Sunday, August 30, 2009

The Post Progressives: 1921-1929

The Post Progressive presidencies defined themselves visa-vie their progressive predecessors. Their domestic policies ranged from laissez faire to massive governmental action. Their foreign policies had to contend with an isolationist populace. The first of the group was elected to return America to normalcy. Voters had enough of foreign adventures and enough government involvement in the economy and the country. The second group had to deal with the Great Depression.

Like Barack Obama, Warren Harding went from little known senator without any accomplishments straight to the White House. Like Obama, he was charismatic, good looking, and was surrounded by corrupt party hacks. Unlike Obama, Harding knew he was not very competent. He hoped to be a well-liked president as opposed to a great president.

The Harding Administration is best known for scandal. His attorney general resigned after taking bribes, he fathered a child out of wedlock, and smuggled another mistress out of the country before the 1920 election. It was a lot like the Clinton years some 70 years later. The biggest scandal broke after Harding died. The Teapot Dome scandal was one of the worst in U.S. history. The Secretary of the Interior took bribes from an oil company. In return, the company could drill oil land set aside for the Navy. Luckily for Harding, he died before the scandal broke. His historical reputation did not survive. Like Bill Clinton, Warren Harding will be remembered for scandal and womanizing.

Harding’s vice-president, Calvin Coolidge, restored public confidence in government. He cleaned up Harding’s mess. He then moved to fix the economy which was in a funk since World War I. Coolidge cut taxes and created an environment amiable to growth. Coolidge’s legacy was the Roaring 20s. During his tenure, the economy grew at a breath taking pace. People’s lives became easier, money flowed, and culture flourished. This was the Jazz Age. A spirit of modernity prevailed. Coolidge decided not to run for re-election in 1928. The country was in seemingly good shape.

#22 Eric Clapton

Eric Clapton is the only person inducted into the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame three times. Before going solo, Clapton was a member of the blues based “Yardbirds.” He left the band when they went commercial. He then joined the super group “Cream” which broke apart as egos clashed. Clapton then went solo after a brief stint in Blind Faith and Derek and the Dominoes.

Clapton’s music has always been blues based. However, he was always willing to incorporate other styles including pop and reggae. Next to Hendrix, Clapton is rock's greatest guitarist. Fans compared him to god and some considered him god. Despite major substance abuse problems, Clapton’s career has been steadily successful from the 1970s through today. It’s his ability to both originate and incorporate while sticking to his blues roots that makes Clapton so successful.

Rock n Roll Moment: Clapton’s memory blanked while under the influence. He does not remember doing TV commercials as well as other events in his life. As a result, he opened a rehab clinic of his own.

Essential Clapton:

Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs (1970)- w/Derek and the Dominoes
461 Ocean Blvd (1974)
Slowhand (1977)
Crossroads (1988)- Box Set
Journeyman (1989)
Unplugged (1992)
From the Cradle (1994)
Me and Mr. Johnson (2004)

Clapton’s Top 10:


Layla (With Derek and the Dominoes)
I Shot the Sheriff
After Midnight
Cocaine
Lay Down Sally
Wonderful Tonight
Promises
Pretending
Let it Rain
It’s in the Way that You Use It

Saturday, August 29, 2009

My Favorites: 1980s Baseball

C- Ted Simmons- Brewers
C- Lance Parrish- Tigers
1b- Keith Hernandez- Mets
2b- Frank White- Royals
2b- Lou Whitaker- Tigers
SS- Alan Trammell- Tigers
SS- Cal Ripken- Orioles
3b- George Brett- Royals
DH- Darrell Evans- Tigers
OF- Dale Murphy- Braves
OF- Willie McGee- Cardinals
OF- Willie Wilson- Royals
OF- Dwight Evans- Red Sox
RHP- Orel Hershiser- Dodgers
LHP- Bruce Hurst- Red Sox
SP- John Tudor- Cardinals
SP- Bret Saberhagen- Royals
SP- Jack Morris- Tigers
RP- Dan Quisenberry- Royals

Friday, August 28, 2009

MLB: All 1980s Team

C- Gary Carter- Expos/Mets
1b- Eddie Murray- Orioles
2b- Ryne Sandberg- Cubs
3b- Mike Schmidt- Phillies
SS- Cal Ripken- Orioles
IF/OF- Robin Yount- Brewers
OF- Rickey Henderson- A’s/Yankees
OF- Dave Winfield- Yankees
OF- Jim Rice- Red Sox
DH- Hal McRae- Royals
RHP- Jack Morris- Tigers
LHP- Fernando Valenzuela- Dodgers
SP- Orel Hershiser- Dodgers
SP- Frank Viola- Twins
SP- Dwight Gooden- Mets
RP- Bruce Sutter- Cardinals

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Ted Kennedy (1932-2009)

Ted Kennedy entered the United States Senate in 1962 immediately after the Cuban Missile Crisis. In Senator Kennedy's tenure, we have seen 10 presidents, Vietnam, Watergate, the Iran Hostage Crisis, The Challenger and Columbia disasters, the fall of communism, two wars in Iraq, 911, the war in Afghanistan, and the first black president. Throughout this period, Kennedy was a constant and evolved into the most outspoken proponent of liberal causes.

The Senator's career was colorful. He was considered presidential timbre until Chappaquiddick. Despite this and other personal scandals, Kennedy challenged incumbent Jimmy Carter for the presidency in 1980. It helped Ronald Reagan that November, but Carter was so ineffective, Kennedy felt compelled to act. During the 80s, he led the opposition against Ronald Reagan and basically ended Robert Bork's nomination to the Supreme Court.

Despite the hyper-partisanship, Kennedy could also work with the other side. Liberals can't stand No Child Left Behind. Well, the Liberal Lion Ted Kennedy was responsible for that act.
As a result of his willingness to compromise and forge personal relationships, many laws were enacted for the betterment of Americans. Kennedy's opponents have a tendency to praise him. If you cut a deal with the Senator, he stuck to it and always kept his word. As a result, Ted Kennedy deserves to be considered one of the giants of the senate alongside Daniel Webster and Henry Clay.

#23 David Bowie

David Bowie is the great chameleon. His image is forever changing. Bowie emerged from Britain’s Art Rock scene in the late 60s and his first album was barely noticed. However, he caught people’s attention in 1969 with “Space Oddity” which coincided with the moon landing. After which, he spent some time searching for a direction.

In 1972, Bowie moved away from Syd Barrett influenced Art Rock and created an androgynous alter ego, Ziggy Stardust. Bowie was so wrapped up in the role, people did not know where Ziggy started and Bowie ended. Bowie’s creation launched the glam scene. Presentation, image, and the visual became as important as the music. Shortly after creating Ziggy Stardust, Bowie killed him.

By the mid-70s, Bowie was scoring pop hits. He altered his music and persona and alienated and confused his listeners. Then, he went to Berlin to look for the next thing and ran into Iggy Pop and Brian Eno. The albums he created represented the successful “Berlin Trilogy.”

By 1980, Bowie was a successful pop star that appeared in decline. Then came MTV. Music Television suited Bowie perfectly. One of the first hit videos on the channel was Bowie’s surreal “Ashes to Ashes.” He also recorded “Under Pressure” with Queen. Bowie then decided to change it up again and did a pop album. 1983’s “Let’s Dance” spawned several hits. David Bowie was now one of the biggest stars around and played Live Aid in 1985. The rest of the decade was at best uneven. Although, he did get to play Pontius Pilot in The Last Temptation of Christ. Bowie has appeared in a number of films including Labyrinth, The Prestige, and Zoolander.

After doing a farewell tour of sorts, Bowie formed Tin Man. This minimized Bowie and made him part of a group. Although the band was good, it did not catch on. Once again, Bowie confused people.

In the 90s, Bowie went electronic and bordered on industrial. He did perform the old stuff at the Freddy Mercury Tribute in 1992. He also played “Heroes” at the Concert for New York following the 911 attacks. Bowie was one of the show's highlights. In 2004, he suffered a heart attack, but continues to show up from time to time. His most notable appearance in recent years was with Pink Floyd guitarist David Gilmour at the Royal Albert Hall. He is a member of the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame and continues to act and record.

Rock n Roll Moment: Bowie outed himself as a bisexual in 1972...long before it was hip. He later recanted.

Essential Bowie:

Hunky Dory (1971)
The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust (1972)
Aladdin Sane (1973)
Young Americans (1975)
Station to Station (1976)
Low (1977)
Heroes (1977)
Lodger (1978)
Let’s Dance (1983)

Bowie’s Top 10:

Space Oddity
The Man Who Sold the World
Changes
Life on Mars?
Ziggy Stardust
Suffragette City
The Jean Genie
Rebel Rebel
Young Americans
Heroes

Sunday, August 23, 2009

Presidential Legacies: The Progressives Part 2

William Howard Taft (1909-1912): Theodore Roosevelt stepped down in 1909 with the inauguration of his hand picked successor William Howard Taft. Roosevelt then went on safari. He wanted to give Taft the stage to himself. Shortly thereafter, Roosevelt received disturbing news. Taft was betraying Rooseveltism.

The difference between the two administrations was both negligible and huge. Taft continued his predecessor’s trust busting policies. However, Taft busted all monopolies as opposed to continuing Roosevelt’s policy of attacking those trusts that hurt consumers. Roosevelt only busted "bad" monopolies. Taft continued Roosevelt’s Conservation policies, yet sided with big timber interests in the Ballinger-Pinchot Affair. Roosevelt felt betrayed.

While Roosevelt had a strong foreign policy, Taft’s made America look weak. Taft attempted to help Latin America with Dollar Diplomacy. Unfortunately, the dollars went to dictators and not the people. When Taft attempted to secure arbitration treaties to avoid war between the major powers, the U.S. refused to ratify after Britain and France had done so. Taft even caused the Canadian government to fall. He negotiated a Free Trade agreement with Canada. The U.S. ratified it, but the Canadian flat earth society rejected it and turned their prime minister out of office. Roosevelt was embarrassed by this “Era of Bungled Diplomacy.” As a result, he split with the president and later formed his own party.

The split between Taft and Roosevelt split the Republican Party. The conservative wing adopted Taft, so the president made a hard right turn. In order to disguise himself from Taft and Democrat Woodrow Wilson, TR went leftward. Whether President Roosevelt would have governed moderately as before or as a hard left prog is unknown. Either way, the GOP split elected Woodrow Wilson in 1912.

Woodrow Wilson (1913-1921): Wilson was never a popular president. His administration is still controversial to this day. His idealism and his policies at home never met. He re-segregated federal facilities. Wilson’s Administration witnessed The Palmer Raids which trampled American liberties in a way never seen before or since. The president even invaded Mexico hunting Pancho Villa. The mission failed and the U.S. Army came home empty handed.

On the other hand, Wilson was an idealist. He felt government could help the people. His administration was the first to back labor over management. Wilson regulated the banks, lowered tariffs, and expanded on his two predecessor’s trust busting. When war broke out, Wilson supported national determination and declared war “to make the world safe for democracy.” After the war, Wilson stood up for ethnic minorities and the Germans. He was rebuffed by the Allies. However, his grand vision for a League of Nations came into being--without the United States which refused to sign on.

In many respects, Woodrow Wilson represented a dry run for George W. Bush. Both men had foreign misadventures. Both men could not corral a wanted terrorist. Both men ushered in controversial reforms. Both men advocated spreading Democracy by the sword. Both men waged wars that would become unpopular. Both men were originally elected with less than 50% of the vote. Both men narrowly won re-election as the vote came down to one state. Both men helped drag their party to defeat after their two terms ended. The one major difference between the men was on race. While Bush openly welcomed African-Americans into his administration, Wilson helped further the Jim Crow System.

After twenty years, and a costly world war, the Progressive Era ended. People were sick and tired of the Progressives. Although open to them at first, the Progs overstepped their bounds. The European War, Mexican excursion, Palmer Raids, and “big government” pushed people to their limits. On top of this, there was a Red Scare, race riots, and a flu pandemic that killed 20 million. The government fanned the flames of the Red Scare, the riots were a product of black soldiers returning home in uniform, and the flu occurred as a result of a confluence of events including the unsanitary conditions from the war. In response, the country made a right turn.

#24 Smokey Robinson and the Miracles

Smokey Robinson and the Miracles defined the Motown Sound. They were the first major Motown act to break. Frontman Smokey Robinson went on to become one of music’s greatest songwriters and producers. The Miracles music encompassed doo wop, soul, R&B, rock, and disco and scored 16 Top 20 hits including two #1s (Love Machine and Tears of a Clown). Smokey left the group in 1971 and they experienced continued success. For some reason, Smokey was inducted into the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame in 1987, but the Miracles were excluded.

Rock n Roll Moment: Smokey and the Miracles wrote Ooo Baby Baby during an impromptu jam in the middle of a show.

Essential Smokey:
Hi! We’re the Miracles (1961)
Going to a Go-Go (1965)
One Dozen Roses (1971)

Smokey’s Top 10:

Shop Around
You’ve Really Got a Hold on Me
Ooo Baby Baby
The Tracks of My Tears
Going to a Go-Go
I Second That Emotion
The Tears of a Clown
Love Machine- Pt 1
Do It Baby
My Girl Has Gone

Saturday, August 22, 2009

My Favorites: MLB 1970s

C- Thurman Munson- Yankees
1b- Steve Garvey- Dodgers
2b- Phil Garner- Pirates
3b- George Brett- Royals
SS- U.L. Washington- Royals
OF- Reggie Jackson- Yankees
OF- Willie Stargell- Pirates
OF- Pete Rose- Reds
OF- Carl Yastrzemski- Red Sox
DH- Willie Horton- Tigers/Mariners
RHP- Jim Palmer- Orioles
LHP- Steve Carlton- Phillies
RHP- Nolan Ryan- Angels
RHP- Tom Seaver- Mets
RHP- Luis Tiant- Red Sox
RHP- Mark Fidrych- Tigers
RP- Kent Tekulve- Pirates

Friday, August 21, 2009

MLB All 1970s Team

C-Johnny Bench- Reds
1b- Tony Perez- Reds
2b- Joe Morgan- Reds
3b- Pete Rose- Reds
SS- Dave Concepcion- Reds
OF- Reggie Jackson- A’s/Yankees
OF- Willie Stargell- Pirates
OF- Fred Lynn- Red Sox
DH- Don Baylor- Orioles/Angels
RHP- Tom Seaver- Mets
LHP- Steve Carlton- Phillies
SP- Nolan Ryan- Angels
SP- Jim Palmer- Orioles
SP- Catfish Hunter- A’s
RP- Rollie Fingers- A’s

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

#25 Johnny Cash

Johnny Cash is considered the greatest Country artist of all time. However, he crossed over to Folk, Rock, Rockabilly, Gospel, Blues, and Alternative Rock. He is best known for his baritone voice and the chicka-boom guitar sound of the Tennessee Three. To save money on cleaning, the band wore black onstage which led to Cash’s moniker “The Man in Black.” Cash used that nickname and forged an outlaw identity which gave his music credibility.

Cash joined the Air Force in the early 50s. He worked intelligence and the service did not want him to go. Cash began writing songs at the time and decided to go into music and left the service. It took some doing, but Johnny won over Sun Records producer Sam Phillips and got a record deal. His first few songs were hits. Then came “Folsom Prison Blues” and “I Walk The Line.” Cash was now a star and toured with Elvis and Jerry Lee Lewis. The King, the Killer, and The Man in Black all appeared on the same bill.

Cash cultivated his outlaw image. In 1968, he visited Folsom Prison and cut a live record that outsold the Beatles. The next year, he did an album at San Quentin which included “A Boy Named Sue” which Cash spoke the lyrics to since he did not know them. Cash continued with the hits in the 60s including his biggest “Ring of Fire” and his duet with wife June, “Jackson.“ He landed his own TV variety show which featured acts ranging from Hank Williams Jr. to Bob Dylan to Eric Clapton. The show was a hit. His last major hit of the decade (and until the 90s) was in 1979 with “(Ghost Riders) in the Sky.” He floundered throughout the 80s (with the exception of the Highwayman project) and was released by his record label.

In the 90s, Johnny Cash met Rick Rubin. The two hit it off and Cash began releasing his “American Recordings” albums. Rubin restored the dark side of Cash and that connected with audiences. His concerts became populated by Gen X-ers and he returned to the top. In 2002, he released his mega hit album “American IV: The Man Comes Around” with its cover of Nine Inch Nail’s “Hurt.” Cash was back on top. He died in 2003 less than four months after June died. The following year, the biopic, I Walk The Line, was released and Rick Rubin continues to release Cash’s American Recordings.

Rock n Roll Moment: In 1965, Cash burned down a forest. It was an accident as his wheel bearing overheated on his truck. 508 acres went up. The government sued and won $125, 172. When confronted by a judge, Cash said, "I didn't do it, my truck did, and it's dead, so you can't question it."

Essential Cash:

The Fabulous Johnny Cash (1959)
Bitter Tears: Ballads of the American Indian (1964)
Sings Ballads of the True West (1965)
Folsom Prison (1968)
San Quentin (1969)
The Highwaymen (w/Kris Kristofferson, Willie Nelson, and Waylon Jennings) (1985)
Class of ‘55 (w/ Roy Orbison, Carl Perkins, and Jerry Lee Lewis) (1986)
American Recordings (1994)
American IV: The Man Comes Around (2002)

Johnny Cash’s Top 10:

I Walk the Line
Folsom Prison Blues
Ring of Fire
Hurt
Man in Black
A Boy Named Sue
Jackson (w/June Carter Cash)
Sunday Morning Coming Down
Get Rhythm
(Ghost) Riders in the Sky

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Weird Baseball Moments

Here are some weird baseball moments...arranged chronologically...

1. George Brett has to leave a World Series game with hemorrhoids.

2. The Pine Tar Game: Brett hits a go ahead homer off of the Goose and has it nullified because there was too much pine tar on his bat. Brett almost killed umpire Tim McClellan. The ruling is overturned and the homer stood.

3. Tippy picks off 3 in one inning: Baltimore reliever Tippy Martinez picked off three Toronto Blue Jay runners...in one inning. You'd think after the first pick off, they'd be careful.

4. Lance Parrish makes 3 outs in one inning. The Tigers beat Boston 13-9 on Friday the 13th. Parrish wore #13.

5. Fisk tags out 2 at plate: The White Sox were in the Bronx. On an extra base hit, two runners tried to score. The relay home nailed the first and the second runner kept coming and was tagged out.

6. Dion James hits a bird: Atlanta Braves outfielder Dion James popped up against the New York Mets. However, the ball killed a bird in flight and dropped where no fielder could catch it. By the time the Mets corralled the ball, James had a double.

7. Lyons drops drawers: Chicago White Sox player Steve "Psycho" Lyons slid into first. He was safe. Then, in front of all of Detroit, dropped his pants to get the dirt out. He then realized where he was and pulled his pants up quickly.

8. Moseby Steals First: Detroit Tiger Lloyd Moseby stole second base and lost track of the ball. So, he ran back to first and then realized where the ball was. He then ran back to second. He stole second base, first base, and then second again.

9. Ryan vs. Ventura: Texas pitcher and all-American hero, Nolan Ryan plunked Chicago White Sox third baseman Robin Ventura. Ryan was twenty years or so older than Ventura. The Chicago player charged the mound, found himself in a headlock, and got his ass kicked.

10. Johnson kills bird: During Spring Training in 2001, Randy Johnson threw a pitch, it hit a bird, and the bird disintegrated.

Sunday, August 16, 2009

#26: The Police

The Police formed at the height of Punk and outlasted it. Some consider them the first New Wave Act since they were neither classic rock nor punk. They incorporated jazz, punk rock, and reggae into their work. In fact, they were one of the first acts to incorporate reggae into their music.

In 1977, The Police began their slow climb to greatest band in the world. Drummer Stewart Copeland formed the band with Sting and Henry Padovani. Padovani was a weak guitarist and was later replaced by Andy Summers. Their fusion of rock, jazz, and especially reggae into their act was novel especially in the United States. They soon earned a recording contract.

Their first album contained the hit “Roxanne” which was completely unique. It did not sound like rock or punk or disco. The song provided an introduction into the U.S. and Australia and got them a gig at the CBGB punk club. Their second album made them stars in England and included “Message in a Bottle.” They toured the world and released a third album that included “Don’t Stand So Close To Me.” The band was now a worldwide sensation.

While the band thrived, front man Sting became a star. He appeared in movies such as Quadraphenia and later Dune. This led to a conflict of egos with Stewart Copeland. The tension continued throughout the early 80s and served to destroy the band as they conquered the world. By 1983, they were the biggest band in the world. Their album Synchronicity spawned several smash hits including one of the decade’s most iconic songs, “Every Breath You Take.” In fact, that song beat out “Billie Jean” for song of the year at the Grammy Awards.

There was no official split. Sting did a solo album and Copeland did some work on his own. Summers waited for the band to reunite. With the exception of three concerts for Amnesty International in 1986 and a completely reworked re-release of “Don’t Stand So Close To Me,” the band would not play again until the 2007-08 reunion tour. Between 1986 and 2007, Sting got married and bragged about 6 hour tantric sex, Copeland made a documentary on the Police (very good), Summers worked as Dennis Miller’s musical director, and the group was inducted into the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame.

Rock n Roll Moment: In one South American banana republic, Andy Summers kicked a military policeman that was attacking fans. He was threatened with arrest, but managed to get out of the country.

Essential Police:

Outlandos d’Amour (1978)
Reggata de Blanc (1979)
Zenyatta Mondatta (1980)
Ghost in the Machine (1981)
Synchronicity (1983)

The Police Top 10:

Every Breath You Take
Roxanne
Can’t Stand Losing You
Message in a Bottle
So Lonely
Don’t Stand So Close To Me
King of Pain
Wrapped Around Your Finger
Synchronicity II
Spirits in the Material World

Friday, August 14, 2009

MLB All Decade Team 1960s

C- Bill Freehan- Tigers
1b- Harmon Killebrew- Twins
2b- Bill Mazeroski- Pirates
3b- Brooks Robinson- Orioles
SS- Luis Aparicio- Orioles/White Sox
OF- Willie Mays- Giants
OF- Hank Aaron- Braves
OF- Roberto Clemente- Pirates
OF- Carl Yastrzemski- Red Sox
RHP- Bob Gibson- Cardinals
LHP- Sandy Koufax- Dodgers
SP- Juan Marichal- Giants
SP- Don Drysdale- Dodgers
SP- Jim Bunning- Phillies
RP- Ron Perranoski- Dodgers

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

#27 Queen

Queen is known for their musical diversity, harmonies, and their live shows. In fact, an industry poll ranked Queen’s Live Aid performance the greatest live performance of all time. They debuted in 1973. They originally attempted to merge Metal with Prog Rock. Their first album is considered one of the most underrated albums of all time. They broke the following year with “Sheer Heart Attack.” The album featured a fusion of many genres including Metal, soft ballads, and Caribbean.

They followed their breakthrough with the most expensive album ever produced to that point. “A Night At The Opera” is considered one of rock’s greatest. The album included “Bohemian Rhapsody” which combined opera with rock music and became the third largest selling single of all time. The band continued to release hit after hit in the 1970s. In 1980, “Another One Bites the Dust” became an anthem for the Detroit Lions and other sports franchises adopted it along with “We Are the Champions” for championship runs. Also in 1980, Queen also scored the soundtrack for the forgettable movie, Flash Gordon.

Queen continued to play to massive crowds. In 1981, they performed before nearly 500,000 during a Latin American tour. On several occasions, crowds numbered over 100,000. In 1985, one concert drew 180,000. Then came Live Aid. Freddie did not like Live Aid’s political slant, but Bob Geldof told him he’d have the largest audience ever to perform in front of. That sold Mercury.

In the the late 1980’s or early 1990s, Freddy was diagnosed with AIDS. He began to look sickly. He denied the rumors until November 1991. Mercury died less than twelve hours after releasing the statement confirming his illness. Queen’s popularity increased dramatically as a result of the publicity, a benefit concert for Mercury, and the movie Wayne’s World. People flocked to record stores requesting “the new Queen song, Bohemian Rhapsody.” (Dumb asses). After Mercury’s death, the band never officially disbanded and in 2004 began touring with Paul Rodgers (Bad Company, The Firm) on lead vocals. This incarnation split in May 2009.

Rock n Roll Moment: A biker gang attempted to jump members of Queen. Roger Taylor flashed his college ID and warned them he was a martial arts expert. Taylor claimed the law required he notify the gang three times that he had a black belt. The bikers ran away.

Essential Queen:

A Night at the Opera (1975)
News of the World (1977)
The Game (1980)
Greatest Hits (1981)
Greatest Hits II (1991)

Queen’s Top 10:

Bohemian Rhapsody
We Are The Champions/We Will Rock You
Fat Bottomed Girls
Crazy Little Thing Called Love
Another One Bites the Dust
Flash
Under Pressure (with David Bowie)
Radio Ga-Ga
Who Wants to Live Forever
The Show Must Go On

Monday, August 10, 2009

#28 Tina Turner

Elvis may be King, but Tina is Queen. Her career spans fifty years. At 18, she began singing for Ike Turner. Her break came in 1960 when she filled in for an AWOL singer. Her recording of “A Fool In Love” hit #2 on the R&B charts. Ike knew he had something.

Ike and Tina Turner rose to stardom in the 1960s and into the 70s. Tina’s style had it’s own niche and was adaptable to changes in music. The two’s greatest work, “River Deep, Mountain High” was recorded with Phil Spector and his Wall of Sound. They also covered CCR’s “Proud Mary.” This funky, frantic high energy cover is Tina’s signature song.

In the 1970s, Tina’s popularity declined and she divorced her abusive husband, Ike. When she left Ike, she had 36 cents to her name and that was on a credit card. She had difficulty finding a recording contract. It looked like the end.

Then, she recorded a European hit and Capitol took a shot. The end result was the “Private Dancer” album which spawned the #1 smash, “What’s Love Got To Do With It?” She hated the song, but it revived her career. She experienced a renaissance and released hit after hit. Her life story became a movie starring Angela Bassett and Lawrence Fishbourne. In the 90s, Turner scored a Bond theme for “Goldeneye.” In 2008, she embarked on a 50th Anniversary Tour, performed with Beyonce at the Grammy’s, and won a Grammy at 68. She continues to tour.

Rock n Roll Moment: After a steep decline in popularity in the mid-70s, no label wanted Tina. Capitol took a shot and she scored one of the great comebacks in history in 1984.

Essential Tina:

River Deep Mountain High (1966)
Private Dancer (1984)
Simply the Best (1991)
What’s Love Got To Do With It (1993)

Tina’s Top 10:

Proud Mary
What’s Love Got To Do With It
Private Dancer
Better Be Good To Me
We Don’t Need Another Hero
Typical Male
The Best
GoldenEye
River Deep Mountain High
Nutbush City Limits

Sunday, August 9, 2009

Presidential Legacies: The Progressives (1901-1909)

William McKinley’s death ended the Gilded Age. A younger generation took over. No one represented that generation more than Theodore Roosevelt. Roosevelt was young, vigorous, and progressive. The Progressives spent years in the Wilderness. The two major parties finally noticed them in 1892 when James Weaver polled well in the presidential election. In 1896, the Democrats under William Jennings Bryan co-opted the Progressives. Bryan was creamed in 1896 and 1900 and he scared voters into McKinley’s camp. By the mid 1910s, each party had Progressive and Conservative wings. By the 1920s, Progressivism was dead. People despised Progressive President Woodrow Wilson and the Progressives were blamed for World War I, the Palmer Raids, and reforms people did not necessarily want.

Theodore Roosevelt (1901-1909): Roosevelt was a reformer and a progressive. Despite his own party’s protestations (and Glen Beck for that matter), he was no radical. With the exception of Conservation, Roosevelt steered a middle course between do-nothing conservatives and liberal overreaction. As a result, it can be argued TR was a moderate as president.

When Upton Sinclair published The Jungle, people demanded action against the meat packing industry. While socialists wanted a government takeover, and more conservative elements thought the government had no right regulating business, Roosevelt passed the Pure Food and Drug Act and the Meat Inspection Act. The government would regulate, but not run these industries. Roosevelt protected the consumer while angering the right and the left.

Likewise, he steered a middle course during the Anthracite Coal Strike. Roosevelt forced a settlement on the owners. However, he steered a middle course during the negotiations. Government had always sided with business, so neutrality was a departure. TR made sure people had coal for the winter. That was his concern.

Roosevelt departed from his middle path with the environment. He believed in conservation. This should not be confused with modern environmentalism. TR wanted to preserve nature for future generations while today’s environmentalists believe that the Earth’s resources are finite and need protecting. Roosevelt did not believe this.

Roosevelt’s legacy consists of more than Consumerism and Conservation. Roosevelt oversaw a burgeoning world power. The Spanish American War made America an imperial power. Roosevelt decided that power brought responsibility. So, he pursued policies some consider controversial. When Japan decimated Russia in a war, Roosevelt mediated the peace. The Treaty of Portsmouth was a middle path agreement ending the war. Both Japan and Russia left New Hampshire unhappy. Roosevelt got the Noble Prize. Shortly thereafter, Roosevelt sent the American fleet to the Far East to intimidate Japan. The Japanese were an expansionist power with their eyes on the Philippines. The Great White Fleet was sent to remind Japan of American Power. Additionally, he issued the Roosevelt Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine, better known as The Big Stick Policy, designed to keep Germany out of the New World. However, it allowed American intervention in Latin and South America. Lastly, Roosevelt built the Panama Canal. He overthrew the Panamanian government to get it built. American national interest overrode all other concerns.

Theodore Roosevelt ushered in the Progressive Era. While TR was a reformer, he was not the wide eyed Progressive portrayed by some. Instead, he steered a middle course designed to help Americans. He remained neutral in labor matters and sided with consumers as opposed to big business. When it came to conservation, Roosevelt did not take the middle course. He set aside more land for future generations than any other president. Additionally, his foreign policy was similar to Ronald Reagan’s. National security overwhelmed all other concerns. After leaving the White House, TR ran for president again in 1912. During that campaign, he took a hard left turn.
Whether that left turn was real or an effort to differentiate himself from Taft and Wilson will never be known.

Saturday, August 8, 2009

MLB All 1950s Team

C- Yogi Berra- Yankees
C- Roy Campanella- Dodgers
1b- Gil Hodges- Dodgers
2b- Jackie Robinson- Dodgers
3b- Eddie Mathews- Braves
SS- Ernie Banks- Cubs
OF- Mickey Mantle- Yankees
OF- Ted Williams- Red Sox
OF- Stan Musial- Cardinals
OF- Al Kaline- Tigers
RHP- Robin Roberts- Phillies
LHP- Warren Spahn- Braves
SP- Early Wynn- Indians
SP- Bob Lemon- Indians
SP- Whitey Ford- Yankees
RP- Hoyt Wilhelm- Giants

Friday, August 7, 2009

MLB All 1940s Team

C- Ernie Lombardi- Reds
1b- Johnny Mize- Giants
2b- Bobby Doerr- Red Sox
3b- George Kell- Tigers
SS- Lou Boudreau- Indians
OF- Joe Dimaggio- Yankees
OF- Ted Williams- Red Sox
OF- Stan Musial- Cardinals
RHP- Bob Feller- Indians
LHP- Hal Newhouser- Tigers
SP- Satchel Paige- Negro Leagues/ Indians
SP- Harry Brecheen- Cardinals
SP- Dizzy Trout- Tigers

Thursday, August 6, 2009

MLB All 1930s Team

C- Mickey Cochrane- A’s/Tigers
C- Bill Dickey- Yankees
1b- Jimmie Foxx- A’s/Red Sox
1b- Lou Gehrig- Yankees
1b- Hank Greenberg- Tigers
2b- Charlie Gehringer- Tigers
3b- Pepper Martin- Cardinals
SS- Arky Vaughn- Pirates
OF- Mel Ott- Giants
OF- Al Simmons- A’s
OF- Joe Medwick- Cardinals
OF- Joe Dimaggio- Yankees
RHP- Dizzy Dean- Cardinals
LHP- Lefty Grove- Red Sox
SP- Red Ruffing- Yankees
SP- Carl Hubbell- Giants
SP- Lefty Gomez- Yankees

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

#29 The Doors

The Doors’ career lasted under a decade, yet they are one of the most popular bands of all time. They formed in 1965 when film student Jim Morrison met keyboardist Ray Manzarek. Morrison impressed Manzarek with his writing ability, so they formed a band along with guitarist Robbie Krieger and drummer John Densmore. The band decided to forgo a bassist. Instead, Manzarek played the basslines on his piano bass.

The band wrote most of their own stuff. Morrison’s lyrics were often dark, cryptic, and poetic. The Doors played the LA Club scene, including the prestigious “Whiskey a Go Go”. They were fired from the Whiskey for a profanity laced version of “The End” which included Morrison’s version of Oedipus Rex.

After landing a record deal, The Doors filmed one of the first music videos for “Break on Through.” Then came “Light My Fire” written by Krieger. This hit #1 and made them superstars. It helped them score a spot on Ed Sullivan. The show asked Jim to change the lyrics because they did not like the drug reference in the line “Girl we couldn’t get much higher.” Jim sang it anyway and the band got banned from Sullivan. When told they could not play Sullivan again, Ray Manzarek countered, “We already did Ed Sullivan.”

After their initial success, the band branched out in their music. However, Jim’s downward spiral had begun. He became an alcoholic which led to riots, drug binges, on stage collapses, arrests, and the infamous Miami incident. Eventually, it caught up to Morrison in Paris. In 1971, he was found dead in a bathtub. Whether he OD’d and was left in the tub or died in the tub is a matter of speculation.

The Doors attempted to continue without Morrison. They eventually broke up in 1973 before reforming in 2002 as “The Doors of the 21st Century” without Densmore and with The Cult’s Ian Astbury on vocals. That lasted until 2007. Densmore got an injunction against Manzarek and Krieger for using the band name while touring. In 2008, the two toured under the moniker, “Ray Manzarek and Robby Krieger of The Doors” and in 2009, they were joined by Densmore. They are members of the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame.

Rock n Roll Moment: On March 1, 1969, Jim got busted for whipping it out in Miami.

Essential Doors:

The Doors (1967)
Strange Days (1967)
LA Woman (1971)

Door’s Top 10:

Break on Through
Light My Fire
Love Me Two Times
Hello, I Love You
Touch Me
LA Woman
Roadhouse Blues
Alabama Song
The End
Riders on the Storm

Sunday, August 2, 2009

#30 AC/DC

You have to love AC/DC. They do rock one way--loud. They are probably the only long lived band not to have a ballad of some sort. AC/DC music is straight forward, loud, and full of piss and vinegar. What’s even more amazing is the band survived the death of their front man and grew even more popular with his replacement.

AC/DC are from Australia. The brothers Young (Angus and Malcolm) formed the band in 1973. The band’s first lead singer, Bon Scott, was a rock and roll hellion. He drank himself to death after the band’s most successful album, Highway to Hell. Scott's death nearly broke the group.

Instead of disbanding, AC/DC recruited Brian Johnson for lead vocals. Johnson’s vocals are the most unique in rock and Johnson’s AC/DC debut, Black in Black, is one of the greatest albums ever recorded. AC/DC became superstars and remain so to this day. Although considered Heavy Metal pioneers, they consider themselves a regular rock band. AC/DC are Rock n Roll Hall of Famers and recently teamed with Walmart to release the multi-platinum album, Black Ice.

Rock n Roll Moment: As a youth, Bon Scott spent 9 months in juvenile detention for “giving a false name to police, having escaped legal custody, having unlawful carnal knowledge, and the theft of 12 gallons of petrol.” As an adult, Scott drank himself to death. The coroner declared it “death by misadventure.”

Essential AC/DC:

High Voltage (1976)
Highway to Hell (1979)
Back in Black (1980)

AC/DC’s Top 10:

Dirty Deeds
Back in Black
You Shook Me All Night Long
Highway to Hell
Girls Got Rhythm
Shoot to Thrill
Hells Bells
It’s A Long Way to the Top if You Wanna Rock n Roll
Thunderstruck
For Those About to Rock (We Salute You)

Thurman Munson

Thirty years ago today, Thurman Munson passed away in a plane crash. Munson was the leader of the two time world champion Yankees. He was a gritty player and a gifted player. He was the first Yankee captain since Lou Gehrig and would be the last until Derek Jeter. That says it all.