Reminder! We Don't Live Here Anymore!

Hey there little lords and ladies. Just a friendly little reminder that this here blog isn't being updated any longer. If you want your favorite DC music folks, you now have two options for reading our stuff.

Terrible Chris now gets his kicks over at Odd Bloggings. For your weekly fill of nekkid innuendo and beaty jams, head his way.

Yours truly now resides at Fuzzy Logic, the place to get your fill of, well, everything I wrote about while co-CEO of LET. Also, shameless self-promotion, I'm now doing a monthly residency at Bella, near the 9:30 Club. Come see some of the bands I love live and in person each and every month.

Thanks to each and every one of you for reading. We really appreciate it, and if there were more hours in the day I'm sure we'd make it a point to makeout with all of you.

xoxo!

Newsflash!: Big Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes!

Dearest loves, as you already know, Terrible Chris has left the nest to venture out on his own at Odd Bloggings. Well, now yours truly has also decided to pull a new shape, and I'm pulling up stakes to continue on at my new spot, Fuzzy Logic. Essentially, both of our sites are the same in that we're gonna keep on keepin' on with the content you've come to know and love love love. So expect more of the same from both of us, just in different locales. This new change is effective immediately, so if you're a fan of LET, please consider adding Fuzzy Logic to your bookmarks.

Thanks for the memories, and here's to a whole bunch more.

xoxo,
Megan Terrible

Otherwise Engaged: Bare Wires

It is an unfortunate reality for the serious concertgoer that on occasion, there will be more than one show on any given night that you really, really, REALLY wanna go to. Since the vast majority of us don't own a time machine, nor have the ability to either clone ourselves or split ourselves in half (or thirds or quarters, depending on the night in question), this tends to present a problem. Difficult decisions are made based on a multitude of variables (perhaps some of you even make lists of pros and cons), and ultimately, a show is chosen. But those other shows are still gonna be killer, and I'd like to give a little face time to the shows that, while I can't go myself, are highly recommended all the same.

Who here likes free shows? Yeah? Me too. Free shows are great, especially when there's a killer band involved. Tonight, DC denizens, you can take in some seriously awesome free music over at Comet Ping Pong, when Oakland's Bare Wires come to town and tear shit up. Bare Wires reminds me a whole lot of some vintage T. Rex, though not quite as glittery and with more fantastic fuzz and rough and ready swagger. If you're in need of something fun to do tonight, my little District-ian friends, look no further.

mp3: Don't Ever Change (Bare Wires from Seeking Love)

The Untitled Interview #119: Starring Hammer No More The Fingers

If you really think about it, friends, the 90s was a pretty fine time for music. The dudes of Hammer No More The Fingers appreciate that fact, and today the nifty North Carolinians release their second record, Black Shark, full of college rock staples and much rambunctious rockery. The guys are always a good time live and in person, so DC kids get thee down to the Red Palace tomorrow evening for what will be one heck of a good time. Below, the three gentlemen Hammer describe themselves for your reading pleasure.

HAMMER NO MORE THE FINGERS!

AS A MOVIE: The Room. Awfully Awesome.

AS A DRINK: Dark & Stormy. Spicy n' Drunky.

AS A WEATHER EVENT: Carolina Hurricane.

AS AN OBSCURE VINTAGE LP: The Kelly Family - Ain't Gonna Pee Pee My Bed Tonight. Please look up.

AS A MOMENT IN HISTORY: The invention of Betamax.

AS A DENOMINATION OF CURRENCY: Camel Cash.

AS A SPOT IN NORTH CAROLINA: The Life Crystals which lie beneath the city of Asheville.

AS A VIDEO GAME/CHARACTER THEREIN: Altered Beast. Definitely Altered Beast!

AS A WORK OF LITERATURE: Savage Trust by Cassie Edwards. Please look up.

AS A HISTORICAL FIGURE: Icke: The Overlord of Reptilian Humanoids.

AS A CAMPAIGN PROMISE: We will bring the Thunder to your Dome. All ya gotta do is ask a' Hammer.

mp3: Leroy (Hammer No More The Fingers from Black Shark)

Singles Club: Thieving Irons

I'm down here in the mystical mountains of Harrisonburg covering MACRoCk, and it's such a daggum beautiful day here that I figured I'd give y'all a little treat, a nice little ditty that feels totally at home and at peace here amongst the spectacular natural scenery of the Shenandoah.

The generosity of Thieving Irons has led them to decide to start offering free songs hither and thither, and the first such freebie is a gorgeous, stripped-down version of the fantastic "Tow The Line." It's amazing how different a song can sound given a rejigging, and this here version sounds like a completely new song. It's a languid daydream of a song, and I think you're agree it's rather lovely. Make sure you sign up to get more info on the forthcoming free tracks. And don't forget to pick up a copy of the record while you're at it.

April 1: The Pains of Being Pure at Heart Day

You might have grown up knowing the 1^st of April as being April Fool’s Day. But my lovelies, I’d like to suggest an alternative...I submit to you that April 1^st is hereby known as The Pains of Being Pure at Heart Day, in honor of one of my oh so very favoritest purveyors of tunes full of fuzzy, frothy goodness.

With a new record and a tour going on as we speak, TPOBPAH is in the process of making 2011 one heck of a year. If you’ve never seen them live, now’s your chance. And if you’re not yet in love with them, well, there’s never a better time that right about now.

mp3: Heart In Your Heartbreak (The Pains of Being Pure at Heart from Belong) (cheers, Music Under Fire!)

The Untitled Interview #119: Starring Beatie Wolfe

I want y'all to pay attention here for a minute. Trust me, you'll thank me later. Remember this name: Beatie Wolfe. This little lady packs a whallop of a voice, smokey and sultry and centuries wise beyond her years. Hers is no siren song, mind you, as instead of trying to lead your ship into a rocky doom her voice might just help you find your way home. And DC folks, Saturday is your lucky, lucky day, as Ms. Wolfe will be playing an early show at Axum's Level X Lounge, one of just a handful of US dates. Make sure to stop by and see what this sonic spellcaster has up her sleeve. Oh, and if that's not enough, she's got her own free iPhone app, for all you fancy phone types. Below, Beatie ponders the importance of Leonard Cohen and William Blake, and the occasional stresses of international gig-playing.

Les Enfants Terribles: How the hell are you?
Beatie Wolfe: I’m pretty damn good thank you.

LET: What was the last song you listened to?
BW: Cranberries – “Linger,” yesterday, to remind my brother of a girl he fell for in Portugal when we were kids.

LET: Playing music is:
BW: Infinite.

LET: What album most made you realize you wanted to make music?
BW: Blood Sugar Sex Magic by the Chili Peppers – first heard it when I was 7yrs old and it totally shook my tiny world.

LET: Beatles or Stones?
BW: Stones.

LET: Top 5 albums (of now, of this month, or of ever):
BW: Wow – impossible! Okay… off the top of my head…
1. Songs of Leonard Cohen
2. Lou Reed ‘Transformer’
3. Donny Hathaway,1972 Live
4. Blood Sugar Sex Magic - RHCP
5. Brothers – Black Keys

LET: Favorite music-related movie?
BW: I really enjoyed Ray, but always wanted to rock out on top of Empire Records…

LET: Half-full or half-empty?
BW: HALF-FULL, it has to be!

LET: Which of your peers do you think is making the best music these days?
BW: I think Warpaint, Kid Cudi and Black Keys are doing a pretty good job right now.

LET: What’s the first thing you think when you wake up in the morning?
BW: Of the dream I had and how nuts it sounds.

LET: Little-known Beatie Wolfe fact?
BW: William Blake’s poetry influences me more than any artist.

LET: The greatest record store in the world is:
BW: Hmmm…I don’t think I’ve been there yet.

LET: Shaken or stirred?
BW: Both please.

LET: Best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
BW: “No time to be scared, only time to be awesome!” (which came from my brother just before I performed my unplugged concert at St Pancras Church - oldest church in Britain - last month).

LET: How do you know when you've played a really great show?
BW: I feel awesome.

LET: If you weren’t in a band you’d be:
BW: Full-time songwriter/storyteller and yarn-spinner.

LET: What do you find most comforting/most disconcerting about going out on tour?
BW: Nothing disconcerting so far…oh except, playing a show in New York at midnight, and having just over an hour to make a flight back to London.

LET: If you were so inclined, whom would you form a tribute band in honor of?
BW: Leonard Cohen for songwriting, Roy Orbison for his perfect voice, Sly & the Family Stone for sheer fun factor!

LET: Best song ever written?
BW: Wow. What a question. Hmmm…don’t know if I’ve heard it yet (or written it – haha). I’d say… Archie Shepp’s “Contracts” - no words, but he doesn’t need them…

mp3: 1000 Kisses Deep (Leonard Cohen Cover) (Beatie Wolfe - buy stuff here)

Singles Club: Hunx & His Punx

Raise your hands, my little daddy-os, if you ever get in the mood for that whole Spector-fied, girl group sound? Yeah, good. What about the poofy prom dress, poofy bouffant slowdance vibe of the late 50s/early 60s? You too? Ok, well, now throw in some 70s glam...as in, perhaps, some New York Dolls, complete with lipstick and all. If you're still holding up your hand, you will unquestionably adore Hunx & His Punx. If you don't love "Lovers Lane," I'll eat my kitten heel. Ok, probably not, but just go ahead and take a bite of Hunx. The album Too Young To Be In Love is out as of yesterday, so make sure you snap it up quick-like.

mp3: Lovers Lane (Hunx & His Punx from Too Young To Be In Love)

The Untitled Interview #118: Starring Bellflur

Oh hey. Well would you look at that, my fluffy little chickadees, it's nearly April. This means, of course, that there are only 4, count 'em 4, days until the super shindig of much awesomeness at the Bellflur Warehouse, sponsored by yours truly. Obviously, your plans for Saturday are now made, local friends. In honor of this most monumental of occasions, and because y'all know I like to get a little crazy now and then, we're gonna do a little something weird and wonderful with the Bellflurians. I now present to you the special edition Untitled Interview, starring the wild and wooly gang. Read on and be inspired. And make sure you don't miss out Saturday night.

BELLFLUR!

AS A MOVIE: Bellflur is The Edge - Alec Baldwin represents the youth and rebellion of the 20-somethings in the group while Anthony Hopkins brings the grace and temperament of the 30-somethings. As with most movies, the Edge mirrors a typical experience we find ourselves in. The bear (Bellflur) has eaten Patrick (thinking he was a punk smaller bear - the chest hair did it I think), and has now been hunting down the rest of us. Our only hope is to find an abandoned hunting lodge, heal the 20-somethings broken leg (don’t ask - kids think they know everything) with our tempered wisdom and hope that they don’t, in turn, grab the hunting rifle and shoot us in the backs once we finish writing our newest song and then head down river back to the world, telling everyone that we died so that they could live. The worst part of course, being that we didn't go back to eat that little squirrel we captured with the make-shift trap after the helicopter distracted us and we gave the kids a lesson on turning ice into fire. A must-see for all musicians before they go on tour. Cautionary tale. (Carlos) FIRE FROM ICE, BOB!!!

AS A DRINK: Bellflur is............"as Tom lay dying from a musket shot to the groin during an ill-advised civil war reenactment, and using a nearby horse bucket as a grandiose mixer, Eamonn poured in the rest of his cognac, Patrick his whiskey, Carlos his Jamaican rum, Mike his champagne. As would be red-cross nurses, Dana and Susan ran down from afar with lemons and sugar to cut the strength of this potion. The mixture, naturally, was a potent concoction (known in many circles as Chatham Artillery Punch) made to ease Tom's suffering... but each of the contributors tested this new elixir to ensure it would provide the desired result... intoxication ensued and Tom died..." (Patrick)

AS A WEATHER EVENT: Bellflur is either a summer day sunny rainstorm, a la John Fogerty's eternal question, or a quiet winter snow fall during the night. Or a tornado made of cotton-tail rabbits in the South Plains area of Texas.

AS AN OBSCURE VINTAGE LP: Bellflur is the one with a fantastic looking cover, but with no text. You buy it, secretly for the cute girl behind the perfume counter (yes the cover is airbrushed incredibly) but you never tell anyone that. It becomes a mainstay on your vinyl playlist for several months but as your hopes to discern who the band are begin to fade, you tighten the reigns on playing the album. You live in a land before the internet and no one knows what you are talking about when tell them of the album, and the folks at Tower Records don't have the import information you need. (They don't appear overly concerned with your questions despite your haphazardly looking stumble up the escalator:

To go to Lake Forest Mall and try your luck at Sam Goodies, turn to page 23
To call your crazy uncle whose clothes smell like the art teachers closet, turn to page 75

AS A MOMENT IN HISTORY: Bellflur is.........wait, what was the exact moment the world become pregnant with democracy? Cuz that is the moment. I think that makes our parents French. ......which explains the name. ...... which explains the 8 years of French I took despite being told the name Carlos is Spanish.

Or, Bellflur is the moment the winner of the Clear Cola Wars was tabulated. but for real, probably the French thing.

AS A DENOMINATION OF CURRENCY: Bellflur is the equivalent of 0.00001 former Spanish pesetas. Though still in circulation following the collapse of the Bellflur nation, bellflurs (abbreviated as BFR) are not exchangeable in the United States or the European Union... However (and very coincidentally), they can be successfully used to operate a few remaining childrens’ merry-go-rounds at certain McDonald's in the Czech Republic. (Patrick) WHAT! That’s crazy!!!

AS A SPOT IN DC: Bellflur is every left turn on U St when you are in the left lane trying get around the traffic on the right in order to get to DC9 to unload your gear. It looks like its going to get you there quick, but then you have to wait for it, arrrrggggghhh, shit, its going now, I think we will have time to.....arrgrrggghhhhhhh. Jazz drivers might appreciate these vicious changes in tempo and phrasing, but it’s lost on everyone else.

AS A VIDEO GAME/CHARACTER THEREIN: Bellflur is MarioKart for the Wii. I think we've all spent hours playing Mario Kart. This game encompasses it all: Mario, cars, motorcycles, weapons, trippy colors and the ability to bring you from joy to rage in a spilt second. Fuck Rainbow Road. (Tom) Tom forgot to mention that all of those things also encompass our music. Including a general hatred for Rainbow Road (except for me, I like Rainbow Road). Also, everyone in Bellflur has their own Wii. We race as ourselves. Against the world, but generally regional play, our internet suxorz.

AS A WORK OF LITERATURE: Bellflur is a Bill Watterson cartoon of the Brothers Karamazov: Patrick is Fyodor, Tom is Dmitri and Carlos is Ivan. Obviously, I'm Agrafena. And Mike and Eamonn and Susan are Calvin, Hobbes and Susie Derkins, respectively. (Dana)

AS A HISTORICAL FIGURE: Bellflur is Stravinsky after being booed offstage during the Rites of Spring, walking through the audience with his middle fingers aloft. Cursing and spitting and headbutting anyone who gets in his way. Is that a gun or a flask in Bell-Vinsky's coat pocket? I wouldn't wager a guess if I were you. Your best bet is to throw down your fancy white gloves, take your shot and see what fate has in store for you and your once-handsome faux-coif.

AS A CAMPAIGN PROMISE: Bellflur is going to ruin your life.

mp3: Insect Politics (Bellflur from asleep.asleep.)

On The Road Again: Eternal Summers

Y'all, sometimes it is so, SO easy to make me happy. I mean, all you have to do is tell me some wonderful piece of news, like that one of my most favorite (I'm trying not to play favorites for a minute) Virginia bands is going out on tour again. Instant glee. Throw in the news that a new EP is due out mid-April, and you might just have made my dang day. For real. If you haven't yet had the massive pleasure that is a night out with the jingle jangle shimmy lovers Eternal Summers, well, now's your chance to change that huge, huge seriously wrong wrongness.

4/10 - Ottobar - Baltimore, MD *
4/11 - DC9 - Washington, DC *
4/15 - Record Release Party @ Glasslands - Brooklyn, NY %
4/16 - Cake Shop - New York, NY
5/18 - Beachland Tavern - Cleveland, OH $
5/19 - Magic Stick Lounge - Detroit, MI $
5/20 - Empty Bottle - Chicago, IL $
5/21 - 7th Street Entry - Minneapolis, MN $
5/22 - Aquarium - Fargo, ND $
5/24 - The Badlander - Missoula, MT $
5/25 - CRAFT House - Moscow, ID $
5/26 - Media Club - Vancouver, BC $
5/27 - Healthy Times Fun Club - Seattle, WA $
5/28 - East End - Portland, OR $
5/29 - San Francisco Popfest @ Hemlock - San Francisco, CA $
5/31 - Free Instore @ Origami (5pm) - Los Angeles, CA $
5/31 - Echo - Los Angeles, CA $
6/1 - Casbah - San Diego, CA $
6/4 - Chaos in Tejas - Austin, TX $
6/5 - Free Press Summer Fest - Houston, TX $
6/6 - The Saint - New Orleans, LA $
6/7 - The Nick - Birmingham, AL $
6/8 - The Earl - Atlanta, GA $
6/9 - The Milestone - Charlotte, NC $

* w/ Cloud Nothings
% w/ Dream Diary, Golden Dogs, and Lyonnais
$ w/ The Beets

mp3: Prisoner (Eternal Summers from the forthcoming Prisoner EP)

Otherwise Engaged: Starfucker/Casiokids

It is an unfortunate reality for the serious concertgoer that on occasion, there will be more than one show on any given night that you really, really, REALLY wanna go to. Since the vast majority of us don't own a time machine, nor have the ability to either clone ourselves or split ourselves in half (or thirds or quarters, depending on the night in question), this tends to present a problem. Difficult decisions are made based on a multitude of variables (perhaps some of you even make lists of pros and cons), and ultimately, a show is chosen. But those other shows are still gonna be killer, and I'd like to give a little face time to the shows that, while I can't go myself, are highly recommended all the same.

Oh, Spring. You're such a tease. Don't let the Winter weather fool you, my loves, this is most assuredly Spring. How do I know? Because there are too many daggum good shows all at the same time, that's how. For instance, you might find yourself unsure of which awesome show to go to Wednesday evening. One of your choices is the super radness of thinking-man dance maniacs Starfucker, coming to spread their rainbow-flavored rollicking roller disco lusciousness with a serious side. all over this here city. They've been mercifully released from SXSW-related incarceration to spread their party love to the masses. Go forth and have a grand ole time.

mp3: Death As a Fetish (Starfucker from Reptilians)

Singles Club: Craft Spells

Lo and behold, the 80s, decade of bad fashion and frightening hair though it was, have proven to be ripely inspirational for a whole generation of bands now churning out some lovely, lovely music. Latest case in point: Craft Spells.

"You Should Close The Door" reminds me a whole lot of a lo-fi, bedroom version of the glorious New Order gem "Ceremony." Not so much in terms of lyrical content, but the arch beauty of the bringing together of sounds both mournful and uplifting, and those certain transcendent moments you'll hear in both songs. Heck, the cover of the Craft Spells record even calls to mind New Order's rose-covered Power, Corruption & Lies. Worthy inspiration for a very worthy band. Mama like.

mp3: You Should Close The Door (Craft Spells from the forthcoming Idle Labor)

Video Vixens: MAKE OUT

Some of us are afflicted with an inherent, deeply-rooted lust for the chase. If it comes too easily, we just don't want it. It's a feeling that applies to a whole lotta stuff, but particularly matters of the heart. So naturally, bearing this in mind, I kinda sorta love this here song by MAKE OUT. It's a sentiment I've had on oh so many occasions, and they've wrapped it up nicely in this little ditty and the accompanying video for "I Don't Want Anybody That Wants Me."

The song toes the line between badass, sassy rock and campy silliness, though the video definitely stays more towards the latter with the bright colors, oversize flowers, and goofy facial expressions on the band. It's a super fun song, and a super super fun video. And it kinda makes me feel a little justified. Just a smidge.

mp3: I Don't Want Anybody That Wants Me (MAKE OUT from the HOW TO EP)

Live Review: A Place To Bury Strangers/Hooray For Earth @ Motorco, 3/11/2011

If there's one thing I love, my friends, it's hitting the road for an out of town show. It feels like a teensy vacation, venturing outside state lines to go see some music at a club outside your usual circle of venues. And Durham's Motorco might just be my favorite non-local spot within driving distance. So give me the chance to go see two amazing live bands at such a great venue and odds are good I'll make the trip. Even with all that hideous DC metro Friday evening traffic. But damned if Hooray for Earth and A Place to Bury Strangers weren't worth the trip and then some. I don't really know what else could be better on a Friday night.

Hooray for Earth, some of my new favorite New Yorkers, are definitely a special live band. They have this certain feel to them, a rush of breathless, frenetic yet totally chill energy. It's the sound of the promise of beautiful warm weather, and to my winter coat-wearing ears they sounded simply delightful. To me, they're at their best when bouncing all over the place sonically, buoyed by lively drums and an inescapable feeling of excitement. At times, the room lacked a little intensity, but I think a big part of that was the drunken, basketball-glutted Duke and UNC fans in attendance. Taking cues from their lovely noise, the accompanying background images were a collection of swirling, dizzying colors and shapes. Big, clunky riffs and an uneven, awesome drum beat hallmarked a lot of the songs from their upcoming LP. "The barbecue truck is fuckin' rad," they opined between killer songs that went by much too quickly. Initially, I wasn't quite sold on this tour pairing, but having seen Hooray for Earth again, and heard more of their great, great songs, I think it totally made sense. In a way, they're like the sunshine to the stormcloud of animalistic aggression that is A Place to Bury Strangers. They didn't even throw my jam ("Surrounded by Your Friends") into the set, and they were still daggum fantastic.

So too was A Place to Bury Strangers. They've been just about flawless each and every time I've seen them, and are without a doubt one of my favorite live bands. And I made damn sure to have myself some earplugs for this one. The crowd was still on the lackluster side for their set, but the band played like they didn't notice. One song in, Oliver was already going gangbusters with his guitar-playing contortions and herky jerky moves, a precursor of the awesomeness to come. They weren't, as usual, big on banter, but early on we were informed that drummer Jay Space had a broken collarbone. After their set, I'd have said I didn't believe it. He, and the rest of the band, carried out their industrialized shoegaze with gusto. "Deadbeat," one of my most-loved APTBS songs, sounded about as good as I've ever heard, with that growling bassline and Oliver's onslaught of vicious guitar noise. The guitar bore the brunt, too, ending up tossed across the stage before the song was over. My most favorite song came right after, an extra feedbacked and extra slinky rendition of "Ego Death." It was nothing short of ferocious. The trio gritted and grimed and fuzzed and tore their way through their set with much savage force. And I ate up every last minute. Also notable was "I Lived My Life to Stand in the Shadow of Your Heart," which might have been my favorite song of the night. The black and white ballerina projections were the perfect juxtaposition to the sheer brutality of the merciless fuzz. The instrumentation in this song in particular was nigh on epic. This is a band that taps into some amazing energy when they get together on a stage, and if you haven't yet seen them live, well, you'll want to amend that as soon as possible.

Despite the blase attitude of the basketball-hungover crowd, both of these bands killed it at Motorco. It was a great tour pairing, and both of these bands should be seen live whenever possible. Trust.

mp3: Comfortable, Comparable (Hooray for Earth from the Momo EP)

mp3: In Your Heart (A Place to Bury Strangers from Exploding Head)

[photo by Megan Petty - Philly, 2010]

Singles Club: Girls Names

Sad but true: I've never been to Ireland (Northern or otherwise). However, if Girls Names is any indication, I'm missing out. This band cherrypicks bits and bobs from the best of the best (you might hear shades of Orange Juice, Josef K, The Zombies, and even Joy Division), and "Seánce on a Wet Afternoon" is oh so wonderful, from the underlying slightly sinister surfiness to the fuzz that hallmarks so many great older records. Girls Names wears their inspiration very, very well.

This song is impossible to resist, and I eagerly await the Girls Names invasion. New record Dead To Me is out soon on Slumberland, which is rapidly becoming one of my most favorite labels.

mp3: "Seánce on a Wet Afternoon" (Girls Names from the forthcoming Dead To Me)
Girls Names - Seánce on a Wet Afternoon by Slumberland Records

The Untitled Interview #117: Starring Les Shelleys

There's something very pure about Les Shelleys. Perhaps it's the lack of much instrumentation. Or perhaps it's just how beautiful and right the voices of Angela Correa and Tom Brosseau sound together.

There's a photo they have on their Facebook page, a black and white image of the pair onstage somewhere, Tom with his guitar and Angela's hand on her hip. It's a wonderful image because, to just look at it, you'd have no idea when it was taken. And to listen to them, you'd have no idea what age they were a part of. There's a timelessness to their folksiness, that's for sure. If you have yet to get to know Les Shelleys, friends, read on. And then go have a listen.

Les Enfants Terribles: How the hell are you?
Les Shelleys: I think we're ok.

LET: What was the last song you listened to?
LS: "Nintendo" by Shelley Short. It's playing in my head right now. It's a catchy melody. But sometimes I don't like catchy melodies. They call it earworm, the repetition of a song or fragment of a song in one's head. Like when it happens with Christopher Cross whose title I won't mention here. Jesus, I want to bash my head against the wall. The last song I listened to: "Nintendo" by Shelley Short, a great, great tune. Glad it's stuck in my head.

LET: Playing music is:
LS: Pretty fucking sweet.

LET: What album most made you realize you wanted to make music?
LS: An album by San Diegan Gregory Page. When I heard these songs I could see myself singing them, performing them. It was almost like I wrote them. Romantic Adventures Of Harry (BizarrePlanet, 1995) is so unforgettable too because every word recorded is pure emotion. You can at times even hear him smile.

LET: Beatles or Stones?
LS: Beatles.

LET: Top 5 albums (of now, of this month, or of ever):
LS:
1). Soundtrack to Shawshank Redemption
2). Soundtrack to Fabulous Baker Brothers
3). The Complete Recordings of Robert Johnson
4). Then Came The After by Shelley Short
5). Romantic Adventures of Harry by Gregory Page

LET: Favorite music-related movie?
LS: Coal Miner's Daughter

LET: Half-full or half-empty?
LS: What's half-empty, again?

LET: Which of your peers do you think is making the best music these days?
LS: Frankel - a songwriter I've know for years who lives in Silverlake. I just heard his latest album and it blew my mind.

LET: What’s the first thing you think when you wake up in the morning?
LS: OK, am I here, or have I gone on?

LET: Little-known Les Shelleys fact?
LS: The first two songs we ever sang together were "Sowing On The Mountain" and "I Still Miss Someone," at Tom's North Dakota record release in San Diego back in 2002.

LET: The greatest record store in the world is:
LS: Lou's Records in Encinitas, California.

LET: Shaken or stirred?
LS: Depends on the drink.

LET: Best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
LS: The Lord loves a working man. Don't trust whitey. If you get it, see a doctor and get rid of it.

LET: If you weren’t in a band you’d be:
LS: living somewhere far off in Latin America.

LET: Favorite Shelley: Mary Shelley, Percy Bysshe Shelley, or Shelley Duvall?
LS: Shelley Duvall!

LET: What do you find most comforting/most disconcerting about going out on tour?
LS: Most comforting: going back to places with good memories and new friends.
Most disconcerting: uncomfortable beds - leaving a cozy bed behind is hard to get over.

LET: If you were so inclined, whom would you form a tribute band in honor of?
LS: Thin Lizzy.

LET: Best song ever written?
LS: "Life On Mars" by David Bowie.

mp3: The Late John Garfield Blues (Les Shelleys from Les Shelleys) (thanks to Ketelmuziek)

On The Road Again: Peelander-Z

Sadly, I've never had the pleasure of seeing the insane cirque du freakaliciousness that is the legendary live show of Peelander-Z, and while my chance to change that might not be coming soon, you might be lucky enough to experience the 100 proof white lightning strike that is Peelander-Z.

The rainbow-tasting garageabilly rockers and their crazy hair will be spreading their love all over this great land, finishing up their US tour with a string of dates on the Warped Tour. Y'all, it's about to get a little wacky. Full dates below.

03/27 Salt Lake City, UT @ Urban Lounge
03/29 Ketchum, ID @ Whiskey Jacques
03/30 Boise, ID @ TBA
03/31 Eugene, OR @ WOW Hall
04/01 Seattle, WA @ Studio Seven
04/02 Portland, OR @ Someday Lounge
04/05 Stockton, CA @ Plea For Peace Center
04/06 Orangevale, CA @ Boardwalk
04/07 San Francisco, CA @ DNA Lounge
04/08 Los Angeles, CA @ The Roxy
04/09 Temecula, CA @ The Vault
04/10 Las Vegas, NV @ TBA
04/12 Tulsa, OK @ The Marquee
04/13 Farmington, MO @ The Vault
04/14 Chicago, IL @ Reggie’s Music Joint
04/15 St. Paul, MN @ Turf Club
04/16 Milwaukee, WI @ Turner Hall
04/17 Pontiac, MI @ The Pike Room
04/18 Cleveland, OH @ Beachland Tavern
04/19 Newport, KY @ Southgate House
04/20 Knoxville, TN @ Cider House WUTK Presents
04/21 Atlanta, GA @ The Masquerade
04/22 Nashville, TN @ The End
04/23 Tallahassee, FL @ Engine Room
04/26 New Orleans, LA @ One Eyed Jack’s
04/27 Houston, TX @ Fitzgerald’s
04/28 Austin, TX @ The Parish
04/29 Dallas, TX @ The Loft
04/30 Norman, OK @ Norman Music Festival
06/05 Ozark, AR @ Wakarusa Festival
07/20 Cleveland, OH @ Time Warner Cable Amphitheater Vans Warped Tour
07/21 Camden, NJ @ Susquehanna Center Vans Warped Tour
07/22 Burgettstown, PA @ First Niagra Pavillion Vans Warped Tour
07/23 Uniondale, NY @ Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum Vans Warped Tour
07/24 Oceanport, NJ @ Monmouth Park Racetrack Vans Warped Tour
07/26 Columbia, MD @ Merriweather Post Pavilion Vans Warped Tour
07/27 Virginia Beach, VA @ Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre Vans Warped Tour
07/28 Charlotte, NC @ Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre Vans Warped Tour
07/29 Orlando, FL @ Firestone Amphitheatre Vans Warped Tour

mp3: Taco Taco Tacos (Peelander-Z from P-TV-Z)

Video Vixens: Ghost Eyes

There's a lot of love for Fujiya & Miyagi around here, that's for sure. But there's also a whole lotta love for those who (skillfully) remix the fine fine songs of F & M. Take for instance the dastardly doings of Ghost Eyes.

Ghost Eyes takes a typically slinked-up, naughty little Fujiya & Miyagi jam and takes it a step further, adding some underlying, chilly creepiness along with some big ole beats and an enticing hint of the Orient. The video itself pulls from a vintage cartoon about honeymooning animals and the tuxedo cat whose significant other jilted him. Look for the moonwalking at the end, y'all. Great remix and great, unexpected video.

mp3: Cat Got Your Tongue (Ghost Eyes Remix) (Fujiya & Miyagi from Ventriloquizzing)

Pssst...Another LET-Sponsored Showtacular!

Ok, y'all. I don't know what you local types have planned for April 2, but you'll probably want to adjust your plans accordingly once I tell you about a little event going down in the friendly confines of Rockville, MD. Yours truly is happy to announce a little soiree at the Bellflur warehouse of joyousness, and it will be sensational. Believe you me. We're talking seven shades of serious spectacle.

There will be music, courtesy of your cinematic and oh-so fabulous hosts (and LET local faves) Bellflur, along with more excellent local musicianship provided by The Vita Ruins (perhaps if you ask nicely they'll play their smokin' cover of Depeche Mode's "Enjoy The Silence"). But it doesn't end with the music my sweeties. Oh no. We're getting all super cultural on your asses. Artiste extraordinaire (just check that poster for an example) Rich Bernett will be showing some work, as well as screening his film Project 15. And, if that's not quite enough, Goodloe Byron will be reading from his novel "The Wraith." All of this can be yours for FREE. Unless, of course, you feel like being a super kind soul and opening your wallet to donate a little. Donations from the show will go towards the Ft. Reno concert series (a rather worthwhile endeavor).

Seriously. What else could you possibly be doing?!

mp3: Insect Politics (Bellflur from asleep.asleep)

Singles Club: Sex Beet

So there I was, out and about earlier this week, when what should happen to come on the jukebox but the classic Gun Club song "Sex Beat?" Naturally, it made me remember the message Luke Sex Beet had sent me a little while back, proffering a new ditty of theirs that was, as he put it, cleaner than other stuff I've heard. Fear not, loves, he didn't mean cleaned up musically. Just production-wise.

The song comes from a split with Human Eye, and that band's somewhat campy, 50s b-movie done modern track "Martian Girl" isn't half bad either. But Sex Beet proves themselves winners once again with their sleazy, somewhat snarling take on a girl group gem gone so very rightly wrong. In my book, singing about breaking hearts is where it's at. I already love these dudes, now it's your turn.

mp3: Alone (Sex Beet from Human Eye/Sex Beet Split)