February 2, 2009

Mickey Rourke didn't perform in The Wrestler, he evoked the spirit of an archetype. The potential, the promise, the tragedy of the human condition is all there. I would go as far to say that it's a uniquely American spirit, but that would be hyperbolic. Everyone knows what it's like to be a fuck up. Right now, there's a father in Borneo who is cursing himself for missing his son's confirmation. It's a universal thing.

I must admit, I've not much to write about. I just got back from Minnesota visiting Christy. Well...four hours ago. Watched Shaun of the Dead and ate some chili. It was left over for a week or so, but I had it frozen, so it's okay. Mom made it. I have to say, it's better reheated than it is fresh. It thickens up. Speaking of which, we (Mom and Dad and me) are going to see Bruce Springsteen May 12. I was supposed to get on the internets this morning at 10:00 and get great seats. Instead, I let Christy take me out for breakfast at Panera; and after finishing my egg sandwich and coffee, I happened to look over my notebook of things to do. Seeing the instructions I dictated from mom, I thought - "Shit." By the time I got back to Christy's house, it was around 10:20, so now we're in section 308, row 14 - not the greatest seats. At least I got parking for us. But it's $20.00 parking, not $30.00 parking. And the tickets still cost $95.00 a pop. I screwed up, but at least I got the job done. There again: everyone knows what it's like to be a fuck up.

Now I've got the Replacements on. I listened to Springsteen's "The Wrestler", and it's just as good as the credits version. I could do without the flowery instrumental intro, but hey, the writing's still there. Nick Cave doesn't do much for me right now. No More Shall We Part is a very, very, very, very, very, very, very loooooooooooong album. "Love Letter" is a good, short song to put on if you're not feeling very spry. It's a nice little number. All Shook Down is where it seems to be at right now, though. Nice, mid-tempo songs about failure is just what I need right now. I'm sick. Christy gave me a sinus thing, but I don't hold it against her. It's not entirely her fault anyway. I tend to sleep on my back when I'm spending the night at her place. The cold in the basement drafts through the vent in the ceiling and...well, fuck. Oh well - she's sick too. So...there.

I've got some tea with me and I'm working on that while I let some Sudafed kick in. I only took one. I couldn't remember the prescribed dosage, so I thought I'd be on the safe time. So, sleepy-time tea is going to have to do the job.

For the first time, I think I will start a tradition. I will present a list of my favorite things each time I blog. The list will reflect my present interests and will also act as a recommendation, as well. So, for February 2, here's my list:

1. Christy Campbell (more than likely will be a recurring favorite)

2. Fugazi (especiall In on the Killtaker and Repeater+3 Songs)

3. The Evens (Ian MacKaye project with partner Amy Farina...both albums)

4. Poncho Villa (the restaurant on Nicollet Street in Minneapolis, not the bandito)

5. Saki

6. Zombies (Max Brooks's World War Z and Shaun of the Dead specifically)

7. The Wrestler (if you haven't seen it, do yourself a favor and skip the remake of The Uninvited or Friday the 13th and catch this beautiful ode to the failure in us all: Rourke's Randy Ramm's short joy as a deli clerk is a highlight)

8. X-Men Origins: Wolverine trailer (I've came in my pants again just thinking about it...goddamn)

9. Real Animal (Alejandro Escovedo's latest album of Spanish punk rock: his rocking cover of "I Got A Right" is tits)

10. Rob Blagojevich (thanks for your eight years of service, sir. now shut the fuck up and go to jail like the petty little shit-stick you are)

"Grapefruit Moon" is signing us off tonight. So, that's all.