I really need to get interested in doing laundry today, but looking outside, all I feel like doing is laying down on the couch and watching the Extras dvd I rented from Netflix. This morning's view has the look of...I don't know, just dread-like everyone outside is staring down at their shuffling feet as they struggle to get from one place to another, struggling to find the inspiration to interact with one another.
Headed to the Metro solo last night to catch Super Furry Animals. To the uninformed, take a pre-Soft Bulletin Flaming Lips and cross them with the Beach Boys and you'll get the idea. Compared to the extravaganza that was their last Chicago show, I was a bit underwhelmed, but I did read ahead of time that they'd be scaling back the stage show. Musically, they did their best to cover every album released since their debut in 1996 so the breadth of material was indeed vast. Support band Times New Viking seem to be riding some sort of buzz band wave as they've been mentioned everywhere. Maybe it was just last night, but their "lo-fi 'til we die" approach grew tiresome pretty quickly.
Friday night saw me playing in the South Loop again, this time with the mighty Pegboy. A. made it out (most likely because she didn't have to pay, hahaha), and having not seen her in close to 6 months, looked better than ever (that's a free compliment, the next one'll cost ya!). That night I'm sure I was way too critical for my own good, but I was not impressed with my performance onstage. Subtle nuances in certain songs were fluffed and I thought I ate shit on our last song, an 88FL "cover" (the irony was not lost on the fact that a very gracious Mr. Rise Against came out to the show). Nevertheless, I was stoked to get the chance to play with one of my favorite punk bands and look forward to our upcoming show at The Note on 2/29.
Vegas has been more or less in the picture for a few months now, and even more so the past few weeks. Call it nostalgia, or the fact that she heard the song I wrote about her, but she's come back in a big way. It's hard not to get caught up in the history of what made us so great without thinking of what drove us apart. Then again, why is it that we continue to find each other even after not speaking for several months? I hate thinking about that too much, so for now I'll just enjoy the ride, knowing at some point I'll jump out before hitting the wall. I'll be doing my best to keep the pining to a minimum (so far so good).
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Caught in the grip of a sinking ship.
Yes, I titled my latest blog entry after one of my own lyrics. I get to do that because I am...modest. Tonight wrapped up 4 days of recording the first proper ZTS demo, and not a moment too soon as we play with Pegboy this Friday (an All Ages one at that-yay kids!).
Sleep has been in short supply as of late. I've been restless, but not too irritable or discontent. I am used to hitting the pillow no later than 1:00 AM on most days but lately have been drifting off closer to 3:00 AM, and in the case of this past Friday night, up until 5:00 AM. I'd love to know what's causing this.
Evidently M. and I are no longer friends. She's denied it had anything to do with my not wanting to explore a romantic relationship with her, but it seems like opening up to her about past relationships and my desire to want to mend fences with some of them was too much for her. Oh, and apparently I was supposed to be mad at whoever she was/is mad at. Sorry, I prefer playing Switzerland than to get caught up in yet another woman's petty drama.
Ok, forget what I said about not really being irritable or discontent.
Sleep has been in short supply as of late. I've been restless, but not too irritable or discontent. I am used to hitting the pillow no later than 1:00 AM on most days but lately have been drifting off closer to 3:00 AM, and in the case of this past Friday night, up until 5:00 AM. I'd love to know what's causing this.
Evidently M. and I are no longer friends. She's denied it had anything to do with my not wanting to explore a romantic relationship with her, but it seems like opening up to her about past relationships and my desire to want to mend fences with some of them was too much for her. Oh, and apparently I was supposed to be mad at whoever she was/is mad at. Sorry, I prefer playing Switzerland than to get caught up in yet another woman's petty drama.
Ok, forget what I said about not really being irritable or discontent.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Recording, Day One: Sometimes quickly, sometimes slowly
Tonight after work began the first of three vocals sessions for the proposed ZTS demo. I'd not been over to Precision's family's house in close to 9 years, when 88FL still practiced there. I'd been a bit anxious in the days leading up to the studio-the usual fears of thrashing my voice or the general insecurities surrounding the songs themselves. Are they that good? The difference between going over songs in the studio as opposed to belting them out in a live setting is striking; thankfully, it didn't take more than a run-through of the first tracked song to convince myself that this band is most definitely onto something. Tonight we worked on "The Will", written about my alcoholic bottom, as well as "Catastrophe Awaits", a song written in the immensely frustrating first few days of Autumn.
From this past Friday through this afternoon, I've been able to reconnect with some old friends in the program. The embarrassment of the past several months having subsided, I reached out and let such friends know I'd been thinking of them. I can't honestly tell you when and if I will ever walk into another AA meeting, but it's important for me to stay connected with people who came into my life and made it that much more rewarding.
From this past Friday through this afternoon, I've been able to reconnect with some old friends in the program. The embarrassment of the past several months having subsided, I reached out and let such friends know I'd been thinking of them. I can't honestly tell you when and if I will ever walk into another AA meeting, but it's important for me to stay connected with people who came into my life and made it that much more rewarding.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
My toes...dude, I can't feel my toes!
It is under the comfort of a warm blanket that I can report on the happenings of this weekend. AZB flew in Thursday afternoon and in the days-no, weeks preceding her visit, I began to feel that all too familiar emotion of anxiety. As I've experienced in the not too distant past, things with us developed via e-mails and phone calls, and knowing full well that I am in no frame of mind to handle anything serious (well, what I want I can't have), I reveled in the knowledge that someone thought so highly of me that they were willing to fly across the country to hang out for the weekend. What started off as excitement late last year turned to anxiety as I soon realized someone I barely knew was going to be staying with me for four days and three nights. I've come to really enjoy having my own time and this feeling of disruption really knocked me out of sorts.
Last Thursday I picked AZB up at the Montrose Blue Line and we headed back to my apartment so she could shower and we were soon out to Kuma's for dinner. That night, rather than brave the arctic outside, we watched Idiocracy. While the sleeping arrangements weren't necessarily discussed, I managed to pass out early on the couch-another winter cold kicking my ass.
The next day I invented a scenario in which I could have some "me" time, so I dropped her off at the Blue Line and ran errands (including much needed "zen time" at Borders). Some friends of hers had invited us to a party/jam session that night and as my "scenario" included an overnight stay, she stayed over there and I had the entire night to myself. It's only now that I realize what a fucked up decision that was. I wish I could have just said that I'd like to just stay in Friday night; you have fun drinking and smoking with your friends, but I didn't so I'm left feeling embarrassed.
After picking her up Saturday afternoon we headed back to the apartment and napped most of the afternoon before heading to D.'s house to load up the new van and head to the show in Hillside. Not a fan of The Brauerhouse I gotta tell you, but we played a great set (shitty monitors notwithstanding), and it was good to talk to an old bandmate and his not so little brothers after 10+ years. While there, AZB got a little...um, touchy feely so I made it a point to keep my distance in the hope that D.'s girlfriend could talk her ear off (mission accomplished!). Our night there had already ended on the late side and a few minutes down the road from the bar, we ran out of diesel fuel. As soon as we came to a complete stop, panic set in in the form of D.'s girlfriend losing her shit. She proceeded to tell anyone that would listen that her body cools much quicker than anyone else. Rather than ask what the medical name for this condition is, I kept quiet while the others were able to contact one of the opening bands in addition to flagging down a car for help. Eventually we were able to throw 5 gallons of diesel into the van and headed back to River Grove. After a quick cup of coffee, we got back home just after 4:00am where I took the bed and she, the couch.
Over lunch at Noodles & Company today, I apologized for being emotionally distant and thanked AZB for coming out. I also gave her the opportunity to express what she had felt prior to flying out and while here, an opportunity I freely admit to not giving to virtually anyone else in my life for the past few years out of fear of conflict. Maybe this was easy to do because she would fly home and I could choose not to communicate with her anymore. At any rate, we caught a 1:45pm showing of The Orphanage and hung out at Barnes and Noble before dropping her off at the airport earlier this evening.
Now more than ever, I realize that the problem concerning the women in my life is more my issues than anything else. As I used to hear in the rooms, it's all about progress, not perfection, and I am far from perfect.
Last Thursday I picked AZB up at the Montrose Blue Line and we headed back to my apartment so she could shower and we were soon out to Kuma's for dinner. That night, rather than brave the arctic outside, we watched Idiocracy. While the sleeping arrangements weren't necessarily discussed, I managed to pass out early on the couch-another winter cold kicking my ass.
The next day I invented a scenario in which I could have some "me" time, so I dropped her off at the Blue Line and ran errands (including much needed "zen time" at Borders). Some friends of hers had invited us to a party/jam session that night and as my "scenario" included an overnight stay, she stayed over there and I had the entire night to myself. It's only now that I realize what a fucked up decision that was. I wish I could have just said that I'd like to just stay in Friday night; you have fun drinking and smoking with your friends, but I didn't so I'm left feeling embarrassed.
After picking her up Saturday afternoon we headed back to the apartment and napped most of the afternoon before heading to D.'s house to load up the new van and head to the show in Hillside. Not a fan of The Brauerhouse I gotta tell you, but we played a great set (shitty monitors notwithstanding), and it was good to talk to an old bandmate and his not so little brothers after 10+ years. While there, AZB got a little...um, touchy feely so I made it a point to keep my distance in the hope that D.'s girlfriend could talk her ear off (mission accomplished!). Our night there had already ended on the late side and a few minutes down the road from the bar, we ran out of diesel fuel. As soon as we came to a complete stop, panic set in in the form of D.'s girlfriend losing her shit. She proceeded to tell anyone that would listen that her body cools much quicker than anyone else. Rather than ask what the medical name for this condition is, I kept quiet while the others were able to contact one of the opening bands in addition to flagging down a car for help. Eventually we were able to throw 5 gallons of diesel into the van and headed back to River Grove. After a quick cup of coffee, we got back home just after 4:00am where I took the bed and she, the couch.
Over lunch at Noodles & Company today, I apologized for being emotionally distant and thanked AZB for coming out. I also gave her the opportunity to express what she had felt prior to flying out and while here, an opportunity I freely admit to not giving to virtually anyone else in my life for the past few years out of fear of conflict. Maybe this was easy to do because she would fly home and I could choose not to communicate with her anymore. At any rate, we caught a 1:45pm showing of The Orphanage and hung out at Barnes and Noble before dropping her off at the airport earlier this evening.
Now more than ever, I realize that the problem concerning the women in my life is more my issues than anything else. As I used to hear in the rooms, it's all about progress, not perfection, and I am far from perfect.
Monday, January 7, 2008
Rules and regulations-phooey!
Starting out 2008 here at work with Big Brother putting blocks on some of more popular websites such as a certain networking site I, uh...frequent. I suppose it's for the best. In their not-so-infinite wisdom, they've also blocked Google. This of course makes perfect sense when you are researching locations for members/clients and you need to get more info. They've yet to block gmail, obviously.
Tried watching Thank You For Smoking last night, only to get through 30 minutes before the skipping/freezing took place. Thanks, Netflix! I drove out to the 'burbs Saturday to grab The Boy and meet D. for I Am Legend at the IMAX. Better still was the 7 minute teaser of The Dark Night. Sunday was nice and lazy, just the way I like to end the weekend.
Hoping to get in the studio and rock some vocals this week. We'll see what DP's schedule's like.
Tried watching Thank You For Smoking last night, only to get through 30 minutes before the skipping/freezing took place. Thanks, Netflix! I drove out to the 'burbs Saturday to grab The Boy and meet D. for I Am Legend at the IMAX. Better still was the 7 minute teaser of The Dark Night. Sunday was nice and lazy, just the way I like to end the weekend.
Hoping to get in the studio and rock some vocals this week. We'll see what DP's schedule's like.
Monday, December 31, 2007
Slán 2007
Some random thoughts for what will most likely be my last post of the year:
If you haven't made it to Kuma's Corner, you really should. Hands down, the best burgers in Chicago, if not the freaking world. Had lunch with M. there yesterday. While most of their burgers are named for some killer metal bands (Neurosis, Mastodon, Melvins, etc.), I rocked the Famous Kuma Burger-bacon, cheddar and fried egg...mmm-MMM!
I've been without cell phone service for the past 48 hours due to the cell tower in my area being out of commission. Aggravating to say the least. Thanks, T-Mobile!
Even if I hadn't already planned on staying in with The Boy this NYE, there is nothing going on that would entice me to deal with all that drunken buffoonery. Maybe I would hit the Pegboy/Methadones show at The Note, especially since that starts early enough. Otherwise, what else is there? Spoon? Please, talk about overrated. Jon Brion? Pass. The Smoking Popes with Everclear? At the Hyatt Regency O'Hare of all places?! How's the fall from grace feeling, boys? I'll stick with leprechauns and video games, thanks.
I'm debating whether or not to take L. and his sister to go see Sweeney Todd next weekend. All 3 of us are Tim Burton fans, but the more I think about it, I don't think the musical premise will go over well. There's also the matter of catching I Am Legend as well. Decisions, decisions. The Orphanage looks amazing-I'll most likely fly solo to that one.
I've fallen in love with Squeeze all over again. Catchy melodies and the best lyrics this side of Lennon/McCartney.
See ya next year!
If you haven't made it to Kuma's Corner, you really should. Hands down, the best burgers in Chicago, if not the freaking world. Had lunch with M. there yesterday. While most of their burgers are named for some killer metal bands (Neurosis, Mastodon, Melvins, etc.), I rocked the Famous Kuma Burger-bacon, cheddar and fried egg...mmm-MMM!
I've been without cell phone service for the past 48 hours due to the cell tower in my area being out of commission. Aggravating to say the least. Thanks, T-Mobile!
Even if I hadn't already planned on staying in with The Boy this NYE, there is nothing going on that would entice me to deal with all that drunken buffoonery. Maybe I would hit the Pegboy/Methadones show at The Note, especially since that starts early enough. Otherwise, what else is there? Spoon? Please, talk about overrated. Jon Brion? Pass. The Smoking Popes with Everclear? At the Hyatt Regency O'Hare of all places?! How's the fall from grace feeling, boys? I'll stick with leprechauns and video games, thanks.
I'm debating whether or not to take L. and his sister to go see Sweeney Todd next weekend. All 3 of us are Tim Burton fans, but the more I think about it, I don't think the musical premise will go over well. There's also the matter of catching I Am Legend as well. Decisions, decisions. The Orphanage looks amazing-I'll most likely fly solo to that one.
I've fallen in love with Squeeze all over again. Catchy melodies and the best lyrics this side of Lennon/McCartney.
See ya next year!
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Mustaches and mini-tours
The winter beard looked like shit so I shaved it off. I'm awfully proud of the mustache, though, and kept that as well as a bit under my lower lip for good measure. I think I look debonair, and as long as I think so, I could give a flying fuck what anyone else thinks. So there. Hmmm...maybe I am just a tad bit narcissistic.
Tonight at practice I heard 3 new tunes and came up with some pretty cool melodies for all of them. I still can't believe how fortunate I am to have my muse back (certainly not the same as the old muse), and that the songs have been coming along at such a speed. We ended rehearsal tonight talking about setting up a Midwestern mini-tour of sorts, that last weekend in February. There's talk of hitting Indianapolis, but excuse me if I find that city and the majority of the state of Indiana to be repugnant. We'll more than likely hit Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin on this proposed trek. I start tracking vocals in a little over a week for the demo which only adds to my excitement.
Tomorrow night's plan after therapy involves meeting N. for dinner at Kuma's, and then down to The Note to catch Rollo Tomasi and Riddle Of Steel. Need to collect that belated birthday gift from her (a mocha I'm sure...hey, I'll take what I can get!).
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
