The Goodness Vol. 6

November 20, 2018

Hi friends of The Goodness, just sitting at my desk and thinking back 25 years ago when I made a half-court shot during halftime of a Philadelphia 76ers game. Seriously, this happened. It was a kind of surreal considering I am not in any way a “baller’ or “athletic” and I was wearing work boots while I heaved the rock. Right before I launched the perfect shot from my chest (good form), the promotions guy, who I went to college with, told me to “Aim for the shot clock, everyone comes up short.” So I did. The second I released the ball from my hands, I turned away from the basket and looked to the crowd and did the brazen “finger point down” gesture indicating the shot was good, thinking there was no way in hell I would make it. But I did. Swoosh. All net. The crowd went wild and I got a lot of high fives on my way back to my seat and a couple hugs from my date Kelly, who is now my wife (no Borat voice please, show some respect). Sadly, there is no video of my incredible feat but my little cousin Bridget did make me a “Half Court Shot Champion” trophy.

I won a trip for two to Disney and took my best gal. It was fun!

Game Stats
Shawn Bradley (7′ 6″) – 2/6 – 4 pts
Jeff Lyons (5′ 11″) – 1/1 – 3 pts

Enough about me and my incredible luck, let’s get to The Goodness (drum intro from Dinosaur Jr’s “Not You Again”)… Vol. 6!

How Women Won Big in the Midterms

Love this cover.

“In general, the female candidates who won foregrounded fundamental issues of equity and access for all Americans, especially regarding health care and education. A commitment to the Affordable Care Act seems to have been crucial.” More >

New Jeff Tweedy Book

I loved the first two Uncle Tupelo records and I still recommend the hell out of them to anyone who will listen or makes the mistake of mentioning alt-country in my presence. After the breakup, I was more into Son Volt and quickly drifted away from Wilco. Their music was interesting and beloved but it just wasn’t for me. Despite this, I always liked Jeff Tweedy as a person and kept up with all of his side and solo projects. He’s a good dude and I really enjoyed this memoir. It is funny, honest, sweet and whoa boy… a bit unsettling at times (I’m talking about the drugs).

“In his long-awaited memoir, Jeff will tell stories about his childhood in Belleville, Illinois; the St. Louis record store, rock clubs, and live-music circuit that sparked his songwriting and performing career; and the Chicago scene that brought it all together. He’ll also talk in-depth about his collaborators in Uncle Tupelo, Wilco, and more; and write lovingly about his parents, wife Susie, and sons, Spencer and Sammy.” More >

Bonus: Enjoy this kick-ass Uncle Tupelo show from 1994!

Mural Arts Philadelphia

I’m always heartened to see these amazing pieces of art pop up as I drive through and run around this beautiful city of ours.

“Mural Arts Philadelphia is the nation’s largest public art program, dedicated to the belief that art ignites change. For over 30 years, Mural Arts has united artists and communities through a collaborative process, rooted in the traditions of mural-making, to create art that transforms public spaces and individual lives. Mural Arts engages communities in 60–100 public art projects each year, and maintains its growing collection through a restoration initiative.” View Artwork >

Best

“The Great British Bake Off” on Netflix

Allow me to be the 10,000th person to tell you to watch this truly great British baking show. It is an engaging, emotional, comforting and funny cooking competition where genuinely nice, talented people compete with other genuinely nice, talented people to create some mostly delicious looking breads, pastries and puddings (we call them “desserts”). British comedians Sandi Toksvig and Noel Fielding (The Mighty Boosh!) are the perfect roving hosts checking in on the “bakes’ and keeping the mood of the show light (and a bit weird) while the telegenic judges, Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith, dole out the expert critiques. The new season that just dropped on Netflix is one of the best. I really need to see a Rahul and Ruby spinoff.

I watch the show with my family and we give each other fun show-based nicknames. My daughters are “Frangipane Fruit Tart” and “Gingerbread Showstopper.” I’m “Lardy Cakes.”

Jersey Shorescapes

My pal Pat McCarthy is a top-notch photographer who gets up before the sun rises with his trusty pooch at his side and hits the beaches of Central Jersey, waiting for some natural goodness to unfold. His calendar and note cards make a lovely and affordable gift, and his stunning large-format photos will bring some warm sunshine into your home or office. Visit Jersey Shorescapes >

Also, Pat and I share a pretty intricate and very cool handshake we get right about 70% of the time we meet up.

Good Tunes

“Door Deals & Debt” by SAVAK

The new record “Beg Your Pardon” is now available.

“Girlfriend” by Christine and the Queens (feat. Dâm-Funk)

I can’t stop dancing!

“Unlicensed Hall Monitor” by Drug Church

This band and record remind me of the late great Challenger and that is a wonderful thing. Get it >

“Noel, Jonah, and Me” by The Spinanes

Just felt like playing this very good band from the 90s.

“Free Fall” by Matt Pond PA & Chris Hansen

Guys, enjoy this Free record about the Fall! It’s a beauty. Download here.

“The Old Man Of Crete “ by Iron Chic

“Our Work Is Done” by Superchunk

90s Tribute Band Photos

I love looking at tribute band photos and please know I would join a Goo Goo Dolls tribute band in a heartbeat if asked. Please ask.

Making a life — and living — after Buffalo Tom’s heyday

The majority of bands I grew up listening to and still listen to today have day jobs (thanks a lot kids and mortgages!) and many of the jobs have little to do with making music. Bill Janovitz of Buffalo Tom talks about his profession.

Listen Here >

Conan O’Brien on Bill Simmons Podcast

Pleasant chat between two Boston nerds (minimal accents).

Listen Here >

News You Can Use

“808” Documentary on Amazon Video

You need to know the history and importance of the Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer, a programmable drum machine with some serious low end bass which debuted in 1980 and turned the beat around for many hip hop and pop music artists. Watch >

Good Tweets

Happy Thanksgiving from @usedwigs!

More Goodness…

See ya!

Jeff Lyons

Author: Jeff Lyons

I am the proprietor of this dumb site and Philly Trail Runners. I also co-host Junk Miles with Chip & Jeff. You can follow my daily nonsense on Twitter and Bluesky .