They went and done did it...

Mrs March and the Marches came home Sunday with two kittens.

It has been looming for some time now with the local shelter and waiting for the right two etc.

I am not the biggest of pet fans. Fish I don't mind but that is about it. Dogs are okay, but mostly to just visit (my brothers have em). I had a dog, and cats growing up and at times I liked it..but I never really had moments like you see in the commercials with my dog. Mostly it just barked..and crapped.

When I met Mrs March she had a cat that she found as a kitten that appeared to have been abandoned. The cat was a bitch. Never wanted to be pet, or held..just feed me and clean my litter box and I'll still hiss at you. Eff off you damn thing. Over the course of the years the cat just slowed down and last fall she passed away.

I was not GLAD she died. Mrs was upset and Little March had her first life lesson in things bigger than a fish dying.

What I did like was a pet free home. No wondering who was going to feed an animal on the rare occasion we got out of town. In the end the cat was not keeping much food down and every rug in my home bears a pet vomit stain. It was nice to have a pretty "clean" home the last few months.

Now they are back. The smell of a litter box, the smell of cat food..yeek. The kids are a little older this time and I'd REALLY like this to be a "job" for them. Clean water each day, working up to feeding. I can understand hesitation to litter box cleaning..and I am not sure they'd wash their hands well enough after etc.

It sort of bums me out on some levels I am so uninterested in all this. The kids keep asking me to come in to the bathroom (where we are keeping them for a little bit..no rugs..easy to clean spills and misses and we can use an old baby gate to hold them in a room). They want me to interact with the cats..and I try..and try to show a good face. Of course I am open to things going well mind you. Once they are a little bigger I plan to try and engage them more..and be civil about it of course..i am not a monster for god sake.

I just want a cat like you see in commercials..you know..the kind that is always clean, eats lasagna and sings that cool Meow Mix song.....

I modelled shirts by van heusen-yeah

Another weekend is upon us (hooray!). A new installment of Forgotten Disc Friday.

Sorta kinda embarrassed to own this one..but ahh well.

Thanks as always for reading, or at least clicking over and of course thanks for the support!

-march

I have lost it...

Last night I did something I have never done in my life.

I was watching Dexter (season 2) and the episode got me so wrapped up I stood up and PACED while watching it. I talked to myself (well not out loud) wondering how things were going to turn out.

I have never done that.

This show rules. I think I am just gonna order Showtime for it. (well Brotherhood is pretty flippin sweet too)

March gives Dexter 100 stars...rent season 1 and 2 so I have someone to talk to about this show.

Time to make you feel old...

17 years ago today...this record came out.




This is one band I honestly can say I wish I saw live. I actually was driving to see them play a small club show when this record came out and turned around half way there to come home and study for an exam the next day.

When this record really got big they really didn't tour the USA all that much..and their next, and final time after to see them was on the tour for In Utero and I couldn't get tickets.

To this day..I know less than FIVE people that saw this band live.

Feel old yet? I sure do.

Mogwai cancels..bums March out...

Last night I was supposed to go and see Scottish band Mogwai play in Boston. About 2pm I got an email informing me that the show had been canceled. I was sad to read this as Mogwai is one of the few remaining bands on my "bands I like but have not seen live" list. The list is quite short now and its fun to chip away at the list, but alas not this night.

Appears the bands drummer, who has had some heart issues in the past, was having further issues thus necessitating a cancellation. That is good enough reason I'd have to say.

Rumor has it new dates in 2009.

Instead I went home, caught another episode of Dexter (is there a better show on TV right now? almost reason enough to get Showtime) and then played Grand Theft Auto IV for FAR longer than I should have.

Sigur Ros - Bank of America Pavilion, September 19, 2008

Sigur Ros
Bank of America Pavilion, Boston MA
Friday, September 19, 2008

Support: Parachutes

A late summer evening. No better time for an outdoor show, even if the temperature was below the averages for this time of year. The wonderfully located Bank of America Pavilion has sight lines of the ocean and the tall buildings of Boston, a picture perfect location. Tonight, Icelandic band Sigur Ros was taking the stage to a sell out crowd. As I waited outside for my friend I watched more than 10 people come to the window for a ticket, only it be told it was sold out.

Right at 7:30 Parachutes came on stage. I am not familiar with them, or their music going in but have read things like "They are English speaking Sigur Ros" or what have you. During their 35 minute set the eight members of the band rotated between various instruments. The audience was pretty respectful and listened quietly and patiently as some songs would deep in to a single instrument or a single voice. Although the music was soothing to me personally, as great as it sounded it never really went anywhere. I sort of waited for a more up tempo song. If they come around again to a smaller venue they would be worth checking out.

The stage was quickly turned over for Sigur Ros and before you knew it the lights went down and the audience scrambled to their seats. Sigur Rós consists of jón þor (jónsi) birgisson (vocals, guitars), kjartan (kjarri) sveinsson (keyboards), orri páll dýrason (drums) and georg (goggi) holm (bass). The stage layout just made room for the band with vocal microphones scattered around the stage. Facing the stage Kjarii was to the left, Jonsi in the middle, Goggi on the right and Orri way over to the right.

The band opened with Svefn-g-englar from the ágætis byrjun record. The keyboard "bo-boo's" echoed across the venue as Jonsi slowly worked the bow across his guitar. The song set the tone and as the song nears completion Jonsi hits these notes that are off the chart. He really needs to get up there and at the end Jonsi kept on going "í tjúú" followed by "excuse me" a few times. You could tell he was frustrated that he was off key or off pitch, but really there was no waiver to these ears. Finally he sang a long lasting "í tjúúúúúúúúúúúúúúúúúúúúúúúúúúúúú. that he seemed to hold for over 40 seconds. The audience roared approval.

The set was similar to other nights on the tour so far (this was the third show of the tour) and in reading the bands message board fans were sort of mixed with regard to the current live version of Sigur Ros. For those not familiar with the band, they have toured with a string section for the last few tours, and a brass section more recently. The result, as you'd imagine is a very full sound. When it was mentioned they would not be touring some fans found that, as expected, there was something missing. To this reviewer, it was a chance to see Sigur Ros perhaps come out of a shell expand musically as a quartet.

At times you could hear a pin drop at the show. This is sort of the norm for a Sigur Ros show. The audience sits and applauds at the end of each song allowing the band full control. There were moments as well, at a show as big as this, where a few $10 domestic beers got the better of the audience and they just *had* to yell during the quiet parts.

The set list progressed along, hitting both new and old tracks Ný batterí still can blow my hair back with the pounding drums and the one two punch of hoppípolla / með blóðnasir was also a bright spot, during the later, Jonsi invited the audience to sing along.

Then my least favorite moment of the night came, and it wasn't even the bands fault, when during Viðrar vel til loftárása a person behind me just "had to go there". Viðrar has a section where the band just stops playing and stands still. Jonsi holds the bow pointing over his head. On past tours fans actually would talk smack to other cities daring them to "be as quiet as us during viðrar vel til loftárása!", and it worked. The last time I saw them I had 40 seconds. It might not sound like a lot as you sit reading, but 40 seconds, at a rock show can be a lifetime. Well on this night we lasted about 3 seconds. Most people around me seemed to "know" what happens..but then in started one here..one over there..another one..until finally in a booming voice 2 rows behind me comes the dreaded "ROCK ON!" My toes curled up in my shoes. Its being nit picky I know, but still..why are we so uncomfortable with silence?

The main set drew to a close with a top 3 favorite live song by any band ever track hafsól. On this track Goggi hits his bass strings with a drum stick, causing a bounce and punch sound. It is always a moment for me when this track happens..and for the first time in the set I thought "strings would be nice on this track" but lets see what they do. They did it. They kept the momentum and the track still hit with quite a punch. The main set wrapped up with the lead off single from the new record Gobbledigook. A few members from parachutes came out and performed on drums behind Jonsi. The audience was on their feet and clapping along per the request of the band (this was new..we were standing at a Sigur Ros show..for the second time now??). As the song concluded the band quickly rushed off the stage.

We remained standing as the band returned and everyone barring Orri came out to center stage. Jonsi, after a few adjustments, said the next song was going to be done for only the second time and he apologized in advance for it "maybe sounding like shit". It was Illgresi, and the audience stood in stunned silence as they performed a beautiful version.

Finally, the live show closer to end all live show closers Popplagið begins. Even the studio version of this song is unreal and live it is even better. We'd miss the strings again in this track but the band really laid in to this. As the song grows in ferocity the audience was in a frenzy, and as Jonsi begins his high chorus the lights get doing and the volume seems to go up 100 fold. As the song was nearing completion Jonsi was doing some rock guitar "lunges" hanging over the edge of the stage. With one massive note the band slams the song down and the audience gives its all. (as a side note..sitting during this song is always fun..because it builds and builds and when it ends you shoot out of your seat in a total moment of elation)

The band left the stage and returned with Parachutes for one big curtain call and the roar heard brought smiles to all their faces.

The set list:
01. Svefn-G-Englar
02. Glósóli
03. Ny Batteri
04. Fljótavík
05. Við Spilum Endalaust
06. Hoppípolla
07. Með Blóðnasir (w/audience singing)
08. Svo Hljótt
09. Heysátan
10. Viðrar Vel Til Loftárása
11. Inní Mér Syngur Vitleysingur
12. Sæglópur
13. Hafsól
14. Gobbledigook

Encore
15. Illgresi
16. Popplagið

Check out the bands official site. The band is on tour for the rest of the year, US and overseas. Here what they sound like even more by checking out the bands myspace page.

Hugging like a monkey see monkey do

Another weekend is upon us (hooray!). Rushing in your weekend is a new installment of
Forgotten Disc Friday.

This week is an artist that I hadn't listened to in a dogs age, until I came upon the cd in a used bin for under $3.00. I owned the tape and loved it. I think if you recognize the name at the outset you'll be surprised to see what he has been up to..including a name change (no its not Prince)

Thanks as always for reading, or at least clicking over and of course thanks for the support!

-march

In the News

A death row inmate in Ohio has filed a lawsuit claiming he is too fat to be executed. The 267 pound inmate says his bulk will make his veins harder to find and could lessen the effect of the anesthetic given prior to the lethal injection.

A Florida man called 911 to complain that a local Subway sandwich shop had left the sauce off his spicy Italian sandwich. He was arrested later, after he called a second time to complain the police had not responded.

Five American troops died in Iraq in July, the lowest monthly U.S. death toll of the five year war. Much of last year the number was as high as 100 per month. The Washington Post

Nissan next year will introduce a gas pedal that will "push back" when it senses drivers are accelerating too quickly. They fell the "eco pedal" will improve fuel efficiency by 5 to 10%. - Associated Press

A Kentucky woman was recently thrown out of a mall for wearing too short a dress, "provocative" called by the mall security...the woman had purchased that very dress..at the same mall the day before.

Apple has sold 3 million units of the latest version of the iPhone in a single month. It took over 2 months for the 1st generation to sell 1 million. -Fortune

A North Carolina grandfather caught a 21 pound catfish with his 3 year old granddaughters Barbie fishing pole. The three year old told her grandfather she needed to use the bathroom and handed him the pole and moments later the line was stuck. The fish was almost as tall as the little girl, and bigger than the fishing pole.

TV on the Radio..the count down is on..

One week from today TV on the Radio will release Dear Science. On top of that the band will be hitting the road. Check out their myspace page for all the information.

In the meantime, enjoy their new video for the track "Golden Age" right here.

See you in the record shop next Tuesday!

Phelps on SNL..not the best..

Thank goodness for the DVR (or TiVo) or a VCR that helps you not have to sit through commercials and sometimes a lame Saturday Night Live Skit. Truth be told, I still like this show, and make it a point to record and watch within 24hrs of airing.

The opening with Tina Fey as Sarah Palin (we all knew this was coming) was pretty good but you do have to wonder, when Amy Pohler leaves the show mid season to have a baby (and then to an "Office" spin off), what are they going to do? She is in 90% of their skits!

The intro and this skit/commercial made me chuckle..but they buried it 80+ minutes in to the episode. Also I did like "Jar Glove" to a certain point.

Lil Wayne didn't sell me a record with either of his performances.

For many clips check out Hulu.com and judge for yourself.

Next week. James Franco and Kings of Leon.

We are paid by those who learn by our mistakes.

Well..a happy Friday to you all. A new and exciting Forgotten Disc Friday awaits your visit.

Most of you will recognize the artist this week as well as the songs for download.

Thanks as always for reading, or at least clicking over and of course thanks for the support!

-march

Holy cow..sign of the times I guess....

the following is an actual conversation between little and littlest march today at breakfast.

Littlest March - "Little..do you think we will have another fire drill today?"

Little March - "Probably not..they do them once in the first few days then once or twice more during the year."

Littlest March - "Oh, okay."

Little March - "Well, we might have a school lock down drill though."

It is good that the kids are prepared in the event something like this comes up and they know what they should do...but sweet lord. Freaking "Lock down" at an elementary school (or any school) for that matter..makes ya wonder don't it.

My Morning Jacket - Bank of America Pavilion 9/6/08

My Morning Jacket
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Bank of America Pavilion, Boston MA

For a few days leading up to the show there was a constant effort on catching the weather. A hurricane was rolling up the east coast, and although it wouldn't be nearly as bad as what the southern states would get, there would be wind and rain and general "concern". A local venue even moved a Jimmy Buffet show up to a 3pm start time.

A final call before leaving my home was greeted by a bubbly ticket office clerk "Yes, the show is on".

Arriving at the venue it was just easier to go settle in to my seat. Dim secured these sweet seats and all told we were four rows back off to the left(facing the stage). We were a little over too far, but the closeness made up for it all.

The show was billed as "An evening with" and the band made it a point to let fans know that the time on the ticket was show time (ie. no opening act). About 7:45 (15 minutes later than the ticket) the lights went down and the band came out on stage.

Many music sites, and magazines have sung the praises for the bands live shows. Some have even given the nod as a top 10 live band. It was the end of this leg of the tour and the band had made waves by playing a FOUR hour set at Bonaroo a few months back.

We were ready, the audience roared and the band waved and began with "Mahgeetah" from the "It Still Moves" record. What would unfold over the next 1 hour and 55 minutes was sort of a roller coaster a times, but the band was relentless. Lead singer Jim James was in fine voice. He as a vocal range that is rare for a "rock band" all the while he takes the lead vocal duties. (he was on the opposite side of the stage from us). Jim would rotate through an extensive guitar inventory. He'd rock out on his flying V then switch over to an acoustic. At one point he even played a Rickenbacker bass. A few songs he'd begin (or end) the track in a long cape and just sing rather than add additional guitars.

Drummer Patrick Hallahan was real solid and keyboardist Bo Koster added a lot of layers to the music.

The front line of "Two Tone" Tommy on bass, who, like James, is the only original member played off well with guitarist Carl Broemel. Carl was busy as well, going from a slide guitar, to saxophone and back to guitar.

The set list was balanced enough (at least for me.. message boards are abuzz with the lack of set list change ups) but the band leaves it all out on stage.

The band has five full length albums, which may or may not be a lot of records to some people, but they played close to two hours with hardly a hello. James did say "hi" about 30 minutes in and then thanked us for braving the potential weather issues. That was about it. I had it marked to 1 hr 55 for the main set then an additional 30 minutes for the encore. There are bands touring today (that I like mind you) that have more records but are so set in the 90 minute set time frame, that this was refreshing. The band left it out there, yet some folks are sort of wishy-washy on it.

I said to Dim, that so many bands need to take note of this..it is okay to ditch the opening band and unload your music for more than 90 minutes. The surprising thing was the ticket was under $40.00 and you had "this much" music.

Overall this fan was very pleased. The music was great, the rain sort of held off just enough. It was money well spent and the band has further solidified their legacy (at least with me) as a top notch live band.

The set list (thanks to the msg board for this)
mahgeetah
anytime
off the record
evil urges
touch me pt.1
way he sings
two halves
golden
thank you too
im amazed
evelyn
sec walkin
phone
aluminum
Look at you (straight into)
dondante
gideon
lay low
smokin
touch me pt.2

-encore-
wordless
highly
cobra
run thru
one big

Boston.com review here

There are a bunch of great images here. This person takes some amazing pictures.

Few other links etc.

The bands official site
The band on myspace
A ripping appearance on Conan a few years ago. here

We drop lobotomy beats, Evaporated Meats...

Well..a happy Friday to you all. Per the norm (well most weeks) Forgotten Disc Friday awaits your visit.

Most of you will recognize the artist this week, perhaps not this record.

Thanks as always for reading, or at least clicking over and of course thanks for the support!

-march

This doesn't make sense.

The other day I saw a commercial with multi gold medal winner Micheal Phelps. The ad I saw he wasn't hawking Wheaties, or Corn Flakes or an energy drink.

What was he selling?

Rosetta Stone Language cds.

I kid you not.

Man did they drop the ball on this ad.


The ad starts off with Phelps saying "I wanted to learn chinesse before I went to the Olympics". They then show random shots of him listening to the cds in various locations.

Does Phelps utter a SINGLE word in the commercial in Chinese?

No..not a single one.

Ummm a note to the marketing folks at Rosetta Stone. If you are going to sell a product that you claim is the easiest and the best..have your spokesperson SAY a word or two in a language other than English.

Even at the end it was his "catch phrase" of "Under one Minute guys..under a minute".

Next time have him say it in Chineese and sub-title it.

Man..all these good ideas I have...

The old couple..pretty clean..

The husband leans over and asks his wife, 'Do you remember the first time we had sex together over fifty years ago? We went behind the village tavern where you leaned against the back fence and I made love to you.'

'Yes', she says, 'I remember it well.'

'OK,' he says, 'How about taking a stroll around there again and we can do it for old time's sake?'

'Oh Jim, you old devil, that sounds like a crazy, but good idea!'

A police officer sitting in the next booth heard their conversation and, having a chuckle to himself, he thinks to himself, I've got to see these two old-timers having sex against a fence. I'll just keep an eye on them so there's no trouble. So he follows them.

The elderly couple walks haltingly along, leaning on each other for support aided by walking sticks. Finally, they get to the back of the tavern and make their way to the fence. The old lady lifts her skirt and the old man drops his trousers. As she leans against the fence, the old man moves in.. Then suddenly they erupt into the most furious sex that the policeman has ever seen. This goes on for about ten minutes while both are making loud noises and moaning and screaming. Finally, they both collapse, panting on the ground.

The policeman is amazed. He thinks he has learned something about life and old age that he didn't know.

After about half an hour of lying on the ground recovering, the old couple struggle to their feet and put their clothes back on. The policeman, is still watching and thinks to himself, this is truly amazing, I've got to ask them what their secret is.

So, as the couple passes, he says to them, 'Excuse me, but that was something else. You must've had a fantastic sex life together. Is there some sort of secret to this?'

Shaking, the old man is barely able to reply, 'Fifty years ago the fence wasn't electric!

Stuff..

Well the long weekend has come and gone. We are about to embark on the best time of the year "weather wise" in my opinion. From now to about the middle part of November..ahh it is the best.
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Kids back to school today. How does the song go again..."It's the most wonderful time of the yeeeeeeeeeeearrr".
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I watched Ikiru last night. It is a movie that has been in my netflix queue for probably 2+ years and I finally said it was time. File that under "what was I waiting for". Its a long watch..but so very good.
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I have been bitten by the ebay bug as of late..been selling a few things..but turning right around and buying cds that I don't really need...its a vicious cycle.
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Hitting my first Boston Red Sox game in probably 3+ years tonight. For those of you out of state, tickets are pretty hard to come by on a "face value level". My buddy asked a few weeks ago. He said he had front row for this section on the third base line. Sounds cool eh?? Then toss in the $80.00 face value ticket..YEEEEEEEEEIKES. I *might* have one watered down $8.00 domestic beer..but that is it.
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That is it..nothing new.