Back (again)... New tunes, personal addendum to The Connect article, etc....

Hey kidz!

So, it's been (almost a coupla) years since I've even opened up this here blog site.  Motivation comes and goes. I really do care, but have had other things on my plate.  In response to the recent Connect article, as a personal addendum, I'd just like to stress that my intentions were to lay out my experience as a cautionary tale, and possibly as a source of inspiration for others that may find themselves in a similar situation.  I feel that the focus of the piece weighed pretty heavily on my time with The Train Wrecks, and while I don't regret any of what was said, I just hope that you, dear readers, don't come away from the article thinking that it was merely a pissy, public "Fuck you!" to the band.  I spent most of my time during the conversation with the author, Bill DeYoung, speaking of hope for the future, newer projects, and of how things in one's life can rebound from bad situations. My goal was to help others avoid the catastrophic results of horrible decision making, especially when combined with atrocious lifestyle choices.  In short, don't be a selfish prick, and don't drive like an animal.  At best, you'll screw up your own life for a little while.  At worst, you could forever ruin the lives of loved ones or innocent bystanders.  I did feel that the tone of the article may have made me seem to be somewhat stuck in resentment, which is far from the case.  My main complaint concerns the line that said there was "still bad blood in the air".  I honestly don't feel that way, and know that both the band and myself are in happier places.  I was dissatisfied with my role in the band, but that was all on me.  Any communication issues were as much my fault as anyone's.  Just as I fully accept the legal consequences that my actions have deservedly brought me, I likewise willingly own up to my very large part in causing the unhappiness within the band at the time.  Another jarring inaccuracy was Mr. DeYoung's assertion that you flip burgers at McDonald's.  Not true!  They cook on both sides at the same time.  All you have to do is scrape whatever the hell that shit is off of the grill and stick it between two buns.  Where's an ombudsman when you need one?  For the most part (almost across the board, actually), everyone has been overwhelmingly supportive and positive in the wake of the article's publication.  Thank you friends!  On the other hand, one of my facebook "bff's" made the comment after reading the piece: "Bitter much?" I can see how somebody could get that feeling from what was written. And the answer to that question is, simply, no.  Plus, the article was real good press for Jen's coffee shop, which is fucking awesome.

So, yeah, there's that.  I've also got some new music for yous guys.  This tune was written right before I went in to the pokey, and then I had a hot minute to sit and think about how I'd like to arrange it, record it, produce it, etc.  Lotsa thinkin' time....  And so far, I'm likin' it!  And if I ever get around to recording a bass guitar part for it, it'll be even bettah.  I'll update the track as soon as that's finished.  It features the always fantastic Stu Harmening from the T' Wrecks on dobro, and there'll be more comin', fo' sho'.

You can download that shizzle for free, BTW....