2003-09-18 - 2:17

Searching for Sasquatch

The new Buck 65 came out on Tuesday: Talkin' Honky Blues. 'Tis highly recommended; after a few listens, I can already say that it's definitely among my favourite albums of the year.

Close to half of the songs I had heard in the course of many recent concerts; and I'm really happy with how they turned out. "Craftsmanship" has never sounded better, while songs like "Sore" and "Roses and Bluejays" lived up to the potential that they showed live.

Working with the band paid off with an album unlike anything that Buck has made before, yet one that retains his strengths. "463" should be enough to make a believer of anyone: classic Buck lyricism given a musical foil that evolves from a propulsive beat into a fierce guitar turn. Very inspired.

The only drawback is that even with a full album and a tighter structuring of songs (especially contrasted with the free-flowing Square), there still couldn't be room for all of the songs that I've enjoyed hearing live. ("January" comes to mind, in particular.) However, that limitation may be solved twofold.

Firstly, buying the CD entitles you to get a free download every month, so I already have an MP3 for "Big Trucks." Secondly, and more exciting at the moment, is that Buck is here in concert next Wednesday. This will mark my eighth time seeing him perform; and it's always a treat.

In other musical CD/web site type news, the first phase of the Einst�rzende Neubauten subscription project has wrapped up. The details of the final product became rather convoluted, with a couple of snags, although the conclusion is that I should soon have an exclusive CD arriving in the mail. Go sign up for Phase II, if you're interested in the new CD/DVD offer.

Jaclyn is back in town now; and I got together with her and Colin yesterday. It had been ages since I had seen her, so that was cool. Lots of people are on the move these days, actually. Cowboy Curtis is off to Iqaluit on a contract. Also keeping with the northerly trend, Nikolai is moving back here from Florida next month. I guess that it's good that I didn't auction off the stuff that he left at my house, after all.

Me? I'm staying put for the most part, although I do have to survive a trip to meet Laurie's family this weekend. Heheh.

J.