Loretta Lynne, Van Lear Rose
Many, many years ago, within about 2 weeks, a phenomenal teacher/friend named "Mrs. Bonilla" as well as an amazing former student/friend named at the time "Kelly Cooke" (now known as "Mrs. Keepers") each told me that I simply had to listen to this cool band called "The White Stripes."
Wow, were they right.
I am not the biggest fan, but I must admit that Jack White is one of the most important musicians of my lifetime.
The White Stripes.
The Raconteurs (unless you're in Australia, where the band is known as "The Sabateurs").
The Dead Weather (well, we can't be perfect).
It Might Get Loud
(Please. if you love guitars, go watch this.
Now.
Netflix.
Watch Instantly
W/ The Edge & Jimmy Page.)
Oh, & he produced & performed on the album highlighted above.
I must say I never really thought I might recommend a Loretta Lynne album, but here I do so.
Juniors:
You saw your "grades," & it was good (for most of you).
The Do Now included the ever-so-poignant Swift saying, "When a true genius appears, you can know him by this sign, that all the dunces are in confederacy against him."
After we defined "dunce" & "confederacy," we got some really, really cool responses.
Seriously, he may cause a few problems in the "language-differential" department, but, eventually, if you arean "honors" student, you will be glad that you read Swift.
Yep, a genius.
(note: IQ stuff is fun & flawed, & we can get into that in PMs or in class.)
Sophomores:
If you don't at least appreciate "The Bet," you are in the wrong class.
I mean, this one gets to the heart of us as humans.
Chekhov looks within us & sees that which too many of us refuse to admit.
(By the way, you may go back to Swift's "glass" & get some more ideas there.)
You all are good folks, & I hope that you may continue to . . .
. . . be cool
FINAL, POST-"BE COOL" NOTE: Go watch the Twilight Zone episode based on "The Bet," & enjoy that one, too.
Okay so lots to say McBride because of your Ketchup posts. First, its interesting that you put up Star Wars cartoon after you criticize part I,II,III. I get the cartoon references the later parts (really the first movies), but I don't get how you can't like all of them.
ReplyDeleteSo a couple of weeks ago you mention a quote from Hamlet, "Methinks the lady doth protest too much". I heard it today when I watched (500) Days of Summer, and I'm starting to like it more and more. The movie was good, but not what I expected. During one of our do nows or seminars I'll probably end up saying that quote.
Recommendations:
Film:
-Remember Me (Mediocre acting but amazing story line! Would make great book.)
-Up in the Air (This movie's plot is one of my favorites and audience is entertain wholly.)
Music:
-Florence + The Machine (Great Voice, Lyrics, and Concepts. Check out Heavy in Your Arms its filled with symbolism!)
-Jeff Buckley (His Hallelujah cover is pretty great. Like how they use Religious symbolism to showcase concept. Once again lots of symbolism.)
-The Smiths (Heard them when I watch (500) Days of Summer. Their song "Please, Please, Please Let me Get what I Want" is simple and great.)
TV:
-Boardwalk Empire (Premieres tomorrow and should be one of HBO's finest. One Word... Scorsese.)
Okay well I think that's all I have to say. I'll end by saying "If peeing in your pants is cool, I'm Miles Davis." You should offer extra credit to the student who know what movie that quote is from!
P.S. The Bet is awesome! Other good short stories from prep The Sniper and The Most Dangerous Game!
-Albert Argueta
UHHH. McBride. you are SO FREAKIN AWESOME.
ReplyDeleteThe White Stripes represent a sizable chunk of my musical life. Have you heard "Little Acorns"? Its definately my fav song by them right now. You rock McB.
Albert: wow, I'll have to read that one when I have more time & can parse it, but thanks for adding some ideas. Oh, & Jeff Buckley was one of the things on which my wife & I 1st bonded, & his death was durn-near devastating.
ReplyDeleteChloe: I was resistant at 1st, but I got into the White Stripes a little, then really liked The Raconteurs 1st album, many guys I respect talked him up, & really 'It Might Get Loud' completely cemented J White as a favorite.
I need to read the comments more often . . . these youngsters have some most excellent taste in:
ReplyDeleteteachers
music
movies
television
and literature.