Extreme Noise

Ok... so the last record store I stopped into was "Extreme Noise" on 407 W. Lake St. in Minneapolis.

Extreme Noise is an all-volunteer punk rock store that puts all its profits into keeping the store open and keeping the punk rock scene going in the Twin Cities.

While the music offerings don't stray to far away from Punk Rock - the store is a must visit none-the-less.

While there I picked up a CD by the Exploding Hearts - Shattered (outtakes, b-sides and covers) I didn't even know that the CD existed so I was really thrilled to run across it at the store.

While there I checked out a number of books that were of some interest but many of the books that were offered were already on my bookshelf at home.

The store also has a large number of zines too.

.tCr.

Eclipse Records

One of the most elusive record stores in town was one called "Eclipse Records" on University Ave.

The store was minutes away from the place I was visiting but the place keeps hokey hours like 2pm to 11:00pm. So I never got to visit the place during my lunch breaks and I never wanted to put up with traffic after the work day to visit... so I sorta forced myself to check it out after work on Thursday.

I can't stress how glad I was to do that.

The first thing You'll notice when you walk in is that the store, the space I mean - is freakishly big. The store plans on making the back part of the building a proper staging area for in store performances - but they're in the works of getting all that figured out.

I don't have the skinny on the history of the store. It was open from 1999 to the 2002? It then closed its door and it moved over to its present location. They kept the doors closed for 3 or 4 years tho'... so the new location is about a year and 2 months old.

Truthfully... the music selection is kinda sparse. They're getting music in all the time and there were a number of good albums in the store... they didn't have anything I really wanted tho'.

The store has a number of amazing posters in it tho'. I talked to the store owner about Jay Ryan (Bird Machine) and Aesthetic Apparatus posts that were on the wall. I saw a number of other local show/artist posters also on the walls and I got a quick history lesson about some of the stuff on the walls.

Of all the places I went to, Eclipse felt the best to be in. Maybe it was Replacement posters circa 83 on the wall.. or maybe it was select used CD collection the store owners have agreed to keep on the shelves.

The place is just oozing with promise and I wish nothing but the best for the people down at Eclipse. If you're in the city - be a doll and spend a dollar there. The store is possibly the finest record store I've been to in 2008. Its just a notch behind End of an Ear in Austin TX.

Hymies Vintage Records

Playing a little catch up here... I should have posted this review yesterday but time didn't permit.

During my lunch break yesterday, I had an opportunity to visit Hymies Vintage Record store in Minneapolis - located on the corner of 33rd and E. Lake dr.

The store was recommended to me by a person I'm training in St. Paul. She'd never been to the store but she had heard that they had some pretty choice vinyl. I don't collect to much vinyl these days... but I'm always up for looking so I went out in hopes of possibly finding an illusive 7" or LP.

The exterior of the building is very different from any of the record stores I've been to in Minnesota so I took a number of shots. Come to think of it... a lot of the record stores I've been to in the twin cities have had some really interesting spaces.

After opening the front door, visitors make their way up sort staircase that turns slightly to the right into a 2nd floor that is filled to the gills with Vinyl. Walls are adorned with posters, records and music memorabilia.

I spent about 20 minutes inside and I couldn't absorb everything that was going on around me. 20 minutes wouldn't allow a first time visitor to appreciate the classic turn tables and technology in the store. A visitor needs a solid hour to properly go through a genre of music. I hit up the international/latin records in hopes of finding an album by Eduardo Davis - but I had no success. :(

Anyhoo - the store was ACE. Highly recommend it for those who like to pick up albums on vinyl. They don't cater very well to indie or imports. Lots of classic rock tho'. I was hoping to pick up a Replacement album for shits n' giggles but they didn't have any.

Go figure.

.twin city rollie.

The Electric Fetus : Record Store Review

Forgot to mention this in my previous post... but the reason I drove into Minneapolis yesterday was to visit a record store that was voted as the best record store in the Twin Cities for 2007.

The record store I checked out today goes by the name of the Electric Fetus on the corner of 4th St. and Franklin Ave.

The store is surprisingly big and they carry a number of things I didn't expect to see there. Example : Clothes, glass blown one hitters, books, jewelry, and nicknacks.

Before I get into some of the music I purchased last night... I want to quickly show off some killer air fresheners I picked up. A number of months ago my sister got me a air freshener that said something to the affect of "I love cops" and it smelled of doughnuts. Since then, I've been picking up strange air fresheners when ever I run across them. I think I'm currently hanging a Nome taking a shit into a log... I'll make sure to take a photo of that before I take it down.

Anyhoo - the two I picked up tonight are seen in this picture. Pretty fierce huh?


Music

OK... so here's the skinny on The Electric Fetus. I've only been to 2 music stores so far, but this one is far better than Cheapo Records. The selection is pretty big and the staff is very knowledgeable. The store would possibly benefit from not having to sell things like - books, one hitters, jewelry and nicknacks - but they all became forgivable offenses after scoring some things I've been meaning to get on CD for some time.

Here are some of my purchases.

• A Place To Bury Strangers - S/T
• Andrew Bird - Armchair Apocrypha
• Nada Surf - Lucky
• Nada Surf - the Proximity Effect (replacing a cassette I used to listen to a lot when I was in college)
• Beach House - Devotion

Along with the purchase I got a small bag with a number of CD/EP stuffers... the one that intrigues me the most is a Yep Roc Records music sampler.

All in all, the record store is pretty dope. I recommend it highly and unless I get a recommendation to check out another record shop - it may be the best place I'll get to visit while here.

.twin city rollie.

Cheapo Records

Got a chance to visit a local record store today. It was kiddy corner to a White Castle I went to, so I decided to stop in.

The record store was pretty big and their offerings were freakishly good for a place that caters to those who bring in Used CD's, DVD's and Vinyl.

I'd describe it as the best CD EXCHANGE (San Antonio record store chain) I've ever set foot in. But wouldn't go out of my way to endorse it.

I didn't pick anything up while there... the "local music" bin was very expansive but I'm not familiar enough to the Twin City sound to just blindly pick something up.

I did pick up a copy of City Pages tho'. City Pages is the weekly reader here in the Twin Cities... I've flipped through a few times but need to really examine it to map out proper places to visit.

more tomorrow...

.twin city rollie.

The Current

Blogger appears to be handling images a little better this evening... here comes the first of a number of posts I've been meaning to post all afternoon.

The Current

Ok... I need to seriously plug the fuck out of a local radio station here in the Twin Cities called : the Current. I stumbled onto it when I climbed into my rental car... and I haven't stopped listening since.

I seriously can't recall the last time I was this riveted to a radio station.

check out this playlist. this is what I've listened to since 10:00pm


10:16 Generation X - Your Generation
10:12 The Olivia Tremor Control - Define a Transparent Dream
10:07 Spoon - The Underdog
10:05 The Rumble Strips - My Oh My

.twin city rollie.

9:00am but 7:00am in my heart and mind

Firstly... daylight savings, "spring forward" time sucks vicious wang. While the clock insists that its 9:00AM, its truly 7:00 in my heart and mind.

I can't believe its Sunday already.

The week has been a blur for the most part. We had the election here last Tuesday and I've been meaning to write up my experience for the local caucus but haven't had time to. In short - the experience wasn't exactly a pleasant one. I'm of the opinion that everyone around me, including the organizers were a little confused about how the fucking process works. Adding to the confusion was an extraordinary turnout by first time voters. Most of whom tried to make the most of having to wait 2 hours in line to caucus. Not vote... that was a separate process all together and I haven't the foggiest idea how long it took for them to get through that shit.

The most upsetting part, at least for me, was filling out an freakish questionnaire as I submitted my public vote. Here's a short list of things I was asked.• Name (understandable)
• Addy (understandable)
• Phone # (no thank you)
• email (fuck off)
• endorsement (Obama thank you)
• Are you mentally/physically handicapped (wtf? this was the first question of 5 that made no sense what so ever)
• Are you gay, lesbian or transgender....

At this point - i scratch out my entry and inform the volunteers that these were questions I was not willing to answer. Why the fuck do they have to upset you after waiting 3 hours to fucking do your part? Who the fuck approves this shit?


... Wednesday

So Wednesday turned out to be a blast. I recently made a new friend here in the Alamo City. His name is Robert and he's a fellow hardcore scooterist. We have a number of shared interests outside of scooting so we got together on Wednesday for eats and a ride around the city. I took him to a number of local hangs - including a killer record store called "Music Town" and we made it over to Madhatters, a tea house located in the historic King Williams district.

• photo credit : photo of scoots was taken by my friend Robert Kelley


... Thursday

Got around to catching up on some TV, watched LOST and recorded a podcast. A Ekobase podcast you can pick up here by the way. We're up to episode 36. This is possibly the best one we've done this season.



.... Friday

Friday turned out a little differently than planned. I planned on having dinner at home and making preparations for my parents to visit on Saturday. Those plans went out the window when i discovered that they were coming up a day early. Managed to make it out to First Friday and met up with some friends at Beethoven's. While the turnout was good - I didn't see many scooterists make the trek out to King Williams. Good times tho'.


... Saturday

Caught an interesting show last night. I got around to seeing a popular local act called Girl in a Coma (my second time) and a very promising SKA act by the name of "Kevin Goes 2 College". They played at a terrible venue on the NorthEast side of town - but made the trip out to meet up with Robert and his wife. I didn't stick around for the entire set. The show was plagued with sound issues and I was more interested in watching the Vampire Weekend performance on Saturday Nite live.

I was uber enthused to see them play M79. :)

Hype Be Dammed - Vampire Weekend

Despite the overwhelming amount of hype, I purchased the latest offering by Vampire Weekend this weekend... 

A number of my friends are shying away from it for this reason, but I really wish that they wouldn't.   

The album is curiously rewarding.

My favorite track thus far is M79.  

If you're out and about and see this on the shelf - do pick it up.

.aCr.

Geetah Shoppin'

Every once in a while I entertain the idea of purchasing an electric guitar. Truth be know... I happen to own a Fender Strat, but that guitar is currently in Detroit.

I don't really know why I want a guitar... I've been attending some shows in recent weeks so I think the itch to create something is there.

Anyhoo, I took some time this weekend to see how much a Fender Telecaster went for.

While out I discovered that Fender is selling a guitar to celebrate the late - great Joe Strummer.

Fender went out of its way to "replicate" the tattered guitar that Joe used from his days with the Clash & solo career.


I had a guitar tech take it down off the wall so that I could play it a little. I looked at it in disbelief because it felt so disingenuous. Not as disingenuous as the checkerboard - Avril Lavigne telecaster next to it... but disingenuous nonetheless.

I really wanted to pick up the guitar as an impulse purchase - but knew that I would regret owning it the moment I would have a friend shred me for how uncool it is.

Anyhoo... I didn't pick up a telecaster, but the search will continue. If all goes well - I'll find a nice deal on a US made one.


.clash city rocker.

Surrounding myself with music

So... I finally got around to securing proper shelves for my music collection.

I think 20 or so months passed between me having direct access to my entire library. There were numerous reasons for me having them put up for so long. a.) I moved from Detroit to San Antonio... then to South Texas... then back to San Antonio in a span of 8 months.

b.) I went through a shitty split up and I didn't want to listen... let alone look at a music library that I had shared with someone for almost 4 years.


I forget how much time passed between the break-up and me getting the itch to get my shit together - but my search for shelves took far longer than I had anticipated.

I ended up settling for these.

I'm pretty happy with them. I currently have my music collection set up stacks. My goal is to slowly alphabetize them so that I can go through them like a Disc Jockey goes through stacks of music in a radio station.

In the second picture you can that I've put my record collection in a set of sturdy wood boxes.

Dr. Dog @ the Rock Bottom 9.15.07

While catching the Rentals on Friday evening, I made quick friends with a local who filled me on some venues that put on indie/punk rawk shows.

One recommendation that was given to me was a small bar off of Avenue B. called - The Rock Bottom Tattoo Bar.

Last night, a semi-popular act (from Philly) by the name of "Dr. Dog" rolled into town and they were quite possibly one of the most polished indie live acts that I've caught in quite some time.

Their sound in a live setting is very different from the audio recordings I've listened to. While @ the show last night, I picked up their latest offering WE ALL BELONG.

I haven't had a chance to slap it into my stereo this morning but hope to do so after some morning chores.

Dr. Dog - is slated to play at Stubbs in Austin tonight and a few more shows this September. It's my understanding that they play a lot of shows out East... but if they happen to play your town - do make it a point to catch em live.

The Rentals : 9.14.07 - White Rabbit, San Antonio

While things have gone a little quite on the blog this Summer, there's been no shortage of reflections to post on the website. If all goes well this weekend, I hope to sit down and pen a number of entries.

In the mean time... I finally got around to visiting the White Rabbit (venue) to catch a performance by Matt Sharp & the Rentals.


The White Rabbit is one of San Antonio's largest stables for indie/punk/heavy metal shows... Their event listing caters a bit more to the METAL. San Antonio is hotbed of sorts for the genre.

While out shopping for some music this week, I ran across a flier for a Rentals show. I wasn't aware that the Rentals had come out of indefinite hiatus to record music, let alone play some shows.

After doing a little research, turns out a new member is a former San Antonio resident. The show a homecoming of sorts for her. Family and friends were scattered a'bout.

While attendance was low... there wasn't a single person who wasn't a friend of P. The sing-alongs were great. I'm fairly certain that they played all but 2 songs from their first LP... and the band turned in a very energetic performance.

The Rentals have a few more shows left on their tour... I believe that they're planning to record a full length very soon, so if you don't get to catch them on their final leg - you may get a chance to catch them in not-so-distant-future.

.aCr.

R.I.P. Hilly Kristal

Got word today while at work that Hilly Kristal, founder of CBGB's died today.

His passing, much like the closing of his venue... saddens me to no end. I often wonder why I don't grow a pair and open up a venue of my own.

Join me if you can by spinning Television, the Talking Heads or the Ramones.



.aCr.

Voxtrot : S/T

A few years ago... I posted a little blurb about a Austin band that released a promising EP that went by the name Voxtrot.

Since that little post, Voxtrot has released 3 promising EP's and they've performed tirelessly throughout the states.

Just last week, the band put out its eagerly awaited full-length and I made it a point to pick it up over the weekend.

I've given the album a number of listens and find myself feeling a little underwhelmed by the "safe" effort. I don't really know what I was expecting to hear... I really wish I could describe the promise I felt when their first EP came out.

The album isn't bad by any stretch... its just came up a little short after all the wait.

180Grams

While having brunch @ Twin Sisters over the weekend, I ran across an article in a local rag about a local indie record store called 180Grams.

Independent record stores are really rare around these parts and I was even more shocked to hear that its been in existence for over 2 years.

Dropped the few things I had to do on Saturday morning and traveled over to introduce myself and seek out the new Voxtrot album.


Am I ever glad that I did so.... Not only is the record store top notch, the owner happens to hail from a small town I attended High School at.

We conversed about Valley and the city's taste for "metal".

If you're in town and have a indie itch to scratch - look no further than 180Grams. The place caters to vinyl, but they have a select choice of new and used CD's.

TOOL - live @ AT&T Center

Did something last night that many of my dear friends would find uncharacteristic.... not only did I attend a TOOL concert at a basketball arena. I also chaperoned a 16 year old kid to the show because his parent (co-worker) had to step out of town for business.

I won't spend to much time regarding the interaction I had with the 16 year old at the show... the kid was very bright and I was happy to accompany him to his first concert - ever.

.... The Show

I can't recall the last time I caught a show at a 20K seat arena (I think it was Depeche Mode in Auburn Hills), but I can safely say that it was within the last 5 years.

Before taking our seats, I asked my friend if he was interested in hitting up the merch table.

Not to come across as an old-fuddy-duddy, but do you have any idea what a concert t-shirt goes for @ an arena show?

• $43.

When I wasn't shaking my head in disgust for the high t-shirt costs - I stood among a throng of TOOL fans catching one of the best light shows I've ever seen.

I'd got further in depth but I doubt anyone cares to hear my thoughts on the subject.

Waterloo Records

After my visit out to Ikea today, I drove out to Waterloo Records in Austin, Texas.

I've been out there a number of times in the past 2 months, but it just occurred to me that I haven't made a mention of it on the blog.

The record store is well known around these parts. If you're ever in the area (Austin, San Antonio, San Marcos) - make it a point to stop in and pay a visit. The selection is second to none... I've never talked to the store staff, but I'm sure they're quite knowledgeable.

They make it a point to stock the store with Music related books... I saw an amazing book today that I didn't pick up. It was a book of Raymon Pettibon's artwork.

I would have picked it up but I walked out with three new CD's. I'll post little reviews on those later this week or weekend...

Anyhoo. If you're in dire need of a record store - Waterloo is the place to go.

American Hardcore : A Tribal History

Watched American Hardcore : A Tribal Historyon DVD the other night and I wanted to give a quick review on the documentary.

I read and loved, Steven Blush's "American Hardcore: A Tribal History" a few years ago and I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to learn more about hardcore music.

I had very high hopes for the documentary, but it fell a little short for me... there's no way the documentary could cover everything thats in the book. An expansive 10 DVD documentary could only do that.

What I really wanted to see was the Misfits get some attention in the documentary, like they did in the book. This did not occur.

I don't recall the Dead Kennedy's getting heavy print in the book, but they got zero screen time on the documentary. Bad Brains and Black Flag got heavy screen time, but they also received a lot of inches in the book.

I think anyone whose into Hardcore will love the movie. There's incredible footage in it and some interesting interviews, but its not as rewarding as the book.

Nineteen Ninety 4

Two very quick things to post about this evening.

1.) Idolator just posted a possible song leak from the upcoming Guns N' Roses album - Chinese Democracy.

Guns N' Roses?

I know what you're thinking...

Just hear me out on something. It's taken 10+ years and gobs of money for the new GNR album to come out. While my interests in GNR dried up in 1994, I'd be lying if I said I'm not interested in seeing what took 10 years and gobs of money for Axl Rose to make.


2.) Showtime just had Pulp Fiction on in HD this evening. I forget how long its been since I've seen Pulp Fiction... I recall wanting to see it after I saw Kill Bill 2 in the theater. I can't believe that this film is almost 15 years old now....

Radical NY!

Over the weekend... I drove out to Austin, TX to check out the art exhibition "Revolt NY!". A collection of Art from the New York City - Art Scene, circa 1974 - 1984.

It was a little weird driving out to Austin by myself... I can't recall the last time I dragged myself out of the house to immerse myself in something I truly enjoy.

But it was possibly the most rewarding afternoon I've had in recent memory.

The exhibition was AMAZING.

I was able to enjoy all the pieces at my own pace... While its always cool to share you knowledge of a subject with a friend or a loved one... there's nothing like standing across a poster circa 1976 and just appreciate how amazing a billing was without having to explain to someone the importance of Television, the Talking Heads playing with each other on a random nite.

Concert Posters aside... my favorite pieces at the exhibition came from Keith Haring and Jean-Michel Basquiat.

I stood 3 ft. from a Basquiat chalk painting and I couldn't hold back actual tears.

Another highlight of the show was a showing of "Blank Generation"... a documentary that featured live footage of Patti Smith, Blondie, Television, the Ramones, Talking Heads, the Dolls, Richard Hell and the Voidoids and many others...

The documentary is available on DVD and I plan on renting it from Netflix in the near future...

I don't know if the art exhibition is going to be displayed anywhere else this year, but if you get a chance to check it out - please do.