I really want to snuggle one of these.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Friday, September 25, 2009
Sleeping in
We inherently thank people for whatever they have done before we depart.
If I could have asked for one more moment to lie under my sheets, wrapped up in my thoughts, the Promise Ring spinning at 33 rpm on the table next to me, I would be forever grateful. However, today is overcast, the sky promises rain. I can see the branches swaying back and forth anxiously outside my window, and it is time to wake up.
My mom took me the grocery store yesterday. Our feet paced nervously up and down tiled aisles looking for the things that would keep best: nuts, dried fruits, and whole grains. Her face looked worn with the wears of motherhood. Torn from lack of companionship, and the ungratefulness of her kin. If I had more courage, perhaps I could have reached out and touched her arm. Instead we shopped in silence, our hands touching the worn out cart, cartons of cereal, packaging shipped by freight. Once or twice I thought I heard her choke nervously as we weaved our way around the store.
It would be our last time, I think gently to myself as I pull my slacks up. It is not the grocery store, and I am no longer a child in lady-bug mittens, sucking orange juice from a cup with green handles. My mother is at the foot of the stairs, she is holding my backpack. We will sit in silence again in the car. She will return to the house, she will see our town again, everything familiar, the beach, market street, generations and generations of children.
We pull up to the freight yard. "I love you Al," I avert my eyes, "you too mom," and get out of the car.
There is a man in a reflective vest. I throw my pack over my shoulders and walk towards him.
"Excuse me?" He doesn't hear me. I puff out my chest:
"Excuse me?" He turns around. His face is hard from years of labor, the scruff on his neck is dark with collected dust and sweat.
"How can I help you?" I try to explain, knowing the extent of the law, and the liability of his job.
"I need a train. I need to go west," and after a pause I add, "I have no money."
"Who are you?"
"I don't rightly know, Sir"
"This train here will take you as far as Chicago, I will be done with this car in a moment, If you give me a hand I'll wedge the door open for you."
I climb into the boxcar and he hands me a bag of grain. I push my weight against the stack and throw it to the top.
"Good luck, kid," he says with disdain and wedges a scrap of lumber into the boxcar door. A few minutes later, I feel a stir and the train begins to push forward. I listen to it hum against the rails and adjust to watch as everything flies by the door. There are children playing where I once had lived. There are teenager girls walking to school, flirting in that way only teenage girls can flirt. There are business men in suits walking to the train station.
The air feels wet, I am glad for the shelter. I think about my bed, and about the Promise Ring LP still clicking on the turntable at 33, somewhere, in some room. The distance is fleeting, I wont be back.
If I could have asked for one more moment to lie under my sheets, wrapped up in my thoughts, the Promise Ring spinning at 33 rpm on the table next to me, I would be forever grateful. However, today is overcast, the sky promises rain. I can see the branches swaying back and forth anxiously outside my window, and it is time to wake up.
My mom took me the grocery store yesterday. Our feet paced nervously up and down tiled aisles looking for the things that would keep best: nuts, dried fruits, and whole grains. Her face looked worn with the wears of motherhood. Torn from lack of companionship, and the ungratefulness of her kin. If I had more courage, perhaps I could have reached out and touched her arm. Instead we shopped in silence, our hands touching the worn out cart, cartons of cereal, packaging shipped by freight. Once or twice I thought I heard her choke nervously as we weaved our way around the store.
It would be our last time, I think gently to myself as I pull my slacks up. It is not the grocery store, and I am no longer a child in lady-bug mittens, sucking orange juice from a cup with green handles. My mother is at the foot of the stairs, she is holding my backpack. We will sit in silence again in the car. She will return to the house, she will see our town again, everything familiar, the beach, market street, generations and generations of children.
We pull up to the freight yard. "I love you Al," I avert my eyes, "you too mom," and get out of the car.
There is a man in a reflective vest. I throw my pack over my shoulders and walk towards him.
"Excuse me?" He doesn't hear me. I puff out my chest:
"Excuse me?" He turns around. His face is hard from years of labor, the scruff on his neck is dark with collected dust and sweat.
"How can I help you?" I try to explain, knowing the extent of the law, and the liability of his job.
"I need a train. I need to go west," and after a pause I add, "I have no money."
"Who are you?"
"I don't rightly know, Sir"
"This train here will take you as far as Chicago, I will be done with this car in a moment, If you give me a hand I'll wedge the door open for you."
I climb into the boxcar and he hands me a bag of grain. I push my weight against the stack and throw it to the top.
"Good luck, kid," he says with disdain and wedges a scrap of lumber into the boxcar door. A few minutes later, I feel a stir and the train begins to push forward. I listen to it hum against the rails and adjust to watch as everything flies by the door. There are children playing where I once had lived. There are teenager girls walking to school, flirting in that way only teenage girls can flirt. There are business men in suits walking to the train station.
The air feels wet, I am glad for the shelter. I think about my bed, and about the Promise Ring LP still clicking on the turntable at 33, somewhere, in some room. The distance is fleeting, I wont be back.
What to do?
I think I'm going to take this blog in a new direction.
I'll probably write stuff...fiction...prose...stuff.
Who knows.
For music updates check out the WUML BLOG
I'll probably write stuff...fiction...prose...stuff.
Who knows.
For music updates check out the WUML BLOG
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
TOUR 09'
Until September, SUNDOWNING, will be the official tour journal for TRAGWAG. We are touring across the country.
So if your around in the area, we would love to see your face! We just cut our first studio album together (Tyler's been doing this alone for ages) Its called What with the economic downturn and all... because people say that a lot and it sure is silly! However, we are both really proud of it. I did all the artwork, Tyler did all the recording. Here is the cover:
you can listen to some of the tracks at www.myspace.com/tylerbisson
We're leaving on Friday and I'm really excited. I'll update when I can!
-Ali
| SUMMER TOUR- Bisson Manor Berlin, CT | Berlin, Connecticut | ||
| SUMMER TOUR- HOUSE SHOW Maryland | Arnold, Maryland | ||
| SUMMER TOUR- Kent, OH- The Kent Stage | Kent, Ohio | ||
| SUMMER TOUR- Fearless Radio Show! Chicago, IL | Chicago, Illinois | ||
| SUMMER TOUR- St. Louis MO- The Cranky Yellow Gallery | St Louis, Missouri | ||
| SUMMER TOUR- The Vertical Violet | Wichita, Kansas | ||
| SUMMER TOUR- Colorado (Day Off) | Boulder, Colorado | ||
| SUMMER TOUR- The New Song Underground | Salt Lake City, Utah | ||
| SUMMER TOUR- Reno, NV The Xeno House | Reno, Nevada | ||
| SUMMER TOUR- CALIFORNIA Los Angeles | Los Angeles, California | ||
| SUMMER TOUR- Arizona- DAY OFF FOR DRIVING | Grand Canyon!, Arizona | ||
| SUMMER TOUR- Denton, TX- JJ’s On The Square | Denton, Texas | ||
| SUMMER TOUR- Little Fish Huge Pond- Sanford, FL | Sanford, Florida |
So if your around in the area, we would love to see your face! We just cut our first studio album together (Tyler's been doing this alone for ages) Its called What with the economic downturn and all... because people say that a lot and it sure is silly! However, we are both really proud of it. I did all the artwork, Tyler did all the recording. Here is the cover:
you can listen to some of the tracks at www.myspace.com/tylerbisson
We're leaving on Friday and I'm really excited. I'll update when I can!
-Ali
Friday, July 10, 2009
The Seaside EP
Owen (Mike Kinsella), released an EP this month. It is his first release since the acclaimed "At Home With..." which was released in November of 2006.
The 7 song release begins with "Heads Will Ache." My first reaction was "hey I know this song," setting the stage for the rest of the album. The song, although one of my favorites, is a worse version of "Everyone Feels Like You," off of Owen's sophmore album, "No Good for No one Now." He replaces the dramatic ending of the original, replacing it with soft, droaning, noodly guitar parts.
He covers "More than Words" by Extreem. I never liked the song much and I don't think he does it much justice.
He also covers Bruce Springsteens, "Stolen Car," replacing the lyrics with "Stolen Bike." This is probably the best song on the EP. Its a beautiful song. I like his version better than the original.
It includes a live recording of "In the Morning before Work," a song off the EP, released in 2004. Its a really great song, but nothing new.
He also added "I'm not Seventeen," which can be found on the "Association of Utopian Hollogram Swallowers," a 4 way split between Joan of Arc, The Love of Everything, Owen, and Make Believe. It is worth it to buy just for the Love of Everything song "Proud by Looking Down."
The only new songs are "I woke up today," and "a fever." Both decent songs in their own respects.
I have to say, I'm a little disapointed in the Seaside EP and hope to see more for his upcoming full leangth release which is due to come out in the fall. "At home with..." was of course a masterpiece. Hopefully, he can live up to its repore. I have my fingers crossed.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Next Level Shit Fest
So I've been meaning to post for a while, but I've been busy at work and what not. June 20th, I attended Next Level Shit Fest with some friends in Brattleboro VT. I've always been pleased with the scene in Brattleboro: their support, and open mindedness.
This festival was organized by community members and Pat the Bunny who plays music under the name Wingnut Dishwasher's Union, and previously, Johnny Hobo and the Freight Trains.
The purpose of the day was to utilize public space as if we lived in an Anarchy, putting beside all beliefs. Here is what the pamphlet said:
"Welcome, friends, both old and new. If today is not a practice run of a new world, the perhaps it is at least a prototype of a refugee camp between this society and another. Today is about public space, and redefining the limits of what legitimate use of it is. Are the streets only for moving from home to work to shop to home? Or are they perhaps, if only for one hour a year, also for dancing?
We beg you to treat this day as if anarchy could work, in the best sense of the word: no bosses or governments, because people can take responsibility for themselves and take care of each other without being forced to. Whatever your opinion of the practicality of this idea generally, we don't think it's too much to ask you to try it out for the next 24 hours or so."
There was an acoustic show, zombie tag, a parade, and a food line, followed up by a concert. Everyone was friendly. We were all friends for the day.
Here was the bill:
Compression Fracture-
This was a dance noise band from Brattleboro. I wasn't a huge fan of them but lots of people seemed to be enjoying them.
Pre-School-
This band is what remains of Micheal Jordan Touchdown Pass which is Pat's brother's band. They were grungy but wrote neat songs and put on a really good show. I don't know if they have a myspace or not, but I've had a lot of trouble finding it. I suggest you check them out if you have a chance!
Heathers
A duo from Dublin Ireland. They absolutely blew my mind with their beautiful, harmonically driven songs. This is their second tour in the US with Ghost Mice after their debut release Here, not There. It is one of my favorite albums right now and I highly, highly suggest you get your hands on it if you can. Look them up at myspace.com/heatherswhatsyourdamage
Ghost Mice
I've never been impressed generally with Ghosts Mice despite their status as a staple folk punk band. I could never get over Chris' inability to hit pitches correctly. However, seeing them live was a different experience. I definitely enjoyed them greatly! If you haven't already checked them out, you should: http://www.myspace.com/ghostmice
Endless Mike and the Beagle Club
I've already ranted and raved about how great I think Endless Mike is. They played great. I finally got their 4 way 7" split with Wingnut, Mischief Brew, and Guitar Bomb which is pure gold except for the Guitar Bomb song. They played a great set. This band rules! www.myspace.com/beagleclub
Wingnut Dishwashers Union
This time around, Pat played with a full band which was a unique experience. He has a real talent. He recorded new/old songs with Endless Mike and is now releasing it for a donation to help start and anarchist bus collective. It sounds like a really great idea. For more information, check out: http://www.wingnutdishwashersunion.com/
Thats all for now folks!
This festival was organized by community members and Pat the Bunny who plays music under the name Wingnut Dishwasher's Union, and previously, Johnny Hobo and the Freight Trains.
The purpose of the day was to utilize public space as if we lived in an Anarchy, putting beside all beliefs. Here is what the pamphlet said:
"Welcome, friends, both old and new. If today is not a practice run of a new world, the perhaps it is at least a prototype of a refugee camp between this society and another. Today is about public space, and redefining the limits of what legitimate use of it is. Are the streets only for moving from home to work to shop to home? Or are they perhaps, if only for one hour a year, also for dancing?
We beg you to treat this day as if anarchy could work, in the best sense of the word: no bosses or governments, because people can take responsibility for themselves and take care of each other without being forced to. Whatever your opinion of the practicality of this idea generally, we don't think it's too much to ask you to try it out for the next 24 hours or so."
There was an acoustic show, zombie tag, a parade, and a food line, followed up by a concert. Everyone was friendly. We were all friends for the day.
Here was the bill:
Compression Fracture-
This was a dance noise band from Brattleboro. I wasn't a huge fan of them but lots of people seemed to be enjoying them.
Pre-School-
This band is what remains of Micheal Jordan Touchdown Pass which is Pat's brother's band. They were grungy but wrote neat songs and put on a really good show. I don't know if they have a myspace or not, but I've had a lot of trouble finding it. I suggest you check them out if you have a chance!
Heathers
A duo from Dublin Ireland. They absolutely blew my mind with their beautiful, harmonically driven songs. This is their second tour in the US with Ghost Mice after their debut release Here, not There. It is one of my favorite albums right now and I highly, highly suggest you get your hands on it if you can. Look them up at myspace.com/heatherswhatsyourdamage
Ghost Mice
I've never been impressed generally with Ghosts Mice despite their status as a staple folk punk band. I could never get over Chris' inability to hit pitches correctly. However, seeing them live was a different experience. I definitely enjoyed them greatly! If you haven't already checked them out, you should: http://www.myspace.com/ghostmice
Endless Mike and the Beagle Club
I've already ranted and raved about how great I think Endless Mike is. They played great. I finally got their 4 way 7" split with Wingnut, Mischief Brew, and Guitar Bomb which is pure gold except for the Guitar Bomb song. They played a great set. This band rules! www.myspace.com/beagleclub
Wingnut Dishwashers Union
This time around, Pat played with a full band which was a unique experience. He has a real talent. He recorded new/old songs with Endless Mike and is now releasing it for a donation to help start and anarchist bus collective. It sounds like a really great idea. For more information, check out: http://www.wingnutdishwashersunion.com/
Thats all for now folks!
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