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.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
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
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