The Numbers: November’s No Thanks to Thanksgiving
It was down to the wire yesterday, and with all the increased hits from the Kings Destroy CD releasing, I thought we had a chance, but in the end we fell just short of October’s numbers to land at 20,673. If not for the lull for Thanksgiving and the Friday after, we’d have made it easily. Still, not a complaint by any stretch. Those are still amazing and I’m incredibly thankful. It’s almost exactly twice as many page views as last November, so I’m thrilled all the way.
According to Google, between Nov. 1 and 30, The Obelisk had visitors from all 50 states and 115 other countries around the world (including such troubled regions as Iraq and Pakistan). The most visited pages (aside from the frontpage and second page of posts) were the Monster Magnet interview and this month’s podcast, and 56 percent of those who stopped by had never been here before. Much appreciated. I hope you found something worth coming back to.
In addition to the killer numbers, there’s also cause for celebration as this is my 1,500th post on the site. It’s an occasion I’m marking with big orange letters thusly:
There. Glad we got that taken care of.
Lots of good things to come before we close out 2010, so let’s get to the rundown:
The Best Of 2010: This year I’m getting over myself with the whole “lists are bullshit” thing and embracing it wholesale. Every day in December (starting today), we’re going to count down another of the top 20 albums of the year. This includes Xmas day and all other holidays. If my calculations are correct, we should finish right on New Year’s Eve with the number one record. If my math is off, well, at least we’ll be close. Number 20 is coming right up after I finish this post.
The Maple Forum: I had 15 orders for 19 total copies of Kings Destroy‘s And the Rest Will Surely Perish within the first 24 hours of putting it on sale. Those went out in the mail today. If you haven’t purchased your copy of the record yet (which is incredible, if I haven’t said that enough), do so here. In the coming weeks, I’ll have songs streaming, a show wrap for the CD release party, and much more. Stay tuned, and please know that if you already bought one or were planning on doing so, the number of copies is limited and your support is met with sincere gratitude.
I’ll have the announcement about The Maple Forum‘s first release of 2011 coming in the next couple weeks, but I’m very excited about it as well, and please know that if you’re spending money on a Kings Destroy CD, it’s going to be put to good use on the impending forum030.
Interviews: I’ve been sitting on a chat with Bob Pantella of Monster Magnet about his Riotgod project for about two months now, and I’d definitely like to get it in before the New Year comes, so keep an eye open for that. I’ll also have my interview with Cough bassist/vocalist Parker Chandler going live before this week is out, and Six Dumb Questions with Whores of Tijuana and Aussie doomers Adrift for Days. As ever, more to come.
audiObelisk: Well, it’s December, so I guess I owe a December podcast. This weekend’s looking like a twofer show-wise, plus the usual homework, so it’ll be tough, but I’ll do my best.
Reviews: I have the new Crowbar record, so be on the lookout for that. Also, the new Might Could album Small Stone is releasing is a Southern metal monster and will be written up within the next week to coincide with the label’s putting it on iTunes. There are new Agalloch and others to come as well.
Where to Start: I’ll be honest, I’m running out of ideas for Where to Start posts. I’m putting out the call: If you have any requests or things you’ve always wondered about, drop a comment and let me know. Those are always a lot of fun, so I definitely want to include them more, rather than just let the category die off for lack of use. Need some input on this one.
As ever, I’m sure there’s more, but that’s plenty to chew on either way. December a lot going on, so please stay tuned, and as always, thank you for reading, commenting and most especially for coming back for more. Between real life, real life and real life, The Obelisk is like my version of psychotherapy, and if anyone else out there gets something out of it, then it’s all the more special. I know I say it all the time, but thank you. Really. Thank you.
Humbled,
JJ Koczan
Holding Position Taskmaster
Congratulations and thank you. I am one of those who definetely gets more than I give when it come to this site.
Keep up the good work JJ. The Obelisk is the best heavy music related site around!
Love, love this site. very jealous that you’e heard the new Crowbar.. keep up the good work!
Many thanks for all you efforts for this blog.
I was at a Shrinebuilder gig last night. Before Wolves in Throne Room (who rocked) came on, an awesome album was being played. Sort of like Dopesmoker, Amplifier Worship and Eve (and a bit like The Unkindness of Crowes) etc in reallllly long, low, slow, repetitive riffs, heavy as hell but little in the way of vocals. I think there were vocals at one stage that sort of reminded me of Chris Cornell but I might have got that wrong. I want to know what it that album was!!!!! So could you do a “where to start” on: “slow, low, loud and reallllly long”, please, in the hope that you mention it? Long shot, I know.
Where to start Occult Doom. I’m serious.
Or is the feild too narrow?
Just remembered. Asked before but thought I’d try my luck again…
Where to start: South America…. what do you say????