Friday, February 29, 2008
Spurs Win!!!!
That's seven strait wins for the Spurs. It was a great game that had a definate "playoff feel". Tim Duncan was instrumental in the win, especially with two late free throws with just seconds left to go. Go Spurs!!
Those were the days.....
On the Wrong Side of Ryan Adams' Whiskeytown
Before Ryan Adams recorded every half-baked song idea he ever had, before he scored the model-actress girlfriends, before A.A., he was a mean, drunken son of a bitch.
He was also a hell of a lot more interesting.
March 4 will herald the release of a two-disc deluxe version of his former band Whiskeytown's sophomore album, Strangers Almanac. It will include the original album plus live songs, B-sides, covers and demos. Whiskeytown's performance at Trees on January 23, 1998, was a perfect example of just how powerful the band sounded during that era. It also showed what a self-destructive and vicious asshole Adams was.
His band had played Dallas before, and I hadn't been interested—until I read an interview where Adams talked about smoking pot and wanting the band to sound like Sonic Youth with a fiddle and lap-steel guitar. I bought Strangers Almanac, and it rarely left my stereo for months.
But that night at Trees, it was obvious from the band's sloppy, loud take on "Excuse Me While I Break My Own Heart Tonight" that Adams was shit-faced. The crowd was an uneasy mix of indie-rock kids, SMU Greeks and middle-aged country fans. My wife and I loved the energetic, Stones-like takes, but the other angry, confused faces in the audience suggested that our enthusiasm wasn't shared.
Between songs, Adams needled frat guys with remarks about renting friends. Then he put on a pair of black-framed glasses, forced a buck-toothed smile and picked up his acoustic guitar. "Look, we're the Old 97's," he said. "What a nerd!"
"Fuck you, David!" screamed a young woman standing next to me on the balcony, referring to Adams' dropped first name. "Fuck you!"
She stormed downstairs and returned a moment later with a cup full of pennies. During the next song, she hurled them by the handful at Adams. Others pelted him with ice. Whiskeytown played on. After a solo acoustic number, Adams smashed his guitar and threw the pieces into the crowd.
Soon the penny-chucker found more change and, after taking a penny to the face, Adams scanned the balcony for the source of the unwanted tips. I was grinning madly, loving the delicious tension. Adams pointed accusingly my way. I shook my head and pointed a thumb toward his antagonist. Unfortunately, he misinterpreted the gesture.
"Yeah, that's right," he shouted. "We'll go outside, motherfucker! I'll kick your ass!" Then he hurled a bottle at me.
The glass shattered against the railing. Two more bottles popped overhead as I covered my wife's head with my arms, laughing.
The assault soon ended, and the band started up an excruciating, feedback-laden cover of Sonic Youth's "Expressway To Yr Skull." The cover gave way to improvised nonsense as people in the unprepared crowd left in droves.
After the show, I stopped drummer Skillet Gilmore to ask what happened. He apologized, explaining that Adams hadn't been right since he had to replace his usual acoustic guitar. Drinking a fifth of Wild Turkey before the show hadn't helped.
"Well, I thought it was awesome!" I gushed.
And it was awesome. It was everything rock 'n' roll was supposed to be.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Damon Bramblett plays again....
Damon Bramblett, the pride of Bangs, Texas decided he'd grace us with a couple of shows coming up. I love this guys music, so much so that he played my wedding, and then my 30th birthday. He used to play all the time, and if there was one complaint about his shows, it was that he played the same songs all the time. I saw him again last year after many years away and yes, the set list was familiar, but the show was still a great one. Let's hope 2008 brings some new music from this talented singer songwriter. He's had one album released and I would encourage all of you that like good, Texas music to pick it up. He's definately more thant "that guy that sounds a lot like Johnny Cash". His "tour" dates are below.
More good news from Dando and company...
I remember when this record came out. A buddy of mine from high school turned me on to this group. I was stuck on Husker, The Replacements, and Soul Asylum from my short stint in Minneapolis. He made me listen to the cassette tape he had and of course, I loved it. I don't think I took that tape out of my deck for months. I also remember the show they put on at Liberty Lunch. I'm not sure of the date although I am sure I could find it....all I remember was that I crowd surfed from the stage that night and it was a blast. I also remember Mr. Dando was under the influence of some acid that night. He actually announced it to the crowd...I quote.."I'm on acid....BLAH!...there, I said it". And then they proceeded to rock my world. I'm really looking forward to this show....BLAH...there I said it!
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
THE LEMONHEADS PLAY "RAY" AT SXSW
THE LEMONHEADS PLAY "RAY" AT SXSW
Band Will Play It's A Shame About Ray Album In It's Entirety To Commemorate
Collector's Edition CD/DVD Version Set For Release March 25 From Rhino
For the first time in their career, The Lemonheads will be playing the SXSW Music Conference in Austin, Texas. Their official showcase will take place at Emo's Annex on Wednesday, March 12. The band, fronted by Evan Dando along with Vess Ruhtenburg (bass) and Devon Ashley (drums), will be performing their seminal album It's A Shame About Ray in its entirety to commemorate the upcoming Collector's Edition CD/DVD release of the set.
This deluxe package features a remastered version of the complete album with previously unreleased demos along with the DVD debut of the 1993 video Two Weeks In Australia. The Collector's Edition of It's A Shame About Ray will be available March 25 at all physical retail outlets and www.rhino.com for a suggested list price $24.98. A digital version that includes all the CD content will also be available the same day for $10.99 from all digital retailers.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
THE LEMONHEADS PLAY "RAY" AT SXSW
THE LEMONHEADS PLAY "RAY" AT SXSW
Band Will Play It's A Shame About Ray Album In It's Entirety To Commemorate
Collector's Edition CD/DVD Version Set For Release March 25 From Rhino
For the first time in their career, The Lemonheads will be playing the SXSW Music Conference in Austin, Texas. Their official showcase will take place at Emo's Annex on Wednesday, March 12. The band, fronted by Evan Dando along with Vess Ruhtenburg (bass) and Devon Ashley (drums), will be performing their seminal album It's A Shame About Ray in its entirety to commemorate the upcoming Collector's Edition CD/DVD release of the set.
This deluxe package features a remastered version of the complete album with previously unreleased demos along with the DVD debut of the 1993 video Two Weeks In Australia. The Collector's Edition of It's A Shame About Ray will be available March 25 at all physical retail outlets and www.rhino.com for a suggested list price $24.98. A digital version that includes all the CD content will also be available the same day for $10.99 from all digital retailers.
It's not a shame about the Lemonheads....
From The Lemonheads Myspace page...
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
The Lemonheads Revisit "Ray"
It's A Shame About Ray Is Remastered and Expanded for a Special CD/DVD Collector's Edition That Includes Evan Dando's Unreleased Home Demos, Plus the DVD Debut of Two Weeks In Australia, Featuring Videos and Live Performances
Available March 25 from Rhino
The Lemonheads' second album for Atlantic Records was an unforgettable gem. Powered by infectious melodic hooks and a mix of sweet and subversive lyrics, IT'S A SHAME ABOUT RAY helped put the band on the map in 1992. Rhino honors the album with the label's special Collector's Edition treatment, remastering and expanding the original for a CD/DVD set that includes unreleased demos along with the DVD debut of the 1993 video Two Weeks In Australia. IT'S A SHAME ABOUT RAY will be available March 25 at all physical retail outlets and http://blog.myspace.com/www.rhino.com for a suggested list price $24.98. A digital version that includes all the CD content will also be available the same day for $10.99 from all digital retailers.
The album features the trio -- Evan Dando (guitar, vocals), David Ryan (drums) and Juliana Hatfield (bass, backing vocals) -- breezing through 13 songs in just under 30 minutes, including the title track, "My Drug Buddy," "The Turnpike Down" and a romping cover of the Simon and Garfunkel classic "Mrs. Robinson."
The 10 bonus tracks feature "Shaky Ground," which was originally released as the B-side to "My Drug Buddy." The remaining nine songs are unreleased demos that Dando recorded in 1991, including early renditions of album tracks "Confetti," "Rockin Stroll" and "Hannah & Gabi," plus "Bit Part," which includes vocals from Hatfield.
The DVD contains 45 minutes of videos and live performances that were previously released only on VHS as Two Weeks In Australia. The disc features videos for several songs from IT'S A SHAME ABOUT RAY, including the title track, the breakout single "Mrs. Robinson," "My Drug Buddy" and more. Also included is a video for "Being Around," a song that would appear a year later on the follow-up to RAY and "Half The Time" from the Lemonheads' Atlantic debut, Lovey. A trio of live performances include "Alison's Starting To Happen," "Ride With Me" from Lovey and "It's About Time" from 1993's Come On Feel The Lemonheads. The DVD also features candid commentary by Dando recalling the band's wild Australian antics.
IT'S A SHAME ABOUT RAY (COLLECTOR'S EDITION)
CD Track Listing
1. "Rockin Stroll"
2. "Confetti"
3. "It's A Shame About Ray"
4. "Rudderless"
5. "My Drug Buddy"
6. "The Turnpike Down"
7. "Bit Part"
8. "Alison's Starting To Happen"
9. "Hannah & Gabi"
10. "Kitchen"
11. "Ceiling Fan In My Spoon"
12. "Frank Mills"
13. "Mrs. Robinson"
Bonus Material
14. "Shaky Ground"
15. "It's A Shame About Ray" Demo *
16. "Rockin Stroll" Demo *
17. "My Drug Buddy" Demo *
18. "Hannah & Gabi" Demo *
19. "Kitchen" Demo *
20. "Bit Part" Demo *
21. "Rudderless" Demo *
22. "Ceiling Fan In My Spoon" Demo *
23. "Confetti" Demo *
* previously unissued
DVD Track Listing
Two Weeks In Australia
1. "It's A Shame About Ray" Music Video
2. "Ride With Me" Live
3. "Mrs. Robinson" Music Video
4. "Being Around" Music Video
5. "Alison's Starting To Happen" Live
6. "Hannah & Gabi" Music Video
7. "Half The Time" Music Video
8. "Rockin Stroll" Music Video
9. "Confetti" Music Video
10. "It's About Time" Live
11. "My Drug Buddy" Music Video
The Lemonheads Revisit "Ray"
It's A Shame About Ray Is Remastered and Expanded for a Special CD/DVD Collector's Edition That Includes Evan Dando's Unreleased Home Demos, Plus the DVD Debut of Two Weeks In Australia, Featuring Videos and Live Performances
Available March 25 from Rhino
The Lemonheads' second album for Atlantic Records was an unforgettable gem. Powered by infectious melodic hooks and a mix of sweet and subversive lyrics, IT'S A SHAME ABOUT RAY helped put the band on the map in 1992. Rhino honors the album with the label's special Collector's Edition treatment, remastering and expanding the original for a CD/DVD set that includes unreleased demos along with the DVD debut of the 1993 video Two Weeks In Australia. IT'S A SHAME ABOUT RAY will be available March 25 at all physical retail outlets and http://blog.myspace.com/www.rhino.com for a suggested list price $24.98. A digital version that includes all the CD content will also be available the same day for $10.99 from all digital retailers.
The album features the trio -- Evan Dando (guitar, vocals), David Ryan (drums) and Juliana Hatfield (bass, backing vocals) -- breezing through 13 songs in just under 30 minutes, including the title track, "My Drug Buddy," "The Turnpike Down" and a romping cover of the Simon and Garfunkel classic "Mrs. Robinson."
The 10 bonus tracks feature "Shaky Ground," which was originally released as the B-side to "My Drug Buddy." The remaining nine songs are unreleased demos that Dando recorded in 1991, including early renditions of album tracks "Confetti," "Rockin Stroll" and "Hannah & Gabi," plus "Bit Part," which includes vocals from Hatfield.
The DVD contains 45 minutes of videos and live performances that were previously released only on VHS as Two Weeks In Australia. The disc features videos for several songs from IT'S A SHAME ABOUT RAY, including the title track, the breakout single "Mrs. Robinson," "My Drug Buddy" and more. Also included is a video for "Being Around," a song that would appear a year later on the follow-up to RAY and "Half The Time" from the Lemonheads' Atlantic debut, Lovey. A trio of live performances include "Alison's Starting To Happen," "Ride With Me" from Lovey and "It's About Time" from 1993's Come On Feel The Lemonheads. The DVD also features candid commentary by Dando recalling the band's wild Australian antics.
IT'S A SHAME ABOUT RAY (COLLECTOR'S EDITION)
CD Track Listing
1. "Rockin Stroll"
2. "Confetti"
3. "It's A Shame About Ray"
4. "Rudderless"
5. "My Drug Buddy"
6. "The Turnpike Down"
7. "Bit Part"
8. "Alison's Starting To Happen"
9. "Hannah & Gabi"
10. "Kitchen"
11. "Ceiling Fan In My Spoon"
12. "Frank Mills"
13. "Mrs. Robinson"
Bonus Material
14. "Shaky Ground"
15. "It's A Shame About Ray" Demo *
16. "Rockin Stroll" Demo *
17. "My Drug Buddy" Demo *
18. "Hannah & Gabi" Demo *
19. "Kitchen" Demo *
20. "Bit Part" Demo *
21. "Rudderless" Demo *
22. "Ceiling Fan In My Spoon" Demo *
23. "Confetti" Demo *
* previously unissued
DVD Track Listing
Two Weeks In Australia
1. "It's A Shame About Ray" Music Video
2. "Ride With Me" Live
3. "Mrs. Robinson" Music Video
4. "Being Around" Music Video
5. "Alison's Starting To Happen" Live
6. "Hannah & Gabi" Music Video
7. "Half The Time" Music Video
8. "Rockin Stroll" Music Video
9. "Confetti" Music Video
10. "It's About Time" Live
11. "My Drug Buddy" Music Video
Manu....still the man
My good friend and huge Spurs fan Trevor sent me this from ESPN.COM
Lets hope his stellar play continues tonight against the Mavs.
LINK: Manu as The Man in San Antonio
The defending champion Spurs are up to their usual tricks, lying in the weeds for half a season only to make a late run. Once again they're on top of the Southwest division, and nobody will be surprised to see them make another deep playoff run. However, one thing has changed: the team's offensive focal point. For years, the Spurs' primary weapon has been Tim Duncan and, to a lesser extent, Tony Parker.
Not anymore. This season, it's the Manu Ginobili show. The sneaky southpaw leads the team in scoring at 20.6 points per game, but even that understates things. Ginobili's usage rate this season has climbed all the way to 28.0, the sixth-highest figure in the league.
This has escaped people's attention because Ginobili only plays 31.5 minutes per game. But to see how much he's getting the rock, and how productive he's been when he's had it, let's compare Ginobili's per-40-minute stats to those of another prominent player: Kobe Bryant.
You think he can't hang? Guess again. Kobe averages 29.3 points, 6.4 rebounds and 5.7 assists per 40 minutes; Manu gets 26.2, 6.4 and 5.9.
Wait, it gets better. Kobe plays on one of the league's faster-paced teams; Manu is on the second-slowest. Plug Bryant's numbers into the Spurs' sluggish pace and you get 26.9 points, 5.9 boards and 5.2 assists, making the comparison a dead heat.
Additionally, Ginobili has done it with a spectacular 61.7 true shooting mark that ranks fourth among all shooting guards, and trumps Kobe's 57.7.
All this helps explain why Ginobili ranks fourth in the league in PER. Not that it's anything new -- he was ninth in this category a season ago. It also explains why the Spurs can continue to win despite off years from most of their role players and declining numbers from Duncan and Parker. If every time Ginobili comes off the bench you think to yourself "Kobe Bryant is checking in for the Spurs," their success becomes a lot easier to understand.
Yet because of Ginobili's low minutes and his team's low Q rating, he's failed to get his due as one of the game's biggest stars. He's been amazingly slow to get a superstar's acclaim, with his puzzling All-Star snub being the latest example.
One common misconception is that he benefits from playing mostly against opponents' second-unit players because he comes off the bench. First off, this defies common sense -- nobody else is playing their subs 30 minutes; if Ginobili gets 30 and the opponents' sub at his spot plays 15, it's at most a 50-50 split (and that's only if the minutes align perfectly).
More importantly, the data doesn't support this hypothesis. Check out Ginobili 's splits, folks. Ginobili has been far better as a starter this season, shooting 49.5 percent against 44.5 percent while averaging six points and two assists more per game. This isn't unusual -- the vast majority of players perform better as starters, because apparently the disadvantage of coming into a game cold is greater than the advantage of getting a few extra minutes against the other teams' scrubs.
In short, Ginobili's ability to dominate isn't because he's coming off the bench; it's because he's a flat-out superstar and has been for two years now. The prospect of he and Kobe going shot-for-shot in the conference finals is one of many reasons to be excited about the upcoming playoffs.
The defending champion Spurs are up to their usual tricks, lying in the weeds for half a season only to make a late run. Once again they're on top of the Southwest division, and nobody will be surprised to see them make another deep playoff run. However, one thing has changed: the team's offensive focal point. For years, the Spurs' primary weapon has been Tim Duncan and, to a lesser extent, Tony Parker.
Not anymore. This season, it's the Manu Ginobili show. The sneaky southpaw leads the team in scoring at 20.6 points per game, but even that understates things. Ginobili's usage rate this season has climbed all the way to 28.0, the sixth-highest figure in the league.
This has escaped people's attention because Ginobili only plays 31.5 minutes per game. But to see how much he's getting the rock, and how productive he's been when he's had it, let's compare Ginobili's per-40-minute stats to those of another prominent player: Kobe Bryant.
You think he can't hang? Guess again. Kobe averages 29.3 points, 6.4 rebounds and 5.7 assists per 40 minutes; Manu gets 26.2, 6.4 and 5.9.
Wait, it gets better. Kobe plays on one of the league's faster-paced teams; Manu is on the second-slowest. Plug Bryant's numbers into the Spurs' sluggish pace and you get 26.9 points, 5.9 boards and 5.2 assists, making the comparison a dead heat.
Additionally, Ginobili has done it with a spectacular 61.7 true shooting mark that ranks fourth among all shooting guards, and trumps Kobe's 57.7.
All this helps explain why Ginobili ranks fourth in the league in PER. Not that it's anything new -- he was ninth in this category a season ago. It also explains why the Spurs can continue to win despite off years from most of their role players and declining numbers from Duncan and Parker. If every time Ginobili comes off the bench you think to yourself "Kobe Bryant is checking in for the Spurs," their success becomes a lot easier to understand.
Yet because of Ginobili's low minutes and his team's low Q rating, he's failed to get his due as one of the game's biggest stars. He's been amazingly slow to get a superstar's acclaim, with his puzzling All-Star snub being the latest example.
One common misconception is that he benefits from playing mostly against opponents' second-unit players because he comes off the bench. First off, this defies common sense -- nobody else is playing their subs 30 minutes; if Ginobili gets 30 and the opponents' sub at his spot plays 15, it's at most a 50-50 split (and that's only if the minutes align perfectly).
More importantly, the data doesn't support this hypothesis. Check out Ginobili 's splits, folks. Ginobili has been far better as a starter this season, shooting 49.5 percent against 44.5 percent while averaging six points and two assists more per game. This isn't unusual -- the vast majority of players perform better as starters, because apparently the disadvantage of coming into a game cold is greater than the advantage of getting a few extra minutes against the other teams' scrubs.
In short, Ginobili's ability to dominate isn't because he's coming off the bench; it's because he's a flat-out superstar and has been for two years now. The prospect of he and Kobe going shot-for-shot in the conference finals is one of many reasons to be excited about the upcoming playoffs.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Manu...wins another one for the Champs
Spurs 100 Timberwolves 99
Read about the game here.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=280221016
Read about the game here.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=280221016
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Not quite sure....
Spurs send Barry, Elson and pick to Sonics for Thomas. This is one of the stories on espn.com right now and I'm a bit torn. Yes, I'd love another big guy up front to help with rebounding and overall defense and offense, but I sure do like Barry. He's not always a game changer, but I've seen him light up teams with three pointers just when the Spurs needed it. In fact, I've seen it on many occasions, in both regular play and in the playoffs, so the jury is still out for me. I must say this though, Coach Pop is not wrong very often, so I'll have to trust his intuition on things like this....I've never claimed to be an NBA expert, just a devoted Spurs fan.
I don't care what Oprah says, I love this guy...
Old news, but remember the guy who wrote the "true" story of his struggle to get sober? I read his book A Million Little Pieces and loved it, no matter how many things were embelished, it was powerful. I also read the sequel My Friend Leonard and thought it was a great read as well. I am looking forward to his new book....appropriately enough, it's a work of FICTION...fuck you Oprah. Follow the link below for more on his new book.
Oh my god...
Man, this is cool. You have to take a look at this poor guy.
http://www.transworldnews.com/NewsStory.aspx?id=34825&cat=2
http://www.transworldnews.com/NewsStory.aspx?id=34825&cat=2
Gee, I hope this helps....ok, not really.
Two trades that have recently happened are interesting to say the least. Without getting into all of the odd details about each of these trades....Kidd going to Dallas, then not, then going....Shaq's tired old ass going to the Suns, one of the quickest offenses around?! I doubt he'll be able to keep up, but this should make for some great TV, whether they do well or suck, it should be fun to watch.
Ouch!
From his blog to mine.....
Just got back from Oklahoma where I was shooting "Mat Hoffman's tribute to Evel Knievel." Had a ball, too, even though I almost lost my own balls in the process. Don't want to give too much away because the tribute airs Feb 23rd on MTV, but let's just say before letting Travis Pastrana teach me how to do a backflip on a motorcycle I should have had him teach me to ride one first. Heh-heh...bad for me, good for our viewing audience at home. Have to go now. Have to empty the piss bag on my leg that I have to wear for the next two weeks until my torn urethra heals. Ouch, and see you on the 23rd. By the way, lots of great stuff in the Evel Knievel tribute besides my trip to the hospital--lots!--Johnny Knoxville
No Depression
I don't read it much anymore, but at one time this magazine was more important to me than Rolling Stone. Sorry to see them go.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEFebruary 19, 2008NO DEPRESSION MAGAZINETO CEASE PUBLISHINGAFTER MAY-JUNE ISSUESEATTLE, WA - No Depression, the bimonthly magazine covering a broad range of American roots music since 1995, will bring to an end its print publication with its 75th issue in May-June 2008.Plans to expand the publication’s website (www.nodepression.net) with additional content will move forward, though it will in no way replace the print edition.The magazine’s March-April issue, currently en route to subscribers and stores, includes the following note from publishers Grant Alden, Peter Blackstock and Kyla Fairchild as its Page 2 “Hello Stranger” column:Dear Friends:Barring the intercession of unknown angels, you hold in your hands the next-to-the-last edition of No Depression we will publish. It is difficult even to type those words, so please know that we have not come lightly to this decision.In the thirteen years since we began plotting and publishing No Depression, we have taken pride not only in the quality of the work we were able to offer our readers, but in the way we insisted upon doing business. We have never inflated our numbers; we have always paid our bills (and, especially, our freelancers) on time. And we have always tried our best to tell the truth.First things, then: If you have a subscription to ND, please know that we will do our very best to take care of you. We will be negotiating with a handful of magazines who may be interested in fulfilling your subscription. That is the best we can do under the circumstances.Those circumstances are both complicated and painfully simple. The simple answer is that advertising revenue in this issue is 64% of what it was for our March- April issue just two years ago. We expect that number to continue to decline.The longer answer involves not simply the well-documented and industry wide reduction in print advertising, but the precipitous fall of the music industry. As a niche publication, ND is well insulated from reductions in, say, GM’s print advertising budget; our size meant they weren’t going to buy space in our pages, regardless.On the other hand, because we’re a niche title we are dependent upon advertisers who have a specific reason to reach our audience. That is: record labels. We, like many of our friends and competitors, are dependent upon advertising from the community we serve.That community is, as they say, in transition. In this evolving downloadable world, what a record label is and does is all up to question. What is irrefutable is that their advertising budgets are drastically reduced, for reasons we well understand. It seems clear at this point that whatever businesses evolve to replace (or transform) record labels will have much less need to advertise in print.The decline of brick and mortar music retail means we have fewer newsstands on which to sell our magazine, and small labels have fewer venues that might embrace and hand-sell their music. Ditto for independent bookstores. Paper manufacturers have consolidated and begun closing mills to cut production; we’ve been told to expect three price increases in 2008. Last year there was a shift in postal regulations, written by and for big publishers, which shifted costs down to smaller publishers whose economies of scale are unable to take advantage of advanced sorting techniques.Then there’s the economy…The cumulative toll of those forces makes it increasingly difficult for all small magazines to survive. Whatever the potentials of the web, it cannot be good for our democracy to see independent voices further marginalized. But that’s what’s happening. The big money on the web is being made, not surprisingly, primarily by big businesses.ND has never been a big business. It was started with a $2,000 loan from Peter’s savings account (the only monetary investment ever provided, or sought by, the magazine). We have five more or less full-time employees, including we three who own the magazine. We have always worked from spare bedrooms and drawn what seemed modest salaries.What makes this especially painful and particularly frustrating is that our readership has not significantly declined, our newsstand sell-through remains among the best in our portion of the industry, and our passion for and pleasure in the music has in no way diminished. We still have shelves full of first-rate music we’d love to tell you about.And we have taken great pride in being one of the last bastions of the long-form article, despite the received wisdom throughout publishing that shorter is better. We were particularly gratified to be nominated for our third Utne award last year.Our cards are now on the table.Though we will do this at greater length next issue, we should like particularly to thank the advertisers who have stuck with us these many years; the writers, illustrators, and photographers who have worked for far less than they’re worth; and our readers: You.Thank you all. It has been our great joy to serve you.GRANT ALDENPETER BLACKSTOCKKYLA FAIRCHILDNo Depression published its first issue in September 1995 (with Son Volt on the cover) and continued quarterly for its first year, switching to bimonthly in September 1996. ND received an Utne Magazine Award for Arts & Literature Coverage in 2001 and has been nominated for the award on several other occasions (including in 2007). The Chicago Tribune ranked No Depression #20 in its 2004 list of the nation’s Top 50 magazines of any kind.Artists who have appeared on the cover of No Depression over the years include Johnny Cash (2002), Wilco (1996), Willie Nelson (2004), Ryan Adams’ seminal band Whiskeytown (1997), the Drive-By Truckers (2003), Ralph Stanley (1998), Elvis Costello & Allen Toussaint (2006), Gillian Welch (2001), Lyle Lovett (2003), Porter Wagoner (2007), and Alejandro Escovedo (1998, as Artist of the Decade).
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Ugly....
The Spurs found a way to pull it out in the second half and win big over the Bobcats. Do better next time guys.
Son Volt in Tejas
Wow, finally some love from Son Volt here in Texas. Several shows to choose from. I'd have to say the most interesting venue for me would be Gruene Hall....too cool. I'm sure all the guys can make that one. Hey San Antonio Crew...if you read this mark it down for Gruene Hall.
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Damnit, Damnit, Son of a Bitch.....The 50th Daytona 500
So I'll begin by admitting that I barely watched this year. I had to work all day and though we have a TV, it's not like I could have sat and watched the whole race. What I did see was that Toyota is going to be fine...better than fine after last year's lackluster performance. With Joe Gibbs Racing joining the Toyota family, and Kyle Bush joining Gibbs, there's going to be no stopping them. I'm not even close to a Kyle Bush fan, but he is a good hard racer. Now I was sure Tony Stewart was going to finally get his first 500 win, and that was before the green flag dropped. Once I saw how great he was doing, I thought his chances had tripled. I've never been so happy and so frustrated after one lap of racing in my life. To see Smoke take the white flag in the top spot, I knew he would win.....but as most Nascar fans will tell you, the last place you want to be on the last lap few laps is first. You're a sitting duck. So Tony got passed by the Penski freight train of Ryan Newman and Kurt Bush.....yes, that Bush bro who rumer has it was punched by none other than Tony Stewart just days earlier in a post racing incident trip to the Nascar hauler......wow. Having Stewart go from first to third in the last lap of the 50th running of the great Daytona 500 sucked, but to be passed by a douche bag like Kurt Bush....well that's just wrong.
Replacements
This is good news. The Replacements back catalog gets the deluxe reissue treatment. I can't wait unti I can get my hands on these discs.
Having lived in Minneapolis for a time, and being a huge fan of the music scene there, this is Christmas come early for me. Follow the link below for more detailed info.
I'll write you a letter tomorrowTonight I can't hold a penSomeone's got a stamp that I can borrowI promise not to blow the address againLights that flash in the evening,Through a crack in the drapesJesus rides beside meHe never buys any smokesHurry up, hurry up, ain't you had enough of this stuffAshtray floors, dirty clothes, and filthy jokesSee you're high and lonesomeTry and try and tryLights that flash in the evening,Through a hole in the drapesI'll be home when I'm sleepingI can't hardly waitI can't wait. Hardly wait.
http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003709827
Having lived in Minneapolis for a time, and being a huge fan of the music scene there, this is Christmas come early for me. Follow the link below for more detailed info.
I'll write you a letter tomorrowTonight I can't hold a penSomeone's got a stamp that I can borrowI promise not to blow the address againLights that flash in the evening,Through a crack in the drapesJesus rides beside meHe never buys any smokesHurry up, hurry up, ain't you had enough of this stuffAshtray floors, dirty clothes, and filthy jokesSee you're high and lonesomeTry and try and tryLights that flash in the evening,Through a hole in the drapesI'll be home when I'm sleepingI can't hardly waitI can't wait. Hardly wait.
http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003709827
Restless Leg Syndro......wha???
There is a drug out that is supposed to help folks afflicted with "restless leg syndrome". Now if you've ever known anyone or more specifically ever slept with anyone having this disorder....let me tell you, I've woken up many a night with my wife kicking the living shit out of me...so , the drug is called Miripax and it has some crazy side effects. Check it out.....
One of the side effects of Mirapex has been the development of compulsive gambling in people who have not had a problem with gambling before taking the drug. For example, a retired government intelligence worker lost thousands of dollars in slot machines before he discovered that gambling was a Mirapex side effect and stopped taking the drug. A 68-year-old man lost more than $200,000 before his medication was adjusted. A 41-year-old lost more than $5,000 in Internet gambling.
Gambling is only one of the pleasure/reward-seeking activities that can increase in patients taking Mirapex. Other obsessive behaviors include:
Excessive shopping
Overeating
Hypersexuality
All these obsessive behaviors stop immediately when patients are taken off of Mirapex or given a reduced dose.
One of the side effects of Mirapex has been the development of compulsive gambling in people who have not had a problem with gambling before taking the drug. For example, a retired government intelligence worker lost thousands of dollars in slot machines before he discovered that gambling was a Mirapex side effect and stopped taking the drug. A 68-year-old man lost more than $200,000 before his medication was adjusted. A 41-year-old lost more than $5,000 in Internet gambling.
Gambling is only one of the pleasure/reward-seeking activities that can increase in patients taking Mirapex. Other obsessive behaviors include:
Excessive shopping
Overeating
Hypersexuality
All these obsessive behaviors stop immediately when patients are taken off of Mirapex or given a reduced dose.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
The Pinapple Express.....
From the comedy geniuses behind Anchorman, Knocked Up and Superbad to name just a few. Check out the trailer for this movie. It looks very funny.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
His name is......MANU GINOBILI
Manu Ginobili scores
46 Points in the win against Lebron James and the no names.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Late to the party....
I've removed the link to the website with the post about Jay VS Jeff. I've also removed my comments about it. My painter friend Donald reminded me that by posting the link and my response to his post on my blog just gives this guy some form of credibility and that for someone so late for the party on this non issue, what's the use. Those of you that read it know what I'm talking about and those of you that didn't, well as I said...non issue. I've already put way to much effort into this so.....
Look what I found this morning.
It looks like my little angel is not so keen on sleeping in her "big girl bed" after all. Apparently she is afraid of "monsters". What a cutie pie.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Bud Shootout, Grammys, etc...
Wow, what a great race the Bud Shootout turned out to be. The COT (car of tomorrow, or now today) handled great and the field stayed relatively bunched up for the whole race. Also, Dale Jr. won which proved to be hugely popular...as expected. I like Jr., but geese, it must be nice to inherit all of your dead daddies fans. I love Dale too, but I think Tony Stewart is a better driver than Jr. by far, and should one day surpass Dale if he stays in Cup long enough. Anyway, a very intertaining race and now I'm that much more stoked to watch Daytona.
Grammys? Ok, I guess. Way too much mainstream music for my taste, but what should I expect. Steve Earle won another gold dude.....who gives a fuck. I would have been happy for him years ago, but his time has come and gone for me. Wilco lost. Shit. Again, I'm not suprised. The best music seems to always be missing from the winners list of most major awards. Amy Winehouse didn't freak out and smoke crack or anything. She was pretty good and although I could give two fucks about her stuff, she's talented as hell. Kanye West won AGAIN....give it a rest dude, yes you are talented too, and I'm glad you think you are God's gift to rappers, but take your ugly ass off the stage. Is it me or does he look like he's always packing a huge pinch of Wintergreen Skoal between his lip and gums or what? And yes, of course it's wintergreen because that's the closest flavor to Newports that they have. Oh, and the Foo Fighters won. Cool, I guess. Oh and they rocked out onstage outside and were introduced by a very funny Jason Bateman.
The best line of the night though was from Vince Gill. After Kanye's speach about how great he is and how he always wins Grammys, Vince was given his award and it was handed to him by Ringo Star. He began his speach by saying "I was just given a Grammy by a Beatle! How you ever done that Kanye?"
John Fogerty played with Jerry Lee "I can't believe I'm still alive" Lewis, and Little "Even gay people think I'm too gay" Richard. Really, do we need to sully up a couple of songs by Mr. Fogerty who's comeback (again) album was pretty good. Of course, it's the Grammys. Lets put random musicions together, teach them all the song, and let them go. Dance monkey dance. Yes, sometimes it works, but this was not one of those times. Now, I love me some Jerry Lee. And yes, his life would make a damn good country song, but if I have to hear him limp through another performance of Great Balls of Fire one more fucking time. You shake my bones and you rattle my brain...no motherfucker that's alltzheimers. And Little Richard...wheeeeeee.
Anyway,
OUT
Grammys? Ok, I guess. Way too much mainstream music for my taste, but what should I expect. Steve Earle won another gold dude.....who gives a fuck. I would have been happy for him years ago, but his time has come and gone for me. Wilco lost. Shit. Again, I'm not suprised. The best music seems to always be missing from the winners list of most major awards. Amy Winehouse didn't freak out and smoke crack or anything. She was pretty good and although I could give two fucks about her stuff, she's talented as hell. Kanye West won AGAIN....give it a rest dude, yes you are talented too, and I'm glad you think you are God's gift to rappers, but take your ugly ass off the stage. Is it me or does he look like he's always packing a huge pinch of Wintergreen Skoal between his lip and gums or what? And yes, of course it's wintergreen because that's the closest flavor to Newports that they have. Oh, and the Foo Fighters won. Cool, I guess. Oh and they rocked out onstage outside and were introduced by a very funny Jason Bateman.
The best line of the night though was from Vince Gill. After Kanye's speach about how great he is and how he always wins Grammys, Vince was given his award and it was handed to him by Ringo Star. He began his speach by saying "I was just given a Grammy by a Beatle! How you ever done that Kanye?"
John Fogerty played with Jerry Lee "I can't believe I'm still alive" Lewis, and Little "Even gay people think I'm too gay" Richard. Really, do we need to sully up a couple of songs by Mr. Fogerty who's comeback (again) album was pretty good. Of course, it's the Grammys. Lets put random musicions together, teach them all the song, and let them go. Dance monkey dance. Yes, sometimes it works, but this was not one of those times. Now, I love me some Jerry Lee. And yes, his life would make a damn good country song, but if I have to hear him limp through another performance of Great Balls of Fire one more fucking time. You shake my bones and you rattle my brain...no motherfucker that's alltzheimers. And Little Richard...wheeeeeee.
Anyway,
OUT
I need some help...hold steady
Ok, here it is, the set list for the Hold Steady Project. I need some help, let me know what you think.
Disc One
1. Most People are DJ's
2. Hot Soft Light
3. Sweet Payne
4. Chicago Seemed Tired Last Nite
5. Girls Like Status
6. Hostile Mass.
7. Multitude of Casualties
8. Massive Nite
9. Party Pit
10. The Swish
11. First Nite
12. Stuck Between Stations
Disc Two
1. Certain Songs
2. Your Little Hood Rat Friend
3. Chips Ahoy!
4. Setchy Metal
5. Southtown Girls
6. Stevie Nix
7. You Can Make Him Like You
8. Banging Camp
9. Charlemagne In Sweatpants
10. Killer Parties
11. Crucifixion Cruise
12. How A Reserection Really Feels
Disc One
1. Most People are DJ's
2. Hot Soft Light
3. Sweet Payne
4. Chicago Seemed Tired Last Nite
5. Girls Like Status
6. Hostile Mass.
7. Multitude of Casualties
8. Massive Nite
9. Party Pit
10. The Swish
11. First Nite
12. Stuck Between Stations
Disc Two
1. Certain Songs
2. Your Little Hood Rat Friend
3. Chips Ahoy!
4. Setchy Metal
5. Southtown Girls
6. Stevie Nix
7. You Can Make Him Like You
8. Banging Camp
9. Charlemagne In Sweatpants
10. Killer Parties
11. Crucifixion Cruise
12. How A Reserection Really Feels
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Are you fucking kidding me part 2....
I'm sitting here after several beers admitting that I watched this show. Cut me some slack....it's a trainwreck I can't turn away from.
http://www.cmt.com/shows/dyn/gone-country/series.jhtml
Dee Snider, Bobby Brown....Gone Country? Realy....Seriously? That's all you got? Carnie Wilson..Fuck Me. And hosted by the grand douche himself, Rich from Big and Rich!!
http://www.cmt.com/shows/dyn/gone-country/series.jhtml
Dee Snider, Bobby Brown....Gone Country? Realy....Seriously? That's all you got? Carnie Wilson..Fuck Me. And hosted by the grand douche himself, Rich from Big and Rich!!
Are you fucking kidding me?
Yes, this is real. I caught the last 30 minutes of this documetary on VH1 tonight. It was fucking unreal. These people are for real!
It took overtime to do it but.....
The Spurs beat the Nicks. That's what 4 wins in the last 5 road games? Not too bad, besides, it's still so early. It looks like the Champs are catching back up in the West. Did you ever doubt them?
The Hold Steady Project
I'm working on a Hold Steady compilation that's proving very hard to put together. I love their shit so much that it's hard to pick out just one CD's worth of music out of the three masterpieces they've released in the last several years. I tend to want to put way to much on it and end up with two CD's. It's like my painter friend Donald always reminds me, just because you can fit 20 or more songs on one CD doesn't mean you have to. It's a work in progress, but I'll have some copies for you guys along with a bonus live show from the 9:30 club in DC. Hold Steady, it's on it's way soon.
Friday, February 8, 2008
smoke 'em if you got 'em.....
Shine a light...
I can't wait for this one to come to Austin.
Follow the link below for an early review.
http://www.aintitcool.com/node/35536
Follow the link below for an early review.
http://www.aintitcool.com/node/35536
Way over my head...
Tonight I came home from work and found my sweet little girl had gone and gotten a make over. I think she looks very cute, but I had better start saving for a gun or two. If she's taking these pictures at 2 years old.....well, I'm in way over my head.
The best part about SXSW? Free Daytime shows!!
Below are some of the free day shows for this year's SXSW. We had so much fun at last years free parties that I cannot wait to see what is in store for us this year.
Tuesday 3/11
This is American Music
Grand Champeen, Two Cow Garage, The Drams, Glossary at Beerland
Friday 3/14
Bloodshot Records 14th Annual Party and BBQ
Firewater, Bobby Bare Jr., The Scotland Yard Gospel Choir, The Waco Brothers, Ha Ha Tonka, Justin Townes Earle, Deadstring Brothers, Mark Pickerel & His Praying Hands, The Silos (in tribute to Drew Glackin), Andre Williams at Yard Dog Gallery (1510 S. Congress Ave.)
I'm still trying to get the low down on the No Depression Party, the Twangfest Party, and the New West Records Party, all of which are usually very nice. Hopefully my painter friend Donald wont' be so hung over this year and can truly enjoy himself.
Tuesday 3/11
This is American Music
Grand Champeen, Two Cow Garage, The Drams, Glossary at Beerland
Friday 3/14
Bloodshot Records 14th Annual Party and BBQ
Firewater, Bobby Bare Jr., The Scotland Yard Gospel Choir, The Waco Brothers, Ha Ha Tonka, Justin Townes Earle, Deadstring Brothers, Mark Pickerel & His Praying Hands, The Silos (in tribute to Drew Glackin), Andre Williams at Yard Dog Gallery (1510 S. Congress Ave.)
I'm still trying to get the low down on the No Depression Party, the Twangfest Party, and the New West Records Party, all of which are usually very nice. Hopefully my painter friend Donald wont' be so hung over this year and can truly enjoy himself.
Whiskeytown :: Stranger’s Almanac (Reissue)
Come March 4th, Whiskeytown’s second album, 1997’s Stranger’s Almanac, is getting the deluxe, two disc, reissue treatment. This marks the first Whiskeytown release since the post-humous 2001 release of Pneumonia, the band’s final studio album. No Depression dot net has the details — check it out:
“Disc One of the two-disc set will feature the original album plus five tracks recorded live on Los Angeles radio station KCRW on September 10, 1997. Three of those tracks are album cuts (”Houses On The Hill”, “Turn Around”, “Somebody Remembers The Rose”) and two were not on the album (”Nurse With The Pills”, “I Don’t Care What You Think About Me”).
The 20 tracks on disc two include outtakes and alternate tracks from the Strangers Almanac recording sessions and demo sessions. A few of them were issued separate from Strangers Almanac at the time: “Theme For A Trucker”, “My Heart Is Broken”, and alternate versions of “The Strip” (a.k.a. “Dancing With The Women At The Bar”) and “Houses On The Hill” comprised a double 7-inch gatefold release by Bloodshot Records in early 1997, and “Ticket Time” and Alejandro Escovedo’s “The Rain Won’t Help You When It’s Over” were on a limited-edition bonus EP packaged with initial pressings of the Strangers Almanac CD.
Aside from “The Rain Won’t Help You”, other cover songs on Disc Two include Fleetwood Mac’s “Dreams”, Gram Parsons’ “Luxury Liner”, and a Ryan Adams solo version of Johnny Cash’s “I Still Miss Someone”.
Previously unreleased outtakes from the Strangers sessions featured on Disc Two include “Kiss & Make-Up”, “Indiana Gown”, “Barn’s On Fire”, “Whispers” (a.k.a. “Streets Of Sirens”), “Breathe”, and “10 Seconds Till The End Of The World”.
Disc Two also includes alternate studio versions of Strangers tracks “Excuse Me While I Break My Own Heart Tonight”, “16 Days”, “Somebody Remembers The Rose”, “Avenues”, and “Turn Around”.” (via)
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
And……we’re back. The majority of the additional tracks - noted above - have been widely available online, and in trading circles, for years. Most of disc two is made up of tracks that Adams had been quoted as saying were to be part of an album entitled Those Weren’t The Days, which would have been the link, stylistically speaking, between the Faithless Street and Stranger’s Almanac records.
“Disc One of the two-disc set will feature the original album plus five tracks recorded live on Los Angeles radio station KCRW on September 10, 1997. Three of those tracks are album cuts (”Houses On The Hill”, “Turn Around”, “Somebody Remembers The Rose”) and two were not on the album (”Nurse With The Pills”, “I Don’t Care What You Think About Me”).
The 20 tracks on disc two include outtakes and alternate tracks from the Strangers Almanac recording sessions and demo sessions. A few of them were issued separate from Strangers Almanac at the time: “Theme For A Trucker”, “My Heart Is Broken”, and alternate versions of “The Strip” (a.k.a. “Dancing With The Women At The Bar”) and “Houses On The Hill” comprised a double 7-inch gatefold release by Bloodshot Records in early 1997, and “Ticket Time” and Alejandro Escovedo’s “The Rain Won’t Help You When It’s Over” were on a limited-edition bonus EP packaged with initial pressings of the Strangers Almanac CD.
Aside from “The Rain Won’t Help You”, other cover songs on Disc Two include Fleetwood Mac’s “Dreams”, Gram Parsons’ “Luxury Liner”, and a Ryan Adams solo version of Johnny Cash’s “I Still Miss Someone”.
Previously unreleased outtakes from the Strangers sessions featured on Disc Two include “Kiss & Make-Up”, “Indiana Gown”, “Barn’s On Fire”, “Whispers” (a.k.a. “Streets Of Sirens”), “Breathe”, and “10 Seconds Till The End Of The World”.
Disc Two also includes alternate studio versions of Strangers tracks “Excuse Me While I Break My Own Heart Tonight”, “16 Days”, “Somebody Remembers The Rose”, “Avenues”, and “Turn Around”.” (via)
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
And……we’re back. The majority of the additional tracks - noted above - have been widely available online, and in trading circles, for years. Most of disc two is made up of tracks that Adams had been quoted as saying were to be part of an album entitled Those Weren’t The Days, which would have been the link, stylistically speaking, between the Faithless Street and Stranger’s Almanac records.
Below are the four studio tracks from the unreleased Those Weren’t The Days album that will not be featured on the upcoming Stranger’s reissue. Note: Three of the Those Weren’t The Days tracks (“Empty Baseball Park,” “Here’s To The Rest of The World,” “Factory Girl”) were previously cribbed for the 1998 reissue of the Faithless Street album.
Thursday, February 7, 2008
R.E.M.: "Supernatural Superserious" [Stream]
New song by REM....not bad. Check it out below, you can stream or download it.
Who could it be....believe it or not it's just me!
Is nothing sacred in Hollywood? Absolutely not, and as tinsel town continues to mine and pillage every conceivable source material for the 'next big thing', seems that they're more comfortable in remaking the past than plotting the future. Next up on the revisionist chopping block is a certain early-80s television classic that may hold a bit more meaning for some of you than any amount of Charlie's Angels or Starsky and Hutch ever would. That's right friends, believe it or not, we're about to walk on air all over again!
You bet we're talking about the certified classic gem Greatest American Hero! The show that spawned one of the most memorable and beloved television theme songs of all time (admit it, you're humming it right now) is about to undergo a revival of sorts thanks to a creatively bankrupt industry destined to relive past glories. The original show's premise followed the exploits of dopy schoolteacher Ralph Hankey who's soon visited by strange space aliens who, as any proper space alien is known to do, bestow our soon-to-be hero a suit that endows its wearer with incredible powers. It isn't long before Ralph dons his 'red jammies' and, along with the help of FBI agent Bill Maxwell, is off fighting crime. Oh, and he gets a girlfriend along the way...hilarity ensues.
No word yet on on release date, but behind-the-scenes things have certainly started heating up. Directing the remake is geek favorite Stephen Herek (Bill and Ted's Bogus Journey, Critters), with a script from longtime partner Chris Matheson and Ryan Rowe. Between the three of them magic has certainly been made (Bill and Ted), but so has remake mud (Charlie's Angels). Perhaps we'll have the proper balance such a project requires, but it'd be a shame to send another remake down the drain.
I'm absolutely convinced that while the original was indeed a treat, most are probably more familiar with its outstanding, inspirational theme song than the show itself. That's not a slam whatsoever, but considering how embedded the classic tune has become in popular culture (originally reaching # 2 on the charts, by the way) thanks to appearances everywhere from Seinfeld (George's answering machine...classic) to snippets on Family Guy (various...not so classic). I can't possibly see them not using it for the new film, but stranger and more boneheaded things have happened.
What a great, great show the original was and let's all hope the remake can capture even 1/10 of its charm. That's the word I was really looking for: charm. Although the original may seem a bit hokey to some of today's more 'sophisticated' audiences, there's just something about its undeniable sense of innate goodness and willingness to let its guard down that made it so darn endearing to just about everyone. Of course it was a one-trick pony, and like other genre shows it wasn't long before the trick ran out of steam...but talk about your wholesome steam!
Credit Popza.com for this story
You bet we're talking about the certified classic gem Greatest American Hero! The show that spawned one of the most memorable and beloved television theme songs of all time (admit it, you're humming it right now) is about to undergo a revival of sorts thanks to a creatively bankrupt industry destined to relive past glories. The original show's premise followed the exploits of dopy schoolteacher Ralph Hankey who's soon visited by strange space aliens who, as any proper space alien is known to do, bestow our soon-to-be hero a suit that endows its wearer with incredible powers. It isn't long before Ralph dons his 'red jammies' and, along with the help of FBI agent Bill Maxwell, is off fighting crime. Oh, and he gets a girlfriend along the way...hilarity ensues.
No word yet on on release date, but behind-the-scenes things have certainly started heating up. Directing the remake is geek favorite Stephen Herek (Bill and Ted's Bogus Journey, Critters), with a script from longtime partner Chris Matheson and Ryan Rowe. Between the three of them magic has certainly been made (Bill and Ted), but so has remake mud (Charlie's Angels). Perhaps we'll have the proper balance such a project requires, but it'd be a shame to send another remake down the drain.
I'm absolutely convinced that while the original was indeed a treat, most are probably more familiar with its outstanding, inspirational theme song than the show itself. That's not a slam whatsoever, but considering how embedded the classic tune has become in popular culture (originally reaching # 2 on the charts, by the way) thanks to appearances everywhere from Seinfeld (George's answering machine...classic) to snippets on Family Guy (various...not so classic). I can't possibly see them not using it for the new film, but stranger and more boneheaded things have happened.
What a great, great show the original was and let's all hope the remake can capture even 1/10 of its charm. That's the word I was really looking for: charm. Although the original may seem a bit hokey to some of today's more 'sophisticated' audiences, there's just something about its undeniable sense of innate goodness and willingness to let its guard down that made it so darn endearing to just about everyone. Of course it was a one-trick pony, and like other genre shows it wasn't long before the trick ran out of steam...but talk about your wholesome steam!
Credit Popza.com for this story
Stranded But Pfat in Pflugerville
This morning I had to go get the brakes fixed on my piece. Just Brakes for $99.88....lets hope that's all they charge me. The wife couldn't pick me up for an hour and a half, so I decided to kill some time at a strip center taco place. Now becuase I knew I'd be writing about this, I decided to take pictures of my adventure, including my meal. I am here to tell you, if you want good service and lots of attention, take a picture of your food when it arrives, and let the wait person see you do it. The next think I knew, I saw the manager and every other person in the place peeking out at me from behind tables and doorways. They must have thought I was a food critic or something. Well, now that I have this outlet for all the random shit that goes through my head, I guess I am critic....on anything and everything. So...tacos....I had a carneguisada w/cheese, a picadillo, and a potato and egg. Thakfully they were all pretty good. The tortillas were homemade, the carne guisada tender, and the picadillo just greasy enough. The potato and egg was good too, with nice crispy yet tender potato cubes mixed with perfectly done scrambled eggs. The salsa was so so, not nearly hot enough, but all in all I would give this meal 3 1/2 jalapeno peppers out of 5......ok, that's so dorky, but hey, if I'm reviewing a meal than why not?
Once I was Pfat in Pflugerville, I proceeded to kill time reading my book outside. It was a nice enough morning, and I staked my claim to a piece of the retaining wall that seperated the strip center from the Citgo gas station. Everyting was fine until an older lady came by, sat on a nearby milk crate, and decided she wanted a friend. Really, is this what my life has come to? Hanging around a shitty convenience store, chatting up a local gal that likes to sit on milk crates? I'm not even sure if she was homeless or not, she just kept rambling on about the price of smokes and how they just don't make milk crates as comfortable any more. "I can't sit on them long, they can't handle my weight" she said. She added that they also made her thighs look like a waffel iron.....yes lady, it's the milk crate's fault. I've included pictures of my new hang out, so if you're driving by Howard Lane and I-35 heading north, be on the lookout for a little piece of paradise where everyone is a friend, and milk crates are always available.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Justin Townes Earle New Record and SXSW 2008
About Justin Townes Earle
You need to check this guy out. Everything I've heard so far is exceptional. He has all his dad's talent and more, without the damn political shit...
From his myspace page....
new album, The Good Life, coming 3/25/08
"Like the late Van Zandt, Earle uses a base of acoustic blues and prewar folk to build his own brand of American roots music." Nashville Scene
With Justin Townes Earle’s pedigree come mixed blessings. As the son of legendary singer/songwriter Steve Earle, high expectations are the name of the game, and he’s shown that he is up to the task on The Good Life, crafting stark portraits and narrative tales with elements of blues, classic country and rock n’roll. A modern-day troubadour, Earle blends genres seamlessly, framing his songs in warm musical settings and creating tunes that could easily be mistaken for classics. “I started out to make an old timey country record, but I listen to so many other kinds of music,” Justin explained. “Some of the songs were rearranged on the spot and took on other lives and album is now more of an exploration of southern music.” Earle approaches universal topics like traveling and matters of the heart (“Hard Living”, “The Good Life”) with the same fervor with which he evokes the bleak loneliness of a Civil War soldier on “Lone Pine Hill”.
The Good Life is produced by RS Field (Billy Joe Shaver, Sonny Landreth) and Steve Poulton. The album was recorded (with the exception of “Ain’t Glad I’m Leaving”) at House of David studios, the legendary room that has hosted sessions with George Jones, Elvis Presley, Neil Young and countless others. Joining Earle in the studio are a cast of all-star players including longtime cohort Cory Younts (Bobby Bare, Jr) on banjo and mandolin, pedal steel player master Pete Finney (Dixie Chicks, Patty Lovelace), bassist Bryn Davies (Patty Griffin, Guy Clark), drummer Bryan Owings (Buddy Miller, Shelby Lynne), keyboardist Skylar Wilson and fiddle player Josh Hedley.
Justin Townes Earle is 25 years old and his age belies his experience. Growing up in Nashville he mis-spent his youth playing in bluegrass/ragtime combo The Swindlers and the louder, more rocking The Distributors and developing some very bad habits. During tours as guitarist and keyboardist (“…and not a very good one,” laughs Earle) in his father’s band, his problems became untenable and he was fired. Ultimately he cleaned up his act, dropped his self-destructive habits and began to focus on songcraft. “You don’t have to be fucked up or torture yourself to write songs,” explains Earle, “I used to write a lot, a whole lot, and half those songs I don’t even remember. Now, I sit there and I write it and I finish it and I keep it.”
With inspirations as diverse as Townes Van Zandt (he was named in honor of the elder Earle’s hero), Jimmy Reed, Kurt Cobain, The Replacements, Ray Charles and The Pogues, Justin forged his own brand of American roots music. Going through life with a namesake of Van Zandt’s stature cannot be easy for a young songwriter, but Earle takes it in stride,” saying, “Anyone who tries to live up to Van Zandt is a fool. I’m honored to carry the name, but if I spent my life trying to live up to it, I’d have a pretty miserable life.” Likewise, his father’s incredibly acclaimed, prolific career casts a huge shadow, but Justin Townes Earles makes a name for himself by focusing his writing on the personal rather than the political, narrative tales instead of protest. The Good Life melds the qualities of a short story with the lyrical acuity of excellent songs, celebrating grand southern traditions and blowing a fresh breeze across the musical gardens and dive bars of Nashville.
You need to check this guy out. Everything I've heard so far is exceptional. He has all his dad's talent and more, without the damn political shit...
From his myspace page....
new album, The Good Life, coming 3/25/08
"Like the late Van Zandt, Earle uses a base of acoustic blues and prewar folk to build his own brand of American roots music." Nashville Scene
With Justin Townes Earle’s pedigree come mixed blessings. As the son of legendary singer/songwriter Steve Earle, high expectations are the name of the game, and he’s shown that he is up to the task on The Good Life, crafting stark portraits and narrative tales with elements of blues, classic country and rock n’roll. A modern-day troubadour, Earle blends genres seamlessly, framing his songs in warm musical settings and creating tunes that could easily be mistaken for classics. “I started out to make an old timey country record, but I listen to so many other kinds of music,” Justin explained. “Some of the songs were rearranged on the spot and took on other lives and album is now more of an exploration of southern music.” Earle approaches universal topics like traveling and matters of the heart (“Hard Living”, “The Good Life”) with the same fervor with which he evokes the bleak loneliness of a Civil War soldier on “Lone Pine Hill”.
The Good Life is produced by RS Field (Billy Joe Shaver, Sonny Landreth) and Steve Poulton. The album was recorded (with the exception of “Ain’t Glad I’m Leaving”) at House of David studios, the legendary room that has hosted sessions with George Jones, Elvis Presley, Neil Young and countless others. Joining Earle in the studio are a cast of all-star players including longtime cohort Cory Younts (Bobby Bare, Jr) on banjo and mandolin, pedal steel player master Pete Finney (Dixie Chicks, Patty Lovelace), bassist Bryn Davies (Patty Griffin, Guy Clark), drummer Bryan Owings (Buddy Miller, Shelby Lynne), keyboardist Skylar Wilson and fiddle player Josh Hedley.
Justin Townes Earle is 25 years old and his age belies his experience. Growing up in Nashville he mis-spent his youth playing in bluegrass/ragtime combo The Swindlers and the louder, more rocking The Distributors and developing some very bad habits. During tours as guitarist and keyboardist (“…and not a very good one,” laughs Earle) in his father’s band, his problems became untenable and he was fired. Ultimately he cleaned up his act, dropped his self-destructive habits and began to focus on songcraft. “You don’t have to be fucked up or torture yourself to write songs,” explains Earle, “I used to write a lot, a whole lot, and half those songs I don’t even remember. Now, I sit there and I write it and I finish it and I keep it.”
With inspirations as diverse as Townes Van Zandt (he was named in honor of the elder Earle’s hero), Jimmy Reed, Kurt Cobain, The Replacements, Ray Charles and The Pogues, Justin forged his own brand of American roots music. Going through life with a namesake of Van Zandt’s stature cannot be easy for a young songwriter, but Earle takes it in stride,” saying, “Anyone who tries to live up to Van Zandt is a fool. I’m honored to carry the name, but if I spent my life trying to live up to it, I’d have a pretty miserable life.” Likewise, his father’s incredibly acclaimed, prolific career casts a huge shadow, but Justin Townes Earles makes a name for himself by focusing his writing on the personal rather than the political, narrative tales instead of protest. The Good Life melds the qualities of a short story with the lyrical acuity of excellent songs, celebrating grand southern traditions and blowing a fresh breeze across the musical gardens and dive bars of Nashville.
SXSW 2008 Dates:
Two Cow Garage @ SXSW 2008...so far....
Mar 11 2008
9:00P
Beerland--THIS is American Music Show
Austin, Texas
9:00P
Beerland--THIS is American Music Show
Austin, Texas
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