weekend recap.

saturday: the drive-by truckers in asheville. once again they win the most bang for your buck prize, playing another 3 hour show (no opening band). no obnoxious drunk guys in the crowd--always a plus. nothin like a truckers show to make me feel some good hearty southern pride. they embody "the southern thang" in a way that makes them seem like nice, intelligent, respectful versions of the good ol' boys we so often love to hate. so I guess you could say that they help break down stereotypes while celebrating differences. indirect social commentary and kickass rock to boot. I love 'em.

sunday: lunch in w-s with the 'rents, granny, and aunt kay. good times all round...granny said it looks like I'm gaining weight, though. does it? I really need to get a sensible, working diet in place. I still look just a little ridiculous.

then, show #2. josh couldn't go; work or some such nonsense. matt suggs was the first band--palatable enough, but a little too indie-depressive for me to ever listen to regularly. then john vanderslice, who I've always not-so-secretly loathed. actually old vandersnooze was ok, though; I enjoyed his set more than when I saw him before. he just reminds me a little bit of the guitarist in animal house. would john belushi break his guitar? maybe not quite so violently, but probably.

then beulah. I can't remember the last time I had such an amazing live music experience. no hipster posturing for that crowd. at times I had a tough time seeing the stage people were jumping so high while dancing around. I just had to jump higher. shoulda worn earplugs as they were quite loud indeed, but I wouldn't have it any other way. "pop" might be a dirty word to some people, but for those of us that appreciate it I can't think of any currently recording band that does it better, not even my beloved b&s. if beulah heads your way, go see them. if not, just go buy one of their CDs. right now. I said so.

tis now monday morning and time to get some sleep before the grind starts once again. so with all the weekend's spiffy tunes still ringing in my ears (literally), I shall say good night.