Autumn Souvenir

Joel from Jonestown Massacre/Dig , originally uploaded by ccsbandwagon . Taken with my crappy cellular.

Pretty

Yo La Tengo @ Southpaw, Brooklyn , originally uploaded by ccsbandwagon . This is one my favorite personal band photos. This was taken prior to having a digital camera. Similar to how I use my digital SLR, I had no clue how to manipulate the camera to get the right shot. Instead of actually reading manuals and learning about shutter speeds, aperture and lighting, I always just wing it. Once in a while, I get lucky. Whenever I show folks this picture I'm usually met with a very unimpressed, blank gaze. Nevertheless, it's always been a favorite of mine. This was taken at Southpaw in Brooklyn. Yo La Tengo was on hand for Alejandro Escovedo benefit.

For the first time ever, today I sold back some CDs. I only brought in a little over 20 and most were throwbacks from the 80s and 90s. I'm talking some real garbage: Skynyrd, Henley, Crash Test Dummies and so forth. The very kind fella at Amoeba ended up taking about half and offered up either $40 in store credit or $20 in cash. For some reason, (the economy? my look of homelessness?), before even asking which I'd take, he went to the register. "I'll take credit, please", I said. Surprised, he turned over to the receipt machine and printed out a piece of paper that opened up my mini shopping spree. I used to walk into Amoeba (while employed) and limit myself to $50-$75 in goods. I usually made such trips about three times every two months. Today is the first time since the day of the ax that I felt like I could have some fun. I walked up and down the two prominent vinyl aisles about five times, through country once, through the CDs once and made a quick run throug...

After finishing a movie or book, I feel the need to immediately spout my opinion. I rarely do this with new records. For one, music is much more intricate and takes longer to fully understand. There are sounds, lyrics, an overall feel/message, etc. that take months to play out. Having now heard Springsteen's new release Working on a Dream , I'm going to break that personal promise. Over the past year or so, Bruce has made a number of moves that left his fans perplexed. First came the announcement that he'll be playing the Super Bowl. Then came the real slap to the face: Bruce would be selling a Greatest Hits compilation (something he's already done twice), solely via, ummmmm, Wal-Mart. Yes, that is correct. We all hoped that vindication would come with Working on a Dream due via Sony or BMG or BMGSony on Jan 27. The initial signs pointed to a return to form after the overly glossy Magic . "The Wrestler", penned for Mickey Rourke's fantastic return to the...

It goes without saying that the Secretary of State is one of the most important public roles in not only the U.S., but the World. Bush Jr.'s first Secretary, Colin Powell, was partially responsible for the advertising onslaught behind the lead-up to the Iraq War. You may recall his ludicrous allegations before the United Nations? Following Powell, the country has had to deal with Condi Rice, a person of immense accomplishments, but whose entire career has been compromised by her unwavering nodding to everything out of Bush's trap. Her achievements are now largely overshadowed by her bowing to Lord George. When Obama tapped Hillary Clinton to be our next Secretary of State, I can't say I was pleased. I was leaning towards John Kerry or Chris Dodd. I can admit that my negative feelings towards Clinton were largely the result of her oft-times shameful primary campaign against Obama. But one thing was clear: Obama showed courage, backbone and humility by naming Clinton. He put ...