God Jul, Now Det Cool

I became acquainted with a song that proved to be an ear worm and which dominated my thoughts while in Denmark.

On the #159 bus in Ballerup, this funky song played over the bus driver's radio. It was of all things, a Danish rap song. Even more unusual, a Danish Christmas rap song. I immediately thought it interesting. It was a catchy tune.

With only the tune in my head and the fact that it was both Danish and a rap song, thankfully, I didn't have to search for too long. Even if I didn't know any of the lyrics and had to rely on carefully strung together search words, it was found after only a few tries. After all, I don't think that there are many songs in this genre out there. Unless there is some crazy Scandinavian underworld that I'm not familiar with.

So, when you listen to the song, try and picture this stark scenery while amongst only elderly people who are silent, on a bus in the middle of nowhere. Oh, and picture that you're probably the only American for miles. It adds to the humor. At least it did for me.

Still Yummy After All These Years

Duran Duran were on the Howard Stern Show yesterday. They are still rocking and sounding fantastic as ever.

Their appearance also reminded me how, back in the day, I was so fanatical for them, especially John Taylor. A million years ago, when I was a teenybopper, I truly believed I would marry him. I REALLY believed I would be his wife. Actually, I changed Duran husbands often. First it was Simon, then I had a Nick thing going on for a bit. Roger was the object of my affections at times too. Andy? Gah! No! Blegh! Never Andy. There was a certain "type" of girl who hearted Andy and I just wasn't her. However, for me, the focus of my never changing gushing of emotions and stalkerish feelings, was John.

I've remained a solid Duran Duran fan for well over twenty years now. Through the highs and lows, thick and thin, and plus and minus band members. Unyielding.

I still wouldn't mind being married to John.

My Moment of Zen

A few weeks ago, I bid for and won a 30GB Creative Zen Vision: M. I am so doing a happy dance over my win considering it was snagged at $100 less than it currently retails for. For the past two years, I've owned a Zen Micro, which I love, love, love - but it only played music. However, I could never hide my disappointment that had I waited to purchase my Zen Micro just a few months later, a Creative product with superior video capabilities would be made available instead. But let's not dwell, okay?

After several trips to visit family and friends, I grew tired of those lulls one faces while waiting on the bus in I-95 traffic, or being held up for whatever reasons never given by Amtrak and Metro North. After the novelty of reading wears off, you really crave something more interesting than staring at your fellow passengers. Last year's return home from Europe also produced much internal frustration due to the lack of in-flight entertainment available to us schlubs in cattle class. Really now, there are only so many times a human being can endure You, Me & Dupree over and over again. Hopefully now, no more!

So far, I have been transferring my music over to this player with excellent results. Plus video and photos, which are the real reasons for purchasing this little guy. As for the videos, I've been downloading them like a banshee and pretty much taxing out my poor laptop in the process. I think it's going to need a spa break in Baden-Baden really soon. I'm also beginning to fear that an intervention is in store should my family and friends see the amount of British television, documentaries, travel and cooking shows I watch.

In It To Win It

Quite possibly, my most favorite song in the whole wide world (right now anyway).

Anytime I feel down, I just listen to this song and try to gain a better perspective of how far I've come along in life. This is of course considering the circumstances by which I arrived in this world.

Hey somebody's giving me grief
I'm having one of those days
Something that I just don't need
Today things just ain't going my way
Nothing is working for me
Oh boy I'm feeling the strain

[Bridge:]
So now I, gotta reach up to the bright sky
Live life, have trust, keep the faith
Dust myself off and I'll be alright

[Chorus:]
It's ok, bad days will come at times
Don't stress it won't last it's only for a minute
All good hard times you'll wonder why
Oh babe you got to be strong
If you gon' win it

Hey what's the problem with me
Is it bad enough to complain
There's people much worse off than me
Hey can't seem to land on my feet
Feel like it's all going wrong
This shit should make me grow stronger

[Bridge]

It's ok, bad days will come at times
Don't stress it won't last it's only for a minute
All good hard times you'll wonder why
Oh babe you got to be strong
If you gon' win it

Take a deep breath
Face your fear don't be worried
Life is too full it could never be empty
Take a step back
Get a better perspective
Fix up, look sharp, don't be so negative

It's ok
It's alright
It's all good
It's alright

[Bridge]


It's not as good live. But I can't just throw up lyrics, declare the song my saving grace, and expect to call it a night. Can I now?

Studio 1

“It’s like they never left”, writes one reviewer.

Exactly.

Welcome back All Saints. Let’s hope you can leave the cat fights and infamous jacket story behind.



I put Studio 1 behind Saints & Sinners, but ahead of their self-titled debut CD. No. We’re not talking about Grammy winning material here. No. I don’t expect to see All Saints being inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame when their 25 years comes up.

It’s just music you can groove to.

Exactly.