Titles Should Be In Caps

matthew believes he is laid back, but he insists on all the first letters of this blog's titles to be capitalized...even for this "test" blog that i have been granted the dubious honor of authorship partnership...i am not a writer.  i like to explain everything with pictures that i draw.  those things tend to be sushi restaurants and code compliance diagrams these days.  it's very fabulously exciting...

i agree with most everything previously posted in this blog, except for, as our friends all know, the opinions posted about o'death.  as deepa would say, i would much prefer being o'deaf while any of their songs are playing.  but i take great pride in my man's love for music, eclectic as it may be.  so, i will cooperate and capitalize my titles...just not the rest of my blogging.

RoPa

Never underestimate Rogers Park. Ever. Too good of a hood. Was there Friday to shoot pool with my bud. Turned out a birthday party broke out for my other bud, Toks. I won a few games early before bowing out to a lesser player. That's cool, though. Always enjoy the experience.

Wiffle Ball Season Indeed

Opening Day at Colfax Park in The Northwoods was April 5, a sunny and warm day filled with highs and lows. Thanks to all who participated in the festivities.
Pretty sure I led the day in strikeouts (at the plate), dramatic plays (in the field) and dirt on my uniform. Dr. Matt was the most argumentative, while Kate M. earned most-improved player. Han held down the clubhouse and took all media-related inquiries. Hunter probably deserved MVP as he was the most consistent in the box and on the mound. No doubt he benefited from a private spring training. Thanks to the Andys for making their first visits to The Northwoods.
I'll keep everyone posted on the upcoming schedule. Maybe we can squeeze in a couple of quadrupleheaders later this month.

(Check out k8emiller.blogspot for a photo)

On Deck

Here are some bands passing through the Windy City in the next few days, weeks.

Friday, April 11: Tapes 'n Tapes at Metro. This Minneapolis foursome rocked out with its debut, The Loon, and recently released its sophomore effort. Briefly heard four songs from the new album with marginal interest, but I would like to catch these guys live.

Tuesday, April 15: Tax Day. Go to hell, W!

Wednesday, April 16: Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin at Empty Bottle. For all my years in Chicago, I still haven't been to the Bottle. That's a shame on my part. Wouldn't mind making my virgin trip to the revered indie music hall to hear this Missouri group, whose high-energy and endearing rock might make you forget about paying for a senseless war and occupation in the Middle East for at least one night.

Saturday, May 3: Drive-By Truckers at Metro. Hell and Yes. Saw these ass-kicking southerners at Park West last year for an acoustic set. Now comes the all-plugged-in steam train from Athens, Ga., where I went to college. Let's just say I'm ready for them to blow the snaps off my shirt and expose my soul.

I Am No. 1

Thanks, Dr. Matt for your endorsement. You're my favorite doc.

O'Death, You Seduce Me

Saw these dudes two weekends ago at the Abbey Pub with two lucky followers, and my soul still stings. 

O'Death (three shirts for five guys) hits you over the head with its brand of mountain folk and continues to pummel you until you surrender to its sweet sound.

This Brooklyn group is a must-see. I missed the fivesome at last year's Hideout fest, but I couldn't be happier to catch the crew this time around.

Check them out at www.myspace.com/odeath

Weekend of Sounds

Listened to some great tunes with great friends this past weekend. Can't think of a much better way to spend two evenings.

Friday, Devil in a Woodpile and Charlie Parr took the Morseland crowd back to a simpler time, one where you sit your ass on a stump in the woods and tap your foot to the beat. It had been too long since I caught DIWP, a mainstay at the Hideout. Boy, did I miss its brand of music. Parr was a bonus. The bushy bearded Duluthian impressed me with his down-home presence, agile pickin' and haunting voice.

Two days later, me and five others listened to the present and future of music. Vampire Weekend, the NYC-based buzz band of the moment, treated the Metro crowd to an efficient yet entertaining set of 14 songs that had fans smiling and shuffling for about an hour.

While I'll probably never see VW again, as I expect its shows to cost more than I care to spend on live acts ($20+), the foursome, led by the baby faced Ezra Koenig (a star in the making), sure hit the spot Sunday. For those who didn't weren't able to squeeze into the sold-out venue, the Columbia grads return to the Chicago scene this summer for Pitchfork's festival.

(This is my first post in what I hope will be many more. I intend this site as a way to peak inside a part of my life through the lens of the music that I love.)