What I did today.

This has nothing to do with my post, but it's so damn cute. But you've already seen it, you internet superstars.

I spent most of the day re-mixing a tune for The Contrarian's upcoming release Soft Rock. I couldn't resist throwing in a few more guitar parts and re-recording the vocals, because I'm a nutzoid perfectionist. It's still not good enough, but it'll have to do — this thing is nearly two years old.

Then it was back to the Swale record. But I'm kind of in a holding pattern, since Olsen is M.I.A.

I tried to keep the blog fun between Highgate and Solidstate going, in between the tweaking. I'm amazed at the ridiculous amount of internet time we logged. Almost embarrassing.

I'm heading down to Radio Bean tonight to see the Cave Bees. Can't believe it's my first time. I'll order myself up a San Pellegrino, 'cause I haven't an alcoholic beverage in at least a few weeks. I'm fairly proud.

Anyway, here's an MP3 of the tune  Soft Rock III .[NOTE: New Version since 02/28] It's still not quite done, but whatever.

Stay tuned for an overhaul of this here blog. It should be swell.

Dear Burlington...

General Zod keeps his beard neatly trimmed.

Good morning, afternoon, evening, or whatever.

I wanted to open myself up here for a minute and have a heart to heart with my beloved burg, and its fine inhabitants.

Sometimes, in the constant rush from newspaper to newspaper, show to show and project to project, I get a little goofy.

It often seems to me that everyone is having a nice, fun sociable time, while I scurry around like a crazed cockroach. I've always felt like a little bit of an outsider; in my advancing years, I've come to realize that most other folks do too. I don't mind — in fact, I embrace it.

But that doesn't keep me from getting a wee bit jealous at all of the "fun" others seeem to be having. But you know what? I'm having a fine time, as well. I just get so wrapped up in my own activities that I occasionally forget.

Yup, things are pretty damn good. I'm proud to know the lot of you, and prouder still to have worked with some of you.

But that doesn't mean I'll ever stop taking the piss out of (and expecting more from) this weird little city.

Now, then. That's enough. I don't want to appear too sensitive. It could ruin my, ahem, reputation.

Thanks for playing!

This band is named after the thing beneath my lower lip!

Your regular, satire-free programming will resume shortly.

Until then, I invite you all to contemplate my soul patch.

Fashion!

I found this on Google. Don't ask me where it came from.

This is supposedly a music blog, but I just got back from the Walkmen show and I want to talk about FASHIN!

First of all, I have noticed a new breed of hipster lately. Burlington is currently in the throes of Brooklynification, as that borough has reached terminal hipster velocity and must now extend, tentacle-like, to even tiny burgs like our own.

Interestingly, Brooklyn itself is undergoing a bit of a makeover, largely due to the influence of so-called "freak-folk" artists (and Williamsburg colonists) such as Devendra Banhart. The indie-rock cognoscenti’s lock-step fashion sensibility has lately been infiltrated by a not-so-subtle hippie aesthetic. That's right, kids — you can finally feel free to sport a clam-digger's beard with those pegged pants of yours.

This confluence of stylistic influences has resulted in a curious hipster polyglot that I've yet to come up with a name for. (I have invented a new genre of music, however — it's called "Yap." But more on that later). These curious creatures can even be seen in the Queen City. Apologies to Tanner and his crew, but some of you guys are totally perfect examples.

Now that actual hippies see more rockers sporting beards, they feel less intimidated about checking out these mysterious concerts. And who can blame ‘em for expanding their repertoire? So what if they’ll be at the Umphrey's McGee show tomorrow night. Today’s the day for downstrummed, ahem, angular guitars and faux-boho crooning!

Speaking of guitars, the Walkmen's auxiliary six-stringer looked sharp in a nice Banana Republic sweater and a wide collared shirt. I almost called him a bitch, 'cause I he was wearing nearly the same thing I was. He has no beard. But he does enjoy a nice downstroke now and again.

Oh, and here's a new fashion rule: You can have your hoodie. You can have your beard. You can even have your baseball cap. But you MAY NOT, under any circumstances, have all three at the same time — especially if you're inclined to pull the hoodie over the cap. What is that all about? Are you trying to keep your hat warm?

I understand this post may create a stir among some of my furry-faced friends, so I must insist: I mean no disrespect. I love beards, really, I do! Hell, our 16th president had one, and he was a great emancipator. And let's not forget about ZZ Top — they had one sweet ride.

So don't get all follicle crazed on me, aight? I’d grow a beard if I could. My cats won’t let me. They say it scratches their tummies.

Tonight.

Higher Ground. The Walkmen. Do it.

Help me, you sexy bastards (and bastardettes)!

So, I'm writing a fun article for the Seven Days Sex Issue about T. Rex's perennial aphrodisiac, Electric Warrior.

I've come to believe that this record is a sexual talisman of sorts — it's like Barry White for young rockers! Why, exactly, has it survived as make out music down through the ages? That's what I hope to figure out, through a track-by-track analysis. (I've got that part covered).

Here's where you come in. Feel free to post any comments or anecdotes about the record and why it's so damn sexy. If you feel like it, you can fill me in on any amorous activities that may have transpired while listening to it!

If you want to be in the paper, please leave your first and last names, as well as your age. if you prefer anonymity, that's fine too.

Get it on.

Moniker Madness.

Have Akrasia changed their name to Tell No One?

Apparently, they were getting mean 'ol nasty legal threats from some other band with the same handle.

Can anyone confirm?

Hot axe.

Check out rocker/guitar maker Creston Lea's latest creation.

It was designed for Eric Heywood, an L.A. musician who plays with Calexico, Son Volt,
Freakwater and others. According to Creston, Heywood also rocks out with Minnie Driver. Not sure what that means.

It looks like fine craftsmanship, as usual. I'm hoping to get The Tall Man to put a new neck on my Fender Jaguar.

Better. Faster. We have the technology.

UPDATE: Creston's world-famous bandmate James Kochalka was recently interviewed by a retro video game site. Nerd!

Triple threat.

My friend and associate Ethan Covey just sent me a link to an amazing piece of video.

Here's his description:

"It's a James Brown concert where he invites Michael Jackson up from the crowd, who in turn invites Prince up and all hell breaks loose. Prince busts some 'nasty' moves with the mic stand before tearing down part of the set while trying to get on the shoulders of the huge bearded man that carried him to and from stage. Amazing..."

It truly is. Check it.

Revelations.

There WILL be a major news item "leaked" here soon, so stay tuned.

I have another post ready for later this afternoon, but until then, enjoy this piece of audio-related arcanum. Scroll down for the music bits...

Courtesy songwriter/drummer boy/man for the ages Neil Cleary.

Remember me?

Yes, I'm aware I haven't posted in a while. I miss you guys, too.

I have a nice, juicy entry planned for this week, but I'm waiting on a few little things.

'Til then.

A Great Post Bears Repeating!

Stumbled across a wonderful post by Spine of The Masala Dose on Candleblog the other day.

It concerned an appearance by musical genius/raconteur Frank Zappa's 1986 appearance on Crossfire. Here's an excerpt from the show:

FZ: The biggest threat to America today is not Communism—it’s moving America toward a fascist theocracy. And everything that’s happened during the Reagan administration is steering us right down that pike.

Bob Novak: Oh, Mr. Zappa…do you really think…I mean all kidding aside, in this country, with the permissiveness, that we are moving toward a fascist theocracy?

FZ: You bet we are, buddy.

The full episode is here. I highly recommend watching the whole thing.

Kudos to iFilm for finding this little gem.

Considering my Ahmet & Dweezil post from a few weeks ago, one might get the impression that I'm Zappa-happy.

Well, maybe I am!

Random Mewlings...

Several months ago, I had the rare pleasure of seeing Boston's Kayo Dot perform at 242 Main. I was already a semi-fan; their 2003 Tzadik release, Choirs of the Eye, was one of the more interesting albums of that year.

The band's live show — an unusual mix of post rock, metal and sheer noise — was even better. And apologies to my girlfriend, but violinist Mia Matsumiya is impossibly gorgeous. Hey, it's not my fault!

Anyway, they've got a new album coming out next week. You can check some of it out on their My Space page.

On a completely different note, here's a hillarious letter from David Cross to that repugnant asshole Larry the Cable Guy.

Go, David!

Resolutions.

The following are my New Year's resolutions vis-a-vis music, Vermont and my place in both.

1. To take more time to record and produce my own stuff in addition to working on other folks' projects.

2. To get bands to become more aware of other acts in their community.

3. To never pull punches.

4. To continue to raise my personal standards -- critically, artistically and otherwise.

5. To listen without prejudice and react with honesty.

Here's to '06.