Record Store Day 2017


Just got back from Lou’s Records with a close friend Greg. We got lucky on Record Store Day exclusives. Lou’s can feel cramped but they’re organized and have practiced this day for years. I got #50 and Greg got 51. There wasn’t a huge omg item on this years list I wanted. Two years ago Metallica rereleased their demo tape and I barely missed getting a copy. I did however pick up a Straight Outta Compton tape. 

This year I managed to get the last copy of the The Smiths The Boy with The Thorn in His Side single, the only Big Thief Mythological Beauty single Lou’s got, Pineapple Express soundtrack, and Sunny Day Real Estate The Rising Tide LP. The Smiths single has a demo mix and early version of “Rubber Ring” with cover art curated by Moz himself. Big Thief’s single gave me the heads up on their second album Capacity due June 9th. Also includes a non-album track “Breathe in My Lungs” on side B. 

Unfortunately I could not get the Space Jam soundtrack. Some guy before got the last one. Ironically he also got The Smiths and SDRE records. I still walked away with four items I wanted, and life’s good already. Cannot complain. I debated getting a Big Star vol. 3 vinyl set but it was $40. I almost got a Springsteen 3 LP live set but it was like $78 so I cancelled that. 

Overall I spent about $80. Totally worth it though. The Smiths one has some bragging rights. Pineapple Express is a great kick back record for the pad. I’m looking most forward to taking a deep dive into SDRE after not listening to them in some time. And of course my faithful and continued support of Big Thief. Cheers, and happy Record Store Day!

Just Thought I’d Call

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Friday night I saw Dance Gavin Dance with Amelia and her friends. They’re my friends too. I’m awkward or quiet around them still but I shouldn’t be. They’re super nice to me, and clearly like me. I like them a lot too.

Amelia is going to be my new roommate next week. I’m moving down to North Park, finally. I should have written that here a long time ago but it’s finally happening. Gotta be careful with my bills but I’m doing it.

Going to the show was a bit of a preview. I got to North Park after work, parked at my usual spot, and got City Taco before the show. It felt natural.

Posted up inside The Observatory and met with the squad. DGD played before Chon and definitely showed how their live aptitude. The group of us collectively came to hear tracks off Mothership. They certainly delivered on that.

I was especially happy to sing along with “Betrayed by The Game” followed by an old gem “Me and Zoloft Get Along Just Fine” at the height of the set.

Initially the plan was to see Chon as well but we were all satisfied with DGD and dipped out. It’s not everyday I get to share a meal with anyone anymore. Sitting down with them was an absolute treat. I enjoy just listening if anything.

Caroline and Tristan I gotta say are someone of the nicest people I’ve met in this new stage of my life. They’ve opened their home and friendship to me. It’s so unusual when it happens I’ve almost forgotten how to show I’m even appreciative of that.

They’ll always be more of Amelia’s friends but I really like them. I’m looking forward to seeing them more frequently since Melia will live together.

Strangely I was texting a mutual friend of everyone mentioned, whom I’m attracted to. I think Caroline saw I was texting her at the show. She was looking, I looked up, and she saw smiled but I pretended like it was nothing. Showed no emotion.

Part of me didn’t want anyone to know but at the same time I kind liked that she did. Maybe she told the others. It’s an odd conundrum. Thom York said something similar in an interview or article I read once. Wish I had the source but take my word.

Thom was talking about not wanting to share his personal life or stories but in a way he still shares introspective thoughts and feelings. This partly explains Radiohead’s massive success. They’re clever but not giving away the farm in their music but perhaps provide enough to keep you guessing or at least listening.

Speaking of which, OK Computer came out 20 years ago. “Karma Police” and “Let Down” come to mind right away now that we’re on the subject.

Also on point, a woman I’ve known and had thing with before my ex is actually visiting me this month. I daydream about it a lot now that date approaches. I’m a little nervous but as it gets closer the anticipation…

I feel like all these thoughts can’t escape and they’re going to all explode on her at once. Like I know what I want to do when we’re finally alone and the pleasantries are over. How fast is too fast when I close my bedroom door? I know she told me what she wants I just don’t know how much to reserve or if I should just let it all go.

I’m excited, not scared anymore. The confidence I have now. The fearlessness I feel more and more to pursue what I want. I want her. I want the mutual friend too. I want to try it all.

When I work out I feel my strength increase. The physical improvements become more obvious. I know what I can become and what I am. I want to take my control of my body, my career, my money, my lifestyle, who I want to be with.

I don’t want to control another person. I just want control of everything else I can dominate in order to have freedom, leisure, and peace with a woman I could fall in love with.

 

Music Wire #3

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We’re almost through the first quarter of 2017. An hourglass expires faster than it did just a few years ago. Age makes the past fleeting. Time moved slowly, but as life advances time does too.

Memorable music has already built a narrative to remember this year by. January brought Uniform’s blistering sophomore LP Wake in Fright. I was fortunate to seem them in February at The Hideout.

Oliver Houston and Code Orange also released great records as well. Japandroids may end up owning this year when it’s all over. They had steller sold out performance at The Music Box this past Saturday.

I happened to catch Craig Finn (The Hold Steady) and his new band The Uptown Controls open that show. Great song back stories with his songs. His new solo album We All Want the Same Things drops later this month.

Looking forward, Volumes seek to dominate this summer with Different Animals starting June 9th. Real Estate, Joey Bada$$, and others will also seek to dominate their respective scenes too.

Migos has already solidified a spot on many’s end of the year lists. There’s a long way until January so who knows what the rest of the year will bring.