This is the record I wanted to make when I was seventeen.

I can still remember the first time I played with a band. The smell of hot RCA 6L6 power tubes, red jewels glowing on blackface amps in the darkened room. Microphonic guitar cords snap, crackling, and popping whenever somebody moved. Hums and buzzes if you took your hands off the strings. The rumbling of the chothes dryer in the next room. Adorable Amy, in red satin shorts and white halter top, sitting cross-legged in the corner behind the drums, stroking the cat. And five young musicians with something to prove.

Hours later, I lie sleepless, ears ringing, the afternoon's events looping through my head. The cat colliding with a cord as it tears to safety upstairs, pulling down the mic stand and denting the grille of the brand new Shure. Several heated conversations between the singer and his parents. Amy, eyes sparkling and cheeks glowing, bouncing and swaying as I fall hopelessly in love with our drummer's girlfriend. And the music. Could there be any doubt that something special was happening? If only the right person hears us, we'll get a record deal and nothing will ever be the same.

July,2000. The Penetrators arrive at Tuffy's Barn with guest guitarist Mark Doyle in tow. The Barncats set up the mics, Mark takes a few minutes at the Conn Strobo-Tuner, and then it's magic time. Before long we're in the zone, as the athletes say, very much at one with the music; the hours scream by as we're pulled along. When we finally emerge, blinking in the dusky sunlight, it's as if we're entering a different world. Hours later, I lie sleepless, ears ringing, the afternoon's events looping through my head...

Much had changed in the years that followed my first practice. But not the feeling. For five intense hours, nothing mattered but the music. Unbelievably liberating. Before the session, I had anticipated that the band might have trouble settling into the proper groove. "Play like you're seventeen and you mean business!", I would coach the players. But I didn't need to say a word.

I wish you could have been there. But this record is the next best thing.

Amy, it's for you.