Top 5 Vehicular Music Annoyances

Okay, so I was reading over Sean Brage's blog, and I got inspired to list my top 5 musical annoyances when it comes to listening in the car. (I was probably guilty of these at some point)

1. Constant song switching. Most of the girls I know are guilty of this. They listen to 15 seconds of a song, then switch it. I literally want to end it all when this reoccurs. (This is one I am mildly guilty of, but pretty much only when I drive in the car with Jonas and Mark)

2. Playing any form of hardcore after a loud show. The scenario: We just get done seeing Converge play at 140 decibels for 2 hours, I get in the car, and my buddy throws on Municipal Waste with the volume cranked. When this happens, I feel like putting my appendages in a wood chipper and sawing my ears off. After shows, it's either mellow music or nothing.

3. When people feel awkward by just listening to music in the car. If I am familiar with you, and comfortable, I don't feel the need to fill the air with words. I hate it when the music is constantly being turned down just to say some asinine thing that doesn't matter. Sometimes, it's best to just stay silent.

4. I am pretty good about appreciating other people's taste in music. I will admit that sometimes I get annoyed when I have to listen to certain bands for a long trip. I would list bands that fall into this category, but I think the list might be longer than the bible.

5. Over-controlling car DJs. I realize with this entry, I probably seem like a music nazi in my car, but I am not. I usually let my passenger choose the soundtrack for our journey. However, I H-A-T-E it when people are over-zealous with their DJ responsibilities. If you are in my car don't assume that everyone wants to listen to what you do. I will totally sit on your face a use it as toilet paper if this continues.

The end.

New Guitar!

So I probably spend about 80% of my time playing the guitar on acoustic. I am just really into finger picking and alternate tunings, plus it’s super easy to just pick the acoustic and go at it. I have been playing on this beginners Taylor “Big Baby” because it was cheap and got the job done. Well, I am not a huge fan of the Taylor sound (way too tinny), so about a year ago I started researching what guitar I would get next. I came to find out that a lot of my favorite acoustic recordings were done with vintage Guild acoustics (Nick Drake, Denison Witmer, Owen, etc.). Additionally, I found that the majority of them sell for under $700, which is great for a nice sounding acoustic.

So yesterday I was looking around at Guitar Center, and noticed an old acoustic just sitting in the middle of all of these crappy Fender acoustics, so I look closer and sure enough, it’s a 1971 Guild D-25. These normally sell on Ebay for around $600 and they had it marked for $459, so I knew it was a good deal. I was able to walk out the door with the guitar and a set of Martin SP’s for $430. I am so excited to finally have a nice acoustic again! Now I just need to put a pickup in it.

I would describe the tone as very mid rangy and super loud which is precisely what I look for in acoustic guitars. It sounds great with a pick and with just your fingers. The mahogany gives the tone really nice warmth to it. I will try getting some recordings of it up.

(example of a vintage Guild D-25)

For Me This is Heaven

That's right folks, my Clarity LP came in! I must admit that I totally had a rock out session in my room last night as I spun this. I am wondering if I got a special print, because it is the grey marble, but there is a bunch of blues and purples in the swirl as well. I am wondering if the press was a bit dirty when they made this one. Stoked!

Also, to continue my Ours fetish, here is a URL that has some bootlegged songs off the upcoming album:

http://www.665.org/leaked

Pictures from the Ours Tour:

credit - Uzi @ www.uzishots.com

For all of the pics he took, check out:
http://uzishots.com/photo/shows/2007/20070223-oaklandmetro/index.html

These are from the Oakland show. I am really impressed by these shots.

This week in music vol. 1

So I decided that I am going to start blogging every Friday about the music I have been enjoying that week. So here goes nothing:

In lieu of my excitement to receive my Clarity LP, I have been listening to a lot of Jimmy Eat World. If I keep up on this aspect of my blog, you are going to be seeing this band’s name pop up quite a bit. Jimmy Eat World is my favorite band of all time and there really isn’t any time when I am not in the mood to listen to them. As for what exactly I have been listening to in preparation to receive my LP, I have been really enjoying Static Prevails. It is the first full length they released after signing to Capitol Records in the mid-nineties. It definitely has a different feel from their work after this, but I still love it. It is extremely gritty, raw and emotional. Tom Linton sings on approximately half of the songs, with Jim Adkins singing the others. I would encourage you to check out this CD. I will warn you, you need to listen with an open mind, if you are expecting the same sound that is on Bleed American or Futures, you will be disappointed.

Secondly, I have really been enjoying Piers Faccini. He is a singer songwriter from England. His music is extremely delicate and well thought. I have been listening to the album Tearing Sky, which is his latest album. I think my favorite aspect of this disc is how he leaves so much room in the production. The drums, guitars and everything are very sparse and simple. This does not make the recording boring, however, it really gives it room to breathe, and let his stellar song writing really shine through.

Finally, I think I am officially obsessed with Black Flag. I know it’s an odd obsession to have, but there is something about 80’s hardcore that really draws me. I am sure some people would consider this music to be completely horrible. To me, it’s not about the recording quality or the song writing. It is about conveying a big middle finger whatever frustrations you may have. The energy that this band is able to convey is simply stunning. Greg Ginn’s guitar tone is insane. It sounds like he has everything at ten and is playing as hard as he possibly can without breaking strings. Anyway, if you ever want to know your roots in hardcore, do yourself a favor and listen to Damaged

Ours show 2/28/07 Review

My eyes were heavy all day yesterday with tiredness as a result of the evening before. I was quite weary all day, and ready to just go home and watch television and take some tums. At about 4:45pm, fifteen minutes before the end of my work day, my friend Dan gave me a call and said that Ours is playing a last minute show that evening. This band is and has been one of my favorite bands for the last four years. My body told me not to cave in and go to the show. Fortunately, I denied that urge.

We arrived at the Walnut Room at 7:45pm and grabbed a drink and a sandwich. I must commend this venue on its impeccable service (my sandwich wasn’t half bad either!). After chilling there for a bit with the boys, we made our way into the actual concert room and secured our seats. We were literally sitting on a table right next to the stage.

The first band got started at around 9 o’clock. I am struggling to remember their name, but they were truly professional. My only complaint was that they did a cover of Led Zeppelin’s Good Times, Bad Times. They pulled it off just fine, I just think that seems a little sac religious. I talked with their guitar player after the show, and he said they were all on 3 hours of sleep because they had to drive through a horrible snow storm to make it in. I definitely could not tell they were tired based on their stage show!

After what seemed like a very brief set change, Ours finally took the stage. I cannot express how in control they are of their show. From the moment the first note was struck on the guitar, Jimmy had hypnotized the audience. He was wearing all leather, which could seem extremely cheesy, but he pulled it off. They started the set with four new songs to be on the upcoming album that does not have a release date quite yet. I won’t go into the exact set list since I can’t remember it exactly. I would say that the hour and a half performance consisted of about 70% new songs and 30% old. Normally, I would be a little disappointed in that breakdown, but this is not the case here. The new songs sounded immaculate. It’s hard for me to express how intensely excited I am for the new album. In case you are wondering, Jimmy hit every note perfectly live. I would even go as far to say that he was better live. The intensity of his voice never ceases to amaze me. For me, the highlight of the performance was when the band stripped everything down musically, and Jimmy sang the standard “Ave Maria” which he tied in with a new song called “God Only Wants”. I felt as I watched this show, that I was watching an opera or a delicate story line put into song. There was not one moment in the hour and a half that I felt bored or lost interest. After the set had concluded, the band spent time with the fans. I spoke with all of the members, and every one of them treated me like I had known them their whole life. They were very personal and fan-oriented. Jimmy told us that his voice was weak that night because of the previous evening and a bottle of Makers Mark. If that is the case, I don’t know if I could handle him at 100%.

To sum up this entry, you need to see Ours play. If you know me, you know that I have been to many shows in my lifetime. I can say with confidence and clarity that this was the best one. I know that is a hefty claim, but I truly believe it. The whole time, I felt like I was watching a piece of rock and roll history unfold right before my eyes. I am tired again today from going to bed late, but I can’t wipe this smile off my face as a result of the performance last night.

Links:

Official Ours Website:
http://www.ours2.net/

Great fan site with a ton of bootlegs and album info:
http://www.killtheband.com/

Dead Format.

My obsession with vinyl seems to never cease. There is just something about opening an LP for the first time and looking at the oversized twelve by twelve artwork that is satisfying. From the first crackle of the needle touching the grooves, to the sound of the tone arm moving back into its return position, the process of listening to a record is unlike any other format. There is something about vinyl that commands your attention. When I put a record on, I feel the need to focus on what I am listening to. Collecting records makes me feel like a little boy again. It makes me feel like I am vesting stock into rock and roll history and truly supporting the art. To put it simply, records are just timeless and classy.

Today, I ordered the one record I have been wanting for the past 3 years: Jimmy Eat World’s Clarity 2x12LP. This is my all time favorite recording and not I finally own it in analog format. This particular record has never been repressed. It came in several different color combinations, the one I got is grey marble. Even cooler, the packaging is still sealed, so it’s like I am back in 1999 buying it from my local store. Anyways, tickle me pink.

I need to update my recordnerd account, but if you want to check out my collection, here is the link:
http://www.recordnerd.com/lists/joshmickelson

Wow, what a nice long weekend! It was great seeing my friends Chris and Thomas. They are such awesome guys. We all got together and had a few beers on Friday night which was a blast. The night ended with Chris and I covered in sharpie marker and I had a "confederate" mustache.…haha. It’s nice to let loose every once and a while.

In other news, there is this girl named Bethany that I have liked for a few years now. I am not sure if it was my own self-esteem, or being afraid of the fact that she lives in Ohio, but I never told her. Yesterday, I finally sat down and wrote her a letter explaining my feelings. I put it in the mail box this morning, and I am super nervous about it, but I couldn’t go on any more with out telling her. Anyway, we will see what happens! Give me a prayer if you think about it! Hahahah. Pray that she wants my hot bod! (jk)

Have an awesome week.

-J

PS - Listen to some Bonnie Prince Billy asap. He is way too good.

Up and running!

Tracks have finally been laid down!

Last night, we all got together and tied up all the lose ends of our little home studio. It feels good to write music with no prerogative besides producing art. Some day, it may see the light of day, but at this point, I personally don't care.

In other music news, I might be filling in on second guitar for a couple shows with my friend's band "Cameron at Bay". Check out their music, it's sexxxxy:

myspace.com/cameronatbay

Nick Drake Rarities CD!

So I have had an unhealthy obsession with singer/songwriter Nick Drake for the past year or so. They guy's music just connects with me for some reason. Anyway, I am very excited because this news clip was just posted on Pitchfork Media:

For a guy who died over 32 years ago, Nick Drake has been awfully prolific these days. Not content simply to loan his music to TV adverts and serve up 2004's Made to Love Magic from beyond the pale, Drake's ready to haunt emotional young people well into 2007. First up, the deceased has a new LP on the way, tentatively due in late spring or early summer on Island UK. Titled Family Tree, the disc collects some extremely rare Drake material, none of which has been mastered or released officially. While a few of the tunes have crept onto bootlegs, much will grace fans' ears for the very first time. At least, that's what they tell us-- the tracklist is not yet confirmed. Next, SXSW festival attendees will have several opportunities to indulge in their love for all things Drake. The favorably-received 2000 documentary A Skin Too Few: The Days of Nick Drake-- featuring Drake's actress sister Gabrielle Drake, his producer Joe Boyd, his arranger Robert Kirby, and Paul Weller-- will screen at the Convention Center Theater at 11 a.m. on March 17. Once sufficiently depressed, drag your feet on over to ACC Room 15 at noon, where Gabrielle, Joe, and special guest Robyn Hitchcock will discuss Nick's legacy at a panel titled "Nick Drake Remembered". Then get a glimpse of the man himself at the "A Place to Be" photo exhibit, going down at the Habana Annex on March 17 from noon to 6 p.m. This marks the first curated exhibit of Drake's official photographs, most of which were taken by the late British photographer Keith Morris. Several living musical acts will pay tribute to Drake throughout the day. Finally: If you imbibe enough, you just might catch Drake's ghost playing a few tunes in between sets from Girl Talk and the Pipettes at Pitchfork's SXSW day party. P.S. As previously reported, classical pianist/radio host Christopher O'Riley reinterprets Drake favorites as part of "Time Has Told Me: A Nick Drake Tribute", going down at UCLA's Royce Hall theater on February 16. Expect O'Riley's Drake takes to appear on Second Grace: The Music of Nick Drake, out this April via World Village/Harmonia Mundi.

A New Begining!

I just want to make a formal post congratulating Jonas and Tiff on being pregnant! Seriously, what an amazing thing it is when two people come together and permanently change history by bringing a new life into the world. It’s pretty incredible if you ask me. I know that your child is going to grow up being loved and adored and will spread the love of God throughout the world.

I think Christian and Taylor need a little sister. WHO”S WITH ME?!

In other news, I got a leak of the new Jesu record. It’s really stinkin’ good upon first listen.

Sun Kil Moon is way too good.

Whoa, I got this mobile blogging thing set up. That is what that picture is in the previous post. I am glad they finally released this feature.

I had a decent weekend. On Friday, my company hosted a holiday party. It was nice to get all dressed up and be “swank” for an evening. I will post a picture of my date and I later (Once I get the picture uploaded). On Saturday, I saw “Apocalypto”, the new Mel Gibson movie. It was spectacular. I was enthralled in the story all the way through. That evening, I went and watched Sean’s band Cameron at Bay. They killed it. By far the best band of the evening, I hope Sean and the guys keep plugging away at it, because they have a ton of potential. After the show I went to a lame party, and since I don’t drink much anymore, I pretty much just sat there and lurked..haha. Sunday, I went to church, Pastor Leech gave a great outline of the church’s vision. I am excited to be a part of Jubilee.

What will my soundtrack be for this period?

So I started a diet exactly 7 days ago, and I have already lost 11 pounds. I am so insanely impressed. Results are the best motivation ever to keep going. I haven’t been “thin” since I was about 9 years old, so this is a huge thing for me. Hopefully I get down to the point I want to.

I have been super inspired by the band lately. Right now, it truly feels like we are weightless and limitless. I feel like we can dream as elaborate or as basic as we want. It’s so easy to get boxed into a niche. Sometimes we all need jolts to realign our dreams and actions. We have started experimenting with more electronic drums and patterns and it’s forcing us to think outside the box. So far, we have two great song starts.

Big things to come.

Crucified by Nails of Silence

I am sitting here at my desk blasting the new Hammock album, Raising your Voice…trying to Stop an Echo, on my headphones.

Where do bands like this gather their inspiration? This music sounds so incredibly organic. To me, it sounds like I am listening directly into their souls. Needless to say, I am enjoying it.

I really want to work on my own personal writing. I think at this point, I am a good collaborator and I need to work on completing ideas. I started a progression this past weekend that could be something great if I get my stuff together. Time will tell?

I miss playing music with the guys really bad right now 

Getting Feeling Back

Well I guess it’s over. We had our last show as Young America / Strikethurman on Wednesday with the lovely Skillet. I feel at peace about it. I think we are going to do something new and fresh in the months to come. I really look forward to gaining a new center in the band, new inspiration, and new sounds. It’s time to really dig in and build something beautiful that we can be inspired from twenty years later.

It’s been weird getting out of my normal Sunday mindset. In the past, I was used to getting up at 6am, getting to church at 7am to set everything up, doing the service, eating some lunch and doing another evening service. Now that the church is over I feel totally different on Sundays. I started working out again, and I came to the conclusion that I can work out on Sunday mornings now before church. So weird….

Top Albums of 2006

So I decided to go through my ipod and compile a list of my favorite releases of 2006. I know I am probably missing some key albums, but this is fairly complete:

Devics – Push the Heart : Very elegant sounding female fronted indie. I love putting this album on when I am in a mellow mood.

This Will Destroy You – Young Mountain : One of the best debuts I have ever heard. There are obvious comparisons to Explosions in the Sky, but I really think they have created a mature album that holds it’s own weight. I can’t wait for this to come out on vinyl.

Envy – Insomniac Doze : Very stunning album combining influences from screamo and post-rock. Very original and intense. Japan produces some stellar bands.

Jeremy Enigk – World Waits : To answer your question, yes he still has it! This is Jeremy’s second solo album. His first was Return to the Frog Queen back in the mid to late 90s. If you are looking for another Frog Queen, you will be disappointed. I would call this a continuation of his work with the Fire Theft. Enough rambling, so buy it NOW!

Anathallo – Floating World : I can’t say enough good things about this band. It is so good to hear an extremely innovative Christian band that thinks outside of the box. I am going to go see them tomorrow night, and can’t wait.

Gregor samsa – 55:12 : Probably one of the most relaxing albums of the year. It definitely keeps it’s intensity though. This band can have my babies.

Thom Yorke – The Eraser : I wonder why this album is so good? Oh wait, EFFIN IT’S THOM YORKE! Everything from the album artwork to the music is top notch.

Tom Petty – Highway Companion : It’s Tom Petty, `nuff said.

Planes Mistaken for Stars – Mercy : I know this album was met with some criticism for the new direction in recording quality and song writing, but I happen to love it. Very passionate album from what I consider to be standards in the emo/indie scene.

Jesu – Silver : Spacey, dreamy, heavy, and sexy are all words to describe this follow up to last year’s self titled album.

Old Crow Medicine Show – Big Iron World : I would say this album started my on a path to check out different musical styles. If you are into blue grass, check these guys out now. Actually, check them out even if bluegrass isn’t your thing.

Mewithoutyou – Brother, Sister : Kind of an odd choice for top albums since I am usually not a big fan of Tooth and Nail’s catalog. This band, however, is simply undeniable. They progress with every album. All of the collaboration on this album really gives the listener an organic feel.

Clogs – Lantern : I would say this album went under the radar in a lot of ways. I was lucky enough to stumble upon it from this jazz website I was checking out. Very experimental music from classically trained musicians.

These Arms are Snakes – Easter : This band can do no wrong as far as I am concerned. Botch would be proud?

Bonnie “Prince” Billy – The Letting Go : I just came across this artist this year. (I feel so behind!) One of the best songwriters of our time, and I think he has many more years of memorable songs ahead of him.

Mogwai – Mr. Beast : I got the lovely opportunity of catching them on tour while supporting this album. One of the biggest sounding bands I have ever heard. I hope they keep playing for decades upon decades.

The Album Leaf – Into the Blue Again : I would call this a natural follow up to their previous works. Very solid and listenable.

Sparrows Swarm and Sing – O`Shenandoah, Mighty Death… : Godspeed 2.0? I kid, I kid. Very solid album that really paints some great imagery. Magic Bullet has had a great year concerning releases.

Bob Dylan – Modern Times : Of course the old man still has it. I am honestly a fan of how his voice is aging. This album keeps my interest throughout the whole thing.

Calexico – Garden Ruin : I have listened to this album far too much. Such fabulous song writing.

David Bazan – Fewer Moving Parts : His first album post-Pedro. Great album, however I really look forward to what else he has ahead of him.

Lakes – Photographs : I think this ep is defined by the melody making. Truly catchy, addictive music.

Muse – Black Holes and Revelations : This album seemed like a big middle finger to the music industry. To me, it just sounds like they do whatever-the hell-they want. Catchy music that is heavy to boot.

Priestess – Hello Master : Whoa! Where did these guys come from? Professional musicianship combined with badass rock and roll. How can you go wrong?

Rocky Votolato – Makers : I would classify this follow up as dark and oblique. I think it’s a great progression for Rocky.
Yo La Tengo – I am Not Afraid of You and I Will Beat Your Ass : I am pretty sure they don’t know how to write a bad album.

Wovenhand – Mosiac : I am so proud of the fact that these guys are from Colorado. Extremely spiritual, layered, well thought music.

Amy Millan – Honey From the Tombs : From Stars to Broken Social Scene, Amy has been a key to great albums. This solo album lives up to her reputation.

Kayo Dot – Dowsing Anemone With Copper Tongue : It’s ironic that these guys will mostly never see commercial success. This is some of the most talented and organic music I have ever listened to.

Goth or Witch?

Today on my way into work, I saw this girl waiting on the side of the road for the bus. I thought she was one of those annoying goth girls, then I remembered it’s Halloween today!

So…Happy Halloween!?

I think today I will listen to all of my Oasis cds.

Between Christian Rock and a Hard Place

I have decided that music honestly is one of the most amazing things ever. Obviously, this isn’t a new development since I have been obsessed with music since I got my first “Mylon LeFevre” tape when I was 7.

I just find it interesting how three-dimensional it is. There are the obvious things that stick out like genre, tone, recording quality, and subject matter. What I find interesting however is that all of these things can add these underlying ideas and emotions. For instance, when I listen to Sufjan Stevens vs. Jose Gonzalez, they are fairly similar aesthetically. They are both indie-folk singer-songwriters. However, when I listen to Jose I get a much bigger sense of originality. It feels like he is truly engrossed in the art he is creating rather than just trying to evoke a certain mood. I LOVE Stevens, I am just stating differences. Through Jose’s whispery voice I hear intensity and conviction.

Anyway, I started a new blog for album reviews and another one for my short stories and other miscellaneous writings. Check them out if you wish:

joshmickelson2.blogspot.com
pinchblistering.blogspot.com

(Isn’t weird that I made a post that doesn’t have to do with Christianity?)

damn liberals...

We are having a good debate over at the Strikethurman boards. Fun stuff! I am the biggest conservative ever, yet I am trying to spark debate by displaying both sides. Some people seem so afraid of confrontation!

Anyway, the job is going great. God has really blessed me. It is a great environment and I work hard.

We officially start recording this week. I am so excited. We are also gathering the content to launch a new strikethurman.com Where I assume we will be announcing my joining the band...haha. Its funny I have played 4 shows now and we still haven't made a public announcment. I don't really care in all honesty.

I am going to start praying and reading over my lunch breaks. It is going to be the perfect time for me to be by myself and really dig in. There is a cafe with a patio in our office building. No one ever goes on the patio, so it will be the perfect spot. YAY.

Emo moment:

I really want to find the girl I will marry. I know God has the right person and everything, but I am getting anxious...hah I honestly just want to love and care for someone.


Ok done.

Bury me...

I conformed into Mark and Seans propoghanda and got myself a blog. It is probably the coolest thing ever.

Well it seems like everything in life is changing right now. I am in a new band called StrikeThurman ( http://www.strikethurman.com ) It is so amazing to play with such talanted and God fearing guys. I am stoked about my future in this.

I am moving in with my buddy Nathan next week. I am excited about this because I am going to have a lot more room, and eventually we are going to have his entire house to ourselves. His parents are possibly moving to Canada to pursue Nathan's little brother's hockey career.

I am in between jobs right now, I got laid off from the last job due to an aquisition. I am not really that concerned by this. I have some great leads I am working on, and I know that God has great things in store for me.

Spiritually, I am going through things both good and bad. The good things are that I am learning to take circumstances in stride and roll with the punches. However, I have felt really dry lately. I am so thirsty for Jesus, I am so ready to take the next step and really dig in, yet I get too comfortable and just sit back where I am. Like I said in the beginning of this blog, Change is in the air, God has a new season for me.


ps - I am so listening to Tupac right now...