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.