Different to me

Finally managed to shake off whatever's been going around--and it seems pretty widespread. Even though I planned on starting to record today, I'm first going out to run chores and see if flu shots are available yet.

Yes, I am finally looking to record. Changed the strings on the Strat, which I've chosen to be the main weapon on these first few tracks I have planned. The album is not, in my mind, going to be as acoustic-driven as I'd initially envisioned, as I just want to rock right now. I know that sounds a little too clinical, but the 12-string/power guitar style is too easy to do, if that makes any sense. I want something just a bit harder sounding. That doesn't mean I'm not sticking with the structures of some songs ("Whatever Makes You Happy" is still the same arrangement, etc.); I just want this to be a little more broad than what people may expect.

I've received several e-mails recently about the "new" (they were recorded in December, 2000, actually) Julian Cope/Teardrop Explodes tracks for the latest tribute compilation. Many thanks for the very kind words.

Off to Newark Airport shortly--no, I'm not flying out; I'm picking up some precious cargo.

Click click click

Okay, sorry about the vagueness of that last entry. I'm under the weather (something is going around and I've managed to pick up whatever this crud is--cold-like symptoms, unable to sleep, body aches, etc.) and subsequently, my mind wasn't quite right. I still feel wretched today, but at least cohesion is in the fog that's my brain.

After hedging for the longest time, I decided to get back to work on the album. I know I've said that over and over, but the biggest stumbling block was me doing the inner dialogue of "why am I doing this?". And the answer is "why not?". So that's the conflict and resolution in one fell swoop. First, I need to recover from this latest malady and then I'll get to work--possibly next weekend.

With a lot of good music pumping through my iPod to and from work, I feel juiced up. Here's a smattering of what's been on regular rotation:

Copper Blue - Sugar
Marquee Moon - Television
Scott 4 - Scott Walker
22 Dreams - Paul Weller
Ten Summoner's Tales - Sting
Big Smash - Wreckless Eric
So Alone - Johnny Thunders

Am I heading into troubadour or trouble?

Some foods for thought:

One of the greatest sci-fi writers. Been reading his works since '78.

A visionary's designs.

A cinematic stroke of genius. Say what you will about "gross out" comedy.

With all that, go gentle into that good weekend. I'm heading home to battle this fucking head cold.

Looking for (fill in the blanks)

What would I be looking for? What are you looking for? That's about as vague and half-baked as anything.

Not a headline to attract anyone except the desperate and the lowest common denominator.

I really need to stop playing "social critic".

Today means nothing anymore.

I opened my eyes.

Ambivalence is my new companion.