Autumn Souvenir

Linda Thompson : Versatile Heart Rounder, 2007

"They Were Wrong" MATTHEW RYAN "Satchel Paige Said" THE BASEBALL PROJECT "123" JOSH ROUSE "Hell of a Life" EASTON STAGGER PHILLIPS "Kept on the Sly" SOUTH SAN GABRIEL "I'm Amazed" MY MORNING JACKET "The Breeze" DR. DOG "Lost Coastlines" OKKERVIL RIVER "Stay Free" BLACK MOUNTAIN "Modern Guilt" BECK "Go First" DAMIEN JURADO "Emily Smiles" BLUE MOUNTAIN "Safe and Sorry" NATHAN MOORE "Twenty Four" CENTRO-MATIC "Yes, So On and So On" THAO "Most of the Time" BOB DYLAN "Money" APOLLO SUNSHINE "In Love With You" EASTON STAGGER PHILLIPS "Harvey Haddix" THE BASEBALL PROJECT "Freeway" AIMEE MANN "Mississippi" BOB DYLAN "Hard Knocks" BIG LIGHT "Starry Stairs" OKKERVIL RIVER "Folios" THE NEW YEAR "She Was Gone" EASTON STAGGER PHILLIPS "No Baby ...

To/For: -Barack Obama. -the greatest girlfriend in the World - someone who inspires me, makes me laugh and always says the right things. -people who choose good over money. -the near 65 million folks who voted for our president-elect. -the musicians who continue to put out great music, despite the minimal economic benefits. -my friends near and far. oh it's corny, but you enrich my life on a daily basis. you probably collectively comprise about 50% of who i am. (wow, that sounds kinda weird.) -dogs. -Mark Oliver Everett. -my family. you've supported me through many ups-and-downs. -Will Oldham and Emmett Kelly for putting on one of the best shows i've ever witnessed. -endless, endless, endless music. -having my grandfather's wallet. when he passed away he had $6 and a driver's license. -barbara's fantastic gifts. -my buddy and owner of my local coffee shop, mike. -the road. -country music. -gram parsons. -our trip to chicago. -okkervil river. -volunteers for Obam...

Our trip to LA, Joshua Tree and back, including side trips, ended up totaling about 20 hours on the road. Amazingly, we had enough music to keep us sane. Aside from about 90 minutes of quiet and maybe 30 minutes of the radio, here's what kept us fueled: Townes Van Zandt High Low and In Between Wilco Yankee Hotel Foxtrot Josh Ritter The Historical Conquests of Josh Ritter Old 97's Wreck Your Life Eels Daisies of the Galaxy Richard Buckner The Hill Rolling Stones Exile on Main St The Shins Chutes Too Narrow Josh Ritter Hello Starling Bruce Springsteen The Essential Bruce Springsteen Stone Roses The Complete Stone Roses Wilco Sky Blue Sky John Lennon Legend Richard & Linda Thompson Pour Down Like Silver Gram Parsons GP / Grievous Angel The Smiths The Queen Is Dead Joe Henry Civilians The Go-Betweens Oceans Apart And, of course, numerous mix cds made by both of us.

Easton Stagger Phillips : One for the Ditch Blue Rose, 2008

As I still work out my top ten list and get comfortable with more records that I once dismissed (e.g. Walkmen, Beck), I realized this afternoon that the artist of the year is a no-brainer. Having released a fantastic memoir, hosted a moving and educational PBS documentary on his father, and recently re-released the epic Blinking Lights and Other Revelations on a four-record package with accompanying book, 2008's artist of the year is Mark Oliver Everett, also known as E of the rock group Eels. Although the Eels did not release a record of new material this year, at the age of 45, this may have been Everett's most impressive year thus far. Now years after the hit "Novocaine for the Soul", Everett has remained a low-key indie darling for years. But this year gave us an entirely new side of his art. First and foremost came the release of his memoir, Things the Grandchildren Should Know , an honest, heartbreaking and insightful look at his his entire near half-century on...

More here

After two fantastic days in LA, N and I have arrived at the hotel of Gram Parsons, otherwise known as the Joshua Tree Inn. After purchasing a Sweetheart of the Rodeo tee and chatting up the owner about the history of the place, he handed me a cold beer and I'm now sitting outside our room looking at beautiful mountains and a dry, expansive desert. The vintage moment of my chat with the 47-year-old retired UCLA/Columbia philosophy professor turned Inn owner was my quick mention of Tim Easton. The moment I said his name he replied, "Oh, we know Tim. He's getting married out here soon. We see him all the time." I just put Mark Olson on the iTunes and we're about to head for the desert. Following sundown in the desert, we will head to Pappy and Harriet's in Pioneertown to see The Thrift Store All-Stars. Pappy and Harriet's is the local music dive and the Thrift Store All-Stars are comprised of 7-9 members, with Tim Easton, Mark Olson, Victoria Williams and ev...

I'm in the Hollywood Hills playing with two dogs, drinking some tasty beer, recovering from a draining run and about to go hit a planetarium. Oh, and watching Obama.

"The Opposite of Hallelujah" Jens Lekman "Safe and Sorry" Nathan Moore "Starry Stairs" Okkervil River "I Called You Back" Bonnie 'Prince' Billy "El Otro Lado" Josh Rouse "Billy and Bonnie" Steve Earle "Intervention" The Arcade Fire "They Were Wrong" Matthew Ryan "Girl From the North Country" Bob Dylan "National Express" Mark Olson "Modern Guilt" Beck "Poison Cup" M. Ward "Go First" Damien Jurado "Flatness" Uncle Tupelo "Money" Apollo Sunshine "By the Mark" Gillian Welch "Trouble With Dreams" Eels "Bad Reputation" Freedy Johnston

As the Dow dropped another 400-plus points today and the state of our economy continues to plummet, the ills of this country seemed to cascade upon me today. As I mentioned in a previous post, I spent an hour or so today with Mike, the owner of my local coffee shop. We chatted about the need for Obama now, the auto bailouts and his sagging business. But at the end of our conversation I turned to Mike and said, "C'est la vie", an adage that Mike uses often and I've found myself copying, to get a laugh out of him. Once again, Mike found it hysterical, and given how critical things are in this country, the irony of it was pretty comical. I then walked to the mailbox to drop off my first payment of $350 to COBRA. As I walked home, I was a bit overwhelmed with uncertainty about too many things. Yes, Barack Obama is just around the corner and we can only hope that his administration can help guide us to brighter times, but things right now just appear to be getting worse, m...

This is my friend Mike's coffee shop. If it weren't for this joint, I can't imagine I'd want to remain in my neighborhood. Almost every morning I stop in for a coffee/bagel and Mike and I talk politics, world events and how to get more customers into his store. Most of the time Mike's blasting a mix of current hits, Middle Eastern tunes and sometimes even some Lou Reed. He's always in a good mood and his sense of humor and knowledge of the world often makes my day. Mike works seven days/week, the entire day, by himself. Local folks have done amazing things to help improve the store, but he desperately needs to have his floor fixed (right now it's some sort of stone with chipped paint). If anyone knows of someone who could help out either gratis or for a nominal fee, I'll make sure that we get you endless cups of free coffee and us locals will assist in any way possible. If Fillmore Grind doesn't survive, Alamo Square will never be the same, and the c...

Obama introduces Wilco at Farm Aid, 2005. And then Wilco comes out and plays "Airline to Heaven", also known as the song that I want belted out at my funeral.

Thanks, Mom! EELS BLINKING LIGHTS AND OTHER REVELATIONS DELUXE NUMBERED & SIGNED 4 VINYL LP EDITION LIMITED TO 2500 The deluxe BLINKING LIGHTS package includes 3 LPs of the critically acclaimed album on vinyl for the first time with a fourth disc that is an exclusive 17 track live album, MANCHESTER 2005, recorded shortly after the release of BLINKING LIGHTS. Pressed on 180 gram vinyl, the 4 LPs each have their own covers, rice paper dust sleeves, and are accompanied by a hardback book of lyrics and photos, all housed in a beautifully crafted box that is numbered and begrudgingly signed by the author himself, EELS leader E. The edition is limited to only 2,500 copies and will be sold in order of lowest cover numbers first, 0001 - 2500. And this is not a fake signature like the ones often found on eBay. Order the BLINKING LIGHTS signed & numbered deluxe 4 LP vinyl limited edition boxed set (ships Tuesday Oct. 28th).

I have dreamed of making a cross-country trip for as long as I can remember. Inspired by "On the Road", Son Volt's "Trace", Faulkner, Badlands and thousands of other nuggets, I have always wanted to hit the road for a few weeks and see what's across this country. I've never had much interest in major US cities, but have rather longed to visit desolate and obscure towns and stretches in New Mexico, South Dakota, Tennessee and Utah. These are always the places that provide the memories for me. These are the images that I see while listening to American music or watching a John Ford film. And I'm getting closer and closer to finally making this trip a reality. The research has begun, but I still have a long ways to go. That said, my (quite) tentative plan is to hit the road in the days following Thanksgiving. I plan on being out on the road for 15-20 days or so. Right now the only thing holding me back is cash, but I've used that excuse many times o...

Speechless.

Whether on the turntable, CD or via iTunes, I have spent a good portion of the day listening to records front-to-back. Here are the ones I can recall: The Backsliders Throwing Rocks at the Moon Neil Young Comes a Time There Will Be Blood OMPS Uncle Tupelo No Depression Neil Young Time Fades Away Bruce Springsteen Lucky Town Centro-matic Redo the Stacks John P. Strohm Caledonia Amy Milan Honey From the Tombs Damien Jurado Caught in the Trees

Every morning since November 5th, I've opened my eyes, thought of the night of the 4th or the reality I've been trying to fully comprehend, and have had to remind myself that I'm not dreaming. And I mean that. We've had 14 days to let this election sink in, yet for me, it just doesn't seem possible. After eight years of Bush, Rove, Cheney, Wolfowitz, Rice, Ashcroft, DeLay, Rumsfeld, Gonzales, and hundreds of other corrupt, dirty, deceitful and unforgiveable "leaders", I still can't quite make sense of the shift this country took on November 4, 2008. Since 2001, I have become so accustomed to living under such a despicable government that I'm still having a hard time realizing that the American people actually voted against these folks. Karl Rove, Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity and their machine have been masterful at manipulating the American electorate and I remain perplexed that they lost this one. On January 20, 2009, this country will hand over it...

There was a time when I didn't talk I'd look away or I'd shrug it off Tune it out or turn it off Or say something short and soft Out of school I took a j-o-b Makin' buttons in a factory Thinkin' what has life got in for me And I didn't wanna know In a city full of double deals My boss would yawn and roll back on his heels As if anyone could cop a feel of lady luck I was made with my brother Bill Drinking Moskie Moons on top of Laurel Hill Funny now I'd cheek a poison pill to sober up And no two-bit claim that I'm all right Is gonna turn it around and make it right So I'm reaching in my pocket for a light And I'm standing on the corner on a Saturday night I've seen pigeons flap their filthy wings to a freezing sunset in the west Rain shit down from their haunted perch Above the bells of St. Someone's church The Sexton drinks and dreams in bed One eye in a line of light Startled by a ghost he screams His dead wife's name into the night ...

Every day I spend at least 90 minutes scouring site after site, but there's a bunch that are on the daily radar. Here they are: nytimes.com (news) huffingtonpost.com (left-leaning news) mashable.com (work) techcrunch.com (more work) last.fm (i love tunes, especially the ones i listen to) facebook.com (slowing down) gmail.com (no explanation) flickr.com (pictures) largeheartedboy.com (aggregated music stuff) backstreets.com (springsteen) bbc.co.uk (news) youtube.com (videos) emusic.com (tunes for sale) metacritic.com (aggregated ratings of films, music, etc.) pitchforkmedia.com (dying down) blogger.com (gotta write stuff) yelp.com (gotta rip stuff) and the up-and-comers: andrewsullivan.theatlantic.com (more news, sorta) democracynow.com (news) pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline (as good as tv gets) charlierose.com (endless interviews) fabchannel.com (full live-shows) blurt-online.com (formerly harp (music)) brooklynvegan.com (music)

Nathan Moore : You Yeah Smokin' Hot reapandsow, 2008

Springsteen covering Dylan, Copenhagen, 1988

The New Yorker publishes a must read .

One of the best songs of the past few years.

I'll need a little more time to compile my best of, but tossing together a list of the most overrated/biggest disappointments of 2008, is fairly easy. Keep in mind that many of these records fell into my own oblivion after only a few listens. And one thing I've learned is that records that at first sound terrible or contrived, can later be reborn. Nevertheless, here's my short list of records that either suck or just don't live up to the hype. Bon Iver For Emma, Forever Ago Oh how I tried. A few folks compared this record to Elliott Smith and Nick Drake. Good lord forgive those people. This is whiney, vapid crap. This man (I think Bon Iver's his "band" name) will be forgotten very soon. Yawn city. Fleet Foxes Fleet Foxes 2008's version of The Band? Seriously. Robbie Robertson must be having quite a laugh. I saw these greasers perform at the Treasure Island Music Festival and they sucked. This is generic, recycled basura. Vivian Girls Vivian Girls I onl...

Many Americans like to use the two words "never forget" when reflecting on some of the most traumatic times in our history. Whether it be September 11th or Pearl Harbor, these two words seem to elicit patriotism and a sense of reflective pride. While I understand the importance of such feelings, it's also critical that we continue to look back and educate ourselves on some of our most troubled times, including such national travesties as slavery and Katrina. On this note, despite the hope and optimism that has enveloped this country over the past seven days, we must not for a moment forget what's happened over the past eight years. There's still so much that we don't know, and so much that has tarnished this country both domestically and abroad for decades, if not generations, to come. As we move closer to the end of this abomination of an administration, I do think it's necessary to look back and continue to expose George W. Bush and his administration. A...

If it were up to me... Secretary of State John Kerry Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel Homeland Security Richard Clarke Attorney General Chris Dodd Treasury Secretary Michael Bloomberg

Yup, that's him in the dress.

With the year approaching its end, I'm starting to spend time with many 2008 releases that have been gathering dust. As I look to my year end best of, here are the artists in contention, for now... Beck Damien Jurado Lambchop Black Mountain Bonnie "Prince" Billy Matthew Ryan Big Light Centro-matic/South San Gabriel Thao The Baseball Project Blue Mountain Murry Hammond The New Year My Morning Jacket Okkervil River Old 97's Easton Stagger Phillips Apollo Sunshine Deerhoof Absentee Stephen Malkmus Aimee Mann

If I can line something up that will bring in bucks starting in January or February, I will almost definitely make a full cross-country trip and back. If not, I'm thinking of doing some pretty extensive exploration of the West. I've always wanted to visit the Badlands in South Dakota. A quick search revealed that it's about a 22 hour drive. That's not exactly short, but I think I'm up for it. I could swing slightly South and visit the Grand Canyon on the way, and then find other treasures to explore. If you have any experience traveling throughout this part of the country, please let me know. Although the Grand Canyon is enticing, I'm more excited about the less-visited, more, dare I say, authentic, parts of the country. I may do this soon...like within a week or two.

Following explosive popularity, critical acclaim and praises the world over, in 1982, Bruce Springsteen put the band on hold, stepped away from the studio, grabbed a four-track and recorded the stunningly beautiful and haunting Nebraska in his home in New Jersey. Against the direction of his label and just about everyone in his camp, Springsteen handed his manager about 15 tracks covering the American dream lost, crime, family, despair and hope. It was as simple as it was historic. It was naked yet chock full of imagery reminiscent of Faulkner and Woody Guthrie. And not just reminiscent, but right on par. Now 26 years later, I'm not sure there's a time since this recording when this record has been more relevant. "Well they closed down the auto plant in Mahwah late last month. Ralph went out looking for a job, but he couldn't find none. He came home too drunk from mixing Tanqueray and wine. He got a gun, shot a night clerk, now they call him Johnny 99" opens the ...

Let me preface anything I'm about to say by admitting that I am an utter and complete dolt when it comes to economics. I barely even understand what the DOW means. Let me clarify: I don't understand what the DOW means. When I first heard about the $850 billion bailout, the first thing that came to mind were the mid-and-low level workers at these companies. I mean, there's little question that the top brass at AIG, etc. are doing just fine financially. But the more I hear about this, as well as Obama's push to help out the auto industry, the more I start to wonder. I mean, if GM goes under, clearly thousands of middle class jobs will be lost. But as we look to the future, are these the jobs that we want to invest in? Hasn't GM had enough time to understand the market and adapt? Instead of looking to fuel efficient cars, they've continued to spit out gas-guzzling SUVs, with little consideration for the environmental or financial ramifications of such moves. They h...

Oh the debates my friends and I had when Farrar released his first solo record following 15 years with Uncle Tupelo and Son Volt. It took most of us some time to wrap our arms around this collection, but once we did, the ferocity of our discussions was worthy of legend. Once I'd listened enough, I was one of the very vocal naysayers. What the hell was this "Voodoo Candle" song? And the groaning intro on "Damn Shame" was just silly. I wanted the rustic and bare-bones Americana Jay Farrar. Whatever this new sound was, I didn't like it. Following Sebastopol came the even more disappointing Terroir Blues , a record so bland and predictable that I figured my time with Farrar came to a halt with Son Volt's 1998 masterpiece Wide Swing Tremolo . Jay Farrar @ The Bowery Ballroom, NYC, 2003 Sometime early last year I took a day off work and planned a solo day trip up to the town of Sebastopol, CA. I'd heard that it was a quaint little liberal town with a gre...

Roy Orbison : In Dreams : Greatest Hits Virgin, 1987

Who knew that Rahm's brother, Ari, is the inspiration for the Ari Gold character on "Entourage".

As N eats an apple and watches some terrible Sci Fi crap, I have the headphones on. Here's what's been playing: "Dooley" The Gourds -- what a great one "Sad Cinderella" Townes Van Zandt -- one of his best "Que Onda Guero" Beck -- forgot how much i love this song "Endless War" Son Volt -- big time SV kick of late "Stay Free" Black Mountain -- wow "Quiet Houses" Fleet Foxes (skip) "That Big Orange Sun Run Over Speed Light" Deerhoof (skip) "Tres Cosas" Juana Molina -- beauty "The Fool" Neutral Milk Hotel -- what a back-to-back "Lucky" Richard Buckner - i have never and will never skip a Buckner song "Last To Know" Vigilantes of Love (skipped after about a minute) "Because the Night" Bruce Springsteen (skip) "Echo" Tom Petty - i do love this song "Queen Jane Approximately" Bob Dylan -- better odds that I'd skip eating for a month than skipp...

If only he was alive this week. Mr. Cooke, that change has come.

There are many folks who played critical roles in Obama's Tuesday victory. For one, the massive number of volunteers from coast-to-coast played an absolutely integral role in educating and inspiring voters, getting folks to the polls and warming millions to the possibility of an Obama presidency. Other key contributors were Howard Dean, Bill Richardson, Colin Powell, the media (I will not deny that most big news outlets were in favor of Obama), Jennifer Granholm, Caroline Kennedy, Joe Biden, Ted Kennedy, Brian Schweitzer, Bruce Springsteen, Warren Buffett, and thousands of others, but without the following two folks, his chances of winning would've been decreased substantially. Campaign Manager, David Plouffe (l) and Senior Advisor, David Axelrod (r)

-Word is that a new Springsteen record will be released on inauguration day. As I typed that, Springsteen's "Independence Day" kicked in on the stereo. -Why is John McCain unleashing all of this crap regarding Palin? 1) We're well aware that she's a moron and 2) You picked her. -I guess The Strokes are getting back together to record a new record. "Is This It?" still stands as one of the best records of the past ten years. -I thought Barack did pretty well for his first press conference, though he did look a bit tired. -I am back on a major Josh Ritter kick. "Hello Starling" is one fine record. -In many, many ways, being unemployed is a very welcome change. The money situation will get worrisome in a few months, but right now I'm savoring day trips to the park, drives, music, reading, talking to Mike in the local coffee shop and the free'd up time that I'll have to spend with N. Oh, and I'm getting closer-and-closer to green lig...

Bruce Springsteen : We Shall Overcome : The Seeger Sessions Columbia, 2006

About 64 million Americans cast their votes for Barack Obama. I slept a mere three hours last night and I can't imagine I'll sleep much more tonight. I can't seem to pull myself away from watching the president-elect speak. Here's a video that was incredibly risky and showed the courage that led this country to choose this man to lead.

As much as last night and today mark one of the greatest steps in the history of this country, we should all note that we still have a long way to go. And my biggest fear following the election of an African-American to the highest office in this country is the minds of those who have yet to flinch on bigotry, hate and entitlement. Not 12 hours since the most remarkable moment of my lifetime, I'm already hearing race creep up, and it's coming fast. And it's not coming solely from the South, but also from "blue states" such as New Jersey, New York, California and Maryland. Some are speaking directly to their disgust with the results of this election, while others are showing some restraint, for now. It's often the case that our greatest days can bring out the worst in us, and vice versa. Since we're a country of mixed races, upbringings, beliefs, morals, educations and countless other areas that shape each of us, opposing views should always be listened to ...

Every state has been decided aside from North Carolina. If Obama ultimately wins NC, I will have called every state correctly. I am the liberal Karl Rove.

God. Bless. America.

A sixer of Lagunitas IPA is staring at me. Texts are coming in at a clip of about 448/minute and along with tens of millions of others, I'm moments away from a long night of celebrating.

It's starting to settle in. I will wait until he's hit the 270 mark, but we are likely less than 30 minutes away from the most historic day in my lifetime. The world is about to change before our eyes. This is an amazing, amazing day.

A McCain path is looking almost impossible. If you toss in CA and a few other gimmies, Obama surpasses 270. We are almost there. I have yet to crack the bottle, but it's almost calling me.

OBAMA WINS NEW MEXICO. I love you Bill Richardson. And the band Hazeldine, even though you broke up about a decade ago. Obama 200 McCain 85

Oh, and Elizabeth Dole lost. Sweeeeeeet.

OBAMA WINS OHIO!!!! Reminder: No republican has ever won the presidency without Ohio. Morning Joe thinks it's over. I do not. Obama 195 McCain 76

Chuck Todd reporting that this race is a lot closer than we thought it would be. McCain is looking quite good in VA. Nerves are really kicking in.

And everything's still wide open. PA was a nice win, but McCain grabbed SC and ND to sort of even that out. Come on now, gimme a big one.

What I'm seeing in San Francisco today is absolutely remarkable. The spirit and harmony between all ages, all races and all economic backgrounds is astounding. Today is the best that this country has to offer.