Mr. Muddle's Befuddled Universe

2007 Winter Holiday Songs: Current Favorites

Music to Warm those Cold Cockals

Summary: The two top picks were ``Santa's Song (Wasted On You)'' by The Morning Line, and ``X-Mas Song'' by Patrik Tanner. Additional songs were selected in specific genres.

 

Photo Credit: Jacob Windham
Mobile, AL
Shot taken on:    2004-12-18 17:12:57

It can't be December!

I was out with the good Mrs. Muddle the other day doing some Christmas shopping. We stopped in at the local Big & Nefarious Book Store, because Mrs. Muddle was in search of a cookbook for Unnamed Daughter. (Mrs. Muddle sought a cookbook of the highest refinement and discount, but her priorities were not necessarily in that order.)

Nigella Lawson

Good gravy, there was no way I could help Mrs. Muddle select a cookbook.

I'm not much of a cook, let alone cookbook reader. I watch Nigella Lawson's TV show for her social commentary. Besides, they say, if you've seen one photo of a bouillabaisse, you've seen a million. (Photo credit: Unknown.)

Max Shulman

I decided I should use my time at the Big & Nefarious usefully.

I thought to myself, ``What can I give Unnamed Daughter?"

I concluded  it was long past due time for Unnamed Daughter to be introduced to the most influential writer in my life, Max Shulman.  It was time for Unnamed Daughter to experience The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis. (Perhaps the best known Max Shulman book, because of the TV series.)

I went to the Big & Nefarious  information booth. I was met by a bookish-looking woman standing behind a computer. She appeared to be about thirty-something.

After exchanging pleasantries, I discovered she thought I was in search of a book about a seductive young woman named Debi Gillis, rather than a hip and glib guy named Dobie. (Suddenly, I felt 95 years old.)

"But I digress," Max Shulman.

"But I digress" was Max Shulman's famous segue and signature phrase. Trite? Perhaps, but, for a short while, he took ownership of the phrase, and it was functional. (Rare link [PDF] to one of Max Shulman's college newspaper columns. N.Y. Times obituary.)

In today's literary world, where short fiction writers are seeking medicinal advice to help recover from the sedative impact of John Updike, we all are long pass due for a Max Shulman revival. (I can proudly admit to never finishing any John Updike work, with the possible except of a Playboy interview.)

Shulman was politically incorrect; however, modern readers should remember he wrote in a day and age, when many, if not most, readers could distinguish the difference between odious writing and satire.

But I am not suggesting a Max Shulman revival, because the universe needs to re-read the content of his work. I am suggesting a Shulman revival, because (a) it's about time Max Shulman got the respect he is due, (b) one of the best ways for Johnny and Jane to learn competent writing, is to read Max Shulman (it's how I learned), and (c) I want to read/reread all his books, plays, columns, and scripts.

As an alternative to  big and nefarious bookstores, you might consider IOBABooks.com. (For Max Shulman books, try this link.)

Remember December!

But I digress. This is supposed to be the write up about my current favorite songs for the 2007 Winter Holidays.

Christmas Carol Confusion!

No Christmas carols or religious songs in the list this year; however, that might change next year. Next year I am thinking of having a Mythology category, and letting all the religious songs duke it out amongst themselves.

Tim's Befuddled Universe welcomes nigh to everyone under a single big tent full of  jolly, jovial, joyful folks full of fun and frivolity.

Directions: Take 378 North towards Bethlehem, PA. Go East on Saucon Valley Road. When you get to the Dead End, wait for the Befuddled Bus. The bus is old, and unreliable, so it may not run its route every day. Don't get discouraged, the bus will come eventually.

Tim's Befuddled Universe attempts to fit everyone in the universe under one jolly, jovial, joyful umbrella of fun and frivolity. (It's not an easy job. Fitting Mrs. Muddle, Unnamed Daughter, Peaches, Chewy, and all my multiple personalities into the Jeep can take the better part of twenty-two minutes, and three return visits to the potty.)

More Confusion!

Two questions have plagued me since my youth.I wouldn't raise them at this point, except for the cost of therapy, and all. If I could finally resolve these issues, perhaps I could finally understand the new Dish Network software.

Here are two questions that greatly troubled me as a child.

• If a person has a cake, why shouldn't she or he be allowed to eat it, too?

• And why is it wrong to put the horse before the cart? If the cart is in front of the horse, the horse would have to push the cart, and that would hardly seem to work.

I have many other vexing questions. I have many vexations.

My annoyances will have to wait until another time, because I am long past due time to announce the selections for the 2007 Winter Holiday Songs.

Winter Holiday Songs:
Current Favorites

The Two Featured Songs for 2007

Maybe it was the crisp cold breeze, or the bright California sun, but two songs in the Pop/Rock category did a slam dunk on this year's selection of Winter Holiday Songs. Every single time I listened to the submitted songs, I came to the same conclusion, these two songs are my favorites this year. (I will list them in alphabetical order. In addition, songs are listed for specific genres. If a genre did not have a worthy entry, then the genre was not listed.)

Photo Credit: Unknown

THE MORNING LINE

``Santa's Song (Wasted On You)'' is the perfect song for a pre-Christmas break-up.

I know some devious girls prefer to get their gift, then dump some poor unsuspecting sucker; but, hey, all you guys out there should learn to beat `em to the punch. Put this song on a cassette, and wrap it up so it looks like an iPod. Exchange gifts with that no good gal, then head for the hills. (But don't tell Mrs. Muddle I wrote this.)

Essential information.
Title: ``Santa's Song (Wasted On You)''
Band: The Morning Line
Listen to stream: http://myspace.com/themorningline
Band website: http://themorningline.net
Song Composer: Stephen Smith

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Photo Credit: Michelle Robb Tanner

PATRIK TANNER

``X-Mas Song'' is pure pop, and pure Patrik Tanner.

Michelle Tanner; that is, the photographer, Michelle Robb Tanner, told me that Patrik wrote it for her as a Christmas present a couple years ago.

The next time you have a long layover, or business meeting, in Minneapolis, take in one of his live concerts. He performs with his own and other bands.

Essential information.
Title: ``X-Mas Song''
Singer: Patrik Tanner
Listen to stream: http://www.sonicbids.com/patriktanner
Band website: http://www.myspace.com/patriktanner
Song Composer: Patrik Tanner

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More Genres, John!

Wait! There's more!

We still have to eat our soda cracker pie, and drink our Folgers coffee.  I brewed a fresh pot of Folgers™. (My local Safeway™ has been out of Folgers Singles™ for the last two weeks. Shame!)

Gran'ma Betty wouldn't think of you leaving, without you all eating some of her soda-cracker pie, and listening to some more good music; so settle on back with your pie, and a hot mug of fresh brewed coffee.

We only serve coffee hot and black! Yup, hot and black, just as God intended; so don't go lookin' for any sugar or cream on the table. And don't ask for any either, or Gran'daddy might escort you to the door swift and sweet.

 

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Folk/Roots
Performer: Glenna Bell
Song Title: ``Will You Be My Valentine For Christmas''
Song composer: Glenna Bell
Listen to stream: http://www.myspace.com/glennabell
Other website: http://www.glennabell.com

 

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Pop/Rock
Performer: Chris Doud
Song Title: ``Christmas Pirates''
Song composer: Chris Doud
Listen to stream: http://www.myspace.com/chrisdoud
Other website: http://www.heckabad.com/

 

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Humor
Performers:  The Fabric Indicators
Song Title: ``Huber's The Beer For Xmas''
Song composers: Charlie Cheney, Tim Gadzinski, & Eric Hetzler
Listen to stream:
http://www.charliecheney.com/mp3/CharlieCheney_HuberXmas.mp3
Other websites:
http://www.charliecheney.com
http://www.myspace.com/charliecheney

 

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``Keep those cards and letters comin', folks
   (Dean Martin)''.
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Meet Up with Namoli Brennet, Part 1

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Click on the music player below, and listen to Namoli Brennet's wonderful song ``Home''.

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Namoli Brennet Rocks Phoenix, AZ
Part #1: The second party first

Summary: Namoli Brennet provides an enjoyable performance. She combines superb music mixed with stories that are always entertaining (and frequently funny). Namoli has a large catalog of her own music, which includes a wide variety of topics and musical styles. Her concerts are highly recommended, as is her recent album release, Singer Shine Your Light.

 

Photo Credit: Mrs. Muddle*
Crappy cropping: Mr. Muddle

Long, long ago... In a Blue Volvo™ far, far away...

This is a tale of two cities.

It is also a tale of two parties, and no fewer than two families.

That's not all. For only $19.99 you can get a complete set of knives. Or, you could get great knives from Chicago Cutlery.

But wait! There's more.

In the course of our discourse, we will discern the importance of home.

Then, if life is sweet, we will discover an old friend or make a new one, as we travel along.

So, dottle not.

We shall immediately commence to start at the beginning of our story!

And we shall do so without any further delay.

Except for a very brief pause to make a delicious cup of coffee with Folgers Singles.™  Because Folgers is ``the best part of wakin' up''.™

Everyone Commercializes Christmas

I first took heed of Namoli Brennet's unique talent about this time last year. I was looking for Winter Holiday Songs to feature in the 2006 Winter Holiday Song write up. At that time I became a big fan of two Namoli Brennet songs, ``Sugarplum Dreams'' and ``Home''.

``'Sugarplum Dreams'' is the story of Namoli receiving her first guitar one Christmas morning, and it was one of the two featured 2006 Winter Holiday Songs.

Here Comes the Commercial!!!

If you are a musician, and you are reading this prior to noon on 15 DEC 2007, you still have time to submit a Winter Holiday Song in 2007. Check here for more information.

``They say it's your birthday...''

In December of the year 2006, the Muddle family received a beautiful Christmas card from our incomparable and much loved uncle on the Stocker side of the family.

The Christmas card contained an important announcement.

In November of 2007 our uncle would turn 90, and there would be a party. But it wouldn't be just any party. It would a once in a lifetime party, and it would be a really, really, big party!

It just happens that my uncle now lives in the greater Phoenix area, and Namoli Brennet lives not too terribly far away in Tucson, Arizona.

I put myself on Namoli Brennet's mailing list.

 

Mom's Birthday
Back before Elvis got radio play in SW Michigan.

Left to Right: My Uncle, My Mom, and —drum roll— Mr. Muddle. (Circa. the late 1950s on Mom's birthday. In a small roadside restaurant probably near Coldwater, Michigan.)

Photo Credit: TWNull
Scanning & PhotoShop:  TSNull

Home as Haven

Home is a Loving Fellowship

I have included a photo of my uncle above. My uncle is on the far left. He is now 90 years old, but he still looks pretty much the same. Perhaps he has lost some weight, and his golf game has improved; but at the weekly poker night with the boys, he remains the biggest winner.

I am guessing the photo was taken the August after I finished the third grade. That is based on the glasses I am wearing, and the piece of cake in front of Mom. (I was born in June of 1948. You do the math, please!)

After both my parents had died, it was important for us; that is, my uncle's nieces/nephews, grand nieces/nephews, and great nieces/nephews, that our ``Uncle Stocker'' be recognized as the ``Head'' of the Null family.

It may seem odd in this day and age, that a large group of Nulls would wish their Uncle Stocker be the head of their family. Not so odd, when you consider that many of us have known the feeling of being ``cast adrift'' in this world. (You naturally wish something better for your children.) We believed it was essential to have a sense of family unity —  for our children, and their children. And what could be better than to have this sense of unity provided by a wise and caring elder family member who had been present at every stage of your life.

Home is Shelter from the Storm

There are times when we all just want to go home. Whether it be holiday or crisis, we need not consult Dorothy to know ``there's no place like home''.

I mention this, because Namoli Brennet has a wonderful song titled ``Home'' (lyrics). (I highly recommend Namoli Brennet's song, ``Home''. You can play and purchase the song here.)

The chorus of ``Home'' includes the line shown immediately below:

``...where I can be myself
        and no one is alone''

From ``Home''
Namoli Brennet

Consider this vs. the traditional romanticized viewpoint:

``Home is where the heart is.''

Pliny the Elder
AKA Gaius or Caius Plinius Secundus

I could not find an authoritative source to confirm the Pliny the Elder quotation, but you can find confirmation of Namoli Brennet's lyric quotation here.

I imagine home as a most magical place, when a sense of security and an almost tribal feeling of place are combined with cherished memories and a loving fellowship. (I felt that way for brief moments as a child and teenager. Sometimes I grieved the loss of the moment, as if a close friend had died.)

Everyone has their own story, but when Mrs. Muddle and I finished our schooling, and we two moved to Virginia, I truly felt for the first time that I had a place where I could be myself. When I came home to our apartment in the evening, I knew I was home, and Mrs. Muddle was truly my family.

Below is a photo of the Muddle family cooking Sunday dinner in 1973. The photo was taken by my mother. (Notice my really cool outfit!)

 

Photo Credit: JSNull

Party #1: Namoli Releases a New CD

I can't Stand the Suspense!!!

Namoli Brennet's CD release concert on 2 NOV 2007 in Phoenix was a full house.

I will tell you all about the concert in Part #2 of this series, but I know you all are just biting at the bit, and you cannot wait to see Namoli in action. Well, I have just the thing to sooth your anxious nerves. I have a Namoli Brennet video.

Video

singer: Namoli Brennet
song: ``Thorn in Your Side''

If you skipped the video above, take a moment to look and listen. It is a marvelous melding of music, lyric, and image.

Party #2: He's 90! He's 90! He's 90! He's still 90!

He's a party animal!

My uncle had so many kinfolk and friends come to wish him a happy 90th birthday, it took three birthday parties and one brunch to get the job done.

But now we can all officially consider the good man 90 years old and still counting!

An Old Adage

There's an old adage I have heard said among musicians. I have heard it phrased several different ways, but it basically goes like this:

Cover bands can always find work.

I was reminded of this adage at my uncle's birthday party (which one, eh?). A couple played and sang throughout the evening. They made announcements, when called upon to do so. They talked pleasantly with guests, when they came up.  Basically, they played background music, and were ignored all evening.

I would say they were a couple in their fifties, so I would guess they have been doing these type of gigs for a long, long time.

I wondered what gave them the motivation to keep going?

Cover bands can always find work.

I guess that's the answer. It was a job. They were working.

Follow the Blue Streak! It's a 1987 Volvo™

Almost There

Namoli Brennet drives a blue 1987 Volvo™ 240DL wagon. Namoli likes to joke in her newsletters that you can find her just be asking the gas station attendants, if they have seen her blue Volvo. One time she even said you could ask for her Volvo by name.

I asked Namoli, what she had named her Volvo, and she admitted that she could never quite come up with a suitable name.

Personally, I think it's time for Namoli's large fan base to come to the rescue.

I think someone out there needs to name this almost sentient being.

I am starting to whelm.

I best stop. I don't want to get carried away. Especially by a 1987 blue Volvo!

There!

So, I hope you enjoyed this deep digression as much as I did. I never found a segue out of the hole I had dug, so I just cut the story into two parts.

Please, join us all next time, when we talk about Namoli's concert, her new album, and we learn how to pronounce her first name; that is,  (nam [like, Jam] - oh [like, Oh, my jamboree] - lee [like, Robert E, get your butt in here, and shine your boots!].

So, until then, I hope you all are ``Rough Enough''.

JUMP TO PART II

Happy Holidays!

 

``Keep those cards and letters comin', folks
   (Dean Martin)''.
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literature, film, and television.

Feist & Friend: You know who you are!

Two Feist Videos

Summary: Many folks know Feist from their Apple iPod Nano commercials on TV. Their latest album release, The Reminder, is a solid collection of quality pop etc music.

Back Story

Namoli Brennet

I am still working on my write up about Namoli Brennet.

The write up is longer than I first expected.

I think Shakespeare described his technique by saying he would buy a dictionary, then remove all the words that didn't belong. (Photo Credit: Unknown.)

Well, I am trying that method, but I am finding that a whole bunch of words seem to belong.

Also, there is a rumor going about that says I have fallen into a deep digression, and I cannot find a Segway out. (Photo Credit: Unknown.)

There may be some truth to that notion. Nonetheless, the story should be finished shortly. In the meantime, these videos should help.

Segue

I once heard an NPR story about the University of Michigan Marching Band. (Imagine my surprise to learn U of M had a marching band!)

Well, ladies and gentlemen, when the U of M story ended, NPR used the Michigan State University Fight Song as a segue into the next story. I was so tickled, I almost laughed.

Coach Do Little More

``Are you ready for some football?''

When Coach Bill Doolittle was hired as Western Michigan University's head football coach, my brother-in-law told me he had previously been the head coach at Flint Central.

He also said the Flint Central cheerleaders had a special cheer for Coach Doolittle. ``Doolittle! Doolittle! Do little more!''

Funny, but I never once heard the WMU cheerleaders use that cheer.

Below is Coach Doolittle's record at WMU
(please see Wikipedia article).

 1964   Bill Doolittle                3-  6
 1965   Bill Doolittle                6-2-1
 1966   Bill Doolittle                7-  3
 1967   Bill Doolittle                5-  4
 1968   Bill Doolittle                3-  6
 1969   Bill Doolittle                4-  6
 1970   Bill Doolittle                7-  3
 1971   Bill Doolittle                7-  3
 1972   Bill Doolittle                7-3-1
 1973   Bill Doolittle                6-  5
 1974   Bill Doolittle                3-  8

Huh?

Was the Coach Doolittle story relevant to the Feist story?

I am so glad you asked!

Introductions

The Receptionist

Panic Attacks, iPods, and Corn-fed Girls!

I visited my ``migraine'' doctor recently. In fact, it was just before I left town for my uncle's 90th birthday party.

While I was waiting in the reception area, I started thinking about the trip. All the crapola: the plane trip, getting through security, acting like a civilized person for four days, driving, etc.

Panic attack!

I shut my eyes, and focused on the music playing in my iPod. I took slow deep breaths.

About ten minutes later I sensed someone watching me. I opened my eyes. I don't know, but I suspect the doctor and receptionist may have been quietly debating if I was asleep.

The only person present at this point was the receptionist.

The first time I saw the receptionist, she left me with two initial impressions. (1) She is drop-dead gorgeous. (2) She must be from the Midwest. She spoke without an accent like all ``true'' Midwesterners. (Folks from the American Midwest, are the only English speaking people who speak English without an accent. It is a true fact. If you erroneously believe Midwesterners speak with an accent, I can send some home boys your way to set you straight on the issue.)

It was time for me to go to the examination room. The receptionist directed me where to go.

I didn't want her to think I had been sleeping, so I starting mumbling something, but it was apparent she had already decided how she was going to tell the story about how I had fallen asleep.

Dedication.

As we neared the examination room, the receptionist asked what musical groups I had been listening to, while I waited.

Well, I had a wide assortment of Indie singers and groups on my playlist. I thought quickly trying to think of someone the receptionist might know.

I said, ``Feist?''

She shrugged her shoulders, and shook her head. The receptionist had no idea who or what a Feist was.

So, for that reason, I dedicate these videos by Feist to The Receptionist.

The Videos:

group: Feist
singer: Leslie Feist
  song: ``1234''

Director: Patrick Daughters
Production Company: Arts&Crafts Productions

 

group: Feist
singer: Leslie Feist
  song: ``My Moon My Man''

Director: Patrick Daughters
Production Company: Arts&Crafts Productions

 

Four Grammy Awards

Feist is up for four Grammy Awards. I cannot help but feel that the Best New Artist is something of a joke, because Leslie Feist has been working her craft for quite some time, but, nonetheless, she deserves the Grammy, and I hope she and her band mates get all four of the Grammies for which they have received nominations.

 

``Keep those cards and letters comin', folks
   (Dean Martin)''.
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Video: Brandi Carlile & ``The Story''

singer: Brandi Carlile
  song: ``THE STORY''

Not quite ready for the December Holidays?
Check this out!

``The Story'' by Brandi Carlile

Artist Site

More Videos

History of This Posting

This write up was originally posted on 23 NOV 2007.

I am updating this posting on 12 SEP 2008.

My plan was to post the video, and say, ``Hey, don't you all think this Brandi Carlile video and song is pretty darn cool?"

Well, things didn't work out quite that way. While I was watching the video, I got this bug up my arse; that is, I got this idea. So rather than talking about Brandi Carlile's great video and song, I yammered on about my idea (see section below titled ``Crazy Idea").

Some Theater, Huh?

In the course of my yammerings, I attempted to guess the location of the theater in the video. Initially I guessed The Parmount Theatre. My second guess was the Orpheum Theater in San Fransisco. (I basically made the first guess, because Brandi Carlile is from the NW, and I made the second guess after noticing a marquee of an Orpheum theater flash by quickly in the video.)

Suspecting my guesses were incorrect, I invited a Befuddled reader to make me straight. Well, one finally has.

On 7 SEP 2008 I received an email message from Tim Moore stating that the Brandi Carlile video for her song ``The Story" was filmed at The Orpheum Theatre in Boston. (Compare the images of the theatre in the video with photos at the official website gallery.) [A big thank you to Tim. If you happen to see him, give him several BIG air smooooches for me! ;o)]

Crazy Idea!

I believe the country is in desperate need of another nationally syndicated live radio show. Something literate, lively, and contemporary, but not trendy. A show that would feature independent musicians, poets, writers, etc. (To help ratings, and encourage major artists to help independent artists, I suggest the show also include major artists who have a history of supporting independent artists.)

I believe past history indicates that national radio shows have the best chance of success, when (a) they have a live audience and (b) they have a strong local regional ``color"; thereby I believe The Paramount Theatre in Seattle and The Orpheum Theatre in Boston would both be excellent candidates for such a national live radio show.  The Boston Orpheum would have the additional advantage of all the local talent available in the NE, and the proximity to all the talent available in the New York City area.

I would not model such a show after well known shows that currently exist. For example, the Grand Ole Opry has a  rigid association with country musicians and comedians, and The Prairie Home Companion is really, in my humbled opinion, both (a) The Garrison Keillor Show, and (b) Hee Haw for the literate.

Conclusion

12 SEP 2008: At this time, my crazy idea seems just as crazy today, as the day I first wrote about it on 23 NOV 2007. And Brandi Carlile's song and video is just as marvelous. Somethings do not change much. Sometimes that is for the best.

``Keep those cards and letters comin', folks
   (Dean Martin)''.
MAILBOX

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Upcoming Stuff

Yasorg

Yasorg has a video for Tim's Befuddled Universe. She will show it just before  Valentine's Day.

The video is ``My Funny Valentine'' (link).

Namoli Brennet

I recently went to Phoenix to celebrate my uncle's 90th birthday.

While in Phoenix I took the opportunity to see Namoli Brennet perform in concert. In fact, it was her CD release concert for her new CD, Singer Shine Your Light.

In an upcoming write up, I will have some comments about the concert, Singer Shine Your Light, and, of course, Namoli Brennet. I hope you all tune in for that.

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Technorati Tags: music, people, philosophy,
literature, film,  submissions and television.

Meet up with Angela Ortiz

Angela Ortiz performed in San Jose, CA

Summary: Angela Ortiz provides an entertaining performance, whether with her full band, or just herself and Dimitri Moderbacher. A singer/songwriter Angela sings self-written songs with deep melodies, rich rhythms, and  multilayered lyrics.

 

Photo Credit: Mrs. Muddle
Crappy cropping:    Mr. Muddle

August 2007 Performance

Angela Ortiz performed in San Jose on 11 AUG 2007. Ok, I admit I might be a tad late in getting this write up posted; what with Angela performing in August, and it now being mid-November, but I do have a good excuse.

In fact, I have a whole filing cabinet filled with with good to excellent excuses.

And on Myspace I promptly mentioned Angela's performance in San Jose (read the following paragraphs).

Next we're gonna do our rendition of the Angela Myspace write up. I hope you like it folks. It goes something like this.

``I saw Angela Ortiz in Santa Clara County. Where will you see her?
(view image)

I saw Angela Ortiz  perform in my adopted city of San Jose on Saturday night, and on Sunday and Monday nights we had huge meteor showers in our Eastern sky.

Coincidence? An annual event? I do not believe it for a minute!

 

How Angela Measured Up

Before Angela's performance in San Jose, I had corresponded with Angela for quite some time. I was impressed with her musical talent, her cool calm under pressure, her intelligence, and her excellent business sensibilities.

Additionally, we had started an interview (which I hope we will continue at some later date). Also, I play her music regularly. I have read all Angela's blogs. And I have seen numerous of her photos.

I felt thoroughly prepared for our meeting. But I was wrong. I expected Angela to be tall.

Having an elegant nature, my first utterance to Angela was, ``You're shorter in person.''

Quickly regaining my composure, I said,
``But you take tall photographs.''

Hot Coffee

I am an unrecovered crazy; however, I do seem to be well liked by those whom I haven't yet offended, and those who do not know me.

I have caused Angela embarrassment, but she never stopped replying to my emails. I mention this for two reasons.

1. For a very short while I almost felt as if Angela was something akin to the "Family Hope" while I was very much the "Wayward Uncle".
2. Twice during Angela's performance she "shot" a single beady-eye at me. As if saying, ``Listen to the lyrics of this next song!'' (In both cases, the lyrics did seem particularly applicable to my wayward behavior.)

What am I trying to say?

Angela Ortiz is the nicest, sweetest person you could ever hope to meet. She is smart about both stuff and people. And she comes in a cute compact package. "You can't beat that with a wet noodle (Ann Landers)".

The Show

Of course, I have to mention Angela's show.

Because Angela had traveled across country from New York to California, she did not appear with her full band. Instead, she appeared with Dimitri Moderbacher (and Angela pronounced Dimitri's name so it sounded as if it had only two syllables;o). Dimitri Moderbacher played sax, flute, and clarinet. He also provided backup vocals. Angela, of course, sang the lead vocals, and played keyboards.

If you have listened to songs from Angela's CD, you know that Angela has had extensive voice training. In performance, Angela is relaxed, and her voice has a rich contemporary sound. Angela's keyboard work is faultless, and it's always a joy whenever Dimitri plays. (See summary above.)

Parting Shots

Dimitri Moderbacher said, ``Tim, you look just like your picture.''*

I told Dimitri I loved his photo on Myspace.

As I remember, Dimitri said he and a friend had been taking photos for quite some time, then just before giving up, they took one last one just to be silly, and that was the winner.

When I listen to Angela's song, Steven, I imagine Dimitri with a huge band marching around a stage. (Well, I said I was an unrecovered crazy.)

If you ever feel blue, I recommend you put on Angela's CD. Her voice will perk you up, but some of her lyrics might complicate and twist your mind for awhile. If that happens, just imagine Dimitri marching around your kitchen with a huge marching band, and you'll be all perky again.

For more info on Angela Ortiz, you can read this interview.

*If you don't think Dimitri's comment isn't delightfully logical, you obviously have never searched through a large crowd trying to match a face with a photo downloaded from Myspace. ;o)

 

``Keep those cards and letters comin', folks
   (Dean Martin)''.
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Video: Stanley Ross — ``Turnstyles''

group: STANLEY ROSS
  song: ``TURNSTYLES''

How do you spell ``hors d'oeuvre''?

Tim's Befuddled Universe is working on a write up about Namoli Brennet, which should be ready as soon as I get notes from my man Godot.

While you wait, I suggest you take a jaunt over to Namoli's Myspace page, and listen to a few of the songs on her new album, Singer Shine Your Light.

Photo Credit: Mrs. Muddle

Check Out Stanley Ross!

Imagine some weird fluke of nature in a parallel universe where Dave Clark is born decades late, and he is an American rock n roll drummer  named James Duffy.

Photo Credit: unknown

In this mythology I am weaving we are now in Chicago, and Duffy meets Nicholas Meiers. And, as fate would have it, Meiers is none other than Ray Davies born decades late, except this time around he apparently took some voice lessons. Then Duffy and Meiers meet up with some dudes named Seifert, Meehan, and Leach (whose identities have not yet been established).

These dudes then all get together, and create a band called Stanley Ross. Why Stanley Ross? Who knows. These are weird dudes, man!

What is the Stanley Ross sound? Imagine rock that makes you jump up and dance. Imagine Stanley Ross!

Stanley Ross hangs out on Myspace, and they have a website where you can listen to their music.

Below you will find a copy of the Stanley Ross video ``Turnstyles''. (My thanks to Nick from the band.)

Click on images above to enlarge.
Click on video below to view.

``Turnstyles'' by Stanley Ross

Updated 10 NOV 2007

Technorati Tags: music, people, philosophy, literature, film, and video.

Jeff Laine video: Son

Jeff Laine releases video for his song ``Son''

On the evening before Father's Day 2007, Jeff Laine sent out Happy Father's Day wishes to people on his email list, and he included the link to his new video for his song ``Son''. The song tells of Laine's love for his own son, an appropriate song for Father's Day. In honor of all parents, Laine's video is being posted today on this befuddled universe. (We thank Jeff Laine for making the video available to the pubic. Please, visit his website.)

For a befuddled review of Jeff Laine's music check out this link.

Technorati Tags: music, people

Chewy Choice Award recipient: Patrik Tanner

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CHEWY CHOICE AWARD DINNER
Honoree: Patrik Tanner
Presenter: Tim Null
Entertainment: Patrik Tanner and the Faraway Men
Location: this befuddled universe
Date: 21 April 2007

PRESENTATION

Tim Null:

Welcome.

I hope you all enjoyed your dinner. Originally Chewy ordered everyone vegetarian. I told Chewy our guests of honor, Patrik Tanner, Michelle Tanner, and their friends,  are from the Midwest, and it would be inappropriate to just assume they would enjoy a vegetarian dinner. Chewy reluctantly agreed.

For our gathering, I selected the following Midwestern delicacies: corn-fed beef, corn-fed chicken, farm raised corn-fed trout, and country raised corn-fed waitresses.

This is the second presentation of the Chewy Choice Award.  As you know, tonight's award recipient  is Patrik Tanner. The first Chewy Choice honoree was Lorna Bracewell. She received her recognition on 21 December 2006.

The Chewy Choice Award is given for exceptional lifetime achievement to independent musicians who are, as we like to say, still lively.

1. One aim of the award is to boost an artist at an important point in his or her career.
2. Another goal is to bring attention to a body of work, which may have been largely overlooked by the public.
3. An additional purpose is to give us all an excuse to get together, and enjoy some damn good music.
   On that note, I should mention that we will have the opportunity to hear Patrik Tanner and the Faraway Men, as soon as I quit blathering, so I am highly motivated to be brief.

Before I continue my discussion of Patrik's musical history, I would ask that you allow me time to make a brief personal announcement.

Mrs. Muddle has informed me that this upcoming spring and summer I will only be doing house and yard work.

I'm not sure if this change in jobs will be a promotion, a demotion, or just a lateral job move. My pay scale will remain the same, so I assume this job change would just be considered a lateral career move, although, I will admit to one thing, I am hoping for some improvements in my benefit package.

But that isn't why I brought up the subject of my job change.

I have had a crazy ride here at this befuddled universe writing about music, and, as I just said, I will be leaving for other endeavors in a few days.  So I am grateful to have this opportunity to talk about Patrik Tanner's contribution to music before I go.

In The Beginning

I am told that Patrik's music career began at an early, early age.

Legend has it that Patrik was born with a hambone, and he popped right out playing it. It is said that even to this very day, Patrik never leaves home without his beloved little hambone.

As far as I can tell, Patrik hasn't talked much about himself in print. He tends to put his personal commentary in his lyrics, so I'm not too clear on his early years.

However, now that Patrik has released early photos of himself and Peter Jonsson, I believe I understand why Patrik doesn't talk about his early years. (See photo on the left. Patrik is on the left.)

On the other hand, I do occasionally hear a story or two from Michelle Tanner, Patrik's gorgeous wife. (Google Michelle Robb Tanner.)

Michelle told me this one story, but it's been awhile, since our conversation. I may remember the story all wrong. I may tell it all half-ass backwards. What with my advancing age, and all the psychomatic drugs the doctors got me on. But, what the heck, I'll give it a go. How badly could I possibly screw up a simple story?

Anyway, as I recall, Patrik was a teenage Swedish exchange student to the US, and for that one year he attended a high school in Minneapolis. And, I recollect, Patrik didn't live all that far from where Michelle lived. Of course, at this time, Michelle was just knee-high to a grasshopper. So, both Michelle and Patrik frequented the same 7-Eleven Store.

Now, it's not what you're thinking! Michelle and Patrik never met at that 7-Eleven store, but some magic did really happen there.

On the day in question Patrik stopped at this particular 7-Eleven store to look at some magazines. (I assume they were guitar magazines.) Well, when Patrik left the 7-Eleven, his pheromones were still lingering by the front door.

Shortly thereafter, the young, sweet, and innocent Michelle comes into the 7-Eleven for some red string licorice, and Michelle gets hit smack dab in the face with these mean, virile pheromones that Patrik carelessly left behind in a public place frequented by underage children.

What a tragedy this was! This innocent child was now imprinted for life. Michelle was now a ruined young girl. She would have to marry a rock singer. And to think, Michelle could have married a rich proctologist.

Production Credits

Patrik Tanner is well known and well respected as a producer in the Twin Cities area of Minnesota. For the sake of brevity I will quote directly from Patrik's Myspace page.

Patrik Tanners expertise as a producer stems from a lifetime of exposure to the music industry and steadfast commitment to the mastery of rock-n-roll craft. He has a true appreciation for (and vast knowledge of) modern musical history and is dedicated to carrying the best aspects of it into every project he undertakes today. From thrifty indie projects to large-scale ventures, and whether you are a singer-songwriter or full band, Patrik can offer rock solid, honest advice about your vision and your music and help you to work within your budget.

Production credits include Martin Zellar & the Hardways, Tina & the B-Side Movement, Ali Gray, Scott Laurent, The Billy's, justincase and Jessica Harp.

And the Bands Play on...

A good overview of Patrik Tanner's rock n roll history can be seen in the table below (starting at the bottom). The table runs from 1979 to the present. (The table does not include Patrik's production credits.)

PT's Current/Historic Band Status
Tina Schlieske 2005–€“Current
Ali Gray 2005–€“Current
Paperback Boys (Sweden) 2004–€“Current
Patrik Tanner & the Faraway Men 1996–€“Current
Neil! 1997–€“2006
Martin Zellar & the Hardways 1998–€“2000
The Billy's 1997–€“1998
Tina & the B-Side Movement 1994–€“1996
Patrik Tanner Solo 1988–€“1996
Love Like Blood 1986–€“1988
Tina & the B-Sides 1985–€“1986
Johnson & Tanner (Sweden/US) 1984–€“1986
Posh Growls (Sweden) 1982–€“1983
 HUVUDTVÄTT (Headcleaners) (Sweden) 1981–€“1983
Picnic Boys (Sweden) 1980–€“1982
Massmedia (Sweden) 1979–€“1980

 

Allow me to quote from the bio-statement that appears on Patrik's Myspace page.

``Born and raised in Sweden (itself a stronghold of pop perfectionism), Patrik grew up with a unique, outside-looking-in perspective on the expanses of American songwriting, and immersed himself in it early on. By thirteen, hed already become something of a teen star, releasing bona-fide punk records on both Scandinavian and U.K. labels. At eighteen, Tanner moved to the U.S., and, soon thereafter, released two solo albums with his Los Angeles-based band.

Patrik Tanner & Peter Jonsson

Peter Jonsson and Patrik reformed a group in 2006 called the Paperback Boys. They have released three singles (with B-sides, six songs total). These are lovely gems, and truly irresistible at $0.99 per song on iTunes.

And while you are on iTunes, I suggest you take a good look at these other Patrik Tanner treasures (see photos below). I own a personal copy of all the songs on the albums pictured below, plus the upcoming Full Auto Shut-Off album, and the three Paperback Boys' singles. They're all worthy additions to any music library.

One of Patrik's major contributions has been his work with the band Patrik Tanner and the Faraway Men. The following is quoted from their website.

`` `I always liked the image in my mind of the Irish ending up in East Texas and being so damned lonely that country music came out of them,' says Tanner.

…the band was a perfect vehicle for Tanner to express his fondness for great songsmith-storytellers like Gram Parsons, George Jones and Elvis Costello while spinning his own unique tales of love-gone-bad with both swagger and soul.

...the band actually sought to take a more reverential approach to classic C&W roots... As PULSE of the Twin Cities exclaimed, `if this is country, then country just got unbelievably cool.'

On 2001’s Allsorts, The Faraway Men took a sharp stylistic turn, offering up a guitar rock concept album rich with 1970s-style international pop ballad overtones.

With the recent addition of fellow wunderkind guitarist Jon James, Patrik and company continue down a similarly twisted interstate, daring to cross that line separating radio nirvana from fiery auto wreck.

Whichever way the wheel may turn, within the glorious confines of their basement rehearsal space, Minnesota’s best-kept rock-n-roll secret remain patiently waiting to spontaneously combust.

After Ten Years the Faraway Men are Far Out!

Patrik Tanner and the Faraway Men have a new Album titled Full Auto Shut-Off. An intimate release party is planned for 25 May 2007 at Acadia Café in Minneapolis, MN. Special guests that evening will include Sam Keenan, Ali Gray and Rock the Cure.

It is clear from the progress of the group's last three albums that the group has been evolving away from country music.

So where have Patrik and the Men ended up with this latest album?

I have no problem calling it either pop or rock. But whatever you want to call it, it's certainly not the pop or rock any of us grew up with.

With  Full Auto Shut-Off, Patrik Tanner has taken pop music out of high school and has given it a contemporary intellect with a modern sensibility along with a hard jagged edge.

This music will blast through your facade and tear away your pretensions. One must have a strong heart, and a brilliant mind to withstand the challenge that this music presents. The weak and feeble minded should seek their music elsewhere.

We're lucky in the rock/pop music world that every few years there will be someone who can reinvent the way the whole thing looks, and sounds, and tastes, and vibrates, and makes you think. But in the end, they all make you feel the same way. They all make you feel like there is hope for the human race. For that I thank Patrik, and all the rockers who have gone before him.

Two more words...

At this time I would like Patrik Tanner to stand and accept well earned applause. Michelle, you may need to assist Patrick. I'm not positive our insurance coverage extends beyond midnight.

We will now excuse Patrik and Michelle, so they can join their other band members; Jon James and Brandon Fjetland.

The bar is now open. Let's party!

 

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CLICK on the player below to hear Patrik Tanner and the Faraway Men perform at the Chewy Choice lifetime achievement award dinner honoring Patrik Tanner. They perform "Never Tell" and "The Unseen".

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Patrik Tanner & the Faraway Men are pleased to announce that 50% of all the sales of Full Auto Shut-Off will be donated to Rock the Cure. (www.rockthecure.org) This is a special organization for Patrik as Full Auto Shut-Off was written and recorded during his mother'€™s struggle and untimely death due to breast and bone cancer.

Rock the Cure'€™s mission is to eradicate women's cancers, specifically but not limited to breast cancer, through fund raising efforts, then distribute these funds to organizations that provide for treatment, education and prevention of cancers. Their fund raisers are music-themed events, celebrations of the strength of women who have fought and continue to fight cancer.

Technorati Tags: philosophy, music, lifestyles

Chewy Choice Award recipient announced: Patrik Tanner

PATRIK TANNER
Chewy Choice Lifetime Achievement Award
18 April 2007

Formal Presentation Dinner
21 April 2007
Presenter: Tim Null
Entertainment: Patrik Tanner and the Faraway Men
Location: this befuddled universe*

*Festivities will begin, when you arrive.

Technorati Tags: philosophy, music, lifestyles

The divineMAGgees take my breath away!

You must see the divineMAGgees!

I first discovered the divineMAGgees as the result of a fortuitous accident. (A serendipitous moment, if you prefer.)

It was sometime ago (perhaps about a year ago). I was doing a web search. (Heaven knows what for.) And I chanced upon the Publik Music website.

My curiosity was aroused. I clicked here and there, and before I knew it, I was watching a video of the divineMAGgees singing ``Trouble''.

When the video ended, I was breathless.

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Click to start the player below,
and listen to the divineMAGgees' song ``Trouble''.

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On Myspace

I immediately knew that the divineMAGgees were a group I must remember and watch. (I checked for them on Myspace, but I had no luck.)

Fortunately for me, the divineMAGgees gave me a friendship invite on Myspace last December 2006. Naturally I quickly accepted their invitation. And I've had the distinctive pleasure of exchanging a number of emails with Danielle Tibedo (one half of this dynamic duo). The other half of the duo, Cregan Montague, plays violin, sings harmony, and she also provides a mesmerizing distraction throughout each performance.

As soon as I accepted the divineMAGgees' Myspace friendship invitation, I left a one word comment on the divineMAGgees' Myspace profile page, ``breathless''.

Well, I'll discontinue my play by play at this point. But let me just add one final comment. I'm an even bigger fan of the divineMAGgees today, than I was that day, when I first discovered them.

Well, I'm going to beg your pardon, and break my recent pledge, so I can make two more comments.

First, you really need to get yourself a copy of the  divineMAGgees' love me like the roses CD.

The songs on the divineMAGgees' love me like the roses CD are totally top notch. I particularly enjoy ``Little Black Crow'', ``Trouble'', ``North Carolina'', and ``Riverlady''. It's definitely a must buy CD.

Second, you have to see the divineMAGgees perform live. But more on that in a moment (see my following comments).

2007 Intl. Folk Alliance Conference
Feb. 21–25, Memphis, TN, USA

If you are attending the 2007 International Folk Alliance Conference in Memphis, you will have a golden opportunity to see the divineMAGgees.

The divineMAGgees perform on Performance Alley (Martin Stage, Convention Center) on Saturday night at 8:45 pm.

This will be the only opportunity during the conference, when virtually everyone attending the conference will have a chance to see the divineMAGgees. (You know what they say about napping, when opportunity knocks! That is, I'm hoping you remember, 'cause I forget.)

The divineMAGgees will also perform numerous guerrilla showcases during the conference. Check here for the latest dates, times, and locations for all of the divineMAGgees performances during the 2007 International Folk Alliance Conference in Memphis, February 21–25, 2007.

Everyone attending the Folk Alliance Conference should be able to see the divineMAGgees in their Performance Alley showcase plus at least one guerrilla showcase.

I'll be contacting each and everyone of you personally after the conference, so you know that attendance at no less than two divineMAGgees' showcases is mandatory. Verification is easy! You can fax me a copy of a receipt for one of their CDs, or you can email me a photo showing you went out and got a tattoo that matches Cregan's.

If you're not attending the Folk Alliance Conference, you can still see the divineMAGgees (see the tour section immediately below).

divineMAGgees on Tour

The divineMAGgees regularly perform live, so you very well may have an opportunity to see them up close and personal. You can regularly check their show dates, or you can sign up for their mail list. Currently they have shows planned for North Carolina, Virginia, Georgia, Michigan, Pennsylvania, New York, Tennessee, Massachusetts, Texas, Maine, California, and Ontario, Canada. (Gee, I've lived in five of those states, and Mrs. Muddle has gotten parking tickets in everyone including Ontario.)

Quiz

Ok, now, what are the two things you have to do?

Anyone? Anyone?

Gee, whiz. No wonder I quit teaching, and starting drinking.

I'll take my usual, Bartender — 2 oz. bourbon,
1 oz vodka, then fill the glass with Valium spritz.

Tonight I'm looking for trouble!

 

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divineMAGgees' Showcases at the
2007 Intl. Folk Alliance Conference

Thursday, February 22, 2007

FOLK ALLIANCE Memphis, TN     12:00 AM   OFFICIAL PERFORMANCE ALLEY SHOWCASE Thursday night, midnight St. Louis stage

FOLK ALLIANCE Memphis, TN     1:30 AM   GoGirls showcase

Friday, February 23, 2007

FOLK ALLIANCE Memphis, TN     1:00 AM   MPress showcase Friday night, 1:00 AM

FOLK ALLIANCE Memphis, TN     11:30 PM   Indiegrrl showcase Friday night, 11:30 PM

Saturday, February 24, 2007

FOLK ALLIANCE Memphis, TN     8:45 PM   OFFICIAL PERFORMANCE ALLEY SHOWCASE Saturday night, 8:45 pm Martin Stage (convention center)

FOLK ALLIANCE Memphis, TN     11:45 PM   Market Monkeys showcase Saturday night, 11:45 PM

Technorati Tags: music, people