It's probably been four years since I made a trip to the music store but I picked up the new Slayer CD, Christ Illusion, at Rasputin's in San Jose tonight. It's just been too easy to download the songs or order from Amazon but tonight I had nothin to do and thought I would check out the bargin bins since I am old and everything I like should be in there by now (or so I thought). I actually didnt have any luck with used CDs but I did find a few things that I will try to pick up eventually like the latest Death Angel album which apparently came out last year.

I also picked up the debut album by Wolfmother. I am not sure where I heard of these guys first, MySpace, Yahoo!, my brother? but they must be doing some good marketing because I have their album now. Even the cashier said the album rocked.

I am not sure what to say about the new Slayer album. I have only listened to it once now and while I am sure I will enjoy it it seems to lack something that their early albums had. I guess that is typical. You grow up and what you latched onto at 18 is not gonna be the same as what you are looking for in your 30s. They just sounded so much more evil back then though. Each song had it's own character and mood (South of Heaven being my favorite). Their most recent albums kinda sound like one long song with the same tempo, and barking vocals. I am a sucker for that palm-muted open E string though.

I liked browsing the music store though and will try to do it more often now. Plus, it's nice having the back up CD instead of just the downloaded mp3. That's getting annoying. DRM sucks.

I just started my new job this week so it has taken me a while to update the site. So far the switch to the new group (same company) has gone pretty smooth. I am optomistic.

Last weekend we went to Berkely's Greek Theatre and saw Ben Harper. I saw him years ago when he opened for Pearl Jam and was less known. He was impressive then but this show was amazing. Since he basically provided the theme music to our wedding it was really cool to see him live so soon after. Damian Marley opened so the reggae vibe was in full effect.

I found a video of Slayer performing one of their new songs on the Henry Rollins show. Also videos of Ben Harper and some other cool acts. I didnt even know Rollins had a show. Man, I wish I still got IFC. Click on the Video tab and browse to the Henry Rollins Show and then Musical Performances.

Lastly, I just ordered the new Shepard Fairey retrospective. I own a couple of his prints but this is the first book of his I have bought. This looks to be a pretty comprehensive collection of his work from the last 17 years so if you are gonna buy a book this is the one. I saw his show a couple of months ago at White Walls in SF. Very impressive. I wish I had enough dispossible income to by one of his original pieces. I guess I will just have to stick to the mass produced ones for now.