Archives for the 'ramblings' Category
Radiohead Rocks the River
“There are bands, and then there is Radiohead.”
Hay, T. Radiohead in a league of its own. (2008, August 21). The Seattle P-I.
All Photos Featured are by J-Justice:
I got to see Radiohead at the White River Amphitheatre last night. Wow!!!
As if the music and vocals were not enthralling enough on their own, Radiohead produces the most spellbinding lighting and the most impressive back-dropped live shots I have ever seen. The artistry was pervasive on many levels, making the show truly marvelous.
That was my first concert at the White River Amphitheatre. We went “the back way” from Issaquah, through Hobart and Maple Valley, and continuing onto Black Diamond. Aside from the rush hour traffic through Issaquah proper, we hardly encountered any traffic. Due to the impending forecast for almost-certain rain, I had decided not to use the GA Lawn ticket I had purchased back in April and instead found two seats undercover … and talked my friend Kristina into coming. The seats were in the 200-level, a couple of sections left of center, in the 14th row. They were good enough to keep us dry and allow us various views of the band-members (tall heads in front of us intermittently permitting).
It seemed like they mostly played songs off of their newest album, but despite my being only slightly familiar with them (and perhaps a little disappointed at not getting to hear some of my older favorites), it did not really take away from the experience. Radiohead could have done an entire show of never-before-heard pieces and it still would have been worth the price. They are really just that good and their music is really just that enjoyable.
Radiohead was (and is) sublime.
There are quite a few folks who have never heard of Radiohead. It is one of those bands that sort of defies explanation because they are unlike others out there. Thom Yorke’s voice is remarkably unique in the way he delivers songs, and you really need to hear Radiohead to understand the music they play. A friend of mine sent me an article last week that attempted to describe some of what is so great about them:
“For 15 years, Radiohead has been by far the most creative and challenging force in all pop music, not only reflecting the zeitgeist — by chronicling the many moods of existential alienation, by embracing all aspects of the digital revolution — but doing it better than anyone else. On a musical level, internationally, their only peer is Icelandic singer Björk.”
Matson, A. Radiohead, with Liars, at White River Amphitheatre Aug. 20. (2008, August 15). The Seattle Times.
(I absolutely love the last sentence of that quote because two of my three favorite musical artists are Björk and Radiohead.)
I have seen more than one musical artist whose live performance left much to be desired. Not so with Radiohead. Despite not being absolutely perfect, it was an evening to be fondly remembered.
What’s the Big Deal about Harley? (Part 1)
I had this boss who liked to wear Harley Davidson clothing. Not the jeans, t-shirts, and rugged leather biker jackets that typically come to mind; but nice long-sleeve button-up pressed shirts paired with business slacks and sleek jackets that only belied their Harley heritage through subtle raised lettering on the leather or discreetly-placed branding on the fabric. I used to give him shit about wearing such expensive duds — because he does not actually own a Harley. Apparently he did at one time, and he has some fantastic stories to tell about it … but it sounds like his wife forbids him from practically even thinking about owning another one. So he is relegated to live the lifestyle and the dream vicariously … through clothing and other merchandise.
(In his wife’s defense, she is one of the wisest and nicest, yet toughest ladies I have ever met - the kind of woman you would want for the grandmother of your children … and the kind of woman you would want on your side in a fight.)
Hot Night of Hot Rods
For several consecutive Wednesdays during the summer, Elmhurst hosts an event called “Cars Under the Stars,” where enthusiasts can display their vehicles for the public.
[To be continued …]
Fermilab - Worth a 3-Hour Walk
Yesterday I visited Fermilab in Batavia, Illinois. For some reason, I thought seeing a particle accelerator would be a really neat thing to do.
[To be continued …]
The Legacy of Frank Lloyd Wright
Oak Park, Illinois, is home to the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Unity Temple, and a number of Frank Lloyd Wright and other period-designed or -styled homes.
[To be continued …]
The Magic of Wrigley Field
We went to a Cubs game last night. I am not what one might call a “baseball fan” … but I was loving the sport last night, and I feel fortunate to have had the chance to go to Wrigley and see the Cubs play. (And win!)
Even for someone who knows very little about baseball, being at Wrigley field felt magical. It is an intensely intimate setting, and the entire experience was unlike any of the Mariners’ games I have attended. From the ivy on the outfield wall to the old-fashioned manual scoreboard to the rooftop seats *outside* of the stadium … to the fans throwing the Braves’ homerun ball back onto the field, Wrigley felt like a special place. The stadium is small enough to see the game from anywhere in the stands … and I did not have to stand in line 10 minutes to get a hot dog. (And there are no lines for beer - the mobile vendors keep a good job of keeping it flowing steadily throughout the stadium.)
At the end of the game, it was not a sea of people making a mad rush for the doors - most people stood calmly in front of their seats, singing the entire song, “Go Cubs Go.” I was really impressed with the ovation the fans gave their team.
Chicago obviously loves their Cubbies.
Seeing Chicago
I and three of my colleagues arrived at the Chicago-O’Hare airport earlier this week. We are staying a little under 20 miles west of Chicago, in what feels like a very suburban small town. We are surrounded by car dealerships, and we working less than two miles from the hotel, in an industrial area (of which there seem to be many around Chicago).
This morning I happened to be standing by the door of my hotel room when I looked across the room, out the window, and realized I could see the Chicago skyline. Since it was my third morning here, I felt a little remiss for not having noticed it before … but it was a beautiful sight nonetheless.
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