Crazy week. Had our first rehearsal in months this past Monday, and somehow I wind up burning out a fuse on my amp—twice—before we even got to start playing on a borrowed amp. Practice was really loose and fun. The four of us got into a good groove very quickly before it evolved into a version of You Got Me Wrong with everyone singing like Dylan. We only made it halfway through before surrendering to the giggles and starting over again. It's funny how that happens. The second the four of us were in a room, we didn't miss a beat.

For the show, we borrowed my old amp from Hugh. This amp, too, began having problems during soundcheck. Probably an issue with a tube, but I was too busy choking on my own rage to check. One of the dudes from You Can Be A Wesley was awesome enough to loan me his amp.

I don't know how it came across, but all the nonsense with my gear plus breaking strings on both my guitars was enough to ensure I had a bad show. That's how it goes down sometimes. Some days are diamonds, some days are rocks (or so the song allegedly says). Still, it's difficult to put any teeth to my complaints. We were glad to be able to raise money to send to the folks in Haiti. This is where I continue harassing you to donate to the Red Cross, either via www.redcross.org or texting HAITI to 90999. This stuff helps and it's easy. You don't need to buy that extra beer.

Anyhow, it was great playing with everyone. The folks in Pretty & Nice, You Can Be A Wesley, and (as always) The Lights Out were super nice and real awesome to play with. Big hugs from all of us to Jillian for putting this show together.

Gotta say, as much as I've been enjoying the time off from gigging (not to mention lugging gear in the goddamn cold and snow) I do miss playing, even if I didn't do as well as I wanted to. I want to be on tour again. It will probably be a while till we do again, but I'm heartened by the fact we're talking seriously about doing something bigger this year.

Me likey music.

Speaking of shows, found out late yesterday The Beatings are going to be on the Great Scott bill on 3/25. That's exciting. We haven't played with them since waaaay back in 2004. Eldrigdge was also with me during One Night Band, so part of me is hoping we'll spontaneously break out that cover of Everlong.

I'm just sayin', the mandolin's going to be there.

We're also talking about bringing out some older songs we haven't played in years. Gotta love that between-albums limbo, eh?

Should probably get started on something that resembles breakfast. Have to head into the studio today. Dan's gotten the piano tuned up so we're going to try and get all the piano tracking done today. Getting close to finishing up. As always, don't know what I'll do with myself once we're done. (Probably sleep more.)

Be well,
Henry