Three dollars and 63 cents

That happened to me earlier today. I was sure I was going to get through, and it had been long enough that I thought they were close to finding the 14th caller, then after maybe 15 or 20 rings, I got a "we cannot complete your call at this time" recording. I've been trying to win tickets from at least three different call-in contests, and I haven't gotten through even once, and I'm trying on two different phones. Pop was definitely unfinished in a lot of ways, but it was the last U2 album I really loved. I like the new one, but I haven't heard it enough to decide how much it's going to mean

A blog post from SY's Myspace page:

WBCN played two seconds from I Will Follow. Apparently they're only playing each song once.

If you can name a song by two seconds of it, you deserve to get in. I might have this one. I'll have to check when I go home. I don't know why I'm getting so excited about this; it's like getting excited about winning the lottery right after you buy your ticket. I've heard rumors that this might be held at some small part of the Paradise even though there's something else scheduled there that night.

There's definitely a very small promotional show in Boston on March 11. Radio stations, mostly in the Boston area, are the only ones with tickets, at least for now. They're doing something similar in Chicago the day before, and it's the same setup--probably only about 100 people for a performance and Q&A, and the only way to get in is to win tickets that you don't get until right before the event starts, so there's no chance for scalping. For the first time since I was maybe 14, I'm going to try to win something on the radio

That was John Updike who just died. John Irving is alive and well and writing a very boring book about, I believe, a murder at a logging camp (at least he was when I heard him read back in the fall of 07).

I've been listening more to Useless Creatures, but I've got this cranked up right now and am finally realizing what a great album it is.

I've tried reading Chronicles twice and can't get into it. I don't know what it is, because I expected it would be something I'd love. I should be finished with my stack of library books today, which means a trip to the library tomorrow! I've been reading only nonfiction and poetry so far this year, so I think I'm going to check out some fiction.

They're doing a small northeast tour right before their dates opening for Jeff: Thu 03/19/09 New York, NY Mercury Lounge Fri 03/20/09 Philadelphia, PA North Star Bar Sat 03/21/09 Arlington, VA IOTA Club & Cafe Sun 03/22/09 Cambridge, MA Middle East Upstairs Wed 03/25/09 Hoboken, NJ Maxwell's I'm giving the album a first listen right now and am really enjoying it. I'm already thinking about what a great sunny spring afternoon disc this is going to be.

1. I am trying to break your heart 2. You are my face 3. Radio Cure 4. Muzzle of Bees 5. Jesus, Etc. 6. Ashes of American flags 7. Wishful Thinking 8. I

Apparently there's going to be a string of "secret" shows that will be happening across the U.S. in the next few weeks. The rumor now is some sort of show at Fordham University (in the Bronx) next Friday after their Good Morning America appearance, along with possible shows in Chicago March 10 and Boston March 11. WTMX has details about how to win tickets for the Chicago show, and WBCN has a major U2-related concert announcement Monday morning at 7:15. The shows are going to be part of this promotion: I'm off the 7th-15th for spring break and my 30th birthday is the 13th, so I'm definite

For anybody who lives in or near Northampton, Thurston Moore will be doing a book signing on Tuesday: If this were the following Tuesday, I'd be on spring break and I could go.

I'm surprised there's no Northampton show--no Iron Horse or Pearl Street? I may be able to make the Lancaster show if it starts late enough, though it would be a stretch. J. Mascis's set at the Fender Jazzmaster anniversary show was the very loudest thing I've ever heard. Even with earplugs I only made it through the first few songs before I had to duck into a quieter room. Don't forget your earplugs!

I was afraid that's what it would be. Thanks for the head's up, Paul.

Oh man, mine is, too. I feel bad about leaving an empty seat down front, but I've got about 20 job applications I absolutely have to get done this weekend.

Considering Nels relies heavily on overdubs on his new album, I'm not worried at all. I am worried about the use of the word "tasty." It reminds me why I let my RS subscription lapse. I wonder if they're finally big enough for a RS cover story? And if they are if we'll get a cover of "Cover of the Rolling Stone" this summer?

$15? They only charged me $10 for mine. I knew it was going to get beat up by the time I got it all the way home (and it did), so I didn't bother getting the signed one.

I'll have to buy the download of the Pronto album this weekend, though I'm sure I'll end up picking up the CD at some point, too.

Between this and the new Sonic Youth album, June is going to be awesome

One of the things that's always amazed me about music is how one song can suddenly reach you when you so desperately need it to. Congratulations on taking that immensely difficult first step on the road to overcoming your problem. Best of luck with your journey.

I love that Nels gave an interview to a jamband site even though he admits he has no idea what the term jamband even means anymore

I was there when I was on my crazy road trip to follow the Nels Cline Singers this summer, so I was in and out in less than 24 hours and didn't get to explore as much as I wanted to. I did go out after the show, though, and found interesting places within a 10 or 15 minute walk. The staff seemed nice enough to me, and there's a Starbucks in the lobby, which made me very happy the next morning.

bbop beat me to it--I also have an excellent seat for this show but am not sure I'm going to be able to make the trip this weekend. Same deal--$37.50, but make an offer. I have the ticket with me at work and can get it in the mail as soon as I hear from you. I'm sure this will be an excellent show and I'm sure I'm going to regret it if I don't go, but work has been beating me up the last few weeks

I stayed at the Knoxville Hilton over the summer and got an excellent deal on it, either through hotels.com or through AAA's website. I think I paid around $100 for it. It's a really nice hotel, close to the highway but also located right downtown, and I had no problems walking around by myself in that area late at night. There are plenty of bars and restaurants within an easy walking distance of it, too.

Happy birthday!