SNC Depression

As I find myself steadily climbing out of a deep, dark hole, commonly referred to as an SNC depression, I have decided that it is time to write another installment for this blog. Although no adventures have happened with Straight No Chaser (the cause of this previously mentioned depression) since the last blog, it is safe to say that mine and Amanda’s lives still revolve around this group (much to the dismay of family, friends, and coworkers).  It has been a difficult month since New Years’ Eve, with only rumors of what was to come for Straight No Chaser to ebb the pain. YouTube videos, CDs in my car, and Twitter are barely keeping me afloat. I feel like the snow that is quickly burying New England is also burying me with it, and I cannot shovel quick enough to stop my inevitable entombment.

Aright, so I may be exaggerating a little bit. Life is continuing as normal as possible without a Straight No Chaser event to look forward to. Yes, there is always Atlantic City to help me get through, but this is the first time since April of 2010 that I have not had a concert to look forward to that I knew I would definitely be attending (with tickets already purchased and a countdown begun).

Amanda and I have found ways to entertain ourselves during these dismal, wintery, New England days (like any of you reading this had any doubt about that). Our usual shenanigans never ceased, and of course new inside jokes have been created. We still find that our conversations always lead back to Straight No Chaser no matter what we are talking about or who we are talking with. We have decided that we would be great SNC promoters. RICHARD! (yes, that is how his name is always said and written nowadays) should find us a job. We would be brilliant! We have also found that our homes are becoming more and more decorated with SNC memorabilia (and I’m okay with that). It makes me happy every time I see something Straight No Chasery on display (Amanda has even hung her SNC poster in her spare bedroom, which I frequent quite often!) Not surprisingly, we also find ourselves only listening to Straight No Chaser and Ryan and Mike’s solo albums, with only the rare and occasional departure from that “set list” of songs.

Doesn't Morgan Freeman embody that song?

On a side note, every time Amanda and I listen to Ryan’s “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot” off of his Malibu EP, we get a visual image that may surprise some people, but it’s highly hysterical to the two of us. One day (I believe we were actually driving around in Reading, PA) Amanda informed me that every time that song comes on she gets a mental image which happens to be the most hysterical thing I have ever heard. Picture this: Morgan Freeman is sitting on a front porch somewhere warm. He is wearing denim overalls, playing a banjo, and singing this song. The next time you listen to that song (or if you haven’t listened to it yet…go listen to it RIGHT NOW! Don’t make me give you a stern talking to) I dare you to not create this mental picture and then in turn laugh hysterically every time you listen to it. It will provide you with hours of entertainment, guaranteed! Since this conversation, every time either of us play this song, we instantly inform each other that “Morgan Freeman is singing to me!” We always know that that means Ryan is actually singing Swing Low Sweet Chariot somewhere in our vicinity.

Okay, now that Morgan Freeman has distracted me once again, back to the matter at hand. Amanda and I have received many kind, gracious, and truly complimentary words about our blog. We cannot tell you enough how much we appreciate this. These compliments have led to our discussion about co-authoring a book. We haven’t decided what it will be about (but most likely there will be a Straight No Chaser element…I don’t think we will ever be able to stray completely  away from that topic…we have serious one track minds), but I can guarantee that if this were to happen our book would be hysterical. Possibly a realistic comedy? …Seriously?! Are we crazy? Is writing a book too audacious a task for us to concur successfully? Writing a blog is a lot different than writing a book. We would appreciate any feedback or comments from any chaser reading this blog. Any thoughts will help us in this decision-making process!

As Straight No Chaser commences their Canadian tour, everything seems to be right with the world again…ten amazing men are stuck on a tour bus together while sharing their gift of a cappella to the world. This hole of depression doesn’t seem so big now, and I am beginning to be able to see the sun shining again above me. I am anxiously awaiting new announcements from the guys about what will come next in the SNC future. The recording of their new CD this March and the announcement of dates with Harrah’s Casino in Atlantic City should yank me out of this hole completely. Thank you to all of the Chasers out there who are willing to listen to (or more accurately, read) my therapy session. Keep reading, and hopefully someday soon another SNC Adventure will be had that we can write about. Until then, Bon Voyage! (Isn’t this a fitting ending?...I wonder if SNC will need to know French in Canada???)

P.S. Seggie Isho, if you happen to be reading this blog, you should know that you and Amanda are still in a fight (refer to his tweets about the Golden Globes if you find this comment confusing and out of place). We take The Big Bang Theory very seriously. It is in the ranks with Straight No Chaser on things that always make us happy and put a smile on our faces. I challenge you to watch the show without laughing…seriously, it is hysterical. 

Watch this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_mzmhANLaF4