Thank you, Children

Went to Aidan and Sean's daycare the other day to play some music on the acoustic guitar. It was your standard stuff - "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star", "Wheels On The Bus", "War Pigs" (just kidding). And truth be told, it was the best audience I've had in years. I mean, who would you rather play for: 1) drunk, stinky, cooler-than-thou hipsters or 2) rapt, bright-eyed, unbelievably cute 3 and 4 year olds?

The thing that struck me was just how excited these kids were to hear the songs and see someone playing music in their classroom. For a brief, fleeting moment, I was bigger than Barney.

I read somewhere that drug addiction is the #1 occupational hazard of anaesthesiologists. I think the #1 hazard for those of us who toil in music is becoming totally, hopelessly jaded about it, and art in general. Stick around long enough in this racket and you will eventually start to take the music - the thing that attracted you in the first place - for granted. It happens to all of us, and we must be ever vigilant against losing our passion for awesome tuneage.

Whenever it happens to me, I know it's time to go to a show, pound 3 beers, and stand right in front of the stage. Or simply listen to one of the many seminal songs or albums that inspired me to devote my life to this stuff.

Seeing these kids at school, and the absolute wonder in their eyes as I strummed "I'm A Little Teacup", it just reminded me of the transcendent power of music. We must never forget, people. Never forget. ~ Tim

Silversun Pickups - "Swoon"

I received an advance of the new Silversun Pickups record, “Swoon”, over the weekend. I’m happy to report that it lives up to the high hopes I had for their sophomore release…no sophomore slump for SSPU’s! This record is sure to put a smile on the face of anyone that enjoys stomping on a Fuzzface or Big Muff π.

Chris