Let's Make A Record

I'm looking to put together a mix-tape of sorts. I'm taking suggestions for GREAT songs that you think no one else has heard. Leave me the name of the song and artist in the comments. I will be creating a playlist on the main post as we go.

When we've got enough songs I'm going to upload the whole thing to one of those download sites that you can access for free. Get suggesting!

The Dark Side Of The Rainbow

For those of you who don't know, if you watch The Wizard Of Oz and listen to Pink Floyd's Dark Side Of The Moon your head will explode.

Okay, now that we've gotten hyperbole out of the way...

In the early nineties, some stoner watching television and listening to Dark Side Of The Moon, too baked to find the television remote control realized that there were certain synchronicities between the music and the movie Wizard of Oz. (You have to start the album when the MGM lion roars for the third time.) Most of them rely on lyrical references that can be twisted to apply to what's going on on-screen. (A complete listing of coincidences are available here.)

However, there is one section of the whole thing that does give me the willies. It's so good that I really can't stand to watch this section of Wizard Of Oz without the music. The movie, with it's original soundrack intact seems lifeless and boring. This point in the synchronicity is the only reason that I still hold a little bit of scepticism as to whether the band planned it when they made the album (they deny it.)

It begins just as Dorothy decides to return home after running away and it coincides with the album at the specific point when things just don't seem to belong. Now, don't get me wrong. I love Great Gig In The Sky. But it has always seemed as though it didn't belong on the album. It originally fell at the end of Side 1 and I suppose it was meant to draw you to Side 2. But the fact that it really is out of the context of the rest of the album, coupled with how well it fits it's particular section in the movie make you wonder if it really wasn't all planned.

The best argument against this is that if it was planned then the whole album would fit as well as this portion does. Anyway, for those of you who haven't seen it before, someone has posted the whole thing to YouTube. And if you want more explanation on the whole synchronicity allegations then check out the Wikipedia article.

Whether you agree on the whole synchronicity or not, this is at least an opportunity to revisit some incredible music and a really fun movie that has some moments of true brilliance (read: the special effects for the tornado and "Surrender Dorothy" skywriting.)

To Be Prepared Or Knot To Be Prepared

My career in the Boy Scouts ended with my Arrow of Light. I got it and bolted because, as a thirteen year old, I felt I didn't have any time in my busy life. Now, I can't wait until my oldest son is old enough to be in Cub Scouts. And Ben seems to share some of my interest. So far he has learned a Square Knot and a Slip Knot. (I fear I'm going to walk into the den and find Luke tied to the sofa.)

And you know, the fire department, at times, is very similar to the Boy Scouts. I mean there's the "Always be prepared" philosophy that both share. They learn to make fire, we learn to put it out. And every once and awhile we both have to tie knots.

It's like anything, some people get it right off, and some don't. I've got a few at my station that don't so I went looking on the internet for some sites that could help people learn their knots. I have some really good books, but I wanted something that was a little more interactive. And I found it.

This website is an excellent source. The owner has provided animations detailing how to tie the knots as well as dividing the knots into groups such as Boating, Search and Rescue, etc. Check it out and "enjoy."

Ben Kweller Is Sweller

We went to see Ben Kweller this tuesday night at the Variety Playhouse. Paula and I had a really good time and Ben was great. He definitely rocked it up, but the high point of the show for me was one of his older, slower songs. Man I love this one.

Listen.

Photo courtesy of Rock Blog.