Life Updates

Holy Monkey, it's been too long.

For those who still read the blog, just some updates:

I've finally been playing some gigs! I played off and on with a Tejano and Disco band back in April through June, and currently I'm subbing in the country/classic rock outfit High Horses for the next few weeks, culminating in a long weekend of bookings in Cheyenne during Frontier Days, Holyoke, CO, for Nebraska singer, "Lexi", and on up to Ogallala, Nebraska for some gigs up there.

I've submitted my band Third Wheel Legend into another contest-this one for a chance to perform in October in a Nashville festival.

I've also submitted a song for a couple of high profile country artists to consider for future recording projects.

I guess I need to quit being a ninny and put myself out there if I ever want a chance at songs getting published and recorded.

Well, other than some nice chances to relax at the lake and work kicking my butt, that's about it.

Until next time!

Do You Want Fries With That?

If living in the city has taught me anything it's that Customer Service doesn't really exist.

Case-in-point:

We're moving on Saturday and have taken care of all kinds of ins and outs ahead of time. We changed our addresses on a bunch of important services and bills, packed up a ton of stuff, reserved the truck, gathered friends for help, etc...

We also called the new place to set up a time, in advance, to sign the lease agreement and get keys so we wouldn't have to deal with it on move-in day. Today was supposed to be that day, but when we arrived, the assistant had no clue about our agreement, and couldn't figure out how to log on to their system to get us signed up.

Now, it wasn't this poor girl's fault for the technical glitch, but we're ticked. They've had our deposit since the end of March, and even then we scheduled today as our paper signing. Is it too much to ask for things to be ready when scheduled? Our time is valuable, and a business should bend over backwards to make sure we're accommodated at the agreed upon time.

After being turned away from our apartment signing, we decided to grab Sonic for dinner, and they couldn't get our order right to save their butts.

Frustration.

Grr.

If Nashville Said It...

I finally got the judging sheet back from the contest I entered back in November.

Each category is ranked from 1-10, 1 being lowest, 10 highest.

Completely:
(Score)
(8) 1. Is there a strong opening line that grabs the listener and sets up the story?

(6) 2. Is there a memorable hook?

(7) 3. Are the lyrics descriptive, clear and understandable building on the theme of the song?

(8) 4. Is there a unique, fresh approach to the theme/subject matter with which the listener can identify?

(8) 5. Does the song evoke an emotional response from the listener?

(7) 6. Is there a distinct/memorable melody in the chorus, verse, and/or bridge?

(8) 7. Is there a good marriage between the lyrics and melody?

(7) 8. Is the song format (length, structure, Etc.)appropriate for potential commercial viability?

(8) 9. Rate the "repeat listenability" of the song. Do you want to hear the song again?

(8) 10. Overall, do you like the song?

I still don't know how I feel about contests and my songs, but at least it's input from the industry.

Rant.

Imagine an old, rotten, splintery broomstick handle of large diameter.

Now, imagine said broomstick being repeatedly jammed in your hindquarter.

No lube...just raw, unpolished wood.

And that is precisely what our Internet Service Provider's definition of Customer Service is.

Star Wars and Cuss Words

I'm reading the Star Wars novel, Death Star (thanks, Cassie!), and I'm noticing some funny substitutions for familiar swear words.

In Star Wars Future Speak, some fine examples of swearing:

Fripp. Fripping.

Son of a Raiiitch (or something to that effect.)

It's just amusing.

That's all for today- Just checking in!

Baby, It's Cold Outside

It's Christmastime at the Lowry house!

Our first Christmas together felt very hurried and we weren't quite settled into our apartment. This year we decided to decorate!

Just a sample of what Katrina and I did:




For more pictures of the Season's Decorations see My Wife's Blog.

Ummm.

At the risk of sounding less than masculine:

Three songs that made me cry this morning before work:

1. Rise Above This - Seether

2. For The Good Times - Kris Kristofferson

3. The Story - Brandi Carlisle

And one that gave me hope that good lyrics are still being written:

Hurt My Baby - John Hiatt.

Just thought I'd share.

Concerts!

My bro, nephew, and I drove to Laramie to see Third Eye Blind on Friday night.

They were friggin' great!

The band did lots of creative arranging of the big hits like Jumper, Losing a Whole Year, SemiCharmed Life, and premiered some brand new stuff coming out this Tuesday.

If only every opening band on the planet didn't suck.

Seriously, every concert I've been to this year has had an abysmal warm-up.

We'll start with the Killers. (Okay, they were last year, but still...)
Opening acts...well...they were so horrid I forgot who they were. Just imagine jangly folk rock with dirty lyrics. And then there was Louis XIV. Like Jet, without the catchy hooks and songs about doing it.

Drive By Truckers' openers The Felice Brothers were a hodgepodge of drunken cajun-country punk songs about being drunk. Add to the mix a drummer who was a ringer for K-Fed.

Collective Soul had a generic Lillith Fair flunky named Hanna Pestle open for them in Boulder. Let's call her a boring solo act with vague similarities to Jewel and Lisa Loeb who murdered a Radiohead song for her finale.

Next up, Black Francis warming up the crowd at Red Rocks for Stone Temple Pilots. I'll describe them as a more "arty" version of the Ramones. Oh, wait, they actually had some talent, whereas BF just sounded like a speed freak muttering nonsense against a background of meandering punk noise.

Thank you Bruce Hornsby for not having an opening act!

And finally, Mark Rose, getting us ready for 3EB. Mark, Mark, Mark. There is already a John Mayer, Jason Mraz, and Jack Johnson. Watering down their styles and forgetting how to write a chorus wouldn't make them any better so why would it work for you?

Anyways, the headliners all rocked and made my ticket fees worth it. Lord help me if I announce an opening gig for a major band. There'd better be a snob in the crowd when that day comes.

I Just Halved Myself

I am - Joe, hear me roar.
I want - to be a rockstar when I grow up.
I have - a gorgeous wife and enough money to live.
I wish - I had the will to practice rudimentary piano technique regularly.
I hate - pedal steel guitar used as filler in country songs.
I fear - Trace Adkin's popularity.
I hear - Big Head Todd and the Monsters with a horn section.
I search - the internet for even samples of the "New" Waylon Jennings CD.
I wonder - if the Tampa Bay Rays are going to find a way to win the series.
I always - get angry while watching the Cowboys play.
I usually - forget to pick up my drink cups after I'm finished.
I am not - that skinny.
I dance - like a 30 year old white guy.
I sing - in the car, loudly, daydreaming the whole time.
I never - can figure some people out.
I rarely - play video games.
I cry - at stupid stuff, like Shania Twain songs I've played in bands.
I am not always - willing to work hard.
I lose - my cool when family picks at me.
I'm confused - about some plotlines in CSI.
I need - to relax and not freak out about things so easily.
I should - write some new songs.
I dream - of being a nationally known songwriter.
I TAG - lobiwan, nevercountsheep, and daniel.

UnClever NearRhymes and other Mysterious Things

Whilst driving today I happened to hear a couple of country songs which sent me into a little zone of unfortunate rememberance.

Songs with annoying and highly un-clever near rhymes.

I'm talking about:

Brooks & Dunn with "Jesus" and "Pieces".

Darryl Worley with "Forgotten" and "Bin Laden".

Jamie O'Neal with "Man Is" and "Atlantis".

In turn, much to my wife's dismay, this memory led me into a thought process on one man's art versus another's.

I do not like songs that spell everything out. Songs with metaphorical imagery and multiple interpretation appeal to me much more strongly than say, a Martina McBride song about pitching in at the grocery store line to help those "a little less fortunate" than she.

I love how some songs can change meaning with age. Case in point: my song, "Forget". It's my response to 9/11, cloaked in a reference to those I know who've been sexually assaulted. I didn't clearly recognize just how plural the meaning was until this morning. As Bono said once, even he doesn't know what his own songs are about until much later.

I'm not trying to put anyone else down for their listening tastes, but I am trying to clarify just what makes it "Art" to me.

Tune in next time when I'll reveal which Radiohead song is about breast augmentation.

And Another Thing...

A perk of living in the country:

It would take serious effort to receive a noise complaint from a neighbor.

Bruuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuce! (Hornsby)

Can't help but recommend a track.

I'm so lucky I found it, but on a whim I downloaded some stuff from Itunes the other night and found a real gem. There's a new compilation album produced by Del McCoury (bluegrass artist) called Moneyland just released last July. On this album is a new arrangement of The Way It Is, with Bruce Hornsby playing a solo piano accompaniment with some subtle gospel quarted backgrounds provided by the Fairfield Four. Please check it out. I realize I'm probably the only one to openly weep at the arrangement or the piano tone, but I am almost sure you will be touched by the sensitivity of this version.

Copy this link for a clip:

http://www.amazon.com/Moneyland-Del-McCoury/dp/B00197XF9G/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1221972473&sr=8-1

Stream of Consciousness

My Itunes is feeling kind of hippie-ish (Psst. I like it.)

These were all in a row with no interference from me!

Love and Peace (or Else)-U2
Listen-Collective Soul
Brother Against Brother-Degarmo&Key

Ryan Adams made me mad. He was quoted in American Songwriter this month saying how much he hates country music. May I ask you then, Sir Pretention, why you use country instruments and employ monster twang in a 90% of your recordings if you hate it so much? Fat load of good dating Mandy Moore did you. Jerk.

Reality shows that intentionally set up awkward meetings between former lovers to see if they'll kiss and make up really make me uncomfortable.

My guitar could use some new strings.

So could my bass.

100 degree days aren't nearly as fun as they sound.

Cars drive me crazy.

I need to blog more.

Ramblingnessosityism

Last night I was so bored so I did a search on some classic Christian Rock Bands in our B&N network. I found out, much to my surprise, several "Big Name Studio Musicians" were in early versions of Whiteheart. Names like Dan Huff and Chris McHugh. You probably don't know them from Adam, but they are all over your favorite Carrie Underwood, Lonestar, Keith Urban, Faith Hill, and Jewel recordings.

And remember Steve Green? He recorded that nice little ditty, "People Need The Lord" back in the 80's. I can remember 1,000 different instances of people murdering that song in Special Music segments at church growing up. He was the original lead singer of Whiteheart. *Gasp* The things you find out while searching the internet.

Have you heard of Grammatrain or Galactic Cowboys? No? Those bands were keeping up with Post Grunge America, sonically, in the mid 1990s. They were alot like Stone Temple Pilots, only without the cross-dressing and heroin.

Mudcrutch reminds me of a band I played with in college. They play "Six Days On The Road" much better than we would've.

"Back To The Street", "This Means War", and "On Fire". The trifecta of amazing output from Petra. I'm glad you think so, too.

"Tea and Sympathy" by Jars of Clay has a boatload of chord changes.

I've been craving classical music. Check out the Chinese pianist Lang Lang and you'll understand.

Sushi rules.

So does Stevie Wonder.

That's all for now.

Concerts R0x0r

Katrina and I



went to see Collective Soul in Boulder last night. The following are some crappy cell-phone pix of the event:

Ed in a traditional lead singer pose.

Joel playing some lead riffs.

Dean, rhythm guitar master.

Dean actually moves from stage left.

Ed gets close to us.

Ryan laying the groove down.

And Will, bassman extraordinaire.

Finally, a Break!

A happy post for once in a blue moon.

I had an interview for an "Operations Assistant" position at the University of Denver Bookstore on Monday, and they called me back today to offer me the position.

I gladly accepted their offer and will begin my official employment with DU on May 30th.

There are some great benefits to this position, including some great holidays off, paid public transportation pass, and education opportunities!

Plus, some of the guys on the staff are gigging musicians!

Things are looking up!

Thinky

Here's some lyrics to a Pearl Jam song that I listened to tonight. Enjoy.

Marker In The Sand
Pearl Jam

There is a Marker,
No one sees it cause of sand
That has covered over
All the messages it kept
From misunderstanding,
What Original Truth was
And now expanding
In a faith, but not in love...

What went wrong?
Walking tightrope high
Over moral ground.
Seeing visions of
Falling up somehow.
Oh do come down
With the living, let
What is living love.
So unforgiving, yet
Needing forgiveness first...

God, what do you say?

Those undecided
Needn't have faith to be free.
And those misguided,
There was a plan for them to be...
Now you got both sides
Claiming 'killing in god's name'.
But god is nowhere
To be found, conveniently...

What goes on?
Walking tightrope high
Over moral ground.
Walk the bridges be-
-fore you burn them down!
Do come round
With the living, let
What is living love.
Unforgiving, yet
Needing forgiveness first...

God, what do you say?
God, what do you say?

I feel a sickness...
A sickness coming over me
Like watching freedom
Being sucked straight out to sea
And the solution?
Well, from me far would it be
But the delusion
Is feeling dangerous to me

What goes wrong?
Walking tightrope high
Over moral ground.
Seeing visions of
Falling up somehow.
Oh, do come down
With the living, let
What is living love,
Unforgiving...yet
Needing forgiveness first?

Oh, what do you say?
God, what do you say?

What do you say?

Calling out, calling out

Rockin in the Free World

Anyone wanna play in a band?

Here's songs that would appear on a setlist:

1. Whiskey River-Willie Nelson
2. Superstition-Stevie Wonder
3. Above and Beyond-Buck Owens
4. Power of Love-Huey Lewis and the News
5. Note to Self-Ryan Adams
6. The Fly-u2
7. Angel Flying Too Close To The Ground-Willie
8. Heart Of Gold-Neil Young
9. Mr. Wrong-Cracker
10.Shine-Collective Soul

And that's just the first set. Probably.

To Bat It Down Is The Only Way To Beat It

People in Denver are stuck up.

Example #23983849:

The sticker price is the price, unless it's on sale. I have nothing to do with setting the prices at my store. If you want it that badly, swallow your pride and buy it at Wal-mart like the rest of us "unsophisticated" folks do. You are wasting your breath yelling at me about it.

Example #95839483:

Leave for work just five minutes earlier and you won't have to rear-end me or sideswipe me to get into your preferred lane on the interstate. I really will "pay it forward" and let you ahead of me if you do it in a courteous manner.

Example #58495940:

When placing a "help wanted" ad on craigslist and receive my very interested reply, I would greatly appreciate it if you would respond. Even to tell me I'm not qualified to take your open position would be better than ignoring my inquiry. I would very much like the door to be officially closed than believe there remains a sliver of hope you'll want me to work for you.


I've got alot more gripes, but I feel like I'm wearing out my own welcome on Blogspot.

Off to peruse music-centric employment opportunities.

Tagged

I got tagged. I s'pose I'll fill this out before I get ready for work.


10 years ago:

I was attending Chadron State College, hosted a daring attempt at "Live Band Karaoke" for homecoming, sported a short and spikey blonde hairdo, and began the "Buddy Holly Glasses" trend in northeastern Nebraska.

Things on my To-Do List today:

1. Eat my leftover fish taco.

2. Shower, cuz I'm getting ripe.

3. Work at B&N.


Three Bad Habits:

1. I watch too much midday tv.

2. I chew my nails and occasionally pick my nose.

3. I swear at city traffic.


If suddenly I became a billionaire:

My bills will finally get paid. I buy us a new car. I build a studio. I record, release, and promote my music on my terms. I pay off mom's house and buy me and my wife a house.
After that, I have no idea, perhaps retire to the beach with Katrina and write.


Five jobs I have had:

1. Ice Cream jockey.

2. Library slave.

3. Rib-packer.

4. Radio guy.

5. CD slinger.


Five things you might not know about me:

1. I have extreme needle-phobia.

2. I like tapioca pudding.

3. I have a closet dream of being a storm chaser.

4. I've eaten gizzards as a meal.

5. The first rock concert I attended was Petra, back in 1987.


Heath, Jenny, and Matt Jackson, you're it.