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When I was about 12-13 years old, we lived in Bonners Ferry, Idaho on the “Jay And Bee”, a ranch specializing in Angus beef and hay farming. Owner Bob Neumeyer for some reason decided it was a good idea to let me drive his work trucks around the ranch and help him with chores that I could handle. If memory serves, both trucks were early 80s Chevrolet C/K model pickups, one a brown and tan dually and the other a red and white fleetside. In one of the trucks was a working 8-track player along with copies of Van Halen I and II.

That time was important for me because not only was I barely a teenager and driving, I also succumbed to the charms of hard rock music for the first time in my life. (This was around the time I originally got into The Police, but before ever hearing Rush.) I believe it was during this time that my life-long passion for music began and Van Halen was definitely a contributing factor.

Although I do enjoy a couple of the Van Halen records with Sammy Hagar, the VH magic was only really there during the David Lee Roth days in my opinion. The fact that the boys have managed to get things together and put aside differences for a new album and tour really makes me happy.

Below is a video posted at vhnd.com of the band playing a song from the new album at a gig in NYC this week. The sound quality and mix is poor but it’s good enough to know what we’re in for. For the first time in Van Halen history, I am actually impressed by the bass playing. With Dave back in the band and Wolfgang on bass, Van Halen has my full attention once again.

In our basement is a pool table that up until recently, was covered in stuff and unused for well over 25 years. Having a proper, 9′ pool table in my place of residence has been a dream of mine since I was a boy. To me, having such a beautiful table ignored and wasting away like that was absolutely criminal.

From what we’ve worked out, this table appears to be a 1940s Victor “Atlas” model complete with a brilliantly designed ball return.

Here are some photos of the table before anything was done to it. Notice the complete set of very cool, yet unusable clay balls:

The original and moldy green felt was replaced with new felt in dark charcoal, the cushions all the way around were replaced, and the rotting pocket liners were replaced with black liners. The old clay balls were also replaced with a set of Belgian Aramith Premium balls. The lights I installed over the table are $15 pendant lights from IKEA.

Thanks to the amazing hard work and assistance of many people in our family (you know who you are), along with the very friendly staff at Cagle’s Billiards, we now have a gorgeous and incredible playing billiards table in our home. This is very much a dream come true indeed.

Every year I intend to put a “Top Ten” list together and never seem to make it happen. This year I thought I’d make an effort. Here’s a list of my favourite music released this year, in alphabetical order by artist:

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Arch/Matheos – Sympathetic Resonance

This is some of the most creative vocal melodies and drumming I’ve ever heard on a heavy progressive recording. The album is most definitely a highlight of 2011.

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Bill Bailey – In Metal

I’m a big fan of Bill’s acting and it was only this year that I explored his music. His most recent album is a perfect example of just how funny he can be.

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The Deep MO – Funk in the 3rd Quarter

I first heard Yolanda Charles play with Phil Gould (Level 42) and I’ve been following her music ever since. This is Yolanda’s debut album, made up of very solid funk tunes with her on bass and lead vocals. I get a lot out of Miles Bould’s drumming on this one as well.

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Hidden Orchestra – Flight EP

I discovered Hidden Orchestra earlier this year and very much enjoy their debut release, “Night Walks”. This EP has proven again that they’re artists to respect and follow.

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Nerve – The Distance Between Zero and One

This is proper, high quality electronic music played completely live. If I was forced to choose a #1 album for 2011, this would unquestionably be my choice.

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Opeth – Heritage

Opeth does it again, this time without grunt vocals and a considerably different production approach than any of their previous releases.

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Pagan’s Mind – Heavenly Ecstasy

As Pagan’s Mind matures, I like them more with each album.

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Textures – Dualism

I will always consider this album to be one of my all time favourites.

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Trillium – Alloy

When Simone Simons was ill and couldn’t do Epica’s North American tour for 2007′s “The Divine Conspiracy”, Amanda Somerville took her place. I managed to catch one of the gigs from that tour and was very impressed. Although I like Amanda’s previous solo albums, I’d always hoped she’d do a proper heavy album. “Alloy” did not disappoint me at all.

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Steven Wilson – Grace For Drowning

Of all of the 2011 top ten lists I’ve read, this album shows up more than any other. I am in no way surprised.