Monday, April 14, 2014

Monday's PSA




In September of 2008, I created Burning Wood as a way to fill the void that was once a daily dose of music and conversation, but was now lost after closing up shop.  I was bored. I missed the interaction. Those early posts lacked focus. They were hastily slapped together as a way to get started on the trek into cyberspace. (I never had any patience. I still don't.)

Things seem to really come together in November of 2008. Something happened, and suddenly, as if being hit by a thunderbolt, I was inspired. I'll keep the specifics to myself, but I do know I shouted "Holy Crap!" (Sorry to be so mysterious, but the event itself is not the point.)

I had been posting anything, flinging it out, hoping something would stick. But then, soon after the "incident," my focus changed and Burning Wood became something more than just a junk drawer full of ideas and music. I realized I was writing for someone, as opposed to just writing to reach anyone.

Thank you.

I'm running out of gas.
 

There are periods in Todd Rundgren's career--1986-1988 and 2001-2003, come to mind---where as a fan, it felt like he was running on fumes. It made me angry. As a fan, I would defend his actions, but secretly I had hoped he would just disappear for awhile and get his act together. I'd have been satisfied with one great record every three or four years rather than this over-saturation of half-assed performances and guest-appearances. But should I blame the guy for not feeling inspired and still needing to pay bills? As it turned out, while he was putting on half-drunk solo shows from 1986-1988, he somehow managed to create one of his later masterpieces, 1989's "Nearly Human." Again, same pattern, and then another late career gem, 2004's "Liars."

I'm not closing up shop again. But I know I don't want to over-saturate this forum with half-assed performances and half-drunk solo shows and this is what I'm feeling at the moment. I'm waiting for that 2008 thunderbolt to pay another visit, hopefully sooner than later, so as not to waste too much time. While I wait, I ask you to hang around until the tank fills up.

To be brutally honest, I'm just not in the mood to post random videos or surf the web for the next boring, bearded, bullshit songwriter to trash. And I know you don't want a week's worth of Todd Rundgren posts.

Have the patience for me and I'll be back, fresher, wiser and maybe even taller.

And speaking of Todd Rundgren...




29 comments:

gms168 said...

your tommy hunt choice was as inspired as anything else i've seen anywhere else this week. song sums up things quite well.love this blog.

Gene Oberto said...

As the saying goes, one man's crap is another man's gold, but if the spirit ain't moving you...

As much as I...we... love your wood burning, there's no rule that says you got to do it every day. In the blogosphere, you only have to write when you feel you have something to say.

You've made Burning Wood a team or family and when you need someone to step up, then let us know or....not.

It's your house, and when you want the guests to leave, just tell us to get the hell out. Get some rest.
You've earned it.

cmealha said...

There's no harm in taking some time once in a while to re-fuel. I'll be waiting.

Anonymous said...

As a regular viewer and sometimes contributor, yours is one of my main daily go-to sites. Whatever you want to contribute would be great - I know doing something like this everyday would overwhelm my feeble brain.

What I would personally enjoy is a kickass column/topic/discussion/whatever, once a week (on the same day of every week) that I could look forward to every week.

Less is more, y'know?

Do what you can, hate to lose you.

Randy

JAYESSEMM said...

Sal,

I am in awe of you turning out these posts day in day out, week in week out. I do one little mix a week and sometimes find that exhausting.

We appreciate everything you do for us and when the spirit moves you again we'll be ready to receive.

As always ...

Anonymous said...

Hello all...no, please remain seated,

First, Happy palindrome day (4/14/14)!

May your creative juices soon be juicy again. Your site has provided acres of entertainment since I discovered it some years back. So, this time, you sit back and, maybe, be entertained for about 2 minutes:

Link Wray describing how he wrote Rumble:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kKjjb8RmcgA

best regards,
RichD

wardo said...

Post whenever you want to, and I'll be happy to see you.

Dave said...

What Wardo said.

big bad wolf said...

i'll third what wardo said.

i have been very quiet the last year or so because damn it's hard to gather thoughts for a slapdash comment; i have no idea how you put together as much organized and archival stuff as you do for us. i am glad you do, and much appreciate it.

A walk in the woods said...

Sal, this is actually the only music blog I know of that is generally a conversation about music, with cool music mixes thrown in... which has a lot of value. So take time to get that mojo back and hopefully you'll post what you can when you can.

Another idea might be to have folks here submit ideas for future posts - so you'd have a stock to use as needed. It's still best if you moderate them and are the lead commenter, but that could help with the idea factor. And you'd pick the ones that appeal to you of course.

Either way, enjoy the downtime and check you soon.

Anonymous said...

Sal, always a good idea to refresh and recharge. And the faithful will be patient...and grateful.

Anonymous said...

I agree with and endorse everything everyone above has written. You are a good man, Sal. I came here this morning to share a video I thought you would enjoy. It will reinforce your love of great singing and songwriting. Warning: it is sentimental country of the hokiest sort, but man is it good.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pircbpyGWRc

Shriner said...

How about guest contributions as a recharge?

I don't have enough insights about music to fill a daily blog, so I give you (and Simels) lots of props about being able to do this on a consistent basis.

But when there's a call to arms so you can get a recharge (similar to when you asked readers to submit tracks for weekend mixes?) I could cobble together some thoughts about the Monkees, my favorite ABBA track(s), Sloan, or some other such random meanderings...

Biffles said...

Sal! Whatever works for you works for me. Be well and recharge....

Ken D said...

Enjoy the spring. We will wait. Just please don't go all Godot on us, OK?

William Repsher said...

It comes and goes. Between the death of a parent, a truly brutal winter and work being haywire for a few months now, I've been hard-pressed for inspiration with what I do. I know enough that the tide will turn, sooner or later. Sometimes life gets on top of you, and all you can do is cover up and wait for the right time to get into it again.

One thing I'd wish you consider doing more of: record-store owner stories/theories/takes on life. Manhattan record-store owner in particular. I don't know if that experience you had seems mundane to you, or you just don't see how interesting the topic but could be ... but that's how many of us know you here. And it would seem to me you'd have some pretty interesting stories to tell, even if they seem routine or mundane to you. Record stores are a dying breed, and all of us have been consumers, but damn few have been on your end, particularly for smaller shops more known for their idiosyncratic customers and strange situations.

buzzbabyjesus said...

Don't worry about it. I have a blog, and can only post now and then. I don't have that much to say and good writing is hard work.

Anonymous said...

i luv u, man. now why did Live from Daryl's House take down their Todd episodes? you have any pull over there?

Jon said...

Hope to see you back in action when you're ready. I visit every day but rarely say much.

soundsource said...

First of all Happy Pesach and then. Why not try doing what all those other rock stars like Todd have done in the last few years just play an entire old classic album from your past. How about looking over some of your classic posts from the past (whether personal favorites, fan favorites or just posts that produced great back and forth between your readers) and reposting them. Now I haven't read all the comments yet, just your post (still digesting the gefilte fish and Brisket) so maybe someone else suggested this but either way mull it over

soundsource said...

Oh and there's nothing wrong with just taking a break and maybe dropping the occasional post once in a while for a bit. Do more record shows and let your fans visit you there for actual human contact (scary thought huh)

dogbreath said...

I've assumed you'd always be there for us, one of life's constants - like death and taxes! Hey, we all need a break now & then (now works best for me)and a chance to recharge the batteries, both physical & mental, so enjoy the R&R as you Americans call it. This has been the most enjoyable blog I've visited so I hope you return to the fray one day not too far over the horizon. Thanks for some great posts (and some Todd Rundgren ones too).

Anything Should Happen said...

But I do want a week of Todd Rundgren posts.

I don't know how you've done it, I've tried what you do off and often and continually coming up with something fresh was nigh impossible.

You write with heart and skill and even if I don't always agree, I always admire the way it's written and argued.

Anything Should Happen said...

Oh and don't start Shriner on Kim Wilde. He'll provide you with a month of posts if as little as that.

Shriner said...

Ah, Kim Wilde... <3

My love for Kate Bush (WHO IS DOING LIVE SHOWS -- WHY ARE WE NOT TALKING ABOUT/CELEBRATING THAT?) is only eclipsed by my fondness for Ms. Wilde...

steve simels said...

Sal --

Speaking as somebody who's been doing something similar for seven (!) years now, I know the feeling.

Don't feel guilty for feeling burned out from time to time, and don't deny yourself a period of decompression, however long it takes.

You've done great work here, and you have nothing to prove.

Or, as Mick Jagger famously said in a different context -- you should relax, is my impression.

Dr Wu said...

For Sal (to aid in the recharge):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=Kilq26FC-1g

I echo the comments above - hope to hear from you soon. Cheers, Eric

Lord Carrett said...

Do what you gotta do, my brother. I'm a fan of yours.

simonthecat said...

What more can I add? I really enjoy your comments and insights, and Like everyone else, feel that you should do what you need to - nothing wrong with that!