RIP Billy Powell.

Billy who you ask?

Billy Powell was the keyboardist for legendary Southern Rock band "Lynyrd Skynyrd."
As one of the surviving band members of the 1977 plane crash that killed Skynyrd vocalist Ronnie Van Zandt, guitarist Steve Gaines and assistant manager Dean Kilpatrick, Powell is probably best known for the opening chords on the Wurlitzer Electric Piano in the famed track "Free Bird" and for being the least known and probably least laid member of the band (too soon?)

He succumbed to an apparent heart attack yesterday in his Orange Park, Fla., home.

As he did with the death of Who bassist John Entwistle a few years ago, my older brother is probably partaking in a black out, coma inducing drunk in Powell's memory right about.......now.


It's 9:10 in the morning.

Murphy - The Girthy Robot.

Just a quick FYI -

For those of you that are reading this periodically (not that there are anything other than Google-bots hitting my blog) when I mention the name "Murphy" it is in reference to a non fictional (had to point that out) friend of mine who is equal parts Robot and Human being. A hybrid of sorts. At times Murphy is solely responsible for some of the bands that I write tidbits about here. This is due to his allowance of album "ownership" via uploading titles from his collection into my ipod.

I would like to say it's a one way street type of friendship but sadly he makes me do "things" in order to get these albums.

Just making sure that it was clear.

(Note: The pic of Robocop above is as close an accurate depiction of his appearance as I can get without actually publishing his real picture)

Current Music Fixation - Experimental Aircraft.

Once again, we are on to another CD that I just can't seem to get enough of these days - "Third Transmission" by Austin, Texas based foursome "Experimental Aircraft."

Just their third release in 10 years, this album is plush with dream like male/female vocal trade-offs not unlike "Shoegaze" bands of years prior - My Bloody Valentine and Slowdive. Although not a straight "shoegaze" album per se (Murphy would add "Space Rock" in there) "Third Transmission" definitely boasts some of its trademark signatures in it's guitar work and hazy vocal delivery. If you know me, you would be aware that I hold a soft spot for female vocalists so it shouldn't be that much of a surprise that this would find an instant place as a "go to" album on my ipod.

From the start, the first two tracks of the album (arguably the strongest two on the album) lend weight to the type of sonic experience they wish to take you on. The first offering "Stellar" is the first glimpse into female vocalist Rachel Staggs and her fragile yet unwavering lullaby of almost whisper like delivery. The second of the two "Upper East Side" introduces you to her male counter part and his choppy almost "David Byrne meets Robert Smith" vocal stylings that clearly showcase him as the "angst ridden" one of the two.

With 15 tracks in total, from start to finish the album is considerably lengthly but very easy and enjoyable to digest.

You know the drill:
Looking for a great album recommendation?
Go and cop this.

Looking for a shite recommendation?
Go pick up a Blender or Spin magazine subscription.

As you were......

The lost member of Insane Clown Posse sans face paint?

Really though?

How is this dude (Nick Hogan) allowed to walk the street like that?
They should lock him back up in the 'clink' as dressing like this is a far worse offense then drag racing your car in the Hollywood hills could ever be.

Douchbaggery of this caliber should not go unpunished.


Now....back to my snacks.

The Fox Theatre

This past Saturday I had the pleasure to catch a movie at the famed Fox Theatre. Located in the heart of the Beaches, this theatre is the longest running movie house in the country. Opening its doors to the public in 1914 (without a name mind you) the Fox has been a mainstay for the Beaches community and Toronto movie goers ever since. Steeped in history and a great place to get that "authentic" movie feel, it is a destination to not only catch a flick, but to take in some culture as well.

Hello new favourite movie theatre, Goodbye over packed, over priced, mainstream cesspools.

Current Music Fixation - The Go-Betweens.

Lately I have had the 1986 album "Liberty Belle & The Black Diamond Express" by Australian band "The Go-Betweens" on heavy rotation on my ipod.

Formed in Brisbane Australia and later moving to London for major label signing, this quintet has been called one of the quintessential indie rock bands of the 1980's. The album is full of non conventional singer/song writer like indie pop tracks. When listened to closely it clearly tells the story of where a plethora of 80's and 90's bands that were yet to form got some of their sound and influence from.

If you are looking for something new to purchase or download (that's right Murphy...I said download) you may want to give this one a shot. Who knows, I may have just turned you onto your new favourite band.

Yeah, I know...you can thank me later. I make your world a better place to live in.

Cram it!

RIP Ron Ashton.

A little late on this but original Stooges guitarist Ron Ashton was found dead last Tuesday in his Ann Arbor home. Cause is yet to be determined.

"The world didn’t always give Ron Asheton his proper dues. But the Stooges guitarist certainly paid his dues to the world, helping transform the sound of rock music."

Bummer.

Random 'IM' conversation (without permission of course)

(Note - above picture is not me...just making that clear. I am Michael in the conversation)

Michael: you are listening to the who. Baba O'Reilly?

dorsay20: and air strumming

Michael: hahaha...you didn't have to turn it down it was just an observation.

dorsay20: hahah, but then others could hear it too. can't be rude

Michael: how do you know its not just because i have a unique ability to hear from afar?
super powers so to speak.

dorsay20: you think you're the only one with superpowers in this office?

Michael: dude, the ability to eat canned ravioli without heating it up is not qualified as a "super power"

dorsay20: hahaha, best line of the day by far I seriously almost just lol'd

Michael: I'll lol you!

huh?

(This is funny to me because the evening before while walking down Queen street he told me he ate a cold can of Chef Boyardee on the weekend....he was so proud...oh and the picture I found while talking to him made it all the better)

The Illustrious Illinois hair farmer.

Is it just me or does Illinois Democratic politician-turned crook Rod Blagojevich look like he is wearing the hair piece that Homer Simpson inherits from 'Snake' in that epidode of the Simpsons?

You know, the one where the implanted hair is actually alive and controls Homers brain.

It appears as though Mr. Blagojevich's mop is actually growing from the brow/forehead back.



***Please note - I find that the Simpson's are far from funny and extremely overrated. This needed to be clear on my use of the reference.

When You Are Engulfed In Flames

Another one down.

I just completed the newest novel by David Sedaris called "When You Are Engulfed In Flames."
I must say that although at times it is incredibly funny and has some killer one liners, it read as familiar as his last release. And the one before that, and before that, and...well, you get the picture.

Always the cynic, Sedaris unleashes another round of self deprecating passages on his almost unbelievable life story (he claims in a recent interview that its 97% true.) This novel although good at times is not "Great" and is far from the superlative work in Sedaris' collection. True to typical Sedaris, the flow of the book has absolutely no continuity and each chapter reads out as another life lesson (or lack thereof) as he battles with being a middle aged man. With focal points on his family and a cast of characters that riddle his existence, the novel doesn't really give you much insight as to who he actually is. I mean, I guess I can read between the lines and figure it out for myself, but the secondary figures in the book seem much more interesting at times than Sedaris himself.

There is one standout chapter that I would consider revisiting just for the laughs. In "That's Amore" he befriends a haggard old Italian lady (Helen) who without doubt hates the very existence of anyone that is not her. Always the one upper and trumping any accomplishment outside of her own, she berates every and all neighbouring tenants in their New York apartment building with some of the best one liners the book has to offer. She even hands a beat down to a mildly handicapped 14 year old boy because she thought he was stealing a pen from her. Her defense: "Well you know those Portuguese."

In closing, good- yes. Great - no.
If you want to read great Sedaris pick up some of his other books first.

"Where Fire meets Desire"

No shit, this is a real product bestowed upon us by the marketing geniuses at Burger King. Not one to take a back seat to the fashion industry the fast food giant made something that all walks of women desire.
It's the new Burger King Body Spray Cologne aptly named "Fire" (Body spray of seduction, with a hint of Flame-Broiled meat.)

Now you can hit up Richmond Street on Saturday night after the long drive from Woodbridge and slay the ladies with a dose of the all American Whopper. Splash it on your bathing suit area for full effect or go traditional and keep it on your neck.


Note to self: stop eating meat.

All Hetero...all the time

HAHAHAHA!
I totally forgot about this clip I saw on the TV show "The Soup" for their best of '08.

To me it's quite obvious that "professional" wrestling is the most hetero of all sports.
No?

(It's better with sound but not necessary)