Even the Losers

I don't necessarily consider myself a loser, but hey, I did get lucky. Not lucky as in, you know, lucky-lucky. That won't happen for a few more months. Bascially, I found out via my own facebook status a few days back that my soon to be sister-in-law decided she wanted to give tickets to Tom Petty' s July concert at Sprint Center to Shauna and I. Yeah, I'm excited. I would not have been able to go on my own dollar because of all the financial demands of getting married and honeymoons and that whole being wise thing. Good thing I know people... or would it be that people know me...and know what I like?

What else....

Brilliant G's are gettin' the band back together these days. After Eric decided to go back to school and that school would be in Wisconsin we had to find someone to fill the fourth man void in his absence. The qualifacations were no biggie... just needed someone that could play french horn, trumpet, keys, tamborine, accordian and sing a little and sometimes do two of those at once. I don't know that we've replaced Eric but we have found a fourth which will likely bring some new elements to our sound. Rustin Smith has begun learning our material and rehearsing with us. Rustin plays the guitar, both electrically and acoustically, as well as a few other things. Check out his site I have linked above. He also has some solo stuff he's recorded. That said, we're most likely going to continue to keep our eyes (read "ears") peeled for another utility player. Looking for someone who can at least play keys well and maybe horns?

First comes love, then comes...

The wedding is quickly approaching. Just over 70 days left until we say our "I do(s)". I would say that it would be more accurate for us at this point to say "I does" given that we've been making a lot of changes already in life to live like we are committed to life together. It seems like, looking back, this is a time I've been preparing - and being prepared - for just about my entire life. Getting ready to keep getting ready... but for what? Mostly for meeting my maker is what it comes down to for me. Marriage is not an end in life, it's more of a new beginning. Learning to love in a deeper and more committed way than ever. The Apostle Paul thought that marriage wasn't for him. Maybe it wasn't. What if it would have been. How would that have affected his understanding of Jesus and his compassion and love for the church? I think that for me, it will continue to broaden and challenge my understanding as well as show me new ways that God has been merciful and gracious with His love. The best is yet to come.

drew carey replacing bob barker? puh-lease!

GA GA GA GA GA

A little delayed but here is a stream of the new spoon album.

Traveling Musical Geniuseses

As reported by RollingStone.com, the Traveling Wilbury's albums are being re-issued after being out of print for a long, long time. For those that aren't savvy, the Traveling Wilbury's were essentially a studio band - and supergroup at that- consisting of George Harrison and Jeff Lynne alongside Roy Orbison and Tom Petty as well as Bob Dylan.

While I will admit that I'm not completely familiar with all of the music they recorded I will also make the obvious statement that on June 12th (the target release date) I will be at the record store. This couldn't news couldn't have come with better timing as my roommates and I are on a pretty serious Full Moon Fever kick.

Read the full article here>>

On a completely seperate but informative note:

My band, Brilliant Geographers, will be playing around KC a few times in the near future. For updates on that check out Myspace.com/BrilliantGeograpers>>

I wore a tie to work today. People notice as soon as you walk in the door even if it’s something that you normally wear but just adding a tie, like a whole new look. We have a board meeting today and I partially wore the tie because of that and also to assert my professional ability to the Chairman and my boss in a sub conscious way so that I can gain respect. My main man Cody, who sits in the office next to me, drove home early in the morning to change out of the short sleeves and put on a shirt and tie after seeing that I had worn one.

It’s funny/interesting how such a small thing automatically places you in a position of social power. I plan to make a habit of wearing a tie about once a week because it throws people off... and chicks dig it.

Guitars and Cadillacs, Hillbilly Music

Just read on pitchofork that Arcade Fire and Dwight from the Office will be on Saturday Night Live on February 24. Dig it.

More later.

dust, wind, dude.

I like to watch bands play.

Here are a couple that will be inside a box in my living room this week.

Monday, January 29 NBC: "Late Night With Conan O'Brien": Peter Bjorn and John

Saturday, February 3: PBS: "Austin City Limits": Wilco, Bright Eyes (rerun)

A few other random thoughts... The new shins album is good and I'm pretty stoked about seeing them play in a couple weeks. And on another new music note, it's been reported that Radiohead is in studio. Any guesses as to what this album will sound like? I was thinking that it would be great to hear something from them that is just way out there. Something that is almost not palletable but that you can't put down for some reason. Just crazy noise.

Also, pitchfork says that Brian Eno says that he's producing the new coldplay record and it's nto going to sound like coldplay trying to sound like coldplay (see X&Y). Thank god. someone is getting those guys back on track. Brian Eno is just the man to do it. If I had to pick a producer for those guys right now I would pick him. Rick Rueben will step in and revitalize their relevance in another decade probably.

If you haven't heard already, I'm digging this band/guy called Patrick Watson. His sound is equal parts Jeff Buckley, Coldplay, and tim burton movie soundtrack. The album Close to Paradise is as addictive as heroin... from what I know of heroin... which is basically limited to when Dylan McKay got addicted to it on 90210 a bunch of years ago.

And if you aren't interested in any of that, check out this extreme wheelchairing action.

I haven't seen any of yous guys for a long time. We should remedy that. My band Brilliant Geographers is playing at Hardbean Cafe in Grandview on mainstreet this saturday (Feb 3), you should come if you're close. You will like us. We already like you.

I say good day to you sirs.