knee deep in static

Last month it was two years since my Dad passed away. It’s hard to imagine that so much time has passed, when at the same time it feels like so little. Sometimes it still feels like he could be sitting downstairs listening to his music with headphones on and it feels a little weird when I do go downstairs for whatever reason to find that it’s dark and he’s not there. Plus, of course, if he was listening to music on his headphones? I would have been able to hear it upstairs.

I don’t think it really gets any easier, but you just get used to it more.

There are so many things that have happened in the last two years that make me think of my dad – like going on holiday with mum and thinking that he would have liked to see those places. Or going to see bands! I really got into The Gaslight Anthem a few months after he passed away and whenever I listen to their music, I am stuck every time by the thought that he would really have liked it. He would have enjoyed going to see them live with me (rather than gone to a gig and thought they were merely “OK” like with AFI). I’ve considered getting a tattoo for the last like… ten years (it’s the kind of permanent decision I won’t rush into) and my dad always said to me “When you go and get one, let me know and I’ll come get one too.” This won’t even happen now but I’ve thought about it a lot recently since I’ve mostly likely settled on what I’d like etch indelibly on my person now.

I’m getting used to it yeah, and it feels more real, but it’s never going to be easy.

Admittedly, I just went to hear The Vaccines, but I feel I should at least mention the other two bands. Various Cruelties were first on and I know I quite liked them, though I can’t remember any of their songs now or what they sounded like. They were okay and maybe if I hear more of their music in the future, I’ll remember them better.

On the other hand, I do remember Colours and not in a good way. :/ The music was ok, but the vocals had an echo-effect slapped on them which kind of ruined it all for me. Not my taste and I only remember them because I really didn’t get into it.

So. The Vaccines. The most hyped band I’ve heard of all year. I like them. They come across as kind of old-fashioned (not retro, just old-fashioned…there’s some subtle difference I can’t quite explain) and they sound a bit like The Ramones crossed with…other bands I like but can’t name. The songs are uncomplicated and rockin’ and I’m definitely going to buy their album when it comes out. …