Welcome back...
So today is my 33rd birthday. Seems like a good day to start posting in my journal again. Of course life is busier than ever, but here is what's currently happening:
Work
Every year around this time, oil companies start cutting back costs to make sure they spend less than their imaginary projected costs (so that executives can keep their bonuses). As a result, our company (a service company) usually has to cut people. I had to fire three people last week. I knew it was coming, so I was able to cash in some favours and make sure that all three of them had job options with other companies. All of them accepted the other jobs I offered them, so I sleep a little better at night...
Home
I finally finished building a mammoth swing/slide set in our backyard for my daughter. She now basically lives on that thing. We moved into our new house last December and it seems like the projects have been coming one after another. Lots of shitty things like third coats of paint and gutters, but ocassionally there is something cool like switching to Direct TV with the NFL package. Tivo is next...
Music
I think I'm in every band. The Uppressors record has been done for a few months now, but I don't know if it will ever be released. There is constant personnel changes and a general feeling that the band could implode at any moment. The Dream Junkies will be doing a reunion show on Oct. 2nd at Premiums. It will be kinda cool since I'm one of five guitarist in the history of the band so I won't have to play all night. Speaking of that night...The New Children will be playing a short set for the break (6 songs). This is the project I'm most excited about. I can't wait to see where the songwriting goes next now that we have Dave and Chris Cole involved. Of course there is always the solo album (Can You Feel The Silence?) that I'm always threathning to release.
Speaking of music, here are the albums I've been listening to lately...
Jimmy Eat World - Futures
I've been a huge fan since I first heard "Bleed American." I went backwards and bought all their albums. I lost my mind when I heard "Clarity." I think their new album is their best yet. I got an advance copy this morning and have been listening on repeat all day. I'll probably burn this one out before it's released.
Marc Broussard - Carencro
I never thought I'd like this guy. I saw him opening for Maroon 5 and Gavin DeGraw and thought he was ok. I heard his EP and thought it was total shit. Of course, being interested in any local artist (especially one signed to Island Records) I checked out his new album and was really surprised at how much I liked it. The guy has a great voice and has surrounded himself with first rate musicians.
The Finn Brothers - Everyone Is Here
Shit, where to begin. I've been in love with Neil Finn's songwriting since Split Enz in the late 80's. Of course he was the guitarists/singer in the criminally underrated band Crowded House till they broke up in 1996. He's made a few great solo albums since then. This new album was made with his brother Tim (who was in Split Enz and Crowded House). I've only heard it once (it came out today) but I know that I'll be wearing this out.
Greg Dulli
I rediscovered the Afghan Whigs lately. Greg's other releases as the Twilight Singers are also excellent. I fucking love that guy. He makes me feel uncomfortable. I like that.
Flickerstick
After the show sunday night I also started listening to Flickerstick again. Can't wait for the new album (oct. 5th). Brandin is one of the greatest vocalists ever. That's not even debatable.
Thanks to everyone who did wish me a happy birthday today. I love all you bastards...
Work
Every year around this time, oil companies start cutting back costs to make sure they spend less than their imaginary projected costs (so that executives can keep their bonuses). As a result, our company (a service company) usually has to cut people. I had to fire three people last week. I knew it was coming, so I was able to cash in some favours and make sure that all three of them had job options with other companies. All of them accepted the other jobs I offered them, so I sleep a little better at night...
Home
I finally finished building a mammoth swing/slide set in our backyard for my daughter. She now basically lives on that thing. We moved into our new house last December and it seems like the projects have been coming one after another. Lots of shitty things like third coats of paint and gutters, but ocassionally there is something cool like switching to Direct TV with the NFL package. Tivo is next...
Music
I think I'm in every band. The Uppressors record has been done for a few months now, but I don't know if it will ever be released. There is constant personnel changes and a general feeling that the band could implode at any moment. The Dream Junkies will be doing a reunion show on Oct. 2nd at Premiums. It will be kinda cool since I'm one of five guitarist in the history of the band so I won't have to play all night. Speaking of that night...The New Children will be playing a short set for the break (6 songs). This is the project I'm most excited about. I can't wait to see where the songwriting goes next now that we have Dave and Chris Cole involved. Of course there is always the solo album (Can You Feel The Silence?) that I'm always threathning to release.
Speaking of music, here are the albums I've been listening to lately...
Jimmy Eat World - Futures
I've been a huge fan since I first heard "Bleed American." I went backwards and bought all their albums. I lost my mind when I heard "Clarity." I think their new album is their best yet. I got an advance copy this morning and have been listening on repeat all day. I'll probably burn this one out before it's released.
Marc Broussard - Carencro
I never thought I'd like this guy. I saw him opening for Maroon 5 and Gavin DeGraw and thought he was ok. I heard his EP and thought it was total shit. Of course, being interested in any local artist (especially one signed to Island Records) I checked out his new album and was really surprised at how much I liked it. The guy has a great voice and has surrounded himself with first rate musicians.
The Finn Brothers - Everyone Is Here
Shit, where to begin. I've been in love with Neil Finn's songwriting since Split Enz in the late 80's. Of course he was the guitarists/singer in the criminally underrated band Crowded House till they broke up in 1996. He's made a few great solo albums since then. This new album was made with his brother Tim (who was in Split Enz and Crowded House). I've only heard it once (it came out today) but I know that I'll be wearing this out.
Greg Dulli
I rediscovered the Afghan Whigs lately. Greg's other releases as the Twilight Singers are also excellent. I fucking love that guy. He makes me feel uncomfortable. I like that.
Flickerstick
After the show sunday night I also started listening to Flickerstick again. Can't wait for the new album (oct. 5th). Brandin is one of the greatest vocalists ever. That's not even debatable.
Thanks to everyone who did wish me a happy birthday today. I love all you bastards...