Tuesday, March 28, 2006
On The Road
Greetings from Chapel Hill NC. The tour is going well.
Sunday night's show in Virginia Beach was good. The funniest part of the night was the temporary death of the new acoustic guitar. During the last acoustic song, the batteries went dead without warning. I continued the song a cappella, and finished it up on the electric. It was a funny moment.
Monday morning, I walked (coffee in hand) to the ocean. I am so looking forward to this summer, I want to spend as much time as possible at the ocean. A photo of Neptune, who clearly was a very busy god (see consorts / children).
A short drive to Chapel Hill, a good workout, and an interesting show. I was feeling quiet, so songs were played slower and sparser. It was a nice effect for me, and once the crowd adjusted, I think they enjoyed it as well.
Asheville today, Atlanta tomorrow and Thursday, Cincinnati on Friday.
Sunday night's show in Virginia Beach was good. The funniest part of the night was the temporary death of the new acoustic guitar. During the last acoustic song, the batteries went dead without warning. I continued the song a cappella, and finished it up on the electric. It was a funny moment.
Monday morning, I walked (coffee in hand) to the ocean. I am so looking forward to this summer, I want to spend as much time as possible at the ocean. A photo of Neptune, who clearly was a very busy god (see consorts / children).
A short drive to Chapel Hill, a good workout, and an interesting show. I was feeling quiet, so songs were played slower and sparser. It was a nice effect for me, and once the crowd adjusted, I think they enjoyed it as well.
Asheville today, Atlanta tomorrow and Thursday, Cincinnati on Friday.
Friday, March 24, 2006
Mug Shots
The DCPD are in my alley, interviewing my two doors up neighbor. Looks like someone tried to steal his giant SUV.
BLOWOFF pictures.
MW.
The Sean Show.
Bubala, Mumi, and Max.
Clickboo and Cynically Optimistic.
BLOWOFF conversation.
Copperred.
Aural Fixation.
Cliff Claven.
Jimbo.
By The Bayou.
Waremouse.
I'm sure I missed someones.
BLOWOFF pictures.
MW.
The Sean Show.
Bubala, Mumi, and Max.
Clickboo and Cynically Optimistic.
BLOWOFF conversation.
Copperred.
Aural Fixation.
Cliff Claven.
Jimbo.
By The Bayou.
Waremouse.
I'm sure I missed someones.
Render Bender
Let's hear it for yesterday's New York Times - they've discovered the wonders of facial hair! If they had run this piece earlier in the week, it might have given the guys more time to grow their beards out for the weekend. Get a load of these quotes:
"It's a nice masculine aesthetic," said Robert Tagliapietra, who with his similarly bearded partner, Jeffrey Costello, designs a collection of pretty silk jersey dresses under the Costello Tagliapietra label. "We both like that aesthetic of New England cabins with antlers on the wall, plaid shirts and a beard."
"It will be interesting to see over the next six to eight months what mainland America is going to do with it," Mr. Allan said. "For the past several years we've been stripping guys of their body hair. Maybe now it's time for the pendulum to swing the other way."
Silk jersey dresses. Antlers on the wall. Plaid shirts. Please stop - my sides are splitting from laughter.
- - - - - - - - - -
Joe riffs on a Village Voice article about the kids of the West Village. I remember them well; they were generally harmless, but sort of a pain in the ass for the residents of the area. The 'hood has changed a lot in the four years I've been in DC, but the kids are still coming in on the PATH train (especially on weekend nights).
I watched the beginning of the gentrification of the Meat Packing district (the northwestern corner of the West Village). When I'm there, I avoid this area, save these two places. It's turned into a playground for rich young folk, the type who generally exhaust my patience in less than 5 minutes. Which is worse: suburban kids making noise in the street on Friday night, or suburban kids making noise in the street on Friday night while spending money at yet another Belgian bistro du jour?
- - - - - - - - - -
One summer Sunday morning, I was riding my bike around the cobblestone streets of MePa, the neighborhood reeking of blood and exhaust. Large trucks parked overnight, waiting to shuttle the carcasses. I noticed someone climbing out of a bobcat. A stocky, pale skinned, black haired muscle boy, presumably of Italian-American descent. He was wiping his face with a paper towel, while adjusting the waistline on his Catholic schoolgirl outfit. White blouse, blue and green plaid skirt. I stopped for a moment, and then went to breakfast.
"It's a nice masculine aesthetic," said Robert Tagliapietra, who with his similarly bearded partner, Jeffrey Costello, designs a collection of pretty silk jersey dresses under the Costello Tagliapietra label. "We both like that aesthetic of New England cabins with antlers on the wall, plaid shirts and a beard."
"It will be interesting to see over the next six to eight months what mainland America is going to do with it," Mr. Allan said. "For the past several years we've been stripping guys of their body hair. Maybe now it's time for the pendulum to swing the other way."
Silk jersey dresses. Antlers on the wall. Plaid shirts. Please stop - my sides are splitting from laughter.
- - - - - - - - - -
Joe riffs on a Village Voice article about the kids of the West Village. I remember them well; they were generally harmless, but sort of a pain in the ass for the residents of the area. The 'hood has changed a lot in the four years I've been in DC, but the kids are still coming in on the PATH train (especially on weekend nights).
I watched the beginning of the gentrification of the Meat Packing district (the northwestern corner of the West Village). When I'm there, I avoid this area, save these two places. It's turned into a playground for rich young folk, the type who generally exhaust my patience in less than 5 minutes. Which is worse: suburban kids making noise in the street on Friday night, or suburban kids making noise in the street on Friday night while spending money at yet another Belgian bistro du jour?
- - - - - - - - - -
One summer Sunday morning, I was riding my bike around the cobblestone streets of MePa, the neighborhood reeking of blood and exhaust. Large trucks parked overnight, waiting to shuttle the carcasses. I noticed someone climbing out of a bobcat. A stocky, pale skinned, black haired muscle boy, presumably of Italian-American descent. He was wiping his face with a paper towel, while adjusting the waistline on his Catholic schoolgirl outfit. White blouse, blue and green plaid skirt. I stopped for a moment, and then went to breakfast.
Thursday, March 23, 2006
Mix And Match
Tuesday, I went to Brendan's studio to look at the video edit of the live band DVD. Unbelievable. The audio mix is finished, and is ridiculously good. If you know me, you know I don't pump stuff up unless it's really special - and this DVD is going to be very special. I get goose bumps watching the footage.
In the Takoma studio today with Rich, finishing up the BLOWOFF album mixes. The album is finally coming together, and sounds pretty good. Some of the songs are almost 4 years old, but as an album, it holds together well. We're still on track for a June release. Here's another take on our little party, courtesy Aural Fixation.
A nice mention for this week's Atlanta shows.
Turn away if you don't want MAN PICTURES.
Stupidly hot man. Just had to do it. More pictures here. The pictures are five years old, but he's still the hot one. Anyone got new pictures of him? I hear rumor he's a landscaper in Northern California. Here's his movie resume.
Equally hot straight man. Pictures, pictures, pictures.
All that's missing are some supplements and a new computer monitor, and a little puroresu. My life feels very Fight Club at the moment.
In the Takoma studio today with Rich, finishing up the BLOWOFF album mixes. The album is finally coming together, and sounds pretty good. Some of the songs are almost 4 years old, but as an album, it holds together well. We're still on track for a June release. Here's another take on our little party, courtesy Aural Fixation.
A nice mention for this week's Atlanta shows.
Turn away if you don't want MAN PICTURES.
Stupidly hot man. Just had to do it. More pictures here. The pictures are five years old, but he's still the hot one. Anyone got new pictures of him? I hear rumor he's a landscaper in Northern California. Here's his movie resume.
Equally hot straight man. Pictures, pictures, pictures.
All that's missing are some supplements and a new computer monitor, and a little puroresu. My life feels very Fight Club at the moment.
Monday, March 20, 2006
Weekend In Review
With all the touring I've been doing the past 9 months, it's been tough to stay up with my buds. Last Friday, I managed to sneak away from work for a few hours of St. Patrick's Day reverie at Titan. A fun and furry crowd, including a few pals I hadn't seen since last September in Koln.
Saturday night, a great BLOWOFF. Thanks to everyone for coming down and celebrating with us. Lots of bloggers and local pals in attendance, always the sexiest mix of folks in DC. We added two more songs into the live set, and they went over quite well with the crowd. Speaking of, the album is almost finished. One more week of cleanup and mixing, then off to mastering. We're still aiming for a June release.
The live DVD is moving along quite nicely. The audio portion is mixed - sounds incredible. I'll be looking at the rough edit this afternoon. I'm still aiming for a late summer release.
More solo acoustic / electric performances on the horizon. Hope to see you at the shows!
Saturday night, a great BLOWOFF. Thanks to everyone for coming down and celebrating with us. Lots of bloggers and local pals in attendance, always the sexiest mix of folks in DC. We added two more songs into the live set, and they went over quite well with the crowd. Speaking of, the album is almost finished. One more week of cleanup and mixing, then off to mastering. We're still aiming for a June release.
The live DVD is moving along quite nicely. The audio portion is mixed - sounds incredible. I'll be looking at the rough edit this afternoon. I'm still aiming for a late summer release.
More solo acoustic / electric performances on the horizon. Hope to see you at the shows!
Thursday, March 16, 2006
Bumps
I returned home last night from Chicago; my flight landed, bumpy but safely, at 6 PM. Sounds like a slightly earlier flight didn't have much luck landing at DCA. The TV taping went well. I hope the show makes it to air - it was a very good interview. Thanks to everyone who made the experience an easy and enjoyable one. It's always fun to go to Chicago.
If you're a pro wrestling fan, I highly recommend this book. If not, I still suggest giving it consideration. The last 30 pages are very gut wrenching. I started reading it while flying home from Edmonton, and finished it up on Tuesday.
Towleroad mentions this month's Vin Diesel interview in Details magazine. The reader comments are priceless:
He prefers dating in Europe. That's one we haven't heard before.
When he drops the macho act and lets his guard down, as he did briefly in this appearance, he turns into a big girl...
Catcher is the hardest position in baseball.
The video portion of the live DVD is almost finished, and the audio will be mixed today and tomorrow. BLOWOFF this Saturday night. Another great poster by Pat.
If you're a pro wrestling fan, I highly recommend this book. If not, I still suggest giving it consideration. The last 30 pages are very gut wrenching. I started reading it while flying home from Edmonton, and finished it up on Tuesday.
Towleroad mentions this month's Vin Diesel interview in Details magazine. The reader comments are priceless:
He prefers dating in Europe. That's one we haven't heard before.
When he drops the macho act and lets his guard down, as he did briefly in this appearance, he turns into a big girl...
Catcher is the hardest position in baseball.
The video portion of the live DVD is almost finished, and the audio will be mixed today and tomorrow. BLOWOFF this Saturday night. Another great poster by Pat.
Monday, March 13, 2006
Tuesday Night, Chicago
I'll be in Chicago tomorrow. Here's the information. It should be an interesting evening.
- - - - - - - - - -
MusiciansStudio Presents: A Chat with Bob Mould
This Tuesday night, March 14 from 6:30-8:30pm, be part of an exclusive, intimate conversation with Bob Mould. MusiciansStudio, produced by Columbia College Chicago for WYCC, is a new television talk show that explores the art and business of music as told by today’s leading and legendary musicians.
NOTE: This is NOT a performance -- no music, just talk.
Part of the taping will feature an audience question and answer session, so don’t miss this chance to chat directly with Bob Mould!
Admission is free, but by reservation only. We have a limited number of reservations (20) still available.
If you’re interested in being a part of the audience for this talk show taping, you may request up to 2 seats. Email us at Musiciansstudio@mac.com and be sure to put A Chat with Bob Mould in the subject line and include your name (and your guest’s name, where applicable) in the body of the email.
If you are among the first 20 reservations, you will receive a CONFIRMATION E-MAIL with the exact Chicago loop location for the Tuesday night taping. Be sure to print this confirmation email and bring it with you Tuesday night, as it will serve as your entry pass.
Absolutely NO ONE will be admitted without this CONFIRMATION EMAIL.
Tuesday, March 14, 6:30pm – exact location disclosed in the confirmation email.
- - - - - - - - - -
MusiciansStudio Presents: A Chat with Bob Mould
This Tuesday night, March 14 from 6:30-8:30pm, be part of an exclusive, intimate conversation with Bob Mould. MusiciansStudio, produced by Columbia College Chicago for WYCC, is a new television talk show that explores the art and business of music as told by today’s leading and legendary musicians.
NOTE: This is NOT a performance -- no music, just talk.
Part of the taping will feature an audience question and answer session, so don’t miss this chance to chat directly with Bob Mould!
Admission is free, but by reservation only. We have a limited number of reservations (20) still available.
If you’re interested in being a part of the audience for this talk show taping, you may request up to 2 seats. Email us at Musiciansstudio@mac.com and be sure to put A Chat with Bob Mould in the subject line and include your name (and your guest’s name, where applicable) in the body of the email.
If you are among the first 20 reservations, you will receive a CONFIRMATION E-MAIL with the exact Chicago loop location for the Tuesday night taping. Be sure to print this confirmation email and bring it with you Tuesday night, as it will serve as your entry pass.
Absolutely NO ONE will be admitted without this CONFIRMATION EMAIL.
Tuesday, March 14, 6:30pm – exact location disclosed in the confirmation email.
Monday, March 06, 2006
Weekend In Review
Thursday in Winnipeg was a LONG day. My guitars did not arrive (connection was O'Hare) with me, so the remainder of the day was spent patching rental equipment together. Sam, the promoter, went above and beyond the call of duty in this task. As it turns out, my stuff arrived at the venue 20 minutes before stage call. The set was fine, it was a relief that everything ended well. I have had more relaxing days than this one.
Friday in Calgary was a good show. I had not been to Calgary in 25 years, and the city has definitely changed. Appreciative crowd, and a very nice hotel with all the plush travel amenities (comfortable bed, high speed internet, good restaurant, Starbucks in the lobby, new release in-room movies). I felt like a rock star, and since it was fairly cold and snowy outside, took advantage of all of it.
Saturday in Edmonton was good as well. Nice venue, and a fun crowd. I was a little beat up by the end of the night, and turned in early. Thanks to all the promoters, and to the people who turned out for the gigs. I hope I'm able to come back in the future.
Sunday, an uneventful travel day. It's nice to be back in DC, where it appears it will be in the 60 - 70 degree range by Thursday. Time to get back into the gym. The BLOWOFF album should be finished this week as well. Next up: the live DVD from last October's band show. Hopeful release dates are June and July, respectively.
- - - - - - - - - -
A nice mention at Askmen.com.
This article bothered the heck out of me. A lot of us in the neighborhood are a bit concerned about the uptick in crime.
Dumbek says nice things about the most recent BLOWOFF. We have another one coming up in 2 weeks. I wonder if it will end up looking like this (NSFW). There's usually a lot of Irish boys at the party.
I missed last Saturday's UFC PPV. Someone has posted the BJ Penn vs. Georges St. Pierre fight on YouTube (a/k/a The Website Of Complete Copyright Violation That Will Probably Be Purchased Next Month For $500 Million). If you're a fight fan, check it out.
GSP pre-fight interview. Parts 1, 2, 3 (the finish and post-match interviews). I can't for the Matt Hughes vs. GSP fight.
I did get to see Vin Diesel on Jay Leno. Keep the shirt up, and let the body hair grow back. You'll fit in better at BLOWOFF.
Friday in Calgary was a good show. I had not been to Calgary in 25 years, and the city has definitely changed. Appreciative crowd, and a very nice hotel with all the plush travel amenities (comfortable bed, high speed internet, good restaurant, Starbucks in the lobby, new release in-room movies). I felt like a rock star, and since it was fairly cold and snowy outside, took advantage of all of it.
Saturday in Edmonton was good as well. Nice venue, and a fun crowd. I was a little beat up by the end of the night, and turned in early. Thanks to all the promoters, and to the people who turned out for the gigs. I hope I'm able to come back in the future.
Sunday, an uneventful travel day. It's nice to be back in DC, where it appears it will be in the 60 - 70 degree range by Thursday. Time to get back into the gym. The BLOWOFF album should be finished this week as well. Next up: the live DVD from last October's band show. Hopeful release dates are June and July, respectively.
- - - - - - - - - -
A nice mention at Askmen.com.
This article bothered the heck out of me. A lot of us in the neighborhood are a bit concerned about the uptick in crime.
Dumbek says nice things about the most recent BLOWOFF. We have another one coming up in 2 weeks. I wonder if it will end up looking like this (NSFW). There's usually a lot of Irish boys at the party.
I missed last Saturday's UFC PPV. Someone has posted the BJ Penn vs. Georges St. Pierre fight on YouTube (a/k/a The Website Of Complete Copyright Violation That Will Probably Be Purchased Next Month For $500 Million). If you're a fight fan, check it out.
GSP pre-fight interview. Parts 1, 2, 3 (the finish and post-match interviews). I can't for the Matt Hughes vs. GSP fight.
I did get to see Vin Diesel on Jay Leno. Keep the shirt up, and let the body hair grow back. You'll fit in better at BLOWOFF.
Wednesday, March 01, 2006
Ready To Shovel
Been working on the BLOWOFF artist album the past few days with Rich. It's nearing completion - and should be finished shortly, as we have now imposed deadlines on the project. I think there will be 12 songs on the album - titles will be available once it's mastered.
Packing for the road again. Winnipeg, Calgary, Edmonton this weekend. It looks like there's a lot of snow in the area, and I don't need to mention the temperatures. I might buy some mukluks today.
- - - - - - - - - -
Occasionally, a pro wrestling match can go from being a work to a shoot. It's never pretty. This footage from the 1970s is a perfect example of a match gone wrong. The Great Antonio (a carnival-style strongman) gets a little too snug with the clubbing forearms. Antonio Inoki (who had a reasonably legitimate fight with Muhammed Ali in 1976) shoots the single leg, then kicks the man senseless. Once the referee figures out what is happening, he stops the match. Not pretty at all. I do love the poster for the Ali v. Inoki fight, however: no home radio! Can you imagine such a thing these days?
Packing for the road again. Winnipeg, Calgary, Edmonton this weekend. It looks like there's a lot of snow in the area, and I don't need to mention the temperatures. I might buy some mukluks today.
- - - - - - - - - -
Occasionally, a pro wrestling match can go from being a work to a shoot. It's never pretty. This footage from the 1970s is a perfect example of a match gone wrong. The Great Antonio (a carnival-style strongman) gets a little too snug with the clubbing forearms. Antonio Inoki (who had a reasonably legitimate fight with Muhammed Ali in 1976) shoots the single leg, then kicks the man senseless. Once the referee figures out what is happening, he stops the match. Not pretty at all. I do love the poster for the Ali v. Inoki fight, however: no home radio! Can you imagine such a thing these days?
