for many, this has been the worst decade of one's lifetime. then again, when you spend more money than you have and lose your house, I could see that. but besides that, the war on terrorism has left us all scared to walk into an airport and has forbidden us to bring bottled water on to a plane. damn, so much has happened this year alone, let alone the last ten.
too much has happened to me to recap - I don't have the patience nor the time. I've lost some friends but made two more in their place. new musical expeditions are on the way and right now, I honestly couldn't be happier. I can say is that I'm super stoked for the new year - I've learned a lot about myself this year and I'm finally settling into this body of skin and bones known as Jeff Hersch. for me, things can only get better in the coming months.
I don't have a clear-cut resolution - I just want to be a better person and live as much as I can. like always, I'm off to nyc to celebrate the new year with all my best friends. should be a good one, as long as I can get my car out of the driveway. fuck, snow isn't enjoyable anymore.
happy new year.
I'll see you next year.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Friday, December 25, 2009
here's to life.
i've been writing a lot lately and i'm really happy with how things are going. the lyric-taps are flowing and hey, christmas is here and finally over. we'll no longer have to endure christmas songs - i mean, they've been on the radio since halloween. and now maybe people will start to slow down and just enjoy themselves. that's what i've been doing lately. it's nice.
and since it is christmas, this means only two things for me and my PEOPLE:
movie theatre and chinese food.
best way to celebrate christmas other than tackling the nazi pope to the ground.
later i'm off to amanda's for my first holiday shit show. and a shit show it shall be.
also, everyone should listen to frank turner. he's rad.
and since it is christmas, this means only two things for me and my PEOPLE:
movie theatre and chinese food.
best way to celebrate christmas other than tackling the nazi pope to the ground.
later i'm off to amanda's for my first holiday shit show. and a shit show it shall be.
also, everyone should listen to frank turner. he's rad.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
lightning crashes here.
i've decided to name my first acoustic album, "one day we'll understand." to me, that quote sums up the entire record; each song representing situations i've had, losses i've endured, and parts of life that just happen.... and all are relatable. one day we'll understand why these happen and try to see who we were when they took place.
damn, i've been reminiscing a lot lately about a lot of things -old bands, for instance.
i've began writing a song about tonight's events but it cannot be finished until a much-needed conversation takes place.
fuck, it's all on my shoulders. now i see it always was.
"the clock struck twelve two hours ago
time flies when you're stuck in last year"
also, the way i've been feeling lately with my chest and all, along with the recent death of Brittany Murphy, my blog may ring half true. maybe i should change it. but i wont.
it's guaranteed i'm overreacting.
damn, i've been reminiscing a lot lately about a lot of things -old bands, for instance.
i've began writing a song about tonight's events but it cannot be finished until a much-needed conversation takes place.
fuck, it's all on my shoulders. now i see it always was.
"the clock struck twelve two hours ago
time flies when you're stuck in last year"
also, the way i've been feeling lately with my chest and all, along with the recent death of Brittany Murphy, my blog may ring half true. maybe i should change it. but i wont.
it's guaranteed i'm overreacting.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
nothing compares to cheap rum in nyc.
this was the first time I had ever gone into the city alone, rode the train in by myself, but I'm not complaining. for once, we didn't start drinking upon walking through the doorway; most likely because it was only 4pm. usually, I don't arrive to the city until 11:30pm, but I took off work for this night.
the street dogs show was at seven. amanda got 4 free tickets so we thought, "why the hell not? we like punk." we got there around 8, starry-eyed, hoping we'd miss the opening acts. well, we we wrong. the first band was ending their set and immediately, it was a strange setting. I've been to countless shows, but none came close to this one. the band had to be in their forties, all decked out in punk rock attire, the same punk rock attire from 1982, when they first started the band. most of the crowd had 40+ years of life under their belts as well.
irish drunks and dazed punx filled the majority of the theatre. there was a group of guys, shiny white heads, who looked like they were ripped straight from an AMERICAN HISTORY X scene, something I had actually never seen in person. I'll admit, I was a bit fearful.
by the time the street dogs took the stage, all the self-medication had dried up and worn off. at this point, we had all noticed this one kid, pacing around the floor with empty eyes. he was weaving in and out of people and had a half-dread, thrift shop look going on. he was intrigued by nothing and everything. now there is no doubt in my mind (or his) that he was tripping. every so often he would flash a smile and would quickly retreat to the back of the room. he was dragging his jacket behind him. it looked like he was enjoying himself though - I hope he was. the possibilities of what he saw are endless. endless. I just took an interest in him the entire night.
midway through the set, guitarist Tobe challenged someone to a drinking contest, which was a nightly part of the show. just like the song suggests, "Tobe's Got a Drinking Problem." now the opponent he chose looked like he had walked straight out of Malibu's Most Wanted - what a joke. the guy was well over 6 feet and well over 300 pounds, but his matching headband/jacket combo and missing tooth tarnished his threat level.
the skinheads were getting rowdy toward the end of the set. every other song was about drinking, so we left before the encore and did just that. the rest of the night was a standard, not-too-sloppy evening. high five.
NOW last night was fucking insane. out of sheer boredom and anticipation, we opened a fresh bottle of rum around 8 (probably a little earlier). the night comprised of classic blink182 singalongs, circle pits in the middle of the room, and multiple bowls (we got salvia, which was a big upset).
by 8:30, we were all a little tipsy, but we had no plans of going out. no parties were going on, but the best parties are the ones with 6 people anyway. so knowing us, we had more shots. more bowls. more shots.
"at this point in our lives, rancid is a guilty pleasure, accompanied by slurred singalongs."
that's how the street dogs would have wanted it anyway.
naturally, we reached new lows. but to us, "lows" refers to good times. I was giving "defeated hugs" at 9:08, meaning I was 5 hours ahead of normal schedule. I was out like a light before 1am and slept like a bitch.
I woke up to 14 inches of snow, but no regrets.
the street dogs show was at seven. amanda got 4 free tickets so we thought, "why the hell not? we like punk." we got there around 8, starry-eyed, hoping we'd miss the opening acts. well, we we wrong. the first band was ending their set and immediately, it was a strange setting. I've been to countless shows, but none came close to this one. the band had to be in their forties, all decked out in punk rock attire, the same punk rock attire from 1982, when they first started the band. most of the crowd had 40+ years of life under their belts as well.
irish drunks and dazed punx filled the majority of the theatre. there was a group of guys, shiny white heads, who looked like they were ripped straight from an AMERICAN HISTORY X scene, something I had actually never seen in person. I'll admit, I was a bit fearful.
by the time the street dogs took the stage, all the self-medication had dried up and worn off. at this point, we had all noticed this one kid, pacing around the floor with empty eyes. he was weaving in and out of people and had a half-dread, thrift shop look going on. he was intrigued by nothing and everything. now there is no doubt in my mind (or his) that he was tripping. every so often he would flash a smile and would quickly retreat to the back of the room. he was dragging his jacket behind him. it looked like he was enjoying himself though - I hope he was. the possibilities of what he saw are endless. endless. I just took an interest in him the entire night.
midway through the set, guitarist Tobe challenged someone to a drinking contest, which was a nightly part of the show. just like the song suggests, "Tobe's Got a Drinking Problem." now the opponent he chose looked like he had walked straight out of Malibu's Most Wanted - what a joke. the guy was well over 6 feet and well over 300 pounds, but his matching headband/jacket combo and missing tooth tarnished his threat level.
the skinheads were getting rowdy toward the end of the set. every other song was about drinking, so we left before the encore and did just that. the rest of the night was a standard, not-too-sloppy evening. high five.
NOW last night was fucking insane. out of sheer boredom and anticipation, we opened a fresh bottle of rum around 8 (probably a little earlier). the night comprised of classic blink182 singalongs, circle pits in the middle of the room, and multiple bowls (we got salvia, which was a big upset).
by 8:30, we were all a little tipsy, but we had no plans of going out. no parties were going on, but the best parties are the ones with 6 people anyway. so knowing us, we had more shots. more bowls. more shots.
"at this point in our lives, rancid is a guilty pleasure, accompanied by slurred singalongs."
that's how the street dogs would have wanted it anyway.
naturally, we reached new lows. but to us, "lows" refers to good times. I was giving "defeated hugs" at 9:08, meaning I was 5 hours ahead of normal schedule. I was out like a light before 1am and slept like a bitch.
I woke up to 14 inches of snow, but no regrets.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
drifting thing.
Looking back at it now, I'd like to jam with some old friends. I think it would be a really interesting experience. I'm talking about the kids I first started playing with... almost 6 years ago. Our first bands; those first gigs. Maybe I'm just being over sentimental.
I'm coming up onto the first hour now. Everything seems to be in place.
I'm coming up onto the first hour now. Everything seems to be in place.
most miserable life.
I pray and bleed with a frozen smile
echoes of heartache are not with me
emotions shed in different times
crashed at this opportunity
I feel sorry for these walls
'cause if they could talk they surely would
hear 'em out, tear 'em down.
hear 'em out, tear 'em down.
- polar bear club
echoes of heartache are not with me
emotions shed in different times
crashed at this opportunity
I feel sorry for these walls
'cause if they could talk they surely would
hear 'em out, tear 'em down.
hear 'em out, tear 'em down.
- polar bear club
insomniac in training.
final in the am.
-music-
new brunswick in the pm.
shit is finally starting to come together. i'm ready for the new year.
-music-
new brunswick in the pm.
shit is finally starting to come together. i'm ready for the new year.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
up the cuts.
"are you restless like me?"
tonight is one of those nights. music of all sorts is streaming through my head. polar bear club and portugal the man are some. most of them though, are my songs. newly drafted songs playing out in my head, how I hope for them to one day sound with the full band in place. it's very distracting when you've been trying to sleep for almost 2 hours and have work in the morning. i'm stoked to finally announce that i'll be recording my acoustic album in early january! finally!! so that, for instance, is one of the many bands practicing in my head. the other is the pop punk hardcore indie outfit not yet unveiled. songs are in place, but the members are not. it'll fall in place soon, just not soon enough!
i find myself lying on my back, drumming on my chest with my palms, writing drum parts at 1:30am. gah! i've been trying to convince my parents to let me get a drum set so i can record everything myself - demos at least. why not put all of myself to good use? if they only knew.
if the songs and constant tunes weren't bad enough (by bad, i mean rad), she is keeping me awake. so cliche, i know. standard. all i can do is wait patiently until thursday. sounds easier than it is. first i have to think my way through a treacherous psych final and a shift at work surrounded by elders and degenerates.
that night will jump start the glorious weekend. i'll be on a train friday afternoon bound for new york city until sunday. it's gonna be a good one.
fuck. tomorrow is only wednesday.
tonight is one of those nights. music of all sorts is streaming through my head. polar bear club and portugal the man are some. most of them though, are my songs. newly drafted songs playing out in my head, how I hope for them to one day sound with the full band in place. it's very distracting when you've been trying to sleep for almost 2 hours and have work in the morning. i'm stoked to finally announce that i'll be recording my acoustic album in early january! finally!! so that, for instance, is one of the many bands practicing in my head. the other is the pop punk hardcore indie outfit not yet unveiled. songs are in place, but the members are not. it'll fall in place soon, just not soon enough!
i find myself lying on my back, drumming on my chest with my palms, writing drum parts at 1:30am. gah! i've been trying to convince my parents to let me get a drum set so i can record everything myself - demos at least. why not put all of myself to good use? if they only knew.
if the songs and constant tunes weren't bad enough (by bad, i mean rad), she is keeping me awake. so cliche, i know. standard. all i can do is wait patiently until thursday. sounds easier than it is. first i have to think my way through a treacherous psych final and a shift at work surrounded by elders and degenerates.
that night will jump start the glorious weekend. i'll be on a train friday afternoon bound for new york city until sunday. it's gonna be a good one.
fuck. tomorrow is only wednesday.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
caution:
i've been noticing a lot lately that the local drivers - no people in general - are sucking more and more at driving. now i don't know if cell phones are to blame, but come on people.
i saw an asshole speed through a red light (luckily no one was killed) - i witnessed another dipshit go straight on a green left-turn arrow, almost causing a scene - and this was just in the last hour or so while running errands for work.
as i made my way home sunday from new brunswick, i was met with traffic jams due to about 6 separate accidents along route 287, 22 and 202. people don't seem to understand that when it's raining and snowing and sleeting that you must adapt your driving methods. well now i'm just rambling....but i'll continue...
and on top of that, more and more gas guzzling suvs and mom's mini vans are spawning up - someone should teach this desperate housewives to park between the white lines. jesus christ. i have no problem with someone owning such a beast of a car, but either learn how to maneuver it and/or get some stilts. you cant even see over the dashboard for godsake. what would jesus do, lady?
everyone is in such a rush. you're dumbass kid will be the same dumbass kid if he's 5 minutes late to karate. it makes sense now: mom's should stop making crystal meth with sudafed.
i saw an asshole speed through a red light (luckily no one was killed) - i witnessed another dipshit go straight on a green left-turn arrow, almost causing a scene - and this was just in the last hour or so while running errands for work.
as i made my way home sunday from new brunswick, i was met with traffic jams due to about 6 separate accidents along route 287, 22 and 202. people don't seem to understand that when it's raining and snowing and sleeting that you must adapt your driving methods. well now i'm just rambling....but i'll continue...
and on top of that, more and more gas guzzling suvs and mom's mini vans are spawning up - someone should teach this desperate housewives to park between the white lines. jesus christ. i have no problem with someone owning such a beast of a car, but either learn how to maneuver it and/or get some stilts. you cant even see over the dashboard for godsake. what would jesus do, lady?
everyone is in such a rush. you're dumbass kid will be the same dumbass kid if he's 5 minutes late to karate. it makes sense now: mom's should stop making crystal meth with sudafed.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
restless brain syndrome.
it's now 3:13 am and I have to be up at 7. i'm hungry and can't sleep. i'm tired, but just can't seem to get into the mindset to sleep. there's constantly music playing in my head and with the addition of this girl, sleep is at the end of the never ending hallway.
by the time i start to dream, the alarm will kill it. at this point, maybe i should just stay up. there's plenty to do. fuck it. i'm restless.
i'll sleep when i'm dead. let's party.
by the time i start to dream, the alarm will kill it. at this point, maybe i should just stay up. there's plenty to do. fuck it. i'm restless.
i'll sleep when i'm dead. let's party.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
a pharmacy tale. act one.
Working in an independent pharmacy is not your typical job, especially for a fifteen year old (holy shit, I've been working there for 4 years now). I've seen some pretty odd things, met some pretty strange individuals, and heard some fucked up things to say the least.
One incident stands out in my mind at the current moment. This one man - who I will refer to as MIKE X - came in for some viagra pills. This is a very common thing these days. People who look like your every day church-goer, your average soccer dad, and your grandpa. Boy, have I got some raunchy dirt on the people in this town. BUT I digress. At this one particular time, MIKE X asked for only one pill. Some conflict with his insurance or some shit. Well, while the pharmacist was in the back preparing his prescription, he leans over to me and says something along the lines of "I need that. All I fuck are 20 year olds and I can barely keep up." And he laughs. Now there's nothing wrong with giving your dick a little jump start every now and then, but this douche was well over 50. Not to mention a total slob with greasy hair and a gut. And I'm pretty sure he has a son who is close to that age. Gah, some things just give me the creeps.
Who knows what tomorrow will bring? I can't wait.
One incident stands out in my mind at the current moment. This one man - who I will refer to as MIKE X - came in for some viagra pills. This is a very common thing these days. People who look like your every day church-goer, your average soccer dad, and your grandpa. Boy, have I got some raunchy dirt on the people in this town. BUT I digress. At this one particular time, MIKE X asked for only one pill. Some conflict with his insurance or some shit. Well, while the pharmacist was in the back preparing his prescription, he leans over to me and says something along the lines of "I need that. All I fuck are 20 year olds and I can barely keep up." And he laughs. Now there's nothing wrong with giving your dick a little jump start every now and then, but this douche was well over 50. Not to mention a total slob with greasy hair and a gut. And I'm pretty sure he has a son who is close to that age. Gah, some things just give me the creeps.
Who knows what tomorrow will bring? I can't wait.
never slept so soundly.
"the future has no past."
Instead of writing a paper tonight, I smoked a bowl. Tomorrow brings a clean slate and a new day.
It's beginning to snow outside at 12:14am. goodnight.
Instead of writing a paper tonight, I smoked a bowl. Tomorrow brings a clean slate and a new day.
It's beginning to snow outside at 12:14am. goodnight.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
new demos. gnar.
I recorded 2 more demos this afternoon in about 45 mins or so. And to tell you the truth, I don't really like how either of them turned out. I've been conditioned to hate the sound of my own voice (but hey, maybe you do too).
I'm just itching to get into the real studio and record these bad boys in a nice, candle-lit setting. They'll sound that much better in the studio, and I'm not just saying that. I find it harder to do what I do in my room or a studio, rather than in front of 30 strangers. I'd love to just take a handful of people and make them stand in my room to get some kind of show-like atmosphere. But that won't happen.
So until then, my demos are up. Try to enjoy them more than I do.
www.myspace.com/carloadofthieves
I realize the name 'Carload of Thieves' implies more than one person, but fuck it, It's my project - I'll call it what I want.
I'm just itching to get into the real studio and record these bad boys in a nice, candle-lit setting. They'll sound that much better in the studio, and I'm not just saying that. I find it harder to do what I do in my room or a studio, rather than in front of 30 strangers. I'd love to just take a handful of people and make them stand in my room to get some kind of show-like atmosphere. But that won't happen.
So until then, my demos are up. Try to enjoy them more than I do.
www.myspace.com/carloadofthieves
I realize the name 'Carload of Thieves' implies more than one person, but fuck it, It's my project - I'll call it what I want.
Monday, December 7, 2009
frying in jam.
Laundry took all day again, as I always forget the wash is even in (i just got home and it's still in the dryer). Hours later, "ah fuck;" and I tend to the "still wet" clothes. great.
I recorded a new song today. I bought that tambourine and it totally worked. I'll post it this week.
I have noticed I've been looking at it all wrong for quite some time now. My life doesn't suck at all; it's just weird to say the least. I sometimes complain and cause myself great anxiety for absolutely no reason. I feel like the passed month (no, more) I've been slowly going crazy. clinically. I've been noticing strange things lately and even talking to myself sometimes. But I feel like I'm not so different. Other kids have similar things (probably worse) going on, just in a different light. a different shade. I just need a good break and in January I'll start fresh.
That's how it always goes anyway.
also, I'm the only one I know who actually rates their iTunes with (1-5) stars. tell me that's not a little strange. see, it's just things like this that I seem to notice.
I recorded a new song today. I bought that tambourine and it totally worked. I'll post it this week.
I have noticed I've been looking at it all wrong for quite some time now. My life doesn't suck at all; it's just weird to say the least. I sometimes complain and cause myself great anxiety for absolutely no reason. I feel like the passed month (no, more) I've been slowly going crazy. clinically. I've been noticing strange things lately and even talking to myself sometimes. But I feel like I'm not so different. Other kids have similar things (probably worse) going on, just in a different light. a different shade. I just need a good break and in January I'll start fresh.
That's how it always goes anyway.
also, I'm the only one I know who actually rates their iTunes with (1-5) stars. tell me that's not a little strange. see, it's just things like this that I seem to notice.
tuesdays are my mondays.
the past 3 nights have been interesting and very out of the norm for me. but i didnt say i didnt like it.
i havent been home for the past couple of weekends (visiting friends, parties, etc.) but this weekend was the exact opposite. i was home all three nights. i owe it to my family, not to sound like a dick.
anyway, every night i have indulged in some waggy. a buddy. get the hint? i hope so. it's been interesting and i've even learned a thing or two from myself. each night i listened to a complete album of one of my current favorite jams. friday night was hendrix. i finally have it on my ipod. hendrix blew my mind that night hahah music is an amazing tool. what a shame. they say his manager murdered him.
last night was polar bear club - full disco. it was a long night, what an amazing band. i envy them so much - a sound i want for myself. i also did say anything's "...was a real boy." another great band i'm starting to really really like. max bemis rights amazing songs. amazing.
tonight is portugal. the man. this very moment, "salt." great song. Censored Colors is such an amazing album - i have yet to appreciate it fully. i'm stoked about this band.
also joining them tonight is tom gabel's ep, heart burns.
tomorrow i got no class til 6. i'll prob just lay around, sleep late, blaze and class. tuesdays are my mondays. so then, i'll be ready to go back.
weekend. what a unique one to say the least. and great now i'm hearing things.
ps: i think i'm buying a tambourine or something like it tomorrow. i'm gonna need it.
i havent been home for the past couple of weekends (visiting friends, parties, etc.) but this weekend was the exact opposite. i was home all three nights. i owe it to my family, not to sound like a dick.
anyway, every night i have indulged in some waggy. a buddy. get the hint? i hope so. it's been interesting and i've even learned a thing or two from myself. each night i listened to a complete album of one of my current favorite jams. friday night was hendrix. i finally have it on my ipod. hendrix blew my mind that night hahah music is an amazing tool. what a shame. they say his manager murdered him.
last night was polar bear club - full disco. it was a long night, what an amazing band. i envy them so much - a sound i want for myself. i also did say anything's "...was a real boy." another great band i'm starting to really really like. max bemis rights amazing songs. amazing.
tonight is portugal. the man. this very moment, "salt." great song. Censored Colors is such an amazing album - i have yet to appreciate it fully. i'm stoked about this band.
also joining them tonight is tom gabel's ep, heart burns.
tomorrow i got no class til 6. i'll prob just lay around, sleep late, blaze and class. tuesdays are my mondays. so then, i'll be ready to go back.
weekend. what a unique one to say the least. and great now i'm hearing things.
ps: i think i'm buying a tambourine or something like it tomorrow. i'm gonna need it.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
eggnog is just another excuse to drink.
I went to a holiday party today at Independence Manor, particially against my will, particially not. knowing it was going to be lame, I did it for my grandma, obviously. she appreciated it.
after about two eggnogs, I actually didn't mind being there. people in their ninties dancing while those in wheelchairs clapped and bobbed their heads. It was an interesting scene to say the least.
santa was there too, which was just some short-order cook working an odd weekend shift as claus. the music was provided by Carlos from Brooklyn: a man playing an acoustic guitar in sync with a drum machine. christmas songs in spanish accents accompanied with off-time clapping lifted the mood.
It was nice to see these people enjoy their lives. after all, we'll all be there someday. happy holidays.
after about two eggnogs, I actually didn't mind being there. people in their ninties dancing while those in wheelchairs clapped and bobbed their heads. It was an interesting scene to say the least.
santa was there too, which was just some short-order cook working an odd weekend shift as claus. the music was provided by Carlos from Brooklyn: a man playing an acoustic guitar in sync with a drum machine. christmas songs in spanish accents accompanied with off-time clapping lifted the mood.
It was nice to see these people enjoy their lives. after all, we'll all be there someday. happy holidays.
another night in the rock.
holy shit. that polar bear club song "another night in the rock" is actually singing about me tonight.
i just created this blog a few minutes ago after considering doing this for a while. my lips are fresh off the new glass and my pulse is beating out of my neck. my throat can't catch a drop of anything wet. the usual, you know.
"another night in 'the rock'
cold and alone
inside of this full house
tune it out until the calm comes home."
I'm going to read this tomorrow and laugh. let's just look at this entry as a pre-blog post.
deal?
deal.
i just created this blog a few minutes ago after considering doing this for a while. my lips are fresh off the new glass and my pulse is beating out of my neck. my throat can't catch a drop of anything wet. the usual, you know.
"another night in 'the rock'
cold and alone
inside of this full house
tune it out until the calm comes home."
I'm going to read this tomorrow and laugh. let's just look at this entry as a pre-blog post.
deal?
deal.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)