New York Dolls @ First Ave

Yes there are plenty of arguments you can make regarding the status of this band. Obviously they're missing a few members. And it may be tough to continue on under that name but they are still playing music of the Dolls. And while it wasn't the most exciting show I've ever been to, I had a hell of a good time. Who wouldn't want to see David Johnasen with his sparkling costume jewelry and crotch bulge thats bigger than his legs. Plus Sylvain is still there rockin out and wearing that ever awesome Max's Kansas City Belt. The guitarist filling in Johnny Thunders role was pretty much a clone with more muscle. However, playing styles are completely different. Johnny's style was always all over the place and the replacement was way to clean and precise. Had too much of a format to his playing. Not that he didn't have talent, its just a different style. Here's a couple of pics my friend got on his cell phone.

Last weekend

Friday night was Faggot at Station 4. Really don't care for that place but great people, and rockin' tunes so I decided to go. They were playing in conjunction with a peircing type convention that had people hanging from crosses that were hooked into their bodys. It was pretty intense, they looked in a bit of pain, but hey if that's their thing.

Saturday night was a drive to Madison to see Bible of the Devil at the High Noon Saloon. Now here's a place I dig, especially the $3 drink prices! And to top it off I got a room at the Hilton Monona Terrace for $66. So I got to stroll up to the lobby check in with my holey chuck taylors and a new york dolls tshirt, surrounded by people in suits and ties. I loved every minute of it. The place was very posh with an extremely comfortable bed and a most beautiful view of the capital. Dinner at Casa Lara included a 64 oz pitcher of margaritas and then on to the show just in time for Bible to start. They were definitely on that night, blistering straight through a set of aggressive rock. I even bought a tshirt. Lots of whiskey and wine later and that bed at the hilton was the right place for me.

The next day on the way home we stopped by the Land of Evermore and extremely cool sculpture garden located just outside Baraboo, WI. Anyone that makes that trip should check it out. Here's the web site: http://www.drevermor.com/ The coolest scrap metal sculptures I've ever seen. We'll definitely be going back.

"Big Girls Always Want More"

The addiction is growing. With my new tattoo I can only think of more things I want done. I was discussing tattoos with a co-worker and was just about to say that I would never get anyone's face tattooed on me but stopped myself before I could finish the sentence. I simply adore this picture and wonder if my thoughts of putting it on my body are indicating a high level of insanity.

Bad blogger

So a lot has happened since July but I haven't take the time to recap it here. Lots of local shows, and outsiders like Screamin Cyn Cyn and the Pons and Priestess. One day I'll see if my calendar has accurately reflected my shows and update a list. But rest assured I have not stopped going to them. Just stopped typing.

My most recent venture was a trip to Austin. Four days of rockin music, great food, beautiful weather and plentiful margaritas.

Started out there on a Saturday night with some awesome food and drink at the Iron Cactus on sixth. Caught Taylor Hollingsworth, King Khan BBQ and parts of the Detroit Cobras before crashing in the hotel room. All the sex, drugs and rock and roll the night before left me a little worn out.

Sunday started out with lunch and drinks at the Rio Grande. The Big Tex was definitely worth the cash and their 5.95 tostada is more than the light meal it advertises. Then hit the Austin book festival which was conveniently right by our hotel. We stayed at the La Quinta inn on 11th and San Jacinto, had a huge room for $100 a night that was close to everything. After the festival and chilling a bit at the hotel we took a cab to Barton Springs Road where we had anticipated dinner at Chuy's (more mexican). But it was so beautiful out and the patio at Shady Grove was calling me. So burgers, margaritas and mexican martinis it was. After that started a mini bar crawl. Went next door to Baby Acapapulco for a margarita. This place a bit crazy with a picture of Janis Joplin flying on the ceiling. From there we started our walk back towards downtown and hit the Barton Springs Saloon. Looked like a gas station turned into bar, had a drink and watched a bit of The Village with the bartendar. Our next bar was the Cedar Door. Eh, it was ok. Had a mexican martini and continued on towards sixth st. We stopped at Casino El Camino which had a pretty great jukebox. Points deducted though for having only the newest NY Dolls album and not an older one. After that we hit the Red Eyed Fly where I thought we were going to get a chance to stay with the people drinking after close, but no dice. All in all a fun jaunt.

Monday was a day of much activity. We started out taking a bus out to Rudy's BBQ. I adore that place. The brisket is so good and the cream corn can't be topped. I was never a huge fan of cream corn until I went there. I don't know they're secret, but damn good. After Rudys we took the bus to central market. Awesome grocery store. Lots of good samples, which was bad on a full stomach but I picked up some wasabi peas, and three kinds of salsa. From there we went back to the hotel to drop off the food stuff and right back out the door. We took the bus to the south congress area stopping in my favorite costume shop Electric Ladyland. It was packed due to being the night before halloween but I think that place is so great. We also hit some cool art shops sporting very elaborate day of the dead type peices. After hoofing it around congress and stopping by H-E-B for Big Red we walked to Waterloo records. Was very happy to see some Bible of the Devil in their stacks. I picked up used CDs by Priestess and Birthday Party.
Could have dropped a ton of cash in that store. After another stop at the hotel we hit Casino El Camino for burgers and then Emo's for the ever amazing Stinking Lizaveta (drummer pictured to the left). This band is just so fucking awesome and there was such a small crowd. Not fair at all. They have so much energy and every member of the three peice puts out such a stong sound. They're on of my favorite bands to catch live. Highly recommended. After the show we went back to the hotel where I decided it was a good idea to go swimming. Despite the weather being warm, the pool was freezing. Lasted about 10 minutes before we went in an polished off a bottle of wine.

This brings us to Tuesday, Halloween. Was great because we slept late, layed around watching a special on the Exorcist and just relaxed. Our hotel room had two tv's, we could have watched it in stereo. Nothing like hearing "Your mother sucks cocks in Hell, Karras, you faithless slime" and Linda Blair's endless spewing in surround sound. First stop on Halloween was El Arroyo. This awesomely divey mexican place with a very interesting sign seen below. And the waiters had shirts with pictures of the sign saying "Body By Queso." The outdoor seating was covered by tents that had chandaliers hanging and their wonderful happy hour gave us 2.75 margaritas and half off top shelf. The queso was great as were my fajitias. Could have spent the night there, ha! After stopping at the hotel and hanging outside in the beautiful 70 degree weather it was time to head out. First stop was a margarita at the Iron Cactus, then Beerland for a drink and to catch Mr. lewis and the funeral 5. From there we moved to Emos and danced the rest of the night away to Flametrick Subs and Satans Cheerleaders (pictured on the left). What a great show that was. I had so much fun rocking out to them, red lights, cheerleaders, stand up bass. It was just what the night called for. Got to take in all the costumes on sixth street while waiting for pizza. Austin is definitely the place to go on halloween.

Wednesday was our day of departure. But not before I stopped into True Blue Tattoo for my newest tattoo (picture soon to come) done by Scott Ellis. This is Scott Ellis, note that is not me in the picture.

Overall it was an awesome trip that went by way too fast. Now back to work. Last night was the Lip Splitters at the Uptown, always have a great time at their shows. Some of the coolest people the scene has to offer, and damn entertaining. And yes at work on a sunday, sipping coffee listening to Pink Moon.