Leo

PM me your email address and I'll send one your way, providing you weren't kicked off the site at some time.

To me, everything he did post Trace was a bit of a letdown because Trace was such a fresh, singular release. He has finally relocated the musical mark he lost after Trace, with the Search!

"It's fucking execrable". Wait ... Maker? Is this you? Just kidding. Really like this as well. Finally, Farrar makes good on the promise of Trace. It's very bright and stretches his vision out. Like it a lot.

Happy Birthday Chandler. Any sweetie of Jen's is a sweetie of mine. See you this weekend.

Saturday I only listened to The National releases, over and over and over and wondered when the next would come. Great news!!!

She's a freaking train wreck. They say time heals. Apparently not enough time has passed between WWT and West. Her themes on the last two studio albums do tend to be repetitive and, at times, border on tiresome, but that bluesy groove she couches them in usually hooks me.

As a human being, I don't know what you mean.

Lou, I've got to disagree. The sentiment certainly is direct and uncomfortable, but she accomplishes it perfectly. Plus, the tune ROCKS with Crazy Horse guitar and Ray Manzarek organ. I thought it was one of the highlights of the album. You've got to admit, she's got BALLS! Going to miss you next weekend.

OK. Listened to it and, it's ... pretty good. I enjoyed listening to it. Wasn't floored, like when I first heard S/T, or like on the 3rd listens of Car Wheels and Essence, but I liked it. Once again, she's brutally honest. Her lyrics may not be brilliant like early Dylan, or inspired like Tweedy, or magic like Waits; but, WTF, do they have to be? Instead, she just bears this vulnerable heart in plain and direct language. Behind her words are resignation, then acceptance. It works. I think it's a worthy addition to her catalogue.

Ouch! That's severe. It took him 10 years to rebound from those imposters. There must be something redeemable about West. At least I hope so -- I'm seeing her in April.

Yeah, because WWT is a great album. Right there with S/T, Car Wheels, and Essence. Those Three Days is one of the most honestly brutal songs I've ever heard. She conveys the dichotomy that is "love" as well as anyone. Have not yet heard West but, really, how bad can it be? She's a treasure.

It is possible that either Ledezma or Maroth could have better seasons than Pettite, if last year was an indication of his numbers this year. Last year he gave up 100 ERs. Not good. But lately, he has been an every-other-year performer. If 2005 is an indication of how he'll do this year -- as George Kell would say, "look OUT!" CY numbers. Ledezma probably has the greatest upside of all three. But I'd have to give the edge to Pettite.

Er ... uh ... I mean ... you know ... OK, I forgot Pettite sold his soul to go back to the Bronx. I was thinking Randy was the 3rd starter.

Chisox were loaded with tired pitchers who overachieved: Buehrle, Garcia, Contreras and El Duque. Tigers got there with 4 twenty year olds and a "crafty lefty." I think the real value of Mesa will be in the bullpen itself -- showing the young pitchers work ethic and what it takes to stay in the majors for 20 years. Jones scares the hell out of me but he got to the World Series.

Zambrano will be great, Hill will be OK, Prior will only tease and Lilly and Marquis will tear your heart out with frustration. Who's going to close? Dempster or Wood?

Dude, it could HAPPEN. Our (I mean ... "their") 5th starter, Maroth or Ledezma, is good enough to be Yankees 3rd starter. Same batting order with Sheff in the middle. Mesa, Zumaya and Jones to close out games. What's not to like?

AL East: Yankees squeak past Toronto. Toronto gets wild card. AL Central: Tigers have best pitching in MLB and take the best division. Twins come into year overrated and don't finsih .500. AL West: Angels win MLB's worst division. NL East: Mets live up to billing and win division running away; but division also provides the Wild Card -- the Phillies. NL Central: Astros win tight race ahead of Cardinals, Brewers, Cubs and Reds. Cubs get off to hot start scoring tons of runs but fall (not as dramatic as '69) in second half when staff completely falls apart.

Yeah, the London show was great. I was at the Toronto show the night before with possibly the most reserved crowd in which I ever sat. BORING. I think they would do nicely at the Opera House in Detroit rather than the State. Comparable size, incomparable sound.

Also check out Red Apple Falls.

How is this?

Millions Now Living was my first. Djed still stops me dead in my tracks after years of listening. It's the quickest 20 minute track you'll hear.

They quickly lifted it off the pulse when they ran the story listing the contents of that dead person's refrigerator. WTF!!!

Califone Enjoy!

Yes. Sad Songs is just as good or better than Alligator. Really looking forward to the new one.

Very jealous of you guys (Allison, Lou and Wendy). Having seen them 3 times in the past 4 months only leaves me wanting more. Listening to them more than anyone else these days. Lou, strange (maybe not) that you mentioned Eleventh Dream Day. I just pulled out and listened to Lived To Tell for the first time in years on Saturday. What a great album.