The More Things Change

Saw DOA last nite. Joey Shithead (though now he goes by Joey Shithead Keithly- a nod to his political career) looked great, a bit greyer these days, but lookin’ healthy in his torn and patched jeans and sleeveless denim jacket (the Canadian Tuxedo). Thankfully, the band blazed (Joey even played geetar behind his back and with his teeth- holy guitar hero, Batman!). Joey was as unintelligible as ever (think of a Grizzly Bear singing) and the old and newer songs sounded great. I think I first saw them as a tyke in ’81, and it’s probably a small miracle that they are still a-showin’ and I’m still a-goin’.

And then tonite, the Angry Samoans are playin’! I would have liked to have gone to that too, but I’m lazy, it’s a Sunday nite, and besides, “Breaking Bad” is on. Yeah, white and lazy.

Speaking of which, the one show I woulda loved to have gone to was The Replacements re-union at Riot Fest a couple of weeks ago. Though, imma not big on this reunion talk, since imho the ‘Mats were done when they threw smokin’ and drinkin’ Bob Stinson out and the band became a Paul Westerburg solo project.

But, dang if I wasn’t weeping like a little girl and pogoing at 3 am, watchin’ the ‘Mats footage from the show. “Bastards Of Young”, “Left Of The Dial”, “Takin A Ride”, “Color Me Impressed”, “I’m In Trouble”... something about seeing that vidage & hearing that toonage reduced me to my 18 year old ghost.

That’s an emotional response I didn’t expect (especially as I wasn’t there in person). 

But that’s what music can do to ya. It was fun yellin’ out the songs with Joey at the DOA show, and I am sure my visceral reaction will be the same seeing the Keith/Dez/Chuck version of Black Flag this Thursday. BF & DOA were huge bands for me back in my yoot.

However, something snuck up on me watching that ‘Mats show. 

I watched the crowd singing along to every song- yeah, some people were probably really annoyed by that.

All I felt was envy. Wow, to be part of a huge crowd where everyone was feelin’ it. And yet, even as part of the teeming masses, you would still have this personal stake and response to the songs. 

What a rare privilege that would be.

  

You Know The Pain That's In My Heart / I Guess That Shows That I'm Not Very Smart

When things end, they end with a whimper AND a bang. Scorched fucking earth. I'm sitting in a hotel room out in the wilderness thinking about Willie Loman and trying to figure out what to wrap my belt around that will support my weight.

Unfortunately, modern hotel rooms have no rafters, so I guess I'll see the morning.

Absolution is out of the question

It makes no sense to apologize

The words I thought I brought I left behind,

so never mind

PS- "Color Me Obsessed" the Replacements documentary (spoiler alert- it's all talkin' heads and NO 'Mat's music) is on youtube. It's also posted for your convenience below. It's two hours of pontifications about the last great hope for rock n roll.

All over but the shouting, indeed.

Notes & Chords Mean Nothing To Me

I was in touch with an old bandmate about joining his new band.

He explained to me the following rules:

1) The lead singer is a woman and she is the absolute boss

2) This is serious stuff- even in rehearsals

3) There is absolutely no drinking

4) There are absolutely no other “sundries” allowed.

Guess how long it took me to say “no thanks”!

Tribute Songs

What could be cooler than having a band write a song about you in tribute? Well, as long as the song is complimentary of course.
Here's some toonage that fits the subject!





Toonage:
"Grant Hart" - The Posies
"Strummerville"- Stiff Little Fingers
"The Replacements" - Tommy Womack
"Johnny's Gonna Die" - The Replacements (live July 1982)

Live For Today

From the always excellent site Willard's Wormholes, comes sad news that The Grass Roots' singer/bassist Rob Grill is in a coma and not expected to survive.

One of the great "singles bands" from the 60's, The Grass Roots have had a lasting legacy, with cover versions of their songs done by such alt legends as The Replacements, and Stiv Bator's Lord's Of The New Church.

The "walking bass line" on "Midnite Confessions" has always been a source of amazement for me. 



And dig Jimmy Durante doing an intro- holy retro!







And here's the 'Mats covering "Temptation Eyes"

4 Year Anniversary

Just noticed that BLEEDIN OUT hit it's 4th year anniversary. 300,000 hits (of course- it could be just one person (thanks mom) hitting refresh 300,000 times) over that period. Not bad.

Considering that I started this thang to exorcise; and quite often, exercise my demons; it's been a long strange trip. Or something.

4 years of (as someone once so aptly described it) of 1/3 music, 1/3 bitching about the government and 1/3 whining about my life. On the bright side, I've cyber-met some great people. I've also been able to write... which back in college was supposed to be my vocation. And, I have no doubt that this here outlet has kept me on this mortal coil, as the "bad thoughts" have had somewhere to be deposited.

Thanks to (any?) all of you who have commented, downloaded and read this stuff.

It's been "Bleedin Out" of my mind, heart, soul and veins. Hope I never run out. And long may YOU all run.

Toonage:

Replacements - Left Of The Dial
Adverts - One Chord Wonders
Husker Du - Everything Falls Apart (live in Tuscon)
Ramones - Slug (demo)
Grateful Dead - Attics Of My Life
Girls At Our Best - Getting Nowhere Fast

The Greatest Band Performance On TV - Ever!

Back in the mid 80's (January 1986) as they were being "pushed" towards commercialization by Sire. The Replacements came back on later in the show to do "Kiss Me On The Bus". Westerberg, Tommy and Mars swapped clothes. No one wanted to wear Bob's jumpsuit, which at that point had ripped down to his pubes. Between the drunkenness and the cursing (right before the guitar break, Westerberg yells "motherfucker" at Bob), it would be a long time until they were asked back.

F-f-f-f-f-f-f-rozen

I had to take a business trip last week, which included flying into Minnesota in sub zero weather on a small little "puddle-jumper" plane (while Otis Redding and Buddy Holly flashed through my mind) and then driving 150 miles in a snowstorm. At night. With no lights on the highway. And the snow flying right into our windshield, making the experience much like traveling into hyperspace.

The driving experience for several hours was very much like this:

as cars were crashed on the highway embankments.

The trip was up to Duluth Minnesota; original home of Bobby Dylan. I had plans to in Minneapolis and do The Replacements/Husker Du "heritage tour", but I was so freaked out by the time I got back to the Twin Cities that all I could do was sit at the bar at the hotel and down copious amounts of Leinenkugel beer. Mmmm beer.

Why anyone would choose to live in such a frigid climate is far beyond my understanding. Here in New York today, it's a balmy 20 degrees. Aaaaaahhhhhh.

Toonage:

The Choir - "It's Cold Outside"
Husker Du - "Ice Cold Ice"
Bob Dylan - "Shelter From The Storm" (bootleg version)
Replacements- "Bundle Up"

The Lead Guitarist Was Nekkid

For those of you who never had the opportunity to see The Replacements; this song by Tommy Womack perfectly sums up the band.


"The Replacements" - Tommy Womack

Tommy Womack's Website
The Replacements Website

Children By The Millions...

Alex Chilton died. For success or failure, he did it his way. Farewell to a true genius.











If he was from Venus, would he feed us with a spoon?
If he was from Mars, wouldn't that be cool?
Standing right on campus, would he stamp us in a file?
Hangin' down in Memphis all the while.

Children by the million sing for Alex Chilton when he comes 'round
They sing "I'm in love. What's that song?
I'm in love with that song."

Cerebral rape and pillage in a village of his choice.
Invisible man who can sing in a visible voice.
Feeling like a hundred bucks, exchanging good lucks face to face.
Checkin' his stash by the trash at St. Mark's place.

I never travel far, without a little Big Star

Runnin' 'round the house, Mickey Mouse and the Tarot cards.
Falling asleep with a flop pop video on.
If he was from Venus, would he meet us on the moon?
If he died in Memphis, then that'd be cool, babe.

... The Replacements "Alex Chilton"

Of Rainbows And Wars

The U.S. military appears to be on the way to eliminating the "don't ask, don't tell" proviso regarding gays in the military. About time! If gay people want to serve our country by being in the Armed Forces, it's fine by me. A person's sexual orientation should have nothing to do with their Patriotism. Of course, I don't understand why gay folks should feel patriotic, since they are not even granted the right to marry. But semper fi, regardless.

And speaking of the war, why do news organizations refer to murdering bastards as "suicide bombers"? I prefer the term "fucking scumbags".

And in tribute to an older war, I hope Inglorious Basterds wins alot of Oscars. What a fine movie, and what a happy ending!!!!!!!!!

From President Obama's State of the Union Address:

"But I realize that for every success story, there are other stories, of men and women who wake up with the anguish of not knowing where their next paycheck will come from, who send out resumes week after week and hear nothing in response."

It is absolutely staggering how many "no replies" I am getting when I send resume's out. I am extremely qualified in my chosen field and yet, no responses. This could mean that companies are getting swamped with applications, as the jobless rate is more than 10%; but it is still so frustrating. The hardest job is finding one.


And thanks to all that responded about being test subjects for my "book". I greatly appreciate it!

And speaking of books, as I have so much spare time, I've read plenty lately. Veteran rock music critic Robert Hilburn's "Cornflakes With John Lennon" is a sweet one. Sort of a memoir, he tells eloquent tales of his encounters with Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, John Lennon, Johnny Cash and others. He hits the big names and probably gives himself a bit too credit in the influence department, but an engaging book nonetheless.

And Clarence Clemons' "Big Man: Real Life And Tall Tales" is part autobiography and part, well, tall tales. Very entertaining. He plays with some guy named Stringbean, or Springsteen or something.

And lastly, a SHOUT OUT to my (not so) old pal Mo, whose blog NYCBites is a must read. It's food for thought. No calories! And it might put inches on your brainline. Or something.

Booze & Blood, F#ck Yeah!

Well, we shot the music video for the Love Theme To Kids Go To The Woods, Kids Get Dead and what a bizarre experience it was.

We all thought it was going to be a quick little "one take" shot... but it ended taking about 7 hours!

We jumped in a van (note to you kids... when a guy drives over with a van and says: "hey, jump in and you can be in a video" be very careful!) and made about an hour ride to the site for the shoot. When we got there, it became apparent quickly that this was the real thing. Assistants were hanging tarp, setting up lights and all this other movie stuff.

As we were "THE TALENT" we were told to chill. So, we watched Blacula and drank Absinthe and 40 ounce Buds (and other kinds of buds too), until we were called to the set. I can see how a guy can get into alot of mischief just waiting around.

Basically, we played the song to a backing track as a full band two or three times and then we each did a solo version of the song for close-ups.

I learned right there that I am NO ACTOR. I was totally self conscious and unable to "project". But then again, I'm just the bass player, so I am spozed to be a bit stoic, right?

Than came the real fun, as the director bathed us all in torrents of blood (most of which was fake blood) and body parts, and we ran thru the song a few more times. The blood totally blinded me and I ended up trashing my contact lenses.

I crashed at my buddy's place as we didn't get done till close to dawn and I was in no condition to drive home.

Of course, walking to one's car in the light of day on a busy street whilst covered in blood is certainly an attention getter as well!

I highly recommend it.

I can't wait to see the finished product and will dutifully post it here!

Toonage:

Replacements - Seen Your Video

Turbonegro - Drenched In Blood

Candy Snatchers - Color Me Blood Red

A Modern Man's Regimen

Morning- happy pill.

Get to work - several cups of coffee

Lunch

After lunch - more cups of coffee

Pre Train - beer

On Train - beer

Post Train - bliss

Home - Beer

Dinner

Post Dinner - Beer

Nite - Sleeping Pill.

Rinse, Repeat.

Sorta like my very own 12 step program, but I missed one rung somewhere.

Nobody seems to know what's going on lately. Reminds me of this scene:

Toonage:

Rhythm Devils - The Beast (Apocalypse Now sessions)

Replacements - Beer For Breakfast

NOFX - I Am An Alcoholic

5,6,7,8's - Edie Is A Sweet Candy

Rehab Is For Quitters

Step 1:

We admit we are powerless - that our lives had become unmanageable.

-- Nope, that's not right at all. I have the power to change my behaviour anytime I choose to. And, my "hobbies" are what give me power over the unmanageable.

Readage:

THE CASK OF AMONTILLADO - EDGAR ALLAN POE

Toonage:

SupperBell RoundUp - All Your Bottles Run Dry

Jane's Addiction - Pigs In Zen

Replacements - Treatment Bound

New Bomb Turks - This Place Sucks

Too Much Junk, Too Much Junk

Some odds and ends:

Vermont legalized Gay Marriage! Hooray, now homosexuals can be as miserable as the rest of us! And Iowa's courts also passed pro Gay Marriage legislation! Hooray for the Heartland too!

Did anyone catch Jeff Beck and Metallica's performances at the Rock N Roll Hall Of Fame the other nite? Any R N R HOF that doesn't have Rush, The Stooges, The Mc5 and KISS can blow me, but the show was kick ass. Who's that chick playing bass with Beck... awesome!






And today is 15 years since Kurt Cobain journeyed to Rock N Roll Heaven (or Hell).

In honor of that, here's some songs about a much cooler junkie: Johnny Thunders. And one dedicated to Kurt and Vermont!


Toonage:
Smells Like Queer Spirit - Pansy Division
Murder City Devils - Johnny Thunders
The Replacements - Johnny's Gonna Die (live 10-26-84)
and of course...
Johnny Thunders and The Heartbreakers - Too Much Junkie Business

Even The Losers...

...Get Lucky Sometimes.

And I did.

To Mrs. Nomad... a very Happy 21st Anniversary. Our marriage is now legal!




Toonage:
Ramones - I Want You Around (demo)
Cult Hero - I Dig You
Replacements - If Only You Were Lonely
Hermans Hermits - White Wedding (Billy Idol cover)

Whatcha Drinkin' ?

I was really happy for a few hours yesterday. Of course, it was right after I had knocked off a six pack of this.
Today, I am not so happy. Because I did not repeat yesterday's behavior.

Yet.

One of the problems with sobriety is the realization of how much happier one is when NOT sober.
in fact, sober as defined:
Marked by seriousness, gravity, or solemnity of conduct or character.

who the hell needs that these days?

Let's party like it's 1929. Or something.


Toonage:
Replacements - Beer For Breakfast (outtake)
Husker Du - Whatcha Drinkin' (demo)
The Cramps - Dames, Booze, Chains and Boots
Three Aces And A Joker - Booze Party


----------------
Now playing: Silver Jews - Punks in the Beerlight
via FoxyTunes

A VD Post

Just when I think you're out of my head
I hear a song that you sang or see a book that you read.

And I think about my loves, well, I've had a few
Well, I'm sorry that I hurt them, did I hurt you too?

I would break down at your feet and beg forgiveness, plead with you
But I know that it's too late, and now there's nothing I can do

You know the pain, that's in my heart,
it just shows, I'm not very smart.

And if I don't see ya, in a long, long while
I'll try to find you, left of the dial

Toonage:
The Kinks - No More Looking Back
Social Distortion - I Was Wrong
The Cure - Boys Don't Cry (demo)
Black Flag - Louie Louie
Replacements - Left Of The Dial (live Beacon Theater - NYC)



----------------
Now playing: Ramones - The KKK Took My Baby Away
via FoxyTunes

Bread And Circuses

"Nobody's ever gone broke underestimating the intelligence of the general public."

...H.L. Mencken

Tonight, America gets to watch a debate between the two candidates for vice president (aka the person "one heartbeat from the Presidency"). Sarah Palin, the Repugnikkkan's choice, has viewpoints completely abhorrent to myself. Additionally, she has so far shown to be unqualified for the position. The liberal press has had a field day exposing this fact. It appears that McCain and the GOP assumed that the Hillary Clinton factor would swing the "soccer mom" vote their way, despite Palin's most decidedly unfeminist platform.

The Democrat's choice, Joe Biden, a slick Washington insider (despite Obama's cries of "Change") should mop the floors with her.

However, if he appears to be a "bully", that could work against him.

What appears to be a mismatch could work in Palin's favor if Biden attacks her and could result in Palin getting the sympathy vote. Which would be absurd of course, since the last reason someone should get votes is for sympathy.

Unfortunately, I fear that this is all window dressing. The subtle racism against Barack Obama that will be displayed in November is going to tip the election to McCain. Many people in this country actually think that Obama is Muslim and part of a "sleeper cell". Put on Fox News and they make sure to call Obama by his entire name: Barack Hussein Obama.

After Bush stole the election in 2000 and proceeded to systematically destroy the country, I was in shock when he was re-elected in 2004. If the citizens of the United States continue choose Repugnikkkan rule for another four years with McCain/Palin; well then we deserve everything that we get.

Well, tonight should be an entertaining night.

Bookage:

Fear And Loathing On The Campaign Trail 1972 - Hunter S. Thompson

Toonage:

Queen - Liar (Live at the Beeb 1973)

Elvis Costello - Girl's Talk - (Live at Hope and Anchor Festival 1978?)

The Replacements - Hear You Been To College (Live from Shit Hits The Fans boot)

Grateful Dead - I'm A King Bee (Live 1-24-70)

The Flakes - Stupid Girl (Rolling Stones Cover)



----------------
Now playing: stiff little fingers - Who Died And Made You Elvis?
via FoxyTunes

Like Takin' Carrie To The High School Prom

"I don't care to belong to a club that accepts people like me as members."

--Groucho Marx --

I have been notified that I will be the recipient of A BIG HONOR. My industry has an award (I guess it's sort of a lifetime achievement kinda thing - not that I'm particularly a grizzled veteran), complete with a banquet with hundreds of people, a magazine article about yours truly and other assorted aspects.

This is apparently A BIG DEAL.

The question I have is... "WHY ME". I really don't merit this award (and I am not being humble). It is more likely that some peer of mine in the industry decided it would be a nice thing for me to get this honor and nominated me.
Either that, or they figured my company would buy a table at the banquet (fat chance of THAT happening!).

Regardless, this is embarrassing. I vision myself being featured in the article and readers wonderin' WTF? Even worse, I have to accept the award and have a room full of people LOOK at me and wonder "who is this asshole"?!
There are many people in my business that deserve this honor. The fact that I got it cheapens the award forever more.

It's important that I accept this, since it might help me in my career. But jeez, this is like Milli Vanilli being elected into the Rock N Roll Hall Of Fame! OK, maybe not that bad. Let's go with GWAR. Yeah, me showing up at this banquet is like GWAR showing up at a Baptism.

Maybe I'll just copy this speech word for word. It's perfect.
Now I get to stress about how I'm gonna fuck this up for the next couple of months.



----------------
Now playing: The Runaways - Cherry Bomb
via FoxyTunes



Bookage:
From Hell - Alan Moore

Toonage:
The Smiths - Still Ill
Teengenerate - Fake, Fake, Fake
Brother Brick - Color Me Impressed (Replacements cover)
The Posies - King Midas In Reverse
Tom Petty - Even The Losers