SMALL, BUT SATISFYING: Here's a little (and I mean very little) but good review of A&D on Daggerzine.com

"Educated type with an MBA in one hand and his guitar in the other. These are hooky-laden , rock/pop tunes in the vein of Ryan Adams or at times Dylan though more ebullient than either. Opener “The Bearded Lady” perfect sets the tone of the record and most of this baker’s dozen are worth of your time."
 
http://www.daggerzine.com/reviews_short.html
 
 
I wish the word "hunk" was still used to describe an attractive man.



I had a once-in-a-lifetime experience golfing recently. PGA course, PGA tour pro, great friends, + an important charity. http://bit.ly/bQ0QxM


I like the Cee Lo song + I know they HAVE to change it for radio, but changing the swear ruins it. "Forget you" or "Eff-you." Weak...


I had a great experience recently at Zippah Recording Studios in Boston. Highly recommended! http://www.zippah.com/



Old Spice's brilliant marketing campaign? RIPPED OFF! Deep down, we all knew it was inspired by Grover. :) SESAME STREET: SMELL LIKE A MONSTER! Click here
 
 
RT @DIY_Musicians: Lessons From U2:Fail Harder:Irish Times interview w/Steve Lillywhite http://bit.ly/bFfHoz -I loved the album actually-PA

Kenny...Ken...Ken...come on Ken...if you wanted me to write a song for you, you could've just asked. :) (And yes, the next line in the song is indeed "love a lot.")


Kenny Chesney-"Live A Little"

Thank God for those “Photo Memories” that Facebook puts on the right side of some of the pages. Cause I don’t remember being at ANY of those things...

Please “Like” me (my music at least) on Facebook if you haven't already. I could really use the positive reinforcement (hey, I’m just being honest!). See the link and page below:

MY FACEBOOK MUSIC PAGE



SOME PICS FROM THE ACOUSTIC SHOW AT THE HARD ROCK AT FOXWOODS 9/23/10

Simple question today...should men get manicures and/or pedicures? And what do you think of men who get them? (open to both men and women)


I'm ashamed to admit...I've never understood the song "No Woman No Cry." Can anyone tell me what it means? Does it mean if you don't have a woman in your life, you'll never cry??? Don't cry, woman??? Without a woman, you'll cry??? I'm lost!!!


The band The National (@The_National) has released a live EP in the UK only. Anyone know when it'll be available in the US?

Is there ever an appropriate time to do “The Isaac?” The smile with the double finger point guns…God, I hope so. Cause I catch myself doing it at least a 4-5 times a week.

Saw Sebastian Maniscalco (@S_Maniscalco) perform this weekend. Funniest comedian I've seen in a long, long time!

If there was a radio station that played the theme song from The Jeffersons on repeat, it’d be about a week and a half before I changed the channel. (Actually, there is such a thing…it’s called my iPod.)


To help you through your Monday, click the link below...if you're physically able to sit and listen to this and re...sist singing, dancing, moving, clapping your hands, or lip synching to "fish don't fry in the kitcheeeeeeeeoooooooowwwwwwnnnnnnnn, beans don't burn on the greeeeeeeeeeeeelllllll" then I'll give you a hundred bucks*

*I won't actually

Speaking of…we all know that it is indisputable that "The Jeffersons" is the best TV theme song in history. So I ask, what is the SECOND best TV theme song of all time??? (Cheers? Kotter? Sanford and Son?)


What's your most interesting celebrity encounter? Does it top me seeing Mr. Miyagi, Pat Morita, in an elevator in San Fran?


The "Life is Good" Festival was held in nearby Mass. this weekend with Ben Harper, Guster, Jason Mraz, Ziggy...a tempting bill, but I didn't go. I'd already bought tickets to the "Life's Been Pretty Crappy Lately" Festival in Cleveland next weekend. The Cure, The Smiths, MC Hammer...


YOUR AYOUB CHALLENGE FOR THE WEEKEND: To use the word “necking” straight-faced in a conversation. The only rule is, you can’t reference Happy Days. Report back the reactions you get on Monday.


I wanted to go to this show. I didn't. I regret it. (By the way, when I sing along to Da Doo Ron Ron, which I do almost daily, I use "Phil" instead of "Bill" just like you do...)
Jenny Dee

When I see five weirdos, dressed in togas, stabbing a man in the middle of the park in full view of a hundred people, I shoot the bastards. That's MY policy!


I'm not sure if I love this song yet, but I definitely like it today. Jesse Malin "Burning the Bowery." On www.ba... ♫ http://blip.fm/~w4ry4


I apologize to anyone who has gotten spam emails from his Yahoo account about Viagra and other crap. I must have some sort of virus (on my computer, I mean). Having said that, I don't believe in accidents and think everything happens for a reason. Therefore if you did get a Viagra link, then maybe its about time you loo...k to those blue pills for a little extra juice, if you know what I mean...


Someone just asked me "Are you 'The Waffle?'" Wish I knew what would have happened if I said yes.


A former Britney Spears' bodyguard has sued her for sexual harrasment, claiming she subjected him to "unwanted sexual advances."
What does that mean???
Oh, understand that he's suing her and all...I just don't understand the term "unwanted sexual advances." Is that English??? :)
(Anyone know how to update a resume that hasn't been changed in 5 years?) http://bit.ly/c4tGFG


There's no excuse for what he did,but the way Donte Stallworth has dealt with things helps restore faith in people. http://yhoo.it/aLYg1Y


I don't really comprehend the whole "Justin Long as leading man" era we seemingly have just embarked on.


I wonder if people still use Binaca. And if so, is it considered socially acceptable, or is it too "Jack Tripper?"


RT @picktoclick: @Uncleshag @philayoub Phil Ayoub"s "Lying and Stealing" played on Longtown Sound Podcast http://is.gd/eVla2


Question: Is there a point in the day where if you haven't brushed your teeth yet, you just shouldn't bother until tomorrow, or before bed tonight? I'm not saying its ME! Just asking...


Beautiful song written by my friend Helene Cronin: "Lucky Me"-A tribute to service men and women. http://youtu.be/4t0mJAUGESQ


I know you need this today...and deep down YOU know you need this today. Happy September! (And yes, I have that outfit...)

Happy 200th episode to the Mothpod! I'm proud to have an old school track on this one...and proud to be a Mothmaniac!
The Mothpod 200th Episode
 
 

"...NOTHING SHORT OF MUSICAL BRILLIANCE..."

Well, now I'm blushing.  I mean, I don't know that I'd go THAT far....well, actually yes, yes on second thought maybe I would... :)

A great review from Metronome Magazine:

Here's the text, since basically I can't read it either and for whatever reason, I'm having a hard time enlarging it (yeah yeah....you're in 8th grade!)

Top 5 for
September 2010
(In NO Particular Order)

• Mississippi Heat
• 1476
• Phil Ayoub
• Highway Ghosts
• Mitch Woods

PHIL AYOUB
ARRIVALS AND DEPARTURES
13-SONG CD

Phil Ayoub graced our April 2006 cover on the strength of his debut solo album Schoolbus Window Paper Heart. Now he returns with an outstanding sophomore effort that shows-off his growth as both songwriter and musician. Blending Americana, Pop, Country, Cajun and Rock, Ayoub's songs sparkle with jangling strings, whirring keyboards, lush accordion, exotic percussion and clever prose. Song after song, the music just gets better and better.

Teaming up with producer Tim Bradshaw [John Mayer; David Gray], Ayoub was gracefully pushed to find the best voice he had. The outcome is nothing short of musical brilliance. Bradshaw also brought a host of well played instrumentation to the table along with the outstanding drumming of Kevin Figueiredo [Extreme] and the rock-solid bottom end of bassist Remy LaPlage. Other musicians that grace the recording include Aart Knyff [bass], Chris Gauthier [shaker; tambourine], Zoe Gerrard [vocals], Ellie Gerrard [flute; keyboards; vocals], Rosie Gerrard [vocals], Jane Cornes [vocals], Bridie Cornes [vocals], Bailey Ayoub [percussion; vocals] and Joby Dickens [vocals]. This superb collection of friends all add to the charm and musicality that is Phil Ayoub. Outstanding! [D.S.]
Contact-- http://www.philayoub.com/

Bad Habits "Show 'n Tell" Fan Video

A fan and friend sent me this homemade video to "Bad Habits."  HOW GREAT IS THIS???!!!  It's like an instructional video for it...no wait, that wouldn't be good.  Its more of a show 'n tell video!  A perfect picture montage coordinated in rapid-fire perfection to the song!  Check it out!!!

Half of the recording for my most recent disc was done on two separate trips I took to England last year. I would wake up in the morning, which was the middle of the night back home, and get online while I had some coffee. One of the first mornings, I saw a blog post from my friend Adam in NJ (posted insanely early!). I hadn’t noticed his blog before then, and I took a look. For the rest of that trip, and my next one, reading his posts every morning (along with checking Red Sox scores and talking to mom and dad) kept me connected to home (while I was in the deep, dark, remote jungles of Stoke-On-Trent in the U.K.). He writes poignant, honest observations on various things in his life, big and small, that come from the thoughts and experiences of one man but are almost always relatable to everyone.

I’ve been meaning to do a lot of things on this journal and on Facebook (and in the rest of my life!) that I haven’t yet. One is to mention his blog. I feel a little cheesy doing it today, because he mentions one of my songs in his post (which I’m honored to say he’s done a couple of other times too). But to be honest, I’m touched and kind of proud to do it today. As a songwriter, you sit or stand alone in the privacy and silence of your own house and try to come up with a way to express something you’re feeling…and the ultimate hope is that it will somehow make someone stop and take notice, even for a second. And when you find out that happened, it makes all the parties you missed, dates you passed up (there weren’t that many of those…), good-paying jobs you didn’t apply for, and time you didn’t spend with your friends in order to write something, worth it.

So here is the link to Adam’s blog:

http://mindracinginthestreet.blogspot.com/

The song he mentions is one that I hold close. Not because I knew anyone involved in the events that day. It was written from the perspective of someone with relative distance, but felt the impact and the hurt nonetheless. I remember picking up the guitar that very day and coming up with part of the music for it, and maybe some of the lyrics. But I had to put it down because I wasn’t ready. I knew I wanted to say something, but like many of us I was too confused and numb. Whether or not that confusion ever cleared, I was able to finish it in the few days that followed. As the years have passed, there are times when I wish I had written something that felt like more of an elegy. But it was how I felt.

Oh yeah, and one more thing…Yankees suck.

Think the Mt. Laurel Skiers video was a great idea???  I encourage you to do one yourself!  Pick one of the songs from A&D, or SWPH if you're feeling retro, and go for it!!!

The Mt. Laurel Skiers, who are undeniably and indisputably the most active ski, sports, and social club in the known universe and Connecticut, have used "Get Out (Live A Little, Love A Lot)" as the soundtrack to a new video they've created.  I am very grateful that they chose the song! 

Do you wanna get pumped?!  Then watch this!!!

If you're interested in learning more about the Mt. Laurel Skiers (...if you don't think they look like they're having a hell of a lot of fun, you're crazy...hello Full Monty!) here's a link to their site.  I don't ski, play sports, and I'm really not very sociable at all...but this video makes me want to join!

http://mtlski.com/


--------------------------------- 
I realized today that I have 6 talents in life. And two of them involve knowing all the words to "O.P.P."

-------------------------------- 
Will you eat at a restaurant by yourself? And if not, why not? One compelling reason I heard recently was "I don't eat alone cause then I have no one to tell me if I have anything stuck in my teeth."

----------------------------------- 
No, Weezer...I look just like Buddy Holly and YOU'RE MARY TYLER MOORE!!!!!!!!!

---------------------------------
I can say that I have eaten lightening on a few occasions, but I haven't yet crapped thunder.

I guess this was a no-brainer...Feist on Sesame Street. Very cute! But where is The Count??!! I thought he and Feist has settled their issues but I guess not...

NO PICS OF ME LOSING 80 BUCKS, THOUGH!

I'd like to thank everyone who came out to the show last night at the Hard Rock Cafe at Foxwoods!!! It was a wonderful midweek treat for me, and I really appreciate the support, thank you! (No thanks to the roulette and blackjack dealers who took me for 80 big ones after the show, though...). 

Here are a few pics, some courtesy of my great friend Sue and some courtesy of some other guy...

WED 8/11/10
I wonder how many hands of blackjack I can sneak in between sets tonight. Also wonder why I'd bother, when my gambling luck is on par with Clark Griswold.


THERE'S AN IMPORTANT QUESTION I'VE BEEN WANTING TO ASK YOU ALL:


Delilah
Yeah, you know who I'm talking about. Do you...
-Love her?
-Hate her?
-Publicly say she's annoying, but secretly listen when you're alone?
-Call in regularly?
-Weep occasionally at the heartbreaking or inspirational stories she shares?
-Find yourself singing along to the intro/outro tag line "Da-LIE-laaaaaaahhhhhhh"

When A&D goes on safari, the wildlife stop to watch him.

When A&D goes on safari, the wildlife stop to watch him.

A&D doesn't like guns...but did feel a little safer with one close by.

If you let him navigate, A&D will always find the best continental breakfast. Sure, you might have to travel a little...

Truth be told, he doesn't like to be held. 

(Look closely and you'll see the leopard. I think its a leopard)

They are so coming to the show at the Hard Rock Foxwoods on Wednesday!

He was already a huge fan...

Let's face it, you really don't care about the animals. Just as long as A&D is clearly in focus in the picture, that's all that matters.

Even A&D knows when he's kind of worn out his welcome. Maybe he asked them to take one too many pics this time.

I've never made anyone an offer they couldn't refuse.


Went to a book signing/reading for an EXCELLENT new book written by my friend Mike Atwood today! "HIStory of Santa Monica" is a collection of engaging and touching short stories and it comes highly recommended by Youbs, and Norm from Cheers (seriously)! If you like to read, and/or are breathing, check it out! HIStory of Santa Monica


NEW SHOW!  Acoustic gig at the Hard Rock Cafe at Foxwoods!  Aug 11, 2010.  Check out the dates page for the details...


No need to get that new Facebook app...you can pretty much just assume I was viewing your profile.

You didn't think A&D would miss the World Cup, did you???!!!

A&D is opposed to the bee buzzing sound of the vuvuzeuvserwailas...but couldn't resist annoying some people by blowing them during the entire flight home.

Apparently they spell it a little differently in South Africa...

Ayoub (as its spelled in the U.S.) is indeed muy caliente!!!

They got the spelling wrong, but still, the sentiment is there. I LOVE YOU TOO SOUTH AFRICA!!!!!!!!

Hanging with his buddy

No matter how its spelled, the hot ladies LOVE Ayoub/Ayoba...and Ayoub/Ayoba LOVES the hot ladies!!!

SOME RECENT THINGS COMPILED:

July 27 No need to get that new Facebook app...you can pretty much just assume I was viewing your profile.


This is a great, well-written review from the very cool Wildy's World blog! Thanks Wildy! (Love that name...) http://wildysworld.blogspot.com/2010/07/phil-ayoub-arrivals-and-departures.html



Song I Love Today: @weezer "Can't Stop Partying"-Video from MySpace Secret Show ♫ http://blip.fm/~tr6vj  


Jul 20- I think the word "negligee" should be brought back to common usage by society.


10:17 AM Jul 20th via Blip.fm .Check out: James Otto Sounds Off On Illegal Downloading http://bit.ly/b8WG35  by @TheBootDotCom


A&D makes a trip to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame to stake out where he'd like his exhibit to be.

 

Yeah, he might be jumping the gun a little bit here...

 7:21 PM Jul 19th via web . ‎"Lying and Stealing" won Broadjam.com's "Liar Liar Song of the Month" contest. No, honestly it did. Really. I'm telling the truth this time, I swear!!! Yeah, that song is an oldie...well, its an oldie where I come from...

 8:58 AM Jul 19th via TweetDeck .If you get a chance, go see Weezer in concert! The most fun show I've seen in a LONG time!!!


 A&D HATES LEBRON: Many of you know that A&D is a "big event" or "big story" guy. Meaning that if something big is going on in the world, he feels like he has to be there. Thus, against my wishes, he jetted off to Cleveland last weekend...(not sure how he was able to get that rental car)

 8:19 AM Jul 16th via TweetDeck .Song I Love Today: "Heaven's My Home" by Sam & Ruby. Great live video here: http://bit.ly/bVNR1I  

 1:03 PM Jul 14th via TweetDeck .Happy the National League won the All-Star Game cause now when the Red Sox sweep the World Series this year, they'll win it at home.

 "Absolute Powerpop" is a great blog! I've been fortunate to have been on it a couple of times, and here again for A&D! http://bit.ly/bo9YK  


Do you manscape? Does your man manscape? Do you like your man to manscape? Is there such a thing as too much manscaping? How many times can I use the word manscape in one status update? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZYslSzPdTg&feature=player_embedded

10:38 AM Jul 12th via TweetDeck .Very cool! Paul joins Ringo for a surprise "Birthday" on the drummer's 70th. Video: http://youtu.be/XjAXEVe5DPI  


Speaking of Vegas, anyone other than me think The Hangover wasn’t that funny? Dare I say, “Hang-Overrated?!”


I was emailed a questionnaire from a hotel in Las Vegas asking to rate certain aspects of a recent stay, and is thinking that all such surveys coming from Vegas need to have an “Um...I can’t remember” box among the answer options.

7:12 AM Jul 9th via TweetDeck .I predict Cleveland. Having said that, I cared more about the hot dog eating contest than I do about this.


3:45 PM Jul 8th via web .If anyone is wondering about "The Decision" tonight...I'm leaning towards Chinese.

3:03 PM Jul 8th via web .Hello Cougar Town. I've missed you...

Schoolbus Window Paper Heart

With all the attention focused on A&D, let us not forget the Schoolbus record, and how multifunctional it can be. Not only a solid album providing nearly 53 minutes of powerpop roots rock (Grad-School Rock!) bliss, but also an educational tool as well (booger not included):

"4th of July, Asbury Park (S-A&D)"

July 1

I am surprised and happy to be today's feature on The Independent Music Scene blog! Check it out here http://www.theindependentmusicscene.com/ . Thanks to Paul! (Oh and yes I know I need to get some more recent videos!)

June 30

Got an email from a friend I hadn't heard from in years telling me she heard "Basement" on WMVY! VERY exciting! (for me it is. i can't really guage what her excitement level was) Everyone who hears MVY comments on what an amazing radio station it is...and from little Martha's Vineyard. It really is. Thanks MVY!!!

June 30

A little humor on Pancake Wed. podcast! RT@Uncleshag: Second Dan,Lily Sparks,Bo Bice,Phil Ayoub,Rebel Bran,Gilli Moon http://bit.ly/aJCSc9