Seriously.

If you're wondering why I haven't written about many shows lately it's because I haven't BEEN to many shows lately. I am always sleepy and, to be frank, cheap as hell and not into driving across town. Last night was D Striker, and the draw here is that he only does shows on Fridays numbered thirteen. Since I haven't seen a D Striker show in about three years I figured it was time to get back and see him again.

It bears noting that I am always tired on Fridays. Seriously--if I'm at home I'm asleep by 8. I just can't do the good times lifestyle anymore. I really wasn't sure I'd be up for the whole evening. I started at the Untitled show out at the University of Phoenix near the airport. This is what I love about Untitled--every space is a potential gallery. Afterward I decided to go see Mandy but still wasn't willing to commit to a full night out.

I ended up having the full night out. It was fun!

I won't go into gory details because they're boring, but aside from the smoke (I tried to spend a lot of time outside to avoid it) I'm glad I stayed through since Hands Down Eugene reminded me why they're so great (even breaking out "Full Blast"!)Casey Sanders joined Hands Down Eugene onstage to sing "Calls and Walls" and "The Bleeder." I haven't heard these songs in ages. All that was missing was Katherine. D Striker is always hilarious and fun. Caitlin Rose was new to me and I was very impressed.

Caitlin Rose
>D. Striker
Hands Down Eugene
Ole Mossy Face

Labels: music, nashville

I'm back. Ghostfinger at the Belcourt.

Labels: music, pictures

Divorcee Acres isn't the hippest part of town. I do like it, it has a small town feel to it but I'm just 15 minute drive from town, 20 minutes from the irritatingly hip East Side. The neighborhood is young families on their way up, retirees, and, of course, divorcees. Within three miles are a grocery store, a library, a locally owned pizza joint, and my parents. It's a good location if not exactly a cool location.

So there's also a park nearby, just a scant mile from the house. During the summer they have a concert series with family friendly shows, and often I can hear the shows from my front porch. Recently I commented to my parents that the acts are good and all, but why not have a nice rockabilly band? They assured me there would be one, but I didn't expect it would be THE HILLBILLY FREAKIN CASINO. Yes. Them. Less than a mile from my house. This would be the coolest thing to hit the Acres this year and I made sure that I would be there. Not that that would be a stretch, as I'm not
a big socializer these days.

Dad and I grabbed sandwiches and took the dogs and our portable chairs over to the park early enough to get a good seat. This was not a problem, and I was a little upset that that there wasn't a bigger turnout--the more folks that showed up the more likelyhood that the coolness would be revisited upon the Acres.

Little drama before the show, however. As I mentioned, we took the dogs. Since there weren't a bunch of folks around I just kind of let the dogs wander as far as their leashes would allow, and at one point looked to see Flash over peeing on a lady's purse. Unfortunately the lady also happened to be walking back over after a visit to the SnoCone stand. She freaked, understandably, but was very polite about it. I did offer to replace the purse, she declined. Dad wanted to leave but like hell, I was staying.

The band rocked the park. They were fun, and they did a great job of keeping it family friendly (I was a tad concerned). They even played my request (PBR if you're asking). Dad enjoyed it. Denny sure as hell enjoyed it, barking his approval on a few songs and wagging his tail like crazy. He made friends, getting an ice cube from one couple and a good scratching from another gentleman who allowed a few doggie kisses. Flash--well, he spent time in my lap. He gets a little scared by loud noises.

If they come to your town or you happen to find yourself on Lower Broad late one Friday night I highly recommend, and bring your tippin' money.

Here's hoping for the same next year...

Labels: divorcee acres, music, pictures

Yes, it was every bit as good as you'd think. better even.

It started the day before. I got an email that said tickets would go on sale at noon so there I was, trying well before the time. Hey, listen, I learned from trying to get breakfast in the castle with the princesses. You start minimum of ten minutes before to understand the process, then you pick up the pace within three minutes of the actual go time, and go and go until you're either jumping for joy or crying into your keyboard. So, I am successful--seriously, me, I was successful. I try to express this excitement to my co-workers but none of them understand. My mom does, though, as she loves the Jack White. I get an email shortly after from my friend Michelle, she was unable to get seats. seriously, three minutes after they went on sale. It's a big deal. It's a small venue and a great band.

Friday is my sister's birthday. She says sure, she'll go, it'll be fun. Flash forward to her happy birthday dinner and we head out to the venue. Might I add that it's a fairly early door time? 7pm. So I go over to my sister's car and get asked TWICE for a ticket. My sister later informs me who one of the people was. I won't name him, but let's just say his Soul was probably not Satisfied.

We head in, we see some friends, the rock begins, it's amazing. Highlights: opening with a Hank song, Jolene, new songs that sound fantastic, Ball and Biscuit, Cannon, and ending with Seven Nation Army. Now, I wondered how Seven Nation Army would sound, as it's one of my favorites but it seems as though it would be difficult to pay with just two folks. Yes, that's right. It was just Jack and Meg (some dickhead hipster trash turns to Lindsay at one point and says "I can't believe I paid $100 on this ticket and there's no bass player." She had a snide comment for him, as he and his heavy rimmed glasses pushed their way up between us, stepping on her foot several times after). Ok, so back to Seven Nation Army; they sped it up a bit in the last verse. It was great, truly.

Let's see--there were also special edition $5 t-shirts (small only, but perhaps I can transform it, after all my mom did give me a nice book on how to do just that), Jack asked how his new home town of nashville was doing (just great, thankyou!), Jack's gun show (seriously, I don't remember him having nice arms before), Meg and her cymbals (without them they wouldn't be the same, but still...). Oh, and, yes, Heather Byrd; earlier in the night my sister and I questioned whether or not the ubiquitous nightlife columnist would be spotted. Lindsay said no, but sure enough, after the show, ta da! We decided that there needs to be a nashville nightlife bingo, she'd be the center/free square since she somehow manages to be everywhere at once.

Afterwards we headed to Kazu where a gent was playing some really fun music. They played "Humpty Dance" during which my sister commented that she'd been listening to the radio earlier in the day thinking that hearing that one particular song would make her birthday.

Hell yeah.

Labels: music, nashville

Firstly, I should state that it is difficult to get a clear picture of Hillbilly Casino because that lead singer Nick Roulette does not stop moving. For reals.

Secondly, they are excellent.

See, ages ago the schmoovecast had a theme song. It was Glass of Wine by the New Autonomous Folk Singers. I had download another song, PBR, but never used it and kind of forgot about it. So guess who it's by? Hillbilly Casino, bitches.

Labels: music, nashville, pictures

So this is me with Unknown Hinson. Steve took the picture and I must say he did an excellent job. He not only captured the essense of Leah but also the essense of the entire Unknown Hinson show. I really can't say enough about it, and I am not joking wihen I say that should the band show up in your neck of the woods you absolutely must go. You will not regret it. UH is quite talented and very clever.

Labels: music, pictures

Qu'est-ce que on dit? Vraiment.

It's been the season of the white elephant. I've been to TWO, third tonight. good times, right? Yes.

Thursday I recounted my misfortune at the department white elephant. Luckily the one that night was more fruitful. I walked away with a mexican marionette I named Pepito Calderon. Perhaps in a few days we'll have a vote for the official schmoovenet.com mascot (which is not Denny. Denny is a part of the staff here. if he had thumbs he'd have his own login). I then met the Nashville Rollergirls and Steve for a beverage (in that order). I am hoping to join the Rollergirls, I just need the bravery to go watch a practice and then the money to buy skates.

Friday during the day was drudgery. I managed to make my way over to Love Circle for an estate sale. Not just any estate sale, the estate was that of the vocal coach for *NSYNC. It was a bust. A total bust. No good.

Friday NIGHT was great times. I met Steve at the Mercy Lounge for Dr Dog (ok) and the Black Keys (rocked my FACE right off and on to the stage you see in the picture above left) (oh, and thank you again, Steve--if you had a nickel for every time I've said thank you you'd have, like, all these nickels). Someone of interest was there, Dr Dog pointed to them and made a comment. I don't know who it was, but whoever it was was standing not far from where we were. Apres, nous sommes alles a l'Hermitage, le cafe le plus bon, where I joined the clean plate club.

Late night led to late morning. Late morning was further latened due to the absolute worst headache I've had in some time. moving around didn't help, only made it worst. advil didn't help, 32 oz of water didn't help. Here's what I decided--I had eaten so much chocolate over the past few days that this could possibly be a caffeine withdrawal headache. See, I don't consume caffeine. I ate a few of the See's truffles and ta da! I was mostly headache free today.

Estate sale haul: Two small saccharine tablet bottles, a small book of etiquette, and some shuttles I hope to use to tat lace. One solitary doll hair.

Now I have to get ready for my hobo party.

Labels: drama, estate sales, music

Have you seen Squidbillies? I heard about it through Sal who is an Unknown Hinson fan. Speaking of, Thursday, January 4, Mercy Lounge. It'll be gooder than hell.

I'm in a lot of pain right now. I don't know what's going on, but it feels like someone's jabbing a blunt dowel into my arm slowly but with a whole heck of a lot of muscle. Additionally I'm having muscle aches in a rather delicate area (hint: it's one of my boobs), an issue that's been going on intermittently since my surgery almost two years ago. I'll be fine, don't you worry.

You know, I almost share too much. almost. But seriously, there's a lot I don't share. Ask Dr Gay, or ask Sally.

So, I got the Dec/Jan Sampler in the mail. I MAY podcast with Dr G later, opening it during the cast. I'm getting a bit impatient so I may just open it and blog about it. Also I'm getting kind of tired.

Speaking of tee shirts, if you requested one during my last offering you will be happy to know that it's been ordered. Yes, I was a little lazy BUT my final has been sent to the professor and so the semester is OVER! Tune in monday if you're really interested in how I did. I'm predicting an A-.

Labels: drama, mail, music, television

Dear those of you who were at the Basement Nov 25, 2006 and left before it was over,

You missed the best part. You really did.

So for those of you who weren't there it was a Tom Waits tribute and benefit for Toys for Tots. It was my kind of show: lots of bands, short sets, minimal time between sets. As you may have guessed the artists played Tom Waits songs.

What I find disturbing is how many people left. When I got there it was PACKED. I had to park well down the street and when I got in I could barely make it through to the bar. Seriously. By the time the last act started the room was nearly empty.

Lots of amazing performances. My very favorite was Chris Crofton who performed part of his set without any backing music which just emphasized the beauty of the lyrics. His final song just about broke my heart.

Close second was John Wesley Myers who is amazing in any performance. And I would be remiss if I didn't mention his mighty fine ass.

But really, all the acts were great. Sorry y'all missed it.

I should also mention that I was only going to go if I got three pages of my paper done. By 9:30 I was typing my last paragraph on page six so YAY I was ready to go and my paper is done!

Labels: music, nashville

I've never hidden my love of Ghostfinger. I love them. I don't think I've seen them in several months and I'm glad to have them back. Last night they performed at the Basement. They started with Rock. Now, you may ask how they can start with Rock? Where can they go from there? Well, all over the place, my friends.

There was something wrong with the sound, though. Or maybe it's just that I forgot my earplugs. My ears are ringing, I'm getting old I suppose.

So then I came home and enjoyed some of my missed thanksgiving desserts. Holy crap, the best apple pie I believe I've ever eaten. Seriously. Did he use granny smith apples? It didn't even need ice cream, that's how good it was. Criminy.

Labels: food, music, nashville

So apparently the Beatles have a new album out. Bosh, you say, half the Beatles are in heaven! To which I reply that you obviously don't know what's going on, my friend. And then I proceed to distract you while I steal your wallet to buy the new Beatles album. See, I like it, but then I've never been like a huge be all end all Beatles fan.

We listened to it during thanksgiving dinner. Some people found it offensive and wrong. I personally liked it, it sounded pleasant enough.

Oh sure, the debate was incredibly heated, I had to leave the room at one point because I was in fear of getting pulled into a particular conversation about the mastering and how it was wrong. Still, it was a wonderful alternative to the family dinner.

Denny's getting better. He actually just got finished eating actual food for the first time since Tuesday!

Labels: music, pop culture

I had forgotten how much I love Hands Down Eugene until I got to the east side tonight. Excellent show.

And then I come home and the dogs are watching The Rocky Horror Picture Show.

Labels: music, nashville