Friends

WARNING: THE FOLLOWING POST COULD QUALIFY AS THE TYPE OF HEARTFELT BLOGOSPHERE OUTPOURING THAT THE KIDS FROM WHITE CASTLE TO THE NILE ARE CALLING 'EMO'. IF YOU CANNOT READ THE 'EMO' WITHOUT 'TOSSING YOUR COOKIES' OR 'POPPING A CAP IN SOMEBODY'S ASS' (AS THE KIDS ALSO SAY)...PLEASE STOP HERE AND WAIT FOR THE NEXT INANE RAMBLING ABOUT BIG DADDY KANE, THE QUEST FOR THE PERFECT TENNIS SHOES, ROBOTS OR WHY NETFLIX CARRIES NONE OF THE COLLECTED WORKS OF ONE MR. RUSS MEYER.

I've got some of the best a guy could ask for. We've never danced w/ umbrellas around a fountain and nobody ever went out and copied our haircuts (which, if you saw us in high school or college even, would make complete sense). I've known them forever (or at least kindergarten) and we can go for days, months, years with out talking to each other and then...when we do get a chance to get together...it's like no time has passed. It's amazing really and I feel blessed.

I'm blessed to have the type of friends that you don't think twice about hopping on a plane to w/ a day's notice to be with them in a time of need...because you know they'd do the same for you. I'm blessed to have the type of friends that can make taking said journey with a cathartic experience that YOU needed on the cusp of life-changing events. I'm blessed to have the type of friends that can make sitting in a nearly deserted bar in Prescott, AZ...on the eve of one of the toughest days one of them will ever experience...the best 2-3 hours you've all had in a long time, using only the three of you, a couple of pints and a Tesla song on the jukebox to make it happen.

Outside of my wife (truly my best friend in the entire universe), i'm lucky to have a small group of truly amazing people I can all call 'best' friends. All of us very different, but the same in just as many ways. Constantly rooting each other on in whatever race the other has decided to enter and helping to pick the other up when they feel like they can't make it to the end. Full of advice or silence, when you really just want somebody to listen. Most importantly, the ability to make the other laugh...even when they feel it's the last thing on earth they want to do.

To two of the best friends...brothers...one could ask for: Kev, Kory...dudes, god bless you both and thanks for ALWAYS being there. Life will place many challenges ahead of us, but we can face them all (or as Mr. Jovi once said: 'ROCK them all') knowing you always have the others to carry you through them. Muchos...MUCHOS...gracias. Peace.

Hummin'... Comin' atcha...

So, every year for x-mas I make my brother a mix CD and (as mentioned in the previous post) i've really been on a major hip-hop binge over the past few months. Thusly, this year's mix turned into a non-stop hip-hop joint and (honestly) is one my most favorite mixes i've ever done. It's a combination of both old school and some new (albeit more undergound/indie) shit i've some into...the results were actually pretty damn fresh. In other words, you could rock a party w/ it for at least an hour if need be. So, for a limited time, you can DL it right here:

MIX TAPE MANIFESTO

TRACKLIST:

INTRO (These R Sounds) - Mista Rogers

This Is A Recording 4 Living In A Fulltime Era (L.I.F.E.) - De La Soul

Diggin' In The Tapes - Giant Panda

Flava in Ya Ear - Craig Mack

Make Some Noise - Edo G & Masta Ace

How Ya Like Me Now - Kool Moe Dee

That Sound - OhMega Watts (Featuring Lightheaded, The Procussions & Noelle of the Rebirth)

Treat 'em Right - Chubb Rock

Energy Drink - Ugly Duckling

Freak Out - 9:15 & Jaysonic

Jimmy James - The Beastie Boys

Nitty Gritty - KMD

Deep Down and Dirty - Stereo MC's

Don't Believe The Sensorair - DJ Pantshead vs. Cabaret Voltaire vs. Public Enemy vs. Air vs. Pharcyde

Follow the Leader - Eric B & Rakim

Sum Of Us - Jurassic 5

You Gots to Chill - EPMD

Breakfast Club - Z-TRIP

Ogre - Fingathing

Matter Transporter - Time Machine

Hope you enjoy it and if anything grabs you, please support the artists featured by purchasing their album or single from iTunes or whatever. I'm not looking to take food off of people's tables, but I am looking to turn people on to new sounds. Word.

P.S. As i'm on a roll, keep checking in...'SON OF Mix Tape Manifesto' is already almost complete and is proving to be a worthy follow up. Peace.

THE AMBFAD 'BEST OF 2005'

That's right kids, it's time for the inevitable 'Best of' list...encapsulating the best music that 2005 had to offer (or at least what I heard of it anyways). 2005 was a decent year for music, one that found me fall back in love w/ hip hop upon discovering there is still some great shit out there being put on wax (see #1 and #3). The #2 pick on this year's list saw the return of some badass power pop from one of Canada's finest supergroups and new albums from some indie stalwarts made the list as well. So, without further ado, here's my favorite albums of the past year:

1. 'FLY SCHOOL REUNION' - GIANT PANDA

This one came from out of nowhere to grab the top spot w/in the final couple of weeks of 2005. Some righteous hip hop from the Left Coast, GP delivered an album chock full of great beats, fun rhymes and the best ode to the mix tape i've ever heard. Great stuff.

2. 'TWIN CINEMA' - NEW PORNOGRAPHERS

I gave a shout out to this one earlier in the year. Finely crafted power pop from Canadian indie darling Carl Newman, Dan Bejar, Neko Case and crew. Just as solid of an effort as their previous release, 'Electric Version' and sweet sounding from cover to cover.

3. 'THE FIND' - OHMEGA WATTS

This disc didn't leave my car stereo for almost a month and I gave a full download in a previous post. Positive lyrics that take you back to the Golden Era of hip hop, laid down over fresh beats and instrumentals constructed by the Portland-based producer/DJ/MC. Big ups.

4. 'THE GREAT DESTROYER' - LOW

My first introduction to Minnesota's LOW was a doozy. Contrasting styles ranging from stark melencholy to feedback drenched walls of sound...and that's often just within one song. A completely engaging listen, creepy and beautiful in the same breath.

5. 'DESCENDED LIKE VULTURES' - ROGUE WAVE

As I wasn't a huge fan of their debut or the performance I caught when they opened for A.C. Newman last year, this one was a pleasant surprise. Up-tempo rockers and polished balladry coexist in a wonderfully produced shiney package.

6. 'BEFORE THE DAWN HEALS US' - M83

Much like the previous effort, this album played out as a synth-laden soundtrack to a movie that didn't exist...but if it did, would likely be a cool one. Orchestral and layered, sometimes shining and sometimes frantic/frightening. Whatever the mood of each individual track, a cool listen in it's entirety.

7. 'GUERO' - BECK

A return to the multi-genre stew of 'Odelay' and in complete contrast to the folky 'Sea Change', Beck dropped one hell of a fun album on us in 2005. Sample-based upbeat sonic collages that ran the gambit style-wise, a fine return to form. Check out the remix album, 'Guerolito', as well.

8. 'ILLINOIS' - SUFJAN STEVENS

The second submission in his ambitious project to release a musical companion for all 50 states. 'Illinois' is rife w/ wonderful compostions that may not be too in depth lyrically relative to the state it's covering, but tunes like 'Chicago' have a sound steeped in optimism and make for a pleasant audio experience.

9. 'GIMME FICTION' - SPOON

One of my favortie elder statesmen of indie rock, Britt Daniels and company released a critic's favorite that received a lot of music press. Angular and interesting as ever, they released much better...but relative to other releases, still deserved of an appearance in my list.

10. 'DIOS (MALOS)' - DIOS (MALOS)

The purveyors of a sound that brings to mind the bastard son of Brian Wilson and Grandaddy (raised by the Pixies), the boys from Hawthorne, CA released another fantsatic collection of spacey psychadelic folk rock. More uptempo in spots than their debut, this disc was a great sophmore follow-up.

There you are. It should be noted there is a massive list of 'Hornorable Mentions' that deserve your attention as well (Eels, Pernice Brothers, Time Machine, etc.)...but I don't have a Jan Wenner-sized writing staff to do an organized list of 25 ot 50. Just go back through the archives and see if anything hits you. Anyhow, again, Happy New Year...may 2006 bring us audio goodness worthy of another list come next time. PEACE!

Christmas Vacation

'Is Rusty still in the Navy?'

I've been working on painting the nursery for a majority of my time off and should finish this morning. It's a cool set up, but the rooms have a lot of angles and detail work. I'll give you all a tour MTV CRIBS (Ha!) style when it's done. Next up...assembling the two cribs.

The two boys are doing well and growing big time...much like the tummy of Mrs. Famous. 2006 is going to be a wild year for us...no sleep til 2007!!! Anyhow, if I don't get a chance to wish it to thw two people who read this: HAPPY NEW YEAR BITCHES!!! One of my resolutions is to post up here more often, so we'll see how that goes. PEACE!

It's a (beer) celebration bitches!!!

So, at least in my family, the holidays are all about eating and drinking and togetherness and stuff. While I love it all, i'm going to forgo parting w/ my secret recipe for the world's most dangerous fruitcake (which, for the record, isn't referring to Richard Simmons) and focus on the DRINKING. Submitted for your enjoyment, is a short list of seasonal brews i've been digging this Christmas:

SIERRA NEVADA CELEBRATION ALE

As far as a beer you can find in most good groceries and liquor stores, this would probably top this year's list. Great flavor, very hop-laden w/ a slight bit of a fruity taste, but not too overpowering. Just the right blend of everything. Check out their website HERE.

BELL'S WHITE WINTER ALE

Bell's Amber Ale is one of my favorites all year long and their White Winter Ale has proven to be a fantastic holiday alternative. I usually go more for wheat ales in the Summer, but being it's a smooth and lightly carbonated beer w/ hints of clove, banana (!), and cinnamon...it serves as a nice precursor to the darker/heavier stuff i'll be imbibing Jan-Feb. Check out their website HERE.

PYRAMID SNOWCAP ALE

This came in on recommendation from a friend and I had to go to one of those liquor superstores (Binny's) to track it down. A potent red-brown ale, noses and tastes a little bit burnt, and has cinnamon and nutmeg notes. Even though it's spiced, it's not as overbearing as some like beers are prone to be. Check out their website HERE.

MICKEY FINN'S SANTA'S MAGIC ALE

Mickey Finn's is a nice microbrewery out here near where I work in Libertyville, IL and has what may be the best beer I have ever tasted called Santa's Magic. It's a Belgian strong ale...higher alcohol content, but smoother than hell...nice flavor too, a little hint of fruit and spices. Unfortunately, they don't bottle or distribute to other resellers and it's only available for a very limited time (it's already off tap). So, next year, i'm going to get a growler as soon as it's available. Check out their website HERE.

So, there you are...drink up. If you have any favorites of your own, I implore you to take 30 seconds to clue me in via the comments section. Again, please be sure to DL my annual holiday mix a couple of posts down...as you'll need some good holiday music to dance around like an idiot too after enjoying too many of the fine beverages above. My blog...'IT'LL GET YOU DRUNK!!!'

Damn You Casey Kasem...Damn You Straight to HELL!

As this is supposed to be a music blog and the end of 2005 approaches, that means we are on the eve of the inevitable 'Best Of' list that every music freak is required by our Union to put together. I've got mine whittled down, but i'm still fine-tuning. Until then, courtesy of My Blog is Poop, is the 'so dead on it hurts' guide to How To Make A Hip End of the Year 'Best Albums' List:

• Before you begin, make sure you pre-empt your list by saying/blogging/writing in your journal that there weren't many great albums out this year and that music sucks in general right now. If you don't, people will assume that you derive pleasure out of making lists about your favorite things. And that's soooo unhip.
• Remember to include at least one (but no more than 3) hip hop albums. This shows that you are receptive to all types of music (except everything but rock and hip hop) and that you are "down." Don't get fancy, stick with what works: Kanye, Outkast, and A Tribe Called Quest are always safe, even if they didn't release an album this year.
• If you don't plan on naming a couple of Import albums that don't come out in this country until the Spring of next year then stop reading right now and get the fuck out of my blog.
• This should go without saying, but be sure to include one band that nobody's ever heard of. This is a good time to list your friend's band's 3 track EP that he gave you one night when you were out drinking. Including his band's album on your list accomplishes two things: 1) it's a safe bet they're completely unknown, and 2) it makes him happy. Hooray.
• Don't include your actual favorite album. It may have been good when you started listening to it, but now it's cliche. Deal with it.
• Make sure to include an album that just came out. This will lead people to believe that you got an advanced copy months ago and had plenty of time to get into it. But WARNING- BE CAREFUL- make sure it's not something that will become popular or produce a radio-friendly single in the next couple of months. Nothing will kill your indie cred than including the next Killers on your next Hip List.
• If you're gay, don't feel obligated to include the new Madonna album. We'll just assume.
• Space out your "The" band albums appropriately. It doesn't matter if you like The Subways the second most and The Comas third. You throw those two bands next to one another on a list and it's going to look like it's 2001 all over again. Be careful.
• To really drive home the point that you're not mainstream, add a list of "Albums that just missed the cut." There-- and ONLY there-- do you include the bands that had a song on the radio in 2005. That way you can look at everybody else's lists and say "Oh... Bloc Party? Yeah, they just missed the cut on my list. What, you had Silent Alarm at number 2? Ouch."
• Speaking of Bloc Party; If you MUST include them you better rank the Remix album higher than the actual album. You know, to make a point.
• And finally, the best advice of all: don't make an End of the Year 'Best Albums' list. Because you, like, don't have the time for that kind of stuff. Totally. Totally.

The First...errr...THIRD Noel

Felix Navidad!!! This is the third installment of my annual holiday mix, that is given (in most cases, against their will) to family, friends, co-workers, celebrities, heathens, girls named 'Candy', department store Santas, snow angels and casual onlookers. Some of you may have been on the receiving end of the previous two audio lumps of coal ('ALOT LIKE X-MAS' and 'A LOT LIKE XMAS TOO'), so some of these tunes (my favorites) have been trotted out before...just can't break from tradition I guess.

An extra helping of good tidings to Tualla (nicked that Cool Breezes tune) and Wendy (didn't have the Jimmy Eat World tune) for their help in decorating this year's Charlie Brown tree of a CD. As a lot of holiday music you hear this time of year leans more towards the traditional, i'm a big fan of the odd contemporary x-mas tune (ex: Cheap Trick, Waitresses, Ringo Starr)...something that captures the holiday spirit one can only find in clotheslining an old lady at 5AM to get that marked down salad shooter or photocopying your ass at the office christmas party. However, some of these (ex: The Beach Boys, ELP, Smashing Pumpkins)...as cheesy as they may be...really do capture the peace, happiness and hope I feel around this time of year

So, if it's your thing, don your gay apparel (not that there's anything wrong with that), be naughty or nice (the same thing in my book) and, if you're a braver person than I, try some of that figgy pudding the kids are all rapping about. Better yet, as Ray Davies reminds us in what may be my favorite Christmas song of all time...

'Have yourself a merry merry Christmas
Have yourself a good time
But remember the kids who got nothin'
While you're drinkin' down your wine'

Human kindness should a year-long thing, but please go out of your way to do something good for somebody this holiday...donate some time or $ or just a smiling face. May the big man above bless you as he's blessed me 100x over the past year. Happy holidays (WHATEVER YOU CELEBRATE) and a wonderful New Year to you all. Now, here's the music (DL it from the link below)...

A LOT MORE LIKE X-MAS

Track Listing:
Christmas, Don't Be Late - The Chipmunks
Come On Christmas - Cheap Trick
Waiting for Christmas - Adventures of Jet
Come On Christmas, Christmas Come On - Ringo Starr
Father Christmas - The Kinks
Christmas Wrapping - The Waitresses
Last Christmas - Jimmy Eat World
Frosty the Snowman - The Cocteau Twins
Socko the Smallest Snowball - The Bell Sisters
It's Christmas Time - Yo La Tengo
Joy to the World (Mocean Worker Remix) - The Cathedral Brass
Christmas is Going to the Dogs - The Eels
The Night Before Christmas Song - Gene Autry & Rosemary Clooney
I Believe in Father Christmas - Emerson, Lake & Palmer
Little Drummer Boy - Los Straitjackets
Jesus Christ - Big Star
Morning Christmas - Beach Boys
Christmastime - Smashing Pumpkins
Hello Mr. New Year - The Cool Breezes
The New Year - Death Cab for Cutie

Bow-wow-yippie-yo-yippie-yeah

So, as you can see, I changed the look and feel of this place to something a little more lively and in the process, lost all my links. It was for the best, as I needed to update them anyhow.

Outside of that, everything is going pretty decent (Thanksgiving was great, Mrs. Famous and the twins are looking good, the Bears are actually winning games, etc.)...sans one (hopefully) minor thing. Our dog, Penny, came back from the kennel (which happens to be at our Vet's office) w/ some sort of wicked left eye problem. It was kind of shut closed and when it wasn't, she was blinking it profusely and it was tearing up something fierce. They did some quick tests and there didn't seem to be anything in it or any scratches on the eye. So, we're putting this ointment in her eye three times a day...which is totally a goat rodeo, but it seems to kind of be working. At least I hope it's working, it just doesn't seem to be working fast enough. It's heartbreaking to see her eye all messed up and it's obviously annoying her. Granted, she doesn't seem to be in pain...but she does act like it's bugging her. Guess we'll wait and see on Friday (it'll have been the prescribed week's worth of eye medicine by then).

I always say this, but I hope to post up a little more in the near future...I do have some ideas and the x-mas season is coming, so plenty of material to work with. Until then, be well!

Pardon our dust. Playing around...

...w/ some new templates. Things may look goofy for a while. Thanks!

Let's KETCH UP.

Damn. I knew I hadn't posted up here in a while, but I didn't realize it had been over month. It looks like the spam kept a rollin' in the comment section of my last post...dog training, ways to quit smoking, lost arc of the covenant...god bless the internets.

Biggest news would be that things keep rolling in a positive direction w/ the twins. We had our 20-week checkup two Fridays ago and everybody looked great...plus, we found out we're having TWO BOYS! Pretty exciting stuff and we are now dipping our toes into the water of looking at all the baby raising equipment you need...strollers, car seats, pack'n'plays, etc. So much stuff...rather, TOO much stuff. Then, multiply it times two and it'll make your head spin. Anyhow, I think it's cool they'll both have built-in playmates and there won't be any barbie dolls versus legos when they decide what they're going to play with. We're still weeding throuh possible names, but we've decided tentatively to go with GERONIMO and KONG...you know, good Irish names. It seems like the due date is a million years away, but then you realize all that you still have to take care of and it seems like they're coming tomorrow. Crazy.

Outside of that, music-wise, i've been on a rather large hip-hop bender since we last spoke. Two discs (one old and one new) have been receiving non-stop rotation and I have to make mention of them:

OHMEGA WATTS

'The Find'

This album has that true old school throwback feel i've been looking for in a new artist for quite a while now. Hailing from the burgeoning Portland, OR hip hop scene (Portland?! Who knew?), Ohmega Watts is an insanely talented producer and impressive MC. A large part of the beats and instrumentals are original compositions that have been chopped up, put back together into some truly funky head bobbing tracks and, together, make up a musical breath of fresh air in totality. Lyrically, it's also a throwback to the days of the 'call and response' block party jams from back in the day...before it became rehashed beats and brags on how much ice you had around your neck. There is enthusiasm, positivity and respect for the genre's history on this disc that reminded me why I love hip hop (and music) in the first place. Most likely, my top album of '05. Check some samples HERE and if you're in the Chicagoland area, go catch him live w/ RJD2 at the Abbey on November 12th.

K.M.D.

'Mr. Hood'
Big ups being beamed via satellite out to my man Charles in Arizona for clueing me into this one. K.M.D. got the jump off via the classic 3rd Bass jam, 'The Gas Face'. The cuts are mostly soul/jazz-based mixed with the odd clip from a children's album, laid down over some nice uptempo beats and basslines. The album loosely centers around a character named Mr. Hood that has been constructed from some sort of self-help/instructional tape to pretty hilarious results. Lyrically playful, but with some biting commentary on racial stereotypes...it all sums up to a satisfying listen ala De La's '3 Feet High and Rising'. After the death of his brother (and KMD DJ) Sub-Roc, group-leader Zevlove X would later go onto become underground hip-hop's mad genius, MF Doom. This album was recently re-released on vinyl out of the UK, but the CD seems to be out of print...worth scouting for online or in the used bin at your local shop.

So, that's it for now true-believers. Hopefully, it won't be as long a wait for the next post...I know you're all setting your watches to them and male the sad face when there isn't anything new to digest (right). Be well and PEACE!

A Few Quick Hits...

Long time no post. As always, just been too busy to come up w/ something worth putting in front of anybody. Nothing of great levity to report at present time...Mrs. Famous (and, thusly, the Wonder Twins) are doing okay...the D-O-G is still a sweetheart (but a handful)...took in a few Cubs games (where they lost to both the Cardinals and Brewers)...LOST is back on the air and the season premiere was pretty good...VH1's Hip Hop Honors airs on Monday (decent list of honorees, but the scheduled performers look kind of weak...blah, blah, blah.

Luckily, I do have a couple of musical suggestions worth mentioning:

DIOS MALOS

'dios (malos)'

Awful album cover, but a great band out of Hawthorne, CA. Breaking away a little from tripped out Grandaddy covered by the Beach Boys sound of their debut (which was stellar BTW), the band offers up a heaping helping of uptempo psychedelic folk rock for the indie stoner set. I've loved this band since their first EP was released a few years back and it's great to see them come back strong. I'd list highlights, but really...I like the whole thing cover to cover. DL the lead-off track ('Feels good Being Somebody') and two of my favorite tracks from their previous disc HERE.

M83

'M83'

I gave a brief round of props a few months back to M83's 2005 release ('Before the Dawn Heals Us' )and the previous album ('Dead Cities, Red Seas & Lost Ghosts') is one of my favorites to grace my iPod in the past few years. As luck what have it, the French duo's (now a one-man-show) debut album from 2001 received domestic release earlier this month. Orchestral and sparse in the same breath, this is more of the M83 brand of synth-heavy ambient pop music that ranges from spooky to frenetic. Good stuff. You can stream samples from all of their albums HERE.

So, there you go...for now. Enjoy. Peace.

Puppies and Babies and Cigarettes...OH MY!

Say hey there kids! It's been a long time since i've both posted and rock'n'rolled...so here's a little update to (hopefully) kickstart me back into throwing down some of the inane junk that you love so much.

First off, and probably the biggest thing going on in the 'House of El', Mrs. Famous and I are happy to be able to say we're expecting. When I say 'expecting', I mean in a having a baby sort of way...and when I say 'having a baby', I mean in a we're having twins sort of way. Yep. TWO. We're 13 weeks along as of yesterday and both spawn of Famous, as of our last ultrasound, are looking really good. Our projected due date is March 16 of 2006, but per the doc...could happen a little earlier. Without going in to detail, this is an absolute blessing for us and we've been working at this for a while now. We've got a long road to travel over the next 6 months, but as of today I feel like the luckiest cat in the world. Obviously, expect periodic ramblings about me becoming a father to come. Yay babies!

Nowhere near as monumental, but pretty cool nonetheless, would be the status of our current 'baby' Penny. I still haven't posted pics or anything, but for those of you who were reading a few months back, Penny is the Golden Retriever puppy we brought home back in June. She is an absolute trip and has been both fun and an exercise in patience. She's already grown so much and everybody that has seen her keeps informing us she's going to be huge. Looking at the size of her paws and seeing how much she weighs today w/ another 7-8 months of growing up to do, it's kind of hard to disagree. We've been going to obedience training and her last class is next week. She is an absolute socialite, loving both people and dogs and inanimate objects alike. Smart as a whip, but still dealing w/ the goofiness that comes w/ both her age and her breed. That said, methinks she's going to be a great pet in the long run.

Finally, you may be asking yourself: 'self...w/ two babies on the way and a dog and all that other cool stuff, where is my favorite hipster doofus at w/ the quitting smoking thing?' The short answer would be: right now? Nowhere. I'm, uh, regrouping so to speak. It's something I absolutely have to do and will. I just think my last pass at it wasn't anywhere near as organized as it needs to be, so i'm coming up w/ a plan and then deciding on the best time to put it into motion. As the whole pregnancy thing seems much more real to me, it is weighing heavier on my mind and a hell of a good inspiration. So, as always, stay tuned and wish me luck...again.

So, there you are, we're pretty much all caught up. I've seen a few flicks and listened to a few new albums, but nothing so exciting I feel the need to go off about them. I'm not going to go too far into the whole horrible Katrina thing right now...it's a disaster on so many different levels and i'm just praying for the best for all those affected by it. If you haven't yet...DONATE. Then, after you've donated some coin, look into donating your time or any other resources you have available...religious or no, churches in your area may have organized efforts underway to provide relief and it's going to be a huge job. Bottom line, do something. There will be plenty of time for picking apart what went wrong (as there was plenty) and bitching about gas prices soon enough. Peace out until next time and God bless!

A Good DVD is(n't) Easy to Kill

BEULAH

'A Good Band is Easy to Kill'

I've posted up on this DVD twice before, but hadn't gotten around to actually watching and/or reviewing it until now. I would have just posted an update or something, but this turned out to be a really fun DVD and worthwhile delving into a little further.

For me, Beulah is one of those truly great indie bands you get turned onto...only to have them ride off into the sunset. Luckily, as I think I mentioned before, I did get a chance to see them play one of their last gigs in Chicago on their 'farewell' tour. Rumors of an impending breakup followed the band for years before it actually happened last year. This DVD chronicles the band on it's tour prior, but it really does serve as a precursor to the band's demise.

I enjoyed this documentary immensely, for a few reasons:

• It's cool to see what I find one of the most unnderated bands (indies or otherwise) EVER, captured on film.
• Tons of live footage, in the actual film and full performances included as extras (high-quality and lo-fi).
• What i'm guessing is an accurate representation of what life on the road is really like.
• Great insight to the 'indie' scene, following a band and music in general.

As far as the 'life on the road' part, in Beulah's case, it's both frustrating and funnier than hell. Flat tires, weird venues, loss of voice, messed up sound...it's all there. Also there, is what seems to be a bunch of guys having a lot of fun w/ the whole thing (both the journey and the gigs themselves). Good stuff.

More interestingly, is band co-founder Miles Kurosky's views on the music business and the downside that comes along w/ the 'indie' label. He disses everybody from the Elephant Six collective they (unwittingly) started out being a part of to Bob Dylan (a truly classic bit of film in the opening sequence). This is a guy who wanted something bigger for the band he's put his life into and it never really quite happened.

Kurosky's final 'carpe diem' thoughts on seeing bands you love before they go away are so fitting. Beulah is a perfect example of one of those bands people get into too late and then kick themselves for never seeing them live when they had the chance...words to live by. While this DVD serves as a saving grace for those who missed the boat, opportunities like it don't happen too often for bands of similar ilk. That indie band you love today, could be a fleeting memory tomorrow...

If you missed it the last two times, check out the trailer HERE. Good stuff.

I'll Never Travel Far, Without a Little...

BIG STAR

'In Space'

Finally, a new record by one of the architects of the musical genre known as 'power pop'. I delved a little into the band in one of my previous posts, when I talked about the excellent Chris Bell album 'I Am the Cosmos'. Countless alt-rock bands like R.E.M., the Replacements, the dB's, and Teenage Fanclub (to name a few) have cited them as a major influence and if you've ever heard '#1 Record', 'Radio City' or 'Third'...you'd see why.

After the band called it quits in the mid 70's, the band's catalog garnered a cult-following after all the name-checking by artists like the ones mentioned above. Then, in 1993, the Posies' Jonathan Auer and Ken Stringfellow backed original members Alex Chilton and Jody Stephens for a reunion gig at the University of Missouri...a smattering of subsequent gigs followed and over the course of the past 4-5 years, talk of a new album. Auer and Stringfellow released some dazzling p-pop themselves in the Posies, so their addition to the band made sense.

Upon hearing the news a full album was in the works, I had mixed feelings. The intital reunion resulted in a tepid one-off single ('Hot Thing') and, thusly, I didn't really know how this would end up sounding. While it's nowhere near the caliber of '#1 Record', it's still a great listen. Sunny sounding pop rock ('Best Chance We've Ever Had') to stoic balladry ('Lady Sweet') and surprisingly funky ('Love Revolution')...there's something for everybody. As always, I ask that you judge for yourself and DL some clips HERE.

While you're at it, make your record collection cooler and add the following:


(L to R): #1 Record, Radio City and Third/Sister Lovers

To make it easier, the first two are avail on one disc. Really, two of my favorite albums ever. Enjoy!

Shawn Lee's Ping Pong Orchestra

'Moods and Grooves'

It's been a while since I posted up w/ any new music, but the latest from Shawn Lee's Ping Pong Orchestra is too good not to pimp. To be clear, there is no actual orchestra...but Mr. Lee has one badass record collection. This disc is an amalgamation of everything from classic jazz, soul and funk loops to soundtrack-esque orchestral arrangements, then put in a blender w/ some seriously impressive beats. Most of the tunes come in at no longer than 2-3 minutes, but the 25 tracks in entirety make for one hell of a satisfying listen. This offering is a little more chilled-out than it's predecessor, yet just as enjoyable. If your tastes run everywhere from Ennio Morricone to Kurtis Mayfield to Lee 'Scratch' Perry to DJ Shadow, you'll likely dig this. It was released back in April, so you should be able to find it in your local 'Electronic' music section.

Also worth checking out:

'Music & Rhythm'

The orchestra's first release features is just as rife w/ amazingly funky beats, but also dips heavily into spaghetti western and bollywood-like instrumentals. Honestly, I think I do like it a little better than 'Moods and Grooves', so you may want to start w/ this one. Test drive both of them HERE if you're so inclined.

Oh, for those of you wondering about my attempt at quitting smoking...i'm regrouping and trying again next week. This is not a monkey on my back, it's a 500lb gorilla.

Damn.

43 hours. I made it roughly 43 fucking hours and then I broke down, bought a pack when I stopped for gas on the way to work this morning and lit up in the parking lot. The pisser is, up until this morning, I was feeling pretty good about the whole thing and the urges didn't seem that bad. Honestly, if I would have tried a little harder, I really do think I could have gotten past it again this morning. 'They' say that it takes a lot of people a couple of tries before they can quit and, unfortunately, that seems like it may be the case w/ me.

Ah well, just goes to show i'm going to have to take this pretty seriously if i'm going to actually do this. Am I weak? You betcha. So effing weak that I can't quit? Nah. I'm going to toss this pack into one of the garbage cans outside and hop back on the wagon for another spin around the block...i'll be doing my best parade wave and throwing out pieces of Bazooka (or, better yet, Nicorette) gum to the crowd as I pass by...it'll be fun.

The Drugs Don't Work...

After just a few days on that Wellbutrin crap, I stopped taking it. I'm highly-strung as it is and that shit just made me feel like I was coming out of my damn skin. However, I am sticking to tomorrow being the pre-determined 'quit date'...i'm just going to try and do it w/out mind-altering substances. Coooold turkey.

Should be fun. Well, not really. Regardless, it's gotta' be done. Mrs. Famous made a point to inform me before I left for work that Peter Jennings (R.I.P.) just passed from lung cancer, which is a bummer. I don't think I wanna' go out like that and, again, hope to stay around for a while longer than the Vegas odds would have put me at 11-12 years ago...who am I kidding, 4-5 years ago.

I can do it. I am a cowboy. On a steel horse I ride. Throw in the fact, that I have seen a million faces and (w/ extreme proficiency) rocked them all...this should be a walk in the park. Granted, that would be Central Park...at night...wearing a suit made of $100 bills and vials of crack...but i'm gonna' try.

Stay tuned for tomorrow's post, where I have immediately gained 200 pounds and spent most of the day curled up in a ball underneath my desk, humming 'Bridge Over Troubled Water' over and over. It'll be a hoot.

By the way...

...as much as that last post is smothered in attempted humor...i'm scared shitless. I really want to do this and don't want to fail. I also don't want this medicine to make me feel out of sorts. 'Serenity now, Serenity now...HOOCHIE MAMA!'

Awww fuck it, I can do this...I have to. Upward and onward, rant over.

Now Departing Flavor Country...

SURGEON GENERAL'S WARNING: THE FOLLOWING POST MAY CAUSE BOREDOM, CYCLOPS-LIKE GROWTH OF AN ADDITIONAL EYEBALL, NIGHTSWIMMING, 75mph WINDS, THE ROCKING PNEUMONIA AND/OR THE BOOGIE WOOGIE FLU.

So, yeah, i've started down the path of trying to quit smoking. I've been thinking about it for years, just never took the initiative to actually make a plan and stick to it. Knowing that the cold turkey approach wasn't going to cut it, I paid a visit to the doctor and was prescribed something called Wellbutrin.

Now, for those of you aren't pharmacists, manic depressives or Courtney Love...Wellbutrin is an anti-depressant. I guess they discovered that one of the side-effects from taking it was an aversion to smoking and it was approved as a smoking cessation drug a few years back. Granted, SEIZURES are also a potential out of the myriad of 'possible' side-effects as well...so I have that going for me. Whee.

I started taking 1 pill a day on Monday and move up to two starting tomorrow. My quit date is actually this coming Tuesday, you're supposed to take this junk for a week prior. To be honest, i've had the pills for a few weeks and i've been a little effing scared to start taking them...I hate taking medicine. I'm really looking forward at doing my damndest to quit, but if this shit makes me go all Syd Barrett...i'll do it w/out the pharmacology.

You may be asking yourself: 'He's an accomplished smoker at it for almost 17 years, WHY QUIT?!' (or, conversely, you could be thinking: 'This blog sucks...I wonder if they have new pictures up at bustyfreckledasiansonspeed.com?'). Well, I have a pretty huge reason that i'll go into later...but, at the end of the day, I just hate being Lady Nicotine's bitch and want to try and do what I can to stick around for as long as possible. I can't bear to think about Mrs. Famous having to deal w/ something like that, she deserves so much better.

We'll just have to wait and see...(un)til Tuesday, smoke 'em if you got 'em and wish me luck. Peace.

Paperback Writer

Not much to weigh in on as of right now. I did finish the Klosterman book and definitely give it the thumbs up. Again, not as solid as the other two...but still worth reading. Think i'm finally going to get around to reading this:

'Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim' - David Sedaris

Came out in paperback over the last few months and nobody tells a story like Sedaris. His prior book, 'Me Talk Pretty One Day', had me laughing out loud while waiting for a delayed flight from O'Hare a few years back. Most of his material is based around his family and the absolutely bizarre path his life has taken since birth. Any and all of his books are worth checking out, so do yourself a favor...pick one up.

So, that's a shorty for you...I have a couple of ideas rolling around in my head for some future topics. Stay tuned and peace out.