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MVM: Massive Attack - Sly

2009-05-25T23:45:09Z

MVM: Hum - Green to Me

2009-04-28T01:45:14Z

southlander @ 2009-04-07T17:10:00

2009-04-07T21:12:49Z

I got a haircut today.

I should really find a new barbershop. When I go in there, I have a 50/50 chance of getting a good haircut. There's the old guy, whom I hope I get, and then there's the slightly older guy. I got him this time. He always cuts my hair way too short and never listens to my requests. I guess crew cut is the only hairstyle he knows or can do these days. And he always kills my sideburns. I mean, I keep them short to begin with, but he takes them all the way off. Should have said something. Maybe I'm too nice to the slightly older guy, but he is the one with the sharp scissors, so...

Anyway, I sat down, said "Just a trim, please" and wound up with a crew cut. Well, actually, it's more like a "Give-it-a-couple-weeks." So no rockin' pompadour for a month or so. Maybe I should just cut my own hair from now on.

MP3: Smoking Popes - Brand New Hairstyle

MVM: The Dead Milkmen - Methodist Coloring Book

2009-03-30T17:54:21Z

southlander @ 2009-03-19T01:41:00

2009-03-19T06:40:31Z

Lemme give you a quick rundown of the past couple of days.

My uncle Joe passed away Sunday before last, so I flew up to Arkansas last Thursday for the funeral. Getting up there wasn't too bad, even though it was in a real roundabout way; Daytona Beach to Atlanta, Atlanta to Indianapolis, Indianapolis to Cincinnati, Cincinnati to Fayetteville. Same way back in reverse.

The fuck, Delta?

Honestly, the whole thing was what you'd expect from a bunch of Irish-Scottish-Welsh people: Stories, booze, and a poorly concealed private mourning. Everyone kept it together pretty well, even though it was very obviously tough on aunt Gretta and cousins Amy and Ali, and my old man, especially. Met many of their old friends (likable Zonians. Who knew?) and heard many stories that made me wish I had know Joe better. It was odd standing in his workshop, like you'd expect him to pop in at any minute with the offer of a cold beer while he sneaked a quick smoke.

Now, getting to it:

I met my little cousin Liam, who is Ali's son. He's about one year old, and, well, a baby, I guess. Everyone was oohing and awing over him, but I don't know anything about babies. He looked at me, and I said "Hi." I figured that was good enough. I suppose he didn't have much to say, himself.

I finally met my cousin Jimmy, or as he might be better known, "Sharpie, the biker Poet." His poetry, while not bad, is, uh... Well, it's not bad. Maybe it was the brain injury he endured several years prior? Anyway, I learned quickly that his vocabulary is dominated by words like "I" and "me." But he's still a nice guy. And he fell out of his chair at the bar. I don't know what caused that (too much drink?), but that's one for the family reunions. As is the giant goddamn fireball that everyone missed, apparently.

See, everyone pitched in on Sunday to clean up the property, and there was a large pile of wood to be burned. So Amy and I set about dousing it in gasoline while everyone went inside for a break. We didn't use enough, or spent to much time trying to light it and the gas evaporated, so Amy grabbed the gas can and started throwing more on the pile, thinking the fire we tried had gone out. Well, it hadn't.

Imagine a huge mushroom cloud of flame suddenly rising out of fucking nowhere.

Granted, we were tired and a bit out of it from earlier in the day, but goddamn, that was a stupid thing for us to do. And nobody else saw it! How the hell do you miss something like that? Another one for the reunion.

Moving on to Sunday night, there was a dinner at my aunt Cathy's house (Jimmy is her son, by the way). More booze and stories. And, eh, poetry. And of course Pumpkin, Cathy's dog. Pumpkin is a sweetie, but he's really just a tube of dog. I guess it's all the people food she feeds it. And I still have his hair on my clothes. That's like the mud on my shoes. Just when I think I got all of it, there's still even fucking more.

And now back to the airports. I was stuck in Cincinnati for damn near five hours. I also was stuck in Atlanta for 3 1/2, but I didn't see anybody famous there. I swear on a stack of Green Lantern back issues, I saw Dustin Diamond in the Cincinnati airport. Fuckin' Screech. I didn't say anything to him, just passed him. I was walking by, and he was standing on the moving walkway. We locked eyes for a good five seconds. Weirdest thing, really. I mean, Screech? That's who I get to brag about seeing once? Fuckin' Cincinnati.

That's it. Well, the flight back to Daytona was terrible. I was surrounded by about 21 years of retard, all decked out in fraternity and sorority t shirts. Why do people still come here for spring break? Just let me live my life in this piss stain of a town in peace.

Now that's it.

MP3: The One Up Downstairs - Rememories

southlander @ 2009-02-28T17:23:00

2009-02-28T22:29:00Z

Finally got my computer fixed. In fact, I'm using it right now! And it was much less expensive than I had thought. Went in, told the guy the problem, and was out in 15 minutes. Not too bad.

Then when I went to put one of the business cards in my wallet, I noticed a $30 Barnes & Noble gift card I had forgotten about. Couldn't remember if I had used it or not, so I called up the number to check the balance. Still at $30. Just got the first volume of Scott Pilgrim for free.

And who woulda thought that anything good could happen during Bike Week?

MP3: Teenage Bottlerocket - Social Life

MVM: The Aquabats - Super Rad

2009-02-23T18:01:20Z

southlander @ 2009-02-23T02:29:00

2009-02-23T07:46:27Z

I can't believe February is almost over. It still seems like New Year's Eve was just one or two weeks ago. Last year, on the other hand... The last week of February felt like the last week of February. But that's a good sign, isn't it? I mean 2008 just dragged the fuck on and on. Sure there were some pretty awesome and historical happenings last year, but it took goddamn forever.

In other news, I've been seeing this gif...

...which I made about two years ago, pop up at random on the internet.

Color me surprised.

MVM: Folk Implosion - Natural One

2009-01-27T12:16:47Z

The Watson Twins - Fire Songs

2009-01-22T00:31:03Z

I picked up this album (on white vinyl, no less!) last November after seeing the Watson Twins open for Billy Bragg. I gotta admit, I didn't think it would be that good. I'd never heard any of their solo stuff and thought the songs they did with Jenny Lewis were just ok. I wasn't even really that moved by their set at the show, either. Honestly, I only bought the record because I'm a vinyl junkie and thought it would be a nice (if sparsely listened to) addition to my collection.

I finally threw it on a few days after I got home and was quite impressed by it. At best, I thought it was going to be a quiet little alt-country record that would mostly serve as background noise. Instead, it turned out to be the most soulful and beautifully recorded album I had heard all last year. I keep trying to think of an album to compare it to, and the only one I can think of is Dusty in Memphis (so sue me). Fire Songs comes across as a more restrained American answer to Springfield's more upfront album, but I think the Twins certainly owe a debt to her and that record in particular.

I think I was most impressed by Chandra and Leigh's vocals. The warmth and maturity in their singing is undeniable and makes the album a pleasure to listen to. I can't believe I hadn't noticed that on Rabbit Fur Coat. Tracks like "Lady Love Me," "Bar Woman Blues," and the gorgeous "Only You" are shining examples of the aforementioned warmth. "Bar Woman Blues" in particular is a real standout, incorporating and encompassing everything good about blue-eyed soul, alt-country, and indie pop. The album also includes a great, very mellow cover of The Cure's "Just Like Heaven." While not my personal fav cover of the song (that goes to Dinosaur Jr.), it's a close second.

Fire Songs is definitely worth your time and will warrant repeat listens several times a day for a good month (I've almost completely worn out my copy).

MP3: The Watson Twins - Just Like Heaven
MP3: The Watson Twins - Bar Woman Blues

southlander @ 2008-12-31T17:20:00

2008-12-31T22:24:34Z

Finally.

2008 can just piss off. Though I don't have high hopes for 2009.

MP3: Embrace - End of a Year

MVM: Look Mexico - You Come Into My House, While I Sleep?

2008-12-30T04:00:41Z

southlander @ 2008-12-24T17:00:00

2008-12-24T22:14:04Z

And finally, it's almost over.

Just one more day of the Xmas bullshit. I honestly can't wait for the 26th. I feel like a kid on, well, Christmas Eve (ha ha). The only thing that'd make Boxing Day better is if it were cold. But it won't be. I mean, today I've got the windows open and the ceiling fan on high. So I'm not expecting some wintry weather that'll allow me to crack open that bottle of cognac. Fuckin' Florida...

MP3: Descendents - Christmas Vacation

southlander @ 2008-12-11T19:11:00

2008-12-12T00:32:00Z

51.

I have added 51 records to my collection this year. Granted, 24 of them were $1 thrift store finds, but still. The funny thing, though, is that I'm not satisfied. Not in the least. I want more. Need more. Collecting vinyl is an addiction.

Still sans computer at the moment, though I've grown accustomed to this laptop. The only drawback is the lack of music (and funny pictures from Digg on the hard drive). I'll get it fixed soon.

Thanksgiving wasn't so bad. From what I remember, anyway. Booze goes a long way in helping me tolerate my family. And that tofurkey wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. Maybe next year we'll prepare a tofurducken. Do they even make such a thing? If not, I call dibs on the patent.

Anyway. Nothing much going on right now. Nowhere to go and nothing to do. Just waiting for the goddamn holidays to pass. Like I've said before, I don't like Christmas. I prefer real holidays like Arbor Day. I swear I'm gonna throw a bitchin' party come Presidents Day.

MP3: Jawbreaker - First Step

MVM: Tocotronic - Die Welt kann mich nicht mehr verstehen

2008-11-24T05:18:06Z

southlander @ 2008-11-09T21:30:00

2008-11-10T02:33:52Z

So after all of that...

I'm getting over it. Still in mourning, but moving on. It's just kind of a sad reminder when I wake up in the morning. I'm so in the habit of going out to the laundry room, saying "Hey, buddy," patting him on the head and making sure he's got enough of everything. It'll be tough to break that one.

Anyway.

Holy crap, America. I am amazed. And proud. And surprised that Florida went blue. Awesome. Totally awesome. And I'm so happy that I don't have to pretend to know anything about politics for another four years.

On the music front... Well, there is none. Not now, at least. I know, I know. All of you imaginary readers are so let down. The free music train is out of commission. It'll be back soon enough. I just don't have a computer right now. Something happened to the power supply on my desktop, so it's in the shop and I'm stuck with this crappy laptop. It'll probably be there a little longer than expected, though. It's a Compaq, and I've spent enough years dealing with them to know that they are pieces of shit and sometimes just need a good swift kick up the ass to function correctly. Like children. So I might have done some damage. We'll see.

(Just kidding about that hitting kids thing. I in no way advocate beating children. Well, most children, anyway.)

southlander @ 2008-11-05T20:16:00

2008-11-06T01:20:48Z

My rabbit, Yoda, passed away today. He had been going downhill for the past 6 months, and the last couple of days were pretty bad for him. At least I can be consoled by the thought that he's no longer in pain.

I didn't think it would be this hard to say goodbye. But eleven years is a long time. He was a very good rabbit, and, something of a friend. He will be greatly missed.

Proost, buddy.

02/01/97 - 11/05/08

southlander @ 2008-11-04T00:35:00

2008-11-04T05:50:14Z

Asheville was a trip, from what I can remember. Which is why I missed Halloween. I got ripped to the tits Thursday night, and would have died of alcohol poisoning on Friday. That, and my costume didn't work out (note: remember to read directions when dying clothes). But it had a few high points.

I was in the zombie walk and yelled at/got yelled at by a bunch of Palin tourists. And the lame zombie rap group. I know, sounds like it would be col, but no. It's not. Pretty sure I was on public access last week, too. Fuck, I could smell Brother Chris from 20 feet. And that man has a tv show.

Finally got to see Billy Bragg Sunday night. Awesome show. Even though I had fucking x's on my hands because of my out-of-state ID. Ran home after the Watson Twins' set to grab my passport and remedy that. Billy Bragg played all my favorite songs. Bought a Watson Twins album. Pressed on white vinyl. Always been a sucker for colored vinyl.

Anyway. go vote tomorrow.

MP3: The Ergs! - Linus and Lucy

MVM: Gary Young - Plantman

2008-10-27T16:17:44Z

Cover song grab bag: Elliott Smith

2008-10-24T00:38:54Z

Meant to post these on the 21st, but it slipped my mind.

MP3: Elliott Smith - Care of Cell 44 (The Zombies)
MP3: Elliott Smith - Walk Away Renée (The Left Banke)
MP3: Elliott Smith - Harvest Moon (Neil Young)
MP3: Elliott Smith - These Days (Jackson Browne/Nico)
MP3: Elliott Smith - For No One (The Beatles)

southlander @ 2008-10-13T22:43:00

2008-10-14T03:02:21Z

I don't know what's been happening to me the past few days. I feel... happy? It's been awhile since it's been like that. I suppose it has something to do with the weather. I mean, it's October, so it's still hot and humid. Just less so. That could be it.

Anyway, Halloween is coming up. I will be spending it in Asheville this year, which is apparently the best place to be for it. Probably because of all the hippies. And not only am I celebrating it this year, but I'll be in costume. Yeah, as Coach McGuirk from Home Movies. But only if I can find the shirt he wears (or close enough). If not, I guess I'll just wear a suit. Though I'm not that into having to schlep it around on the trip to or back. So I'll have to see.

MP3: Beat Happening - What's Important

~~Damn. Waited too long to find a ticket. Well, looks like I'll be here for Halloween.~~

Never mind. Found a ticket.

MVM: Those Dancing Days - Hitten

2008-09-29T04:15:54Z

I was going to wait until next week's release of Those Dancing Days' debut to put up a review for this band, but figured their self-titled EP would suffice. Unfortunately, I find that there's not much to say about it. It's a nice slice of Scandinavian indie pop (the band is from Sweden), and reminds me why I like those bands, but... If you're looking for something profound and life-changing, this record is not it. If, however, you are looking for music with an unabashed sense of fun, this is it.

I suppose the only real critical things I can say are:

(a) the drumming sounds a little off in a few places

(b) the keyboards are very overwrought, taking too much time up front

(c) the guitar playing is, by itself, nothing that new for the genre

But then again, those are also the things that add just the right amount of charm to the songs to make them work.

MP3: Those Dancing Days - Hitten (right click, "save as")
MP3: Those Dancing Days - Those Dancing Days (right click, "save as")

southlander @ 2008-09-23T05:05:00

2008-09-23T09:25:33Z

Don't you hate it when you wake up and can't back to sleep? Eh, it's alright, I guess. I already got my three hours in.

So since I'm up and there's nothing good on tv late at night, I've been reading through Digg playing catch-up on the election. You know, there are many things I'd like to say about it, but I just can't seem to find the words. Reading about the scandals, half truths and outright lies from McCain/Palin just leaves me with a dull sense of outrage. I say dull because it's not like I can do anything about it. Oh, you can pull the "Every vote matters! Democracy in action!" card on me all you want. Tell me how one person in this day and age can make a difference, and I'll owe you a coke.

But don't get the wrong idea here. Me not liking or agreeing with McCain on anything doesn't mean I think Obama is made out of hope and candy. Honestly I'm not that jazzed about being forced to vote Democrat. Sure, I could go with a third party, but where would that leave me? With a vote that didn't matter (even more) and possibly on the mailing list for some poorly xeroxed newsletter, that's where.

Christ... America, I love you, but you're bringing me down.

MP3: Billy Bragg - Waiting for the Great Leap Forwards (2007) (right click, "save as")

More cowbell references.

2008-09-10T22:16:05Z

Kudos to the guys over at Boing Boing for spreading the word on morecowbell.dj. It's a great time waster, and I've spent the last thirty minutes trying it out. Some of the songs I ran through sounded pretty good, and others... Well, I suppose there is such a thing as too much cowbell. But give it a shot. You might create comedy gold.

Of course, I had to put in BOC just to see what would happen. It's so...meta.

A few others:
The Dead Milkmen - Tiny Town
The Ergs! - Linus and Lucy

MVM (early/late): De La Soul & Teenage Fanclub - Fallin'

2008-09-08T10:38:25Z