captains dead

probably the most unnecessary ipod product ever.

this here record kicks all kinds of ass from sunday to sunday

1994 would not be considered a “killer” year in the life of me. This was the year that my schlong and i decided it would be beneficial to our well being if we followed our highschool sweetheart to some little po-dunk town to attend some shitty university. two weeks was all it took for my “little boo” to dump me in favor of some guy who drove an awesome red fiero. Me and mr schlong were not so excited about this recent turn of events, so we started to drown ourselves in the sweet, sweet nectar that is Keystone Light. If I ever bad mouth the effects of Keystone Light on the decision making process, please someone stop me.

After an evening at the Regulator, a townie bar amongst other shitty townie bars, i stumbled into Rockin Robins - a record store/head shop that was the only saving grace in this town where i dwelled. Half in the can and with about 14 bucks in my pocket, I haphazzardly scoured the racks for something new. it had only been about 48 hours since this whole scenario had previously been played out. since i was a regular Robin filled me on that she had the new Pavement record sitting behind the counter. With 30 cents in my pocket, i made the 2 mile trek back to my dorm. i passed out before fighting my way through the plastic wrapper.

Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain what can i say about thee that has not been said before? Looking back it was the perfect album for the most fucked up time in my life. I found not only a brilliant piece of work, that will go down as my favorite of all time, but I also found myself. for a person who felt as if they could come crumbling down at any moment, the 12 songs that make up CR, CR felt as a musical extension of my mindstate at the time. each passing song drew me closer and closer to the understanding that even within a fuckin mess, i could find solace and beauty. if you take the parts of CR, CR and put it up against a Rush record, it will most certainly sound a hot mess but its the sum of these parts that places it on a plateau where not too many records can reach. the only downfall if you want to call it that, is that interpreting Malkmus’ lyrics can be quite a chore. it is has been 11 years and i am still finding little gems here and there. i highly doubt that the guys in pavement set out to make a life affirming record, but throughout CR, CR its apparent that they knew they were onto something.

is featured in an article on glorious noise

after listening to wilco’s kicking television this weekend, i have come to the conclusion that one of my least favorite concert traditions is applauding whenver your city or state is mentioned. i am very guilty of this lame attempt to giving props, but its still annoying.

here are some links to mp3’s and what not. the merge website allows you to pick an artist a peruse and listen to some of their catalogue, highly recommended

constantines

aimee mann

lucero

merge records

that i always forget is so freaking awesome is Freedy Johnston’s Can You Fly. i dont know if many people know about him, but pretty much this album is about his decision of selling his family farm to be able to make this particular record. its definitely an under appreciated record that i think everyone should hear.