the needle

But all that I know is I’m breathing.

ashpash — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 16:30:32 +0000

The storm is coming but I don’t mind.
People are dying, I close my blinds.

All that I know is I’m breathing now.

I want to change the world…instead I sleep.
I want to believe in more than you and me.

But all that I know is I’m breathing.
All i can do is keep breathing.
All we can do is keep breathing now.

All that i know is i’m breathing.
All i can do is keep breathing.
All we can do is keep breathing now.

All we can do is keep breathing
All we can do is keep breathing
All we can do is keep breathing
All we can do is keep breathing.
All we can do is keep breathing now.

february 2: today in music history.

ashpash — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 16:03:27 +0000

Short of that d-bag Punxsatawny Phil seeing his shadow today and giving us another million years of winter, other things have happened on February 2. Perhaps most notedly, the 2003 monumental event, Russian pop girl duo Tatu starting a four-week run at No.1 on the UK singles chart with ‘All The Things She Said’. Nothing like fake lesbians to stir up some news…eh, Katy Perry?

Today the song “The Way We Were” by Barbra Streisand topped the charts and stayed there for 3 weeks. (1974)

Today the song “I Want to Know What Love Is” by Foreigner topped the charts and stayed there for 2 weeks. (1985) Who hasn’t rocked to this in the car?

In 2002, Steve Holy picked up his first chart-topping single, hitting #1 in Billboard with “Good Morning Beautiful”.

Back in 1993, Willie Nelson agreed to pay $9 million of the $16.7 million he owes the Internal Revenue Service in a meeting at the IRS office in Austin, Texas. More than $3 million of that figure has already been paid.

Dolly Parton’s “Jolene” went to #1 on the Billboard country chart today in 1974. Man, that Jolene was a bitch! But did you know…I Will Always Love You was a B-SIDE to Jolene? One of the greatest love songs of all time was an afterthought to Jolene!

So forget the groundhog…listen to some Willie or Dolly and enjoy February 2.

get back.

ashpash — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 15:48:51 +0000

Ummm…hey. We’ve been gone along time and I apologize. Don’t hold it against us. But we’re about to get back…get back…get back to where we once belonged; in your bookmarks, rocking your faces on the daily.

stay tuned for many more posts coming your way all about music, review, albums, artists, products and whatever else we deem appropriate. We won’t let you down.

xo,

the needle

she’s just being miley.

ashpash — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 18:16:35 +0000

All the rage in Hollywood nowadays (short of Jessica Simpson’s weigh gain) is the photo featuring Miley Cyrus, that randomly appeared on the internet. She and a group of her friends are seen making “goofy faces” as she called them in her (borderline ridiculous) apology on her blog. Goofy faces, like all Asians have? Nice one, Miley.

But in my humble opinion, the blatantly racial undertones of the photo aren’t even the worst part. Anyone could argue that they aren’t racist against Asians because they -like- totally have an Asian friend! It’s the same bullshit line white people use when they are caught locking their car doors in predominantly black areas. “Well, I have black friends!” No matter which way you slice it, my friend, Patrick Smith, computer programmer, while a baby daddy, does not count as legitimate evidence of my tolerance!

Additionally, Miley is 16 right? And that mopped-topped cat on the far right has a glass of wine in his hand. One of two things is happening: He is drinking underage, or he is WAY too old to be hanging out with Miley Cyrus. Either way, Billy Ray needs to be notified.

The ironic part to me is that all the pasty white folk in the picture are making “Asian” faces and the one dude who actually is Asian (without the air-quotes) is actually making some weirdly concerted effort to make his eyes LESS squinty and Asian looking.

On the (highly unlikely) contrary, maybe we are underestimating these kids. Maybe these astute youngsters are really playing the joke on us daft, politically correct old squares. Maybe they are the ones making the clever social statement regarding the condition of this superficial world that bases people’s worth on their outward appearances and not the content of their character. Are Miley and her friends the next generation of human rights revolutionaries that will shape the world we live in for generations to come?

…Or are they a room full of drunk, rich, spoiled pricks that have no idea about the consequences of real life who are financing their outrageous lives with the pathetic insecurities and irrational obsessions of impressionable children?

Yeah. I’d put my money on the latter.

today in music history.

ashpash — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 17:27:49 +0000

A very happy birthday to Duff McKagan of Guns N’ Roses. He was born February 5, 1962. Additionally, a Feliz Cumpleanos as well to Cory Wells (67) of Three Dog Night, one of The Needle’s favorite bands. On the charts, back in 1983, the top song on the radio was “Africa” by Toto. In 1940, Glenn Miller and his Orchestra recorded “Tuxedo Junction”.

This week, Kelly Clarkson’s mammoth return to the charts continues at the number one spot with “My Life Would Suck Without You”. And sadly, the Needle reports the death of the Cramps frontman Lux Interior, yesterday, at the age of 60 from a pre-existing heart condition.

why kanye west is gay.

ashpash — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 15:21:59 +0000

First of all, let me preface this post with the sincere fact that The Needle LOVES Kanye West’s music. When the video for “Through the Wire” came out on MTV, I knew he was something new and fresh for music. “808’s and Heartbreak” was just another genius reinvention of hip-hop as we know it and one of the most played albums on my iPod Touch, hands down. Beyond his music, he has been very visible as a philanthropist, a restaurateur and has performed for various charitable causes including Live Aid and a benefit for Hurricane Katrina.

As much as I love listening to his music and appreciating the juggernaut that West has become (outspokenness and all), I am convinced that Kanye, in all of his sunglassed, popped-collared, tight-pantsed glory is a fabulous homosexual. While he has been in some seemingly serious relationships with women, I venture to produce various levels of proof from the various stages of West’s career to confirm my hypothesis; Kanye is Kan-Gay.

Exhibit 1: Soon after his debut album “The College Dropout” started showing up in stores, West persuaded Sway of MTV fame to interview him on a program, aptly named, “All Eyes On Kanye West”. In this interview (read it yourself), he confesses his love for Fiona Apple’s music, and calls out hip-hop for being homophobic. He was called a “fag” in high school and had a cousin who was gay “who he loved.” And with how politically vocal he is, he made the comparison that the black man’s civil rights struggle was similar to that of the homosexual man’s. If someone in one of the most ethnically-proud, homophobic, female-objectifying industries in America comes out speaking so staunchly against homophobia, while admittedly noble, seems a little suspect.

Exhibit 2: His nickname is “The Louis Vuitton Don.” He has penchant for Italian shoes, nice suits and designing apparel and accessories. He’s also courting various fashion houses for internships. I’ve seen enough “Project Runway” to know better; no one is auditioning for the show because of the plethora of straight guys to hook up with.

Exhibit 3: The lyrics to “Love Lockdown” from his latest album speaks volumes to the lifestyle he could be suppressing. The confusion and theme of repression throughout is very telling (edited for repetition):

I’m not lovin’ you

Way I wanted to

What I had to do

Had to run from you

I’m in love with you

But the vibe is wrong

And that haunted me all the way home

So you never know

Never, never know

Never know enough

Til it’s over love

Til we lose control

System overload

Screamin’ no, no, no, no, no

I’m not lovin’ you

Way I wanted to

See I want to move

But can’t escape from you

So I keep it low

Keep a secret code

So everybody else don’t have to know….

I’m not lovin’ you

Way I wanted to

I can’t keep my cool

So I keep it true

I got something to lose

So I gotta move

I can’t keep myself

And still keep you too

So I keep in mind

When I’m on my own

Somewhere far from home

In the danger zone

How many times did I tell you

‘fore it finally got through

You lose, you lose

I’m not lovin’ you

Way I wanted to

See I had to go

See I had to move

No more wasting time

You can’t wait for life

We’re just racing time

Where’s the finish line

So keep your love locked down

Your love locked down…

I’m not lovin’ you

Way I wanted to

I bet no one knew

I got no one new

No, I said I’m through

But got love for you

But I’m not lovin’ you

Way I wanted to

Gotta keep it going

Keep the lovin’ going

Keep it on a roll

Only God knows

If I’ll be with you

Baby I’m confused

You choose, you choose

I’m not lovin’ you

Way I wanted to

Where I want to go

I don’t need you

I’ve been down this road

Too many times before

I’m not lovin’ you

Way I wanted to

So keep your love locked down

Your love locked down…

In the end, you can reach your own conclusions regarding the sexual preferences of Kanye West, but I feel the aforementioned exhibits illustrate my point that if not gay, West is at least bi-sexual.

I’m not going to quit listening or impatiently anticipating the ingenuity of West’s next musical conquest.

…But I am not going to be able to restrain myself from changing the lyrics to “Love Lockdown” to: “I’m not loving you/Way I wanted to/In your poopshoot/I wear Armani suits…”

the day the music died.

ashpash — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 20:35:15 +0000

Today, back in 1959, three angels of the dawn of rock and roll music passed away in a tragic plane crash in Iowa. Buddy Holly, Richie Valens and J.P. “Big Bopper” Richardson all perished on their way to another leg of “The Winter Dance Party” – a tour covering various cities in the Midwest. Dion and the Belmonts as well as Waylon Jennings were also on the tour, but due to several conflicts with the weather, with financing the flight and other extenuating circumstances, only Holly, Valens and Richardson boarded the plane with the pilot. Others took buses to the next tour stop.

At around 1:00 am on February 3, the plane took off and by 3:30 am, the aircraft was deemed missing. At 9:15, another pilot took off from what would have been the plane’s destination in Minnesota and after a long flight, found the wreckage only 5 miles northwest of the airport from which the rock stars’ plan had departed.

The crash was blamed on pilot error due to his lack of experience and the poor weather conditions. Autopsy reports indicated that all on board died instantaneously.

Memorialized in monuments in the area of the crash and even in the Don McLean song “American Pie”, Holly, Valens and Big Bopper’s impact on music did not stop in 1959, but lives on in music today.

father son and the holy beatle.

ashpash — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 13:52:45 +0000

live blog: mtv vmas

ashpash — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 12:23:42 +0000

I don’t know that I’ll last all that long at doing this because there may be a moment where I need to go slit my wrists for the completely tragic lack of morals and priorities that will be showcased. But here goes. Its my first time, so be gentle..and refresh as you see fit. Comment after the jump too. Here we go….The Needle’s live blog of the MTV VMAs!

8:04: Sway is in a helicopter? Gangsta!
8:06: Taylor Swift looks gorgeous. Is she legal or am are men country-wide going to jail?
8:09: Confident Katy Perry’s fame has gone directly to her head.
8:14: Holy shit Katy Perry’s secret guest is Miley Cyrus?! This is like wrong in 42 ways.
8:15: T-Pain is on an elephant. I’m speechless. Yes, I know what you’re saying, Mr. Pain.
8:18: Back to my Tay-Tay. Pink actually looks really good. Very pretty.
8:24: Panic at the Disco has an Econoline van. Fr rls. It’s after Labor Day. No more white.
8:26: Nice granny panties, Katy Perry. Miley being here with Katy is like showing up to the bar with your drunk, barfly mother who is -like- the star of the townie bar. Yikes.
8:28: I don’ care how much jack and weed Kid Rock gets into. I fuckin love that cat. Michael Phelps = jackedupgrill.com. Amazing athlete – but teefies….UHH!
8:29: Scratch the last post. I love Russell Brand, no matter hwo much meth or coke he ever used. The commercials for this years VMAs are right up there with any one’s in history. Nancy Reagan and Barbara Bush are going to recreate the Madonna and Britney lesbian kiss? Brilliance.
8:33: I love Dance Crew. I just don’t understand why Asians are so into it. Nice outfits, Kaba Modern – Buckeyes colors. I just don’t really get Fanny Pak. Wedding costumes? I liked Kaba better.
8:37: OMG, LOLZ, teh JoNaS bROtheRs!!!!!1!!1
8:43: OMG, SRSLY, Christina. That’s my crush. Screw the Jonas’. I can’t wai to see her. Didn’t know she was part of the show tonight!
8:46: Slipknot, thanks for not taking this seriously. I didn’t really know you were even making music anymore, but whatevs.
8:47: OMG, Britney is opening?! There was so much talk about her being in, being out….this could be the biggest clusterfuck of all. PLEASE do some drugs beforehand..and I hope you got your terrible weave before the show today, love!
8:50: Taylor Swift just molested Ashlee Simpson’s belly.
8:52: Paramore came in Smart Cars. Nice bow tie Hayley. Yikes.
8:59: OK…..drum roll please…..
9:02: Scratch and scratch. Love Jonah Hill.
9:03: Considering everything, Britney looks seriously unbelievable. I need to use loads of drugs, be manic depressive and lose custody of my kids. It does wonders for your ass!!!
9:05: Rihanna’s a little scary, but I still don’t think I care. I’d still almost do her and I like dudes. And I think she wants to do me.
9:10: Russell Brand. I love you, homie. But shit. No one wants a foreigner telling us how to run our country. I Barack and I roll too…but this is actually, tonight…YEAH…its about music. No shit right?
9:17: “TI, I see you got your bail money…yeah…you know I just playing…you know I’m kidding….Dont shoot me.” – I love Jamie Foxx.
9:18: Brit-Brit’s first female video VMA! Congrats, nut job!!!
9:27: No wonder Ashton is with Demi. She looks unbelievable for 83. She (and her vagina) must be magic.
9:31: I thought when the Jonas Brothers performed, girls heads were supposed to explode…but they have them out on the door step of 227. Ah! There they are! Run, little bitches run! Whoa! Some Jonas just screamed like Howard Dean! Fine fine…that middle, singing one is kinda hot.
9:36: Paramore plays the Whisky? STFU. The Doors, Zeppelin, anyone who ever was anyone played there, not the flavor of the week…maybe they’ll let me play if I show up with my clarinet from high school.
9:43: I didn’t get Leona Lewis at all. But A Milli kicks my whole ass. Hey Lil Wayne…you need to get more tattoos. Maybe with your “millies” you can buy a whole other person to put more ink on. And Psst…don’t look now but your pants are completely down. Completely. And your friend Mr. Pain has a lot of look going on. Was that Ghetto Sgt. Pepper?
9:49: I’m sorry but if you’re nasty and slutty and have your titties out, don’t thank God in your acceptance speech. kthnxbai.
9:56: Ashlee Simpson must not be a complete retard…because I do like Pete Wentz and I trust that he doesn’t marry and impregnate retards.
9:59: Avril Lavigne needs to take a lesson from Hayley and the dudes in Paramore. That’s how you Eff Es UP.
10:13: I love this Pink song. I might be a douche but whatever. It sounds like an Irish fighting song. This song makes ME want to fuck up Carey Hart and and I don’t even know that dude.
10:22: Yeah. Ashlee and Pete are kinda cute.
10:35: Sorry. The SM got home from work. I missed a little. Other than Rihanna singing the Numa Numa song .
10:42: I will buy anything Christina sells me. She culd sell me shit on a shingle and she’d be rich off my money.
10:46: Tokio Hotel for best new artist? Are you serious? Beating Taylor and Miley? Thank your fans and God…and David Hasslehoff. And Thank God….we’ll never see you again.
10:50: Do you think LL Cool J works out at all?
11:01: Why is no one up dancing and jamming for Kid? I’d be shaking my shit.
11:07: This is getting very anticlimactic quickly.
11:11: Good for you, Brit. I’m glad everyone wants you to do well. I think your whole existence has been so sad as of late that everyone was just glad that you aren’t dead.
11:14: Kanye time. The reason you don’t win anything Kanye is because while you have some good beats and you are undoubtedly talented…plain and simple…your songs are too plain and simple. Repetitive.

Well that is it folks. Thanks for coming along on this ridiculous journey with me. Through the highs and lows, you were right there with me. I appreciate your support…and now its time for me (and the SM for a change) to go to bed. Harr-r-r–r-r-r-re Krishna and Good night!

suggested listening: jon mclaughlin

ashpash — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 23:23:34 +0000

It’s been a while since The Needle has suggested a hot (and Jesus H, do we mean HOT) new music maker on the scene, but we couldn’t resist plugging the gorgeous and talented Jon McLaughlin. A mix of Buble and Mraz….Mayer and Elton….Jon McLaughlin makes beautiful music.

Randomly, The Needle heard his song “Beautiful Disaster” on the radio as they participated in our first ever session of physical therapy for our knee. During the hour and a half at the hand of the therapist, we repeated the lyrics over and over to look them up when we got home. A Google search and a few Limewire downloads later, we were in love. Meaningful lyrics, heartfelt melodies and unique chord progressions make McLaughlin’s contribution to radio and The Needle’s iPod unique. His voice is sweet and clear and is perfect for driving, chilling around the house, or having the ladies over for wine and dinner. Bonus points if you can get your ball and chain to slow dance with you to “Giving Me Reasons.”

Suggested downloads: “Beautiful Disaster”, “Giving Me Reasons”, “Human”, and his newest single being played on VH1 and the like, “Beating My Heart.” Like Michael Buble, or even John Legend to a certain extent, McLaughlin brings back a piano throwback vibe that is fondly appreciated….while still bringing something new like John Mayer, Jason Mraz or Eric Hutchinson (if you haven’t checked him out, you need to experience him as well). If you like any of the artist mentioned previously, definitely give Jon McLaughlin a listen.