I'm on top of the world for a while, and I'm undefeated

So, I received and listened to two new albums the other day, and I have some thoughts on them.

The first was Sgt. Major's debut album, Rich, Creamery Butter. (I don't think the comma belongs in that title, but that's the way they punctuate it. I do think they get bonus points for using a Simpsons reference.) I wouldn't say it blew me away, necessarily, but I will say that Kurt Bloch has a definite knack for writing insanely catchy songs. "Underneath It," a song I had actually heard before getting the album, is one particular number that's difficult to get out of your head (and I mean that in a good way). It's different from the Fastbacks and Kurt's Young Fresh Fellows songs, but there are some definite similarities as well. The lead singer is called Carmella, with no last name given. The odd thing about that name is that, in one of my Sims games, I named a character "Karmella," without realizing it was a real name. Since then, I've heard of more than one person having that name, or a close variation thereof. Maybe I'd heard it before I named the character, and just couldn't remember. But I digress.

The other album is Johnny Hickman's first solo effort, Palmhenge. I'm not sure what I think of it. I like the overall sound (I guess you'd call it "alt-country," although I've never been quite sure what that term actually indicates), but so far, none of the songs have really grabbed me. I'm disappointed that it doesn't include that "Costco Socks" song that Johnny did when I saw him live. Oh, well. It's different from Cracker (even the Cracker songs that Johnny wrote), but it's pretty good in its own way.

EDIT: Oh, I almost forgot. Today is L. Frank Baum's birthday. If he were still alive, he would have turned 149.

The little, stupid differences are nothing compared to the big, stupid similarities

So, two Simpsons episodes again tonight. Maybe they should return to actually starting the season at a reasonable time of the year, and only airing one new episode per week? Nah, that's crazy talk. :P

( Simpsons and Family Guy spoilers )

There was a commercial for Tim Burton's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and I have to say that Johnny Depp's Willy Wonka seems more obviously mean than Gene Wilder's, who was more of a mild-mannered if weird guy with secret psychopathic tendencies. I guess I can't really get the full impression of the character from one commercial, though.

In other news, I think I might have broken my watchband. It's still holding together, but I'm not sure how much longer it will. I think I go through watchbands more quickly than anyone else on Earth. Maybe I'll look for a new one tomorrow, along with a new black ink cartridge for my printer.

( My battle cry )