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
kracker
August 31st, 2010
9:14 am
I agree w/ all that say they can’t pick a greatest song or album. It is the same as with movies, books, television programs, works of art, hockey plays….it depends on your mood at a particular time. What was “best” today gets displaced by another “best ever” tomorrow.
Sometimes I want head-banging 80s metal…umm like some Ratt or Motley Crue, other times I am more mellow for perhaps some John Prine, Al Stewart….just depends.
Red Light
August 31st, 2010
9:18 am
Sportsnet’s Nick Kypreos reported that the final three years of Kovalchuk’s newly-submitted contract will average $2.6 million, including $4M in the final 2024-25 season. Can’t believe that Grossman and the Devils would have re-submitted another deal that would eventually be turned down. Think of the fall-out if that happened.
Khabibulin to be sentenced tonight at 6 pm. Wonder how he’ll look in an orange jumpsuit?
Bruins still trying to trade Savard.
kracker
August 31st, 2010
9:34 am
It is just wierd to be talking about something specific happening in the 2024-25 season.
If contracts are structured for that long solely to make the cap hit more appealing they should be absolute, IMO. No loophole to let the team/player get halfway and say “Sorry, this wasn’t a contract, it was really only a handshake agreement. And now we agree to end it.”
glovesave29
August 31st, 2010
9:37 am
I agree with RL, according to multiple sources the NHL met with the Devils last week to discuss the contract – I cannot imagine not having the feedback from the league office to assist them to structure a contract that would be accepted.
Brendan – Triumph! There’s a blast from the past…you listen to Zebra too? Y’know – “Tell Me What You Want” and “Who’s Behind The Door”?
All you Rush fans need to pop in the Moving Pictures CD and listen to “Camera Eye” as just before the 9 minute mark, Geddy lets go a nice burp and then tells the boys to keep playing.
Flames
August 31st, 2010
10:07 am
A Flock of Seagulls!!!! I Ran…
World Be Free
August 31st, 2010
10:09 am
Based on the sampling of music I have seen, I’d have to say I have a fair amount more respect for my fellow bloggers than before. Many of the favorite choices are in my album, cassette and CD collections.
No mention of The Knack or Pablo Cruise
Red Light
August 31st, 2010
10:18 am
Tough to exclude The Band and its The Last Waltz four-disc CD set. Van Morrison, Emmy Lou Harris, Eric Clapton, Paul Butterfield, Muddy Waters, Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, Neil Diamond, Ronnie Hawkins, Bob Dylan and Dr. John all make appearances. Of course, the movie ain’t bad either.
One of the great compilations of talent complement an already great group that included Levon Helm, Robbie Robertson, Rick Danko, Richard Manuel and Garth Hudson.
GaVaHokie
August 31st, 2010
10:20 am
If Brian Little has a bad year, we might be discussing One Hit Wonders next summer.
Joe Friday
August 31st, 2010
10:22 am
“All you Rush fans need to pop in the Moving Pictures CD . . . ”
And then get yourselves to Alpharetta on Sept. 29th, this is going to be epic!
GaVaHokie
August 31st, 2010
10:23 am
Based on the sampling of music I have seen, I’d have to say I have a fair amount more respect for my fellow bloggers than before.
WBF… I agree, and only one mention of Grateful Dead which I expected more of, along with Widespread.
… sorry Zoomo.
Of course, you’re probably not offended by a guy who listens to hair metal. haha.
Lord Stanley
August 31st, 2010
10:24 am
Have to agree with Flames ACDC Back In Black is the best!!!!!!!!!!!! The wall ain’t too shaby either
GaVaHokie
August 31st, 2010
10:29 am
HOCKEY ALERT:
Per C-VIV… Eager is in town working out with new teammates.
Red Light
August 31st, 2010
10:33 am
Joe Friday:
So, you’re passing up watching the Thrashers vs. Preds preseason tilt at 7 pm?
If I come, may I leave after Tom Sawyer?
lemon drop the gloves
August 31st, 2010
10:48 am
ted nugent – ted nugent lp not necessarily the best – but solid classic rock and roll that is worthy of a mention. hawks played motor city madman’s instrumental parts of stranglehold before opening puck drop during run to cup. i think team liked the song as it really got the madhouse rocking – i know i did.
Smoothie
August 31st, 2010
10:50 am
I really think our new entrance to the ice song should be Metallica’s All Nightmare Long. We certainly want visits to Black & Blueland (courtesy Joe Friday) to be not only uncomfortable and unfriendly, but we want it to be a horrific house of nightmare-inducing horrors, eh?
“Cause we…
Hunt you down without mercy
Hunt you down all nightmare long
Feel us breathe upon your face
Feel us shift, every move we trace
Hunt you down without mercy
Hunt you down all nightmare long”
Yeah, I’d say that pretty much sums up how I want other teams to feel about playing in the Bulb this season.
Joe Friday
August 31st, 2010
10:55 am
“only one mention of Grateful Dead which I expected more of”
That’s because this is favorite album. If Rawhide ever asks about fav. live show, I’d have to go with Alpine ‘86, 2nd night . . .
“If I come, may I leave after Tom Sawyer?”
You can’t sit though the intermission and then leave after the 1st song of the 2nd set, AND miss Peart’s drum solo? And miss Working Man encore?!?
3 hour show, the Alphatuckey city councilman’s and mayor’s phones are going to ringing off the hook Thursday morning.
Red Light
August 31st, 2010
10:56 am
OK. last attempt to sway y’all Southern…
Little Feat’s Waiting for Columbus includes that famous rendition of “Oh Atlanta”
glovesave29
August 31st, 2010
11:02 am
JF – not a huge fan of Rush in concert. Since Geddy plays both bass and keys, much of the show is prerecorded. Doesn’t give them the ability to change songs, go on long jams, etc…I’d prefer to see them tour with additional musicians to play whatever instrument Geddy is not playing at that time.
TommyT4
August 31st, 2010
11:09 am
Seger’s Against the Wind. And here’s hoping things are indeed “Shinin’ Brightly” in Thrasherville this fall.
Joe Friday
August 31st, 2010
11:10 am
“Little Feat’s Waiting for Columbus includes that famous rendition of “Oh Atlanta””
In my top 5 as well, I went through 2 sets of those cds before finally getting it digitized. The Feat with Lowell George were amazing. Not bad as post Lowell either, one of my fav. live shows was seeing them at the Jazz and Heritage Fest.
I changed my mind, fav. live show was Alpine ‘87 1st night:
Feel Like a Stranger
Franklin’s Tower
Walkin’ Blues
Row Jimmy
Tons of Steel
When Push Comes to Shove
Cassidy
Deal
China Cat Sunflower
I Know You Rider
Estimated Prophet
Eyes of the World
drums
Gimme Some Lovin’
The Wheel
All Along the Watchtower
Black Peter
Around and Around
Sugar Magnolia
Touch of Grey
GaVaHokie
August 31st, 2010
11:15 am
GS29… funny, I think that’s WHY I like Rush live… the “jam” thing is played out to me. I love Dave Matthews, but I hate when he goes on long winded jams… same with Phish.
It’s been a long time since I’ve seen a band do anything “impressive” during a long jam.
Joe Friday
August 31st, 2010
11:28 am
“It’s been a long time since I’ve seen a band do anything “impressive” during a long jam.”
They’re all trying to imitate the masters . . . there’s some good ones around though, String Cheese does some amazing stuff, Disco Biscuits are hot . . .
Sage of Gayland
August 31st, 2010
11:29 am
Tops all time
Cher — If I could turn back time.
Liza Minnelli — Confessions
Weird Al — Running with Scissors
Dead or Alive — Youthquake
Culture Club — Colour by Numbers
Cornbread
August 31st, 2010
11:30 am
Some more of my Rock-N-Roll top picks not mentioned yet:
Dylan, Highway 61 Revisited
Sex Pistols, Never Mind the Bollocks
Bowie, The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars
Hendrix, Are You Experienced
Nirvana, Nevermind
Stones, Sticky Fingers
Radiohead, OK Computer
Big Star, #1 Record
The Smiths, The Queen is Dead
Pink Floyd, Obscured by Clouds
Jeff97
August 31st, 2010
11:32 am
Top 5
“Boston” by Boston
“Operation Mindcrime” Queensryche
“Surfing with the Alien” Joe Satriani
“Led Zeppelin IV” Led Zeppelin
Anything else by Joe Satriani.
Jethro
August 31st, 2010
11:38 am
You fellurs are reely missin sum southern rock…Molly Hatchet, Blackfoot and Stevie Ray Vaughan.
Red Light
August 31st, 2010
11:45 am
“It’s been a long time since I’ve seen a band do anything “impressive” during a long jam.”
Without proper pharmaceutical enhancement, all long jams become a bit tiresome, but there were none better than Mountain Jam (33 mins), Les Brers in A Minor, In Memory of Elizabeth Reed, Little Martha and Jessica by the Allman Brothers.
Jethro…You left out the Rossington Collins Band • Atlanta Rhythm Section • 38 Special and Wet Willie (another underrated band).
GaVaHokie
August 31st, 2010
11:48 am
Joe… Galactic does some decent jams. I’m more of a rhythm section kind of guy, so I’m not impressed with guys like Bob Weir playing scales for 10 minutes… of course, I could listen to Stevie Ray Vaughn jam all day.
I’m all for a good jam from Bela Fleck and the Flecktones, though.
Jethro
August 31st, 2010
11:51 am
Red Light – Yep, yur rite. Guess my memry is go in.
glovesave29
August 31st, 2010
11:51 am
Not saying a band has to go on a long free-form jam, but I like a band that can change the set list according to the mood, or add songs if the gig is really happening, maybe respond to a request shouted out of the audience. I like when bands break out into covers in the middle of their song…just makes for a more entertaining concert.
James Brown
August 31st, 2010
11:52 am
Frank Zappa Overnite Sensation
The Jefferson Airplane Volunteers
Quicksilver Messenger Service Happy Trails
The Who Live at Leeds
XTC Oranges and Lemons
King Crimson Red
GaVaHokie
August 31st, 2010
11:53 am
… Robert Randolph… also good jams.
jimbo
August 31st, 2010
11:54 am
Nice to see the Beatles remembered as a “decent” group. What about the Beach Boys and the 4 Seasons, Paul Anka? What team did Glen Beck play for? Would also be nice to see the puck drop on the stick of Zajac. He;s been the Devils best center the past 2 years.
Sara
August 31st, 2010
11:58 am
I kept waiting to see if someone brought up Motown at all (and maybe they did and I missed it). Maybe it’s just a Detroit thang.
I’ll pretty much take anything rock and pop from the ’50s forward with the occasional country or rap and some orchestral compositions thrown in to remind my momma I turned out with at least a little bit of class. I have to admit I got a thing for Vivaldi’s Four Seasons.
Best concerts – wow that’s even harder. Depeche Mode at the Omni in ‘93 might do it. Lenny Kravitz at Chastain was smokin’ too. Pretty much any 80s hair band – those boys always knew how to put on a show.
Oh you know what – I’m forgetting one … Billy Joel, also at the Omni. Back-flips off pianos are cool, period.
Viking
August 31st, 2010
12:14 pm
Nice to see some prog rockers among us! Porqupine Tree: Fear of a Blank Planet
I have been searching Swedish web sites and blogs for news about Bergfors. Nothing to add from over there more than that they find it strange that he seems to command a low figure from Thrashers and at the same time being a part of Rookie of the year gang.
Red Light
August 31st, 2010
12:14 pm
No love for Pearl Jam either!
I would have thought somebody would have mentioned them. Don’t like their classification as a “grunge” band but they are darned good in my opinion.
Chelios retires and Detroit announces he’s accepted a front office position with the Red Wings.
Red Light
August 31st, 2010
12:17 pm
Live concert vault, many of them free, can be found here: http://www.wolfgangsvault.com/concerts
World Be Free
August 31st, 2010
12:28 pm
Sara – toss in some Miles Davis, John Coltrane and Chris Botti.
Mr. Rawhide, can we have a hockey subject like a sampling of who is left on the UFA market and who we might sign or at least invite to camp?
Smoothie
August 31st, 2010
12:32 pm
I’d rather listen to Richard Wagner over Pearl Jam anyday. If I never have to hear Evenflow or Jeremy ever again, I’d be perfectly fine with it. But I will say y’all have some deeeeep musical tastes and varied at that. Plus, there’s a bunch of crap I’ve never heard of that you guys have mentioned. But then again, y’all are bunch of old fogies!
j/k
Red Light
August 31st, 2010
12:39 pm
Smoothie: Agree that like many artists, they get overplayed on the radio but…
Hockey? What the hell is that WBF? There are no UFAs worth mentioning, only RFAs. There are no potential trades to mention, but could be coming in the next week. What started out as a very intriguing summer turned into the Kovalchuk saga and nothing more.
Some twit tweeted that Chelios was the best-ever American-born hockey player in his opinion. Care to provide alternatives?
I’ll take Housley and Leetch…your turn…
Alan R.
August 31st, 2010
12:41 pm
Being the music lover I am, I have absolute favorite albums spawning most genres.
Rap: Currently “All In Vain” by Sandpeople
Metal: “Ænima” by Tool
Industrial: “Broken” by Nine Inch Nails
Rock: “Odelay” by Beck
Classic Rock: What’s not to like? The Who, Pink Floyd, The Doors, Deep Purple, Grand Funk Railroad, The Beatles… HOOOLY HELL. I can’t just pick one, and neither can you. They’re all good, and more!
Oh, and it’s the end of August already? GOOD. So sick of hot weather!
Smoothie
August 31st, 2010
12:47 pm
Keith Tkachuk and Pat LaFontaine.
R/L – I’m just ready to get back to hockey so I figured I’d call you guys a name and see if I could get a response!
But yes, I hate PJ. Along with a lot of other bands from the early 90’s, but that’s just me. I also like a lot of stuff that most on here probably wouldn’t care for and I’m perfectly fine with that. No one can take my Poison away from me…and Bobby Dahl is a great guy…got to meet him once.
Smoothie
August 31st, 2010
12:50 pm
If this thread of convo sticks till tomorrow morning, I’ll have to drop some Neil Diamond and “September Morn” on your a$$es…ha!
GaVaHokie
August 31st, 2010
1:08 pm
Sara… I almost mentioned Motown earlier. I grew up on Motown music. My parents were big into Four Tops, Temptations, Smokey, Lionel, etc. On top of that, they loved Genesis, Rolling Stones, Boston, Chicago… couple that with my sister and I’s taste in Top 40 and then Hard Rock and Alternative music and we had a pretty ecclectic household.
I can even listen to a little country and rap too… for rap, I have to give props to Dr. Dre “The Chronic”… ground-breaking.
About the only thing I can’t stomach is R&B… The R. Kelly’s and Ushers of the world.
Dwayne
August 31st, 2010
1:08 pm
Best driving song….Hollywood nights by Bob Seger.
A close second…Ride like the Wind by Cristopher Cross.
GaVaHokie
August 31st, 2010
1:11 pm
Smoothie… Neil Diamond, nice… that was my wife’s first ever concert. She was, like, 8 years old.
We had a blast when “Hot August Nights” (Neil Diamond cover band) played at the Philips Experience before the Thrashers game back in the day.
Dwayne
August 31st, 2010
1:12 pm
Hair bands were great…Poison, Winger, Loverboy, Whitesnake…Tawny flashing a boob…come on.
How bout KISS??? Destroyer…once dressed up as Gene Simmons for holloween. Good Times….
kracker
August 31st, 2010
1:12 pm
Jackson Browne “The Load Out/Stay”
Sara
August 31st, 2010
1:15 pm
US player – Mike Modano
Alan R.
August 31st, 2010
1:17 pm
Hokie – I think I’d rank Ice-T’s “The Iceberg” album above Dr. Dre’s, in terms of what’s groundbreaking. That album pretty much set the tone for rap music for the foreseeable future. However, Dr. Dre’s album is definitely groundbreaking in its own right
Here’s a taste: Ice-T – Freedom Of Speech (NSFW language)