It’s a blast having buddy/client Craig Finn in town. While The Hold Steady is on hiatus until they start writing the next album this fall, Craig’s in town recording a solo album. We’re looking forward to spending some time in the studio later this week, concepting the design and shooting some video

Awesome anniversary gift from lil’ bro and Sue: handmade Helms family flag! They have the tattoo.

Man, this made my day. Seems Donald Ray Pollack got wind of my props to his stellar debut novel Knockemstiff, and gave us a shout to say thanks. Class act.

Tribeza magazine asked me to write about my perfect day in Austin. I should have included a part about winning the lotto, buying Frost tower, wearing a cape and living at the top with my midget donkey, Shasta . That would be a good day, too.

Over at the studio, this is the way Erick answers questions. Unfortunately, his potential responses are limited to words that can be formed with letters from the word “whisky.”

So excited to finally post Workshop’s video for pal Will Johnson and Centro-matic’s first single from Candidate Waltz. It was a messy, sweaty 3 days of shooting— and a total blast. Thanks to Beef & Pie and Black Sheep Lodge for helping to make it happen. Click to check it out, and let us know what you think!

These amazing pics of cataloged vintage tools from the Ettore Guatelli museum really remind me of the Liberty Cannery that John Bielenberg introduced me to up in Maine. We’ve done a wall of hammers at the new studio, but based on these we better step up our game….

Just picked up a copy of Steinweiss Script, by buddy and ridiculously talented typographer Michael Doret.

A couple of pieces from Shanghai artist Yang Yongliang’s Phantom Landscape series. I was lucky enough to see these a few months back when I was speaking in Wichita. Thanks to Doug Stucky for stealing  a few minutes out of the day to show me the surprisingly extensive Ulrich Museum…

Wishing Santa would bring some Weylandts furniture for the new studio. Awesome stuff from a company started in Namibia in 1964…

If you could see an intimate, 25-guest performance of any currently-active band who would you choose? Who would you geek out over? Your suggestion could become a reality— Exciting projects on the horizon for 2011…

Great shots by Dave Mead, of clients The Hold Steady at this year’s spectacular FunFunFun Fest….

Great shots by Dave Mead, of clients The Hold Steady at this year’s spectacular FunFunFun Fest….