Triple Dipping: The Lemonheads, Racoon, New Rivals

As I was leaving work on Tuesday, a co-worker asked me, "Doing anything fun tonight?" When I told her I was going to The Casbah to see The Lemonheads, she said something like, "I wish I had your life for just one night." And I know she didn't really mean it, but her comment resonated in my mind all night long. Because there I was at The Casbah, watching three great bands, working the merch, enjoying some n.f.l. vodka tonics, all the while blogging with the Casbah's wi-fi, and I kinda had one of those how-could-this-night-be-any-cooler moments. Needless to say, I had a blast.

I got to the venue at 8 pm. The manager for The Lemonheads and Racoon was there doing inventory on the merch. The Lemonheads have a ton of merch. They had three different shirts in all sizes, keychains, pins, posters, and vinyl. I decided that the stacks of t-shirts would be too hard to deal with as they were, so I proceeded to fold and roll them, taping them with masking tape so they'd be easy to find. 120 shirts later, the doors of the venue were opening and I was ready to get going.

It was fun being on the patio. Laura Jane was there, so I gave her camera duties for the evening.

First up for the night was New Rivals. The guys are from Long Island and have been friends since they were little kids. They fit the bill well if you're a fan of the earlier, punkier Lemonheads. I liked how they sounded a lot, even though I was only able to partially pay attention while tending the booth, and I caught myself bopping my head a bit. They especially won me over on their cover of Waiting Room.

Laura Jane came out and took a pic of me triple dipping- selling, blogging, and listening to bands.


Gavin is the manager of New Rivals, and he was happy to not have to sell merch for the night. Unfortunately for the band, the ATM machine was busted so they didn't sell much in the way of merch, but we all had a good time hanging out anyway.


Laura Jane was camera happy, and I love her for it. She took this one of Cap'n Andy, Porter and herself.


The second band of the night was Racoon. I really liked their sound from outside. Someone said they sounded like "a Dutch Matchbox Twenty", and though it was meant as an insult, it seemed accurate but I was okay with that. And clearly they did something right because when they were done, 5 girls came out asking if "that one song" was on the CD, and bought it.




Apparently LJ liked this guy's tee, so I thought I'd post it for her benefit.

Finally The Lemonheads were on. What was cool was that even though I was "working", Gavin kept telling me to go in and watch the band, so the rest of these pics are ones that I took. I wish I had a setlist, and I sent a couple people on the mission of grabbing me one, but I don't know if they were able to grab one, but I know that from the patio and from inside the venue, it felt like Evan played every song I could've asked for.




Malinda, Jake & Abraham


Jake with Jon from New Rivals


Even though Gavin said it was cool, I didn't feel right leaving him at the merch table for too long, but when the band left the stage, leaving Evan on his own, I had to go in and rock out for a few songs.

Back on the patio it was fun capturing a few snapshots of the guys from New Rivals and Racoon.









As all things go, the night had to come to an end. I knew Evan was off with Miggs and Curtis, but thank god I didn't press the issue of an afterparty because I would not have been functional at all today at work. I stayed in tonight to catch up on sleep and because this weekend is expected to be pretty nutty.

Tomorrow afternoon, my office is hosting a party, then I'll be heading to a pre-show gathering with Scissors for Lefty, Suffrajett, and possibly Juliette and The Licks, then to the Casbah. If I can get everything done at work that I need to, I'm taking my second "floating holiday" on Friday, but I'll be spending the day choosing, transporting and decorating my Christmas tree, then a wine party at a friend's house, then probably head to the show at Beauty Bar because I really like Eastern Conference Champs. Saturday there's a lot going on, but I'll probably go to the Music 101 seminar, then December Nights (Christmas on the Prado), then David Bazan's early show at the Casbah, then finish my night at Scolari's.

The whole month is gonna be busy, but can you tell I love Christmastime!?!

American Apparel Ads: Too Risque?

It appears that a lot of people are not happy with some of the recent American Apparel ads. Nothing new, actually. People have been complaining about the ads for a long time. There have been several letters to the editor at CityBeat and other mags and rags that have featured the ads. Like this one where the writer argues, "The ads put prepubescent models in compromising poses, wearing inadequate clothing... Progressive politics is one thing; exploitation is another."

American Apparel seems to relish the attention, even referring to their own advertising as "provocative."

I'm not trying to mock the issue, because even though I don't find the ads inappropriate, I do find them sleazy. But the controversy about the ads reminded me that when I was in LA a couple months ago, I picked up The Onion and couldn't stop laughing at this article. Hope you enjoy.

14 American Apparel Models Freed In Daring Midnight Raid

LOS ANGELES—"There were girls everywhere," FBI agent Curtis Froman said. "Draped over furniture, sprawled spread-eagled in the corner, and huddled close like animals."

My CityBeat Column

Just an FYI that my new column is up. Yes, for you, dear readers, I actually watched an entire hour of The Next Great American Band. I kinda dig the Clark Brothers and Light of Doom has a real shot, but really? Denver and the Mile High Orchestra? So Christian that they had to change Rod Stewart's lyrics? Gimme a freakin break. And Dot Dot Dot? They should be poster boys (and girls) for Wet N Wild cosmetics and be the resurrection of Aqua Net hairspray. Lame.

Just a correction on my column...the site to donate to The Locust is actually misspelled in the domain. It should be www.ThreeOneG.com/releif (not relief)

Things To Do In San Diego: December 5, 2007

Wednesday, December 5, 2007:

• The Locust, Yip-Yip, Melt Banana, Sleeping People @ Epicentre
• Damo Suzuki (with a local all star backing band), Riververb @ Che Cafe
• Something for Rockets, Long Live Logos, The Fascination, Love Campaign @ Casbah
• Deborah Harry, Kristoffer Ragnstam @ Belly Up
• Ghosts I've Met, Drew Grow, Japanese Sunday @ Beauty Bar
• Guava Belly, Behold, The Crashing Marbles @ Brick By Brick
• Bobby, Gabriella Cihomsky, The Natters@ Lestat's
• Charlie Hunter @ Anthology
• Chip Conrad & The Concrete Feat @ O'Connell's
• Bahman's "Bondounce" band , Chris Leyva @ Dublin Square
• Blue Turtle Seduction, The LeBarbers @ Winston's
• Electric Soul @ Humphrey's Backstage Lounge

Scolari's "Cop Beating"

A couple weeks ago I posted about an incident at Scolari's. I actually regret posting that now. I was asked to look into the incident, for the possible inclusion in my Local's Only column for the week. After talking to a few witnesses and getting wildly divergent versions of what occurred, I didn't feel there was anyway to adequately represent the story. Apparently SDIndyMedia and The Reader are covering the story, and I'd just like to post the information I got in a kind of experiment...to see if they cover the story in a "fair and balanced" way, or if they take a side ("Cops Suck" vs. "Drunk idiots shouldn't swing at cops")

The original post included information from Alia, a friend of the "victim" who was outraged at the "police brutality" acted out on her friend. Her version of the story really started outside the bar. She says she heard that the singer of Royal Trux, Jennifer, was punched by the doorman, so Jennifer, in turn called the cops. When they came and were taking statements, the cops were telling her she should leave and "go sober up."

According to Alia, Chris Bloss got between the cops and Jennifer. The cops told him to get back and he complied. Still, the cop pushed Chris Bloss, telling him to "step the fuck back" and then the cops took him down to the ground, face down. A female cop sat on top of him with his arms tucked under his stomach so he was unable to comply with their request to put his arms behind his back. He was screaming, "Get the fuck off me!" and they took this as resistance, and he was maced (or pepper sprayed) twice. The cop dismounted since she was now inhaling said spray. The cops pulled out their nightsticks and beat him repeatedly with it. They also threatened to taze him. Alia then ran toward them screaming for them to "get the fuck off him" and to "stop fucking hitting him". They told her to back off and she did. When all was said and done, Chris was beat and bruised and arrested for interfering with police business. He has a sprained thumb and was held with $10k in bail, which was paid. Chris has a January court date. Alia and Chris are looking for the people who were taking pictures of the incident and witnesses to what went down.

But then there's always two sides to every story. BearPaw was there and has a very different version of what happened (BearPaw posted this on The Punk Board and gave me permission to use it.)

Her [Jennifer of Royal Trux] and her boyfriend showed up wasted as fuuuck. Toni served them one drink before they played. Chandra refused to serve them after they played because they were wasted and so the chick tried to climb over the bar but Donny pushed her off. Then big tattoer Tom picked her up and took her outside.

So she was trying to claim that Scolaris was trying to steal their equipment ( the last band was using some of their gear) which was untrue because the 3 non-wasted dudes in the band were allowed in and out of the bar, no problem.

So they sat in the van until the last band was done and the chick and her boy tried to rush the door but Tom was right there waiting for them. They got tossed out again, she couldn't stand on her own. So Donny calls the cops and she kept yelling how they had a sign contract for a $100. So the cops show up and start taking statements.

One cop was talking to the band and another was talking to Donny and Tom. This dude [Chris Bloss] kept getting in between one cop and band while the cop was taking their statement. The cop told him about 15 times to step away because he wasn't in the band nor worked at the bar. Finally the duder said, "Fuck you, cop." The cop turned around and told him that he needs to step away or he is going to jail. Then the duder took a swing at the cop.

Needless to say the cops took that dude down hard. While the cops were dealing with him, the band took off down in the street. They got pulled over around 31st. While they were pulling a way, the chick kicked out one of the side windows of the van.

BearPaw also added that between Chris screaming "fuck you" at the cops, he attempted to take off running, so he was actually grabbed and tackled in front of the furniture store adjacent to Scolari's. He also said that T-Bone (of Scolari's) was the one who said that the band was arrested over on 31st. Those charges are unknown.

The real reason my conscience got in the way of this story was because getting info from SDPD was a more daunting task than I had time for. There is no doubt in my mind from hearing versions of the story that Chris Bloss was roughed up by the cops. What I do doubt is that the cops were not justified in their actions. If someone swung at me, I'd kick their ass too. I'm jus' sayin'.

Anyway, I only got two versions of what happened, but it surely left me with questions, so I'm salivating at the way the Reader is gonna cover the story. Check their site at noon to find out.

Tonight! The Lemonheads at The Casbah

I love me some Evan Dando. We have a long history- too long to write about now. But anyway, I'll be at the show tonight, but I've been asked to be the merch girl for the evening, so I'll be on the patio for the duration of the night. Maybe I'll bring my laptop to keep me occupied.

Anyway, if you're coming to the show, make sure you say hi. Also, if anyone wants to take some pics of the show for me, I'll have my camera on hand. Since I spend half of most shows on the patio already, this is really no big deal. See you tonight!

xo

YouTube "Viral Marketing"

I'm only posting this because at a show the other night, people were yelling requests to the band onstage. Usually there's that not-at-all original holler of "Freebird" but this time, I actually laughed out loud when someone hollered out "Chocolate Rain." Same dude sold out and made a commercial. Just thought I'd share.

Things To Do In San Diego: December 4, 2007

Tuesday, December 4, 2007:

• The Lemonheads, Racoon, The New Rivals @ Casbah
• Toxic Shock Syndrome, Lilith Velkor @ Scolari's
• Charlie Hunter @ Anthology
• The Shake Ups, Border Town Bust @ O'Connell's
• Disabled youth, The 13th Victim (TX), and Gizzards @ Zombie Lounge
• Blue Turtle Seduction, The LeBarbers @ Winston's
• Death By Decibels Tour feat Vader, Malevolent Creation, Cattle Decapitation, Abigal Williams, Light This City, Veil Of Maya @ Soma Sidestage
• Jesse Davis @ Humphrey's Backstage Lounge

Holiday Shopping Secrets! Easy Way To Fashion Valley Mall

I promised to write a holiday shopping public service announcement, but the truth is that I'm not telling you for your benefit, I'm telling you for mine. The truth is I hate shopping, I hate shopping malls, and I don't know why anyone would go to a mall when you can shop online or find better, more unique gifts in any of the hundred of boutiques in less crowded areas of the county.

But whatever, you're going to go shopping, and you might end up at Fashion Valley Mall. The mall is across the street from my office, and I'd already like to shoot paint ball pellets at all the assholes who try to catch that first turn into the mall on Friars off the 163 and end up blocking traffic for the 10 minute cycle of the light. There are other entrances! You don't have to be right next to The Cheesecake Factory and Nordstrom. There is an easier way! You can get to your shiny happy mall without ever going on the 163 or Friars Road. For my sake, please consider some alternate routes.



If you're travelling westbound on the 8, there are two exits for Hotel Circle. The first one shares the offramp to the 163 north, but bypasses the 163 and sets you nicely on Hotel Circle North. Proceed west, turn right on Fashion Valley Road, and you're set.

If you wait for the second Hotel Circle Exit off the 8, you're going to backtrack east for less than half a mile, making a left onto Fashion Valley Road.

From the other direction, it's a little more complicated. There are two offramps for Hotel Circle South. If you take the one for Taylor street, backtrack west, go over the 8 toward Hunter Steakhouse, then go east on Hotel Circle South. If you wait for the second Hotel Circle exit, you're gonna end up near Frog ONE gym or whatever that place is. You want to go left, cross under the freeway and veer to the left to be on Hotel Circle North, then follow the directions above, turning right at Fashion Valley Road.

I guarantee that if my recommendations don't save you a migraine, they'll at least save you up to four traffic lights, three honking horns, and maybe you can actually have a pleasant time at the mall, instead of being a Scroogy nightmare for the rest of us who actually love the holiday season.

Sunday Recap: Grand Ole Party, Vampire Weekend, Fantastic Magic at the Casbah

I barely eeeked out my column in time to head down to the Casbah. In fact, I thought I was going to have to actually blog from the Casbah because I felt the need to catch up with all this posting, but I knew that just was not gonna happen, so I left it in the car. Let me tell you something, San Diego. If you wanna hit a Casbah show that you know is a big deal, go onto Casbahmusic.com and buy tickets in advance. I cannot tell you how many people were stuck outside on Friday and Sunday just hoping to be let in. Our little bands are all grown up and all those late on the bandwagoners are buying their tickets in advance... I'm jus' sayin'

Anyway, I got there while Fantastic Magic was finishing up. I saw them once before at Scolari's and I kinda like their spooky hippie sounds, but in the sold out room, the band couldn't really grab the majority of the crowd's attention.

I made sure to secure a spot up front because I'd heard so much about Vampire Weekend. They said that they'd all gotten sick and they were pretty disappointed about that, but I really enjoyed them. I was really feeling the singer in his cable knit oversized sweater and his scarf...the joys of winter. I also loved how before each song, the bassist would kinda start dancing to the beat of the next song before anyone else had played a note. I loved the live performance and so I downloaded some of their music online today...and recorded all those comparisons to Paul Simon hold true, though I didn't really feel that live. I would've guessed the band was European had I not known otherwise.









In between bands I met some people, including the new music editor of CityBeat, and a few blog readers, which was pretty cool. It's nice to get feedback like that. On a night like this, it was just as fun between bands as it was actually seeing the bands play. I love those nights...where you actually hope the band takes a while to set up.

Eventually, Grand Ole Party started and the room was packed. Like Sardines. I ended up watching most of the show from the side of the stage and then for a while from the bar, and at times from the patio, but I decided I needed to take at least a few pics, so I delivered a beer to Greg, who was right up front. Sorry to all those people irritated by me squeezing through, but I kinda feel its my blog duty to try.

Kristin was a little sick, but they sounded really great and it's clear why the band has been getting such a great reception across the country and in Europe. None of it has gone to their heads, and they're all just as sweet as ever.









After the show I was really surprised, because the Casbah stayed open. They had music playing and people were actually inside dancing and stuff. I talked to the guys in Vampire Weekend a bit and they were really nice, and teasing me about being a blogger- certain blogs have so much attitude that they make the rest of us look bad. I hope bands never see me as the enemy...well except Band of Horses...but who cares about them anyway?

Anyway, I was talking to one of the guys in the band and the others were loading out all their merch, but left a 7" behind, so he asked if I wanted it. Yay. And he gave me a poster. Such lovely guys.

After the show I was ready to head home but was caught at the last second by some of the Casbah guys who needed their battery jumped. I pulled my car around and up on the sidewalk, but the jump didn't work, so I was on my way home. When I got home, my animals were a bit rambunctious and my dog chomped my cat. He's ok, no skin was broken or anything, but my poor cat has been hiding from my dog all day. Hopefully he feels better tomorrow. Needless to say, I got to bed later than I expected so the shortage of sleep left me pretty unmotivated to go out tonight. So I took a break, but I'll be at the Lemonheads show tomorrow. I hope Evan's in a good place because his mood can really influence the performance. A happy Evan is so, so nice.

Sat Recap: House Party with The Muslims

After spending the early part of my Saturday evening with my family at the Kensington tree lighting (and taking pics of my niece with Santa), I made a stop at Vons to stock up on some booze. Not just for the party, but December traditionally necessitates having a stocked bar at home., cuz ya never know who might drop by. I ventured to the party in Banker's Hill and unfortunately missed The Vision of A Dying World. The party was packed, and seriously, Amanda and Heather are party pros. They had laid tarp all over the backyard so there wasn't any mud to contend with.

I made my way into the deathtrap basement and squeezed up with Natalie where we took some pics and chatted with the Muslims before they started. They played a great set and showed off the new bassist Dave.









When the band finished, it was just wall to wall with people. I wanted to say hi to Adam who was doing "Too Cool For Karaoke" in the house, but I was kinda drwoning in the swarms of people. Plus, I'd been pretty generous in sharing my beer, so I was just about out, so I decided to call it a night, and headed to the Ken Club for last call. All in all, it was a pretty mellow night. There was a point where I debated going back to the party but that didn't happen. Instead, Abraham called and came over for a couple beers, while we watched TV and I posted all those Santa pics.

I'm loving that it's December, that the air is a little chilly, that I had to put my extra quilt on my bed, that my holiday snowmen are out. Now all I need is to find the right tree and I'm set.

Friday Recap: Swedish Models, Blackout Party, Secret Apollo, Frantic Romantic

Driving my car in the rain is pretty rough. Despite having a day of from the d.j., I still managed to get to the Casbah later than expected. Actually, what happened was I got sucked into watching a show (research for my next CityBeat column) and by the time I realized it, I was late and headed for the Casbah. The show was already sold out which impressed me immensely. Unfortunately, I missed the debut of Hotel St. George. I heard they were great but only had a five song set, so its not really that surprising that I missed them.

The Casbah was cozy, with the music room packed to the gills and the Atari Lounge pretty full as well, as smokers huddled under the small awning over the entry way to the venue. I headed up front for the Swedish Models. It was kinda funny, these guys are my friends and I've seen them a ton, but I guess I normally spend so much time watching the spectacle of the band and Andrew jumping around from instrument to instrument that I never paid attention to the fact that this boy can really sing. It was nice to see something new in a band that is so familiar.





There was chatting and socializing to be done, but I made it in for part of The Blackout Party's set. I always love the use of unorthodox instruments, and The Blackout Party always sounds perfect for sippin on Makers with the lap steel and flute that accompany the guitar, bass and drums.



I lingered a little after Blackout Party, but since the rain settled a bit, I decided to head home before it started pouring again. My car's wipers don't do jack and I have to drive with my windows down to keep the windows from fogging up...safety first, ya know?

Anyway, from there is was off to the Ken Club, where I caught Secret Apollo. I love their quirky songs and this was my first time actually seeing them play in well over a year. The crowd was small but interactive. Plus, the free red vines the band gives out make great stars for slurping down an NFL vodka tonic (that's No Fucking Lime to you)



Then of course, I met the Frantic Romantic guys and we after partied at my house for a while. It was a great night and it was nice to not have anything to do or anywhere I had to be on Saturday. Love those nights and love those days.

Things To Do In San Diego: December 3, 2007

Did I miss anything? Email me and let me know.

Monday, December 3, 2007:

• Anti-Monday League feat. VHS or Beta, Foreign Born, Buddy Akai @ Casbah
• Jonathan Richman @ Belly Up
• Tribute to Hollis Gentry feat including Mark Hunter, Kevin Koch, Tom Aros, & Evan Marks of Fattburger, with Rob Whitlock, Bob Weller, Brad Steinwehe, Steve Dillard, Michael Kelleher, Jason Weber, & Daniel Jackson @ Dizzy's (San Diego Wine & Culinary Center)
• Electric Waste Band @ Winston's

Happy Monday!

The day job has me super busy once again, so I'll be behind in posting, but here's what you can look forward to:

1. Things To Do In San Diego list. This will be my priority this evening- but you know the drill- VHS or Beta at The Casbah, acoustic stuff at Dublin Square, Electric Waste Band at Winston's.

2. Recaps:

• Pictures from The Swedish Models & Blackout Party show at the Casbah (Friday)
• Pictures from Secret Apollo at the Ken Club (Friday)
• Pictures of the Muslims at the house party (Saturday)
• Pictures of Grand Ole Party, Vampire Weekend, Fantastic Magic at the Casbah (Sunday)

3. A public service announcement to avoid holiday shopping nightmares, or at least one.

4. A ticket giveaway. Yep, just you sit tight. I've got a pair of Modest Mouse tickets to giveaway. I'm gonna have to think of a special way to really make you work for these...

5. An explanation why you won't be reading about the Scolari's brouhaha in my CityBeat column this week (and why you'll find it in The Reader)

Anyway, it was a great weekend for me. I hope the same for all of you. By the way, did you have any idea that I have such attractive readers? It was a pleasure meeting all of you who came up to me over the weekend and introduced yourselves as Dialed In regulars. It means a lot to me. Maybe I should turn this site into one giant personal ad for myself, geez!

Things To Do In San Diego: December 2, 2007

Sunday, December 2, 2007:

• Grand Ole Party, Vampire Weekend, Fantastic Magic @ Casbah
• 2nd Annual Benefit for Becky’s House Abused Women Shelter featuring a host of singer/songwriters, including Lisa Sanders, Steph Johnson, Joannie Mendenhall, Sara Petite, Regina Dawn, the Flimz, Married by Elvis, Evan Bethany, Ana Troy, Michael & Nan, Chelsea Flores, Julie Mack, Molly Meekin, Lou & Virginia Curtis, Cathryn Beeks @ Dizzy's (San Diego Wine & Culinary Center)
• Cover Me Badd "Too Cool For Karaoke" @ Kava Lounge (Good, indie songs are free to sing- "Bad" or "Cheesy" songs are pay to sing)
• Blues Traveler, Jesse Malin @ Belly Up
• 7 Shot Screamers, Two Timin Four, Johnny Wadd & The Stiff Sheets, Dead Enderz @ Zombie Lounge
• Ozzy Osbourne, Rob Zombie @ Sports Arena
• August & Jarrell Quintet @ Lestat's
• Chimaira, Kataklysm, Divine Heresy & Terror @ Soma
• Nadro John @ Anthology
• Jose Sinatra's OB O Ke @ Winston's
• Cathect (SD Anarcho Punk), The Americans (SD Crustcore/Peace Punk), Bruise Violet (LA all female hardcore), and Fetus Eaters @ Che Cafe

Political Stuff: Kensington Terrace & Recalling Kevin Faulconer

A couple political things today.

First, there's this article about Kensington Terrace, the giant development that has been approved across the street from my house. The whole thing bums me out. Not so much because I'm opposed to development, but because I know one day these same developers will strong arm my landlord and she'll be left with no choice but to sell- especially with the burned out house next door just sitting there untouched. They're just waiting like pirranhas waiting to kick my ass out of the neighborhood, and that makes me sad.

In a city like San Diego that is already too expensive for middle and low income people like me, it just sucks. Renters don't have a voice and nobody really gives a shit about us- like my poor neighbors who got the boot a couple years ago when their building underwent a condo conversion. The two bedroom apartments rented for about $900. The converted two bedroom "condos" sold for $476,000. Obviously those neighbors relocated to another community.

For obvious reasons, I'll be paying close attention to this development. Some neighbors have put together a blog if anyone else is interested in following along. There is a planned appeal to oppose this project. There is a site created in support of the development by the developer here:Kensington Voice Blog And there's also one in opposition to the project here: For Kensington Here's another site with some great EIR info: Kensington Terrace Info

The other issue chapping my hide today is councilmember Kevin Falconer. There is now a site attempting to recall the councilmember, and while I may not be well versed in beach politics, the arguments are at least compelling enough for me to see it as worthy posting here. As many know, Kevin is behind the alcohol beach ban. Those idiots in the 4th of July mob in Mission Beach had no idea what a blessing their stupidity was to Mr Faulconer.

I'm not fact checking here- but basically my brother in law is involved in many community orgs in PB and told me that Kevin has received a couple fat donations from developers who plan to develop the waterfront...starting in OB and going as far north as they can. They intend to develop heritage land that isn't supposed to be developed and they're also fighting for a higher height limit on beach front properties. The info on the developments can be found here. It appears this will also be a goal in the downtown port area. Because nobody should be able to see the ocean unless you're rich enough to buy a house right in front of it. Like I said, I don't know all the ins and outs on this issue, but since I've always thought of Faulconer as a dirtball sleazebag, I'd support a recall even if what I've been told is only partially true. Recall Kevin Faulconer website.

Rocky Votolato at Porter's Pub, UCSD, 11/30/07

There were a whole boatload of shows I wanted to catch this week, but work was quite demanding, and I just couldn't get to them. Adjusting back to a day job has been a little challenging. You know, that whole "waking up in the morning" thing...so I did the Ken Club thing on Tuesday, which I wrote about as I was there, then Wednesday I skipped the Casbah show and opted for sleep, cuz I really freakin needed it.

But come Thursday, I did make sure I made it out to UCSD. I really wanted to catch The Midwinters, but there were a couple problems with that. First, I'd never been to Porter's. Second, I don't go to UCSD ever. Third, there is a shitload of construction happening on the UCSD campus. All of this resulted in me driving all around the campus in search of parking and I actually made myself carsick. I was ready to just skip it altogether. Instead, I persevered and found a spot (finally!) and got there in time for Chris & Thomas. The only thing was that when I got there, all I wanted was a beer, so I had one in the pub part, then found Rocky and April inside the venue.

It was great to see them again. They told me that they turned this one off show at UCSD into a full on vacation. It was their 9 year wedding anniversary and as April said, "It's both of our favorite city." Yay, San Diego. So anyway, they'd been here a few days and were gonna be here through Saturday. Unfortunately, they were hoping to go to the zoo on Friday but that morning it ended up pouring, so I doubt that worked out. They'll just have to come back.

Anyway, Rocky played solo and it was great to see him with only an acoustic guitar and his voice, since even in his most recent instores, he still opts for the electric. He had a 50 minute set, which meant he was able to play a lot of his back catalog, including the Waxwing song I posted earlier. It was, yet again, another amazing chance to see my favorite musician showing yet another side of his talent. And those young college kids...man, they LOVE rocky. Apparently his music was on a Starbucks compilation or something, so his fan base is growing. Catch him in the next small venue that you can...while you still can.

The Best Christmas Gift Ever: Eureka Uno Vacuum

This is so embarassing to post. It's late at night, and I should be partying or something, but instead, I'm catching up on blogs. And this wasn't even the planned one, but I have to write about it nonetheless. The thing is, I have a very small apartment. I love it very much- I love my yard, and my location, and my space is my own, but with three cats and a dog, the slightest mess can feel like a huge disaster. When my vacuum broke during the wildfires, I was miserable being stuck in my house with dog hair all over my floor. Do I fix the vacuum I have or just get a new one?

Figuring mine was old enough, and my sister was gonna make a Black Friday run to Target, I had her buy me a new vacuum. I swear, I'm the biggest geek ever to be so stoked about this, because the truth is, if I could afford one, I would've just bought the $400 Dyson months ago. But this is not a Dyson, but for $64 on the Black Friday sale, I cannot say how overjoyed I am. It's light, it's got no bags, and it self propells so fast across my floor that I could barely keep up with it. I don't recommend buying your mom or girlfriend a vacuum for Christmas...it's a little lacking in sentimentality and might actually send a mysogynistic message, but if you want to treat yourself...fuck, this vacuum is awesome.

Here's a really terrible pic of my floor, pre-vacuum. (Again, sorry to Frantic Romantic for having to witness it in person)...then the box, then the Beast, and finally, the floor after I took the Uno to it...





Really, no words can say how happy I am with my new vacuum. It's almost pathetic how happy I am about it. Mostly I'm happy that I got it for $64 and now it's back up to $130 or something like that. It's bagless and in an apartment less than 700 square feet, it drew up 3 full canisters of dog hair. And seriously, it's not like a sty, I keep this place clean, but it got stuff that is beyond seeing. Awesome.

I'm officially done geeking out on my new little robot.

I'm In the Mood for Christmas

I just got back from the Kensington Tree Lighting ceremony. It was awesome. The Santa is one of the best I've ever seen, and Johanna made sure to give his real beard a nice solid tug. There was food- and for $2 a person, it was the steal of the century, with mac n cheese from Ken Grill, onion rings from Burger Lounge, and other goodies. There were carol singers and tons of neighborhood families out. Mayor Jerry Sanders did the tree lighting. Click the picture to see all the pictures.

Things To Do In San Diego: December 1, 2007

Saturday, December 1, 2007 (Tree lighting in Kensington):

• SD House Party feat The Muslims, The Vision of A Dying World, too cool for school karaoke @ 2220 Front (Corner of Ivy) Costumes: Retirement Party garb
• Love Campaign, A Midday Atlantic, Dynamite Walls, sayvinyl@ Epicentre
• The Downs Family, The Vulgar Herd, Variable @ Scolari's
• The Screamin Yeehaws, The Strikers, Old Devils @ Ken Club
• Sharon Jones and the Dapkings @ Belly Up
• Cafe Tacuba @ 4th & B
• Busdriver, Daedelus, Antimc, Art of Pain @ Casbah
• Rat City Riot, The UnderClassmen, The Booked, Tim Raldo & The Filthy Fucks @ Zombie Lounge
• Wild Weekend, The Sexies, Rich White Males @ Tower Bar
• Mala Salud, La Infinita Protesta, Mad Cow Disease, Hierba Mala, Los Arambula, Los P2, Robot Crew @ 3656 National Avenue
• DPI, Death Mickeys, Gizzards @ Alibi
• Fall Out Boy, Gym Class Heroes, Plain White T's, Cute Is What We Aim For @ Sports Arena
• Lucy Kaplansky @ Acoustic Music San Diego
• Motion City Soundtrack , Mae, Anberlin, Metro Station @ Soma
• Bobby Rock, Tom Griesegraber @ Lestat's
• Brian Regan (comedian) @ Copley Symphony Hall
• Cry Havoc, The Syncope Threshold, Kill Davey @ O'Connell's
• Pink Froyd @ Winston's
• Eric Marienthal, Chuck Loeb @ Anthology
• Sammy Dread, Rebelution, Roots Covenant, J Irie And Lambs Blood @ Cane's
• Brody Jenner (from MTV's The Hills) @ Aubergine

Rocky Votolato (Waxwing) "Keep This Up"

Another capture from Rocky's show at Porter's on Thursday. The first time I saw Rocky Votolato, in 2001, was at Che Cafe. In the years since, I've never seen Rocky do a Waxwing song, so this was really cool. Anyone interested in Waxwing should go to Second Nature Recordings and check out the catalog of CDs available.

Rocky Votolato performing "Keep This Up"



There was a chick taking polaroid instant shots and had no qualms about doing it right in my ear. Those cameras are LOUD. You can hear her camera, especially in the last section of the song.

Sun/Mon The words that accompany the pictures.

It was a really great week for me personally, albeit exhausting. Starting with the show on Sunday night all the way through Friday, it was quite fulfilling. I'll take it from the top.

Sunday I finally got to see sayvinyl, and it was an even better night because we were celebrating Andrea's birthday. You can see all the pics I posted here. I got to the show right at 7 pm and was one of the lucky handful of people to be there in time for the food, hosted by Bety's Mexican Restaurant in Encinitas. Abraham works there, so he hooked that up, though for future food contributors...make an extra tray of stuff for the Casbah staff, otherwise only about 10 people at the show actually get to sample your food, and the whole point is to get people into your restaurant, isn't it?

Anyway, A Beautiful Noise started the night and they sounded great. It was a challenge to take pics because the singer is so freakin tall, but their sound reminds me a lot of the early 90's Manchester stuff that I used to love...Stone Roses and The Charlatans UK and that first Blur album with "She's So High" on it. They also have some pretty instrumental stuff (thus the name). If you happen to catch them out, pic up their EP. They give them away free at shows and it's very good.

The Austin James Band was up second, and I really like them a lot, as I'd written here before but I ended up missing most of their set because we were all in the Atari Lounge, toasting Andrea's birthday and hanging out and mocking Tim while he was on-air. I did make sure to get my ass in for at least a few pics and their awesome rendition of The Band's The Weight. If you like layered harmonies, this is your band.

Last was sayvinyl and I was so glad to finally catch them live. There's something about the timing that kinda reminds me of Bright Eyes and I look forward to seeing them again soon. They are playing tonight at epicentre, but I don't think I can make it up there in time.

On Monday I went to The Casbah again, but missed The Donkeys. I watched The Vision Of A Dying World who make me happy as always, but I was pretty wiped out. I watched a couple songs from White Magic, but they rubbed me the wrong way. I don't know, maybe it was just me being grumpy, but when the chick kinda snapped at Jake on the soundboard, I kinda wanted to clock her. And she didn't really say anything, but the way she told him to "kill the reverb, I like to sound clean" was so irritating to me. So I left. Maybe I'm just more anti-Brooklyn than I thought.

As it turns out, I'm running late for a date with my niece...so I'll have to get to the rest of the week later. I'll post another Rocky video though.

Meet Gym Class Heroes In San Diego

This is from a press release I just found at 3:20 a.m. If you're a fan of Gym Class Heroes, I think this might be useful info. For the other 99.9% of my readers, sorry for the inconvenience.


Acoustic performance and autograph signing with V CAST Music artists the Gym Class Heroes at the Verizon Wireless Communications Store in San Diego.

The band members - Travis McCoy, Disashi Lumumba-Kasongo, Eric Roberts and Matt McGinley - are appearing in support of "The Young Wild Things Tour" which stops on Dec. 1 at the San Diego Sports Arena. Having just wrapped the Verizon Wireless Campus Tour, Gym Class Heroes is hitting the road again with the bands Fall Out Boy, Plain White T's and Cute Is What We Aim For.

The group's Decaydance/Fueled By Ramen release, "As Cruel as Schoolchildren," has been certified gold and they were recently named Best New Artist at MTV's Video Music Awards.

When: December 1, 2007 1:30 p.m. - acoustic performance, meet and greet and autograph signing. Fans can dance with Travis on the green screen All day.

Also, demos of the newest, exclusive music phones from Verizon Wireless: the Venus(TM) by LG, The Voyager(TM) by LG and the Juke by Samsung

Where: Verizon Wireless Communications Store 11134 Rancho Carmel Drive San Diego, California

Frantic Romantic Cannot Let the Cat Out

The Frantic Romantic should not be trusted with your housecat. i'm not really sure how i ended up typing into this computer, but our friend from san diego: dialed in is a kindred kensington'r was willing (coerced) into letting us post.

We are The Frantic Romantic. Our EP comes out in January and will be debuted at the Ken Club.

Hello San Diego. Support local music.

ed. note...this was all posted by Christopher of Frantic Romantic, at a post Ken Club after party with the rest of the band. We drank. Heavily. And it was fun. And you all missed out. Next time I decide to invite the neighborhood over for an after party, I promise to have a better stash of beer, a sink free of dirty dishes, and my floor will be clean with my new magical vacuum that I'm getting delivered tomorrow. But seriously, guys, Pascha doesn't hate you. It's her, not you.