Drive by Truckers The Big To-Do
Vampire Weekend Contra
Great American Taxi Reckless Habits
Dr. Dog Shame, Shame
John Hiatt The Open Road
John Prine In Person & On Stage
American Babies Weight of the World EP
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Oh Kristen
Oh Kristen
Oh Kristen, in June you’ll have a boy
You carried winter
Brought light into our world
It’s getting warm now
The days, they grow so long
I sit by the window
Grateful for the sun
Yes that’s what you give me.
Oh Kristen, we live to love each day
We have commitment
The strength of family
It’s getting calm now
The nights, they grow so still
We get fast like train cars
But we break it down
Yea that’s what pleases me.
Oh Kristen, in June you’ll be a mom
We’ve got the summer
Let’s ride that rail again
It’s getting close now
The days, they grow so short
We share the first-born spring
Quiet before birth
Yes, that’s what we have now.
Oh Kristen, in June you’ll have a boy
You carried winter
Brought light into our world
It’s getting warm now
The days, they grow so long
I sit by the window
Grateful for the sun
Yes that’s what you give me.
Oh Kristen, we live to love each day
We have commitment
The strength of family
It’s getting calm now
The nights, they grow so still
We get fast like train cars
But we break it down
Yea that’s what pleases me.
Oh Kristen, in June you’ll be a mom
We’ve got the summer
Let’s ride that rail again
It’s getting close now
The days, they grow so short
We share the first-born spring
Quiet before birth
Yes, that’s what we have now.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
From Good Homes Reunion
From Good Homes
December 18-19, 2009
Wellmont Theater, Montclair, New Jersey
From Good Homes are from northwest New Jersey. They went on hiatus in 1999 after a long, successful career as a nationally touring band. They reunited in December 2009 for a two night run at the Wellmont Theater in Montclair, New Jersey.
From Good Homes was the first band I saw in concert way back in the summer of 1996. I had the opportunity to see them several times during the late 90's in New Jersey and New York City. The band went on hiatus in 1999 after an emotional farewell show at Waterloo Village in New Jersey.
It was at this show that I experienced one of my first connections to the emotional power of music. I clearly remember the poignancy of witnessing the band and audience bid farewell. I've been to many shows since 1999, but that August event will always be significant. It was an event that stayed with me, for better or worse. For better, because I was there and and it was beautiful. For worse, because it's power sometimes dims the present when I see live music. That concert was so powerful, that it sometimes makes other shows ordinary in comparison.
Well, the beauty of December 18 was that it was just as good, maybe better than 1999.
On this day, I had to rush out of school at teacher dismissal to hit the road. We were traveling to Montclair by 4:30. In the spirit of speed, we enjoyed interstate fast food. It was satisfying and very much different than our usual pre-show pub meal. We made it to Montclair and parked by 7:45 for the 8:00 p.m. showtime. So much of the live music experience is affected by the journey and destination. This trip was exciting and invigorating. Montclair was Christmas lights pretty and the bitter, cold air sparkled with energy outside the theater.
A documentary film crew reminded the massive crowd of the significance of the event. The band took the stage, ten years older than I'd last seen them, to an ecstatic roar of appreciation from the crowd. From Good Homes opened the show with "Broken Road", a fitting beginning considering that the song was the last one they'd played at Waterloo one decade ago.
"No need to explain it. . . I knew this day would come. . . I found out along the line. . ."
From Good Homes, "Broken Road"
For the first few songs, the band sound like a rock n roll engine warming up on a cold, December morning. By the middle of the first set, the band was hot and the music heated the room. At set break, I talked with an old friend who'd joined me at that first show in 1996. It was a real pleasure to catch up with him. Throughout the second set, I enjoyed the music and the company of my wife smiling beside me. I also looked around the room at the mostly middle-aged crowd. So many were visibly happy to be once again enjoying one of their favorite, if not favorite, bands. In some ways, the decade gone was surely worth it to experience a homecoming like this.
We made the hour drive back to my father's cabin in Great Meadows tired and happy. We never made it to the second night of the reunion, though we had tickets. With a nor'easter blowing north up the coast, we chose to drive back home to Bloomsburg. In the past, we'd have enjoyed the adventure of driving through the storm to see the show. But, we're expecting parents and we make different choices now.
As I sat in my home watching a Christmas movie with Kristen on Saturday night, I thought fondly of the revelry surely occurring at the Wellmont and appreciated the waning moments of Friday's show. As the band left the stage following the encore and the house lights brightened the room, the audience demanded another song. They'd waited a long time for this and they were not ready to go home. The band reemerged for "Maybe We Will" with the houselights shining brightly. Those who had begun walking toward the exits ran back into the room. People danced and leaped with joy.
"Spinning round the wheel, I catch a glimpse of how I used to feel, and I wonder is it really gonna come again?"
From Good Homes, "Maybe We Will"
Yes, it came. . . better than ever before.
December 18-19, 2009
Wellmont Theater, Montclair, New Jersey
From Good Homes are from northwest New Jersey. They went on hiatus in 1999 after a long, successful career as a nationally touring band. They reunited in December 2009 for a two night run at the Wellmont Theater in Montclair, New Jersey.
From Good Homes was the first band I saw in concert way back in the summer of 1996. I had the opportunity to see them several times during the late 90's in New Jersey and New York City. The band went on hiatus in 1999 after an emotional farewell show at Waterloo Village in New Jersey.
It was at this show that I experienced one of my first connections to the emotional power of music. I clearly remember the poignancy of witnessing the band and audience bid farewell. I've been to many shows since 1999, but that August event will always be significant. It was an event that stayed with me, for better or worse. For better, because I was there and and it was beautiful. For worse, because it's power sometimes dims the present when I see live music. That concert was so powerful, that it sometimes makes other shows ordinary in comparison.
Well, the beauty of December 18 was that it was just as good, maybe better than 1999.
On this day, I had to rush out of school at teacher dismissal to hit the road. We were traveling to Montclair by 4:30. In the spirit of speed, we enjoyed interstate fast food. It was satisfying and very much different than our usual pre-show pub meal. We made it to Montclair and parked by 7:45 for the 8:00 p.m. showtime. So much of the live music experience is affected by the journey and destination. This trip was exciting and invigorating. Montclair was Christmas lights pretty and the bitter, cold air sparkled with energy outside the theater.
A documentary film crew reminded the massive crowd of the significance of the event. The band took the stage, ten years older than I'd last seen them, to an ecstatic roar of appreciation from the crowd. From Good Homes opened the show with "Broken Road", a fitting beginning considering that the song was the last one they'd played at Waterloo one decade ago.
"No need to explain it. . . I knew this day would come. . . I found out along the line. . ."
From Good Homes, "Broken Road"
For the first few songs, the band sound like a rock n roll engine warming up on a cold, December morning. By the middle of the first set, the band was hot and the music heated the room. At set break, I talked with an old friend who'd joined me at that first show in 1996. It was a real pleasure to catch up with him. Throughout the second set, I enjoyed the music and the company of my wife smiling beside me. I also looked around the room at the mostly middle-aged crowd. So many were visibly happy to be once again enjoying one of their favorite, if not favorite, bands. In some ways, the decade gone was surely worth it to experience a homecoming like this.
We made the hour drive back to my father's cabin in Great Meadows tired and happy. We never made it to the second night of the reunion, though we had tickets. With a nor'easter blowing north up the coast, we chose to drive back home to Bloomsburg. In the past, we'd have enjoyed the adventure of driving through the storm to see the show. But, we're expecting parents and we make different choices now.
As I sat in my home watching a Christmas movie with Kristen on Saturday night, I thought fondly of the revelry surely occurring at the Wellmont and appreciated the waning moments of Friday's show. As the band left the stage following the encore and the house lights brightened the room, the audience demanded another song. They'd waited a long time for this and they were not ready to go home. The band reemerged for "Maybe We Will" with the houselights shining brightly. Those who had begun walking toward the exits ran back into the room. People danced and leaped with joy.
"Spinning round the wheel, I catch a glimpse of how I used to feel, and I wonder is it really gonna come again?"
From Good Homes, "Maybe We Will"
Yes, it came. . . better than ever before.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
2009 Reckoning: Music
Here are my favorite records of 2009.
1. Wilco (the album)
Wilco makes another, comfortable masterpiece. The album gets better with every listen. Summer
2. The Decemberists The Hazards of Love
A full bodied, indie-rock opera. . . Summer
3. Mark Olson and Gary Louris Ready for the Flood
Everything you love about the Jayhawks, but sparse, as if to remind you why they were important in the first place. Summer
4. Justin Townes Earle Midnight at the Movies
A warm record for autumn evenings by the fire. . . Autumn
5. Phish Joy
Phish return, healthy and happy, after a much needed rest. Autumn
6. Conor Oberst and the Mystic Valley Band Outer South
Conor Oberst keeps crafting new music. I keep listening. Summer
7. Son Volt American Central Dust
A surprisingly quiet record. . . but the rock n roll and pedal steel are worth the patience. Summer
8. Neil Young Fork in the Road
Neil Young has become my favorite liberal commentator. . . and he continues to be one of our finest electric guitarists. Summer
9. Monsters of Folk
These gentlemen sound like they enjoy each other's company. . . and I keep getting Conor Oberst records. Autumn
10. Assembly of Dust Some Assembly Required
There are a few vintage Reid Genauer songs here. Essential listening for those who appreciate Strangefolk. Autumn
1. Wilco (the album)
Wilco makes another, comfortable masterpiece. The album gets better with every listen. Summer
2. The Decemberists The Hazards of Love
A full bodied, indie-rock opera. . . Summer
3. Mark Olson and Gary Louris Ready for the Flood
Everything you love about the Jayhawks, but sparse, as if to remind you why they were important in the first place. Summer
4. Justin Townes Earle Midnight at the Movies
A warm record for autumn evenings by the fire. . . Autumn
5. Phish Joy
Phish return, healthy and happy, after a much needed rest. Autumn
6. Conor Oberst and the Mystic Valley Band Outer South
Conor Oberst keeps crafting new music. I keep listening. Summer
7. Son Volt American Central Dust
A surprisingly quiet record. . . but the rock n roll and pedal steel are worth the patience. Summer
8. Neil Young Fork in the Road
Neil Young has become my favorite liberal commentator. . . and he continues to be one of our finest electric guitarists. Summer
9. Monsters of Folk
These gentlemen sound like they enjoy each other's company. . . and I keep getting Conor Oberst records. Autumn
10. Assembly of Dust Some Assembly Required
There are a few vintage Reid Genauer songs here. Essential listening for those who appreciate Strangefolk. Autumn
Monday, December 21, 2009
The Wild Hunt
The Wild Hunt
amidst a night of merriment
I stepped outside to breathe the autumn air
I heard the dogs bark in the woods
riders on the oldest, darkest trail
the wild hunt
I felt the shiver
the wild hunt
I raised my glass
the wild hunt
I sought shelter
the wild hunt running through the land
On any cold November night
through Yuletide when the ground is brown and bare
the raging host runs through the wood
with dogs, and knights, and horsemen on his trail
the wild hunt
I felt the shiver
the wild hunt
I raised my glass
the wild hunt
I sought shelter
the wild hunt running through the land
she walked the land all on her own
through sun and moon and stars and cloudy skies
but when the snow covered the land
she knew the host could finally call her home
the wild hunt
she was present
the wild hunt
she felt relief
the wild hunt
she found shelter
the wild hunt running through the land
November 2008/2009
Ricketts Glen State Park
Loyalsock State Forest
Pennsylvania
amidst a night of merriment
I stepped outside to breathe the autumn air
I heard the dogs bark in the woods
riders on the oldest, darkest trail
the wild hunt
I felt the shiver
the wild hunt
I raised my glass
the wild hunt
I sought shelter
the wild hunt running through the land
On any cold November night
through Yuletide when the ground is brown and bare
the raging host runs through the wood
with dogs, and knights, and horsemen on his trail
the wild hunt
I felt the shiver
the wild hunt
I raised my glass
the wild hunt
I sought shelter
the wild hunt running through the land
she walked the land all on her own
through sun and moon and stars and cloudy skies
but when the snow covered the land
she knew the host could finally call her home
the wild hunt
she was present
the wild hunt
she felt relief
the wild hunt
she found shelter
the wild hunt running through the land
November 2008/2009
Ricketts Glen State Park
Loyalsock State Forest
Pennsylvania
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Frosty Valley
Frosty Valley
I’ve got a guitar, but I don’t know how to play.
I’ve got all the words, but no melody.
Yea, I’m out of tune,
So out of tune
I’m working in a box and I watch what I say.
I need a window and some privacy.
Yea, I need space,
Just a little space.
So I’m getting out of bed and I’m going back to work.
I’ve got a drive, up through the valley.
I hear strings,
I sing along.
November 2009
I’ve got a guitar, but I don’t know how to play.
I’ve got all the words, but no melody.
Yea, I’m out of tune,
So out of tune
I’m working in a box and I watch what I say.
I need a window and some privacy.
Yea, I need space,
Just a little space.
So I’m getting out of bed and I’m going back to work.
I’ve got a drive, up through the valley.
I hear strings,
I sing along.
November 2009
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Old Forge Brewery, Danville Pennsylvania
On a cool, rainy, Wednesday evening in June I had the opportunity to visit the Old Forge Brewing Company in Danville, Pennsylvania. The Old Forge is a casual brew pub specializing in healthy pub fare and fresh brewed beer. I had visited the pub during the winter and enjoyed it very much. The winter visit was spontaneous, quick and crowded. As I drove to the pub with friends for my second visit, I was determined to appreciate the restaurant a bit more than I did on my first time around.
I always enjoy seeing new development in older neighborhoods. Danville is a cozy, Pennsylvania community with an established downtown district. The main street is clean and well-kept, making it a nice place to visit, walk and enjoy a craft-brewed beer. The folks at the Old Forge take noticeable pride in being a part of the Susquehanna Valley community. According to their website, they "honor personal craftsmanship". For example, the brewery's hand-crafted beer is made in small batches to ensure quality and peak freshness. In addition, the healthy and delicious menu has ingredients sourced from local farms and markets wherever possible. Looking around the bar, I took the time to notice the bar, furniture and fixtures which were all handcrafted by local wood and metal worker Keith Kocher (Lightstreet Custom Woodworking). I also observed the unique tap handles carved and forged by local artist/sculptor J. Mark Irvin (Irving Sculpture Studio). Even the plates, bowls and beer mugs have been hand made by local potter Mike Hart (M. Hart Pottery). While it is easy to overlook, this attention to detail reflects the brewery's committment to both serve and support the local community.
We arrived around 6:30 in the evening. When I visited several months earlier, the bar was full and there was a thirty minute wait for a table. Well, the bar was full and there was a thirty minute wait again on my second visit (a waiting list often indicates good beverages, food and service). Business is obviously strong at the Old Forge. I did not mind the wait at all as it gave me time to enjoy the bar and a beer before dinner. For my first beer I tried a T-Rider Pale Ale. The T-Rider was very smooth and not too hoppy. It was a very pleasurable pale ale, perfect for a late spring evening. After we were directed to our seats, we settled in for appetizers and dinner. At the table , I sipped an Endless Summer Ale. I enjoyed this beer as well. I believe that it may be the lightest beer crafted at the brewery. For appetizers, I enjoyed a cup of beer chili. The chili contained tender beef chunks and spicy sausage cooked in beer and spices. It was delicious! The other folks at my table also sampled the black bean hummus and homemade soft pretzels. I highly recommend any of these appetizers. For dinner, I enjoyed a "Big Jerk" chicken sandwich. The sandwich contained ale-marinated chicken grilled with spicy pub-made Jamaican jerk seasoning, crisp lettuce, tomatoes, red onion and parsley mayo on a locally made fresh herb-roll. Again, the sandwich was delicious. And, last but not least, our service was excellent.
All in all, I had a great experience on my second visit to the Old Forge Brewing Company. What makes the Old Forge unique is its commitment to locally produced food and hand-crafted products. So, drive to Danville, take a downtown stroll and enjoy local goodness at its best.
I always enjoy seeing new development in older neighborhoods. Danville is a cozy, Pennsylvania community with an established downtown district. The main street is clean and well-kept, making it a nice place to visit, walk and enjoy a craft-brewed beer. The folks at the Old Forge take noticeable pride in being a part of the Susquehanna Valley community. According to their website, they "honor personal craftsmanship". For example, the brewery's hand-crafted beer is made in small batches to ensure quality and peak freshness. In addition, the healthy and delicious menu has ingredients sourced from local farms and markets wherever possible. Looking around the bar, I took the time to notice the bar, furniture and fixtures which were all handcrafted by local wood and metal worker Keith Kocher (Lightstreet Custom Woodworking). I also observed the unique tap handles carved and forged by local artist/sculptor J. Mark Irvin (Irving Sculpture Studio). Even the plates, bowls and beer mugs have been hand made by local potter Mike Hart (M. Hart Pottery). While it is easy to overlook, this attention to detail reflects the brewery's committment to both serve and support the local community.
We arrived around 6:30 in the evening. When I visited several months earlier, the bar was full and there was a thirty minute wait for a table. Well, the bar was full and there was a thirty minute wait again on my second visit (a waiting list often indicates good beverages, food and service). Business is obviously strong at the Old Forge. I did not mind the wait at all as it gave me time to enjoy the bar and a beer before dinner. For my first beer I tried a T-Rider Pale Ale. The T-Rider was very smooth and not too hoppy. It was a very pleasurable pale ale, perfect for a late spring evening. After we were directed to our seats, we settled in for appetizers and dinner. At the table , I sipped an Endless Summer Ale. I enjoyed this beer as well. I believe that it may be the lightest beer crafted at the brewery. For appetizers, I enjoyed a cup of beer chili. The chili contained tender beef chunks and spicy sausage cooked in beer and spices. It was delicious! The other folks at my table also sampled the black bean hummus and homemade soft pretzels. I highly recommend any of these appetizers. For dinner, I enjoyed a "Big Jerk" chicken sandwich. The sandwich contained ale-marinated chicken grilled with spicy pub-made Jamaican jerk seasoning, crisp lettuce, tomatoes, red onion and parsley mayo on a locally made fresh herb-roll. Again, the sandwich was delicious. And, last but not least, our service was excellent.
All in all, I had a great experience on my second visit to the Old Forge Brewing Company. What makes the Old Forge unique is its commitment to locally produced food and hand-crafted products. So, drive to Danville, take a downtown stroll and enjoy local goodness at its best.
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