GMVW # 96: "Musical Mojo (the 00's)"

Gem Music Video of the Week # 96:  Musical Mojo (the 00’s)

Song:  Fix You by Coldplay

(Songwriter: Chris Martin)

November 5, 2009

I’m sitting in a hotel in Grand Forks, North Dakota at the moment, where I will be giving a presentation at a regional GIS conference down in the lobby later in the week.  Not long after arriving, I took a short 1-hour drive up to Manitoba (home of the original Royal Canadian Mounted Police) along the north-flowing Red River (part of a watershed system that ultimately drains into Hudson Bay). It was cold out. The vast stretches of grass in the grasslands have a permanent tilt, as if the winter swales never end.  The colors were all reminders of the frigid months ahead: The soil was dark black, the fields yellow and the leaves brown.  The only thing with any color was the immense blue sky, but the birds in it tended to fly close to the ground, perhaps in fear of getting slammed by the wind if they soared too high.  The trees were huddled together in clumps.

North Dakota:  How did I get here?  I’m not talking about the flight out earlier….I’m talking about in general.  Of the roughly five decades I’ve been around (sorry, Mom), this 00’ one has gone by the fastest.  Time tends to fly when there is a lot happening, and there was plenty of it for me this decade. It’s been hard to stop and smell the roses at times, as there have been long stretches of just going day to day.  Work and fatherhood will do that to you. What’s on the calendar tomorrow?  Oh, this that and the other thing.  And everything else will just have to wait. And wait. And wait again.

Don’t get me wrong, I don’t necessarily mind the hectic schedule.  But I’ve learned the past few years that you do have to watch it. Busy schedules can add up:  Days turn to weeks, weeks to months, and months to years.  Before you know it, you are quite a ways past the reevaluation stage.  Priorities can get skewed.  Connections with friends, family, and the great outdoors can slip.

And so can connections with music.

Back about 3 or 4 years ago, I came to the realization that I was forgetting my bond with music.  This may be hard to believe after reading all these posts the past few years.  But one of the big reasons for my doing this has been an attempt at a self restoration of sorts.  I was losing it: Mojo, groove, moxie, whatever you want to call it.  It was slipping away:  Too much work and other activities; too many hours listening to sports and NPR; too much time sitting in the house on weekend evenings watching the boob tube.  Not enough time enjoying the music. I came to the conclusion that by losing connection with the music, I was losing ‘it’.  Certainly there are other factors.  But for me music was a big one.

And so, to wrap up this five-week decade-by-decade account, I fittingly thought I would focus on the musicians who take the music passionately. Rock and roll has had its share of innovators, but it’s a short list of musicians that is both very good and truly passionate about celebrating the music for music’s sake: Those musicians who look at music as a guiding light.  Those who, in concert, don’t so much say ‘here we are, listen to what we have to say’ as much as ‘celebrate this moment with us’.  Each of the five decades I have covered have an award winner in this regard.  There is plenty of overlap, as all of them continue to maintain this ardent belief system. Following is each decades champ, concluding with the 00’ winner and Gem video.

The first rock band to have a music-first focus was the Who, with the Grateful Dead coming in at a close second (though I believe Buddy Holly would have beaten both of them to the punch if given longevity).  Some time in the late 60’s, during the making of the album ‘Tommy’, Pete Townshend convinced the rest of the band that there was something bigger than them at stake.  Their live shows took on an added resonance and urgency about them, which continues to this day.  Townshend took the music so seriously, that he had a nervous breakdown trying to get ‘Lifehouse’, a follow up concept to ‘Tommy’, across to the band and their audience.  He never succeeded (at least with the Who, although songs from Lifehouse have come out in albums like ‘Who’s Next’ and ‘Odds and Sods’).  The concept, which I will not even attempt to explain, had a core theme of music and ‘a note in us all’.  He would follow this aborted album with other albums over the years, with many songs centered on a music theme.

The 70’s award goes to Neil Young (with the Grateful Dead again as a runner up).  It was during this period that Young and his band Crazy Horse began to master their trade.  Of the award winners listed here, this one flies most under the radar.  I personally was not aware of how passionate and able Neil and his hand picked jam band were until I saw them live.  During their ‘Garage’ tour in the early 80’s, a video montage would be playing behind the band of many-a rock musician that had already passed on by then.  An attempt was being made to connect the dots.  In the process, Neil Young and Crazy Horse played their hearts out.  By the end of their shows, they had nothing more to give.

The 80’s and 90’s winners are Bruce Springsteen and U2 respectively (with the Grateful Dead coming in second in both cases), I have never seen either of them live, however, I’ve seen enough footage of both to know where their emphasis lies.  Springsteen plays marathon shows and runs around the stage as if his life depends on it.  His band, E-Street, feeds off his emotions.  Same goes for Bono and U2.  The way they are able to include the audience in their celebration of music is astounding.  In other words, the audience is not off the hook by any means.  Talking to fans of both over the years, they have often stated that by the end of the shows, they are as drained as the musicians. 

Finally there is this decade’s winner, Coldplay, a Nancy favorite.  This fact comes through loud and clear in the attached Gem video ‘Fix You’.  It’s pretty creative, and watching it, I’ve been wondering if what plays out in video form is real.  Chris Martin, lead singer, walks the streets of what appears to be a major European city, while singing the beginning of ‘Fix You’, before running into the concert hall to carry on the remainder of the song with the band.  Was he appearing on the big screens in the concert hall while outside (ala Dave Letterman)?  Regardless, it’s very well done.

For me, Nancy and the kids, the core of this decade witnessed our move to a new home in Pepperell, Massachusetts.  We left a lot of memories behind in our old digs, but have been busy shaping new ones the past 5 years.  I’m thankful for what we have been able to build together anew.

I’ve told several friends that one day at the end of this hectic period in our lives, we will all be sitting around a campfire.  Suddenly, someone will snap us all out of our coma and someone else will say “Whoa, what was that all about?!?” (‘that’ referring to the prior 30 years).  Was it a dream?  Sitting here in a hotel room in Grand Forks, North Dakota, I’m already trying to figure that out.  If it is a dream it’s been a good one so far.  I’m trying to enjoy it while it lasts.

As for that mojo, I’m still working on it.  The music is back inside my head though, crowding out other thoughts when the time permits.  So much so, that at times I don’t even need to turn on the radio. I do realize that I’ll have to continue probing to keep it that way.  Next step: Roger Daltrey at the House of Blues this Sunday, with Mac (and a few extra tickets currently burning a hole in Mac’s wallet if any one is interested). 

After all, The Who, Neil Young, and the others seem to be convinced that music is a source of strength.  I tend to believe them.

Immediately below is a list of ‘Great Lyric One Liners’.  Below that is the Gem video and several other videos from the 00’s.  Below these are the lyrics to ‘Fix You’.

Nuff Said (on the march of the decades)

- Pete

Great Lyric One Liners

1. “There once was a note, pure and easy, playing so free like a breath rippling

by” (I could have extracted any line from this song, but this one tops the others)

2. “They never did like Mommas homemade dress, Papas banquet wasn’t big enough” (Same with this one)

3.  “And in the end, the love you take, is equal to the love you make” (The future McCartney epitaph?)

4. “You can checkout any time you like, but you can never leave” (Scarier thought than the head popping out of the boat in ‘Jaws’)

5.  “I want to be Bob Dylan, Mr. Jones wishes he was someone a little more funky” (One man and his alter ego)

6. “The sea refuses no river, remember that when the beggar buys a round” (Oh, to be a fly on the wall when Townshend thought up that one)

7. “The words of the prophets are written on the subway walls” (Contrary to the popular belief that they are written in bathroom stalls)

8. “Meet me at the wrecking ball, wrecking ball, where something pretty and white and we’ll go dancing tonight” (An entire screenplay could be written around that line)

9. “One hasn’t got time for the waiting game” (A Dad contribution, and a great one at that)

10. “Four Dead in Ohio” (A Jeff Strause contribution. Also great)

11 “Freedoms just another word for nothing left to lose” (Amy sang this song for me on Cape Cod this summer.  The line stuck.

12.  “How many roads must a man walk down, before you can call him a man” (When it comes to Dylan, you can just pick them out of a hat)

13. “Coming Tuesday, I feel better. Even my old man looks good” (Not you Dad, you’re always dapper)

14. “I staggered through your shitty dining room” (I had to throw in some classic Davies cynicism)

Gem Music Video of the Week: ‘Fix You’

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=skUJ-B6oVDQ

The Kaiser Chiefs ‘Never Miss a Beat’ (Wow!  Thanks again, Tom)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wz40P1hFvWs

Snow Patrol ‘Run’ (Since the Grateful Dead didn’t quite make it to the 00’s, these guys are runner up to Coldplay)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=83ITQsLv8Es

Green Day ‘Holiday’ (The most powerful song since ‘Won’t Get Fooled Again’)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d_Nt5mEZ2r0

Cheryl Crow ‘If It Makes You Happy’ (There’s that Canadian Mountie again)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vA-PcyACc40

Monsters of Folk ‘Say Please’ (Only a still shot video, but worth the listen)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nfcI2HliOIM

Gandalf Murphy and the Slambovian Circus of Dreams ‘Moondog House’ (Jeff Strause highly recommends these guys)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0OIsjMzul9I

Lyrics to ‘Fix You’

When you try your best but you don't succeed

When you get what you want but not what you need

When you feel so tired but you can't sleep

Stuck in reverse.

And the tears come streaming down your face

When you lose something you can't replace

When you love someone but it goes to waste

Could it be worse?

Lights will guide you home

And ignite your bones

And I will try to fix you

And high up above earth or down below

When you're too in love to let it go

But if you never try you'll never know

Just what you're worth

Lights will guide you home

And ignite your bones

And I will try to fix you

Tears stream, down your face

When you lose something you cannot replace

Tears stream down your face and I...

Tears stream, down your face

I promise you I will learn from my mistakes

Tears stream down your face and I...

Lights will guide you home

And ignite your bones

And I will try to fix you.

About the Video: Made for MTV-like video

Video Rating: 1

Best Feedback: Fred

Pete

Thanks again for the Friday trip.

And: Sue

Pete - very cool - you are spot on - mostly time just seems to fly by with day to day motions - it is important to slow down and remember/take time for our priorities! Take care, sd

And: Mac

Does losing your MOJO coincide with your CIDER phase?

GMVW # 95: "A Generational Divide (the 90's)"

Gem Music Video of the Week # 95:  A Generational Divide (the 90’s)

Song:  Smells Like Teen Spirit by Nirvana

(Songwriters: Kurt Cobain, Krist Novoselic, and Dave Grohl)

October 29, 2009

Two or three times a year, I find myself having to head to Denver, Colorado for work:  There is a 3-block Federal Center in Lakewood, just west of the city, at the foot of the Rocky Mountains. Other than Headquarters near Washington D.C. and possibly EROS Data Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the Denver Federal Center is the heart of U.S. Geological Survey activities. It includes training facilities, a state of the art lab, a large conference room, other meeting rooms and a book/map store for the public. There is also an enormous storage area, where you can find nationwide scientific publications; geologic, oceanographic, aerial, satellite and topographic maps; geologic core samples; and other fascinating field discoveries.  So, whether it is a significant meeting, workshop, or training, more often than not, it is held there. 

Such was the case again for me in the spring of 1999.  Although Lakewood has a reputation in the surrounding area as home of the Federal Center (a fair number of people in the vicinity are employed there), on April 20 of that year, Lakewood would be renowned worldwide for something else entirely.  It started as just another long work day on the road.  After wrapping up for the day, and before heading out for dinner with colleagues, I returned to my hotel room to call home.  Out of habit I flicked on the television.  It was then that I began taking in what happened several miles away earlier that afternoon at Columbine High School. Two kids had opened fire on their classmates, killing and injuring many. I flashed back to my lunch break earlier and recalled the sirens that were blaring near and far.  At the time, I did not pay them all that much heed.  Watching the news, however, it was suddenly and shockingly clear what had caused the commotion.

For the next three days it was as if the rest of the world did not exist in the Denver metropolitan area.  The news was all Columbine all the time.  There could have been a catastrophic earthquake in Mexico or a tsunami in Hawaii, and the report may not have made it to the area.  Columbine was that jarring. 

For whatever reason, I followed the tragedy over the subsequent weeks more so than I typically would follow a story of this type.  After honoring a mourning period for the victims, the news outlets began focusing on the perpetrators.  Why did they do it?  No one had an answer. There was discussion on the availability of firearms, the escalation of anger over the preceding years (as recounted by their friends and family), and the earlier arrests and unusual behavior that should have raised warning flags.  But still, the question ‘why’ went unanswered.  It was left up to the rest of us to speculate.

In the early 90’s, I began to feel somewhat disconnected from the incoming Rock n Roll crowd.  The upper tier music continued to evolve in a good way, but my ability to identify with the new scene was fleeting, and it was more than an age gap or the inevitable disconnect that can come with fatherhood: I found the new attitude identified with this mosh pit crowd hard to relate to on a number of levels. I ended up canceling my long standing subscription to Rolling Stone Magazine and removing longtime favorite station WBCN from my radio dial.  Both were making a break as they tried to connect with the new crowd the only way they thought possible: By abandoning the old and embracing the new.  In the process they were losing me.

There was an explanation for my feeling of disconnect, however.  The lengthy period of the Baby Boomer generation standing alone on center stage was coming to an end, giving way to a new one: Generation X (it would take some time for the Boomers to let go.  In fact I think we are still struggling to stay in the limelight).

Some time back in the mid 90’s, I was listening to local (now National) political pundit, Mike Barnacle on CNN, talking about this generation just then coming into its own.  A question was posed to him along the lines of if he had a theory why there was so much anger (or, to use the period term, ‘angst’) and apathy in the air with this new generation. He was scoffing at the notion that Generation X would have anything to complain about.  They had it all, didn’t they?: Involved, hip parents; a plethora of organized sports and other activities; comfortable homes; video games; and cable television with hundreds of channels to choose from. He also managed to throw in a slacker comment or two if I remember correctly.  His message: Stop your bitchin and get off the couch! 

And while I chuckled, I recall thinking that Barnacle was a bit off target. He, like those columnists covering Columbine a few years later, could not get at the root of the problem. Anger and apathy don’t just come out of nowhere.  There’s always a reason for it.  What was confusing at the time was that the anger did not seem to be directed at anything specific, so it was hard to diagnose.  There was no smoking gun like Vietnam, Apartheid or assassinations that were putting some of these Generation X types over the edge.  It was almost like everything was letting them down, including all that they interpreted the prior generations to represent.  The 50’s: “Bubble gum and hula hoops”.  The 60’s: “What the hell was that all about?”  The 70’s: “Ancient history”.  The 80’s: “Yeah, I know all about the 80’s, and look where that got us”.

Questions persist, but I believe much of that Generation X anger/apathy in the 90s came from a void in their lives.  I’m not sure, but I can’t help wondering if many of them were completely lacking in any type of faith guidance whatsoever.  Was there such a lack of a faith focus in their families and communities that the kids had gone astray?  When kids are left to their own devices in this regard, should it be expected that the results don’t usually turn out all that great?  Also, maybe the ‘Me Me Me’ focus of the previous decade was taking its toll.

The good thing for most of the kids at the time was that Rock and Roll remained an outlet.  Grunge music in particular, which emanated out of Seattle, was solid.  So much so, that Neil Young jumped on board for the ride and eventually established himself as a godfather figure of sorts.  The music coming out of Seattle was angry, but much of it connected with elements of truth.

I’ve always been of the belief that if a song is great, it must have an underlying element of truth, and also faith.  The connection doesn’t have to be obvious.  Rock songs like ‘Won’t Get Fooled Again’ and ‘Jokerman’ hold up rather well to traditional religious songs like ‘Ave Maria’, and ‘Amazing Grace’ when it comes to the depth by which I can be moved while listening.  As mentioned for an earlier Gem, Brian Wilson believed there was divine intervention in his song writing.  Although few others have made this claim/admission, I’m thinking it happens much more frequently.  After all, Brian Wilson’s songs are great, but no better than many of his contemporaries, or those from other eras/genres like Mozart, Al Jolson, and Frank Sinatra.

That would include all 94 of the Gems that have rolled out so far.  This week’s Gem, ‘Smells like Teen Spirit’ by Nirvana, is no exception.  Despite the generational differences, I still know a good thing when I hear it.  Kurt Cobain may have had emotional problems, but that did not stop him from making some great music.  Admirers of the art of Van Gough could attest to the fact that tortured souls can still make vital contributions to society.  The most amazing thing to me about Cobain is his vocals: How could someone as scrawny and apathetic looking as he project his voice in that way?  I’m still dumbfounded when I listen.

On a personal level, the 90’s were unparalleled.  Two names explain this: Charlotte and Peter, both of whom were born during World Cup events: Summer ’94 and summer ’98 respectively (making Brazilian World Cup Soccer commentator, Galvao Bueno’s exclamation ‘GOOOOAAAAAALLLLL!!!!’ all the more meaningful).

Immediately below is a list of ‘Great Song Names’.  Below that is the Gem video and a number of other videos from the 90’s.  Below these are the lyrics to ‘Smells like Teen Spirit’.

Next week: The 00’s and ‘Great Lyric One Liners.  Input is welcome.

I’ll close with a reminder any committed USGS employee would deliver:

Know your watershed!

- Pete

Great Song Names

1. ‘Roll over Beethoven’ (There’s a new kid in town)

2. ‘Are You Experienced’ (Excuse me, that’s a personal question)

3. ‘Subterranean Homesick Blues’, ‘Love Minus Zero/No Limit’, ‘Absolutely Sweet Marie’, ‘Queen Jane Approximately’ (Four way tie: It appears Dylan’s creativity starts with the naming of his songs)

4. ‘Wah Wah’ (Today’s interpretation: What-ever!)

5. ‘Cortez the Killer’ (Stop beating around the bush, Neil)

6. ‘I Can’t Drive 55!’ (Hagar heisted this quote from one of Dave’s police blotters)

7. ‘Crashing by Design’ (You just have to be resigned)

8. ‘Smells like Teen Spirit’ (A plug for this week’s Gem)

9. ‘Everybody’s Got Something to Hide Except for Me and My Monkey’ (And the monkey is beginning to look suspicious)

10. ‘The Village Green Preservation Society’ (No one can peg the nuances of the British quite as succinctly as Ray Davies)

11. ‘Cobwebs and Strange’ (One of only two Moon-penned Who songs as far as I know)

Gem Music Video of the Week ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dXO3OMGKPpw

Mazzie Star ‘Fade Into You’ (Neil Young was blown away by this song, so much so, that he made a trek into Boston to catch her at a club)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fF0lRYhhiwI

Sound Garden ‘Black Hole Sun’ (freaky video)

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

Pearl Jam ‘Even Flow’ (one  of my favorite Rock stories was reading about Eddie Veder hucking spit balls in the direction of Ticketmaster employees during a Rock n Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony.  Ahhh, Ticketmaster: I could go off on a tangent on that subject).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9SPMfr38fCA

Midnight Oil ‘Blue Sky Mine’ (Australia with a conscience)

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

Jacob Dylan ‘One Headlight’ (Like father, like son)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CLqOwiZ8n5I

Counting Crows ‘Mr. Jones’ (With the great line “I want to be Bob Dylan, Mr. Jones wishes he was someone a little funkier”)

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

Alanis Morissette ‘Ironic’ (A bizarre cab ride, to say the least)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8v9yUVgrmPY

Tears for Fears ‘Sowing the Seeds of Love’ (Trying to emulate a Beatles song, and succeeding)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h91q44ifGcA

Lyrics to ‘Smells like Teen Spirit’

Load up on guns and bring your friends

It's fun to lose and to pretend

She's over-bored and self-assured

Oh no, I know a dirty word

Hello, hello, hello, how low?

Hello, hello, hello, how low?

Hello, hello, hello, how low?

Hello, hello, hello

With the lights out, it's less dangerous

Here we are now, entertain us

I feel stupid and contagious

Here we are now, entertain us

A mulatto, an albino

A mosquito, my libido

Yeah, hey, yay

I'm worse at what I do best

And for this gift I feel blessed

Our little group has always been

And always will until the end

Hello, hello, hello, how low?

Hello, hello, hello, how low?

Hello, hello, hello, how low?

Hello, hello, hello

With the lights out, it's less dangerous

Here we are now, entertain us

I feel stupid and contagious

Here we are now, entertain us

A mulatto, an albino

A mosquito, my libido

Yeah, hey, yay

And I forget just why I taste

Oh yeah, I guess it makes me smile

I found it hard, it's hard to find

Oh well, whatever, nevermind

Hello, hello, hello, how low?

Hello, hello, hello, how low?

Hello, hello, hello, how low?

Hello, hello, hello

With the lights out, it's less dangerous

Here we are now, entertain us

I feel stupid and contagious

Here we are now, entertain us

A mulatto, an albino

A mosquito, my libido

A denial, a denial

A denial, a denial

A denial, a denial

A denial, a denial

A denial

About the Video: Made for MTV-like video

Video Rating: 1

Best Feedback: Jack

Peter, I'm cc'ing all to congratulate you. This was, in my book, the most inspired write up you have created.  It stuck it's big toe in the cold water of truth, unlike the pontifications of others that continually address the symptoms without dealing with the core cause.  Our generation along with those following are by and large lacking the roadmap to a fulfilled life and understanding the true nature of the human condition...and if I may proffer an opinion to tie off a loose end, I think it was best said by a man who walked the shores of Galillee when he said, "A thief comes in to break, steal and destroy. I come that they might have life, and have it more abundantly", (That it might be full and meaningful).

Best to all!