Wastin' Away on the North Coast
 

Friday, October 27 2006

Episode 22: Best of Lists, Worst of Lists

Show Notes:
Recorded Wednesday, October 25 2006, (9:30 PM - 11:00 PM) at the Zodiac Racquet Club in Southgate MI
    “The long awaited best/worst discussion; and fueled by pizza and beer (’Roni Rage?) the trio even pick fights with their listeners!”

    The wait is over!  And oh is it worth it!
    Not our show of course.  I was actually practicing my announcing for when something good or of interest happens.  Until then, it’s just another episode of our podcast.  A little longer show than planned; but then again, we’re taking another break next week, so it can tide you over till November 8.  (Joe and Mike will be seeing Roger Clyne next week and I’ll be eating my Halloween candy.)
    By the way,  I created an iTunes iMix (yeah, I know; I’m a couple years behind) of the Buffett cover versions we sometimes discuss.  You can reach the page here, and of course you need iTunes to use it.

      >  Download Episode 22

Tuesday, October 24 2006

Changes

    Over the last several days, you’ve probably encountered this —

— rather than the usual blog template.  Evidently this site’s server host, iPowerWeb.com, has been throttling SQL queries to 50,000, which I hear is quite low.  With the growing interest in our podcast and constant hits from searchbots and the usual phentermine spammers, the blog has been going offline every other day.  Often, I can catch this and repair it, but the more it happens the more irritating it gets.
    Thus, I have moved the blog to our other domain, hosted at Bluehost.com.  All the entries should be intact and all the comments should have been retained.  The blog also has a simpler URL than the old convoluted “http://www.shortfatguy.com/blog.php/jbcast/index” one from before.
    Hopefully waters should be less choppy here.

Saturday, October 21 2006

Episode 21: The Greeks Don’t Want No Freaks

Show Notes:
Recorded Wednesday, October 18 2006, (10:00 PM - 11:00 PM) in the Zodiac Racquet Club parking lot in Southgate MI
    “Admittedly, this is not the show we intended. Two guys didn’t show and our recording studio was double-booked. We’re holding off on the best/worst lists we planned, and instead we’ll just stick with the usual crap.”

    Like we said, Schmoe and Mike and I assembled at Zodiac in order to record a show, but our private room was occupied by a group of Hellenic gentlemen.  I can only assume they’re part of some Downriver Greek-American Club or the like.  They took their time in leaving and we ended up just recording the show elsewhere, in Schmoe’s Freestyle.  The audio might sound a little different, not only because we’re inside a vehicle.  Due to space restrictions I used my recorder’s built-in mics rather than stringing out my cool Core Sound mics.  —Oh, and I better not hear anything about us kidding Greeks.  I’m half-Greek and I was only one-eighth offended.
    Because Greg is in Chicago and Scott couldn’t make it, we decided to hold off in discussing our best/worst lists.  (And it has nothing to do with my failure to print out any of the listener submissions before going to the racquet club.)  This means there’s still time to send us your responses to the questions in the entry below.
    If I listened to radio, I would’ve known these are the Bud commercials Mike was talking about.  The Corona WAV probably came from the COB,O.org Vault or maybe the old SOASOAS archive.  I can’t remember any more, as it was downloaded long ago in the olden days when people used 1.44 MB diskettes.
    As with the last episode, we’re discussing the original versions of “Cinqo de Mayo in Memphis” by Guy Clark and “Wheel Inside the Wheel” by Mary Gauthier.
    Hopefully Schmoe can provide some images of his iPod Nano knockoff “MP4 Player”.  For now, it kind of looks like this one.  What is really galling is that the eBay auction was full of images right from Apple’s site and assurances that the item was “genuine”.  And this from a presumably trustworthy power seller.  Too bad Schmoe didn’t read this warning first.
    Just to help Schmoe schedule his physical violence, here’s a reminder for him (with most of the quote, in the comments).
    P.S.: Yes, I know my HDTV buying habits have little to do with Jimmy Buffett (though it will make watching the Wrigley Field concert even nicer), but I left the comment in to set up Mike’s joke.  By the way, this is the TV I might be getting.)

      >  Download Episode 21

Friday, October 13 2006

Homework

    While waiting for our next show, why not play the Wastin’ Away on the North Coast Home Game?
    We drafted up a short list of topics for discussion and we’re eager to find out what your thoughts are too.

  1)  All time greatest Buffett song
  2)  All time greatest Buffett album
  3)  All time worst Buffett song
  4)  All time worst Buffett album

    We’re thinking an objective all-time best here—not necessarily your personal favorites.  What song or album do you think best represents Jimmy, or would be your one pick to win over a non-fan.  Send your ideas to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). 

Tuesday, October 10 2006

New Album’s Out and I’m Fresh On iTunes

    I couldn’t wait for tomorrow and I bought the new album from iTunes.  Tipping the scales was the fact the iTMS version has a video I hadn’t heard about.  It’s not the “Here We Are” song; it’s a mini-doc on the making of “Party at the End of the World”.  And it culminates in some live footage reportedly shot at Pine Knob!
    If so, that means you can see me in this final shot.  I’m the one applauding…way at the back…in the dark spot.

Friday, October 06 2006

Episode 20: Schmoe’s on Wednesday

Show Notes:
Recorded Wednesday, October 4 2006, (7:30 PM - 9:30 PM) at Casa de Schmoe in Dearborn MI
    “Thanks to Radio Margaritaville, Sirius 31, we got to hear Jimmy’s new album ahead of its October 10 release date. Here are our pizza-and-tequila-fueled thoughts on the new material, from our listening party at Casa de Schmoe.”

    Scott and I assembled at Schmoe’s house by six to listen to Radio Margaritaville’s preview of Take the Weather With You.  Mike showed up about a half hour late, due to his long commute from work.  Although scheduled for two hours, the preview lasted more like ninety minutes.  We started recording almost immediately afterward, sitting around Schmoe’s kitchen table.  Without wallyball or racquetball (or golf) preceding it, what we assumed would be a big night of podcasting actually ended earlier than our usual Wednesdays.
    The pizzas came from Benito’s.  The Coronas, margaritas, and Twisted Teas were Schmoe’s.
    If you’ve forgotten, Hud’s cameo starts off Episode 7.
    Here’s some “Free Bird” history.  And here’s some “Curtis Lowe” history.
    Scott pictures Heather Dee Perry.
    Scott’s Brush with Greatness: Shock coach and former Piston Bill Laimbeer and former Lion coach Steve Mariucci.
    Upon further reflection, “Cinqo de Mayo in Memphis” reminds me even more of “Clichés” than “Cuban Crime of Passion”.  And I forgot to mention the presence of banjos in “Wheel Inside the Wheel”.  Is this the first appearance of banjos in a JB album?
    The guys yelled at me for adding “Cha cha cha” intermittently to “Silver Wings”, during the Sirius show.
    Some of our research was helped by the fact the original versions of “Weather With You”, “Cinqo de Mayo in Memphis”, “Elvis Presley Blues”, “Wheel Inside the Wheel”, “Silver Wings” are available on iTunes. 
    Have fun listening to the album when it comes out!  See you in a couple weeks.  And, finally, how ’bout our new theme song!
    P.S.: so, did you hear the news?  Jimmy was arrested for injecting heroin in a Turkish airport.  ...Actually, French authorities insist they found Ecstasy during a baggage check.  Jimmy has stated that the pills were actually a vitamin supplement called Foltx, and that customs was confused by a heart shape imprinted on the pills.  Looks like Jimmy might be telling the truth.

      >  Download Episode 20

Friday, September 29 2006

Episode 19: Playing Us Losers Again

Show Notes:
Recorded Wednesday, September 27 2006, (9:30 PM - 11:30 PM) at Zodiac Racquet Club in Southgate MI
    “Scott, Mickey, Mike, and Schmoe review License to Chill, look back at the last concert, and look forward to the new album.”

    I know the title is presumptuous, but it was the best I could do this late at night.  (Not that we’re losers—that you will play us [and then do so again].)
    This week’s episode kicks off with an immediate defection: Don, our resident Michael Bolton fan.
    I don’t remember when Emeril came to Michigan, but I guess it was some time in the late 90s.
    The only “occupational hazard” I found in 21 Jump Street is a chapter name of “The Narc” episode in the Season 3 DVD box set.  And The Doctor, a 1991 film starring William Hurt, was mentioned as “Why Don’t We Get Drunk and Screw” plays a part in the story.
    My apologies for the audio dropouts during the JB interview.  It was recorded off the Sirius downstream feed.
    Jimmy’s new album features several covers.  We sought those out on iTunes and were planning to base the episode on our impressions of these songs—our attempt at a scoop.  But this also meant we’d be reviewing the same songs twice, once the new album is released.  It was Joe’s idea to review the most recent album instead, License to Chill.  Although I like the songs, I have a hard time remembering that this is in the discography.  I guess it’s because of all the guest stars; it feels more like a “various artists compilation” or tribute album more than a “Buffett album”.  License to Chill was released July 13 2004, the nineteenth anniversary of Live Aid.
    I was confused in my discussion of “Quietly Making Noise”.  We heard it July 4 1993, during the Chameleon Caravan tour.  The Fruitcakes tour I mentioned obviously followed the Fruitcakes album, in 1994.
    The Sports Illustrated CD-ROM can be seen here (bottom right).
    This is the e-mail Scott sent out, the morning the CD was released.
 

From: Scott
Sent: Tuesday, July 13, 2004 2:09 AM
To: All
Subject: License to Chill Review

    Well, jumped out of bed at 11:30 to hit Meijer’s CD department.  The kid working the aisle was moderately upset because he had chosen to start with the new Pistons DVD and did not really want to dig through the boxes of CD’s at that moment.  However I convinced him I was not in a hurry and would help him stock the pistons DVD that he chose to start with.  10 minutes later we were done and he went to find my CD, after another 10 minutes he came back with my $15 CD—which I thought was outrageous, but Jimmy needs the money!  At the register it rang up $9.98.  I was pleasently surprised!
    So I walked hastily to my car tearing off the plastic and having a reserved yet good feeling.  After all, this was supposed to be a Country album and my friends know Country scares me!  But, for Jimmy I would ride the tide and remain open-minded!!

Song One:  “Hey Good Lookin’” (Clint Black, Kenny Chesney, Alan Jackson and some more country people):  We all know the song and CMT has been playing the heck out of the video.  It’s an ok song it will be fun in concert.
Song Two:  “Boats to Build” with Alan Jackson:  Solid Buffett.  Easy to listen to.  This song will grow on me!  Well be fun to sing in concert!
Song Three:  “License to Chill”  with Kenny Chesney:  Same as above
Song Four:  “Coast of Carolina”:  Stopped on this one and listened to it twice!  Great Buffett!!  This is an outstanding song both lyrically and musically!  Thank you Jimmy—you still have got it!!
Song Five:  “Piece of Work” with Toby Keith:  This song is has interesting lyrics I’ll have to listen to it a couple of times to be sure but it seems good!
Song 6:  “Anything Anytime Anywhere”:  This song is going to have to grow on me.  My initial reaction is to put it at the end of my iPod “License to Chill” playlist!
Song 7:  “Trip around the Sun” with Martina McBride:  I like the two of them together.  I think they sound good!  It is pretty twangy but I won’t skip to the next song!
Song 8: “Simply Complicated”:  This song reminds me of “Math Suks”!  It’s fun but nothing you are going to be humming.  Put it at the end of your JB mix, next to “Math Suks”!
Song 9:  “Coastal Confessions”:  Once again Buffett reminds us of why we follow him!  Solid song!!
Song 10: “Sea of Heartbreak” with George Strait:  Very Country, but you can listen to it!
Song 11: “Conky Tonkin’”  with Clint Black:  (This was the original title of the Album according to my sources.)  This is classic country and to be honest I don’t like Clint Black at all.  It will be near the bottom of my playlist!
Song 12: “Playin’ the Loser Again” will Bill Withers:  Once again, very country but I enjoyed this one a little better then the last!  The song behind the country is a good song!  Bill Withers sounds good.  The second time around I enjoyed this song even more!  God, I hope I am not becoming a redneck!
Song 13:  “Window on the World”:  I enjoyed this song first time out.  Moved its way to #3 on the play list!
Song 14:  “Someone I Used to Love” with Nancy Griffith:  This does not sound like a Buffett song at all.  Not knowing Country I have never heard of Nanci Griffith, but they sound good together.  Damn, I think I am going to have to buy a beat-up pickup truck and a dog and start drinking beer!!
Song 15:  “Scarlet Begonias”:  This is a solid tune!  Great concert song!  This will move to #1 on the playlist!
Song 16:  “Back to the Island”:  Jimmy reminds us that he has not forgot his roots and will indeed return to the islands!

    All in all, a solid album and has this boy enjoying a short boat ride through the Country!  As long as it is a short ride I am willing to expand my horizon and I give this album an enthusiastic thumbs up!!
    2:08 AM!  That’s a wrap!!

    Incidentally, this is the first episode with our new logo artwork.  It was designed by my niece Heather, who runs Asteriou Designs.  As Joe said, it looks too professional for our little podcast, but we’ll use it anyway.

      >  Download Episode 19