Thoughtful Graffiti...

Henry David Thoreau graffiti on the bathroom wall at V-89. It's my new favorite graffiti at the station. Definitely adds a suggestion of contemplation with each visit to the restroom.

New Summer Tour Rumors...

So, by now many of my friends know of my excitement about the Ministry tour set for next year. The Final Tour. And, THE FINAL SHOW in Chicago. Well, another tour I will have to TRY and see MIGHT be coming to the US next summer. I'm guessing many of my friends will not even glance at this twice (ya punks!) but it is a big one for me. Hell even the rumored opener (who has helped spread the rumors of the tour themselves) is someone I'd really like to see. Anyway, the rumors are spreading far and wide that Led Zeppelin are going to tour the US in the summer. And evidently it's the chosen openers, The Cult, that are spreading the rumors, see the article i've linked. As a long time fan of both, I would love to see them on a stage together.


I've never actually seen either live and in person. With Zeppelin, since the age of about 12, I watched "The Song Remains the Same" so many times my parents had to buy me a new copy one Christmas while I was in High School, the tape had stretched and I couldn't view it any longer. Granted, by then I had been introduced to V-89 and the underground sounds of "alternative" music and "punk," and was not all that into watching it anymore. Eventually my only "real" Zeppelin connection for a while was picking up an album here and there that J.P. Jones had produced. The closest I came to seeing Zeppelin in person was my senior year of high school, I got to see Robert Plant in concert (first road trip concert actually). It was in Jacksonville and the best part, CHEAP TRICK opened (THEY know how to put on a show). Anyway, it was a "wishful" road trip as I was not a huge Plant solo fan, liked a a few songs (I had been one of the many bit by the "Big Log" bug and Now & Zen definitely filled a little of the Zeppelin hole in me, it had Zeppelin samples in it for Pete's sake!), I just hoped to see one or two actual Zeppelin songs in person. It happened, but it just didn't seem to really do the job.

THEN there's the Cult. I was introduced to them with Electric but quickly got into their earlier work, especially the Southern Death Cult stuff (none of this was a huge jump for me at the time, my two favorite bands up until then were Zeppelin and THE DOORS). Granted the SDC stuff is long gone, but with the new album Born Into This...it seems as though they've hearkened back to some of the older Love and even some Electric type of work. They definitely stripped things down and got away from the "overly produced" sounds of late. I've had two chances to see "The Cult" live (well, once as The Cult and then once it was Ian's project, The Holy Barbarians, after the break-up) but both times it was during that not so good early to mid-90s phase when I was NOT all that interested in seeing any Ian Astbury...and both times it was at a local club that I was not a big fan of either. So now they're back creating some good tunes and maybe I'll have another chance at seeing them as well.

Suppose that was a long way to go just to let you know there are some major rumors going around that Led Zeppelin with The Cult is a possible summer tour for '08, but you have an idea of where I am on the whole thing. I also found it interesting that the website I linked above, with the story about the rumors, wrote things up quite differently from another on line magazine. N.M.E. basically took the rantings of a possibly drunk*, fanboy, on stage, during a show as "confirmation." No need to double check with any P.R. people, or booking agents, or label managers or reps, we'll just take what we heard was said at this one concert as the "truth," the tour is confirmed. Heh.

Now if only they would book that show in Chicago on the Friday or Saturday after Ministry's final show...guess that would be too much to ask.




* I have no idea if Ian drinks or not, but it adds to the idea of there not being any real reason to print it as a "confirmed tour."

Halloween Night in Tally

Finally able to post about Halloween...

So, with darkness falling earlier and days growing shorter, the "trick or treaters" were out before I really got a chance to prepare for them. I barely got home from work (and "cleaning duty") before the first ones were knocking at the door. Had to cut short the first call from DJ to avoid the college kids who didn't even seem to be in costume.

Then "the" call came shortly there after, the Roberts were getting ready but running a little late (which was good, because I was too). I still had to pack records for the Beta Bar gig AND get into my own costume. So, I fill the bowl with "body parts" (best new gummy candy for Halloween) and Hershey's mini-chocolates. The boys came over in Darth Vader and Yoda costumes (personalities did NOT match).

After they left, mere seconds later, a knock at the door and I knew I had to get it (don't want any tricks played on me and they HAD to have seen me sending off the Roberts crew). So, I grab the bowl and open the door, two girls who had to be late high school or early college age...again, not sure what the costumes were. Actually, the first one had put some effort into it, but don't ask me what she was, it was her partner that IMMEDIATELY grabbed my attention...she didn't say "trick or treat" ... because SHE WAS ON HER CELL PHONE!! Had she said, "Can you hear me now?" I would have let it pass...instead I was just in shock. I grabbed a couple chocolates for each and sent them on their way, wishing I had sat and waited for her to finish her call. THAT WILL NOT happen at our house again.

After that I did get a few kids with their families, which was amazing considering the Roberts were the only ones to come by last year. Seems as though we got some of the run-off from the big Democrat story about our neighborhood putting on a great Halloween party of sorts.

Then it was time for me to get ready. I had the entire costume planned in my head, even went to Publix on my lunch break to pick up a single red rose. But, what I didn't plan on was my "pet bat" going AWOL. I spent way too much time trying to find it, and it never was found actually, luckily the Beta Bar was running late as well. (Tardiness, it's a Tallahassee thing.)

Anyway, got the records together, a pretty good selection i'd say. Then got into costume and even took a few pictures. "Slicked" back hair, nice "tux" shirt with small pillow underneath, bow-tie, dressy leather jacket and nice slacks. Now, add to this the gauze in the cheeks and some dark make-up on the eyes and cheeks (you'll just have to imagine the stuffed bat that I would pet periodically). Yes, I went dressed this Halloween as The Gothfather.

Got to the Beta Bar in time to see the last half of one of the opening acts, even though it was well past the time DJ Vadim should've been on. Very low turn-out, not good for an artist like Vadim, I can only guess the Beta Bar bank account took a beating on this one. Sad that Tallahassee doesn't bring out more for shows like this. Eventually he went on and had two singers on stage with him. Overall great show, interesting singers with a very US3 kinda vibe, just wish there had been more of a focus on the DJ. Quick side-note: You know you're at a low turn-out show when one of the singers calls out EVERY SINGLE AUDIENCE MEMBER, she even asked my name because I came in after she had already asked everyone's name prior to taking the stage...lovely.

Early on there were not many costumes, probably due to the timing of the early show. It was easy to single out the person I knew to get a good photo of them. Ian came as a Zombie Security Gaurd of sorts... his blood was quite realistic when first "applied," oozing and dripping and eventually drying in place. He added after a certain point, everything gets everywhere and it's just damn sticky...I reminded him of the "Body Bag Scan Show Intro."

After we kicked out the 12 Vadim fans, the decorating began. I didn't have much to do but helped set up the speakers and such. Eventually just sitting back to watch the hangings go up and check out the other costumes. Not many grabbed my attention as "outstanding" ideas, but some were cute. I got so caught up in it that I forgot to take pictures of individual costumes...think I was a little nervous about DJing for the first time in front of a decent sized audience. I think my music selection was pretty damn good, even Truewill commented that he came over to check out three different songs...but it was my mixing that got the poor grade. I just was not in it for some reason. I think my first 4 or 5 were fine but it quickly went down hill. To add to this they had brought in some CD players but I never got trained on them (the new fangled cd mixers) and it wouldn't have mattered because as DJ Miami came on he found out they weren't even plugged in for sound...good thing I brought plenty of vinyl.

With the crowd being of "average" club going age, and the Beta Bar crew busy since they were working I was lucky to have DJ Brad Ashwell around. Rarely get to hang out with him and it was nice to finally get to chat with him even if it was rather brief. Little bit of music talk, little bit of "man we're gettin' old" talk and then he had to hit the tables himself. Played a great set of house, which has been his big "thing" lately. Started off with some Beat Pharmacy and worked his way, eventually, into some Aphex Twin from Early Ambient Works I. At some point, I actually made the decision, "I'm having a drink (or two) and gettin' some dancing in since it happens so infrequently." Got some of the special "Beta Bar Brew" and after downing it rather quickly (maybe too quickly) I hit the floor and had some fun sweating quite a bit under my Gothfather costume. Had a good time, except for the part where we watched the long, drawn out costume contest, and as Brad got back to DJing I realized they were staying open VERY late again...it was already 2am and he was just getting back on the tables. (Now I just need to get him on the radio show.)

I said no thanks to the offer of another set, I had brought plenty of tunes, but my old bones and the need to be at work at 8am was not a good combo for djing into the wee small hours like i used to...maybe on a weekend.

Overall, had a good time...just wish I could've done better mixing that evening.

All Hallow's Eve

Tonight i'll be DJing (in a club) for the first time in a long while. And as it's Halloween, i'm that much more excited about it...NOT to mention DJ Brad Ashwell is on the bill as well (don't think i've DJed with him in over...wow, i'll just say in a very long time, it was the 90s, just won't mention what part of the 90s it was). Anyway, got my costume together, now I just need to put together some records (don't think the set-up at the Beta Bar is very CD friendly...unfortunately, too much new stuff to mention). I'm sure photos or at least a story or two will need to be posted late tonight or sometime this weekend. Me, DJ Brad Ashwell and someone by the name of DJ Miami...should be interesting.

Final(ly) see "him" live and in person...

So, the excitement of the new Cream Abdul Babar tour had me forget about all that's going on right nearby. Luckily I dj'ed last night, at the radio station, and was reminded of a HUGE show (well for me it's a huge show) at the Club Downunder Saturday night. So, instead of going to Atlanta tomorrow, i'll be headed up to Savannah today right after I get off work. Then after catching CAB at The Jinx I'll head back Saturday morning so that I can see JESU right here in TALLAHASSEE! For those of you not in the know, this is one of Justin K. Broadrick's many projects. Broadrick is the man that HEAVILY influenced my musical tastes back in the late 80s into the early...well, to really think about it he's always influenced me in some way since I got into "underground" music...anyway, his band GODFLESH was a big deal for me. TWICE I was to see GODFLESH when canceled tours (or cut short tours) kept me from seeing them live before they disbanded. Well, he's back in the states and this time with Jesu...I'll be there this time...right in my own backyard.

Off to Atlanta...

So weekend before last I made my way up to Atlanta on my own. The purpose of the trip: to finally witness TURBONEGRO live and in person.

Drove straight into Atlanta's "Little 5 Points" for the usual afternoon of shopping at Criminal Records, Wax n Facts and A Cappella Books. You'd think by now i'd have branched out a bit and found other stores to visit. Well, time was an issue since I didn't arrive till close to 4:30p. But i've never been a huge fan of clothes shopping and a lot of the other stores (including Junkman's Daughter) have always seemed a bit on the "trendy" side for me. Anyway, picked up a handful of records both at Criminal and Wax n Facts (including a Yello vinyl tribute with Cosmic Baby on it) and only one book from A Cappella (Brad Warner's "Sit Down and Shut Up: Punk Rock Commentaries on Buddha, God, Truth, Sex, Death, and Dogen's Treasury of the Right Dharma Eye").

From here I met up with Tradd and his man John at Eats. Eats will likely become a regular stop for me when visiting ATL. Good, southern cooking and the jerk chicken is amazing. Tradd brought along some drinks in case we didn't have time to go back to his place...which we didn't.

Went straight to Center Stage to get tickets for fear of it selling out. Didn't need to have that fear though there were a lot of people at the show. This venue is great for live concerts. They have a really good soundsystem and there isn't a bad seat in the house (set up like an old opera house with steep seating). Ian Mott ended up making his way up to see the show (lil' shit did it last minute so I still rode to and from ATL by myself). Also ended up meeting Andy and Kellie LePlegua.

So according to most listings Tradd and I found there was supposed to be two opening bands: Year Long Disaster and Mondo Generator. Well, there was no Year Long Disaster. Not a problem for me, I had only just heard about them because of this show and while they play some good, old fashioned metal, I didn't HAVE to see them. So, that leaves us with one opener, Mondo Generator. Really was looking forward to them since missing them opening for the Dwarves last year (or was it the year before?).
Fronted by former Dwarves bassist (known as Rex Everything) Nick Oliveri has seemingly pushed this band into "Nick Oliveri and the Mondo Generator" territory...which i'm not a fan of. Regardless, I was still pretty excited to see them live, some of their stoner rock stuff ain't so bad in my opine...but some of it ain't so good either...and it seems it was the later that filled much of their set. Nothing grabbed me, no great hooks, which made me kind sad...Forgot to mention, Nick was also a member of Kyuss, way back in the day.

So, enjoyed them somewhat, but definitely not what I was hoping for...between sets Tradd and Brent (from Mastodon) introduced me to one of the guys that was in Four Hour Fogger...and of course i've forgotten his name. (No biggie, Tradd couldn't remember it 5 minutes later either.) The break seemed long but that might have been the drinks, we had time for at least two, maybe three, rounds. The oddest part was realizing just how many Turbojugend there were in Atlanta (or visiting from parts unknown but wearing the "uniform").

Then it was time for the main act... TURBONEGRO!

It may have been a little crowded but I was able to make my way to the stage pretty easily. The floor area was only about 1/2 to 2/3 full of people. A couple small pits got started, but mostly by folks too drunk too really know what they were doing. The bulk of us jumped and sang along with every song...well, most of 'em.

I figured out early on that I was going to have to try and grab one of the playlists or at the very list snap a shot of one of them...just to have a decent document of proof of what they played. After singing along to two or three I got that feeling, "this is great...but how much will I remember." No, I wasn't completely "tanked" but you know that fuzzy/hazy feeling you can get. Anyway, after the first or second song that I didn't recognize right away I started getting that feeling. The first couple were from the new album, Retox, knew those rather well. The band seemed pretty on, even though Hank seemed to have some problems with his "ear monitor."

With the number of albums and e.p.s they have as well as the relatively new "Small Feces" collections, I'm not sure how they could come up with a playlist that covered it all. I was a little disappointed that nothing was played of off Never is Forever, one of their first I owned, so it's still a favorite. But I loved that they did "City of Satan" and followed it with "Bad Mongo." And though it was my first and only time seeing them, it all rocked me quite right...especially ending the first set with "All My Friends Are Dead!" They had two encores, the last one being "I Got Erection" and then Nick O. came out for the finale of "Final Warning." Truly a great show by a band i've only been into for a short amount of time.

So the show ends and I see they aren't going to do anything (at least not immediately) with their playlists which are taped to the stage. I jump up to grab the one that Happy Tom used. As I start to rip up the tape Happy Tom comes over and jokingly lifts his boot as if he's going to stomp on me. I freeze with hands up as if, "who me, i'm innocent." I then point out my St. Pauli t-shirt and he laughs and points to it telling me "go ahead." I wanted to shake his hand in thanks but he was headed into the crowd before I got the chance.
After the show, Tradd and I slowly made our way out, just makin' sure nothing crazy exciting was going to happen before we left. On our way home we passed by the Clairmont...I had to stop in. A bit surprised by the cover...it's been so long I don't remember it being so much but by that time...it didn't really matter. We stayed a while, had a few more drinks, almost got in trouble with one of the bouncers in a silly kinda way, danced a lot to old Michael Jackson and few other 70s and 80s tunes, then made our way home.

Tradd and John have a nice pad, which I didn't totally get to figure out till the next morning. I was given shower supplies but passed out before making it to the bathroom. Did browse threw one of Tradd's old yearbooks, that's always fun. His breakfast "shake" of health stuff was pretty good...but compared to what I had been putting in my belly the night before it was most appreciated by my insides.

The drive home was nothing to write home about. Listened to some good tunes, chatted with DJ a few times and once I got home I pretty much passed out from exhaustion.

Ah, the sweet, sweet livin'...

A friend of mine, Gina DePalma, has finally had her first book published. If any of you are cooking/baking fans, please consider buying this book. It's called "Dolce Italiano" and it's filled with loads of Italian desserts and pastries. She's the head pastry chef for one of Mario Batali's restaurants, Babbo, in New York City and she did the pastry treats at my wedding (yes, i'm bragging, but also saying that as a reminder to those who were there). Anyway, I know about the sweat and tears that went into this thing and I really hope it does well. She sent me a pic of it in the window of her favorite New York bookstore, sitting next to books by Alan Greenspan, David Halberstam and Peter Cameron. It includes recipes from three different styles of desserts: "traditional Italian, Italian-American and American-Italian" ... I'd get into it more, but it's better explained on the Amazon page...just make with the clicky on the picture if you are even somewhat interested. My copy's on its way, or I'd tell you more about what's inside...just click...and buy. :)

Other Music For Uplifting Gourmandizers

This is the time when i should write all about the amazing trip I just took. The good times with Donna and her folks, and the wierd times, but I arrived in town yesterday afternoon; I tried sleeping, which worked off and on; I tried DJing at the station, but was too tired and left early. I went back home and before finally passing out I read that Hilly Kristal died. I'd like to go on and on about what the man did for me (even though I didn't even know who he was until after my first visit to his establishment, and even then I wouldn't know him if he'd walked up and kicked me). But in case you don't know he opened CBGB's in New York City back in 1973 and in doing so helped kick start something amazing for music lovers around the world. There's tons of stuff you can read about him out there, right now i'll leave you with the CBGB Tribute site.

What really is important?

It happened. Antonio Puerta died in the hospital today. I haven't even been able to read the story. The headline alone is all I really need to see right now. Not trying to be overly dramatic but, dammit, the man was only 22 years old.

I loved the city of Sevilla, which I visited a few years ago, this is how I became a huge fan of their soccer team. Over the few years that I've kept track of them, a handful of players really stood out as either strong and skillful or as personable and/or interesting. Puerta seemed to be both. He was passionate about the game, seemed to really love his team and was very important in Sevilla's strong season last year.

I could go on and on about how this whole thing makes me feel and how it puts life in perspective, but I think right now I just want to say I wish his family, his friends and his teammates well, and my condolences go out to all of them. He will be missed, even by a fan as far away as Tallahassee, Florida.


Here's a little YouTube tribute video someone put together.

Then you remember what's important.

So, I'm watching the Sevilla FC match in replay right now. Their season opener was with Getafe CF. It's a pretty important match for a team once again making a go at winning La Liga (the Spanish first division of pro-soccer for you US/non-fans). They did really well last year, got a little unlucky during season play, but still managed to not only win Copa del Rey, against Getafe actually, but were also UEFA Cup Champions and won the Supercopa de España (which is a match between the winner of La Liga vs. the winner of Copa del Rey, a bit of revenge against Real Madrid).

This season starts a little difficult as one of their greatest players, Dani Alves, is looking to make a move to the English Premier League. But they picked up a few good players and still have a lot of strength from last season.

Why all the build-up? Well, this opener was a bit difficult because Getafe was able to score rather quickly to begin the match and then were able to hang on to this 1-0 lead through the entire first half even though they had one player removed early on (22 minute) and then a second player was red carded in the last couple minutes of the half. They were still able to pull it out in the second half, finally picking up four goals with some rather impressive play, even if it was a couple extra players. But this is not the reason for this post...

The real reason is ... I ... watched a man have a heart attack. Near the end of the second half Antonio Puerta crouched down after a play and then collapsed onto the pitch. Players ran to his aid, some signaled for managers to come over, a close up on the player showed one of his teammates prying open his mouth to pull out his tongue so he wouldn't choke on it. Within a minute or two he was up and even walked off the pitch by himself. But according to at least one story he then collapsed again and was rushed to the hospital after being given cardiac resuscitation.

I had read a little about this prior to watching the match but it really was hard to actually see it happen. Even knowing prior, the build up and anticipation were not too bad, but when he actually went down I found myself screaming at the tv, "there he is, get him." Not sure where that came from but, man, he could have died right there. Evidently he still is having trouble, I've checked his wikipedia page and a few other stories that have him still in intensive care and in a "very serious" condition. Sevilla FC player or not, I wish him the best and I have to say I really appreciate the way the coach responded to questions after the match.

From the BBC story:

Sevilla coach Juande Ramos was in no mood to talk about his side's victory after the match.

"I don't have the mind to speak now. The reason I am here is because we are all professionals, but I have no desire to talk of the game or anything," Ramos said.

"I would like to see the player. The game does not have any importance compared with the health of a player."

Just a little reminder the game can be great, but there is always something much more important.

Edit: As a small addition to the Alves story... The small Brazilian international with a huge amount of talent and drive is up to no good. I always love watching him on the pitch. Unfortunately he's decided he really wants to leave the team and move "up" to the English Premier League. I'm not a fan of that for many reasons. Anyway, there was an offer on the table from a large team but it never came to fruition. Now he seems pissed and well...has decided to play hookie from the team, which makes nobody happy.

I don't know the full story, and he seems like a really nice and cool kinda guy from what little I've read about him, but this just makes me unhappy with whiny pro-athletes who get grumpy even though they are paid MILLIONS to play a sport I've enjoyed playing for free...or having to pay to be able to play it.

Again, I don't know the full story, but I'm slowly losing respect for him and hope this gets worked out quickly. He still wants to be traded this season, but I'm still hoping he'll stick around, help Sevilla win La Liga this season and then he can go to the EPL for even more money.

Queen's May is a doctor of the stars...

So I mentioned this would be a good spot for music stuff...and here's my first mini-post with a tidbit of information for ya. Looks like Brian May has been quite busy...for more than 30 years actually. But he's finally finished his doctorate in astrophysics. Just check out this little story about the endeavor.

Evidently he's already co-authored a book about the history of the universe, it's called "Bang" so i'm guessing he's not siding with any creationists. And his thesis was rather weighty as well, "a 48,000 word study which seeks to prove planets and dust clouds in our solar system orbit in the same direction."

Somewhat entertaining news, but it just makes me wish I had A Night at the Opera with me at work today.

on the air...

So, yeah, as mentioned earlier, I do a little radio show. It's on a college station (WVFS, the "Voice" of Florida State) and airs from 10p - 2a (EST) every Thursday evening...which is tonight...now. It's called Club Convergence and it's all electronic music...of many different genres.

Tonight I was reminded once again of how long i've been doing this. I started at the station almost right out of high school...and early on I knew I wanted to do this little show. Watched two other "elder" djs host the show during my first years at the station and was finally given control around 1992...yes, that's what I said, 1992. Which means i've basically been the show's host for the better part of 15 years (minus a short break I took in the late 90s...but we don't have to discuss that do we? Even though I just did...) Well after a short break from the show the station manager asked me to come back, without my prompting even, after two other replacements didn't work out so well).

Anyway...that was a long ramble for me to basically just put in a short plug for my little radio show. Check out the site I posted for it on Multiply.com. I've recorded shows, posted playlists and eventually i'll post a few more album and/or show reviews...seein' as the one's i posted are from last year. Stay tuned and enjoy.

Intro to make ya head grow...

So, I'm at it again. My friend Zil has re-introduced me to blogger.com and i've decided to try and take full advantage of this thing. I started off with a livejournal and either got bored with it, fell into what seems to be rather common pitfalls or just gave up due to everything else in life distracting me.
Now I've got a few deadlines breathing down my neck, a renewed interest in my radio show and several reasons to try and conquer, get past or just learn from these other "life distractions" and maybe this little thingamabob can help me out. (I can't believe "thingamabob" didn't trip the "auto spell check.")
The deadline is for an interview and hopefully a couple album reviews for a new music/"culture" website and print magazine I just started working for (well, these will be my first contributions, I don't even feel comfortable saying I work for them just yet, but let's move on). Actually, though I haven't submitted anything yet, I have done a fair amount of work for SideLine magazine and was given a fine letter of recommendation from Caustic Mattie, I think I'll be ok, but I'm not going to promote it completely until I get something published.
So...I guess this will become my new (and probably alter ego) music blog...that or I'll just end up posting a lot of the same stuff on both...until I get comfortable with blogger.com. Do you subscribe to blogs on here? How do I browse my "friends' blogs?" How do I find my friends' blogs? or anyone I know is on here but that I don't know their email or their blog title (I'm pretty sure Justin K Broadrick is on here...or he was)?