Helms Alee and Akimbo: A clarification

A production error resulted in a photo of Akimbo running in my column instead of Helms Alee this week. This is somewhat understandable, given the fact that they were on the same bill last Saturday and both involve flurries of flying hair during their sets. However, it's certainly worth clarifying that this is Helms Alee:

And this is Akimbo:

Carry on...

Topics: Aesthetic

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Summer Part One: Sex Talk (in French)

Using the coos and moans of Brigitte Bardot and Jane Birkin, French pop star Serge Gainsbourg helped break-in the mattress springs to sexually-charged music back in the sixties. France is one helluva randy country. They are very comfortable with their bodies, and their accent and fashion-forward demeanor exude a seductive charm. Condoms sell as well as cigarettes and wine. Honeymooners from around the world flock to Paris to indulge in it's beauty and, naturally, have a lot of sex. It's as though France is contained in a giant bubble, where the air you breath is laced with aphrodisiacs.

This year, French singer/producer Sebastien Tellier released Sexuality, a sex-themed concept album co-produced by Daft Punk's Guy-Manual that nearly topples one of my personal faves, Lovage: Music To Make Love To Your Old Lady By, Dan the Automator's Serge-inspired collabo with Mike Patton and the singer of Elysian Fields. I love Sexuality's Terry Gilliam-inspired artwork, a miniature Sebastien riding a horse on the contours of a naked woman in a radiant painted desert hue. I love the joyful croon of Sebastien, who sings in both English and French. The simple - almost too simple - programmed synth sequences have a perfect balance of playfulness and allure, lightness and darkness. The song "Sexual Sportswear" has been my jam for months.

The record, only available as a very pricey import, will see it's domestic release via a very interested cross-marketing campaign with American Apparel this summer. The record will be available as a pre-release exclusively through the hipster uniform retail store on July 22, before it is released everywhere else in October.

My first thought was, "Is American Apparel going to market a SEXUAL SPORTSWEAR line?" I just imagined all those people who wear head-to-toe American Apparel - the Justice fans of last year - again turning a somewhat under-the-radar French export into a household name, wearing their soft purple Sexual Sportswear (headbands and wristbands included), and becoming even sluttier in the process. It's possible.

Says Tellier's North American publicist, "American Apparel are going to have something called the SexualiT and the SexualiTank for sale in conjunction with this."

Ugh. If that's the case, I'd rather spring for the American Apparel pink underwear that say "Sexual Sportswear" on the ass, available directly through Sebastien's French label, Record Makers.

This is how sexual sportswear should look - in the dark:

Topics: Aesthetic and Wax Watch

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Readings: Wax Poetics No. 28

Don’t you love discovering new works to stimulate the mind and tickle the soul? I can recall many such moments in my life as an amateur cultural sleuth: Happening upon the first season of HBO’s The Wire while channel-surfing; purchasing a copy of Kem Nunn’s noir-ish novel Tapping the Source while vacationing in Hawaii; stumbling upon the films of Krzysztof Kieślowski while skulking around the University of South Florida library—all are seminal moments in my growth as an aficionado of that which I can’t do.

Enter Wax Poetics, a Brooklyn-based music pub dedicated to funk, soul, reggae, hiphop and much more. I found issue number 28 at a Barnes & Noble in Kirkland on a recent Saturday, and couldn’t resist scooping it up, as it had a Glamour Shot of the Reverend Al Green on its cover. Little did I know that the goodies contained within this handsomely bound journal would change my life—or at least give me something to do in between bouts of ennui.

The related cover story (which is pegged to Green’s new album, Lay It Down, produced by Questlove and James Poyser; a Q&A with the Phili tag-team and exec producer Rich Nichols is also featured) on the good Reverend’s life’s work and What It All Means by Matt Rogers is well worth perusing, especially if you’re a fan of delayed hooks in creative non-fiction (and who isn’t?). This one contains a doozie—the context for the lead (which I dare not give away here) doesn’t come until much later, when Rogers’ essay ends and the Q&A with the good Reverend begins. The suspense’ll make your sphincter pucker with anticipation.

We’ve all known ol’ Al is a bit, well, loony, but Rogers’ exchange with him drives the point home with a sledge hammer. Unfortunately, according to my admittedly cursory glance, Wax Poetics No. 28 isn’t available on-line, which means you’ll actually have to buy it. (Fact-check that by visiting www.waxpoetics.com.) And that’s precisely what you’re supposed to do in the middle of a recession—consume shit.

A quick programming note: I’m going to post a review of RZA as Bobby Digital’s new album sans one track (I think the rep failed to provide me with number 14, but, then again, I was counting with my fingers and toes) later today. And if that doesn’t pucker your sphincter, then nothin’ will.

Topics: Aesthetic

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Artifakt's party at LoFi

A "classic" Artifakt T.

Given the peripatetic state of my adult existence, the whole notion of snuggling up close and cuddling with whatever city I find myself in during any given year and calling it “home” is anathema to my whole life philosophy. Wait…did I just say “life philosophy”? Oh, I hate myself. Indeed, were I back home in Tampa, uttering those two words together would earn me a swift and punishing beat-down from my atavistic, knuckle-dragging pals. And rightfully so.

All praise to DJ Hanibal, the wizard behind the tables—and the curtain.

Thing is, I have an excuse for feeling as giddy as a coked-out virgin on prom night, and that excuse is the best Seattle party you’ve never heard of—the Artifakt Graf Hip-Hop Show, held on Friday, June 13, at the LoFi Performance Gallery (429 Eastlake Ave.). This monthly soiree celebrates all that is holy about hiphop culture, from fashion to art to DJing to live MCing, all of the cutting-edge, underground variety—meaning: the most interesting. More importantly, it makes this cold, gray, wet gym sock of a town a more pleasing place, as it fosters a little thing called “community.” (The funky-soul smackdown “The Get Back,” held on the first Friday of each month, did the same for me in my last home, the neon dustbowl, AKA Las Vegas. Googlers who find my piece on “The Get Back” in the LA Times will note that I referred to it, too, as the “best party you’ve never heard of.” I recycle lines, because, frankly, I have so few of them stored in my wee brain. Please, don’t make fun of me because I’m slow.) And the party earns bonus points in my beer-stained book for being populated by some serious boozers, of which I am a proud, slurring member. Further bonus points are awarded for attracting some awfully sexy people, which, let’s face it, Seattle is in rather short supply of. Don’t shoot the messenger….

Life Cycle takes you to a happy place.

Upon arriving and snuggling up to the bar, I was greeted by Alejandro G, the friendly, articulate chief spokesdude for Artifakt, an arts collective (“arts” not being limited to paint splashed, or in this case, sprayed on canvases), which, according to its website (www.artifaktart.org), “aims to promote up-and-coming artists and musicians in a variety of styles and genres.” Alejandro took me around the dark, cavernous LoFi (which is an art-object in and of itself; it’s a kind of haunted house for culture-starved adults—you’re constantly surprised by the new—with—bonus alert!--two bars). He showed me the various booths set up in the smaller front room and introduced me to the hard-toiling, hard-drinking folks jamming in the larger back area, home to a “stage” and an upstairs nook perfect for guzzling champagne and generally feeling superior to all those beneath you—my favorite hobby.

Scoping out the booths’ offerings, not to mention the paintings hung on the walls and the three acts who performed (more on that later), was like opening a treasure chest and doing dolphin rolls in piles of gold bullion, laughing and flapping your flippers at the options now before you. There was the booth stocked with Artifakt Ts and CDs and another stocked with those by Dope Style Clothing. The latter has been pushing its brand in the culture's fickle zone by sponsoring local MCs such as Grieves, Grynch, and some on the Sportin’ Life label. It has a fresh approach to streetwear more than worthy of a gander (visit www.thedopestyle.com for more info).

About the music: DJ Hanibal twice served deck duty, warming up the crowd in the backroom by dusting off classics such as Goodie Mob’s “Cell Therapy,” and, later, as turntablist-in-chief for Life Cycle, a Tacoma-born, Seattle-based hiphop group comprised of, besides Hanibal, brothers (the blood kind) Burn One and JoshuaJ. This month’s installment of the soiree was the trio’s CD release party for their debut City of Rust, an album so fun it makes you want to head to the beach and smack a big girl on her bottom. It has its serious moments, too, but it’s free from patina of age-related disease its title suggests. (Check out www.myspace.com/lifecycle465 for more info and to hear some sample tracks.)

Myke Hedgecock and Derek Lechy of Dope Style Clothing. Can't remember who's who—too drunk. Apologies.

The final performer was drum-and-bass jock Eliot Lipp (who also makes an appearance on Life Cycle’s “Keep it Simple”, and who you can find at http://www.myspace.com/eliotlipp). I’m shamed to admit that I’d never heard of the Tacoma-born, Brooklyn-based DJ before, but, motherfucker, is he talented—a true sonic ringleader, no muss, no fuss. (Thanks, Hanibal, for bringing him out!) Champagne bubbles popping in my ears notwithstanding, the whirlpooling effect of his ambient electronica greased heavily with hiphop and a whole bunch of other heart-pounding shit doubtlessly scrubbed clean the rotten souls of many in attendance, such was the purifying impact of his organized instrumentation. Even better, his flair extended beyond tinkering with that which was on the table, and into movements (think a slightly more subdued Donald Glaude) born of an enjoyment known only to those of us who do what we want to do for a living. No cubicle-ing, no rat-racing, no compromising—that’s the credo, and it makes for a pretty decent life. Maybe I’ll stay after all.

Topics: Aesthetic

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Condoleeza Joins the KISS Army

The photo is proof (is Gene trying to look down her shirt?!?) — Condoleeza Rice apparently had a late-night hotel rendezvous in Sweden on Thursday with the four members of KISS. Actually, as it turns out, both the band and the Secretary of State were sharing the same digs (she was in town for an international conference on Iraq, they were in town to do a concert, or maybe it was the other way around), and Gene, Paul, Tommy (Thayer), and Eric (Singer) signed autographs and gave Rice and her staff, ahem, backstage passes for tonight's show.

As reported by the Associated Press: "It was really fun to meet KISS and Gene Simmons," she told reporters, noting that they seemed well-informed about current events. The band had asked if she could stop by after she finished dinner with the Swedish foreign minister and Rice readily agreed, she said...[adding] her favorite KISS tune is "Rock and Roll All Nite."

No word if she specifically asked to see Simmons' tongue, or if she's thinking about asking the KISS Army to help fight the war in Iraq.

Topics: Aesthetic

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When Actors Play Musicians

This week's cover subject looks like the guy who played Buddy Holly in a Hollywood film, and last week, Hannah Levin mentioned rumor that Nicole Kidman is picked to play Dusty Springfield. All this got me thinking...whatever happened with this guy...

...being picked to play this guy?

Anybody heard anything? Is that happening? I can't remember.

Topics: Aesthetic

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Good 'ol Al...

My favorite quote of the day comes from 50-year-old Al Jourgensen, telling Cleveland Scene why he's finally pulling the plug on Ministry after 25 years:

"Frankly, I'd rather be at home with my dogs than traipsing around the country like a drunken idiot in a tour bus, trying to find a truck stop to crap in."

Topics: Aesthetic

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Wanna Tour the World with Alicia Keys?

Apparently, Alicia Keys isn't above some American Idol-style gimmickry; dunno if this contest is in lieu of actually paying a backup singer, but, as per the singer's camp:

Eleven-time Grammy award winner Alicia Keys is looking to find a new background singer through her MySpace page (http://www.myspace.com/aliciakeys). The lucky winner will get a chance to tour with her as part of the worldwide "Lexus Presents Alicia Keys As I Am Tour."

People interested are asked to submit a 30 second or longer video of them singing an original song acapella to Alicia Keys' Myspace page. Qualifications include being a female between the ages 21-30 with R&B/Soul singing experience. Contestant must also have a valid passport, and must be physically fit and able to dance. Deadline for submissions is May 5. A winner will be selected around May 15.

Topics: Aesthetic

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Can A Band With 17 Members Fit Onto The Comet's Stage?

Of course it can! In this week's issue, Justin F. Farrar writes with great enthusiasm about Athens, GA psych-tribe Dark Meat. Here, you can get a glimpse of what to expect when all 17 members cram their asses and instruments in the Comet Tavern this Sunday, May 4 (oh, and remember Kent State that day while you're at it). The spectacle of these Southern kids is enough, but dig that sound too. It's like the Albert Ayler trio leading a mariachi band through the French Quarter at 2 a.m. Insanity.

Topics: Aesthetic

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While The Shoe Companies Are At It...

The shoe companies are having such a shit-ton of fun making shoes in homage to rock bands...but please, Converse, if you're listening...when will you officially release those Weapon high-tops with the monogrammed "Axl" over the Converse logo?!?!? You know...the ones he wore in Guns N' Roses' "Estranged" video when he swam with the dolphins. Please, Converse...it's worth the lawsuit, isn't it?

Topics: Aesthetic

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Made For Running to the Hills

Sure, Jonah from Schoolyard Heros has a pair of the Killers edition, but I just got my hands on the brand-new "Trooper" Vans. My status as metal dork is complete:

Iron Maiden plays White River Amphitheatre on June 2.

Topics: Aesthetic

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For The Vernal Equinox

Spring is officially here. It's Thursday. Good Friday is tomorrow. Easter is Sunday. What could be appropriate for today than David Axelrod's symphonic jazz-break masterpiece, "Holy Thursday"?

Absolutely nothing.

In honor of the visual satisfaction that Spring brings, here's a video of some stunning moving images of Dublin, shot from the 15th floor viewing deck of Liberty Hall, the tallest building in Dublin that has been proposed to be demolished, set to the music of "Holy Thursday." Isn't it lovely?

Topics: Aesthetic

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Animating Radiohead

Like Radiohead? Like to draw/design/animate/make weird shit with your computer? Then you should enter this online contest at Aniboom — they're looking for someone to create an animated music video for any song from In Rainbows. First prize, well, you get to make a full-length animated video. And you get $10,000. And maybe you can top the awesome "Paranoid Android" clip, though that might prove difficult.

Topics: Aesthetic

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Nirvana, Falling Trees, Chainsaws

Hell, this almost makes up for Last Days. In the Arts & Leisure section of today's New York Times, director Gus Van Sant gives an interview in which he says "[Nirvana's] songs really sounded like falling trees and chain saws."
I've read plenty (but not everything) on Nirvana, and I swear this is the first and only time I've heard someone make such an appropriate comparison to their music. I've heard the lumberjack comparisons, and how the Northwest's gray skies and rain are evident in the sogginess and dreariness of their music, but never something so fitting as "falling trees and chainsaws."
But maybe I'm wrong.
Either way, take a listen to "In Bloom" up above and notice how the riff sounds like Douglas firs crashing to the ground. It's not lumberjack rock, it's clear-cut rock.

Topics: Aesthetic

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Tilson On 45th: Why Can't This Happen Everyday?

Greatest. Afternoon. Ever.
First I'm standing at the bus stop on 45th, reading a book by David Mamet and enjoying this thing they call sunshine. I hear loud hip-hop being blasted from a car, which is nothing unusual, but still I look up to see where it's coming from.
It's TILSON from THE SATURDAY KNIGHTS! He spots me, I spot him. He turns the volume down on his jams and leans out the window of his black Land Rover...
"Hey Brian, what's happening, man?!?"
"Dude! Not much! Waitin' on the bus...you?"
"Headin' up to Light in the Attic to see if our album's finished being mastered yet."
"Right on."
We exchange a few other pleasantries, but then the light turns green, Tilson rolls on, and suddenly I realize my day just got a whole lot brighter...

Topics: Aesthetic

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