In an effort to finally follow my true dreams and passions, I am working on modifying this blog to become strictly a blog for Craig Rich, the musician, rather than Craig Rich, the dude who thinks too much about what he should be doing with his life, but never does it.
So, in the next few weeks, I will be working on archiving all the old posts on this blog and then linking the Mindstorm blog (which, for those who are a little more familiar with my music, know that this is already the perfect title for my music blog) to my ReverbNation profile. This space will then become the location to find out not only what's on my mind, but also what kind of musical endeavors are on the horizon (CD releases, gigs, etc.). Primarily, I will be writing about the latter, but in the tradition of my previous "blogging-about", I'm sure I will be sharing a few other "goodies".
For a preview of what readers are in store for, I'm hoping my next blog will be a summary of the fantastic experience I had at "Three of a Perfect Pair music Camp". For those who don't know, this was a week-long camp in New York for musicians, by musicians to get a chance to learn, hang out, share stories, and jam together. One of those musicians who was hosting the camp happened to be my favorite guitarist, Adrian Belew. So, you can imagine just how exciting this event was for me. I hope to tell you all about that and more about the next little project I'm working on soon!
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Friday, January 8, 2010
2009 Resolutions/Lessons/Goals
So, what have I learned in 2009?
For the first time in a few years, I don't know if I can look back and really see any life-altering lessons that I've learned. I think there are more just things that I need to figure out and that I have not yet got a handle on enough to see if there's a lesson there or not.
1. I have a very unhealthy habit of standing in my own way. I can't even figure out what it is that makes me that way. There is so much I just want to "go for" in life and sometimes I just can't or won't push myself to do it. Then there is something about the way I think that makes me blame myself for everything that goes wrong in my life. I think it's a very terrible quality to have and I really want to change it. Suggestions?
2. Always eat before a night of heavy drinking. Those who know me well enough, know this story.
Resolutions / Goals
Well, there are many things I want for 2010 and I am hoping I can accomplish most or all of them. These include, but are not limited to:
1. Focus on paying down debt - I want to be able to afford a few nice things again every once in a while, and this involves being able to put some things on credit. However, I have just enough debt to the point where I don't want to take the risk of not being able to pay bills soon, etc. I am putting myself on stricter limits and freezing my credit card spending as much as I possibly can this year in order to pay down the debt.
2. Get to bed a little earlier - This involves less time on the internet, etc. I am simply tired of going through my work week feeling like I am desperately fighting sleep just to get my job done in the morning. I don't want to have to rely on that first cup of tea every day to make me alert and focused.
3. Work toward forwarding my career aspirations - I want to develop the skills I only broke the surface of when I was in college, so I can work my way up just a little in my career life. I got my first full-time job last year and it is satisfactory. However, I can see myself growing weary after a few years, if I'm not careful. I want to fine-tune some of my skills in an effort to keep moving forward. I wouldn't mind moving up within the same company, either; as it is a great company to work for.
4. Music - As usual, I want to finish up some projects and get on stage with a band again. This is still a passion of mine and I'm not treating like one.
5. Get in shape - This one is always on the list and I do like to think I've improved in this area over the last few months as the last time I visited the doctor, I received some great news about my cholesterol reading and I owe it all to my running habits. Now, I just need to get rid of this stomach.
2009 - A year full of extreme highs and extreme lows; feeling somewhere in-between there lately. 2010 - Bring it on. I'm ready for what's next in the world of Craig.
For the first time in a few years, I don't know if I can look back and really see any life-altering lessons that I've learned. I think there are more just things that I need to figure out and that I have not yet got a handle on enough to see if there's a lesson there or not.
1. I have a very unhealthy habit of standing in my own way. I can't even figure out what it is that makes me that way. There is so much I just want to "go for" in life and sometimes I just can't or won't push myself to do it. Then there is something about the way I think that makes me blame myself for everything that goes wrong in my life. I think it's a very terrible quality to have and I really want to change it. Suggestions?
2. Always eat before a night of heavy drinking. Those who know me well enough, know this story.
Resolutions / Goals
Well, there are many things I want for 2010 and I am hoping I can accomplish most or all of them. These include, but are not limited to:
1. Focus on paying down debt - I want to be able to afford a few nice things again every once in a while, and this involves being able to put some things on credit. However, I have just enough debt to the point where I don't want to take the risk of not being able to pay bills soon, etc. I am putting myself on stricter limits and freezing my credit card spending as much as I possibly can this year in order to pay down the debt.
2. Get to bed a little earlier - This involves less time on the internet, etc. I am simply tired of going through my work week feeling like I am desperately fighting sleep just to get my job done in the morning. I don't want to have to rely on that first cup of tea every day to make me alert and focused.
3. Work toward forwarding my career aspirations - I want to develop the skills I only broke the surface of when I was in college, so I can work my way up just a little in my career life. I got my first full-time job last year and it is satisfactory. However, I can see myself growing weary after a few years, if I'm not careful. I want to fine-tune some of my skills in an effort to keep moving forward. I wouldn't mind moving up within the same company, either; as it is a great company to work for.
4. Music - As usual, I want to finish up some projects and get on stage with a band again. This is still a passion of mine and I'm not treating like one.
5. Get in shape - This one is always on the list and I do like to think I've improved in this area over the last few months as the last time I visited the doctor, I received some great news about my cholesterol reading and I owe it all to my running habits. Now, I just need to get rid of this stomach.
2009 - A year full of extreme highs and extreme lows; feeling somewhere in-between there lately. 2010 - Bring it on. I'm ready for what's next in the world of Craig.
2009 Year-in-review Pt. IV
October
Halloween month! One of my favorite times of the year. Due to my other emotional issues, it took me a little later to get around to the planning of my costume and such. So, I ended up throwing it together in about a week's time. It worked out well. I went as the Undertaker from wrestling. It was a very different Halloween experience in that once we went to downtown Kent, we went in a bar and stayed there the whole night. I don't know what to say about it. It wasn't bad, but at the same time, you didn't really get a feel for seeing all the costumes and such around town.
November
Not a whole lot to talk about regarding November. Thanksgiving was great. A lot of people in town.
December
Also, really, not much to go on about in December. There was another Pittsburgh trip that was a lot of fun and somewhat interesting. It's always a fun time to for a change of scenery and seeing a lot friends who I don't get to see much. Also, Christmas, which went over the way it always does. It was good. I went and saw Sherlock Holmes on Christmas Day and that was probably my favorite movie of 2009; well done. I have no idea if it disgraces the original Sherlock movies or the books or anything, but it was a most enjoyable film.
So, if you're wondering (if you're even reading this) why I rushed through the end of the year, well, it's like this: As you can see, it's already 2010 and I don't much care for looking back after the turn of the year. I just want to look and move forward right now. One more post about just that...looking forward.
Halloween month! One of my favorite times of the year. Due to my other emotional issues, it took me a little later to get around to the planning of my costume and such. So, I ended up throwing it together in about a week's time. It worked out well. I went as the Undertaker from wrestling. It was a very different Halloween experience in that once we went to downtown Kent, we went in a bar and stayed there the whole night. I don't know what to say about it. It wasn't bad, but at the same time, you didn't really get a feel for seeing all the costumes and such around town.
November
Not a whole lot to talk about regarding November. Thanksgiving was great. A lot of people in town.
December
Also, really, not much to go on about in December. There was another Pittsburgh trip that was a lot of fun and somewhat interesting. It's always a fun time to for a change of scenery and seeing a lot friends who I don't get to see much. Also, Christmas, which went over the way it always does. It was good. I went and saw Sherlock Holmes on Christmas Day and that was probably my favorite movie of 2009; well done. I have no idea if it disgraces the original Sherlock movies or the books or anything, but it was a most enjoyable film.
So, if you're wondering (if you're even reading this) why I rushed through the end of the year, well, it's like this: As you can see, it's already 2010 and I don't much care for looking back after the turn of the year. I just want to look and move forward right now. One more post about just that...looking forward.
Friday, January 1, 2010
2009 Year in Review Part III
July
July was an interesting month to say the least. You could feel the relationship between myself and my ex nearing a breaking point, yet there were still a few signs of life out of nowhere, but ultimately not enough to save it. Anyway, I'll get to that for August. So, lets have the re-cap of events. The fourth was my sister's birthday, which is always a good time. I actually got to see some fireworks this year, unlike last year, which still has me in disbelief. My girlfriend had her annual family vacation to Sunset Beach, NC. and this time I was invited along. It was a great trip. I still stand by that, too. I believe it was after I had returned that I went to the Adrian Belew Power Trio show; which was nothing short of amazing (and deafening). It was also around this time that I went for a Team Lead position in my department at work; perhaps a little ambitious for only being with the company less than a year, but I felt I was cut out for it. Those in administrative positions, however, did not.
August
Again, I only re-tread on this because it was a very impactful event...the breakup, of course. After about a total of 4 years of being together, my ex and I decided to finally call it quits. Things, I feel, may have been deteriorating as far back as Autumn of 2008. No matter how much I thought it was gonna happen eventually, it still hit me like a freight-train when it actually did. Even though it was mutual, a big part of me was just torn up; it was an immediate sense of knowing that I was giving up what was basically 90% of my life outside of work. I suppose it's only natural to feel some kind of remorse, no matter what side of the breakup you're on. I had never been through the feeling of heartbreak until this point, though; and I didn't know how to deal with it. My first reaction was to get her back; and I am thankful that she stood strong and wouldn't allow it; because I guess I always knew somewhere inside me that with all our differences, it could never have worked out in the end. It became so hard to work on the relationship, that I just couldn't work on it anymore; and that's what I believe happened to us. At some point, I just simply stopped trying because I couldn't do it anymore; yet here I was letting the relationship carry on for a long time after that. I guess it was because it just becomes easier to stay together than to separate. In such a long relationship, you almost become dependent on someone so much, that even when you know it's not right anymore, you also know that losing them means giving up a large part of yourself, too. This was especially true in this case, I think, because we were living together also. I always knew that it would be difficult to end it all, but I didn't quite move on the way I had expected to. It's the most emptiness I've ever felt. I have not had someone really close to me pass away, but if I had to describe it, that was the feeling. Sure, it was nice because friends were right there to try and pick me up. I still didn't know how to deal, because the one person I felt I could bare all my emotions to was gone. Work was a challenge for the first month or so. I had to keep focused in order to stop from breaking down. I think people had maybe noticed a bit of a personality change but didn't really know why. Some days all I could do was just "exist". I knew I was never going to be the same again, but eventually I realized that it didn't have to be a bad thing. It all starts getting better when you begin to look at what you do have, and realize that whatever the next relationship is, you've become such a stronger and smarter person from your experience that it is almost guaranteed to be more fulfilling than the last.
September
I was still trying to shake off the tidal wave of emotions and then total emptiness from the breakup. You eventually get used to coming home to an empty apartment (don't get me wrong, getting used to it does not mean it ever feels good to come home to nothing but yourself). This, however, promised to be a better month, as I was going to the U2 concert in Washington D.C. at the end of it. Unfortunately, I think it was around this time that I had started getting over everything by getting kind of angry at some of the things that were done or said in the relationship. I had felt like I finally had a grasp on why things fell apart and decided I was in a much much better place now. This was a good start to getting myself back on track. It was time to start looking toward the futue, even with it being so hard to shake off the past. And, finally, the U2 concert came. It still baffles me how one band can put on such a good show that you don't have to worry even about the darkest kinds of pain; a great escape from reality for 2 and a half hours. One of the highlights of the year.
July was an interesting month to say the least. You could feel the relationship between myself and my ex nearing a breaking point, yet there were still a few signs of life out of nowhere, but ultimately not enough to save it. Anyway, I'll get to that for August. So, lets have the re-cap of events. The fourth was my sister's birthday, which is always a good time. I actually got to see some fireworks this year, unlike last year, which still has me in disbelief. My girlfriend had her annual family vacation to Sunset Beach, NC. and this time I was invited along. It was a great trip. I still stand by that, too. I believe it was after I had returned that I went to the Adrian Belew Power Trio show; which was nothing short of amazing (and deafening). It was also around this time that I went for a Team Lead position in my department at work; perhaps a little ambitious for only being with the company less than a year, but I felt I was cut out for it. Those in administrative positions, however, did not.
August
Again, I only re-tread on this because it was a very impactful event...the breakup, of course. After about a total of 4 years of being together, my ex and I decided to finally call it quits. Things, I feel, may have been deteriorating as far back as Autumn of 2008. No matter how much I thought it was gonna happen eventually, it still hit me like a freight-train when it actually did. Even though it was mutual, a big part of me was just torn up; it was an immediate sense of knowing that I was giving up what was basically 90% of my life outside of work. I suppose it's only natural to feel some kind of remorse, no matter what side of the breakup you're on. I had never been through the feeling of heartbreak until this point, though; and I didn't know how to deal with it. My first reaction was to get her back; and I am thankful that she stood strong and wouldn't allow it; because I guess I always knew somewhere inside me that with all our differences, it could never have worked out in the end. It became so hard to work on the relationship, that I just couldn't work on it anymore; and that's what I believe happened to us. At some point, I just simply stopped trying because I couldn't do it anymore; yet here I was letting the relationship carry on for a long time after that. I guess it was because it just becomes easier to stay together than to separate. In such a long relationship, you almost become dependent on someone so much, that even when you know it's not right anymore, you also know that losing them means giving up a large part of yourself, too. This was especially true in this case, I think, because we were living together also. I always knew that it would be difficult to end it all, but I didn't quite move on the way I had expected to. It's the most emptiness I've ever felt. I have not had someone really close to me pass away, but if I had to describe it, that was the feeling. Sure, it was nice because friends were right there to try and pick me up. I still didn't know how to deal, because the one person I felt I could bare all my emotions to was gone. Work was a challenge for the first month or so. I had to keep focused in order to stop from breaking down. I think people had maybe noticed a bit of a personality change but didn't really know why. Some days all I could do was just "exist". I knew I was never going to be the same again, but eventually I realized that it didn't have to be a bad thing. It all starts getting better when you begin to look at what you do have, and realize that whatever the next relationship is, you've become such a stronger and smarter person from your experience that it is almost guaranteed to be more fulfilling than the last.
September
I was still trying to shake off the tidal wave of emotions and then total emptiness from the breakup. You eventually get used to coming home to an empty apartment (don't get me wrong, getting used to it does not mean it ever feels good to come home to nothing but yourself). This, however, promised to be a better month, as I was going to the U2 concert in Washington D.C. at the end of it. Unfortunately, I think it was around this time that I had started getting over everything by getting kind of angry at some of the things that were done or said in the relationship. I had felt like I finally had a grasp on why things fell apart and decided I was in a much much better place now. This was a good start to getting myself back on track. It was time to start looking toward the futue, even with it being so hard to shake off the past. And, finally, the U2 concert came. It still baffles me how one band can put on such a good show that you don't have to worry even about the darkest kinds of pain; a great escape from reality for 2 and a half hours. One of the highlights of the year.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
2009 Year-in-review Part II
April
Not a terribly eventful month. My iPod had stopped working after only 3 years of service in March and I took it to the Apple store. They said I would have to buy a replacement and it wasn't able to be repaired. Well, about a week later (in April, which is why this story is here), I was online looking how to open up an iPod and replace the battery and hard-drive, in one of the two concerns was the issue. Guess what. Just happened that a connector had come a little bit loose and a little un-plugging and re-plugging took care of it. Hmm...now, you mean to tell me that the representatives at Apple that they call "geniuses" could not have done the same thing? I think I was just told some crap in order for me to buy something.
May
One phrase sums this month up: New Car Month!!
That's right. I finally ditched the old money-guzzler car for something a little more reliable and somewhat newer; and did I mention a whole hell of a lot more fun to drive. This was my first experience actually buying a new car under my name. I think I got a bit "taken" on the loan, but I got it down where it was at my affordability. Anyway, the car is a 2003 Acura RSX Type-S. I don't imagine I'll be buying a Ford ever again. Also, the dealership where I purchased the car just-so-happens to not be in business any longer. I suppose the economy claimed another victim.
June
June. June. June....for the life of me, I can't recall anything major that happened in June. I usually have another blog to refer back to in times like these. However, it is empty for the month of June, because I don't write in it as much as I used to. Oh well, July, August, and September were pretty big. So, I'll have a pretty "meaty" entry next time.
Not a terribly eventful month. My iPod had stopped working after only 3 years of service in March and I took it to the Apple store. They said I would have to buy a replacement and it wasn't able to be repaired. Well, about a week later (in April, which is why this story is here), I was online looking how to open up an iPod and replace the battery and hard-drive, in one of the two concerns was the issue. Guess what. Just happened that a connector had come a little bit loose and a little un-plugging and re-plugging took care of it. Hmm...now, you mean to tell me that the representatives at Apple that they call "geniuses" could not have done the same thing? I think I was just told some crap in order for me to buy something.
May
One phrase sums this month up: New Car Month!!
That's right. I finally ditched the old money-guzzler car for something a little more reliable and somewhat newer; and did I mention a whole hell of a lot more fun to drive. This was my first experience actually buying a new car under my name. I think I got a bit "taken" on the loan, but I got it down where it was at my affordability. Anyway, the car is a 2003 Acura RSX Type-S. I don't imagine I'll be buying a Ford ever again. Also, the dealership where I purchased the car just-so-happens to not be in business any longer. I suppose the economy claimed another victim.
June
June. June. June....for the life of me, I can't recall anything major that happened in June. I usually have another blog to refer back to in times like these. However, it is empty for the month of June, because I don't write in it as much as I used to. Oh well, July, August, and September were pretty big. So, I'll have a pretty "meaty" entry next time.
Monday, December 28, 2009
2009: A Year-in-Review: Part 1 - By the Months
I know what you're thinking to yourself: "What the hell happened to the album reviews?!" Well, don't fret. They shall return. I wanted to deviate from them, due to two factors. 1. I like to do my year-in-review post prior to the turning of the next year as a way to cap it off. 2. I got a few more 2009 albums on Christmas that need a little more "sinking-in" time before I can properly do a review of them.
So, without further ado, I bring you Craig's Year-in-Review 2009 Edition: Part 1
January
New job. New Craig. New lifestyle. That about says it all. I began a new job on January 5 that basically turned my life around. I had grown so incredibly frustrated with my previous job, I could no longer function in my personal life without bringing the job-stress with me. Everything fell into place perfectly for this new career move. I feel as though I owe a huge debt of gratitude to those who helped make it happen. Granted, I still feel as though this job is somewhat of a stepping-stone to greater things. However, this is it. Life with a full-time job; and not a bad job either. I would go into a few of the details, but I feel as though it may bore some. Don't get me wrong, it's not a boring job, for the most part. It's about what I would want from an entry-level, full-time position. There were also some unforeseen growing pains of adjusting to a full-time schedule that I really didn't see coming and have finally, in the past couple months, got myself comfortable with. The things I keep in mind: Evenings are short and sweet; Sleep isn't as important to my daily life as I once thought; Weekends should be used to the fullest extent as they are the highlight of the week and really quite amazing.
February
More of the same. Holy crap it was cold this month! Probably have to endure similar conditions this coming year. The heating bill sky-rocketed. (I have the gas-company's asses kicked whenever the next budget re-evaluation is though. I was prepared this time!) I was offered an official position in the company where I work. Should have mentioned I started through a temp agency. I honestly can't recall much else happening during this month...just that it was cold and pretty shitty because of that. This may have been the month in which I had to enter my car through the trunk for about a week; because a whole team of dumbasses must have designed my car. The driver's-side door handle busted and the passenger's side doesn't have a key-hole. Genius!! I see so many benefits to that! *side note: most likely never buying a Ford again the rest of my life.
March
I think the weather got so bad early this month, that work closed down halfway through the day one day. My Mustang made it home, so nobody had the right to complain that day. The new U2 album also came out this month. It was a lot of excitement and a little bit of disappointment. I have gone over it so much in my weblogs that I don't think it's worth ranting about again. The biggest benefit of this month is that I can start running outside again by the end of it. Otherwise, I'm not a huge fan of Spring. I think that was everything of note that happened in March.
Well, looks like I'm going to do this in quarters, because just coming up with three months took me about an hour. So, more to come! Stay Tuned!
So, without further ado, I bring you Craig's Year-in-Review 2009 Edition: Part 1
January
New job. New Craig. New lifestyle. That about says it all. I began a new job on January 5 that basically turned my life around. I had grown so incredibly frustrated with my previous job, I could no longer function in my personal life without bringing the job-stress with me. Everything fell into place perfectly for this new career move. I feel as though I owe a huge debt of gratitude to those who helped make it happen. Granted, I still feel as though this job is somewhat of a stepping-stone to greater things. However, this is it. Life with a full-time job; and not a bad job either. I would go into a few of the details, but I feel as though it may bore some. Don't get me wrong, it's not a boring job, for the most part. It's about what I would want from an entry-level, full-time position. There were also some unforeseen growing pains of adjusting to a full-time schedule that I really didn't see coming and have finally, in the past couple months, got myself comfortable with. The things I keep in mind: Evenings are short and sweet; Sleep isn't as important to my daily life as I once thought; Weekends should be used to the fullest extent as they are the highlight of the week and really quite amazing.
February
More of the same. Holy crap it was cold this month! Probably have to endure similar conditions this coming year. The heating bill sky-rocketed. (I have the gas-company's asses kicked whenever the next budget re-evaluation is though. I was prepared this time!) I was offered an official position in the company where I work. Should have mentioned I started through a temp agency. I honestly can't recall much else happening during this month...just that it was cold and pretty shitty because of that. This may have been the month in which I had to enter my car through the trunk for about a week; because a whole team of dumbasses must have designed my car. The driver's-side door handle busted and the passenger's side doesn't have a key-hole. Genius!! I see so many benefits to that! *side note: most likely never buying a Ford again the rest of my life.
March
I think the weather got so bad early this month, that work closed down halfway through the day one day. My Mustang made it home, so nobody had the right to complain that day. The new U2 album also came out this month. It was a lot of excitement and a little bit of disappointment. I have gone over it so much in my weblogs that I don't think it's worth ranting about again. The biggest benefit of this month is that I can start running outside again by the end of it. Otherwise, I'm not a huge fan of Spring. I think that was everything of note that happened in March.
Well, looks like I'm going to do this in quarters, because just coming up with three months took me about an hour. So, more to come! Stay Tuned!
Saturday, December 26, 2009
2009 Album Review #8: Porcupine Tree - The Incident
Even on their tenth studio album, Porcupine Tree shows no signs of growing stale with age. This is a band who has taken the progressive style to a new level. "The Incident" was an album that took a little while to grow on me. Don't get me wrong, I liked it from the start; but it got so much better upon each listen. When it was announced the album would be one 55-minute song cycle, I didn't know how to feel. I figured it would be too difficult for the casual listener and that they wouldn't gain too many new fans this time around. Once you get a good listen to the album, however, you realize that the case is not that it is one long song; rather 14 songs or "bits and pieces" that are fitted together so they flow together as a complete album. This means it's actually quite easy to pick out your favorite tracks and just go back and listen to those without missing anything, if you're that type of listener. After seeing the band perform the entire first disc (yes, there's a second disc that I haven't mentioned yet) on stage, I realized just how great these songs are as a whole, rather than just in their individual forms. To get the full picture, you really need to go through this album start to finish at least a few times. To give you a little more of the idea, the album's title, "The Incident", comes from the notion of an occurrence in a person's life in which they know nothing will ever be the same again going forward (in the case of this album, a car-wreck seems to be the "incident" of choice). It's a beautiful work full of very talented musicians creating music that has power, drive, and feeling.
When talking about Porcupine Tree, it is difficult not to mention their drummer, Gavin Harrison; who is so good at what he does, I don't know if he ever falls into a pattern. It's as if he makes each phrase unique; and in some of the more interesting time signatures that the band plays in, this is no easy task.
Okay, I will mention the second disc of "The Incident", which seems to be the leftover tracks that didn't quite fit into the grand scheme of things. Two of these tracks are great; "Bonnie the Cat" and "Remember me Lover". The other two are good, but don't really leave a lasting impression. Still, I am a firm believer that if you're even considering throwing in some extra material, there's just no reason not to; and that this second disc was worth the extra effort.
Overall, the album is among the band's best.
When talking about Porcupine Tree, it is difficult not to mention their drummer, Gavin Harrison; who is so good at what he does, I don't know if he ever falls into a pattern. It's as if he makes each phrase unique; and in some of the more interesting time signatures that the band plays in, this is no easy task.
Okay, I will mention the second disc of "The Incident", which seems to be the leftover tracks that didn't quite fit into the grand scheme of things. Two of these tracks are great; "Bonnie the Cat" and "Remember me Lover". The other two are good, but don't really leave a lasting impression. Still, I am a firm believer that if you're even considering throwing in some extra material, there's just no reason not to; and that this second disc was worth the extra effort.
Overall, the album is among the band's best.
Monday, December 21, 2009
2009 Album Review # 7: Kasabian - West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum
Kasabian is a band that plays outside of the lines of any style, simply by defining their own. There is a definite "Kasabian sound" that has formed over the band's three albums, though. However, this is not necessarily a bad thing as a band that maintains certain signature sounds is still capable of using them in new and interesting ways. This album is example of such. As with all Kasabian albums, there are high points and low points; and this one is about a 70/30 split in favor of the former. I don't want to say that Kasabian doesn't quite know how to put together a good slower-paced tune, but they miss the mark on almost every down-beat, slower-tempo song on the album, with the exception of "Thick as Thieves" and the odd "West Ryder Silver Bullet" (unless we're counting "Secret Alphabets" in that category, because that is a great song). Needless to say, the fast-paced rockers are where it's at on this album. "Fast Fuse", "Vlad the Impaler", and "Fire" all amazing songs; even despite "Fire" following a similar formula to "Empire" from the band's previous album. On "West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum" (which I believe could use one less word in the title), Kasabian does not push the boundaries of their own sound, but remain in their own realm of creativity; and they have come up with some of their best material in the process.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
2009 Album Review #6: The Adrian Belew Power Trio - e
Adrian Belew - the man has redefined guitar playing, as far as I'm concerned. He is more than just a guitar player, however. He has a rather large catalog of solo work and collaborations with other artists and has played just about every instrument you could imagine in doing so...either that, or he has figured out how to make his guitar sound like every instrument (or animal) imaginable. The most recent release from Belew, titled "e", is more than a solo piece. It is a work by three musicians; the other two of which are equally as skilled as Adrian himself (you have to be in order to keep up with the man). The other two musicians are Eric Slick on drums and his sister Julie Slick on the bass. What the three of them have put together musically for this release is nothing short of impressive. This music is not for everyone, that's for sure. This is somewhere in the instrumental-progressive category. The piece, which breaks into 5 smaller parts (a,b,c,d, and of course e) is a frantic, frenzied venture. It is all apparently based off the chromatic e-scale, which is played in different variations by Belew, usually as a loop, to act as sort of the rhythm guitar of any given part of the music; which he'll then play more melodic guitar lines over-top of. The Slick siblings provide a terrific rhythm section to all this, in order to keep it all in whatever-the-hell kind of ridiculous time signature it happens to be in at any given moment. "e" works best when listened to all the way through start to finish, and rarely lets up. The weakest section is right in the middle; the piece entitled "c" seems to resemble more of a three-piece group warming up by playing scales, yet it still helps tie it all together and there is a decent drum-beat going for that section (you'll also hear the only vocals in the entire album during the playing of "c", when Adrian yells out "Yeah!" in the background because of how excited and impressed he is by his fellow musicians.). As much as I immensely enjoy the work known as "e", I do hope that Adrian gets back a little more into some "songs"; by which, I mean I hope there are some more of those Beatle-esque pop-rock tunes he's created in the past to come. Don't get me wrong, these are never the "dime-a-dozen" pop songs we hear on radio. They are done only the way Adrian can do them; with a strong dose of originality and a style all his own.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
2009 Album Review #5: Doves - Kingdom of Rust
What a great band the Doves are. The way I always explain their music is it sounds like music from long ago, but from a different planet. So, what can I say about the Doves 4th studio album? It's good. It's true, the first two Doves albums are their best, but the only thing that is lacking in the later two albums is that they just don't have a "whole" album feel to them. The songs are just as good as previous efforts, but there is a flow to the first two albums that just makes them bigger than their individual parts. "Kingdom of Rust" is a slight improvement from the third release, but not by leaps and bounds. There are some great highlights here, including the title track which is reminiscent of "There Goes the Fear" (possibly the band's most popular song); There's the driving, funky "Compulsion", which is a fantastic song and may be the best on the album; there is the ever-building grand finale song "Lifelines", which is great if you're feeling kind of down, or need that extra motivational boost or whatever; There's "Spellbound" which has a nice 3/4 thing going on. That is just to name a few. The songs are there, but much like U2's latest effort, I'm not so sure the "vision" is; luckily, for the Doves, this doesn't hurt them too much and still keeps in the spirit of their experimental space-rock style. A solid effort that is just out of reach of being amongst their best.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
2009 Album Review #4: Dave Matthews Band - Big Whiskey and the Groogrux King
Dave Matthews Band, what can I say? This is a group I've fallen in and out of love with on several occasions. The new album "Big Whiskey..." was one that totally surprised me. I did not have high expectations, but there was just enough interest there to still give it a chance and go out and buy it. I am sure glad that I did. First of all, the band's previous effort "Stand Up" was just okay at best. Secondly, with the death of their saxophone player, LeRoi Moore, I couldn't see this being more than a futile attempt at recapturing some magic that had long faded away. I learned that most of this album was completed with Moore's saxophone parts, and I heard a few samples of songs. So, I went out and made the purchase. The album is definitely a "grower"; it took a few listens to get used to the sound. This is a new, fresh sound for DMB. It's like they took the best of what they did in the past, then added some heavier electric guitar and a lot more brass. It works very well. A lot of these songs are pretty rockin'. I can't say enough about the song "Seven", which to say is amazing would be an understatement. The opening track, "Shake me like a Monkey" is pure energy. Other highlights include "Squirm", "Alligator Pie", and "Time Bomb". I also have to point out how fantastic a drummer Carter Beauford is; I have no clue how he drives these songs the way he does and still fits in some really great fills. The only drawback I can point out with this album is that as far as the radio singles go, they really selected the wrong ones. "Funny the Way it is", "Why I am", and "You & Me" have all been getting a little radio play, but in my opinion, are not a good example of what the album really has to offer. Also, I feel like Boyd Tinsley, the violinist, did not get a chance to shine at all on this record. All in all, a real surprise. This is a new, modernized sound for DMB and it strikes all the right chords. The question now will be, where do they go from here? How does a band carry on without one of their most talented musicians? I suppose we'll find out in time.
Friday, November 20, 2009
2009 Album Review #3: Bob Dylan - Together Through Life
Bob Dylan is an artist who I feel like has aged well...until now. You should understand that type of Dylan fan I am. There is very little about the "classic" Bob Dylan catalog that I actually enjoy. Aside from "Lay, Lady, Lay" and "The Man in Me" (which I attribute liking it to The Big Lebowski), there really aren't too many Bob Dylan songs from prior to 1997 that I really enjoy or even like to an extent. Granted, I've never really dug deep into his material. It is when I hear the amazing work he has done in his later years, that I find it somewhat hard to believe this is the same Dylan. Starting with 97's "Time out of Mind", Dylan has released three really fantastic albums. They are all a perfect mix of that American blues/rock sound, Bob's gruff and well-aged voice (which yes, sounds ten times better than his voice in his younger days), and his cleverly written lyrics. Unfortunately, on "Together Through Life", the energy and spirit just aren't there. Aside from the first track "Beyond Here Lies Nothing" (which is almost an appropriate description of the album itself) there isn't much here to really go crazy about. Dylan's voice no longer just sounds gruff around the edges, but almost somewhat damaged. The songs aren't as lively and fun throughout. There is simply something lacking about the entire record that the previous three had. I would say that I hope it's not the start of a trend, but to be honest, the fact that we got three strong releases from Dylan at all is already more than I could expect.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
2009 Album Review #2: Steven Wilson - Insurgentes
Steven Wilson (frontman of Porcupine Tree) created a solo album every bit as beautiful, haunting, and rockin' as a Porcupine Tree album. It is in that where the only flaw of this album lies; it sounds like a Porcupine Tree album (which is to be expected, as PT started out as just Wilson seeing what he could come up with way back in the late 80's /Early 90's). It's very rewarding to see Tony Levin (of King Crimson fame) in the credits. Some highlights are the extremely spacey "Veneno Para las Hadas", which sounds like a more spaced-out version of PT's The Sky Moves Sideways. Also very interesting are the seemingly Adrian Belew/King Crimson inspired "No Twilight Within the Courts of the Sun", which has an extremely progressive flavor; the addictive "Only Child", and the menacing sound of "Salvaging". It feels as if this is the material that Wilson may have wrote intending it for the band (PT), but ended up using it as his own because it didn't fit in with any of the "concepts" that the band's recent albums have had. A definite win for Steven Wilson; shame that most likely the only ones that know about this album are the Porcupine Tree fans.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
2009 Album Review #1: U2 - No Line on the Horizon
As I stated in my previous entry, I'm going to do a series of "Mini-reviews" of albums that were released in 2009 that I own, ending with a decision on what my personal favorite Album of the Year is. So, without further hesitation, here is the first in the series:
U2 - No Line on the Horizon
- I have too high of expectations for my favorite band, I guess. This so-called venture into experimentation turned into an album that really doesn't know what it wants to be. There are songs that hint a little at experimentation, but they are laced with typical U2 guitar sounds care of the Edge, Larry's straightforward drumming, and Bono's lyrics about the triumph of the human spirit (*yawn*). Other songs are just blatent attempts at having another huge hit, which the band is usually great at, but it's all treading over the same old ground. Too much focus on what their next hit is going to be and I don't think they'll ever be able to pull off anything truly innovative again, because the idea of being a "hits" band has been their focus for almost ten years now. There are many highlights on this album, however, and some true moments of genius. One man has pulled through and continues to improve and shine on every record: Adam Clayton. This album has produced a few of the bands best songs ("Magnificent" and "Unknown Caller" are fantastic), but for the most part this is amongst their least-effective work.
U2 - No Line on the Horizon
- I have too high of expectations for my favorite band, I guess. This so-called venture into experimentation turned into an album that really doesn't know what it wants to be. There are songs that hint a little at experimentation, but they are laced with typical U2 guitar sounds care of the Edge, Larry's straightforward drumming, and Bono's lyrics about the triumph of the human spirit (*yawn*). Other songs are just blatent attempts at having another huge hit, which the band is usually great at, but it's all treading over the same old ground. Too much focus on what their next hit is going to be and I don't think they'll ever be able to pull off anything truly innovative again, because the idea of being a "hits" band has been their focus for almost ten years now. There are many highlights on this album, however, and some true moments of genius. One man has pulled through and continues to improve and shine on every record: Adam Clayton. This album has produced a few of the bands best songs ("Magnificent" and "Unknown Caller" are fantastic), but for the most part this is amongst their least-effective work.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Are we approaching that time again?!
2009 is just about coming to a close. My next post will most likely be the Year-in-review like I have done the past 2 years in a row. This time, a new added feature will take place where I post a bunch of mini-reviews of albums I have bought that were released throughout the course of 2009 and pick one stand-out winner of "Craig's Album of the Year 2009". This may turn into a multi-part series that I may begin fairly soon. I don't believe there are too many more 2009 albums that I am going to wish to acquire; and if there are, I will save those reviews until last. This will be in addition to the month-by-month review of events in my life and the section to follow on lessons learned and resolutions for 2010. I enjoy doing this as sort of a way to gauge where I've been vs. where I am vs. where I'm going.
So, brief preview of what's to come in my Year-in-Review. For starters, it's once again been a huge year in my life...professionally and personally. I'm sure I'll have a section regarding the most important and the best job I've had yet (one that probably saved me from a mental breakdown). I'll also speak pretty straightforwardly, but not at length, about the infamous "breakup"; mainly discussing briefly what happened and the strength it took to make it through and finally put it behind me. I say that I won't talk at length about it, because A.) It's no longer deserving of giving much thought to anymore; B.) Some scars and wounds are a little too personal to discuss on a weblog, but if you want to know my deep (and yes, somewhat dark) feelings about the topic, you can ask me privately; and lastly C.) I'm only concerned with getting far away from it and moving on at this point. The reason I will even briefly discuss it is because (to borrow from one of my favorite bands) in this point in my life, my breakup has been my "incident", that is to say that one moment or event that happens in your life where you know that nothing will ever be the same from that point forward. Aside from all that, I have some stories about vacations, finding myself when I didn't think I would need to, getting a new car, going to concerts, etc.
There is still a month and a half to go! Who knows, the best may be yet to come. See you soon!
So, brief preview of what's to come in my Year-in-Review. For starters, it's once again been a huge year in my life...professionally and personally. I'm sure I'll have a section regarding the most important and the best job I've had yet (one that probably saved me from a mental breakdown). I'll also speak pretty straightforwardly, but not at length, about the infamous "breakup"; mainly discussing briefly what happened and the strength it took to make it through and finally put it behind me. I say that I won't talk at length about it, because A.) It's no longer deserving of giving much thought to anymore; B.) Some scars and wounds are a little too personal to discuss on a weblog, but if you want to know my deep (and yes, somewhat dark) feelings about the topic, you can ask me privately; and lastly C.) I'm only concerned with getting far away from it and moving on at this point. The reason I will even briefly discuss it is because (to borrow from one of my favorite bands) in this point in my life, my breakup has been my "incident", that is to say that one moment or event that happens in your life where you know that nothing will ever be the same from that point forward. Aside from all that, I have some stories about vacations, finding myself when I didn't think I would need to, getting a new car, going to concerts, etc.
There is still a month and a half to go! Who knows, the best may be yet to come. See you soon!
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
2008: Lessons and Resolutions
So, 2008 has been one of the most exciting years, yet definitely the most difficult. What have I learned this year?
1. No matter how much time you have on your hands (although I have little), you will never accomplish everything you want to in life. You either accept this or let it drive you mad. The key is to prioritize. Sadly, prioritizing doesn't leave much time for a lot of my hopes and dreams in life. I wish I could devote myself fully to music. However, that would not be practical. Instead, it takes a backseat as more of a hobby. I'm not at all pleased with that, but I do have to accept that songs won't get finished, albums won't get finished right away, etc. This is just one of many examples of work and other plans getting in the way of my desires.
2. This leads me to the next thing I learned. Time will fly by if you're busy, whether it's fun or not. I'm mainly just saying this because I'm disappointed with how busy I've been and how it caused this year to just slide on by. It's time I can never get back and I feel like I lost most of it to my jobs and to my worrying about those jobs.
3. I think I am always going to be the kind of guy who wonders what else is out there, specifically relationship-wise. I find myself feeling some things that are similar to why I broke up with Suzy the first time, however it is mostly a feeling of "I wish I was out sleeping around just because I now know I'm a one-woman man and it bugs me." I love Suzy so much and I never want to lose her. This caused me to realize that I think that no matter what relationship I were to be in, I would always wonder "What if...?". This is the type of feeling you either get over, because you realize you are with the right person, or you carry out your life jumping from empty hookup to empty hookup, feeling just that...empty.
Resolutions
So, what is it that Craig can do to better himself and feel better about himself in 2009?
1. I resolve to stop taking myself so seriously all the time. I feel as though worrying about my job and stressing over everything has made me feel like I'm in my mid-40's already. I don't feel like the guy everyone has fun with or the same old "hilarious" Craig I used to be anymore. It's one of my character traits I think I lost after moving out of my parents' house and it's one I want back. I need to be out there having fun and not feeling old before my time while I'm still young. Hell, I have at least another 5 years in me before I'm going to start feeling "older" at all. I honestly feel like I'm only about 22 years old, and I act like I'm 45; I think part of it is the effect of a 7-year retail job, but at the same time, it is just me letting it get under my skin. Now I complain about how many trips to the car I have to make, how I need 8 hours of sleep to function, etc. It's kind of pathetic and I'm going to work on putting an end to it.
2. More time for music. I love writing music. I love playing music. I want to be on stage again. Instead of working to make all of these things happen, I'm letting it all slip away slowly. Not anymore! I will finish some of the projects I'm working on! I will complete the "band" and take it out to the stage once again! Having a new job should provide for more allowance to do so.
3. Get in the best shape of my life. This time, exercise is not going to be just about losing weight. I have to focus on flattening my stomach and defining myself a lot more. I have evidence that it can work and I'm going to make sure that I'm able to devote at least an hour to it 5 times a week. I'll have to work my way up, but I'm sick of feeling flabby after almost 13 years of being unsatisfied with my self-image. Sure, I feel better now than I ever have and I probably look better than I used to on the outside, but once that shirt comes off, I just feel my self-esteem meter drop. I will be looking amazing in 2009!
The End of 2008: Goodbye and Good Riddance
1. No matter how much time you have on your hands (although I have little), you will never accomplish everything you want to in life. You either accept this or let it drive you mad. The key is to prioritize. Sadly, prioritizing doesn't leave much time for a lot of my hopes and dreams in life. I wish I could devote myself fully to music. However, that would not be practical. Instead, it takes a backseat as more of a hobby. I'm not at all pleased with that, but I do have to accept that songs won't get finished, albums won't get finished right away, etc. This is just one of many examples of work and other plans getting in the way of my desires.
2. This leads me to the next thing I learned. Time will fly by if you're busy, whether it's fun or not. I'm mainly just saying this because I'm disappointed with how busy I've been and how it caused this year to just slide on by. It's time I can never get back and I feel like I lost most of it to my jobs and to my worrying about those jobs.
3. I think I am always going to be the kind of guy who wonders what else is out there, specifically relationship-wise. I find myself feeling some things that are similar to why I broke up with Suzy the first time, however it is mostly a feeling of "I wish I was out sleeping around just because I now know I'm a one-woman man and it bugs me." I love Suzy so much and I never want to lose her. This caused me to realize that I think that no matter what relationship I were to be in, I would always wonder "What if...?". This is the type of feeling you either get over, because you realize you are with the right person, or you carry out your life jumping from empty hookup to empty hookup, feeling just that...empty.
Resolutions
So, what is it that Craig can do to better himself and feel better about himself in 2009?
1. I resolve to stop taking myself so seriously all the time. I feel as though worrying about my job and stressing over everything has made me feel like I'm in my mid-40's already. I don't feel like the guy everyone has fun with or the same old "hilarious" Craig I used to be anymore. It's one of my character traits I think I lost after moving out of my parents' house and it's one I want back. I need to be out there having fun and not feeling old before my time while I'm still young. Hell, I have at least another 5 years in me before I'm going to start feeling "older" at all. I honestly feel like I'm only about 22 years old, and I act like I'm 45; I think part of it is the effect of a 7-year retail job, but at the same time, it is just me letting it get under my skin. Now I complain about how many trips to the car I have to make, how I need 8 hours of sleep to function, etc. It's kind of pathetic and I'm going to work on putting an end to it.
2. More time for music. I love writing music. I love playing music. I want to be on stage again. Instead of working to make all of these things happen, I'm letting it all slip away slowly. Not anymore! I will finish some of the projects I'm working on! I will complete the "band" and take it out to the stage once again! Having a new job should provide for more allowance to do so.
3. Get in the best shape of my life. This time, exercise is not going to be just about losing weight. I have to focus on flattening my stomach and defining myself a lot more. I have evidence that it can work and I'm going to make sure that I'm able to devote at least an hour to it 5 times a week. I'll have to work my way up, but I'm sick of feeling flabby after almost 13 years of being unsatisfied with my self-image. Sure, I feel better now than I ever have and I probably look better than I used to on the outside, but once that shirt comes off, I just feel my self-esteem meter drop. I will be looking amazing in 2009!
The End of 2008: Goodbye and Good Riddance
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
2008: Over Already...Not Soon Enough (Part I)
So, another year is over and this one has been the quickest one yet. Sadly, I feel as though I lost a good portion of my life to my job(s) and that my lack of free time helped this year slide by and disappear in an instant. However, the outlook for 2009 couldn't be better. I have a new job lined up; starting January 5th. I will now have weekends off and evenings to myself. Plus, more pay to hopefully help me buy a new automobile and get some health insurance again, finally. So, without further ado, here it is (was), by the months, a year in review.
January
I had vowed not to work another retail Christmas; yet things never quite work out the way you plan. By this time, I was miserable in my job at Step 2...still. I had recently received my (last) Christmas bonus from the company and bought myself a brand new guitar. I love it! It was only a few short days after that when I learned that my parents were going to move into my great-uncle's old house. This news had started me in a panic. I knew I did not want to move with them again. I had to find a way into my own apartment, but only on two part-time jobs. The search for a reasonable place began. During this month, I got new glasses (and I still get compliments on them), planned for some trips, and still had ambitions of making an album by the end of the year. Once again, things don't always work out the way you plan. At the time, musically I was into Adrian Belew and all signs pointed to U2's new album coming out in October.
February
Ah, I had finally found the perfect place and signed a lease on February the 29th. I'm currently still living in the same apartment and I love it. The only drawback is that I do not have a laundry machine. I took a trip this month with Suzy to Pennsylvania as a treat to ourselves. This was also a big month for some reasons I won't mention here. Again, the U2 album buzz was rolling in.
March
I moved into my apartment in the first week of March. It only took a couple days to get all my stuff in. Approximately a week later, the biggest snowstorm I can recall living through occurred. It stranded me inside my apartment and I was incredibly bored out of my mind with absolutely nothing to do but sit in here with no internet and no cable TV. I even walked down to the Taco Bell and they were closed. The snowfall had basically started on a Friday night. It was the night my uncle and I traveled up to Cleveland to see The Adrian Belew Power Trio; one of the most amazing concerts I've been to.
April
It was proposed this month that a couple of friends and myself do a one-off gig for a talent show in Akron in May. I didn't know that we could actually do it, but we got together and practiced a cover of Mysterious Ways by U2; trying to get together at least twice a week to make it happen. By the time the show rolled around we seemed pretty well set to put on an adequate performance of the song. I have to admit that this was one of the most exciting times of my life. At the same time I was preparing for my first trip out of the country and my first time on a plane. I knew I'd regret it if I didn't go, yet to this day I'm still paying for the trip (don't get me wrong, I still have no regrets about it). This was my first experience with tanning. It's actually quite a relaxing thing to do and a fun excuse to get naked somewhere else besides your own home.
May
This month was huge for me. On the the first, our talent show gig happened and it was my first time ever on stage playing guitar and singing. I think it went alright, but definitely not one of our best run-throughs of the song. I still want to see the recording of it, if there is one out there. The rush of actually getting to play on stage was great and I hope to do it again soon. The other big event was the trip to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. It was my first time on a plane and out of the country and it was fantastic. I would do it again in a heartbeat...well, in better financial conditions. This was also my first time to a topless beach, which is both a really cool thing and a little bit disturbing thing at the same time.
June
I don't recall much about June, other than I believe that I went to the Spiritualized concert this month with the remaining two active members of the Creamy Nougats. Not bad, not great.
July
July was a rough month. I decided that if there were no job prospects soon, I would give in and just apply for Allstate's entry-level position, since my dad works there. Also, there was a massive "tent sale" at work that I had to work my ass off for four days in a row that drove me to such a point of anxiety that I almost walked off the job. I house and dog sat for Suzy's family and it was also difficult to keep up with. However, I did make enough to buy all 3 U2 remastered albums this month. They are all fantastic.
August
It was during this month that I had applied to Allstate and the process was slow at best. I took a little trip to Columbus to keep Suzy company while she interviewed for a job. It was possible I'd move down there with her if she got the job. In this month, my boss of seven years was fired. I had very mixed feelings about it. It turned out that some things got worse and some things got better, but I still knew one thing: I wanted out bad.
September
I had my interview with Allstate and they told me I got the job. Only problem was that they hire in classes and I "just missed" the last one for 2008. I felt like my last best chance to get out of Step 2 by Christmas had just been squashed and I was crushed. The bad news kept rolling in; U2's new album was officially pushed back to some unknown date in 2009.
October
October 1st was the first day of our new boss at work. Again, mixed feelings, but now I could care less. I was hard at work to prepare for Halloween. My costume this year: Nightcrawler from the x-men. It was definitely one of my more, uh..."revealing" costumes, but it was a lot of fun. I got to cycle through 3 different costumes this year and it was quite enjoyable.
November
So, it was the big idea of the Step 2 company to hold another tent sale. This one every bit as crazy as the last one. I cannot work more than two days of this kind of thing without wanting to slash my wrists. I had to do something to escape this company. Thanksgiving was good as usual; I got to go to 2 of them. I put up my very first own Christmas Tree this month and really started to get in the spirit. I decided it may just be good to stay in my job until I got the usual hefty Christmas Bonus.
December
I received the most crushing news my job has ever dealt out: No Christmas bonus this year! I was so angry that I typed up my two-week notice and almost turned it in the day I heard. How does a company that was still exceeding sales goals up through October suddenly go from giving out 10% or higher raises to 0%?! It seemed as though the timing was just right so that if people didn't like it they wouldn't be able to get out until after the shitty work of the holidays. Damn it, I hate Christmas shopping season. Luckily, I was talked out of turning in my notice right away and received a job offer just about a week later. I felt so good and I left the company tearing off my Step 2 shirt Hulk Hogan style as a sort of liberation ceremony. Christmas was very good, but all the days leading up to it were incredibly hectic. I'm looking forward to calmer, merrier Christmases in the future. Also, Suzy has moved in with me this month. So far, it has been a good decision. That's all folks.
--Stay Tuned for Part II in which I go over what I've learned this year and what my resolutions for 2009 shall be --
January
I had vowed not to work another retail Christmas; yet things never quite work out the way you plan. By this time, I was miserable in my job at Step 2...still. I had recently received my (last) Christmas bonus from the company and bought myself a brand new guitar. I love it! It was only a few short days after that when I learned that my parents were going to move into my great-uncle's old house. This news had started me in a panic. I knew I did not want to move with them again. I had to find a way into my own apartment, but only on two part-time jobs. The search for a reasonable place began. During this month, I got new glasses (and I still get compliments on them), planned for some trips, and still had ambitions of making an album by the end of the year. Once again, things don't always work out the way you plan. At the time, musically I was into Adrian Belew and all signs pointed to U2's new album coming out in October.
February
Ah, I had finally found the perfect place and signed a lease on February the 29th. I'm currently still living in the same apartment and I love it. The only drawback is that I do not have a laundry machine. I took a trip this month with Suzy to Pennsylvania as a treat to ourselves. This was also a big month for some reasons I won't mention here. Again, the U2 album buzz was rolling in.
March
I moved into my apartment in the first week of March. It only took a couple days to get all my stuff in. Approximately a week later, the biggest snowstorm I can recall living through occurred. It stranded me inside my apartment and I was incredibly bored out of my mind with absolutely nothing to do but sit in here with no internet and no cable TV. I even walked down to the Taco Bell and they were closed. The snowfall had basically started on a Friday night. It was the night my uncle and I traveled up to Cleveland to see The Adrian Belew Power Trio; one of the most amazing concerts I've been to.
April
It was proposed this month that a couple of friends and myself do a one-off gig for a talent show in Akron in May. I didn't know that we could actually do it, but we got together and practiced a cover of Mysterious Ways by U2; trying to get together at least twice a week to make it happen. By the time the show rolled around we seemed pretty well set to put on an adequate performance of the song. I have to admit that this was one of the most exciting times of my life. At the same time I was preparing for my first trip out of the country and my first time on a plane. I knew I'd regret it if I didn't go, yet to this day I'm still paying for the trip (don't get me wrong, I still have no regrets about it). This was my first experience with tanning. It's actually quite a relaxing thing to do and a fun excuse to get naked somewhere else besides your own home.
May
This month was huge for me. On the the first, our talent show gig happened and it was my first time ever on stage playing guitar and singing. I think it went alright, but definitely not one of our best run-throughs of the song. I still want to see the recording of it, if there is one out there. The rush of actually getting to play on stage was great and I hope to do it again soon. The other big event was the trip to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. It was my first time on a plane and out of the country and it was fantastic. I would do it again in a heartbeat...well, in better financial conditions. This was also my first time to a topless beach, which is both a really cool thing and a little bit disturbing thing at the same time.
June
I don't recall much about June, other than I believe that I went to the Spiritualized concert this month with the remaining two active members of the Creamy Nougats. Not bad, not great.
July
July was a rough month. I decided that if there were no job prospects soon, I would give in and just apply for Allstate's entry-level position, since my dad works there. Also, there was a massive "tent sale" at work that I had to work my ass off for four days in a row that drove me to such a point of anxiety that I almost walked off the job. I house and dog sat for Suzy's family and it was also difficult to keep up with. However, I did make enough to buy all 3 U2 remastered albums this month. They are all fantastic.
August
It was during this month that I had applied to Allstate and the process was slow at best. I took a little trip to Columbus to keep Suzy company while she interviewed for a job. It was possible I'd move down there with her if she got the job. In this month, my boss of seven years was fired. I had very mixed feelings about it. It turned out that some things got worse and some things got better, but I still knew one thing: I wanted out bad.
September
I had my interview with Allstate and they told me I got the job. Only problem was that they hire in classes and I "just missed" the last one for 2008. I felt like my last best chance to get out of Step 2 by Christmas had just been squashed and I was crushed. The bad news kept rolling in; U2's new album was officially pushed back to some unknown date in 2009.
October
October 1st was the first day of our new boss at work. Again, mixed feelings, but now I could care less. I was hard at work to prepare for Halloween. My costume this year: Nightcrawler from the x-men. It was definitely one of my more, uh..."revealing" costumes, but it was a lot of fun. I got to cycle through 3 different costumes this year and it was quite enjoyable.
November
So, it was the big idea of the Step 2 company to hold another tent sale. This one every bit as crazy as the last one. I cannot work more than two days of this kind of thing without wanting to slash my wrists. I had to do something to escape this company. Thanksgiving was good as usual; I got to go to 2 of them. I put up my very first own Christmas Tree this month and really started to get in the spirit. I decided it may just be good to stay in my job until I got the usual hefty Christmas Bonus.
December
I received the most crushing news my job has ever dealt out: No Christmas bonus this year! I was so angry that I typed up my two-week notice and almost turned it in the day I heard. How does a company that was still exceeding sales goals up through October suddenly go from giving out 10% or higher raises to 0%?! It seemed as though the timing was just right so that if people didn't like it they wouldn't be able to get out until after the shitty work of the holidays. Damn it, I hate Christmas shopping season. Luckily, I was talked out of turning in my notice right away and received a job offer just about a week later. I felt so good and I left the company tearing off my Step 2 shirt Hulk Hogan style as a sort of liberation ceremony. Christmas was very good, but all the days leading up to it were incredibly hectic. I'm looking forward to calmer, merrier Christmases in the future. Also, Suzy has moved in with me this month. So far, it has been a good decision. That's all folks.
--Stay Tuned for Part II in which I go over what I've learned this year and what my resolutions for 2009 shall be --
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Nigh Year's End
So, another chapter came to a close in Craig history today. Parting can be so bittersweet. This time, mostly sweet, however. Everything I wrote about in the past two-posts appears to have come to an end and it is like one giant weight has been lifted from me. I think it pays to be honest and forward with people. I get to live my life with only a distant memory of one of the greatest mindfucks I've ever been a part of. I suppose I'll never get any of my stuff back that was "borrowed" though. Oh well. Here's the part where I say "Don't hesitate to get things off of your chest. You'll be glad you did.". It's about time to start getting rid of all the negative factors in my life. Now, if I can only get this career stuff worked out.
Anyway, my next post will be the 2008 year-in-review...much like I did last year. I can already tell you that this year has been incredibly trying, yet adventurous as well. Alright that's the little preview for it. Stay Tuned.
Anyway, my next post will be the 2008 year-in-review...much like I did last year. I can already tell you that this year has been incredibly trying, yet adventurous as well. Alright that's the little preview for it. Stay Tuned.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
weBLOG
And previous entry reveals what might happen on late night with many drink items consumed. I would like to reiterate that I'm happy with where I am and did not intend the last post to come off as a desire to tread over old ground. Hopefully, it is you, the reader I am trying to convince and not myself. Oof! Mindstorm is a proper title for this Blog and it is times like these I think to myself that it is perhaps a good thing it is not highly publicized. Hell, I'm not even sure anyone at all reads this blog. Xanga gets more hits than this one, I'm sure; and we're only talkin' about 5 people might even read that one. Though, a lot of people are still subscribed to receive e-mail everytime I post on that one. Perhaps more people read it than I think. Maybe I'll go on over and write in that one again. Actually, it is getting late, here is where my leaky-thoughts are plugged for the night.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Year o' Music
-The Bravery Concert: February
- Adrian Belew Power Trio Concert: March
- New Elbow album: March
- New Charlatans album: May
- New U2 album: October !!!!!!
- Adrian Belew Power Trio Concert: March
- New Elbow album: March
- New Charlatans album: May
- New U2 album: October !!!!!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)