Lego Bombing

A Hotbed of Criminal Activity

Some choice picks from a little police blotter graphic that appeared in last week’s issue of New York Magazine about the decline of violent crimes in New York City.

Assault - 83rd St. at Columbus Ave. - March 27
A 47-year-old man yelling “I’m an American, I’m going to kick your
ass” choked and punched a cabdriver after finding that the cab’s creditcard payment
machine didn’t take his card.

Assault - 54th St. at Fifth Ave. - August 27
A man upset that a 61-year-old’s transaction at the NBA store was
taking too long stabbed him in the head with a pen.

Grand larceny - Wythe Ave. at Metropolitan Ave., Williamsburg - August 20
One man stole a Toyota from its driver at knifepoint. While traveling
the wrong way down the street, he slammed into a police car with its
lights and sirens on.

Assault - Clifton Pl. nr. Nostrand Ave., Bedford-Stuyvesant - November 6
A security guard found another security guard sleeping at 1 a.m.,
punched him, and was hit with a shovel in retaliation.

Assault - Myrtle Ave. nr. Duffield St., Fort Greene - December 16

A customer threw a sign at Popeye’s employees when they would not give
him free chicken.

ROBBERY - Linden Blvd. nr. 196th St., St. Albans - March 2
One man demanded $1 from another. When rebuffed, he said, “You don’t
understand—I eat people.”

1990’s Indie Rock Video of the (last couple) week(s)

Girlfriend by Matthew Sweet

from 1991’s Girlfriend

Awesome Beards In Rock n’ Roll History

Introducing Rick Rubin, our first addition to the Awesome Beards In Rock n’ Roll History list. Rubin, well known as one of the fore fathers of hip hop and a producer of legendary status graces this earth with one of the all time greatest beards to ever exist in the public realm. I could only dream of possessing a beard of Rick’s magnitude.

And yes, that is Tom Jones.

1990’s Indie Rock Video of the week

Apologies for the lack of updates. Personal injuries make me not want to be on the computer.

Wail by Jon Spencer Blues Explosion

From 1996’s Now I Got Worry

Interview Rewind: Japanther & Tapes Records

Interview Rewind: Kimya Dawson

Though Hidden Vagenda (K Records) is her fourth solo album, it was my first introduction to her work outside of Moldy Peaches. Within a few min-utes of starting the disc I knew this was someone I needed to interview for the upcoming issue.

Brian Esser Sketches

Brian Esser is one half of Orlando’s electro-noise duo Yip Yip. He compiled a small collection of sketches from a webzine in 2003.

Interview Rewind: Ponies In The Surf

Please introduce Ponies In The Surf and give some background behind he band.
Camille: I’m Camille, McGregor, singer, younger sister.
Alex: Alexander McGregor, guitars, singing, older brother.
C: Alex and I started living together and pretty soon we started writing songs together, kind of as a late-night lark. Alex put out a solo record last year called “Aguirre Returns” but pretty quickly we joined up once we were writing together.
A: I had been playing organs for this band Ghost Exits, in Brooklyn, and when I moved to Boston I hadn’t played guitar in a while, or written songs, but that all changed in our kitchen in Jamaica Plain, MA. We’ve been playing together in a more-than-casual way for about a year, year and a half… Ponies in the Surf is our debut together.

1990’s Indie Rock Video of the week

It’s A Shame About Ray by the Lemonheads

From 1992’s It’s A Shame About Ray

Just a note: while Juliana Hatfield did provide the backing vocals, that is not her in the video. That is Johnny Depp, though, and yes, Evan Dando had gross early 90’s long hair.

Interview: YUKhONIC & Cephias Treat Records

YUKhONIC and Cephias Treat are two projects featuring twin bothers Ian & Todd Lynne. YUKhONIC was an exceptionally loud and overly obnoxious noise rock duo blasting their way through 10 minute sets while Cephias Treat was the label put together featuring not only their releases, but also some of the greatest noise and junk rock releases to ever grace this earth, while being known for magnificent packaging, lock grooves, and high quality handmade excitement.

In the summer of 2004 Ian passed away by an act of violence. Todd has kept going, though, and Cephias is still releasing great records at break-kneck pace. This interview took place in 2003.

Random Video

A video of Tullycraft’s vocal recording session for their album Every Scene Needs A Center. I don’t think you’ll ever hear so many “woo’s” and “ahhh’s” packed into seven and a half minutes again. Monotonous, to say the least. If you’ve ever been in or worked with a band you know all about that.

Tour Diary: Q And Not U

Here now is a tour diary authored by Q And Not U way back in 2000. It was originally printed in issue ten of my zine.

i’ve only really read a few tour diaries in my life (rollins; ever amusing ‘get in the van’ and good clean fun’s recent self-congratulatory account in last summer’s HeartattaCk). so i fear that the following record of days may read as hackneyed and full. but, oftentimes, that’s exactly what touring is. hours seem like months as a vehicle of slobs trace endless roads desperately pining for thirty minutes of sweaty, bloody, electronic catharsis.

that’s why i’ve divided this diary into two segments: 1. a dry, day-by-day factoid (for those with a short attention span), coupled with 2. a traditional “dear diary” format (for those who thirst for in-depth coverage). that way, you have a choice. tonight is your night and colonel’s still cool.

Control Trailer

If I didn’t live in such a backwater swamp I’d actually go and see this film. Because I do live in Orlando, anyone that has or knows someone who has a bit torrent of this film, please do get in touch.

Update 11/21 - Guy at work got a bit torrent.  He’s giving me a burned copy tomorrow.

WGA’s Side of The Story

An interesting video put together documenting the writer’s reasons for standing their ground.

TV News: Damages Renewed!

Crit-lauded series Damages ended season one on a high note.  With intense plot lines and a sometimes hard to follow progression, I figured season one’s low ratings were due american’s…idiocy.  Basically, while critics and people looking for challenging programming, like myself, loved the show, the general public wants to watch bottom of the barrel reality shows and turn off their brains.  While ratings were kinda low, the series was raved about deservingly by critics and many questioned whether it would be renewed for season two.  Some even sounded rather sure that it would not be.  Well, today FX announced that not only did they re-up for season two, they ordered a total of 26 new episodes, making for two 13 episode seasons.

It’s also been reported that Glenn Close, Rose Byrne and Tate Donovan have all signed on for season two, though no word on three, yet.  I wish they could also work Ted Danson into season two, if even as a guest star, as he was rather fantastic in season one.

Let’s give a round of applause to FX.  It’s nice to see a television network like them.  I wish all networks were run this way.

Twee As Fuck: The Story of Indie Pop

While not a particular fan of Pitchfork, I came across a file called “va - pitchfork - twee as fuck - the joy of kittenhood” while on a peer-to-peer download service. Checking it out I was delighted to see some of my favorite pop groups all collected into one folder. Barcelona, Pastels, Tullycraft, Beat Happening, Vaselines, Cub. I flashed back to memories of simple guitar hooks and girlie (I mean that in a good way) harmonies. After a quick Google search I came across Twee As Fuck: The Story of Indie Pop, a 2005 feature on Pitchfork briefly detailing the history and impact of the indie pop movement dating all the way back to Television Personalities back in the late 70’s.

Give it a read and check out the mixtape at the end…I reccomend every bit of it.

Twee As Fuck: The Story of Indie Pop

In The Mail

Oha placemat in blue & green.  3.95 (x2) from CB2

Random Video

Dusty Springfield (looking unbelievably hot) and Freddie Paris singing Anything You Can Do on a 1967 episode of Australian Bandstand.

The two are pretty touchy-feely, something that makes you realise the difference between Australian and U.S. standards at the time. Somehow I doubt Dick Clark would even allow a black man and white woman to sing together on his show, let alone grope each other.

The fact, too, that Dusty Springfield is not introduced is odd.  Apparently she wasn’t well known in Australia circa 1967.  Try doing a google search for Freddie Paris and see what you find as opposed to Dusty.

TV News: WGA Strike hacking apart Fox

Variety reported today that Fox has been forced to make a number of schedule changes due to the writers strike.  First hacked off the sched is Prison Break.  After November 12th the world will be treated to House reruns in it’s place.  As for 24, the network has to decided to possibly scrap the entire season.  Instead of beginning in January they’re talking about either starting it in late Spring, depending on the strike, of course, or having to wait until the 2008 season.  How’s that for some strike aftermath?

The 2007 TV Season in 530 words

To say the absolute least, this is one less than stellar television season. Not a single new series is a straight winner, though we have been given plenty of run of the mill, so-so entertainment.

ABC

Big Shots (Thursday) - A rather unexciting, rich male/WASP version of Sex and the City without the focus on the city…or comedy. Rather predictable plot lines (cheating spouses, corporate hierachy, transvestite hookers, et al) mixed with the peculiar (mistress and wife becoming best friends?) and way too much golf. Don’t get me wrong - I watch it, but it’s not a great television.

Dirt Sexy Money (Wednesday) - Quite possibly my favorite new soapy series of the season. The ultra rich and overly manic Darling family keep family consigliere Nick George on his toes. It has the possibility of being a fantastic show, though I think they may have just settled for being good.

The Office on strike

The cast and crew of The Office manning the picket lines in Hollywood.

While I am hoping for a speedy end to the strike, I do fully support the WGA.

It’s a My Bloody Valentine Party!!!

To celebrate recent word that not only is a new MBV album been under works but that it’s due out sometime this year. Along with the launch of a new official website (nothing on it yet, though), a reunion is looking good. Not sure how they plan on getting an album out this year, being as there’s only six weeks left and no release date, but let’s keep our fingers crossed.

1990’s Indie Rock Video of the week

Driveway To Driveway by Superchunk

From 1994’s Foolish album (Merge).

In The Mail

Espresso Narrow 2-Section Bookshelf from Target.  $49.99

I threw away some old dumpstered furniture former room mates had left behind and now find my living room a bit sparse, my fireplace mantel acting as bookcase is full and I’d really like to replace my current end table, so I thought I’d start with this.

Interview Rewind: Carrie Nations

To say that Carrie Nations blurred the lines between pop punk, indie pop and punk rock is quite an understatement. CN beat the hell out of those lines and topped off the brutality with one of the most energetic live shows you could ever hope to see. Carrie Nation’s album Be Still will always have a place in my top ten and filed under “perfect pop record”

Of the many times I saw Carrie Nations play live the first was the absolute most fun. The show took place at a hidden spot called Hobo Beach in Pensacola, Fl. After parking your car (or riding your bike, of course) and making your way up a steep embankment, you walked along the railroad tracks for about a quarter mile, hoping with all your might that a train didn’t come while crossing the rail bridge across the bay. Once across the bay you had to find a tiny little path leading through the woods that opened up to a small half-clearing right on the water.

TV News: Heroes: Origins Cancelled

During upfronts last year everyone, including myself, was rather surprised when NBC announced that they had secretly created a second Heroes series called Heroes: Origins.  The series was to consist of 6 episodes that would air on the few weeks that a first-run original would not air.  The show was to be a precursor to the main series and feature viewer voting to decide which characters would be worked into the originals’ story lines.

Yesterday, perhaps because of the the writer’s strike that’s been terrorizing the TV industry and avid watchers such as myself, NBC announced that they had canned Origins.  No word yet on what they’ll air in it’s place.  Most likely reruns of Heroes or (hopefully not) some reality shows.

1990’s Indie Rock Video of the week

Harnessed In Slums by Archers of Loaf

From 1995’s Vee Vee album (Alias)

Ukulele Chaos

Interview Rewind: Up Up Down Down Left Right Left Right B A Start

Part three of the Interview Rewind series. Quirky, cute indie pop meets mid 90’s emo with one hell of a name.

Daptone Records

Through Nymag.com I came across two new albums by NYC area bands. Though I had never heard of either it didn’t require much effort to locate their respective myspace pages.

While checking out their profiles I realised that both were on the same record label, Daptone Records, which I will definately be looking into more. As a label, it really stands out with a clear aesthetic and style, something I’ve always admired in well put together underground labels.

Random Video

An odd and interesting video and sound collage about the 60’s, though mainly surrounding Andy Warhol, Edie Sedgwick, Velvet Underground and The Factory.

1990’s Indie Rock Video of the week

Range Life by Pavement

 

 

From 1994’s Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain album (Matador)

 

 

 

Interview Rewind: Actionslacks

Part two of the interview rewind series. Another feature from my 2002 webzine, Dance Floor Magic. This interview features Actionslacks, a San Francisco pop group with some of the catchiest hooks you’ll find.

He Takes Badass Photos

While browsing the interviews I’ve done in the past I also came across a photo feature I did circa 2004. Not many of my photos are left these days - most were destroyed in a technical snafu, so I was glad to find these. This is proof that I used to live an actual life!

Interview Rewind: Plastic Mastery

Years and years ago I used to self publish zines. Throughout the years I published nearly twenty zines and produced five or six different webzines. Alot of the online material I produced is still online, in databases only I have access to. Every now and then I think about what a shame it is that so much documented punk and indie rock history is hidden away for no one to see. I’ve decided to share a bit now and then.

 

Below is an interview I did with a fantastic band called Plastic Mastery. It took place sometime in early 2002 for a webzine I made called Dance Floor Magic. Active between approximately 1999-2002, it’s a real shame they didn’t go further than they did. Not that they didn’t make it far. They were quite popular at their time, releasing albums and singles on some of the most popular indie pop labels and touring with a number of the genre’s most well known bands, including such succesful and semi-mainstream bands like Of Montreal.

 

I consider myself rather lucky to have been friends with these kids and been able to share in their antics - in a small town like Tallahassee a group of kids as energetic and resourceful as P.M. really make things light up.

It’s a Slate recap!

I’m a regular reader of Slate.com. You’d know this of course, if you’re one of the four regular readers of this blog. I tend to find quite a bit of inspiration on the site. Anyway, two stories caught my eye this week.

1. Who will rule us after the next 9/11?

I had a dream back in December of 2004, not long after Bush was re-elected. The dream consisted of Bush declaring in 2008 that there would be no presidential election. His reasoning relied on the fact that the country was at war (”the war on terror”) and switching leadership in this time of war would be detrimental to the country’s well being. His reasoning was backed by his “I always do whatever the fuck I want attitude” and quoted the extended war time (three almost four) terms of F.D.R. as precidence (from wikipedia: In 1940 Franklin Roosevelt became the first person to be elected more than twice, with supporters citing the war in Europe as a reason for breaking with precedent.) The dream then continues until Bush brought on the apocalypse in 2012.

I am by no means a conspiracy theorist and so had not heard about NSPD-51. Thanks to Slate I now have a new found paranoia.

2. The Rockefellers and the Angry Commoners.

Class warfare. It’s always been in the back of my mind. Since my early days of far-left leaning hardcore and seeing my family wade through middle-class america to my later years of working shitty jobs and living in even shittier houses, I’ve always envied the May Day celebrations of Europe, the Zapatista struggles, the early 20th century labor fights. I realise, of course, that current society is too busy working their asses off and struggling with economic pressures to rise up and fight.

In The Mail

On it’s way from Urban Outfitters.

Birds On A Wire Triple Hook $18

1990’s Indie Rock Video of the week

Little Trouble Girl by Sonic Youth feat. Kim Deal

From 1995’s Washing Machine album (DGC)

TV News: Starter Wife to become full series

I would like to note the date and time.  It is presently 3:42am , Wednesday 18 October.  You can remember this moment as the moment I was completely and totally right.  I should be a TV executive.

It was approximately 8pm, Wednesday 15 August when I made an off handed prediction while writing in this blog.  The quote is as follows:

“Perhaps the series turned out to be so popular that they decided on an ambigous ending in order to move from mini-series to a return for next summer.”

You can see the full piece here.

And so it has been reported by Variety that USA’s summer hit The Starter Wife has been bumped up from mini-series status to full time series.  10 new hour long eps are slated to begin filming next March (depending on that upcoming writer’s strike) to air in early summer.

In The Mail

Everything Is Nice: The Matador Records Tenth Anniversary Anthology 3CD Compilation

What’s Up Matador 2CD Compilation

Indie rock madness on the way.  5CD’s, all together about $6.00, including shipping.  Nice.

In The Mail

Hey now, a new irregular feature! I tend to mailorder quite a few books and CD’s as well as the occasional household item. In The Mail will feature my latest purchases.

From Target:

Eva Bubbles Shower Curtain $14.99

Flagger Tabe Lamp with wooden base $19.99

Sanford Table Lamp with wooden base $17.99

Indie Rock Crushes 1996-97

I suppose you’ve probably seen that new Rilo Kiley video about porn stars and prostitutes. It’s a good song. Sounds ALOT like Heart and Jenny Lewis looks ALOT like Karen Carpenter ready for a night of S&M. Having that song stuck in my head last night brought forth numerous memories of indie rock crushes*. I decided sometime around 4:30am that the years of 1996 & 1997 seemed to be chock full of them , so I thought I’d document.

 

Some back ground information: In the years 1996 & 1997 I was 16 & 17 years old, failing high school and smoking alot of pot. I spent most of my free time either in record stores, at shows, booking shows or working on my zine.

 

*I’m not really admitting to having a crush on Jenny Lewis but I have to admit that shoulder shrugging in the video is pretty damn hot.

 

And the winner is…

I hereby nominate Smallville as worst television soundtrack ever. It’s near mind-blowing just how consistently horrible it is. Until this morning I had never seen an episode of the series but after years of my brother, mother and numerous co-workers telling me it’s a good show, I finally broke down and ended my WB series ban. Next up? Gilmore Girls, I suppose. Anyway, the soundtrack…right…It is BAD to the highest degree. The show itself is ok, in a cheesy sci-fi sort of way. Atleast it tops Sci-Fi network’s original series (save for Eureka, of course).

8mm Chaos

Stray Dogs by Richard Kern

I saw Richard Kern many years ago at one of those An Evening With… type of things. Of course, being too weird/macabre/gory for any sort of respectable venue (museum/library) like most An Evening With… events are held at, it took place at a club in downtown Orlando. I hadn’t really thought about his work for years until last night while reading Confusion Is Next: The Sonic Youth Story. I’m not a huge fan of lo-fi gore and schlock films but I always really dug the industrial soundtrack to this short. Pipes banging on pipes - can it get more simple yet more pleasing?

New Netflix Watch Instantly features

The Netflix Watch Instantly feature now features the current seasons of Brotherhood, Dexter and Heroes. Unfortunately each episode is only available starting the day after it airs on TV but it’s a good start. I’m hoping sooner or later Netflix can pull together some sort of deal that provides access to the series a week ahead of time. I doubt that would ever happen as network advertising is way too big of a deal. I can see this being extremely popular in the time between the TV airings and the DVD release…if they don’t take them away. I supposed there may be some rules only keeping the episodes available for up to a month after it airs, as some internet tv services do.

Musical Suggestions

I’ve been at work for seven and a half hours and I haven’t done a single thing. Slow nights are awesome and lead to random posts like this. So, out of boredom I thought I’d make some musical suggestions based on what I’ve been digging on the way to and from work lately.

1.

Cream Abdul Babar - Excavation: 1995-1998 (Public Guilt) & Catalyst To Ruins (At A Loss) - I sometimes miss my Tallahassee days. Semi-small town punkness, drenched in sweat, over exertion, jaded bantar and panic attacks. Those were the days.

Subway Art

I stumbled upon a fantastic page dedicated to the art of New York City’s subway system. I wish I owned a digital camera during the short time I lived on the Lower East Side as I spent plenty of time in the subways. I’ve pulled a few choice pieces together for this post but definately check out the site as it’s quite extensive and extremely impressive.

Subway Art Guide

(Late) TV News: Eureka Renewed

Peacock sister net Sci-fi renewed Eureka the other day for it’s third season. 13 new eps will go in production soon and air next summer. I’m not surprised at all as it’s by far Sci-fi’s most popular original series. I was quite delighted to read of the early renewal, though, as anyone who keeps up with this blog knows by now.

Chuck

Though I put it off for a day or two (waiting for a day off) I finally caught the premiere episode of Chuck. I was a bit apprehensive leading up to it, wondering if it would too slapstick. Thankfully, I found it to feature just the right amount of quirkyness, with smart humor and a pretty good story. Chuck, played by Zachary Levi, brings to mind The Office’s Jim Halpert in a good way. The pilot was directed by McG and I’m hoping that continues. I’m not sure how well it will do on NBC, as pretty much any new series on one of the big four is always on the chopping block. I actually could see this show doing very well on one of the NBC sister stations.