Friday, August 29, 2008

AAW Year in Review - 3 Year Blog-a-versary

Before we get started.... If you didn't see Obama's speech last night find it online and watch it. This was a once in 100 years speech.

Alright... here we go.... Comin' home with a bottle.... Tryin' not to break the seal...

Sorry, seriously, here we go...

AAW is this many old:
3

Here's how bad I suck a remembering birthdays. I completely forgot AAW's which is August 22.

So, I've decided to 'Want Sandy' who promised to aid me in 'membering thing I should 'member. (Who knew you could find something useful searching for porn... hey, I've got a thing for beach sex... whatareyagonnado)

5 days a week (mostly) for 3 solid years and I have to say that those 3 year have mighty, mighty fine. And 3 years solid online is like.... I should go really big here.... like a bazillion (nice... I was going to go 'gazillion' but 'bazillion' is much better.) years in non-cyber time.

Another year of bad grammar, shitty wording, and some fogged out reasoning mixed with the occasional gem, the occasional astute observation and a whole lot of rock and or roll.

Why, it seems like only 2 years ago.... wait, it was 2 years ago.... that I posted AAW's uno birthday post:

Alabama Ass Whuppin': 12 Months of Ass Whuppin'

And a mere 12 months since uno, post #2:

Alabama Ass Whuppin': 2 Years of Ass Whuppin:

"Another year has past and I'm still here and a lot more of y'all have stopped by (an additional 43,000 unique visitors since this time last year). I appreciate all y'all and the comments, emails and mailbox goodies y'all send."

And with another year comes more growth. Almost 60,000 unique visitors have stopped by since last August 22. Now this ain't Largehearted or Aquarium numbers but I'm no where near as talented as those guys. I'll take it, though, and I'm happy to have made even more friends because of ol' AAW.

Of all the friendships I've forged through AAW none are as special to me (unless I've told you, specifically, otherwise, then of course YOU are the most special) as my friendship with Jenn B. Jenn has been a golden anchor for me. The insights to love and life I've gained through my conversations with Jenn mean more to me than I could ever really put in to words. Love you, J.!

I also held a little fundraiser for the first time:

Alabama Ass Whuppin': AAW Fun(d) Raiser

Thanks to all who donated or supported this effort. You folks are the best.

An update: I'm still milking this Compaq for all that it has left. Recently it has developed some lung issues as the fan labors like it has emphysema. The car situation was remedied for a few months as a friend moved to Canada for a year and has let me use their car. And lastly, the job change has kept food in my mouth and a roof over my head, it hasn't made me rich by any stretch of the imagination, but it has allowed me greater freedom in my life.

Now, I'm sure there are many, many of you that are 'gosh-darniting' right now that you missed the opportunity to donate to ol AAW. Fret not, the lines are still open. Why, I'll even give you the link again:

Alabama Ass Whuppin': AAW Fun(d) Raiser

From time to time I like to discuss the politics (or as the kids these days like to call it...'The 'what?'') of our great nation.

Politics over the past year had me begging for Al Gore, before I fell for the handsome brotha from another motha. Here are two speeches that gave me hope in the U.S. once again:

Alabama Ass Whuppin': 'A More Perfect Union'

Alabama Ass Whuppin': "We are Americans First"

I just finished his first book Dreams of My Father and I'm even more impressed with the type of man and leader Obama is.

I fell in and out of love with several actresses and singers and women way smarter than me. Though, I don't think I'll ever get over..... I, I can't even say her name....

Alabama Ass Whuppin': Siren Song of the Snorg Chick

I've done some traveling over the past few months.

Alabama Ass Whuppin': Traveling Man

Alabama Ass Whuppin': Walk Abouts....

This is one of the better excursions evah:

Alabama Ass Whuppin': My Athens Georgia Getaway

But my heart always remains in San Francisco.

Alabama Ass Whuppin': Fightin' Giraffes

Christmas occurred again last year. Whew, avoided the wrath of baby jeebus for 12 more months. Always a good thing.

Alabama Ass Whuppin': Happy Hollandaise

And we ushered in the most promising year since..... 1992, I guess:

Alabama Ass Whuppin': 2008

Friends old and new are kicking ass in big ways:

Alabama Ass Whuppin': Champions

And I lost a couple of great men in my life:

Alabama Ass Whuppin': Marcus Hixon Wilson - 1920-2007

Alabama Ass Whuppin': Billy Neal Haddock - 1924-2007

Then there's that other thing that I blog about. Take it away, Nietzsche.

Without music life would be a mistake. ~Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche

See, not all existentialist are gloom and doom.

My crowning jewel of the past year has to be getting my name and the blog written in the liner notes of DBT's Brighter Than Creations Dark. It is definitely in the top 3 coolest things ever to happen to me.

So, what else happened in the past year musically.....

We received an instant classic:

Alabama Ass Whuppin': Scene of the Crime

Drive-by Truckers came out with their best record yet:

Alabama Ass Whuppin': The Home Front Kickoff Round-up:
"Benny was my photo journalist. I sent him A.A.W. credentials that gave him access to practically anywhere (since A.A.W. is a low budget operation the 'credentials' were just a piece of gaffers tape with A.A.W. Sharpied on it.)

Alabama Ass Whuppin': Brighter Than Creation's Dark:

"'Amazon.com Sales Rank: #18 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Popular in these categories:
#1 in Music - Classic Rock - Southern Rock
#9 in Music - Rock
#15 in Music - Pop'"
I had the pleasure of seeing Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit early in the year. I've spoken to a couple of folks who've heard some roughs of Jason's new album and the praise could not be any better. I'm really excited for this one to come out. It will be great.

Alabama Ass Whuppin': JI400 at Slim's - San Franciso - 1/26/08

Will Hoge played with Isbell on this tour. I'd seen Will a couple times before with The Drams. Will plays some mighty fine music, puts on a killer show, and he drives his own tour bus. Bad ass.

Will had a bad accident recently. I have read that he is doing better. Thoughts go out to him and his and here's to a speedy recovery.

Musician Will Hoge is in critical condition after motorbike accident:

"Nashville rock musician Will Hoge, 35, is in critical condition in Vanderbilt University Medical Center after being involved in a motor scooter accident Wednesday evening."

Bettye LaVette and DBT got screwed at the Grammy Awards.

Alabama Ass Whuppin': DBT Grammy Week in Review - 2/8/08

Got to see The Rock Show in San Francisco. It was, of course, Tony-the-Tiger GGGGGREAT!

Alabama Ass Whuppin': DBT at The Mezzanie - SF - Preview

Alabama Ass Whuppin': DBT Amoeba Preview

Alabama Ass Whuppin': Drive-by Truckers - San Francisco - 2/13 - Part 1

Alabama Ass Whuppin': DBT - San Francisco - 2/13 and 2/14 - Part 2

I held a DBT MySpace Song Poll that was a fine success.

Alabama Ass Whuppin': DBT MySpace Songs Poll

Had a bit of a hand in the DBT shout-out on Red State Update.

Alabama Ass Whuppin': DBT on Red State Update

Slobberbone got back together recently and I wasn't at the show thus it doesn't count:

Alabama Ass Whuppin': No Man Among Men

Alabama Ass Whuppin': But it's not the same when you're not here....

And, I finally, finally saw one of my favorite bands live, Glossary:

Alabama Ass Whuppin': Glossary

So, what do we have to look forward to in the coming year... hell, months?

This:

Alabama Ass Whuppin': Rock and Roll Means Well

I never thought this blog would last 3 years when I started it. I thank all of my readers and all of the great friends I've made. All of the incredibe music and the wonderful people who make it.

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!!

Now, let's see what year 4 has in store.

Oh, and one final thought.... ROLL TIDE! Season starts tomorrow!!!


11 comments:

davyproctorboy said...

AAW---Happy birthday to my favorite toddler! Or are blog years equal to dog years?

AAW said...

Goo-goo, gaa-gaa, Davy! Or, Thanks much in big-boy talk.

AAW is a 38 year old 3 year old.

;-)

AAW said...

Damn, did I not linky-linky? I'll get that fixed pronto!

Love you much, too!

I'm gonna "Obama" that birthday. I'm going to "Obama" it good!

Jenn said...

We gotta come up with a verb your last name should represent. What happens when you "Wilson" something? I think I know! :D

Unknown said...

Hey now. Not everyone in San Francisco is gay (referring to the "not gay" Jason

Unknown said...

Yeah, yeah, yeah. I, too used to be gay, now Im just happy.
I just love San Francisco. And I know part of what makes the City so unique is its "gayness" (is that a word?)
So, maybe I took "offense" to your statement Jenn. I dont know.
On a personal note......I dont know you, but I can honestly say, based what I do know of you, that I love you. You seem very, very authentic and somewhat original. In todays society, That is quite a treat for me.

Unknown said...

Oops! Sorry Jason. I thought Jenn posted that. Im on my way to a "phat" drunk.
Something I dont do a lot.

Peace.
did you make the Outside lands?

AAW said...

So you don't love me know?!? Well, I've had shorter relationships, so...

Enjoy that drunk, Henry.

Yep, I made it to the Outside Lands. Good time. Not Hardly Strictly good, but the band sounded GREAT!

Unknown said...

You a funny guy Jason. Someday, Id like to meet you, seeings we are "neighbors" and such.
I personally thought the Outside lands set was awesome.
Anyway, I love you man. Anyone thats as dedicated to the DBT's like you are deserves much love.
Peace!

Townser said...

Congrats Buddy. Three years and my non-gay mancrush is still firmly in place!

AAW said...

Thanks, T.!