Bucky's Favorite Foo Fighter Songs

 Hi everyone,

It's been quite a week for me. Very busy but frustrating. Listening to music helps me deal with the ups and downs of life. This week, I've been listening to the Foo Fighters' complete discography (so far). I have all of their studio albums along with some live recordings and a few B-sides. Knowing that I haven't written a music blog in a while, I thought I'd catalog my favorite Foo tracks, along with a few that others like but I just can't get into. Here we go!

The hits...

1. Everlong. This is the song that most Foo Fighters (and rock fans in general) know. It was the first song of their set when I saw the band play at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, MN a few years ago. The music video's pretty cool, too. Both the electric and acoustic versions of this song are great. It's a tune that really identifies the Foo Fighters as a band.

2. Walk. The last song from the Wasting Light album is one that I put on when I need a little extra motivation. I love the positive message (and the humorous music video, that parodies the Michael Douglas film Falling Down). Definitely listened to it a few times already this week while I worked through a few frustrations.

3. This Is A Call. This is the first-ever Foo Fighters single, the one that introduced the world to Dave Grohl's music post-Nirvana. It's been one of my favorites ever since. Such a simple but effective song.

4. Monkey Wrench. I like this track because of its gradual buildup to an emotional bridge. Grohl wrote it about his breakup with his ex-wife and I can understand the emotions behind it. It's another solid single with a great music video too!

5. Learn to Fly. This is another song that gets me going when I'm down in the dumps. I can understand why it's popular because of its catchiness and yet another awesome music video (starring Jack Black and Kyle Gass of Tenacious D).

6. Something From Nothing. This is the strongest song from the Sonic Highways album. Another song that builds momentum as it goes on. I love the energy and layered guitars in this tune.

7. My Hero. Every Foos fan knows this tune, and can probably sing every word of the lyrics from memory. The Colour and the Shape album was filled with classic tracks, and this one is no exception. A true anthem for the fans. 

8. I'll Stick Around. The second single from the band's debut album is the one that got me hooked on them. I loved the guitar sounds and the defiant lyrics. I can relate to them as I've endured a lot of things that others would have simply given up on life. 

9. February Stars. This song is a great lead-in to Everlong. It's another tune that starts out soft and slow and builds energy and volume until reaching its apex. I wish the group would play this song more often in concert, as I think it's very underrated. 

10. Big Me. Another single from the debut disc that almost everyone knows. It's very basic, but so catchy. The video parodies the infamous Mentos commercials so that alone makes it worth a listen. 

11. Next Year. I remember hearing the opening of this There Is Nothing Left to Lose track at the beginning of an old NBC show, but it's one that's been stuck in my memory for years. It doesn't have a ton of substance but is one that caught my attention at the very first listen. The video is cool, too.

12. Walking After You. Everlong is bookended on The Colour and the Shape album by February Stars and this song. It's another softer track, but no less important. I've heard a couple of different versions of this tune, but I think that the original album version is the best. A subtle track for those inclined to hear its message.

13. Times Like These (acoustic). The electric version of this song is great, but I prefer the acoustic rendition. It's stripped down to the core and listeners can really understand the meaning behind it. It's been a great rallying cry for people when we've had to deal with depression, disappointment, and disaster. 

14. Cold Day In The Sun. Taylor Hawkins didn't sing lead vocals on very many Foo Fighters songs, but this is the one he's best known for. Another easy song that's often a welcome earworm. I'm glad I got to hear him sing it live in person before he passed away. We still miss you, Hawk.

15. The Pretender. This song starts the Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace album off right. I can relate to the message in the lyrics, as I've dealt with my fair share of pretenders in my life. 

16. Resolve. This song from the electric disc of In Your Honor doesn't get a lot of attention, but it's one I zeroed in on after a few listens. I'm surprised they made a music video for it. Grohl pokes fun at some of the silliness of the lyrics, but it's still a tune that resonates with me from time to time. 

17. Breakout. Some people like this song because it was also on a movie soundtrack. I like it because it's a solid tune. It may be a bit formulaic, but I don't mind. It has the impact that I've come to expect from Foo Fighters tunes.

18. The Glass. A few months ago, I watched a Foo Fighters performance on Austin City Limits. This was one of the songs that they played. Grohl talked about how he was inspired to write it after watching his mother behind hospital glass during her final days. Even though But Here We Are is by no means my favorite Foo Fighters album, I understand that several songs on it were written while band members were dealing with difficult personal losses, so I can respect the message behind this timely track. 

Honorable mention:

1. Baker Street. Several years ago, I bought an import CD single version of My Hero that had this cover tune and a few other extras included on it. My local radio station also started playing it regularly around the time that Everlong was popular. It's an interesting take on the Gerry Rafferty classic, substituting loud guitars for the signature horns. My only complaint is that Dave's vocals seem a bit too quiet during the two rounds of verses. Otherwise, it's a solid song. 

...and the misses.

1. Best of You. The chorus of this track is reminiscent of the jingle from a KFC commercial that aired regularly on TV at the time this single was released. Even though the Foos play this song at almost every show, it's just not one that I really dig, but that's okay. It's one of the few Foo tracks that I feel that way about.

2. Shame Shame. When I first heard this song, I was surprised to hear that it was from the Foo Fighters. It's unlike most of their other singles. There's just too much of a pop vibe in it for me to enjoy. 

Well, there you have it: my favorite (and least favorite) Foo Fighters songs. Until next time, have a great weekend, and don't forget to be kind to one another.

It Would Be Nice If...

 Hi everyone,

I originally intended for my next blog article to be about music. However, I've put that on the back burner until my ideas are fully fleshed out. In the meantime, here's another impromptu creation. Enjoy!

It Would Be Nice If...

- the world didn't revolve around money.

- no one went to bed hungry.

- we eliminated homelessness.

- people didn't have to choose between paying bills, putting a roof over their heads, or getting recommended medical care.

- health care was not for profit.

- universal basic income was implemented.

- millionaires, billionaires, trillionaires, and corporations paid their fair shares of taxes.

- politicians worked with people in their opposite parties to solve problems.

- all people treated others with courtesy, dignity, kindness, and respect.

- people could travel outside their state or country at least once a year.

- applying for and interviewing for jobs was as simple as possible. 

- people accepted the differences in others. 

- more emphasis was put on the importance of education.

- we spent more time encouraging, instead of discouraging, others.

- life was less about consuming resources and appreciating who and what we already have.

- people were encouraged to follow their dreams and creative aspirations.

- healthcare wasn't tied to peoples' employment.

- everyone took gun violence seriously.

- we accept others for who they are as individuals.

- record-breaking profits were shared fairly with the employees who helped drive those successes.

- if people were allowed to do what they love.

- we cared about the environment.

- there was no such thing as greed (or any of the 7 deadly sins, for that matter).

- we made more of an effort to be a part of our friends' and family members' lives.

- we all followed the golden rule.

Well, that's all for now. Until next time, have a great weekend and don't forget to be kind to one another.

Bucky's Favorite Marvel Super Villains

Yesterday I wrote about my favorite Marvel Super Heroes. Now it's time to write about my favorite Marvel Super Villains. Let's get started!

1. Doctor Doom (Victor Von Doom). Doc Doom has been my favorite Marvel villain for a long time. I love the fact that he never does the same thing twice. I've read about plenty of his exploits in titles like the Fantastic Four, Doom 2099, and the short-lived Super-Villain Team-Up, to name just a few. Writer/artist John Byrne's Fantastic Four #258 gave readers a bird's eye view of a day in the life of the Latverian monarch. He's impacted almost every character in the Marvel universe at some point, and I'm sure he'll continue to do so for many more decades.

2. Doctor Octopus. Otto Octavius is one of Spider-Man's most well-known adversaries, but he has tangled with other heroes from time to time as well. Sometimes he's been poised and confident, while in other escapades he's seemed self-conscious and full of doubt. He's a character who's definitely evolved (and even taken on the role of hero, when he took over Peter Parker's costumed identity in the Superior Spider-Man series).

3. Magneto (Erik Lensherr). Magneto started out as the primary foe for Charles Xavier's X-Men, but he's also played the hero role at different points. Reading his origin story gave me an understanding of his contempt for people who were not gifted with mutant abilities, but his reasoning didn't always seem sound to me. He's an interesting character that could easily straddle the line between hero and villain at any time.

4. Venom (Eddie Brock). When I first read the Marvel Secret Wars mini-series and the issues of Amazing Spider-Man that followed, I never would have imagined that Parker's symbiote super-suit would find its way to another host. Todd McFarlane did a great job of bringing Venom to life. He and Mark Bagley are the consummate Venom artists, in my opinion. Venom and Eddie have been through a lot ever since, and multiple other symbiotes have tagged along in the process. It's definitely been an interesting ride!

5. Sub-Mariner (Prince Namor). Namor is another of Marvel's oldest characters and is also someone who has been both hero and villain. Namor has been part of the Defenders, and Avengers and sided with the X-Men on occasion. He's also gone to war with T'Challa (the Black Panther) and his Wakandan natives and sided with Dr. Doom (in the aforementioned Super Villain Team-Up series) and others. I first started reading about his exploits as a villain, so that's why he's on this list. However, he can easily change sides on a whim. 

6. The Leader (Samuel Sterns). Sterns was an ordinary factory worker before his exposure to gamma radiation changed his intellect and his body. He's always been my favorite Hulk villain. He has gone through changes in the years since his debut in the Tales to Astonish split book, but he's never too far away from his gamma-spawned adversary. 

7. The Green Goblin (Norman Osborn). I remember picking up an issue of Amazing Spider-Man #121 years after seeing a Spidey cartoon about the villain's backstory. I prefer the Osborn that was best portrayed by Gil Kane and John Romita, Sr. and I was surprised when he returned from the dead in the 90's. He doesn't put on the goblin costume very much anymore (and there's been a bunch of goblins and hobgoblins ever since), but that doesn't make him any less of a cunning villain. 

8. Kraven the Hunter. I've just started reading the death of Kraven series, and it's interesting how human this character I once saw as a minor Spider-Man villain is. He's tussled with Spidey alone and as part of the Sinister Six and battled with Kraven, Tigra and other heroes in different books. I'm glad that he's back and part of the Marvel comic world once more, because I can't imagine what Parker's world would be like without him. 

9. Galactus. When I first started reading Marvel comics that weren't Star Wars, it seemed like Galactus was routinely trying to devour places like Earth, Battleworld, Galador and the Skrull homeworld in almost every issue. He also had a bevy of heralds (like the Silver Surfer, Air-Walker, Firelord, Nova and Terrax, to name just a few) who would inevitably leave his service after realizing his true intentions. He's not nearly the galactic threat that he once was, but it would be nice to see a return to form of this once-mighty threat. 

10. The Super Skrull. This skrull had the combined powers of all of the original Fantastic Four members. He would tangle with them and other heroes such as Spider-Man, Ms. Marvel (Carol Danvers), Alpha Flight and others from time to time. He's not really considered to be much of a villain now, but back in the day he could be a considerable force to be reckoned with. 

Well, there you have it! Next time, I'll write about music. Got a few ideas in my head, but nothing concrete just yet. Until then, have a great weekend and don't forget to be kind to one another. 

Bucky's Favorite Marvel Super Heroes

 Hi everyone,

Had the inspiration the other day to come up with a list of my favorite Marvel Super Heroes, so here we go!

1. The Incredible Hulk (Bruce Banner). I grew up watching the live action Hulk TV series that starred Bill Bixby and Lou Ferrigno. Several years after the show debuted, I got into reading the Hulk comic book series. I still have a long run of that title today. The Jekyll and Hyde struggle between Banner and the physical manifestation of his rage and anger is what initially attracted me to the character. Bill Mantlo and Sal Buscema's magnificent storytelling and art during the Hulk's gain and loss of Banner's intellect is one of the greatest comic book storylines that I've ever read. Both Banner and his gamma-spawned alter ego have continued to change and remain important parts of the Marvel Universe through the years.

2. Spider-Man (Peter Parker). Spidey has been my #2 favorite super hero for quite some time. I vividly remember seeing a cartoon that retold his classic origin story. Parker's humanity is probably what attracted me to the character. Sure, he has amazing powers and abilities, but he's also a normal human being. Pete has the same worries and fears as anyone else. He's a unique character, one that's I've watched on TV, at the movies and in his different comic book titles.

3. Captain America (Steve Rogers). Cap is one of Marvel's oldest characters, and I'm glad thatt he was revived in the 1960's. He just seemed like the epitome of what a Marvel hero should be like. I'm glad that his character has been inspiring other people and residents of the Marvelsphere for decades. 

4. Wolverine (James Howlett/Logan). I first learned about this character by seeing him in an old episode of Spider-Man and his Amazing Friends in the 80's. His character was much more fleshed out in the 90's X-Men cartoon and the comic titles during that time. I went back and read his first appearances in the Incredible Hulk and then went on to read several of his solo stories and exploits with the X-Men and Alpha Flight. It's interesting that when Magneto ripped the adamantium from his bones that Logan, in a very feral state, was the most human he'd ever been to me. 

5. ROM, Spaceknight. Even though ROM technically wasn't a super hero, I loved his comic book title. The first 30 issues by Mantlo and Buscema are some of the best comics I've ever read. Marvel is now reprinting those works in omnibus collections, so it's possible that this beloved character that was initially a gimmicky robot toy may return to interacting with Marvel characters once more. 

6. Shang-Chi, Master of Kung Fu. I started reading this comic years ago after picking up a few issues from a comic book store's bargain bin. I was captured by the storylines and artwork. Doug Moench, Paul Gulacy, Mike Zeck, Gene Day and others brought many of Sax Rohmer's characters to live in ways that were very entertaining. I'm glad that the character, who was largely forgotten after that title was cancelled, is enjoying a resurgence.

7. Luke Cage. I first started reading about this character in his own magazine, which was later expanded to add Iron Fist, after Danny Rand's own title was cancelled after 15 issues. Luke's a no-nonsense dude that's sometimes overlooked and underappreciated. 

8. The Thing. I read a lot of issue of Marvel Two-In-One growing up, and still have most issues of that title's run. Ben is tough on the outside but gentle on the inside. I kinda feel bad that he's never been able to remain human for long stretches of time, but maybe that's something that's just not meant to be. He's been an important member of the Fantastic Four and the Marvel world for a very long time, and I don't see that ever changing.

9. Daredevil. I didn't know much about this blind superhero at first, but he's someone who often flies under the radar. It wasn't until renowned creators like Frank Miller and John Romita Jr. put their own unique spins on the character that I started paying attention. The first Typhoid Mary storyline is well worth reading. 

10. She-Hulk. Rumor has it that Stan Lee developed this character to prevent a television studio from creating someone similar to it. At first, I didn't know what to think about Bruce Banner's cousin, who was so unlike him in many ways. I like that her comics have always had a sense of humor and that Jennifer Walters has mostly been able to transform back and forth at will. 

Well, there you have it: my 10 favorite Marvel super heroes! Next time, I'll write about my favorite Marvel Super Villains. Until then, have a great week and don't forget to be kind to one another. 

Life Matters

 I was thinking last weekend about how short life really is. In the last month, I've lost two aunts and a former high school and college classmate who lost a long battle with cancer. I only have 1 aunt and 1 uncle left, both on my mom's side of the family. It made me realize how our time above ground is limited.

My aunt Nettie passed away on New Year's Eve Day unexpectedly. I was out of town at a Sevendust concert in Green Bay, WI, and didn't hear the news until I returned home the next day. Nettie was the 2nd oldest of 10 kids in Mom's family (7 boys and 3 girls) and was still quite mentally sharp. I'm glad that I got to catch up with her last summer at a family get-together.

My aunt Connie passed away on January 8th after dealing with some health issues for a while. She wasn't my favorite relative, because there were some lingering family issues, but she was family nonetheless. Unfortunately, I missed both of the services because I was self-quarantining after testing positive for Covid (I had nothing more than cold symptoms and have been feeling much better), but I heard from my parents that they were well-attended and there were plenty of people who had good things to say about them both.

I was surprised to hear last weekend that my old classmate (and star of the ROCORI 1988 boys' basketball state champion team) passed away. I didn't know that he'd been battling cancer. I had a few classes with him in high school and college, and he seemed like an intelligent and kind person. I'm sure those closest to him know how much he mattered to them.

Three deaths in less than a month made me ponder about the fragility of human existence. We never know when it could be taken away from us, so why not try to live each moment to the fullest and value those who are close to us? It seems like we get so caught up in the daily activities and all the negativity going on in the world that we sometimes lose focus. I'm making more of a conscious effort to not dwell on the bad and instead appreciate the good. I've been job-hunting since November and the rejections and ghosting can be discouraging, but I've also had some good interviews and feedback and I have at least one freelance gig lined up so far. I just have to keep pushing forward and believing in myself. The ideal career will be found, probably sooner than later (I hope). 

Well, that's all for now. I'd like to resume my music series sometime soon. It all depends on ideas and my free time. Until my next post, have a great week and don't forget to be kind to one another.

I'm Not Interested

 I'm Not Interested

An impromptu poem

by Aaron D. Backes

I'm not interested in unsolicited ads. 

I have enough unnecessary life interruptions as it is.

I'm not interested in "liking" social media pages,

especially if the request is from someone I don't interact with.

I'm not interested in duplicating work.

If I fill out a form or submit a form, I'm not re-entering that information again.

I'm not interested in optional surveys.

If something's optional, I usually opt the fuck out of it.

I'm not interested in things that I've never expressed interest in, to begin with.

The more I hear about them, the less likely I will change my mind.

I'm not interested in being expected to settle with being unhappy.

I'd rather pursue things that interest me and give me a reason to smile.

I'm not interested in mindlessly following the crowd.

If I like certain things, I like them. If I don't like them, then I don't. 

I'm not interested in conspiracy theories.

The fact that they're theories tells me everything I need to know about them.

I'm not interested in being rich and famous.

I just want to do what I love, make enough money to live comfortably, and have good people in my life. That's all that really matters, anyway.

I've had ideas for this piece in my head for a few weeks before I finally decided to post them in my blog. Hope you enjoyed it.

Until next time, have a great weekend and don't forget to be kind to one another.

Bucky's 2024 Year in Review

 Hi everyone,

Last year I didn't do a year in review column because I'd just had ankle surgery a couple of days before 2023 began. This year, I thought I'd write about how last year went for me. It was full of ups and downs like most years, but it ended on a positive note (for the most part) and enough good momentum heading into 2024.

My surgery was on December 29th, 2022. I was pretty bummed that I had to miss the Sevendust New Year's Eve show in Green Bay. I cancelled my hotel reservation and gave my concert ticket to a member of the Sevendust Facebook family so that they could take their son to the show. I wore a cast, splint or brace on my right ankle until late March 2023. I wasn't medically cleared to drive until then, so it put a damper on any plans until spring.

I attended my first rock show of 2023 in late May at the 7th Street Entry of the legendary First Avenue in downtown Minneapolis. It was great to see my friends in Cold on their 20th anniversary tour for their classic Year of the Spider album. Oddly enough, it wouldn't be the only 20th anniversary album show I'd see that year. 

In June, some of my relatives from the West Coast came to MN to visit. We had a nice gathering on a very warm day at one of their favorite metro restaurants. It was good to see everyone, especially since it was the last time I got to see my Aunt Nettie in person. 

The Minnesota Twins had a surprisingly good season in 2023. They clinched the American League Central and broke a couple of long playoff losing streaks in the postseason. I attended a couple of games in July, sandwiched around my birthday (the first was a 6-2 loss to the Baltimore Orioles, and the next was a 3-2 win over the division rival Chicago White Sox, with a buddy of mine from IL in attendance). In 2002, I invited friends for an impromptu lunch, which 1 person showed up for. In 2023, I announced my birthday dinner plans 3 months in advance, and no one showed up. I don't blame people who live out of the area or who already had prior plans, but those events definitely made me rethink certain friendships.

I also went to my first comedy show in years, at the Red Carpet Nightclub in downtown St. Cloud in July. Headliner Steve Hofstetter and his 4 openers did a great job of keeping the crowd thoroughly entertained during their sets. I also caught sets by Collective Unconscious, Slip Twister and others during an Alzheimer's benefit just a few blocks from my home on a nice fall day. Slip Twister were the regular house band at the Carpet for years, and although they don't play nearly as often anymore (the group members are also in the Fabulous Armadillos), hearing their original songs was a real trip down memory lane (I still want one of those cassettes, by the way). 

I attended my first Sevendust family reunion of 2023 (and 41st Sevendust show overall) at the new Fillmore theater in Minneapolis, just a few short steps from Target Field. During the pre-show meet and greet, I presented drummer Morgan Rose with a onesie for his new grandson. Sevendust and MJT were on the bill supporting Alter Bridge as part of their Pawns and Kings tour that summer. All 3 bands were great, and I enjoyed catching up with different members of the Sevendust family. Sadly, it was also the last time that I got to talk with a member of the Sevendust family who lost a tough battle with cancer last month. 

My next Sevendust show was in Clive IA, as part of the Machine Killer. Sevendust was the co-headliner with Static-X. It was my first time seeing Static-X, Dope and Lines of Loyalty live in concert. I had a great time hanging with members of the Sevendust family on an unseasonably warm fall day. 

My next show was Alice Cooper guitarist and Mammoth WVH in First Avenue's main room. I bought a ticket and found my way to the front rail. I didn't buy any merch and didn't have any of the groups' music, but still had fun enjoying their stage presence and hearing songs that the crowd really got into. The last time I saw Wolfgang Van Halen was when he played bass in his father's band at Target Center more than a decade ago. He writes, records, sings and performs all of the songs on his solo albums, so I have to give him a lot of credit for his talent and hard work.

In November, I made the trek to the Quad Cities area of IA/IL for my first Instamix session in years. I got the bad news that I lost my job about an hour after checking into my hotel. I was understandably bummed, but my friends tried to cheer me up when we caught up at the casino the night before the event, and I'm very thankful for that. 

The next day, I was at the Attic in Geneseo, IL as Jose Urquiza (3 Years Hollow), Morgan Rose (Sevendust), Barry Stock (Three Days Grace) and Shaun Foist (Breaking Benjamin) created a new song from scratch before our eyes. A few hours later, most of us stayed for the listening party for the quartet's new album as Table 9. All eleven songs (and a bonus cover track) were excellent! I was proud of what they'd produced, and it was interesting hearing how each song evolved and the project itself surfaced from an earlier Instamix session. All 4 guys stayed to answer questions and pose for photos before we retreated to the casino for games, refreshments and good conversation. 

Last year, I missed the Sevendust New Year's week tour because of my ankle injury. This year, I was determined to catch at least one show. I made it to Green Bay on December 30th the night before the New Year's Eve show at the Epic Event Center. It was cold but warmer than the same day in 2023. The guys did a brief mini-tour in IL and WI for the 20th anniversary of their album Seasons. I got to catch up with Morgan and lead guitarist Clint Lowery for a few minutes after the meet and greet soundcheck and photos, and went to a local bar & grill to catch up with other members of the Sevendust family before the show. It was my first time hearing South Dakota natives Core, but I was familiar with the other openers, Bloomington, IL residents Burden of the Sky and 10 Years, another favorite band of mine. Sevendust played through the entire Seasons album along with a trio of songs in the encore after the New Year's Eve countdown was over. 

I got home yesterday in the late afternoon hours. I also received the unfortunate news that my aunt Nettie had unexpectedly passed away while I was in Green Bay the day before. I was sad to hear this, but I know that my aunt lived a very long full life, and made the most of her 92 years. I'll deal with the service when it's held along with a few upcoming job interviews with the same positivity and focus that I had at the end of 2023. I know that better days are ahead for all of us in the coming months. I hope that each and every one of you had a happy holiday season and have a prosperous 2024.

Well,  that's all I have for now. Until next time, have a great week, everyone!