Dusty Chalk

I am curious what you think of Bitches Brew. Unrelated -- me: Wilderun, Epigone. I have been really looking forward to this -- metal, mix of clean singing and harsh, with orchestration -- but what elevates this above other metal with orchestration is that the two members of the band responsible for the orchestration are sublime soundtrack musicians by day, so the orchestration is integral to the music, rather than just being "accompaniment".

Condolences, Todd.

Happy birthday, Dan! (party favour noises)

Happy new year, you lot! 2021, please go fuck yourselves. 2022, don’t make me sorry.

That album is perfection.

Today, I had two of the most delicious steaks. The master chef at Raouche Cafe was kind enough to share with me his very easy, simple marinade, and I’ve been on a quest to recreate it ever since. Today, I recreated it perfectly. The recipe is white vinegar and black pepper. I added garlic, cumin, and white pepper. 30- 45 minutes marinade time while the beef warmed up a little. Then placed in foil, added more garlic, pepper, and a little salt. Closed foil, 375 preheated oven for 11:11 the first time (too well done), 9:99 the second (medium). Might try 8:88 tomorrow. Cut was Food Lion filet mignon tenderloin medallions. Barely needed a knife both times, could’ve cut with a fork. Tasted right both times, too: Super delicious.

It's December 25th, so I'm listening to my project that I wrote for today 2 years ago (it's drone/dark ambient/noise, so don't even bother if that doesn't sound like anything you listen to): Also, Chris Meloche, Recurring Dreams of the Urban Myth, the album that heavily inspired it (also Wubworld, but I didn't listen to that today, I was a little droned out) : https://silentrecords.bandcamp.com/album/recurring-dreams-of-urban-myth Also, more Placebo, Mt. Mountain, Yuragi, Porter Robinson, Holy Monitor, and Flyying Colours.

Found out a couple weeks ago, that a producer friend of mine has been working with Brian Moloko and Placebo, so I've been listening to their albums and B-sides, as they have one of those catalogs that I really just enjoy the entire thing of. Looking forward to the new album coming out next year.

Happy birthday, Ken! Best age to be, amirite? (party favour noise)

I’m sorry, I missed it too. And Diana is easily my most played song of the year. It just goes so hard.

Happy belated! I hope it was grand. (party favour noise)

I'm such a pleb. I was cleaning out my car, and found some 3 year old coffee from when I went to the office. Ground. I tried them. The Allegro Organic Sierra Espresso was fine. Tasty even. I'll finish that, and probably buy some more. The Wegmans Organic Specialty Espresso was not fine. I threw it out. I'm not really tasting anything off with the decaf, but I don't drink that by itself, so I will continue to use it. I know, y'all are cringing right now. Sorry.

Yum. I gotta try that, now that I have a (plant-based) cheese I can use instead. Thanks for reincarnating that.

Ooh, that’s exciting! Also, all black for the win!

Finished Sisyphus The Myth (easily the best of the bunch), Black (Whedon-esque alternating between comedy and tragedy -- goes way dark), Rugal (good but not great; excellent wirework, though).

Found out Notwist have a 2021 album, so immediately chose to listen to it. It's good. Not Neon Golden/Shrink/12 good, but it's still good. I think I even like it better than The Devil, You + Me.

Nice list. And I fully agree with the concept, and have heard musicians say the same. Deftones maybe? I think they always try to close out their albums with the best tracks. I FULLY concur with "I Need I Want I Will" by Auf der Maur, that track is SO FRICKIN' EPIC. I tried to suggest that Al1ce put "Electrical" as the last track on their recent album, As Above, because it had that same "epic" quality to it that I also associate with the best closing tracks to albums, but alas they did not. (Their choice was more of the "haunting" variety, so I can't complain.)

RIP @ironbut This one hurts. I do remember vividly meeting him at your house, Al, and indeed he was so kind and humble and genuine and affable...and wiry, for some reason I remember his physique. I remember laughing when I found out his moniker was "iron butt" because he didn't seem to have an ounce of fat on him. IIRC, he was a marathon runner or something, but an absolute health nut. Fuck cancer.

Happy belated birthday, Todd! (party favour noise)