Music Update

It's been a while since I've written about music, but I feel the need to mention two albums I've been listening to.  They will definitely be on my best-of list for this year are likely to be two of the best albums of this decade.  Interestingly, they both fit into some sort of "classic" genre.

Clap Your Hands Say Yeah 

by Clap Your Hands Say Yeah

Classic Indie Rock.  A little Talking Heads, a little My Bloody Valentine, some Neutral Milk Hotel, some Modest Mouse, and a touch of Interpol and Arcade Fire.  Those of you who have heard the album and know my music taste will ask "how could he NOT like this band."  Don't let the above comparisons make these guys sound retro or unoriginal to you.  This is a band with a unique sound who clearly loves rock and roll and can write some concise pop songs.  You can hear three of their songs on clapyourhandssayyeah.com but if you want a real treat find the song "The Skin of My Yellow Country Teeth"

The Woods

by Sleater-Kinney

This ain't your daddy's classic rock.  S-K are definitely looking back to 70's cock rock with phat guitar riffs, 11 minute solos, and freak out jams.  Corin Tucker can even belt it out in a voice that rivals Robert Plant's.  This music isn't easy to listen to.  They are not following any current trends; just making a noisy, virtuosic masterpiece that pushes their sound forward without losing their punk roots.  I actually wouldn't recommend this album to first time S-K listeners.  One Beat which came out in 2002 is much more accessible, but The Woods is the one that will cement their place in rock history.  A sampling of their music can be found at sleater-kinney.com

Also, those who liked Bloc Party, whom I mentioned earlier, can find an entire concert of theirs here.  It's part of a concert series from NPR that includes Wilco and Interpol.  I like how Bloc Party gives props to the Pixies in the encore. 

Bayhealth Reception

Megan and I went to the new Bayhealth Center for Women and Children tonight. The place was outrageous. It's basically two newly constructed floors at the hospital for delivering babies. The main hub of the unit is a two story atrium with a curved staircase and a glass ceiling. The reception was pretty extravagant: numerous hors d'oeuvres, carved meat and a chocolate fountain. Megan and I ate our fill there and scrapped our dinner plans.

Weekend with the Mullens, Dilgers, Yellaks, and Martins

i spent this last weekend in Ocean City (this is starting to become a regular thing) with Megan's family: grandmother, mother, stepfather, and sister. Most of the time was spent either lying on the beach or eating out. Unforunately I only a few pictures from my camera phone.

In related news, Megan's sister Sheri is now hitched. This came as quite a suprise to all of us since, she was single at our wedding eight months ago. The whole thing occurred at the Justice of the Peace in Atlanta, GA on July 2nd. Megan actually found out after the fact. Anyway, maybe now, my friends will stop hitting on her, or she'll stop hitting on my friends, or both.

Mr. Media

Me on WBOC, originally uploaded by mykng.

I guess I should also mention that I appeared on the local news this weekend, warning people about insect stings (and unintentionally promoting Benadryl).

How I Spent My July 4th Weekend

I mostly spent it working. I did have 24 hours off (from 4PM Sunday to 4PM Monday) to go down to the beach with Megan. My sister and her familial unit spent the weekend there. Ocean City was the most crowded I have ever seen it, but we managed to have loads of fun eating out, playing cards, and making games out of reading Us Weekly (don't ask). The E.R. shift on Monday was fairly predictable, steady but slow during the day (everyone's celebrating) and then busy after the fireworks ended (a sudden need to the see the ER after the partying is over).

A and K, originally uploaded by mykng.

Eating Out With My Nephew and Niece

Fireworks, originally uploaded by mykng.

Dover's fireworks show as seen from the parking lot of the Kent General Hospital Emergency Department.