The whisper that you can't hear

dinner 

Michael Lemieux is an amazing cook. He was with Jose, JJ and myself in upstate NY at the home of Michael Merenda and Ruth Ungar. We started recording the new Nuclear Waste Management Club CD. What a great time. Wood stoves and amazing food. JJ and I did 12 songs in a day and a half. I've since heard that the other folks involved (Peyton and Anne Pinkerton, Scott Hall and obviously, Jose) did stellar jobs on their parts as well. I can't wait to hear it.

SJ 
I fell in love with the film Lost in Translation while I was there too. I didn't like it all that much when Jen and I went to see it in the theater. I think I had a stick up my ass about Bill Murray at the time. Don't get me wrong, I love him. Think he's one of the most gifted character actors in the business. It just seemed like he had played that roll only months before that film came out and I was just bitter. All right Bill, we get it. Enough. Anyway, I found the beauty in it this time. Scarlett Johansson (whos raging talent equals her senseless beauty) is the next Audrey Hepburn in my opinion. I really felt connected to their struggle. What a beautiful ending. The whisper that you can't hear. For years I've been trying to write songs that capture the feelings that a film like that did. Space, lonliness, loss, love, chance, risk. I don't know if I ever have captured it...or if I ever will. But it is most certainly inspiring. Jose was really happy that I came around. It's one of his favorites.
Off to Boston tonight to play a Lo Fine show. Springfield tomorrow at Shakago's with myself solo, Lo Fine, Space Captain and Running with Karma. I'm excited about that. I love Springfield. It too often gets shunned by valley folk.
Thanks to all who are throwing band names around. There's been some great ones. I'm still struggling so keep them coming if you don't mind.

Jose running the vivid show 

JJ recording 

PACE

PACE - March 11th, 2005 

The PACE show was amazing. Again. Thanks so much to all who came. J Johnson, Kevin O'Rourke and Matt Sutton were all mesmerizing. My backing band makes me look better than I really am. Such great players, and people. That's it. We all decided. We're going to do this whole band thing a lot more often. They're all right, it sounds too good to just do twice a year. I'll keep you posted as to when it will happen again. We discussed another local show in the late spring as well as shows in Boston, NYC, Provincetown, Portland and Vermont. We'll see. There's some pictures from the night below (thanks to Kevin Smith and Jen Campbell).
So. I'm going to hold a contest through this blog. See; I feel really silly just having my name be the thing that is displayed when I'm performing with a full band. But, I also absolutely despise the thought of coming up with a band name. So. I need you all to start leaving proposed band names in the comments section for me. If you have 10 ideas don't be shy, send them all. The winner will get to come see my shows (solo or with the band) for an entire year. That's right, a full year of "guest list" privileges. No, that does not mean you get the free beer that I don't drink at the aforementioned shows.
By the way, Jen just finished one thing and started another. She finished a big, autumn-orange blanket for Scooter. He absolutely loves it (I think he's as sick of winter as the rest of us are). She started rehearsing for a play that she's really excited about. It's called "Misery Loves Breakfast" and she has one of the leads. It's going to be at Thornes Marketplace (on the third floor) on May 6th, 7th, 13th and 14th. Kelsey Flynn is also in it and she's wildly talented.
Hmmmm, maybe my first pick for a band name is
A BIG AUTUMN-ORANGE BLANKET FOR SCOOTER
Ok...maybe not

Paul Kochanski and Matt Cullen 

Anne Pinkerton 

J Johnson (National Carpet) 

Kevin O'Rourke (Lo Fine) 

Matt Sutton (The Malarkies) 

Erika Kent and I voicing our collective opinion of winter 

loobie and me.

momma me and baby lou year 

It's only one day after the 2 shows I got to play with Lou Barlow (www.loobiecore.com) and already I miss it. The first night was at the Middle East in Cambridge, MA. Sold out. Anne Pinkerton (the most talented singer I've ever worked with) joined me for both shows. Chris Brokaw (The New Year, Come, Consanant, Lemonheads) played as well. My beautiful girlfriend Jen joined us on the trip. The three of us arrived in Boston around 7. Lou was on stage, soundchecking. He played a 4 string steel string and a nylon string guitar. He also had all kinds of loop pedals and this old moog type keyboard. Chris Brokaw arrived around the same time that we did. It was nice to chat with him. He also played at Night Owl so this was like a Night Owl on wheels type of event. I'll tell you, I've never been treated better than I was at the Middle East. The 2 sound guys (Dave and...oh shit, I forgot his name) were stellar. Real helpful and down to earth. Anne and I got a real live soundcheck where we got to try songs with both the guitars I brought. Anne even had her own monitor mix. I mention this only because these things are rare and cherished for the artists who don't have any monitary backing (translated: no major label money). Jen went out and grabbed us pizza (before she sold merchandise for Lou, Chris and myself...which she seemed pretty happy about) while we checked. Then they opened the doors and within minutes the place was packed. I could barely make it to the bar to grab a soda. Needless to say the room was filled with conversation and I started to get a little nervous that it would stay that way while we were playing. Anne and I took our places and I said "hello" into the mic and the needle came off the record. Silence. Absolute silence. It was amazing. The crowd was so sweet and interested. They listen to, and loudly applauded, every song we did. Anne sang beautifully and I guess I played pretty well. We stepped off stage and for the first time in my life I felt famous. People were sheepishly introducing themselves and a little afraid of me it seemed. We sold a bunch of CD's and made some new friends. I have to say, if that's what it's like to be famous I guess it's not so bad. But it's not like I reached David Ortiz status (although I did eat 5 huge slices of pizza) but it was something. I was in love with the fact that we went over so well. I was so grateful to Lou for letting us open the show. I wondered what he thought of it. He was sitting with Jen at the merch table when I arrived and he was completely blown away. He said it was the best thing he'd ever heard me do. He thought it was utterly amazing in every way. I almost cried. It means so much coming from someone who I not only look up to but I also know how seriously he takes music. It's everything to him. And he's VERY critical. What a HUGE compliment. Lou walked away and I asked Jen what she thought. She said it was great but she wasn't sure she heard all of it because Lou was going on and on about how great I sounded. I almost cried again. Not just because of Lou's review but more importantly about how utterly in love I am. Jen is truly my best friend. I never could've imagined that I'd be lucky enough to be with someone like her. What a great, late night. Chris played a great set of mostly guitar instrumentals (great player by the way). Lou was amazing. Intimate. Historic. Hilarious, and most of all, wonderfully alive. In my opinion he is one of the most important songwriters of our time. Period.
We had a chance to play at the Iron Horse the next night. It was just Lou and Anne and I. It was all the things that the middle east was. A little more talking though (I swear it must be in the fucking water in that town). I was invited on stage to sing and play guitar on Lou's cover of Ratt's "Round and Round". Good stuff. It was a wonderful night filled with wonderful friends and family. Lou's dad, John paid me a HUGE compliment at the end of the night. Again, tears. It's overwhelming to be born again musically. Jen and J Vaughn and I went home after the parade and I broke a pen and calculator to see how Jen and Anne and I could afford to go on tour. Just a pipe dream really, but a fun one. Thanks to all who were there. Hopefully we'll see you on March 11th at PACE. For more info go here www.nightowlrecords.net

me and Anne Pinkerton - March 3rd 2005 at the Iron Horse  

Open letter to Stewart O'Nan

Theodore Samuel Williams 

For all of those who don't know, the Red Sox won the world series this year. You might have heard about it. Unless you live under a rock, or in New York...which is inherently the same thing. A book entitled "Faithful" was released shortly after the championship. It was written by Stephen King and Stewart O'Nan. It's a really boring read. Even for a diehard fan like me. For example, I don't need to relive every at-bat of every game. I was there. I saw them too. I most certainly don't need to have 1 of the 4 men (My father, Miles Davis, Ted Williams, Jackie Robinson in case you were wondering) pulled from grace. I wrote this letter to Stewart O'Nan. I could really care less what he thinks of me. I just wanted him to know what Ted Williams meant to me.

Mr. O'Nan,
First of all, congratulations. Your book "Faithful" has topped the best sellers list all over New England. I find it to be childlike fun and gleeful at best. A little self-serving and boring at its worst. What the hell do I know though? I'm just a diehard fan like you. What a year, huh? What a year.
That being said, I have a major bone to pick with you about your snippet on the Ted Williams statue that stands outside of Fenway Park. Let me first say that Ted Williams is a personal hero of mine, so I might be a little punchy about the subject. I refer you to page 57:
It's uninspired and uninspiring, a tall man stooping to set his oversized cap on a little bronze kid's head. It's not that Ted didn't love kids (his work with the Jimmy Fund is a great legacy), it's just that I expected something more dynamic for the greatest hitter that ever lived...This Williams is static and dull and carries none of the kid's personality. He could be any Norman Rockwell shmoo making nice with the little tyke. page 57 of FAITHFUL (Stewart O'Nan/Stephen King)
I am sickened by these comments. I happen to completely disagree with you. When I saw the statue for the first time I was moved to tears. Have you read anything of William's life? If you haven't I recommend you start with "Hitter". You're a writer and a life long Sox fan, you must have read it. Right? I assume that you know all about his time as a fighter pilot in both WW2 and Korea. You know that he was shot down in Korea, barely escaping with his life. You must know of his dedication to his own children. Granted, he might have had trouble in the beginning but he soon made himself into the man that we all read about. You mention his work with the Jimmy Fund. You know of his greatness as a hitter and icon in Boston sports. You know of his famous speech at his Hall of Fame induction where he pleaded the members of Baseball's hierarchy to right the wrong of Shoeless Joe Jackson and more importantly for his yearning to have them induct the many players from the Negro Leagues who had long been overlooked by the Hall. He was the first to make that public call, in 1960. Well before the civil rights movement. You know of his deep passion for fishing. You know of his volatile relationship with the press. You know that he never tipped his cap to the fans, you might also know that he spit at them during one game. You know that he deeply regreted this for the rest of his life. Justifing it by saying that it was the press that he disliked and not the fans. You saw him honored at the 1999 All-star game at Fenway. You saw him wipe the tears from his eyes. You know that he thought that Willie Mays was the greatest player to ever play the game. Let me tell you a few things that you might not have known.
He had a dog late in life. Here's a personal note about that from Ted himself.
...Slugger, my dalmation, my friend. He's gone now. We tried our damnedest to keep him around, gave him the best food, tried everything. But it was finally his time. It hurts like hell to think of him. God, I miss that little fellow.
He had a dear friend named Tricia Miranti. She'd been in a wheelchair from age 5. They met when he started doing rehab for his second stroke in 1994.
...We've made some progress together, shared some laughs, had some good times. I'm glad I've had the chance to get to know her. A terrific person. A fighter. She's in college now. I'm proud of that, proud of her.
Most importantly, in 1999 Ted had a reunion with Einer Gustafson. The original "Jimmy" in the Jimmy Fund.
...There's been alot of Jimmys since. I wish none of them ever had to be Jimmys, dammit, but I'm glad we've done what we could to help. Geez, I wish we could have done more!
I hope you can understand why I feel you're out of line with your comments about that statue. I find it to be private and stunning. Strong and willing. A picture perfect moment of American silence. Speaking the loudest of words and emotions with the simplest of offerings. I see ALL of Ted Williams in that statue. I wish you did. I wish you weren't so caught up in basehits. You might be able to see a whole lot more in life.
Regards,
Mark Schwaber

www.neverheardofthem.com

photo by Henning Ohlenbusch 

I did it. Well, almost. I downloaded free pro tools today. Bought a microphone preamp off of ebay and just need one more mic cable to have a 8 track demo studio on Jen's laptop at our house. I can finally make demos at home. It's been so hard writing music without a recorder. I had to teach Jen a piano part to one of my new songs just so I could hear what it sounded like outside of my head. A large amount of thanks goes to Karl Ourand www.bark-media.com for steering me in the right direction with this stuff. Karl has a massive knowledge of all things recording. I appreciate him sitting through my questions like "How do I plug a microphone into a computer?" and "What the hell does preamp mean anyway?". I have 8 or so songs that are done for my next record. I'll even give you guys a sneak peek soon too. My good friend, J Johnson (National Carpet) has started a great new website www.neverheardofthem.com . This will be THE place to hear new bands from all over the country. He's already got a ton of great bands from Massachusetts on there and is trying to get people in different cities to review/critique bands from their respective areas that are unjustly unsung. Should be a great way to network for folks. Swap shows/CD's...you know. Check it out if you have a band that you think should be heard. J is one of the nicest guys going. Anyway...he's going to post a song of mine on his site soon that won't be on any other release. It's a live performance of a song called "Forever every evening". The recording was done by Chris Fortin at a Flywheel show I did back in December. I wrote that song in tribute to the late Elliott Smith.

the proclamation

Kevin O'Rourke and me. Photo by henning ohlenbusch 

Yes, as a matter of fact, we are the fucking Proclaimers. OK? Enough.
Been playing some really fun shows lately. Had a great time in Vermont last week with Henning www.schoolforthedead.com and Kevin www.lofine.com. What great songwriters they are. Kevin's voice stops rooms dead. Henning's wit and melody makes the room alive again, in all the right ways. Anne Pinkerton (The Speak) and I are rehearsing for two shows that we're doing as a duo with Lou Barlow. Can't wait. She's such a smart singer. So creative. I finally booked some studio time with Jose Ayerve www.spousemusic.com to record some of my new record. We're starting it in April. Also booked some time with Mark Alan Miller www.slaughterhousestudio.com to do some overdubs/vocals/mixing. Ruth Keating www.idamusic.com and www.themalarkies.com is coming up from NYC to play some drums. Anne will sing. Jose will play. JJ O'Connell will play. Joel Stroetzal www.killswitchengage.com will play. Damn, I might as well stay home. For a complete list of shows I have coming up, and some songs too, please check out this site www.myspace.com/markschwaber1
Jen and I went to Petco on Sunday. We went to get dog food. We left with a recipt that said $94.93 on it. I spoil the hell out of that little guy. This picture will make you understand. How can I not spoil him?


scooter 

me vs. nyc

. 


Just back from that little, sleepy town called New York. Played a show at the Knitting Factory with Lo Fine. It was a great event. Our dear friends Lori and Matthew have their own poetry press called "Verse Press" and we were performing as part of a nationwide valentine's day party that they were having in celebration of their great new book/compilation CD. Read all about it here : www.versepress.org
The Malarkies (my favorite band), Mark Mulcahy and Jason from Songs;Ohia all played as well. I was really happy for Matthew and Lori, the night seemed to be a complete success.
That being said, I hate NY. Absolutely despise it. I appreciate the fact that it's a microcosm of the world. Every ethnicity living together, working together and eating together. That's great. Sadly, what I feel truly matters in NY is commerce. Plain and unadulterated capitalism at its most rampant (there are monsterous billboards on the Westside Highway that are TV screens playing commercials; that's safe). I don't see the romance, I see the speed. I don't see the kind and caring, I see the self-absorbed and frightened. I don't hear the sweet sounds of bebop or the fire of noise bands and artrock, I hear everything at once. Sirens and horns and cars and cell phoners. I never, ever feel comfortable. As soon as I leave my town for NYC I find myself thinking (sometimes within minutes of departure) of when I can return home.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not some scaredy cat. There are other cities that I love. Boston. Flagstaff. Phoenix. Portland, Maine. I hear Chicago is amazing. I can handle the intimidation of a place of that magnitude. I'd just rather not. Since I have that option, then why should I lie to myself and pretend that it's an important place to me? I won't do that. I hope you love the city, I just don't. Fuck NYC. Go Sox.

shadows fold

Matt 

Thanks to old friend Matt Bachand of Shadows Fall (www.shadowsfallrocks.com) for giving me all those Ben Folds online only e.p.'s that I've been dying to hear. I've been listening to them non-stop. Jesus, it's metal month for me.

I know jack

. 

I just picked up this new documentary by Ken Burns. I am a huge sports fan. Strangely, I knew very little of this man. A true Shakespearian/American tragedy. Glorious and sickening. Sad and enthralling. This is a story that everyone should know.
I also picked up a copy of "Watership Down" by Richard Adams. I can't believe I never read this. In my opinion it's the coolest book title ever. I must have looked like a freak walking out of that store with a book with a bunny on the cover and a DVD with a giant boxer on the front.
The show with Nuclear Waste and The Winterpills at the Apollo was a wonderful time. What a great listening room. I wish I had recorded the show. Peyton Pinkerton (www.furnacerock.com) was borderline mad at me for not doing so. I had a wonderul time playing bass with the NWMC as well...at least until my bass decided to go to bed.
Here's some new stuff:
Friday, March 11th - PACE - Easthamtpon, MA w/Matt Sutton of www.themalarkies.com
Friday, March 18th - Toad - Cambridge, MA w/Kevin O'Rourke + Fancy Trash
Thursday, March 24th - Shakago's - Springfield, MA w/Running with Karma, Lo Fine, Space Captain

Ida vs. SFTD

Ruth 


Great news. Ruth Keating (www.themalarkies.com) has joined Ida. (www.idamusic.com). Ruth (seated, left)is one of the most amazing drummers on earth and The Malarkies are one of my favorite bands ever. Luckily, I'm stealing her for a couple of days in April to play on my next record. I'm so happy for her.
Went to see School For The Dead last night. I've never heard the Elevens sound so good. They were crystal clear and tight as a drum. I was completely impressed. I think Max is a great bass player but Dave Trenholm stepped right in flawlessly. Read more about this great band here www.schoolforthedead.com
I really hope the Eagles kill the Patriots in the Super Bowl. With the exception of Matt Cullen, Tim Lis and Eric Poulin I pretty much can't stand Pats fans anymore. They sound like Yankee fans.

photo man

two years and thirty minutes

This is the photo that Henning Ohlenbusch of the great band School For The Dead (www.schoolforthedead.com) took that I then swiped (with permission) for my CD cover. It's available here:
www.cdbaby.com
www.insound.com
www.pigeonrecords.com
www.nightowlrecords.net

Yes, I just learned how to put pictures on here...expect more, I guess.

things i've learned

. 

We just finished a 4 day jaunt with Spouse. Much fun. Things we learned:
- JJ can't count past 4 (he's a drummer).
- Jose is a racist skinhead. Well, since he's Columbian, gay and part Jewish he's gonna have one hell of a rough ride.
- At 2 in the morning on Thursday night/Friday morning it was 18 below zero in Brunswick, ME. That is just not alot of fun.
- Watching the movie Eurotrip was a very bad idea.
- Playing ping pong against either Jose or Sean Eric is, again, a bad idea.
- When a Mexican fishing boat worker is hammered and babbling to the owners of a Thai restaurant and they're both getting pissed because neither speaks the others language it is best not to get involved.
- When a man named Daryl introduces himself to strangers as "James Earl Jones" you just go right ahead and let him.
- The List Exsists guys are about the sweetest we've met. A great band too.
- There will just never be a winner in the "straight-guy-asks-the-gay-guy-a-question/gay-guy-asks-the-straight-guy-a-question" quiz game. For example, I have no fucking idea what color *puce* is and Jose couldn't have been further from knowing what wedges are in a golf bag.
- Naomi Hamby bought a new apartment in NYC! Congrats!
- Jose is my favorite songwriter. Well, I already knew that, just thought it should be repeated.
- Making JJ laugh is one of my favorite things to do. I miss my real brother like hell. JJ is the only person that I know that helps fill that void.

I also learned that my next record is coming together nicely. Looks like we'll be recording the bulk of it at Night Owl with Jose. Ruth Keating (The Malarkies - Ida), Joel Stroetzal (Killswitch Engage), Flora Reed (The Winterpills), Anne Viebig (The Speak) and JJ are all confirmed for the session. I can't wait. Until then, go to the Apollo Grill on February 10th to see NUCLEAR WASTE MANAGEMENT CLUB, THE WINTERPILLS and little ol' me.

killswitch

joel 

My dear friend Joel is leaping into new places. His band (www.killswitchengage.com) has been nominated for a grammy. They're nominated for best metal act or somesuchthing. If there were any justice in the world they'd win.
Joel was at my house about 6 months ago or so to listen to my new record. Just sat there. Listening. After every song he would give great, bold, well thought out compliments. He just wanted to hear my stuff. REALLY wanted to hear it. To get inside it. Afterwords we talked about gear and musicality. Then we reminised about the time we would sit around together (we both used to teach guitar at the same shop) and reharmonize songs just to make us laugh our asses off. Our personal favorite was Led Zeppelin's "Stairway to Heaven". We took every major chord and made it minor and vice versa. I remember writing "you won't see me cloudy in your sky" in the waiting room of that shop. I had scribbled the words on the back of a flyer. It was totally silly. Joel comes up and reads them and loves it. You just wrote a little pop love song that talks about vikings and elves and beer? I recently turned him on to Robbie Fulks and Elliott Smith. He also told me that my CD is on constantly in their tour bus. Dude, lets get lunch...I'm on my way up and I've got my new CD...or...I've got my new guitar I want you to play...or...I've burned a bunch of CD's for you. When he met my father he addressed him as "Sir". They don't make people much better than this guy.
Joel has made me young again. Made me realize that life is electric and swirling. Made me realize that there are no boundries. Metal. Pop. Jazz. It's all about the fucking passion. A hardcore/punk song can be just one voice and one guitar. It's about the spirit. It's about the intensity. It's about being genuine. You've given me more than I could ever give you. Thanks. Thanks for making me a better person.

broken stuff

. 

My favorite album title of all time is by a band that I actually don't really think I know much by. And what I've heard leaves little impression. The band is Piebald. The title?
"If it weren't for venitian blinds it would be curtains for us all"
I mention this for no reason. It just makes me laugh everytime. Been spending the last few days alienating my girlfriend and dog. I've had my head so deep in playing music that it's been hard to do anything other than eat or sleep. I'm getting frustrated with the lack of equipment that I have. I have never owned a recording device of any sort. Well, I had a hand held tape recorder and 2 years ago I bought a barely working cassette 4 track. I've never owned a drumset or had one in my possession for more than a couple of days. I don't own a bass or bass amp. No PA. One guitar amp that's currently broken. I think it's the fuse. And the reverb box is shattered into pieces. I own a Ephiphone ES335 reissue that's marginal at best. 2 broken guitars, a 1985 Washburn (useless when working) and 1989 Fender Strat that's usable for a beginner, I guess. I also have a beautiful nylon acoustic/electric bought for me by Jose Ayerve (www.joseayerve.com) in Argentina. A 1972 Yamaha box steel string and a Samick acoustic that's kind of a beater but I still use it from time to time. But that's sad to me. I've been playing music for 20 years and that's all I have. Broken shit. I need to record my next record. I want to do it myself and right now, I can't. Why? Priorities are completely fucked up on most days. I spend 75 dollars on books, 100 dollars on movies and nothing on music equipment. Well, maybe I buy a set of strings. I need to stop. I need to buy recording gear. I'm using this rant as a motivator. I'm going to go look up recorders right now. Goddammit.

shows this week

I'm playing a couple of shows this week that should be much fun:
Saturday, January 15th at the Brass Cat - NEW RADIANT STORM KING, NATIONAL CARPET and MARK SCHWABER
Saturday, January 22nd at PACE - THE WINTERPILLS and MARK SCHWABER
Hope you can make it out.

dimebag

. 

I'm just going to pretend that I didn't have the goddamn flu for the last 4 days. Just gonna pretend that didn't happen...
I'm getting real close to having another record written. I think. I've got 4 finished songs and 3 or 4 that just need lyrics and some tweeking. I haven't started to record a lick of it yet. I'm not really sure what I'm going to do about that. I kind of want to do it at home. It's going to be pretty invovled in its simplicity and will take alot of time I fear. Which means I couldn't afford to do it in a studio. Actually, I don't think I want to anyway. Not this time at least. These songs are lyrically traumatic. I need to be alone with them I think. Plus, the idea of doing it myself means that I can't blame anyone when I'm done. Not that I ever would anyway. I would like to play most of the instruments myself. I know that's completely meglomatic but fuck it. I've always wanted to do it so why not? I'm hoping that a few people that I really respect will lend their talents to it though. Flora Reed, Rene from Petulant Child, Jose Ayerve, Philip Price, Joel from Killswitch Engage and maybe Ken Mauri when he comes to visit again. I don't know, it's all in my head. Hopefully it will come out lucid enough.
I've sold over 100 copies of my solo record which I know doesn't sound like much but since I rarely play anywhere I'm pretty happy with it. I'm not out to make a living at this. I just want to be happy with what I create and share it with those that might be interested. You can find my CD here www.cdbaby.com I'm really proud to say that it's getting really good reviews too. A great one from www.masslive.com, from Shut Eye Records in Georgia and I even made a top 11 list. Top 11 list? Yes, I'm 11 on Philip Price's records of the year. www.philipprice.com That is so flattering. I would rather be # 40 on his list than #1 on many other people's lists.
Anyway, all of these things inspire me to keep doing this. Well, it's one of the many things at least. In my head I'm feeling that I'll have a new record out (of some sort) by the fall of 2005. I think that's pretty realistic. Jose and Pigeon Records are so kind to put out my records knowing that I'm not this gigging machine. They really appreciate the music more than the dollar. I am forever thankful for that.
On another musical note, I had a chance to meet Dimebag Darrell back in 1990 or so. Pantera played at Katina's in Hadley and after the show those guys were so sweet to us. I remember Dimebag thinking I was the coolest kid because I had a Planters Peanuts jar filled with whiskey that I drank all night at the show. I was not yet 21. Months later I ran into Vinnie Paul (the drummer and Dimebag's brother) at the Holyoke Mall. He remembered my name and invited me to that nights show they were doing at the Springfield Civic Center. I didn't want to go because I hated Skid Row for whom they were opening. What a great bunch of guys. No Devil rock, no shitty metal misogonysts, no racist garbage just really great and giving guys that loved music so damn deeply. And they never took anything for granted. I'm so sorry Dimebag met this sick and disturbing demise. Look at the way he lead his life, not the way it so tragically ended. My deepest condolences to Vinnie and the rest of his family.

january shows

Here's some shows for January 2005:
January 7th - Lo Fine and The Figments @ The Living Room in NYC
January 15th - New Radiant Storm King and Mark Schwaber and National Carpet @ The Brass Cat in Easthampton, MA
January 22nd - The Winterpills and Mark Schwaber @ PACE in Easthampton, MA www.pioneerarts.org
January 27th - Spouse @ Bowdoin College in Brunswick, ME w/the list exists
January 28th - Spouse @ Space in Portland, ME w/the list exists
January 29th - Spouse @ The Brass Cat in Easthampton, MA w/RNC and Hayseed Chrome
January 30th - Spouse @ Sin-E in NYC w/the list exists
For more info on these shows check out these sites:
www.hampmusic.com
www.pigeonrecords.com

2004

The last few days have been pretty peaceful. Sort of like the eye of the storm. The chaos of the Christmas season at the store (www.nightowlrecords.net) and the bar (The Brass Cat) died down and next week begins a new year of many shows and many responsibilities. Jen and I got to spend some great time together recently. We went to see the new Wes Anderson movie on Tuesday. It was great. Either you like his films or you don't. I do. Last night was a wonderful night of hanging on the couch and talking/eating/knitting/reading/more talking. Much needed. This morning was kinda creepy though, I was pulled from sleep by Jen and Scooter. She told me to hug my dog. I was wondering why she would tell me this, since it's more like a reflex for me to do so and not something that usually needs instigating. Then she was in tears telling me a story about how Scoot got off his leash on his morning walk and walked about 25 feet out onto the pond near our house. She thought for sure that he was going to fall through the thin ice. Jesus, I can only imagine what she must have gone through. Scooter was none the wiser though, all just business as usual for him. Jen said that all that kept going through her mind in those split seconds was *I can't let anything happen to this dog, Mark will die*. I love her.
Anyway, I've been listening to the new Lou Barlow CD this past week. It's called "EMOH" and it's coming out pretty soon on Merge. He was nice enough to send me a couple of copies. I was lucky enough to play on a song that's on it. Regardless of my playing on it and us being such good friends I can objectively say that it is a wonderful record. One of the best I've heard this year. It's rich, smart and beautiful. The 4th song on it makes me so jealous that I almost don't want to write songs anymore. Since it doesn't come out until 2005 I guess I can't include it on my best of list for 2004. Not that you really give a shit; nor should you, but here's a list of my favorite things of 2004:
Music:
1)Spouse - are you gonna kiss or wave goodbye?
2)Iron and Wine - our endless numbered days
3)Elliott Smith - from a basement on a hill
4)Tears For Fears - everybody loves a happy ending
5)Killswitch Engage - the end of heartache
Movies:
1)Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
2)Big Fish
3)The Village
4)Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events
5)Fahrenheit 911
Is the 2004 World Series DVD considered a movie? If it is then it's my favorite movie of all time. Happy new year to all.

Killing Nazi's on Christmas

I love Christmas. I really do. I love my family and my friends so why shouldn't I? I love giving gifts to people. I really do. I would love to be finacially fit enough to buy things for those I love everyday. Anyway, just thought I'd get that out of the way.
My first Christmas present was a couple of days before when the Sox resigned Varitek to a 4 year deal. Excellent. Wade Miller, Matt Clement, Edgar Renteria, David Wells, Matt Mantei, John Halama...it's been a great off-season for the Sox Nation. Sadly, since my heroes finally won the world series I feel a little less enclined to give a shit. I waited my whole life to see them win it and when they did it was cathartic and wrenching and lovely. Everything I thought it would be. I cried in my father's arms as Minky caught the flip from Foulke. I wouldn't change a moment of it. Down 0-3 to the Yanks...unreal. What a story to forever tell.
Now, that being said, I think I'm pretty much all set with really caring about professional sports as deeply as I have in the past. It's not because I don't know what to do with myself now that the Sox have won it, that's the dumbest thing I've ever heard. It's because of the sad reality of pro athletes giving about as much a shit about the team/city that they play for as you care about what color your pencil is. Tactless mercinaries they are. Just look at how many folks won't be there to get their rings on opening day 2005. No Pedro, Lowe, Cabrerra, Kapler, Roberts and most likely Reese and Minky. Sad. Sick. All because of money. Oh well, guess that will free up more time to do the things I really should, and want, to do.
Sorry about the Sox tangent, that just happens to me and I can't stop. Christmas was great. I got Jen a keyboard that she seems very happy with. She has the longest, thinnest most beautiful fingers...it's like they're built for playing piano. Or being a hand model. But that just sounds aggravating. Scooter got a million toys and treats and at the end of his long, well traveled day just collapsed on the couch and snored like a drunk. I got my parents a DVD player and a bunch of DVD's. My Mom is psyched because it also shows CD-roms that have pictures. My brother sent a bunch of photos from his new home in Phoenix, AZ. The only sad, strange part of the day was that my brother wasn't there. I got a thumb piano and the new Stephen King book about the Sox 2004 season. I also got a video game for our playstation 2 ( I usually only play sports games) called Call of Duty. I don't know when World War 2 got so hip but apparantly it has. Gotta say, I take great joy in killing Nazi's on Christmas night.

Ron Passerello

I'm so happy. I wrote a song yesterday. First time in months. I worked at the Brass Cat at night and had a good time regardless of the stunning loss by the Pats. Have to admit to you all, I'm a born and raised New York Giants fan so I wasn't really in the "stunned" category since I don't really care. My dear old friend Ron Passerello came by and spent the night at the bar. He crashed with us (Jen and I) overnight and got to hear my new record for the first time, and meet our lovely boy Scooter (our 40 pound beagle). Ron is one of the sweetest people on Earth. I can truly say that of all the people that I've ever met Ronnie is completely at peace with himself more so than anyone I know. He has been since I've known him, which dates back to sometime in 1987. He moved to Massachusetts from Panama that year. He spoke broken English but spoke volumes of life. Hands down, the most talented artist (drawing/painting) that I've EVER seen. Absolutely mindblowing work. He recently moved back to his parents in Maine. He had a 5 or 6 year stint in San Francisco. I guess the booze really caught up with him so he quit and moved back east. I can really relate. I haven't had a drop of booze in almost 3 years. We shared a million drunken evenings over the course of the time we hung out. We lived together (with 2 other guys too) from 1994-1996. Complete chaos. Walking to the Hotel Westfield in the snow, waking up our friend Al on the roof (he couldn't find an empty room at a party), listening to Ron read from the Bible while completely hammered, going to countless hardcore shows...shit, I could go on forever. He's in AA now and loving it. I chose not to go that root because of some political and ethical differences that I have with them but it's working for Ron. That's the beauty of this guy. I can sit and rattle off how much I hate AA to the kid and he just listens and then finishes by saying that he completely respects my opinions. Don't get me wrong, the guy will never be a prude. He's one of the funniest people on the face of the earth. I can't count the tears I've shed and stomach aches I've had from some moments with him. I'm really going to work hard at getting him some shows at art galleries down here. His stuff needs to be seen. He should be making a living off of his talents. If everyone had a chance to spend one night hanging with Ron there wouldn't be world peace or eternal joy but their lives would most certainly be better for it. I'll keep you abreast to any gallery shows he might have. Hopefully you could come see his work and say hello to him. You just might be better for it. I know I most certainly am.

terrible sounding word

Blog.
I feel like I should be ordering some coffee drink from Main St. in Northampton. Riding my bike to the bookstore at noon and laughing at the mentally crippled man who's buying the local paper for his news. That's not news, man! That's censored and encoded republican ballwashing! Then I would ride my bike home and turn on my Bose.
Blogging.
I feel like I should be buying tickets to see Dylan and smirking at the minions that ride the blue collar train. Sitting in the parking garage inside my Subaru with heated seats contemplating what the American people could be thinking? All those religious zealots voting for that animal? Then I would go pick up my kids in their 80 dollar jackets and bring them to violin lessons. I would still be wondering what was wrong with the world.
Blogger.
I feel like I should be prejudice against anyone who's not on my side. I should preach that all will end well with peace and intellect but simultaneously allienate and disenfranchise any differing opinions as meek and sterile. I feel like I should surround myself with the whitest people I know and preach diversity.
I'm a 21st century man.
I write on da compuder.
People care what I think.
I'm a songwriter.
I'm in a seperate class.
I live simply.
I have over 50 DVD's.
I make my own sneakers.
I am the great American crux.
I am the catalyst of success.
Fuck Bob Dylan.
Long live Lee Ving.