Sunday, August 9, 2009
Monday, July 13, 2009
Happy Man: A Short Story
I woke up at 12pm today, made some great coffee from the Dominican. My friend picked me up a pound while he and his wife were there on their honeymoon. He’s a Texas guy, personality of ten men, and always has a great story, usually about good food or a new wine he bought at a great price. He and his wife were there for eight days. They had great things to say about the hotel over dinner the other night, at a small Mexican place on 34th street. The margaritas were $3.75 and fantastic. I had three and was almost drunk.
After my coffee I began my daily list of chores. Since I’m recently unemployed that’s all I do. I was publicity man, you know, the one who does not do but pushes others that do. The job was in the entertainment industry and thinking back on it now it seems like a dream. My first day of work I arrived early because, well, I didn’t remember what time the office actually opened.
My first chore of the day was to get my dad a card for Father’s day. I was quite excited about this, for once. I put my dog’s leash on and hit the sidewalk for what was a incredibly short walk to the corner store where they have all kinds of things, sodas, hair spray, pasta, and a number of other products that seem completely unnecessary until you’re actually there at 1:30am looking for the tampons that are designed for an extra heavy flow. The music in the store is great, though. They play 50’s and 60’s doo wop, and even some funky stuff. I’ve actually read that funk music makes you want to buy more products.
When I arrived I went directly to what I was looking for, the father’s day cards, and because I was 2 weeks ahead of schedule (although I did not know this at the time) there were plenty left. I picked through a few, usually not getting through the first three or four words before I decided if it were a proper to purchase for my father.
Thomas, my father, is a mechanic by trade and I do believe he’s one by birth. He builds and fixes all kinds of things. Lawnmowers, ceiling fans, cars, airplane engines, all that stuff. Years ago I would think of myself much smarter than my father, but I come to realize I don’t know shit. And even recently I’ve come to realize I don’t even know shit about shit. Sure, I went to school. I studied sociology, art, and even had an interest in chemistry and science but I was too involved with outside activities to focus enough for it to make a damn. Not to say I was a socialite, at all.
It only took about 15 minutes for me to find the right card. It was typical of a card I’d pick out. Simple, kind of funny, shared a few characteristics of my dad, but really, what card can really sum one person in a matter of sentences. I’m sure there are a few I guess. But I blame that one on the human rather then giving credit to the writer.
After I bought the card the next item on the list was to deposit checks at the bank. Which is always fun, to me at least. I do love getting money, even though if you looked at me you’d think much otherwise. I drool over the shit. I remember a conversation with my father when I was no older then 7 years old. We were discussing life, or things that happen in life, and I remember stating, “All that really matters is money.” And although I stated this it was really intended to be a question for my father, a chance for him to clarify the ridiculousness of it all. In which he did, rather abruptly, almost yelling at me these words, “No! It’s not about money, not at all.” with a specific emphasis on the last three words of his declaration.
When I arrived at the bank I felt a bit embarrassed that I had brought my dog, not because I do not love this animal with all of my heart and soul, and think of him as more of sufficient being than most idiots who live in this world but it was because people in this town seem to be in a hurry, and I myself am included. But on this day my dog was not. I pulled him along once inside, over to the counter where you fill out check slips. He was curious, per usual, and continually dragged the leash over to another human, an Asian in this case. Oh, how my girlfriend hates the Asians I thought, and let out a small but harmless giggle. But this was only the beginning to a tumultuous ten minutes. I wrote, he pulled, I comforted, he made new friends, I dipped my card, he barked. It only took a few minutes before the crowd behind me either wanted to buy this animal for a gruesome amount of money or take my head for wasting so much of their time. When leaving I sang to myself a wonderful 50’s tune, “I want a dream lover, so I don’t have to dream alone.”
Once I was back on the pavement all of the anxiety that built up was relinquished. Now was my last chore of the day, laundry.
After my coffee I began my daily list of chores. Since I’m recently unemployed that’s all I do. I was publicity man, you know, the one who does not do but pushes others that do. The job was in the entertainment industry and thinking back on it now it seems like a dream. My first day of work I arrived early because, well, I didn’t remember what time the office actually opened.
My first chore of the day was to get my dad a card for Father’s day. I was quite excited about this, for once. I put my dog’s leash on and hit the sidewalk for what was a incredibly short walk to the corner store where they have all kinds of things, sodas, hair spray, pasta, and a number of other products that seem completely unnecessary until you’re actually there at 1:30am looking for the tampons that are designed for an extra heavy flow. The music in the store is great, though. They play 50’s and 60’s doo wop, and even some funky stuff. I’ve actually read that funk music makes you want to buy more products.
When I arrived I went directly to what I was looking for, the father’s day cards, and because I was 2 weeks ahead of schedule (although I did not know this at the time) there were plenty left. I picked through a few, usually not getting through the first three or four words before I decided if it were a proper to purchase for my father.
Thomas, my father, is a mechanic by trade and I do believe he’s one by birth. He builds and fixes all kinds of things. Lawnmowers, ceiling fans, cars, airplane engines, all that stuff. Years ago I would think of myself much smarter than my father, but I come to realize I don’t know shit. And even recently I’ve come to realize I don’t even know shit about shit. Sure, I went to school. I studied sociology, art, and even had an interest in chemistry and science but I was too involved with outside activities to focus enough for it to make a damn. Not to say I was a socialite, at all.
It only took about 15 minutes for me to find the right card. It was typical of a card I’d pick out. Simple, kind of funny, shared a few characteristics of my dad, but really, what card can really sum one person in a matter of sentences. I’m sure there are a few I guess. But I blame that one on the human rather then giving credit to the writer.
After I bought the card the next item on the list was to deposit checks at the bank. Which is always fun, to me at least. I do love getting money, even though if you looked at me you’d think much otherwise. I drool over the shit. I remember a conversation with my father when I was no older then 7 years old. We were discussing life, or things that happen in life, and I remember stating, “All that really matters is money.” And although I stated this it was really intended to be a question for my father, a chance for him to clarify the ridiculousness of it all. In which he did, rather abruptly, almost yelling at me these words, “No! It’s not about money, not at all.” with a specific emphasis on the last three words of his declaration.
When I arrived at the bank I felt a bit embarrassed that I had brought my dog, not because I do not love this animal with all of my heart and soul, and think of him as more of sufficient being than most idiots who live in this world but it was because people in this town seem to be in a hurry, and I myself am included. But on this day my dog was not. I pulled him along once inside, over to the counter where you fill out check slips. He was curious, per usual, and continually dragged the leash over to another human, an Asian in this case. Oh, how my girlfriend hates the Asians I thought, and let out a small but harmless giggle. But this was only the beginning to a tumultuous ten minutes. I wrote, he pulled, I comforted, he made new friends, I dipped my card, he barked. It only took a few minutes before the crowd behind me either wanted to buy this animal for a gruesome amount of money or take my head for wasting so much of their time. When leaving I sang to myself a wonderful 50’s tune, “I want a dream lover, so I don’t have to dream alone.”
Once I was back on the pavement all of the anxiety that built up was relinquished. Now was my last chore of the day, laundry.
Cherokee Covers Free Download
Four cover songs recorded last summer. Click on the artwork for download.
Cherokee Covers
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Buy of the week
Cherokee's debut record for download
Another free record for you. Just click on the album art for download.
Temporary Living
"...Hinkle channels timeless artists like George Harrison and Johnny Cash..."-Flagpole
Recorded in winter/spring of 2007 at Radium Recordings and self released in November of that year. The album is the first collection of songs I wrote on my own. Other musicians include Matt Compton (Drums) and Brent Jay (guitar and backing vocals).
Track List
1. And So It Goes
2. Color and Composition
3. City of Sand
4. No Point In Being Honest
5. Laughing In The Dark
6. Picking Up Where You Left Off
7. Promise Of Creation
8. The Path Took Me Nowhere
9. Temporary Bangs
10. Trip Into The West
11. Tied Into Knots
12. Paper Hearts
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Free music for you!
Click on the album cover for free download.
It's All Geographical EP
"...brimming with steady, even-handed rock..."–Satellite Magazine
Written in winter of 2007 and recorded in winter/spring of 2008 at The Buddy Project Studios in New York. Tony Whitlock engineered and also played backing guitar. The album was released in April of 2008.
Track list
1. Southern Tears
2. Those Days
3. Human Ways
Free records for you!
Click on the album art for free download of the record. 
I'm Losing My Punk Rock Spirit
Recorded in spring 2008 under the name Beehive. These 6 songs were my first attempt at working with all digital elements.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
All in all, a pretty good Saturday
There was no Home Depot or Bed Bath & Beyond involved, so regardless of whatever else happened, it would have been a good Saturday anyway. You dig?
I did buy two records today from a sick vinyl shop called Academy Records. The two that made the cut were Wavves and The Pixies' Trompe le Monde. You've probably heard both. Wavves is somewhat of a let down but it does have a few nice jems. I have $14.65 left on my gift certificate so I hope to buy a motown record next week. Any suggestions?
Friday, March 20, 2009
Goals for Spring
Yes, it's that time of year again. When new fashions are presented, the weather is a bit warmer, and negative attitudes thaw away in longer days. It's also when I begin to reexamine my priorities and figure out what needs to be accomplished to up my value of self worth. Now that winter is behind me I can now focus on the future, and no, that does not include getting a tan. Here are a few that made my list.
2. Write another one.
3. Book an Athfest show.
4. Buy wedding presents.
5. Less salt.
6. Iced coffee.
7. Renew my wardrobe.
8. Buy flowers for someone.
9. Plan a weekend trip.
10. Call home.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
How did they do that?
Throughout my life there have been multiple bands that I have loved, and regardless of style or genre, I always appreciate it when a band can make me say, or ask, "how did they do that?" One of my dreams would be to watch a great band practice, not rehearse, but rather see the writing process, the building blocks for a song that might potentially make me ask "how did they do that?"
If you haven't noticed, every blog post somehow comes back to me. Yes, I know, I'm self indulgent and kind of an ass. And I guess I'm a bit self deprecating too. Anyway, if any of you ever become a fan of the music I make, or music I help make with other talented musicians then you might enjoy this. It's a glimpse into the mundane writing process and the repetitive bull shit you have to flesh out to actually arrive at a completed song.
The track doesn't have name but it was recorded last night at Tucasa studio in Alphabet city, somewhere between the hours of 8 and 10pm EST.
Listen here
Saturday, March 14, 2009
let it grow
so really, i thought 2008 was the year of the beards. yet, 2009 has brought upon a significant number of beardly musicians. all i have to say, to any rocker, rocking a beard, just give up, because, sir, Mc, is the only beard that matters ever.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
haircuts
I just realized that I have an emo hair cut. Don't know what to do. Luckily, I have an apt. on Saturday. Regardless of how it turns out, you'll probably hear about it.
5 songs I would love to cover
1. Pantera-Not sure of the title, and yes I know Google, but this is not research material. The line" I fucked your girlfriend last night..." I hate it, but would it not be fun to sing it with a slight lisp.
2. The Ronettes-"Be My Baby"- Been there and done that, have not received the t-shirt, but it was super fun.
3. Led Zeppelin- Any song, just want the ability to do so.
4. The Crystals-"He Kissed Me"- This has to be one one my favorite songs of all time. It was used in the trailer for the movie, The Pick Up Artist, with Robert D. Jr. Loved it before then and will love it until the day i kick it.
5. Lillipop-"Chordettes"- This is a classic song that was popular say, over 30 years before lil' wayne stole the title and dropped his mindless BS on the world (much love and respect LW). It reminds me of driving to the mountains in NE GA and not having a care in the world.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Monday, March 9, 2009
My Friends Say.....
My friend J tonight told me I was a crisp writer, which is a huge complement being that he's an actual writer, and one that's much better than I.
This is my attempt to write something that isn't so crisp, but rather an explanatory writing of a song I wrote. How "self-absorbed" is this!
The song is "A Few Weeks Away" and it is a retelling of one of my trips on the road.
First verse deals with a few days before tour, in which my friends and I were too cheap to buy beer and stole it from a neighbor who kept all of his/her booze outside, in a refrigerator. We were young and desperate, and I'll say, maybe our thoughts were disparate at the time. Anyway, we were successful that night and had a great time completing our goal.
The chorus highlights my gratefulness of the getaway-which came a day later-us leaving a suburban neighborhood-reaching out to the uglier parts of the world- which we have never seen. We were not regretful of this, rather very happy and satisfied to be away, traveling interstates that most truckers called their 9-5.
The second verse picks up in an unknown area. Where we're there shopping-living-trying-to-get-by-as most people are, yet, not feeling the sense of home as they felt. Sure, we judge, and laughed, and went on our way.
Second chorus picks up with us in the van, sure of objective, yet completely unsure of victories. Why were we on this tour? Did traveling like carnies in a van, playing music to no one who actually cares about this actually make sense in the long run? Not only were our creative insides falling apart but so were our hopes of life at home becoming more unrealistic, or actually, more realistic. The line "bet you whole 9 bucks" sums it up quite well. We could put 9 bucks against anything on that tour and we'd win. Be it, success, money, food, a safe ride home.
What we did have, though, was freedom, independence from true responsibility, no real guidance towards the future. Although, in a funny side-note, we did rush home as fast as fucking possible. Our guitar player went so far as to do lines on coke the entire way just to get home first.
So this is where the song comes to an end, unfulfilled, yet, completely fulfilled, and still young, without scars. So we thought.
All of this may be completely true or a completely wrong interpretation on my part. I have no idea, I WAS NOT THERE, all I know is that this is the song that might help you understand the story. See below.
myspace.com/thecherokeeband.com
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Early edition: Sunday
For many reasons, Sunday is the best day of the week. For Christians it's obvious, but for us secular folk many other factors make a good Sunday. Here are a few of mine.
1. Sleeping in=OK.
I sleep in every chance I get. Call it lazy or call it exhausted, it doesn't matter. What does matter is that on Sundays I don't feel guilty, and you can't put a price on not having guilt. Just ask OJ.
2. Drinking before noon=OK
For some reason, and I didn't realize this until I was in Gotham, that Sundays are considered the "get fucked up early day." I don't like drinking when the sun is out but I'm kind of sold on this idea.
3. Strolling=A hard days work
Typically, Yorkers walk everywhere. M-F it's considered a fact of life. Sore feet, tired legs, is just something you deal with. Sundays, a nice stroll, with a buzz, seeing all of the great things you typically miss on your 8-8 job, not only help you feel like you've accomplished something, you actually have.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
I want my hour back
So it just turned 3am. Forgot about that whole, DLST thing. NYC definitely needs some sunshine. Here's a pic to end the night.
Tasty Cuban
If you ever find yourself strolling in Nolita and decide that you need a bite to eat then do yourself a big one and stop by Cafe Habana. Located on Prince Street at Elizabeth this place offers great Cuban-American food that is delicious and different. Today I had the Cuban Sandwich-self proclaimed "Best in the City"-and I gotta say it was darn close. It's filled with tender pulled pork, ham, cheese, pickles, chipotle mayo and topped with crispy french bread. Angel had the chicken burrito and side of mexican corn. The burrito was great--char-grilled chicken with fresh lettuce and tomatoes--and could feed two people easily. The mexican grilled corn had some nice heat and the parmesan cheese was different--I mean that in the best way possible. We also split an order of pan fried plantains--clean, fresh, sweet--just how they should be. What sealed the deal for me was Coke in the glass bottle. Something about it, gets me every time.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Update: Happy Hour not so happy in the Northeast
Why is it, that the town with some of the best music, people, art, and bbq in the country also get to rub it in our face with the best weather as well? It's unfair and I demand an explanation.
My Favorite NYC Restaurant
Right now I'm totally digging on Velselka. It's in the east village and offers everything from classic diner dishes to Ukranian comfort food. Personally my favorite is the beet borscht. If you're a friend of mine and visit NYC, I'll probably make you eat there.
Friday's News Headlines
Sorry for the delay. I was on a deep sea fishing trip.
Fallon Faces the Camera, Conscious of the Web
The New York Times
Hearst’s Seattle Paper May Become Web-Only
The Daily Beast
The Thinking Man’s Rapper
Chicago Sun Times
Scoring with Warhol
Music duo strikes a chord by creating songs for artist's 'screen tests'
Huffington Post
Phish Returns!
Billboard
Amazon Starts Game Trades
USA Today
Tucker takes a 'Turn' back to the studio
CNN
With Twitter Envy, Facebook Adds (Near) Real-time Web Capabilities
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Update: Birthday Weather Not That Bad
Getting older this weekend. I think Michael Cera's character in Superbad sums it up with a nice quote-"Don't worry about it. I'm not worried about it."
Guitarist for Pylon dies
Sad news from Athens, GA; Randy Bewley, the guitarist for the influential band Pylon passed away yesterday after suffering a heart attack while driving. The full story is here. He will be missed.
Below is a video of Pylon performing in the documentary Athens GA Inside/Out.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Update: The possibility of more Earths confirmed
CNN just posted a story about the possibilities of other Earths in our Milky Way galaxy. Personally I pumped, mainly because I'm lonely and need some extra-terrestrial love.
Full story here
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
New Cursive song streaming
I can remember the first time I really listened to Cursive. My spiritual guidance counselor Lance Hayes and I went to Stonecrest Mall, spent half the day in Books-A-Million and walked away with a couple good buys. One of which, was The Ugly Organ. Driving home while smoking cigarettes we listened, and continued to listened, and didn't stop listening. We were floored.
I have a writer friend who gave me the DL on the new album Momma, I'm Swollen. Apparently it's Kasher's best lyrics to date. For now you can be the judge and listen to the new song "I Couldn't Love You" at EW.com. Thanks Stereogum!
Wired and Pitchfork editor have a convo
You can read the entire interview here.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Monday's Headlines
Read'em!
Roosting at Purchase: Terror Pigeon Dance Revolt!
The New York Times
Philadelphia Newspapers Seeking Bankruptcy
The New York Times
Beyond the Oscar Spectacle, Hollywood Is Grumbling
Digital Music News
MySpace Music Scores U2 Album Pre-Release...
Hypebot
Congress Looks At Live Nation Ticketmaster Merger
Brooklyn Vegan
Relix & Jambands.com were bought, saved
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Showbiz makes debut
You could call Showbiz a super group, mainly because it features 2 of the most talented musicians i know. They're in this band that's pretty great, and were in this other band that was pretty awesome as well. The track was recorded on a cold Southern evening in an usually warm Southern town. There's no song title as of right now and really I don't think one is necessary. Maybe you could help with that.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Friday's Music Headlines
Sorry for the delay in today's headlines. It's been rough. TGIF.
The New York Times
Playboy Says It Is Open to a Sale or Changes
Digital Music News
JCPenney + Rascal Flatts: One Seriously Involved Sponsorship...
Forbes
What The U2 Leak Says About Music Biz
Wall Street Journal
Thinking Very, Very Small on Broadway
Billboard
Leonard Cohen Dazzles At New York Tour Warm-Up
Billboard
Coldplay, Foo Fighters Tipped For Bushfire Benefit Shows
People
Jimmy Fallon Is Ready for Late Night
Wired
Hollywood Struggles to Find Wealth on the Web
The New York Times
Playboy Says It Is Open to a Sale or Changes
Digital Music News
JCPenney + Rascal Flatts: One Seriously Involved Sponsorship...
Forbes
What The U2 Leak Says About Music Biz
Wall Street Journal
Thinking Very, Very Small on Broadway
Billboard
Leonard Cohen Dazzles At New York Tour Warm-Up
Billboard
Coldplay, Foo Fighters Tipped For Bushfire Benefit Shows
People
Jimmy Fallon Is Ready for Late Night
Wired
Hollywood Struggles to Find Wealth on the Web
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Evening Plans
So my girlfriend and I have this vintage refrigerator. It's a pain in my ass and it's not unlike a room mate who doesn't pay rent and just takes up space. Anyway, we have no use for it and have to sell it, although that hasn't been easy. Today the lease on our old apartment expires and I have to move it from there to our new apartment. So my plans for the evening involve schlumping my way up to 23rd street, renting a dolli, walking it down to 10th street, moving a 500 lb fridge down one flight of stairs and then to my new place. People, please pray for me. Getting that hunk of metal into the apartment the first time nearly killed my friend Jason, and I don't mean in the "I'm so exhausted kind of way," I mean it in the "it-almost-fell-down- a-flight-of -stairs-and-squashed-my-bro" kind of way. So while the rest of NYC is watching "The Office" I'll be pulling my back out.
Conor Oberst and band announce new record
Insanely prolific musician and songwriter Conor Oberst and his Mystic Valley band is releasing a new record titled Outer South this May on Merge. The album includes sixteen tracks and was recorded at Sonic Ranch Studios outside of El Paso. According to Merge the record will feature songs written by all members of the band. For me, this is a good thing, considering Desaparecidos' Read Music Speak Spanish featured collaborative songwriting and is one of my favorite jams of the new millennium. Here's to hoping South will be the same.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
New Music Wednesday
A friend of mine who I recently re-connected with via email told me he was digging this band. I figured I should give them a shot considering he's the same guy who introduced me to The Sea and Cake a few years back.
The band is Boards of Canada, and apparently if you live in Canada you would refer to them as BOC. I guess that is what the cool kids call them anyway.
Aquarius - Boards of Canada
The band is Boards of Canada, and apparently if you live in Canada you would refer to them as BOC. I guess that is what the cool kids call them anyway.
Here's a track titled Aquarius. Enjoy.
Aquarius - Boards of Canada
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Food of The Day-Pork Belly
Tuesday's Music News
Friday, February 13, 2009
Friday's Music Links
"Cause it's Friday; you ain't got no job....and you ain't got shit to do."––Smokey
Wall Street Journal
Slate
Hypebot
The Daily Swarm
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Evening Plans
So I've been seeing a lot of ads for the Demetri Martin show "Important Things with Demetri Martin." I enjoy his random minimalist comedy. Nice observations mixed with guitar and harmonica never hurt either. More thoughts on the show after the premiere.
ps––He looks just like my friend Joey.
Today's News Links
Some music and entertainment news for your enjoyment......
New York Times
Wall Street Journal
Chicago Tribune
Billboard
New York Times
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
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