Back from hell

Well, 'American Idol' is over for now, so I can get back to trying to have a life instead of writing about it.

I must say I do like the new Doctor Who. They've had a few bum episodes so far, but overall it's interesting and quick-paced. I like the fact that each episode is only 45 minutes as opposed to those marathon episodes they made back in the Tom Baker days.

I really liked Ian Brown's video for "Keep What You Got" and checked out the "Solarized" album. It's pretty good. Mellow and somewhat generic, but it's also a pretty pleasing listen.

Also good is Stereolab's "Oscillons From the Anti-Sun" which is a 3CD/1DVD box set that retails for about $25. It collects all the b-sides and EPs from the past ten years or so. The DVD has some killer footage of the band at their peak on Later with Jools Holland.

I finally heard back from Taylor Roark. Although he got married last year, he had his official celebration just a few weeks ago. He's such a cool dude.

Speaking of Taylor, one of his favorite bands is Devo. I'm hoping to take a few days off in August and go see them in Atlantic City, NJ at the new House of Blues. Crass? Yes, but it will probably fun anyway.

Federation X is playing just a few blocks from my house next month! The place is called Pirate BBQ and is at 905 Orange Street in Wilmington, DE. The date is June 17 and also on the bill are Mountain High and Birds of Avalon.

Win an iPod shuffle IGB and $50 iTunes gift certificate

Yeah, yeah. I haven't updated my site in a while.

That's because I've been tied up covering 'American Idol' for work. It's terribly lame, I know.

However, the AI contest that my work is sponsoring isn't.

They're giving away an iPod shuffle 1GB and a $50 iTunes gift certificate.

No registration required, all you have to do is give your name and e-mail.

Enter to win an iPod shuffle 1GB and iTunes gift certificate.

Good to go

Here's a good look back at the career of 7 Seconds.

Writing about American Idol has been taking a huge chunk of my time. I hate that show.

Mike McGonigal, former editor of Chemical Imbalance, has a music blog, 'Buked & Scorned.

I've been meaning to get around to writing a review of Contramano's debut CD. I will do it one of these days.

I'm almost finished reading "Quitting the Nairobi Trio" by Jim Knipfel. It takes me so long to read a book. Knipfel is a good writer who knows what it means to 'core out.

For some reason I haven't been able to find the latest issue of MRR. It's about time to get a subscription.

I tried googling my friend Taylor Roark, but I don't think this is him. I wish Taylor would start a blog or something. He is a good writer and one of the most interesting people I know.

I wish Don Caballero would put out a new record already. Damon is a brilliant drummer and is overdue for some serious respect.