Mix Tape Therapy: You bitch. I mix. Problem solved.

So you can all pretty much figure that this Friday’s mix is all about patriotism - in all its various forms and permutations.  Which is more than appropriate considering the state of affairs these days.

I purposefully do not get political on this blog very often, not for a lack of interest, but frankly because others do it a lot better than I ever could.  I have very little patience for people who do not keep up with current affairs, or who don’t vote, or like to use the blanket excuse “they’re all crooked, so what’s the point?”

That’s a cop-out and those of you who say it know it.

Anyway, onto the music. Enjoy the fireworks show…

10. “American Girl,” [Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers] Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.

  9. “California Sun,” [The Ramones] Leave Home.

  8. “When the President Talks to God,” [Bright Eyes] When the President Talks to God.

  7. “Boom!” {System of a Down] Steal This Album!

  6. “Let’s Impeach the President,” [Neil Young] Living with War.

  5. “We’re All to Blame,” [Sum 41] We’re All to Blame.

  4. “July! July!,” [The Decemberists] Castaways and Cutouts.

  3. “America the Beautiful,” [Ray Charles and Friends] Genius and Friends.

  2. “Living in America,” [James Brown] Living in America.

  1. “Star Spangled Banner,” [Jimi Hendrix] Live from Woodstock.

From time to time, I’ll get questions more personal in nature, that I save up in a pretty lil’ potpourri package until enough gather up to make a big, stinkin’ nuisance.

Considering I’ve been writing this blog for a while now, you all already know quite a bit about me. That said, some of you have come up with some real beauties this time around.

So pull up a chair from the cheap seats and enjoy the parade…

O.k., so I know from reading your blog that you don’t talk about your own sexual history or proclivities, but do you have any other strange habits or tendencies you can share?

Why the hell would you - or anyone - want to know that kind of stuff? Does it help you bond with me in some way? The truth is that I - and most bloggers, BTW - are usually pretty tame in real life.  We let out our inner superfreaks through our blogs.  But if you’d like to walk away from this question with some sort of goody bag prize, then I’d say the weirdest tendency I have is to consult my iPod on various life dilemmas. And I still check my horoscope every once in a while. Next?

You get a lot of questions from the gay community. Would you consider your blog “gay friendly?”

Yes, this is a gay-friendly blog. In fact, we’re friendly to everyone except prejudiced assholes. If I was truly blessed, I’l be considered the Kathy Griffin of the Blogosphere.  And be dating a billionaire too

Sorry David.

You have a lot of blogs on your blogroll. Which one is your favorite?

Well, I like different blogs for different purposes. But some of my favorites are Stuff White People Like, Magic Jew Ball, Deus Ex Malcontent, and anything written by Stacey Nosek (such as Litely Salted, Webster’s is my Bitch, etc)…they’re the ones that inspired me to start writing in the first place. So blame them

Thanks for putting me on the spot there.

 Did you ever wish you and your husband had a boy, instead of all girls?

Honestly, no. I love girls…especially our girls.  I think people focus too much on gender anyway…and trust me, in my day job, I see families dealing with high functioning autism, anxiety disorders, neuropsych disorders - the whole kit-and-kaboodle…trust me folks, if you’re pregnant, just wish for healthy, happy, and a good sleeper. And that’s it.

What’s the worst thing to ever happen to you?

Suffering from bouts of clinical depression ranks right up there.  I remember while living in San Francisco being curled up in a ball on my living room floor, staring off into space, thinking everything I had worked for in my life was a mistake - that my marriage was a failure and that my girls would be better off without me.  Thank God my family rallied around me and I received help.  Some are not so lucky.

Having my parents split six months before my wedding also sucked big time. Especially since my dad was caught with his hand in someone else’s cookie jar. During the reception, the room seemed divided between his and her sides…but whatever. Bad wedding. Good marriage. I’m good with that.

What is your favorite childhood memory?

I have many, but my favorite was rolling down this big hill by my house with all my friends. We’d do that for hours. And then when we were so dizzy we thought we’d throw up, we’d lie back and watch the clouds spin.

(Technically, U2 didn’t sell out here. They donated most of their earnings to the ONE campaign. So there.)

Welcome to Mix Tape Therapy’s newest feature - a weekly album review. And just remember, the opinions expressed here are those solely of the management and do not necessary reflect the public at large, although they should be.

So, on with the show…           

Everytime I talk with someone in their twenties about music and U2 comes up, I am inevitably demonstrating some form of reverence and awe, while my counterpart is usually rolling their eyes and blowing them off.  Well, fuck ‘em…they must have been doing something right because Coldplay’s new release just duped their sound like a  three-eyed cloned sheep. Don’t get me wrong…I like Coldplay well enough.  Songs like “Don’t Panic” and “A Rush of Blood to the Head” made up for more banal ineptitudes like “Yellow” or “Clocks” through the years.  But to be honest, I always thought they hadn’t, as a group, lived up to their full potential - sometimes settling for the easy hook or nonsensical lyrical arrangements over something more substantial in nature.  There’s nothing wrong with not taking yourself so seriously, only when there is, because Coldplay always seemed to me one of those bands a little too enamoured by the sound of their own voices. If you’re going to play in that sandbox, then you better be bringing some evidence of higher intelligence to your musical output and not just phoning it in. 

With their new release, Viva la Vida,  they’re as close as they’ve ever come.

And no wonder they’re following more closely in the shadow of their Irish across-the-pond mentors; the album’s producer was none other than U2’s longtime producer, Brian Eno.  Tracks such as “Lovers in Japan” and the “Viva la Vida” especially resonate on the U2-inspiration-o-meter. But you know, I give them a pass not only because I love U2 (hey, I’m a daughter of the 80s and 90s, whadaya expect?) but because the album is at least a more thoughtful release; exploring the paradoxes of violence versus passivity as a means to an end in world conflicts, wondering if we’re at the end of an empiric reign or at the nexus of rebirth. Who the hell knows. But at least Chris Martin and crew are showing a lot more effort - and not just letting ol ball-n-chain Gwenyth pick their stylist for them.

Overall, I’m going to give Vida la Vida 3 bitch slaps out of 5.

Dear Ms. Mix & Bitch,
 
My Aunt has recently moved in this total creep of a 28 year old into my grandmother’s house (She takes care of my 74 year old grandmother and has a 2 year old daughter).  She has always had bad relationships, but now she has moved this guy into the house after he just got out of jail and had nowhere to live and no car.  He recently just got a job and drives a company van, but he speaks to her on the phone like she is his slave.

                                                            
I have met him, he’s not bad looking and I bet he could do better than her as far as the looks department goes (not that she is bad looking, but she is pretty overweight).  How can I let her know that this guy is using her without hurting her feelings and getting shut out of her life?
 
Thanks.

Dear Niece of Stupid, Lonely Woman with No Self-Esteem,

You’ve been a loyal fan of my site for a long, long time - and I really do appreciate all your support. But as you know, that doesn’t mean I’m going to blow smoke up your ass. I don’t roll that way, honey. So I’m going to tell you what you already know.

No matter what you say, she will - AT BEST - not listen to you, and at worst, shut you out. Why? Because you’re not the one with the cock. You know it and I know it. And unfortunately, that wins most every time.

Does that mean you should keep your mouth shut? No. Just be prepared for her to hate what you say because your aunt will know, deep down, that it’s all true.

So how do you make sure she’s just annoyed and not banning you from the summer family BBQ?

It’s all in the delivery.

If you spew out that he’s a low-life creep that’s just using her, then it’s all over.  If you tell her that you’re concerned about his intentions because he doesn’t treat her like she deserves, your aunt will probably still argue with you, but part of her may listen. Calmly mention a couple of examples if she acts like she doesn’t know what you’re talking about, but don’t push it.  Just let her know you love her, that her daughter needs her to be a strong example, and that you are here whenever she may need you.

Oh, and if I were you, I’d keep an extra close eye on your little 2-year-old cousin.  Be the rock of support and strength for her that her mom may not be able to be in this crap-heap of a situation. And keep the asshole far, far away.

Good luck, sweetie.

10. “Tell Your Story Walking,” [Deb Talan] Sincerly.

  9. “Effect and Cause,” [The White Stripes] Icky Thump.

  8. “Everybody Knows,” [Concrete Blonde] Still in Hollywood.

  7. “Ted, Just Admit It,” [Jane's Addiction] Nothing’s Shocking.

  6. “Survivalism,” [Nine Inch Nails] Year Zero.

  5. “Run, Pig, Run,” [Queens of the Stone Age] Era Vulgaris.

  4. “Straight Jacket Fashion,” [Chevelle] Vena Sera.

  3. “Fire Coming Out of the Monkey’s Head,” [Gorillaz] Demon Days.

  2. “Man or Animal,” [Audioslave] Out of Exile.

  1. “Dirty Old Egg Sucking Dog,” [Johnny Cash] Johnny Cash at Folsom Prison.

Hey folks, want a lil’ present? Lord knows we all deserve one.

From now on, expect a mix every Friday, especially engineered for those of you who graciously tune in, but never write me what troubles you.

Please feel free to write in with your thematic choices.  For this time around, kitten, it’s Ladies’ Choice.

Top Ten Women Artists Not Getting Enough of Your Attention or Hard-Earned Money

Just like those really smart, cool girls in high school that were all brains and dark humor, but had yet to grow into their looks, these women are putting out (no pun intended) some of the most sonorous, and at times, original music today, but are not receiving their due because they opted for college educations and music lessons over breast implants and misogynistic stylists.

Give them a listen, and even better, download their stuff (Ms. Mix & BItch will soon be able to offer you all such delectible downloadable treats, so stay tuned):

10.  Tina Dico

Yes, I know, she’s a stunner. Born and raised in Denmark, Tina’s been a major success in her native country since her late teens, but to her credit realizing that wasn’t too trying of a task, she emerged to the rest of us  when she teams up with Zero 7 on their release, When It Falls. Since then, Ms. Tina has release an EP entitled Far, and subsequebt full length achievements such as In the Red. Her latest CD, Count to Ten admittedly didn’t grab me as much as the last one, but I saw her live at Jammin’ Java here in Vienna, Virginia, and let’s just say we all just fell in love with her. Her lyrical arrangements are what gets me the most, with some of my favorite tracks being “When You’re Away,” and “My Mirror.”

9. Tie Between Sarah Dashew and Sara Bareilles

Both Sara and Sarah have been making music in Los Angeles for years, but of course we all know Ms. Barseilles from her hit single, “Love Song.” I honestly think that song doesn’t do her justice, and for the life of me I don’t understand how the rest of the CD - especially the track, “City” isn’t the buzz-buzz. As for Ms. Dashew, that’s another one that blows my mind because this gal had to finance her own recording.  I think both are leading the way for the singer-songwriting genre of this decade, so let’s give them the respect they so aptly deserve.

8. Polly Paulusma

She kills me. She just kills me. Polly’s been bouncing around her native England for a while, and touring Europe with her husband for years.  On her website, she candidly writes about how they were desperately trying to have a baby, but suffered through a series of miscarriages - to which her family responded it was God’s way of punishing her for the lifestyle she had chosen for herself.

I know what you’re thinking: with parents like these, who needs child abusers.

Anyway, the fertility gods finally smiled down upon our girl and they now have a son, I think.  Her last release, This One, I Made for You was written during her pregnancy, and if you pay attention, you’ll understand it’s a pledge to her baby and not just your typical whiny lovesong.  I get misty just thinking about it.

7. Jonatha Brooke

I have a lot of amazing friends who live in New York City, and one of the perks is finding out about musical artists I would otherwise not have a clue about…case in point, Ms. Jonatha.

Jonatha Brooke is one of the few originals out there today, and for the life of me, I don’t know why she’s never broken into the mainstream.  She’s certainly good enough, and better than a lot of the other shit out there.  But alas, she remains more of a local City treasure than on the national soundtrack. Maybe it’s a Karma thing, ’cause it sure ain’t for a lack of talent.

She’s been touring Europe like crazy, and I’m still waiting for her to come to the DC area. Anyone give me a holler when she comes around, o.k?

6. Johnette Napolitano

If you all don’t know who this Dark Goddess is, then just light up a cigarette and start burning yourselves right away, because it’ll hurt less than after you hear her voice and realize what you’ve been missing all these years.  Johnette is the real thing, folks, with a voice and sound that soothes your nerves yet spikes your adrenelin at the same time. Really.

Hailing from the seedier section of Hollywood, CA, Johnette fronted the band, Concrete Blonde, for over a decade.  While living in Miami, I saw her and the boys at the Miami Arena opening up for an act I swear I can’t remember who (goes to show how utterly unimpressive they were, right?)…they were touring to promote their “Bloodletting” release…and her rendition of “Joey” (about an alcoholic lover on his last legs) literally got me choked up. It was that good. I even saw some lame-ass goth boyz get misty - but maybe that wasn’t such a challenge, if you know what I mean.

Anyway, that was then and now Johnette is solo these days…check out her CD “Scarred” and her cover of Coldplay’s “The Scientist.” A case when the cover is way better than the original.

5. Esthero

Born and raised in Canada, Esthero (birth name: Jen-Bea Englishman) has been dancing along the edges for a long time…she’s had some success with club singles such as “O.G. Bitch” and has collaborated with the likes of Black-Eyed Peas, Sean Lennon (we forgive you for that one), and Cee-Lo. I’m not usually one for the dance tracks, but she’s a lot more than that. While officially classified as pop, and known through the club circuit, if I had my druthers, I’d classify her sound as neo-jazz-influenced-dance-fusion (I know - huh?).

That’s what happens when you’ve had too much schooling people. You can’t just leave well enough alone.

Anyway, the next time you feel like wallowing in your own misery, in style, check out her “Wikked Lil’ Girls” CD, and the track, “Melancholy Melody.” One of my favorites.

4. A Fine Frenzy

I know, I know…she’s so beautiful that it hurts.

Her story is even better.

Born in Seattle and raised in Los Angeles, Alison Sudol didn’t even discover her musical abilities until her late teens after being inspired by her love for the music of Keane and Coldplay (so much for real taste, but that’s anothe blog for another day).  She learned the piano in a skinny minute, and then her and her mother scraped enough dinero for a demo and sent it to Capitol Records.  They actually came to her house to hear her play and signed her on the spot.

Don’t we all love stories like that?

She’s young, she’s talented and gorgeous - and literate as well - choosing to use the moniker “A Fine Frenzy” (taken from Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer’s Night Dream”) instead of her own name. 

I can’t wait to see what she does…

3. Girl in a Coma

Here’s another rock-n-roll fairy tale for you…

Two kids in a San Antonio high school bond over their obsession with Nirvana and The Smiths and learn how to play the bass and drums.  In homage to The Smiths, they name their band after the song “Girlfriend in a Coma,” and proceed to go through frontmen and women like stanky panties.

That is, until drummer Phanie Diaz discovers that lil’ sis, Nina (only 12 at the time) can actually sing and play guitar.  For the next five years, they hone their talents and get up enough nerve to send a demo to Boz Boorer, the musical puppet master behind Morrissey. He loves it so much that he flies them all to London to make a proper demo, and gets their career started.

However the real moment comes when they play some TV gig highlighting Latina rock outfits, when Joan Jett herself comes up to them afterwards and offers them a record deal with her label Blackheart Records right on the spot. The result is the CD “Both Before I’m Gone.” Great story - even better album

2. Kimya Dawson

Alright, I realize that Kimya doesn’t need me in the slightest to promote her groove (although I may have a comb laying around here somewhere).  Born and raised in Bedford Hills, NY, her and record store clerk pal, Adam Green, became known as The Moldy Peaches, but Kimya exploded onto the national stage when generously featured on the Juno soundtrack.  The music is as stripped down as it gets, both lyrically and otherwise, but that’s why we love her.  Kimya’s sound is like simple comfort food in an industry overladden with those trying to disguise dog food as fois gras.

1. Loquat

Although I was raised in South Florida, I was born in northern California and lived in the San Francisco Bay Area for a large chunk of my adult life. Simply said, I consider myself a San Franciscan through and through, and I would be remise if I didn’t highlight one of the best local outfits to my spiritual hometown, Loquat.

Kylee Swenson and her friend/guitarist Earl Otsuka were making music together as early as 1996, and seemed content to play together in anonymity forever until bassist Anthony Greene got them all revved up and help them form the rest of their musical outfit. Since then, they have several releases and renowned local fame, but alas - no widespread recognition.  I’m tempted to write a screenplay just so I can feature Kylee and crew throughout the movie. Maybe then, the rest of the world will wake up to this sound often featured as electronic pop, but harbors more thought and intelligence than that genre usually allows for…

Until next time….

First of all, the fact that I’m old enough to have a 20th reunion to consider going to is something that blows my mind.  I remember when the idea of a 20th reunion seemed so far off, an elusive, castaway island of a milestone that I knew was coming, but would never really get to.

I always thought I’d go. Really. Until I went to my 10th reunion.  After an exhaustive evening of watered-down drinks, high school clique reenactments almost as bloody and orchestrated as anything you’d see on a Civil War battlefield, and hundreds of conversations begininng with “How you’ve been?” And ending with “What do you do for a living?” I was done.

Besides, I have Facebook.  I can do all that online now.

Anyway, because of FB, I’ve been spying on everyone’s pictures from the reunion.  Here’s a few I swiped off:

I know, I know…they’ve aged well as a group, right?

Maybe the drinks were better this year

Yep. They were this cutsey and popular back at school. And while they weren’t a couple then, they’re certainly one now.

And this is what some of then looked like back in the day. It ain’t pretty…

Uh-huh. Every 80s fashion joke coming back to bite you in the ass.

The Young Mensa Society of Nova High School.

By the way, you won’t see too many pictures of me or the crew I ran with in these photos.  I’d like to say that’s because we were off in dark places, listening to complaint rock, and wearing all black. That didn’t happen for me until my junior year of college. No, back then I was on the debate team, touring all across the country going to tournaments at universities such as Emory, Harvard, and Penn.

In other words, I was kind of a geek.

By the end of my sophomore year, I was begging my parents to send me off to boarding school - I was that desperate to get away from the typical, American high school experience.  We just weren’t a good fit together and the more I tried to “fit in” the more miserably I failed. High school social mores were like a foreign language to me - and I just didn’t get it.  So, I wanted out. Fast.

 Needless to say, the folks didn’t go for it, and I had to suffer through my four years like every other short-timer.

Eventually, as most of us know, getting through to the other side of high school ends up being some sort of lame badge of honor.  After a while, you realize that the most complicated, interesting people are the ones that didn’t love their high school years….that it’s actually a good thing not to pique too soon.

Perhaps I would’ve gotten something out of attending, but maybe not.  Not every event ends up being a reflective, time-capsule, Zach Braff voice-overed, misty-eyed experience. Sometimes, it’s just another event to live through - just like high school.

Top Five Anti-High School Anthems

5. “I Wanna Be Sedated,” [The Ramones] Weird Tales of The Ramones.

4. “My Hero, Zero,” [Schoolhouse Rock] Schoolhouse Rock.

3. “My Old School,” [Steely Dan] Countdown to Ecstasy.

2. “New Slang,” [The Shins] Oh, Inverted World.

1. “If You Fail, We All Fail,” [Fields] Everything Last Winter.

PS - I know there are a LOT more that I could’ve included, but I’m exhausted kids.

Currently vegging on the family property in North Carolina…be back soon.

Poster boys for successful May-December relationships.

Dear Ms. Mix & Bitch,

I’m a 28-year-old gay man. My boyfriend is 49. Yes, I am aware that technically he’s no longer a boy but I hate saying partner as it sounds too clinical. Any suggestions?

This is not a daddy complex on my part, nor is it a midlife crisis on his.  We really love each other and have been together for years. The reason why I’m writing is because some of our friends have questioned us about a threesome. Obviously, as a younger man, I have less experience in this area while he, who served in the air force in the early 80s, has quite the impressive record both with men and women (and not one STD strangely!).

The last known survivor of Planet Studio 54. He is rumored to have retired to Fire Island, where he and his partner, Raoul, run a very successful, gay-friendly, B & B

I know there are certain boundaries one must have and i’m well aware of his and my own. The question is, if we’re engaged in something with another person and either of us feels comfortable enough to cross one of those boundaries, how do you bring it up? I feel like it’s a possibility that should be discussed first since we’re not an “open” couple, but i don’t want to bog him down with details because let’s face facts: planned sex is dull sex.

For example, in the beginning, we agreed the third party would be there in voyeuristic and possibly touching form only. In fact, we did this once with a friend of his (who was too tired to “get it up” and just watched) and it went rather well.

I’m into the lookie-lookie.

Lately, though, we’ve thought about whether or not we’d include a blowjob or something in the mix. a full-on fuck fest is, so far, out of the question, which is fine by me. Depending on the other person, the blowjob doesn’t seem to be a problem. but without bringing it up in prior conversation with him, I’m not sure that I’d go through with it. I also don’t want to be engaged in something, have the possibility come up (so to speak), and have to make that “do you mind” face in the middle of everything. I believe he feels the same way, but as i said, i don’t want to talk about it so much that, if it happens, it ruins everything.

i should also point out that aside from this, our sex life as a couple is beyond fantastic (i still get dizzy afterwards) and neither of us have any reason to complain. this is merely another way for us to express ourselves (god that sounded gay!).

What do you think?

Signed -
Don’t call me a “partner” guy

PS. Should you post this, i’m looking forward to the mix tape…

Monogomy is hot - feet are not.   Ever.

Dear Guy,

I know you wrote a MUCH longer response, but this is Blogger World here buddy, otherwise known as Short Attention Span Theater, so I took what’s most important for your question(s) and cut the rest.

Welcome to the big time, cupcake.

Okay, let me tackle the easier one first. I don’t like the term “partner” either. Sounds like you’re dating a law firm.  So here’s a list of other main-man-monikers:

“Let me introduce you to my lover.” - for the bold and the wanna-be French

“Have you met the ol’ ball-n-chain?” - for when you’re feeling particularly hostile and passive-aggressive.

“I am so happy you’re going to meet my sugardaddy!” - to embrace the teenage escort in all of us.

“Have you seen my fiance? I can’t seem to find my fiance! Did the dingo eat my fiance?” - for those Seinfeld  rerun afficionados.

“Oh, my husband and I are thrilled to come to your protest today.” - for when you’re feeling like giving the finger to the man for being, like, left out of that whole equal protection and representation thingy.

Sorry, I can’t offer anything better than that.

In terms of your other question, based on what your WHOLE letter said, I think your man is only agreeing to this threesome experimentation in order to keep you happy. He’s been there - done that, and lived to tell the tale in good health and humor.  And if your sex life is as rocking as you say it is, I don’t know why you want to even take a chance on sabotaging a good thing. ESPECIALLY since you’re already breaking the two cardinal rules of relationships - not to mention of threesome activity:

1) Your Man States His Boundaries and You Ignore Them

Relationships that have a chance of lasting are the ones where you respect each other’s limits - and you don’t try to break that trust. You say in one sentence that you both have “rules” or “boundaries” very clearly stated, but then say “well, if there’s a moment when those boundaries get crossed.” You can’t have it both ways, kitten. People have rules for a reason: to avoid irreperable damage to one another.

2) Planned Sex May Be Dull Sex, but No Communication May Equal No Relationship

If you are going to venture beyond the safe harbor of your relationship, then you better write yourselves out a road map, because honey, once the party gets started, it’s the only chance you have in finding your way back home. Which is why I’m going to suggest you take a pass at the whole thing.

Why? Because you two aren’t cut out for it.  And even with a road map of rules, I think in those kind of situations, things just happen, and even the best laid plans (ha ha) are difficult to follow.

Personally, I think there are some couples who can handle such arrangements because they have always been an open couple or they don’t feel posessiveness and jealousy when it comes to sex. 

Now I know this is a VERY strange place to put in a word of advice in from my mother, but ironically it works for this situation.  We had just finish watching that movie “The Ice Storm”  and started talking about those lame 70s “key parties.” You know, when couples placed their keys in a bowl and picked up a different set - and partner - for the night? She said,  “Everyone back then thought they had the answer. They could have their marriages and eat their cake too, so to speak. But you know what? Every one of those couples that were into that ended up divorcing within 5 years after. Because in the end, there was just too much jealousy and mistrust flying around for their relationships to handle.”

Ah, the 1970s…can’t you smell the sexy?

Now I don’t mean to impose my own heterosexual social constructs onto your relationship, Guy, but you too don’t really live an alternative lifestyle - you live like your typical married couple.  Maybe that should be enough. Many people would cut off very useful limbs for what you two have together.

BTW, hope you like your mix - some you should know, others you may need to ask your Studio 54-surviving stud muffin:

10. “Good Boys,” [Blondie] The Curse of Blondie.

  9. “No I in Threesome,” [Interpol] Our Love to Admire.

  8. “Three,” [Massive Attack] Protection.

  7. “Happy Ending,” [MIKA] Life in Cartoon Motion.

  6. “Bizarre Love Triangle,” [New Order] Bizarre Love Triangle.

  5. “Toxic,” [Britney Spears] Toxic EP

  4. “Tainted Love,” [Soft Cell] Tainted Love.

  3. “Bodyrock,” [Moby] Play & Play B Sides.

  2. “She’s My Man,” [The Scissors Sisters] Ta-Dah.

  1. “One Man Guy,” [Rufus Wainwright] Poses.

Every once in a while, not often, I am at a loss for words.

Happy Father’s Day, my love…

10. “Papa, Can You Hear Me?” [Barbara Streisand] Yentl Original Motion Picture Soundtrack.

{No really, I kid. I’m such a kidder. I couldn’t resist.}

  9. “Oh Daddy,” [Fleetwood Mac] Rumours.

  8. “Bein’ a Dad,” [Loudon Wainwright III] Little Ship.

  7. “Father,” [Glace Slick and The Great Society] Grace Slick and the Great Society.

  6. “Father and Daughter, ” [Paul Simon] Surprise.

  5. “Mother Father,” [The Dave Matthews Band] Everyday.

  4. “What a Wonderful Man,” [My Morning Jacket] Z.

  3. “Chimney Sweeping Man,” [Laura Veirs] Carbon Glacier.

  2. “Teach Your Children” [Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young] So Far.

  1. “Sometimes You Can’t Make It On Your Own,” [U2] How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb.

And here’s a few especially for my man:

  5. “David,” [Arizona] Welcome Back Dear Children.

  4. “David,” [honeyhoney] Loose Boots.

  3. “David,” [Nellie MacKay] Get Away from Me. (Nellie’s word, baby. Not mine

  2. “David,” [Dominic Miller] First Touch.

  1. “There is No Greater Love,” [Billie Holiday] Lady in Autumn.

 I just found out that Tim Russert died suddenly of a massive heart attack.  He was only 58 years old. 

I am in shock over this one.  I know this blog covers the light-hearted, the melancholy, and of course, the slightly ridiculous, but I’d like to take a moment to acknowledge one of the few people left in television journalism whose words actually meant something to me.

Every Sunday morning, without fail, David and I curl up with the paper and turn on our shows - with the highlight being “Meet the Press.” We tuned in because we liked the guests featured, for the latest political opinions - and most importantly, to hear Russert ask the questions few others seemed to ask anymore.  Even more crucial, he was smart enough to ask the follow-ups and keep asking them until he got to the kernel of truth in the otherwise vast quagmire of bullshit.

Since I live in the DC area, I can only imagine there will be a bevvy of tributes more eloquently stated than this one, but I just wanted to say my peace.

No mix for this one, kids. It just doesn’t feel appropriate.