Old Man, Life Soundtrack

Our Ghost Hotel- San Diego

Traveling is such an amazing experience. You don't have to hop a plane for 8+ hours to experience the beauty of being a traveler... the beauty is always with you- it is merely the mind of the explorer that recognizes the adventure. In all of my adventures I have found that it is the tiny memories- the silly every day happenings are the things that I never forget. When you actually feel your perspective shift and it tickles- it is a time when change or pushing your own comfort zone comes as a pleasure (often because you have no choice). You accept it and embrace it- it becomes part of your journey.

For me music plays a huge role in signaling these memories. A certain song will come on and I will snap back to a moment in the past as if it were the soundtrack to my life.

Some are really embarrassing- like how I really emotionally connected with Avril Lavigne's "I'm with You," while driving through the Hungarian countryside.

I will never forget when I bought The Who's, Quadrophenia, and my sister, Joanie, Abby,  and Jenny listened to it while taking the coast back from San Francisco. The sounds and effects just seemed so fitting for driving through a forested area especially just outside of Frisco. We all even said that out loud.

Coming home the morning after a night in Hollywood with my good friend, Brian C.  hearing, "Passenger Side," by Wilco for the first time in between The Raspberries greatest hits.

Sick as a dog heading up California coast to Portland singing the Fugees, "Killing Me Softly," with Matty B.

Cactus Garden at Balboa Park

All this to say, I have sealed another beautiful moment in my life this weekend with a new favorite of mine. It kept popping up all weekend; it was definitely an act of iPod but it just suited the weekend. It was a few of Neil Young's older song but particularly, "Old Man." The Ghost Hotel, Zanzabar, Secret Speakeasy, and forgetting to tip the valet. Walking through Balboa Park, listening to the Spreckle's outdoor Organ, the Friendship garden, the self-deprecating magician and the cactus garden. Even driving over the Coronado bridge during sunset Young's high pitched voice carried through. The moment this was sealed, however, was just before seeing Wilco at Copley Symphony Hall I was sitting in the car resting with Marissa before we went to get dinner. Old Young started his song and I couldn't help but to think of the influence he had on the band I was just about to see. So technically if Neil didn't do what he did- I may not have been in that beautiful moment with my beautiful love. It was simple. Listening to Neil Young in a parking spot on an empty city street.

I can say now that I feel lucky and blessed to have these moments but truthfully I know that it is only a whisper of how these memories will shout 10 years from now. Like sewing seeds of happiness for the future- these are the beautiful moments of life. I am so grateful that I have so many more and I hope as your soundtrack builds that you pay attention. You woke up this morning and continued your journey- enjoy the small things as if they were always brand new and if it helps keep that music playing.

Wilco at Copley Symphony Hall

Punch and Patch

Relationship is the only thing that makes perspectives round, love abound, and the truth found. Without healthy ones all that is left is perception painted upon an empty soul.

Kim Conlan -The Indie Peddler

So I know it is kind of funny for one writer to write about another writer. There is that hint of bias, perhaps some unintentional criticisms, or a potential for missed communication. But is what my blog is all about anyway so I will do my best!

Kim Conlan AKA the Indie Peddler has been serving the OC Music scene for now several years. As a musician who has been in her circle of influence and a friend, I have been able to witness about two years of Kim Conlan- The Indie Peddler.

When I first noticed the Indie Peddler popping up around FaceBook as a self proclaimed writer of music admittedly I was skeptical. Artists, in my opinion, are never super keen of the rouge blogger with an agenda or the fledgling writer who can't stop saying how "bad" or how "badass" your art is.

Kim was neither of the two. As the Indie Peddler her writing style instantly captured me as poetic. The descriptions of events that I witnessed and participated in were reproduced in to text with a sort of magic and enthusiasm that I hadn't felt before.

Kim has her own perspective and is not afraid to share it. The best part is, it doesn't end there like it does with many people.  Conlan goes above and beyond to support the music she believes in. She is always around. 

Even more than that, she uses her writing ability and her artisan-ship to create books and tapes that promote her favorite local artists. For me, these are priceless keepsakes. Mementos from years of hard work and amazing adventures.

Special gifts like this, that require significant thought, patience, and devotion are extremely rare and should be celebrated. Kim Conlan, you humble Indie Peddler, thank you for all that you do. You are an irreplaceable piece of Southern California music and simply a joy to know.

The Indie Peddler will be releasing Volume II of her compendium of OC Musical moments this Saturday August 6th 10pm at Costa Mesa's La Cave Restaurant. Local acts: Charles Mansion, The Danvilles, and Stanley Lucas Revolution will be performing for free and copies of Vol II will be available for $5 each.

https://www.facebook.com/justin.deckert#!/event.php?eid=121359941287891

Multi Car Discount

So for those of you that know I sold my 1971 VW Bus last week. The majority of the reasoning was just that it made no financial sense to have a dream car taking up insurance cost, maintenance cost, and so fourth when I have no time or money to really fix it up.

So, reluctantly, I let it go. One of the upsides was that I thought I could expect a lower insurance premium since I have one less vehicle to cover. Nope. That is not the case.

Insurance companies encourage multiple car ownership by offering a multi-car discount. Had I known this I may have kept my bus a sitting. Why? Because my daily driver + the bus had a premium $100 less than just having my daily driver on bare-bones insurance alone. After multiple quotes I am stuck with paying more for insurance. What a drag.

Everyone knows insurance companies are a racket and they are now finally on my big long list of, “American establishments designed specifically to impoverish and condemn the young and hopeful.” 

Black Country Communion

Black Country Communion

Live Show Review

City National Grove of Anaheim

June 10, 2011

Black Country Communion, the world's most recent super-band, is currently on their debut tour across the United States. Comprised of pseudo-legendary talents such as Glenn Hughes of Deep Purple, Trapeze, and Black Sabbath, (Bass/Vocals), Joe Bonamassa of several popular collaborations and solo albums, (Electric Guitar), Derek Sherinian of Dream Theater (Keys), and finally the cream of the collabo, Jason Bonham, son of the Legendary Led Zeppelin Drummer John Bonham (Drums). 

Pseudo-Legendary is not meant to be an insult to these monster talents. Each one in their own right shines brightly in this unexpected rock megalith. Hughes hits the incredible high notes and flipped-up bass fills, Bonamassa cranks some seriously arpeggiated glam-rock solos, Bonham does his damn Bonham thing and Sherinian has some really impressive solo sections. Over all this is a musician's band and band for those who simply care about nothing else but rock.

Namely the band is rather misleading as one may expect something in the Black Country, Country genre, or at least a Stevie Ray Vaughn Rock/Blues with a twang, but alas this is not the case. Black Country Communion is your father's Audioslave: Amazing musicians playing generic rock that is too busy rocking to innovate. BCC is pure entertainment.

Shredding Flying-V Glam-Blues isn't the only entertaining thing you will likely see at these shows. You know those hippies that got jobs and went to college instead of doing drugs and living in their mom's basement? They will be there. Either with bald heads or unapologetic mullets. Who will they be with? Some will bring their obviously square wives with their over sized earrings. Some will bring their "musician-friend" who has a greasy grey skullet (balding mullet)and a Bonamassa T-shirt. The others will bring a fellow "dude" to have a few beers with and rock out.

Perhaps I am too quick to judge off of the one show I have seen, but I can assure you, guys, there are no women at this show. None at all. If you are ready to experience beer-drunk 50-something party dudes screaming, "I love B.C.C."- You are going to the right show. If you want to catch one of Bonamassa's slick red guitar picks- you are going to the right show. If you want to see some incredibly talented musicians play unmemorable (besides the ringing in your ears) rock- you are going to the right show.

Ironically enough this sound seems to translate very well over the pond. BCC's self-titled debut album, released in September of 2010, charted at #13 in the Official UK Top 40 Album Chart, #1 in the Official UK Top 40 Rock Album Chart and #2 in the Official UK Top 40 Indie Album Chart. Their second studio album produced by Kevin Shirley who produced for Journey, Iron Maiden, Rush, and Led Zeppelin is expected to explode by the end of June 2011.

My recommendation would be to check out the website: www.bccomunion.com and listen for yourself. If you love what you hear- you are in for a hell of a show. If not, join me a collective head-scratching as we wonder together how such super-talent still can't quite get our feet tapping and our fingers snapping. 

 

Black and Light

Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them; for it is disgraceful even to speak of the things which are done by them in secret. But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light. Eph 5:11-13


Eventually a choice will be made between those who honor themselves and others and those that just pretend to. Anyone can get around in the dark without light but compared to the potential of what one can do in the light there is no comparison.


Making a mistake does not put you in the dark. Everyone screws up. Owning and reconciling those mistakes, however, is the only way to lift your head. The truth only exists in light and both are tangible and physical. Without them there is no life. 

Unknown Sabbatical

After spending a time away I have just realized. Wow, I have not written in such a long time. Realizing this happens to me every once in a while I told myself out loud, I need to write. Shortly after saying that in my relaxed state I realized, no. I want to write. Writing has meant so much to me in this adult life of mine. Why would I take a break? Well... let me see.

There are so many good things I can think of that have actually hindered me from writing. In the past writing has been a way for me to connect with my thoughts and I have had the blessing to know people who actually care to comment and share in my thought life. My idea of a good time is having people react, relate, agree or disagree with my thoughts. Lately, however,  I haven't been involved in this public thought sharing mindset. My artistic expressions lately have morphed and social outlets have simply changed.

One shining example is the fact that I have an amazing woman in my life who I talk to for hours a day. My dreams,  concerns, thought, opinions and feelings have an immediate and supportive ear to rest on every single day. Marissa is my sound board, she is my partner, and someone who I believe in and trust. So naturally, the idea of tossing thoughts in to cyber-space have almost completely lost their subtle appeal.

Another great thing is that I recently moved. Well, in November. But still this has been a contributing factor in my delinquency. Now I live on my own in an amazing little place where I can hang my hat. It is a converted studio (AKA a garage) that has a full bath, kitchen, and living space. It can be a little cold without a heater but I have a great space heater and a nice wall AC for the summer. I love living on my own and, might I add, in such comfort and simplicity.

Thirdly, I have recently acquired an additional job. Both of my day jobs are completely computer-centric and I am sure any other office stiff like myself can understand.  Computer screens have little appeal after spending 10 or so hours a day plugging in words and numbers.

Billy Kernkamp is the final great thing that has taken me from writing. This band I joined over a year ago has been pleasantly playing consistently, recording, and networking since August of 2009. We recently had the pleasure to open for the legendary John Doe at Detroit bar in Costa Mesa and have a show lined up in February at the House of Blues in Anaheim, Ca.

So normally I would try to make myself feel bad for neglecting my "soul," my personal "art," and "passion." But this time I am not, my soul is in overdrive and my passion has increased and my art is becoming more and more of who I am and less of what I do.

The things I do and the people I love have been beautiful and  I can only pray that the palette I am mixing will continue to color this world the only way I know how.

So in retrospect it really hasn't been much of a sabbatical but more of an unknown surprise. Life has to surprise me, once the celebration leaves then what kind of life is that? You can spend a whole lifetime trying to avoid surprises or you can just enjoy the surprises. This is where I want to find myself and the people I love. In the middle of a constant life-long surprise party where everyone is always invited.

Jonathan Richman @ Detroit Bar 12/9/10

Remember that scene in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory where Gene Wilder as Willy is introduced? Wonka meekly walks upon a cane toward the suddenly silent crowd, stops, and does a somersault as his cane stands impossibly behind him. Wonka's masterful entry perfectly mirrors the awe Jonathan Richman inspired at Detroit Bar last Thursday night.

Jonathan Richman is a master of entertainment. After 40 years of writing and performing all around the world this muse has perfected the art of leaving inspiration in his wake. Richman’s empty stare and upturned eyebrows compliment his half-cocked neck and the fact that he is simply holding a Nylon-strung acoustic guitar with no shoulder strap.

           

Amidst several guitar spins and casual sashays away from his vocal and guitar microphones, Jonathan meekly walks through his songs without flaw. Each one of his songs possesses a quality of freshness, as if he is covering his own songs in a new way just for the moment. Backed by Tommy Larkins, his long-time friend and drummer, Richman plays through an entire set of his light-hearted and often-comical music followed heart-to heart and beat-by-beat by the rest of the room.

Under some strange spell Jonathan walks to the edge of the stage periodically and begins to dance to his own music. When he isn’t dancing he is grabbing his jingle bells or cowbell to ring out some rhythm for his audience. He sings a song in French and also a song in Spanish as if there were any further way to accommodate the audience. In stereo, laughter is heard when a particular verse exposes Richman’s sardonic side and a chorus when a familiar song is played.

During no point of the night is there a break, a distraction, or a moment that allows anyone in the audience to break their concentration from Richman’s far-off gaze. Not often is there a moment in a concert that offers such wonderful simplicity and intimacy on top of the honor to see a true legend perform.

           

What is Richman’s secret?  Surely anyone can pick up a guitar and sing to impromptu chord structures with an incredible drummer. Well, not really, but what makes the difference from him to anyone else? If I had to guess I would have to say: pure imagination. 

If you want to stay up to date with Richman I stumbled upon his Unofficial Fan Blog that has show dates, fun facts, and other such cool things. 

This Politician Should Really Consider Changing Their Name...

Got Justice?

The court fell silent. The news was puzzling, it was so puzzling you could actually hear the jury making their judgments. Considering the status of the defendant, his wealth, and his place in the community his peers weren't sure what do think about such a situation.

He had dipped a doughnut in a glass of milk.

This was not the verdict, no, it was simply a fact. That the morning the crime was committed the defendants alibi was breakfast in his kitchen that very morning. His gardening boots were on the floor near the bar in his kitchen where stood a tall glass of cold milk and a chocolate covered doughnut.

One of the female jury members shrieked through the silence, "It takes an imbecile to dip something in a glass of milk!" Immediately she was placed in contempt of court for interrupting the preceding, but this left the rest of the jury unnerved and unable to come to a conclusion. The dipped doughnut was the crux of the alibi and there was no way to prove it one way or an other.

(Law and Order sound)

To be continued...  ?

Fall Facelift

So I just wrote an entire post about the new facelift of the blog and then Safari crashed. This is my life.

Well I will try to pick up where I left off... I have been thinking for some time about revamping my rather typical looking blog in to a more streamlined look. This may not be the final face of GetDecked, but I am certainly a step closer. I even included my own quote in the headline. Hey... it is MY blog after all.

Besides... look at the bottom. I have included all of my friend's blogs that I read on a regular basis. If you would like your to be added send me a comment, send an email, come by my FaceBook, write me a tweet @getdecked. However you desire.

I am looking very much forward to writing and interacting with you all a little more. Thank you for stopping by!

Tattoo this Blog.

Writing prompt: Write about a reality in which the only way to publish a book is on human skin.

This is what I wrote:

Good morning, you have 30 new updates. The shower cycle is: On. Please press: OK to continue your morning routine. Thank you. Calisthenics will begin in 30 seconds.

The morning news fills the room as Jared begins his morning routine. The yellow-green sunrise peaking through the metal shutters never seems to change any more. The faint memory of his grandfather enters his mind as his electronic art hanging in the narrow hallway switches to an image of him reading his favorite book. Jared didn’t know much about books and always maintained a puzzled memory of his grandfather reading.

A familiar clicking sound was beckoning him in the kitchen where his breakfast was made ready for him the minute his shower cycle had finished. His breakfast shake was ready and as soon as he finished he set about his day.

Music surrounds the hallway outside of his apartment. A familiar tune, he thinks to himself, as he hums along and walks to the front of his building. Today is the first day of his new job.

Jared has a new job every three days. Today he will be a Marketing Executive for Billcom, and industrial credit company, that employs only the finest Market Executives. Rehearsing his presentation that he is briefed on while on his way to work, there is a confident air about him and he knows that this job will land him at least 30 points. Fortunately, he thinks to himself, rent is covered for this week.

Immediately he arrives at the docking port for his new job and is greeted by the docking attendant. “Good Morning , Jared Han, please enter your identification card for job verification and office access.”

Swiping his card he can’t help but say aloud, “I don’t think I will ever get used to this.” The robotic doorman’s default response rings as always, “Very good Sir, thank you.”

Billcom was a monolithic structure, one of the new fly-rise buildings on the lower East Quadrant. Since 2045 the buildings have been getting higher and higher off the Terra and a giant like Billcom was one of the highest. Despite its unique enormity the lobby had the same tart citrus smell as every other place he has worked. Fortunately at an Executive level he won’t have to deal with the smell; his office will be his own.

Flashing to attention as he enters his office, three monitors click in to operation mode and begin displaying the Billcom logo and an electronic representation of the CEO’s voice begins.

“Good morning Mr. Han. You will find all of your necessary access codes on the tablet in your lower left-hand drawer. Please enter your access card in to the tablet to begin your morning download. You presentation is expected in 15 minutes. Your tablet will direct you to the appropriate meeting place. Thank you.”

To be continued?? 

(Probably not.)

The Game Plan

There are moments when all one can do is to escape. Built upon a lifetime of seeking comfort from everything painful teeters the ability to risk and survive. The day when you said something hurtful just to escape. The day you convinced yourself that the world wasn't right for you. Those times when your perfect plans crumble like volcanic ash because of one mistake. Perhaps it was many mistakes. The grueling hours you are forced to wait to apologize. The sleepless nights. The meals you all of a sudden had no taste for. The irony of the fact that your escape plan has led you to a place of exile. You avoided your choices, neglected your freedoms, and sacrificed your hope. Escape is never a plan to live by. Escape is your last option. It is silly to believe that this world is a prison. It is impossible. Everyone holds the keys that unlock doors of personal freedom. All men and women in their own ways must discover these doors. Living as a refugee, constantly trying to escape, hiding your keys and fearing the doors will never lead to freedom. Escape is never a plan to live by. Escape is your last option.

You to Me

I couldn't make up

I couldn't write down

A story untold

The world around

That special spark

To this smoldering ground

Requiring just me

My smile, my frown

With great torrents of love

Your unshaken faith

Brings solid ground

Where I lay my face

On the track just to hear

The train coming down

I have no need to worry

Since you are around

Pictures of Me

What will it take to raise the stakes
To release my heart out to the banks
To dive deep in to sweet love's lake
I stop at the shore to contemplate

For all that you are to me
Your eyes make me see
But strangely enough
It is my own eyes that set me free

Full-knowing my doubt and fear
Yet seeing my own face crystal clear
Fearful, dreading, even more
Of love I have never seen before

Not different to you this smile I bring
But to me it is sharp, calm, and comforting
For I above all know the looks of my face
Now blissfully changed and reflecting your grace