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Not Afraid To Use It
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Allie
I’m coming to realize this week that holidays (vacations) as I knew them are over. In the past, holidays with Dr. O’C have been leisurely affairs – sleeping late, consuming novels like candy, leisurely walks on the beach, wandering through the ancient cities of Europe, luxurious dinners. Well, with the introduction of a toddler terrorist into the equation things have changed. There is certainly no sleeping in together. We did take a walk on the beach yesterday, but there’s a difference between leisurely and zigging and zagging in a generally backward direction after a toddler who’s recently learned to run. In fact, most of our holiday thus far has been spent chasing Boy Z, making sure he doesn’t take a flying leap off of a jungle gym. Seems to me that young boys are biologically programmed to kill themselves.
The result? Complete exhaustion by Boy Z’s bed time. After that wonderful exhalation that slips involuntarily out of my lungs when I’m sure the boy is asleep, an overpowering weariness sets in – fatigue so strong that I can’t read, write or anything other than cuddle up with Dr. O’C in front of the TV, in fact we’ve become completely addicted to the American version of The Office (on DVD) this week. Don’t know what we’re going to do when we run out of episodes. Oh well, I’m back to work on Monday where I can relax a bit.
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All this preface is just an excuse for being a blogging slacker for the last few days. My intent was to finish my Top 10 list before the end of the year and with two to go on New Year’s Eve, I’ve run out of time. So, let’s jam them in before the deadlie. Here’s where we were when last we spoke:
10. The Hold Steady – “Stay Positive”
9. The Black Angels – “Directions To See A Ghost”
8. Sun Kil Moon – “April”
7. Frank Turner – “Love, Ire & Song”
6. Vampire Weekend – “Vampire Weekend”
5. Jon and Roy – “Another Noon”
4. Frightened Rabbit – “Midnight Organ Fight”
3. Okkervil River – “The Stand-Ins”
Coming in at Number 2 is the latest from one of my favorite bands of the last decade. With two lines from their 1998 debut “Gangstabilly”, the Drive-By Truckers made me a life long fan:
The devil says the only thing that’s buggin’ him
is Hell’s filling up with Republicans…
Alabamans who settled in Athens, Georgia about the same time I did, the Drive-By Truckers built up a dedicated local fan base with their first couple of records of clever, tongue-in-cheek country before garnering deserved national attention for “Southern Rock Opera” in 2001. With this record, the band made the transition from a kind of novelty act to a proper Southern rock band and became the best that genre has seen since the 1970’s. 2003’s “Decoration Day” was the band’s masterpiece, and probably one of the best records of the decade.
The band has been in a constant state of flux since then. They added a third guitarist, the outstanding Jason Isbell, who has since left on a solo career. I worried a bit for the Truckers, as their last album seemed slipshod, but with the release of “Brighter Than Creation’s Dark” earlier this year they made a statement that they are in it for the long haul. It’s a rambling beast of a record and has earned comparisons to The Stones’ “Exile on Main Street” and Wilco’s “Being There”. It is by no means a perfect album, nor is it the Drive-By Truckers’ best album, but it is another great one from a band at the top of their game. Have a listen to the opener and if you like what you hear, buy “Brighter Than Creation’s Dark” from 
.
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That just leaves Number 1. My Top 10 list is mine and thus I get to make the choices. There have been a couple of criteria throughout. First, all the albums are by unsigned artists or artists signed to a truly independent label. The Big Four lost my business earlier by clamping down on bloggers in a desperately Orwellian fashion. They’ll get no more of my money, nor will I shill for them for free anymore. The second criteria is simple – albums that I listened to over and over and that made me happy this year. The latest record from the husband and wife team Mates of State is the perfect example of that latter criteria. There’s nothing groundbreaking or original about “Rearrange Us” – it is just perfectly crafted pop music. It’s wonderfully written. There isn’t a bad track on the record. And it’s perfect to sing-along to. Do you need more? The record kind of got panned by the critics. I don’t know why. It’s as close to a perfect pop album as I’ve heard in years and it was my favorite album of the year. I can give you A Free Man guarantee that if you buy this one from you will not be disappointed.
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Oh, and there’s the little matter of the Grand Prize winner – the lucky reader who will be receiving all ten of my favorite albums of 2008. There was a total of forty entrants and to insure complete randomness, I used random.org to generate a random number between 1 and 40. And the winner is…
Heather from Ghost of a Smile!
But because this particular prize won’t cost me any money and so there will be slightly fewer disappointed readers, I’ve decided to pick a couple of other winners
Father Muskrat (thank god, because I’m pretty sure he was going to kick my ass if he didn’t win) and Mickey from The Prettiest Denny’s Waitress. For those of you who didn’t win (i.e. losers), don’t fret. I’m going to try to come up with a little post-New Year’s thank you gift.
Congrats to Heather, Father Muskrat and Mickey. I’ll be in touch with you guys after I’m back from vacation with details on how to claim your prize.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got to get back to this:
Drive-By Truckers - "Two Daughters and a Beautiful Wife" [3:06m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download Mates of State - "The Re-Arranger" [4:29m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | DownloadPopularity: 63% [?]
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THAT IS AWESOME! I’m so excited right now. And, I just can’t hide it. In fact, I’m about to lose control, and I think I like it.
I never win anything. Oh my, do I feel you on the kid front. I never thought I’d get to the point where holidays are actually MORE work than being at home. Good still yes, but more work. It’s when they finally get to like 3 when they aren’t in manic self destructive mode and are mastering potty training that it gets better. Hope you guys are having schloads of fun.
toddler boys are programed to self destruct. the one i own attempts to do so almost daily. occassionally (you know, in those NON-lifethreatening situations) i let him reap the benefits of his doings. he learns, if not only temporarily. cant protect them from everything… no matter how much we want to…
Wait until he runs off and you can’t find him. Those are scary times . . . my youngest boy made it eight blocks (EIGHT F&%$^ING BLOCKS!) before the cops found him. He slipped out the back door while my wife was on the can. He was barely three. We moved out of the downtown area the following year . . .
Those were the most frightening twenty minutes of my life . . .
i’m a loser baby, so why don’t you kill me . . .
oh well, there’s always next time!
i’m kind of surprised that mates of state is your number 1. not sure why, but it surprises me.
i wonder, how different would your list be if you’d included the non-indie artists?
happy new year, i’d wish you both rest and relaxation but that won’t come true for another few years, so i wish you more “office” episodes, because they will!
Hey, pal, thanks for the Vampire Weekend recommendation. You weren’t kidding! It’s nice.
“Toddler terrorist”. I love it!! It doesn’t get better, you know. He just gets bigger and harder to keep up with.
I can’t believe I didn’t win. I’d pout but what’s the point? You can’t see it. It won’t make you feel guilty.
Happy New Year.
Hi, it’s been a while…
Wishing you a Happy New Year!!
Oh, you are already in 2009!!
I’d like to tell you that the sleeping in gets better, but it really doesn’t. Then again, I don’t have much to complain about bc my kids tend to sleep in later than others do. We pay for it in the evenings, though.
Even though I didn’t win, I still like getting music recommendations. Besides, Mickey winning is sort of like me winning, since we live in the same apartment and all. I’ll have to make him share.
Happy New Year!
I’ve been feeling the same way, except our little one is only 5 weeks old and we’ve been watching “The West Wing.”
I like Vampier Weekend and Okkervil River. I’m surprised that Fleet Foxes wasn’t in the list, or do they violate the rules you’ve set up?
What a good looking list that turned out to be! I loved Mates Of State this year too. Pretty infectious stuff. Glad you’re enjoying your holidays, even if they aren’t as laid back as you may have liked!
I LOVE the American version of The Office. I ripped through them all a couple of months ago and am impatiently awaiting season 5. I’m actually wearing a wrist band right now that my sister gave me for Christmas that says ‘Support The Rabid’, just like the ones they all wear in the fun run episode. It’s funny stuff. And Dwight’s awesome.
Warm weather, beaches–you just have to rub it in, don’t you?
Happy New Year, Chris!
Muskrat – Well done. Randomness was in your favor.
Chris – Schloads. Schloads. Actually, it’s a good time. Just a lot more work than I’m used to. As for winning something, I’m pretty sure we can work something out for you!
Holly – I just try to keep him from drowning or falling off of things that are at a lethal height. Which explains why he is constantly battered and bruised.
Tys – Jesus, that is scary!
MJRC – Yeah, I don’t know how it got up there. It’s just that every time I turn it on, I’m happy – similar to Van Morrison’s “Astral Weeks”. That’s all I need out of music.
TUB – Glad you like it. Did you buy it from iTunes via a link from me? Still looking for the person that bought something through my page. There’s a reward.
Angel – He gets it from his Mom.
Mar – And you!
NATUI – I’m pretty sure that this is as good as it’s going to get for a while!
Courtney – Congrats! You’re a co-winner. Although, it’s up to Mickey really if he wants to share or not.
Agnes – Isn’t it great? I didn’t know there was a Season 5! I thought we’d be out at the end of Season 3. Woo hoo! Celebrate.
Prefers – It’s a pretty good meteorological deal.
Nice call on the Drive-By Truckers. I just downloaded the album from iTunes and I’m really enjoying it. Thanks!
I know what you mean about breathing that sigh of relief at the end of the day… and then the exhaustion setting in. I’m glad I’m not alone in this! Lately Biggie has started screaming and crying at bedtime and naptime (this is new) because she wants our company more than she wants to sleep. This is killing me! But I know what’s good for her. She can fight me on her bedtime when she’s ten!
“young boys are biologically programmed to kill themselves”
Uhh…. only if the young boy cut-off age is 25. Either that, or I’m just an anomaly.
Also, I am absolutely addicted to The Office. You’ll likely watch the episodes a few times, so don’t worry about running out.
Those pictures are great! That boy of yours is so adorable!
As for vacations with kids, they do get better, or you become better adapted to them, I’m not sure which. They will never, ever be the same relaxing affair they used to be though.
Jeff and I are supposed to go to Memphis next month, and we’re trying to decide whether to make this our first kid-free trip in seven years. The idea is tempting, but at the same time I can’t help but feel a little guilty about leaving them here. They LOVE vacations so much.
Oh, and I’m bummed I didn’t win the grand prize. I really loved the cd from last year. I think I might have forgotten to put my name in the hat this time, though… Oops.
Joe, honestly I think the cut off age is more like 30 or 35. Most grown men I know are still absolutely crazy.
I remember the toddler days! Mine are 16 and 11 and aside from driving them places, buying them things, earning the cash so they can buy things, and helping with homework, things are calmer. They still make quite a racket though. I’m certainly less tired than 10 years ago (other than being 10 years older).
Oh boy do I EVER remember those types of “vacations”!!!! Did I ever mention how much I love having a 13 year old and an 11 year old?!?!?!?!?!?!?
Theresa – Glad you’re liking it and thanks for reading and commenting! I love a new reader!
Toasty – The boy is just possessed lately. There’s no off switch or even a volume control. I have a feeling that the toddler years are going to be tough…
Joe – For me it was about 33. The Office – just the best thing ever. When I saw the first season I thought it kind of sucked because it was just a rip off of the British original, but they’ve really come into their own. Absolutely fantastic TV.
JK – I suspect that we adapt and you totally shouldn’t feel guilty about taking a kid free holiday. I think that’s probably a necessity from time to time. As for the prize, I think we can probably work something out.
Angel – You’re absolutely right. My old boss had a theory that more male children than female were born, but males died earlier – due to moronity – so that by adulthood there were more women than men.
Sarala – I’m going to send Zach off to work this week.
Jill – It turned out OK at the end. Just not as relaxing as they used to be.
I listened to Creation’s Dark a ton over the holidays. I definitely would move that up my 2008 list, probably at No. 2 or No. 3. It might be my second favorite DBT album, just behind Decoration Day.
Sweet. I truly look forward to my prize.
I saw the Truckers open for the Black Crowes in Jackson, WY a few years ago and they were the best part of the night. Sounded way better than the Crowes.
David – Yeah, when it first came out I was underwhelmed, but the more I listen the more I love it. I agree with you on second best DBT record.
Mickey – They’re one of the best live acts around right now. The Black Crowes, well, aren’t.
Relaxing ’cause you’re back at work. That tickles me.
I believe Patterson Hood recently mentioned that DBT’s first-ever Aussie tour in on deck for ‘09.