Category: tunes

Music. Bands. Songs. Concerts.

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give in to the nighttime

Snowballing, curtailed.A good Wednesday to you, internet.  Hope this day finds you well.

Work was a whirlwind again.  I’ve had a pea under my mattress ever since coming back, and have been finding myself uncharacteristically blunt and matter-of-fact in my communication.  Surprisingly, this has resulted in oiling some rusty gears back into motion on things I’d been struggling with for months.  In fact, I feel like the snowball I’ve been pushing idly around on flat ground finally tipped and is headed downhill without me.  Now to hope I aimed it right.

Right now Keaton is yelling from the confines of her (locked) room.  This has become an unfortunate bedtime happening.  For about a week or so now, the process of falling asleep has turned into a prolonged one-sided battle on her part.  In protest, she’ll scream “Mommy! Mommy! Mommy! Mommy!” or “Daddy! Daddy! Daddy! Daddy! (whomever didn’t put her down), knock on the door, turn on her light, cry, scream – whatever.  Last night this went on for over an hour.  So far, our strategy has been to just let her have it out… to not intervene… which eventually works.  But man, it sure would be easier if she’d just rest her pretty head and give in to the nighttime.

Changing subjects before I split.

Today saw the official release of Animal Collective’s new record, Merriweather Post Pavilion.  As expected, the music-review community has all befouled their Jockeys.  Rather than write about the phenomenon here, I’ll just link to Stereogum’s article on the whole deal, which is sensationally entitled, “Is Merriweather Post Pavilion the Best Album of 2009?”  Good for some introduction to the hype around the album… and the comments offer a chuckle here and there too.  Unfortunately, you won’t find MPP (as the internet calls it) at your local wax-shop until the 20th when the actual CD drops (vinyl and digital only for today).  In the meantime, I’m sure you can find it if you look hard enough…

I’m taking off my friends.  Goodnight.

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lamentations

Give it a rest. Before we start (or maybe I should do it at the end, I’m not sure), you can take some time to check out the pictures page – I finally managed to update Keaton’s gallery and bring it current, shamefully having to go all the way back to October to get it done.  So, amble on over there (you can amble with a mouse, right?) and take a look… I’ll wait.  K?  K.

I know… it’s been a while.  Good to finally have some present-day Keaton representation.

Got home from work today and Sharaun said she couldn’t get the bread cooked because the oven wouldn’t get hot.  Hmmm… interesting.  I popped the hood and poked around like I knew what I was doing… looking for a pilot light or something easy.  No pilot light, no obvious “shutoff” switch that may have been tripped somewhere, and the gas burners still lit up and worked fine (yeah, that crossed my mind too).  Sitting there, still dressed in kahkis, brown shoes, and my work sweater… I Googled for some assistance.  Manual says there’s a oven shutoff, hidden deep under the stovetop.  I find it, cut my hand in several places trying to squeeze my fingers around it… but it’s not off, it’s on like it should be.

Calling the number tomorrow, stupid oven is broken.  Worked yesterday; busted today.

Sometime near the end of 2008, the subwoofer in my truck blew. Now, from the rear of the vehicle, any significant bass note manifests not as a deep smooth baritone but rather a rattling paper fart. I hate it, and the loss of the low-end has made the rest of the vehicle sound like a tinny prison where harsh treble tones stab and scrape the ears and make everything sound just awful. It’s amazing how much the bottom-end brings to music (I know, it all works together). I’ve always said that the most important aspect of my vehicle (aside from getting me from point A to point B) is the audio. May sound stupid, but I really do enjoy the music time I get while in the car – so sounding good (especially at loud volumes) is of utmost importance.

[audio:bustedbass.mp3]
Crappy bass sounds crappy.

Looking for used ’97 Explorer woofers on eBay, stupid bass is broken.  Worked last year; broken today.

Work today was a reminder that I’d been “off” for a couple weeks.  So much to do, so much left undone.  I got in before 8am and left after 6pm.  To be fair, the dread over going back turned into motivation to get things back to normal; to solve those problems that had been lingering; to get into some sort of normal, expected rhythm.  I managed… but I’d still rather win the lottery.

That’s it.  Goodnight.  Love you.

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inclusion

Just grant me this..

Welcome to 2009, readers.

New Years Eve day was another (nice!) slow one around the homestead.  Sharaun and I cleaned up a little more of the leftover Christmas mess (and foodstuffs lingering in the fridge, in my case).  Keaton got a deluxe edition DVD of Mary Poppins from our next-door neighbors, and, surprisingly, ate up the film (all that singing and dancing, she’s just a sucker for it); so we watched that in the morning.  The place was looking tip-top (as tip-top as our place tends to realistically get) long before noon.  And yes, I am shooting for most use of parenthetical notation in a single paragraph (get it?).

Right now I feel like I haven’t been to work in ages.  Honestly, I wouldn’t be surprised to see my shoulders visibly sag were I looking in the mirror as the thought of going back this coming Monday enters my head.  To be clear, it’s not that I’m dreading it, but it seems I’ve been taken by the strangest “bug” lately… this insanely strong inclination to cling to family.

Thus the time spent here at home with Keaton and Sharaun, the week my folks visited over Christmas, and even going back to the nice long jaunt we took to Florida to visit Sharaun’s family back around Thanksgiving: All these things have created a snowball of emotion inside me… an almost physical urge to “family up.”

And, to mention this new desire within me without also mentioning my newfound desire to better integrate “church” (used here, I think, as a generic word for religion, introspect, tradition, spirituality, closeness, etc.) into my family would be impossible (the expressed concept of “ownership” of what is truly our family is actually intentional here). I know that may sound odd, or maybe random and untied to the whole “family” concept I mention above… but in my head lately they are tied so tightly together that I have to finish the thought here.

I’ve typed and typed (and deleted and deleted) about this family/church concept over the past couple weeks, but find I’m still not ready to put what I’m talking about into words… so I’m going to leave it (for now) with this (admittedly lacking) summary: At some point recently, I’ve “decided” that the things which are most important in life are those which, as a father and husband, I should be working to surround myself and my immediate family (Sharaun and Keaton) with.  Chief among those things, I’ve decided, are our relationships with extended family and our sense of “church.”

Right now, I can’t explain why this doesn’t mean we’re going ultra-religious (or scary-religious, however it strikes you), but it doesn’t.  It may read that way (so be it).  I think, basically, it means I want to spend more time with my family as a family, connected spiritually together through a common set of belief and faith (if that makes sense).  And, among other traditions and experiences, I want us to, together, enjoy and share this “church” thing I’m on about.

What it means… practically… I’m not 100% sure.  And, it may not even be blog stuff (there’s plenty of stuff that doesn’t make the blog, and it tends to be the more personal… so this might qualify for that exclusion… who knows).  I do feel better, however, for writing about it finally… and while the explanation is poor (by my own judgment), perhaps it’ll help cement, for me, what I’m even feeling – and maybe put some action around the concept.

I don’t know guys, I just don’t.  I do feel, though… so that’s something.  So hey, don’t read this and assume I’m making drastic wholesale changes.  But, then again, I guess don’t assume I’m not.  Realistically, I’m in early concept-phase here… so it’s a wonder I even put this much around the idea.  OK?

To lighten the mood before I go, here’s Keaton and I dancing to “Brothersport.”  (And, for real, you need to get this new Animal Collective album…)

[flv:https://blog.pharaohweb.com/video/mpp2.flv 320 240]

Goodnight.

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best of 2008

'grats.

Happy New Year’s Eve internet.  Hope you all have fun and safe plans for this evening.

And, with a scant few hours to spare in the year – I’m finally ready to post my self-important “best of 2008” list (for music, y’know).  I’m not really prepared to do much exposition here, the text of the reviews themselves took up enough time and effort.

So, without further ado – here are my picks for the best records released this year.  Enjoy:

Stay Positive10. Hold Steady – Stay Positive

So here we are back at this grimy bar, drinking cold domestic beer and buying cigarettes from the machine in the hallway near the pisser. Some guy I wouldn’t normally even talk to pulled up the stool next to me and, by the virtue of sharing the same bar and brew, we’re talking like we’re best friends (when, in reality, neither of us would likely ever choose, of our own accord, to socialize). Before long, we engage in that classic of male bar histrionics: the “crazy stuff I did when I was young” game of one-upmanship. True, half-true, and completely fabricated slurred and exaggerated tales of sex, drugs, and rock and roll flow from our loosened tongues. Now, imagine that’s an album – done. [List to the Hold Steady @ last.fm]

Tea-Partying9. Could Cult – Feel Good Ghosts (Tea-Partying Through Tornadoes)

I guess as the year moved on, I kinda forgot how much I liked this Cloud Cult album.  To be fair, it’s your pretty standard “indie rock” stuff… and maybe that’s why I almost consider it a guilty pleasure.  I’ll not be surprised to not see it on any other toplists this year, I wouldn’t expect it to bow much of anywhere.  But, for me, this was an enjoyable piece of the earlier bits of 2008.  I dunno, check it out if you want… it’s fairly rad if you just take it a face-value. [Listen to Cloud Cult @ last.fm]

MicrocastleWeird Era Cont.8. Deerhunter – Microcastle / Weird Era Cont.

Another of the very few 2nd-half 2008 records to break into the list.  Almost every year I have one of these fuzzy, pysch-dripping 60s-nods on the list.  This one’s a bit different, as Deerhunter is most definitely doing new things… and not simply trying to make a 60s record in the 2000s.  But, the reference is still valid (says me).  The tracks here are plentiful and fit to sing or hum along to, and if you’re anything of a fan of music – modern or not – you owe it to yourself to at least check this record out. [Listen to Deerhunter @ last.fm]

At Mt. Zoomer7. Wolf Parade – At Mount Zoomer

OK, so this Wolf Parade album is one of those things that, when I heard it, I knew it was good… but something stopped me from fully appreciating it.  And, when I saw it shortlisted in my draft entry for the best of 2008, I actually had to go back and give it a few listens just to remember what spurred me to posit it for a spot.  Turns out, the appreciation must’ve been on the late bus… and showed up then.  Anyway, this is a fantastic record, and well worth your time (trying to make up for the lacklustre urging above). [Listen to Wolf Parade @ last.fm]

Vampire Weekend6. Vampire Weekend – Vampire Weekend

Something about the Vampire Weekend record feels “special;” like the guys hit on a “new” sound.  Some mix of Ivy League rock for the be-turtlenecked brownstone dwellers and a deeper sense of African rhythm ala Paul Simon’s trip to Graceland.  No, really, I’m being serious – that’s what this record is all about.  A 2008 soundtrack for cigarette-smoking rich college bad-boys to listen to during games of euchre on weekends in the Hamptons… but a completely awesome one at that.  Get it; rock out; get it. [Listen to Vampire Weekend @ last.fm]

Dear Science5. TV On the Radio – Dear Science

OK, so I hated TV on the Radio for years… never heard what the critics heard; never “got” them.  Then they released this record and, lo and behold, it was good.  Really good, actually.  Like… #5 on my list good.  What will you hear here?  How about: Horns the punch and jump you along; rolling didgeridoo basslines to help you bounce; and thoughtful lyrics delivered with passion and plenty of maybe-misplaced (on such a “thick” sounding record) harmonies and singalong backing.  Honestly, this is one heck of an album. [Listen to TV On the Radio @ last.fm]

Arm's Way4. Islands – Arm’s Way

I just love Nick “Diamond’s” voice… it’s that classic “indie” thing that people who hate the “indie” think will always be able to point to as what sucks most about “indie” music.  Warbly, high-pitched, strong and clear and too-confident for the vocal ability of its owner, etc.  The songs are funny and the beats are just stupid enough to pass the “is this a joke?” test and fall squarely into the “is this awesome?” category.  The answer, of course, is “yes;” this is awesome.  So go get it. [Listen to the Islands @ last.fm]

Here's To Being Here3. Jason Collett – Here’s To Being Here

Rounding out the top three of my 2008 is a singer/songwriter effort which could’ve come out of the late 60s or early 70s if you adjust the production values to fit the era.  The music, modern production aside, is fairly timeless storytelling rock and roll, the kind that makes you want to swing your hammock back and forth to the Dylan-esque rhythms – just be careful not to spill your beer.  Yeah, this one’s great. [Listen to Jason Collett @ last.fm]

Skeletal Lamping2. Of Montreal – Skeletal Lamping

Man, it took me a while to like this record.  I mean… it’s such a busy mess.  Fragments of song strung together without end, like a large mashup of concepts rather than the usual three minute chunked-out album thing.  And, although I’d fallen firmly in love with the whole ADD thing by the time this past November’s show rolled into town, seeing Kevin and crew do this material live really helped solidify how good the thing is. [Listen to Of Montreal @ last.fm]

Ghost in Colours1. Cut Copy – Ghost In Colours

I guess nothing in the latter half of this year could beat the Cut Copy album.  It’s just too feel-good.  My midyear review pegged why I like this record so much, so you might want to go there to read the reasoning – but, boiled down, it ends up at “fun.”  The beats and melodies all make you feel good, and it stands up to repeat listening quite well.  You could play this record at your next hipster dance party, or just by yourself in the car on the way to that new indian casino that opened up down the highway – it’s that versatile. [Listen to Cut Copy @ last.fm]

And that’s it.  We’ll returned to our regularly scheduled program here soon enough.  Goodnight, and Happy New Year!

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desert island iPod

Light me up.Tuesday night and the week creeps along on creaky wheels, just a rusted axle away from a breakdown and a gear above reverse… it’s a sorry sight to behold – a lame animal limping towards death.

Sorry for all the negativity lately… work really has me wound up.  I’m throwing silk darts at moving targets, waiting around to do some more waiting around, and trying to build a house on sand.  Hopefully things will solidify in the new year – because despite my normal tolerance for dawdling, this is absolutely draining my soul.  I have faith that the coming week with my folks in town will lift my spirits – so Mom and Dad I’m counting on you.

Sometimes I think my iPod is endowed with the divine.  Seriously, I love to sit back and marvel at the eclectic library I’ve built on this 160GB device.  I put so much stock in the thing, it’s literally become a piece of technology I’d hate to live without; akin to such commonplace conveniences as credit-card purchases and the telephone.  I’m so cloven to this device, that I often find myself thinking about absurd situations involving it.

For instance, you don’t know how many times I’ve imagined myself as the Tom Hanks character in Castaway, my aircraft crashing into the sea and later finding myself washed up on a deserted shoreline.  In my head, my iPod was in my pocket at the time and survives the saltwater bath… whereupon my mind turns to how I can now figure a way to use it on my new island home.

Believe it or not, I have actually done real-life research online in all of the following areas as related to the survival scenario described above:

  • Wave-powered DC generator (I only need 5V/~1A… now to find some natural magnets and wire…)
  • How to make a battery (save some of that power for later)
  • iPod connector pinout (to see what voltage I need to power the thing and where to apply it)
  • How to make speakers (would be nice to rock the island while I’m at work doing things like building huts and whatnot)

Yeah, I’m that serious about the absolute necessity of an iPod as a survival tool – it’s that essential.  Because, after keeping myself alive – first priority would be getting some tunes to motivate me in my raft-building.

I guess… I don’t have much more for tonight.  Think I’ll watch a few episodes of I Love Lucy and wait for Sharaun to get home.  Goodnight.

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tumbleweeds and me

Work is slow.Cold and rainy where we make our home this week; snow just a few hundred feet higher up the hill.

Saturday I forced Sharaun to be complicit in one of my cleaning/organizing jags, and we tore through dusty closet shelves, cluttered and overspilling bedside drawers, and under-bed catacombs.  And, after shifting storage locations for an innumerable amount of useless junk, we managed to actually rid ourselves of a good bit and better hide the rest.  Sunday night I made hot cocoa and we rented a movie.

Keaton awoke that day from her nap and was burning up, carried a fever throughout the night.  She was running hot off and on all Monday, but we keep it down by dosing her with Motrin.  Even when that girl’s got a high fever, she’s bright and bubbly – the day she ever gets really sacked by a cold is the day I’ll be worried.

You know… I’ve never had much need for country music, but if you read here with an regularity you likely remember me softening quite a bit on that position over the last half of this year.  Think of it as a “country awakening” or something; my personal realization that almost no genre or style of music is, in a wholesale sense, “bad.”  Well, I suppose there are exceptions – death metal being the one coming to mind.

Anyway… as the year turns colder and greyer, and the doldrums I’ve been navigating at work persist daily – I’ve decided that some good, solid country crying music suits my mood quite well.  Explains my recent wont for the earlier works of Waylon, Willie, Merle, and the like.  Some of these whiskey-soaked ballads just “click” during downtimes like these… guess country is good for something after all, eh?

The aisles at work are already showing early signs of Christmas evacuation, even ten days out.  It’ll only get worse (or better, depending) as this week works its way into the short one following.  I like it, actually, because it affords me an opportunity to get some work done without interruption.  And, being honest, it also makes for a great “sneaking out early” environment.

When it’s just the tumbleweeds and me holding down the sawmill, I don’t feel as guilty about heading for the homestead to finish the day remotely from the couch and spend some time with Sharaun and Keaton.  A wise manager once told me not to “waste” vacation time on Christmas, advising that most of our customers and we too effectively “shut down” around the holidays – making for some great “short days.”  Since we usually head south for Christmas, this’ll be the first year I’ll actually get to try that advice.  I so desperately need some “don’t care” time, I pray the advice is sound.

Until tomorrow then, wish me luck at shirking work, K?  Goodnight.

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home it is

Hi.  This space is where I write on the internet.  Below is a sampling of some of that writing.  You can read it if you want, and it may even change on some days.

I know people tend to skip the paragraph when I talk about music, and that’s fine really… I don’t have a gun.  But, for my sake, I’d ask you sometimes try to muddle through – I often bury very real commentary in there.  Sometimes some of my favorite bits of writing I do are some of the talk-ups I’ve done for this record or that song.  Again, you don’t have to like what I like, or even like what don’t like, or even anything at all – I still don’t have a gun.  That said, here’s a paragraph on music.

I really never thought I’d like this Bon Iver album everyone’s been conferring sainthood upon over the last half of the year.  Turns out, while it’s not gonna top my list, it’s actually really good.  Maybe it’s that the lonely unaccompanied guitar and soft double-tracked vocals are speaking to the general melancholy I’ve been mired in the past month (self-imposed or not).  Instrumentally it’s built of twigs, but tunefully it’s strong as steel – something that’s sometimes hard to do without getting stuck sounding like some Mazzy Star wrist-slitting dirge.  What’s more, it lends itself well to the cold weather (which may be exacerbating that melancholy, come to think of it) – so it fits well with the clouds and morning fog.  I like it; I really do.  At least it’ll hold me until Merriweather Post Pavilion leaks…

Evenings lately I’ve been spending my post-work time helping out as a backstage guy for our church’s Christmas production (I attach little microphones to peoples’ ears, tape them down to their faces, and tuck the transmitter packs somewhere conspicuous in their costumes).  I’ve actually enjoyed the post-work “work” quite a bit, I never was much of a “drama” guy in school – and watching the people work (it is a full production, quite serious business to a novice like me) while safely in the wings has been interesting and fun.  I haven’t got to see Keaton but for in the early morning before work the past few days, but tonight was the last night of rehearsal so I’m released until the actual show nights at this point.  I know, you’re thinking, “Dave, spending your evenings at church doesn’t sound much like you.”  Yeah, well, maybe it doesn’t… but, then again, maybe it will.

I know I’ve written about it before… but I love the random urge to just “keep driving.”  You know, the moment when, as you’re driving along the highway homeward, you start thinking, “What if I just sped right past my exit and didn’t look back?”  I thought that the other day, imagining Sharaun and Keaton in the car with me.  Just drive on… right into the horizon.  Sleep where you get tired, eat where you get hungry, and stop where you please.  Maybe visit long-lost relatives, or national parks, or just the open road.  Just drive on… put something good and long on the stereo and settle in.  I guess I’d have to stop somewhere tho… and home really is the best place I know, so… home it is.

Goodnight.