Just checking in. Here it is, June 2010, and our new album is AALLMMOOSSTT finished. We took a little break but are now back at work this week completing vocals on the last four songs. It’s looking like we’ll be sending it up to Tulsa for mixing very soon.

Fifteen songs were recorded, one of them a 30-second cover that only people who existed in Dallas in the 80’s will recognize. I left a hint somewhere in the body OR title of this post.

We are looking at doing some shows this summer, certainly when the album comes out, maybe sooner. Where are shows even played anymore? I seriously don’t know. Do you?

One last thing: In this day and age, Facebook is probably the only mode of advertising we are going to pursue. So, if you wouldn’t mind, please encourage your friends to “like” us. Heck, if you’re feeling especially jolly, you could even encourage them to like us WITHOUT quotes.

Nah. That would be pushing it.

First off, I recorded a little ukulele version of The Mr. T Experience song “That Prozac Moment” and Dr. Frank himself linked to it on his blog. So I’m now linking to that post, which will link you back to here if you choose to hear the song. Kinda silly and roundabout, but it’s what I’ve chosen to do considering the momentous occasion. I mean, has your idol ever linked to your somewhat incorrectly played and out of tune ukulele cover song???

Also, it’s “official.” A new 41 Gorgeous Blocks album to be recorded in March. Standby for more tidbits on that, and possibly even a little follow through.

Our band turned 10 and, I guess to celebrate, we now have a Facebook page.

One of our songs is featured on this comp. Lots of cool bands.

UPDATE: New site.

You know, I think it just might take an angry-yet-intelligently-thoughtful-and-realistic post from Ben Weasel to finally get me off my I’ve-given-up-on-caring-about-the-disaster-occurring-in-the-music-world kick.

And, hot damn, I’m in luck. Ben reminds us little guys that we actually have a say in this, too.

An excerpt:

The music industry is still evolving (or mutating, if you prefer) but one thing that isn’t changing – and that never will change – is that the little guy (those of us who have nothing to do with, and are of no interest whatsoever to the RIAA) is still getting the short end of the stick…
…what I want to know, again, is who\’s going to be paying for the recording of all this free music dreamed up by small-timers (which description, if you’re not aware, covers most of us)? And if the answer is “nobody,” that means that music made by people who are even a little bit outside the mainstream, off the beaten path, or just plain fucking weird, is going to disappear (save, of course, for those with disposable cash – the hobbyists and the rich kids – but those people tend to make music that people can’t even be bothered to download for free). Long term, this isn’t going to work out well for music fans. I’m not scolding. I’m not trying to stuff the genie back in the bottle. I just want the emperor’s distinct lack of clothing noted: the alleged death of the music industry is in actuality the death of interesting music.

And… I love this part, too:

I said the same thing six years ago when I first wrote about this stuff. And what’s happened since? Music has become more boring than ever, that\’s what. Even punk rock has become more mind-numbingly mediocre than I ever remember it being before… I haven’t seen so many bands playing it safe and copying what’s popular since the skulls and anarchy-symbol craze of 1984. If I hear another band aping the Dillinger Four and shouting their Cookie Monster vocals at me through their hobo beards I may begin to sob.

Seriously, one day it’ll be clear to everyone: those beards are not helping a thing.

Well, it’s official: Mountain Dew is now just Mtn Dew according to a bottle I just saw. I’ve never been so equally appalled and ecstatic in my entire life. Well played, Mtn Dew. You bastards.

What’s this? This Kills Me is gearing up again? Weird.

Hell yeah.

So, yeah, the original lineup of 41 Gorgeous Blocks have started a new band called This Kills Me (www.thiskillsme.com) and are playing a show:

Something’s happening. And it’s happening July 19th. I can’t say any more right now. But soon.

The Star-Telegram would eat us again.