Our Whole Relationship Is A CD Skipping Away

I just got back from the Visqueen show, and it was totally rocktacular. Their last CD is absolutely fantastic, it'll be in my 2004 top list if I ever finalize it, and it's available on Emusic. Tiny crowd, peaked at around 60 for the opening act, and there were only about 40 for Visqueen's set, but it was great. The nice thing about a small crowd is I got to chat with both Rachel Flotard (guitarist/singer/song-writer), and Ronnie Barnett of The Muffs, who's playing bass for them as well. Both super nice folks. Buy all their records. It's going to be tough getting up tomorrow, but so, so worth it.

Alan's feet were born to follow your's

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Couldn't Get To Sleep Til Five In The Morning

Had a busy weekend of tasty, tasty live music. For a grand total of $5 in tickets I saw 9 local bands, all of whom were more than worth the price. Follow the links for samples, at least streaming, but lots of downloads, too.

Friday night it was Devotchka, who are gaining some momentum nationally and probably technically don't qualify as a local band.

Saturday was the Westword Music Showcase. 9 different venues and around 50 different acts. I saw

Hobbs NM

Hot IQs

Born in the Flood (Absolutely incredible set, the highlight of the showcase for most of the people who caught it, including me)

The Swayback

Love Me Destroyer

and
Black Lamb (The energy this band throws off on stage could light up a small country)

As if that wasn't enough, Sunday there was a 10 band bill at the Larimer. I was too tired for more a few sets, but I caught:

Monofog (Actually from Ft. Collins, about 60 miles from Denver, they're so good I'd help them move)

Pacific Pride (Can't find a site for them, unfortunately. I'll edit later if I do)

And the Hot IQs again (Much better set, and the sound was so much better at the Larimer there's really no comparison)

Alan is suffering the fate of the underachiever

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Who Would've Thought

So I'm driving home today, light traffic, everything's moving smoothly, and a few cars ahead I see a huge pickup turn from a side street and cut someone off ahead of me. Lots of screaming brakes, but no impacts. 20 seconds later they cut someone off in the left lane, more brakes and a few horns. They get stopped trying to make a left turn at the next major street, and as I pass I notice it's a company vehicle for a place that manufactures and installs Traffic Safety equipment.

Alan is like ten thousand spoons when all you need is a knife

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Now! Rock and Roll Now!

The bugs, heat, humidity and rednecks would be totally worth it, if I lived in Georgia right now.

Alan's feet are shaking cause the earth is shaking

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I sit here staring and there's nothing else to do

When working in an office building with communal restrooms, and you're in a stall when someone else enters, etiquette requires that you avoid making any sounds that could be interpreted as you giving yourself a "morale booster"*. Thank you for your consideration.

* (Unless you're really, really close)

Alan tried it just for once found it all right for kicks

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the morning sun can look so mean

I actually like my job, but hate having to go to work.

On Friday I usually make grandiose plans for how much I'm going to accomplish the coming weekend, and by noon on Sunday I'm checking the socks and underwear supply to see if I can put off the laundry for another day.

I reached for the bottle of Ibuprofen I keep on my desk and the top was off and lying next to it. There are several possible explanations, listed in ascending order of probabilty:

I'd already taken some this morning and forgot to put the top back on
One of the cleaning crew had a headache this weekend and "borrowed" some (Please bring back those CDs you "borrowed", too)
My boss is adding work-performance enhancing drugs to all of our pill bottles
The cleaning crew is adding drugs to try to make me forget about those CDs they "borrowed"

I ordered "a large coffee" at the coffee place this morning and the counter person asked me if I wanted light or dark roast. Listen, didn't they cover this in training? The time to ask me to make a decision is
after I've had my coffee. I already used up all the spare processing power left over from driving and autonomic nervous system functions deciding to stop here in the first place. At least she didn't ask if I wanted a biscotti, or my lymphatic system would probably have shut down.

Alan traces his eyes, wakes and retrieves

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I spent a lot of money and I spent a lot of time

I put together a 2004 retrospective CD. It's by no means comprehensive, but a lot of the stuff I left off is the obvious stuff a lot of mixes I've seen have (Hmmm, will this one start with Take Me Out, or close with it?). These are just things I like I think other people should have a chance to listen to.

Neighborhood #1 (Tunnels)-The Arcade Fire
Love and War (11/11/46)-Rilo Kiley
Miracle Drug-A.C. Newman
Bleeding Powers-Ted Leo/Pharmacists
Birth-The Faint
Circus-The Features
C'mere-Interpol
Antidote-The Hives
Arbeit Macht Frei-The Libertines
Barfruit Blues-The Hold Steady
(You Got Me) Hummin'-Reigning Sound
Are You Gonna Be My Girl-Jet
Infrared-Shalini
Who the Fuck?-PJ Harvey
Crush On Radio-Visqueen
The Rat-The Walkmen
Staring at the Sun-TV On the Radio
Port Authority Band-Slim Cessna's Auto Club
Courtship-Smart Brown Handbag
Surfing on a Rocket-Air
Butterfly Thing-Tanya Donelly
Big Sky-Abra Moore
Equus-Blonde Redhead

Alan grabs a piece of somethin' that he thinks is gonna last

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Out of my gun into your burning heart

The Hold Steady show last night was totally worth the wait. Everyone there had a great time, I think. It wasn't that crowded, but there were a few people who came by because the band got written up in our local alternative weekly on Wednesday. Hopefully they're now fans. The guys in the band that I talked to were genuinely nice, and according to the sound guy, totally professional and easy to work with. Only bad thing was they'd sold a lot of their merchandise before they got to Denver, and I'd been hoping to get the Lifter Puller CDs from them.

The GEDs and The Swayback, who opened the show, also put on really good sets. I don't know what it's going to take, but Denver has so many great bands who just need maybe one break, or a producer with some vision, and this could be like Athens was back in the day.

Which brings to my next point. My sig and title are taken from this song, from local favorites THe Hot IQs. The sound guy last night was playing local CDs, including this one, and though I have the CD and have heard the song many times, for some reason it just clicked with me last night, to the point of near obsession. Joe Bob says check it out.

UPDATE:
Another obsession du jour is The Anniversary, who I played the hell out of yesterday and so far today. Here's a link to an mp3 of one of their best songs, All Things Ordinary. Other songs available here, all well worth a listen, even if they are streaming only. Both of their albums are available on Emusic, I wouldn't look for a new one though, they broke up last year.

Alan crosses his arms to front philosophy

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Is she really going to take him home tonight?

Presented as a helpful guide, I can't guarantee that none of these would work.

Lines to avoid when you're drunk and trying to pickup a local musician.

"I like your tattoo of two dogs fucking in a dark room"

"The best part of your set was that cover you did. You should do a lot more songs by that band"

"Your (other band member) is really hot"

"I like your hair, my Mom won't let me dye mine that color"

"I've got a home studio, I bet I could make your vocals sound halfway decent"

"I'm a musician too, my friends and I are in a Manilow tribute band called The Man-Dees. Get it?"

"I'm an A&R guy for (Mom's basement size local record label). Want to come back to my place and give me a "showcase"?"

"Did you play already?"

"I've got irritable bowel syndrome and the bathrooms here are gross, can I use the one at your place?"

"I don't have any money or drugs, but I know a guy if you want to buy some for the both of us"

"Would you like to hear my testimony?"

"I'm a freelance rock journalist"

"Hi, my name's Poindexter"

"That amp sure looks heavy, make sure you lift with your legs"

"If you're nice to me I'll blog about your show"

Alan thinks there's something going on around here

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You look as if you're going somewhere

Why yes, I am. And it's out of the room while Dancing with the Stars is on.

Why yes, I'm going to see The Hold Steady tomorrow night.

First we take Manhattan, then we take Berlin.

Your birthday is coming up, and I'm going coffin shopping.

Just going out for a restraining order some cigarettes.

Straight to the moon, Alice!

Going downtown, gonna see my girl, put her left leg over my shoulder.

To where they have bees and flowers and chirping birds. And I'll be happy to see those nice young men in their clean white coats.

To the Larimer for $1 PBRs after work. Who's with me?

Alan just can't convince himself

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I saw them stars go off at night

Saw Spoon last night, absolutely fantastic show. The played about 90 minutes, counting both encores, and might have played longer if it weren't an all-ages show which means everyone had to be out at midnight. They seemed to be having a lot of fun on stage, which always makes things better for everyone concerned. They ended up playing all but three songs from the new album, and lots of stuff from the others. Highlights for me were I turn My Camera On, and The Two Sides of Mister Valentine from the new album, and Lines In the Suit from Girls Can Tell.

It was at the Gothic, a venue which I am ashamed to say I have been avoiding for a long time, since the last time I was there it was still 70 year old movie theatre seats that were in lousy shape. It's been completely remodeled and is really pretty special. Capacity is probably 600-700, but it's well laid out for giving as many people a good sight line as possible, especially from the balcony, where I sat on a comfy padded stool directly behind the sound board and about 6 feet higher than it. My only complaint with the layout is that it was about 2 flights of stairs from there up to the bar and restrooms, where the projection booth used to be.

The Clientele, who opened the show, played a good and mostly pretty quiet set, though when they did rock out, they did it very, very well. I wasn't familiar with their work, but do plan to check out some of their recordings.

RANT: To the various and sundry folks shouting near and around me during various portions of Spoon's set. If you have to yell to be heard over the band, perhaps it's a sign that you're in an inappropriate venue for conversation. I would probably never pitch someone off the balcony, since that would almost certainly mean an end to the show, but that was one of the few things holding me back. Well, that and fear of the legal system.

In other news, I'm planning on creating a series of short films to sell to the History Channel for obscene amounts of money. Each will be a re-creation of a famous Civil War battle, with kittens cast as the Confederate and puppies as the Union soldiers. If those do as well as I expect, I'll do the War of the Roses with monkeys and penguins. Interested venture capitalists may contact me here.

Alan is going to keep on showin em out


P.S. I hate the fact that the link for cuts appears on the bottom of every post, but I don't think there's a way to fix it and still do cuts. Perhaps at some point I'll make it decorative and do something like Click Me -> when appropriate.

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I tried to hold you back but you were stronger

Today's meme is stolen from Eric. Mostly I wanted to see if this cut thing is working (Instructions for other Blogger users here).

1.) Copy this list into your blog.
2.) Bold what is true.
3.) Leave plain what is false.
4.) Add something at the end.
5.) Be nice and put it behind a cut


001. I miss somebody right now.
002. I watch more tv than I used to.
003. I love olives.
004. I love sleeping.
005. I own a home.
006. I wear glasses or contact lenses.
007. I love to play video games.
008. I've done something illegal.
009. I've watched porn movies.
010. I have been in a threesome.
011. I have been the psycho-ex in a past relationship
012. I like my handwriting.
013. I have acne-free skin. usually
014. I like and respect Al Sharpton.
015. I curse frequently.
016. I have changed a lot mentally over the last year.
017. I have a hobby.
018. I've been to another country.
019. I carry my knife/razor everywhere with me.
020. I'm really, really smart.
021. I've never broken anyone else's bones.
022. I have a secret that I am ashamed to reveal.
023. I love rain.
024. I'm paranoid at times.
025. I would get plastic surgery if it were 100% safe, free of cost, and scar-free.
026. I need money right now.
027. I love sushi.
028. I talk really, really fast sometimes.
029. I have fresh breath in the morning.
030. I have semi-long hair.
031. I have lost money in Las Vegas.
032. I have at least one brother and/or sister.
033. I was born in a country outside of the U.S.
034. I shave my legs.
035. I have a twin.
036. I couldn't survive without Caller I.D.
037. I like the way that I look.
038. I have lied to a good friend in the past 6 months.
039. I know how to do cornrows.
040. I am usually pessimistic.
041. I have mood swings.
042. I think prostitution should be legalized.
043. I think Britney Spears is pretty.
044. I have cheated on a significant other.
045. I have a hidden talent.
046. I'm always hyper no matter how much sugar I have.
047. I've been sexually intimate with fewer than ten people.
048. I am currently single.
049. I have kissed someone of the same sex.
050. I enjoy talking on the phone.
051. I practically live in sweatpants or PJ pants.
052. I love to shop.
053. I would rather shop than eat.
054. I would classify myself as ghetto.
055. I'm bourgeoisie and have worn a sweater tied around my shoulders.
056. I'm obsessed with my LJ
057. I don't hate anyone.
058. I'm a pretty good dancer.
059. I don't think Mike Tyson raped Desiree Washington.
060. I'm completely embarrassed to be seen with my mother.
061. I have a cell phone.
062. I watch MTV on a daily basis.
063. I have passed out drunk in the past 6 months.
064. I have never been in a real relationship before.
065. I've rejected someone before.
066. I currently have a crush on someone.
067. I have no idea what I want to do for the rest of my life.
068. I want to have children in the future.
069. I have changed a diaper before.
070. I've had the cops called on me before.
071. I bite my nails.
072. I am a member of the Tom Green fan club.
073. I'm not deadly allergic to anything.
074. I have a lot to learn.
075. I have dated someone at least 10 years older or younger.
076. I plan on seeing Ice Cube's newest "Friday" movie.
077. I am very shy around the opposite sex. I'm very shy in general. Believe it or not.
078. I'm online 24/7, even as an away message.
079. I have at least 5 away messages saved.
080. I have been rejected by someone.
081. I have made a move on a friend's significant other in the past.
082. I own the "SOUTH PARK" movie.
083. I have avoided work to play on LJ.
084. When I was a kid I played "the birds and the bees" with a neighbor or chum.
085. I enjoy country music.
086. I love my best friends.
087. I think that Pizza Hut has the best pizza.
088. I watch soap operas whenever I can.
089.I'm obsessive, anal retentive, and often a perfectionist. about some things, and not others
090. I have used my sexuality to advance my career.
091. I love Michael Jackson, scandals and all.
092. I know all the words to Slick Rick's "Children's Story".
093. Halloween is awesome because you get free candy. And give people free candy!
094. I watch Spongebob Squarepants and I like it.
095. I have dated a close friend's ex.
096. I'm happy as of this moment.
097. I have gone scuba diving.
098. I've had a crush on somebody I have never met.
099. I've kissed someone I knew I shouldn't.
100. I play a musical instrument.
101. I strongly dislike math.
102. I'm procrastinating on something right now.
103. I own and use a library card.
104. I fall in "lust" more than in "love."
105. Cheese enchiladas rock my socks.
106. I think The Lord of the Rings is one of the greatest things ever.
107. I'm obsessed with the tv show "The O.C."
108. I am resentful that I have to grow up.
109. I am an entirely different person around different people.
110. I think the world would be a better place if people just smiled more often.
111. I think Ramen is one of the best foods in the whole world.
112. I am suffering of a broken heart!
113. I am a nerd.
114. No matter where I am or who I'm with, I always seem to be lonely.
115. I am left handed and proud of it.
116. I try not to change who I am for someone.
117. My heart resides below my feet.
118. I have had sex with someone I was not in a relationship with.
119. I enjoy smoothies.
120. I have had major surgery.
121. I have adopted a pet from the SPCA.
122. I am listening to Radiohead right now.
123. Some people call me by a nickname.
124. I once stole a music stand.
125. I like pumpkin pie.
126. I like NASCAR.
127. I own over 200 CDs.
128. I work 7 days a week.
129. I have mono.
130. I don't have the ability to make decisions without changing my mind.
131. People tell me I have a horrible sense of humor.
132. I'm still in my PJs.
133. I'm looking for love in all the wrong places.
134. I have a tendency to fall for the wrong guys, or have them fall for me, so I can't help but reciprocate.
135. I'll try anything three times.
136. I've done drugs other than alcohol or cigarettes.
137. I'm having trouble sleeping.
138. I am a cuddler.
139.I like John Waters films.
140. I have made a pornographic videotape.
141. Sloth is my favorite deadly sin.
142. One of my boobs is bigger than the other though not noticed by others.
143. I know all the words to the "Firefly" theme song.
144. I am abnormally obsessed with all things Buffy/Angel.
145. I love comfort food.
146. I'm a right-winged conservative Christian, and proud of it.
147. I'm Catholic.
148. I can walk a mile without feeling like I'm going to die.
149. I am a college student.
150. I like to cook.
151. I hate vacuuming with a passion.
152. I'm addicted to photography and picture frames.
153. I have performed in the Rocky Horror Picture show.
154. I generally get along with my parents.
155. I like Shakespeare.
156. I like to sing.
157. I'll take the Pepsi Challenge any day, and STILL pick Coke!
158. I have things that I want to say to people, but I won't/can't because I don't want to hurt/be hurt by them.
159. I'm not "mainstream" when it comes to religion
160. I've counted down the days until the summer.
161. I've fulfilled someone's dare at a party or gathering.
162. I challenge people to duels, and when I do, I mean it.
163. I was pigeon-toed at one point in my life. i think i still am
164. I love Digimon and wear goggles to school.
165. I have been to an anime convention.
166. I constantly have my head in the clouds daydreaming.
167. I am addicted to roleplaying.
168. I was in labor for 30 hours with no pain medication.
169. I own more than three items of vinyl clothing.
170. I read hardcore Christian Bible Tracts because I think they're funny.
171. I hate to drive.
172. I'm unemployed but would rather sit on my butt and play video games than look for a job.
173. I come from a southern, highly religious family and have chosen to keep a major part of my life secret from my family for now.
174. I have a serious taste for older men.
175. I had a happy childhood.
176. I have an unhealthy obsession with certain child actors.
177. I am an only child.
178. I have more than five different lotions on my desk right now.
179. I have a more active online social life than IRL.
180. Sometimes, I actually like my job.
181. I love animals, and have had at least one pet.
182. I love writing letters.
183. I haven't had sex with a lot of people, but I've had a really wide range of sexual experiences with those few.
184. I don't bleed, I percolate.
185. I sleep the entire day but am awake all night long.
186. My two children were born in the same month.
187. I like the taste of blood.
188. I do not know how to swim.
189. I know how to shoot a gun!
190. I am currently pregnant with my first baby!
191. I flew to another state when I was underage without asking/telling my parents.
192. I've experienced natural childbirth.
193. I am a HUGE "Sex and the City" fan.
194. I am currently experiencing physical pain
195. I've lost time at work this week because my car was encased in an ice flow.
196. I'm looking for a new job that I actually like.
197. I am OCD about at least one thing.
198. I have a child named after a fictional or mythological character.
199. I have made something homemade for someone else.
200. I have gone white water rafting.
210. I now live over a thousand miles from where I grew up.
211. I watched Queer as Folk this week.
212. I believe there truly is someone out there for everyone.
213. I was in a band that never played out.
214. I have been in at least one seriously life-threatening situation.
215. I have never owned a car.
216. I've watched 10 episodes of The Gilmore Girls in the past 24 hours.
217. I want to live in a movie. A really great movie.
218. I have written a book.
219. I'm on the "Thank you" or "Acknowlegements" page of more than one published book
220. I don't take my contacts out. ever.
221. If sexuality never came into play, I would totally walk around naked all the time.
222. I have over 300 DVDs.
223. I have purchased an ABBA single on 45.

In other news I'm going to see Spoon tonight, and am really looking forward to it. And three and a half days to go till The Hold Steady at the Larimer.

Alan feels like he wins when he loses

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Love Is Such A Beep Beep Feeling

An idea for a meme came to me in the car on my way to work today. As far as I know it's original, but feel free to take credit if you think you came up with it first and my subconscious is playing tricks on me.

Name three goals you have to which you are either currently or at least occasionally working towards:

1) Being paid to perform music

2) Being able to dance for more than half an hour at a stretch

3) Drinking all the liquor in the greater Denver Metro area


I'm liking the new White Stripes CD a lot. It's not quite as rocktacular as White Blood Cells and Elephant, which start with kickass rock songs (Dead Leaves And The Dirty Ground, and Seven Nation Army, respectively) but I think the songs on this album might be better and more subtle.

One addendum to my weekend report. On Friday when I was down at Lounge, there were probably 7-8 of us milling around a home base table with 5 stools. A visibly pregnant woman came in dressed like a deadhead, and her friends who were all standing and playing pool asked us for one of our stools for her, which we gladly gave them. We were there for probably another 45 minutes during which time the woman smoked at least 3 cigarettes and downed 2 shots, which we found troubling on a certain level.

Alan is celebrating Christmas in the Summertime

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Don't move too fast, people, just take it slow.

I have a new theme song for my life. Went down to a dance club called the Church last night. It's really a cool layout, the main dance floor is what used to be the chapel of a turn of the century Episcopal church, and there are two other dance floors with their own DJs in the basement. My friends wanted to do the retro room, which was really pretty horrible. Mostly bad 90's club mixes of 80's songs, instead of actual 80's dance songs, which would have been much better. I hadn't thought about the possible difficulty of finding a DJ who looks good at a trendy club (which seemed to be the only reason this guy had a gig) who actually has a decent collection of 80's vinyl, but it could certainly explain the meagre selection of what I would consider a decent retro dance number. At one point though, after being chased out of the room once again by chaotic weirdness, we wound up in the hip-hop room, and that DJ had it going on. Including playing "Let's Get Retarded", by the Black Eyed Peas. You may be more familiar with the video version which has the PC lyric change to "Let's Get It Started", but the original is now my aforementioned new theme song.

That was Saturday, Friday I caught a hot set from one of my favorite local bands, Fallout Orphan, at The Walnut Room. Having them dedicate the debut of their kickass cover of "That's When I Reach For My Revolver" to me will not effect my ability to provide an honest and unbiased opinion of their extraordinary talent. Then it was off to Lounge for $1 Old Styles with friends, and a third bar I will not name because after multiple visits I have yet to enjoy myself there, despite the apparent mind control rays that have convinced most of my social circle that it's a cool place.


Alan is moving step by step, like he's into new kid

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Where you been for so long

Greetings and Salutatarians! I haven't been feeling all talky-talk lately, but as always have some opinions to share.

New (to me) albums with how much I want to immediately listen to them again on a scale of 1 to 10 (1 = Can I get my money back for this?, 10 = Let me listen to that just once more before I try something else), and some comments if the spirit moves me.

Hot Hot Heat-Elevator (6)
Slickly produced and fairly boring, especially after the poppy delight of Makeup the Breakdown

Bloc Party-Silent Alarm (3)
Ugh, thankfully I previewed it before I spent any money on it

The Kaiser Chiefs-Employment (8)

Queens of the Stone Age-Lullabies to Paralyze (7)
I'm warming up to this, but it still doesn't have anywhere close to the impact on me Songs for the Deaf (still) does

Starflyer 59-Talking Voice vs. Singing Voice (6)
They've slowed things back down, after engaging my interest with last year's I am the Portugese Blues.

The Go-Betweens-Oceans Apart (8)
Just one listen so far, but I really liked what I heard

Spoon-Gimme Fiction (10)
I'm being good and listening to all the stuff (including this) I got from EMusic last night once through, but as soon as my playlist is over I'm going to listen to this for the rest of the day. My new favorite album of the year.

Shows:
Not too many in this category. did see some great sets from local bands on Memorial day, notably the GEDs (who'll be opening for The Hold Steady a week from today), and The Empties, who are way too good to be 19 year old kids. Last Friday and Saturday nights I saw the amazing Neko Case, who is not only incredibly talented but has truly funny stage patter. I wish I could have afforded to follow her tour, but I console myself with the fact that I would have had to put with the horrific stylings of her opening act, Low Skies. This band has truly nothing going for it. Boring arrangements, stupid lyrics, a lead guitarist whose idea of a solo is deliberate feedback from his monitor, and annoying stage mannerisms.

Books:
Been reading a lot more lately, including some really good stuff. Only halfway through Michael Chabon's The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay, but am loving every minute of it. Just read Blink, by Malcolm Gladwell, which was interesting and thought-provoking, if not quite so much as The Tipping Point. I read The Easy Hour by Leslie Stella on the recommendation of my hero, Mimi Smartypants, and it's delightful, even if it is capable of being characterized as chick-lit. Military SF is one of my guilty pleasures, and I've just read Trading in Danger and Marque and Reprisal, both by Elizabeth Moon, and March Upcountry and March to the Sea by David Weber and John Ringo. The latter two are both available from the Baen free library. When I say I like Military SF, I mean I like some of it. I can't stand a lot of the stuff that's slavishly devoted to the technical details at the expense of plot and characterization, but Moon and Weber are two of my favorites and have yet to disappoint.

Alan went to places unknown

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