So I was in a really strange mood today. It's chilly and rainy (again) and there's been a stomach bug floating around my house since Saturday. No fun. After some very early morning emailing for work I decided to take a nap. I slept from 8:00 AM to noon!
 
Now this is strange for a variety of reasons: 1. I normally don't sleep well, typically 4-5 hours a night of broken sleep 2. When I woke up I had no idea where I was or even what year it was. I had one of those sleep experiences that are so deep that when you awake your mind actually has to catch up (or return to) your physical self. I used to wake up like this all the time back in high school. After a sleep like this you actually feel refreshed, energetic and ready to do something incredible. That's not to say I don't get those same feelings anymore - it's just been awhile since I've been truly inspired.

So anyway, I got up, showered and went downstairs to say hi to our Nanny (Deborah) and the babies. Then I went for a 3 hour walk. When I returned home I had in my possession 2 new CD's and 2 new records. More importantly I acquired these items from our local record store, Hard Boiled. For those of you who have not been to Hard Boiled on Roscoe - it's a place you definitely have to visit at least once. The owner there (Mark) is, for a lack of a better term, misunderstood. If you go there looking for the latest Dave Mathews Band album, he will not have it and will look at you as if you are dumb bastard. However he has an amazing selection of kung fu movies and a really great selection music for anyone that enjoys bands like Acid Mothers Temple (which are a fantastic band to see live)...or in my case someone looking to buy a vinyl copy of Frank Zappa's "Joe's Garage". I also bought an earlier album from Explosions in the Sky who I saw for the first time last summer. They're pretty good and excellent music to have on in the background.

But I digress - during my walk I thought a lot about music. Frigin music man... friend, mother, secret lover. It made me think a lot about being a musician in general and a lot more about being a music fan...especially about being a live music fan. I encourage people to get out there and see more live music...especially in Chicago. There are some great bands in this town and some great bands that come through this town (I was pretty bummed that I was sick last night and missed Lightning Love at Schubas). I guess my overall point to this random rant is that everyone should take the time to remember what brings you inspiration. Whatever it may be, make time for it. It's good for the soul. 
 
I'm feeling pretty good and excited about the state of music today. I feel good about all the shows that have inspired me and all the shows that will inspire me. Tonight I’m going to go out and watch some bands that I’ve never even heard of just to see what’s out there. (I'm going to check out Martyrs’ for anyone up for an adventure). 

Speaking of inspiration - I would like to take this time to encourage everyone to go check out RF Modulator this Friday at the Mutiny (4/3). If seeing Pauly rock lead guitar isn't enough to get you off your ass...how about the fact that Kiel Phegley is their front man?! A finer front man alive? This I do not believe. If that's still not enough how about seeing Billy Clyde's new band Hewbie Hewb and the Nano Pubes...lastly but certainly not least, did I mention the Champions of frigin Breakfast will close out the night???

That's some good inspirational gravy for your potatoes my friend.

Carry on,
Donehoo