Dirty Stank Random Ten Monday

Okay, for those of you who haven't heard, I had a major gas leak in my home over the weekend and have been without heat/hot water since Saturday night. Needless to say I am greasy, stanky, and hungry. At least I'm not cold though, kudos to global warming. So as I wallow in my own stench while waiting for a plumber to come replace ALL of my gas lines/pipes, I thought a random ten was in order. It is as follows:

1. Alive Alone - Chemical Brothers from Exit Planet Dust. Great group, great album, and this song features Beth Orton on vocals. Very mellow electronic groove, soothing my mind from the weekend events.

2. Banana Pancakes - Jack Johnson from In Between Dreams. I love this guy and all of his albums. He's a hottie too!!!! This song is fun and upbeat, you can't help but enjoy listening to it.

3. Something In The Way Of Things - The Roots from Phrenology. These guys kick ass, especially ?uestlove!!!! When I lived in West Philly I got to see these guys free at the college I was attending right before they blew up. I like that they don't just rap over some beats and sounds produced from a machine, but they actually use musical instruments to enhance the experience. Mad love.

4. If It's Good To You - Eddie Bo and the Soul Finders from a mix of Eddie Bo songs that some guy I used to work with burned for me. If you like old school funk this is the guy to listen to. He's probably one of the most important yet least known founders of funk.

5. Track 08 - Liquid Soul from a mixed Liquid Soul cd I burned a few years back. I have no idea what this song is called, but it kicks ass, as does this band. Very funky/jazzy/hip-hop/urban dance/latin jam band kind of a feeling out of Chicago. Great live performers too!!!

6. Super Duper Love (Are You Diggin' On Me) - Joss Stone from The Soul Sessions. This song grooves, I could listen to it over and over again. I wish I could sing like this chick, she rocks.

7. Rhyme For Summertime - G. Love and Special Sauce from their self titled album. Another great group from Philadelphia. They have a bluesey/jazzy/hip-hopish feel to them. Most of you would recognize them from that Coke commercial where a bunch of people are chillin' on a Philly rooftop listening to some guy play guitar (a favorite past time in Philadelphia). If you've never heard for them check them out, they kick ass!!!!

8. Track 06 - Don't know the artist from a mixed cd I burned off Kazaa before they were shutdown. It is a really cool song with some flute and electronic beats amongst other stuff, almost sounds like the mission impossible theme, maybe it is. Sorry for the lack of info on this one, but I like it, and that's all that matters.

9. Shut Up And Dance - Aerosmith from Get A Grip. I used to like Aerosmith, but all of their stuff starts to sound the same after a while. A quote from Jack Black in High Fidelity, "Is it better to burn than to fade away?" Give it up guys, you had a good run, but it's time.

10. Creep - TLC from Crazysexycool. Don't hate world, you know you grooved to TLC back in the day. I'm gonna pour a 40 out for my girl Left Eye, R.I.P. sista.

Bonus Track....Because I really needed to hear a song like this right now,
Just A Ride - Jem from Finally Wokken. This song is great, I really like the lyrics, it's all about life and how fucked up it can be at times and the main hook says, "No need to run, no need to hide, it'll take you all around, sometimes you're up, sometimes you're down, it may feel so real inside, but don't forget enjoy the ride."

On that note, my plumber friend just called and he'll be here in 30 minutes to see what he can do for me. It's good to know people.

Damn I stink.

A Shout Out.....

To the OC crew for coming out last night. You guys kick ass!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks for the love.

MedusaJ

Update on Saturday's gig

The time is going to be more like 8pmish. My bad.

The Moment of Zen Random Ten

As I recover from an insane day at work, I'm taking my moment of zen to chill out to some. I hope it's a good one. I'll be typing as the songs come up, amongst reading random shit online. Enjoy.

1. Almost Done - Morcheeba from Who Can You Trust? Silk, I know you will appreciate this one!! These guys are fucking amazing. I saw them live about ten years ago, they were the opening act and I was floored. This song is so smooth, as is this entire album. Great way to start off the Random Ten.

2. Hollywood Freaks - Beck from Midnight Vultures. I really like Beck, as I mentioned in a past Random Ten. Great performer, always a new sound with each new album, but I could do without the Scientology bullshit.

3. Impressive Instant - Madonna from Music. Salexis, this is your girl. I love Madonna old and new. I really like the electronica spin on her music in this album, as well as Ray of Light. Kudos Madonna, you're a fucking Diva, call me, we'll hang.

4. Cherry Bomb - Runaways from Dazed and confused soundtrack. A classic movie and soundtrack.

5. Busted - Matchbox Twenty from Yourself of Someone Like You. I like this Rob Thomas' voice. I saw these guys about nine years ago right before this album blew up. They were at this music festival that featured 20 bands for 20 bucks back in dirty Jersey. Good times.

6. Hanging Out - Sun 60 from Headjoy. This was one of those impulse buys at the record store. They were playing on the store's system and I asked who they were because I really dug their sound. A good buy for sure, check them out if you get a chance.

7. Just Be A Woman - Lenny Kravitz from Are You Gonna Go My Way. I love this fucking man. However, the he's kind of converted over to pop/rock star in his latest stuff, which isn't as good as his older stuff. His drummer, Cindy Blackman is amazing. She left Lenny for a while to pursue some jazz stuff and "Zorro" took her spot. Nice name jackass. Anyways, she's touring with Lenny but no longer recording with him, and her solo jazz operation is very good.

8. The Pleasure Principle - Janet Jackson from Design of a Decade. This song is so 80's. Love me some Janet though.

9. Rock N' Me - Steve Miller Band from Greatest Hits 1974-78. This is a classic album, haven't listened to it in a while, good to hear it again.

10. Atomic Dog - George Clinton from Greatest Funkin' Hits. A great song to end with this time around. You can't help but feel the groove, this man is great. I love his funky style of music/lyrics. And what a partier!!! I've seen him and his clan countless times and it never gets old. I danced on stage with him on my 25th birthday and got some autographs from the band. Gary (diaper guy) gave me his guitar pick as souvenir of the best fucking birthday thus far!!!!!!!! A message for George, lay off the crack dude.

What a kick ass random ten. A great way to unwind from a hectic day. Now I'm off to eat a bowl of Ramen (loaded with fucking sodium, but it was 10 for $1 at the grocery a few weeks back) before my jam session.

Peace out,
MedusaJ

Triple Gig Weekend

What up blogger world. Just a friendly reminder to all of you that Medusa Jones is back on drums playing with J. Scott Franklin this weekend. The schedule is as follows:

Friday 1/26/06
Metro Alliance 7pm
Corner of W45th and Bridge Ave
(PS, this is a church, and yes I will spontaneously combust upon entry)

Saturday 1/27/06
Rain "Nightclub" 9:15pm
4142 Lorain Rd
$5 cover (I think)

Sunday 1/28/06
Boba (coffee shop) 7pm
356 South Main Street
Akron OH

I hope to see at least one of you out this weekend giving mad props to the drummer chick. Don't sweat the church gig, I'm a bit embarrassed to even mention that I'm participating. Fuck it though, it's an opportunity to play out.

Peace out,
MJ

Happy Burfday Piddy

So, I was just reading the latest from 1828w45, and I believe J-Ho may have been exaggerating just a tad. I think her team (J-Ho, Salexis, Frances, MikeyT) are just salty that our team (Megan, Mike, Silk, Piddy & myself), all beginners mind you, kicked their asses!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I will give props to J-Ho for initiating a duo on the mic as a shout out to Piddy's big 2-5 birthday. Look out American Idol. Check J-Ho's stance/follow through, a pro bowler if I've ever seen one!!! I'm happy to say that J-Ho captured my first strike ever!!!!!! Again, hydration is the key to this sport. It's a rough and tumble, high fluid loss kind of a game. You gotta keep those electrolytes flowing.

Now, for the good stuff you've all been anticipating since last night. I did hear one person mention that I was "OCD" regarding mullet hunting. In actuality, any photojournalist will tell you that he or she is willing to go anywhere/do anything to capture that picture worth a thousand words. Even if it means getting injured, or worse, death.

Here we go........This first picture is thus far the Mullet of the Year. I have never in my life witnessed such a gem. I like to call this mullet Goldie Lox. I spotted her early in the night, stalked about, waiting for the right moment. I knew she'd make her way up to the snack bar eventually, where I would snag the photo. Props to Megan for posing for a "birthday picture," couldn't have done it without you girl. You could also call this one a blondie squirrel pelt, or what the fuck?

To my surprise, the gold laced mullet and her cronies decided to take a seat next to our lane. At first I thought they were onto me, perhaps ready to blow my undercover status. I was able to capture this picture because of Mike, who so boldly posed for a shot, showing no fear of the Goldie Lox. Thanx man!!!

This last picture was very difficult. This man moved like the slinky skullet he was, making it next to impossible to catch a photograph. Piddy almost had his digi confiscated by this crazed mullet. Very dangerous folks, please do not try this unless you are an experienced, certified, trained undercover mullet lover. I cannot stress that enough here people!!!!!!! Oh, and did anyone else notice this mullet's Zelda hoodie? Classic Nintendo.
As you can tell, this was a great birthday celebration. Thanks to all who participated in the bowling madness. I'm going to be making a vat of vegetarian chili for dinner, all are welcome to come. No Family Guy tonight due to fucking football, but I'm sure I'll find something to entertain myself with tonight.

Back from Cambodia

Well folks, I had a lovely trip to Cambodia. As you can see from the photograph, it was fairly cold there, hence the ski coat & hat. They gave me a Toyota rent-a-car instead of a large tri-cycle and basket due to inclement weather. More to come soon.

Lazy Sunday Random Ten

While doing my mullet post I let shuffle begin, and here is what it came up with:

1. Some Kind of Wonderful - Joss Stone from Soul Sessions
I love this girl, she's got a hell of a voice. This whole album is great, one that I would recommend to anyone. This young white woman from England has made quite an impression in the R&B world. Keep it up sista!!!

2. Apple Tree - Erykah Badu from Baduizm
Now, I love this woman, and this track is by far my favorite. This album could play on repeat for days on end in my house, and I'd never get tired of it. Her lyrics speak to me.

3. Can't Say Nothin' - Curtis Mayfield from The Very Best of Curtis Mayfield
Oh another great album and artist. I love his lyrics and all the funky percussion that goes along w/ his music. He was one of the first artists to openly sing about African American pride and community struggles back in the 70's. An unfortunate incident left him paralyzed from the neck down when he was struck by lightening during a concert in 1990. He died the day after Christmas in 1999 at the age of 57....gone but not forgotten, your spirit lives on Curtis!!!!!

4. Uncle John's Band - Greatful Dead from The Very Best of Skeletons in the Closet
This is the only GD disc I own, but a very good one at that. This song reminds me of a story that my old college housemate back in Philly would tell. The house that she grew up in burned to the ground during her college days. Upon arriving on the scene of this tragedy, this song was playing. Please unplug your toaster oven when you are done using it.

5. Special - Janet Jackson from Velvet Rope
I love me some Janet, and this album is very good. I can relate to the words of this song in that we all need to water our spiritual gardens. The decade of your twenties is a time of spiritual growth and learning, and I can't wait til it's over.

6. Ex-Girlfriend - No Doubt from Return of Saturn
I liked Gwen Stefani when she was with No Doubt. I'm not sure how I feel about her solo crap. This song is okay, nothing more to add.

7. Mother's Little Helper - The Rolling Stones from Hot Rocks Disc 1
A great collection of Stones hits on this album. This should be in everyone's collection. This song is about Valium. Doctor please, some more of these!!!!!

8. Another World - Poe from Hello
I like Poe, I've seen her quite a few times live, and she always puts on a great show.

9. Sullen Girl - Fiona Apple from Tidal
Another great album in my collection. I've also seen her a few times live, and really enjoy her. She had some dark ass days in the beginning of her career which shines through her music/lyrics. A great piano player as well.

10. Choose Me - Sam and Dave from a mixed cd of mine
This is a live cut, and very enjoyable. Great drumming by Al Jackson Jr., who began playing the drums at a young age. He was playing live at age 5 w/ his father's band. He was shot and killed in his home at the age of 39. There are conflicting reports to whether it was his wife of a burglar that commited the crime.

I'm sure I'll have a couple more of these random tens before the end of the extended weekend.

Peace out,
MJ

Mullet Hunting

Okay, so for those of you who don't know, I am a certified undercover mullet lover. I have been known to hunt them out and classify them accordingly. Sometimes I take photos of them, with or without their knowledge. I must add that I never sported a mullet, only wished I had. Here on the west side, you can find a mullet almost anywhere. It never ceases to amaze me how oblivious mullets are to their outdated haircuts. I wonder what they tell the barber, "a little off the top, keep the back long, my lady likes it that way!" Today I'm posting a small collection of pictures I've captured over the last few years. I hope that you all enjoy these as much as I do. The first picture seen here was taken back in June 2001 @ AJ's Tavern in beautiful Pennsville, New Jersey, while visiting my family. The young lady pictured here is Vicky, a friend of my sister's. It was her birthday and she was a virgin to the mullets. I explained to her what one was, and suddenly this strapping young buck appeared across the bar. After we threw a few back, Vicky got the balls up to ask the man to take a birthday picture with her. If you look closely, you will see that she is actually touching the fine locks of love. Mad props Vickabutt!!!!

The second photo, one I'm especially proud of was captured back in 2002 @ Cooperstown here in the glorious land of Cleve. This was kind of a dangerous mission. I thought this fine fella's lady friend was gonna kick my ass for posing with her beau. He stifled her though, what a man!!! Nice spock ears too.

Okay, number three, I like to call this one Euro-mullet. I have no proof that this man was actually from Europe, I'm just making an educated guess. His fanny pack was very attractive and his funky little mullet intrigued me. This was captured at the Flugtag event downtown back in the summer of 2004. Good times.

Photo number four was captured at the local 5/3 Jeanie over on Fulton & Lorain this past summer 2005. Apparently this mullet is new to the ATM machine and needed a lesson from her male friend.

This next one is from the family photo album. This was taken in 1999 somewhere in south Jersey, shortly after my aunt married a man with a mullet, and my cousin got to add a stepbrother w/ a mullet into her life. As you can see, Ed and his son Kyle had the same barber. This my friends is fucking child abuse. I am pleased to say that Kyle has since chopped the mullet. However, Ed still sports the hairstyle of the 80's with pride. ROCK THE MULLET ED!!!!!!!
Ah, this has inspired me to dust off the camera and hit the streets for a hunt. More to come soon.

P.O.I.

P.O.I. aka point of interest. I gotta give props to Dr. Mostrom, professor of Biology back at the University of Sciences in Philadelphia (where I attended, but did not finish college, for a few years of life) who would always put fascinating POI's in her notes for some added tidbits of biological knowledge. This is something I will do periodically as I cross various POI's that strike my fancy.

Category: Animals
POI: A male Right Whale's testicles weigh more than a ton, accounting for about 1% of it's body weight.

Random Ten

Okay, this one goes out to Silk E. She hipped me up to this little gem known as the random ten. I put my itunes on shuffle today as I typed up quarterly progress notes for work (fun). Here is what came about:

1. Is This Love - Bob Marley from Legend
Need I say anything about this man, track, or album?

2. All at Sea - Jamie Cullum from Twentysomething
Not a bad album, kinda Harry Conick Jr-ish sounding. I got into him after seeing a live performance on PBS from some jazz festival over the summer. Nothing more to note on this one.

3. La La Land - Green Velvet from a mixed cd I made entitled The Dope Shit
This song is great, it's one of those that I can't help but sing along to. Makes me want to bust out some pharmies and forget reality for a moment or two. Of course, I no longer do that sort of stuff, for I am an adult now.

4. Benny and the Jets - Beasties Boys from Sounds of Science Disc 2
I love the Beastie Boys!!!!!

5. Where Are My Panties - Outkast from The Love Below
Andre is the man, did you know he plans to attend Juilliard to study classical music? The man is a genius when it comes to making music. And as far as this little skit, my favorite line, "Fuck that, I liked it, I was drunk and it was my burfday anyway!" Ladies, we have all uttered that line at least once, don't hate.

6. Intro Love Below - Outkast from The Love Below
Okay, I thought this thing was on random, WTF?

7. E-Pro - Beck from Guero
Beck is one of my favorite artists. Always creative with his musical endeavors, and a hell of a live performer. I could do without the Scientology bullshit though. Loses a point for that one.

8. Celebrate - Daft Punk from The Dope Shit
This is one of those cheesey dance/techno songs that makes you dance, I have nothing else to say about it.

9. Adventures in Failure - MC 900 Featuring Jesus with DJ Zoo
This song is hilarious, and I'm sure you all know someone that he is describing throughout this little ditty. Hell, it might even be you. I found this song via Realplayer on KEXP, a Seattle based college station. Good shit, check it out if you can.

10. Woo - Erykah Badu from Worldwide Underground
I love Mz. Badu, although I would agree with Silk E on this album. It was decent, some good stuff, but not as profound and moving as the others. It didn't speak to me in the ways that Baduizm and Mama's Gun did. Still love her nonethelss, mad props.

So that's it for today's Random Ten. I hope you all find this as entertaining as I did. Since I'm an ipoding fool now with nothing better to do, these will be posted quite frequently. Feel free to drop your comments, keeping in mind that I don't care what you think of my musical taste. I think it's great, and that's all that matters.

Peace out.
MJ

Last night

Game night again over at 1828 last night, a great event to say the least!! Silk E is quite the competitor, as well as Megan. Perren's strange journey of throwing lettuce out lead to quite a disagreement, all in good fun. J-Ho was quite upset by "Walrus" and at one point yelled "Fuck-off" at me, but I forgive her, it was said in the heat of the moment. I don't think anyone would disagree with me when I say that the best statement of 06 thus far is "it's when you drop your balls on someone's forehead" by Dan, aka teabag Dan. Good times. A party tonight over at 3 double 07 will surely lead to some outrageous pics and stories. More to come.