HeyJaredFred Rants
Let's talk about books, music, and occasionally, things that I've written.
- Indexed issues, last 90 days
- 10
- Latest publication
- Sep 26, 2026
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- Aug 22, 2026
Latest issues
Saturday Morning Shuffle - Sept. 26 (opens the original)
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This week, we’ve got a lot of metal with one curve ball in the middle. (Note: Links are Amazon affiliate links, and I make a small commission on any sales.)“Over the Seas,” Alestorm. Given the goofiness that they get up to these days, you may not remember that Alestorm really embraced the piratical theme in their early days. Their debut album Captain Morgan’s Revenge had its share of fun, but it also offered up some pretty epic tunes as well.<
Saturday Morning Shuffle - Sept. 19 (opens the original)
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We’ve got a nice mix of rock this week, from some late stage glam metal, a classic thrash tune, polished arena rock, nu metal, and one of my favorite songs that most people probably haven’t heard. (Note: Links are Amazon affiliate links, and I make a small commission on any sales.)“Doin’ As I See on My TV,” Poison. The early ‘90s were a tough time even for the biggest names in the glam scene. Poison tried to adapt with a roots-rock influenced a
In the spotlight (opens the original)
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The hardest thing that I have to do as a creative is not writing the books. That’s the fun part. It’s what comes after — the need to shine a spotlight on yourself and your work. I know I’m not alone in that feeling. For many of us, it’s very unnatural. It’s also hard to come up with something that stands out.I’m not going to tell you that I’m some sort of marketing guru. In fact, I suck at it. If I knew how to market myself better, maybe I wouldn’t be worried about having to navigate the horribl
Saturday Morning Shuffle - Sept. 12 (opens the original)
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This is a week of big songs by big artists. We have three absolute classics with a couple of little curve balls. (Note: Links are Amazon affiliate links, and I make a small commission on any sales.)“Master of Puppets,” Metallica. What more, really, is there to say about the iconic title track from the album that most Metallica fans of my age would call their crowning achievement, Master of Puppets. Honestly, I’m more of a <a href="https://amzn.to/4imW
On blast: Slayer (opens the original)
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On this morning, 25 years ago, I was getting ready to hop into the shower and head into my job at the local newspaper when my phone rang. It was my boss, who told me that I needed to get to the office right away.“What’s up?” I asked.“Turn on the TV.”I did. And I sat there stunned for a few minutes watching and thinking, “Holy shit.” Sept. 11, 2001, was a long and horrifying day for a lot of people. There was a great sadness that, as details began to trickle out, turned into rage. B
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