Someday, I want to buy my dad a house.  On the top of a hill.  Near the Pacific Ocean.  In rural Northern California.  I will have made it financially if one day I can drive him out there someday, present him with a set of keys, and say "Thanks for everything."  What vindication!

over the last month, my blackberry has exploded with notes of bands I stumbled upon to look into further.  some you have likely already heard of, but nevertheless they should be listed, because they are awesome. just saying.

matt & kim

woolfy

dent may

beirut

the black lips

handsome furs

nasa - not the space exploration you thought

alice russell

andrew bird's latest album, noble beast

bela fleck (the africa sessions are excellent)

crystal castles

slightly stoopid

gogol bordello - if there is such a thing as gypsy punk, this is it.  channel your inner slovakian accordian player and rock out.

the voodoo glow skulls - west coast ska with a hint of "fuck you!" - fabulous.

late of the pier

dan auerbach (who knew the drummer for Spoon can produce so well?)