1. The Remedy **
2. Mercy Kiss
3. Start Over **
4. Monster **
5. Blood
6. Suburban Muse
7. Sunny Day **
8. L.V.B.D.
9. Ruin Your Life **
10. Never **
11. Seed
12. Fluorescein **

**Clear Favorites

Just to clarify: Abandoned Pools is a project by Tommy Walter and though I am unaware of the bands history, I am sure there were at some point or another other band members. As of right now it is just him, making this effectively a one-man- fronted band.

Anyways back to the CD.

Humanistic is a rather dark-feeling album, despite the happy overtones some of the songs portray. Granted some just put it right out there such as Monster and Blood, whereas others are more subtle (Start Over and Never come to mind.) Many of the songs feature layers of instruments, giving it a grungy feel that could rake at peoples ears if they crank the volume too high, so be warned. I should also add that listening to this album tents to turn me into an overly reflective state, much like a “coming to terms with shit” sort of feel. It’s comforting in a way, which is probably what I love most about this album. It’s got a resolve to it that just strikes a chord or five in myself.

As I stated already, many of the tracks feature layers of instruments. This does mean there was probably a lot of post-production done to the album to get the sound where Tommy wanted it. Some people turn their noses at this practice, stating that they’ll be no good live. I can’t vouch for Abandoned Pools, having never seen them live (though I would if I could) but the sound of these songs is easily some of the best I’ve heard. They don’t seem over-done or really treated. It’s more like he put each layer on, one by one, and did each instrument over; hitting a symbol once during the whole song just to get that moment right. A lot of effort can be heard in these.

The only issue I have with the CD is the occasional use of the “announcer” voice. I don’t know its official name, but that voice that sounds like its from a 1960′s cold war video. I hate it in ANY song, not just the ones featured here. I will say that it takes away from what would otherwise be a truly solid album.

I’d suggest at least giving this album a listen, though I can say that it’s not going to be for everyone. It’s a little dark, and a little moody, but it’s a solid listen from start to finish. I’ve had this album at least 5 years and I’m still in love with it.

9/10

I have however been busy with life, being lazy with updating this, and other lame excuses that I cannot fathom at the moment.

I’m not going to bother with all that because quite honestly I was just lazy and had no drive to update this site. No real reason, but I’m back to take another stab at it.

The reason for this is two fold:

1. Theresa (who I am still with thankfully) is back in school, so I once again have too much time on my hands.
2. I’ve been feeling somewhat depressed lately, and though I wont get into specific reasons as to why, I am wondering if doing this blog will help me with/through it.

Worry not faithful readers (all zero of you), I’m not suicidal or emo or any of that kief, I am simply feeling a little down.

I may as well get back into the swing of things with what I have been doing for the past… lets say… week. Yes, a week sounds good.

Alright, so I recently finished watching House: Season Three which was, as usual, amazing. I love that show dearly and I am overly sure that I will own all the box sets as they come out. On the up side I have finally caught up to the current running season, so I can actually have a reason to watch TV again. Granted it’s only for an hour every Sunday but whatever.

I recently picked up the new DS: Special edition that comes with Brain Age 2. It cost me a little bit, but I’m glad I finally have one and when I get the extra scratch I’m going to get my hands on the Opera Browser and possibly some home brewed programs like the WiFi Phone app I’ve been linked to. I don’t know where the link is at the moment, but if I find it, I’ll post it. I’ve wanted a DS for a while, and a special edition was just the excuse happenstance I needed to make the purchase.

I also recently crash-coursed my friend in both Venture Brothers: Season 2 and Clone High. He’s a big guy, so it’s funny to see him rendered helpless as he struggles for breath between fits of laughter. Sure he tries to kill me after, but it’s always so worth it.

Second lastly, I got a job Friday and Saturday nights working at The Revolution night club doing I don’t know what yet. My friend Danny pointed out that I am “fucking crazy” for doing so, and he’s probably not that wrong. I hate the place and the music, but it’s a guaranteed job, and I wanna pay of my car. Shrug, who knows what interesting stories may come from it all. More on this as it develops.

Lastly, I’m swinging in and out of writing, so we’ll see what develops with that.

Like romantic roadkill,
M heart is all splattered.
And your ego got fatter,
And I hope that you’re flattered.

You broke this down.

The best thing that you never had.

Butch Walker – Best Thing that You Never Had.