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Ads By CbproAds "Would You Like Some Cheese With That Whine?"  W. Scott Phoenix FOR THE RECORD: 20 OF THE BEATLES' BEST SONGS "John! Paul! George! Ringo! The Beatles!" The Beatles were a legendary British rock band, formed in Liverpool, England in 1960. They eventually became the most critically-acclaimed as well as commercially successful group in pop music history. Their costumes, hairstyles, musical genres, songwriting and even band roster grew and transformed throughout their impressive career. Their popularity performing as well as their later innovative in-studio recording techniques caused the Beatles to become icons that allowed them to influence a change in not only the world of music but pop culture in general. While the band members did go through some changes in the early days, for the purpose of this piece we will focus on the final line-up of John Lennon (rhythm guitar and vocals), Paul McCartney (bass guitar and vocals), George Harrison (lead guitar and vocals) and Ringo Starr (drums and vocals). While much has been written about the Beatles it is sometimes near-impossible to get a consensus on just what the Beatles' best songs actually were. So after some investigations of other "top" lists on-line, play-lists from "top" compilation albums and a review of a significantly-sized Beatles book library it was still nigh-impossible to come up with a list of only twenty songs. Some songs, such as "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" were eliminated due to significant contributions by major, non-Beatle recording artists (such as Eric Clapton) in the absence of actual Beatles. More importantly, the majority of the songs selected were No. 1 records and all had to have something interesting about them. Here then are 20 of the best Beatles songs matching the above-mentioned criteria. 20. "Tomorrow Never Knows" -- This psychedelic number is notable as being ahead of it's time and very experimental. It also included Harrison on sitar, an instrument that had not been heard on commercial pop tracks before The Beatles were introduced to it by Ravi Shankar. 19. "If I Fell" -- This track was Lennon's first attempt at a proper ballad. It exemplifies the excellent Lennon-McCartney vocal harmonies and has the same chord sequences as "In My Life" another one of The Beatles best songs. 18. "Blackbird" -- This song was one of the simpler acoustic tunes and although it had a lullaby-like quality it was inspired by an article about race riots and concerned a black woman and civil rights. 17. "A Day In The Life" -- This song is one of Julian Lennon's favorite tracks. The song is unique for many reasons. The lyrics for this song were taken from newspaper headlines and a 41-piece orchestra was used in the making of this number. The final note is at least 42 seconds long. 16. "I Want To Hold Your Hand" -- This was the group's fifth single and their first American Top 40 hit entering at No. 1. It held the top spot for seven weeks and remained somewhere in the Top 40 for 14 weeks. This is the other song most likely to remind fans of the Beatles arrival in America and sold more copies in its first ten days than any other British single released in the States. 15. "She Loves You" -- This was The Beatles fourth single. It contains the now famous "yeah, yeah, yeah" and "oooo" forever to be associated with not only the band but the music of the early 60s in general. This is one of two songs that remind us of The Beatles "invading" America. 14. "Cant Buy Me Love"
-- This was one of their only songs to begin with the chorus and
cannot help but evoke black and white mental images of the young lads
running from hysterical teenage girls. At one point during this song's
rule as number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, the group
was monopolizing the American charts with not only the top 5 positions
but also positions number 31, 41, 46, 58, 65, 68 and 79.
(Interestingly, the Number 3 and 4 spots were taken by the next two
songs on this chart.) 14. "Cant Buy Me Love" -- This was one of their only songs to begin with the chorus and cannot help but evoke black and white mental images of the young lads running from hysterical teenage girls. At one point during this song's rule as number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, the group was monopolizing the American charts with not only the top 5 positions but also positions number 31, 41, 46, 58, 65, 68 and 79. (Interestingly, the Number 3 and 4 spots were taken by the next two songs on this chart.) 13. "A Hard Day's Night" -- This was the title track for The Beatles first movie and soundtrack of the same name. McCartney sang lead only because Lennon could not reach the notes. It was inspired by an off-the-cuff remark made by Ringo Starr. It was written, arranged, rehearsed and recorded in just over one day. 12. "Helter Skelter" -- This song is infamous for it's connection to Charles Manson. The original was--according to different sources--between 24 and 27 minutes long. There was a mono version released on a rarities record and McCartney says the tune was inspired by a comment made by Pete Townsend of the Who. Thanksgiving: A Slice Of History It's been awhile since I felt inspired to write anything about a holiday. Recently, however, I came across some interesting information that I'd like to share with you. After all, isn't sharing a part of the holiday? (On a personal note, my boss, Cooke2cook, is always nice about letting me do my own thing here on my page. For that I am always-ahem-thankful.) I have to say I am genuinely tired of my country always apologizing for things that way before my time if not even way before America officially began. I am often reminded of a line from an episode of "Buffy The Vampire Slayer". One of the supernatural characters was speaking to one of the American characters. He said something like: You're the only country who apologizes for being good conquerors.
I know it's not politically correct. It is, however, relevant. I find it pathetic that we Americans these days all too often stand ready to place the blame for everything on our ancestors, judging them by our own "modern", way-too-PC standards.
I think it's time we stop apologizing. I have a deep respect for Indian lore. I earned Indian Lore Merit Badge in the scouts. My one son did, too, in fact. I am also a member of the Order of the Arrow, a select group of scouts and scouters who perform various acts of public service and study and follow certain "Indian" ideals. (If you prefer the term "Native American" you have obviously never been exposed to the concrete logic of George Carlin.)
Having said all that, I am tired of all the nonsense. So someone got a really good deal for Manhattan? So what? My ancestors had it tough, too . . . and I don't get a piece of that "Indian" casino action. I think we all need to be happy we're alive and not worry about what our ancestors did or didn't do and not have a stick up our collective BUT, I digress . . . ) Here then, is some interesting information I discovered online about the history of Thanksgiving. I don't recall being taught all of this in school. I don't recall being taught all of this in college. I wonder why?
Thanksgiving Day is a holiday in America and Canada. It’s a harvest festival and a time when people who honor the celebration give thanks to God and often even list additional things for which they express their gratitude. Presently, Americans honor Thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday of every November. In Canada it is celebrated on the second Monday of every October. The Canadians hold their celebration over the entire weekend. The day is for feasting with family and friends. While both of the countries now have days on which they hold this celebration the date and place of the original Thanksgiving is an issue of controversy. Powhatan While sources may vary regarding the specific details of the gathering in 1621, it is agreed by many that the first Thanksgiving came about because Powhatan, an Indian chief, met with the settlers out of not-entirely altruistic motivations. It is believed that he befriended the early settlers because he was in need of allies. While he had a great amount of property on which to live and farm, he simply did not have enough men left in his tribe to maintain it.
It seems that sometime in 1620 a foreign ship had docked nearby to take on fresh drinking water. During this brief stop one or more passengers or crew carried smallpox and spread it to the Indian tribe. Naturally, this took a great toll on Powhatan’s people and left him in a vulnerable position. Regardless, of the specifics, it is also considered a day of unity and sharing between two groups of people. So there you have it. It seems there were some more practical motives behind the first Thanksgiving. Perhaps we should just concentrate on what we're thankful for and enjoy a good meal with friends and family. (Although as I write this I have no full-time job, I'm thankful that at least I make enough money from writing to keep a roof over my kids' heads! Our holidays may not be very 'big" this year but we're all healthy and alive.) Everyone has something to be thankful for, right? My name is Phoenix and . . . that's the bottom line.
The Evangenitals: A Unique Blend Of Musical Genres Several weeks ago I attended one of a series of free Friday night concerts at Rhino Records in Claremont, CA.
(In fact, I try to educate my one son by having him accompany me to as many of these performances as possible. He often considers this to be a pain in the BUT, I digress. . .) On this particular evening the band performing there was a band called the Evangenitals. I had heard about them before but had not had the chance to research them before so this performance was to be a new experience. Now in my over four decades of existence I have listened to a variety of different music. I have an extensive, eclectic mix of music. Much to the chagrin of my kids, I listen to just about anything and everything but lean towards music that doesn't drown out the lyrics. 
The band was founded by college-educated, former boxer Juli Crockett and opera/jazz singer Lisa Dee. According to them the band "is an alt-country hillbilly love punk rock revolution of the freak folk/Americana variety made flesh for your listening pleasure."  The core membership consists of: Juli Crockett on lead/rhythm guitar and vocals; Lisa Dee on (occasional acoustic guitar, operatic vocals, tambourine and kazoo; Henry Bermudez on lead guitar and slide; David Hurlin on drums, shakers, tablas and cowbell; Matt Ticciati on bass, and Ari DeSano on accordion and Andrea Baker on the violin. The Evangenitals were born in a defunct bowling alley in Los Angeles, where they broke their chops before a small audience of "rehab refugees and listless drunks from an adjoining bar." Their first big break led to the release of their 2005 debut album, "We Are The Evangenitals". This 9 track release contained such memorable tracks as the literary-inspired "QueeQueg" and the hillbilly tune, "The Work Song".
Two years and many appearances later, they put out their second record, "Everlovin'". This release put the focus on fun and free-folk with such numbers as "I Just Forgot", the live "Sergio" and the strangely lullabye-like "F*ck 'em All". (How such an aggressive message can sound so sweet is a mystery to this and other critics.)  Since then the band has continued to tour and play several different states in America as well as a recent extended appearance in Scotland. Their most recent accomplishment is the completion of a brand new EP that might possibly be reviewed in a future column. However you label them, the Evangenitals are refreshing and entertaining.
 I was an Eagle Scout (with Silver Palm). In fact, I am once again active in scouting. While I intend to one day dedicate a piece to scouting in general, for now I would like to focus on just one specific event. (Besides, some of my own unusual experiences with a troop in PA might not receive an official “OK” from the organization and certainly any movie about said experiences would not star Fred MacMurray. But, I digress . . .)  The Scouts of Troop 641, Rancho Cucamonga, had “Hot Fun In The Summertime”! Fresh from a recent exciting weekend of camping and whitewater rafting, the boys loaded their gear into the troop trailer and headed out yet again for another annual adventure. From July 26th through August 1st, ten scouts attended summer camp at Camp Emerson. Scouts attending included: Harrison Green, Ryan Hickman, Ryan Kauffman, Ryan Lightfoot, Dylan Markoff, Dominic Mowrey, Wolfgang Mowrey, William Jared James Phoenix, Justin Selsor and Todd Yeakley. According to Scoutmaster Larry Mowrey, “it was a week jam-packed with lots of fun, lots of work, and lots of merit badges.” Additional adult leaders attending at least part of the week included Harley Green and David Lightfoot. The troop arrived early on Sunday and set up camp in preparation for a week of scouting fun and fellowship. During the week scouts attended various activities such as rifle marksmanship, swimming, campfires, Order of the Arrow activities and archery. It wasn’t all fun and games though as the scouts also attended merit badge classes. Scouts new to summer camp attended mandatory “Transition” classes designed to get them on the fast-track regarding advancement and introduce them to the summer camp concepts. Although the group did not earn any troop ribbons they came closer than ever before and did, however, win the “Spirit Stick” once during the week. This was a notable “first” in the three years in which the troop has attended Emerson. Scoutmaster Mowrey felt it “was quite an achievement for the boys because they were up against some stiff competition. Out of the six days, one troop won it 3 times and another won it twice.” Perhaps more importantly, “no one came home empty handed, and some of our boys really exceeded everyone's expectations.” In an era when all too many American children sit at home in front of their televisions and video games growing fat and lazy, the achievements of all involved were especially exceptional.
The following scouts earned the following merit badges: Harrison Green: Citizenship in the World, Communications, Crime Prevention, First Aid and Citizenship in the Nation (partial). Ryan Hickman: Canoeing, First Aid, Rifling and Citizenship in the Nation (partial). Ryan Kauffman: Environmental Science, Wilderness Survival, Wood Carving, Fishing (partial) and Citizenship in the Nation (partial) Ryan Lightfoot: Archery, Fingerprinting, Canoeing (partial) and Citizenship in the Nation(partial) Dylan Markoff: Archeology, Art, Citizenship in the World, Fingerprinting, Fire Safety, Law, Leatherworking, Rifling and Sculpture. Dominic Mowrey: Art, Fire Safety and Leatherworking Wolfgang Mowrey: Art, Camping, Citizenship in the Nation, Citizenship in the World, Communications, Fish and Wildlife Management, Journalism, Leatherworking, Photography and Soil and Water Management William Jared James Phoenix: Art, First Aid and Leatherworking Justin Selsor: Art, Citizenship in the World, Crime Prevention, Fingerprinting, Geology, Wood Carving and Canoeing (partial) Todd Yeakley: Citizenship in the Nation, Citizenship in the World, Communications, Crime Prevention, Emergency Preparedness and First Aid At a time when American urchins are addicted to X-Box and unable to exercise outside of Wii, these young men deserve some recognition.
My name is Phoenix and . . . that's the bottom line.
My name is Phoenix and . . . that's the bottom line. "LAUNDROMAT" Or Tips For The Clueless "Soap and quarters and bleach and laundry/Are words I use at the laundromat/Reading the news, and watching the people/That's what i do at the laundromat/At the laundromat my heart grows fat/Ah, ah/My clothes get dry, I stop and sigh/Ah Ah/Dreaming -- Screaming" -- The Dead Milkmen "There's a girl washing her clothes/I'm in love but nobody knows/She looks sixteen or seventeen/My mind grows dirty when my clothes get clean/She's so young and tall/Ah Ah/I'm gonna give her my all (or Borax). . ." (I’m happy to be writing my very first “request” piece! JoAnne Flora of Alta Loma, CA this one is for you!) I don’t know if Emily Post has ever covered “Laundromat Etiquette” so –as per request—here I go filling in some needy, open holes. (Hmmmm . . . sounds a little like a part of my old social life . . . but I digress . . .) Here is a rant regarding behavior in the laundromat. First, the wheeled laundry carts are not kiddy cars or amusement park rides. I don’t care how “ghetto” you are it’s not safe to your crumby kids or to the feet, shins and/or knees of other customers to permit your obnoxious urchins to treat the laundry carts like motorless go carts.
Hey, kid! Get your mom! That ain't a tea cup and this ain't Disneyland!  Replace the word "office" with "laundromat" and you get the idea! Second, a comment on a specific adult behavior: Smoking in a laundromat is now probably illegal in many states. It used to be just stupid. “How so?” I’m glad you asked! You, the smoker, as well as other people have just washed and dried clothing. They smelled “summer fresh” until your cigarette smoke just made them stink like an overflowing ashtray. If my lady friend smells smoke on me she'll think I was out drinking and whoring. (By the way, I used to smoke and I quit. So either anyone can quit or I am really, really f***ing special. You tell me.)  No shoes? This is the best case scenario. Sure, some guys online like this kind of thing but meanwhile God only knows what is on your feet! Third, some businesses are just needy/greedy enough that they don't post “No Shirt, No Shoes, No Service” signs. People, you should realize that “No Shirt, No Shoes, No Service” is good advice! Walking around barefoot in any business is going to result in your having filthy feet at best and stepping on something dangerous or nasty at worst.  This is acceptable in public? (Note: Image is shown at half width.) Why is it that men go topless in public anyway? Californians, the whole state is not a beach! It just isn’t fair! If the law “protects” us from seeing women topless then why does it not protect us from beer bellies and guys who failed the audition for The Illustrated Man? (If I am assuming too much about the literary knowledge of any of you readers . . .go "Google" Ray Bradbury.)  Fourth, most of us have no need to observe a mom breastfeeding her baby either. Leave the baby home with the daddy. Trust me, you never want your kids to resent you because they found out that you used to whip your udders out in front of total strangers . . . especially if you didn’t even get “tipped”. You may have been some hot little thing a long time and several pounds ago but NOW you are a MOM!  Fifth: Do your laundry on a regular basis (such as weekly). It is totally unfair to monopolize the entire laundromat just because you can’t have a little discipline, planning and/or routine in your life. We all understand the concept of “first come, first serve” but you need to be reasonable!  Finally, be aware of the time. Most washers take less than half an hour to finish washing your clothes. As far as dryers go, even if you like your clothing "burny" hot (as I do) you still only need less than half an hour total. Simply put, get your stuff out of the machines in a timely manner or be prepared to find your wash elsewhere. . .if you find it at all!  Ladies, when we say we like "dirty" girls this isn't what we have in mind. Most laundromats have limits to how long you are permitted to leave your clothes in the machines after they are finished. Additionally, laundromats are not responsible for stolen items. So unless you men want your cool t-shirts ripped off or you ladies want some strange man wearing your panties while he quietly sits at home in front of his computer (for example) you might want to watch the timers. If YOU don't care about your things why should anyone else? There you have it. My first request: a piece on laundromat etiquette. I'd say it's pretty much a "wash". (Sorry.) My name is Phoenix and. . .that's the bottom line.  |
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