A Million Ways To Die

R.I.P. Jay Reatard.

2010-01-15T14:21:00.005-05:00

I have been a fan of his music for many years, and thanks to my wife, I was able to meet him and hang out on different times during our trips to Memphis. I didn't know Jay well by any means, but he was always cool to me. We shared an occasional beer and funny story sitting at different bars around Memphis. About a year ago, he and I exchanged some emails about him possibly playing guitar at a Chinese Millionaires reunion show. He was too busy for it in 2009, but he said "maybe next year". I never really expected it to pan out either way, but it was really nice of him to humor me. I last talked to him in Detroit in June, and he welcomed Windy and I backstage to hang out. Thinking about the fact that he'll never release another record makes me sick to my stomach. He achieved so much in his short life, but had so much more to give.

He recorded this in May 2009 for a Nirvana tribute album:

Box Elders

2009-11-16T19:07:00.004-05:00

They're currently getting a lot of airplay at my house. It's a really fun record.

This live footage is quite amazing. Yes, the drummer is playing keyboards at the same time. Pretty impressive.

I'm A Long Long Way From You

2009-11-09T00:14:00.000-05:00

Scary Bad

2009-10-20T13:43:00.001-04:00

Love the Goodnight Loving. Here's some new stuff.

It Won't Be Long

2009-10-13T14:23:00.000-04:00

Some friends of ours on Chic-A-Go-Go

Let It Die

2009-10-09T10:57:00.002-04:00

The Dutchess & The Duke have a new album out. It's been getting a lot of airplay at our house.

Down By The River

2009-09-28T11:48:00.003-04:00

We listen to this song (album version) every time we cross the bridge from Arkansas to Tennessee. This is from a live LP that was recently released on Dusty Medical Records. Get it.

Davila 666

2009-09-22T11:44:00.002-04:00

I really wish we were going to Gonerfest.

I'm In Love With A Girl...

2009-09-17T22:43:00.001-04:00

...and her name is Windy.

I've been listening to the Big Star box set and it totally rules.

Tell Her No

2009-09-11T22:17:00.004-04:00

I'm slightly addicted to the Zombies lately. I can listen to the same collection (Begin Here) over and over and over and over.

It Ain't Gonna Save Me

2009-08-05T23:45:00.002-04:00

If this doesn't make the kids love him, I don't know what will.

The White Wires

2009-08-05T12:18:00.001-04:00

I'm So Sick of Hearing Thing are Going to Work Out

2009-07-15T21:48:00.002-04:00

You Really Are

2009-07-09T10:45:00.000-04:00

Happy Anniversary, Windy.

Beat It?

2009-06-25T21:45:00.002-04:00

It's kind of funny, because I spent the last thirty minutes or so trying to find my Thriller album. I did eventually find it, and have listened. Wow. I don't care what you say about Michael Jackson and what he eventually became, he put out some great fucking records. I was absolutely obsessed with Thriller and Off The Wall when I was in fifth grade. That being said, I came across a different LP we have in our collection. I decided to put it on next, and damn, I am dancing my ass off.

FYI to my stalkers--you have to listen to at least 33 seconds until you actually hear the song. Please be patient, because it will help your crazy internalizations that are on their way.

Detroit In Less Than One Week.

2009-06-21T22:03:00.002-04:00

Album version:

Friday, 6/19/2009 in Memphis at the Hi Tone:

Oblivians- Feel Real Good (live) from rob downs on Vimeo.

Beside You

2009-06-18T11:06:00.001-04:00

Always, babe.

I Ain't Gonna Say Your Name No More

2009-05-29T22:59:00.000-04:00

I Will Drag You Down

2009-05-15T23:30:00.000-04:00

It's true.

I Love You Too Much Baby

2009-05-11T22:01:00.003-04:00

Some terrible cover of this song was playing at a store that I frequent, and I'm ashamed to admit that I couldn't recognize what it was. Shame shame shame.

NO!

2009-05-08T23:25:00.001-04:00

The Chinese Millionaires proudly covered this song.

Harlan on MTV?

2009-05-04T13:06:00.001-04:00

If you've ever wondered what's it's like to see Harlan at the Hi Tone, here you go.

Harlan T. Bobo - New Music - More Music Videos

GONER RECORDS

2009-05-01T20:51:00.001-04:00

Watch and learn. See me at about 2:40-2:43 in.

Word gets around

2009-04-15T09:44:00.002-04:00

Saw these guys are Gonerfest IV and they were great. This is from SXSW 2009:

(hit the HQ button)

You can call me anytime you want to.

2009-04-14T22:58:00.001-04:00

I have probably posted way too many videos of this band, but they have a new album coming out soon and I'm excited. Shoot me.

Hard Livin'

2009-03-16T14:39:00.002-04:00

Yeah yeah, I know, this two Justin Townes Earle posts in a row, but I just recently got his second album. I like this song a whole lot:

Can't Hardly Wait

2009-03-04T12:31:00.004-05:00

Years ago I was on a huge Replacements kick, and recently I was turned on to Justin Townes Earle, who does a great Replacements cover on his new album. Thanks Tom.

I couldn't find a studio-version of the JTE version, but this live one is good:

The Replacements original:

Talk don't bother me.

2009-02-23T14:53:00.002-05:00

This just in: age and maturity levels do NOT rise proportionally. In some cases, it appears to be an inverse relationship.

Seems like it's raining all the time

2009-01-23T12:31:00.001-05:00

The Reigning Sound have a new album coming out very soon. Here's Greg playing an oldie but goodie:

I fretted that chord wrong

2009-01-21T21:38:00.005-05:00

When I was in high school, my brother taught me to play guitar. One of the first things he taught me was Dee by Randy Rhoads. It was a very difficult song to learn, but he was very patient and taught me one part each day until I had it. I will never forget how to play it nor will I forget when he taught me.

Happy birthday, David.

If you care at all to hear how it is supposed to be played, then listen to this:

Art Imitates Life

2009-01-14T09:59:00.001-05:00

This is no exception.

"Who is that guy playing the bongos?"

2009-01-02T00:55:00.003-05:00

I was recently exposed to some of Tim Prudhomme's work and liked it a lot. More on that in the coming weeks if I can ever figure out how to lighten up the videos.

Here is a video of some of his older stuff:

I'm Watching You

2008-12-18T20:39:00.001-05:00

It's true.

Weeee--oooh...

2008-12-02T13:27:00.001-05:00

We've been watching Big Love on demand through our cable, and I simply CANNOT get this song out of my head. Good thing I absolutely love it.

Twee!!!

2008-11-27T13:03:00.002-05:00

Pas/Cal are another Detroit band my friend Tom turned me on to.

Close your eyes if you need to.

2008-11-19T21:28:00.003-05:00

The song is good even though the band members look and act like total asshats.

He talks. He really does.

2008-11-18T13:45:00.001-05:00

The many misadventures of our cat.

Better than the original

2008-11-08T19:42:00.002-05:00

So you're Beck, and you decide to ask a rock and roll up-and-comer to cover one of your new tunes for the b-side of an upcoming single. Probably seemed like a great idea (and it will probably was), but are you ok with your decision after the kid completely shows you up?

Beck's version:

Jay's (superior) version:

And the award goes to...

2008-10-24T14:00:00.002-04:00

...YouTube, for having this video available. It is perhaps the greatest thing I have ever seen.

(thanks Tom)

The Corkster

2008-10-22T19:45:00.003-04:00

There sure are a lot of them in that town. Is it something in the water or just the result of inbreeding?

Woe to You Oh Earth and Sea

2008-09-22T21:52:00.004-04:00

When I was a kid my older brother exposed me to all sorts of different music. One of my fondest memories is of a band that many parents hated because of the satantic imagery. I say get over it, because these guys were great--and that satanic bullshit was just to sell records, you idiots.

Today the postman brought me a great thing:

The Trooper, by Iron Maiden:

Stay glued to your TV set.

2008-09-12T13:49:00.001-04:00

I have to do that while I'm on call. It sucks.

Shattered

2008-09-10T22:46:00.002-04:00

I can only imagine what other great stuff they would have produced if they were still alive.

"Hey, do you like Nobunny?"

2008-09-08T22:44:00.002-04:00

At the last Gonerfest, I had a rather embarrassing yet memorable experience that started with that line. I like to look back and blame it on the whiskey, but that wouldn't really be fair. I'm just dumb sometimes. But hey--he does wear a mask.

The multi-talented, Nobunny:

Reatarded

2008-09-05T18:45:00.003-04:00

Jay is getting quite popular these days and if you ever get a chance to catch him live, do it, because he, Stephen and Billy put on one hell of a show.

I was lucky enough to catch him at the Goner Store and got a bunch of great videos right before he went out on tour in May in 2007.

Quite Deadly.

2008-09-01T18:40:00.002-04:00

I loved their first few albums and I just now started listening to their final offering, and I like it a lot.

Lover!

2008-08-29T09:31:00.002-04:00

Gonerfest Five is approaching quickly. Here is a little gem from last year:

End of the Century

2008-08-25T13:30:00.001-04:00

A great documentary about one of the best and most influential bands of all time.

I'm the one way on top now.

2008-08-22T23:49:00.001-04:00

I'm not crying-quite the opposite actually.

I Feel Alright

2008-08-17T18:43:00.001-04:00

It's been a good weekend.

Jailbreak!

2008-08-10T15:24:00.001-04:00

You'll Be Sorry Now

2008-08-08T22:08:00.001-04:00

I'm leaving you behind. Leaving you alone.

Gigolo is the only way to go

2008-08-07T13:26:00.006-04:00

My friend Tom gave me their first album for Xmas in 1995 and I can't thank him enough.

Down Under

2008-08-06T13:12:00.001-04:00

I saw them at Gonerfest 4 but I don't think I paid much attention. Too bad, because I like this song a lot.

ATTENTION FANS:

2008-08-06T11:07:00.003-04:00

I give you, the Oblivians.

Happy birthday to me?

2008-08-04T21:17:00.002-04:00

Since it's not possible for me to have my kids on my actual birthday, we celebrated it today. Thanks babe.

I was gone the moment I laid eyes on you.

2008-08-01T23:33:00.003-04:00

And to think I was listening to hair metal when this came out.

It sure beats shoveling snow.

2008-07-31T12:33:00.001-04:00

I love summer. Let's celebrate!

Try bein' me.

2008-07-31T08:26:00.002-04:00

I love Holly.

2505

2008-07-30T14:55:00.003-04:00

I love how the brilliance of this movie was lost on most people that saw it. How ironic.

Oh Glendora, I gotta see more of you.

2008-07-29T23:31:00.003-04:00

Another song we covered very early on.

Heart heart ooh yeah

2008-07-29T20:36:00.004-04:00

I was in a band in the mid-to-late nineties and this is the first song we learned. I'm not sure we ever played it out other than our first show--it was that bad. Or awesome. I forget.

You Too.

2008-07-28T23:13:00.007-04:00

You either love 'em or hate 'em. I don't listen to them much these days but I recognize that hearing them at age 10 had a lot to do with me getting more interested in music and was responsible for my eventual attainment of my own drum set and guitar. I can't really classify my feelings for them as either love or hate per se, but I know that I appreciate their place in my musical development--my musical journey, if you will. Get it David? No? Hmm.

I have to admit--when I was at Graceland the first time, the things I came across on the tour were familiar but not from an Elvis documentary or some sort of Graceland photo book. I thought--"I saw that in Rattle and Hum. Cool."

The first song I learned while playing drums in a "band":

It's getting late and we better go.

2008-07-28T23:10:00.001-04:00

If you're not acquainted with the Kinks then you have serious work to do.

Don't give me the run around.

2008-07-27T14:34:00.003-04:00

We went to a record show today and found a 3 record compilation with a bunch of great 50's and 60's "At the Hop" songs. I can't wait to play it for the kids, because the whole family loves this stuff.

Among the great tunes on the collection:

Meow

2008-07-25T22:22:00.004-04:00

Our kitty decided to take an impromptu vacation last Tuesday. We put up roughly 100 flyers in our neighborhood that have generated several well intentioned, but ultimately fruitless leads. My wife was out looking for him today and her friendly southern charm had her chatting up a nice man a few streets away. She explained that it was our kitty that he had undoubtedly seen in the flyers, and that he was very sweet and nice, and that if he happened to see him to please keep him at their house and call us.

We got back from a work function of mine with a new voicemail waiting--our kitty's week and a half vacation was about to end. The poor guy is skinny as hell, scared, tired, but obviously very happy to be home. I don't think he can comprehend how happy we are.

I love Lulu

2008-07-25T13:08:00.000-04:00

I really need a fucking motorcycle.

2008-07-23T20:29:00.003-04:00

Perhaps after I pay off my attorney. What do you think the motorcycles will look like in 2019?

I'm your automatic boy.

2008-07-23T11:50:00.003-04:00

A friend of mine always says I looked like Cary Elwes way back when. I just don't see it.

Gonerfest 4 DVD

2008-07-22T16:36:00.000-04:00

This ought to be a damn good DVD. Look for us.

2008-07-19T22:03:00.002-04:00

Today this came on while we were eating lunch at our favorite local deli. The kids giggled uncontrollably when my lovely wife and I were singing along. Loudly. When we got home they wanted to hear the song again, so we put it on for them and the whole family danced around like we were in a movie. Good times.

My heart's not quite broken yet, but it's getting there.

2008-07-17T13:17:00.003-04:00

Please come home, kitty. Bite and scratch the assholes holding you hostage and get free!!!

Yes, she did it first

2008-07-16T20:18:00.000-04:00

It's all about me.

2008-07-15T23:15:00.004-04:00

I really wish I was good at putting down on paper exactly how I feel about things. It's a craft that some people possess, and I used to be "ok" at it, but lately I just can't seem to find the right words. That's probably why I usually just post videos I like--it's less controversial than trying to actually say anything meaningful. I'm sure there are a million other blogs just like this--pointless, self-serving, and taking up ones and zeroes on some server at Google. I don't care though. I like finding videos I like and posting them here. Even if I was the only person to ever even read this malarkey I would still like posting things. If you're nodding your head right now and thinking "yeah, this thing IS stupid, and it IS totally pointless"....I suggest you get your own life, because this is not, and never was about you. Admittedly, this is all about me.

Now here's an awesome song!

It rained on my wedding day.

2008-07-14T16:54:00.002-04:00

Sister Rosetta Tharpe is amazing.

(the song pretty much starts at about 2:00 in)

Try a little tenderness

2008-07-12T12:27:00.000-04:00

The Stax Museum gave me chills.

Glad all over!

2008-07-10T10:59:00.001-04:00

BBQ Sampler = good.

2008-07-06T00:08:00.003-04:00

The ribs, pulled pork, brisket, and beans are so damn good. I've eaten so much BBQ in the last two days I have just been waddling around.

I'm so excited I could just dance.

2008-07-03T11:38:00.000-04:00

I can't wait to get to Memphis.

2008-07-02T10:38:00.001-04:00

And to think they almost didn't let him audition.

2008-06-30T21:52:00.002-04:00

The Stax Museum is just one place we'll be visiting in the next week. Wait, you've never heard of Stax? SHAME ON YOU.

Billie Jean is Not My Lover

2008-06-27T20:50:00.002-04:00

I really loved this when I was a kid, and it still holds up. He may be a child molesting freak, but damn can he dance.

Sometimes the only way to say it is with music.

2008-06-25T17:01:00.001-04:00

Hi-larious

2008-06-19T19:43:00.000-04:00

It's getting closer...

2008-06-19T15:45:00.001-04:00

Stop reading into the lyrics of these songs I post. I just like them--that's all.

2008-06-16T23:07:00.004-04:00

I had a dream about how the upcoming Memphis trip will be...

2008-06-15T11:11:00.002-04:00

2008-06-12T16:36:00.001-04:00

a catchy little ditty

2008-06-04T14:47:00.002-04:00

Rest in peace, Boss Man

2008-06-02T21:42:00.001-04:00

Things to do in Memphis

2008-06-01T11:07:00.001-04:00

Graceland:

It's all just a bunch of punky shit

2008-05-29T10:10:00.000-04:00

From Gonerfest:

Look at those weirdos go!

Harlan is the fucking best

2008-05-22T08:41:00.000-04:00

Don't believe me?

Still don't???

I can beat you at ping pong, trust me.

2008-05-16T16:10:00.001-04:00

I wish I knew the name of this one.

2008-05-13T10:56:00.003-04:00

Apparently my readers are bigger Greg Cartwright fans than I realized. Well, join the club.

Another great song filmed by me at Gonerfest 4:

Yes, from now on I'm only going to post videos I like.

2008-05-11T11:33:00.004-04:00

Here's one I took in September at Gonerfest 4.

Musical education - yeah, I'm talking to YOU!

2008-05-08T21:10:00.004-04:00

This is an awesome fucking video of an awesome fucking band playing an awesome fucking song off of an awesome fucking album.

Band: The Goodnight Loving
Song: Land of 1000 Bars
Album: Crooked Lake

I've got a theory...

2008-05-06T23:29:00.002-04:00

...that it's a demon. A dancing demon! No, something isn't right here...