Music for a Solemn Mood.

I find myself sitting in front of my computer here on a Saturday afternoon listening to "Hunky Dory" by David Bowie trying to make sense of my most recent phone conversation. My mother called to tell me that Pop Pop, my Grandfather out in Chicago, suffered a heart attack and died early this afternoon. As I sat back down "Hunky Dory" just sort of popped on and I haven't been able to really move to change it. I don't really know what the next step is as it was a rather difficult talk with Mom but I should be heading west within the next few days. I can't really write anymore as no time has really past and this is just starting to sink in. However, I'll leave this post with something to help me out. One of my favorite memories of Pop Pop occured just this past Summer when I was out in Chicago during Dependence Day Weekend. I was able to free myself from the neverending partying onslaught provided by Danny and Uncle Jitter to have dinner with my mother and Grandparents and this is where Pop Pop did his best to score me a date with our waitress. Had I lived out there, it definitely would have worked. I'm really going to miss him.

I Just Done Got Raq-ed!!

Oh my God, oh my God, oh my God, oh my God the last few weekends here have been musical bliss for the Toast. A few of my more recent favorites have decided to stop in to blow. me. away!! Ah yes, the three week ROCK BLOCK!!! A hard core sandwich of MUSIC AWESOMENESS!!! This all sounds fun in my head. Nonetheless, if we hit 88 in our delorian and go back in time we'll find that the Toast had a rockin' good time with bands like The Breakfast and some smooth jivin' and groovin' with Oshe!! (Sidenote: Sources close to the Toast inform me that Oshe has broken up.) But those are just the app's before the wicked feast that was Raq, hence the title.

Raq (pronounced: "rack") has uncannily become some kind of a b12 shot for music and me. Its seems like its been ages since one band has reinvigorated and rejuvinated me as Raq has of late. My first real Raq experience was at Lew Au , a weekend festival back in August and the Toast got blow'd up. Since then, the Toast has pretty much decided to saddle up and ride whenever they be in town, most recently last Saturday. The energy and the excitement that is created at their shows is really something that has to be experienced. Here's a link to give you a little sample of some sweet sweet Raq action. Please use responsibly. I've hopped on board for a few more of their shows here in the NY. More importantly, Raq's going to be in Albany on March 9th and 10th. Perhaps we can get Javen, Dunford and EC Paul involved. Ooh thai martini bar karoake.

All right kids, drive fast and take chances!! For now I'm going to take a chance on a delicious sandwich. I'm out like kraut.