the best

over 40 years now I guess, and still, nobody can touch these guys--

Big Zero?

I guess that's how Paul Krugman described this past decade, and I have to agree for the most part it's been a disaster--9/11, Iraq war, Katrina disaster, trampling on civil rights, fearmongering and paranoia, total financial meltdown, global warming, etc.
But there were some bright spots, particularly towards the end--historic presidential election, reversing course on failed policies, actually trying to achieve healthcare for all, and for me personally--a good job, a new place of my own, and re-dedicated to music with the equipment I've wanted for years now.
Another big bright spot was joining the old novaforums and meeting people from all around the world who are still friends to this day.
Can't say much for new music, compared to the 90s it really sucked, at least as far as rock music is concerned. Now everyone listens to music by game show winners. Geez. But on the other hand, a whole new world opened up with the music blogs and everyone producing and posting their music online with a great communal spirit. Of course this meant the well-deserved death of the major labels, and that probably contributed to the lack of major acts with national and international followings. It's more a matter of searching for things you like online and more niche-markets. Sure there are still gonna be national acts who break through on a larger scale, but I just don't think there will be as many of them because the music scene has become even more fragmented. I think we're still seeing how it all plays out, but I think in the long run it will be a good thing and that the cream will always rise to the top.
I'm not saying my stuff is the cream, but it's always how I've expressed myself--as opposed to journal writing or whatever--so get ready for a steady stream of music that was written almost 15 years ago and right up through today. For me, it's just something I keep doing, even with long periods of down time, I still can't imagine not having a guitar to strum, listening to the music of others and writing my own.
I might even get something posted before the end of today, the year, the decade.
To everyone else who's glad to say goodbye to the Big Zero, here's to better days ahead.
Sorry, can't think of anything else that isn't cliche--Later!

Vic Chesnutt

I don't know his music very well, but nevertheless sorry to hear that Vic Chesnutt died.

I do know that a lot of people admired his songwriting. I didn't realize that Michael Stipe helped him get started and produced his first albums.

X-mas

Ah yes, my annual Christmas address to the world. Oh right, I've let this poor blog sit neglected again for most of the year.
Well, I can say that it has been eventful. Got a new apartment. Literally, the place was just built this year. Not much character, but nice if you like the corporate planned community type of thing.

More eventful, I turned 40 in October. Didn't really bother me, maybe because I was sick for most of the month. Still not sure if I had swine flu or something else, coughed a lot. Couldn't afford to travel like I had wanted, but at least had friends over and played a little for them, from what I remember. I did however get the digital recorder I've wanted for years now. So, I've started the process of learning and working with that to finally post music online. Seeing as how I can't really pretend to be some young upstart anymore, I figure the total DIY pro bono route is even more appropriate than ever. Which is good, because everyone is doing it anyway, to one extent or another.

Look for the first installment by the end of the year--and try not to get too excited!

Hope you're all enjoying a little holiday cheer-peace.