Big Hand Dave

We had a very good practice last night. Jeff, the official Big Hand Dave recording engineer, set up all of his nice beautiful recording equipment (and the man has some kick ass equipment) and made us all feel like rock stars. Our goal was to get five or six songs recorded well enough to make a demo. I think we’ve got what we need. We had a different vocal set up, which took a little getting used to, but it worked out well.

Then the sketching began. You simply had to be there. And it ain’t right.

Wes got Dave’s drums balanced and they sound better than ever. Bonus, there is no need to be afraid of the kick as there is no longer a pop. That’s what I said.

We also learned that eggs can cause halitosis. Some were argumentative about the source, but to no avail.

There was a general warm-up where “Wish You Were Here” by Pink Floyd made multiple appearances. Journey also made a cameo. We also got to hear an old recording of a young PJ playing the blues. We played all of the songs we did tonight several times, in the hopes of getting a good recording. I think we did.

Then we warmed up in earnest with “Chevy Van” and the great ‘picture vs princess’ lyric debate began. I had never heard that perhaps she was lying there like a princess instead of like a picture. Wes says it’s princess. I disagreed. I googled the lyrics and eight of the top ten listed it as picture, though I was truly surprised that any at all listed it as princess. I went back and listened to the song quite carefully. The lyric is most definitely ‘picture.’

I had to ditch the headphones as I just couldn’t hear enough with them and I kept getting lost. I’m just glad I had Rodney showing me the way or I would’ve been in trouble.

Next we played “Gloria,” which we always do well. We ran through “Keep Your Hands To Yourself” and I really wanted to hijack it badly! It was all I could do to control myself, but PJ had warned me of such shenanigans while we were recording.

Then we did “Staying Kind” our new original, with a couple of different beginnings. It will be interesting to hear the different versions. Next we played “867-5309/Jenny.” It was good, as always. We finished up with several versions of “Sex And Candy” and I feel sure at least one is a keeper.

We should have enough good stuff for a decent demo. I can’t wait to hear it. Kudos and thanks to Jeff. I think we all played quite well tonight. I really enjoy it when it comes together like that.

I would like to begin the quote section with a disclaimer that I think the secret word(s) is(are) kangaroo and/or cowbell and any use of the aforementioned words alone or in any combination is merely for entertainment purposes and does not void my winning the game.

“I’ll jump over those drums and beat your ass like a kangaroo!” ~PJ

Every time they switch quarterbacks you have to start over.” ~Dave

“But if you’re lying down… dude, that’s like, perfect!” ~ Rodney

“I heard it on Oprah last night.” ~Wes

“My louds are quieter than my quiets!” ~ PJ

“Damn, that feels good!” ~Rodney

“Did you see my eyelashes?” ~Dave

“My cowbell is bigger.” ~JD

“I don’t know where my levels are. ~PJ

“Oh God, twice!” ~ Rodney

“I got some broken shit that needs fixin’.” ~PJ

“He loves the taste in his mouth.” ~Dave

“You’re quick sometimes.” ~ Rodney

“I don’t think you’re allowed to be gay in Minnesota.” ~JD

“I got your heat.” ~Dave

“Let’s not draw any hasty conclusions that it’s not Dave’s fault.” ~PJ

“You don’t quote me enough!” ~Dave

“Then say some funny shit!” ~JD

“Don’t be hatin’.” ~Dave

“Can’t help it!” ~Wes

“How big are those colossal shrimp?” ~PJ

“Does that mean he will break your paintbrush?” ~Wes

“It’s not like anybody’s going to listen to it all the way through.” ~PJ

“My fucking nose was itching so bad I just couldn’t make it through.” ~Wes

“I’m the fucking drummer! I don’t listen to lyrics!” ~Dave

“There you have it, folks!” ~Wes

“I woke up in the guest room with my head down at the foot of the bed and I was spooning with the catfish!” ~ Dave

“That gives me chills.” ~JD

“That was probably my anger.” ~