The Curse Has Lifted!

I am feeling better about my three failed attempts to get Phish tickets through their ticket lottery-thing and the public onsales. When the band announced the additional late summer tour dates, I decided to give it one more chance and try for Merriweather Post tickets.

The miracle Hampton ticket must've changed my luck, because according to my checking account I have been charged. it looks like I won the lottery! See ya in the forest this August!

Natalie MacLean's Drinks Matcher

I know this isn't music-related, but wine, food & music are all things that bring me a lot of pleasure. This little widget thingy is just too cool. Let's face it, not everyone is a sommelier. I find myself particularly stumped when pairing wine with ethnic dishes. This tool will definitely come in handy. I was also impressed by the fact that she suggested beer when it was the proper choice (fried chicken, for example).

2008 In Music: My Morning Jacket

This album surprised the shit out of me. For awhile, I literally could not stop listening to it.


It all started when I heard "Evil Urges" on the radio - then promptly downloaded the album. The falsetto and the breakdown in the title track is what hooked me. Both parts of "Touch Me I'm Going to Scream" and all their psychedelic, trance-like terrain are what sealed the deal - especially Part 2, which reminds me of Pink Floyd at times.

Then there is that "Highly Suspicious" one. At first I didn't know what to think. The vocals evoke Prince, but the peanut butter reference makes me giggle and not take the song seriously....until the guitars grab me. That one has really grown on me. When I heard James say "interweb" in "Librarian," I was sufficiently intrigued and I was enraptured by the epic instrumentation. Another creeper is "Thank You Too."

Although Evil Urges has a couple moments that leave me just shrugging, my overall impression is that they hit this one out of the park. It's incredibly listenable and it holds up to repeats. And more than ever before, I am saddened that I have still not caught one of their concerts.

2008 In Music: Eric Lindell

This album is the only one I properly reviewed in 2008, nearly a year ago. Low on Cash, Rich In Love was my introduction to Eric Lindell, and it definitely impressed me. If you're looking for a breezy, laid back listen, Eric is your man. Soulful, funky, modern blues - how can you go wrong?

Read my review HERE