Music

I have been listening to a lot of The Black Keys lately. I really like the raw blusey rock sound that they have. When I was a kid I listened to a lot of classic rock like Creedence and the Stones and I am always drawn to that sound of music. So here is a video for you to take a look and a listen to in your free time.



Also Fraud is going to be playing at Toykyo on Saturday May 17th with Docabilly. You all know my feelings about Toykyo but I am planning on going to that show with my big pregnant friend Annie (her husband is the lead singer for Fraud). As long as we get there early enough to get a seat I should be good.

Oh and the Outside Lands Music and Arts Festival is in SF on August 22nd through the 24th and is boasting a pretty solid line up this year featuring the likes of: Radiohead, Beck, Tom Petty, Jack Johnson, Manu Chao, Ben Harper, Widespread Panic, Andrew Bird and a ton more. I would like to go to this as well.

That is all.

You listen to death metal, oh we will never work out...

Being a runner, I have a lot of time to be alone with my thoughts. Mostly I zone out and listen to my ipod and day dream, but sometimes I will have actual thoughts of substance as I try to figure out my life or make a decision or just ponder things. I read an article the other day in Esquire about what your musical taste says about you and it got me thinking yesterday during my run.

The article starts by discussing how one of the first questions we ask people in order to get to know them is "what music do you like?". We ask this question because we are trying to glean some insight on the type of person they are:

But here's the problem: This premise is founded on the belief that the person you're talking with consciously knows why he appreciates those specific things or harbors those specific feelings. It's also predicated on the principle that you know why you like certain sounds or certain images, because that self-awareness is how we establish the internal relationship between a) what someone loves and b) who someone is

I started thinking about how I answer that question. Usually I think I probably give some generic answer like, "oh I listen to just about everything but mostly rock music and not a lot of country but it depends on what I am doing". Does that mean I fundamantally reject country music because of what it stands for? I have to admit it country music conjures up images of good ol' folks from the bible belt who believe quite heavily in god and rely on old fashioned values (things I do not relate to). So is it the music I don't like or the message or both? Why do I prefer rock and hop/hop?

Well I know that the majority of time that I am listening to music is when I am driving or working out. On average I spend more time working out than I spend driving so most of my music is high tempo, or really rocks or is fast and hard. This type of music helps me stay motivated and fires me up so I can pretend for the 4 minutes the song is on that I am a bad ass. If people were to look on my playlist they may get a different impression of me than is entirely accurate.

This is an interesting topic in itself but that got me to thinking, what is the best question to ask someone if you are trying to get to know them? If music isn't reliable and politics and religion are not on option because most people are uncomfortable talking about that with someone they dont know, it leads me to "what do you like to do"? I hate this question though, it is so vague and unfocused and I always feel like people dont really answer this honestly unless there is something they are really passionate about. How many guys (or girls) have answered that question by saying "I like to watch porn and masterbate"?

The article was funny and I think he ended it perfectly by stating:

So here is my advice: The next time you have to talk to a stranger against your will, don't ask, "What kind of music do you like?" Instead, ask him, "What kind of music do you think you like?" This question may confuse him, and—depending on how you ask it—he may end up striking you. But at least the answer will be true. And as an added bonus, you'll probably get invited to fewer parties.

About two years ago I hiked to the top of Half Dome and absolutely loved it and plan on going again this year. Unfortunately when we finally got to the cables and pulled ourselves to the top, clouds rolled in so there was no view to speak of. All you could see was a white abyss of fog that enveloped the rock which of course dissapated by the time we got back down the cables. In any case it is something that I would reccomend everyone do at least once and if you have never been to Yosemite well shame on you and get up there, it is one of the most beautiful places on earth in my opinion (despite the many tourists). So, if anyone is interested on doing this with me (so far I am flying solo) please let me know and we can go up there for the day. They usually don't put the cables up until Memorial Day so it would be a summer venture. Yes, this is a somewhat long and taxing hike that is pretty much all up hill (all down hill on the way back though) but kids were and old people were doing it when I was there so pretty much anyone can make it.

Also, if you want to listen to a high energy band that has a bit of a rock/funk sound may I reccomend Robert Randolph & The Family Band. I have been listening to them lately and they just put you in a good mood.

Burritos, running and more!

I am feeling sad and angry from the horrific events of yesterday. Not much else to say about that that hasn't already been said, just a very tragic and uncessary event that should not have happened.

I got a free burrito from Chipotle yesterday. Mmmm Chipotle and yay to free food.

I had trouble sleeping last night, first time in a long time that has been a problem. I was hot and I couldn't get comfortable and my stomach was hungry for some reason (despite eating the entire Chipotle burrito).

My running is on a steady incline lately. I have been running faster and easier this past week and hopefully that continues. I still can't seem to pinpoint why some days are great running days and some days I struggle despite keeping a food journal and paying attention to how well I am sleeping and what I did the previous day etc.

Currently listening to some Social Distortion. I wish I could have caught them when they were in town last week, but they sold out. Good stuff none the less.