A friend and fellow runner asked Monger to consider joining him for a run in Edinburgh's marathon. Why not, Monger thought. He's never been one to slow down, anyway, having picked up a guitar and songwriter's pen at 16. "Personal time away, with no instruments," Monger says, "actually benefits my music."

Monger's next move involves promoting the new album and "figuring out the business end of it." Once he references the thousand leftover copies of Cherry Ghost, his self-deprecation is audible again, but, if anything, Monger's Kickstarter success proves that the Internet isn't too rough of a wilderness for this "earthy guy" to traverse.

Monger plans to play some shows throughout this season, some solo and some with his side band Timothy Monger State Park.

Eventually, Great Lakes Myth Society will reconvene. "I don't suspect we'll ever tour or gig as hard as we did, since its personnel is spread out across the country now. But, yeah, I plan on doing both bands. And, oh God, hopefully not waiting seven more years to get out the next solo album."

Timothy Monger's five life-changing albums:

Queen
A Night at the Opera

XTC
Skylarking

Fleetwood Mac
Tusk

David Bowie
Hunky Dory

The Zombies
Odessey and Oracle

Timothy Monger performs twice on Friday, July 8, once at 6 p.m. at Ann Arbor Summer Festival at Top of the Park (in Ann Arbor), and at 9 p.m. at PJ's Lager House (1254 Michigan Ave., Detroit; 313-961-4668) with the Bell Beat and Matt Jones & the Reconstruction. For more info, see timothymonger.com.

> Email Jeff Milo