Thanks, Dave!

This is the best I could do with the provided materials.

Ouch. You're On My Foot/Balls.

I've got a humongous headache that's not going away. I took a pain killer and I hope it does what it says. My neck is out of whack and that's probably what's doing it. Last week, I had some self-esteem crushing moments with other people that set off a mild depression so that's why I haven't written much lately. I'm better now. As promised, this week has already been busy. Jojo went to NC with Grandma and I REALLY miss her. I've been having dreams about her. I don't remember what's happening in them but she's in them. I hardly ever remember my dreams the next day. Maybe they're never good. Who knows?

Sunday, we saw the Led Zeppelin tribute band at City Limits and they were kinda funny but good. The Bonzo-alike did a great job on Moby Dick and the Robert Plant-alike had big balls...like the real one. Last night, we saw the Simpsons' movie and it was very funny. I haven't laughed that hard in a while. Tonight, we saw the newest Harry Potter and that was good also. We very rarely get to see any movies with my schedule and the kid and all. It was a treat. My face is starting to hurt. Tomorrow: Bamboom. Thurtsday: Zombies. Friday : hopefully no headache.

The Sound Of One Hand Snoring.

Tonight, we chose tile at Lowe's to re-do our bathroom. Before that, we went to Pei Wei and ran into Keith and shared dinner. We talked about our experience podcasting with Dave and agreed it was a success. If you'd be interested in listening to three know-it-all critics spewing their boring opinions about some music they like, by all means, go here. We bag on each other, perform sexual favors for each other and music is discussed somehow. Saturday, Jojo leaves for NC and that's got me and the moms (sic) down. Tomorrow, I rehearse with Jim Wurster and finally give Bob back his drums. I'm gonna be sad to see them go but what are you going to do? I have another gig-free weekend (minus Sunday) and Kris and I are going to see the Radiators at The Culture Room Saturday night. And I guess a gang of us are going to Resurrection Drums that afternoon to shop and I broked (sic) my floor tom and need them to fix me up again. Thanks in advance, Drum Gods!

Bbbbbbbbbabybabybabybabyaaahhhhhhhhh.

I don't know why, but I feel a Led Zeppelin phase coming on. I can't listen to them at work because the people I work with wouldn't stand for it. Led Zeppelin II is one of the best rainy day records there is. REM's Murmur is another good one. I think LZ's secret weapon was John Paul Jones. The guy had some incredible bass playing going on in the strangest of places. Immigrant Song is all over the map. Listen to Black Dog's bass lines. Weird. I guess the weak link, for me, would be Robert Plant. I really couldn't see them without him but he gets annoying now and then. LZ III is another great one. Come to think of it, there isn't an LZ record I don't like. Presence has got some great stuff. The fake out and blues crush of Tea For One (which is a kinda re-write of Since I've Been Loving You). And how about John Bonham? I could use all the rock critic cliches about him but i'll just shut up and enjoy.

Tragically, He Was Eaten By Ahead Of Lettuce.

Today, we Dillengers finally got off our coolies and took photos. I've been in the band almost 3 (?) years now and our website sill does not show my face. It bothered me at first but I learned to live with it. Anyway, we went to Bill's church (which had backdrops) and shot very serious pictures for a few hours. It was pouring out when we came out so we figured Elwood's would be cancelled. Not so. I went home and shaved my head for summer. For some odd reason, it's really difficult to get a haircut around here. SuperCuts is so understaffed that they usually have a long wait. I don't mind being bald because it usually grows back pretty fast. It's too hot during summer , so I chop it off. Also, i've got to make a conscious effort to cut back on the iced coffee. I thought I had it under control, but I had way too many this weekend...three today! Elwood's was pretty empty so we practiced a bit. There wasn't enough in the tip jar to pay for dinner so I had to dip into my pay. Bummer. Jojo goes to NC with Grandma at the end of the week and i'm dreading it. I'm gonna miss the little squirt. I also have to practice with Jim Wurster for our gig at the Bamboo Room in August on Thursday. Must sleep!

Thank You, Friends.

Last night, Dave did his podcast over Keith's and we guested. We picked some albums to discuss and we sort of gave our critical opinion of them. It was a lot of fun. We didn't get finished 'til 'round midnight. Dave has a lot of shits and fucks to edit out. When it's edited, i'll post a link to it if anyone cares to hear it. It's nice to have such eloquent friends. Gabby had to push us out of there or we'd still be carrying on. Sorry, Gab! All of this made me think about some of my musical mentors.

The first would be my Dad. When I was little, he'd play me all this weird music and explain it to me. I got my first exposure to Classical from him. And he was a fan of Memphis Soul which I still love today. My Mom's side of the family would get together and harmonize doo-wop style at all the get togethers and that certainly influenced me. I mentioned Uncle Anthony a few posts back. And then there's Pete Lavezzoli, my oldest friend. We totally bonded as children over music. He had very advanced taste for a sixth-grader. He still turns me on to cool music and i 'spose I do the same for him. I also met this guy in San Francisco named Derek Taylor who broadened my tastes. He got me to go outside the box and appreciate some pretty far out stuff. He still influences me even though I haven't seen or heard from him in years. I don't really know where he is.

Mojo magazine is also a huge one. You can find me on a Tuesday at Barnes and Noble every month buying my Mojo as soon as it gets there. There is so much great information inside every issue. I re-read them all the time. And I wear my Mojo shirt with pride. I guess just about everyone influences my taste in some way. If I hung around Dave long enough, i'm sure i'd max out a credit card trying to keep up. We need a RECORD store around here! Today, I bought The Best of Harry Belafonte and that's where i'm at right now.

Rufus Xavier Sarsaparilla.

Tonight, we saw the Spoon Benders at The Bamboo Room and they were great. Their sound is like funky blues rock and they had some cool re-arrangements of some classics. Not to mention, they're just cool guys. The Funkabillies are playing the same venue with them on August 25th.

don't read this.

I've been tagged and i'm supposed to tag 8 other people but I don't even know 8 other people so i'm gonna lame out and just write the random facts. Contrary to popular belief, i'm not comfortable with the spotlight on me.
1. I'm afraid of most large flying bugs.
2. I'm really quite shy. Really.
3. I'm attracted to people who wear old-style glasses.
4. I used to pick my nose and eat it when I was a kid.
5. I once ate pipe tobacco thinking it was a Yankee Doodle.
6. My second toe is taller than my big toe on both feet.
7. I have never liked sports. I did go see the Ft. Lauderdale Strikers play soccer, but I was more interested in the girls in the crowd.
8. I had an acid flashback while driving on I-95 and I had to pull over and wait it out.

Ass Happy.

I got the new amp today. I've got some disappointments to list. First, the speakers are not the original ones (i knew about this but i've denied it for too long). They are really good Fender ones, though. Second, the grill cloth is not original. Some dope used Fender grill cloth. When I first checked out this amp, i was so in love that i didn't go over the little things. Lastly, it doesn't sound as loud as i think it should be. This could be a problem if i want to play out with it. It's probably just the acoustics of my living room. I just looked on a website and I think it was made in 1963. The good part is....it sounds incredible! The tone is real bassy and the reverb and tremolo are excellent. What a find!

My friend Dave is coming down from D.C. and Keith and I are selecting four cds/lps to discuss on his podcast. I've chosen ('cause I have to be weird) Teenage Fanclub's Bandwagonesque, Alexander Spence's Oar, Missa Luba (an African Mass lp) and The Louvin Brothers' Satan Is Real. All great works of art. It's been bugging me to no end whittling these albums down to four. I've posted them here to make me stick to the list. Tomorrow night, Kris and I are going to meet some Funkabillies at The Bamboo Room to hear The Spoon Benders since we've never been to see them and they support us all the time. I may bring the camera to practice my photography skills.

What Up, Cuz?

Yesterday, I went to Naples with Jojo to see Jimmy. Boy, has he changed! Granted, I haven't seen him since we were teenagers. We settled right in like there hadn't been 20 years between times. He's doing very well and he married a swell lady, Debbie. Jojo was getting restless (2 hours in a car for a 5 year old? Duh!) so Debbie took walks with her so Jimmy and I could catch up. I really wish I had more time to get to know Debbie though. Jimmy told me all the family secrets and we had a great time. No wonder he was my favorite cousin! He used to be a bouncer in clubs and it shows. He's huge! I'm really glad i'm on his side! He could crush me like a bug. I was sad to say goodbye but we made promises to get together more often (than 20+ years!) and I hope we make good on them.

Last night's O'Hara's "Kilt Night" gig was actually pretty good. We wore kilts in honor of a waiter friend of ours, Justin, leaving town. He's going back to school in Kentucky. He got completely shit-piled and was dancing with complete strangers. Good luck, pal! Been good to know you! Chuck was sick as shit. Normally when a member of the band doesn't feel well, they usually take everyone down with them. Chuck really came through and played a blinder. Everyone seemed to be on top of their game. There was a good crowd too, and that usually inspires us to try harder. Matt and Judy Blem (and their crowd) were there. James tried to talk me out of my self-esteem issues, but they weren't budging. Thanks, pally! I had some guitarists in the club checking out the competition. I can usually tell when they're looking at the fretboard or trying to look around me to see what amp i'm using. Last night was the Deluxe. The Amp Shop fixed the problem and i'm gonna be sad to return it to John. Hopefully, the new Gibson will be comparable and I won't miss it too much.

Today is Elwood's with the regular creeps and it ought to be fun....if not deafening! Must change the snare head and deal with garbage duty.

Eecha, Aacha, Oocha.

Last night at The Bamboo Room, we broke the land speed record for loud power trios. Blue Cheer had nothing on us...'cept cool hair. Some SpoonBenders were there and I had a guitar conversation with their guitarist Matt. Today, I finally got in touch with my cousin Jimmy who's here (Naples area) on vacation. I haven't seen him since the last time I was in New York which was probably 1988? He was my favorite cousin when I was little. Most of the memories I have of him are when I was five. I'm gonna go see him tomorrow and I hope we are similar. Unfortunately, we didn't grow up together. I envy people who's relatives are close. All of mine are in New York so I can't say I really know them well.

Jimmy's parents were the cool couple in our family. They were into music and dance and had a great record collection. Jimmy told me my Uncle Anthony died a few months back. Uncle Anthony was my first musical influence. He could play guitar and he did so at family parties. He had a Dion-Van Morrison kind of voice and he sang a lot of Beatles and doo-wop stuff. Last time I saw him, he gave me a tape of some unfinished songs he was writing and he asked me to finish them. I never got around to it because a lot of the ideas were just short fragments. RIP, Anthony Giattino. I hope you would have been proud of me for carrying on the tradition.

My Wallet's Ass Hurts.

Last night, Kris and I saw The Police at Dolphin Stadium. We paid 90 bucks a ticket to have the best of the worst seats available. Here's the kicker; As we were pulling up to park (we were late and missed both the opening acts-my fault-i get out of work at 6 and the show started a 6:30-i've never heard of a show starting that early...EVER!) and we saw a sign that said.....PARKING $30.00!!!!!!!! WTF! It doesn't cost that much to park in freegin' NYC!!!! My ass still hurts from that reaming. We decided then and there not to attend any stadium shows ever again. Unless it's U2 or David Bowie or.......Anyway, the show was great! This is a photo from the show that was in the paper. Andy Summers was the show for me. His tone was delicious and his playing superb. Stewart Copeland was wonderful too, but his snare drum (thanks to the crummy sound man!) sounded like a "POCK" instead of a "CRACK". His playing was somewhat restrained, but that's OK. He's still a GOD and i'm not fit to shine his cymbals. Sting was Sting. He didn't look like he was having any fun and his bass just doinked along. But he did sing a few songs in the right key (i had to take a break just now 'cause Kris called me in to see Mavis Staples on Tavis Smiley....I love her.). I found out, after the show, Bongo and Chuck were there. The Turnpike was closed in Broward so we went to I-95 and that was down to one lane so we didn't get home until nearly 1:30. Stupid assholes! Needless to say, I was beat as shit this morning at work and it was a real busy day.

Tonight, I played a benefit for this rehab place in Delray. I didn't know what it was for until I got there. I was late 'cause work ran late but I wasn't late for the gig. Pete and I double-drummed for this one. Some of the other musicians were Rich Friedman on guitar, Pete Quigley on another guitar, some guy named Craig played bass and there was a violinist, percussionist and a keyboarder. Here's where I give some love to my pal Pete; I was really tired and I didn't feel like playing but Pete encouraged me and bought us some yummy pizza. When we were playing, we were cracking each other up putting crashes in weird places. He really held it down and let me do the weird stuff and I really appreciated that. Pete is my longest running friend and tonight he really helped me out and played exceptionally himself. Thanks, Pally! I just took another break and watched Mavis sing. Damn! I've got a long-standing invitation from Russell at the Bamboo Room for seats if and when Mavis plays there and I WILL NOT miss it. We had tickets to see her at SunFest and we couldn't go 'cause I was really sick. Damn! Tomorrow, we play the Bamboo with the Dillengers and I found out Saturday at O'Hara's is a kilt night. I'm tired.

And Roll, Dick, Roll.

Hello. Yeah, it's been a while. Not much. How 'bout you? Where did I leave off? Last week is just a blur but I do remember Friday's gig being a rather loud turd on ice or in a bowl of Kool-Aid. I brought the Super Reverb and it was ok. Saturday, Kris went out of town with a friend and I had little Jojo boogerpants all to meself. We ran some errands, ate some bad food, did kid stuff until bedtime. Keith came over for a bit to steal some stolen licks and friend Matt also came over for a while and left with the Columbia House music collection. Next day, Mommy came home and Keith came over again and was forced at ball point to watch both Powerpuff Girls and Spongebob Patrickpants. Tomorrow, we see the Police. Ever notice you have to go through hell to see a concert nowadays? The traffic, the expense (parking not included), the weather (permitting). the crummy seats (it's all we can afford). I haven't had a great seat to a show in years (not counting running up to the front near the end). A few weeks ago, I ordered a shirt with the Capitol logo on it and it finally came. Kris said it was really silly and corporate to wear a record label logo and she's got a point but it's more sentimental than that. Capitol brought us The Beatles and The Beach Boys. I used to just stare at the record label going round and round and Capitol has this cool rainbow around the perimeter and a yellow-orange swirl on the 45s. So i'm not supporting a corporation (i didn't buy it from them). I'm paying tribute to my many hours of record playing. Screw it. I think it looks cool.

Two Tingles Intermingle.

Today, during lunch, I went and laid down a layaway payment on the new amp and I got to play on it. It sounds fab! Some of the cool amps from the 60's (especially plexi Marshalls) can do this thing where you plug one input of one channel into the other to overdrive it. I think they call it "daisy chaining". I tried it and it sounded really munchy. I can't wait to raise the rest of the cash so I can bring it home. Probably by the end of the month, I hope. Next week is going to be yet another busy one. I've got the Police concert on Tuesday, a benefit of some sort where i'm double-drumming with my friend Pete Lavezolli at City Limits in Delray on Wednesday, Bamboo Room with the Dillengers on Thursday and O'Hara's (i think) on Saturday. This Friday, i'm at O'Hara's and all the amps i'd like to use are in the shop so I guess i'll be fighting my sound all night. This Saturday, Kris is going to Orlando with a friend so I have little Jojo all to myself. Sunday, I'm not playing Elwood's 'cause Rick is out of town. Tomorrow is the birthday of our nation. I always think of Jimi Hendrix on July 4. I don't know why.

Keeping An Eye On The World Going By My Window

Jeez! Now i've got it down to once a week. I really gotta find the time to blog more (KEITH!). Just kidding. I know you're busy. Last post, I was gonna include something about Paul McCartney's new album and I forgot. After Kris telling me I shouldn't write off the whole album "cause I didn't like the single (thanks!), I went out and got Memory Almost Full. I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. It's quite good. I'm even starting to like Dance Tonight. It's kinda like what I said in an earlier post about REM's Stand. At first it was annoying but i've grown to like it. Good job, Mr. McCartney! I'm sorry I doubted you. The Twotles (Ringo and the other guy) were on Larry King this week and that was cool. As you've probably already read, Larry called Ringo "George". What an idiot. It was nice to see anything Beatles-oriented on TV. It was also nice to see Yoko and Olivia. I'm a big Yoko fan. Fuck You.

Now that i've gotten that out of the way, Tuesday I went to see my friend Sean Hanley play at Elwood's and that was fun. He plays some great songs and I sat in with Woody for half the night. I must say Woody sounded fantastic! Looked good, too. We played some Beatles and Elvis Costello and some other songs I can't remember. I did some off-mic harmonies that didn't deserve to be heard and Sean was kind not to tell me to shut the hell up. This past week was very busy work-wise and i'm sore in places I didn't know I had/have. I've been sweating with all the heat and I got a great honker of a zit on the forehead (see photo). OH, NO!!!! A ZIT ON PROM NIGHT!!! I'LL BE RUINED!!!! Friday, The Dillengers played Elwood's and Bill was back from Alabama/New Orleans and it was nice to have him back. Some drunk lady kept invading the stage to request some drivel and it took a member of the crowd to tell her to get off. Nicely done! Yesterday, I brought some amps to The Amp Shop and Parlor to be repaired and I saw the coolest old amp that i'm going to layaway. It's a '60's Gibson Invader all-tube jobbie with 10 and 12 inch speakers. Neato!

Last night was O'Hara's with the Punkandfrilly Playtoys. Effort - 10. Execution - 6. We finally managed to get all the way through War Pigs which is why my voice sounds like a squeak today. Can't really remember too much about the evening (even though it was just last night)...Oh, wait. Matt from the Spoon Benders was there with Judy Blem and crew and Matt said some nice things about my playing and we had a good conversation. At the end of the night, Judy beat me up about not taking a compliment well and I deserved it. I don't know why but i've never been able to take compliments. I'd like to apologize to anyone who's tried to say nice things to me and i've gone all low-self-esteem on them and made them feel like their opinion is shit. It's something I need to work on. Judy suggested I just say thank you instead of giving 30 reasons why I suck. I hope to learn to take your advice. I must also point out Kris has told me those things quite a bit so I thank her for making me aware of it.

For the last two mornings, I've had the pleasure of having breakfast with Jeff Schwier. He's a friend from Apollo Beach who's in town to see some gigs and pick up some drum parts from me for his son. We sat talking about music and the lack of a scene here. Great guy. He co-runs Charlie Pickett's site www.trashfever.com and he offered to put some mp3s of some of my songs on his site....thanks, pally!

Now i'd like to switch gears and list the music i've been listening to this week;
1. Sam Phillips - Martinis and Bikinis
I've loved this album since it came out in '94. Great production and it reminds me at times of what the Beatles might sound like with a female singer.
2. The Who Sell Out - Petra Haden
This is a remake of The Who's 1968 lp, Sell Out done acapella on a four-track cassette machine.
Excellent.
3. The Bee Gees - First
Revolver with mellotron.
4. Dirty Dancing - Soundtrack
Fuck you! This is great! This soundtrack informed the world that Otis Redding had more than Sitting On The Dock Of The Bay. And it also contains Be My Baby by The Ronettes which one of THE GREATEST SONGS EVER!!!
5. The Doors/Love/Beach Boys/Velvet Underground & Nico - The Doors/Forever Changes/Smiley Smile/Velvet Underground & Nico
I was all into the class of '67 (#3 was part of that)
Tonight is Elwood's and trash duty.
I never did have another weird dream last week. But i'm still trying