Lacking the brain cells to create a coherent narrative or assay an essay, I default to randomizing songs.

1. Iggy Pop - Shades
2. Rob Zombie - What Lurks on Channel X? [XXX Mix]
3. Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers - Rockin' Around (With You)
4. White Denim - Mess Your Hair Up
5. John Mayall - Bernard Jenkins
6. The Infidels featuring Juliette Lewis - Bad Brother
7. Earl Hooker - Hot 'n' Heavy
8. Spinal Tap - Break Like the Wind
9. White Stripes - Little Cream Soda
10. Yo La Tengo - Little Honda

Bonus track: Evil Stig - Drinking Song

Labels: lists, songs

Thus breathes a slight return of life from the recumbent, yet slightly somnambulant blog host. A dream of music, a muse of dreams speaks in whispers. Let me listen a while...

1. White Zombie - Electric Head, Pt. 2 [Sexational After Dark Mix]
2. Clash - What's My Name
3. Bob Mould - Black Sheets of Rain
4. The Cure - Out Of This World
5. British Sea Power - Fear Of Drowning-2002
6. John Mayall - Me And My Woman
7. J. Geils Band - Hard Drivin' Man
8. Live - Top
9. Todd Snider - Play A Train Song
10. Deftones - Can't Even Breathe

Bonus track: Rory Gallagher - Garbage Man [Live]

Labels: lists, poesy, songs

On Politicoholic, I came across a post on 25 Ways to use your blog and social media to create change.

I was struck by the weakly Liberal tone of many of the suggestions. Perhaps it's just the self-congratulatory attitude of self-importance permeating it that annoys me. The whole list reeks of "Look at me! I'm making a big change in the world! And I'm telling you all about it!"

While educating people has value, it isn't the same as actually effecting change with sweat and physical action. Most blogs are the equivalent of parlor pontification.

I started to wonder what a more radical version might look like, a version that put more emphasis on doing things in the world rather than just blogging about doing things. So here is my first attempt at such a list. It's repetitious in places but it's intended to mirror the original list linked above. I just re-wrote each numbered point as I came to it. It's not perfect but it's mine.

1. Start simple: Steal from large corporations.

2. Join an activist group, a group that performs direct action.

3. Or if there isn't a group with politics or an activist philosophy you agree with, create your own. Form a small group of trusted people and collectively decide on goals and actions.

4. Videoblog an interview with someone with radical political views. Ask them about strategies to transform society.

5. Share a meal with a stranger, someone not like you.

6. Has someone you love been affected by class warfare or capitalism's indifference to individual suffering?? Share your story and raise awareness.

7. Demand change from government and corporations. Be specific.

8. Petitions are rarely effective at changing institutions or governments. Do not delude yourself that they are useful.

9. Vlog a political demonstration. If there is a strong police presence, show it.

10. Twitter is a distraction. Don't mistake it for action.

11. Write about your experiences and concrete methods for transforming society, not in the future but now, today.

12. Instead of writing on how global human rights issues can be alleviated, volunteer at a soup kitchen, a homeless shelter, a free medical clinic. Find out how human rights are being violated in your neighborhood.

13. Participate in a political demonstration or protest. Get arrested.

14. Invite someone who is a political radical to mentor you.

15. Discuss how direct action can change society more than blogging.

16. Instead of correcting injustice through the proxies of non-profit and advocacy organizations, see if there is anything you can do in person. Be a participant, not a donor.

17. Highlight grassroots organizations.

18. Be involved in social justice/human rights efforts.

19. Create an effective means to implement social justice.

20. Discuss how school curricula stifles and suppresses citizen responsibility in students. Start independent student-led and student-run organizations. Empower students, don't patronize them.

21. Find out who profits from wars. Develop an analysis of imperialism and how it relates to colonialism. Apply it to the United States foreign policy over the last century.

22. Ask your readers to create a revolution, even a small one.

23. Spend less time blogging and reading blogs. Spend more time acting, deliberately and radically.

24. Participate.

25. Blogging has limited influence, on you and others. Acting transforms you and society deeply. Never mistake theory for practice. Do it. Do it now.

Labels: blogging, blogs, direct action, lists, political, politics

This perfect day, these random songs, proving again that my tastes are practically Antediluvian, ancient and almost decrepit by today's pop music standards. Eh? Whotcha say, sonny? M'uh hearing ain't so good these days. Comes from listening to blistering loud music leaning agin the speakers in clubs and bars. Yep, that Sinatra fella sure was a rebel with wild music, pushing the boundaries. By gum.

1. "I Kill Children" by Dead Kennedys
2. "Solid Air" by John Martyn
3. "Hey Darling" by Spencer Davis Group
4. "Reasons for Waiting" by Jethro Tull
5. "I Don't Care (So There)" by Donnas
6. "Leg Bells" by David Byrne
7. "Lord of This World" by Black Sabbath
8. "Shit Towne" by Live
9. "Kids Hangin' Out" by Wiskey Biscuit
10. "This Ain't Havana" by Ramones

Bonus track: "Berlin" by Lou Reed

Labels: lists, songs

Random songs to amuse myself and perhaps others but, really, I mostly have great fun making up the blog post title from the songs and artists. Other possibilities: "Division Fanclub Tears Elvis Apart" and "Valentine's Bragg Faces Small Joy." Or "I Drown Runaway Soul Love" is a peculiarly creepy variation and I chastise my mind for even constructing it. Bad mind! Very bad mind!

1. "Can't Feel My Soul" by Teenage Fanclub
2. "Love Will Tear Us Apart" by Joy Division
3. "A Forest" by Cure
4. "I'm a Wicked One" by Hives
5. "Valentine's Day Is Over" by Billy Bragg
6. "Drown in My Own Tears" by Smithereens
7. "I Just Don't Know What to Do With Myself [Live]" by Elvic Costello
8. "It's Alright" by Eddie Shaw & The Wolf Gang
9. "Guiding Star" by Teenage Fanclub
10. "Love or Else" by Grin

Bonus track: "Runaway" by Small Faces

Labels: lists, songs

In the fine ongoing tradition I've recently established of avoiding posts of substance, here is another Random Ten Songs, spewed from my hard drive for your amusement. Readers should applaud my bravery in admitting to having the Lovin' Spoonful on my computer. This is only partially redeemed by Nine Inch Nails. Some types of cheery and cloying pop music are better left to specialized soft rock radio stations. (Then he went mad with bolded phrases...)

1. "Walk on Hot Coals" by Rory Gallagher
2. "Getting in Tune" by The Who
3. "Marlene" by Todd Rundgren
4. "What You Want" by The Flys
5. "Dear Chicago" by Ryan Adams
6. "Showbiz Blues" by Fleetwood Mac
7. "Who's Gonna Save The World" by The A's
8. "Star Witness" by Neko Case
9. "4 Eyes" by The Lovin' Spoonful
10. "Mr Self Destruct" by Nine Inch Nails

Bonus track: "Hitchhiking" by Willie Alexander and the Boom Boom Band

Labels: lists, songs

Cue the music:

1. "I'm Your Hoochie Coochie Man" by Muddy Waters
2. "Green Arrow" by Yo La Tengo
3. "What If" by Lucinda Williams
4. "To Love Someone" by Slobberbone
5. "Backside (Sometimes)" by Robin Lane
6. "Wild Birds Flock to Me" by Peter Murphy
7. "No More Elmore" by Eric Burdon
8. "My Generation" by The Who
9. "The Jean Genie" by Bowie, David
10. "4 Ever 2 Gether" by ABC

Bonus track: "People Have the Power" by Patti Smith

Labels: lists, music

More flotsam from my music collection:

1. "Esnuria" by Gong
2. "Too Fast for Love" by The Donnas
3. "Play A Train Song" by Todd Snider
4. "Stateline" by Japan
5. "Couldn't I Just Tell You" by Todd Rundgren
6. "Mardi Gras in New Orleans" by Professor Longhair
7. "Supply and Demand" by Hives
8. "The Charlatan's Lament" by Waterboys
9. "Get Together" by The Youngbloods
10. "Moving Away from the Pulsebeat" by Buzzcocks

Bonus track: "Holding My Own" by The Darkness

Labels: lists, music, songs

Trying something a little different with the Random 10 songs. Since FoxyTunes recently implemented a link function when inserting the song, I'm going to do that for this list and see how it works out.

1. "Superbeast" by Rob Zombie
2. "Tell It to Carrie" by Romantics
3. "Peace-A Theme" by King Crimson
4. "Song for the North Star" by Kaukonen, Jorma
5. "White Lies" by Grin
6. "Throw It Away" by Jackson, Joe
7. "In The Common Tongue" by Iam Siam
8. "The Line Between the Devil's Teeth (And That Which Cannot Be Repeat)" by Murphy, Peter
9. "Two Beads at the End" by Minutemen
10. "Ride, Ride, Ride (Celliers' Brother's Song)" by Ryuichi Sakamoto

Bonus track "Ball and Chain" by Big Mama Thornton

Labels: lists, music, pop culture, songs

A book project that has dominated my time and energy is mercifully almost done. Just waiting for the proofs to come back from the printer. Approval confidence is high, despite exceptional perfectionist tendencies in play. Perhaps I will be able to return to the land of bloggers soon. Until then, another throwaway post to prove I'm not dead yet.

1. Slow Ride by Foghat
2. Slide Machine by the 13th Floor Elevators
3. Search and Destroy by The Red Hot Chili Peppers
4. Wings Wetted Down by Blue Öyster Cult
5. Lake of Fire by Meat Puppets
6. Lucille by Pee Wee Crayton
7. The Fight by Ryuichi Sakamoto
8. Firecracker by Nada Surf
9. On My Way to Heaven by Waterboys
10. Recall by PG&E (nee Pacific Gas and Electric)

Bonus track: Requiem for an Angel by Jorma Kaukonen

Labels: lists, songs

Yet another in a series of embarrassing and semi-revealing posts listing some of the musical detritus contaminating my computer.

1. Amateur by Nada Surf
2. What We All Want by Gang of Four
3. Junco Partner by the Clash
4. Greenfuz by the Cramps
5. Night Falls on London by the Waterboys
6. Cold Turkey by Icicle Works
7. Let It All Bleed Out by Rob Zombie
8. Rock and Roller's Lament by PG&E
9. New Dawn Fades by Joy Division
10. You're Gonna Miss Me by 13th Floor Elevators

Bonus track: If the Day Was Any Longer by Taste

Labels: lists, songs

OK, I admit these random 10 songs posts are more filler than substantial in nature. After such a long semi-demi-hiatus of very sparse posting here, I'm rusty. When I do approach a serious subject, I note that I'm lacking in ability to fully explore it. I'm a little off in my writing style, not well focussed. Thus I find these throwaway posts helpful in realigning my mental state to current affairs. In other words, I'm feeling stupid and mentally dull.

1. Thunderbird by John Hiatt
2. The Leader by the Clash
3. Reel Ten by Plugz (from Repo Man soundtrack)
4. Planet of Sound by The Pixies
5. Easy Money by Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds
6. Waiting for the Big One by Peter Gabriel
7. Hot Sun by Adrian Belew
8. Ah Wuv Ooh by Larry Coryell
9. You Don't Make It Easy Babe by Josh Ritter
10. New Age by The Velvet Underground

Bonus track: Dogyard by Lunachicks

Labels: lists, songs

Another in the series of my personal and cultural identity delineation through musical lists. And by these signs you will conquer. Popular culture scars me with its beautiful idiot savant conjunctions. These are my sensual byproducts, so tease me not.

1. NYC by Interpol
2. Sway by Shriekback
3. Classifieds by Bob Mould
4. We Will Fall by Iggy and the Stooges
5. Crying Her Messages by D. Clarke
6. Shapes of Things by Yardbirds
7. Call of the Zombie by Rob Zombie
8. Sing Sing Sing by Benny Goodman
9. Barney from Killarney by De Danann
10. Seagulls by PJ Harvey

Bonus track: The Gift by The Velvet Underground

Labels: lists, songs

Another in a series of random songs. These posts remain more a brew of confabulated concepts than straightforward and linear argument. Various projects on the home front are interfering with my ability to present thoughtful spews on current events. Yet I'm gaining much material from stimulating conversations which I hope to post here soon.

1. Can't Afford to Do It by Fleetwood Mac
2. Evening Mass by Willard Grant Conspiracy
3. You Tear Me Up by Buzzcocks
4. Anyone Alive? by Chameleons
5. Under the Sun/Every Day Comes and Goes by Black Sabbath
6. Rock on the Moon by The Cramps
7. I'm a Rocker by Bruce Springsteen
8. Sweet Jane by Mott the Hoople
9. The Return of Jackie and Judy by The Ramones
10. High Priestess by Uriah Heep

Bonus track: The Guns of Brixton by The Clash

Labels: lists, songs

More scraps from my music collection, clues to a hole in the world and a marginal palimpestian description of praise and sacral ephemera. Consider it a form of attack Rorshach. However, ascribe meaning to it at your peril; I am a notorious constructor of blind alleys.

1. The Light Pours Out of Me by Peter Murphy
2. Because You're Frightened by Magazine
3. King's Lead Hat by Brian Eno
4. Confessions by Peter Murphy
5. Ain't That Just Like a Woman by Jimmy Johnson Blues Band
6. Moonchild by Rory Gallagher
7. Father Christmas by Ryuichi Sakamoto
8. Compositions for the Young and Old by Bob Mould
9. Torch by Sisters of Mercy
10. I Want the Drugs by Supersuckers

Bonus track: He's a Whore by Cheap Trick

Labels: lists, songs

Another in a series of inconsequential posts, intended to expose my mundane interests and let my dear readers in on my deathstyle, er, lifestyle paraphernalia.

1. Cruel by Calexico
2. Traitor by The Surgarcubes
3. Rat Trap by The Boomtown Rats
4. The Crooked Beat by The Clash
5. Psycho Street by Richard Thompson
6. Yuri-G by PJ Harvey
7. When I'm Gone by Phil Ochs
8. The Story of Them by Them
9. The Day the World Went Away by Nine Inch Nails
10. Goddamn Lonely Love by Drive-by Truckers

Bonus Track: Viva Las Vegas by The Dead Kennedys

Labels: lists, songs