RISE RESISTANCE RISE

I haven't written anything in a while. Sort of been tied up with Christmas stuff, work, and the general hoody hoo.

I'm usually inspired by something that gets me to come to the blog and talk about it.

We now live in a "global market," news travels so fast and is so instant that it has all made us somehow feel closer to one another.

Generally I don't get deep into my political beliefs or personal feelings about humanity all that much outside of my wife. Now, she sleeps with me, you don't, however if you'd like to know more about my feelings, perhaps something can be arranged. LOL.

One of the things I hold close to my heart is man's need for rebellion. Our right as humans to be free is not something held only for American's or some American dream, it is a right for all humans. It is within this country where we realize of the shit that goes on elsewhere in the world that really reminds us how free we are. It's because we've become a more global community that we need to not only relish in our freedom, but share it. Share it by supporting those around the world who wish to stand in defiance against the chains that bind their spirit.

We are not alone in freedom in this world. To my brothers and sisters in Russia and Greece you have made your mark, now make it bleed. I know my country wasn't built on peace treaties. It was built on the blood that didn't fight as hard as the founding fathers did. If deep down in your gut you feel it, do it. Don't stop, don't ever stop. Be your own disciple; fan the sparks of will and your kingdom will come.

To those who read this in the lap of freedom luxury here in the states, Russia wants those who critically speak of the goverment to be charged with treason. In Greece police killed a teenager for an unknown reason. Be you told of a story when British soldiers fired upon children throwing snowballs in this country.

Although anger may fade and bridges of peace built, keep the fist hard, the candle of anger lit, and hold it close to your heart. The need to fan the flames of anarchy will one day need your candle to light it.

These two videos are dedicated to my fellow humans of Russia and Greece who stand against authority's abuse of the power we have chosen to give them. My heart and prayers go out to all of you who has taken the opportunity to remind them we are always in control.

The Legend had to Go Go

Elmer Valentine co-founder of the legendary Whisky A Go Go in LA died at the age of 85 last week in Studio City, CA.

Known as The Whisky, Valentine got the idea of how a woman danced at a club in Paris called the Go Go and opened the club on the Strip in LA in 1963. If you were a west coast band on your way to legend status, there was a good chance you didn't get there without passing through The Whisky's doors. Over the decades The Whisky played host to many major rock bands like: The Byrds, The Doors, Janis Joplin, The Kinks, The Who, Van Halen, Guns N'Roses, Buffalo Springfield, and The Beach Boys.

So in LA fashion Elmer, this one is for you, and thanks for bringing legends into our lives!!

The Doors, LA Woman.

Christmas Song #3

It's not number 3 as in quantity, but only three more Friday's left before Christmas and I want to put up my favorite Christmas music for you to listen to and all that.

I just got through listening to My Grown Up Christmas List being butchered by Kelly Clarkson. It's very apparent that the original singer of this song made it the music world on sheer talent and the other needed to win a contest.

So my first song, I'm going back to I think the late 80's on this one. I think she has an awesome voice, but more importantly it's her voice that brings me back to good times with my family.

I was going to post My Grown Up Christmas List by Amy Grant. But when looking for a video to share from you tube, I came across the one below which I feel has much more meaning. A picture in the video a 2:15 is one in which I called one of the greatest war photos ever taken and displays the true heart of a soldier.

Pass the Kleenex

Broadening that covered knowledge

For me there is nothing like a cover song. Everyone loves them and they're a great source of flattery. Plus artists all have different ideas on how a song should sound. So last night, I did a little research of cover songs that are out there.

Now, there are those out there that I just love that some of my favorite bands have covered. But, I suppose that for the main genre of metal I listen to those are commonly known, at least to me anyway.

I'm going to exclude those for the moment and delve into the more lesser know - by me - to share with you. So please sit back and enjoy. By the way, this band covering Come on Eileen has a really hot lead singer. I totally forgot I had this massive crush on her when I saw their World Is New video. God is she cute.

Anyway... here is Save Ferris with Come on Eileen.

Well that's over with

Now that those 10 songs have come and gone, what's next?

I was thinking of doing movie scenes. I was hoping to add youtube content, but that's hard to whittle out some stuff I don't want to add in.

Well, every Friday until Christmas I'm going to add a Christmas song that's a favorite of mine.

But for now I think I'm going to move onto cover songs for a bit. I love cover songs. I think it's flattering. I don't mean the local overweight rock band trying to pull off Stairway to Heaven at some wedding. I'm talking about real acts who decide to pay a tribute to a song or band they love. I just came across a new one recently and would like to share this.

One Republic's, Apologize covered by All Ends.

...Nothing Else Matters

Now I know I told someone that for me the be all end all favorite song of all time for me was Schubert's Ave Maria sung by Pavoratti. It is and still is. However, in keeping with my metal heart and spirit. I need to go back to the song that put it all together for me. Later in life when I was more able to understand it's words and see how I've lived by them. Aside from being a rousing song, it became a genre defining song on a genre defining album. To this day many metal scholars believe it is one of the greatest metal albums of all time, if not the greatest.


Fueling our lives on the positives and negatives we are but a battery feeding off the rage within.

MY MOST FAVORITE SONG EVER

METALLICA'S - BATTERY
ALBUM - MASTER OF PUPPETS

SCREAM FOR ME #2

No band... NO BAND, can play live as well as this band does and perform with the energy they do, at the age they do it at. Legendary God Fathers of Metal, THE BEST band from NWOBHM (New Wave Of British Heavy Metal), IRON MAIDEN built their reputation on relentlessness. Touring, the shows, album covers, songs, prescence... It's ALL been relentless.

"We're an uptempo metal band and we have built a certain reputation over the years, if we can't deliver today in the same manner we did when we were in our 20's, we have no business in this business." -Steve Harris.

This has been one of the hardest songs of theirs to pick. This is not a solid number 2. I knew it was going to be a number 2 song by Iron Maiden, I just didn't know for which song it was going to be. I so wanted to put Rhyme of the Ancient Mariner in there. Great masterpiece epic song, right? Then I thought about Seventh Son of a Seventh Son. Another lengthy powerful epic song. So I went to look for a song that defined Iron Maiden. Fast... the song needs to be fast. Has a past, this song needs to be from an album from a ways back when the band was defining themselves. Signature, there needs to be some signature sound that Iron Maiden is known for. Crowd rocker, this needs to be a song that the crowd goes mental for and is played every time they go on tour.

Well hell, that's easy then.
Fast? yes - one of their fastest
Classic? yes - Piece of Mind 1983
Signature? yes - Steve Harris' galloping bass
Get's the crowd going? - yes, and we scream at the top of our lungs.




The picture above is the actual valley where the infamous charge took place that the song is dipicting. Look closely for the cannon balls. This is what the infamous Troopers of the British Army faced head on in their charge.

Thus I give you not just a song, but an anthem. If you've ever felt the rush of lighting your hair on fire and going for broke, this is your song. This song will make you look death in the face and laugh at it. MANIACALLY!!!

THE TROOPER!!!!! Regular and Live editions.
By the way... Watch Harris' fingers on the bass. If you use a pick, you're a pussy.

Entering the tri-fecta with #3

Getting into the THREE. Three is the magic number. What's your top THREE? FATHER SON HOLY SPIRIT. So many lists are top THREE. THREE strikes your out. 2 out of 3.

So much revolves around three. Okay... That was all filler.

Getting into my core sound/genre of music to which I'm known for. METAL. There is no band, not one, that has embodied the machismo Conan the Barbarian style of METAL than Manowar. Pure man music. Oh yeah, women love them to. But, this is a man's band, pure and simple.

You want loud? No one is louder than Manowar. Set the world record in 1984, broke it twice since.
1976 - The Who @ 126dB
1984 - Manowar @ 129.5dB
Bands that have achieved 132dB, Rolling Stones, Motorhead, AC/DC, KISS, and Iron Maiden.

2008 - MANOWAR @ 139dB.
The threshold of pain? 130dB.

Manowar takes it's shows seriously. Their recent show in which the set the dB record. Involved: 7-semis, 8 buses, crew of 100, 450,000 watts of lighting, 150,000 watts of sound equipment, and 40,000 watts of stage amps.

They are often referred to as cheesy. They don't care. Their mantra is DEATH TO FALSE METAL. This is the kind of metal you ride into battle with. If Odin himself had a house band, it would be Manowar.

So my BROTHER and SISTERS of METAL. HAIL AND KILL AND DEATH TO FALSE METAL. I give you our anthem.

#3 CARRY ON - MANOWAR!!

track 4

Well... it has no lyrics, comes from the Great White North, and is named from the airport code in Toronto.

Why it's YYZ what else?

Why this song? Not sure, there are tons of Rush songs I love. But, something Rush is so well known for is their amazing musicianship. Pure musical craftsman. Their drummer, Neil Peart who has a masters in English, writes all their lyrics. To top it off is a drummer to which all are compared to. Unfairly, however. Alex Lifeson's guitar work is amazing and at times seems chaotic, but there is very high skill there in the tightness in which he plays. Geddy Lee the soprano voice he's known for has faltered over the years, but still sings will great passion and he rocks the jazz bass and plays keyboards with his feet at the same time. There is no better way to appreciate Rush than to see them play live. And there is no better song that can display their amazing talents than YYZ. To relax, listen, and be amazed. This is one of the best performances ever caught on video. And yes, it does sound like a porno soundtrack a bit, even with a money shot section.

Enjoy
#4 - YYZ, by Rush.

Cracking the top 5

Yeah, my apologies for this taking much longer to arrive at. I took a bunch of time off to entertain myself for 8 days or so. I didn't do a damn thing with this blog until well... TODAY.

Hell I can't even comment on something upsetting me in the world, which is rare. I've been out of touch. Uh-wait, got one. Milk prices. A local news station did a special "extra" on the cost of food, especially dairy. From the maker to the distributor to the seller, it was the same excuse - gas prices. Okay, fair enough and seems logical. Prior to the high prices, I watched the price of a gallon of milk go from 2.99 to 3.39. So I'm complaining about .40? Not so much the cost, but the principal. Just last week I bought a gallon of milk, it was $3.29. Just a day ago I bought another one for $3.39. The difference other than 10 cents? Gas dropped 15 cents a gallon. So WTF? I remember when gas started to dip in the summer then went up a touch then started it's decline we're in now. Gas stations said, "It typically take 4-6 weeks for the prices of oil to reflect at the pump." My fucking ass it does.

My next song is one of sorrow. I dedicate it to my guardian angel. He's been put to the task and through the ringer with me many a time in my life. From attempted suicide to wondering how I just made it through dodging traffic in Rome, Italy. I've tried to cast Christ and his puppets out of my heart and soul many times in my life, but they keep coming back and will not give up on me. At the risk of sounding cliche, the answers are all right infront of me with a 2.5' tall female version of me and suddenly life's tasks are all brilliantly relevant and clear to me.

Iced Earth - Watching Over Me
My #5 Song

Pausing the music list: Veterans Day

Ahh Veterans Day. The day in which the jolly fat marine in his red and green camo halo drop from the sky leaving good boys and girls lots of ammo and a new rifle around their footlocker.

Seriously... words can't describe the gratitude and debt we owe all soldiers past, present, and future. We owe it to their great service to never discourage a young one's heart from defending the freedom in which they were raised.

All facets of our military are important, but I want to say a special word to men and women who I feel go above the call everyday.

Leathernecks, Devil Dogs, Marines. You are without a doubt our finest line of defense. You don't question, you simply do the job. You are the reason when the common man sees the American flag there is a sense of warmth and comfort that falls over us. To the men and women of the USMC who have answered the call of duty without question to defend my life from enemies foreign and domestic, I thank you with all my heart and am indebted to all your sacrifices.

Learn something today, research those who've died for your freedom. Take a moment, not just today, EVERYDAY to thank a veteran. This should get you started on learning something.



Lt. General Lewis 'Chesty' Puller - 2nd cousin to George S. Patton (greatest U.S. General of all time), was a marine. That should say enough right there. However, he is the most decorated and one of the finest examples of marine duty that has ever lived. In my opinion.
19 Time has led marines into battle. Has received 53 awards, most notably Purple Heart, 3 Air Medals, Bronze Star, 2 Legion of Merits, Silver Star, Distinguished Service Star, and the Navy Cross FIVE TIMES!!

He has fought in Battle of Guadalcanal, Cape Gloucester, Peleiu, Inchon and Chosin Resivoir where he is quoted as saying:

"We're ssurrounded. That simplifies our problem of getting to these people and killing them."

Chesty, I dedicate this song to you and all the Marine Corp Units past, present, and future. In honor of Marine boot camp "Good Night, Chesty Puller, wherever you are."

Moving on to #6

There are things in life I can't explain. Between this 6 and 7, a new thing came into my life. I can't explain it, I won't explain it. But... It's cool and I like it.

Like so many things we can't explain... out of fear, out of hatred, or out of love for thine ownself to which I must be true we don't explain for our mere protection of knowing something so special it's best kept within ourselves.

Back in 1998 I had one of those moments when something to which words can't explain came through my life. This force of whatever it was is known to very few special people (not tards), but real people I seldom open to.

Pink Floyd is a band I can't explain, but in the darkest days of my life whenever I've needed something to pick me up, they were always there. And it's not like I went to the shelf and got their CD. They appear on the radio or a tape or CD of their slides out from the car seat. They have many, many great songs. But, there is one that is rather personal to me.

High Hopes, by Pink Floyd

Back on track... America and Song #7

Today is a new day and tomorrow is as well. We got a brotha' in the White House and the world is going to change.

President of Russia announces he's eager to have dialogue with Obama. Then he announces he's moving missiles to the border of Poland. This is of course after Russia blamed the U.S. for Russia's economic issues. Well when we fix the world, you must then pat us on the back and claim us as those who saved the world.

I don't know why I'm even talk about that... Moving on.

Back on my top 10 songs of all time. Any regrets so far? I don't think so, I love so much different types of songs and styles. There will be an honorable mention when it's all said and done.

I like some punk music, but I'm not sure what exactly IS punk music. If it's just rebelious, then great that's what I like. Some of it is crap and just noise with no substance. Sex Pistols I think are okay, but not great. I love The Clash, but some will say they're a more modern version of punk. Misfits gave punk pure speed and death and help launch thrash metal. Motorhead is punk in it's early days and heavily influenced by the blues as well. SKA is well... A hornier version of punk? Somewhere in between The Clash, Misfits, SKA, and everything else lies Rancid. They're punk, modern, and not Green Day.

Enjoy.. Rancid - Ruby Soho (great fun song)

A Time for Change... no song #7 again.

If you don't know the importance of this election, you're in a coma ward at your local hospital. The changed and above picture represents those who gave all they could to insure your voice in the democratic process of elections.

McCain is a great man for serving his country and doing the deed so fearlessly. For that and for any soldier I am eternally grateful that you served our nation without any regret or hesitation. However, you are not fit to lead this nation into the future.

Obama, you not only have my vote you carry my hopes and dreams and future and I will work as hard for America as you for us. This is what makes a leader, not someone who asks, but tells you what is fucked up and needs to be fixed. This, this is a hero.

When I first heard this song, I had a different image. After this political season and my passion for you to be President combined with knowing our challenges ahead of us, I dedicate this song to you.

Heroes of our Time - Dragonforce. At the very least, try to enjoy Herman Li on guitar. He's insane, but try to listen to the lyrics and know where we as a nation are standing on the cusp of.

Time out to Stump

Normally I don't get into this crap. I don't put signs up on my front lawn and I don't put political bumperstickers on my car. But, for the first time in my life I'm inspired at least this much (which is huge for me), to say who I'm voting for and who I'm backing.

If you make less than $250,000 a year and you're voting for McCain/Palin, please get the fuck off of my planet. You are a sheep, you are a lemming, you hate anyone not of your race or religion, you glorify war only for the deaths of others who disagree with your idealism. You aren't worth more to me than a maggot and I spit upon you and your spawn.

Barack and Joe represent all that is purely American. A Christain man with a Muslim/African name and a blue collar hard ass from Pennsylvania. They understand the backbone of America - The Middle Class. They have proven that hardwork and pulling yourself up by your own bootstraps has it's rewards. They have both faced what many of us face everyday. Car accidents, death, racism... Life changing a attitude altering moments, yet they marched on because they belived in themselves and that we as a country are far better than what the current Administration has made us look. We are the shinning beacon on the hill and it's time is NOW for that light to be re-lit.

So... There is NO #7 Song for today. Instead I have somethings I want to share with you and dedicate a song to Barack Obama and Joe Biden.

to Joe and Barack, you ARE one of us
Working Man, Rush




And if you're not voting then watch this...

Song #8... And Happy Halloween

Happy Halloween to everyone. First off to you parents out there. If you're dressing up your child, go either with cute or scary not gay. Now I ain't gay bashing here so if I piss off a queer, deal with it. A profession like a doctor is gay; a doctor with blood in his hair, surgical gloves and a dead baby with him is scary. Get it? Hollywood crap is okay, so I expect the Hulk/Batman/Spiderman to show up at some point. Military crap is, eh? Coming to my house as an Angel and you're not 5'10" 24 and a 42F-30-44 (I like some heft), you better be the Angel of Death. Anyone who shows up as Charlie Brown with lots of holes in his sheet gets extra candy. And no candy to white kids who show up with no costume. Speaking of which...

I heard on the radio today that the cool thing for kids if they don't get the candy they like to throw it at the house. Fuck you, you spoiled little shits, you're only trick or treating because it's one day when mom allows you to get more sugar than you're legally allowed. You should be grateful someone went to the store to think of you and get you something. On top of that parents who make kids pick out candy then give the rest to the parents to bring to work to "get rid of it" need to be shot in the knee caps. You are fucking evil, evil, evil. Bunch of dream crushers.

Moving on to my #8 song. Got to give a shout-out to Marin Luther today who nailed the 95 Thesis to the Catholic Church in Germany. He is one of my biggest hero of all time. He stood up to the baddest assed authority to ever walk the planet in that day and gave them a big FUCK YOU. And who inspired him to do that? Why God of course. Ask a Catholic what religion they are? It ain't Christian, it's Catholic. So to my peeps, kin, brethren, who spit on the idea of religion I dedicate this song to you, because when it's all said and done, we're all going to be dancing with Norman Greenbaum, one of the coolest Jews ever.

Top 10 Songs... #9

I think maybe my first one threw people for a loop. No biggie, we'll be getting to the metal soon enough. But, as I made mention that I'm going to include songs that are well written. This is one of them.

I was born in the 70's and although I don't remember this song coming out, I do remember hearing it on the radio. To me it represents a sound of the 70's, but also a sound that is timeless. It's a song that's immediately classic the first time you hear it. Hell, you'll find yourself singing the song not sure of what it is or what the hell it's really about.

It's the time in your life when you didn't care, life was careless and carefree and you just simply lived, oblivious to how lost you really are.

To all the Tiny Dancers in the world. We love you, we don't miss you, but we will never forget you.

With that, Tiny dancer is my #9 song of all time, by one of the most legendary singer songwriters to ever live, Sir Elton John

Top 10 Songs

This morning on KFAN (local sports radio station), they each listed their top 10 songs of all time. Well needless to say, it got me thinking.

So what defines a list. Is it that song that makes say, "Oh yeah... this is awesome." Or does it bring you back to a moment or time? Is it the way it's written, the chorus, guitar riff? Or is it like that movie you sit down and watch regardless of where it is, you just listen or sit and life stops until it's done?

I comprised a list, something I always kind of had in my head, this morning and I'm not sure if it's finalized or not, but it is without a doubt 10 great songs. If I can figure this blogging thing out, I'll hopefully be adding (imbedding as they call it) youtube videos of my top 10 songs.

Those of you who know me will realize that, "Hey that's not a typical song for him." It's because first and foremost, I am a music fan, secondly (taking only a back seat to my wife and daughter) is heavy metal. I am a child of the 80's baptized in NWOBHM, not so much of that crap from L.A.'s glam scene. Which however, wouldn't have brought us to the great metal of today without it's influence.

With that, here's #10.

The Beatles - In My Life
A song that stops me and brings me right back to key moments In My Life. It's timeless and from what I believe is The Beatles greatest album, Rubber Soul. Band wise, even though I love other bands much, much more than The Beatles, no band will ever be as big, as influential, as important, as world changing as the original boy band, The Beatles. Ever.

So... This is a blog (please read to understand all that follows)

Okay, I had a blog. I know what one is. I don't read too many, but I figure I'm important enough that people need to read what I have to say. My old one was Angermanagement, essentially a sounding board for everything that pisses me off.

What this blog is: my rants, my loves, and general writings of whatever comes to mind.

What this blog isn't: Politically correct, well written, nice

Yeah - there's some fucked up shit I'll be talking about from time to time.

And here's the duality I deal with, within myself every friggin' day. I hate disclaimers. A disclaimer says nothing more to you than... "I as a writer know you're an idiot so I will make this announcement that my thoughts and opinions are soley on my own and do not necessarily carry the opinions of Google and their affiliates or other nouns."

Now... ON WITH THE SHOW

There really isn't going to be a show, sounded like the "thing" to say.