Notes and Dabbles, Notebook stories

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Time

How does time get away from me? I have all good intentions of blogging. I start blogs, I think about posts that won't just be normal internet rants or raves about something that only I care about. But then, life gets in the way. I haven't even thought about blogger in forever. Probably the most user unfriendly blog out there. To unfollow blogs it takes me 4 steps. It should be much easier. Much easier to do everything. Make it like tumblr so that you can follow or unfollow in a few simple clicks. Oh well, I'm getting older, since my last post I've become 33 years old. I'm getting married in a few months, I'll be getting on a huge boat and sailing down the eastern coast to the Bahamas. I'll be making stops in places I never thought I'd get to see. I'll be taking pictures of my wife and myself. My wife... that is a crazy thing to say. I'll get to see that blue turquoise colored water that you only get to see on postcards and travel commercials. I'll get to experience a lot of things I never will again. I'm glad I'm getting there now and not when I'm 60. That is all I'm going to say for now. Maybe next time will be sooner. Maybe not. Enjoy your day.

Album Review : La Dispute

I have toyed with the idea of doing an album review many times. I have even typed a few up and done some lists and what not. But, today I was inspired to review an album that I just got 2 days ago, after seeing a video review by The Needle Drop.

The band is "La Dispute" a Michigan band that has been around since about 2004 or so. They have released a few Eps and one previous LP. Their newest release came out on 10-04-11 and is called : Wildlife

It is rare for me to be so impressed or inspired by "agressive music" these days. I feel like as I have gotten older, I've heard it all before. Which may be true, but while this isn't something completely new, I find it refreshing. It brings me back to the days of going to shows, getting excited in the car, reading lyrics to sing along when the mic was put out into the audience. It brings me back to the days when music didn't just fit a mood, it all meant so much to me. It changed my life and made me feel good. It's hard to explain sometimes, what being a part of a scene is like. But, this is as close as I've come in the past few years.

I found familiarity in the singer's shouting. It brought back memories of first discovering one of my favorite bands Seatia. I remember being blown away by their dynamics and the way they took hardcore and spun it on it's head mixing it with quiet breakdowns. It was the first time I had heard something like that. Other bands followed as I searched through genres. Another band they remind me of is Thursday. But with more intense vocals.

The best thing about this album is the way the singer turns the lyrics into stories. They aren't drenched with metaphor. They are very specific to dates, events and when listening to these songs, it's almost like watching a movie. They are that specific. It almost feels like you have experienced the same things that he is writing about after you listen to the song. It's been a while since I've gotten so many chills while listening to music. Also, it's been a while since I've enjoyed a band from first listen. I haven't stopped listening to this album for two days and I can't wait to put it back on.

I hope everyone checks out this band. And while it may not be for you, take a look at the lyrics. The vocals are a little hard to get used to. He goes between talking, singing and shouting every few words and there seems to be no rhyme or reason for how the vocals are placed in the song. But it works. The bass and drums sound great, the guitars are loud and full and the clean parts ring out nicely. Overall two thumbs up.

Thanks!

Fall... Finally

It's Fall again. Thank goodness. The summer proved a bit too much for me. Everlasting heat that baked me in my office, and made me sweat while pretty much doing anything.

The weather has turned for the best. Sweaters and fall jackets are out. Unfortunately so are the morning stuffy noses and sneezing fits. But, with everything good you have to expect a little bad right?

It's also time for different music. I just don't find myself wanting to listen to heavier music. I was quiet, soothing tones. Sad ballads and acoustic guitars. I swear, the best time for acoustic bands to put out music would be the winter. The summer is for rock and blues and dusting off your old punk albums to ride around to.

The Fall belongs to (for me) bands like : Owen, Damien Rice, Elliott Smith, Mark Kozelek (Red House Painters, Sun Kil Moon), The Civil Wars, The Sundays, Ray LaMontagne and some old Bright Eyes maybe? Those are just things that came into my head when I thought about comfort bands. Some new, some old. Some favorites. but they all work so well together. Give me a quiet strummed acoustic. Some finger picking and lots of reverb and I'll melt into that bed or blanket. It's just nice to know that you can always go home to music. You always have a safe place in your music collection. You can build a fort with your records and cds and just hide away for hours. Most of us do this daily without even realizing it.

The benefits of still being young enough to love something. Which tends to go hand in hand with the fear of losing the ability to love something. Something like music. I see it all too often in my friends, family and acquaintances. It scares me.

Enough of that. I'll try to put a good fall mix together and list it here.

Enjoy your scarves and sweaters :)

Moving In and Moving On...

So, a lot has happened since my last update. I am currently living in a new city which is about 150 miles west of where I was living for the past 30 years of my life.

The moving was slow and stretched over a few months, which I don't recommend for anyone. Personally, I hate packing and loading, driving, unloading and unpacking. Which is why half my life is still in boxes. But, soon I will have a fully functional adult living space (I hope).

We found a great apartment back in February in a great part of the city. We're right near a Wegman's Grocery store (heaven) and a cool bike shop. Lots of great places to eat and it's a duplex I guess technically speaking. We've decided to make this 3 bedroom into a one bedroom, the other two being used as my office and guitar room. The third being used as a living room which just made more sense.

One unfortunate thing that happened was on my last trip back home, my transmission went. I had just gotten on the thruway, so I got off as quick as possible and limped back home. 10 miles an hour on the shoulder of the highway and through 2 towns is not fun. People were confused and one even stopped to see if I was ok. Which was appreciated. I have just sent my car off to be fixed after spending an entire pay check on it. Lets hope it's back in a few days and I can finally explore this city to it's fullest extent.

There were a few good things that came of this no car situation. I've been biking more, to the grocery store and for other things. General rides around the city and to pay rent. This is a very bike friendly city. Much more than the last, there are places to lock up your bike everywhere you go and you always encounter other cyclists at every turn. It's refreshing. I can't wait to start doing some off road and see if I enjoy it as much as I did when I was younger.

For now, I will end this post. More soon.

Blog vs. Music Blog

So, things with this blog have gotten away from me a little. Sometimes the lack of knowing what to write about cause me to not write all together. Now, writing is always something i'm doing. usually quick little lines for my songs or just ideas and things I want to jot down.

I always wanted this to be a blog filled with music and reviews and things like that as I have always flocked to those types myself. I usually found them too wordy or specific. too technical or just too opinionated. I never wanted to be one of those guys.

I once red a review about Cap'n Jazz. I don't remember the album, I don't remember the specifics of what was said. I do find it funny that Mike Kinsella has become one of my favorite musicians since. And I have yet to dive into Cap'n Jazz albums. Anyway, the review was by a kid my age (at the time) around 18 or so. He likened the review to how it made him feel. Not how great the guitar playing was or how deep the lyrical content was. He said (and i paraphrase at best) it was like when your family takes you on vacation and you don't want to be there, you grab your skateboard and go hit the town to explore. That album was his soundtrack, it was first kisses and a new city, spring and summer coming together. The review was perfect. Did I remember anything about it? Not really, did I ever forget that I wanted to check out the band? Never.

So, I think I will do some quick reviews in the near future. Starting today.

Out today is the 4th studio album by Dallas Green. Better known as City and Colour The album is called "Little Hell"

I came across him a few years ago, I was blown away by his 2nd album "Bring Me Your Love" . His voice has always been the focal point of his recordings. It really is striking. Rarely do you find a man singing so soft and powerful. Heart felt and consistent. I'm listening to this album as I write this review. I do have to say, the album hasn't hit me yet.

I feel like Dallas is a phenomenal singer, but his voice always seems too "perfect" for me. Like any flaw is not tolerated. I've seen interviews where he claims that he is a perfectionist. So, that probably has something to do with it. His new album hints at a few different styles wanting to creep out and It seems like he only toys with them for a song here and there and goes back to his standard ballad type song. I could easily put this song on while driving, but it would just become background music. The production is slick to the point of seeming like it lacks sincerity. But, I'm sure these songs will sound great live with the band he has put together to tour.

For me personally, It left me missing the more simple "bedroom" type songs that I found on his previous album. I'm sure fans will appreciate it though. And who knows, maybe one day I'll turn to it as a go to album.

There, I finally got that out, only 2 months after I started the review. I hope that wasn't too bad.

Stay Tuned.

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