Just picked up the first of these new silk-screened posters to send to my mom! You can get these exclusively on our upcoming April/May tour with Jukebox the Ghost. All tour dates here. Only 60 of these were silk-screened!

I will skip the apology to the faithful millions who follow my blog.  Yes, it’s been nearly four months but I have been busy.  So very busy.  Not too busy for you.  Just generally busy. But in the last few days, having lost my voice to a flu (and talking too much) I have been re-awakened to the power of the written word.  That, and I miss you all.  All of you millions.

On temporary speechlessness, I have discovered a few things.  I hope that these observations serve as a heads up to those unlucky enough to lose their voices. Don’t worry — it’s not all bad.  Here are a few things you can expect:

1. When you whisper, other people whisper back.

2. When you do not speak, it is disorienting to people.  Awkwardness is heightened.

3. When you temporarily get your voice back it may be your instinct to begin using it as you ordinarily would, even pushing your vocal chords to their limits.  Don’t do that.  It’s dumb and your girlfriend will scold you.

4. People are nice.  When you mouth the words to a cab driver, “I lost my voice,” he will say, “Oh, I’m sorry.”  When you point at a coffee cup to indicate the size of beverage you wish to order, the barista will take it in stride and smile at you.

5. You may become conscious of all the unnecessary words you utter on a regular basis just to “fill the space.”  When you recover, you may discover how to communicate more effectively and to become more comfortable with silence!  (The second part of this is only my hypothesis.  I still can’t speak.)

Now I am not the foremost authority on voice-losing — this is only my first experience with the ailment and I expect that it will be temporary.  I certainly hope so, because I have got two rehearsals this week and a European Tour Kick-Off show at the Living Room on Friday with my good friends Rob Kovacs (Return of Simple) and Steve Waitt.  Saturday I fly to Belgium and then on to Germany — so that will make 8 shows in 10 days.  Ouchy. If even a small percentage of you millions would say a prayer for me, I am sure that my voice would double its recovery speed.

Anyway, having lived the experience of my four month blog silence followed by my four days of actual silence, I have been able to reflect thoughtfully on the notion that consistent (and legitimate) blogging is not easy!  Following in the footsteps of my good pal, Casey Shea, who I give full credit for encouraging me into the blog game, I turn now to Tumblr for what I expect to be a more Matt-friendly blogging experience.

I only hope that my adoring millions will play along.

thefamilyrecords:

Colin holding up the gorgeous Wakey!Wakey!/Jukebox The Ghost silk-screened posters that will be available at the merch booth during their co-headline tour in April and May. All tour dates + ticket links HERE.

These were silk-screened on high-quality thick paper and they’re limited to a very small run of only 120 copies. The first 60 will be hand-numbered and sold by Wakey!Wakey! on tour, pre-signed by Michael Grubbs. Design by Carolyn Wachnicki.

It took about 20 minutes to realize my blogging days are coming to a halt….or at least slowing down considerably.  Luckily for wordpress, I’ve got time to kill.  And that’s what blogs are for right?  I mean, I assume you are REALLY bored at work if you’re reading this right now.

But back to ME killing time and giving wordpress a little love….

I’ve just arrived in Annapolis for Langs’ cousin’s wedding.  Well, I arrived about and hour and a half ago…I still have 30 minutes to go before my room is finally be ready for check in.  Langs is a bridesmaid in said wedding, so she’s off at the wedding rehearsal…which leaves me here alone….killing time.

On a side note, as I’m sure you know, Annapolis is the home of the United States Naval Academy.  This brings up a major question…a question that’s been haunting me all day.  If the government goes on strike tonight, is that going to effect this wedding?  Will it happen….CAN it happen!!?!??  I can only assume the Republican/Democrat quarrels over who will get screwed the most (the poor, the environment, 99% of the country) has nothing to do with love and marriage.  Oh wait a minute!?? But like I said, I’ve been sitting alone in a hotel lobby for the past 90 minutes….I’ve got time to think about the questions you’re afraid to ask.

Back to wordpress, I mean, killing time.  While typing alone in this hotel lobby (did I mention that yet??) I’ve been comparing mono and stereo remasters of, yep, you guessed it, The Beatles.  PS….if you haven’t checked these guys out, you totally should.  I just noticed a yawn in “I’m Only Sleeping” for the first time ever.  It’s right at 2 minutes in.  Maybe John was bored with his own song??  I mean goodness, they could have finished “From Me To You” four seconds ago.  BOOOOOOORING!!

Anyway, I’ve listened to this song about 4 million times in my life, and this is the first time I’ve noticed the yawn.  Amazing.

Speaking of recording, I was back in the studio once again yesterday.  Yes, we are still recording, and no…this album will never be finished.  However, the good news is, we successfully laid down version 4 of Battery.  And no, I’m not talking about take 4….or hey, let’s try to beat the recording we did months ago….I’m talking about completely different version #4….chords, form, lyrics…nothing is sacred anymore.  But….maybe this will lead to a Battery EP of all the different versions….yes, let me write that down….it must happen!

In more good news, I am happy to announce I have finally settled on an album title….it’s either gonna be called “Smile” or “Chinese Democracy.”  Look for it soon.

Ooooh, snapping at the end of  “Here, There, and Everywhere.”  I clearly have not been paying attention in previous listening sessions.  Beautiful song.  Next track….oh hell, who gave Ringo the mic again!?!?!?

PS…I know Taco Bell.  If you loved me, you’d bring back the chili and cheese burrito.

A Rembrandt from the Frick Collection. I’ve been getting my art on this week!

Oops

Tabasco plus seafood equals dream team!

Working on the long awaited release of ‘Almost Everything’ on vinyl. Doing a little unexpected research at the Moma yesterday. Love these pieces.