CDs went out last Wednesday and I have been so neglecting of this blog lately. I apologize to all my "followers" out there!
I have some BIG, HUGE updates forthcoming. Mainly about the 2010 Meet Me @ Miller Park, but some other things in there. Also, GARGANTUAN news on the job front. However, those belong in a different post.
This one is all about the music!
April 2010
1. Spoon - Is Love Forever
2. She & Him - In the Sun
3. Shout Out Louds - Fall Hard
4. Stornoway - I Saw You Blink
5. Vampire Weekend - Holiday
6. Dirty Projectors - Ascending Melody
7. Portugal. the Man - When The War Ends
8. The Black Keys - Tighten Up
9. The Morning Benders - Promises
10. Napoleon - Baghdad, Me and The Hitman Joseph
11. The Bird and The Bee - Heard It On The Radio
12. Minus the Bear - My Time
13. Two Door Cinema Club - Undercover Martyn
14. Neon Trees - Animal
15. Fang Island - Daisy
16. Rogue Wave - Permalight
17. What Laura Says - Training
18. Elevator Art - Philophobia
19. We Are Scientists - Rules Don't Stop
20. Flying Machines - On A Whim
21. Jonsi - Animal Arithmetic
22. The Lighthouse and The Whaler - Under Mountain, Under Ground
23. Bicycle Voice - Red, Red, Blue
Zach's Notes
1. If you don't care for Spoon and have some time, listen to a whole album like 3 times before shelving it. Personally, each album gets better with each listen.
2. Hey, Ruskus admitted that not only was Zooey bangable, but she is indeed hot. This means I win a decades-old argument about her validity as a sexual icon! Go Me!
4. I cannot get enough of this song right now.
5. Probably the most punk song on the album. If you liked A-Punk, you'll go for this.
6. Such syncopation and harmony! This band is put together well.
8. My favorite song of theirs since 10 A.M. Automatic.
9. One highly hyped indie band that doesn't disappoint on every page.
10. Smooth R & B flow to this one!
13. Now opening for Phoenix!
14. Enough of the stupid Neon Indians already! Make way for the Neon Trees!
16. Us Zachs have to stick together!
19. I have loved this band since I saw them open for Cake a few years back. This is the first single from their upcoming third CD. Their sound has cleaned up alot from their first album, but it is still a solid song.
21. Quite a departure from the lead singer of Sigur Ros
23. Not sure what it is about her voice, but I love it. Must be the bicycle!
Finally, thanks so much for all of the albums I've received from you all! I am hoping to celebrate my one-year anniversary of mix making with a 3-album collection compiled of 1) June 2) a bonus disc of my favorite tracks from friends' mixes and 3) a mix of my favorite songs from the past year.
I can't wait to hear what you all think!
P.S. Happy Graduation to any and all of you participating in that!
Friday, April 30, 2010
Friday, April 9, 2010
Meet Me @ Miller Park 2010
This was by far THE best Brewer's trip ever. I'm sorry to any of you who may have missed it, but it was phenomenal. Here's the rundown:
I got into the MKE about 6:00 on Thursday night. Timmy D picked me up and we got some food at a local CedarB hangout and then hung out as his place. Chatted sports, music, life and jammed for a while on guitar and synthesizer. After a while, Nick and Big D pulled into Sam's place on the Southside, so we cruised on down there. After a quick beer, we hit the road to North Ave. and one of Sammy's favorite Irish pubs. After a few drinks, we were ready to get serious, so we gave each other knuckle tattoos. Sam's read: John Jaha. Mine: Base Ball Danek's: Fuck Yeah. Nick's: Thug Life. Sam's Cousin's: Guin Ness.
We crashed at Sam's and in the morning began an epic errand run. We got donuts at a local place, traveled up-town to Papa Zig's work to pick up the tickets, got sign supplies, and had a lunch at Sonic.
Sign making was a lot of fun. We put on Step Brothers for a background laugh-track and took turns cutting, pasting, coloring, and drinking beer. My signs said, "Go, Go, Gomez" and "Ryan Braun Stole My Girlfriend." We also bought some Happy 40th Birthday banners to wave around in celebration of the Milwaukee Brewer's 40th year in Milwaukee!
After signs were made, pre-game beers were drunk, and gear was loaded, we headed down to Kelly's Bleachers. We made certain to arrive early enough to guarantee free parking and a leisurely dinner before the game. I had a fish fry and some Spotted Cow. Man, did it feel good to be home!
We walked to the stadium and headed right in to our FRONT ROW SEATS! We were a few sections past third base and I was hoping for some foul-ball action, though none ever came. I did snag a ball the guy-who-plays-catch-between-innings-with-the-left-fielder threw into the stands. I think it ended up going home with Nick Smith somehow...
All the action in the game happened right away and the Brewers hung on to win! WOO!
We got Ryan Braun to notice my sign towards the middle of the game. He just shrugged as if to say, "I'm sorry." Or maybe, "What are you going to do about it?" In hindsight, I should have tried to give it to him.
I saw Goody and Leah and Jenny and Rose and Travis and Laurel only on Friday. I might not see them again for a long time. I didn't think about that alot then though. I was living in the moment as much as I could. It was so great to see them all though, if only for a fleeting moment.
The post-game party was at Miss Jackie B's South Milwaukee residence. We started a fire in the backyard, finished off the beers, and was in bed by 1:30. Ok, 2:00 at the latest! It was great to sit and laugh with friends I hadn't seen in ages.
My the morning light, it was time to get rolling! Jackie's parents spoiled us with pancakes, pancake accessories, and much-needed coffee. Once everyone got their butts in gear, we made it to the Pick 'N Save to shop for supplies and went straight to the stadium to begin tailgating!
Rain was moving in so we parked the 2 vans (Jackie's and Tyler's) rear to rear and rigged a tarp between the two trunks. It worked out pretty well except that while it kept most of the rain out, it also kept the grill smoke in. Tony arrived with the keg within a half-hour and the party REALLY got started. Brats, burgers, cookies, chips, beer, and more beer were flying like it was nobody's business. No games were played due to the uncooperative weather, but I personally enjoyed just chatting, drinking, and stuffing my face with more sausage than I knew what to do with. A Fox6 news camera came by to film us. We aired later that night as a segment called, "Tough Tailgaters." Just another resume-padder!
Chelsea and her crew and Rosy Ricks were the only Saturday-only fans and it was amazing to catch up with both of them as well. I also really appreciated my brother's ability to have fun with his and my friends at the same time!
The keg was cached with 20 minutes till game-time so we cleaned up and headed in. Our seats were a little past first base this time and in rows 13-15. Phenomenal seats nonetheless. This game was more of a nail-biter. The Brewers couldn't hold a lead and it looked like the Tigers were going to pull it off until the Tigers turned into a Little League team in the bottom of the 9th, throwing the ball around and letting up 3 runs. All Tiger fans were pretty bummed, but I was elated.
We went to Leon's for some frozen custard after the game, which was SO good. That's the place Happy Days was based off of. Then, we went home to Mayville!
My parents had sandwich stuff all ready to go with so many snacks and Easter candy. We grabbed some more beer and ate, ate, ate. A few high school friends stopped by and we decided to get some flip cup going in the garage. Tyler and I each captained a team and I will graciously say his team kicked mine's ass Every. Single. Time. We sucked!
When we were drunk, but not too drunk, we started the annual night walk around Mayville. We took the train tracks past Parkview and eventually made everyone drunkenly cross a creek on an 0verturned tree. Wayne fell in. Then we spun on the merry-go-round till I thought Schmiz was gonna vom. Next, we walked to the pavilion and looped around to the dam steps. That's my favorite part of town. Everyone made it home safely!
The biggest disappointment of the trip was that we forgot about Poppa Z's story time. I really was excited to see what my dad had come up with, but we got too wrapped up in flip cup. Sorry Dad! He had a whole nature walk planned around the house telling stories of some of our most famous foliage. It would've been really cool...
I spent the night with Andrea talking about us and feelings and such and if you would like to know more, you'll have to ask personally. Let's just say it was good for both of us.
I made a sort-of egg scramble breakfast in the morning as many people headed out. Carload by carload, they left Mayville headed to their respective homes to recover from an AWESOME weekend. Eventually, Andrea, Steve, and Evan were left until Jackie could come pick them up after a family Easter brunch. So, we took my new(ish) car for a drive and took a walk through Ziegler park. It was nice and relaxing.
After the final person left, I enjoyed a little bit of "just me and family" time. Then, it was time to head out. Tim met me and my dad half-way to Milwaukee to take me to the airport. We grabbed some dinner at Copp's (another Milwaukee staple in greasy deliciousness) and met Sam at her place for a little farewell catch. They both took me to the airport and I said my final goodbye to WI...for now.
However, I wasn't out of the clear yet. I was in a hurry to get through security at the airport, expecting quite a long line of post-Easter travelers. But, the line wasn't there. Needless to say, I breezed through security until I was pegged as "suspicious." I got wanded, felt up, and ALL of my bags searched through. I told the TSA officer this happens to me alot and asked if there was a reason. He told me there was indeed a reason I had been stopped, but he couldn't disclose that information with me. He did offer me a word of advice, "calm down." Guess I was nervous. I read some of Salinger's Nine Stories waiting for the plane (which I highly recommend) and made it safely back to CO.
What a weekend!
Can't wait for the 2011 MM@MP! Hope to see you there!
I got into the MKE about 6:00 on Thursday night. Timmy D picked me up and we got some food at a local CedarB hangout and then hung out as his place. Chatted sports, music, life and jammed for a while on guitar and synthesizer. After a while, Nick and Big D pulled into Sam's place on the Southside, so we cruised on down there. After a quick beer, we hit the road to North Ave. and one of Sammy's favorite Irish pubs. After a few drinks, we were ready to get serious, so we gave each other knuckle tattoos. Sam's read: John Jaha. Mine: Base Ball Danek's: Fuck Yeah. Nick's: Thug Life. Sam's Cousin's: Guin Ness.
We crashed at Sam's and in the morning began an epic errand run. We got donuts at a local place, traveled up-town to Papa Zig's work to pick up the tickets, got sign supplies, and had a lunch at Sonic.
Sign making was a lot of fun. We put on Step Brothers for a background laugh-track and took turns cutting, pasting, coloring, and drinking beer. My signs said, "Go, Go, Gomez" and "Ryan Braun Stole My Girlfriend." We also bought some Happy 40th Birthday banners to wave around in celebration of the Milwaukee Brewer's 40th year in Milwaukee!
After signs were made, pre-game beers were drunk, and gear was loaded, we headed down to Kelly's Bleachers. We made certain to arrive early enough to guarantee free parking and a leisurely dinner before the game. I had a fish fry and some Spotted Cow. Man, did it feel good to be home!
We walked to the stadium and headed right in to our FRONT ROW SEATS! We were a few sections past third base and I was hoping for some foul-ball action, though none ever came. I did snag a ball the guy-who-plays-catch-between-innings-with-the-left-fielder threw into the stands. I think it ended up going home with Nick Smith somehow...
All the action in the game happened right away and the Brewers hung on to win! WOO!
We got Ryan Braun to notice my sign towards the middle of the game. He just shrugged as if to say, "I'm sorry." Or maybe, "What are you going to do about it?" In hindsight, I should have tried to give it to him.
I saw Goody and Leah and Jenny and Rose and Travis and Laurel only on Friday. I might not see them again for a long time. I didn't think about that alot then though. I was living in the moment as much as I could. It was so great to see them all though, if only for a fleeting moment.
The post-game party was at Miss Jackie B's South Milwaukee residence. We started a fire in the backyard, finished off the beers, and was in bed by 1:30. Ok, 2:00 at the latest! It was great to sit and laugh with friends I hadn't seen in ages.
My the morning light, it was time to get rolling! Jackie's parents spoiled us with pancakes, pancake accessories, and much-needed coffee. Once everyone got their butts in gear, we made it to the Pick 'N Save to shop for supplies and went straight to the stadium to begin tailgating!
Rain was moving in so we parked the 2 vans (Jackie's and Tyler's) rear to rear and rigged a tarp between the two trunks. It worked out pretty well except that while it kept most of the rain out, it also kept the grill smoke in. Tony arrived with the keg within a half-hour and the party REALLY got started. Brats, burgers, cookies, chips, beer, and more beer were flying like it was nobody's business. No games were played due to the uncooperative weather, but I personally enjoyed just chatting, drinking, and stuffing my face with more sausage than I knew what to do with. A Fox6 news camera came by to film us. We aired later that night as a segment called, "Tough Tailgaters." Just another resume-padder!
Chelsea and her crew and Rosy Ricks were the only Saturday-only fans and it was amazing to catch up with both of them as well. I also really appreciated my brother's ability to have fun with his and my friends at the same time!
The keg was cached with 20 minutes till game-time so we cleaned up and headed in. Our seats were a little past first base this time and in rows 13-15. Phenomenal seats nonetheless. This game was more of a nail-biter. The Brewers couldn't hold a lead and it looked like the Tigers were going to pull it off until the Tigers turned into a Little League team in the bottom of the 9th, throwing the ball around and letting up 3 runs. All Tiger fans were pretty bummed, but I was elated.
We went to Leon's for some frozen custard after the game, which was SO good. That's the place Happy Days was based off of. Then, we went home to Mayville!
My parents had sandwich stuff all ready to go with so many snacks and Easter candy. We grabbed some more beer and ate, ate, ate. A few high school friends stopped by and we decided to get some flip cup going in the garage. Tyler and I each captained a team and I will graciously say his team kicked mine's ass Every. Single. Time. We sucked!
When we were drunk, but not too drunk, we started the annual night walk around Mayville. We took the train tracks past Parkview and eventually made everyone drunkenly cross a creek on an 0verturned tree. Wayne fell in. Then we spun on the merry-go-round till I thought Schmiz was gonna vom. Next, we walked to the pavilion and looped around to the dam steps. That's my favorite part of town. Everyone made it home safely!
The biggest disappointment of the trip was that we forgot about Poppa Z's story time. I really was excited to see what my dad had come up with, but we got too wrapped up in flip cup. Sorry Dad! He had a whole nature walk planned around the house telling stories of some of our most famous foliage. It would've been really cool...
I spent the night with Andrea talking about us and feelings and such and if you would like to know more, you'll have to ask personally. Let's just say it was good for both of us.
I made a sort-of egg scramble breakfast in the morning as many people headed out. Carload by carload, they left Mayville headed to their respective homes to recover from an AWESOME weekend. Eventually, Andrea, Steve, and Evan were left until Jackie could come pick them up after a family Easter brunch. So, we took my new(ish) car for a drive and took a walk through Ziegler park. It was nice and relaxing.
After the final person left, I enjoyed a little bit of "just me and family" time. Then, it was time to head out. Tim met me and my dad half-way to Milwaukee to take me to the airport. We grabbed some dinner at Copp's (another Milwaukee staple in greasy deliciousness) and met Sam at her place for a little farewell catch. They both took me to the airport and I said my final goodbye to WI...for now.
However, I wasn't out of the clear yet. I was in a hurry to get through security at the airport, expecting quite a long line of post-Easter travelers. But, the line wasn't there. Needless to say, I breezed through security until I was pegged as "suspicious." I got wanded, felt up, and ALL of my bags searched through. I told the TSA officer this happens to me alot and asked if there was a reason. He told me there was indeed a reason I had been stopped, but he couldn't disclose that information with me. He did offer me a word of advice, "calm down." Guess I was nervous. I read some of Salinger's Nine Stories waiting for the plane (which I highly recommend) and made it safely back to CO.
What a weekend!
Can't wait for the 2011 MM@MP! Hope to see you there!
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Spring Break
I know this was a while ago, but here are the highlights I can remember from Spring Break 2-Aught-10:
The first Monday, Trish and I hung out on Pearl Street all afternoon. We got the most delicious bakery in town from Tee & Cakes and sat on a bench people watching, catching up with friends, and doing homework. Later, we got dollar pints from The Drafthouse. It was a great, relaxing start to the week.
I have to pause to tell a story for Trisha. As we were sitting on the bench, some girl came up to another lady and made a big deal because the other lady had "dropped her smile." Frantically looking around on the ground, she then realized what exactly she had "dropped" and smiled back at the other lady. "There, you found it!" the first woman replied. It was the weirdest thing ever and we laughed VERY hard.
Of course, there was some hiking and climbing and such. My arm had been hurting (tendinitis, I think) so climbing wasn't too fortuitous. Hiking was cool. I remember going up Sugarloaf Mountain (yup, there's one out here too) and getting some VERY cool panoramas of snowy 14ers on Sunday. Colin and I summited Bear Peak, the higher of the 2 main foothills (the other being Green, which there are some pictures of over on the side) the Friday before. Nothing like getting donuts and coffee, hiking a 4-5 hour trail in 3 hours, and then getting a cheap Mexican buffet. Great day!
Speaking of snow, it totally snowed enough to give us a snow day, but we had no school already, so it was wasted. That was Tuesday night.
On Thursday morning, I met Nicole and the kids and went and played on Jump Street for 2 hours. Jump Street is a wall-to-wall trampoline fantasyland. There are even trampolines on the walls. It was the most exhausting thing ever. We bought 2 hours of time but ducked out 20 minutes early. After, we had an awesome hot dog lunch.
Billy, a friend from high school, recently moved to Fort Collins and came down to visit on Saturday. We walked all over town, had some beers and dinner and passed out on my floor (not drunk, just tired). We hung out with Lily and Justine that night playing drinking games. At one point, Lily offered to make me a margarita. She handed me the glass and after I had taken a drink asked how it tasted. It was a splendid drink, however she then informed me she had run out of margarita mix while making mine...so she just filled in the rest with Tequila.
Billy and I met Justine and Lily for brunch on Sunday morning, played some disc, and then Billy headed out. I enjoyed the rest of the day hanging out with Justine, going thrifting, and watching a movie.
I had been hoping to get things accomplished throughout the week, like schoolwork, cleaning, and job applications. So, on my final day of break, I was committed to productivity. That is until Colin called me up. Him and Gloria had started drinking (about 2 P.M.) and I was asked to join. We had some beers on the roof, made a drink in a Nalgene and played disc in a park, had dollar drafts again, went to a restaurant, and then had sushi with a Volcano (a two-person, all-alcohol, flaming drink). Quite the way to end my break, I must say!
So some is out of order and I'm sure I missed some small things. But, weeks later, this is what stood out! I will update about the Brewers trip really soon and will get out the March CDs to those who I had intended on giving them to in person tomorrow. Woo!
The first Monday, Trish and I hung out on Pearl Street all afternoon. We got the most delicious bakery in town from Tee & Cakes and sat on a bench people watching, catching up with friends, and doing homework. Later, we got dollar pints from The Drafthouse. It was a great, relaxing start to the week.
I have to pause to tell a story for Trisha. As we were sitting on the bench, some girl came up to another lady and made a big deal because the other lady had "dropped her smile." Frantically looking around on the ground, she then realized what exactly she had "dropped" and smiled back at the other lady. "There, you found it!" the first woman replied. It was the weirdest thing ever and we laughed VERY hard.
Of course, there was some hiking and climbing and such. My arm had been hurting (tendinitis, I think) so climbing wasn't too fortuitous. Hiking was cool. I remember going up Sugarloaf Mountain (yup, there's one out here too) and getting some VERY cool panoramas of snowy 14ers on Sunday. Colin and I summited Bear Peak, the higher of the 2 main foothills (the other being Green, which there are some pictures of over on the side) the Friday before. Nothing like getting donuts and coffee, hiking a 4-5 hour trail in 3 hours, and then getting a cheap Mexican buffet. Great day!
Speaking of snow, it totally snowed enough to give us a snow day, but we had no school already, so it was wasted. That was Tuesday night.
On Thursday morning, I met Nicole and the kids and went and played on Jump Street for 2 hours. Jump Street is a wall-to-wall trampoline fantasyland. There are even trampolines on the walls. It was the most exhausting thing ever. We bought 2 hours of time but ducked out 20 minutes early. After, we had an awesome hot dog lunch.
Billy, a friend from high school, recently moved to Fort Collins and came down to visit on Saturday. We walked all over town, had some beers and dinner and passed out on my floor (not drunk, just tired). We hung out with Lily and Justine that night playing drinking games. At one point, Lily offered to make me a margarita. She handed me the glass and after I had taken a drink asked how it tasted. It was a splendid drink, however she then informed me she had run out of margarita mix while making mine...so she just filled in the rest with Tequila.
Billy and I met Justine and Lily for brunch on Sunday morning, played some disc, and then Billy headed out. I enjoyed the rest of the day hanging out with Justine, going thrifting, and watching a movie.
I had been hoping to get things accomplished throughout the week, like schoolwork, cleaning, and job applications. So, on my final day of break, I was committed to productivity. That is until Colin called me up. Him and Gloria had started drinking (about 2 P.M.) and I was asked to join. We had some beers on the roof, made a drink in a Nalgene and played disc in a park, had dollar drafts again, went to a restaurant, and then had sushi with a Volcano (a two-person, all-alcohol, flaming drink). Quite the way to end my break, I must say!
So some is out of order and I'm sure I missed some small things. But, weeks later, this is what stood out! I will update about the Brewers trip really soon and will get out the March CDs to those who I had intended on giving them to in person tomorrow. Woo!
Monday, April 5, 2010
Top 5 Week 5
Yes, I have plans for fixing the March playlist post. Yes, I have intentions to update about spring break and THE BEST BREWERS TRIP IN THE HISTORY OF BASEBALL! But, I digress. This post is about the Top 5 experiment! This week's new category:
Top 5 Bands with Numbers in Their Names:
Zach's Top 5:
1. Matchbox 20
2. Jurassic 5
3. Ben Folds Five
4. U2 (At least for the Joshua Tree and All That You Can't Leave Behind)
5. Jackson 5
There are a few close ones: Nine Inch Nails, UB40 (right, Tim?), the MC5s
Whatcha got?
Top 5 Bands with Numbers in Their Names:
Zach's Top 5:
1. Matchbox 20
2. Jurassic 5
3. Ben Folds Five
4. U2 (At least for the Joshua Tree and All That You Can't Leave Behind)
5. Jackson 5
There are a few close ones: Nine Inch Nails, UB40 (right, Tim?), the MC5s
Whatcha got?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)