The Latte Factor...

David Bach wrote about the Latte Factor in his best selling book about getting rich and how to make it happen. I know for sure that my "latte" is music. One of my new years resolutions was to keep track of my purchases better. I just have to face it, I spend a lot of money on cd's, mp3's from Itunes, Concert DVD's, and the like. It's only May and I have spent around $300 on music. Last year I took advantage of some of the local used CD stores, and sold some old stuff and bought some old stuff so I probably didn't spend that much. But, I would have no idea the exact amount if anyone asked...hence the resolution.

The thing is, I don't want to stop. It's my addiction...obsession...er' one of my obsessions. Anyway, there's just too much to talk about!

I should've bought The Slip's most recent release, "Eisenhower", before Christmas because it would've made my top albums of 2006 list. In fact, I think it was definitely the album that is the most underrated. The fact is, I had heard one song (Children of December), and procrastinated in buying the full album. They used to be much more of a "jamband" (I tend to hate that label), but they have done a 180 (or more of a 90) and gone to more of an indie rock feel. But, back when they were getting their jam-on they were more in line with The Disco Biscuits or STS9, etc. Their album "Aliveelectric" shows much of this off...long, drawn out, atmospheric, jams that enlightened the senses. This was all very good. I was not a huge fan of their sister album "Aliveacoustic". So, since I had tickets to see My Morning Jacket, and The Slip was opening for them, I had to wait it out and reserve judgement until after I had seen them live. The fact is, I was dissapointed. Looking back, I think I did it all wrong. This is a band that you have to know the songs from the album a little to really appreciate what they are doing on stage. So for the past couple of months, this album has taken over much of my Top 25 Most Played on my Ipod. The first 4-5 songs on the album are where it's at, but the whole thing just doesn't dissapoint.

Keller Williams came out with an excellent new album this year entitled "Dream". He's sticking with his one word titles, and this is another excellent album, chock-full of fantastic guest musicians. "Got No Feathers", so far is my favorite song on the album. KW is joined by John Scofield on guitar, and it is unlike anything he has done before.

I'll list my latest purchases soon, but those two have gotten the most "air-time" in my travels. Of course, I can't forget to pimp Dr. Dog, because that is my pick of the best album of the year. Or, at least the best "newcomer of the year".