2010: Predictions, Hopes, Fears, OR How I Will Never Stop Worrying As I Wait For The Bomb

I can't get out of 2009 fast enough. I'm leaving skid marks, baby. I know it is technically leaving us, but 2009 was so bad, I watched "Imitation Of Life" the other night to cheer me up. Let me tell ya, 2009 was like the "Battlefield Earth" of years. This is not the place to air my dirty laundry, so I will just say, "Away with you, bad year!" and look forward, hoping that we are all graced with health, wealth, and happiness in 2010. Because if we aren't, I will seriously fucking kill someone.

As for the pages of Burning Wood, it is a thrill to know so many of you come back on a daily basis and offer comments and support for what I do. Money is good too, you know. But I do love the comments. The blogosphere can be a lonely world, and all of you have made it less lonely. Not sure what is in store for 2010. At the very least, it will be more of the same with as much music as I can offer without a law suit. Suggestions are always welcome, though I was thinking of a weekly series devoted to the largely overlooked output of the Little River Band. (Need to think that one through.)

AS FOR 2010:

I need a job. Can anyone pay me to do anything? I'm good at stuff. Really. I don't smoke. I hate Dane Cook. I'm never late. I buy the coffee in the morning. What more can I say?


Oh I know....


How about that long rumoured Paul McCartney/Elvis Costello collaboration?

How about a scaled down Rolling Stones tour with just the 5 band members and Chuck Leavell, in smallish venues, for less than $100 a ticket, where they play only songs up to and through "Exile On Main Street?"

How about I admit to absolutely loving the new John Mayer record "Battle Studies," and I get all of you sticks in the mud to appreciate great pop songwriting? (Developing...)

HEY YOU! Overrated, bearded, moody, psychefolkedelic indie artist, LIGHTEN UP, put on some shoes, and stop believing the hype.

I fully expect the debut release from The Electric Mess to absolutely explode and end up on everyone's 2010 Best Of list. You heard it here first. Check'em out, please at TheElectricMess.com.

See you all this summer at Jones Beach for the Chicago/Beach Boys/Moody Blues/America/Earth, Wind & Fire tour. (This has to stop. I hate Long Island.)

Here's hoping Williamsburg, Brooklyn loses its cool appeal and all the good music acts come back to Manhattan. Hey Williamsburg! You ain't nothing. Right, Sheepshead Bay? (Like anyone from Sheepshead Bay reads this blog.)

Faces reunion please. If for no other reason, it will stop Rod Stewart from making a record.

And to you, whomever is left at the major labels--here's an idea. Instead of making us buy what we've already bought over and over and over, how about looking out for the fans and the adults who would still actually buy a CD? Totally random example, though it is now 7 years old: you re-released Joe Jackson's Night & Day this time with a bonus CD of live tracks and b-sides for a $30 list price. Why didn't you release "The Night & Day Supplement" for $10.99, which is just the bonus CD? I am sure all you guys at UMG have the answer, but most of us don't care.


Anything to add, dear readers?


Stay tuned for tomorrow's double-whammy New Year's Eve mixes. (Hang in there, Charlie.)

And now, because I like you...

here is the entire HBO Rock N Roll Hall Of Fame broadcast, all ready for your iPods. 48 songs, 3 1/2 hours. (The ID tags are NOT mine. I can spell Dimucci. It was late and I wanted this up, so I left it as is. Just sayin'...) It's one long ZIP, so give it time, Jeff.

And fix your speakers, Chris.

See ya tomorrow for one last blast!

ZIP FILE