The inside sleeve of Dntel's album "Something Always Goes Wrong" is a list of misadventures on a first date, scribbled on a phone advertisement in a magazine. Although the list is ultimately piteous, I find it a lovely piece of work, and oddly enough it makes me smile: not at the obvious regret and humiliation of the writer, but the simply honest fashion he breaks down the ill-fated evening.

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1-20...
1. Half an hour late picking you up.
2. A pretty awkward hug at your front door.
3. Brought you too many flowers for a first date.
4. Couldn't think of anything to talk about on the drive.
5. Didn't make reservations for dinner so we had to wait more than an hour before we got a table.
6. Tripped on the way to the table (I think you saw).
7. Couldn't pronounce the name of the wine you wanted.
8. Kept kicking your toes under the table.
9. Asked you the same question three times.
10. Mumbled a lot.
11. Laughed and coughed at the same time creating a loud donkey noise.
12. Kept dropping food in my lap.
13. Told a joke and you didn't laugh.
14. You had to tell me there was something stuck in my teeth.
15. Almost knocked my drink over when I got up from the table to use the restroom.
16. Forgot my wallet.
17. Thought I lost my keys but they were just in my coat pocket.
18. While saying goodbye I tried to kiss you but you moved away.
19. Wished you "good dreams" instead of "good night" or "sweet dreams."
20. Drove off before you'd even made it to you front gate.
Sorry

xo.