indigo steve

2006-06-29T21:07:00.000-05:00

The New Pollution

In case anyone was wondering, I'm back.

http://web.mac.com/jairyg/iWeb/Site/Podcast/Podcast.html

Check me out. I'm Mac powered now, baby.

2006-05-01T22:07:00.000-05:00

The End, My Friend

Well, I think it is safe to say that I am no longer motivated to write here. I am going to stop. But I am not going away. I am changing formats. Look on here for a series of podcasts in the next few weeks. The podcasts will be:

What Live Is Like - This will be a live music review podcast of shows and festivals that I attend.

Music For Your Soul - This will be a music review/artist interview (on occasion) podcast.

So, you aren't totally losing me, Internet. As for the writing, it's been great writing here for the last few years. I've truly enjoyed it. But it is time to move on to something more...modern.

Someday we'll find it
A rainbow connection
The Lovers
The Dreamers
And Me

* Final title by The Doors

2006-04-17T22:19:00.000-05:00

"Wow!" shouts the startled crowd "Now now did you see what i did see?"

I was fortunate enought to get to see the final show of the Clap Your Hands Say Yeah tour on Saturday night at the Bowery Ballroom. And I as expected, I was oh so impressed with their energy and on-stage presence. I have fallen in love with the music of this band over the last eight months or so. Not only are they immensely talented and different sounding than damn near everyone else out there right now, but they are an amazing success story. They released their album on their own label and have had no trouble selling it and selling out every concert hall they have played. With amazing rhythms and singer Alec Ounsworth's off-key voice, they've taken the indie world by storm.

The show opened with Let The Cool Goddess Rust Away and knocked out every stellar number on their self-titled debut album. I am pleased to say that every non-album track was just as good, which should provide for an outstanding follow up, hopefully later this year or early next. It's also a great feeling when you enjoy a band's music so much that you see them enjoying their music on stage as well. I cannot encourage everyone enough to check this band out.

Brooklyn Vegan has pictures from the show.
Audiovant has an interview with Alec Ounsworth.

2006-04-10T17:25:00.000-05:00

God Only Knows What I'd Be Without You

I had the most incredible weekend and it was all due to the wonderful people I call my friends. So much so that I even had fun at a dance club on Friday night. I saw Karen Naomi and Fishing For Comets on Saturday. They were both amazing. And as for all my Unitarian bretheren - you make my world go around. Thank you!

* Today's title by The Beach Boys

2006-04-05T07:15:00.000-05:00

Found Found Found

I discovered a new magazine called Found. There are only four issues that have been published and I have three. The point of the magazine is that people find random pictures, notes, and such and send them in to this magazine. They publish these items into a magazine about once a year. The website has a few of these finds. Some are really interesting and others are just plain funny. I think you can find them at Borders and several other independent bookstores.

I might be one of the few, but I really find this stuff cool and interesting. And now, I am looking for stuff to send in everywhere I go.

I also bought the PostSecret book.

* Today's title by Morrissey

2006-03-29T18:56:00.000-06:00

The Mendoza Line/The Silos/The Minus 5

I visited the Mercury Lounge for the first time last night to see some bands. I thought the venue was pretty cool and intimate. Here is what I thought of each act.

8:30 - The Mendoza Line. These guys and gals are one of my more recent favorite since seeing and meeting them at SXSW. One might argue that they were the entire reason I went last night. At any rate, their show was fantastic. They mixed their country and rock tunes quite well. The stage banter between Shannon and Timothy provided for some good comedy.

9:45 - The Silos. I wasn't remotely familiar with this band, but they were pretty good. Their jangly and hard rock rhythms kept me rather entertained.

11:00 - The Minus 5. I was only familiar with The Minus 5 from the album they did with Wilco a few years back, which I adored. That and a few songs I've heard hear and there that I thought were pretty good. So, I had high expectations for this Scott McCaughey project. I also learned that R.E.M. guitarist Peter Buck was a member of this band. I was thrilled when they started playing and absolutely rocked. The Down With Wilco album is fairly soft. But the songs they were playing had quite a bit of kick to them. I will be checking out their latest album, With A Gun, very soon.

2006-03-20T19:51:00.000-06:00

SXSW Thoughts

This was my first experience at SXSW and I don't think it will be my last. I really enjoyed the entire experience. The conference and music performances were well organized. And I'd like to congratulate the city of Austin, which as usual, had it together to enable this event. I was very impressed with how few police officers needed to be around.

SXSW is not for the casual music fan. Aside from the cost, it requires endurance for getting around and a passion and appreciation for music and live performances. I think it also fosters a great environment for interaction between fans, industry folks, and artists. It was very cool to be able to meet members of The Castanets, Page France, and The Mendoza Line. It was great to be in such an intimate environment as many of them played. A majority of them are just walking around waiting to see other acts. And just like everyone enjoys being told what great work they do, these artists do as well.

In a time when mainstream music is pushing the concept of the "single", these artist hang on to the idea of making a great album. Many of them are involved in more than one band and more than just musicians. It's their life and it's what they do.

It was also nice to hear from industry personnel about where they believe the direction of music is going along with the changes in technology. It was also interesting to hear from artists that have been around for a while talk.

This was unlike any music festival that I have ever been to in that it had very few "big" acts that might bring people out. I'll be attending Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza, and ACL this year. I expect them all to be great, but nothing like this. It's something all its own.

On a less serious note, I enjoyed many PBR tallboys over the week. This guy is lucky that I didn't accost him.

2006-03-19T10:55:00.000-06:00

SXSW Day Four

I'll have my closing thoughts tomorrow, but it has been an amazing week in Austin.

2:00 - Laura Viers (Red Eye Fly). I first heard Laura Viers open up for Colin Meloy a few months ago and thought she sounded pretty good. This show was no different except I that I was inspired to buy her CD. She has a very soft sound with lots of loops while she harmonizes her own voice.

3:30 - The Mendoza Line (Red Eye Fly). Second time in as many days with these guys was just as good. I got to meet two guys from the band after the show to find out that they are playing the Mercury Lounge later this month. I picked up another CD of theirs too.

4:30 - Midlake (Progress Coffee). It had been a while since I had seen Midlake, but they were just as good as I remember. They played a couple of songs from their upcoming album. The songs sounded different - less digital, more melodic. I think they sounded pretty good and I am excited about it.

5:30 - The Brokedown (Progress Coffee). Never heard them before but they sounded cool. I'll have to check out more. They had a definate "California" sound.

6:30 - Page France (Progress Coffee). Once again, they were amazing. I even got to meet them afterwards. These guys are definately one of my favorites going right now.

8:00 - What Made Milwaukee Famous (Stubbs). These guys sounded pretty good, but I think being on the big stage (at Stubbs) made me a little apprehensive. I'll have to check them out when all pretense is removed.

9:00 - Rhett Miller (Stubbs). He's great, but he's even better with his band (The Old 97's). However, what I heard did sound better than what was on his solo debut.

10:00 - The Theatre Fire (Latitude 30). You'd think being from Dallas that I would know these guys, but this was my first time seeing them. I really dug their eclectic choice of instruments and original sound.

10:45 - Micah P. Hinson (Emos Jr.). His soulful voice and awesome guitar licks made this guy very entertaining. I highly recommend listening to him.

2006-03-18T11:32:00.000-06:00

SXSW Day Three

12:45 - The Evangelicals (Emos IV). I can't really make a fair assessment of this band since there was only the guitarist. He was rather melancholy in his playing. It wasn't bad. I think the entire band would sound better. He had kind of a Stuart from Belle and Sebastian type voice.

1:20 - The Castanets (Emos IV). This was by far one of the coolest experience I've had here. Instead of playing on the stage, they played in a corner for about twenty-five people or so. It was quite intimate and wonderful.

2:30 - Saw the singer from Art Brut trip and eat his shit on Seventh Street.

3:00 - Podcasting Licensing Forum. This forum was a little more formal than the one on Thursday. It was more about the legal issues and such that come along with podcasting. I am a little more apprehensive about starting this up, but am sure that I will do it. I think it will cost more time and money than I had anticipated.

5:00 - Frog Eyes (Emos IV). I have heard many things about this band over the last year or so. I decided to check them out since I couldn't get into Club DeVille to see Serena-Maneesh and Clap Your Hands. Vocally, I found them to be irritating. There was too much screaming. Musically, I really enjoyed them. The use of the pedal-steel guitar was magnificent.

8:00 - The Mendoza Line (Maggie Mae's). I knew about this band from their side project Slow Dazzle, whose album was one of my favorites of last year. Their brand of rock-a-billy and folk was refreshing at the time as I was getting a little indie-rocked-out. I picked up one of their older albums. The vocals and stage presence of Shannon McArdle and Timothy Bracy were something very unique and noteworthy.

9:00 - Tilly and the Wall (Latitude 30). Tilly and the Wall, hailing from Omaha, blends a unique pop sound with, get this, tap dancing. It was very entertaining, especially since they invited members of Of Montreal up to play with them (on a very small stage, mind you) on their last song, The Living Dead. I discovered this group in 2004 when they released their debut album and I am excited about their forthcoming album this spring.

10:00 - The Boy Least Likely To (Elysium). It's good to hear a band from the UK that doesn't try to sound like Franz Ferdinand or The Bravery. These guys (and gal) were very upbeat and harmonious. I heard their album for the first time on Wednesday, but was turned on to them a few weeks ago when they had a song featured on Grey's Anatomy. I really enjoyed this show as it provided some uplifting energy after walking around all day and being tired.

12:00 - Sonya Kitchell (Cedar Street Courtyard). I only half payed attention to her since I went there to sit and rest as I waited for Brandi Carlile to play. She wasn't bad though.

1:00 - Brandi Carlile (Cedar Street Courtyard). I am glad that I got to see her up close (front row) and in a small venue while she is still playing them. I think it is only a matter of time before this gal is playing larger arenas. She has a wonderful voice as well as excellent guitar playing and song writing skills. Her unique blend of folk and rock leaves me wondering who I could compare her to. I was also very impressed with her drummer, whose beats really resonated throughout the small venue. They had a the crowd singing on What Can I Say. I personally liked Throw It All Away. She played some really amazing covers of Willie Nelson's Blue Eyes Cryin' in the Rain and Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah. Too bad there was no merch booth because I really wanted to pick up her album.

2006-03-17T10:59:00.000-06:00

SXSW Day Two

I made some changes to the format and added more content to yesterday. Be sure to check it out.

11:30 - Listening Party with Wayne Coyne of the Flaming Lips. Catch and I went to the Cedar Street Courtyard for a special listening party for the Flaming Lips new CD with the band. It was rather unattended and I am sure people will be kicking themselves when they find out that they played some demos. Wayne was on stage with Steven and Michael playing some demos to show how four of the songs progressed into what they are now. It was all very interesting and has only furthered my interest in this new album.

1:30 - Interview with Morrissey. I've been a Morrissey fan my entire life and love him or hate him, the man is very intruiging. He sat down for a hour long interview with Rolling Stone write David Fricke to give his honest opinions on himself, his politics, the state of music today, his relationship with former Smith's guitarist Johnny Mar, and even his thoughts on how boring he think Joy Division was. I was quite impressed, and entertained.

4:15 - Invasion of the Podcast Forum. I've been flirting with the idea of turning this thing into a Podcast to provide better content and something a little more personalized. I was really interested in what some of the folks on this panel had to say (especially Nic Harcourt of KCRW) about the rise in podcasts and what the rules are. I think after attending this, the liklihood of this blog changing forms is only an experiment away. I will be attending another forum on this topic today.

5:10 - Of Montreal (Emo's). I've always known about Of Montreal, just never really listened to them. But I guess that is really what SXSW is about. I really dug the short set that I heard from them. Their bubbly and moppy sounds had everyone in Emo's bouncing up and down.

7:15 - Beastie Boys (Stubbs). Yes, you read that right. The Beastie Boys gave a special appearance at Stubbs last night. In my twenty years of listening to them, this was my first time to see them live. They ripped off jam after jam from each of their albums and had the crowd dancing like never before.

8:30 - Deadboy and the Elephantmen (Stubbs). This was a new one for me, but I really think this band has something. But in order to tell you what that is, I'll have to go back and listen to more.

9:30 - As we waited in line for another special performance by the Flaming Lips, Wayne came rolling by in a giant bubble down Sixth Street with several aliens and people behind him.

10:00 - Boy Kill Boy (Eternal). See Franz Ferdinand.

11:00 - The Flaming Lips (Eternal). Eternal is great place to see The Flaming Lips. It's set up perfectly to allow fans to see from many different angles. If it had any ventilation, it'd be perfect. Anyway, the Lips gave almost the same set as they did the night before. And judging by how they were dressed, I'd say they hadn't slept since then. There were more balloons and tons more confetti and it was a blast to see them again.

12:00 - Dirty Pretty Things (Eternal). See Boy Kill Boy. Too many of these UK bands that sound alike.

1:00 - Clap Your Hands Say Yeah (Eternal). I had waited a long time (since last summer) to see this band and they lived up to every bit of my expectations. Catch and I were front row dancing and shouting the lyrics as the boys of Clap Your Hands Say Yeah played great song after great song of their debut album and even a few more. I cannot wait to see them again today.

2006-03-16T10:13:00.000-06:00

SXSW Day One

SXSW 2006 started with a bang yesterday. Catch and I arrived in Austin around 1:30 and picked up our badges. The lines were not long and we got this huge bag of magazines, CDs, and other stuff. I haven't had time to shift through it all yet.

3:00 - We tried to get into this Canadian Showcase that was taking place across from the convention center, but apparently is was by invite only. We hung around outside and heard some of The High Dials.

4:30 - We attended an audience interview with the Beastie Boys, which was quite entertaining as they spoke about their new film and such. I don't think they answered a question with any level of seriousness.

8:00 - The first show of the night we attended was one of my favorites, Page France. I was greatly impressed with their set as they played several songs from their second CD, Hello, Dear Wind. I was able to pick up their first CD and a copy of their forthcoming CD.

9:00 - Next, we saw The Castanets. This was my first time seeing them and I was very impressed with their unique brand of indie rock. I mean, how great is it to include a banjo?

10:00 -After that, we had some time to kill, so we checked out Field Music. These guys were ok, but nothing special.

11:00 - I was only half paying attention, waiting for Serena Maneesh to start when Catch got a text message that The Flaming Lips were playing a surprise show that the Fox and Hound. I made a b-line straight for it, and it wasn't close. I walked right in with my badge and found the rumors to be true. There was Wayne standing on stage setting up. They opened with a cover of Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody which featured giant green and yellow balloons and tons of confetti flying around. They played a couple of songs from their forthcoming album, At War With The Mystics, an amazing version of Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots, Part 1, and a song I wasn't famliar with that they mentioned they had never played before. The encore featured them playing an Ozzy Osbourne cover with Peaches. If you have never seen the Lips live before, I guarrantee that you never seen anything like it. Go out and see them.

12:00 - After that show, I stumbled over the Parish to check out The Ponys (not be confused with the Asspony's). This was my second time seeing them and I was even more impressed with their style of hard rock.

1:00 - Finally, Art Brut finished the evening. I have to admit, I like this bit that they do. They are kind of a joke-punk band. They were very high energy and very entertaining.

2006-03-15T08:54:00.000-06:00

Eight Days A Week

Belle & Sebastian and The New Pornographers kicked off my week of music last night at the Granada with an amazing show. This week, I'll be at SXSW enjoying new artists. I'll try to provide updates each day.

2006-03-06T17:52:00.000-06:00

Here We Are Now Going to the East Side

For once, I decided to stay in New York City this past weekend. I ventured down to the Lower East Side with a friend to check out the Tea Cafe started by this guy. I've been wanting to try this out since I got here in January, but since it's only opened on weekends, I haven't had the chance. The tea I had, gyokuro, is a Japanese green that I usually order at every tea place that has it. Here it was good, but nothing special. The cafe had a pretty good atmosphere and pretty good food. I had a whole wheat bagel with cheese, tomatoes, and vegetarian canadian bacon. I couldn't tell the difference and it tasted pretty good.

I noticed the waitress there wearing a Belle & Sebastian t-shirt. She had been to the Friday show, a show I couldn't seem to muster up the energy to make it to. We compared notes from the shows that each of us went to. When I asked her about the New Pornographers, she gave a "blah" look. Which leads me to my latest theory about this tour. When I first heared that these two were on tour together, I was excited because I really like both. However, I keep running into people who love either one or the other. Makes some sense. They are two different sounds. But both so good. One week until I see them again.

At any rate, my experience at Teany was good and I'll probably be going back. Maybe next time Moby will show his bald head in there.

After lunch, we went to the Museum of Modern Art. We only got to visit the third and fourth floors because of time constraints. But I am ready to declare greatness on that place. It is amazing. I really dug all the Andy Warhol paintings.

* Today's title by Moby ("South Side" from Play)

2006-03-04T11:22:00.000-06:00

Another Sunny Day

"Sukie was a kid, she liked to hang out in the graveyard", was what I was dancing and shouting to at Nokia in Times Square at the Belle & Sebastian/New Pornographers show on Thursday night. I missed all by the last three songs by New Pornographers. I didn't think they would start that early. I did catch It's Only Divine Right, A Slow Decent Into Alcoholism, and (my favorite) Sing Me Spanish Techno. I wish I could have seen more, but I'll catch them when they come to Dallas on the 14th. Anyway, Belle and Sebastian was brilliant. Before I go on, let me state that I am a very average fan, at best, of them. I have and have heard all their albums, but not enough to absorb them all. I haven't reviewed their latest album (or any albums for that matter), The Life Pursuit, yet. But I can tell you that it is amongst the best that has come out this year. The album of theirs that I am probably most famliar with is If You're Feeling Sinister, so I was pleasantly surprised when they played damn near half the album. The Stars of Track and Field was an amazing way to start the show. They played several from each of their albums. Funny Little Frog, Dress Up In You, and Another Sunny Day were a few of the highlights from The Life Pursuit. Some I recognized, others not so much. I was happy when they closed their set with The State That I Am In. The encore featured Judy and the Dream of Horses and Me and the Major.

Since the show was sold out, I spent some time outside the theatre haggling with a scalper. I got my ticket for a mere $50, only a tad above what ticketbastard charges. In my opinion, well worth it. I think NPR is going to broadcast this one too on Monday. I highly recommend this one too.

2006-02-19T19:05:00.000-06:00

Box Full of Letters

Dear Gap, Old Navy, American Eagle, and Fossil,

Congratulations. You managed to successully invade my favorite clothing resale store. Just when I see a shirt that might look pretty cool and vintage, I notice your logo feces smeared on it. Now, don't get me wrong, there is a place for you in this world. But this sort of fabrication is just phony. When is this shit going to stop?

Begrudingly,
Indigo

Dear Karen,

You are so amazing. I really enjoyed your show on Saturday. I love the covers that you play. You really need to record some of those new songs. They are beautiful. Especially that Whirlwind song. I love it. And I love you. You are wonderful.

Love,
Indigo (aka - President of the Karen Naomi Fan Club)

Dear Elite Mac Users of The World,

I am glad to have finally joined your little clique and rid my home life of the evil PC. I love love love my new iMac with the gigantic 20" screen. It is wonderful.

Love,
Indigo

Dear JoJo,

I heard that the little red vibrating dog that you gave me for Valentine's Day was actually given to you by someone else. Is this true? I won't be mad at you. You'll still be my prom date. I better see you again soon.

Suspiciously,
Indigo

Dear Animals,

I think we're at peace now.

Your Friend,
Indigo

Dear Existence,

You are marvelous. Could you be any better right now?

Happily,
Indigo

2006-02-14T21:49:00.000-06:00

Heartbreak, Old Friend, Good-bye It's Me Again

I spent this Valentine's Day having dinner, tea, and junk food with an old friend. It wasn't a date, but it's better than my usual Valentine's Day. Pretty fun times.

New York is cold, but I like where I'm living.** Things are pretty cool over here in Bohemia. As walked through Union Square today, I really enjoyed how pretty the snow was. Well, the white snow. The yellow snow, not so much. I hope everyone is doing well out there. I think I might actually start writing about music again.

* Today's title by Old 97's (Valentine)
** A lyric from Leonard Cohen (Famous Blue Raincoat)

2006-02-09T19:39:00.000-06:00

I've Got Nothing To Do Today But Smile

I am having a tremendous time here in NYC. I went out to dinner by myself the other night. As I was enjoying cuisine at one of my new favorite establishments, two strange women knocked on the glass and began waving at me. I have no idea who they were, so I waved back. After dinner I walked down Amsterdam Ave looking for a bar when I came across a bar that was the setting of one of my ten most fun (and random) nights of my life. I walked in for just a few minutes to reminisce before moving on. I ended up at a bar where I talked to some stranger for about an hour. These are just a few reasons why I love it here.

Next week, I am staying at the Hotel Chelsea. It's been home to such musicians as (the Great) Bob Dylan, Dee Dee Ramone, Leonard Cohen, Jimi Hendrix, Ryan Adams, and Anthony Kiedis. Such great writers as Dylan Thomas, William S. Burroughs, Arthur Miller, and Mark Twain. It's also where Sid Vicious stabbed his girlfriend, Nancy Spurgeon, to death in 1978. I can't wait to soak up some history.

* Today's title by Simon & Garfunkel

2006-01-27T19:38:00.000-06:00

Take A Long Drive With Me

Wake you now, you bed wetters and ambulance chasers! This show was far too entertaining to not share. Just when I think I’ve seen and enjoyed the finest of what live music has to offer, along comes a intellectual poet from Montana to show me that I have seen nothing like him. I was so blessed as to be able to attend the solo performance of Colin Meloy (singer from The Decemberists) at New York’s Town Hall in Times Square on Thursday night. Colin delivered a Storytellers-esque performance and created a very intimate “campfire” atmosphere.

I was not sure what the mysterious Mr. Meloy would have in store for us that evening. But I was certain it would be fulfilling as everytime I have seen The Decemberists, I have wished that I could stay the entire evening enjoying their music. Would Colin play Decemberists tunes or his own solo stuff that I had not yet been exposed to? The answer would be an affirmitive to both. I wondered what the Decemberists songs would sound like acoustic. Would they miss the violins and stand up bass? Colin had an answer. He had us snap and whistle during Los Angeles, I’m Yours, hum during Red Right Ankle, and close our eyes during the final song of the night and imagine we were in Colorado, in a campfire, with “some mysterious guitar player” playing for them. He even encouraged us to sing along with him. Sipping wine between songs, he told the stories of The Apology Song, I, and We Both Go Down Together. He made us laugh with the satrical explanations of his props of a stuffed-animal pig, a skull, and a model ship behind him.

Colin also introduced us to some new offerings. The opening song was a song that I was not familiar with from his first band, Tarkio. He played one new quirky, yet dark song about murder that only he could write. He played another he wrote about the child he will be expecting in the next month. One he swore he’d never write. He brought out John Wesley Harding to play a few songs from his latest cover EP of songs by Shirley Collins. The songs I think I enjoyed most throughout the night were Grace Catherdral Hill, The Engine Driver, and Red Right Ankle. I left this show, like I have all others of his, wishing it weren’t over.

The opening act was a Tori Amos-like folk singer named Laura Veirs. I missed the first few songs of her set, but I wish that I hadn’t. Her set was really intimate and poetic. If you get the opportunity to see this show live, I strongly recommend it. If you cannot, NPR’s All Songs Considered with the Great Bob Boilen will be broadcasting Saturday night’s show in Alexandria, VA.

2006-01-24T21:53:00.000-06:00

What's the Frequency, Kenneth?

I know. I have totally slacked off on this thing of late. The truth is, I just haven't had the time nor the inspiration to write. There is certainly plenty of material to cover. The new Cat Power and Jenny Lewis albums were released last week. I promise this thing isn't dead. I've been writing on here for almost three years now. I guess I am just taking a little break. I'll try to write about the Colin Meloy show that I am going to tomorrow night. But I can't make any promises.

* Today's title by R.E.M.

2006-01-16T20:44:00.000-06:00

I...Will Try On New York, City

So, my first project back at my old job is done and I am ready for my next one. I start in New York City on Monday. Do you know what this means? Shows. Many shows. And first up, is one of my favorites. I can't wait.

Also, all you New Yorkers out there, I wanna meet you. Send me a line.

* Today's title by Clap Your Hands Say Yeah

2006-01-08T22:17:00.000-06:00

Run Like An Antelope

I am starting early on my new year's resolutions. I decided to make my January chartible contribution to a favorite charity, The Leukemia and Lymphomia Society. My good friend works for the society and has taken on a very ambitious task of raising money and running a half marathon. I chose to donate to her this month. If you would like to donate too, click here. For more information about Team in Training, click here.

* Today's title by Phish

2006-01-05T21:09:00.000-06:00

Reelin' In The Years

Last year, I posted my new year's resolutions. Let's see how I did.

1. Pay off my car - this will certainly happen. Most likely by April.
I did this in, I think, April, which was eight months early. Funny how I have so much more money now.

2. Cut my credit card debt in half.
Didn't quite make this. Oh well.

3. Triple my savings.
I shattered this one.

4. Take the freakin' GMAT!
Nope. I kind of gave up on the grad school thing for now. I suppose it isn't time yet.

5. Make it to Coachella.
Didn't make this. See #1.

6. Go visit this guy in Chicago.
I made it Chicago in July for Lollapalooza. I was there for almost four days. It was soooo much fun. I'd love to go back.

7. Consider the possiblity of owning a turtle (or two).
I found it was best not to do this because nothing can live in my apartment. It's impossible.

8. Read at least six (pleasure) books.
I don't know exactly how mahy I read, but I know it was more than six.

9. Join at least one organization.
Does a church count? I became an active member at the First Unitarian Church of Dallas.

10. Start contributing to my 401K.
Yep. I am hoping this helps on my taxes.

11. Donate at least $400 to charities.
I shattered this one too.

So, since I made good on most of these. Here are my resolutions for 2006.

1. Pay off my credit cards.
2. Become a vegetarian during the season commonly known as Lent.
3. Visit at least three new states.
4. Donate atleast $50 each month (outside of church donations) to a charity or cause.
5. Post atleast two album reviews each month.
6. Redesign this site.
7. Volunteer at least three times.
8. Make it to SXSW.

* Today's title by Steely Dan

2006-01-02T14:55:00.000-06:00

Everybody Put Your Best Suit or Dress On

This past New Year's Eve contained ten hours of the following:

- Blowing up balloons
- Overuse of the term"dry humping"
- A mind-blowing live rendition of Pink Floyd's The Wall
- And awesome new guitarist
- Drunk dials and text messages
- Late night debauchery
- People I love

I started at 7pm at the Elbow Room with Catch. I think it's kind of become a tradition that we start New Year's Eve there. Our favorite waitress was there to happily greet us with hugs, beer, and food. During which time, we helped her and the new girl (that swears she's met me about four times while I was, gasp, hammered) blow up balloons for their midnight celebration. From there, we went to the Granada to see Chris Holt and the (aptly named) Surrogate Band play the entire version of Pink Floyd's The Wall. I was especially impressed with the performance as each song was done to perfection. During the show, they built a wall on stage only to knock it down during The Trial. I left the Granada to spend midnight at the Home Bar with several of my friends. I made it in time to see the boys of Preston Grey count us off to midnight. They played after that. That was probably the first time I have seen them in a few months, and since then, they've added an electric guitarist. I was very impressed as this addition really livened up their music. Through the midnight hour, I called and texted so many people so that I could scream "Happy New Year " to them. Around quarter-of-three, I called it a night at the bar and drove over the Christie's apartment. For the life of me, I cannot seem to recall what I did there for the next two hours, but whatever it was, it wa sfun. I stumbled in at 5am and crashed hard. What a night. And though I joked about becoming the dry-humping champion, I never actually did it.

You can now view the pictures here.

* Today's title by Death Cab for Cutie

2005-12-28T16:53:00.000-06:00

What I Liked Most

This year was a great year on so many levels. Here are a few of them...

Top Albums of 2005 (in order):

As usual, if I didn't put your favorite album on here, it means that I either didn't hear it, forgot it, or thought it sucked. But wow! What a year for albums.

1. The Decemberists - Picaresque
2. Clap Your Hands Say Yeah - s/t
3. Iron & Wine and Calexico - In The Reigns
4. Bright Eyes - I'm Wide Awake It's Morning
5. Sufjan Stevens - Come On Feel The Illinoise
6. The New Pornographers - Twin Cinema
7. Spoon - Gimme Fiction
8. Feist - Let It Die
9. Death Cab for Cutie - Plans
10. The Books - Lost and Safe
11. Sam Prekop - Who's Your New Professor
12. Son Volt - Okemah and The Melody of Riot
13. Iron & Wine - Woman King
14. The Fiery Furnaces - EP
15. Fishing For Comets - s/t
16. Slow Dazzle - The View From The Floor
17. Devendra Banhart - Cripple Crow
18. Matt Sweeney and Bonnie Prince Billy - Superwolf
19. Doves - Some Cities
20. The White Stripes - Get Behind Me Satan
21. Karen Naomi - Blind
22. The Secret Machines - The Road Leads Where It's Led EP
23. The Prayers and Tears of Arthur Digby Sellers - The Shapes of Cynthia
24. Bright Eyes - Digital Ash in a Digital Urn
25. Beck - Guero
26. Silversun Pickups - Pikul EP
27. Various Artists - Six Feet Under: Everything Ends Vol. 2
28. Ryan Adams and the Cardinals - Cold Roses
29. Robbers on High Street - Tree City
30. Shout Out Louds - Howl Howl Gaff Gaff

Best Shows I Attended (in order):

And it was a great year for live music as well. Here is a ranking of the best shows that I saw during the year.

1. The Arcade Fire at Lollapalooza in Chicago, IL on 7.24.05
2. The Decemberists at La Zona Rosa in Austin, TX on 9.26.05
3. The Shins at Diamond Ball Room in Oklahoma City, OK on 5.6.05
4. Wilco at Verizon Wireless Theatre in Houston, TX on 4.23.05
5. Iron & Wine and Calexico at The Ridglea Theater in Ft. Worth, TX on 10.29.05
6. Spoon at Gyspy Tea Room in Dallas, TX on 6.24.05
7. The Wrens at Hailey's in Denton, TX on 9.27.05
8. Modest Mouse at Nokia Live in Grand Prarie, TX on 2.18.05
9. Interpol at Nokia Live in Grand Prarie, TX on 9.9.05
10. Neko Case at Sons of Hermann Hall in Dallas, TX on 6.20.05
11. The Decemberists at Trees in Dallas, TX on 3.31.05
12. Rilo Kiley at Trees in Dallas, TX on 5.8.05
13. Bruce Hornsby and The Noise Makers at Lakewood Theatre in Dallas, TX on 2.20.05
14. The Arcade Fire at Trees in Dallas, TX on 1.22.05
15. Ray LaMontagne at Gypsy Tea Room in Dallas, TX on 7.21.05
16. Widespread Panic at Nokia Live in Grand Prarie, TX on 4.30.05

New Friends (in no order):
Karen Naomi
Megan C
Brian D
Jenny C
Katherine A
Alana P (aka Tubie)
Lara J
Roges
JoAnna

Movies (in no order):
I wasn't that into movies this year due to time constraints. So, here are a few I liked.

Sin City
The Aristocrats
Capote
The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy
Broken Flowers
No Direction Home
Walk The Line
Crash
The 40 Year Old Virgin
Wedding Crashers

Radio Shows (in order):

1. All Songs Considered on NPR
2. Cooking With Pappy on Sirius 26 Left of Center
3. The Morning Show on KEXP.org (KEXP 90.3 FM - Seattle)
4. The Hardline (KTCK 1310 AM - Dallas)

Podcasts (in order):

1. KEXP presents Music That Matters
2. NPR's All Songs Considered
3. Bands Under The Radar
4. Coverville

Other Bests:

Best Night Out: Interpol show (9.9.05)
Best Day: The Sunday we went bowling for JoAnna's birthday
Best Music Venue: Trees (Dallas, TX)
Best Music Festival: Austin City Limits
Best Photo: this one (from ACL)
Best Thing I Learned: How to meditate
Best Sports Moment: The Astros going to the World Series
Best Book I Read: The Art of Happiness by The Dalai Lama

2005-12-20T19:33:00.000-06:00

I've Stepped in the Middle of Seven Sad Forests

I've often claimed that Bob Dylan was one of my heroes based on his amazing music. But after watching the documentary No Direction Home by director Martin Scorcese, I am even more amazed by him. The documentary chronicles his rise to stardom during the 1960's moving from his hometown of Hibbing, Minnesota to Greenwcih Village in New York, becoming one of the most influencial folk artists of our time. The interviews with Bob tell how he admired folk singer Woody Gutherie and how he denies being a "topical writer". It is packed with many live performances at festivals as well as shows overseas. There are also some amazing interviews with many of Dylan's companions such as Pete Seeger, Joan Baez, and Allen Ginsburg. As both parts of the three-and-a-half hour long movie progress, I realize just how free-spirited Dylan throughout his career. And though I have listened to just about each of the songs that are featured over and over again, I have never truly absorbed all that he is singing about. This movie made me realize not only what a great musician he is, but also what a great poet he is. I highly recommend this documentary along with all the bonus live material to everyon. You don't have to have been around during the 1960's to appreciate this.