'She plays her vinyl records/ Singing songs on the eve of destruction'

I just want to take the time to say this: (and I couldn't resist the title)
I HAVE THE "1,000 HOURS" E.P. !!!!
Yes, that's right. I totally forgot that Reprise Records re-issued all of Green Day's albums on vinyl- every single one! So in addition to the fabled '1,000 Hours' E.P. I also have "Slappy" and the original '39/Smooth' L.P. It's really amazing to say that I now own these things...they're such 'fabled' items to obtain. And at this point, I just really like like looking at them. Everything is completely the way it's supposed to be...replicated to a tee! Anyway, it's so amazing to have these vinyl copies. I love having those records, because everything seems so much large than life, y'know? Like it's been completely blown up so you can see every possible detail and you just kind of lose yourself in it. I love listening to them and re-hear all those songs as if for the first time! I love the artwork, and the goofy pictures of the band inside, and the cramped, hand-written lyrics inside.
But '1,000 Hours' is still my favorite.
I'm not really sure why, though...Maybe it's because on the back it says, 'Billy: guitar, hat, Mike: bass, hair, John: drums, bus." Or maybe it's because every time I pull out the teeny vinyl .45 and it says copyright 1991 on it. OR maybe I absolutely love the whole damn thing because it has handwritten lyrics and doodles and blurry pictures and hastily scribbled thank-yous.
And the only thing that proves it's a reissue would be the fact it says 'greenday.com' in the lower left hand corner. ;)
So, I encourage those of you who haven't ever heard a record before to go out and find one of them! It certainly opens up a whole new perspective on your favorite band.
And yes, the Green Day-ness won't stop. ;)

'Wasted Youth and a Fistful of Ideals...'

So this entry is not going to be as giddy and happy as the previous. One good thing, however, is that the new Green Day album has comfortably slipped right in with the others, meaning that I absolutely love it. But, I'm not sure if I can continue to find reassurance in these songs without it reminding me of a ridiculous twist of fate.

There is a concert on July 14th. The band is coming to Detroit to play at the Palace of Auburn hills.

And I will not be going.

I figured I would start asking around about it, seeing as how the date is coming up, and all the answers I received were incredulous looks and a flat-out 'No.' You might be thinking, who cares, right? Who decides for you what you can and can't do? Well...unfortunately there is such a thing as living under the same roof with your parents, who therein decide what you can and cannot do. So you see my dilemma. It's times like these when I really hate being an optimistic teenager who sees everything falling into place so she can see her favorite band play on a Tuesday night. Unusually, my parents and I have gotten along fairly well these past couple of years, so for them to not understand this kind of thing really makes me mad. They hear me blasting the new album every other day, put up with me talking about it, not to mention the fact that the DVR is clogged with me recording their gigs on GMA, SNL and a few other spots where they've graced the television screen.

So...I don't understand why they would balk at something like this. The one explanation I've gotten made some sort of sense: that they wouldn't be comfortable with me running around Detroit by myself at 7:30 at night. I can understand that part, but I wouldn't go by myself; I would definitely take a friend with me. I even offered to take my father with me, but that didn't work. Of course.

I understand that they've done a lot for me this past month, what with Graduation and all... which is why I offered to buy the tickets myself. But that didn't work either!!! My last shot was my sister and her fiance, but my mother got to her before I could.

It really feels as though EVERYTHING is conspiring against me, like I'm not meant to see them. It wouldn't be so bad if it didn't' feel as though I was never going to get a chance to see them play again. It really feels that way! After they're done with America, they'll be in Europe for like, a year! And then when they comeback, I'll be in college, have a job, and I wont' get to see them AGAIN.

I admit it sounds stupid to those who can't understand how important this is to me, but....Jeezus. I've been wanting to see this band since I was thirteen. I've missed every chance I've ever gotten to see them, because I was 'too young,' too late, or it was too far away for me to go. So I just don't understand how when the absolutely perfect time comes, it-doesn't-come-to-fruition!!! It makes me feel like this is only the beginning of the next round of disappointments. And not to mention every time I listen to them, now it comes across as bittersweet. It drives me insane. I'm left hoping that I will soon 'grow' out of this phase, because I can't stand the thought of that emotion weighing me down EVERY time I listen to them!! *sigh* Where is that little ray of hope that I keep holding out for?! Did I bring all this stupidity on to myself????

Probably, as is usual.

...I guess I'll just have to keep listening to the live albums, close my eyes and pretend I'm there... At least they can never disappoint me.

The Time Has Come Today!!

So how awesome will today be?! "21st Century Breakdown" comes out TODAY!! I am so uber excited!!! I've seriously been waiting forever- like four years just about. It's really going to be a great day, aside from the fact that I have a horrible unwillingness to do anything in school. Projects and Prom abound... ugh. But I am so happy that today marks the day in which the best album ever comes out. :D I think I'm taking a shot on that fact, but oh well. At this point, whatever is on the album will be sweet. I don't care if it's just a guitar playing for like a minute- at least I'll have something. (Although that would be disappointing. Please don't be like that). Ha. I Can't wait!! The coolest thing is that the band will be touring again, which means that I'll have the opportunity to see them when they come to town.... Sweet. However, the only thing that could possibly suck about going to see them would be the fact that I'm really short compared to everyone else and...yeah. I'd get pancaked in the mosh pit, like seriously. But it's really cool to know that the album- all EIGHTEEN tracks of it- complete with artwork and lyrics and all that.... will be MINE. Finally. I don't even really care that I'll be graduating in a month; Green Day seems to take center stage for me in my mind. Ha.Of course there is going to be some idiots out there who decide that they hate the album and will proceed to trash it, just because it's much more...imaginative than their previous ones. Well, that won't bother me too much, because I won't really care about that. If people want to be dumb and narrow-minded, that is completely up to them. :) Now if someone dares to call them sellouts, however...
....that's a story for a different day....
Peace. And I'm off to buy the thing!! Oh Happy Day! ;)

Anticipation

...It's killer. I am completely serious about that. And I really haven't been writing in this thing- jeez. Sorry about that. But, yeah. The new Green Day album is coming out in MAY. The 16th. That's a month away, and I still have to wait. It wouldn't be so dang bad if they weren't playing all those lovely 'secret shows' in the Bay Area that I won't ever get to see.
Crap.
But that's okay, too, because I know that Green Day is out and about again and is ready to kick Rock and Roll right in the behind- as it so deserves. *sigh* Why must it always be Green Day to come in and take care of business? Oh well, I'm not complaining. :) I actually broke my own stupid rules a few days ago and watched some of the shows on YouTube. It's not like 20 seconds of music and grainy film footage would ruin anything for me, but I digress. At any right, the music sounds awesome, and I'm completely in love with this song called "East Jesus Nowhere." "Last Night on Earth" also sounds so beautiful- I know that song is going to kill me. Figuratively, of course. But I just want to scream sometimes, because I'm so freaking excited for this album to come out. No one else could probably understand this, but this music means the world to me, and often times it's the only thing that actually makes sense in my life. (Not to mention offering me good advice at times.) It's just going to be great- AND the single of "Know Your Enemy" comes out tomorrow!!!! Whee! Maybe I'll have a little review or something...I dunno.
Each song that I manage to hear or whatever lyrics I manage to write sends a great smile across my face. It's all so cool and hopeful.
And Lord knows we need a lot more hope these days. I can't wait!

Awesome!

This is the cover art for Green Day's new album. It's sooooo cool. I'm totally excited! (Thanks to GDA for the pic!!) ;) I love it, and I can't wait! There was even a tiny little blip of a new song I heard somewhere...not enough to even take anything from, but so cool! I seriously, can't wait. Call me what you will, but I love it. What do you think of the artwork? Reminds me of old school 70's punk. Sweet, no? :)

Drummer Boy

Today, at the risk of sounding stupid, I'm going to write about a drummer. I actually am. But this guy isn't just any old drummer that I randomly picked from some where.

He's Tre Cool.

I mean, honestly. What can I say about him that already hasn't been said in his name? The man is a great drummer. He's no Neil Peart or John Bonham, but he doesn't have to be. Tre is the everyman's kind of drummer. But what's so great about him is his sheer energy. The guy is an enigma or something. Anything and everything he does has some kind of unstoppable energy to it. He almost demands your attention in a way, and I think every drummer should have that kind of attitude. It gets him noticed, that's for sure. This is a guy who sets his drum kit on fire and still plays the stupid thing! How crazy is that? I'm sure there's probably some other dude out there who does the exact same thing, but Tre is just someone you don't see every day. Rarely are there drummers out there who have the ability and the stamina to play as long as he does, and play what he does. He can go from punk rock, to some weird jazz, to whatever else. He's an all around great drummer.

Why am I inspired to write about him, you might ask? I was recently listening to Green Day, and the song "Hitchin' a Ride" came on. Not only that, but I was talking about him with a friend today. But the song is more important. It's one of my favorite songs, but the drums are what carry it. I think that's part of the reason why I like the song; the drums and the basslines get in my head, and I end up singing it the rest of the day. I think it's such a great song, both to sing and have in your head...I owe part of that to Tre. It's a great sound, I guess. 'cymbal-snare-base-cymbal-snare-base.' It's really cool; it gives the song a great staccato feel and the sensation of spinning out of control- but I'm not doing the song any justice at all. It was my fave for awhile.

...I think drummers may get ignored a little bit. That isn't fair. They tend to be the most talented of people, and, in Tre's case, secretly crazy. 'They say' that a drummer's crazy because his brain gets rattled around in his head all the time....who knows if that's true?

But the best thing about Tre is his craziness. He brings a great attitude to the band. He usually lightens up the mood. No matter how serious the band gets, he's always there to make fun of something. I can't sit here and describe how strange this guy can be some times. It makes me sound kind of silly, doesn't it?

I think what I'm trying to say is, Tre speaks for all drummers, in a way. I'm sure there are people out there who follow his example. I just hope they don't hurt themselves trying to be like him. Not only does he set a good example for future drummers, but he's one that can carry a song; make or break it. Songs like "Hitchin' a Ride," "Minority," and "Give Me Novocaine" are all drum-heavy, and they're better for it. I guess I'm just trying to explain how all the musicians in a favorite band shouldn't be ignored. Next time, watch for the face behind the drum kit. There's most likely another kooky personality flailing behind it.

"Do you have the time to listen to me whine?"

Hey. I just would like to state that I'm never 'happy-go-lucky' all the time. There are certain days when I just feel like smashing something against the wall...or whatever.
So, yeah.... I'd like to think that I'm an authority on music, Punk Rock in general, and I think I can safely say that I am one of a lonely minority..... I think my problem is I love music too much. I consider that a good thing, but other people don't understand it. I can't get through the day without music, let alone through the week. To paraphrase Billie Joe, (and yeah, I'm a Green Day freak), "music is what I breathe; it's the blood that flows in my veins; I don't know what I'd do without it." It's pretty much the same with me. If I didn't have my music...I'm pretty sure I would be the most boring person in the world. It just makes me an overall happier person, and makes me more intelligent (or at least sound that way). What people don't understand is why I love it so much. One of my pet peeves, the thing that really cheeses me off, (and boy, I hate how that sounds) is when someone tells me to stop singing a song. Or to shut up about music all together, because no one cares about it. Being the 'rude girl' that I am, I know this shouldn't faze me; I know I should just ignore it, but I can't . It's more frustrating when it's friends that are telling me to shut up. Then I get all melodramatic and think that I'm all alone and blah, blah, blah. I'm probably not, but it certainly feels that way some times.
Is it stupid of me to think about this kind of crap all the time? It comes into my mind often, but usually I just ignore it, hoping I'm just being and idiot. I worry sometimes about not loving music as much as I do now when I'm older. Like, as soon as I hit college I'll become some kind of moron who suddenly regards her punk tastes as 'a passing phase from my teen years.' If that ever happens, I swear I will realize it one day, and slap myself over the head with "American Idiot," respectively. But it's ridiculous to think of all this, isn't it? That won't happen. I'll make sure it won't. In fact, now that I think about it, I won't let it happen. I care too much about this stuff to not care about it in the future. I want to be able to share this music with my friends new and old, use it as a getaway from the drudgery of reality, or even share it with my children later on. Ah, I can just see it now: my little spiky-haired son running about as the Ramones or Green Day blares from the speakers in the living room....
Yeah....writing helps, as always. I bet no one was expecting the post to take that kind of weird turn at the end there, but who cares? I'll just leave it at that. I'm better now.... :) *by the way, the title comes from "Basket Case..."

"I Can See the Ledge Now..."

First, I hope everyone had a very happy Halloween! Second, the title of this post takes it's name from one of my favorite songs, "27th Ave. Shuffle," by the Foxboro Hot Tubs. I chose to use this because...the election is right around the corner. I certainly see this as something incredibly important, and certainly historical. This is the first and only election that I have ever followed so closely. I have to say before I continue that I support Senator Barack Obama. I have researched both candidates (awhile ago) and reached this conclusion. I agree with Obama on several issues, and I think he is a likely candidate to run the country. I know that some people may not agree with me on this, but I don't want to alienate anyone who may read this... Everyone is entitled to their opinion, especially on a subject like this.

But I have paid close attention to this race. I am happy to do this though, because I can start to develop myself politically and judge for myself who is next to become president. Some of it is very interesting, and some of it I find completely maddening. I honestly become so angry at certain political figures I feel like beating the crap out of something. The Republican Party is often the cause of such strife. If I'm feeling a bit crazy, I'll watch maybe ten minutes of Fox News and suddenly feel like I have a higher IQ than most of those 'political analysts' the news network holds so high in regard. I could easily turn this post into some insane left wing rant against the Republicans and John McCain, but I won't. But I will say this: JOE THE PLUMBER NEEDS TO GO AWAY RIGHT NOW!!! You were never that important to begin with! I honestly couldn't believe it when I saw him standing next to Sarah Palin, looking all 'righteous' and celebrated, as if he truly believed the campaign cared about him. Wasn't it blatantly obvious to him that they wanted him to gain votes?!! Or did he just do it for the money, which would render the point he was trying to make in the beginning moot? Am I just rambling right now, most-likely becoming too know-it-all for my own good? Hmmm....

All in all...It's just so much to think about, especially for my cobwebby mind. I'm not even sure if I'm supposed to writing stuff like this yet, but I'm sure my teacher won't mind. (I hope)

I guess my main point is this: VOTE. The more people that do this, the better. I don't think it matters who you're voting for, as long as you DO IT. Vote your conscious if nothing else!!! Please! and if the candidates get on my nerves too much, there's always a 'fourth party:' Billie Joe Armstrong. There's a president we need!!!