Autumn Souvenir

Mother - John Lennon True Love Will Find You In the End - Daniel Johnston She Cracked - The Modern Lovers Death To Everyone - Bonnie "Prince" Billy Sleeping Bag - Beck Thirteen - Big Star Heard About Your Band - Brakes Just Like Tom Thumbs Blues (Alt Version) - Bob Dylan Fuck & Fight - Varnaline Wild Billy's Circus Story - Bruce Springsteen D. Boon - Uncle Tupelo Fuel For Fire - M. Ward History Lesson, Part II - Minutemen Thirteen - Elliott Smith Sing Me Back Home - The Flying Burrito Brothers '39 - Queen Don't Come Close - The Ramones Song of 27 - Richard Buckner Spaceball Ricochet - T. Rex I Got What I Wanted - Ted Hawkins Poor Places - Wilco

How do we go about shedding a part of you that's been present for more than half of your life? Something that's brought on joy, memories, euphoria, while at the same time causing repeated harm? Whether it be a lover, another relationship, a depenency or something else that's gripped you for years, how do you say goodbye? This morning I rose from bed and realized that it's time. It's been an ally and an enemy. It's been a calming stabilizer and a destructive force. I can't guarantee that this goodbye will be permanent, but the effort will be there. That dear old song and dance has been ever-present for too long. It'll be a new place without it. Hopefully a better place.

People who know me probably find it imcomprehensible that I've yet to post my thoughts about the new Wilco record. For those not familiar with my devotion to Jeff Tweedy's work, here's a little history. It was the fall of 1993. I was in my sophomore year of college in Boston. I was sitting in a friend's apartment listening to Neil Young and talking music with a bunch of folks. That evening, the band Big Head Todd & The Monsters were playing on our campus. We were all preparing to go see Big Head Todd when an out-of-town visitor asked if I'd rather go see a show at The Paradise. Being that I didn't give a crap about Big Head Todd, I inquired. "Uncle Tupelo", he said. After considering it, I decided to remain with my friends and go see Big Head Todd. The following morning we all got together for breakfast. I asked the out-of-towner how the show was, to which he laconically replied, "Amazing". He then offered to head out to his car and grab ...

I took the 75 minute drive up to Sebastopol this afternoon and boy, what a town. I don't think I've met a nicer collection of people in my life. Whether it be at the diner, the bookstore, the record store or just wandering the streets, the folks in this town are incredibly peaceful and kind. In addition, on a sweltering Friday afternoon, there was a collection of about 20 folks peacefully protesting the War. There is such a harmony and sense of calm in this town that's impossible not to feel. If you've never been, it's a simple 60 miles over the Bay Bride and up 101. This is small town America at its best.

Since I'm still pretty much undecided (unless Gore enters the race), it'll be interesting to see how my opinions change over the next year plus. Here's how I'd rank the current candidates: 1. John Edwards: I'm still not 100% sold on Edwards, but as of today, he's my guy. There's something genuine about this guy that grabs me. 2. Joe Biden: If I had a political discussion with Biden, we'd probably agree on 99/100 issues. My only reservations with him center around his ability to be a hothead. When he's relaxed and focused, he's damn near perfect. 3. Barack Obama: He's yet to do much for me, but all of my damn friends are supporting him. And since I usually agree with them regading the Yankees, Bob Dylan's catalog and the merits of The Brooklyn Inn, I figure they've got to be onto something. Others: Hillary Clinton: Way too political for me. I loved Bill. I'm not a fan of Hillary. I suppose this could change. Bill Richardson: I used...