Tuesday, January 1, 2013
Farewell
While this blog has brought me a lot of good things in my life, it's time to say goodbye.
I wish I could follow that up with some profound statement about changing mindsets and some deep discovery, but the truth is not as exciting as that.
What it really boils down to? The headache caused by google's account services. Basically, this blog is linked to an account I no longer have email access to (edit: I finally figured out how to get in there but it just causes even more of a headache than google does).
For a while I have been writing mainly at The Sight of Sound, my music based blog. My goal was always to make that my "professional" looking music blog, one that I could put on future resumes. But I did kind of miss having a place that I could talk about life events.
So with google's account syncing in mind, I figured I would just add a new blog over there. Most of you I'm already following through that account, but if for some reason I have missed you please follow me over there and let's reconnect.
So thank you. Thank you to all the legitimate friends I've made over here and the good times I've had. I hope to continue with that going forward.
New blog: The MrO Show
Friday, December 2, 2011
Giveth, Taketh
A significant event happened in my life Wednesday night - the birth of my nephew. It was something we had been looking forward to for longer than nine months and I know, without a hint of doubt, that he has great parents looking out for him. His mother is my sister and, even though we are too manly to say it out loud, my brother-in-law is just as much family to me than my own blood.
When I got the picture on my phone, I felt my cheeks widen as I gave the biggest smile I've given in a long time. I actually have an uncle named Matt who, even as I am on the verge of 25, I immensely look up to. My goal is to live up to his name and do whatever I can to pursue that even though states currently separate my nephew and I.
But it's fitting that my nephew was born around two days before an anniversary in my life. An anniversary I don't "celebrate" but rather remember.
December 2, 2001 was a Sunday. I can remember little details from ten years ago because it was a day that would forever change my life. It was a day that, at 14, I would have to figure out how to deal with the loss of a friend.
I met Connie when I was in middle school. We struck up a friendship that admittedly spawned out of affection on my end. She was a year older than me and when she left for high school we didn't see each other as much, but we stayed in contact.
Honestly, so much time has passed that I forgot how we went from acquaintances to friends but I do know that she knew I liked her as more. She didn't return the feeling, giving me an "I don't date guys younger than me" vibe. It was something that to this day I thought was a challenge but never pursued intently because her friendship mattered more.
I used to look for her when I attended my friend's soccer games and when a group of us would go to the bowling alley. We used to chat on MSN messenger and her words were always sincere with me. If one thing was true about the two of us, it was that we cared about one another.
Eventually, one of my good friends Andy would become basically a member of my household. He was also previously a friend of Connie's and the three of us struck a friendship trio of sorts.
It was clear that he was starting to develop feelings for her so any kind that I had that weren't previously suppressed at earlier attempts became finalized. But Connie and I would still have our chats and checkups. One Monday, I was in my room getting ready to watch wrestling. I told Connie this during our phone conversation, one in which she had called to just check on me. Our talks had weaned in recent days and she decided to pick up the phone and see how I was. It was a gesture I will never forget because it was the last time I would hear her voice.
The next weekend, Andy I got the news. Connie was in an accident involving four people and she was one of the two that didn't make it. The car was being driven by a driver who was under the influence and they lost control and ran off the road. Connie was ejected out of the passenger seat and lost her life instantly.
When we got the news, we just left my house and walked. We walked down the street and to the park and back, he and I not saying a word. The only sound you heard was our feet on the pavement and attempts at keeping tears in our eyes.
My dad and I are much closer now than we are then, but I don't think he knew how to react when he drove me to her funeral service. And if he didn't know what to say in the car, there were definitely no words to comfort me as I saw my friend for the last time. Only, it wasn't really her. I will never get over how doll-like she looked as they had to do some touchups following her accident.
But she was laid to rest in her pajamas and at least she left this world giving us a smile. I'm not big into signs or acts of nature, but I remember vividly a single gust of wind as her casket was lowered down in the cemetery. Noteworthy because it was a hot Alabama day in December and there was no wind to cool us down.
I walked by her casket and silently whispered "bye babe" to her; it was something I said to her whenever we would finish our chats and I thought it would be the perfect way to say goodbye one last time.
A few months ago, June of this year to be exact, I was eating at Hooters in Dothan, a city near where my friends and I grew up. There was a particularly ditzy waitress who was at times amusing and annoying. But something felt familiar about her and it wasn't until a friend I was with pointed out that we all went to the same high school. Then the "Shannon" on her name tag had a last name and I realized - she was the driver of the car the night Connie was killed.
I didn't know how to react - I had just been chatting it up with the person who is responsible for the death of one of my best friends. Ultimately, I tried to put on a happy face and finish the time with my friends. I gave her the benefit of the doubt that she had enough hardship on her own having to deal with the consequences of her actions.
But now, today, I realize that all these feelings stem around something that happened 10 years ago. On a weekend when my major focus was securing a relationship with a girl who I was crushing on. Then my week turned into a mix of tears and memories.
Now, the memories remain. And on the day where I mourn the loss of a friend, I simultaneously look forward to celebrating the arrival of my nephew later this month.
I love them both. And I will work just as hard to be an uncle to my nephew as I will to never forget Connie in my life.
When I got the picture on my phone, I felt my cheeks widen as I gave the biggest smile I've given in a long time. I actually have an uncle named Matt who, even as I am on the verge of 25, I immensely look up to. My goal is to live up to his name and do whatever I can to pursue that even though states currently separate my nephew and I.
But it's fitting that my nephew was born around two days before an anniversary in my life. An anniversary I don't "celebrate" but rather remember.
December 2, 2001 was a Sunday. I can remember little details from ten years ago because it was a day that would forever change my life. It was a day that, at 14, I would have to figure out how to deal with the loss of a friend.
I met Connie when I was in middle school. We struck up a friendship that admittedly spawned out of affection on my end. She was a year older than me and when she left for high school we didn't see each other as much, but we stayed in contact.
Honestly, so much time has passed that I forgot how we went from acquaintances to friends but I do know that she knew I liked her as more. She didn't return the feeling, giving me an "I don't date guys younger than me" vibe. It was something that to this day I thought was a challenge but never pursued intently because her friendship mattered more.
I used to look for her when I attended my friend's soccer games and when a group of us would go to the bowling alley. We used to chat on MSN messenger and her words were always sincere with me. If one thing was true about the two of us, it was that we cared about one another.
Eventually, one of my good friends Andy would become basically a member of my household. He was also previously a friend of Connie's and the three of us struck a friendship trio of sorts.
It was clear that he was starting to develop feelings for her so any kind that I had that weren't previously suppressed at earlier attempts became finalized. But Connie and I would still have our chats and checkups. One Monday, I was in my room getting ready to watch wrestling. I told Connie this during our phone conversation, one in which she had called to just check on me. Our talks had weaned in recent days and she decided to pick up the phone and see how I was. It was a gesture I will never forget because it was the last time I would hear her voice.
The next weekend, Andy I got the news. Connie was in an accident involving four people and she was one of the two that didn't make it. The car was being driven by a driver who was under the influence and they lost control and ran off the road. Connie was ejected out of the passenger seat and lost her life instantly.
When we got the news, we just left my house and walked. We walked down the street and to the park and back, he and I not saying a word. The only sound you heard was our feet on the pavement and attempts at keeping tears in our eyes.
My dad and I are much closer now than we are then, but I don't think he knew how to react when he drove me to her funeral service. And if he didn't know what to say in the car, there were definitely no words to comfort me as I saw my friend for the last time. Only, it wasn't really her. I will never get over how doll-like she looked as they had to do some touchups following her accident.
But she was laid to rest in her pajamas and at least she left this world giving us a smile. I'm not big into signs or acts of nature, but I remember vividly a single gust of wind as her casket was lowered down in the cemetery. Noteworthy because it was a hot Alabama day in December and there was no wind to cool us down.
I walked by her casket and silently whispered "bye babe" to her; it was something I said to her whenever we would finish our chats and I thought it would be the perfect way to say goodbye one last time.
A few months ago, June of this year to be exact, I was eating at Hooters in Dothan, a city near where my friends and I grew up. There was a particularly ditzy waitress who was at times amusing and annoying. But something felt familiar about her and it wasn't until a friend I was with pointed out that we all went to the same high school. Then the "Shannon" on her name tag had a last name and I realized - she was the driver of the car the night Connie was killed.
I didn't know how to react - I had just been chatting it up with the person who is responsible for the death of one of my best friends. Ultimately, I tried to put on a happy face and finish the time with my friends. I gave her the benefit of the doubt that she had enough hardship on her own having to deal with the consequences of her actions.
But now, today, I realize that all these feelings stem around something that happened 10 years ago. On a weekend when my major focus was securing a relationship with a girl who I was crushing on. Then my week turned into a mix of tears and memories.
Now, the memories remain. And on the day where I mourn the loss of a friend, I simultaneously look forward to celebrating the arrival of my nephew later this month.
I love them both. And I will work just as hard to be an uncle to my nephew as I will to never forget Connie in my life.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
MX
"On every street, every car, every surface are names
And at the streets arise, I'll be rather insane
Don't let them take control
No we won't let take control"
"Life goes on
It gets so heavy
The wheel breaks the butterfly
Every tear, a waterfall
In the night, the stormy night
She closed her eyes
In the night, the stormy night
Away she flied"
"Be the cartoon heart,
Light a fire, light a spark,
Light a fire, a flame in my heart.
We'll run wild,
We'll be glowing in the dark."
"And if we could float away,
Fly up to the surface and just start again.
And lift off before trouble just erodes us in the rain"
"Don't want to see another generation drop
I'd rather be a comma than a full stop"
"They got one eye watching you
One eye, what you do?
So be careful what it is you’re tryin’ to do
And be careful when you’re walking into view
Just be careful when you’re walking into view"
"Lord I don't know which way I am going
Which way the river gonna flow
It's just seems that upstream, I keep rowing
Still got such a long way to go"
"Once upon a time we fell apart
You're holding in your hands the two Halves of my heart"
"Up in flames
We have slowly gone
Oh, we have slowly gone
Could we pour some water on?"
"Through my days are flowing
From a shipwreck I heard a call
And she said
When you're tired of aiming your arrows,
Still you'll never hit the mark
And even if your aims are shadows
Still we never gonna part
Come on baby don't let it break your heart"
"The sky is blue,
Dreamed that lie 'til it's true,
Then takin' back the punch I threw,
My arms turn wings,
Oh, those clumsy things
Send me up to that wonderful world
And then I'm up with the birds."
And at the streets arise, I'll be rather insane
Don't let them take control
No we won't let take control"
"Life goes on
It gets so heavy
The wheel breaks the butterfly
Every tear, a waterfall
In the night, the stormy night
She closed her eyes
In the night, the stormy night
Away she flied"
"Be the cartoon heart,
Light a fire, light a spark,
Light a fire, a flame in my heart.
We'll run wild,
We'll be glowing in the dark."
"And if we could float away,
Fly up to the surface and just start again.
And lift off before trouble just erodes us in the rain"
"Don't want to see another generation drop
I'd rather be a comma than a full stop"
"They got one eye watching you
One eye, what you do?
So be careful what it is you’re tryin’ to do
And be careful when you’re walking into view
Just be careful when you’re walking into view"
"Lord I don't know which way I am going
Which way the river gonna flow
It's just seems that upstream, I keep rowing
Still got such a long way to go"
"Once upon a time we fell apart
You're holding in your hands the two Halves of my heart"
"Up in flames
We have slowly gone
Oh, we have slowly gone
Could we pour some water on?"
"Through my days are flowing
From a shipwreck I heard a call
And she said
When you're tired of aiming your arrows,
Still you'll never hit the mark
And even if your aims are shadows
Still we never gonna part
Come on baby don't let it break your heart"
"The sky is blue,
Dreamed that lie 'til it's true,
Then takin' back the punch I threw,
My arms turn wings,
Oh, those clumsy things
Send me up to that wonderful world
And then I'm up with the birds."
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Monday, June 27, 2011
Best in Music for 2011 (so far) W/ GUESTS!
Hey, guess what? Here is some music, just for you! Not only from me, but from my friends Mike and Liz as well. This week, Mike and I are both participating in Liz's Mixtape Mondays with the theme being the Best of 2011 (so far).
Ladies first, so here is what Liz picked for her list. (Note: I can name three artists that I have become fans of because of Liz, so even though this list is for our readers, I am personally looking forward to discovering some new material from her selection).
2. Brother - Darling Buds of May
3. Sleeper Agent - Get it Daddy
4. Dr. Dre featuring Eminem, Skylar Grey - I Need a Doctor
5. John Legend - Rolling in the Deep (Adele cover)
6. Peter, Bjorn and John - Second Chance
7. Does It Offend You, Yeah? - We Are the Dead
8. Taking Back Sunday - El Paso
9. Royal Bangs - Fireball
10. Childish Gambino - Freaks and Geeks
11. Lupe Fiasco featuring Skylar Grey - Words I Never Said
12. Hugo - Bread and Butter
13. Farewell Continental - Who's the Boss?
14. Yellowcard - With You Around
15. Manchester Orchestra - April Fool
16. Cage the Elephant - 2024
17. Social Distortion - Machine Gun Blues
18. Augustana - Shot in the Dark
19. Foster the People - Houdini
20. Death Cab for Cutie - Monday Morning
21. Bayside - The Wrong Way
22. Panic! at the Disco - Sarah Smiles
Ladies first, so here is what Liz picked for her list. (Note: I can name three artists that I have become fans of because of Liz, so even though this list is for our readers, I am personally looking forward to discovering some new material from her selection).
01. These Days - The Foo Fighters
02. Shook Down - Yuck
02. Shook Down - Yuck
03. Calamity Song - The Decemberists
04. Love Is - Meg & Dia05. Walking Far From Home - Iron & Wine
06. It's Not A Bad Little War - Bayside
07. Calgary - Bon Iver
08. Came Out Swinging - The Wonder Years
09. Freak Out - Tapes N Tapes
10. Little Cup - Thao & Mirah
11. Meantime - Givers
12. Life Is Killing Me - Fireworkds
13. Grown Oceans - Fleet Foxes
14. Cradle - The Joy Formidable
15. Sadness is a Blessing - Lykke Li
16. Weekend - Smith Westerns
17. Everything With You - Pains of Being Pure at Heart
And now, I'm going to hand it over to Mike. (Note: I love that we picked a few of the same bands. Also, there were a couple of artists I left off because I figured Mike had them covered. It's awesome when great minds think alike)
1. Foo Fighters - Bridge Burning06. It's Not A Bad Little War - Bayside
07. Calgary - Bon Iver
08. Came Out Swinging - The Wonder Years
09. Freak Out - Tapes N Tapes
10. Little Cup - Thao & Mirah
11. Meantime - Givers
12. Life Is Killing Me - Fireworkds
13. Grown Oceans - Fleet Foxes
14. Cradle - The Joy Formidable
15. Sadness is a Blessing - Lykke Li
16. Weekend - Smith Westerns
17. Everything With You - Pains of Being Pure at Heart
And now, I'm going to hand it over to Mike. (Note: I love that we picked a few of the same bands. Also, there were a couple of artists I left off because I figured Mike had them covered. It's awesome when great minds think alike)
Click here to download Mike's mix
The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart- Belong
Manchester Orchestra- Mighty
Bright Eyes- Shell Games
Taking Back Sunday- Best Places To Be A Mom
The Black Dahlia Murder- On Stirring Seas Of Salted Blood
Lady GaGa- Heavy Metal Lover
The Beastie Boys- Long Burn The Fire
Mogwai- Mexican Grand Prix
Melanie Laruent- En t’attendant
Radiohead- Lotus Flower
Bon Iver- Perth
The Decemberists- Don’t Carry It All
Hugh Laurie- Six Cold Feet In The Ground
Foo Fighters- White Limo
Danger Mouse & Daniele Luppi- Two Against One
City & Colour- We Found Each Other In The Dark
James Blake- Limit To Your Love
Death Cab For Cutie- Codes & Keys
Tally Hall- Misery Fell
Iron & Wine- Walking Far From Home
TV On The Radio- Will Do
Thursday- Turnpike Divides
And finally, here are my picks. (Note: Foo Fighters is the only artist to appear in all three of our mixes. If you haven't checked out that cd, you need to).
2. Brother - Darling Buds of May
3. Sleeper Agent - Get it Daddy
4. Dr. Dre featuring Eminem, Skylar Grey - I Need a Doctor
5. John Legend - Rolling in the Deep (Adele cover)
6. Peter, Bjorn and John - Second Chance
7. Does It Offend You, Yeah? - We Are the Dead
8. Taking Back Sunday - El Paso
9. Royal Bangs - Fireball
10. Childish Gambino - Freaks and Geeks
11. Lupe Fiasco featuring Skylar Grey - Words I Never Said
12. Hugo - Bread and Butter
13. Farewell Continental - Who's the Boss?
14. Yellowcard - With You Around
15. Manchester Orchestra - April Fool
16. Cage the Elephant - 2024
17. Social Distortion - Machine Gun Blues
18. Augustana - Shot in the Dark
19. Foster the People - Houdini
20. Death Cab for Cutie - Monday Morning
21. Bayside - The Wrong Way
22. Panic! at the Disco - Sarah Smiles
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Mix and Match
So there are a few things going on that I should probably give specific attention to in three separate posts, but eff it - I'm lazy.
With that said, I present to you The (current) Life and Times of Mr O - A Three Part Saga
Act I - The Golden State:
I got back from California on Sunday after having an incredible week. Inevitably, there was some drama but it sort of came from an unlikely source in my brothers. Ironically, a few summers ago my brother Nick and I formed a bond and became super close. This time, it was my cousin Katie and I. She was the one who I had flown out to watch graduate and she was the one I spent the majority of my time with. While we probably set a record for laughs and hugs, it was her flat out asking me "why don't you just move out here" that got to me. For the first time in my life I didn't have a straight answer. I'm out of school, so what's holding me back? Right now it's the fact that I am at a good job gaining valuable experience. But best believe if I were to get laid off, I am picking up the phone and calling my Cali family immediately.
Here are some highlights from the trip:
*Becoming known as a car killer (my cousin got in an accident on the first day and after borrowing my Uncle's car it wouldn't start the next day)
*Spending an entire day at Six Flags Magic Mountain. I'm not usually a rollercoaster guy, but I had a lot of fun. Best ride? Riddler's Revenge.
*Walking along Ocean Avenue with the lovely Jeanette as my LA tour guide
*Having a section of family and friends take up three rows at my cousin's graduation. And being one of the loudest groups there.
*Seeing Pirates 4. And liking it.
*The competitiveness of Wii Bowling
*Eating some wonderful BBQ
*Hanging out with two sets of families and killing time by chatting, playing games and taking tons of pictures
Let's just say I was really really (really) sad when I touched down in Atlanta on Sunday. And if I was a betting man, I would put everything I had on me returning to California. Maybe sooner rather than later.
Act II - Summer Lovin, Happened So Fast
I think one of the most depressing things about graduating college and entering the "real world" is that you no longer have a summer. You know, the months when things slow down and you can kind of take things casually. Now that I'm at a big boy job, June through August is going to be feel exactly like February through April, only much much hotter. With that in mind, I still have some goals for the summer months, including
*Finally f**king learning the piano. I have felt inspired to make music lately and I want to see that through. Maybe, just maybe, 2011 will be the year that happens.
*Getting lost in TV and videogames. I know this may sound like a "dumb" goal to have, but I miss the simplicity of enjoying a game or being addicted to a TV show. The last one I watched was Friday Night Lights and that was so good I couldn't even think of watching something else for a while. But now I'm ready to get back in and I have some contenders including Smallville, Veronica Mars, Californication and Weeds. Most likely though, I'm going to start off with 24. As for video games, my cousin Brian let me borrow LA Noire. I've only played a few hours but I already love that game.
*I don't have a weight loss goal as in pounds shed, but I want to get into a "healthier" lifestyle. Even if it means just getting up and walking a little bit in the morning, it's at least a start.
*Also a BIG finally, is starting a music blog. I know that's what this has kind of evolved into, but I'm talking one that deals strictly in music. One that I can show on a future resume. And one that was inspired by a fellow blogger. This is the most important and expect to hear more about it soon.
Act III: Please, Don't Lose Your Faith In Me
Using music as the perfect segway, I am counting down the days until June 28. That's when the reunited original lineup of Taking Back Sunday finally puts out their new cd. It is two weeks away and if the four songs I've already heard are any indication, I am going to be far from disappointed.
There's only a handful of bands I get giddy over, but TBS is one of them. The last time I counted the days for a cd was Coldplay's "Viva la Vida" in 2008 (another "giddy" band). I did a countdown on myspace bulletins (remember those?) so I'm thinking I might do something for this release.
The latest track they released is "All This Now" and you can hear it below:
With that said, I present to you The (current) Life and Times of Mr O - A Three Part Saga
Act I - The Golden State:
I got back from California on Sunday after having an incredible week. Inevitably, there was some drama but it sort of came from an unlikely source in my brothers. Ironically, a few summers ago my brother Nick and I formed a bond and became super close. This time, it was my cousin Katie and I. She was the one who I had flown out to watch graduate and she was the one I spent the majority of my time with. While we probably set a record for laughs and hugs, it was her flat out asking me "why don't you just move out here" that got to me. For the first time in my life I didn't have a straight answer. I'm out of school, so what's holding me back? Right now it's the fact that I am at a good job gaining valuable experience. But best believe if I were to get laid off, I am picking up the phone and calling my Cali family immediately.
Here are some highlights from the trip:
*Becoming known as a car killer (my cousin got in an accident on the first day and after borrowing my Uncle's car it wouldn't start the next day)
*Spending an entire day at Six Flags Magic Mountain. I'm not usually a rollercoaster guy, but I had a lot of fun. Best ride? Riddler's Revenge.
*Walking along Ocean Avenue with the lovely Jeanette as my LA tour guide
*Having a section of family and friends take up three rows at my cousin's graduation. And being one of the loudest groups there.
*Seeing Pirates 4. And liking it.
*The competitiveness of Wii Bowling
*Eating some wonderful BBQ
*Hanging out with two sets of families and killing time by chatting, playing games and taking tons of pictures
Let's just say I was really really (really) sad when I touched down in Atlanta on Sunday. And if I was a betting man, I would put everything I had on me returning to California. Maybe sooner rather than later.
Act II - Summer Lovin, Happened So Fast
I think one of the most depressing things about graduating college and entering the "real world" is that you no longer have a summer. You know, the months when things slow down and you can kind of take things casually. Now that I'm at a big boy job, June through August is going to be feel exactly like February through April, only much much hotter. With that in mind, I still have some goals for the summer months, including
*Finally f**king learning the piano. I have felt inspired to make music lately and I want to see that through. Maybe, just maybe, 2011 will be the year that happens.
*Getting lost in TV and videogames. I know this may sound like a "dumb" goal to have, but I miss the simplicity of enjoying a game or being addicted to a TV show. The last one I watched was Friday Night Lights and that was so good I couldn't even think of watching something else for a while. But now I'm ready to get back in and I have some contenders including Smallville, Veronica Mars, Californication and Weeds. Most likely though, I'm going to start off with 24. As for video games, my cousin Brian let me borrow LA Noire. I've only played a few hours but I already love that game.
*I don't have a weight loss goal as in pounds shed, but I want to get into a "healthier" lifestyle. Even if it means just getting up and walking a little bit in the morning, it's at least a start.
*Also a BIG finally, is starting a music blog. I know that's what this has kind of evolved into, but I'm talking one that deals strictly in music. One that I can show on a future resume. And one that was inspired by a fellow blogger. This is the most important and expect to hear more about it soon.
Act III: Please, Don't Lose Your Faith In Me
Using music as the perfect segway, I am counting down the days until June 28. That's when the reunited original lineup of Taking Back Sunday finally puts out their new cd. It is two weeks away and if the four songs I've already heard are any indication, I am going to be far from disappointed.
There's only a handful of bands I get giddy over, but TBS is one of them. The last time I counted the days for a cd was Coldplay's "Viva la Vida" in 2008 (another "giddy" band). I did a countdown on myspace bulletins (remember those?) so I'm thinking I might do something for this release.
The latest track they released is "All This Now" and you can hear it below:
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Hustlers grab your guns
By the time this day is over, I will be with my family in California.
To say I'm excited is an understatement.
I'm thinking about doing some exclusive vacation videos for this blog. Think you guys would be interested in that?
Also, expect some pictures from another blogger you have seen on here before. Basically, the next week is going to be filled with greatness.
As this song is stuck in my head...
Thursday, May 26, 2011
So Last Night Was One of The Greatest Nights of My Life
I was really looking forward to the Manchester Orchestra / Cage the Elephant show because I hadn't been to a show where I could just let loose and rock out in a long, long time.
I needed it. I needed to be surrounded by people who want to be moved by music and are listening to people who care about making music. And I got that last night.
I have pictures, but they are blurry. I have videos, but they are loud. So you just have to take my word for it.
Cage the Elephant was straight up fun. But Manchester Orchestra gave an absolutely memorable performance. One that I will never forget
In 2008, I saw Coldplay live and it was, hands down, the best concert experience I have ever had. It's kind of like the movie Fight Club for me - I don't think anything will be able to top it.
But this concert last night came pretty damn close. I've never done drugs, but I'm pretty sure I was high on the music last night.
And right now, as my ears are still ringing and my legs are somewhat sore and I have to be at work in a couple hours, I am legitimately happy.
It's ironic that the venue we were at used to be a church because last night - I got healed.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Music Sunday: Concert Review/Concert Preview
Last weekend a friend and I traveled to New Orleans to see Augustana at the House of Blues. The weekend was a memorable one that included nearly 900 miles of driving, about three Monster energy drinks, a 4 a.m. return before going to work at noon and plenty of good times.
And the show was great as well.
The only two bands advertised were The Maine and Augustana, but we couldn't figure out which would go first. Turns out there were two openers - Hugo and Austin Gibbs.
Hugo was a pleasant surprise, as said friend and I were both fans of his cover of Jay Z's 99 Problems. And his set was really fun and everything an opener should be. I barely had any money, but he said his cd was available for $5 and he would be at the merch table, so we went over and got him to sign it.
And apparently take a creepy picture.
Austin Gibbs was someone I had never heard of and didn't know what to expect, all we had read was that he had an epic mustache. And he did. But he also gave one hell of a performance. I just saw his cd is only $7 on iTunes and I think I just might wing it and give it a shot.
And then there was the Maine. I kinda didn't like this band anyway as I put them in a category of bands that are the equivalent of being the NSYNC of Backstreet Boys of the alternative scene. But they were horrible, at least to me. I just felt like they were one of those groups that catered to making teenagers squeal (and there were plenty of them on Sunday) and not really care about making music. Basically, I hated it.
This is what my musical adventure partner was doing instead of watching The Maine (she was playing Snake)
Finally, the wait was over and Augustana took over the stage. They didn't do anything over the top or crazy, but just played some damn good music. Honestly, I think what made it special was its simplicity. The whole crowd was just wrapped up in the songs and it became an experience I will never forget.
The venue was really cool too.
Oh, and for those asking whether they played, "Fire," they did. Though they did it with the full band and it was cool. Here is my small clip of it:
After that show, Augustana propelled into my top ten. A band that is already there, Manchester Orchestra, I will be seeing on Wednesday.
This time it won't be as far as a drive as we are only going to Atlanta, which is a definite plus as that is the band's hometown. Another plus? Cage the Elephant is opening.
Here are two reasons why this show is going to be great:
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Music Sunday: Augustana
While this is going up on Sunday, I am actually writing this on Saturday. Because as you are reading this, I will be on my way to New Orleans to see Augustana perform. I really hope I hear this song:
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
These are the days of Mr O
A lot has been going on lately, which will be highlighted in bullet points with each probably getting their own post at some point.
*Hopefully no one takes this the wrong way, but I can't take much more tornado footage after last week. I literally see it the whole time I'm at work and I'm not getting annoyed with it... it's just so sad. I can only imagine that some people woke up that morning wondering what to post on facebook and ended the day wondering where their house went. I think the most scariest thing is that this "season" isn't over yet
*Immediately after I got off work on Saturday a spur-of-the-moment trip happened and I saw Fast Five that night. And enjoyed the hell out of it.
*Finalized a plan to see a show in two weeks... in New Orleans
*Am close to asking for a day off in the middle of the week toward the end of the month... for a different show (in Atlanta)
*This was my thought process to the Bin Laden news: "holy shit, Bin Laden's dead?" - "AMERICA!!!" - "This is crazy, we are all celebrating someone's death" - "How the fuck did this turn into Obama hatred?" (this one is DEFINITELY getting its own future post)
*Saw Paranormal Activity 2. Was intense.
*In one month, I will be landing in LAX. California may as well be called "Heaven" for that week.
*My bfff will be graduating on Friday and welcoming her daughter into the world in two months. I'm excited to be a part of the celebration for both :)
So hopefully that holds you guys over for a bit. Hold me to my word on turning these into separate posts ;)
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Tornadoes Suck
Working at a newspaper in the capital city of a state, you deal with a lot of state-wide headlines. Today was one of those days.
We had reports of severe weather all throughout the day. At first we saw a tornado touched down in Cullman. Then that a hospital in Cullman was hit. And then the biggest news was that it ripped through Tuscaloosa.
I stayed at work a little late to monitor if it was coming our way and what, if anything, we were going to write about it. So far, all we got in the city of Montgomery was some rain. Though by the time I wake up tomorrow that might change.
3 people have died in a city near us (Eclectic). At least 15 died in Tuscaloosa. And as of the time I'm writing this, 58 have died across the state.
The images I've seen have been unreal. And I don't think I will get them out of my head for quite some time.
Monday, April 25, 2011
Snapshot(s) of My Life (Picture Post!)
A desktop I really need to clean up:
A season of a TV show I just finished:
Movies I am currently watching to get ready for this weekend:
My Wrestlemania souvenir cup from my Atlanta weekend:
Music I'm currently listening to:
Me. In my Monday off-day attire:
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Music Sunday: Easter Edition
*Note: I plan on bringing back the concept of Music Sunday. Just not a countdown or anything. For right now it will just be whatever is on my mind for that particular time. But any suggestions are not only welcome, but encouraged.
"Well Jesus Christ, I'm not scared to die,
I'm a little bit scared of what comes after"
It's Easter. Here's a song with Jesus in the title:
I'm a little bit scared of what comes after"
Thursday, April 21, 2011
April 21, 2006
I feel like when someone close to you passes away, there are two dates that are going to stick with you - the day they passed and their birthday.
In my 24 years of living, I have had three good friends taken from me. Two of them, two that I graduated with, are tattooed on my wrist. It's my way of taking them with me everywhere I go, but I still think of them on the above mentioned days.
Two months ago would have been Cynthia's 24th birthday. But we didn't get to celebrate because five years ago today she was taken from us. I say "we" and "us" because she had A LOT of friends.
And honestly, that's a bonus I think to facebook. I didn't get sad to be reminded of it. I was happy to see everybody talking about how much they missed her. Made me realize how much of an impact she had.
I don't want to be entirely depressing, but I want to mention one story. Cynthia lived with her grandmother and the house they stayed in had friends come over so often that we all sort of became another family.
At her funeral, I got ready to go in and say my hellos to everybody and tried my best to "be a man" and not cry or anything. But when I walked in, I locked eyes with her grandma who gave me a sad/proud look. She hugged me and said "she really loved you guys" and all I could say in reply was "we really loved her too." And then, of course, I lost it.
Her grandma joined facebook not too long ago and we all friended her and I thought it was really awesome to see her post this as a status:
"Today marks five long years and yet it seems like yesterday since Cynthia died. She was one special gal.I'm glad to see so many of you remember and care. I love you guys !!!!! Love Grams Our angel is watching over you"
Recently I got the new Yellowcard cd and this song really stuck with me and it's what I posted today.
"All I can do is keep you closer now
'Cause I know your somewhere out there looking down
Wherever you are (Wherever you are)
I hope you can see me smiling"
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
The Boy Who Blogged Wolf
I feel like after so much time talking about going on hiatus and not blogging for the longest time, I bet anybody who regularly reads this thought that's what happened these past few weeks.
But that is not the case.
I was without Internet after moving into a new place. I had no idea it was going to take THREE WEEKS to get back into it, but in that span I've realized a few things:
*My name is Mr O and I'm an Internetaholic
*No matter how cool having Internet on your phone is, there is no substitute for the computer.
*I have really really missed blogging. And reading blogs. It kind of served as a wake up call because of all the things I could do on my phone, checking blogger was just uncooperative.
I hope you guys are ready for a flurry of posts because I have a lot to discuss. Mostly music stuff (of course) but maybe a few other things thrown in for good measure.
Oh, and if you are my friend on facebook (which most of you are, so you've seen my Internet presence anyway) then I hope you don't mind that I'm about to partake in one of those 30 Day Music Challenges.
Until next time, I want to leave you with my favorite song right now
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Music of 2011 (so far) W/ GUESTS!
*Please note, this is a lot of text. But in my humble opinion, it's worth it*
With that in mind I wanted to highlight the releases of the first few months of the year. My goal is to share with you guys any that you may have missed, but to also look at the feedback for the ones that I have missed. To speed up that process, I enlisted the help of some friends. So below my picks, you will get offerings from Liz and Mike. Keep in mind, it is way too early to start a "Best of" so these are just the ones we liked.
Let me say a couple things right off the bat. 1) The big one I haven't got to yet is Adele. 2) the only thing close to a disappointment is the Strokes (I wouldn't say it was terrible, but there was just nothing to pull me back). 3) Aside from the picks you will see below, I enjoyed the stuff from Bayside, Radiohead and Bright Eyes, but they are mentioned in Liz and Mike's picks 4) Other solid releases include D.R.U.G.S., Does It Offend You, Yeah?, Explosions in the Sky, Cake and Travis Barker.
On to the selections (please leave suggestions for stuff we missed in the comments):
Matt's Picks
Cage the Elephant - Thank You, Happy Birthday: A spastic (in a good way) album that shows slight maturity with a couple slower, more acoustic tracks. Admittedly, it took me a couple plays to get into it as the wild tracks are a little more out there than the self-titled debut, but it's an all-around fun cd.
Dance Gavin Dance - Downtown Battle Mountain Part 2: You have to be in to the screaming/singing genre to even give this a shot, but if you are it's a hell of a release. Though it's clear Jonny Craig has some personal issues, the reunited lineup sounds stronger than ever. This is my brother's favorite band and it was awesome to see him get excited about it as I am in the same situation when the original Taking Back Sunday releases a new cd (hopefully sometime) soon.
Lupe Fiasco - Lasers: The label frustrations are clear on Lupe's third studio release that definitely sounds more "mainstream" than his first two albums. But the songs are still great and lyrically he cannot be denied as one of the best out there. I read somewhere a line that I couldn't agree more with - even at his worst, Lupe Fiasco is better than the majority of rappers today.
Panic! at the Disco - Vices and Virtues/Yellowcard - When You're Through Thinking, Say Yes: I'm putting these two together because I had almost the same personally story with them both (and ironically they were released on the same day). After strong releases that I had on heavy rotation at one point in my life, both bands just kind of floundered for years. If my opinion is worth anything, both these releases have gotten them back on track (I still haven't taken V&V out of my car).
(Bonus Pick) Green Day - Awesome as F**K: I know this wasn't a new release and live albums get a lot of negativity, but I'll be damned if this isn't a really fun set. I pressed play sort of expecting just some background material but in a few minutes I was jumping around my living room like I was really at the concert. Say what you will about the aging rockers, but they know how to put on a show.
Liz's Picks
Killing Time by Bayside is catchy and melodic yet also has a punk vibe. It has a rougher edge and a bit of a hard-rock vibe but is still undoubtedly Bayside. Definitely worth checking out.
Yuck by Yuck is the bands debut album. Nineties indie rock goodness is how I would describe this. They sound like a mix of all the great early nineties indie music without sounding overdone or uninspired. See: Dinosaur Jr., Elliott Smith and Yo Le Tango and Teenage Fanclub. They are able to balance melodic harmonies and lovely boy-girl vocals with guitar distortion.
I really dig Kiss Each Other Clean by Iron & Wine. It isn't their typical mellow sound; there are clear influences from the hits of the 70's (see: Van Morrison, Cat Stevens and James Taylor).
The King Is Dead by the Decemberists is really good. They've moved away from the prog rock sound of Hazards of Love and produced a mellow, country-folk album.
Yuck by Yuck is the bands debut album. Nineties indie rock goodness is how I would describe this. They sound like a mix of all the great early nineties indie music without sounding overdone or uninspired. See: Dinosaur Jr., Elliott Smith and Yo Le Tango and Teenage Fanclub. They are able to balance melodic harmonies and lovely boy-girl vocals with guitar distortion.
I really dig Kiss Each Other Clean by Iron & Wine. It isn't their typical mellow sound; there are clear influences from the hits of the 70's (see: Van Morrison, Cat Stevens and James Taylor).
The King Is Dead by the Decemberists is really good. They've moved away from the prog rock sound of Hazards of Love and produced a mellow, country-folk album.
Mike's Picks
Bright Eyes- The People’s Key
Conor Oberst revitalized Bright Eyes with an immersive album that features spacious snyths, driving new wave, and the examination of spiritual harmony within our society. Throw in some nods to Rastifarinism, and it’s impressive to see just how far the drunk kid catholic has come.
The Decemberists- The King Is Dead
After the tripped-out prog rock of their previous album, Colin Meloy & Co. delivers ten tight tracks that don’t mess around. The record’s rich, Americana overtones feel like good comfort food, providing the solid backbone for Meloy’s signature character studies and soaring harmonies.
The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart- Belong
Following in the tradition of vintage shoegazers like Ride and post-punkers like The Cure, The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart have created this year’s breakout album. Belong is chock full of dreamy guitar haze, and crystallizes the most imitate feelings in its prose. The results are gorgeous without being nostalgic
Radiohead- The King Of Limbs
Part jazz-infused nature jam, part astute study of 2011’s electronic music scene, Radiohead created an album that demands attention. The group offers up a record that refuses to be accessible on first listen, but one where the real rewards are just below it’s murky, glitchy surface.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Tonight, We Dine, In HELL!!!
So not only is this around the two-year mark of the initiation of this blog (too lazy to look up the actual day) but this is my 300th post (get the title reference?)
I tried to think of possible things I could do to celebrate this post. I tried to look through videos and pictures and come up with something really cool. But honestly, nothing came to mind.
So really, after 300 posts and two years of blogging, I just want to say thanks. To all the readers who listened to me ramble about music, rant about things in my personal life and my occasional wrestling talk.
Let's go for more 300 more in 2013!
Because after all,
This, Is, BLOGGING!!!
Ok, I'm done...
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Scream at the Top of Your Lungs
The other day I randomly clicked on a song and started singing along really loud. I think I was getting it all out of my system for when I have to move soon and will no longer be able to play my music as loud as possible (how's that for a tease of a future post?)
I have a friend that I have perfected the art of the random text with and I shared this with her, simply stating "I'm currently singing I will survive at the top of my lungs. An alternative cover that is"
She then replied asking me what my favorite song to belt out is. And the idea for this post was born.
I could honestly turn this into a new Music Sunday idea (thoughts?) but here is a tiny sample of my favorite songs to sing (and air guitar/bass/drum/rap) like I'm the greatest musician in the world.
Enjoy these while you visualize one of your favorite bloggers gettin down and then leave some of your favorites.
Not only is this an amazing track, but it better win video of the year:
*Oh, and I'm not kidding about that last one. I would kill that song in karaoke.
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