Looks like we made it Thrasherville
This past weekend I was rummaging through the cabinet that houses my CD collection. I needed to swap out the half-dozen or so that had been hanging out in my car’s glove box, so I brought those in and looked for a couple to replace them. These CDS are arranged in alphabetical order by name of artists…and in the case of multiple CDs from the same artists, I arrange them in chronological order based on the date of release of that particular album.
OK…so I’m organized.
Anyway, I’m flipping through the jewel cases, selecting the ones that I wish to have at the ready when…what do I see, smack dab in the middle of the second row? Why, none other than a Barry Manilow CD.
I’ll give you a moment to regain your composure
Yes. There, to my horror, nestled in with my Beatles CDs, my Pink Floyd CDs, my Rolling Stones, Rush, Dire Straights, Led Zeppelin, U2, Janis Joplin, Elton John, (pre-1980s stuff, mind you), REM, Peter Gabriel, B-52s and other fine assorted CDs was that…that… that thing.
Even worse, this Manilow release had not just infested…nay, defiled… the hallowed sanctuary of these musical treasures, but it was actually making contact with the Jimi Hendrix CD that my good friend Bluenote gave me last winter.
Now, this, thing, titled “The Essentials Barry Manilow”… or whatever…belongs to the Divine Mrs. R. She has her own CD collection and keeps them tucked away in a separate cabinet located on the opposite side of the room. The two never mingle. When we got married two decades ago, we decided that our taste in music was less compatible than most everything else in our relationship. As such, we agreed to keep our collections out of the union. There are “hers”, there are “mine”…but there are no “ours” in regards to our music CD collections.
shrugs…hey, it’s worked for 20 years, 9 months and 19 days so far for the two of us.
But this was the first time there has ever been a Code Red, full-contact intrusion of my CD space. How it happened is anyone guess. But it had to be dealt with, and right away. Therefore, I did what any red-blooded American male would do under the circumstances.
The younger Tax Exemption after disposing of the Manilow CD. He was rwarded handsomely for his actions
That’s right, I sent my youngest son…the one who wants a career in the military…in after it.
Oh, don’t get me wrong… I’m not the squeamish type normally. I’ve de-snaked back yards, dealt with spiders and other creepy-crawly things on many occasions. Why, I can even change a dirty diaper while eating a peanut butter sandwich. But the sight of Barry Manilow mingling with my CDs…well, it almost made me squeal like a 12-year old girl.
Almost.
Anywhoooo, I provided the boy with a Tyvek HazMat suit, fitting him with rubber kitchen gloves, armed him with my grill tongs and made sure he wore proper eye protection. He was then sent on the mission to purge this easy listening, soft “rock” abomination from the shelf of my CD cabinet, put it back in its proper place…or toss it in the trash, I did not care which… and restore honor to my otherwise pristine music community!
He was happy to accommodate my request…asking only a moderate amount of money in return.
Upon completion of the mission, he was then deconed with the back yard hose and steel wool scrubber. Unfortunately the tongues could not be saved, but the saving grace here is that grilling season is drawing to a close soon.
So, why am I telling you this?
Well two reasons really. First, as T.E. No.2 was performing this hazardous duty, I glanced upon the offending jewel case and noticed one of the song titles…”Looks Like We Made It”.
Yeah…I know.
But it was at that point that I was reminded of the fact that we are nearing the end of the dreaded month of August, the longest, most miserable month for hockey fans. And as August prepares to give way to September, we move into the month we look forward to so much. The players are already starting to make their way into town and training camp will start up in just a few short weeks. Soon after, we’ll see the final touches put on the makeup of the roster as preseason gets under way.
Will Craig Ramsay and the Thrashers new coaching staff be able to bring winning hockey to Thrasherville? (AP/Chris O'Meara)
We woke this morning to news that the Thrashers will not be bringing in forward Lee Stempniak. Instead he’ll remain in Phoenix for another 2 seasons. Also, Mark Everson of the New York Posts is reporting rumors that Travis Zajac may become a cap casualty of the New Jersey Devils once Ilya Kovalchuk is officially re-signed. So while there is news happening around the league, certainly things will do nothing but heat up as we tumble closer and closer to opening night.
Yes, Thrasherville. It does indeed look like we’ve made it…madeit again through another hot, humid, muggy, oppressive, long, nasty month of August. As such, one more offseason is nearing its end and another NHL season approaches, carrying with it the hope and expectations that accompany it.
Oh, and the second reason I shared this story with you? Well, it’s because ever since I saw the song title, I cannot get that insipid tune out of my head! So, Ive come looking for your help.
Today, tell us all what it is you are looking forward to most with this year’s edition of the Atlanta Thrashers. But also share with us what your favorite album of all time is…and possibly even explain why.
Maybe spinning those tunes in my head will help flush out my noggin and clear it of this hideous song.
I’ll start things off…I’m most looking forward to seeing if the new coaching staff employed by this organization can finally instill a solid, defensive-minded squad that plays hard-hitting, responsible hockey on their own end of the ice. As for my favorite CD…well, it’s the one I was blasting down I-75 this morning, Pink Floyd’s “Dark Side of the Moon”.
Only I could have sworn it was Barry Manilow singing “Us and Them”.
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342 comments Add your comment
DWTOO
August 30th, 2010
12:47 pm
Top Album – Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs. Bell Bottom Blues, Layla, Little Wing. Duane Allman and Eric Clapton together. can’t beat that.
And when feeling a little twangy – anything by Gram Parsons. Burrito #9, Christine’s Song, OOOh LasVegas.
Smoothie
August 30th, 2010
12:47 pm
Album most embarrassed to own: Def Leppard’s “Euphoria”. Unfortunately, Def Leppard’s continued commercial success ended when Steve Clark died. They were never quite the same after that. Or perhaps they never should have sobered up and living recklessly!
And I am proud to own several albums by Neil Diamond as well as some heartfelt folk rock by Dan Fogelberg! Some of his early stuff is really kick-ass and as good as most anything from the early 70’s. RIP Dan.
Smoothie
August 30th, 2010
12:50 pm
*stopped living reklessly. Please excuse the typo.
Trxie, I’ll sing you a power rock ballad if you free me from blog spam purgatory! Thank you!
Rhythmpenguin
August 30th, 2010
12:58 pm
Album most embarrassed to own: I have almost 7800 albums on my computer so there’s got to be a lot I’m embarrassed to own…how about Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera (I just deleted all traces of N Sync). =P
kracker
August 30th, 2010
1:03 pm
I like all kinds…well no BS, yuck and RH can keep the BM…from hard rock to not so hard rock, throw in a little country, not too much, from 60s and 70s drug music, maybe some CCR, don’t know that many modern songs (like after the 80s) just what is on the radio.
kracker
August 30th, 2010
1:06 pm
James Mirtle’s available list…
mirtle My list of 70 free agents from late July is updated. We’re down to 36: http://bit.ly/aqNOlt
Smoothie
August 30th, 2010
1:07 pm
Favorite song I’m embarrassed to admit: Sunglasses at Night by Corey Hart….ooooo yeah! Don’t switch the blade b!$ch#s! LOL
Wouldn’t mind hearing that song’s refrain during before a face-off.
Trixie (Rawhide's Secretary)
August 30th, 2010
1:08 pm
Mr. Smoothie – Your 12:41 pm has been freed from Blog Purgatory.
But if you want to do me any favors, please not NOT sing.
Dwayne
August 30th, 2010
1:12 pm
I remember all my life
falling down on frozen ice
A shadow of a man
A face through the glass
Nate
August 30th, 2010
1:15 pm
Smoothie – I appreciate your comments but let’s leave politics out of it. You don’t have to be a “left wing loon” to find a reason to jump on Glenn Beck. Thanks dude.
Rawhide
August 30th, 2010
1:20 pm
I still own a John Travolta DOUBLE album – I should not admit that in public. What is the WORST album you would ever admit to owning?
Dandylions – Ewwww….
Ok, I once owned Loverboy’s “Get Lucky” album on cassette tape. It was 1984, I was only 19 and I was trying to get a pretty young lady to go out with. I knew she liked the band, so I kept the tape in my car, you know, “just in case”.
But, if I may channel former Pres. Bill Clinton…I did not have audio relations with that cassette tape album. I did not listen to it, not one single time. Now I have to get back to work for the Thrasherville people.
Smoothie
August 30th, 2010
1:21 pm
Nate – you’re right, but it’s the left-wing loons who are obsessed with Glenn Beck. Who’s to say I’m not a left-wing loon!? My statement wasn’t really taking up the flag for GB necessarily. But anywhoo…
rhythm – I can’t really begrudge Kristian Bush and Jenny Nettles for “selling out” and making some money. They toiled in relative obscurity for how long here in ATL? They deserve their success, they’ve done it honestly and with hard work. And I think Jenny sounds great on their first two albums. Those two put on one hell of a show at the FOX a couple years ago. Just like Jason Neusted of Metallica says: “yeah, we sold out…every seat in every arena around the world!” LOL
Trix – Thanks again, you’re the best! And I won’t sing…I’ll just hum Cracklin’ Rosie to myself here at my desk…cuz it’s alright!
C
August 30th, 2010
1:24 pm
If you really want to cleanse your palate of the unspoken offending CD, crank up The Prodigy’s Fat of the Land album (Firestarter and Breathe were their big US hits.) Be prepared to start driving 90MPH, though.
Smoothie – HUGE Billy Pilgrim fan here, Sugarland not so much. I used to live near Charleston and saw them all the time at the Music Farm, as well as at Eddie’s when I came back to Atlanta. Even road-tripped back to Chuck once from here to catch them. Glad Sugarland is so wildly successful, but I sure miss BP a ton.
Matt
August 30th, 2010
1:29 pm
Nate-agreed. Most moderate’s and moderate republicans i know jump on beck all the time
kracker
August 30th, 2010
1:33 pm
/click blip crackle
The LWLs (such as the crowd over at the DUmpster (DemocraticUnderground.com) were apoplectic over GB having 2-500K+ people (estimates varied widely, take your pick but it was packed) at his MLK/Restoring Honor rally. We are talking like major brain hemmorages lol
/now back to your regularly scheduled hockey blog
Smoothie
August 30th, 2010
1:34 pm
C – I hear ya…saw them once by accident on a golfing trip to Myrtle Beach…such a small venue I had the chance to chew on Andrew’s ear a bit and talk some golf. Not sure why they couldn’t take it to the next level, but perhaps Kristian just couldn’t keep Andrew away from Cali. But you’re right, the album Bloom will always be in my personal top 10. Sweet Louisiana, Closed Down and Fallen Apartment still get me every time…great songs!
Glad I could help lure you out of the shadows C…don’t hesitate to post your thoughts as we’ve got a real good bunch…always fun to chat up the regulars here from the blog at a game. If we ever meet, I’ll personally buy you a cold one from Gorin’s just to toast to the memory of BP and roadies to hear them!
Rhythmpenguin
August 30th, 2010
1:34 pm
Smoothie, I understand what JN did, I just wish she hadn’t. Being a musician I really understand why and would probably do the same (fora while) if I was offered the chance. If you make it big for a few years with a few hits then you can do what ever yo want.
World Be Free
August 30th, 2010
1:38 pm
I got you all beat-Jim Schoenfeld (yes, the defenseman and coach) actually put out an album in 1972 or ‘73 with a variety of tunes, from Dylan, Beatles and Jerry and the Pacemakers. I have a copy, somehwere in my pile of 400+ LP’s. It’s actually not too bad.
polskidawg
August 30th, 2010
1:47 pm
Spinal Tap – Smell the Glove.
DB
August 30th, 2010
1:48 pm
Wellwood equals a Maracle that can shoot.
Can’t believe no one has mentioned REM. Murmur, Reckoning, Fables of the Reconstruction…
Smoothie
August 30th, 2010
1:51 pm
Hey World, is one of the songs entitled “Go eat another donut!”
I’ll see you your Schoney and raise you Les Dale Hawerchuks!!
Check it! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RldTB3A9WsI
kracker
August 30th, 2010
1:52 pm
Up pops another buyer group…
mirtle Drama continues. RT @phxbizjournal: A mystery buyer has stepped to the forefront in efforts to buy Phoenix Coyotes: http://bit.ly/chEYpf
polskidawg
August 30th, 2010
1:55 pm
Brian Eno – Here Come the Warm Jets
Smoothie
August 30th, 2010
1:55 pm
And if you’d like to know what the hell they are saying, actually the lyrics are pretty funny, here’s one with english translation.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=35XYb7Ugvs4
kracker
August 30th, 2010
1:56 pm
REM – Losing My Religion
polskidawg
August 30th, 2010
1:58 pm
The Velvet Underground – The Velvet Underground & Nico
polskidawg
August 30th, 2010
1:59 pm
Leonard Nimoy – The New World of Leonard Nimoy
GaVaHokie
August 30th, 2010
2:03 pm
I’m looking for a “time and space” guy to replace Kozlov and Max… that’s why I like Kyle Wellwood. Case in point…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IUzJvq3WQ_Q&feature=related
Burmistrov and Peverley are about the only two that give you this dimension.
Thyme of Bluesland
August 30th, 2010
2:04 pm
Album: Pink Floyd – Animals
Song: Sheep
Sage of Rhythm & Bluesland
August 30th, 2010
2:05 pm
Hockey taking a backseat to music today. No wonder the ASG holds concerts during hockey season at Philips Arena.
Putting On The Foil
August 30th, 2010
2:06 pm
Hooker’n Heat
DWTOO- That ole Waycross boy done good.
Brendan
August 30th, 2010
2:11 pm
I suppose … if I could only have 5 cds/albums while on a desert island that was magically wired for electricity, and had trees that produced batteries instead of fruit, I would pick: “So,” by Peter Gabriel, “Love,” by the Cult. “Boston,” by Boston. The Soundertrack to Maximum Overdrive (AC/DC greatest hits), and “Chronicles,” by Rush. I will admit to owning the digitally remastered greatest hits of the Doors, probably considered to be out of date music.
I’m willing to admit to the shame of actually owning “Spring Sessions M” by Missing Persons (Walking in L.A., Window to Look Through, What are Words for?, Destination Unknown) an “Sign in, Please” by Autograph (”Turn Up the Radio,” “Thrill of Love,” “Night Teen and Non-Stop.”) Yes, I feel shame.
Hockeywise, I really want Travis Zajac in Thrasher blue.
GaVaHokie
August 30th, 2010
2:15 pm
Brendan… Give me “Sonic Temple” for the Cult… Rush “Chronicles” is cheating. That’s a greatest hits album… I wrecked my mom’s car when I was 16 listening to “Subdivisions”.
Joe Friday
August 30th, 2010
2:16 pm
“They’re taps are freakin’ nasty! I remember getting a Miller Light in the club section that smelled (and tasted) like cat piss! In the club section!”
That’s because the kegs are down in the basement and there’s freaking miles of tubes that run from the kegs to the taps, cat piss indeed.
The clubs went to hell the day they took the Bass out.
Worst album I ever owned: Rick Springfield, Working Class Dog (the 80s were like a lost decade for good music).
GaVaHokie
August 30th, 2010
2:16 pm
Last Wellwood clip, I promise, but if this goal had gone in?… oh my!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xSvUeUWso8&feature=related
World Be Free
August 30th, 2010
2:16 pm
Thyme-Floyd-Animals is a good call, while most would pick Dark Side. The Wall was great too, though it took me some time to get accustom to it.
Smoothie-Schony’s a was a series album including “All Along the Watchtown”, “I saw Her Standing There” and “Don’t Let the Sun Catch You Crying”. I have a Three Stooges Holiday Album too.
GaVaHokie
August 30th, 2010
2:35 pm
Worst albums?
Hmmm… I might have to say Steve Vai “Flex-able”… and Flys “Holiday Man”.
But I really liked this song at the time…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BM_OWaItNJM
John
August 30th, 2010
2:39 pm
Bergfors will sign if he get 1m. But 800.000. wow that not much money. wake up Dudley.
John
August 30th, 2010
2:43 pm
Bergfors. One of the best rookies in NHL last season. NHL ALL ROOKIE TEAM. Sign him NOW. 21 goals last season
kracker
August 30th, 2010
2:44 pm
Brendan, On my deserted island I want a bowling alley (at least 8 lanes) complete with a jukebox, and a staffed fountain-bar/grill that does killer burgers, fries, shakes and desserts and has several fine beers on tap. I can’t begin to enjoy all that by myself so you stop over from your deserted island. Bring your music…you prob have a laptop, too, so we can catch some NHL online.
Sage of Bluesland
August 30th, 2010
2:45 pm
…So many tough choices…Rush has had so many great albums (including recent ones), but if I had to go with just one…Nope, I can’t with them. They’re all great in their own way. I checked out of them for the past ten years–but then “discovered” their three latest and am listening to them now, feeling like a teen again.
But, if I had to take only one album, it would have to be Abbey Road from The Beatles…..or maybe Let It Be….or maybe Sergeant Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band….or maybe The White Album???
Nope, sticking with Abbey Road, all things considered. Great-feeling album and the last, best, effort of a great musical group…
(It’s too bad the ASG doesn’t split up like The Beatles…In The End, the incompetence they take is equal to the sheep they mate…)
hip czech
August 30th, 2010
2:45 pm
the Philips people definitely need to let the Rawhide blog posters be in charge of music selections…wow, lot of good stuff here.
And who says hockey fans aren’t well rounded? Everything from music to beer to politics to, oh yeah, hockey
I’d be happy to see Bergfors sign…but something just tells me there’s more to the story here. We’ll see.
Mikey
August 30th, 2010
2:52 pm
Thanks a lot Rawhide, now I have that awful song in my head! It won’t go away!
So many to choose from but I’ll go with Boston’s first, (and only real great), album from 1976 I think it was.
Smoothie
August 30th, 2010
2:53 pm
Ben Wright has posted part 2 of his interview with Duds. It’s actually pretty good and he asked some pointed, insightful questions. Duds goes off on a couple of tangents, but you can see he’s high on his youngin’s.
Didn’t really expect him to tout Burmie as much as he did, but then again, perhaps he feels he has to toot his own horn for his 1st round selection since the excitement surrounding the pick wasn’t exactly off the charts on the Fan Reaction Meter. He’s definitely a year away as he is way behind Kaner physically. Last year at camp, you could just tell Kaner was ready. The only one that struck me the same was was Cormier. And perhaps Paquette if you’re looking for a 4th liner to challenge Boults, Eager and the rest.
Sara
August 30th, 2010
3:01 pm
Billy Pilgrim – oh man does that bring back some memories. Atlanta used to have such an amazing music scene (it might still – I’ve been out of that loop for a while).
Most embarrassing album owned … with a shoutout to Smoothie and his glam-rock … I’m sure I have a Stryper tape around somewhere.
Speaking of, (since Michael Sweet now plays for them), Boston’s Third Stage – love that album. Brad Delp is one of my all-time favorite vocalists.
GaVaHokie
August 30th, 2010
3:06 pm
Now, if we’re talking Arena music, I’m going on a completely different tangent. I think both of these songs would have made great entrance music, good slogans as well… just picturing the lights going out and the bird heads flaming up.
P.O.D. “Set it Off”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EY1crivl7r8
Korn “It’s On”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=938oWfsIyIc
Smoothie
August 30th, 2010
3:07 pm
My sleeper picks for camp to make it to the final cut at least (and perhaps even a roster spot):
Forwards – Paquette, Petersson, Macho & Burma will get his 9 games
D-men – Kulda is a lock IMO, Zubarev, Postma will get a long look
But I really think Danick Paquette is going to be the Josh Gratton surprise of camp and the pre-season. I will predict he will be Eric Boulton’s successor in the next couple of years at the least.
glovesave29
August 30th, 2010
3:07 pm
Gotta agree with GaVa on this one Brendan…greatest hits compilations are cheating.
Worst Album EVER was “Knee Deep in the Hoopla” by Starship. Has the worst song off all time on it – “We Built this City”. Anyone associated with this album in any way should be banned from the music industry forever.
Animals is great musically, but “The Final Cut” is so personal, you can just feel the pain in Roger Waters’ voice. An under-rated album in my book.
For those of us who have been here a while – hard to top the “Champagne Jam” concerts back at Grant Field back in the day – or REM filling the Fox…and the debut LP Murmer was not even out yet (Let’s Active – “Every word means no” opened….remember them?) or The Producers at the Roxy.
Best thing about Boston’s debut? The white boy fro of drummer Sib Hashian!!!
Smoothie
August 30th, 2010
3:09 pm
Wow! A Stryper reference on the hockey blog! Nice job Sara. How about some Dokken or Cinderella?? LOL Actually, the lead singer for Cinderella still has some serious pipes…should prolly be on Broadway like psycho Sebastian Bach!
lola
August 30th, 2010
3:12 pm
Most looking forward to wearing my new #36 jersey! and seeing all my hockey buddies — Favorite album? That’s a tough one since I’ve moved into the MP3 world. Now I make my own playlists so I have a special one I listen to on the way to my Thrashers games!!!