Frame and Canvas

Songs in my head:
"Milwaukee Sky Rocket" by Braid
"Urbana's Too Dark" by Braid

Up a little earlier than usual this morning. The rain and a dog with the blues kept me from falling back asleep. It's sleeting outside, but it's not sticking to the ground. Whew.

I have a goal: start my Christmas shopping tomorrow and be finished by the weekend. Sounds like a stretch, but I just want to get everything taken care of in one fail swoop.

As much as I read about the Libertines in the British and UK press, I was thinking that a book about them would be either out or forthcoming. Well, look what I came across on Amazon.co.uk.

Steve posted about Kinsey on his blog. I still have yet to see this movie, but I'd like to see it. The housemate saw it and said that a couple walked out of it midway. No word if they were offended or inspired by the film's content.

Coldplay is set to release their next album in March. NME has more info. There are rumors that Doves will be releasing a new record around the same time.

At this rate, half of the UK and Britain should have a copy of the new version of "Do They Know It's Christmas Time?" by the end of the week.

Expecting the new Big Takeover any day now. Jeff Tweedy is on the cover.

Timorous Me

Song in my head:
"Timorous Me" by Ted Leo/Pharmacists

Bob posted about this on the Hey Mercedes blog. Yes, that is Ian MacKaye performing with the Evens on the children's TV show, Pancake Mountain. As silly as it may sound, I find this show very cool. And I don't mean that in a "you have to be stoned to like it"-kind of way. I like how it's designed for kids but there is a lot of smart humor for adults. I'm kinda curious to see Henry Rollins' and Bob Mould's appearances on the show.

The housemate and I think the dog is depressed. I don't know if it's the anti-flea and anti-ear infection drugs she's taking, but she tends to lay around and just looks sad. Maybe it's all the rain we've been having. I just don't know. Where are Puppy Uppers when you need them?

I made some notes this morning about what all I should get my family for Christmas. I want to surprise them but not get them stuff they don't want. It's hard to find stuff for people you don't live in the same city with.

All this wandering . . .

Song in my head:
"Wandering" by Ben Folds

Getting over a long weekend and I am pooped. Saw the Firebird Band as mentioned before and had a great time. It was good to see Chris again. It was also good to see the guys in DARYL again.

Played flag football this afternoon. I think I caught three touchdowns and ended up running in the winning touchdown. Twas a good time indeed but man my feet are sore.

Oh my sweet rapture

Song in my head:
"Rapture" by Pedro the Lion

The post-Thanksgiving Day Prophecy was correct: I didn't leave the house during the day yesterday. Did some research and reviewed an interview I did back in July.

Received Everything (A Book About Manic Street Preachers) by Simon Price yesterday. I've read the first two chapters and already it's hard to put it down. When I wasn't reading, writing or researching, I strung up Christmas lights in the TV room. I have to get some more lights (I only had two strands). Christmas will be in full bloom this season for me.

Saw The Firebird Band last night and am planning on seeing them again tonight. Shall be a good time.

This movie looks very interesting. I hope it gets a screening down here or gets released on DVD soon.

Gobble Gobble Gobble

Song in my head:
"Solitaire" by Strung Out

Thanksgiving lunch was fantastic. The food was excellent and being around the family was very nice. I never get tired of green bean casserole, cornbread dressing balls and turkey. I think I ate two plates worth of that, along with other stuff. I'm so full that I'm probably going to skip dinner tonight and hit the hay early.

Other than being around family, probably the coolest things for me were playing basketball and paddling around in a small boat. I got to shoot some hoops on my old basketball goal that I've had since 1986. I think the last time I was in a boat was in middle school. Good times.

No plans for tomorrow during the day. I don't feel the urge to get out and take on the shopping crowds. I may put up some lights around here. I will be seeing The Firebird Band tomorrow night though. Shall be worthwhile.

Cold Turkey

Songs in my head:
"Better Days" by Strung Out
"Pretty (Ugly Before)" by Elliott Smith

The rain is gone and it is nice and windy here. The high will be in the lower 50s, so it's perfect Thanksgiving weather.

I don't know if this an previously unreleased track, but a collaboration between Elliott Smith and the Blues Explosion is on a tribute to Junior Kimbrough. Punknews.org has the info.

MTV News is reporting that the director of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix will be David Yates and the screenwriter is Michael Goldenberg. It is scheduled to begin shooting late next year. Ain't It Cool News has even more info.

DVD File has a review of the Seinfeld DVD set. Very comprehensive review of all the extras. They also have a review of the Matrix 10-DVD set. I don't think I'll be picking this up because I already have all three movies and the Animatrix on DVD. I still wonder if people saw the same Matrix Reloaded as I did. I thought it was a fantastic, smart and a better-than-the-first sequel. Matrix Revolutions has some weak spots but it is not bad at all. I just don't understand why people think that the sequels are inferior. I was entertained, enlightened and moved by them. It's all just opinions.

Happy Thanksgiving and good luck with the shopping.

Meet me in the middle . . .

Album listened to this morning:
The Arcade Fire Funeral

I think the rain is clearing out of here. It's been raining almost nonstop since Sunday night. It's supposed to clear up by tomorrow and remain that way for the rest of the week.

Thanksgiving will be held at our farmhouse a few hours south of here. Shall be a quick visit though: I'll be there just for the day. For Friday, I don't want to be near any shopping center. I'm planning on seeing The Firebird Band that night, so what I'll be doing that day is up for grabs.

I want to make holiday shopping quick and simple this season. I've been given hints and ideas from the family as far as what they want, but nothing too specific. Hopefully my guesstimations will be right.

The screendoor slams . . .

Song still in my head:
"Thunder Road" by Bruce Springsteen

Had another crazy dream this morning. This time I was at a monorail at TCU in front of the Main. There were two gates: one for students and one for non-students. The one for non-students was on the fritz, so I walked.

NME reports that Jonny Greenwood AND Jarvis Cocker will be in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. Shall be an enjoyable cameo.

I saw this woman be interviewed this morning on the Today Show. She was fired from her job as a flight attendant because she posted "suggestive" pictures of her on the job on her blog. Here is a story on it and here is her blog. If anyone cares (or much to others' dismay), you won't be seeing any sort pictures like these of me on here.

Why is it when I read this article I thought there was a lot more to it than what was reported? Why do I do this with EVERY article I read now?

The screendoor slammed . . .

Song in my head:
"Thunder Road" by Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band

No kickball yesterday in lieu of a two-hour game of flag football. Tons of fun in the breezy and overcast skies. I actually scored a touchdown. I still can't believe that. It was a great workout but man my right leg feels like a charbroiled chicken.

Started reading Nick Hornby's Songbook last night. Got through the first few chapters before I had to hit the hay. The second chapter is on Bruce Springsteen's "Thunder Road," so I couldn't help listening to Greatest Hits this morning.

Snapcase has called it quits again. Read all about it here.

Jim DeRogatis recently interviewed Jim Ward from Sparta.

Libraries gave us power . . .

Songs in my head:
"A Design for Life" by Manic Street Preachers
"Judy in Disguise" by John Fred & His Playboy Band
"Chesterfield King" by Jawbreaker

Before I went in to to do my shift yesterday, I stopped by a record store that I frequent. I wasn't planning on buying anything for myself since I should be starting Christmas shopping for others. Well, if you had just read a book on Britpop and had almost all of the Suede back catalog with the exception of the Stay Together EP, how could you turn down a $4.99 copy of it? Also, after reading this book on Britpop, Manic Street Preachers (one of your favorites) is barely mentioned, so you want to know more about their pre-Richey Edwards-departure era. You see a copy of Forever Delayed: The Greatest Hits with a bonus disc of remixes for $8.99. Would you pass this up? I didn't.

Later in the day, I'm surfing on Amazon's UK store and find this book on the Manics. Since the Manics weren't really covered in John Harris' Britpop!, I figured there would be a whole book about them out there. Amazon's listing is very tempting and very affordable even after the pounds-to-dollars conversion. Shall be picking this up.

Last night's party was pretty fun. It was a birthday party and attendees were asked to dress up. I donned a red shirt and green tie (yep, I'm jumping on Christmas colors about a week early). A lot of familiar faces were seen and a lot of familar songs were played on the turntable. I had never heard Wilson Pickett's version of "Time is On My Side" or "Sunny" before. Very cool.

I got my copy of Rolling Stone with the list of Top 500 songs of all time. Debate their picks as much as you want, but I think Rolling Stone has done a great job this year celebrating the 50th year of rock & roll.

Football and kickball are definitely on the cards for today. The rain must be holding off until later. Shall be a good workout on the field today.

The One Who Got Us Out

Song in my head:
"The One Who Got Us Out" by Ted Leo/Pharmacists

Saw TV on the Radio and The Faint play last night. Great show even though they are a little different than what I normally am into. If you've never heard TV on the Radio, think a little bit of 1990s' shoegaze and a little bit of 1960s' soul. The Faint was very impressive with their 60% live and 40% preprogramed sound. Not that I'm knocking it: they rock like New Order rocks. Their light and video backdrop was pretty incredible. It was totally locked in with every little small move by the band. To make it even more sweet, they did a reverent cover of Talking Heads' "Psycho Killer."

Before I forget, much praise must be given to Steve for letting me buy a ticket from him. I believe the show was totally sold out and I didn't have a ticket.

Turns out, I am doing other things this weekend other than a shift and kickball. Have a birthday party to attend tonight and I have to dress up for it. Shall be a very fun time indeed.

Ted Leo has a video for "Me and Mia" here.

Get Your Hands Off of My Woman

Songs in my head:
"Adelaide" by Ben Folds
"Get Your Hands Off of My Woman" (Darkness cover) by Ben Folds

It's return of the crazy dreams: Last night/this morning, I dreamt I was on a landed plane. I got off and wanted to get a Quizno's sub from an airport kiosk. Some people I knew in high school band were in line and when it was my turn to order, somebody else cut in front of me and ordered. Not getting to order a sandwich, I left the airport and then I was at TCU. For some reason, I had a bathing suit and a towel on. After walking over the east side of campus, I found my car in one of the parking lots and drove away. Johnny Rivers' "Memphis" on the radio ended the dream and now I'm trying to understand it all.

Recent research shows that people don't like seeing more TV ads before the movies. IMDb has the stunning news in this article.

I have no idea about what I'll be doing this weekend. I have my shift to do on Saturday and there are plans for football and kickball on Sunday, but that's it. I'm almost done with Britpop! and next in line is Songbook, High Fidelity and Hot Water Music, along with Live from New York, Let It Blurt and Please Kill Me.

Thanksgiving is next week? Time flies when you are in the daily routine of reporting, writing, eating, reading, walking and sleeping. Plans for a vast change in these activities are not in the forseeable future.

Jet Set Ready

Songs in my head:
"Rooftops" by Hot Water Music
"Jet Set Ready" by Hot Water Music

So I watched Baadasssss! last night and I was floored. I have not seen Sweet Sweetback's Baad Asssss Song, but you don't have to know anything about that movie in order to enjoy Baadasssss! It's an inspiring and well-done movie that doesn't resort to making things black and white. You root for the character of Melvin, but he's not just some hardass. Stuff gets him down but that doesn't stop him. Matters like prejudice (sexual and racial) and relationships (friendship and family) are wonderfully explored without being heavy-handed. Highly recommended.

BBC is reporting a story about the Damned, Christmas lights and some members of a Cambridge church objecting to the two.

Rolling Stone has a review of the new U2 record. Sounds interesting. Rob Sheffield has a tendency of going overboard with reviews but he often tells a real honest opinion.

Ain't It Cool News and Variety are reporting plans for an Evil Dead remake. My question is: wasn't Evil Dead remade as Evil Dead 2?

Worlds Apart

Song in my head:
"Worlds Apart" by . . . And You Will Know Us By the Trail of Dead

The roof fell out: it's been raining very hard off and on since mid-morning. Did some writing and tweaking between reading Britpop! chapters. Where I stopped for the morning was with Blur starting to craft their fifth, self-titled record. If I didn't fall asleep after reading for a while and didn't have anything to do for an entire day, I would not stop reading this until I finished it. A real page-turner and very inspiring.

Baadassss! arrived in the mail today. In lieu of being in the rain tonight, I will be watching this. I think the biggest reason was something Richard Roeper said. He said something along the lines of, "If you ever wanted to know how to make something independently, watch this movie." Not his exact words, but hugely inspiring.

Brother Joshua now has a blog. I played drums with him in Voigt and he currently plays in Chatterton.

By now you've heard the news about . . .

Song in my head:
"Home" by Leona Naess

I had chicken and dumplings for (what I believe to be was) the first time last night. It was very good but I'll eat almost anything chicken-related. However, something doesn't sound right mixing food with the word "dump."

Blogcritics has a funny "review" of the new U2 record, How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb. Granted, I haven't heard the new record and have only heard a little of "Vertigo," but this generic review is pretty right-on.

I'm sure you've heard the news about those Viagra ads. I don't watch a lot of TV, but I had seen these several times.

There isn't much content on this site but I think it's hilarious.

Baadassss! is coming my way this week thanks to Netflix. I'm excited about seeing it. To make things even more interesting, TK Carter (best known from Punky Brewster) plays the role of Bill Cosby.

Round Our Way

Album listened to this morning:
The Arcade Fire Funeral

Echoing something Matt talked about on his blog: MTV News has an article about Jimmy Eat World working with Liz Phair.

Billboard has an article on Aimee Mann's upcoming record, the Forgotten Arm. The song featured in the funeral scene in Jersey Girl ("That's How I Knew This Story Would Break My Heart") will be on the record. When I heard the song in the movie, I thought it was an older song since I don't have I'm With Stupid or Whatever.

One of Aimee's older songs, "I've Had It," is talked about in Nick Hornby's Songbook. I have yet to start reading it because I'm about halfway through Britpop! In England, Songbook is called 31 Songs. Also in England, Britpop! is called The Last Party. Interesting.

Oasis' records are now available for download. NME has the story. All I want to know is if "Round Our Way" will be released on a re-release or a download. I was a little let down that it wasn't on The Masterplan.

I still can't get enough of the silliness of William Shatner's "Common People."

TV on the Radio won the Shortlist Music Prize. NME has more info.

Has Been

Song in my head:
"Dog" by Ben Folds

Last Friday, I heard William Shatner's version of "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds." It's as silly as I had been told. The chorus of Serio Mendes-like singers wasn't bad though. This morning, I heard his version of Pulp's "Common People." Utterly hilarious. I listened to some tracks off of Has Been and I'm confused. Is he trying to be funny, ironic or serious with his tongue in his cheek? Ben Folds' production and talents are put to good use and Aimee Mann, Joe Jackson, Henry Rollins and Brad Paisley add some flair, but I still can't stop laughing at this. Decide for yourself here.

This is yesterday

Songs in my head:
"There's Always Someone Cooler Than You" by Ben Folds
"This Is Yesterday" by Manic Street Preachers

Yesterday was rainy, cold and dreary, so it was the perfect time to watch The Ice Storm. I found it to be a very powerful movie laced with subtle imagery and symbolism. It's definitely a movie that has you thinking afterwards. I liked the fact that the kids are as smart as their parents. Nothing is black and white about things and it's not overly melodramatic. It's not the most cheery subject matter but it's very well done.

Julie Christie, the rumors are true: Death Cab for Cutie has signed with Atlantic Records. Here is the official word from Ben. I don't really know why this is a topic of discussion but it still comes as a surprise. Seeing as how major labels keep getting smaller and smaller, you hope a great band doesn't get lost in the shuffle or gets screwed.

Manic Street Preachers have a new record out in the UK called Lifeblood. No word on if or when it will be released in the US. Also in the UK, The Holy Bible is getting the 2-CD+DVD reissue treatment. That is coming out early next month. I've checked out iTunes to see if they have any of this available for download, but alas, not for us Americans. CD Wow has it on import for rather reasonable prices. Meanwhile, every used CD store I go to has a copy of Know Your Enemy. I like parts of the record but I still don't own it. I shouldn't make so many excuses.

I can't stop reading Britpop! by John Harris. It's incredibly well-researched and not too inside for someone who experienced things from the other side of the pond.

Worlds Apart

Song in my head:
"Another Morning Stoner" by . . . And You Will Know Us By the Trail of Dead

Saw . . . And You Will Know Us By the Trail of Dead last night and I'm still recovering. They were even better than when I saw them on the Source Tags and Code tour. Hard to believe, but yes, even better. They played a few new songs (which slayed) and material mostly from Madonna and Source Tags and Code. My guess about what the second drummer did was correct: almost every song had double-drumming. In other words, the drums, as a whole, felt like cannons going off. A little past the halfway point in the set, the bassist took his bass off and smashed it. It seemed a litte too soon to start breaking stuff and ending the set. Twas not the case: the bassist from Sound Team lent him a bass and the set continued. The set ended with the brand new set of Premier drums that Jason played on being totalled. Then he passed almost every part of it out to people in the crowd. I didn't want to try and wrestle one out of someone's hands and the floor was incredibly slippery (due to a large amount of food, water and beer thrown around during the set). I just needed time to realize what all I had just seen.

As a side note to the show: I did see an old friend that I hadn't seen in about a year. I heard that he was still in the metroplex but was looking for a job. He's thinking about moving closer to where I live so, it would be cool to see him more. We traded phone numbers and that was that.

Don't know if we're playing football and kickball today. The forecast has a 60 percent chance of rain today. Shall wait and see.

You Are the Quarry

Song in my head:
"Montana" by Slowride
"Under Pressure" (Queen cover) by Small Brown Bike and Casket Lottery

Looks like I did the right thing by holding off on buying You Are the Quarry. It's being reissued early next month. Read all about it here.

The original Gang of Four lineup is reportedly reuniting. More info is here.

Keeping up with the Joneses

Songs in my head:
"The Great Depression" by the Jam
"Man in the Corner Shop" by the Jam

To paraphrase a quote from the Dismemberment Plan, it's Friday once again. Not sure what I'll be doing tonight, but I know I'll do my shift and see Trail of Dead tomorrow.

The coldfront is still here. Temps are between upper 40s and lower 50s. It's kinda interesting walking the dog in this weather. She seems more in the mood of running than walking and sniffing around.

I could understand when Royal Crown Revue asked the Amazing Royal Crowns to change their name, but this is stretching it a little.

The View

Song in my head:
"The View" by Modest Mouse

Did my clothes shopping for the year: got a new pair of pants and two shirts from Kohl's. I'm set until more clothes become too big or fall apart.

For those wondering if Thursday has broken up, click here.

The Who are releasing a new album. Read all about it here.

Dancefloors

Song in my head:
"Dancefloors" by My Morning Jacket

Add the Buggles to the list of bands that have gotten back together this year. Read more here.

In case you need more info about the Nirvana box set, here is the official website. Apple's iTunes already has an acoustic demo of "Lithium" available for download. I think the demos will be interesting to hear, but those b-sides are the jewels of the set.

Ain't It Cool News is talking about network TV shows getting yanked. I have yet to sit down and watch an episode of LAX but it was on in the background last night. I heard Jeff Buckley's version of "Hallelujah," so that scores some points for me. As far as Jack & Bobby, wasn't this show supposed to be on for a while so you could find out which one becomes President? I hope they don't cancel it before telling the audience who it is. I remember Dead at 21 and they never revealed if Jack Noseworthy's character ended up living or dying when he turned 21.

Shall be seeing . . . And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead this weekend. Hopefully new material will be played.

My old roommate John would call this sacreligious.

My CD wallet needs new mix CDs so I think I'll burn some this morning. Priorities include: a Left of the Dial sampler, Ben Folds compilation of EP songs, Centro-matic's Love You Just the Same and another random mix of songs.

It seems like I do this once a year: clothes shopping. I need a couple of things for the "cold" weather. In other words, some new pants are needed.

American Girl

Song in my head:
"American Girl" (version 1) by the Promise Ring

Brother Matt has a blog now. Welcome him to the wonderful world of randomness that is blogging.

According to MTV News, System of a Down will be releasing two albums next year. Insert your own Use Your Illusion comment.

Set your VCRs for the night after Thanksgiving: Sparta will be on Late Night with Conan O'Brien on November 26th.

The Fort Worth Weekly has a pretty cool article about Kevin Aldridge, formerly of Brasco and currently of Chatterton.

Take a load off Annie

Songs in my head:
"First of the Gang to Die" by Morrissey
"Fear is a Man's Best Friend" by Channels
"The Weight" by the Band

NME is reporting that the Libertines may split by the end of the year if Pete doesn't clean up his act. I can only wonder what kind of stories NME printed when the Smiths were around.

I watched the Kinsey trailer last night. Looks very promising.

Today is the last day of highs in the 70s. The next five days will have highs reaching only into the 50s. Shall be interesting to play kickball in this.

I heard the Band's "The Weight" in an AT&T commercial over the weekend. It's amazing that commercials (of all things) are great outlets for not-so-mainstream music.

I had too much to dream last night

Song in my head:
"When You're Young" by the Jam

The two times I woke up today, I was in the middle of a dream. Felt very disoriented all this morning. Still trying to shake it off this afternoon. Still wondering why I was dreaming about picking up something at the local CBS affiliate for my dad before I went into work.

Did some more writing and rewriting this morning. Man, I get wordy at times.

Listened to some of the Futureheads. I dig their sound. I hear some Pink Flag-era Wire, Entertainment!-era Gang of Four and first two albums Clash.

The newest edition of The Onion AV Club's Commentary Tracks of the Damned: this year's remake of the Stepford Wives. I wouldn't be surprised if they added the The Girl Next Door track.

Kill all the copyrights . . .

Song in my head:
"Chivaree" by Channels

This is pretty cool, but for some reason, I don't believe it. I can't remember a time when an indie label had a hit single (non-rap or R&B) on the Billboard charts. Maybe when the Offspring "Come Out and Play" was out in 1994.

NME reveals all about the forthcoming Queens of the Stone Age record, Lullabies To Paralyze.

Rolling Stone has some live performances of the man, Ted Leo.

Friday night's low is supposed to be in the upper 30s. Sounds nice, but hopefully ice is not in the forecast.

To Force a Fate

Song in my head:
"Follow-Through Time" by the Reputation

Listened to Piano Man and the Stranger while doing laundry today. After being a Greatest Hits and 52nd Street fan of Billy Joel for a long time, I've found these albums to be as good. Piano Man has a lot of cool country tinges to it. The Stranger is really consistent. It's interesting that half of the record was released as singles.

I think I need to listen to more of Centro-matic's Love You Just the Same. I'm a huge fan of their stuff, but for some odd reason, I've never really checked out to this record. They're so prolific that it's a little hard to keep up with them. On top of that, Will released another solo record this year and then there's the side project South San Gabriel.

Say, "Fear is a Man's Best Friend"

Song in my head:
"Fear is a Man's Best Friend" (written by John Cale) by Channels

I can't believe it, but I'm not too sore or stiff from the outdoor activities from yesterday. I feel fine.

Whenever this movie gets made, I will see this.

I haven't seen Friday Night Lights, but I think it's really cool that Explosions in the Sky did the score for it. Pitchfork has a review of it today.

Jim DeRogatis has a very cool article and interview with Charles Thompson aka Frank Black.

It happened again this morning: I got called Larry. Sometimes you think you say your name as clearly as possible, but it still doesn't come out like that. The first time I was called this was at a wedding in 1993. Until last year, nobody had called me that since then. In the last year, I've been called Larry five times. Sure, 'air' is the common sound but where do people get the 'el' and 'ee' from?

I made a new mix CD yesterday. 18 tracks including "The Day Brings" by Brad, "Trash" by Suede, "We Believe in Karma" by Piebald, "Home" by Leona Naess, "Rust" by Echo & the Bunnymen, "You Faded" by Chavez and Channels' version of John Cale's "Fear is a Man's Best Friend." Still need to make a mix CD of songs from Left of the Dial and Ben Folds three EPs.

Coming Up

Now playing:
(The London) Suede Coming Up

Played flag football and kickball this afternoon and I am beat. I'll be stiff tomorrow, but it's all good.

Opted out of going to Guided By Voices' last show in town before they change their name back to Robert Pollard. Instead, I saw five local bands last night. The band that really stuck out for me was the Happy Bullets. Really good fun songs with layers of harmonies (vocals, guitars, brass and keyboards).

Been listening to the Reputation quite a bit this weekend. Elizabeth really knocks 'em out of the park.

I think I should really check out the Incredibles. It looks very cool and plus Chasing Amy's Jason Lee voices the bad guy. Apparently the folks over at Pixar liked his delivery in Dogma and cast him.

Shall do some more reading on Britpop! before I head to bed.

Rattled by the Rush

Song in my head:
"Rattled by the Rush" by Pavement

Finished reading Perfect Sound Forever yesterday morning. Good, quick read. Made me want to get out my Pavement mix CD and I listened to it this morning (so that's why "Rattled by the Rush"'s guitar squels and harmonica honks are on repeat in my head).

Watched the Revenge of the Sith trailer this morning. Not once. Not twice. Three times. I got chills every time.

Picked up some records last night and this morning: both full lengths by the Reputation, the Sheila Divine's long out-of-print Roadrunner release, Shift's Get In and Billy Joel's Piano Man and The Stranger. In other words, musical appreciation tomorrow.

News of the TPE World November 5th, 2004

Song in my head:
"Say Fear Is Man's Best Friend" by Channels

Saw Sparta last night. After seeing them play on late night TV over the years, this was my first time to see them in person. Great set, especially with "From Now to Never," "Air" and "Breaking the Broken."

If you're going to see the Incredibles this weekend, chances are good you will see a trailer for this movie.

Don't have any major plans for the weekend. Do have some plans already: I want to hit up some record stores and have pizza one night. Everything else is subject to change.

News of the TPE World November 4th, 2004

Album listened to this morning:
The Mars Volta De-loused in the Comatorium

Crisp and breezy at 44 degrees. I think we were having near-record highs a few weeks ago and now we're having near-record lows for November. It was fun to walk the dog in this weather last night. She wanted to run more than walk. Today's high is to reach 68. Sunday's high is supposed to reach 80.

Did more reading of Britpop! yesterday and resumed reading Perfect Sound Forever. Still haven't opened Hot Water Music or High Fidelity. My mind wanders too much, but I will get to them.

Amazon is listing February 15th, 2005 as a street date for the Donnie Darko: The Director's Cut. I have yet to see the director's cut, but reading about the changes from the original sounds like a cool alternate to the theatrical.

If you liked Sarge, you may really dig Elizabeth Elmore's new(er) band, the Reputation. They have two records out already, including this year's To Force a Fate.

Jimmy Eat World is working on a new EP that is to come out next year. More info is here.

Ladies and Gentlemen, Ben Folds . . .

Song in my head:
"Misfit" (remix) by Elefant

Rolling Stone checks in with an article about Ben Folds next release. The good news: it is not an EP or a collaboration with William Shatner. Yes, it's the second proper solo album for the former Ben Folds Five member. It may be out as soon as February 2005. There is a track about Elliott Smith called "Late" and there is a re-recording of "Give Judy My Notice" (from the Speed Graphic EP) on it. On top of that, he recorded it with a bassist and drummer. All of this is wonderful news.

News of the TPE World November 3rd, 2004

Album listened to this morning:
Billy Joel Greatest Hits Vol. 3

Chilly, misty and breezy at 49 degrees.

There's talk of Jarvis Cocker scoring Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. Sounds fishy. But, lest we forget Ian Brown's cameo in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.

I started reading Britpop! yesterday. Looks to be a very good read.

NME reports that Paul McCartney is on Band Aid III's "Do They Know It's Christmas Time?" I know we'll be hearing "Wonderful Christmas Time" this year but I'm not sure if we'll get this here in the US.

In this week's installment of the Onion AV Club's Films That Time Forgot: Playing for Keeps. Future Miramax bosses Bob and Harvey Weinstein produced, wrote and directed this. This proves Bruce Campbell's theory once again: the road to power is paved by B-movies.

I voted

Song in my head:
"End Moraine" by Sparta

I voted.

All the talk about long lines and hour-long waits went unfounded for me. At 9:30, I showed up at the church and there were people, but it wasn't crowded. There were three people in front of me and all I did was wait about two minutes to sign in. I got my ballot and it felt like college again. It was on a Scantron sheet. Only this time, after all the years of saying you couldn't use pen on a Scantron, they had a Sharpie to darken in bubbles. Putting my completed ballot into a machine, it went through just fine.

Total time: 10 minutes

News of the TPE World November 2nd, 2004

EP listened to this morning:
The Get Up Kids Red Letter Day

Light and windy at 62 degrees.

MTV.com has an article on actors playing musicians. Reading this reminds me of the band playing the prom in Student Bodies. I think they were miming to a different song than what's in the movie. Seeing the drummer not actually hit his drums is pretty hilarious. Now I have "I Can't Stop Dancing" in my head.

After picking up Britpop! yesterday, I hear of other suggested readings that I hadn't really checked out before. Fargo Rock City tops the list. Nick Hornby's Songbook also sounds tempting.

Opted out of early voting, so I will be doing it today at a church two streets away from the house. No matter how long the line is or how long it takes, I won't turn away. I have five hours between shifts and a book to read. In other words, I have no excuses.

Worlds Apart

Like yesterday, it's mostly cloudy, windy and warm. I listened to Pulp's We Love Life while driving around yesterday. It seemed like a great soundtrack for it. This afternoon, I listened to tracks from Piebald's We Are the Only the Friends We Have and Jimmy Eat World's Futures. Not really as picturesque as We Love Life, but they put a smile of my face.

I downloaded the new . . . And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead EP, Worlds Apart, from iTunes. "Worlds Apart" is strong single and their version of the Monkees' 'The Porpoise Song" is a cool b-side.

Picked up John Harris' Britpop! at Borders this afternoon. Looks to be a very good read. I had seen a documentary on the same subject (Live Forever) and thought it was a good starting point. I may start reading it tonight (while Fahrenheit 451, Please Kill Me, Let It Blurt and The Long Halloween remain unfinished). Eventually I'll read them all.

News of the TPE World November 1st, 2004

Album listened to this morning:
The Arcade Fire Funeral

Since last night, rain and winds have slowly brought a cold front in. Luckily, it didn't start pouring until after the trick-or-treaters left.

Halloween wrap-up:
After walking the dog, I watched Student Bodies. This flick has always made me laugh and I laugh harder every time I see it.

MTV has a detailed tracklisting for the Nirvana box set, With the Lights Out. To those that collected import CD EPs for those b-sides, a lot of these songs are not new. To those that had dubbed copies of the songs on worn-out tapes, this is wonderful.

I picked up the Arcade Fire's Funeral and Q and Not U's Power over the weekend. Both are good, especially Funeral. If you like Bright Eyes, Interpol and . . . And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead, you may find the Arcade Fire to your liking.