Found a job!

I now work for a company that, in a couple months, is going to launch an ambitious music website based around social networking. Can't say much else than that, but keep your eyes peeled, because this blog is likely going to eventually start talking about it (when I can, that is). I've luckily found myself involved with it, and I'm as excited about the product as I am about the fact that I'm being paid to help out with it.

Thanks for asking, Matty; the January shows went really well. Adobe Books was a nicer place to play-- run-down-ass bookstore, all cluttered, really good vibe, more people than at the Utah-- but both performances ended up succeeding about equally. However, I was able to dub myself "Spencer Owen and the Serious Business" (or, just "The Serious Business") at the Adobe Books show. I think it's a good name and it may appear every now and again. The next show's on February 10 in Oakland. The next show I'm attending is Stereolab at the Fillmore on March 4; the next concert is Meredith Monk and vocal ensemble at Yerba Buena on February 15, and won't that be wonderful. As for my recording schedule, I imagine I'll soon be working on the new Bird by Snow album, depending on when ol' Fletcher's got it in a shape to send me for my parts. (Bird by Snow's Antlers and the Sun, featuring Spencer Owen, can be purchased at K Records... perhaps you want to buy it from K Records? [those are both the same link])

The RZA is actually, at least on the Wu-Tang's albums, a really good rapper. Although now that I make that clarification, I realize that one of my favorite flows he's done (and one of my favorites I've heard) is on the song "Snakes" on the debut Ol' Dirty Bastard album. I would paste it here but I recommend tracking down the song, because his delivery absolutely makes it. His energy is fairly untouchable. "The RZA" is also my new nickname for my friend Ben's new girlfriend, Theresa. I have yet to use it in conversation with her, but it is going to be the first thing out of my mouth the next time I see her.

Here is a short list of the 5 best shows I saw last year (in chronological order):

1. David Byrne with the Extra Action Marching Band, Fillmore (S.F.), 2/24
2. Boredoms, the Indepedent (S.F.), 5/19
3. Sufjan Stevens, the Attic (Santa Cruz), 7/19
4. Ruins Alone with Ed Rodriguez and Devin Hoff, Hemlock Tavern (S.F.), 7/24
5. David Krakauer with Klezmer Madness! and Uri Caine, Herbst (S.F.), 10/10

I believe there were moments of each of these shows (particularly the last one on the list) where I was laughing out of sheer joy. The next five shows that didn't make it to the list were by Elvis Costello & the Imposters, Matmos (at Mills College in Oakland, doing material from their upcoming record The Rose Has Teeth in the Mouth of a Beast...ooh, excited), Deerhoof (on a bill with Octis and Whysp), Of Montreal, and Brian Wilson, but doesn't that make a handy top ten, all combined?

LISTENING TO: (iTunes random) "The Emergency Kisses," Stereolab; "Tigresa," Caetano Veloso; "Hemiones," Camille Saint-Saens; "I Was Never Young," Of Montreal; "Duck Seazon," Wu-Tang Clan; "Ibhanoyi (Aeroplane)," Blanket Mkhize; "Rush I Some Dub," Tappa Zukie; "Para Xo," Moreno + 2; "Slip Away," David Bowie; "Two Janes," Los Lobos