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
Joe Friday
August 30th, 2010
3:14 pm
“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”
Motion for Blog Comment of the Year, Rawhide! Anyone second? You know he’ll never win, but that’s classic . . .
Thrashers27
August 30th, 2010
3:15 pm
Just read part 2 of the Duds intvw. That just got my blood a-boilin’. I can’t wait to see this team hit the ice!
GaVaHokie
August 30th, 2010
3:19 pm
Smoothie… Cinderella/White Lion was my first concert.
Dokken “Beast from the East” = good stuff.
Smoothie
August 30th, 2010
3:41 pm
Oh snap! Forgot about White Lion…very underrated band! Not to be confused with Great White = crap.
To hell with blogger night, we need a Fans Pick the Music Night at the Bulb, that would be hysterical. Plus, I’m really getting sick of hearing Rihanna and Lady Gargoyle during warm-ups. I’m okay with a little rap music, but the poppy, mainstream crap is so not hockey.
“Yo Sage knows this, and Sage knows that, but Sage don’t know jack cuz Sage can’t rap…Well whatta ya know? It’s Kaner, first up to bat. No punches pulled and no strings attached. No holds-barred, no time for bad luck, gots to get the angle so he can bang home the puck. Brothers front and say the Thrash can’t flow, but we’ve been known to do the impossible like Broadway Joe.”
I want to be able to sing this after we make the playoffs this season.
Buzilla in CT
August 30th, 2010
3:45 pm
Abbey Road…
Zoomo
August 30th, 2010
3:46 pm
Most looking forward to a Thrashers team that plays a style of play that we haven’t seen in these parts before – hard hitting and gritty.
Grateful Dead – Europe ‘72
Buzilla in CT
August 30th, 2010
3:48 pm
I do enjoy “Mandy” by Barry Manilow…reminds me of Sutton
Buzilla in CT
August 30th, 2010
3:50 pm
“…During this time he began to work as a commercial jingle writer,[4] an activity that continued well into the 1970s. Many of those he penned he would also perform, including State Farm Insurance (”Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there…”), and Band-Aid (”I am stuck on Band-Aid, ’cause Band-Aid’s stuck on me!”. His singing-only credits include Kentucky Fried Chicken, Pepsi, Dr Pepper, and the famed McDonald’s “You Deserve a Break Today” campaign.[5] Manilow won 2 Clio Awards in 1976 for his work for Tab and Band-Aid.”
Manilow as per wikipedia
R. Stroz
August 30th, 2010
3:54 pm
In consideration of the former(?) GM, I’ll go with Grand Illusion by Styx.
In consideration of all the new faces, I’ll go with Stranger in Town by Bob Seger.
Cornbread
August 30th, 2010
3:56 pm
Abbey Road
Tom
August 30th, 2010
3:57 pm
This reminds me of the Family Guy episode on Barry Manilow.
I can just picture Rawhide, Stroz, Joe Friday, and Smoothie in this video…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ursTBD0sZ0
GaVaHokie
August 30th, 2010
4:03 pm
Good find Tom!
Smoothie
August 30th, 2010
4:04 pm
Well played Tom, well played! Guess that makes me Cleveland since I re-write other people’s rap songs to make them my own?
R. Stroz
August 30th, 2010
4:12 pm
Tom – No overweight bald guy with bullhorn. You must have meant Buzilla.
Thrashers27
August 30th, 2010
4:15 pm
Hate to rain on your rap parade, Smoothie, but yikes! That was lame.
I only hope and pray to the hockey gods that rap “music” never becomes part of the “hockey culture”.
The day I see a rapper get his gold “toof” knocked out while playing hockey is the day I want to hear a rap song at a hockey game.
Until then, I’ll be happy to hear some BNL, or VH, or GnR, or WOOOOOOOHOOOOOO!!!! at the arena.
Mikey
August 30th, 2010
4:16 pm
I could see Rawhide up on stage singing…..
I write the blogs that make Thrasherville sing
I write the blogs of games and all hockey things
I write the songs that make Blue Crew girls cry
I write the blogs, I write the blogs
Can you play the piano Rawhide?
Spud Webb
August 30th, 2010
4:18 pm
Looking forward to watch some CRUSHING hits and an aggresive thrashers team.
Album, the Vision Quest sound track!!!! I said it!!
Sara
August 30th, 2010
4:24 pm
Yeah I have to be honest – compared to what you hear playing in other arenas on Center Ice and whatnot, Phillips is LAME!! Too much pop and 80s, not nearly enough rock and roll. I mean, I hear Sevendust played at other arenas all the time .. you think they ever play it in their home state arena? Heaven friggin’ forbid.
I’ve been chirping for a few seasons now that I want Atreyu’s “Becoming the Bull” as the entrance song for games. I’m still hoping one season someone humors me.
Red Light
August 30th, 2010
4:27 pm
Excellent Sara. Morgan the drummer is a prince and a huge hockey fan!
Parade preparations now underway in the Canyon of Heroes in NYC as the Rangers signed the last piece of the puzzle for their Stanley Cup run next spring…Tim Kennedy!
Like here with Bergfors, no news on Staal yet.
Rawhide
August 30th, 2010
4:29 pm
Joe Friday – OK, I’ll bypass the procedural “seconding” and move straight to nominate Sage’s comment for CotY.
Congrats Sage. You now join Sara as the first two to be nominated. I know this will just thrill you both.
Tom – thumbs up…Nicely done!
Can you play the piano Rawhide?
Mikey – No.
Sara
August 30th, 2010
4:29 pm
Smoothie – Mike Tramp definitely has some nice pipes as does Tom Keifer and I’ve always loved me some Sebastian Bach. But I think my top vocalist of that “genre” is Geoff Tate (with an excellent Chris DeGarmo providing harmonies). Operation: Mindcrime and Empire are stellar albums.
Paminski
August 30th, 2010
4:36 pm
It’s kind of strange to be agreeing with Sage, but Rush! My top 2 are 2112 and A Farewell to Kings, but really each album has its own charms. And I also have been pondering checking out the last few releases. I haven’t bought one since Counterparts.
As far as a more recent band, loving Porcupine Tree’s release The Incident. Yes, I love prog.
Rhythmpenguin
August 30th, 2010
4:40 pm
I really like Kyle Wellwood from the youtube clips. Is he really available? How available is he (RFA, UFA, Trade)?
Brendan
August 30th, 2010
4:43 pm
Kracker’s island sounds good! Remember, bowling is a sport where performance is ENHANCED by drinking beer.
GaVaHokie, “Sonic Temple” is an outstanding choice. I guess I’m in the 51-49 camp, preferring “Love.” I wore the cassette out, then bought the CD. “Big Neon Glitter,” “Love,” “Black Angel,” “Revolution,” “Nirvana,” and my personal favorites from that album, “Rain,” “Brother Wolf and Sister Moon,” and “She Sells Sanctuary.” I have probably listened to the Love Album by the Cult more than any other in my life. And that includes Dark Side of the Moon, Boston (Self-titled), Van Halen (self titled,) “Hi-In-Fidelity,” (REO Speedwagon), “4,” by Foreigner (wore that record out, TWICE!! “Girl on the Moon” actually wound up on a Greatest Hits Album by Foreigner that I found at Wal-Mart,) “4,” by Foreigner had “Jukebox Hero,” “Urgent,” “Girl on the Moon,” and a lot more, “Tattoo You,” by the Rolling Stones, with “Waitin’ on a Friend,” and “Start Me Up,” etc. I wore out “Back in Black,” “For Those About to Rock,” “Flick of the Switch.” I loved AC/DC. First time I heard, “Hells Bells,” I lost it, thinking it had to be the greatest song ever recorded. If you like British Steel, then Judas Priest should be in your collection.
Glovesave29, you’re right. I was cheating. Greatest Hits albums are just a declaration of your favorite artists and bands. It’s not, really, truly a stand alone CD/Album. I grew up on Billy Joel’s “Stranger” and “52nd Street.” I wore out the vinyl. And did so, also, on Pat Benatar’s “Crimes of Passion.” Came out right about the same time of Rawhide’s favorite, “Get Lucky,” by Loverboy, featuring his favorites, like “Workin’ for the Weekend,” “Gangs in the Street,” “Take Me to the Top,” “When It’s Over,” “Jump,” and “Lucky Ones.” Hey, if listening to Loverboy got you some action, then you TAKE IT, brotha!!!”
Anyone remember an album named, “Breakfast in America,” by SuperTramp? “Take the Long Way Home.”
WBF, Jim Schoenfeld’s album had pictures of him in his hockey uniform, with Jerry Korab. I saw it somewhere online. “Hey Bulldog” was on it, as well as “I saw Her Standing There.” And “All Along the Watchtower.” I notice Jim Schoenfeld doesn’t talk about it much.
Brendan
August 30th, 2010
4:44 pm
Sage, would Steve Belkin be considered the “Yoko Ono” of the Beattles?
Brendan
August 30th, 2010
4:45 pm
GaVaHokie, ever listen to the self-titled Dokken, “In My Dreams,” “The Hunter,” “Don’t Lie To Me,” “It’s not Love,” and the album, “Tooth and Nail,” with “Just Got Lucky,” and “Heatless Heart?”
Smitty
August 30th, 2010
4:46 pm
Gotta go with the Sage on Abbey Road and The White Album. But one of my all time favorites is Meaty Beaty Big and Bouncy by The Who. Some great singles on that album.
I asked Bobby Dylan
I asked The Beatles
I asked Timothy Leary
but he could not help me either
They me The _______
Hockey needs to start soon.
Brendan
August 30th, 2010
4:47 pm
“Half Penny, Two Penny” by Styx? Was “The Best of Times” on that album, too? I think “Too Much Time on My Hands” was on that one. There is a Styx song I always blare. “Lorelei.” I love the keyboard entrance!
Brendan
August 30th, 2010
4:49 pm
My favorite Rush album is: “Moving Pictures,” but just barely over “2112.” I loved “Farewell to Kings,” and “Signals,” and “Power Windows.” Gotta give some love to “Distant Early Warning.”
Brendan
August 30th, 2010
4:51 pm
Sara, have you ever heard of a band called “Triumph?” I confess to owning, “Thunder Seven.”
Brendan
August 30th, 2010
4:54 pm
Glovesave29, when someone asks me to envision an album cover from the 1970’s, it is Boston’s “fro” that I see, from 1976. Speaking of bands coming out in the late 70’s, no one has given any love to Sting, Andy Summers, and Stewart Copeland, otherwise knows as “The Police.” If I had to nominate one and only one Police album, I’ll be in the minority by suggesting, “Ghost in the Machine.” Lots of good stuff on that, including stuff you don’t hear on the radio.
Smoothie
August 30th, 2010
4:54 pm
Thrashers27 – tell that to Tribe Called Quest!
I simply changed a few words to make it hockey-related. I think Army would agree that it has “sick flow”, ha! Don’t think white, Canadian guys can rap?
Check the O.R.! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ctc4daiIZU
R. Stroz
August 30th, 2010
4:56 pm
Brendan – Triumph rocked!
Thrashers27
August 30th, 2010
5:06 pm
Oh yeah, Smoothie, I’ve seen “O.R.” before. Reminds me of “Third Base” Remember them? Something tells me that Tom Greene’s parents would have bet huge money that that would be the most embarrassing thing Tom would ever do in his life at that point in time. They were in for a big surprise!
Smoothie
August 30th, 2010
5:18 pm
Wow, a 130-comment blog on music and not one single reference to Prince?
Funny thing is Tom Green is actually a pretty good rapper. Just ask Xhibit or Flavor Flav! Really sick flow, and sick in the head.
kracker
August 30th, 2010
5:19 pm
Anyone remember an album named, “Breakfast in America,” by SuperTramp?
Yep, I have the album (in boxes with many more lol)
This is somewhat obscure: Album – “Past, Present and Future” by Al Stewart. Best song on it to me: “Roads to Moscow.” The album is from the 70s and has one song for each decade of the 20th century up to the 70s. The last song (take note Stroz) represents the ‘Future’ portion of the album and is named “Nostradamus.”
It’s not that obscure so I recommend buying the CD or downloading the album. It is very well done.
Lord Stanley
August 30th, 2010
5:24 pm
Any news on the kchuk contract on whether it was approved.
Mr. Willson
August 30th, 2010
5:30 pm
Don’t let Rawhide fool you. The Barry Manilow CD really was his. It was sitting right next to his John Denver CD.
Old Time Hockey
August 30th, 2010
5:31 pm
Went to see NY Islanders at the Nassau Coliseum (before it was the Mausoleum) in 1976 and between periods they would play songs from the first Boston album promoting their upcoming concert. This was before cool music was played constantly…we only had the organist for entertainment. At 13 years old I thought it was the best thing I’d ever heard (reflecting on the music my parents listened to, it definitely was!) and was hooked. So from a hockey perspective, my favorite.
SomaAtl95
August 30th, 2010
5:46 pm
Wow, if Sage can get nominated for comment of the year then anything is possible. One of us can win the lotto, the Thrashers may hoist the cup!
That just means I will have to try harder to get a comment nominated. Can anyone translate sheeple to english?
R. Stroz
August 30th, 2010
5:49 pm
Don’t let Rawhide fool you. The Barry Manilow CD really was his. It was sitting right next to his John Denver CD.
Which were sitting next to Wham and Air Supply.
schroeder
August 30th, 2010
5:50 pm
Guys and Girls,before everyone gets too weepy over Sage,look a little closer, it says Sage of Bluesland, not Blueland. Are we sure we don’t have a POSER?
schroeder
August 30th, 2010
5:53 pm
Even talking music,the real Sage would have a comment about Waddell breaking up the Beatles.
Sage of Bluesland
August 30th, 2010
6:02 pm
Hahaha–Brendan…I don’t know; let me think about it…
Paminski–Same here on checking a bit out after “Counterparts”…It was good in spots, but overall I felt a little deflated (as compared to “Roll the Bones”)…Same with Brendan, “Moving Pictures” got me into Rush in the first place–but then ‘discovering’ the previous albums (even the first one, without the great lyricist Neil Peart) was a thrill…Love them all.
Give them a chance–and don’t give up. It takes time for each of them to grow–but each has been successively better, I think. Neil Peart had a horrible turn of events in his personal life–and I think it’s really reflected in the last CD (”Snakes and Arrows” has some darker tones)–but he is back and the music is really, really good. The lyrics have always been outstanding…
Rawhide–I AM honored to be considered for CotY…Honored…and I owe it all to the ASG…
Rawhide
August 30th, 2010
6:14 pm
Any news on the kchuk contract on whether it was approved.
Lord Stanley – Per Craig Custance, as of 5:00 pm the NHL still has not made any decision one way or the other yet.
Guys and Girls,before everyone gets too weepy over Sage,look a little closer, it says Sage of Bluesland, not Blueland. Are we sure we don’t have a POSER?
schroeder – I can vouch that it is “the” Sage of Bluesland.
Everyone – TBS has dropped it’s appeal of a judges decision for the company to pay David McDavid $281 million over the sale of the Thrashers and Hawks.
Lord Stanley
August 30th, 2010
6:24 pm
Rawhide Thanks. With TBS dropping the appeal how does this impact the thrashers?
NHL make a decision, your worse than Favre on making decisions.
Rawhide
August 30th, 2010
6:27 pm
LS – shrugs…I dunno, unless he decides to take that money and make the Octocluster an offer.
Lord Stanley
August 30th, 2010
6:39 pm
interesting, that would be interesting as long as he kept the team here. More than likely a positive move.
HookyBob
August 30th, 2010
6:58 pm
There are far too many bands & albums, factored by multiple moods, for me to pick a single all-time favorite. So, since this is a hockey blog I applied the ole “hockey filter” and,…up comes BTO II with its “Takin care of business” single. This 1973 song is rumored to be a tribute to the comeback the Candian boys made in the 1972 summit series. It is also what our “Boys in Blue” need to do this year.
I wouldn’t mind having this song’s heavy guitar blaring out (into the opponents bench after a goal) at the Philips. Short of the guitar,…Mr Stroz, can you play this on your vuvuzeula? If so, will anyone step forward and help me sponsor tickets behind the visitors bench for Mr Stroz?
Oh,…any hockey news today?
Sage of Bluesland
August 30th, 2010
7:11 pm
schroeder–Please do us all a favor and check out my name closely…it has always been “Bluesland”…always. The pathetic little posers missed numerous times and it has made me laugh.
I thought your letter-recognition and reading-comprehension skills were better than that of our bumbling little fraud of a GM?
I was wrong, obviously…