The end of the year

Well, this past year had it’s ups and downs just like every year, but I feel that this year had way more ups than anything. I have some what became comfortable where I am at in life, or at least accepted the career situation I am in. I feel as a parent, I am starting to figure some things out, such as when to pick a battle and when not too. As a husband/friend I am always trying to be better each day. As a person, I am still holding on to what makes me….me.

This past Christmas was to me the first Christmas where Kristen and I really became in tune to what we felt was important, and that was to make the Christmas the best Christmas we could for Sloan. The best two Christmas presents I think I could have had was to see Kristen graduate after all her hard work and the things she had to miss due to school. The other was just seeing Sloan really understand what Christmas is about and as a parent knowing you gave her a great Christmas.

As far as a New Years Resolution, I have three that I am going to keep up with. I feel we make a list for New Years and we stumble on one thing and throw the whole list away. I am going to keep mine some what simple, but challenging as well. My first one is, I really need to get rid of my gut I have obtained over the years. It was my fault once I quit smoking that I didn’t hit the gym and keep from gaining weight. So I am going to try very hard to lose some weight. The second is, as much as I love music, I really don’t know how to play an instrument. So I am going to find a way to take some lessons and learn how to play the guitar. The other one is to be the best husband and father I can, or at least improve on what I am doing now. I figured the best way of keeping to them is to put it out there on my blog. Of course I also want to at least see one live band a month, depending on schedules, etc. Those are my three top goals of 2010.

I hope everyone that reads this, had a great Christmas and a great 2009, if not, let’s make 2010 a great year. Do what you can to make sure you have a great New Year.


The Final Top 19
Ok, so I missed last week and well I have to cram the last 19 albums on here. I won’t write much here, but please check out some of these albums, they were great albums and you might miss out on something you might like if you don’t. So enjoy.

19. Dirty Projectors-Bitte Orca
18. The Airborne Toxic Event
17. Bon Iver-Blood Bank EP
16. School of Seven Bells-Alpinisms
15. Green Day-21st Century Breakdown
14. Blakroc
13. Arctic Monkeys-Humbug
12. Ben Harper and Relentless 7- White Lies for Dark Times
11. Monsters of Folk
10. Raekwon- Only Built 4 Cuban Linx pt. 2
9. The Dead Weather-Horehound
8. Metric-Fantasies
7. Yeah Yeah Yeahs-It’s Blitz
6. Dan Auerbach-Keep it Hid
5. Bob Dylan-Together Through Time
4. Silversun Pickups- Swoon
3. Pearl Jam-Backspacer
2. Passion Pit-Manners
And #1……………Phoenix-Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix
I have some new music, and will see you faithful readers in 2010.

“Surprise me” for Christmas

Well, it’s that time of the year again, and for me the hardest time of the year. Having to get Christmas gifts for the ones that you love. For me it’s even harder, not only did I grow up with a mother (who I love a lot) that always year in and year out would say the magic words “I don’t need anything” or “Surprise me”. Well now that I am grown up and married, I get to hear these magic phrases again. Sloan is easy; a kid always knows what they want. A wife on the other hand has no idea the anxiety they put their husband through during Christmas or anytime they have a holiday to get a present.

For me, the “surprise me” thing means something totally different than what they mean. Surprise me, means it’s up to me what to get. That could be a million different things and it’s never the thing they want. It does not help that close to Christmas time they decide to do a little shopping and get things that were going to be gifts. That makes it even easier for me to “surprise” them. Although, I do think that Kristen and I will surprise Sloan with something she really wants for Christmas this year. We are hoping it gets us out of the embarrassing parent’s category back to the cool parents list for her.

As for Kristen, she loves to make it difficult for me. I am easy; anything to do with music, sports (Mets), movies, or video games is golden. She always likes to say I am hard to shop for, but if you stick to my guide lines of shopping, it’s all laid out. Parents is another story, they never want much, but you always want to pay them back A) for being great parents, and B) for getting the loudest, noisiest, most obnoxious toy ever for your kid. I like to mix both A and B together to surprise them when they open it. Something for them to use with the grandkid. I always love to make sure to always bring the loud toy over to their house anytime I get a chance just to pay them back for an hour or so.

As for my sister, I get to give her the gift or music. At least give it back to her, she is wanting what I have from Led Zeppelin, and Derek her husband wants everything I have from Pearl Jam (I don’t know if he understands just how much I have). Plus I am going to sneak some of my favorites from 2009 into their music they want, just to give them something new. All in all, I think I will surprise everyone with something they wanted, and hopefully come out without too many scars from trying to “Surprise” Kristen. I do hope she wanted the autographed picture of Darryl Strawberry for Christmas.

The continuation of my Top 50
Well, I have actually been busy this week getting things tied up before we leave work for Christmas. I know there are so few of my “fans” that are waiting for the rest of my top 50 of 2009. I did just get the Rolling Stone issue and I have to say, U2 really? I think they missed a lot of really great albums to put Springsteen and U2 on their top 10 list. I do wish to retract my #40 The Xx and would like to put them at #10A on my top 10 list. So where they dropped the ball, I guess it’s my burden to pick it up for them, with that said here is 29-20.

29. Mumford and Sons-Sigh No More
A friend from high school let me know about this band from England. I have got into a lot of folk music this year for some reason, but this band is great. Great song writing, great music, and they rock (yes a folk band). Check out the song Little Lion Man.

28. M. Ward-Hold Time
This was my first album into my folk music time of 2009. I had been hearing a lot of good things about M. Ward and decided to give him a shot. This is his 7th full studio album he has released. I think this woke me up to some great folk music that is out there right now. I really like the song Jailbird off this album.

27. Eminem-Relapse
Well, sometimes it’s hard to put things on a list, but you can’t deny Eminem. He writes some great hip-hop lyrics, then you add Dr. Dre to the equation and it’s always a great album. I think everyone was waiting for this album to be finished. It still didn’t crack the top 15 for me for hip-hop albums, but it is a great one for this year. I like the songs Bagpipes from Baghdad and Old Time’s sake.

26. Portugal. The Man- The Satanic Satanist
I liked the album Censored Colors from 2008 and was please this album was getting high marks for this year. PTM is another great band, and this is their 4th album, which they also released an acoustic version of this album called The Majestic Majesty. I really love the first song on this album People Say.

25. Mike Posner and the Brain Trust-Matter of Time
This is probably the second pop album on my list so far (Lily Allen is the other). Mike Posner is still a student at Duke University, but if anyone in the music Industry has any sense he won’t be for long. I love this album and I got the chance to catch him at ACL this year. He should have big things in the future, check out the songs that should be on radio, Cooler Than Me and Still Not Over You.

24. Bell X1-Blue Lights On The Runway
Bell X1 is a bad I heard of that was playing at ACL this summer. This is the 4th studio album from the Irish rock band. After listening to this album I actually went back to listen to their older stuff. I like the song How Your Heart is Wired.

23. Jay-Z- The Blueprint 3
Ok, so two hip-hop albums in this group, and I am sure you are wondering what album cracked the top 10. I love Jay-Z, and this album is great. Maybe the Black Album ruined it for all of his albums after that, being so great. Either way, this is a solid album from Jay-Z, if you don’t have it by now go get it.

22. Dinosaur Jr.-Farm
Another band from my foundation of music that I have. I got turned onto Dinosaur Jr. in college and they are in my top 10 most favorite albums of all time with the album “Without a Sound”. I was excited to when I found out they were releasing a new album. I love the song Ocean In The Way.

21. Deer Tick- Born on Flag Day
This is the bands second album, and it’s another great indie folk album. Lead singer John
McCauley has a raspy twang to his voice which blends well with the music. Another great
songwriter for the indie folk scene, I like the song Smith Hill.

20. The Decembrists-The Hazards of Love
This is the bands 5th album, coming off the break through album The Crane Wife. I really enjoyed The Crane Wife, and I had heard so much about The Hazards of Love that I had to check out this album. This is an amazing album, and it took a lot for me to list it this low. I really wish I could have seen them at ACL, and I plan on seeing them live when I get the chance. I really like the song The Rake’s Song.

Next week is #19-#11; hopefully I have something more fun to write about while on vacation. Happy Holidays.

A proud Husband and Daughter, and the start of the top 50

Well, this week marks a huge milestone in the Huffine household; Kristen is finally done with nursing school. It has been a long 3 ½ years of long hours of us not seeing much of each other, and sometimes the unfortunate reality that I am sometimes taking care of Sloan. That would mean me teaching her different pop culture references to greet mom as she walks in the door, or me letting Sloan listen to the Beastie Boys, Pearl Jam, The Grateful Dead, or (almost) anything else she pulls out of my album collection out of curiosity.

I have to give it to Kristen not only did she work her butt off in school, she also worked full time and was a parent full time during school. She also had to do all of this around my busy schedule for work. Not to mention both of our parents pitching in to help when we needed them too, this was a lot of the time. And we are so thankful for awesome loving, and supportive parents that we have. There is no way we could have done this without them. Long story short, Kristen will be graduating this weekend, and just one other step of taking the state boards she will be a certified nurse, which is awesome. Other than Kristen being proud of herself, I think Sloan and I are probably the most proud of her. Now all we have left is for all of our families to get in town this weekend so we can celebrate. I just have to make sure we have all the pictures of her childhood displayed at her Mom and Dad’s this weekend for everyone to see. Hopefully the glamour shot/body glove picture isn’t “lost” before I get there. Just a thought, but I might need to make some copies of that for blackmail reasons alone. Well done Kristen, I don’t think any of us could be prouder of you for doing this.

Well, as you know on top of keeping friends and family abreast of what is going on in our little world and my sarcastic take on it, I also like to mention music on my blog as well. I am by no way an expert on music, I just love most music (country does nothing for me, unless it’s Johnny Cash or Willie Nelson), and since I can’t be a writer for Rolling Stone, this is my way of being a “music writer”. I have been known by some of my friends of being a music snob when the topic of music comes up. Dave can agree that I do become defensive and sometimes a little too sarcastic when it comes to talking about music. So with that said, I wouldn’t be much of a music blogger (I use that term very loosely). I planned on doing this last week, but fell short, so I am going to start with #50-#30 to catch everyone up that is keeping score at home. So with no further fan fare we will start my top 50 albums of 2009.

50. The Features-Some Kind of Salvation
They are the first band on the Kings of Leon’s music label. Their debut album is some good old fashioned rock. I would give them a chance even sitting at 50.
49. The Black Crowes-Before the Frost…Until the Freeze
You always have a soft spot for some of your favorite bands, the Black Crowes are one of my soft spots. The Robinson brothers came back with some good old Black Crowes music for this album. One of my favorites this year.
48. Gomez-A New Tide
I was curious one day and gave Gomez a shot, and I have to tell you after the first listen of this album, I had to go back and listen to their whole catalogue. One of the most under rated bands I have listened to in a while. Great band from England.
47. 50 Cent- Before I Self Destruct
I am a huge fan of 50, his recent albums have fallen a little short, but he always seems to find that hidden gem of a single to help his album sales out. I was excited to hear Dr. Dre was going to help him out on this album. It’s good, I was hoping for a little more, but it’s still 50 Cent.
46. Tegan and Sara-Sainthood
A music writer for ESPN mentioned their album “The Con” in one of is columns and I decided to give the twin sisters from Canada a listen. I was very pleasantly surprised listening to them and decided to get their new album once it came out. I really like this album more than “The Con”. I am now fans of Tegan and Sara.
45. Stellastarr*- Civilized
Once again another band that I have read about for a while and decided to get their latest album. Stellastarr* has been around for a while, but sometimes you don’t get a chance to listen to their earlier stuff. I have to say after listening to Civilized I am going to check out their earlier stuff.
44. Blind Pilot- 3 Rounds and a Sound
Blind Pilot hails from Portland, Oregon and has opened up for some big bands this past year while on tour. The first leg of their tour to me is the most unique of all bands, seeing the rigged a way to haul their equipment up and down the west coast by their bicycles. Please give this band a listen, you will not be disappointed.
43. Dashboard Confessional-Alter The Ending
I have always been a fan of Dashboard; I do hate the nickname of “The godfather of Emo” that has been placed on the lead singer. They put out another good album, I think this is better than their last album they put out. I do recommend the acoustic version of the album the band put out though.
42. BLK JKS-After Robots
Since I have listened to this album, every time I listen to it I find something else now that I love about it. BLK JKS hail from Africa, and I would say they closely resemble TV On The Radio, if you want a comparison. They mix rock with African musical beats and it is amazing.
41. Lily Allen-It’s Not Me, It’s You
The second album from Lily Allen is just as good as her first album. I have to add some pop to my Top 50, and this album is what made it. If you want something that is a great pick me up, get Lily Allen.
40. The Xx-XX
The Xx are just now coming out on the music scene (I can’t believe I just said that), I missed them playing down in Austin with the Friendly Fires, and do regret it. They remind me of Smashing Pumpkins just a little. They will be big in not long.
39. Miike Snow
This band is from Sweden, and once I heard their first single “Animal” I was once again wondering why some music gets played on popular radio and some great music that should be getting air play doesn’t. This is a band that should be blowing up pop radio, and here lately finally has along with Owl City. If you like Owl City, you will love Miike Snow.
38. Coconut Records-Davy
This is the second album from Phantom Planet founder Jason Schwartzman. I really like the feel of his new band and it’s something you can put on while sitting at home on a Sunday just hanging out. Also pick up their first album Nighttiming.
37. Mason Jennings-Blood of Man
Mason Jennings is about as close to country music as I can get, and he isn’t even close. He writes amazing lyrics and plays a great guitar. It was tough for me to put this album this low. Please go get this album when you get a chance.
36. Wolfmother-Cosmic Egg
The second album from the band from Australia rocks even more than the first. You can’t go wrong with a band that just wants to play some rock and try to melt your face off while doing it. If you loved their first album, this one is better.
35. Weezer-Raditude
Another band I have a soft spot for, they brought me back with the Red Album. I was a little excited to hear they were coming out with a new album. Rivers Cuomo decided to make a more poppy album for this one, and I have to say it is great. A lot of people have bashed this album, but I feel Cuomo did a great pop rock album.
34. Wilco-Wilco, The Album
My best friend from college got me turned on to Wilco recently and I am glad he did. Another great album from Wilco.
33. Tanya Morgan-Brooklynati
Ok, as most of you know, I am a huge hip-hop lover. One of the hardest days of my life was when Tribe Called Quest broke up. Tanya Morgan reminds me a lot of the Tribe/De La Soul side of hip-hop. Love this album, and if you love hip-hop you should get it.
32. White Lies-To Lose My Life
When I first listened to this album, I thought it was good, but it didn’t register with me right off. Then I got the luxury of seeing the live at ACL and I was blown away, these guys are amazing live. I then started to listen to the album more and this is a great album, a must get.
31. Them Crooked Vultures
For my generation, Dave Grohl is one of the best drummers around. I have always been a fan of the Foo Fighters and of course his time with Nirvana. I started listening to Led Zeppelin at a young age thanks to my sister, and I also started listening to Queens of the Stone Age in college.So when I heard Grohl, Josh Homme, and John Paul Jones decided to form a group I was ecstatic. Great rock album.
30. Sonic Youth-The Eternal
I would like to call this band one of the founders of the Seattle music scene of the 90’s. They keep putting out cutting edge albums every time. I was totally bummed when they couldn’t play ACL. If you love Sonic Youth go get this album, SY is an acquired taste so some won’t like them.

We are all caught up, for next week #29-#20.

A vacation and a birthday

Well, as you can tell from last week, I took a little much deserved vacation over Thanksgiving. (Or should I say the pre-Christmas holiday formerly known as Thanksgiving, still bugs me that as a nation we skip over Thanksgiving now.) Due to football, volleyball, and the start of basketball my time has been stretched over the past three months. So I needed a few days off to recharge and hang out at home.

Over this holiday, my birthday came and went (Sloan still reminds me that I have turned 35 almost everyday since then.), and as my birthday goes, it was a really great one. Kristen surprised me with a membership in the Pearl Jam 10 Club, which was awesome, I got some Mets stuff, and played a bunch of video games to make me feel younger than 35. Sloan got me some ties and a nice shirt for work, and she picked them out and did very well doing it. Due to our schedules we had to spend Thanksgiving at home, which was strange for me. I always like doing the holiday thing with family and I missed not eating my mom’s cooking and I also didn’t get my green bean casserole this year, which just threw me off all together for thanksgiving.

So as of right now, turning 35 has been uneventful much like turning 22. I have to say having almost a week off was nice. I got to catch up on some movies and TV shows I haven’t watched. I got to play some new games I got which were cool. Also got to read a new book that I am almost finished with. It’s called “Under and Alone”, a true story about an undercover ATF agent in a motorcycle gang. I have to say this is the first blog I have written that didn’t have much to say. Sloan has started basketball practice and the best thing of all, Kristen is in her last week of nursing school, which is awesome.

Not much to write about this week or from last week. I am hopefully going to be getting to some new shows once Kristen is done with school. I am taking this time to relax before basketball season gets really busy, plus before I know it, it will be baseball season.

Music for this week:
Well I am actually still going through some music that I had stored away. Some of its old stuff, some of its new. Here is what I have listened to the past few weeks.

Bell X1
This band is from Ireland that has now released four albums. I decided to check out “Blue Lights On The Runway” to listen too first. I do have to say after listening to this album I went ahead and decided to listen to all of their albums. They do measure up to the acclaim they are getting. Check out the songs The Rib of a broken umbrella.

Blakroc
I am been waiting to listen to this album for a long time. It is a collaboration effort from Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney of the Black Keys (which is one of my favorite bands). They also brought in some great hip-hop names to put lyrics to their garage blues. This is probably one of the best albums that have come out in the past few months. Check out What you do to me.
Tegan and Sara-Sainthood
This is the sixth album from the twin sisters. I did like the album The Con they released before this album. So I decided to pick this one up, and I feel that the sisters from Canada are really putting out some great music here lately. Check out the songs Arrow and Don’t Rush.

Them Crooked Vultures
So this is the band I have been waiting for this album to come out for a while. I was a little upset that I missed them playing a few days before I went to ACL this year. This is the group that Dave Grohl formed with Josh Homme and John Paul Jones. I really like this album, it did leave me wanting a little bit more, but I am sure we will get more from these three before it’s over. Check out the song New Fang.

John Mayer-Battle Studies
I have always been a big fan of John Mayer, even to the point of seeing him live. He is a great guitarist and a great song writer. I have listened to Battle Studies a few times, and although most of it is a little slow, it is still a good album. I really like the first song Heatbreak Warfare and the song Who Says.

The Gen-Xer turns 35

Well, everyone has a birthday that they have not looked forward to. I am not much into it; I didn’t freak out when I turned 25 or 30. You have your birthdays that just don’t mean much, like 17 or 22. This birthday has been making me think the most, I am turning 35 this Sunday and I don’t know what to think about it. I am halfway to 40, but I don’t feel that way.

So far I have marked off some things on the ol’ life check list:

1) I am working at a job that I love to do. Although I feel sometimes it’s not a very important job as a world changing job in general, but I work at a job that gives people an escape from every day life. They get to come and act crazy, yell, be happy or sad at the outcome, but in the end they walk away not thinking about every day life for 3-4 hours, which I am glad to serve as an escape for people.

2) I am married (which at times I am sure my parents and grandma had their doubts if they would ever have a daughter-in-law or a grand child due to early dating habits or lack there of).

3) I have a beautiful, amazing, very loving daughter (which scares me that the modern world would let a person that at the time of conception had no clue what to do raising a child and still doesn’t at times).

I think these are the major three that most people have at some point in time, and I still have a ton more things that I want to do. I am not the big, “I gotta sky dive” type of person. I am more of the person that feels I should experience and see more things in the world. Hurling myself out of a plane is not part of that worldly experience I am talking about. I think going to ACL this summer made me realize that a part of me has been missing for a while. I have made a promise to myself to get out and see more live music, and just get out in general. Due to my job during college sports season it’s hard for me to find time to do things for Sloan and Kristen, and just to do things for myself.

I have a ton more things I want to do, and I feel Kristen and I have the chance to do here in not long. Plus with the news of my Dad retiring, there are things I want to do with him as well. Have a good ol’ Father and Son baseball stadium tour each summer and hit one ballpark a summer until we have seen every one of them. I have a ton of sports things I want to experience on my list. I still want to travel around Europe, I want to hit a few more beaches during the summer, and in general live life the way I want too. Which a large part of that is to see more live music, and take Sloan to her first ever concert.

I guess, in general, 35 is more of a milestone than something where I should be counting the grey hair (or lack there of for me) on my head and just being complacent where I am, I still have goals in life and my career. It makes me want to do more of the stuff I have always wanted to do, and I have two great people to be able to do that with. It makes me want to go out and do more now than I did before. I never though of my list until now, and I am seeing it filled to the brim with a ton of stuff I want to do (a list too large for here). It makes me excited to know what else I have in store, because the first 35 years has been awesome so far.


Music this week:
Seeing it’s the week of my birthday I am going to push back the new music to listen too, and I am going to give you some albums that helped mold me into who I am as a music lover. I could give you more, but these are some of my all time favorites or have a special place in my heart.

1) Beastie Boys-Licensed to Ill. This was the first album I ever had that was mine. I think I got this as a birthday present and it has traveled with me from then all the way to me being 35. I think I went through two copies of this album. Thank you for being with me for all these years Beastie Boys.

2) N.W.A. - Straight out of Compton. This was the first album that I actually purchased with my hard earned allowance. At the time, I didn’t need my parents to buy this for me, and if they did know what I bought at the time, I would still be grounded.

3)Led Zeppelin. I can’t name just one album, but if my sister wouldn’t have had me listen to Led Zeppelin I don’t think I would love music as much as I do.

4) Beach Boys- Pet Sounds. I can always remember one constant with my Dad, he loved the Beach Boys and this album and Endless Summer I can always remember hearing at home.

5) Willie Nelson and Family-Live. I can remember to this day always hearing this at home when my mom was cleaning the house. At the time I didn’t understand Willie and I hate modern country music, but Willie is and always will be a staple for me.

6) Run D.M.C- Raising Hell. This to me is one of the all time greatest hip hop albums. This molded hip hop into what it is now, and the crew from Hollis is the cornerstone. This is the second album I can remember having along with License to Ill. I went through two copies of this as well.

7) R.E.M.- Green. I can remember buying this album when I was 12 or 13 and I knew I was breaking the mold and doing something different from my friends. This is when I knew I would always be a little different from my friends growing up in my small hometown.

8) Dr. Dre- The Chronic. If there is a person that has never listened to this album, or didn’t own it you should be ashamed. It’s hard to go through two copies of a CD, but trust me I did. This album is one of the best all time, I can remember listening to this on a Friday night with my boys back home.

9) Pearl Jam- Ten. I can remember this around my junior year of high school, and I knew this was a band that I would always love from the day I listened to this. This got me through a lot of nights sitting at home in my room.

10)Sublime- 40 oz. to Freedom. For some reason this album always reminds me of my freshman year at college. I met a lot of great people that I have since lost touch with or just got back in touch with recently. I was young, dumb, and innocent then, but it was a great time of growing up real fast.

11.)Rage Against the Machine. The first time I listened to them I was mesmerized by their ferocious sound. I hate to say this, but a kid from Oklahoma realized the world was a much bigger place because of their music and political views.

12.) Radiohead-OK Computer. This album was the first time I realized music could take you to a different place and let you have a release from everyday life. Still a band that is in my must see list.

13.)Pearl Jam- No Code. It is my all time favorite album, hands down. I am surprised the original album packaging is still intact to this day. I will always listen to something from this album once a week.

14.)The Jimi Hendrix Experience- Axis: Bold as Love. This and Electric Ladyland are my two favorite albums by Hendrix. I love Castles Made of Sand, and this is around the phase everyone goes through at one time with Hendrix and the Doors. If I had to pair the two together, I would hands down go with Hendrix over the Doors.

15.) Red Hot Chili Peppers-Blood, Sex, Sugar, Magik. My all time favorite RHCP albums. I got the chance to see them live for the Californication tour, and it made me love them even more. You can’t go wrong with this album, and it was a staple through out college and even now. Not a day goes by without me listening to a Chili Peppers song, and I am passing this along to Sloan.

15 A.) Jack Johnson- Brushfire Fairytales. This album will always be special to me due to the fact that Kristen and I listened to this all the time when we first met.

There are a ton more albums that aren’t on here, but that is a list for another day.

Figuring out I am starting to get old

There are certain times when an adult (yes I am using that to describe myself here), that you understand you are getting old. Once you are out of college and working and girls all of a sudden becomes less interested in you because your are out of college. When you have to debate the good and the bad of going out during the week. You have to talk yourself into going to a concert during the week and also knowing you have to take a day off the next day to recuperate. Also the bright idea of going to a party and staying out way too late, and having to deal with it not only the next day, but for the whole weekend.

The last one actually happened to me this past weekend. Don’t get me wrong, I had a great time meeting some new people that actually have the same interests as I do. Which is rare for me, not everyone wants to talk about music, sports, and other random stuff. I am in no way someone to talk about politics, national and world events with. I don’t keep up with that, it’s too depressing. Plus being a liberal in the state of ultra conservative uptight people does not bold well for me in that situation.(yes I am talking about Texas where good ol’ W can do no wrong.)

Well during the course of the night, I met some really cool people, got to hang out with a friend (and fellow Pearl Jam fan) before he leaves for a new job, and of course having some adult beverages as well. I got in some great discussions about music, new bands to listen to, meeting another music elitist (yes there are a lot of us out there), and while doing this I managed to stay up well past my bedtime. It was more like my bedtime or lack there of, I had when Boyd and I lived together in Edmond. This is my downfall of being in my 30’s (or close to mid 30’s for those counting) it was entirely way too late. I often tell Kristen that I might be in my 30’s, but in my mind I still feel 25-27. Well, mind might feel that age, but the old body doesn’t, and it let me know this whole weekend.

I have a theory that you feel the age where you have the best memories, for me that was from 25-27. I was finishing up college, having the time of my life, and it was right around the time I met Kristen and started working in sports. Well my friend, the 25-27 year old Kevin would have kicked the crap out of the Kevin of now. I am naturally a night owl and have always been one, but note to self, can’t stay out that late.

The best thing of the night is I finally found some people that I like hanging out with and had the same interests as me. I have a lot of friends that think it’s the coolest thing I work in sports (and it is), but I get my fill of sports so much that a lot of the time the last thing I want to talk about is sports, seeing it’s almost like talking about work for me. So when I meet people that want to talk about music especially, I really enjoy it. So all in all, I guess the reward of feeling old the whole weekend was I had a great time Friday. It was a first at a party here in Waco, hopefully it won’t be the last. Thanks, Lars.

New Music for the Week:
Well, I am still holding out hope that I get discovered by Rolling Stone or anyone that will let me review music for that matter. I guess I will never let my rock n’ roll dreams die. Here are some of my picks for this week. I have a ton of music to listen to still on my external hard drive. I am slowly getting through it, but these five albums this week have stuck out to me, so here we go.

The Parlor Mob-And You Were a Crow
I have had them on my radar for a while since listening to a single you got at ACL this year. I have to say I have listened to this album for about three days now, and I haven’t got tired of it yet. TPM is a nice change right now, they have a rock feel to them, and Mark Melicia on vocals is outstanding. They have got the attention of being a “must see” live band, and from listening to their album I can see why. From top to bottom this album is great, I would say you should check them out before they get big. Listen to Everything you’re breathing for and Carnival Of Crows.

Editors-In This Light And On This Evening
This is their newest album they released in October. I really liked their first full length album and of course I was interested in their newest one. On a personal note, the one downfall is one of the singles will be on the new Twilight soundtrack. (I really feel that this movie will ruin bands I like for being on the soundtrack) They did make a turn to a more electric feel for this album, which it feels a few bands from Europe are starting to turn that way. It has taken me a while to like this album, there are a few tracks that are starting to stand out to me. Check out Papillion.

50 Cent-Before I Self Destruct
Ok, as I keep telling everyone, I am a huge hip hop fan. I hope that at age 60 I embarrass my grandkids by playing Dr. Dre too loud when they come to visit. Well it has been a great year so far for hip hop fans with the release of Eminem, Raekwon, and Jay-Z. 50 Cent made sure everyone was going to take notice to his album as well. I have to say right now it’s in the top five this year. It was well worth the wait for Dr. Dre to produce his new album after Eminem’s. Right now my favorite tracks are Then Day Went By and Psycho.

White Denim- Fits
This trio hails from Austin, TX (I do hate the school there, but as music goes, I would live in Austin.) It’s hard to put White Denim in a category, which is good, I would have to say they are more experimental music at this point. This is their third studio album along with three EP’s they have released. I have listened to this album a few times since getting it, with experimental stuff you have to listen to it a lot before you catch on. Right now I am really starting to like White Denim, check out the song I Start To Run.

Weezer-Raditude
I will always have a soft spot for Weezer, I have stayed by their side and I hope I never leave. The seventh album from Weezer is really good. I prepared myself for a pop feel of an album from them ever since I heard the rumors from Rivers Cuomo that he was going to do a pop album. He brought in some help ranging from Lil’Wayne to The All-American Rejects to help with the album. He was wanting a pop record and he got it. There are a few songs on here that will catch on to top 40 radio. Right now I like the first single (If You’re Wondering If I Want You To)I Want You To and The Girl Got Hot.

The Duke Blue Dragons

Well, as most of you that follow this blog, most of it is about my life, my love affair with music, my family, and my uncanny love for sports and my career. Unfortunately for Kristen she also at times (and reluctantly) shares my love for all of the above. Mostly she is reluctant about sharing my love for sports. With this time of year, she really hates it, because college football is in the thick of the season, and basketball is starting up. She really doesn’t like basketball. (Hence the title of the blog, she blurted this out during one of my numerous sports quizzes I give her, mostly to bug her.)

For me, this is when I start getting busier at work due to men’s basketball season starting, with that it means a few more days less at home during the week and weekends. Not to mention, I have started watching NBA basketball again as well. (To Kristen’s delight) It’s also time to get Sloan signed up to play basketball again this year, which she is excited about.

There are two reasons I am starting to watch NBA basketball again, 1) Oklahoma FINALLY got a pro team and I have to support the home town team now, and 2) Blake Griffin now plays for the Clippers and I like to watch him play. The reason for the long hiatus from NBA basketball is the fact I was spoiled growing up. I started out watching Magic, Isaiah, Bird, and the Greatest Player ever Michael Jordan. Honestly the late 80’s and 90’s were the best time to watch the NBA. Once Jordan retired, I followed suit and quit watching, honestly you only get to see someone like Jordan once in a lifetime during sports, who can blame me? It’s like talking to my Dad about baseball and he brings up Mantle, Rose, Schmidt, Aaron and others. I can’t blame him, he got to see baseball when it was great (not that it isn’t now), but the players back then were amazing. Just like me and the NBA as a kid, it was amazing then.

Plus to make this a legit music blog as well, one of the greatest bands ever got its original name from an NBA player. (Yes it’s a Pearl Jam reference and a quiz, name that player and I will send you something cool, bonus if you get the school he went too.)

Not only was I a huge Jordan fan, I still have the original Nike Air Jordan poster waiting to be framed and hung in my man cave (when I get a man cave). I have always loved basketball; I just chose to watch the college game for a while until I got the interest back. I am not a huge NFL follower, so Kristen gets off easy on that, and of course I am a huge baseball fan and always will. So I decided it was time to get back into the NBA full-time instead of watching Sportscenter for highlights. So I am a little excited that basketball is starting, and for me at work it means a change of pace (and TV face time for me during our games on TV, I am the random dude with a headset on when you see guys check in and out), and a change of pace is always nice at work. It is one of my bigger sports I get to do marketing for. So this week I am excited to get it started, which it also means closer to baseball season starting back up.

So, if you see or talk to Kristen she might be on edge due to the fact her most hated sport has started. She tolerates all the other sports, and at times thinks there is no end for some sports, and I agree. How freaking long is hockey season? Well, keep an eye out for me when Baylor plays, I am the dude hating wearing a tie, sitting at the scorers table.

Music for this week:
Well another good month of music this month with the release of Weezer, Dashboard Confessional, John Mayer, and a ton of others. It looks like I am still on my euro music trip with some Aussies thrown in as well, so here we go with some music I am listening too.

Mumford and Sons-Sigh No More
Someone mentioned I should check this band a while back. They are a folk band from England. They formed in 2007 and have put out a lot of EP’s until the release of Sigh No More this year. I have to say that the acclaim following the band is holding true to form, if you like bands like Blind Pilot, The Decembrists, M.Ward, Monsters of Folk, or The Avett Brothers, you will like Mumford and Sons. They have a folksy almost blue grass tinge to their music. Check out the song Little Lion Man.

Wolfmother-Cosmic Egg
I have always kind of kept notice of Wolfmother ever since I heard “woman”, I knew these Aussies could play a little. They formed in 2000, and finally hit it big in 2006 with the release of their self titled album Wolfmother. They had a ton of great singles on that album, so I was ready to hear their second album once it was released. I have to say I am happy with it so far. They once again came out to rock on another album. Right now I like New Moon Rising and 10,000 Feet. If you haven’t listened to their first album you should do so.

The Big Pink-A Brief History of Love
Well, another English band that I have decided to take a listen too. They got their name from the album “The Big Pink” by the Band, but don’t let that fool you. They are actually an electro-rock band. Once again Paul Shirley came through and recommended this band. It is going to take me a few listens to determine if I really like them or not. Right now I like the songs Dominos and Love in Vain.

The Multi-Talented Dad

Over the year and the past three months I have to say I have felt everything that Kristen had to go through the first six years of us being together and what it was like at home for her while I was working both ends of the candle in Minor League Baseball. She was basically a single parent from February-October for the first six years of being with me. Honestly the long hours started before February, but not as bad as once baseball season started and I was hardly at home during homestands. I have been very lucky here at Baylor for shorter hours (some what) and a nice summer of working 9-5 and getting days off. I can honestly say, it is amazing that Kristen held it together during those years, but we got stronger through it together.

Well the tables have turned over the past two years to where Kristen is busting her butt to get done with school. I have taken the reigns of being the single parent at times and to Kristen’s downfall the main parent at times to help mold our little Sloan. Yes, if that just kind of scared you, it does Kristen as well. Such as this past week, Sloan has been on a Beastie Boys kick, and as a good father should, I have obliged her passion for the Beastie Boys and let her listen to some of their work. (Censored of course) Kristen has learned that as of right now Sloan’s favorite song by AD Rock and company is “Brass Monkey”, she gives me the “Oh really” remark with the disapproving half-smile.

I can tell that as of right now our roles of parents are starting to take a course. Kristen is the girly stuff, art projects, cuddle time, loving mom. I am the movie taking, exploring music, rough housing, sports Dad. Which I am fine with, at times I have to be the multi-talented Dad that can give her a pony tail (only hair do I know), paint finger nails, do arts and crafts when needed, and always has time to cuddle. Of course Kristen isn’t amused when she comes in from school and I have taught Sloan to greet her with “What up Yo?” while chunking up the duce to her. Not what a Mom wants to hear and see after a long day of school and being at a hospital from her angel of a six year old. (Chalk that up to me thinking it was hilarious, and it wasn’t at the time.) There are many more things that I have taught Sloan that Kristen has advised her not to do outside of the house, but since Kristen reads this, I won’t go into detail.

I can tell that all three of us are starting to wear thin the past few months between me working, Kristen working and finishing up school, and Sloan going to school, in Girl Scouts, and staying on me to sign her back up for basketball. The other hidden talent that I have found out I have is I am the one that keeps all three of us grounded and pumps us up when we need it. The one thing that keeps me going is to know that we are about to hit one of our goals and that is getting Kristen through school without killing me or Sloan in the process. Trust me; I have been very close to not being here on probably a daily basis with Kristen and Sloan. I keep reminding them that Kristen did choose me, so my cute quirks and sense of humor is what her reward is. All in all, I have to keep myself amused through a six year old, I mean isn’t that the best part of being a parent? Just wait until she learns her first Beastie Boys song for Kristen to hear.

Music for this week:
I did warn everyone that my music tastes have been all over the place here lately. I have been listening to a lot of music lately. Most of the time at work to change everything up during the day. I am excited that it looks like MCA from the Beastie Boys is making a recovery and their new album and tour should kick off sometime next year. Still holding out hope that one day I will get to see them live, and yes I will probably act like a 13 year old boy that heard “License to Ill” for the first time. So here are my picks for this week.

Bell X1- Blue Lights on the Runway
I feel I have found my music tastes drifting over to Europe for the past few months. Not that it’s a bad thing, but it is working for me right now. For a while I have been wanting to check out Bell X1 and I don’t know why I have been waiting around to listen to them. This quartet from Ireland is really good, this is their fourth studio album. The first five songs of the album are awesome, not that the ones after them aren’t great, they are. I was actually a little upset at myself for not listening to Bell X1 before now. I am now a fan and need to check out their first three albums. Check out the songs The Ribs Of A Broken Umbrella and The Great Defector.

Dirty Projectors- Bitte Orca
This is their seventh album they have put out that has garnered a lot of critical acclaim (that’s one thing that puts me off half the time), and me being me, I have put off this album not giving in to the critical acclaim thing. I have a list I keep of albums I want to get and albums/bands that I want to check out. The Dirty Projectors have been on the second list for a while, and I finally gave in and gave them a chance. I have to say this is another great album (stupid critics), and I really wish I would have taken time out of seeing the Arctic Monkeys at ACL (gasp) and went to see Dirty Projectors. Check out Cannibal Resource and Stillness Is The Move.

Raekwon- Only Built 4 Cuban Linx, Pt. 2
So I have been hearing a lot about Raekwon’s new album, and how it’s a great album. I guess you can consider this a sequel to the 1995 album Only Built 4 Cuban Linx. I have to say (and this is hard for me to say this), but this might be better than Jay-Z’s album Th Blueprint 3 that was released this summer. Raekwon is keeping up the foundation built by the Wu-tang Clan. His lyrics are great and not to mention he gets some of his Wu-Tang boys to help out on some of the tracks. Check out House of Flying Daggers and Canal Street.

Jamie T- Kings and QueensOk, now it’s back over the Atlantic and time to head back to England. I can’t say I stumbled across Jamie T, I actually read about him last week in my favorite music blog by one Paul Shirley of ESPN (yes, I met him at ACL and it was awesome). I decided to give him a listen, and it was really good. He is a mix between a hip hop artist and the Arctic Monkeys. If you like hip-hop check Jamie T out, check out the songs 368 and Sticks ‘N’ Stones

If I won the lottery......

Every once in a while (or quite often) my mind wanders driving home from work or taking Sloan to and from school, and different ideas or “what if’s” pop into my head. Every time I drive by a Texas lottery sign I tell myself it has to get to a certain million (like that would make much of a difference), and I would buy a ticket.

The other thing that pops into my head is what would I do if I actually got extremely lucky (trust me, the way my sports luck is going this year, it won’t happen) and won. What would I do? Would I quit my job? Would I move? What would I do with that much money? Of course you would do the logical stuff and put some in your 401K, put some back for college, invest some, etc. But if you hit the big one, you would have plenty of money left over to live very well after all the investments were made. I know, I know, get to what you would do. Well the following (except for Kristen) is a shocker to most.

I have always joked with Kristen about opening a bar, or a record store/concert venue (these are my awesome ideas that I won’t give all the details about due to someone stealing them!), or other ventures that would take up a lot of money to do, and if I hit the big one I would become stingy with my nest egg. So I still haven’t got to what I would do, so here we go. I would actually not do much; I would probably keep my job. The one thing I would do is learn how to restore furniture and make furniture. I restored an old desk one time in between moving and jobs, and it was a lot of fun. Not to mention I have made some things for Kristen, and I really liked working with wood (that's what she said). Yes, I know a shocker for most of the folks that read this. I mean don’t get me wrong, we would travel the world; I would have season tickets to the Mets, OU/Baylor, and the Rangers. I would try to get a house in either the mountains or on the beach in California.

The one thing that hasn't changed in my fantasy world is that I would restore furniture. It’s just something about taking a desk, or chest of drawers, and making it go from horrible to something nice. Putting your own touches on it, and seeing the finished product and what it looks like once you are done. You never know I might have something in mind on the side once Kristen is done with school and we get to being a normal (some what) family. I do want to build some book selves and a new entertainment center. So some might think shocking, some might not be surprised, but that’s what I would do if I won the lottery. Of course that and follow Pearl Jam around the world for a minute. Not to mention hit up all the summer music festivals, this is in-between me flying between New York and Arlington to catch the Mets and Rangers games. So with all the traveling I would do, now you understand why I would keep my job. Now I just need to have the lottery get a little bigger and I am going to buy that ticket, hopefully it’s a magical one. What would you do if you won the lottery?

Music for this week:
For some reason, my blogs have been getting less about music, which isn’t a bad thing. I have found a music site that I am thinking about submitting a review of an album; I just need to find the right album I am passionate about, to write 250 words about it. So with less than 250 words here are some albums this week, and my very own top five “get it now” albums.

Hockey-Mind Chaos
Their first single they have released has caught my ear and I love the song. I have been waiting for them to release their new EP on iTunes for a while and the other night, I saw that it was up and I got it. After a few listens, I am pleased with Hockey so far. Their sound is a little Vampire Weekend, mixed with some Strokes. Check out the songs Too Fake and Curse This City.

The Features-Some Kind of Salvation
Well, this band got put on my radar due to the fact that it came out on the Kings Of Leon’s new record label they are starting. The Features have been touring with KOL for a while, and not a shocker, they are also a band from Tennessee. This band is on the up swing, and you should take a listen to them. I listen to this album at least twice a week, and still love it. Check out the songs The Drawing Board and The Temporary Blues.

Mason Jennings-Blood of a Man
Well, I have been hearing a lot of Mason Jennings and his latest album Blood of a Man. I actually came across this album and In The Ever on my external hard drive and forgot that I had these two albums. (Yes it was like Christmas for a music dork such as myself) So I wrote a note to myself to listen to them. I have to say I am slowly becoming a fan. He is signed by Jack Johnson’s label Brushfire Records. He reminds me a lot of a young Bob Dylan/Ric Ocasek (yes that is a huge and odd comparison) he is a really good song writer. I am staring to really like him, and see why all the talk is about. Check out songs Pittsburgh and The Field.

Must “get it now” albums:

Passion Pit- Manners
(this album should be #1 on every list, if I want to be in a good mood I listen to
Manners and it gets me where I need to be.)

White Lies-To Lose My Life
(Love this album, after seeing them live, love it even more.)

Yeah, Yeah, Yeahs-It’s Blitz!
(Just another great album from YYY)

Ra Ra Riot- Rhumb Line
(A really great album, love the song Can You Tell)

Portugal. The Man- The Satanic Satanist
(Don’t let the name of the album scare you, this is a great album to listen to on a sunny day)

Yes, we have that kid

Well for the few that read my blog each week, most of the time I try to write about our ups and downs of raising a kid. Most of the time I try to keep the downs out of it and write mostly about our ups, which would be the fun times of raising Sloan. Along the way so far Kristen and I have figured out that we are the younger parents that you see at various functions that involve Sloan. We take baby steps and cope with it along the way, and laugh at each other when we get the chance.

I am usually the younger looking dad, wearing jeans, a t-shirt, tennis shoes, and a hat at most of Sloan’s stuff. Most of the time feeling younger than I should when I see the rest of the dad’s dressed “down” as they like to call it, which most of the time means some sort of khaki and a collard shirt. To me that is my work clothes, being in the profession I am in the only time I have had to wear any sort of tie/shirt/suit/slack combo is either for an interview or we happen to have a men’s basketball game that day. (For those keeping score at home, basketball season is from November-March, so there is a small window for me having to wear a tie, and I haven’t interviewed for a job in almost five years.)

The other times, Kristen and I often talk after functions about how we feel so much younger than the other parents. I am glad we are younger, and get an earlier start on kids than most. Of course Kristen and I would like to act like we planned this out, but some higher being had it planned out for us. Kristen and I have a cute dynamic, as I am the strong-silent one, and she does the talking for the rest of us. (If you have ever been around us you will catch on real quick to this dynamic.) For what she does in talking, I make up in sarcastic, sometimes smart-ass comments, and what I like to call quick-dry wittiness. So it evens out in the end.

So with all that said, the two younger parents in Sloan’s class (Kristen and I) had our first parent-teacher conference of the year. As we sit down in the chairs designed for first graders (have no idea why they don’t bring two normal size chairs in for the parents to sit at) and the semi-circle table, also designed for six year olds. We talk to Sloan’s teacher about how she is doing in school. As mentioned above, my beautiful wife dominates the conversation, which is fine with me; I am the strong-silent one. So after talking about progress, grades, etc. we get to hear how she is in the classroom.

Of course our beautiful Sloan takes after her mother when it comes to talking to friends in class (very talkative). Which we were assured all kids are a bit of a talker, but we both know how Sloan is, and she can talk a fence post to death. Then her teacher informs us that Sloan is quite the “helper” in class. Also anything and everything that she needs or wants done, she just calls on Sloan to do it. Not to mention, Sloan also volunteers at any point during the day, raises her hand first, all the normal traits of a teacher’s pet. Which to Sloan’s defense, Kristen and I have taught her to always help out, say please and thank you, etc.

As we say our goodbyes to Sloan’s teacher, we both walk down the hall towards the door. At the same moment we both look at each other and admit we have the teacher’s pet kid, and start laughing. So while walking to the car laughing, we decide that it’s a good thing she is so helpful, and it’s not a bad thing she is this way, and it does not surprise me at all. She is a sweet helpful kid and I am very glad we have raised her this way. We just need to make sure it does not turn into the know-it-all/teacher’s pet kid everyone “loved” when they were in junior high and high school. All in all, Sloan is doing great in school, and for this blog I get to brag about her behavior, although that behavior does not always come home with her from school, so I am going to chalk this up as a victory. We are planning something special for our little teacher’s pet this week, so watch out shoguns here we come.

Music this week:
I am starting to find out that my musical tastes are taking a different turn. I usually listen to the alternative station on XM radio, but I have been opting to listen to Sirius XMU. So if my music starts getting a little weird, don’t worry.

Clutch-Strange Cousins from the West
I saw this band at ACL; I feel they got some harsh reviews this past week for their set. It was exactly what I needed to start of the day, a little good old fashioned rock to wake you up. They have been together for a little over a decade, and have maintained their hard rock/blues influence as well. Neil Fallon has some great vocals that border on psychedelic ramblings. I really like Motherless Child, and 50, 0000 Unstoppable Watts.

Alice In Chains-Black Gives Way To Blue
Well, I have been an Alice In Chains fan for a long time. One of the best trades I have made for music was to give my sister the Guns-N-Roses Cds I had for Dirt and Facelift from AIC. I am not going to lie; I was very reluctant to get this album. In 2002 Layne Staley died of a drug overdose, and I honestly felt that was the end of AIC. They picked up a new lead singer, William DuVall and recorded their new album. I have to say, Alice In Chains picked up where they left off. I am very pleasantly surprised at this album, and I have listened to it a lot since getting it. I like the songs When the Sun Rose Again and Private Hell.

School of Seven Bells-Alpinisms
I have been interested in this trio for a while, and was bummed that I couldn’t see them when they were at ACL this year. SOSB consists of Benjamin Curtis of Secret Machines and identical twins Alejandra and Claudia Deheza of On!Air!Library!. I got the album today to listen to while at work, along with The Flaming Lips new album (I will review that next week). After the first two listens today, I really like SOSB. They weave some beautiful vocals from the Deheza twins with amazing music. I can see myself listening to Alpinisms a lot. So far I like the songs Half Asleep, My Cabal, and Face to Face On High Places.

Now I settle back down to earth

Well, this past weekend was something I have been anticipating for at least three or more months. I finally got my chance to watch live music and soak in everything all in one day. The Austin City Limits Festival was amazing, and everything I had hoped and more. After leaving Sunday night after being amazed, and being reduced to a grown man feeling like a kid after Pearl Jam, all I could think is that I got to see my favorite band in the world play, and they blew me away once again.

Before I get to Pearl Jam, I guess I should take you through the day. Jeff (I will refer to him as Dees from here on) and I got to Austin around 12 p.m. checked into the hotel and took a cab to Zilker Park. I could hardly contain myself the whole time, and couldn’t get there fast enough. We got in and found ourselves in the mud and the muck as soon as we got there. It rained very heavy the day before and basically turned the park into a huge mud infested marsh. That however did nothing to mine and Dees spirit for the day. We took a quick b-line to the Austin Ventures stage to catch the last of Mike Posner. I do have to say, minus the dancing and hot girlfriend (not that Mike doesn’t have one) I have to say Justin Timberlake might want to watch out. Posner has some catchy lyrics and great beats and honestly should be all over the radio right now. So keep Mike Posner on your pop music radar. (Listen to him here.)

We then decided to walk down to the main stage and see Clutch. We both have heard about this band and decided to take a look at them. They have been around since the late 90’s, but never caught on in the mainstream music scene of the 90’s. Before I get into Clutch, I have a side story. While standing waiting for Clutch to come on, I was scanning the crowd and came across a person that I was really hoping to run into while I was there. Paul Shirley a music writer for ESPN, that also has a book out (you can check it out here.) was standing a few feet behind me. I went over and introduced myself and became a horrible fan boy for a little while and engaged him in conversation before the show. I have to say it was awesome, I read his column every week and have e-mailed back a forth a few times. He is a great guy and watched Clutch with us for a few minutes before he had to get back to his writing duties. So needless to say the day has started off awesome and can only go up from here.

So Clutch goes on, and they lived up to everything we heard. This band basically kicked you in the stomach with some much needed metal with a mix of dirty rock and blues. I became an instant fan after four songs. They rocked and kept me very optimistic for the day to unfold. It was a muddy mess during the day, but that didn’t keep us down, I was just excited to be around people and music that I love. (Listen to Clutch here.)

The next band we caught was White Lies, of course along the way we caught Love Shack and Rock Lobster from the B-52’s and that made my day. After Clutch, I didn’t know what to expect from the band from across the pond. I have to say after catching White Lies, they were the top three bands I saw on Sunday. They were absolutely amazing, and I can’t wait for them to come around close so I can see them again. Harry McVeigh was great on vocals, and I would recommend to anyone to go see them live. One of the best bands on Sunday. (Listen to White Lies here.)

After we were amazed at the amount of people standing behind us and up the hill. We made our way over to the AMD stage to catch the Arctic Monkeys. I have been a big fan of theirs for a while and was very excited to see the UK band play. They did a great job of weaving their older heavier stuff with their new album Humbug which is a little mild compared to their first two albums. I really loved their set, and plan on seeing them again in the future. (Listen to Arctic Monkeys here.)

Dees and I decided to set up camp close to the AMD stage and the Xbox stage to catch Passion Pit and Ben Harper. Passion Pit was probably in the Top 5 bands of the day for me. Michael Angelakos and company put on a great show, and I was very pleased hearing them live. I was hoping he would be able to do what he does on their albums live, and he came through. (Listen to Passion Pit here.)

Next up was Ben Harper and Relentless 7, I didn’t know what to expect from Ben and his new band. I have seen him twice with his old band the Innocent Criminals and have loved him since then. Ben came out and did awesome like I knew he would, and his new bands Relentless 7 are a great way to accompany him. They are a little heavier and can come out and rock. I was very excited to see him and once again as a theme of the day, not disappointed. The only thing is I wished he would have played some of his old stuff, but beggars can’t be choosers. (Listen to Ben Harper and Relentless 7 here.)

Once Ben started winding down, we kind of walked over to catch Girl Talk. I was amazed at how many people were there to catch him. (Don’t call him a DJ, he claims he isn’t) There were easily tens of thousands of people standing around the stage and up to see him perform. I have to say, if the world in general listened to some Girl Talk and flat out partied and had fun like the rest of us festival goers the world would be a better place.
(Listen to Girl Talk here, here, and here.)

We then walked over to catch another person I was excited to see, Dan Auerbach. He is the other person from the garage-blues duo of The Black Keys. He was everything I was hoping for. He was just great to watch and hear play, not to mention the 7 plus minute rendition of “My Last Mistake” to other great songs off his first solo album. I am going to catch him and the Black Keys when I get a chance. (Listen to Dan Auerbach here.)

Now on to the whole reason I went to ACL, the most amazing, greatest band on earth Pearl Jam. We caught some Spearhead before PJ went on, which was more of a back ground music to everyone anticipating Pearl Jam going on. PJ played every hit and song you could think of in the two hour set. I have never been so happy as to see them play songs that I absolutely love. From “Why Go” to “Evolution” to “Corduroy”. I was in heaven listening to them play, and they sounded great! I knew that Ben Harper would come up for a song, but they decided to play “Red Mosquito” and Ben dominated the guitar solos during the song. I was happy at that point, but what came next for the encore I couldn’t imagine. Pearl Jam brought up Perry Ferrell of Jane’s Addiction to play “Mountain Song” and that was by far the perfect end of an amazing day. Two of my most favorite bands playing together on stage. Then PJ finished up with a little Neil Young number to end the night.

Over all is was a perfect, amazing day, we caught many more bands but these stood out the most. I met a rock writer, talked to some great people, and realized why I love seeing music live. I just hope Kristen realizes that we will be going together next year to ACL. Not to mention I am going to try and catch more live music when I get the chance. Also, as much crap as I give Austin (due to the University of Texas being there); I have to say Austin is and has always been a cool place. I just wish they would drop the whole “Texas Longhorns” thing. Well done Austin, well done.

The anticipation is killing me

Well, this is the longest week ever (next to the birth of Sloan) for me. I am at five days and counting until going to the ACL Festival in Austin. I haven’t been excited about something like this in a long time. I get a little excited when baseball season starts up (for the fact I feel every year is the Mets year), and college football, but this is an excitement of a kid.

I get to see two of my most favorite bands/artists of all time in one day, almost back to back. Of course Pearl Jam will be playing that night, but I also have a small love affair with Ben Harper after he blew me away in 1998 on the main stage at Horde Fest. After being excited and shocked to see the Smashing Pumpkins take the stage and then witnessing their break up on stage after four songs into their set, the organizers moved a musician from Claremont, CA onto the main stage to satisfy the angry crowd. I had no idea what I was in store for, but after his set, I was never blown away by someone until then. From 1998 on, I have never missed an album release by Ben Harper, also converting some of my friends along the way to fans of Ben. I get to reunite with him since the last time I saw him live (1999 in Dallas). I am very eager to see him play with his new band Relentless 7.

The one thing I am most excited about is seeing new bands that day. I know that Ben and PJ will rock my socks off; it’s seeing new things that also excite me. I love going to sporting events and concerts. The best are outdoor concerts, if I had to pick I would see concerts outdoors rather than in an arena. It’s the sights, sounds, and smells that just add to everything. As you can tell, I am very excited to get to Austin, and now wish I could have afforded to take the weekend and see all three days, but that hopefully will happen next year, with Sloan and Kristen.

So I have a list of bands that I want to see during the day, and hopefully find some new bands that day as well. I am also bringing a camera so don’t worry I will have some pics to show everyone next week. Plus some good stories to write about as well. So I haven’t got any new music for you guys this week, but here is my list of bands I want to see on Sunday. Have a good week.

Here is my ACL Schedule (also my wish list for Friday and Saturday):
http://2009.aclfestival.com/14961/schedule/2009/10/04

12:20- Mike Posner (awesome college kid from Duke, listen to him here)

12:30ish- The Dodos (a band I am interested in, listen to them here)

1:15- Here We Go Magic and David Garza (both interested in, listen to HWGM here and
DG here)

2:00- The B-52s and Clutch (you have to catch a little of the B-52s and Clutch I have
Heard is very good, Listen to B-52s here and Clutch here)

3:00- White Lies (a band I am excited to see, listen to the here.)

3:00 & 3:30- State Radio and Heartless Bastards (going to try and see both, might get
stuck with White Lies though. Listen to State Radio here and Heartless
Bastards here.)

4:00- Arctic Monkeys (I can’t wait to see them, they might (probably will) trump seeing
the Toadies. Listen to AM here and Toadies here.)

4:45-Brett Dennen (Love this kid, saw him open up for John Mayer, Listen to Brett here.)
5:00-Passion Pit (Love this band, can’t wait to see them, Listen to the Pit here.)

5:00ish- Dirty Projectors (I hear a lot about them, so I am going to try and check them
out, listen to them here.)

6:00- Ben Harper and Relentless 7 (I can’t wait, busting to see Ben blow the place up.
Listen to Ben here, and here.)

6:00ish- The Dead Weather (I am going to try and see Jack White and his new band play.
Listen to them here. I really want to see them; it will be hard to leave Ben’s set)

7:00- Girl Talk, Dan Auerbach, and Michael Franti (here is where it will get tough for
me, I really want to see GT, and I can’t miss Dan Auerbach, I love the Black Keys
and his solo album is unbelievable, and I am interested in seeing Franti play a
little. Listen to GT here, Auerbach here, and Franti here.)

8:00- PEARL JAM (enough said, greatest band, listen to PJ here, here, and here if you
have lived under a rock and have never heard them.)

Why Pearl Jam Dad?

Well, as an unofficial music writer and a huge fan of Pearl Jam my long awaited album of the summer finally came out this past Sunday. After a night of adult beverages I rolled out of bed, made plans with Sloan while she was at Kristen’s parents house, and ate a quick breakfast and drove to Target (yes it was about the time they opened their doors at 9 a.m., and yes Kristen knows that I am a dork). So, acting like a little kid, I grabbed my copy and proceeded to check out. Hoping none of the Target employees saw the huge smile on my face, to confirm I am a music geek in his 30’s.

So acting like an adult I made sure to be patient and take my time running errands, and getting home in time to have my first listen before Sloan got home from church. I got my first listen under my belt for the day, and took Sloan to the movies to see Cloudy with a chance of meatballs in 3D. (On a quick side note, if you have not seen a movie in 3D yet, go see one, it was the coolest thing I have seen in a while. Not the cheap red and blue 3D we had as a kid.) So we get back from the movies and start getting ready to go swimming at the indoor pool, and I put on PJ to listen to while we get ready. I also grabbed the iPod to listen to it in the car on the way to the pool.

I always make a point to make sure to include Sloan in any music listening I am doing. So while we are driving I am asking her opinion of what she is listening too, and of course after telling her no Matt and Kim today, it’s time to listen to my favorite band. Then she brought up a rather good question, “Dad, why is Pearl Jam your favorite band?” This made me think about that question for the past few days. Those of you that don’t have kids, they will ask rather great questions often, I feel deep down they know we don’t know the answers and therefore ask the question to mess with us.

So the past few days I thought about Sloan’s question, which should be an easy answer, but I came up with why. Not only why Pearl Jam is my favorite band, but why I hold music in general so personal. I can scroll through my iPod and can almost re-live and remember the specific time I first listened to a song or album, or for that matter the feelings of that time. Be it a break up, a loss, a party, a hilarious memory, and the first time I met Kristen. I guess just like places and things, music helps me remember times and places I have been. But onto the big question, why Pearl Jam. For me Pearl Jam has grown up with me, Ten was released my freshman year of high school, then came Vs. my senior year, and it feels that along my way to adulthood Eddie and company has been there. PJ broke my dependence to listening to what my friends did in high school, which was mostly hip-hop. They showed me there was more out there than where I was at in a small town in Oklahoma. To this day, anytime I hear “In My Tree” it puts a smile on my face, just hearing Matt Cameron playing the drums on that song, it just puts me in a good mood. I guess I understand my parents love for the Beatles, Pearl Jam to me are my Beatles. To me they changed music for me and opened me up to new things. Everyone has their one band that no matter what they love them, for Kristen its Dave Matthews (yes we are very opposite), and I know Sloan will find hers.

Of course I have branched out and I listen to a million other bands and styles of music, but my one constant that I know I will always love is Pearl Jam, and I will always have a soft spot in my heart for hip-hop (N.W.A was the first album I bought, still don’t know how I got that past my mom.). Now I just have to somehow break this answer down to a six year old. I need to figure out an analogy with Hannah Montana in it and she will understand.

This week’s music:
Well, I am sure everyone will know that one of the albums is Backspacer, but I have a few that have either been out or just came out to add to this week’s list. So after my gushing blog about Pearl Jam, let’s get it started.

Monsters of Folk- Monsters of Folk
I guess this is the mega folk band (if you can use that about folk music) started playing together in 2004. The members are M. Ward, Jim James, Conor Oberst, and Mike Mogis, all in their own right are great folk-rock musicians. I am a huge fan of My Morning Jacket and M. Ward, plus Conor Oberst isn’t too shabby. I haven’t listened to much of Bright Eyes which is where Mike Mogis and Conor Oberst worked together. I was eager to listen to this album and got my pre-order last night and listened to it before I went to bed. After my first listen I was very pleased, I feel they got the name right for the band. These guys are some great song writers and it shows in this album. Right now my favorite songs are Tezmacal and Whole Lotta Losin’.

Blitzen Trapper- Furr
This was their 2008 release from the Portland based band. I came across them listening to Xm radio and the song Black River Killer came on. I decided to give Furr a chance seeing it was critically acclaimed last year. They have an American classic rock band feel with a touch of Spacehog in it. This is really a great album, and I would recommend getting this when you get a chance. Check out the songs Black River Killer and War on Machines.

BLK JKS- After Robots
I have been hearing a lot about this band from Johannesburg, South Africa. They decided to move to America to record their first full album. This is becoming one of my favorite albums of 2009. They have incorporated South African music and chants into some great alternative rock. They remind me of a South African TV on the Radio. I have probably listened to this album atleast once a day for the past few weeks. Check out the songs Lakeside and Cursor.

Pearl Jam-Backspacer
Well, I am going to try and do this some justice. Being a fan will be hard to give an honest opinion of this album. For one, they still know how to rock and from what I have read that is all they want to do. I would put this album in my top five, I have listened to it atleast twice a day since Sunday. They still have it, not that they didn’t before this album. Listening to this album just gets me more excited to see them live in 12 days (man, I can’t wait!). It has the classic PJ feel to the album, just enough up tempo songs and just enough slow songs to really hear Eddie Vedder sing. As of right now my favorite songs are, Got Some, Just Breathe, Amongst Waves, and Unthought Known. For the time being, this will probably change by Friday.

A Soggy adventure with Dad

Well this past weekend I finally felt Sloan was old enough to take her to her first Oklahoma game. For me this was almost a rite of passage as a kid growing up in Oklahoma. Some people might think I am crazy or think this is weird, but there are only a few college football experiences and I feel this is one of them. I have been to a million college football games, but I have always remembered my first time I went to an OU game as a kid. As one friend told me this past week, that is how traditions stay going. (He is from Oklahoma and understands)

So I am very excited, knowing this is my only trip to an OU game this year (due to the fact that I am at every Baylor game and there are very few times I get a free weekend). Not to mention I am taking Sloan to the game to let her know what it is like to see 80,000 people in one stadium. So at the first of the week, everything is shaping up for a good time. We are staying at the farm that weekend, which both of us love to do, and we will be eating Nana’s cooking as well. Plus, Sloan gets to pick watermelons and see Nana and Pawpaw.

Well, closer and closer to us leaving the forecast for weather isn’t getting better. Sloan is pumped because she is going to a game with me, and she might get to wear a poncho. (Plus she gets to see OU’s cheerleaders and the horses that pull the schooner.) Well needless to say we get to Oklahoma and it’s basically a 90% chance of rain the whole time. Of course we still go to the game; rain is not going to scare us off. Not to mention this is an OU football game. I can remember me and my Dad braving the elements of snow and sleet one year to watch OU play Nebraska.

We all get to Norman, and of course my Mom and Sloan need to go shopping for game day t-shirts for everyone. So we put on our ponchos and walk to campus corner to do a little shopping at the Nike store. Our first struggle is now happening; once we get to the store Sloan decides she likes my poncho better than hers. So being a good Dad I trade her ponchos, in the middle of a packed OU Nike Store. While I am looking at t-shirts for myself and Kristen, Sloan decides she does not like my poncho and wants hers back. So we trade again. We find the perfect OU shirt for Sloan (of course in hot pink), and decide on what Mom’s will be and mine and head back to the car to, of course, change into Sloan’s perfect shirt.

We then start our walk to the stadium and one of our stopping points my dad’s alumni meal before the game. So we get our fill of hot dogs, chicken, fruit, and cheesecake. Sloan at this point is doing better (long walks are not her strong point), and she is patiently waiting for the cheerleaders to show up. They finally do, and her and my mom gets a closer look and she is glued to them, watching their every move. At this point I knew she was getting hooked (at first she thought OU was playing Baylor, and didn’t want to go. She is a Baylor fan first of course, and hates when OU wins.)

After this, I can no longer contain her excitement, so we put back on our ponchos and head to Owen Memorial Stadium (I refuse to call it by any other name). Once we walk up the ramp into the rain filled stadium all I could hear and see was Sloan look at me and go “whoa, cool”. At that point I did my job as a responsible parent from Oklahoma and got her hooked. We said bye to Nana and Pawpaw and got to our seats, to my surprise, two rows from the field. Sloan was a trooper, and loved seeing the players that close (so did I), plus it helped that the mascots were close by too. She also got to see the real horses up close on our way to the seats. (If you were wondering, yes I still get choked up when the team runs onto the field.) Sloan with stood the elements, and enjoyed the game. I knew it was a losing cause once she started telling me she was hungry and thirsty close to halftime. Once OU went up 41-0 before halftime and the rain started pouring down, it was time to go.

All in all, it was a fun weekend. I got to spend time with my parents and spend some quality time with Sloan. It gets harder and harder once everything starts up to do that with Sloan. We have two more outings on the calendar and that is to go to our last two Rangers games of the year. I don’t have the heart to tell her the Rangers folded again this year. Maybe Baylor being good in football this year will distract her from that talk. Of course, Mom gets to take her to the Baylor game this weekend with Mimi and Poppy. I hope they have plenty of water, hot dogs, and popcorn for her.

Music for this week:
Well, I am still waiting for music to come out . My boy Q-tip releases his new album this week, and so far I like it. But who can’t like anything from the boys from A Tribe Called Quest. Well Here are the new albums I have for this week, it’s a hip-hop week.

Jay-Z- The Blueprint3
Ok, I am a huge fan of Jay-Z, seeing I have everything he has released. I have to say BP3 is one of his best albums. I have listened to this one off and on everyday since I bought it last Thursday (gotta love iTunes pre-orders). Right now my favorite songs are On to the Next One, and Run this Town.

Q-Tip- Kamaal The Abstract
This is something different for anyone that has listened to A Tribe Called Quest or any of Q-Tip’s solo stuff. It is going to take me a few listens to know if I like this or not. It has a nice jazz feel to a few of the songs. Just got it this week, so haven’t picked any favorite songs just yet.

Mike Posner and the Brain Trust- A Matter of Time
Mike Posner struck an interest with me when he was added to the ACL Festival a few weeks ago. After digging and finally finding his album, I found out he is still a student at Duke University and from what I read, the next big thing. I have to say after a first listen to his album, I really like him. Check out the songs Drug Dealer Girl and Still Not Over You.