EP Preview (BOXES & HUMAN FOG)

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Thanks for your continued support,
Ross

Mustache Party...

What's a mustache party? It's what you get when you have an awesome 3 year old request her own birthday theme (complete with a pink mustache cake)!

Happy birthday Cora!

I can't believe you turn 3 on Sunday. It seems WAY TOO OLD, WAY TOO FAST!



Peace,
Ross

Mark Twain: a precursor to an untrue history

Recently I read that the newest editions of Mark Twain's, Adventures of Huckleberry Finn have been edited. Have you read it? I remember it from 7th or 8th grade. I remember reading it aloud in the classroom, 1 paragraph at a time. I remember cringing when I had to read the N-word aloud too.

Now, kids won't have to cringe anymore.

But, perhaps I learned a dirty (yet true) history of the American past. I didn't become racist from reading the word. If any response and reaction was made, it was a sadness that this was normal speak of the 1800's.

So now we have edited, PC versions of the classics emerging; and even though we may no longer have to cringe and feel uncomfortable as we read these degrading and de-humanizing words and descriptors, we will certainly forget how far we have come, the accomplishments of so many to end this "normalcy."

What are the long term implications - what does this do to art in general?

Will artists now write in such a way that is fearful of future edits?

Will we write more bland, so as to avoid the possibility of differing future opinions?

My 2 cents,
Ross

p.s. i'd love to discuss this...especially from any teachers

TOP 10 Albums of the Decade

Ok, so i've done my TOP 5 albums of 2010...but now comes the REAL list!

Here's my TOP 10 of the 2000's (in no particular order - that task was just too tough for me to do a job I could live with).

These are the albums I was in love with and playing constantly in college, post-college, and yesterday. They remain mainstays in my rotations, and have influenced me a TON! I'm sure if you listen close enough, you'll hear nods and references to these in my own albums and recordings.

Please feel free to share your top albums as well - I'm eager to see what has influenced you!


Peace,
Ross

8 AMAZING Years!

Today, Kate and I celebrate our 8th wedding anniversary! Its amazing to look back at old photos and stories, trips we've taken, and additions we've created, and think about all of the wonderful memories of 8 short years!

From Truman State to Kansas City, St. Louis to having Cora, fun family trips to having Olive. Its all flown bye so so very fast...I am so thankful for Kate, my best friend, and the love of my life!



Thanks for reading!
-Ross

on the road w/ a new setlist

This coming week I hit the road with the band (Sam - Rhodes/noise & Andre - drums) for a handful of shows over the next 2 weeks. With my upcoming album, BOXES & HUMAN FOG nearly out, the band has learned several new (never before played-live) tracks and I'm absolutely STOKED to play them for you guys, and solicit your response.

We're still working out the setlist, and with 1 more rehearsal before we hit the road, we'll iron it out fully. But for now, here's what we're looking at:

Urgency
War on War
Doubt Brings Hope
Wicked Love
Blinded My Eyes
Olive May I
Saints Today
The River Child

Now it's time to make playlists and get podcasts ready for the long drives back and forth, across the midwest!

January 9 - Jerry's Bait Shop - Lenexa, KS - 8PM
January 10 - Jerry's Bait Shop - Lee's Summit, MO - 8PM
January 14 - The Underground Lounge - Chicago, IL - 9PM
January 15 - Benefit Concert - St. Louis, MO - 8PM
January 19 - The Riot Room - Kansas City, MO - 9PM

Peace and I hope you'll all make it out to a show!!!
-Ross

TOP 5 Films of 2010

Keeping in step with all of the "best of" lists, and TOP 5-10's, here's my TOP 5 list for best films of 2010...

#1 - Black Swan

#2 - Inception

#3 - Black Dynamite

#4 - Toy Story 3
#5 - The Social Network

*Black Swan was LIGHT YEARS better than any of the other 4 mentioned (just so you know)


And there ya' have it...I hope all had a wonderful and memorable NYE!

A special thanks to Carson Daily for making 2010 especially great (completely joking)!

Peace,
Ross