27. July 2008 by John Arnold.

The Big Lebowski…  What a movie.  I converted another friend to the genius of the Coen Brothers last night.  While the movie has its share of the surreal, you can’t beat it for memorable quotes, many of which happen to be my favorites are probably unsuitable for repetition here. It does remain a fact though that countless are the times since I first saw The Big Lebowski that I’ve wanted to walk into my boss’ office and say “New shit has come to light, man.”

Now, I’m not a movie critic, but I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night. So, if you haven’t seen this movie (which came out in 1998), grab it next time you walk by the Bargain Bin in your local video store or Walmart. If on the other hand, you’re easily offended by a liberal smattering of profanity, you may not make a connection. However, as employed by the Coens, the profanity is not so much gratuitous as it is a defnining characterstic of the central characters - the Dude and Walter. Poor Donnie… Just shut the fuck up Donnie.  ”I am the Walrus?  I am the Walrus.”

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27. July 2008 by John Arnold.

We had our first practice yesterday with our new drummer.  Considering that the band hasn’t practiced together since before our last gig in Waco, things went well - very well.  We were missing two of our singers - one was on vacation with her husband (who’s also our soundman), and I’m not really sure where the other ran off to.  I’ve been in this band for a little over a year now and if there’s one thing I’ve become acccustomed to it’s that it is a very rare occasion when all members of the band show up for practice.

Anyway, our last drummer was good and we were all very sad to see him go.  No doubt.  Luckily for us, with a major show coming up in about 3 weeks, our new drummer, Steve, is a natch.  He fit right in, had a couple of hiccups on a couple of starts, but picks up really quickly on what we want from him and he’s right there. So… for not playing together for about 6 weeks, we’re not as suck as I thought we’d be, but we have a long way to get ready for August 22nd.

Notwithstanding the concerns and the anxieties that precede any gig, it was damn nice to be back together with the guys, pumping out some tunes, getting loud and proud, and downright dirty. Three guitars, a bass, drums, keys, and friends, and a 65,000-freaking-watt sound reinforcement system. What more could you want? Life is good.

Yo Steve Holland! Glad to have you!

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