a quick breather

It's been a month and a half since my last post. Life's been busy. That's not too good of an excuse, after all, life is busy for everybody. That's finally true of me. For almost two years, life was only busy in small spurts. Most of the time I just worked 8-4 m-f, and just hung out with my remaining hours. I skied every saturday through the winter, and went to Rockies games in the summer. Read several books, watched several movies, mooched many a meal off of my parents, and figured out my favorite bars in town.

Now, I am a full time student again. Left my job a month ago and am now taking twelve credit hours at the University of Colorado in Colorado Springs. My goal is to gain admittance to physical therapy school. This semester, I'm taking Bio, Chem, and Algebra, along with the labs that go with those classes. Next year I'll have to take stats, physics, anatomy, and physiology. science and math have not been strong subjects for me for many years so I use as much spare time as possible to study.

I've got my first chem exam tomorrow and studying is proving to be a real bitch. I'm understanding most of it, but for the first time in my educational career my grades really mean something. I mean, I always wanted to do well, but hanging out with friends, farting around on the internet, or seeing a good film always took precedence over studying. Now, I need to ace most of these classes or it will all be for nothing. Talk about stress and pressure. But, I am finding ways to relax.

Anyway, on my short break from studying I thought I'd make a list. Here's a list of bands and artists whom I wish had a wider appeal. I really wish more people listened to these guys. I'll refrain from putting hot indie bands and artists that may not top the charts, but have definite huge underground followings such as Sufjan Stevens, Arcade Fire, TV on the Radio, Sigur Ros etc... This list is for bands that I'm not sure of anybody else that actually listens to them. I've found them on the internet or by accident. Let me know if you've heard of any of these guys and either like or dislike them.


Dungen: A Swedish band who's been around most of this decade. They do an odd combination of garage rock, psychedelic, and instrumental that is quite compelling. I own three of their albums and thoroughly enjoy all of them.

Hearts of Palm: Ok, this is my high school locker partner's band hailing from Denver. It's always awesome when your buddy is in a band and you don't have to lie about liking them. Two bad the members went their separate ways, because they were something special. Try and find 'em online.

Idaho: Part of the 90's slowcore genre. These guys are great. Very subtle, musically gifted, lyrically poignant, and just soothing. Check 'em out.

John Frusciante: Ok, he's a famous guitarist from the band Red Hot Chili Peppers, but I don't know anyone who owns his solo stuff. Its far more complex than the party style of the Chili Peppers. He's worth a listen. Sample him on itunes.

Lindsey Buckingham: Another very famous person because of his band, Fleetwood Mac, but no love for his solo career. He is amazing.

Other Lives: Andrew hooked me up with these guys because his cousin is in the band. Just dropped their first album this past spring. May not change your life, but it is worth a listen.

Red House Painters: An amazing amazing amazing band. They need to be bigger. Check out any of their albums, all are solid. Did most of their work in the 90's, a major player in that slowcore movement. Mark Kozelek, the man behind the band, is having some success with his new band, Sun Kil Moon. But they are nowhere near the same league as the Painters. Can't say enough about this band. Cameron Crowe loved 'em so much he cast Kozelek as the base player of Stillwater in Almost Famous. He's the one that starts singing in the infamous Tiny Dancer bus scene.

Spiritualized: All I've read about them leads me to believe that they are a lot bigger, but I've never heard anyone but John talk about them. Give them a listen.



let me know what you think...