Sentimental Valium

Currently playing: "Italian Leather Sofa" by Cake.

I realize that I post a lot of negative, complaint-filled stuff--sorry about that. I'll be trying to post more "positive" stuff--and reserve some of those other peeks into the depths of my insatiable self for those closest to me. That said, I love my friends and my family. Depending on your worldview, I am blessed/lucky/fortune to have as many people in my life that genuinely care for and love me. Not sure why I'm so hesitant to talk about the good things in my life--guess I'm worried that it will resemble 'braggin' or rubbing it in for others who might not find a lot in their lives to be happy about. I need, generally, to be more positive.

That said, I'm sick again/still. This time, it's a little worse than I expected it to be. New batch of drugs and some rest will hopefully kick this out of me soon--and finally.

A guy I know just walked up to me here in the coffee shop and said "You're going to kill your ears." Evidently he could hear my music with my earphones under my skull cap. I have terrible hearing--that's why it has to be turned up so loudly. Or is it the other way around: I have terrible hearing because I have it turned up so loudly. Viscious cycle....

OK, for those of you looking for diverse indie music, I have a reliable site for you--and it's actually a blog! Teaching The Indie Kids... is a great site for snapshots of music out there that isn't getting the distribution or attention it might deserve. Every day he is hosting music to hear/sample and I've found quite a few things I enjoy. (thanks to Thad for the initial heads up.) Amish Aaron, you need to check out The House Of Love tracks that are featured on that site--especially "Shine On." It's our kind of stuff.

Last night I finished the mixing for my friend Jake's record. It's turned out to be a great project--8 acoustic/vocal tracks that are full of emotion and questions and life. We approached the recording process similarly to old country/blues records--room mics picking up the ambience and raw-nature of live performances. Jake did a really good job of performing good tracks and it really does feel and sound like you are eavesdropping on someone playing songs in his living room. He is having his CD release party this coming Monday night--those in the GR area should come out and support him. (I'll pass along details to anyone interested)

For those looking for a new music recommendation from me, here is one: "Tourist" by Athlete. I've recommended them before and got a couple negative reactions--and that only pushes me to suggest them more earnestly. This new record shows a little darker side of the band--full of mid-tempo songs, emotional melodies and organic instrumentation. It still features their tendency for catchy grooves, but doesn't revolve around them for an entire record. It demonstrates more mature and "adventurous" songwriting, though it never goes far enough to alienate anyone wanting straight-forward British pop. I don't know if it has a U.S. release yet, but you can pick it up from cdwow.com (which I suggest for any records you might be after--no shipping charges!!)

My rating at Hot-or-Not has dropped: I'm an 8.7 now. That's a full tenth of a point people. Unacceptable!! I was thinking about giving my link here, but that seems a little self-seeking. Instead, I'll just accept my fate from the observing (and obviously critical) internet culture. I'd hate for my friends to unfairly boost my rating just cuz they like me!

My friend @M passed something along a while ago and I've forgotten to post it. Here are some great--ACTUAL--headlines from 2004. Enjoy--and maybe learn something about sentence structure and what NOT to do:

Crack Found on Governor's Daughter
Something Went Wrong in Jet Crash, Expert Says
Police Begin Campaign to Run Down Jaywalkers
Panda Mating Fails; Veterinarian Takes Over
Miners Refuse to Work after Death
Juvenile Court to Try Shooting Defendant
War Dims Hope for Peace
If Strike Isn't Settled Quickly, It May Last Awhile
Cold Wave Linked to Temperatures
Enfield (London) Couple Slain; Police Suspect Homicide
Red Tape Holds Up New Bridges
New Study of Obesity Looks for Larger Test Group
Chef Throws His Heart into Helping Feed Needy
Local High School Dropouts Cut in Half
Typhoon Rips Through Cemetery; Hundreds Dead
Astronaut Takes Blame for Gas in Spacecraft
Kids Make Nutritious Snacks

posted by -tr0y- @ 2:15 PM

Thanks for the good wishes everyone. I wasn't in a very good mood when I posted last, but I was cheered up today when I read the comments. Even from Anonymous--there's probably truth in what you said, regardless of how insensitive it was.

I start something tomorrow that's going to be a stretch for me. I'm giving up alcohol for Lent. I'm looking forward to the discipline.

I might get two weeks into it and start asking what I've done!!

posted by -tr0y- @ 5:08 PM