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04/20/2005: "of green waves of grain"

So I flew into Oakland this morning and then got a rental car to drive to Fresno (Ford Focus of course, I love it!) so that I can spend a little bit of time with my family before I go do God knows what in the bay area. I'll try to have some pictures of the baby sheeplets that are running around here in the next few days. Pretty cute. Driving to Fresno from the bay was a drive I never made (with me behind the wheel) before, and I must say it was pretty easy. California really is a beautiful state, and I found myself swerving to stay on the road as I became mesmerized by the way the gusts of wind made the fields of tall grass shimmer. Don't get me wrong, the ocean is pretty great, but I think I'll always have a tender place in my heart for country livin'.

Of course, no time in the car should be without a soundtrack. My first selection was the album "Anniemal" by Annie. Despite the exceedingly dumb title, the album is pretty awesome. Its Scandinavian dance pop ala Kylie Minogue with a kind of Gap Band discoish flavor to it. At first listen I almost guaranteed you'll think its terrible, at second listen you'll be hooked. The only problem is that its only available as an import (29 bucks on amazon...I picked it up for 24 at tower records). Check out "Chewing Gum" and "Heartbeat". The only other cd needed for the trip was my old standby, Pinback's self titled album. I am fully ready to declare this the one album I would take with me if I were stranded on a desert island. I've consistently listened to this for 3 years now, and I still enjoy it immensley. If cds ever get laser burn, I really need to go get a second copy of this soon. Every track is brilliant, but in true pinback fashion, the first and last songs stand out as exceptional.

ps sorry to all whose emails I've been neglecting...its nothing personal, I've just been so busy with my travel...I'll get back to you next week, I promi...I'll try :P