Dizzy Miss Lizy

Bluegrass Vs. Crowds

2009-10-02T11:30:00.000-07:00

It's my favorite time of year - Hardly Strictly time!! I am grappling with whether or not I have it in my to brave the crowds both days. I spent last weekend in the park as well...so still undecided on whether I'm going to check out both days of the festival. Last year I had the sweet friends and family hookup, but seeing as that's not happening this year I'm just going to have to brave the crowds like a commoner. Ugh.

Sat or Sun? Tough choice. On Saturday, there's Gillian Welch and Steve Earle (who I love seeing every year), Nicke Lowe, Old 97s and Richie Havens. Sunday's lineup includes Emmylou, The Knitters, Marianne Faithfull, Aimee Mann, Dr. Dog and Neko Case. Still on the fence. Help me decide!

http://www.strictlybluegrass.com/

This just in from papa bear, "Yes, I remember the Bluegrass festival, and the drugged out zombies that had the pit bulls, etc. Be careful … not everyone is a nice person! Watch out for thieves and pickpockets too." I love my dad.

The Expo for Independent Arts 10th Anniversary!

2009-09-25T13:29:00.000-07:00

Hola kiddies. It's been quite some time since I've updated this here blog, so my apologies. Work is crazy as always, and let's face it - when you stare at a computer screen for 10 hours a day you don't quite like to continue that in your free time. At least I don't. Give me a book over a computer screen any day. Along those same lines, since moving in with Shane we have bid adieu to television altogether. While that's nothing unfamiliar to me, I have to say that living without baseball was quite a shock to my system. I don't miss much else (OK - maybe Mad Men), but having to pay $ to sit in a bar to watch my baseball was none too enjoyable. We shall see how long this lasts.

This is going to be a busy weekend. Hoping to make it to the Big Book Sale after work, but if that doesn't happen it will just have to wait 'til Sunday. I am going to *try* and limit myself to spending no more than $100. RRRRRIIIGGGHT.

Tomorrow is the 10th annual Independent Arts & Media Expo - happening this time around in golden gate park. Even if juggling and swing dancing isn't your thing, the expo is going to be jam-backed with exhibitors ranging from Alternative Tentacles Records to The Women's Audio Mission. This is Arts & Media's largest fund-raising event of the year, so get on out and support them dammit!

Did I mention that tour de fat is also happening in the park tomorrow? Hop on your bike, have a few beers and then peruse the expo. Not a bad afternoon if you ask me.

Lastly, leaving you with my favorite flickr set of the week (thanks MeFi).

Pop Songs Your New Boyfriend's Too Stupid to Know About

2009-05-22T13:42:00.000-07:00

I think this will be the first Memorial Day weekend since I was a teenager in which I won't be taking off for the mountains. Seems a little strange - I must admit. I did receive a last minute invite to join some of my lady friends for relaxing along the Yuba River, but I politely declined. That's not to say that I wouldn't love to spend 8 hours in my river rat with a beer in my hand, but I'm actually really looking forward to an abandoned San Francisco. I feel the same around Christmas time. There's something quite enjoyable about wandering through what are typically crowded streets. Also - it will give me a good chance to tackle some of the house projects I've got lined up without my usual distractions. Time to paint my hideous kitchen cabinets and do some serious weeding in my new backyard.

I will however still go out - because lord knows I will go stir crazy if I don't see my fair share of live music. I'm in luck this weekend, because turns out there's a Popfest going on. I don't normally dig on all things bubblegum or twee, but there's defintely a special place in my heart for the band Tullycraft. The super twee group, which hails from my hometown will be at the Rickshaw on Saturday night as part of SF Popfest.

SF Popfest

Rumor has it this is going to be Tullycraft's last live performance. I've heard bands say that before. While I don't believe that for a second, it has been about 10 years since I've seen the band. I received many a mix tapes in high school which were chock full of Tullycraft gems. My favorites were always "Sweet," "Superboy & Supergirl" and of course - "Pop Songs You're New Boyfriend's Too Stupid to Know About." I can't wait to TOTALLY nerd out!

Pop Songs

More Noir Means Happy Lizy

2009-05-20T22:21:00.000-07:00

I had a chance to check out more noir at last night's screening of The Story of Molly X, which is part of a B Noir series going on this week and next at the Roxie. It was my first time at the Roxie (which I thought was strange), but turns out that while the seats aren't so comfy and the screen is tiny, the popcorn's cheap.

I WAKE UP DREAMING: The Haunted World of the B Film Noir

And here I thought I had to wait til the return of Noir City! A former Roxie staff member, Elliot Lavine recently finished a book on television and film noir titled TV NOIR: I WAKE UP DREAMING and to celebrate his soon to be published novel on the topic he was invited to curate the series.

Seems as though I'll be taking a break from baseball this week.

Last night's movie had all the right ingredients for me. A female crime boss. Check. Prison fight scenes. Check. Charles McGraw (albeit a very minor role). Check. San Francisco in general (I'm a sucker for all things local). Check.

In the film, the widow of a murdered crime boss decides to rally her former hubby's henchmen to form a gang of her own in San Francisco. Once out west, a jewelry heist doesn't go according to plan and "Molly X," gets locked up and shipped off to a woman's prison.

While the film left a lot to be desired there were some fantastic shots of San Francisco and an amazingly hilarious prison-yard fight scene. The moral of this story - apparently women can be 'reformed' with just the right amount of sewing lessons!

The boys and and I didn't stick around for the double feature, as we opted to hop across the street to get our drink on, but you can bet I'll be back this week for more. Lavine said there were a lot of films he wanted to include, but couldn't squeeze into the series...so we can expect more noir nights to come. I love it.

Bring on the Noise

2009-05-19T17:25:00.001-07:00

Just found out about a fun noise show happening on Friday. Wolf Eyes, Black Dice and Sic Alps. Time to have my face melted off. I haven't seen Black Dice or Wolf Eyes in years....it will be like I'm at a Boston house show all over again, but this time in some SOMA warehouse. I didn't end up making it to the Mayyors show last weeked in Davis, so now's my chance to act like a kid (err - aging spazz).

Friday, May 29th
OCD Warehouse
758 Natoma (@ 9TH)

5 Dollar Cover

2009-04-30T16:23:00.000-07:00

I just got word from one of my labels that a new MTV faux-reality show set in Memphis, TN will center around young struggling musicians trying to make a go of it. Via MTV - "$5 Cover is a rough-and-tumble show set in the clubs, bars, and all-night cafes of present-day Memphis. The series follows a cast of young musicians as they fight for love, inspiration, and money to pay the rent."

The promo for the series features Jack Oblivian and as it turns out he, along with Harlan T Bobo will be among the cast members. WTF. I don't know if I think this is amazing or super creepy. Maybe a little of both. Check out all the Hi-Tone shots (and Goner T-shirts) in the promo video below.

MTV Shows

http://www.mtv.com/fivedollarcover/
http://blog.fivedollarcover.com/

The series premieres tomorrow night. While I have been rather consumed with baseball as of late, I might actually have to check this out.

Gonerfest for the masses? WEIRD

Book Nerd Time

2009-04-29T15:17:00.000-07:00

I don't tend to have much free time at work (or anytime for that matter), but with the little spare time that I do have I always make time to check out Moistworks. The contributors to the blog are all writers and their posts always tie in music.

A frequent contributor to the site is author, music critic and New Yorker editor - Ben Greenman. I just picked up his latest book yesterday, Please Step Back, which Booksmith describes as "a swirling Sixties saga of the rise and fall of Rock Foxx, whose unprecedented mixed-race/mixed gender band makes socially conscious music that takes him to the height of worldwide rock stardom. But then his music begins to darken and disappear amidst rumors of sexual debauchery and drugs and violence, even as the culture itself explodes into assassinations and riots until people ask themselves: Whatever happened to Rock Foxx?"

OOOO - I can't wait to delve into this book tonight. Greenman will also be in the city tomorrow and Friday to discuss the novel. Now I can add to my Booksmith author card collection. Sorry Georgie. You won't be flying solo any longer.

4/30: The Booksmith, San Francisco (in conversation with Oscar Villalon)
5/1: Books Inc., San Francisco (in conversation with Joel Selvin)

The Rock Foxx character in Please Step Back is fictional, but also factual, based on such stars as Sly Stone, Bobby Womack, and Curtis Mayfield.

Greenman claims the novel is supposed to come with a special bonus song with lyrics he's penned and music written by the funk legend Swamp Dogg, who also performs the track. I opened the book and to my dismay there was no Swamp Dogg track. What gives?!

Maybe at the event the author will perform the song? Just to tide ya'll over, here's one of my all-time favorite Swamp Dogg jams - The Baby Is Mine. Enjoy and I'll see you tomorrow at The Booksmith!

The Baby Is Mine - Swamp Dogg

Record Store Day

2009-04-17T12:58:00.000-07:00

Thank god I just got paid a few days ago, because tomorrow's Record Store Day! Riding down market street last week, I couldn't help but notice the sad site that is the Virgin Mega Store. Not that I've ever even stepped foot in Virg Meg, but it's still quite sad to see record stores (even megastores) shutting down all across the country. Outside the store was a young lad with a double-sided sign declaring not that God loves you but that there's still hope - in the form of Rasputin. SAD. Now it's your turn to get out there and support the stores that are still thriving (or hanging on as the case may be). Not sure what's going down at Aquarius, but there will be some in-stores at Amoeba. Go spend that $ that's burning a hole in your wallet!

Record Store Day

Big News

2009-04-03T19:50:00.000-07:00

This little lady is finally bidding adieu to casa de shag (carpeting). Page street has been my home sweet home for almost five years, but a change was definitely in order. I had the talk with my AMAZING roommate Mona last night and it was pretty heart wrenching. She's seen all of my sides, been there for me through heartaches, put up with a LOT (moving in a boyfriend, weekend long benders) and never complained. She even put up with my cheesy decor and constant need to burn incense. We were the perfect fit for each other and I think in all of the years together we maybe got in two fights, of which last two seconds. Part of me thought we were going to grow old together and turn into crazy cat ladies that sat around eating frosting out of a jar.

I wasn't really looking for a new place, but the opportunity came up and I couldn't let it pass me by. I'll finally be able to have my herb garden and a real one this time. Not just a few dying plants lined up in my fire escape. I also hear that our upstairs neighbor has quite the green thumb, so I can't wait to put my gardening skilz to use.

Great things about my new roomy Shane - he owns guns, has an adorable cat and brings his own beer cozy's to bars. How can you go wrong with someone like that? I just hope he doesn't hate my taste in tunes...

My Kinda Valentine's Day

2009-02-03T20:55:00.000-08:00

I don't typically venture outside of my apartment for Valentine's Day (or many other "holidays" for that matter), but this year might be a different story. My favorite little dive bar in the TL will host a release party for San Francisco Noir 2: The Classics.

For more info on the event check out:

Valentine's Day Noir

Authors from San Francisco Noir, Volumes One and Two will read selections from their works and the works of noir masters of the past. With Noir City behind me I'm still not ready to let the dream die. I can't think of a better way to spend Valentine's Day!

DJ gig

2008-11-24T11:54:00.001-08:00

Hey kiddies: If you haven't escaped SF yet for the holidays, then come on out to my happy hour DJ night at the Casanova Lounge tomorrow. Julie and I will be on the decks until 9. Raquelle's preparing some special holiday drinks (I'm hoping for spiced cider) and I hear the mustache charity boys will be showing off their 'staches. Hope to see you there!

Date Autism: WTF is Nerdcore?

2008-11-19T12:28:00.000-08:00

Date autism has struck me once again. Last night my buddy Andrew and I attempted to go see the Monks documentary The Transatlantic Feedback at the Red Vic. We had a beer next door and arrived a few minutes late. A preview for a documentary on Nerdcore began.

Unknown to Andrew and I, this is a burgeoning Hip Hop movement. Five minutes passed, ten....this preview seemed to go on FOREVER. Why so many Weird Al sound bites? After fifteen or so minutes we both began to wonder if this really was a preview. Being a wuss, I forced Andrew to go ask the Red Vic crew. So apparently the Monk's run ended on Monday night. Needless to say, we didn't stay and learn all about Nerdcore.

The Monks

I guess I'll just have to wait and watch this on Netflix :(

Speaking of missed events, I didn't make it out to the Sir Richard Bishop show at Du Nord a few weeks back (or the Aquarius in-store), but luck is on my side this time around. There's going to be a live taping of interviews with Sir Richard Bishop and Jello Biafra this evening for the VBS.TV station. Ian Svenonius (Nation of Ulysses) hosts the Soft Focus program, which previous episodes have featured interviews with the eyeball licker himself Calvin Johnson, Billy Childish, Ian Mackaye and many more. Hopefully I can haul on out to North Beach in time.

Soft Focus

This is an RSVP only event, so if it's not to late, go get yrself on the list:

RSVP Here

Cobbs
915 Columbus Avenue
6:30-10:00

Later in the evening there's a post-interview after party at which Ian Svenonius and Jesse Pearson (Vice) will be spinning records at the Hemlock Tavern.

Should be a fun night.

Frisco Freakout!

2008-10-12T10:35:00.000-07:00

I had a blast at the Frisco Freakout yesterday. Thanks to Rich and Ripley for organizing such an awesome event. http://friscofreakout.com/
Pretty much my dream lineup: Assemble Head In Sunburst Sound, Grey Ashley, Wooden Shjips, Sleepy Sun, Crystal Antlers, Earthless and an onslaught of others. I got a chance to get my Earthless noodeling fix on. Crystal Antlers were amazing. Then again I'm always a sucker for bands with multiple drummers. The highlight of the day/night for me though were definitely SF's own Sleepy Sun.
New Age - Sleepy Sun
On the band's site you can download their Embrace album! http://sleepysun.net/

Apparently Rocktober is in full swing. After Treasure Island, Hardly Strictly and the Frisco Freakout dare I say I'm showed out?

My Georgie

2008-09-22T22:56:00.000-07:00

I just found out that my favorite (living) author will be giving a lecture as part of the City Arts and Lecture series.

City Arts

That's right, my little Georgie, aka George Saunders returns to our fare city on October 6th. A few months back he did a book signing for his first non-fiction collection, The Braindead Megaphone at Booksmith. I had all of these intelligent questions and witty comments saved up, but when it came my turn to say hello, I drew a blank. I was suddenly a teenager and meeting my favorite band for the first time. He asked where I was from. I managed to mutter the city of Seattle. After several awkward pauses I told him this was my first book signing. Then I amended that statement.

"Well, not really. I attempted to meet Leonard Cohen during his book tour a few years ago, but I gave up when the line was too long."

He replied with, "thankfully for you I'm not nearly as cool as Leonard Cohen."

This time I'm keeping my mouth shut.

New Job

2008-09-20T13:31:00.000-07:00

Hey kiddies: I know it’s been a long time since I’ve updated this little here blog and there’s a reason for that. This lady’s now a contributing member of society again! I am SO glad I didn’t have to move to la la land. I’m not quite ready to leave the bay area just yet. While I do have grandeur plans of getting into music supervision, doing label relations again isn’t too shabby.

My new home is at IODA – a digital distribution company based in SF (and also a major competitor of my former employer DRA). I couldn’t be more psyched about the company as a whole and my new co-workers. It’s always a good sign when you see your boss nerding out at a Built to Spill show during your first week of work.

Speaking of shows...man do I wish I was in upstate NY right now for All Tomorrow’s Party. ATP
Such an AMAZING lineup this year. I just called my buddy Nash who’s in Wooden Shjips to express my jealousy and wish him good luck. Sweet – he told me WFMU is airing the festival live all weekend. WFMU Looks like I won’t be leaving my apartment this afternoon. I wonder if Harmonia’s playing any other U.S. dates?

I guess I don’t have it all bad this weekend – as I’m getting a chance to see Spiritualized play at Treasure Island tomorrow. Can’t wait!!! It’s sort of odd that his set is during the middle of the day, but I’m sure I’ll be blown away regardless. I still haven’t gotten a chance to see the new Harmony Korine film he plays on, Mister Lonely. A commune filled with celebrity impersonators sounds like a pretty genius plotline to me.

Happy belated birthday Papa Bear

2008-09-02T13:13:00.000-07:00

Why is it that I can never remember birthdays (or a lot of things for that matter)? For my dad's big 60th this year I even set a google reminder for myself so as not to forget his big day. Where was that alert?? I even forgot my little sista's 25th this year. I guess now that I'm not glued to an office computer I can't function without my alerts. Sad.

Well I hope my dad at least received his Obama bobble head on-time. Not nearly as funny as the booyah-screaming Jim Cramer he sent me, but hopefully he'll appreciate it none the less. Now we'll just have to plan a father-daughter hunting excursion before it gets too cold.

No more TV for me

2008-08-26T10:44:00.000-07:00

It's time to take a LONG break from my television (sans baseball of course). Now that the Wire is over there's nothing left for me. Project Runway bores me, but it is a great excuse to catch up with my gal pals once a week and down lots of cheap vino. Alight, maybe there are a few caveats to my blanket statement on my intent to abolish the time sucker. I'm just really going to miss the Wire.

To mark the release of the final season of the show on DVD earlier this month, the Museum of the Moving Image presented a panel, Making "The Wire", with David Simon, the series creator and co-producer; novelist and screenwriter Richard Price, who wrote several episodes; and four of the show's stars: Seth Gilliam (who played Ellis Carver), Clark Johnson (city editor Gus Haynes), Clarke Peters (Lester Freemon), and Wendell Pierce ("Bunk"), moderated by David Schwartz, Chief Curator.

Listen to the panel here

MC Hammer is bluegrass??!!

2008-08-18T13:28:00.000-07:00

Looks like the official lineup of this year's Hardly Strictly Bluegrass has been announced. http://www.strictlybluegrass.com/ I'm pretty stoked about some of the non-strictly bluegrass artists performing this year, which include Odetta, Will Oldham, Elvis Costello, Nick Lowe, Iron & Wine and what...MC Hammer? Not sure whether or not this is a joke, but Hammer getting down to some banjo sounds AMAZING.

Farewell Bay Meadows

2008-08-18T12:25:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a sad day - it marked the final day of live racing at Bay Meadows, the longest operating Thoroughbred racetrack in California. My love affair with Bay Meadows began with my first 'official' date with an ex of mine. It was new year's day. After an evening of debauchery, we decided to keep it going at the races. Yodeling Jenny was my horse. She never let me down.

I've been to numerous other tracks over the years: Golden Gate Fields and even the dog races to see my mom sing the national anthem. Yep - you heard that right. The previously mentioned ex and I actually considered making a trek to Idaho to witness nature vs. nature gone amuck in a cloned mule race. Idaho Gem, the first ever cloned mule was set to race his clone Taz and we couldn't miss that! Sadly, I think we were too broke for the adventure. I wonder who won?

Aside from the depravity, the wonderful people-watching, the gambling, and cheap hotdogs and beer my favorite part of the day was hearing the sound of that trumpet. The Bay Meadows trumpet buddy always played the theme from the Simpsons which for some odd reason made me happy.

I'm not going to Disneyland

2008-08-13T16:06:00.000-07:00

I just found out that my good buddy Ian is now engaged to his lovely girlfriend Elissa. Oddly enough, this comes on the heels of 8.08.08, which saw thousands of Chinese rushing to the alter and a recent discussion we had regarding marriage.

Apparently, she proposed to him while they were on the Haunted Mansion ride in Disneyland. That's my kind of girl. Though, quite the odd place for a proposal. I am slightly biased however, considering my fear of Disneyland. I was lost from my parents when I was a wee pup while exploring The Swiss Family Robinson treehouse.

I was wandering around aimlessly for hours and ended up in the creepy 'It's a Small World After All ride' which is filled with hundreds of singing dolls. Needless to say I'll never return to Disneyland.

So it looks like I'm the lone spinster from my hometown and that doesn't bother me in the slightest.

wedding bell blues

Another SF music venue closes its doors

2008-08-08T14:56:00.000-07:00

12 Galaxies R.I.P.

Say it ain't so! I was having lunch with my friend Nick this afternoon and he informed me that in a few short weeks 12 Galaxies will be shutting down for good. Bummer. I've always wondered how they stayed afloat for as long as they did, with often no more than a single show a week. Why didn't the club get a proper booking agent?? It's a great space, and I've spent many a drunken nights at the club over the years. In fact, the last time papa Reierson was in town I dragged him out to see Stallion perform. My dad happens to be a super karate fanatic - signed pictures of Chuck Norris in his living room and all; though he didn't truly appreciate the karate/magic combo that is Stallion. I'm going to miss you 12 Galaxies.

For one of their last hurrahs, the club is hosting its annual Parkerpalooza with: Spiral Stairs, Still Flyin', Kelly Stoltz, Hank IV, and some other 12 g's alums. See you there.

http://www.12galaxies.com/

Strippers like Starlite Desperation

2008-08-07T13:20:00.000-07:00

Born To Be Dizzy - Starlite Desperation

I dragged my friend Julie to this goth club the Red Devil Lounge last night to see one of my favorite bands, Starlite Deperation play. They were amazing as always, and played some tracks off their new album as well as my favorites: Born to be Dizzy and The Gold Rush. Sadly, the crowd only consisted of a few strippers, some crazy old man, myself and some members of the opening bands that stuck around for their set. I never understood why Dante and crew haven't risen above tiny venue status. Why do only strippers like them?

http://www.myspace.com/thestarlitedesperation

Friend Rock

2008-08-06T13:28:00.000-07:00

Over the weekend I got a chance to hang out with an old buddy from Seattle who was in town for his first tour. I miss my Pacific NW friends, mostly for their sense of humor. Something about a lack of sunshine that brings out the Woody Allen in us all. My poor roommate was not too pleased with the drunken laughter emitting from our living room at 4am. Usually I'm a great roommate, I swear.

The friend in question's new album features artwork from my his brother - Darin Shuler. His stuff is absolutely amazing. I wonder what I should commission him to create? My roomy and I already have a portrait of us hanging above our couch...

http://darinshuler.com/

Before the friend rock, an adventure out of the city was long overdue. We packed the sunscreen, sandwiches and trashy mags and headed for Bolinas. Unfortunately, the wind was not on our side. We stayed for about 30 minutes before admitting defeat, attempting to enjoy the view and ignore the sand storm. We decided to finally check out the German Tourist Club, a pub tucked away in the Redwoods that I've been hearing about for years. http://www.touristclubsf.org/
The clubhouse was built in 1912 by a group of German Nature Friends and has been there ever since. They're only open to the public a few weekends out of the month, but we lucked out. Drinking and playing dice counts as an outdoor adventure, right?

Ok - I know it's time to stop subscribing to Rolling Stone. It's been on a fast decline for YEARS, but I've held on this long mostly out of habit. When they start running features on American Gladiators named Breaux that's when I have to say no to his pink 'breaux hawk.' Same with the Simpsons. I have a feeling much of my mass consumption is done out of habit. Speaking of consumption and its driving forces, in the same Rolling Stone issue I came across a very disturbing McDonald's ad. The ad features a creepy hipster-esque cartoon character who resembles Ron Jeremy named Paul. Paul is the Original Dollar Millionaire and tells us a bit about himself - "I pretty much live in the moment, most of the time. Like when I signed up for a credit card to score a free T-shirt. Didn't need the card, but that shirt was callin' my name. Especially because it was laundry day." At first I thought the ad was a joke. Apparently there have been a ton of disturbing McDonald's ads over the years. Interesting piece on this topic I came across: http://www.ibiblio.org/pub/electronic-publications/stay-free/archives/24/mcdonalds-commercials.html
I miss Ronald. Then again, I've always had a thing for clowns.

They all float down here!

Where's the Beef?

2008-07-31T12:57:00.001-07:00

My best friend Jenn calls me yesterday to inform me she's discovered a magazine entirely dedicated to all things meaty. Amazing. Oh the joys of wasting hours perusing the periodicals at Barnes and Noble.
http://meatpaper.com/
Surprisingly, this magazine's a lot classier then I expected. Now I know my birthday is months away, but keep this baby in mind along with Women & Guns.

Speaking of meat, the Chronicle ran a great feature on an all-female butcher shop in Bernal Heights: Avedano's. http://avedanos.com/
I can't wait to take a sausage making class!!

Erica and I have been discussing getting matching hamburger tattoos for years...and I'm thinking it's now or never.

The Kids are Alright

2008-07-30T12:33:00.000-07:00

I was drinking at Waziema with a buddy of mine last night, when he tells me that he’s supposed to put in a good word for me re: his friend. I play dumb. “What do you mean?”

“He thinks you’re cute.”

Now, most people would respond with something like, “I’m flattered,” or “Sweet - you’ll have to hook that one up.” Not me. The first thing I ask is how old said dude is. Now for those of you who are unaware, I might just have a proclivity towards older men. Not that these older men have gotten me anywhere – quite the contrary. Sooooo maybe it’s time that I re-evaluate my screening process and give these young boys a shot.

Here are some tunes from three young bands that I can’t stop listening to. The first is from the Seattle group The Dutchess and the Duke, who were introduced to me by this awesome lady Laura that I met on the bus en route to the Sub Pop 20 Festival. We shared beers and reveled in the similarities between our bizarre sleeping habits. Where o where have you gone Laura? The song does have quite the paint it black chord progression…but maybe that’s not such a bad thing. The next song is from the local babies The Stone Foxes. Thanks for the introduction Nick. Jeff Tweedy meets Faces era Rod Stewart. Soooo good. They’ve got their CD release show going on in a few weeks down at the Rickshaw. I hate that venue and vowed to never see another show there. I might have to make an exception for these dudes. The last song is from the latest of the In The Red bands – Cheap Time. I never seem to tire of this TN garage rock, especially when it’s from hot young boys.

me likey

Speaking of babies, my poor Matt Cain has had a rough time recently. He went a solid seven innings last night, but that just wasn’t enough to defeat the Dodgers. You’ll come out of your slump Cain – keep your fatty chin up! Your bobble head will replace the creepy Jim Cramer booyah screaming toy in an attempt to bring you some luck.

Resisting Babylon System One Rainbow at a Time...

2008-07-27T18:23:00.000-07:00

I might finally be able to put my ridiculous Brightblack 3D glasses to use! This Friday the Exploratorium is hosting an overnight solar eclipse viewing party (via webcast). Sweet.
Total Eclipse Of The Heart - Bonnie Tyler www.exploratorium.edu

Here's the schedule of events -

9 p.m.: Doors open - Continuous films, installations and exhibits related to the eclipse; Q&A with roving astronomers in white lab coats. Hot!
9 p.m.-midnight: Live music and performances from the eastern region of the Silk Road
9-11 p.m: Stargazing with San Francisco Amateur Astronomers and Sidewalk Astronomers
9 p.m.-1 a.m.: Hands-on activities exploring astronomy and Central Asian art
3 a.m.: Dragon Dancers wake-up performance
3:30 a.m.: Live Webcast of the eclipse begins
4:08-4:10 a.m.: Eclipse totality

Amazing - the Exploratorium is even hosting a solar eclipse party in Second Life. That might just be a little too nerdy, even for me.

Apparently there's only a 70-80 percent chance of clear skies in Gobi Desert on the day of the eclipse, but I'm feeling lucky!

Info video from Nasa

Now I just want to go and watch Watcher in the Woods...

Let the Day-Glo Nightmare Commence

2008-07-21T12:30:00.000-07:00

It's been a few years since I've last witnessed the Caroliner Rainbow insanity, and that's just enough time to recover. This time around they're playing at Cafe du Nord, rather than a gallery which should shake things up a bit. I wonder how they'll have time to set up all their glow in the dark tapestries and creatures?

02 Good Luck Shining Tongue.mp3 - Caroliner

They always reminded my of the Boston noise outfit Neptune - maybe due to the homemade instruments and burning-man like aesthetic. I wonder what those beantown lads are up to?
http://www.myspace.com/neptuneandjupiter

Still making art and thrashing around. Why not make a pilgrimage out west?

Pacific Reverb Society

2008-07-17T12:59:00.001-07:00

My good buddy Erica is turning her Iceberger Gallery into a record store for the month of August and is seeking some stellar compilations. If you've got some time on your hands and don't have a special someone to create a mix for then get to work!
http://www.icebergergallery.com/

Artist Statement Below:
Are we real yet? P a cific R eee verbbb Society

Many of the greatest moments of our lives exist just below the view of others. Although we participate in mass culture, relate to each other through mass media, and bond over a shared appreciation for supposedly universal truths, our deepest connections are often made in smaller circles. With our closest friends we can revel in songs that only we know, scenes that only we can see, and interpretations of the world that make sense only to us. Sometimes when these mutual experiences make their way to the surface they are embraced. Sometimes they fizzle and die. Occasionally they will expand; adding new perspectives while maintaining their original significance but very often a greater exposure can make these once personal experiences seem forced and mundane. When then are these experiences real? Are we real yet? How many people must know a song before it is great? Do a greater number of participants provide legitimacy, or does the smaller community imply authenticity? Perhaps we should be content to relish what we will and leave the questions of legitimacy to the academics.
After all, there is a place for inquiry and there is a place for satisfaction. Our rooms can then be concert halls, and our
correspondence can be novels. We can place them on our bookshelves next to Hemingway and Kirby. For my part, I would like to see a tiny gallery become a record store full of rare and unrefined music. A meeting place for a secret society of reverberation. It may last only a month and our catalogue will certainly not be the largest, but since the room is small enough everyone inside will surely hear the music.

PRS:

The idea behind the Pacific Reverb Society is to give both a home and an outlet to creations that are usually
left rejected and unheard. Hopefully the PRS will be a way of connecting people to new sounds and sights that they
would otherwise never have been exposed to. Think of it as a combination record store, label, junk shop, and zine
factory made out of photocopies and empty spaces.

The Store:

A thing like the Pacific Reverb Society is by no means financially stable, and it doesn’t really have to be. The PRS will
be funded by those involved and if by chance money is made it will be dispersed appropriately. Profit in a monetary
sense is not a goal of the PRS (which is not to say that the contributors do not both need and deserve some
compensation). The store, that is the gallery that will house it: ICEBERGER is a temporary home. Should the people
involved in the PRS desire it than maybe it will take up residence somewhere else in the future. We here at the PRS
have been involved in a lot of amazing organizations that were teetering on the edge of legality and financial instability.
Eventually either a lack of money or run-ins with the law lead to their demise. Although they are gone they are not
forgotten. We wholeheartedly respect and admire those who create and operate stable long-term businesses, but the
PRS has no desire for permanence. If anything it is a celebration of the finite, and the possibilities that the limited can
provide.

The Merchandise (so to speak):

Initially the focus of the Pacific Reverb Society will be to produce several short run hand made compilations of music,
noise, and other audible awesomeness. These will be sold for approximately $3 american dollars beginning at the
opening of our store in August. Afterwards you will be able to purchase them using special code-words at In and Out
Burger and by saying beetlejuice three times.

We will also be selling other hand-made and short run audibles at the store as well as mix-tapes ceedees and
deeveedees.

For another $3 you can pick and choose tracks from anything in our mind-bendingly gigantic catalogue and we will
mail you your very own personalized PRS compilation.

What We Would Like From You:

1) Send us your sounds! E-mail Pacificreverbsociety@gmail.com for information about how to go about doing that.
Looking for any and all types of music / sound / noise!
2) Come to the opening and gawk at people and things
3) Silently horde your music and sounds until you have hundreds of volumes worth or material and then will your
collection to us on your deathbed.
4) E-mail us about how this is a stupid idea ... or at least talk shit on us to your friends

SP20 Hangover/Gonerfest Lineup Announced

2008-07-16T15:39:00.000-07:00

I've returned from the Emerald City safe and sound, though exhausted and rather sunburned. I forget that summer still exists in other cities.

SP20 is definitely in the running for top festivals attended. My personal highlight would have to be Red Red Meat followed closely by Mudhoney; despite their short set. I did get to hear some hits like Touch Me I'm Sick and Sweet Young Thing, but why no F.D.K.?

Also, what's up with depriving Kelly Stoltz from the rest of us? I talked to my buddy Jay and apparently he flew in just to play a VIP show at the Space Needle. Lame. There were rumblings of surprise guest appearances at the fest - but no L7, Sleater-Kinney or MCD. This girl left a little disappointed.

I had grandeur plans of heading over to the Tractor to catch King Khan get his teabagging on, but alas I was too tired, drunk, stoned, and showed out to make it. I hear I missed quite the show. Minus the BBQ (Mark Sultan) it just isn't the same though. Don't get me wrong - Khan can shake it in his little sequin get-up, but Mark's do-wop numbers are what really do it for me.

Speaking of festivals, I hear they just announced the lineup for this year's Gonerfest.
http://www.goner-records.com/gonerfest/

Hmmmm...not sold just yet. Then again, if Greg Cartwright confirmed you know I'd be there in a second. Last year I didn't get to see any of Memphis outside of the Hi-Tone and the pool at the Artisan. Maybe this year I could actually do a little less rock and a little more sightseeing. Not likely to happen.

What happens in Memphis stays in Memphis

It's Derby Time!

2008-07-07T11:25:00.000-07:00

I love it when I open my inbox and find something other than the usual suspects which include spam, odd bed-bug articles from my dad, record label blasts, forwards from my mom that she finds 'really funny,' etc. Sweet relief - a letter from the B.A.D. Girls Roller Derby! I can't believe tryouts are just a month away. Time for me to dust off my skates and join the shirt-less man out on the blacktop in Golden Gate.

Sadly, I'm going to miss next weekend's brawl at Fort Mason. If you're around town, get out and support these ladies. http://www.bayareaderbygirls.com/

So, what's my derby name going to be??

Let the eagle soar

2008-07-03T12:08:00.000-07:00

Since I'll be out grilling and drinking all day tomorrow, I thought I'd post some patriotic tunes a bit early. Enjoy!

SeeqPod - Playable Search

In honor of the recent supreme court ruling and in the spirt of the 4th, I think it's about time to hit up the shooting range. Who wants to join me? It's ladies night every Monday at Jackson Arms...

http://www.jacksonarms.com/

so excited

2008-07-02T11:28:00.001-07:00

Oh David, why not do some more Red Shoe Diary episodes for me? I always wondered what the deal was with his little dog.

A plea to Baron

2008-07-01T15:58:00.000-07:00

Don't leave the bay area Baron!!! I'm NOT psyched about this free agent bs. Why would you want to play for the Clippers, the Sixers or the Grizzlies? Was almost 18 million really not enough for you?

Time to bust out the flannel

2008-06-29T12:38:00.000-07:00

I just found out that Alaska's running a $69 one way special from SFO to Seattle. Sweet - that means I can afford to check out the Sub Pop Anniversary showcase!

Reunions galore - Red Red Meat, Seaweed, The Fluid, Green River, THE VASELINES!!!!, and of course last but not least Tad's new band. Hell yeah. I wonder if I still have my docs tucked away in some closet?

While kickball was on the afternoon agenda yesterday, it was a bit too chilly out so my friend and I opted for a bookstore (and by bookstore I mean porn) outing. I wanted to take him to The Magazine, the hidden treasure trove of porn, but we decided on his favorite hideaway: Kayo's. It's this AMAZING bookstore that sells everything from vintage Playboys to sci-fi periodicals from the 40s. I can't believe I never knew about this place. My buddy picked up a sweet signed copy of Willeford's Cockfighter. If you're a book nerd then you''ll be in heaven at Kayo. http://www.kayobooks.com/

Ode to Branson, MS

2008-06-26T13:40:00.000-07:00

So I opted for choice A. Hard to turn down the Milsap! He played a medley of hits, including one of my favorites Smoky Mountain Rain

Speaking of Branson, MS....my strange Karen Carpenter-obsessed aunt wrote a ballad dedicated to the town. Not quite sure how to download this track, but go here to listen: http://www.oakgrovervpark.com/. I know - I've got quite a bit of white trash in me ;D

Welcome to the non-luddite Lizy

2008-06-24T15:41:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my first official blog post! I'm still not sure whether or not I've got anything worthwhile to say, but I do have a considerable amount of time on my hands these days - so why not?

Unemployment was a blast for the first couple of months. Lots of long bike rides to the ocean. Benders galore. Weekend getaways to Tahoe. Trying out new recipes. Finishing all of those books I started. Finally putting up that IKEA shelf that's been sitting in my corner for years (thanks Nash)....you get the idea. The thing is, after a while I began to understand how stay at home moms become alcoholics. OK - time for a hobby. I've bought a banjo and have been attempting to teach myself the basics. My sewing machine has finally been dusted off. And last, but certainly not least I'm attempting to kill the luddite in me. So friends, welcome to my blog. I promise not to nerd-out about music too much, because lord knows I spend far too much time doing that.

Found this hilarious job listing on Craigslist today, upon continuing my never-ending search for gainful employment: "Oompa Loompas needed ASAP"

Seeking fun-loving, happy sales associates to work full or part-time in a fast-paced, magical candy store where every customer is invited to sample our fudge and taffy.

Hmmm...sounds like a creepy candy store if you ask me. I wonder if they make the little guys dress up?

While on a stroll in my neighborhood (and in an attempt to score some free food), I came across a beverage with my namesake! You can find this gem locally over at the Green Chile Cafe. While they don't have the proper spelling down, it's pretty fabulous nonetheless:

http: //www.fizzylizzy.com/.

"Shake my hips before placing on your lips." Help me come up with some Samantha-esque double entendres for that one.

Decisions, decisions. Eek. Tomorrow I've got a tough decision to make.

A: Go on a date with a cute boy to see country legend Ronnie Milsap play at the county fair. Photobooths, horse races, elephant ears and ferris wheels sound like the perfect first date. Think there'll be a hayride?

B: Attend a reading and book-signing for the San Francisco Tape Music Center at the Page Street Library. Terry Riley will make a rare appearance and Stu Dempster will be busting out the dijiridu. That's why I love my local library!

C: Play wiffle ball in the park with the Revolver boys. They've somehow managed to get Saucony to sponsor them! I like free shoes and free booze.

What to do? And please, don't tell me to get a job.