Wednesday, January 10, 2007

So far, so good indeed. Or, more rambling.

This time last year, Birdmonster was almost-but-not-quite in Los Angeles, almost-but-not-quite recording our almost-but-not-quite debut record (we had an EP, after all) and I had almost-but-not-quite quit the job I somehow still have. In fact: sitting here right now. Which is odd, honestly. I could of look at a year where so much happened yet so much remained the same with a half-empty glass of self-pity or a half-full glass of not-being-homeless. Take your pick.

Yes, it was a good year. Our first national tour allowed us to see the gaudy and horrible wonder that is Wall-Drug, the oft-maligned eyesore that is Cleveland, a collection of surprisingly impressive presidential noggins in South Dakota, cruel and unsual sausages in Utah, and lots of hipsters in ironic t-shirts. We got to see both coasts and swim in the Gulf of Mexico (pee-warm, by the way) and play countless, sometimes to hundreds of people, sometimes to a janitor who booed us profusely.

Yes: I'm feeling nostalgic. I feel like reminiscing. I feel like I'm sitting in a rocking-chair, chewing Skoal, rambling at my grandkids. Hopefully I have a banjo. No. I definately have a banjo.

It's kind of pleasant to be at work, honestly. Not because I enjoy my job. I don't. This place is vaguely cancerous: you can only deal with it for so long. But because I realize that life is still work, friends, family, and music. That's soothing when you're getting Christmas cards that show your erstwhile high school buddies with dogs and kids and then there's you, not responsible enough to keep coffee stains off your white sweatshirt.

And then I get to thinking that this year will be pretty similar. I mean, we've got a tour coming up in a couple weeks, we're recording again at the end of the year, I'm still selling Barbara Streisand tickets to old Jewish women and young gay men. And that's a good thing. Except for Streisand, but she's "retired" again, so: hooray 2007. We've written a new song and found a batman fish too. So far, so good.

11 comments:

Sabrina said...

Don't be so blah about it. You're going somewhere great. You guys are original! You have you're own personal sound. If I could be the 1 person at any gig I would, even if I had to be the janitor. (Which I was when I was 16) Yes the glass if 1/2 full and this year will be different. Sure you have the same crappy daytime job but not very many jobs would allow you to update your blog during work hours or take multiple weeks off a year to tour the U.S., so you can indulge in your music & Hot Mamas. You've gotta want it!
I feel like a shrink. (That will be $500, please)
& Barbara should stay retired!
Enough of the self Pity.. Who won the contest!

birdmonster said...

Sabrina: I just sound blase. I was loving life in '06. If you ever truly catch me in "woe is me" mode, you have my permission to slap me.

We're actually dealing with a number randomizer & assigning the folks who signed up numbers, then drawing the contest. Sorry for the hold up.

Sabrina said...

I will print this and save it. In the event that future slapping becomes necessary.

This is like a sreadsheet that was due last week. I know the feeling! Take all the time you need.

elvette said...

How can the spam contest winner be selected at random? Selected on a whim? Sure. With unfathomable subjectivity? Why not? But random, that takes all the fun out. Okwui Enwezor would not be proud.

birdmonster said...

Elvette: The contest is regarding us playing at someone's house. Personally, I hope it's Okwui Enwezor's bachelor pad too, but we couldn't play favorites.

Sabrina said...

Just remember there's 4 of us
me, Alexandria, Sydnie & Casey. Still better odds than the Lotto.

There couldn't have been more than 300 bodies at the Bottom of the Hill for the New Year due to capacity limits and all in case of fire.

Either way we're planning to see you guys again at the Metro and possibly again at the Bottom of the Hill, the beginning of Feb. I see that a few of your dates are still switching so we will not make firm plans until it gets closer. We may even scamper to the Sac show. Why can't you guys play the Metro on 2/2? That's my Birthday...

elvette said...

Doh. That contest.

SOL's view said...

BM: Yes, we can all do with a dose of blahness right now. I too, am at work, blogging....

Sabrina: Way to go fellow Aquarian! Actually mine is 17th....

Elvette: Peeked at your blog yesterday. There you go. And here I was thinking your moniker had something to do with elves....

Sabrina said...

yeah that's me, easy going Aquarius. Water, Love & Loyality! I'll remember to wish you a Happy B-Day come the 17th. I celebrate my birthday with the Ground Hog.
I read a site that stated Aquarians should avoid alcohol. It's a good thing I don't take this stuff seriously.

RD said...

"But because I realize that life is still work, friends, family, and music. That's soothing when you're getting Christmas cards that show your erstwhile high school buddies with dogs and kids and then there's you, not responsible enough to keep coffee stains off your white sweatshirt."

A-fucking-men. Preach on, Brother Birdmonster.

Anonymous said...

Wait, wait, wait, who got a dog now?