It must be Thursday. I never could get the hang of Thursdays.

It's my blogiversary. Or it was on the 5th. The fact that I wrote "blogiversary" makes me angry. Why did you let me write that?

In this anniversary special, I'll just link back to my favorite posts of the last year so all your clicking around makes my view count look better and I can feel good about myself.

Or, I'll just tell you that aside from my West Nile Virus (unconfirmed although still suspected) I've been blue this week. Just a general malaise that has only gotten worse as this rather mediocre week has progressed.


There's nothing notable about this week. Work is no more or less taxing. My family and friends are healthy and reasonably happy as well. We didn't go to war with anyone (not to minimize the shit going on in Egypt and the day-to-day murders we've all grown accustomed to seeing on the news). I'm just... blah.

So I decided that tonight I must stop with the unnecessary and aimless moping which requires Journey. And sometimes Neil Diamond. And often, in hopes of gaining back some of my indie music credibility, Mates of State and/or The Go Team!

So I share with you the music that I must sing/scream along to that lifts my spirits.

I once said of The Go Team! that they made me want to join a cheerleading squad and get a bunch of tattoos. Lucky for you, them, and my employer, I am smarter than that.

  Can we talk about singing with our eyes closed? Passionately? In a tank top?

...If you're not fist pumping right now, you're obviously ill.

Goddamn that was good. Maybe you need to watch it again. Category: Best Break-Up Song EVER!

Of all the tapes, CDs, and digital albums I've purchased, for some reason, I remember buying my first Mates of State CD. I went into the record store where I had worked in college because I was looking for something new. Namely, some '70s and '80s punk. My friend, Boomer, who managed the store, quenched my thirst for angry youth (who were then angry old people) and also gave me Mates of State's "Our Constant Concern" and said "You'll love this." So I bought it.

On the way home I listened to it and wondered why Boomer suddenly hated me. It was awkward and these people were shouting in harmony. It didn't make sense. WHY ARE THEY YELLING AT ME?

Me and Boomer 2002? 2003? 

So I listened again. Louder. That's when I started to understand that this wasn't music to drive home by as ambient noise. This was meant to be shouted along with, windows rolled down, like you were alone in the shower... but you're not. You must shout it in the public of your private car knowing (or thinking) that everyone can hear you and think you're crazy.

Somehow he knew.

2010 maybe?