Tomorrow night... PBS...

Austin City Limits... Bloc Party... Ghostland Observatory... check your local listings...

Hooray Friday!!

- Man, these Radiohead guys really know how to use the internet. If you happen to be around a computer at midnight on New Year's, check out Current TV. From their website:

Radiohead will join us to play an exclusive live US TV performance of their new
album "In Rainbows" on Current TV, all commercial free. The pre-recorded
performance will include all of the tracks from "In Rainbows" plus some "other
bits" as Thom says.

If you have already made plans, don't fret - Current will archive the show for future watchings on their site. Thanks to P-fork, who also posted the teaser videos. If I had only 1% of their creativity...

- Looking for some new music to sink your ears into? NPR's Second Stage has the best unknown artists of 2007. Metro D approved Yeasayer is on the list... other than that, I've heard of Le Loup, but only because they're from DC.

- More best of 2007 lists (when will it end)... NPRs Bob Boilen, Tom Moon, Will Hermes, Robin Hilton, and Meredith Ochs. Also Let's Sexy Fighting.

- Pearl Jam Christmas Single anyone? Check out I am fuel for the stream.

- Dig, Lazarus, Dig is the latest effort (out in March/April) from Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds. Check out the teaser on Brooklyn Vegan.

R.I.P. Ali G and Borat

While this is disappointing news, it's probably a good call on Sacha Baron Cohen's part. With the success of both characters, I can't imagine he'd be able to fool many more people with his tomfoolery (although I was always surprised that he was able to dupe so many people to begin with).

Every time I watch “Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan” or "Da Ali G Show", I'm amazed that Cohen is able to stay in character with some of the ridiculous shit that comes out of his mouth. No laughing, no snickering... hell, he doesn't even crack a little smile. There is no way I'd be able to pull that off.

In his interview with The Daily Telegraph, Cohen said that he would sometimes be in character for 14 hours a day. I guess he's going to have a lot of time on his hands now - more time to spend with hottie girlfriend Isla Fisher, I guess... tough life.

Horray Friday!

- More end of the year lists... Product Shop NYC (111 might be a bit much), MFKWCRG, I am Fuel, Ultra8201, A.V. Club and for a little change of pace Let's Sexy Fighting has the top remixes, covers, and b-sides. Metro D also has a best of from the desert, as well as Blender's shit and Billboard's Critic's Poll.

- Ultra 8201 looks forward to some 2008 releases. I'm excited for a few of them as well.

I'm late for Happy Hour. Gonna test out a few Anderson Valley Winter Solsitces and see what all of the hype is about.

This week's late night TV lineup

Tonight Show w/Jay Leno

• Thursday - Killers

Late Night w/Conan O'Brien

• Friday - Hot Hot Heat

Last Call w/Conan O'Brien

• Thursday - David Gray

Late Late Show w/Craig Ferguson

• Friday - RZA

Penn State - NCAA Women's Volleyball Champs

Hooray Friday (a day late)!!

- Silversun Pickup remixes?? Okay! The EP with 6 diddies is available Tuesday on iTunes. Thanks to Butterteam for the heads-up and sample tracks. While reading this post, I also uncovered a few acoustic tracks. Eh-niiiiicce!

- More best of 2007 lists at MOKB (1, 2, 3, and 4), Filter, The A.V. Club, Drowned in Sound,
and links to countless other blogs at Largehearted Boy. It's also interesting to see which albums got the highest scores on Metacritic - I've never heard of a few of them.

- I don't get the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's induction process. It seems kind of random for some reason. That being said, I'm glad the LOML and I took advantage and checked the place out while we were in the Cleveland area for Rug's nuptials. Lots of great history in there. In any event, the 2008 inductees are Madonna, John Mellencamp, The Ventures, Leonard Cohen and The Dave Clark Five. Random... just like I said.

- Did you hear about Tori Amos giving Das Boot to 2 broads at her concert this week? Check it out at Stereogum.

The Wire's final season

Hell yeah! For those of you who haven't given HBO's The Wire a chance, you are truly missing out. It's like Law and Order with a huge set of spunk pumps. Drugs, politics, corruption, fights, murders, sex, lesbians, drunk ducks... what more could you ask for?? The 5th and final season kicks off on Sunday, January 6th. While I'll hate to see it go, I'm anxious as hell to see how David Simon (creator) ends it.

Bonus! Season 4 is now available on HBO on Demand.

This week's late night TV lineup

Slim pickings this week...

Jimmy Kimmel Live!

• Monday - Rilo Kiley

Tonight Show w/Jay Leno

• Wednesday - Kings of Leon

Too much booze, not enough liver

Every time I go to the store to check out the latest Tasty Beverage of the Week, I always seem to find a few new microbrews or wineries that have popped up. And I always think of how cool it would be to quit my job and start my own. I mean could you imagine being able to say that you run your own small brewery or invite people to your wine tasting room to sample some of this year's vintage?

Problem is that the market for both beer and wine is flooded. No, I don't mean that there's too much beer or wine in the consuming sense (you will never hear me utter those words, I promise). But in the business sense there is - meaning that there is too much competition for a new brewery or winery to go up against and succeed. So what does that leave? That's right kids, liquor. Only about 10-20 distilleries open up across the country in a year. Bingo!

I always thought that distilling alcohol was a big no-no and was better left to the big boys like Jack, Jim and Jose. Apparently not, according to the New York Times. Looks like I might have a new hobby. So don't be surprised if you hear about some dipshit in the DC area who blew up his kitchen trying to make whiskey or the no longer banned absinthe.

A blast from the past

I forgot about this classic commercial until someone reminded me of it the other week.

This week's late night TV lineup

And the strike continues...

Late Night w/Conan O'Brien

- Monday - Animal Collective

Late Show w/David Letterman

- Tuesday - Kings of Leon

The concert that was just not meant to be

I had a nice little Tuesday night planned. I hadn't been to a concert since the last time I saw the National at the 9:30 Club in the beginning of September. The Cold War Kids were playing at the 9:30 Club, but it was sold out. I saw them open for Muse in August and was mildly impressed, although I think it had more to do with the fact that the venue (Patriot Center) dwarfed them. I felt like being a bit adventurous, so I decided on heading to the Black Cat instead to catch Dinosaur Jr. No ticket in hand, but it wasn’t sold out. I figured they would hit the stage around 10, so if I got there by 9 I’d be money.

Flashback to 8:15 PM. I was ready to walk out of the house when I looked down and saw a little critter sneak under the closet door. Being the man of the house (ha ha), I felt like it was my obligation to investigate further and empty out the closet. Houston, we have a mouse!

I headed to Target and picked up a few mouse traps and set those bad boys up in the kitchen. By now, it was 9:15 but I was still confident that I could make the concert. Unfortunately, I lost my bearings in DC and parked way far from the Black Cat. By the time I found an ATM machine and finally made it to the Black Cat, it was sold out. DAMN!

I briefly considered hanging around to see if I could scrounge up an extra ticket from someone, but figured that I’d be better off cutting my losses and calling it a night. Luckily, I had My Morning Jacket’s Okonokos in my car so at least I got to hear some live music. Great album by the way - thanks for that LBJ.

I guess I had this coming. I’ve lucked out at the last few concerts I’ve attended by getting either tickets to sold out shows or good seats at the last minute. Nothing against Dinosaur Jr., but I’m not too broken up that my luck ran out for this show.

This week's late night TV lineup

Jimmy Kimmel Live!

- Monday - Ben Harper

Late Night w/Conan O'Brien

- Tuesday - Devendra Barnhart

Late Show w/David Letterman

- Monday - Jay/Z
- Thursday - Mute Math

Late Late Show w/Craig Ferguson

- Monday - Jeremy Fisher

Be thankful, damnit!

Ah Thanksgiving – hands-down my most favorite holiday for a number of reasons... and during such a great season. Away from the heat of summer and before the craziness of Christmas (although I have seen a smattering of Christmas lights and wreaths already). It doesn't get much better than this.

On the cheesy side, it's also a day to step back and, well, be thankful. Yeah, everyone could bitch about something, but save the negativity for another day will ya? Just for today focus on what you do have, not what you don’t. It’ll do wonders, I promise.

Rollins = NL MYP

Boo-ya, bitches! Read it here.

This week's late night TV lineup

This writer's strike is messing up a lot of things to include the late night schedule that's up on networks' websites. Here's what's up as of today:

Jimmy Kimmel Live

• Monday - Hot Hot Heat

Late Night w/Conan O'Brien

• Wednesday - KT Tunstall
• Thursday - Rogue Wave
• Friday - Ben Harper

Last Call w/Carson Daly

• Wednesday - Peter Bjorn and John

Late Show w/David Letterman

• Thursday - John Mayer

Ha ha ha!

That's what Santas in Sydney, Australia are being asked to bellow from now on. Doesn't sound quite right, does it? Maybe it's because we've heard the traditional "ho ho ho" from Santas since, well, forever. Maybe it's because the feeling that "ho ho ho" is too close to the slang word for a prostitute is a little far-stretched. Or the notion that little kids are going to make that connection is completely ridiculous.

This is taking the whole concept of being politically correct a little too far, isn't it? What this does prove is that some people (like the ones who came up with this bright idea) have a little too much time on their hands. "Leave Santa alone," stated a woman in The Daily Telegraph article. I completely agree... and while you're at it, leave me alone too!

This week's late night TV lineup

Jimmy Kimmel Live!

• Monday - Datarock

Late Show w/David Letterman

• Monday - Ryan Adams
• Friday - Nicole Atkins

Late Late Show w/Craig Ferguson

• Wednesday - Ben Lee

Tonight Show w/Jay Leno

• Tuesday - Cold War Kids

Late Night w/ Conan O'Brien

• Tuesday - Modest Mouse

DC area wonders

Back in July, the New 7 Wonders of the World were announced and RatBat Bear wondered why some didn't make the final cut. It's always tough to make a list like that - too many tough decisions to make. I don't understand how Letterman does it every night.

The Washington Post followed up by asking its readers to vote for the 7 man-made wonders within a 4-hour drive of DC. Just like the New 7 Wonders of the World, I'm sure you could argue that something should have made the list that didn't. For example, the Brooklyn Bridge - one would think that there is another site within 4 hours of DC that people would rather see. Then again, I've never seen the Brooklyn Bridge, so I don't know.

The good news for me is that I've been to 4 of the 7 regional wonders. National Cathedral - check. US Capitol - check. Lincoln Memorial - check. Fallingwater - check. It's funny because if I would have read this a few months ago, I would have had no idea what Fallingwater was. The LOML and I headed to Pittsburgh for a wedding this summer and she recommended that we swing by on our way. Besides the shitty weather, it was a great pit stop.

The other 3 are in NYC (Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, Brooklyn Bridge). I've only been to the Big Apple twice - once to pick up a friend at the airport and the other to see Letterman. Looks like I need to head up there again.

In the meantime, if you're ever in the DC area and want a tour guide, give me a shout... it'll only cost you a pint and a shot of Tullamore Dew at Murphy's.

This week's late night TV lineup

Late Show w/David Letterman

• Tuesday - Daughtry

Late Late Show w/Craig Ferguson

• Wednesday - Shout Out Louds
• Friday - Modest Mouse

Jimmy Kimmel Live!

• Monday - Mark Ronson

Tonight Show w/Jay Leno

• Thursday - The Hives

Late Night w/Conan O'Brien

• Monday - Art Brut
• Tuesday - Nick Lowe

Last Call w/Carson Daly

• Thursday - Piers Faccini

Full-contact cheerleading

Try to ignore the annoying news anchor in the beginning. This video hurts just watching it... from laughing so hard.

Get your candy here!

All Hallows' Eve... as a kid it doesn't get much better than people giving out free candy. I think I did the trick-or-treat thing until I graduated high school. As a junior and senior, I remember my friends and I getting strange looks from people as we walked up to their houses. Just put candy in my sack sucker! Please.

The Washington Post has an article today about the best and worst of Halloween candy. Kit Kats, Hersheys, Three Musketeers - YEAH!!! Mary Janes, raisins, peanuts and pennies - BOO!!! People need to take some pride in what they give out for Halloween. If you're going to give out shitty candy, you might as well turn off your lights and lock your door because you're wasting kids' valuable candy gathering time. I guess people like that were never kids themselves.

This is the first year since moving out of my parents' house (almost 10 years ago) that I don't live in an apartment or condo - so the door actually opens up to the outside world, not a hallway. Tonight the light will be on at Casa de Gus and Milky Ways and Three Musketeers are on the menu. Holla!

This week's late night TV lineup

Jimmy Kimmel Live

• Monday - Justice
• Thursday - Thurston Moore

Late Night w/Conan O'Brien

• Tuesday - Zappa plays Zappa
• Wednesday - Manchester Orchestra

Late Show w/David Letterman

• Wednesday - Go! Team
• Thursday - Ryan Adams
• Friday - Jay-Z

Hooray Friday!

- More Prince than you can shake a purple-colored stick at... MOKB provides us with a surprising number of "When Doves Cry" covers.

- Not sure how I missed this last week. Ever wonder what the original track list for Neil Young's Chrome Dreams was? Aquarium Drunkard enables us to listen to what many expert think. Then, they blow the doors off with some more Neil Young love.

- I can't believe it. Hall and Oats announced their 2007 tour and the DC area gets no love. Damnit! Philly's the closest and that's a bit too far for this guy. I saw these guys when I lived in South Cackalacky (8th row) and they were honestly pretty entertaining. Brooklyn Vegan quenches our thirst with the dates and some videos.

- The Verve just needs to accept the fact that all they'll ever be known for is "Bittersweet Symphony". It's a quality song and then to make matters worse, they used it for the end of Cruel Intentions when an innocent and hot Reese Whitherspoon drives off into the sunset. In any event, NME has their first new track in 10 years (until Oct 28th). Thanks to Product Shop NYC for the knowledge.

- Looks like the Radiohead-way is catching on. The Liars are offering up Liars Sessions, an EP of sorts containing 4 demos for free here.

Hot cheesey goodness!

The grilled cheese sandwich - simple, yet oh so yummy. My sister and I were lucky because we grew up with the Grilled Cheese Making Master. Yeah, it's pretty much the only thing he can cook (until recently), but our Pops sticks to what he's good at. One word of advice though - make sure you ask him to make it WAY before you're hungry. Good

things come to those who wait - and you'll be waiting about 30 minutes for this little slice of heaven.

What's the point? The 1st annual Oakland Regional Grilled Cheese Invitational was held yesterday in California. No, I don't live in Oakland... hell, I've never been there. But I came across this on the San Fransisco Chronicle website and it brought back memories of growing up. RatBat Bear reminisces when listening to Neil Young, but not this guy.

I honestly didn't know it was such a popular sandwich, but with regional invitationals in Austin and NYC, the national event in LA, and a website with rules, photos and grilling tips, I guess I was wrong.

The streak continues

No, I'm not referring to the Colorado Rockies. I've received an overwhelming (by overwhelming, I mean 2 or 3 people) response to last week's news about the acquisition of Murphy, so here's an update...

Although the LOML and I still think dogs are cool, we came to the quick realization this past weekend that ours is definitely not perfect. While this was a tough concept to grasp at first, we both agreed that it was a very good thing that it happened early on in dog ownership. It started on Friday when Murphy decided to whiz in the house while we were eating dinner... and then gave a repeat performance on Saturday... and then 3 times (starting at 6:30am) on Sunday... and then one more time on Monday. What the hell is going on? Why does this dog feel the need to squirt every time it's on carpet?

But then came Tuesday - and what a glorious Tuesday it was. No whizzing, no worries. So the streak began yesterday... let's hope it continues.

For those of you with kids...

or are thinking about having them, start saving now! Either that or hope that they are super smart and get full scholarships to college. The New York Times had an article yesterday on how college costs are increasing faster than inflation (according to a report by the College Board). That's ridiculous! Reading this prompted me to head to my alma mater's website and check out the current rates. DAMN - and that's for a state school! I sound like an old man saying this, but that's a hell of a lot higher than what I paid to party... I mean learn.

In all seriousness, this is cause for concern. Those who are just trying to advance and make a better life for themselves are now going to have to put them, or their parents (or both) behind the 8-ball financially just to pay for college?? And we're not even talking about law or medical school. I don't know about anyone else, but that doesn't make a lot of sense to me. I'll bet if you could go back in time and ask the founders of some of these institutions if that's what they invisioned for higher education, you would get a lot of strange looks.

With all of that being said, I like to think of myself as an opportunist. So I'm going to start working on establishing The Gus University directly. Who's in?

This week's late night TV lineup

Jimmy Kimmel Live!

• Monday - Sara Bareilles
• Wednesday - Ben Harper
• Thursday - Interpol

Tonight Show w/Jay Leno

• Monday - Bright Eyes
• Tuesday - Editors
• Wednesday - Paolo Nutini
• Thursday - Chris Cornell

Late Night w/Conan O'Brien

• Monday - Andrew Bird
• Wednesday - Flight of the Conchords
• Thurday - Mooney Suzuki

Lat Call w/Carson Daly

• Wednesday - Jamie T.
• Thursday - Peter Bjorn and John

Late Show w/David Letterman

• Wednesday - Ben Harper

Hooray Friday (a day late)!

- The soundtrack to the Bob Dylan biopic I'm Not There (out Nov 21st) looks almost as intriguing as the film itself. 2 discs full of Dylan covers by artists such as Cat Power, Iron and Wine, Jeff Tweedy, Mark Lanegan, Stephen Malkmus, Jim James, and non other than John "F-ing" Doe? Count me in! I am fuel provides the tracklist and a taste of what's to come with a little ditty from Eddie Vedder and the Million Dollar Bashers before the Oct 30th album release.

- Same blog, different goodness. I am fuel also hooks us up with mix of favorites from EPs. I haven't given it a whirl yet, but with the likes of Wilco, Ambulance LTD, Bishop Allen, Iron and Wine, Oasis, The Black Keys and Pete Yorn getting some love, I definitely will.

- It seems like I'm always singing the praises of NPR and there's a reason for that. World Cup Cafe from WXPN has an interview and a 4-song studio performance of Iron and Wine's Sam Beam posted. Get after it!

Sorry for the shortness of this, but I'm hung-over..

Dogs are cool...

and now I understand was all of the fuss is about. Neither the LOML nor I ever had one as a pet, but we do now. Murphy Brown is the newest addition to the Gus "R" Us clan. F-in' sweet.

This week's late night TV lineup

Tonight Show w/Jay Leno

• Tuesday - PJ Harvey

Lat Night w/Conan O'Brien

• Monday - Fionn Regan
• Tuesday - Ghostland Observatory
• Wednesday - Mute Math
• Thursday - Spoon

Last Call w/Carson Daly

• Monday - Honorary Title
• Wednesday - A Fine Frenzy
• Thursday - Teddybears

Late Show w/David Letterman

• Thursday - Band of Horses

"Boy, that's your problem!"

Got it hand it to JoePa for a pretty quick comeback (especially for an 80-year old), who had an "incident" on the Penn State campus last week. For most people that age, an "incident" would probably mean that they soiled their undies. Not good old JoePa, who apparently has taken up a part-time job as a traffic cop.

For those who have no idea what I'm referring to, check out today's article in the Centre Daily Times. Even with the Nittany Lions way out of the National Championship picture, it's good to see that the fire still burns strong in JoePa. Mrs. JoePa must be a very satisfied woman.

This week's late night tv lineup

Late Show w/David Letterman

• Wednesday - Queens of the Stone Age

Late Late Show w/Craig Ferguson

• Monday - Shout Out Louds
• Wednesday - Modest Mouse
• Thursday - Tori Amos

Tonight Show w/Jay Leno

• Monday - The Shins

Late Night w/Conan O'Brien

• Tuesday - The Black Lips
• Thursday - Klaxons
• Friday - Fionn Regan

Last Call w/Carson Daly

• Monday - Mat Kearney
• Friday - Morrisey

Jimmy Kimmel Live!

• Monday - Modest Mouse
• Tuesday - Justice
• Wednesday - Datarock
• Thursday - Jose Gonzalez

Hooray Friday!

- An Aquarium Drunkard has My Morning Jacket covering Jefferson Airplane's "White Rabbit" and a few Steve Earle tunes worth checking out.

- NPR continues to give me live music to stream while wasting the days away at work. The past week was a barn-burner with Josh Ritter, Jose Gonzalez, Okkervil River, Animal Collective and Iron and Wine getting some love on NPR's Live Concert Series. Looks like Spoon and the New Pornographers will be popping up in the next few weeks as well. Stay tuned...

- I've never been a Smashing Pumpkins fan, so their pseudo-reunion meant next to nothing to me. Reviews of their current tour are average at best and MOKB doesn't hold back either. I like the way they went about it though - they blasted the Pumpkins, but then gave some suggestions to improve the show. Not that Billy Corgan is reading, but still.

- The Flaming Lips are projecting a March release for their latest experiment, the film Christmas on Mars. If this is going to be anything like their concerts, you might want to start preparing your brain for sensory overload directly. Thanks to You Ain't No Picasso for the report.

- If you don't know what I'm talking about when I refer to the Flaming Lips concerts, check out the pics on MOKB from the Monolith Festival. The post also has a few tracks, to include their cover of Pink Floyd's "Lucifer Sam".

Mmmm beer...

While playing catch up on my magazine subscriptions, I came across information I wish I had at Max's last weekend. "The World's Best Beers" article in Men's Journal lists the top five beers in 6 categories/styles. This doesn't mean that you have to go out and try all 30 beers in one night... but if you decide to make a go at it, give me a shout and I'll belly up next to you at the bar.

In any event, rankings were determined by surveying beer industry gurus (I don't remember seeing that as an option to major in college). I've already copied this list and keep it in my back pocket - you never know when you're going to make a B-double E-double R-U-N, beerun.

Pale Ales

1. Firestone Walker Pale Ale
2. Sierra Nevada
3. Mirror Pond
4. Dogfish Head 60 minute IPA
5. Ridgeway Bitter
   

Stouts and Porters

1. Deschutes the Abyss
2. Guiness
3. Stone Smoked Porter
4. Bell's Kalamazoo Stout
5. Brooklyn Black Chocolate Stout
   

Belgians

1. Saison Dupont
2. Rochefort 10
3. Ommegang Three Philosophers
4. Russian River Damnation
5. St. Bernardus Triple

Wheat

1. Aventinus Doppel Weizen-bock
2. Ayinger Brau-weiss
3. Allagash White
4. Penn Weizen
5. Widmer Hefeweizen
   

Lagers and Pilsners

1. Lagunitas Pils
2. Victory Prima Pils
3. Stoudt's Pils
4. Trumer Pils
5. New Belgium Blue Paddle

Radiohead update - Oct 10th release??

In Rainbows is the title of the new album and it's coming out in 10 days... I think. I'm not going to try to explain it, because it's Monday and chances are I'll mess it up. So I'll pass you onto Brooklyn Vegan, Metro D and Pitchfork for the details.


*** UPDATE - In my travels through the blogosphere, I discovered that The Rawking Refuses to Stop! posted a bunch of new songs that Radiohead was testing out during last summer's tour all the way back in July. It looks like TRRTS! only missed 3 tracks that are in the album to be released on the 10th. Check them out if you want here... I'm going to try to wait 8 days for the studio version.

Weekend recap

Besides the Eagles not showing up for their Sunday night game against the Giants, this weekend was a good one. The Phightin' Phils finishing their blistering late season run to win the NL East probably tops it all. My friend's bachelor party is a close 2nd. We never made it to a nudey bar, which is probably a good thing because we experienced so much more in B-more...

• 2 rows of Yankees' fans that were directly behind us getting booted from the Yanks/O's game
• Max's - possibly the best all-around bar I've been to
• Magic Hat Celebration ??? (can't remember the last part) - A delicious beer that cleanses the palate while clearing the sinuses. You'd never know that 10% of that bad boy is alcohol until you're face-down on the floor
• The girl that pounded beers faster than guys... that was until she threw up in the bathroom
• A 3-way lady lip lock. I would have thought I was dreaming/drunk if I didn't see the pictures the next morning

This week's late night TV lineup

Jimmy Kimmel Live!

• Tuesday - Mark Ronson
• Wedesday - Nick Lowe

Tonight Show w/Jay Leno

• Monday - Tori Amos

Late Night w/Conan O'Brien

• Monday - VHS or Beta
• Thursday - Bloc Party
• Friday - Animal Collective

Last Call w/Carson Daly

• Tuesday - Paolo Nutini

Late Show w/David Letterman

• Monday - Ben Harper and the Innocent Criminals
• Friday- Iron and Wine

Bachelor Party prep

I'll be honest, bachelor parties scare me a little bit... which was one of the reasons I didn't want one. Something about being with a group of guys drinking... I have a hard time turning down shots even when my liver and brain have thrown in the towel.

Anyway, I'm mentally preparing for tonight's activities. A stop to the bank for a wad of George Washington's and I'm off to B-more. Here's to hoping I don't feel like this lady tomorrow.

Horray Friday!

For the 3rd week in a row, posts have been fairly non-existent due to the house and office moves. I've also become fairly obsessed with the Phightin' Phils as they bum-rush the Mets at the top of the NL East. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that everything returns to normal next week, although I'm heading to B-more for a bachelor party this weekend so it may take me a bit to recover from the impending debauchery. Enough sniveling though, let's get after it...

- Of Montreal covers Neil Young's "Harvest Moon" in their upcoming digital only EP. Check it out on Aquarium Drunkard. I definitely favor the original, but I'll give them points for trying.

- Pink Floyd nuts take note before shelling out your greenbacks for the 40th anniversary release of The Piper at the Gates of Dawn. MOKB has a review of the rerelease and whether or not you really need it.

- I'm seriously digging Iron and Wine's The Shepard's Dog. A nudy bar is one of the few things that could keep me from their concert at the 9:30 Club this Saturday and it just so happens that's where I'll be instead of the concert. Oh well, maybe I'll ask the DJ to spin one of their tracks in between Beyonce's "Bootylicious" and the Divinyls' "I Touch Myself". Blogs are for Dogs has a couple of tracks posted here.

- The Austin City Limits TV schedule through next year has been released. There are definitely some dates that I'm marking on my calendar. Ultra8201 provides the nourishment.

- Does anyone else remember the actress Gina Gershon and did anyone else think she was hot? If you answered yes to both of those and don't want your image of her ruined, don't look at this from Brooklyn Vegan. I guess she finally realized that she's not the greatest actress and has taken up music. She has a handful of dates scheduled and dammit, not a one is in the DC area. A funny comment about the picture from BV, "they look like porn versions of the olsen twins!" Now my mind is sidetracked thinking about the Olsen twins doing porn...

This week's late night TV lineup

Jimmy Kimmel Live!

• Tuesday - Sea Wolf

Tonight Show w/Jay Leno

• Wednesday - Bright Eyes

Late Night w/Conan O'Brien

• Monday - Rilo Kiley
• Wednesday - Devendra Banhart
• Thursday - Bjork
• Friday - Jose Gonzalez

Late Late Show w/Craig Ferguson

• Wednesday - The National

This week's late night TV lineup

Late Show w/David Letterman

• Tuesday - Steve Earle
• Wednesday - Against Me
• Thursday - Gogol Bordello
• Friday - Velvet Revolver

Tonight Show w/Jay Leno

• Monday- Emmylou Harris
• Tuesday - Paolo Nutini
• Wednesday - LCD Soundsystem
• Thursday - Cold War Kids
• Friday - Editors

Late Night w/Conan O'Brien

• Tuesday - KT Tunstall
• Wednesday - Rogue Wave
• Friday - Ben Harper

Last Call w/Carson Daly

• Wednesday - A Fine Frenzy
• Thursday - Teddybears

Jimmy Kimmel Live!

• Wednesday - Mute Math
• Thursday - KT Tunstall

Hooray Friday! (a day early)

I apologize for my lack of communication this week. I'm in the process of moving houses and offices so things are a bit hectic. I'll make this short and sweet (but hopefully informative)...

- The Into the Wild soundtrack by Eddie Vedder is streaming on the WROV website. Official release is Sep 18th. Thanks to Metro D for the heads-up.

- The White Stripes cancelled their upcoming tour due to Meg White having acute anxiety. No rescheduling information was given.

- An Aquarium Drunkard has a pretty good review of the Spoon concert in LA this week. I may end up heading to Maryland to catch them and the Sins at Merriweather. I wish they didn't cancel their 9:30 Club dates though.

- A new Wu-Tang track has surfaced from their upcoming 8 Diagrams release. Check it out on Blogs are for Dogs.

This week's late night TV lineup

Late Show w/David Letterman

• Wednesday - Daughtry

Late Late Show w/Craid Ferguson

• Wednesday - Spoon

Tonight Show w/Jay Leno

• Tuesday - Spoon
• Wednesday - The Bravery

Last Call w/Carson Daly

• Thursday - Teddybears

Jimmy Kimmel Live!

• Monday - Joss Stone
• Wednesday - Modest Mouse
• Friday - Hot Hot Heat

On the Road turns 50

I remember RatBat Bear handing me his copy of Jack Kerouac's On the Road after I graduated college. Ironically enough, I was preparing for a road trip of my own from Philly to Oklahoma. I was never (and still really am not) a big reader. I mostly stick to magazine and newspaper articles - their lengths seem to work more with my ever-diminishing attention span. But On the Road was different. It just flowed... made reading not seem as much like work. It's amazing that Kerouac spent years "researching" for the novel and then cranked out such a gem in less than 3 weeks (good enough to be named by Time as one of the All-Time 100 Novels). Wouldn't we all like a shot of productivity like that?

Lisa Birman from Naropa University summed it up when she said, "On the Road is one of those books that every generation discovers without fail." I wholeheartedly agree with that statement. I'm convinced that On the Road will be kicking around forever. Hell, 100,000 copies are still purchased each year. I'm not one of them though - I have RatBat Bear's copy.

Check out some of the articles that have been popping up over the past week or so:

• Philadelphia Inquirer
• The Dallas Morning News
• Los Angeles Times
• Kansas City Star
• NPR.org
• ArtsBeat blog from The New York Times - this is pretty cool because 450 comments have been posted so far

This week's late night TV lineup

Jimmy Kimmel Live!

• Monday - El-P
• Wednesday - Rilo Kiley
• Thursday - Galactic w/Lyric Born

Tonight Show w/Jay Leno

• Thursday - Kings of Leon

Late Night w/Conan O'Brien

• Monday - Feist
• Wednesday - Dinosaur, Jr.
• Friday - Hot Hot Heat

Last Call w/Carson Daly

• Wednesday - Deerhoof

Late Show w/David Letterman

• Monday - Grinderman
• Thursday - Manchester Orchestra
• Friday - Arctic Monkeys

Late Late Show w/Craig Ferguson

• Monday - Lily Allen

Get your tour dates here

- Bob Dylan & Elvis Costello are teaming together for some dates this fall. I've saw Mr. Dylan and his band a few years ago and can't say I was too impressed. It instead made me wonder what it would have been like to be at one of his concerts back in the day. I've heard good and bad things about Elvis Costello, although I think he's playing solo during this tour.

- The Boss and the E Street band are heading out to support their upcoming release, Magic. I can wait to see what the ticket prices are for this. And I'm sure Ticketbastard isn't going to be shy with their service fees. Yeah that's right, I'm Mr. Brightside.

- Keeping with the ridiculously expensive tickets prices theme, Van Halen has kissed and made up with David Lee Roth and are planning mucho dates. I say planning, because you never know how long the love fest will last, especially with someone as annoying as DLR. Tickets have already gone on sale for some dates and some are already sold out.

- Okkervil River's new album, The Stage Names is getting mixed reviews. I'm still undecided, but am leaning towards some of their earlier efforts. Their tour starts tonight and runs till Dec.

- The Cure have postponed their tour till April/May 2008 because they haven't finished their new album. New dates TBA.

To protect and serve brownies?

I don't know which is funnier - the 911 call or the anchorwoman's reaction. Is that a snort I hear in the background?

NOTE - You can stop watching after about a minute. I couldn't find a shorter clip that was good quality.

Just give it a tappy tap tap

Earlier this week, a co-worker and I were discussing Senator Larry Craig's arrest in June for "lewd conduct" in the men's bathroom at the Minneapolis Airport. When we found out that he apparently was giving a "signal" to the gentlemen in the next stall (who turned out to be a cop) when he tapped his foot, we both had the same reaction - tapping your foot while on the crapper means that you want to have sex?? What if he was bored... just waiting for a highly anticipated (and long overdue) bowel movement? Then I wondered, have I ever tapped my foot while dropping a deuce?? If I have done so, let me assure you that it will cease... directly.

Apparently, this foot tapping in the bathroom thing is nothing new. According to a Washington Post article it's been going on since at least the 1960s. I wonder at what point it became enough of a problem that the police started setting up sting operations to catch these characters? Maybe it was to haze the new officers of the department. Can you imagine hanging out in a bathroom stall all day, just waiting for someone to tap their foot? Excuse the pun, but what a shitty assignment.

For any restroom-sex aficionados out there I apologize, but I just don't understand the excitement in this. I go into a bathroom stall for one reason... and you probably don't want to be anywhere around when I do.

This week's late night TV lineup

Late Show w/David Letterman

• Monday - Feist
• Wednesday - Against Me!

Late Late Show w/Craig Ferguson

• Thursday - Nellie McKay

Tonight Show w/Jay Leno

• Tuesday - Ben Harper & the Innocent Criminals
• Wednesday - Mat Kearney
• Thursday - Wilco

Late Night w/Conan O'Brien

• Tuesday - Okkervil River
• Thursday - Eisley
• Friday - Scarlett Johansson (yeah I know she has nothing to do with music, but she's hot as hell!)

Last Call w/Carson Daly

• Wednesday - Deerhoof

Is that pepperoni on your pizza or are you just happy to see me?

Next time you're in Canada, swing through Winnipeg and bring your appetite. Just make sure you don't get up from the table too fast. Last month, entrepreneur Corey Wildeman opened up Porno Pizza which serves up piping hot pies on top of piping hot pies. Don't get it? Read the CBC article.

Why can't I think of ideas like this? Damn you Corey Wildeman!!

Hooray Friday!

- Gotta start off with the National. Aquarium Drunkard has a bunch of live tracks posted. RatBat Bear is correct - if you don't check that blog out on a regular basis, you are missing out on some musical gems.

- Radiohead alert! Check out the leaked track from their now 2008 album at Product Shop. Impressive, although all this really does is make me want for the new album more.

- The HBO show "Flight of the Conchords" kind of jumped up and bit the LOML and I on the boo-boo. We think it's the tops! Music for Kids... has an interview with the band manager, Murray Hewitt. At the bottom of the post are 2 of the bands songs, including our favorite, "Business Time".

- I am fuel... has posted some Dave Grohl demos from when he when back to his roots and rocked the drums again for the QOTSA album, Songs for the Deaf. I should have learned how to play the drums... or the bagpipes.

- I haven't been a huge fan of Bruce Springsteen's last few efforts. I'm all for artists experimenting, but I felt like the Boss was holding something back. My tune may be changing though if the first single from his upcoming release, Magic is any indication of what's to come. I am fuel... has posted the link to "Radio Nowhere" here.

Get your tour dates here

- Well, it looks like the Cold War Kids subscribe to Gus "R" Us and read my thoughts on their concert with Muse a few week back. I should have been a band manager when I grew up. They're hitting a few smaller venues at the major cities in Nov/Dec. That is after they're done whoring themselves out as openers for Muse & the White Stripes (just kidding fellas).

- Jose Gonzalez is touring this fall to promote his new album In Our Nature. Dates and his new single here.

- Spoon was supposed to be hitting up some smaller venues again this fall, but then a little band called the Shins asked them to open for them. I know Spoon has cancelled their dates at the 9:30 Club because it conflicted with the Shins at Merriweather, so I'm assuming they're doing the same with the rest of their tour. Shins dates here.

- For anyone who has not sunk their teeth into the newest Cloud Cult album, The Meaning of 8, you are truly missing out. They have started announcing dates beginning in September (October/November dates TBA). Unfortunately, I don't see a DC area venue on there as of now.
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- Queens of the Stone Age are giving no love to DC this time around. They'll be hitting up B-more, but it's 2 days before I'll be up in that area for a night of debauchery (read Bachelor Party). Dates here.

- Bright Eyes anyone? Dates are hot off of the press.

Say hello to Steely McBeam

Can you guess which is the Pittsburgh Steelers' new mascot, Steely McBeam and which the construction worker from the Village People? While I find Mr. McBeam pretty f-ing amusing, what's been even funnier is the reaction from the media and fans. Some highlights:

• It sounds like "a porn star' name" - Tony Kornheiser of The Washington Post and ESPN's Pardon the Interruption
• "I guess 'Tod the Rod' didn’t test well in focus groups." - Comment on Balloon Juice blog
• "I wanna play in Pitts – burgh, P.A." - Comment on same blog, in keeping with the whole Village People theme (hey, it could be the new Steelers fight song)
• "Seriously, do we really need to name the mascot the way an 8-year-old names his hermit crab? Look, ma! It's Pinchy McShell" or "Look, it's Hermie McCrab!" - from Kissing Suzie Kolber blog

and my personal favorite:

• "That's not such a bad name, although I would have gone with Sir Craven Dicken-Balz."

Thanks to Deadspin for the side-by-side comparison.

The top 20 party schools

How do I get to be a judge for this one? The Princeton Review released their annual list of top party schools in the country so kids know where to apply and parents know where not to let their kids go. This seems like a much more scientific (and fun) study than the one conducted by The Sporting News. Champagne corks are popping all over West Virginia University this year, ousting last year's #1 party school, University of Texas-Austin (which was ranked #3).

The school that I have a vested interest in, Penn State, slipped a bit this year to #6 (ranked #2 in 2006). Kids these days... it's quite obvious that they just don't take pride in their school anymore. We used to have standards when I went there, and slipping 4 spots is completely unacceptable.

The rankings are "based on a combination of survey questions concerning the use of alcohol and drugs, hours of study each day, and the popularity of the Greek system." You know, what every upstanding school should be focused on. Somehow, I don't think you'll find this distinction on any of the schools' websites.

Raise your glasses for the top 20:

1. West Virginia University
2. University of Mississippi
3. University of Texas @ Austin
4. University of Florida
5. University of Georgia
6. Penn State University
7. University of New Hampshire
8. Indiana University @ Bloomington
9. Ohio University
10. University of California - Santa Barbara
11. Randolph-Macon College
12. University of Iowa
13. Louisiana State University
14. University of Maryland
15. University of Tennessee
16. University of Illinois
17. Arizona State University
18. Florida State University
19. University of Alabama
20. State University of New York @ Albany

This week's late night TV lineup

Late Show w/David Letterman

• Monday - New Pornographers
  
• Wednesday - Velvet Revolver

Late Late Show w/Craig Ferguson

• Monday & Tuesday - Jeremy Fisher


• Thursday - The Cliks

Jimmy Kimmel Live!

• Friday - Eldar

Late Night w/Conan O'Brien

• Wednesday - Blonde Redhead


• Friday - Mando Diao

Last Call w/Carson Daly

• Thursday - Lily Allen


• Friday - Black Light Burns

What a catch...

from one of yesterday's Little League World Series games. This kid's dad is probably saying to him, "You're my special little guy!"

Hooray Friday!

- Radiohead fans might not like this one. According to Spin.com, the new Radiohead album may not come by the end of the year. Thanks to RatBat Bear for the heads up.

- Live videos of some artists from Lollapalooza are posed on Blender (PJ, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Daft Punk, Amy Winehouse, etc.). Check out Ultra8201 for the specific links.

- Check out a remix of Interpol's "Heinrich Manever" at Ultra8201 as well.

- There's a new Pearl Jam live DVD on the horizon, this time from Italy. Presale begins Aug 22, the rest of the world can get it on Sep 25. Some of it was shot in HD so unfortunately, I'll have to crash someone's house to watch it. The trailer looks pretty cool. More info on I am fuel...

- The newest Nine Inch Nails album, Year Zero will be remixed, although small details such as release date are still TBD. It also sounds like there's the possibility that the album may be adapted into a film. That's an itneresting concept, making a soundtrack before making the movie. Leave it to Trent to put the cart before the horse. I wonder if he also puts on his undies after his pants. Stereogum reports.

- Amy Winehouse is in rehab. That's surprising...

His momma must be so proud!

I'm sitting here, looking at this picture thinking, "At what point did this guy think this was a good idea?" Kasey Kazee, a 24-year old brainiac from Kentucky did this to himself before he robbed a liquor store. What ever happened to a ski mask? Or pantyhose?

This story is so intriguing... time to play a little "Good, Better, Best"

GOOD - One would think that he'd put himself through this for a huge payday. Unfortunately, he only made out with 2 rolls of change from the store - that might not even pay for the duct tape!

BETTER - In an interview after the incident, he denied being the robber. So you duct taped your melon just to walk around town? I guess he thinks everyone else is as stupid as him.

BEST - Besides his ego, do you know what's going to hurt the most? When they pull the duct tape off of his upper lip - I'm sure the police aren't going to be too gentle. Yikes!

Read the story here.

John from Cincinnati cancelled

I never got into this show (which is to say I never watched it), so I can't say that I'm heart-broken. HBO is on somewhat of a bad run as of late. First the whole "Deadwood" fiasco, which is still unresolved. Then "The Sopranos" finale, which pissed off some people enough that they cancelled their HBO subscription. And now this - the show that was supposed to be the next big thing doesn't even make it past the first season.

Luckily they still have "Entourage", "Big Love" and the sleeper hit "Flight of the Conchords" (although even the fate of that has yet to be determined). And I'd be remiss if I didn't give some love to the "Real Sex" and "G-string Divas" series as well as some of the crazy documentaries. Don't cancel that subscription just yet. Wait for 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 AHHHHHHHH!!!

This week's late night TV lineup

I actually did this yesterday, but for some reason it never posted...

Late Show w/David Letterman

• Monday - White Rabbits
• Tuesday - Smashing Pumpkins
• Thurday - Teddy Thompson
• Friday - Andrew Bird

Late Late Show w/Craig Ferguson

• Friday - Augie March

Jimmy Kimmel Live!

• Monday - As Tall As Lions
• Friday - Editors

Late Night w/Conan O'Brien

• Tuesday - Clap Your Hand Say Yeah

Hooray Friday!

- Nominations for the 2007 MTV Video Music Awards are out. While I don't normally care too much for the awards themselves, I normally tune in to see the performances. However, Justin Timberlake's "What Goes Around..." is nominated for Best Video starring hotty-boom-botty Scarlett Johansson. So hot... want to touch the hiney.

- Eddie Vedder did the soundtrack for the upcoming movie Into the Wild, based on the John Krakauer book and directed by Sean Penn. Release for the soundtrack is Sept. 18, while the movie opens on the 21st. Thanks to Metro D for the heads-up.

- Tool frontman Maynard James Keenan's side project, Puscifer is getting ready for the release of their debut album "V is for Vagina" on Oct. 30. More info at Billboard here.

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Sorry to cut this short, but I'm off to hang with RatBat Bear for the weekend armed with a bottle of Tullamore Dew. Hopefully, I'll return in one piece.

Muse & Cold War Kids - Patriot Center (8/9/07)

Metro D pretty much hit the nail on the head. What a concert!

Yesterday was an eventful day and the concert almost didn't happen for me. At about 10am, a water pipe in the office busted, creating a Niagara Falls-like atmosphere for almost 30 minutes. Since the pipe was part of the HVAC system, the A/C had to be shut off. And for a man who sweats a lot (me), that is something I never like to hear - especially when the DC-area is in the middle of a 100+ degree heat wave. My overactive sweat glands were given a reprieve though, as we were allowed to leave early.

Fast forward to the evening. I had a nice little night planned. I was going to take off for the concert a little early and stop at a used-CD shop on the way (I had already purchased a few CDs in my mind). I also wanted to make sure that I arrived at the Patriot Center in plenty of time since I didn't have a ticket and wanted to see the Cold War Kids open. Unfortunately when I headed to my car to begin my journey, it wasn't where I had left it earlier that afternoon - illegally parked in an apartment complex parking lot. After scrambling for a few minutes I found out my ride was towed but luckily, the impound lot was only a few blocks away. Dropped a Benjamin to get my car back and off I went - only a 1/2 hour behind schedule, but no time for the CD store. Traffic wasn't bad and I arrived at the Patriot Center a little lighter in the wallet, but in plenty of time for the concert.

I had visions acquiring a ticket for below face value from a desperate last-minute seller, but it was not meant to be. Instead, I picked up a surprisingly good seat from the box office (saving the $9 Ticketbastard fee) and headed to my seat just before the CWKs took the stage.

The CWKs were good, but I think the venue might have been a bit too big for them. I'd love to see these guys at the 9:30 Club or Black Cat - I think that would be a perfect size for them. They tested out quite a few new songs that sounded pretty good and played their f-ing hearts out for about an hour... you can't ask too much more from a band.

Then came Muse. To say it was a concert would be an understatement. It was more like an experience. Light shows, smoke, balloons filled with confetti, large video screens and a huge sound. I think the only thing the show lacked was pyro/fireworks (and that was probably because the Patriot Center didn't allow it). There are some bands that use all of the extra visual "stuff" to take your attention away from something - most of the time it's a low-energy performance where the band just stands around (i.e. the Cure and Tool). Muse does it to enhance their concert - there is no lack of energy in these guys. They came to rock and they did a damn good job of it for almost 2 hours.

And people wonder why Philly fans are so bitter

Last week, The Sporting News came out with their annual "Best Sports Cities" list and after looking it over, I call BULLSHIT! The "expert" Bob Hillie who concocted this list needs to ease up on the wacky tabacky and get back to reality.

#1 went to Detroit and you honestly can't argue with that. I mean the Pistons, Tigers, Red Wings and Wolverines (yes, Ann Arbor was included in the Detroit area) all had good seasons. Hell, they should be at the top, or at least near it, every year.

Philly came in a respectable, but underrated 9th. I don't really have a beef with the list until #'s 7 and 8. Denver? Phoenix?? How can you diss a city in which 20,000 fans attended the 1st day of Eagles training camp last Friday? It made me even happier when I had to scroll down all the way to #83 to see State College, PA - home of the Nittany Lions. I don't think so Bob... no thank you.

The top ten are listed below. You can see the complete list and article (to include suspect ranking criteria) here.

1. Detroit (incl. Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti)
2. New York
3. Dallas-Fort Worth
4. Chicago (incl. Evanston)
5. Los Angeles
6. Boston
7. Denver (incl. Boulder)
8. Phoenix (incl. Tempe)
9. Philadelphia
10. Minneapolis-St. Paul

This week's late night TV lineup

Sorry about being a day late on this one...

Tonight Show w/Jay Leno

• Wednesday - Hot Hot Heat

Late Night w/Conan O'Brien

• Tuesday - Modest Mouse
• Wednesday - Teddy Thompson

Last Call w/Carson Daly

• Thursday - Eastern Conference Champions

Late Show w/David Letterman

• Friday - Flight of the Conchords

Late Late Show w/Craig Ferguson

• Thursday - Nellie McKay

Jimmy Kimmel Live!

• Thursday - Public Enemy
• Friday - El-P

File this one under "no thank you"

I can't believe this guy is still alive. If he knows what's good for him, he won't even look at a skateboard ever again. Something tells me that won't happen.

Happy 30th!!

The LOML turned the big 3-0 today. She's taking it like a soldier - which is a lot better than I expected. We're currently recovering from last night's bash and thinking about heading out for round 2 tonight. Our livers are hoping that we don't though.