Global Warming: Column A or Column B?

My friend just posted this up on my Facebook profile funwall and it totally blew me away.

Like I have maintained many times before on here, I am very independent and moderate in my politics. This is not because I'm a pussy and can't make up my mind; it's because I find aspects of both main parties to be completely full of shit, and I also see some wisdom in some of the ideas of both parties. Unfortunately, we only have two to really choose from when it comes down to it, and those two are so radically different from each other and from what they were supposed to be 40 years ago. And not in a good way, either.

But I digress.

One thing that upsets me about some people's opinions on Global Warming is that they link it immediately to a specific political party or agenda. So, no matter what is said about the subject, they assume that it's coming from "a bunch of leftist whackos" and don't want to discuss it. Or, that every argument is valid because of the other extreme. I wish people would just put aside their politics for just a second and think about the fact that there is scientific evidence - even by the scientists who work for our own government - that proves that the climate is fucked and we're fucking it up; and the rate of fuck-upage is steadily increasing to a point where it won't just be our great-grandchildren that will be fucked, but it will be US that are floating on a rock in the middle of Noah's second flood.

No matter what your stance is on global warming and the problems that are going on with our climate and its effect on our planet, I think anyone watching this video above will have to admit that if you look at it from the video-maker's point of view, which is really taking politics and everything else out of the equation and just showing a numbers game of possibility, even the most anti-save-the-world/climate person might say "You know what? those odds are interesting."

It's like a 7 minute video, but very educational. I don't know the guy's name, but he made me think. So, thanks, Dude; and thank you Dale, for forwarding it to me.

Song of the Day: L7 - Shitlist

L7 - Shitlist
One album it's on is Bricks Are Heavy

I swear...this is one song that I adore, if for no other reason than whenever I get really pissed off at someone I can just play it - and it seems to say everything that I want/ed to say to that person in question...and perhaps I didn't. Like the 50-something year-old sax musician in CT. who was supposed to be my friend, but whom I found out was lying to me for 3 years about his life...to an angry, catty, mean little man who enjoys talking about me behind my back to others and seems shocked when I bring it to his attention that yes, I know what you said! why on earth would you talk about me that way?

So, to all the folks whom, as of late especially, have really put a thumbtack in my ass, this one goes out to you. With interest.

Song of the Day: The Beatles and Aerosmith - Come Together

The Beatles - Come Together
from the album Abbey Road


Aerosmith - Come Together
this cut was from the soundtrack album Armageddon, but I suggest getting the AWESOME collection Pandora's Box

I was inspired recently to compare music that was either covered or sampled by more than one band or performer from a couple of sources. One such source was myself, actually *stops to flash cheesy smile* when I made mention of Sweet Jane and Sharon as recent Songs of the Day. I talk about this a lot with people - the effect that one musician will have on another and the differences between covers of songs. I thought about it again the other night when I was out seeing Chris Bergson and he did a rendition of both a Jimi Hendrix tune and a Bob Dylan song that had such a unique spin - and totally worked, beautifully.

Even more recently, however, was when I started checking out the blog Soul Sides on a daily basis, and grooving to Oliver Wang's "Who Flipped It Better?" series. He's putting into music blog what I sit over cocktails and talk about with a myriad of people...and I love his choices. He'll put up two hip-hop bands that both sampled an acid jazz/funk tune - and he'll put up for grabs the question: Who Flipped It Better? He'll put out the tunes for both songs PLUS the original cut that they're sampling - a recent post he had up was concerning a Lou Donaldson sample. Awesomeness. What gets me is that THAT was the kind of shit I was playing when I had my actual radio show in St. Louis named Voodoo Jive - hence, the name of this blog (for those who have scratched their heads and been like "What's this chick's trip with the Hawkins' name?"). I need to get back to that...and I will. But I have such a wide array of musical tastes that I have music blog ADD.

But for now, I want to focus on our Song of the Day, which is what I've been listening to a lot, especially at work.

I'm going to throw this out there...and some people are going to flip out...but I my opinion is that it's a really tough call as to which version is better of this song. Is that like the ultimate "I can't make up my damn mind" answer, or what?

Not really. Here's why.

You have The Beatles version, which is the original, of course, and there is this laid-back quality to it that makes it so amazing. Being their last recorded album (and, arguably, their best - there, I said it) they had reached a point in their craft where they didn't have too work to hard to get the sound that they wanted. The song is a minimalist song in and of itself, but it's something that hits you hard because of just that. I feel stoned when I listen to it. Maybe that's just from association, but I digress...

Then there's the Aerosmith version. Now, dig this: this was the first version that I ever heard. My sister, Danae, took me to see the Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band movie with The Bee Gees and Peter Frampton when I was a kid in '78. It wasn't until after I had seen the movie in the theater that I heard the Beatles' original version. In the movie, Aerosmith did the cover of this song - they were "the bad guys" (and they were so hot). So, to say that I have an affinity towards their version is an understatement, but I'm not enough of a moron to not realize that The Beatles' version is a genius. I do think, though, that Aerosmith's version is sexier - and to me...something has to be said for sexier. They did a great job covering the song, bottom line.

I'd be interested to hear what anybody else thinks about this...

Here's a bizarre thought: if we have to compare the sexiness of the two songs (maybe I'll start my own gig "Who Sexed It Better?" - just kidding) - because they both are, actually, I think I'd look at it this way:

The Beatles' version - I'm on top ('cause those cats are so laid back)

Aerosmith's version - They're on top, and they just took my virginity.

Either way, it's a win-win. Heh.

Topamax Update: I'm Not A Drooling Retard Yet

Howdy. Due to the number of folks that seem to hit this site because of a previous post or two that I made concerning my troubles with Benign Positional Vertigo last year and then being prescribed Topamax (lots and lots of Topamax and Vertigo google search words, apparently, bringing folks to Voodoo Jive like flies to sugar), I thought I'd give y'all an update on how Ol' Billychic was doing.

Fine, thanks.

Originally, I was wary because Topamax is normally prescribed for folks suffering from epilepsy. However, in low doses, it is given for migraines - which is what the doctors thought was part of my problem: that I had vestibular migraines that were adding to the BPV. 25 mg of Topamax at night was suggested to keep the nasties away.

My concern, however, was that it would make me...stupid - which is what so many sites were warning me about. I had read that it would make me duller than a bag of rocks and decrease my word association skills - or, basically, instead of saying "Hi, Roger!" I would say "Hi, Chair!" because my brain had been morphed and I had become retarded overnight.



This is not the case. I have been taking this stuff for about 8 or 9 months now, and it has made no negative noticeable difference - well, except for the fact that I have an insatiable urge to call people strange names, but they are always people I don't like, and the names are usually things like syphyllitic cunt and fucktard, so this is probably not indicative of any neurological change due to the drug...more just that I'm an ornery bitch with a potty mouth. (wink)

My BPV is about 90% gone (it's always there a little tiny bit...some days more than others) and the migraines are mostly gone. I have noticed that if I go for several days without taking the Topamax, the chances of having a migraine, as well as a heightened experience of vertigo increase exponentially almost.

The one big drawback is that this shit is expensive, yo. Even with my prima-dima healthcare plan, the prescription costs me, AFTER my insurance has taken care of their share, about $40 a month. Not a lot compared to what some folks pay for their meds, I'm lucky; but a lot more than I thought I would have to shell out.

So there you have it, to all those interested: the topamax seems to work for me and I'm not a drooling idiot. Or, at least, not any more than I already was.

Chris Bergson Band - Tomorrow Night!

I had mentioned, incorrectly, that the Chris Bergson Band was playing on the 13th, but no, they are playing on the 11th - a.k.a. tomorrow night.

Here are the details:

Chris Bergson w/ Matt Clohesy (bass) & Russ Meissner (drums)
Rockwood Music Hall
Thursday, October 11
10 PM
No Cover
196 Allen Street, NYC


I have to be at a dinner elsewhere, but try to go - it's a gig not to be missed!

Jessamin.com: Rock n' Roll Memory Game

My pal Jessamin, who I have mentioned in previous posts as a music and Rock Authority, is also a Mad Code Wizard. Her latest project is creating games using flash and actionscript (two things that I want to learn more how to do); one game she has on her recently revived site, Jessamin.com, is a Rock n' Roll memory game using album covers of AWESOME bands as the "memory cards."

WAY more fun than triangles, x's and o's.

Song of the Day: Chris Bergson Band - Rain Beatin' Down

Chris Bergson Band - Rain Beatin' Down
from the album Fall Changes

I turn your attention, if you will, to the Chris Bergson Band -
this cat has an amazing voice and is smokin' on the blues/rock guitar. He's got a great band backing him up (including Jay Collins on tenor sax and backup vocals) and has a new album out now - Fall Changes. I caught him the other night at the Rodeo Bar for his CD Release Party and he was amazing. I enjoy the album very much, but I must say that it doesn't do his live shows justice - which, like many bands such as The Grateful Dead, Widespread Panic, and some of the best blues artists like Junior Kimbrough (who I used to see in Oxford, MS at his Juke Joint from time to time) you'll find more the norm than not. For how does a studio capture the live essence, that spark, that can happen when an amazingly talented artist takes control of the stage? Or a band that jams out on a tune that is only partially caught on CD?

This is not to say anything negative about the album; on the contrary, besides his own songs being beautiful (co-written with his wife, actress Kate Ross), and a slide guitar that would make you think you were back in Memphis somewhere, he does one of the best and most unique covers of Hendrix's Are You Experienced and live the other night, Dylan's Standing In the Doorway (dude, I was in tears by the end of the song) that I have EVER heard. And yes - before you ask - I have heard covers of both songs done many times in like three different states live; and the essence of them are captured on the album with enough groove to make you want to play it over and over. This cat has shared the bill with Etta James and has played with characters such as Levon Helm and Norah Jones.

He's got some gigs coming up soon - one of the 13th at Rockwood Music Hall; check out his calendar for more info.

Song of the Day : Pixies - Planet of Sound

Photo: www.PixiesMusic.com

Pixies - Planet of Sound
from the album Trompe le Monde
another great album it's on, that is a little harder to find, is Death to the Pixies, 1987-1991

Speaking of bands such as Dazzling Killmen (on this page alone you will see two separate posts about two artists who were in that band) that were produced by Steve Albini, the Pixies are a band that has created the sound that so many bands since the mid 80's have been (some more successfully than others) trying to re-create: that raw, uninhibited beauty of sometimes angry - sometimes funny, sexy grunge. Music you can thrash to or sit in a dark corner with your cigarette. That's the way I see it, any way...

Others like Kurt Cobain found themselves wrapped in the embrace of That Which Is the Pixies; I was reading as such over at an amazing article by a fantastic fucking blogger - over at Your Moment of Zen - another fellow college DJ who has to continue playing their personal music collection and share their fantastic diatribes on the medium with the world.

Anyway...this song has found its way into my groove these past two weeks, so I thought I'd share. You gotta love a song about martians coming to Earth and freaking out about the medium of music, man.

Song of the Day: Quartette Tres Bien - Boss Tres Bien, Pt.

Quartette Tres Bien - Boss Tres Bien, Pt. 1
this cut is from a GREAT compilation of latino jazz-funk groove, Supa Latino, an incredible must-have for any funk/jazz lover's collection.
There are other albums, such as Boss Tres Bien that also have great cuts and versions of this tune.

I'm having trouble finding more information about the band, other than that they were considered the top of their game in the mid-late 60's...and I believe they broke up and and then three of the remaining members later reuinted to form the Trio Tres Bien. Sorry I'm not up to date on my info - please feel free to post a comment and let me know any info about a band or musician that I may either have wrong, or that would be interesting to add as a footnote to what I have. I'm ravenous for more music knowledge.

Blake Fleming - Gigs in NYC This Week

Check out my pal Blake Fleming in three gigs coming up in the next week; there's a good chance I'll be at at least one of them. He's an amazing drummer - one of the best I've ever ever seen live in my life. I'm proud to say that I know the dude. He used to be in the Dazzling Killmen with Tim Garrigan.

From a MySpace bulletin I received:


Hey Everybody,

I have 3 cool shows coming up. Two with The Ropes, and one the debut show of The Rollo Treadway (David Sandholm's Brian Wilsonesque children's nightmare songs).

It's all happening this Saturday & Monday, here are the details:

-Sat, 10/6, The Ropes @ Pianos, 158 Ludlow Street (at Stanton St), 9:30 p.m.

-Mon, 10/8, The Rollo Treadway @ Trash Bar, 256 Grand Street (btwn Driggs and Roebling), 9 p.m.

Same night! Just a few blocks away...
-Mon, 10/8, The Ropes @ Spike Hill, 184 Bedford Avenue (btwn N. 6th & N. 7th), 11 p.m.

Song of the Day: Amy Winehouse - Rehab

Amy Winehouse - Rehab
from the album Back to Black

I know that she's getting hot right now, and some would bitch that I'm putting her up - or at least, this song, since it's hot and getting a lot of play right now - as my Song of the Day...but what are ya gonna do, kids, tell on me? Besides, its fuckers like myself - but the disc jockeys like I used to be, who have actual radio shows, not the bloggers who I am now, that got the song hot in the first place...I'm just doing the same thing, in written form.

All I know is that I love this song and...well...if I say it's poignant, for me as a person, does that make me sound like I have some issues to address?

You can make that call yourself.



Woman's got a smokin' voice and a strong heart. And balls.

If only they all sounded like that...not that American Idol bullshit. Jesus Christ, I put the TV on and see these pathetic bastards who are supposed to be representing what is The Music of Today...and I see Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul snorting lines of what's left of some performer's pride and My Patience off Ryan Seacrest's and Randy Jackson's collective untalented asses and I want to put a fucking bullet in my head.

Because this is a "hot" song right now, this song will be up for a limited time...because I don't want Republic coming down on my ass...but as I have posted off to the left side nav bar, and I can say it again: IF ANY ARTIST DOESN'T WANT ME USING THEIR MP3 AS A SONG OF THE DAY, JUST EMAIL ME.

I'm a nice gal. I'll take it down.

Song of the Day: The Velvet Underground - After Hours

The Velvet Underground - After Hours
from the album The Velvet Underground

I know that I recently did a Velvet's song, but this has been on my mind...I've been playing it at home...and there's something about Maureen "Moe" Tucker's voice that is so haunting - and it seems to fit my mood this week.

I found an interesting little site that discusses song lyric meanings that has this song up for discussion. Although several have made good points, I always thought the song was about a girl that wants to commit suicide, and is trying to get the person to leave. A few others touched upon that interpretation; most said "Oh, it's about an After Hours bar."

Uh, okay.