There's a new Bottle Rockets album out. I had no idea. It's called Lean Forward. Geoffrey Himes says it's pretty terrific.

I've forgiven Brian Henneman for giving up booze (and, more significantly, writing a terrible song about it). The last couple of albums -- Zoysia and Blue Sky -- have been pretty damn good, probably their best stuff since The Brooklyn Side (which is pure genius).

I have few claims to fame in life. But one of them is answering correctly a question posed by Henneman during a show at the 400 Bar nearly a decade ago: "Has anyone figured out the theme for tonight?" I correctly yelled out that the band was playing their songs in chronological order. For that bit of knowledge I was awarded the opportunity to climb on stage and swig from a bottle of Jack Daniels. I performed flawlessly. Momma would have been proud.

Hody can verify. I think White Jimmy was there that night too.

Unfortunately it doesn't look like they currently have a show booked for the Twin Cities.