Here goes with my first "ping!" How's it look?

There will be lots more here soon about proper pronunciation in Austin, the new (COOL, if I do say so myself) album, the Glen Ballard effect and every other thing, but for the moment, all I want to say is: Mark Hallman. Yeah!

Day Three: Andrew Hardin has kicked ass and is smiling. Yes!

A lovely dinner with the Hallmans and their super-nice friends. Then to Evangeline's to see Danny, who rocks. Holy mackerel!

I'm tired and happy and ll I can say tonight is: when you hear the songs on my new album, be impressed with my producer, Mark Hallman. The demo I gave him was a crappy Casio keyboard with a drum machine, and he built the funkiest whole track today. Drums, bass, wacka-wacka guitar, plus recording my vocals. That's what I'm talking about!

Oh, yeah, and this is why I can't wait for Andy to come to the studio. I'm feeling snark-deprived.

Andy: What's the song like?

Rain: It's a new one - it's about Keanu Reeves - but it's from the point of view of this woman I met--

Mark (from across the room): BLUES IN C MINOR!

Andy: Rain, put Mark on. I need to talk to a man.

Ahhhh....