Sleepydog Music Blog - Because I Like Dogs. And Sleep. And Sometimes I Even Like Music.

Shorthand

2012-01-27T16:10:00.000-06:00

She speaks to me in a shorthand
I don't understand what she's trying to say
To me

Here is my pre-FAWM warmup: A song I've been working on called "Shorthand" I had a lot of fun recording this one, and there is much more on the way, so keep checking in!

FAWM 2012 - Count Me In!

2012-01-25T18:29:00.003-06:00

You can fight the fire that's in your head
Lay it down, the hour has come to end
Walk around without her just for a bit
Looking back upon the way things had been

Man, I've been wasting so much time
Walking the same street every night
Don't you think maybe it's about time?

"Walking" - The Dodos

Last year, inspired by my friend Shelley Miller's successful participation in FAWM 2011 (February Album Writing Month - 14 songs in 28 days), I challenged myself to write 7 songs in 7 days, and to do it sober. Needless to say, I failed miserably. In three days, I only managed to write 2 songs ("My Sober Week" and "Come Back Renee") I also wrote and promptly forget one song, having to completely re-write it ("Thousand Night Sky") and I managed to come up with one title that later subsequently became a (nearly) complete song ("Shorthand")
I was also drunk by the end of day three. So, there was that too.
To what degree I succeed and/or failed aside, some stuff got done that otherwise wouldn't have, so it would be hard to discount the experience or the challenge completely. With this in mind, and looking for new ways to kick myself in the ass, I have signed up for FAWM 2012, which, since we are in a leap year, is 14½ songs in 29 days. Needless to say, I've got my work cut out for me. In addition to this challenge, Brandon and I have been working on finishing our Good Leads album so we can put it out to thunderous critical acclaim (Insert fart noise here).
That's it for now. I imagine February will be a busy month 'round these parts, so feel free to check in. Even better, if you're a songwriter, sign the fuck up! It might do you some good.

First five of Shuffle Mode today

"Like the Ocean, Like the Innocent Pt. II" - The Besnard Lakes
"Obsidian" - Steve Dawson
"Brightest" - Copeland
"Leif Erikson" - Interpol
"All Hype" - Longpigs

Reflect/Project

2012-01-06T00:20:00.008-06:00

Spit me out for good
Scream and slam some doors
Call me a loser
I don't care no more
I don't care no more
Pick the bottle up
Set it right back down
Nothing kills the pain
Nothing drowns it out
Chop me up in pieces
We couldn't make it work
Bury me alive
Cover me with dirt
You'll always be alone
You just brought me down
Either way you're gone
Moving out of town
And I don't care no more
I don't care no more...

"Anniversary" - Steven Gilpin

2011 was a pretty great year for me, I won't lie. I definitely didn't accomplish as much as I wanted to, but I still accomplished a lot. I also had fun, made new friends, enjoyed life a little bit, and for once in my life didn't have my head buried up my ass while the moments that mattered passed me by. I am looking forward to 2012 for a lot of reasons: more of the stuff I loved about 2011, plus the completion of some projects, the acquisition of some structure/self-discipline, the joys of being a two dog dad again, and also, watching DCC's amazing career unfold (And also enjoying the many sporting events that seem to be part and parcel of her new job)
I hope 2012 is good to all of you too, even you assholes that I don't like.

I'm balls deep in about five recordings/new songs/music projects, but nowhere near completion on any of them at this point, but that's mostly due to taking the holidays off to host a big party, play grab-ass, travel a little bit, and pretend for a while not to be a tortured artist/househusband. I can assure you that once any and all of these things are finished, they will appear here. As far as live performances, I will be playing the Acoustic Explosion at Silvie's Lounge on Feb 6th, in the headlining slot, which means I go on at about 10:20pm. My set will be preceded by the lovely and talented Lauren Valsoano, and we may once again be playing some tunes together, so if you're in Chicago Feb 6th, come on out to see us! If not, fuck you!

Lauren and me at my X-Mass party. Hint: She's the pretty one on the left.

I guess this is the time of year to do a best/worst of 2011 list, but really? Who gives a shit what movies, music, restaurants and/or culture I liked this year? Instead, here are some random pictures from the last few weeks:

Daisy May

Wig hanging from fire escape, inexplicably.

Dogs rasslin' on Christmas Morning

Eating healthy at Marché in Toronto

At Hockey Hall of Fame

Sportin' my new fedora. I didn't really want a fedora, but the adorable 175 year old lady convinced me that I was all dapper and shit with it (Plus it was raining)

Goofin' off in Toronto (With new hats)

Sippin' a pint at Gretzky's

Me and DCC at Niagara Falls (I was extremely disappointed that I couldn't find a "Niagara Falls is for Lovers" T-Shirt in their gift shop. Really? That one should be a no-brainer!)

Niagara Falls
(Interesting fact: When it's 12 degrees out, and you're standing next to a giant waterfall, which creates an enormous, omnipresent mist, which in turn dampens and cools everything around it even more, a leather jacket is really not adequate winter wear. Just sayin'. Great call, slick!)

As part of our trip, I insisted on a visit to The Anchor Bar, original home of Buffalo Chicken Wings. This is religion for me, people. It's the motherfuckin' Holy Land with hot sauce.

...and this is my Bible...

Nom Nom Nom.

Yeah, I had Chicken Wing Goggles.

Don't mind if I do, ma'am.

In the 'Burgh: Zoku 101.

Me and Baby K (aka The Goblinette)

Happy Fackin' New Years!

Winter nettles and the castle.

Me and Baby K again (We got lots of QT this visit) This kid was killing me with her cuteness. I love her so much that I want to punch myself in the face.

Even Baby K thinks I'm nuts.

The first five of Shuffle Mode today:

"Radio Gaga" - Queen
"Whisky in the Morning" - John Kimler
"Gone" - Ben Folds
"I Won't Forget You Baby" - Poison
"Whenever You're On My Mind" - Marshall Crenshaw

Merry X-Mass!

2011-12-21T14:17:00.000-06:00

There is pretty much zero chance that the Good Leads song BT and I are working on will be done before the end of the year, (And even less chance that anyone will give a shit when it is) so in the meantime, I've got nothing for ya. Nothing at all.

Cheers!

Merry Holidaysmas or whateverthefuck people are calling it these days.

See you next year.

Thousand Night Sky (Static Mix)

2011-11-28T14:07:00.000-06:00

Thousand voice choir

The air filled with song

One thousand words

And I got them all wrong...

Artwork by McKenna Connelly, digitally altered by her ham-fisted oaf of an uncle.

This weekend, when not watching football, I spent most of my time goofing around in my studio. My friend Lauren Valsoano came over Saturday to work on recording some of her original tunes, and with a little assist from my buddy Mike B, we got off to a good start. This will be my first attempt at producing someone else outside of my own solo stuff, goofing off with friends, and the GL material I do with Brandon. It's definitely got me wearing a lot of different hats fer sure. It was fun, and Lauren is a super talented lady, who is destined for awesome things, so I'm really glad to be able to participate in this process with her. Hopefully, with her permission, I'll be able to post some of the tunes here for your listening enjoyment once they're far enough along.

I have a few new tunes of my own in progress, but I took a break from them and spent much of my downtime fucking around with "Thousand Night Sky" because late one night, I thought it would be a good idea to do a trance/dance remix of it. Turns out I know nothing about either genre, so am poorly equipped for said remix, but the end product was interesting to say the least (And about 30 second shorter than the original) so I figured that, despite it's many obvious flaws, I'd share it with y'all anyways.

Thousand Night Sky (The Static Mix)

You're welcome.

No first five of shuffle mode for you, because I've been working on this remix all day.

Thousand Night Sky

2011-11-15T11:57:00.003-06:00

Thousand night sky
Thousand day sun
Thousand birds fly
And all the wild horses run
Thousand night sky...

Artwork courtesy of my very lovely and talented niece McKenna Connelly

Well, this is as close I'm gonna get to being finished recording this song without outside intervention. I have to call it a day on this goddamn thing or else I'll never get anything else done. I started writing/recording this back in April, and it's been quite a journey. I wrote it once, then promptly forgot how to play it, had to re-write it, shelve it, and finally it took on a life of it's own (Then took over mine) So, anyways, I present to you at last "Thousand Night Sky" in it's finished format as a solo work. I have every intention of re-recording this in a more collaborative manner with some of my favorite musician friends, and by the time that takes shape, I'm sure it will sound completely different.
I know it's a bit of a time commitment at 8 minutes and 20 seconds, but if you do give it a listen, thank you, and I hope you like it. It's bombastic, lush, dense, orchestral and totally pretentious, which is exactly what I was going for.

You can download "Thousand Night Sky" Here

First 5 of Shuffle Mode today:

"A Thread Cut With A Carving Knife" - Stars
"Remaining Light" - God is an Astronaut"
"Sweet Leilani" - Dick McInitre & his Harmony Hawaiians
"No One Can Change It All" - The World (Brent Hunter vs. Nina Ramsby)
"Make Your Heart" - Azure Ray
"The Void Above The Sky"- Blue Giant

11:11

2011-11-11T12:59:00.000-06:00

"Where is your love?"

"11:11" - Left Setter

Well, since I don't have anything new to share with you (yet), my friend Nick from Left Setter has given me permission to put this little nugget of theirs online in honor of the date. If you like this, you should go out and buy lots of their records. Tell 'em Chris sent you.

Download "11:11" HERE

Enjoy responsibly, preferably in pairs.

I said good day to you sir.

The Chris and Shelley Birthday Bash Recap (Updated)

2011-10-22T16:13:00.000-05:00

In future times
We'll hold it closer
Imagining
We weren't older
And through it all
They'll be playing our song

"Ice Age" - Pete Yorn

So, last night's show at Streetside happened, and all in all, it was a great success. But the best part of last night? Was this:

Knowing my deep abiding love for chicken wings, my friends at Streetside made me a very special order.
I love my Streetside friends.

Alright, so back to the music portion. First up was Rob Davis. Despite feeling under the weather, he played a helluva set:

Next up was Lauren Valsoano:

Then I played (I didn't get any pictures of that for obvious reasons, but if any come my way, I'll post them later, in the meantime, please accept as a substitute this picture of my cute puppies):

My set (As far as I remember it):

Take it on the Run (R.E.O. Speedwagon cover done country style)
Is It True?
You've Got Me Until Wednesday
Come to California (Lauren joined me onstage to help out with some sweet vocals)
City Lights
Hidden Track
Thousand Night Sky (Stevie joined me for this one)
Never Coming Back to California / Dead to Me Now

After I was done rockin' the joint, We Are in Seventh Grade (Steven Gilpin and Shelley Miller) finished the night off with a bang.

As if playing an awesome set wasn't enough, Shelley stuck around afterwards and played a truly"unplugged" inpromptu singalong for some latecoming audience members. Also, she baked me delicious cookies for my birthday. She's officially pretty goddamn awesome.

No shuffle mode today. Between sleeping in, long walkies for the pooches, and watching Season Two of "Eastbound and Down" the iPod has been dormant today.

SEXY UPDATE: Pics of me playing solo and some pix of Lauren joining me for "Come To California" (Photos courtesy of Trevor Breter)

Rock!

Come to California

Lauren takes the middle solo

Come to California I'll be waiting
On Sunset Boulevard...

Stuff Daisy Likes

2011-10-12T10:46:00.001-05:00

Eating

Personalized bowl!

Walkies

This little Houdini has figured out how to escape from her harness, so walkies have been temporarily suspended until an escape-proof apparatus can be acquired

Using Roo as furniture

This indignant look of his has become a permanent fixture on his face.

Using me as furniture

Napping

They are excellent nappers. They nap like motherfuckin' professionals.

Spooning

Seriously. They're fuckin' killing me.

Rasslin'

Hangin' outside w/Roo

Stealing my slippers

She doesn't chew them, she just steals them.

This list is in no way comprehensive, as she seems to like pretty much everything, wind, leaves, grass, even rocks. Yes, rocks. She likes to pick up rocks and carry them around. What a weirdo.

Shuffle mode, Daisy style (All REO Speedwagon today):

"Take It On The Run" - REO (BT and I are covering this on the 20th)

"Being Kind Can Hurt Someone Sometimes"- REO

"Ridin' The Storm Out" - REO

"Shakin' It Loose Tonight" - REO

"Son of a Poor Man" - REO

Just a Reminder

2011-10-12T10:16:00.001-05:00

This thing happens next week. Don't miss it!

Muck Man Theme Song

2011-10-08T12:28:00.000-05:00

He started out as an environmental disaster
Now environmental justice is what he's after

My buddy Bruce Gerlach from Tattooed Sky has an online comic called "Muck Man" that you should really check out. Bruce has always been a brilliant artist and cartoonist, and I've always looked up to him for that. Even back in high school, I used to rip him off all the time 'cause his stuff was so cool. (Viva "Star Florists"!) Flash forward to the present day and Bruce is out there making his way as a free-lance artist, doing work for such prestigious clients as Lucasfilm, Marvel Comics, and Hog Snot Motorcycle Oil. He's also graciously provided me with a great deal of promotional art for my musical endeavors (Bruce has always been very supportive of my musical shenanigans, even way back when I sucked, which I totally appreciate) Anyways, as a way of saying "Thank You!" for all the support, the artwork and for being an all around cool guy, I tore myself away from obsessing over "Thousand Night Sky" and wrote a theme song for "Muck Man" because, as we all know, every superhero needs a theme song. Please click the links below to enjoy the Muck-alicious sounds I've created.

Muck Man Theme Song

Muck Man (Instrumental Interlude)

First Six of Mucktoberfest Shuffle Mode:

"Run to the Hills" - Iron Maiden
"Hoo Dee Hoo"- The Rainmakers
"I Still Love You" - Terence Trent D'arby
"Since You've Been Gone" - Rainbow
"Song For You" - Fuel
"Rhythm Dies" - Planes Mistaken For Stars

Stuff in the Mail is Cool (Thanks Bro!)

2011-10-01T10:33:00.004-05:00

Though I am grown
I'm living like a child now
I wish, I want
Giving myself everything
Fearing the release
Keeping the peace

"We Were Wealth" - Wye Oak

My brother, Ric Quigley, has been building guitar pedals as a hobby for a little while now, and has built a couple of custom pedals for me, which sound fucking fantastic. Well, imagine my delight when these little fellas arrived in the mail yesterday:

Muffy - The Big Muff clone

Quigtone graphics, in case you were wondering who built it.

Shredder - Marshall Shredmaster clone. It walks the line between fuzz, distortion and overdrive then takes a giant shit on it. (And I mean that in a good way)

Custom Sleepydog graphics. A nice personal touch!

Better than any birthday card I've ever gotten.

I promptly plugged these bad boys in and proceeded to rock. They sound amazing, especially Muffy (The Big Muff clone). The Shredder sounds great too, and has that really smoothed out overdrive that I like when I am being ham-fisted with my distortion, but I have yet to master the EQ on it.
Here are some of the previous pedals he built for me:

Mighty Mouse - Five different distortions in one, including a Rat Pedal clone. Matt from from Planes Mistaken for Stars was so impressed with the sound of it that he borrowed it for their local reunion gig.

Delay Pedal (For when I'm feeling all Edge-ey)

The Jesus Rocks Phaser. I'm not sure that I agree about this Jesus fella, but this pedal definitely rocks.

Hey, its' October 1st! Only 20 more days until the Streetside gig, and the live debut of The Good Leads. It would suck if you weren't there to see it happen. I mean, we all want to be part of history, don't we?

First 5 of shuffle mode today:

"Dyslexic Heart" - Paul Westerberg
"What Is Life?" - George Harrison
"Where Does The Time Go?" - Innocence Mission
"The Bends" - Radiohead
"Dragdown" - Steven Gilpin (Who will be joining me again for "Thousand Night Sky" on the 20th. Fuck yeah!)

Daisy Update: For those of you who were wondering how the new addition is doing, she's doing great. She came to us with a nasty case of kennel cough, and some infection from her spay surgery, but thanks to the awesome docs at Animal Medical Center, and a lot of TLC, she bounced back and has been doing terrific. She's full of energy and affection, and mischief and she apparently has the appetite of a horse.
She says "Thanks for asking"

Yeah, we cool.

Now I'm done.

This Is What I Spend My Time On When I'm Not Drunk Or Fighting With Contractors

2011-09-29T22:18:00.005-05:00

In case you were wondering (And I know you're not) here is a peek at a still unfinished "Thousand Night Sky" Though incomplete, if you give it a listen, the evolution (from the last version I posted) should be obvious. Maybe someday I will actually be finished with this and write/record another song (pause for laughter) Once some additional instrumentation is added (That long middle section will have one or two instrumental solos to complete it, pending the availability of certain soloists) and the "final" version is ready to put out, I may make it available for a limited time as a free download before trying to stick it to y'all 99 cents at a time.

Thousand Night Sky

Artwork Courtesy of McKenna Connelly

Drop The Needle Down, This is Our Town

2011-09-19T23:32:00.004-05:00

Ladies and gentlemen please

Put your hands together for The Good Leads

When we aims, we aims to please

And bring all you motherfuckers down to your knees

"Long Night" - The Good Leads

Oh Yeah, It's Time To Talk About Music Again...

2011-09-12T02:51:00.002-05:00

Those summer years
We'd follow them
In light of day
In light of us
We'll see it through
When they're playing our song
Those summer years
Have long since gone

Throw your arms around my neck
And whisper softly
Of a thing that we will get
I'm asking you
Let your diamond bracelet fall
Over the ice age

"Ice Age" - Pete Yorn

For those who wondered how the 8/17/11 Streetside gig could have possibly been more kick-ass, I have some good news for you: The only way it could have been more kick-ass was with the addition of two particular people, and guess what, mothafuckas? Both are on board for the October 20th show/birthday bash/excuse to get naked which I have scheduled at (yes, again) Streetside Bar & Grill. The lineup (which may include special surprise guests) is:
The Good Leads - The very tall and handsome Brandon Trenz, and the not nearly as tall but almost as handsome Chris Quigley playing their favorite hits from their upcoming CD "Money in the Mattress" as well as some their solo stuff, guaranteed* to blow your fucking mind.
We Are In Seventh Grade - The very talented and attractive (Not to mention super fucking nice) Shelley Miller and Steven Gilpin blowing your fucking mind (and mine) with their awesomeness.
Lauren Valsoano - The lovely and talented Lauren will be playing a mix of her fabulous originals, as well as her take on some classics, new and old, also guaranteed* to blow your fucking mind.
Rob Davis - After a hiatus from live performance, Rob has returned to the stage with a vengeance. He keeps the crowd rockin' with his original compositions. Guaranteed* to blow your mind? You'll have to be there to find out!

If you were there for the first one, you won't want to miss the second. If you missed the first one, then you suck**. Your only possible redemption is to come out for the second one, and while you're at it, you should buy me a birthday shot*** while me and my friends rock your fucking face off. It's the least you can do. The very least.
More details of the evening forthcoming, as the lineup/order/etc. get sorted out. In the meantime, you can daydream of the awesomest show to hit the Logan Square/Humboldt Park border since your cousin hired that mariachi band to play his bachelor party (Though, to be honest, that was pretty kick-ass)

*Not a guarantee

** Unless you don't

*** And buy Shelley some birthday french fries (or hummus)

Sprung!!

2011-09-09T20:59:00.002-05:00

Daisy's Been Sprung!!
Our little girl is home with us where she belongs!

Sweet Freedom!

First meeting went well.

She loves the grass. I mean LOVES it.

Oh, Herro Derr...

Chow Time!

Do you see a sign that says "Sleeping Dog Storage"?
That's right, you do, because sleeping dogs is our business.
That's why.

Say Hello To Daisy

2011-09-07T16:02:00.002-05:00

I'm going down to Lakeshore drive
I think I see your face
Now I'm looking for you every place
Yes I, yes I, yes I, yes I am

"Lakeshore Drive" - Innocence Mission

See this little prisoner? She's getting sprung.

Get me outta here mister!

Daisy will be coming home to a life of hugs, kisses, belly rubs, head scritches, Sunday snuggles and table scraps. See, I went to the pound today to try and adopt a beagle sister for Roo. The dog I was looking for (Ellie Mae) had already been adopted, and I was happy (for her) but disappointed (for me) As I was leaving the kennel of adoptable dogs, I was just about out the door when this little sweetie caught my eye;

I am trying to break your heart

She's gotta get chipped and spayed, but I will be able to pick her up Friday morning and take her to her new, loving home.

Knock it off, you're blocking my light!

Welcome to the family Daisy. I just met you and I already love you!

Behold the cuteness!

I've broken the news to Roo that he'll no longer be an only child. He remains, as always, inscrutable.

First five of the new Daisy-era Shuffle Mode:

"I'm So Green" - CAN
"Dog Days Are Over" - Florence + the Machine
"Siberian Breaks" - MGMT
"Magic Window" - Boards of Canada
"Sleepwalking" - Pistolbrides

As Promised - Pix and Vid from Streetside Show 8/17/11

2011-09-01T12:13:00.002-05:00

She's usually on stage, not the audience, but since she was sitting this one out, my good friend Shelley Miller graciously took pictures and video at the Streetside Gig on August 17th. Here is a sample:

This is in no way an endorsement of Schlitz

Yes, I am wearing a vest

Stevie G joins the fray.

"Thousand Night Sky"

Here is video for my performance of "Thousand Night Sky" where I was joined onstage by the very talented Steven Gilpin. It is worth mentioning that Stevie and I had never played this song together before this, but since he's made of awesome and unicorns and bunny rabbit farts, he pulled it off like a pro:

Thats' all I've got for you savages for now.

Thanks for listening.

The Bricks, The Wall, And The Thunderous Sound Of My Forehead Meeting Both

2011-08-25T12:46:00.003-05:00

But we know, don't we?
And we'll dream, won't we?

"Montague Terrace (In Blue)" - Scott Walker

You know, being a musical genius is difficult. Not that I expect any of you savages to understand this, but bear with me. I've been working on recording "Thousand Night Sky" for a couple of weeks now, but have not been making any progress whatsoever. Dead end ideas, fits and starts, orchestral delusions, and baritone fumbles all come crashing down around me until all thats left is a cloud of dust and the same skeleton that I started with. As my tears spill onto my pre-distressed Wilco t-shirt, I want to rend the fabric in frustration, but hey, it's a new shirt and I paid $20 bucks for it, so I stop myself (I may be an idiot, but I'm a fiscally responsible idiot)
I just hope that "Thousand Night Sky" doesn't end up on the same scrap heap as "Light Source (Low Light Low)" or "Drinking at the Intervention" because, for some reason, the song seems to resonate with people. After the Aug17th gig, several (kind) strangers came up to me to tell me how much they loved that particular song. Maybe that's why I'm putting so goddamn much pressure on myself to do it justice in the recording studio.
If only I could find an orchestra, someone to write a string arrangement, and conduct it, who'd be willing to work for beer and Doritos.
(Checks Craigslist)
Nope. *sigh*

On one good note, I got another new song started, and barring a colossal meltdown on my part, should be a pretty catchy little number.

I'm still putting the final lineup together for the Oct 20th show at Streetside, but I'm totally stoked about the lineup that I do have confirmed. Steven Gilpin and Shelley Miller (aka We Are in Seventh Grade), Lauren Valsoano, Rob Davis and myself are playing. I've got a couple of maybes that I'm trying to lock up, but it's gonna be a great night. Shelley and I will both be celebrating our respective birthdays, and a good time will be had by all, guaranteed!*

*Not a guarantee. Offer void in Kentucky.

The first five of Shuffle Mode today:

"Montague Terrace (In Blue)" - Scott Walker
"Lost Kingdom" - God is an Astronaut
"Lost In Love" - Air Supply
"Waking Life" - The Dilletantes
"Red Elephant" - Sunny Day Real Estate

Ha Ha Ha, Fuck Yeah - 10/20/11

2011-08-24T00:19:00.004-05:00

When you are away
My heart comes undone
Slowly unravels
In a ball of yarn
The devil collects it
With a grin
Our love
In a ball of yarn

He'll never return it
(So when you come back we'll have to make new love)
He'll never return it
(So when you come back we'll have to make new love)

"Unravel" -Bjork

(Do yourself a favor and listen to the Okkervil River cover of this song, it's 100x more amazing than Bjork's already amazing version. Trust me. If you spend the $0.99 on it and you don't think it's worth it, I'll reimburse you personally next time I see you...)

Mark you calendars kiddies, October 20th is gonna be a dual birthday bash for myself and the awesome Shelley Miller at my favorite watering hole/venue, the Streetside Bar and Grill.

I am still putting the bill together, but I've already got some great* performers onboard for an awesome night of music, community, and celebration. You can bet your sweet ass that I'll be posting more details soon, but if all goes as planned, this will be one of Chicago's finest live music events of 2011. Fuck Lollapalooza, we've got Quigapalooza, and we're gonna tear this town up.
Details to follow soon.

I may also be playing some shows south of the border (meaning Indiana) if one of my partners in crime has his way. Will also let you know as that story unfolds...

Performers confirmed already: Me, Lauren Valsoano, Shelley Miller, Rob Davis.
The maybes are too good to tease you with, but once they move into the "Yes" column, they will be listed here with much fanfare.
Sexy Update: Add Steven "I Love Giant Bunnies" Gilpin to the "Yes" column!

*And by "Great" I mean "Fucking awesome"

The Aftermath

2011-08-18T11:56:00.000-05:00

You got the money
We got the soul
You got the money
We got the motherfuckin' soul

"Fuck Yeah, That Wide" - Local H

After much anxiety and preparation, I am happy to report that the Streetside show was a big success. We had a great turnout and all of the acts (Myself included) were awesome. My friend Shelley took pix and video, so hopefully I will have some of that to share with you soon. It was an evening full of highlights, but if I had to choose one, my favorite moment would have to be when my good friend Steven Gilpin (Without the benefit of practice beforehand) joined me onstage to play guitar on "Thousand Night Sky" Holy shit, it sounded great. Many thanks to my wonderful friends for coming out to see me, and to my Streetside family for their love and support. You are too numerous to mention (and I'm a scatterbrain who would forget a name or seven) You all rock!
My memory might be spotty, but here is the set, in close to, but not necessarily entirely, the order I ~~butchered~~ played it in.

Is It True?
You've Got Me Until Wednesday
City Lights
Thousand Night Sky (W/Stevie G)
Slips Through My Fingers
Hidden Track
Dead To Me Now
If I Fell Off The Face of the Earth
Cold on the Moon

Like I said, pix and video to follow (hopefully) Thanks to my fellow perfomers Rob, Lauren and Steven, and Thanks again to everyone for their support, you have no idea how important this show was to me. Well, you have no idea unless I told you "Hey, this show is really important to me!" But I digress...

A Brief Reminder

2011-08-17T00:58:00.000-05:00

This thing happens tonight:

Three scowly dudes and one pretty girl.

Okay?
Okay.

Thirty Two

2011-08-15T22:02:00.001-05:00

There's a price that you pay
When dreams do come true
Now the smoke falls away
And the mirror shines on you
I don't like you
No I don't
I won't see you
No I won't
And if you call me
I will be cold
I am sorry
The truth is told

"Truth is Told" - Dolly Varden

She looked at me with her smouldering eyes. "How old do you think I am?" she asked me.
Jesus, what a question. We had crashed this karaoke bar as part of BT's bachelor party festivities, and she had just played backup dancer on a Sir Mix-A Lot tune (obligitory rump shaking included) She was a somewhat pretty woman, albeit a little drunk and slurry. There I was, wedding ring-less (Lost in a wild night out with, of all people, my Wife) but without that token on my finger I may have appeared to be one of the many potential suitors that this fine establishment had to offer. However unlikely those odds were, there I was, uncomfortably reaching for my ring finger as her smoky eyes bored through me, and asked again
"So? How old do I look?"
I knew better than to answer, but since I had no skin in the game, I did it anyways.
"Thirty two?" I shouted over the din of the music, thinking I had cut her a great deal of slack.
Her eyes were no longer smouldering. They were now red and laser beamey.
"What?" As if she didn't hear me correctly "I didn't hear you..."
Over the din I shouted "I said: THIRTY TWO!"
"Thirty two? Are you fucking kidding me?"
I was not, and apparently, neither was she.
"Who the fuck tells a woman that she looks thirty two? You fucking asshole!"
I was sincerely hoping she was pulling my leg, but I had a sinking feeling that she wasn't.
"Well? How old do you think you look?" I asked (A reasonable question in my mind)
"Not thirty fucking two" was her slurry response, with an added "Motherfucker!"
Exasperated, I threw my hands in the air "Well, how the fuck old are you?"
"Thirty two" She said with an extended palm and an exasperated sigh "You fucking asshole" as she stormed away.
For the record, I think she was lying.
Thirty two? Whatever.

Shuffle Mode is totally mellow and chill today. Like, wow:

"The New December" - Fol Chen
"Love Song" - Elton John
"Avalon" - Roxy Music
"Stray" - Aztec Camera
"Dominoes" - Butch Walker and the Lets Go Out Tonites

The big Streetside show is on Wednesday. I'm so pumped that I could kick my grandma in the face with my unicorn-skin cowboy boots.

Welcoming a New Member to the Family

2011-08-10T11:51:00.001-05:00

They think it's fair
But they don't think like me
When I concede
It is a victory
It's not ideal
Ideals never last
I see my face
I wanna break in half

Since we fell out of the empty way out
I want for nothing
New stories say there is another way out
I want for nothing
I want for nothing
I want for nothing...

"I Want For Nothing" - Wye Oak

Please join me in welcoming the newest member of my little family:

Q: How many guitars is too many guitars?
A: Shut your gum hole.

Isn't she pretty? Now I can finish working on all of those songs I started when I borrowed Royce "Mad Scientist" Lee's Bari guitar last year.
I am very happy about this.

First five of the "Welcome Home Baritone Guitar" Shuffle Mode:

"City Water" - The 1900s
"The Gray" - Mashlin
"How My Heart Behaves" - Feist
"Ice Age" - Pete Yorn
"Do You Want Cryin'?" - Katrina and the Waves

I Guess It's Time For Another Blog Post (OR) You Should Really Listen To Some Wye Oak

2011-08-08T23:23:00.002-05:00

Thousand night sky
Thousand day sun
Thousand birds fly
And wild horses run
Thousand night sky

Thousand voice choir
Air filled with song
One thousand words
And I got them all wrong
Thousand night sky

It's funny how the best and the worst things can happen to us (or around us) at the same time. On second thought, I guess it's not that funny, because I'm not laughing.
Okay, so anyways, let's look at some glass half full kind of shit, shall we?
I've been working hard preparing for my upcoming show on the 17th.

Every show I play is important, but this one has a little more meaning for me because the venue is my favorite hangout, and many of my friends are either employees or regulars, many of whom have spent the last few years listening to me jibber-jabber about my burgeoning music career (***pause for laughter***) At long last I will have to put up or shut up. I guess there's a little extra pressure because many of these folks are veterans of the 90's Chicago alt-rock renaissance, and they know good shit from bad shit. God help me. Despite my anxieties, I am so looking forward to the show. Not only do I have a killer set planned, but my good friends Steven Gilpin and Lauren Valsoano will be joining me on the bill, as well as Rob Davis, who comes highly recommended and who's acquaintance I am looking forward to making.
Jeez, that was a mouthful.
Did I mention that I've been working hard preparing for the show? I took some newer tunes out for a test drive last night at Open Mic Night, and they went over really well. I am also dusting off some old Quigley standbys, which are proving worthy of revisiting. My confidence at this point is really high, which is a highly unusual (but awesome) state of affairs. We'll see how it goes. I have a bachelor party to attend in the interim, and I can only hope that the brain cells I plan to destroy won't be needed for the show.
Also on the good news front, I am happy to announce that DCC has been offered a new, kickass job, which she'll be starting mid-August. It's a step up in every way, and I am so immensely proud and happy for her that I could just scream (****pause for screaming***) I'd tell you more, but it's really none of your god damn business, so trust me, it's awesome all around.
The dog is still enjoying daily walks in the park and an uneasy truce with the local geese.

I guess that's all I had to say.
I've been really enjoying the work of the following bands lately:

Wye Oak
Best Coast
Beach House
Richard Hawley
The Throwdowns

First five of Shuffle Mode today:

"Running From An Angel" - Hootie and the Blowfish
"The Killing Moon" - Echo and the Bunnymen
"Trading Air" - Athlete
"Handle With Care" - Jenny Lewis and the Watson Twins
"Paper Aeroplanes" - KT Tunstall

August 17th - A Welcome Addition

2011-07-26T22:14:00.000-05:00

Stay stay
Name the monsoon
My love's a stormy
Afternoon
Stay stay
Stay stay
Stay stay
And don't let go

"Stay Stay"- Kay Hanley

Why is everybody but Lauren scowling?

Awesome news! Lauren Valsoano will be joining the bill on August 17th, so our little gig just got 220% klassier!

First five post-gig euphoria selections of Shuffle Mode today:

"Whole of the Law" -The 1900s
"Davyan Cowboy" - Boards of Canada
"Rock N Roll" - Ryan Adams
"Tatseo Show" - Jeremy Enigk
"The Cedar Room" - Doves

'Splosion Complete

2011-07-26T00:47:00.004-05:00

Pretty good set tonight. The sound wasn't spectacular so I was having a hard time hearing whether I sucked or not from the stage, but reports from the audience were positive, so I'm gonna chalk this one up as a win. Despite the clusterfuck that happened with the last gig here, the booking agent seems to like me and my music enough to want me to play some better slots (Thurs-Sat) which would be super awesome, and might be very helpful in building up a following (Pause for laughter)
I shall keep you posted on that, because you know, I can never stop talking about myself.

Tonight's set:

Is It True?
You've Got Me Until Wednesday (By far the best received of the night)
Thousand Night Sky
Hidden Track
My Sober Week
Go in My Own Time
Don't Wanna Know Why (Whiskeytown cover)
City Lights
Dead To Me Now

My friend Lauren Valsoano (Who also played tonight, and was wonderful) was kind enough to take some shots for me:

No, your eyes don't deceive you. That's Silvie's on a Monday Night. 15-20 people tops.
Photo by Lauren Valsoano

Photo by Lauren Valsoano

Afterwards, I stopped for a post gig nightcap at my favorite watering hole, and hung out with my friend Josh for a hot minute and got pumped up some more (He's the guy behind booking me for the Aug 17th show and as encouraging/energetic/overall pumped up a human being as you'll ever meet, he's a fucking ninja, if you ask me)
Now I just have to drink 100 more beers and kick my dog (gently) in the face to wind down from playing and go to sleep.

I love lamp.

Just A Reminder

2011-07-24T23:57:00.000-05:00

Silvie's Lounge - 1902 W Irving Park Rd
Chicago IL
Be there or be a polygon

A Little Taste...

2011-07-22T11:40:00.003-05:00

....of what I've been working on in the studio this week.

Thousand Night Sky

You've Got Me Until Wednesday

When these are actually done they will probably sound nothing like this, I have grand aspirations for "Thousand Night Sky" in particular. I have been getting a lot accomplished lately with my music, and it feels great. New songs are being written, old ones re-written, I'm recording, and performing, and I am having so much fun. I have been getting a lot of help and encouragement, which makes all the difference in the world. One person I would particularly like to thank is Brandon, even though he will call me a fag for doing so.
So take a nibble of the musical samples, enjoy, and have a good weekend. If you're in Chicago, come see me play at Silvie's Monday night. Unless you just can't miss that new episode of "Intervention". I would certainly understand.

Shuffle Mode Sez What?:

"After The Storm" - Mumford and Sons
"Breath of Life" - Brian Setzer
"Idiot" - Wavves
"Bratty B" - Best Coast (Ooh, synchronicity!)
"Crystal Village" - Pete Yorn (One of my favorite songs of all time)

Exploding Acoustically Once Again!!

2011-07-22T05:00:00.003-05:00

'Splodin Chodin!

This is just a brief reminder to my Chicago friends that I'll be playing the Acoustic Explosion at Silvie's Lounge again on Monday July 25th. This time I'll be headlining, so I get to play, like, 40 minutes instead of 30. So hang on to your pantaloons!
See you there!

(pause for laughter)

Seriously...

(Sobbing myself to sleep to the sound of crickets chirping)

Gig Poster for August 17th

2011-07-20T13:06:00.001-05:00

I think I just crapped a Koala Bear.

An alternative, since it is an acoustic show, after all...

Maybe a PowerPoint Presentation Would Have Been Better

2011-07-18T19:50:00.000-05:00

I know it hurts to see me doing well

Hurts to see me do it

I can tell

It's just as well

And it hurts to see you doing well

See you doing well

But I can tell

I can tell

"Thousand Night Sky"

It's been a while, and I'm incredibly lazy, so In lieu of details, let's update with bullet points

The gig I last blogged about didn't happen
There are 2 more gigs on the schedule (Jul 25th at Silvies, and Aug 17th at Streetside)
We got the goddamn shit pounded out of us by hail on the night of the aborted gig, resulting in several thousand dollars worth of damage to our house and car (Goddammital!) but no injury to our persons (Whew!)
My dog is still fat
We have rejoined the Y. I guess we're gonna get healthy now.
My new favorite beer is Shiner Ruby Redbird
I am spending less time at the bar and more time in the studio, I am getting a lot more done this way.
There are several new songs being written(or re-written)/recorded as we speak
My favorite so far is "Thousand Night Sky"
I joined Twitter. So far, I fail to see what the big deal is.
We went to see U2 in Nashville on July 2th. It was pompous and overindulgent and one of the best rock shows I've ever seen.
We went to see Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers at HOB on Saturday. It was lean and intimate and it was one of the best rock shows I've ever seen.
The opening act for RCPM was a young band called Sons of Bill. They were pretty damn good. They rocked out more in person than they do on their CDs (Which are more country-ish)
I would give my left nut for some decent fried chicken right now.
In the absence of fried chicken, I would give my right nut for a slice of Nona's right now.
I guess that about covers it.

First five of Shuffle Mode tonight:

"Crocodile Rock" - Elton John

"Yesterday's Feelings" - The Used

"The Battle of Evermore" - The Lovemongers

"Bad" - U2

"Lebanese Blonde" - Thievery Corporation

Silvie's Redux (Tonite! As my friend Murph would say: "Tiiiiiggghht!")

2011-06-30T10:52:00.003-05:00

Northern nights, neon signs
The progress that ruined once quiet nights
They raped the past and brought it back
On restaurant menus and baseball caps
It's not this place burned in our minds
and in this corner by candlelight
That's where we'll meet
On Santa Maria Street

"Santa Maria Street" - The Sand Rubies (aka The Sidewinders before some jackoffs sued them)

Tonight will find me on the stage at Silvie's for the second time this week. This time opening for the bands No Hero and Crispy Tom. I didn't know about the gig until Monday, so it's rather short notice. The upside is that I get a longer set (45 minutes) so I can squeeze in some of the tunes that got bumped on Monday, or maybe rotate a few surprises in. Who knows? Pretending to be a genius means never having to say you're sorry!

Also newsworthy? We will probably be adding another beagle to our little family in the very near future. I'm so excited I think a penguin just squirted out of my butt. (I like beagles) (and penguins)

Hmm, what were the last few songs that Shuffle Mode played? Lessee:

"You Don't Get Much" - The BoDeans
"Trace of You" - Peter Bradley Adams
"Asking For Flowers" - Kathleen Edwards (Isn't she about due for another damn album already?)
"Dog Days Are Over" - Florence + The Machine
"Border Song" - Elton John
"The Pharoahs" - Neko Case
"B'Bye" - Chuck Mangione

Sexy Update: I am removing the comments moderation feature to encourage participation on this online community. Let's see if people can resist being assholes, shall we?

I'm All Done 'Sploding Now

2011-06-28T11:50:00.001-05:00

Moses went up to the mountain high
To find out from God why did you make us, why?
Secret words in a secret room
He said "A Womp Bomp A Loo Bop A Womp Bam Boom!"

"I did not put you here to suffer
I did not put you here to whine
I put you here to love one another
And to get out and have a good time."

"Let My People Go-Go" - The Rainmakers

The gig went really well last night. I exploded acoustically without getting pelted by rotten fruit (This is a good thing. Further proof that I'm living the dream!) Did I play well? Yes! I kicked ass! Did the audience like it? Phooey! A renaissance man trifles not with these trivial concerns! (Yes, they did) The lovely ladies DCC and Christie were in attendance, cheering me on, which helped tremendously. The show went so well, in fact, that I have been asked to open for a band at the same venue on Thursday Night. Sweet!
DCC tried taking some shots of me in action, only to find out (much to our dismay) that I am the least photogenic person on the planet.
Here are some of the shots anyways:

Blur Blur Blurdy Durr

Shoulda called it "Blurry Night Sky"

Banter!

Hurr durr! (I have no idea why I'm making that face)

I'm singin' over heaah!!

My setlist was pretty close to what I'd intended it to be, I only swapped one song out, and I ditched the covers altogether. Those will probably see daylight when I play on Thursday, since it will be a longer (45 minute) set. Here's how it went (to the best of my recollection):

Is It True?
Thousand Night Sky (Which went over magnificently)
My Sober Week
Come Back Renee
Something's Different (About Abby)
Happy Hour
Sunshine in the Wastelands

I think next time I'll ditch the 12-String though. Or alternate between guitars. Or eat a burger instead of tacos before the show. The possibilities are endless!!

First 5 of Shuffle Mode today:

"Take Care" - Beach House
"Cincinnati Traveler" - Hem
"Green & Dumb" - Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers
"Going, Going, Gone" - Stars
"This Charming Man" - Stars (I guess it's two-fer Tuesday)

As Ready As I'll Ever Be

2011-06-27T14:40:00.001-05:00

In Kehei Town

We stumble around

Your OCD

Keeps you so busy

"Kehei Town"- The Throwdowns

Tonight I shall once again grace the stage of the Acoustic Explosion at Silvie's Lounge. I play at 9:10 if you're local and you're interested. (pause for laughter)

I'll be debuting a new song ("Thousand Night Sky") that actually seems to change every time I play it, a sure sign that it's not "finished" yet, but it's fun to play and it's pretty and stuff, so I'll keep banging it out in front of you until it feels finished (or until I'm pelted with rotten fruit) And in the meantime, you, the lucky public, can enjoy it in all of it's glorious, um, glory...or something like that.

I'll be doing the entire set on the 12-String guitat, which my wife will be happy about, and my fingers will not.

New(er) songs that will definitely be played: "Is it True?", "My Sober Week", and "Come Back Renee"

Older songs that will probably be played "Dead To Me Now" and "Go In My Own Time" The rest (time permitting) shall be pulled directly out of my ass come showtime.

Come out and see me, it might be a disaster, or it might be the greatest display of Sad Bastard Music of all time. History will decide! (My money's on the Spanish Inquisition!)

First 6 of Shuffle Mode:

"Kihei Town" - The Throwdowns

"24 Hours" - Athlete

"Wicked Little Town (Tommy Gnosis Version)" - Tommy Gnosis

"Fly" - Nick Drake

"Nothing To Hide" - Poco

"In Between Days" - The Cure

Parades and Prom Nights

2011-06-19T14:22:00.001-05:00

I know all about your new man—
your new, older, old man—
and I heard that he's married;
oh, you be careful Amanda.
Yeah, I found a new friend too,
and yeah she's pretty and she's small,
but god damn it, Amanda;
oh, god damn it all

I wound up walking
out by the ocean today
and there were naked women
dancing in the Mermaid Parade.
And oh Amanda did you see me today
watching those women dancing
in the Mermaid Parade?
And oh Amanda were you with me today
watching those women waltz by in the Mermaid Parade?

"The Mermaid Parade" - Phosphorescent

Speaking of parades, once again Puerto Rican Festival/Parade has descended upon our neighborhood, which means 3 solid days of chaos: Horns honking, Puerto Rican flags waving, drunk people shouting, sober people shouting, girls in small dresses made out of Puerto Rican flags (Did I mention the Puerto Rican flags?) Thankfully it's almost over. After tonight, things will die down and get back to normal. It's only 3 days out of the year, so I can deal with it. Personally, though, my preference in parades is pictured below:

Gooses!

Honk!

I usually avoid the chaos by hiding in my ~~basement~~ house, but last night I got away from it all by attending the "Prom Night" show being thrown by my friends in Vamos and Bring Your Ray Gun. Below are some shots of me as well as some of the lovely ladies (and gents) of Streetside Bar, all dolled up in the finest prom gownery:

Erica

Moi

Em (She gets extra bonus points for saying "At least wear a tie over your t-shirt you hipster fucks" when announcing the event on Facebook)

Allyson

Josh & Erica

Chiara

Melissa

Murph

Allyson & Melissa

Free drinks, good music, and lots of pretty dolled up ladies? Fuck yeah! Now that's what I call a good Saturday Night.

The last 7 of Shuffle Mode:

"Save a Place" -1969
"Major Tom" -The Good Leads
"Competition Smile" - The Gin Blossoms
"Close to Me" - The Cure
"Am I Wrong?" - Keb Mo'
"When We Were Young" - The Killers
"Save a Prayer" - Duran Duran

I've got a show coming up on the 27th. The Acoustic Explosion at Silvie's Lounge (again) I'm so excited I could crap a unicorn. Details will be posted on Facebook. If you're not my friend of Facebook yet, it's probably because I don't like you.

This Post Has Nothing To Do With Music

2011-06-06T16:22:00.003-05:00

I walked through your revolving door
Got no answer on the seventh floor
Elevator gave a low moan
The pigeons sagged the wire with their weight
Listening to the singing chambermaid
She sang "They Checked Out an Hour Ago"
(and I chuckled)

Those melodies come back to me
In times beyond our heartbeat

"Escape is at Hand for the Travelin' Man" - The Tragically Hip

I have not been working on music much lately because I have been on vacation in Maui. I suppose I could have brought my ukelele to work on some island-style tunes, but fuck that, it sounds too much like work.
I know you're probably thinking "What a dick! Wasn't he just in Hawaii?" and I don't blame you. I'd be thinking the same thing if I was you. However, it isn't every day you get invited to a cocktail party hosted by an A-List actor and living legend, so get off my back. Sir Anthony Hopkins doesn't come knocking on our door every day, so when he does, we should all just say "STOP! Hopkins time!" (Cue "Can't Touch This")
Anyways, it was a great excuse to go back to the island that we love for a few days.
Here are some highlights:

The view from our room

I got a hat. I think I rocked it alright.

DCC got a hat too! Stylin'!

Waterfall - Road to Hana

Road to Hana

Us and another waterfall on the Road to Hana

My favorite little Tiki Bar

My new friend, the Tiki God Lono

Lono is all about love and prosperity and long life.

Taking Lono out to dinner at Longhi's (We had the lamb)

Lono also likes drinky-time!

Glug Glug!!

We had to sleep it off

Our happy vacation faces!

Sir Anthony Hopkins

So, I asked everyone I knew "What would you say to Anthony Hopkins if you had a few moments to chat with him?" Most of the answers were "Silence of the Lambs" related, and all of them were totally useless. (Thanks for nothing, friends!)

So what did I say to him? After the small talk ("Where are you from?", etc.) I told him that I'd thought about what to say to him for days and the best I could come up with was..."Wanna Wrestle?"
This drew a chuckle (albeit, an uncomfortable one) from the man. What a gracious host! He thanked us for coming such a long way to spend some time with him. What a class act.

For the record: He did not want to wrestle.

So, now I'm home. I literally travelled all day yesterday and through the night with no fucking sleep, so I honestly couldn't tell you what the first or last 5 of Shuffle Mode was. Sorry! Just pick 5 songs randomly and post them in the comment section. Your guess is as good as mine.

I Want This To Be My Next Album Cover!

2011-05-23T14:59:00.001-05:00

Seriously!

Yes, I am working on a new CD's worth of material. I even have a producer on board (although they shall remain nameless until the details are hashed out) I have recognized that most of my best work comes about through collaboration, and so am embracing the opportunity to have someone who is a million times better than me come in and kick my ass into shape in the studio. They will also be graciously offering their musical talents (ie singing, writing, dancing) to further enhance the recordings, as will another, as yet unnamed musician. Hopefully the usual cast of characters (ie Brandon) will also lend their rocket sauce to the project, which is tentatively titled "The Past of Least Existence"

Stay tuned...Or don't. It's not like I'll know either way.

First five from the iPod today:

"Killing the Blues" - Alison Krauss & Robert Plant
"House Full of Time" - Guitar
"Black Blade" - Blue Oyster Cult
"So At Last" - Butch Walker
"Evil Woman" - ELO

Welcome Kate! (The Goblin Baby Has a Sister, Does That Make Her a Goblinette?)

2011-05-17T23:31:00.001-05:00

When you wake up it will be
The beginning of the world
Happy Birthday beautiful
All the birds of this day
Sing a song, sing a song...

"Happy Birthday" - The Innocence Mission

Anyone who knows me knows that I generally despise babies, they're disgusting, ill-mannered, and smelly. What I mean to say is, they freak me out big time (And don't get me started on pregnant women) Honestly, I can't even be bothered to pretend to give a shit when people start talking about their offspring, so honestly, I don't (pretend, that is) This is not one of my finer qualities, I know. The one and only exception to this is Maxwell, aka The Goblin Baby. Probably because his parents are two of my favorite people on the planet. If you don't think this little scamp is the cutest thing since baby seals were invented, I will fucking fight you.
Well, on that note: Dr. C went and got herself knocked up again, and whattaya know? Nine months later, Baby Kate popped out.
Say hello to Kathryn Carolyn:

So, great. Now I'm completely unable to resist the cuteness of two babies in this world (You have no idea how uncomfortable this makes me) Anyways, I'm happy to report that both mother and baby are doing fine (though daddy may be experiencing diaper changing/feeding related panic attacks)
You might think I'm getting all soft on you, but still, don't try to show me pictures of any non goblin babies, because I will not give a shit.
Welcome Kate! Your Uncle Chris is looking forward to our first, almost certainly vomit and urine filled encounter (and who knows what fluids you might want to add to the occasion)

What, you may ask, does any of this have to do with music? Not a god damn thing!

The first 5 of Shuffle Mode today:

"The Calton Weaver" - Eddi Reader
"Time Ago" - Black Lab
"Lonesome Day" - Bruce Springsteen
"Way of the World" - Cheap Trick
"Time For Me To Fly" - REO Speedwagon

Tonight's The Night

2011-05-09T17:32:00.001-05:00

I've been too sick to pray Lord
That's why we ain't talked in a while
Some of them days Lord
I thought I was on my last mile
But I'm feelin' okay Lord
And I'm glad that I called you today
Would've called you before
Never needed you more
But I've been too sick to pray

"Too Sick to Pray" -Willie Nelson

So, tonight is the Acoustic Explosion gig, and I'm feeling pretty ready for it. I've been immersed in preparing myself and my friend Gared for our respective shows for the last week and a half, and that immersion has translated into confidence and good noise. Gared's show went great, and now I just have to focus on not sucking tonight. I played Open Mic Night last night in preparation, and for some reason, found myself focusing on covers more than my own shit (I'm planning on playing at least one cover tonight, but haven't decided which one to play)
My mini-set at Open Mic:
"Cold on the Moon", "Only Love" (BoDeans Cover), and "Persephone" (A Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers cover)
The other covers I am considering are "Time After Time" and/or "Too Sick to Pray". I tend to leave set-list decisions for game time, but I may have to be less improvisational this time around since my set is so short (Don't want to be vacillating between songs) and also, I do not want to play a lot of duplicates from last time...I have noticed a tendency on my part to rely on "slam dunk" songs that I know will be crowd pleasers, rather than writing/developing/fleshing out new "slam dunks". In other words, I am fucking lazy sometimes, and have to force myself out of my own box. A pre-performance conversation with my friend Shelley Miller last night got me talking about some of my recordings that I find challenging to translate to acoustic performance. (And the age old debate of "If a song cannot be played as a solo acoustic piece, is it indeed, even a good song?") One such song is "Cold on the Moon" which, despite being one of my absolute favorites, has absolutely eluded me as an acoustic piece. It is simply impossible to re-create the recorded vibe (which relies heavily on synth, a driving bass line and some gorgeous background vocals) as a solo acoustic artist. And that is exactly where I would normally stall out, and give the fuck up, except she explained to me the glaringly obvious, which is, don't even think about reproducing it, because what it really needs is to be re-interpreted.
Um, can I get a "Duh!" as I smack my own forehead?
Thanks.
So, inspired by the conversation, I went up and played the song in a looser vibe with as spare of an accompaniment as possible, so the vocals were the story, and whattaya know? It sounded pretty fuckin' good. So, uh, thanks Shelley. It's no wonder you're a music teacher.

Wow, that was rambly and uninformative. Sorry 'bout that.

Anyways, between the practicin' and frettin' and the Open Mics and all that, I feel more than ready to tackle this gig tonight. Hell, I might even knock this motherfucker out of the park.

See ya there if you can make it.

First eight of Shuffle Mode today:

"Everything" - Boy Hits Car
"Black Boys on Mopeds" - Sinead O'Connor
"True Men Don't Kill Coyotes" - Red Hot Chili Peppers
"Dirty Cartoons" - Menomena
"High & Dry" - Radiohead
"Rock Your Baby" - George McCrae
"Concerto No. 7 in C Major for Oboe and Orchestra" - Ama Deus Ensemble (Vivaldi)
"I Want For Nothing" - Wye Oak

What's Happening Hot Stuff?

2011-05-05T11:35:00.001-05:00

Make a promise, break a promise in the same day
It goes the same way, anyway
So you pray for silence and it's sadness and it's violence
To be washed away, one day
I understand the state you've reached of being unreachable
Somewhere out there where only the music plays
Loneliness and being alone don't always mean the same
Who needs the movie? You can see the music anyways...

"Stray" - Aztec Camera

Aw crap...As Brandon so helpfully pointed out, I haven't posted anything lately. Brandon has a keen eye for these things, mostly because the more I post, the more material he has for making fun of me. And since customer satisfaction is my #1 priority, I am going to post something today.

But whatever shall I write about?

My new haircut?

No more hobo look for me.

The rock star using my basement to rehearse?

Gared O'Donnell - Formerly of Planes Mistaken For Stars rehearsing for his upcoming Hawks and Doves show

That's a mighty fine looking 12-string he's wailing on

The juicy steak I made the other night?

Prime Dry-Aged Ribeye. This is the "before" picture. There was no "after" because I was too busy shoveling it into my gum-hole.

My ninth Wedding Anniversary?

Celebrating 9 years of wedded bliss at Ditka's, because nothing says "I Love You" like a steak the size of your head.

My daily dog walkies in beautiful Humboldt Park?

Humboldt Park is finally starting to green up after this brutal spring.

My undying love for my new iPhone?

Gimme a kiss, baby!

How about my upcoming gig? Ummm...Okay! I have an upcoming gig. I'm playing the Acoustic Explosion at Silvie's Lounge on Monday Night. I am booked for the 9:25 slot, and will be playing for 35 minutes. If you're a reader from the Chicago area, come on down and listen to me and several other equally competent acoustic musicians thrill you with explosions (acoustically) Sure, Silvie's is a dump with no beers on tap (only bottles and cans) and it's cash-only, but hey, it's free to get in and you get indie hipster cred for hanging out with me in such a delightfully quaint little shithole.

My seven songs in seven days challenge will be rebooted soon, once I am done preparing myself and others for these upcoming shows. I ~~thank you for your patience~~ am absolutely comfortable with the fact that hardly anybody gives a fuck anyways.

The first five of Shuffle Mode today? Wouldn't you like to know! Instead you get the last five:

"Flourescent Lights" - Carissa's Wierd
"Figure It Out" - Shelley Miller (A friend of mine and a talented artist. You should buy her records)
"I Won't Stand In Your Way" - The Stray Cats (I've always loved the guitar solo in this one)
"I Would Go Anywhere" - Rubber Rodeo
"Mary" - Patty Griffin (Hauntingly appropriate given the events of the last few days)

Okay, Brandon. There's your blog post. You happy now? Well? Are you?

Detour

2011-04-19T13:56:00.001-05:00

The Seven in Seven challenge will re-boot next week. I got a little side-tracked and have been busy traveling and tending to other matters. In the meantime, please check out the re-mix of "Is It True" which has been improved greatly by the addition of some backup vocals from the inimitable Brandon Trenz and some other tweaks.
Download it HERE.

Rock on.

Mothafuckin' Gee Oh Tee!

Song #2 - Come Back Renee

2011-04-05T17:03:00.000-05:00

I completed the second of seven songs I've challenged myself to write this week. This one is called "Come Back Renee" Download it HERE.
Cheers!

Come Back Renee

Last time I saw you
You were looking pretty fine
Surrounded by your sycophants
Drinking a glass of wine

But I've heard it on the street since then
You've fallen on some harder times

You traded in your Escalade
For a beat up Chevrolet
and your hilltop house in the Hollywood Hills
For a studio in East L.A.

Sounds like everything you had to learn
You learned the hardest way

So come back Renee
Come back from L.A.
Come back Renee
Come back to stay

You proved them wrong the ones who said
You'd never make it far
You shot straight to the top just like
A rocket full of stars

But what they never told you was
How far it was to fall

So come back Renee

Come back from L.A.

Come back Renee

Come back to stay

You broke my heart a million ways

When you said you couldn't stay

But stars have their own gravity

and yours has brought you back to me

On the ride home from the airport

You didn't even speak

You closed your eyes and held my hand

As you curled up in your seat

You looked so peaceful smiling

As I watched you fall asleep

Come back Renee

Come back from L.A.

Come back Renee

Come back to stay

First five of Shuffle Mode today:

"Cuts Like a Knife" - Bryan Adams

"All I Want" - Toad The Wet Sprocket

"Simply" - Sara Hickman

"How Could You Want Him (When You Know You Could Have Me?)" - Spin Doctors

"Invincible" - Pat Benatar.

Jeez, nothing recorded in this century, eh? Thanks a lot, iPod.

My Sober Week (The first song of my song a day challenge)

2011-04-04T18:32:00.000-05:00

As part my sober week and the corresponding song a day challenge, I present to you the aptly titled "My Sober Week" written and recorded today by yours truly.

Download it HERE.

My Sober Week

Sober for a day or so

Ain’t never been much fun

For me to be under the gun

Like a rabbit always on the run.

Sooner softly sweeter now

The words will surely come

For me to sing what has been sung

Before I fade into oblivion

What will you ask of me?

As I stand before you now?

Blood clickin’ in my veins

But I’m still alive somehow

My sober week has just begun

Seven days to find someone

Inside the emptiness I see

When I look inside of me

Wrapped in all this honesty

Are words that leave a bruise

As if the course that I would choose

Is a clear cut case of win or lose

Haunted by the promises

I make but never keep

There’s nothing here to help me sleep

Except a bottle and your rosary

What will you say to me?

When you’re standing by my grave?

Will you be wondering

If I could have been saved?

My sober week has just begun

Seven days to find the sun

Inside the emptiness I see

When I look inside of me

Sooner softly sweeter now

The words have come and gone

And now I’m back where I belong

Singing someone else’s song

What would you say to me?

Or has it all been said?

Is my life just a story

That I’ve already read?

My sober week has just begun

Seven days to find someone

Inside the emptiness I see

When I look inside of me

A Challenge to Myself

2011-04-04T15:01:00.000-05:00

Can you believe it?

I'm somebody just like you

Content with being blue, honestly

Leave me like you found me

I sit on the couch alone

Where you sit when I'm not home

And I feel so close to you

"Leave Me (Like You Found Me)" - Wilco

So, in an attempt to appease my beleaguered liver (and beleaguered checkbook) I find myself once again dabbling in sobriety. Because I hate realistic goals, I'm gonna piggyback a challenge onto my sober week. I am challenging myself to write a song a day for 7 days. I was gonna kick it off with "Fireflies" to give myself a head start (I've had the lyrics worked out for a while but not the music) but that felt like cheating, so I'm gonna start from scratch. Of course I'll keep you posted because honestly, when have I ever been able to shut up about anything?

Wish me luck.

First five of Shuffle Mode:

"North American Field Song" - Innocence Mission

"Codeine" - Love Spit Love

"1901" - Phoenix

"40 Dogs (Like Romeo & Juliet)" - Bob Schneider

"Looks Just Like the Sun" - Broken Social Scene

All The Way Down

2011-04-04T03:40:00.006-05:00

Here in The Winter
you can see the sun go all the way down
Without leaves the trees are a window frame
The sky is a house we're building with words we don't know
We'll make 'em up as we go..

"All The Way Down" - Shelly Miller

My friend the lovely and talented Shelley Miller is such an inspiration to me. This song is my favorite one of her solo tunes...

Shelley Miller - all the way down 0001

I have played open mics and shared a bill with her and the equally kick-ass Steve Gilpin (as a duo they are known as We Are in the Seventh Grade)
Please show some love for them both, because I hope to share many more bills and more open mic stages with them.
Hopefully I'll be able to report on some oft discussed collaborations soon as well.

But first just listen to this song...

"The sky is a house we're building with words we don't know / we'll make 'em up as we go" is one of those lyrics that gives me a little chill every time I hear it and I say to myself "Damn, I wish I wrote that!"

April's Foole

2011-04-01T12:46:00.013-05:00

Close your weary eyes, til the wintertime
And every time we turn away
It hits me like a tidal wave
I will change for you but babe
that doesn't mean I'm gonna be a better man
Give the ocean what I took from you
So one day you can find it in the sand
And hold it in your hands again

Cold ways kill cool lovers
Strange ways we used each other
So why won't you fall back in love with me?
There ain't no way we're gonna find another
The way we sleep all summer
Why won't you fall back in love with me?

Combing over broken cross I held on you
Haunted by the ghost of something new

"Sleep All Summer" - Crooked Fingers (Also competently covered by The National)

Since getting back from our vacation, I've felt scattered and disorganized. Like I'm always busy but never getting anything done. A friend asked me if I had anything new done writing-wise and I had to say no (then go to penalty box for 2 minutes and feel much shame) the friend made some awesome suggestions for getting my ass in gear, which is what friends are for, and I'm glad I've got them.
So what have I been up to lately? Here's a brief re-crap:

The day after we got home from Maui, we dragged our jet-lagged asses out to see Sarah MacLaughlin (I bought the tickets for DCC as a surprise) While not exactly my cup of tea, it was a good show, and the small venue perfectly suited her style. One thing she did that I thought was cool was instead of an opening act, she put together a backing band of accomplished solo musicians (Like Butterfly Boucher), and had them play their own stuff here and there between her songs. I thought it was kind of a cool way to spotlight some of the music she likes and wants to support instead of having them play to a half empty venue.

I played the Acoustic Explosion (recapped earlier) and even though it was Monday night, DCC and her friend Sandra came out to support me and my fellow musicians/friends. That makes them both officially awesome.

Last Friday I went to see Mucca Pazza with my friend Christie. It was her first time seeing them, and she was appropriately blown away by their awesomeness.

Mucca Pazza at Mayne Stage

Mo' Mucca Pazza

Controlled Chaos

Mucca Pazza being Mucca Pazza-ey

If you're not familiar with Mucca Pazza, they are best described as an interactive punk-rock marching band. There are upwards of 28-30 musicians and cheerleaders in the ensemble and they take the whole joint over. Pre-Mucca Pazza I would have thought it impossible for a marching band to rock. Post-Mucca Pazza, I am a believer.

Mucca Fuckin' Pazza Dude!!

Friday was also the 10th anniversary of my first date with DCC. I've told the story before, so I won't repeat myself, but it's been a pretty great 10 years, and I really am a very lucky guy.

Roo and I resumed our daily walks in the park as soon as I was back from vacay. We're doing a couple miles a day and his old fat ass has been keeping up with no problem. Not to bad for an overweight ten year old dog. He has definitely been losing weight, and most of his behavioral problems have ebbed or disappeared completely. Come to think of it, I've lost a few pounds too. My behavioral problems, on the other hand are still well out of control.

Sleepydog Studios (aka My Basement) will be seeing some action soon, my friend Gared (Formerly of Planes Mistaken for Stars) will be tracking demos for his Hawks and Doves project here, and I think I've got Steve and Shelley (aka We Are in Seventh Grade) convinced to record their next CD here (We're also talking about a collaboration involving all three of us folking it up together) Also my friend Nick Langis of Left Setter has talked about tracking some demos for himself and one of his friends here. It will be nice to see the studio get some miles put on it besides my own masturbatory projects, since that is why I spent all that cash upgrading (ie drum set, multi-instrument interface etc) I will be excited if any or all of these projects come together.
Speaking of studios, I had a chance to hang down at Groovemaster Studios for a Left Setter rehearsal, and meet the guru himself. Was very cool. I mean, it's not every day you meet a Grammy nominated producer and get to shoot the shit with 'em.

(Valid Question Time!!) So, in light of all of this guilt by association, you might ask "Chris, with all of these creative people around you, and all of that creative energy swirling in the ether, Why haven't you written/recorded anything new of your own?"
Well, that's a great question! And my answer is "I don't know. Fuck off!"

I played Open Mic Night again last Sunday, and it was kind of a disaster. I started out strong but for my last number, I played a cover song (Sleep All Summer) I had just learned that day. Not a good call. Let's just say I'll be practicing that one a bit more before I pull it out of my ass again. Oh well, I guess that's what Open Mic is for, fucking up for the freeloaders instead of for a paying audience. It kind of bummed me out anyways, because I had played the previous open mic and killed it. I guess consistency isn't one of my strong points.

Only 2 more weeks until our (almost) annual Guys Only Trip. I'm so excited to see my friends. Our destination this year? Cleveland. We're gonna hit the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, drink beer, maybe see some baseball, definitely drink some beer, maybe do something on a boat, certainly drink some beer, possibly tour a brewery, definitely drink beer. We're gonna see Rush in concert (because they're there) and maybe drink some beer afterwards. Another certainty? That I will be hazed mercilessly for coming in last place in our Fantasy Hockey League.
Yeah, you heard that right: LAST FUCKING PLACE. Which earns me a neverending supply of noogies, wedgies, punches to the nut-sack and less than complimentary nicknames. In short, I am lower than donkey shit in the overall hierarchy of things.
(This would probably be a good time to express how I feel about Fantasy Hockey: (ahem) I Fucking Hate Fantasy Fucking Hockey.)
I'm still looking forward to Cleveland though.

I have too much music on my iPod. Specifically, too much classical music. Of about 13,000 songs, about 3000 of them are classical, so when I play on pure (non playlist) Shuffle Mode, I get a list like the one below and sometimes it confuses me.

"Nocturne Op 27/2 in D flat minor" - (That's Frederick Fucking Chopin people!) Dubraska Tomsic
"No One Said It Would Be Easy" - Sheryl Crow (On a related note: She's aging well)
"Rubber Bands" - The Fire Theft
"Amplifier" - The DB's
"Analog Kid" - Rush (We're seeing them in Cleveland as part of the Guys Only Trip)
"Sonata in E minor for Piano" - (Greig) Eva Knardahl
"Sugalumps" - Flight of the Conchords
"Flying in a Blue Dream" - Joe Satriani
"Little Red Light" - Fountains of Wayne
"Father's Footsteps" - Rhythm Corps
"Woman" - John Lennon
"I Have Seen" - Zero 7
"Erotic City" - Prince
"If Tuesday Comes" - Fol Chen
"Partita No. 3 for Solo Violin" - (Bach) Aaron Rosand
"Karate" - Tenacious D

Is it any wonder that some days I can't decide whether I want to kick my dog in the face and join a cult, or write a cookbook?

Man, I don't know about you, but I am really fucking ready for winter to be over.

I think that about covers it.

Explosion Complete

2011-03-22T17:49:00.003-05:00

It's a shame that we're not living in the country
a place that I once seen before
In a book you've always loved but never showed me
You know I never lost before.

"Country" - Pete Yorn

Since I was an idiot and forgot to bring my camera to the gig, please settle for this
picture of me in my basement with my mouth open.

I played the Acoustic Explosion show last night, and it went really well. Well enough to get invited back anyways. I was second on a bill of 5 (6 if you count a short set by the host) and played for half an hour. I played eight songs in total, so it was a decent opportunity to win the crowd over. The setlist was as follows (Not necessarily in order):

Something's Different (About Abby)
City Lights
Hidden Track
Sleep Alone
Heart of Stone
Spinning Jenny
Is It True?
Never Coming Back to California/Dead to Me Now

The set was well received, and I shared the bill with some very talented performers. My friends Steve Gilpin and Shelley Miller (aka We Are In Seventh Grade) headlined the show, and as usual, delivered an outstanding set. I am hoping this will be the first of many times that I share a bill/collaborate with them, because not only are they super talented, but they are two of the nicest people you'll ever meet.
To make the night even more special, my lovely wife DCC came out to support me, as did my friends Sandra and Clayton. The gig itself wasn't a high profile thing, but it was particularly meaningful for me because I had not played a non open mic gig since September of 2003. That's a long fucking time to be away, but I've already been invited back to play at this place, and will continue to try and book shows and spread my Quigley style stank upon the unsuspecting world.
I have tentatively scheduled myself to explode acoustically again on May 9th, the media and the authorities will be alerted as dates and times are confirmed.

No shuffle mode today. I'm all muziked out at this moment.

And yes, I wore blue.

Sexy Update: The May 9th date is confirmed. I'll be playing the 930 slot.
Hooray for me!

Come Explode With Me

2011-03-20T00:20:00.000-05:00

If you're in the neighborhood on Monday night, come see me play at the Acoustic Explosion at Silvie's Lounge. My time slot is 835pm. I'll be playing some old and some new, and maybe a cover too. Perhaps I'll even be wearing blue. Woo hoo!

Tattoos and Natural Disasters

2011-03-12T13:01:00.000-06:00

In the darkness
after the cocaine lights
I will miss you
without warning

I will recover my sense of grace
and rediscover my rightful place
Yes, and cover my face
with the morning

"Cocaine Lights" - Phosphorescent

Two things seem to be consistent factors when DCC and I go on a beach vacation: tattoos and natural disasters. When we went to the Caymans in 2006, we narrowly avoided Hurricane Ernesto, and we also got matching tattoos. When we went to Maui last year, we arrived the day after the big tsunami, which turned out to be not very big at all, and in fact, was the butt of a lot of jokes on t-shirts. We also got (non matching) tattoos.
This year, we did the tat thing, and as we were waiting at the airport to leave, we recieved news that a devastating earthquake hit Japan, putting the entire Hawaiian islands on Tsunami Alert. Fortunately for us, the waves weren't expected to hit Hawaii until we were already in the air (Talk about perfect timing!)
When we arrived at LAX for our layover, everyone was anxiously firing up smartphones and laptops to try to get word from the islands, and more info about Japan as the facts were few when we left due to the earthquake just happening. News was still sketchy, but most of the reports from Hawaii were pretty positive, while, as we know, the news from Japan was of devastation and sadness.
When I fired my phone up, I was greeted by several messages of concern via voicemail, text, Facebook and email, because everybody and their hampster knew we were in Maui. We did some furious texting, emailing and Facebooking to quickly reassure everyone we were okay (Thank you everyone for still caring whether I get killed or not! XO)
And now we're home. Safe and sound, I'm now sitting on my ugly sofa with my fat beagle. Despite the worry and stress surrounding our departure and the events related to it, I have to say that this vacation was the very best I've ever had. I think I'd give up a nut (maybe even two) to live on Maui, it's just so god damn beautiful. We did a fuck-ton of fun shit. Witness:

We drove around in a convertible (my hair will look like this for the rest of the vacation)

We watched beautiful sunsets (and whales) from our balcony

We applied sunscreen with wild abandon without really mastering the art of applying sunscreen

We went ziplining

See? This is us ziplining (Video is on Facebook)

We ate at nice restaurants

I played open mic night at Hard Rock Cafe and rocked Maui's face off
(See video in previous post)

We explored the lava fields

Here's where the lava field ended

The lava field adds 10 pounds

Very otherworldly

I call this one "Look at my nose"

We watched Incendiary Sunsets

We ate and drank (mostly drank) at chain restaurants

We watched whales

View of west Maui from the sea

We went on a snorkeling trip (We were very serious about snorkeling)

I kissed my wife's very kissable ear

This is Molokini, where we snorkeled

I was taking a picture of Molokini, not this girl's ass. I swear.

Gives new meaning to the phrase "Turtle head popping up"
Yes, we saw turtles.

Jackass, Moi?

DCC @ The grounds of the Hyatt, where we did not stay, but we did have breakfast

We watched a real black swan instead of "Black Swan"
(Because Jennifer Lawrence was fuckin' robbed!)

We watched a swan and a flamingo squabble over food

We went on a sunset cruise

Sunset from the sunset cruise

DCC kicked her feet up and relaxed.

This is my new tattoo.
I think I'll name her Lulu.

My first Post-Maui Shuffle Mode:

"Take the Skinheads Bowling" - Camper Van Beehtoven
"Dance Without Sleeping" - Melissa Etheridge
"Wasp in the Lotus" - Dandy Warhols
"The End of the World" - Gin Blossoms
"Flight of the Morrowings" - The 1900s
"City Lights (Demo)" - Brandon Trenz & Dave Galens
"Dayvan Cowboy" - Boards of Canada

The Sleepydog World Tour 2011 - Tropical Leg

2011-03-04T13:08:00.002-06:00

What better time to get away?
I've got nothing else to do but run away with you
You always had your shit together
I've got mine together too

"Holiday" - Jason Falkner

Open Mic Night - Hard Rock Cafe - Maui - March 3 2011.
Chris playing "City Lights" (A Callbacks cover) for a rapt audience of about 50-60 people

Complete song list was
"City Lights"
"Is It True?"
and "Something's Different About Abby"

Thanks to DCC for capturing the moment on video.

It's So Hard Sometimes, Saying Goodbye...

2011-02-22T19:19:00.002-06:00

You were lyin' wide awake in the garden
Tryin' to get over your stardom
And I could never see you depart us
'cause you're my baby
You're just another girl

"Just Another" - Pete Yorn

I had to say goodbye to a beloved pair of pants yesterday. Not just any pants mind you, probably my favorite pair of pants. EVER.
I mournfully surveyed the damage, looking at the split in the groinal area which ran with the grain of the soft, well worn corduroy, and realized that it just couldn't be repaired. Not sewn, not patched. Not stapled or crazy glued or any other remedy.
I waited until DCC got home and had her look at them, just in case there was something, anything, that could be done that I wasn't thinking of. She made a (sympathetic) frowny face, shook her head and handed my beloved pants back to me.
So this was it. How was I supposed to face this, possibly the worst tragedy of my adult life? I looked on Google to see if Pants Grief Counseling was available.
It was not.
I think of the good times I had in those pants. I think of the places we went, and the adventures we had.
I will never be the same again.
Au revoir, my fine, comfortable friends. I will miss you more than you will ever know.
Here are some pictures of me and my favorite pants (and the dog) in simpler, better times.

Me and my wonderful pants at the Humboldt Park Fieldhouse with Roo

Daily walkies with me, the dog, and one god damn fine pair of pants

If you have a favorite pair of pants, don't wait until it's too late to tell them how you feel. Cherish your time together, for time, and fabric, are fleeting.

Shuffle Mode was inconsolable:

"Overkill" - Butterfly 9 (Covering Men at Work)
"Read My Mind" - The Killers (My mind says "I miss those pants already")
"Push" - Matchbox 20
"Back in Your Head (Live)" - Tegan and Sara
"The New December" - Fol Chen
"Don't Go Away" - Oasis (I was singing this to the pants as I gently deposited them in the trash)
"The Crane Wife 3" - The Decemberists (Colin Meloy has no right to be sad, he never lost a pair of pants like the ones I lost)
"Off He Goes" - Pearl Jam (Off they go. Indeed)
"Unlike Me" - Kate Havnevik (How the Hell did this fucking piece of shit song get on my iPod? Oh crap! The ghost of my departed corduroys is already haunting me! Begone foul poltergeist!!)

Discouraged

2011-02-15T13:29:00.000-06:00

And I would give this a shot
If you would too

"On and On Again" - Azure Ray

Sunday night was another Open Mic night. I should have known better, I had struggled with learning some new stuff for a couple of hours beforehand. All I had to show for it was sore fingers and a strong need for a Plan B. I decided not to talk myself out of going (I always regret it when I do) so I went with no clear idea of what I would play. The vibe at the bar was less than stellar. It was polluted with all-day drinkers and the usual crowd of musicians was pretty much hammered. I ended up 5th or 6th on the bill, which meant that I had to sit through interminable, sloppy, excessive displays of fuck-up-edness before my turn came to hit the mic. I could tell I would be playing to an apathetic crowd, so tried to lower my expectations accordingly. My set was pretty short and sweet, and I played surprisingly well. I opened up with the brand new tune "Is It True?" and then played "La Cienega Just Smiled" (Ryan Adams cover) as the crowd bellowed their conversations to one another, oblivious. At the outset of my last song "City Lights" The entire bar abruptly went out for a smoke break, and I do mean the entire bar. I was playing for the bartender, the Open Mic host, and two (open mic) friends that were either non-smokers, or too polite to walk out on someone mid-performance. It was funny and sad and frustrating and infuriating all at once. Most times I can shrug it off, but others I just can't.
It's not easy to put yourself out there only to receive near-universal rejection. I have looked myself in the mirror many times and asked "Are you in denial? Do you actually suck and you just don't know/accept it?" The only thing that keeps me going is the fact that I'm pretty sure I don't suck.
Pretty sure anyways.
The greatest artists say that they make art for themselves, and they don't care about what people think of it. I find that theory hard to believe in it's entirety, because what's the point of making music if no one is listening?

I shake the magic 8 ball of shuffle mode for answers:

"Hell is for Children" - Pat Benatar
"Rust" - Telekinesis
"Greensleeves" - Kenny Burrell
"Social Development Dance" - Pete Yorn
"Fixed" - Stars
"Katy Song" - Red House Painters
"Still Alive" - GLaDOS and Jonathan Coulton
"Older" - Band of Horses
"Camera One" - Josh Joplin Group
.
.
.

Yeah, that didn't help at all.

The Most Pretentious Music Review I've Read In A Long Time

2011-02-06T08:29:00.003-06:00

"Who plays the best guitar?"
Who fucking cares?
--Iggy Pop, "Starry Night"

Brandon here.

The following music review is simply terrible. I'm omitting the name of the band, the periodical in which it appeared, and the name of the own-fart-connoisseur who wrote it because I don't want to inadvertently drive any traffic their way. If you're really that interested in the details, I'm sure some quick Googling will satisfy your curiosity.

If you like this review, if you feel it is well-written, if it makes you want to know more about the band, if you find any material value in it at all outside of being a warning of what can happen when music reviewers fall in love with their own obsequiousness, then there is a very good chance you and I can never be friends.

The British band _____ has all the lazy affect of late-1980s to early-1990s indie rock, its guitars tuned to somewhere just north of indifferent. But this band's self-titled debut (on [label]) is disarming all the same, certain to be one of the year's most unabashedly beautiful albums. The songs here are plangent and full of elegant regret, thanks to the frontman [mopey chode]'s willingness to linger on a lyric, repeat it if need be, while guitars tremble beneath him. There's a bit of variation in _____'s sound, from the muscular "[song title]" to the unadorned "Suicide Policeman" [BT note: I felt that title was worth including, as it supports my thesis], but mostly this band doesn't muss with its lineage, unfurling one pretty sigh after another, until there's nothing left to do but sigh along.

Yes. Sigh along, indeed. I regret the time I spent reading this review, though my regret is probably not elegant enough to garner the reviewer's admiration.

Is It True? (The Angry Rock Version) and The Truth About 12 String Basses

2011-02-02T11:29:00.005-06:00

Last night I was lookin' in your eyes,
And I was wond'ring all along if you were telling me lies.
Is it true?
All the things I heard about you?

For your enjoyment/indifference/scorn/ridicule/praise, I present the newest Chris Quigley recording of a rockin' little tune called "Is It True?"
As is often the case, I had no small amount of assistance from my more talented and better looking friends.
In writing the music, I had help from the well mannered (and elegantly coiffed) Rick Browarski.
Brandon also graciously contributed the drum track as well as the 12 String Bass track to the recording. Brandon is a "Cat Person" He is also much taller than me. He also generously supplied me with this pie chart which explains the net benefit of 12 string bass in any recording situation.

At 160 BPM and 2:38 this is officially the shortest, fastest song I have ever recorded. You can download it HERE

You are all welcome.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to dig my way out of El Blizzardo 2011.

This was way more fun when I could watch the pretty snowflakes fall from the comfort of my living room

Good day.

I SAID GOOD DAY!

Separation Anxiety (Two Ways)

2011-01-20T16:34:00.002-06:00

I'm sort of in a pickle. I've been getting started on my next album of material ("Even The Sky Has Given Up On Me") when I'm still not finished with my last ("Suicide For Beginners"). I've got more than enough material for "Suicide", so all I have to do is a) Narrow down the song list and b) re-do some takes and remix/re-master most of it, and c) Get the art squared away.
Easy parcheesy right?
Wrong.
Not when you've got the attention span of a gnat, and an imagination that outruns your abilities.
No worries though, I'm making progress.
So today I was mixing/mastering "Separation Anxiety", which I believe will be the first track on "Suicide" and since I've been kind of a dick and not sharing any music lately, I thought I'd share the (semi) finished product with you. The song, in a different form, is also part of The Good Leads project that I've been working on with Brandon over the last few years, so I thought for shits and giggles, I'd give you both versions to listen to side by side.

Here is the Chris Quigley "Solo" version.

And here is The Good Leads version (Mixed and re-mastered by Brandon)

I like them both for different reasons. Hopefully one or the other will tickle your balls.

Or not. It's a free country.

Sugartits.

Long Shadows at the End of the Day

2011-01-19T20:57:00.002-06:00

Now we will go gleaming into tomorrow
I am leaning, leaning into tomorrow
From Rhode Island cradled on the waves...

"Rhode Island" - The Innocence Mission (Probably my favorite song of 2010)

Today, on our second walk of the day, the late afternoon sun stretched our shadows across the snow and made us look like giants.
We had Humboldt Park all to ourselves, probably because the pathways were like an ice-skating rink, and we (I) were the only ones stupid enough to slip and slide our way through it. Once in a while we'd take the show off-road for traction purposes (and to chase squirrels) and despite the wind chill, my heart was warm seeing Roo so happy. He loves his walkies, that boy does, so now every day, he gets at least one long (1-1.5 mile) walk. No excuses.
Bad weather? Fuck you, we're walking.
Something good on TV? Fuck you, we're walking.
Don't feel like it? Fuck you, we're walking (and once you're walking, you'll feel like it, I can assure you)
Hey, it's the least I can do for the little bastard.
In the 3 weeks we've been doing daily walks, he's lost weight, he's less anxious, has more energy and just seems happier.
It's hard to make excuses in light of those things.

Someone told me recently that I have "The life of Riley"
I don't know who Riley is, but apparently, he is one happy motherfucker.
(Do you suppose people tell this Riley dude that he's got the "Life of Quigley"?)

When asked for comment, Shuffle Mode said:

"No Good Rotten" - Class Three Overbite
"Don't Go Away"- Oasis
"Amendment" - Flaw
"Overkill" - Butterfly 9
"Sugar in the Rind" - Sweet Virginia
"Shout it Out Loud" - KISS
"Why Go"- Pearl Jam
"Next Big Thing" - All Right Tokyo
"He Thinks He'll Keep Her" - Mary Chapin Carpenter
"Keeping Company" - Wye Oak
"Don't Say No" - Billy Squier
"Goodbye" - Steve Earle
"Dead Flowers" - Local H
"Via Chicago" - Wilco
"Banditos" - Refreshments

RIP Trish Keenan

2011-01-14T10:58:00.001-06:00

Stop looking for answers
In everyone's face
Come on let's go
What's the use in wasting time
On people that you'll never know
Come one let's go

"Come On Let's Go" - Broadcast

Woke up today to sad news: Trish Keenan, lead singer for the band Broadcast passed away from Pneumonia this morning. That fucking sucks. She was young, talented, and a true artist.
She will be missed.

Trish Keenan dead + Lindsay Lohan still alive = No God.

Welcome to 2011 - Shake Off the Cobwebs and Get Bizzy

2011-01-04T10:51:00.001-06:00

All my lies are always wishes
I know I would die
If I could come back new

"Ashes of American Flags" -Wilco

Happy New Year! Prost!

As we put the holidays (and of all the ubiquitous indulgence) in our rearview mirror, we wave goodbye to decadent dinners and say hello to healthy meals and re-acquaint ourselves with the treadmill and the Wii Fit. We bid a fond farewell to lazy days and face forward because now there's work to be done.
We bid adieu to Yinzerille (aka Pittsburgh) for now, and focus on making our house more of a home.
Now that it's 2011, it's time to finish those projects we've started. We find choruses for the verses and better verses to go with those choruses, and it's time to mix and master those songs so they can be heard.
It's time to write that second draft already, and unpack the easel.
It's time to walk the dog, and do some reading outside of the bathroom.
It's time to wake up on time and get to bed at a decent hour (occasionally).
It's time to give alcohol a smaller part in the play, and take the goddam dog for a walk already because it's not his fault he's a fuckin' fatass, it's ours.
It's time to stop spending money and start saving it.
It's time to take better care of ourselves and each other.
It's time to continue healing old wounds and letting go of old resentments.
It's time to appreciate our awesome friends even more.
It's time to take all of the progress we've made as a married couple and redouble the efforts.
There's so much to look forward to this year. Travel. Creativity. Love. Life.
Yeah. Life.

Wow, just writing this post has been exhausting. Time for a nap.
Just kidding (Or am I?)

Sexy Sidenote - I've been contacted by the management at my favorite local joint and the Open Mic Night (Which I've previously mentioned) may end up being hosted by none other than yours truly. I am supposed to meet with them in the coming week to discuss it further, and I am pretty stoked about the opportunity. I will let you know if it comes together.

Shuffle Mode Says:

"Forever Young" - Alphaville
"The Prince's Favorite Son" - Dogs Eye View
"Rhiannon" - Fleetwood Mac
"Goodbye Stranger" -Supertramp
"The Stroke" - Billy Squier
"Waltz No. 2 in Ab Major" - Peter Schamalfuss
"Baby Face" - The Poppin' Wheelies
"Heart" - Stars
"Uncle Disney" - Patterson Hood
"I Did It For Love"- Night Ranger
"Trippin' On a Hole in a Paper Heart" - Stone Temple Pilots

Happy Holidays

2010-12-23T10:31:00.001-06:00

Whatever it is you celebrate and whoever you celebrate it with. Sleepydog Music would like to to wish a happy holiday season to you and yours.

The Reluctant Elf

It's been a hell of a year for me and I have much to celebrate. I still have a lot of work to do in order get to where I want to be as an artist and a person, but this year was one of enormous progress in both areas for me. Things definitely didn't go exactly as I visualized them, but for once that is not a complaint. I hope 2011 is an equally rewarding journey as 2010 was, my only request would be that it doesn't go by so god damn fast.

There is new music and new adventures on the way so stick around for the next best year of my life.

First five of Shuffle Mode today:

"See You On The Other Side" - Ozzy Osbourne

"Medieval Milk" - Olympic Picnic

"Can't Stop This Feeling I've Got" - Prince

"Sunshine on My Shoulders" - John Denver

"Everybody's Talkin'" - Eddi Reader

Quig-A-Palooza '10 Crashes and Burns

2010-12-20T14:51:00.001-06:00

The heavens at my birth
Intended me for stardom
Rays of light shone down on me and
All my sins were pardoned
I was meant for applause
I was meant for derision
Nothing short of fate itself has
Affected my decision

"I Was Meant for the Stage" - The Decemberists

So, tonight was supposed to be my big Chicago Debut. After being here for five years and talking endlessly about wanting to do it, I finally booked a gig. Alas, the gods of music had other plans for me, and Quig-a-Palooza '10 (aka Acoustic Explosion at Silvies) was not meant to be.
What felled me you say? Liver failure? A car wreck? An amputation? No, say I, what felled me was a common fucking cold.
A common god damn fucking cold (Albeit, a really really nasty one) So unless the audience wanted a 30 minute version of "The Coughing Song", followed up by the dance remix of "Fun With Phlegm" I'd say it was best to wait until I was healthy to try and make a better first impression on my soon-to-be swooning Chicago fan base.
God damn it (and fuck fuckity fuckfuckfuck.)

Since the world will not be hearing my dulcet tones today, I leave you with a video from one of my very favorite bands, playing the song (circa 1989) which got me interested in them initially. Funny how different it is from the stuff that they ended up making for most of their outstanding career, all of which I love to itty bitty pieces.

The first five of shuffle mode today:

"Good Year" - The Refreshments
"I'm Sorry" - Flyleaf
"Bye Bye Blackbird" - Miles Davis & John Coltrane
"Stop Draggin' My Heart Around" - Stevie Nicks
"Lateralus" - Tool

Now back to bed with my fat beagle, my cough syrup, and my wubbie.
I told you I was sick, now fuck off.

New Music - Major Tom

2010-12-10T09:44:00.002-06:00

Now the light commands

This is my home

I'm coming home

"Major Tom" - Peter Schilling

When BT was in town over Halloween weekend, we worked on this track. We had a blast doing it, and I got to play with all of my new gear, so it was a win-win situation all around. Not only does BT sing lead on this, he also designed the cover art.

Please enjoy responsibly.

Download "MAJOR TOM" here.

Did I Mention That I Lost a Bet? - The Pomeroy Music Review

2010-12-06T16:11:00.006-06:00

Every relationship has its give and take
and all I did was take from your love
So now its time for me to be the person I'm supposed to be
A shining new reflection of your love

"A New Reflection" - Pomeroy

Pomeroy - and the full membership roster of the Pomeroy Fan Club

I lost a bet and I have to pay up. Paying up means purchasing and listening to Pomeroy's "A New Reflection" and reviewing it here. It took me a week to get through three listens because, hey, I'm a busy guy and also, the music of Pomeroy is painfully bad.
Let's get this over with.
1) A New Reflection - The opening song isn't even a song really, it's a mishmash of riffs and samples and essentially the same stupid crap lyrics over and over again. Alternating between singing and rapping and chanting and rap/singing and ohmygodIhateyouforthisBrandon. The point of the song is the dude was a selfish dick and now he's really sorry and going to make it up to you baby, he promises. The fact that they chose this tedious drivel as the title song for their CD says a lot about this band: Either they're rebels who play by their own rules or they're marketing idiots. Based on their worldwide success, I will let you decide which.
2) I Believe - Well, at least it sounds like a song with a verse and a chorus and everything. There's even a decent guitar solo in here and then...oh no! The shouty "rapper" of the group ruins it completely. Not only does this idiot spew the most banal "rhymes" you can imagine, he has the same cadence and delivery as Brian Austin Green. I'm not kidding. If it wasn't an egregious violation of copyright law I would do a mash-up of BAG vs. Pomeroy. Fuck it, I might do it anyways for kicks, but for now, believe me, this is as painful as anything David Silver ever spewed out in his 90210 days.
Way to ruin the song, you inconsiderate wigger.
3) Beautiful Design - Well, alrighty, another verse, chorus, verse thingy, this is an improvement. The chorus is supposed to be sing along-ish. Go on, I dare you. No one will punch you in the dick. I promise.
Oh no, here comes shouty rap dude again. Oh Pomeroy, you almost had me tapping my toes. Almost.
Oh, here's my favorite part: The part where it ends!
4) Motionless - Starts out with a tinkly piano, I think they're trying to channel Jim Steinman with the intro, but here comes the funk, complete with a chorus of "Whoa-oh"s to counter the "funky" guitar riff.
Okay I think this is the chorus because everyone is in the band singing it at once, otherwise you'd never know. Shouty rap dude jumps in with some lyrical gems and now I am plotting Brandon's slow, painful death in my head. It's one thing to win a bet, it's another to be a sore winner. This was just mean, and I'm not even half finished.
5) This Is It - Uh oh, David Silver is back and he doesn't even wait until the chorus to stink up the joint. Awesome. I dare you to listen to Brian Austin Green's "One Stop Carnival" and this CD on shuffle and JUST TRY TO TELL THEM APART, because you can't.
6) The Beat Goes On - I Queue this up with much anticipation because this is their "hit" single. I was hoping it would be a Sonny and Cher cover, but alas it wasn't meant to be. Brian Austin Green starts out with a more subdued (but no less obnoxious) intro. I think he's trying to do a shouty whisper, and that makes about as much sense as it sounds. The verbal acrobatics are...underwhelming. And it's very considerate of them to remind me that the beat goes on (and on and on) in the off chance I might forget the title of this song. I fully intend to delete this garbage from my iPod, but that might not be enough. I might have to drive a stake through it's control wheel, sprinkle holy water on it and burn it.
7) Maybe Alive - The band sings, the shouty guy raps back what they just sang, they sing something else, he raps it back. Okay, wait, there might be a chorus in there somewhere because they've repeated the song title a few times. I don't know, what do I look like, a Pomeroyologist?
8) Like a Saturday Night - These guys really really miss the 90's.
A lot.
I can say one good thing about this song, I haven't heard shouty guy pop up on it yet.
Aw shit, I spoke too soon, he arrives before the song ends to get his nasty Brian Austin Green-iness all over it. Oh, the stank!
9) A Normal Life - This song actually strays from their 90's funk/rock formula. That doesn't mean it's good, but it does mean it's less bad. It actually reminds me of that John Mayer song about running through the halls of his high school, whateverthefuck it was called. There's even some harmonized guitars in there. I wonder if shouty guy was out getting a sandwich when they recorded this because so far, its their least offensive song.
10) Billy The Id - Haha! See, it's a play on "Billy The Kid" but the bad guy is all in his mind, get it? It's a symbolic gunfight between he and himself, but wait, it's not revealed that the real enemy is within until later in the song (Or until you read the song's title!) CLEVER! This is pretty much 3 minutes of shouty guy. The music itself is "A New Reflection" of an old-western soundtrack (Like how I did that? See, "A New Reflection" is THE NAME OF THE CD! GET IT? I LIKE WORDS!! :) :))
11) Chain Reaction - More 90's blah blah blah. You know what? This song wouldn't be so bad if I was in a bar (in 1998) and wasn't actually listening to the music in the background, just bobbing my head and watching girls dance, but you know what ? I'm not in a bar and it's not 1998, and I'm so tired of listening to this crap that it's making me grouchy. When I won this bet the first time, the CD I made Brandon review had five fucking songs on it. This one? Eleven? God damn, it felt like twenty.
A man can only take so much, let's wrap this bitch up, shall we?
So, to sum up this review: If Hoobastank and Linkin Park made sweet love to Jamiroquai and Brian Austin Green and had a bastard love child, that bastard child would be Pomeroy.

To sum up my feelings about Pomeroy: Fuck Pomeroy (And you're welcome)

Let us never speak of this again.

Open Mic Night and Also, I Lost a Bet (And also, I do not like Pomeroy)

2010-11-29T13:16:00.004-06:00

I know I'm back with just a song
And I've been gone so awful long
But Babe you know there ain't nothin' wrong
And you know I'll be here soon

The road is long and the road does wind
I'm bound to leave some parts behind
But don't you pay that any mind
Cause you know I'll be here soon

So lay your ass out on the floor
And raise your glass and raise it more
And praise and laugh and praise some more
And you know we'll be here soon

"We'll Be Here Soon" - Phosphorescent

Played Open Mic Night at Bucktown Pub again last night, and it went pretty well all things considered. I was feeling a little worn thin from a long weekend of over-drinking and over-eating (and over-drinking some more) so I refrained from my usual consumption this time. I even drove last night so I would have to behave myself. The one thing I noticed first and foremost is how nervous I was playing without a belly full of beer in me to take off the edge. My banter was stammery and pointless, but the songs, when I played them, sounded 100% better I'm sure. My set last night:
"Sleep Alone"
"Don't Wanna Know Why" (A Whiskeytown cover)
and "Whatcha Thinkin'?"
The first two got a great response from the crowd, and I felt pretty good about my performance. When it came time to play the last song, which is kind of difficult to sing and play (My old friend AZ Mike wrote it, and everything he writes is difficult because he's an awesome guitarist, plus, it involves fingerpicking, which is not my forte) I fumbled a bit on the intro (My nerves were jangling by then) but once I got going, the song sounded good and it was a nice way to end the set. The crowd actually got all hush at the outro, which made for a really powerful ending.
All in all, I am very happy with how I performed and also with how I was a little more engaged/sociable since I wasn't drunk out of my mind for a change. I believe I will be adopting this approach going forward. My liver, my pocketbook, and my adoring audience will all thank me for it I'm sure. My nerves? They'll just have to learn to adapt.

On a less sexy note, I lost a Fantasy Hockey bet to Brandon, wherein the loser had to purchase the CD of the winner's choice, listen to it a minimum of three times and review it on these pages. Because Brandon hates me almost as much as God hates music, he chose the CD - "A New Reflection" by Pomeroy. I don't know what's worse, that I have to listen to Pomeroy, or that I have to put money into Pomeroy's pockets to satisfy this debt. If I wanted to listen to a bunch of wiggers alternating between shouty raps and screamy singing, I'd listen to Linkin Park, and personally, I'd rather pound my balls flat with a hammer than listen to either.
Anyways, I got really drunk the other night, pounded my balls flat with a hammer, and took a stab at my first of three required listens. I don't know if it should count, because I can barely remember it (Because I was really really drunk. I mean really) In fact, the only reason I do remember it now is because I took some notes while listening to it. Here are some highlights.
"Did they start out as a Jamiroquai cover band?"
"What the fuck..??"
"I hate you Brandon"
"What's wrong with this music? It's causeing (sic) me physical pain"
"This sounds like someone was trying to make music that drunk peple (sic) would like, but I'm drunk and I can honestly say, it's not working..."
"Have I mentioned that I hate you Brandon? LOATHE YOU, in fact.."
"Whu (sic) are you so Fkm smugg. I''ll panch (sic) you in yr face sruomdj asdhjw0ddehdhch hihfwcwejiccdhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh..."
(I think that last one was when I passed out with my face on the keyboard)
Anyways, the review is forthcoming. I have two and a half more listenings to endure before a blow by blow extrapolation of why I hate Pomeroy, why I hate their stupid CD, why I hate Brandon, why I hate myself and what music I wish I could be listening to instead of Pomeroy. I may even include visual aids because I need to eventually justify the purchase of that Wacom tablet.

Please note: No members of Pomeroy were actually harmed in the writing of this.

Go Bears.

Last 5 of Shuffle Mode today:

"John Wayne" - Gloritone
"Can't Put Your Arms Around a Memory" - Sand Rubies
"Grace Descending" - God is an Astronaut
"The Dandy Warhol's TV Theme Song" - The Dandy Warhols
"Careless Love" - Camera Obscura

My Favorite Band

2010-11-27T09:55:00.019-06:00

I'm givin ya'll a piece of my mind
voice in time
and you know the style is f-i-n-e fine
we platinum lined, all other stars be outshined
by the 5 up in the pocket jumpin out from behind

"Roboflow" - Pomeroy

Chris here. So, I was sitting in my kitchen the other day, waiting for my chamomile tea to cool down (if it's too hot it burns my tongue and it's tingly all day LOL!), and thinking about my very favorite band in the entire world: Pomeroy.

In case you haven't heard of Pomeroy ... first, what's the matter with you????? They're only like the best band ever! Here they are playing their awesome song, "Roboflow". Did you know it was featured in the trailer for 2 Fast 2 Furious? I know, right?

Sometimes, I think it would be cool to hang out with Pomeroy.

They would ask me to play on their new CD.

Of course, Ruger would be there ... he loves to be "one of the guys" LOL!!!!

Then, I would kill them and eat their hearts and absorb their essence so I became them.

So, in conclusion: I LOVE POMEROY!!!!!!

First 5 of Shuffle Mode:

"Roboflow," Pomeroy
"The Beat Goes On (live)," Pomeroy
"Green Room," Pomeroy
"Release This," Pomeroy vs. Adam Wilson (Pomeroy totally won LOLLOLLOL!!)
"Sir Duke," Stevie Wonder, as covered by Pomeroy

P.S. - Pomeroy.

Another Sunday Night, Another Open Mic

2010-11-15T15:10:00.000-06:00

The fate of man is random, so don't look down
The towns and the cities are all burning down
Your road is bitter, like the whip off the wind
You wanna get to the end, but you don't know how to begin

You want to know how
We got to where we are now
The nights are cold
The nights are cold...

"The Nights Are Cold" - Camera Obscura

After a couple of weeks off due to travel and having company (and also due to general avoidance) I once again ventured down to the Bucktown Pub for Open Mic night yesterday. Fortunately I didn't suck this time (Not for lack of trying) I guess the time I logged practicing paid off. My fingers are certainly sore enough because of it.
Last night's song list: "I Wanna Be Part of Your Scene", "City Lights" and a cover of Shake Russell's "You've Got A Lover" All of which were well recieved, despite some warbly vocals on my part. "City Lights" in particular always seems to be a crowd pleaser (Thanks for writing such a god damned awesome song Brandon) and I didn't get (too) stinking drunk after playing, so overall the night was a success.
Hooray!

I just found out that my local pub is going to start doing Open Mic Nights on Wednesdays, which is good news because I need to start playing at some different venues and that makes it awfully convenient for me.
Double Hooray!

The first 7 of Shuffle Mode today:

"September (Simple Pleas) - Local H
"I Can't Take It" - Cheap Trick
"The Nights Are Cold" - Camera Obscura
"Shadows" - Sunny Day Real Estate
"I Don't Have The Time" - Jay Bennett
"Earthquake" - Deerhunter
"Velveteen" - Sponge