As many of you know theres been a much anticipated rift between Obama and a great deal of progressive voters. The cause? Obama choosing Rick Warren to give the invocation at the inauguration. Where do I stand on the matter?
Well, as usual: somewhere in the middle.
The Gay community, and therefore the progressive community at large (as well as anyone who isn't a homophobic bigot) has cause to be concerned about folks like Rick Warren getting any political capital. He has, among other things, likened Homosexuality to Adultery and Polygamy, Opposed Gay Marriage on the grounds that it violates the free speech of Gay Marriage opponents (I don't find ANY argument against Gay marriage particularly logical or credible but this is certainly one of the weaker critiques. Its a bit like saying "Man these anti-discrimination laws violate my right to say racist things!!!!!") and is against Gay adoption. These positions are all unacceptable. People will often point to his work as an AIDS activist as some evidence of him being more progressive than other evangelical leaders, but his work on that issue has been mostly in Africa where HIV/AIDS is a predominantly heterosexual disease.
He has recently responded to some of these concerns visiting a gay thrift store and removing some language prohibiting gay people from attaining membership at Saddleback (four words: worst church name ever) from their website. I think its important to note that Warren is a fairly controversial figure in the evangelical community. Conservative evangelicals resent Warren addressing issues like Climate Change and find Warren's "Purpose Driven Life" book/movement a bit too close to pop-psychology for comfort. Liberal evangelicals (note: not an oxymoron) found Warren's purpose driven life materials a bit too commercial and yearn for an open and affirming (read: not homophobic) evangelical movement. If Obama thinks that Warren will be some gateway to the evangelical community he is sadly mistaken. Evangelicals are notorious for being strict ideologues, I've seen these people on the verge of screaming about issues like infant baptism and the ordination of female elders......A pro-choice politician? Puh-lease
What should keep lefties from hyperventilating? Pop quiz: Name the last pastor that gave the invocation at an inauguration.........still waiting........Okay, times up. I'm betting that you're probably like most people I've asked this question of and have reached the logical conclusion that this isn't even a very important role in the inauguration ceremony, let alone one of much historical significance.
Unfortunately due to the economy Gay rights activists will have a hard time making marriage equality seem like a dire struggle (although it is). Additionally Obama and most other prominent Democrats are against Gay marriage, although I do think we may see some progress on domestic partnership issues (I know, hardly a panacea).
Meanwhile Obama has appointed one hell of a secretary of Labor.
Its difficult to judge how progressive (or successful) president Obama will be over the next four years. Its important that we lefties stay vigilant, but retain some perspective and not let disagreements get in the way of our shared values.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Friday, December 19, 2008
Top 10 Favorite Bands/Artists
Always wanted to do this:
Top 10 Favorite Bands/Artists
1. Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band
2. Pearl Jam
3. Ted Leo
4. Ryan Adams
5. Steve Earle
6. Billy Bragg
7. The Hold Steady
8. Glen Hansard projects (The Frames, The Swell Season etc.)
9. Neil Young
10. Damien Rice
By the way, I'm prepping a lengthy post on Rick Warren that will drop either tonight or tomorrow night.
Top 10 Favorite Bands/Artists
1. Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band
2. Pearl Jam
3. Ted Leo
4. Ryan Adams
5. Steve Earle
6. Billy Bragg
7. The Hold Steady
8. Glen Hansard projects (The Frames, The Swell Season etc.)
9. Neil Young
10. Damien Rice
By the way, I'm prepping a lengthy post on Rick Warren that will drop either tonight or tomorrow night.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Countdown
Holiday 2008 mix notes will be posted before 11:59 PM on Friday, December 19th. Sorry for the delay but the snow up here has made things crazy.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Coming Soon!
Just pressed the 2008 Holiday Mix today. I will finish the artwork tomorrow and then start passing this baby out. After that I'll work on some notes that will be up here. This blog will then act as an archive for all of my mix related projects (I may start doing a summer mix).
Thursday, December 11, 2008
My Goal this Christmas
http://www.kgw.com/news-local/stories/kgw_121108_business_powells_staff_scale_back.52d7364a.html
Two words: Buy Local
More than any other time of year Christmas is when I go retail crazy. Not only do I buy gifts but inevitably I get a good share of Christmas cash as well. Usually I go for either price or convenience when buying gifts - taking a trip to best buy, fred meyer or even *shudder* the mall. The mall of all places! Not this year my friends!
I think between Music Millennium and Everyday Music, Powell's Books, the Vegan Mini Mall and various neighborhood shops I should be golden. Will it cost more? Maybe, but not much. In fact the really awesome thing will be for those of us music and book fans that will get to scoop up low price used goods with our Christmas cash. This recession will be hard on small and local businesses. If you value the character of this city then put your Christmas money where your mouth is and BUY LOCAL!!!!
Two words: Buy Local
More than any other time of year Christmas is when I go retail crazy. Not only do I buy gifts but inevitably I get a good share of Christmas cash as well. Usually I go for either price or convenience when buying gifts - taking a trip to best buy, fred meyer or even *shudder* the mall. The mall of all places! Not this year my friends!
I think between Music Millennium and Everyday Music, Powell's Books, the Vegan Mini Mall and various neighborhood shops I should be golden. Will it cost more? Maybe, but not much. In fact the really awesome thing will be for those of us music and book fans that will get to scoop up low price used goods with our Christmas cash. This recession will be hard on small and local businesses. If you value the character of this city then put your Christmas money where your mouth is and BUY LOCAL!!!!
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Favorite Music of 2008
The time is here. 2008 has been another great year for music, lots of releases from established artists looking for a return to form as well as some new bands trying to reach that next level. Here's what I've been digging in list form:
FAVORITE ALBUMS OF 2008
Honorable Mentions:
1. Marnie Stern: This Is It and I Am It and You Are It and So Is That and He Is It and She Is It and It Is It and That Is That
I just discovered this record listening to Henry Rollins radio show. Simply put: this album is CRAZY. I'd venture a guess that if you pick this one up it'll definitely be one of the most avant garde things you've heard all year. Marnie certainly brings a creative voice to modern music and her guitar playing is incredible. Highly recommended.
2. Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds: Dig!!! Lazarus Dig!!!
Nick and the Bad Seeds continue to rock our collective worlds. This record was just a few more "great" songs away from getting into my top ten, but was still worthwhile. As usual Nick's lyrics are the stand out, especially on "more news from nowhere" (featured above).
3. REM: Accelerate
I was pretty disappointed by this release. It felt to me like REM was trying a bit too hard to recapture the exuberance of their formative years. Still, even just a couple great REM songs is definitely worth your time.
4. Ryan Adams: Cardinology
This was a bit too much like 2007's Easy Tiger....only not as good.
5. Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks: Real Emotional Trash
This record was great, but having a 10 minute song so early in really killed the flow for me. Nice to hear Janet from Sleater-Kinney still making great music after their hiatus.
Okay, now its for keeps.
#10 She & Him: Volume 1
This record has been all over top 10 lists for good reason as its probably the best pure "pop" record of the decade. These songs, along with Zooey Deschanel's voice feel timeless and the melodies remind me of anything from Brian Wilson to The Ronettes.
#9 Elvis Costello and The Imposters: Momofuku
Classic Costello here. Standouts are "American Gangster Time", "Pardon me Madam, my name is Eve" and "Turpentine"
#8 Martha Wainwright: I know you're married....but I've got feelings too
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OuX5Fwiaj70 (stupid UMG disabling embed)
Martha is one of my favorite female vocalists. I've seen her twice as an opener, one for the swell season and once for stephen malkmus. Some might call her wailing on songs like "Hearts Club Band" a bit histrionic, I call it transcendent.
#7 Billy Bragg: Mr Love and Justice
Its rare when an artist actually releases one of their best records roughly two decades after their first but Billy managed to pull it off. The usual quirky mix of songs about love and politics.
#6 Jenny Lewis: Acid Tongue
Classic examples of great songwriting are all over this record, I need to check out more stuff that Jenny Lewis has done.
#5 Spiritualized: Songs in A and E
"Soul on Fire" = Song of the year. Period.
#4 Drive-by Truckers: Brighter than Creation's Dark.
Hard to find a more consistent double record released this decade. This band manages to release an absolute gem despite membership changes. Patterson Hood turns out great songs like "The Righteous Path" and "You and your crystal meth", Mike Cooley steals the show with deep character sketches like "Bob" and "Lisa's Birthday" and Shonna Tucker gets all sultry with cuts like "Houston" and "Purgatory Line". Essential listening here.
#3 The Hold Steady: Stay Positive
Falling short of their last record "Boys and Girls in America" The Hold Steady still manage to fuse Springsteenian anthems with Hardcore sensibility to make an excellent record.
#2 The Helio Sequence: Keep Your Eyes Ahead
The best band to ever come out of Beaverton, OR released their latest record early on this year, but its managed to hold a spot on my ipod for some time now (best hard on vinyl though, obviously). Beatleesque melodies meet blistering drums in a cacophonous reaffirmation of the power of rock and roll.
#1 Lisa Hannigan: Sea Sew
Okay, so this Irish record will technically be released in the US in 2009 - but I didn't want Bruce keeping Lisa from the number one spot when this record is sooooo good. After being fired by Damien Rice Lisa manages to release a record thats better than anything hes done in the studio (live though, Damien is hard to surpass, the again I've never seen a full Lisa Hannigan show.) Every song on this record is perfect. Great arrangements, lyrics, performances (especially vocally) tones and textures etc. My favorite female artist of all time.
OTHER STUFF:
Discoveries
One artist I've always wanted to check out and finally did and one I just found out about:
Tom Waits:
Where have you been all my life Tom? Hoping to get the full discography with Christmas money. Still trying to wrap my ahead around some of his releases. Definitely in that top 5 living songwriters (with Springsteen, Dylan, Young and Wilson IMO).
CR Avery:
BEST. OPENER. EVER. More on that later. I'm hoping he'll come to Portland so I can take a big posse to be mindblown by his sheer talent.
Drive-By Truckers:
Aforementioned. Blew away by them at the Crystal. Records like Decoration Day will surely be in my top 50.
TOP FIVE SHOWS OF 2008:
#5 Ryan Adams – Elsinore Theatre – Salem, OR 1/25
First electric show with Ryan and the Cards. "I see monsters" was a KILLER closer. The Elsinore theater was immaculate and had tons of character. I'd love to see another show there.
#4 Billy Bragg w/ CR Avery - Pacific Northwest College of Art - Portland, OR 6/07
Again, BEST. OPENER. EVER. Billy is a can't miss live artist seamlessly weaving fantastic songs with great anecdotes. "The Spacerace is Over" was incredibly moving.
#3 The Hold Steady w/ Drive by Truckers - Crystal Ballroom - Portland, OR 11/22
It took a week to recuperate after rocking that hard. That should give you some idea of how badass that show was.
#2 Pearl Jam w/ Ted Leo - Madison Square Garden - New York, NY 6/24
In NYC on my honeymoon. Ted Leo opening. Madison Square Garden. Pearl Jam. Do the math. First night beats out second night due to the setlist.
#1 Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band - Rose Garden Arena - Portland, OR 3/28
I managed to get in the pit and stand about 10 rows away from my idol. This was a real emotional night for me, one I'll never forget. My first E-street band show. Hopefully not the last.
Well, thats it for music in 2008. What did you listen to?
FAVORITE ALBUMS OF 2008
Honorable Mentions:
1. Marnie Stern: This Is It and I Am It and You Are It and So Is That and He Is It and She Is It and It Is It and That Is That
I just discovered this record listening to Henry Rollins radio show. Simply put: this album is CRAZY. I'd venture a guess that if you pick this one up it'll definitely be one of the most avant garde things you've heard all year. Marnie certainly brings a creative voice to modern music and her guitar playing is incredible. Highly recommended.
2. Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds: Dig!!! Lazarus Dig!!!
Nick and the Bad Seeds continue to rock our collective worlds. This record was just a few more "great" songs away from getting into my top ten, but was still worthwhile. As usual Nick's lyrics are the stand out, especially on "more news from nowhere" (featured above).
3. REM: Accelerate
I was pretty disappointed by this release. It felt to me like REM was trying a bit too hard to recapture the exuberance of their formative years. Still, even just a couple great REM songs is definitely worth your time.
4. Ryan Adams: Cardinology
This was a bit too much like 2007's Easy Tiger....only not as good.
5. Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks: Real Emotional Trash
This record was great, but having a 10 minute song so early in really killed the flow for me. Nice to hear Janet from Sleater-Kinney still making great music after their hiatus.
Okay, now its for keeps.
#10 She & Him: Volume 1
This record has been all over top 10 lists for good reason as its probably the best pure "pop" record of the decade. These songs, along with Zooey Deschanel's voice feel timeless and the melodies remind me of anything from Brian Wilson to The Ronettes.
#9 Elvis Costello and The Imposters: Momofuku
Classic Costello here. Standouts are "American Gangster Time", "Pardon me Madam, my name is Eve" and "Turpentine"
#8 Martha Wainwright: I know you're married....but I've got feelings too
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OuX5Fwiaj70 (stupid UMG disabling embed)
Martha is one of my favorite female vocalists. I've seen her twice as an opener, one for the swell season and once for stephen malkmus. Some might call her wailing on songs like "Hearts Club Band" a bit histrionic, I call it transcendent.
#7 Billy Bragg: Mr Love and Justice
Its rare when an artist actually releases one of their best records roughly two decades after their first but Billy managed to pull it off. The usual quirky mix of songs about love and politics.
#6 Jenny Lewis: Acid Tongue
Classic examples of great songwriting are all over this record, I need to check out more stuff that Jenny Lewis has done.
#5 Spiritualized: Songs in A and E
"Soul on Fire" = Song of the year. Period.
#4 Drive-by Truckers: Brighter than Creation's Dark.
Hard to find a more consistent double record released this decade. This band manages to release an absolute gem despite membership changes. Patterson Hood turns out great songs like "The Righteous Path" and "You and your crystal meth", Mike Cooley steals the show with deep character sketches like "Bob" and "Lisa's Birthday" and Shonna Tucker gets all sultry with cuts like "Houston" and "Purgatory Line". Essential listening here.
#3 The Hold Steady: Stay Positive
Falling short of their last record "Boys and Girls in America" The Hold Steady still manage to fuse Springsteenian anthems with Hardcore sensibility to make an excellent record.
#2 The Helio Sequence: Keep Your Eyes Ahead
The best band to ever come out of Beaverton, OR released their latest record early on this year, but its managed to hold a spot on my ipod for some time now (best hard on vinyl though, obviously). Beatleesque melodies meet blistering drums in a cacophonous reaffirmation of the power of rock and roll.
#1 Lisa Hannigan: Sea Sew
Okay, so this Irish record will technically be released in the US in 2009 - but I didn't want Bruce keeping Lisa from the number one spot when this record is sooooo good. After being fired by Damien Rice Lisa manages to release a record thats better than anything hes done in the studio (live though, Damien is hard to surpass, the again I've never seen a full Lisa Hannigan show.) Every song on this record is perfect. Great arrangements, lyrics, performances (especially vocally) tones and textures etc. My favorite female artist of all time.
OTHER STUFF:
Discoveries
One artist I've always wanted to check out and finally did and one I just found out about:
Tom Waits:
Where have you been all my life Tom? Hoping to get the full discography with Christmas money. Still trying to wrap my ahead around some of his releases. Definitely in that top 5 living songwriters (with Springsteen, Dylan, Young and Wilson IMO).
CR Avery:
BEST. OPENER. EVER. More on that later. I'm hoping he'll come to Portland so I can take a big posse to be mindblown by his sheer talent.
Drive-By Truckers:
Aforementioned. Blew away by them at the Crystal. Records like Decoration Day will surely be in my top 50.
TOP FIVE SHOWS OF 2008:
#5 Ryan Adams – Elsinore Theatre – Salem, OR 1/25
First electric show with Ryan and the Cards. "I see monsters" was a KILLER closer. The Elsinore theater was immaculate and had tons of character. I'd love to see another show there.
#4 Billy Bragg w/ CR Avery - Pacific Northwest College of Art - Portland, OR 6/07
Again, BEST. OPENER. EVER. Billy is a can't miss live artist seamlessly weaving fantastic songs with great anecdotes. "The Spacerace is Over" was incredibly moving.
#3 The Hold Steady w/ Drive by Truckers - Crystal Ballroom - Portland, OR 11/22
It took a week to recuperate after rocking that hard. That should give you some idea of how badass that show was.
#2 Pearl Jam w/ Ted Leo - Madison Square Garden - New York, NY 6/24
In NYC on my honeymoon. Ted Leo opening. Madison Square Garden. Pearl Jam. Do the math. First night beats out second night due to the setlist.
#1 Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band - Rose Garden Arena - Portland, OR 3/28
I managed to get in the pit and stand about 10 rows away from my idol. This was a real emotional night for me, one I'll never forget. My first E-street band show. Hopefully not the last.
Well, thats it for music in 2008. What did you listen to?
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