My REK fave is “Mariano”. Also highly recommend “Bluegrass Widow” and “The Front Porch Song” with extended narration on the first live album. Few, if any, clunkers in the REK catalog.
I’m old so that makes me “ old school” when it comes to music. I listen to The Four Tops, Temps , Dells, etc... , but after listening to Robert I have him on Spotify as I write. It could only be better with a Bud Light while my wife takes her 5 mile walk. I have my Bose turned up, but no alcohol while I go through my last few days of Covid! Thanks for the tunes !
FC Cincinnati is now the number one Spring/Summer sports team in average attendance this year. The Cleves area grade school e-sports team, St. Augustine of Hippo Hippopotami, are now in second.
I can't help but believe that the Reds are "small market," because they want to be "small market." I have felt it ever since Bob Howsam said that free agency would ruin the game and then proceeded to dismantle the Big Red Machine making "ruining the game," a self-fulfilling prophesy.
He had a real regional thing going. People made road trips to Cincinnati to see the games. The games were a destination. Maybe the Reds could have been a team like the Green Bay Packers (Green Bay: pop. 107,000) drawing from everywhere. They could have been a real "brand." They never achieved that and have been chasing the 1970s ever since (1990 notwithstanding and besides, that was over 30 years ago!).
Low attendance is no surprise. Many factors. I'm making an effort to follow both the Reds and MLB in general closer than usual this year-bucking the annual trend of losing interest in both once the Reds are double-digit games back. I've really enjoyed making time to listen to games rather than have them on TV constantly (cut the chord), and the practice has proved rewarding regardless of the result. No real rush to go to games though--I'm sure we'll hit a few this summer.
On the FCC front-there has to be a better medium that Apple TV. It is bad enough that the pay-to-watch nature of it is prohibitive (exactly what a growing sport does NOT need), but the interface itself is wonky. To watch it live isn't so bad, but accessing replays is very difficult. The default is to only show highlights, so you need to dig into the settings to see the full game---and the worst default is that is shows THE FINAL SCORE as part of the icon. There is another setting tucked away that allows you to disable the scores--but in my case, the app decided at some point to switch back on its own. It's a sports media app designed by people who don't watch sports. Anyway-Very pumped to get to see the match in person on Saturday.
REK is great. Admittedly never dug too deep, but a solid artist.
Excellent summary today, Doc, of the predicament of modern fandom, money. As a confirmed libertarian, I do not fault anyone for pursing what is best for them financially, but as a fan of several sports and teams, I am losing interest from the obsession with more and more $$$ to the participants.
After years of following the Reds devotedly through the glory of BRM, I see them as a relic of my past and haven’t attended a game in person for years. As for poor Joe Mixon, I would recommend a new town and community forthwith. And now the rot in the college game with the NIL and transfer portal, what’s an average fan to do?
I recognize that my disinterest may be inconsequential in the big picture but if there are enough people like me, then trouble will be on the horizon at some point. Thank goodness for that little white ball and bright blue skies!
What's the one major thing the Brewers have that the Reds probably never will? A home field WITH A RETRACTABLE ROOF.
If the product on the field is good (see: the last couple years of Bengals and FB Bearcats, and now FC Cincy) the weather isn't a factor. But if you're trying to sell "meh", 40 degree night games miiiiight be a turn-off for some. (At least enough to make a difference between four- and five-digit draws.)
Everybody is jumping on every move by the Reds right now because of Junior Castellini. If he had not shot his mouth off last year, this contract would be seen as a positive step. I just hope the kid doesn't pull a Homer Bailey and suck after getting the money.
RE: attendance - I don't think it's any accident that for each of the last three days I've had three different people in the Reds ticket office send emails inviting me to get a flex pack or a group package or a whatever. The first of those actually came Sunday before the lowest-ever debacle, so yeah, it seems Uncle Bob is watching the seat count pretty closely. I will go to games. I will often walk up night of the game, but just as often buy tickets well in advance; I have some in my MLB app for certain June and July games already, in fact. I feel badly for people whose job depends on ticket sales. That's gotta be a tough slog.
Interesting how 1. $53-92M (depending on escalators) ISN'T lotto money. I'd be plenty happy to cash that ticket, but I don't live in the fantasy world of pro sports salaries and 2. the conversation differs between paying a young pitcher and paying a young QB 3x-5x as much. Yes, two different sports, two different economies, two different owners. Still, interesting - to me at least - how different the tone from yesterday to today.
Not content with our running back totting a gun to make his peace. But looks like we'll just have to see how serious he takes his job here the next two seasons. Generally these guys with a history tend to fall back into their old ways and we don't need a bad apple in the barrel. We've been that route and got tired of hearing ESPN boys using the term "stripes" to define our team.
I believe one or two running backs are key to Joe Burrow having more options than getting slammed because he can't find someone open for a pass. We need an option to keep the defense off base, so he isn't rushed every play. If we want Joe to last, he deserves to have protection and safety options open to him.
Apr 19, 2023·edited Apr 19, 2023Liked by Paul Daugherty
REK went to college at Texas A&M with Lyle Lovett. They would sit on the porch of Keen’s rental house and play music. One of their all time favorites? Guy Clark of whom you know at least one song but would like many more. :)
Levelland was written and performed by James McMurtry…Larry McMurtry’s son. Check out “Fourth of July” and “Tom Ames Prayer” for other songs Keen covered.
Great song suggestions for Max. Still, the best REK song for me is “The Road Goes on Forever”.
Listen to some Steve Earl, Doc. Try the album Sidetracks. All cover songs and most you will know.
You might like McMurtry too. The albums Just Us Kids, Childish Things, and Too Long in the Wasteland.
My REK fave is “Mariano”. Also highly recommend “Bluegrass Widow” and “The Front Porch Song” with extended narration on the first live album. Few, if any, clunkers in the REK catalog.
I agree about Robert Earl Keen, jr. One of my favorites is Feeling Good Again.
I’m old so that makes me “ old school” when it comes to music. I listen to The Four Tops, Temps , Dells, etc... , but after listening to Robert I have him on Spotify as I write. It could only be better with a Bud Light while my wife takes her 5 mile walk. I have my Bose turned up, but no alcohol while I go through my last few days of Covid! Thanks for the tunes !
FC Cincinnati is now the number one Spring/Summer sports team in average attendance this year. The Cleves area grade school e-sports team, St. Augustine of Hippo Hippopotami, are now in second.
1) FC-25,405
2) Hippopotami-18,206
3) Reds-17,589
I can't help but believe that the Reds are "small market," because they want to be "small market." I have felt it ever since Bob Howsam said that free agency would ruin the game and then proceeded to dismantle the Big Red Machine making "ruining the game," a self-fulfilling prophesy.
He had a real regional thing going. People made road trips to Cincinnati to see the games. The games were a destination. Maybe the Reds could have been a team like the Green Bay Packers (Green Bay: pop. 107,000) drawing from everywhere. They could have been a real "brand." They never achieved that and have been chasing the 1970s ever since (1990 notwithstanding and besides, that was over 30 years ago!).
But what do I know...?
Give Maximus “Flying Shoes”-Robert Earl Keen doing Townes Van Zandt. Strong to quite strong.
How long until the Reds demand a new stadium to accommodate the 2000 fans who show up?
Here's hoping Greene is a star for the foreseeable future.
Low attendance is no surprise. Many factors. I'm making an effort to follow both the Reds and MLB in general closer than usual this year-bucking the annual trend of losing interest in both once the Reds are double-digit games back. I've really enjoyed making time to listen to games rather than have them on TV constantly (cut the chord), and the practice has proved rewarding regardless of the result. No real rush to go to games though--I'm sure we'll hit a few this summer.
On the FCC front-there has to be a better medium that Apple TV. It is bad enough that the pay-to-watch nature of it is prohibitive (exactly what a growing sport does NOT need), but the interface itself is wonky. To watch it live isn't so bad, but accessing replays is very difficult. The default is to only show highlights, so you need to dig into the settings to see the full game---and the worst default is that is shows THE FINAL SCORE as part of the icon. There is another setting tucked away that allows you to disable the scores--but in my case, the app decided at some point to switch back on its own. It's a sports media app designed by people who don't watch sports. Anyway-Very pumped to get to see the match in person on Saturday.
REK is great. Admittedly never dug too deep, but a solid artist.
Excellent summary today, Doc, of the predicament of modern fandom, money. As a confirmed libertarian, I do not fault anyone for pursing what is best for them financially, but as a fan of several sports and teams, I am losing interest from the obsession with more and more $$$ to the participants.
After years of following the Reds devotedly through the glory of BRM, I see them as a relic of my past and haven’t attended a game in person for years. As for poor Joe Mixon, I would recommend a new town and community forthwith. And now the rot in the college game with the NIL and transfer portal, what’s an average fan to do?
I recognize that my disinterest may be inconsequential in the big picture but if there are enough people like me, then trouble will be on the horizon at some point. Thank goodness for that little white ball and bright blue skies!
What's the one major thing the Brewers have that the Reds probably never will? A home field WITH A RETRACTABLE ROOF.
If the product on the field is good (see: the last couple years of Bengals and FB Bearcats, and now FC Cincy) the weather isn't a factor. But if you're trying to sell "meh", 40 degree night games miiiiight be a turn-off for some. (At least enough to make a difference between four- and five-digit draws.)
Good one today, Doc. Nodded my head the entire time.
If you like REK, you'll like the late, great Townes Van Zandt. If you like TVZ, you'll enjoy the late, great Jim Ford: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U25elw5poeI
Everybody is jumping on every move by the Reds right now because of Junior Castellini. If he had not shot his mouth off last year, this contract would be seen as a positive step. I just hope the kid doesn't pull a Homer Bailey and suck after getting the money.
RE: attendance - I don't think it's any accident that for each of the last three days I've had three different people in the Reds ticket office send emails inviting me to get a flex pack or a group package or a whatever. The first of those actually came Sunday before the lowest-ever debacle, so yeah, it seems Uncle Bob is watching the seat count pretty closely. I will go to games. I will often walk up night of the game, but just as often buy tickets well in advance; I have some in my MLB app for certain June and July games already, in fact. I feel badly for people whose job depends on ticket sales. That's gotta be a tough slog.
Interesting how 1. $53-92M (depending on escalators) ISN'T lotto money. I'd be plenty happy to cash that ticket, but I don't live in the fantasy world of pro sports salaries and 2. the conversation differs between paying a young pitcher and paying a young QB 3x-5x as much. Yes, two different sports, two different economies, two different owners. Still, interesting - to me at least - how different the tone from yesterday to today.
As ever, much food for thought.
Not content with our running back totting a gun to make his peace. But looks like we'll just have to see how serious he takes his job here the next two seasons. Generally these guys with a history tend to fall back into their old ways and we don't need a bad apple in the barrel. We've been that route and got tired of hearing ESPN boys using the term "stripes" to define our team.
I believe one or two running backs are key to Joe Burrow having more options than getting slammed because he can't find someone open for a pass. We need an option to keep the defense off base, so he isn't rushed every play. If we want Joe to last, he deserves to have protection and safety options open to him.
While not at the same financial risk, my guess/fear is that Greene will follow a Straussburg type career ... hope I’m wrong!
REK went to college at Texas A&M with Lyle Lovett. They would sit on the porch of Keen’s rental house and play music. One of their all time favorites? Guy Clark of whom you know at least one song but would like many more. :)
Levelland was written and performed by James McMurtry…Larry McMurtry’s son. Check out “Fourth of July” and “Tom Ames Prayer” for other songs Keen covered.
Great song suggestions for Max. Still, the best REK song for me is “The Road Goes on Forever”.
Listen to some Steve Earl, Doc. Try the album Sidetracks. All cover songs and most you will know.
You might like McMurtry too. The albums Just Us Kids, Childish Things, and Too Long in the Wasteland.