Happy New Year

So we’re minutes away from 2008. I’m getting ready to celebrate myself but I wanted to wish everyone a happy new year! Let’s see what we can do with 2009.

Oasis fans in America

Steve Marsh at the Mpls/St. Paul Magazine has a fantastic write up of the Oasis show at the Target Center. The day after the show I read reviews from a few other local papers and I kept scratching my head, wondering ‘Was I at a different show?’

Marsh writes about the trials of being an Oasis fan in the U.S. and how American music fans generally don’t get Oasis. A lot of what he had to say goes along with some things I reflected on post concert. I’m lucky to have a friend in the area that gets what Oasis is, I remember a time when I didn’t really have that.

At any rate, read what Marsh had to say, good on ya mate!

Winter's here

There is little doubt now that the season of Winter is officially here, if not in name definitely in spirit. I’m not a big fan of this season — only because of the weather. The holiday time is magic for me.

Right now I can’t see more than 20 feet out my window. I made sure to hit the store yesterday to pick up the previsions as it seems I’ll be snowed in for the better part of the weekend.

Dad’s in Morris right now, just came out of surgery and seems to be doing well. He did a smart thing and broke his leg last week. Another reason I’m not fond of this forsaken weather. Those who enjoy their “snow machines” or whatever, I just don’t get it. Give me a little warmth this time of year and I’m a happy camper.

At any rate, this weekend is proving a good opportunity to watch some DVDs and listen to some music without worrying about going out and about. Good times.

Oasis with Ryan Adams and the Cardinals

Saw Oasis with guests Ryan Adams and The Cardinals on Wednesday. This marked my sixth Oasis show and second Ryan Adams set. I’m a huge fan of Oasis and a long time fan of Ryan Adams so this was kind of a dream show.

Oasis seemed pretty loose on stage, I’ve seen them a lost stiffer in the past but the set went well and Noel seemed to be having a good time (if not in Minneapolis in general, but at the show at least). The band also played a few songs I haven’t heard them play, at least not for a long time. The Masterplan, Slide Away and I Am the Walrus were all pulled out and let breath.

Cigarettes and Alcohol from the Target Center:

Via: Popler on YouTube.com.

The nights version of Wonderwall and Don’t Look Back in Anger were both different from what I’ve heard them do in the past, so it was nice to see those tracks get a refresher.

Ryan Adams put on a good “hits” style set, without playing “NY” which surprised me, but as someone who doesn’t get to see him that often it was nice to hear some of the songs he did play.

Matt Costa opened the show. I like his stuff, but his acoustic style doesn’t fit the Target Center well. I’d like to see him again at a smaller venue like the Varsity.

More video from the Oasis set:

• Champagne Supernova
• Supersonic
• Waiting for the Rapture
• The Importance of Being Idle
• Lyla

Seeing Oasis on Wednesday

I just wanted to post a quick note about the Oasis concert at the Target Center in Minneapolis. If you’re going to be there Wednesday, send me an e-mail. I’m going with a friend and it would be cool to meet up with some other Oasis fans.

Stories from the week of Dec. 1

From quitting smoking to kids winning reading material through a Bingo game, I had a few “feature” stories over the last week.

• Quitting ‘icky’
  Sandy Spindler quit smoking, won a prize but says she did it for her kids.
• CRP contracts being renewed …
  Land owners continue to sign up for CRP despite land rates increase.
• Residents meet with Lincoln County board
  County commissioners talk with residents about judicial ditch.
• Bingo means books in Canby
  Canby elementary school hands out books during Bingo game.