Free Punk

For those of you into looking for something new to listen to, I offer this to you

http://thepunksite.com/freemusic/

Musical Offering

I have ruined many a computer over the years while boldly clicking one link too far while on my search for the ends of the internet. While this may be disappointing to some, I have found great pleasure in the treasures I have unearthed...

I have found the future of the music business and it is called Grooveshark. 10 years from now you will look back at this moment and wonder why you did not start your own business like this one. Trust me. I am right. The Captain is many things but liar he is not.

They truly do have a lot of music to offer you for free. It only costs if you wish to download the tracks.

GROOVESHARK

PS: They even have URBN DK

Top songs of the decade?

The bean counters at Nielsen Ratings were so kind to share with us the most played songs of the last decade.


Country: "Something Like That" / Tim McGraw / 487,343 spins
CHR/Top 40: "Yeah" / Usher featuring Ludacris & Lil Jon / 416,267 spins
Hot AC: "Drops Of Jupiter" (Tell Me) / Train / 338,749 spins
Alternative: "Last Resort" / Papa Roach / 221,767 spins
Rhythmic: "Low" / Flo Rida featuring T-Pain / 206,864 spins
Album Rock: "It's Been Awhile" / Staind / 189,195 spins
Urban: "Drop It Like It's Hot" / Snoop Dogg featuring Pharrell / 169,511 spins
Urban AC: "Think About You" / Luther Vandross / 147,818 spins
Gospel: "Never Would Have Made It" / Marvin Sapp / 92,603 spins
Smooth Jazz: "Pacific Coast Highway" / Nils / 29,328 spins


I am pretty sure I was present for this decade yet I found myself completely ignorant to the majority of these tracks. Upon further research, I have in fact heard these yet did not find them all that memorable. It could be that it was probably at a strip club and was slightly distracted. I however can not allow myself to suffer through this alone so I dug deep into the internet to bring these gems to you.


Country: "Something Like That" / Tim McGraw / 487,343 spins



CHR/Top 40: "Yeah" / Usher featuring Ludacris & Lil Jon / 416,267 spins



Hot AC: "Drops Of Jupiter" (Tell Me) / Train / 338,749 spins



Alternative: "Last Resort" / Papa Roach / 221,767 spins



Rhythmic: "Low" / Flo Rida featuring T-Pain / 206,864 spins



Album Rock: "It's Been Awhile" / Staind / 189,195 spins



Urban: "Drop It Like It's Hot" / Snoop Dogg featuring Pharrell / 169,511 spins



Urban AC: "Think About You" / Luther Vandross / 147,818 spins



Gospel: "Never Would Have Made It" / Marvin Sapp / 92,603 spins




Smooth Jazz: "Pacific Coast Highway" / Nils / 29,328 spins



What really upsets me is that this song did not make it to the list...

Why didn't you tell me about Ernest Ranglin?

I love reggae. Whether it be the textured rhythm, the groove of the bass, the uplifting yet occasional anger in the message or the subconscious feeling of the sun on my back while overlooking the crystal blue waters of the Caribbean.

Add all of that to the fact I am the kind of music fan that when he finds something he likes, he digs in. I peel back the layers in search for something even greater. I figure if you were able to create something I enjoyed, you probably had an influence of something I also would enjoy. This life long habit of mine has brought me quite a few gems as well as a very large music collection.

Having this penchant for research is what surprises me that I never heard of this man. While I am sure I have HEARD him, I had no idea who he was or that such an amazingly original player existed. I am embarrassed to say I did not know who basically invented the reggae guitar style and sound.

Ernest Ranglin








May you find as much pleasure in this as I have.

Cheers!

...And the winner for The Most Caucasian Band goes to

OK. I am not going to say I am the most knowledgeable person on the planet when it comes to music but I know Whitey when I see him. He is alive and well while touring in a vintage bus and singing lyrics like "Chocolate Candy Jesus Christ"

Either way, I think I like them even if they can't dance.

We Gather The Distinguished

I have fond memories of my pops working at a public radio station. While his own amazing voice was rarely heard, the sounds and thoughts my mind was exposed to at that point in my life left a lasting impression. The majority of what he played were prerecorded programs where he would flip from one tape to the next. Surrounded by electronics and music, my early teenage mind had me on full nerd alert. I briefly attempted to pursue this memory as a career and had my own prime time radio show but the mystique wore off as I realized that I would have to do and play what I was told.

I do, however, still listen to public radio to this day. NPR offers a wide spectrum of aural delights sure to please everyone at some point. This time of year I find myself enjoying it even more. Please take a moment and listen in to this eclectic collection of Holiday music they have provided. You might find something new to fall in love with too. Let me know your favorite.

All Songs Considered

Favorite Places

While I am discussing exploring, I figured I would cover some of my favorite places I have been. I have traveled extensively through out North America and have seen many things the continent has to offer. Here is a list of links that cover my suggestions for you.

I spent 3-4 months exploring Mexico in a van in my mid twenties and returned again a few years later. These were some of my favorite stops.

Playa Del Carmen
Iberostar Quetzal in Playacar
Palenque
Hacienda Las Palmas

I have explored the country playing music on quite a few occasions. I will recreate one of the tours again at some point even if many of the clubs are no longer open. Some of my favorite stops were:

Storyville - New Orleans











The Stone - San Francisco














The Axiom - Houston















The Satyricon - Portland


















To be continued