Shortage of Cashews

This is me bragging that I already have it for reviewing purposes. Unfortunately, it skips during "Summerteeth." Otherwise, it's a solid DVD and worth all the pre-orders. For those who want to know (I haven't had time to check it out yet), the extras are PC only. The press release also states that you'll be able to download the mp3s of the DVD using the DVD. That's a nice touch.

If this is the first piece to finally see the light o' day, I'll be a happy camper. We've all been patient--reward us, please Neil?

I can't believe how many people are hating on In Through the Out Door. My god it has some of the most beautiful and unique Zeppelin tracks: I'm Gonna Crawl, Carouselambra, All My Love. I know it's uncool to enjoy ITTOD but I do. Is it Zep's best? No, but it's not terrible by any means.

Smashing Pumpkins lost forever--erased from everyone's memory. Who were we talking about?

I love that everyone jumps to the conclusion that the band is breaking up. I think breaking up is taking a back seat to indefinite hiatus these days. Bands release that sooner or later a payoff and a larger fanbase comes from a reunion, no matter how small the band may be. I can think of a lot of bands who went on hiatus only to come back years later refocused and reenergized. Each member of NC won't be near as successful and fruitful apart. I think it's great that they want to pursue more solo opportunities and expand their musical horizons, but they'll be back together by 2009.

This hike won't matter because every time the minimum wage increases, so does the cost of living. Until a wage hike is not met with a cost of living increase, it's just for show.

You can't aim high. Honestly, finding a small local indie label would be your best bet. It's amazing how many artists/bands believe that they can start out at the top of the ladder when that just doesn't happen anymore (unless you're an entertainer posing as a singer). It is such a plus to start small. Work on the local scene, learn the ins and outs of making records, selling records, growing a following, etc. If all else fails, start your own label. You can make your own albums, distribute them as you'd wish, and sign on other bands that need a little help. You're not going to make mone

I've noticed the talking heads of Israel using similiar lines of the Bush administration in trying to advocate why they're in conflict with Lebanon. How I feel about the situation, I'm not entirely sure. There's so much happening the middle east that none of us will ever know about. If this does escalate into WWIII (which the pessimist in me says it will, but it'll be awhile), my fiance is more concerned with my willingness and desire to become a war correspondent. I thought about doing so pre-Iraq, but backed away. If WWIII were to somehow occur, or at the very least the US got involved in

I dig BSS, but everyone claiming that they're one of the best bands in the world is overreaching. A solid band that looks destined for great things, but they're nowhere near the top of best bands in the world.

Meadow (solid Buckner as usual) is in rotation with the new Dears as well as the new Yo La Tengo (with is exceeding all my expectations). I'm Not Afraid of You and I Will Beat Your Ass is the second best title of an album this year, just behind Fat Worm of Error's Pregnant Babies Pregnant with Pregnant Babies.

Sala-Arhimo (sometime-guitarist for Islaja)

Lately: Alan Sparhawk - Solo Guitar Goliath Bird Eater - Blood Venus Chad VanGaalen - Skelliconnection