Shot Of Rhythm

[ Tuesday, September 23, 2003 ]

 

As God is my witness, I thought turkeys could fly...

So maybe this death isn't as shattering as Zevon's or Cash's, but I will say that a WKRP In Cincinnati marathon on TV Land was one thing that got me through my transitional first weekend in college. When all the world seemed to be changing, I knew that I could flip on the TV and hang with Herb Tarlick, Les Nessman, Venus Flytrap, Dr. Johnny Fever, Mr. Carlson etc. for a bit.

Hung out with Kurt Vonnegut last night. Yup, you heard me right. He was in town for the Distinguished Lecture Series. which I'm a proud long-time member of. He said a bunch of great stuff (some of which I imagine Mr. C might talk about on his blog, but my personal favorite was when he was asked what inspired him or stoked his fire nowadays. His response:

"Nothing. I've lost my country. The shitheads have stolen it from us."

Amen. Of course, a close second came when he was asked what Democrat he supported for 2004. He sat there, pondering thoughtfully for a second, and then declared:

"I don't give a shit."

Right on...

On the box right now: Nothing, actually, but in 71 short minutes, the new OutKast and Steve Earle records will be fresh in my hands.

Peace...

Dove With Claws [6:43 AM]

[ Sunday, September 21, 2003 ]

 

Viva El Segundo...from the ashes of my favorite Madison band, a new phoenix has risen. Saw them for the first time (the first time they've all played together, right Ken?) yesterday at Madison institution the Willy Street Fair. Popping country roots music with typical flair and eccentricities. The musicianship was top-notch, and any first-gig weaknesses in tightness or arrangements will surely be worked out. It was sad to lose The Junkers, but this makes me think that better things are coming.

By the way, some street musician was bitching at me and Mr. C for having the audacity to be playing 15 feet away from him. We honestly didn't even know he was there, and it was clear - on determining how exactly far it was - that we were farther away than even that number suggests. We were vindicated by the punk-rock kids who were waiting for the bus near where we were sitting, who turned to us after this little wiener's tirade and said (loud enough for him to hear it) "what a JACKASS." We were also vindicated later when we came back and saw, in very near our former position 15 away from said jackass, a BAGPIPER. Bagpipes are just about the loudest instrument in the world, and the sense of poetic justice was not lost on us.

On the box right now: Solomon Burke, HOME IN YOUR HEART

Peace...

Dove With Claws [8:39 AM]