tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46328032160767292052024-03-05T10:52:13.232-08:00BrothersMcCA MAN NEEDS A PINT AFTER ALL THATKevin McClatchyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03151365844476910157noreply@blogger.comBlogger172125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4632803216076729205.post-84375163564704484802013-12-11T09:46:00.002-08:002013-12-11T09:46:21.297-08:00New Year's Eve At The Ardmore Music HallNew Year's Eve at The Ardmore Music Hall
Scott McClatchy
The Peace Creeps
John Eddie
Scott McClatchy & his full band (including The College Kids Horns) start the night off at 9:00pm
Check it out here:
http://www.ardmoremusic.com/event/421749-john-eddie-ardmore/
<a href="http://http://www.ardmoremusic.com/event/421749-john-eddie-ardmore/"></a>Scott McClatchyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590167291872290952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4632803216076729205.post-63222371953176609312013-10-22T10:11:00.003-07:002013-10-22T10:11:47.137-07:00New Scott McClatchy ShowOK, kids – all fired up from the recent, fantastic shows by The Del Lords & The Waterboys, and that I’m itching to try out this new club, The Ardmore Music Hall; it’s time to rally up the big band … complete with horn section!!
Saturday, November 2nd, 9:00pm,
at The Ardmore Music Hall.
It’ll be one set, and the cover is $10
… so call the sitter and let’s have some fun!!
http://www.ardmoremusic.com/Scott McClatchyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590167291872290952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4632803216076729205.post-90508072202504705932013-03-15T07:06:00.001-07:002013-03-15T07:06:22.127-07:00As we head in to St. Patty's Day, 2013 ... here's one for the youngest of the Brothers McC ...
ENJOY!!! The Tossers: "Emerald City"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0V_kKQu-kfA
Scott McClatchyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590167291872290952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4632803216076729205.post-2210255710675588912013-02-14T08:20:00.002-08:002013-02-14T08:23:03.415-08:00To Cathy, Lisa & Laura
Happy Valentine's Day!!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aYQ4B1nuj8Y
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aYQ4B1nuj8Y"></a>Scott McClatchyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590167291872290952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4632803216076729205.post-542619560940376482013-01-04T13:18:00.001-08:002013-01-04T13:18:39.010-08:00Hey Folks; A new show – for a great cause:
Date: Wednesday, February 6th, 2013
Location: Burlap & Bean, Newtown Square PA
www.burlapandbean.com
7:30pm: Denise Moser
8:15pm: Scott McClatchy
9:00pm: Dennis Chiccino
This is a BYO.
Tickets: $10
http://www.burlapandbean.com/events.htm#20130206
Proceeds got to Grassroot Soccer:
http://www.grassrootsoccer.org/
Grassroots Soccer: Educate. Inspire. Mobilize. Stop The Spread of HIV.
Scott McClatchyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590167291872290952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4632803216076729205.post-42671911841816929602012-05-22T06:09:00.001-07:002012-05-22T06:10:20.375-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbV9b_3zFWRMqtkPDGLEuxa1-dH8T1_47aOe9XLbcz5Js9IDeP2l1qpXiucO4RXf6zzSrUxA4YeR3VDx5a2AopXeM1rM856fYc7nKcD7ovJkY1_wrE9-5daZbEp_NUwGEcCxQqfQCK0HAG/s1600/Session+at+23+East.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbV9b_3zFWRMqtkPDGLEuxa1-dH8T1_47aOe9XLbcz5Js9IDeP2l1qpXiucO4RXf6zzSrUxA4YeR3VDx5a2AopXeM1rM856fYc7nKcD7ovJkY1_wrE9-5daZbEp_NUwGEcCxQqfQCK0HAG/s320/Session+at+23+East.jpg" /></a></div>
Starting on Thursday, May 24th, and every Thursday after that, I’ll be hosting “The Session At 23 East”
This is NOT an ‘open mic’ – these sessions will be based on the great tradition of ‘Irish Sessions’ – where musicians gather on a weekly basis to play songs they love. For these sessions, we will have some great, traditional, Irish players – but we will also have contemporary players … bringing in great “Americana” songs.
Each week we will feature a singer/songwriter to play some of his/her own material. And, soon, we may even feature full bands. But, for now, this will be an acoustic setting, with use of the house PA – but no amps – no drum kits (though percussion is welcome!!).
As the Thursday night ‘Sessions at 23 East’ grow – this will be the club that folks can go to – any Thursday night – and they will know that great music will be performed. For musicians – it will be a spot to get out and play with some old friends – or meet some new friends – and maybe find that player you’ve been searching for to finish off your band or recording.
For folks coming to see the show – there is no cover – For the musicians who want to play … draft beer is on the house! The music will start, every Thursday night, at 8:30pm.
If you have any questions, or are interested in being a featured player (or band), feel free to email me.
Rave On!
Scott McClatchy
http://www.brownies23east.com/
23 East/Browines
23 East Lancaster Ave
Ardmore, PA
www.scottmcclatchy.comScott McClatchyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590167291872290952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4632803216076729205.post-47579654780114041382012-03-19T07:02:00.000-07:002013-02-14T08:22:54.861-08:00Next Show:: Saturday, March 31st<span style="font-weight:bold;">St. Andrews Center for The Arts</span><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">(It's a really cool old church!!)</span><br />17 Llandillo Rd<br />Havertown, PA 19083<br />Doors Open: 7pm<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Scott McClatchy: 8:00pm</span><br />featuring the return of "The High School Horns"<br />$5 <br /><br /><a href="http://www.scottmcclatchy.com">www.scottmcclatchy.com</a>Scott McClatchyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590167291872290952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4632803216076729205.post-19354721345296444202012-01-03T12:28:00.001-08:002012-01-03T12:28:57.422-08:0020 Great Songs From 2011<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhheEFtsu52D0TyDC8GpMtmGgQ6BUAPRYZ9Y6fg8NSMgk5WL99HqtAPZLl029TD2Bxe87r9rQ9FQb9LXVDMcSOgK-7G2ou9ofS3wgQ0-u34FfixkJPO0X0WwK4YD54FR40Lr97JUQP7Ux0t/s1600/Model+Finished.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhheEFtsu52D0TyDC8GpMtmGgQ6BUAPRYZ9Y6fg8NSMgk5WL99HqtAPZLl029TD2Bxe87r9rQ9FQb9LXVDMcSOgK-7G2ou9ofS3wgQ0-u34FfixkJPO0X0WwK4YD54FR40Lr97JUQP7Ux0t/s320/Model+Finished.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693505331624944370" /></a><br /><br />1. In My Arms – Glen Campbell<br />2. More Like Them – Lydia Loveless<br />3. Lucky Number - Foster & Lloyd<br />4. Dismissed With a Kiss - Spanking Charlene<br />5. Bad Example - Pistol Annies<br />6. Codeine – Jason Isbell<br />7. Little Emperor – Steve Earle<br />8. The Best Part Of The Day - Elton John & Leon Russell<br />9. A Little Bit Of Everything – Dawes<br />10. That Much Has Changed – Joe Ely<br />11. Too Old To Die Young – Will Hoge<br />12. Melanin – Dave Hause<br />13. Peg O' My Heart - Dropkick Murphys<br />14. Coming Home To You – Nikki Lane<br />15. Weatherbeaten Soul - Reckless Kelly<br />16. Daydreaming - Middle Brother<br />17. Train To Birmingham – John Hiatt<br />18. Everybody Needs Love - Drive-By Truckers<br />19. Like You – Hayes Carll<br />20. 90 Miles An Hour Down A Dead End Street- Tommy WomackScott McClatchyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590167291872290952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4632803216076729205.post-18179160085789233002011-12-29T16:30:00.001-08:002011-12-29T16:32:03.024-08:00Ben Nichols<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTs_F0MR118AxEUWJJ0H0EDTfzXdoW0FCnFpuaimteRNAYVyuLIJNbRBGgXuvrquXI8MN3Abrz9AeE8C3VQmy9bXGBeD3EXApgvp3YjKySODqh_VzC1AbpyS1Hjq55IPTH7M8TtI2ZnRFV/s1600/cdc0ea71-cbee-428a-8652-384345793c39.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 218px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTs_F0MR118AxEUWJJ0H0EDTfzXdoW0FCnFpuaimteRNAYVyuLIJNbRBGgXuvrquXI8MN3Abrz9AeE8C3VQmy9bXGBeD3EXApgvp3YjKySODqh_VzC1AbpyS1Hjq55IPTH7M8TtI2ZnRFV/s320/cdc0ea71-cbee-428a-8652-384345793c39.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691712566157562322" /></a><br /><br /><br />Last night, I saw Lucero in concert … again. Each and every time that I have seen this band they have floored me. It was a few years back when the eldest Brother McC called me to say that Lucero were playing in Brooklyn. At the time, I had never heard of them – but I was told that I need to be there. The Mrs & I were residing in Brooklyn at that time – so off we went.<br /><br />One word: Amazing.<br /><br />So after the show, I walked over to the merch table and said: One of everything, please.<br /><br />As a band, Lucero is one of the great live acts out there. There’s no flash, no light show, no schtick … just a great set of musicians who give passionate performances of the songs that they obviously love to play. And those songs are amazing. <br /><br />Throughout most of the 70’s – every serious songwriter got saddled with one version or another of the tag – “The New Dylan” – and throughout the 80’s & 90’s – many great songwriters came & went. Some reach amazing heights – and some never got passed the local club circuit.<br /><br />But an amazing thread ran through the best of these. Common Speak. Lyrics that were universal – or at least, universal to the working class. In Ireland, Shane McGowan cornered the market of songs that painted pictures of the life & times of the working class. In England, Joe Strummer struggled with his quest to speak out for the common man. In the US, the reigning champ was Springsteen. But then there was a lull in the action. Sure, there were pretty great bands & songwriters here & there. But there was nothing that rocked my world like the first time I saw The Pogues … The Clash … or The E Street Band. Till that night I saw Lucero in Brooklyn.<br /><br />Last night, something caught me off guard. The show was an all-ages show. So the riotous, drunken behavior on the dance floor was absent. And, as noted by lead singer – Ben Nichols – the crowd was paying rapt attention to the ballads. Sure, they were raising hell on the rockers – but singing along with every word on the slow songs. So Nichols ran with it – playing more of his introspective songs than we usually get at a Lucero show. <br /><br />And it was the more I appreciated the lyrics – the ballads – songs from the new, soon-to-be released CD, and some old favorites – that I came to really appreciate the level of talent this guy has cleared with his craft.<br /><br />The people in Ben Nichols’ songs are the same people in the audience of a Lucero show. Sure, in “The War” – Nichols is singing about his grandfather. But as he poured his heart out in last night’s version of that song, all I could think of is how many kids in the audience had already done their time serving this country – and how many more will.<br /><br />Ben Nichols isn’t “The Next Dylan” – he’s Ben Nichols. And, for my money, he’s currently in the cream of the crop of American spokesmen today. His songs tell the story of the 99%. His songs tell the stories of the forgotten, the overlooked and the lost. And, yes, there are folks in these tales that have just made bad choices in their lives. But in the end, these are songs about folks who no longer recognize what the American Dream once was. For them, a good day is having enough money in your pocket to have a whiskey at the end of the day.<br /><br />“Smoke” – by Ben Nichols<br /><br />The bike was on the street<br />Outside a midtown bar<br />He went looking for a drink<br />Wasn’t looking very hard<br />She was sitting on his seat<br />When he came out the door<br />She said, “Run away with me”<br />He’d heard that line before<br />He said, “Better men than me<br />Have all be left behind”<br />She said, “We’re doing pretty good<br />If we can just get out alive”<br /><br />She wrapped her arms around his waist<br />Nowhere to run to anyways<br />The bolted out into the streets<br />Unknown and beautifulScott McClatchyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590167291872290952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4632803216076729205.post-69333399010536502702011-08-09T05:48:00.001-07:002011-08-09T05:48:42.384-07:00Life Starts At 50Maybe it’s because I’ve always liked to live my life a little outside of the mainstream. Maybe it was just my way of rebelling against my Dad. Or maybe it’s because I’ve just always felt comfortable in my own skin. But, since I was a teenager, I have always been fond of earrings, long hair and tattoos.
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<br />Well, now I’m 50 years old. And, the older I get, the more I am expected to “act my age.” But, the older I get, the longer I want my hair to be – the louder I want to listen to music (Yep … I’ll blast Lucero these days just as loudly as I blasted The Faces when I was a kid) – and … and here’s the big surprise … the more I want to do to help out my community.
<br />
<br />Yep … long-haired weird-os, with tattoos and earrings can actually do good things.
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<br />In my “day job” – I often find myself working with folks who – shall we say – lean to the right. And a lot of these folks are really great to work with. But, let’s be honest here, these are folks who would like working with me a lot better if I would only “just cut my hair.” How do I know this to be true? Because they have told me … time and time again.
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<br />It happens all the time with my volunteering with the local chapter of Optimists International. OK … so I am basically about 20 to 30 years younger than the other members of my club. And, to their defense, they did grow up in a time where only women had long hair, only hookers & pirates had pierced ears, and only sailors or prison inmates had tattoos. But times change.
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<br />It’s fun to hang with the “old folks” as we help out the young kids with our Optimists International programs. And it’s even more fun to sit around at our weekly lunches – telling tales and listening to the perspective of folks on the far side of retirement. But it never ceases to amaze me that, more often than not, I hear comments about the way I dress and the length of my hair. And how much better I would look if I would only get a haircut. Really??? It’s 2011 and long hair on a man is still frowned upon??
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<br />And, just a few weeks ago, I got to work with a gentleman from my company who I respect. A man who has had a career of putting his life on the line for the safety of others. And we do work together amazingly and get along great as friends. But the humor for me was, on an almost daily basis, he lamented the length of my hair. He told my co-workers to buy me a pair of scissors for my next birthday. He told my wife & son that I was an amazing worker and a great guy – but couldn’t they get me to cut my hair?!?!
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<br />And funnily enough, it is when my boss … and/or the folks at OI … when they keep telling me how much better it would be if I cut my hair – that just makes me want to grow it even longer.
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<br />You see … folks with long hair, earrings and tattoos do great and positive things in this world every day. I got my first tattoo back when my Mom passed away. I was a teen-ager who was looking for a way to keep my Mom’s spirit alive … so I got a tattoo with her name on a flower on my shoulder. I’ve gotten a few others along the way. The most recent being when my son was born.
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<br />My hair and earrings … they change from time to time. And, truth be told, I’ve had short hair more often than not in the last ten years. But the older I get – it seems the more folks expect me to conform – to look like I’m running for a political office. And, I guess it’s just the contrarian in me, but I’m gonna let my freak flag fly for a while. I’ve put my earrings back in – and my grey hair is growing a bit longer.
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<br />And the best part is, even with my long hair, my tattoos and earrings, I’m still able to do my job well – and I still volunteer to help out the neighborhood kids.Scott McClatchyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590167291872290952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4632803216076729205.post-70283771089438892192011-05-21T18:58:00.000-07:002011-05-21T18:59:35.156-07:00Old Man Hockey - Another Great Season<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNgx5oMErcNxfpZdmKDmJQSnzPNGAEv3oWF0UpZ0LO9Hij6b-KmkN2a3VUaAPZF6gHb4upIgJaVlC2-pgb6JvhD8M8pASzT1wsYBye7PrMJEZsfcHnqDJkYDw1TgYUIMWq9JrxXNvClX-e/s1600/Murray%252C+Scott+%2526+Joel.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNgx5oMErcNxfpZdmKDmJQSnzPNGAEv3oWF0UpZ0LO9Hij6b-KmkN2a3VUaAPZF6gHb4upIgJaVlC2-pgb6JvhD8M8pASzT1wsYBye7PrMJEZsfcHnqDJkYDw1TgYUIMWq9JrxXNvClX-e/s320/Murray%252C+Scott+%2526+Joel.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609354179808808306" /></a><br /><br />Some days are just great days. And most times –these great days can come through no fault of my own. Outside of my family and friends – there are two things that I truly find joy in: and that’s music and sports. And so often, my “great days” involve either music or sports.<br /><br />OK … so I’m a bit of a cliché. A working class kid from the outskirts of Philly finds escape it music and sports. It’s a softball I just pitched up there – so feel free to add a punch-line.<br /><br />But here’s the thing. One common thread that runs deep in these two subjects – but can so often be overlooked – is that; when push comes to shove – barriers are almost meaningless with these two topics. I know there has been race, religion and a whole host of other problems with sports and music over the years. And, I’m guessing if John Feinstein or Dave Marsh were to write an in-depth book on either – there would be chapters dedicated to this.<br /><br />But I’m 50. And I’ve come to a pretty good understanding about sports and music: if you’re good – run with it – and if you’re running with me - welcome to the team! Because, at my age, the guys who are still doing it (“it” being sports or music) have already left their hearts and souls on stages, fields, courts and rinks around the world. At my age, after a hockey game, a hoop game or a late night gig – a large part of the conversations will circulate around medical issues! Who’s hurt, who has had surgery and who has to go see what doctor about which problem.<br /><br />And the funny thing is – it makes any group of guys sharing all this with each other as thick as thieves. The guys I run and play with nowadays are some of the greatest guys that I’ve ever known. And some of them - I hardly know at all!!! There are a few guys that I lace ‘em up with every week – and I have no idea what they do off the ice. There are musicians that I’ve played with over the years – and maybe we have gone our separate ways – but when we do see it other – it’s like no time had passed at all.<br /><br />And that brings me to the way my friends reacted when the news broke that I had cancer. Holy shit! It was like someone raised the flag that cried; ‘Time to rally the troops, boys!!’ I could tell you stories that would bring tears to your eyes, smiles to your faces … or just have you scratching your head … but no story I tell could ever do any of those moments justice.<br /><br />But this passed week … our Old Man Hockey season came to an end. Our local ice rink will close for a few weeks for maintenance and repairs. And we did what we always do; we had “The Old Man Hockey Banquet.” <br /><br />Now, calling this gathering a “banquet” is about on par with, if I sat in a tree you could call me a “bird.” We basically met at a bar for wings & beers … and scotch. And actually, a pretty good amount of all of the above. And, to give you an idea of the mindset of our crew; each year we hand out “The Old Fart” award – to the player who best lived up to said title throughout the year.<br /><br />As we sat there telling stories about great shots, great saves – and moments of silliness – it seemed that I was the odds on favorite for this years coveted award. And when Joel, the leagues resident Top Dog called the party to attention, there sure seemed to be a lot of cameras facing my direction.<br /><br />And, yes, your humble writer did receive the award. And after the cheers and laughter died down, there were many hugs and comments that, with all due respect to you kind readers, I’ll keep mostly to myself.<br /><br />But there was one great moment. As we looked at the trophy – and ordered another round – a comment was made that; “The trophy was going to me one way or the other this year. It was going to be to hold my ashes – but since I survived the surgery …”<br /><br />And so we sat there. A group of guys basking in the joy that one of their own was still around to celebrate another season. And all I could think of was, if we all knew then what we know now; how great would it have been to have had a great writer like John Feinstein or Dave Marsh cover the ride?Scott McClatchyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590167291872290952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4632803216076729205.post-73714018989754514962011-03-16T10:32:00.000-07:002011-03-16T10:33:59.952-07:00Happy Birthday, Patty<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOztxghDLDR0S8EfV3EmDmWw_QzlNkcC3sBhgAUt8HnwezppyEw-2F99Wo4r-L5zCqQOKm1UORe1HB3UR25WLIRyf5q1-_vYl10WLExDx-iKGg4TGa3EeYyEXSevg0TQTTzBLyPH9aDlte/s1600/Patsy%2527s+Bday+1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 310px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOztxghDLDR0S8EfV3EmDmWw_QzlNkcC3sBhgAUt8HnwezppyEw-2F99Wo4r-L5zCqQOKm1UORe1HB3UR25WLIRyf5q1-_vYl10WLExDx-iKGg4TGa3EeYyEXSevg0TQTTzBLyPH9aDlte/s320/Patsy%2527s+Bday+1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584732273701186642" /></a><br /><br /><br />Mol an páiste agus molann tú an mháthair.Scott McClatchyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590167291872290952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4632803216076729205.post-66161109881988798522010-12-18T21:00:00.000-08:002010-12-19T12:47:04.995-08:00This Is The Reason …<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Pr1z7zN3cKMafziT7I6EaLkevv5HFn8kjc3-vvU8QJCV2UjoNXvAd2fm4_UNYddpuD0_umzVcOUl-tHsDnJbMjpZXGercfeGA2MhId1VnyElcnnoNGkL4f4QW9bXQErqtx4LN2Pa_MQA/s1600/1808.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 287px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Pr1z7zN3cKMafziT7I6EaLkevv5HFn8kjc3-vvU8QJCV2UjoNXvAd2fm4_UNYddpuD0_umzVcOUl-tHsDnJbMjpZXGercfeGA2MhId1VnyElcnnoNGkL4f4QW9bXQErqtx4LN2Pa_MQA/s320/1808.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552253848945545746" /></a><br /><br />Ok … for years I have found myself in arguments over the merits of Bruce Springsteen. And, to give the reader full disclosure; since the first time I saw Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band play live (a four night stand at The Tower Theater in Upper Darby, PA – in 1975), there has been no other act to even come close to delivering on the promise of rock and roll than these guys do. There has been no other act that has delivered (in recordings) more life affirming music to this kid.<br /><br />Back in the day, when he was performing the cover of The Animals; “It’s My Life” – complete with the story that carried with it the complete lack of understanding between a father and his son – I was hanging on every word. I was there with him – agreeing with every syllable … trying to understand how my father could treat his son with the same indifference that Springsteen spoke about in the prologue. The heartfelt terror of trying to understand a father and son relationship between two people who were at odds with each other. At that point – the bond was made – and I’ve stayed with this artist through the entire ride.<br /><br />Well, this past few months have sucked. I found out I had cancer. Luckily, I’ve been blessed to have an amazing surgeon cut me open and (hopefully) removed all the cancer that had scared the shit out of me just a few weeks ago. Add to that, my Dad died. Sure, he was 85 – and it wasn’t unexpected – but still … death freaks me out. Then my cousin died – and that was unexpected – and freaked me out. Then there were two more deaths of friends – all in the same week. I mean … what the fuck!?!?!<br /><br />So, tonight, one of my friends, a cousin who just lost his sister, and he’s also going through a break-up of his marriage, had a Christmas party.<br /><br />It was an insane evening. There were all types of folks dealing with all types of loss & tragedy … all these folks dealing with death, divorce, disease, unemployment … you name it – it was represented tonight.<br /><br />Well, the drinks were flowing, the stories were being told … and somewhere in the middle of it all, our host decided show off his new home entertainment center by slipping in the DVD of Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band – Live At Hyde Park. And the party was grooving. Don’t get me wrong – it wasn’t like everything stopped and we all sat and watch the show – but there was a vibe that was palpable.<br /><br />Then “Out In The Streets” hit. And, at this point, the party did stop. Folks who had been scattered throughout the house all seemed to end up in the living room. Someone – I’m not ever sure who – pushed the volume control to a level that would have made it easy for the neighbors to enjoy the track. And then … the chorus came along. <br /><br />Once the chorus hit – all bets were off. Folks surprised me. There were kids in their 20’s and others pushing 60 – all jammed into the living room – singing at the top of their lungs.<br /><br />And, for just that one moment – their troubles were put on hold. For just that one moment, all the bullshit that we (and, for that matter- everyone) have to deal with just to get through the day … was forgotten. There was joy. There was dancing. There were folks who could not have sung you one line of the verses – but were singing the living shit out of this chorus. And that’s when it hit me. Without overstating it in any way, shape or form, for folks who buy in to what Bruce is selling – his music can heal.<br /><br />I was literally floored. As I looked around the room I saw folks dancing, folks hugging, and – most importantly – folks singing at the top of their lungs – just looking for that momentary release from the pressures and hardships that life can deliver. And … luckily … we all found it in a great little rock & roll song.<br /><br />And I thought to myself … there it is … that’s the reason!! That’s the reason I’ve been a fan of this guy’s music for so long. That’s the reason we wait in line for tickets – that’s the reason we go see multiple nights … that’s the reason … we all need a release. And, in my humble opinion, there is no better release to be found than in the joy & redemption of a great rock and roll show. And, for my money, no one delivers a better rock & roll show than Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band. <br /><br />Some nights … you just need to sing.Scott McClatchyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590167291872290952noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4632803216076729205.post-16405451046320935392010-11-24T06:26:00.001-08:002010-11-24T06:36:47.004-08:00Robert B. McClatchy; 1925-2010; Semper Fidelis<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghgMBTkj2Juk335FkeVdmqoM_GKXmUjx70tO-YJeY8481_dHp0W1Gfc_8kPat3e-BM0fgtGNGnTfJYY0u0mL4wNVk2mO3bUrW0bBZafBlm5dzgijiyZm7_0G_BJii3mPD8pu17qRhZuM_M/s1600/RB+Marine+Portrait.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 226px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghgMBTkj2Juk335FkeVdmqoM_GKXmUjx70tO-YJeY8481_dHp0W1Gfc_8kPat3e-BM0fgtGNGnTfJYY0u0mL4wNVk2mO3bUrW0bBZafBlm5dzgijiyZm7_0G_BJii3mPD8pu17qRhZuM_M/s320/RB+Marine+Portrait.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543122839527274002" /></a><br /><br /><br />RB was born July 1,1925 in St. Joseph's Hospital in Philadelphia. It is still a working hospital. Calvin Coolidge was the President of the United States and his inauguration was the first to be broadcast over the radio. Big news that day was a big earthquake in Santa Barbara, California. Walter Johnson shut out the Philadelphia As that very day.<br /><br />1925 also saw; (January 3) Benito Mussolini (Il Duce) announces he is taking dictatorial powers over Italy; (April 10) - F. Scott Fitzgerald publishes The Great Gatsby; (July 10) The Scopes Monkey Trial was set to begin with Clarence Darrow defending biology teacher John Scopes – who was arrested for teaching Charles Darwin's Theory of Evolution; (July 18) - Adolf Hitler publishes his personal manifesto Mein Kampf. <br /><br /><br />At age 17 (1943) RB joined the Marine Corps. His first combat was landing on the island of Guam. He also fought on Okinawa - The landing on April 1,1945 was larger than the Normandy landing. <br /><br />RB found a love of baseball early on. In the late 20’s and early 30’s, “Poker Night” was held in the basement of his Father's house. These games included Al Simmons, Jimmy Dykes, Lefty Grove, Bing Miller & George Earnshaw.Scott McClatchyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590167291872290952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4632803216076729205.post-20017133284134404532010-11-18T12:04:00.000-08:002010-11-18T12:06:07.523-08:00“Hoffman … you stay here!”<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO0WcXIpaAH9ZUnjFrNojzxAPLqgrQE2x5r_8jD0kT4K6VR5_xmXt__7vUIzBulojb9D8g2fO-r6QDGk0v54goIgqi7nEWCxDi23w1cZZhwHb4Y9qcGiXYvh1oX6RA7TDx6OiQL21is9Nm/s1600/unstoppable_poster_02.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 217px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO0WcXIpaAH9ZUnjFrNojzxAPLqgrQE2x5r_8jD0kT4K6VR5_xmXt__7vUIzBulojb9D8g2fO-r6QDGk0v54goIgqi7nEWCxDi23w1cZZhwHb4Y9qcGiXYvh1oX6RA7TDx6OiQL21is9Nm/s320/unstoppable_poster_02.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540983173707560802" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">“Hoffman … you stay here!”</span><br /><br />That could very well be the greatest line ever uttered in the American cinema. Why, you may ask? Well, I’m glad you did.<br /><br />The youngest of The Brothers McC can currently be seen in the new major motion picture, Hollywood blockbuster, Denzel Washington starring, Ridley Scott directing, sitting on the edge of your seat thriller; “Unstoppable”<br /><br />You see … one of the worst sentences ever uttered was; “You got cancer.” Yep … and that really sucked. But, if my sister has her wish, I’ll blog on about that at some other point. But, there is a reason I bring that up. Just over a week ago I had some surgery that I’m sure removed all of the aforementioned cancer … and here I am on the road to recovery. Well, what’s a guy to do on a Thursday afternoon … but go see a movie!!!<br /><br />So, today, I grabbed the Mrs and off we went to the local movie house. <br /><br />As the film opened, I was giddy. I mean … I couldn’t believe it, the youngest, least respected on a basketball court, can hardly handle his Guinness, baby Brother McC was going to up on that screen in a matter of minutes. The Mrs was laughing at me – but I didn’t care.<br /><br />Then … in full Technicolor and Hi-Def digital sound ---- there he was!!! Was he saving a poor farm girl? Was he winning the hearts and minds of our youth? Was he helping an old lady to cross the street? No!!!! He was being an ass!!!! A lawyer … comparing the loss in revenue to the loss of human life. He was jerk!!!!! And let me tell you this … he was a GREAT jerk!!!!!! <br /><br />I freaked out!! I was now even giddier than I was when I entered. Holy Shit!!! My little brother is up on that screen in a major Hollywood production!!!<br /><br />But, let’s get back to why; “Hoffman … you stay here!” – is the greatest line in the history of the English speaking arts. I mean, first off … Kevin didn’t even say the line. Why??? Because the line was being spoken to him!! Kevin was Hoffman!!! OK … not as great as discovering what “Rosebud” meant … but to me, when the boss said; “Hoffman … you stay here!” – that meant that the crowded room of lawyers and other hanger-ons would be leaving, and Kevin (re: Hoffman) would be hanging around the entire length of the movie for reaction shots and … much to my surprise … a killer close-up!!!<br /><br />So … there you have it. You feeling blue? You feeling a little sluggish? Did you just have major surgery? Well … nothing will get your heart dancing like seeing your brother in a killer action flick.<br /><br />Damn!!!! That was cool.Scott McClatchyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590167291872290952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4632803216076729205.post-69144838771629617482010-10-01T21:02:00.000-07:002010-10-01T21:05:34.811-07:00A Dark Rage<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2pEmwazCX3KyHYjYT3yd-D1PflJ5ewa_7_XNfebpt2XJQyZq5ztKT-Evii85KM850vJ6fx5SAPbp6ikERXlV_6EnawhsPmDt1yk098twHpO029cmS4EVjL3JY0R6G8gI0qVycUmqBWJEj/s1600/Rage+Front+Cover.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 314px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2pEmwazCX3KyHYjYT3yd-D1PflJ5ewa_7_XNfebpt2XJQyZq5ztKT-Evii85KM850vJ6fx5SAPbp6ikERXlV_6EnawhsPmDt1yk098twHpO029cmS4EVjL3JY0R6G8gI0qVycUmqBWJEj/s320/Rage+Front+Cover.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523294453535419666" /></a><br /><br /><br />OK … it took a while for me to get from Point A to Point B … but arrive here I have.<br /><br />A few years ago, the youngest Brother McC was having a grand, old time at an Irish festival somewhere in the wilds of Ohio. I knew that pints of Guinness had not only been poured, but drunk as well. I knew this because every once in a while my cell phone would ring. I’d answer the phone … not to hear anyone’s voice, but to hear the live, slamming Irish music of whatever band was rocking my brother’s world at that moment. This went on well in to the night … and I thought it was great!<br /><br />By the end of the night, I answered the phone to actually hear the voice of the youngest Brother McC. And that voice made one request: Write a song using the pipes.<br /><br />So that night, after a few beers of my own, I wrote a song called “A Black Irish Rage.” All the while hearing the melody line that the pipes would eventually play … whenever I got around to recording it. The fact that I didn’t even know a uilleann piper at the time was not a concern of mine. I was living in NYC … and there’s lots of Irish music in NYC.<br /><br />Well, as time wore on, that song turned in to the title track of the CD that I just released on Tuesday: “A Dark Rage” – and sure enough, I found an amazing piper named Isaac Alderson to wail away on not only the lead track – but a beautiful ballad as well.<br /><br />As the sessions moved along, the usual suspects delivered a killer bedrock of music that would let me add the toppings. Chris, Rusty, Yoder, Nancy, Hans & Jeannine all did what I knew they would – and some amazing things I could never have expected. Then I brought in a tin whistle (Kirsten) and fiddle (Bob) … and had Billy glue it all together.<br /><br />Well … the CD is out there … the reviews (so far) are great … the sales have started … I’ve already found radio airplay in four countries … and who knows where it’s all gonna lead? But I do know where it all began … with drinks … a love of Irish music … and the Brothers McC doing what we do best … making dreams.<br /><br />But don’t take my word for it … check it out on iTunes … or here:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/scottmcclatchy">http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/scottmcclatchy</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Dark-Rage-Scott-McClatchy/dp/B0042KZJE6/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1285992087&sr=8-2">http://www.amazon.com/Dark-Rage-Scott-McClatchy/dp/B0042KZJE6/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1285992087&sr=8-2</a>Scott McClatchyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590167291872290952noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4632803216076729205.post-32052081081574097802010-09-11T09:57:00.000-07:002010-09-11T09:58:00.771-07:00September 11, 2010PeaceScott McClatchyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590167291872290952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4632803216076729205.post-89473509380026984272010-08-26T11:30:00.000-07:002010-08-26T11:31:24.270-07:00The Brothers McC family grows ... by one!!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCgWF6rZTpPWVil2Jdt9PjqxHGvVAk2IVRQtnUOLUewwXIR3luiI52Htdh42j_uAvCi4l2VyYSYK2nF8VvIza6GsJoTbJWUrwiHasJpnHYrOsOhDj1Q0vK_-kUeB9VedG7cXyL_JcM1oAV/s1600/46392_1598058274521_1327948167_1622351_2247235_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCgWF6rZTpPWVil2Jdt9PjqxHGvVAk2IVRQtnUOLUewwXIR3luiI52Htdh42j_uAvCi4l2VyYSYK2nF8VvIza6GsJoTbJWUrwiHasJpnHYrOsOhDj1Q0vK_-kUeB9VedG7cXyL_JcM1oAV/s320/46392_1598058274521_1327948167_1622351_2247235_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509787799894941890" /></a><br /><br /><br />Kavanagh Brooks McClatchy — born 8/25/10<br /><br />Congrats to Fuss, Kevin & Eiranne!!!<br /><br />Guinness For All !!!!!!Scott McClatchyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590167291872290952noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4632803216076729205.post-81644160736777681262010-08-15T11:52:00.000-07:002010-08-15T11:59:21.152-07:00The Founding Fathers Got This Right!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigN_TIvlx_HU1Y4T8m-K5352VnEnm0i9sIIDpF3Su7m7Fkf97ud6NyZvH1fZ8ekrtbrfisVyB_ZSFPoH0lPf77VpWvoCVhrFdZBHKJSYljTtW_8Hgigmu8par0ndlHtkY5O267RFXVpKt2/s1600/Bill-of-Rights.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 244px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigN_TIvlx_HU1Y4T8m-K5352VnEnm0i9sIIDpF3Su7m7Fkf97ud6NyZvH1fZ8ekrtbrfisVyB_ZSFPoH0lPf77VpWvoCVhrFdZBHKJSYljTtW_8Hgigmu8par0ndlHtkY5O267RFXVpKt2/s320/Bill-of-Rights.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505711744537741890" /></a><br /><br /><br />I was talking with a buddy of mine who said to me that he really believed that, from what he could tell, Sara Palin has never said anything that would give people a reason to dislike her. And, as I read over some of Ms. Palin’s better comments, it’s easy to see where my buddy could have this view. Ms. Palin is very skillful at disguising her hate with the American flag. And, in this day and age, who is going to say that they hate the American flag?<br /><br />But, this weekend, Ms. Palin is letting her true colors rise above her normal rhetoric. This woman does not care for the United States, and the laws we live by. She does not care for the truth and ideals that many Americans have fought and died to preserve. And she has no use for the very liberties that she and her family enjoy.<br /><br />When Ms. Palin questioned the President: "Mr. President, should they or should they not build a mosque steps away from where radical Islamists killed 3000 people?" she wrote. "Please tell us your position. We all know that they have the right to do it, but should they?” – well, Ms. Palin has let not only the voters of this nation, but the world as well, know that she has no use for the United States of America’s Bill Of Rights.<br /><br />Earlier, Ms. Palin asked New Yorkers and Muslims to reject construction of the mosque in a now infamous Facebook and Twitter post in which she used the word "refudiate" when she meant "repudiate."<br /><br />Then, on Friday night before Obama's speech, Palin tweeted, "Will Obama express US lingering pain & ask Muslims for tolerance by discouraging 9/11 mosque while he celebrates Islamic holy month tonight?"<br /><br />Even her choice of the phrase “9/11 mosque” would embarrass even the lowest political wolf looking to cast fear and blame on their opponent. But Ms. Palin has no use for pleasantries or even the most remote understanding of the issues; whether it be in a political forum, a religious discussion or speaking with the Mayor of New York City, Michael Bloomburg, a gentleman who supports the building of the mosque. But then again, what’s to be expected from a woman who quits the elected office she ran for as opposed to man who keeps on trying to do the job of helping the people who elected him?<br /><br />Mr. Bloomburg is showing the world that principles and values only truly mean something when you stand by them on the days that a mob will attack them.<br /><br />One of Ms. Palin’s followers wrote: "Doesn't this shlub Obama read history? The Muslims for centuries have built mosques on top of areas where there have won a major victory. They believe that killing over 3000 Americans is a major victory."<br /><br />I guess that my answer to this writer, and to those who agree with Ms. Palin is to read not just the history of the Muslims … but to read the history of the United States as well. Our Founding Fathers, the gentlemen that so many of the Tea Party members like to dress up as - as they chant: “We want our country back!!” – the Founding Fathers addressed this issue quite eloquently in the Bill Of Rights:<br /><br />U.S. Constitution - Amendment 1 - Freedom of Religion, Press, Expression:<br />Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.<br /><br />With all due respect to Ms. Palin and her crew; I’ll side with Thomas Jefferson and the rest of the Founding Fathers on this issue.<br /><br />“A Bill of Rights is what the people are entitled to against every government, and what no just government should refuse, or rest on inference.” - Thomas JeffersonScott McClatchyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590167291872290952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4632803216076729205.post-21356772278599659062010-08-12T07:41:00.000-07:002010-08-12T07:41:14.911-07:00God Bless Cpt. Jonathan Hopkins<object style="background-image:url(http://i4.ytimg.com/vi/wD35Yi3oLG0/hqdefault.jpg)" width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/wD35Yi3oLG0?fs=1&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/wD35Yi3oLG0?fs=1&hl=en_US" width="425" height="344" allowScriptAccess="never" allowFullScreen="true" wmode="transparent" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object>Scott McClatchyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590167291872290952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4632803216076729205.post-72161999550103628352010-07-31T16:34:00.000-07:002010-07-31T16:36:25.259-07:00“Excess Baggage”<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDx0SSw47Gt6eucaAwZX2-lklSHQpRMk89zl9EiNagnrZ_LPdZjcJfBYkGobKMcGzdA29IwawgUWF-uyoHdZdvO-gZSe6nefLMFrrCcdLt27K2RiR-nEVGzAimMLHADRE3uPN2pxztSI3r/s1600/ExcessBaggage.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 227px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDx0SSw47Gt6eucaAwZX2-lklSHQpRMk89zl9EiNagnrZ_LPdZjcJfBYkGobKMcGzdA29IwawgUWF-uyoHdZdvO-gZSe6nefLMFrrCcdLt27K2RiR-nEVGzAimMLHADRE3uPN2pxztSI3r/s320/ExcessBaggage.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500217988159303394" /></a><br /><br />OK … here at the Brother’s McC we delve into many topics. But we often seem to always drift back to the three major ones; Sports, Music & Movies. Today’s little ramble will be filed under “movies.”<br /><br />Back in 1997, a little romantic comedy flick quietly worked a quick run in it’s theatrical release and disappeared in to the land of cable and DVD rentals. One night … and, in full disclosure, I am a huge fan of the work of Benicio Del Toro, so … one night I’m sitting home with the Mrs. When this film - “Excess Baggage” – pops up on cable.<br /><br />So, I make a little popcorn and the Mrs & I settle in to watch. And, much to the later dismay of the other two Brothers McC – I loved the flick. I did. And not even in a guilty pleasure kind of way. I liked the movie so much that I recommended it to other folks. And … as the bard would say … there in lies the rub.<br /><br />I recommended it to the older Brother McC. And, being a brother – he went with it. He called me the next day to ask if I had been screwing with him. To say he didn’t like it would be putting it mildly. Actually, I think he had a physical negative reaction to the film. And, when I brought up the subject with the younger Brother McC … I was soon listening to the dial tone. I think rom/coms make the younger Brother McC run for the nearest pint of Guiness.<br /><br />But I stood by my movie. Benicio Del Toro plays a car thief who ends up stealing a car that has a spoiled rich girl (Alicia Silverstone) in the trunk. The story line rolls nicely along as the two (you saw this coming) fall for each other. Add in a great role by Christopher Walken as the rich girl’s “fixer” Uncle … and I was digging it. I mean … really digging it. <br /><br />Is it “Citizen Cane” … no … of course not. But, it’s a great little piece of fluff that kept me smiling.<br /><br />Why am I rambling on about this movie now? Well, it’s on cable again. And I just spent a lazy, Saturday afternoon watching it … and … even with the knowledge that the other Brothers McC will not share my review … I really enjoyed it all over again!Scott McClatchyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590167291872290952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4632803216076729205.post-44673745646633604152010-07-29T20:11:00.001-07:002010-07-29T20:14:37.224-07:00Dear Tyrannosaurus Rex<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5s_NM9esoqdOLKheGLZURUp7zD1dEjh-hNMG0ueTXQrx-VM2e6DwtBZNCwmZVQ-Y3IIFwv0xyikNSnfl_53Nq0B5n01o0FPLx7vC5Ia4BacI_-lwJzV9jvrh83ccCfvtRRpxJ8PVzGPkW/s1600/51WXWqO4DcL._SL500_AA300_.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5s_NM9esoqdOLKheGLZURUp7zD1dEjh-hNMG0ueTXQrx-VM2e6DwtBZNCwmZVQ-Y3IIFwv0xyikNSnfl_53Nq0B5n01o0FPLx7vC5Ia4BacI_-lwJzV9jvrh83ccCfvtRRpxJ8PVzGPkW/s320/51WXWqO4DcL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499531977469195746" /></a><br /><br />OK Kids ... It's time to plug an AMAZING book by Lisa McClatchy:<br />Dear Tyrannosaurus Rex<br /><br />Yes ... she's related<br />Yes ... she's amazing talented<br />Yes ... It's a GREAT book!!!!<br /><br />So ... get out there & pick it up!!!<br /><br />http://www.amazon.com/Dear-Tyrannosaurus-Rex-Lisa-McClatchy/dp/0375856080<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Dear-Tyrannosaurus-Rex-Lisa-McClatchy/dp/0375856080"></a><br /><br />:-)Scott McClatchyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590167291872290952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4632803216076729205.post-1836524384686260472010-05-19T06:34:00.001-07:002010-05-19T06:35:27.577-07:00Mumford & Sons<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTy27H-_00M-TqEQwzvhoHrTYQtjEzN0qiXbaNU6h01E644StRcN9y-r9ub6to4LtfVYAJfFaqekLz8WZp0EF5Fw9nkNQ-Oav3Eh35uhyphenhyphen7H43ZOsTzEdtiWLRMsB68Y-AuZJL5I4cI_lDJ/s1600/mumford__sons.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 224px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTy27H-_00M-TqEQwzvhoHrTYQtjEzN0qiXbaNU6h01E644StRcN9y-r9ub6to4LtfVYAJfFaqekLz8WZp0EF5Fw9nkNQ-Oav3Eh35uhyphenhyphen7H43ZOsTzEdtiWLRMsB68Y-AuZJL5I4cI_lDJ/s320/mumford__sons.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472974094863135362" /></a><br /><br /><br />Have you ever been so completely blown away by a band – (and especially if it’s a band that you have never heard of!!!) – that you just can’t stop listening to them???<br /><br />Well, this past Sunday night I went (at my brother’s request) to see this band called Mumford & Sons. I really had no idea what to expect. All I had heard was few tracks here and there. And, as curious as I was … for some reason I had not followed up on that initial interest. So … when these four “kids” (Hey!!! The look young to me!!!!!) … like I said, when these four kids walked on to a darkly lit stage, and then proceeded to knock me on my ass … well … I’m “in” – these guys were fabulous!<br /><br />It’s really hard for me to put these guys in to words. Acoustic guitar, stand up bass, banjo and piano. All four guys stood across the front of the stage. All four guys singing lyrics with their hearts sown securely on their sleeves. There was a drum kit in the back – and occasionally one of the guys would stroll back and play it – by the end of the night, all four guys had taken a turn on drums. <br /><br />I had to have the CD. And … to be honest, on CD, there are a few songs that don’t translate in to the passion and performance I saw on Sunday night. But … andf you knew there was a “but” coming ... there are other songs that are that beyond amazing!!! Songs that just leap out of the speakers and drag you in to the world created by Mumford and Sons. The lyrics are full of, what I can only describe as “British literature” … almost poetry. Even the sad songs are so beautiful that they bring joy to me.<br /><br />I think one of the things that blows my mind – is that there is nothing out there like these guys. Sure, there are certain things about them that will “remind” you of other bands and artists. And I’ve seen other writers compare them to this band or that band. But … as an entity … there is nothing to compare these guys to.<br /><br />I’m adding a link to the video “Winter Winds”. If you get a free few minutes – take a look. There’s something about the “joy” that explodes off the screen in this video that will somehow let you take a peek in to just how amazing their live show is.<br /><br />And, for the record, I have some friends who do not like these guys. If you don’t like them – well … thanks for giving them a listen anyway. But, as I walked away from the show – all I could think of is that everyone I know would have loved that show – and I’m pretty sure everyone I know will find something on their CD to latch on to.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_KCg_QEHtkY">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_KCg_QEHtkY</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mumfordandsons.com/">http://www.mumfordandsons.com/</a>Scott McClatchyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590167291872290952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4632803216076729205.post-34716690803282695312010-03-16T07:22:00.001-07:002010-03-16T07:24:03.859-07:00Happy 80th Birthday, Patty<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3ybWtyGicHeGRY-9oOqa16qwudvj7keB-kE1Ckc1vexBmR0OCFzDJMdoTLWQ-_IJh5AxbeIZg7LXHzA6NbJ-trI4uxQ5Ahyphenhyphenc0DifHLJeG6kYg-cHbywrWE4w1CehvZRsQNpZl0Q9_v4qz/s1600-h/Patty+Portrait.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 265px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3ybWtyGicHeGRY-9oOqa16qwudvj7keB-kE1Ckc1vexBmR0OCFzDJMdoTLWQ-_IJh5AxbeIZg7LXHzA6NbJ-trI4uxQ5Ahyphenhyphenc0DifHLJeG6kYg-cHbywrWE4w1CehvZRsQNpZl0Q9_v4qz/s320/Patty+Portrait.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449237007440282418" /></a><br /><br />Mama, your boys might make some mistakes<br />But we know where we're from and we know how we were raised<br />So don't you think twice about where we are tonight<br />No matter how far from home<br />We'll be back along, just a matter of time.<br /><br />Home, it might scatter and fade<br />With time all things must change<br />The road, it might take its own course<br />But, I intend, mama, we're still your boys<br /><br />Mama there's times where we'll make some mistakes<br />We know how you've worked and we know how you've prayed<br />So don't you think twice bout where we are tonight<br />No matter what becomes of us - you gave us enough<br />Know that we've tried.<br /><br />Home, it might scatter and fade<br />With time all things must change<br />The road, it might take its own course<br />But, I intend, mama, we're still your boys<br /><br />And your mother was 16<br />When she married the man that she loved<br />Now she gave you everything<br />And you gave it all back to us<br /><br />Mama, you know we might make some mistakes<br />If we should falter, it's us should be blamed<br />Don't you think twice, about what’s wrong or right<br />We learned it long time ago, we keep it close<br />You're with us tonight<br /><br />Home, it might scatter and fade,<br />With time all things must change<br />The road, it might take its own course<br />But, I intend, mama, we're still your boys<br /><br />"Mom"<br />Written & Performed by Lucero<br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wk3wvIOuktI&feature=related">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wk3wvIOuktI&feature=related</a>Scott McClatchyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590167291872290952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4632803216076729205.post-31106841376932692112010-02-03T22:29:00.000-08:002010-02-05T08:54:12.520-08:00He shoots ... he scores ...There are a few obvious statements that could be made about the folks here at The Brothers McC. One of them would be that we love music. And I don’t mean we “like” music – I mean we really “love” music. We have done some really amazing things (OK ... I say amazing ... others would say "silly") over the years because of music, in the pursuit of music and for the love of music. Note to all the younger readers out there: Back in the day we used to sleep out on street corners, in front of the storefronts that sold tickets – just to make sure we got the “good seats.”<br /><br />There’s another “given” in out little community. And that is ‘Sports.’ We really love sports as well. Trust me on this … we wear our hearts on our sleeves and we have lived and died with certain games throughout the years.<br /><br />But, the amazing thing is, (at least to me), is that out of the three of us, I am the only one who was bitten by the ice hockey bug. Not that it’s a bad thing … everybody loves what they love. And for whatever reasons, it’s ice hockey for me. Seriously, the Oldest Brother McC will not even confirm that ice hockey is an actual sport – but at least he appreciates how much I love it. The youngest of the Brother’s McC will, on certain dates, put up with my love of hockey. One year, on my birthday – I found myself in LA (with the Mrs), and the youngest Brother McC (and his amazingly easy going wife) passed on an Olds 97 concert to escort the Mrs & I up to the Shark Tank to see the Anaheim Ducks take on The St. Louis Blues. <br /><br />First, let me tell you – it was a great game. With the home team bringing back the win – the fans – they were rabid – and the entire experience was why I love hockey. But the most amazing point of the night happened – as I explained the finer points of the game to our hosts – the Sharks were on the Power Play – and – apparently to my sister-n-law, taking too long to pull the trigger – so she stood up and scream; “Shoot the f*cking puck!!!!!” <br /><br />It was at that moment that I knew my brother had chosen well in the “bride” department.<br /><br />Anyway … tonight I took to the ice in a league we call “Old Man Hockey.” Most of the guys who play are in their 40’s – and, to a man – each and every one of them is a nice guy. I am not kidding – it is a true pleasure to lace ‘em up with these guys.<br /><br />Tonight was a great game. It was one of those games that contained everything I love about the sport; great passing, fast paced action, good scoring, great goaltending (I’m speaking of the opposing goalie – as for me … well … more on that later). Like I said, it was everything I love about the sport. And tonight – for reasons that are beyond my capabilities to explain to you – I had the number of the other teams top scorer. On three … count ‘em - three … on three solid breakaways … I stoned him!!! And each time he had a comical comment to say to me before he skated back up the ice.<br /><br />It was one of those nights – great hockey up and down the ice. But, I am sad to report to our fine readers, that – in overtime – when the final score was tallied – the last shot ended up in my goal. And the funny thing is ... it really didn't bother me. It had been a great game - and I had played as good as I can (closing in on 49 ... the legs aint what they used to be!). And, even though we ended up on the short end of the stick tonight - it was truly a case of; I was just happy to be playing in that game!<br /><br />But that is not why I write this tale (re: winning or losing). The reason I sit here typing is because of what happened next. The first thing that happened to me after the game, took place in the locker room, as I was pulling off my pads. The opposing scorer walked over to me to hand me a beer and say, “Great game.”<br /><br />Sportsmanship. Friendship. Great hockey. A Cold beer. <br /><br />Life could be a lot worse.Scott McClatchyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590167291872290952noreply@blogger.com2