Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Soundtracks that Touch the Soul

A soundtrack is actually the music track from a film or TV show. There are three types:

1. Musical 

2. Film scores

3. Albums made up of pop songs.

In this case I'll focus on soundtracks that are albums made up of pop songs < not "pappy crap" ::Jack Black voice::

They could be rock, folk, blues... well the following is what I like anyway.

Soundtracks by Bryon Beck on Grooveshark

 

Pulp Fiction - the scene where Uma Thurman turns on the reel to reel player and the warm sound of analogue captures you with "Girl, You'll be a Woman Soon" (actually a cover performed by Urge Overkill). Your heart is moving during this scene, knowing from foreshadowing she's going to get herself into trouble with what she found in Travolta's pocket.

Almost Famous - the band is on the bus, trouble has been had, there's probably a rift, and "Tiny Dancer" comes on with everyone eventually joining in. It's powerful, it tugs emotion, and the music is perfect.

Forrest Gump - this was a film that had the rare combination of both a fantastic film score (by Alan Silvestri) and the album soundtrack of pop songs. "Rebel Rouser" comes on as Forrest starts running to escape his classmates as they chased him... Run Forrest, Run!

I think for me the soundtrack is something of beauty. No matter if the movie is a drama, comedy, action...what matters is the feeling that wells up inside us. You're watching a scene and a song helps to touch your humanity somehow.

Moonlight Mile - considered a romantic drama, it's kind of an odd story. That being said, it's a phenomenal soundtrack. Jake Gyllenhaal is in the car with Dustin Hoffman and Susan Sarandon (the parent's of his now dead fiance'). What comes on while driving and is turned up? Sly and the Family Stone's "I want to take you Higher."

The Crow - which came from a comic book series created by James O'Barr actually introduced me to Rage Against the Machine with "Darkness." Still to this day one of my favorite Rage songs. It's gritty and the movie came out during a time in my life when I was coming into my own. My musical tastes started out much heavier than my mellower tastes now.

Here's some mentions that must be mentioned:

Mean Streets - when are the Rolling Stones and Scorsese a good combination? Anytime!

Boogie Nights - Mark Wahlberg captured at least most peoples' attention for this movie. "Sister Christian" by Night Ranger.

Resevoir Dogs - "Stuck in the Middle with You" is haunting as Mr. Blonde turns his attention to the cop.

Rushmore - Bill Murray brought it, in this adolescent urges and awkward grace movie and appropriately "Ooh La La" by The Faces appropriately closes out the list.

Special thanks to Michael for making sure I didn't forget some of these!

What Soundtracks move you? Why? Which songs?

~bbryon

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Getting Married!

Here's our history in pictures thus far! October 6, 2012 is our big day!

Img_0418
Our first weekend together was absolutely phenomenal.

Img_0077
Traveling and wandering through this life is more beautiful with Christina.

Img_0108
Did I mention she loves hockey? Oh, yeah, and said yes to me!

Christina__i_on_the_bike
She thinks I'm cool, because I told her so.

Img_0491
She is my baby doll and I can ask for no more. I feel I lead a splendid life!

~bbryon

Monday, June 25, 2012

Father and Son motorcycle trip (Pt. 3 w/ videos)

Another installment for the motorcycle trip that my father and I got to take last year.

We rounded out our time by riding the Tail of the Dragon on route 129 which is 11 miles and over 300 curves.

100_0036.MP4 Watch on Posterous

 

We made it through Deal's Gap on the Tail of the Dragon. It was worth every minute. The views were incredible and we took a break so that we could take it all in.

100_0037.MP4 Watch on Posterous

Once we got back to the cabin after the day my dad only had one thing to say:

100_0038.MP4 Watch on Posterous

The last day of our trip we road the Blue Ridge Parkway again. Going back to the highest point.

100_0039.MP4 Watch on Posterous

There will be only one more installment. Let me know what you think!

~bbryon

 

 

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Father and Son motorcycle trip (Pt. 2 w/ videos)

So after our two day ride to North Carolinamy dad and I were gearing up for our first full day of riding.

100_0031.MP4 Watch on Posterous

Little did we know how much we would be missing that morning fire. Let's just say it was cold that October morning as we set out in full leathers. We started our ride and set out for the Blue Ridge Parkway. We had to stop at the first overlook just to warm up.

100_0032.MP4 Watch on Posterous

 

100_0033.MP4 Watch on Posterous

Once we warmed up we continued our trip stopping at more of the overlooks. We got off of the Blue Ridge Parkway and headed into Maggie Valley. It was time to buy some "Chochkees!"

100_0034.MP4 Watch on Posterous

 

It was a phenomenal first full day riding in the mountains.

Hope everyone enjoys the videos of my dad and I! Don't forget to let me know what you think, and pass my story along if you like. More to come from my Father and Son motorcycle trip...

~bbryon

Father and Son motorcycle trip (Pt. 2 w/ videos)

So after our two day ride to North Carolina my dad and I were gearing up for our first full day of riding.

100_0033.MP4 Watch on Posterous

Little did we know how much we would be missing that morning fire. Let's just say it was cold that October morning as we set out in full leathers. We started our ride and set out for the Blue Ridge Parkway. We had to stop at the first overlook just to warm up.

100_0031.MP4 Watch on Posterous
Once we warmed up we continued our trip stopping at more of the overlooks.

100_0032.MP4 Watch on Posterous

We got off of the Blue Ridge Parkway and headed in to Maggie Valley. It was time to buy some "Chochkees!"

100_0034.MP4 Watch on Posterous

It was a phenomenal first full day riding in the mountains.

Hope everyone enjoys the videos of my dad and I! Don't forget to let me know what you think, and pass my story along if you like. More to come from my Father and Son motorcycle trip...

~bbryon

 

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Father & Son Motorcycle Trip pt. 1 (video included)

Over the next bunch of posts I will be talking about my motorcycle trip to N.C. with my father.

We were fortunate enough to plan and take a trip to a little town called Sylva, N.C. where we would spend 4 full days riding in the beautiful mountains and generally enjoying one another's company at the Mountain Brook Cottages. This was in the beginning of October 2011 so that we would see some of the fall changes.

I highly recommend doing this to anyone. Go somewhere with one or both of your parents. Get to know them as an adult and document the occassion.

My dad is somewhat of a character. So I'll also be introducing him to you as I write these posts.

He just retired in September 2011 at the age of 61. He is Kenneth Gus Beck, now going by Kenny when he is being funny, "Kenny Beck" mimicking William Shatner's character "Denny Crane" from Boston Legal.

My father rode up from Port St. Lucie, FL to my place in Orlando the day before we would leave on our trip.  We would be taking two days to get up to our cabin rental and we would be riding the whole way. Taking pretty much back rodes, so once in Georgia all the way to our destination would be on U.S. 441.

The videos will be uncut but I think you'll enjoy. Here's my pop on my porch the evening before our journey begins:

100_0030.MP4 Watch on Posterous
Share some of your stories with me about any adventures you might have shared with one or both of your parents. As always I love hearing your thoughts!

~bbryon

 

 

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Tis the Season... a scam by ProFlowers & Easy Saver Rewards

Never really thought that I'd become some kind of online advocate about scams that companies pull. I promise I'll get back to the music, hockey, racing and marketing posts after the holidays.

So ProFlowers. I've used them and apparently too well. Signed up for free shipping or something and got SCAMMED for $14.95/month. The complaint board linked to ProFlowers goes back to 2009.

The affiliate they use is Easy Saver Rewards. I don't actually know what I was paying for since 2009. Here's my complaint to the BBB:

Bbbeasysaverrewards

So now the only thing I can really do, since being refunded and having the interest taken off my statement; is to make my post public.

I'll also ask anyone reading this who feels slightly P.O.-ed by this type of thing to NEVER use ProFlowers again. Tell your friends and family too! Use the local florist in the neighborhood. Give the small business the money.

Any scams you've found or have been a part of lately?

~bbryon