Misc. Stuff Coming into 2006

Now that we're well into 2006, here are a few miscellaneous things on my heart and mind.

1. The Seattle Seahawks
The Hawks have a seriously good chance of making it all the way to the Super Bowl this year! Shaun Alexander is coming into the post-season with a phenomenal record-breaking season and will be well rested against the 'Skins after a first round bye. Matt Hastlebeck has improved year after year at quarterback and is leading the team like he's hungry for a ring. Coach Holmgren is also looking like he's found a good balance of roles and involvement on the team as well.

I'm looking forward to this Saturday when the Hawks face off against the Skins for a shot at the NFC Championship game. My Uncle Jeff and Aunt Sue got tickets to the game this Saturday, so they'll have to miss our wedding reception down here in Longview. (Frankly, I'd be offended if they passed up the game to come down to Longview!) Other relatives from both sides of the family are coming down to my parents' place early to catch the game on TV before heading over to the reception. Should be a lot of fun to have a house full of people watching the game!

2. Good Music
Over the last few months, I've discovered some great music, some of which has been around longer than other stuff. After listening to My Morning Jacket a few times, they seem to have a sound that's almost a cross between Radiohead and Lynard Skynard. It's growing on me.

The Magic Numbers and The New Pornographers (really unfortunate name, which doesn't even seem to reflect anything about the band) are in a similar style category as The Shins - quirky, but catchy pop songs that you probably won't hear on Top 40 radio (thankfully). Some incredible song writing in all 3 of those bands.

Sufjan Stevens also keeps showing up in my inquiries into new music. I've only heard a few songs off of his latest Illinois (which I've really liked), but from what I've read and heard, his music just keeps getting better and better after each album. Stevens has declared his intent to write an album in honor of each State in the U.S. Be interesting to watch where that goes.

Other groups that I've been enjoying recently:
Gorillaz
Wilco
Sigur Ros
Franz Ferdinand

Big shout out to Paste Magazine and Pitch Fork for keeping the world up-to-date with all the latest on good music.

Also, check out Relevant's latest The Year in Music Reviewed.

Categories: music, culture, life