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.