So big weekend was just had.
This Thursday I garnered a new year in the age market,
and got a couple of great presents.
1st one, an iphone.
I no longer have the old 1999 flip phone.
I am one with the current trends.
I can get updates instantly, send out emails where ever I am,
begin Twittering! (Which I have done! Brilliantly I might add.) @eyeswidemusic
Most important I can view porn at a moments notice.
I'm pretty sure that's why handheld computer type systems were invented.
I took an easy day on my date of birth. I went to a few of my favourite pubs to have a drink at each and met up with a few people.
Lunch at Furusato Sushi.
No idea if that's how you spell it, No actually calls it by it's name since the sign on their store is just a giant SUSHI all lit up that can be seen from the highway.
THe Bull and Barrel for a mini jug of Big Rock.
Where my friend Kathy found me tucked away in the dark corner of the bar sitting alone.
It doesn't matter that I have old man tendencies already.
Next stop Moxie's for the White Chocolate Brownie and a pint of Grasshopper.
Also Julien was playing there that night. Joined us for a drink before his second set.
Down to The Local for Steam Whistle and Muskoka Summer something Can't remember but it has a banana after taste that at first I found pleasing, now wanting nothing to do with it. Where we met a few more chums.
Not enough ladies there for them so they bolted for another venue where they could put their eyes to work.
Next a short drink break for Ribfest 2011.
Advice from Mr. Crowe.
"Don't go to Ribfest nearing the end of the evening. The will not give you the freshest of ribs.'
At quick stop in Doneliegh's where we found our friends. They had the Carlsberg girls there tonight giving out free beer.
Finish up at Kenzington's with a rye and coke and a shot of Goldschlager.
Where it was suggested but not actually said that I am a vagina for wanting such a girly shot.
I didn't want to stay out I wanted to be well rested for the 1st show of my Summer tour.
So home I went.
Before the show Gina rolls up in my ride and tells me to come look outside.
(I just seem to always write lyrical magic)
She got Sleeman to sponsor my tour and I get to ride around the country with these killer signs on my car! Go Sleeman!
The show went well. I had a decent turn out. All the tables were filled. Sold some merch. Got some people added to the mailing list. All's well for show #1!
Did try to fit in Dave Matthews Tripping Billies into an original called Before, didn't work out so smooth, It was the first time I tried it. Just thought about it that morning. Just 23 more to go!
Again I couldn't stay out late because I had the Warrior Dash race in the early morning.
First one in Canada held in Horseshoe Valley in Ontario.
It was pretty awesome. but I didn't come out unscathed.
Warrior Dash is a 5km run in a mountainous terrain. It's held all over the world every summer.
People dress up if they want. THere were lots of different costumes, Ghostbusters, vikings, superheroes, Video Game Characters, Sexy girls, guys in full business suits, etc..
It's a fun race but also competitive. Everyone gets a plastic chip on their shoe that keeps track when you pass the start and finish line.
A clever way to get it back is that this plastic chip gets you a free beer. Who in their right mind is gonna lose that?
The race is littered with obstacles. Mud pits rope climbs a junk yard made up of cars and tires, a spiderweb of stretchy ropes, rope nets that you have to climb up. It's really quite fun.
I wasn't prepared for the hills. I thought there would be one or two. But the whole race consisted of my either going up or down a hill of varying degrees.
Early on maybe 2 KM's in I stubbed my toe on a small tree stump. Didn't think much of it until I felt it swelling in my shoe. after the race taking off my shoe my toe looked like this.
Looked up on the internet broken toe and I get images that look just like this.
So there you have it. My first broken bone.
There was also bit with this large slip and slide down a hill. As I was running up you could see people not really sliding they had no momentum. I thought run faster. jump and slide all the way down rather than push myself. Off I go landing hard on my ass. and shoot right off in to what I thought would be mud.
It was hard dirt littered with lots of stones. Get up and keep running with a few scrapes and a sore right cheek.
It did get me ahead of a few other runners.
The ending is a giant mud pit you've got to run through.
Here's a clip of me doing my best to get through.
The Start!
My dirty, dirty runners.
This is how you get clean.
I'm actually leaving for the first out of town show tomorrow in Brighton, ON. I've got some preparations to make so This may be my last blog for a while I will be updating the Facebook and twitter so check out those to see what's going on around Canada. @eyeswidemusic
3:30 am I walk into my house and speak a loud "Why is it so hot in here?"
Momentarily perplexed as to why it is actually hot in this building.
Come to my senses...
No air conditioning.
Drunk.
No concept of reality.
I brought a leaf home for Gina.
Bonus Crowe!
Blankets not needed.
Too awake to sleep.
write pointless Facebook message but decide to make it a blog at last minute.
Copy and paste.
Realized if you do not write Facebook with a capital F it is not recognized as a word.
Just remembered, forgot to go to Jeff's house party.
I blame Edwin.
Also blame the guy who I argued with about selling out as a musician.
I explained that I was right in the argument.
For the reason that in most arguments I am usually right from my point of view.
Had to spell check argument.
Since I spelled it arguement.
Apparently it is not the correct spelling while encumbered with alcohol.
I will find a photo to spice up this triad.
So Today I taught my last class of this School year.
One day early School ends tomorrow, but I've got an early morning Rogers TV appearance.
And really, what are the chances of someone calling in sick on the last day.
I can't say it was much of teaching though. I literally played board games all day. Sequence was my game of choice. I destroyed those grade 6's.
So For the past 5-6 weeks I've had a cough, all through my New York Tour, the shows before it and after it, my throat was tickled.
(If you didn't watch the Video with footage from the Tour Do it now!)
I have been very frustrated with this. Being a singer it's not great breaking a line with a coughing fit. To avoid the coughs I had to HOld back the voice a lot. Not holding notes as long, not singing with as much "aggression" as I like to, and in some cases not even attempting the song.
I've been to the doctors twice so far, I've tried cough medicine, Allergy medicine, a puffer, Cold fx pills, nothing worked, I've been x-rayed. Lungs are clear. I've been looking on the interweb to see what I can find out and I may have post nasal drip. I've been taking an antihistamine and decongestant. We'll see how that goes, If it doesn't work I've got a 3rd appointment lined up... on my birthday.
The Jul/August Tour is pretty much set. There are a few confirmations I'm working on But I guess They don't get to be on my snazzy poster.
Not that I've been able to send any of them out because of the Canadian Postal strike.
While booking his tour I got to look at a bunch of hunky Firemen. I needed a calendar to help keep track of the dates and the only one we had in the house just happened to be Barrie's Firefighters.
Sweet Mr August!
I'm all over Canada this Summer, Vancouver, Calgary, Winnipeg, Thunder Bay, Moncton, to name but a few. Head to the Facebook event page To see all the cities and venues and sign yourself up for the attending side of things. HERE
I had planned to get new t-shirts made up with the tree logo. But the fellow I went through is unreachable. I had such a good deal, all the other companies feel outrageously overpriced to me. One company wanted over $10 a shirt!
It's getting pretty late since July 8th is the start. So we'll see If I'm able to come up with something.
If anyone has a suggestion for Screen printing t-Shirts send me a message.
I've made some purchases.
Musically.
Eddie Vedder Ukelele Songs
THis is one of the best purchases, not for the songs, but for the cd Case it self. THe songs are good, but It's rare when you get a really cool case It's like a hard cover book every page is a cool photo of Ed in Hawaii and the other page is the lyrics.
Like I said solid songs. He picks some great covers. I'm a big fan of old songs. Dream A Little Dream and Tonight You Belong To Me are great.
Foo Fighters Wasting Light
The Foo's are always good for some good rock songs. This one was a little weak for me Bridge Burning and Rope are great but I tend to pull the disc out before I get to the end.
I do love that they put in a piece of the reel from which they recorded. Since it was done all analog in Dave's Garage. I like bonus gifts in my CD's
I also watch the Doc. Back and Forth a little while ago. It's a good watch. I recommend it.
Armstice: Mission Bells
This little fella is accollaboration between Beatrice Martin (Coeur de Pirate) and Bedouin Soundclash frontman, Jay Malinowski.
I like it it's a short disc 5 songs. Mexican Flamenco style throughout. I've popped it in the stereo quite a few times.
Arctic Monkeys Suck It and See
Oh Arctic Monkeys So much I want to love everything you put out. But I can not.
THeir first two albums were great I listen to them all the time. Then Josh Homme produced your third. Quite a different sound acid rock but had a couple of tunes on there that I could get into. THis one... I've tried listening to it 5 or 6 times I've tried to find something that I liked. Sorry boys. I think I'm out.
...I'll probably still buy there next album hoping them head back to their original sound.
And This Little Beauty.. Black Frost.
When ever I'm in New York. Musicians ask you as you walk down the street, "want a cd?" So I decided to say, "Yes." I grabbed it and walked away. Thanking him as I left. He quickly caught up to me.
"Whoa, usually I accept a donation for this."
Alright, I gave him a couple of 1's I had in my pocket.
Then he wanted to sign it for me.
Spelled my name wrong.
Throw the CD in the car stereo, and it won't read.
Maybe it's been burned as an mp3.
throw it in the computer, it's blank.
I've got a blank, signed cd from Mr. Black Frost. And it's not even signed to the proper Neil.
Non-MUSIC
Vibram Five Finger Shoes
I like running and I like bare foot running. But I get blisters from the rocks and pebbles on the road and in the paths, plus cut here and there.
These things are awesome!
Good grip light and it's almost like barefoot.
They look a little odd but quite comfortable.
I'll be running in the Warrior Dash race July 8. It's got mud pits ropes fire... standard race terrain.
Some Photos
I played the Celebrate Barrie Festival. It was rainy attendance Poor.
I broke 2 guitar strings on the same song. I finished the song anyways.
This is not a magic potion. It is a bottle of Beer. It costs $100. I was not allowed to drink it.
So I'm a little late on this here post.
Let's see if I can make it through the whole journey.
If you get tired of reading just skip to the bottom and watch the #22 music video with footage from New York. All filmed on a handy iPhone.
May 25th to May 31st I was not in the country, well I started off in the country.
Gina and I were drivin' to New York State for a collection of 4 shows.
May 26 Piano's
May 27 Kenny's Castaways
May 29 Freddy's Bar
May 30 Boulder Coffee Co.
THis was supposed to be a vacation for the 2 of us. The idea started out as a week in Cuba. Somehow we end up in New york with me working 4 out of 6 days...I can't say any of it was Gina's idea.
The morning of we were getting ready for our drive (it's only a 9 hour trek but we would stop half way in Pennsylvania somewhere to allow for more drinking in more cities)
I'm off getting a car wash, who get's a car wash the morning of a road trip? Wasn't my idea.
When I return home one of the dogs had diarrhea in the bed room narrowly missing my luggage.
Thank God.
Since i was out getting a pointless car wash I did not have to clean up said poop.
i'm one who likes new CD's when starting out a drive. Since I no longer steal music I went and bought
Fleet Foxes.
I've heard alot of good things.
Sadly good things did not come out of my car stereo speakers.
I don't believe I've removed a CD from my stereo faster.
Fleet Foxes are not road trip music. It's Folk with a hint of Chamber thrown in.
I've tried to listen to it 3 times.
I give up.
Finally on the road, I threw in a mix CD I made USA A-OK.
As we are listening
less than a minute in Gina turns and says.
"You did put the Beatles on here you shit."
Gina does not like the Beatles. When in the company of anyone other than me she tames her disdain for them by saying something like "I don't hate them I just don't like all of their songs."
I say "They are one of the biggest bands in the world (or were)."
"I'd argue that."
I end this ridiculous conversation, since I am clearly in the right.
But I'm sure to hear more about it when the second Beatles song comes on...track 7.
Close to the border Gina takes over the drive.
I've been fretting, (oh ya I fret!) about the border because
1. I don't have a visa
2. I have 4 shows in the US
3. I have t-shirts and CD's hidden all over the car.
I've been told if they catch you trying to come over and play shows without a VISA you can get banned from playing there. Not sure if it's true but worry about it I did.
I figured a polite smiling girl would be better to talk to at the gate rather than a growly bearded nervous musician.
And of course in all my intellectual glory I was right and we sailed on through.
TO celebrate I said lets stop in a tiny town and find a place for a pint!
We find a place called Weedsport, NY
A tiny little farming city I believe. The only bar we could find was called CJ's pub.
It had a wood screen door hat would slam closed behind you and above the washrooms read:
Mr. John L. Crapper and Mrs. John L. Crapper, respectively.
It had a collection of old white, grey, and balding men all seemed to be wearing white or tan shorts that showed an awful lot of thigh and white New Balance or fake nike runners all stained green from I'm assuming cutting the lawn. There were a few black and tan vests as well.
Happy Hour is a fantastic thing. It is not allowed in Ontario, because it is believed to encourage the act of getting wasted. I believe that an establishment that's purpose is to serve alcohol does that on it's own.
Here the pints were 2.50 but if you got a Coors $1.25.
I tried Magic Hat #9. Horrible.
"It tastes like food." I said passing it to Gina
"More like plasticine." Was her thoughts
She went with a Yuengling, which she quite enjoyed.
I think anything is enjoyable after Magic Hat #9.
Gina's iphone was not cooperating. It was our gps map and communication device to those back in Canada. All around it was pretty necessary, we thought. But it did not think so and refused to work.
So we had to travel old school with those giant paper maps that fill your car window like a sun shield.
Map folding is an art I do not have.
Gina has made a few odd comments and questions while on the road. Here are a few:
"What state are we in?"- after just crossing the Ontario border.
"There's not electricity in the car is there?"
"The more we drive south it gets colder. That's not right."
We are listening to a song by the band Jet. I say:
"10 points if you can tell me what country this band is from."
"California."
"Not a country, nice try."
Both of us were really surprised at how nice the drive through norther New York was. We didn't really have any idea what it would look like. but there are beautiful hills and mountains. THe only think that was not great were the dead deer every 3 miles and the amount of toll booths. Those yanks sure love toll booths.
Gina's a rule breaker.
Cutting through Pennsylvania, we were thinking of stopping in Scranton, only for the sake that we like The Office and that is where it was based but ended up stoping in Clark's Summit, on the outskirts.
Standard hotel that hosts lots of meetings. Seemed like a lot of sales men that worked for Verizon and Bell floating around everywhere. Best part was when we went to the pool there was a group of 8 men discussing a meeting they just had. Gina takes off her towel to get in the pool and the men, who were not able to see her turned there chairs and watched her swim. Very smooth gentlemen.
Nothing really happened in Clark's Summit. Except the discovery of this awesome salad.
It has Steak, Chicken, prawns, cheese and french fries. I believe there may be some vegetable like substances in there somewhere too.
In the paper Gina read that Scranton University students were being given the option of dropping out of school for $100,000 to start their own business. Oh, you crazy American economy.
THe next day we were heading to New York. still struggling with the paper map we made it to Manhattan.
We had some time so Gina wanted to go to Staten Island and get up inside Lady Liberty.
I on the other hand was wary about how much time we had before rush hour traffic. I had no interest in driving during that. Gina didn't realize you had to take a ferry over, so we went to Staten Island park or something like that and looked at her backside. What a sexy back it was. Justin Timberlake.
Off we go to our Hotel. We had to drive through the Holland Tunnel to get where we was gettin' to, and right before the tunnel was a sign it read "Lincoln Tunnel Left" and starts turning.
"What are you doing?"
"I have to go left!"
"No we go through the Holland tunnel it's is right there!"
"But it said to turn left."
"No the sign said Lincoln Tunnel left."
"What do I do? Get The map."
"We don't need a map. Just turn around."
So we get to our hotel at 14th and 8th. We are on the 5th floor. There are no elevators. Carrying my backpack, a guitar and Gina's suitcase in 30 degree weather was a work out. But having to climb up and down this thing multiple times was horrible. Everyday our key would quit working we'd have to go back down to get a new key scanned then back up again. My favourite time was when Gina for got her phone after just coming down, so back up I go, to find our key didn't work, then down get it switched over back up to get said phone then back down. I was damp.
THis hotel was in a great area across the Street Was Mc-something I can't remember but it was an Irish pub with not one but TWO happy hours. 12-7 and 12-2. Such a magical place it was. So basically 2 for one drinks every time we went in! on one particular afternoon I wanted a quick drink before we set out. I paid for the one and ended up drinking 5. (went back and looked up name McKenna's)
We met an Irishman by the name of George.
He moved to the US to marry a girl just to get a VISA after the marriage she got pregnant by some fellow in Texas. Because of some Texas law because they were married the kid had to be his. Crazy Texans didn't they know it was just a paper marriage?
He was a fun character but got drunk super fast. I'm not really sure if he stopped drinking from the night before to when we met him.
Another awesome place we discovered was this one
La Taza De Oro
This turned out to be our favourite eatery on the trip. We only got in twice on the third day it was closed for Memorial Day. But those black beans and rice were glorious!
Alot of the trip was exploring pubs restaruants, pizza places. Stuff like that. We were carelessly consuming. round bellies were expected on our return.
The first gig was at Piano's, upstairs. This was one of the hardest room I've ever played right up there with the middle bar of Ottawa's Pub 101. There was a bar underneath us that had full bands. and a bar just down the stairs that had a dj or someone's ipod blaring. plus we tended to be a bit of an overflow area so loud conversations were held all around us. Needless to say not many people were listening. but Gina went around and managed to score tips from everyone up there. Nothing wrong with a hot chick asking for donations.
Our friend Kelsey Warren from the band Pillow Theory came out and toured around town with us. You can see some of him in the video for #22. We went to Frites a place that does not put cheese and gravy on their fries. Here I thought it was common place.
THe next day We were going on a tour and Gina has a pouty look on her face before we leave.
"What's wrong?"
"You didn't say how I look."
"Well you didn't say how I look either."
"Yes I did!"
"What did you say?"
"I don't know but when I remember I'll tell you."
"Ha!"
Little did she know I remember what she said and it was the day earlier...I have nice calves apparently.
We do some exploring Rockefeller Centre Trump Tower, Central Park, half naked rippling abbed guys in Abercrombie Fitch.
The usual stuff.
At a stop light Gina says "I have a feeling." goes back to a short fellow at the light post and puts $5 in a satchel over flowing with bills. "How did you get like this she asks?" Turns out he was born that way. he has no legs and on his hands only thumbs. A perpetual thumbs up. She asks him some more questions I wasn't paying attention to turns out he is a public speaker, and a hip hop manager. He shows us his iphone. I show him my old 90's flip phone and then he shows us his ipad2. Gina you just gave money to the wealthy. When we said good by there was a slight, should I shake has "hand"? I kinda wanted to I grab his nub while he plays thumb war with the rest of my hand. Ah well, next time.
The next venue was quite a bit better. Kenny's Castaways. The sound was great, people hung out and listened to my whole set and I got to see Gina get up walk over and tell a bunch of cackling girls to be quiet and watch the show. Kind funny. I've been hearing more and more about performs telling the audience to be quiet.
During the evening instead of a drink up we did a pizza challenge. Every pizza joint we came across we got a slice. Here are a few Fat Sal's, Two Boat, Brick House, Ravioli. I didn't write down any other names but we went back to the hotel quite full. My favourite was probably John's, great pizza!
Brooklyn was the next stop. Freddy's bar in South Slope. The downtown area was dead Memorial weekend on a Sunday 30plus weather. People were at BBQ's or out at a cottage. Not a great evening for music. but play on we must. before we went to the bar we found a different bar called Quarter. I loved it nice vibe stiff drinks a great staff. After our gig we ended up back there for 3 or so more!
Freddy's bar is pretty unique but I was surprised that the bands were playing in the side off shoot room. down a hallway behind a door. The night started off with a full band then me, then an folk musician. Kind of the opposite of a standard musical night. The band( their name escapes me even though I bout a shirt, something about a Shark) Had cue cards for their chorus'. So even though we've never heard the songs we were singing along. Good idea, says I.
After the show we played a little guitar in the street while sitting on the back of a Truck. a roof top party was going on and some boys came down to bring us beer. Once again, I love New York.
Rochester was the next stop packing up in Brooklyn we sail northward. Nothing exciting on the drive as I recall. Just more dead deer.
Didn't see a whole lot of Rochester. But the Boulder Coffee House is a great venue. I'll be trying to get back over there sooner than later. just quirky art great lay out and shares an outside patio with a barbecue joint next door.
This is a long blog. I may have missed something here or there but that is the gist of the vacation/tour.
Here's is the music Video to #22 with footage from our New York venture. Hope you enjoy!
-Neil
www.eyeswide.ca
Wait one last Gina dig...
WHile conversing with someone I don't remember who, The Beatles came up again.
"I'm just more into music from the 40's and 50's." says Gina
"Oh ya who?" ask I.
"Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe..."
"What?!?"
I'm pretty sure the Happy Birthday to the President doesn't count as a top 40 hit.
Last 2 Canadian shows for a week were in Toronto and St. Catharine's
Next up NYC, Brooklyn, and Rochester.
Set Lists (plural)
Toronto The Only Cafe May 19, 2001
Set 1 Set 2
Animal Man On Fire
To Believe Conscious Man
E-Dub Come Together (cover)
Dynamite (cover) Day Waster
Further Down The Road Celebrity Status
#22 Broadripple Is Burning (cover)
If You Could Read My Mind (cover) What Are We Gonna Do When September Comes (cover)
Infinity 8 All Too Easy
Pride Brick
ENCORE:
Peaches & Cream (cover)
Waiting
St. Catharine's, ON Strega Cafe May 21, 2001
Set 1 Set 2
Man On Fire To Believe
E-Dub If You Could Read my Mind (cover)
Frenemies Concious Man
What Are We Gonna Do When September Comes (Cover) Animal
Further Down The Road Infinity 8
Celebrity Status Dynamite (cover)
My Love (cover)
#22
Pride
There we are, some set lists.
So I asked Now, the music/art paper, to put in my Toronto show in their calendar. This is what was placed.
See it there? right above parts and labour?
Ya, well, it worked. Two people came in and said they saw it in Now.
Simplicity works.
The Only cafe is a cool little venue on Danforth, it's part cafe, part bar, part hostel.
Great staff. If I lived there I would hang out during my drinking time.
Good beer selection too.
Andre and Rob from Paint come buy for a listen.
They told me about when they were in Barrie last during there set a hot girl came up to the stage and gave Andre a note. after their last song they all huddle around the drum kit excited to check out what she wrote on the note.
It said:
"Neil Crowe neil@eyeswide.ca"
It was from me I was drunk at the bar chatting with the drummer earlier my girlfriend passed on my info.
Somewhat of a let down for the band I suppose.
I don't put out.
Strega Cafe has amazing food.
I didn't have many people, it is the May long weekend everyone is out camping, plus that little old thing about the end of the world....
Sing!
I cut my hair for the first time since last summer.
good bye long shag.
You shall be missed. Kinda.
here's a song from Strega!
I still don't have a phone yet that access' the interweb. so my twitter account lies stale. I have accumulated 5 followers though. Little did they know that they would be following nothing.
If any of you miscellaneous readers would like the chance to follow nothing for the time being go to @eyeswidemusic
I have had some witty Seinfeld-esque observations the last couple days. If only I had the phone to twitter upon. My account would blow up to Ashton Kutcher levels.
"He's so clever" they would say "He's so real" they might also say.
TEACHER TALE
I'm out on recess duty, kids be runnin' around as kids do. One lad, larger than most (his size does not matter to the story, just thought I'd mention it), drops down in front of me from the equipment with a large ripping sound. We both stand there looking at each other and at the same time look down at the crotch of his pants where there is now a big 30 cm (or 1 foot for you yanks) tear in his pants showcasing his underwear.
I can't help but burst out laughing. but quickly rein it in.
"Sorry dude, but that was funny," I say.
"it's ok I can just hold it." As he pushes the ripped part in between his pressed together thighs and tries to walk.
I say "No you should head to the office see if they can give you a new pair or close up the hole some how."
"No, I can just hold it," still trying to walk with his thighs glued together.
"Nope, to the office." I insist.
He starts balling.
I say "Don't worry man it's just a pair of pants, you won't get in trouble."
In between the sobs he says "I want to keep playing! It's not fair!"
THis kid doesn't care that he's flashing his underwear, or that he ripped his pants, or that a teacher was laughing at him in front of his friends, or even that his mom might be mad at him. He's crying because he has to stop playing tag.
So I says to the guy, I says, "Get to the office."
To Believe
Man On Fire
Dynamite (cover)
Infinite 8
Day Waster
What Are We Gonna Do Come The Month Of September (cover)
Further Down The Road
Pride
Brick
Standing At The Podium (w/ Grant Boyer and Cameron Austin's drummer, Rick)
The turn out of this show was not great a lot of people didn't seem to know that there was a Festival kick off this night. but after I played I got a lot of positive praise. It made up for the lack of people.
As I said before I want to buy more CD's so far I have procured 3
Sam Roberts-Collider
Iron and Wine- (I don't remember the name, but's the new one)
and Grant Boyer- (also don't remember the name but it's a live CD recorded at The Groundswell a place I played a few months back)
The Sam Roberts CD is awesome I really recommend it. Great grooves interesting lyrics. A little saxophone heavy a times though which is new for them.
Iron and Wine. I haven't gotten into this one very much I'm used to his simple acoustic songs or three piece songs. This has horns strings and samples. so at first listen I wasn't into it I'll give it another try when I've got a long car ride.
Grant is great singer and it's cool to hear him play this soft soulful songs, since his in quite a heavy band called Entropy. I like the little audio treats he put in a the end of the cd.
I just joined Twitter. I do not have a twitter friendly phone. So I don't know how beneficial it will be for me right now. anyways if you are into twitter find me at @eyeswidemusic
Computer is going to die and I am too lazy to find the charger.
Good Day.
-Neil
www.eyeswide.ca
I can drink again.
It was a long month but I'm back on the sauce.
at 12:17am on May 1st I poured this beauty.
The necessary equipment.
The thick bottom glass is great, just like on a lady.
Oh, 40 Creek one day I will be your sponsor....
Short Teaching Tales
4 Square
It was stressed that you don't try to get anyone out.
A game where you pass a ball to other people in the 4 squares trying to advance to the fourth square.
The way you advance to the next square?
getting people out.
But you are not trying to get them out.
But you need to.
So ever time I would bounce the ball to a student making it difficult for them to return it, I would be in the wrong. But when the students whip the ball past me, they are in the right.
It's a stupid game.
Kids like to tell me that they know someone who is taller than me.
I guess they are putting me in my place. "Who does that guy think he is? Walkin' around all tall and stuff. Imma tell him what's what."
So this is my recent conversation.
Student is walking up to me in the hall.
"My cousin is bigger than you."
Great.
"Well my sister is bigger than you." I retort.
The lad looking defeated droops his head and says "I know."
"Oh ya? You've met my sister?"
Then he walks away.
Mr. Crowe 1, students 0.
Short Busking Tales
I've hit the side walk.
I'm playing to the masses.
I'm also hanging with my dog.
Trail is my harmony
People so far have been quite courteous to my playing, sure there are folks ho walk to the other side of the street before they get to me, so they don't feel bad when they walk by not throwin' me change.
But you don't need to give me anything. People are allowed to just hang out and listen.
I must look homeless. A little girl came up to me with two boxes of dog treats.
I swear I'm not going to use the money on drugs. Just Whiskey.
I've seen a big fight in front of the Dollarama, and a crazy women was telling me how everyone is following her and trying to shut her up because they sell drugs and she doesn't. I felt bad for the elderly couple who walked past us at that moment.
So it's excitement on the corner and I get to play the theme music.
It seems college age boys like to laugh at me while they drive past. It's happened more than once. But on the plus side, I get extra long looks for the ladies driving by.
Take that college guy with your pink collared t-shirt and highlighted hair!
Told my mom my about my new side job as a street performer.
She was not happy.
"Uuugh, I've seen those guys around here. Why would you do that?"
Support to the bitter end.
It's good practice. I'm used to singing into a mic so I can sing soft and it projects. This is forcing me to belt out across the street, and across traffic. Very challenging for me, So I appreciate my time on the corner.
I've got a Festival to play tonight
The Music On Main Music Festival.
I'll be selling for the first time my Live at CHSR CD
I've decided to steal an idea from The Sons of York and put original art on the disc's. (I bought one from them that had Hawkman on it!) Everyone will be unique.
Here's a few pics:
If you want to see all of the ones I've drawn so far head to the Eyeswide Facebook Page
I'll be selling them for $5 half the price as my Full Length CD.
I've got some good shows coming up this month.
May 12 Cookstown, ON The Iron Horse
May 19 Toronto, ON The Only Cafe
May 21 St. Catherine's, ON Strega Cafe
May 26 New York, NY Piano's
May 27 New York, NY Kenny's Castaway's
May 29 Brooklyn, NY Freddy's Bar
May 30 Rochester, NY Boulder Coffee Co.
Maybe I will see a few of you blog readers there...
OK I believe the pile of dirty dishes are calling me or is that the Wii I can never tell.
