My Itunes registry

Hey, if any of y'all are looking for a certain song or album and are wondering if I have it, check out this link:

http://www.itunesregistry.com/user/user/dino213aa

You can go to that page and scope out my library as of 03.28.2006. Also make sure to check back occasionally and I'll keep the list updated. If there's anything you want, well, you know how to reach me.

Happy Birthday to Me!

Hey, I just wanted to thank everybody who came out for my 29th birthday party. I had a really great time and it was awesome seeing everybody. With all of the busy schedules around, it's really awesome when so many can coordinate for lil ole me.

A special thanks to Kate for taking me to dinner earlier Friday and for organizing the whole thing. Also, big thanks to Tommy, Kensey and Joy for pitching in. That was really awesome of you all to do that. And another thing, would somebody get me in touch with Sue's dealer? Cuz whatever she's on, I want some.

One of the things I got for my birthday are tickets to the Hank III show coming to Alley Katz Thursday April 6th. Kate and I are both going and I'd love for a few more of you to come to if at all possible. I was thinking, should I consider investing in some cowboy boots/hat/giant belt buckle for the event? It occurred to me that others might be dressed in such attire and that I should consider the same thing. Is anybody else going?

I'm back from break

I'm at work now, having just returned from Spring Break. I must say it was relaxing and I feel like a got a few things done. My mother gave me a new suit and a blazer for work which I got fitted for Monday and Tuesday- I pick them up today. I also FINALLY beat GTA: San Andreas. I thought I'd never get through it, but with excessive cheating, I finally reached the end. Underwealming to say the least.

Last Saturday Kate and I drove to Baltimore for a much needed getaway. We stayed at the Inn at Henderson's Wharf which is right down from the action on Broadway. We hit Ding How for lunch, then afterwards we went shopping there in Fells. We had sucked down a bottle of wine after we checked in, so by the time lunch was over, I was feeling pretty good. After a bit of shopping we went back and napped. After the nap was over we cleaned up and drove to Canton for dinner at Nacho Mama's. That place has become so popular that it took us 45 minutes to get a table!

We saw a funny slogan somewhere that said "Baltimore: The City That Drinks." Nowhere is this more true than in Canton Square. By 7pm all the bars were packed, and several people were falling down drunk. After dinner was over we drove to the Inner Harbor and went to ESPN Zone for some air hockey. Kate and my arms are still hurting. I always get a little competitive when I play that game. I think Kate can attest to that. Thanks for letting me win, hon. I appreciate it. You know just how to stroke my... ego.

Yesterday we went to the Maryland Science Museum, which kicks the shit out of the one here in Virginia. All the exhibits actually work! It's amazing.

I'll be posting some photos soon so keep an eye out for 'em.

Amazing new music

Lately I've come across some amazing new music (at least new to me). I've found that Sirius' Left of Center is an awesome place to hear new stuff. Here's a list of a few that have really caught my attention:

Surfjan Stevens - Illinoise

This album, which came out July 2005, has been pushed on me by Amazon ever since it came out. Finally I broke down and downloaded it.

What impresses me about this album is its production. Each song is so well crafted and thoughtfully put together. This isn't just a bunch of tracks slapped together and called an album. This is a crafted and artful work. Stevens uses all sorts of instruments to create songs that range from the folksy to dramatic. As a huge fan of Keane, I was really impressed with the use of piano not only for music, but for dreamy effect (esp. Track 1). In some ways Stevens surpases Keane by bringing other classical instruments (flute, French horn, violin) to give us a journey not soon forgotten. Musically this is similar to Ben Folds & Damien Rice.

The National - Alligator

These guys from Cincinati have produced a record that easily reminds me of early U2. From their methodical, but well intentioned rock, to the singers baritone voice, some of these songs sound like they could've been pulled from the outtakes to "The Joshua Tree". Fortunatly for me, this was my favorite era of U2. When you hear the lead singer of The National, imagine Bono without all the Ipod commercials and over-produced mediocracy.

Guitar work on here isn't overbearing- if anything you'll notice the driving and often aggresive drum rhythms pushing you forward. At least from my audio system, the drums sound mixed to be the loud and somewhat drowned out the guitars.

Noteworthy tracks are:
Lit Up
Looking for Astronauts (singer sounds much like Crash Test Dummies here)