Happy Happy Joy Joy

You ever get one of those pleasant surprises at the end of a long day? The kind that totally change your day from a negative into a positive? Yeah, I had one of those yesterday.

Not that it was a horrible day yesterday, but just one of those that dragged on and on. When I checked the mail at home, I received my happiness. I received 3 CDs that I had ordered at the begining of the month, expecting them to not arrive until next week (because one of the CDs is not even on the shelves yet). Let me tell you – if you didn’t know, I’m a music junkie. Just look at my “Interests” on the left side of my blog. Music, to me, is the universal equalizer. Music can completely change my bad mood. New music excites me. Writing and playing music does the same thing (and can even magnify that happiness). But when I have a lack of a creative outlet, new music is what I look forward to. Especially from my favorite bands and musicians. And that’s exactly what I got.

A new album from one of my all-time favorite singer/songwriters, Neal Morse. Autographed. That made my day. And the CD is pretty dang good, too (along with his last 3 solo albums and Spock’s Beard albums). This CD, “?”, also has 2 members of my favorite band making appearances, Mike Portnoy (who did all of the drums) and Jordan Rudess (the almighty king of keyboard players, and the player I look up to the most).

The other 2 CDs: Transatlantic: Live in Europe – a side-project “Super Group” consisting of Neal Morse, Mike Portnoy, Pete Trewavas, and Roine Stolt. I have the concert on DVD, but wanted a CD version. Also, Yellow Matter Custard, a Beatles tribute band who performed only 1 show in New York City. This also features Neal Morse and Mike Portnoy. Good stuff.

Finally capping off my happy week news (besides the 3 parties this weekend) is my new membership to the Scottsdale Gun Club. Guns = Hells Yeah! Anyone who disagrees is a bleeding-heart liberal. Yes, I’m talking about you, Michael Moore. I know you lurk here. Cock.