It didn’t start that way though. We arrived to chaos. The car at Charles de Gaulle was a no show and Tim was already in Rennes, three hours south. My manly response? Hyperventilate. I had to perform in six hours. I was stranded. In a full-on run, we caught a TGV train for Rennes…the last one that could have gotten us there in time.

We left Rennes in Tim’s clown car stuffed with four people, gear and a passive-agressive GPS. We were staying in Saint-Brieuc…where, predictably, the entire town was cordoned off. This massive marathon had every street blocked and our hotel was right in the middle of it. Dodging runners, we dragged our suitcases and guitars across the race course. It was incredibly hot.

We found a little bar, had a drink, went to the beach. Everything slowed. For once, we had an hour to burn. We drove to Yffiniac for a private show.

Finally got to meet the photographer Christophe Garnier. Such a great guy. He and his family and friends were incredible hosts as well. There were tables full of food and beer and wine and desserts. We discovered how little French we knew. We played, shot movies with Christophe on bass, drank and left when it was cold again. Christophe’s blog has photos and video.

The next night we were back in Rennes. Bar’Hic. First time we would ever perform the new material twice in a night. During the breaks, we tried Lul’s collection of alcohols. He’s the owner, a delightful guy and a bit of a local legend. I even managed to score one of his CDs off him. I’ll post a track from it soon. We got to the hotel at 4AM. Yann Provost caught some great images.

I will not talk about the drive to Paris.

I will not discuss the six hour traffic jam nor the toll machines that do not accept parking receipts.

Paris meant a few days off before the next show. Bought a weekly Metro pass and we devoured the city, intentionally getting lost, each day with a simple goal. I also got to catch up on one of my favorite travel pastimes: getting swept up in protests. This one was for French pensioners.

The Thursday show was at Espace B in Paris. It’s tucked away in the 19th arrondissement. The place was full. Everyone seemed concerned for the state of my mental health and appreciative when I left the stage in a swirl. We drank until 3AM at the hotel.

I sent an email. I wanted to play more shows.

If you came out, a huge thank you. If you were one of the ones who made it happen–Margaret, Sarah, Christophe, Yann, Olivier, Lul, Nicolas–I’ll never be able to thank you with words.

Troy

I recorded a live song today. If I go the way of Icarus, I wanted to leave with a smile. “ER” from the new CD.

This song was recorded as an experiment. J’apprends le français.

The lyrics have now been adjusted thanks to the assistance of Christope Garnier.

The video for this song on YouTube was taken down due to a recording error. We’re shooting it again. It’s looking lovely out though so I imagine we’ll have it up this week. I’ll send out a tweet!

»

Endormi

Avec les chiens à la plage.
Je vais nager passé les rochers.
Je voudrais une fin du monde.
La fin du monde,
ma fille.

Quand je ne peux pas te voir.
Au dessus des vagues.
Je vais te raconter des histoires.
La fin du monde,
ma fille.

Quand je dors, ils viennent,
ils te portent dans leurs bras.
Et tu ris.
Je ne sais pas nager.
La fin du monde,
ma fille.

With the dogs at the beach.
I will swim past the rocks
I would like an end to the world.
The end of the world,
my daughter.

When I can’t see you
over the waves
I will tell you stories.
The end of the world,
my daughter

When I sleep, they come and
they carry you in their arms.
And you laugh.
You know I not swimming.
The end of the world,
My daughter

I really appreciate everyone who has been listening to my music this year…reading my ramblings…you’re lovely people.

I was playing around with a song that I originally recorded on an old 4-track back in 1999. I taped it and then painstakingly drew this animation.

Here are the lyrics:

pressure builds of too much gone
too much mislaid and every night
the bird comes back
i see it now

and i could stop this conscious of..
you’re unconvinced
i’ll start to lose this
half awake and cursed to fade

i am not half in remission
i am sinking and you can’t hold me
you can’t sleep and that just kills
i’ve become a good man’s frame

the dust filled corner lights were left on
dig up books to turn this over
dig up games to trick myself
knowing i will always reach for straws

i am half in remission
i am sinking and you can’t hold me
you can’t sleep and that just kills
i’ve become a good man’s frame

Too late to worry about that now.

Pop Culture Monster is a website created by two Irish gents, Ciarán Reinhardt and Ian Cummins. It’s a fun read that’s grown up quickly. In less than a year, they’ve added staff and amassed a wonderfully quirky reference on pop music and culture.

Take a look at my video over on Pop Culture Monster and say hello to them.

Let me know on Twitter! Thx!

Go to Twitter Now or, as a random aside, you can check out the curious creations of Portland’s famous Glade Swope.

I played a thirty minute solo set. It was a pleasant way to end 2009′s performance calendar…doubling tempos and turning slow songs into downright angry ones.

Maybe somebody had spiked my chocolate milk.

That’s it for 2009.

Check out the host, Joshua Madore and his music.

A 30-minute set in the beginning @ 9PM. Solo with just a guitar this time. A few stories. A couple pints. See you there.

More info on MySpace.