To someone in the family they may pass the flame but to Krampus taste it would be tame. The would take a tradition or two the rest passing away to the beasts rue.
Krampus remembered to many holidays long forgot, none would be remembered and put at the soul of the plot. The monster turned them over in mind, when filled with longing from time to time.
Still some new ideas weren't so dark, except for that horrid peppermint bark. Perhaps the couples kids would have a grand thought and the spirit of Christmas again would be caught. Krampus felt a ray of hope. Maybe with the loss of the little couple he could cope.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Krampus for Christmas part 54
Krampus stalked about the isles, tossing toys into unsuspecting carts, then instructing shoppers where to donate with a menacing smile. Shoppers complied in fear, buying music players or losing their ears.
The monster ordered one suited man to buy up video games or face his wrath. He bought out the store earning the beasts approving Laugh.
Near close Krampus appraised the haul, smiling happily the bins filled all. He could go home his work complete, next year maybe he and Santa couple compete. Many kids would have a happy year, now it was time for Krampus to make the others tremble in fear.
The monster ordered one suited man to buy up video games or face his wrath. He bought out the store earning the beasts approving Laugh.
Near close Krampus appraised the haul, smiling happily the bins filled all. He could go home his work complete, next year maybe he and Santa couple compete. Many kids would have a happy year, now it was time for Krampus to make the others tremble in fear.
Monday, October 10, 2011
Krampus for Christmas part 53
Krampus had watched the couples house fill and fill every years until kids were about to spill. Most years the traditions remained the same, though some were already pretty strange. Chop Suey was served for a special treat, odd for a Mexican Irish family to like to eat. One son often cooked eggs pickled in beets, most would have preferred to lick feet.
Krampus would be sad when they were gone, then only a lesser Christmas could be drawn. Sad for the Kids who wouldn't get to see, Christmas everywhere even a Crystal tree. Boys would wonder over a hot wheel covered twig draped with lights, two feet big. For the girls one decked in dolls, and merriness everywhere though the halls.
If the monster could save some in his mind maybe it wouldn't be lost ever in time. The beast wished he could save some Christmases that were oh so grand, not to have traditions pass from the land.
Krampus would be sad when they were gone, then only a lesser Christmas could be drawn. Sad for the Kids who wouldn't get to see, Christmas everywhere even a Crystal tree. Boys would wonder over a hot wheel covered twig draped with lights, two feet big. For the girls one decked in dolls, and merriness everywhere though the halls.
If the monster could save some in his mind maybe it wouldn't be lost ever in time. The beast wished he could save some Christmases that were oh so grand, not to have traditions pass from the land.
Krampus for Christmas part 52
The hulking brute had grown fond of the girl. Idunn and he would talk over the fence all hours of the night, then she would climb through her window quick as a squirrel. Leaving the beast for her soft warm bed, him to his dog house that didn't cover his head. Idunn's parents wouldn't understand, if they knew these nightly visits would be banded.
The little girl gone, Krampus again enforced the rules. Krampus thought of charity important for the yule. The store stood on the classy side of town, He didn't target the poor for this Christmas shake down. All had plenty to give or got the whip, funny how the richest usually ended with a fat lip.
Krampus looked over toys in the bin, someone ambivalent it was hard to read his grin. Too few gifts for the older boys and girl, Christmas wasn't easy for the older orphans of the world. No music players or big kid bikes, but plenty gift for the smallest of tike's.
The little girl gone, Krampus again enforced the rules. Krampus thought of charity important for the yule. The store stood on the classy side of town, He didn't target the poor for this Christmas shake down. All had plenty to give or got the whip, funny how the richest usually ended with a fat lip.
Krampus looked over toys in the bin, someone ambivalent it was hard to read his grin. Too few gifts for the older boys and girl, Christmas wasn't easy for the older orphans of the world. No music players or big kid bikes, but plenty gift for the smallest of tike's.
The Chemical Wedding
I love this record. I feel it may be better than any of Bruce's work with Iron Maiden. I have reservations saying it is the best metal record of the 90's. Big claims for sure. Some will say what of Pantera, but I feel their work has been a detriment to the metal genre as a whole. Their influence introduced the metal groove which seems to have completely dominated nu metal. I have always loved the dark melodic approach of metal, so I do see it as something to be mourned.
As for the record itself, you can not do better. Adrian Smith returns to his metallic roots joining Roy Z and Bruce for one hell of a record. I got this record soon after it was released, metal was very underground at that time and you really had to track down new material. Youtube has been a real help finding new bands, but back then the record stores were not doing a good job. So finding something solid on the metal front was a real treat.
When I popped in the CD I was really happy with the first few tracks they were metal, they were Bruce, they were almost maiden. It's the third track "the tower" that really got me, I was thinking this is good, it really needs a twin guitar bit thought, and poof it delivered. Killing floor hit me with how hard they were going, I was surprised but happy. By The book of thel I was just totally happy. I got home and told my wife how awesome the record is.
The rest of the record is great, Jerusalem is a classic I wish they added to the Maiden live line up. The only low points are the quasi record scratching sound in Machine men, I just don't like it. But also there is an extra song called return of the king that rules. I wish that was on the record so I didn't have to look elsewhere.
If you don't have this you must buy it. You have wronged yourself too long.
Friday, October 07, 2011
Krampus for Christmas part 51
His neighborhood baking the talk of the town, spoken in hushed whispers with a grim frown. Few knew Krampus the beast lurked, they thought the food from a prankster jerk. Krampus toiled with none knowing his work.
Only Idunn watched him bake, Krampus in a hair net for cleanness sake. The girl and monster chatted through the fence, Krampus making cookies full of mince. They shared some of his pumpkin cakes, it was the only tasty dish of all he makes.
His monsterous paw patting her little head, Krampus gave her his famed pumpkin bread. Her parents love it too, Mother covered it in butter eating two. To other houses Krampus deliver swill, no one brave enough to eat there fill. The monsters food wasn't enjoyed, another Christmas sorrow for the girls and boys.
Only Idunn watched him bake, Krampus in a hair net for cleanness sake. The girl and monster chatted through the fence, Krampus making cookies full of mince. They shared some of his pumpkin cakes, it was the only tasty dish of all he makes.
His monsterous paw patting her little head, Krampus gave her his famed pumpkin bread. Her parents love it too, Mother covered it in butter eating two. To other houses Krampus deliver swill, no one brave enough to eat there fill. The monsters food wasn't enjoyed, another Christmas sorrow for the girls and boys.
Krampus for Christmas part 50
Krampus kept the meat in the cellar, salted and cured to keep through the winter. His pantry still unfilled but Krampus didn't fret, It would soon be Christmas and plenty of bad kids he bet.
He'd take some candy around Halloween it wouldn't matter if he was seen. Kids would think it a costume until he snatched their bags, the monster devoured the treats leaving only rags. Pillow cases torn, crying kids marked his path. Parents outraged in Hallows eve aftermath.
If things were really bleak Krampus dung for hot dogs in convenience store trash. The were awful tasting and had stinking reek, but tasted a little better coated in ash. Krampus would worry later the night now done, he snacked on a foot wrapped in a bun.
He'd take some candy around Halloween it wouldn't matter if he was seen. Kids would think it a costume until he snatched their bags, the monster devoured the treats leaving only rags. Pillow cases torn, crying kids marked his path. Parents outraged in Hallows eve aftermath.
If things were really bleak Krampus dung for hot dogs in convenience store trash. The were awful tasting and had stinking reek, but tasted a little better coated in ash. Krampus would worry later the night now done, he snacked on a foot wrapped in a bun.
Dust
Their first record is also interesting as it grasps the medieval fantasy world so present on later metal records. It looks like Boris Vallejo's work but it could be mistaken. There are vikings warriors battling on a snow capped mountain, very majestic.
Interestingly the drummer is non other than Markey Ramone. I guess this was something he did in his teens before falling in with the punk crowd.
Don't look for Maiden here, this is something that would become something that would become metal. Sort of like Blue cheer with cleaner production. You can find them on youtube so Its worth a listen. There is more information at Metal Archive.
Thursday, October 06, 2011
Krampus for Christmas part 49
The October moon still high and full krampus stalked the streets mean and cruel. His sack still empty hunting for kids, the monster had really hit the skids. His belly full for the moment but his kitchen bare with not children about not one to scare.
Krampus silently prowled the park, a few hours after it turning dark; teens had taken over to smoke and worse, some said they listened to loud music and cursed. The monster targeted a small pack that smelled of cloves and dressed in black. Their music Krampus didn't enjoy but it kept a beat as he grabbed a boy. He broke his arm with a twist, then mauling another with his fist.
The rest ran with terror filled eyes, Krampus measured his victims for proper size. One was fine the other too small, Krampus tossed him back in a broken ball. One would have to do for tonight, maybe with some seasoning he would taste alright.
Krampus silently prowled the park, a few hours after it turning dark; teens had taken over to smoke and worse, some said they listened to loud music and cursed. The monster targeted a small pack that smelled of cloves and dressed in black. Their music Krampus didn't enjoy but it kept a beat as he grabbed a boy. He broke his arm with a twist, then mauling another with his fist.
The rest ran with terror filled eyes, Krampus measured his victims for proper size. One was fine the other too small, Krampus tossed him back in a broken ball. One would have to do for tonight, maybe with some seasoning he would taste alright.
Krampus for Christmas part 48
The monster always had figgy pudding boiling. A molten surprise dumped on carollers, flame broiling. Krampus baked in coins despite the cost, a choking hazard several lives were lost.
Then came the mincemeat flavored pie, though it wasn't meat and Krampus wondered why. The beast added tripe to make it true to name, the few who ate it wondered who was to blame. The pie were horrid terrible foul. Left on doorsteps when the Beast did prowl.
Once had added candied apples to a church bake sale, They were infested with worms, also stale. In the caramel glaze they looked fine, but after a few bites kiddies retched and whined. Krampus watched from afar laughing to himself har har har!
Then came the mincemeat flavored pie, though it wasn't meat and Krampus wondered why. The beast added tripe to make it true to name, the few who ate it wondered who was to blame. The pie were horrid terrible foul. Left on doorsteps when the Beast did prowl.
Once had added candied apples to a church bake sale, They were infested with worms, also stale. In the caramel glaze they looked fine, but after a few bites kiddies retched and whined. Krampus watched from afar laughing to himself har har har!
Iron Claw
I am not going to say they are the lost pioneers of Heavy metal but they are something you should listen to once or twice. Skull crusher is a great heavy song that seems to blow the doors off heavy blues and hit metal squarely in jaw. There are other hard tracks on the record too but you have to take it with a little bit of salt. There are some slow tracks that are just not metal.
When they slow down they are not like Rainbow that can do Temple of the King and have it be metal. The slow down and they are back to the blues psych rock thing of the late sixties. You have to remember many of these bands are just occasionally hitting upon metal by accident. They are not dedicated to it.
You are going to hear Sabbath in there,it's sort of hard not to at the time. I am not one to say Black Sabbath were the inventors of metal. Blue Cheer clearly predate them. Black sabbath were just the first guys to be metal 24/7. Iron Claw probably were not going around in cloaks, but the music is good and I hope you give it a listen.
Here is a link to Amazon for the record.
Wednesday, October 05, 2011
Even more Krampus crap
I wanted to throw a couple of links out there for a couple of like minded blogs. Well as far as Krampus goes, I have not idea how they feel about metal or progressive rock. And they may well suck at Frogger! I should probably challenge them to a dungeons and dragons off. My players well be a delighted with the story and character development, I've already won.
Anyway, here is a blog from old Krampus's perspective Krampus's Blog
Anyway, here is a blog from old Krampus's perspective Krampus's Blog
The second is a bunch of images of Krampus form cards primarily. I probably have stolen these for my posts without a source so its good to give credit Krampus Kards
Krampus for Christmas part 47
Rows of pine looked down from the hills upon the town. Grown and regrown to be freshly cut, owners tending cash in a candy cane covered hut. Hay rides filled with families looking for trees, an unlucky father picked one with a hive of bees. For everyone had a saw in hand, stalking for the perfect tree across the land.
Krampus hid til the growing dark, crouched under junk hidden with a tarp. Creeping out around dusk after sharpening a tusk, he prowled for kids. Parent worried of pines and spruce. They wouldn't mind bite marks on little Bruce. Struggling with a roof rack and a fir; They wouldn't miss couple girls.
Only hoof and paw tracks would mark Krampus there, he would have a snack without a care. Leaving only sad confused parents at the scene, crying over what could have been.
Krampus hid til the growing dark, crouched under junk hidden with a tarp. Creeping out around dusk after sharpening a tusk, he prowled for kids. Parent worried of pines and spruce. They wouldn't mind bite marks on little Bruce. Struggling with a roof rack and a fir; They wouldn't miss couple girls.
Only hoof and paw tracks would mark Krampus there, he would have a snack without a care. Leaving only sad confused parents at the scene, crying over what could have been.
From Books and Dreams
The record itself is called From Books and Dreams. The cover looks like it may have been taken from Weird or Creepy magazine. So sort of metal already I would say.
For the time the music is prog or Kraut prog, but because they are dealing with darker themes it starts hitting on metal. There are two trackes called Dreams and Nightmares, one with the sub titles dreams and the other; yes you guessed it. Its this nightmares trac that really hits on metal. I am getting this stuff through Youtube for now. I can't seem to find the CD yet.
I think its worth your time, especially if you are interested in early metal. Image is stolen from the Fantasy blog, which also has a review here.
Tuesday, October 04, 2011
I should be singing but im tired out of breath
I'm a little sad how exhausted I am lately I am not getting much time in with my daughter or wife that I am not needing to fall over. I am not sure what is going on, i could use several hours of sleep and still feel tired.
I am getting concerned about my transplant because of this. I know I was always beat when my kidney finally failed. You don't do a good job making red blood cells when you have renal failure so Oxygen is just not getting to your body.
I am going to go get my blood check soon, so I can stop worrying or start doing something about it.
I hope this isn't the start of another bad period and is just a change of season flu or something getting me down. I would love to just sleep.
I am getting concerned about my transplant because of this. I know I was always beat when my kidney finally failed. You don't do a good job making red blood cells when you have renal failure so Oxygen is just not getting to your body.
I am going to go get my blood check soon, so I can stop worrying or start doing something about it.
I hope this isn't the start of another bad period and is just a change of season flu or something getting me down. I would love to just sleep.
Krampus for Christmas part 46
Krampus remembered a house on the street Seal, decorated everywhere with Christmas Zeal. Christmas filled every little nook, If you wanted tips these folks wrote the book. You couldn't see it all in an evening or season, Christmas spilled out every room no rhyme or reason.
The little couple that lived there decked the halls every year, from the fifties til now without fear. They started even before the old beast, so grand kids saw when they came from back east. There was a tree that magically seemed to snow and a second in the back on the patio. There were so many ornaments extra branches were hung on the walls and more like a sea of stars on the ceiling in the hall.
Some years they turned the garage into a scene, removing the door and making a window of Plexiglas and beams. The little lord Jesus slept in a bed a pump for his breathing a drive stirring his head. All the neighbors would come to see, when Krampus showed up they all turned to flee. The monster just smiled on the couples work, thinking next time to hide and lurk.
The little couple that lived there decked the halls every year, from the fifties til now without fear. They started even before the old beast, so grand kids saw when they came from back east. There was a tree that magically seemed to snow and a second in the back on the patio. There were so many ornaments extra branches were hung on the walls and more like a sea of stars on the ceiling in the hall.
Some years they turned the garage into a scene, removing the door and making a window of Plexiglas and beams. The little lord Jesus slept in a bed a pump for his breathing a drive stirring his head. All the neighbors would come to see, when Krampus showed up they all turned to flee. The monster just smiled on the couples work, thinking next time to hide and lurk.
Monday, October 03, 2011
Krampus for Christmas part 45
In the season Krampus loved to bake the worst inedible ill flavored sort of fruity cakes. Delivering to neighbors doorsteps with a wild toss. Some shattered across the lawn, Krampus wouldn't mourn their loss. Cake broken windows were none of the monsters concern, same as last Christmas they should have learned.
The cakes hard really not for eating, Just a friendly seasons greeting. Krampus didn't shell nuts just left them as a suprise, He also added hot wheels you should see the kiddies eyes. In January the dentist fixed many hurt teeth, he sometime sent Krampus a thank you wreath.
Krampus cooked cookies though they tasted of frogs, no one eat them not even local dogs. His pumpkin cakes were great those he didn't share. We only knew of those from the delicious smell in the air.
The cakes hard really not for eating, Just a friendly seasons greeting. Krampus didn't shell nuts just left them as a suprise, He also added hot wheels you should see the kiddies eyes. In January the dentist fixed many hurt teeth, he sometime sent Krampus a thank you wreath.
Krampus cooked cookies though they tasted of frogs, no one eat them not even local dogs. His pumpkin cakes were great those he didn't share. We only knew of those from the delicious smell in the air.
The song remains the same
We had our Ricktoberfest party last Saturday night. I think it was a success, people seemed to have fun. One of the attractions was a musical "Name that tune" type game. People seemed to like it. I have a line 6 studio 110 which I played the music through. It was sort of a pain, until i realized something has to be plugged into the input for CD/MP3 input to work, stupid design. So if you plug just a cable into the input you are fine, just if you have had the same problem. Once there It worked great!
I ran the first few rounds playing pretty easy songs and did a point for either song or artist. After four rounds I started doing a point for song and a point for artist; I don't think i would do this in the future it kept the points too close. I would say go around six round with either and then require both. Depending on how much fun everyone is having and how long they have to stay.
From there i started throwing out hints for a few rounds. It was harder and I have a fair amount of trivia soaked into the back of my head. I also threw out some easy songs that were just sort of goofy and fun here. MMmbop and Baby got back come to mind. It was a laugh. I also tried for a few lay up songs that were just for one of the people playing. Throwing a bone that surprises people is fun. But you have to know the person playing.
We finally broke it down to a single group and they played head to head. It came down to Yes star ship troopers, I thought i was giving a fair shot to both players but I didn't know the musical tastes of one them. I feel a bit bad for giving such a lay up for one.
My though is to make a more formal game out of it. Possibly asking for players to bring their own ipod/device with a playlist of songs they know. This way we would be playing with music everyone is an expert in. I have considered this in a trivia game I was working on. There would be cards that forced changes in the game. The cards could be like, pick a hard one or play from my list instead. Forcing the ref to pick a harder song, or taking a song from a specific players play list.
Here is the song rating system i used
Easy is a song still played on the radio by a well know group. Smells like teen spirit could only ever be easy. ABC by the Jackson 5.
Moderate is a song that the title is pretty easy to guess from a decently known group. Also well known songs from obscure groups such a one hit wonders. Too Shy by Kajagoogoo.
Hard songs are hard for some reason. Obscure name that doesn't come out of the song, Train in Vain by the Clash for example. Any sort of rarity by a well know group. Songs and groups that were not huge hits in their day. Rush's I think I'm going bald or Alphavilles big in Japan perhaps.
Really hard songs are things people would not know. I am thinking smaller groups. Joy Division is probably good for this category even Love will tear us apart. Older songs also seem to get harder, Brandy by Looking Glass was very hard.
Jim's insanely hard songs are often instrumental or songs deep into a genre. Throw in your Sigur Ros or Mogwai here. Vio-lence would be fair game or something like Goblin.
I ran the first few rounds playing pretty easy songs and did a point for either song or artist. After four rounds I started doing a point for song and a point for artist; I don't think i would do this in the future it kept the points too close. I would say go around six round with either and then require both. Depending on how much fun everyone is having and how long they have to stay.
From there i started throwing out hints for a few rounds. It was harder and I have a fair amount of trivia soaked into the back of my head. I also threw out some easy songs that were just sort of goofy and fun here. MMmbop and Baby got back come to mind. It was a laugh. I also tried for a few lay up songs that were just for one of the people playing. Throwing a bone that surprises people is fun. But you have to know the person playing.
We finally broke it down to a single group and they played head to head. It came down to Yes star ship troopers, I thought i was giving a fair shot to both players but I didn't know the musical tastes of one them. I feel a bit bad for giving such a lay up for one.
My though is to make a more formal game out of it. Possibly asking for players to bring their own ipod/device with a playlist of songs they know. This way we would be playing with music everyone is an expert in. I have considered this in a trivia game I was working on. There would be cards that forced changes in the game. The cards could be like, pick a hard one or play from my list instead. Forcing the ref to pick a harder song, or taking a song from a specific players play list.
Here is the song rating system i used
Easy is a song still played on the radio by a well know group. Smells like teen spirit could only ever be easy. ABC by the Jackson 5.
Moderate is a song that the title is pretty easy to guess from a decently known group. Also well known songs from obscure groups such a one hit wonders. Too Shy by Kajagoogoo.
Hard songs are hard for some reason. Obscure name that doesn't come out of the song, Train in Vain by the Clash for example. Any sort of rarity by a well know group. Songs and groups that were not huge hits in their day. Rush's I think I'm going bald or Alphavilles big in Japan perhaps.
Really hard songs are things people would not know. I am thinking smaller groups. Joy Division is probably good for this category even Love will tear us apart. Older songs also seem to get harder, Brandy by Looking Glass was very hard.
Jim's insanely hard songs are often instrumental or songs deep into a genre. Throw in your Sigur Ros or Mogwai here. Vio-lence would be fair game or something like Goblin.
Friday, September 30, 2011
Krampus for Christmas part 44
On Burns night Krampus supped with Bigfoot, out in the woods. Few knew Sasquatch was Scottish! They had a haggis though Krampus was sure it no good. Compared to haggis even Ludefisk tasted sweet. It seemed losing a dare the only reason to eat.
Sasquatch was gracious inviting Krampus into his home. During the serving Bigfoot even recited a poem. Then a speech and several many toasts. Krampus brought a few drams of scotch for his seldom seen host.
Our beast sighed sad with a toast to the lasses. There were none and how Krampus hoped to pinch them on the asses. Not since sausage in October was such a fest, but For a friend he made the best.
This the last night for Christmas feel far into the new year. Krampus would be happy for some sleep forgetting the Yule without fear. He soured on after Christmas office parties, they needed no help going bad. Krampus finally though of Christmas having all that could be had.
Sasquatch was gracious inviting Krampus into his home. During the serving Bigfoot even recited a poem. Then a speech and several many toasts. Krampus brought a few drams of scotch for his seldom seen host.
Our beast sighed sad with a toast to the lasses. There were none and how Krampus hoped to pinch them on the asses. Not since sausage in October was such a fest, but For a friend he made the best.
This the last night for Christmas feel far into the new year. Krampus would be happy for some sleep forgetting the Yule without fear. He soured on after Christmas office parties, they needed no help going bad. Krampus finally though of Christmas having all that could be had.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
More Krampus crap
I have no illusions about my ability, can draw enough to give someone wan idea of what I am looking for. That is where my skill ends. If you are an artist and work for less let me know.
Thanks
Jim Rickel
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