http://blogcritics.org/ A sinister cabal of superior bloggers on music, books, film, popular culture, politics, and technology - updated continuously. en Copyright 2005-2007 by the authors Sat, 7 Jan 2006 00:18:21 EST http://backend.userland.com/rss Blogcritics.org custom software http://blogcritics.org/ Phillip WinnSunday, August 26, 2007, marks the switch of all Blogcritics.org article feeds from full-content to short-content. This is the result of several converging factors, and is unfortunately a permanent decision (as permanent as any decision can be on the web, that is). We are aware of all of the reasons that this is a Bad Idea, and we are aware that some of you will be quite upset about having to click on something to read the free content, and we're sorry. Unfortunately, despite great effort, full-content feeds are not currently economically viable. 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Administration0@blogcritics.org Sun, 26 Aug 2007 12:00:00 EDT http://blogcritics.org/archives/2006/01/07/001821.php Bryan S.The second hour proves at least somewhat less of a shock-fest than the first, perhaps because there are moments of tenderness when the priest deals with his mother's Alzheimer's disease.But along the way we learn: So the bishop takes a codeine pill from the priest and is sleeping with the priest's father, who is also a bishop. The "marriage counseling" consists of asking the couple about their sex life. The elderly housekeeper is smoking pot. The Catholic priest involved with the mafia makes the priest an offer he can't refuse. The plot line about the gay son is about the most harmless of the numerous plots that seem to circle like cars looking for a wreck to get into.In the end, my suspicions after the first hour were merely confirmed by the second. Not only is the script awful, the characters are hardly sympathetic, and less than believable. NBC put this program on in January. They clearly don't expect it to go anywhere as a mid-season replacement. The controversy might have boosted ratings for the first show, but I would guess they'll drop significantly by next week. Friday's not a big TV night anyway, and this show doesn't have what it takes to keep people home. Video41939@blogcritics.org Sat, 7 Jan 2006 00:18:21 EST http://blogcritics.org/archives/2006/01/06/230609.php Bryan S.Jesus Christ Superstar meets Ordinary People meets Joan of Arcadia.The show was banned from four different NBC affiliates. There seems to be a lot of suggestions in most news stories that the troubling aspect of the show is the Episcopal priest's gay son. Witness this AP lead: NEW YORK Jan 6, 2006 -- Two more NBC affiliates chose not to air the network's new drama "The Book of Daniel," which features an Episcopal priest with a gay son, the network said Friday. but honestly, there's plenty of off-putting material without even getting to the issue of homosexuality. The daughter is selling marijuana. The priest is apparently addicted to back pain medication. The adopted Chinese son is statutorily raping a parishioner's 15-year-old daughter. The wife is drinking martinis during Sunday dinner. The brother-in-law has disappeared with over $3 million in church funds, along with a 28-year-old secretary, and shows up naked and dead in a Florida hotel room. The Roman Catholic priest has ties to the Sopranos. Jesus is apparently a surfer dude from the Trans Siberian Orchestra who likes to ride shotgun. Apparently, the daughter doesn't know how to log-out of her computer to keep prying eyes from reading her anime creations. In the first 40 minutes of the show, the "gay son" only showed up for one scene. In fact, the issue of homosexuality is a non-starter in the first show. Maybe the story line is just developing.Jesus' biggest philosophical insight: "Life is hard, Daniel, for everyone. That's why there's such a nice reward at the end of it."Is this worth the uproar it's causing among conservative Christians? Eh. It's poorly written, requires enough suspension of disbelief to build a bridge, and doesn't have a recognizable audience (atheists make up less than 5 percent of the population, btw). In short, it's crap. "Religious" crap. Crap with high production value. But crap nonetheless.Joan of Arcadia, with much better acting, a more interesting divine character, and really interesting story lines, only lasted two seasons. I may be wrong on this, but I can't see "The Book of Daniel" lasting one. If it does fail, it won't be because Christians raised a big stink, but because the show stinks enough on its own. Video41937@blogcritics.org Fri, 6 Jan 2006 23:06:09 EST http://blogcritics.org/archives/2005/09/29/104134.php Bryan S.The PBS documentary Get Up, Stand Up: The Story of Pop and Protest provides a good introduction to the vast terrain of music as a form of protest over the last century, but hits some sour notes along the way.With only 2 hours to cover a century, there are obviously going to be some glaring omissions. But the show does have some good qualities.For one thing, the documentary brings out the significant contributions of early 20th century folk and blues artists like Joe Hill, Leadbelly and Woody Guthrie, and weaves in the protest influence of folkies like Pete Seeger and Peter, Paul, and Mary. Likewise, the program laudably spends ample time delving into the impact of "We Shall Overcome" as an anthem for the civil rights movement.From there, the program spends what seems like an inordinate amount of time on the Vietnam era. For perhaps 30 minutes, we are treated to just about every protest song written for Vietnam, with the notable exception of "Alice's Restaurant Massacree" by Arlo Guthrie (perhaps because Guthrie had a sense of humor). Who knew, for instance, that the MC5 were so central to 60s protest music?Then, the program makes a logical break by turning its lens on the "benefit concert" phenomenon. Rather than continue a chronological examination of protest music, which would have included the punk rock movement following the Vietnam War, the documentary switches to an ode to the benefit rock concert.To give the producers some props, they do begin the benefit bonanza by tying it to George Harrison's Concert for Bangladesh before heading on to the inevitable discussion of Band Aid, Live Aid, USA for Africa, the Anti-Apartheid Concerts, and the Beastie Boys' Concert for Tibet. There is a lot to digest here, but some perplexing moments as well. How is Madonna singing "Get into the Groove" a musical protest? Likewise, there is footage of Bono singing "Sunday Bloody Sunday" without any discussion of the political context of the song itself or of the band. On the plus side, they do discuss Farm Aid, which has raised over $20 million for U.S. farm families - a fact I was previously unaware of.After the benefit interlude, the producers seem to jump back on the chronological storytelling train long enough to whisk us through the punk rock movement, Bob Marley, and rap/hip-hop. The section on Bob Marley is simply too light on actual information about the man's protests and too heavy on fluffy quotes about what a "great man" he was. There is an image of him bringing together two Jamaican prime minister candidates, but precious little in the way of background for the image.The punk rock section spends more time on the Dead Kennedys and Jello Biafra than I would have thought necessary, especially when they spend only a couple of minutes on the Clash and even less on the Sex Pistols (I can't recall them even mentioning "Anarchy in the UK").The Rap/Hip-hop segment is likewise somewhat light, especially considering that the host of the program is Chuck D! There is an interview with Ice-T that was obviously filmed before he began solving crimes as part of the Special Victims Unit, but overall very little.As the program winds down, there are some obvious nods to the recent wars in Iraq, highlighted by showing the video from System of a Down's "Boom." Bruce Springsteen is somehow worked into several segments.The interviews are a hodge-podge of musicians and rock critics. There is no interview with Bob Dylan (a tragedy, really), but historical footage of George Harrison discussing the Bangladesh benefit. In a puzzling move, there are interviews with two members of Chumbawumba with no explanation for why they are invited to the shindig (Aside from their party anthem, the band is apparently anarchistic politically and big on protest music). Likewise, English electric folkie Billy Bragg is shown in two interview segments, but his significant body of political music apparently wasn't important enough to include. Ditto Arlo Guthrie. But they do get some good face time with Steve Earle about "John Walker Blues," his ode to John Walker Lindh, the American Taliban.Worthwhile was Bob Geldof's postmortem of the Africa aid experience (it destroyed his career as a musician), and Pete Seeger's explanatory interviews about early folk protest music.All in all, it's an uneven ride. Those familiar with music as protest will likely be able to find gaping holes in the historical record provided by the documentary. For those with little or no experience with this genre of music that crosses most musical boundaries, Get Up, Stand Up is a good introduction, but hardly where an exploration should end. Video37061@blogcritics.org Thu, 29 Sep 2005 10:41:34 EDT http://blogcritics.org/archives/2005/01/27/093701.php Bryan S.Ani DiFranco is a prolific artist. Since 1999, she's put out one album a year, each one a departure from the last. Her latest, Knuckledown is no different. On her last album, Educated Guess, DiFranco pursued a stripped down sound of guitar and bass that drew criticism from some who thought she'd lost her touch.Knuckledown should answer those questions, and solidify her reputation as an artist who'll keep you guessing about her next direction. DiFranco brings along confederates to round out the sound on this album. She also brings in a co-producer, Joe Henry, which is a definite change from past albums.Overall, the noticeable changes are enough to tick off some fans. There's hardly a hint of Ani's far left activism evident in these songs. The closest she gets is "Paradigm," an autobiographical tune about growing up in a family that believed in grassroots activism.i was born to two immigrants who knew why they were here they were happy to pay taxes for the schools and roads happy to be here they took it seriously the second job of citizenry my mother went campaigning door to door and holding to her hand was meMost of the simmering anger of the album is directed at lovers, as witnessed in what I consider the strongest song on the album, and one that would get serious airplay if given the chance: "Manhole" course, you're the kind of guy who doesn't lie he just doctors everything chooses some unassuming finger and quietly moves his wedding ring who rewrites his autobiography for any pretty girl who'll sing but you can't fool the queen, baby cuz i married the kingand maybe it was i who betrayed his majesty with no opposite reality like a puddle with no reflection of the sky or the trees but after my dreaded beheading i tied that sucker back on with a string and i guess i'm pretty different now considering The music builds from a swinging plucked guitar riff to a crescendo of electric guitar, stand-up bass, staccato strings and a crashing drum accompaniment. The icing on the cake is the little whistle DiFranco adds to the transition between chorus and verse.It's that type of simmering anger/bopping joy that is DiFranco's strong suite, and it's evident on several tracks here besides "Manhole," including "Modulation."Other high points include the title track, "Knuckledown," which DiFranco previewed on her DVD "Trust," and "Recoil," the final track on the album.There are also songs for those who like DiFranco in slower, more contemplative moods. "Studying Stones," "Callous," and "Minerva" should keep those fans satisfied.One particular effort deserves special mention: "Parameters. I'm not a big fan of DiFranco's spoken-word work. To be honest, it's usually too preachy, straining to get across a point, like using a chainsaw to cut a string on your jacket.But "Parameters" stopped me in my tracks. It's a personal tale of a woman who comes home one night to find a man in her bedroom. so sure are you of the endless drumming rhythm of your isolation that you are painfully slow to adjust if only because yours is not that genre of story still and again, life cannot muster the stuff of movies no bullets shattering glass instead fear sits patiently fear almost smiles when you finally see him though you have kept him waiting for thirty-three years and now he has let himself in and he has brought you fistfuls of teenage nightmares though you think you see, in your naivete that he is empty handed and this brings you great relief at the time Harmonics from the guitar ring as a horror movie soundtrack to the conversational tone of the narrator as she tells this tale.I won't give away the ending, but it's surprising, a subtle twist that you don't expect.As if wrapping up her trip through mental anguish, despair, nostalgia and ennui, DiFranco returns to an optimism tinged with the weariness of life in "Recoil."If we take the song as autobiographical, DiFranco struggles with her father's deteriorating health: course, then i think of my dad who time travels mostly now back to when he was free and holding out hope somehow who sits all day in a line of wheelchairs against a wall inventing ways to play out time like us all The lyrics hint at a struggle with the demons of depression, but the ultimate feeling of the song is one of optimism, the kind shared by people who are bearing the same troubles. to all the people out there tonight who are comforting themselves if you should happen to see my light you can stop and ring my bell i'm just sittin here in this sty strewn with half written songs taking one breath at a time nothin much going on nothin much going on All in all, this is a return to form for DiFranco, and these tracks should spend a lot of time in rotation on CD changers and mp3 players. Kudos should go to bassist Todd Sickafoose, electric guitarist Tony Scherr and drummer/percussionist Jay Bellerose. Each of these artists contributed mightily to the full sound of the album, a sound that was lacking on "Educated Guess."The only ding I have against this album has to do with the packaging. If you look at the cover, the little orange album title drawing in the lower right hand corner is actually printed on a plastic "sleeve" that surrounds the actual CD cover. So when you tear through the shrink wrap to get to the actual album, you have to fiddle with this tight-fitting plastic sleeve before you can get to the CD. Sure, I guess it's nice, but it's less than functional and I had to try several times to get the CD cover back in the sleeve. The CD cover itself is nothing spectacular. There's a booklet of lyrics and some drawings, but not many words. The album is dedicated to Dante Americo DiFranco.Whatever. I'm just glad to see DiFranco keeping up her prolific pace. It means I'll be anticipating another album soon. Music24767@blogcritics.org Thu, 27 Jan 2005 09:37:01 EST http://blogcritics.org/archives/2004/06/29/003130.php Bryan S.It brings me great pleasure to once again introduce an artist to the pages of Blogcritics (see earlier posts re: James McMurtry). This time, it's Peter Mulvey, an exceptionally gifted songwriter and folk guitarist.I came upon Mulvey's music through a National Public Radio interview on "Weekend Edition." At the time, Mulvey was promoting his cover project, "Ten Thousand Mornings," recorded in the Boston subway. From there, monthly trips to his web site loaded me up with a good number of free mp3 downloads. Currently, you can download the single "Shirt" from "Kitchen Radio."Mulvey's music was immediately captivating. His sound is pure guitar, including alternate tunings (a la Ani DiFranco). This follow-up "Kitchen Radio" puts Mulvey back in the songwriting seat, and he returns with a strong effort."Road to Mallow" begins the album, introducing Mulvey's baritone voice and finger-picking guitar. "Six rabbits, two dogs, one cat, one cow, and then we saw something coulda been a fox, come to think of it now, on the road to Mallow." Mulvey's pastiche of imagery puts you in a serene landscape, with metaphysical imagery swirling like a zen cappuccino."Shirt," the second tune, features a more up-tempo style, and reminded me of Leo Kottke. The lyrics contradict the music, with a sense of melancholy at life that doesn't change, symbolized by a corduroy shirt.Mulvey doesn't shy away from the political, evinced by "29 cent head." The song is paced like a Bob Dylan activist tune. "Them shapes in the bed are the senator and the ceo. Which one's on top, I wouldn't like to know. The father's got his hand on the alter boy's knee. The whole choir's preaching to you, they just want you to agree."But Mulvey doesn't provide answers, only observations. And that is the true genius of this songwriter. His observations. Nowhere is this more obvious than the haunting "Rise," a song Mulvey treated listeners of NPR to long ago. Only the outlines of a story are presented: a man and woman walking in the market square, when something horrible happens."You tugged my sleeve, so I slowed down I smiled at how you love this place how all these things fill your eyes and as I bent to kiss your face You turned to me and seemed to rise And it was then, I saw the light and felt the air go rushing past these things are fixed now in my sight. your face, the fire, the flying glass."You wonder, "what is the fire?" "Why the glass?" "why is there a rush of air?" But most of all, you feel the loss with the protagonist.The album closes with a rocking tune with an irish progression (think the Pogues, only not as drunk) with the unlikely title "Sad, Sad, Sad, Sad (and far away from home)." Listen to a realmedia clip here.Again, classic imagery: Kenny's still stuck in a doctorow book, the one place you can never escape, and your voice on the phone is like one of those paintings where everything loses its shape. And a girl across the street, she's as light on her feet, as sunlight bouncing off coal." All in all, a very satisfying album, and one that can easily fill a lazy Saturday afternoon sitting on the porch with a glass of sweet tea. Music16913@blogcritics.org Tue, 29 Jun 2004 00:31:30 EDT http://blogcritics.org/archives/2004/06/26/002151.php Bryan S.For a capsule of the plot, I'll refer you to other reviewers.I thought the movie was funny at times, although the "man does good" storyline became a little too unbelievable after Victor begins working on a construction crew making $19 an hour.The love interest with Catherine Zeta Jones is ultimately unsatisfying, as is the end. Victor gets to America, gets what he came for and heads home. It's an unfitting anticlimax to a lengthy wait. Jones does the best she can with a character that is about as deep as a puddle of water, and has the dialogue to match.I kept waiting for the political lecture, since Spielberg focuses in an opening scene on the seal of the Department of Homeland Security, but it never came. Dixon, the chief "villain" in this film, is just another bumbling conniver-come-bureaucrat. Episodes of mind-numbing paperwork for foreign visitors to the U.S. are interspersed with scenes that show people who are trying to gyp the system. I didn't get the feel that there was much "post-9/11" angst in the movie at all.Hanks can be funny, but throughout the film, I'm reminded of Robin Williams' earlier Russian-comes-to-America showcase "Moscow on the Hudson." In the theatre tonight, I saw a lot of older couples, baby boomers and 30-somethings perhaps burned out on formulaic romantic comedies, and desiring to avoid the crash-and-burn adventure epics or Michael Moore's harangue against George Bush. The film didn't disappoint that desire, but is hardly worth a second effort. Hanks is singular in his acting. It's his movie to waste, and he doesn't do that. But he doesn't elevate it to the level of classic film, which is probably more the fault of the weak script. The supporting cast at times seems wooden, especially the hispanic guy whose accent comes and goes at random intervals.There are several plot points (like Hanks' job as a contractor) that are picked up and then discarded without resolution, which fits the movie's overall feel.Another reviewer mentioned that Hanks' portrayal is Oscar-worthy. I don't really think so. Of course, much of that depends on what else is in the offing this year. Hanks is serviceable in his role as Victor, but hardly up to his level in previous films. This is definitely not this year's "Forrest Gump." Video16843@blogcritics.org Sat, 26 Jun 2004 00:21:51 EDT http://blogcritics.org/archives/2004/05/07/130721.php Bryan S.David Sedaris might be the funniest man in America.That said, this is not a musical album. Sedaris is a writer who frequently appears on National Public Radio's "This American Life." His calling card is a seeringly painful yet hilarious look at his dysfunctional family, as well as his take on cultural differences between middle America (exemplified by Raleigh, N.C.), New York, and various foreign countries.Sedaris doesn't do stand-up. "Live at Carnegie Hall" is a series of readings from his written work. But that does not detract from the hilarity. In fact, one of the dangers of listening to his work in the car is the very real possibility that you may have to pull off the road to compose yourself after laughing so hard your eyes are closed.I've never read one of Sedaris' books, only heard the audio adaptations. I highly recommend these audio versions, because it is Sedaris' high-pitched voice and timing that make the stories come alive. And the stories are worth hearing more than once."Live at Carnegie Hall" is new material, but some of the references only make sense when you know his past material from "Naked," "Me Talk Pretty One Day," "Barrel Fever" and "Holidays on Ice."Typical of his autobiographical humor is the first selection, "Repeat after Me." In it, he visits his sister Lisa and touches on the difficulties of using your family for material. The interaction with the parrot is absolutely hilarious.If nothing else, the CD is worth the price just to hear Sedaris' "first draft" of an introduction to an interview between Ira Glass and Terry Gross of NPR - "Why Them?""I first listened to National Public Radio in 1977. I was young then but saw the network for what it was and continues to be ... a conspiracy of Jews."Lest you think Sedaris has something against Jews, he goes on to skewer the French, Germans and Dutch, and finds a strange sort of patriotic pride in the fact that blind people can hunt in Michigan."Who's the Chef" plays on Sedaris' experiences in France, negotiating the French language and trying to convince his boyfriend and dinner guests that his "chef" has a rubber hand.He takes on fashion and accessories, like the "Stadium Pal," a portable catheter in a series of pieces that originally appeared in Esquire.The climax of the tape is another examination of Christmas traditions - a theme Sedaris mined for much hilarity in the "Holidays on Ice." Here, Sedaris' acerbic wit is trained on the Dutch tradition of St. Nicholas and his band of "6 to 8 black men." Not reindeer. Not elves, but 6 to 8 "friends" who ride with the former bishop of Turkey to give candy to Dutch children in early December. He explains why the Dutch tradition would never work in America. Again, to spoil the punchline would be wrong. But it touches on the American Dream and race relations.The bonus for those familiar with Sedaris' work is a short question and answer session at the end of the disc. Here, we learn that David's brother, known as "the Rooster" is expecting a child with his wife. This little tidbit leaves the listener assured that David will have much comedic material for years to come. Books15469@blogcritics.org Fri, 7 May 2004 13:07:21 EDT http://blogcritics.org/archives/2004/04/10/220351.php Bryan S.I'm entranced by Ani DiFranco, the independent-minded "righteous babe" with her quirky guitar style and vocals that swerve from sultry to surly to sulking instantly.Her latest album, "educated guess," is a departure from recent efforts. DiFranco stripped away the layers of musicians and production that marked her last album, "Evolve," along with much of the jazz influence. gone are the saxophones, clarinets and miscellaneous instruments that seemed to overpower "Evolve."She recorded "educated guess" alone with an analog reel-to-reel - backing vocals, bass guitar, everything.It's a stark contrast, which explains part of the reasoning behind the title, and the title song: so school is in session get your chin off your desk now pick up your pencil and turn over your test use your education and take an educated guess about meTrying to figure out difranco's musical genius based on any period in her decade-long career is just such an "educated guess."But there is no guessing about the two pillars of DiFranco's genius. Both are on display on "Educated Guess."Ani's guitar work is as sharp as ever. In fact, the bare, acoustic focus of this album serves as a reminder from whence the legend of this Buffalo native folky arose. But it is always the lyrics that mark a DiFranco album. There's a mixture of politics, personal matters, and poetry in a DiFranco effort that makes a wordsmith tingle with excitement. "Educated Guess" is no different. Get this gem from the title track: i've got a slot at eye level like a speakeasy door and i know you know the password cuz i've seen you here before and i've got something sweet for you and i don't care if it is more than you deserve i've got a lot of love and a lot of nerve so watch me while i take this curveInterestingly, on the album, it sounds a lot like she says "I've got a slot at *heart* level like a speakeasy door." Which makes a lot more sense, and might be a small glimpse into the heart of the rewriting process that goes on in crafting a near-perfect bit of poetic verse.or this, from "Origami:" i know men are delicate origami creatures who need women to unfold them hold them when they cry but i am tired of being your savior and i am tired of telling you whyThere's also some spoken-word poetry for those who aren't down with the free-stylin' folkiness: "Platform," "The True Story of What Was," and "Grand Canyon."Despite the craft involved in sculpting this album, I miss the full-band effect, and I hope DiFranco will take these songs on the road with some more instruments, perhaps for a third live album to complement "Living in Clip" and "So Much Shouting, So Much Laughter."Because the album seems to build to a crescendo, and on "Company," "Raincheck" and "Bubble," I found myself adding a drum line in my mind, something that Andy Stochansky might beat out behind DiFranco's lyrics and guitar.(all lyrics available here)As a side note, I'd comment on the first review of this album: Mark really liked the artwork for this album. I have to admit that I was not similary impressed. It was good. Don't get me wrong. But it's something you should be used to from DiFranco (witness the booklet that came with "Living in Clip," or the "Revelling/Reckoning")However, Mark is spot-on noting the exceptional nature of DiFranco's music. But she's been singing about love and loss for a long time. Music14614@blogcritics.org Sat, 10 Apr 2004 22:03:51 EDT http://blogcritics.org/archives/2004/03/29/223051.php Bryan S.James McMurtry gets quite a bit of the storytelling gene from his father Larry (of "Lonesome Dove" fame), and it shows through on each of his albums. From the John Mellencamp-produced "Too Long in the Wasteland" to the most recent "St. Mary of the Woods," McMurtry fills his albums with drifters, drinkers, lovers, and ne'er-do-wells. And "Live in Aught-Three" is as good a chance to get a taste of McMurtry's various albums as you're going to get. Pure Texas rock 'n' blues with a Telecaster twang. Think Robert Earl Keen with a little less country and a whole lot more attitude.Several songs are from McMurtry's last studio album, including "St. Mary of the Woods," "In the Middle," "Red Dress" and "Choctaw Bingo." These songs give a hint at McMurtry's versatility."St. Mary" is a paean to a fading rock star, whose "half-sold shows" drive him to drink and retreat to his youth in the title's namesake town (school?)."In the Middle," on the other hand, is a semi-sarcastic celebration of suburbia, or the semi-rural existence of what passes for suburbia these days.We got tractor pulls and Red Man chew Corporate relo refugees that need love too we ain't seen Elvis in a year or two we got justification for wealth and greed~ Amber waves of grain and bathtub speed We even got Starbucks what else you need?"Red Dress" smolders with the jealousy of a drunken lover who asks "Where'd you get that red dress?" And "Choctaw Bingo" shows McMurtry pulling out all the tricks in his storytelling bag. Explaining to his audience that the song is about "the north Texas, Southern Oklahoma Crystal Methamphetamine Industry," McMurtry spins a yarn about a family that heads up to Oklahoma for a family reunion. Along the way, we learn about Uncle Slayton, who was forced to leave Texas under suspicious reasons. And Bob and Mae, who stopped off in Tushka at that "Pop's Knife and Gun" place Bought a SKS rifle and a couple a full cases of that steel core ammo With the berdan primers from some East bloc nation that no longer needs 'em And a Desert Eagle that's one great big ol' pistol There's some 18-wheel driving, bikers and a hint of "family love" in that back-country style - all in keeping with the McMurtry family name. And James keeps it smokin' with a shuffle riff on the tele that will have your foot tapping, guaranteed.But the real gems on the album are the slower tunes. McMurtry doesn't just rock. He slows down for a beautiful mid-tempo ode to would-be rock-stars who've "put away the toys" on "No More Buffaloes."The haunting "Rachel's Song" points out the plight of a single mother trying to raise a son who ignores her. It begins with an evocative word-picture: Must be a cold front coming Cause I saw the eastbound C&O And the coal cars were dusted with a half inch of snow And that boy'll drive me crazy Don't know what I'll do with him School will be out tomorrow if that cold front moves inAll of which prepare the way for "Lights of Cheyenne," the only song on the album that was previously unreleased. It's a semi-sweet ballad that makes you want to laugh and cry at the same time. The lyrics evoke a family that's a little bit screwed up. The youngest is living in Boulder, and the oldest has "a cowboy problem" and goes out on the town. The father can't (or won't) work, and the mother is struggling to keep the bills paid.The album concludes with McMurtry's hat tip to Townes Van Zandt with the stompin' "Rex's Blues." It's a fitting end to the album, because McMurtry's vision, his storytelling genius, seems to be drawn from Van Zandt as much as from his father. Van Zandt is the touchstone for Texas singer-songwriters, and McMurtry keeps his legacy alive with this live album.I only hope I can get the chance to see him. Music14196@blogcritics.org Mon, 29 Mar 2004 22:30:51 EST http://blogcritics.org/archives/2003/11/19/144330.php Bryan S.{sigh}Songs now available legally via LifeWay downloads NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)--It just got easier for Christian music fans to download their favorite songs to their computers -- legally. Unless you own a Macintosh. ... "LifeWay is seeking to bridge the illegal-downloads divide by providing people with an easy, affordable and legal way to download their favorite Christian artists," said Mark King, vice president of direct marketing for LifeWay Christian Stores. You mean, the way Apple's iTunes service has been doing for over six months now? LifeWay's new service requires no monthly subscription fee as other sites do, or special software to download. All songs are offered in Windows Media format. Once a customer purchases a song, the file can be downloaded to a PC with unlimited transfers to portable devices and CD-burner capabilities. BUT IT DOES REQUIRE A PEECEE!! AND SINCE WHEN IS WINDOWS MEDIA format not "special software"? If you go to the Web site to download a file, you find out that you *do* need special software to download: Only Windows 2000/XP/ME/98/98se users can download Windows Media content. Windows 95 and Windows NT are not supported. Only the Windows operating system is supported. See below for information specific to your operating system. Macintosh systems and any UNIX flavors are not supported at this time. Windows Media PlayerPlease make sure the latest version of Microsoft's Windows Media Player is installed to download your content. While the minimum supported version is 7.0, we may require version 9.0 when attempting to download albums with a large number of tracks. You can download the latest player from Microsoft. Your Windows Media Player may also need a security upgrade (detected automatically). NOTE: Windows ME users are required to use version 9.BrowserPlease use the latest Microsoft Internet Explorer (version 5.0 or above). Other browsers are not supported at this time.Security SettingsThis site requires JavaScript, ActiveX, and plug-ins to be enabled. Some security settings may hinder the system from operating. Make sure the required features are enabled from Internet Explorer. WHAT ABOUT THOSE OF US WHO HAVE MACINTOSHES? ARE WE NOT ENTITLED TO FREE CHRISTIAN MUSIC DOWNLOADS? MUST WE SUFFER UNDER SUBSTANDARD, UNSECURE OPERATING SYSTEMS IN ORDER TO LISTEN TO REBECCA ST. JAMES AND AMY GRANT? "Illegal downloads have been a growing problem in the Christian community, and they are causing economic harm to everyone involved in the music industry," Styll said. "We applaud LifeWay for taking this leadership role in offering digital music downloads for purchase on the Internet, as it is a practical solution to this very real problem." But it's not a practical solution at all IF YOU OWN A MACINTOSH! And it's not even a leadership role. APPLE HAS BEEN DOING IT FOR SEVERAL MONTHS NOW. YOU CAN EVEN GET CHRISTIAN MUSIC ON iTunes!And here's the real kicker: LifeWay also announced it would have a number of national promotions with Chordant Distribution Group, including a giveaway of one song each day for 30 days to everyone who visits the lifewaystores.com website. The promotion, called "30 for 30," begins Nov. 18. In addition, LifeWay will have several special promotions with Provident Music Distribution. This would be known as a lie. It's not available to everyone who visits the lifewaystores.com Web site, because I just went there and got this message: Only Windows 2000/XP/ME/98/98se users can download Windows Media content. Windows 95 and Windows NT are not supported. Only the Windows operating system is supported. See below for information specific to your operating system. Macintosh systems and any UNIX flavors are not supported at this time. In other words, THE DOWNLOADS ARE NOT FOR EVERYONE!!!!And I also like that part about not being supported "at this time." You mean, like the non-support DirecTV gives for its satellite Internet hook-up, the support that's been promised for FIVE YEARS!? Are you going to give us that kind of support?When Apple introduced iTunes, they promised a Windows version by the end of the year. They delivered ahead of time, and by most accounts, it's been a smashing success (except among the "everything should be free" set). Even though I'd really like to believe the folks at LifeWay, I have a feeling they'll not have the same due diligence with bringing the service to the Mac. Sci/Tech10273@blogcritics.org Wed, 19 Nov 2003 14:43:30 EST