UPDATE RE: "You Did What!"

Okay folks, this is what it is. I was recently reading Rolling Stone's "Singles of the Year" for 2008 and guess what happened to crack the top 20? You guessed it, Lil Wayne's single "Lollipop" came in at number 5 while Katy Perry's "I Kissed a Girl" landed in the number 20 spot.

Once again, for a brief minute, I am speechless (really?! just kidding..)

I have given up on music of today. Hey maybe I'll go buy a synthesizer and a computer and I can be the next Akon or T-Pain. I think Saturday Night Live had it right - check out this link, I could be the next Blizz - http://www.nbc.com/Saturday_Night_Live/video/clips/blizzard-man/848723/

The Blizz is the real deal.

Stay tuned for a new blog about old bands going on tours and showcasing "new music"

Thursday Night's David vs. Goliath: The Office

In this age of reality television shows and one-season bombs, programs such as “The Office” continue to thrive. What keeps these programs going is simplicity. The writers and producers know what the public want and they deliver it.

If you are not familiar with the program, “The Office” is a comedic sitcom that was originally developed in the U.K. by creators Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant. The American version of “The Office”, which was adapted in 2005, takes place in Scranton, Pa. at the paper supply company Dunder Mifflin.

The cast revolves around characters that would be found in the everyday office: the overzealous boss, the nerdy suck-up, the average-guy salesman and the down-to-earth receptionist, among others.

Even though the American version of “The Office” was adapted from the U.K. version, the two have little in common.

“While the first episode of the American version mimicked the original’s first episode, after that the American series went its own way,” said Dr. Jeffery Griffin, professor of global communication and the fundamentals of broadcasting at the University of Dayton. “What the two have in common is the basic template, i.e., the basic concept of the show.”

Although the original version only ran for two seasons in the U.K., the American version has continued to thrive under challenging circumstances.

“The Office” airs on Thursdays at 9 p.m. EST on NBC. This time slot is one of the most competitive spots throughout the week with shows such as ABC’s “Grey’s Anatomy” and CBS’s “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation.”

“I really like watching “The Office” but I have watched “Grey’s” from the beginning and I know the storyline,” said Stephanie Johnson, a fan of both “The Office” and “Grey’s Anatomy.” “Since I don’t always watch “The Office” and even though there is a storyline in “The Office” you don’t really have to watch every episode to know it’s funny but in “Grey’s” you have to watch all of them.”

For the week of Nov. 20, “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” brought in 18.43 million viewers, “Grey’s Anatomy” brought in 15.74 million and “The Office” finished in third out of the three major networks with an audience of 8.40 million viewers according to the overnight Nielsen ratings.

While “The Office” might not stack up against the competition numbers-wise, the fans are dedicated to their show.

“It’s funny and easy to follow. It’s not over the top dramatic like some of the other shows on TV have become,” said “Office” fan Jenni Beasley.

What the fans really love about “The Office” is the interaction between characters.

“I am a huge fan of the running story lines,” said Jason Lyon. “Too many comedies just have shows that are disconnected and don’t follow each other. Jim and Dwight have some of the best interactions of any characters ever.”

What make these interactions so enjoyable and realistic are the actual characters themselves.

“I think while there are oddballs among the characters, the thing that shines through is the humanity of the characters,” said Griffin. “They are, for the most part, fairly believable. While some may be exaggerations, they are still based on types of real people that most viewers can relate to.”

As “The Office” continues its fifth season on American television, other countries are continuing to further “The Office” legacy with their own versions. Countries such as France (Le Bureau), Germany (Stromberg), and Brazil (Os Aspones) have already created specialized versions of the program for their viewers to enjoy.

“The Office” offers a viewer something they can’t find on other programs such as the competition on Thursday nights.

“So many people work in an office setting and can relate to the archetypal characters on the show such that it has natural appeal,” said Griffin.

Due to the level of creativity presented in the writing and production of “The Office,” the show has been nominated for and won several awards, including Emmy Awards for outstanding writing for a comedy series and outstanding comedy series, Television Critics Association Awards for outstanding and individual achievement in comedy and a Screen Actors Guild Award for outstanding performance by an ensemble in a comedy series.

Clearly “The Office” is a show that has proven that even in a tough time spot, quality television shows can survive.

Wrestling Team Pins Tournament Title

In a tournament that is to become an annual event, the Flyer Club Wrestling team took first place on Saturday in the first-ever Flyer Invitational Tournament followed by runners-up Bowling Green State University and the Ohio State University.

"It was a good team effort. Being our first home tournament we just wanted everything to go well and put up a fight, but coming away as team champions made it even better," senior club founder Scott Kelly said.

In a tournament that included nine schools from Ohio, Minnesota, Virginia, Michigan and Indiana, there was plenty of talent to be seen. Craig Blike (141 lbs.), Jason Lousin (184 lbs.), Frederick "Fritz" Schoolfield (235 lbs.) and Frank Chiodo (heavyweight) all took first place for Dayton in their individual weight classes.

"I'm just happy that we could put on a tournament at home that went really well, and that we could pull out a win against league powerhouses like Bowling Green and Southern Virginia," Blike said.

The Dayton Club Wrestling Team was established in 2005 when Kelly circulated a petition and was able to produce enough signatures in support of a club team. "I was surprised to learn UD didn't already have a club team, so when I got here starting it was something that I wanted to do," Kelly said.

On June 23, 1972 the United States passed the Title IX law stating that “No person in the United States shall on the basis of sex, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.” This action forced universities and high schools to terminate programs in accordance with the new law. One such program being the UD men’s wrestling team, which was a varsity sport until the mid-1980s.

With the opening of the RecPlex in early 2006, UD agreed to purchase a wrestling mat and allow for the formation of the club.

With the addition of coach Eric Blosser in 2007, the team began to emphasize conditioning and the molding of a winning attitude, while attempting to become one of the top teams in the North Central Conference.

"He's one of the most dedicated coaches out there with the amount of energy and enthusiasm he shows," Kelly said, "and you got to love his signature three-piece suits."

Coming off their first home victory, the Flyers have great plans for the future, returning all the wrestlers from the previous year.

"This is the first year we have had a full lineup and we have a lot of talent with three returning national qualifiers, so this year we are looking to be a North Central top competitor," Kelly said.

Note: This story was published in the November 18 issue of Flyer News

When I Paint My Masterpiece

Ever wonder when it's finally going to happen - your masterpiece, your greatest achievement. First the idea will hit you (right?). Will you be smart enough to listen to your inner-voice and follow through with it? Will it be difficult? You bet your ass it will be, but it'll be worth it.. won't it?

What exactly is it going to be? Well, I suppose that depends on who you are and what you are about. It could be a piece of music, it could be an illustration, whatever it is, when and more importantly how is it going to happen?

How can a person take their profession or supposed love to the next level to create their masterpiece? Is there a three-step program or a diagram of those that have gone before, or is it nothing but a blank piece of paper.

And sadly, whose to say it ever happens? What if you go your whole life and never reach your masterpiece? What does that say about you as a person, does that mean you failed? No, it doesn't mean that, but is it like your mother once told you? "I just wished you would of tried a little harder..." Is it that simple really?

Whose to say. How can one tell when they have poured all they can into a piece of work? Who is to define success and label the work a masterpiece? My dad use to say that until I dedicated myself 150 percent towards a project I wouldn't know what it meant to actually do work. At 21, I still don't believe I have, what does that say about me? Let's not worry about that for now - how about you? do you know what it means to work - have you achieved your masterpiece?

A Semester in Paradise

Taking a break from music this week - I wrote about spending a semester in Hawaii.

UD students spend four months in Hawaii

What if I told you instead of spending a week without power you could have spent a week learning how to surf or relaxing on the North Shore? With the University of Dayton’s exchange program you could have been doing just that.

Twice a year, UD offers an exchange program with its fellow Marianist schools, Chaminade University in Honolulu, Hawaii, and St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, Texas.

A list of qualifications must be met before a student can gain acceptance into the program. Students must supply qualifying information, write an essay expressing their interest in spending a semester n Hawaii and their plans regarding service opportunities. Once that was completed all students were asked to obtain letters of recommendation.

Another aspect students need to consider before making the decision to apply for this opportunity is to ensure that the classes they will take in Hawaii or Texas will transfer back to UD. To do this, students must hold meetings with their advisors to set up a schedule of classes that would later be approved by the dean of the student’s major.

This past year, around 25 students applied for the Chaminade University exchange, and the program accepted 10.

“The best part of having a semester in Hawaii is spending four months in a place few people get to experience for more than a week in their lifetime,” senior, Edward Kendralla said. “The laid back, relaxing atmosphere is an ideal place to go to school.”

The class schedule for most students typically consists of 12 credit hours made up of four three credit hour courses.

“The school life isn’t too intense,” senior Eric Weinheimer said. “I only have four classes: Hawaiian History, Sociology and Philosophy of Gender Roles, Poetry/Creative Writing and Sexuality in the Christian Life. As you can probably tell, I don’t kill myself over classes.”

Since Chaminade University is a campus of around 1,200 undergraduates, the class sizes tend to be made up of 15 to 20 students. This gives the exchange students a better chance of meeting new people and becoming more involved in the classes.

Classes seem to only be one small aspect of the exchange program. The idea of living on an island thousands of miles away from home is another.

“After being here, I really believe that everyone needs to live somewhere different in their lives,” Weinheimer said. “It doesn’t matter where, just far enough to get out of your comfort zone. The home you grow up in and the university you attend you develop comfort zones and (often) really don’t step out of them.”

The Chaminade University exchange gives students that chance to step out of their comfort zone, emerge from their shell and explore a new way of life.

Chaminade goes out of its way to make sure the new students feel welcome by arranging a bus tour and other activities for the students during their first week on the island. From that point on, what the students want to do is in their own hands.

“Resident Advisors in the apartment will plan activities every once in a while you can take advantage of,” Kendralla said. The current students involved in the exchange have formed an Exchange Student Organization that attempts to get funding through student activities to plan trips to the Polynesian cultural center, a University of Hawaii football game, the North Shore beach and a tour of the Dole Plantation, among other trips.

Other trips have included stops at Pearl Harbor, Kahua ranch – where TV shows and films such as Lost, Jurassic Park and 50 First Dates have filmed – and the North Shore. The exchange students can partake in hiking trips to Diamond Head and Manoa falls, surfing and snorkeling. But take caution: Kendralla recalled his own personal experience with snorkeling as “getting brutally attacked by a jellyfish.”

Chaminade also provides vans that can be driven by any student who gets certified to do so.
“Chaminade really supports the exchange students and does a lot to make sure we get the best out of this experience,” Weinheimer said.

Both students admitted to wishing that they would have joined the exchange program as juniors so that they could have spent the first semester of their senior year back at UD with friends.

“But this is a once in a lifetime opportunity, and I don’t regret my decision,” Weinheimer said. “It was good for me to participate in something completely new by stepping out of – 5,000 miles out of – my comfort zone.”

For more information on how to get involved in an exchange program such as the Chaminade University exchange, visit http://international.udayton.edu. All of the information needed to apply is provided.

“I’ve learned a lot about myself by challenging myself and stepping out of my comfort zone to learn new things about new people in new places,” Weinheimer said. “I am grateful for an opportunity like this and am incredibly lucky to have taken advantage of it.”

Not Your Father's Donavon: Pass it Around

What do you think when you hear the name Donavon Frankenreiter? You think I am making it up, don’t you? I’m not, I swear. If this is a name that you don’t know, you better ask yourself why. Donavon Frankenreiter is a blast straight from the 1970s, bringing you only the best relaxing, soothing tunes. Think Jack Johnson with a little dash of funk (a little “dance to the music” if you will).

The first single from Frankenreiter’s third album, Pass it Around, titled “Life, Love & Laughter” perfectly sums up every aspect of what Donavon stands for: “Don’t look back, it won’t do any good. Don’t look ahead you’ll just be misunderstood. Everything you need could be right in front of you. It doesn’t take much to see what is true.” With Donavon, a Southern California born surfer, it is all about the simple things and he relates that in his music.

With songs such as “Life, Love & Laughter,” “Too Much Water” and “Mansions on the Sand,” Donavon is sure to keep you and your friends grooving. The simplicity of his music is what makes Frankenreiter so good. He knows how to make a song that is catchy but is just repetitive enough to the point where it doesn’t get annoying. You could take any of his first three albums and put them on at a party or while you are relaxing by the pool and they would provide the perfect soundtrack.

If you are looking for a more in depth explanation of Frankenreiter’s music you could compare him to Jack Johnson (the two are good friends and Johnson actually signed Frankenreiter to his Brushfire Fairytales record company for his first self-titled album). His music has been classified as soft rock or surf rock, acoustic guitar with a little bit of rhythm guitar to accompany the drums and bass guitar.

If you are already a fan of Frankenreiter you will not be disappointed by his latest release, Pass it Around. If you are new to him and you like music that can jam, is chill at the same time and can even make you dance if you are feeling a little saucy then I would suggest you go pick up a copy of the album and maybe pick up his first self-titled album while you’re at it.

Wait a second...how did we get here?

Music is powerful.

Or atleast I believe it can be, but then again I am one of these "suckers" that falls into the trap that the person that is writing this music actually feels like this or sees such events. I hope that they are making this music for the love of music, not just because they are money hungry corporate whores that will do anything to make some scratch (ja-mean?).

So then as a believer in music tell me - what is it about music that can literally "take you away". Listen to songs such as Donavon Frankenreiter's "too much water", Jason Mraz's "i'm your's" or Incubus' "wish you were here", after listening to such songs you think you would rather be relaxing on a beach with powder white sand or jumping into the waves of the crystal blue water as they crash into the beach. Why do we feel like this? Don't get me wrong, I love that feeling but just what about those songs make us think like this?

Another question that could be posed is can the life depicted in these songs really be that great? Not to sound like a complete pesimist but do we long for these types of feelings simply because we are where we are? I love Dayton and specifically the University of Dayton, but come on, who wouldn't rather be on a beach or even dare I say, in Daytona?

But are these thoughts just a break from the norm? We long for these feelings simply because everytime we go to the beach it is because we are on vacation. So we don't have to worry about making money or any other problems that might arise. So for the time being we can say: "Man, why don't I just pack up all my stuff and move out to a beach house" but once we get there will things be any different? Or will we continue to have our constant daily struggles?

This is why music is powerful. If we analyze the situation it can get messy but for that brief three minutes and change these artists can take us to a completely different place and give us a whole new outlook on life, the choice is yours - you honestly could go anywhere you want to through the use of music, I got an afternoon to spare, where do you want to go?

You Did What!

I quote... "I kissed a girl and I liked it" ... I feel like Seth Meyers and Amy Poehler on Weekend Update: "Really? You kissed a girl and you liked it? Really?" How is this music, what have we come to, the number one song according to Billboard.com's "Hot 100" chart is "I kissed a girl" by Katy Perry.. It's like the all the world has ADD and will listen to anything that is repetitive and upbeat. Yes, I know everyone can have their opinion (and yes I have been known to be a music snob "If I don't like it, it's crap") and through learning about methods of communication I am learning to respect that, but have we really gone this far?

Not far down the list coming in at #3 in "Lollipop" by Lil Wayne. Why don't we take a look at some of these lyrics together, what do ya say?

"Shawty wanna thug, bottles in the club, shawty wanna hump and ooo I like to touch ya lovely lady lumps"

"Shawty said the ***** that she with aint ****, Shawty said the ***** that she with aint this, Shawty said the ***** that she with cant hit and shawty ima hit it (hit it) like I cant miss and I cant do this and I dont do that, Shawty needa a refund needa bring that ***** back, This typa refund; i tell her bring that *** back and she bring that *** back (she bring that *** back)"

Really? wow, I am speechless, I am without speech. What happened to singer songwriters writing about something that was important and made sense to the masses. People talked about things such as love, war and stories that everyone could relate to. Where have those times gone?

I can't help but laugh when I think of this scenario: Picture this, the artist walking into a room full of record executives or even friends and family and they say something along the lines of "Hey guys, I got this new single that I have put a lot of hard work and thought into and I hope you really like it." They push the play button, and the first thing these people hear are a girl yelling "I kissed a girl and I liked it" or some guy mumbling "her wanna lick the rapper, so I letta lick the rapper." Really?

I don't expect things to change, I don't expect singer songwriters to make a comeback. But I just want people to know that while they are entitled to their own opinions there is good music out there you just need to look for it and chances are you will not find it on mainstream radio.

so remember this one thought: Really? Listen to the lyrics of the songs you hear while you are driving to work or doing work and ask yourself "Really?"

Tim Keating Recommendations:

• Jason Mraz "We Sing, We Dance, We Steal Things"
  
• Dave Matthews Band "Remember Two Things"


• Donavon Frankenreiter "Self Titled"


• The Kooks "Konk"


• Red Hot Chili Peppers "By The Way"

These are only a few selections if you are in need of some good advice when it comes to Pop, Hip-Hop, Classic Rock or Country do not hesitate to drop me a line and I will give you some goodens to listen to.

Jason Mraz "We Sing, We Dance, We Steal Things"

Released: May 13, 2008

Featuring: Jason Mraz, James Morrison, Colbie Caillat

Best Lyric: "Well you done done me and you bet I felt it, I tried to be chill but you're so hot that I melted, I fell right through the cracks, and now i'm trying to get back"

Recommended Song(s): I'm Yours, Details in the Fabric, the Dynamo of Volition

Personal Review: In my opinion, this is the album of the summer, hands down. The first single, "I'm Yours" released in February of 2008 sets the tone for the rest of the album focused on an upbeat, feel-good vibe. The upbeat songs such as "I'm Yours" "the Dynamo of Volition" and "Make it Mine" are only offset by slow ballads such as "Only Human" and "Details in the Fabric". But even with his slow ballads Mraz still tries to inspire with lyrics such as:

"calm down deep breaths and get yourself dressed, instead of running around and pulling all your threads and breaking yourself up. If it's a broken part, replace it but, if it's a broken arm then brace it. If it's a broken heart then face it, and hold your own, know your name and go your own way"

found in the track "Details in the Fabric" featuring James Morrison, Mraz reminds us that there is always a positive side to ever situation.

This is what sets Mraz apart from other musicians, while other musicians are talking about all the bad happenings in the world Mraz is writing about fun relationships ("Lucky") and constantly making the listener laugh with lyrics such as "i'm trying to keep up with the Joneses while waiting for Guns and the Roses to finish what we all suppose is gonna be the shit" ("the Dynamo of Volition")

If you are an avid Jason Mraz fan than you can expect more of the same music that you love with a little bit of a twist but if you are new to Mr. A-Z then you will definately enjoy his latest "We Sing, We Dance, We Steal Things.

Check out these YouTube links to catch a climpse of Mraz's music:

• "I'm Yours" - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EkHTsc9PU2A


• "Lucky" - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vc_RIRCAF_w&feature=related
  

From past albums:

• "Wordplay" - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_TDcQdgGi5U&feature=related


• "The Remedy" - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kb-73iU6ubQ&feature=related


• "Life is Wonderful" - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R08q2wzGpzk&feature=related
  
  

I do not own the rights to any of the pictures or videos shown in the post above all information can be found on youtube or wikipedia.

That 70s Show

Today, I decided to take a break from the normal blog to tell you about something new I am up to. After months of persuasion from a few of my friends I have finally gotten my own radio show, entitled "That 70s Show" (The name was thought up by my friend Ed, thanks Ed). It airs Sundays 10AM to 12PM on 99.5 WUDR Flyer Radio

But don't worry, it's not just me talking and playing songs. It's so much more. First off, I have another friend helping me out, Eric. He knows what hes doing around the radio station. Eric adds a whole different element to the show, he adds comic relief and another voice to come up with ideas for the shows. Hopefully I can convince him to stay on fulltime.

As you can tell if you actually read this blog on steady basis my thoughts are usually scrambled, not put together very well, making it hard for others to read or understand what I am trying to get across. On the radio, it's a whole different ball game. I don't have to worry about how to write certain things while trying to sound somewhat sophisticated and not coming across sounding even more incapable than I really am. See, look at that last sentence... me fail english?

I'd rather think of myself as an idea man. When it comes down to the exact specifics, such as writing a coherent blog, thats where things might get blurry. On the radio show I can say what I want to say and I have Eric there to either ask follow up questions or ask me to clearify, which is nice.

So what goes on during the show? Lots of things - mostly it is what Eric and I like to call "new boot goofin", we just try to have a good time while enjoying classic rock hits and I may even throw a fun fact in there (if your lucky). After one week going in blind we came out with a couple of different ideas for segments:

• Eight Track of the Week: Each week i'll pick one band and one album and select 4 tracks from that artist to play through out the length of show
• Artist Spotlight: Each week i'll pick one artist and give you a look into where that person comes from, how they started playing music, the bands they've been in and finally what they are doing today. This information will be followed by a musical timeline through the artist's career.

Last Weeks Artist Spotlight: Joe Walsh

• Away Message of the Week: This is one for the kids of today, everyone has away messages and I know I like to use song lyrics alot of the time, so in this segment I pick out a set of lyrics to be the away message of the week.

Last Weeks Away Message of the Week: "Like a bird on a wire, like a drunk in a midnight choir, i've tried in my own way to be free" Leonard Cohen's "Bird on a Wire" (How this lyric came into my mind was were listening to Kris Kristofferson who decided to have those lyrics put on his gravestone when he dies)

That is all we have thought of so far, I'd love to get some feedback if you have show ideas. Also don't forget if you are up early on Sunday morning (10AM to 12PM) recovering from the weekend you might as well tune into Eric and me for some "70s Show" on Flyer Radio WUDR 99.5

**If you are not in the Dayton area and would like to listen check out:
http://flyer-radio.udayton.edu/

Brian Wilson's "Smile"

Originally Released: September 23, 2004

Featuring: Brian Wilson, The Brian Wilson Band

Best Lyric: "I bet I know what she's like and I can feel how right she'd be for me. It's weird, how she comes in so strong and I wonder what she's pickin up from me?" - Good Vibrations

Best Song(s): "Surf's Up" & "Cabin Essence"


Personal Review: This may be a little bias because of the fact that I am a huge Brian Wilson fan. I feel like he gets a bad rap. Yeah, he is pretty messed up now-a-days, but look at what the man has been through. It seems like your typical musician's story: He had an abusive Dad who tried his hardest to get rich and famous by playing music, so as a young boy Brian began to learn to play the piano to try to get on his father's good side. Once Brian's father realized his son had a gift he pushed him until he cracked. From all of the books and DVDs I have read and seen it truly is a sad story. Brian was on top of the world after the release of Pet Sounds he had already moved to a back seat role with the Beach Boys no longer touring with them and simply focusing on writing new material. So while the Beach Boys were touring Brian came up with the idea for Smile. It was something that had never been done, this scared the other Beach Boys. When the Beach Boys returned from their tour to see what Brian had come up with they were not pleased. The music and lyrics had become extremely abstract, the Beach Boys and especially lead singer Mike Love thought Brian had lost it. The Beach Boys wanted to play Beach Boys music, they felt Smile was too 'out there'. This sent Brian into a protective shell, from all the years of abuse by his father Brian had become extremely sensitive and everything he did depended on what others thought, he just wanted to please other people. When the Beach Boys turned down his months of hard work he had a nervous breakdown.

Until 2004, when the idea of finishing and performing Smile came up. I have a DVD Documentary entitled "Brian Wilson's Smile" that follows the process of Brian telling the story of Smile in the sixties through to the performance in 2004 that resulted in the album. It really is visible to tell in the DVD that the memories of Smile still haunt Brian to this day. But with the help of his band and long time partner in writing Van Dyke Parks the team finished the album, put it all together and performed it in London, England on February 20, 2004.

The album itself may be a little out there for conventional music listeners, but if you have a interest in music and songwriting then this album is definately for you. Some of the melodies even seem somewhat childish but they are so well put together that the final product is unbelievable. The layers that Brian Wilson and the Beach Boys can be found all through out the album, using voices as instruments (much like CSN) adds a whole different level to the album. Their are songs such as "Surf's Up" where the lyrics seem like gibberish: "Surf's up aboard a tidal wave, come about hard and join the young and often spring you gave, I heard the word, wonderful thing, a children's song" but put together with the beautiful piano playing of Brian the words just flow and make perfect sense.

So if you are into deep melodies and extremely well put together songs then Brian Wilson's Smile is definately a must have.

The following is a clip from the DVD mentioned earlier:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x00vPV1nKbU

(Its important when listening to music to not be judgmental - don't judge people - Brian may be affected by all he has been through but the man is genius.)

This is a clip of Brian performing "Surf's Up" in 1966. To me it's absolutely perfect.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wBDqRLkA8ew

Other Recommended Brian Wilson Albums/Affiliates/Books:

• The Beach Boys "Pet Sounds"


• "Wouldn't it be nice" By Brian Wilson - Autobiography

CSNY - Four Way Street

Originally Released: April 7, 1971

Featuring: David Crosby, Stephen Stills, Graham Nash & Neil Young

Best Lyric: "Don't you ever ask them why, if they told you, you would cry. So just look at them and sigh and know they love you." -Teach Your Children

Best Line: "Here's a new song thats guaranteed to bring you right down, it's called Don't Let it Bring you Down, sort of starts off real slow then fizzles out all together." -Neil Young

Best Song: David Crosby's "The Lee Shore"

Personal Review: From the view of a CSNY fan this album is everything I love about the group. While still playing such CSNY favorites as "Suite: Judy Blue Eyes" and "Teach Your Children" the group finds a way to incorporate each member's own personal work: Crosby sing his song "Laughing" from his debut solo album If I could only remember my name, Crosby and Nash team up to sing their song "The Lee Shore" (which I believe to be the best song on the album), Graham Nash pays tribute to his previous group, The Hollies, by playing "King Midas in Reverse" from the group's 1967 album Butterfly (this tune is only found on the 1992 re-issue of the album) and finally Stephen Stills plays his song "Black Queen" of his 1970 self-titled album.

So while the average CSNY fan gets their fill of good hits, they also get a look into the quality of works that each musician has created as a solo artist.

As a fan of all types of music I find it almost breathtaking to listen to these four guys sing and harmonize together - especially the work of Nash and Crosby, those two sound like they were meant to sing together: here is a link from YouTube of Nash and Crosby playing the song the Lee Shore - I DEFINATELY recommend you to check out the other parts from their BBC performance, it really is musical genious - these guys sound even better here than they do on their albums that have meticulously put together.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zdNO9Qa5rzI&feature=user

Other Recommended CSNY Albums/Affiliates:

• Crosby, Stills & Nash "CSN"


• David Crosby "If I Could Only Remember My Name"


• Crosby & Nash - "Wind on the Water"

all unkown information was gathered from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Four_Way_Street
the youtube video can be found at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zdNO9Qa5rzI&feature=user

Just the basic facts (can you show me where it hurts?)

I feel like before I begin to blog about music, new albums and other related items I feel like I should give you a background on who I am, what I do and how I got here.

My name is Tim Keating and I am currently a junior at the University of Dayton majoring in Electronic Media. My Hobbies include listening to music, building things and playing sports. As you will see throughout this entry I really enjoy building things such as tables, corn-hole boards, and small furniture. The picture at the top is a table that I built in the summer of 2007 for my dorm room in the shape of a Shamrock with an Irish Flag painted across the top. On the bottom self in a Celtic font it says "Ceitinn" which was the way my last name was spelled before my anchestors moved to America. Althought it may not be very technical sound (because it only has three legs) it does look good.

With most of these projects the ideas just come to me. From the point where I think of an idea, I am 100% pedal to the metal on getting the project finished, I really enjoying building and painting these items what I love even more is seeing them finished.

Another example is a pair of coffee tables that were much needed my Sophomore year.

I always was willing to make compromises with my roomates. I figured instead of just painting the logos of sports teams that I like I would split the table into two and do one team I like and one team that the roomate liked. These tables have been essential. They do show some signs of wear but that is because they are used all day everyday.

So when I am not in class, hanging out with friends, or doing homework (really?) I like to just think of cool things that would be convienent to have around the apartment.

Recently I have become interested in the process of Screening T-Shirts, I use to make my own shirts in highschool just by using spray paint and washing them a couple of times so the shirts aren't sticky, but since then I have been experimenting with actual Screen-Printing and it is definately a process (below you can see the first couple of items that I screened).

Going across in order here:

The first picture is of a set of Corn-hole boards I made for the next door neighbor as a Christmas Present. I painted the boards as if they were helmets and then painted the Block O logo over top of that.

The second and third pictures are of a OSU lock-box I made for school and I even painted the family crest on the inside of the door. Again I used the helmet theme and put the stripes down the middle and painted the buckeye stickers the players where on their helmets on the right side of the box, on the left side I painted a large Block O.

The forth picture is of the first two items I tried to screenprint. The hoodie on the left is a "Joe Walsh" picture and the t-shirt on the right is an idea I came up with at the beginning of this past years football season (it's unbelievable how much people not from Columbus HATE when Buckeye fans say O!H! or THE Ohio State University).

The fifth picture is a David Crosby t-shirt that I made that reads "Crosby sings, you listen" This one is self-explanatory and you should probably listen to the t-shirt because David Crosby has one of the best voices in music that I have ever heard.

So now you know a little bit about me and what I like to do. My love of music goes right along with all these projects because you better believe that while I was out in the garage at my house making these things I had some music going the entire time.

I am definately one of those people that deeply believes in music. Music can take you to different places, if you are in a bad mood in can pick you up and thats very important. Music always gives me a certain level of comfort.

All I want to do is get the people around me to listen to music, I love spreading my knowledge of music to anyone that will listen. Just ask all the people that I have made CD's for, the list is endless. It's funny when you listen to alot of music, because all of sudden you will here a song and be like "you know _____ will really dig this album" and then when they go out and get a copy of it and love it for some reason that gives me a sense of accomplishment.