Having It All

What Kaplan doesn't enjoy as much is the current state of popular music. Being a former journalist and living through the punk, post-punk and grunge movements gives Kaplan an interesting vantage point on musical trends and developments.

"I think there has been no moment in my life that I've paid less attention to current bands than right now," says Kaplan. "I mean, that might be a function of age, and it is natural to gravitate to what you were listening to at certain moments in your life."

So Kaplan finds himself listening to old rhythm and blues records and searching out collectibles on eBay. But he does see a glimmer of hope in a few contemporary acts.

"I saw the Boredoms in Spain and again in New York, and they were great," says Kaplan. "And I did see OOIOO and loved them even though I was dead on my feet from jet lag."

Content at the moment to limit his scope to finishing up this current tour and getting back in the studio, Kaplan is certain only of his own band.

"Everything we do is a combination of intent and lack of intent," he says. "And as far as other people's music, I'm not sure I can be trusted."