How could i forget senora byers... i mean the quitessential IB:16. If you read this Byers, please forgive me, cause it's like second nature when we sing together.... like it's amost a given. The problem was that i was thinking too hard about who we've sang 3 part with. isn't that funny, when you're trying to answer the simplest of problems... that you almost always get it wrong? kinda like shooting a layup in H-O-R-S-E. Its so simple... but i almost always give one person a letter. funny isn't it?
P.S. what's 6x7?
Thursday, February 23, 2006
Long Time No Type.
So i'm back from my hiatus *sp from posting. That last post took a lot outta me. I've been chilling out lately, no big news or new thoughts too interesting enough for me to write about. although, the talent show is this weekend and i'm pretty excited about it. Laura Mays and i are doing a couple songs during the judges deliberation. I've always enjoyed playing/singing with Ms. Mays and i think she is one of the greatest singers i've ever heard. American Idol move over.... seriously. If she got up the nerve to try out, she'd go all the way. I have no doubt. Anyways, standing next to her i'm just a guitar and the guy who tries to throw her off key by singing.... if you think otherwise, listen to the OBB3 performance of "Don't Know Why" and you'll hear who's in key, and who's always flat. Note: i'm usually less flat when sober. (less flat being the key phrase here). Anyways, I'm excited i get to play alongside her and i'd love to play more with tom and laura, cause the 3 part harmonies are always so much fun to sing. I rank it 2nd to badass mike solos. 3 part harmony is what i live for in music. That and mike solos. I can only think of a few people i've 3 part'ed with... (excluding choral functions)... It was always, Tom, myself and (Laura Mays, Andy, Justin). I think we got 4 part one time with andy and steiner... but if i remember correctly, steiner always had problems with harmony. Speaking of steiner... i haven't seen his ass in like 3 years. "Hey, Where's Joe?"
Saturday, February 11, 2006
Jeff's Favorite Albums.
(Warning: Long Post)
First of all let me describe some basic rules of a good album in my opinion. These rules are not really rules, just guidlines... in other words, there can be a few exceptions to still have a good album. First off, you gotta be able to listen to the whole cd without "skipping ahead." Now most albums have 1 song you skip. this is acceptable. You could skip it for pacing reasons, or because it's just a clusterfuck of a song...(See DSOTM below). Some songs can be skipped on feeling alone, like "Maybe Today" on Echo Echo. Good song, just kinda have to be in the mood for that type of song. Anyways, without further adeu, adoo, uhdew, My favorite albums in no particuar order:
Guster - Lost and Gone Forever.
This album is the quintessential Guster album, the first "real" album of theirs because there isn't a single percuission that's played with a stick on the entire album. Guster all the way. Goldfly and Parachute are both on the list, but i'm not going to comment on every single good album, maybe in a later edition. Just know that i still love both of them and can stay in my CD player in my car for long periods.
Guster - Keep It Together.
If you notice i didn't mention this album in the previous paragraph. This is because KIT needs to be addressed on its own. The transition from LAGF to KIT is truely amazing. These guys are growing and expanding in a way that i've never heard before. When bands start trying new things, usually they suck ass. (See DMB - Everyday). Not these guys. This album has a place in my heart forever. This CD was in my CD player in my car for at LEAST 10 months straight. And I don't listen to the radio. Tom still hasn't taken his out of his car. granted he has a 6 disk cd player, but none the less, still amazing. I will be listening to this album until i die.
Pink Floyd - Dark Side of the Moon.
I first heard a pink floyd song at the beginning of last summer. Tom was so excited about a dvd he had watched with his buddy that talks about the making of this album and he fell in love with the album and shared the wealth. Funny what happens when you listen to some music other people like...Tom wouldn't know what that's about at all. Dane Cook Bitch. Anyways, I first listened to this album on a fairway mower, and i fell in love with this album immediately. i listened to it twice through. The Clocks in Time about made me fall off the machine TWICE, but i loved it still. This album flows through every second that is on the cd. This album is an ALBUM, not a collection of songs that happen to be on the same cd. Some notable songs: Time, Money. Both of these songs have kick ass guitar solos in them. And Mike rocks them out better than i could ever. Nothing beats the feeling i get when mike finishes the solo to Money in the basement or at the OBB. It's like winning a championship. You should try it. it's addicting.
DMB - every album up to Before These Crowded Streets.
I guess I can attribute this one to Mike as well. He got me into dave, and I thank him for it. This band has a firm part to my middle-high school days. I guage how old i am in memories by what song i was listening to at the time. This also goes for the next album(s) on the list.
Barenaked Ladies - Gordon.
File this one under the "I can listen to all of this band's music" category. Gordon is still my favorite cause it's not as weird as the later stuff gets, but i still love all of these albums. I used to fall asleep to Stunt during my late-middle school years and wake up to a living room full of friends ready to "walk" to Metz. Of course Steve was always late and met us with his mom halfway down richmond ave. But she usually drove us the rest of the way when that happened so it was a win-win situation. In fact, i remember cutting through our backyard neighbor's house and trying to be the last in the convoy cause the same damn spider kept building her web where we walked. I know it was steve, drew, julia, dina, and myself. Ortiz might have been there too, i can't remember. Oh good times. ok back to music.
John Mayer - Room For Squares.
I'm almost embarrassed to admit this one, but the kid knows how to record an album. He might be a huge tool, but 83 rocks my socks off. Heavier Things is a good album too but i still think RFS is better. City Love into 83 into 3x5. I saw John Mayer live. I wasn't impressed. even more of a tool than i had previously thought. but his albums still kick ass. trust me.
Carbon Leaf - Echo Echo.
This is the only carbon leaf album i have. I want more. I just saw them live again on thursday and i knew like 3 songs, but it was an excellent concert. Their use of the penny whistle is perfect. Mary Mac's mother's making Mary Mac marry me, My mother's making me marry Mary Mac. YES, YES, Y-E-S.
Phish - The Story of the Ghost.
Think DSOTM but with phish. awesome storyline for an album. another album as opposed to a collection of songs on a cd. If you have heard of phish, but have no clue what they sound like, let me know, cause i made the mistake of not every giving them a chance on the fact that they have a bunch of hippie, pot smoking losers for fans, but once you get through the cloud of cannabis smoke into the music, they really are genius. Not to mention Trey being one of the best guitarists on the face of the planet. They really know how to fill out a song. Trey's solos seem like they just came with the song and he isn't making up anything. Almost like they built the songs around the solo. But they didn't. They rule. I was riding down the road one day, someone hit a possum.
Brothers Creeggan - Trunks.
A little known band with the bass player and ex keyboard player from BNL who happen to be brothers with the last name Creeggan. This album is excellent with the exception of "she married a cowboy." which is slow and very "next" worthy. Kitchen Dancin' rules cause right in the middle of it, there's a kitchen appliance solo. And it's in tune too. Hit me up if you wanna hear what i'm talking about.
Beatles - Abbey Road.
How could a list like this not have the beatles on it. This album also has a section of it that Tom and i like to call the "Abbey Road Medley." but it's really the last 6 or 7 songs on the album. The first half of this album is also good with such hits as Oh Darling, I want you (she's so heavy), and Here Comes the Sun (a Mr. Owens favorite). Too bad that song has the most confusing lyrics ever. anyways, if you don't have this album, get it. Sir Paul McCartney isn't rich enough yet.
Agents of Good Roots - Needle and Thread.
Best band to never get famous. The music industry sucks because of this band not being famous and people like rufus wainright being famous. In with AGR, out with Nickleback, creed, and Lifehouse. These bands need to be shot. especially Nickleback.
Alison Krauss - Forget About It.
Another album i used to put on to fall asleep to. Alison Krauss sings like a freaking angel. Talks like man, sings like an angel, i think it's a fair trade off. I can't think of alison krauss without thinking of Laura Mays' awesome voice. Somewhere, somZZZZZZZZZ.
Bela Fleck and the Flecktones - Outbound.
Banjo never sounded so good. Those of you who now don't want to hear this album because you know there's banjo in it, you need to get a life. Cause this is the most talented band on the face of the planet. Where else can you get 4 virtuosos on stage together making the most jaw dropping music you've ever heard. These guys give the best concerts in the world. My top 3 favorite shows were all 3 Bela Fleck shows i've been to. Trust me, they're that good. Just google victor wooten.
Blues Brothers - The Soundtrack
The most kick ass soul band on the face of the planet. This one is in honor of Dad. Even the Aretha Franklin song on the album is good. That's right i said aretha franklin and good in the same sentence. RAWHIDE!
Jason Mraz - Waiting for my Rocket to Come.
Holy Sexual Innuendo Batman! This album is good mainly because the drums and bass are done my AGR's bassist and drummer. Not to mention that Jason Mraz has an incredible voice. But he need to shut it the hell up, you can't get through 10 seconds of this album without hearing his voice. I'm serious, prove me wrong. Other than that, awesome album. Favorite Line (Too much food) : " ...My stomach's smaller than my eyes so i went to see the doctor and she said turn my head and cough, i didn't listen to what she said, instead i couldn't wait to get off." The best part about it is that most people don't even catch it... I didn't until like the 3rd or 4th time i heard it.
Justin - Ate
His famous eighth album. This is a lyrical genius at work here. With such hits as Big Fan Base in Texas, Superman's Bathroom, Nflgjlvkgjo, Buddah on a Chain, The Light, and Friday, how could it not make the list. It also has his "two minute epic going on three."
Maroon 5 - Songs About Jane
This album has been out since my freshman year. It's time for a new album already. That being said, this album kicks ass. I go through Maroon 5 phases where they are all i want to listen to. But i'm ready for a new album already. so do it.
Norah Jones - Come Away With Me
Best chill album on the planet in my opinion. Excellent to fall asleep to. not a very good album for driving though.
That's it for now. Now that's it's an hour later in your life, i hope you've enjoyed it.
I must thank my family for most of these artists and albums cause most of these bands i acquired from one of them, with a few exceptions. So if you like this list, thank my brothers. if you don't, make your own list for me to hate. haha. Oh and Tom, LISTEN TO DANE COOK YOU BASTARD.
First of all let me describe some basic rules of a good album in my opinion. These rules are not really rules, just guidlines... in other words, there can be a few exceptions to still have a good album. First off, you gotta be able to listen to the whole cd without "skipping ahead." Now most albums have 1 song you skip. this is acceptable. You could skip it for pacing reasons, or because it's just a clusterfuck of a song...(See DSOTM below). Some songs can be skipped on feeling alone, like "Maybe Today" on Echo Echo. Good song, just kinda have to be in the mood for that type of song. Anyways, without further adeu, adoo, uhdew, My favorite albums in no particuar order:
Guster - Lost and Gone Forever.
This album is the quintessential Guster album, the first "real" album of theirs because there isn't a single percuission that's played with a stick on the entire album. Guster all the way. Goldfly and Parachute are both on the list, but i'm not going to comment on every single good album, maybe in a later edition. Just know that i still love both of them and can stay in my CD player in my car for long periods.
Guster - Keep It Together.
If you notice i didn't mention this album in the previous paragraph. This is because KIT needs to be addressed on its own. The transition from LAGF to KIT is truely amazing. These guys are growing and expanding in a way that i've never heard before. When bands start trying new things, usually they suck ass. (See DMB - Everyday). Not these guys. This album has a place in my heart forever. This CD was in my CD player in my car for at LEAST 10 months straight. And I don't listen to the radio. Tom still hasn't taken his out of his car. granted he has a 6 disk cd player, but none the less, still amazing. I will be listening to this album until i die.
Pink Floyd - Dark Side of the Moon.
I first heard a pink floyd song at the beginning of last summer. Tom was so excited about a dvd he had watched with his buddy that talks about the making of this album and he fell in love with the album and shared the wealth. Funny what happens when you listen to some music other people like...Tom wouldn't know what that's about at all. Dane Cook Bitch. Anyways, I first listened to this album on a fairway mower, and i fell in love with this album immediately. i listened to it twice through. The Clocks in Time about made me fall off the machine TWICE, but i loved it still. This album flows through every second that is on the cd. This album is an ALBUM, not a collection of songs that happen to be on the same cd. Some notable songs: Time, Money. Both of these songs have kick ass guitar solos in them. And Mike rocks them out better than i could ever. Nothing beats the feeling i get when mike finishes the solo to Money in the basement or at the OBB. It's like winning a championship. You should try it. it's addicting.
DMB - every album up to Before These Crowded Streets.
I guess I can attribute this one to Mike as well. He got me into dave, and I thank him for it. This band has a firm part to my middle-high school days. I guage how old i am in memories by what song i was listening to at the time. This also goes for the next album(s) on the list.
Barenaked Ladies - Gordon.
File this one under the "I can listen to all of this band's music" category. Gordon is still my favorite cause it's not as weird as the later stuff gets, but i still love all of these albums. I used to fall asleep to Stunt during my late-middle school years and wake up to a living room full of friends ready to "walk" to Metz. Of course Steve was always late and met us with his mom halfway down richmond ave. But she usually drove us the rest of the way when that happened so it was a win-win situation. In fact, i remember cutting through our backyard neighbor's house and trying to be the last in the convoy cause the same damn spider kept building her web where we walked. I know it was steve, drew, julia, dina, and myself. Ortiz might have been there too, i can't remember. Oh good times. ok back to music.
John Mayer - Room For Squares.
I'm almost embarrassed to admit this one, but the kid knows how to record an album. He might be a huge tool, but 83 rocks my socks off. Heavier Things is a good album too but i still think RFS is better. City Love into 83 into 3x5. I saw John Mayer live. I wasn't impressed. even more of a tool than i had previously thought. but his albums still kick ass. trust me.
Carbon Leaf - Echo Echo.
This is the only carbon leaf album i have. I want more. I just saw them live again on thursday and i knew like 3 songs, but it was an excellent concert. Their use of the penny whistle is perfect. Mary Mac's mother's making Mary Mac marry me, My mother's making me marry Mary Mac. YES, YES, Y-E-S.
Phish - The Story of the Ghost.
Think DSOTM but with phish. awesome storyline for an album. another album as opposed to a collection of songs on a cd. If you have heard of phish, but have no clue what they sound like, let me know, cause i made the mistake of not every giving them a chance on the fact that they have a bunch of hippie, pot smoking losers for fans, but once you get through the cloud of cannabis smoke into the music, they really are genius. Not to mention Trey being one of the best guitarists on the face of the planet. They really know how to fill out a song. Trey's solos seem like they just came with the song and he isn't making up anything. Almost like they built the songs around the solo. But they didn't. They rule. I was riding down the road one day, someone hit a possum.
Brothers Creeggan - Trunks.
A little known band with the bass player and ex keyboard player from BNL who happen to be brothers with the last name Creeggan. This album is excellent with the exception of "she married a cowboy." which is slow and very "next" worthy. Kitchen Dancin' rules cause right in the middle of it, there's a kitchen appliance solo. And it's in tune too. Hit me up if you wanna hear what i'm talking about.
Beatles - Abbey Road.
How could a list like this not have the beatles on it. This album also has a section of it that Tom and i like to call the "Abbey Road Medley." but it's really the last 6 or 7 songs on the album. The first half of this album is also good with such hits as Oh Darling, I want you (she's so heavy), and Here Comes the Sun (a Mr. Owens favorite). Too bad that song has the most confusing lyrics ever. anyways, if you don't have this album, get it. Sir Paul McCartney isn't rich enough yet.
Agents of Good Roots - Needle and Thread.
Best band to never get famous. The music industry sucks because of this band not being famous and people like rufus wainright being famous. In with AGR, out with Nickleback, creed, and Lifehouse. These bands need to be shot. especially Nickleback.
Alison Krauss - Forget About It.
Another album i used to put on to fall asleep to. Alison Krauss sings like a freaking angel. Talks like man, sings like an angel, i think it's a fair trade off. I can't think of alison krauss without thinking of Laura Mays' awesome voice. Somewhere, somZZZZZZZZZ.
Bela Fleck and the Flecktones - Outbound.
Banjo never sounded so good. Those of you who now don't want to hear this album because you know there's banjo in it, you need to get a life. Cause this is the most talented band on the face of the planet. Where else can you get 4 virtuosos on stage together making the most jaw dropping music you've ever heard. These guys give the best concerts in the world. My top 3 favorite shows were all 3 Bela Fleck shows i've been to. Trust me, they're that good. Just google victor wooten.
Blues Brothers - The Soundtrack
The most kick ass soul band on the face of the planet. This one is in honor of Dad. Even the Aretha Franklin song on the album is good. That's right i said aretha franklin and good in the same sentence. RAWHIDE!
Jason Mraz - Waiting for my Rocket to Come.
Holy Sexual Innuendo Batman! This album is good mainly because the drums and bass are done my AGR's bassist and drummer. Not to mention that Jason Mraz has an incredible voice. But he need to shut it the hell up, you can't get through 10 seconds of this album without hearing his voice. I'm serious, prove me wrong. Other than that, awesome album. Favorite Line (Too much food) : " ...My stomach's smaller than my eyes so i went to see the doctor and she said turn my head and cough, i didn't listen to what she said, instead i couldn't wait to get off." The best part about it is that most people don't even catch it... I didn't until like the 3rd or 4th time i heard it.
Justin - Ate
His famous eighth album. This is a lyrical genius at work here. With such hits as Big Fan Base in Texas, Superman's Bathroom, Nflgjlvkgjo, Buddah on a Chain, The Light, and Friday, how could it not make the list. It also has his "two minute epic going on three."
Maroon 5 - Songs About Jane
This album has been out since my freshman year. It's time for a new album already. That being said, this album kicks ass. I go through Maroon 5 phases where they are all i want to listen to. But i'm ready for a new album already. so do it.
Norah Jones - Come Away With Me
Best chill album on the planet in my opinion. Excellent to fall asleep to. not a very good album for driving though.
That's it for now. Now that's it's an hour later in your life, i hope you've enjoyed it.
I must thank my family for most of these artists and albums cause most of these bands i acquired from one of them, with a few exceptions. So if you like this list, thank my brothers. if you don't, make your own list for me to hate. haha. Oh and Tom, LISTEN TO DANE COOK YOU BASTARD.
Wednesday, February 08, 2006
Attention Readers.
It has been brought to my attention that my blog has a bitter tone to it. I can see this. Most of you know me and how i act in person and that i am generally a pleasant person to be around. At least that's how i see myself. That being said, i do have a darker, more bitter side to me which feels nice to actually air out in this blog... i hope you all can see that. If you want cheerful jeff, call me, im me, email me... This blog doesn't quite capture the whole picture of me, just a part that most of you haven't seen before. And to those who are shocked at the usage of curse words, consider this the evil twin of jeff. Ffej if you will. or Divad. Ffej Snewo. HA. it's like i planned that.
Plus i feel that bitter feelings provoke the best kind of humor.... truthful. See Maddox.Xmission.
And just for those wanting a piece of cheerful Jeff, coming up in the next few blogs is "Jeff's List of Best Albums Ever." Put in your suggestions now, cause i know i'm going to forget some.
There better not be any "U2's, Rufus Wainright's or Rolling Stones Albums in the Suggestion Box."
Plus i feel that bitter feelings provoke the best kind of humor.... truthful. See Maddox.Xmission.
And just for those wanting a piece of cheerful Jeff, coming up in the next few blogs is "Jeff's List of Best Albums Ever." Put in your suggestions now, cause i know i'm going to forget some.
There better not be any "U2's, Rufus Wainright's or Rolling Stones Albums in the Suggestion Box."
Tuesday, February 07, 2006
Why Blogs Rule.
I think the reason so many people enjoy reading blogs is that you get an insight into who the person is and what he/she's thinking (from now on i'll use "he" so don't think i forgot about the female bloggers people). Even if the entry is a sentence long. Even if it's not even a sentence, you still feel rewarded for clicking on the link. It's like you would never get an in depth perspective on one's thoughts on a subject if you sat there and talked with them. For example, why mother hates hot dogs so much. i just knew she didn't like them. and that she had them a lot. who would of thought she could write a whole page on it? But that's what's great about this, is that you can beat a dead horse into the ground with analysis.
There are some occasions where you will in fact go into depth on why you put soap on the right side of the sink... but these are few and far between. I know that i can have a deeply, non-meaningful conversation on stupid things with a few of my friends where we examine EVERY angle on why Fox has the best TV shows around. i mean seriously folks, House, 24, Family Guy, American Dad, The Simpsons, The O.C., Prison Break, American Idol.
I mean seriously folks... what do the other stations got? Not to mention that fox is in HD too... but that doesn't matter while i'm at school since i'm on NTC's monopoly of internet/phone/cable. I don't have an HD tv either. But that's beside the point. the point is you are still thinking about how I put the O.C. in that list. Just making sure you're paying attention. If you like the O.C. and you are a male... FIND A NEW SHOW TO WATCH WITH YOUR BOYFRIEND. And stop listening to Rufus Wainwright.
If you were offended by this post, slam your head against your desk. it'll make you feel better i promise.
There are some occasions where you will in fact go into depth on why you put soap on the right side of the sink... but these are few and far between. I know that i can have a deeply, non-meaningful conversation on stupid things with a few of my friends where we examine EVERY angle on why Fox has the best TV shows around. i mean seriously folks, House, 24, Family Guy, American Dad, The Simpsons, The O.C., Prison Break, American Idol.
I mean seriously folks... what do the other stations got? Not to mention that fox is in HD too... but that doesn't matter while i'm at school since i'm on NTC's monopoly of internet/phone/cable. I don't have an HD tv either. But that's beside the point. the point is you are still thinking about how I put the O.C. in that list. Just making sure you're paying attention. If you like the O.C. and you are a male... FIND A NEW SHOW TO WATCH WITH YOUR BOYFRIEND. And stop listening to Rufus Wainwright.
If you were offended by this post, slam your head against your desk. it'll make you feel better i promise.
Monday, February 06, 2006
Fun Times.
Don't tell me you'll hang out tomorrow when you wont. If you say you'll hang out and something comes up, at least throw me a line. I feel like all i'm trying to do is get in touch with people to hang out and no one answers phones, no one calls back, no one answers ims. Only my friends who are not near blacksburg answer phones and messages.
On a lighter note, i need a jam with my brothers, or i need a drumset down here, either or. Cause all i want to do is play drums, maybe practice some stuff, but all i can do here is play guitar. which is alright cause i'll get better at guitar, but i've decided that playing drums is my favorite musical activity. if i could only find a way to practice while at school, i think i'd improve more. Maybe some drum lessons could help my technique out cause i know my mechanics are minimal at best.
Is it annoying that i capitalize the beginning of some sentences and others i don't? just a thought.
On a lighter note, i need a jam with my brothers, or i need a drumset down here, either or. Cause all i want to do is play drums, maybe practice some stuff, but all i can do here is play guitar. which is alright cause i'll get better at guitar, but i've decided that playing drums is my favorite musical activity. if i could only find a way to practice while at school, i think i'd improve more. Maybe some drum lessons could help my technique out cause i know my mechanics are minimal at best.
Is it annoying that i capitalize the beginning of some sentences and others i don't? just a thought.
Thursday, February 02, 2006
Dane Cook.
As you will notice, there is a countdown on my blog now. This is the countdown to the taping of Dane Cook's HBO special in Boston. I am going to this show. It's going to rule. All those who don't know who dane cook is, i suggest you check him out. His latest album Retaliation is killing on the Billboard charts. It's the biggest comedy album since Steve Martin's good album, whatever that is. If you have any questions, just forward them to my brother Tom. He knows ALL about dane cook.
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