Things I Haven’t Done For A Case Of Beer
I want to say this just to get it out of the way – I have never sucked my own dick for a case of beer.
That said; the Juno Awards are this weekend if I’m not mistaken. For those that have been speculating, no, I will not be attending them. To be honest, I won’t be winning the award that I’m up for either. While I have never sucked my own dick, I will admit to being a bit of a Juno psychic.
Here’s how it works…
Check to see who is up for the same award. Find out who has the most nominations. Then find out which of them is performing. If the artist with the most nominations also happens to be performing, chances are it’s a lock.
So I’m going to firmly put my money on Finger Eleven winning the award and congratulate them in advance.
My parents have all of my awards. Junos, Much Music Awards, and so forth. To be honest, they’re a total pain in the ass to actually have around your house. I used to have all my Gold and Platinum record awards, but I gave them to my folks and a few friends some years ago. Same thing – a pain in the ass to have to store, etc. Bare walls are much easier to deal with.
Given the state of the music industry – and let me tell you folks, it ain’t good – award shows are becoming even more of a joke than they already were. By the end of the year, iTunes may very well become the #1 retailer of music in the US, beating out all brick and mortar competition. Know what that means? The beginning of the end of actual hard copy sales. All one need do is look at the success that Reznor just had with the debut of the new NIN album as proof positive that those immovable record executives in their ivory towers are living in a fantasy world that they refuse to acknowledge is crumbling around them. In this country, A&R departments are disappearing like dinosaurs after a meteor strike, which means that the cultivation of Canadian acts by major labels is basically all but over. Thank God CTV is still willing to broadcast an award show that doesn’t betray that fact and makes things appear like all is well in the land of corporate music. That way they can continue to operate as little more than marketing mechanisms for foreign releases while still retaining the outward appearance that they have something to do with Canadian music.
Going to the doctor on Monday. Got some weird gurgling sound in my lungs that won’t go away. Haven’t had an MRI in two years – I’m supposed to have one every year to check on the condition. Been working since I got home and it hasn’t been bothering me when I’ve been laying down vocals, so who knows. I’m a walking fucking disaster; that much is for certain. I just don’t want to find out there are lesions, which would not be good, or that my lymph nodes have continued to enlarge, because then I’ll have to start taking Prednisone, and at that point I might as well just become the CEO of a pharmaceutical company given the amount of shit I have to take on a daily basis.
I used to dream about getting hit by a car and being dragged underneath it. Don’t ask me why, but it always terrified me. But since October 2006 I’ve not dreamed about it, nor does the prospect of it frighten me anymore. It’s weird, but I’ve actually become very comfortable with the idea of mortality. In fact, it’s actually rather comforting in a lot of ways to be honest. If you think about it, amongst all of life’s other unknowns, at least death is an eventuality that you can’t escape. I guess that frightens a lot of people, but for me for some reason it’s a really calming thought. The whole idea of life and death, and that it’s the one natural constant that is utterly unalterable, just seems profoundly reassuring. That might sound strange to most of you, and I’m not mentioning it to sound morose or depressive. In fact, I think it’s one of the few positive comforts in life if you can really wrap your head around it and view it from an unconventional perspective.
Anyway, back to reworking a demo. For some reason, whenever I get off the road, I tell myself that I’m going to spend a few days taking it easy, but I always end up back at work the next day. Fucking creativity.
April 4th, 2008 at 11:01 am
I go into the doc’s today. Sore throat, fatigue, ravenous appetite, drowsiness, and some other things that might offend the delicate sensibilities of MG.org readers, so I shan’t mention them.
Got my fingers crossed for ya’.
Why watch the Juno’s when there’s WHL Playoff Hockey to be had?
Speaking of awards, and given your lack of fear regarding your mortality, I’d like to call dibs on your Talk Talk “Spirit of Eden” gold record.
April 4th, 2008 at 11:15 am
I used to have the same dream - but it’s a Guinness truck.
Seriously, I never worried about my own mortality until I had kids. Until my mid twenties I did stupid shit because of it; my wife always says that she hopes my son is not like me becasue I undoubtedly used up all 9 of my lives and then most of his too. Now that I have kids I worry sometimes about who will look after them if I am not around. One of my kids has pretty severe ADHD and an associated disorder called ODD (Oppositional Defiance Disorder) - and so they are a bit of a handful sometimes. I worry, if something happens to me, how my wife will handle everything.
Anyway, from my perspective, Matt Good deserves a nod for a Juno - all due respect for what was said above.. Anne Murray on the other hand, who does not need another one, is pissed off because of some judging thing and figures she’ll get knackered. I’m OK with all of this - I just cant figure out the relationship with the dick and the beer.
April 4th, 2008 at 11:16 am
Life is short so live large and enjoy the ride because its over quicker then you think.
April 4th, 2008 at 11:22 am
Doctor’s appt., condition, laying down vocals, etc
I have my daughter’s wedding tomorrow
Wanna trade?
April 4th, 2008 at 11:23 am
I have to say that while I’m a HUGE fan of your music and the causes you stand for I think that your reasoning for not attending the Juno’s are…well a little juvenile. While I can understand your position regarding the state of the music industry these days and some of the shit that gets recorded and then (unfortunately) released, award shows like the Junos (after all the mass publicity and sponsorship) are there to recognize and award artists for their talents. You are ridiculously talented and have released an amazing record which someone somewhere has recognized as award worthy. I don’t know about you, but to me that’s pretty awesome. So, get off your high-horse and go partake in your industry’s ceremony that awards this country’s best. Even if you don’t win, there will probably be free booze and good looking women, can’t all be bad eh?
PS - No date the problem? I’m sure your Mum would love to take her boy. Or I’ve got nothing on on Sunday night ;)
April 4th, 2008 at 11:24 am
Why do they call it a Juno. Is that some kind of Canadian thing. And if you win a Juno you could A. Give it to Mom, B. Sell it on Ebay or C. use as a conversational piece in your apartment / loft. Anyway best of luck if you should be something or not.
April 4th, 2008 at 11:24 am
“Welcome to today. How do you feel? This is what today looks like. Is it what you expected?
There will come a time when you wake up and realize that there will come a time when you will not.
There will come a time when the version of you on this day will seem stupid.
It is not your fault.”
Not sure where I ever got that quote but it I see it every day, taped to my monitor at work. It helps me to put things into perspective.
April 4th, 2008 at 11:36 am
That Kroeger story is awesome. I think he thought he was bragging.
Hope nothing’s wrong with you. Eeek! Lesions and enlarged lymph nodes? Get that MRI annually like yer supposed to, man.
Lots of things frighten me, but death is not one of them. What’s to be afraid of? The way I see it, once you’re gone, you won’t know you’re gone. You won’t know anything, actually. Sounds pretty peaceful to me. (Of course, you won’t be aware that you’re experiencing the peace. Damn.)
Demos! Can’t wait for the next demo post. They make my day. Sometimes even week.
April 4th, 2008 at 11:44 am
Those who wish to sing always find a song.
April 4th, 2008 at 11:45 am
but they froze walt disney….
April 4th, 2008 at 11:53 am
Creativity is a fucking bitch.
P.s. my son cannot listen to HM anymore before preschool.. Yesterday when I dropped him off he did mala lalalalallalal love is a strong word i hate you, really fast before entering the class. Then when I picked him up he said he wanted to hear the turn tail tomorrow..
yep, your creativity is a bitch in this house…. ha ha ha
April 4th, 2008 at 11:55 am
Hah - any occasion that gives you the opportunity to link that hilarious article again is a good one. While you’re probably right re: who will win based on who is performing, I still hope it’s you because the new(est) album is great and you deserve it. Even though you don’t support the awards.
In other things, I’m sending you good thoughts re: the doctor. I hope it’s…congestion or something, and not anything serious. I’d scold you for not going to the doctor when you’re supposed to, but in all fairness, I’ve put off doctor’s visits for months before, so it’s not like I have high ground to stand on here.
Re: mortality - death doesn’t worry me. What does is not getting to accomplish all of my goals before I go.
April 4th, 2008 at 11:56 am
I wonder if Finger Eleven would still win if everyone knew they used to be known as The Rainbow Butt Monkeys.
April 4th, 2008 at 12:12 pm
The industry is changing, but there are a lot of hardcore fans of hardcopies. The younger generation is mostly about iPods and what not, but us older folks and musicians are still interested in hardcopies.
I was one of the $1.6 million Trent made from the sales. I wanted hardcopies so I coughed up a whopping $10 for CD’s to be shipped to me.
I have noticed that they seem to be getting rid of stockpiled stuff. I thought it was the labels becoming more reasonable, but no, they just want to get rid of extra DVD’s/CD’s so they become rare and can charge more again.
I purchased Analyze That for just $4.00! I purchased Spaceballs for $6.00. To me that’s an incredible deal, and those were at HMV!
Digital is the way of the future for just about everything (cameras, audio recording, music/book/art distribution) but nothing will replace the hardcopy. No matter how good your DAC (digital to analog converter) or your ADC (analog to digital converter) is, you’ll never replicate true life with digital. It will always be an approximation.
The masses may decide that digital is fine for them, but the other technologies will never die. Tube amps are still being sold! Even with bands like Rush going completely wireless, using MIDI hits to play perfectly set drum samples, and such, tube amps are still going to be sold. Vinyl records will still be sold.
It will just be far less in volume.
VHS can go, DVD does beat that. Cassettes too, DVD’s sound better.
Matt, what will you do? Will you release stuff on your own? Adopt a ‘Pay what you think’ type thing?
You are famous enough it should work for you.
April 4th, 2008 at 12:15 pm
I’ve been thinking Finger Eleven for same reason’s although I’m not a big fan of them, I like a couple songs. I am still holding onto hope!!!
Although I’m rather pissed they didn’t ask you to perform… Or do they know better than to beat a dead horse?
Re: the Jim Morrisonesque write up near the end of your post…. ………. before I thought it, but even more so now… I’m abit of a weirdo when it comes to obsessing about people who talk about death: I find it strange that you were born and 4 days later Jim Morrison died….. it’s always right there.. right in my brain… and this year you are 37…. he was 27……. so, yeah, hearing you talk like this, is really scarey. 27/37 two different numbers, i know…. but………. i don’t know… just thining about loud.
April 4th, 2008 at 12:26 pm
ummm…. with the condition and all…. how about quitting smoking?
as for the state of the music industry and hard copies of music - i agree that they are dying out quickly, but the one major problem with the mp3’s is the crap sound quality…. even at a high bit rate… if you listen to these on any kind of reasonably good music system you cringe. if they distributed these via FLAC or SHN then at least you get a better format and could burn your own copy. i still like to have the actual cd as well for the liner notes, artwork, etc…. i’m old school like that………..
April 4th, 2008 at 12:34 pm
Satch what about touring? Would artists need to tour more to make their money? Because I don’t know what royalties pay… It’s great when you become a legend, because you will always make you money from radio… God, I wonder how much more money Journey made after the Soprano’s ended.
April 4th, 2008 at 12:37 pm
Happy Act Like A T-Rex Day!
April 4th, 2008 at 12:48 pm
matt, good to finally hear ur decision about the junos (and yes, they are quite predictible arent they?).
also, i agree that its terrible whats happening to the state of the music industry. i live for purchasing music, new, used, cd, vinyl, w/e. i buy albums usually ever other week or at least a couple times a month, i love to watch my collection grow. people who illegally download or purchase solely off of itunes or other, dont realise the effect this has on the music industry and sales of hard copies. personally i dont see the appeal in investing in mp3s… when i buy a hard copy i feel like i get to take a piece of the artist home with me. i enjoy reading the insert, from the lyrics to thank yous. i enjoy the creativity and significance behind the album artwork. i like to watch the stacks of cds accumulate arround my house. which is why i just cant understand why people would risk having all of that taken away. music is such a gift. a world without record stores is fucking madness. i saw three that i used to shop at disapear in toronto last summer and im always fearful that more will go along with them. people need to start realizing the dangerous effects of downloading.
and as for your health condition, i really hope that its nothing serious, you may not fear your death, but we all fear it. a life without matthew good is not a happy one ;)
April 4th, 2008 at 12:49 pm
On mortality:
The Serenity Prayer
God, give us grace to accept with serenity the things that cannot be changed, courage to change the things that should be changed, and the wisdom to distinguish the one from the other.
April 4th, 2008 at 12:57 pm
Margo, good post.. I’m totally the same. I love going to the music store and buying the actual cd. I have people asking me if I want the latest ‘Theory’ or latest this or that and it’s not the same. I go out and I actually buy it.. The other day my dad called me from California where they go for the winter and he heard Metal Airplanes in the background. It was right around the part where ‘I’m like the cubs against the sox comes on” and my dad was all ‘hey, who is that new artist singing, i like that new country artist, is that Bruce’.. I’m all “no, it’s Matthew Good”. He loves buying cd’s, too, I should really go buy it for him. Although, I’m sure he’ll be jealous of my signed copy!!!! :o(
April 4th, 2008 at 1:03 pm
I still think you should picket the Junos.
April 4th, 2008 at 1:03 pm
thanks T-Lee :)
yeah, i dont know what i would do without my music collection.
and signed copy? damn you just made ME jealous.
ill get around to that eventually though lol.
April 4th, 2008 at 1:12 pm
[quote comment="48814"]Satch what about touring? Would artists need to tour more to make their money? Because I don’t know what royalties pay… It’s great when you become a legend, because you will always make you money from radio… God, I wonder how much more money Journey made after the Soprano’s ended.[/quote]
Unfortunately for MG he comments he was not making money doing the US acoustic tour.
However, as I am against the lawsuits, good intentions but not the best methods and even the legality is severely distorted.
I usually read twice a week news related to RIAA, just *google* RIAA with the “news” option.
From what I have learned, the money is made from touring, and given the drive by the RIAA et. al. to reduce royalties, I don’t think record sales with those labels will account for much.
Now on your own, don’t expect to sell as many but my friend made an acoustic blues/bluegrass record, he told me he’s making $5 per CD, charging only $10 a CD. He’d have to sell 2000 to break even he said. Or was it 1000? I can’t remember. He’s not a techy so he doesn’t have a Macbook Pro at his disposal.
However when asked he says “I have a mortgage, I own my van, I enjoy what I do, I work on music projects as well, I don’t need to be famous, I already won!” Meaning he’s making a living, but he has to play venues (clubs/bars/lounges) which is the same as touring.
So touring/performing is how the money is made. But you don’t always make money either, I’m sure Matt can attest to that.
April 4th, 2008 at 1:16 pm
[quote comment="48821"]I still think you should picket the Junos.[/quote]
Noooooooooo, his lifetime achievement award is less than 10 years away.. nooooooooooooooooooooooo
April 4th, 2008 at 1:19 pm
[quote comment="48822"]thanks T-Lee :)
yeah, i dont know what i would do without my music collection.
and signed copy? damn you just made ME jealous.
ill get around to that eventually though lol.[/quote]
Tee hee… he never signed it in front of me, I bought it at the merchandising corner at the Vancouver Concert. :o)~~~
April 4th, 2008 at 1:25 pm
[quote comment="48823"][quote comment="48814"]Satch what about touring? Would artists need to tour more to make their money? Because I don’t know what royalties pay… It’s great when you become a legend, because you will always make you money from radio… God, I wonder how much more money Journey made after the Soprano’s ended.[/quote]
Unfortunately for MG he comments he was not making money doing the US acoustic tour.
However, as I am against the lawsuits, good intentions but not the best methods and even the legality is severely distorted.
I usually read twice a week news related to RIAA, just *google* RIAA with the “news” option.
From what I have learned, the money is made from touring, and given the drive by the RIAA et. al. to reduce royalties, I don’t think record sales with those labels will account for much.
Now on your own, don’t expect to sell as many but my friend made an acoustic blues/bluegrass record, he told me he’s making $5 per CD, charging only $10 a CD. He’d have to sell 2000 to break even he said. Or was it 1000? I can’t remember. He’s not a techy so he doesn’t have a Macbook Pro at his disposal.
However when asked he says “I have a mortgage, I own my van, I enjoy what I do, I work on music projects as well, I don’t need to be famous, I already won!” Meaning he’s making a living, but he has to play venues (clubs/bars/lounges) which is the same as touring.
So touring/performing is how the money is made. But you don’t always make money either, I’m sure Matt can attest to that.[/quote]
Wow, thanks for explaining that, Satch.
Your friend has also won, because he has an ability only some people dream of having… creativity…. it doesn’t always flow out of us easily… I have had writers block since 95 and decided to pack it all in and have never picked up a pen again…. I guess it just wasn’t for me. Or at least, not for this part of my life. Maybe the next part…We’ll see… Congrats to your friend for just loving what he does…
t
April 4th, 2008 at 1:25 pm
new T-shirt: “I hear the Junos are real assholes.”
April 4th, 2008 at 1:36 pm
[quote comment="48794"]I have to say that while I’m a HUGE fan of your music and the causes you stand for I think that your reasoning for not attending the Juno’s are…well a little juvenile. While I can understand your position regarding the state of the music industry these days and some of the shit that gets recorded and then (unfortunately) released, award shows like the Junos (after all the mass publicity and sponsorship) are there to recognize and award artists for their talents. You are ridiculously talented and have released an amazing record which someone somewhere has recognized as award worthy. I don’t know about you, but to me that’s pretty awesome. So, get off your high-horse and go partake in your industry’s ceremony that awards this country’s best. Even if you don’t win, there will probably be free booze and good looking women, can’t all be bad eh?
PS - No date the problem? I’m sure your Mum would love to take her boy. Or I’ve got nothing on on Sunday night ;)[/quote]
Art isn’t a competition. Awards should not be handed out to artists who are pitted against one another for what is, in truth, your amusement. Would you put Mark Rothko and Joan Miro in a room and judge who was better and give them a trophy? That, my friend, IS juvenile.
I don’t attend because I believe that you cannot, nor should not, pit the work of artists against one another and create a sense of competition that somehow ends up promoting one artist as better than another. I do what I do, others do what they do. I don’t need a statue to remind me why I do what I do. And there is absolutely nothing juvenile about that position whatsoever.
April 4th, 2008 at 1:36 pm
You’re a mess.
Step away from the guitars!
April 4th, 2008 at 1:41 pm
that was interesting. get off your high horse and go get drunk and laid?
April 4th, 2008 at 1:43 pm
[quote comment="48825"][quote comment="48822"]thanks T-Lee :)
yeah, i dont know what i would do without my music collection.
and signed copy? damn you just made ME jealous.
ill get around to that eventually though lol.[/quote]
Tee hee… he never signed it in front of me, I bought it at the merchandising corner at the Vancouver Concert. :o)~~~[/quote]
He signed mine in front of me…and my copy of Avalanche… ;)
April 4th, 2008 at 1:47 pm
[quote comment="48805"]I wonder if Finger Eleven would still win if everyone knew they used to be known as The Rainbow Butt Monkeys.[/quote]
Why do they get such a bad rap for that? Was that a terrible band? I think I was in a Doors phase when they were ‘popular’?
April 4th, 2008 at 1:50 pm
As for the mortality thing …I can’t say I’m afraid of dying either. When I was younger I had a similar dream about being hit by a car. I also had a few about being in a terrible plane crash. They never scared me much, which might be a little strange considering I was like nine.
I am also a big fan of actually going to a store and buying a new cd. There is nothing like getting frustrated when you can’t open the plastic wrapping. Also when you buy digitally you don’t get the cd book. Now whether it has lyrics or great artwork or photos, it’s a cool thing to have that you just don’t get from a download. Digital may be the future of music, but I’ll keep the past thanks. Hell I still sent letter through the Post Office.
With regards to Chad Kroeger, all I have to say is “Oh man”. I saw the story on MTV Live a few weeks ago and I almost didn’t believe it. Does he honestly think that’s a thing to brag about?
April 4th, 2008 at 1:50 pm
A while back when I was in an art competition, we had to submit a portfolio of work on one topic and use a wide range of mediums. I did what I did and didn’t win because apparently portraits are much more artistic then graphic illustrations of super heroes. I’ll never go in one again because I don’t need someone to confirm that what I create is art and award me a prize for it.
I’d much rather hear of you at home making music then sitting in the saddledome waiting for the Junos to end.
April 4th, 2008 at 1:54 pm
I really think when people have kids, the fear of dieing completely shifts.
One person I’m really thinking about right now is Mrs. Good. I hope she did not read this post, because I know if I heard my son talking about death, it would scare the shit out of me.
Thanks Mrs. Good for sharing him with us, can you please go kick his ass for scaring us all, today.. PLEASE.
April 4th, 2008 at 2:00 pm
I think most people know that Finger Eleven used to be as Rainbow Butt Monkeys. The RBM’s album is enjoyable. It certainly wouldn’t hurt their reputation.
April 4th, 2008 at 2:04 pm
What, exactly, is so scary about talking about mortality? You’re going to die, I’m going to die. There’s nothing that can be done about that.
April 4th, 2008 at 2:04 pm
Not goona do any name dropping here but one radio station I was listening to was just slamming them to the wall recently…. just wondering.
April 4th, 2008 at 2:06 pm
[quote comment="48843"]What, exactly, is so scary about talking about mortality? You’re going to die, I’m going to die. There’s nothing that can be done about that.[/quote]
I think most people are scared of how they’ll go and what unfinished business they’ll leave behind.
April 4th, 2008 at 2:07 pm
[quote comment="48843"]What, exactly, is so scary about talking about mortality? You’re going to die, I’m going to die. There’s nothing that can be done about that.[/quote]
Hard to explain..
I lay awake at night literally shaking that I will die before my son remembers me. I guess I don’t want him to live without a mom. So, I fear it. And fear that his life will be something different than what his destiny was supposed to be, if I’m gone.
I won’t even talk about what I worry in regards to my son and his mortality because that is something deep inside of me, and I won’t go there.
April 4th, 2008 at 2:17 pm
[quote comment="48810"] 27/37 two different numbers, i know…. but………. i don’t know… just thining about loud.[/quote]
Since the 7’s cancel each other out you are left with …… 23 !!!!
April 4th, 2008 at 2:22 pm
which equals 5.
lol
Some people get really crazy with numbers and things….. some people are hardcore in adding things up and all that…. it’s too hard on my brain… lol
April 4th, 2008 at 2:25 pm
[quote comment="48846"][quote comment="48843"]What, exactly, is so scary about talking about mortality? You’re going to die, I’m going to die. There’s nothing that can be done about that.[/quote]
Hard to explain..
I lay awake at night literally shaking that I will die before my son remembers me. I guess I don’t want him to live without a mom. So, I fear it. And fear that his life will be something different than what his destiny was supposed to be, if I’m gone.
I won’t even talk about what I worry in regards to my son and his mortality because that is something deep inside of me, and I won’t go there.[/quote]
You know when I was three, my mom and I were packing for camping, somehow (I can’t remember how it started) death was the topic and I was freaking out thinking I was going to die, like that day or something. I was hysterical. My mom called me dad who calmed me down.
I think it was around the time my dog died, so mom probably told me Duchess was gone and not coming back and I freaked.
As for myself, I am FINALLY at a point in my life where I wanted to be for the past 17 years. I am 32, going to get engaged this summer to my girlfriend, moving to Toronto with her, starting a new job (that I have to find still) while she goes to school for her masters, etc… I’m starting a life! I’m going to be married and have a family in a few years.
I would not want to leave them with unfinished business or anything like that, so I do my damndest to be the best I can be for my family, my friends, my girlfriend etc… (and even my employer).
So if I die tomorrow, I know it would be difficult for those around me (though some might be like “Robert who?” ), I know they would have some interesting and some helpful/supportive/comforting memories of me.
Your son would know of you, maybe not remember details, but he’ll feel it in his heart, the connection that you can’t explain.
I do worry about those around me dying though. I know now I can live and move on, carrying their memory, but it would suck to lose anyone around me again. I already lost two grandmothers, one I was very close to. I know she enjoyed the Christmas time we had together and that is what gives me peace, but I do miss her dearly!
As for dying? I’d like to get in line for the quick and painless.
I’m not afraid, but there are some pretty shitty ways to die out there in the world, and if I have any say at all, it would be quick and painless.
April 4th, 2008 at 2:50 pm
I think you should be a guest speaker for my Death: Myth or Reality class. First day of class, my professor cleared his voice and said “life should end with an orgasm and you live backwards”.
April 4th, 2008 at 2:57 pm
We’re all dying and we have been since the day we were born. Just some of us are dying faster than others… http://www.truthout.org/docs_2006/040408T.shtml
April 4th, 2008 at 3:03 pm
Just random comments regarding your post:
Yikes, that CK story gives new meaning to his song, “Feeling Way Too Damn Good” .
Hope the sarcoidosis isn’t acting up and its just some left over symptom from all those days you were sick
with who knows what. Its surprising that you didn’t throw up a lung during that time. Also, wouldn’t hurt to give up the cancer sticks.
You probably stopped dreaming about being run over and dragged by a car because you’ve been physically and emotionally run over by a steamroller instead.
I no longer fear death, but hope there is decent music or concerts in the afterlife. I am not into harps or death metal.
Lastly, f the Junos, stay home and get healthy.
April 4th, 2008 at 3:05 pm
I don’t know if I should be afraid of Death, BUT, maybe Death should be afraid of me? Muuahahaha
How does the whole SOCAN thing work? Will that still be a factor if hard copies of music are no longer sold, and more and more artists go to digital downloading?
April 4th, 2008 at 3:13 pm
As far as I know Socan are the people who make sure you get paid when your songs are played on the radio….. No disrespect to Socan, whatsoever, if I’m completely way off base here.
Quoting Satchgoobieca: “Your son would know of you, maybe not remember details, but he’ll feel it in his heart, the connection that you can’t explain”.
Beautiful. Thank you!!!!!!!!
April 4th, 2008 at 5:23 pm
[quote comment="48853"]I think you should be a guest speaker for my Death: Myth or Reality class. First day of class, my professor cleared his voice and said “life should end with an orgasm and you live backwards”.[/quote]
there’s a brad pitt movie of that concept…
anyways, as for the hard copy cds, i like those too. i guess it’s me being materialistic, but i want a hard copy of things most especially the cd, and dvd movies. also books (duh). in the big picture though, when we die, all that ’stuff’ is pointless really…
on the topic of death, i dont think i’ve ever feared death. but death has recently been on my mind because of the random deaths that have been happening around me.
it started in the summer when a family friend, just 23, literally dropped dead. we still don’t know why. another friend, also 23, died in a motor accident, after beating cancer a few years before. and just the other day, a young father of 3 little (toddler) girls suddenly had a heart attack and died. he didn’t have prior history of anything or whatever… all these deaths were literally out of the blue.
i’m turning 24 soon and lately, while i try to sleep, i think, what if i never woke up ever again? it’s not a scary thought at all… it’s actually peaceful as has been mentioned. the only irritating, and i guess motivating, thing is realizing there are things i’d like to do before dying. the thought of the possibility of no tomorrow motivates me/creates a sense of urgency to hurry up and do things that i otherwise would have put aside for the “future”.
death is random…so the cliche is valid in ‘living each day is if it was your last’
shit, sorry for the essay.
last thought: imagine if u didn’t wake up the next day. no one here would even notice. that makes me sort of sad.
April 4th, 2008 at 5:31 pm
For many years I dug the ground looking for blue sky,
accumulating layers and layers of mediocrity.
One night in the darkness, the roof tiles were blown away.
The bones of emptiness dissolved of themselves.
- Muso
Zen knows about this whole death thing.
Me, I’m kind of curious to know what happens after here…life’s too strange for me to believe this is it.
Fear of pain, though, that’s another story entirely…
April 4th, 2008 at 5:54 pm
[quote comment="48843"]What, exactly, is so scary about talking about mortality? You’re going to die, I’m going to die. There’s nothing that can be done about that.[/quote]
When I was a little girl and still believed in God and Heaven, I remember laying awake at night quite often, completely freaked out by the thought of death, because it meant I would then go on to Heaven and live there forever and ever and ever, until the end of time. And that was just waaaaaay too long for me… “you mean there’s no end in sight, ever?” It made me panic to even think about it. I think Heaven is supposed to be a comforting thought to people, but it had quite the opposite effect on me.
April 4th, 2008 at 6:30 pm
“The ceaseless labour of your life is to build the house of death.”- Montaigne
There is no reason to fear death, you cannot elude it. It’s much better to expect it, then it wont come as such a shock.
April 4th, 2008 at 6:47 pm
Wow! I had to jump hoops just to post this…my “session” expired and I had to get a new password…..??
SO GLAD to hear that you will not be attending the Junos! Personally, I think you are much, much more than all of that media hype and I agree with you in that what you do is art and so personal. How can that be measured? It seems wrong.
Having said that, most of the crap out there is not art and just mass production of junk and so for them it’s a true competition. I’ve heard of Finger Eleven but I couldn’t tell you what they sing at all and I’m okay with that!
I would have liked to see you and to hear what you might say but really, your meaningful words would be falling on deaf ears for the most part. If you decided to go the cocky route, it wouldn’t have been you. I think you’ve got a quick tongue but I don’t believe that that would have been the podium for it.
I wish you well and hope that you will focus on your health for a change. Interesting that death does not scare you but it’s not just life or dealth…there’s quality of life in between and really, that’s what your protecting b/c you are right, death is inevitable but wouldn’t you rather “walk” to your grave????
If you’re interested in some health info I would be more than happy to send you some… as that’s what I do and not b/c of $$ but b/c I passionately believe it in! BEST OF HEALTH TO YOU!
April 4th, 2008 at 7:43 pm
Alright, I’m gonna throw my two cents in here. I haven’t read all entries on this topic, so forgive me if someone else went down this road already.
I am completely ready for music to go 100% digital. Although I do love the feeling of buying a new CD and adding it to my collection, I think it is a little greedy of us to say it is a bad thing to download because it hurts record companies. LOOK AT WHAT RECORD COMPANIES HAVE DONE TO THE MUSIC INDUSTRY. It is all a business to them, and I’m sorry, when your target market it preteen girls, music is going to SUFFER!!! And All this carbon copy shit with a different name is driving me crazy and is killing music, I personally would like to say goodbye to “Theory of a Nickle Creed”. It ISNT creative, it is a few people who start off creative, then realize they have a nact at songwriting, then write songs for a bunch of other shitty bands so they can make more money.
Music should be 100% in the artists hands, they shouldn’t have to worry about whether their label thinks their songs are too long or too political or not true to their target audience. Artists that go digital can have 100% creative control, they can take as long as they want to release a record, and they can charge as much as they want because they dont have to pay for record companies, manufacturers, distribution all that stuff! Like Matt said, this is already taking off with the success of NIN and Radiohead. I think the digital age of music will lead to a much healthier music industry in whole, one that is actually based on talent, creativity and hard work, not on how much a record company invests to promote carbon copy radio shit!
For those that like the jacket inserts, I’m sure that is something that can come in future releases, it can’t be too hard to make a PDF file for what would have been the jacket in the CD. And if your so concerned about having a hard copy, make your own CD!
Ahh, that felt good.
April 4th, 2008 at 7:49 pm
I am the worst person to go to a funeral with. I have known countless friends that have died, most from either drug overdoses or suicides. I have somehow always had a maturity with death and although I cry, it is usually because other people are crying and I feel their pain. I don’t see anything morbid in talking about death and dying, it is simply a fact of life it just shouldn’t be such a taboo topic. I understand completely what you mean about the reassuring part. If you can embrace it, it becomes much more comfortable to wear.
As for the cocksucking thing…man o man….I don’t even know what to say about that. Kudos to Chad, it just brings up a few questions..did he have to urge to suck or be sucked?
April 4th, 2008 at 7:50 pm
[quote comment="48805"]I wonder if Finger Eleven would still win if everyone knew they used to be known as The Rainbow Butt Monkeys.[/quote]
I was actually listening to Letters From Chutney on my iPod this morning. Still a great record.
April 4th, 2008 at 8:07 pm
Actually I should correct my previous comment. I was really upset at my mother’s funeral, but she died exactly one week after I had my first baby and she never got to meet her. Also because she was a stroke victim the ONLY thing that she could do was hold a baby. Add to that my crashing hormones and I was just a wreck.
April 4th, 2008 at 10:10 pm
You really, really worry me….for f*cks sake lay off the ciggies Matt. I lost my mum to a smoking-related lung disease. She took seven painful years to die. Please, please listen to the doc.
xx
April 4th, 2008 at 10:12 pm
Don’t you start talking about Prednisone now, you’ll jinx us both. Nasty stuff that puts 10 lbs water weight on anybody who touches it…However the energy boost is something else, it’s made me understand why people abuse steroids.
As for facing your mortality, it’s interesting how everybody sees it differently. I never thought I would make it to the age that I am right now, I figured one of my issues would’ve knocked me out years ago. Sadly I’m only 25. But I’ve made it to 25, and now quite the opposite, I’m faced with having to live my life. The prospect of living to the age of 40 actually scares me more than death. Who knew? I had accepted death as an inevitable part of my life before I had accepted that Santa Clause wasn’t real. The lesson I’ve learned? There is no life unless there is death.
April 4th, 2008 at 11:57 pm
I don’t think I’m particularly scared of dying itself - if it happens, it happens and I have very little say in the mater - but I am scared of the idea of not being able to learn all there is to learn in life. (No matter how shitty it gets, there’s still always something to be learned.) Not to mention, I’ve actually got to a point in life where I’ve stopped dreaming about walking in front of rush hour traffic. It’s a nice feeling and I don’t particularly want to mess it up right now.
I am absolutely dreading a day where the two independent music stores in town goes out of business. First off, there are two remaining Sam the Record Man franchises in Canada and at the very least, I would like to see ours outlive the one in Belleville. But if it has to go to save my Cheeky Monkey, than so be it. Nothing beats getting up off my ass, and marching over to Cheeky Monkey* on payday and seeing what’s new and if they have anything by an artist I’d just heard of. The couple that own it know their customers by name, they expanded their store to offer used vinyl and have little acoustic shows every month. You just can’t find a better establishment anywhere! But, I digress.
(*So remember, if you’re ever in Sarnia, that’s Cheeky Monkey on the corner of Christina and Cromwell, right down the street from the Imperial Theatre. They kick ass.)
As for the Junos and the whole award show thing, I can’t lie. I’ll be watching on Sunday. I’ve studied music my entire life and I studied media in college. I can’t resist the opportunity to sit and dissect an entire show supposedly dedicated to promoting Canadian music, and then sit down and write a blog bitch about how far down hill we’ve gone. A media whore, yes - but an educated media whore! And being the educated media whore I am, I also did the calculations long ago about who was going to win and if they didn’t win who would be the upset, blah, blah, blah… so I don’t blame you for not showing up.
Having said that, I know it’s still early to be thinking about life time achievement/hall of fame inductions, but I hope that if the time comes where your music and only your music is put under the spotlight, you take a moment to be there when we want to honour your contributions.
One last thing: http://www.cbcradio3.com. Enough said.
April 5th, 2008 at 7:50 am
You don’t have the dream anymore because you’ve already felt and lived through what you perceive to be the equivalent. Go get the tests! I recently learned that some docs now say MRIs are too sensitive; go figure. As far as JUNOs, although I find some of the nominees intriguing, FE included, winning doesn’t always mean you are the best. Think of baseballs homerun records pre and post steroids. So, who was best? That’s right, it’s all in the eye (ear?) of the beholder.
April 5th, 2008 at 7:51 am
Glad you decided not to go to the Junos.
There is a 100% chance everyone will die.
April 5th, 2008 at 7:57 am
[quote comment="48924"]
(*So remember, if you’re ever in Sarnia, that’s Cheeky Monkey on the corner of Christina and Cromwell, right down the street from the Imperial Theatre. They kick ass.)[/quote]
You aren’t kidding! I wandered up a couple years ago and came upon Cheeky Monkey and was like a kid in a candy shop! They (the owners) were so nice and even offered to look for items I wanted and offered to ship them to the states for me. As it was, I bought something like 16 CDs when I was there. I boosted Sarnia’s econony that day and plan to do so again when I’m up in London in June… it’s only an hour away, right? It is a seriously fantastic place! It’d be a shame to see it go.
April 5th, 2008 at 8:11 am
Santa isn’t real? Dude my kid reads this.
April 5th, 2008 at 10:19 am
If I had a user signature here, it would be this quote:
“Fucking creativity.” -Matthew Good
April 5th, 2008 at 10:24 am
Were you reading my mind? That statement has been in my head for 2 days now….. I love it…
Makes you realize “No one hear gets out alive” and you’re put on this earth to do what it is you do best, whether you can fight it or not..
April 5th, 2008 at 12:02 pm
I probably was, because I was put on this earth to do what it is I do best, whether I can control it or not.
_____________________________
“Fucking creativity.” -Matthew Good
April 5th, 2008 at 12:54 pm
Over Easter weekend, I visited Buenos Aires. Most of the porteños were away for the holiday, which brought about an unusually quiet atmosphere, save for the groups of tourists milling about the usual places. As I’ve intended to visit BsAs two to three times while I’m on this continent, I decided to forego the Subte (mostly) and walk everywhere. Walking up to 30 km in the 2.5 days to see what was what in a number of neighbourhoods, I had my iPod with me throughout the entire weekend, the sounds of the city supplemented by your vocal candor, in company to the camera and to all I’d seen. I have travelled to many places with your tunes to help augment, filter, and process what I’ve seen.
Thank you for the journeys your music allows me to travel. The hundreds of thousands of miles have been worth every note.
April 5th, 2008 at 1:34 pm
Funny how you’re more concerned about the Santa comment than the whole ‘dick sucking’ part of the post above. I see where your priorities are :-)
April 5th, 2008 at 2:00 pm
[quote comment="48972"]I probably was, because I was put on this earth to do what it is I do best, whether I can control it or not.
_____________________________
“Fucking creativity.” -Matthew Good[/quote]
Read minds?
Ok, can you do predictions, too? Inquiring minds wanna know who will win the Juno…..
April 5th, 2008 at 2:04 pm
[quote comment="48982"]Funny how you’re more concerned about the Santa comment than the whole ‘dick sucking’ part of the post above. I see where your priorities are :-)[/quote]
ha ha ha, to be honest, I was secretly laughing to myself since yesterday about the poster that said they don’t see the relationship between the dick and the beer….. …… until I finally clicked on the link about Chad Kroeger…. NOW I’M LAUGHING HARDER.
April 5th, 2008 at 7:50 pm
MRI’s and Predinisone YAY! God, you sound like me. I had to get three MRI’s done on my spine due to a back and neck injury. REAL FUN! That being said you must go to your doctors appointment and get your MR done that you are scheduled for. I know you will, you’re not a dumb man, but then again even smart people are prone to dumb actions occasionally.
Predinisone… yeah. Real fun shit. Let’s put it this way: I left school on a monday when I was in second grade due to asthma and came back two weeks later, no joke, almost 50 pounds heavier. I know for certain that caused my social anxiety I suffer today and my body dysmorphia. I understand you might not be vain and care about the weight side effects but the WORST part of predinisone is the mood swings, flushing, anger, stomach pains, etc. Hang in there, buddy. It, like all things including ourselves, shall pass.
Speaking of mortality don’t worry about your embracing you being finite. In the end all thing’s must end. I do think it’s a unique look on life that only those who have suffered the loss of a loved on, mental illness, or life threatening medical problems can fully understand. After being beaten down so much death is not necessarily welcomed but understood. Respected. For me it is comforting. No matter how much I have fucked up, been burned by life, that I CAN finally one day rest in peace just like everyone else. Do I wish that day to come soon? Certainly not. But when it does it is inescapable. That’s the beauty of it. Much of life seems to be running away from things and running away from life can be so tiring. So, so tiring. So when that something (Death) stares you in the face with it’s gaping maw it is, in a perverse way, very comforting.
April 5th, 2008 at 8:01 pm
Btw, I’m curious if Chad spit or swallowed! Now THAT’S the million dollar question!
April 5th, 2008 at 9:48 pm
[quote comment="48940"][quote comment="48924"]
(*So remember, if you’re ever in Sarnia, that’s Cheeky Monkey on the corner of Christina and Cromwell, right down the street from the Imperial Theatre. They kick ass.)[/quote]
You aren’t kidding! I wandered up a couple years ago and came upon Cheeky Monkey and was like a kid in a candy shop! They (the owners) were so nice and even offered to look for items I wanted and offered to ship them to the states for me. As it was, I bought something like 16 CDs when I was there. I boosted Sarnia’s economy that day and plan to do so again when I’m up in London in June… it’s only an hour away, right? It is a seriously fantastic place! It’d be a shame to see it go.[/quote]
You can make it in 40 min if you consistently speed down the 402. :p
Roland and Mary Anne are the shit. Sarnia has a small, grass-roots, arts community and they are always the first on the bandwagon to promote the latest event. Everything they’ve promoted over the years is pretty much a guaranteed success in some way or another. Not to mention, how can you not love a pair of grandparents with dyed purple and blue hair?
[quote comment="48943"]Santa isn’t real? Dude my kid reads this.[/quote]
When I first read this, I thought it said “Sarnia isn’t real. Dude, my kid reads it.”
April 6th, 2008 at 2:37 pm
lol
I wish there were forums, I’m meandering all over the place today.
Question: the Juno’s are 8-10 PST… does that mean they have started already in the East? (meaning we are going to get the taped version)?
April 6th, 2008 at 2:38 pm
d’oh.. ‘aready started’ is highly anticipated…. Meant, are they about to start soon, in real time?
April 6th, 2008 at 2:57 pm
Re: case of beer link: “If he thought that blowing in the face is unconstitutional, what the hell is blowing yourself?”
hahaha…
This guy IS the biggest dick on this side of the Pacific- smart as a rubber boot and has waaaay too much money to play with. I can go on forever my dislike for this guy but trip-ups can be quite amusing.
Junos: Thank you! Art is NOT a competition, i agree. Though it is nice to have the nod- a bit or recognition for your hard work- I believe all you artists- (as of late) have simply become pawns in a huge chess game- that is the music industry. It is one music company against another, seeing who can sell the most records and subsequently produce a massive turn over of (albeit) mostly shitty “hits” and artists ( not neccessarily good ones)… Mass producing little drones..
As far as death: Always been fascinated with it… it may have started after losing so many friends and family in short periods of time, etc etc. I have become over the years more and more comfortable with the inevitability of it all. I guess I just want (for my own personal needs) to have left this world, leaving a positive mark, but not neccessarily a notable one. But then again, once people leave this world and have seperated from the vessel that carried them through existance, their memory slowly begins to fade, until they are ultimately forgotten by most. So what does it matter really.
Hoping to help those (in my future career) that no longer have a voice, or at least help put their families’ minds to rest once their loved one has passed on. Some people think wanting to be a forensic pathologist is so damn morbid, and though there are parts of the job that are by far- not savory, I think it to be a most rewarding position.
April 6th, 2008 at 4:27 pm
and the winner is…finger eleven…good call matt
April 6th, 2008 at 5:50 pm
………and yes, finger eleven won. But right now, these award ceremonies are just a test of popularity, and not of talent *laughs hysterically* ridiculous really. i grow tired of how music is going downhill, now female artists have to shake their bare asses to win awards, except for Feist, but she sold her soul to ipod…*ponders* But it doesn’t matter matt. you’re still a winner to me anyway.
April 6th, 2008 at 6:16 pm
Shit, are you freaking kidding me?
I was still hanging onto that last bit of hope. Tell me no.
It does start for another 45 here in Vancouver….
Any other category’s for MG?
If he’s not in ’song writing’ (in my opinion the most important category), I’m going to be protesting until the day I DIE…
April 6th, 2008 at 6:48 pm
I didn’t think you’d be going to the Juno’s.
April 6th, 2008 at 6:49 pm
The “awards” and the “music industry” are no better than the “free and unbiased press.” Take it in, sheep…. Avril!!
American girl here, and y’all not gonna like what I have to say because it’s incendiary, but the lack of appreciation, proliferation, and indoctrination of Matthew Good / MGB throughout the masses is akin to the travesties of Tiananmen Square, the Vietnam War, Sudan, Bosnia, Somalia, …. etc .
Listen, hyperbole gets attention, and I actually feel that the inability of the world to hear and appreciate this music has been a travesty of epic proportions. I know music. I am music. It’s tragic. His/their songs should have been winning Grammys up the ass and said counterparts around the world. This music is no less revolutionary than the Beatles, and is as pure, or more pure… I can’t think of anyone else that could possibly compare.
I played the lottery last night (as I do from time-to-time, b/c I have the luck of the Irish behind me), and if I win, I hope that the $58 million ($20 million after taxes) is an appropriate fee for MGB to reunite and have a concert. I’ll let you know how I did.
p.s. Canada Is a way better country than the U.S., but you shouldn’t own MG/MGB entirely.
April 6th, 2008 at 7:22 pm
p.p.s. never heard of Finger Eleven (dumbass name, come on….)
p.p.s.s Come on Canadians, you can’t seriously even think of espousing said band in the same breath? if so, get off this board, and btw, no one cares about your issues. this is not about you. this is about the music of Matthew Good - it’s HIS site.. So, additional posts about how YOU feel, and your “maladies,” are not only highly irrelevant, but are entirely inappropriate, AND might I add, boring! Matthew Good is a genius. He is pure creativity and musicality and genius.
April 6th, 2008 at 8:13 pm
I never did understand where the name finger eleven got their name, don’t get it.
Although I’m stumped at your p.p.s.s. analyzations…. please elaborate dude, I honestly didn’t see any negativity hear towards ‘HIS’ music.
April 6th, 2008 at 8:15 pm
… yikes, time to wake up and smell the Russell Peters jokes……….
**here.
April 6th, 2008 at 10:21 pm
Negativity (and self-importance) is evident in numerous posts above. In addition, like I said, discussing piss-ant bands as if they matter is uncool given the text that prompted all 85 posts. Ok, so I live in the U.S., but I have never heard or Russel P or Finger fucked whatever,or CNT? Is that country music? Whatever happened to Much Music - is that still around? That’s the only media outlet that played MGB back in the day. Much Music was like the Canadian MTV, right? Sorry, that’s an honest question (not being sarcastic). I LOVED Much Music.
Back to “Case of Beer” entry. I saw two main themes: music industry; heath & pharmaceutical rape. Responding to a perhaps an emotionally-charged notion about death or mortality, with your omniscient patronizing response that death, mortality, or verbal discussions thereof, cannot be fully appreciated without having had a child … ? It’s just self-absorbed, and out-of-line.
And unsolicited advice about prednisone? I could go on.
Another post-script - why would anyone download an album and forego the liner notes? Long live tangible stuff. Liner notes and hopefully a picture of MG (although it may be fuzzy or blurry, I’ll take it). Worth its weight in gold.
Lastly, DUDE, I have a child and I make him (at 18 months) listen to Matthew Good. His favorite is KICK ASS! THAT”S THE WAY WE SPELL SUCCESS. He claps and cheers!
April 7th, 2008 at 3:56 am
hahahahaha
FAIL!!
April 7th, 2008 at 7:55 am
An awards show that nominates Avril ?Lavene?(have no idea how to spell it) for 5 Junos and not actual good song writers(*cough*Matthew Good*cough*) is shit. Is there any meaning to her lyrics other than the fact that she wants to be someone’s girlfriend?:
Hey! Hey! You! You!
I don’t like your girlfriend!
No way! No way!
I think you need a new one
Hey! Hey! You! You!
I could be your girlfriend
Hey! Hey! You! You!
I know that you like me
No way! No way!
You know it’s not a secret
Hey! Hey! You! You!
I want to be your girlfriend
Talk about total BS. But, what can you do, if there are people who like Avril than there will be MORE Avril. If only there was MORE Advil… (sorry I had to)…
I’d just like to say thank you for reading my rant!
April 7th, 2008 at 9:24 am
Yes, I have a big problem with songwriting too… I’m sure things would be alot different in the feeling dept for Matt if he was nom’d for a song writing statue…. the whole thing is shit…. Russell is the reason I watched… and Jann… THAT IS IT.