War in Peace

Beck has this website where he records songs for a live video library. Currently he is recording Moby Grape's frontman Skip Spence's solo masterpiece, Oar. I stumbled, luckily, across this latest piece of work. Nels Cline fans, pour a drink, relax, and listen...

Record Club: Skip Spence "War In Peace" from Beck Hansen on Vimeo.

New Music

Most of this from the last couple of months, or more, from emusic.com downloads, a couple cd's:

Visqueen-Message to Garcia
Tommy Keene-In the Late Bright
Doug Gillard-Call From Restricted
Vic Chesnutt-At the Cut & Skitter on the Take Off
David Rawlings Machine-A Friend of a Friend
Girls-Album
Dirty Projectors-Bitte Orca
Tom Waits-Live
Lyle Lovett-Natural Forces
Boston Spaceships-Licking Stamps and Drinking Shitty Coffee
Flaming Lips-Embryonic
Daniel Johnston-Is and Always Was
Earthlings!-s/t
Grant Lee Phillips-Little Moon & nineteeneighties
REM-Live
Terry Anderson & the OAK Team-National Champions
Sting-new Christmas/Winter cd (awesome)
Tons of Holiday music
Watership Down-old cassettes I found (this stuff is so good)

So Long 2009 Goodbye

Here' s my Mom with her lifelong idol, Elvis. I'm going to miss her. The last two years of her life were not what you want for your mother, or anyone for that matter. I will try to remember something about her every day. Yesterday I taught Katie how to make noodles like her Grandma did. They turned out great and we had a classic meal.

2009 was the year of grief, wine & books for me. I set out this year to read 36 books. How did i do you ask? I think I made it. I'll compile the list soon. I am also working on the year in music which I'll post soon as well.

Have been listening to Vic Chesnutt all weekend. If you are familiar with his music, you already know he was a tortured soul. He wrote simple, lovely songs about the human condition in all of its strength and frailty. He was a bold personality that I was lucky enough to witness on 3 occasions. The first time I met him was in Champaign at Mabel's. I was there to see Bob Mould on his first post - Husker tour. The opening act was some guy named Vic Chesnutt. When my friend LaReau and I arrived at Mabels there was this guy at the bottom of the stairs in a wheel chair berating people who were not willing to carry him up the stairs. It was a fairly uncomfortable scene. So LaReau and I carried him up and he thanked us for not being dicks. Little did we know he was the opening act. I was blown away by his performance and bought West of Rome. I counted this weekend that I have 13 of his records. he was a genius.

Something Old, Something New

Mrs. C, Brett & I ventured out last Friday night to see the Vulgar Boatmen @ Radio Radio. After a fantastic pizza @ Jockamo's in Irvington, we arrived in time to see a couple of so-so-to-horrible bands. The Boatmen however did not dissapoint. The number of VB songs that make you dance and smile and sing along is really astonishing. The spare crowd stuck it out to the end with about a 1/3 on the dance floor. The coda was Waitin for My Man by the VU. Sweet.

Emusic downloads for July:

The Kills - Midnight Boom
David Byrne/Brian Eno - Everything that Happens will Happen Today
Doug Sahm - Live Austin City Limits
The Lost Sounds - The Lost Sounds

More recent cd's:
The King and the Crown
Drive-By Truckers - Live Austin City Limits w/dvd
Robert Pollard - Elephant Jokes
Jim James - George Harrison tribute

Dot Coms

From the Factory of Raw Essentials Dot Com:



From Robbie Fulks Dot Com:
My Michael Jackson tribute record -- I agree -- I want to get it out before year's end because the time seems right (not merely exploitatively). Watch this space for further news as it ripens. There's not much label interest in "Dear Michael, Love Robbie," as far as my finely honed antennae have detected. Stupid labels! But I think itunes and this site should be fine and adequate outlets for the record, and that's easily arranged

Watt

No comment!

Watt + Nels

Raining on the Fourth? What's a man to do? Look up Watt on You Tube.

The Farting Butterfly

This struck me funny. Michael Ian Black is hysterical.

Michael & Michael Have Issues	Premieres Wed, July 15, 10:30pm / 9:30c
Preview - The Farting Butterfly Sketch
www.comedycentral.com
Joke of the Day Stand-Up Comedy Free Online Games

Diggit Tunes

Emusic.com selections for June:

Dinosaur jr. - Farm
So Cow - So Cow
Robert Earl Keen - A Bigger Piece of Sky
Cheap Trick - Rockford
Swervedriver - Mezcal Head
T.S.O.L. - Beneath the Shadows (1983!!)

All for $15.99!! That's changing however. Beginning tomorrow, my deal goes from 65 songs to 37 songs for the same price. Bum-mer. Apparently there is a big announcement about significant additions to their catalog.

Here's T.S.O.L.'s video to Darker My Love from the Suburbia movie

Diggit, Rock Fans

I downloaded the Whigs CD, Mission Control, last year and have been listening to it again. I missed them here in town at birdy's and after seeing this video, regret that.

More New Guy Clark

Looks like Guy is working with Don Was, just like Todd Snider did. That's Jamie Hartford on guitar, John Hartford's son.



......and did you notice I figured out how to imbed youtube video's?!?

Minotaur

Prepare to be overwhelmed. Wow.

Its a Long Way to the Top

If you want to Rock and Roll.

Thats some sound advice from AC/DC channeled through Lucinda Williams. I suspect they both understand what they're singing about. Lu ended her show at the Vogue last week with this Back in Black classic. The band Buick 6 were the best bar band in the world on this night and both they and Lucinda were having some fun. The sold out crowd made sure they knew it (even on a Tuesday night). I have read that Lucinda has been rejuvenized by Buick 6 and by the look of it she has. It's also apparent on her latest record Little Honey. The guy that replaced Doug Pettibone (above) on lead guitar was out of sight. One of the best shows ever.

Current Playlist:
Todd Snider - The Excitement Plan
Dave Alvin & the Guilty Women
Man of Somebody's Dreams - Tribute to Chris Gaffney
Lucinda Williams - Little Honey
Sonic Youth - The Eternal
Dr. John - In the Right Time (1973 vinyl....groovy. Thanks to Danko for recommendation)
Cosmos - Robert Pollard & Richard Davies (oddly beautiful)

My (Not So New) Favorite Things

1. Applause and high praise for those music labels combining new vinyl releases with a free digital download. Two for the price of one! I've been enjoying the new LP by John Doe & the Sadies on the turntable and in the car on the ipod. Country Club is the name of it and its 15 sweet classic country covers. Stop the World and Let Me Off !! Take These Chains From My Heart!! Detroit City!! Awesome.

2. Record Covers - I'm probably not the only fool to buy a record just for the cover. I've been lucky with that over the years. Chronic Town (rem), Discipline (king crimson), Wh'appen (english beat), Drinkin, Lechin, Lyin (boss hog..hehehe). Well here's another flat beauty collage from Robert Pollard's new Circus Devils record, Gringo.

3. Speaking of Pollard, I just bought one of his original collages. Pollard has been selling off tons of his collages and I feel lucky to have one. It is called "Ladies and Instruments."

Planet Waves

Weekend listening:

Dylan/Band - Planet Waves vinyl

The Band - Rock of Ages vinyl

Felice Bros. - Yonder is the Clock

Steve Earle - Townes (deluxe with solo versions!)

Tim Easton - Porcupine

This is a quite a list. Also fun to mention that Jeff & Keri are mentioned in Easton's liner notes. Very cool. Also the great Kenny Vaughn playing guitar on Easton's record!

Bought Lucinda Williams tix for a coming show at the Vogue. I've seen her only once at an outdoor festival downtown. This is a great venue for her. Can't wait.

Joel had an impromptu cookout last night and we all had a great time. As usual, the pork from the grill was outstanding and the pitch in was plentiful. Joel was playing the new Conor Oberst on vinyl and it sounded great. Have to get that soon.

Started the new Stephen King book of short stories called, Just After Sunset. So far, very good. I haven't read a King novel or any short stories in a long time. Next in line is a book BJ recommended called A Fraction of the Whole. Next after that, The Omnivore's Dilemma.

Townes & Blaze

Snowin on Raton Video

Bliss

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=feEBEpDLTKI&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=buf6P0V45rg&feature=related

I watched this on Letterman from a hotel room in Akron Ohio.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RSUOaotjcSQ&feature=related

Guy, Emmylou, Los Lobos!!!

San Diego, Indiana

We had a perfect weather weekend in Fishers. 70 & Sunny. Just like San Diego where Amy & I traveled last week for a work conference. Last night was a black tie affair at Lucas Oil Stadium for the American Heart Association, Heart of Gold Ball. The Mrs. and I even cut a rug at the end of the evening....highlight....Brickhouse!

I have totally immersed myself in The Band the last couple of months. Spent the weekend listening to a newly purchased ebay item, Rock of Ages. Its the Band's live album from the 1971 comeback tour recorded in NYC with a horn section arranged by Allen Toussaint. Also listening to Before the Flood, backing Dylan on the '74 Tour. I've been lucky buying this vinyl from almost 40 years ago! It sounds awesome! Finishing up the great Band biography, Across the Great Divide. Also pulled out Greil Marcus' Mystery Train (ya gotta read this book, amazing) and re-read the chapter on the Band. Next....I gotta watch both Don't Look Back and The Last Waltz again. I picked up a cheap vinyl copy of Planet Waves this weekend on ebay. This is the record Dylan and the Band recorded in California while rehearsing for the '74 Tour. I was totally naive to the degree in which the Band fit into the upper echelon of the rock hierarchy. My bad.

Finished reading Graham Greene's The Quiet American yesterday. A powerful book. I need to get The Power and the Glory and read it soon. I notice there are two theatrical releases of the Quiet American. Maybe I'll watch those.

I have watched Ashes of American Flags, the new Wilco dvd, three times. Undoubtedly the best American band right now, or Sonic Youth. I can't help but think that Wilco is The Band or our times.

Watched Walk Hard, The Dewey Cox Story again today. Man that s a funny movie. You can stream it on Netflix if you're a member. Also watched, Let the Right One In Friday night. Wow, a great modern vampire movie. Very sensual and creepy. Highly recommended. Next two Netflix selections are American Zombie and El Topo, the first midnight movie sensation.

Guy Clark - The Guitar

Check out this new song by Guy Clark.

Score- Merge is 20

Merge Records turns 20 this year. Started by Superchunk's Mac & Laura, Merge has grown into one of the premiere indie labels. Honoring their anniversary, Merge set up a 20th anniversary subscription package that is turning out to be awesome. Check here for what's in the deal.

I have received the first 4 volumes of curated comp cd's and the Covers cd pictured here. All have been great since I've reconnected from songs/bands that I hadn' t heard in a while and new bands/songs I've never heard.

I've been listening, again, to Stephen Malkmus' last record, vinyl, Real Emotional Trash. I gotta tell you that the guitar work on this is outta this world. I think this could record could make the Top 20 Desert Island list. I'm just telling ya.

In somber news, Madonna's attempt to adopt another Malawian child has been rebuffed by a judge in Malawi. What's the world coming to?

Argybargy

Flashback driving in to work yesterday. "Pulling Mussels from the Shell" came on the ipod and instantly transported me to Marshall, IL, summer 1980-something. Switching to listen to the entire album reminded me just how good those 3 squeeze albums were. I remembered the lyrics to every song on Argybargy, drivin and singin in the early morning, light traffic. Argybargy was the summer soundtrack for one of those bright memories of youth. I can picture BJ air drumming and singing at Jim's pool. I can hear 3 part harmonies "maid marian on her tip-toed feeeeeet...."

Those bits of nostalgia are fun and sad usually. Ultimately, I'm glad my brain still gives me one of those now and again. Music has always equalled a moment in time for me, corresponding to changing tastes and growing up. "Singles remind me of kisses, albums remind me of plans." Perfect.

Look back to 'Cool for Cats', 'Argybargy', and 'East Side Story' for some bright, intelligent songwriting and songcraft.

Emusic Selections

Downloaded my Emusic selections for the month today:

Robyn Hitchcock - Goodnight Oslo
Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit
Willie and the Wheel - Willie & Asleep at the Wheel do Bob Wills
M. Ward - Hold Time
Volcano Suns - All Night Lotus Party(reissue)

Can't wait to get into these. I had a bit of buying spree the other night at Luna:

Kasey Chambers & Shane Nicholson- Rattlin' Bones (the Buddy & Julie Miller of Australia)
Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds - Dig Lazarus Dig
Felice Brothers - s/t on vinyl !!!!
Levon Helm - Dirt Farmer on vinyl !!!!

I also downloaded Robbie Fulks' new digital only release 50vc. Doberman (don't know what that means) except that it is 50 new RF songs!! While I'm talking RF, check out his new website. He has been blogging about once a week.

I guess that's a lot of new listening for the next month.

Refreshed

After nearly a year's absence, I return refreshed. Listening to some vinyl on a beautiful near-spring day. The patio door open letting in the fresh air. Listening to Loose Fur currently, a trippy 70's soaked vibe from Jeff Tweedy, Glen Kotche, and Jay O'Rourke. Prior to that was the sunny-goodnes of The Rutles. Dirk, Ron, Stig & Barry. The Beatles spoof/tribute is fabulously written and played. A precursor to the much more successful Spinal Tap. A definite must have for any collection.

What have I been digging lately? Well here are few:

Justin Townes Earle - Midnight at the Movies

Santogold

Robert Pollard - the Crawling Distance

Boston Spaceships - The Planets are Blasted

Elvis Costello - Momofuku

Jay Reteard - the Matador Singles

Hayes Carll - Little Rock

Felice Brothers - Tonight at the Arizona

Speaking of the Felice Bros, going to see them Monday night at Radio Radio. Can't wait. Hope to drag some people out to introduce them to this great band.

Speaking of great bands, I saw bro Brett's band Phyllis last week. It had been quite a while and the whole set list was new except for a couple of standards. It was great to see them rock out to the great new songs.

We also went to see the Born Again Floozies last friday downtown at a tent party for the Big 10 basketball tournament. The 3 hour set flew by and the just rocked. Joe's got a great thing going and the sound and lyrics are great. Check'm out on youtube.

I'm ahead of my goal for reading 3 books a month this year. Here's a sample:

When I Grow Up by Juliana Hatfield
A Lesson Before Dying by Ernest Gaines
The World Without Us
Tipping Point
The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman
Ohlman's Guide to Outsmarting Wine by Mark Ohlman
A Guitar and a Pen by Various Country Music Songwriters (Including Robbie Fulks)
Dateable - a book to give Katie since she has her first boyfriend

Currently reading Good to Great and Ordinary Wolves, a novel I bought on my trip to Alaska last year.

I'll try to keep up with this. But for now, I'm getting ready to cook a pot of Portugese Kale Stew for Brett and Joel. Yummy.