brent evans

morning babble / Monday 03-27-23

This is the scribble that leads to the babble. Sometimes, it gets tidied up; but other times, not so much. When all else fails: watch the video!

Welcome to National Scribble Day (show book) and yes, I’m also 50 now.

Proof of being 50 – I got this in the mail. (show AARP) I’ve been asked – “Do you feel 50?” And – I don’t. I’m feeling some age – most definitely. But not the age of 50. (clip)

I went down an odd rabbit hole for music this past Saturday night. (clip) For some reason, I just noticed all the recent albums from G. Love & Special Sauce. Like – one from last year, 2021, 2020, 2017, 2015. But you see what bums me out – I’m all into new music and I obviously missed out on those albums from last year and the year before.

From G. Love, it triggered the memory of Jimmie’s Chicken Shack (clip), back in the day, I was all over this band. My favorite album being from 1997. Now, their most recent album was from 2008. But then, I looked closer. They just released a new single “Simple Concept” – back on the 15th . . . not even 2 weeks ago. Totally NOT on my radar. (clip).

Lastly, for music reminiscing, this song popped up in my search for all this other music (clip) Does anyone remember that song? Listen again. (clip) That was “Groovy Train” from the band – The Farm, which was probably my last CD purchased of that type of late 80s / early 90s sound. Goes hand in hand with EMF (clip) Jesus Jones (clip) and Ned’s Atomic Dustbin (clip). After that, I really changed by tune more to Rock and the Grunge Sound (clip).

Whew – that was a musical smorgasbord from a true Generation Xer.

So, I’m definitely 50 and grabbing onto some memories here and that’s okay, right?

I’m looking forward to all the upcoming memories to make.

So, it’s Monday and I typically talk about setting up goals on Monday and then knocking them down the rest of the week. I’m doing my timing blocks, because I’ve got some things that I need to get done. But – I think a good goal overall to always continue – go make some memories.

By the way, if you want to get me something for my Birthday . . . get me subscribers. Have someone you know to sign up on YouTube – now, that’s assuming you have already done the good deed yourself. To everyone though – I say “Thank You!”

Please subscribe on YouTube and spread the Babble wherever you can – Thank you!

QUOTE OF THE DAY:
“A new broom can sweep the floor, but an old broom knows where the dirt is.” – by Paul Mooney

morning babble / Friday 03-24-23

This is the scribble that leads to the babble. Sometimes, it gets tidied up; but other times, not so much. When all else fails: watch the video!

This time last week, I was on a plane out of here. Don’t miss the lines and all the waiting. What did I learn – Vacationing takes practice. So, I need to do more of it.

Hey – I turn 50 on Monday – so, I’m declaring this my birthday weekend. What have I received so far? Well, I wife did find Skippy Reduced Fat Creamy PB. I enjoy the taste of the Reduced Fat.

New Music Friday:

I put together a Spotify playlist of the songs that I talked about and thought about today for New Music Friday. Click here for that!

• Ed Sheeran is taking on the hardest moments of his life on Subtract‘s lead single, “Eyes Closed” and yes, he’s got a video (clip) The album, out in early May, is his final LP of a set of records named after mathematical symbols.

• New album arrived today from Depeche Mode. We already got the 1st released single “Ghosts Again”, but the next one that they are pushing is “My Cosmos is Mine” (clip). This is the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame band’s 15th studio album – it’s called Memento Mori.

• Last week, Linkin Park’s single “Lost” claimed #1 on the Mediabase alternative and active rock radio charts. It was great hearing Mike Shinoda and Chester Bennington voices on a track together. We all hoped for more and actually get another one today: “Fighting Myself.” (clip) Linkin Park is celebrating the 20th Anniversary of their 2003 album – Meteora with a special 20 year edition that’s due out on April 7th. Both those previously unreleased songs will be on that album.

• Emmaline’s new EP – Retro Kind of Love is now available on all music sites. Who’s Emmaline? (clip) That’s just one of the songs called “First Time.” She’s an incredible artist that I’ve been fortunate enough to see twice in Philly at the South Jazz Kitchen on Broad Street. Delicious food and uber-talented jazz musicians like Emmaline. I’m ready for her to visit there again.

• Other new music: the band, Grouplove, announced their next new album: I Want It All Right Now – due out on July 7th. // With the 3rd new moon this year, we get a 3rd new song from Peter Gabriel – “Playing for Time” / Lastly, we get a song that really rocks out from Lyell – it’s called “Kiss Kiss Bang Bang” (clip)

Thank you to Spotify, Rolling Stone, Apple Music, uDiscoverMusic, Pitchfork & I know there’s more.

Please subscribe on YouTube and spread the Babble wherever you can – Thank you!

QUOTE OF THE DAY:
“When life leaves us blind, love keeps us kind.” – by Chester Bennington

morning babble / Monday 03-20-23

This is the scribble that leads to the babble. Sometimes, it gets tidied up; but other times, not so much. When all else fails: watch the video!

Checked something off my Bucket List – nothing too fancy – but, I finally got a drink brought to me while on the beach.
Sadly, I’ve never had that until now.

GOAL SETTING MONDAY & REVIEW –

It’s Monday – when I like to talk about setting up some goals and then knocking ’em down.

“Make it a good day” / Couple weeks ago, I talked about holding the door for someone. At my nearby Dunkin – that happens numerous times and gives me hope for humanity.

However, prior to our trip, we had to go to DC in order to get our passports updated. I realize that the job these people have can’t be a good one and they undoubtedly deal with a bunch of wingnuts. BUT – it’s the purposeful animosity that is already present along with the setting you up for failure. We dealt with two separate mush mouths who were visibly frustrated when we were like, “What?” . . . or I believe my wife said, “I’m sorry but excuse me?” They were mad at the start and then they set us up to get even madder. Now – enough of the negative talk.

Later – my wife and I had to kill some time because the little blue book that they were going to create for us was going to take 4 hours!

(clip)

So, we went to a nice restaurant for some lunch and our waitress had amazing energy and truly enjoyed her vibe. My wife and I truly needed that. At the end, we obviously tipped her well for the good job that she did, but I also asked her back to the table at the end of it all and went on to say, “Thanks for being you today. My wife and I really needed what you were sending off. Keep that vibe going.”

So, yes – hold doors for people, but when someone is doing a good job, be sure to let them know. Too often, the only time we speak up is to complain. Go forth and compliment.

Please subscribe on YouTube and spread the Babble wherever you can – Thank you!

QUOTE OF THE DAY:
“Remember that a good plan should resemble a movie script.” – by Ray Dalio

morning babble / Friday 03-17-23

This is the scribble that leads to the babble. Sometimes, it gets tidied up; but other times, not so much. When all else fails: watch the video!

Happy St. Patty’s Day! Couple green cards. Also, a year ago, my daughter tried catching herself or our household – a leprechaun

New Music Friday:

I put together a Spotify playlist of the songs that I talked about and thought about today for New Music Friday. Click here for that!

• This past week Lana Del Ray released the opening track from her upcoming album – Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd – the name of the song: “The Grants.” (clip) We already got “Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd” and “A&W.” Full album drop is next Friday (3/24). She reminds me a lot of Taylor Swift in the amount of music she continues to release for her fans. Just non-stop.

• And speaking of Taylor Swift – she released some more new music . . . or previously unreleased music – 4 songs in total. “Eyes Open (Taylor’s Version)”; “Safe & Sound (Taylor’s Version),” featuring Joy Williams and John Paul White from The Civil Wars; “If This Was a Movie (Taylor’s Version)”; and “All of the Girls You Loved Before.” That last one has apparently never been heard before. Left off of the Lover album back in 2019?

• Today, we get a new album from that Irish band, U2. Album is called Songs of Surrender and includes 40 tracks. New songs? Not really. The band has re-recorded 40 songs from across their back catalogue with new arrangements. I immediately went to one of my favorite songs by the band (clip) That’s “Where the Streets Have No Name.” I’m still working my way through it all.

• Last April, I talked about this band – 100 gecs – They released a song that was titled “Doritos & Fritos.” (clip) Interesting video. By the way, the band that got their name from a spray paint job on a brick wall – 100 gecs. Anyway – it was a fun song. At the time, we didn’t know when we would be getting their upcoming album called 10000 gecs. But – today we do. It’s today. 10 songs.

• Other new music: my man – Ayron Jones – came out with another single. Slowly building towards another album. This song is called “Blood in the Water”

Thank you to Spotify, Rolling Stone, Apple Music, uDiscoverMusic, Pitchfork & I know there’s more.

Please subscribe on YouTube and spread the Babble wherever you can – Thank you!

QUOTE OF THE DAY:
“My heroes are the ones who survived doing it wrong, who made mistakes, but recovered from them.” – by Bono (that U2 singing dude)

morning babble / Monday 03-13-23

This is the scribble that leads to the babble. Sometimes, it gets tidied up; but other times, not so much. When all else fails: watch the video!

Two weeks until 50 – yikes. But let’s talk about something that is relative to a lot of people right now – Daylight Savings Time – Never really a fun time on the first Monday after that dreadful “time-suck” of a weekend. It will all be better by Friday. Just not today.

Today, I should find out if I have a torn labrum or a torn rotator cuff. So the solutions will either be physical therapy OR surgery & then physical therapy. You know the fear of it being a rotator cuff besides – OUCH. Not being able to carry my little girl to bed when she falls asleep. She’s getting bigger and I don’t have too many more of those moments. That’s upsetting me the most. Yeah – old! Again – I’ll be 50 in 2 weeks

(clip)

You know what never gets old. Taking clothes out of the dryer and putting them on right away. Anyway – the Oscars happened and nobody got hurt this year – just egos. I have to admit I didn’t watch. I read up on them this morning. What distracted me? Well, recently my kid’s school put on the show – Mama Mia. In turn, we have had a lot of shows at our house for Mama Mia.

(clip)

GOAL SETTING MONDAY & REVIEW –

Accomplishments –

Ouch – rough week last week

Week ahead –

Get back at it!

Please subscribe on YouTube and spread the Babble wherever you can – Thank you!

QUOTE OF THE DAY:
“Many goals ended by ‘I wish’ – change to ‘I want’.” – by someone

morning babble / Friday 03-10-23

This is the scribble that leads to the babble. Sometimes, it gets tidied up; but other times, not so much. When all else fails: watch the video!

Music is my happy place. I’m just going to begin with that and hold to that throughout today and the weekend. I thrive off the happiness of others. Sometimes that hurts me. As the great Phil Collins sung at the beginning of this babble, always get both sides of the story.

Need some happy music! (clip)

Alright – soapbox GONE! I’m fasting . . . . still. I did NOT begin my typical 3-Day Fast on Monday night. I pushed it to Tuesday night, which means I’m fasting all day Friday – well, at least until 4:56pm. And then – look out. The joy of food and beverage will be felt!

I am looking forward to doing my paperwork day today with a clear mind. That always occurs for me after the 2-day mark of my fasts. I truly enjoy the laser focus that I experience on Day 3 and hope to put it to good use.

New Music Friday:

I put together a Spotify playlist of the songs that I talked about and thought about today for New Music Friday. Click here for that!

• For the first time in 3 years, the ultra-talented Miley Cyrus has released a new album and it’s called Endless Summer Vacation. Full drop – 13 songs, nearly 45 minutes of music. Brandi Carlile on “Thousand Miles” and Sia on “Muddy Feet.” Being a Sia fan, I immediately went to that song this morning (clip) And – that’s all that I can play of that song. It’s an angry song and understandably so. It’s about someone cheating on somebody. Anyway, I’m excited for the whole album especially after that first release of “Flowers”

• Last December, Death Cab for Cutie wanted to release an acoustic version of “Pepper” and they eventually did on February 3rd. However, when they went into the studio during that holiday filled month, they were enjoying themselves a bit much and kept going. They did an entire acoustic version of their album – Asphalt Meadows – the entire thing is out today. Here’s a taste of the album with their song “I Miss Strangers.” (clip)

• The Scream franchise is still alive in case you didn’t know. Scream VI is in theatres now. I really wasn’t too aware of this mainly because horror movies terrify me. Try to make me watch a scary film – You win! Whatever you want. I need to be held. ANYWAY – there’s a soundtrack that came along with this new flick and I saw a name that grabbed my attention: Linkin Park’s Mike Shinoda along with Kailee Morgue (clip) I really hope Shinoda keeps giving us more new music. Love that guy.

• Other new music – Another new moon, another new song from Peter Gabriel. This one is called “Playing for Time” as he slowly builds to the release of his first full album in 21 years. (clip) // The White Stripes will reissue their 2003 album, Elephant, on March 31 for its 20th anniversary. The double-vinyl package is out April 21. Being a member of Jack White’s Third Man Records – I believe that I’ll be getting this early. (clip)

Thank you to Spotify, Rolling Stone, Apple Music, uDiscoverMusic, Pitchfork & I know there’s more.

Please subscribe on YouTube and spread the Babble wherever you can – Thank you!

QUOTE OF THE DAY:
“No matter what yesterday was like, birds always start the new day with a song” – by Emmalyn Kelly

morning babble / Monday 03-06-23

This is the scribble that leads to the babble. Sometimes, it gets tidied up; but other times, not so much. When all else fails: watch the video!

The Monday after my wife’s birthday weekend . . . we had so much food, I feel swollen.

We even had a Charcuterie Board last night – whew.

I ran outside Saturday on the trails – felt horrible. Did a weigh-in this morning and was not happy about that – definitely off my game there. I’ve gotten away from my routine of weigh-ins on Monday and Friday mornings.

GOAL SETTING MONDAY & REVIEW –

It’s Monday – talk about setting up goals and then knocking them down

Accomplishments –

1st Draft of my book is done / Anxiously awaiting for Cecil to trudge through it. He’s not answering my calls. Is it bad that I called right away after the drop-off? I was still in his driveway. “What do you think?”

Week ahead –

More timing blocks

Video – Brand Mysticism – Deep Dive – via Steve Grasse / Punk rock style to marketing

Journal – I need to get mine to print. At least for me to give a run through. In fact – that’s my goal by the end of the year. Is to do a trial of my layout and see what I think.

Shorts – last one I posted was last March / There are four shorts up there – Click here

Please subscribe on YouTube and spread the Babble wherever you can – Thank you!

QUOTE OF THE DAY:
“Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself” – by Leo Tolstoy

morning babble / Friday 03-03-23

This is the scribble that leads to the babble. Sometimes, it gets tidied up; but other times, not so much. When all else fails: watch the video!

Unbeknownst to me, my son’s pet bird delivered something to my shirt this morning. Isn’t that supposed to be good luck or something?

Anyway, Happy Weekend! . . . we got De La Soul music streaming for the 1st time on all platforms. I’m going to be enjoying some of that magical hip-hop sound today. (clip)

Also, big touring announcement via the Foo Fighters as they have made good on their promise to return “soon” to the stage despite the recent loss of drummer, Taylor Hawkins, who died last year. The announcement lists their first headlining concerts of 2023 and these shows are taking place in May and June. We still don’t know yet who will be behind the drum kit for the band at these shows.

Personal news – I finished my 1st Draft of my book – Confessions of a Workaholic. Initial plan was to get my man, Cecil, the draft today, but I’ll be dropping it off this weekend. Ironically enough, I have some work to attend to before I can get that done.

(loverboy clip)

I promise not to do that again.

New Music Friday:

I put together a Spotify playlist of the songs that I talked about and thought about today for New Music Friday. Click here for that!

• The latest single from Metallica’s upcoming album, 72 Seasons, has been released. It’s nearly a seven-minute journey called “If Darkness Had a Son” and there’s a video. (clip) We’re getting some good stuff from Metallica. Full album drop occurs on April 14th. Their tour dates kick off in Europe that same month, before a bunch of North American shows later in the year.

• More new music was released from boygenius – it’s the fourth track taken from the group’s highly anticipated album, the record – the song is called “Not Strong Enough” (clip) I have no idea why I’m enjoying this music so much. That probably sounds bad but I just know it’s not meant for some 50-year-old dude. They would probably be creeped out. I could never be at their shows unless I got my daughter into them. But then, could you imagine me in the front row – Phoebe! Anyway – I think it’s just an appreciation of their music. Something magical is happening with them as a group and I can hear that. the record will be released in its entirety later this month on the 31st

• (clip) I’d say that I missed this one. The Dave Matthews Band came out with a new song “Madman’s Eyes” (clip) Was it last Friday, February 24th? Nope – it was all the way back on January 24th. I try. I really do. I’ve like these guys since they did the antique version of The Stone Balloon on the stomping grounds of my U of D days in Newark, D-where. I think they were there in 92 or 93. Could I go when they came there – nope – I was too young, but I knew about them. I believe Hootie came with them. Or – maybe I’m just making that part up. They were at the Balloon though and it was prior to their debut album in 1994. I’ve always enjoyed the Dave Matthews Band – for me, Dave sounds a lot like Peter Gabriel and he’s weird like him too. Again, enjoyable. their 10th studio album with a dozen new songs Walk Around the Moon will fully drop on May 19th. (clip)

• Other new music – Big Thief Debuted their New Song “Vampire Empire” the other night on the Late Show with Stephen Colbert / Nicki Minaj singing about “Red Ruby Da Sleeze” / Lastly, country stud Morgan Wallen unleashed his massive, 36-track third studio album – that’s nearly 2 hours, One Thing at a Time. I mean track #1 is called “Born With a Beer in My Hand.” I might be double fisting by the time I wrap up that album.

Thank you to Spotify, Rolling Stone, Apple Music, uDiscoverMusic, Pitchfork & I know there’s more.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY WIFE – she turns 40 this weekend!

Please subscribe on YouTube and spread the Babble wherever you can – Thank you!

QUOTE OF THE DAY:
“Life is funny. If you don’t laugh, you’re in trouble.” – by Taylor Hawkins

morning babble / Monday 02-27-23

This is the scribble that leads to the babble. Sometimes, it gets tidied up; but other times, not so much. When all else fails: watch the video!

So, it’s baseball season and I’m excited for the Phillies again this year. (clip) But – it’s also baseball season for my son. We went to the field yesterday. And I can feel it today. I actually have an appointment today for a consultation about my shoulder. I also have an eye doctor’s appointment. Tuning myself up!

One month away from being 50! Less than a week away from my wife turning 40! March is a big “age fulfilling” month for the two of us. Are we going to do something special? (clip) We’re working on something (clip) I just don’t want to jinx anything yet until all of our ducks are in a row.

Where did that comment come from? “Ducks in a row” comes from ship building. A duck is a device that holds the keel in place while building a ship. The first step in building a ship is to get the ducks in straight row thus ensuring a straight keel. Today, they use lasers to ensure the ducks are in a straight row. The phrase goes back to wooden sailing ships.

GOAL SETTING MONDAY & REVIEW –

Accomplishments –

I wrote for 10 hours this past week

Week ahead –

Finish that 1st Draft of the Book!!

Ooooo – here’s a question . . . when you receive birthday presents early do you open them?

(clip)

Please subscribe on YouTube and spread the Babble wherever you can – Thank you!

QUOTE OF THE DAY:
“Believe you can and you’re halfway there.” – by Theodore Roosevelt

morning babble / Friday 02-24-23

This is the scribble that leads to the babble. Sometimes, it gets tidied up; but other times, not so much. When all else fails: watch the video!

Happy Weekend! You know a couple weekends ago – Super Bowl weekend – I cried a lot at the end of that one. ANYWAY! That Saturday night, my wife and I were given free concert tickets to catch Fitz and the Tantrums in Philly. (pix) Initially, we were more excited about the dinner we were now going to be having together and . . . then a show. BUT – that was a great show. AND – I didn’t realize how many good songs they have. Amazing amount and all upbeat and just – happy. I like that. Definitely give them another listen especially if you like that Dance-Funk sound – they got it. / I put them on my new music playlist – their latest album came out last November and a couple weeks ago, the song that was being pushed off that album was “Moneymaker”.

New Music Friday:

I put together a Spotify playlist of the songs that I talked about and thought about today for New Music Friday. Click here for that!

• The National have shared another new song from their upcoming album First Two Pages of Frankenstein. This song is called “New Order T-Shirt.” (clip) Now, to go along with the song’s release, the National have partnered with New Order for a limited-edition T-shirt drop. (clip) (click here to see). Don’t worry – there’s a back. (clip). I really love the sound of The National or whatever lead singer Matt Berninger wants to add his voice too, but I was hoping for a little bit more with the shirt. (clip) Oooo – that looks good. Again, today we get another new song “New Order T-shirt” from First Two Pages of Frankenstein – full album drop is on Friday, April 28th

• New, but sorta old, Halsey. Today, we get the unreleased solo version of her Post Malone collaboration, “Die for Me,” (clip) Angry Halsey, too. Her fans asked for it – they apparently knew it was out there and Halsey responded. What was that lyric “I don’t play anymore, I went through your phone and called the girls in your DMs and took all them home.” Could you write that down – don’t make Halsey angry.

• (Clip) That’s the song “Soul on Fire” which is off the new record that dropped today from Godsmack called: Lighting Up the Sky. It is their eighth studio album but apparently their final one, too. Lead singer Sully Erna has confirmed this. BUT – he then went on to state that the band will not be retiring from performing or touring after this album. AND THEN – later clarified that it would be the band’s last “unless we just decide one day, ‘Yeah, one more for the road.’ I don’t know – For the time being, I say enjoy Lighting Up the Sky and then let’s be patient.

• Other new music – quick hits – Death Cab for Cutie gave us another acoustic song from their upcoming acoustic album due out March 10th / Gorillaz – full album drop today – Cracker Island is out / and lastly a new song from the Jonas Brothers called “Wings”

They’re talented fellas . . . just not my cup of tea. Go get your Jonas Bro on.

Thank you to Spotify, Rolling Stone, Apple Music, uDiscoverMusic, Pitchfork & I know there’s more.

Please subscribe on YouTube and spread the Babble wherever you can – Thank you!

QUOTE OF THE DAY:
“I’m halfway talented but I just have a great work ethic more than anything.” – by Michael FITZ Fitzpatrick of FITZ and the Tantrums