Ruckazoid, Scratchgod I. Academia-friendly hip-hop vet DJ Shadow has found a kindred spirit in Ruckazoid, whose debut EP has just been released on Shadow’s Liquid Amber label. At the outset of the project, a mechanical voice tells us that everything on it has been created through scratching. This makes you listen to it differently, and treat it as an exercise or experiment. But even without the overt intro, that’s what it sounds like, taking pains to show you variety and scratching skills at the expense of more natural musical statement. Of the three tracks, “Let the Music Take Control” is the most contrived, with the most generic title. Still, old-school impressive turntablism has its own thrills.
Wednesday the 11th of March
Magic number: 84633
Magic word: crabgrass
Card Shark
There’s an important phase in between “great new show” and “jumping the shark,” and I feel like that’s where House of Cards is right now.
There’s a time, often in the third season of a hot show, where the the characters stop serving a higher purpose and the show simply starts serving the characters. You felt it happen with The Sopranos, when the focused retelling of the Borgias tale of a family empire destroying itself became scattered episodes focusing on some of the fun supporting characters.
The first season of House of Cards was a parable of political ruthlessness. The second was about the logical extension of that drive. The third? Well, it could have been Macbeth, which would have suited the narrative so far. Instead it’s a new made-up crisis each episode, with President Underwood actually (and uncredibly) being depicted as sentimental, sloppy and open-minded. This is the character’s downfall. House of Cards remains a fine show, but it’s not about politics anymore. It’s about a random politician, which isn’t nearly so interesting.
Rock Gods #362: Adventures in Our Little Music Scene
There’s an old blues song:
“I’m in love with
Wanna marry
wanna marry wanna
marijuana.”
We don’t partake of sense-altering substancing other than loud bass parts. But there’s legalization noise in the community at the same time there’s marriage equality legislation. Ballots are being readied. So the blues community is rallying around both issues, and the above-mentioned drug song, with a “Wanna Marry Marathon” Saturday in the
They wanted to use a school auditorium or civic building but weren’t allowed to use one. They wanted to interest a lodge or society but could not. So they’ve taken their action to the alleyway behind Arthur’s Art Store on Main. It’s a comfy place, protected pretty well from the elements, with electricity provided by the store through an open stockroom window.
The back-alley atmosphere should provide an interesting angle for the event. A mock marriage is planned. So is a mock smoke-in.
It’s hard to know if folks will even find the event, let alone be swayed by it. But the blues community is adamant. They want to do their part.
There’s an old blues song:
“I love you baby but no more of that.”
Tonight: The Dumb Ox at the Bullfinch. Return of one of the religious farm bands… The Everlasting Man, short set at Hamilton’s… The Colored Lands at D’ollaire’s. Expect a protest…
Riverdale Book Review
Veronicaism:
“I’m big enough to make allowances for poor folk who can’t afford maids.”
For Tomorrow We Shall Die: Diary of a College Chum #312:
The toilet leaks.
Scribblers Music Review
Amanda Palmer, “Bigger on the Inside.” Palmer’s work is now partially subsized by Patreon, and tracks are coming out for free (though you can always donate if you like). After the pyrotechnics of the Grand Theft Orchestra, this is back-to-basics Palmer, so stripped down for her that there aren’t even banging piano chords, just strings—plucked guitar and some cello. The lyrics are one of those scanned, sinuous tone poems she’s known for. The music is sparse but full enough to build in tone and volume. And build it does, for nearly eight minutes, not unlike an early Velvet Underground opus. A neat little DIY epic.
Tuesday the 10th of March
Magic number: 57758
Magic word: pittance
Literary Chocolate Bars
Three Musketeers
Bounty
Wonka Bars
Cow Tales
Lulu’s Chocolate Bar
Rock Gods #361: Adventures in Our Little Music Scene
Dusty Death and the Walking Shadows are playing tomorrow at the Bullfinch. Strike that. They’re playing “Tomorrow” at Hamilton’s tomorrow, and playing the same song the next night as well. The poor players have been convinced to do three hour-long happy-hour sets in the same week because some idiotic manager thinks it will make for a good story. Well, here’s your story. It’s a meaningless gesture. It robs Hamilton’s regulars of variety and opportunity. There’s every chance that we’ll be sick of DD&WS before we’ve even gotten to know them. Take your time, why don’t you? Creep at a petty pace…
Tonight: Pad Site at the Bullfinch. Two sets, one of Build to Suit covers… No Turn on Red at Hamilton’s, old love covers… An Evening With Blast of Hydration at D’ollaire’s…