The Dullards of the World
by Kait Wheeler on August 29th, 2008
filed under Rants
As I often start most rants I will be the first person to admit that I am in no way, shape, or form perfect. I infact sometimes believe that I am perfectly imperfect. Though even with that said, I still can’t help but notice the people that are so idiotic, so naive, so ignorant, so uneducated that they just don’t understand what it means to be intelligent. Especially when they think they qualify for that title.
There are undoubtedly different kinds of intelligence. Some people are better with math, others with language and grammar, technology, burger flipping, or shoe shining. Whatever it is I try to believe as best I can that everyone has their niche. …then I encounter situations like the one I did today.
Discrepancies and conflict on a decision as to what is right has never bothered me. If I’m incorrect I want to be corrected so as to not repeat the same mistake in the future. However, when I know I am right I expect to be understood or for the matter to require a second opinion. Also, I expect that person to acknowledge the situation and own up to it; not to claim that there was some kind of communication error even when they (and I) know perfectly well that it wasn’t the case.
I know I’m probably preaching to the choir here as I sit and write this. I can’t imagine that anyone likes being in this situation or being around these kinds of people. I guess what I’m really trying to get at here is that stupid people annoy me to an unbelievable end.
It probably seems as if I am completely intolerant of anyone’s flaws at this point. Honestly what I believe my only true intolerance is, is ignorance and people that think they’re just the centre of the world. I just have three words for them:
Big. Girl. Panties.
Float
by Kait Wheeler on August 4th, 2008
filed under Rants
“For once in my life I better do something right…”
Very seldom do I ever find myself without words when I need to give an opinion about a book, movie, or CD that I’ve experienced. I almost find it poetic that I can’t think of anything to say about the newest Flogging Molly album that came out in April.
Dave King and his band of pirates have always had wonderfully uplifting music and lyrics. No matter what my mood, I can turn on a random FM song and it instantly brings me back to a place that I want to be. Float is absolutely no exception to that rule.
Since I first heard it I haven’t been able to give people an opinion that I felt justified how it made me feel. Flogging Molly is also one of the very few bands that I will actually purchase a physical album from. I bought it, brought it home, ripped it to my computer, slapped it onto my iPod and cranked up the volume. This is their fifth album now since 1997, and I’ve always been in love with every song on every album; even if it was just re-done or copied from a previous one.
Float only has one copied song on it, but my reaction this time has been a truly unique one. The album kicks off with Requiem for a Dying Song, which starts out with Flogging Molly’s classic upbeat Irish tune complete with Bridget in the background doing god-like tin whistle and violin work. Soon after Dave’s brash and straight-forward vocals blast into my ears and I quickly find myself bopping back and forth in my seat while slamming my fists on the desk to the beat of George’s drums. I then realize that this is the first time I’m listening to the song and I already know how it’s going. It of course fits the stereotype that the band’s rhythms are almost formulaic.
The song fades out and Paddy’s Lament quickly starts up with Dennis Casey’s guitar. It’s almost reminiscent of Queen Anne’s Revenge but I am soon surprised with how much different it is. Now, please note that I am a faithful Flogging Molly fan through and through. Were it my choice their music would coarse through my veins and I would have their music burned into my mind so that I could listen to it whenever I could. But I digress.
Almost before I know it I’m sitting completely still, staring at the wall and listening intently to the haunting lyrics of Float, the title track of the album. As I write this the song is playing next to me Bridget’s hair raising violin riffs are giving me chills down my spine and are honestly bringing tears to my eyes. It was at this point that I realized there was no possible way that I could describe Flogging Molly’s music in one word or sentence.
I was sixteen (maybe seventeen) when I first heard their music and I was desperately searching for something different; for something that didn’t fit the stereotype of what ‘punk’, ‘rock’, or ‘folk’ music was. Like Dave, my family (or at least half of it) is very in touch with its Irish roots. It was then that I discovered a perfect way to describe their music.
It isn’t a genre, it’s an attitude. The lyrics are written by a man who has more Irish pride than anyone could ever muster and knowing that makes anyone realize that they too, can rise above poverty and hardships no matter what their heritage or circumstances are. The music is filled with confidence and an almost daring emotion. It makes you feel like you want to get up and do something. Whether it be going for a drive, cleaning, or finally taking that next step in your life.
There are bands out there that claim to be inspirational. Flogging Molly is actually doing it. I am, and always will be in love with their music.