Sorta Like a Dream

I drove around looking at Christmas lights this evening--my last in Defiance for the semester. Thursday night there was some strong sleet so now our campus is completely covered in ice. The walks and parking lots are ridiculous...and trees around campus look as if they're about to collapse - their branches completely frozen. Funny how a maple can turn into a weeping willow overnight.



The song in the video is Air France's "Collapsing At Your Doorstep." Here's their own video for the song:



Happy Holidays everyone!

*****

Yet Another New Track: "Single In a Small Town"

"Single In a Small Town", (3:01 runtime)

lyrics:

while out alone on a cold riverside stroll in the twilight
words you spoke the other night have got me talking to myself
this melancholic existence is one I've known for far too long
distractions, pretty demons whisper sweetly
'you're on a roll tonight'

and when I'm sober
I'm so much colder
I'm always sober
far too sober
I need a lover
I need summer


*****

New Track: "Take That Trip"

It was a lazy day around these parts. Despite supreme sleep-deprivation as of late, I opted to delay the act even further and instead expressed myself through the art of song. It's been awhile since I've sat down at the old "home studio" and in about four hours, I gave birth to a new track. I'm not sure how I feel about it yet, but it relieved some stress.

The thing opens and closes with clips from one of my all-time favorite movies--Big Fish--and transitions from what might come across as a hip-hop beat to a toned-down outro.

Might want to use headphones. The weak software I use makes tracks that aren't exactly 'speaker-friendly.'

Lyrics for "Take That Trip" (3:26 runtime):

see, why doesn't it feel like you know me?
you don't know me anymore

(I) said why does it feel like you don't know me?
because you don't know me anymore

so I tried to be a man and live my life
ain't nothing more pathetic than handing you my pride
but my stomach still burns

Hayden said I gotta take that trip
Hayden said I gotta take that trip

when you weren't home I walked on by
I saw your light on and it made me want to cry
but you know I won't cry

download Deframe's "Take That Trip"


*****

confirmation e-mail

the Portland show's officially in the bag.


Beach House

the Walkmen

Thank you for booking your trip with priceline.com. A copy of the itinerary is shown below. Since airlines change flight schedules from time to time, it is your responsibility to call the airline and confirm flight information prior to each departure.

Your Flight Itinerary
Departing Flight Information - Friday, January 23, 2009 (Arrives Friday, January 23, 2009)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Northwest Airlines
Flight 1493
2h 7m , 625mi From
Port Columbus Intl (CMH)
Columbus, OH
Departs: 6:40 A.M. To
Minneapolis St Paul Intl (MSP)
Minneapolis, MN
Arrives: 7:47 A.M. Aircraft
Airbus A320-100/200 (Jet)
Economy/Coach Class

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Northwest Airlines
Flight 217
3h 45m , 1422mi From
Minneapolis St Paul Intl (MSP)
Minneapolis, MN
Departs: 9:25 A.M. To
Portland Intl (Oregon) (PDX)
Portland, OR
Arrives: 11:10 A.M. Aircraft
Boeing 757-300 (Jet)
Economy/Coach Class


Returning Flight Information - Sunday, January 25, 2009 (Arrives Monday, January 26, 2009)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Delta Airlines
Flight 1576
4h 25m , 2167mi From
Portland Intl (Oregon) (PDX)
Portland, OR
Departs: 10:10 P.M. To
Atlanta - Hartsfield Intl (ATL)
Atlanta, GA
Arrives: 5:35 A.M. Aircraft
Boeing 737-700 (Jet)
Economy/Coach Class

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Delta Airlines
Flight 1572
1h 30m , 447mi From
Atlanta - Hartsfield Intl (ATL)
Atlanta, GA
Departs: 7:40 A.M. To
Port Columbus Intl (CMH)
Columbus, OH
Arrives: 9:10 A.M. Aircraft
Boeing 737-700 (Jet)
Economy/Coach Class


Passenger Information
Passenger 1: Daniel Simpson
Meal Preference - Vegetarian/Non Dairy
Delivery:
Electronic tickets will be issued for this flight.

Summary of Charges
Airline Ticket Cost: $173.50 (USD) per ticket
Airline Ticket Taxes and Fees: $42.00 (USD) per ticket
Number of Tickets: 1
Airfare Subtotal: $215.50 (USD)
Total Trip Cost: $215.50 (USD)


*****

Wandering

About a week ago I read that the Walkmen and Beach House had both decided to extend their respective tours--joining forces for a few nights. The news made my spine tingle. You & Me has dominated my dashboard for some time now and Devotion got me through some very tough times this spring in Georgia. These are two acts I have to experience. If it were reasonable to create a 'bucketlist' at my young(?) age, seeing both bands in a small venue (on the same night?!?!) would certainly find a spot on the thing--right next to qualifying to the 2016 Trials and signing to some indie label (Sub Pop?).


the Walkmen playing one of my favorite tracks of 2008: "In the New Year." Fitting, because that's precisely when I'll be standing within arms reach of their guitars.

Only problem was, they were only entertaining the left coast. They had both already passed the midwest earlier in the year. I had missed my chance. Game over.

But wait! The Portland date jumped off the page (it damn-near winked).

Self, you don't suppose your long lost friend/mentor/former coach and (most importantly) Oregonian, Bret Kimple, could play host?


BK--my former head coach at Heidelberg. Bend native and current resident of Portland.

Even if it were possible, it would be a foolish trip. I'd be living well beyond my means. Life in grad school living off an assistantship ($300/mo.), I couldn't afford to just throw my money away.

Well, that would have been a sure response from my former, logical self. The self that existed a mere week or two ago. Luckily, in the wake of such a decision I had just finished a book that swayed me to do the inevitable (funny how life works isn't it?).

I quickly reopened the book I had just days ago devoured--Sterling Hayden's Wanderer. The following passage sealed the deal:

"To be truly challenging, a voyage, like a life, must rest on a firm foundation of financial unrest. Otherwise, you are doomed to a routine traverse, the kind known to yachtsmen who play with their boats at sea...cruising, it is called. Voyaging belongs to seamen, and to the wanderers of the world who cannot, or will not, fit in. If you are contemplating a voyage and you have the means, abandon the venture until your fortunes change. Only then will you know what the sea is all about. 'I've always wanted to sail to the south seas, but I can't afford it.' What these men can't afford is not to go. They are enmeshed in the cancerous discipline of security. And in the worship of security we fling our lives beneath the wheels of routine - and before we know it our lives are gone. What does a man need - really need? A few pounds of food each day, heat and shelter, six feet to lie down in - and some form of working activity that will yield a sense of accomplishment. That's all - in the material sense, and we know it. But we are brainwashed by our economic system until we end upin a tomb beneath a pyramid of time payments, mortgages, preposterous gadgetry, playthings that divert our attention for the sheer idiocy of the charade. The years thunder by, the dreams of youth grow dim where they lie caked in dust on the shelves of patience. Before we know it, the tomb is sealed. Where, then, lies the answer? In choice. Which shall it be: bankruptcy of purse or bankruptcy of life?"

And so it was.

I picked up the phone. Within moments my proposal had traveled via airwaves from the middle of the country to the edge of the world and all of modern civilization. The voice on the other end--a minute's walk from the Pacific Ocean--had no choice but to succomb to the wish of the universe. It was my destiny to see this show. To waunder 'the City of Rose.'

All of the above leads me to tonight's purchase. $211 roundtrip. Columbus to Portland. Free lodging and transportation courtesy of B-Kimp. Tix for the show? $24. That's right, I spent 70% of my entire earnings for January twenty days prior to the funds being direct-deposited to my Wachovia account. How do I sleep at night? Simple. I remind myself that money is what it is--leaves from a tree. So I'll have to drink water if I ever decide to give in to the constant beckonings of my fellow GA's to hit up the local "hot spots." I'll look like a douche. Certainly. But I'll smile in knowing that no one could take Portland away from me.

Ahhhhhh, then there's tonight's revelation. Department of Eagles will be in Columbus on the 16th of January. At the Wex, no less. The venue that provided me my first live Animal Collective encounter courtesy of Michael T. Unforgettable.


Department of Eagles--Daniel Rossen of Grizzly Bear and former NYU roomate Fred Nicolaus. The duo from which I stole the sounds ("Balmy Night") coming from one of my original creations.

The first month of 2009 certainly looks to be a "lively" one (notice the witty play on words...please). I'm going to have to be greedy. Bankrupt or not, I can't justify missing the duo responsible for releasing what I consider to be a top-five album of '08. And for a dozen bucks?

Shit. I'll have a garage sale or something. Sell some old baseball cards.



*****

TTT 1: "Around the Lion Legs"

track courtesy Pop Tarts Suck Toasted

DM Stith released his debut EP, Curtain Speech, today. Check out this track, featuring label-mates Sufjan Stevens and Shara Worden (My Brightest Diamond).

Chops sound a bit like Daniel Rossen. No?

DM Stith - "Around the Lion Legs"
from the E.P. Curtain Speech



*****

"My Girls" Leak

Animal Collective

It seems as if it's only a matter of time until Animal Collective's entire forthcoming album Merriweather Post Pavilion spills over the interweb. In the meantime studio tracks seem to be popping up fast and leaving just as quickly ("it passes right by me/it's behind me/now it's gone"). A couple weeks ago it came in the form of a somewhat dissapointing (my personal opinion) studio version of what I believe to be the creme de la crop of AC's new material--"Brother Sport." That track has since vanished from the 'www' thanks to the almighty web sheriff's.

The latest? A beautifully-polished "My Girls" courtesy of some random dude with amazing taste in music. You can download the track here via mediafire (update: link no longer available!). It will take a second to load and will then go directly to your i-Tunes, Windows Media Player...whatever the heck you use...and will only be good for one listen (if you want to listen again, you have to download again).

If we're going to have to digest this stuff track-by-track, my Christmas wish is that "In the Flowers" (below) leaks next.

Weapen of Choice

Death, taxes and Saucony.

The Grid Fusion will take the brunt of the trials of miles as I forge into the new year.



week of...

12/8 - 60?
12/15 - 70?
12/22 to 1/26 - plateau @ 80 for awhile?

consider this a pre resolution.




payday is May 8th.

*****

For No One's Better Sake

via Pitchfork TV:

The single from the self titled Little Joy LP has the former Stroke in a time warp, with charming split-screen effects from the heyday of 1960s TV, and even a cameo by Devendra Banhart!

Random Orange Crush Panoramic Oldie

click to enlarge.


L-to-R: Kirkbride, B-Zuch, Graber, Cappabianca, myself, Schwable, Loramie, Gormley, Reinhart & Hoog.

Typical pre-practice setting, January '05 in Seibs.

Me Either Fellah's, Me Either

Fleet Foxes

I admit to being a little FF-happy as of late. Not sure there's a band that allows me to somehow endure melancholia with a hint of joy like Pecknold and Co. seem to.

Track of the Year Nominee?

Beach House

When caught up in the moment we may make foolish claims, but I'm going to go out on a limb and say that BH's new single "Used to Be" trumps my favorite track from Devotion--"Turtle Island."

That's right. "Used to Be" > any track on one of the best albums of the year.

We'll see if that claim passes the test of time. Until then, I stand by it.

Eat this up.
Please.





For me.

Colorado.

Shite from the summer of '07's stay in Golden.

Little Joy's "Unattainable"

Fabrizio and Binki of Little Joy

Just a little over a week removed from seeing the band live in Detroit I found this new video from the trio via Gorilla vs Bear:



Little Joy "Unattainable" from gorillavsbear.net on Vimeo.

Happy Tuesday, everyone.

Conan O'Brien's "The Interrupter"

Hilarious.

Hopes & Fears Fire

The guys and gals were to come to practice with three fears heading into Saturday's regional at Otterbein, and three goals (hopes).

After reading both out loud to the team, they threw their fears into the fire as if to say "sorry about your luck fears, but you're not coming with us this weekend."

They held on to their hopes.



For (much) better quality video follow this link and click on the "view in higher quality" option on the bottom right.

Fore more on the Defiance College cross country (& track) team, check out my other blog, DC Harriers.

Post-Autumn 0-VIII

It's been a quarter of a year. Fastest of my life.
Sorry about that.

Album of the Year?

Alopecia might be my choice. Certainly if you asked me this very moment. It's a three-man race for yours truly thus far:

1) The aformentioned album by Cincinnati native Yoni Wolf's quartet "Why?" who are essentially genre-less. Seriously. Abstract hip hop? Indie rock? Psychedelic pop? I'm not sure what you'd coin these guys. Wolf's chops remind me of Beck ("I tried to sing it funny like Beck/but it's bringin' me down") when he's rhyming, but lyrically he's a little more dark (honest?). I'd liken him to Will Sheff of Okkervil River...but that doesn't work either, unless--again--you're just talking lyrics.

I haven't been this excited about an album for a long time.

Well that might be a lie, I was when I first heard...

2) Fleet Foxes self-titled album. Their follow-up to the E.P. Sun Giant, which is also incredible.

3) Then there's Beach House's second full-length Devotion which is an album I seem to come crawling back to time and time again.

Here's a sample from Why?'s Alopecia: a track called "Songs of the Sad Assassin."

update 11/28/08:
"because I only played chess once in my life and I lost..."

Cornfields (Revisited)

Residence: Tiffin, OH (8/03 - 12/07)



Residence: Augusta, GA (1/08 - 8/08)



Residence: Defiance, OH (8/08 - present)


Goodbye to...

the palmettos. The spanish moss. The red clay. The brick roads surrounding Forest Hills. The insane heat. And humidity. Foggy runs down the AC. Laurel Lane. The Green Jackets. The watering hole--waterfall, slick rocks and all--that made for one hell of a post-run soak. The dark orange rays of a setting sun reflecting off the Savannah River and sneaking through the treelines of the canal path. Friendly, waving passerby's on boat tours.

It's bittersweet leaving Augusta.--in terms of location more than anything. I suppose you could title the southern chapter of my life "My Time In Exile."

I say that, but maybe it was a healthy thing in retrospect. Life takes you down many paths. This was one I'll certainly never forget. I guess I'll just leave it at that.

Hello to...

familiarity. Crisp air (even in August it was detectable, and I welcomed it). Maple trees. Yankee dialect.

I was surprised my shakey '97 Cirrus made the 10-hour drive to Youngstown. My brief stay back home in northeast Ohio was cut a little bit short as I was asked to move into Defiance a little earlier than the expected date of August 11th.



No worries. It was a great first night as I met my boss--Head Coach John Hartpence--for the first time in the flesh over a three-hour game of poker where many of the athletic administration were present (he was the host). I met three of our athletic trainers, the head volleyball and soccer coaches as well as two second-year graduate assistants I believe (that might be a mistake).

Already I feel welcome and have had a conversation with the athletic director, something that--believe it or not--never occurred during my seven month stay at ASU. I'm not even sure he knew I existed.

The area reminds me so much of Tiffin (albeit, a bit of an upgrade since it includes a Buffalo Wild Wings, amongst other goodies the Tiffin conservatives would never allow). It's eerie, yet at the same time, comforting. There's a crisp, cool feeling to the air--something I've missed. After living in Georgia the last half-year, it feels like fall right now, and I'm not complaining, that just so happens to be my favorite time of year.

Looking forward to this:



...it would have been my first fall on this planet without those colors. Not sure I could've stomached that. Not sure I'll ever want to.

I'm greatful for this opportunity and a fresh start. God knows I needed it. I feel alive again, and I'm doing what I love. More updates soon to come, I'm sure.



**************

Back From an Eleven-Year Hiatus

The Verve is back with their first album since 1997, Forth. You're watching the first single, "Love is Noise." I can't tell you how much I like it, I'm just excited they're back, even if their peak has passed.

The Verve - Love Is Noise

"Your Dad, My Boyfriend, Whatever."

Very disturbing to say the least, but everything Jonah Hill does is hilarious.

JagCasts Episode 2: Coach Ward Interview

I interviewed Adam for a vid I recently posted to Flotrack. This is basically just an overview of his coaching philosophies, etc., blended with some random music, workout videos and Augusta State campus shots--compliments of yours truly.

There are a few other ASU Flotrack vids I created right here.

Visit Flotrack.org For More Videos

Alone with Everyone

Augusta, Georgia. My new home:

Well, I'm alone, I'm just not so sure it's with "everyone" anymore. I've been in Georgia for five days now (I spent the first three at our head coach's house and the last two here at my apartment) and slowly but surely I'm starting to feel a little more at ease here. There's still a lot of financial pressure bearing down on me--pressure I've never felt before, not like this at least--but I'm finally starting to see that there's light at the end of the tunnel. The first couple of days here I felt completely overwhelmed; something I wasn't prepared for. I've never been homesick in my life. I've never struggled with moving to new places. Nothing like that. Never. Until now. It's just a completely different animal. There were (and still are) just so many question marks that I felt consumed with pressure and continually questioned whether I made the right decision in coming here. Ultimately, I think I have and need to understand that this is a brand new chapter in my life. This is uncharted territory. I have to re-create myself. I have to re-create my friends, my support group and the way I'm perceived. I have no history here...which is a blessing as well as a detriment. I have to re-establish the positives I've worked so hard to have associated with myself from back home, but on the other side of the coin, now is as good a time as ever to work on strengthening my weaknesses.

I miss everyone back at Heidelberg very much and never truly appreciated what a large part of my life the team there was to me. I've said it a couple hundred times since I've left, but that WAS my life. That WAS my identity. Some people might think that's sad, and that's fine, but it's something I'm okay with and willing to admit. Moving on is something that comes with the territory that is life, but moving on from the place you've lived the past four and a half years and leaving some of your "go-to" people behind is tough. No one can teach you, or prepare you for what that's like. Lately I've asked Graber for advice since he went through almost the exact situation when he moved to Atlanta a year and a half ago, and he just told me he went to coffee shops and tried to get out and meet people. That, and run. I mean, damn, even when my life feels like it's in shambles, at least the sport I love is still with me. Running is my freedom and my release. It's essentially the reason I'm here, and ironically, it's probably the biggest reason I've kept my sanity since being here. While everything else in my life has seemingly changed drastically, a daily run is something consistent that keeps everything in perspective. I don't have any routes yet. I don't have any attachments to any part of town, or any memories here yet...but that will come with time. Graber met Jillian--who I truly believe he will marry at some point--something like within the first or second week he moved to Georgia. That's a thought that keeps me going. When your life is a mystery, things can get scary, and I'm not afraid to admit that, no matter how gay it might sound. At the same time, when your life is a mystery, you never know what's around the next corner. That's what keeps me going. That thought. That hope.

That, and the many phone calls/e-mails I've received since I've left. I appreciate them more than you can understand right now.

To an end of an era. One I loved and will never forget. And to the beginning of another.