Jen's been tracking guitar today. Using her old Sheraton, which she hasn't used since the Leave Your Light On days (unless you count that one time a string broke in Ewing, NJ... I don't). A little behind right now, some weird noise started creeping into the mics. Dan's trying to fix it right now.

Deeply saddened to hear J.D. Salinger died. His writing has deeply affected me and he's one of the few writers whose work I re-read often and with little effort. I'm not even talking about The Catcher in the Rye, either (which I've only read twice; strange now that I think about it). His stories on the Glass family are goddam brilliant.

 I was 18 and faking my way through that one year I tried college, and I skipped class one day to hang out at the bookstore. (The class was some international relations course with some dickhead right-wing professor.) Anyway, at the store I saw a copy of Raise High the Roof Beam (etc.) and picked it up. I'd been apprehensive about reading anything beyond Catcher, fearing disappointment, but the fear was unfounded. I read the entire thing in one sitting on a park bench and—to my surprise—loved it leagues more than Catcher. I finally got around to reading Nine Stories on this last tour and while I may be chided for taking so long to get my hands on it, I take comfort in knowing I saved the best for last. What I love most is the way he wrote about the nuances of person-to-person interaction without being tedious; the subtle ways someone reacts to little things, a nervous tick, anxiously talking too much for fear of silence... (Other personal favorites: italicizing syllables and extensive use of the em dash, but that's because I'm a geek.)

 It's a bummer, that's for sure.

 Looks like Dan's solved the noise problem. We may proceed with our aural conquests.

With love and squalor,
Henry's phone

Anyone else read Paul Shirley's idiotic blog post advocating withholding aid to Haiti? I sure did.

Because I'm not going to write it twice, go here to read me tear Mr. Pee Shirley a new one in less than 1,100 words:
http://venuist.wordpress.com ... paul-shirley-you-cant-be-serious/

Seriously, this guy is the winner who brought you the "Oasis is better than the Beatles" column:
http://sports.espn.go.com ... /news/story?id=4474313

Anyone who knows Jen and I also knows Oasis is in our list of top three all-time favorite bands ever, but come the fuck on. Here's another good Shirleyism: Dean Koontz is better than Bram Stoker.

"Oooh, look at me! I'm Paul Shirley! All I know how to do is write (poorly) about how awesome I am because I don't like the things most people do!"

Douche.

(A fine afternoon to you all!)

Henry

Came across a Haitian saying today: Beyond the mountains are mountains. This refers to problems or opportunities. There's no time to rest or at least not forever.

I'm proud to announce we're taking part in a Benefit for Haiti in Cambridge, MA next Wed, Feb 3 to be held at the Middle East Downstairs. :)

This is going to be a stellar bill with The Lights Out, You Can Be A Wesley and DJs Michael V, Damien Paul and Casey Rankin.

Oh, and this guy, Paul Shirley, is a great big schmuck. Surprise, another athlete as idiot. Check it:

Before the reader reaches for his or her blood pressure medication, he should allow me to explain. I don’t mean in any way that the Haitians deserved their collective fate. And I understand that it is difficult to plan for the aftermath of an earthquake. However, it is not outside the realm of imagination to think that the citizens of a country might be able to: A) avoid putting themselves into a situation that might result in such catastrophic loss of life. And B) provide for their own aid, in the event of such a catastrophe.

Get it right. The people had nothing to do with how a corrupt government spends the money. The government should be held accountable, not the citizens blamed. Did we blame the folks in New Orleans for the disaster caused by Katrina? No. Those in charge should be held accountable.

In other things that get my goat... Seems to me there's been little coverage on this stuff happening in Venezuela. 5 Cable new stations shut down by the government b/c they wouldn't air Chavez's speech or campaign ads. Sure, it's against their law. But I think the reason for the protests (not all of them) is why is there this law to begin with. I've got a distant cousin out there. My dad's family moved over there after they left Cuba. My cousin, she wants to be a journalist. I kept thinking, how in the hell can you do your job? Anyway, just seemed to me I only heard it mentioned once and you've got all these protests and two students shot.

If you're in the Cambridge area next Wednesday we hope to see you at the Middle East. Next on the horizon? Back to the studio this weekend.

Cheers,

Jen

Suffering from sleep madness. I made the mistake of going to bed really early, but all this resulted in was a glorified nap. I've been up since 10:30pm last night. I even made another attempt at sleeping, only to stare at the ceiling for the better part of two hours. I saw the latest episode of David Letterman and realized I'd never seen a full episode of the Late Show. I also saw Conan's bizarre interview with Hunter S. Thompson (in which they drank whiskey and shot guns).

Dicked around on the internet for a few hours and found a guitar I didn't think existed. Rather, the guitar obviously existed, but not in the finish I saw in my head. Well, it looks like someone else with say-so saw this in their head too, which makes it easier for me: http://www.heybrookmusic.co.uk/uploaded/products_1243_1131.jpg. The unfortunate thing is that this is the Jim Adkins model (Jimmy Eat World doesn't offend me as bad as other bands, but... y'know... emo), but I figure I can just sand off his signature on the headstock. Or it's probably some cheap sticker I can heat off or something.

I'm in the kitchen right now trying to decide if I should make a cup of coffee and scrap together breakfast from whatever's in the pantry, or... Jesus Christ, is it really 9:15?

I'd better get on that coffee.

Henry

Much dancing. Much prancing. It's way too early to be up this morning. Henry and I had a late night. Spent most of yesterday finishing drums, acoustic guitar and bass on the track from Friday. Exhausting, non-stop work.



We ambled down after to the Independent (a fine pub dining experience) to meet with Aloud manager Annie Burns for some band chat; just a little informal thing about a couple prospective upcoming gigs.

We were appearing at Soozapalooza just a few doors down at Precinct. This place reminds me a bit of couple of room on the Lower East Side. Dimly lit, red walls, black counters, red curtains on the stage. It was a small room and it was well packed. I don't think I was able to move from the one spot for at least an hour or so. Round about midnight we were on. Henry played some guitar and boot stomping on Mama Said Knock You Out (yes, that Mama Said Knock You Out) and I sang on Midnight Train to Georgia with fellow Pips in tow. There was also some fun had with a Sundays tune called Where the Story Ends and the grand finale, Honky Tonk Women. Sensational night. Well worth being up past January's bed time. Thanks to Sooz for asking us to participate and putting it all together. A happy birthday to you!

In other news, we've just spent the weekend thinking about everyone's favorite red-headed comedian, Conando. His last show was in a word... brilliant. What a fine exit. Very sad though to have to go through two emotional Conan exits in less than a year. His last night on the Late Show we were on tour in Raleigh, NC. It's such a vivid memory I have of watching Conan every night after gigs in hotel rooms that week. This guy is a such a part of our generation. All those Simpson episodes we grew up on, his time on SNL and of course the Late Show. I'll be anticipating September when he can host another show. Again, Jay Leno sucks. Conan, we love you!

Cheers,

Jen

Listening to Pet Sounds. Me oh my what a great record. (Really though this whole about is about Wouldn't It Be Nice and God Only Knows.) Phenomenal.

As Henry and I listen, Dan the man producing this new record of ours is sleeping. He's taking a break from working out drums for this song we're going to be recording today. It's chugging along quite well. We're hoping to have drums and maybe acoustic recorded by the time we leave today.

Earlier Henry tracked lead vocals on a different song. Then we broke for lunch. Burritos & Pink Floyd.

Later tonight? Conan's last Tonight Show. Any of you watching?

Cheers,

Jen

PS. Here's some vid from today's session.

Life as we know it in Massachusetts may change...slightly. Or at least we'll see what we're in for. Serves them right though. A campaign is for campaigning. Damaging and stupid. Yes, we're a little upset at the results here in Camp Aloud regarding our home state's special election, but not much can be done about it at this particular moment and there's music to be made... So...

Really, really looking forward to starting studio sessions again this Thursday. We'll be doing some backing vocals and percussion. Perhaps some piano. Then we should be able to move on to a whole new track on Friday/Saturday. ELATED! After the studio on Saturday we'll be joining the Soozapalooza All Stars for a couple of numbers at the Precinct in Somerville, MA. I may or may not be singing some Gladys Knight.

Things are really all about recording now though we're also thinking about a few shows in March including the just announced show on March 25 at Great Scott in Allston, MA. We're working out some special things for the set list and on stage attire. Planning on heading down to the shops tomorrow to look for a few new clothing items for that and the mod wedding. Speaking of, am relieved to say I have purchased dress and shoes for said ceremony. Grand relief and excitement. :)

Henry's been working on a website face lift, so that may change in the next month or so. I'm very much liking the new design! A bit more user friendly with quick access to links for Aloud on Twitter, Facebook, Blog and the like.

Oh, must also recommend the new Pedro Almodovar movie entitled Los Abrazos Rotos or Broken Embraces. Check out the trailer. Penelope Cruz is in it and if you've ever seen her in one of his films you know what I'm talking about! Oh and if you're familiar with the McGruber sketch on SNL, they've actually filmed a movie of it with Val Kilmer as the villain. For realz! Check it.

Cheers,

Jen

So. The new album. It's written. We're past the writing and demoing stage. Henry and I spent all of Friday and Saturday working out the final two tunes. Friday was a bit exhausting. We were reworking a song to fit the sound of the new record, so we had to re-imagine it. But we prevailed and rewarded ourselves with pizza and 30 Rock. Saturday was easy peasy. The easiest and quickest writing session we've ever had. Song just wrote itself. It's infectious. The riff and the Motown beat sell it for me. Demoing it was just as easy. So we sent those off to Dan (our producer) and decided we'd join some friends of ours for a movie. Can I say how awesome Robert Downy, Jr is? Yes, we took in Sherlock Holmes. A tremendous amount of fun was had. So much so that at this very moment I'd like to see it again. I'm recommending it to you!

So yes, that's the record written. I think we're maybe half way or a little more than half way there with the recording. We start up sessions again on Thursday.

We've also picked a Swinging London/Mod theme to our wedding. Looking forward to seeing the wedding party in their outfits. Henry's suggested walking down the aisle in shades. I'm considering it.

In other news, Jay Leno still sucks, Haiti needs your help and folks, if you're in Mass there's that big state Senate election happening Tuesday. I'm sure you couldn't tell what with no advertising being done for it.

Cheers,

Jen

Lotta crazy news this week and my near-eternal hegemony over this blog has been challenged. So let's do this by the numbers.

#1: As mentioned by Jen in the last post, media outlets, the internets (all of the internets), there was an earthquake in Haiti. I will say no more than necessary to guilt you into continuing to do the right thing. It's very easy. Go to www.redcross.org, or if you're lazy like I am text HAITI to 90999. You will get a confirmation message and $10 will be charged on your next phone bill. Easy peazy, lemon squeazey.

#2: If there is anyone out there who is on team Leno, you should probably read up on how he stole away the Tonight Show the first time from Letterman back in 1992. Maybe if he were actually funny it would make it tolerable, but he's not. We're with you, Coco.


#3: Spent a couple hours in the studio last night getting some vocals down for this new tune we've been working on for a couple of weeks. We did some double-tracking, and I'm told that I'm a human flange machine. Gotta be good at something, I suppose. Laid down some percussion and some bass as well. Yea, session last night was the right mix of laid back and productive. There were a surprising number of references to the Ninja Turtles, and now all I want to do is spend all day playing Turtles in Time. (I still say "The Ninja Turtles fucking rule" is an acceptable song lyric, and it's a travesty that I was vetoed.)

#4: Gonna do some writing today (or at least try to... I am so goddamn tired). But I'm told I'll get a pizza and get to play Donkey Kong Country later, so I suppose I can make a sacrifice.

Be well. And text some bucks to Haiti, willya?

Henry

Feels like everything's insane right now. Natural disasters really do bring out the best.. and worst in people. I was reading a friend's post about this. People interpret things so differently. That Pat Robertson schmuck. A curse for making a pact with the devil? Are you serious dude? It's like all those folks who said god was angry, so he sent Katrina. It's makes you so mad to think this is what the world sees.

I'm sure you've all seen the photos and footage coming in from Haiti. I don't even really want to talk about it as there's nothing I can say you don't already know. I will be making a contribution today. Wyclef and Pras are I'm following in this matter which seems natural as they're both musicians and natives. Here's his tweet in case you wanted that info:

::::HAITI NEEDS HELP!!! STATE OF EMERGENCY!!! Please donate to Yele Hati Earthquake Fund:::: Text YELE to 501 501 ($5) or visit www.yele.org

Hope all is cool on your side of the world. Stay warm.

Cheers,

Jen

On Monday night we had the first Aloud meeting of the year. The topic of conversation was of course the new album and touring plans for said album. We'd had a much more involved meeting before the end of 2009, so this was a bit more casual. Looks like we'll be releasing this a bit later in the year than anticipated, but that is because we're very keen on having everything ready to go at release time. There's a lot you learn about the promotion/touring machine after releasing two records and we'd like to apply all those lessons in this go around.

Tomorrow Henry and I are rehearsing with the Soozapaloola Allstars. We'll be doing a couple numbers with them at the Precint in Somerville on the 16th. Thursday is another recording session (bass this time) followed by a weekend of writing/demoing. Working out the final bits of the writing stage!! All weekend, all music. I dig, ya hear?

In other news, I picked up Let it Die by Feist. It's good, but I can't say like some folks do, that it's better than the Reminder. No way. Not for me it isn't. Do yourself a favor though and get some Feist in your life. She's a direct contributor to inspiring us to write this new record.

Also, picked up TC Boyle's new novel, The Women. If you don't know him and are looking for a new book/author check him out.

Cheers,

Jen

Today was in a word... EXHAUSTING.

We woke up at 8:30am. Far too early. After breakfast we listened back to the last mix of the song we'd be working on that day. It's a favorite of mine, this track. Henry sings it. Wish I could share the title. We put some acoustic, electric, piano and organ on it. Most of everything is being played through a Leslie speaker. For those of you that don't know, that's what the Beatles put John Lennon's voice through at the end of Tomorrow Never Knows. It's usually attached to a B3 Hammond which is on this track.

Anyway, we spent the day getting the drums right. We got a bit frustrated as we were all a bit tired and this one transition was making our heads ache. Best remedy for that of course is the lunch break. We decided to head down to the Independent bar and ran into good friend Hilary Hughes of the Weekly Dig. The Independent has some pretty exceptional food if you're ever in Union Sq, Somerville.

Break provided some new ideas to try out and try them out we did. After a couple of hours we fixed what was bothering us and decided to call it a day. Home and happy. Awaiting el grande buns and a movie with our room mate and friend Dave. Lots of amazing shows happening tonight in Boston, but we're just knackered and like many of you with day jobs I've got mine bright and early tomorrow morning.

Cheers,

Jen

ps. Below is a little vid Henry and I made while waiting for the van to warm up this morning.

Had a mostly musical day today. Run in with the dentist this afternoon, but said dentist is located on Newbury St. right next to Newbury Comics. Picked up Feist's Let It Die.

Headed back home where Henry and I started work on a new tune. This is looking to be the missing piece to the album puzzle. It's a sort of up-tempo almost Motown number. Took a while to get to it though since we were starting from absolute scratch. Usually when we have a writing sessions Henry or I will have some sort of idea/melody/lyrics thought up beforehand, but this was all plucked out of the air.

Once we'd gotten something we took a break and remembered "Shit. We've got to write those four missing lines for _______ ________" (the track we're working on tomorrow in the studio). This was late in the PM, but we managed to get four lines we were quite happy with. Tomorrow, studio at 11am. Am thrilled! :)

Cheers,

Jen

Happy new year gals and gents. Yes, we're a few days in, but better late than never.

Things have been a slow climb back into the routine, but we're quite happy to get back into it. Feels like the holidays left me immobile. I suppose that's what they do best. We had a little party at Aloud HQ over the past weekend to celebrate the beginning of 2010. Lots of dancing and merriment, some cops.

Henry and I have been spending the week working on our wedding (that's right folks, we're getting married in May of this year). It's been more fun than we'd anticipated as we sort of loathe this kind of thing, but we're making it our own and having a Mod/Swinging London theme to it.

Otherwise we've been getting facts and figures in order for this latest record. Lots of budget conversations. A lot fun I assure you. Very happy to be heading back to the studio this weekend. The plan is to write what may be the final track for the record on Friday and then spend Saturday and Sunday doing some more tracking. We're getting there. We're getting there. It's been such a pleasure recording with our producer Dan Daskivich. The stuff is sounding a bit surreal, slightly trippy. Layered is the word I'd use. And just did.

More on this later or this weekend presumably. Oh and what's this about Jay Leno bumping Conan up to midnight? Lame. Is it me or is he disgracefully awful?

Cheers,

Jen