Monday, June 30, 2008

I wanted to like it

Like Pokerpeaker, I was listening to the new Motley Crue album the other day. My expectations weren't high. I was a huge Crue fan years ago. I still listen to the music but I have become too accustomed to the new music not being all that great. Worse yet, they kept putting out anthologies and greatest hits packages, not an entire new album.

I got a copy and put it in my car to give it the once over. I listen to music better when I am driving. Fewer distractions. Road and music. First track is a long intro to the album. Eh. First song is ok. Second song is ok. Third song starts in the same manner. Right away I am thinking this album is a disappointment.

Then it changed. The lyrics jumped out as Vince Neil sang about their early years and the fond memories at the Whisky a Go Go. Next thing I know my head is moving a bit.

Fourth song is the one they released. I didn't think too much of it when I heard it on the radio but coming out of the speakers it sounded different. More powerful. Alive. Crue-ish.

As each song came on, I liked the disc even more. As Peaker said, it rocks.

So where the hell am I going with this and what does it have to do with poker?

This disc had me thinking of a book I had read last month. A book I wasn't sure I would like but one I knew I had to read. I had spent some time listening to this man tell some stories back in December. I actually bought the book in January and let it sit there for 5 months. The man was the genuine article and I hung on every word he had to offer at the lunch table.

The thing was, I didn't think I would like the book. Pauly and Iggy gave it good reviews, but I didn't like the excerpts as I read them on Iggy's blog. They didn't interest me.

That all changed when I began reading the book at the airport on a trip to NYC. I couldn't put it down. On the flight home it was the same story. I was entranced. The story hooked me and I had to find out how it ended.

If you haven't read Johnny Hughes' Texax Poker Wisdom yet, you are missing out on a great read. If you read the parts on Iggy's blog and didn't think you would like it, get the book. Those excerpts when put into context read better. At least for me they did. One of the best books I have read in a long time. Glad I finally got around to reading it after buying it months before.

Just like the Crue, Johnny has a hit that many probably haven't heard. Yet. Try them out. I am willing to bet you will like them.

4 comments:

Unknown said...

Super sweet. Something tells me I need to check out that book too then. I have been impressed with his writing when I've read him.

On my fourth listen, the Crue album gets even better. I'm really impressed, but it makes sense after hearing them live a couple years ago on their reunion tour. They were great. Surprisingly great. They are a great band, and great bands, when motivated, can produce great work.

Joaquin "The Rooster" Ochoa said...

I agree...the book is great. I turned the pages quickly on that Mofo...wish I had been in texas during that time.

Johnny Hughes, author of Texas Poker Wisdom, a novel said...

Thanks so much for the kind words. Warms an old man's heart..small, hard, and rarely used, but a heart nonetheless. The Winter Blogger's Convention was more fun than a fresh load of watermelons. I will be at the next one for sure. I found all the bloggers to be bright, funny, and rather good poker players. I ran unlucky and played bad, never a good combination. Thanks.

Johnny Hughes

smokkee said...

i downloaded the new Crue album after seeing 'peaker's post. i've been listening to it the last few nights while grinding away on B'dog and i have to say my expectations might've been too high. not 'peaker's fault, just that i was excited they released sum new shit. it may take me several listens to really like it. i dl'd "10 seconds to love" and "shout at the devil" which i didn't have on my pc so that kinda makes it worth it.

i def need to pick up Johnny's book for sho.