2009 Album of the Year

This award may seen sort of arbitrary because I definitely have not listened to every major album release this year. However, my criterion are simple: I want to see something complex, something different, and some true talent. For that I turned to jam bands and classic rockers, the last bastion of rock n' roll prowess on Earth. Mainstream rock and pop are automatically excluded because, well, it's crap. Honestly, lyrics don't justify a band to me- I need some real musical talent. Rap is not eligible because to win album of the year you must be a form of music.

As mentioned before, the two top contenders this year are Derek Trucks Band with Already Free and Gov't Mule with By a Thread. Both albums are amazing in their own right and have some stupendous guitar work.

First, the runner-up. By a Thread is such a cool album. I honestly cannot say how much I love listening to this CD. The variety of styles on each track has something for everyone. In typical Warren Haynes fashion, there are plenty of heavy riffs and slick guitar solos. Jorgen Carlsson is amazing, he is exactly what the band needed and, in my opinion, is better than Andy Hess on average. Saying that this isn't the best album of the year because it wasn't something monumental like Dose would be incorrect. In fact, I think this is the best album produced by Mule since Woody passed away. However, considering what Mule typically does, this album falls right in line. The winner this year has something special that took me by total surprise and elicited a strong emotional reponse.

Already Free is a killer. There is a special bluesy attitude to every track, and the entire album exudes this feeling of uplifting. I always break into a smile when I hit play on this sucker (which has been probably 50 times or more this year). Derek Trucks' slide work is top-notch, he has handily earned his distinction as the best slide guitarist currently alive. There are so many tracks on this album that get you tapping your foot and singing along. All of the vocals and harmonies are superb, and the song featuring Trucks' wife on leads vocals is so full of depth and deeper meaning. One of my favorite tracks is "Get What You Deserve", I've never heard anything quite like it, and really love the band's dynamic on this track. In short, the group feels so tight on this album and they pretty much scored a touchdown with every single track. Anyone who doesn't own a copy of this album should probably make their next move to be to the record store to pick one up. Once you start listening, you'll replay it over and over until you have every song in your heart.

Both of these albums should be purchased by all lovers of music, and the Gov't Mule album has a slight caveat to being runner-up: if I was asked to recommend which band to see live if they could only choose one I would immediately tell them to see Mule. Derek Trucks is great to see live, but after hearing both albums' material played live, Mule does a much better job of improvising on it and putting together a more involving show. Every show of theirs is something great, and they don't disappoint to this day. Warren Haynes has such a large library of songs to choose from that you never know what might get played or who might be guest-starring in a show. Derek Trucks plays a little more closely to the album, but aside from Already Free his material might be a little too offbeat for most people, including me.

Rating something higher than music from my favorite band was difficult, but I think Already Free deserves recognition due to the unique style and memorable licks which immerse the listener and virtually place him in the Trucks home studio with the band. Bravo, after all this 2010 is going to seem quite dull.

If Facebook says it....

... it must be true.

The fact that a site frequented by young people shows this result means only bad things for Mr. Change.

Depressed over football

I'm so glad someone else feels the same way I do about the Tech game. At least my fantasy team isn't getting killed.

Our Amps now go to 12

Not only do I love this movie, but I love engineers. It's funny because the only thing I can think about when seeing volume knobs is potentiometers. After today's Emag discussion about microwaves I will forever think about the standing wave in the middle (place your food off-center) and the conductivity of steak (2 S/m). Thanks, Tech.

The Whole Foods Approach

I read John Mackey's article in the WSJ several months ago and was reminded of it when flipping through some news today. I intended to find an interview with him but stumbled across this video and thought it said a lot more about the issue.

Every employee interviewed seems happy with their healthcare plans and after reviewing the plan details it makes sense why they do. It rewards them for being healthy and keeping their costs down, and having employee input creates an environment that makes everyone feel included and valuable, which has a positive impact on worker productivity. While this wouldn't work for all companies, it certainly can work for any company up to the size of Whole Foods reasonably well. I though Mr. Mackey has the right idea and his employees seem to agree. If you haven't read the article, here is the link: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204251404574342170072865070.html

Hipster/Techie Dream

Found this awesome WOHO light-up messenger bag on Wired and thought it was actually a cool idea. I wish sometimes that I could live in the city and do everything by bike, having something like this would be perfect. It adds to the safety of you ride and carries stuff for you. 

Check out the BritishFoldingCompactBike in the following image. That is not something I would want to ride around the city. 

Shooting Dead Offenders

Ted Nugent defends the 2nd Amendment

I really enjoy listening to Ted Nugent. He is a little over the top, but he remains consistent in his opinions and is able to defend his arguments well. Plus, he and I share a lot of the same outlooks. Honestly, I am displeased with the criminal justice system today and would prefer that the right to self-defense be taken more seriously. Criminals have so many supposed "rights" these days that the victim can be seen as the enemy in some cases. I've said this before and say it again, if someone was to break into my house I would not hesitate to shoot them. I realize that decision may be difficult to face if that situation occurs, but I believe in this outcome so strongly that hopefully it will come as instinct.

If people were required to take gun safety courses and shooting practice courses the number of handgun accidents would plummet. Do you think it's right to let someone drive a car that has no experience or training? The same goes for guns. Educate, don't ignore.