Summer plans.

Hello all,

It's going to be a summer full of shows and sweat. We're lining up some pretty solid dates for the summer, so come check us out somewhere. We're going to begin writing some more songs once everyone gets out of school.

I'd like to let everyone know about the Independent in Auburn, AL. It's one of our favorite venues to play. We were fortunate enough to play there last Saturday night. It might've been the best crowd we've had, and we've had some great ones. Thanks to Heath for getting us down there. We'll be back soon Auburn folk.

Sunday night brought the end of our favorite television series; LOST. It's both heartbreaking and relieving that it's gone. It was really something special.

Be sure to check out our tour dates please.

I don't have a whole lot to say, so I figured I'd put up my top 5 records of the year so far, it's almost half-way through the year.

Here you go:

Scratch that, I liked "No Better Than This" by John Mellencamp. I also dug "Transference" by Spoon.

Keep in mind, these could very easily change by the end of the year. I also feel I'm forgetting something. We'll see.

My biggest disappointments so far are:

1. "Heaven Is Whenever" - Hold Steady

I'm really just not digging the production style on this at all. The back-up vocals almost sound auto-tuned, which doesn't fit with the Hold Steady. Franz's absence is noticeable.

2. "Infinite Arms" - Band Of Horses

These songs are just not nearly as good as their last two records. I hate that, because I'm a huge fan of their last two records.

3. "The Big To-Do" - Drive-By Truckers

At first I thought this record was awful, now it's growing on me a little bit. However, I don't think it's nearly as good as anything they've put out in the past 10 years, even "A Blessing And A Curse".

I'm not saying these 3 records are awful, I'm just disappointed by them. I really like the Hold Steady, I guess I was just waiting on another "Separation Sunday."

I'm out.

-toby

It was a pretty crazy weekend.

Hello all,

I'm really trying to get more consistent in updating this thing.

What does everyone think about the new picture? You should see it right above this post. I'm kinda digging it. FASTEN YOUR SEAT BELTS. Thanks to Elliott McPherson for taking the picture.

So on to this past weekend, Friday night was the much anticipated return of Moonlight Towers to the Golden Triangle. It was a fun show. I thought they played great. I was really happy with our performance as well. James even joined us for Rockin' In The Free World. So that was cool. It was most definitely an interesting night. We sold some CD's, which is always a plus. Thank you to each and every one of you who came out.

On Saturday, we had to wake up early in the morning and get our asses to Memphis for the next show. The thing we played at was called a Rock'n'Romp. It was an incredible event. Honestly, I was more impressed by this thing than anything we've been a part of. I'm not sure of all the details, but apparently some Memphis musicians/parents started this thing to get their children involved in the local music/arts scene. Which is a brilliant idea. They treated us incredibly well. Over 500 people were in attendence, even though there was a thunderstorm happening. The fact that it's only 5 dollars to get in and you get to see some great music, eat food, and all kids get in free make this a great time. Really, thank you Memphis. We'll be back, I assure you.

Now, it's 9 o'clock on Sunday night. I've got our new copy of "The Moon and Antarctica" from Record Store Day on the turntable. I hope everyone is doing well.

We play Egan's this coming Friday, there's nothing like coming home.

-toby

Currently listening: "The Moon and Antarctica" - Modest Mouse.

I already said this. But this is a phenomenal record. Give it a chance.

On the eve of the big day...

Hello all,

First off, I'd like to say thank you to everyone who's ever come to a show, bought a record, heard a song, or anything. We've been at it about 3 years or so and really appreciate all the support we've had over these years. I feel we have a ton of years left in us. We couldn't do it without y'all, and we are very thankful of it.

Last Saturday was Record Store Day. Now I think this thing is a wonderful idea for the independent music community. It gives me, at least, a sense of feeling like I belong to something special. We celebrated the day at Oz Music in good ole Tuscaloosa, AL. Roll Tide. We got to pick up some really cool exclusives, including a sweet John Lennon singles thing, and got to watch some killer bands play. Actually, we played also. It went great. The crowd was phenomenal, there was a good amount of people there, we got to play to a ton of new faces. Just a very cool experience and event. I'm sure it will keep growing also. That excites me.

This night is the eve of two very big events in my life.

The first one is we're going to be sharing the stage with Moonlight Towers at the Ritz Theatre in West Point, MS. This is a big deal for a few reasons. James Stevens, the lead singer for Moonlight Towers, produced our first record over a year ago in Austin, TX at EAR. He also happens to be a West Point native. Now being from the Golden Triangle myself, I take great pride in it's music scene. I think it's great that we'll be playing a show together. Almost two years ago, we played with the Towers at Zachary's in Columbus, MS. We were a completely different band at that point. I apologize to everyone at that show. I swear we've gotten better. James took us under his wing and helped us grow into the band we are today. We couldn't thank him more.

Again, this show is at the Ritz Theatre in West Point, MS. Doors open at 8. 20 dollar cover. We should start around 9, with Moonlight Towers following us.

Another reason tomorrow is special:

I'll be turning 20 years old. As Mr. Bond says, "You're leavin' your teens behind." Now, the feelings I have right now are kind of odd. It feels weird to be leaving my teens behind. The oldest member in the band besides me is only 17. So I guess I just feel like I'm leaving something behind. I am excited about what my twenties will bring. I'm hopeful that I won't go too crazy. Someone today told me, it's all downhill from here. I refuse to believe that. I'm going to make it bigger and better.

Also, our next record might be called "Military Road." I'm positively thrilled with how the songs are coming along. I hope you all like it too.

-toby

Taste of the day:

Neil Young - "Tonight's The Night"

I've never been the biggest Neil Young fan, but this one turned me into it. Listen to it yourself and hear why.

Thank you all so much. We love you.

It's been far too long.

Hello all,

It's been a little over a month since the last post. I hope everyone's doing pretty well.

We're doing well as a band.

We have a few updates.

Max got a new drum kit. It's pretty damn cool. Covered in houndstooth. Roll Tide.

We've been demoing a lot of songs for our next record. We've got 5 done. We'll put out a new record before the year's out. I guarantee it. They're sounding really good. Pretty different for us. Really Southern. But good Southern.

SXSW was a great time for us. We were honored to play there and our show went really really well. Moonlight Towers killed it as well. We were lucky enough to see some great shows that week. My favorite band by far was the Morning Benders. Exceptional band, as well as being really nice guys.

As much fun as we had that week we were also devastated by the news that Alex Chilton had passed away. Chilton is best known as the voice of the Box-Tops and Big Star. Alex Chilton was a musical genius in every way imaginable. When I first heard a Big Star record, I was literally blown away. He wrote what I consider to be the greatest power-pop song of all time, "September Gurls." The music world suffered the loss of an irreplaceable figure. It's a shame more people don't know about Chilton and Big Star. I could rave and rave about him/them, but it won't do any good till you go out and buy one of their records. It doesn't even matter which one, "#1 Record," "Radio City," and "Third/Sister Lovers" all show what an incredible band they were. Mr. Chilton, we will miss you deeply.

This Saturday is Record Store Day. Everyone in the general area should come to Oz Music. We'll be playing around 3. Also, I believe every other band on the Hackberry Records roster will be playing as well. It should be a fun day. Exclusive releases look to be pretty good. Fuck Super Bulldog Weekend Starkville, drive an hour down 82 and throw down for A Day in T-Town.

The next weekend will be really cool for us as well.

Friday, April 23rd we'll be playing at the Ritz Theatre in West Point, MS with Moonlight Towers. This will be Moonlight Towers' first Golden Triangle show in 2 years. We're thrilled to be sharing the stage with them yet again. This show just happens to take place on my 20th birthday and there's nowhere else in the world I'd rather be. So come out. Throw down.

On April 24th we'll be playing at a Rock'N'Romp in Memphis. This will be our first Memphis show in a long time, so we hope to see all you guys come out. This is geared towards toddlers and parents so it should be quite interesting.

Thank you all.

-toby

Taste of the day

"Third/Sister Lovers" by Big Star. It's a shame about the passing of Alex Chilton. Listen to this record and revel in his genius.

More updates....

Hello friends and family,

We're excited about a lot of things coming up.

For one, we're playing at Mellow Mushroom tonight for SweetDog's birthday with Baak Gwai, River City Tanlines, and Jeff Evans and his Southern Aces. I'm telling you, this will be a phenomenal concert. PHENOMENAL. I promise.

Tomorrow night, we'll be playing at the Heritage Academy Beauty Review. Now this event is ironic for me as I have previously vowed never to step foot in my former high school again. But I will be there. We're only playing for 15 - 20 minutes so we'll play some interesting things.

Our big news of the week is that we will officially be at SXSW.

It's the Pop Culture Press party at the Dog and Duck Pub on Thursday, March 18th. I believe we'll be playing around 1 p.m.

Other bands on the bill include, Moonlight Towers, Service Industry, and the Meat Puppets. This will be our first show in Austin since July, so we're very very excited to be playing. It's an honor for us.

New Record news:

Still writing songs. We have almost 7 done. I believe that we will solely release our next record on vinyl, with options for digital downloads and what not. There's no point in putting out a CD when all people do is just buy it, then put it on their computer, then lose the CD. So yeah, that's my take on it. I plan on having it out by the end of the year.

Thank you all,

-toby

Currently Listening - "Hardwire Healing" by Dexateens. Southern rock'n'roll. Listen to it. See them live.

New Things....

Hello all,

I apologize that it's been 2 months since the last update. My top records of the decade list was shit. I'll admit it. I have no idea what I was thinking I feel like an idiot.

We've been playing shows left and right. Writing new songs. Getting beaten up by women.

Some new song titles:

Don't Know What You Want

I Think I Want To Love You

Out At Sea

58 Degrees With Sprinkles

Baby, I Need You

Those 5 are done. They're evolving more and more with every show. I forgot how exciting it is to play new material. The reaction so far is great, but I wouldn't tell you if it was bad. So you'll have to form your own opinion.

I'm really wanting to record soon. We've got to finish up 5 or 6 more songs then we'll hit the studio. This record will be very different. A lot of keys. A lot of background vocals, but not in the same way as the last record. More textures. Not as simple as the last one. Hopefully, we'll be able to better capture our live performance on the new record. Our punk influence is so far nonexistent on these songs. But who knows? My favorite is "I Think I Want To Love You." Prepare to hear some profanities this time round. Nothing too bad. But some of these songs are very angry lyrically. I really hope people like it. It'll be different for us. I'd like to have a new record out within the next 5 or 6 months. Maybe sooner. This album will definitely mesh better than the last one, not that the last one was erratic. These songs perfectly portray our recent emotions about life.

We'll be playing SXSW in Austin this year. I'm not sure of the exact place. I believe we're playing with the Meat Puppets, Moonlight Towers, and the Service Industry. I love Austin with all of my heart.

We're playing Sweetdog's birthday on Friday, February 26th at the Mellow Mushroom in Tuscaloosa. There's some great bands on the bill, so make sure to come out.

We're playing at the Heritage Academy Beauty Review in Columbus, MS on February 27th. Yes, the Heritage Academy Beauty Review. It'll be hilarious to put my feet in my former high school again. We're going to open with "The Road." Whether it'll be extended or not, I have no idea.

We're all trucking away through high school and college. Or trying to truck through I should say.

Our grandfather, Jimmy Jordan, joined us onstage for "Rockin In The Free World" last Saturday. Never has that song been so powerful.

We love each and every one of you.

Hope all's well,

-toby

Currently Listening -

"Transference" by Spoon. Goodness, this record is phenomenal. It's on the turntable at Coleman's house right now actually. If you haven't listened to this, go do so now. Don't read the pathetic review in The Reflector. It sounds great.

The Motions' top records of the decade...

With the decade coming to a close, here's my personal picks for the top 25 records of the decade.

25. "The Rising" - Bruce Springsteen

24. "The Body, The Blood, The Machine" - The Thermals

23. "Stankonia" - Outkast

22. "Diorama" - Silverchair

21. "The Argument" - Fugazi

20. "Kill The Moonlight" - Spoon

19. "Hail To The Thief" - Radiohead

18. "Boxer" - The National

17. "Rubber Factory" - The Black Keys

16. "Z" - My Morning Jacket

15. "Amnesiac" - Radiohead

14. "Chutes Too Narrow" - The Shins

13. "Brighter Than Creation's Dark" - Drive-By Truckers

12. "Funeral" - Arcade Fire

11. "Boys And Girls In America" - The Hold Steady

10. "Abattoir Blues/The Lyre Of Orpheus" - Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds

9. "Illinois" - Sufjan Stevens

8. "Is This It?" - The Strokes

7. "Neon Bible" - Arcade Fire

6. "Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga" - Spoon

5. "The Moon And Antarctica" - Modest Mouse

4. "Yankee Hotel Foxtrot" - Wilco

3. "Young Modern" - Silverchair

2. "Kid A" - Radiohead

1. "In Rainbows" - Radiohead

Yeah, it's an odd list I guess. I know everyone is either going with Yankee Hotel Foxtrot or Kid A as record of the decade, but personally, I just find In Rainbows more enjoyable. Maybe not groundbreaking, but not all great records have to be groundbreaking. If you haven't listened to Young Modern, do yourself a favor and check it out. That record is incredible, from start to finish. There you go.

-toby