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”.
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
342 comments Add your comment
World Be Free
August 30th, 2010
7:55 pm
Sage-Abbey Road!?
Very good call! Could have tossed in Revolver too.
Listened to Abbey Road on the way home from work today, then threw on McCarntey Live from NY.
Must have quality CDs for a 45 min drive home.
World Be Free
August 30th, 2010
8:01 pm
Nobody mentioned the Who yet, at all
Brendan-Supertramp, “Breakfast” was good but Supertramp’s best effort was “Even In The Quietest Moments”. Schony’s album blotted out the NHL crests too, guess he didn’t want to have to toss the NHL a bone.
Stroz-Bob Seger’s contribution has to be “Live Bullett”. Saw him twice at Rich Stadium, very good concerts from what I remember.
Brian west palm beach
August 30th, 2010
8:19 pm
The only song that comes in my head for this coming season is waking the demon by bullet for my valentine. I can see buff rolling heads, and sending the other teams players out of philips on a stretcher.
SomaAtl95
August 30th, 2010
8:23 pm
WBF, I’d swear I saw quadrephenia mentioned earlier today…
Dwayne
August 30th, 2010
8:33 pm
Huey Lewis and the News…Heart of Rock and Roll…worst song EVER!
Worst line in a song…Sade’ —-coast to coast LA to Chicago…..WTF!?!?!?!
ben
August 30th, 2010
8:46 pm
Rush different stages
Led Zep Runes or Zoso or wqhatever it is
That live album sprinsteen did in madison sq garden
Metallica Master of Puppets — Orion is Cliff Burton’s farewell opus to the world
The Band The Last Waltz
The Beatles Sgt. Peppers
REM Auto for the People
RAGE Evil Empire
Outkast Speakerboxx / The Love Below
Outkast Stankonia
Billy Joel Cold harbor Spring
U2 Rattle n Hum
Stevie Wonder Songs in the key of life
and that’s just for starters
also I’m a huuuuuuuuuuuugeeeeeeeeeeeeeee Elton John fan
Rawhide
August 30th, 2010
8:51 pm
Worst line in a song…Sade’ —-coast to coast LA to Chicago…..WTF!?!?!?!
Dwayne – Obvioulsy she meant from the Pacific coast to the coast of Lake Michigan
ben – In fact, Elton John’s Yellow Brick Road was one of the CDs I put into my car this past weekend. It was the first album I “converted” from vinyl to CD.
The last part of All The Young Girls Love Alice has to be played at max volume! Same with Your Sister Can’t Twist (But She Can Rock-n-Roll).
Brian west palm beach – Nice of you to check in from SoFla.
Sage & WBF – Revolver is great, same with Abbie Road. But I keep Rubber Soul in the vehicle just about all the time.
Hockey Biltong
August 30th, 2010
9:20 pm
Animals-Pink Floyd
Sound Garden-SuperUnkown
The Who- Tommy
Stones-Exile on Main Street
Audio Slave
Steely Dan-Asia
kracker
August 30th, 2010
9:24 pm
I hate this time of year. It’s songs, movies, tv programs, double entendres…yuck
[no offense intended to the blog master]
I’m even wanting the kchuck contract to be approved so there will be some hockey news.
Jethro
August 30th, 2010
9:32 pm
Thares onlee one album that evar mattered, One More From The Road by thee onlee group that evar mattered Lynyrd Skynyrd.
Freebird Rox the Fox.
Free Our Burds Frum the Octoturds.
JK Sockey
August 30th, 2010
9:33 pm
You’re horrible musical tastes are nothing compared to your bloggings. They should give your job to Terrance Moore.
Nate
August 30th, 2010
9:33 pm
My Favorite Albums (not necessarily favorite songs/artists overall) in this order:
1- Rancid – And Out Come The Wolves
2 – Weezer – Blue Album
3 – The Offspring – Smash
4 – Green Day – Dookie
5 – Pennywise – Full Circle
goose
August 30th, 2010
9:37 pm
I i remember correctly Wellwood’s agent stated that his client hadn’t revived and offer from any NHL team gotta make you wonder.
Either Houses of the Holy or The Kids are all Right
Brendan
August 30th, 2010
9:41 pm
Rawhide, Rubber Soul would be my choice as well. I’ve seen Metallica and “Master of Puppets” mentioned a few times. I still say the “black” album, self-titles “Metallica,” is their finest work. “My Friend of Misery,” “Of Wolf and Man,” “Unforgiven,” “Enter Sandman,” (Metal record of the 90’s.), “Through the Never,” “The God that Failed,” “Sad, But True,” (Which Kid Rock used to do “American Badass,” “Sad, But True,” “Holier Than Thou,” and “When I May Roam.” The 1999 Dallas Stars used “Nothing Else Matters” for their Stanley Cup video. That’s one killer album. It’s like a GREATEST HITS package, really.
Speaking of Kid Rock, I guess I was surprised how much I liked “Devil Without a Cause.” “History of Rock” was a solid follow-up. I have to be in the right mood for Kid Rock, but when I am…. Okay, stop. How many of you are now thinking, “I don’t always drink beer, but when I do … I prefer Kid Rock’s “Devil Without a Cause CD.”
waffleboy
August 30th, 2010
9:43 pm
Beach Boys – Pet Sounds
Black Sabbath – Take your pick from their first four
Jane’s Addiction – Nothing’s Shocking
NY Post is saying the latest contract has been nixed as well.
http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/devils/nhl_kovalchuk_deal_no_go_KFR7znSlKEoNvZeWOn9kKI
Brendan
August 30th, 2010
9:48 pm
Wherever I may roam, that should read, referencing the Metallica song. Some of my favorite album titles are, “You can tune a piano, but you can’t tune a fish,” by REO. Phil Collins’, “You bought it, You name it.” And “New Miserable Experience,” by the Gin Blossoms. That was actually a nice CD. I really liked the songs, “Allison Road” and “Mrs. Rita.” You’ll remember it for “Found Out About You.”
Adam
August 30th, 2010
9:53 pm
Wow, best album… Hmmm Can’t do it.
There’s no way I can pick just one let alone a dozen. Hell with some bands it’s impossible to pick one.
My music taste is pretty varied. The best is a mood thing me thinks.
Van Morrison – Moondance
Steely Dan – Aja
Bob Marley – Exodus
Traffic – The Low Spark…
Freddy Jones Band- Wait for the Night
Yes – Fragile
There’s still the harder stuff. AC/DC, STP, Soundgarden, Dio, Stabbing Westward, AIC, Godsmack Ozzy (Come on now Diary of a Mad Man) and then the real hard stuff Slayer, Megadeth, Tool, Sevendust… I can go on & on.
Sara, you mentioned Queensryche. The Warning is another great album from them.
Also like Ben said Songs In the Key of Life has to be the most peoples top ten.
The one thing you have to give the Canadians is they love there metal. I wish the bulb sounded more like the northern teams.
World Be Free
August 30th, 2010
10:06 pm
Soma-I missed it but good to have The Who.
Still thinking Putting on the Foil had it right with Deep Purple’s Machine Head
Neil Young’s “Everybody Knows This I Nowhere” deserves some print.
Thanks to the Steely Dan “Aja” fans, toss in “Can’t Buy a Thrill” and “the Royal Scam”
Yes- “90125″
Rawhide-forgot “Rubber Soul” too
Sara
August 30th, 2010
10:07 pm
Oooo Marley … definitely know what’s going in the CD player tomorrow.
Hokie P. Clisters
August 30th, 2010
10:07 pm
I’m still waiting for Stendec’s album. My guess is Mr. Mister’s “Welcome to the Real World.” The big hit off that album was appropriately called “Kyrie.”
Brendan
August 30th, 2010
10:10 pm
R.Stroz, was “Magic Power” your favorite song by Triumph? “She’s young, now. She’s wild, now. She wants to be free. She gets the magic power of the music … from me.”
Brendan
August 30th, 2010
10:14 pm
Hokie P. Clisters, I’m thinking “Songs from the Big Chair,” by Tears For Fears. The closest song title for Stendec might be, “Carrie,” by Europe. I guess Kari could be mispronounced that way. Anyone actually remember that song? When you say “Europe,” everyone thinks, “The Final Countdown.” I think, “Rock the Night.” (Rock now, Rock the Night. ‘Til early in the mornin’ light.)
World Be Free
August 30th, 2010
10:26 pm
Rawhide, was that Barry Manilow album next to “The Best of Air Supply” in your collection?
Lord Stanley
August 30th, 2010
10:27 pm
well if the NY post is correct, maybe we will be lucky and Kchuk will go back to Russia
Hokie P. Clisters
August 30th, 2010
10:43 pm
Good selections Brendan.
In addition, I would be remiss if I failed to mention Elrod’s favorite album. Elrod was quite fond of Van Morrison’s “Tupelo Honey.”
Rawhide
August 30th, 2010
10:45 pm
Rawhide, was that Barry Manilow album next to “The Best of Air Supply” in your collection?
WBF – LOL Yeah, just down the row from all my ABBA CDs….NOT!
Budder
August 30th, 2010
11:21 pm
Lots of fine mentions above; I’ll just throw in my Starting Five (tonight’s lineup at any rate):
1. Blood on the Tracks – Bob Dylan
2. For the Roses – Joni Mitchell
3. In The Wake Of Poseidon – King Crimson
4. Blow by Blow – Jeff Beck
5. Led Zeppelin 3
Smoothie
August 30th, 2010
11:44 pm
Adam – ooo, Freddy Jones Band! Forgot how much I like them! Hang on to Midnight! Gonna dig that one out 2morrow! Thanks!
Smitty
August 30th, 2010
11:49 pm
WBF Check my post at 4:46 PM
kreedham
August 31st, 2010
12:05 am
To Sage of Blueland…I’m a big Beatles fan too! My favorite is Revolver. However, google Fab Faux. Best Beatles cover band ever. Will Lee from Letterman plays bass. In concert they do a whole album (which changes) and then a few select others. Somewhere on their website is a video from the past year when they did the Howard Stern show on Sirius radio. The video is 1/2 of the Abbey Road album and is done in order. Close your eyes, it’s the Beatles, they’re that good!
Steely Dan-Royal Scam
Allman Brothers-Live at Fillmore East or Eat a Peach or Brothers and Sisters
Pink Floyd-Dark Side (if you’ve got VH! Classic they have a show called Classic Albums and one is on Dark Side) very cool
Lots of others but I’ll stop!
SomaAtl95
August 31st, 2010
12:28 am
Freddy Jones Band? We could always rename “Dixie Dynamite” to “Trixie Dynamite”. It took me 3 years to find that CD after 99x played “In a daydream” during the Olympic summer – To whomever griped about music, tv, etc – yes this is a hockey blog and we talk about hockey daily – but isn’t it nice to flesh out the people behind the blog handles? Love of music has given us all a reason to find more common ground – and honestly, how many times has Sage been part of the conversation where we haven’t been told the same thing again and again? If we were to ever meet we can disagree on the Thrashers and then list reasons for who we think the most talented Beatle is and why. I always liked George myself, but I’m partial to “Here comes the sun”
And since it looks like #17’s latest contract offer was declined we wont be hearing Elton Johns “The B**ch is Back” when the devils come to town, hopefully we do hear GnR’s “Get in the Ring” the next time Matt Cooke takes the ice and maybe the theme to “Beavis and Butt-head” when the Sedin brothers come to town.
C
August 31st, 2010
12:47 am
Too many great albums and artists listed already – definitely a big Rush fan too. Another “desert island” album on my list is Trace from the group Son Volt, but all their stuff is great. Hard to describe them easily – kind of a blend of country and rock, but not that twangy – also been called “americana”. Awesome live and they come to small venues in Atlanta and/or Athens when touring.
Smoothie – got to talk with the BP guys a few times myself, as I actually worked on the billypilgrim.net site around 2001 with Brian R. who still runs the mailing list, if you know of that. (Site is still up too with some downloads and stuff if you’re interested.) Hard to pick one BP album, but if I had to, I’d say their self-titled Billy Pilgrim album is my favorite with Bloom a very close second.
And yeah, I’m mostly a blog lurker. I get to at least a couple games a year in the $10 seats and I have this knack for randomly getting seats in THE last row in section 400-whichever – in the last few seasons, I’ve had my back to the literal wall half a dozen times now.
Will keep my eyes open for pre-game meetups to collect your kind beer offer and swap stories. Cheers!
James Brown
August 31st, 2010
12:48 am
Rockin` the Fillmore Humble Pie
DWTOO
August 31st, 2010
1:17 am
Outlaws – Green Grass and High Tides.
JayBee
August 31st, 2010
2:07 am
Ohhh….a Manilow slam. You’re so edgy.
Patrick
August 31st, 2010
3:27 am
My favorite album: Anything by the Beatles, but particularly Sgt. Pepper’s, Rubber Soul, The White Album, and Revolver.
World Be Free
August 31st, 2010
5:30 am
Budder-180 posts before somebody mentioned Jeff Beck.
Blow by Blow, produced by George Martin (Beatles) I believe?
Putting On The Foil
August 31st, 2010
7:14 am
WBF-How about some Who Live at Leeds? Greatest live album ever?
World Be Free
August 31st, 2010
7:47 am
Foil-great call, buddy worked security for the Who during their “final” tour at Rich Stadium in 1982. He met the band, they are totally crazy.
rob
August 31st, 2010
8:28 am
All of this off a Barry Manilow skit? Damn Rawhide, hats off to you because after I read it I thought bomb, since there have been several music blogs recently. The folks at the arean in charge of music really need to check this out and get a true feel for it. The vibe at the games sets the tone.
Kbatch
August 31st, 2010
8:39 am
WBF I love Jeff Beck… Will never forget seeing Jeff Beck and SRV play together at the Omni.
Paminski- favorite Rush for me would be Exit Stage Left. I really love Porcupine Tree… They put on a fantastic show at The Tabernacle earlier this year. In Absentia, Deadwing, and Stupid Dream are great discs by them, as well.
Get us a scorer, Duds!
GaVaHokie
August 31st, 2010
8:41 am
Which were sitting next to Wham and Air Supply.
Stroz… weren’t you listening? Rawhide has his albums in alphabetical order. Barry Manilow was wedged inbetween Madonna and Menudo.
Brendan… not sure on Dokken.
I can’t pick a favorite Rush album because there’s things I like and don’t like about each one. I can only pick songs… oddly, I think my favorite Rush song is “Show Don’t Tell”.
Matt
August 31st, 2010
8:45 am
Ugggggggg….”hair bands”. Must…puncture…eardrums before Poison starts singing “Every Rose” again.
Worst album I’ve ever owned-Madonna
Best album- U2 The Joshua Tree
Best album to drive to-Rammstein “Volkerball” (crank that baby UP),
Red Light
August 31st, 2010
8:45 am
The Marshall Tucker Band from Spartanburg, SC, one of the most underrated Southern Rock bands, had several great albums all with a connection to this current Thrashers team (a stretch maybe?).
For the start of the season in October…A New Life
For the end of a losing streak…Searchin for A Rainbow
For the playoff race in March…Where We All Belong
For the beginning of the Stanley Cup Playoffs…Long Hard Ride
Long Hard Ride had one of the great album covers and in a concert in Birmingham back in ‘78 or ‘79, they used the mural as the backdrop on stage, which was mighty impressive for those of us under the influence(s).
I’m sure DWTOO enjoyed them…
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/images/B000139TGW/ref=dp_image_0?ie=UTF8&n=5174&s=music
Darkhorse
August 31st, 2010
8:50 am
Favorite album would for sure be George Harrison’s All Things Must Pass. After that, pretty much any solo stuff George did, thus the Darkhorse handle the past few years here.
Any southern rock is great in my book as well, there’s been some great mentions above so far. Might be easier to pick out one from each genre. Weezer’s Blue album is a great mention for something a little newer.
Sounds like I’m in the vast minority, but I grew up on classic country. Anything Marty Robbins did would be difficult for me not to take. Great enertainer to watch and listen to.
The music selection in Phillips does suck though. All they would have to do is pick from this blog and they would be set for the year.
On the Kovy/NHL rumor, I hope it gets worked out. As much as I think he’s a selfish player, he is fun to watch and want to see him battle us in some games, with us winning of course. Not the type of player the NHL needs to vanish to the KHL.
Rawhide
August 31st, 2010
8:51 am
All of this off a Barry Manilow skit? Damn Rawhide, hats off to you because after I read it I thought bomb, since there have been several music blogs recently. The folks at the arean in charge of music really need to check this out and get a true feel for it. The vibe at the games sets the tone.
rob – Thanks…but really it’s those who’ve posted comments here that made it worthwhile. We have some sharp people here.
Music, movies and such are a common “theme” here. I find it helps bring out commonality among those who would normally disagree on Thrasher/hockey related issues. Then, discussion of the main topic (Thrashers) tend to come about naturally after we’ve all loosened up a bit. Plus, well, it’s a sports blog…so we should have some fun with it ya know.
Stroz… weren’t you listening? Rawhide has his albums in alphabetical order. Barry Manilow was wedged inbetween Madonna and Menudo.
GaVaHokie – Touché
Flames
August 31st, 2010
8:53 am
The best album ever? AC/DC Back in Black!
Pink Floyd The Wall
The Clash London Calling
Smoothie
August 31st, 2010
8:54 am
“If you’re big star bound, lemme tell ya its a long, hard ride” – DAC
DWTOO
August 31st, 2010
9:03 am
R/L you are so right regarding Marshall Tucker. Had the chance to see see them in the Mad City in the early 80’s with both Caldwell brothers and Doug Gray. Long Hard Ride is one the classics.
rob
August 31st, 2010
9:08 am
While I’m not into the whole rap thing too much, I would like to hear LL Cool J “I’m gonna knock you out” during the warmups when the Pens play here if Cooke shows his self on the ice!