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iPod: 1 - Me: 1

3/30/2008 – 10:56 pm

I had quite the scare this morning. I awoke at around 6am to the sound of my computer’s USB port doing that beeping noise it makes when it recognizes new hardware has been plugged in. I was moderately annoyed, mostly because it woke me up. However, when I actually got up for church, I found I had a nice error message on my iTunes. It informed me that my iPod’s harddrive could not be read from or written to. I then noticed that the clock on my iPod read 6:37, and it was in a frozen state. No buttons functioned at all.

I almost embarked on the long saga of how I returned my friend to a working condition, but I realize that would be boring (essentially you just need to charge it up via the wall adapter and restart iTunes a few times). On the other hand, this event did cause me to think. My iPod is probably my second most valued possession (behind my computer). Before you start railing on me claiming I have no sense of priorities, understand this: I walk to classes every day– and those walks are not short. We are talking at least forty minutes of my day is spent hiking around campus. If I were to lose my music for these trips, it would be devastating. Then comes the issue of price. I can’t afford to buy a new iPod right now, I could buy a new Bible (for some reason somebody always brings this up, when I claim non-spiritual things as being more valuable). So as far as replacement cost + utility goes, I’m reasonably sure that my iPod has been undervalued in my eyes for too long.

I had a wake up call today, and Mr. iPod, I’m sorry I have neglected you for so long. Sure, you may be really old, and have more scratches and dirt than I care to admit, but you have been a loyal friend for over three years. Other people might consistently make jokes about how clunky and colorless you are compared to your newer brothers and sisters, but I see the beauty that lies beneath. If you could hang in there for another fours months or so that would be fantastic!

P.S. Thank you Ryan Zimmerman for salvaging an otherwise terrible Opening Day in America for my fantasy team with your game winning home run.

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I Don’t Write Enough

2/18/2008 – 2:10 pm

I’m currently listening to: Headlights - Towers

Every time I open my web browser I click through my list of favorites, only so that I can see who has updated their blog/website. I frequently ponder how hypocritical it must seem that I rarely post on my own blog. Often I feel this is because nobody would care about what goes on in my daily life. Then I realize that I desperately seek out the reports others write about their mundane tasks. So here goes nothing.

This weekend I went home to get a bunch of stuff done. Here is a list of things I accomplished this weekend:

Got my haircut
Measured for tuxedo in Jen’s wedding
Visited with parents
Hung out with Patrick
Saw Nina/David
Bought a second pair of jeans

I got back to Champaign last night. This morning, when I woke up, I found that my package from Polyvinyl Records arrived. I ordered The Headlights’ new album, Some Racing, Some Stopping on vinyl. By the way, I absolutely love Polyvinyl Records and Saddle Creek Records (and not just because they included a valentine in my package). Each of these record labels has instituted a policy of including a digital download card with all of their records. This means that I can reap the benefits of vinyl (large artwork, better sound, feeling more legit), and still have the music in a readily accessible format. I consider this to be genius.

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Lyrics

2/5/2008 – 12:30 am

I’m currently listening to: Bob Dylan - Lily, Rosemary, And The Jack Of Hearts

I have, for a while now, respected great storytelling. A band called The Weakerthans reminded me of this last week. I am always amazed when I listen to a song and hear well thought out ideas. If I could work such imagery into my stories, I would be grateful. To fit it within the bounds of a song is even more impressive. Without the prowess of John K Sampson (The Weakerthans), Craig Finn (The Hold Steady), or Joanna Newsom modern music would be much less interesting (and intelligent).

I feel that this entry would be incomplete if I did not mention my favorite narrative song. “Lily, Rosemary, And The Jack Of Hearts” was originally sung by Bob Dylan in 1975, and to this day, people on NPR still debate its actual meaning. Before I heard this song, I thought Dylan was cool. After I listened to this, I understood the hype.

The cabaret was empty now a sign said. “Closed for repair”
Lily had already taken all of the dye out of her hair
She was thinking about her father who she was rarely saw
Thinking about Rosemary and thinking about the law
But most of all she was thinking about the Jack of Hearts.

Bob Dylan

I’m afloat. A float in a summer parade, up the street in the town that you were born in. With a girl at the top wearing tulle, and a Miss Somewhere sash, waiving like the queen. Beauty’s just another word I’m never certain how to spell.

John K Sampson, The Weakerthans

the priest just kinda laughed. the deacon caught a draft. she crashed into the Easter mass, with her hair done up in broken glass. she was limbing left on a broken heel when she said “father, can I tell your congregation how a resurrection really feels?”

Craig Finn, The Hold Steady

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Bests of 2007

1/24/2008 – 5:39 pm

Alright, I know this is late. Please cut me some slack. However, these are my picks for the best media of 2007.

Music

In years past, I have ordered this category as a top ten list. This year it seemed too difficult to make a distinction. As a result, I chose my three favorite albums, and decided to include honorable mentions for other albums I enjoyed throughout the year.

Spoon - Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga

Spoon - Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga

If I were judging this contest by album titles alone, Spoon would be near the bottom of the list. Fortunately, Brit Daniel is much more talented at writing undeniably catchy songs than naming albums. Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga picks up where Gimme Fiction left off, combining indie and pop in a way that makes so much sense. Songs like “The Underdog” and “You Got Yr. Cherry Bomb” showcase the straightforward pop likability, while the lyrics of “Black Like Me” reminds everyone that Spoon can do more than just write catchy songs.

The National - Boxer

I never listened to Alligator. The dark “Fake Empire” served as my introduction to The National… and I hated it. I listened to the song, and decided The National wasn’t for me. About a week later, I found myself craving the dark, driving melody of the song. Now, after digesting the band for most of the year, I can confidently say that this is one of my favorite albums of 2007. The deep bass tones of Matt Berninger, just add such depths to the sound. “Fake Empire” has grown on me, so much so that I would include it in the top five songs I heard this year.

Feist - The Reminder

Leslie Feist can flat out sing. While I had never listened to her solo work, I have been a fan of Broken Social Scene for a couple years now. Then came “1 2 3 4.” You know, that song from the iPod commercial. This song infiltrated pop culture in a way that few advertisements have in a while. Luckily, this inspired me to pick up the album on a trip to Target at some point last fall. With gems like “I Feel It All” and “So Sorry,” The Reminder easily sets itself above just about anything else I listened to this year.

Other Notable Records: The Stage Names by Okkervil River, The Bragg and Cuss by Rocky Votolato, Easy Tiger by Ryan Adams, The Reunion Tour by The Weakerthans, and Help Wanted Nights by The Good Life

Albums I Finally Listened to in 2007: Twin Cinema by The New Pornographers, The Earth Is Not A Cold Dead Place by Explosions in the Sky, Meadowlands by The Wrens

Movies

No Country For Old Men

I’m not even sure if any other movie should be listed alongside this film. I am still digesting what I saw, more than a month later. No Country For Old Men is the Coen brothers’ masterpiece. The characters and themes are fantastic. The suspense persevered throughout the entire movie. Is their a more ruthless villain than Javier Bardem? I doubt it. That man still haunts my nightmares… and I love it. You can either hunt and die, or give up and live. Which will you choose? If this movie doesn’t clean up come Academy Awards night, I will be amazed. If only some cinema near me would pick up There Will Be Blood, which I cannot wait to see.

Juno Juno

I love Oscar Season, if only because all of the good movies come out in a short span. Juno showed up right after No Country For Old Men, and presented another beautiful story. This one had a much more pleasant theme, however the characters were just as intriguing. I have loved Micheal Cera since the first episode of Arrested Development, but Ellen Page was new to me. I love her. She definitely earned her Oscar nomination. After picking such a dark movie for my favorite of the year, it felt good to be able to follow that with such a heartfelt and honest film.

Other films of note: Charlie Wilson’s War, Atonement, Ratatouille, and American Gangster

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Things That Make Me Happy

12/11/2007 – 4:14 pm

or: a brief tour of my room…

Spoon Poster

Ryan Adams Poster

Rose Bowl Ticket

#9 Benn Jersey

Soon to be Employer

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A (not so?) Brief Update

11/4/2007 – 11:00 pm

I’m currently listening to: Explosions in the Sky - First Breath After Coma

I am a busy individual this semester. In between my frequent trips for job interviews, I feel as if I am constantly engulfed in meetings for various projects. As a result, I have done a rather terrible job of blogging lately. I hope you’ll forgive me.

A lot has happened since I last posted. In case you don’t ever talk to me, I must inform you that the Boston Red Sox did in fact conquer all of baseball and bring home the World Series for the second time in four years. It was a wild conclusion to the Cleveland series, and another lackluster World Series in which the NL counterpart did not come out ready to play. I think the eight day layover really hurt Colorado. Still, it was a great for them to even be in the playoffs, let alone the World Series. Nevertheless, one should never have to turn off a playoff game because they feel embarrassed to watch the other team perform.

In other news, I spend nearly all of my limited spare time these days practicing my guitar skills. I promise you that my ability is still mediocre, but you might notice a slight change for the better… at least I do. Lately I have been working on “Wonderwall” by Oasis, “Slide” by the Goo Goo Dolls, “Wonderwall” covered by Ryan Adams, “Come Pick Me Up” by Ryan Adams, “The Quiet Things that No One Ever Knows” by Brand New, and “She Sends Kisses” by The Wrens. Also, I would like to say that I rediscovered (Whats the Story) Morning Glory? by Oasis, and I really think it is one of my top three or four albums of the nineties.

This weekend I finally made it out to the Champaign Family Video for the first time this semester, so I am going to go watch a few episodes of Friday Night Lights before I get back to studying for my finance exam tomorrow. I’ll let you know whether I enjoy the show or not, I’m kind of excited after the things I’ve heard about it. At least maybe it will keep me occupied while all of my favorite shows start switching to reruns after the WGA strike.

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Ryan Adams

10/10/2007 – 5:47 pm

I’m currently listening to: At The Drive-In - Alpha Centauri

Ryan Adams is prolific. If you don’t believe me, you can ask Pitchfork. However, a more remarkable statement is that Ryan Adams is now clean. No cigarettes, no drunken mess. So what does that mean for his concerts? Are the days where he fights with the sound guy then leaves the show early gone for good? How will this effect his reputation for highly improvised sets?

All I have to say is that Ryan Adams still puts on a fantastic show. He constantly talks– giving us insight about Diet Coke, the Illinois vs. Iowa rivalry (straight from the mouth of a frat boy at an Iowa kegger), quitting smoking, us being smarter for going to college, and his band. There were numerous jokes about leaving the stage, or how retarded his guitarists dance party afterwards would be. Adams also commented that if Maroon 5 were playing tonight, the place would have been sold out. He then proceeded to impersonate that horrible falsetto voice and sing about breaking up and getting back together with a girl three times in one song (which is, in his mind, the template to all Maroon 5 songs). At one point, Ryan had consumed a few too many Diet Cokes. A more professional musician might have rushed through things, remaining on stage but less animated, then taken care of his needs later. Fortunately, Ryan Adams doesn’t care. As a result, the audience got to take a five minute break while Adams relieved himself and grabbed a Fresca… at least we knew he was coming back. When he did return, he was still full of energy.

The music was everything that I had expected. The Cardinals have proven to be a wonderful supporting band, and it is clear that Adams works with them much better than the revolving cast of musicians who have joined (and left) him on other albums. Adams is giving his fellow musicians a lot longer leash, and he’s having fun doing it. The dueling guitar improvisations, even with his older material, were fantastic. However, Adams’ newer material really shined, gaining more power with its live rendition. Overall, I wish that he had played “Come Pick Me Up” or “New York, New York,” but hey, Ryan Adams is still a jerk. He just takes himself less seriously.

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Weekend in Review

9/23/2007 – 10:11 pm

I’m currently listening to: Owen - Bad News

I am ready for it to start feeling like fall. Honestly, it is September 23; 92 degrees is no longer a legitimate high temperature for the day.

However, I did get to spend all weekend attending a myriad of concerts, which were not (for the most part) as obnoxious as this unseasonal weather. I would like to take the time now to thank Andrew Bird, Owen, Okkervil River, and The Headlights for putting together a fabulous weekend for me. Yes my weekend started on Wednesday, following the footsteps of my friends in Hey Mercedes (who I got to see last weekend). Here is a quick rundown of the performances of the bands I listed above:

Okkervil River - Playing a very balanced mix of Stage Names, Blacksheep Boy, and their older material, this Austin band kicked the weekend off in style. Will Sheff was amazing, and a great time was had by all (except maybe the underage highschoolers who kept begging me to buy them drinks). I think the highlight for me was the slow transition into “For Real.”

Andrew Bird - If you have listened to his music, you already know that Andrew Bird is talented. However, if you have attended one of his live shows, you know that he is one of the most entertaining performers gracing eardrums today. Watching Andrew carefully construct the many layers to his songs on samplers before each song was incredible. It is impossible for me to fathom how he is able to hear all of these pieces in his head in order to bring them together perfectly at a later point in the song. Attending this show at the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts (with its perfect acoustics) only made this even more special.

Owen - Owen leads the industry when it comes to creating music that goes wonderful with the fall season. I could listen to him softly play the guitar for an entire week straight without tiring of it. I love the conversations between songs almost as much as the improvised lyrics. More people need to take notes from Mike Kinsella when it comes to independent music. Once again, the Pygmalion Festival deserves props for booking him in an intimate little coffee shop instead of Canopy Club.

Headlights - Finally, I had friends at the show with me (thanks Andy and Steph!). The Headlights have been working on a new album, and I could not be more excited for them. I am definitely a fan of the five piece band they have assembled. The bass guitar really fills in the sound at the live shows. Watching a band play to their home crowd is always a privilege, especially when its also your home.

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I Spent All Afternoon Doing Nothing of Value

9/20/2007 – 4:58 pm

I’m currently listening to: Sundowner - Midsummer Classic

Isn’t it a wonderful feeling when you realize that you have spent all afternoon accomplishing absolutely nothing of value? This afternoon I have:

Watched an episode of Psych
Thought about doing laundry
Read every entry on The Secret Diary of D.A. Carson (which is some great satire worth checking out if you are not easily offended when it comes to Christianity)
Played my guitar (I can almost play “She Sends Kisses” by The Wrens perfectly now, well at least according to my definition of perfectly)
Thought more seriously about doing laundry, and the homework I told myself I would do while I was there
Written this blog entry

In addition to this, I ditched my Accounting lecture this morning because I stayed out late watching Okkervil River perform at the Canopy Club. Tonight I’ll probably go catch Maserati. Oh, in the process of this lazy afternoon, I talked to Garmin, and we agreed that it would probably be beneficial for both of us to set up an interview in Olathe and see if we are a good fit for each other. I guess a job opportunity makes up for all of the rest of it (that is the point of college right? To gain employment?).

P.S. if anyone wants a Miller High Life or Jack Daniel’s t-shirt I have one of each courtesy of the Pygmalion Music Festival.

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Should Be Doing Something Else

9/17/2007 – 1:25 pm

I’m currently listening to: Spoon - Finer Feelings

First, I would like to say that I think if I had a camera, I would be much more likely to blog. Why, you ask? Because then I could just post pictures of the fun stuff I do instead of trying to find the words to describe it.

Last week was filled with job interviews and stress, so it only made sense that I didn’t do any work this weekend.

Instead, Andy and I went up to Chicago to see Hey Mercedes’ reunion show at the Threadless Grand Opening Party. I always enjoy the conversations we have on these car rides, and the band was awesome, therefore it was a good time all around. The concert served as a type of foreshadowing for the fantastic I will be having this weekend as I attend the Pygmalion Music Festival up here in Champaign. I know, you are all jealous.

As a side note, I watched the Red Sox/Yankees game last night, and despite the loss, it was a great game. I am definitely ready for October and post-season baseball, who is with me?

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The Wrens are Awesome

9/11/2007 – 8:21 pm

This is what happens when your favorite band is comprised of incredibly grounded individuals. They came and played a show in this kids living room using his family’s guitars and a cereal box in between their two sold out dates in Chicago. It might not be a legit post from me, but its pretty rad nonetheless.

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Ruckus

2/3/2007 – 5:56 pm

Ruckus? What am I referring to? The band that plays the cover of Freebird at the end of Elizabethtown? Although I firmly believe that band to be amazing, no.

Ruckus is a music service now available to all college students (with a valid @*.edu email address). Basically, it allows you to download nearly any album you want free of charge and listen to it on your computer. Sound too good to be true? I thought so also, but after a little bit of research, I must conclude that Ruckus is legit. Finally I have a way of downloading and previewing albums before I go out and buy them. Also, it allows me to hear the music I like, just not enough to purchase. I just figured I would let you all know about this awesome new opportunity.

Aside from that, I’ve been doing a lot of programming for various courses/jobs this weekend. The Minnesota game is tonight, and I anticipate a straight up beating. The Illini will look good tonight, and we will come away with another Big Ten victory.

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Top 10 Albums of 2006

1/10/2007 – 3:58 pm

I know its late, but I have been doing a lot of procrastinating over break. Here is my list of the top 10 albums of 2006 according to me.

The Hold Steady - Boys and Girls in America

1. The Hold Steady – Boys & Girls in America: This album was wonderful on so many levels. Whether it was the masterful storytelling exhibited by Craig Finn, or the arena rock throwback to years gone by, The Hold Steady put it all together and pulled out all of the stops for the most entertaining album of 2006.

2. Moneen – The Red Tree: For the majority of the year, this album was a staple in my car. I always knew I liked Moneen, but this album was leaps and bounds above anything they have ever created. They finally found a way to harness their eternally long songs (and titles) and make the album they were always capable of producing.

3. Joanna Newsom – Ys: I admit that I probably have not listened to this album nearly as much as I should have, but I can already tell you that this is easily one of the best records this year. Ms. Newsom further refined her vocal style and added a more orchestral sound, giving her deep lyrics even more life.

4. Rocky Votolato - Makers: When I first listened to this album, it didn’t jump out at me. After I finally listened to it again, I hated myself for how long I had let this album sit beneath a number of other less impressive records. Rocky has a feeling of humility and realness that seems absent in so many other songwriters.

5. The Lawrence Arms - Oh Calcutta!: I have loved The Lawrence Arms for some time now, and this record showed them finding the balance they always needed. The shared vocals on almost all of the songs were fantastic. I still can’t get “Are You There Margaret? Its me God” out of my head.

6. The Loved Ones - Keep Your Heart: I’m not sure that anything on this album is necessarily groundbreaking or original, but its all just so much fun. The Loved Ones know what they are good at, and they do it well.

7. Brand New - The Devil and God are Raging Inside Me: I think most everyone had been waiting for this album, and it lived up to expectations. Brand New took another gigantic leap with their new album. It is hard to imagine that this is the same band singing “Jude Law and a Semester Abroad.” However, I couldn’t even imagine hoping that they would go back.

8. Rise Against - The Sufferer and the Witness: I still miss Revolutions Per Minute, but this was a step in the right direction. I never doubted that Rise Against would let a major label hold them down, and they proved that they have given up none of their creative control in this album. Although, I’m still not a fan of “Ready to Fall” yet.

9. TV on the Radio - Return to Cookie Mountain: I will be perfectly honest, I just bought this album on Monday. If I had acquired it sooner, there is a very good possibility that it would be much higher on this list. I’m still in the process of taking it all in.

10. Headlights - Kill Them With Kindness: When I went to the concert this October, I was hoping to see Owen. However, I ended up falling in love with The Headlights. This band proved that indie is far from dead in Champaign. It has a few noticeable flaws, but the rest is so much fun that they are easily overlooked.

Honorable Mentions: Lucero - Rebels, Rogues & Sworn Brothers, Owen - At Home With Owen, Saves the Day - Sound the Alarm, Silversun Pickups - Carnavas

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Sufjan Stevens Might Be My Favorite Person in the World

11/7/2006 – 12:08 am

I’m currently listening to: Sufjan Stevens - Peace: Songs for Chrismas Vol. V

Sufjan Stevens Christmas

Sufjan Stevens just became greater than you, me, or anyone else I know. Understand that he is releasing a box set of Christmas songs containing:

5 Individual EPs
A Christmas Songbook with Lyrics and Chords
Christmas Stickers
A Family Portrait
2 Short Stories written by himself
An essay by Rick Moody
A Music Video and Comic Strip

Now consider this, the price is under $20. I can see no way Mr. Stevens is turning a profit out of this beautiful endeavor. Instead, he has decided to bless us all with one of the greatest Christmas gifts ever assembled (outside of baby Jesus of course). I am still in a state of belief, and cannot wait until November 24, when this package is estimated to reach my front porch. For those of you who would like a preview of what this set will include, you can visit Asthmatic Kitty Records to check out streams of all five EPs. Be amazed– its warranted.

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Rocky Votolato Is My Hero

11/3/2006 – 12:43 pm

I’m currently listening to: Rocky Votolato - Suicide Medicine - Suicide Medicine

Rocky Votolato

Wednesday night I had the privilege of watching Rocky Votolato and friends in concert. I must say, it was a wonderful time. The night started off with a band known as Casados. They were a smaller, local band that had a pretty interesting sound. I wasn’t sold on the singer’s voice, but the lyrics were pretty grand. Following Casados, was William Elliot Whitmore. In case you aren’t familiar with him (I wasn’t), he sings with an extremely deep voice, with a really southern style of music. While this might not be my favorite genre, I cannot deny his incredible stage presence. The man must have downed four or five shots of whiskey during his set, in the process of telling us stories between all of his songs. I don’t know if I have run into a more genuine musician in a very long time. After his set was over, he proceeded to carry a trash bag full of candy around the bar as a post-Halloween treat.

Next Rocky took the stage. He played an electric set, which was a little bit disappointing, but I quickly got over it. I would say that the majority of his songs came from Makers, followed by Suicide Medicine (both of which I bought after the show). Once again, there was just an extreme candidness in the way he performed. He told us the stories behind a number of his songs, many of which involved his wife and kids. At this point in the tour, Rocky had been away from his family for more than a month, and I could tell that it was beginning to wear on him. I couldn’t imagine leaving my loved ones for that long, just to travel around and play in a different city every night. It must be pretty lonely. Luckily, you could tell that he, William Elliot Whitmore, and Lucero (who wasn’t performing tonight for some reason) must really enjoy playing together, as they complemented each other’s music so well. At the end, Rocky ended the night with “Makers.” It was wonderful.

I don’t think that I could have asked for a better concert. The atmosphere was wonderful– laid back and informal. The musicians were humble, and grateful just to get a chance to play their songs. I don’t think I have ever met more polite performers (in they way they appreciated the crowd and thanked the sound technicians). I only wish that I had someone who liked good music up here to attend these shows with. If I hadn’t been forced to sit alone for the majority of the night, it would have been perfect.

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