Lucero / Branan Update - Communique to Play Deli

Things are shaping up to visit Chicago at the end of the month to go to Lollapalooza. After attending every year since it's inception in 1991, I swore off the festival when Metallica was tapped to headline. I mean, come on! Metallica?

I know I am way late on this, but did you hear that Lucero moved to Nashville? Oh and Cory Branan once did Karaoke with Brooklyn Vegan. All these things and more can be very quickly found if you're using the new and improved Technorati. It's basically a blog search engine, and since you're readin' this blog, I figure this might be useful to you. Put in any topic and it spits out blog entries about said topic from newset to oldest. Very Cool. Oh, and don't forget to check out the Flickr pics on the right hand side of the page. If you do the Lucero search, you'll see a ton of cool pics from their recent road trip.

Speaking of Lucero, I floated Dodge a copy of their latest album, and he finally decided he like it and did a post about it on My Old Kentucky Blog, a very cool Mp3 blog that updates way more than I do.

If you saw the Lucero show at The Young Avenue Deli back in March, you might have gotten there early enough to check out opening band Communique. I really like them a lot and just found out they are coming back to Memphis on July 7th to play the Deli again. I think you should check them out. Here are a couple of songs to turn you on:

Communique - Evaporate.mp3

Communique - Perfect Weapon.mp3

You may have noticed, I have finally defeated my server issues and will now be getting back to posting regularly. Feel free to re-link me. You're the best.

Feel like A Quickie?

1. If you see War of the Worlds this weekend, look for a familiar name in the credits.

2. I got my invite to the Hustle & Flow premiere today. Now all I need is a date. (p.s. I do mean date, so if you are my friend, I love ya, but don't even bother askin')

3. I got a call from Ellen today - I may be spending the rest of the summer in Baltimore workin on a feature - cross your toes!

4. I have cool pics from the Reigning Sound show Saturday night and the three house parties I was dragged to - but my dog ate my camera cradle and Comp USA is really far away.

5. Things you should do this week:

Tuesday: Beer Bust with DJ's Sex Pot Piper and Franswa @ The Hi-Tone
Wednesday: Matthew Miller and Nashon Benford @ P&H Cafe (Jeff Hulett's dog bit him and he will no longer be appearing)
Thursday: Cory Branan Welcom Home Party and Performance @ The Hi-Tone
Friday: Rocky Horror Picture Show @ The Orpheum AND Esque and The Circuit Benders @ Murphy's
Saturday: The Glass CD Release Party with Special Guests @ The Deli
Sunday: WAR OF THE WORLDS @ Summer Drive-In

Oh and then next week, there's this:

it will probably suck.

More to come.

Deaf in One Ear, Blind In One Eye

I haven't graced you guys with one of my day-in-the-life posts in a while, so I thought I would share with you my Friday. As some of my friends know, I've been really sick this week, off the circuit so to speak. I've gotten messages every night from folks upset with me for not answering their calls, of course, it never really occurs to them that they're calling after 11 and I have been passed out from a stellar combination of drugs for many hours by then.

Anywho, I woke up this morning with the same congestion I've had for 5 days, including a sinus headache and an earache resulting in deafness in my right ear. I was starting to worry. These are the times when I really do wish I had a real job with real health insurance. So, my mom calls to check on me and I mention that I still can't hear, to which she replies, "Well, I sure do hope that fleas from that dog of yours haven't laid eggs in your ear."

After laying in bed for a while feeling sorry for myself, I decide that I must get up and venture out to find more drugs for healing purposes, cause the ones I have just ain't cuttin' it. So, I take a shower and promptly get soap in my eye, and then rub my contact right out and down the drain. This wouldn't be a problem except that I am out of contacts and am now not only half deaf, but half blind. Perfect.

So I venture out into the world and spend the rest of my day in doctor's offices, getting prescriptions, getting fitted for glasses, wondering if the 20 year old working at Eyemasters in the Wolfchase mall is actually flirting with me. Me and my puffy eyes, crazy hair, and lips like sandpaper - cause you do know what decongestants do your body right? They dehydrate you like a night after binge drinking - not that I would know what that's like.

Anywho, I knew I might be a little overmedicated when I was leaving the mall and found myself having a full on conversation in the car -with myself. The funny part was when I asked myself - aloud - if I was talking to myself. And then I answered.

I decided what I really needed was to go somewhere and relax, and since I was already in Cordova, I decided that I should go get a pedicure. Cause even if you feel like hell, your feet should really always look good.

So I pop into some nail place and am greeted by a male asian man. He tells me that he will be doing my pedicure and escorts me to the back. It doesn't really bother me that he's a man, but it's part of the story. So I sit down with a magazine and start to read and do you know what he does? Can you guess? He starts talking to me. Great!

Now, I don't say this in a "I don't like service people to speak to me when they are serving me" kind of way. I say it in a "I don't like people talking to me when I can't understand what the hell they are saying" kind of way. Not to mention, I did tell you the part about me being half-deaf right?

So, he says stuff and I laugh and nod, cause he's laughing, so I figure he's making a joke, I dunno. I do a lot of nodding and smiling, and try to go back to reading my magazine. So then he starts talking to the other asian woman doing a pedicure next to him, and nodding towards me and laughing. So this makes me extremely paranoid in a Seinfeld kind of way. Is he talking about me? What is he saying? Why are they both laughing? It ruined my entire experience to say the least. My head hurts, my earaches, I can't hear and now I gotta put up with this shit? Well, what else am I gonna do, right?

Another asian lady that worked at the salon saw that I was kind of befuddled and talked very sternly to the man in Asianic. After that, he shut up and scraped my feet. I was happy.

Then when it was time to do my nails the stern talking asain lady led me over to a seat and decided that she would give me my manicure. She tried to make polite conversation, and since we were now sitting face-to-face, I did to.

She asked me what I do. I never know what to say to that. I do a lot of things. Since a story I wrote came out in today's newspaper, I said, "I'm a writer."

Her face lit up. She asked me what I wrote about, I said that I write about music. She said, "Oh! You have talent!"

I thought to my self, "No. I good bullshitter."

We then traded bands we liked, she mentioned The Scorpions, Aerosmith and Guns and Roses, all very timidly like she couldn't quite remember the names, but she would sing little snippets of songs until I guessed the name of the band. It was quite an experience.

When it came time to pay she leaned over to me and said, "You no pay for manicure."

I was like no, thats ok, but she insisted. I not only don't particularly like to speak to people whom I can't understand, I really don't like to argue with them. So, I accepted and then went over to the hand dryer. She walked into the back and then came back with a Coke. She offered it to me and I said no thank you, but once again, she insisted. So I popped it open and took a sip, sat it down and then waited for my nails to dry.

When I got up to leave, she ran over to make sure all of my nails were dry and to place my shoes on my feet and dig my keys out of my purse. It was overwhelming and embaressing. Then when I turned to leave she grabbed the Coke and tried to hand it to me. I smiled and took a giant gulp of it and then thanked her and handed it back. God knows I don't need any more trash in my car.

I turned and walked through the front door and as soon as it closed behind me I let out a giant belch. I know, real ladylike, huh? As soon as it passed my lips I heard a gurgling noise in my ear and felt all the fluid that had been clogging it, and therefore making me deaf, drain away.

True Story.

P.S. Truett - that's just not right.

We Interrupt This Program For A Special Announcement

So, what started out as allergies and moved on to congestion and cough has fully morphed into a horrendous earache! I've been keeping a low profile the past couple of days trying to get well again. If you've tried to call me I haven't been answering my phone because I am on a totally lethargic combination of Tylenol PM, Sudafed and Bidex. Which means I've been sleeping like 18 hours a day. To make matters worse, I rented Kirstie Ally's Showtime comedy Fat Actress, and it has to be the worst show I've ever seen.

Ok, enough about me. Here' the important info:

The Glass have a new album. It's called Hibernation. Their CD release party will not be June 24th as previously scheduled, but instead will happen July 2nd at The Young Avenue Deli. Tell your friends. Spread it around. I am going back to bed now.

I Know, I Know - Duh!

New Galleries Up

I have totally neglected to mention that I changed my Gallery and have tons of new pics to share. Click on an album from the left sidebar to check them out.

I have a lot of stuff to post about later, but for now I am going to go have dinner with dear old Dad.

Happy Father's Day...

Another Birthday, Come And Gone

Last night at Dish, instead of drinkin' and dancin', we ended up sitting outside record-nerding for three hours. There's a producer in town doing a show for MTV on hip-hop, he really loves Memphis and Richens, Sims, E.J. and I ended up chatting him up about all things cool about our fair city. (That's a new one, most poeple just sit around and talk about how much it sucks!) He's already planning a trip back in July, maybe to do some DJ'ing. It was really cool to hear what an outsider's vibe was after being here for only a few days. We're gonna go record digging later this afternoon.

When we left the bar last night, I almost talked everyone into going to Graceland Too. Almost.

P.S. Here's my Snowglobe story for The CA.

I'm Officially Famous

Now that my blog is linked on the Project DU site and my certification as "cool" from The Memphis Flyer, the assholes have come out of the woodwork. So, if you try to come to this site and get an error, it's because I'm being hacked left and right.

Whatevs.

The main point I wanna make is that if you plan to leave me some haterade in my comments, please make them somewhat amusing or they will be deleted. "You suck" is lame. I'm not intending to imply insult or judgment here but I am curious to know in order to be able to respond to your posts in an appropriate manner, so please forgive what appears to be, but in fact is not intended as, an insulting question: Are you stupid?

Creative posts will be left fully intact for everyone's amusement. Bring it on, douchebags.

Now I'm going out to have fun with my friends while some idiot racks his brain to leave some mildly amusing insult. Anonomously, no less.

Stick With Me Kid, I'll Make Ya Famous

I've spent the week entertaining people's modeling fantasies by casting them for a shoot for a photographer that came down from NYC to work on some photos for a gallery show next spring. He wanted rocker types. I know plenty.

It's been one of the most fun and easy production jobs I've had in a while. There were plans to put Bayne in a full arm cast, but we decided not to do it at the last minute. That would have been the highlight. Anywho, I'll post some pics from he shoot in a couple of weeks when the photographer sends them to me. I think they are going to be really awesome.

Here's one he took the last time he was here:

Anywho - lots more stuff going on. I have a new writing gig for Project D.U. where I blog about blogs. Did you just catch that? I just blogged about blogging about blogs. Anyway, check it out.

Also, my first article for the CA will hit the Playbook on Friday. Oh, and I finally figured out how to use my new Gallery - located on the left above the radio blog. Minutes of fun just waiting to happen.

Oh and tomorrow night we'll all be going to Dish to celebrate Mark "Memphis Scene" Richens' b-day. I took him to Blue Fin this evening for dinner, so I've paid my debt to his birth - but you might wanna come buy him a drink.

Oh and then Friday night there's a potluck at elle.oh.elle's, and then there's this:

See ya there.

You Thought I Was Slacking

So, I haven't written anything in almost a week, and you would think it was because there was nothing to write about, right? Au contraire, monfraire.

The truth is that the last week was an incredible week, socially speaking. Although I should have taken some time off after the all-nighter I pulled during my pool escapade last Tuesday night, Wednesday night E.J. and I went to the opening of a new upscale restaurant/lounge out east called The Silver Spoon. It's modeled after places you might find in NYC or Atlanta. My main homey DJ Witness is the new turntablist there on Mondays and Wednesdays. He plays the funk and soul while everyone sips on Cosmos and Martini's. It's a nice alternative to the high life of mid-town, plus it's hoppin' early.

Thursday night Bayne and I checked out the soft opening of The Celtic Crossing (the former Glass Onion) on Cooper. It's been revamped into an authentic irish pub with classic grub such as fish & chips and shepard's pie, and plenty of stout beers. The bar was pretty packed out so we didn't stay very long. The place kind of reminded me of the mid-town version of The Flying Saucer, which can be taken many ways.

After a quick drink at Dish (whose website is still under construction!), where I always stop in on Thursday nights to pay respect to Sims and Richens, we moved on to The Buccaneer to hear some soul music from Buck and Hook. By chance, I started up a conversation with the blogger behind River City Mud Company. Of course, we discussed the Love in Action controversy (which made The CA today) at length, and I explained why I have pretty much stayed out of the whole debate. I have a lot of respect for all of the people who have gotten invloved but I haven't had the time to fully determine my opinion of the entire siutuation, so I've pretty much stayed out of it.

Friday night I went to The Deli for Kaviar's big shindig, but once again was reminded that I'm just not that into rap. Sorry. I was told that The Guacos would be closing the show and I heard rumors that they planned to set the stage on fire. Even though that sounded like a spectacle not to be missed, I decided to move on to Murphy's to meet up with some friends. To my surprise, upon arrive I was informed that The Guacos were actually about to play - at Murphy's. It was too late in the evening to start asking questions, instead I drank a Sparks and watched the show.

Which brings us to Saturday evening and The Memphis Feelharmonic event spectacular. All you have to know about it is that if you weren't there, well, you missed out. Ferreals.

The place was packed, we danced all night, I didn't pass out. Good Times.

Last Night, She Said...

9PM - I'm gonna check out The Secret Service at The Deli and then go home early

11PM - The Secret Service was awesome, Steve Selvidge looks hot with his new haircut, I'm gonna stop by The Hi-Tone and say hello to the kids, then I'm going home.

1AM - Dancing is fun. One more beer, then I'm headed home.

2:30AM - Do I wanna go swimming? Hell no, I'm going home!

3AM - This pool feels awesome, anyone got a beer?

4AM - Ok, we're leaving! Whatevs, lady!

8AM - OMG! I have to go to work!

3PM - Time for a nap...

nighty night.

Tuesday Night At The Hi-Tone

Thursday Night At The Buc

I Might Have To Drink Coffee Today

So busy. So tired.

I'm working on three freelance projects right now. When it rains, it pours. I'll be location scouting all day. BTW, does anyone know a guy with an arm cast?

Anywho - major interweb problems all over the place. Someone has been trying to hack into my server and is causing this site to go on and offline. Patrik is working on that, plus Scenestars got websheriffed for streaming the new White Stipes album, even though we had permission to do it. Their UK PR wasn't talking to their US label or something. We got an apology from GOdaddy for taking us offline, but it will be a couple of days before the redirect takes place and the site is back online.

Ah, the headache of interwebbing.

Oh, and I was mistaken about This is Goodbye at the Deli, they are playing at The New Daisy Saturday, for the Memphis Emergenza battle of the bands finals, so they could use some hometown support people.

This is where I ususally go on a diatribe about how if you want coolthings to happen here, you have to support local artists. But since I am really busy today - let's just agrre that you plan to go and support these guys, and then come to The Buccaneer to support the DJ's. Just do it.

As for what's going on this week - I am going to try to catch The Secret Service tonight at the Deli, then stop by the beer bust. Thursday night DJ's Buck Wilders and the Hook-Up are at The Buc, and well, we know what you are doing Saturday.

Who's having a house party Friday?

I Need New Lingo!

My dad is going to a specialist tomorrow because he effed up his back helping me move last month. Only one out of the 5 male friends I asked to come and help me actually showed up. Thanks Chris.

If you ever see me counting to ten under my breath, it's because of things like this. Anger now won't make my dad any better or help the situation, but it still pisses me off.

Anywho, Friday night after a bunch of us got together for dinner at Bhan Thai, we checked out Andrew Bird at The Hi-Tone. The show was excellent. I am glad all of the people I asked to go enjoyed it. I was going to post some pics, but Abby's turned out so mych better than mine!!

I totally spaced saying good-bye to Leilani before heading to The Buc, figuring that she would end up there. I guess she called it an early night because she never showed. The place was still packed at 2:45AM when I looked at the time and wondered what the hell I was still doing there.

Friday night I made plans to meet up with Chris and check out our newly painted office, but instead I crashed around 11:30. A girl's gotta sleep sometime! Plus, I knew last night was gonna be a long one and I might as well rest up.

So, Harlan was great as usual, I have some pics I will post in my Gallery later tonight. I wasn't able to stay through the entire show as it was still going at 1AM. Instead, I went over to Landon's for his huge blowout. That party was pretty much off the hook. Do people still say off the hook?

Next weekend is the big Memphis Feelharmonic and Buckwilders & The Hook-Up party at The Buccaneer, but This is Goodbye is also playing the Deli, so hopefully I will get the chance to stop by and see their show. You can check out some tunes on their Myspace Page.

Ok, so what else? Oh yeah, it's Drue's 30th birthday party tonight at The Hi-Tone. I am gonna stop in, but if you see me with a beer in my hand, please take it away. Fo rizzle. Do people still say fo rizzle?

And don't forget:

Are you Goin?

100 Ways To Get Me Wet

So, I'm sitting at my computer last night Im'ing with 82 people about how I am not going out. I was supposed to finish working on my new gallery. Then Brad calls and since I need to interview him for a story I am working on for the CA, I ask him to meet me at the Deli at 9, which is pretty much the worst idea ever, but since they have wi-fi now, I was anxious to try it out.

Anywho, we ended up talking for over an hour and didn't even finish the interview before he had to leave. Just as he was getting up to go, EJ walks in and so we grab a table so he can get some food. Then Adam walks in and the next thing I know our table is full. Just as Eric leaves to call it a night, Helen shows up and so I message Richens and he comes over also. Around midnight I was debating calling it a night, but then ended up hanging out until Chris came by when he got off work. The next thing I know, it's 1AM and I'm sitting by the pool tables discussing hair with Scotty. So much for not going out. Of course, the best thing about the whole night was that I had been there so long that I totally forgot I had a tab and walked out on it. Oooooops. I think Chris took care of it for me. He's the best!

Anywho, tonight a bunch of folks are getting together to have dinner at BhanThai with Leilani before she kicks us all to the curb and heads to Austen. Then it's on to the Hi-Tone to see the amazing Andrew Bird. Believe me now, or believe me later - this is a not-to-be-missed show. Of course, most of you kids won't believe me until they write about him in Rolling Stone next year. It's cool though, it will be easier to hang out with him if fewer people are around.

After the show, the crew will probably head to The Buc to hear DJ Bad Mood Krissy & DJ Sex Pants Lacey. And before anyone writes a nasty comment about me making fun of Lacey and Krissy - that came straight from Lacey's post on the Goner Board, so go hate somewhere else.

I have no idea what I am doing tomorrow night. Is anything going on? Saturday night there's a three kegger on the street behind Otherlands for the band This is Goodbye> I think Cort is gonna DJ it. Oh, and of course, my favorite Harlan T. Bobo is playing the Hi-Tone. You know where to find me.

Oh, and if you go to the party Saturday night, watch out for this guy:

P.S. Jack White got married. effing two-timer!
P.S.S. EJ and Me in the Flyer.

Double Take

Wow. The new bewbs over at TNF look weirdly familiar.

I guess I had a chance afterall

I was in The Memphis Flyer today. They used EJ's picture. Too bad they didn't have this one.

Busy Busy Bee

Wow. With the number of people who took me to task last night at The Hi-Tone for not updating in a hot minute, you would think this was my job. I'm busy people! I have three freelance gigs going right now, plus I'm working on a gallery to put up all the crazy pics I take of everyone whooping it up. And sometimes, believe it or not, I have to sleep.

Memorial Day Weekend. Wow, it was a memorable one. Amanda's birthday party Friday night, crazy radical faerie warehouse party Saturday night, and Mikey B and Nashon's party Sunday night (sorry about the water balloons, ya'll)! I didn't go to the Buc benefit for Terrence, Papa Top's or The Pirates show. Sorry. But, you know what I always say, if it's free it's for me! I spent way too much money Friday buying a new mattress cover, new sheets, pillows, curtains, the works for my bedroom, so I tried to keep the spending to a minimum this weekend. Thanks to everyone who supplied me woth beverages! I tried to repay everyone with a little Jager last night, but alas, that stuff was gone in thirty minutes!

Anywho, I'll post all your freakin pictures by the end of the week. I have real work to do! Here's the one of everybody who went to see Star Wars at The Drive-in to hold you over!