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April 24, 2004
Vacation Slides Never Looked So Fun!
The highlight of my 2004 Viva Las Vegas experience had to be Charles Phoenix's Slide Show. This historian and entertainer has the power to make young men in 50 year old gabardine and ladies in perfectly aligned, back seamed stockings sit on a dance floor in kindergarden "indian-style" poses.
Mr. Phoenix took us on an amusing ride through the glory days of Las Vegas, Nevada, as well as portions of So Cal (yay Ontario!!). His commentary on strangers' images of typical holiday topics such as hotel signs, family members, camel toes, and swinger parties kept us all in a trance so over-powering we didn't even realize we had no more cocktails in our hands. We were captivated.
As promised by Charles Phoenix, if I joined his mailing list, I received my "Slide of the Week" on Friday. Kudos to you Mr. Phoenix for not giving up when fart curators said no one would ever pay money to see a slide show of other people's vacations. I will hand you my $25.00 anytime.
Posted by Sandra at 2:20 PM | Comments (3) | TrackBack
April 23, 2004
Ray Condo Interview
Here is an interview done in 1999 for MOTE Magazine. I believe Ray's sentiments are still timely. Ray's manager, Gayle Hurmuses, also has a memorial page where you can post stories and links.
Ray Condo
interview by Chris Andrich
http://www.moregoatthangoose.com/interviews/condo.htm
Anyone familiar with independent music in Canada should recognize the name of Ray Condo. As leader of the Hard Rock Goners and now the Ricochets, Condo has had over a 15 year career in music. Moving from rockabilly to jump blues and western swing, Condo and his band have made a point of preserving a rich musical tradition, helped along the way with Ray Condo's dry onstage humour and genuine enthusiasm. On a stop in Edmonton to play at the Sidetrack Cafe (he has played here twice since, most notably a packed house at a Valentine's Day show at the New City Likwid Lounge) I had a chance to experience the wit and wisdom of Ray Condo after the show.
Chris: Start from the beginning.
Condo: If you want to go forward, you really have to know your past. That's the oldest philosophy of all the arts. You talk to any artiste, and man, if you want to get ahead study your past. That's how you figure out pattern cycles and how you appreciate what's what. How you get real values. You've got to know your sources, and I'm not saying just being pat or trad and just copying, being strictly trad, I'm saying know the stuff and then do what the hell you want afterwards.
Some of this stuff you said sounds like this band from Scotland, the Shaking Pyramids.
The Shaking Pyramids, I remember them. Yeah. They were lively. They had great energy. In the late 70s we were punkin' out in Vancouver and the punk scene was so fun. I was playing in a band called Secret V's and the aesthetic of the time was -- first of all you had to cut your hair off. We were sick of millionaire rock star Frampton hair farmers. So the whole punk scene was about, first of all, cut your fucking hair, then get up there and it was about small amps. It wasn't about Marshall amps or power like they're into now. It was small amps and lots of attitude, get up there with balls and express yourself with attitude and you'll learn the musical side later. That's how we did it. Shortly after that, punk went two ways. A bunch of us jumped ship and went roots, went right out, and the rest of them joined with the metal boys. Yeah, the punks grew their hair long, got Marshall amps and fused with the metal culture. Right? You saw that happen. Well, you're looking at a punk boy who went the other way. Fuck the long hair, fuck the Marshall amps, I'm going home and listening to Hank Williams. That's what happened.
Ray, how old were you when you got involved in the punk scene in Vancouver?
I've never been mature, but I was in my early, late twenties.
You saw it as a natural progression...
The punk thing was a very healthy social wave that had to kick out the jams, because we were sick and tired of millionaire rolling stones and millionaire rock stars trying to show us an aesthetic. I don't think so. They lost the ball a long time ago. The Pistols and the Buzzcocks was very fucking fresh and inspiring, and I still hold to a lot of those ideals, but I'm not as angsty and angry as I used to be. And I don't believe in nihilism. I believe in that 15-minute crash and burn and take no survivors. But it's only 15 minutes. You can't sustain that for a decade. It just doesn't make any sense. And the beautiful thing about that punk onslaught is that it really did open the doors for other forms of expression for everybody. It was a revolution. Democracy! Let everybody in. Fuck the god damn rock stars! If you want to do something different, you want to be a real, cool hip rebellious person, fuck rock altogether. Start a Hawaiian band! Impress me with something entirely different.
It seems like bands like the Cramps and the Gun Club incorporated a lot of roots music in what they did.
The Cramps are really interesting. They kind of represent that 70s, really, grunge sound. They were sonic and distorted and minimalistic. Unlike the other punk bands The Cramps were the only ones who got beyond the fucking 70s and 60s. Every band in the world has their roots in the 70s and the 60s. Except for the Cramps. They're drawing from the 50s. If you listen to their material, their inspiration is coming from the 50s. And that's what drew me to the Cramps. I said, yes, these guys might not play it like the old days, but they certainly understand the spirit of the old days. Rock and roll is about fun. It's about sex, drugs, and fun. It's about fucking and laughing and humour. It's not a gloom parade. If we're all gonna die, well, let's all die. I don't care if we all die tomorrow. Fuck. Let's all walk into the ovens singing a Cramps tune! And that's what I loved about the Cramps. They understood that essence of rock and roll: humour. Life-affirming. Fuck this shit. Let's party.
Have you talked to older rockabilly guys about this? I heard you toured with Ronnie Dawson from Texas.
In our circuit we're really fortunate to work with legendary people. Survivors like Sonny Burgess. Ronnie Dawson really is a phenomenon. He's quite amazing. But unfortunately for Ronnie, he's trying to compete with the young bucks, so he tends to go up there and he tends to just blare away on his guitar for the whole set. It's like, I've heard Ronnie sing, and I know he can sing some good country and a good ballad too. But he don't. He gets up there and he just fucking wails away on the guitar and I think it's that syndrome where he feels he has to compete with all these young bucks that are surrounding him. I think it hurts him. I think he drives some of the audience away. I wish he'd kind of calm down a little. Sing some country.
Now, Sonny Burgess, one of the original Sun rockabilly guys...
Sonny Burgess. He's the man. I can't critique him too easily. He's got it together. These guys are the last of an incredibly important time. The American Renaissance, you're talking from the 20s to mid-century, and after they hit the moon it was all downhill. Now, America has become international since the 60s. But prior to that there was an incredible American culture, as incorrect as it was, it was incredibly fucking gorgeous. Even in its naivete it had this transcending liberal quality to it that really did help the world. Us Canadians we can be pretty smug. We sit back in our armchairs, we look at the States and we think we're so superior to them because we all read and write and they don't. They're kind of illiterate. But, we work the States all the time. We're more of an American band than we are Canadian, and I love that culture. We draw most of our inspiration from, yeah, their past, but they still have stuff going that's really cultural. Sometimes reading and writing and the brain and all that isn't enough. Sometimes you need good old fucking gut level primitive instinct, which the Americans are good at. I admire that. That's really what rock and roll culture is really all about. You can't learn it in school. It's not a European cultivated thing. It's a North American spiritually primitive thing, and that's what the Europeans are so fascinated about. We live in these big ugly shiny malls and we have fascist cops that beat you up, we live in this incredibly primitive world to them. They're fascinated because we deliver such great stuff.
Should we all take time to learn about the 50s going back to the 20s? That different era?
Well the 20s is like the first 60s. The 20s is an incredible revolution led by the feminists. Babes who were like dressing different and acting up. It was the women and music that were breaking all the rules. Just like the 60s, it was really a wild fucking decade. Much wilder than the 60s actually. I figure 2012 we'll be ready to kick the jams again.
Posted by DJWanda at 10:15 PM | TrackBack
April 22, 2004
April 23rd Film Releases
The pickings are slim this week, I had to reach into my archives for material. Well, last week's archives.
1) Man on Fire
2) 13 Going on 30
3) Kill Bill, Vol. 2 (came out last week, but I ran out of movies to recommend)
It's a kids' weekend. Creepy kid actors. Adults acting like kids. Movies for kids. When are children going to go out of fashion? Like legwarmers or flannel.
Man on Fire
Dakota Fanning is so cute you just want to rip her head off. I'm not alone, other people agree with me. One critic calls her the creepiest child star working today. I personally think she's bound to follow the dark path of Gary Coleman and find out exactly what Willis was talking about.
But is she enough to reduce shining magnitude that is Christopher Walken? Hmmm. She does get kidnapped, but is it soon enough into the movie to save it from certain disaster? It's risky. Good luck.
13 Going on 30
I think I'm going soft. For some reason I actually think this looks like it could be good. It's cute as hell. A definite chick flick (good luck dragging the boyfriend to this one, even with the hot babe from Alias).
Just think of it as the modern female version of Big. Even Hitler would have liked Big.
Clifford’s Really Big Movie
For child and parental eyes only.
This So-Called Disaster
A documentary about the production of a Sam Shepard play. I'd see it if I had trouble sleeping since a glass of warm milk is out. I'm lactose intolerant.
Posted by xx - Ms. Lauren - xx at 9:52 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
Having fun with the Irish Brothers in a Savage City with a Royal Crown Revue
Last night's Irish Brothers/Savage City/Royal Crown Revue show at the House of Blues, Anaheim, filled my near lifeless body with some needed energy. After long hours at a computer screen for days and days, it was just what the doctor ordered. As much as I like my job and co-workers, I deserved a break today, and I got it with this show. I also got a VERY strong rum and coke that almost required me a chair to sit in! Luckily, HOB
Anaheim has some good strong walls to lean on. I guess that bartender took one look at me and thought I REALLY needed a drink!
In all seriousness, the show was high energy and the Irish Brothers delivered a fine performance, including my a favorite song, "I Will Never Marry". Complete with their dark green suits, the guys took the big stage like it was their home sweet home. Hot Karl was rarin' to go, and it had been far too long since I'd seen my brothers. I especially liked the part where David was so into it, he lost his drum stick. When you lose a drumstick it can be a severe tragedy... a laughing one. ;)
Savage City reminded me of a band out of downtown Chicago, but the name of the band reminded me of something completely different. Do I win a prize, if I'm right on location and well....? Though, I never did find out where they originate from, I do know they're in my age group! Their lead singer, a jiggly gal, who bounced across the stage in blue rhinestones, backed up by a 10 or 12 piece band (including horn section), had a good voice for delivering a wide variety of style. Was that, It's All Right, that I heard??? If I'm right, take me back to the 70's, please.
RCR, better known as Royal Crown Revue, without a doubt, is a band of great instrumentation and sound. When these guys pick up their instruments and play just one note, you know you are watching seasoned professionals. They've come a long way since the days at the Blue Cafe. Eddie Nicols, suave in a white double breasted jacket, dresses to the nines (did I really hear he pays $1200 for his suits?) and is very comfortable on stage. Someone told me he's so funny he should be a comedian instead. Choices...choices. Perhaps it was just my mood, but after four songs, I already knew what the next five or six would be like, and so it was a toss up between sleep, and no sleep. Perhaps I dreamed about this entire night...well now, maybe I did. Someone pinch me for a wake up call, please.
Good morning, it's 7:09 a.m. and I am off to work.
NEXT UP: BR549 w/Big Sandy and his Fly-Rite Boys, tonight (4/23) at the Galaxy Theater in Santa Ana. Have fun, enjoy the show, and I invite someone who likes to write to pull up a pillow and tell us about it.
Posted by CindyLu at 7:19 AM | TrackBack
April 18, 2004
Farewell Ray Condo
Many of you have already heard that Ray Condo passed away. I was able to do a little research and came up with some interesting articles in memory of this talented Canadian born musician. Listed below are the links:
May Ray "rest in peace"....he will be missed.
http://music.sympatico.ca/news/stories/news/alt_indie/news_alt_2004041607.html
http://worldwideretro.com/
http://www.countrystandardtime.com/countrynews.html
Posted by CindyLu at 10:38 PM | TrackBack
April 15, 2004
April 16th Film Releases
Tax day came and went, and for our pains we are about to be rewarded. Tarantino has brought us the conclusion to his epic of carnage, and I for one am thrilled!
1) Kill Bill, Vol. 2
2) Young Adam
3) Connie and Carla
It's here! It's finally here! Quentin ADD Tarantino is giving us his latest ode to blood and violence.
Kill Bill, Vol. 2
The bride is back and she's still pissed. Word to the wise - Try not to tick off little white girls who play with samurai swords. Especially if your name is Bill.
The Punisher
Another comic book hero, only this one is a no nonsense vigilante. I don't know about you, but I prefer my superheroes to have superpowers. I'd only call this guy talented with firearms. Hardly super.
Connie and Carla
Two women hiding from mob go underground as drag queens. It's like Victor Victoria meets The Birdcage, only gayer.
Stars Nia Vardalos (Big Fat Greek Wedding), Toni Collette (Muriel’s Wedding, Sixth Sense), and David Ducovny (X Files) star in what could be a really fun film.
Young Adam
A stellar cast consisting of Ewan McGregor and Tilda Swinton. Ewan plays a young sailor whose lover turns up dead. Love triangles, jealousy, and suspicion run amuck in this twisted tale of love, sex, and death (not necessarily in that order).
A Thousand Peace Clouds Encircle the Sky
A young gay man wanders the streets of Mexico City after abandoning his dying lover. This is probably the most boring movie I've ever heard of. Even the title is tedious. Go see it if you feel like self-torture.
Posted by xx - Ms. Lauren - xx at 9:25 PM | TrackBack
April 13, 2004
A Night at Pike's
Some people might say, "The night is young and so are we." At Pike's (near the corner of 4th and Cherry in Long Beach) you get some of this and some of that, and a whole lot more. Ms. Howdylicious Wanda from KUCI's Howdylicious radio show (88.9 fm)and DJ Dan from the Dynotones (who will have new and soon to be released CD) have ventured to the beach area recently with some good down home country music. Every Monday at Pike's you'll find a variety of people sitting around the bar eating everything from mahi tacos to veggie burgers, drinking a brew, or hard lemonade, and listening to everything from Johnny Cash to Patsy Cline, and even some International tunes. I've been to the first two Monday night blast offs, and it's going well. Many friends and new acquaintances are coming by to pay homage to the dueling DJ duo. It's a fun time and what better way to spend a Monday night. Are you going to sit home and watch Jeopardy? Get out and meet some new people! Monday night we learned some lessons about life when Sgt. Al decided to share his wisdom. These are known as Al-isms, or the world according to Al.
1. Life's not fair and neither is Al.
2. I don't give a damn about the truth, tell me lies that make me feel good.
3. Mean and sneaky beats mean and tough every damn day of the week.
4. Wrapped around every silver lining is a dark ass cloud.
5. Bad things happen to good people all the time. I prefer to be the bad thing, rather than the good person.
So, friends with that in mind, get on out to Pike's on Monday nights and come say Hello! You won't be sorry you did!!!
Remember, 8-Midnight, and have a Bud Light...
Rev Sin
Posted by CindyLu at 10:27 PM | Comments (3) | TrackBack
April 8, 2004
April 9th Film Releases
Remember when comedies were good? The days when you could go to funny movie because you didn't feel like watching something heavy and not waste your money on inconsequential drivel. It's known as the "Good Old Days" and I miss them.
1) I'm Not Scared
2) The Alamo
You not going to believe this, but Hellboy is getting excellent reviews and if I had done my recommendations last week, it would have been my top $10 candidate.
Sorry I missed you last week. I got caught up cooking dinner. I wish it had been something far more monumental, like a date or something involving international espionage (I love international espionage), but it was just dinner. I am so lame.
The Alamo
A friend of mine asked me not to ruin the ending. He said, "I know there's a miracle, but I can't remember what it was." The really sad part is the fact that he holds the same postgraduate degree I have. In one sentence, he completely devalued my entire education.
I just hope I didn't ruin the ending of The Passion for him.
Johnson Family Vacation
They're like the Griswolds, only ghetto.
Ella Enchanted
This is a mildly tweaked fairly tale about a girl who was given the gift of obedience. She obviously did not grow up with my mother. Wish lists, never anything not on sale, and gift receipts, gift receipts, gift receipts.
P.S. I'm listed on Amazon.
The Girl Next Door
A porn star moves in next door to a barely post-pubescent male. It's every boy's wet dream come true!
The Whole Ten Yards
The hit man and the dentist are back and I don't think the writers even bothered to change the plot.
I'm Not Scared
Set in rural Italy, a young boy discovers the remnants of a dastardly criminal plot that involved his entire town.
If you can stand the subtitles, it's the best release this week.
Twenty-Nine Palms
A photographer takes his French girlfriend on a scouting trip in the desert. They screw like bunnies and have unfortunate encounters with the local residents.
It's a French film, and much like escargot, you'll start off feeling exotic and daring, but then you'll just end up hanging your head over the toilet.
Posted by xx - Ms. Lauren - xx at 9:17 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
Punk Rock Seasame Street?
Minor Threat / Fugazi's Ian MacKaye has been let loose on the little people of the world... (via metafilter)
Posted by Ms. Jen at 8:45 PM | TrackBack
April 5, 2004
The Barflies.net Geek Party
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This past Saturday evening a group of Barflies.net folk got together for dinner and a geek fest. Yep, after dinner we sat in the living room with four laptops, one pda, and two cell phones using all of the devices to surf the net for web sites & music we like.
Why did we do this? Changes are a coming your way here at barflies.net and we are making it a group effort ... Keep your eyes peeled for new features, new sections, and a new look.
P.S. I have changed the link colors here in the News Section (Blog) for improved screen readibility. Please use the comment form to let me know if you can see links better now. Thanks.
Posted by Ms. Jen at 1:43 AM | TrackBack
April 4, 2004
Inkslingers of the World Unite...
Ever wonder how a single person with tattoos wants to meet other singles with tattoos? Wonder no longer...
Posted by Ms. Jen at 1:30 AM | TrackBack
April 3, 2004
What I look at Everyday
I just like The Militia Group website. Check out the new Beautiful Mistake CD.
Posted by ashleykiana at 10:18 PM | TrackBack
April 2, 2004
Pussycats and Powerchords
GuerrillaMonster Films and 7 DUDLEY CINEMA present:
An eyeball poppin' evening of Pussycats & Powerchords with two incredible Stag Films set to Garage Rock soundtracks from acclaimed Memphis direktor John Micheal McCarthy aka JMM
THERE WILL ALSO BE STARLETS PERFORMING LIVE!
ANNA BELLS from the Fishnet Floozys and CHARLOTTE LE BELLE ARONDE
WEDNESDAY APRIL 7TH @ 8 PM sharp! - FREE ADMISSION
located:
THE SPONTO GALLERY
7 Dudley Ave.
Venice, CA 90291
fone: 310.399.2078
parking: free lot on the corner of Rose & Main St
directions: www.mapquest.com
seating is limited- so get there early
also BRING YOUR OWN BOOZE
