A lot of stuff for a clear head

On the way up, through the 8th & 33rd exit and into the street, I chose "Doesn't Remind Me" by Audioslave to kick off the ride.

Here's me with an art critic's air, a la "Six Feet Under":

I felt the lyrics of the song -- getting lost in nothing to clear one's head -- reflected my mood which was that of an empty vessel. However the energy of the song and Chris Cornell's fantastic voice was able to wake me up and provide some intensity to my emotionally-neutral state.

That is what I'm thinking, but if I ever say anything like this aloud you have permission to stomp on my foot until I bleed.

Slept miserably last nite b/w 3-5 so it really took its toll on my mind but today I was able to get up with the alarm and have a better breakfast which I believe contributed to a better ride.

Am nearly finished now with the Crosley essays. They are good and realistic and have pushed me to the limit of my estrogen-fueled essay reading and I've had a good idea for an essay for a long time that I may begin writing this weekend.

I am a little tired and didn't need to pedal once I headed south for the whole four blocks from 33rd to 29th, gravity did its job nicely and I'm in no rush.

My next two songs were by Jane's Addiction -- "Price I Pay" and "The Riches" -- off Strays, an album that is probably one of the best I own. It started under the Farley Post Office where for the first time in a while I didn't make the light at 10th street but I don't care too much. These songs are straight rock, subtle at times but they explode often and will knock you on your ass. If this album had come out before Ritual De Lo Habitual, no one would've dismissed it as they do. I'm glad Duff McKagan is now the bassist for the group as he'll probably contribute more rock-based stuff as opposed to some of the wishy-washy stuff that is in my opinion merely good (except "Summertime Rolls" which is too good for words, so I won't write any). Duff is not as versatile as Eric Avery was, so some of the funk will be gone, but I will overlook that for some musical duels with Navarro.

I saw Perry Farrell's Satellite Party at Irving Plaza nearly 3 years ago with a friend and the cool thing was it was a whole Perry Farrell catalog, so he did Jane's, Porno for Pyros and Satellite tunes. It would have been the best show I'd ever seen had it not been 60 minutes (including the encore). The only thing that sucked was that at the end one or two fans made their way on stage at the end of the last song, which I think was "Jane Says," but I had the feeling one was not a fan. He was just some beer-drinking, 200-pound frat-boy who wanted to make it look like he was a rock star. Perry held his arm up as if he were the referee displaying the winner of a boxing match but you can tell he was grimacing and not smiling. When Jane's tours again I want them to do new stuff and Strays stuff and they can omit "Three Days." It's ten minutes long and it's not "Shine On You Crazy Diamond," so don't do it.

I saw/met Perry sometime in late 07-08 right near the Fuse HQ on 7th Ave. I stopped him, shook his hand and told him I was a fan -- he seemed grateful but I think it was too early in the morning for him.

Once I got on the highway I took my water bottle in to my right hand and rode like that all the way down to stay hydrated more readily.

To my left, there's a building where I think they filmed the library ribbon-cutting scene in "Man of the Century." I'd buy that movie again if need be.

Moving south, these tunes took me past the numbered streets and then Metallica's "Better Than You" came on. Haven't heard it in at least a year and I really like it though some of the repetition at the end could've been cut. Had they re-edited the track and dropped 45 seconds it'd be the perfect rock/metal anthem. When I got ReLoad it was 1997 or 98 and my disenchantment with certain friends was beginning and I felt the chorus was my own personal mantra. Now I don't feel I'm competing with anyone other than myself -- I'm enduring the struggle within (nooch) -- but the song really amped me up and I begun flying toward Chambers, through Warren, through the WFCs.

At the corner of Albany Street, a live version of Aerosmith's "Rag Doll" came on and I think I saw some of the women Tyler's describing walking opposite my Dahon. Constant beat, excellent tune -- would work just as well if it were debuted today. Going to see them next week so I'm going to increase my Aerosmith and Hagar listening habits during the rides.

A solid week of subway-less commuting. Sun is shining. I'll endure the air-conditioned nightmare for a little today.

Thank you for reading.