Sunday Reflection: Suburbs and Subdivisions

Growing up, until my Freshman year of high school, we lived within Houston city limits. It wasn't like living "downtown" exactly, but it wasn't the suburbs either. If you're not familiar with Houston, a glance at the map to the left shows it's HUGE. Over the past thirty years, since I lived within city limits, the suburban areas outside of Houston have exploded and expanded. Recently on Twitter I came across a post about suburbs being started as a segregation tactic. There were other posts, all negatively referring to suburbs as basically things of evil. I find this funny because back when I was in high school, I would've agreed.

At the time of our move out of city limits I was a lonely teenager with zero friends or acquaintances in the school district I was moved into as a Freshman. We moved into a "subdivision", which honestly freaked me out a little bit. The only things I knew about subdivisions at the time were from Rush lyrics, and none of it was flattering. That put a definite damper on my expectations of my new school and classmates. It actually turned out really well for me. I graduated with good friends, many I'm still in touch with, and tons of great memories. Did I conform? Yeah probably. At the time I didn't think much of it, but I realize now how much of my Mexican culture I sacrificed during my teen years. However, all teens go through the transition of identity phase and that was mine.

Years later, after many more moves, I talked my husband into moving back into the general area of my high school years because of those fond memories. We wound up, and still live, in a subdivision in the suburbs. But let me tell you about the suburbs where we live. It's quite diverse. I'm not surrounded by white housewives when I go to the grocery store. I don't see a plethora of Trump for President signs as I drive down the street. There's a feeling of community here, even though most of us stay to ourselves and only smile and wave to each other in passing. Once when walking into the local grocery store, a lady was struggling to push her cart and pull a carpet cleaning machine behind her. I immediately headed her way, but before I could help her two other people got to her and aided her to her car.  

Another time, my husband and I were walking into the same store on a rainy day and a lady slipped and fell in front of us. The manager rushed out and a few other people stopped with us to help her. The store manager, who I knew well, talked her into letting me drive her home while my husband followed. No one thought anything of it because we're all neighbors. We're all a community. Sure, we have our problems like anywhere. I see Ring and Nextdoor alerts of stolen packages and car break-ins, but luckily it's not a daily occurrence. As mentioned, there are Trump supporters just like there are Biden supporters, but I've yet to see any public arguments. Everyone walking into the local grocery store wears a mask. When lost pet notices are posted people respond to help. I like living in my subdivision in the suburbs.

That being said, I DO NOT find Mike Pence in any way sexy or attractive. In fact, I laughed out loud when I saw that making the rounds on Twitter. I think a big part of the problem with the negative view of suburbs right now is the misconception that only one type of person lives in them. Well, that's certainly not true where I live and I have a feeling it's not true for a lot of suburbs around the U.S.

Thursday Review: Metallica's S&M2

     

High school marching band was a savior for me. As a Freshman I moved not only to a new school, but a whole new district. I knew absolutely no one and, having gone from the city to a suburb, had no idea how to fit in. Then I was put into band class and suddenly had something in common with about 300 other students. It was a game changer. The very first show, where I just kind of stood on the sidelines, was also a huge eye-opener. Up until then I had listened to very little Classical music. I knew who Beethoven and Mozart were, but that about summed it up. Hearing that first show created a love for Classical music that has expanded over the years. 

I've never been a big fan of recorded live shows. Too often, live music doesn't live up to my expectations either because the songs sound too different, or the band just doesn't sound as good live. However, Metallica has never had those problems. I've seen them live a few times and each time has been a great experience that stayed with me for weeks, if not months, after. They are one of my top five all-time favorite bands, so getting not one, but two CDs that mix Metallica and Classical music rates in my top favorite all time things of 2020. 

Live music is what I miss most in these Covid times, so I really enjoyed listening to this 2 CD set of live Metallica. It starts out with my favorite of their instrumentals, The Call of Ktulu, and the symphony slips so seamlessly into the song that it's as if they've always been there. Disc one hits on at least four different albums, with an enthusiastic crowd singing along with James throughout. 

Disc 2 starts out with Lars thanking and welcoming Metallica Club members. He thanks San Francisco and points out the many countries represented in the audience. Then he introduces the musical director, who thanks the symphony and Metallica. Then the symphony (alone) plays the Scythian Suite, a short tribal sounding piece that's very drum heavy, which I like. After that Metallica joined them for The Iron Foundry. The rest of the disc includes more classics, including my favorites Wherever I May Roam and Master of Puppets. Hearing James sing an almost acoustic Unforgiven III is a reminder that the man has an awesome voice.

But, the absolute highlight of the whole thing was the tribute to Cliff Burton with the symphony's take on (Anesthesia)-Pulling Teeth. It began with a slow standing bass solo that I could honestly listen to for hours. Then Robert Trujillo joined in to add the electric bass sound. Not gonna lie, it gave me goosebumps.

Overall, it was money well spent and I honestly enjoyed it more than S&M 1, which I think I only listened to all the way through once. If you're a Metallica fan who has been missing live music you'll like the Metallica songs on this 2-disc set. If you're a Classical music fan who's favorite section of the symphony is the percussion section, you'll like disc 2 for certain. If you're like me, both a Metallica and a Classical music fan, you'll enjoy both discs even as they make you yearn to attend a live show again. 

Thursday Review: Taylor Swift's Folklore

 

I don't usually refer to myself as a Taylor Swift fan, nor do I shun her and her music. If one of her songs happens on the radio I'll likely start singing along. However, I will admit to a little bit of excitement when I found out she had a new album out. I was even more excited to find out one of the local record stores (Cactus Music) had been sent a few of her autographed copies of the CDs. So, of course I had to run down there at the first opportunity to buy it. 

First, let me say that I prefer her more upbeat songs. If I had to pick a favorite it would probably be Blank Space, though I have to admit I might prefer the I Prevail version best. This new CD doesn't really have any songs of that caliber, but given today's climate that's not necessarily a bad thing. I listened to the whole CD over the past couple of days while driving to work. It has a nice mellow, slow-paced feel to it that really helped while I was sitting in traffic. I think Cardigan might be my favorite song, but The 1 is firmly in second place for now.

Hearing the deep voice of Justin Vernon, lead singer of Bon Iver, was unexpected and did throw me off a bit. Exile isn't a bad song, but I think because it wasn't what I expected to hear it kind of rubbed me the wrong way. However, Betty has a cute country feel to it that I liked, while Epiphany and Peace both put me in a slower, sadder frame of mind. Not necessarily a bad thing. 

Overall the whole album felt like a step to the side, out of the busy humdrum of my usual day (Yes, I do have to go into work everyday M-F). It's a great CD to listen to for relaxation and to just slow things down a bit. It also brought home to me that Taylor Swift has a really beautiful voice.

   

WWWW: Obsessive Over Music

I know it's silly, but I have the bad habit of getting somewhat obsessed when I really love a song. What that means is, I'll happily sit and listen to it multiple times in one day...every day. Not too long ago when I first listened to The Civil Wars. they became my obsession for a few weeks. I saw them perform live and fell even more in love with their music. Then finally I bought the CD shortly after Christmas. So, it seems only natural for the newest song featuring them along with Taylor Swift is my newest obsession. I swear I could listen to it over and over again all day long. What do you think of it?

WWWW: Child Molesters Beware

The above video was brought to my attention by an article about music genres. Now, I'll admit I'd never heard of Skrillex before, nor do I know how they should or want to be classified. But all that aside, what an awesome fucking video! I absolutely love this one and think it should be made into a full length movie. Yes, there is definitely a good horror novel in there somewhere.

Review: The Civil Wars

I've seen a lot of live performances in my lifetime: ballets, symphonies, musicals, rock concerts in everything from football stadiums to intimate nightclubs. I can now honestly say I've seen pure magic onstage. If you don't already know who The Civil Wars are, let this be your introduction to one of the the BEST musical duet I've ever seen in my life. I learned of them when walking through my living room one day as their video played on TV. My daughters were listening to it and told me I had to hear them. Well, they say that a lot and I don't always enjoy the music they feel I have to hear, but in this case I immediately agreed. A quick online search brought forth a few Youtube videos and a show date here in Houston. I simply couldn't resist and bought two tickets. That is the best fort bucks I've ever spent. It was obvious from the minute they hit stage that they enjoy performing together. As I said, pure magic. They had the audience laughing and singing along with them. Their cover of the Smashing Pumpkins' Disarm was beautifully done, even as different as it sounded. I could've sat and listened to them all night. The standing ovation they received at the end was very well deserved. My only regret was not being able to stay and have my poster autographed.

Normally, this would be the part where I spend a paragraph bitching about my husband bowing out of our date night because he just knew he wouldn't like the music. In fact, he admitted after the fact that he almost did. However, he didn't and off we went. The show was at a venue called McGonigel's Mucky Duck in the heart of Houston. I'd heard of it but never been there and was excited about visiting a new live music venue. It's been a while and I've seriously missed taking the time to sit and enjoy a live show. This was the first time we had dinner while watching the performance and the food was really good too. In fact, if I had to think of something to complain about it would be the forty-five minute drive to get there, but that's a whole other issue.

So, before The Civil Wars there was a single guy with his guitar. His name is Rayland Baxter and his voice reminded me of Paul Simon. He was really good. I bullied my husband into buying his CD as soon as his set ended, but was disappointed to discover at home that the song I enjoyed most isn't on it. That's okay, some cyber-stalking helped me find it on Youtube.

I realized as I was sitting listening to his soul-wrenching melodies that though I don't usually create a story soundtrack as other authors do, I could easily create one with his music. Once the Civil Wars hit stage what began as a seed in the back of my mind became a full-blown character, background and all, and I can hardly wait to introduce him to the world. Until then, please take my advice and have a listen to The Civil Wars. I promise it will be time well spent.

Road Trip Soundtrack

Last weekend I took a road trip with my girls and nephew to San Antonio. We headed along Interstate 10 listening to Houston's familiar radio stations until, somewhere around Schulenburg, they finally faded out. My wonderful hubby had installed a new radio in my Suburban a couple of months ago, but unfortunately none of the auxiliary options work. No CD player, no IPOD connection...nothing. So, short of having the kids sing the rest of the way (I wanted to make it there with my sanity intact) my only option was to hit seek until we found something suitable...and discovered there are a plethora of country and Spanish music stations in Texas.

Luckily we did in fact find a few tunes we could all tolerate and even some we could sing along with. That got me thinking about what the perfect soundtrack would be for a good road trip. Here is what I came up with, in no particular order:

Rollin' by Limp Bizkit
Waiting for the End by Linkin Park
Move Along by The All-American Rejects
Like a Stone by Audioslave
What the Hell by Avril Lavigne
I like It by Enrique Iglesias
Epic by Faith No More
Fully Alive by Flyleaf
Now I know that's not nearly all of them, just the ones I came up with off the top of my head. So, what do you think? Is there any particular song or artist you love to hear while driving? Post your thoughts to be entered into the Fool for Romance contest, as well as for one of my prize packs!