The Snakes have left the building.

One of my most favorite bands, These Arms Are Snakes, called it quits about three weeks ago. I've finally found enough courage and strength to write about the awful news.
This is a very emotional and trying time for music because TAAS was really starting to become a great band.
Steve Snere (vocals), Ryan Frederiksen (guitars), Brian Cook (bass), and Chris Common haven't given a solid reason for breaking up the band. They wrote a letter on their blog page to thank the fans and that's pretty much it. I want to do a story on this and I did come in contact with the bands publicist, but I have yet to find a publisher.
What is TAAS's legacy? Well, it would have to be one of solid musicianship.
Every member in the band was talented in their own way. Snere sang, hollered, screamed, and danced about the stage like a mad man; Frederiksen laid down fierce licks and tones that at times were very catchy; Cook had an unrelenting rhythm that never missed a step; and Common pounded the drums with force and amazing precision.
Common is the only member that wasn't always in the band. He joined for the recording of Easter (2006). TAAS had two different drummers on the previous two albums and Common seemed to be the missing piece for the band. He brought in some engineering experience that added a little polish to the recordings.
One more theme for TAAS –– flexibility. Listeners never really could assume which direction each of their songs would go in. For example, "Woolen Heirs," off their final album Tail Swallower & Dove (2008). It's a surging song that all of a sudden cools into something that might be more comfortable on a Steve Miller record.
As great as Easter and Swallower were, I'd have to say that Oxeneers (2004) was TAAS's best record. It's a challenging listen. Hear for yourself if you don't believe.
These Arms Are Snakes were formed out of such defunct bands as Botch, Kill Sadie, and Nineironspitfire. One can only hope that one of these guys from TAAS will be in another amazing act down the road.
Actually, Cook has made two records with Russian Circles and Frederiksen has been doing work with a side-project called Narrows. Both those bands gave TAAS a run for its money.
Maybe that's where the decomposition started all along. Seriously, how bands can someone be in at once? There has to be a main focus. Obviously, TAAS wasn't it anymore.

Recession has led to less job satisfaction.

According to a survey by the Conference Board research group, only 45 percent of Americans are satisfied with their jobs. That is down from 49 percent in 2008.
I can't determine which side I'm on. I love my job right now, but the pay is real shitty and it's been getting me down for quite some time. I would love to continue to be a reporter or writer, but I'm going to have to find a higher income. That could be tough.
It's obvious that the recession is to blame for people not enjoying their jobs. People go to work just to see all their hard earned money disappear. Look at health insurance, it's higher than ever. American workers are depressed.
The same survey was taken in 1987 and 61 percent said they were satisfied with their jobs. That makes sense because the economy was thriving from the late 80's into the 90's. Right now, 51 percent of workers think their jobs are interesting –– compared to 70 percent in 1987.
What is going on? The poor economy is not only messing with our wallets –– it's fucking with our minds and getting us down.
I wonder when this will turn around. It'll probably get worse.