Living like life's going out of style

In a sudden and mood lifting turn of events, I am leaving THIS Sunday for tour.

Army Of Me are picking me up Sunday and we’re driving the 2000 miles to New Mexico by Wednesday to start 5 weeks opening for The Used and Straylight Run.

So come visit me! Bring me cookies and hang out!

Rockstar Energy Get A Life Tour 2008
The Used, Straylight Run, Army Of Me, Street Drum Corps, Lights Resolve

Wed 4/2 - Las Cruces, NM - NMSU Recreation Center - New Mexico State University
Thu 4/3 - Pueblo, CO - Massari Arena - CSU Pueblo
Sat 4/5 - Columbia, MO - Hearnes Center Field House - University of Missouri
Sun 4/6 - Champaign, IL - Foellinger Auditorium - University of Illinois
Mon 4/7 - Columbus, OH - LC Pavilion - Ohio State University
Wed 4/9 - Rochester, NY - Armory - University of Rochester
Fri 4/11 - Worcester, MA - Palladium - Worcester Poly
Sat 4/12 - Hampton, NH - Hampton Beach Casino - Southern New Hampshire University
Sun 4/13 - Providence, RI - Lupo’s - Brown University
Tue 4/15 - Albany, NY - Northern Lights - University at Albany
Wed 4/16 - Scranton, PA - Scranton Cultural Center - University of Scranton
Fri 4/18 - Raleigh, NC - Lee Field - NC State University
Sat 4/19 - Norfolk, VA - Constant Convocation Center - Old Dominion University
Sun 4/20 - Toms River, NJ - Ritacco Center - Ocean County College
Mon 4/21 - East Stroudsbourg, PA - Recreation Center - East Stroudsberg University
Wed 4/23 - Richmond, VA - Innsbrook Pavilion - University of Richmond
Fri 4/25 - Tulsa, OK - Cain’s Ballroom - Oklahoma State University
Sun 4/27 - Austin, TX - Stubb’s - University of Texas at Austin
Wed 4/30 - Laramie, WY - Arts and Sciences Auditorium - University of Wyoming
Thu 5/1 - Salt Lake City, UT - The Great SaltAir - University of Utah
Sat 5/3 - Reno, NV Lawlor Events Center - Univ. of Nevada, Reno
Sun 5/4 - Stockton, CA - University of the Pacific - University of the Pacific
Mon 5/5 - Bakersfield, CA - Icardo Center - CSU Bakersfield
Wed 5/7 - Irvine, CA - Bren Events Center - UC Irvine
Thu 5/8 - San Diego, CA - RIMAC Arena - San Diego State University
Fri 5/9 - Phoenix, AZ - Mesa Amphitheatre - Arizona State University
Sat 5/10 - Tucson, AZ - Rialto Theatre - University of Arizona

(and there’s like a 90% chance I’ll be on another tour 2 days after this finished. More info on that later)
xobrian

I'm the first to admit that I cannot stand these award shows. I had too many people ask me if I was watching the Grammys tonight. What for? So I can see some artists win some trophies voted on by people who haven't an inkling of music past Top 40 charts and number ones with bullets? Nah, I'm good. I know what's good and what isn't. I don't need someone to do it for me. Although, I must admit some heavy contenders were up this year. Namely, Amy Winehouse and Kanye West.

I'm also the first to admit that I'm a huge Kanye West fanboy. He has very hot and cold responses with listeners. But I think he's incredible. And the only thing from tonight's Grammys show is this:



Kanye and Daft Punk performing Stronger together. It was Daft Punk's first ever television appearance. And a damn good one at that. Kanye's performance, however, was lacking. his shades and jacket were pretty sweet. But, in true Kanye fashion, it was more about him than the music. Maybe that's my draw to him? The arrogant sense of pride he has that I sometimes find in myself? Who knows. Not ripping on him, it was an awesome performance. I'm just a rookie when it comes to live hip hop.

Daft Punk's short-lived cameo was incredible however. There's a lot to admire about an artist(s) who won't show their faces, drawing more attention to the music they make than the celebrity we make them out to be. It's artistic integrity at its truest form. Funny how their paired up with the most self-centered, pompous performer in recent years to make 2007's hottest song.

Either way, I'm way more psyched for The Glow In The Dark Tour.

I'm the first to admit that I cannot stand these award shows. I had too many people ask me if I was watching the Grammys tonight. What for? So I can see some artists win some trophies voted on by people who haven't an inkling of music past Top 40 charts and number ones with bullets? Nah, I'm good. I know what's good and what isn't. I don't need someone to do it for me. Although, I must admit some heavy contenders were up this year. Namely, Amy Winehouse and Kanye West. I'm also the first to admit that I'm a huge Kanye West fanboy. He has very hot and cold responses with listeners. But I think he's incredible. And the only thing from tonight's Grammys show is this: Kanye and Daft Punk performing Stronger together. It was Daft Punk's first ever television appearance. And a damn good one at that. Kanye's performance, however, was lacking. his shades and jacket were pretty sweet. But, in true Kanye fashion, it was more about him than the music. Maybe that's my draw to him? The arrogant sense of pride he has that I sometimes find in myself? Who knows. Not ripping on him, it was an awesome performance. I'm just a rookie when it comes to live hip hop. Daft Punk's short-lived cameo was incredible however. There's a lot to admire about an artist(s) who won't show their faces, drawing more attention to the music they make than the celebrity we make them out to be. It's artistic integrity at its truest form. Funny how their paired up with the most self-centered, pompous performer in recent years to make 2007's hottest song. Either way, I'm way more psyched for The Glow In The Dark Tour.

Today I unveiled a project I've spent the last week designing and building. I'm pleased to announce the Robert Randolph & The Family Band Fan Community



I'll be moderating the community as a whole for the next while. I'm excited to do so. I'm antsy today.

Cold, Calm, Acoustic

Continuing my mix tape write ups, this is another EP I made for trading. If you're interested, drop me a comment and we'll trade mixes!!

I seem to have a knack for having awesomely shitty weeks. I've been observing a "silent vacation" where I dismantled my myspace, been invisible on AIM, and I've been avoiding what few phone calls I've made. It's funny how much my "online presence" and/or lack thereof this week has affected people. But I've been kicking back and enjoying time by myself. And it's been ridiculously cold this week. Cold weather makes me listen to calm, acoustic music. So here's some of my favorites:

Cold, Calm, Acoustic EP
The Good Life - Album Of The Year
The Smashing Pumpkins - Daydream
The Beatles - Yesterday
Ryan Adams - Come Pick Me Up
Bright Eyes - Something Vague
I Can Feel Your Pain - Manchester Orchestra
Ryan Adams - Please Do Not Let Me Go
Damien Rice - The Blower's Daughter

The Good Life - Album Of The Year
I feel that if Tim Kasher thinks this is a good enough opening track for The Good Life's 2005 LP "Album Of The Year", then it's definitely good enough for my mix. His lyics and voice are more heartbreaking here than I have ever heard. Especially when he winds the song up with "The way she'd bite my lower lip and push her hips against my hips" and then he hits that crescendo at "...and dig her nails so deep in my skin." Mix that with the acoustic beat right after that's downright dancey and this song is a hook and a half.

The Smashing Pumpkins - Daydream
I found this song in high school while reading Stephen Chbosky's The Perks Of Being A Wallflower, which is one of my favorite books. It's on the One Winter mix talked about in the book. I love the track because D'Arcy gets full vocal responsibilities. Mixed with the strumming guitar and the looming acoustic bass behind her, it's the type of song I have to close my eyes to and nod back and forth. The second "half" of the song, or Gish's bonus track "I'm Going Crazy" is almost an added bonus. I was always kind of bothered that it got in the middle of good mixes that I was making. But I grew to love it for the juxtaposition that it served compared to D'Arcy's ethereal voice.

The Beatles - Yesterday
Another high school favorite, Yesterday is so simple and connected with me. So true since many events came to a head yesterday, but wrong since I'm over and done and past them. I'd write more, but you know this song, or atleast you should. And The Beatles can do no wrong.

Ryan Adams - Come Pick Me Up
Thanks to miss Jenrrray for helping with this track. I mentioned Ryan Adams in an IM with her earlier tonight and she sent me back the lyrics to the chorus of "Come Pick Me Up" which I felt was the key stone that held this mix together, bringing together what I felt were two halves that I couldn't find a middle to and finish. Hooray for run-on sentences. Ryan Adams' album Heartbreaker is exactly such. The second time he hits the chorus with "Screw all my friends behind my back/With a smile on your face/And then do it again" tacked on at the end hits my heart everytime. Ryan Adams has a knack for knowing exactly what to say to me. And I love him for it. That and Kim Richey's harmonies make me think of cliche movie split screens of lovers sitting on rooftops singing to each other even though their miles apart.

Bright Eyes - Something Vague
"Something Vague" was what I consider my first indie song. A friend of mine in high school played it for me to get me into Bright Eyes. And that's all it took. The second I heard Conor wail "...and I hang like a star, fucking glow-in-the-dark" I knew I had to own Fevers & Mirrors, the CD "Something Vague" is on. I've been an Oberst fan ever since. I really like sad bastard whiney indie music. Call me depressed. I just think it's honest.

Manchester Orchestra - I Can Feel Your Pain
I've been exploring Manchester Orchestra's I'm Like A Virgin Losing A Child a lot more the past couple weeks. Before I was only hooked on the title track and couldn't move past it (track 1 on the CD). But I gave it another chance. It was "I Can Feel Your Pain" that did it for the rest of the album for me. Taking a break from their poppy sort of indie rock and stripping down to an almost whisper of lyrics and a single acoustic guitar. Oh god damn am I hooked on his humming at the end of the song.

Ryan Adams - Please Do Not Let Me Go
This song makes me cry. Recorded is bad. Live is even worse. I feel every letter of every word and every ounce of strength in every note. This song is incredible.

Damien Rice - The Blower's Daughter
"The Blower's Daughter" makes me cry everytime I hear it as well. Like the rest of the American population, I discovered Damien Rice in the movie Closer. And fell in love with this song. I don't think I have ever listened to it without atleast tearing up and thinking about every wrong I've ever committed. Thanks, Damien.

I'm still collecting my thoughts/facts/theories on Cloverfield. I saw it last night. Nothing like 6 months of torture and build up and hype to make me go fan boy over J J Abrams and his god forsaken monster. I'm not writing a review (yet). But if you're debating going to see it my vote is for HOLYCRAPYESDEFINITELY. Just beware of motion sickness if you're prone to that sort of thing.

For those that HAVE seen it or care about this sort of thing...did anyone notice the MUSIC at Rob's party? Check out his party mix:

Coconut Records - West Coast
Kings of Leon - "Taper Jean Girl"
The Blood Arm - "Do I Have Your Attention"
Scissors For Lefty - "Got Your Moments"
Parliament - "Give Up the Funk"
Gorillaz - "19-2000"
Spoon - "The Underdog"
Kings of Leon - "Pistol of Fire"
Architecture in Helsinki - "Do The Whirlwind"
The Black Keys - "Grown So Ugly"
Bright Eyes - "Four Winds"
Joan As Policewoman - "The Ride"
Ratatat - "Seventeen Years"
Of Montreal - "Wraith Pinned To The Mist and Other Games"

Rob is my new best friend. Damn. Talk about indie cred. I'm impressed.

*SPOILER*
But really, the monster is way more intense than what I expected. My only gripe about the movie, along with everyone else, is that there's no back story explained. Unless you're a major nerd like me and follow viral marketing and read message boards and wikipedia entries, you don't know/find out much about what it is, why it's there, how it got there, or why it's pissed off. C'mon J J Abrams....don't you get away with enough of this kind of bull shit with Lost (holy shit Season 4 premiere is in 12 days!!!!!!)
/spoiler

In other news, anyone want to trade mix tapes with me? Interested? Check out my latest mix EP and let me know if you're interested in trading by dropping me a comment. I'd really like to find some new music.

My friend Rachel and I like to trade mix tapes. But making full scale albums can be tedious and cumbersome. So, we came up with the idea to make and trade EPs. There's no limit to how long or short they have to be. They just have to be sent and listened to. We trade about once a week. And I figure why not share them with everyone else?

I don't just assemble tapes for indie credibility. I'm not some music snob trying to prove my knowledge or worth through the art of name dropping obscure bands. My mixes are always themed. What the theme is might be something as trivial as last week's tape I made Rachel, which was based on a plaid shirt I was wearing and made me listen to alt-country all week. This week's is a little deeper though. I've had a rough, stressful week and my music reflects my mood. If you check up on my last.fm periodically, you'll know almost exactly what I'm doing/thinking/feeling. This week inspired: the So Alive EP


Cover photography (c) Brian Stowell

Tracklisting:
Cursive - Driftwood: A Fairy Tale
Ryan Adams - So Alive
American Football - But The Regrets Are Killing Me
Ben Gibbard - Brand New Colony (Acoustic)
Fuel - Shimmer
Incubus - The Warmth

If anyone would like to trade mix tapes, I can offer this one up in return for something you've made. Drop me a comment and we'll hook it up!

The mix reflects my polarity this week. From being stressed and down about certain events, to not caring or forgetting, to remembering again. I feel like the rhythm of the mix juxtaposes my feelings well. It's a 1-1 pattern of down then up songs. Read below for more.

Cursive - Driftwood: A Fairy Tale
From my favorite Cursive record, The Ugly Organ comes "Driftwood: A Fairy Tale", a creepy Pinocchio-esque tale about realization and acceptance. I'm drawn to the heavy bass lines, echoey cello, and creeping lyrics. Tim Kasher (vocals/lyrics/guitars) has been one of my favorite lyricists/singers since I started listening to this record in high school. The way he conveys emotion in his voice absolutely astounds me.

Ryan Adams - So Alive
The one thing I'm not happy about is the transition from "The Ugly Organ" to Ryan Adams' "So Alive". Too abrupt. Not smooth enough. But it was the best one I had to work with from my song choices. Arrangement is everything. I like for my mixes to flow, so that they seem less like a jumble of songs and more of a story, singularity, or concept.

In any matter, Ryan Adams is easily one of my top 3 favorite artists ever. He is absolutely incredible in everything he does. So Alive comes from his record Rock N Roll (Llor N Kcor) and his change from gravelly rock verses to crescendo, high pitched choruses really contains my entire week in one long. High low high low high low. Obviously this is the title track for the entire mix, based on the chorus alone, which goes:

"I am on your side
And so alive
So alive it isn't real"

Just listen to it. You'll understand,

American Football - But The Regrets Are Killing Me
If you know anything about the bands listed so far, you'll notice that I have an affinity for singer-songwriters with multiple projects. Tim Kasher, of Cursive, also has another band The Good Life. Ryan Adams...well he...let's just say: Sad Dracula, Ryan Adams & the Cardinals, WereWolph, Whiskeytown, Patty Duke Syndrome, The Shit, DJ Reggie, Warren Peace, Ghetto Birds, Ipsissimus, The Finger, Rhonda Ro, and god knows what else he's working on now. Yeah, I'm serious. He's written music under all those names.

Anyway, American Football is one of Mike Kinsella's many many projects. And it's my favorite, yet most short-lived one. "But The Regrets Are Killing Me" is a pretty powerful song despite it's lack of lyrical length, but rather the whine in his voice paired with the complexity of the guitar work in the background. This song grabbed me the first time I heard it and hasn't let go since.

Ben Gibbard - Brand New Colony (Acoustic)
This version of The Postal Service's "Brand New Colony" was performed by Ben Gibbard on an NPR studio session on April 10, 2007. It's an acoustic version, so it lacks all the complexity of The Postal Service version, what with its beeps and clicks and synth. Instead of being driven by all that, Ben gives it a different feeling. To me it's more desperation or want than I feel in the original. And I like it. It fits. For me, at least. The only downside is a little crowd interaction from the audience sitting in on the session. But you'll get over it I'm sure.

Fuel - Shimmer
I love Fuel in a 1999 kind of way. "Shimmer" comes from their last decent record Sunburn. They still tour/record. In fact I tour managed Framing Hanley back in October while we opened for Fuel for 2-3 weeks. Hearing this song every night was nice, save for the fact that the only original band member left in the band is the guitarist. But I still love this song. You ever hear a song that brings back fresh emotions from a previous time? This song reeks of middle school and trying to figure everything out for myself.

Incubus - The Warmth
My favorite song. Ever. I love DJ Kilmore's work in the intro with the whale song. Dirk Lance's looming bass. Mike Einzinger's guitar is loopy and stellar and high pitched. And Brandon's lyrics were never better than they were on Make Yourself. (1999 was a decent year for rock music) The message of the song is perfect and helped me through all those cliche moments like break ups and high school. The only thing better than this song is seeing it live...6 years ago atleast.

If anyone would like to trade mix tapes, I can offer this one up in return for something you've made. Drop me a comment and we'll hook it up!

Artistic integrity is  pretty fickle.  You can preach all you want about your band.  And then you can use pro-tools to enhance your performance (musically).  You can use auto tune on your record because you cant carry a tune.  Hell, some "artists" even go as far as tracking and just sync up with it.  And it's not even limited to lip syncing.  You'd be surprised how many guitar and drum tracks are used in shows you go to see.  It makes me wonder where the real integrity lies within an artist.  If your live performance is tracked, your album is auto tuned, and your smiles are plastic, what else do you have left to offer the fan?

Yesterday's NY Post contained an article about Fall Out Boy bassist, Pete Wentz sending a cease & desist to nu-metal act Neurosonic, asking them to stop playing their single "So Many People", because it's written about their distaste for Wentz's girlfriend, Ashlee Simpson.  You can read the article here:

November 26, 2007 -- Rocker Pete Wentz has sent a cease-and-desist request to heavy metal band Neurosonic over their new song that bashes his girlfriend Ashlee Simpson, the group's frontman, Jason Darr, said at a Knitting Factory performance Wednesday night. The tune, "So Many People," pokes fun at Simpson's horrific "Saturday Night Live" appearance, during which she was caught lip-synching and ran offstage. Darr then invited the audience to dance a "jig" along to the song, just like Simpson did before she fled the stage that night.- NY Post - SOURCE

I was told about the article earlier in the day and was honestly surprised that Pete would do something like this.  Being a ridiculously devoted fanboy of his, it just didn't make sense to me.  How can you send a legal letter to someone asking them to stop playing a song about a publicly known figure? That violates their artistic right and their first amendment rights.  Then I found this, posted on Pete's blogspot:

...hate that i have to address things all the time:no i have never heard of that band or ever sent a cease and desist in my life.hope it works out for you.im still not gonna have a fight in the press- its one thing i am really proud of myself for this year. if youre songs are good than sleep easy and have fun playing them- just dont attatch me to them.i just wish the things that are 100 percent false would just go away.be careful what you wish for....- SOURCE

Therefore, the cease and desist was a fabricated publicity stunt set up by Neurosonic in order to garner more attention for their current radio single.  Or in other words, a lie.

The kicker? Neurosonic is one of the opening bands on the tour I'm currently selling merch on right now.  I didn't come here to attack anyone.  Everyone's entitled to their opinion and to write whatever song they please.  But this isn't the first time Neurosonic's done this.  A week and a half ago they told a couple crowds that they "were asked to open for Fall Out Boy at their Canadian shows".  But turned down the offer because "the plug would've gotten pulled on [them] because their single is about how much they hate Ashlee Simpson".  Why would FOB, their management, or anyone affiliated ask a band, who's single is about how much they hate Ashlee, to open for them? That's bullshit.  Yet another publicity stunt.

Not to mention that at every night's show they introduce the song as being "a song about a beautiful, talented, special girl who I love".  And then whipping out an insult about her, either calling her a "bitch" or a "cunt", it varies from night to night right before hitting the first notes of their single.

A tip of the hat to Neurosonic to thinking up something ridiculous enough to garner the attention they wanted.  I'm sure people are  hitting their myspace and website and downloading their single left and right just to see what it's about.  But is that really the way you want to go about things? Attacking the boyfriend of the subject of the song you wrote? Now you're ruining your reputation and chances with not only those two parties but pretty much anyone who's involved with them.  It's not a matter of whether you like Fall Out Boy or not, you have to admit, they've done very well for themselves in the past two years.  Going from scenester secret to breakout hit in .04 seconds with the release of From Under the Cork Tree and the subsequent single Sugar, We're Going Down.  I guess if attacking a far more successful (and in my opinion talented) band gets you your 15 minutes of fame you think you deserve, then so be it.  But if you're going to act like a douche bag, be prepared for the ramifications.

And if you're going to write a song about a lack of artistic integrity (read the lyrics for "So Many People") then you'd better have some of your own.

I never thought I'd be one to stand up for Ashlee Simpson.

Be big on Buzznet? E-famous?! E-xcellent! I'm Brian.  Sometime's called Pete or PeteyMerch (note: sick obsession with Clandestine Industries/Pete Wentz) by my band.  I spend most of my time/life out on the road, travelling the country, pretending to be a rock n roll star despite my very apparent lack of skill in anything musical what-so-ever.  So instead I tour manage and run merch for a whole slew of bands...which one really depends on who's hired me.  I'm currently out tour managing/merching for Nashville's Framing Hanley.  We're opening for Fuel and Trapt for a couple weeks before hitting the road with Evan's Blue for a month.  And after that, I'm sure there will be another tour for me to hop on to.  I've been out with the likes of Army Of Me, Robert Randolph & the Family Band, and Ziggy Marley.

I already keep a running tour blog about my days and events and adventures at my website, www.my-november.net.  I like to share my life of awesome with everyone, because unfortunately, not everyone gets the chance to live this life.  Although they should.  I wouldn't trade this for the world.  But my Sidekick is pretty shotty for mobile camera pictures and its a pain in the ass so take them, email them, upload them, html them into the entry.  So maybe the lovely people at Buzznet would like to provide me with a camera phone so I can update my buzznet more easily from the road so everyone can see road side attractions, truck stop showers, the inside of our RV!, and random pictures of me riding in dryers, wearing my banana costume, break dancing, dinosaurs, and lots and lots and lots of Clandestine Industries fanaticism...

Otherwise, check out my buzznet and my website, MY-NOVEMBER.NET for DAILY updates from the road.  Let's be BFFs!

Well, pretty Miss Breesays tagged me, and when she tags you, I guess it's almost mandatory that you do what she says.  Also, she's a babe and she likes my pictures. ;D

1) Pick your 10 favorite musical artists. List them or elaborate.
2) Tag the journal "top10bands" so we can have a full tag page of all our lists!
3) Pick 8 more people to do this! Make sure to link them to your original post.

10. Bright Eyes
One of my first indie bands ever.  The gateway to my broad musical taste and knowledge today.  I don't care if he makes you want to cut your wrists or cry in the dark.  He's an amazing, prolific singer/song-writer.

9. The Beach Boys
Believe it or not I'm NAMED after the Beach Boys.  My first name's Brian, as in Brian Wilson, the crazy, out there, musical genius that wrote everything they've ever done and then some.  The United State's answer to John Lennon.  His arrangements and harmonies and lyrics and fucking everything are as perfect and music can be.  And my middle name's Dennis, as in Dennis Wilson, their late drummer who drowned in 1984, two years before I was born.  My Dad (who's name is Carl, as in Carl Wilson, singer) is probably their biggest fan ever, no joke.  I've seen them 10 times in MY lifetime, I can't imagine how many times he's seen them.  He raised me on The Beach Boys when my mom was rasing me on...

8.  Tom Petty (& the Heartbreakers)
American classic.  Has never written a bad song.  And even at however the hell old he is, is still going and puts on an amazing show.  My mom raised me on Tom Petty in her car on the way to school everyday.  I'll raise my kids on him too.

7. Girl Talk
Have you fucking HEARD Girl Talk???? I shouldn't have to explain this.  Go listen at Girl Talk's myspace.  Holy shake it like a polaroid picture, Batman.

6. Robert Randolph & the Family Band
MY BAND! I spent a good 4 months or so touring with this band as their merchie.  Plus I've been working for their manager as an intern for even longer.  Robert revolutionized the pedal steel guitar for today's standards.  Not to mention he plays a mean Billie Jean cover... You know what...all of his covers are awesome.  (Jimmy Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, Stevie Wonder).  And their original songs are damn catchy and never cease to make me dance like crazy.  And Danyel is an amazing bassist. I f'n love RRFB.

5. Incubus
The band I worshipped in high school.  Make Yourself continues to be one of my favorite records ever.  Brandon Boyd's writing and emotion is perfectly crafted.  Mike Einziger's guitar work is among the best I've ever heard.  Now if they'd only get back Dirk Lance...

4. Brian Setzer/The Stray Cats
Brian Setzer started out as the babyfaced singer/guitarist in The Stray Cats.  Which the majority of people reading this probably dont know other than "that song on Guitar Hero"...but it's kickass, awesome rockabilly.  Fast forward to the 1990's, when he formed The Brian Setzer Orchestra which is technically swing music but is heavily influenced by his rockabilly roots (see: glorious use of the stand up bass).  I love love love love love love dancing/driving to anything he writes.

3. Ryan Adams
is a-fucking-mazing.  He's written something like 10 albums in 7 years.  He's neurotic.  He's a rockstar who sings country music.  And he let me ride his skateboard once.  Ryan Adams is one prolific son-of-a-bitch and he writes amazing, touching music.  He's written a rock album.  A country album.  A bar-rock record.  Dabbled in punk.  Tried out hip hop and electronica.  And his live shows are incredible.  Hey kids, wipe off that eyeliner and branch outside of the genre.

2. Fall Out Boy
Call me a fanboy.  Call me obsessed.  Call it a mancrush.  I love this band with all my dear little heart.  They write fun, catchy music.  They live the life I want (and am slowly acheiving), and damn if that bartskull isn't on almost everything I wear.  The last time I saw FOB live was the week before From Under The Cork Tree came out. And that makes me sad.  And the only reason they beat out Ryan Adams for the second spot, is because of this little guy:



1. The Early November
The band that changed my life.  I know that sounds cliche and lame and "emo" or whatever.  But I owe everything to this band.  Discovered them in high school around the time of The Room's Too Cold releasing.  I became obsessed, joined their messageboards, seen them live around 10 times, became really good friends with them.  And the people I know and have met through them and their message boards to this day remain some of my best friends.  Also, their merchie PJ (now merches for Mae, The Starting Line, and Motion City Soundtrack off and on) inspired me to become a merchie.  Which led me to my job/career/love today.  I'm planning to have my entrie right arm done in a sleeve dedicated to this band.  Check out Ace Enders' (lead singer) latest projects:
Ace Enders And A Million Different People - Ace's Solo project (not to be confused with I Can Make A Mess Like Nobody's Business)
Kings for Queens - Ace's OTHER band.  Touring with Steel Train in Oct/Nov
The Sound of Evolution - Ace's attempt to change the music industry and the world
Regular Music - Ace's Record Label
Pink Space Recording - Ace's Recording Studio

And their drummer Jeff has his new band,
Grace Period

And TEN's guitarist Joe is recording a solo album, being produced by Ace at Pink Space Recording.

You probably think I'm either crazy or a stalker or both now, dont you?

I'm not gonna tag 8 people to do this, because I'll be lucky if 8 people even f'n look at this.

Thanks, Breebaby.