Seriously, though, sometimes it feels like I'm learning someone else's stuff. That was one hell of a band, back in the day, even if it feels like I'm talkin' bout someone else, now.
We were far from perfect, but the crowd was pissed enough that they didn't care (this is what we count on). We made some new friends, and sold some cds. I'm still astounded by the amount of money--when I joined the band, a point was made that this band is not commercially successful (that isn't isn't even the case).
The Limbs is a one-man deal. Dude did a Tom Waits cover to close his set, and, although TW gets on my nerves usually, I was stoked. Totally worth seeing; I'll be a repeat offender.
The DJ/VJ did a mashup of Wild Thing
and Lick It Up
it was awesome.
Light Travels Faster did their thing (solid set). Later, Todd and I talked amps. I really like that guy, the rest of the band isn't very chatty.
It was great to re-connect with Mark from The Construct. I played with him 15 years ago, briefly during that post Neglected Mind period. Mark is really flourishing with the loop pedals. Dude always had impeccable time, so I'm not surprised that he's doing something technical. He's really a great drummer, along the lines of Mike Ricketts.
Tito made it down. He isn't used to seeing me play with so much tone. The new electronics and new BLC songs that I'm playing helmsman on really are different for me. I used to be uncomfortable with sparse arrangements, but not so much anymore.
BLC had some equipment casualties, though. Greg's two Les Pauls were not happy with tuning and it sounded bad, or in another key. Either my amp or Josh's made some bizarre sounds (the verge of pure DC clipping) 3/4 of the way through the set. I think that I was the offender--but it could have been the PA. After I get some rest, I need to see WTF. At least we don't have anything scheduled until 5/16, so I can work out the amp crap.
I'm stoked that I have the BLC cab at home with me, so that I can play the new bass through it and see if a useful BLC eq is to be found with a 4x10".
It looks like we're on the hook for a major (maybe) fiasco in October. Whatever...we'll be stoked to do it up--playin' for despondent college kids is totally our bag. Playing in a truck is an experience that I welcome.
I heard the preliminary mix for the compilation submission. Dameon sounds a little too AM radio; I'd like the bass and drums louder. I'm not going to bitch too much. The fuckin' Hammond track doesn't sound too bad with the new context (Josh really did some nice distortion guitar work).
I don't know wtf is going on, but we've actually gotten a few little write-ups recently. The girl actually was surprised to see us today (not as much as I was). It's not like we're actually doing anything, or at least that's what the press should think. We're actually rehearsing and polishing the new ones (fuck those old songs). I still don't get that people have BLC on the brain (probably the weather)....oh well, it's cool:
Speaking of The King, I've been obsessing about a new bass, since the orange one just is feeling so tainted. It's all in my mind, for sure, but I think that it's time to retire her--once I locate what I'm seeking. I'm missing two basses on the wall since the demise of the green monster (to LRC, and sad about that) and the OG RC bass (glad to be rid of it to Andrew). What I'm seeking is an old-school, slab-bodied precision. I think that I'll be happier with a single-coil configuration, but I need to check out a '70s T-bass to make sure that the single 'ham-backing' pickup might be the dude.
That's like this (from the 11211952 patent):
I've read a lot of concerns 'bout the weight of the ash body, which is a concern to me. I totally screwed myself up today at work. I don't like not being able to walk. I'm imagining that I won't be able to get out of bed tomorrow.
On the contrary, K, Bad Ass Steve is visiting tonight.
I'm mostly nervous because this is a sort of high-profile show. If I can get through the first song, everything should be cool for my 'comeback' show. At least I have some good friends that have attempted to cool me out:
Ross claims that "you can't embarrass Bad Luck City."
Kurt says that I know enough about music theory to get through it. (gasp)
Erin is jealous that Bad Luck City rehearses sporadically.
LRC has been really sweet to me since I started freaking out last week. She's usually sweet, though. Chick requires some flowers soon.
I'm glad that it isn't math rock. I've decided to go with the smaller, less audible compact cab. Part of my reasoning is to curb my menacing elephant timbre; part is to conserve space with many bands playing the venue. As long as it doesn't fuck me (which the SWR has), it should be alright. The new cab simply isn't done yet.
i Dig this now playing shit. I need to fix the template. ---------------- Now playing: Swans - You're Not Real, Girl
Been a lot foggy lately, my friends. Running red lights...stopping at green ones..."losing" important documents. Essentially, I feel high, however, that is not the case. It's like someone is putting depakote in the water supply (supposed to be on 1,500 mg a day). Really miserable. I believe that this numb feeling is a stress-related deal. I've got the "I'm stressed out" rash, again (third time since I was 17). I seem to be dealing fairly well this time.
I probably require a vacation and some weed.
This weekend was restorative, though. My pets are feeling lonely, for sure, but those little assholes have been getting on my nerves. I'm feeling better about the girl after moving in for a few days. We made it out to a show (saw a lot of pals). I had "lost" my driver license. The fucking patriot act means that I can't make a deposit at the bank without one (fuckers). The state of Colorado doesn't accept my birth certificate as valid (although I was born in a U.S. military hospital in country). It's a two-day hassle to get another license. Fuckers.
Practice with BLC was instrumentalists and missing a bass player (put me on the spot without a net). I'm still feeling things out, for sure. My "menacing" tone might not work for this band. I'll try something different for the next practice. If I get the dynamics right, I think that it's doable, though. That's a reasonable goal, right? It's proving to be difficult to adjust to a much quieter band (on 2, the practice rig is far too much--The OC goes to 11). I think that they would've said something if I had been really obscene. They're used to a subliminal bass player, which isn't what I've been doing lately. Andrew did clue me into a decrescendo that I totally did wrong. Thanks, dude--I got it now. It's all going to work out with a little practice. One month until the debut of the unfuckwithable new lineup. Fingers crossed.
I found the MIA license in a truck that I drove a week ago today. Excellent.
Later, I got a bad phone call with another cancer scare. Why is it that everyone I really care about is having these fucking issues?!? Meanwhile, back in my crotch, the "lymphoma" seems to have cured itself sans medical intervention. Whoot.
There are only two songs that are gettin' me with the Bad Luck City. The others come quite naturally. Today's 'practice' with Greg involved us hanging out with the recording console and muting the distracting tracks. I admitted that I was not understanding what dude was doing 90% of the time. It is Greg's belief that I'm not alone with this aspect, and that I can just 'do my thing,' because the band isn't cuing off of the bass (how horrible is that).
It is my belief that this was time well spent. getting down with a guitarist on the theory behind the band is helpful for my situation. I'm not so fucking' nervous about the 'through composed' bass lines.
I'm confident that I will not let them down for the Denver Post's Underground Music Showcase on August 11th. I'm really glad that I don't have two sets to play that night, although I think that los echadores excesivos would be a nice addition to the denber post-sound. We'll make our mark without such public (or pubic) fora, I'm certain.
The best part of the BLC is that they 'get it'. There's a lot of goat opportunities with the tied whole notes. It's a really great contrast to the over casters, where i'm obligated to play most of the time.
