A million apologies for being kind of silent this week. I’ve been starting the preliminary prep for the courses I might be teaching in the spring. I say “might” because I recently interviewed with a non profit organization in San Francisco that could lead to a full time gig. If that happens, I’ll have to pass on the teaching opportunities because the non profit job is a better gig. If I don’t get it, I’m back in the groove of teaching. Oh, and just so you know, if you’re a part time college professor, you take a vow of poverty. Sadly, it means your family has to take a vow of poverty, too. Ah, the things we do for love…
Speaking of love, here comes this week’s Random Sample (which nine of you overwhelmingly voted that I continue as a feature on this blog). Ain’t democracy grand? Okay, on with the show!
“Open Fire,” The Sarah Mac Band (Download) From the great swamps of Florida, the Sarah Mac Band are quite a find. I was introduced to them via Paste magazine (Thanks Richard and Kathy for the gift), and my iPod. This tune is just a great pop song. It has a diary confession quality to it, but breaking up is hard to do, so why not let it all come out in a song.
“Dreamer (Live),” Supertramp (Download)Probably my favorite song by Supertramp — but It has to be the live version. This was the album Supertramp put out after the massively successful Breakfast in America, and it was a welcome respite because they didn’t rush to make Breakfast in America II. Rather, they put out the obligatory live album to keep their stock strong while they figured out what to do. What Roger Hogdson and Rick Davies figured out was they hated each other and wanted to part ways — but they had one final album in 1982 to produce, which spawned the tepid AC hit, “It’s Raining Again.”
“She Sell Santuary,” The Cult (Download) This is one of those songs where the guitar is really the lead singer, because it has such a great hook. I have a “take it or leave it” attitude toward this band, but one thing I will take is this song. I’ve been trying to play it on guitar, and I nail the opening riff every other time — much to the dismay of Maya who is sick to death of hearing me play this.
“Forever Autumn (N Trance Remix),” Justin Hayward and Jeff Wayne (Download) I featured the live version of “Forever Autumn” the Moody Blues recorded on last week’s Mix Six. I added this version as a bonus, but since a lot of you don’t bother with Popdose, you probably didn’t hear this — but now you can! 😆
J
October 24, 2008 at 2:37 amNah, no poverty when I'm rich with having such a wonderful husband. 😉
I know, everyone wants to puke now. But teaching two classes a semester pays less than unemployment, so yeah, it's not a job you take to get rich quick.
Looks like great songs. I'm looking forward to listening to them, if this conference call I'm on ever ends. 😉
Happy Friday! Glad you're keeping this feature.
Autumn's Mom
October 24, 2008 at 10:20 amI like it too, even if I can only hear the songs in my head. haha Love Supertramp…although it always reminds me of my first Step-Monster. She was the one who introduced me to some cool bands. Like Supertramp and Queen. Sigh, but she was such an evil bitch!
Scott Malchus
October 24, 2008 at 10:52 amNo apologies necessary, Ted. So happy to hear that not only do you have one job, but you may have the option for a second. Congrats!
You know, I come from a family of teachers, so I understand the sacrifices that have to be made. Thanks for the tunes!
Ted
October 24, 2008 at 11:10 amFolks, just don’t puke like that guy on SNL last night. What? You didn’t see it? Fast forward to 5:24 and enjoy!
http://www.nbc.com/Saturday_Night_Live/video/clips/update-andy-jams-the-vote/784221/
Yeah, it is obscene that you can make less teaching two classes than unemployment at its highest rate, but there ’tis. But even teaching p/t is not a p/t job. The amount of prep that goes into a class is quite a lot — well, for me — but it pays dividends in other ways.
Sorry to hear about your “Step Monster,” Dot (By the way, nice reference to St. Elmo’s Fire), but I hope hearing Supertramp doesn’t bring up memories of her evilness.
And Scott: Thanks for visiting, brother! Since our Popdose duties mean less time for our individual blogs, it’s nice to know that you’re still reading my sporadic drivel here. 🙂 Many thanks for the “big ups” on the job stuff.
mopsy
October 24, 2008 at 4:35 pmgood luck on your new venture ,baby boy
Cherry
October 26, 2008 at 7:27 pmohh! Love that Sarah Mac Band song. I had never heard of them before, but now I want more. Very my style o’stuff.