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MR. KERRY & MR GARY & ME
This Country Is Just Going to Hell! Vote for Kerry!
Around the MCR Office, We Encourage Exercise Like the 12 oz Curl
NOT WATCHING SOUL TRAIN ON YOUR FRIDAY NIGHT?
When all is said and done, Fridays are really usually about two things here at MCR - running away from the day jobs like elementary schoolers on summer vacation, and live entertainment (of course, if you're me or Ryan, the third qualification is beer, but that's neither here nor there) ... Chances are more than likely that tonight, MCR staffers will be found checking out either Tim Vulgar and Human Eye (opening for punk precursors The Weirdos at the Magic Stick tonight) or the CD Release Party for Chicago rockers The Gelheads out at the Magic Bag. Hope to see everyone out rockin' tonight!
Concert Review: planes mistaken for stars @ Mac's Bar
So, in all honesty, last week’s ‘Week in Rock’ was somewhat of an extended musical playground for me. I mean, I got to check out a wicked slick show featuring rock throwbacks The Woggles on Saturday night (details posted elsewhere on MCR), and three days later, I found myself in Cleveland at 10:30 a.m., walking through the doors of the Rock-and-Roll Hall of Fame for the first time, which was basically the culmination of one big lifelong wet dream to this here music nerd. Man, the Jimi Hendrix exhibit was SO bad-ass …The true highlight of the week, though, was getting a chance to get out a few nights to see my friends from Denver (who also double as my favorite band, Planes Mistaken for Stars). The band did a headlining gig last Wednesday at Mac’s Bar in Lansing, and even though PMFS was playing Detroit the next night, I decided to head out to Mac’s just for shits and giggles.
I honestly thought I’d regret the decision, but due to the fact that this was probably the best sounding venue I’ve ever seen the band play (and also the fact that I managed to remain somewhat sober for most of the night), I’m really glad I took the mini-road trip (even if it was a mid-week jaunt to a late night bar show). Opening act The Violence Sequence was tight as hell, sounding like some distant, slightly more melodic cousin of both Helmet and The Melvins. Most of the band’s set was loud and growling, though the last song saw the three-piece slowing things down to a dirty throb that served as the strongest track of the set.I have to admit that Spit for Athena and Bear vs. Shark played as well, though neither of them lived up to the hype they were given to me beforehand. Three-piece Spit for Athena had sort of a dirty version of The Pixies vibe going for it, thought the songs ran together all to easily. I was expecting something very different from Bear vs. Shark, but what I got was a technically proficient, very professional band that sounded great; I must admit, though, that after two songs of the set, the songwriting seemed to lose some of its initially impressive luster, leaving me to wonder if I just happened to catch the band on a bad night or something.
Washington, D.C.’s Decahedron did put on a most impressive display of intensity on stage, courtesy of the absolutely possessed drumming style of Jason Hamacher. Jonathan Ford’s basswork was more than ample backing to support resident stage lunatic Shelby Cinca’s inspired and mostly frenzied guitar playing and singing (which quickly turned to yelling and downright justified preaching during the frantic closing of the band’s closer, “Delete False Culture”). Most of the band’s material fell just slightly left of ‘center’ in the traditional rock sense, as Cinca’s frazzled guitar playing led the band through rhythms that were just mathematical enough to make an audience think a bit to keep up with things.
While this gig didn’t quite top seeing The Woggles four days earlier, I have to admit that even as a huge fan of the band, I still can’t find enough good things to say about the set put on by Denver, Colorado’s Planes Mistaken for Stars. When the band launched into the angry flurry of “Glassing” two songs in, it was no surprise that half the crowd was screaming along with the closing coda of, “We’re all getting fucked now,” even though the band’s latest album featuring the track (Up in Them Guts) technically hadn’t been released yet due to a few last minute artwork issues. “Dancing on the Face of the Panther” proved to be the set’s best anchor, rolling from an upbeat rocker to a deliberate drone within four minutes, while an aggressive version of “Pigs” languished in it’s own filth live. The band’s one-two punch came with the set’s conclusion, though, as the band whipped out a passionate version of Up in Them Guts’ demented love song, “Say Not a Word” (in frontman Gared O’Donnell’s own words, “This is a song about fucking”). Amusingly, O’Donnell tossed in a quip of Prince’s “When Doves Cry” during the song’s bridge, and the track’s resurgence led into an unexpected performance of a heavied-up version the not-oft heard “Copper and Stars” from the band’s debut EP. By this point, everyone that filed towards the door at Mac’s was basically a sweaty mess, and for good reason. - Gary Blackwell
The Freep gives us the scoop on the Pumpstock lineup which takes place on Aug 27-28th and features the Cobras, Shipwreck Union, Howling Diablos, Nathaniel Mayer and more. Coincidently I have a wedding that weekend and am looking for a date, please inquire within.
Brawling is the new event in Ann Arbor this summer. I blame this solely on those rowdy AMG kids.
Teenagers in the area are celebrating because they now have a new place to make out. The new drive-in theatre in Plymouth opens this weekend and will be showing Spiderman and Shrek.
The News profiles the band Blind Shame. Catch them tonight at the New Dodge Lounge in Hamtramck.
Alice Cooper is going to be in the new back to school ads for Staples. Hold your "School's Out" jokes for later.
The Payback's latest record "Harder and Harder gets a favorable review this morning in The News.
TUNE IN TOMORROW
The Ruiners will grace the small screen with dirty punk rock and hottnes so hot it burns! Cue up Spike TV at midnight on Friday.
MTV VIDEO MUSIC AWARDS
The following members of THE D score nominations. D12's video "My Band" is up for Video of the Year and the White Stripes' "The Hardest Button to Button" is nominated in four technical categories. Awards are shelled out on August 29, and likely broadcast at a later date.
Labels: White Stripes
CRAZY ACTOR, SLUTTY PENGUIN
The Dumbest of Dumbfucks a.k.a. a Thespian a.k.a an Actor a.k.a. a Waiter Had Nothing Better to Do in Simi Valley! Mr. Gary Ponders Death!
Dirty Dumbfucks Lose Kids + Slutty Penguins!
Mr. Gary Asks, "Don't You Have Anything Better to Do - Like Sing in a Band?"
I Got a Problem with the Man
Beck and Jack White are working on a new song together for Beck's up coming album. No word on if the Flaming Lips were there to document it in a song.
Straight out of the NY Post: Filmmakers Spike Jonze and Jim Jarmusch, and E Street Band member/ "Sopranos" star Little Steven van Zandt at Bowery Ballroom for the Greenhornes and Dirtbombs show.
The Freep gives us some info on Little Steven's International Underground Garage Festival which takes place in a few weeks in NYC. Heading out to play the show will be The Paybacks, The Fondas, The Romantics, The Singles and the Gore Gore Girls. Oh there is also some band called Iggy and The Stooges. I hear they were big in the 70's.
Labels: White Stripes
Sugar Ray Vocalist Mark McGrath Attacked by Girl Group from Detroit
FROM DETROIT ROCK WIRE SERVICE: Items taken from and/or consumed in Sugar Ray's dressing room on July 25 @ DTE Energy Theatre w/ Gore Gore Girls: 3 bottles wine, 1 pkg. blueberries, 5 'tastes' of Patrone, 4 Grey Goose and cranberry cocktails, 2 slices cheese, 1 bag of Hershey's Miniatures, ?? Michelob Lights (can), 1 box Hostess Ding Dongs.
HMMM.
While hanging out at hipster headquarters the Democratic National Convention, Everclear frontman Art Alexakis says, "I'm tattooed, but I'm pretty middle class... My idea of a good time is sitting at home [in Portland] with my family, eating popcorn and watching a movie." Well, that's gay.
LAP DANCE LESSONS
If you're trying to get that gig at Bouzouki or the Booby Trap, lap dance instructions are inlcuded as an extra with the forthcoming "V.I.P. Editon" of the film Showgirls. Practice subjects are available at MCR headquarters upon request.
Concert Review: The Woggles @ Small's
Not too long ago, Publisher Ryan, Big Matt and myself (the not-so-esteemed Mr. Gary) were in the midst of another extraordinarily formal MCR meeting when some beer drinking accidentally broke out amongst our diligence and hard work. Realizing that we needed to reward ourselves for such devotion to the scene, Publisher Ryan suggested that we all go take in a show at Small’s. While I agreed with Publisher Ryan, Big Matt had unfortunately already made other plans for the evening. Thus, Publisher Ryan and myself picked on Big Matt mercilessly until he left MCR Headquarters. After spinning esQuire’s “Brandy and Xanax” 12” on Ryan’s turntable a few times, it was decided that our journey to Small’s should begin.
… Alright, enough with the formal writing crap. Ryan and I could’ve come back from that night with a zillion jokes about the band names in question (“The”apalooza, anyone?), but instead, I write this representing both of us, and I come scribing tales of a rock-and-roll ass-kicking of the most serious nature. First off, I’d like to eat some crow and say that despite my recent grumblings about the The Dollfaces’ self-titled EP, the band put on an impressive set to open the night. Most of the set was made up of material that post-dates the EP, and the songs were noticeably stronger than the band’s early material. This time around, the guitars were sharp (as opposed to the band’s D-Pollen set, when I thought the guitar work came off a bit slack and lackadaisical) and the rhythm section thumped, making for a very energetic and entertaining set. Maybe there really is something to these boys after all …The Avatars popped up next, tossing off a surprisingly good set considering the band’s rhythm guitarist, Charlie Lorenzi, was MIA for the evening. Not to damage Lorenzi’s self-esteem, but it didn’t seem like the band was too shaken by his absence; drummer Claudia Leo played a little harder and Chris “Box” Taylor wailed his guitar parts just a little crazier than usual, and all the appropriate gaps were filled in quite nicely.
By this point, Ryan and I had already had a nice little night, having already seen fun sets from two local acts while draining a few cold beverages. Also, we had a chance to play meet-and-greet with the latest addition to the MCR staff, the ever-rad Kpo (who was surprisingly tolerant of the combined dorkiness of myself and Publisher Ryan). Still, though, there was no way either of us could have possibly imagined how much better the night was about to get.The four members of The Woggles (Atlanta, GA) stepped up on stage wearing black pants and matching bright blue button-over shirts, which was a cute (but temporary) diversion from the fact that this band rocks – HARD. Old enough to have both properly appreciated The Who and also influenced The Hives, The Woggles hit the stage like a Molotov Cocktail of rock, plowing through the surprisingly hyperactive audience like a hot branding iron through a pound of butter. The band was just ON for the entire duration of the set, with vocalist Professor flailing around on stage before deciding to bring the fun out into the audience a few times. Looking like he was just hanging out on stage at times, bassist Buzz Hagstrom was a perfect picture of subtle cool throughout the show (even during his sustained duckwalk through the crowd late in the night). Drummer Dan Electro was a beast, soaking his shirt through with sweat after only three or four fiercely played songs. Somewhat large guitarist The Flesh Hammer might’ve been a little less mobile than the rest of the group, but even he managed a few Pete Townshend-esque windmills on the guitar while twitching out his dirty rhythms and mighty solos. The band’s original material was tight, dirty and oh so rocking, and at times, the grooves were so upbeat that the crowd couldn’t help but start shaking tail and getting down like it was a discothèque. Even when the band wasn’t making the crowd shimmy down to its own stuff, Professor was leading the band into a tight as hell mid-set cover of quite possibly one of the greatest songs of the pop-rock era, Spirit’s “I Got a Line on You.”
Going back to the opening comparison, elements similar to both The Who (song structures and individual performance) and The Hives (intensity and general in-your-face brashness) were abound during the set, all of which helped to make The Woggles live show one of the most competent and frighteningly satisfying experiences the Detroit area’s seen all year. This may very well have been 2004’s sleeper pick for Detroit show of the year, and that’s no exaggeration. I beg to anyone who happens to read this - PLEASE, for the love of God, DO NOT miss The Woggles the next time the band comes rumbling through the state. - Gary Blackwell
Labels: The Woggles
mmm... steamed pubes
Motor City Rocks presents a very long overdue profile of Ypsilanti rock headquarters the Elbow Room.
EITHER ORAGMI
Mr. Gary takes a look at the new Lisboa EP over at Delusions of Adequacy.
TOO COOL FOR SCHOOL
The Candy Band's Paula "Almond Joy" Messner
sits down wit the Today Show's Hoda Kotb.
C.B. plays for the kids and the NBC cameras at Boulan Park in Troy.
As we previously reported, the Candy Band will be making an appearance on the Today Show. The segment will air on August 2... keep an eye on www.candyband.com for the exact time.
There is new improv comedy group in town which it is called 313. Shows will take place at the Hastings Street Ballroom and local bands are set to follow each performance. This week's band is the Twilight Babies.
The Freep gives us news on The Hamtramck Labor Day Fest and The Dirty Americans. The paper also reviews the latest from the Waxwings.
LOST SOUL IN YPSI
Bad news for the Ypsi rockers... another indie record store bites the dust. Rubber Soul will be closing their doors. But for now, stop in for great deals: $4 off new cds, $3 off used cds, 30% off new vinyl and half off used vinyl. Thanks to Box for the heads up.
WAKE UP!
Big Matt generates Whatevs buzz with this 2000 interview with The Grizz. Buzz.
CONSPIRACY THEORY
But CC usually makes things so "convenient," I just can't imagine this would be true.
TUESDAY NIGHT MUSIC CLUB
Oh, the joys of spending too much time in bars on school nights ... After a pit stop for a few drinks at The Detroiter, I found myself roaming into the Shelter Tuesday night to hear some fine Detroit rock. A Thousand Times Yes was the reason for the season, so to speak, as this particular night was the band's last live gig until September's Hamtramck Labor Day Festival. Thankfully, those cats didn't disappoint -- the band broke out a solid, winding set consisting entirely of material that will be featured on its forthcoming full-length album (currently an in-studio work in progress). This was redeeming, to say the least, as the drunken garden-variety rock stylings of headlining Los Angeles trio High Speed Scene didn't exactly have the sparse crowd going batshit.
The night's most pleasant surprise came along with local opening act The Silent Years, who fleshed out a tight set of well-structured pop. Singer/guitarist Josh Epstein peppered the set with slashing guitar fills, while Jonathan Edwards played contrasting, more conventional parts; the effect made the band's songs feel lush and energized. Set opener "Slept Through the Whole Thing" came off like a contemporary rock hit just waiting to happen, though the highlight of the entire night was the band's hyper-intense performance of the shoegazing "Important Things" (Blogger's Note: both tracks are available in demo form on the band's website).
HAPPY FUNKIN' BIRTHDAY!
Happy 64th to a maverick of the funk world, George Clinton ... Make it a point today to school yourself on some knowledge of both George Clinton as well as the history of the vehicle of awesomeness currently known as the P-Funk All-Stars.
Real Detroit has news on the break-up of Jettison Red, Nathaniel Mayer, and the upcoming release of the Skeemin' NoGoods' record.
IN THE COLD, COLD NIGHT...
... Meg was distraught with fright! Scenes from the new Detroit Cobras' video "Cha Cha Twist." We'll keep scouring the net for the shots of Sights singer Eddie Baranek sporting lederhosen!
They Say it' Your Birthday.
Detroit turns 303 years old this weekend. Come out to the party at the Detroit Historical Muesuem on Saturday from noon -4. Best of all... free cake
This Saturday is the Woodbridge Art and Music Festival. Works from local artists will be available for purchase as well as performances from The Muggs, Terror at the Opera, Braillehouse and more. If anyone knows when these bands are playing please let us know.
I CAN'T EVEN FIND WORDS...
This morning, fat kids everywhere (especially Mr. Gary and Big Matt) are heralding quite possibly the greatest invention ever: Krispy Kreme unveils glazed donut drink
F THE BAHAMAS
Dee-troit is the new paradise for your next vacation. Bring The Club for your rental car, a padlock for your hotel room and a Louisville Slugger - just because you'll probably need it. Oh, bring some traffic lights too, caus' ours haven't worked since the early 1970's. link via whatevs.
MORE INSANITY ACROSS HUMANITY
Mmmm... Toe Dumbfuckin' Good - a Dumbfuck Toe-Sucker with Nothing Better to Do! Moore Dumbfucks Kick Linda Ronstadt Out of Vegas Casino... Mr. Gary Asks, "Did They Have Anything Better To Do?" Dumbfuck Book Thief Leads Police On Chase... You Mean He Had Nothing Better To Do? Utah Dumbfucks Too Stupid to Roll Down Window! - Of Course They Have Nothing Better to Do! And For Today's #1 Dumbfuck Tale... I'll Shit to That, You English Dumbfucks!
...U GOT THE LOOK?
Think you've got what it takes to win the Best Guitar Face Contest? Rev up your best "Oh" face and get to it!
UGH - RESCUE TOUR VAN ACCIDENT.
... It's always bad to have to report things like this, but on the heels of the recent release of the excellent Flamingo Minutes CD, the band Rescue was involved in a very serious van accident last Thursday night. As the band's van rolled over multiple times, singer Alan Scheurman was apparently thrown from the vehicle through a window; word is that he lost a few teeth and suffered a broken clavicle (as well as various other minor internal injuries). The other three members of the band were bruised up, but came out of the crash physically intact.
Needless to say, the band's touring van was totalled, and most of the band's equipment was destroyed. Rescue has cancelled all tour dates that were scheduled through at least mid-August; more word concerning the band's future scheduling is expected sometime within the next few weeks. Get-well wishes can be sent to the band at rescue@rescuedotcom.com.
TARGET: IRAN
W BUSH begins to build the case for War #3. What a genius idea. www.voteforanyonelse.com
SURE, WE GOT IT BAD, BUT...
Dumbfucks in Florida with Nothing Better to Do! People in West Virginia with Nothing Better to Do! As for this guy, we just call him "Dumbfuck with nothing to do."
britney's relatives?
White Trash Alligator Bash!
...AND REALLY, WHO DOESN'T LOVE TO SHOP SOMETIMES?
... Staying with the scene while straying a bit from the musical side of things, one of the scene's biggest sweethearts, Casey Dawson of The Riots, recently opened Primitive Vintage in Ann Arbor, a shop devoted to clothing, furniture, records and accessories for mods, scenesters, rockers and everyone inbetween. The store's website is still under construction, but you can check it out by clicking here.
THIS IS TODAY, ON MOTORCITYROCKS
Liz Hill tells us about My Favorite Plaid Straightjacket.
The Freep also reminds us that Hilary Duff is "nearly irresistible to watch even in the most derivative vehicle." MCR reminds you that Lindsay Lohan ain't bad either.
More on the Candy Band and Mydols upcoming Today Show appearance.
Over at the News, Adam Graham gives you a heads up on the Detroit Film Theatre lineup.
YET ANOTHER NUGGET...
... Lest I forget one of my favorite local acts, I should mention that A Thousand Times Yes is taking a pseudo-hiatus of its own as the band pulls together to flesh out its second full-length album. Check out the band's website for information concerning last-minute show updates, as well as a few MP3s.
TASTY NUGGETS OF ALIEN TECHNOLOGY...
Mr. Gary spent some downtime roaming the internet this week and came up with the following tidbits and random observations:
The understated punk-pop of The Bomb Pops has quickly become a guilty pleasure of mine (especially "You Got to Know," which is available in MP3 format on the band's website).
Directly from John Speck himself: The Fags will be playing the Hamtramck Labor Day Fest on Saturday, September 4th (which also happens to be Speck's birthday). Also, the forthcoming Skeemin' NoGoods album is set to drop on Idol Records on October 5th, with a CD release party October 9 at the Lager House.
Back in Spades is in the midst of a self-imposed hiatus, as the guys are currently holed up writing new material. Keep an eye out for "DJ Nick in Spades" around the bar circuit, though, as he was caught dropping turntable tuneage at both The Belmont and The Garden Bowl this week.
Bedford Drive released a fantastic EP a few months ago, and the band hits the road today for a two-week tour down to Texas to support the disc.
SOCIAL CALENDAR ALERT: On August 7th, The Elevations will be holding a CD release party at the Blind Pig in Ann Arbor.
Ahhhhh ... That'll do it for the moment. Remember, kids - Keep the MCR crew abreast of what's going on in the scene! Information about upcoming shows should be relayed to shows@motorcityrocks.com, while I'll happily accept information about CD releases, general band information and other random crap at gary@motorcityrocks.com.
WORDS TO LIVE BY?
"Nowadays music is as disposable as a McDonald's wrapper." -- JEFF BECK
While Beck might have a point had he aimed that comment at commercial radio, I'd love to see him try to apply that quote to Human Eye, Lee Marvin Computer Arm or Thunderbirds Are Now! ... (thus proving that Detroit Rock City is still the place to be, baby) ...
4th STREET FAIR
This Saturday in Dee-troit. Our apologies for our general slacking and lack of coverage of this spectacular event and thanks a ton to Melody for passing along the schedule (though exact times aren't yet available). Speaking of...
STREET STAGE:
Hell's Belles Burlesque Show
Urban Folk Collective
MC Invincible
Forge
007
Versiz
H2O
The Space Band
George Blonde
The Block Boys
Abigail Star
The Park Stage:
Terror at the Opera
Blanche
The Rants
The Demolition Dollrods
SouthPaw
Lee Marvin Computer Arm
Tentacle Lizardo
Faruq Z. Bey
PAIK
The Pine/Alley Stage:
Blair & special guests
Jimmy Doom
Michael Jones the Dancing Poet
Chris McCall & The Solar Heroes
DMW the Future Ref.
Downtown Brown
The Blue SunRays
Hallucinogenic Figs
Common
Family Hootenanny
Twitch
Southgate
K9
Country Bob & The Blood Farmers
In the Willow Tree Park:
Capoeira Roda
Ernie le Clowne
street performers
many more...
Plus, This Great Stuff...
General Attractions:
• Motor City Beer
• Nectar of the Gods
• D & D's Magic Lemonade
• Vernors [rum] Punch Floats
• Faruq of Mediterranean Cafe food
For Sale:
• "Hand-Made Porno" (some members of "The Dirty Show" showing/selling artwork)
• D-Koy Design & Scarlett's Daughter (racy-saucy Detroit-ifide vintage undies)
• Choice finds in vintage clothing and accessories
• Rare & scary collectibles
• 4th Street Fair t-shirts - new and old
TODAY SHOW, PART II
MCR has learned that rockin' soccer moms the Mydols will also be featured the Today Show along with the Candy Band. The Today Show will be film the Mydols at the Belmont in Hamtramck on July 21 around 10pm. If you miss that one, you can also catch "Martinis, Manicures and Mydols" at the Belmont's Mademoiselle Monday on July 26.
THE ONLY PROBLEM WITH LIVING IN A POST-PUNK GENERATION...
...is realizing how badly it sucks to have to watch your musical idols fall back into the earth one by one...
New York Dolls bassist Arthur Kane, dead at 55.
Nice D
Johnny Loftus checks out the new Nice Device record over at Pitchfork.Labels: Nice Device
PICK OUR BRAINS!
During the last few days, it seems that the folks over at All Music Guide On-Line have been having a few unfortunate, unforseen problems with the site's recent relaunch. Here at MCR, we have faith the this pillar of the internet community (one which I rely on multiple times almost daily, myself) will be up and running again smoothly within a few days.
For today, though, Motor City Rocks wants to help serve the Detroit Rock Community. For one day only (Wednesday, July 14, 2004), Motor City Rocks is offering up our collective (lack of) musical knowledge.
Looking for information about an artist? Feel free to e-mail Motor City Rocks staffers Big Matt and myself, Mr. Gary! Please direct all inquiries concerning artists listed alphabetically A-M to Big Matt, and all inquiries concerning artists listed alphabetically N-Z to me, Mr. Gary.
Motor City Rocks: Helping to bring Detroit together through shared musical knowledge.
DISCLAIMER: Please keep in mind that, unfortunately, myself and Big Matt have crappy day jobs, so there may be a slight lag time between our receipt of e-mails and our responses to them. All queries received before midnight will be answered, though we're lazy, so it may take us a bit to respond to all of them. Offer valid only in the 48 contiguous states, and you must be 48" tall to ride the Demon Drop.
WHERE IN THE WORLD IS THE CANDY BAND??
They're on the Today Show! That's right, NBC is sending the Today Show out to the Troy Family Fair at Boulan Park on Wednesday, July 21. If you want to be on the Today Show, you won't have to stand outside Rockefeller Center at the crack o' dawn, just show up and support Detroit mom rockers the Candy Band - 6:30pm.
Metro Times writer and Radio Fever host Chris Handyside gets some buzz on MTV.com about his upcoming book about the White Stripes. The book is entitled "Fell in Love with a Band:The Story of the White Stripes" and is set to hit stores in October. Links via Whatevs(dot org)
Labels: White Stripes
NOTHIN TO DO IN DETROIT ANYMORE
People in Michigan with Nothing Better to Do!
REDEFINING RADIO...
Coming this fall --- Eminem gets his very own satellite radio channel.
Since I know I'm not the only Pop Culture Whore in Detroit...
The Jeffersons' Wheezie, Isabel Sanford, dead at 86.
DARK SIDE OF THE MOON
Johnny Loftus, over at Glorious Noise, tells a story of major label money gone awry, pink packaging and ripping off The Go.
WARZONE
The Freep reminds us of the unnerving similiarities between Detroit and Baghdad.
WIN YOUR WIFE'S WEIGHT IN BEER AND A SAUNA!
and other crap that's funny.
Tom Potter Placed 4th, Dan Miller 5th, Jerry Vile Disqualified for Cheating!
Government "Going After" NME staff!
I Already Know This Because Boy George Told Me 20 Years Ago That People Are Stupid
WHY
Why Man is Banished to the Garage at a Certain Age, Why There is Beer, Why Man Joins a Rock Band
Pontiac is having it's own techno festival this Saturday and Sunday at the Phoenix Center Plaza. This 1st time event is called the Pontiac Techno House Festival and is being put on by Detroiter Eddie Fowlkes. To see a full scheudle check the offical website.
The News talks with the Waxwings, who are having a record release party tonight at the Magic Stick. Blame and The Sights are set to open the show.
Head south on 75 this weekend and check out the Toledo Music Festival. The show features about 110 bands and includes some Detroit area bands such as 19 Wheels, Sista Otis, Amino Acids and the Paper Street Saints.
The 2004 Elvisfest will be taking place this weekend in Ypsilanti.
Plymouth and Royal Oak will each be holding outdoor art festivals this weekend. The highlight will no doubt be in Royal Oak when the Handbell Choir plays.
Cancel all your plans because Stoney Creek Metro Park will be recreating battles this weekend from the French and Indian war.
The Detroit Cobras recently filmed a video for the song "Cha Cha Twist" down at Pure Detroit.Highlights fomr the shoot include Meg White dressed as Little Red Riding Hood and Eddie Baranek in lederhosen
Concert Review: Rescue CD Release Party
Ahhh, the joys of bar shows on school nights … Due to a combination of my extreme need to do laundry and my inability to pay attention to both a washing machine and a clock at the same time, I showed up at the Magic Stick a bit on the late side for last night’s CD Release Party for Rescue’s Flamingo Minutes EP. The big dork that I am, I managed to miss the opening act, The Pop Project. I did, however, arrive in time to catch the last two or three dissonant pop songs of New Grenada’s set, which ended with the total destruction of a rather large keyboard by a man dressed as Teen Wolf … and yes, that may indeed be the coolest sentence that I’ve ever had the opportunity to type.Thunderbirds Are Now! contributed a surprisingly tight set as well, coming off much more deliberate and focused than the last few times I’d seen them play out. “Pink Motorcyle Helmet” got most of the crowd dancing (violently, even), though it seemed that the set’s highlights were a few tracks that actually post-date the band’s frenzied album, Doctor, Lawyer, Indian Chief. As a whole, the band seemed noticeably tamer until its meandering set closer, though keyboard man Scott Allen did still put on his usual concert-long freak-out.
Rescue followed with a solid set of its own that was musically sound, though devoid of any crazy antics. The band confidently tossed off Flamingo Minutes tracks such as the desperately brooding “I Am the Queen of Comparisons” and the simmering “Moments & Morning: 1981-1986,” though the best crowd reactions of the night went to Volume Plus Volume numbers (specifically, an intense version of “Shoes and Chairs” and perennial crowd pleaser “Like Spaceships”). Though drummer Ryan Clancy and bassist Sean Clancy laid down a sturdy rhythm section, on this night Rescue’s real focus was found in the winding, technically cutting rhythm guitars of Alan Scheurman and Michael Majewski, who played with a purpose that made even rests seem as powerful as flurries of sharply-struck notes.
I’d love to throw a few pictures from the event up, but one of us (points to self) has been too busy blowing money on shows, CDs and beer to bother getting himself a digital camera. All in due time, I suppose …
HEY SEXY MAMA, SEE YA AT BIG LOTS
Britney Spears buys doublewide in trashy, Ypsilanti trailor park.THANK ALLAH, THE RUMORS APPEAR TO BE FALSE!
Amongst frantic speculation, it appears that there's currently no truth to the 'drinks in plastic cups at the Magic Stick' discussion that's been making the rounds within the last week or so. I dropped by last night to check out RESCUE'S CD release party for Flamingo Minutes, and there were a great many folks rockin' out stageside with glass bottles in hand. Thank goodness! More on the Rescue gig here on The Detroit Dish later this afternoon ...
ROO-HOO
Tom Potter, Rachel Nagy, Muffy Kroha, John Krautner Step Up Self-Defense Training to Thwart 'Roo Attack!