September's Eggs, One Basket

So September came and went.  And what a month it proved to be.  I don't think more things have happened to distrupt/enlighten my life than this ninth month of 2010.  So many things have happened, it's almost intimidating to try and cover them all.  But, I will most definitely try for you, the few good readers I might have left after a month long hiatus.

First off, I have been writing less and less for Fensepost, yet still had more posts this month than probably ever before.  I guess the idea of building a solid backlog has finally paid off.  But, now I must get back to work.  The reason for a hiatus from The Word and Fensepost?  Well, that is to come.  Before I explain, let me show you what September had in store:

The Gentle Guest: Cast Off Your Human Form [Album Review]

Proud Simon: Anchors Aweigh [Albu Review]

Simon Bish: You Get To Live A Few Good Days [Album Review]

J Minus: Congratulations, You Suck! [Video]

Jared Mees & The Grown Children: Cocklebrs & Hay [mp3 review]

Bobby Joe Ebola & The Children Macnuggits: F [Album Review]

Hosannas [Feature]

Finn Riggins: Live At The Empyrean

Discover America: Future Paths [Album Review]

I saw Finn Riggins at The Empyrean earlier last month.  I am so glad I chose to stick with these Boise natives rather than moving towards Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band.  The show was absolutely fantastic.  And the band were absolutely cordial and compellingly cool.  I will definitely be attempting  to see every show they do in Spokane.  Yes, they were that great.

Next show on the list, Finn Riggin's label mate/frontman Jared Mees & The Grown Children at Baby Bar in the heart of downtown this coming Wednesday, October 6th.  It is sure to be a rocking good time.  I am a bit nervous though, as Jared Mees is just as compelling to me as say, Steve Eeley or Rocky Votalato.  His talent exceeds the latter, and is damn near equal to the first.  Their new single "Cockleburrs and Hay" might just be one of my favorite tracks of the year.

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The real impacting news, is still to come.  But, the news that has truly impacted my life beyond the art, is this:

I am getting fired, in a manner of speaking.  The Air Force has decided that there are too many people currently doing the same job as I am, Electrical Systems Craftsman (earned the "Craftsman" part after my two week stay in Wichita Falls, Texas that was forementioned back in August), so they are requiring that I move on.  What will I be doing?  Well, this coming June, I will head to Biloxi, Mississippi to begin a 6 week technical school to become a Command Post Apprentice.  Yes, I will be assisting an installition commander in...well, whatever the hell he wants.  It really is an exciting oppurtunity to move out of my element a bit....and move out of the dirty trucks and even dirtier construction sites, and begin a career involving coffee, e-mails, and water cooler conversations.  And the chances of not having to leave my favorite city of Spokane are looking pretty good, although i do not wish to get myself all worked up, and be entirely disappointed when I am shipped off the Bumfuck, North Dakota.  No matter where I end up, I am pretty excited to try this job out for size. 

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So, what is the biggest news of all --- Ladies and Gentlemen:

CHILDREN OF MERCY: TALES AND TEACHINGS OF FROM THE WORLD OF INDEPENDENT MUSIC.
Yes, I briefly mentioned a book for charity project I was considering back in August, and now the plan is in motion.  It took off like a blazing hay barrell fire.  I simply put the hook out to several artists/promoters/label owners/listeners, and so many beautiful people bit on.  In essence, the book is a collection of folks involved in some form with the world of independent music telling their stories and giving a bit of advice on the industry as it is today.  Thus far, I have over 30 great folks actively persuing the time to give me a few good words on this subject.  What I have recieved thus far has been absolutely outstanding.  I have been playing a coordinator, behind the scenes sort of role in the whole project, and so many of the contributors have stepped up to take on extra roles as well.  There are also going to be 3 different CD compilations coming soon in order to raise funds for the physical printing of the book.  And what charity have I decided to use as a platform...as of right now, I plan to donate all proceeds to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in the U.S. and The Cystic Fibrosis Trust in the UK.  Head over to the Facebook Fan Page to learn a bit more.  And watch for the official blog and website for Children Of Mercy coming very soon!

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I shall leave you here my merry pranksters!  Much more work to come, especially with Children Of Mercy well underway.  It's good to be back folks!