sotd: Gossip – Pop Goes The World

Published by duane July 2nd, 2009 in civil rights, listen up!, music musings, show the love, song of the day and that is so gay. 2 Comments

Yesterday, I was talking with my friend Deb about Gossip’s new amazing album, and we totally agreed that Pop Goes The World is totally poised to be a new anthem for the gay rights movement!!!

I posted it in last week’s 5SF, and to be quite honest, I CANNOT get enough of this song!!! Have another listen:

These are the lyrics, and I have highlighted my favorite “get out there and fight for our rights” parts:

Find yourself in a situation
Can’t talk your way out of
Stimulate the conversation
How do you rise above
You try to tell some one
But you can’t describe it
We’ll start a demonstration
Or we’ll create a scene
Make noise from our frustration
Newspapers, magazines
We’ll turn them on their heads
You can’t deny it

For once
We’ll do what come naturally
We’ll approach it casually
With no apology
For once
We will have the final say
Goodbye to yesterday
‘Cause we know we’re hear to stay

Pop, pop, pop goes the world
New sensation
Pop, pop, pop goes the world
New creation

Give every generation
A different set of rules
We’ll start with TV stations
The radios and schools
Just try to have some fun
And don’t get caught
We’ll capture their attention
We’ll make them quite aware
Of all of our intentions
We’ll make ‘em stop and stare
They’ll take a second look
On second thought

For once
We’ll do what come naturally
We’ll approach it casually
With no apology
For once
We can have the final say
Goodbye to yesterday
‘Cause they know we’re hear to stay

Pop, pop, pop goes the world
New salvation
Pop, pop, pop goes the world
New translation
Pop, pop, pop goes the world
New elation
Pop, pop, pop goes the world
New sensation

Their new album is AMAZING, and grows on me with each listen. Beth Ditto rocks my face off. Do yourself a favor and check it out if you haven’t already!

sotd: Portishead – Roads

Published by duane July 1st, 2009 in music musings, music suggestion and song of the day. 1 Comment

Sometimes, you come across a song that can only be described as purely brilliant, and utterly perfect. Roads, by Portishead is one of those songs.


I have been a huge fan of Portishead for many, many years, and I was more than pleased when they released a new album last year. While it was different from their previous material, it reinforced the simple fact that Portishead is still an innovative band, who is out there changing the face of music for the better. Roads is by far my favorite song of theirs, and it is one of those songs that seems perfectly poised for an intimate scene on the soundtrack of your life (which is why it fits so well on shows at the “right moment”). Additionally, it is one of those songs that really makes me appreciate good music, because it sets the bar so incredibly high with its arrangement, raw emotion, and overall brilliance.

I couldn’t post this video without commenting on how strikingly similar Beth Gibbons looks like a cross between Emma Thompson and Kristen Scott Thomas; it’s freaky, don’t you think!?!

june’s ending, so here’s a list

Published by duane June 29th, 2009 in all about me, happenings, home improvement, mixed media and school. 1 Comment

There have been several little things going on with me lately, but nothing big, so I figured a list would do the trick. Here we go:

  • As I mentioned a few times, we got a PS3 earlier in June. Yesterday, I noticed that they had a bundle with Little Big Planet (the game I bought the same day I got the PS3) and Wall E included (for the same price I paid for just the system). I went to Best Buy and asked for my copy of LBP and Wall E, and they said I’d have to return the system; so I did. I got $65 store credit for my opened copy of LBP, $30 store credit for Wall E, and a new PS3. Saving almost $100 was well worth me going back home, packing up that massive system and taking it back in. I think sometimes that I probably pay too much attention to ads and deals, but when things like this happen, I just pat myself on the back for being so aware.
  • After some discussion at brunch yesterday, I decided it was time to whiten my teeth again. I have the custom trays, but they hurt my gums, so I have been avoiding them for quite a while now. The Crest White Strips were recommended to me, so I picked up some of the Pro Effects strips today. I hope they work, as I have been feeling like the bright white smile I used to have has been a little dull lately.
  • On my ongoing attempt to become a nurse: I applied to Georgia Perimeter’s associates program again, and this time, I actually had the appropriate Transfer student status!!! If I get in, I am jumping on that opportunity, and definitely starting that program. I also applied to Kennesaw AGAIN, and was able to fix the whole “out of state” situation (which, as it turns out, was just a mistake). So here’s hoping I get in there; because going straight for the BSN would obviously be ideal (I would probably transfer the classes I take at GPC, if I get in there, to KSU). Either way, the baby steps are still being taken, and I hope that some big kid steps are in my near future.
  • The bathroom (I know, I know) is like 99.7345% done. Pictures soon, I PROMISE. Part of the problem, was that I decided to paint the other one, and get a new medicine cabinet for it too; which has obviously meant way more work for me.
  • James doesn’t like the idea, but I am definitely thinking that we need to get a pool. It is too fucking hot, and I think that our friends would want to come over and swim! I LOVE pools, and even if it is only a ~5ft deep pool, it would make summer so much more fun. It may also motivate me to get to gym more often and be less of a fat fuck. (I recently started back at the gym, so I am hoping that dream will become a reality).
  • I think that’s all for now.

sotd: Robyn – Be Mine (live acoustic)

Published by duane June 27th, 2009 in music musings, music suggestion and song of the day. 3 Comments

I gave it some thought, and I feel like the 5SF may introduce some great music to you guys, but every once and a while, I really want to focus on a particular song. So, every once and while, I’m going to do a post about a song of the day (sotd), and I hope that you will find it just as enjoyable (if not moreso) as the 5SF. It will also give me a chance to feature a song that I feel like deserves more than a one time posting in the 5SF; for you see, I don’t repeat songs in the 5SF, no matter how many times I play them on my ipod.

For the first sotd, I wanted to post this live, acoustic version of Robyn’s AMAZING song, Be Mine (h/t Arjan):

What an amazingly beautiful version of the song! I still remember the first time I heard Be Mine, and still to this day, it is a song that I truly love. A friend of mine gave me a copy of her fourth, self-titled album, and I instantly fell in love with it. At the time, it was an import, and it took like 3 more years for it to finally be released here in the US; and I had been enjoying it immensely that whole time. The whole album really highlights how incredibly talented Robyn is, and songs like Be Mine show the massive contribution she is giving to pop music. I can’t wait for a new album from her, and I hope that the wait isn’t too long.

5SF: june 26

Published by duane June 26th, 2009 in five song friday, mixed media, music musings, music suggestion and school. 0 Comments

JESUS it is hot. HOT HOT HOT!!!! I can’t get over how hot it already is this year; it just makes me want to stay indoors at all times. Other than the heat, I got some good news today: I filed for residency at KSU, and it was accepted!! Now… to get into the nursing program… baby steps… But enough about that; it’s time for today’s five songs!

Gossip – Pop Goes The World

Holy song of the summer, Batman! Seriously, this one is going to make the hot months much more bearable. I have posted about the Gossip in the past, because I absolutely love the unique and powerful voice of the amazing Beth Ditto. Well, they released their newest album, Music For Men, this week, and so far, this is my favorite track on the album. This song is almost impossible not to dance and sing to; I love the tribal drumming and sticky sweet backing synth. I LOVE the crescendo the song grows to at about 1:25 in; it is epic!

Wave Machines – I Go I Go I Go

Another free song offered on the UK iTunes, I Go I Go I Go is a fresh, and hip dance rock track for summer as well. It really reminds me of awesome bands like Vampire Weekend, and even the Lightning Seeds. This track is as fresh as recently laid out produce, and I have been loving it more and more with each listen. I LOVE when I find random, awesome tracks like this. Thanks UK iTunes (even though I couldn’t buy it/get it for free like the other UKers)!

Safetysuit – Annie

This one is a “discovered while my ipod was running on shuffle” track. I added Safetysuit’s album, Life Left To Go, a while ago, but I hadn’t gotten around to a real listen. This track really stood out to me during the shuffle, and hearing talent like this really confuses me even more why people still love bands like Nickelback. If you like their “style”, Safetysuit is doing it, only better, and without the repetition (admit it, all of Nickelback’s songs are the same!! Stop the madness people!). I, for one, am glad that I found Safetysuit, and this great track (which really reminds me of what I LOVE about Our Lady Peace; the story telling, unique male vocals, and blaring distorted guitars). I only wish Safetysuit were getting the publicity that NB is.

Michael Johns – Heart On My Sleeve

I’m going to be totally honest: I didn’t care very much that he was even in the top 10 on American Idol. Yes, I thought he could sing beautifully, but since he wasn’t a “front runner” in my eyes, it was easy for me to ignore him. However, being that I definitely think AI has gained a really credible means of spotting true talent over the seasons, I wanted to check out his release when I saw it on iTunes earlier this week. Well, this song, the first track off of the album, has all of the vocal grittiness of Daughtry, with a tendency to lean more towards a Take That style (not to mention that it sounds A LOT like their amazing track, Rule the World). Overall, if for no other reason that I found this great track, I’m glad that I gave Michael another chance.

Alexisonfire – Burial

At this point, there really shouldn’t be any surprise to any of you how deep my love for Dallas Green (aka City and Colour) runs. Be that as it may, Dallas sings in Alexisonfire, a post-hardcore band, which, I have to say, is NOT my cup of tea. After hearing City and Colour, it is almost a shock that Dallas is even a driving force in Alexisonfire at all. However, they released a new album this week, and with the last track on the album, Dallas injected a MAJOR dose of his folk sensibility into the record, and I couldn’t be more elated, as it is a gorgeous song. I’m glad that Dallas tenderized at least one track on the album, because it gives folk lovers like me a chance to love something about a band that I probably wouldn’t otherwise listen to.

Well, there you have it! Five fresh tracks that are definitely music to my ears; what about to yours? Let me know what you liked or didn’t like, and as always, please tell me what you are listening to.

I feel compelled to say, that no, I did not feel the need to post any Michael Jackson songs, as I am not what I would consider, a fan of his music. I liked some songs, but nothing to the level of “love”, so I didn’t feel any need to stretch that, just because of his death. Anyway, there really isn’t anything that I could “introduce” you to about his music, which is kind of the point of the 5SF in the first place, so there we go.

Have a great weekend, and STAY COOL!

somethingwithatrickinit

Published by duane June 25th, 2009 in funnies, hotness, mixed media, show the love and that is so gay. 3 Comments

So last night, I was watching one of my favorite shows, Kathy Griffin: My Life On The D-List, when a startling revelation revealed itself before my very eyes; Paula Deen is a fag hag!!

Now, I LOVE Paula Deen. Seriously, something about her just makes me smile all over the place, and her laugh is one that I could just listen to all day long. I could be in the foulest of moods, and Paula ALWAYS makes me smile. Seriously, she is the definition of a down home, beautiful, and amazing southern lady. She has always seemed to me like the type of woman who couldn’t have a mean bone in her body, but I will say that I was honestly shocked that she has a gay assistant, named Brandon Branch! The fact that a lady that so born-and-bred southern, like Paula Deen is, and that she embraces gays just makes me love her so much more. Being from, and living in, the south myself, I know personally that there is so much hate for gays in the south, and it is a delight to know that we have a friend in someone as fabulous as Paula.

But that’s not all!! Not only does she have a gay assistant, but he’s a sassy, funny, and down home country gay that had me laughing so hard I was in stitches! First off, he starts in with the drunken description of trichotillomania (declaring that it is “somethingwithatrickinit”), and then tries to help Paula put her fake eye lashes back on, and declares her a “gaytastrophe” (*adding that to my vernacular*). Then, he says, “we need a gay miracle, we need a gearacle”. The best, is probably when Paula asks who wants some of her “delicious fruit cake”, Brandon chimes in without missing a beat, “I guess that means I gotta cut it.” Needless to say, I bet Paula uses that fabulous laugh of hers VERY often, because 10 minutes of Brandon had me laughing my head off. It goes to show, a little gay in your life can make things way more fun!

The fun is just too good to not show you first hand; the hilarity starts at about nine minutes in:

It keeps on coming:

An interesting, albeit nosy, theory was floated around on twitter last night when I was talking about how much I enjoyed this episode, apparently one that the internets have been asking for some time: Is Bobby Deen gay? Lord knows he’s a cutie (just like his hunky brother Jamie), and with a mama like Paula, I’m sure he’d have no problem coming out to her, (if he hasn’t to her already); that is, if he’s even gay. HOWEVER, I do want to say, that whether he is or isn’t, is none of my business, so long as he’s happy; and my guess is that he is, because who wouldn’t be happy with a mama like Paula Deen!? I say let sleeping dogs lie; gay or not, it’s none of our business.

Thanks again for making my night, Kathy Griffin. I love you; and I love you too, Paula Deen!

with a “role model” like this…

Published by duane June 24th, 2009 in blog on blog, civil rights, is it just me?, listen up!, near and dear, politics, that is so gay, tragic, venting, well? and wtf?!. 5 Comments

Who needs enemies? ESPECIALLY when this particular “role model” is nothing but a non-celebrity that is using his crass, bitchy, and bitter attitude to do nothing but bring the rest of us down to his level. Unfortunately, the person I am speaking of, is faux-celebrity blogger, Perez Hilton, and his latest stunt that is bringing even more shame on the gay community.

Yes, the dumb ass got punched in the face by someone he refers to as a “thug”, and I will go on record as saying that I personally do not approve of anyone being assaulted for any reason. However, one must account for the fact that he has made a career out of exploiting and making stuff up about other people (as well as continued betrayal of our community from within), and in this instance, he escalated the situation himself, even though he claims he would never resort to violence (Um, Perez, dear, violence can definitely be verbal; perhaps you need some education on that subject?). While I may not think that it was right for him to get assaulted, I hope that this incident can give him some foresight into just what he is doing to the gay community as one of its representatives (even though I am sure I am not alone in saying that we don’t want him).

With people like Perez Hilton being just one of the many faces of the gay community, we are completely going backwards in helping our struggle of gaining acceptance and credibility in this world. We can never expect to be taken serious about equal rights, especially with regards to the diminished use of hate speech, when loud mouthed hypocrites like Perez continually throw around the very hate speech that we are fighting to stop.

So I say:

Perez, from one gay person to another, can you PLEASE SHUT THE FUCK UP and go away, for the sake of the VERY community that you SAY you are so concerned about? Your incredibly long 15 minutes of fame has done nothing but shine a bad light on our community, and your continued self defamation has not been, nor will no longer be, welcome; especially from me.

Do I need to remind you that this month marks the 40th anniversary of the Stonewall riots; which is rightly regarded as the first time gays and lesbians took a stand and fought back, which in turn, became a symbol of the beginning of the fight for gay rights? Do I need to point out that 40 years in, and representatives of our community, such as yourself, are continuing to bring us down? Is this how you honor the fight, and the anniversary of our struggle this month?

I’m not glad that you got punched in the face, but the fact that you, a gay man, got punched in the face because you antagonized someone (whose sexuality is irrelevant), by calling him a faggot is beyond reprehension. You should be deeply ashamed of yourself. If you truly care for your community, as you say that you do, why not be a good example, instead of continuing to be a thorn in our paw? Your behavior has consequences, and continuing down the road of ignorance you so willingly travel just is not acceptable.

YOU are causing harm to our community, and YOU need to stop it. Calling out others, like Ms. California, was a “nice gesture”, but you are doing far more damage by continuing to fan the flames of your incredibly self-unaware hypocrisy.

I want equal rights, Perez, I really do. I believe in my heart that you do to. So why not be a voice for the gay community that is anything but utterly destructive? Do you have it in you to be anything other than hypocritical and bitter? For the sake of our public image, I certainly hope so.

bow to blu

Published by duane June 23rd, 2009 in all about me, home improvement, movie musings and shiny stuff. 2 Comments

Basically, Blu Ray has re-invigorated my love of watching movies. I even upgraded Netflix to send us Blu Rays if they are available.

High Definition really is the icing on delicious cake. Now… to stop buying so many of these damn movies!!!

Seriously, though, that’s about all I got. I am STILL finishing up small things in the bathroom, and painting the other one, so pictures will eventually come. Other than that… not much; although, I did go work out yesterday, and hope to add that back into my life. Here’s hoping that I actually go again later in the week… mama’s fat!

5SF: june 19

Published by duane June 19th, 2009 in five song friday, music musings and music suggestion. 7 Comments

While today’s selection of songs is going to start out a little on the slower side, by the end, I should have you up on your feet, dancing the afternoon away. However, make sure you stay well hydrated, because it is fucking HOT out there!!

William Fitzsimmons – I Don’t Feel It Anymore (Song Of The Sparrow)

William is yet another fantastic discovery that I came to via nothing more than a picture of the bearded singer. Sometimes, all it takes is some bearded goodness to get me interested, and luckily, William’s music is so beautiful that it drew me in even deeper. I discovered his album The Sparrow and The Crow through iTunes, where it was just released back in April; even though searches on the internets show that it actually came out late in 2008. I might have to ignore that fact, because this fantastic folk album could easily find a spot on my top albums of 2009, because it is incredibly beautiful, and each song is even more beautiful as the last. I have a weak spot for those bearded folk guys… what can I say? And it doesn’t hurt when they are incredibly talented to boot!

Matt Nathanson – Gone

Matt’s 2007 release, Some Mad Hope, actually made my year end best of list, but recently, I gave it another listen, and remembered how much I loved it. I love his vocals and the way in which he weaves a pop rock anthem. This was one of those experiences when I “re-discover” something on my ipod, something that I hadn’t listened to in such a long time for no other reason than I hadn’t thought to. Matt’s single, Come On Get Higher is making the rounds on radio right now (part of the reason I dusted his album off and gave it another listen), and I hope that he will release Gone as a single too; both are favorites of mine from the album. I can’t wait for new material from Matt, and I hope that his success will signal something new very soon.

Dan Black – U + Me =

This is the free download of the week on the UK’s iTunes, which is awesome for them, but unfortunate for us; since we can’t download it in the US. However, some searching the internet proved fruitful, and I was able to find this amazing track to bring to you today. I love the blaring backing snyth of this track, and the pulsating beats that go along with it. It really reminds me of a recent discovery, Miike Snow, with a similar energy and ferocity to it. I hope that when Dan finally releases his album that it is filled with more great songs like this one; because this song is fantastic.

Booty Luv – Say It

Perhaps one of the funniest names of a seriously amazing dance band, Booty Luv recently released their new single, Say It, and I have been LOVING it more and more with each listen. It has a similar floor stomping beat that the best tracks off of their debut, Boogie Tonight, had when it was released back in 2007. I am hoping that this song is an indication of what we have to look forward to on Booty Luv’s highly anticipated follow up. If that truly is the case, the release date can’t come soon enough. This song makes me want to fucking dance all night long, and is definitely one of their best to date.

Little Boots – Remedy

Little Boots is one of those greatly hyped acts that for whatever reason, I grew instantly skeptical of. Perhaps it is the stubborn side of me that likes to make things difficult, but whatever it is, it made me ignore Little Boots’ release Hands (other than my instant love for previously featured track, New In Town). Well, in steps one of you guys (fellow music blogger John), with this suggestion, and it snapped me out of my stubbornness, and caused me to fall deeply in love with even more Little Boots (as well as forces me to question why I can be so stubborn in the first place). This song is going to be a huge song of the summer for me, and it is one that it best listened to on full blast. Like I told you at the beginning of today’s post, I would have you dancing by the end; and I was right, wasn’t I?! Thanks John for the MASSIVE suggestion!!!

Alright, you guys, what did you think of this week’s selection? We ran the gamut from sweet and slow folk, all of the way through some dance floor fillers perfect for the summer! As always, please let me know what you think, as well as what you are listening to; as you saw this week, it may find its why into a future 5SF!!

um, thanks… FOR NOTHING

Published by duane June 18th, 2009 in civil rights, is it just me?, listen up!, near and dear, politics, that is so gay, venting, well? and wtf?!. 0 Comments

It seems that my outrage yesterday was a little less than it should have been. Turns out, the gesture Obama tried to placate us with, was worth nothing:

The memorandum Obama signed Wednesday is not expected to grant health and retirement benefits to same-sex partners, as that is prohibited under the Defense of Marriage Act.

(source)

That’s right, fellow gays and lesbians, say it with me; we are STILL:
SECOND.
CLASS.
CITIZENS.

…and it doesn’t look like that is going to change any time soon.

This is not just disappointing, it is outrageous. This is a major slap in the face, Mr. President, and it will not be ignored. What was initially seen as a cop out, is now an empty promise worth practically nothing. Sure, I know you are limited by DOMA, but this empty gesture is not good enough, and frankly it is insulting that you would think that it is worth anything at all.

Perhaps I am being too harsh though… as you do care, right? Allow me the chance to give you the benefit of the doubt; you did say,

“I believe it’s discriminatory. I think it interferes with state’s rights, and we will work with Congress to overturn it.”

(source)

So when can we expect this to happen? If you really want to do something for gays and lesbians, DO SOMETHING. Instead of handing us empty promises, why not take actions that would actually matter? If striking down DOMA is what it will take, why didn’t you propose legislation to do just that; instead of handing us this bullshit?! Saying that you are against something while doing absolutely nothing to stop it, implicates you as a willing accomplice. Mr. President, you are guilty of standing by while we are again, discriminated against, publicly, by our government. It is going to take more than a strongly emphatic “opposition” (with a current obvious lack of any sign that you will actually do more than “be against it”) to make a difference, and I for one am waiting to see if you will actually do anything you continue to promise. The problem is, I am losing my patience.

Again, Mr. President, I am outraged at the sheer lack of support for the community that supported you so ferociously during your rise to power; only to be ushered to the back of the bus once you took the podium. For shame, Mr. President, for shame. I only hope that you will bring the change that you promised, and stop trying to sell us snake oil instead. This is one member of the gay community that is rapidly losing support for the great man that I thought you were.

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