As the year changes and the first hangover fades, the gig season is keeping a low profile and some bands have to digest "worst album, worst outfit, worst cover" rankings, it gives us some time for the obligatory New Year’s checklist. Every December, before the calendar strikes 31 and marks for some the party of the year, we're forced (or force ourselves) to have a reasonable look back on what we have and rather haven't accomplished and most importantly want to change about ourselves and the way we behave. If those annual DO's & DON'Ts lists actually do us any good and help us accomplish something  is questionable, but surely not misplaced.

While I have already done mine and put it to my desk, phone, calendar, fridge (multiple reminder increase successful implementation) and I'm 100% sure that this year it’ll finally work. No more hysterical screaming at gigs ("You’re so gay, you're sooo gay!"), especially no hysterical screaming at a Stam1na gig ("Are there any Germans here?" - Yes, yes, pick me, pick me!"), no more moshing at home - grab the fear by its balls and do it on a gig, drop those desperate attempts to fit into a one-size Girlie - they are not made for girls with boobs, finish reviews by the deadline, drink more beer instead of fuzzy pink peachy stuff and deep-six the wish that Entwine would release a great album. As I am at least aware of my own flaws there is one person in particular that is not so ware of the things he's doing - or better shouldn't do. My dear Jouni Hynynen (and I can promise you already now, this won't be the last time to make him my topic), as you're so busy writing books and poems instead of songs I was so free to do your checklist on your behalf. In case you do not know, Jouni Hynynen is frontman and guitarist of the successful Finnish-singing Rock / Heavy Metal band from Lappeenranta, which has been in the biz for almost 20 years, uniting catchy tunes and the picture of stereotyped Finnish behavior, wishes and feelings. Lately Hynynen has received a lot of attention by releasing three books, talking -generally- about beer, sex and Finnish manhood.

Jouni's checklist for 2010

- Start writing new material. N-E-W material. That does not mean using old guitar lines of old songs, changing a few chords and sell it as N-E-W.

- Turning 40 soon. Try to behave age appropriate (see all points above).