At age 40, Ricky Gervais came out of nowhere to revolutionize both television and comedy with his BBC series The Office. He has proved time and again, on chat shows and award shows, podcasts and in other people's movies, to be one of the funniest humans around. Both of his TV series were funny and rewarding. So how did he end up writing, directing and starring in The Invention of Lying, just another predictable, clichéd, unfunny dog of a movie?
The essential ingredient to making good comedy is time. As a character in Woody Allen's Crimes and Misdemeanors notes, "Comedy is tragedy plus time." It's part of human nature to deal with a tragedy, like an exploding space shuttle, with humor; it's essential to our survival. But it's a different kind of time that is necessary for most comedy. Most comedies fail because not enough time is put into writing the script.
Jane Krakowski can be funny on 30 Rock because she has good material. Moviemaking requires months of 18-hour days, yet most comedies seem to have been written in a week. Though it seems foolish now, I cannot deny that I have seen both Extract and The Invention of Lying. Both movies were fairly well-reviewed, and both were written by one of my favorite comedy makers. So why, oh why, were both about as funny as Precious?
Mike Judge is the visionary behind Beavis & Butt-Head, King of the Hill and Office Space. Find me a writer with a better ability to turn relatable, banal real life into comedy gold and I'll be there to cheer 'em on. So why is his most recent work, Extract, an implausible, dull, misogynistic loser that looks like it was filmed in 1971?
Movies can seduce you with a witty trailer and an appealing poster, only to turn out to be a hot mess, like an eHarmony personal ad that leads to an awkward date at T.G.I. Friday's. But other movies, like the Coen brothers' masterful A Serious Man, can be exciting and thought-provoking long after the credits roll.
It's my fault, I know. I've been fooled many times, sitting through painfully stupid movies starring Chris Rock, Steve Martin, Jim Carrey, Will Ferrell or Bill Murray. I love comedy so much that I've wasted probably 200 hours of my life hating bad comedies. Some wake up every day and have a cigarette; I wake up every day glad that I haven't seen Mike Myers in The Love Guru. (And I proudly own a DVD copy of the Don Knotts movie The Love God).
Every week, I record Saturday Night Live, praying for at least two minutes of genuine mirth and rarely getting more. I don't understand why they can't write fewer fart sketches and book more comedians who have time-tested material ready and waiting for a national audience. In the past, they have helped expose comics like Andy Kaufman and Steven Wright, and the republic didn't fall.
If Woody Allen has made a dozen horrible movies, he has also made a dozen of my very favorites as well. The Coens hit a homer this time, but only after failing three of their last four outings. A glance at movie comedies that work shows that creativity and risk-taking really do pay off. Whether it's The Hangover or Caddyshack, Airplane! or Some Like It Hot, those willing to risk offending a few to make the rest of us laugh have certainly done well.
Sometimes I think that comedy is mad at us. Really, though, a bunch of lazy people are just exploiting their good name and our need to have a good laugh to make more money for themselves. In 2010, I resolve to avoid any Eddie Murphy, Robin Williams or Adam Sandler movie that won't be funny for as long as it takes me to eat my popcorn.
C. 2009 Velocity Weekly
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Wednesday, December 02, 2009
Column #7: Peace, love, joy, books and DVDs
I believe in presents. Thank you, Gap ad, for reminding me that this is the season of not only Christmas, but also Hanukkah and, yes, you too, Kwanzaa. If not for your appearance on my TV screen every minute, perhaps I might have forgotten about this most holy time of the year. Or, perhaps not. I look forward to this annual rite of merchandising for two reasons. One, time off. How the U.S. of A., the home of the guy who decided to merge bacon and mayonnaise, also became the home of the “work ethic” while Europeans and Latin Americans get six weeks off every year and take three-hour lunch breaks every day while we scarf down our Cheetos and Coke lunches in 15 minutes is, simply, horrifying.
That day off after Thanksgiving is awesome, of course. Getting both Christmas and Boxing Day off is also nice. However, nothing is more wonderful than getting presents. Family? Please. Togetherness? That's stupid. Love? Yawn. The 20th anniversary edition of Say Anything? Cool! Is it as exciting as the Nirvana: Live at Reading DVD? Why not ask for both?
I was raised by people who consider themselves to be Jewish. You might think that being raised Jewish is easy, but for the most part it just leaves us jumpy every time we hear someone say the word “Jew,” or even a word that merely sounds like it. We see the world that's divided into Jews and “everyone else.” Through the years, I have considered whether this may or may not be a viable option for me. Ultimately, it has become obvious that I must finally go my own way; not united but not divided with anyone else. I know now that what I am can only truly be called a "Presenterian."
Hanukkah is a pretty good deal, sure. Eight gifts over eight nights, that would be more than enough for some folks. However, I say, “Why stop there?” In my single days, there would be the occasional night when I would order a pizza, and then eat it, all by myself, in one sitting. Not just a slice or two, the whole thing, not even leaving a slice for lunch the following day. Thankfully, and despite this, I eventually found a woman who accepted me, mostly. Even better, she isn't Jewish — which meant that I was now eligible for Christmas presents on top of Hanukkah presents.
I mean, I'm not saying that we got married because of that. Or because a wedding meant lots of presents. But I didn't mind those things. No one does. It's a fact that Gandhi loved getting leg warmers and a new tie every year for Christmas. Marrying into a large gentile family means getting so many more gifts than I ever got before. Even better, I can boast freely about that here, because most of them don't even read my column.
Speaking of togetherness, I must take a moment here to complain about those fat cats in Hollywood. They know that we're going to be stuck sitting on couches with uncles and cousins for hours at a time, so why do all the good TV programs go into reruns or on hiatus during the holidays? I would rather share a fresh episode of Breaking Bad or Project Runway than kill time with Hallmark Presents: A Dog Named Christmas. Also, how come the fun movies like The Hangover and Up come out in the summer, while the dark, tragic movies like Precious come out now, when we're bonding as a family? Do the math, Hollywood.
I'm just glad that during this very special time of the year we remember what's truly important — me getting that new book about “The Simpsons” that I've been looking forward to reading.
c. 2009 Velocity Weekly
That day off after Thanksgiving is awesome, of course. Getting both Christmas and Boxing Day off is also nice. However, nothing is more wonderful than getting presents. Family? Please. Togetherness? That's stupid. Love? Yawn. The 20th anniversary edition of Say Anything? Cool! Is it as exciting as the Nirvana: Live at Reading DVD? Why not ask for both?
I was raised by people who consider themselves to be Jewish. You might think that being raised Jewish is easy, but for the most part it just leaves us jumpy every time we hear someone say the word “Jew,” or even a word that merely sounds like it. We see the world that's divided into Jews and “everyone else.” Through the years, I have considered whether this may or may not be a viable option for me. Ultimately, it has become obvious that I must finally go my own way; not united but not divided with anyone else. I know now that what I am can only truly be called a "Presenterian."
Hanukkah is a pretty good deal, sure. Eight gifts over eight nights, that would be more than enough for some folks. However, I say, “Why stop there?” In my single days, there would be the occasional night when I would order a pizza, and then eat it, all by myself, in one sitting. Not just a slice or two, the whole thing, not even leaving a slice for lunch the following day. Thankfully, and despite this, I eventually found a woman who accepted me, mostly. Even better, she isn't Jewish — which meant that I was now eligible for Christmas presents on top of Hanukkah presents.
I mean, I'm not saying that we got married because of that. Or because a wedding meant lots of presents. But I didn't mind those things. No one does. It's a fact that Gandhi loved getting leg warmers and a new tie every year for Christmas. Marrying into a large gentile family means getting so many more gifts than I ever got before. Even better, I can boast freely about that here, because most of them don't even read my column.
Speaking of togetherness, I must take a moment here to complain about those fat cats in Hollywood. They know that we're going to be stuck sitting on couches with uncles and cousins for hours at a time, so why do all the good TV programs go into reruns or on hiatus during the holidays? I would rather share a fresh episode of Breaking Bad or Project Runway than kill time with Hallmark Presents: A Dog Named Christmas. Also, how come the fun movies like The Hangover and Up come out in the summer, while the dark, tragic movies like Precious come out now, when we're bonding as a family? Do the math, Hollywood.
I'm just glad that during this very special time of the year we remember what's truly important — me getting that new book about “The Simpsons” that I've been looking forward to reading.
c. 2009 Velocity Weekly
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Second Story Man bio
In 1998, the bohemian-suburban intersection of Louisville, KY, was rocked by the inhuman birth of Second Story Man. The band, named after a term for thieves, began as a revolutionary two woman / two man tag team tandem, a mash-up of 1967 idealism and 1977 DIY punk rock righteousness. In a town that has always reflexively run to the next hardcore show, Second Story Man's melodic, dynamic, heartfelt, independent, all ages rock & pop was destined to stand out. Today, 11 years later, they thrive as leaders and inspirations for citizens both older and younger. Justin Davis replaced Kelly Scullin on bass in 2004, but otherwise the power trio of drummer Evan Bailey and guitarists Jeremy Irvin and Carrie Neumayer have remained bonded together by music.
Having toured with influential favorites such as Sebadoh and Shipping News, Second Story Man continue to expand the parameters of the possible and the pogo-able. 2009's Screaming Secrets is their third full-length album and their first for Noise Pollution. Recorded with Kevin Ratterman (Elliott, Wax Fang) in his family's funeral home, it has been rumored that this album is their most definitive work to date.
Having toured with influential favorites such as Sebadoh and Shipping News, Second Story Man continue to expand the parameters of the possible and the pogo-able. 2009's Screaming Secrets is their third full-length album and their first for Noise Pollution. Recorded with Kevin Ratterman (Elliott, Wax Fang) in his family's funeral home, it has been rumored that this album is their most definitive work to date.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
The 2009 Louisville Holiday Gift Guide
Struggling to find the perfect gift for everyone on your list? We turned to the experts for help.
Dot Fox is the clothing store where your hip, hot older sister shops. While they carry clothing for both women and men, the women's fashions are what they are most known for around town. The men's items help our unshaved, craft beer-drinking boys look better than they should, but the women's fashions are the ones that get heads turning on Bardstown Road and all points east.
Sarah Smith is a personable, helpful gal who looks like Dot Fox’s customers hope to look – stylish, classy, adult, yet relaxed, fun and adventurous. She quickly recommends agate belts by Kaymen B ($48), a "really cool" brand that makes western-style belts in various colors. The look is versatile, stylish in the city and practical in the country.
On the more expensive end ($116), pink studio women’s boots by Ismaela are a similar item. The suede boots will wow onlookers at night, at a fancy dinner or at the local dive bar, while also functioning well at a picnic lunch in horse country. As an investment piece, you won’t lose with these girls.
For both fashion-forward women and their metro men, Sock it to Me Socks work for both women & men. Made from a cotton and polyester blend, the “really awesome” socks run $8 and are available in many colors.
A Bess Vane crochet hat with a hooded neck ($54) keeps it local. Vane’s Etsy page boasts that her hats “will keep you warm while making you look awesome.”
Jeremy Paulin manages the Neutral Zone in the East End. It can’t be an easy job, as the U of L and UK stores are in two separate stores in the same shopping plaza, divided only by a Wal-Mart neighborhood store. Doesn’t sound very neutral to me! To further the divide, Paulin takes me around the U of L store, assisted by the contributions shouted by the lively ladies working behind the counter.
A nice and well-mannered man, Paulin’s first stop is nonetheless in front of the Christmas “rival ornaments”. I don’t know if an ornament of a Cardinal choking a Bluecat is exactly what Santa had in mind when he created Christmas, but it’s pretty funny. If you want to prove how loyal you are to our city’s top athletes who aren’t Muhammad Ali, they’re only $17, a fair price considering how much your friends will appreciate the fighting spirit and blunt humor of the item.
Though they have many popular clothing items, Paulin declines to list any as they are harder to keep in stock. Their most popular item is the Cardinal Gnome ($23.95), an adorable little friend with a grey beard and a red cap who can, indeed, be seen from PRP to Shelbyville.
For those more practical in mind and intent, a Cardinal computer mouse ($36.95) will help remind you what you are living for every time you look down at it. The 3-button scroll-wheel is also good for UK fans, for whom looking down at it can be even more symbolic…
A surprising gift for your gourmet-minded friends comes in a twelve-ounce bag. Cardinal coffee made exclusively by the local Java Brewing Company ($10) can help transform you from fan to barista and back again. Just don’t share any with your rivals.
Dandelion may have found the perfect location for their store, what they call “your home for modern living and gift giving.” The Vogue plaza is close enough to the Highlands to service young, boho chic folks, the recent college grads who are ready to grow up a little but don’t want their home to look like a retirement center. On the edge of St. Matthews, Dandelion is even closer to those who want to be a little artsy without getting too funky.
“We’ve sold a lot of these,” says owner Andie Frisbee about their mugs decorated with all of the signs of the Zodiac ($18). “They have really great graphics on them.” Indeed, the colorful containers pop out at the eye; your first impression is of the brightness, and you realize later what is on them.
The Kentucky Bourbon Cocktail Book is the new instant classic book by Jack’s Lounge bartender and local legend Joy Perrine in collaboration with former Courier-Journal restaurant critic Susan Reigler. The slim volume ($14.95) is filled with recipes for swinging bachelors, partying parents or just those who like attractively designed objects.
Speaking of whiskey, how about some Whiskey rocks - as in stones. The Teraforma set of 9 is “ideal for chilling your favorite spirit without diluting its flavor,” and according to their website, is milled in Vermont from the oldest soapstone workshop in the US. ($22)
For the young journal keeper or budding poet, Papaya makes seven different journals, all uniquely designed, priced between $16 and $20. You can even walk around Dandelion with it and take notes on what else would look good in your home.
An arts supply store might not be the first place that you think of for a holiday gift, but Preston Arts Center has more tricks up their proverbial sleeve than you might know about.
Manager Lynn Busch agrees that an easel is a sure bet. “People want to buy it for their artist buddy.” Prices vary but are all very reasonable, so whether you have an artist buddy (who can always use more of these) or want to help encourage your mother or son to find a new passion, you can always start here.
Also worth seeking out are canvas panels by Frederick’s (not the negligee company). They are 50% off of various prices through the holidays, many under $10 already.
Kits of all sizes are also on sale, at various prices. You can get paints, brushes and what-have-you, and learn how to cartoon, how to draw pets, or how to draw horses. The whole family can join in on this, which will be even more fun after Uncle Larry’s had a few Hot Toddys.
Whether you are shopping for your child or for the child inside, Busch endorses “Bubber”. Bubber, you say? Wow, that certainly sounds like something fun! Yes, this modeling clay (5 ounces for $12.95) can be as fun as it sounds. “People seem to really enjoy playing with it,” said Busch.
photo by Johnn Rott. c. 2009 Velocity Weekly
Dot Fox is the clothing store where your hip, hot older sister shops. While they carry clothing for both women and men, the women's fashions are what they are most known for around town. The men's items help our unshaved, craft beer-drinking boys look better than they should, but the women's fashions are the ones that get heads turning on Bardstown Road and all points east.
Sarah Smith is a personable, helpful gal who looks like Dot Fox’s customers hope to look – stylish, classy, adult, yet relaxed, fun and adventurous. She quickly recommends agate belts by Kaymen B ($48), a "really cool" brand that makes western-style belts in various colors. The look is versatile, stylish in the city and practical in the country.
On the more expensive end ($116), pink studio women’s boots by Ismaela are a similar item. The suede boots will wow onlookers at night, at a fancy dinner or at the local dive bar, while also functioning well at a picnic lunch in horse country. As an investment piece, you won’t lose with these girls.
For both fashion-forward women and their metro men, Sock it to Me Socks work for both women & men. Made from a cotton and polyester blend, the “really awesome” socks run $8 and are available in many colors.
A Bess Vane crochet hat with a hooded neck ($54) keeps it local. Vane’s Etsy page boasts that her hats “will keep you warm while making you look awesome.”
Jeremy Paulin manages the Neutral Zone in the East End. It can’t be an easy job, as the U of L and UK stores are in two separate stores in the same shopping plaza, divided only by a Wal-Mart neighborhood store. Doesn’t sound very neutral to me! To further the divide, Paulin takes me around the U of L store, assisted by the contributions shouted by the lively ladies working behind the counter.
A nice and well-mannered man, Paulin’s first stop is nonetheless in front of the Christmas “rival ornaments”. I don’t know if an ornament of a Cardinal choking a Bluecat is exactly what Santa had in mind when he created Christmas, but it’s pretty funny. If you want to prove how loyal you are to our city’s top athletes who aren’t Muhammad Ali, they’re only $17, a fair price considering how much your friends will appreciate the fighting spirit and blunt humor of the item.
Though they have many popular clothing items, Paulin declines to list any as they are harder to keep in stock. Their most popular item is the Cardinal Gnome ($23.95), an adorable little friend with a grey beard and a red cap who can, indeed, be seen from PRP to Shelbyville.
For those more practical in mind and intent, a Cardinal computer mouse ($36.95) will help remind you what you are living for every time you look down at it. The 3-button scroll-wheel is also good for UK fans, for whom looking down at it can be even more symbolic…
A surprising gift for your gourmet-minded friends comes in a twelve-ounce bag. Cardinal coffee made exclusively by the local Java Brewing Company ($10) can help transform you from fan to barista and back again. Just don’t share any with your rivals.
Dandelion may have found the perfect location for their store, what they call “your home for modern living and gift giving.” The Vogue plaza is close enough to the Highlands to service young, boho chic folks, the recent college grads who are ready to grow up a little but don’t want their home to look like a retirement center. On the edge of St. Matthews, Dandelion is even closer to those who want to be a little artsy without getting too funky.
“We’ve sold a lot of these,” says owner Andie Frisbee about their mugs decorated with all of the signs of the Zodiac ($18). “They have really great graphics on them.” Indeed, the colorful containers pop out at the eye; your first impression is of the brightness, and you realize later what is on them.
The Kentucky Bourbon Cocktail Book is the new instant classic book by Jack’s Lounge bartender and local legend Joy Perrine in collaboration with former Courier-Journal restaurant critic Susan Reigler. The slim volume ($14.95) is filled with recipes for swinging bachelors, partying parents or just those who like attractively designed objects.
Speaking of whiskey, how about some Whiskey rocks - as in stones. The Teraforma set of 9 is “ideal for chilling your favorite spirit without diluting its flavor,” and according to their website, is milled in Vermont from the oldest soapstone workshop in the US. ($22)
For the young journal keeper or budding poet, Papaya makes seven different journals, all uniquely designed, priced between $16 and $20. You can even walk around Dandelion with it and take notes on what else would look good in your home.
An arts supply store might not be the first place that you think of for a holiday gift, but Preston Arts Center has more tricks up their proverbial sleeve than you might know about.
Manager Lynn Busch agrees that an easel is a sure bet. “People want to buy it for their artist buddy.” Prices vary but are all very reasonable, so whether you have an artist buddy (who can always use more of these) or want to help encourage your mother or son to find a new passion, you can always start here.
Also worth seeking out are canvas panels by Frederick’s (not the negligee company). They are 50% off of various prices through the holidays, many under $10 already.
Kits of all sizes are also on sale, at various prices. You can get paints, brushes and what-have-you, and learn how to cartoon, how to draw pets, or how to draw horses. The whole family can join in on this, which will be even more fun after Uncle Larry’s had a few Hot Toddys.
Whether you are shopping for your child or for the child inside, Busch endorses “Bubber”. Bubber, you say? Wow, that certainly sounds like something fun! Yes, this modeling clay (5 ounces for $12.95) can be as fun as it sounds. “People seem to really enjoy playing with it,” said Busch.
photo by Johnn Rott. c. 2009 Velocity Weekly
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
The Phantom Family Halo interview
Dominic Cipolla is a mainstay of the Louisville music scene, having spread his seed through Starkiller, Dead Child, Sapat and his baby,
The Phantom Family Halo. Their new record, Monoliths & These Flowers Never Die, comes in a gatefold style jacket and a free download card you can redeem for a copy of the entire album. It will be for sale at the show, as well as karatebodyrecords.com, and digitally at thinkindie.com and iTunes. They will be playing on Wednesday, November 25th at 10 p.m. at Lisa's Oak St. Lounge, touring with Russian Circles and Young Widows, then returning home and playing on Friday, December 11th at Skull Alley. The Louisville Beer Store will be hosting a listening party this Friday at 10 p.m.
Where did you grow up? Is your family musical or artistic?
Born in Allentown, Pennsylvania, moved to Chicago at 5 years old, then Louisville at 13 years old... Yes, my grandfather was a clarinet player and several of my uncles were all drummers... apparently my dad has a beautiful voice, but he only sang for my mom.
What is your musical background / training?
Wanted to play drums as early as I can remember, got a drum set on my 8th birthday and have never stopped playing. As far as training goes, I would say discovering my mom and older brother's record collections was a huge part.
Who are your musical favorites/inspirations?
That is a hard question; I guess I like anything with a certain level of believable honesty... and Yoko Ono.
What bands/projects are you currently involved with? How did you get involved with them?
As of now, Sapat is the only other project I am involved in. I started playing with them maybe 5 or 6 years ago. I saw them play and just really wanted to add my thoughts to what they were doing... I love it very much.
What do you hope to achieve with music?
Music is therapy for everything in my life, so I only hope to achieve a even closer relationship with it. It's like a book of potions, learning how to conjure up all kinds of different spells.
c. 2009 Velocity Weekly
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Bowerbirds interview: What's 'nu'?
Out of Raleigh, N.C., come Bowerbirds, a nu-folk (or freak folk, or indie-folk, or whatever) band that is garnering critical raves for earnest hymns about saving the earth and loving each other. "But Bowerbirds' pro-Earth proselytizing is more endearing (and inspiring) than precious or cloying, and if anything, all that earnestness will just make you adore them more," wrote Pitchfork's Amanda Petrusich in granting that influential Web site's stamp of approval.
We spoke with Beth Tacular, who plays accordion and sings in Bowerbirds, in advance of Monday's show at the 930 Listening Room.
Are you OK with the nu-folk label? Do you fear that it sounds like a folkie version of Limp Bizkit? How do you explain your music to your older relatives?
I'm not really sure what to think of that label. I don't really like the word “new” being spelled “nu,” for one thing, because it sort of reminds me of “cool jazz” or something. And besides that, it seems like a sort of vague or meaningless label, sort of like “Americana.” We tell our grandmothers it's like a minimalist Harry Connick Jr. mixed with Lawrence Welk. (It's) acoustic, apocalyptic, ramshackle melodies and harmonies.
There are bands who could be compared to you — The Arcade Fire, Beirut and Bon Iver — who have all had success. Do you enjoy bands like those, or do you spend your time in the van listening to Iron Maiden?
We will obsess over one particular band for a while. Recent examples are Sharon Van Etten, The National, Antony and The Johnsons, Yeasayer. Justin (Vernon) from Bon Iver has been our friend and fan since we released Danger at Sea in spring of 2006, and we were one of the first people to hear his new recordings that would become For Emma, Forever Ago when he showed them to us in May of 2007. We were touring in support of Hymns for a Dark Horse, and opening up for The Rosebuds (Vernon's former band). He handed us his new CD to listen to. He didn't know what he was going to do with it. ...So yes, we listen to Bon Iver. We own a couple albums by Beirut and The Arcade Fire, who are both great, but we also listen to a really wide variety of music. Although I don't think we have ever once put on any metal music in the van, unless our Dutch tour manager had something to do with it. Our favorite young, living musician is easily Joanna Newsom.
Was the process of making your new record, Upper Air, different from making Hymns for a Dark Horse?
We recorded Hymns really quickly, in a few days, at (producer/collaborator Mark Paulson's) house. Upper Air we tried to record over a couple weeks before our monthlong tour with Bon Iver, but then we weren't home for three months, after a two-month European tour, and the new songs had matured by playing them every night, so we re-recorded them. ...It's a more complex album and took longer to record.
How do you coordinate being nature lovers, and being out of step with mainstream America, while maintaining a Twitter and a Tumblr blog and all that modern technology?
There are bad uses for technology and good uses for it. The fact that we are trying to survive as a touring band means that we are reliant on getting people to know about our shows, so we recently discovered that we could use Twitter once a day or so, just to let people know where we are, or if a show is about to sell out, or something like that. Honestly, we'd really rather not feel like we have to keep up with all the technology — the MySpace, Facebook, e-mails, cell phones — but they are sort of necessary for us to make enough money to even be able to tour as much as we do. The Tumblr blog actually makes touring feel more human and makes us feel more connected to other people when we spend the whole day on the road in a car by ourselves, missing other people. We have followed other friends' bands' blogs, and we really like being able to keep up with them that way. We really avoid technology for the most part, as much as we can, when we are home. ...The Internet, as long as you can keep from being addicted to it or using it to just waste away your day, can be an incredible resource for connecting with other people who care about the same things you do, or for learning about things. I wouldn't know half of what I know about, say, contemporary artists, natural healing or DIY cabin building, without the Internet.
While on tour, how often do you get to shower?
Almost every day, which is important, because we sweat on stage, and also like to go running and do exercises on tour. I like yoga, and our new drummer, Yan, is into Pilates. Phil does pushups and sit-ups.
c. 2009 Velocity Weekly
Column #6: Amid TV's altered landscape, you overlooked a gem
TV Guide used to have an annual feature called “The Best Show You're Not Watching.” The concept itself is funny. The acknowledgment that something the editors love is failing (commercially, at least) is akin to acknowledging that your awkward middle school child is considered ugly by most people on the street.
My parents recently asked me what fall shows I am watching. I guess they are still used to decades in which the Big Three networks (CBS, ABC and NBC — before Fox, before the CW, etc.) rolled out their new programs in mid-September. My parents are the only people I know who still watch stuff like Private Practice or think that Boston Legal ended too soon. They stuck with E.R. for all of its 66 seasons. They might not yet have fully adjusted to the idea that TV is now, finally, a year-round game, changed both by the successes of the cable channels and the failures of the networks themselves.
My generation has hardly known a world without The Real World, but otherwise, we grew up with Cosby and Roseanne. The idea that reality programming is here to stay, and that scripted dramas like Damages or Drop Dead Diva — which would have been network shows in the recent past — are boutique cable alternatives now, still seems wrong somehow. It's as if the writers went on strike yet again, but this time it's lasted for a decade. The most popular scripted series on cable now is Burn Notice, which isn't any more edgy or provocative than Magnum, P.I.
It's hard for a network series to live up to the new standards set by those shows exiled to — or freed by being on — cable. A promising comedy like Community has so far played out as fresh as Growing Pains, not even as fresh as Family Ties, and is certainly no Office. Modern Family may help bring smart comedy back to the networks, but no self-respecting fan of Arrested Development can watch it without feeling sad all over again that the Bluths, canceled by Fox too many years ago, can now only be seen in reruns on IFC.
There is no room for debate with me: Mad Men is the best series on TV now. I know that you probably expected a writer with poor vision to say that. I'm not going to say that NCIS is the best just so I can fit in with the red states. Not that I ever would, but now that I finally get to have a president I'm proud of, Mark Harmon can do whatever he wants and I still won't watch it. Mad Men still isn't the most enjoyable show on TV, though. No, that honor goes to The Best Show You're Not Watching: Greek.
Greek, which airs on Monday nights on ABC Family, ended its third season last week. Were you as excited as I was? Probably not. After 54 episodes, not enough has been written yet about the funniest show on TV, one that also manages to be emotionally involving and inventive; it's the kind of series that John Hughes himself would have come up with if he had been born a generation later.
The premise — members of fraternities and sororities on an Ohio college campus — sounded about as appealing as Texas high school football did to me, but, as with Friday Night Lights, the setting is merely an excuse for the storytelling. Though ABC Family sounds like the wrong home for such a show, it's about making a family out of friends when your actual family isn't there for you.
No other show makes me laugh more, not even 30 Rock. No other show can tackle weighty subjects, such as class or sexuality, while also staying so light on its proverbial feet. Start catching up with the DVDs now — the new season will begin in January. Until then, make Greek your new fall favorite.
c. 2009 Velocity Weekly
My parents recently asked me what fall shows I am watching. I guess they are still used to decades in which the Big Three networks (CBS, ABC and NBC — before Fox, before the CW, etc.) rolled out their new programs in mid-September. My parents are the only people I know who still watch stuff like Private Practice or think that Boston Legal ended too soon. They stuck with E.R. for all of its 66 seasons. They might not yet have fully adjusted to the idea that TV is now, finally, a year-round game, changed both by the successes of the cable channels and the failures of the networks themselves.
My generation has hardly known a world without The Real World, but otherwise, we grew up with Cosby and Roseanne. The idea that reality programming is here to stay, and that scripted dramas like Damages or Drop Dead Diva — which would have been network shows in the recent past — are boutique cable alternatives now, still seems wrong somehow. It's as if the writers went on strike yet again, but this time it's lasted for a decade. The most popular scripted series on cable now is Burn Notice, which isn't any more edgy or provocative than Magnum, P.I.
It's hard for a network series to live up to the new standards set by those shows exiled to — or freed by being on — cable. A promising comedy like Community has so far played out as fresh as Growing Pains, not even as fresh as Family Ties, and is certainly no Office. Modern Family may help bring smart comedy back to the networks, but no self-respecting fan of Arrested Development can watch it without feeling sad all over again that the Bluths, canceled by Fox too many years ago, can now only be seen in reruns on IFC.
There is no room for debate with me: Mad Men is the best series on TV now. I know that you probably expected a writer with poor vision to say that. I'm not going to say that NCIS is the best just so I can fit in with the red states. Not that I ever would, but now that I finally get to have a president I'm proud of, Mark Harmon can do whatever he wants and I still won't watch it. Mad Men still isn't the most enjoyable show on TV, though. No, that honor goes to The Best Show You're Not Watching: Greek.
Greek, which airs on Monday nights on ABC Family, ended its third season last week. Were you as excited as I was? Probably not. After 54 episodes, not enough has been written yet about the funniest show on TV, one that also manages to be emotionally involving and inventive; it's the kind of series that John Hughes himself would have come up with if he had been born a generation later.
The premise — members of fraternities and sororities on an Ohio college campus — sounded about as appealing as Texas high school football did to me, but, as with Friday Night Lights, the setting is merely an excuse for the storytelling. Though ABC Family sounds like the wrong home for such a show, it's about making a family out of friends when your actual family isn't there for you.
No other show makes me laugh more, not even 30 Rock. No other show can tackle weighty subjects, such as class or sexuality, while also staying so light on its proverbial feet. Start catching up with the DVDs now — the new season will begin in January. Until then, make Greek your new fall favorite.
c. 2009 Velocity Weekly
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Column #5: Cozy up to some of our city's real treasures
When I was approached about writing a column, I was confused. I had become used to writing as a journalist, and my impression of most column writing was that most of it wasn't much better than Andy Rooney on 60 Minutes. Would I be expected to write items such as, "What's the deal with e-mail?" ("If I wanted Viagra, I wouldn't buy it from a prince in Nigeria!")
I decided to try writing this column as a look at pop culture as it is experienced in our everyday lives. Anyone can review a new record, and I have, many times. I wanted to try to contribute something a little unique — especially today, when millions of self-appointed critics blog all over themselves, I didn't want to have to write, "So, Letterman's in the news. He has a sex scandal? What's up with that?" Instead, I wanted to try to find a way to talk about, for example, how he has influenced me as a humorist, as a writer and as an aging and now-married man. (That's not what this week's column is about, though.)
Pop culture has always been a subject that I've understood easily, and the only one. Math and science come easily to some, but not for me. However, I once won $15,500 in a morning by answering trivia questions on a TV quiz show. (True story).
I spent most of my 20s failing to succeed as a writer in Hollywood. While there, I worked for several years as a product buyer for a record store. My area was anything that wasn't a CD or vinyl — DVDs, books, magazines, toys, candy — that fit into the pop-culture arena. (Our best-seller was a 2-foot-tall James Brown doll that danced to "I Feel Good." The Master P doll did not sell nearly as well.) That job didn't last, though, because many record stores don't, not anymore.
Having spent a couple of years prior at the University of Louisville, I knew this city well. If Louisville had been part of the movie business, I never would have left — and back then, we didn't have groups like the Louisville Film Society, which have been doing a wonderful job of providing us with many interesting movies that otherwise would never screen here.
I had to chase my dream, so I left. When that didn't work out, I returned to Louisville for some of the reasons that had brought me here originally: an amazing music scene, a fertile theater scene, many great restaurants, and numerous other examples of the kind of inspiring weirdness that has spawned heroes such as Muhammad Ali, Hunter S. Thompson and Warren Oates.
People who live elsewhere are always surprised at how much I brag about Louisville. Sadly, even more surprised are some people who have lived here for much longer than I have. So, please, visit Skull Alley (1017 E. Broadway) on Thursday, Oct. 29, at 7 p.m. The all-ages venue is hosting my favorite singer/songwriter in the world, Joe Manning — a guy who lives in our city. I love Joe's music so much that I asked him to sing at my wedding. But that's not all. Also performing are one of my other worldwide favorites, Joe O'Connell, who leads an Indiana collective called Elephant Micah; and Spirits of the Red City, a lovely group based in Minneapolis and featuring two erstwhile Louisvillians.
I hope to use this column to get people to think more about how culture affects our lives, and also to encourage people to discover local artists and entertainers who add so much to our lives here. Fourth Street Live will be there tomorrow. If you want more from life, though, come listen to some locally grown music. I guarantee that it will make you cry for the same reasons that Hank Williams makes you cry, or Nina Simone, or Sinatra — the good kind of cry that makes you feel glad to be alive.
c. 2009 Velocity Weekly
I decided to try writing this column as a look at pop culture as it is experienced in our everyday lives. Anyone can review a new record, and I have, many times. I wanted to try to contribute something a little unique — especially today, when millions of self-appointed critics blog all over themselves, I didn't want to have to write, "So, Letterman's in the news. He has a sex scandal? What's up with that?" Instead, I wanted to try to find a way to talk about, for example, how he has influenced me as a humorist, as a writer and as an aging and now-married man. (That's not what this week's column is about, though.)
Pop culture has always been a subject that I've understood easily, and the only one. Math and science come easily to some, but not for me. However, I once won $15,500 in a morning by answering trivia questions on a TV quiz show. (True story).
I spent most of my 20s failing to succeed as a writer in Hollywood. While there, I worked for several years as a product buyer for a record store. My area was anything that wasn't a CD or vinyl — DVDs, books, magazines, toys, candy — that fit into the pop-culture arena. (Our best-seller was a 2-foot-tall James Brown doll that danced to "I Feel Good." The Master P doll did not sell nearly as well.) That job didn't last, though, because many record stores don't, not anymore.
Having spent a couple of years prior at the University of Louisville, I knew this city well. If Louisville had been part of the movie business, I never would have left — and back then, we didn't have groups like the Louisville Film Society, which have been doing a wonderful job of providing us with many interesting movies that otherwise would never screen here.
I had to chase my dream, so I left. When that didn't work out, I returned to Louisville for some of the reasons that had brought me here originally: an amazing music scene, a fertile theater scene, many great restaurants, and numerous other examples of the kind of inspiring weirdness that has spawned heroes such as Muhammad Ali, Hunter S. Thompson and Warren Oates.
People who live elsewhere are always surprised at how much I brag about Louisville. Sadly, even more surprised are some people who have lived here for much longer than I have. So, please, visit Skull Alley (1017 E. Broadway) on Thursday, Oct. 29, at 7 p.m. The all-ages venue is hosting my favorite singer/songwriter in the world, Joe Manning — a guy who lives in our city. I love Joe's music so much that I asked him to sing at my wedding. But that's not all. Also performing are one of my other worldwide favorites, Joe O'Connell, who leads an Indiana collective called Elephant Micah; and Spirits of the Red City, a lovely group based in Minneapolis and featuring two erstwhile Louisvillians.
I hope to use this column to get people to think more about how culture affects our lives, and also to encourage people to discover local artists and entertainers who add so much to our lives here. Fourth Street Live will be there tomorrow. If you want more from life, though, come listen to some locally grown music. I guarantee that it will make you cry for the same reasons that Hank Williams makes you cry, or Nina Simone, or Sinatra — the good kind of cry that makes you feel glad to be alive.
c. 2009 Velocity Weekly
Thursday, October 08, 2009
Rachel Grimes interview
Rachel Grimes is an amazingly talented pianist, best known for her work with the group conveniently called Rachel's. She is currently promoting her first solo record, and is playing tonight at 21C Museum Hotel. The concert begins at 7 p.m.; tickets are $12 at the door. She agreed to answer a few questions:
Where did you grow up? Is your family musical or artistic?
Grew up right here in River City - Prospect, Crescent Hill, Old Louisville, Highlands, now Clifton.
My brother is a fantastic drummer, and singer. He also plays vibes and guitar. He was with Seluah (SUCH a great record...), and recorded and toured with Rachel's. My father and his mother taught me so much about playing piano by ear, and all the wonderful early stride and show tunes. There were two pianos in the house - at times with four people charging ahead on "St. Louis Blues". My mother is music lover and a closet pianist (I know this having walked in the house unbeknownst...).
What is your musical background / training?
I played by ear until I started lessons in first grade. Not the best student - I preferred to just play movie theme songs than to practice my lessons. In high school I finally got in the groove of really working on Brahms, Beethoven, Chopin. I went to the University of Louisville School of Music and got a degree in composition. I played in bands since I was 16 - Lemonade Hayride, Hula Hoop, Rachel's, King's Daughters & Sons. Spent a lot of time at local shows over the years - what a treasure.
Who are your musical favorites/inspirations?
An impossible list... so many favorites, here are a few:
- would love to have heard live: Ellington and band, Led Zeppelin, Marvin Gaye, Chopin, St. Columbe, Jimi Hendrix, Bill Evans
- so glad I heard live: Bjork, Kronos Quartet, Ralph Stanley
- how did their brain work?: Debussy, Bach, Stravinsky
What bands/projects are you currently involved with? How did you get
involved with them?
I have just helped to form, with Jane Halliday and Daniel Gilliam, "Hear + Now", a music series dedicated to local composers. Our first concert is being presented by 21C on Oct. 8th.
I am currently on tour with my solo record Book of Leaves, and will be playing a few shows with another pianist Sarah Cahill. We decided that even though we have never met, we ought to take the chance to play
some four hands music so we will be playing a Debussy piece called "Pour
L'Egyptienne".
I can't wait to get home and finish working on the King's Daughters & Sons record down at the Funeral Home. It has taken us a while due to schedules and life. We got together because we all knew each other from the lively, interconnected music scene and just had to make some songs and sing together. I have played with Kyle Crabtree before when he went on tour with Rachel's as the second drummer. Shared the bill with Joe Manning, and have recently put some backing tracks on a song of his, "Lately at a Lesser Table", part of the Karate Body White Belt split 7" series.
What do you hope to achieve with music?
I hope to translate honest feelings, textures, colors, imaginings through playing, writing and arranging and wish that the performance or recording will give the listener something unique, meaningful, and enjoyable.
Learn more at www.rachelgrimespiano.com or www.myspace.com/rachelgrimespiano
Rehearsal for Spring from on Vimeo.
Silent Retreat from on Vimeo.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Column #4: He's man enough to admit he loves McConaughey
Let us consider the “man crush.” According to the website Urban Dictionary, it refers to “a man having extreme admiration for another man, as though he wants to be him.”
Next, let us consider Matthew McConaughey.
I've concluded that I am fascinated with Matthew McConaughey because he is the complete opposite of me. He is handsome, rich, popular and beloved. He makes doing his job look effortless always — he never looks like he's trying to be someone he's not, even though that actually is his job.
I think, and I worry, and, frankly, it's gotten me nowhere. If 7-Up is the un-cola, he is the un-me. He is a tall, muscular Gentile. I don't know if he named his son Levi because of the Bible or because of the jeans, and I appreciate that it could go either way.
The first time I realized that there was something special about McConaughey — that he was no ordinary heartthrob like Antonio Sabato or and Josh Hartnett — was when he made an appearance on “The Daily Show” in 2001. His interview aired in two parts because… well, I'll let the show's website describe what happened:
1. “Jon Stewart shows the pt. 1 of his interview with Matthew McConaughey in which they discuss ‘getting ready' and emus.”
2. “Matthew McConaughey tells and acts out a nasty story about goat sex.”
The man represents the good life, ala Jimmy Buffett. His production company is called J.K. Livin. This is short for “Just Keep Livin',” which is his personal motto. Who has a personal motto? That's adorable!
I don't care much for his action movies. Anyone can do that. I don't want to be Harrison Ford — I'm already grumpy. Chuck Norris? We already know what Chuck Norris can do.
No, I love that McConaughey has carved out his own subgenre of romantic comedies. How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, The Wedding Planner, Failure to Launch, Ghosts of Girlfriends Past — his rom-coms seem to be parts of a series, like his own private Bridget Jones. We know that he will play a charming cad who will refuse to grow up — until the end. He will charm parents and children, though he might smoke too much weed, and he will want to spend more time with his bros than with his chick. Christopher Guest might be better known for his unscripted comedies, but I can't imagine McConaughey sticking to anyone else's screenplay, either.
Also, I love that he spent some of his own money to finance a movie called Surfer, Dude, about a “longboarding soul-surfer… (who) returns to Malibu for the summer to find his cool hometown vibe corrupted.”
What happens next, Matt? “He must endure the insanity that comes with no waves or give into ‘The Man.'”
I've always had unpopular opinions about actors. Before McConaughey, I had Burt Reynolds. Burt, though, is much older. Once, I admired Burt for his effortless charm, quick wit and light touch with the ladies. It became too hard to cheer Burt on, though, especially when he does things like pass out in a pool of his own blood after a prescription drug overdose made him fall over and crack his head open. Matthew McConaughey would never find himself in that position — at worst, too many Coronas might make him miss some killer waves.
I can still remember telling a woman in 1996 that my favorite actors were Burt Reynolds and Don Johnson. She laughed at me. A year later, Burt was nominated for an Oscar for his performance in Boogie Nights. (Okay, so Don Johnson never lived up to his potential.)
That's the other thing I enjoy about following McConaughey's career — he's 40 now, and I still can't tell if he'll one day be seen as the next Paul Newman. While I spend way too much time thinking about it, Matthew McConaughey just keeps livin'.
c. 2009 Velocity Weekly
Next, let us consider Matthew McConaughey.
I've concluded that I am fascinated with Matthew McConaughey because he is the complete opposite of me. He is handsome, rich, popular and beloved. He makes doing his job look effortless always — he never looks like he's trying to be someone he's not, even though that actually is his job.
I think, and I worry, and, frankly, it's gotten me nowhere. If 7-Up is the un-cola, he is the un-me. He is a tall, muscular Gentile. I don't know if he named his son Levi because of the Bible or because of the jeans, and I appreciate that it could go either way.
The first time I realized that there was something special about McConaughey — that he was no ordinary heartthrob like Antonio Sabato or and Josh Hartnett — was when he made an appearance on “The Daily Show” in 2001. His interview aired in two parts because… well, I'll let the show's website describe what happened:
1. “Jon Stewart shows the pt. 1 of his interview with Matthew McConaughey in which they discuss ‘getting ready' and emus.”
2. “Matthew McConaughey tells and acts out a nasty story about goat sex.”
The man represents the good life, ala Jimmy Buffett. His production company is called J.K. Livin. This is short for “Just Keep Livin',” which is his personal motto. Who has a personal motto? That's adorable!
I don't care much for his action movies. Anyone can do that. I don't want to be Harrison Ford — I'm already grumpy. Chuck Norris? We already know what Chuck Norris can do.
No, I love that McConaughey has carved out his own subgenre of romantic comedies. How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, The Wedding Planner, Failure to Launch, Ghosts of Girlfriends Past — his rom-coms seem to be parts of a series, like his own private Bridget Jones. We know that he will play a charming cad who will refuse to grow up — until the end. He will charm parents and children, though he might smoke too much weed, and he will want to spend more time with his bros than with his chick. Christopher Guest might be better known for his unscripted comedies, but I can't imagine McConaughey sticking to anyone else's screenplay, either.
Also, I love that he spent some of his own money to finance a movie called Surfer, Dude, about a “longboarding soul-surfer… (who) returns to Malibu for the summer to find his cool hometown vibe corrupted.”
What happens next, Matt? “He must endure the insanity that comes with no waves or give into ‘The Man.'”
I've always had unpopular opinions about actors. Before McConaughey, I had Burt Reynolds. Burt, though, is much older. Once, I admired Burt for his effortless charm, quick wit and light touch with the ladies. It became too hard to cheer Burt on, though, especially when he does things like pass out in a pool of his own blood after a prescription drug overdose made him fall over and crack his head open. Matthew McConaughey would never find himself in that position — at worst, too many Coronas might make him miss some killer waves.
I can still remember telling a woman in 1996 that my favorite actors were Burt Reynolds and Don Johnson. She laughed at me. A year later, Burt was nominated for an Oscar for his performance in Boogie Nights. (Okay, so Don Johnson never lived up to his potential.)
That's the other thing I enjoy about following McConaughey's career — he's 40 now, and I still can't tell if he'll one day be seen as the next Paul Newman. While I spend way too much time thinking about it, Matthew McConaughey just keeps livin'.
c. 2009 Velocity Weekly
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
The Brainy Bunch
Our resident pop-culture guru Peter Berkowitz offers up his ideas about the 2009 Idea Fest lineup:
I live in Louisville because unpredictable events happen here. One is the emergence and evolution of Idea Fest, a four-day celebration of big ideas, new ideas, weird ideas and (hopefully) helpful ideas that might make this world a better place. Or, failing that, a world in which physicists and mathematicians are treated like rock stars.
Given that the concept of an "idea" is a broad one, you can expect to see everything from child prodigies to elder statesmen, cooks to journalists and business executives to farmers.
If that's not impressive enough already, just tell yourself that you're cooler than those nerds, and that smart people get awful lonely 'cause they can't get chicks.
Julian Beever
Remember that time when you saw a crazy story about a European dude who draws 3-dimensional images on the sidewalk which look real but aren't actually, let's say, giant manholes, and you were all, "Woah!"? He's that guy.
Tiffany Shlain
A filmmaker whose very serious new film, Connected: A Declaration of Interdependence, is about being connected and a new dawn and a new era and... I don't know. At least Katherine Heigel isn't in it.
Kjerstin Erickson
My favorite people who appear at this fest are the ones like Erickson, who, at 26, have done more than I will ever do. Her organization works with African refugees. Just like Bono, but in much less annoying fashion.
Kembrew McLeod
The IF speaker whose name sounds most like a starter for the 1974 New York Nets, he's actually an media studies professor from Iowa. Huh. Okay, but he's talking about hip-hop and copyright issues, so that's pretty street, especially for Iowa.
Bert Hoelldobler
This German myrmecologist's topic, "The Superorganism," isn't what you thought it was if you read that too quickly. And no, I don't know what he does. Why do I have to do all the Googling in this relationship? According to the IF website, he is a past winner of the Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Prize of the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft. So there's that.
Leslie Lyons
The photographer, known locally for her "I Live in Louisville" website, will be talking about the impact of T-shirts in our culture. She takes pictures of "real people," not models, which is why she's an artist and not rich.
Bob Berman
The thing about being the most beloved astronomy guy means that you mean a lot to people who obsess over astronomy, but very little to 97 percent of the human race. (Kind of like being the most famous writer for your local newspaper).
Daniel Roth
His ideas about how harsh economic realities can lead to bold new ideas is probably a year or two ahead of its time, but hey, any port in a storm.
Chris Turney
The topic is climate change. Go to this either to be terrified, or to yell right-wing taunts at him. Something for everyone.
A. J. Jacobs
You know that guy who wrote that Esquire magazine piece about spending a year reading the dictionary? That guy. (Actually, it was the Encyclopedia Britannica. Whatever.)
Ahn Trio
A song of theirs was used on So You Think You Can Dance. That's the classical music equivalent of saying that my mom knows who Kate Capshaw is because she married Steven Spielberg.
Moira Gunn
The host of NPR's Tech Nation will explain why my parents can't work their cell phone, and how the robots will enslave us all by the year 2020.
Daan Roosegaarde
From the Netherlands - as you might guessed - a discussion about architecture in the modern era. You people with ideas are really into how things affect us today, aren't you?
Marc Yu
A ten-year-old master pianist is great and all, but I bet he doesn't even have a clothing line or a reality show yet.
John McPherson
I clearly don't need to attend a lecture on the power of humor... even if his comic, Close to Home, is in 700 papers and I'm writing about... him. Maybe I can learn something after all.
Paul Osterlund
The former Intel exec now leads the Abundance Farming Project. If I had lots of money, I'd totally do noble things, too. Who needs a palace in the south of France, anyway?
Kulapat Yantrasast
The co-founder of wHY Architecture, which is renovating our Speed Museum, has a name that would be good for a British psychedelic band, which has nothing to do with what we're talking about here, but interesting nonetheless.
Anthony Bourdain
The chef, writer and host of the Travel Channel's No Reservations is many home cook's guide to a world of gastro wonders, with an endless curiosity and the attitude of an old New Yorker rocker.
Will Allen
An "urban farmer", Allen is the CEO of Growing Power, which has some good ideas about distributing healthy food. He even won a MacArthur genius grant. Someone needs to ask him why it's still so hard to find any healthy food in most urban neighborhoods.
Marjorie Garber
The Harvard professor's book, Shakespeare and Modern Culture, addresses the subtle genius behind modern interpretations of the Bard. I desperately want to know what she thinks of the movie 10 Things I Hate About You.
Po Chi Wu
If you want to be reminded that China is and will continue to kick our ass during this century, come listen to him explain why. Maybe he'll feel sorry for you and hand out $100 bills, just because he can.
Dana Canedy
Canedy is a senior editor for The New York Times, which means that I will never work for her. The Radcliff, Ky. native will discuss her memoir, A Journal for Jordan, about losing a loved one to war.
Naomi Tutu
Bishop Desmond Tutu's daughter will talk about human rights, violence against women and how much fun it is to be named "Tutu".
Daniel Jones
The co-founder of Louisville's 21st Century Parks program discusses green living and his vision for a future in which... I dunno, new trees will be made out of old tires and all litterers will be executed? I hope so, that would be awesome!
Lee Dugatkin
The U of L biology prof returns to discuss his new book, Mr. Jefferson and the Giant Moose, which is about "the evolution of goodness." Which sounds plausible until you realize that his book will sell 2 million fewer copies than Ann Coulter's last one.
Dr. Richard Kogan
Also returning with a new idea, the piano playin' psychiatrist will play some Tchaikovsky while exploring the relationship between "creative" and "batspit crazy". (Spoiler alert: what gets you arrested at the office supply store can also lead to some fresh tunes).
c. 2009 Velocity Weekly
I live in Louisville because unpredictable events happen here. One is the emergence and evolution of Idea Fest, a four-day celebration of big ideas, new ideas, weird ideas and (hopefully) helpful ideas that might make this world a better place. Or, failing that, a world in which physicists and mathematicians are treated like rock stars.
Given that the concept of an "idea" is a broad one, you can expect to see everything from child prodigies to elder statesmen, cooks to journalists and business executives to farmers.
If that's not impressive enough already, just tell yourself that you're cooler than those nerds, and that smart people get awful lonely 'cause they can't get chicks.
Julian Beever
Remember that time when you saw a crazy story about a European dude who draws 3-dimensional images on the sidewalk which look real but aren't actually, let's say, giant manholes, and you were all, "Woah!"? He's that guy.
Tiffany Shlain
A filmmaker whose very serious new film, Connected: A Declaration of Interdependence, is about being connected and a new dawn and a new era and... I don't know. At least Katherine Heigel isn't in it.
Kjerstin Erickson
My favorite people who appear at this fest are the ones like Erickson, who, at 26, have done more than I will ever do. Her organization works with African refugees. Just like Bono, but in much less annoying fashion.
Kembrew McLeod
The IF speaker whose name sounds most like a starter for the 1974 New York Nets, he's actually an media studies professor from Iowa. Huh. Okay, but he's talking about hip-hop and copyright issues, so that's pretty street, especially for Iowa.
Bert Hoelldobler
This German myrmecologist's topic, "The Superorganism," isn't what you thought it was if you read that too quickly. And no, I don't know what he does. Why do I have to do all the Googling in this relationship? According to the IF website, he is a past winner of the Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Prize of the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft. So there's that.
Leslie Lyons
The photographer, known locally for her "I Live in Louisville" website, will be talking about the impact of T-shirts in our culture. She takes pictures of "real people," not models, which is why she's an artist and not rich.
Bob Berman
The thing about being the most beloved astronomy guy means that you mean a lot to people who obsess over astronomy, but very little to 97 percent of the human race. (Kind of like being the most famous writer for your local newspaper).
Daniel Roth
His ideas about how harsh economic realities can lead to bold new ideas is probably a year or two ahead of its time, but hey, any port in a storm.
Chris Turney
The topic is climate change. Go to this either to be terrified, or to yell right-wing taunts at him. Something for everyone.
A. J. Jacobs
You know that guy who wrote that Esquire magazine piece about spending a year reading the dictionary? That guy. (Actually, it was the Encyclopedia Britannica. Whatever.)
Ahn Trio
A song of theirs was used on So You Think You Can Dance. That's the classical music equivalent of saying that my mom knows who Kate Capshaw is because she married Steven Spielberg.
Moira Gunn
The host of NPR's Tech Nation will explain why my parents can't work their cell phone, and how the robots will enslave us all by the year 2020.
Daan Roosegaarde
From the Netherlands - as you might guessed - a discussion about architecture in the modern era. You people with ideas are really into how things affect us today, aren't you?
Marc Yu
A ten-year-old master pianist is great and all, but I bet he doesn't even have a clothing line or a reality show yet.
John McPherson
I clearly don't need to attend a lecture on the power of humor... even if his comic, Close to Home, is in 700 papers and I'm writing about... him. Maybe I can learn something after all.
Paul Osterlund
The former Intel exec now leads the Abundance Farming Project. If I had lots of money, I'd totally do noble things, too. Who needs a palace in the south of France, anyway?
Kulapat Yantrasast
The co-founder of wHY Architecture, which is renovating our Speed Museum, has a name that would be good for a British psychedelic band, which has nothing to do with what we're talking about here, but interesting nonetheless.
Anthony Bourdain
The chef, writer and host of the Travel Channel's No Reservations is many home cook's guide to a world of gastro wonders, with an endless curiosity and the attitude of an old New Yorker rocker.
Will Allen
An "urban farmer", Allen is the CEO of Growing Power, which has some good ideas about distributing healthy food. He even won a MacArthur genius grant. Someone needs to ask him why it's still so hard to find any healthy food in most urban neighborhoods.
Marjorie Garber
The Harvard professor's book, Shakespeare and Modern Culture, addresses the subtle genius behind modern interpretations of the Bard. I desperately want to know what she thinks of the movie 10 Things I Hate About You.
Po Chi Wu
If you want to be reminded that China is and will continue to kick our ass during this century, come listen to him explain why. Maybe he'll feel sorry for you and hand out $100 bills, just because he can.
Dana Canedy
Canedy is a senior editor for The New York Times, which means that I will never work for her. The Radcliff, Ky. native will discuss her memoir, A Journal for Jordan, about losing a loved one to war.
Naomi Tutu
Bishop Desmond Tutu's daughter will talk about human rights, violence against women and how much fun it is to be named "Tutu".
Daniel Jones
The co-founder of Louisville's 21st Century Parks program discusses green living and his vision for a future in which... I dunno, new trees will be made out of old tires and all litterers will be executed? I hope so, that would be awesome!
Lee Dugatkin
The U of L biology prof returns to discuss his new book, Mr. Jefferson and the Giant Moose, which is about "the evolution of goodness." Which sounds plausible until you realize that his book will sell 2 million fewer copies than Ann Coulter's last one.
Dr. Richard Kogan
Also returning with a new idea, the piano playin' psychiatrist will play some Tchaikovsky while exploring the relationship between "creative" and "batspit crazy". (Spoiler alert: what gets you arrested at the office supply store can also lead to some fresh tunes).
c. 2009 Velocity Weekly
Wednesday, September 09, 2009
Column #3: It's no sale for this bigoted businessman
It's hard not to notice a 60-year-old man with a white ponytail working at a shoe store. He's even harder to forget when he's pressing his phone number into your hand, urging you to call him directly next time you're looking for more Vans slip-ons.
Lester (not his real name) took an instant liking to me because he liked the Bob Seger concert T-shirt that I was wearing. He never asked my name, but immediately started rambling about the Rolling Stones in the early '70s, how the kids today don't know what good music is, etc.
Curiously un-self-conscious, Lester then began complaining about how, “These young people don't even know about Motown, even the…” He looked behind us at an African American clerk and gestured in her direction. “They only know about the rap. It's all noise with the screaming and the anger and all the…” He leaned in and whispered a curse word, as if, otherwise, I wouldn't have known that part of what's bad about rap is all the cursing.
It could've been worse. When the Aug. 4 flash flood overtook our street, it took my car with it. When the insurance company said that they'd send me a check, my sadness turned into sunny delight. Now, though, came the hard part: shopping for a used car.
At the first dealership we visited, in the East End, we saw a promising ride. After a few more trips across the county came up empty, we headed back to look at the first car again.
We took the promising car out on the road. The test drive was going along just fine for the first few minutes. I turned the radio on to my favorite station, Country Legends 103.9. I like most music, unless it's created by corporate pawns with silly names like Miley or Mraz. The salesman seemed glad to find common ground over our mutual enjoyment of country music, and told an overlong story about meeting George Jones.
Exchanging basic pleasantries isn't amongst the hardest chores one faces in life. From the age of 5 or so, we all get a lot of clues from society about how to talk to people we've only known for a half-hour. He was off to a fairly good start.
"Where do you all live?"
"Germantown."
"Oh, yeah? Bardstown Road?"
My wife confirmed this before I could clarify his error.
The next thing you want to say probably isn't what he said next: "I like it over there. There's a lot of good, wholesome white folks there."
To clarify his perspective, he added, "Yeah, I don't care much for darkies myself."
Though you might think that we should've immediately told him how hateful he was, we didn't. We both knew that there wasn't anything we could say to make him understand just how wrong we thought he was. We also both knew that behavior like that catches up to someone pretty quickly. And we both knew that I have the power of the press behind me, to tell this story.
When I admit to stereotyping, it's usually with generalizations such as the following: When I think of people in the East End, I usually don't assume that they might be blatant, unrepentant racists. I also usually forget that country music fans are thought of, by some, as racists.
I like country music, but I also like reggae, salsa and not being a racist.
We left, and found another car for $1,000 more on Dixie Highway. That salesman might have been a racist, too, but if he was, he didn't burden us with his ignorance.
I don't expect to find bigotry in a business where thousands of dollars can depend on personal relationships. Here's an example: I would not buy anything from a blatant, unrepentant racist. I do not care if such a person loses his job — in fact, I look forward to it.
c. 2009 Velocity Weekly
Lester (not his real name) took an instant liking to me because he liked the Bob Seger concert T-shirt that I was wearing. He never asked my name, but immediately started rambling about the Rolling Stones in the early '70s, how the kids today don't know what good music is, etc.
Curiously un-self-conscious, Lester then began complaining about how, “These young people don't even know about Motown, even the…” He looked behind us at an African American clerk and gestured in her direction. “They only know about the rap. It's all noise with the screaming and the anger and all the…” He leaned in and whispered a curse word, as if, otherwise, I wouldn't have known that part of what's bad about rap is all the cursing.
It could've been worse. When the Aug. 4 flash flood overtook our street, it took my car with it. When the insurance company said that they'd send me a check, my sadness turned into sunny delight. Now, though, came the hard part: shopping for a used car.
At the first dealership we visited, in the East End, we saw a promising ride. After a few more trips across the county came up empty, we headed back to look at the first car again.
We took the promising car out on the road. The test drive was going along just fine for the first few minutes. I turned the radio on to my favorite station, Country Legends 103.9. I like most music, unless it's created by corporate pawns with silly names like Miley or Mraz. The salesman seemed glad to find common ground over our mutual enjoyment of country music, and told an overlong story about meeting George Jones.
Exchanging basic pleasantries isn't amongst the hardest chores one faces in life. From the age of 5 or so, we all get a lot of clues from society about how to talk to people we've only known for a half-hour. He was off to a fairly good start.
"Where do you all live?"
"Germantown."
"Oh, yeah? Bardstown Road?"
My wife confirmed this before I could clarify his error.
The next thing you want to say probably isn't what he said next: "I like it over there. There's a lot of good, wholesome white folks there."
To clarify his perspective, he added, "Yeah, I don't care much for darkies myself."
Though you might think that we should've immediately told him how hateful he was, we didn't. We both knew that there wasn't anything we could say to make him understand just how wrong we thought he was. We also both knew that behavior like that catches up to someone pretty quickly. And we both knew that I have the power of the press behind me, to tell this story.
When I admit to stereotyping, it's usually with generalizations such as the following: When I think of people in the East End, I usually don't assume that they might be blatant, unrepentant racists. I also usually forget that country music fans are thought of, by some, as racists.
I like country music, but I also like reggae, salsa and not being a racist.
We left, and found another car for $1,000 more on Dixie Highway. That salesman might have been a racist, too, but if he was, he didn't burden us with his ignorance.
I don't expect to find bigotry in a business where thousands of dollars can depend on personal relationships. Here's an example: I would not buy anything from a blatant, unrepentant racist. I do not care if such a person loses his job — in fact, I look forward to it.
c. 2009 Velocity Weekly
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Column #2: My life as a stand-up guy
The first joke I told to a group of strangers, onstage, was about O.J. Simpson. The only good thing I can tell you about it is that it was in 1997, not last weekend. Well, the other good thing is that they laughed. A little. A little is enough, though, for a fledging comic who has been waiting for this moment for months, years or decades.
There are a few people who know what I did between 22 and 25, and they all want to know if I've seen the new movie Funny People. Are soldiers asked if they've seen G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra? Do cops get asked if they see cop movies? Do you assume that every teacher has seen Kindergarten Cop? Whatever your trade is, if Hollywood has made a movie about it, it probably has only a superficial resemblance to its reality.
I fell into stand-up by accident. I went to L.A. with a simple plan: Get a job writing for a great TV series, then move on to writing and directing movies.
Sounds easy, yes? I was 22 and didn't know anyone there except for some relatives, who, like your relatives, lacked clout in Hollywood. After years of being the weird one, suddenly I was surrounded by 100,000 other guys who looked, thought and talked more like me than I was comfortable with. (The fun house mirror is inaccurately named.)
Where does a writer go? When your task is to stay in a room, alone, producing universally beloved works of art, how do you transfer them from your thoughts into multiple Emmys, Oscars and... hey, do novelists even get awards?
I quickly discovered that in L.A., there are so many people desperate to be seen performing that anything can become a stage: a theater, bar, coffeehouse, book store, hookah lounge — even a laundromat. I also learned that a lot of performers were desperate in general, bitter and exhausting. I didn't want to be sentenced to that life.
I also suffered from stage fright. You know how public speaking is everyone's biggest fear? Imagine doing that in front of a hundred strangers, nightly, for years. It doesn't necessarily get easier. I saw myself improve as a writer the more stand-up I did, but was never able to perform my material as skillfully as it sounded in my mind.
Some people I came up with have had success. Why, only two months ago Zach Galifianakis became a movie star in The Hangover, after 15 years as a comic. Maria Bamford has been on TV a lot lately, thanks to The Comedians of Comedy. Who doesn't find Stephanie Courtney effortlessly delightful as the wacky gal in the Progressive Insurance commercials? Have you ever heard of Elizabeth Beckwith, Jimmy Dore, Martha Kelly, Jordy Fox or Manuel Gallegos? Neither have most people. After that, it gets even less glamorous. Three of the guys I worked with died young, from drugs or obesity.
Elizabeth had a roommate who was a young actress. Linda Cardellini soon landed the starring role in a TV series called Freaks and Geeks. Through her, I met most of the cast. Today, some of those people make a new Judd Apatow movie every month. And though I could see his latest movie, Seth Rogen will probably never again be as funny to me as he was in 1999.
A few hours before I went up onstage for the first time, on a Saturday in April 1997, I rented a movie called Punchline. Bitter veteran Tom Hanks is teaching suburban mom Sally Field how to become a comic. She tries out a joke involving 1970s serial killer David Berkowitz, and he shakes his head.
"Manson is funny - Berkowitz isn't funny." Then, as if I needed to hear his warning again, Hanks repeats, "Manson is funny! Berkowitz isn't funny!"
I don't regret trying, but I'm in no hurry to revisit that world.
c. 2009 Velocity Weekly
There are a few people who know what I did between 22 and 25, and they all want to know if I've seen the new movie Funny People. Are soldiers asked if they've seen G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra? Do cops get asked if they see cop movies? Do you assume that every teacher has seen Kindergarten Cop? Whatever your trade is, if Hollywood has made a movie about it, it probably has only a superficial resemblance to its reality.
I fell into stand-up by accident. I went to L.A. with a simple plan: Get a job writing for a great TV series, then move on to writing and directing movies.
Sounds easy, yes? I was 22 and didn't know anyone there except for some relatives, who, like your relatives, lacked clout in Hollywood. After years of being the weird one, suddenly I was surrounded by 100,000 other guys who looked, thought and talked more like me than I was comfortable with. (The fun house mirror is inaccurately named.)
Where does a writer go? When your task is to stay in a room, alone, producing universally beloved works of art, how do you transfer them from your thoughts into multiple Emmys, Oscars and... hey, do novelists even get awards?
I quickly discovered that in L.A., there are so many people desperate to be seen performing that anything can become a stage: a theater, bar, coffeehouse, book store, hookah lounge — even a laundromat. I also learned that a lot of performers were desperate in general, bitter and exhausting. I didn't want to be sentenced to that life.
I also suffered from stage fright. You know how public speaking is everyone's biggest fear? Imagine doing that in front of a hundred strangers, nightly, for years. It doesn't necessarily get easier. I saw myself improve as a writer the more stand-up I did, but was never able to perform my material as skillfully as it sounded in my mind.
Some people I came up with have had success. Why, only two months ago Zach Galifianakis became a movie star in The Hangover, after 15 years as a comic. Maria Bamford has been on TV a lot lately, thanks to The Comedians of Comedy. Who doesn't find Stephanie Courtney effortlessly delightful as the wacky gal in the Progressive Insurance commercials? Have you ever heard of Elizabeth Beckwith, Jimmy Dore, Martha Kelly, Jordy Fox or Manuel Gallegos? Neither have most people. After that, it gets even less glamorous. Three of the guys I worked with died young, from drugs or obesity.
Elizabeth had a roommate who was a young actress. Linda Cardellini soon landed the starring role in a TV series called Freaks and Geeks. Through her, I met most of the cast. Today, some of those people make a new Judd Apatow movie every month. And though I could see his latest movie, Seth Rogen will probably never again be as funny to me as he was in 1999.
A few hours before I went up onstage for the first time, on a Saturday in April 1997, I rented a movie called Punchline. Bitter veteran Tom Hanks is teaching suburban mom Sally Field how to become a comic. She tries out a joke involving 1970s serial killer David Berkowitz, and he shakes his head.
"Manson is funny - Berkowitz isn't funny." Then, as if I needed to hear his warning again, Hanks repeats, "Manson is funny! Berkowitz isn't funny!"
I don't regret trying, but I'm in no hurry to revisit that world.
c. 2009 Velocity Weekly
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Column #1: Pop culture comes out of the closet
"Don't be jealous of my boogie / don't be jealous of my boogie/you can say that you are not/but I always see you looking," goes the chorus of the song most often sung in my house lately.
Introduced by RuPaul on her latest album, Champion, and on her screamadelic TV series, RuPaul's Drag Race, the song manages to be that rare club song that interrupts the steady stream of bearded folk, jagged post-punk or spicy salsa that resonates most strongly with me.
What distinguishes "Jealous of My Boogie" should be obvious from its very title — the knowing humor that indicates a personality at work, as opposed to the more generic "bangers" produced primarily to increase sales of Red Bull. It's the kind of dance music that Pee-Wee Herman might write.
It makes me feel fabulous that there is now a much wider variety of expression available to all of us. My misspent childhood was full of pop music made by gay folks who were too afraid to admit their truth (George Michael Stipe). Remember those are-they-or-aren't-they Teletubbies and Spongebob Squarepants scandals of last century? Prop 8 or not, we've come a long way.
It's rarely me singing "Jealous of My Boogie." It's usually my wife, altering the lyrics to indicate what our cats are doing, or how much she is enjoying her Snuggie. This is the same wife who has introduced me to some other pop culture that would be clearly identified by the average man on the street as having lots and lots of gayness going on.
I don't especially need her help. Some favorite recent records include those that are somewhat subtle — Grizzly Bear, Mirah — and those that are a bit more obvious — Antony and the Johnsons, The Gossip. (And where do we start with my love for Kelly Clarkson?)
It was I who suggested that we watch Beautiful People, a new series reminiscent of The Wonder Years had Kevin Arnold been an openly gay Spice Girls fan. Both series are broadcast on Logo, a cable channel established by people at MTV who felt that the home of The Hills and The Real World wasn't gay-friendly enough already.
The most recent movie I've seen was Bruno, although said wife declined to join me and my, uh, unmarried male friend at the screening. As much as we enjoyed the movie, what we enjoyed even more was watching a gang of college-aged jocks groaning, shouting and hiding their eyes at all the, uh, action on-screen.
That's not the sort of shock humor that entertains my wife. Where I enjoy, say, Chris Rock and Ricky Gervais, she prefers Chelsea Handler and Kathy Griffin. (Which one of us is from Mars? I forget.) In fact, it's due to her that I've traveled hundreds of miles to see not only Kathy Griffin, but also skinny-jeans-pop lesbian sisters Tegan & Sara in concert. (I doubt that I will ever get her to go see Slayer with me).
What makes RuPaul's Drag Race so highly enjoyable is how it exists on multiple levels. First, as a reality competition, full of fighting and melodrama; second, as a parody of that genre; third, as both simultaneously.
Where peers such as Project Runway or So You Think You Can Dance also function on those levels, what elevates Drag Race is the honest, messy and uncloseted way it shares its reality. (The next best, on a sheer camp level, is Animal Planet's Groomer Has It, the dog grooming competition hosted by a “Queer Eye” guy.) Unlike Bruno, its gayness exists as a simple matter of fact, while being as carefree as the other TV hit hosted by an African-American man who comes across, from an adult perspective, as being very gay: Yo! Gabba Gabba, the Nickelodeon favorite of preschoolers. Those kids don't know, or care, what DJ Lance does after he puts away his toys, but they'll figure it out when they're older.
c. 2009 Velocity Weekly
Introduced by RuPaul on her latest album, Champion, and on her screamadelic TV series, RuPaul's Drag Race, the song manages to be that rare club song that interrupts the steady stream of bearded folk, jagged post-punk or spicy salsa that resonates most strongly with me.
What distinguishes "Jealous of My Boogie" should be obvious from its very title — the knowing humor that indicates a personality at work, as opposed to the more generic "bangers" produced primarily to increase sales of Red Bull. It's the kind of dance music that Pee-Wee Herman might write.
It makes me feel fabulous that there is now a much wider variety of expression available to all of us. My misspent childhood was full of pop music made by gay folks who were too afraid to admit their truth (George Michael Stipe). Remember those are-they-or-aren't-they Teletubbies and Spongebob Squarepants scandals of last century? Prop 8 or not, we've come a long way.
It's rarely me singing "Jealous of My Boogie." It's usually my wife, altering the lyrics to indicate what our cats are doing, or how much she is enjoying her Snuggie. This is the same wife who has introduced me to some other pop culture that would be clearly identified by the average man on the street as having lots and lots of gayness going on.
I don't especially need her help. Some favorite recent records include those that are somewhat subtle — Grizzly Bear, Mirah — and those that are a bit more obvious — Antony and the Johnsons, The Gossip. (And where do we start with my love for Kelly Clarkson?)
It was I who suggested that we watch Beautiful People, a new series reminiscent of The Wonder Years had Kevin Arnold been an openly gay Spice Girls fan. Both series are broadcast on Logo, a cable channel established by people at MTV who felt that the home of The Hills and The Real World wasn't gay-friendly enough already.
The most recent movie I've seen was Bruno, although said wife declined to join me and my, uh, unmarried male friend at the screening. As much as we enjoyed the movie, what we enjoyed even more was watching a gang of college-aged jocks groaning, shouting and hiding their eyes at all the, uh, action on-screen.
That's not the sort of shock humor that entertains my wife. Where I enjoy, say, Chris Rock and Ricky Gervais, she prefers Chelsea Handler and Kathy Griffin. (Which one of us is from Mars? I forget.) In fact, it's due to her that I've traveled hundreds of miles to see not only Kathy Griffin, but also skinny-jeans-pop lesbian sisters Tegan & Sara in concert. (I doubt that I will ever get her to go see Slayer with me).
What makes RuPaul's Drag Race so highly enjoyable is how it exists on multiple levels. First, as a reality competition, full of fighting and melodrama; second, as a parody of that genre; third, as both simultaneously.
Where peers such as Project Runway or So You Think You Can Dance also function on those levels, what elevates Drag Race is the honest, messy and uncloseted way it shares its reality. (The next best, on a sheer camp level, is Animal Planet's Groomer Has It, the dog grooming competition hosted by a “Queer Eye” guy.) Unlike Bruno, its gayness exists as a simple matter of fact, while being as carefree as the other TV hit hosted by an African-American man who comes across, from an adult perspective, as being very gay: Yo! Gabba Gabba, the Nickelodeon favorite of preschoolers. Those kids don't know, or care, what DJ Lance does after he puts away his toys, but they'll figure it out when they're older.
c. 2009 Velocity Weekly
Wednesday, July 08, 2009
Forecastle Band Lineup
It's summer again, time to spend hundreds of dollars to get sunburned among thousands of others trying to hear that new band from Brooklyn that you read about on a blog. That's right, it's festival season!
The Forecastle Festival, now in its eighth year, is the most jambitious festival in Kentucky. While it has not yet achieved the fame, respect or success of festivals such as Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza or Coachella, founder J.K. McKnight has single-mindedly attempted to make a great thing happen in Louisville.
While his intentions are to be praised, nothing in life is perfect, and we are happy to help those attending this year's festival by indicating how to best spend your time – what bands shouldn't be missed, what bands might make you happy while annoying your boyfriend, and what bands will send you running for the nearest beer stand.
Friday
WEST STAGE
Cage The Elephant – All the way from Bowling Green, these fellows have made waves at bigger festivals than this, probably because they sound like nice college boys having fun — imitating Weezer, The Strokes, The Pixies, etc. — and people are easily entertained.
The Whigs – From Athens, Ga., these earnest rockers are a tight, disciplined trio, unfurling new wave melodies with raw power. This is the band Kings of Leon think that they are.
Zappa Plays Zappa – A collection of Frank Zappa alums, this band is led by his famous-because-he-shares-the-same-last-name son, Dweezil, presumably because it's the easiest way they can all make money. It's the kind of jazz-rock fusion you'd hear on a cruise ship, lacking Frank's iconoclastic individuality and purpose.
Pretty Lights – “At a time when music lovers from almost all subcultures, and genres are finding common ground in the basic form of bangin' beats, Pretty Lights is giving the people what they want; electro organic cutting-edge party rocking beats that fill venues with energy and emotion, and send dance floors into frenzies.” From their own bio; I think they're being serious.
The Black Keys – A rock 'n' roll duo from Akron, Ohio, they are better than most at imitating the British Invasion bands who imitated old American bluesmen. Though often classified as “blues-punk,” they really have little to do with either genre, though they do utilize both's concepts of simplicity over flash.
EAST STAGE
Erin Hill and Her Psychedelic Harp with The Space Rats – Though this sounds like a trippy “Muppet Show” sketch, it's really just another kooky lady in the Tori Amos/Fiona Apple mold. This New Yorker plays a harp and might be diverting for a couple of songs.
The Young Republic – From Nashville, these youthful rockers have a lot of energy and a good string section, if not a lot of focus — they can't decide which '90s alt-rock band they want to be: Cake or Cracker or Matchbox 20?
The Lions Rampant – A Cincinnati trio that's at least honest about its influences — Blues Explosion, The Black Keys, etc. — with nary a mention of John Lee Hooker or Muddy Waters on its MySpace page. Fun if you like garage rock bands who sing lyrics like “Give it to me/Give it to me.”
Bad Veins – Another Strokes-ish new wave band, this one from Cincinnati. Decent but uninspired. Their first record's not even out yet, so check back in three years.
Hackensaw Boys – These Charlottesville bluegrass boys do a fine job of infusing their old-timey ideas with modern energy.
The Elmwood Band – Dave Matthews-esque jam rock from Nashville. So… yeah.
Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit – From Muscle Shoals, Ala., the ex-Drive By Trucker is working hard out there to be Wilco and not Son Volt. Credit is due to a man who tries to make music based not just in rock, but soul and country as well, aware of history but living in the present.
Saturday
WEST STAGE
The Detroit Cobras – John Waters' waking dream, this band of mostly women is a ferocious, fun group that tears up obscure soul songs with wit and skill. A highlight for music lovers of all ages.
The New Mastersounds - I don't get how none of the faux-freaks who love so-called jam bands listen to actual jazz, yet somehow can appreciate a well-done approximation of the real thing like this. These Brits have played with Lou Donaldson and Idris Muhammed, names which will mean nothing to fans of Umphrey's McGee.
Dead Confederate – From Athens, Ga., these intense, emotional guys make big, soaring anthems that are very serious. Fans of local favorites Elliott and Workers will enjoy them, though drunk people looking to party might want to check out the Southern Comfort tent instead.
The Black Crowes – They're no Rolling Stones — or Led Zeppelin, or Aerosmith, or ZZ Top, or AC/DC — but they sure do try. Honestly, though, it seems like we hear more these days about their love of weed than their records.
Widespread Panic – Fans are called “Spreadheads.” You might be surprised to know that they recorded a cover of “And It Stoned Me” for a compilation called “Hempilation.” They will play on two nights, though each performance will already feel like two.
EAST STAGE
Paper Airplane – Retro '70s pop meets modern indie rock from southern Ohio. Their melodies are cute and poppy and occasionally off-key, fit for a band who describe themselves as “a Wes Anderson movie come to life,” if that's still anyone's idea of Heaven.
Madi Diaz – Her bio declares that she has “a staggering voice and a gift for poignant melodies and innovative arrangements.” Yes, you'll love this ambitious Nashvillian, if you love childlike melodies and shouty vocals.
Arnett Hollow – Wow, an actual local band getting exposure? That's nice! These bluegrass revivalists, who include Bonnie Prince Billy collaborator Cheyenne Mize on fiddle, are promoting a new album and are always worth hearing.
The Broderick – Bloomington boys who play peppy modern rock a'la The Shins or Weezer. Popular sound these days, eh?
The Afromotive – The notion of middle-class Americans dancing to other middle-class Americans imitating the music of 1970s Nigeria is a bit much to take, but this 8-piece Afrobeat band from Asheville manages to do a decent job of imitating the music of Fela, or at least Antibalas.
The Deep Vibration – This Nashville group's Neil Young-in-Memphis rock 'n' soul is ragged but purposeful, and will surely keep their audience captivated. Don't get too high and miss this late afternoon highlight.
US Royalty – Remember that dance-punk thing that was all the rage, like, seven years ago? These D.C. guys sound like they're trying to get all the girls to dance, and then to hook up with them in the bathroom.
AutoVaughn – Yet another non-country act from Nashville, their energetic '80s rock will certainly delight fans of Duran Duran.
Trevor Hall – This young fellow has flowers tattooed on his chest and sings in what I can only assume is supposed to be a reggae patois. Peter Tosh's nightmare fuses his unique attack on reggae with a very shiny corporate rock sound that will delight anyone who thinks that John Mayer is a great poet.
The Royal Bangs – An energetic, driving pop-rock band from Knoxville that has made a name for itself on the festival circuit.
Annuals - A much-blogged about group of youngsters from Raleigh whose melodic, intricate pop-rock has earned them tour spots with the Flaming Lips and Bloc Party. (Hey, wouldn't those be great bands to see at a local festival?)
Man Man – A definite highlight of the weekend is this inventive, wild group from Philadelphia who can't help but be compared to Tom Waits, Mr. Bungle and carnies at a strip club. Or, instead, you could see Widespread Panic play 20-minute keyboard solos.
Sunday
WEST STAGE
Outformation – Jazz-Southern rock fusion from Atlanta. Though they are a skilled group of musicians, the vocals are so tuneless that it's hard to enjoy them. This Marshall Tucker Band/Outlaws style was briefly popular during the “WKRP in Cincinnati” '70s, but might not appeal to listeners today under 50.
Umphrey's McGee – Their bio says that they are “Midwestern monsters of improvised rock.” But wait — isn't Umphrey's a jam band? Not these days. “We trimmed a lot of the fat,” guitarist Jake Cinninger says on the band website. Sounds like they feel guilty that this stuff goes on for way too long and melodies remain undeveloped.
Yonder Mountain String Band – From that hippie haven Colorado comes a bluegrass/folk group that takes the time to write lovely songs then play them with style. A talented, surprising group well worth your time.
The Avett Brothers –Another fine bluegrass-ish band that doesn't pretend to have arrived from 1948, they spent years playing, improving and winning fans all over. Their upcoming Sony record should make them this fall's kings of NPR.
Widespread Panic – Is this a new set, or is the one from Saturday still going on?
EAST STAGE
Chemic – Wow, a second local band? Crazy! Their Death Cab-style indie/folk rock is charming and thoughtful, and loaded with potential.
Almira Fawn – Okay, so she's from Lexington. Anything else interesting about her? Oh, right — she's 11-years old. And has a song called “Chillax.” Yet, somehow, she's a lot more soulful than Taylor Swift or Sheryl Crow. Give her a chance!
Rosi Golan – This Israeli pianist's sensitive songs have been used on TV's “One Tree Hill” and “Private Practice.”
Pokey LaFarge & S. City Three – LaFarge, an occasional Louisvillian, is a modern Leon Redbone, enjoyably reviving the jazzy blues of the 1920s (he calls it “riverboat soul”) in a manner that will also attract fans of Devendra Banhart.
Jonathan Tyler & Northern Lights – These leather pants rockers from Dallas, now on tour with Lynyrd Skynyrd, sound like a cross between Kings of Leon, The Black Crowes and the Doobie Brothers.
Gringo Star – This Atlanta band is much better than their “hilarious” name indicates. Their version of BritPop stretches all the way from the mod Kinks to the stadium riffs of Oasis, and is a pleasant throwback.
Adam Franklin – A solo set from the guy from Swervedriver, a band that was the British version of Smashing Pumpkins back when MTV showed videos. Shoegazing optional.
The Instruction –The third of three Louisville bands, these heavy rockers have a Glenn Danzig-meets-Jim Morrison vibe goin' on that makes them an atypical favorite of 91.9 FM.
Seabird – Modern rock from Cincinnati youth, the type oft-used on “One Tree Hill” or “Private Practice” to drive home the melodrama.
These United States –A little bit country, a little bit rock 'n' roll and a little bit indie, these D.C-via-Lexington guys have a literate, rollicking sound that suggests a Southern Bright Eyes, or any other decent Bob Dylan disciple.
Maps and Atlases – Seasick art rock a'la Vampire Weekend, TV On The Radio and The Sea and Cake. To be fair, they're much better at it than Vampire Weekend, who are probably too expensive to bring to a local festival, anyway.
Backyard Tire Fire – Amiable, solidly Midwestern schizophrenics who can't decide if they prefer '70s classic rock, '80s hair metal or today's quirky indie. The bio includes blurbs from members of Cracker and Los Lobos, so those under 40 may as well head out to the inevitable trichomoniasis-infested after-party with DJ WhoCares.
c. 2009 Velocity Weekly
The Forecastle Festival, now in its eighth year, is the most jambitious festival in Kentucky. While it has not yet achieved the fame, respect or success of festivals such as Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza or Coachella, founder J.K. McKnight has single-mindedly attempted to make a great thing happen in Louisville.
While his intentions are to be praised, nothing in life is perfect, and we are happy to help those attending this year's festival by indicating how to best spend your time – what bands shouldn't be missed, what bands might make you happy while annoying your boyfriend, and what bands will send you running for the nearest beer stand.
Friday
WEST STAGE
Cage The Elephant – All the way from Bowling Green, these fellows have made waves at bigger festivals than this, probably because they sound like nice college boys having fun — imitating Weezer, The Strokes, The Pixies, etc. — and people are easily entertained.
The Whigs – From Athens, Ga., these earnest rockers are a tight, disciplined trio, unfurling new wave melodies with raw power. This is the band Kings of Leon think that they are.
Zappa Plays Zappa – A collection of Frank Zappa alums, this band is led by his famous-because-he-shares-the-same-last-name son, Dweezil, presumably because it's the easiest way they can all make money. It's the kind of jazz-rock fusion you'd hear on a cruise ship, lacking Frank's iconoclastic individuality and purpose.
Pretty Lights – “At a time when music lovers from almost all subcultures, and genres are finding common ground in the basic form of bangin' beats, Pretty Lights is giving the people what they want; electro organic cutting-edge party rocking beats that fill venues with energy and emotion, and send dance floors into frenzies.” From their own bio; I think they're being serious.
The Black Keys – A rock 'n' roll duo from Akron, Ohio, they are better than most at imitating the British Invasion bands who imitated old American bluesmen. Though often classified as “blues-punk,” they really have little to do with either genre, though they do utilize both's concepts of simplicity over flash.
EAST STAGE
Erin Hill and Her Psychedelic Harp with The Space Rats – Though this sounds like a trippy “Muppet Show” sketch, it's really just another kooky lady in the Tori Amos/Fiona Apple mold. This New Yorker plays a harp and might be diverting for a couple of songs.
The Young Republic – From Nashville, these youthful rockers have a lot of energy and a good string section, if not a lot of focus — they can't decide which '90s alt-rock band they want to be: Cake or Cracker or Matchbox 20?
The Lions Rampant – A Cincinnati trio that's at least honest about its influences — Blues Explosion, The Black Keys, etc. — with nary a mention of John Lee Hooker or Muddy Waters on its MySpace page. Fun if you like garage rock bands who sing lyrics like “Give it to me/Give it to me.”
Bad Veins – Another Strokes-ish new wave band, this one from Cincinnati. Decent but uninspired. Their first record's not even out yet, so check back in three years.
Hackensaw Boys – These Charlottesville bluegrass boys do a fine job of infusing their old-timey ideas with modern energy.
The Elmwood Band – Dave Matthews-esque jam rock from Nashville. So… yeah.
Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit – From Muscle Shoals, Ala., the ex-Drive By Trucker is working hard out there to be Wilco and not Son Volt. Credit is due to a man who tries to make music based not just in rock, but soul and country as well, aware of history but living in the present.
Saturday
WEST STAGE
The Detroit Cobras – John Waters' waking dream, this band of mostly women is a ferocious, fun group that tears up obscure soul songs with wit and skill. A highlight for music lovers of all ages.
The New Mastersounds - I don't get how none of the faux-freaks who love so-called jam bands listen to actual jazz, yet somehow can appreciate a well-done approximation of the real thing like this. These Brits have played with Lou Donaldson and Idris Muhammed, names which will mean nothing to fans of Umphrey's McGee.
Dead Confederate – From Athens, Ga., these intense, emotional guys make big, soaring anthems that are very serious. Fans of local favorites Elliott and Workers will enjoy them, though drunk people looking to party might want to check out the Southern Comfort tent instead.
The Black Crowes – They're no Rolling Stones — or Led Zeppelin, or Aerosmith, or ZZ Top, or AC/DC — but they sure do try. Honestly, though, it seems like we hear more these days about their love of weed than their records.
Widespread Panic – Fans are called “Spreadheads.” You might be surprised to know that they recorded a cover of “And It Stoned Me” for a compilation called “Hempilation.” They will play on two nights, though each performance will already feel like two.
EAST STAGE
Paper Airplane – Retro '70s pop meets modern indie rock from southern Ohio. Their melodies are cute and poppy and occasionally off-key, fit for a band who describe themselves as “a Wes Anderson movie come to life,” if that's still anyone's idea of Heaven.
Madi Diaz – Her bio declares that she has “a staggering voice and a gift for poignant melodies and innovative arrangements.” Yes, you'll love this ambitious Nashvillian, if you love childlike melodies and shouty vocals.
Arnett Hollow – Wow, an actual local band getting exposure? That's nice! These bluegrass revivalists, who include Bonnie Prince Billy collaborator Cheyenne Mize on fiddle, are promoting a new album and are always worth hearing.
The Broderick – Bloomington boys who play peppy modern rock a'la The Shins or Weezer. Popular sound these days, eh?
The Afromotive – The notion of middle-class Americans dancing to other middle-class Americans imitating the music of 1970s Nigeria is a bit much to take, but this 8-piece Afrobeat band from Asheville manages to do a decent job of imitating the music of Fela, or at least Antibalas.
The Deep Vibration – This Nashville group's Neil Young-in-Memphis rock 'n' soul is ragged but purposeful, and will surely keep their audience captivated. Don't get too high and miss this late afternoon highlight.
US Royalty – Remember that dance-punk thing that was all the rage, like, seven years ago? These D.C. guys sound like they're trying to get all the girls to dance, and then to hook up with them in the bathroom.
AutoVaughn – Yet another non-country act from Nashville, their energetic '80s rock will certainly delight fans of Duran Duran.
Trevor Hall – This young fellow has flowers tattooed on his chest and sings in what I can only assume is supposed to be a reggae patois. Peter Tosh's nightmare fuses his unique attack on reggae with a very shiny corporate rock sound that will delight anyone who thinks that John Mayer is a great poet.
The Royal Bangs – An energetic, driving pop-rock band from Knoxville that has made a name for itself on the festival circuit.
Annuals - A much-blogged about group of youngsters from Raleigh whose melodic, intricate pop-rock has earned them tour spots with the Flaming Lips and Bloc Party. (Hey, wouldn't those be great bands to see at a local festival?)
Man Man – A definite highlight of the weekend is this inventive, wild group from Philadelphia who can't help but be compared to Tom Waits, Mr. Bungle and carnies at a strip club. Or, instead, you could see Widespread Panic play 20-minute keyboard solos.
Sunday
WEST STAGE
Outformation – Jazz-Southern rock fusion from Atlanta. Though they are a skilled group of musicians, the vocals are so tuneless that it's hard to enjoy them. This Marshall Tucker Band/Outlaws style was briefly popular during the “WKRP in Cincinnati” '70s, but might not appeal to listeners today under 50.
Umphrey's McGee – Their bio says that they are “Midwestern monsters of improvised rock.” But wait — isn't Umphrey's a jam band? Not these days. “We trimmed a lot of the fat,” guitarist Jake Cinninger says on the band website. Sounds like they feel guilty that this stuff goes on for way too long and melodies remain undeveloped.
Yonder Mountain String Band – From that hippie haven Colorado comes a bluegrass/folk group that takes the time to write lovely songs then play them with style. A talented, surprising group well worth your time.
The Avett Brothers –Another fine bluegrass-ish band that doesn't pretend to have arrived from 1948, they spent years playing, improving and winning fans all over. Their upcoming Sony record should make them this fall's kings of NPR.
Widespread Panic – Is this a new set, or is the one from Saturday still going on?
EAST STAGE
Chemic – Wow, a second local band? Crazy! Their Death Cab-style indie/folk rock is charming and thoughtful, and loaded with potential.
Almira Fawn – Okay, so she's from Lexington. Anything else interesting about her? Oh, right — she's 11-years old. And has a song called “Chillax.” Yet, somehow, she's a lot more soulful than Taylor Swift or Sheryl Crow. Give her a chance!
Rosi Golan – This Israeli pianist's sensitive songs have been used on TV's “One Tree Hill” and “Private Practice.”
Pokey LaFarge & S. City Three – LaFarge, an occasional Louisvillian, is a modern Leon Redbone, enjoyably reviving the jazzy blues of the 1920s (he calls it “riverboat soul”) in a manner that will also attract fans of Devendra Banhart.
Jonathan Tyler & Northern Lights – These leather pants rockers from Dallas, now on tour with Lynyrd Skynyrd, sound like a cross between Kings of Leon, The Black Crowes and the Doobie Brothers.
Gringo Star – This Atlanta band is much better than their “hilarious” name indicates. Their version of BritPop stretches all the way from the mod Kinks to the stadium riffs of Oasis, and is a pleasant throwback.
Adam Franklin – A solo set from the guy from Swervedriver, a band that was the British version of Smashing Pumpkins back when MTV showed videos. Shoegazing optional.
The Instruction –The third of three Louisville bands, these heavy rockers have a Glenn Danzig-meets-Jim Morrison vibe goin' on that makes them an atypical favorite of 91.9 FM.
Seabird – Modern rock from Cincinnati youth, the type oft-used on “One Tree Hill” or “Private Practice” to drive home the melodrama.
These United States –A little bit country, a little bit rock 'n' roll and a little bit indie, these D.C-via-Lexington guys have a literate, rollicking sound that suggests a Southern Bright Eyes, or any other decent Bob Dylan disciple.
Maps and Atlases – Seasick art rock a'la Vampire Weekend, TV On The Radio and The Sea and Cake. To be fair, they're much better at it than Vampire Weekend, who are probably too expensive to bring to a local festival, anyway.
Backyard Tire Fire – Amiable, solidly Midwestern schizophrenics who can't decide if they prefer '70s classic rock, '80s hair metal or today's quirky indie. The bio includes blurbs from members of Cracker and Los Lobos, so those under 40 may as well head out to the inevitable trichomoniasis-infested after-party with DJ WhoCares.
c. 2009 Velocity Weekly
Tuesday, July 07, 2009
Some of the best local discs, 2009, so far
Arnett Hollow
Night After Night
After a bluegrass-infused debut, AH has returned with a second disc that is more slick, more NPR-friendly, but also more distinct and original. Now known to inquiring out-of-towners as the home band of Bonnie Prince Billy fiddler/vocalist Cheyenne Mize, AH has become more like Nickel Creek and less like Del McCoury. Though their new style has its downsides (such as a less tight, more jammy rhythm section) the vocal interplay between Mize and songwriter/guitarist Chris Rodahaffer is lovely, and might sweep you away.
Bad Blood
EP
This brief follow-up to their self-titled first record doesn't improve on the album titles, but is another raw, amped-up collection of garage rock thrillers. Fans of the MC5 and the Bell Rays should already know about them, one of the absolute best live bands in town.
Invaders
Floating
The new band led by Joe Meredith, formerly of the Beatles-esque Merediths, is surprising not just because of Meredith's more poppy pedigree, but also because there are few bands left making sounds like this. The Invaders live near rock music but probably won't be understood by the AC/DC fan next door. Fans of the Sun City Girls and early Butthole Surfers will be pleased, however, to find a new psychedelic, grainy mindblast of a band. Meredith's vocals are mixed lower than most singers, taking his vocals away from the spotlight and melding them into the rest of the instruments. A band like this can't be found at just any club, so listen to Second Story Man's Carrie Neumayer, who "thinks the Invaders CD is the best local album I've heard in a long time."
The Mack
Lazy Bones
One of the weirdest - and I mean that as high praise - singer/songwriters you'll get to hear, this fellow comes up with names, ideas and melodies that you'd never expect (he formerly led a band called The I'll Beat Your Back Out Band). Once you enter his world - a little David Lynch, a little Will Oldham, a little Flannery O'Connor - you'll want a front row seat. If you can't hum gems like "Prisoner's Lake" or "Monongahela" to your puppy at night, you probably have a cold heart.
Sandpaper Dolls
Live at 21C
These 3 women sing from a place so deep down that you can practically see their intestines. An a capella Nina Simone would be the closest legit comparison, though "The Andrews Sisters on angel dust" has probably been tossed around. This live recording documents just how surely they can quiet down a room of otherwise excited devotees.
Night After Night
After a bluegrass-infused debut, AH has returned with a second disc that is more slick, more NPR-friendly, but also more distinct and original. Now known to inquiring out-of-towners as the home band of Bonnie Prince Billy fiddler/vocalist Cheyenne Mize, AH has become more like Nickel Creek and less like Del McCoury. Though their new style has its downsides (such as a less tight, more jammy rhythm section) the vocal interplay between Mize and songwriter/guitarist Chris Rodahaffer is lovely, and might sweep you away.
Bad Blood
EP
This brief follow-up to their self-titled first record doesn't improve on the album titles, but is another raw, amped-up collection of garage rock thrillers. Fans of the MC5 and the Bell Rays should already know about them, one of the absolute best live bands in town.
Invaders
Floating
The new band led by Joe Meredith, formerly of the Beatles-esque Merediths, is surprising not just because of Meredith's more poppy pedigree, but also because there are few bands left making sounds like this. The Invaders live near rock music but probably won't be understood by the AC/DC fan next door. Fans of the Sun City Girls and early Butthole Surfers will be pleased, however, to find a new psychedelic, grainy mindblast of a band. Meredith's vocals are mixed lower than most singers, taking his vocals away from the spotlight and melding them into the rest of the instruments. A band like this can't be found at just any club, so listen to Second Story Man's Carrie Neumayer, who "thinks the Invaders CD is the best local album I've heard in a long time."
The Mack
Lazy Bones
One of the weirdest - and I mean that as high praise - singer/songwriters you'll get to hear, this fellow comes up with names, ideas and melodies that you'd never expect (he formerly led a band called The I'll Beat Your Back Out Band). Once you enter his world - a little David Lynch, a little Will Oldham, a little Flannery O'Connor - you'll want a front row seat. If you can't hum gems like "Prisoner's Lake" or "Monongahela" to your puppy at night, you probably have a cold heart.
Sandpaper Dolls
Live at 21C
These 3 women sing from a place so deep down that you can practically see their intestines. An a capella Nina Simone would be the closest legit comparison, though "The Andrews Sisters on angel dust" has probably been tossed around. This live recording documents just how surely they can quiet down a room of otherwise excited devotees.
Monday, July 06, 2009
Heartless Bastards interview
I recently had a chance to ask Heartless Bastards leader Erika Wennerstrom a few important questions. Her band plays tonight at 8 p.m., before Jenny Lewis, at Headliners.
You're from Cincinnati, originally, but recently moved to Austin. You know that Louisville's an even better city, right? Why Austin and not Louisville? And please praise Louisville and/or insult Cincinnati in your response!
Ha!
Your band has gone through a complete overhaul, and you are the last original member left. Did you consider going out under your own name, or did you think that Wennerstrom sounded too much like a totally awesome metal band?
Ha! again. I don't think Wennerstrom works well as a name. I like having a band name. Even though members have changed, I've always written the songs. This has always been my project, so there's no need to change the name if a member has left.
Can you settle this downloading business once and for all? Is it stealing, or does it help you?
I guess it's a little of both. People always say record companies are evil, which I guess they can be in some ways, but a lot of the bands you hear of are because the record company paid a publicist to get bands in magazines and papers, and they paid a radio person to get you heard on the radio. They also probably paid for the recording of the artist you've been listening to, also. If record companies fall, then it's going to be so much harder for the artist to get their music out to people. The average artist can't pay for things like publicists themselves. The internet helps, but everything is so saturated that there can be too much bad music to sift through to find good stuff.
Your band exists in what some call the "indie" world, because your records aren't distributed by one of the 4 major labels left. Do you find this limiting or misleading?
Right now I think bands are better off on an indie label, personally.
Jenny Lewis is a li'l bit country and a li'l bit indie rock. Are you worried that your raw power might blow her away every night?
Jenny Lewis is a great songwriter and performer. She's a powerhouse in her own right. We are different, but have a lot of similarities, too. I think both her fans and our fans are perfectly capable of liking more than one kind of sound.
NPR said that your "sprawling voice... echoes the influence of Neil Young, Otis Redding and MC5." How is it possible to sound like all of those at once?
Well, I try to sound like those 3, and about 100 other artists as well, so I think I end up finding my own voice in the process of mimicking them all.
Are you looking forward to the upcoming movie about the Runaways, in which the girl from Twilight plays Joan Jett?
Well, this question is the first time I've even heard there was a movie about that. I'm not sure if I'm looking forward to it or not. It depends on how well it's done. There are so many good ideas executed in horrible ways.
You're playing here on a Monday night. That sounds like it's probably not as fun for you as a Friday or Saturday. Am I wrong?
Well, I'm in a venue every night. It's all the same day to me. I don't think there is a no fun Monday rule or anything.
c. 2009 Velocity Weekly
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Carrie Neumayer interview
Where did you grow up? Is your family musical or artistic?
I grew up in Louisville. My mother is a painter and my father is a writer and a songwriter/musician.
What is your musical background / training?
I started playing violin in the third grade and played through high school. I also sang in a church choir for a few years during elementary school, but didn't write songs until I began playing guitar. I taught myself guitar. Three years ago I decided to try playing bass, as well.
Who are your musical favorites/inspirations?
I was deeply inspired by all the local bands and touring indie rock bands I saw as a young teenager in the early '90s, in particular - Rodan, Ruby Falls, Drinking Woman, Crain, Evergreen, Unwound, Sleater-Kinney, Come, Versus, etc. Some of my current favorites are Neko Case, TV on the Radio, Shannon Wright and Mirah. I also love a lot of music made by women from the past like Loretta Lynn, Patsy Cline, Kitty Wells, Janis Joplin, Billie Holiday, etc.
What bands/projects are you currently involved with? How did you get involved with them?
I play guitar and sing with Second Story Man. I've been playing music with bandmate Evan Bailey since I was sixteen years old and we were in a band together called Itch House. A couple years later, Evan introduced me to Jeremy Irvin and the three of us started Second Story Man. We've been together ever since. I also play bass and sing in Minnow. I had never played bass before and when Rob Pennington asked me to play with his wife Becca and their friend Doug Maxson, I jumped at the opportunity to work in a totally different musical context.
What do you hope to achieve with music?
I want to continue to be a part of the creation of thoughtful and exciting music - and to have my bands' music be available to others to hear. I love collaborating with others and seeing song ideas transform into something beyond where I ever expected them to go because of the input of others. Of course I love performing live, too. I guess I just want to be able to continue doing this as long as I can.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Jason Noble interview
Where did you grow up? Is your family musical or artistic?
Hi. I grew up in Louisville... both my folks are involved in the arts. My mom is a school teacher and performed with bands & motet singing groups for years. She currently paints quite a lot, and has a really open mind about all kinds of music.
My step dad is a professional photographer (and teaches a digital photo class
at U of L). They both have helped me out on artistic projects over the years,
including shooting photos for several of our record covers.
What is your musical background / training?
I went to Manual in the Visual Art program and spent two years of college at The Maryland Institute (art school). I'd played music with a few close friends in high school, and then started playing with folks from a Baltimore conservatory (they took pity on me). It all kinda snow-balled (may I use that term? Can I say "snow-balled"?)... Thankfully I still play music with most of these kind-hearted humans. They are responsible for teaching me... and most importantly, being encouraging and rawkus.
Who are your musical favorites/inspirations?
My wife Kristin... our friend Miles who howls every morning.
Favorites... Film composer Howard Shore. Uzeda. Screamin' Jay Hawkins. Crain. Slint. Run DMC. Liberation Prophecy. The Adventure. The Bug "London Zoo." Portishead "3rd." Extra Golden "Thank You Very Quickly."
What bands/projects are you currently involved with? How did you get
involved with them?
I'm a manager at ear X-tacy records and do sound production for the free concerts there... that actually does good things for the musical brain... keeps it fairly open.
Also...
SHIPPING NEWS (since 1996) with one of those same high school guys (beloved Mueller).
We have a show coming up in June at Skull Alley. Shipping News' music seems to be leaning on the "severed head" side of things lately, as opposed to our "softly goth" meanderings.
Uhm... Workin' on mixes for a record called THE YOUNG SCAMELS with Christian Frederickson, Greg King and local musician Amber Estes. It's the score from a production of "The Tempest" at ATL last year. Been working with Kevin Ratterman on a recording by the GOLD JACKET CLUB... I'm a huge fan of that band, and local heroes Auxiliary Records is releasing it this fall.
What do you hope to achieve with music?
I hope to make music that will haunt George Bush Jr. for the rest of his evil life. Payback. Thanks for enraging half the world. You don't just get to have your retirement with a big swanky Presidential library. You don't get free unlimited health care. You don't get to keep your mansions or multiple helicopters. Well, we all have to have a dream.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Rebecca Dennison interview
Where did you grow up? Is your family musical or artistic?
Louisville. My mom & dad sang in a small choral group at church when I was little and my dad sang the occasional solo.
What is your musical background / training?
I took piano lessons as a kid, played the flute in band, etc. I've taken voice lessons off and on. I sang in the church children's choir and youth choir. I've been singing regularly at Sojourn Community Church as part of the worship team for the last few years.
Who are your musical favorites/inspirations?
This changes so often. I grew up pretty sheltered so I'm constantly "discovering" new favorites and inspirations that everyone else has known of for years. My current favorites are: Ella Fitzgerald (I love 20's/30's jazz), Odetta, and Bessie Smith (and other female roots/early blues singers). And when I get stuck in a rut melodically I like to listen to traditional Eastern Asian music.
What bands/projects are you currently involved with? How did you get involved with them?
I'm currently singing with the Sandpaper Dolls and I'll be singing with Jamie Barnes again soon. I know Jamie from Sojourn and I got connected with the Dolls through singing with him. Suki and Amber were talking about starting a band and Suki knew me from shows I had done with Jamie at the Jazz Factory.
What do you hope to achieve with music?
A lot of times I get caught up in hoping I impress people or hoping they'll think I'm cool, but ultimately, I hope to honor God with what I'm doing musically and just enjoy the ride.
Louisville. My mom & dad sang in a small choral group at church when I was little and my dad sang the occasional solo.
What is your musical background / training?
I took piano lessons as a kid, played the flute in band, etc. I've taken voice lessons off and on. I sang in the church children's choir and youth choir. I've been singing regularly at Sojourn Community Church as part of the worship team for the last few years.
Who are your musical favorites/inspirations?
This changes so often. I grew up pretty sheltered so I'm constantly "discovering" new favorites and inspirations that everyone else has known of for years. My current favorites are: Ella Fitzgerald (I love 20's/30's jazz), Odetta, and Bessie Smith (and other female roots/early blues singers). And when I get stuck in a rut melodically I like to listen to traditional Eastern Asian music.
What bands/projects are you currently involved with? How did you get involved with them?
I'm currently singing with the Sandpaper Dolls and I'll be singing with Jamie Barnes again soon. I know Jamie from Sojourn and I got connected with the Dolls through singing with him. Suki and Amber were talking about starting a band and Suki knew me from shows I had done with Jamie at the Jazz Factory.
What do you hope to achieve with music?
A lot of times I get caught up in hoping I impress people or hoping they'll think I'm cool, but ultimately, I hope to honor God with what I'm doing musically and just enjoy the ride.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Ask a Bartender
Even the most devoted fans of this blog may not realize that my work for Velocity also includes a series of interviews with bartenders around town. I've interviewed 19 to date; you can see the collection by clicking here.
One question I've asked everyone is: "Is there a song on the radio or jukebox that you hate every time it comes on?"
Here are a few of my favorite answers:
"I'm getting a little tired of Led Zeppelin. A little bit. Just slightly." - Afton Cain, Zeppelin Cafe
"I get tired of hearing our Irish songs on the iPod over and over again." - Jennifer McKnelly, O'Shea's
"We listen to Irish music all day, so pretty much most of the basic Irish tunes, but right now least favorite - which is everyone's most favorite - what's the song that's at the end of The Sopranos? The Journey song, 'Don't Stop Believin''. That makes me absolutely crazy right now." - Lara Hammond, Molly Malone's
"Journey... what is that f-----g song? ('Don't Stop Believin''?) Yep!" - Liz Burnett, Granville Inn
"I hate hearing any Journey songs. I like Journey, but I hear them all the time." - Amanda Lutes, Saints
"We listen to WFPK here, so they play a lot of Sheryl Crow. I wish we had a jukebox, so it could be a little bit different, 'cause what they play's kinda the same, kind of montone, y'know?" - Jenny Miller, Cumberland Brews
"We listen to a lot of WFPK - there, for awhile, it seemed like... what was that song? Just over and over again. There was some random song they would play - it was an older song, I remember, they would just play it over and over and over. (Do you remember any lyrics?) Half the time I tune it out, so, no." - Rob Haynes, BBC Taproom
One question I've asked everyone is: "Is there a song on the radio or jukebox that you hate every time it comes on?"
Here are a few of my favorite answers:
"I'm getting a little tired of Led Zeppelin. A little bit. Just slightly." - Afton Cain, Zeppelin Cafe
"I get tired of hearing our Irish songs on the iPod over and over again." - Jennifer McKnelly, O'Shea's
"We listen to Irish music all day, so pretty much most of the basic Irish tunes, but right now least favorite - which is everyone's most favorite - what's the song that's at the end of The Sopranos? The Journey song, 'Don't Stop Believin''. That makes me absolutely crazy right now." - Lara Hammond, Molly Malone's
"Journey... what is that f-----g song? ('Don't Stop Believin''?) Yep!" - Liz Burnett, Granville Inn
"I hate hearing any Journey songs. I like Journey, but I hear them all the time." - Amanda Lutes, Saints
"We listen to WFPK here, so they play a lot of Sheryl Crow. I wish we had a jukebox, so it could be a little bit different, 'cause what they play's kinda the same, kind of montone, y'know?" - Jenny Miller, Cumberland Brews
"We listen to a lot of WFPK - there, for awhile, it seemed like... what was that song? Just over and over again. There was some random song they would play - it was an older song, I remember, they would just play it over and over and over. (Do you remember any lyrics?) Half the time I tune it out, so, no." - Rob Haynes, BBC Taproom
Thursday, April 09, 2009
Joe Manning interview
Where did you grow up? Is your family musical or artistic?
I grew up in the Deer Park neighborhood of Louisville, KY. The members of my immediate family were neither artistic nor musical, though I listened to a lot of music as a child. My grandmother was a fantastic draftsperson and taught me how to draw at a young age.
What is your musical background / training?
I started playing bass when I was about 12; I took lessons and learned to play some songs by the Beatles, Zeppelin, Foghat, etc. Then I started playing in "hardcore" bands, and hanging around in the scene, trying to fit in without getting my face smashed in by older boys, or my feeble heart stomped on by punk rock women. By the time I was about 20 I'd started writing my own songs that took their cues more from the American Songbook.
Who are your musical favorites/inspirations?
yes please.
I'll choose two or three from each of these categories.
1. local: S.A. Garrison, The For Carnation, Evergreen,
2. regional: Spirits of the Red City, Elephant Micah
3. national: Gillian Welch, Lightnin' Hopkins, Hall and Oates
4. international: Nina Simone, Roxy Music, Bowie
5. extra planetary: P-Funk, Eno
6. classical compostion: Erik Satie, Beethoven
7. Country: Don Williams, Buck Owens, Townes Van Zandt
What bands/projects are you currently involved with? How did you get involved with them?
The Joe Manning Story Time Mime band, whose history spans eons and several dimensions, is too graphic to recount here, the sordid occult nature of which could stunt the emotional and psychic growth of impressionable children, and affected adults.
King's Daughters & Sons is a democratic gathering of Michael Heineman, Rachel Grimes, Todd Cook, and Kyle Crabtree and myself. Sometimes we're quiet, and sometimes we're loud, alternately very pretty and very creepy. We got together because we are all fans of one another's music, and we found that we get along very well, have a good time, and make music that WE would like to go home and listen to.
I also sing with the More the Merrier Shape Note Singers.
What do you hope to achieve with music?
Ringo Starr voice: "I suppose I'd just like to achieve global domination so that I can feed on the psychic energies of your human race... I'd like to meet girls, too, I guess."
photos above by Gary Quick
c. 2009 Velocity Weekly
Friday, March 27, 2009
The concept album
Music fans of a certain age might remember the concept album. The idea — telling one oft-incoherent story over 12 overblown rock songs — gave us such beloved characters as Tommy and Mr. Roboto. An idea best remembered on some VH1 show, you say?
Apparently, no one told The Decemberists. The literary-minded band's latest, The Hazards of Love, out this week, is a concept album that one critic described as "about a girl named Margaret, shapeshifters, forest queens and fairytale treachery."
But the concept album doesn't have to be ridiculous. These five set the standard.
Husker Du, Zen Arcade
(1984): The story of a runaway who learns just how hard life is found this intense trio taking punk rock far beyond its previous boundaries. A generation of fans, musicians and critics was changed, though you'd never know it by album sales alone
Marvin Gaye, Here, My Dear
(1978) After a messy divorce, Gaye agreed to record an album to pay off his debts. Gaye couldn't help but use the album as therapy, bringing seductive soul to lyrics like, "When did you stop loving me, when did I stop loving you?"
David Bowie, The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars
(1972): The story of the rock star as alien, here to help us humans before we destroy our civilization, is better known and enjoyed for its cutting-edge glitter rock sound and transgendered live show.
The Kinks, The Kinks Are the Village Green Preservation Society
(1968): Young Decemberists fans would be wise to check out this actually-British group. This tale of enjoying rural life as an escape from the big, bad modern city has melodies for miles.
Frank Sinatra, In the Wee Small Hours
(1954): Considered the first long-player grouped around a theme, Sinatra hit his stride with this collection of tearjerkers about staying up late, lamenting lost love.
c. 2009 The Courier-Journal
Apparently, no one told The Decemberists. The literary-minded band's latest, The Hazards of Love, out this week, is a concept album that one critic described as "about a girl named Margaret, shapeshifters, forest queens and fairytale treachery."
But the concept album doesn't have to be ridiculous. These five set the standard.
Husker Du, Zen Arcade
(1984): The story of a runaway who learns just how hard life is found this intense trio taking punk rock far beyond its previous boundaries. A generation of fans, musicians and critics was changed, though you'd never know it by album sales alone
Marvin Gaye, Here, My Dear
(1978) After a messy divorce, Gaye agreed to record an album to pay off his debts. Gaye couldn't help but use the album as therapy, bringing seductive soul to lyrics like, "When did you stop loving me, when did I stop loving you?"
David Bowie, The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars
(1972): The story of the rock star as alien, here to help us humans before we destroy our civilization, is better known and enjoyed for its cutting-edge glitter rock sound and transgendered live show.
The Kinks, The Kinks Are the Village Green Preservation Society
(1968): Young Decemberists fans would be wise to check out this actually-British group. This tale of enjoying rural life as an escape from the big, bad modern city has melodies for miles.
Frank Sinatra, In the Wee Small Hours
(1954): Considered the first long-player grouped around a theme, Sinatra hit his stride with this collection of tearjerkers about staying up late, lamenting lost love.
c. 2009 The Courier-Journal
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