Issac Brock's Old but Improved Modest Mouse

I don't suggest you buy this album! I don't think you'll like it!

But, that doesn't mean that it isn't a good and at sometimes great album.

I like Modest Mouse and have for the last 4 or 5 years. I like the sound of Issac Brock's voice, but I don't think you will. There are some tracks from his last album that sound like other indie songs. Most people would probobly have no problem listening to Float On and the Ocean Breathes Salty, but other tracks would turn you off. Issac Brock is pissed and it really comes through in his music. This new album has it's up tempoed songs (March Into The Sea/Dashboard/We've Got Everything), but it's still Brock's band, and he goes off from time to time.

Basically, I would say you might want to check out some of the songs mentioned above, before you try an entire album. Dashboard is my favorite song from the new album and will give you a good idea of the bands range.

I should mention that I told Matt that James Mercer (The Shins) appeared on this album. That is true but his vocals can only be heard on We've Got Everything.

This Old House

Remember how "Mom's Show" would come on every Saturday and we would gather around and watch Bob Vila (or that other guy) walk around and talk about old houses? The Silva Brothers were always my favorite part of the show. I'm sure they were saying interesting things but I couldn't get past their Boston accents. Norm was great too. Anyway, I was thinking of that show as I worked on this image (below) for a book cover. The author wanted a three story Bayou style plantation house with the "biggest widow walk ever" and also the bottom of the house had been washed out so now it was a grand ballroom and also there should be a grand staircase on the outside and also it should be surrounded by big old trees with moss and... well you get the idea. There was no way I was gonna be able to find a photo of that house. So I used this one and... well click on the image to see the magic.

Popular Dog

Over at his gmail account Dumb Dumb Dog has been getting some interesting mail, we thought you might enjoy reading part of a recent arrival:

Dear Dumb Dumb,

Am I enthusiastic about my wife's campaign for president? You bet I am. I know her better than anybody on earth, and she's got the best combination of mind and heart of everybody I've ever known.

All across the country, Hillary is campaigning with the signature wisdom, grace, and humor that make her a great candidate. I know that if we all work hard enough, those same traits will make her an even better president.

You and I know something about waging and winning presidential campaigns.

Winning the White House takes persistence, energy and effort -- not just from the candidate, but from a massive network of grassroots supporters.

Hillary's campaign is off to a great start. And this week, we're going to help take it to another level. Our goal: to demonstrate the range and breadth of Hillary's support by raising one million dollars in grassroots donations in a week's time.

Will you help me get our "One Week, One Million" campaign off to a powerful start?

Sincerely,



Bill Clinton

The Long Wait is Over

This video sat on the shelf for three months and is now ready to make it's national debut. Cut and ready in only five hours, enjoy!!!

Wincing The Night Away

So, on my last post on my blog, I mentioned that I didn't think that there would be a new album by The Shins this year, but I didn't say if I liked the newest album Wincing The Night Away. First of all I need to clear somthing up. This album actually came out on January 27th, 2007, so I meant they wouldn't have another album later this year.
I think that there is somthing about third albums. First albums kindof introduce us to a new group. Maybe a new sound, and some great singals. Second albums seem to just show that the band can come up with new material. But, the third album is when the band, in this case The Shins, have to prove that they can mature in every aspect of music making, and that they can come out with a great album. In the past two weeks I have listened to this album three or four times, every day. I still haven't found a song that I would call a singel. That isn't to say that I don't like some songs better, it's just that none seem seperate and above the album. All the songs work together to make this a sweet record. The first song is Sleeping Lessons. It seems to be taking you off into a daydream, into another world. It helps you get lost in this record. Phantom Limb, could easily be a stand alone song, but the track Pam Berry is it's into. The drums and bass on sealegs seems so unlike The Shins, but than James Mercer begins to sing and everything clicks. And, I can't listen to Red Rabbits and than not listen to the next track Turn On Me.
I think this a great album. It's nothing fancy but I am so hooked. I'll listen to some of my other music, but I always end up coming back to this record. So, don't get it unless your ready for the noise.
(Hey Matt, sorry it took so long to get my review out... what do think of this album)