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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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our white day

Trip to the snow.Tuesday and I took the day off (or something…) to take Keaton to the snow with her friend Matthew.

Matthew’s dad arrived shortly before 9am and we set off to the local “waffle” prefixed breakfast joint (y’know, the ones with the cat-head biscuits).  Ordered me a meat++ omelet ripe with fatty jalapenos and cheese and all kinds of sausages that had all kinds of different names.  Whomped that on down in sequential bites comprised of equal parts omelet and “homestyle” potatos.  Keaton and Matthew split a ham and eggs plate, and left their hasbrowns untouched (blasphemers).

We were on the road up the hill just after 10am.  Up a winding mountain road, we found the perfect patch of as-yet untouched-by-humans snow just before noon (had to stop for a couple kiddie potty breaks and to separate the car seats to prevent hair pulling and ear-poking).

The snow sat in thick drifts, but the sun was out and the weather was don’t-need-a-jacket warm.  Kevin (Matthew’s dad) and I ventured out into the snowfield first to see how deep it was.  My first steps and I was in to the knee.  Laboring, step-aerobics style, I lifted my foot to take another – and ended up just as deep.  We test-dropped Matthew onto the surface: guess being 15% of my weight is an advantage in deep snow – he and Keaton just dropped in a couple (manageable, as far as locomotion is concerned) inches.

Keaton whined for me to carry her for the first five minutes (that child is, through and through, one-thousand percent girl, being innately scared of everything).  After some time though, she was tromping off faster than knee-deep Daddy could follow along – quite independent.  Before long she was eating snow and peppering me with the balled-up stuff, like any good kid in the snow should their dad.

We dug holes; we built a sorry, sorry snowman (the snow wasn’t wet enough to hold shape); we pushed the kids once or twice in the saucer-sleds before they let us know they hated that; we ate white snow like ice cream; we had adult races to see who could move the quickest with each foot sunk in snow (I lost, face-down freezing-hands style).

For me, it was a Dad’s day with his daughter – and I loved it more than words can tell you about.  Here are a couple pictures, maybe they will help explain:

Gosh, those weren’t that good at all; and I look straight bald in one of them.  But, that’s it.

I didn’t even intend to write, but I had this in my head and the new Animal Collective album played loud (Sharaun’s out, Keaton’s asleep, and it’s my roost to rule for the time being) shook it loose onto the internet.

Love you, 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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heralding the end

A merry Christmas for me!Christmas is winding down here at our house.

Heralding the end: My folks took off Sunday for home, and Sharaun and I are beginning to get the house back together.  The tree and various bits of house-decoration will go back in boxes tomorrow and be put up in the shelves of the garage for another year.  It’s always a little sad when the holidays end… the return to work and the loss of all the “feel good” stuff that comes along with the season.  But, all’s well that ends well, I suppose.

And as far as things going well, Chrismas in fact did just that.  Keaton, particularly, made out like a bandit, garnering a generous amount of gifts from Santa and family alike.  Her favorites, ranked in order of how much playtime recieved since finding or unwrapping them beneath the tree, would go something like this: 1) Pop-up play tent/barn thing; 2) Fully functional salon chair and styling implements for her many babydolls; 3) Play computer with real monitor, keyboard, and mouse; 4) Her new rollerboard suitcase/backpack; 5) Play cash register with fake money.  She got a lot more, mostly clothes and various toys – and we’re working to get it all into her “play room” now that Grammy & Grandpa have vacated it as the “guest room.”

In other news, it’s almost 2009 and that means I need to get busy posting my “best of 2008” music review list.  No worries, it’s nearly done, just putting the finishing touches on the formatting and doing a couple democratic listen-off contests to make my final decisions on what lands where.  Oh, and in between that I’ve been completely sonically preoccupied with the new Animal Collective album, Merriweather Post Pavilion, which leaked on Christmas day.  And, more about that album this week too… for sure.

For now though… I’m outta here.  Hope you all had a great Christmas, and I’ll try to resume a respectable posting schedule as I ease back into the routine here this week.

Goodnight.