The 4th of July has always been a big deal and I guess it is to all us Americans.
No matter what age or political beliefs the 4th is our holiday to embrace our culture and lifestyle.

When I think of this day I always associate it with memories of bonfires on the beach and the obligatory viewing of a fireworks display with family and friends. Ok when we were younger we did the family thing first then I would walk down the beach with my older brother and cousin to drink beer and undoubtedly get into trouble.
Weather it was getting busted for drinking by my Dad or getting chased through the dunes by cops, our night was bound to end one way or the other.

These days things are a bit different although I live close to the beach I have not been to a bonfire in many years and the only fireworks displays I've seen lately have been from a great distance. Mostly due to having young children and knowing there limits. However that's all about to change my boys are at the age where this might actually be enjoyable. We will be attending our local parade and fireworks display and joining the masses who flock to our town for this 4th of July.

It's funny how things can change but really stay the same.

So to cousin Jeff, brother Scott, and to everyone else Happy Independence Day. May you elude the trappings of the man and try not blow a limb off with an explosive.
Enjoy your celebrations and above all be safe.

Lastly because I seem to bring music into all aspects of life here's something I came up with off the cuff.

The Independence Day Mix Tape
1. 4th of July - X (obvious choice but still a great song)
2. You're Hand in Mine - Explosions in the Sky
3. A Salty Salute - Guided by Voices
4. Summer Teeth - Wilco
5. Indendence Day - Elliott Smith
6. The National Anthem - Radiohead
7. See America Right - The Mountain Goats
8. It's Summertime - The Flaming Lips
9. July,July - The Decemberists
10. Celebrated Summer - Husker Du

That was harder than I thought it would be, maybe I'll comit that to cdr tonight and annoy Mrs. Speakers and all my neigboors.

Neutral Milk Hotel or whatever he'll call it

The reclusive Jeff Magnum has posted a message to the E6 Townhall, the Elephant 6 message board stating the he has been recording songs, melodies, and sound collages for an actual album. There has been some Magnum hoaxes in the past but there has been confirmation from Cloud Recordings that this is really him. He's keeping things a little vague in terms of when we can expect to see this project and if this will be released under Neutral Milk Hotel.
You can read the full story here: www.pitchforkmedia.com

66-06
My 6 for the first 6 of 06

I'm about to get all High Fidelity on you.
As June comes to an end and we embark on month #7 otherwise known as July I thought I'd share.

6 Records that have been on my mind and on my headphones the 1st 1/2 of this year.
(in no particular order)

Misson of Burma- The Obliterati
Robert Pollard- From a Compound Eye
Tapes and Tapes- The Loon
Figurines- Skeleton
Sonic Youth - Rather Ripped
Belle and Sebastian- The Life Pursuit

Bring on the next 6 may they be as musically generous as the last 6.

Sun, Sun, Sun
Hey what's that I see in the Sky?
The sun is shining and the Sox are even in action as I type in an afternoon make-up game with the Phillies at Fenway.

Is this that Summer thing everyone's been talking about?

The Replacements are Back(sort of)
Today marks the release of The Replacements-Don't You Know Who I Think I Was? The Best of Replacements. Your response might be something like mine. Didn't they already put a Best of retrospective out?
Yes they did it was called All for Nothing/Nothing For All , a 2 disc affair that focused on the bands Sire releases as well as full disc of B-sides/outtakes. Where Don't you know differs is that it combines the Twin Tone and Sire releases as well as 2 new tracks recorded by the remaining or surviving members earlier this year. This won't be a reunion or a new beginning sadly, but it will be another testament of how great The Replacements were.
The songs don't lie.

Today also see the release of new records from Sonic Youth, Six Organs of admittance, and The Futureheads.

Go get em.

Juror #1
I have Jury Duty tomorrow and I can't believe I have made it this long without ever being called to perform my civic duty. I've seen too many bad court TV shows and I'm expecting to be called to serve on some high profile case. That won't happen, at least I hope not. That's the last thing they want!

Congratulations to my sister Kerrie on her graduation from the University of Massachusetts, Boston.

Nice work Kerrie!