10:37PM: Howls of laughter are coming from the lounge where dinner was just a bit ago. There’s a documentary on about Black comedians. We ordered the meal from some Italian place down the road on the recommendation from Benny or one of the other Mad Oak dudes. It came delivered by an old man, who I immediately felt bad about having made drive in the snow. Food was alright. You don’t come to Massachusetts for the pasta — or, rather, if you do, you’re an asshole.

Mixing ended at around 8:30PM. The aforementioned Benny (last name Grotto) is in charge of the board, though I think it’s pretty clear to all involved this is Tommy‘s ship. His ear has been driving what of the session I’ve been here to witness, and almost universally to its betterment. That’s not a slight against Benny at all, he seems incredibly capable at his job. I mean in terms of emotional investment.

And why shouldn’t Southard be emotionally invested in making A.D. the best album he can? It’s been five years in the works. Hardly seems reasonable to throw out some undercooked garbage now, even if the anticipation for it is at an all-time high because it seems now more than ever that it’s actually coming out. The songs I’ve heard this evening — “From Below,” “The Skull of the Head of a Man,” “Down South Dog” and “Borrowed Immunity” — all sound finished or at least well on their way. It’s a bummer new drummer Keith Ackerman didn’t join the band in time to make it onto this album, but I guess with all the time Kenny Lund put in, he earned his place.

It’s beers for the rest of the night, and tv and shit-shooting. The snow is still coming down but I don’t think there were plans to head out anywhere anyway. There’s apparently a Mad Oak mouse somewhere around, but I haven’t seen it yet. The night is young. Johnny Arzgarth from StonerRock.com was supposed to make an appearance tonight, but the weather kept him home. When and if he comes tomorrow I’ll have to make sure I mention it took me four hours to get here. Ha.

To the commenter who said “How about an exclusive track premiere?” I don’t think we’re there yet, but when the time comes I’ll try to make it happen.

Tags: Allston, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Solace

This entry was posted on Tuesday, February 16th, 2010 at 10:53 pm and is filed under Features. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.