Scott Colbert's Blog, page 8
February 14, 2013
Detritus
Cover for a sampler of my writing.
February 7, 2013
Music of the Spheres
I wrote this in June of 2010 and rereading it, there’s nothing I would change.
Songs Which Defined A Decade
Posted: June 9, 2010 in Uncategorized
Thanks to my twitter follower and friend @chrism799 for the idea for this blog entry. He tweeted asking about favorite song from the ’80s, and my response was that the ’80s defined my life and musical tastes and I couldn’t pick just one. He suggested making a list, and so here it is. This is by no means a definitive list, but simply the 25 songs that made an impact on me in some way. I’m relying only on memory for the songs, but have looked up the year they were released. They’re in no particular order and when available I’m providing the youtube link.
1. Relax – Frankie Goes to Hollywood (1982) This was actually the first song that came to mind when Chris asked the question. I’m not sure why, other than it seems to typify the overblown, overly dramatic dance music that many think of when the ’80s are mentioned. Oh I guess the the theme of the song, having an Orgasm had something to do with it, but it was a great song then and still holds up today. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kV5SJgWoDOs.
2. Abacab – Genesis (1981) The first album of the ’80s by Genesis, saw a much stripped down and poppier release than anything else previously. Gone were the prog rock songs from the Gabriel era, and yet Abacab is one of the last vestiges of the days gone by. I much prefer a live version of this song, as it packs more punch, and it features Phil singing at his screaming best. In this youtube clip when Phil goes back on the drumkit and plays along with Chester Thompson is nothing short of breathtaking. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dk4OVoJZrBU&feature=related
3. In the Air Tonight – Phil Collins(1982) I might be double dipping here and there, but truly one of the classic songs from that decade was In the Air Tonight; not just for the booming drums, but also for all the urban myths surrounding the lyrics and what they meant. Again another live performance with more stellar drumming from Phil and Chester. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G82VUCzrhQo&feature=related
4. White Wedding Part 1 -Billy Idol (1982) Billy Idol was my first MTV crush. The first time I saw him, and this video, I got a raging hardon that wouldn’t go away. From the platinum blonde hair, to the sneer, and the leather pants, Idol and this song oozes hard, hot sweaty sex. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AAZQaYKZMTI&feature=fvst
5. Script for a Jester’s Tear – Marillion(1983) This is simply one of the best songs by one of the best bands with one of the best singers I’ve ever heard. Anyone who knows me well, knows my absolute unadorned love for the early Marillion music, and Fish, the lead singer (who will make an appearance on the list later) in particular. For me this will always be a song tied to a bad breakup for me in 1990, but back in ’83 it was simply a catharsis I wouldn’t begin to comprehend. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gaBjdLQ0LJ0
6. Like A Virgin – Madonna (1984) Any list wouldn’t be complete without Madonna, and this song represents everything I loved about her in the early days, fun, slightly slutty and way ahead of her time.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VgkOCJ9PGkk
7. Wild Boys – Duran Duran(1984) Like Madonna, no list about ’80s music is complete without Duran Duran; however instead of choosing the obvious, it’s The Wild Boys that really desrves to be here. It had everything a horny teenager could want, hot men, leather and hints of bondage. all with a kick ass percussive sound. Aside from that it also reminds me of one of the great loves of my life, Jim S. who I met because of a love for DD’s music. The video is an extended version and well worth watching. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gCWyYOOS8FQ&feature=related
8. Bela Lugosi’s Dead – Bahaus(1979) Ok technically not a song from the ’80s but close enough. Bahaus’ classic song is nothing short of what goth truly is, before it got filled with CUre wannabes. It’s sleek, sexy and dangerous.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gCWyYOOS8FQ&feature=related
9. Soft Cell – Tainted Love(1981) A remake of a Gloria Jones song from 1964 that went nowhere then, was revived and made not only a staple of ’80s collections, but a classic song period. The first link is for the Soft Cell version and the second is for the original version. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p3fCFkl-BFU&feature=fvsrhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NSehtaY6k1U
10. Sex(I’m a…) – Berlin Yet another staple, but also one of the songs that immediately made me want to go out and get laid. As I said to Chris, More people fucked to Berlin in the ’80s than all the other groups combined.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=raq8maAutAE
11. Shock the Monkey – Peter Gabriel(1982) I remember the first time I heard this song. I was on the bus going to school, sitting in the back drooling over Steve M and his surfer boy good looks. I hated it at first. Maybe it was the tinny speakers on the bus that the driver insisted on blaring music from, but it grated on my nerves. Then I saw the video and it all made sense. I think. 28 years later I still love this song and think Gabriel is simply one of the best musicians around. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bo9riZYUpTw
12. Breakaway – Big Pig (1988) Too obscure to even be a one hit wonder, Big Pig was an Australian group of 7 musicians who only used percussion and a synth, plus vocals. The results are simply stunning. My roommate Joe A. turned me onto them and I fell in love immediately. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gBCcnazy88U
13. Beds Are Burning – Midnight Oil(1987) Another Australian group, and one of the most politically motivated of the time (moreso even than U2). M.O. made caring about things cool again. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yiq5QK_SBqs&feature=related
14. AEIOU Sometimes Y – Ebn Ozn (1983) One of my favorite electronic bands, their one and only album was a masterpiece, with not one bad song on it (in my opinion) This was their biggest hit. I still know every single word. I’m very happy to say the whole album is available as a download on Amazon. That was long overdue! http://vodpod.com/watch/95181-ebn-ozn-aeiou-somet-y
15. Safety Dance – Men Without Hats (1982) This is one of those songs that everyone thinks of when they think of the ’8o’s music, and who can blame them? It’s a fun, silly little song that forces you to get up and dance.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AjPau5QYtYs
16, Too Shy – Kajagoogoo(1983) Known as much for their hair as their music, Too Shy was an early favorite of mine, and seemed to be played on MTV once an hour. Lead singer Limahl has an incredibly soft and sweet voice, and uses it to full effect here. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FKIs_6qc4cQ
17. Cliche – Fish (1990) Though technically not in the ’80s (well okay not in a year with an eight in it), I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention one of the very best songs from Fish’s debut solo album. Frank Usher’s guitar work is absolutely incredible, in this song that is as romantic as it is fresh and unsappy (if that’s not a word it should be). http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5avmXNE59U
18. Hold Me Now – Thompson Twins(1983) Not only did lead singer Tom Bailey remind me of my b/f at the time Jim S, but his low seductive voice absolutely sent chills down my spine. The TT’s were one of those great bands that made a CD full of good to great songs that never made you regret picking up their work.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SpZ9gEKBoYI
19. Change – Tears for Fears(1983) Perhaps one of the more original of the new wave groups to come out of the ’80s, T4F never made a truly bad record. Change came from their first album The Hurting, which also has its most famous song, “Mad World”. I happen to remember Change far better. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZWAqZN-uJo
20. Dance Hall Days – Wang Chung (1984) I fell in love with this song when I first heard it, and it makes a great companion to the next song in the list as well. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V-xpJRwIA-Q
21. Come Dancing – The Kinks(1983) what can you say about seminal rock band The Kinks? They broke barriers with their song about a transvestite Lola in the ’60s and continued to produce classic music for decades. This is one of my absolute favorites from this time period. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gs2kFrGluKs
22. Let’s Dance – David Bowie(1983) I remember the first time I heard this was on our Senior SPring Fling for school. I was on a ferry going to Catalina Island, and I had to dance. I had to. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N4d7Wp9kKjA
23. Come On Eileen – Dexy’s Midnight Runners(1982) This song has been stuck in my head for almost 30 years. Now it’s your turn. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oc-P8oDuS0Q
24. Sweet Dreams(are made of this) Eurythmics(1983) What can I say about this one? It certainly played nonstop on my cassette player for a good long time. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qeMFqkcPYcg
25. Sunday Bloody Sunday – U2(1982) No list would be worth it’s salt without a mention of U2. The first song I ever heard from them was this one, and I was so blown away by its raw emotion, and political statement, it still rings with authenticity today. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TGwfh8agBc8
As I look at this list, I see a majority of the songs are from 81-84, and I think for me, as I was in high school those years, they certainly define everything musically for me. There are at least 25 more I could have added, but that has to be saved for another time.
February 6, 2013
New Beginnings
With the rerelease of Barbed Wire Kisses on my own, I decided to start a new blog that focuses mainly on writing-mine and the work of others. With that in mind, BWK will be available as a free kindle download on Feb 7-8.
http://www.amazon.com/Barbed-Wire-Kisses-ebook/dp/B00BBMGXMK/ref=pd_rhf_gw_p_t_1_HVYV
Over the next few weeks I’ll be posting pieces I’ve written on past blogs to keep them all in one place. I truly hope you enjoy it and thank you for your support.
January 7, 2013
Open letter to Crystal Wright
Crystal,
On Friday December 4, I tweeted probably the worst thing I could have. Regardless of my deleting it within minutes, I still did it. I used language and referred to you in ways no one should. I am deeply sorry for using this type of language. Regardless of our differences in ideology you didn’t deserve it. Please accept my apology for the insults and know it’s something I will never do again.
To Brad Thor, I also apologize for using the worst possible words against your friend. Were our roles reversed, I’m sure I would have done the same thing as you.
There is no excuse for my behavior, I was wrong and deeply ashamed I ever thought to tweet what I did.
Scott
December 15, 2012
Now on Nook and Kobo
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/barbe...
http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/Barbed...
November 26, 2012
New 4 Star review on Amazon
November 18, 2012
KHP Books e-book giveaway!
http://khpbooks.com/khp-giveaway/
November 7, 2012
Yes It Was A Mandate (but not for the reasons you think)
With the election cycle come and gone, the talking heads still hashing things out, (and as we still wait for FL to get its crap together), I’ve seen, read and absorbed a lot of opinions. I’ve pored over Nate Silver’s scarily accurate predictions, read the pieces on Huffington Post, and I even watched the local Fox news coverage (as well as browsing their website.
As a disclaimer, I am an Obama supporter, I’ve voted for him twice, and as a point of fact, never voted Republican. Having said that, I strive to be objective and see things from both sides. However, what I noticed and no one seems to see, is that this was a mandate of sorts.
In spite of the Republican Super Pacs vastly outspending Democrats (http://elections.nytimes.com/2012/campaign-finance/independent-expenditures/totals), the instances of voter misinformation (Jeff Flake’s robo calls to Democrats giving them the wrong date to vote and the misprinted Spanish dates here in Phoenix to name but two); in spite of the ads, in spite of the Koch Brothers and Karl Rove doing everything they could to sway this election, they failed.
However, the Presidential election was only one small part. One only has to look at some of the races, and propositions to see what was really happening. This was less a mandate on Obama’s guidance of the nation, as it was an attempt to steer the country back to a more centrist, common sense point of view.
Four initiatives regarding gay marriage were passed; two states approved recreational marijuana use; several of the tea party notables were ousted out of their jobs. Progressive Democrats were elected to the Senate and House. Women took a stand against the likes of Todd Akin and fought for their rights, Labor came back, and big business was told it’s not going to be business as usual.
These are all disparate elements, yet they do come together. They’re the parts of a larger view, the mandate. The attack on women’s issues, the rampant homophobia, the veiled racism of immigration reform (such as SB 1070 here in AZ), came to a halt-at least temporarily.
Yesterday’s election was about reclaiming our rights, our liberties and our pursuit of happiness from those who would deny us.
And that is a far more important notation to make. It wasn’t about Obama, it was about us. About our friends, family, mothers, sisters, brothers and fathers. It was about dignity, compassion and most of all respect for ourselves and one another.
Not everything was perfect, but it’s a start, and a very important one.
August 4, 2012
Live Places, Dead Spaces Preview
To celebrate my 500th follower on twitter, I’m posting the first chapter of my current work in progress. As it’s still early in the writing stages, much may be subject to change in the rewrite process. And of course it’s all copyrighted and may not be reproduced anywhere, etc etc. Any comments are always welcome.
Also a special mention to Steve Santerre for the idea of using the name Napoleon Santerre for the main character!
Napoleon Santerre sat in his parked car in front of the house where he grew up, looking for the ghosts. It was a bright September day, with a pleasant temperature. He’d rolled down Carleton Ave, with the windows open enjoying the cool breeze. It wasn’t until he turned right on Cleveland Street, the old 7-11 was still there with a full parking lot, that he began to feel sweat trickle down the nape of his neck. His grip on the leather covered steering wheel loosened as his hands went clammy. His eyes began to water, his stomach turned slightly as the neighborhood where he spent his childhood came into view.
Napoleon slowed at the intersection of Cleveland and Washington, crossed and parked by the side of the house. The trees that lined the side of the residence were gone and had been for a long while from all appearances. The white paint was sun beaten and peeling, like it suffered from a bad burn. The 5 foot high chain link fence was gone as were the shrubs that had dotted it along the property line nearly all the way around. The metal enclosure had been replaced by a wooden slat fence also the same worn, blistered white. Though he couldn’t see, Napoleon assumed it also went all the way around as well.
He took a deep breath, wiped sweat from his eyes and looked away from the place he called home the first 15 years of his life. The old man standing at his door and peering down into the window caused him to give a startled yelp.
“Everything okay young man?” he asked Napoleon.
“Jesus, aside from that heart attack you nearly caused, I’m fine.” He shut the engine off, took the keys from the ignition and made a motion for the man to step away so he could open the door.
The old man obliged in a most leisurely manner, his eyes never leaving Napoleon’s face. It was more than studying him, more than scrutinizing, it was unnerving and felt almost intrusive.
“You’re the Santerre kid, aren’t you?” Napoleon’s eyes widened, and his unease increased.
“I’m Paul, yeah..” he trailed off and recognition slowly dawned. “Mr. Hooksten?”
The old man smiled, “Yes, last I checked my ID I was. Might need to check yours too, I remember your name as Napoleon.” Napoleon thought he saw a smirk.
“Paul is easier. Less ass kicking’s too,” he told Mr. Hooksten. The old man smiled at that.
“Seems to me you had quite a few of those growing up.”
Paul blushed. “That I did,” he answered with not a little shame. He stared at the old man, and wondered exactly how old Hooksten was, Paul thought for sure he had to have been at least 70 when they moved…
…ran away…you left me Paulie….you left me to die…you all left me with them…
Paul shook his head slightly as if the jarring movement would make the memory fall out of his head and splatter onto the ground. Hooksten gave him a quizzical look. “You sure you okay?” Paul nodded.
“Just being here again, it’s been over 30 years. Like going back in time.”
Mr. Hooksten took him by the arm, and walked him across the street, to where he’d been planting some new flowers. “Come on by, I’ll get you water or something stronger if you’re so inclined, and you can tell me all about your trip.”
As if in a trance, Paul went without resisting.
July 6, 2012
Forgotten Son
A couple of years ago, my first published piece, Forgotten Son was part of a poetry collection, Death in Common. Each poem was told from the perspective of a serial killer’s victim. My poem was told from his son’s point of view. Since it is no longer in print, I proudly present it here.
Forgotten Son
At Home
Seasons bled into one another
like autumn leaves, calendar pages
mounted on a snow bank
of a life lived in fear.
Autumn came in a gust,
goose bumping teenaged skin.
Mannequin parts, in a basement,
sat next to bondage mags.
Glen clasped his hands and prayed
one of Dad’s women would stay.
Only static laughs and screams remained.
One day, one fateful swing,
the ball was freed
from its frayed t-ball noose
and knocked the screen
out of the window frame —
one childhood accident,
followed by years
of unwanted ambulance rides,
and fists, belts, boots,
and kicks tied forever to
flannel shirts.
A murderous father’s face, grease slicked,
mapped with broken blood vessels
showing the way of a broken life.
Midway
Nameless doctors in crisp, white coats.
Bloated nurses wore menthol perfume
and blank expressions.
His second home.
ICU: revolving doors of childhood
became the ever closing cell door
of adulthood. Smoking ashy resin,
a make shift pipe from crumpled
coke cans. As good as it gets.
Years came wrapped in discarded papers,
shivering in dumpsters.
Missing teeth, notches of lost fights.
Knuckle swollen fingers, tips dipped
in the policeman’s ink.
A mirrored life, utterances
from a strangers lips —
destiny is a rapist
with double lightning bolts
tattooed on Aryan skin.
These are refutations of a father’s deeds,
shrouded thoughts, a nicotine
cloud dissipating, revealing
past corrupting future.
Basement noises,
grunting laughter,
liquid screams.
The father sawing mannequins.
A question:
Mannequins don’t bleed, do they?
An answer lies in the man,
who lied to the son.
Chemical manacles unlocked,
a recovering sponsor, a step, a task.
Reviving life requires
burying the past. A simple letter
written, words of emotional need,
explanations demanded
To forget, to forgive,
to forge on,
no longer living in a shadow.
Homecoming
Heart pounding.
Stomach an acid lake.
One foot on threshold,
bridging past and present.
Front door open.
Scribbled note in
hand.
My father’s hands,
from the darkness,
squeeze.
My track marked arms
lose strength,
and fall away.
As does the note.
Vessels
burst.
Bones crack.
Life: useless and crushed.
Like rotting meat:
his fetid breath.
A last sense
from a life which made
none.
