Couple observations from this weekend:
*It's not a stereotype that people from Illinois are bad drivers. I had to drive Felicia up north to work this morning and was cut off by at least two drivers, saw a couple others driving recklessly, and was tailgated by another convertible because I wasn't going fast enough in the right lane. And yes, all of those cars had Illinois license plates. They come up to Northern Wisconsin to stay at their hundred thousand dollar log cabins on the lake and drive recklessly I suppose.
*Homemade beer is either really good or really bad. Luckily the stuff I had this weekend was really good. Sweet like New Glarus Spotted Cow, but better.
*Having a beach bash concert is a good idea unless it's in the middle of a field in 60 degree weather and everyone at the concert is over 50.
*The new Smashing Pumpkins album delights me. To a point. The same can be said for Icky Thump.
*An Englishman will not save American soccer. Futbol will not replace football.
*I ran across a download for Bruce Willis' record "The Return of Bruno." I did not download it. I did however snag Fugazi Live at Irving Plaza.
*The Cubs are playing too well for my liking. It's gonna be a tight chase between them and the Crew for the NL Central.
*I've never once opened a Harry Potter novel until today, when I picked up the last Harry Potter book for my mom at Waldenbooks, went to the car, opened it up to the end and read the ending right there in the parking garage.
Now for some music:
Featured Artist: The Coathangers
Atlanta lady post-punks The Coathangers to release self-titled debut full-length on Southern punk and garage rock label Rob’s House Records.
“… womanly post-punk that evokes pre dub-era Slits sounds.” – Creative Loafing
“…simple punk-rock songs that are fun, catchy, vulgar and perverse… simply it’s awesome.” – The Yellow Stereo
The Coathangers are newcomers to Atlanta’s vibrant punk, pop and experimental music scene, but the group has risen quickly through the ranks to become one of the city’s most talked about acts. Since July of 2006 Julia Kugel (guitar/vocals), Stephanie Luke (drums/vocals), Candice Jones (keyboard/vocals) and Meredith Franco (bass/vocals) have hammered out a bat cave crunk-punk dirge that explodes with energy and creativity.
Don’t be fooled by playful early song titles, like “Nestle In My Boobies” and “Don’t Touch My Shit.” These women are real deal feminists, armed with a brash and irreverent sense of humor. They’re more likely to be caught cracking jokes with Andrew W.K. than sharing tea and vegan cookies with Kathleen Hannah’s crew. Simply put, The Coathangers get the party started. They say what they want to say, do what they want to do, and they write songs because they want to have fun.
Philly natives can catch The Coathangers Sunday at Johnny Brenda's w/ Marnie Stern.
The Coathangers - "Parking Lot"
The Coathangers website
Featured Artist: Dubious Ranger
Received an email recently from San Fransisco indie rock outfit Dubious Ranger recently.
According to their not so serious band bio,
Dubious Ranger distills the genius of 70s glam and proto-punk-- the kind
pioneered by the Velvet Underground, Television and David Bowie-- and combines it with the modern, indie-rock sensibilities of groups like Blur, Pavement, and Beck, all delivered with a smirk that's all their own. Over time the band has slowly morphed from a dark and brooding piano-led sound to a jammy and rollicking aesthetic that leaves audiences at their live shows with melted faces and socks rocked clean off. With the June release of their second full-length album, "Even These Things Tell Stories", Dubious Ranger is ready to kick your ass.
Dubious Ranger is sorry.
Dubious Ranger - "Rustic Woodsman"
Dubious Ranger - "Slow Day"
Read more about Dubious Ranger at their website.