literal Rock with Electric Guitars



I've been spending some time loading up the iPod with some new music. The Decemberists latest The Crane Wife has been getting a lot of play lately. I will admit when I first heard it I was taken back a bit. Not that it's drastically different than there other releases but it is different. The beautiful instrumentation is still there but they've turned up the sonics a bit. Big loud guitars take position front and center on a handful of tracks but after a few spins it works nicely. It's a grower there's no arguing that but with after a few spins this album grabs you and rewards you hansomely. The Decemberists play Boston's Orpheum Theatre on Saturday November 4th.

Rainy Days and Coloring Books

It's a rain drenched Saturday here in Plymouth, MA today as we get hit with a noreaster. The kids are sprawled out on the floor with crayons and coloring books and we're all locked in the house for the day so I thought I'd take a minute to write. I guess if I had some outdoor activity I might mind but every once in a while I enjoy a rainy day just to hang out and relax.

Smashed pumpkins

Why is this looked at by the little bastards who live in my neighborhood as fun or even necessary? Don't get me wrong I was no angel I've thrown and egg of two in my youth, but its October 23rd and this is the 3rd time In a week that I've seen pumpkins smashed all over my street.

I realize I seem like the cranky old guy and that's ok. Most of the people in my neighborhood are families with young children and as a rule children love Halloween and they love pumpkins. We have a couple of small pumpkins that my wife has placed inside our home, however we always put pumpkins out on our doorstep to dress up our front door for trick or treaters. Where was I headed with this post? Nowhere really just to say that I may need some help with my idea. I'm thinking of boobytraping my pumpkins with some kind of sticky substance or electricity. Do not mess with the Evil Speakers and his children's pumpkins.

(Disclaimer: I will not use electricity or anything that may cause injury. Just let the pumpkins be.)

37

It's been a great week and I thought it was time to get off my ass and share. On Tuesday I celebrated my birthday with My wife and my two boys. Can I just say it rocked, because it did. It was exactly what I wanted, a nice dinner at home, a gift or two and some cake. It's amazing to me that the older I get the less I need in terms celebrations. I remember when I turned 30 my wife planned a surprise party which was great don't get me wrong, but for some reason this year trumped all others.

Now that I got the sentimental crap out the way lets talk gifts. I received a 30GB iPod. I've been using a non-Apple mp3 player for the past 3 years or so and thought I knew what was up with digital music players. Nope not even close. I'm like a little kid on Christmas with a favorite new toy.


So naturally I needed some new music for this occasion so off to Newbury Comics I went. I knew what I wanted as I've been waiting for the release of new records from The Hold Steady, The Decemberists, and Pernice Brothers. I was in and out before I could do too much damage. As my family and friends can attest to leaving me alone in record/music store can result in sever debt. All 3 of these albums are worth your time and need your attention, but I'd be liar if I told you they've all been getting equal playing time. I just can't get enough of the new album from The Hold Steady this should be required listening for anyone from ages 16 to 50.