I'm Just Saying...

So I Went To Nasville Last Night To See U2...

2011-07-03T17:46:00.000-07:00

THE BEST CONCERT OF MY LIFE! Here's the setlist:

Even Better Than The Real Thing
The Fly
Mysterious Ways
Until The End Of The World
I Will Follow
Get On Your Boots
I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For
The Wanderer
Stay (Faraway, So Close!)
Beautiful Day
Elevation
Pride (In The Name Of Love)
Miss Sarajevo
Zooropa
City Of Blinding Lights
Vertigo
I'll Go Crazy/Discotheque
Sunday Bloody Sunday
Scarlet
Walk On

Encore:
One
Where The Streets Have No Name

Encore Two:
Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me, Kill Me
With Or Without You
Moment Of Surrender

Happy Birthday, Bono!

2011-05-10T19:12:00.000-07:00

FRINGE Gets a Fourth Season

2011-03-26T16:26:00.000-07:00

Finally, network television executives do something right... And it's not just a half-season. FOX ordered a full 22 episodes!

Duke loses, Kentucky wins, FRINGE is renewed. Pretty good start to the weekend!

Why Do People Lie?

2011-03-20T11:19:00.000-07:00

This week a very close friend basically lied to my face... or at least omitted enough of the truth that I considered it a lie. Now, I may not be very good at many things, but I consider myself an expert in two areas: I can spot a "snake in the grass" a mile away and I can sniff out a lie like a fart in a car. What's sad is that this person knows me well, has known me for years and knows I'M GOING TO FIND OUT THE TRUTH!!! Why not just tell me the truth up front and avoid a lot of drama and hurt feelings later? People never cease to amaze me! Oh, well... just another name to add to the list of people I can't trust.

So, here are two songs called "Liar". One from Mumford and Sons and one from Rollins Band. Enjoy! (...and please don't lie to me).

The FRINGE "Death Slot" Promo

2011-03-17T19:32:00.000-07:00

So, apparently I've been living under a rock...

One of my favorite shows currently airing on network television is FRINGE. When the show premiered three years ago, it had a nice little Tuesday night timeslot. It was doing really well in that time slot and had a successful first season. Then the geniuses at FOX decided that they wanted to compete with the Thursday night comedies on NBC and the ratings juggernaut that is Grey's Anatomy on ABC, so they moved my beloved show to Thursday night (and later wondered why oh why the ratings slipped so badly for season two even though everyone agreed the storylines and character development were far superior to season one - hmmm). Remember - these are the same people who cancelled Arrested Development.

Then comes season three... Halfway through the season FRINGE was moved to yet another new timeslot - Fridays at 9:00 - also known as "The Timeslot Where Shows Go To Die" or "The Death Slot". Several critics have been defending the show and have written countless articles stating that FOX is killing one of TV's current treasures by moving FRINGE to Friday nights.

So FOX fired back with the promo below. While I totally disagree with the network's decision to move the show in the first place (come to think of it, I disagree with most things FOX-related), I have to admit that this is a pretty cool promo. I can't believe I hadn't seen it until now.

Correction...

2011-02-18T09:49:00.001-08:00

The new Radiohead album is out today! Listening now!

New Radiohead Album Available For Download Saturday

2011-02-16T19:50:00.000-08:00

Super Bowl Bound... Again!!!

2011-01-29T10:56:00.001-08:00

Sunday Valley Electronic Press Kit

2011-01-07T16:55:00.000-08:00

My buddy Patrick had this up on his blog and I couldn't resist posting it on mine, too. I'm sure he won't mind.

You guys have probably heard me talk about a local band called Sunday Valley. Without fail, I always get the same question: "What kind of music do they play?" That's a very good question. None of the typical answers (country, rock, bluegrass, rockabilly, etc.) seem to do them justice. So this video is a good way to answer that question... although Stu would probably say, "It's just good ol' Kentucky rock and roll."

If you like what you see and hear, come on out to Cosmic Charlie's in Lexington on Saturday, January 15 to see them live. I promise you'll enjoy yourself.

Top Tuneage of 2010

2010-12-28T18:03:00.000-08:00

I couldn't narrow the list down to five this year, so here are my top seven albums of 2010...

A very cool picture from the U2 360 Tour

2010-12-02T19:43:00.000-08:00

Cowboys & Aliens

2010-11-19T15:21:00.000-08:00

To say that I'm excited about this movie would be the understatement of the year. Not only does it star Daniel Craig and Harrison Ford, the screenplay was co-written by Damon Lindelof - one of the masterminds of LOST!

The Punch Brothers

2010-10-25T18:38:00.001-07:00

Being the country boy I am, I've always had a lot of respect for bluegrass music. As a young kid I used to really enjoy hearing my uncles play guitar, banjo and fiddle. I have no doubt they are the reason I picked up a guitar at the age of eleven and started playing.

In the early '90's I was bitten by the "Seattle" bug and got really into Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, Alice In Chains, Nirvana, etc. Outside of the Seattle music scene, however, there was a new band called Radiohead that I fell in love with immediately. I've been hooked since the very first time I saw the "Creep" video on MTV (do you remember when MTV used to play videos?).

Now let's fast-forward to a few months ago... My buddy Clay introduced me to this very talented bluegrass group called The Punch Brothers. I was immediately blown away by their talent and songwriting. While they could be classified as bluegrass, I would go a step further and label them "alt-bluegrass". It's bluegrass, but not your grandfather's bluegrass... maybe "new-grass"?

After hearing a few albums and researching them more and more, I discovered one really cool thing about The Punch Brothers - they usually play a different Radiohead cover during each of their live shows.

So here are a few videos I found of The Punch Brothers performing Radiohead tunes. If you don't like these, you suck...

Packt Like Sardines In A Crushed Tin Box:

2+2=5:

...and just for good measure, here's a Punch Brothers original called "Rye Whiskey". I really like this song for some reason (wink, wink):

Goose Creek Symphony - "The Same Thing Again"

2010-10-25T18:24:00.000-07:00

While surfing the 'net tonight, I found this cool video of Goose Creek Symphony performing an acoustic version of "The Same Thing Again" at Grimey's Music in Nashville. I am a huge GCS fan and this version is just beautiful.

Bizarro

2010-10-19T18:58:00.000-07:00

New Kings Of Leon Album Out Today!

2010-10-19T18:41:00.001-07:00

Kings of Leon - Radioactive

2010-09-19T11:16:00.001-07:00

Andy McKee "Everybody Wants To Rule The World"

2010-08-28T14:12:00.000-07:00

A few years ago, I went a little crazy posting Andy McKee videos on the blog. Well, you'll just have to bear with me once more. Here's Andy's version of "Everybody Wants To Rule The World"

Let me say once again... I really suck at guitar!

2010-08-22T14:55:00.000-07:00

With the release of the sixth and final sason of LOST on DVD and BluRay coming Tuesday, I thought I'd share this video of a polar bear in a DHARMA jumpsuit playing the "Life and Death" theme on Hollywood Blvd. Enjoy!

What My Ears Are Diggin' These Days

2010-08-18T18:12:00.001-07:00

I'm Back...

2010-07-24T14:51:00.000-07:00

So yeah... It's been a while since I've updated the blog. Life has been extremely "interesting" for me over the past few months. I started a new job, saw a few great concerts, had travel plans screwed up by a major airline - you name it. But I'm going to try to update more often now that things have sort of settled down in my world.

So... for those of you who still check in to see what going on in my world, I have a little treat for you. You may recall that U2 were supposed to play at this year's Glastonbury Festival but Bono had emergency back surgery and had to cancel their appearance there (as well as the entire North American leg of this year's tour). But not to worry. The Edge made a surprise appearance on stage with Muse for a stellar performance of the U2 classic "Where The Streets Have No Name". Check out the video below:

The New #2

2010-03-03T19:18:00.000-08:00

Sofia Vergara (aka Gloria from Modern Family)

The New #1

2010-02-20T11:43:00.001-08:00

The lovely Nadia Bjorlin (and she can sing!)

Yep...

2010-02-11T15:53:00.000-08:00

See you Saturday! (Thanks Chris!)

Dave Matthews Band! The Avett Brothers! Weezer! Kings Of Leon! The Flaming Lips! Tenacious D! Phoenix! OK Go! She & Him!

2010-02-09T15:40:00.000-08:00

I think I have to go!

One More Day!!!

2010-02-01T17:06:00.001-08:00

One More Week!!!

2010-01-26T03:57:00.001-08:00

Two More Weeks!!!

2010-01-19T07:39:00.001-08:00

Three More Weeks!!!

2010-01-12T10:26:00.000-08:00

Best. Acceptance. Speech. Ever.

2010-01-09T08:30:00.000-08:00

Here's Proof...

2010-01-09T07:54:00.001-08:00

YES!!!!

2010-01-08T14:49:00.000-08:00

WASHINGTON (AFP) – US fans of the show 'Lost' can breathe a sigh of
relief Friday after the White House pledged a key speech by President
Barack Obama won't displace the premiere episode of the show's final
season.

"I don't foresee a scenario in which the millions of people that hope
to finally get some conclusion in "Lost" are preempted by the
president," White House spokesman Robert Gibbs reassured the viewing
public at a White House press briefing.

US television station ABC has set aside a three-hour block on the
evening of February 2 to show the first episode of the wildly popular
show's last season.

But fans feared that President Barack Obama might choose to give his
first State of the Union address, which is traditionally delivered on
the last Tuesday of January, on the same day.

Most US television stations agree to set aside their
previously-scheduled programming to give the president a national
platform for his speech to a joint session of Congress.

Gibbs sought to allay those fears Friday, in response to a question
from a journalist from ABC's news program.

Since it began in 2004, the suspense-filled "Lost" has introduced
millions of viewers to a group of travellers stranded on a mysterious
island after a plane crash.

The show is the brainchild of J.J. Abrams, who was also behind the
series "Alias" and the most recent "Star Trek" movie.

Gibbs' comments came after "Lost" fans took to the Internet, creating
Facebook pages and sending Twitter messages to plead with the White
House not to create the scheduling conflict.

The White House declined to say when Obama will deliver the speech,
which he will likely use to push for his domestic priority of healthcare
reform.

Could President Obama's State Of The Union Address Push The LOST Premiere Back A Week? Say It Ain't So, Mr. President!

2010-01-06T18:41:00.000-08:00

Found this story at one of my favorite LOST blogs, www.sl-lost.com... Just thought I'd pass it along. It's not looking like good news...

Via Thewrap.com:

ABC insiders may soon want to tell President Obama to get “Lost.”

The White House is finalizing plans for this year’s State of the Union address and is said to be mulling two dates for the speech, according to a person familiar with the matter: Jan. 26 and Feb. 2.

So what’s wrong with that? Well, Jan. 26 would mean an interruption of “American Idol” — though Fox likely planned for that (or would simply tell the White House to take a hike, as it has before).

But Feb. 2? Other than the fact that it’s a holiday (Groundhog’s Day/TV MoJoe’s birthday), that’s the date ABC months ago staked out for the premiere of the final season of “Lost.”

Yeah, right. We know.

The White House has already royally peeved the broadcast networks by scheduling so many primetime news conferences and speeches during President Obama’s first year in office.

But forcing ABC to move “Lost”? Such a move could make the Tea Party protesters look lie flies.

It could make the wrath of Rush and Drudge look pathetic.

Plus, it would be really bad Dharma. (Sorry, couldn’t resist).

The good news, according to sources, is that the White House hasn’t decided to press the button on the Feb. 2 idea. No doubt ABC has made its displeasure with the date very clear.

After all, it’s not like the network hasn’t been airing promos for the Feb. 2 date every three seconds since November.

“Lost” fans may already be mobilizing to halt this madness. Particularly since logic would suggest ABC would be forced to move back the “Lost” premiere until Feb. 9 — forcing fans to wait another week for answers.

One Twitter fan (and apparent “Lost” lover) has already started a hashtag urging #NoStateofUnionFeb2.

*UPDATE*

Via Fancast.com:

An ABC spokesperson declined to comment on any possible change to ‘Lost’s season-opening plan until the State of the Union date is officially announced. A source close to production, meanwhile, said that one easy “fix” to avoid the conflict would be to let Obama preempt the 8pm recap special, then air the two-part premiere as planned.

Via: politics.theatlantic.com:

Hearing that the White House is leaning on Congressional leaders to move the date for the President’s State of the Union address — remember, Congress has to officially invite him — to February 2, in order to give House and Senate health care negotiators more time to get closer to a finished product. The President wants to be able to talk about health care in the past tense — or nearly in the past tense — during the speech, and doesn’t want to have to pretend that negotiations are over when they really aren’t.

Four More Weeks

2010-01-06T09:50:00.001-08:00

I HATE WINTER!!!!!!!!!

2010-01-05T05:53:00.000-08:00

If anyone thinks Seasonal Affective Disorder doesn't exist, just look at me between November 1 and April 1... If you're a friend of mine and I've been a complete jerk to you lately, let me take this opportunity to apologize. It's really bad this year... I think I need to see a doctor!

Oh well.... Every day I live through this cold, snowy, dreary crap is one day closer to spring and summer.... Patience is a virtue.

Top Tuneage of 2009

2009-12-28T16:23:00.000-08:00

It's that time of year when everyone has their "Best Of" lists. For the past few years I have listed my favorite albums of the year, so why break tradition? Here's my list, such as it is! Remember, these are not what I would call the "best" albums, simply my favorites and most played of 2009. As you scan the entries below, you'll probably notice that this year's list didn't take a lot of thought as a lot of my favorite bands released albums this year! However, for the most part, they were all each respective artist's strongest efforts in some time. Either that or I just got really lazy this year! So, here we go (in no particular order):

U2 - No Line On The Horizon

No surprise here. I remember a conversation I had one time with my good friend Fred about U2 and what our favorite U2 album was. He summed it up nicely - "My favorite U2 album? The next one." I couldn't agree more. That being said, I really think this is U2's best album since Achtung Baby. That's not to say that Pop doesn't still have it's proper place in my heart. It totally does! What I love about No Line On The Horizon is that I didn't like it that much at first. The albums that have to grow on me are the ones that mean the most to me. This album is a perfect example of that

Highlights: Magnificent, I'll Go Crazy If I Don't Go Crazy Tonight, Breathe

Dave Matthews Band - Big Whiskey And The Groogrux King

In the words of Dave Matthews himself, "If you don't like this album, you should have the person nearest you punch you in the face." After the death of founding member and saxophonist LeRoi Moore, the band found themselves not knowing how to continue (or to continue at all). This album is the soundtrack of a band learning to be a band again and learning to love each other again. DMB have publicly stated that they weren't really seeing eye to eye over the past few years. LeRoi was the one who basically said, "Let's just have fun with it." A lot of his musical contributions remain on the finished product. More than anything, this album is a tribute to the memory of LeRoi Moore. In my opinion, their best album since Before These Crowded Streets (and maybe even a little better!) And let's face it - any album with the word Whiskey in the title is A-OK with me!!!

Highlights: Why I Am, Alligator Pie, Squirm, You and Me

The Avett Brothers - I and Love and You

I and Love and The and Avett and Brothers!!! OK, that was cheesy... But honestly - I really, really love these guys! The Avetts have slowly made a name for themselves by touring for years and years and years without losing their unique style or selling out. Their perseverance is starting to pay off. They are getting the recognition they deserve in national publications, playing to larger and larger crowds, making the rounds on late night television and having music guru Rick Rubin produce this album. While I can't say this is my favorite Avett Brothers album (that honor still goes to Mignonette), this is a truly beautiful album and, according to my iPod, the most played album of the year at the Layne house! Bravo, Avetts! Bravo!

Highlights: I and Love and You, The Perfect Space, Head Full of Doubt/Road Full of Promise

Pearl Jam - Backspacer

There's always going to be that band that you still listen to well after high school. Pearl Jam is that band for me. I will ALWAYS buy their albums and I will ALWAYS see them at least once on each tour. This album is just awesome! It's hard for me to put into words just how much I love these guys and, now that I think about it, even harder to describe this album! I guess I can sum it up like this: This album is Pearl Jam all grown up. I know that isn't a very profound statement, but so be it. Out of this entire list, I would recommend this album above all the others (yes, even U2!!)

Highlights: Amongst The Waves, Gonna See My Friend, Just Breathe

Muse - The Resistance

I have to admit, I am a fairly new fan of Muse. I had heard "Knights of Cydonia" and "Hysteria" and really liked them, but I had the pleasure of seeing them open for U2 in Atlanta and became a huge fan immediately. The only negative thing I can say about them is that they are very derivative. I've said that if Queen and Radiohead had a kid, it would be Muse. Still, that's not a bad pedigree at all! This album rocks, but I have to be in the right mood for it. Luckily, my mood has been right this year!!!

Highlights: Uprising, Resistance, MK Ultra

So there you have it. Again, these are just my favorites and I shouldn't be considered a music critic or any kind of authority at all. I just like what I like, OK? That's what's so great about music, isn't it? There's no right or wrong answer!

Do I Dare?

2009-12-28T16:20:00.000-08:00

Amazed!!

2009-11-21T09:01:00.000-08:00

This weekend I have the honor of playing with the Praise Team at St. Awesome's. It's always an honor, but this weekend is going to be particularly great. We are doing "Where The Streets Have No Name" by U2. Anyone who knows me knows that I am a HUGE U2 fan. They are, in fact, my favorite band!

Anyway, in preparation for the weekend, I have been studying The Edge's delay sound so that I can play the song right and give it the respect it deserves while giving God the praise He deserves. I ran across a video of a guy in Ireland named Gerry who has really nailed The Egde's guitar sounds. He has so many effects in his guitar rig it makes me a bit jealous. After watching his videos over and over, I finally emailed him to see if he could help me out setting up my equipment for the weekend services. He replied back to me promptly and helped me out tremendously. Turns out, he serves with his worship team, as well! Small world, right?

I am just amazed that two people half a world apart can communicate via the Internet and strike up a cyber-friendship. That is really cool to me! I can't help but recognize God at work here. I love when He shows up like this and does really cool things! It's pretty amazing to say the least! I just had to share...

By the way, if you're interested in checking out Gerry's videos, check him out on YouTube. Just search for U2john316. If you're a guitarist, you'll be impressed!

Thanks again, Gerry!!

For Chris...

2009-11-02T14:55:00.001-08:00

...and if I'm being real honest with myself, this is for me, too!

DHARMA Jumpsuit

2009-11-01T18:25:00.000-08:00

For those who weren't there, here's the DHARMA costume I wore at the Halloween party last night. I "swiped" the picture from my buddy Patch (shhh.... don't tell!) It was a great time as always. Already thinking about next year!!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!

2009-10-31T11:48:00.000-07:00

Tonight!!!

2009-10-25T19:10:00.001-07:00

Just a reminder... U2's show from the Rose Bowl will be broadcast LIVE tonight at 11:30 ET on YouTube. Of course I realize you'll probably be in bed and you're probably not as obsessed with U2 as I am, but if you find yourself unable to sleep, you should definitely tune in!

BIG NEWS!!!

2009-10-22T18:14:00.000-07:00

OK. Not really. I can't back that up.

I just looked at the date on my last post and realized it's been almost a month since I've added any new content to the ol' blog. All I can say is I'm Sorry! I have been terribly busy (vacation, two U2 concerts a Metallica concert and a Kings of Leon concert, work work and more work, make-ups, break-ups, weddings, Keeneland, Big Blue Madness... you name it, I've done it!). It's been a taxing month to say the least!

Anyway, I never intended for the blog to be a place where I have to constantly apologize for my lack of activity, so let's just say I'll try to do better. Deal?

Now on to more important issues. A few random tidbits of coolness if you will:

-U2 live continues to amaze me. I had the good fortune to see them in Chicago and Atlanta during this tour. Simply amazing! If you're interested, their show from the Rose Bowl will be broadcast LIVE on YouTube Sunday night. No joke... U2 on YouTube! Get it?

-If the new Avett Brothers album isn't my favorite, then it at least ranks right up there with Mignonette and Four Thieves Gone...

-Modern Family could be my new favorite comedy currently airing on television. It really has an Arrested Development feel - to me, at least.

-The new Pearl Jam album ROCKS!!!

-No I haven't seen Zombieland yet. Please stop asking me. I'll get around to it, I promise!

-So far at Keeneland during this meet, I've only lost enough money to pay ONE jockey's salary!

-Welcome to basketball in Kentucky, Coach Cal! I don't think you knew we were THIS crazy!

-Congrats to good friends Faith and Lewie on their recent marriage!

-Speaking of good friends, I am overwhelmingly blessed with the best on earth! Be it family friends, high school friends, college friends, work friends, church friends or just "around town friends", you guys are awesome!

-I'm really excited about Halloween this year. Now let's just hope I don't have another hernia attack like last year...

-Have I mentioned that Chicago is the coolest city on the face of the planet?

-I'm sick of Jon and Kate, Octomom and Balloon Boy...

-No I haven't read Dan Brown's new book yet. Please stop asking me. I'll get around to it, I promise!

That's all for now. I know I still need to do a concert recap of U2, Metallica and Kings of Leon. Please stop asking me. I'll get around to it, I promise!

Rick Sanchez is my new hero!!!!

2009-09-25T09:21:00.001-07:00

Wow!

2009-09-12T22:12:00.000-07:00

I feel like I just went to church with 65,000 people in Chicago!

(Translation: I just got back to the room after the U2 concert!)

Full re-cap of the weekend's festivities coming next week. I have some great pictures to share!

Now I'm going to sleep...

zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz...

Did I Tell You What I'm Doing Tonight?

2009-09-12T08:06:00.001-07:00

Tonight!!!

2009-09-12T07:37:00.001-07:00

One More Week!!!

2009-09-04T09:48:00.000-07:00

September Is National Bourbon Heritage Month (No, Really! I'm Serious!)

2009-09-03T17:30:00.000-07:00

The Nation's #1 Recruiting Class

2009-09-03T09:19:00.001-07:00

Yeah, I'm excited...

Two More Weeks!!!

2009-08-29T07:31:00.001-07:00

Filming Of The Final Season Begins Today!!

2009-08-24T09:21:00.000-07:00

LOST: The Game - NES Style

2009-08-19T09:57:00.000-07:00

Friday!!!

2009-08-17T15:47:00.000-07:00

R.I.P. Les Paul

2009-08-13T14:20:00.000-07:00

Les Paul, who invented the solid-body electric guitar later weilded by a legion of rock giants, died Thursday of complications from pneumonia. He was 94.

New Heroes Footage

2009-07-29T18:53:00.000-07:00

OK. I'll be the first to admit that Heroes was a bit of a disappointment last year, but this preview gives me hope. It actually looks pretty freakin' sweet! Check it out...

Mysteries Of The Universe???

2009-07-24T17:41:00.000-07:00

Upcoming episodes:

7/23/09
8/4/09
9/8/09
10/15/09
11/16/09

ABC Is Going To Auction LOST Props in May 2010!!!

2009-07-22T18:22:00.000-07:00

Looks like the Harley will have to wait... Here's the official press release (Thanks for the heads-up Cher!!):

Calabasas, CA, July 21, 2009— Fans of the hit television show LOST will be getting a sneak preview. No, they can’t see it on TV, but they CAN see it at Comic Con!

ABC is pleased to announce the “LOST” Auction will take place after the series finale in May 2010. “In celebration of our fans around the world, Profiles in History has been selected to auction a selection of original props, set pieces, costumes and collectors’ artifacts from the entire series in order to give our fans a chance to own a piece of one of the greatest, most iconic shows in history. A first look at some of these items will take place at this year’s San Diego Comic Con.”

Profiles in History, the world’s largest Hollywood memorabilia auctioneer, will host this four-day sneak preview at booth #315 at the San Diego Comic Con July 23-26, and conduct this historic auction in May 2010. Kate’s toy plane, Hurley’s winning lottery ticket, Locke’s hunting knife, Sawyer’s letter, Charlie’s guitar, Mr. Eko’s club as well as other key props, costumes and set pieces from the first five seasons of LOST will be on display at Comic Con.

Profiles in History President, Joseph Maddalena: “Profiles in History is thrilled to be holding the LOST Auction. LOST is one of the most iconic TV shows ever created, and we are working in conjunction with ABC to offer fans from around the world an opportunity to own a memento of this amazing show. This is a once in a lifetime auction event that will celebrate one of the most beloved shows in television history.”

For more information about Profiles in History and to download complete catalogs from previous auctions, please visit www.profilesinhistory.com.

New Pearl Jam Single "The Fixer" Out Today

2009-07-21T09:33:00.001-07:00

You can hear the new single at the band's official site. I think it has kind of an '80's feel with hints of The Police in there, but I've only heard it once. Check it out at pearljam.com and you be the judge.

Yessir!!! We Get Another Hour of LOST Next Season!

2009-07-02T22:41:00.000-07:00

The final season, which was originally scheduled for 17 hours, will now run a total of 18 hours! Read more on the matter here:

http://www.thrfeed.com/2009/06/final-lost-season-gains-an-hour-.html

Official Electronic Press Kit From The First Night Of The U2 Tour

2009-07-02T10:19:00.000-07:00

Watch it while you can. I'm sure they'll take it down soon...

The U2 Tour Started Today

2009-06-30T18:59:00.000-07:00

Here are a few pictures from opening night in Barcelona. Yes, that's a huge stage... 16-stories high in fact! I can't wait to see this. September 12 and October 6 can't get here fast enough!

Highly Recommended Summertime Viewing

2009-06-23T20:48:00.000-07:00

So I'm a little late to the party with this one... For years I've heard from several people just how awesome this show is, so I finally caved... and I'm glad I did! It reminds me A LOT of my old high school...

This is simply good television. You don't have to be a genius to enjoy it. And let's face it, we all need something to hold us over until LOST returns, right?

Go to your local video store or add it to your Netflix queue... you won't regret it.

Yeah I'm Excited!!

2009-06-23T09:06:00.000-07:00

I Really REALLY Want To Hear This Tomorrow Night

2009-06-22T16:46:00.001-07:00

Tomorrow night, a group of friends and I are going to Kentucky Theatre to see The Avett Brothers. I've been looking forward to this show for months. It took me a long time to pin down my favorite Avett Brothers song (because there are so many to choose from!!), but I think I've finally decided on "Talk On Indolence". Here's the video. Check it out!

Dave Matthews Band - Live in Cincinnati

2009-06-17T15:30:00.000-07:00

Last night, my buddy Clay and I drove up to Riverbend Music Center to see Dave Matthews Band for the umpteenth time. What a show!!!! Here's the setlist:

Shake Me Like a Monkey
Funny The Way It Is
Stay Or Leave
Dive In
The Stone
Anyone Seen The Bridge
Too Much (Fake)
Ants Marching
Lying In the Hands of God
Why I Am
Lie In Our Graves
So Damn Lucky
Seven
Jimi Thing
Squirm
You and Me
Everyday
#41
Grey Street
__________________

Alligator Pie
Halloween

Stay Or Leave!! The Stone!! Lie In Our Graves!! So Damn Lucky!! HALLOWEEN!!!!!!! I really don't think I could have asked for more surprises...

Next up on the concert agenda is Goose Creek Symphony at The Dame Friday night followed by The Avett Brothers at Kentucky Theatre next Tuesday. As always, stay tuned!

Dave Matthews GPS - Hilarious

2009-06-13T00:20:00.000-07:00

Pearl Jam on The Tonight Show

2009-06-13T00:01:00.000-07:00

Guess Who's Coming to Rupp Arena...

2009-06-04T16:42:00.000-07:00

Happy DMB Week!

2009-06-04T16:39:00.000-07:00

"If you don't like this album, you should ask the person nearest you to punch you in the face." -David J. Matthews

Kings Of Leon - Live In Cincinnati

2009-05-13T09:32:00.000-07:00

Simply put, Kings Of Leon are everything you could want from a rock band and a Kings Of Leon concert is everything you could want from a rock concert. Here's the setlist from last night:

Crawl

Taper Jean Girl

My Party

Be Somebody

Molly's Chambers

Fans

Milk

4 Kicks

Charmer

Sex on Fire

The Bucket

Notion

On Call

Cold Desert

Use Somebody

Slow Night, So Long

____________

Closer

Knocked Up

Manhattan

Lucyfur

Black Thumbnail

This. Was. Awesome.

2009-05-08T14:49:00.001-07:00

What I've Been Listening To Lately

2009-05-08T14:37:00.000-07:00

I can't seem to get enough of these guys. They are definitely one of my new favorites. I can't believe it took me so long to hear them. This is actually their second full-length album (they also have two EPs).

If you're in the mood for something new, you should check out Manchester Orchestra. I plan to grab their earlier tunes very soon!!

Goose Creek Symphony is coming to The Dame!!!! June 19!!!!

2009-04-27T19:20:00.000-07:00

Dave Matthews Band - Live in Nashville

2009-04-26T17:45:00.001-07:00

Yesterday my buddy Charley and I drove to Nashville to see Dave Matthews Band. It was a great weekend all around - from the drive down I-65 listening to random music to the perfect weather to the concert itself. The whole weekend was a real blast and a much-needed break from work and life in general.

As for the show, what can I say? Simply put, it was probably the best DMB show I've seen in five years. Here's the setlist:

Bartender
Grey Street
Last Stop (Tease)
Satellite
Seek Up
Burning Down The House
Why I Am
Anyone Seen The Bridge
Too Much (Tease)
Ants Marching
You Might Die Trying
Recently
Crash Into Me
Spaceman
Corn Bread
Funny The Way It Is
Jimi Thing
Two Step
__________________
Blue Water
All Along The Watchtower

As you can see, they played a good mix of really old and really new (and yet-to-be-released) songs. It was a great time as always.

One down... many many many more shows to go. Kings of Leon in Cincinnati is the next show on the list this summer... I'll keep you posted.

It's Back!!!!

2009-04-02T18:46:00.000-07:00

U2? In Atlanta? On A Tuesday Night? OK, I'll Do That, Too!!!

2009-03-31T17:37:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Lexington, Coach Cal!!!!

2009-03-31T17:27:00.000-07:00

U2? In Chicago? On A Saturday Night? OK, I'll Go!!!

2009-03-24T08:10:00.000-07:00

Just got tickets!!!! I'm so excited!!! I've never been to Chicago and to see U2 outdoors on a Saturday night in the Windy City is going to be awesome!

Now I just need to find someone to go with me...

HIGHLY Recommended Viewing

2009-03-16T19:11:00.000-07:00

This is basically Simon Pegg and the rest of the Shaun of the Dead crew in a BBC series from 1999 and 2001. Do yourself a favor and watch it.

You're welcome!

Weekend Re-Cap

2009-03-16T18:54:00.000-07:00

Friday
After a quick pit stop by Bar Louie to wish Patch and The Colonel a happy birthday, it was off to O'Neill's Irish Pub to meet up with a group of friends and see my favorite '80's cover band, Long Duk Dong. Yes, they're back together! (Ed. note - Actually, this depends on which band member you ask). It was a great time and the band sounded as good as ever. I really hope they stick with it. Lexington is much quieter when they're not around.

Saturday
After sleeping in really late (say 1:00 p.m.), I lounged around on the couch all day and watched basketball. I finally managed to pull myself up off the couch for a shower and made my way to the 5:30 service at St. Awesome's. Then it was off to Applebee's to meet another group of friends and then (you guessed it) back to O'Neill's for Long Duk Dong - Night Two. Only this time there was a line around the corner and once we got in, we couldn't move. It was packed. It was hot. It was miserable. I don't know what the capacity is at O'Neill's, but I would bet the farm that there were at least 500 people crammed in there. It was ridiculous. So after hearing five songs or so, me and the boys decided to leave. This really sucked, but I'd seen LDD the night before, so I feel like I really didn't miss much.

Sunday
Because I attended the Saturday service and had no obligations at church last weekend, I got to sleep in again. It was wonderful! At some point late Sunday morning/early Sunday afternoon I took a shower and drove up to the parents' for lunch. Mom watched LOST all day and I answered her questions (all 1,000,000,000 of them!). I can't believe she's stuck with this crazy show. I'm proud of her!

If You're Not Watching Kings on NBC...

2009-03-16T18:52:00.000-07:00

...you don't know what you're missing. Best new show of the season, by far. Give it a try!

A Masterpiece In The Making

2009-03-08T18:11:00.000-07:00

Update... Finally!

2009-03-08T17:02:00.000-07:00

My "sister" brought it to my attention that it's been nearly a month since I've updated the blog, so Cher, this is for you! Here's what I've been up to...

-I paid my truck off and bought a new television. LOST looks excellent in glorious Hi Def.

-Got tickets for Dave Matthews Band in Nashville and Kings of Leon in Cincinnati.

-Played a lot of guitar at church. Between Lexington and Georgetown, I think I've had two weekends off since Christmas. I'm not complaining. I love doing it.

-While watching The Oscars, I realized I hadn't seen any of the Best Picture nominees... Still haven't.

-I started going to the gym again. No, seriously...

-Got the new U2 album. I think it's the best thing they've done since Achtung Baby

-Decided not to go to Bonnaroo this year. Not really excited about this year's lineup...

-The new Dave Matthews Band album is called Big Whiskey and the Groogrux King. I'm not really sure what that means, but I like it.

-I'm letting my hair grow out again... time for a change.

I Got This In The Mail Yesterday

2009-02-08T17:44:00.000-08:00

That's pretty cool...

Victory!!!!!

2009-02-02T09:20:00.000-08:00

LOST Is Destroying My Life

2009-01-30T15:41:00.000-08:00

This morning I had a dream. I dreamed I was in The Hatch. Apparently I didn't push the button in time, so the alarm started going off and those weird red and black hieroglyphics came up on the countdown clock. I was freaking out, running for cover. I was breathless. "What have I done?" I thought. "How could I let this happen?"

Luckily this was only a dream. The alarm I heard was only my alarm clock telling me it's time to get ready for work. I was still freaking out a bit, still breathless. My heart was pounding. I was sweating. I was in that not-quite-awake-yet-but-no-longer-asleep state of mind. When I came to fully understand what was going on, I couldn't help but laugh at myself!

LOST is finally starting to take its toll on my mind. I'm just waiting for my consciousness to start jumping around from one moment in time to another. Any day now I'll probably start suffering headaches and nosebleeds. Maybe I should start looking for my "constant"...

For those of you reading this post who don't watch LOST, this isn't the least bit funny. If you do watch LOST, I hope you got a little chuckle from it!

Where Does He Get Those Wonderful Toys?

2009-01-25T17:45:00.000-08:00

In a few months I am going to be debt-free (well, except for a mortgage payment but you get the idea). I was discussing this with one of my friends the other day and he asked what I was going to do with all the extra cash I will have each month. While I know I'll be responsible with any extra cash I'll have, there are a few "toys" I've been wanting.

Many of you know I play guitar. I try to play several different styles and, thus, there have been many guitarist over the years that have influenced my playing - James Hetfield, Dave Matthews, Warren Haynes and David Gilmour are just a few. Each of these guitarists are absolutely tremendous at what they do and they have a sound that is unique to each of them. Hetfield is the greatest metal rhythm guitarist there is. When you hear that Hetfield "crunch", you know it's him. Dave Matthews, on the other hand, took the acoustic guitar to places few could even imagine let alone replicate. Warren Haynes can not only play southern rock and blues riffs that command you to listen for hours at a time, he has the voice to match. Finally, David Gilmour is the guy that plays a solo and you immediately say to yourself, "Man, that's exactly what I would have done - if I could do it!" All these guys have shaped my performance and understanding of the instrument.

Yet one guy, in my opinion, stands out even more than these guys. He is Dave Evans, aka The Edge. He can play rock, blues, gospel, jazz, country, etc. and make them all his own. Plus, he plays in what I would call a very "minimalist" fashion. He is the epidome of the "less is more" school of guitar playing. Since 1980, no one hears an echo or delay effect and not think, if only for a brief second, that it just has to be The Edge playing that!

With all that being said, I weighed all my options and decided that if there was one guitarist's rig that I would like to replicate, it would be The Edge's since he has such a tremendous overall sound. So after a little research, I found a list of equipment I'll need in order to achieve this sound. Looks like I'll have to keep on wanting!!!!

Guitars
'67 Rickenbacker 330-12
'66 Telecaster
'62 Epiphone Casino
'63 Gretch Country Gentlemen
'65 Gibson SG
'75 Gibson Les Paul w/custom bridge pickup
'73 Fender Stratocaster w/ custom-installed bridge pickup
'76 Gibson Explorer
'61 Gibson ES-335TD
Gibson "Pete Townshend" J-200
Two custom Line 6 Variax acoustic guitars

Effect Pedals

Floor Effects:
Volume controller
Original Digitech WH-1 Whammy Dunlop Wah
Boss TU-2 Tuner
Skrydstrup SC-1 system foot controller

Rack Effects:
Eventide Ultra-Harmonizer
Two Lexicon PCM Processors
Four 2290 T.C. Electronic Delays
Two Line 6 Pod Pros
Two AMS S-DMX digital delay/sampler
Two Korg SDD30000 delays
Two Korg A3 multi-effects
Two Line 6 rackmounted version DM4 distortion modelers(custom made)
Rocktron DVC dynamic volume controller

Stomp boxes(on rack):
Lovetone Meatball envelope filter
Lovetone Doppelganger phaser/vibrato
Original EHX Big Muff
Original Amped Scrambler
Ibanez TS-9 Tube Screamer
Boss GE-7
Boss CS-2 Compression/Sustainer
Boss PW-2 Power Driver
Boss FA-1 FET amp/ preamp booster
Skrydstrup Bufferooster boost
Sobbat Drive Breaker

Amplifiers
Two early sixties Vox AC30TB(main and backup)
Custom Vox AC30TB head with Vox 2x12 cab
1956 Fender Deluxe Tweed w/ Vox Vintage speaker
Customized Fender Blues Jr.
Early seventies Vox AC30TB

So, if any of you reading this have recently won the lottery and feel the need to contribute to my dream of one day obtaining these "toys", please feel free to give me a call!

Happy LOST Day!!!

2009-01-21T06:44:00.001-08:00

Happy Birthday Dad!

2009-01-20T16:33:00.001-08:00

Coming March 3

2009-01-19T19:46:00.000-08:00

Wanna hear U2's new single "Get On Your Boots"?

http://goyb.u2.com/

Super Bowl Bound!!!!!!!!!!

2009-01-18T19:23:00.000-08:00

Winter... What's The Point???

2009-01-16T09:55:00.000-08:00

I'm just going to come right out with it: I HATE WINTER!!!!!

It's cold. It snows. It gets dark early. You can't keep your vehicle clean no matter how hard you try. When the snow melts, guess what? It gets muddy! And filthy! And nasty! And dirty! Any kind of outdoor activity is impossible unless you like building snowmen or skiing/snowboarding. I hate that my power/heating bill TRIPLES in the wintertime. I hate wearing three layers of clothing and never being comfortable.

Winter SUCKS!!!

Do I have to say it again? Okay: I HATE WINTER!!!!!

Basically, you could put me to bed on November 1 and wake me up on April 1 and I'm pretty sure I wouldn't miss much (hey, I can DVR the UK and Steelers games and watch them when I wake up).

But-

I realize that God has a plan for everything and a reason why we need winter. Apparently, the snow cleanses the earth and the cold kills a lot of germs and disease and other general "funk" that otherwise would run rampant and destroy much of God's glorious creation (and probably the people living in it, as well).

I'm more of a spring and summer guy. I love going to outdoor concerts, baseball games and auto races. I love going to Keeneland and Churchill Downs. I love hanging out on the patio with a bunch of friends having drinks and talking about everything and nothing at all. I love grilling out. I love playing cornhole. I love wearing shorts and t-shirts and being comfortable.

Now before you start leaving comments about what an ungrateful jerk I am, let me put your minds at ease. I know how lucky I am. I haven't forgotten everything I've been blessed with. I have a roof over my head, clothes on my back and a job that allows me to pay the power bill even when it triples. At least I have the extra layers to wear even when I'm uncomfortable. There are many among us that don't have homes or heat or clothing. Just take one trip to the Men's Hope Center or a homeless shelter and you will see just how truly blessed you really are. I get it. I really do. But it doesn't change the fact that winter, in my humble opinion, simply sucks!

I guess I should stop ranting and start appreciating God's blessings more. However, one day when I meet Him, I'm sure one of my questions will be, "Winter. Why?"

I guess there are some good things about winter. Not only are there Steelers and UK games, but there are also some pretty great TV shows to watch (LOST, anyone?).

I guess being cooped up inside has its advantages, after all! But I still hate winter...

Quote of the Day

2009-01-15T09:47:00.000-08:00

"Global warming is like the earth having a hot flash." -Amie

One More Week!!!

2009-01-14T06:55:00.001-08:00

Happy Birthday Dave!

2009-01-09T16:41:00.001-08:00

Two More Weeks!!!

2009-01-07T08:12:00.001-08:00

Top Tuneage of 2008

2009-01-04T19:31:00.000-08:00

UPDATED 1/5/2009

I won't call these my favorite albums of the year, because the word "favorite" would lead you to believe that I liked these albums more than others. This is not true at all. There were several albums released in 2008 that caught my attention. Let's just say these were in the heaviest rotation at the Layne house, how 'bout that? So, in no particular order:

Metallica - Death Magnetic

Imagine if you woke up one day and realized you had been asleep for twenty years and someone says to you, "Dude! The new Metallica album came out today!" Then you went to the record store and bought this album and realized that this is just another in a long line of great Metallica albums. However, you'd never heard the Black Album, Load, Reload or St. Anger. In fact, you didn't even know those albums existed (especially the last three). This would be what you would expect of the next Metallica album.

My Morning Jacket - Evil Urges

If you like My Morning Jacket, you will love this album. If you like Prince, Radiohead, Gov't Mule, Phish or any number of laid-back seventies love songs, you, too, will love this album. With Evil Urges it seems that My Morning Jacket really couldn't decide what kind of album they wanted to release, so they just threw everything they had at it and the finished product came out sounding like an old jukebox on random. Normally, this would piss me off. But that is exactly what I dig so much about it! Although I must say I like Z and It Still Moves much better.

R.E.M. - Accelerate

Normally, I really have to be in the right mood to listen to R.E.M. This is a band I have always respected, appreciated and paid attention to, but I wouldn't go as far as to say that they are one of my favorites. As much as My Morning Jacket ran the gamut of musical styles with their latest effort, R.E.M. did just the opposite. They stuck to the "two-to-three-minute-rock-song formula" and it worked for them. Less is certainly more in some cases and this is one of those cases. I guess the reason I really dug this album is that I didn't expect it! It might be the surprise album of the year for me.

Whitesnake - Good To Be Bad

I think everyone has things from their youth they carry around with them well into their adult years. For me, it's music and movies (i.e. Metallica and Star Wars). Back in the late '80's, Whitesnake released a self-titled album with those classic rock anthems "Still Of The Night" and "Here I Go Again". I still love that album. In fact, every time I hear "Still Of The Night" I have to crank it up! As Donnie Baker would say, "You have to crank it up, man. State Law!" "Here I Go Again", on the other hand, wore out its welcome years and years and years ago, in my opinion. The only thing I'll say about Good To Be Bad is this: If you play guitar and are heavily influenced by hard rock riffs that can tear the roof off an arena, this is your album. I think I've stated on here before... this is a 59-minute riff fest. It's just a solid rock guitar album. It won't go down in history as one of those albums that changed the world or anything, but its a great guitar album. Every time I play it, it takes me back to that self-titled Whitesnake album from the '80's and reminds me of a simpler time before mortgages, car payments, actual responsibilities, etc.

Ray LaMontagne - Gossip In The Grain

Sometimes we all just need to chill out and unwind for a bit, right? This was my chill out and unwind soundtrack of 2008. I love it when you hear an artist and immediately know who it is. Ray is the man, OK? He has a playing style and voice that are his and his alone. There is no mistaking Ray when you hear him. Great album from start to finish. Two thumbs up.

Kings Of Leon - Only By The Night

The only clever thing I can say about this album is that this is what I think U2 would sound like if they were from Nashville instead of Dublin. Great album from beginning to end. It's one of those few albums that you can put in, push play and get lost. Awesome!

I guess that'll do it for this year's list. I tried not to put any live albums on the list, although I really really really wanted to put Pearl Jam at Bonnaroo on there. But since it was only released on their website and wasn't really an official release, I opted not to include it. Also, because I was staying away from live albums, Dave Matthews Band at the Mile High Music Festival didn't make the cut, either.

I'm really anxious to see what 2009 has to offer music-wise. I know we're getting new albums from Chris Cornell, U2 and Dave Matthews Band (I'm sure at least two of the three have their spots reserved on next year's list already). But I want to be impressed. I want to be amazed. I want something new to move me. Where is the next great musical genius? I hope I find him/her in the coming year.

Three More Weeks!!!

2008-12-31T11:29:00.001-08:00

Calling All Obscure Music Fans

2008-12-30T16:48:00.000-08:00

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!