Category Archives: Random

Babble Blog, Good Eats, Good Times, Photography, Random

Babble Blog: The Weekend TX Invaded OH

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The internet is a crazy thing and of course we have Al Gore to thank for it…

Within the last couple months a friendship was created between a guy in Ohio who likes to blog and a girl in TX who found his blog through Twitter.  Small talk started and things slowly progressed to the point where phone conversations started.  Music taste was shared as well as appreciation for literature, art, and history.  It was clear that these two people had a lot in common.

Weeks later a plane ticket was purchased and TX invaded OH.

If you have not figured this out yet, I am OH and TX is my pal Jenn who I am more than thrilled to have started a friendship with.  Last weekend she visited me and I thought I would re-cap some of the fun we had.

Friday was one of those work days I wanted to hit fast-forward on until the shift was over.  It was a long day because in my mind I was trying to figure out all the things I wanted to show Jenn.  As soon as 2:30 hit the clock I was out of the building and off to the Akron / Canton airport to pick up Jenn.

After the initial meeting he hopped on Route 8 and searched for something to eat.  I immediately thought of an Akron staple and headed to Luigi’s Pizza where we caught up face to face and lunched on some great food.  After lunch we headed to Highland Square as I wanted to show her one of my favorite Akron music stores, Square Records.  We checked out some other shops in the area and decided to head back to my pad to hang out as Saturday was going to be a busy day.

Saturday was one of those days that I had been planning in advance for weeks upon hearing Jenn confirm she was going to visit OH.  We started the day by heading out to Lakewood to eat an early lunch at one of my favorite restaurants in Cleveland, Melt Bat & Grilled.  I called the ever cool Matt from Addicted To Vinyl as he agreed to meet up with us to see if he was awake or passed out in a ditch somewhere.  Surprisingly he was not only awake but waiting for us to arrive at Melt.  He even put his name in for a table and stated we only had to wait 30 minutes!

I actually had something to take care of upon entering the Melt establishment that i had been meaning to do for quite some time.  So the moment I walked in and was greeted I rolled up my sleeves looking for a staff member…and showed them my Melt tattoo.

Yes, a Melt tattoo.

Melt Bar & Grilled started a tattoo promotion recently where if a loyal fan of the establishment gets the Melt logo or a variance of it they will receive 25% off their sandwich, FOR LIFE.  As a grilled cheese fanatic I could not pass this up so I had my tattoo artist Ronnie Castro tattoo the permanent coupon on my arm in November.

Now that I was standing there in Melt it was time to get into the gang of loyal grilled cheese lovers.  After some appreciated compliments, photos, and the ever important “Tattoo Family Member” card I joined Matt and Jenn at a table for some grilled goodness.

Matt the trendsetter ordered a “Mighty Mac Melt”, the sandwich of the month and as a huge fan of mac & cheese I had to order the same.  Jenn had to be a rebel and ordered an Italian grilled cheese.  The three of us chatted so much that it seemed like only moments passed until we were served our sandwiches.  That meal was a highlight of my year!  No joke…  My sandwich was a giant friend mac & cheese nugget snug in a grilled cheese.  My arteries clogged and I only ate half (don’t worry I saved the rest for dinner, as did Jenn) but it was worth it.

After we stuffed ourselves silly Jenn and I said by to Matt and I decided to take Jenn to the park down the street to see the Cleveland skyline.  I do not care how cold it is outside, there is something about the Cleveland skyline I think everyone needs to see from Lakewood Park.  She really enjoyed it a lot as did I.

Once our fingers turned blue we decided to pack it up and head downtown.  I drove up and down the streets and gave Jenn a mobile tour of one of my favorite cities.  We really did not make any stops as I wanted to get to Collinwood before it started to get dark so Jenn could see Waterloo during the daylight.

After a couple of laps through the city we hopped back on the highway and headed out to the artsy district of Cleveland also known as Collinwood.

Stopping at Music Saves and Blue Arrow Records were on my agenda while out there but much to my surprise I was informed while at Music Saves that there was a Rock N Roll flea market going on at the Beachland Ballroom.  With plenty of time we headed down there and checked out what was good.  I really wanted to buy stuff there but money is tight these days on the BHP ranch so I was a good boy and looked with my eyes and kept the $1.27 I had in my wallet.

I plan on checking that out again one day when I have a couple bucks to spend.  There was a guy there who’s name escapes me but he had this box full of CDs from local Cleveland bands of the 90’s.  There were a few bands in there I remembered hearing about or even seeing live as a young music lover.  If I had it my way I would have grabbed a bunch just for the memory.  The guy said he had vinyl too but left it at home so I am hoping next time he is there.  We shall see.

Merchants were starting to pack up so I headed down to see Pete at Blue Arrow Records to see what was good.  I love that store and I had to show it off to Jenn.  While there I flipped through endless vinyl and found a Pacific Gas & Electric LP I had been looking for so you could say I was excited.

As we headed back to good ol’ Akron, OH it started to snow ever so slightly.  It was a nice end to a long day.  Once home we just kicked it and geeked out (relaxed) for the duration of the evening.

Sunday morning I did my best to make a breakfast of sorts and was pleased with the outcome. I cubed up some potatoes and fried them up as well as made eggs and refried beans.  I then fried up (with Jenn’s help) some corn tortillas and make tacos.  The outcome was an OH take on a Tex-Mex staple breakfast meal and I was thrilled.

I scored major brownie points there.  Speaking of brownies, the night before while we were geeking out I snuck in the kitchen and made brownies with chopped up Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups.  Yeah, they were amazing.  I pride myself on those.

Sunday morning I did not want to do much of anything but relax and Jenn was ok with that.  Suddenly I came up with the great idea of taking the pups up to Front Street in Cuyahoga Falls to show Jenn the fun little area as well as the Cuyahoga River.  While walking around she took tons of pictures and I just soaked in the beauty of the river and surroundings.  I love having that place just down the street from me.  The pups had fun dragging me all over the place.

Right before heading back home I noticed that the open light was on at Metropolis Popcorn so we picked up some snacks for afternoon football watching.  I got my favorite Chicago style popcorn (cheddar mixed with caramel) and Jenn chose the dill popcorn.  Both were amazing.

The rest of Sunday was chill and of course the Browns lost but at this time it does not bother me anymore.  There is always next year – and a hopeful first round draft pick.

Monday was departure day.  I know Jenn had fun because she thanked me multiple times throughout the morning.  I thanked her as well for coming up.  Not only was it a pleasure to have met her face to face but it was also awesome just to show her around Cleveland/Akron at the places I love.  Had we more time I would have taken her to many more places but I think I did good with what was shown.  Still, I wish I would have dropped by Cleveland Hts. and showed her Coventry.  Oh well, next time right?

Jenn is back in TX and I am sure she left OH with a good idea of how fun our city is, well at least I hope she did.  Upon exiting my car at the airport she reminded me that I was always welcome to visit her in TX and I hope to do that one day very soon.

Random

All I Want For Jesus Day Is Expensive Gear

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Yeah Jesus Day…  It’s coming.

I am going to skip the commentary about everything Jesus Day related and get to the point of this post.

Guitar Center has found a really unique way to tell your loved ones what toys you want for the holidays.  Now normally I am not one to dish out retail giant superstore selling techniques but I really got a kick out of this.  Imagine a wish list turned into something actually interesting to look at.  People are able to take items off their wish lists on Guitar Center’s website and slap them onto a personalized concert flier.

Thanks to a genius idea music lovers can visit Guitar Center’s website, pick out what instruments or accessories they desire for the holiday of their choice, and then incorporate them into a concert flier of sorts.  The flier can then be printed out or better yet added to Facebook or Twitter.

HERE is my wish list for Jesus Day 2009

Pretty cool huh?

Of course I am not totally serious about mine as I am not much the musician but I am not going to complain if someone buys me anything off that list…

Here are what a few of them look like default-wise…

Akron, Alt Rock, Emo, Hardcore, Indie, Live Shows, Metal, Music, Music Video, Post-Hardcore, Punk, Random, Screamo

Slacky McSlackster…

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Hey all,

Just wanted to send out a quick apology to all 7 of my readers.  Recently I took on a new position at the paying gig (aka work) that has been taking up a lot of my free time.  My hours range from early morning to late nights so my sleeping pattern is kind of messed up at the moment.

I can tell you that I have not forgotten about this little site I run here and have tons I need to share with you.  I just need to stop wanting to hibernate every time I come home.

I do have some concerts lined up this week and beyond:

Strike Anywhere / Polar Bear Club – Grog Shop – 10/08/09
I am super excited to see both acts.  There’s nothing quite like a punk rock show and a handful of friends will be joining me.

Sadly I will be missing another show that night since I can’t be in two places at one time.  A band called Youth Group is playing at Musica in Akron.  I have heard great thinks about these guys from Australia.

Here, see for yourself:

Mike Doughty – Beachland Ballroom – 10/13/09
The one time lead man of Soul Coughing returns to Cleveland touring in support of his latest release Sad Man, Happy Man, a CD I am trying to finish reviewing.  Having seen Mike Doughty many times in the past I know this is going to be one awesome show.

Converge w/ High On Fire – Grog Shop – 10/19/09
I am really hoping to make this show…  You have no idea how badly I want to see Converge.  I just hope I can make it.

Mae w/ special guest Jenny Owen Youngs – Musica – 10/30/09
I am super pumped to see both artists this night not only because I am a big fan of both but I get to hang out with my good pal Matt from Addicted To Vinyl and his super cool lady.

The Whigs w/ The Features – Musica – 10/31/09
As if one night with ATV and lady is not good enough I am going to hang out with them both again to see another great line-up.  I previously saw The Features at the Grog Shop when Those Darlins played with them so I know they are entertaining already and this will be the first time seeing The Whigs live.  Good times to be had, I know it.

Gallows – Grog Shop – 11/08/09
This show is going to be insane…I know it.  This UK band always is a insane act to see live.  I expect Frank Carter and crew to cause some hell on this Sunday night.

Here is a reason why I love Gallows so much:

Insanity. I love it.

So far that is all I have lined up but you never know.  I am trying my hardest to see as many shows as I can.

I’m planning on knocking out some reviews here shortly and I have some amazing bands I want to share with everyone including FREE MP3s!  So hang in there and I promise to spoil you with something entertaining.

Until then, be well.

90's, Music, Music Video, New Release, Punk, Random

Green Day, What In The Cornell Are You Doing?

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(I know I am going to get crap for this but oh well… I like to rant)

Dear Green Day,

What the hell happened to you guys?  I recently heard your latest effort 21st Century Breakdown and I must say I was highly disappointed.  I’m not sure I am going to even give the CD a second shot to be honest.  I did mildly enjoy the first single off the album, “21 Guns”, and even got a kick out of the video but once I finally had the chance to hear the whole album start to finish I found myself uninterested and skipped through every song and finally turned it off.  I have not done that with a CD in a long time.

What’s with the mellow sound?  Were you guys hanging around U2 too much???  I didn’t even hear Green Day when I popped in 21st Centruy Breakdown.  At first I thought it was just a cruel joke but then realized that the album was less of what I used to love and more of something I could care less about.

Should I blame Chris Cornell?  Did he command you three to record an album straight from the wallet or is this an honest recording?  Have you learned nothing from that evil man?  I realize you guys are getting up there in age and all but seriously…I think you could have done so much better. 

I hope this was not done for the money although I do know you will make a ton of money from it because a lot of folk are digging it already.  I’m sure sales will be high on this CD and tons of copies will sell to millions and millions of fans old and new, but I will not be one of them this time around.

We all know everyone is entitled to their opinion and [insert worship figure of choice] knows I have a plenty of them.  I am sure some of your fans do not like me saying how I do not like your latest album.  Don’t worry though, because there are other things I do not like too.  For instance, I still think Chris Cornell is a bitch for doing what he did (going solo with Timbaland beats) but I am excited to hear about possible rumors of Soundgarden reuniting.  I do not despise everything.

I’m just not understanding what is going on with you guys.  You were punk rockers to my ears years ago but seemed to change things up as you matured into musicians.  I respect change, but I just don’t know if I can take it anymore.

I’m a guy who was a fan of your band when you were just another punk rock act in California on Lookout! Records.  I have Kerplunk on vinyl, used to have a Dookie poster hanging in my bedroom as a teen, and even once was denied from seeing you live at a free show you played in Cleveland and highly considered joining the other denied folk to riot about it.  Luckily I did not and I stayed out of trouble that day.

Throughout the years you became my modern day Clash pumping out albums like Insomniac, Nimrod, and Warning.  I loved the similarities of your material with classic punk but even more so the idea that you did not completely rip them off.  While creating chart topping hits you did not seem to let it get to your head.  I realize the three albums I speak of did not sell as highly as Dookie, but as a Green Day fan I appreciated the hell out of them.

It must have been tough for you all when the popularity of the band sunk.  At one time I really did not think I would hear anything again from Green Day but you refused to give up and in 2004 dropped the chart topping American Idiot.  Props to you for continuing your dream as musicians.  I am sure it was a tough road traveled.

American Idiot was so much of a different concept and at first I really thought it was a great idea.  The whole rock opera idea was welcomed by almost everyone.  Thanks to a bold move in music styles American Idiot became a hit album and you guys were on top of the world again.  Thanks to non-stop radio play and MTV destroying airplay however it became an commercial disaster and everyone loved it.  I even liked it for about 12 minutes until it was overplayed and became almost annoying.  To this day I can not listen to that album anymore.

I almost wish that Cigarettes & Valentines was never stolen.  I feel that when some jackass stole your master recordings from that potential Green Day release it altered the music timeline in a Back To The Future sort of sense.  I’m not sure why you all never re-recorded that album and chose to create material that later turned into American Idiot but you did it for a reason.  Although the music was never recovered I hope one day that stolen album surfaces so I can hear how amazing it was.  I bet it is much better than what I have been hearing from you all.

I hear you guys are planning a summer tour for 21st Century Breakdown.  Even though I have never seen you live, I have decided that I am going to sit this one out.  Sometimes it’s best to just remember the good old times where pop punk was not so much mainstream / adult contemporary yet. 

I know you are one of the bands that is credited for making punk rock become more mainstream in the 90’s and pretty much putting an end to grunge music.  I do want to thank you for that because without bands like Green Day punk rock may not have gotten the credit that was deserved but come on guys, I know you can do much better than this…

Good luck with your success and I am sorry I can not get into your recent release.  It’s just not my thing.

Respectfully yours,

A Green Day Fan From The 90’s

Also guys, what’s up with the eyeliner in the “21 Guns” video?  Seriously , eyeliner?  I also love the over processed hair-do.  I’m not sure if I am watching a music video or something on Bravo.

Green Day – “21 Guns” – HD