Odds and Ends

1. I got an acoustic guitar for Christmas. I figured that since I’m so good at air guitar, that I should probably learn how to play real guitar – I’d probably be a natural, or something like that. Well, after 4 weeks, I’m not a natural. In fact, I stink. But, I love it, and I think I hear improvement. In fact, I can play such classics as “When the Saints Go Marching In” and “Jingle Bells.” Ever onward!

2. If you are jonesing to find some new music, I have some suggestions for you. First, listen to internet or satellite radio (forget about terrestrial radio – but you already know that). One of my favorite internet radio stations is woxy.com. It is actually two stations – one with vintage modern rock, and the other has new modern rock. It will open a whole new world for you. If you don’t feel like listening to internet radio, let me suggest a few bands for you to research. First, the Capes are a new band out of the U.K., and they sound like a mix between the Cars and the Beach Boys. Second, the Automatic, another British band, has a little more edge, but still employs great harmonies and upbeat music. Finally, give a listen to the Rakes – very upbeat, and lots of fun.

3. Just a few other tidbits:
* My current favorite movie quote – “I love lamp! I love lamp.” From Anchorman.
* My current favorite song – “Super Girls” from the Capes.0
* Least favorite household chore – Cleaning the bathrooms. It is literally a dirty job, but somebody’s gotta do it.”
* Least Favorite Commercial – Oh man, this is a toss up. Right now, I hate the Ebay commercials. I want to massage my head with a porcupine every time I hear the “Sleepy Jean” song.
* Coolest Show I Just Discovered – There is a show on WYBE (public television station – channel 24 on my dial), called “Later with Jools.” It was some sort of rock and roll show (reminded me of Ed Sullivan Show but much, much cooler). The host was standing in the middle of the rather large studio, and he would introduce a number of bands – these bands were all around him in corners of this studio. He had some unknown bands and some rather big bands (The Pretenders and the Cardigans). He would introduce one band – they would play one of their songs, and then he’d introduce another band who would play one of their songs – then he would interview the first band, and then introduce a third band, and so on. Very cool – something the U.S. would never try (it was a British show). It was on this past Tuesday night at 8:00 p.m. I hope it is a weekly thing.