Autumn Souvenir

Clarence White : Low San Francisco : Foxygen Here Comes the Night : Arcade Fire Down Down the Deep River : Okkervil River I'm Not Sayin' : The Replacements Flying Over Water : Jason Isbell Cheater's Game : Bruce Robison & Kelly Willis So Sad : Bonnie "Prince" Billy & Dawn McCarthy Evil Eye : Josh Ritter Follow You Down : The New Mendicants One True Vine : Mavis Staples How Am I Ever Gonna Be Me : Scott Miller On a Balcony : Okkervil River Surrounded : Richard Buckner Cover Me Up : Jason Isbell Plastic Cup : Low City Swan : Neko Case Livin' On : Son Volt A Certain Light : Josh Ritter I'll Be Around : Yo La Tengo Get Lucky : Daft Punk New South Wales : Jason Isbell No Destruction : Foxygen Portrait : Richard Buckner The Ballad of the Opening Band : Jeff Tweedy

I've never been one for birthdays, or even holidays, for that matter. I've always found both to be a bit silly. Every day should hold its own set of experiences, regardless of some arbitrary label. Okay, birthdays aren't really arbitrary, but hopefully you get the point. 40 seems different. 40. Wow. When I was in my teens I couldn't even fathom 30, let alone 40. And my teens seem like just a few years ago, notwithstanding the Def Leppard phase. I'm now left with one full day in my 30s. I've spent the morning tending to a work matter, but I'm planning on going for a run, listening to some music and then taking Bennett on a hike. And likely doing a little reflecting. Man, 40. When I look back on my life, I'm almost baffled by the amazing experiences I've had. I've seen Bruce Springsteen well north of 50 times. Same goes for Wilco. I've seen more incredible rock n' roll, country, soul, singer/songwriter, hip hop, etc. music that I never