It's been a record (for me) TWO MONTHS without doing a blog, the first time in at least three years of going that long. I think soon I'll start continuing doing this blog on a host other than MySpace. MySpace will no doubt continue to serve as a universal go-to for bands for awhile at least but like many others I'm sure, I associate MySpace with where I was at 3 or 4 years ago when I started blogging. I still like the idea of blogging to document shows and recording sessions but don't see a point in keeping these golden observations on MySpace since the shift continues towards Facebook and Twiitter and since I myself would like to move on from these here pastures. I'll probably do a blog somewhere else then link it on Facebook. That's what the kids are doing these days, I think.
I also am reluctant to keep blogging about individual shows in the fashion that I have been over the last 3 years. I'm a setlist nerd both when it comes to shows I go to and my favorite artists and also in regards to keeping my own archive and going back over to see what I've played. I must admit though to preparing setlists with this sentiment in mind and for the very rare (and probably non-existent) fan that would get a charge out of wildly shifting songs and musicians from show to show. For now I retire from this fanboy approach and move towards an autumn attempt at (cough) professionalism, For the next six months or show, I plan to do more or less the same set from front to back, focusing mainly on the songs from the soon-to-be "officially" released album. I plan to create a set based on the shifting peaks-n-valleys arrangements these songs have and embellish on this philosophy throughout the set, by having sections that may stretch or end according to the mood of the audience, the band, myself or the fly buzzing by the light bulb. I am also trying for the first time NOT playing guitar live and focusing on the singing. I had a ball doing so this last Saturday at Fremont Oktoberfest. This was Michael Spaly's first gig back with me since moving back from Boston and he agreed to focus on the rhythm parts to free me up vocally. Thanks Michael! Also joining me on the rain-then-sun-then-rain afternoon were Allison, Ken, Dave, John T. again on Hammond, Isaac on percussion station and the return of Andrea Yoshida on viola, vocals and percussion. The set went:
Salted Caramel Shake/Artificial Chocolate/Abercrombie Girl/Waiting on the Waffle/The Legend of Christopher Moon/Panthers medley (with a bit of The Wedding March to proceed in honor of Allison's upcoming nuptials)/My Pink Booth
Energy was a bit low at first but it WAS a rainy Saturday afternoon. And people stopped listened, seemed to enjoy overall. Waffles flew from the stage then back then all around and in the air during Waiting on the Waffle. Thanks to Beth for picking them all up after!
Coming up is a show at the Ballard Elks club on the 3rd for Surf Rider Foundation and the CD Release show on the 8th. Good times ahead...