Downtown Journal Best Dancing Venue: The Saloon

The Downtown Journal (formerly Skyway News) has it's 1st Annual Reader Raves picks. The Saloon got the best dancing venue:

Quivering and quaking fantasies come to life at The Saloon, where the beats are spun out by DJs every night of the week. You can shake it to Latino dance music on Tuesdays, industrial dance on Mondays (for fans of Nietzsche and Spetsnaz), and retro tunes on Sundays, for example. On Saturday nights, DJ David B. keeps the action undulating until three in the a.m.

It does have a sizeable dance floor, although the music leaves a bit to be desired (but I'm a snob). Even the Sunday Retro Night has less variety than I'd like (how much ABBA and Madonna is too much?), but most people seem to like it. If attractive, shirtless guys are your thing, you'll love their dance floor at the Saloon.

Friday Music Video: Cyndi Lauper, Goonies R Good Enough

This is an awful video, and semi-awful song, but it carries some string memories of the '80s for me. From the original soundtrack to the Goonies, Cyndi Lauper gives out "free cookies with gas," finds a cave behind a painting and runs into Sean Astin, Cory Feldman, Martha Plimpton and the rest of the gang. If you remember the WWF, you'll recognize Rowdy Roddy Piper and the Iron Shiek! This 7 1/2 minute video is Part 1 of 2. Really though, you don't have to watch it if you don't want to. Instead, visit someone who can give you a hilarious play-by-play.

Homocore this Saturday

Saturday, December 16th,
9PM Doors at 9pm, Music at 10pm
Big V’s – University Avenue & Snelling Avenue, St. Paul
$6 Cover, 21 plus

Scream Club, touring in support of their October release ..Life of a Heartbreaker.. (out on Crunks not Dead/Alphapup), is an electro-sex, homo-hop fem duo who recently relocated to LA, CA. ..Scream Club links feminism to broader political stuggles and other modes of oppression. It's this more expansive form of feminism, as well as their driving beats, that enables them to speak to a bigger audience than their riot-grrrl predecessors, Le Tigre" - Bust

Locals DANCE BAND will headline. Opening will be ERIKA WRIGHT, BEST FRIENDS FOREVER, CENTRAL STANDARD.

The line up in order of appearance is

ERIKA WRIGHT
BEST FRIENDS FOREVER
CENTRAL STANDARD
SCREAM CLUB
DANCE BAND

Friday Music Video: Sigur Ros, Vidrar Vel Til Loftarasa

Sigur Ros (pronounced "see oor roce"), are an Icelandic post-rock band who sing using their own language, Vonlenska (in English, hopelandic), which is based on Icelandic, but the words have little meaning. This video is for the song Vidrar Vel Til Loftarasa, and is a very powerful look at the lives of two young men, and the reactions of their family to their relationship, and the trangressing of typical gender norms. It's a long, but beautiful and powerful video.

Friday Music Video: Scissor Sisters, Laura

This week's video is "Laura" by the Scissor Sisters. This was their first video and first single when they broke out of New York's electroclashy club scene around 2003. Three of the band's members are gay men, and female vocalist, Ana Matronic, calls herself a gay man trapped in a woman's body.

The band was scheduled to play Minneapolis last month, but the drummer suffered a back injury and they had to cancel. Fortunately, they'll be back to play in March (at the Myth again, unfortunately), and tickets will be on sale soon.

Friday Music Video: CSS, Let's Make Love and Listen to Death From Above

Cansei De Ser Sexy means "tired of being sexy," and it's a quote from Beyoncé, who is, you know, tired of being sexy. CSS are a Brazilian band, (5 women, one man), that makes fun of Paris Hilton, and sings about alcohol. And that's good enough for me. This video was the first song I've heard by them, and it's called "Let's Make Love and Listen to Death From Above."

Friday Music Video: New Pornographers, Sing Me Spanish Techno

I'm addicted to YouTube music videos. I don't watch TV so all I have is my precious Internets and local live shows to keep my music addiction satisfied. Every Friday, I'm going to subject this blog to my favorite videos.

Today is "Sing Me Spanish Techno" by The New Pornographers from their latest album Twin Cinema. It's a very catchy song (I've been listening to it non-stop since February), and the video has some fun queer content, especially for you drag queen fans. Enjoy.

Over the Rainbow in Lavender

Lavender Magazine has an article about Over the Rainbow's closing. One of the owners, Charmaigne Wood, has a great quote about supporting the community through GLBT owned bars:

We remind all GLBT people to support your home bars: your homo bars. GLBT bars are not a community service—they are businesses, and rely on revenues. Owners of GLBT bars are taking a stand, politically and personally. Support that. No one wants to be in the position of ‘you don’t know what you’ve got until it’s gone. Gay bars are important socially and politically. They’re where we are most comfortable, most accepted. They’re where we find common cause, politically and emotionally...Until we are accepted in the larger society, until we can marry, until we have adoption rights, until we are not outsiders, we need these gathering places. GLBT bars are where we can be totally who we are. As diverse as the GLBT community is, the one thing we have in common is a need to belong. GLBT bars allow us to belong. Be there!

Also, since Lavender does not archive their articles, I've posted the entire article below.

Related: Over the Rainbow to Close by Month's End

Last Call at Over the Rainbow
Second Local GLBT Bar To Close Recently

by George Holdgrafer

Over the Rainbow (OTR) is celebrating a bittersweet 11th anniversary, as the bar will close permanently on October 29. It’s the second local GLBT bar to go out of business recently, following on the demise of Boom! September 24.

From October 13, 1995, to September 22, 2000, OTR operated at 249 West Seventh Street, St. Paul. The bar then relocated to its present space, 719 North Dale Street, St. Paul, which had opened on December 8, 1999. Jo Lanier and Charmaigne Woods, co-owners of Over the Rainbow, are life partners as well.

Lanier says, “We are closing the bar because it’s the right time to do so, given the current economic picture.

“We absolutely appreciate our many loyal customers and our wonderful staff. They are why we lasted this long in two different locations.”

Over the years, OTR has been the most gender-mixed of Twin Cities GLBT bars.

In Woods’s words, “We have always had the most diverse clientele of any GLBT bar in the Twin Cities—the best mix of women and men of all ages. We envisioned a place where men and women could be together, and where all who were respectful of others were welcomed. OTR has been affectionately called the ‘gay VFW’ and the ‘Cheers for queers.’”

OTR has been known especially for its karaoke, hosted beginning in 1997 by Mia Dorr’s Premier Entertainment, and lately by Ben Applebaum and Brent Ripley‘s Killer B’s Entertainment. The bar also originated the Monday Men’s Night in St. Paul in 2001. As well, OTR’s kitchen served some of the tastiest food in any bar.

Reflecting on OTR’s decade-and-a-year of serving the local GLBT community, Woods remarks, “We are proud to be part of Twin Cities GLBT history. We are proud of GLBT political and social growth. We urge everyone of our ‘family’ to remember how far we’ve come, and yet how far we still have to go. Be together. Be supportive of one another.”

However, Woods sounds a warning: “We remind all GLBT people to support your home bars: your homo bars. GLBT bars are not a community service—they are businesses, and rely on revenues. Owners of GLBT bars are taking a stand, politically and personally. Support that. No one wants to be in the position of ‘you don’t know what you’ve got until it’s gone.’

“Gay bars are important socially and politically. They’re where we are most comfortable, most accepted. They’re where we find common cause, politically and emotionally.”

Woods continues, “Until we are accepted in the larger society, until we can marry, until we have adoption rights, until we are not outsiders, we need these gathering places. GLBT bars are where we can be totally who we are.

“As diverse as the GLBT community is, the one thing we have in common is a need to belong. GLBT bars allow us to belong. Be there!”

For its final weekend, OTR is offering a cornucopia of events:

• Friday, October 27: Casual Karaoke with Ben and Brent, plus Final Men’s Night with Trent.

• Saturday, October 28: Dr. Farrago’s Burlesque Theatre.

• Sunday, October 29: Mama Jan’s Last Hurrah! (11 AM-6 PM), with the longest-serving bartender sending OTR out in style—doors close for the last time at 8 PM.

Note: The Monday Men’s Night permanently moves to Trikkx from OTR starting October 30.

Homocore Tuesday at Hexagon

TUNA HELPERS with STONEWALL REBELLION sept 26th at the HEXAGON free 21+

tuesday, september 26th at the hexagon bar..... doors 9pm, music 10pm..... free 21+.....

*THE TUNA HELPERS from austin, tx*

with CENTRAL STANDARD and STONEWALL REBELLION

with a special appearance by THE RAMSEY COUNTY KINGS

Homocore at Hexagon Tonight

FREE SHOW !!! Doors at 9, music to start shortly after @ the Hexagon Bar.

White Lesbian Rapper
Venus (special solo set)
Ear Candy
Fierce Perm (headlining)

Hexagon Bar
2600 27th Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55400
Cost: FREE - 21

Queerbomb the Hexagon Tonight!

Reader Noah sent this alert out. I'll be there. These unofficial gay nights at the Hexagon are always a good time.

The cool cats and kittens are going to Transmission at the Hexagon tomorrow night for the second non-annual queerbomb. Last time there were, like, dozens of us and no DJ, so just imagine how much fun it will be with a DJ playing nothing but 80s new wave/synth/electro goodness! Plus a live performance by these guys! And $2 taps! And Rose!

Sick of Sarah @ Townhouse Friday

I haven't seen Sick of Sarah yet, but I like the music on their Myspace page, and they are some hot women! And I randomly met Katie (lead guitar, backup vocals, pictured 2nd from right) on a camping trip this earlier this summer and promised to check them out. They'll be playing with God Des and She who were featured on the L Word a while back. It's also the Townhouse first venture at live bands (they have live music in Blanche's, the attached piano bar) in a long, long time. And we should definitely support live queer music in the TC!

"August, 18 2006 at The Town House
1415 University Ave, St. Paul, MN 55104
9PM
$5 COVER

INFAMOUS GOD DES AND SHE (FEATURED ON THE L WORD) AND LOCAL ARTIST SICK OF SARAH WILL BE PUTTING ON A BRILLIANT SHOW AT THE TOWNHOUSE BAR IN ST PAUL."

Scissor Sisters Coming to MN

Gay glam group Scissor Sisters are coming to Minneapolis, er, um, Maplewood. The group will be at Myth Nightclub on Saturday, October 7th. I suppose I'll venture to Maplewood to see the show as the lead singer is pretty sexy, but I've listed my reservations at Minneapolis Metroblogs. The new single, "I Don't Feel Like Dancin'" will be available for digital download in the US on August 15 (it's already been released in Europe), and the music video is available at Yahoo!.

August is Homocore Mania

August 4th, 2006 The Shondes (brooklyn, ny) FREE at the Hexagon bar 21+

HOMOCORE MINNEAPOLIS presents THE SHONDES of Brooklyn, NY, w/ Woodcat, Running on Empty & Mercurial Rage
2600 27th Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55400
Cost: FREE - 21

August 24th, 2006 HOMOCORE presents Fierce Perm (Olympia, WA) FREE at the Hexagon Bar

August 24th, 2006 Fierce Perm (Olympia, WA) at the Hexagon Bar with Venus and Ear Candy
2600 27th Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55400
Cost: FREE - 21+

August 29th HOMOCORE Presents: The Vignettes and Central Standard at the Hexagon Bar

Others TBA
2600 27th Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55400
Cost: FREE - 21

Fireworks and Dancing w/Lenka Paris

Tomorrow night, after the Aquatennial Fireworks display (supposed to be way better than the 4th), DJ Lenka Paris will be spinning at the Bolt Underground. It'll be fun, I promise.

Homocore: Welcome to My Bedroom

From the gang at Homocore:

"Lisa Ganser DVD Release Party * feat NICKY CLICK * July 20th

homocore minneapolis and crunks not dead records in partnership with 770 radio k present:

WELCOME TO MY BEDROOM
the dvd release party for a short movie compilation by Lisa Ganser

THURSDAY JULY 20th (ganser's birthday)
BRYANT LAKE BOWL lake & bryant ave MINNEAPOLIS 9:30 doors 10pm show
featuring a live performance by NICKY CLICK
ALL AGES. $10 advance tix available call 612.825.8949

Movies that will be screened:
WELCOME TO MY BEDROOM, the mpls all gay backstreet beastie boy band's first music video

PUNKY BRUISER: behind the music without the fame

SCREAM CLUBBING a mini-doc about the oly, wa band SCREAM CLUB

DVDS will be on sale at the show for a lucky $13

see you there. p. s. right now i smell like b.o."

Bar Fly to Host Gay Night: "Pulse"

I'll never understand the incessant need for straight clubs that do gay nights to charge a cover, especially when virtually all the gay clubs in town don't generally charge a cover, at least not until after 11 pm or when there's a fantastic drink special. But Bar Fly is hosting a new gay night in their "Loft" space, and charging a cover. Via their new Myspace page:

"Every 1st Saturday of the month is the hottest 18+ gay club night at The Loft. From 9:00 p.m. until 2:00 come enjoy the best drag and dance perfomances in the Minneapolis area. Special apperances and theme nights are subject to vary and each expeienace promises to be different from the last. Cover $5/$7 (18+)Launch date Aug 5, 2006."

I'm no fan of gay nights at straight clubs, unless they do it right and have the community in mind. You can read my past criticisms here. It helps if their Myspace page editors can spell too.

Bar Fly has been involved in the community recently. Last year they held a fundraiser for the Minnesota AIDS Project and this June, they held a fundraiser for District 202. I am also glad to see that they are having an 18+ night on a Saturday. The under 21 crowd really doesn't have much in the way of large social opportunities in the Twin Cities on weekends except a couple of coffee shops or sitting in friends basements doing meth.

I'm cautiously optimistic that "Pulse" will be a decent place to be.

Strib: Gay 90s Not Closing

"Panic at the disco? Rumors have swirled for months about the Gay 90s possibly closing this week-end, with developers taking over the prime location on Hennepin Avenue in downtown Minneapolis. But longtime manager Jim Hanson said the club has events planned through the summer and soon will begin remodeling the front of the building, as well as the restrooms. The club is also hoping to get city approval for a new outdoor heating system for smokers this winter, he said: 'Why would we do all this stuff if we were closing?'" [Strib]

I wrote about this the day before the Star Tribune wrote about it, in a post called "Is the Gay 90s Closing July 1st?" Tom Horgan, the nightlife writer, also wrote about my Krave reporting and neglected to cite me as a source. If I'm creating original news good enough to be in Minnesota's largest paper, I think it's good enough news to source.

Faggot

The last issue of CityPages featured the queer punk band Faggot as their cover story. They're kind of crazy, but I've never seen them live, only read and heard about them. Here's their Myspace page. They're definitely not PC. You've been warned.

DJ Lenka Paris

She's cute, queer, and European and she's audtioning at the Bolt Underground tomorrow night! She spins a great mix of 80s, industrial, alternative and top 40. Just the kind of dancefloor you've been looking for in Minneapolis! See you at the Bolt Underground from 9 to midnight tomorrow night!

The Saloon's Fancy New Smoking Patio

The Strib has an article all about the Saloon's new smoking patio and the controversy it has caused. The $485,000 patio has a fireplace, heated seats, and will soon have wide screen TV's on the wall.

It was initially approved by the Minneapolis City Council, built and was open to smoking for several weeks. However, when anti-smoking ban activist and Stub and Herbs owner, Sue Jeffers, got a look at it, she went straight to the City Council.

"Sue Jeffers, who owns Stub & Herb's by the University of Minnesota campus and is a Republican candidate for governor, said that when she saw the Saloon's addition with glass in the windows, she immediately applied for permits to build the same type of room but didn't get an answer from the city. 'It's beautiful. After I saw it, I went to City Hall and said I want exactly the same thing,' she said. 'You can't give it to one place and not the other. It has to be straight across the board.'"

The City Council promptly shut down the Saloon's new smoking area. It might be because Jeffers wanted the same thing, or it might be because John Moore, owner of the Saloon, was one of the few bar owners to support the smoking ban. The Saloon's patio has since reopened with some chances to the structure.

Right now, the Minneapolis City Council is looking at what an enclosed structure is and what they are willing to allow. One thing is sure: bars that can provide comfort for smokers in the winter have an advantage over those that don't.

Is the Gay 90s Closing July 1st?

I've heard several people talk about it this weekend, and my website traffic for "Gay 90s closing" has been increasing steadily all week, so I thought it might be time to investigate. I haven't gotten ahold of the owner of the Gay 90s, but staff and management there did tell me that they have no intention to close anytime soon. Also, they pointed out that a bar who intends to shut it's doors forever doesn't generally hire several new staff people, and invest $30,000 in new light fixtures 2 weeks before going out of business. Fair enough.

I have no idea the source of the rumors, or if there is any grain of truth to them, but it's safe to say that the Gay 90s will be around for a while longer and will not be closing on July 1st.

Twin Cities Pride: Pansy Division

Pansy Division played the Minneapolis Eagle "Unofficial" Pride Block Party on Sunday. I've never seen them live, and it was really fun. They're basically gay pop-punk, kinda like a really gay version of Weezer or Green Day (they actually opened for Green Day during the very successful Dookie tour in 1994).

They played many of their more popular songs. The ones I remember were: Who Treats You Right, Bad Boyfriend, Negative Queen, Political Asshole, He Whipped My Ass In Tennis (Then I Fucked His Ass In Bed)...

After the show, I had the chance to meet the band and chat it up with lead singer Jon Ginoli. We share the common bond of growing up in oppressive Peoria, IL. Pansy Division was pretty influential for me in high school, and when I found out that Green Day had a queer band opening for them, I knew there were other gays out there who weren't into showtunes and divas (not that there's anything wrong with either).

Scream Club at Hexagon Tonight

Electro sex themed Scream Club out of Olympia, WA is at the Hexagon tonight at 9 pm with Best Friends Forever and Marine Corpse. It's a $5 cover.

I've heard they are a good live show.

Krave's Questionable Marketing Ethics

[Note: These are my own words and do not reflect the views of the Minnesota AIDS Walk, it's sponsors or beneficiaries.]

These are some the flyers I spent Sunday afternoon picking up off the ground during the Minnesota AIDS Walk. They are from Krave, a monthly gay night at straight owned Karma in downtown Minneapolis. A street team from Karma showed up to hand these out to the 10,000 or so people who turned out at the Walk, a decision made by Krave in poor taste and shows the continued lack of ethics in thier marketing. They even plastered the windows of every car they could find parked in the area with the purple flyers.

People attend the Minnesota AIDS Walk for many reasons: to celebrate the life of loved ones who have died of AIDS, to contribute to the cause of stopping the spread of the disease, to remember those who died trying to fight the disease in the 1980s when very few people would help them, or to support those still affected by the disease. People walk for many other reasons too. Most do not show up to find out when the straight bar is having a gay night.

The Minnesota AIDS Walk is supported not only by individual walkers, but also sponsors who contribute a lot of money in exchange for visibility and acknowledgement of support for the cause. When I asked the guy who looked like the leader of Krave's street team if Karma/Krave was a sponsor, he said "Yeah. We gave money." So, I looked at the sponsor list. Neither Krave or Karma are listed. Giving him the benefit of the doubt (he may have been confused about Karma/Krave's level of support for the walk) I looked on the teams list. Nothing there either. Hmmm. Could it be that Karma/Krave lied to me? I can certainly see why as I have had nothing nice to say about Krave since it's inception.

Since Krave was not a sponsor of the walk, that means they were taking visibility away from the sponsors who donated a good amount of money to be there. And that means Krave was potentially taking sponsors away from the walk. What motivation do sponsors have to be at the walk, if they can just litter the event with promotional materials without contributing, which is exactly what Krave did?

To me, Krave's actions seem like a slap in the face to the hundreds of people who worked hard to put on the event. Again, Karma's lack of knowledge about the GLBT community shines through. The AIDS Walk is not a GLBT event. It's an event with lot's of GLBT people...and recovering substance users (who likely did not appreciate being handed a flyer advertising "Vodka specials and 2-4-1 Bottle service") and many other communities affected by HIV in Minnesota.

And is it really wise to hand out flyers to crowds of people as they cross the Mississippi River only to have them blown into its waters? They're lucky I didn't call GreenPeace.

For more information on Krave and it's questionable marketing tactics:

Karma, Krave, and Gay Nights at Straight Clubs

Karma and Krave Update

Krave in Star Tribune

Homocore on Thursday, March 9

HOMOCORE MINNEAPOLIS PRESENTS:

Tracy and the Plastics
Gay Beast
Ear Candy
doors at 8pm, 21+, $6

March 9th at the 7th Street Entry

www.Tracyandtheplastics.com
www.myspace.com/gaybeast
www.myspace.com/earcandy

For more info visit Homocore.

Homocore Minneapolis This Friday @ First Avenue

Homocore Minneapolis will be at the 7th Street Entry at First Avenue this Friday at 5 pm for a "Dysfunctional Holidays" show. It's an all ages show and $6 at the door.

Homocore Minneapolis is like a punk, indie, electro, and whatever night of live music for queers, by queers that happens once in a while. The also need a website.

See you all there!

Update: I found the website for Homocore.

Homocore Minneapolis presents DYSFUNCTIONAL HOLIDAY

A benefit show of local bands at the 7th Street Entry Friday, December 30th, 2005 Admission is $6. Two different line-ups. All ages 5pm. ID (21+) 9pm.

Ring in the ho-ho-holidays this year at the 7th Street Entry where Homocore Minneapolis is honoring the season with an all evening to bar close hoe-down of local music. Dysfunctional Holiday celebrates the underground while raising money for two righteous causes. One: The District 202 Gender Group, co-facilitated by Alex Nelson (District 202) and Janet Bystrom (Face to Face in St. Paul). This youth group offers a social setting, resources, support and mentorship - for those questioning gender, are gender queer or are trans-identified. Two: All she wants for Christmas is her 8 back teeth. Uninsured local artist Lisa Ganser suffered a broken jaw and tooth loss after a bicycle accident in 2002. Funds will go to help Ganser with dental bills and mouth rehabilitation. “You need back teeth to chew food, ” gums Ganser. So get off your tranny fannies and experience the latest local punk, folk, pop and and hip hop. Do it for the gays.

5pm doors All Ages Show
Sick of Sarah (headliner)
Tori Fixx
Running on Empty
Coleman Lindberg
Woodcat

9pm doors 21 + ID Show
Gay Beast (headliner)
Tori Fixx
Ganglion
Mannequin Hanjob
Bernie the Trailer Park Queen

Both shows emceed by Go-Go Pimp and include short performances by
Trans activist Elijah Rose and Gaea who is in search of a pronoun (does not identify as male or female).

It's REALLY a New Wave Christmas

I'm going to the Hexagon tonight and you should too! For details see 2 posts down.

It's a New Wave Christmas

And it's my last day of classes on December 14th! Myself, and a few friends are recruiting folks to come down and enjoy the best Wednesday night in town: Transmission at the Hexagon. Next Wednesday is New Wave Christmas and as Transmission DJ Jake Rudh says "Break out your skinny ties and eye liner because this will be your night to shine!"

Transmission always has a great mix of music. Ramones, Ladytron, The Faint, The Cure, The Strokes, The Smiths, Placebo, Radiohead, David Bowie, Echo and the Bunnymen, Coldplay, Depeche Mode, New Order, Shins, etc. Do I need to go on?

The Hexagon, in addition to hosting the best Wednesday night in town, has some really cheap beer as well. Also, great giveaways. I almost won a Beavis and Butthead box-set 2 weeks ago!

Here's an interview with Jake Rudh at MNSpeak, and here's a MySpace profile for Transmission. Also, here's the link for the Hexagon.

UPDATE: Because of weather and other factors, New Wave Christmas is postponed until next week...but not the get together at the Hexagon! Everyone who was going is still going, so look for a fun mix of queers and what not tonight at 10 pm.

Homocore Minneapolis

Homocore Minneapolis is this Saturday night at the Uptown Bar and Cafe. Music at 9:30pm featuring Venus of All the Pretty Horses (solo show), Katastrophe (San Francisco), Stateline Motel, and Paper Boats (San Francisco). Cover is $6 and it's an 18+ show.

Homocore Minneapolis: It's Back

Homocore Minneapolis is back! This Thursday, September 29, at the Uptown Bar and Cafe at 9 pm, Lisa Ganser is organizing the first Homocore night in years. Scream Club, Grace Darling, and Mach Fox will be performing at a 21+ show. Cover is $5.

It's very exciting to see some good queer music fun happening again.

All the Pretty Horses: On Hiatus

All the Pretty Horses, Minnesota's glam-rock band fronted by transgender singer/songwriter, Venus DeMars, just announced that their drummer, Jendeen, will be leaving the band and they have cancelled an upcoming tour to New Zealand. Venus sent out a letter that includes local gigs in the next few months. Be sure to check them out. Venus' letter is in the extended entry.

What happens when a dream ends:

This morning I awoke from a dream of being on an airplane going somewhere I didn¹t know it was huge inside, and I kept running into people I knew as I wondered around the inside. Eventually it became too huge for a plane, and morphed into a village that I was wondering through.

Then my cat Ramona jumped on top of me, crying for food. And I awoke and fed her.

I road my bicycle to my work at the ATPH studios downtown Mpls. In my bike pack, was an MMA award from last night. I road along what I like to call "The beautiful way" which is an off road bike trail following
the rail linesSit goes all the way from south Mpls and ends at Lees Liquor Lounge downtown Mpls. (quite the long way actually ;) I needed to ride because as I told a good friend of mine last afternoon when he called with his own distress over the unpredictable elements of running a band, it's a really good way to think. You get out there with nothing but your mind running, and there's no way to stop. You've got to see it through to the end of the ride. You're forced to think, let your mind run through it's course through it's noise. The noise that keeps you awake at night, and makes you get up too early. The noise that can drive you insane, it eventually becomes clear.
Actual thoughts begin to surface, and then reason follows, and then finally; a calm.

And I had to think.

I¹ve put off sending this letter to you all for over a week now, and perhaps it was for good reason.

Last night, I was at the 2005 Minnesota Music Awards event, as was my band at present: Jendeen, Tempest, Shannon, Madkat. As the night wore on, I remembered all the MMA nominations ATPH has had over all this
time, and never winning them. It's become a band joke: actually we always go for the free food.

Well, after 9 years of working on this project; All The Pretty Horses, we won.

After 9 years we won recognition from our home state for just being us, for being All The Pretty Horses. We didn't win any special recording award, or specific event award, we simply won the award of recognition for this years 'hard rock artist/group category' i.e. for being just us.

And now for the hard part of this letter.

After January 13 2006 ATPH will be taking an extended hiatus.

As you are all aware by now, that ATPH has had to cancel our projected TX tour, as well as our 2006 New Zealand return tour. Prompted because of Skindog's (our own indie-record label, which has basically been funded by my credit cards when the band couldn¹t make ends meet, this built up my own long standing band debt.)

I simply couldn¹t make the books work out in any fashion other than contributing to this ever mounting debt.

As I look back on 9 years, I recall two tours to the UK, Multiple short tours out to NYC, An extended tour to New Zealand. I also remember having large video cameras following me and the band and my wife for 3 years during the creation of "Venus of Mars." In addition to these good memories, I recall living through a recent 13 month
separation from my wife Lynette, the loss of friends because of accident or suicide, and I recall both the support and hatred one receives for being a trans-person living in this world of ours.

As we work to attempt to control our surroundings, I find that life is much like a hurricane. You can't control it, you can't control it's devastation, or it¹s power. But you can make choices.

Kali, is the goddess of destruction, but also the goddess of creation. And like a hurricane, Her power is unmatched and cannot be controlled.

I have both this good and sad news to deliver. Jendeen has worked so very hard in Minnesota as a drummer, having worked to establish her Jazz band the Wolverines as one of MN¹s best Jazz groups, she tackled Rock. Jendeen joined ATPH full time 3 CD's ago. She has established herself again as one of Minnesota¹s great rock drummers, and deservedly attracted the attention of theater after working in Minneapolis's very own production of Hedwig. She has been offered a potentially lucrative chance to explore a continued theater possibility, starting
in Jan 2006. It will include tours which may extend over a month, and would take her away from a predictable ATPH performance availability. I know first hand that this has been an extremely difficult decision for Jendeen to take on. And she has struggled with it for some time.

But in this hurricane of life spins, chances never repeat. And you can never go back.

And I understand and support her decision.

So, what do you do when a dream ends, well, we often roll over and go back to dreaming. Or perhaps we get up and feed the cat.

I want to list everyone I can remember who have helped me with this dream of ATPH. The list continually grows as I search my noisy mind, and I am sure I will miss someone, but I would like to try now:

Last night I couldn't say anything. I was too stunned. I couldn't talk.

I want to thank my ATPH band mates, past and present:
- Bill Bailey (my first drummer)
- Ed Ford (my first bass player)
- Katy Thomasberg (back up vocals) (management)
- Craig Grossman (drums)
- Terrica (drums)
- Matt Batchelor (drums)
- Tiffany Tieche (Jonnycakes) (back up vocals)
- LeeAnn MacDougall (Pandora) (bass)
- Eden Taylor (bass)
- Emily (Star) Hooper (back up vocals)
- Too many previous ATPH dancers to list, if I tried to list everyone,
I would surly miss someone, and I don¹t want anyone to feel left out.
(You know who you are ;)
- Too all the in between drummers
- OBetty¹ / David (ATPH MC ­ and Sales)
- Brenda (drum tech - sales)
- MadMat (now in New Zealand) (soundman, engineer, stage tech, NYC
tour management, NZ tour management.)
- Chance (recording engineer assistance)
- Barb Morrison (our producer in Brooklyn NY)
- Emily Goldberg (filmmaker: 'Venus of Mars')

AND ESPECIALLY:
Jendeen ­ Drums
Tempest ­ Bass
Shannon ­ Dance, tour management, booking
MadKat ­ Dance, back up impact vox
Also:
Jake Cooke (stage tech)
Ro (sales)
Tony (ATPH street team leader)
V. Mercy (for just helping out wherever and whenever)

Below this message I have listed all our confirmed ATPH performances between now and Jan.

After Jan. 13 2006,

Both the ATPH main website and the ATPH Myspace.com website will remain intact and will keep tabs on everything that transpires between us all.

Tempest will continue to book the occasional ATPH performances when She, Jendeen, Shannon, MadKat, and myself are able to coordinate our schedules, and in effect, help hold down the fort through our hiatus period.

I will continue with these mailings with any future ATPH performances, as well as any updates on all side projects related to ATPH members

I will continue to finish the work on the upcoming solo CD with Barb (our producer in NY,) and will begin to build a back-up band of sorts.

Jendeen will pursue her love of drums and I am sure she will be part of my musical life often.

Thank you all for these years
-Venus
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
---
ATPH GIG LIST:

CONFIRMED:
========
SEPT.
============
Friday Sept. 23rd - The Uptown Bar - Uptown Minneapolis MN - doors
9:00 pm - 21 plus - Also on bill: Future Lisa and her band for her
new CD release: 'Test Drive'. Stateline Motel opens the night
=============
OCT.
==========================
Oct. 9th Sunday (special In-Studio event Minneapolis MNSinvites will
be sent out) KQRS Homegrown live broadcast =D details in your invite)
===========================
Oct. 15th Saturday - ATPH Headlines the 'Milwaukee Film Festival
Opening Party' in conjunction with WMSE Milwaukee - All Ages / ID
drink show!!! - FREE!!!! - doors 9:00 pm - Todd Wehr Conference
Center - Milwaukee School of Engineering - 1047 N. Broadway Milwaukee
WISalso appearing: 'The Monitors' and in between set film shorts
===========================
Oct. 29th screening of 'Venus of Mars' - Milwaukee Film Fest - 4:45 PM
the Downer Theater. Earlier in the day: Special In-Store solo
performance by Venus - 2:00 pm Atomic Records -Milwaukee WI.
============================
NOV.
========
Friday Nov. 4th Venus - and available ATPH band members) Live radio
interview and guest spot: 6 PM www.kmsu.org Mankato MN
=================================
Friday Nov. 11th - Pizza Luce - Duluth MN - with Guest drummer filling
in for Jendeen (details in next mailing.)
===============================
Saturday Nov. 19th - What's Up Lounge - Mankato MN (details in next
mailing
==============================
DEC.
=========
Thursday, Dec 1st. - The Inferno - Madison WI - (details in next
mailings)
============
JAN. 2006
=========
Friday Jan 13th - OUR LAST PERFORMANCE BEFORE OUR HIATUS - TRIPLE
ROCK!! - Minneapolis MN - Be There!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
/////////////////////////////////////////////

Unconfirmed in the works gigs:

- Early Oct. 2005 - St Olaf College

- Nov 14th - Possible performance in conjunction with the Fashion
event at the Saloon - downtown Mpls. MN

-Possible performance as part of an upcoming MN Rollergirls event - MN

Any confirmations and/or details will be included in our next mailings

Thank you all.

Venus DeMars

All The Pretty Horses
www.prettyhorses.net

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Scissor Sisters Video

"Filthy/Gorgeous" is out in Europe. It sounds filthy. Arjan has seen it and has pretty pictures.

O Zone, Gay Romania

O Zone is like the Romanian answer to NSync, except they're way better because unless you speak Romanian, you don't know what they're singing. And no one wants to know what boy bands are singing, as long as the tune catchy and danceable.

O Zone, a boy band of Moldovans who launched their music career in Romania, had a hit this summer with Dragostea Din Tei. The group's original video for Dragostea Din Tei is here. It's the gayest thing on the planet. The cheezy pop nature of the song spurred this spoof video. [via Mighty who found it at Ultragrrrl]

Like most boy bands, O Zone is very 'gay vague.' If you watch the video, you'll see a rainbow, speedos, lots of hugging, and some pseudo cuddling on the sofa at the end. Of course, these are Europeans so speedos, rainbows, and man-touching are pretty normalized behavior and imagery. Why is one group member spread eagle on the sofa while the other group member watches him sleep?

Unfortunately, Romania is not a terrific country for GLBT persons. Under Soviet rule, gays and lesbians could be punished with up to 5 years in prison. The Romanian Orthodox Church is very pervasive in Romanian culture. More than 85% of Romanians belong, and the religion poses the usual Christian demonization of GLBT people.

In Romania, the gay rights struggle continues. It sounds like it's probably similar to being gay in places like Alabama or Mississippi, or even Utah. It was illegal to have gay sex until 2001, as pressure to be admitted to the European Union made Romanian government overturn several laws, and create several new anti-discrimination laws. Unfortunatley, the vast majority of Romanians say they would not like to have gay neighbors (90%). [via Gay Romania News and Reports 2000-04]

Romania does have an organized gay community. The non-profit organization, ACCEPT Romania has been instrumental in gaining equal rights for GLBT Romanians.

Gay Romanians got a chunk of good news a few weeks ago when the Romanian people elected Traian Basescu as President of Romania. Basescu ran on a platform that included equality for gays and lesbians.

There is some gay scene in Romania. Just look at these hot guys at the KaMANsutra party. The Queens Club in Bucharest was the first LGBT club in Romania.

Addendum: Here's a great Romanian gay blog. I don't know what it says, but it's totally gay and romanian! Romaniangay.blogspot.com.

Pixies

I'm going to see the Pixies on Thursday. Good times.

First Avenue Closed

MPR reports that First Avenue, the best club ever, is closed due to bankruptcy.

Their info-line: "Hi. Thanks for calling First Avenue and the 7th Street Entry. As of right now, we are closed due to bankruptcy. Hopefully, we will be up and running soonish. There will be ticket refunds, I believe. So we are very sorry to anyone who bought tickets who were coming to the club for any reason."

First Avenue rocked. I was there Sunday for Halloween.

Dolly Parton

I saw Dolly Parton live last night. The Star-Tribune music reviews didn't like Dolly Parton, but the Pioneer-Press did.

It was a great show. She's funny and has big boobs. What's not to like?

File sharers win one

The evil terrorist organization, RIAA, has lost a big battle today in its attempts to suppress privacy. The Supreme Court said that personal privacy is more important than illegally downloading music. The RIAA cannot use only a subpoena to force ISPs to hand over private customer information. [Washington Post]

TIP: Use bugmenot for this link and other publications that require online registration.

Take Your Mama Out...

to the Scissor Sisters show! They're coming back on December 10 at the Quest.

Ain't he cute?! Nice bulge. And he likes Dolly just as much as I do!

Franz Ferdinand

This is Andy, blogging live from the Saloon (I love that I can blog from a fucking gay bar!!) after the first half of the Franz Ferdinand show. You know, the cute Scottish boys. I don't know their music, but they seem fun. Their song, Michael, has caused much speculation as to the band's queerness. I acquired these tickets free, so my involvement in a Clear Channel venue was incidental.

In semi-related news, the Quest, once again sucks major rank ass as a music venue. Not only was the "21+ area" a complete joke, but the pillars that hold the buildings roof up always get in the way of the show. They are a Clear Channel venue. (Please read this link and educate yourself on why this is an issue.) And the security is rude. And the drinks are weak. And they don't sell cigarette's. There I'm done.

Dolly Parton is coming to town!

Dolly Parton will be in St. Paul on October 29th at the Excel Center, and I'm sitting in row 14! It'll be almost as fun as sitting in a barrel with Dolly! Of course we never sat in a barrel together. It's make-believe, but don't I look especially trashy in a doo-rag? White trash is the new pink, and fortunately I'm about 26 years ahead of the trend!

If you're going to the show too, give me a holler!

Paul Van Dyk

I'm on the guest list tonight at the Escape Ultra Lounge where my most favorite DJ ever, Paul Van Dyk, is spinning. (I promise to have a great time, even though my nose is running like river.)

Definitely check out his site and his Rock the Vote campaign. Paul grew up behind the Iron Curtain, unlike some asshole governors of California who didn't.

Scissor Sisters @ Fine Line Music Cafe

Photo from Tom at the Scissorhood forum.

The Scissor Sisters rocked! I remember most of it; the end is a little blurry much like the photos I tried to take.

Jake is hot and Ana rocks.

Here's Joey's Cheat Sheet which I 'acquired' through a fellow fan!

I can't wait for the next show!

Scissor Sisters

I got my ticket to the show. Now...how do I get backstage to see some ass?

And if you can't make it, but still want to see some ass, click here for BUTT magazine and Jake Shears and don't forget to check out the interviews with his ex-boyfriends (and ex-girlfriend).

Via fleshbot.

Sexy Songwriter Manwich

I don't know why, because I didn't use to, but I now love Rufus Wainwright.

I heard a rumor that he wants to "come over and watch a movie" and will be joined by Jake Shears of the Scissor Sisters. At that point, I will fulfill my destiny as the middle of a sexy songwriter manwich. It's a lovely fantasy.

The return to oz

The Scissor Sisters new album is bonerific. One of my favorite tracks is "Return to Oz," a metophoric look at crystal meth use in the gay community through the movie of the same name, based on the novels of L. Frank Baum.

Here's what the critics have to say:

Observer: "Heartstopping closer 'Return To Oz'...is a sweeping ballad which allegorises a friend's dependency on crystal meth as a retelling of the 1980s Wizard Of Oz sequel: 'The grass is dead, the gold is brown, what once was Emerald City's now a crystal town.' "

Pitchfork media: "a weary, hungover ballad lamenting the influence of crystal meth on the gay nightclub scene ("What once was Emerald City's/ Now a crystal town")."

Top40-Charts.com "a heart-shattering elegy to lost friendship and the chaos of crystal meth addiction - 'we've left the world with smiles, and clenching jaws'"

This amazing song, while subtle on the issue, does address the problem of crystal meth use in the gay men's community and the resulting harm. This song ranks at the top of the new songs I've heard in recent years, and is quickly becoming a daily listen.

Four on the floor

Myself and 3 of my closest fellow Pixies fans will be rushing the stage at the November 11th show. Good lord, that's a long way off.

You can't sell out, if you're owned from day one

Popular music and the mainstream music industry suck. Here's a sample of 2 Nickelback's songs superimposed. It's amazing. They are the same key. The same general tempo. The same verse-chorus-verse-chorus-bridge-chorus. (via Mefi)

This is corporate rock. It's why I turned my radio off in the 90s, and never turned it back on.

It's also why new music movements die so quickly. The "Big 5" music giants use endless focus groups, spies, and MTV to identify new trends from kids at the punk rock show or the rave or wherever, and they pre-package it and sell it back. What you get is Nickelback.

What really burns me is they use this information gained from spies and focus groups to actually create bands. These 'rock' or 'punk' or 'emo' bands didn't start in a garage or a dive-bar or a basement or a college dorm room. They're market tested, image conscious, sales driven creations of executives and marketing firms. It's fake. Non-organic. Totally lacking any edge.

Bands like Nickelback are like the imposter fragrances sold at the dollar store, or like smoking a GPC when you're used to American Spirits, or single-ply toilet paper.

To learn more about how these 'bands' are created, check out PBS's Frontline report "Merchants of Cool."

Here comes your man

And here comes the Pixies! You may remember previous posts such as the one where I was really excited about the Pixies reunion and then the one where I found out I wasn't going to get to go.

But now I will get to go, provided I remember to buy tickets the day they go on sale.

I listen to better music than you do

Ok, not really. But if blogging is an exercise in self-importance then you simply must know what I'm listening to. Because it's pretty funny.

In the morning, I pop in the Jackson 5 Ultimate Collection while I shower, shit, and shave. No, really.

Then on the way to work I enjoy the Scissor Sisters debut album. Nothing gets me ready for work like "Tits on the Radio" or the inspiring lyrics from "Filthy/Georgeous."

I'm a classy honey kissy huggy lovey dovey ghetto princess...You're an acid junkie college flunky dirty puppy daddy bastard

It's like the story of my life.

Then I dig the Thin White Duke remix of the Faint's "Conductor." Very good.

Also, for some reason Journey's "Don't Stop Believin'," the Who's "Baba O'Reily," and some other really strange stuff has been playin non-stop on my computer.

I don't want to talk about it...

I found this news out sometime ago...actually, a few hours after tragedy had already struck. I couldn't bring myself to mention it...

Until now.

The Pixies are coming to Minneapolis and I have no ticket. It's like rain on my wedding day or a free ride when I've already paid. Do you see how distraught I am? Those are Alanis lyrics.

But there is a plan. It involves my friend Kathy's boobs, some cash, and a bottle of spiced rum. Cross your fingers for my success in crashing the Pixies party on April 13th.

Finally, a policy Norm and I agree on...

Speaking about the RIAA and music file-sharing, Senator Norm Coleman (R-MN) says:

We need to find other ways to solve the problems rather than issuing lawsuits and lobbying Congress to pass tougher laws.

Apparently, Coleman has been a critic of the RIAA's tactics to dissuade file-sharers, including reducing the outrageous fines imposed on file-sharers.

I can't believe Norm and I agree on something. I'm gonna need a drink to sort this out...

Bowie and Binge Drinking

I went to David Bowie last night as an early birthday present from my roommate (Darin rawks!). The Star Tribune write-up pretty much sums up the show for me. But perhaps my favorite part of the atmosphere at the Target Center last night was the crowd - particularly the wastebags sitting behind us. Don't tell me not to stand up at a show. Indeed, Bowie was great fun, even through my booze soaked brain.

You see, I got wasted last night. I mean W A S T E D. What started as a pre-concert gab session at the Saloon with my new friends at the Minneapolis 911 dispatch evolved into a shot party and precursor to overpriced big-gulp arena beers that found their way down a Target Center public toilet. And that was the first half of the night.

The post show party brought us back to the Saloon for Eighties Night and my shameless flirting with a very hot smoker sporting a beer in each hand. Hurrah!

Out Cast Inklusion

Out Cast Inklusion, the Twin Cities only queer punk/hard rock night, has posted new dates on their website, and some pictures of past parties. You can also keep tabs on when it's coming up with the scroll box at the lower left part of eleventh-avenue-south.com.

01/21/04 > Triple Rock Social Club - Minneapolis, MN - w/DJ Our Man Flint, DJ BJ, Ruby Quiver, and an early all ages show with ASS.

02/25/04 > Triple Rock Social Club - Minneapolis, MN - w/DJ Our Man Flint, DJ BJ, and an early all ages show with DANGER BOY.

03/24/04 > Triple Rock Social Club - Minneapolis, MN - w/DJ Our Man Flint, DJ BJ, and more To Be Announced...

04/21/04 > Triple Rock Social Club - Minneapolis, MN - w/DJ Our Man Flint, DJ BJ, and more To Be Announced...

05/19/04 > Triple Rock Social Club - Minneapolis, MN - w/DJ Our Man Flint, DJ BJ, and more To Be Announced...

06/25/04 > Triple Rock Social Club - Minneapolis, MN - Gay Pride 2004 Kickoff - w/DJ Our Man Flint, DJ BJ, and more To Be Announced...

David Bowie

There's a strong rumor that I'll be seeing David Bowie Sunday night. I know a few songs, but I don't really know much of his music, other than what I remember from the kickass movie "Labyrinth." When I was seven, I thought the part when they were in the swamp, walking across the farting rocks was comic genius.

Scissor Sisters

I really like the scissor sisters. A friend gave me the chance to hear the entire new album to be released in February, and I like it a lot. It's so queer, and funky. Check out some tracks at their label's site.

And Jake Shears looks like he'd be a fun date. Check out the full length video of their new single, "Laura," available through NME (registration required).

The cute picture comes from a great review done at the Village Voice.

Carol Cooper says: This music's got balls so big you can almost see 'em. Accordingly, SS songs sound a clarion call for the next sexual revolution—one triumphant over both AIDS and constricting gender categories—set to infectious dancefloor grooves that swing so hard you could come in your pants from sheer sonic friction.

Totally, dude.

I hate quizilla

Probably one of the most annoying thing about LiveJournal people is the constant quizzing and posting, but I'm a hypocrit and this is too funny. I told you I was lesbosexual.

You're a Riot Grrl. You love the rockin' sound of
loud women, and rightfully so. You're probably
an activist of some sort. And yes, you're
right, not all Riot Grrls are lesbians. Just
most.


You Know Yer Indie. Let's Sub-Categorize.
brought to you by Quizilla

RIAA Sucks, Go Canada

As usual, Canada has better ideas than the US, and when it comes to music file sharing and the RIAA's lack of innovation, the Canadians have done it again.

Instead of clogging the courts, and suing 12 year olds and the elderly, the folks up north have decided to include a levy on technology using MP3 format, and then compensate the copyright holders.

Too bad we can't do things like that down here in the States.

Hipper Flipper 2003

I was one of the judges for a fabulous World AIDS Day charity event at the U of MN tonight, Hipper Flipper 2003. It was a talent show featuring a variety of musical acts, and every damn one was great. The hiphop, acapella (that guy was so fine), instrumentals, and jam bands were awesome! And they were all students living in Territorial hall (never been there). I even bought the CD the organizers produced. Lots of talent at the U of MN.

Scissor Sisters

The Scissor Sisters single, "Laura," has been in my head for a week now. I hope their new album next Spring is as catchy as the single.

And Jake Shears is oddly gorgeous, in a dirty kinda way. Mmmmm.

Holy Queerpunk!

Out Cast Inklusion. Rock, Metal, and Punk for Homos, Dykes, Fencesitters, and other folks who are down.

My affection for punk music is no secret to anyone who knows me, and with the current state of music in gay clubs, it sounds like a welcome change. One more night spent listening to ABBA, Madonna, or Cher, I swear I'll have a mental breakdown.

All I got to say: It's about fuckin time.

Thanks to Dean for the head's up.

Punk

I've been wondering lately where the political music has been. It might be because I haven't watched TV in a long time and the only radio I listen to is NPR or conservative talk radio (I like to keep tabs on the enemy). However, I seriously doubt anything pop culture has done lately (the Simpsons and Comedy Central excluded) has much of a political edge one way or the other.

I know Pearl Jam has regrouped and put out some good social and political analysis lately. They've also been pretty far under mainstream radar after that emabarassing "grunge rock" explosion a decade back, and have been very good to their fans. They prompted the Department of Justice to look into Ticketmaster in the mid-1990s.

A few of Dar Williams songs are deeply political. "The Christians and the Pagans" is an awesome song about religious tolerance, and "Play the Greed" is a pro-hemp song about co-opting corporate media by hitting 'em at their bottom line. "When I Was a Boy" is a terrific look at gender theory.

Something really fun is happening with punk rock right now, too. A list of bands from underground to mainstream have started punkvoter.com. They'll be touring the country for the "Rock Against Bush" tour. Dates haven't been released yet, but you know I'll be there.

One of the bands on the tour will be NOFX. Their new album "War on Errorism" is my new soundtrack for life. On the CD itself is a picture of Bush with clown make-up. Putting aside any "punker-than-thou" attitudes or "where's the deep political meaning?" I really like the fun, politcal nature to this album.

My new boyfriend

I know. I'm such a teenage girl, but this guy is hot.

It's ok to hate the music, but still wanna be a groupie, right?

So this genre, emo, is supposed to be an offshoot of punk rock. Dashboard Confessional is the MTV version of punk rock's Green Day, I assume. Here's a great Mefi discussion right here.

Target

I love Target. They are my upscale Wal-Mart and until I can afford IKEA, they are my destination for everything from light bulbs to laundry detergent to household furnishings. They even scored high on HRC's Worknet Database.

But damnit, when will Target make a cheap ass CD player that will play my mistreated CDs? I shell out $20 bucks for a CD player and all I wanted was to hear my Fleetwood Mac/Price mix CD while getting ready for work. Sure the CD is so scratched it won't reflect light anymore, but still...

Fun, Fun, Fun!

2 Many DJs. Tons of my favorite pop songs mixed with tons of pop songs I hate. My favorites are Missy Elliot mixed with AC/DC, Dolly Parton and Royksopp, and Skee-Lo mixed with Electric Six. I recognized Prince, Snap, Robyn (remember her? Hehe), Armand Van Helden, Soft Cell, Whitney, among many other songs I couldn't place right away.

Seriously, I made a mix tape for my workout at the gym (can I really call the mix of all mixes a mix tape?). I haven't worked out that hard in a long time.

You seriously have to hear it to know what I'm sayin'.

Technohousetrancetriphopambient

Have you ever asked yourself: what is the difference between dark trance and deep trance or progressive house and acid house?

Me either.

But here's a site that explains it all. From disco to gabber to illbient, Ishkur's Guide to Electronic Music explains it all. (via MeFi)

The hazards of pop music

Proof that Justin Timberlake can be bad for you health. Seriously, it's funny.

Radiohead

Q Magazine is doing an entire Radiohead issue that hit stands in the UK a the end of July. 148 pages of Radiohead. Yay!

PS Props to Darin and Carrie for the heads up.

Soooo mellow

Has anyone ever seen Sigur Ros' video "Vidrar Vel Til Loftarasa"? It's amazing, really, truly amazing. My roomate showed it to me after the bar Friday, I found a feed for it on the internet, and it seriously rocks my box.

I found a great trippy-slow jazz-quitar type band from France on iRate called Ulan Bator. I'm really liking "Hemisphere."

Did I mention that I have a really bad cold and am completely emotionally drained this weekend. Fall is coming. Sniff Sniff.

RIAA sucks

Bought CDs in the 90s? You got ripped off, my friend. Got pissed about the price of CDs? You got a computer and now your going to pay in court. They exist to ruin everyone's good times: they are the RIAA.

OMFG

The Pixies are back!!!

This is gonna kick ass (I hope). I am so giddy right now, I just about made a mess in my Old Navy boxer shorts.