i missed st. vincent tonight. everything else aside, it's a big venue, and i just don't enjoy big venue shows. i haven't heard the new record yet, but the lead tracks were underwhelming. and, i get the impression that she's intending to tone it down a little. i'd like to hear what she has to offer on the other side of mellowing out a little in the context of something more orchestral, but i'm not going to get too excited about an americana phase. i guess i'm waiting that out. i hope it doesn't take too long. but, i'll give the new record a chance when i get time to, too.

john mclaughlin is tomorrow night and it's tempting but i don't even know if he's actually playing it. the way he's talking about it is that he's hanging out on stage while somebody else is actually playing. and, he's 75 years old - i can't fault him for not being able to play this material, anymore. this is tough guitar work. but, i'm apprehensive about going all the way to ann arbor if he's not even playing. i'm going to try and find some footage. it's possible.

i've just never seen him play, and if this is my last chance then this is my last chance. but, it's a journey there and back, and i need to make sure it's worth it.