tour- home

Finish line! It actually felt OK rolling up to our hometown, despite the cold cold rain that plagued the city this very night of our return show. Admittedly, and usually, I feel apprehensive at entering this city's gates ... or maybe that's the post tour depression that could soon come knocking?

We would like to thank Secret Project Robot, and all it's collective peeps, who really made it a warm night for us. US Girls too. We highly encourage you all to listen to her upcoming album. And Air Waves, who write some of the most sincere and genuine songs. I sing them for days after hearing. And Total Slackers for your enthusiasm. And the industrious Karen Soskin ... and the effervescent Mike Wolf. And Wolfy for this awesome poster. And maybe you too.

Talk Normal needs a nap. Back soon ... (aa)

tour - hudson

Like three wise folk of years past (the Hulk being the third), we made a stop to visit a new born babe to good friends of ours. His name is Atticus and he's quite the thinker. We predict his first novel by age 12.

tour - the music community within 'smaller' towns

Post show talking point with Jon and John of Art Damage >> the music community within 'smaller' towns. I came to the realization that bands, promoters, musicians, artists and creative folks that reside in them wait for touring bands to pass through (if it's music you like to pursue), thus building a show around these touring bands i.e Cincinnati. Meaning there is never a night with just 'local' bands working things out for their friends to bear witness and support (or at least this is the way Arts Damage rolls). Perhaps obvious to you, this blew my mind or didn't really sink in until this penultimate day of tour. Guess I'm so used to NYC shows where it's common to have all 'local' nights. Or many touring bands on a bill. Or all of the above mixed. I am awed and humbled at the perseverance of the people who live in these 'smaller' towns, who stay there even when the current scene is currently uninspired and a music community sometimes meager. Stay strong. (aa)

tour - cincinnati

Show was at the Art Damage Lodge, once the meeting place for the Cummingsville chapter of freemasons in Cincinnati. What is it about this secretive organization that spooks me? Conceptually I'm in support of their central preoccupations revolving around "charitable work within a local or wider community, moral uprightness (in most cases requiring a belief in a Supreme Being) as well as the development and maintenance of fraternal friendship." Maybe it's the use of symbols or discreet rituals or maybe the hole in the floor of an Art Damage resident ... with a hook directly above and a spacious cell below. My imagination is spinning.

The show. The prowess of C. Spencer Yeh's improv violin is notable. He is definitely one of the most focused performers I know. And a nice guy to top it off. (aa)

tour - louisville daytime ...

This bourbon came recommended from our friend Joel. By the by, the shower in his and girlfriend DJ Kim Sorise's house had two shower heads. Wow. Hands down this was the best shower experience in my adult life. Their beagle Benny growled like Zul, but only when his playemate Freddy, the other beagle, was around. Gozer lives. (aa)

tour - louisville

Ooops, forgot about the time change. Fortunately we scrambled in to Skull Alley right as Tiny Flights took the room with their space-age 'wave' rock (this is the KWUR word for edgier, or more important indie rock ... or at least that's what I interpreted). Shedding had some sweet drummage with their chill alternations on good old R & R.

Post the show the Swan Dive (awesome vegan eats) stayed open for us to get some grub.

tour - st. louis hang time ...

Visited Apop Records. They had all our friends' tapes (Cody Ranaldo, Ryan Garbes, Dark Lingo etc)! And they prefer to buy merch outright from band. Gold star for here.

Used the internets at Foam Coffee and Beer. Very warm vibes. Place was spanking new but had an old soul. Alas their steamer was broke but our friend behind the counter bought merch!

tour - st. louis

Left my 'beater' guitar (the one I throw on my drum set) in Denver. Blasted. Conventiently I found another for $20 at KWUR, signed with love from DJ Kenny Hofmeister and staff. She sings like a bird.

So the show ... who knew a vietnamese restaurant could front for a sweet show locale?! This place ruled. Once the restaurant turned over the PA and bands rolled in. Staff stuck around to serve endless soups and tea. Completely supportive of bands as well. I love smaller towns (no offense St. Louis but NYC's got a few mill on ya). And this flyer, made by the meticulous Jeremy 'Ghost Ice' (master promoter, collector & noise conjurer) ruled. (aa)

tour - dropping the boys off in iowa

Sad. We miss them. Jeff Witcher too. Their music selections & mixes were endless and tasteful. Thank goodness Witcher sent us off with one last mix tape. Still trying to figure out the artists and track names on this ... (aa).

tour - waiting in denver

Had a huge brunch with our Denver friends as Wet Hair sat and watched a mechanic fix a water hose. We could not think of a more ideal place to be stranded. Sadly we could not make it to Lawrence, home to where William S. Burroughs spent the last years of his life. Lawrence - we will be back. We read Bandit Teeth and Muscle Worship proceeded to marvel the masses. (aa)

tour - denver

And the hulk broke down in Evanston, Wyoming as the boys were coming to pick us up at the Denver airport. This van saga is a challenge. The non-fuel-efficient-motor-vehicle gods are taking their Cash-for-Clunkers disdain out on us. Fortunately we had all our gear from SY show in NYC show and were accommodated by folks at Rhinoceropolis and the kindness of Jacob from Dugoutcanoe (a journey of a sound experience. I like what goes on in Jakob's head). Shotgun the dog ate my oatmeal. A cutie with a one-track mind. (aa)