The blog of Christopher M. Tucker.

Cruel To Be So Young

2009-07-02T11:39:00.000-07:00

I know it's been forever, but here I am blogging once more. I just felt the urge, probably because I feel things caving in a bit around me, and when that happens, I write. College is coming up. Impending doom, it feels like. It's only community college, but the cost is probably going to leave some debt. I got a 29 on my ACT the first time. Tried to take it again, with some studying, to aim for something in the 30's, but my score just dropped a couple points. Probably just stressed myself out too much, honestly. Should be starting to train for my job at the Bridgeton pool concession stand. Need the money. Should save the money. I actually need to call the manager up there right now, to set up my schedule, but a weird social apprehension is coming over me, so I just sit here. I am an 18 year old, job-less, car-less, license-less, scared boy. I put on a good front, but this is what's going on inside me. I really need to gain some independence. Having my license would probably help, but I'm terrified. I will wreck, and I know it, and odds are, someone I care about will be in the car with me. So we'll be hurt, my mom and I will be without a car. I wonder how long my dad's will keep running sometimes. If it quits, he's back to walking and riding public transportation. Not good at all for his frail feet, and body in general. He's been getting repeatedly cancelled at work, and I feel like his job is less than secure. He's lonely and for the most part without friends. I constantly feel the pressure to go over there, but it's an hour away and a good distance from my friends. I'm torn. These days, I never want down time, and I think as I write this, I'm realizing why. When I stop and think about all that goes wrong and has the potential to go wrong, I scare myself to death. I just feel like I'm constantly on the defensive. And all that defense amounts to is hiding, whether it be in sleep, out with friends, whatever. It's all about constant distraction for me right now. All I can do is delay the inevitable. I am just self-pitying. And now I post this and expect pity from all of you. Stupid. But I guess I need it. Weird. This is a stupid post.

Christopher Michael Tucker

I don't want to say "I told you so," but...

2009-02-08T18:22:00.000-08:00

Blink-182 is back.
They're going to make music again.
Tour? I certainly hope so.
Good God.
I am pumped.
Absolutepunk.net just crashed.
Katy Perry is performing now.
She is attractive.
Don't care right now.
Blink-182 is back.
Yessssssssssssssssss.

-Christopher Michael Tucker

THE BEST OF 2008.

2009-01-26T18:51:00.000-08:00

In a way, I hope you've all been waiting for this. And in a way, I hope very few of you have, considering how long it took me to finalize some of these decisions. But without further ado, here you go. The best albums of the year 2008.

Biased pick: Relient K- "The Nashville Tennis EP"

After being a little disappointed with the band's tendency to lean towards a poppier sound on the last record, I was happy to hear these 13 new songs, which hearkened back to the sound of their previous ventures: rock, rock, rock, and a little bit of (TASTEFUL) pop. And humor! Check out my favorite track, "Where Do I Go From Here."

18. Anthony Green- "Avalon"

Green's solo project is nothing like Circa Survive. The writing is simple. The music is simple. And I'm okay with that. I could have used more songs like "She Loves Me So" and "Dear Child (I've Been Dying To Reach You)," but the positives far outweigh the negatives here. Listen to one of my favorite tracks of the year, "She Loves Me So."

17. The Black Keys- "Attack & Release"

I'm not from the (dirty dirty) south, but I'd have to be dead not to recognize the brilliant southern rock tinged riffs and soulful tones on this record. Quite possibly the band's best record to date. Check out "I've Got Mine."

16. My Morning Jacket- "Evil Urges"

This band got a lot of good press this year, and it's no wonder why. This record is crazy good. It's really a step in a different (and sometimes weird) direction for Jim James and company, but I dig it a lot. Check out the 8 minute Turing machine, "Touch Me, I'm Going To Scream, Part 2."

15. Conor Oberst- "Conor Oberst"

Contrary to popular belief, this is not "basically a new Bright Eyes record." Conor, along with the Mystic Valley Band, pursues a much more folky direction, showcasing a sound that would feel out of place under the typical Oberst moniker. Listen to my favorite track, "Moab."

14. Tom Gabel- "Heart Burns"

I like Against Me, so it's really a no brainer that I would like this record, considering the 8 tracks would not seem out of place on a future AM! album. There's no real focused theme on this record, but it's still a solid release. Listen to "Amputations" featuring Alkaline Trio's Matt Skiba.

13. Flight Of The Conchords- "Flight Of The Conchords"

The third most popular folk parody duo in New Zealand put out their first full length in 2008. It features songs from the band's show on HBO along with a few new tunes. As expected, it's hilarious. Listen to the less than seductive "Business Time."

12. MGMT- "Oracular Spectacular"

This is probably the most overrated record of 2008. That's not to say it isn't good, though. I saw these guys open for Of Montreal in late 2007, and something struck a chord with me. Then they released the single, "Time To Pretend," which struck millions of chords with millions of people. Good for them, I guess. Listen to "The Youth."

11. The Hold Steady- "Stay Positive"

Craig Finn and company once again deliver a brilliant record. So what if it belongs in a different decade? So what if Finn sings less than stellar? The music is fun. The lyrics are quirky and smart. Mission accomplished. Listen to "Constructive Summer."

10. Ace Enders- "The Secret Wars"

Released free via the Fuse.tv website, this album is a thank you from the former Early November frontman to all the fans who've stuck with him through his constantly changing career. It's catchy. It's upbeat. It's fun. All this from a 26-year old guy who doesn't even wear neon. Crazy. Listen to "Body Like Mind."

9. House Of Heroes- "The End Is Not The End"

Another solid release from the Columbus, Ohio quartet. Much like my pick for number 10, this record is both catchy and fun, and at the same time, not Forever The Sickest Kids. Didn't even know that was possible, did you? Anyways...Yeah. This is a great powerpop record. 14 solid tracks. Listen to "Lose Control."

8. City And Colour- "Bring Me Your Love"

Alexisonfire guitarist and vocalist Dallas Green has soul. Seriously, this guy's got some pipes. If you like your music folky, acoustic, and in general, beautiful, you need to hear this record. Oh, and there's only one song about a girl. So the album's original! Give "Sleeping Sickness" a try.

7. Paper Rival- "Dialog"

Gotta love it when a band releases one of the best albums of the year then calls it quits. (Sarcasm). Regardless, this really is a solid record. I don't really know what to say except that these guys had a really nice, unique sound, and I'm gonna miss them. Listen to "Bluebird."

6. Of Montreal- "Skeletal Lamping"

Sex. This album is about sex. Kevin Barnes (the band's cross dressing frontman) really embraces his alter ego, Georgie Fruit, an African-American she-male, on this album. And it's dirty. And it's fun. And it's funky. I love this band. See them live if at all possible. It's quite the spectacle. Get into "Id Engager." Listen for the line, "Ninjas! Move it!"

5. Panic At The Disco- "Pretty. Odd."

At first, I shunned this album. "They just want to be the Beatles!" I cried. But now, I'm okay with that. After seeing them live on this record cycle, I began to understand the reason for their stylistic change, and I no longer minded it. In fact, I relished in it. I can actually take them seriously as musicians now, without the makeup heavy vaudevillian live show, and all that nonsense. Listen to "Pas De Cheval."

4. Death Cab For Cutie- "Narrow Stairs"

So it's no "Plans." It certainly isn't "Transatlanticism" by any means. Yet still, it is Death Cab, and thus, pretty darn good. Ben Gibbard's written better songs than these, but an DCFC song that's just "alright" trumps "good" songs from most other bands. Ya know? Listen to my favorite track, the Jack Kerouac inspired "Bixby Canyon Bridge."

3. Person L- "Initial"

I think back to the last March when The Starting Line visited St. Louis on their final tour. I was upset. I was sad. Sure, I knew about "that other project Kenny was working on," but I knew it wouldn't be the same. And it isn't. But oh my goodness, is it ever good. The record is really gritty one second, and smooth the next, drawing on influences as contrasting as Drive Like Jehu and James Brown. Listen to "Wooden Soldiers."

2. Forgive Durden- "Razia's Shadow"

After the recording of the band's first album "Wonderland," all but one of the members of Forgive Durden left the band, leaving frontman Thomas Dutton. With the help of his brother Paul and Rudy from Gatsby's American Dream, plus this brilliant rock opera of sorts was created. Did I mention the record features guest appearances from members of Say Anything, The Dear Hunter, The Hush Sound, Panic At The Disco, Saves The Day, The Matches, and The Audition? Well it does, making the album all the more enticing. Listen to "The Exit" featuring Brendon Urie of Panic At The Disco and Dan Young of This Providence.

1. Dear And The Headlights- "Drunk Like Bible Times"

I flat out love this band. I flat out love this record. Seriously, what a great sophomore effort. Brilliant lyricism. Solid hooks. Great musicianship. Impeccable vocals. Just all around great. I listened to this album in the car for a good 3 weeks straight and didn't get the least bit sick of it. Hands down, the best of the year. Check out the first single, "I'm Not Crying. You're Not Crying. Are You?"

And there you have it. My 19 favorite records of the year 2008. Check out the playlist below with all the songs I recommended. I'd appreciate it, and I know the artists would as well. Till next time.

Christopher Michael Tucker

The white snow, the rock show.

2008-12-15T19:34:00.000-08:00

I WROTE THE BEGINNING OF THIS BLOG ABOUT 3 WEEKS AGO, DECEMBER 15. AND THEN I FORGOT ABOUT IT.

Today was a snow day. There was very little actual snow. More or less, school was called on account of ice. Which is fine by me. I got to spend some quality time with the missus, and sleep till 1. We might have another day off tomorrow, on account of the supposed 3 inches we're going to get tomorrow morning. It'll be a little iffy though, considering the brunt of the bad weather's supposed to hit during the morning rush, a little while after principals submit their final word on whether or not the school day will take place as scheduled. I won't say anything derogatory about our administration, considering big brother's [(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Brother_(Nineteen_Eighty-Four)] probably reading this right now, but we'll likely have school tomorrow.

A lot of people are upset about the off days, considering it is, in fact, finals week. But personally, I'm not opposed to pushing them back to later this week, or even after break. More time to study, says I. Not that I actually will. But, you never know, I might. Nevertheless, I'm pulling for another relaxing day at home tomorrow.

Wednesday, my mom let me go to a show out of town. Even though I asked her basically at the last minute. It was crazy. Granted, the show was only 2 hours away, in Columbia, but still. That's out of character for her. The show was at the Blue Note, a venue I had visited earlier this year for a Relient K show. This time, the line-up consisted of Scouts, Envy On The Coast, and headliners, Taking Back Sunday.

BACK TO PRESENT TIME.

Anyways, that show was fun. It was my first time seeing Envy On The Coast, and they did not disappoint. Local openers Scouts were decent. TBS was great. Their fans are seriously rabid, though. Twice I've seen them now, and both times, the pits have been more intense than a lot of hardcore shows I go to. Seriously.

Christmas was good. I got a lot of cash, some clothes, and a brand new Casio keyboard, that I've been playing almost non stop when I'm actually at home. I've gone to a lot of our school hockey games lately too, which is actually fun. For a long time, I've been really down on hockey, but going to the games has been a blast.

Ludo's annual Christmas show was on Sunday. It sold out. I wasn't prepared for that. Still, I knew I would get in somehow. Craig's list and Ebay failed me, so the day of the show, Hope and I headed to the Pageant armed with cash and a sign (made by Hope: she's the creative one) reading "We need 2 Ludo tickets." We walked the line for a couple hours in 40 degree weather, finally picking up a pair of tickets, and headed inside.

Unfortunately, the pit was already pretty full, but we pushed our way in anyways. Chicago band "Oh My God" played first. Awful, awful stuff. Local band Building Rome played next. Pretty bad. One of their guitarists actually smashed his guitar at the end, though. Which was dumb. It was a black Gibson SG that probably cost a good 500 bucks at least. Family Force 5 played next. I like those guys, but their show is always the same. And the kids in the pit were being really stupid. This one in particular thought it would be a good idea to jab me in the kidney as he flew into the action. I was already a little ticked to begin with and stupidly, I took a swing at him, aiming for the head. He dodged it, which was probably good, considering I'm not much of a fighter, and I had upset Hope quite a bit by doing this. So I backed off.

Ludo is one of my favorite live bands. Always a blast. A Very Ludo Christmas is always a spectacle, and this year was no different. The only letdowns were the omission of "Saturday Night Thunderbolt" from the set and in general, the nature of the crowd. It was quite evident that many of them had come to hear a single song, "Love Me Dead" after hearing it on local rock station 105.7 The Point. Regardless, the show was good.

Today, my mom is making me mad. That's all she seems to do lately. I don't know if it's just her temperament, the monthly visitor, or something else, but for real, I can't stand it. Luckily, I'm getting out of the house tonight to go catch House Of Heroes at some new club in St. Charles. Should be a fun time. In the ten minutes since I wrote this, things have changed. And I probably can't go. I am pissed. Bye.

Stay tuned for the list of my top albums of the year. I should have it up within the next few days or so.

Christopher Michael Tucker

Vote For Pedro.

2008-12-06T11:57:00.000-08:00

Last night, I saw Dave Bazan at The Billiken Club, a cool little venue on the campus of St. Louis University. All their shows are free, too, so that's a plus. I'd seen Bazan, frontman of the now defunct Pedro The Lion, once before, also at SLU, so I had a pretty good idea of what to expect from the evening. In this case, predictability was a good thing.

The folks at the Billiken Club always book great opening bands, and last night was no exception. Via Audio, a charming band from Brooklyn kicked the show off right, with their unique brand of indie pop. I was a tad skeptical when I saw they had a female frontman...er...woman, but this girl, Jessica Martins, turned out to be quite the breath of fresh air. The music was good, and the band was clearly having just as much fun as the hundred or so in the crowd. Needless to say, I enjoyed these guys a bunch. Give them a listen at myspace.com/viaaudio or just go unpause the song at the bottom of this blog.

Dave Bazan followed with the typical Dave Bazan set. That's a good thing, trust me. Bazan does an excellent job of playing tracks from all 3 of his major projects: Pedro, Headphones (his synth based project), as well as his solo work. Also, he works in Q&A sessions in between songs. These can turn into tense political discussions or they can be about things like favorite books or bands. It makes for quite the engaging show.

Midway through his set, Bazan announced that he was in the process of mixing his first full length solo record, and that it should be out soon. Songs from that record made up the majority of his set. He also worked in a song ("Shit Talker") from the Headphones album, and confirmed that there would indeed be another Headphones record. Pedro the Lions songs played include: "Priests And Paramedics", "Options", "Transcontinental", and my favorite "When They Really Get To Know You, They Will Run". Bazan also played covers from Deerhoof and Bob Dylan. A solid set, if I do say so myself.

Christopher Michael Tucker

Refreshing for a journal update.

2008-12-04T19:23:00.000-08:00

Last night, the one and only Fall Out Boy played the Creepy Crawl. Love them or hate them, they have had an undeniable impact on the scene today. I guess I shouldn't make them poster boys for the scene. I mean, they aren't going to make an acceptance speech. Ha! Okay, but seriously. The show was fun, and it was a once in a lifetime sort of thing. Here's how things went down.

Hope got called out of school early and picked me as soon as the final bell rang. We ran by the house long enough for me to change into warm clothes, then we took off for downtown, making quick stops for food at Fazoli's and Taco Bell respectively. We got to the venue around 3:30, and met up with a couple friends, Rachel and DJ, who were near the front of the line. Doors were at 6, mind you. The family in the front of the line was rumored to have been there since 8 in the morning...the day before. Insane.

It was chilly, but I had no room to complain, given that the time I had been waiting paled in comparison to some other folks in line. Still, I asked Mike Judy to take into consideration that people were chilly, and told him maybe opening doors early would be nice. He was almost to his car as these words left my mouth. He turned around, walked briskly back over, and said with a smirk, "How long have you been here, Chris Tucker?" To which I replied, "Eh, about 10 minutes." Haha.

Another highlight was the near fight between two moms arguing about cuts in line. This lady (and I use the term loosely) in a pink scarf was unrelenting, and a total you-know-what about a couple kids (one of them being me) getting in line with their friends. It turned into a real shouting match, with her calling out the other mom, as well as Rachel. At one point, "pink scarf" very deliberately bumped into the other mom, and said something like "Well, if you wouldn't be all up on me!" That's when I couldn't take it any more. "WHOA WHOA WHOA," I said, and proceeded to use Rachel to mock pink scarf's ridiculous cowardly violence. Some more things were said ("How old are are you? 26? Well act like it!" and "Get your fat ass back in line!") and finally, old pink scarf retreated. If nothing else, that little quarrel was entertaining.

We went in at 6 as planned and secured a spot a couple rows back of stage right. The opening band was "Just Left," an awful band from Chicago. The lyrics were weak. Their efforts to encourage crowd participation were sad. The lead singer desperately needed to pull up his pants. It was ugly. Finally, they finished, and FOB's roadies started setting up.

The show was flat out fun. Granted, the clandestine clad kiddies got a tad obnoxious at times, and people continually had to be told by FOB bodyguards to "GET OFF THE STAGE!" Not like they could help it, though. At big Creepy shows, the front row always gets knocked forward from pushing. That's just the price you pay when there's no barricade. They played straight on through into the encore. The final song was "Saturday." Toward the end of the song, Pete called for everybody to get on stage. A gutsy move. I mean, little Bronx is only 10 days old now. It'd be a shame for him not to know his daddy. Luckily Pete wasn't killed, or even molested, and for the most part, no one got hurt. I did see some girl get carried off by the venue staff. But in the long run, one casualty isn't too bad.

We walked outside to find it had snowed and the temperature had dipped into the twenties. Roads and windshields were quickly icing over. Our plan was to go to the courtesy diner on Hampton. But unfortunately, Hope's car was nowhere in sight. My first thought was "It's stolen." But then my better judgment (aka Hope) told me it probably got towed. We'd parked on the Creepy's back lot a million times and nothing had ever happened. And we had no idea it was even restricted. But sure enough, upon walking over to the entrance to the lot, there was a sign, mind you, only about the size of a piece of paper: "All unauthorized vehicles will be towed." Crap.

So we hitched a ride back to Hope's from Rachel (Thanks again), and got in her mom's Mustang to head to the lot where the car was being housed...er...carred? Anyways, we got there shortly after 11, but the guy running the place didn't show till 11:30 or so. We got the car back, but were told the towing fee was $150 and the parking ticket would be 50 bucks. Needless to say, that was a pretty horrible end to the day. Regardless, it's a day I won't soon forget. Tomorrow night I'm seeing Dave Bazan of Pedro the Lion fame. Should be swell. I'm going to try to get back in the habit of doing show reviews, so another blog should be up sometime this weekend. Till then. See ya.

Christopher Michael Tucker.

P.S. For the setlist and some pics, check out
http://blogs.riverfronttimes.com/atoz/2008/12/review_photos_setlist_fall_out_boy_creepy_crawl_st_louis_december_3_2008_folie_deux_pete_wentz.php

For a few of my pics, visit
http://flickr.com/photos/therealchristucker/

Alive, I am.

2008-12-01T18:15:00.000-08:00

Wow. Last blog was, what, October 16? Wow. Well, to start, I'm going to run down the list of shows I've gone to since then (for posterity), and then get to other updates.
October 17 was Paul Baribeau at the bakery. About 20 people showed, if that.
October 18 was the Sassyback tour with Cobra Starship. Unfortunately, the openers were Sing It Loud, Hit The Lights, and Forever The Sickest Kids. Cobra is always a blast though.
October 19 was the Rock Band tour. Panic At The Disco, Dashboard Confessional, Plain White T's, The Cab. Panic and Dashboard are impeccable live.
October 24 was Of Montreal at the Pageant. Most ridiculous stage show ever. Kevin Barnes is so flamboyant. And straight.
October 27 was Emery, Hawthorne Heights, The Color Fred, and Tickle Me Pink. Small crowd, but still fun. We left before HH, though.
October 28 was Dance Rawr Dance 2. Family Force 5 was fun. PlayRadioPlay was cool. Danger Radio and Ultraviolet sound were pretty awful.
October 30 was the Uncle Fest Tour. House Of Heroes=awesome. This Providence=bad. Ludo=awesome. Relient K=meh. And by meh, I mean, they played one of my favorite sets in recent memory.
November 2 was Underoath, good as usual. Saosin was weak. The Devil Wears Prada seemed a little off. Person L was grrrreat.
November 14 is in the running for my favorite show all year. Steel Train, probably my favorite live band. Dear And The Headlights, the band who put out the best record all year. Forgive Durden, not really a fan, but this Razia's Shadow rock opera thing is crazy. Person L, aka Kenny from the Starting Line, aka one of my new favorites.
November 29 I saw Mike Judy's band, Machree at Cicero's. The venue was smoky, the people were drunks, the band was pretty bad. But hey, who's complaining?
I think that's all I can remember.

Life is about the same as last time. Still being all mushy and in love. Still stumbling through senior year. Still writing for school newspaper. Still going to shows. Still without job and vehicle. In other words, I'm living the dream. Here's some interesting things you might want to hear. Since August, I've been taking a piano class, and I'm starting to really pick up some skills (sort of). Basically, I go to tabnabber.com and learn bits and pieces of songs when I can. I can play some Relient K, some Jack's Mannequin, some Rocket Summer, some Death Cab For Cutie, some Sixpence None The Richer, some Ben Folds (I learned "Bitches Ain't Shit" today, Haha), and some Coldplay, to name a few. It's fun, and not too tough, and I think I might stick with it.

Wednesday, I'm going to the Creepy Crawl. Fall Out Boy is playing. Yes. Fall Out Boy. Yes, the Creepy Crawl. Yes, that hole in the wall bar that only holds 400 or so people. Yes, I know you're jealous. Okay, maybe not, but I'm excited nonetheless. My friend, the aforementioned Mike Judy booked the thing, so that's pretty sweet as well. I don't know yet if Hope and I can get in, but with our connections, determination, and arrogance, I think it's possible.

I've been seeing a lot of movies lately, whether at school, or on Hope's couch. Dead Poet's Society is brilliant. The Number 23 is weird, but interesting. Catch Me If You Can is fun. Benny and Joon and quirky and pretty darn hilarious. The Notebook is not actually a chick flick, and I think if my tear ducts weren't broken, I might have got a little weepy after that one. That seems to be our go-to activity lately. Hope and I seem to make a couple Blockbuster runs a week now. Let me know if you have any recommendations.

I'm running out of things to discuss now, so I'll leave you with my most recent column, on being politically correct. Enjoy. Till next time. Oh, and as a quick side note. I know I haven't been online to talk to some of you as much as I used to be. I still check myspace and facebook daily, but I've been using email too (therealchristucker@gmail.com), and I check it quite a bit. Plus, I check it at school when I'm way bored and need human contact. In other words, you guys should email me, if you're into that sort of thing. If not, myspace and facebook are tried and true favorites. Oh, and you can virtually stalk me on twitter now(twitter.com/ChrisTucker). Yeah!

Christopher Michael Tucker

"Politically Correct...TO THE EXTREME!"
According to dictionary.com, being politically correct “involves changing or avoiding language that might offend anyone, especially with respect to gender, race, or ethnic background.”
According to Chris Tucker, being politically correct involves “using a lot of feathery words so as to avoid offending a couple overly sensitive whiners”.
This is a feeling I hold year round, but when December rolls around, I become especially vocal on the subject.
In the last few years, our nation has become consumed by the idea that we must do everything in our power keep self-esteem at its highest possible level.
Teachers are told to write “Good job!” or some other form of pre-packaged encouragement on students’ papers, even when said teachers are well aware the work is less than superb.
And then when December comes, everything from advertisements to decorations blandly reads “Happy Holidays.”
Yes, Christmas is a traditionally Christian holiday. Yes, that means it involves Jesus. Does that offend you? I’m terribly sorry.
Well, be forewarned then. In February, I would prefer you don’t say “Happy Valentine’s Day.”
Because that offends me. Because I don’t believe in love.
See how ridiculous it is now?
The concept of political correctness in its truest sense is rank with hypocrisy.
Don’t you see that by rejecting the concept of Christmas, you are being judgmental and exclusive yourself?
To quote urbandictionary.com, “Political correctness has a basic flaw. If all views are equal, why do some who embrace this view feel the need to push this agenda as the ‘correct’ one at the same time demonizing other views as ‘incorrect’?
The whole notion is just completely illogical.
I don’t know about your personal life. Maybe you celebrate Hanukkah. Maybe you celebrate Kwanzaa. Maybe you don’t celebrate any holidays in December. You obviously wouldn’t want to select one as being superior. That wouldn’t be politically correct, now, would it?
All I know, is that this December, I won’t be attending any holiday parties or holiday plays, and I certainly won’t be opening any holiday presents from under the holiday tree. I plan to have a very merry, and a very politically incorrect Christmas. Can I get an Amen?

Teenage Politics.

2008-10-16T08:22:00.000-07:00

I'm sitting in College Prep English 12 right now. We're supposed to be writing a research paper (mine's about animal testing), but I've got other things on the brain. About 45 minutes ago, one of my favorite teachers, Mr. Urie, barged into the room dressed as Uncle Sam. Urie's in his sixties I'd say, a tall, broad shouldered and bespectacled man. He is a avid supporter of the Democratic party, and he doesn't hide it a bit. So imagine that...dressed as Uncle Sam.

I've become very interested in politics lately, ignoring the "I can't vote, why should I be informed?" mentality. And it seems a lot of my fellow high schoolers are doing the same. Basically for the last 45 minutes, Urie, plus English teachers Anderson and Lopinot have talked politics with the class, and it's been an active and heated discussion. "Is it wrong to vote for Obama simply because he's black?" "McCain is becoming moderate to the extent that he is closer to 2000 than 2008." That sort of thing. It's just encouraging to see kids so active and involved.

We're actually having a kidsvote election here. I figure Obama's going to win since much of the school is...well...very proud. But I could be wrong. There are a surprising number of McCain supporters here, some of them pretty avid. But enough about that. Politics are probably a little boring to you. My life is probably a little boring to you. Why are you reading this anyway?

Well. Quick update of the interesting things. Things with Hope are splendid. I saw The Matches on Sunday and Death Cab For Cutie on Monday, which was absolutely stellar. Ben Folds is here tonight and tommorow, Paul Baribeau plays a bakery. A freaking bakery. Saturday I see Cobra Starship. It really is quite the full week. But that's about all I've got for now. Just felt I needed to post something, and I needed something to distract me from my work anyway. Plus, yesterday was blog action day. Sorry I'm late. See ya.

Christopher Michael Tucker

Hmmm. Music recommendation. Check out the new Dear And The Headlights record, "Drunk Like Bible Times." Definitely on my top 10 of 2008 so far. Along with the new House Of Heroes, which a lot of people are digging. I'm happy for those guys

The evolution of the blog.

2008-09-23T07:57:00.000-07:00

It’s funny. I’ve had more to write about recently than ever before, and yet this blog of mine has remained pretty much static. Previously, I wrote about shows and sadness, as those were the dominating forces in my life. A lot of times, I was forcing myself to write, sometimes for posterity, sometimes to gain some pity, as ridiculous and stupid as that sounds. I still write for posterity in some cases (I am long overdue for a few show recaps), but mostly it’s just one of those times where “I am so happy. I just want to shout it from the top of a mountain, but I don’t really have a mountain. I mean, have you looked a topographical map of Missouri lately? Pitiful! So I guess this blog will have to suffice.” Yeah. That’s where I am.

Literally, I am currently at school, sitting in the library with time to kill. We’ve got an assembly in twenty minutes or so where a few players from the Rams are going to tell us how cool voting is. Awesome. Actually, I am pretty interested in this election. I won’t get to vote, but I still want to be well informed. I’ve watched the conventions and I might try to go to the vice presidential debate in town next month. I do tend to lean toward the conservative side, so I support McCain, but I think the republican party could have done better. Obama isn’t the antichrist, but he worries me a little.

School’s going okay so far. Grades are pretty good, and I actually like some of my classes. Newspaper is fun. Our first issue comes out this Friday. I’ll have to blog my anti-disney channel column. It’s really sarcastic and I use the phrase “figurative teat.” Good stuff.

That’s all I really have to say for now. I don’t feel like delving into anything deep, and the principal is only a few feet away. I just felt like I should update this thing. Mostly because someone told me to. So there you go. Hope all is well in your world, wherever that may be. Till next time.

Christopher Michael Tucker.

I’ve been listening to a lot of Vampire Weekend lately. Don’t tell anyone.

The feeling that what is wanted can be had or that events will turn out for the best.

2008-09-01T18:18:00.000-07:00

Man. You know, if it wouldn't seem silly to post a huge mushy blog about how love feels, I'd definitely tell you. I'd at least try. I'd mention how you can't stand to be apart from this person for more than a few minutes. I'd talk about how you can be laying right next to the person, and still not be close enough. I'd probably say something about how just when you think you can't possibly fall more in love, you do. And continue to. How every time you see the person, the feeling gets even stronger. I'd talk about how all you want to do is write this person the sweetest, most tender-hearted love letter, but you know nothing you can ever say will possibly convey all the feelings you have for the person. It's amazing just to realize how much emotion and love exists inside of you. I'd try to explain how just being with this person can turn a seemingly trivial and somewhat meaningless day into one of the most wonderful ones you've ever had. I'd tell you about how it seems as if you will never, ever get sick of this person, even if you spent an eternity with them. You probably couldn't really comprehend all that. I mean. The thought that no one and nothing in this world matters more. How all you want to do is make this person happy. The feeling that you get when you look the person in the eyes, and you both know. The feeling that the best you can do is to try to make that person feel as happy as they make you (and they don't even try!). It's such a crazy, wonderful feeling. I wish I could tell you about it, and not seem like a sappy, blubbering idiot, but I probably would, and I mean, you guys would probably vomit a few sentences in, so I'll just keep all these feelings between me and Hope. That would be a silly blog anyways. Ha!

Christopher Michael Tucker

This is a blog about you!

2008-08-24T21:06:00.000-07:00

I could write about a lot of things right now. For instance, I had a brilliant idea the other day. What if the terrorists went after the Disney Channel Headquarters? Now personally, I think this would be good. Of course, it would need to be a surprise attack in the middle of the night. I don't want anyone getting hurt. See, this way, the terrorists get to make their big boom, and at the same time, we get rid of the what is quickly becoming the ruination of western civilization as we know it. In case the government (or cryogenically frozen Walt Disney) is reading this, I'm only kidding.

But back to what I'm actually going to talk about. People. I love a lot of them. I think about them a lot. Here goes something.

Hope- Words are useless. You know how I feel, and how disgustingly happy I am this feeling is mutual.

Tom- You're so funny, and so fun. You are up for anything, and you can hang with anyone. Everyone loves you, including me. I'm glad we're bffs, buddy.

Kyle- I admire you, honestly. You play guitar, you can fix anything, and people are just in general drawn to you. I know you aren't happy with your situation at home, and I understand why. You deserve much better. I want you to be happy.

Kelly- You're so easy going and fun to be around. Your whole family is like that really, so you're pretty fortunate in that respect. You really complete our tight little circle of friends. You're always welcome to come over and watch the Nanny with me. Haha.

Nathan- You're such a character! Honestly, you're one of my favorite people to be around. I love our inside jokes and look forward to making some new ones when you come home from college. Hang in there. Word on the streets is you want to be a TV journalist of some sort. You've definitely got the personality and smarts. I'm rooting for you.

Andrew- Thanks for being there to teach me about life for all these years. You've really been like a big brother to me. Not to sound like a sap, but you've really become a great young man. You've got smarts, looks, personality. You'll go far (and make some girl really, really happy). You deserve it.

Amanda Gelso- You're a scene vet, you're from Illinois, you drive a LeBaron. You obviously rule. No, but seriously, I'm glad we met. I always have fun with you.

Victoria- You seriously crack me up, and always put me in a silly mood. We may not seriously be besties, but I'm glad we can talk and be open with each other. Never forget soda jerks and Bff shoes. Good times for sure.

Heather- You're so resilient. I mean, you work at McDonalds, deal with douchey boyfriends, and put up with Mary Tyler Moore hair on a daily basis alone. It's impressive. You're good at cheering me up, and I hope I do an okay job returning the favor. Thanks for being a good friend, I mean that.

Rachel- You're you. You're such a unique and cool person. You like what you like and don't care who knows it. Selflessness is par for the course with you. Whether it's driving me around the bi-state area or buying dinner for everybody, you put your friends first. I have a feeling you'll go far in life.

Allyssa- You've got a good outlook on life. I know things get hard for you sometimes, but trust me, they will get better. And you'll find a nice boyfriend, I'm sure. Going to an all girls school is a handicap. You'll be out soon. Chicago better watch out.

Mark- You're an odd cat. Thanks for talking music with me all the time and getting me into some good stuff. IWAF is good stuff, keep it up. We need to hang out more often. Just watch out for those treacherous creeks. Haha.

Shelby- You've got such youthful energy about you, it's really refreshing. And you're always so nice to everyone. You're one of the few people I know that ignore the unspoken social caste system of sorts in our culture. And that's a good thing. Keep being you.

Ryne- Man, I wish we lived closer. We've actually only spent two days together, but you know me better than a lot of my closest friends. Thanks for giving me advice and guiding my life some when I get a little crazy. I will see you this fall for sure. "Don't even let that man STEP to you." Hahaha.

Meg- Man, I wish we lived closer. I thoroughly enjoyed the one day we spent together. We're so similar with our music tastes, and that makes for instant closeness. See you this fall. Oh! And sometime you and Ryne need to visit the Creepy Crawl. Seriously, it will be one of the highlights of your life. Sort of.

Leah- You're probably the most giving person I know. To tell you the truth, it always seemed to me like you were the one holding the Carter household together when things got crazy. Still, you remained kind to your sisters and brothers and respected your parents. Crazy. Oh yeah, and you're way fun to hang out with. I hope you get exactly what you want out of life. You deserve it.

David- I know it's tough living with three sisters, but you keep hanging in there. You really rule at guitar by the way. I'm a little jealous. Too bad you like metal so much. Just kidding. As dumb and cliche as this sounds, follow your heart.

Jaggard- You're such a funny dude. Everyone loves hanging out with you, me included. I'm glad you share my love for Every Time I Die. We'll have to jam to ETID again soon. It's how we bond. Obviously.

I think about you people a lot. More than you know I'm sure. I don't know how to tell you what you guys mean to me, but I figure this is a pretty good start.

DISCLAIMER: Obviously, I think about more than just those I mentioned by name. But think. If I wrote about all of you, this blog would be eternal. If you're reading this, I probably think about you a few times a week. And I do care about you. Know that.

Anyways...Till next time.

Christopher Michael Tucker.

We gotta stay positive!

2008-08-11T11:18:00.000-07:00

Summer is slowly dying. And I am powerless to stop its demise. Hope started school today. Last night, when dropping her off after the Jack's Mannequin show, our goodbye was something like, "I'll see you...um...I...we'll see each other again at some point in our lives." I said that sounded bleak, a word which, upon checking the dictionary, is defined as "not hopeful." Unintentional pun! Baaaaaddd...

Arguments. Also bad, and I'm beginning to realize, mostly nonsensical. Me and my mom got into a doozy last night after the show. It was pretty much due to summer ending, although I was a little bummed about having to leave the Pageant when I could have easilly met Andrew McMahon with a little more time. Anyways, I was upset about these things, and a few choice words from mom sent me into fits of rage. That's the only way I know how to get angry it seems. I store everything inside me for extended periods of time and then explode all at once.

See, arguments can start over the most trivial of things and quickly escalate into real bloodbaths. It's worse when the participants are really close. They know all each other's faults, and (subconsciously) keep track of each other's most miniscule missteps so that they will have ample ammunition for future quarrels. That was definitely the case last night. Mom brought what I care about most into the discussion, provoking me, sending me into a rant about her divorcing my dad, accusing of doing it solely because of his illness, and letting her know just how badly that has screwed up my life.

It was strange, because I had a feeling I was on the verge of losing it, and I tried my best to steer clear of my mom after getting home, but she insisted we talk for a bit since she hadn't really seen me much lately. I felt like Bruce Banner a bit, when he knows he will soon become the Hulk if person A does not stop provoking him. I was silently pleading, "Please. Please don't make me angry. Just leave me be." But that didn't happen. I ended up throwing things, ripping down posters, and screaming at my mom, and she was soon sobbing in the bathroom. It's really ironic how, in the heat of the argument, all you want is to hurt the person, but then when you finally conjure up the right words to really wound them, all you do is hurt yourself. It's all just so silly. That's all I have to say about that.

Back to the positives of last night. Treaty of Paris opened the show. I don't think their music is all that stellar, but they certainly are entertaining. Phil Kosch and Dan Wade are beasts. End of story. I didn't even watch Paper Route play. I watched a little of Phantom Planet, but I just saw them a couple months ago, and their live show doesn't really change much. However, kudos to those dudes for playing acoustic in the parking lot after the show. Alex Greenwald can play the mandolin pretty well, despite what he'd have you believe. Jack's Mannequin was fun. I never really got into them, but Andrew McMahon is quite the icon, and puts on a fun live show. His cover of Tom Petty's "American Girl" is second to none.

Tomorrow I see Ace Enders and Cute Is What We Aim For. I actually get to see Ace again in 10 days at SIUE. Fo free. I'm excited. Also! I just found out I'm seeing Death Cab in October at the Fox Theatre. The next few months of shows are looking pretty good. I'll leave you with my list of upcoming ones. Later.

August 12- Cute Is What We Aim For, Ace Enders, Powerspace, Danger Radio (Creepy)

August 28- So Many Dynamos cover Weezer! (Off Broadway)

9/10- Vampire Weekend, White Williams (Pageant)

9/19- New Found Glory, A Day to Remember, Four Year Strong, Crime in Stereo, International Superheroes of Hardcore (Pop’s)

9/21- Two Tongues (Pop’s)

9/23- Lagwagon, MxPx, Only Crime, TAT (Pop’s)

9/25- The Rocket Summer, Phantom Planet, The Secret Handshake, The Morning Light (The Metro…in Chicago)

10/12- Bayside, The Matches, Status (Pop’s)

10/13- Death Cab For Cutie (The Fox)

10/16- Ben Folds (Pageant)

10/18- Cobra Starship, Forever The Sickest Kids, Hit The Lights, Sing It Loud (Pop’s)

10/19- Panic At The Disco, Dashboard Confessional, Plain White T’s, The Cab (Scottrade)

10/24- Of Montreal, Sinkane (Pageant)

10/28- Family Force 5, Danger Radio (Creepy)

10/30- Relient K, Ludo, This Providence, House Of Heroes (Pageant)

11/16- Rise Against, Alkaline Trio, Thrice, The Gaslight Anthem (Pageant)

11/17- All Time Low, Mayday Parade, The Maine, Every Avenue (Pageant)

Christopher Michael Tucker

Watch him as he goes.

2008-07-21T09:43:00.000-07:00

Hello. How are you today? I'm fine, thank you. Life is fresh and new and exciting and fun. I'm not traveling all over the country following Warped Tour and making appearances on FUSE like a couple of my friends (lucky jerks), but summer is going well. I wasted a good 4 weeks on summer school, but I'm doing the best with what I have left. Here's what's going on as of late.

I read a book the other day, Killing Yourself To Live by Chuck Klosterman.

Klosterman, who is a writer for Spin Magazine, spends 18 days driving across the country, visiting the death sites of countless rock stars, from Buddy Holly to Ronnie Van Zant. He does drugs with strangers, compares the women in his life to the members of KISS, and discovers his own (unhealthy) fascination with death. Honestly, nothing is accomplished or learned during his trip, but Klosterman's wit and impressive knowledge of rock 'n roll make this a great read.

I saw a free Steel Train show downtown on Friday night. I love that band. Unfortunately, the area in front of the stage was sectioned off and full of seats for those lucky few with "credentials." I really need to get one of those. Also unfortunate was the lack of classy people in attendance. Mostly it was drunken idiots, dancing horribly, and shouting at the band. I think the worst thing I heard was "Go back to the subways!" (Steel Train started playing acoustic in the subways of New York. The emcee told the crowd this before they went on stage.) Regardless, the band was great, and I got to see my good friend Victoria Keller for the first time in awhile, so the night was pretty good. It ended with me watching "Garden State" for the first time. Not a great plot, but the film is shot well, has plenty of cute and funny moments, and the soundtrack is sick, as I'm sure you well know. The movie's still growing on me.

Yesterday was quite the hectic day. It was fun, though. First was church, which we left early to make the Cardinals game. Which was hot. Like, surface of the sun hot. And of course, I had good seats for once, right in the sun. And of course, the game went long. It ended up being worth it though, Aaron Miles walk off grand slam in the bottom of the ninth. It was ridiculous. I was delusional and just happy for the game to be over. So it was back to Bridgeton to clean up and get ready to fight some Foo.

Dave Grohl is a rock god if I've ever seen one. He is such a dude. I know no other way to put it. He commands attention like no one else I've ever seen. In case you haven't figured it out, The Foo Fighters show was great. A little long, but well worth it. Hope and I didn't have great seats, but we moved down to the lower teer of seats next to a few friends of Hope's mom. These seats were still far away, but not for long. About midway through the show, a giant platform was lowered from the ceiling, right in front of where we were sitting. Grohl and company proceeded to strut over to us, and play a nice long acoustic set up close.

This portion of the show might have been my favorite. They played "My Hero" acoustic. Hearing the thousands belting it out right along with DG gave me chills. All in all, it was a sweet show.

Life rules right now. Hope you can say the same. See ya.

Christopher Michael Tucker.

This is actually a clip from an Australia show, but this is basically what it was like last night. Amazing.

The one you're waiting for.

2008-07-14T09:12:00.000-07:00

I've been putting off updating this blog for quite awhile now. No real reason, I'm just lazy, and even the smallest of tasks have seemed daunting to me as of late.

Let's begin with Warped. I know a lot of you have been asking for this, sorry it took so long. Hope and I got there 45 minutes or so before gates, and of course, the line stretched a good thousand people or so. Luckily, as my friend Mark put it, the two of us "network hellaz." Therefore, we were easily able to walk to the front of the line where we found a group of ten or so we knew well enough to jump the line with.

So we got in, checked the big board for set times, and determined that the first band to see...was...Cobra Starship. We got a little sidetracked, saw a song from the Color Fred, and I got to high five "Awesome" Andy Williams from Every Time I Die.

He rules, in case you didn't know.

After Cobra's set, we got our VIP passes and headed backstage. I got to talk to Matt Hoopes and Jon Schneck of Relient K before they went on to crush the crowd with their brute force and raw rock power. That was an overstatement. They did sound great though. I chatted with Jon for awhile after the set and he got me a Warped Tour water, which was probably the most delicious water I've ever tasted, given the circumstances.

From there, I took off solo and saw Norma Jean and Broadway Calls, before reuniting at the Kevin Says Stage for 1997. I checked out a song from Maylene and the Sons of Disaster before catching most of Anberlin's set. I say most because I missed their last song heading to main stage right for my favorite act of the day: Every Time I Die. They bring it. End of story. Keith threw two stuffed animals into the pit demanding that we dismantle them, and bring him the head. Absolutely ridiculous. We hung backstage for awhile after that. I ran into Relient K's Matt Thiessen in the sea of buses. He introduced me to his girl; I introduced him to mine. It was a great moment. Haha.

After that, we took a breather on the big hill by main stage left, catching a couple songs from As I Lay Dying. It was time for The Devil Wears Prada's set, so we took off for the Hurley stage, where we saw them play "Dogs Can Grow Beards All Over" and "Modeify The Pronunciation" before heading backstage again, then heading to main left for The Academy Is..., who had won the contest to play 10 extra minutes that day. Despite what I took away from the youtube videos of them at Warped this year, I thought they sounded fantastic, although Bill Beckett's stage presence is weakened a bit without the hair. Samson? No.

We killed more time backstage, where we ended up meeting Ms. Hayley Williams, which would have been a huge deal for me a year back, but my fascination with her has dwindled. I think that's the case with a lot of the people I met that day, really. I've just calmed down the whole fan thing a lot. The only person I really was stoked to meet was Tom Gabel of Against Me! He was just chilling by their merch tent when I caught sight of him out of the corner of my eye. I put my hand on his shoulder, and said something along the lines of "Tom Gabel, no way!" Haha. Good stuff.

AM! was brilliant. It was a total bro-down, if you know what I mean. I love that band a whole lot. If you haven't listened to their latest record, "New Wave," I strongly encourage you to do so. A lot of people think they've sold out with the album, but quite frankly, it's my favorite record they've done, and one of my top 5 from 2007.

After their set, I caught some Family Force 5, then some Angels and Airwaves because Tom Delonge is in that band. They're not that good, but Tom Delonge is important, so I watched a few songs. Then it was Pierce The Veil time. Check these guys out if you haven't already. Really, really good post-hardcore (whatever that is, I'm pretty sure they belong to that genre) and the nicest guys. If nothing else, you ladies will probably think Vic is totally HAWT. The way I see it, whatever it takes to get people into good music. July 1 was Paramore's first day on the tour, and definitely drew the biggest crowd of the day. Hope and I tried to find a spot in the pit, but it was so full of psycho hose beasts, that we basically said "forget it" and took off.

Say Anything was the last act of the day I considered to be a must-see. That distinction was definitely deserved. They were terrific, but I expected that. Thiessen sang vocals ob "Belt" like he told me earlier he would be doing. It was quite the sight, that lanky mass of legs and arms throwing himself into every line: "What say you?!" *wild gesturing* "And all your friends!" I think you get the picture.

Gym Class Heroes played the last set of the day, so I watched. Thank goodness I did, or else I would have missed the mayhem. A non-fan called Travis McCoy an "ignorant n*****." Travis demanded the kid be brought up on stage. As the guy was being lifted over the barricade, McCoy bent down and hit the kid over the head with microphone breaking the casing. My photographer friend Todd was shooting the set and stooped down to pick it up. You can see the evidence at the following link.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/toddowyoung/2631082189/

All in all, it was a successful day. I saw 18 out of the 21 bands I wanted to. I got a Broadway Calls CD for 5 bucks. Hope and I rewarded ourselves with some Fazoli's and a dip in her uncle's pool. What a day. Warped tour was definitely better the second time around. If things go my way, I'll be going again August 2 with my friends Heather and Rachel.

Speaking of Heather, I went to her graduation party in my native Alton. I took away some good times. My girlfriend took away a kitten. Strays are prevalent in the town, and one followed us on a walk to Heather's grandparents' house. Hope scooped it up with a look that basically said, "Mine." Walter now lives at her house, a happy, healthy kitty.

I just got back from my annual trip to Kansas City. I saw three baseball games, Royals vs. Mariners. It was awesome seeing Ichiro up close, but most of you reading probably won't appreciate that so much. Regardless, the trip went well. The downside about these things is I always come into contact with people that make me ashamed to be from Missouri. Oh well. Thanks for reading.

Christopher Michael Tucker

For all of you looking for something a little more mellow, download Jason from the Exotic Aquatic's solo record. So good, so young. He's offering this thing for free, so what do you have to lose?

http://www. mediafire. com/?db0bymx0cvy

Constructive Summer.

2008-06-22T18:36:00.000-07:00

Life continues. Summer school is still tedious, but it's coming closer and closer to an end. Unfortunately, Hope's out of town for a week. Fortunately, I still have people I'm "just friends" with, so I should be able to stay busy in her absence.

It's so weird. I feel like I'm participating in life. Listen to this. Friday night, went and visited my girlfriend at work. Then went to Kyle's, hung out on the street for a couple hours with friends. We sat on a car, listened to music, Kyle played his guitar. Footballs were thrown, jokes were told, memories were made. I'm pretty sure this is all normal, but it's new to me.

Nothing major to tell you guys, just thought I'd update this thing for posterity, if nothing else. See ya.

Christopher Michael Tucker.

9 to go.

2008-06-17T08:21:00.000-07:00

I'm sitting in summer school right now. It's really awful. My friend Kevin took off. So I'm on my own for the last half of this 19 days. He threw all his papers all over the Jack in the Box parking lot, and a couple of mine were in there, so a principal came and talked to me a bit ago. I just laughed. Saw the Happening last night. It was okay. Mildly entertaining, with some good comedic relief to interrupt all the suicides. Hope couldn't go, but I got to visit her at work after, so that was nice. I should be getting to see her after school today, and maybe going to a show so I'm trying to focus on that.

This half of class has been spent right here in this computer lab and I haven't done a bit of work yet. The stupid school has every good site blocked too, so I just wander around absolutepunk.net and some catch up on some blog reading. I like to get on wikipedia and see who has birthdays when I've got time like this too. Like yesterday would have been Tupac's 37th birthday. Thank goodness I had all this free time to figure that out. Lunch is in twenty minutes. Then three more hours of horribly repetitive English that I learned in middle school. Wonderful.

Christopher Michael Tucker

Um, I can't link you to anything, but you should listen to She & Him, especially "Why Do You Let Me Stay Here?" It should be on their myspace. I've been listening to them a lot lately after seeing Zooey in that movie last night. Lovely voice. Listen please.

Happiness.

2008-06-15T19:30:00.000-07:00

Here are things that have made me happy as of late.

1) Hope Retter
I don't really have any kind of benchmark, seeing how I've never dated anyone before, but so far, she's been a wonderful girlfriend.

2) People being decent to each other
Maybe they always have been, and I just haven't noticed, but regardless, it's good to see. The best was seeing a black woman and white woman discuss books (Yes, books!) on metrolink today.

3) Good music, and shows.
Those are constants really. For posterity, here are the highlights of this week show-wise. Wednesday was Nightmare Of You, The Graduate, Paper Rival, and Edison Glass at 2 Cents Plain. Everyone sounded good, especially Edison Glass. That band is so sick. See them live, for real. Well, and NOY, but I left during their first song, which was a good, good decision. Friday I went to the Asian Man Records tour. I left after Andrew Jackson Jihad, because they're why I went, and Hope and I deemed it more fun to walk to Maurizio's pizza. Kepi Ghoulie played too and they were fun.

That's all for now. 11 more days of summer school for me I think. Not too shabby.

Christopher Michael Tucker.

Go listen to Wilco or Paul Baribeau or Edison Glass.

The need to love.

2008-06-08T20:13:00.000-07:00

Summer school is not nearly as bad as I expected. Sure, it's tedious and ridiculously annoying sitting in a classroom staring out a window watching responsible kids enjoy their summer, but hey. I've only got 17 more days to go. The classes are small and I feel very comfortable and at ease, especially since a good friend of mine, Kevin Farrar sits by me in both sessions. Lunch leaves something to be desired, but beggars can't be choosers.

The Moon In My Basement played a show Friday night at the Creepy Crawl. There was a decent crowd and quite the interesting variety of bands, ages ranging from 14-50ish I'd say. I'd also say, "Wow. Some 14 year old kids can really shred." There was some confusion about if we were on the bill or not, but everything got straightened out, and we actually made 100 bucks. I didn't do anything with this show, well, minus booking and photography. The sound was pretty bad, which can either be attributed to a sub-par performance or bad sound, or a combination of both. Who really cares...we made 100 bucks.

I went and saw my cousin graduate yesterday, followed by a party back at her house. I ended up spending the night at her boyfriend's place, which sounds weird, but it isn't. We're friends. We played video games until about 2, when Hope called. See, she lives on the same street, and I figured, "What better time than 2 AM to introduce her to Mr. Ryan Potter?" So we hung out with her for a couple hours, jumping on the trampoline, talking, playing Chinese rock paper scissors, you know, the usual. We headed back to his house at 4, and eventually went to bed around 5:30. They woke me up at 8, and I felt remarkably awake. I still am.

I'm a little down, though. I was supposed to go see Mates Of State tonight at the Bluebird, but my show partner for the evening didn't feel like going anymore. The evening improved, however, when my mom brought home I movie I'd been aching to see for awhile, "Lars and the Real Girl." I was going to write a lot about how it affected me and emotions it brought out in me, but I think I'll let you form your own opinion of the film. Seriously, check it out sometime. I haven't seen a movie this good in a long time. Tomorrow night I'm going to see some guy "Hey Chris" speak at an art market. I have no idea what I'm in for, but I think it sounds pretty swell. Till next time.

Christopher Michael Tucker

If hope is a dangerous hole, will you join me?

2008-06-04T12:21:00.000-07:00

Here's what's been happening in my life. I hung out with one of my best friends, Victoria Keller a few days ago. We went to the mall. It ended up being a really good night actually. We got sodas and talked about feelings and coexisting with other people and were very honest. I feel this was very healthy, as I got some things off my chest I don't feel I could have talked with other people about. We also played a bunch of arcade games at TILT and got enough tickets for a kite. So I now have two summer goals. Grow a beard, fly a kite.

I went to the Honda Civic Tour on Friday. All the bands sounded really good actually. I got fairly close to the front, thanks to my friend Rachel arriving at the venue at 6 in the morning. I also got to see Phantom Planet and the Hush Sound acoustic at Vintage Vinyl before, which was lovely. All around it was a pretty good day. I met some new people, saw some good bands, danced, got a text message up on the big screen (Chris Tucker, will you marry me? <3Brendon Urie). I didn't get to see my friends Hope and Allyssa due to the excessive rain, even though they were at the show. The rain also put a few of the people I was with on edge. Minus all that nonsense, things were pretty good.

A couple days ago, me and some friends attempted to have a big glowstick rave party thing at the park at night. The location of the thing got moved, not too many people showed, and most of those that did were the wrong people, if you get my drift. I had a quick aside explaining my upcoming actions to a few people there I care about, and then took off with Rachel, Heather, and Molly. They drove from Illinois for this thing, and I felt they deserved better than the crap that was going down at the time. We ended up going to Steak 'N Shake and talking for a couple hours. It was a nice time, really. I think the evening was saved, if only a little.

Yesterday and today thus far have been filled with lots of nothing. It's sad, seeing as how tomorrow is the first day of summer school. Add that to my friend Mark and me discussing the affects of drugs on people in our lives, and you've got one sad kid. This stuff makes me think a lot of weird things. Example.

"Sometimes I wish I could just leave this world. I mean nothing suicidal by this. I just think it would be blissful to float in space or in some other dimension in silence, and in peace. I think if I could, I would stretch out to the point that all the sun's rays would be absorbed into me, and I would become a warm, floating mass, completely content, absolved of the corruption and sadness of typical human life, completely unconscious and happy."

I have no idea where these ideas come from or if you understand the feeling I'm trying to portray. All I know is that this dream is very visible and nearly in reach in my mind, and that in itself, makes me feel a little better.

Christopher Michael Tucker

Go download a free record at weareempires.com

How's this for arts and crafts?!

2008-05-27T20:11:00.000-07:00

The new Weezer isn't quite as great as I was hoping. But the song from which the title of this blog comes is one of my favorite songs I've heard in a long time. It's my song of the day, check it out on my myspace.

Tomorrow's the last day of school. The air is filled with excitement. At least the stuff I've been breathing. Then Thursday I see PlayRadioPlay!, and Friday is Panic at the Disco. Both should be fun.

Yesterday was the second annual Mike Judy barbecue. There was a pretty decent turnout, although most of the people in attendance were females. It was alright, though, because MJ and I just talked sports to irritate the girls. A good time was had by most. I'd say that's about accurate.

One positive was that my friend Heather gave me the painting she did of me for her art class. It's a real crackerjack likeness.

I thought the note her teacher left her on the back of the painting was worth posting as well.

Neat stuff. That's all for now.

Christopher Michael Tucker

I was in...Vancouver.

2008-05-22T19:21:00.000-07:00

Quoting "You've Got Mail" there in the title, sorry. Actually. I don't apologize. That movie rules. Things in my life are going pretty well still. I've kind of got that "nothing can touch me, or if it does, I will quickly recover via a series of fortunate events" mentality. For example, the seniors' last day was today. I was sad about that and from reading "Perks of Being A Wallflower" in my fourth hour. I was walking to Psychology when I saw a senior I was hoping I'd get a chance to see one more time. I smiled and waved, she smiled and waved back. And bam. Things were back to good. I have all these ridiculous happy go lucky thoughts too. For instance, on the way back from lunch today, I decided to smile at people, and most people smiled back. And I thought, wouldn't the world, or at least the school, be a happier place if people just smiled at each other? It would be awesome!

I took a final today, my geometry one. I love math finals, because they always have absurd questions like "What is the relationship of angle a to angle b?" and answers like "A-married, B-it's complicated, C-taking a break, or D-tangent." Easy stuff. I finished my Journalism final up as well, so I just have to take my honors english one tomorrow. It will be difficult. One thing besides getting out at 10:30, that I love about the end of the year, is yearbook signing. I like when people write things like, "Stay cool." Psh. As if I would ever stop! Haha. On the other hand, some people write some really original stuff. Here's the best of the best notes in my yearbook thus far.

"It all started when the sun rose in a fiery ball of light." -Kyle Grant

"Chris Tucker is like pants. You feel morose if you leave home without him." -Cherisha Pankins

"To quote a famous man: 'I look forward to the day that all our people can be free from all oppression.' I assume that Dr. King was referring to teenagers. Keep it real. P.S. May your first child be a masculine child." -Dan Cody, a good friend of mine who was persuaded to attempt to snort a line of crystal light powder today in 5th hour. The results were hilarious.

Not much else to report as of late. I walked/ran a few miles barefoot yesterday. It was ridiculous. We were supposed to walk until we found the ice cream man. We'd been trampolining, hence the barefoot-ness, and I didn't bother putting the shoes back on, figuring we'd probably find him within a few minutes. Instead it was a few hours. We never did find him either. We finally ended up going to a gas station, but it wasn't even for ice cream at that point, it was more "If I don't get some sustinence, I'm gonna pass out!" All in all, I missed the guy a few times, and never did get the ice cream. Also, it was silly because I could have been breaking in my new shoes, but I more or less just broke my feet.

I'm really satisfied with these. I think it might be time to bring the purple jacket out of retirement. That jacket, plus the new footwear...well. I may not look fly, but I certainly feel it. Haha. I'm done here.

Christopher Michael Tucker

For a pessimist, I'm pretty optimistic?

2008-05-19T19:41:00.000-07:00

Sure I had to borrow the title of a Paramore song to convey my current feelings, but lately that statement's pretty accurate. Getting toward the end of the school year, I always feel like I'm starting over. Not a lot phases me. For instance, having a pesky popcorn kernel stuck in my teeth distracting and annoying me for 3 hours, that must've affected me, right? Nay! Okay, so maybe a little, but that sentence was certainly amusing. House was on tonight, and I saw a character I really love lose his girlfriend (they didn't break up; she died), partially being his best friend's fault, too. Did that phase me? Negative! My point is, I feel good. I am going to, in fact, fail a few classes, and have to go to summer school a bit, but right now, I don't even care. I'm just glad to start with a clean slate, school-wise, and I feel, life wise. A lot of things happened today that changed my perspective around a whole lot. A couple good conversations, a couple beacons of hope in a world that's been exceptionally dreary for me as of late. This summer and the remainder of this year are promising. Oh, and ignorance apparently is bliss. It's not just an expression. Neat.

Christopher Michael Tucker

"Back To You" by Coconut Records
This is actor Jason Schwartzman's (The Darjeeling Limited, Walk Hard, Marie Antoinette) band. And it's actually really good.

Encircle me. I need to be taken down.

2008-05-17T09:54:00.001-07:00

I'm glad I chose to go to Radiohead. Really glad. It was epic, as expected. 25 songs, two encores, insane lighting. Just awesome. I never really hated them, and all they did was gain more of my respect via the live show. Their brand of atmospheric rock works a million times better live, as compared to the repetition of the records. I almost didn't get to go, and ended up getting a face value lawn seat from a guy who had an extra. I got to hang out with my friend Mark for a few minutes before the show, so that was nice. A lot of people were smoking pot. That's about all there was to smell before, during, and after the show. Yeah. That's about it. Thom Yorke's band is alright in my book. And he sure dances well. Here's the setlist for Radiohead, May 14, in St. Louis, Missouri, if anyone cares.

01. All I Need
02. Jigsaw Falling Into Place
03. Airbag
04. 15 Step
05. Nude
06. Kid A
07. Weird Fishes/Arpeggi
08. The Gloaming
09. You And Whose Army?
10. Idioteque
11. Faust Arp
12. Videotape
13. Everything In Its Right Place
14. Reckoner
15. Optimistic
16. Bangers and Mash
17. Bodysnatchers

encore 1:
18. Exit Music (For A Film)
19. Myxomatosis
20. My Iron Lung
21. There There
22. Fake Plastic Trees

encore 2:
23. Pyramid Song
24. House of Cards
25. Paranoid Android

While at Radiohead, a close friend of mine was given some pot by a few of her friends who showed up at the amphitheatre. She smoked it and laid down for almost the entire set. It was sad to see. She has since apologized, and I don't hold any of that against her. Then Thursday night, another close friend called me and told me the story of how two of her best friends locked her in a closet and forced her to smoke weed for the first time. This made me so angry. I had a good mind to just call the girl that second and yell at her for being such an idiot. I mean, really. We as kids, have a hard enough time staying on track with our lives as it is. We need support from our friends. We don't need them tempting us or forcing us to partake in things that are going to hurt us. The pitiful excuses for friends I've seen lately just frustrate me a lot. They make me angry, they make me sad. It's as if one of my friends would come to me pouring out their heart about difficulty they'd been having in their lives, and how they were becoming suicidal, and rather than offering them the best advice I could muster, along with a hug, I'd just hand them a gun. Stupid. Ridiculous. I wish I could do more to help people. I wish I could at least write better. I think I got the point across well enough, at least.

Another failure of a Friday yesterday. I was supposed to go out to Ballwin to hang out with Mark and Hope, play some Early November songs, check out his home studio, and maybe watch "At Home With Saddle Creek." But Hope had to work a double shift, so I had no ride, since my mom was out in O'Fallon with a friend. No worries, I thought. Kyle, Tom, and Tricia were planning on going to see Narnia. I'll just do that. I called and let them know I'd be going, and they said they'd call when it was time to do stuff. After an hour and a half or so of watching Tegan and Sara DVD stuff, it had gotten to be seven, and I called to see what was up. Apparently, they were at Kyle's, and he couldn't leave his house. I was told to just "get a ride," to which I responded not too politely. I knew my weekend had just slipped away in the course of a few hours. Everything I worked for this week was for naught. In about an hour, I'm leaving to go to dad's. I'll be back Sunday night. I've got like 5000 weekend minutes, so feel free to give me a call sometime.

Christopher Michael Tucker

Thrice- "Come All You Weary"
I'm glad they got to play this one on Conan. Simple. Powerful.
Oh, to those reading on facebook, I post videos for these songs every time, but for whatever reason, the HTML doesn't transfer from the original post. Sorry.

You will be misplaced!

2008-05-13T18:05:00.000-07:00

A few people who've never read my blog before, do now, since I have it set up to where my posts automatically post as notes on facebook. So. Greetings to all of you reading from that location.

So I'm missing the Graduate's show since my mom is a nazi and made me choose either that show tonight or Radiohead tomorrow. I don't even really like Radiohead that much, but considering they're pretty much the biggest band of our generation, and they rarely tour, especially not in the states, I can't pass up the show. I will be wearing this shirt, because I am ignorant/honest.

I bought my second record in two weeks today. It's actually a double album, Anorexia/Nervosa, from Showbread. I'm not all the way through both discs yet, but what I've gotten through thus far is really good. The stuff is definitely a lot heavier than the last record. There's a lot of industrial sounding stuff too, showing off the Nine Inch Nails influence. Anyways, check the records out. Best Buy has both albums together for 20 bucks for now. It's best to buy the record for sure, not only to support these great dudes, but also because the booklets make up a read along story that goes along with the music. Hear vocalist Josh Dies talk about it here (http://youtube.com/watch?v=wzDJ2h_E5oQ). Basically, there are two sisters: Anorexia, who owns a children's hospital, and Nervosa, who works in a combo strip club/slaughterhouse. Woo! Talk about creativity. That's all I have to say about that. Oh, and Switchfoot's on Jay Leno tonight. Watch them play a amazingly mediocre song from the Narnia soundtrack and pray to God this isn't what the new album sounds like.

Christopher Michael Tucker

Showbread- "The Pig"
The message is...um...women are pigs?

All the girls pose the same for pictures.

2008-05-12T19:59:00.000-07:00

I did go to our show of course, if you were wondering. I ended up singing on all our songs, minus the two originals we did, which I haven't gotten down yet. We played first, since the first band didn't show, and got a good 45 minutes in. We played Ever So Sweet (The Early November), Sunday Drive (TEN), Soco Amaretto Lime (Brand New), The Quiet Things That No One Ever Knows (BN), Our two originals which are still untitled, and Say It Ain't So (Weezer), which ended up being a mistake. We got plenty of requests (Pantera, the mandatory Free Bird call, etc.) but didn't play any of that stuff. Just stuck to the script, so to speak.

The best part was probably our on stage banter. I guess you'd have to be there to really get it, but take my word for it, we were regular Chris Tuckers up there. I even dedicated a song to our new friend Jeff Fox(worthy) who cheered for us after every song. What a good dude. After the show, we walked back to the car for awhile, and then decided to play in front of Vintage Vinyl for fun and potential cash. We basically played our set over, plus a few more covers (blink-182, another weezer, etc.). We didn't make much, but we got an offer to play in front of an abandoned church. So I guess that's cool? The greatest part was, we were sitting there under the awning just jamming and having a good time while it just poured down raining. It was beautiful. No other way to put it.

Sunday was mother's day, and I hung out with my mom and grandma and grandpa. Party! Okay, so not really, but it was alright. They got a new fountain and it looks and sounds like a woman urinating. Awkward. The day ended well I guess. Today was a mundane school day. Nothing more to report from here. I did have a good idea for a song to write today, on the bus of all places! And now I can't remember it. Schucks. I see the Graduate (the band, not the movie) tomorrow night! Excited! That is all.

Christopher Michael Tucker.

The Format- "Dog Problems"
I listened to this song at least 20 times today, no exaggeration. Give a listen, for real.

"Find profundity in the mundane events of life."

2008-05-09T20:33:00.000-07:00

The title of this entry comes from a Death Cab for Cutie documentary I watched earlier this evening. Ben Gibbard is a brilliant man. This quote made such an impact on me, seriously. I wrote it on my hand immediately so I wouldn't forget. I was talking with a friend of mine awhile back about tattoos and she mentioned that she could definitely see me getting something really meaningful. I agreed and I thought pretty much about song lyrics, but I wouldn't restrict it to that after that Gibbard wisdom. I respect that guy so much. Man.

Today has been startlingly mediocre. I say startlingly because when the hopes and intentions I had for today are compared with the actual results, you end up with two shockingly different pictures. I did end up hanging out with friends after school as Kyle,Kevin, and I practiced for the show tomorrow. Tom watched. Around 5, I went home for dinner, after being told I'd be called later and picked up for an evening at the planetarium with the same friends, minus Kevin, plus Tricia. Around 8:50, when I still hadn't heard anything, I called Tom to see what was up. I heard noise and laughing and was told that they "kind of forgot" about me.

It's just so frustrating. For years, I've been waiting for that little circle of friends so connected and so perfect, and I feel like I've found it with these guys. That's why this sort of thing is so brutal. I felt like I had a real place, and had a key role in our happy little clique, and it all seems washed away right now. I'm sure this is not true, and that they meant nothing personal through their (non)actions. But I always take things like this personally. And this instance hits really hard. I don't even feel like showing up for the Red Sea show tomorrow. I really considered not going earlier, but I probably will end up there, at least for the sake of my friend Sarah, who got us the show.

While this has been an awful start to a weekend, tomorrow will be almost instantly better. I'm finally seeing Iron Man, which I'm pretty excited about. It looks killer, and I get to hang out with my friend Viken for the first time in quite awhile. Should be good. The rest of the day is up for grabs. Or maybe it isn't. Who knows.

Christopher Michael Tucker
(http://current.com/items/88941110_death_cab_open_windows?xid=55)
There's the DCFC documentary for anyone that likes DCFC and/or documentaries.

My moves will be so hot, you'll have to stand under the fan!

2008-05-08T20:19:00.001-07:00

Leading off...Stuff like this is always weird. My good friend Amanda Gelso gave me a call this evening. She was outside the Creepy Crawl waiting to get in for the Jeffree Starr/Pink Spiders show. Superfun Yeah Yeah Rocketship was playing too, and apparently kids in the line were talking about him and how he played in some kid's basement. And someone was like, "Yeah, Chris Tucker!" I think it was a girl from my school, but still, I like to hear when my name makes rounds. I always thought it would be awesome if at the end of the day, you got a tape recording of every conversation where your name was mentioned. I guess that might be a lot to sift through for some people, but for self centered folks like myself, it'd be worth it.

Now it's time for new band of the day. I don't know if this will be a constant thing in my blogs, but I feel like doing it today so here goes. Today I'd like to spotlight New York pop punk band Faster Than Fashion. They wear Glamour Kills clothing and only one of them has a beard, but they are still good. They just put out their debut album entitled "Crazy Is The New Cool." Go to their myspace and listen to "Next Year You'll Be So Last Year" and tell me that's not catchy. myspace.com/wearefasterthanfashion

I'll be home this weekend, which makes me really happy, I won't lie. No idea what's in store, except for Saturday is the TMIMB show at the Red Sea. Seeing as how I haven't been to any of the band practices, I'll be sitting this one out, but I think I'll take some pictures. Should be a good time. I'll like to get a little trampoline time, and also finagle some adventuring this weekend. Sunday I'll be stuck with mom, and I'll have to put on my fake face, since I'm pretty mad about all her show nazi-ness, but I'll be okay.

Panic At The Disco is on Letterman tonight. I'm actually looking forward to it. As much as I hated the new album in the start, it's really growing on me. I think I grew to appreciate it a lot after listening to their last album for the first time in quite a while. The hyper, dancey stuff is cool, but I think another album full of tracks like those on "Fever" would wear me out pretty fast. It had the novelty factor then, but enough bands ripped it off, so much so that it really didn't hold my attention for very long. Are people still reading this? Thought not.

Christopher Michael Tucker.

"She's A Handsome Woman" -Panic At The Disco
As performed by the muppets? This has gotta be my pick off "Pretty. Odd." The opening riff draws you in and it's all downhill from there.

Mick Jagger is wise.

2008-05-07T19:42:00.000-07:00

So I was supposed to see the Chariot tonight. I figured it would be a quick phone call to make sure I had someone to accompany me, and I'd be good to go. But rather, I called my mom when I got home, and she point blank tells me I'm not going, and listed a bunch of bs reasons I can't even remember now. I was piping mad, I told her about this one a long time ago, and reminded her, and she never acted iffy about it at all.

So I was already pretty ticked, and then I saw some pictures on flickr that told me The Starting Line played one of their final shows here a week ago, and I didn't even freaking know about it. After what I thought was their last St. Louis show, I didn't get to meet Kenny, and left very sad and angry, being a total jerk to people I care about in the meantime. That's about how I felt earlier about that couplet of bad news. I knew I had to leave. So I called Kyle and got out of my house.

We played football in the rain, watched Family Guy, and walked to DQ for some dinner. It wasn't anything too crazy or out of the ordinary, but I needed it. And it was better than being at home, screaming at my mom. I don't really have much else to comment on about my day or anything for that matter. I feel pretty dumb just whining about how bad I have it all the time, and it's blogs like these I hope people don't bother reading. Stupid.

Christopher Michael Tucker

The Chariot- "They Drew Their Swords"
I've missed these dudes twice now. Pissed.

I'll give you my cold James Dean eyes.

2008-05-06T19:27:00.000-07:00

My last entry was interesting. This one probably won't be. Just letting you know in advance. So I actually bought an album today, "Spread The Rumors" by Socratic. Last time I bought one was also from a band on Drive-Thru, Steel Train. They're both really good, or else I wouldn't pay for their music, so I'd advise you to give both a listen. That is, I would, if you'd actually go and listen, but you won't, so I don't even know why I keep telling you to.

I stayed home again today. My nose is slowly becoming the death of me. Both nostrils basically have these scabs, which keep breaking open. For instance, I'll sneeze and blood will fly out. Sweet, right? I haven't done anything productive with my free time either. I was actually going to get my Agape photos edited and posted on flickr this afternoon. I opened them up, then went in my room and fell asleep for a good 3 hours. Weird.

Tomorrow I have a show hopefully. Former Norma Jean vocalist Josh Scogin's band The Chariot is playing the Creepy Crawl with Alesana. Speaking of shows, I went to creepycrawl.com today to check for new shows, and saw my band's name on there. I knew we were playing a show there, it's just weird seeing our name in print, or type, I suppose.

I didn't really have much to blog about today. It was just a force of habit sort of entry. I'll do my best to make tomorrow's more interesting. Oh! I know. Here's a fun fact for you guys. Did you know...If jumping spiders were our size, they could jump 50 football fields. Impressive.

Christopher Michael Tucker

City And Colour- "Sleeping Sickness"
Folk sound+soulful vocals=magic. Dallas Green of Alexisonfire's solo project for those who don't know.

I support animal testing. I'd kill a kitten to save a human being.

2008-05-05T18:21:00.001-07:00

Those are lyrics by a great band called the Andrew Jackson Jihad. I agree with that statement too. Smart. Makes sense. So I stayed home from school today. I was already feeling like crap yesterday, and then I guess my mental state sort of went to hell as well, and nothing had improved by this morning, so I got to stay home. But this Monday, it was because I'm actually ill, not because I had a huge project due that I hadn't even started, like last Monday.

I didn't really do much all day. Slept a lot, thought a lot, listened to a lot of Tegan and Sara. Tonight I've been watching video clips from last night's show and getting sad. I don't know why I do this to myself, but I do. And I think it's necessary. It shouldn't be healthy, but I think it is. But enough about that. Here's some interesting stuff.

Wouldn't it be weird being in a band with other dudes and renting a hotel room? Think about it. 4 20-something year olds walking up to the desk to an attractive female clerk and asking for a room. A single room. I was going to follow that statement with, "I'd always feel compelled to be the guy going,'We're not gay or anything. No orgies here! We're just some straight dudes in a band.'" But then I realized that saying such a thing would be a display of insecurity about my sexuality. So for the record, it wouldn't be weird at all, and I would not mention any details about my relationship to the men I was with to the attractive clerk at the front desk. So there.

So my mom saw a movie the other night featuring a scene where a mother walked in on her son and his girlfriend having sex. Earlier this evening she told me that she had a dream where she walked in on me and my girlfriend (who doesn't exist) doing it. Obviously, she was mortified, and said something like, "Don't you know how dangerous this is?!" To which I responded, "Well, I always use a condom." To which she responded, "ALWAYS?!" I don't really know the significance of this, or why I am posting about it. I guess I know I'll look back and read these in the future and want to know what was going on in my life.

A lot of things I do are for posterity. I take pictures and dream about looking back on them in twenty years. I document every band I see. I try to document major life events somehow. I go see bands I don't even like, because I know in future decades, I'll be able to say, "I saw them." And people will care. A perfect example of this is the Radiohead concert coming up in 9 days. I like about three songs by that band. Quite frankly, I think they're extremely overrated, but seeing as how the general consensus is exactly the opposite, I will pay the absurd amount of 35 dollars to sit on the lawn to hear (and vaguely see) them. Ridiculous.

Not a lot else going on at the current time. Oh, I think I may be going on my first real vacation ever this summer, flying on a plane and all, thanks to the money Bush is giving everyone. I'm going to try to incorporate some kind of out of town show into this, not sure who or when, but I'm on the lookout. If you see or hear about anything good, let me know. That's all for now. Happy excuso to drinko day.

Christopher Michael Tucker

Tegan and Sara- "The Con"
I think I can relate to their music because they have problems with the same sex I do. Okay, I was just being cute there. Haha.

How I wish you could see the potential.

2008-05-04T16:16:00.000-07:00

What to talk about first...Well, Wednesday was a cool day. After school I got to hang out with my good friend Hope for quite awhile. We went to Steak 'N Shake and were the only two people there for pretty much the whole time. Then we went to park and climbed trees and played on playgrounds and took pictures. It was swell. I got home and called another friend of mine, Mr. Tom O'Brien to see what he Kyle (woody wagon kid) were planning on doing, and Tom informed me that Kyle was coming to get him, and then they'd pick me up. My mom called shortly after and told me not to leave until she got home. She finally arrived and I found out why she'd made that curious demand. She'd stopped by the cingular store, and long story short, I am now in possession of my first cell phone.

We ended up going to Kyle's, where we played catch in the yard with his girlfrriend Tricia and her friend Amanda or Ashley or one of those other common girl names. I love having social things to do on weeknights. It makes the week seem exponentially easier and shorter. Basically, Wednesday was one of those days where it felt like the way the glorified version of the high school experience should feel. And I like it.

Friday and Saturday were all about the Agape Festival in Greenville, Illinois. I took the trip up with my friends Emily and Victoria's church. No really exceptional bands played Friday night. I watched a little bit of Children 18:3 and Dressed To Kill and caught full sets from Run Kid Run, Nevertheless, Hawk Nelson, and The David Crowder band. After DCB finished, April, Kelly, and Ryne arrived. After chatting for a bit, I found out they had decided to stay at a hotel as opposed to the original plan of camping, so we drove for 30 minutes until we found a room in Vandalia. The room only had one king size bed, but it did have a jacuzzi. After getting set up in our room (aka me throwing myself on the bed repeatedly), we made a trip across the parking lot to the 24 hour Wal-Mart for snacks and other various items. Ryne and I pretended to be spies in strange hats. And that was that. We went back to the hotel and stayed up for awhile, watching TV and playing some dirty sounding card game, called rat screw, or something like that. I'm bad at that game. We went to bed around 2:30.

The next morning we ate breakfast, I took a soak in the Jacuzzi, and we made our way back to the fairgrounds. We ran into Matt Langston from Eleventyseven upon arrival and chatted with him for a bit before heading over to the main stage for the last ten minutes of a set by my friends in the Silent Film. They're really nice guys and they have some of my photography on their myspace. Check them out. Next was a weird funk band called the Fundamental Elements. Then Pickneyville, Illinois band Dear Future played. I saw these dudes last year and really love them a lot. I'm pretty sure most of you guys would enjoy them. Give them a try at least. Their lead singer resembles Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl. If that's not worth visiting their myspace, what is? Eleventyseven followed them and promptly got in trouble for making kids rush, and in turn, break the barricade. Ryne and Kelly were already staking out their spot for RK at this point, while April and I were off to the side of the stage. But around 2, I broke off from her and reunited with Victoria and Emily for another Illinois band, Forgetting Paris, who were playing on the second stage. They only played about 5 songs, but they were great as always.

By this point, it was around 2:30, and the next band I wanted to see wasn't playing till 5. So the girls and I killed time by just hanging out, talking, and playing frisbee in one of the church vans. I headed back over toward the main stage around 4:30 and ran into April and another die hard RK fan from New Mexico, Ann (I think). Jon Schneck saw us and came and talked for a few minutes and then House of Heroes started playing. They played some new stuff and some old stuff. Regardless, it was good. They're such a good band. Friends of RK too. John Reuben came on next and was really fun, much like last year. But this year, Thiessen came on stage to sing the end of "Nuisance" which made me smile a whole lot. The video will be on youtube soon enough. Everyone who played after were just stepping stones to Relient K. The Afters were decent and the only bright spot in Barlowgirl's set was their attractive drummer. This whole time I'd been making my way to the front, gradually angering young Christian girls. By the time RK came started their second song, I was front row.

Relient K is my favorite band. They always remind me why when I see them live. Last night was great. They played "Chap Stick, Chapped Lips, and Things Like Chemistry" for the first time in over a year of me seeing them. During Sadie Hawkins Dance, M@ pulled April on stage and saluted her for being his "biggest fan", a title which she cringed at, but still had a great time running around stage with the guys. I have pictures I'll send to April so you all can see them. We got to go backstage after and talked to everyone but Hoopes. I really feel like I'm getting to know them better. It was one of my favorite times talking to the guys, but I don't feel like talking about it all, and even if I did, you'd kind of have to be there anyways. I bid farewell to Ryne, Kelly, and April, and left around one. I got home at 2 and felt content.

Today's been brutal. Church was cool this morning. It was like Hispanic day or something, and there was a translator following around Pastor Rick. I was able to tune in a lot better, and I feel like I actually took something away from the service for the first time in awhile. The Tegan and Sara show was today. Now Thursday afternoon, my mom and I were over by Schnucks, where I usually by my show tickets. I asked if we could go ahead and get my ticket, because I wwas really worried about it selling out. My mom proceeded to tell me she hadn't decided if I could even go, so the answer was no. She apparently decided I could go today, and sure enough, the show had sold out. Swear. I knew I could probably still go down there and get in, maybe even for free, but it would just be a hassle. So I talked to my friend and we started sorting out transportation details. She said her mom wasn't home, but she'd call me when her mom did arrive, to let me know who was handling rides. Awhile later, I saw someone had posted 2 tickets for sale on Craig's list, so I called my friend to confirm she was going, since it had been a few hours and she still hadn't called me back. I called over and over and over again, but there was no response. I later found out she had fallen asleep. She slept for 3 and a half hours and by the time she woke up, the tickets were gone and there was no point in going down to the venue anymore. So right now, I'm having my own little pity party, listening to the new Death Cab, and wishing I was somewhere else. Namely, the Pageant, belting out the words to "The Con." On top of all that, I've had a bit of a cold this weekend and today, it's intensified a lot. Earlier, I was just sitting in a chair, sweating uncontrollably. I actually laid down awhile ago, and tried to sleep, but everyt time I started to drift off, I started to hear voices, just mocking me incessantly. I just feel really miserable. I'm starting to get to that place again where I just want to quit life for awhile and just sequester myself from everything. But who am I kidding. I'd miss people too much. Well. Some people. If you're one of those people or not doesn't matter. Regardless, thanks for taking the time to read this. Thanks for caring. Or at least pretending.

Christopher Michael Tucker.

Death Cab For Cutie- "I Will Possess Your Heart"
This video is gorgeous. Ben Gibbard is one of those guys who writes about my life better than I ever could. If the opening lines of this song don't get you, you might want to check for a pulse.

If you knew I was dying, would it change you?

2008-04-29T14:52:00.000-07:00

Hello. Chris Tucker here with another edition of "let's bore people with mindless details about shows they don't care about and then throw in random little info and thoughts at the end of the blog to try and make it semi-interesting." Go! :]

I went to this festival like show on April 19 called LU-palooza with Rachel and Heather and a bunch of kids with names I can't remember. We went to Denny's beforehand and I ate pancakes awkwardly. Anyways, the gig was at Lindenwood University, hence the LU. A lot of local bands opened. Not much to say for them. Steve Ewing, formerly of the Urge played a set. He's black. I did not know that till that day. The major bands that played were Treaty Of Paris, Eleventyseven, Punchline, and Secondhand Serenade. Treaty were cool, and I got to hang out with them a little being as how everyone I was with are either superfans or friends with the guys. We went to Taco Bell/Pizza Hut right before their set and ran into some kids going to prom, one of whom I'd known since gradeschool. Weird.

Eleventyseven played next. I never have liked them much, save a song or two, but for Ryne, April, and Kelly's sake, I watched them. They were fun and funny as I expected they would be. But I would never listen to them otherwise. Sorry guys. I still went ahead and introduced myself to Matt Langston after because I figure I'll be seeing a lot of him in the future. I caught the end of Punchline's set, waiting till I heard the opening of "Flashlight" to make my way back to the stage. They sounded as good as ever, and were probably my favorite of all the bands that played that day. I hardly watched Secondhand Serenade because they are a bad version of Dashboard Confessional. I missed the New Pornographers' set at the Pageant that night, which was a shame, but I'm sure they'll be back soon enough, hopefully with Neko in tow.

Wednesday was the AP Tour. I got there only a short time before doors and a sizable line had already formed, but I got in front. Rachel's took the ACT that day, and got off school early and secured a spot. So. I got up front. Strangely, everyone I knew was all in close proximity to me, so I felt very accepted and cool. Haha. My friend Sarah from Alton gave me a monkey. I was grateful. Okay, so we got in, and got a good spot. Shortly thereafter, Forever The Sickest Kids began sucking. Okay, so they weren't unbearable, but they're nothing special. Sonny Moore formerly of From First To Last, was next on the bill. He was playing his stuff more toned down, but it was a nice break from the uber hyper FTSK. And he seemed sincere, so I respected the guy. The most stylish band in rock, the Matches, were next. They sounded good, and were entertaining. My favorite, The Rocket Summer played fourth. I had made my way to second row, and maintained pretty good eye contact with Bryce throughout the show. He played a short set, and wasn't feeling good, but it was a lot of fun. I decided to stay in the pit for All Time Low. That band is too generic to even hate. But they're young, energetic, charismatic, and fun.

I finally caught up with Hope after the show and we walked around, eventually meeting Sonny Moore, Shawn Harris of the Matches, and ATL's Alex Gaskarth. I never did see Bryce walking around, but I was actually okay with it. It was warm enough to put down the top on the mustang, but nothing doing. Friday and Saturday is Agape Festival, where I'll be seeing my friends Emily, Victoria, Ryne, April, and Kelly. A lot of bad bands are playing, but Relient K is playing, so nothing else really matters. Sunday I'll have the pleasure of seeing Tegan and Sara, the infamous lesbian twin sister duo. That sounds redundant. Whatever. They're fantastic.

I'm just going to mention now that the title of this blog comes from a line in the song at the end of this blog. I listened to it last night and got waves of chills. It was very strange and surreal. You should listen to it for sure. I had a dream that I was riding around Missouri in a car with some kids I know, and the driver had8 beers. This morning we had an assembly about driving drunk. And drunk driving was the subject of an episode of the Simpsons tonight. Spooky. Only not really.

"There's someone out there for everyone." That's really been evident for me lately. It's almost heartwarming to see some kids who would typically be considered nerds managing to get friends, and even going on dates. I'm just happy they didn't just resign to what could have been a miserable high school experience. They went out and made a little joy in their lives and consequently, mine as well. Much like the cat who just walked across my porch. Twice. It's orange and it makes me smile. The Moon In My Basement (myspace.com/themooninmybasement)has shows coming up. One at The Red Sea, one at Cicero's, and one at The Creepy Crawl. So hooray for that I guess. I'm a little worried about it, because I'm my own worst critic and an elitist to boot, so I kind of demand perfection from myself, but regardless, it shouldn't be too bad.

One last pretty cool note, I got to ride on a Sherman tank from WWII the other day. It was on a field trip to Jefferson Barracks Cemetery to meet up with some WWII reinactors. My group was the first group to ride on the tank, and then the guy was told he wasn't supposed to give us rides. So, needless to say, we felt pretty great the rest of the trip. It feels so great riding on top of a huge tank and watching your classmates look on enviously as you salute them. Haha. This will be a story I will tell my children, and I think that is neat. Till next time.

Christopher Michael Tucker

At least I author my own disaster.

2008-04-07T20:09:00.000-07:00

Goodness. So it took pretty much one day to think about how silly and trite the last blog was. And then I was told I couldn't go see Eisley tomorrow. I just went in my room, put on my headphones, and picked up Perks. The blog didn't seem as stupid anymore. Ah, the wonders of being an emotional teenager. I just really want to be completely self sustaining and control my own life. I'm so close, but I feel like I'm never going to get there, which is completely normal, or so I'm told. At the moment, I just want to be alone, so I can listen to Of Montreal's "The Past Is A Grotesque Animal" and yell it out. I think then I would feel better.

On the positive side of things, I got The Moon In My Basement an acoustic show at the Red Sea in May. It's only going to be a thirty minute set, and it's just a benefit show, but it's a good start. A lot of really fantastic local bands are playing. Now I just need to learn a few songs, since it looks like I'll be singing,
and we'll be set. I should be selling tickets soon. Or if you don't live around here, moral support is always appreciated.

Christopher Michael Tucker.

Road to joy.

2008-04-05T10:21:00.000-07:00

Well, I can honestly say this was one of the best birthday's I've had. The party Friday went better than I ever could have imagined. The number of people there never reached 30, and I was totally okay with that. At one point, there were 24, double what Hope's mom had said we could have, yet she was totally fine, and even seemed to be enjoying herself a little bit.

Corey Goodman, alias Superfun Yeah Yeah Rocketship, showed up a little after 7 and started setting up. After changing into his Superfun clothes and confirming it would be okay to swear, he began to dominate. He is the world champion of rock after all. He has the title belt to prove it. He pranced around the basement for about an hour, touching everything and everyone. He brushed his hair with a cat brush. He put a soda in a barbie car and drove it around. He pushed around a vacuum. He threw away a shoe. It was great. Most everyone left a little after he played, for various reasons. Everyone was out a little after 12.

Yesterday I went to my grandma and grandpa's for the first part of the day. Then I had my birthday dinner with my dad. We went to Ponderosa, and they undercooked my steak. I hung out with Kyle, Tom, Kelly, Shelby, and Kevin Farrar. For those of you who don't know, the town I live in is right by the main St. Louis airport, Lambert. A few years ago, the airport decided it was time to expand, and kicked thousands of people out of their homes. The airport still hasn't really utilized much of the land, and many of the houses still stand. Some pictures of what they look like now can be found at http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=bridgeton+missouri+abandoned
That will help you get a better idea of what it's like around here. Anyways, we explored houses for awhile, with Kyle, Shelby, and I being the first to grow tired of it. We went back to the car and eventually drove to where the other 3 were, and left. Later, at Kyle's, his mom bit me because I smelled so good, and then I discovered I suck at wii boxing. I came home at 11, and read the first 40 pages of The Perks of Being A Wallflower.

For the last five years or so, I've been unable to cry, even when I want to, very, very badly. Last night, for the second time in recent memory, I had a dream where I cried. This is the second time this has happened, and the only explanation I can think of is that dreams are often tools for us to fulfill our innermost wishes. I was reading my book in the car before church today, and I felt like I was going to cry real, tangible tears, but nothing happened. I was very sad.

This afternoon I went to the Cardinals game, which we won, 3-0. I got to reminisce with my cousin Andrew and our friend Nathan. I also asked my friend Heather, who is the one letting me borrow Perks to come as well, since we had an extra ticket. I had a good time making jokes and being strange, and Heather told me I would make some woman very happy one day, and I hoped she was right. I was home around 5 and I took the next two hours to finish reading the book, which was very good and very sad.

The back of the book jacket reads, "Standing on the fringes of like offers a unique perspective, but there comes a time to see what it looks like from the dance floor." This book makes me want to push aside my inhabitions and go after what I really want. But life is not a book, and it would probably end in failure and alienation. Why yes, I am a coward. I know in the future, I will look back at these writings and think about what a stupid little emo kid I was, but I don't care. This is a snapshot of my life, and I'm going to remember it how it exactly how it was. I am trying to be happier.

Christopher Michael Tucker.

Date of birth.

2008-04-03T14:05:00.000-07:00

Yeah, today's my birthday. It started pretty lame last night, when I had to leave the Casiotone show before Owen even played a song. I ended up staying up till like two listening to Paul Baribeau and CFTPA. Today wasn't that great either, minus a little trampoline time after school. But it's just like any other day, minus the fact that I was born on it. And not even recently! 17 years ago! So, psh, who cares. Yep, nothing phases me.

TV guide was published for the first time on my birthday in 1953. The first cell phone call took place in New York City on April 3, 1973. On my fifth birthday, unabomber Ted Kaczynski was arrested. This took place on my birthday in 1968, and I'm proud of it.

These were prophetic words, as he was tragically killed the next day.

I share a birthday with Marlon Brando. Wayne Newton was born this day in 1942. Also born on this date, Alec Baldwin, David Hyde Pierce, and Eddie Murphy. Drew Shirley of Switchfoot turns 32 today.

Tonight's gonna be thrilling. Dinner at the Olive Garden and a thrilling two hours of Lost. What could be better? Oh wait. I know. Tomorrow night. There could be a little tension, considering there's a limit of 12 people who can be at the party, and about 30 are planning to show up. But hey, we'll burn that bridge when we come to it. See ya.

Christopher Michael Tucker.

Why do they call it PMS?

2008-04-02T13:24:00.000-07:00

Because mad cow disease was already taken. The kids at my school sure tell swell jokes. Okay, so maybe that was an awful way to start a blog. So what.

Today would be my birthday if only I had been born 22 minutes earlier. But alas, I will never know the joy of sharing a birthday with Yung Joc. What a shame. Tomorrow morning, at 12:21 AM, I'll turn 17 with Casiotone For The Painfully Alone, also known as Owen Ashworth.

He looks like a pizza guy. I love it. Today was a rather uneventful day. This blog is finished.

Christopher Michael Tucker.

Mediocrity is the killer.

2008-04-01T13:23:00.000-07:00

Well it seems Ryne Hambright was correct. The Secret Handshake did have to drop off the rest of their tour because of van trouble. Due to that, and the fact that my mom apparently wasn't going to let me go anyway, it looks like I'll be home tonight.

People really went all out this April Fools'. Seriously, on average, trips between classes, I'd hear a good 3 to 4 kids trying to pull AF jokes. And not good ones either. For instance, the one taco bell pulled in 1996. The restaurant took out a full page ad in the New York Times, claiming they had bought the Liberty Bell and renamed it the "Taco Liberty Bell" in order to reduce the nation's debt.

Last night, the new Death Cab For Cutie album was leaked onto the internet. Or so it seemed. In actuality, there was only one DCFC song on the leaked copy, the single "I Will Possess Your Heart." The rest were songs by German band Velveteen, who sounds a bit similar to Death Cab. Probably my favorite April Fools' Day prank I've heard about in a long time. If I would've checked for a leak last night, I'd sure be feeling salty now. Luckily, I've made it through the day with my dignity in tact.

I actually thought about making this blog into a big essay like I was coming out of the closet. But then I decided it would be really obvious, and stupid, and plus I didn't want to write a bunch. So. Yeah.

I'd kill to be in Columbia tonight. Chiodos is playing there with MxPx, The Color Fred, and Protest The Hero, at the Blue Note, where I went to see Relient K on March 11. I guess I'll have to settle for eating Arby's and watching the Simpsons tonight. The way I see it, that's not too bad of a deal. I'm gonna see if I can't keep up with this blog daily. And I'm gonna do my best to keep it interesting, adding in trivia, anecdotes, jokes or whatever may seem interesting when I'm writing. Feel free to check back daily, that is, if you actually enjoy reading this drivel. Later.

Christopher Michael Tucker.

Catsup.

2008-03-31T17:47:00.000-07:00

So I need to update this thing. Badly. I've been to many shows and many things in my life have changed. Okay, so maybe it's more of the former only. But still worth blogging about. Um. Goodness. What shows have I seen since last time? Jeez. Here goes nothing. I figure you guys don't really care too much about my little endeavors, so if nothing else, I blog for myself. For posterity.

February 26 was the first of three Ludo shows during release week and also the first of two acoustics. Ludo was great as usual, pulling out all the stops with kazoo's and confetti poppers. The real highlight for me was Ludo podcast quoting and sing alongs outside in the cold. Thanks to Victoria and Tom for coming along. You're welcome for introducing you to Ludo. Haha.

February 27 was my date of the Emery headlining tour. Cry Of The Afflicted was good, but I found out they are Canadian, and that was that. Pierce The Veil, who I've always mocked, were up next. I mock no more. Well, maybe a little, but it's only in love. Probably the best live act that night in my opinion. The dudes were way nice after the show too. Muchas gracias to Jaime for the free poster. Mayday Parade was adequate. They definitely lacked heart. The one moment that really stands out from their set is Derek stage diving, most likely kicking a teenybopper or two. But Hope and I had a nice chat with their drummer afterwards about pizza, so no hard feelings. As Cities Burn is great. Their live show is like a religious experience. Their drummer only had one cymbal. Emery was good as always. The new album's not my fav, but they played a lot of stuff I like, and I was second row, so I enjoyed it. I actually met someone besides Josh Head for a change too. Toby Morrell smiles big for pictures.

February 28 was fantastic. The Angels & Airwaves show at the pageant sold out, and my ride to the free AVA acoustic show didn't pan out. I wasn't about to give up though. I'd been waiting since the second Ace Enders' October show was over to see him again. I was not missing this show. Victoria and I headed down there a short time before doors, already having secured a ticket from a friend of a friend. But when we arrived the doors had already opened, and discouraged, we headed to Vintage Vinyl to see if any members of AVA were still there. On the way there, I talked to Ace Enders' drummer who gave me some encouragement and a high five. AVA was in fact still there, and signing, so I met them and got a sticker signed. Tom Delonge and Atom Willard are legends, so I was pumped. Not knowing what else to do, I made up some reason for us to head back to the Pageant, where we proceeded to talk loudly about our dire need for tickets. Then a guy gave us two free ones. We were ecstatic to say the least. We got spots just in time for the lights to go out, and Arthur Enders to walk out on stage. WHAT A GREAT DUDE. I did not stop smiling through his entire set. I only got to chat with him for a second unfortunately, as The Color Fred took the stage shortly after. But I did get a shirt and pre-ordered the record, which I suggest you do as well. Yes. You. Fred and company were good, and played about the same set as last time. I had a great vantage point over the crowd and me and Fred shared a few moments. Haha. In other words, I knew the words, so he looked at me and smiled. Meg & Dia were cool. They played cowbell. Meg is cute. We left the pit before AVA, because I knew I could get better pictures that way. They aren't my favorite, but they had a wicked elaborate setup and crazy lighting, and were fun to shoot. With a camera. I left satisfied.

March 1 was Ludo acoustic at Slackers CD's and games. It was the exact same set. But Convy wore a different shirt, so not really. Had nice chats with the guys and remembered why I never stuck with hacky sacking.

On March 2nd, the 1 year anniversary of the TBS/underOATH show, I was back at the Pageant yet again, for the Ludo "You're Awful, I Love You" CD release show. I suggest you check out that record. The band is on the same label as the Rocket Summer, PlayRadioPlay!, and Sum 41, among others. So there's some incentive. The turnout for the show was a bit disappointing, but it was still fun, and good to see Allyssa and Sarah again, especially on the 1 year anniversary of our meeting. I went with Kelly, Tom, and Kyle, who enjoyed themselves immensely. Or so they say.

March 4th and 5th were snow days. The first one I did nothing. The second, I had a snowball fight, made two giant snowballs, hiked through the woods, and went to the 2008 RockStar Taste Of Chaos Tour with my good friend Amanda Gelso. It was a total metal-fest this year, but I had free tickets from Alt Press' music editor Scott Heisel (much thanks, Scott), so I went to the show. The first band I saw was MUCC, a Japanese tall-tee wearing version of Korn. At one point they brought out a stand up bass and a harmonica. It was ridiculous. The Underneath was next, another J-rock band. I couldn't tell if they were guys or girls. Blessthefall was the main reason I went, and they were a bit disappointing. Without their acrobatic frontman Craig Mabbitt, they aren't nearly as entertaining. Bullet For My Valentine was like an hour of the same riff over and over. It was brutal. And I don't mean that in a good way. Atreyu wasn't anything special, their poor excuse for a frontman took off his shirt to prove his manliness. I was not impressed. Avenged Sevenfold. I was pleasantly surprised. Not that I like them any more now, but I did enjoy their live set, especially the one song by them I actually like, "Bat Country." But they had a lot of fire, and being a bit of a pyro, I enjoyed it. Triple bass was probably unnecessary though.

March 11 was the first uniting of the Fab 5, what I consider to be the innermost circle of Relient K fans. This all went down outside the Blue Note, in Columbia, MO. I picked up Ryne and Meg(an) early that morning and we drove across the state where we met up with our friends April, Kelly, Matt, Matt, John, Jon, and Ethan. We ate at Smoking chick's, a tasty wing joint, right across the street from the venue. We listened to a boombox and hula hooped until it was time for doors. Rookie of the Year was so-so. The Wedding was funny. They have a new lead singer who tries so hard, it's a bit comical. But the drummer and I had a moment, and thus I ended up with 2 drumsticks. RK reminded me why they're my favorite band. The show was so good. Front row, and the lowest stage I've seen them on probably helped. Good talks and hula hooping after the show made the day pretty much perfect, minus the thieving of Meg's wallet. Columbia cops are the pits. Pro-Ethan.

March 16 was incredible. Craig Owens of Chiodos picked St. Louis for his first ever solo acoustic show. Only about 60 people showed. He played old Chiodos songs, a Bright Eyes cover, Alkaline Trio cover, new Chiodos songs, Cinematic Sunrise songs, and one Sound Of Animals Fighting song. He played in his pajamas. All 60 of us were asked by Craig to come up on stage for the last song "Baby, You Wouldn't Last A Minute On The Creek." Search "chiodos 2 cents" on youtube and you'll run into my video. Quite frankly, anyone who wasn't at this show probably can't comprehend what went down, so I'm going to stop trying to convey the awesomeness now. Oh yeah, Tonight At Seven opened. Local. Good.

March 20th Hope and I trekked down to the Bluebird for the first time to see The Photo Atlas. When we got there, the first band 1090 Club, had already played, and no one was there. Seriously, no one. The Valley Arena, one of Alternative Press' 100 bands you need to know for 2008, was setting up and soundchecking. After they did that, Warren and Chris jumped off the stage and introduced themselves, and Mike came over shortly after. They chatted for a few, and then jumped back up on stage to play. Toward the end of their tight set, Bert from Monkey Fight Productions and the Mustache Heroes came over and gave us our money back, informing us that the Photo Atlas weren't going to play, being as there were only 7 people there. So we spent our money on the Valley Arena. Both Hope and I tried to convince our mom's to let them stay over at our house, but to no avail. So we took them out to pizza, joined by our new friends Heather and Rachel, who we'd been at numerous shows with unknowingly. The Valley Arena play good music and are some of the nicest guys you'll want to meet. Plus Warren looks like Fred Mascherino. So check them out.

March 26 was The Starting Line. Their final St. Louis show, as far as I can tell. Steel Train opened. WHAT A GOOD BAND. Such a good live act. And such a good merch guy. 20 bucks for a shirt, CD, buttons, and a poster? I'm content. You know the drill, give them a listen. They're on my myspace currently. Four Year Strong was next. I thought I despised them after the show, but I don't really. Their music just pales in comparison to Steel Train, that's why they seemed extra lame live. If they could just pick a genre, I might listen to them more. But until then, no go. Bayside played after FYS. Anthony Raineri is kind of an icon. I don't care for his band much, but it was cool seeing them live. Then the main attraction. Kenny Vasoli and company plowed through an extensive 20 song set, which was a tad bittersweet, being as how I'll never see them again. They didn't play my favorite song, Hello Houston, and I didn't meet Kenny, but I'll survive. And meet him when Person L tours I guess. I did manage to get one of the setlists, by naming some punk songs for their roadie, who doesn't give out setlists to just anyone. I was supposed to name three songs by any punk band in his generation. After naming "Bonzo Goes To Bitburg" by the Ramones, I was awarded the setlist, being as how, that was said roadie's favorite song.

March 29th I went to the Billiken Club for yet another free show, featuring British Sea Power. Local band Target Market opened. Good stuff. Next was the 1900's, a fantastically charming band out of Chicago. Um. Yeah. They were great. Beyond great. I only caught about 3/4 of their show, but it was still good. I was front row, right next to Beatle Bob, which told me I had picked the right show to go to that night. Who's Beatle Bob? (http://youtube.com/watch?v=RwMQJpcbA2E) That's who. What a guy. Haha. I encourage you to give all the bands at this show a listen. It was rad all around.

This brings us back up to date. Phew. Tomorrow I'll be seeing The Maine with The Secret Handshake, Danger Radio, and Powerspace. Wednesday is Casiotone For The Painfully Alone with Clue To Kalo, Say Panther (AWESOME), and Superfun Yeah Yeah Rocketship. Thursday, I will turn 17, and be legally able to watch rated R movies. Friday night's the big party. A Superfun Yeah Yeah Rocketship private basement show. This birthday should sure be swell. Adios!

Christopher Michael Tucker.

Even though I'm home now, I feel completely homeless.

2008-02-20T17:32:00.000-08:00

My future now has a bit of direction. There are quite of few facets of the music industry in which I'm going to attempt to be involved. Actually...I'm already pretty involved. Currently I manage a band that doesn't really do anything, I write for a non existent zine, I'm a part of a do nothing street team for one of the top promoters in St. Louis, I'm the proud part owner of a non existent venue, and if things go well, I'll be helping out with a little label out of St. Louis. Impressed? Thought so.

Alright, so none of this means too much right now. But that doesn't mean I don't want to just quit school right now and start my life. See, when I get passionate about something, I really get passionate. I need that burning desire about something, otherwise nothing seems to get done. Exhibit A: school. Pretty sure I'm passing two or three classes right now. And I don't really attempt to make friends or anything anymore. Not like I'll be talking to these kids after high school. Who cares what they think? This is a very liberating and yet self destructive mentality. Not that I feel like making any effort to change it.

This mentality has also contributed to my non existent relationships with females. I mean, I'm no model, but I know for a fact I've attracted some great girls that I could've very well gone out with, I just didn't want to. I don't want a relationship that's just, "Oh, we're just two kids dating in high school." I want there to be a real connection and actual love (or as close as two high school kids can get) for one other. I don't want to settle. If you read the now infamous(?) Juno blog, you know I want a girlfriend. Just not bad enough to lower my ridiculous standards. As stupid as this sounds, I'm always thinking in the terms of "Would I marry this girl?" And almost always, the answer is an instant no. So I keep searching.

Well that's what's been on my mind as of late. Thanks for reading.

That is why.

2008-02-04T14:03:00.000-08:00

I'll recap Friday briefly before getting to the part of the blog you'll all be interested in. Maybe. Thursday night (funny place to start my Friday recap), I watched Lost and then checked the news for school closings, and there was Pattonville. Wizard. So Friday I went to Hope's house to sled and participate in various other snow day activities and some non snow day activities. Sledding is fun. I don't know why it took me 16 years to do it. I don't recommend jumping off a trampoline into the snow though. Said snow tends to make said trampoline a tad slippery. Anyways, around 5:30 we headed to the Creepy for Cobra Starship, Metro Station, and We The Kings. FBR noobs The Cab were in a van accident and didn't play. The venue was filled with teenyboppers. Serious teenies. These girls were pros. They even brought their parents! Yay! I got what I expected. Cobra was great, the rest, eh. Metro Station are seriously pedophiles. They're playing for 14 and 15 year old girls and singing about how bad they want to do some girl, if only she were older. Quite frankly, disgusting. The rest of my weekend was a blur. I feel cheated almost, like there was so much more I wanted to say and to do. Oh well. Gone now.

Thursday night I had some strange dreams, and I thought I'd share them with you. First, I was at a combination movie theater/outdoors store, like a Bass Pro Shops or Cabela's. But there was no movie screen, just a stage, and Showbread was playing a show. So I was like "Sweet, I love these dudes." But then this kid who I apparently knew kept talking to me, and he was obnoxious, so I ran away. I ended up lost in the outdoors store, running into deer and such. So I ran down some stairs into some sort of beauty salon where some ladies were discussing leg hair. They started to review mine, and touch my legs, so I ran away. I never did find my way back to the show either. Schucks.

Later that night, I had another odd dream. Is there any other kind? Anyways, this time I logged onto myspace to find that I had won a trip to Chicago to hang out in the studio with Every Time I Die and get a chance to scream on their album. ETID does not record in Chi-town, nor can I scream, so this was all strange. I had also won a game of one-on-one with Michael Jordan. So he shows up at this weird hotel wearing a neon colored one piece jumpsuit ready to play, but I'm still in bed. So I get up, but all I have is my pajamas to play in, and you know those baggy pants are no good for dribbling through your legs. I also had no camera with which to document the whole event. Schucks.

So I was thinking about this Saturday. There are cool guys and there are sweet dudes. Cool guys are, well, cool guys. They're fun to hang out with and whatnot, and people generally like them. With sweet dudes, there's just something about them that makes everyone want to be around them. They don't have to be the most attractive or funny, people are just drawn to them regardless. I don't even know how to thoroughly describe it. All the words are in my head, I just can't get them out right, so here's a comparison. Kid A is invited to the parties and tells all the jokes, but there's not much more that meets the eye. Kid B is equally as funny and can be that kid A type, but he'll also sit down and have a real conversation with you, always there for whoever needs him. People always want him around, and sometimes they don't even know why. People constantly call him, and ask about him, and just want to be near him. Yada yada yada, repeating things, etc etc. My explanation is still weak, but who cares. I know what I mean, maybe you do too. Try and apply it to people you know. I was feeling like a cool guy this weekend. Happy, and empty. That's what I get for thinking too much. And please don't patronize me and tell me I'm a sweet dude, you probably don't know me if you're reading this.

And now...A RIDDLE! Kudos to Hope and her fairytale book for this one. So there's a big canyon with two bridges over it. One is a sturdy bridge, and one is weak. Now there's a troll guarding each bridge. One is a dishonest troll and one is a truth troll (HAHA). You don't know which troll is which. You can only approach one troll, and only ask the troll one question. What question do you ask to find out which bridge is safe? And yes, there is a correct answer. If you figure it out, you're probably the smartest person reading this. Ask your friends, family, bums, see if you can find the answer. Until next time.

Christopher Michael Tucker.

Rock. And to a lesser extent...roll.

2008-01-31T17:42:00.000-08:00

Let's get the little necessary recap out of the way first. Friday night I went to the Creepy Crawl to catch Machree, Mike Judy's band. They were headlining the show and after, Hope and I had planned to walk up to St. Louis University to catch the end of a free show with headliners, electro favorites So Many Dynamos. So here's the awesome part. Machree played early. So after saying our goodbyes to MJ, we headed up to SLU and caught the whole free show, which was exhausting, yet awesome. The openers, Say Panther were probably my favorite. This band is just so charming and honest. Seriously, give them a listen. Free downloads on their myspace (myspace.com/saypanther). Next was Maps and Atlasses. They were just tiring, but their drummer was probably the best technical drummer I've ever seen play. Ever. Oh, and their frontman had a sweet stache. So Many Dynamos didn't impress me much. But their guitarist had a Rickenbacker, so it was cool.

Saturday was intended to be Every Time I Die. The lady on Craig's list never called or answered her phone, though, so I headed to Illinois (begrudgingly) for Saosin, Armor For Sleep, The Bled, and Meriwether. Meriwether was decent, but one guy moshing like a total idiot ruined their set. The Bled. One of my favorite bands to see live. Period. So intense and so good. Plus James had some great glasses on. Check my flickr for a picture. Armor For Sleep was the epitomy of mediocrity as usual, but I still like seeing them live. "Believe the news..." and so on. I don't like Saosin, but I respect those guys. And they played a decent set. Cove's stache was pathetic. End of story.

Sunday was a pretty typical day. Chruch, Illinois, Grandma's visitation. You know. Monday I skipped school for her funeral and burial in Rumbaur, MO, which is down near the Arkansas border. I got back around 9, which put me back in town too late for Scary Kids Scaring Kids and Gwen Stacy, but that's not really important. I needed to be there for my family.

Yada, yada, yada. Skip to right now. Lost is on. Tomorrow is bound to be a snow day, the roads are already bad. There is no way tomorrow won't be awesome. I will go sledding for the first time ever. I will discuss religion and other things intelligent people discuss. I might discuss music. Maybe. I will make a snow angel. A perfect one. And that's just during the day. Tomorrow night is Cobra Starship. Creepy Crawl capacity: 400. Tickets sold for this show: 536. Number of teenyboppers attending: probably a good 530. But it'll be fun. Getting there wicked early and standing in the snow. Life is beautiful. Nah, but right now it's pretty rad.

Christopher Michael Tucker.

Song of the day: Really anything by Paul Baribeau.
To quote my friend Kyle, "This guy's a prophet."
4 free downloads at myspace.com/paulbaribeau
I suggest starting with "Ten Things"

"name ten things you wanna do before you die and then go do them.
name ten places you really wanna be before you die and then go to them
name ten books you wanna read before you die and then go read them
name ten songs you wanna hear again before you die, get all of your friends together and scream them

because right now all you have is time time time yeah,
but someday that time will run out.
that's the only thing you can be absolutely certain about.

think of all the things that are wrong with your life and then fix them
think of all the things that you love about your life, be thankful you are blessed with them
think of all the things that hold you back and realize that you don't need them
think of all the mistakes you have made in your life, make sure that you never repeat them

because right now all you have is time time time yeah,
but someday that time will run out.
that's the only thing you can be absolutely certain about.

name ten thousand reasons why you never wanna die, go and tell someone who might've forgotten
try to list the endless reasons why it's good to be alive, and then just smile for awhile about them

soon the sun will rise and another day will come
soon enough the sun will set, another day will be gone

and right now all you have is time time time yeah,
but someday that time will run out.
that's the only thing you can be absolutely certain about"

January 24, 2008.

2008-01-24T11:39:00.000-08:00

Last night, my (great) grandma, Leona Hosfelt died at the hospital of an aneurism. She was 89. I was informed of this while laying in bed this morning. All i said was, "Ok." I didn't feel anything. No great grief, no crying, it all just kind of passed over me, and still hasn't really registered much. I suppose it wasn't really a surprise. She had been sick for awhile, in and out of the hospital a lot, and it's amazing she lasted this long, being a smoker for many years. I'm just glad I had as much time with her as I did. She was an amazing lady and I'm going to miss her more than I can really put into words. My dad always says that the worst thing is that that unique person, their personality, is gone. This is the first time anyone close to me has died, so this is a completely new experience. I guess I don't really know what to do with it. All I can do is write.

I love you, Grandma. I miss you.

Christopher Michael Tucker.

You've got to go with the motion.

2008-01-23T17:39:00.000-08:00

Hello bloggers. Last.fm just reached an agreement with most of the record labels to allow the playing of full tracks via the website. So. The social music revolution continues. You should join up if you haven't already. Well it's day 4 with the haircut I think, and it's not too bad. I miss the bangs, but like I keep saying, just give it a couple weeks. I instinctively reach up to my forehead to brush them out of my eyes at least once a day. Nothing there. But the low maintenance thing is great, and most everyone likes it, so I guess it's a success.

I was thinking today, and I'm really content with the music I listen to. I'm so glad I got exposed to the music I listen to now. I don't even know how to say it. I'm glad I listen to Ben Kweller and not Sean Kingston. I'm glad I listen to Superfun Yeah Yeah Rocketship and not Daft Punk. I smile when people look through my iPod and say "I've never even heard of these people." I was looking through a girl's Zune today and as I called out the names, she was as defensive as a druggie who knows they're caught. "It's not mine! I'm holding it for a friend!" I got a black kid into Every Time I Die the other day. Yeah.

Christopher Michael Tucker.

I pinpointed the song that got my foot in the door of the hardcore scene today: "Reinventing Your Exit" by Underoath. But for song of the day, I'm gonna go with the first hard music that really blew me out of the water...
"Memphis Will Be Laid To Waste" by Norma Jean.
I know most of you will shut this off pretty fast, so if it's any incentive, this song features Josh Scogin now of the Chariot and Aaron Weiss from mewithoutYou. Intrigued? Too bad.

I've had kisses that make Judas seem sincere.

2008-01-16T20:13:00.000-08:00

I'm just going to title these with good and or interesting lyrics now. So hello there, internet. A lot has happened since we last spoke. My dad turned 48 and I saw Juno two more times. I'm actually supposed to see it Friday morning now? Pretty crazy. Gonna break my record of seeing a movie in theatres, previously held by two of the LOTR's and the first Pirates Of The Caribbean movie. Well. Super Bowl's coming up. I've gotta go for the Packers here. How can anyone not like Brett Favre, really? Such a genuinely nice guy, and one of the best quarterbacks ever. You girls bored yet? Okay...

What else to talk about? Music. I've downloaded some goooooood music this week. Really good. I finally got Against Me!'s "New Wave" which really blows anything else they've ever done out of the water. Seriously. Listen to "Thrash Unreal" and tell me I'm wrong. Who just thought of Sullivan? Kudos. I got Tegan and Sara's "The Con" and also "So Jealous." Both really good and really strange. But I love them. Darn Lesbians. Speaking of strange, I bought mewithoutYou's "Brother, Sister." Also great, and the epic closing song rivals and in my opinion almost tops RK's Deathbed. So there's some incentive to pick that up. I got Ted Leo and the Pharmacists' "Living With The Living," a really good politically charged record, complete with a songwith a very simple solution to ending the war: "Bomb. Repeat. Bomb." I love that guy. 38 years old and still getting it done. I also got two Solid State Records releases: Norma Jean's "Redeemer" and the Chariot's "The Fiancee." Both very technical and very well done. Personally I like the Chariot better, Josh Scogin being the former screamer for NJ. Now you know.

You know what's great about music? I'm sure you know some things, but here's something I've been thinking about for the last week or so. Even the most somber of emotions can sound beautiful. I'm sure there's a lot more I've yet to say, but I'm going to leave you with that. Have a nice night...or day.

Christopher Michael Tucker.

Song of the day: "In A Sweater Poorly Knit" by mewithoutYou.

Now accepting applications.

2008-01-07T19:27:00.000-08:00

So I've seen Juno twice now. It truly is one of my favorite movies ever. Also one of the cutest movies I've seen. I really wish I had a girlfriend to see this movie with. "Here is the church and here is the steeple, we sure are cute for two ugly people." C'MON! I melt at the ending every time, and I want to be able to look over into some girl's eyes and feel what Bleeker and Juno feel. Young love is so simple and so carefree, and I look forward to experiencing it one day. I just wish it would hurry up sometimes. I guarantee you this, whenever this does happen, me and this girl will rent Juno and watch it and it will be the cutest thing ever. And we will both play our guitars and sing "Anyone else but you" and it will be magic. The End.

Christopher Michael Tucker

Song of the day: The Moldy Peaches – Anyone Else But You
(Duh.)

Pterodactyls swarming.

2008-01-03T18:27:00.000-08:00

2007 ended well. Over the course of about a week, I had something to do every single day. It started with being with my family a couple days for Christmas. Speaking of which, it went well. I got my new camera, money, CD's, everything I wanted really. Then for about 3 days straight, I hung out with my friend Kyle everyday and basically found myself a whole new circle of friends. Well I had known these kids before, but we just kind of talked at school and didn't really do anything outside. Same with Kyle really. But now, I feel like I could basically call him or any of them up, and be like, "Let's hang out." And we could. One reason this worked out especially well is the fact that Kyle actually has a car. This car.

Probably my favorite winter car, me and Kyle decided (with my favorite summer car being Amanda Gelso's LeBaron convertible). The day after Christmas we took apart his dashboard and put in his new speakers. Then we ended up going over to my friend Kelsey's for a bonfire, which I still need to upload pictures from onto myspace. I unleashed my inner pyro, and some kids learned not to give me the lighter fluid. Dipping sticks into lighter fluid and sticking them in the fire: not smart. Filling up a styrofoam cup with lighter fluid and tossing it in the fire: not smart. Tossing the can of lighter fluid into the fire: not smart. Oh, well. We're teenagers and we're invincible. Duh.
The next day Kyle took apart his door and we ran around with Tom and Kelly and then ended up back at my house eating some pizza. I was planning to go see Ludo and the Hush Sound that night with a friend, but she bailed, so I asked Kyle, since he was already over, I asked him. We got there early and met up with Allyssa and Sarah and some other people I knew from other shows. We ended up second row and I got a good chance to test out my new camera. You can see the shots on my flickr if you want. It was A Very Ludo Christmas. There were snowmen, reindeer, presents, santa, and well quite frankly, it was just a sight to behold. Ludo's always a fun show anyway, but you could tell the sold out Pageant really got them into the performance. We met Ludo and Greta from the Hush Sound after, which was pretty cool. We were supposed to meet Allyssa, Liz, and a couple others at Del Taco in the loop, but we couldn't find it, and since it was getting on towards 1, and Kyle was short on gas, we headed home.

Friday night we went to the City Museum, which isn't a museum at all. For those of you not living in St. Louis, I suggest you check this out. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/City_Museum
And maybe take the photo tour here. http://www.citymuseum.org/phototour.html
That should give you a better idea of what that night entailed. We had pizza at this place in the city and then got lost on the way home. Long story short, we ended up in south county and almost went to Illinois. No biggie though. Saturday night I went to the mall with my friend Nicole and bought some new jeans from Urban Outfitters. $50. The cost of being awkwardly proportioned. Sunday through Tuesday I spent with my dad in Belleville.

I came home Tuesday night, checked the phone. 16 missed calls. So I call Kyle first, who shouts, "Oh my God! You're alive! I'm coming to get you!" So basically two minutes later he and 8 other people who also thought I was dead are in my kitchen. Meanwhile, I'm just trying to get some pants on. Haha. I got them on, found my cardigan and we went to steak and shake. I had fries. They were delicious. We decided to go to Kelly's next to watch Superbad, but we stopped at Shop N Save first to buy some popsicles for our popsicle eating contest. Outside. 15 degrees. Needless to say, that lasted about 30 seconds before we threw down our popsicles and ran inside. Kyle and Tom stayed over at my house that night and we stayed up till 6:30 watching youtube videos and playing PlayStation 2. We got up around 10 and tried to figure out what to do with our last day of freedom. We ended up going to Kelly's for awhile to finish Superbad and I tried to make her dogs love me. My efforts were futile. We ended up back at my house playing a little 007 and having pizza.

Today was my first day back. My classes aren't too bad, there's only one I really don't like. They're also all fairly easy. That's always a plus. I feel pretty good about this semester. It sucks to be back, but I'm staying optimistic. Tomorrow I'm going to the movies (I really want to see Juno) and possibly to the opening of this photography exhibit (http://flickr.com/photos/toddowyoung/2124803601/) if I can swing it. Are you still reading this? Wow. I love you. Goodbye.

Christopher Michael Tucker.

Song of the day: The Color Fred – Complaintor
(this should play now.)

This is the year of the party crasher!

2007-12-21T12:23:00.000-08:00

Ok, so today was my last day of school, so I'm pretty happy. I had a hellish final today though. Anatomy was 200 questions. In an hour and a half. I got done maybe 150 of them, but at least I knew them all for the most part. Just checked and I got a 71. Not too shabby I guess. Um. So anyways. It's Christmas time. I'm captain obvious. I've got kind of the Charlie Brown syndrome. Everyone around me is freaking out, listening to Christmas music, decorating, the whole nine yards, and I'm kind of just "Meh" about the whole thing. I don't know what it is, but the last couple years, I've been like that. ALTHOUGH. I did feel some Christmas cheer for a couple hours last week. A one Ryne Hambright sent me an awesome, totally unexpected Christmas present. The box had some RK buttons, a sweet drawing, and a nice little note, telling me about my gift subscription to Alternative Press. I was pretty happy to say the least. So thanks Ryne. That combined with videos of Jesse Lacey, Dustin Kensrue, and the boys of Mewithoutyou singing Christmas carols in the cold made me a pretty happy guy, if only for a little while.

So now it's break. Hopefully gonna find something to do tonight and then tomorrow is the Femme Fatality/Superfun Yeah Yeah Rocketship show. I had some leftover pizza earlier. It was tasty. Last night I went to the Olive Garden. It was also tasty. I got new headphones from my mom's friend Laurie, which I was in dire need of. Most of you reading probably haven't seen my janky headphones, currently held together with scotch tape. They're pretty sad looking. My new ones are German engineered and cost $50. Pretty good sound.

"You suck at life" is a pretty common and stupid insult. Because you know what? We all do. In the last couple of weeks, I've had at least 3 of my friends say something about having no idea what to do in life. Whether it be problems with the opposite sex, trouble at school, uncertainty about their future, or whatever else, these kids are just getting really dismal outlooks on life. It's kind of sad to see, because I've gone through these phases, and it really sucks. Try all 3 of the problems I mentioned at once, it's pretty fun. Ah, the life of a teenager. Stupid emotions. As far as the future is concerned, I'm still completely in the dark about what I want to do. I don't have the money for college, and even if I did, I have no idea what I'd want to major in or any of that. This is fine with me, though. I just don't allow myself to get stressed over the stuff, no matter how my life might be seemingly crumbling. As I've called it before, the "It's the end of the world as we know it, and I feel fine" mentality. It's working for me so far. If you're going through one of these phases, I encourage you to try it out.

Let's see, what else is on my mind? I'm pretty sick of the writer's strike going on. I need some new episodes of Conan. I don't have anything else interesting to say really. Oh. Except this. My buddy Mark has a little acoustic project called "I Was A Fountain" and you guys should check it out. He's only got one of his songs up at this point, but I'm sure he'll post more soon. He's a really great songwriter (http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=110985943&blogID=231536045&Mytoken=6F8F9199-C1EC-4901-AF4349ED0543A1E147216046) and a good guy, so do me a favor and give him a listen. Oh, and if you like the song, it's free to download.

Christopher Michael Tucker.

Song of the day: (click the play button)

Every Time I Die – Apocalypse Now and Then
OR

Dustin Kensrue – Blood And Wine
(thanks for the last.fm idea, Isabel.)

My top 10 albums of 2007.

2007-12-17T19:22:00.000-08:00

I've given this a lot of thought, and without further ado, here are my 10 favorite albums released in the year 2007. This was tough.

THE BEST ALBUM OF 2007...RADIOHEAD...
PSYCH!

1. The Rocket Summer- Do You Feel

2. Every Time I Die- The Big Dirty

3. The Graduate- Anhedonia

4. The Academy Is- Santi

5. Of Montreal- Hissing Fauna, Are You The Destroyer?

6. Chiodos- Bone Palace Ballet

7. Dear And The Headlights- Small Steps, Heavy Hooves

8. Say Anything- In Defense Of The Genre

9. Bright Eyes- Cassadaga

10. Jon Foreman- Fall EP

Honorable Mention:
Dustin Kensrue- Please Come Home
The Starting Line- Direction
The Photo Atlas- No, Not Me, Never
Eisley- Combinations
PlayRadioPlay!- The Frequency EP
Maylene And The Sons Of Disaster- II

After composing this list, I feel very uncool and un-indie. Introduce me to some trendy bands. There are still 14 days left in '07. This list could shift.

Christopher Michael Tucker.

Song of the day: http://youtube.com/watch?v=uejdLjw15wY

I tend to blog about shows a lot.

2007-11-28T17:14:00.000-08:00

Since we've last spoken, I've been to three shows. Of Montreal was the 19th. There were so many seemingly gay kids at that show who actually weren't gay. Guys with sparkly makeup and star stickers on their faces. Girls who buried eachother's faces in their boobs. The whole affair was quite a sight to see. MGMT opened, really cool band, check them out. Next was the duo of white rappers known as Grand Buffet. They danced around and shouted out random things like "Drink more water!" and "Who's got a library card?". And of course, the ever popular, "Elmo is a commie pig!" Of Montreal played about 18 songs I think, and we're just great. It was one big dance party as expected. Kevin, the lead singer of Of Montreal surprised me with his outfits. No dresses this time. He did bring out the booty shorts and thigh high fishnets though, much to the delight of the female (and some male) hipsters in attendance. Overall, I met a bunch of kids and just had a really good time. Check out the pictures here. And look for me. It'll be like a game.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/toddowyoung/sets/72157603298696261/

The 23rd was Sleeping With Giants, featuring Cobra Starship, Sherwood, The Rocket Summer, Armor For Sleep, and of course, The Academy Is...(.) Cobra was just really great. And Gabe. Oh Gabe. I liked him in Midtown, but hadn't gotten into Cobra, until now. I'd seen them live before, but this time, they just really won me over. Plus hanging out with Gabe and hearing him sing "Welcome To The Jungle" didn't hurt. They'll be at the Creepy February 1. Looking forward to it. Sherwood played a nice little set, but they really are the odd men out on this tour. It was great chatting it up with Dan and Mikey. See the picture Mikey took with Hope on my myspace. I believe he said the picture would be "so sexual, no one will even believe it happened." We missed the first song or two from TRS because we were busy meeting TAI backstage in their dressing room. That didn't stop us from singing and dancing to Bryce anyway. Well actually, I got scolded for it, but pressed on. What I did catch of Mr. Avary's set was fantastic. When we talked to him later, we talked to him about the spring headlining tour, and he said he wouldn't forget us. We'll see. AFS came on and played their bland songs. I actually had a really good time during their set. I spent a good part of it hanging over by TRS' merch and mockingly singing and dancing. The Academy Is just played a brilliant set. 18 songs spanning both full length albums, and the songs almost sounded better live. It was ridiculous. Also, I can honestly say that even as a heterosexual male, I really enjoyed watching William Beckett strut around. The guy's got terrific stage prescence. What can I say? Anyways, I ran into a bunch of kids I knew, and met some new ones, and sort of signed up to be on the Island Records Street Team. We'll see.

Last night was The Spill Canvas, Meg & Dia, PlayRadioPlay!, and The New Atlantic. This was my first real time seeing TNA live, considering last time, I spent their set talking to the boys and girl from 1997. Another really great band you guys should check out. I know who reads this blog mainly, and I truly believe you girls will enjoy them. Give them a listen (http://www.myspace.com/nineteenninetyseven). Anyways, I enjoyed The New Atlantic, but I went to this show for one reason: Daniel Hunter. Alias: PlayRadioPlay. We were to the side of the stage and his vocals were really quiet, but I still loved it. And it was cool watching the show next to Meg (or was it Dia?). Speaking of Meg & Dia, they were awesome. Acoustic guitar, cowbell, shaker. Instruments not generally used at the Creepy. It was sweet. Oh, and did I mention I'm a sucker for girls in bands? Well I am. I didn't think I liked the Spill Canvas, but apparently I do. How could I not? Sappy love songs with brillant writing. I can't resist. It was a fun show, and it was nice running into some kids and also meeting Dan finally.

Big D and the Kids Table plays at 2 Cents Friday, and I think I might just have to miss it. My grades aren't exactly the bee's knees at the moment. It's a miracle I even got to go last night. But thank God I did. Shows make me keep going. Next is Straylight Run and The Color Fred on the seventh. We'll see if I have anything to blog about between now and then. Until next time, see ya.

Christopher Michael Tucker.

Song of the day: "Bunny Ain't No Kind Of Rider" by Of Montreal.
It's my myspace song.
"I need a lover with soul power.
And you ain't got no soul power."

Four Or Five Score.

2007-11-13T15:40:00.000-08:00

On Friday, I ventured to the home of Lincoln, Springfield, Illinois, for the Appetite For Construction Tour featuring Switchfoot, Relient K, and Ruth. I met up with fellow JSNAG-ers April and Kelly a little after noon and we proceeded to hang out the rest of the day. It wasn’t quite life altering, but it was pretty awesome. I’ll start with the pre show I suppose. Let’s see if I can get all the details right.

I spotted the girls while talking on the phone with April and they proceeded to rush at me ready for an explosion of love and Relient K-ness, but I fended them off with sweet karate moves. Chris Tucker can’t just rush into things. I had seen Tim, Drew, and Chad from Switchfoot heading toward Starbucks, so our first stop was there. I didn’t bother them then, though. It was more or less just watching them search for the mythical “Wi-fi hot spot.” Kelly got some kind of weird drink. April proceeded to spill it. We left.

Next we headed back up to the venue, where I first had the pleasure of seeing April’s “K-Car” for the first time. I was also shown the boys’ gifts that they’d be receiving a little later in the evening. We walked around the busses and saw a couple of the “Ruth’s” as Jon Foreman refers to them, but we kept going. It was at this point we walked to Starbucks and then into the Hilton hotel with which it was connected. I sat on a couch in between A&K chatting for awhile, and then April asked me some questions for her paper. “What is your name? How old are you? What color underwear are you wearing?” You know, the standard interview questions. Before we left, we talked to Drew from SF. He told me how he missed part of a Smashing Pumpkins show in L.A. I felt his pain.

Next we hit a record store, where we browsed, looking for possible gifts for Ethan Luck, but alas, the store was out of Clash records. Kelly contemplated buying Da Bears’ “Super Bowl Shuffle” but decided against it. So we headed back up to the venue for good. Outside we ran into Hoopes and Mr. Jonathan Schneck, who greeted up warmly. “April, Kelly, Chris, nice to see you guys.” We chatted with him for a few, informing him of the little gift exchange going down later, then we let him, Hoopes, and the other members of their party go on their way.

We went in the venue and got in the little line beginning to form. We decided to play UNO and I proceeded to dominate. April and Kelly might say differently, but we all know it’s true. It got to be 6 o’clock and doors opened, but where was Scott with the guest list? We ended up waiting a couple extra minutes before going in so the girls could get their tickets. Eventually someone brought the guest list up, and we headed in. We stood in front of Schneck and Hoopes and gradually moved toward the center as the show went on. Kelly got some girls angry by pushing them and throwing a few elbows. One girl even turned around and inquired, “ARE YOU GUYS RETARDED?” To which I replied, “Actually, yes. Yes I am.” On a happier note, I did meet a couple cool kids. There was Daniel, who wore a hellogoodbye shirt, a Relient K jacket, and generally resembled Kenny Vasoli of the Starting Line. Also, there was this girl wearing a dinosaur hoodie, who claimed to be a paleontologist. I didn’t catch her name, but she was pretty sweet I suppose. Finallly Ruth came out. They played a nice little set.

Relient K. Always good. It was definitely interesting seeing the show with the duo of Kelly and April. The hand motions. The guys smiling and laughing. The shout outs (i.e. “Pink tux to the prom…What’s that April and Kelly? Pink tux to the prom…”) 1! 2! 3! 4! Yeah. It was a good set. I could go on for hours, but I’ll spare you.

Switchfoot followed. They’re probably the best live act I’ve ever seen, and this show further confirmed that feeling. Jon Foreman is just the coolest guy in the world. His stage prescence, the energy, the clothes, the hair…I’ll leave it at that, but basically, the guy could hang with anyone. He’s awesome. He makes their live show. I loved it when Jon ventures out into the crowd. He ended up standing on top of me twice during the set. The first time, he took my camera and took 2 pictures of the crowd. It was amazing. My heart probably skipped a beat, as silly as that sounds. Later, during meant to live he ended up standing over me again, and I was shooting a video through the whole thing. He sang right into the camera. It was so cool. The show ended and I soon after decided that this was probably the best one I’ve ever attended. Then this old guy made it a sinch when he asked, “Aren’t you the drummer from Relient K?”

We went out back and waited for the guys to come out. Jon and Jon were the first two out. I talked to Foreman for a bit, and then a huge crowd started to gather, and what does Jon do? Leave to go play an acoustic show. So awesome. I had to miss it though. There was no way I could not say goodbye to Dave. We talked to Jon next, giving him his superman stuff, and talking about life. I say life because I don’t really remember what we talked about. I’m sure it was fascinating though. Hoopes came over after a couple minutes and April and Kelly gave him his “Booyeah” golf balls. He laughed and smiled like a little kid. His little laugh…Awwww. Hoopes.

We moved down the line and waited for the rest of the guys. At some point in here, I talked to Jon Foreman again, and his brother as well. Dave came out, and we talked to him for, I don’t know, a good twenty minutes, if not longer. He’s probably my favorite to talk with. He was so happy with his gift. It was so cool. He hugged April and Kelly and thanked them. Then he hugged me and thanked me for “sharing in this moment.” My pleasure, Dave. I actually taped him opening the present, and it’ll be on youtube at some point. Just as Jon Foreman hula hooping will be. Warne was walking around at this point too, and we more or less just said hey. Right as we were finishing up talking to Dave, Thiessen came around the corner, “You guys are still here?” Well duh. He talked for a minute and meanwhile Jon came back from his acoustic show. I said bye to him and we finished up with M@ shortly after.

We drove around Springfield for a few minutes looking for a place to eat, but most everywhere was closed, and there were a lot of creepy people wandering the streets so Kelly drove the car back to the hotel I was staying at. We took a myspace picture and said our goodbyes.

Saturday, I walked around Springfield doing the whole tourist thing, visiting Lincoln’s home, the Lincoln museum, Lincoln’s tomb, etc. All in all it was just a so-so day. I mean, nothing could top the night I had just had, but it was alright. I did eat breakfast a table away from Brandon Ebel, president of Tooth and Nail records. So that was cool I guess. Thus concludes the RK portion of this blog. Kelly already wrote a blog about this day, and April will eventually, so be sure to check those out as well.

Sunday I went to see Spitalfield at Pop’s on their farewell tour. Two of my favorite area bands, Ludo (from St. Louis) and The Graduate (from Springfield, Illinois, of all places) played. They both put on good shows, and I highly suggest you look both bands up sometime. Spitalfield was great. Everyone at Pop’s was so drunk, and that only made them get more into the show. It was fun and got me into Spitalfield more for sure. Too bad they’re breaking up. We hung around a little after the show and bought Ludo toothbrushes and talked to Mark Rose (super nice) from Spitalfield.

Well. It’s Tuesday now. I’m back into the monotony of school, and it sucks. Relient K spring tour? Yeah? Yeah. Looking forward to shows keeps me going. That one’s a ways off, but no harm in planning for it now. I think 10 shows should suffice. Haha. Thanks for reading, everyone.

Christopher Michael Tucker.

Song of the day: “Chap Stick, Chapped Lips, And Things Like Chemistry.” By Relient K.
(I like Relient K and my lips are chapped right now. So there you go.)

Blogging is theraputic.

2007-11-04T19:42:00.000-08:00

I live for Friday night. I came to this realization Saturday morning shortly before I made the hour long trip over to Belleville to see my dad. I go almost every week. By visiting my dad, I basically lose contact with the outside world. I don't have friends over there, and I have no computer to keep in touch with internet friends, so I basically become a shut-in. I have the option of staying home, but I'm basically all my dad has, and I feel way too guilty. So I go. I usually skip about a week a month to keep myself sane, but for the other three, I'm there. So anyways, I go on Saturday usually, so I do have Friday night to hang out. Thus, I put a lot of stock in this, so when that doesn't pan out, I crash.

Obviously, last Friday night was one of those nights, otherwise I wouldn't be writing this. I had plans. I had backup plans. For various reasons, both failed. I was starting to despair a bit, but there was still hope I could pull something off. Nope. Didn't happen. So I went to bed at 1, got up at 9, and went to my dad's. I just got back an hour or so ago, did a little homework, returned calls (since everyone seems to call when I'm gone), and now I'm pouring out my emotions in this blog. Lucky you. You get to read this mess. I'm done.

Christopher Michael Tucker.

Song of the day: "A Perfect Sonnet" by Bright Eyes.
(http://www.myspace.com/zero576878978)

100 Truths About Chris Tucker.

2007-10-30T12:46:00.000-07:00

By Chris Tucker.
Enjoy.

1. My name is Christopher Michael Tucker.
2. My favorite band is Relient K.
3. I was born April 3, 1991.
4. I went to private school through 8th grade.
5. I haven’t thrown up since Thanksgiving 1996.
6. I haven’t cried since I think 2000.
7. I eat pizza and Life Cereal everyday. Not simultaneously.
8. I go to anywhere from 1-7 shows a month.
9. I never learned how to swim. If you want to kill me, push me in the deep end.
10. I have curly hair that I straighten on an almost daily basis.
11. I’ve only had one pet, a fish, Bart, who lasted about 3 months.
12. I am an only child.
13. Once, at a pool party, I stumbled backwards into a barbecue grill leaving second and third degree burns on my back. However, it left no sweet scars to show the ladies.
14. I have never had an official girlfriend.
15. I have more girl friends than guy friends.
16. I am straight edge. I don’t drink or do drugs.
17. I am a virgin and plan to be for at least a little while.
18. I’ve never had a real job.
19. If I have a son, I believe I’ll name him Miles.
20. I usually think conservatively in terms of politics and thus, I am pro life.
21. Global warming is a sham. The world isn’t going to flood, idiots.
22. I still have a massive collection of baseball cards. I probably own 10,000 plus.
23. I have a waterbed.
24. I love to write. Mainly lyrics or stories, but I can do most anything.
25. I want a job in the music industry. (In a band, Critic, merch guy, show photographer, etc.)
26. I am in many non existent bands. My favorite is “The Back Of Your Neck Is Gross.”
27. I am an non fundamentalist Christian.
28. My favorite book is Blue Like Jazz. It really changed how I think.
29. My favorite movie is “Rainman” with Tom Cruise and Dustin Hoffman.
30. I’m not a fan of needles. I do want my lip pierced though.
31. I have a pretty decent voice and I’d like to put it to use in a band one day.
32. In 2010, I might move to Nashville. Screw college.
33. Often, I find myself thinking I have social anxiety disorder.
34. I don’t like chocolate. In any form.
35. Nails on a chalkboard don’t give me chills. Rubbing a cotton ball does.
36. I was born in Alton, Illinois. I lived there for 1 year. I’ve lived in Missouri ever since.
37. Besides Missouri and Illinois, I’ve only been to one other state, Kansas.
38. I’ve never flown on a plane.
39. I can do impressions of a few cartoon characters. Including but not limited to: Rocky AND Bullwinkle, Sandy from Spongebob, and Professor Oak from Pokemon.
40. Man crushes. A tricky subject. If I have any, they are Matt Thiessen (Hopefully Jon isn’t reading this), Ben Kweller, and Bryce Avary. I’m a sucker for good songwriting.
41. I have many more woman crushes than man crushes. Many of them write songs as well (i.e. Stacy Dupree, Hayley Williams, etc.).
42. I wish Tegan and Sara weren’t lesbians.
43. I eat whatever I want and never gain any weight.
44. I could probably live off Auntie Anne’s pretzels. I hope you have one of these in your local mall. Otherwise, you aren’t really living.
45. I’ve never been in a real car accident.
46. In 5th grade, a kindergartner told me she wanted to have sex with me. I politely declined.
47. I don’t really like riding roller coasters.
48. I hate it when people say “holiday” instead of Christmas.
49. My favorite number has always been 5.
50. I read two magazines on a monthly basis: Alternative Press and Sports Illustrated.
51. Currently, I wear the same pair of jeans almost everyday.
52. My favorite shows are Seinfeld, The Simpsons, House, Lost, and Prison Break.
53. My eyes are blue. No one really notices though.
54. I like when people call me and talk to me for long periods of time.
55. Whenever I go to Starbucks, I get Jones soda.
56. I type with two fingers, yet I can type around 50 words per minute.
57. I probably won’t get my driver’s license for another year or so.
58. I’m currently about 5’8 or 5’9.
59. I only weigh around 130. I can’t change this. I’ve tried. I want to be fat.
60. Come over anytime. I’m rarely doing anything.
61. I only had cable for a year or so.
62. There’s only one TV in my house. I’ve never had one in my room.
Enter away message text here. I play my Nintendo 64 more than my PlayStation 2.
63. I love layering. I wore my hoodie in 90-degree weather. I’m wearing it in my house right now.
64. I eat at least one pack of crackers a day.
65. On my dresser, I have 12 bobbleheads.
66. I am growing a sweet beard as soon as I am capable.
67. The first movie I saw in theatres was Toy Story.
68. I enjoy watching Nascar. Sue me.
69. I like my PC. But I wish I had a macbook. I need garage band and iChat.
70. I still have a copy of N’SYNC’s “No Strings Attached” laying around my house somewhere.
71. I lie a lot. I think I’ve told 5 lies so far today. Everything on here is true, though.
72. I don’t say lol unless I am truly laughing out loud.
73. I love to read, but haven’t much lately. I’m going to start again with “Fight Club” by Chuck Palahniuk.
74. The song I’m listening to right now has the line, “Sex reminds her of eating spaghetti.”
75. I’m pretty insecure, but I believe I come off as fairly normal.
76. I love watching the movie, “You’ve Got Mail.” I can quote it all.
77. I’ve never had anyone very close to me die.
78. The most played song on my iTunes is “The Thief” by Relient K.
79. I’ve been wearing the same Vans for over a year now. They’re falling apart and I color them with a Sharpie to make them look semi normal.
80. I’ve been in the spelling bee twice. I placed third the first time.
81. I know the names of all the people in the bands I like, and a bunch I don’t. Seriously, test me.
82. I love wearing striped shirts, especially sweaters.
83. I eat Arby’s at least once a week. I usually have 5 roast beef sandwiches.
84. My favorite word in the English language is probably “pants.”
85. I keep a baseball bat by my bed so I can hit anyone who tries to break in.
86. I am certified in CPR.
87. I sleep with eight pillows.
88. When I get home from school, I tend to turn on music and dance or smash into things.
89. I don’t like salad and never will. Lettuce tastes like grass.
90. On April 7, 2009, I’m going to Massachusetts to swim at the YMCA.
91. I live in the most dangerous city in America.
92. It is difficult to google me.
93. My dad has chronic arthritis and has walked with a cane ever since I can remember.
94. I find myself wanting to hug people a lot.
95. I don’t really have a best friend right now. I am accepting applications though.
96. I think of myself as mature and somewhat insightful, but on occasion I “do or say things that remind everyone I am 16 after all.” However, I know when I say and do these things. I realize the moment I act or the second the words come out of my mouth. That counts for something I think.
97. I enjoy psychology and I like it when people analyze me. I wish I had a psychologist.
98. I drink orange juice straight from the carton.
99. My favorite color is red.
100. I’ve been listening to nothing but Ben Kweller for the two hours I’ve been working on this.
101. I'm sure I'm forgetting something crucial.

Christopher Michael Tucker.

Song of the day: "On My Way" by Ben Kweller.
(http://youtube.com/watch?v=qas4SdJcePU)

Smooth move, Chris Tucker.

2007-10-29T20:00:00.000-07:00

So I was channeling my inner Jon Schneck and doing my 100 facts about myself. I was just getting around to quote/unquote man crushes and then I close it. I am stupid. 5 hours of sleep doesn't help either. I might try again later. If nothing else, I'll have it done by the end of the week.

Christopher Michael Tucker

Song of the day: "B To E" by Socratic.
Brilliant lyrics, look them up.

Chris Tucker has regained his ability to smile.

2007-10-26T22:05:00.000-07:00

Chris Tucker has regained his ability to smile. There are several reasons for this, which I won't really delve into tonight. But let's just say today was fantastic. Tonight didn't end up quite as planned, but I still hung with Eric, playing video games, going to the mall, and then to Dairy Queen, where I ordered a Dr. Pepper. I'm just that weird. I'm going to post what I wrote in my bulletin after getting home from school. Not only because I am lazy, but also because I feel it conveyed my spirit at that point nicely.

What a day. And what a good day.
It was just so good for no apparent reason,
and I found myself smiling at nothing walking to the bus.
Even though I had to go to the dentist after school, I was so at ease.
AND GUESS WHAT! I don't have to go to the dentist now!
A good day gets even better.
If I get to hang out with some kids tonight, man. That'd be rad.
I hate it when I'm super depressed and kids post happy bulletins.
But I can understand why they do it.
They just are so happy and can't contain it.
Seeing how there's no one but random Mexican kids
walking around my house at the present time,
I'm telling you!

Exclamation point!
Thank you for your time.
:]

Yeah, I'd say that sums it up. Oh and I liked Brittany's comment too.
"Who Hacked Your Account..? haha This Can't Be Chris. He's Never This Happy. hahaha."
Man. Today was good.

Christopher Michael Tucker.

Song(s) of the day:
"Summer Of '98" by The Secret Handshake.
"Around The Clock" and "So Much Love" by The Rocket Summer.
"Jaime All Over" by Mayday Parade.
"Shiska" by Say Anything.

(http://myspace.com/thesecrethandshake
http://myspace.com/therealchristucker
http://myspace.com/therocketsummer
http://myspace.com/maydayparade
http://myspace.com/sayanything)
Part of my good day playlist.

Mixed Emotions.

2007-10-22T19:11:00.000-07:00

Saturday was Chiodos. The Devil Wears Prada opened and were, you might say...how shall I put this...M374L. They were really fun actually. They don't look or act like a metal band at all. The pit was pretty packed, but I was so crushed, it didn't really matter. Scary Kids Scaring Kids was next, and I was actually really disappointed by them. Basically, by the end of their set, it was basically "play my darkest hour and get off the stage." This was due not only to SKSK sucking, but also because Emery was next. And wow. They played a lot of new songs, but this was probably the most solid set I've seen from them. Devin really came to the forefront as more as a frontman, and impressed me a lot. If you think the vocals on "Can't Stop The Killer" are great on the album, just wait to hear them live. They opened with Rock 'N Rule and closed with Walls. Surprisingly absent from the setlist, was "The Ponytail Parades." But present in the setlist were "Fractions" and "Listening To Freddie Mercury" along with "In A Win, Win Situation." Their set ended and Chiodos began setting up. It was at this point I realized I was getting sick. I had a horrible feeling I was either going to throw up or pass out. Or both. Much to my dismay, I had to leave the pit. Chiodos was amazing, as usual. They played pretty much everything you would expect, plus Craig played 2 acoustic songs at the end: "Lindsay Quit Lollygagging" and "Intensity In Ten Cities." I realized later that I had become dehydrated. I went to bed as soon as I got home.

Sunday, I got up, went to church, came home, and headed down to the Pageant for Brand New. Hope and I got down there around 4 and were some of the first in line. We met up with Allyssa and Emma and chatted with them until it was time for doors to open. We ended up with front row, but cameras weren't allowed in, so I didn't get any shots from the night. Mewithoutyou made me laugh, what with their dancing and accordion playing. Thrice had great lighting, and put on a good show (if you like Thrice). Truthfully, I was a little bored. Brand New played last (duh). They definitely strayed from the setlist I found on absolutepunk. And I'm not complaining. They still played all but one song from The Devil And God, but they included more Deja songs than I expected, adding "Sic Transit" and "Jaws Theme Swimming" to "Okay I Believe You" and "Play Crack The Sky." And I just lost most of you. Oh well. They played "Untitled" for the encore which definitely ended up cooler than I expected. Until Jesse fell. He was backing up and then tripped over a monitor, falling on his back. He kept playing though, and tried (and failed) to make it look intentional. I wanted to give him a hug. I just can't stop thinking about him falling. It was horrible. We waited awhile to see if Jesse and company would come out to take pictures and hang out, but no such luck, at least when we left they still hadn't. We spent the time outside a) running to taco bell to find out that only the drive thru was open; b) talking to random kids outside the venue, including a sweet guy with one hand that let us lean on his car; c) discussing what would happen if Conor Oberst and Adam Lazzara had sex. Obviously, it was late at night. Laugh.

I don't know if it shows that contributed to this, but when I woke up this morning I felt awful. I felt nauseous, my head pounded, and I kept getting chills. My mom apparently thinks this was due to shows, and thus I might miss SoTheySay and Machree this Sunday. I'm going to do everything in my power to go though. Anyways, I was blocked from the computer all day, and couldn't leave the house, and thus ended up very isolated. Isolation is horrible. I hit a really bad place. Even America's Funniest Home Videos depressed me. I laid in my bed being extremely maudlin, and it was just bad. Enough about that. So the good part of my day was spent watching Sesame Street and Walker Texas Ranger and listening to Brand New. I think I took their new album for granted until today. I've been listening to it a lot of the day, and it really is terrific. Well, if you're still reading, I apologize. I wrote a lot. It's healthy though. At least I hope so. That's all for now. See ya.

Christopher Michael Tucker

Song of the day: "You Won't Know" by Brand New.
(myspace.com/brandnew)
It's not on there, so listen to Millstone.

Bittersweet blog. Mostly bitter.

2007-10-18T20:48:00.000-07:00

This was intended to be a recap of underOATH, but there are more important things to talk about right now. But I'll delve into the show a bit. Maylene was great. I love Dallas Taylor. Poison The Well sucked. No one cared. Every Time I Die was good. Lots of fun. Underoath was amazing as always, s according to Spencer, they'll be back soon. I didn't meet them myself, because I left Pop's and came back and only Chris Dudley was left. And we're already BFFs. But anyways.

Dave Douglas announced that he was leaving Relient K today. As most of you know, this is my favorite band. And Dave is one of my favorites. He was the greatest guy when I met him, even going back on the bus to fetch Jon so I could meet him. He's an amazing drummer and vocalist as well. I really have no idea what Relient K is going to do now, or how they'll ever replace (per se) him. His last show is set for December 29 and a bunch of us in RK nation are plotting how we will make it to that show. Odds are it'll be in Dave's home state of Ohio, which is a nice central location I guess. All I know is, I need to be there. Basically at this point, I could see RK 1 more time before Dave leaves or 5 times. It all just depends.

Man. As soon as I saw Jess' bulletin. Subject being Dave :'( I just knew. I braced myself for the worst, and received it. I didn't know how to respond. I mean, I'm sad, but I have no means of expressing it and no one to share in the sadness with. I just bottled it up I suppose. The emotion comes in waves, but I just suppress it. I don't know what else to say. No sense in beating a dead horse (or drummer). Obviously he isn't dead. He isn't even out of music. He'll do Gypsy Parade with his wife full time from the looks of things. I can't wait to see them. Accentuate the positive. Chin up, Chris. Same goes to the rest of you. Hang in there.

Christopher Michael Tucker

Song of the day: Just listen to some RK. Right now, my song is Give.

My mom is silly.

2007-10-17T21:24:00.000-07:00

She doesn't understand that I need to keep up with my blog, and is thus making me get off the computer at the present time. I'm sure all four of you are anxious to hear about my time at underOATH, so I'll recap you ASAP. But for now I must go. Be sure to check out my pictures from the show on flickr. They might entertain you. Oh, and happy Hoopes Day.

Christopher Michael Tucker.

Song of the day: "Hoopes I Did It Again" by Relient K.
(I think most of you have heard this. Haha.)

Ace Enders.

2007-10-13T09:29:00.000-07:00

Wow, I'm getting a little lax with the blogging. Anyways...where to start, where to start. Oh yes. I think I'll begin with Ace Enders. Ace Enders was the lead singer of the Early November before the tragic breakup, and now he can be found touring around the country with one of his other random projects. Thursday night it was "Ace Enders And A Million Different People." I kind of went to this show just to meet Ace. The other reason was Socratic. They were fantastic. I was sad they didn't play more of my favorites, but their set was still fun.

Ace Enders came out very unassuming, sat down on a rickety chair from the bar, and said, "Hi. I'm Ace." Then he proceeded to blow my mind. His other projects weren't really as appealing to me as TEN, but after seeing him live, I can't get enough. He sings so beautifully and with such passion, and he took it to another level live. Plus, he had an absolutely amazing crowd. The front row was made up of his most dedicated fans, and what I believe might be his "quote unquote" biggest fan. This kid Mark sang out every word to every song, even a secret song from a youtube video no one else knew. We were actually going to take Ace to Del Taco until his wife forbid him from going. "I have him on a strict diet. He has a weak stomach." Ho. The show was still amazing, and I can't really convey how amazing it was on here, but I sure gave it a shot.

Friday went by quick at school. I got home and worked on plans for Friday Night. I ended up walking around the park with Allyssa taking pictures and talking. It was fun and really chill. Kind of like the Ace show. I dunno. The end of my week was just fantastic. Now I have to go to my dad's, and pretty much lose contact with the outside world. It's always kind of sad, but I'll be alright. I'll just listen to Ace to make me feel alright.

Christopher Michael Tucker

Song of the day: "Timshel" by I Can Make A Mess Like Nobody's Business.
(http://youtube.com/watch?v=bLCE-RZnfXs)
From my Ace show. Dooooo it.

There's a song lyric that fits this blog.

2007-10-07T16:08:00.000-07:00

Friday night was sweet. So I'm unoriginal and could think of nothing better than to go to the mall. But it was still fun. So it was gonna be me and Allyssa, but then she couldn't go, so I invited some people, and the number was to 6 or so within a few minutes. Whoa, Chris Tucker, you have friends? Apparently yes. And I'm sure glad I do. They really do keep me (reasonably) sane. Anyways, Allyssa ended up being able to go, and brought a few people herself. It was a big party. Sort of. Well. I dunno. All I know, is that it was fun. There ended up being just 5 core people that really stuck around, which was fine by me. It was a bonanza of hugs, high fives, and techno dancing. What more do you need?

I went to my Dad's for the remainder of the weekend and really spent barely any time at his house. Saturday, we went fishing with my Grandpa, and watched him catch fish after fish. My worms weren't very tasty I guess, because I only got 1 or 2 real bites all day. No biggie. Got back to the house late and went to bed soon after. I got up today, got ready, and left for my Grandma's. It was a bit of hectic day, hanging out with my Dad's family, and trying to control my cousin. 2nd cousin actually, he's 5. My cousin had him when she was 13 I think. Now she's 18 and married. I've hated watching her screw up her life, and I can feel myself getting upset every time I think about it, so let's move along. DO NOT REFERENCE AAR HERE OR I WILL RIP OFF YOUR FACE AND USE IT AS A NAPKIN. Well that broke the tension. Or did it? Hmmm. Well I got Ponderosa out of the deal today, and I got to visit with my 88(?) year old great grandma for the first time in awhile. So all wasn't lost. I'm just glad to be back home. A little sad it's Sunday, but I'll deal. I hope all of your weekends we're as good as my Friday night. Later(rrrrr).

Christopher Michael Tucker.

Song of the day: "If I Surrender" By The Color Fred.
(myspace.com/thecolorfred)
Fred Mascherino, formerly (Why Fred. Why.) of Taking Back Sunday.

DanceRawrDance Blog.

2007-10-02T20:57:00.000-07:00

Emery's new album came out today and I just remembered! Dang! But that's not what this blog is about. It's about the dance party extravaganza that is The DanceRawrDance tour. Opening night was right here in St. Louis. At the Creepy Crawl of all places! Needless to say, I knew this would be fun.

We showed up way early after hitting none of the traffic Nicole and her dad believed we would. As soon as we got there, we started making friends. I met up with two girls who had added me on myspace after seeing me at other shows, and Nicole found an old friend from elementary school. Mike Judy arrived shortly thereafter and after an awkward hair tousle, we had a nice chat. Hopefully, I'll finally see his new band Machree with SoTheySay towards the end of the month. I soon talked with some kids from other shows and starting conversing with some new ones as well.

Finally, it was time to go in. Michigan Avenue sucked as I knew they would. The Secret Handshake was next. I wasn't a big fan before this show, but Luis completely blew my mind. I'm thinking of getting his CD, and you should check him out if you haven't already. Jonezetta was next. While not really having much stage presence, they still make great music, and do a pretty good job of replicating the sound they convey on the album. I was getting pretty sweaty at this point, what with my intense dancing and all.

Family Force 5 was last. They never disappoint. They did a really solid, energetic set, and everyone left the show drenched in sweat, water, bodily fluids, whatever. Ok, the last one is a stretch, but it could have happened. Everyone stuck around after and I had ample time to chat and take pictures with all the bands. Overall, the show was a little short, but it was still terrific. Too much more dancing, and I might have passed out. Just kidding. I can dance all night. Try me. I danced in the car on the way home after all. Anyways, go to this show. Watch for 2 things:
1. The psycho hose beasts doing whatever possible to get close to the FF5 boys. These chicks are ruthless.
2. The remix of Love Addict played after the show. It was done by Andre of the Silent Film, a great band from Illinois who I've met a few different times. Check them out. Myspace.com/thesilentfilm

That's all for now.

Christopher Michael Tucker.

Song of the day: "Summer of '98" by The Secret Handshake.
(myspace.com/thesecrethandshake)
Prepare to smile and dance uncontrollably. If you don't, you have aids.

What a slacker.

2007-09-30T21:10:00.000-07:00

New blog soon.

Christopher Michael Tucker.

Listen to my MySpace song.

I'd make song lyrics into a title if it wasn't cliche.

2007-09-26T18:48:00.000-07:00

I was ridiculously clumsy tonight. First, while drying the dishes, I broke a coffee pot. So then I'm vacuuming up all the glass, I suck up some cords, rip them out of the outlet, turning off my computer and disconnecting the DSL. Smooth, Chris. Smooth. Not a lot else to report from today, except that I'm listening to a lot of Brand New and getting really stoked for the show on the 21st. Oh, and Family Force 5 better announce the winner of the St. Louis contest soon. I was talking with April and Ryne tonight about the difference between scene kids and emo kids, and I feel this thing from urbandictionary.com sums it up nicely. Plus it's a good filler for my blog.

Scene=a person who is assoiciated with the modern music scene, usually being hardcore/punk rock type music. Pays close attention to the latest fashion trends and usually tries to make their own. Usually has a myspace featuring dinosaurs guns etc. Usually has Long hair on guys and shorter hair on girls which is usually died different colors. Sometimes they are very elitist especially to youths who copy their personal styles. Some fashion trends of scene kids are girl pants, band tee shirts, bandanas, vans, converses, shirts with dinosaurs/guns etc, large sunglasses, polka dots, head bands, large jewelry.

Emo=Person who listens to emotional music, and usually cry and dont mosh at their concerts. Kinda of like goths but less ugly and more emotional. Usually rant about how unfair the world is and how their last boyfriend/girlfriend was the only one they will ever love. Many jokes about them being suicidal but mainly they are doing it for attention.

Many people confuse scene kids and emos b/c they wear similiar clothing and sometimes have similiar styles. Both wear small band tee's they buy at their concerts even though they like different music. Some scence guys wear girl pants as well as some emos making them even more easily confused.

Scence kids and emo kids are very different mainly in the type of music they like and their outlook on life in general. Scence kids are fun and usually are at local concerts/parties. Emo kids are sad and usually stay at home and write poetry and check their myspaces.

Scene kid: "i cant wait to go to my concert and mosh"

Emo kid: "i cant wait to go to my concert and sob at this life's black abyss that is my heart"

Scene kid: "ok...bye"

Well that was fascinating. See ya.

Christopher Michael Tucker

Song of the day: "Sowing Season" by Brand New.
(myspace.com/brandnew)
YEAH!

Skinny mean man. Remind you of anyone?

2007-09-24T21:25:00.000-07:00

I'm officially entered in the Family Force Five contest now. The show is in 6 days, and needless to say, I'm stoked. First night off the tour too, which is awesome. Oh, and to those of you asking how we got the angle on the pictures, we were up on top of a jungle gym. Tommorow's the end of the first grading period at school. We have 6 of them. Kind of crazy to think the year's already a sixth of the way over, while a lot of you guys are just starting. I have to turn in some late work to bring a couple grades up and really get down to business at school, otherwise my mom will make me miss shows. Yes. Shows are my only motivation to do well at school.

Maxwell Bemis. Familiarize yourself with this name if you haven't already. He's the lead singer of the band Say Anything, who is quickly becoming one of my favorites. The passionate vocals, the dueling guitars, and Bemis' sharp tongue, wow. This guy can write a song like nobody's business. I love frontmen with mental problems. They're my favorite. Oh man, what a band. I'm so glad I got into them. The new album comes out next month, and I can't wait. They released a new song on their myspace tonight, and I'm listening to it for my seventh time now. I suggest you do the same.

I have direction at the start of my writing, and then I always go off on my soapbox. Oh well. It's a comfy soapbox. I rather like it.

Christopher Michael Tucker

Song of the day: "Skinny Mean Man" by Say Anything.
(myspace.com/sayanything)
After dedicating an entire paragraph to them, you should probably listen. Let me know what you think too. You'll probably hate it. Then I can tell you why you're wrong. Hooray!

Your dreams were your ticket out.

2007-09-23T19:57:00.000-07:00

Hey blog. Reunited and it feels so good. Something like that. Well, I suppose there's not much to report, but I'll stretch my recap of the last couple days to appropriate blog length. The game Friday night was okay. The Cardinals lost, and are now officially eliminated from the playoffs (feel free to leave hate comments Kelly and Hannah). The night wasn't a total losss though, we managed to sit about 10 rows off the field, despite only having standing room tickets. In addition to that, I met Craig Biggio, a future hall of famer, and Mark Mulder who could also be a future hall of famer if his arm ever gets fixed. But enough about that. I'm pretty sure my blog readers are 95% female, so I won't go off on my soapbox about sports.

Saturday, I was supposed to hang out with Allyssa and eat cookies and milk. None of that worked out. We both had colds and her niece was in town, so it was pretty much impossible. We'll hang out soon enough though. I was feeling pretty miserable that day, what with sneezing every nine seconds, plus I had to go run errands with my mom. But hey, I got pizza out of it. Hooray for silver linings.

Today was church and then finally doing my entry for Family Force 5's DancePartyDance contest. You can see it, along with yours truly, in my default on myspace right now. I think it turned out really well, and I have a good feeling I'll be on the bus partying with FF5 around this time next week. The St. Louis scene. It's not huge, it's not really that awesome, but it's ours. Hence, I love it. I wrote my English paper tonight, and I think I may have gotten a bit personal, considering a few of my classmates might read this, but hey. It's me. I'm just being honest and I don't think you can criticize me for that. My favorite line from the paper: "I obviously can’t express my true feelings to anyone but a blank page." And here I am doing that now! Hooray! I said hooray twice in this blog.

Christopher Michael Tucker

Song of the day: "Turn" by Socratic.
(myspace.com/socratic)
These guys are really good. They're in the studio with Mark Hoppus right now, so needless to say, they must have done something right.

I shouldn't title blogs till the end.

2007-09-20T21:10:00.000-07:00

Letterman and Leno are on right now. Presidential canidate Joe Biden is on Letterman. Jessica Alba is on Leno. Decisions, decisions. Ok, on to blogging. Today was pretty cool. I got off school at 1:08, same as every Thursday, but this time I actually had something to do besides just going home and getting on myspace. My friend Nicole and I ventured around Maryland Heights searching for a good place to do our Family Force 5 mural for the DancePartyDance contest. We walked on train tracks, across a bit of a scary bridge, ended up at her grandma's at one point watching Jeopardy. Needless to say, we didn't really get anything done. At five o'clock, we settled on a place, and drew something quick, but decided to wait on the real entry till Sunday. It was still fun though. Much better than being at home watching reruns of "Yes, Dear."

TGIF. Almost. I'm going to the Cardinals game tommorow night. I'd rather not. I'd rather be at STL Pwnfest or my friend Kayla's party, but hey, I love my dad. I'll go to the game with him. My weekend's actually pretty full for once, which is cool I guess. At some point, I need to catch up on some homework. I have to bring up my grades so my mom will let me go to some shows in October. With the addition of the Portugal The Man show, I think I have 6 now. So this should be interesting. I'm certainly going to give it a shot.

Time to be a freak. Thomas Paine. He wrote this paper called "Common Sense" way back in the 1700's that encouraged the colonists to break ties with Britain.

I dunno. The look on his face in this painting, the fact that he was a radical, it just makes me want to give him a hug. I just flat out like hugs. So next time you see me, feel free to ask for one. This part of the blog actually had some direction at first, but I've lost it, so I'll wrap this up now. Thanks for reading.

Christopher Michael Tucker

Song of the day: "Bonus Mosh Pt. 2" by Taking Back Sunday.
(http://www.myspace.com/bonusmoshptii)
Do it.

Sweet.

2007-09-19T21:07:00.000-07:00

I had a good day. I was more of an extrovert. I had Arby's for dinner. I bought my Brand New Ticket. I bought my Relient K tickets. My day was brightened even more by these smiling faces.

I was productive. I did homework. So what if part of it was to read the sports page. I still did it. I'm sure if I thought long and hard, I could think of something that made today sort of suck, but I'm not really into thinking. At least right now. I like being intellectual, but I could really go for a mindless comedy right now.
For instance.

WAYNE'S WORLD! WAYENE'S WORLD!
PARTY TIME! EXCELLENT!

That's all for now, kids. And semi-adults.

Christopher Michael Tucker.

Song of the day is same as yesterday.
This means you really need to hear it.

The pen is mightier than the blog.

2007-09-19T13:09:00.000-07:00

The Used. Wow. Really one of the better shows I've been to in awhile. Or maybe it's just that's it's been so long since I've been to a show. I mean, it was six days. SIX! I'm already wanting another. After one day. ONE! Nonetheless, the show was really sweet. Good bands, a good pit, just good. The people in line behind us came all the way from Indiana. That's actually not too far, but still, out of state. By the time we finally got in there, the pit was filling up, so we decided to wait on that.

Josephine Collective opened, and the music was good, but the two singers acted like jackasses. Taking of their clothes, throwing mics up in the air (and dropping them), touching themselves, it was ugly. Army Of Me was next. They're good, but shouldn't be on a tour like this. After they finished, we ventured into the pit. We worked our way forward via the pushing game, and then through moshing during the Bled. The Bled. If I could describe them in one word, it would be fun. The music isn't always perfect, but you can tell they play music for the music. Oh, and pretty much, they won me over when the lead singer came out with bubbles and silly string. Then, it was time for the piece de resistance, the (not so) holy grail. THE USED.

No fancy backdrop, no model frontman, just rock 'n roll.

They were great, needless to say. There were some psycho hose beasts trying to mosh and get as close to Bert McCracken's genitals as possible, but even that couldn't ruin it for me.

We went outside and stayed till maybe 1:00, but only Dan came out while we were there. Apparently, Bert, Quinn, and Jeph came out later, but I choose not to think about that. I went to bed around 3.

When I woke up at 6, I found out that my mom was sick, it was too late to catch the bus, and thus, I'd be forced to stay home. Schucks. Man oh man, was I upset. Anyway, today was pretty laid back, and I got just a little extra sleep.

Here's a jumble of information. I made a Flickr account today. I am 16 and I have gray hairs. I once used a line from a Relient K song to tell a girl I wasn't interested in her. That's all for now.

Christopher Michael Tucker.

Song of the day: "Taste Of Ink" by The Used.
(I'm done not repeating bands. Oh, and this song is on my page if you want to listen. And you should. It's a classic.)

It's been awhile, old friend.

2007-09-16T20:52:00.000-07:00

I do have a life. It just comes in spurts. I think I've mentioned that before my blog. But it has become apparent to me again, so I feel it's noteworthy. Tommorow night is the Used. I'm prepared to die. So, nice knowing all of you. Although, if you're reading this, I've probably never met you. So hello. Anyway, next three weekends, I have plans already. It's madness. Madness that's good for you.

I don't have much to say. Except I like intellectual conversations. And this is as close as I normally come. This is attempting to discuss politics.

Speaking of President Bush.
Ryne: i think he should just plan stuff a little better
Ryne: speeches.
Ryne: etc.
Me: Not groping his wife on national tv
Me: you know
Ryne: if i had a wife as hot as laura bush. i would grope her too. in front of everyone.

Me: Good Luck Chuck
Ryne: i want to see that too. even though i hate dane cook. jessica alba is reason enough to do anything.
Me: yes
Me: not as much as Laura Bush
Me: but she's good
Ryne: jessica alba is in my top 3
Me: right after laura and nancy pelosi
Ryne: bahahahaha
Ryne: 1. Laura Bush (obviously) 2. Sophia Bush (no really) 3. Jessica Alba
Me: haha
Me: if the president wore a dress
Me: he'd top alba

Oh yes. Muy intellectual.

Christopher Michael Tucker.

Song of the day: "The Car In 20" by The Early November.
(http://www.myspace.com/thecarin20)

2007-09-13T21:06:00.000-07:00

It's interesting getting other perceptions of your voice. Apparently I have an emo voice. And apparently a southern accent as well. I've never noticed these things, not the latter so much anyway. But I don't know. My perception of myself probably isn't accurate. These are things I learn when I talk to people from Minnesota on the telephone. Moving along...

So the last few days, I've been craving really random foods and it was beginning to make me wonder if I'm pregnant. So anyways, today I asked my mom to stop by the store and pick up some of these things. Long story short, I had bratwurst with Easy Mac and lemonade for dinner. It was tasty. Especially when I realized the brats weren't cooked well enough. By that time, I was on my third. I probably have food poisoning now.

I'm getting to where I can take naps at school. That's what I get for staying up till one and getting up at 6 everyday. Today I almost fell out of my chair in AP US History. I was pretty tired. Obviously. Wow, I feel I can share anything with you, blog. You're such a good listener, and you never ridicule me, even when I say the stupidest things. Like this. At 30 years old, I will be Owen Ashworth. Single, alone, and traveling the country with many keyboards. Yes. I can definitely see it. Does anyone have any questions?

Christopher Michael Tucker.

Song of the day: "Nashville Parthenon" by Casiotone For The Painfully Alone.
(http://www.myspace.com/betterwhenlightoff)

College kid.

2007-09-12T18:02:00.000-07:00

I went to see David Bazan of Pedro The Lion/Headphones last night at St. Louis University. It was a free show in this little basement cafe, really intimate, which was nice. Casiotone For The Painfully Alone was pretty good. They make me glad I have a really open mind. Then David Bazan came out. He just walked up on stage all unassuming, which was pretty awesome, I must say. He played for maybe an hour and a half, taking questions in between songs, some of which were serious. Most of them however, were more along the lines of, "Why do you rock so hard?!"

I wouldn't say the night was really about rock, though. It was just Dave up there with his guitar. Probably the most chill show I've been to. Nothing wrong with that. I needed a show, and this definitely delivered. Another ride home in the mustang was definitely wwelcome as well. In other news, I'm getting tired of typing the word "definitely." I mess up and type "defintiely" every time.

My mind is blank. See blog titled "I need to take notes." Oh, I know something. I'm going to hopefully interview FUSE VJ Steven Smith for my Journalism class. He hosts Steven's Untitled Rock Show and The Sauce. So if this all works out, my list of connections will grow just a little more. Now I just need to get to work on an entourage. Later.

Christopher Michael Tucker.

Song of the day: "Selling Advertising" by David Bazan.
(You guys should listen to these once in awhile.
Maybe I'll start linking you. Tommorow.)

I am a robot.

2007-09-10T19:11:00.000-07:00

Sunday, my pastor was talking about how most people and teenagers especially are becoming really complacent and their lives just become a routine that they don't even think about anymore. I can definitely say this is true of me. It's upsetting. There's not a lot I look forward to in life. Everything is so monotonous. That's when I realize the importance of shows in my life. That really is what breaks it up. Lately, other than that, my social life has been fairly limited. But good news. I have a show tommorow night! A free one, no less. It's Pedro the Lion's David Bazan playing at St. Louis University. It oughtta be a good time. The opening band is Casiotone For The Painfully Alone. While I've never listened to them, if their music is half as good as their name, they'll be my new favorite band. Casiotone is a type of keyboard, for all you n00bs out there.

Not a lot else to tell you guys about right now, not that I can recall at 9:19 PM at least. So here's a list of shows that I'm attending, just to make you jealous.

September 11- David Bazan
September 17- The Used, The Bled, Army Of Me
September 30- Amber Pacific, Monty Are I, Machree, The Lush
October 1- Family Force 5, Jonezetta, The Secret Handshake
October 11- Steel Train, Ace Enders, Socratic, Kevin Devine
October 16- Underoath, Every Time I Die, Poison The Well, Maylene & The Sons of Disaster
October 20- Chiodos, Emery, Scary Kids Scaring Kids, The Devil Wears Prada
October 21- Brand New, Thrice, Mewithoutyou
November 9- Switchfoot, Relient K, Ruth
Novemver 11- Spitalfield, The Forecast, The Graduate, Ludo
November 19- Of Montreal
November 23- The Academy Is…, Armor For Sleep, Sherwood, The Rocket Summer
November 27- The Spill Canvas, Meg & Dia, PlayRadioPlay!, New Atlantic
November 30- Big D And The Kids Table, Whole Wheat Bread, Brain Failure
December 11- Motion City Soundtrack, Mae, Anberlin, Metro Station

That's all for now.

Christopher Michael Tucker.

Song of the day: "I Like Marvel, You Like DC" by Superfun Yeah Yeah Rocketship.

The past is a grotesque animal.

2007-09-08T21:04:00.000-07:00

So obviously, I post some introspective and sometimes depressing stuff on here. Apparently, I'm "emo 90% of the time," so I guess that's why a lot of stuff on here is more on the heavy side. But not this blog! Oh no! It's the weekend. There's no time for that sort of tomfoolery now! Let's be serious. And happy. Simultaneously. Yes, it is possible. So here we go.

I like how easy it is to change on the weekend. Or at least plan to change. You put behind you all your failures in the week and pledge to be better. It's just so fantastic. You have no idea how awesome I'm making this upcoming week out to be in my head. Man. It sure is gonna be terrific. Who knows if it really will be. Most likely not but HEY. It's Saturday night. No need to think about that right now. It's Saturday. I'm watching SNL. I'm laughing out loud. I'm having some good, healthy fun. Ok. Carrie Underwood just came on. I'm in a bad place. Ok. I changed the channel. I never thought I'd mention her in my blog. Let's move on. You know what's really good? Of Montreal. Their songs can turn depression into near elation. Be sure to check them out. Does anyone actually listen to my songs of the day? It really doesn't matter, because I'm going to keep posting them anyway. But you really should check them out. Just saying.

Wow, this sure is an unstructured blog. Not that there's anything wrong with that. I have zero attention span right now. Bye.

Christopher Michael Tucker.

Song of the day: "Stuck Between Stations" by The Hold Steady.

Is it progression if a cannibal uses a fork?

2007-09-06T19:01:00.000-07:00

It really is the simple things in life. About a year ago, around 50 Wendy's Restaurants closed in the St. Louis area. Today the first one opened back up. And dozens are supposed to reopen in the coming years. You have no idea how happy this makes me.

On a sadder note, what happened to my friends? People always say, "Most of the friends you have in high school, you won't talk to after graduation." I think I'm getting an early start. Some of them I've distanced myself from because of the lifestyles they've chosen. Others I've just grown apart from. I had two best friends in 5th through 8th grade. I barely talk to them anymore and haven't really formed any close relationships with people in high school. Someday, I know I'll have another close relationship. It just seems far off. Same with finding a girl I can relate to. It's all really sad to think about. But whatever, I'm living with it. Tonight, I feel like I've been cursed with a bout of Alexithymia. Either that or writer's block. Either way. This blog is over. Goodnight.

Christopher Michael Tucker.

Song of the day: "We're So Far Away" by Mae.

Getting old.

2007-09-05T20:23:00.000-07:00

Don't be surprised if you see me using a walker soon. I wouldn't have minded owning one today. At some point yesterday, I messed up my back pretty badly. I'm not sure if it's a pulled muscle or what, but most of today was spent in bed. It felt like a bone was trying to poke out through the skin. Not fun. But through rest and (legal) drugs, the pain is starting to subside now.

I sprung my newest career plan on my mom at dinner tonight. Basically, it went over like a lead balloon. But whatever, once I'm 18, I have the choice to mess up my life as badly as I want to. As a side note, I'm really missing my hair. Some of you may have seen a bulletin I posted on a website called MySpace lamenting my haircut. I really miss my hair a lot. I was listening to Chiodos yesterday and attempting some serious headbanging, but my hair was barely moving. It's depressing really. Looking at pictures of William Beckett doesn't do me any good either. So I guess I'll hold off on those two things for now. In other news, I'm becoming more and more accepting of ska. I have also learned the true meaning of the word "skank."

So Saturday, I think my friend Nicole and I are going downtown with some sidewalk chalk to do a mural on some building to promote Family Force 5's Dance Rawr Dance Tour. The best mural in each city will win two free tickets to the show, two t-shirts, and a party on FF5's bus after the show. So wish me luck. I think I've divulged enough about my life for one night. See ya.

Christopher Michael Tucker.

Song of the day: "Paralyzed" by The Used.

I need to take notes.

2007-09-04T21:05:00.000-07:00

I have all these deep thoughts throughout the day, but when I finally sit down to write my blog, I can't seem to produce any of them. So this blog should be rather bland. It'd be understandable if you skipped ahead to the song of the day. I feel for all you guys just now starting school. I've been at it for a few weeks now, and so far, all I've done is wanted to drop out. Luckily, I'm smart enough to at least graduate high school before going on the road to sell merch for Relient K. Yeah, that's my number one career option right now. I won't need a fallback, oh no. This is golden. It can't fail. Feel free to go along with everything I'm saying. I'll probably like you more.

So Chiodos' new one came out today. If you even kind of like hardcore stuff, pick this album up. Controlled chaos is the best way I can describe it. It's just a really good, complete album. It flows so well. Believe me, I wouldn't lie to you. Well, my mom's bugging me to get off now, so all the thoughts that are coming back to me will have to wait till next blog. Until then...

Chrstopher Michael Tucker.

Song of the day: "Teeth The Size Of Piano Keys" by Chiodos.

Today was necessary.

2007-09-03T20:21:00.000-07:00

I really needed a good day. I'd say today fit the bill. We were going to go to the art museum and the zoo. We didn't go to either. So where did we go, you ask? I think a more approprite question is "Where didn't we go?" We basically just drove around in Amanda Gelso's convertible all day. Odds are, if you live in the St. Louis metro area, we came within 5 minutes of your house. We used over half a tank of gas driving all over Missouri and Illinois, mainly Collinsville. I didn't get to see the world's biggest ketchup bottle, but it was still good. I got to paint my name onto some random bridge, so I guess I'm immortalized. At least until it rains. Plus, I met a lot of kids today. That was cool. We spent like 2 hours in Denny's just playing Apples to Apples. I mean, how hardcore is that? Yeah, today was fun.

Today also reaffirmed my love of being on the road. All we were doing most of the day was driving, but I didn't even care. It was fun. Sure, the tape deck in the Le Baron didn't work and we had to listen to the radio, but it was still good. As long as I have some music, I can be on the road for days. I don't really care if I have to eat sauce packets from Taco Bell for sustenance. It's still totally worth it to me. Call me crazy. Or...if this sort of life appeals to you as well, feel free to join me. I prefer not to travel alone. Well, it was nice chatting with you. I'm glad we're pals.

Christopher Michael Tucker.

Song of the day: "What I Got" by Sublime.

It's not you, it's me.

2007-09-02T21:08:00.000-07:00

It seems like if you really want to have a lot of friends, the best idea would be to become a druggie. Sure, you're killing brain cells, and maybe you won't remember everything that happened last night, but hey, you know people. I was contemplating all of this earlier, right before I returned a few phone calls. Both of the people I spoke with answered the phone laughing and I could hear other people in the background. They have friends. Neither are druggies. There's something wrong with me, I'm sure of it. Maybe it's insecurity, considering that last statement. Who knows. I find myself on occasion questioning if I truly have some sort of mental illness or serious problem, and this life I've been supposedly living is something I've created in my mind. I'm such an ameteur at this. No, not blogging. Well I guess a little. But I was talking about living. I really have no idea what I'm doing or who I'm trying to be. Well, good thing I've got awhile to figure all this stuff out. All the 16 years to this point...Practice. Because I say so.

This is quite possibly the most mental blog I've written so far. It's just absurd. I just pour out all the thoughts in my head, all in my blog. Not all in this chapter here, but you get some interesting tidbits for sure. Anyways. Goodnight.

Christopher Michael Tucker.

Song of the day: "Chia-Like, I Shall Grow" by Say Anything.

Anhedonia goes both ways.

2007-09-01T09:57:00.000-07:00

The last couple days have been an tiny emotional roller coaster of sorts. The things that have happened would cause a lot of people inner turmoil, but nothing's really affected me that much. Things are happening that should make me feel great sadness and anger and pleasure, but it all just kind of goes past me. I think I'm getting better at handling my emotions, in a sense. This way is kind of a blessing and a curse, but it works for now. I'm getting to be a pretty independent person, which is good considering the ritual I go through with most of my friends, or so it seems. Really, I'm pretty okay with life right now. I'm going to my dad's in just a few. But first I'm going to Bob Evans' for breakfast/lunch. I suppose that would be brunch. Or something. So that's pretty good. I'll be back late Sunday night, so if you need to chat, just check aim or message me on myspace. It's not like I'll have anything to do. Hope you atre all doing well.

Christopher Michael Tucker

Song of the day: "Big Trucks" by Pedro The Lion.

Holiday.

2007-08-30T18:11:00.000-07:00

If you think about Weezer when you read the title of this blog, I applaud you fiercely. If you think of Green Day...meh. You're an alright kid. You are reading my blog after all. Well, let's get down to business. I love Thursdays. Who cares if our schedule is whack? We get out at 1:08. I know you're just a little jealous. I could twist this next sentence and throw in an RK quote, but I vote no. Speaking of Relient K, "The Best Thing" is apparently being used on commercials for NBC's fall lineup (thanks for the heads up, Ryne). It's being played off as "NBC's new fall lineup is The Best Thing!" It's so cheesy and terrible. At least they're getting exposure. Any little bit here and there is good.

I'm looking so forward to fall. One of the essentials for emo dress is layering. And I just can't bring myself to wear a blazer in 97 degree weather, as hard as I try. So as soon as it hits 69, oh man. I'll be looking sharp. Or at least I'll perceive myself as looking sharp, which is what really counts in the long run I suppose. Actually, right now, I'm wearing a hoodie here in my house. Yes, the hood is up. I'm so lame. But at least I accept it and am content with it. Which makes me awesome, at least through my twisted logic.

Well it's Thursday. And I have a four day weekend. So I'm really happy, and I already have one thing planned too. It looks like I'll be going to the art museum and being trendy. After that, I think we're going to the zoo, which is definitely more my speed. Well, I guess that's all I have to say for now. Oh, and a side note, I hope you're feeling better Kelly. Thanks for listening...er...reading, everybody.

Christopher Michael Tucker

Non Ben Kweller song of the day: "So, In This Hour" by the Rocket Summer.
Ben Kweller song of the day: "BK Baby" Still.

Better late than never.

2007-08-29T20:59:00.000-07:00

Here's my blog for August 29. So what if there's only an hour left in the day. Today was long. One and a half hour classes suck, especially going on less than five hours sleep. But I had to stay up and watch the Almost on Kimmel. Can you blame me? They sounded okay, but Aaron's vocals never sound that amazing live. Moving along. Speaking of moving along, Ellen Degeneres is on Letterman and she keeps talking about getting a mammogram. Anyway.

Today, I basically celebrated Ben Kweller's existence. He's all I listened to all day basically. I watched about 50 BK vids on youtube. And here's an interesting tidbit...Today, anytime someone asked me what I was up to tonight, my response was always the same: "Having dinner with Ben Kweller. Just me and him hanging out." This usually prompted a response along the lines of, "Who?" Which really is a sad commentary on my friends. At least from my perspective, but whatever. I'm still upset I missed that show and I will be for quite some time. I might be going to the Femme Fatality show on Friday, which won't make up for BK, but it is a show. And I think you all know I can't get enough of those. It's really odd. As I've immersed myself in Kweller's music the last 2 days, I've realized how drawn to him I am. Right now, I'd say he's in my top 5 favorites ever. Obviously this list changes a lot, but I think Kweller should have pretty good staying power. The fact he got there in the first place says something in itself. But enough about Ben.

Tommorow is my last day of school for the week. I have Friday off and Monday as well. So that'll be nice. Plus, we get off at 1:08 tommorow. Then I can just come home and forget everything I should probably be doing with my life. You know what I've noticed? When it gets later and later, I just get more hyper and more talkative. I also think more about my life and if it really is a complete waste at this point. I know it isn't. You don't have to encourage me. Did I mention I get more and more nonsensical the later it gets? Oh well. Do I want to post this now or wait till the morning to see if this all makes sense? I vote now. Anyone who knows who I just plagiarized, I salute you.

Christopher Michael Tucker.

Song of the day: "Three Cheers For Five Years" by Mayday Parade.
(But if I'm being honest, it's "BK Baby" by Ben Kweller.)

So much feeling.

2007-08-28T18:22:00.000-07:00

Yet again, I have missed a show. So I was mad when I missed Sullivan. I like them a lot. But Ben Kweller is an idol to me. He's in the same class with Conor Oberst as far as singer/songwriters. And Kweller's stuff is all so timeless and brilliantly simple. I love it. So missing him is a huge blow. I constantly have a lot of emotions built up inside me, and all it takes is one thing to bring it all to a head. That's what happened tonight. I came to a point where I could've cared less if someone broke into my house and shot me in the head. Except it would hurt. I'd object to that. But otherwise, I'd be totally down for it. Here's crazy ideas that are rattling around in my head.

I want to drop out of high school. I wish I were stupid enough to do it. I want to move out and start writing songs. I want to be on the road for the rest of my life, playing shows a few hundred kids every night. Heck. I'd take 10 kids. I was born to drive around the country playing shows. Homelessness appeals to me. This dream combines my love of music and my tendency to alienate friends after a little while. If I let people in too much, I scare them away. I feel I'm doomed to repeat that the rest of my life. Driving around playing shows, you have dozens of new friends every night. I wouldn't have to let them in, not even a little. The shallow connections every night would be enough for me. I don't care how ridiculous or childish this sounds. I'm more serious about this than I've ever been. After high school, I'm gone.

I don't know how to express myself. Or how to live. I feel like such an ameteur at everything right now. I'm not even reading this over to see what I typed. I'll regret it later. Ben Kweller dropped out of high school. He turned out all right. Living the dream. My dream. Talk to you all soon. Thanks for listening to my immature rambling and not mocking me for it.

Christopher Michael Tucker

Song of the day: "Poison Oak" by Bright Eyes.

Mayday.

2007-08-28T17:31:00.000-07:00

Mayday Parade was just what the doctor ordered. When I don't get shows, I stop living. Not physically of course, but all passion about anything and everything in this life dies. I become a pitiful shell of a person. Criticize that all you want. But not yet. This is the positive blog. Give me a bit so I can write the negative one. Then bring on the criticism.

So moving right along. Mayday was great. Charlemagne opened. They were amusing. I mean that in a negative connotation. Four Year Strong from Massachusetts was next, and they played a cool set. It was their last night on the tour, and during one of the songs Mayday ran out and danced and picked them up on their shoulders. It was quite a sight. Mayday Parade was next. And wow. They were really good. They played all of what I really wanted them to, including 3 songs off the EP. My favorite was "Your Song." It just sounded so good. As I Lay Dying was next and they did terrific as I expected. Alesana, much like Charlemagne, was amusing. The matching outfits, hyper screaming, oh my, was it ever a mess. Well the show finished up and me and Hope went hunting for Mayday, especially Derek, who we found outside after a few minutes of waiting. We took pictures with him and left.

The ride home deserves a seperate paragraph. I rode home in a red, 2007, ford mustang convertible. Top down, of course. As the arch came into sight and we drove across the bridge, Taking Back Sunday blaring in the speakers, I was content with life. Either that, or just numb. Whatever it was, it was wonderful. I needed this show.

I love my aftershow routine. Taco Bell. Looking through pics and videos from the show. The aftershow shower, leaving the x's on my hands fairly unscathed. The clothes smelling of smoke and sweat. They smell like a show. I think that's my favorite smell in the world. I like it more than the smell of gasoline even. Well now that you're weirded out, I'll bring this happy blog to an end. See you in a few.

Christopher Michael Tucker.

Song of the day: "Summer Skin" by Death Cab For Cutie.

Success.

2007-08-27T14:16:00.000-07:00

Today at school was anything but. That's in the past though. Let's never speak of it again. Deal? Deal. So I rode home with Kevin and Josh today and we hung out at my house eating popsicles and watching videos on youtube. They left about 45 minutes ago. So I called Hope to see if we were still going to Mayday. Score. Rides and cash and everything worked out. Sweet. If Ben Kweller works out tomorrow night, this week will be good. Plus, no school Friday or Monday. That's all for now. Oh, and thanks to Meg for stealing my song of the day idea. Jerk. Just kdding.
See ya.

Christopher Michael Tucker.

Song of the day: "Run" by Ben Kweller

2 out of 3. I hope.

2007-08-26T13:10:00.000-07:00

Well so much for seeing 3 shows in 3 days. I've talked to a good 7 or 8 people today and no one can go see Sullivan tonight. Plus, my mom's bumper is falling off the car, hence it taking an hour for us to get home from church. That could make it tricky getting to Mayday Parade tomorrow. If I miss that, I'm going to be officially furious. Right now I'm frustrated, but not losing my mind. There'll be higher points of anger, say around the time the show actually starts. Trust me, I'll be watching the clock. I did get invited to 2 friends' houses. But one has family over, the other won't work because they're only going to be there another hour. Today is forgettable.

Sorry for the sad blogs as of late. I say that as if I'm a seasoned veteran here on blogspot, which as you all know, I'm not. Hmm. Writers usually mask sadness or anger with humor. Time to lighten the mood. Want to hear about how I'm losing my mind? Okay! The other day, while walking through Target, I heard someone shout "Hey!" and heard loud, rapid footsteps. Now in my brain, for some reason unbeknownst to me, I imagined a man running up behind me and grabbing me in an attempt to kidnap me. Now some people would get really paranoid and afraid with that sort of thinking. Apparently not me. I actually turned around in hopes that the scenario in my head was coming to pass. I wanted someone to try me. I wanted to turn around and punch that nut in the face as hard as I could. I wanted dramatics. Okay, so maybe that was less funny, and more ludicrous. But I thought it might interest you. All you wanna-be psychologists, feel free to analyze this. I don't have a lot else to say right now, but if anything else interesting comes up, I'll be sure to let all of you-who could probably care less-know.

Christopher Michael Tucker.

Song of the day: "Rapture" by Pedro The Lion.

Do You Feel?

2007-08-25T09:09:00.000-07:00

I love The Rocket Summer. I'm so glad I became accepting enough of pop to try him out. "Do You Feel" makes me really think about how I've felt and lived over the last few months. My life has been mundane and pointless, or so it seemed. I was going around doing stupid stuff and acting ridiculous just trying to feel anything. I mean, it got to the point where even rejection was okay, because it was something definite and real. I used to think I knew what I was doing in this life. Man, I was a funny kid. I'm not really sure where I got that idea, but it was so moronic, I just look back at that and chuckle. I even thought I had girls figured out for awhile . I'll pause and let you stop laughing...Ok. Enough.

Well enough about that. I'm dumb. I think you got that. Last night at the Cardinals game was not that enjoyable. There was an hour and fifteen minute rain delay, we sat around drunken hicks (more than usual anyway), and we lost 7-2. It was pretty ugly. But it was better than being at home, so whatever. And I didn't miss a show to be there. I'm going to my Dad's, leaving in about 11 minutes, so I suppose I should wrap this blog up. I'll leave you with my favorite part of the title track of the new TRS album. It's not quite the same without feeling the passion in his voice, but you'll get the picture.

"I guess my mind wanders off
from time to time
Sometimes I convince myself
that all is fine in the world
It's not mine
Why should I
have to try
to fix things I didn't create or contrive?"

Christopher Michael Tucker.

Song of the day: "F-Stop" by Sullivan.

Jumping on the old bandwagon.

2007-08-24T13:33:00.000-07:00

Everyone of importance seems to have a blog on here, and I read said blogs religiously. Now personally, when I read something, I like to give my input and you know maybe comment about it. So here I am, blogspot account in hand, ready to comment on the daily escapades of the Relient K boys and fellow J-snagers. I really have nothing better to do. And sure, I'm following a little RK trend by making one of these, but hey, I don't advocate everything they do. For instance, you will certainly never see me chugging a vitamin water. I'm going to hopefully post here fairly regularly, so anyone that has no life, or just really likes hearing about mine, feel free to check in frequently. This way, my myspace won't be cluttered with blogs constantly. I'll save it for the big stuff. Well. To me anyways.

So I suppose I'll get started with my little ritual. Today was ok. It's Friday, which always gives me some joy, which I don't feel a lot of anymore, so it's nice. I'd be lying if I said I didn't do a little skip off the bus. Tonight I'm going to the Cardinals game, and I think I'm going to enjoy it a lot more than the last few times. I'm always missing a show to go lately. First Manchester Orchestra, then Jesse Lacey, and I'm missing STL PWNFEST 2007 on 9/21. I love baseball, but lately it's been getting in the way. Well speaking of shows, I'm hopefully seeing three in three days starting Sunday. Sunday is Sullivan, Monday is Mayday Parade, and Tuesday is Bem Kweller. Saturday I'll be at my dad's, which basically finishes filling my weekend.

You know what I abhor? (Look it up, fools.) Whenever I'm super busy is when people start wanting to hang out with me all of a sudden. For instance. This weekend is packed, as I've said, and I've been invited to a movie and the science center (which isn't lame, for you out of towners). Any other weekend I'd be here at my house wishing I had something to do, and trying to create some speck of a life for myself. But whatever. I do have a life. It just comes in clumps. Really poorly timed clumps. Anyways, I have a lot more thoughts in my head I'd like to share, but I can't seem to summon them at the moment. In addition to that, I need to start getting ready for tonight. Plus, Blink 182 is sounding pretty good right now and my air guitar is beckoning. So I guess that wraps it up. See you sooner.

Christopher Michael Tucker.

Song of the day: "Sugar Skulls" by Envy On The Coast.