Goodbye Summer, Hello SF
I hope everyone had a lovely Labor Day. Mine was all work, but very rewarding. A new privacy fence for my back deck. Pictures soon.
The next album is done. I'll talk more about it as it gets closer to March 2009. Right now, I want to take a break from the last four weeks of work.
What is a great way to take a break from the studio? BLOWOFF in SF, this Saturday night. I played a solo show at Slim's in 1991, and we are looking forward to a cool time this weekend. More great art by Linas.
Catching Up, Slightly
I hope everyone is having a pleasant summer. Mine has been pretty good. As much as I would like to be vacationing in Berlin or Barcelona (or even Rehoboth), I am on the home stretch of mixing the new album. It sounds good.
Yes, it is a guitar album.
Yes, it will be released by Anti- in the US.
Yes, it is set for a February 2009 release.
Yes, there will be band touring next spring.
In the meantime, some fun links.
A nice BLOWOFF article at Advocate.com. The beard is getting bushy.
La Quiete will give you a reason not to write off modern punk.
Ringo Deathstarr and Honey Thief. Shoegaze.
GOOD: Oil Addiction, set to "Genesis" by Justice.
The TIAA-CREF campaign rolls on. I thought seeing the ad every 10 minutes during NCAA Final Four weekend was crazy. They are continuing use of the re-recording of "See A Little Light".
The Rest Of July In Review
Hello blog. It has been too long.
Solo electric shows this Wednesday and Thursday in Hoboken NJ. Maxwell's 30th anniversary series. I played there a lot. I ate there a lot. I lived there (upstairs) for a bit. Maxwell's holds a lot of meaning for me. Tickets here.
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July 4, a fun pool party and cookout co-hosted by Clickboo. Families with children, men with boyfriends, other assorted folks, everyone played well together. Ruphus saved me (and others) from drowning. You have him to thank, for this blog update. Sunday, another pool party, this time in suburban Baltimore. Lots of my MD buds in attendance. The hosting of an NYC pal on Monday, No Age ruling DC on Tuesday, and heavy studio work for the rest of the week.
Saturday, VACATION. Yes, a bona fide vacation - or as close as I get to one. Bear Week in Provincetown MA. Morning, we flew from DCA to Boston, rode the Silver Line T, then ferried over to Ptown. Lots of pals from around the country were on the boat as well; the party was already starting. What had I gotten myself into?
Once the boat landed in Ptown, we walked 6 minutes to our accommodations. The top floor of a bay front house, with an outdoor deck, a grill, a kayak, and direct access to the water. We headed over to check on friends who had rented a house nearby, lunch, then off to the Boatslip for the first of seven consecutive teas. (Don't call it happy hour.) BLOWOFF was scheduled for the following Tuesday night, so it was nice to see the space before hand.
From tea on out, the rest of the trip became one big social event, marked off by a few highlights. Monday, a way too long bike ride, without sunscreen, around the Cape. I never fully recovered from that escapade; I was trying for days to rehydrate. Tuesday's BLOWOFF was incredible fun. More than 1000 people showed up, and many folks were buzzing about it for the rest of the week. Great sets, near full moon over the bay, super fun crowd who came to dance, a special night. Wednesday, Fagbash was good fun. A locals party, mixed crowd, all types of music. Thursday night, a long walk on the breakwater. The moon was bright as a streetlight, and I mut have walked at least a mile out into the bay.
Friday, the R Cruise boat pulled into the harbor. All of a sudden, lots of parents with kids. We skipped out of tea a bit early, even with the rumor of a "surprise" Kathy Griffin set at the Boatslip. Instead, while sitting downtown for tea, we spot Lea Delaria (in the street selling tickets to her own show), Martine Navratllova, and the duo of Russ the Intern (Leno) and (I think it was) KT Tunstall. Oliver, too.
At dusk, a large storm wrapped around the Cape. We walked into the water to watch the sky; rain falling to either side of us, and wind to die for. Another attempt to walk to the breakwater, thwarted by a serious crack of thunder. We doubled back, lounged briefly at Spiritus, then sped up the walk home to make it just before the sky opened up. Hours of heavy rain, lightning, and wind. A great way to close out the sunny week. Bear Week was a fun time spent with a great group of guys. I made a lot of new pals, and played nice with a few folks I don't particularly care for. I spent lots of time and money at Frappo 66, Joe, and Wired Puppy. I still can't believe I made it to all seven tea dances - that is really gay. But that's part of what vacation in Ptown is about.
Pictures can be viewed here.
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Watching Al Gore on Meet The Press, I am angry. Angry that he was cheated out of the White House in 2000. Angry that we have wasted 8 years suffering under two oil guys from Texas. This sucks. If there is any truth to the statement "the sun, in 40 minutes, gives us enough energy to power the planet for a year", what in the hell are we waiting for? The computer revolution is leveling off. Time for another major culture shift. Listening to Al Gore is important. Al Gore is wise to avoid the VP or energy czar spots. He is much more effective as a motivational speaker, a little further from the reach of interest groups.
ATP NY, Thanks MBV!
The news officially broke this morning. We are playing at ATP New York on Sunday, September 21. I have been biting my tongue for a few weeks. Thanks to Kevin, Bilinda, Debbie, and Colm for having us along for the party. If you don't know the back story, spend a moment here, and continue on at your leisure.
The band's influence on me (and many others) is immeasurable. Start here.
This And That
In a transparent attempt to both entertain the reader and avoid finishing vocals for the new album, some links to peruse as the long weekend approaches.
Well known liberal blogger shot 5 blocks from my house. DC is not safe in the summer.
Ian Curtis memorial stone stolen.
Pirate's dilemma. This story (and YouTube clip) reminded me of....
Pictures and power, penned by David Hockney.
