Don't eat the worm

Last night's practice wasn't as stellar as that of the week prior, but it wasn't terrible. Some things sounded good, some things need some work, but I guess that's why it's called practice, right? Maybe I expect too much too early. I mean, this is only our second full practice in a row. Alcohol was introduced for the first time in a major way last night and I'd have to say that had more negative effects than positive. Jose Cuervo also plays louder than everyone else, and he's never in tune. My dad (our drummer) has really expressed excitement about this band as of late and that, in turn, gets me excited. We're really close to being able to play a set somewhere, possibly opening for someone or being a part of a multi-band gig like at the Token or something.

I'm getting pretty bored with this blog, so I may start diverging from purely band related issues and start writing about other things. I'm not quite sure what yet, but it's gotta be music related. Blogs need to have a point or a niche so that they have an audience that can relate to or be interested in it. We'll just have to see I guess.

The power of the riff compels me

Last night's practice was AWESOME. I was really looking forward to practice because I had a feeling some things were going to come together, and they really did. All of the new songs (Take Me Out, Take Your Mama, Geek Stink Breath, Lit Up) totally rocked and went off practically without a hitch. I was completely surprised that we nailed all of them pretty much on the first run. It was really exciting, especially considering that I haven't been blown away by much of anything we've done until now. Other songs pretty much considered "standards" now (Cold Hard Bitch, Are You Gonna Go My Way?) really came together and rock harder than ever. A truly great practice and I'm more excited than ever to actually get out and start playing.



*EDIT*
I'd like to believe that at least one person reads this blog. If you happen to stop by and read my boring dribble, drop a line to let me know you're out there. Feedback is a great motivator.

What we "know"

After three practices with Nick, our new bass player, and only one of them being with drums, here is where we stand with our song list so far.

Songs we can get through, but most of them still need work
Jet - Cold Hard Bitch
Lenny Kravitz - Are You Gonna Go My Way?
Mountain - Mississippi Queen
The Strokes - Last Night
Sublime – Wrong Way
311 - Down
Toadies - Possum Kingdom
Pearl Jam – Alive
Candlebox - You
Velvet Revolver - Slither

Songs we're working on for the first time as a band tonight
Franz Ferdinand - Take Me Out
Buckcherry - Lit Up
Green Day – Geek Stink Breath
Scissor Sisters – Take Your Mama

I'm pretty excited about tonight's practice. We normally keep a routine of learning 2-3 new songs a week, but I think we need to slow that down and work on what we've got. I'd say I would be comfortable playing maybe only two songs on the above list in front of people. Once we solidify that list, we'll have 14 songs that we can play out, which is plenty to open for a band. Then once we've got 14 solid songs, we can start learning new ones in order to be ready to play out solo. Assuming we get at least two opening band gigs, I'd say we'll be ready for solo gigs by the summer. As my fellow blogger, Khalid, would say...

BAM!

Forward ho!

Practice was good last night. Nothing stellar, but good. Nick was solid; he knew about 10 songs. He's down to keep playing with us, so it looks like we've got a bass player! Woooo! We got talking about some of the music he likes and he said he's a huge Faith No More fan and an even bigger Mike Patton fan. When he told me that he likes Mr. Bungle, I was sold on him being in the band. Mr. Bungle is my favorite band of all time and the fact that he knows the music, and I mean knows the music, is awesome. Now he's just gotta get a better amp and we're in business. I'm pretty pumped.

Practice!

Tonight's our first full practice with Nick and our first full practice since auditioning Rocco three weeks ago. I'd have to say I'm pretty pumped and hopeful that Nick is the guy and he wants to commit to being in the band.

On an unrelated note, I found this ad on Craig's List the other day...

80's cock-rock revival band MANDATORY SPANDEX is seeking a total shred-master GIT graduate guitar god with massive gobs of heaping Soldano tone! Should have the pose, boots, and make-up. Our singer is the baddest of the bad, with great range; he can sound like his nuts are in a vise all the way down to growling like he's about to hurl! Awesome drummer with great stage prescence and bass player with huge balls complete this line up. All we need is YOU! And we also have lots of industry contacts, and studio time already booked for our upcoming CD, Groupies For Two. Must be willing to wear make up and have great stage prescence. No chicks or homos!!!!

As un-PC as that last sentence is, it just cracks my shit up. LOL