - Time for the finale. This song will bring cheers, chills, and most likely some tears. The perfect way to end your show.
SONGS FOR A SPECTACULAR DRIVEWAY FIREWORKS SHOW
The Doors - Light My Fire - You don't want to start the show off too intense. This song will at least show your neighbors you mean business but hopefully isn't an omen for the fire you might start in the vacant lot across the street from your parents' home. Compatible fireworks for this song are Snakes, Flowers, and Bees.
Higher Ground - Feel free to choose either the Stevie Wonder or RHCP version or both.
Outkast - Bombs Over Baghdad - At this point Flanksteak has the crowd in a frenzy and this will keep up the enthusiasm during the lull in the middle of the show when we have to burn off the lesser quality fireworks.
Midnight Oil - Beds Are Burning - A nice classic song for the adults to enjoy while the kids run around with sparklers.
AC/DC - Thunderstruck - Sparklers are gone, kids are getting a bit restless, this song will either excite them or frighten them. Either way we are winners.
US Army Chorus - Battle Hymn of the Republic - Let's not forget why we are celebrating the 4th of July and this is my favorite patriotic song of all time.
Neil Diamond - America - Time for the finale. This song will bring cheers, chills, and most likely some tears. The perfect way to end your show.
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