Three More Weeks!!!

Calling All Obscure Music Fans

I need help. I have been looking for this album for years with little or no luck at all. The album is called Imagine We Were by a band called Tribe of Heaven. Here's what amazon.com has to say about it:

Mark Roebuck, formerly of the 80s power-pop band The Deal, began work on Tribe of Heaven in 1989. He invited then fellow bartender Dave Matthews to assist him in writing and recording a CD-length project. Tribe of Heaven would produce a rich, folk-acoustic sound, woven with dark, sometimes melancholy themes. The Tribe of Heaven project included nine songs, five written by Mark Roebuck alone, three written by Mark Roebuck and Dave Matthews together, and one a cover of U2's "In God's Country." Mark and Dave both sang and played on all songs. Greg Howard added keyboards on "Imagine We Were" and "Half the Time." Mike Rosenski played guitar on "Touch." The recording was done locally in Scottsville, Virginia on 8 track reel to reel at the home studio of Greg Howard during two sessions separated by about 6 months. Tribe of Heaven was informally shopped around in early 1990, but without success. Dave would go on to form Dave Matthews Band the next year and include a Tribe of Heaven song, "The Song that Jane Likes," on the band's first release, Remember Two Things. The Tribe of Heaven project lay dormant for more than a decade until a revival of interest in Mark's various musical projects, and interest from Dave's many fans, led to this release.

As luck would have it, the album is listed as "Out Of Stock" at amazon.com (It's not on iTunes, either). I don't want to go the ebay route because you never really know what you're going to get. I've found it on several independent sites but I don't know how reputable they are. So I need your help. Does anyone out there know where I can get a copy of this? Are there any really good online record stores that I could try without becoming a victim of identity theft?

Thanks in advance for your help!

The Countdown Has Begun

I was really bored at work yesterday afternoon, so I decided to make myself a Countdown to Season Five Calendar. This is hanging on my door at work. It's really great because there are only three other people in my building who watch LOST and "get" the calendar. Everyone else walks by with these bewildered looks on their faces. It cracks me up!

"What's that?"

"It's a LOST thing, you wouldn't understand."

I know, I know. I hear you. "What a dork!" "What a dweeb!" "What a geek!" "What a nerd!" "What a tool!" "Get a life!" "Grow up!" "You need help!"

You know what I say to that? I'm cooler than you. Get over it!

Official U2 Album News

Found this a few days ago. I guess it's time to start thinking about my U2 Tour plans!!!

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – Irish rockers U2 have named their new album
"No Line On The Horizon," and will release it worldwide in early March,
their label said on Thursday.

The quartet's 12th studio album was originally expected to be released
by the end of this year, but the band announced in September that it
would keep writing more tunes. Recording took place in Morocco, Dublin,
New York and London.

Interscope Records will release "No Line On The Horizon"
internationally on March 2, and a day later in North America.

It marks the follow-up to "How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb," which was
released in late 2004 and went on to sell 9 million copies worldwide,
according to Interscope. It also garnered U2 their second album of the
year Grammy, following 1987's "The Joshua Tree."

The new album was produced by long-time collaborators Brian Eno and
Daniel Lanois, with additional production by Steve Lillywhite. Tunes
recorded in 2006 with producer Rick Rubin, the man behind Johnny Cash's
comeback, have been jettisoned.

Tour plans have not been announced. The "Vertigo" world tour for the
last album ran from March 2005 to December 2006.

I Believe In Father Christmas - U2 Style

Quote of the Day

"If my life was a television show, it would probably get cancelled." -Me

LOST Season 5 Promo (New)

As always, if you're in the process of catching up with the rest of the cool kids who already watch the greatest show ever made in the history of television, DO NOT WATCH THIS. This means you, Mom! And if you've never seen the show but think you might want to watch it someday, DO NOT WATCH THIS!

OK, you've been warned. Here is a new promo featuring music by The Fray (another band I'm starting to appreciate more and more:

What I've Been Up To (The Indredibly Random Version)

-I saw the new Bond movie and was less than impressed. I do want to give it another chance but I don't expect my opinion to change all that much.

-I'll spare you all the ugly details, but I had not one, but two surgeries in less than 28 hours. Something to do with my bladder shifting during surgery and the mesh used to repair one hernia not attaching correctly...

-At one point after surgery #2, I actually prayed for death - seriously (then thought better of it and decided I wanted to see how LOST ends before I die). So God and I have this deal worked out...

-Speaking of LOST, have you seen the new promo? It's pretty killer. Maybe I'll post it if I can find and embed-able copy (is that even a word?).

-Oxycodone is a great drug. I'm not advocating recreational drug use or anything, but if you have hernia surgery, make sure they give you Oxycodone. Like Tony the Tiger says, "They're GRRRRRREAT!"

-In no particular order, here is what I've been listening to over the past few weeks: My Morning Jacket, Gomez, Pixies, Dave Matthews Band, Metallica (I actually listened to "Broken, Beat and Scarred" on the way to surgery #2 - I found it quite appropriate), Radiohead , Gavin Degraw, Ray Lamontagne, Band of Horses, Muse, Veruca Salt (they kicked so much ass back in the day - and I had a HUGE crush on Nina Gordon in college).

-My mother stayed with me for a few days after my surgeries. She actually watched LOST Seasons 1 and 2 and got half-way through Season 3. She's more of a trooper than I thought. In fact one morning at around 6:00 she asks, "Can I put in the next LOST disc?"

-In case you're wondering why I would be up at 6:00 in the morning when I didn't have to go to work, let me explain: My pain medication made me sleepy, but I was so uncomfortable I couldn't sleep. I now know how pissed-off sharks feel.

-I will never again take for granted the simple task of getting out of the recliner and walking to the bathroom. Last week, that "simple task" took about 25 minutes each time I attempted it. 5 minutes to get out of the recliner, 5 minutes to walk down the hall to the bathroom, 5 minutes in the bathroom, 5 minutes to walk back to the recliner and 5 minutes to get back into the recliner and get comfortable after the pain subsided. This happened about once an hour, so I basically got to sit about 35 minutes out of each hour. This lasted six days...

-Let me just take this opportunity to say I have the best Mom in the world. She put up with a lot of complaining, whining, bitching, crying and cursing last week. God bless her! I know for a fact I couldn't have recovered alone.

-Still haven't seen "W", but I did see "Zack and Miri Make a Porno" the night before the Metallica concert. It's not a movie for everyone, especially if you're easily offended. But if you can appreciate the crude humor of Kevin Smith, I highly recommend it.

-The Samsung Propel commercials featuring Ozzy Osbourne are hilarious.

-I've pretty much decided that I'm getting a dog after the holiday season. Most likely a Puggle (half pug, half beagle). I'm gonna name it Harley. If this works out OK, I'll probably get another one and name it Hendrix. Harley and Hendrix... I think that works! I thought about Luke and Leia, but that would have been too creepy (and dorky, and sad, and George Lucas would probably find a way to make money from it). I also thought about Sawyer and Dharma, but I already have enough of a LOST obsession and my friends would most likely have me committed if I went that route. So, Harley and Hendrix it is. Instead of children, I'm gonna have dogs! Not that there's anything wrong with that. Dogs need love, too! Plus, you don't have to send them to college...

-Long Duk Dong is playing one more show. New Year's Eve at Holiday Inn North. But... since I don't have a New Year's Eve date and the tickets are pretty expensive, I think I'll probably have to skip it.

-There's a band in town called See Alice. I think that's great!

-Let's revisit the topic of dogs for just a second. I always said I wanted a solid black Great Dane named Anakin. But, Great Danes don't live that long, they need A LOT of room and they eat A LOT. After I met my buddy Boog's dog, Paxton, I decided I wanted a Puggle. Paxton is basically the greatest dog ever created, so hopefully my future dog will be great, too.

-Nip/Tuck - January 6!

-LOST - January 21!

-I think they need to change the name of the NBC show Chuck to Can They Make Her Any Hotter Than They Did Last Week? - Oh Wait, They Just Did!

- I watched the first season of Mad Men. It was great. Now I need to find Season 2 somewhere online.

-That about it for now. Thanks to everyone who prayed, called, emailed, texted, stopped by, etc. last week during my surgeries and recovery. I really do have the best friends on earth - and quite a few of them, too, it seems!

New Bond Movie Out Friday!!!!!

LOST Season Five

ABC announced last weekend that LOST Season Five will begin on January 21. This will be a three-hour premiere with a one-hour recap special followed by two back-to-back episodes. Do I even have to say it? OK, I will...

I'm excited!

10 more weeks! 70 more days! 1680 more hours!

Yes, I need help...

Arrested Development Movie?

I heard on the news today that the Arrested Development movie is moving forward. Jeffrey Tambor himself said he had received calls from the writer, director and producer. Mr. Tambor was quoted as saying, "Get your hopes up."

To add further credibility to this story, David Cross said he has received the same calls.

Maybe this is actually going to happen!

Metallica in Columbus

Yesterday I made the trip up to Columbus, OH to see Metallica... again. This was Metalli-show #15 for me and it was as good as ever. These guys continue to deliver live. It's hard to believe they're all in their mid-40's. Anyway, the setlist is below. They played five songs from the new album (which I loved), but they also surprised us with several old songs that they hardly ever play live (which I loved even more). Check it out:

That Was Just Your Life

The End Of The Line

Creeping Death

Ride The Lightning

One

Broken, Beat And Scarred

Cyanide

Sad But True

Wherever I May Roam

Leper Messiah

The Day That Never Comes

Master Of Puppets

Battery

Nothing Else Matters

Enter Sandman

- - - - - - -

Die, Die My Darling

Jump In the Fire

Seek and Destroy

I know this isn't a very detailed report, but I got home at 2:59 a.m. and I'm and in that "half-asleep, half-awake" zone and my ears are still ringing. Front row at a Metallica show can drain the life right of of you, but it's worth it. Besides, with surgery coming next Monday I'm trying to squeeze in all the fun I can!

Gomez "How We Operate"

Here's a great tune from Gomez called "How We Operate". It's a few years old, but I've had it stuck in my head lately so I thought I'd share it with you.

Health Update

I met with a surgeon today to discuss and schedule my hernia operation. Everything went very well - much better than expected, actually. The surgery will take about an hour and a half and will be an out-patient procedure, so I won't have to stay in the hospital, which is awesome. The worst part about it will be the first few weeks after the surgery. Basically, I can't lift anything over 15 pounds for six weeks and I'll have to lay around with ice packs on my incisions for a few days to keep the swelling down. Other than the obvious lack of mobility and activity, it should be pretty routine. After speaking with the surgeon, I actually feel relieved. Things could have been a lot worse! I'm just ready to get it over with and get on with my life.

Let me just take this opportunity to thank all of you who have called, emailed and stopped by to check up on me. You guys are the shiz-nit!! Thank you so much for your prayers and keep me in mind on November 17... the day of the surgery.

Oh, before anyone asks, yes I voted today! And you should, too, if you haven't already!

Basketball Season Started Today...

...and you know I was there!

It's About Time...

Evie On The Beach... 'Nuff Said

Guess Who's Having Surgery in a Few Weeks

ME!!!!

That's right, kids. If you read the blog last week, you saw my quote of the day referenced the fact that I "...felt like a big steaming puddle of hamster vomit all week." Sorry to make you read that again, but it adequately describes the way I felt.

Anyway, Saturday morning I woke up and had severe pain in my lower abdominal region. As long as I was sitting down or laying down I was fine. But when I stood for any period of time I was in a lot of pain. But I started feeling better as the day went on and I actually attended a Young Adults football gathering at Crossroads followed by Patch's annual Halloween party later that night. I still wasn't feeling 100%, but well enough to do these things nonetheless.

Sunday morning I woke up bright and early and drove up to Georgetown to play guitar with the Praise Team at the new Crossroads Georgetown Campus. All was going well until around 9:30. The pain came back and I actually had to sit down on the ground for a few minutes. I was in a lot of pain during the service, so if anyone was in attendance in Georgetown Sunday, I apologize if you felt I was disconnected.

I spent the rest of Sunday afternoon on the couch watching football and NASCAR. I was actually feeling much better.

Monday I went to work as usual, but while walking in to the office, the pain hit me again. Now call me stubborn, but I really hate going to the doctor. Yes, I should have gone right then, but me being the dummy I can be sometimes, decided to see how things went yesterday and last night before making the decision to see a doctor.

Which brings me to this morning. I went to work (thirty minutes late - it takes a while to get ready when you're in pain). I caved, called the doctor and got an appointment. Long story short, I have not one, but AT LEAST TWO HERNIAS!!! So, I have a consultation with a surgeon next week with surgery to follow.

This is new territory for me. I have never been under the knife (unless you count having my wisdom teeth taken out). I've never had a major procedure like this done. So, have you or anyone you know had this surgery? If so, what can I expect? How long is the recovery process? Exactly how much pain will I be in after the surgery? Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Sorry to bore you with my medical issues, but I am man enough to admit I'm a little nervous!!! Call me a big wuss if you want, but this is a big deal to me!!!

Quote of the Day

"I've felt like a big steaming puddle of hamster vomit all week." -Me

LOST Season 5 Promo

UPDATE 10/25/08: The video should work now...

The LOST Season 5 Promo is on the 'net. Like I've said before, if you haven't watched LOST but think you might want to get caught up, DON'T WATCH THIS! However, if you're a fanatic like me, you're sure to enjoy it.

Here you go...

I Knew It!!!

I found this story online today... read on!

LONDON (Reuters) - Two U.S. fighter planes were scrambled and ordered to shoot down an unidentified flying object (UFO) over the English countryside during the Cold War, according to secret files made public on Monday.

One pilot said he was seconds away from firing 24 rockets at the object, which moved erratically and gave a radar reading like "a flying aircraft carrier."

The pilot, Milton Torres, now 77 and living in Miami, said it spent periods motionless in the sky before reaching estimated speeds of more than 7,600 mph (12,000 kph).

After the alert, a shadowy figure told Torres he must never talk about the incident and he duly kept silent for more than 30 years.

His story was among dozens of UFO sightings in defence ministry files released at the National Archives in London.

In a written account, Torres described how he scrambled his F-86 D Sabre jet in calm weather from the Royal Air Force base at Manston, Kent in May 1957.

"I was only a lieutenant and very much aware of the gravity of the situation. I felt very much like a one-legged man in an ass-kicking contest," he said.

"The order came to fire a salvo of rockets at the UFO. The authentication was valid and I selected 24 rockets.

"I had a lock-on that had the proportions of a flying aircraft carrier," he added. "The larger the airplane, the easier the lock-on. This blip almost locked itself."

At the last moment, the object disappeared from the radar screen and the high-speed chase was called off.

He returned to base and was debriefed the next day by an unnamed man who "looked like a well-dressed IBM salesman."

"He threatened me with a national security breach if I breathed a word about it to anyone," he said.

The documents contain no official explanation for the incident, which came at a time of heightened tension between the West and the Soviet Union. Planes were on constant stand-by at British bases for a possible Soviet attack.

The files blame other UFO sightings on weather balloons, clouds or normal aircraft. Torres said he had been waiting 50 years for an explanation.

"I shall never forget it," he told the Times. "On that night I was ordered to open fire even before I had taken off. That had never happened before."

UFO expert David Clarke said the sighting may have been part of a secret U.S. project to create phantom aircraft on radar screens to test Soviet air defences.

"Perhaps what this pilot had seen was some kind of experiment in electronic warfare or maybe it was a UFO," he said. "Something very unusual happened."

The files are online at: www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/ufos

My Current Favorite Song

Here's the new Nickelback tune "Gotta Be Somebody." It took me a REALLY long time to hop aboard the Nickelback train, but I have to admit these guys are rock solid. In fact, I have often said the biggest problem with Nickelback is that they are TOO popular. You can't deny the fact that Chad Kroeger can flat out write a radio-friendly, poppy rock song. Some people are just blessed, I guess...

Anyway, here it is for your listening pleasure. Enjoy!

New Quote of the Day

I got this in an email earlier today...

"Someone has ripped the tailgate right off the f'n hinges of the crybaby caravan." -Chris

Quote of the Day

"Brahms was like the Slayer of his day." -Me

David Gilmour "Take A Breath"

Just because it's awesome... Here's a live performance of David Gilmour's "Take A Breath". Enjoy!

We're almost there...

Quote of the Day

"Trying to explain LOST to someone who's never watched LOST is like trying to explain sushi to someone who's never eaten sushi." -Me

The Office Is Back Tonight!!!

...and yes, Pam is on "the list", too!!!

Like Ric Flair, I'm Stylin' (WOOO!!!) and Profilin'

I'm not bragging, but...

...I just bought three new suits and a sports coat for pennies on the dollar... literally!

A clothing store here in town (and statewide) is closing its doors after many many years and as a result they are selling off everything at 80% - 90% off. While I hate to think of all the employees who are losing their jobs, these kinds of discounts don't come around everyday. So I took advantage of the situation.

Now I just need to find a few weddings or other formal functions to attend so these new duds don't hang unworn in the closet!

TONIGHT!!!

U2 News... From Bono Himself

The following was originally posted at U2.com...

'We’ve hit a rich songwriting vein and we don’t want to stop.' Bono has been talking to U2.Com about how the songs are shaping up for the new record and plans for 2009 to be their year. ‘This is our chance for us to defy gravity once again, ‘ explains Bono, calling in from a break in recording sessions in the south of France. ‘We have what it takes, we have the songs, new rhythms and a guitar player who is not ready to re-enter earth's atmosphere until he's taken a slice of the moon!' It's been fun, it's been maddening... there have been injuries and recoveries, no babies born that I know of, but this one is nearly ready for the new year of 2009.'

The band have been writing and recording the follow-up to ‘How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb’ since last year, and the feeling is that they’ve hit a creative groove so there are no plans to stop. Everyone, he says, is excited about where the recording is taking them. ‘When we set out on this record it was Larry who came up with the plan not to have a plan. He put up this idea that wouldn’t it be great just to make music for its own sake, not for the purpose of a live show or on album but just to see what we’re capable of…’ It’s an idea that’s paid off. Following sessions in Morocco, in Dublin and through the summer in France, the band have written ‘fifty or sixty’ tracks. And counting. ‘We’ve hit a rich songwriting vein,’ he explains. ‘It gets a bit dark down here but looks like we've found diamonds not coal. I thought a while back we might have the album wrapped by now, but why come up above ground now if there's more priceless stuff to be found?'

For now, they’re keeping a promise they made to themselves when they started writing: ‘We said to each other that if we got to the great place then we wouldn’t stop…’ So the writing and recording continues and while they now know what shape most of the album will take, they're not leaving the studio just yet. ‘We know we have to emerge soon but we also know that people don’t want another U2 album unless it is our best ever album. It has to be our most innovative, our most challenging… or what’s the point ?' They have no doubts that it will be as important a release for U2 as any. ‘It’s a brand new chapter for us, and everyone we’ve played the tracks to has said that musically it feels like another departure. The last two records were very personal, with a kind of three piece at their heart, the primary colours of rock - bass, guitars and drum. But what we’re about now is of the same order as the transition that took us from The Joshua Tree to Achtung Baby.’

He also mentions that the recording in Morocco was the first time the band have worked in a studio open to the sky: ‘On that track you can hear the sound of a swallows nest close to the building - it’s beautiful.’

Longtime collaborators Danny Lanois and Brian Eno have joined the band at different times, and, more recently, Steve Lillywhite – usually a tell-tale sign that a record is nearly done. ‘Steve has that ear for a top line melody and a good hook.’ But while Bono is itching to get the music out he says it’s going to be early 2009 when we first get to hear the songs. ‘I’m always the one who underestimates how easy it is to simply 'put out the songs now', if it was just up to me they’d be out already! But early next year people will be able to start hearing what we’ve been doing. We want 2009 to be our year, so we’re going to start making an impression very early on …'

The Colonel Just Made My Day!!

OK, so I've had a pretty crappy day. First off, it's Monday, which by default means it's a crappy day. Once I got to work, I found TWENTY-TWO analysis requests in my mailbox. Then, later in the day, I heard that Pink Floyd's Richard Wright had passed away. I've been fighting a steady headache all day long. On top of all that, my diamond shoes don't fit and all of my $100 bills won't fit in my wallet (OK, so I made that last part up!!)

But then I came home and started surfing the 'net. While reading Bret's (aka The Colonel's) blog, I learned that The Dame is re-opening!!!! They are moving to Main Street Live (formerly A1A, formerly Avio, formerly a hundred other names). This is great - and, in my opinion, it makes perfect sense to kinda merge the two venues. I can't wait!!

Thanks for the news, Colonel!!

R.I.P. Richard Wright

Richard Wright, one of the founding members of Pink Floyd, passed away today after a battle with cancer. He was 65.

One More Week!!!

HAPPY METALLICA DAY!!!!!!!

Money...

I've worked in a bank either on a part-time or full-time basis since the age of 16. You could say that banking is really all I know.

Anyway, before I started working in the banking industry I thought a million dollars was a lot of money, but in the grand scheme of things in this great country of ours, a million dollars really isn't that much money. Let me explain...

My job consists of analyzing large loans of $500,000 and above and basically telling the Bank the likelihood that the loan will or won't be paid back. I analyze personal and corporate financial statements, tax returns and credit reports and write a summary of the credit or credits to our loan committee, which consists of loan officers, market presidents and, of course, the owners of the Bank (my place of employment happens to be privately owned, hence owners rather than shareholders). It's a really great job for someone like me. I am overly analytical and I NEVER stop thinking. My brain never stops. In fact, I dream vividly almost every night, which I'm sure is due to my over-active brain. So you see, even when I'm SLEEPING my brain won't shut down! But I digress... (See what I mean?)

Today, I worked on an annual review of one of our biggest customers. The current balance on their five credit relationships is.....


Drumroll....


$13,526,894

I can't even begin to imagine having that much money, let alone owing that much money. It's insane! I mean, really, how much is enough? How many yachts can you water ski behind? How many private jets can you fly? How many homes can you live in? How many cars can you drive?

I guess that's why I haven't won the Powerball jackpot yet. The man upstairs really has my back, because if I had millions of dollars, my brain would probably explode!

Two More Weeks!!!

30 Seconds of Each Song from the New Metallica Album

I know that only Brad and Gordon will watch this, so this is for you guys!

Three More Weeks!!!

Hangin' With My New "Niece"

Here are a few pictures of my new "niece", Sophia Dale Fouch. It's cool being "Uncle Mark"!

We Talkin' 'Bout Practice

This is an old video, but still funny...

ALIAS

I've recently been catching up on ALIAS. This was one of those shows that several of my friends watched but I was so far behind I didn't want to jump in mid-series. Since opening a Netflix account, I have been watching and I am now up to Season 4.

I can't believe I never watched this show when it originally aired a few years ago. Like LOST, it was created by J.J. Abrams. I am convinced that everything J.J. puts his name on is automatically awesome (well, except Cloverfield - that was a turd!). Also like LOST, each episode has a pretty cool cliffhanger ending.

If you have some time to kill and need a television fix, I highly recommend ALIAS. You won't be sorry.

Four More Weeks!!!

Tribute

Here's "#34" off Dave Matthews Band's Under The Table And Dreaming featuring the great LeRoi Moore.

No words can describe how I'm feeling right now...

LeRoi Moore 1961 - 2008

LeRoi Moore, saxophonist and founding member of Dave Matthews Band, died unexpectedly Tuesday afternoon, August 19, 2008, at Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center in Los Angeles from sudden complications stemming from his June ATV accident on his farm near Charlottesville, Virginia. LeRoi had recently returned to his Los Angeles home to begin an intensive physical rehabilitation program.

LeRoi, you will be missed.

Listen closely...

There's a rumor floating around on the 'net that a certain frontman from a certain Irish rock band was playing four new tracks off his band's forthcoming album a little too loudly on the stereo in his villa in the south of France. A sneaky passerby supposedly recorded what he heard. Now don't get too excited - the sound quality isn't that great. In fact, it sounds like my neighbor's house on any given Friday and Saturday night. It's amazing what you can find on the 'net without really trying!

http://home.no/vetle93/

Filming of Season 5 Starts TODAY!!!!!

Straight Lines

I've been traveling a lot for work lately. While driving as much as I do certainly takes its toll on me physically, its great to get out of the office and break away from the monotony of crunching numbers all day.

One of the greatest things about traveling is having the opportunity to listen to new music or get reacquainted with old music. This has certainly been the case this week.

Earlier this year I posted my top five albums of 2007, one of which was Silverchair's Young Modern. The first single off that album, "Straight Lines", was quite possibly my favorite song last year. Today, I revisited that album while cruising down I-75 to Corbin. "Straight Lines" is such a tremendous musical accomplishment. I love the dynamics of the song. I love how it keeps building and building, as if the band are laying row after row of musical bricks that finally become a wall of sonic greatness. It also contains one of my favorite lines in any song, ever -

Lately I'm a desperate believer....

That line really resonates with me on several levels for one reason or another. What does it mean to desperately believe something? Does that mean you believe something so firmly that no one will ever change your mind (even if you know they're probably right and you're probably wrong)? Does that mean you want to believe something but you just can't? What makes a belief desperate? Why am I asking so many questions about one line in one song???

Simply put, this song just kicks a lot of ass, okay???

I don't know what's better: Discovering new music or reacquainting yourself with old music. It's kinda like asking, "Which is better? Making new friends or hanging out with old friends you haven't seen in a while?" There's really no correct answer to that question... But I digress.

Here's "Straight Lines" for your listening/viewing pleasure. I hope you enjoy it - and if not, that's okay. That just means I'm cooler than you!

The 100th Post

I just realized this is the 100th post. In honor of reaching the century mark, I decided to post a few of my favorite things. First, a new picture of the lovely Evangeline Lilly (c'mon, it's been a while since I mentioned my girl on here - give me a break!)





















Second, new 'Tallica tuneage!!! Here's a video of Metallica breaking out a song from the new album, Death Magnetic, called "Cyanide". It's a pretty awesome tune if you're a long-time, old school Metallifan like yours truly, but the casual listener probably won't understand why I can't seem to wipe this big grin off my face right now!!! Judge for yourself...



And lastly, on a sad note, my favorite '80's cover band, Long Duk Dong, broke up recently. In the famous words of Forrest Gump, "That's all I have to say about that."

U2 Album News??

A while back, I mentioned that U2 had scrapped all work on their new album and were starting over. BUT - I found this yesterday. Rather than trying to relay the news and probably leaving something out, I have copied/pasted below for your reading pleasure.

U2 Set Sale For a New Horizon

Exclusive: New Studio Album & Tracklist Revealed

Stephen Maguire and Seamus Ross, Sunday Mirror

It's the beautiful day millions of U2 fans around the globe have waited patiently to see for the past four years.

Now we can reveal details of the supergroup's long-awaited new album.

It is believed to be titled No Line On The Horizon and will be on sale in music stores on November 14.

The band's record company Universal has already registered the internet domain name nolineonthehorizon.com -- prompting speculation this will be the new record.

And among the songs to be released on what many music insiders are calling the band's best work to date are "Moment of Surrender," "For Your Love," "Love Is All We Have Left" and "One Bird."

Others include "If I Could Live My Life Again," "The Cedars of Lebanon" and "No Line On The Horizon."

Earlier this week a 19-strong film crew headed to the Spanish city of Cadiz to shoot a video for the band's first single from the new album although the band were not believed to be present.

Last night an insider said the U2 machine is gearing up for the release of one of the most keenly-awaited albums in recent years.

"The album is more or less all in the bag except for a few minor details," the source revealed. A lot of people have been waiting a long time for this album as they do with every U2 album.

"But the word coming out is that the band is very, very happy with the end product and when U2 are happy it should be quite a piece of work. They're not easy to please."

Legendary producer Steve Lillywhite, who has worked with U2 for more than two decades, said the new album had blown him away.

It is the first original work since the band released the smash-hit How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb in November 2004. It sold an incredible 10 million copies and picked up eight Grammy Awards.

But music commentators think the new record could be even bigger for Bono, the Edge, Larry and Adam.

U2 are also expected to announce details of a huge worldwide tour, which would almost certainly include a number of nights at the new O2 Arena in the Dublin Docklands -- formerly known as the Point Theatre.

In a flurry of activity, the group have just re-released their first three albums -- Boy, October and War -- in extended formats and with previously unreleased tracks.

It has led to that rare thing -- U2 making a mistake.

A quantity of the re-released War albums have been printed with incorrect track listings inside a booklet.

But ironically, it won't hit sales, as the botched items are likely to become collector's pieces.

Copyright © 2008 MGN Ltd. All rights reserved.

DMB Video Footage

Here's some footage I found from the DMB show in Louisville. Not the best quality, but it'll give you a little taste of what a DMB show is all about. Enjoy!

Dave Matthews Band - Live in Louisville

I went to the DMB Show at Louisville Slugger Field last night. It was a great time... once I finally got there!

Just outside of Frankfort, traffic came to a complete stop on I-64 due to road work. THEN, traffic came to a complete stop again around Shelbyville due to a three-car accident that had the right lane blocked. At least no one was hurt.

After tailgating in the parking lot for a while, my buddy Ben and I walked inside for the opening act, Willie Nelson. For a guy in his seventies, Willie puts on a great show (and the ladies go nuts for him, too). He later joined Dave on stage for a great version of "Gravedigger". Definitely one of the highlights of the night.

Slugger Field is a pretty cool place to see a concert. My only complaint is that is what unbearably hot . It was 90 degrees at showtime! Which means the beer lines were extremely long, and once we got to the front of the line, they ran out! I think I must have sweat off at least five pounds last night.

As for the show itself, DMB are always great. Like Pearl Jam, you never know what you're going to get. It's a different setlist every night. Although they played some really cool cover tunes, I have to say this setlist wasn't one of their best. Performance-wise, they were dead on and they played my favorite DMB song, "Grey Street", which was a treat. The set just didn't have the typical DMB energy I've grown accustomed to. But after seeing them a trillion times, I guess it's hard for one to be impressed every time!!

All in all, it was a great night. I'm thinking about driving up to Indianapolis tomorrow night for Radiohead, but I haven't decided just yet. And I want to catch DMB again next week in Cincinnati, so we'll see how it all plays out. Stay tuned!

Here's the setlist from last night:

One Sweet World
Seek Up
Everyday
Grey Street
Gravedigger
Eh Hee
Corn Bread
Burning Down The House
Sleep To Dream Her
Two Step
Out Of My Hands
#41
You Might Die Trying
Sledgehammer
Dancing Nancies
Anyone Seen The Bridge
Too Much
Ants Marching

Encore:
Pantala Naga Pampa
Rapunzel
Stay (Wasting Time)

Lyrics

I heard these lyrics from the new Metallica album today:

Say, is that rain or are they tears that stain your concrete face for years?

I just think that's cool!

It's Time to Vote!

A local radio station here in town, Z-Rock 103, has a daily feature called "Thumbs Up or The Finger" where they showcase new music and let the listeners give the song a Thumbs Up or The Finger.

A while back I mentioned on here that Timbaland was producing Chris Cornell's new album, due out this fall. I ran across a clip of the first single, "Long Gone", on YouTube. I haven't decided if I like it or not. So let's have fun with it. Take a listen and give it a Thumbs Up or The Finger in the comments section. I'm curious to see everyone's reaction.

By the way, this clip was obviously lifted from the Ryan Seacrest show, thus all the annoying soundbites throughout. But you'll get the idea.

Congratulations Patch and Sara

This weekend my friends Patch and Sara tied the knot. I had the honor of playing guitar during the ceremony, which was really cool. How many chances does one get to play a Van Morrison song and an Avett Brothers song in a wedding? Great song selection!! It was a real pleasure!!

In all seriousness, though, I am so happy for these two. I've been around many many couples throughout my life, but I have to say I don't know any two people more suited for each other than Patch and Sara. You guys make a relationship look really easy - even effortless. So good luck to you and may God bless you throughout the rest of your lives!

As If I Didn't Watch Enough Television Already...

Here are some of my new favorites. I really need to get out more...

The Dark Knight

I saw the latest installment in the Batman franchise, The Dark Knight, on Friday. My only concern going into the movie was that it might be overhyped. No worries. I sat stunned and motionless for 2 1/2 hours. This is by far the best movie experience I've had in - well, forever. As the ending credits rolled, I looked over at my buddy J 1-Time and said, "Holy ____!" I'll let you can fill in the blank...

We all knew from Batman Begins that the casting department knows what they're doing. Christian Bale was a great Batman/Bruce Wayne, Michael Caine was a great Alfred and Gary Oldman was a great Gordon. The world wasn't prepared for The Joker.

Sure Heath Ledger's performance got a lot of attention due to his unfortunate overdose and resulting death, but was the attention, the hype, the buzz all justified? ABSOLUTELY! Don't get me wrong. I love Jack Nicholson as much as the next fella. His portrayal of The Joker in Tim Burton's Batman was superb. However, it was exactly what you would expect when someone says, "... and now, ladies and gentlemen, in the role of The Joker - Jack Nicholson!" Heath Ledger took a classic villian and made it his own. From now on, when people think of The Joker, they won't think of Cesar Romero or Jack Nicholson, they'll think of Heath Ledger.

In my opinion, Heath Ledger reached a Johnny Depp level of acting with this role. Depp will always be remembered as Captain Jack Sparrow. Ledger will always be remembered as The Joker. He was so good that if I didn't know who was playing the role of The Joker, I couldn't have guessed it. The voice, the demonic laugh, the attitude, the swagger, the evil, the humor... all unmatched.

I know this is sounding like a Heath Ledger love-fest and for that, I apologize. I just can't get over how great he was in that role!

The movie itself was fantastic. It wasn't at all comic book-ish (not that there's anything at all wrong with that). It was a crime drama with classic comic book characters in the starring roles. Imagine Heat with Batman and The Joker in the Robert DeNiro and Al Pacino roles. I know that's a really lousy comparison, but work with me, OK?

Two thumbs way way way up for me. I will most definitely see this movie again. And again. And again. And...

My New Favorite Old Radiohead Song

If you're anything like me, every now and then a song will get stuck in your head and you can't seem to shake it. This happened to me on the way home from work last week. The song in question was a great tune from Radiohead's 2003 album Hail to the Thief called "There There". Sit back and enjoy the soothing sounds...

By the way, the bit that was stuck in my head starts at the 3:22 mark...

Today's the Day!

Happy Batman Day everyone!

Stay tuned... My review will be up later.

Cat Sitting

My friends Chris and Cher are away this week basking in the paradise of the Bahamas. In their absence, I have been keeping an eye on their house, picking up their mail, and, probably most importantly, feeding their cat, Slicker. I have never owned a cat. I've always been more of a dog person. But I must say Slick-Nasty (as I like to call him) is a pretty cool cat. He's pretty laid back, stays quiet, and doesn't scratch you unless you provoke him. For some reason, Slicker has always loved me. Every time I'm at Chris and Cher's, Slick always weaves his way in and out around my ankles and climbs up in my lap if I'm on the couch.

So, this blog post is simply my way of easing Chris and Cher's minds about the safety of their cat. As you can see he is alive and well...


Here he is hanging out on the counter ( I tried to get him down but he wouldn't listen, so I just let him stay up there)...

As you can see, his food and water bowls are full...

And I even cleaned out the litter box...

So, Chris and Cher, if you tear yourself away from the beach for a second and happen to be online catching up on emails and blog posts, rest assured that Slick is happy, healthy, well-fed, and he has a nice, clean place to "dump out Butchie instead." (Inside joke for the John From Cincinnati fans out there...)

The New Whitesake Album Is...

Awesome Awesome Awesome Awesome Awesome Awesome Awesome Awesome Awesome Awesome Awesome Awesome Awesome Awesome Awesome Awesome Awesome Awesome

Seriously though... I didn't even realize they had released a new album until my buddy Chris told me. Since then, it's been in heavy rotation at Casa De Layne. For the guitar players out there, this is a 59 minute riff fest!

I love it!

Why Netflix is Awesome

Below is a list of movies and TV shows I've watched over the past month or so. Yes, it's true... I have no life!

This could also explain the lack of posting lately!

Dexter (Season 1)
The Tudors (Season 1)
Half Baked
Charlie Wilson's War
Zodiac
Jumper
Knocked Up
The Bourne Ultimatum
Paradise Lost 2: Revelations
Arrested Development (Seasons 1-3)
Paradise Lost: The Child Murders at Robin Hood Hills
Into the Wild
Weeds (Seasons 1-3)
National Treasure: Book of Secrets
Cloverfield

Jib Jab Election '08 Video

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One of my new favorites

Since becoming a Netflix subscriber, I've had the opportunity to get caught up on several shows. I am currently watching the Showtime original series The Tudors. In short, two big thumbs up from me so far.

I have always been a huge fan of historical dramas. HBO had several of these - Rome, Deadwood and even a mini-series event, John Adams. All were awesome in my opinion. But I have to say that The Tudors may be my favorite. Great cast, great writing, great direction, great wardrobe, great score, great stories - just overall greatness, OK?

Highly recommended.

Cincinnati Reds Mid-Season Update

At the All-Star break, my beloved Cincinnati Reds are 46-50, four games under .500. You know what that means, don't you?

112-50! You gotta believe!

James Bond Trailer

I had to take the James Bond trailer down for fear of legal action... Boo!!!

Nothing Gets By Keith!!!

I don't care if you're a Democrat, a Republican, an Independent, a Libertarian or a Communist, you have to admit that gas prices are out of control. Ever wonder why? Watch the video below and educate yourself. Then vote accordingly in November.

My New Favorite Comedy