No Doy: Thanksgiving Edition

Hank! Hank! Hank!

There's something about Hank Williams that sets him apart from all other musicians. The way his songs are delivered exudes the sincerity of a long lost friend who has something that they've been meaning to tell you. There's a certain earnestness in his voice that cannot be imitated or feigned. All of these attributes shine through the recent release of previously unreleased recordings found here. This three disc set prominently features songs originally intended for the ears of farmers, small-town merchants, housewives and shut-in's preparing to start their day across rural America. Thanks to a few miracles, these recordings have been saved, preserved, and returned to the masses almost 60 years after the fact. Hank's ascent to stardom at the age of 25 was thanks in large part to the track "Cold, Cold Heart" (found below, along with some others that I dig on). He lived a short life dying at the age of 29 but he has left an indelible mark on the landscape of music.
On a side note: It really irks me when people refer to certain music as being "old" first and foremost. Granted, this music belongs to a period in time that seems distant, but that fact is far down the totem poll of noteworthy characteristics. Music is the product of raw human emotion (when it's done right). Do we also refer to other forms of personal expression as being 'old'. When we laugh or cry do people say, "man, you're being so prehistoric!". My point is that music floats in a space that exists beyond time. Besides, time is only relative. Our own existence is but a slice from the tip of an eyelash. Rant over.

1,000 Words is Worth a Picture

So lately I've been trying to get back into the habit of carrying a camera with me at all times. It has been slow goings of late. I like to blame it on the fact that my surrounding foot travels does not lend itself to interesting imagery. But alas, I can only blame myself :P. Above is a picture taken at a red light. I may revisit the site for some more in depth shots. If you'd like to see more of my photographs then please check out my flickr page.

No Doy: 3rd Edition

I think it's a legitimate question.

No Doy: 2nd Edition

An Ode to Flamenco

To me, flamenco embodies all that is great about music. There's a certain rawness and honesty embedded within its sound. It's exotic and primal. It's human. The guitar strings the beat of the heart and... whoa. I don't think it can be described without waxing all poetic like. I also just developed a sexily mysterious mustache in the process of writing this post. The end.

The Birth of 'No Doy'

People, I don't just take from the mouth of the internet. I give back and feed the nourishing mother as one should. And thus 'No Doy' has been sprung.

Made in China

I just happened to stumble across this video recently and have been pretty much watching it on a daily basis ever since. These guys need to tour the states immediately. Notice how they tear the roof off the mother sucker without that aid of electricity. I wonder if this is available as a ring tone...hmmm

It's Just a Ride.

My updating skills have been dwindling of late. If I keep going at this rate this blog may be extinct by December, but fear not! I shall press on. Hopefully I will be reinvigorated by this life affirming message from the one and only Bill Hicks. He's occasionally cold, cruel, and vicious (by his own account) but it makes his words no less true. This clip starts off with positive drug stories and ends with a poignant declaration of our being. Some choice quotes. "Today a young man on acid realized that all matter is merely energy condensed to a slow vibration, that we are all one consciousness experiencing itself subjectively, there is no such thing as death, life is only a dream, and we are the imagination of ourselves. Here's Tom with the weather!" and, "Look at my furrows of worry!"

What Does Become of the Broken Hearted?

I don't know exactly how it happens. You hear a legendary song throughout the years of your life and perhaps it becomes taken for granted; pushed into the background. Than all of a sudden it comes rushing out towards you as if you've never heard a note of it before. That was the case for me with Jimmy Ruffin's 'What Becomes of the Broken Hearted.' If I had to describe the song in a single word it would be 'massive'. There are just so many beautiful elements to soak in. The horns, the vocals, the lyrics, the passion. Simply massive.