This is the reason I sometimes don't return calls. With each passing day, the embarrassment over how long it's taking me to return a call grows and grows until it's just easier to pull an ostrich power move. But there is no such luck running away from this blog, my lover and tormentor. So let's just recap the last week, all quick-like.

Last Tuesday-Thursday: Played Ralph's with Ex Norwegian (crashing with us while they're on tour) on St. Patrick's Day. They sound fantastic on a big stage. Jen and I enjoyed a Ralph's burger, and exposed Ryan to the awesomeness that is a black and tan. Met up with the kids from Pilgrims of Sound. I was surprised to learn that they'd been following us since seeing us at Fitchburg State College in 2005 and remembered our "uniform phase". Wednesday, Jamie popped in from Philly to hang with us and catch E.N. at O'Brien's that night (along with Dave, Beca, and Martin). Sometimes I miss Allston. Jamie bought a couple of post-show pizzas for everyone from Redneck's, always a good idea after a few drinks and a late night. Spent Thursday morning chilling out and jamming with E.N and bullshitting about the Beatles quite a bit. They're good kids, I honest-to-god dig them. I wish we knew each other while Jen and I still lived in Miami. Might've made the stay a little more fun. Hopefully, they'll be trekking around the country again.

Anyhoo, back to the present day, Marty...

As previously stated, Jen and I have been on a writing kick the likes of which have not been seen since 2004 (i.e., the writing is near-daily). We finished up a few this week, and (for the love of all that is holy, do not hold me to this) I wouldn't be surprised if we released something this year. That's the hope, anyway. The writing's taken a decidedly different turn, too. I get the feeling some fans may be pissed, but things like this actually amuse me. Stay tuned.

Later on, we met up with Jon to check out the Regent Theatre in Arlington, where we're playing this No Contracts Needed thing. Goddamn place really is like a baby Orpheum, and I'm really psyched we're going to be able to do our thing on that big a stage. Spoke with Dave Crespo for a little while, who showed us around. We bumped into Full Tilt, who's playing there tonight (by "tonight", I mean before midnight, which is when I'm writing this).

In some ways, I've gladly abandoned any responsibility to actively push shows on the blog, since it's hosted on the main site now and you can just click the little News button and absorb whatever information your little blog-reading heart desires.

However, since the potential for free Sox tickets is involved, you should click here for more info. That's all I'll say on that.

Been digging through some of the footage that was shot on this last tour. Loads more amusing, and less of "Aloud in a car in __________". Hopefully, I'll have something cut together soon (though not as involved as Hard Up In The 2000s... I've made arrangements to be shot in the face twice before taking on something like that again).

That's all that's fit to print for the day. Off to bed.

Henry

P.S. Snagged U2 tickets for September. I am pleased.

Currently watching:
Vertigo 2005: Live from Chicago
by U2

I've been fussing around with Garageband for the first time and I'm really impressed. Don't think I'd ever made a full-on proper recording with it, but as far as some easy demos go, it's pretty righteous. Jen and I have already laid down two quick demos for tunes, plenty more to follow. It's been writing season at the ol' HQ lately. We've been coming up with some interesting ideas for the next... whatever it is we put out. Also had two ridiculously productive meetings with John Carr and Chris March (respectively) for a couple of music videos we'd like to film. We met with Annie about possibly getting another two done (well, I guess it would be fourth, counting Julie). We'll see how this all plays out.

If I had it my way I'd just do videos for every song.

Had rehearsal later in the evening, went really well. We finally got around to playing Release. Been wanting to play that song for a while now, and it was always one of those things that just slipped through the cracks somehow. We're pretty pumped about the St. Patty's show next week, plus we get to play with our pals Ex Norwegian again. I think they're heading out on the road tomorrow. Jaime Leigh's actually taking a trip out here to come hang out on St. Patty's as well. I approve of this, and can only hope that she make some more of her fabulous eggs. Seriously, they're that good.

After practice, the four of us slipped out to John Harvard's in Harvard Square (duh?). Place was packed, but we managed to get a table relatively quickly because we're so important.* I forgot that I hadn't had anything all day save for a cup of coffee (same with Jen). Three Smoke House Burgers were served, plus one giant steak for Jon. I love going to this place. Can get a bit pricey depending on what you order, but you get what you pay for, as they say.

Ryan continues to make a mockery of the Ketchup Rationing Act of 1988, further stating (quote), "Should've learned how to swim, french fry."

After the meal, we parted ways. Jen and I headed to the Middle East to catch our friends the Televandals before they head out to SXSW. They're also nominated in the Phoenix's Best Band in Boston (along with our friends The Motion Sick and Hallelujah The Hills.. Instead of choosing between them, I just write in Aloud and cry in the bathtub for 20 minutes). Got there just in time to catch Televandals. This is a band I'm really proud of. I remember seeing them just a couple of years ago at Harpers Ferry trying to get it all together, and now they're tighter than hell with an enviable rhythm section.

Bumped into a few friends there as well. The Motion Sick were there in full force. Talked to them for a bit (with a substantial conversation held between Michael and I about Watchmen... I could go on about this for hours). They're headed to SXSW next week as well, and are in this year's Rumble. Phil from WMFO (host of The Dweezil Show) was there. Hadn't seen him months. Couldn't catch up for long, unfortunately, because Jen and I had to catch the last train back home. Nearly didn't make it, either.

Speaking of which, there is absolutely no reason why the MBTA can't run those trains 24 hours a day. New York does it with nary a problem, and that city is enormous. I don't buy this bullshit that they need those 4 hours or however long to "maintain the tracks". Bogus. I think one of the reasons I like Jon is because he shares my belief that there's some sort of Cab Cabal (you like that?) that has some under the table deal with the MBTA to shut the T down for a few hours a night.

Anyway, made it back home around 2am. Felt the need to watch another episode of 24 before passing out. We missed a ton of this and 30 Rock (which I'm now fully caught up on) while we were on tour.

Just remember, kids... Jack Bauer keeps a pillow under his gun. But he could kill you with the pillow.

Henry

___________________
* Or we sat at one of the high tables in the Every-Man-For-Himself area of the place.. you decide.




Currently listening to:
The Bends
by Radiohead