On the Road Again

I’m heading back upstate, and I’m feeling less than optimistic about what awaits there. So, this is just a way to keep busy, tidy up the desk and act like the world goes on…

Monday, July 18
Purchased:
The FOO FIGHTERS – In Your Honor (RCA)
Been looking for this on sale since I gave the one I bought during release week to my cousin. (I met him unexpectedly in a bar the night he graduated from nursing school and, since I had no present to offer, I grabbed my copy out of the car.) Refused to pay $17 at Target the next day, but as soon as I saw it on sale again at Best Buy, it was mine. Won’t count this one in my YTD total.
Grace bought (and I count ‘em, ‘cause it’s allowance that makes it happen!)
1. RELIENT K –
Since they’re coming to the Warped tour, and I have an assignment to cover it, I tell Grace to get the older album, with the cheaper price and bonus disc (punky covers of Christmas songs!) since I’m waiting on a press kit. And since this one has the song she first fell in love with, cool by her.
2. ALL-AMERICAN REJECTS – Move Along –
This was on sale for $7 or $8 during its first week of release, and some other store has it for less than $13, I’m sure. But, like Veruca Salt, she wants it NOW, and we’re traveling soon, so there’s no time to argue.

Sent:
3. The BONAPARTES – S/T (self-released)
Coming to the IOTA on July 25th as part of a triple bill of young area bands.
4. HOOTIE and the BLOWFISH – Looking for Lucky (Sneaky Long/Vanguard)
From the start, way before Darius “Hootie” got involved with those bizarrely hideous Burger King commercials (between them and the Paris Hilton, I may have to give up the occasional BK fix), I have found H & BF annoying. Can’t imagine what would change my opinion now.

Saturday, July 16:
The CD Cellar trade-in booty:
5. MY MORNING JACKET – Chocolate and Ice EP (Badman)
Beautiful stuff, perfect for late-night blog writing. To those who are reading and are not big followers of contemporary rock, let’s use the old “if you like…” equation. If you like Harvest-era Neil Young, this is the band for you. Includes one of those inexplicable tracks offering a rambling phone machine message. It arrives as track 4 of this 6-track EP, like an annoying commercial break.
6. FOO FIGHTERS – One By One (RCA)
I was actually looking for a used copy of the latest, the one I gave to my cousin, but it wasn’t in stock. Meanwhile, since I’m in a Foo mood, seeing this one on sale for $7 in the “slightly scratched” bin (I haven’t bought a bum one yet) – and it was the deluxe, 2 CD set no less!, I had to have it. Previously I had only a gift-burned copy.
7. FALL OUT BOY –
For Grace, who monitors the music channels on our digital cable TV, waiting to squeal and jump along with “Sugar, We’re Going Down.”
And two “why not?” presents for the birthday boy:
8. JONI MITCHELL – Woman of Heart and Mind DVD
9. KINGS OF LEON – DVD press kit

Sent:
10. RODNEY CROWELL – The Outsider (Columbia)
Advance 2 CD set with bonus disc. Includes a cover of Bob Dylan’s “Shelter from the Storm.”
Coming to the Birchmere on Out August 16th.
11. MARTY STUART and the FABULOUS SUPERLATIVES – Souls’ Chapel (Superlatone/Universal South)
Though I’m not a big one for “Jesus Music” – another thing the right wing has destroyed for the rest of us, there’s something affecting when you hear sincere, loving praise. Stuart, a country (and alt-country) stalwart for ages, doesn’t appear to be

Wednesday, July 13:
Purchased:
12. The WHITE STRIPES – Get Behind Me Satan (V2)
Thought it was on sale for $11.99, but it rang up as $9.99. Sweeet. Got tix to see the - with the Shins opening! - at Merriweather Post in September.
13. JOHN STEVENS – selections from Red free sampler (Maverick)
14. MOJO magzine with U2 compilation
Sent:
15. GREENLAND – S/T (self-released)
Coming to IOTA on July 25th.

I’ve lost track of what came when, so here’s a catch-all of recent acquisitions:
16. PEASALL SISTERS – Home to You (Dualtone)
Maybe I’ve lived in the south too long, but this former New Yorker is getting quite fond of that quiet, Appalachian porch sound, especially when sung with such lovely female harmonies.
17. BILLY F. OTIS – Sowing Wild Oats (Wild Oats)
Local singer-songwriter that persistently nags me to write about him. That’s fine, and the squeaky wheel gets the grease and all, but his stuff doesn’t bowl me over, so it gets awkward.
18. MARS ARIZONA – All Over the Road
19. LISA BELL – It’s All About Love (Hapi Skratch Records)
20. The HACKENSAW BOYS – Love What You Do (Nettwerk)
Coming to the 930 Club on August 9th.

21. The BEL AIRS – Got Love (Hightone Records)
22.The DOMINO KINGS – Some Kind of Sign (Hightone)
23. The MORELLS – Think About It (Hightone)
24.BRIAN CAPPS - Walk Through Walls (Hightone)
All from the same label, these four acts are coming to the IOTA on August 16th as the “big Noise from Springfield Missouri” tour.

25. MIKKI JAMES – Guess What… (Xemu Records)
It says RIYD (recommended if you like): The Strokes, The Dead 60s, The Vines, White Stripes. That’s quite an ambitious bunch. Worth a listen, but there’s a clear danger of the publicists overselling.
26.GRACE POTTER and the NOCTURNALS – Nothing But the Water (self-released)
Classy package for a self-released CD. The band will be playing on July 29th at the Birchmere, opening for hometown heroes (and damn nice guys) Last Train Home. If I weren’t going to be out of town, I’d definitely try to check it out.
27. DABY TOURE – DIAM (Real World)
Coming to the Kennedy Center this Thursday (July 21), so it’s out of my “domain.” I don’t get a lot of world music, and it’s also a pleasure to hear the sounds of other places/
28. JANN KLOSE – Black Box EP (self-released)
29.BOTTOM of the HUDSON - Holiday Machine (Absolutely Kosher)
YTD total: 573

Be thankful every day for the love in your life.