Hey, how's it going? July 23, 2008 I know it's a little late, but Hits The Spot is available at CD Baby: http://cdbaby.com/cd/koval8 . And of course, through The Store. Tell everyone you can. Anyways, tonight I'm going to get I'll Spy Anything Twice mastered. Mark always does a great job. July 14, 2008 Well, feeling better. Just wanted to put up an entry just to say that I got to see Ringo last Friday. Very entertaining. The guy that stood out the most though was Edgar Winter though. At least for me, the new songs are coming along nicely. Next step is figuring out which topics go with what songs even though I have the song order mapped out. Oh yeah, I put my Bigsby on the white Studio on Saturday. Looks very, very sharp. July 8, 2008 Well, it's just after 11:00 and I'm pooped. I went to Mark's tonight and, again, he did a great job mastering Landing Strip. I'll put it on before I go to sleep, or fall asleep to it. I'd stay awake for sure if I didn't have to get up tomorrow morning. Damn day-jobs. July 7, 2008 I'm giddy. I got the e-mail from CD Baby saying that Hits The Spot came in, so it'll be another week before it's available. Mail was pretty quick since I'm still waiting for my Heavy Metal UMD. And tomorrow I'll be heading back to Mark Plancke's to master Landing Strip. It'll be cleaner than a razor, that's for sure. June 27, 2008 Well, I set up Hits The Spot on CD Baby last night. Just have to make my first 5 CDs and send them off. I'd say by mid-July they'll be up and ready. I'm pretty geeked. Mark did such a good job mastering it. Also, I got my "bed tracks" done for the new CD. Just listening to them to see what I can change or fix up. Also, it's a good way of figuring out which topics go with what songs and I can whistle along, with what maybe the vocal lines, in the car. Exciting. June 12, 2008 I just got home again (seems like I'm never around) from Mark's and we finished up mastering On Ice and he fixed alot of problems I initially caused when I did the original mix. I'm not a proud guy so if some one can fix distortions and it isn't me, then by all means. I learned that an analog 0 is different than a digital 0 on a meter - probably the main cause of my original mixes. Actually I learned alot tonight. Last night I learned what happens when you hit the Mono button when two identical tracks are out of phase. I haven't seen a Mono button in years. Anyways, the end result, again, turned out way better than anything I could have done on my own. You know what that means? Yup, I'll probably be mastering the rest of my CDs. So, anyone that purchased a CD already from CD Baby will getting a fresher copy (of the same CD) from me (by mail) for free. June 11, 2008 Well, I just got home from mastering Hits The Spot at Mark Plancke's (temporary) studio, and well...it hit the spot. I'm thrilled at how it turned out and how much mastering actually helps. Did it improve my singing? Of course not, but every- thing else sounds better. So kids, if you're going to make a CD, get it mastered. Tomorrow we'll, OK, Mark will, be mastering On Ice; I'll just be watching. Thanks, Mark. June 8, 2008 OK, I know I said the site would be updated by now, and I promise, tomorrow. I just got home from Aardvarks and, overall, it was a pretty good night. The people make it; really great. Also, my fridge magnet is on their cash register, so that doesn't hurt. Also, because I needed it, I got a new bass today. It's an Epiphone EB-3 copy - in white. For all you kids out there, the EB-3 has the SG body style with 2 pickups. I was going to get a Warwick RockBass since they're super cheap but the EB-3 stood out, especially at $415. Anyways, I'm tired - so I'm going to bed. June 4, 2008 Well I'm back online and hopefully the website will be updated for June by tomorrow. The move went well, so I was pretty happy with that. Also, a gig date change: June 7th and June 13th at Aardvarks. There'll be no June 20, 21 because, I guess, it's hard to keep one main calendar of bands for a bar. I like playing there but I wonder why whoever books the bands there likes to flake out? May 28, 2008 So, I'll probably be offline for the next couple of days since I'll be moving this weekend. Should be interesting since my muscles are really just for show. And I just got back from Sharktank Studios - that's where we (The Toastmen) recorded a bunch of songs the other week. Tonight was mixing night and I want to thank Mark Plancke for doing a great job. He also did a great job mastering Sticky Belly. So much that he'll be mastering the Hits The Spot/On Ice CD. Anyways, wish me luck on the move. May 26, 2008 Well, after a weekend of Indiana Jones, which I ended up really liking (don't believe the bad reviews - it's highly enjoyable), I finally set up my RSS for the site. So if you're wondering what's updated, (and you subscribe to the feed), you'll know. Even without the monthly e-mail. If you've never done this before, just click the orange RSS button (if you're using IE7) and then on the next page, click Subscribe to this Feed and that's it. If you use Outlook 2007 it'll be on your Folder List, or if you go to your Favorites and click the Feeds button, it'll be in there too. Amazing technology. May 19, 2008 I guess I didn't finish up from Friday: We went back and recorded a few more songs and then listened to a few rough mixes. I think mixing will be this week and I'll probably sit in on that. It's interesting. Also, I can always learn something. That's always good. May 15, 2008 So we (The Toastmen) went to record a set tonight. I think went OK. I know I have to go back tomorrow night too for a couple of hours maybe for touch-ups and some more songs. Once I have a copy of the songs, I'll put them up on the site. Also, I'm not sure why I was Whipping Boy tonight but I was. May 10, 2008 I guess everything can't always go right: So my Bigsby finally came in and surprise - it's the wrong model. The guy who ordered it knows all I have are Les Pauls but somehow I got the one for a Telecaster or an SG. The best part is I noticed that when I got home (but before I opened the box. So I have the joy of taking it back and waiting another eon. Or maybe I'll just say forget it. April 26, 2008 One less payment I have to make: I finally paid off my new Les Paul Studio (Alpine White) today. Actually, it wasn't all that much but it still feels good. Still waiting for that Bigsby. You'd think that they'd want my money but I guess not that bad. April 21, 2008 Very sad day today: the Bruins got knocked out by Montreal. On a good note, all Boston jerseys should be cheaper now. April 7, 2008 Wow - what a day. So I got my new Studio picked out. And it happens to be right next door. So no moving van this time around. Also, I've ben putting down bed tracks over the last couple of days. Again, recording more that I need so I can whittle out the weaker ones. If the machine was still turned on then I could count how many tracks I have started so far. But I don't so I can't. Finally my DVDs came in - after over 3 weeks. That's not normal. Canada Customs seems to be more and more interested in seeing what I purchased, I guess. You'd think they'd have better things to do. So I got Straw Dogs, Ghost Story and The Black Sabbath Story Vol 2. I used to have both on VHS but I haven't watched them since my VCR's in the closet. And lastly (is that a real word?), I just wanted to say thanks to everyone that came out to Aardvarks last Friday (the 4th - I forgot to review it). It was a slow night and Pete, our faithful singer, was sick. He's still the best singer in town. I even tried so say that over the mic but I think I tripped over my words or something. Anyways, there's a Headless Cross video I have to go watch. March 30, 2008 Just got home from Aardvarks and, again, I'm pooped. But what a great turn-out. Of all the years I've been playing, that bar is, by far, the best place for people. I haven't heard so many nice things said from people I don't really know. No offense but I need some sleep. March 17, 2008 Happy St. Patrick's Day. No, I didn't take the day off to go drinking, even though I am part Irish. I had a sad day last week and then a happy day. The sad day was Thursday. My Boss Distortion pedal of almost 20 years, died. Very sad. The happy day was on Saturday when I went and bought another one. $50 too - new. Nice. That's all I got for this entry. Enjoy the day. March 9, 2008 It feels like 6 in the afternoon and not 7:00. How's it going today? Just wanted to mention, and actually I'm pretty thrilled about this, that I received the Gold Artist Award at RadioIndy. They gave me a really good review for Will Work For Money too. If you don't think people still blush, then you should have seen my face. Makes me feel really, really good. So thanks again to the writing staff at RadioIndy.com March 2, 2008 Well, I'm pooped but that's OK. Had a good night again at Aardvarks. Good to see some familiar faces too. And here's a message for the kids who are in bands: don't let strangers come up to sing a song. Nothing got broken or anything like that but tonight we had a guy come up and "sing" a ZZ Top song with us. Once he did one, he wanted to do another. Even though he didn't, he still kept pressing. So I'm sure, to him, we ended up being assholes or whatever. So kids, to avoid any unwanted things like that from happening, just say "no". Just say, "Well, we're here to play - it's kinda like a job." Nobody brings their friends to work, right? Then again, if anyone asked me to use my guitars or stuff, I'd just look at them like "Did you just bump your head?" and walk away. I'm good like that. So, just like the last entry, thanks to everyone that came out and come out again at the end of this month. March 1, 2008 Well, I just got home from the gig at Aardvarks and things went well. Actually, the mix on the stage was great - best I've ever heard it. I think that was because there was a big PA speaker on stage as well. There really isn't a need to mic everything but we did, so when it comes out that extra speaker.... Nice. And a big thanks to everyone who came out. It's appreciated, believe me. And hopefully things go that well tomorrow night...or tonight (it's 3 am). February 25, 2008 Wow, what a weekend. I'm done recording all the parts for the songs I started last weekend. So, tonight I'll start mixing. I still don't know what I'll do with the songs once they're done but I'm sure I'll throw them up on the site - maybe for this year's 8th Anniversary Edition in May. February 20, 2008 Well, in between last time and this time I got a new microphone (an Apex condensor). It was cheap...well, cheaper than it was the week before because it was on sale. That prompted me to test it out by re-recording some oldies: Busted Hard at Work The Sky's Better Over Here Now That She's Agreed Had To Do It The Great Outdoors Actually, that could be an Album. You never know. But the mic checks out fine, especially on the acoustic guitars. I really wanted to record some new stuff but things happen. At least for the new stuff, I have my drum loops picked out, so that's a start, and I started jotting down song topics. And the new one might be called Gets It Straight or Pleasant Surprise, or maybe I haven't thought of a title yet. I never know. January 31, 2008 OK, just wanted to say that the site should be updated for Saturday, or Monday if you go to it at work. Busy week, that's all. January 28, 2008 I think I'm all done. As in "all done". Mixing and everything. We'll see, I have to have a second listen in the car radio. But yeah, I think Hits The Spot is finished. My whole weekend, mainly Saturday, was spent doing some vocals, background vocals, keyboard tracks, one bass track and one guitar track. Yesterday, I did my first round of mixes - complete with a McDonalds lunch. Got to stay fit. And today, I just got done doing the final mixes. Hoo Boy. I more excited about the fact that I can start doing some new recording now that Hits The Spot is done. I don't know when I'll put it up for sale at CD Baby though. More importantly, well not really, is I plan on redoing my Links page. I think it's been at least 3 years since I've updated it. That's my Valentine's Day present to my site. I'm a sweet one. January 21, 2008 Well, I had a productive afternoon (good thing it wasn't reproductive). I ended up getting all my drum tracks rerecorded for Hits The Spot. I thought Telekinetic would have given me trouble since there's a little weird timing just before the guitar solo but I ended up catching it. Whew. So the track listing for Hits The Spot will be: 1. Hit The Spot 2. Parkin' 3. Too Soon 4. Telekinetic 5. Run Away 6. Passing Time 7. Sticky Belly I left off Out Of My Hands and even Grand Opening which I came across (not literally) when I reimported the tracks back to the 2488. Might as well keep the beter stuff for sale. Oh, the reason that I rerecorded the drum parts is because when I originally recorded them last year, I didn't have proper stereo output from the drum machine. I ended up recording the drums (mono) on two tracks and then ended up reversing the polarity on one of the tracks to give a fake stereo. It sounded OK, but real stereo is always better. January 14, 2008 Well, Happy New Year. Just wanted to write about the gig last weekend which ended up being pretty good. I like nice surprises. I think it was a nice way to start the New Year too. And we'll be at Aardvarks at the end of February and, I think, at the end of March as well. So it's good we've been learning new songs because now we'll actually get to play them. Also this week, since I just finished watching 2 seasons of X-Files, I'll be doing my tweaks to Hit The Spot. I've been listening to the CD and making notes of what I want to change and add. I think the good news is that I won't be changing the words to Sticky Belly. The (not really) bad news is I have to re-learn the songs so I can re-record some parts. I don't mind though. The quicker I get done this then the quicker I can start on a new one. I even thought about calling it "Straightens It Out". December 27, 2007 Hmmmm...good thing no one goes to my Blog on a daily basis. Well, Merry Christmas to everyone and Happy early New Year. Had a decent holiday so far and this entry is pretty much to take up space. How am I doing so far? The new thing to report is that the latest CD is up at CD Baby: Will Work For Money - The Best of the 4-track Years. So for me, that wraps up me doing anymore 4-tracking unless one appears at a gig. From here on in, it's only going to be 24 glorious digital tracks. Now things will start to get interesting. So there you go. December 4, 2007 OK, so I've been going a little rangy with changing the colour scheme. Actually, I don't mind the black. Keeping that in mind, I'm still not completely finished. Should have used CSS. Anyways, the whole Music Section is done, and so are the Album pages. Sharp as a two-headed tack. And, I'd say about closer to the end of the month, I'll be having another CD up at CD Baby. It's "Will Work For Money - The Best of the 4-track Years". That's the cover over there on your right. Actually my brother did it - I didn't even tell him yet. December 3, 2007 The website is updated but I didn't have my Mom do the spell-check on it yet. So if you're early, then thanks. November 19, 2007 I think this is one of those days that actually changes one's life. I finally got it today: The Faces box set. I waited 2 bloody years to get this. One reason is that it's $100.00 north of the border. So with the dollar being up, I thought I'd splurge for $50 U.S. Nice. Also, just as important, on Saturday (last Saturday) my half-brother Les, put in the 57 Classics in my still new Les Paul Studio. Nice. It sounds a little brighter than my Studio Plus. I'm almost done disc 1. October 31, 2007 OK, so the webpage isn't updated yet. I came home to a big hole in my bathroom ceiling - complete with water on the floor so I had to call the Landlord up to look at it. I'll put the pictures up later. Apartment living, I guess. Doesn't help that there's a retard living above me. So probably tomorrow I'll get around to it. If not, by the weekend. But as a little treat, you can get a sneak preview of the new album "On Ice" that got finished up last month. I actually was surprised, sound-wise, how this one turned out. Maybe I should have went to 24 tracks years ago. Oh, and Happy Hallowe'en. October 21, 2007 Well, I finally saw Van Halen last night. All in all they were really good. Expensive, but good. And the best guy in the band these days is Alex Van Halen. Eddie did too many squeals and dive bombs for my liking. And Valeri Bertinelli looked like she put on weight but not a bad bass player. All I'll say is, as far as these reunion tours go these days, Heaven and Hell was, by far, the best. Another thing about the show too was I don't think I've ever seen collectively, more blue jeans with high heels and small, tight black (or white) tops. Of course I'm talking about the girls. Well, I guess they couldn't be categorised as "girls" anymore. There was probably more platinum blond hair there than in all of Sweden. At least for the guys, I don't think many of them knew that the current year now starts with a 2. All in all, a good time. Probably my last of the expensive concerts. October 13, 2007 I think I update my site more than I do my Blog. Good news is if you're just making your way around to the site now, then you get to hear all of the new "album", On Ice. That's because I just uploaded it a couple of minutes ago. Oh yeah - that's what I did in between last time I blogged, I finished the album. Also, thanks to Rob and Guy from Big Sky Mind for having me out last night. It was a last minute thing where their guitar player couldn't do the gig. I haven't stretched out like that in a while. It's just weird playing a bunch of songs I've never played before... and three-piece to boot. I'm not a big fan of playing three-piece. So there - that's what's been going on. September 27, 2007 This Gregg Koval Week keeps getting better and better. My Les Paul Studio (in Alpine White) came in today. I did have to trade in my SG Classic for it, and not for any monetary reasons; 4 electrics is enough. I'm pretty giddy. Yesterday, I managed to record all the rest of the guitars for "On Ice", and the day before I recorded most of the vocals - in my underwear. Not a pretty sight but it was comfortable. I don't think I'll be done-done the CD for October because I don't think the words are funny enough on some songs. But I'll put up what I have for next month's edition. Anyways, got to try this guitar out - wish me luck. September 24, 2007 Wow - what a good Gregg Koval Week so far. Obviously it's like a vacation, so to start it off I mailed some CDs to my new favourite radio station WGDR. Then I finished all my words for the new CD (should be titled, "On Ice") and renewed my business licence (or is it "license"?). I'm pooped already. So yes, the CD should be done by the weekend if I can get my vocals done tomorrow. And that means it'll be available for the website next month. Now that's scary. I'm sure a bunch of other stuff happened within the month, but you know, I'm not the strongest typist. August 27, 2007 So, I finished up a version of "I Don't Want To Go To Work" tonight. I'm such a nice guy, that you can hear it. Click the link above. I know it's been almost a whole month since I've blogged but that's all right. I have to start doing the words for the new disc. I got my basic tracks done in the past 20 days. Fun stuff too; so far, so good. Anyways, listen to the new song and thanks to Janet for buying all my CDs today. August 07, 2007 Well, after a day of going down and getting my passport and getting some new contact lenses, I managed to get 4 new songs recorded. They're instrumental so the words were easy. I love extra long weekends. Anyways, they're pretty heavy (too much Candlemss and Nile lately) but it was fun to do them. So as of today, any heavy instrumental that I come up with will be named after a bird. Yup, you read right. The two that are "keepers" are called Dowitcher and Black Turnstone. Now if I could only do this for a living. July 22, 2007 After a full week, I managed to get most of Freshly Squeezed re-recorded. I already decided to delete the current version that's at CD Baby, and even though I'm re-recording these songs, I'm not sure if I'm going to throw them back up for sale. We'll see - I like doing things just because. So that's about it, I think. July 10, 2007 Well, it's always something. I guess we are still looking for a new bass player. Craig, the guy who said he'd do it a couple of weeks ago, won't now. One reason is that he doesn't have time to learn the songs (not that anything is booked) and that the songs are "too hard". Too hard? Geeze. On a good note, The Spy Is The Limit and I'll Spy Anything Twice are up on CD Baby. July 5th, 2007 Well, I think I'm all done for this "selling CDs" thing. For awhile, at least. I'm printing up the covers for Landing Strip as I'm typing this, so I can send them out to CD Baby tomorrow. Y'know, it's such a great site, that does all the legwork for me. That works out great since I haven't exercised in years. Coffee and smokes, people, coffee and smokes. And last night I started working on redoing Freshly Squeezed. I could just never get a good mix with 4 tracks. That means I'll probably have to resend those CDs out too. Maybe I'll charge $5.50 since they'll be recorded on the new machine. It's a living. June 25th, 2007 I got some good news today: we've found our new bass player, who's actually an old bass player. His name is Craig MacLaughlin. Hmmm..how's my spelling? Nice guy anyways. He played with us many years ago. It's good not to worry about that anymore. June 18th, 2007 I can't stop. No wonder why I'm so tired during the day. I mailed out my CDs to CD Baby. I'm not sure if people are ready for The Case of the Missing Finger. We'll see. Next up is sending out I'll Spy Anything Twice. It's all set to go except the UPC. Oh, and I'm piecing together Landing Strip. Just for fun. Actually I can't wait until I'm done this other stuff so I can start a new CD. June 13, 2007 Y'know, sometime's you have to make the time. Well, I finished up the overdubs for the I'll Spy Anything Twice CD. I didn't have much to do, but that still didn't stop me from saying, "Where did the time go" when I was finished. Hopefully I can mix up everything by the weekend. June 12, 2007 I finished up all my "extras" tonight on The Spy Is The Limit. You wouldn't believe how much a tambourine can spruce things up. Now I can start doing the same to I'll Spy Anything Twice. Not as many touch-ups to do either. That way I can hopefully have these things mixed up by Saturday. Since I'm not playing, I might as well take advantage of the free time. Somehow all of my free time gets spent on this. That's not a complaint. June 11, 2007 So Coffee Stains is on its way to CD Baby and I started fixing up The Spy Is The Limit to do the same. What I mean by fixing up is redoing some vocals and adding extra percussion and some guitars. Fun. Lately, and I don't know why, but I feel I have to get these oldies cleaned up and shipped out. I can't explain it. And I knew that this 24-track would make a hermit out of me. At least for the weekend at Aardvarks, we did well. Friday was pretty laid back but Saturday was a good night. Even grabbed an Absinth across the street there. Stupid expensive but we all did a shot. And you should have seen my shoes. Also, some guys came down with a video camera and recorded us doing, I think, Texas Flood and some other one. I guess these guys have a website and they'll be putting up the clips to watch. When I find out it's available, I'll put a link from this site to get to it. On a sad note, Paul, our bass player, put in his resignation, so I guess we're looking for a new bass player. The good thing is that he'll stay until we find one that can make it through a whole night of songs. He's good like that. I'd do the same thing if I was leaving too. I'll miss him anyways. So pretty eventful weekend. June 7, 2007 Inbetween last time and now, I remixed Coffee Stains so I could put it up for sale at CD Baby. So that's pretty exciting. Also, I'll be "touching up" The Spy Is The Limit and I'll Spy Anything Twice to put up for sale as well. Hopefully by the end of July - early August. May 31, 2007 So I've been listening to the new songs, and I'm pretty happy with them. So much that I revamped the song list on the newest "album", Hits The Spot. Go to the Hits The Spot page and have a listen. May 22, 2007 Being that I'm so up to date with my Blog, I should write that I started recording another batch a songs about 2 weeks ago, just to keep figuring out my new 24 track machine. The songs are older but it gives me something to do. I ended up redoing: Grand Opening; Sticky Belly; Freshly Squeezed; Telekinetic; Run Away; and Unavailable. Grand Opening is done and so is Passing Time, a cute instrumental from 2002. Ouch. I guess I did pass some time. Since that's done today you can click above to hear it. Fun. This afternoon's plan is to finish up the other tracks. It's only guitar solos, so I think I can do that. I love long weekends. May 2, 2007 Wow, that was quick. I know I didn't make a big deal about this on the inside of the site, but I signed up to have Nice Shoes be plugged (or promoted) to college radio stations. Tax return. Anyways, the Press Release went out this morning and I got my first response already. Fun. So, thanks to Ruth Wilder from WGDR in Plainfield Vermont for wanting a copy of Lays Back for their radio station. It's in the mail. April 10, 2007 Well, I'm pretty much done Hits The Spot. I'm going to re-write one set of words and that's it. Next I'll have to come up with a cover. So, for May's Anniversary Edition, the new one will be up. Fun, fun, fun. April 9, 2007 Well Happy Eatser. I love Easter Monday since at my current day job I get the day off. So what does that mean? You guessed it: I'm 24 tracking. I know it's been a while, but I just finished up the vocal tracks today. As in a couple of minutes ago. Now I might spend the rest of the day doing guitar solos. Fun. Also, it's a little chilly outside so what could be a better excuse. Oh, and the track listing so far: Hits The Spot Out Of My Hands Parkin' Too Soon Aim Low Options Yup - only 6 songs but that's OK. It times in over 35 minutes. A good ADD CD. March 17, 2007 Happy St Patty's Day. I started farting around with the new 24 track and I do like it. A lot of it is finding where stuff got moved to. And the other main thing I had to figure out was how to get what I started working on onto the new machine. I did figure that out and a way to keep the original drum machine/click track too. Smarty pants. So I think I picked this thing up at the right time. I'm geeked anyways. March 15, 2007 Well, today was a big day. I finally did it: I went digital. After years and years of faithfully 4-tracking with cassettes, I'm finally up to date. Now this is good and bad. The good part is I not having to pong anymore (but I never minded since most of the grunt work was gone for final mixes) and it should sound great. The bad part is I have to really be good at this; OK, that's not so bad but I can't use my excuse, "Geeze, what do you want; it's only a 4-track". Also, I don't know what I'm going to do with 20 extra tracks. Oh - I ended up getting a Tascam 2488. Anyways, it's good to know that I ended my 4-tracking days on a really good note with Lays Back. March 11, 2007 This time change is a little harsh on the system. So we had a "balanced" weekend at Aardvarks. Friday was dead - actually all of the downtown area was slow but last night was great: busy, and we all played well. I like those nights better. So now that that's done, I can get back to working on the new "album" this week. I can't stop. And a big thanks to Danie Cortese. Oh - and my cold's finally gone. February 25, 2007 Holy Doodlesack - it's been over a month. Welp, I'm sick. I caught a cold a couple of days ago. I'm pretty lucky since it's the second one I caught all Winter. So, while I was locked away, I started 4-tracking again. 2 more 90 minutes done. Now, with the other two tapes, I have over an hour of stuff to work with. That's more than usual, I think. I'm not really sure - I just usually weed it out to 7 songs. That's good news for me. Now I have something to do since I finished watching all the Stargate seasons. You know, Season 9's really good but I don't like Richard Dean Anderson's replacement. Oh - and the website should be updated for Thursday. January 3, 2007 Well, Happy New Year everybody. I know, I know... The site will be updated for the weekend. Honest. Lots to look forward to - like a look at New Country Music and how lame it is. The thing I'm happiest about is that I finally paid off my Les Paul Studio today. That's good news. To celebrate that feat, I treated myself to some Tommy Bolin CDs. Sometimes life can be fun. December 26, 2006 Well, Happy Boxing Day. I didn't plan on it, but I started 4-tracking again. You never realise how much work gets in the way when you have time off. So I got 2 cassette tapes started of new stuff and this will probably be my last hoo-rah for 4 tracking. Don't be shocked. Remember how I mentioned about the scarcity of cassette tapes? If not - it's true. So after I finish what I'm putting down, I, GK, will finally get into the 21st century and get that 24-track hard disk recorder I've been looking at. What's a dummy like me going to do with 20 extra tracks? Beats me, but it'll probably be a whole lot of fun. And I'm into that. Fun, that is. Oh, and just looking at the previous blogging entries, I took back that Epiphone. Didn't need it. I never thought I'd say that about a guitar. And last week's gig at A-Bars blew. Not because of us. Actually we were fine. Just the crowd; a bunch of lame-os. We could have played at Aardvarks where people clap whether they like you or not but they don't pay as much. I was getting more in the late 80's than there (I started young). So Happy Holidays to everyone (what's left of them) and look for the site to be updated for the 1st. I don't plan on doing too much for New Years. I'm good like tht. December 4th, 2006 Good news for me. I found a bunch of blank cassettes today. I can't say where in case some one else is looking for them too. Now I know why they're wrapped in gold. November 25, 2006 Just wanted to write something before I get ready for a night at A-Bars. Could be worse. Anyways, my family got bigger on Thursday. Yup, I'm a proud owner of an Epiphone Zephyr Blues Deluxe. Hate the name, but for all you kids out there, it's Epiphone's version on of a Gibson ES-5. Hollowbody, 3 P-90s, volume knob for each pick-up. Did I really need it? Nope. But I did order it over a year ago. But in all honesty - it's a real nice guitar. The attention to the details isn't what you usually find in an Epiphone, but this one has it. Unfortunately I won't be bringing it out much since it didn't come with a case. But that's OK. I still have my Studio. November 13, 2006 Well, I'm alive and sort of well. I'm not busy anymore like I was the last few weeks, so, you guessed it, it's time to do another "album". Also I'm thinking of moving the studio to down the street. We'll see, but it's a pretty good idea for lots of reasons. Anyways, the new one's going to be called "Out to Lunch". I think it's a skill not-really-being- there. October 1, 2006 Another wow. Played at Aardvarks on the weekend and I don't think I've been to a place where the people in the crowd are so complimentary. Also, I didn't realise I knew so many people, so thanks to everyone that came out and shared in the smoke breaks. And thanks to Paul for the t-shirt. I'm not sure where I'll wear it but I know for sure it won't be at a church. September 19, 2006 Wow - Jeff Beck was just great. Also, it cemented the idea of never seeing a band outdoors again. He ended up playing at the Detroit Opera House. Nice place too. Didn't have a clue who was in his band, since when he went to the mic a few times he just mumbled something. The highlight for me was when he did Stratus. September 4th, 2006 Well, I'm all done for now. Did my rough mixes this morning so now I have to EQ them. Painless. Also, since last entry (there's a song title), I came up with the cover. That's it on the right. Maybe it's a premonition cover. Happy so far. Good thing for long weekends. August 31, 2006 Well, all the vocal tracks are done which will bring me to my favourite (and quickest) part: the guitar solos. Too much fun. Also, it's a great thing to do on a long weekend - honest! I'm kidding - they usually end up being 1 or 2 takes so it's a quick couple of hours tops. At this rate, this'll be done and mixed in a week from now. I have to make the cover though. August 30, 2006 I'd never know my alarm didn't go off this morning if I didn't think about it. After a long day, I managed to get the vocals done for "Drive Thru", "Nice Shoes", "Lay Back" and song 3 which a few days ago became a story about a friendly Real Estate Agent - needless to say, I closed the deal. Have to think of a title now; it'll probably be something like "Open House". I also put down a guide vocal for the last song, and I'm making "Came and Went" an instrumental. Slow songs aren't my forte. That's French for "good". So the site will be updated for September, just not for the 1st. I'm only one guy, y'know. August 27, 2006 Well, I have my words, I'd say, over half finished. I did that this morning. I woke up early. So, kind of in order, the 7 songs will be: 1. Drive Thru (thanks Les for the idea) 2. Nice Shoes 3. Take a Journey(?) it's a line in the tune. 4. Lay Back 5. Putting Out 6. Came and Went 7. No One Has To Know At first, I thought I was doing a theme "album", but I'm pretty much doing a regular one, only without any country-ish stuff. So I'll probably spend another night on the words, and hopefully get it all recorded by Labour Day. August 20, 2006 OK, so in between the last time I blogged and today, I'm pretty happy to say that I got my basic tracks done for Lays Back - that's the new one. I did three tapes of stuff; kept 2 off of tape a; one off of tape b and tape c was a waste. So when I got home on the 18th, I taped over what I had on tape c with 5 new ones that are all keepers. So I finished those Saturday morning and that's good for me. Today I did the ponging. Halfway done. I should say that every tune has the Rotovibe on it. I just love that pedal. Not that I'm going to rehash Band Of Gypsies, but I think I can say that I got my Trower on. Oh, and I had the biggest pleasure going to see the James Gang last Tuesday. Joe Walsh was a treat. His singing's a lot better and his guitar playing.... well, let's just say I have a lot more practicing to do to get to his level. You're never better than your heroes. August 10, 2006 Wow - lots going on; that's why I haven't written in a while. I have 3 keepers so far to work with. That's out of 2 tapes, so I'm not thrilled about that. Also, what's been taking most of my time has been remixing my old stuff from 1999 to 2002. I'm getting a bit geeky on the mixes since I want them to sound as good as possible, even though some stuff just can't be saved. So I got done: All Natural Ingredients; Busted; Takes Off; and Comes Clean. Next is Growing Roots; Freshly Squeezed; The Spy Is The Limit; Recovers; A Good Catch; Deeply Rooted; Landing Strip; Coffee Stains; Sticks It Out; and I'll Spy Anything Twice. So playing the part-time hermit really pays off. And James Gang in 5 days. July 24, 2006 After receiving the most humbling e-mail, I started to remix again. This time, I'm starting almost at the beginning. If I started right at the beginning, no one would come back to the site. Anyways, I remixed my 1999 "album" Open Season, which will be the first of many remixes to do. Reason why? I guess I have an audience. That's good for me. Makes what I do a little more valid, I guess. Next are "All Natural Ingredients", "Busted" and "Takes Off". Then the rest that are common to the site. Heck, I can't wait to finally hear a finished product. July 20, 2006 I guess it's been awhile, eh? Well, just to catch up, last week I finally got to see one of my Heroes: Robin Trower. That's why I don't mind getting older - so I can play better. And the week before when we played at Aardvarks was great too. A few glitches, but on the whole, just great. Also, I can believe that Window-Licker from the States, George Bush, vetoed the Stem Cell thing. Stem Cells are about the only thing that makes sense these days but the Dink put the States back in the dark ages. Good going. June 12, 2006 Wow. It's no surprise I'm kinda lazy. Anyways, last week I ended up remixing Freshly Squeezed and The Spy Is The Limit. Those turned out OK, so I remixed a few from Unavailable and Recovers. I'll probably throw some of those up on the site for next month. More exciting is the James Gang reunion in August and Trower at our town's Bluesfest. May 21, 2006 All done. Pretty happy about that. It all started when I finished the words to Long Shot. That one was a little high for me - D's not my key. Then I did some guitar solos - always fun. I usually don't knock through all of them in one day. I'm so glad I have that SG and Goldtop. I just got done making the rough mixes, so I'm going to listen them one more time. Oh, so the songs are: 1. Shine It Up 2. Close Call 3. Long Shot 4. Hold That Thought 5. Comfort Zone 6. Instrumental (I'm working on a title) 7. Into Deep Nothing else I'd rather do on a Sunday night. May 20, 2006 Part 3. Back to the living room and I finished the words to what was going to be called "Assfixiation". Once I got done I was going to call it "In Too Deep" but now I'm going to call it "Into Deep", y'know - like I'm "into something". Then I recorded the vocal. Put on another pot of coffee and started doing the words for another one - this one's called "Thirds" even though it's going to be the 4th song. Oh well. Once those were done, I recorded the vocals. 1 left to go. I'm starting to feel like a yo-yo going back and forth from the living room to the bedroom. May 20, 2006 Part 2. So, I went to the living room and started doing the rest of the words to Hold That Thought. I should have just started from scratch since I didn't keep anything that I had already. Then I recorded the vocal. I think I'll work on another one. May 20, 2006 I like Saturdays. I did the vocal for Shine It Up and Close Call this morning, so that was pretty fun. Oh, and the background vocal for Hold That Thought. Almost there. Now I have to find the scraps of paper I wrote on all week to finish up the rest of the words. You know, Kids, when things fall through it happens for a reason. A week ago at this time, I didn't think I'd have any time on this long weekend to do any 4-tracking but lo and behold. May 18, 2006 If things keep coming up, I'm not sure when I'll finish this thing. It better be soon, or ...or...I'll say that again. Also, the Census Canada website's ActiveX components will ruin your computer. Assholes. May, 9th, 2006 Well after getting fairly inspired since the last time I blogged, I got some words done (and the cover). 2 full sets and 1/2 a set for tonight. They are (in order): 1. "Shine It Up" 2. "Close Call" 3. "Hot Streak" or "Long Shot" since one of the lines is: "her hot streak was my long shot." It's a gambling song, see? 4. "Hold That Thought" - that's because my brains are in my pants. 5. I'm pretty sure I know what it's going to be about, but that's the best part about not rushing through them. It could be about something else. 6. That's going to be an instrumental, so that's easy. 7. And this is just a working title: "Assfixiation". It'll be cute. I have 2 other songs that I might make "bonus songs". They're just for me anyways, so I'll finish them even though I filled my time quota. Got to get my creative juices flowing...uh oh - that could be the forth song. April 30, 2006 I got my ponging done. Pretty happy about that. So I guess now I whittled it down to 8 or 9 songs (that's why I said "I guess"). Should be pretty fun next since I have to make up the words. I have a few topic ideas and titles already so that makes things a little easier. If all goes well, I might be doing some vocals this week. Have to start singing in the car all week for practice. April 27, 2006 I finally got to do some electric guitar parts tonight. Always fun. First one I did, I brought the Junior, open tuned it to E and put a capo of the 5th fret (since the song was in A). Then I brought out the Studio for the next one...oh and then the third one...and the forth one too. And I did a bass line for the 4th one - complete with a Boss Auto Wah - like the Senators. I'm pretty happy so far. April 26, 2006 Well, I updated my site for May - just because. So if you're here early, then that's OK. Also, I did 2 acoustic tracks tonight; one in open E and the other (in Open E) with a capo on the third since the song was in G. I've been farting around with that lately and it's kind of neat. April 18, 2006 You can always make the time for the important things. So last night I did stuff on "Tape A" (out of D) and tonight, I did my drum tracks on all of Tape B and half of Tape C, and also brought out my old Goya bass to do the half of Tape C. Confusing? Maybe. Could be because I started watching Season 1 of Soap the other night. April 17, 2006 I love this whole Easter Monday bit. Anyways, I did the bass lines and drums for 4 new ones (OK, 3 1/2, since the first one's not having any drums on it). Good enough for me. Oh, and as you probably guessed, I won't be updating the website this month. I'll be up and running for May's Anniversary Edition. Apr 9, 2006 What a difference a day makes. After last week's events, I guess I needed to have some good four-tracking time and I think I got it. Again, I set up in the living room and ended up with enough stuff to fill 3 more 90 minute tapes. I'm not sure if it was because it was such a nice day or the new guitar or both. Also, this week I should be updating my site. And I thought today too, that next month's Edition will be the 6 year anniversary for the site. 6 years. Christ. Mar 29, 2006 It must be the view. This time around I set up in my living room and watched a nice sunset as I popped out 4 new ones. Tunes, that is. So today I officially started recording Fixes It Up. Which is going to be the first tune too. I listened to a gospel program on the weekend and thought, "that be neat to do". Y'know - whites know how to take away the main ingredient - music wise. The other 3 are a boogie in A, a slow one in E (probably leave instrumental) and a slow waltz in G. I think it's because I was using my resonator to do the pilot tracks. It's tuned to open E and the guitar sounds great. So there we go. I only planned one and got 4. Mar 28, 2006 Well - it's all over. Well, almost. Customising me Les Paul Studio is pretty much finished. Now, it has 2 57 Classics in it, instead of those so-so stock pickups. Makes one want to rock the nation like Ronnie Montrose. I say almost because my linear taper volume pots are on their way. Oh yeah, I wrote out my outline for the next "album", which is going to be called Fixes It Up. Feb 23, 2006 I update this as much as a menstrual cycle. Anyways, things are going well, so far. The good news is I found a bunch of blank casettes. OK, not really; I had to buy them but I found them at, surprise, a record store. It used to be easier going to Zellers but they don't stock them anymore. So, this weekend I'll be starting the next "album". I'll either be calling it "Fixes It Up", "Holds That Thought" or "Something Else." There's three songs at least if they don't make the title. I just want to record my new guitar, that's all. Stay tuned to the Blog because it'll probably be updated more and more. Jan 26, 2006 Sorry about slacking on this thing. The good news is we're ready for out first time playing out in over a year. The better part is that my guitar is all fixed up. Looks sharp too. It'll be a step by step thing for the website next month. Even better, after this weekend, I'll have to start a new CD. If I can find some blank tapes. You heard that right. I'll explain later. Right now I have to go to the dentist. Wish me luck. Jan 14, 2006 Well, today it begins. I went to two music stores and started buying parts for my new Sweetie. First off was a 57 Classic pickup that'll be put in the neck position (and I'm taking out the one that's in the neck position now and putting that in the back). Also, I got the toggle switch ring (cream) and cap and also 2 cream pickup rings. Have to wait next week for the volume knobs (gold) and I have to get a pickguard and bracket. Actually, that's the main thing I need. I'm too used to having a pickguard. So probably next Tuesday, my friend Les, who helped me fix up my old Studio model, will be back with his soldiering skills to do the switcheroo with the pickups. This is great, I'll have something new for the website next month. Jan 9, 2006 Well I got her. She finally came in. She's a treat too. Pickups are a little hot and I'm going to change the strings in a few seconds. They string them with .009s. Too thin. I updated the News and Letters picture too. Nope, I don't waste any time. And to celebrate, I shaved me beard. Feels good too. Jan 3, 2006 Well, Happy New Year to everyone; hope the holiday's were fun too. There's not too many updates for January so that's why I didn't do the mass e-mail but that's OK. In case you venture in, there's a cute story of the problems I'm having ordering a new guitar. I hope it's a good ending since it hasn't ended yet. Plenty of good things planned this year too, such as finally playing again at the end of this month. Can't wait. November 25, 2005 I'm alive. Honest. I was going to wait for the December updates but I see that it's been over a month since I've Blogged anything. Things come up. What's kind of new is the new Deep Purple (Rapture of the Deep). The only thing wrong with it, other than I had to special Order it, is the terrible mix of the album. The worst drum sound I've heard in a long time - real flat and the vocals, as much as Gillan is great, are way too loud. Other than that - it's great. Could even be a Pick of the Month. Since last I blogged, I picked up the new Leo Kottke/Mike Gordon (just great), the new Stevie Wonder and John Coltrane's Blue Trane on SACD. Nice. October 13, 2005 What a day. Even though I wasn't feeling so great I did somehow manage to remix The Spy Is The Limit. My friend, Les, suggested that one. At first I thought, "Geeze, I just got done doing the other one" but then again everything was still set up. So I did, and I'm pretty glad I did. Now they both sound a little consistent even though I'll Spy Anything Twice sounds, I don't know...better. That's good news. At least I'm not getting worse. So now I'll make a CD with both on it. Just like my Fly DVD; it has part 1 and 2 on it. Just in time for the Christmas holidays. But I still have to get colour ink. October 8, 2005 Well, it's all over. I finshed up the rest of my parts: them being vocals on Over And Out and Out For Me. And a couple of guitar solos. So I mixed them down to the computer (might as well give in) and did what I thought would be rough mixes. I burned those to CD and just listened to them and they're probably going to stick. I might throw some reverb on some of the tracks but it's all done and I'm pooped. Now I have to get some colour ink so I can make a cover. But all in all I'm pretty happy. So by next week for sure I should have the whole thing up and ready for download. I love long weekends. October 1, 2005 Well, I got most of my guitar solos done and they're OK. Most of 'em we're second takes so that wrapped that up pretty quickly. And I finished up Out Of Shape by putting on a resonator and an acoustic. Also I finished up Enjoying The View by putting an organ sound on it - not a cheesy Doors sound but a cool Jon Lord sound. Everytime I hear a Doors song I keep thinking I'm at a circus. I will be re-doing my vocal's on She's Gone/You're Gone and Out For Me. Out For Me is too short, so when I redo the vocal, I'm going to have it so the guitar solo gets two verses instead of one. Anyways, a good way to start the month. September 28, 2005 Well, here's another spurt. I planned on having a night of guitar solos since I think I can do better on what I did last night. But I ended up getting the words done for She's Gone. Now, we all know that I'm not the world's greatest singer, but I ended up doing a 4 part vocal on it. And it's kinda funny. Nothing like a country parody. Oh yeah, and I changed the cover. After I reformatted my machine I couldn't find the original pst file. So I redid it and I'm kinda glad I did. There it is. September 27, 2005 Hmm...you know it comes in spurts. Insert your own joke there, but anyways I ended up getting the vocals down for Seeing Double, back up vocals for Nuts and a guitar solo for Nuts too. I was going to have a slide solo on Out Of Shape but I popped a string when I was tuning. Oh well, I just did a regular solo. Anyways, I'm just going to put them on Minidisc and go to bed. September 23, 2005 There's always time to do vocal tracks, especially when it's the last day of your vacation. Got good takes on Enjoying The View and Out For Me. Also, I picked up the new Paul McCartney and it's pretty darn good. How the guy packs so much stuff in 3 minutes gems is beyond me. Anyways, another good find. September 20, 2005 I got the vocals done for Nuts and Out Of Shape done this morning. I love being on vacation. Also, I got an idea of how to sing Enjoying The View and Out For Me. The main one that's going to be a problem is She's Gone or I might change it to You're Gone - depends how personal I feel when I do it. This one's giving me a tough time. I wish I could sing but, like always, I'll try my best. So 2 down and 5 to go. September 12, 2005 Well, somebody's happy. That would be me. I got all my ponging done tonight. I even explained to my Mom what ponging was. So now, my "bed tracks" are done and mixed. So the words are next, which I have a pretty good idea what they're going to be and then next week will be recording the vocals and hopefully by the end of next week I should be mixing it up and there we go. Here's the track list and (tenative) titles 1. Enjoying the View 2. Out of Shape 3. Seeing Double 4. Nuts 5. Out For Me 6. She's Gone 7. Last Song OK, so the last song wont be called "Last Song" but it's the one about contemplating retirement. As a spy, of course. I'm pretty geeked so far and that's a good sign. And, being that I did all my ponging tonight, I can spend more time new learning songs. Yup, that's right - Yours Truly will be back out playing live again in the very near future. September 7, 2005 Well, I don't know anymore. I should just worked with what I had. What I'm rambling about is how I'll Spy Anything Twice is coming along. I thought I had my songs to work with until I started another song last night. It's going to be about my nuts and how my secretary was hungry and she went into my drawers and got a handful. Juvinille to the last but you know what to expect out of me. Anyways, I think that what I came up with so far is too rock-y. I like variety - out of songs too so I'll probably do 2 more and go from there. Don't get me wrong, I like rock, but too many songs in a row gets a little monotonous. Also, I finished up all but 1 of my basic tracks (except for the ones I haven't recorded yet). Also, I'm a little pissed off that I can copy the new Rolling Stones to my computer. Personally, I'd be flattered if my songs were on someone else's computer - that's the highest compliment. I'm not in it for the money, kids. That's why I have a day-job. So I filled out the survey and that's going to be on the website next month. While filling it out, it felt like I was filling out a survey at a restaurant that I just had a shitty meal at. Anyways, I hate EMI but I can't boycot them since I need my Deep Purple and Beatles, and I guess Stones. I'm still wondering when Virgin was bought by these guys. More to come; stay tuned. Aug 29, 2005 Nice, eh? I update my actual site more than my Blog. Then again, I couldn't Blog about my computer being down. So, how's the new thing coming along? Very well, actually. I have all the basic tracks done (bass, drums, guitar); all but 2, since I have to redo those guitar tracks. I'm really surprised about how these are turning out so far. No complaints. If I didn't say that these were for the Spy thing, I'd say I finally made my "hard rock" album. So, once those tracks are finished, and placed in a song-order, then I can start making my words up. Nice to know the basic plot outline is finished. I can't believe it, a clone's twin! And then I'll work on whatever's leftover (and there'll be a lot). Aug 1, 2005 Holy smokes. I didn't realise that it's been over a month since I've blogged. No big deal. Anyways, nothing like a day off work to start recording bed tracks for (hopefully) "I'll Spy Anything Twice". If you didn't read News and Letters yet, I'm donning the suit and getting on a new case. So I started 4 today. And that Boss Octave is just a riff maker. Doesn't hurt that I had Volume 4 on today either. Don't forget to listen to all of the last one, Sticks It Out. I got to go, it's Monday and the McDeal Meal is a Big XTra. Mmmmmm mmmmm. June 19, 2005 OK, so I've been a little weak on the upkeep. I mixed all of Sticks It Out last week and it's all right. The whole thing will be up for a listen next month anyways. Also, yesterday I traded my Epiphone Biscuit (their resonator guitar) for their all metal body one. Sounds pretty good - big neck too. So, expect news about another "Roots" CD soon. Knowing me, I'll probably start doing it next month. Surprise. June 3, 2005 I finally finished most of it. I know, what the heck does that mean? I only have one guitar track left to do before the final mixing. Fun. And I even put up a rough mix of Line of Credit (about me and what happened when I went to the bank) just to let you know that I'm actually doing something. Anyways, click the link above to listen; it's a fun one. June 2, 2005 Well, I actually have some finished stuff as of tonight. I redid all the vocals and most of the guitar solos (love that Goldtop) and the tracks Stick It Out and Rendezvous are done. So hopefully by next weekend I'll be finished the whole thing. Oh, and sorry about the lack of updates this month; if I wasn't moving studios then things would be different. May 29, 2005 Well, I did most of the vocals, guitar solos and got rid of 2 songs. It still clocks in at 30 minutes so that's OK for me. I'll probably be making notes during the day about what to change and redo. The good news is Line of Credit is pretty much done. And... there's a good chance the website won't be updated on time since this week is going to be a little nuts. I'll try and keep the Blog up though. May 28, 2005 2 more sets of words to go, so I'm pretty excited. So far there's: Stick It Out Line of Credit Too Young For Me The Android Song Things Work Out Some Other Time It was 6:00 when I started coming up with words and now it's about 10:30. You know, it's amazing what a pot of coffee and chain-smoking can do to the brain being that I didn't have much planned except the chorus to Line of Credit. Maybe if I get up early (like this morning when the goofy neighbours decided to wake me up with noise at 8:00 in the morning - and made me move my car - so they could sweep the street(?)) tomorrow, I can finish up the other 2 songs. I'm not going to be missing much when I move studios. Maybe I can get some vocals done too tomorrow. That's not important right now since I hear Battlefront calling my name. It's saying, "Come with me"/"Right away, Sir". May 24, 2005 Well, it's almost 10:00 and I got all my bed tracks done (bass, guitar, and drums). After some rearranging and replaying some parts, I got me 8 songs for my half-way point. I'm probably not going to finish Spiral Architect for this one; I'll leave it for the next one. That and an acoustic version of Deep Purple's Gypsy. Also, I'm getting giddy about the song topics/titles. I came up with a few lines for a "bank teller" song - about me losing interest if I pull out too soon and there's going to be one about me hooking up with an android (must be all the Sci-Fi lately). Anyways, tomorrow will probably be ponging night, so I got to go clean the tape heads. May 22, 2005 I can't even keep my Blog up to date. Anyways, here's what's new: So I had 80 minutes worth of stuff by last Thursday (19th) and I whittled it down to the best ones and came out with 40 minutes worth. All weekend long, when I could, I got right into it. So as it goes, I have 7 of of 9 ready to be ponged. To the layman, that means I played a lot of bass, drum machine and guitar in the last 72 hours. And in between it all, I managed to win my first game of Rebellion. Also, I'm moving studios so I think that's why I'm cramming before the end of the month. They're going to love me there, I bet. April 21, 2005 Well, it looks like another CD is coming up. So far, the title is "Sticks It Out", and I'm hoping (but don't count on it) that it'll be a double CD. I have more bits already than usual so I'm looking forward to doing this. Hopefully, I'll be getting started this weekend. Holy smokes - I just noticed I haven't blogged in over a month. February 6, 2005 Well, Coffee Stains is available for a listen. I had to shorten 2 of the songs for the site but that's OK. What a weird last couple of weeks. But, I'm pretty happy. February 3, 2005 Well, I did the mixing tonight. Pretty happy too. So, if you come back on the weekend, there's a pretty good chance that you'll be able to hear some new stuff. O.K., Monday for sure. February 2, 2005 It's all over but the mixing. I finished the rest of it up tonight. Sadly there's no slide guitar but I did get to use the Junior on one of them. And there's no talkbox - that's just the way it worked out. Next one. So here's the songs in order: Here we Go Coffee Stains Knocked Up Always Tasty Checkin' In Things To Come Plenty of Uses Melted Hopefull I can start doing mixes on the weekend. I'm pretty pooped and need a rest from it for a bit. I'm good like that. February 1, 2005 Acoustics are fun; I did some tonight. So what's complete are: Here We Go, Knocked Up, and Things To Come. 5 more to go - hoo Boy. January 27, 2005 Hory Smokes - that's Chinese for Holy Smokes; I got all me vocals done tonight except the backups on one of them. Now I get to pick what guitars I want to use on the solos and other stuff. The fun never ends...I guess until I'm finished. January 25, 2005 Nothing beats unexpectedness. So the vocals for "Here We Go", "Coffee Stains", "Always Tasty" and "Things To Come" are in good now. Hopefully tomorrow I'll do some guitar solos (my favourite part). I'm sung out. But the way things are happening, I could actually be done this thing this weekend. Then I can start working on my Monk CD. Also, I got another Valentine's Day article on the way. Man, I'm going to have a good year. January 24, 2005 Nothing beats progress, let me tell you. I did my guide vocal tracks tonight and to my surprise I get to keep 2 of them: "Knocked Up" and "(Plenty of) Uses". The others, Coffee Stains, Always Tasty and Things To Come, turned out OK, but I'll probably redo them. Anyways, I'm giddy since I have at least 40 minutes of stuff. So I put them on Minidisc so I can listen to see what types of guitars I'm going to use on what songs. Whew, what a night. January 22, 2005 Nothing like a big blizzard to make me get some work done. Actually so much, that while everyone's stuck at some lame Football party (sorry, I hate U.S. football) tomorrow, I'll doing some vocals - and hopefully all of them. I was so happy to finish my words that I even shaved my beard off. Too itchy this year. I went from looking 45 to 25 in just under 5 minutes. Wow. Anyways, I still hate snow but at least something good came out of it. So here's the song listing: Here We Go Coffee Stains Knocked Up Always Tasty Checking In Things To Come Uses Melted So probably in February, you'll be able to hear all these - if you like. January 20, 2005 Hmmm....I think there are other forces at work that are preventing me from moving ahead. It came in the form of The Godfather boxset. So after tonight, after I finish up #3, everything should be back to normal. Don't worry, I won't be making any Mafia songs. And Brian: glad you put that pickup in your Tele, it looks great. January 18, 2005 Ah - a new entry. I got some words done last night. The last song too - it's about Yours Truly melting the coldest woman's heart. It's a funny story too. Also, I'll be following up my Spy Is The Limit pretty soon. I won't give too much away but I'll be fighting alligators and the whole bit. But first things first. Also, I can't wait until I'm done Coffee Stains so I can shave my beard off. It's kinda itchy this year. Anyways, stay posted. December 31, 2004 Wow. It's so easy to procrastinate. Anyways, a big thanks to everyone who came to the site this year. It was quite a different year actually but every- thing's all right. I figured I'd do the updates this morning since there's a few places I could go to tonight. I'll see what happens. So, all the best in 2005. November 27, 2004 Slow boat to China on the 4-tracking. Anyways, I just finished doing the webpage updates so make sure to come back in a couple of days. Packed with a whole bunch of mystic Christmassy stuff. November 3, 2004 OK, so it's been ahwile. Anyways, what the hell happened down in the States? Didn't anyone put their Thinking Caps on for this election? Looks like another 4 bad years ahead of us. So glad I'm Canadian. October 2, 2004 No, I don't have A.D.D. Things have been a little surreal as of late and things are starting to get back to normal - well, OK, better. That might explain the lack of Blog and webpage updates. But what I did do today, for the first time, was mix down from the 4-track straight to the computer instead of Minidisc first. And what a world of difference. I'm all for Minidiscs but the difference between the two is stunning. Still doesn't make me sing any better though. And I haven't forgot about Coffee Stains either. This week I'll be making a big, fat pot of coffee and sit down and get the all words done. In between remixing some old stuff down to the computer. Man, for a guy who doesn't look like he does anything, I'm quite busy. Anyways, pizza's here. September 14, 2004 So, I finished the main guitars last night. And instead of using an acoustic on one of the tunes, I used the rotating speaker effect instead. I really should get one of them Rotovibe pedals; I'd use them all the time. Now I'm ready for ponging. Oh yeah, and finishing up the rest of the words. September 13, 2004 After a busy inbetween last time, I managed to redo 3 oldies that I always wanted to "correct". I am only keeping 2 of them: Always Tasty and Checking In. They fit in nicely with the other songs, so they're staying. Hopefully, tonight I can finish up the main guitars (2 acoustics and one electric) and do the ponging. I have words for what will be the first song and the third song (and also the 2 I'm redoing) so I'm in better shape than I thought. These should also be done by the end of next week - the whole thing. Heck, I even have the cover made already. Then I'm thinking of a long hiatus from 4-tracking. I've covered most of what I wanted to in the last 2 years so it is a time for a break. So we're about half done. I'm giddy. September 6, 2004 Wow, what a day. Figures on Labour Day I'd start on 7 new songs. I just wanted to start recording to keep the old chops up and then look what happens. It all started when I started writing down what types of blues progressions I wanted to do. For all you kids out there, there's more than 2 different types - and if you think there are only 2 types, then you probably don't know how to play a 12-bar without getting lost. So I broke out the Taylor Baby and the keyboard (for the click track) and away I went. Anyways, the first type of song I wanted to do was something like Danny Gatton's Sky King that kind of lazy feel. And I might keep this one instrumental too. I'm hearing the clean sound of a Les Paul Studio. The second one recorded is a little country-ish so I'm thinking this will finally be the you-haven't-been-the-same-since-I-knocked-your-sister-up song. The third one's a slower one. I haven't done a ballad before, so I might as well have a try at one. The fourth one I recorded is just a 2-chord jam in G (and C). Kinda like that Brian Auger tune. I forget the name of it but it's like that. So that was the first tape. The second tape starts with a funky one in D. I'm looking forward to seeing how this one winds up. Oh yeah, in case you haven't read how I 4-track, I start with a click track and acoustic guitar and keep building up with each track so I never have a clue of what they'll sound like until their done. Ah, the Tao of 4-tracking. I'm not lucky enough to hear full songs in my head. The next one is, well I don't want to say jazzy, but I like using minor-sevenths. Maybe a big, distorted organ going through a rotating speaker could do the trick - that always sounds nice with an acoustic guitar - or two. When I thought about doing the "next album", I wanted to open up with a quick 12-bar with just an acoustic and vocals. This is this one - 3 turn arounds and clocks in at 1:14. And the last one is a rock song. Surprise. This was all done before noon today. I took a break and played Soul Reaver 2 and I would have started to do more recording if the game could have been more generous with "save spots". Anyways, I finished all my bass tracks and then decided around 8:30 to start doing the drum tracks. So here we are at 10:00 at night and I'm pooped. I'm just putting the songs on Minidisc so I can listen to them at work and see what I can think of to do with them. So pretty good night after quite a different weekend. Oh....and Landing Strip turned out alright after all. Have a listen to the whole thing this month. If I could have a link to it from a text document, I would. August 15, 2004 All's well. August 8, 2004 Well, yesterday I finished all the guitars and did a rough mix of everything. I ended up keeping 4 of the 6 mixes. This morning, I realized that the guitar on Next Stop was a wee bit out of tune. So I redid the guitar and the vocals (because initially they were on the same track) and I ended up getting a better solo out of it. Cool. Now I just have to lug the minidisc player over to the computer so I can make some .wavs. We'll see if I'm listening to it tomorrow during a "car check" since I really should clean my room. And since I finished Landing Strip, I shaved my beard again. Big deal, I know. At least I picked up the new Dr. John; now that's pretty fun. August 3, 2004 Well, I got done doing my practice vocals on all the tracks. Key word is practice. They should be OK for when I do the good takes. And even with the vocals now, some of the tunes might turn out better than I thought. That's good for me. Still, I'd like another 2 songs on there. I've had this idea for a country tune for awhile. It goes something like: "You haven't been the same since I knocked your sister up. You were gone and she was home..." Perfect for a country song since that happens all the time down there in the South. And then I want one more upbeat one too. If I can't think of any topics by, say, Thursday, then I'll leave things as they are. We'll see. August 2, 2004 How's it going? Well all the words are done so hopefully this week I can find some time for recording the vocals. What I like doing is a night of "rehersals" - recording the vocals, and then listen to them for about a day, figure out what I like/don't like, and then take another night to record the "final" takes. I've been doing that on the last few and it seems to turn out better. Also, if you see me driving around, there'll be a good chance that you'll see me singing along with the radio. So you also might be wondering what the "last" song is about. Nothing. I dropped it. So now there's 6 songs - I thought that was the easiest way of finishing up the lyrics. The whole thing still clocks in around 35 minutes. The perfect A.D.D. "album". July 31, 2004 Progress report. And before I start, I just want to say how nice it is 4-tracking on a Saturday afternoon. So I figured out how I'm going to sing the new ones. I put a guitar track down for a guide, and that, in turn lets me know how many syllables I'm going to use for when it's time to piece the words together. And that worked out so well that I only have 1 set of words to make up left. So here's the order: Landing Strip Next Stop - wherein I get to play the role of a "repairman" Nice Piece track 4 Dry Spell Getting Late Still And that's about it. I'm pooped. I've been doing this most of the afternoon. Also, I started a game of Rebellion last night that I really should finish. July 26, 2004 Well, I got some words written. Pretty happy about that too. I did the words to Landing Strip and I was giggling when I was writting them. That's a good sign. The one that's in 3/4 time is called No Pain as in, "You can do anything to me you want to/ I'm game as long as there's no pain." OK, I never said all the words would be gems. I have most of the words for Dry Spell and Getting Late; I just have to piece them together. And I decided to keep the words to Still. They're not the nicest words but I honestly don't want to make up anything new if I don't have to. And they kinda fit with the tune anyways. So I figure I'm over half done making up the words. Fun. This one's all about guitars anyways. Ear candy. Like that slogan from the Gibson site: Lyrics - wasted time between guitar solos. July 21, 2004 I finished up the rest of my guitars. Well, only 2 songs but now the main guitars are done. First, I used my SG Classic through a compressor and really squashed it. Then through the Quadraverb so I could use the rotating speaker thingy. Anyways, that was for a new one called "Nice Piece". Man, that SG's funky. And then again on my first 3/4 time signature song. That's the 4th song. And I did all the "ponging" too. Half done. Next is the words, I guess. I came up with the words for one that's going to be called "Nice Piece" too. And I came up with some titles that will probably stick, so here's the order so far (and what guitar was used - indulge me): 1st song Gibson Les Paul Studio with 57 Classics pickups Nice Piece Gibson SG Classic Landing Strip Gibson Les Paul Gold Top 4th song Gibson SG Classic Dry Spell Gibson Les Paul Gold Top Getting Late Taylor 310 Acoustic Still Gibson SG Classic with a drop-D I think the titles are pretty self-explanitory so far too. I might do some solos tomorrow night. You never know. July 20, 2004 Whoo-whee, what a night. I like being productive (as opposed to being reproductive). Recorded a lot of guitars tonight and the GoldTop showed up too. I used her on what will be the title song and on a slower tune (using the vibrato on the VibroChamp amp). The Studio (still haven't named her) I used on another rocky song. I brought out my Talyor for a slower song too. Nothing beats fresh strings on an acoustic. And then I used my SG Classic on an old song I had called Still. I even tuned down the E string to D - I don't do that much but it turned out so far. And also did the bass and drums too. This one was the most fun to record so far. Hope I don't blow it. So there's only 2 songs left that need a guitar-redo and I'm ready for ponging. Anyways, I put what I finished up on Minidisc to listen to while I try and make up words. I'm pretty enthused so far. More tomorrow. July 19, part 2 So I tossed more than what I came with today already. But all my bass lines are done for what I going to keep. And so are the drums. Well, all but one, but that's still good for me. So I have, including last month's stuff, 8 songs to work with. 45 minutes worth. Should be neat. Some diffent types of things for me too. I just can't wait to record the guitars, especially my Studio with the new pickups. And I have a few ideas where I can use my Harmonist pedal (a.k.a baterry killer). So I'm giddy. July 19, 2004 OK, I got the ball rolling this morning. Nothing like taking a vacation day to 4-track. Especially after a good weekend too. Right now, I'm putting the click track and pilot guitar on minidisc so I can listen to them and mark the improvised spots so it'll be tighter when I put on the bass and drums on. Fun, fun, fun. Now I have to go back to the songs I started last month and pick which ones I'll be finishing up (or relearning). Don't laugh. I'll be following this up more and more as the days go by so stay tuned. And I think I have my "title song" music done too. July 1, 2004 Good Morning and Happy Canada Day. So yeah, the webpage is updated for July. You probably noticed the new front page logo. I did that yesterday. Anyways, enjoy the updates and also I'll be blogging more coming up since the other night I was picking some old songs I wanted to redo/salvage. Some might even be on the next "album". You never know. Bless the McDeal Meal. June 29, 2004 I'm alive - just to let you know. June 17, 2004 Well, it's official. The title for my next "album" will be Landing Strip. And no, it has nothing to do with flying except the analogies. This ties in with June 6th's entry on how I accidentally started recording a new "album". I'm not rushing this one but I'm sure it'll be done around September the latest. Also, the Powdered Toastmen page has been updated with a brand-spanking new picture of us. We still look the same though. June 11, 2004 So sad about the news of Ray Charles. My Dad got me into him a long time ago. Ray was great. I've even covered his versions of "Don't Let Her Know", "Crying Time", "Here We Go Again" and "Together Again" over the years (just to let you know I'm not a band-wagoner). No one will ever sing as great as Ray. I guess these days are coming when all the good ones start passing on. If I could have a little bit of his talent, I'd be all set. And now, may the box-sets begin. That's funny but it really isn't. But I'll have him in my head when we play tonight. June 7, 2004 Too bad about the Flames and too bad the Cup was won by a team where the home fans don't and just can't appreciate what they've won. I'd be surprised if they had a parade in Florida. The news might make it to the back page of the Sports section down there. June 6, 2004 Well, wouldn't you know it. I pulled out the 4-track Saturday with the intention of staring an instrumental album. After doing the bass lines and drums today, I realised that what I have so far would sound better not-instrumental. Can't win sometimes. The 6 new tracks clock in about 35 minutes already and if I'm going to make an album album, I'm going to need some rock songs. I didn't want to - I just wanted to keep my chops up. Anyways, stay tuned to the Blog. I guess I'll be updating it frequently now. June 2, 2004 So nice getting the webpage done for this month. Now that I'm done Deeply Rooted and the site updates, I think I'll just relax the melon for a couple of days. Oh yeah, the weekend went kind of well. The Friday was dead and the Saturday was busy. And I ran into a few people I know, which is always nice to see. Anyways, the guitar checks out great - I just wish I could find a way to cut the bass back on my Fender Deluxe. I have it on 0 and it's still a bit much. Oh well. If only my Vibro Champ was loud enough for gigs. Got to go. Damn day job. May 28, 2004 Wow, I guess I haven't blogged in a while, eh? Well, I'm still alive (for better or for worse - depends on who you ask.) Anyways, I'm giddy to try out my guitar and new wah wah tonight and tomorrow night. I'll tell you, the quest for tone isn't cheap but it's worth it. May 20, 2004 It's official. Deeply Rooted is finished as of tonight. I know it's been a while since I blogged but that's because my computer met its demise from my closed fist. Anyways, that, in a weird way, moved everything along. Since my computer was down, I got to finish alot of the "album". So I finished the rest of the thing tonight and mixed it. And for what it is, it's all right. Here's the songs that made the cut (in their running order): Trouble I Had All My Days - Mississippi John Hurt Bring It On Home To Me - Sonny and Terry's version Corrina Corrina - Taj Mahal's version Blood On The Floor - Fleetwood Mac Backstreet Girl - Rolling Stones Going To The River - Fats Domino Careless Love - Dr. John's version Country Girl - Black Sabbath Preaching The Blues - Fleetwood Mac's version If anybody cares to write in what they want to hear first, then that would save me from picking them. Now I have to put my pickguard on. And Go Flames. May 13, 2004 With a lot of help from my good friend Les, my Les Paul Studio now has a set of Gibson "57 Classics" in it. Thanks, Les. The set came with one plain old "57 Classic" for the front and a "57 Classic Plus" for the back pickup. Yup, we switched them putting the Classic in the back and the Classic Plus in front. The plain Classic is great so far; the Classic Plus I either have to get used to or replace later on. I'm sure I wouldn't have a problem selling the Classic Plus pickup if I really don't care for it. I only had a couple of hours last night to play it so I won't rush anything. Almost got what I want to hear. I ordered a pickguard for the Studio too. So, kids, you might want to do this - get a Les Paul Studio, pay an extra couple hundred bucks on them Classic pickups and make it sound like a Standard. It's cheaper and well worth it. May 11, 2004 Well, I basically started over again last night but with probably better results. I pulled out the drum machine for tempos and put the backing tracks down for: Country Girl Corrina, Corrina, Backstreet Girl Blood On The Floor Bring It On Home To Me Going To The River Maybe I'm A Leo Trouble I Had All My Days And then I did the bass lines too. It didn't take very long either so I had time for other things as well. It all works out. May 9, 2004 Happy Mother's Day, Mothers. Well, I bought my new hair dryer today since my other one died finally after 4 years. What's this have to do with music? I can't really play guitar with wet hair now, can I? So it is related. Keep checking back this week too for some Deeply Rooted updates - it's going to be a good week. I hope. May 4, 2004 So I mixed Freshly Squeezed tonight. Well, all but the song Freshly Squeezed. I saved it for last but by the time I got to it, my ears were fried. The other songs took longer to mix than I thought they would've, but I learned some neat things along the way. All I know is tomorrow night, I'm not doing a darn thing. Can't wait. Well, maybe eat something. May 3, 2004 A surprise night for me. I couldn't find my drum machine - could be back at Mom's - so I ended up mixing some old songs instead. When I redid Unavailable at the end of last year, the only song I didn't re-record was an instrumental called "Passing Time" and I forgot to remix it with the others. So I did that one tonight. I felt a sense of accomplishment. Just kidding. But it did feel good to get it done six months later. And then I remixed most of Comes Clean: Grand Opening, Telekinetic, Interlude and Sticky Belly. They always sounded "boxy" because the guitars were recorded through a Fender Bronco amp - so I EQed them so they sound a bit more normal. I might even throw them up on the site for fun in a couple of days. I'm even thinking of remixing Freshly Squeezed since I didn't have a compressor back when I first mixed them last year. Fun, fun, fun. I'm sure you'll read about it if you follow the Blog. May 2, 2004 Wow, what a weekend. Got quite a bit done on Deeply Rooted as well. I brought my resonator home and ended up using it quite a bit. I was going to tune it to open D for slide but I kept it in regular tuning. My Taylor was good to me too. So I used two 90 minute tapes, which gives me about 22 minutes per tape since I use the fast setting (cuts down on hiss) and on the first one I had: Careless Love - my favourite so far Blood On The Floor - where I actually hit the high notes One Together - that might be the hardest one; so hard, I might not keep it I Forgot To Remember To Forget - that's turning out alright One After 909 - most of that was one take, even the vocal Sugar Sweet - I almost forgot about this one. One of my favourite Muddy Waters' songs Bring It On Home To Me - I always liked Sonny and Tery's version, so I kept it close to that version Tape 2 has: Stack-O-Lee - I really wanted this one to turn out but I sound silly trying to sing it. I'm too white. Trouble I had All My Days - this won't be so bad Trying To Get To You - my Talyor baby sounds great - I had to record it. No No No - it was a good idea at the time, but the words don't sound quite right with the tune. I think I'll redo Maybe I'm A Leo instead. And then there's a few that I still have to get down on tape; one, because I was going to anyways, two, because I have to now. Also, all the songs on the first tape have bass on them. I didn't use the bass too much the first time aroung on Growing Roots. Anyways, so far, so good. So this week should be pretty fun for me if I can get down and really get it. It's not easy making an all-acoustic album (with no drums), so I have to keep the "boredom-factor" down. I'm going to be the main guy listening to it and the last thing I need is to do is bore myself. That's my philosophy when I 4-track - not to bore myself. April 27, 2004 Well, I got my cover and my songs to do for Deeply Rooted. They are, in no particular order: Stack-o-Lee & Trouble I Had All My Days from Mississippi John Hurt, Trying To Get To You & I Forgot To Remember To Forget from Elvis, Blood On The Floor & One Together from Fleetwood Mac, Fats Domino's Going To The River, The Beatles' One After 909, Tennessee Waltz, Ray Charles' Lonely Avenue, and Deep Purple's No No No That's so far. I might do a cover of Muddy waters' Sugar Sweet too. Probably get started on these tomorrow night while I'm doing laundry. April 26, 2004 I'm giddy like a schoolgirl. I got a new Vox wahwah - the Clyde McCoy one. Not to date myself, but when I got my first wahwah, way back when, they were only $100. Anyways, that thing is great - nice sweep on it too. Also, I wanted to jot down something about goals. Goals are fun and everyone should at least have, oh, say, 10 a year. And then some even bigger life goals - such as this doozy. I want to make enough money playing so I can buy A Les Paul Custom. 1954 style. Mmmm mmmm. They're a little pricey so that's why I'm making it a life-goal. I think that's the only superficial goal I have - even though it's not totally shallow. House? Whatever. Car? Whatever. Les Paul Custom, You bet. That's all. And Carlitto's Way is still a fun movie. And this week, I'll be starting "Deeply Rooted" - the follow up to last year's "Growing Roots". I made the cover already so I might as well start recording something, eh? April 24, 2004 Well, today was pretty fun. Little chilly for playing in a tent but things went well at Thunder Road this afternoon. Except I ended up having a headache - sinus I think. And I have to buy a new wah wah pedal. This week sometime. Probably Thursday I'm going to start another "album", so I'm excited. Have to go to the mall tomorrow and get some blank tapes. Fun, fun, fun. And a big congratulations to Jeff and Gina Long on the birth of their first daughter. April 22, 2004 I'm over the hockey thing since my Flames beat Vancouver. Just wanted to remind everyone about Saturday's day gig at Thunder Road. And no, I'm not a Harley guy. I'd hurt myself trying to get myself on one. And they're too loud too. Just ask me how I really feel when the guy down the street fires his up at 1 in the morning. Anyways it should be fun since I had fun at last year's. April 19, 2004 Boo. Bad game for my Bruins, losing to the Montreal Fakers. At least 2 penalties should have been called in the 3rd but Boston seemed to be the only team that made it to the box. Bad refereeing. My picks for the Final? Philadelphia vs Colorado. What's this have to do with music? This means I'm going to start making my next "album" sooner. What else am I going to do? April, 18, 2004 Well, a pretty good weekend except I had this crazy squeal from my equipment. Gives me something to figure out this week. Crowd was great tonight since Friday was a little slow. And I ran into a bunch of people I know - like I said before, not bad for a nobody. I was even a accused of being married. That was a weird one. Rest assured I'm not. Well, not that I know of. Anyways, just watching the rest of the Flames' game. Double overtime too. Also, I fell alseep in the sun today. April 16, 2004 Wow, bad game last night for Boston. But happy for the Flames. April 15, 2004 Just warming up for the Bruin's game. Should be fun. But I can't stop listening to the Steve Vai album I got last weekend. It's been giving me a good kick in the bum for playing so I should be in good shape for this weekend at Room With A Cue. Everybody's invited too. Busy lately so I haven't been able to pick anymore songs for Deeply Rooted but I'm sure I'll blog it when I think of some. Go Flames too. Apr 12, 2004 Hi; hope everyone had a good Easter. Had a good weekend too. Anyways, the main reason I'm blogging today is to say that probably next week (since some time will be available - same short story), I'll be starting a new "album". Well, kind of. I thought I'd do a follow up to last year's "Growing Roots" wherein I covered some of my favourtie oldies on acoustic. Songs that I want to do so far are: "Stagger Lee", "Bring It On Home To Me", "Tennessee Waltz", Elvis' "Trying To Get To You" and maybe "Love Me", Deep Purple's "No No No", Ray Charles' "Makes No Difference Now", Elmore James' "Sho Nuff I Do", Mississippi John Hurt's "Frankie and Albert" and Taj Mahal's "Corrina". The name of this new "album"? Deeply Rooted. Oh yeah, I got me haircut last week too. Yea. I look 5 now. Apr 7, 2004 Good morning. Am I ever pumped - not for anything musical but for the Bruins' series that starts tonight. And then the Flames' series right after. Practiced last night, which was fun. It was just Pete, Paul and I. We even went through Pulled Over. Don't know if we'll play it next weekend (Room With A Cue); guess I'll see how it goes in a full practice next week. Also, I got some rough songs from my friend Brett, that he wants me to play on. I take it as a big compliment that someone wants me to play guitar on their songs. Thanks to Albin too since the songs are half his. The Onion's pretty funny this morning too. Apr 4, 2004 Well, my perception of time is all out of whack. I got a nice letter in my Inbox this morning which was nice to wake up to. Nice. I didn't know it but I was being "followed". It is the ultimate compliment, and a a little embarrasing too. Thanks, Robin. I'm glad I made you laugh out loud and thanks for the e-mail too. I need to buy more coffee today too. No rest for the wicked. Oh yeah, and the spelling mistake on the "Webpage Update" e-mail. Yes, there's no such thing as a Webpage Udpate. Sorry about that. Apr 3, 2004 Well, I'm continuing the Blog. Nothing to report other than that. And I took an IQ test today. I did better than I thought. You'd never know it by looking at me though. Looking forward to going to the Sandwich Mill tomorrow night too. Mar 26, 2004 Well, I had to get the last word in. I'm like that - even when I'm talking to myself. Anyways, I passed the 4 major tests for A Good Catch. The tests being: my stereo, the car radio, headphones and somebody else. The first 3 matter most to me - if they sound OK in all three places then I'm happy. Now that I still have free time (short story), I'm already thinking about an instrumental album. I've never done one of those before so it could be interesting. I was thinking of making something that I could put on before I go to bed or something to listen to outside after the sun goes down on a nice night. Probably make it "Jazz" in a sense that the songs'll start with a "theme", then a long solo, repeat the theme and end the song. I've been listening to Herbie Handcock's Head Hunters a whole bunch lately. And it's another excuse to play the Gold Top again, and bass, and I haven't recorded my resonator since Growing Roots. Also, I'm all worded out. It won't be this weekend anyways - I need to catch up on my sleep. This month's been pretty nutty so I could use the rest. Mar 20, 2004 Well, I'm a little sad. Yet happy. Sad that I don't have to update my blog anymore. Happy because I finished A Good Catch today - mixing, cover and all. I had to buy a capo and another tuner this morning, came back, and did the acoustic tracks on Long Distance (which I think is my favourite right now). Then electric guitars on No Telling and I'm Leaving You. No Telling was neat because I recorded one guitar, then lined it out back into my amplifier and recorded that - so it's doubled - and it didn't turn out too bad. I had to relearn my parts for I'm Leaving You so that took the most amount of time. Anyways, the mixing went well. Nothing beats ping-pong delays. It almost stereos mono tracks - fills everything out nicely. Tonight when I get back from the gig, I'm putting the headphones on for the final test. Kids, when you're mixing, get an EQ with lights. Play your favourite CD, keep an eye on what levels peak and then match then up with your levels. Makes everything so easy. But I have to pack up and go. I'm going to be wiped. I'm pretty beat right now, and tomorrow night I'm back helping Brett at the Sandwich Mill. Actually, Brett, if you're reading this, thanks for coming out last night and seeing the band. So I'm going to make next week sort of a March Break for myself - I need the rest. Hope nothing dumb comes up. Also, if you've been following the blog - thanks for reading it. I enjoyed doing it myself. I might keep the blog up for a gig critique. Mar 18, 2004 Howdy. Almost done. Did all my vocals tonight and finished up all the guitar solos. I even ponged them too. Just a few extra touches and I might be listening to it on the way to the gig on Saturday (Fidel's). I'm giddy like a schoolgirl. Well, almost. Here's the running list: Laying Blame Damaged Goods No Telling Long Distance I'm Leaving You Last Request Clocks in at 35 minutes. Like I said before, I have A.D.D., so this is perfect for my attention span. Actually, John Coltrane could sound like he had A.D.D. on things like A Love Supreme. I'm just hacking. Anyways, it's late, I'm pooped and I'm pretty thrilled so far. And I got to play tomorrow night. 'Night. Mar 15, 2004 Well, some time came up and I used it to do some vocal takes. I'm keeping the one I did for "No Telling" and the ones for "Damaged Goods". And I decided that "Damaged Goods" is the token talk-box tune. And I might keep the vocal for what's going to be the last song. Now it's called "Souvenir". Pretty fun. But overall - not bad for not really rehearsing or anything. And I got all my words done today. Anyways, things are coming along nicely. I even might drop what would have been the first song and starting this new one with "Laying Blame" - I like how this one's turning out so far. Just unwinding with Dave Brubeck. I picked up Time Out on SACD. What a great record. Mar 13, 2004 (prt2) I wrote the first bit this morning around 2 in the afternoon. I had a productive night tonight. First, I did the solos for "No Telling", "Long Distance" and "I'm Leaving You". I started with my Junior, for slide, on "No Telling" I'm using it with the vocal line and on the end solo (there's 3). From there, I did the solo for "Long Distance" - with the Junior for slide again. I brought out the Gold Top for the solos on "I'm Leaving You". I went a did a harmonica solo on "No Telling" - complete "When the Leevee Breaks". Only problem I ran into was I couldn't find my 1/4" to 3-prong because I wanted to put the harmonica through the amplifier. So I got a little creative - I ran the mic (for the harmonica) into the 4-track, used the Effects Out to go into the distortion pedal to my Champ amp. Fedback like crazy but it worked and I'm keeping it. Oh, then I used my Les Paul Studio for the 2nd solo in "No Telling" complete with wah-wah. How were the solos? OK I guess (how else do you measure how you're doing?). All the solos were all 1st takes too, I'm pleased to note. Usually there's blooper somewhere to make you go back and redo it, but everything went well tonight. Second, I finished all my words except 2. Did it watching the Leafs/Habs game too. Leafs 3 - Habs 4. Go Bruins. Anyways, Wednesday looks like "vocal night", so now I can't wait. I should have the other 2 finished by then too. Giddy, giddy, giddy. Updated the cover too. This'll probably be it. Mar 13, 2004 (prt 1) Hi, long time no write. Anyways, I brought my Gold Top home and I did the main guitar for "No Telling" with it. I even put it through my Alesis Quadraverb to use the phaser on there. My Maestro phaser's way better but the one on the Quadraverb is pretty great too. It's still my first love - my Gold Top - and I haven't found many other guitars that can compare to it. All my other ones are beautiful too, but they still can't come close. Anyways, everything's all ponged and I'm done about half my words so far, and I changed some of the topics. For example, Nice Position is now about not doing...er.. something for a while and wondering how much is forgotten and much to a surprise, everything checks out fine - it's a sigh of relief tune. The first song can never have downer words - go buy a Grunge record if that's what you want. I'd rather laugh than want to cut me wrists open. I'm old fashioned, I guess. Also, "Damaged Goods", which'll be the second tune, is pretty funny so far. I'd love to have horns on it but I don't play any, so I'm going to have to do it on guitar. I'll use my Harmonizer pedal to play the 3rds and 5ths. "Laying Blame" is actually inspired by the Beavis and Butthead episode where they take some girl to court for sexual harrasment because she gets them excited - so the line in the song is, "It's all her fault, now I'm laying blame." "No Telling"'s words are a little touchy so I won't mention them here. Then "Long Distance" will be next, and it's about, you guessed it, the pros and cons of a long distance relationship. "I'm Leaving You" will be next. I figured the title's pretty self-explanitory for what it's about - but man, that Taylor sounds nice on it (I used an Ovation on the original version). And the last song, which I don't have a name for since I changed the topic will be a "here's something to remember me by" tune. So yes, nothing preachy, nothing depressing, no "Baby, come backs"; just fun stuff. I aim to please, and I'm pretty pleased with my aim. Well, so far. All I can say is these things better turn out OK since writing about them is pretty fun. Mar 9, 2004 Back again. Figured out how I'm going to sing the songs (needed to know the syllables). And I'm going to drop one of them too so I'm going to use the 2 I started yesterday. And I revamped the cover. Have a look to your right. Kids, if you're making up words, it's all syllables - and some rhyming. I could never just sit down with an acoustic and a pen and paper. Some people can actually do that - hats off to them. I find that way too difficult. I guess you don't have to be smart to do this kind of thing anyways. Mar 8, 2004 Hi, Well, I started 2 more tonight. Both are old songs of mine. I'm going to use these as "warm up" songs before I start recording the new ones. You can't just jump into things, y'know. Anyways, the first one I did was a song called "No Telling" that I originally did back in 1998. I'll probably keep this one for the new "album", "Good Catch" (or something like that). There's the cover - I did most of that tonight too. And the second song is one I originally recorded in 1997 called "I'm Leaving You". This time around I'll be able to sing it in tune. But you'll never hear it - it's just for me. Sorry. Anyways, I'm going to bed. I need my rest for making up lyrics this week. Hopefully, I'll have my vocals done on the weekend. I might actually have a Spring Time release. Mar 6, 2004 What a good night - and I got stuff done too. Finished off the remaining drums on "Close Call" and the other guitars that I couldn't finish Thursday night. Also, I did all my ponging too (putting the bass, drum, guitar on 1 track). I don't know what I'd do without the graphic EQ I have - pretty lights too. Anyways, I'm at my halfway point. That's right, I get to make the words up. I'll do that Sunday, or at least start. A big pot of coffee and an open window always helps. Tomorrow night's going to be fun. Mar 4, 2004 I was going to finish all my guitars tonight (and some organ) but I got a cramp in me left foot. It was annoying enough to make me stop (I stand up when I 4-track). I did get done the 1st song with my SG Classic and what will be the last and second last songs, I used my Les Paul Studio. Oh yeah, I don't really have to make any new songs; the 8 I have are the ones I'm going to use - that's a first. I also put them in a running order. But then the pain kicked in. Then I took a little nap. All better. Anyways, things are still moving better than I though they would. I wish I could play bass like Marcus Miller. Mar 3, 2004 Well, I got most of me bass and drums recorded for my, now, 8 songs I have done so far. I think I might need at least 2 more. Man, I'm giddy. I'm just listening to them whilst typing this. I put them on Minidsic so I can listen to it at work. I might have to redo some though. Also I get to pick what type of guitars I'm going to use - can't keep any of the "pilot" guitars. Too rusty. I really want to have the riffy ones tight too. So all in all, a really good night. I'm happy so far. Man, the ride into work was rough this morning. Mar 1, 2004 Started 4 new songs today since I took the day off work. These ones I'm a little more enthused about finishing up since they're better than the first batch. #1 in E - might be the first song #2 in A - a quick one #3 in Dm - nice and coool #4 in A again - pretty fun too So 9 potentials already. I'm going to McDonald's to celebrate. Feb 29, 2004 It's 1:54 a.m. and I just got home from playing. Good crowd too. Friday's was better though. They try to stick too many people in there (Room With A Cue) but we did well. And tonight I get to help out my friend Brett Service with his acoustic night at a place called the Sandwich Mill. Good thing I'm taking Monday off - I'd be pooped. This doesn't have anything to do with the next "album" but I felt like typing. I'm going to bed. Night. Feb 26, 2004 Well, I got me titles all set out (unless some new ones come up): Laying Blame Close Call Damaged Goods Fresh Start Too Tall Long Distance Masterpiece Hills and Valleys Nice Position Should be funny stuff this time around. Feb 24, 2004 Well, I came up with some titles and I put 2 to the 5 songs I made last week. Dammaged Goods is going to be for song #3 and Fresh Start (because it's Spring soon) will be for song #5. Other titles include Nice Position, Close Call, Masterpiece & Hills and Valleys. I might even call the whole thing Close Call. I'd use Fresh Start but I used the word Fresh in a title before. So I'm pretty excited. Maybe Saturday during the day I can make some bed tracks for some new ones. Have to play on the weekend too so I'll feel a little busy. But I enjoy it. Anyways, got to go practice. Feb 15, 2004 After doing a McDonald’s run, I start making the new “album”. Since my old drum machine is broken, I have to use the drum patterns on my Yamaha keyboard for a click track. Nothing too exciting – they all kinda sound "blah" with just a click track and a dry pilot guitar. 5 bed tracks so far: #1 - in A with a neat little riff. Basically a blues progression. Probably won't keep #2 - another riffy one in C#m - it even kinda swings. #3 - A quicker one in D - like a rock and rolly thing #4 - And R&B-ish kind of thing in B. Could be a ballad or it could be funny - we'll see. #5 - The only song of the bunch that had a planned out chord progression. In G too. Have to put them on minidisc and listen to them at work to figure out topics and such. Kids, get yourself a Boss Octave - they're so great for making up riffs. I'm going to go play Baldur's Gate. -----