FIELD NOTES

The Karaoke Singer's Guide to Self Defense

2012-02-02T10:06:00.000-06:00

After nearly 3 months of carrying this book around with me every day, I've finally finished it.

I'm not about to review it, critic it, or even recommend it. I honestly don't know the first thing about what makes great literature, but I can say that this was the first book I've read by a friend.

Tim is not a good friend of mine, but through happenstance we've spent some unusual time together, and I know him better than I know some of my favourite facebook friends.

Because of that, when I initially started this book, I made the rookie mistake of drawing parallels to real life. At the beginning of the book there is a scene at a kid's football game that made me question everything, wondering which characters were derived from which friends or family, and the obvious connection of the bar in the book to Rainbo, but after about one hundred pages I let go of all my suspicions and just enjoyed the complex story.

I really did enjoy it, but fuuuuuuck; it is not for the sensitive YouTube Kitten watchers like myself. Tim's vivid imagery and amazing detail really made for some uncomfortable moments, and I must admit, I skipped an entire part of the book because I'm a total baby and didn't want to read more about certain characters.

Another thing about the author: He's really good at singing karaoke.

Thaw

2012-01-17T13:53:00.000-06:00

Sunday night I managed to make it out to Schuba's for about an hour to see one of my favourite people in the whole world: Fred Thomas. Part of the Tomorrow Never Knows festival, Fred played as his now solo band (I miss you Ryan!) City Center, which I have been fortunate enough to play with in Detroit, New York, and Chicago.

I wish I recorded his first song Cookies, but I caught the last few.

Here is maybe my second favourite.

Record Highs

2012-01-06T23:11:00.000-06:00

I took this photo today while I was out for a jog - that's right a jog. I did outside exercise on January 6th in Chicago, IL.

I believe we hit a high of 57 degrees. I witnessed with my own eyes people in tank tops and flip flops. While it wasn't actually THAT warm, it was euphoria inducingly beautiful out as well.

But was it that atypical for January here in the midwest?

According to my research (wikipedia) "The temperature in January averages about 29°F (-2°C) in the afternoon, and 14°F (-10°C) at night. Temperatures can be expected to drop below 0°F (-18°C) on about 15 nonconsecutive days throughout the winter season. On many occasions temperatures can go above 50* for a daytime high, and, although not frequent, temperatures in winter can surpass 50°F (10°C)."

And through google I learned that on this exact day in 2008 it reached 60°F!! That's a few months before I moved here, so I can neither confirm or deny this, but I can honestly say that today was a welcome reprieve, even if it has been a pretty mild winter so far.

Happy New Year!

2011-12-31T21:11:00.000-06:00

It's my favourite time of year again - RESOLUTION TIME!!!

You may recall last year's resolution and how it came true. This year I've got 2.

1. Save $200 a month towards my retirement. Once I have enough (I'm not sure how much that actually is) I'm going to invest it in a mutual fund. See below some sound, drunk financial advice given to me on a napkin.

2. Run 5 miles - like a normal jogging type person. This was not my idea.

Because I was forced into this, I've forced Nathan into a resolution as well:

by 2013 he must be able to touch his toes!

He's got a long way to go.

Genuine Class

2011-12-22T23:42:00.000-06:00

And the finale in my quest to shed the label of philistine - The Ballet!

Fancy Pants

Cheap Seats

The Auditorium Theater

my beautiful date Julie

moments before I turned my phone off - unlike the jerk sitting in front of us

I did not take this photo (thanks google images)

It was absolutely beautiful.
I plan on attending so many more ballets in 2012!

Staying Classy

2011-11-06T20:04:00.001-06:00

This past weekend I was in Minneapolis visiting my boyfriend, but this time there was more on the itinerary than watching The Simpsons and eating at Seward Cafe.

For months I had my calendar marked - November 4th Sibelius.

Before meeting Nathan I had never heard of Finnish super genius/total romantic/alcoholic composer Jean Sibelius.
Also before meeting him I used to pluralize "anyway" every time I said it.
I'm a better person in so many ways for meeting this man.

such a babe

my second favourite pose

gross

seriously amazing seats

turns out I like harps and am not a huge fan of xylophones

I can't pretend to understand this music anymore than I can pretend I know anything about rap, so I'll spare the half ass attempt to describe what it was like or what was good or bad about it. It was just beautiful, absolutely beautiful.

So far in 2011 I have gone to the opera for free and seen the a Symphony Orchestra for $15. There are barely 2 months left in the year - can I squeeze in a ballet to round it all out?

If anyway can score me seats to the Joffrey let me know!

I Don't Love You

2011-11-02T18:46:00.000-05:00

Warning: This blog post is not about a local Chicago all friend garage rock band.

I rarely use this blog to talk about anything personal, especially when it doesn't pertain to music, but as I was laying in Savasana today in yoga I couldn't stop thinking about Kim Kardashian, and it was pissing me off. I'm supposed to be relaxed in Corpse Pose; it's my absolute favourite part of class, but there I was thinking about how stupid the world is.

1) Why is her divorce news in the first place?

2) Why do I even care?

Asides from the obvious disgust about the astronomical amount of money spent on the wedding (Estimated at 10 million. Just to put that in perspective, that sum could have built 200 schools in poor countries around the world for kids who desperately want an education Nicholas D. Kristof) I am more disgusted by the state of the word love.

Last night I read Ms. Kardashian's public apology to fans (fans of what?) about her separation after a lousy 72 days. In the cliche packed, totally soulless, rantings of a woman, who is probably a functioning illiterate, I read, "I love with all of my heart and soul" and " I believed in love and the dream of what I wanted so badly".

How can you possibly love someone with all your heart and soul and then dump them less than 3 months later? And it's not just her. I can attest to using this word incorrectly on a number of occasions, but I have made an effort to never let that happen again. Saying I love you is too easy these days.

I love you is, and should be, the ultimate. There can't be I love you lots, or I love you more. It has also become a lazy way of expressing how you feel. I have been in a relationship for over a year now and have not said I love you once. I've said things like, "I love your face" because I definitely do. It's a great face, and I also love looking at it, but I have not uttered those 3 words to him. There is a simple explanation. I don't love him. He doesn't love me. It's fine.

In the past I would have (and always did) jump the gun on that phrase. In my ignorant youth I may have said it within weeks of starting a new relationship. Confusing love and lust is easy and forgivable when you're 19. I even confused it at 23 when I got married (possibly a less forgivable mistake). But Kim Kardashian, at 31 (according to her wikipedia - I think she looks much older) should have learned by now. Yet from reading her apology note to the internet (the internet being the most saddened by the news of the divorce) I can't help but feel like she hasn't learned a thing. She'll be dating some other dude within a month and telling him she loves him too...with all her heart and soul.

Change of Season

2011-10-27T13:15:00.000-05:00

The last time I was dumped I was 19. My skater boyfriend totally broke up with me at a party while we were wasted, and I freaked out. Some how I punched my best friend in the face before being thrown into a car against my will and driven home because I was a sobbing/screaming/punching mess. Last night I was dumped by what felt like 4 boyfriends all at once.

For anyone who had asked me in the past few months how things with Summer Girlfriends was going inevitably got an earful about how much I had a hated being around a bunch of ~~passive aggressive vaginas~~ normal girls all the time (Caitlin excluded). That being said, I did love playing music with them and eating pizza every week. I always thought we were having fun. If I learned anything from this experience it is that I shouldn't be in an all girl band, and that I should actually learn how to play a guitar.

I assure you, this is NOT the last band I will be kicked out of :)

Bad Dreams

2011-10-11T09:49:00.000-05:00

WE HAVE A SONG!!!! LISTEN HERE!

progress: 9 months later

2011-10-06T10:10:00.003-05:00

Back in January I posted THIS - look how far I've come!

(This picture is misleading; I still totally suck)

Wavves

2011-09-30T19:59:00.000-05:00

Yesterday when I was jogging home from my huge 2-lap run around Palmer Square I RAN into my friend Jacob from California. Turns out he's the drummer for Wavves these days - clearly I have not been facebook stalking Jacob enough.

Anyway, I couldn't pass up a chance to see him play, so even though I had very important plans of sitting in sweatpants watching Breaking Bad on Netflix all night, I went to the show.

I want to hate Wavves: It's moronic (Nathan's favourite word), that kid acts like a little bitch, and he looks like an ex-boyfriend of mine circa 2001. Yet, it was a great show and it was super fun. Damn!

Falkor put it best this morning as we reflected on our fun had at the show, "Wavves is this generations Blink 182." It's true. It's totally true.

best photo I could take of Jacob with my iPhone

This video rules - One day I hope fans make awesome Home Improvement videos of Summer Girlfriends' songs.

Nones

2011-09-22T09:54:00.001-05:00

Last week I went to the Empty Bottle (shocking) to see The Vivian Girls (also shocking). We managed to get there early enough though to see the local openers Nones. I had never heard of them before, but recognized Sara Jean drumming so I knew they were a Chicago band. Even though they had my least favourite instrument, the fucking horrible saxophone, they totally ruled, and I cannot wait to see them again...maybe even play a show together?

Nones

Penis/Saxophone

The Coathangers

2011-09-10T10:48:00.003-05:00

I can't stop watching/listening!
The Coathangers - Trailer Park Boneyard (OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO HD) from Studio 8 on Vimeo.

Inspiration

2011-09-07T09:43:00.002-05:00

Summer Girlfriends havebeen asked to do a MUSIC VIDEO!!!! In the meantime totally checkout this video for Wild Flag. It rules and if we had the budget we would totally have a video where we run around causing good-natured mayhem!

Wild Flag - Romance from Merge Records on Vimeo.

Coffin Pricks

2011-08-31T09:24:00.002-05:00

Yet another amazing Chicago super group - I bought their shirt, it's fucking awesome.
Stay tuned for photos of it..it's currently in the laundry.

Coffin Pricks - Quencher's 8/19/2011 from Elisse LaRoche on Vimeo.

Our Brother The Native

2011-08-26T18:17:00.004-05:00

When I saw on facebook that Josh Bertram was looking for blogs to help promote the remix of his song Rhythm Hymns I ⌘t'd a new tab so fast and listened to the song. YOUR TURN!

I also totally recommend just going over to their soundcloud
this song kinda rules. "Behold" Live on WCBN by Our Brother The Native

Love of Everything

2011-08-23T10:04:00.007-05:00

Last night the unthinkable happened - Summer Girlfriends played with Love of Everything at The Empty Bottle. It was definitely a monumental moment for both Bobby and I, and I'm happy to report that it was SO MUCH FUN!!!!

Chris Hansen as Paletazo started the night. I always love hearing those songs. Then some strangers played some music that had horns (sorry dudes, I ran outside to talk on the phone during your set). Then it was our turn. I've played the Bottle before, plus I practically live there, so I thought it was totally no big deal. But once I was up on that stage (the highest stage we've played so far as Summer Girlfriends) looking out at near 300 people, yeah I was a little scared.

But we totally killed it!
(Photo by Kristin Aardsma)

The new Love of Everything songs are amazing, but what was most surprising was that on the old songs I used to play, Matt plays the exact same beat. I found myself with a permanent shit-eating-grin air drumming along to I love all you guys.
Go buy Bobby's new 7" here: BUY IT!!!

Tim Kinsella

2011-08-20T16:07:00.008-05:00

I took this photo!

I feel weird making a blog post title with someone's name - rarely do I use this public forum for anything more than a place to show what bands I've seen and where, but I've been following Tim's blog lately and felt the need to share it with the 10 people who look at this thing.

His latest post is actually by guest writer/life-long friend Sam Zurick - and I highly recommend you make the attempt to read it in its entirety. Read it here.

When I first moved to Chicago I had never heard the name Tim Kinsella before. He is one of my ex's best friends and I consider myself lucky that I got to know him so well over the past 3 years. I'll never forget the first time we met. Bobby brought me to Rainbo to have a beer and introduce me to him. This was right after Tim's wife had left him, and he was still in a pretty dark place, but he was trying to do his best to not lay all his shit out in front of a stranger (sidenote: one of my favourite things about Tim is his unabashed earnestness). He did his best to include me into the conversation, and asked me what my favourite band was. A harmless get-to-know-you type question. He even prefaced it by saying, "I'm really into Wire again, I think they might be my favourite." Without hesitation I answered, "NOFX." To which Tim stared blankly at me, turned back to Bobby and continued his conversation.

This one too

Luckily, Tim gave me another chance and I've always felt like we've gotten along well. I've become a fan of his music, his entire family, and his ideas for restaurants that you lay down in and that have separate crying rooms.
Last year Tim wrote a book, which isn't out yet, but you can pre-order it here and I am anxiously awaiting my copies arrival.

USA! USA!

2011-08-17T17:05:00.002-05:00

I'm allowed to stay!

Vancouver

2011-08-09T20:55:00.002-05:00

I'm back in my home and native land for the week and instead of facebooking the 1000 photos I take I decided to finally get instagram - it feels more appropriate to upload a photo every 10 seconds on there than on facebook or twitter. So, if you want to keep up with all the things Canadian I love follow me: summerelisse

vocabulary

2011-08-07T23:16:00.001-05:00

It took 3 months, exactly, but I have finally finished Infinite Jest. Here are a list of words I had to look up while reading the book.

Ablutions - a cleansing with water or other liquid, especially as a religious ritual
Actaeon - A hunter who, for having seen Diana bathing, was changed by her into a stag and was torn to pieces by his own hounds
Aether - Ancient Greek personification of the clear upper air of the sky
Aleatory - Of or pertaining to accidental causes; of luck or chance
Anachronism - Something or someone that is not in its correct historical or chronological time
Anathema - A person or thing detested or loathed
Apercu - A hasty glance
Coalesce - To grow together
Crepuscular - Of, pertaining to, or resembling twilight; dim; indistinct
Cyanosis - Blueness or lividness of the skin, as from imperfectly oxygenated blood
Demimonde - A class of women who have lost their standing in respectable society because of indiscreet behaviour or sexual promiscuity
Dilettante - A person who takes up an art, activity, of subject merely for amusement
Dipsomania - An irresistible, typically periodic craving for an alcoholic drink
Dysautonomia - A rare inherited disorder of the autonomic nervous system
Epaulet - An ornamental shoulder piece worn on uniforms, chiefly by military officers
Ephebe - A young man, especially an ephebus
Fantod - A state of extreme nervousness or restlessness; the willies; fidgets
Fugue - Music. A polyphonic compresion based upon one, two, or more themes, which are enunciated by several voices or parts in turn, subjected to contrapuntal treatment, and gradually built up into a complex form having somewhat distinct divisions or stages of development and a marked climax at the end (what the fuck!?)
Ineluctable - Incapable of being evaded; inescapable
Imprecate - To invoke or call down (evil or curses), as upon a person
Leonine - Resembling or suggestive of a lion
Matriculate - To enroll in a college or university as a candidate for a degree
Mottle - To mark or diversify with spots or blotches of a different colour or shade
Nacre - Mother of Pearl
Nadir - The point on the celestial sphere directly beneath a given position or observer and diametrically opposite the zenith
Neuralgia - Sharp and paroxysmal pain along the course of a nerve
Obfuscate - To confuse, bewilder, or stupefy
Oculist - Optometrist
Ommatophore - A tentacle or movable stalk bearing an eye, as in certain snails
Osseous - Composed of, containing, or resembling bone
Parodic - Having or of the nature of a parody (d'uh)
Picayune - Of little value or account; small; trifling
Piebald - Having patches of black and white or of other colours
Puerile - Juvenile
Quincunx - An arrangement of five objects, as trees, in a square or rectangle, one at each corner and one in the middle
Sinistral - Of pertaining to, or on the left side
Sobriquet - A nickname
Solipsism - The theory that only the self exists, or can be proved to exist
Sulcus - A furrow or groove
Teratoid - Resembling a monster
Thanatophobia - An abnormal fear of death
Trochee - A foot of two syllables, a long followed by a short in quantitative meter, or a stressed followed by an unstressed in accentual meter
Wraith - An apparition of a living person supposed to portend his or her death

Swimsuit

2011-07-31T23:23:00.003-05:00

On repeat

BUY THIS RECORD

Summer Girlfriends

2011-07-28T13:22:00.001-05:00

At the beginning of July a strange email popped up in Canadian Girlfriends' inbox. It was from another Chicago band called My Canadian Girlfriend. We were aware that they existed, but from looking at their website (which I am definitely not about to link to) we thought it was a pretty safe bet that there would be no problem with similar names. Of course, when you assume you make an ass out of you and me. We were politely asked to change our name because they felt "people are likely to be confused by our respective names." However, we felt there would be no confusion and replied that we were not going to change it.

Fast forward a week and we get another awesome email in our inbox - a cease and desist from their lawyer! We discussed it democratically and decided that fighting these douche canoes was not worth our time or money. The full report can be found here So now I present to you Summer Girlfriends go like us!!!

Case Studies

2011-07-27T23:04:00.000-05:00

YES! This is wonderful news!

Case Studies: Daggers from Case Studies on Vimeo.

The Runnies

2011-07-24T23:48:00.006-05:00

Friday night we (we being Nikita, Caitlin, Sara, Nicole, and I) played a show at Crown Liquors. It was our last show as Canadian Girlfriends...but I'll touch on that another time.

This blog post is only to highlight how amazing 2 things are

1) Nathan's and my awesome knuckle tattoos

2) Mary's voice

FOUR LOKO - PERL JAMM

I absolutely LOVE Outer Minds so when The Runnies agreed to play with us I was totally stoked. Listen to these bands, trust me, soon you'll want Mary singing you lullabies every night before you fall asleep.

Pitchfork 2011

2011-07-17T23:34:00.004-05:00

This photo accurately describes how I felt about Pitchfork this year.

Thanks Stephanie Bassos all your photos were amazing.

Print Media

2011-07-08T11:39:00.004-05:00

Last weekend a friend of mine, who works at The Reader, asked me to take some photos of my weekend and do a little write up. Like a blog post for the paper. That used to have a name right? An Article?
Well here it is!!
Make sure to read the comments section - somehow my innocuous little musings have created an uproar. Awesome!

Bittersweet

2011-07-01T18:12:00.003-05:00

Monday night was the final Loose Dudes show - this is the only picture I've seen surface on facebook, but I know there is footage of the entire thing. I will post it as soon as it is available, so we can all relieve the fucking glory that was that night.

RIP Loose Dudes - you were my favourite band of 2010-2011

Horse Feathers

2011-06-28T22:31:00.002-05:00

What I found most remarkable is how utterly silent everyone gets. A rare opportunity to see a great band with a bunch of respectful people.

Horse Feathers - 7th Street Entry 6/23/11 from Elisse LaRoche on Vimeo.

Next Wednesday June 29th - shit is going to get real

2011-06-21T20:28:00.000-05:00

@summergfs

2011-06-19T20:06:00.009-05:00

We played our first show!!!
Part of the Girls Rock Chicago Kickoff fundraiser/Party!!
It was a huge success - for us at least.
Also - I signed us up for Twitter...I'm still skeptical about it but if you want to keep up with when we're playing/what we think is adorable (re: cat photos) you should follow us
@summergfs

We didn't suck!

White Mystery totally ruled - as always

I got to see my favourite small person - Miss Mila Kinsella

hanging out with friends on the grass in a park
totally perfect

Pop Rocks

2011-06-09T13:24:00.002-05:00

Another attempt at a song by Canadian Girlfriends

Canadian Girlfriends - Pop Rocks from Elisse LaRoche on Vimeo.

What you learn from recording video of practices instead of just audio? We all do something weird that we didn't know we were doing. Rock stance?! Where did that come from!? ha!

Finite Vacation

2011-06-06T22:26:00.005-05:00

I'm taking a break from reading Infinite Jest. I've crossed the half way point and while it has become much easier to read, exciting even, as the story falls towards its denouement, I needed a reprieve. So today I picked up Patti Smith's autobiography Just Kids from the library. Where I get all my books, because they're free!

Two hours later I was half way through the book - I see myself finishing it tonight, or perhaps tomorrow if I fall asleep...reading in bed is always hazardous.

Marge and I both totally love it. It is an excellent and fucking easy (especially after trying to digest David Foster Wallace) read.

ASS EVERYWHERE

2011-06-06T01:43:00.004-05:00

The last time Big Freedia was in Chicago she played New Years Eve. It was probably 32 degrees that night and at least 300 people were at the show dressed in gold lamé booty shorts, the other 100 were in all glitter. You know what was surprising - on a 75 degree day in June I saw only 4 people in inappropriately small clothing. Interesting.

This was the most genuine fun I've had at the Bottle...ever?
It was impossible not to shake your ass and grin from ear to ear.

the professional ass shakers

Azz Everywhere
Seriously, if you get a chance to see Big Freedia - go. You will have fun.

This is just because I love to see some ass bouncing. I do not in anyway condone Mr. Ghetto or shopping at Walmart.

Best Show of 2011...Thus Far

2011-05-31T11:44:00.000-05:00

Sunday night at the Empty Bottle totally ruled.
It was amazing for several reasons.
#1 - I had an ice cream sundae before the show
#2 - It was like 80 degrees outside even at midnight
#3 - every band totally exceeded my expectations
#4 - so many hugs

Head of Skulls
Who are always awesome - were extra awesome because they covered Silly Girl
I need more Descendents covers in my life

I will never tire of Hansen saying "this next song is by Head of Skulls"
It's funny, every fucking time

This was my first time seeing Football - I was hoping for some glitter but instead I got like 15 minutes of furious punk rock. This band is comprised of 4 of the nicest dudes I know, when I heard they were in a band together I thought it was a joke, it seemed too perfect.

Football - Empty Bottle 5/29/11 from Elisse LaRoche on Vimeo.

I love you iPhone

The Marked Men fucking killed it
I knew I liked them but I didn't realize how many of their songs I totally loved

They also had an honest encore.
All songs played, left the stage, no plans of playing more and being brought back up, totally exhausted and covered in sweat, for 2 more songs after what seemed like 100 songs already
It was a wonderful night

This is pretty much what it was like

Ball Hall

2011-05-29T16:19:00.006-05:00

Last night many friends (well only 2 actually) were in town from Michigan. City Center
Secret Twin and Swimsuit played alongside new Chicago friends Distractions and some dude from Lawrence, Yoda's Voice at Ball Hall. Unfortunately, Saturday nights are never good for me and I was out before I got to see Secret Twin or Swimsuit play. Such a bummer - I will definitely make a trip to Ypsilanti or Ann Arbor or Detroit to see them all play together again soon.

Maybe they'll all be back in Chicago again - there is no way of knowing.

Kedzie & North

by the process of elimination: Yoda's Voice
They surprisingly ruled

City Center sans Ryan is still amazing
50% less hugs though

with this filter the stairs look super creepy

One day when I make a record I will give it to Fred.
Thanks dude - it was so wonderful to see you, as always.

Pizza Farm

2011-05-19T12:40:00.006-05:00

I went to a farm - a pizza farm.

progress - re: Infinite Jest

2011-05-11T14:23:00.000-05:00

Page 157!

Disappears

2011-05-07T17:54:00.005-05:00

If I could go a whole week with only writing about Ponys' side projects I would be a very happy blogger, but unfortunately I missed Tyler Jon Tyler on Thursday. Anyway, last night Disappears played the Empty Bottle and it was my birthday!!! Needless to say, there were a lot of hugs.

In the traditional Chicago vein of Super Groups (a term I throw around near daily) this band has some awesome talent. For example, Steve Shelley of Sonic Youth. This was actually my first time seeing Disappears with Steve Shelley drumming (is it weird that I feel uncomfortable referring to him as just Steve..like calling Bill Murray just Bill. Wrong) and I can honestly say I missed Graham. Weird! However, my opinion of music should never been trusted.

Last night for the last songs Disappears featured fashionable members of White/Light. Matt played a lap steel, which ruled & Jeremy played a moisturizer? I had never seen nor heard one before last night and I can tell you I was pleasantly surprised.

Disappears&White/Light - ultimate super group.

Bare Mutants

2011-05-03T20:48:00.001-05:00

What happens one drunken night when a brilliant musician asks the people around him to be in a band together? Fucking magic - that's what.

Bare Mutants - Empty Bottle 5/2/11 from Elisse LaRoche on Vimeo.

Infinite Jest

2011-05-02T13:58:00.001-05:00

I'm on page 3 - 979 more to go

Dick Juice

2011-04-26T18:42:00.006-05:00

What a horribly disgusting title for a blog post.
However, Dick Juice was possibly the best part of the night.

Anyway, I was up in Minneapolis last weekend, Vivian Girls and Black Lips were also in Minneapolis - which means I have now seen the Black Lips 5 times and in 5 different cities. WEIRD!

The show was , dare I say, kinda boring. Black Lips are high up the list of best dudes to see live/hang out with, but the Minneapolis crowd (especially compared to the mayhem in Chicago the night before ) was overly reserved. Regardless, my favourite part of the night was after the show, sitting downstairs with Jared, Katie and Nathan talking about Dick Juice, E a B of Ds, and Pop a Show'.

Oh and there was a girl dressed like a bear who's friends with GZA?
That was kinda rad too.

Vivian Girls

Black Lips

Summer Girlfriends

2011-04-18T13:30:00.004-05:00

Embarrassingly adorbale. Like us on Facebook.

Canadian Girlfriends - Surf Song from Elisse LaRoche on Vimeo.

Maps & Atlases

2011-04-07T11:31:00.006-05:00

I've mentioned before how much I love seeing Chicago bands in other cities - one major reason for that is, especially in less popular cities like Minneapolis, there's always room on the guestlist. Maps & Atlases are way too cool for me to see them in Chicago, so it was rather fortuitous that we both happened to be in Minnesota at the same time.

The show started at like 7pm - the sun was still fully up by the time the first band had finished playing. So weird. Also weird, seeing parents in attendance with their kids. It was a true all ages show. Finally, the weirdest of all, witnessing creepy dudes in their late 40s (or maybe late 30s - they could have aged terribly for all I know) hitting on 17 year olds. One in particular, standing in front of Nathan and I, was relentless.

Maps & Atlases totally ruled - and it was great seeing Shiraz outside of Facebook.

killing it

Mac & Cheese Pizza - Black Bean and Guacamole Pizza

Polite Bites

Inhale

YES

2011-03-21T19:01:00.000-05:00

Pi Day + Ty Segall

2011-03-15T01:47:00.005-05:00

Today was my favourite day of the year - Pi Day. The day we take time out of our busy lives to recognize everyone's favourite irrational number. I honestly celebrate this holiday, along side Robert Burns Day and Mole Day (celebrating Avogadro's number). I am a huge nerd for esoteric holidays.

We had pizza pie, pecan pie and pumpkin pie while we watched Dirty Dancing. It was a dream come true. I'd go as far as saying it topped Pi Day 2 years ago where I drank mimosas and played wii with Cut Off Your Hands on a sunny 65 degree day. That year I baked apple pie, bought a cherry pie and Maria made the best key lime pie I've ever had.

Marge loves Papa John's

Tonight I learned a very important lesson - don't eat as much as humanly possible then go see Ty Segall and try to dance.

True

totally weird night

2011-03-11T12:05:00.005-06:00

Last night started out perfectly comfortable - reminiscent of last spring for sure. But then around midnight (maybe closer to 1) shit got weird. I was over at my friends' house, my responsible adult friends who own their home and can afford cable, and we turned on the tv to discover shocking footage of Japan moments after it was devastated by a record breaking earthquake.

I immediately got on facebook to see if everyone I knew in Tokyo was ok and it seemed that the city wasn't affected too much. However, the non-stop coverage of MSNBC showed live (or near live) helicopter footage of the tsunami wave plowing over Sendai. We watched in absolute horror as unsuspecting cars drove towards the rushing water and others scrambled to out run it. It was brutal.

The fun of an all ages Marnie Stern show and the fashionable people watching of goth Brits Esben and the Witch seem so trivial now; however, at the time, it was really awesome. So here are some photos of my night.

Esben and the Witch at the Empty Bottle

Marnie Stern fucking slaying while still being totally adorbale
at Subterranean

an unexpected turn for then night: watching one teenager put Marnie Stern's guitar pick in the butt of another teenager
Their faces are priceless

vain attempts to crowd surf during the last song - love that all ages spirit!

CIty Center

2011-03-10T17:04:00.004-06:00

I've been lucky enough to play a couple shows with City Center during my short lived flirtation with music - but asides from totally loving this band I fucking love these dudes. This music video is making me long for summer so much it hurts.

CITY CENTER "COOKIES" from Peter J Brant on Vimeo.

Bunnies

2011-03-09T20:27:00.004-06:00

I think drawing bunnies on the pictures in the sports section is the most hilarious thing on earth

these two are part of a collaboration by Nathan and Myself

Spring Cleaning

2011-03-02T14:00:00.005-06:00

Everything's different.
I've always hated the layout of this blog, especially the black background but I was too lazy to change it. Someone hated the name of the blog - so that's gone too.
Welcome to my field notes: I promise they will be as equally mundane as my documentation of the scene.
ps-Joe I stole the top photo off your flickr. Thanks!

Turf Club

2011-02-24T12:31:00.004-06:00

One of my favourite things about being out of town is seeing friends from Chicago in an unfamiliar setting. Last night Call Me Lightning played the Turf Club - somewhere that I definitely wanted to go ever since Lady Gaga was spotted hanging out in the photobooth. (This is only kind of a joke - I love Lady Gaga.) Unfortunately the show started late and my very responsible, very good looking date had to be up early the next day so we couldn't stay to see Call Me Lightning play - I've seen it before and I can assure you they are awesome. However, we did catch the first band and they had 2 of the best cat shirts I've seen in some time.

The Low Forms

un-photogenic

Nathan

polite beer

Lohengrin

2011-02-17T01:44:00.015-06:00

Last night was one of the few nights I was happy to be unemployed. An impromptu invite to see Wagner's Lohengrin and a girl with absolutely nothing to do is a perfect match.
It was my first time going to the opera and I was fucking stoked (I understand that using language such as 'fucking stoked' makes it seem like I am a moron and I'm ok with that).
I threw on a ton of make up, attempted to do my hair, put on a dress and was ready to pretend to fit in with rich people.

Here is my night in photos: what the photos don't show is my horror to learn that rich jerks are just as rude as poor ones. Especially during the first act - people around us, people in the really really good section, were on their phones, snoring away, and kicking the backs of chairs. Really people? Am I really classier than you?!
I felt like I was channeling the old rich lady from The Simpson's, "Well, I never!"

Closing thoughts: opera is fucking awesome.
From now on I am going to dramatically sing all of my conversations.

kicking ass + taking names

2011-02-08T22:43:00.003-06:00

Seriously - we need a name. Suggestions?

2/5th of us

Documenting the Snow

2011-02-02T11:48:00.011-06:00

The past few months I have lived through more snow than I have in my combined 26 years

Chicago

^
I shoveled that

Minneapolis

2011-01-23T13:40:00.006-06:00

Before I moved to Chicago I made a promise to myself that every winter I would get the fuck out of the city for a warm, tropical vacation. So here I am, Late January - the peak of awfulness in winter - freezing my ass off in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Not exactly what I had in mind, in fact it's far colder here than in Chicago, but I'm loving it none the less.

On a bitterly cold Friday night I was forced to leave the warm radiator, I've been clinging to for a week now, to go to 7th Street Entry. Shockingly/Embarrassingly this was my first time here - I've been to First Ave before to see friends but up until now I haven't spent any significant time in Minneapolis. It was a pretty rad show, we missed the first few bands (Sorry we were late Nichole) but the highlight for me was really Gay Beast - they're going to be in Europe at the end of January till mid February and I totally recommend, to the maybe 3 European people who read this blog, to go see them. Shows are on their myspace.

I especially enjoyed that a mosh pit broke out.
We creeped over to First Ave for a second just because we could and accidentally saw Brother Ali preform, which sparked an ever so important conversation about rap music. The conclusion of which was discussed over pizza.

Gigantic pizza.
Conclusion: Aesop Rock is great.

progress

2011-01-20T14:16:00.003-06:00

I mentioned before, I take resolutions seriously, especially New Years Resolutions. So, it's more than half way through January and I feel pretty good about a G chord. By this time next year I assume I'll be on 3 months US tour, by this time next week let's just hope I haven't given up entirely....

Documenting the Bottle

2011-01-12T21:54:00.005-06:00

I wish he could've lived with us forever. He could have been an international attraction! There would be Japanese tourists queuing up to pose with him and flash peace signs.
-Christen Thomas

everything I love about music

2011-01-02T13:16:00.004-06:00

01001000011000010111000001110000011110010010000001001

11001100101011101110010000001011001011001010110000101

11001000100001
(HAPPY NEW YEAR!)

Yesterday was 010111 ok! - Anyway, last night my favourite Chicago super group Hot Machines played at the Empty Bottle with my favourite rabbit inspired punk band NO BUNNY. It was the perfect way to kick off 2011 and I'm so glad I went.

Hot Machines
So jealous of Alex White for many reasons - one she fucking commands a stage like no other, two she totally shreds and three has the raddest voice. Obviously, I am also totally jealous of her hair.

NO BUNNY
before

NO BUNNY
after

If I could make a checklist of everything I want out of a great punk show it would be like this:
clothes coming off
little bit of blood or vomit, I'm not picky
beer everywhere
a moshpit or at the very least some kind of dancing
great short songs

Thanks NO BUNNY - I think I can check all of those off my list!

My biggest regret of last night was not buying an album from the merch table - Oh the woes of being poor. I'm saving up my pennies and buying it from Reckless in the future. It doesn't have the same appeal to me as buying it straight from the source but still worth not just stealing from the internet for sure.

It's rare that people who attend the Empty Bottle are stoked for a show or will show their excitement in any physical manifestation - but last night the whole floor was bouncing and most everyone was dancing. I loved every second of it.
Thanks Kristin for always being my dance partner :)

Resolutions

2010-12-30T16:52:00.006-06:00

I love New Years resolutions - I take that shit seriously. One year I resolved to floss 5 times more than usual, another year I resolved to save every single receipt and be more financially aware, in 2009 I resolved to start this blog and in 2010 I resolved to read a book a month.

Now that 2010 is so fucking over I have exceeded my goal and hope to continue on this trend. I totally forgot how much I love books and how great reading can be. So here is a list of the best books that I read this year - inspired by my friend Dee's list at The Paper Crane.

TOP 10 BOOKS I read in 2010
Not in any kind of heirarchical order:

Cloud Atlas - David Mitchell
100 Years or Solitude - Gabriel García Márquez
Geek Love - Kathrine Dunn
Tokyo Vice - Jake Adelstein
Perfume - Patrick Süskind
Hard Boiled Wonderland and the End Of The World - Haruki Murakami
Kafka on The Shore - Haruki Murakami
Musicophilia - Oliver Sacks
Denialism - Michael Specter
Shoot The Buffalo - Matt Briggs
sidenote: the 2 worst books I read - Girl With The Dragon Tattoo & Everything is Illuminated. Fuck those books...seriously.

For 2011 I resolve to be in a band again, I think I'm going to try to learn the guitar. Wish me luck!

Top 10's of 2010

2010-12-28T21:34:00.012-06:00

The past 12 months have been weird and I can honestly say I didn't pay attention to music as much as years past. So this is a pretty shitty list - then again when has my opinion ever mattered. So here it is, the moment I'm sure you've all been waiting for, my Top 10's of 2010.

TOP 10 of '10 ALBUMS

In alphabetical order:
Beach House - Teen Dream
Best Coast - Crazy For You
Disappears - Lux
Harlem - Hippies
Sleigh Bells - Treats
Strange Boys - Be Brave
Tallest Man On Earth - The Wild Hunt
The Oh Sees - Warm Slime
Tyler Jon Tyler - Tyler Jon Tyler

*well I guess that's only 9 - I bet if I listened to the new Deerhunter album it would have made the cut. Sorry Bradford.

Top 10 of '10 MOVIES
In totally random order:
Black Swan*
Inception
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows pt 1
Scott Pilgrim vs the World
Hot Tub Time Machine
Splice
The Other Guys
Kick Ass
Due Date
Piranha 3D**

*so I haven't actually seen Black Swan yet, but I assure you I will love it
**I also haven't seen Piranha 3D yet...same deal.

TOP 16 of '10 CONCERTS

In chronological order:
Slick Conditions @ The Bottle for the JOA Variety Show*
Hollows @ The Hideout
Japandriods @ SXSW
Le Loup @ SXSW
Black Lips @ Logan Square Auditorium (close second: seeing them in Tokyo)
Disappears @ The Bottle
Gogol Bordello @ Congress Theater
Harlem @ The Bottle
The Tallest Man on Earth @ Lincoln Hall
The Dutchess & The Duke @ The Bottle**
This Town Needs Guns @ Beat Kitchen
Hole @ The Vic
Cap 'n Jazz @ The Bottom Lounge
Loose Dudes @ The Bottle
Strange Boys @ The Bottle
Tyler Jon Tyler @ The Bottle

*The amazing fake performance by Elliot, Kurt and Doug was phenomenal
**Definitely the best show of the entire year and maybe for years to come R.I.P dudes.

I can honestly say I'm looking forward to 2011

serious life update

2010-12-28T20:38:00.004-06:00

Well it's been almost 4 months since my last update and there is definitely a reason for my absence (and a reason for the poorly photoshopped banner photo) - Bobby and I have split up.

I felt like there was no point in continuing with the blog but since this blog was never intended to be a band blog (I am definitely no longer in the band) I realized that over the past couple years this blog has served more as a journal and was only ever updated by me. So I'm back!

Get stoked - the next update will be my highly anticipated Top 10's of 2010!

xoxo

JEFF and the brotherhood

2010-09-03T16:35:00.002-05:00

Back in June Bobby went to see JEFF and the brotherhood and told me it was amazing. He wasn't alone, everyone who was at that show told me it fucking ruled, so when it was announced that they would be back September 2nd I was stoked.

After experiencing it first hand I can honestly say that it was pretty damn near perfect. These dudes have it figured out for sure. Nashville is officially not useless.

Also, Wizzard Sleeve from Alabama played but I missed it due to getting caught in a torrential downpour. Bobby said they were 'a little gothy but still punk' - so I guess that's good.

Starting September Off Right

2010-09-02T10:50:00.005-05:00

Last night was the Loose Dudes record release show at The Empty Bottle
as I write this I am still covered in beer and champagne.

I believe this photo accurately shows how awesome it was

this will be on repeat for the next month

Guten Tag

2010-08-15T13:08:00.009-05:00

I can't begin to tell you how unbelievably happy I was to see Conrad again - and better yet get to see him preform again.

This band is mOck from Germany and it was such a pleasure to have them in Chicago and to have Rapid Cities from NJ also here hanging out.

We had a near perfect day of Breakfast at Flying Saucer

Shaun and Bobby

then a stroll through Humboldt Park and COCO - yum!
Maybe one of the best things about Chicago.

followed by running through open fire hydrants
yep - this day fucking ruled

Beat Kitchen merch table - it was a really fun night and a good show too
I can't wait until November to see Conrad in Berlin again

Good Music/Good Friends

2010-08-11T23:48:00.005-05:00

I love when those things go together - it's totally magical.

Tyler Jon Tyler

Go listen to Separate Issues and try to tell me it's not the best song ever

This was my first time seeing The Girls At Dawn but they were pretty alright

....and perhaps one of my favourite people on earth, Matt Williams, playing drums in Lover!

I'm sorry that every photo from here on in is going to be from my iPhone - it's just too easy and I really like the way they look even though it's fully cheating. Fuck.

Cap'n Jazz

2010-07-31T23:24:00.013-05:00

Back in January - at around 2am one night I did a blog post because I couldn't go to bed without sharing the totally amazing/exciting thing I had just been a part of. That night I was with a handful of people that got a surprise 4 song reunion from Chicago legends Cap'n Jazz.

I admitted back then that I was only a new Cap'n Jazz fan but it was still a totally memorable and awe inspiring experience. Now that they have officially reunited for a short summer whirlwind affair I've been trying to keep up with it.

Bobby is lucky enough to be there for ALL of it - because he's doing their merch. Also Ryan takes awesome photos and has been along for the ride thus far so I've stolen my favourite of hers :)

Ryan Kinsella
Louisville, Kentucky

Liam O'Donnell
Bottom Lounge Sunday show - everyone said Saturday was better but to me this was totally perfect
Grown men cried: for real

Elisse LaRoche
look how fucking awesome it is - lasers shooting from Davey's guitar!!!

Elisse LaRoche
I was really lucky to go with a huge Cap'n Jazz fan - thanks for coming with me Liam!
We were in the mosh pit the entire time.
Also thanks Tim for giving me that bottle of water - that place was fucking hot!
There is a photo of Liam and I after the show where we both look like we jumped into a swimming pool fully clothed.....I did not post that photo.

Bobby Burg
It rained in Brooklyn so the show got moved into a much smaller space - it was crazy!

Elisse LaRoche
The culmination
Wicker Park Fest

Jessica Hopper recently did an interview with Tim and this is my favourite part from it that kind of sums it up for me
"Playing to all these people in Philly, I asked if anyone there was at our last Philly show in December 1994—it was a show at Jon Hiltz's house. And here we are now, with Jon Hiltz doing monitors for our sold-out show, and this kid in front yells, "I was three!" So these are people who are new to us." - Tim Kinsella

Pitchfork

2010-07-29T17:45:00.008-05:00

that's a music festival right?

This weekend is really one of my favourites of the whole year - everyone in town, the weather is always awesome and people are stoked!
This year Pitchfork was way more about hanging with friends then trying to see live music.
The VIP viewing area might as well be behind the stage, you can't see anything. If you go out into the crowd it's 100 degrees with zero shade so that sucks, but there were some musical highlights for sure.

The Tallest Man on Earth: Thanks for flying all the way from Sweeden for a 30 minute set Kristian :)
Liars: I wish I saw you at the Bottom Lounge instead
Wolf Parade: The only thing worth seeing all of Saturday
Lightening Bolt: Makes me want to quit the drums forever
Surfer Blood: adorable babies making catchy songs
Major Lazer: DAGGERING!!
Sleigh Bells: I totally love this band
Pavement: singing "Stop Breathin" with Brit

Now here is a list of friends who posed for photos.

Cutest boy at Flatstock - Dan Black

reflections
Joe Mohan

Kate, Nathan and Augie

Kristin and Billiams

Brit and Beth

Bobby and Baptiste

Dayton, Ohio

2010-07-23T23:08:00.009-05:00

oops - forgot to post about our wonderful time in Dayton

After a not-so-wonderful 12 hour drive to get there we were totally happy to see some friendly familiar faces

Vox Humana
Thanks for playing with us Vic!

Justin from the really awesome blog Atlas and the Anchor
check it out he's always writing about awesome things

Andy and Kris N
"this song is about how Davey von Bohlen caused my divorce" - Kris N

look how much fun Dayton is!!!

thanks Blind Bob's - it was a really good show and a totally chill night

UNREST

2010-07-12T11:50:00.019-05:00

After a super fun night in Detroit we got an early start to our epic 12 hour drive to New Jersey

"is there a Tim Horton's nearby?"- Elisse
"what the fuck is wrong with you?" - Chris Koltay

These guys were The Ropers - we showed up a bit too late and missed Bloody Amateurs :(

UNREST!!!

I learned that this lady was kidnapped once upon a time and now lives in Alaska

Mark Robinson makes some creepy eyes whilst playing

blurry friends - having so much fun they can't stay in focus!!
Wildman yelling 'TEENAGE SUICIDE' was my favourite part of the whole night

STOLEN SET LIST!!
Unrest sounded exactly like Unrest. All of the songs they played were great! If more bands sounded like them the world would be a better place. I had been wanting to see them for 14 years. They aren't really a band that puts on a wild stage show, they're stage presence is unassuming. I was really happy while they were playing. I would have rather the crowd was a bunch of wild teenagers but instead it was a bunch of people my age. Unrest will probably always be the most underrated band from the early 90's. - Bobby Burg

Maxwell's is a nice place - except for all this garbage
fuck you garbage

oh hia

Awesome wheel of destiny at Max Fish
We couldn't resist going into the city - even if was only for a few hours it was still a lot of fun

desperately needed pizza around 1am

this pizza maybe only cost $2.50 but the cab ride to get it was definitely a lot more...totally worth every fucking penny!

Ray's Pizza = Awesome times
weird shit happens inside that place and the pizza is tasty

good bye New York - thanks awesome view from our hotel in Jersey City

One of these days I really want to go to New York for like a week and not have any commitments - I've been there 3 times now and feel like I haven't seen much of it at all or experienced what people really love about it.

Detroit has a skyline too

2010-07-10T16:10:00.003-05:00

The mini Love of Everything tour kicked off in Michigan so along the way we decided to try out the Michigan sand dunes to see if they were superior to the Indiana dunes.

so far it's exactly the same

Bobby in shorts! No Way!

similar to the Indiana Dunes the Michigan Dunes had a sign as you entered the park warning: DO NOT GO INTO THE WATER
mmmm contamination
After our scientific research we decided the Indian Dunes are closer and therefore better.

We had to stop in Ann Arbor - I had heard of Zingerman's only in legend

it was super cute and everything was sooo fucking good

delicious coffee and the best ice cream I have ever had in my life!!!
for real - it was just vanilla ice cream and I wanted to cry after every bite.

Detroit!
I have never been here before - I was so excited to drive around and see what looked fucked up!

bye sunshine

there were lots of things I would like to take photos of on this street but I was afraid of
a) getting beaten up by this fat little white kid
b) being too intrusive to the neighbourhood
so here's a photo of a half burnt house

abandoned train station
Ashleigh would love this place

the place we played

Slow's!!!
I wish I was more hungry because I wanted to eat everything - so cute and totally delicious

Duo's showcase extravaganza!!
This was Feelings and they totally ruled

yay! Josh from Our Brother The Native came to hang out with us
and look he can be in a bar and drink a beer!
When Bobby first met him he was only a tiny 17 year old :)

I like your style

City Center played 13 whole minutes - hahaha
Thank god we're playing with them in August here in Chicago
Can't wait!

"My lips are like two pillows fighting over a tiny spider"
Chris Koltay

merch - only a handful of ice cream cone tshirts left

Secret Twins totally blew my mind - and I was so upset to learn they just played Chicago a couple weeks ago!!! If only I had known of their existence.

Thanks ladies for helping set this whole thing up!

Ryan, Tim and I - thanks for letting me use your drums Tim!

"You're like the hottest dude from Duran Duran and a cricket champion"
Chris Koltay talking about how good Fred looked that night

holy guitars!

"I'm going to do bong hits and talk to the band about their emotions"
Chris Koltay

Bass Face!

I LOVE CATS!
Thanks for letting us hang out with you/sleep at your house Chris
I want to come visit you and record every single thing you say.

I tried to get a photo of my totally fucked up bruised legs - but I think the lighting was wrong
But they are totally gnarly, especially my knees.

I can't wait to go back to Ann Arbor and hang out with Fred and Ryan just for fun - and Detroit was so much fun, I want to play there again soon for sure!

patriotism.

2010-07-10T02:15:00.009-05:00

July 1st is Canada Day - this is how we do

the past two weeks

2010-06-29T22:16:00.010-05:00

The night after The Dutchess and The Duke show our good friends This Town Needs Guns were in town to play The Beat Kitchen.

hanging on my front porch

being tourists

We had an amazing time playing with these dudes last year in England and I was so excited to see them play again.

It was their first time on tour in America, in fact it was most of their first time's over here period, and I was more than happy to play tour guide when they came to visit at the end of May to kick off their tour.

They came back through to finish the tour here and it was an incredible night. The show was sold out, supporting band Native fucking killed it, Stuart stage dove for the first time ever as an adult, and some kid totally nailed Elk.

I think this video really sums up the whole night. Fucking magical.

Also this month Bobby and I saw some awesome bands separately - I went to see EYEHATEGOD at the Empty Bottle which was totally face melting and surprisingly hilarious for a bunch of old junkies. Bobby went to see JEFF and the brotherhood also at the Empty Bottle and came home and said "That was the best thing I had ever seen, it was so good I had to leave" - I think he was just really hungry but still he really fucking loved it and I'm bummed I missed it. He also saw Woven Bones which totally ruled.
Last night while Bobby was seeing our friend Mirah at Linocln Hall, I was at the Empty Bottle..again...to see Head of Skulls my favourite skull related band and Sweet Cobra. It was a totally amazing night.

Also this month Bobby and I celebrated our 2 year wedding anniversary - awwwwwwwwe

Best.Show.Ever

2010-06-14T17:18:00.010-05:00

I really wish I did this blog update immediately after seeing The Dutchess and The Duke so it would have been fresh in my memory. Instead it's a week later and I'm trying to write this before I run out to see more awesome people play awesome music.

I also wish that I brought both a video camera and a regular camera to capture every moment of the fucked up debauchery that took place that night.
Instead I've stolen photos off facebook from Michelle Lighthiser and some youtube footage from Erika Samuels.

Highlights for me include:
-breaking into laughter when Kimberly and Jesse look at each other
-singing guitar sounds when Kim didn't know how to play the part
-Rich having to join the band
-Matt Holland just jumping on stage and playing the drum
-whistling
-starting a song several times because they couldn't play it and then just saying Fuck It and played it anyways
-singing on top of the bar
-Matt and I both jumping on stage and singing I Am Just a Ghost
-the coy hellos to Jeanine
-seeing a band as drunk as possible having as much fun as possible

This was by far the most amazing show I've ever seen at the Empty Bottle and will probably remain in my memory as one of the best shows I've ever seen in my life. I should note that BEST does not mean - in any way - good. It was, as Jesse put it, a totally fucked up punk show.

This photo is from the beginning of the night - you can tell because Jesse is still playing the tambourine and isn't hiding behind the amps.

the show was doomed from the start - the day that they were leaving Seattle to come to Chicago, to kick off their tour with The New Pornographers, I saw Jesse's status update on facebook saying 'see you in a month Seattle'

Then an hour later another update
'I just got 5 stitches'

minutes later another update

this time a photo of Jesse with a gigantic bandage around his finger

So with a day before the show in Chicago Oscar had to learn all the songs on guitar, Kim had to learn different parts and Jared who usually plays keyboard was now playing the drum/tambourine. Luckily Melissa still just played bass.

this is where the night really took a turn towards super awesome - about 2/3 into they announce the next song would take place 'over there' and pointed all the way across the room to the end of the bar where the piano, that no one ever touches, lives.
Being the huge nerd that I am I jumped up and joined Melissa to sing along while Jesse and Kim got up on the bar - I'm so happy there is youtube of this. It's really amazing.

Jesse up on the bar - photo taken from my shitty little phone

Watch these - they are awesome.
If you can find more from the night watch those too - every song was fucking terribly perfect.

Shame That Tune

2010-06-14T16:21:00.028-05:00

The best game show has just been invited - and on Friday I got to be the first contestant EVER!!!

photo stolen off Facebook
Abraham and Brian the sexy hosts of
Shame That Tune
A live comedy game show featuring diaries, interviews, and spontaneously-composed songs!

photo by Joe Mohan
Bobby, Matt and Joe came to cheer me on as I stood on stage and read shameful journal entries

photo by Bobby
Third place went to Dan the Fan who was selected from the live studio audience to get up and share a hilarious story about going to see Alice Cooper and having his dad come get him from a party when he failed to go home that night

photo by Bobby
Second place went to Alex White of White Mystery
She read from her tour diary from when she was 18 - my favourite part involved friend of a friend Jungle Cat

photo by me and a self timer
(not true)
WINNER!!!
Who won was determined by audience applause and it was a really tight finish but I came out on top somehow. I must find youtube footage of the Devo song about 9 year old Elisse because it was way too hilarious to describe accurately.
I won a CUPCAKE!!!
But then it turns out I also won a real prize - $40 to Laurie's Planet of Sound
Fucking AWESOME!!!

photo by Bobby whilst riding a bike
After it was over we all rode bikes to Whole Foods to eat dinner and watch the strippers show up to work at VIPs

photo by Bobby - so dangerous
On our way home!

photo by Joe Mohan stolen off Facebook which is why Matt Holland is tagged - haha
Porch hangs - I love summer and I love Chicago!!!

The Tallest Man on Earth

2010-06-08T13:14:00.002-05:00

is in not very tall at all

this is a terrible photo I took with my phone from about a week ago at Lincoln Hall. Our friend Baptiste was in town with The Tallest Man on Earth and we went to go see our friend but surprisingly saw one of the best shows of 2010 so far.
Not pictured was the opening band Nathaniel Rateliff who I fucking loved and also happened to be a bunch of the nicest people as well.

What a pleasant surprise :)

Tour Day 4

2010-05-29T22:43:00.020-05:00

Last day of tour!!!
It was only 4 days but it was totally amazing - even in Des Moines

this is how you know where you are

finally a hotel with a pool!!

chocolate chip mint ice cream from Java Joes - perfect treat for a 100 degree day

uh oh I can't remember what this band was called - but they ruled! Acoustic bass!!!!

This was the court - and consequently the area we were in was called Court

Vaudeville Mews - totally done by 9pm

friends who'd seen Bobby play forever ago came out - thanks guys

oh my god - Skittles Margarita
FINALLY someone took 2 of my favourite things and put them together

it was so hot - perfect patio weather!!!

so this happened.....just some horses roaming the streets of downtown Des Moines

a really rad bar..maybe called Lucky?
and our new freinds!!

Eric, Me and Greg - the J.R. Nelson of Iowa

this seemed like a terrible idea

2 slices of garlic butter, corn, green olive pizza

BEST PIZZA EVER!!!
oh my god and it was open till 2!!!

next morning breakfast recommendation by Greg - mmmm noodles

random hay bale on the drive home

Thanks Iowa!!

my most vivid memory of Iowa was almost dying in a tornado on the way home - it's a long and in retrospect, hilarious story of me driving, Eric worrying and Bobby sleeping.
We made it out totally unharmed :)

The whole tour was incredible - I think our very low expectations really helped. I was so surprised how rad these States I had never been to were.

Tour Day 3

2010-05-28T14:39:00.027-05:00

Lawrence, Kansas is definitely not what I was expecting - I can't wait to go back!

breakfast of champions at The Merc where we went to see Marc!

on our way to the skatepark - thanks iphone for always being able to find out where they are

Skate Park Tour - Lawrence

look at that sweaty face

record store cat!

this was actually a really amazing record store

the lady behind me was very drunk for 3pm and was also trying to pick up Bobby and Eric

even the graffiti is cute in Lawrence

driving through Kansas is surprisingly beautiful
on our way to Wichita

Skate Park Tour - Wichita
This was the best skatepark!!!!

Ashleigh McIvor where were you!?

Chime Owls at Rock Island Live!

this place totally ruled - great patio and huge open garage doors so it was almost like playing outside...only complaint - people can smoke inside.
Gross.

2/3 of Low Oriole
This band totally ruled!!!

Eric rocking some awesome white pants and our new friend Andrew

All of Low Oriole - 'Doin' yr own thAng'
this is only funny to 3 people in the whole world

show over - time to go to a super cute bar!

Bobby, Andrew and I hanging out in the back patio
Wichita is awesome!

oh hello Oliver

this dog weighs much less than Eric's cat of the same name

probably the best part of the night - at the Hyatt around 2am

Wichita was totally the best show of the whole tour - for soo many reasons. Great bands to play with, a whole load of people came out to see us and everyone was so nice. People kept trying to tip us for merch!!
You are all wonderful :)

Thanks so much Jackson - you're the whole reason this tour happened. I highly recommend other bands try to hit Wichita...even on a Sunday night with the finale of LOST on it was an amazing show!!!

Tour Day 2

2010-05-26T13:18:00.032-05:00

Turns out Omaha is pretty rad

Ryan, Shauna and the sweetest dog

vegan breakfast of champions
woulda been better if they had cream for my coffee - I don't want to put soymilk in it.
Gross!

took a field trip to the local half-abandoned mall

Only thing Eric learned in Nebraska - Ted's dad is a total dick

perfect fucking day

ok so I have to find this in Chicago - it's like a personal serving of a frozen lime margarita and it only costs $2.50 AND it tasted fucking awesome!!!

we're actually being attacked by beetle larva

RIP

I fucking love badminton - I also love pronouncing it correctly

Team Love of Everything vs Team Muffin Top & Fox

everyone needs an entomologist at their party

awesome backyard hang @ Dan's - thanks so much Omaha!!! I totally didn't want to leave.

Skate Park Tour - Omaha

couple hours later we were in Lawrence, Kansas. Home to weirdo hippie art cars
This was the hood of one of them - there were tons. They even had a parade of them.

Jamie's work!
Combining things I love - like small coffee shops and cute bars

8th coffee of the day

WHAT THE FUCK!!!
Brian totally showed up!!!
Such a rad surprise

hand made shirts only $5
deal of the century

not listed - Dactyls but all in all a really fucking amazing line up

it was no less than 1 000 000 degrees inside
luckily you could drink outside

Jabber Josh is my new favourite band

the last cat is totally the best

Will and Sam - brothers trying to look like twins!
Seriously 2 of the nicest dudes ever

Nick from Dactyls and me playing coy - I looooooved his mustache

Jamie and Bobby about 30 beers deep

Bandit Teeth - holy shit they ruled
if you ever get a chance to see them it will blow your mind
Brad had a really busy night working the bar and fully melting minds

photobooth

photoshoot

Lawrence was such a fun time - made new friends, Bobby got to hang out with old ones. We fucked up every single song and saw some really awesome bands/mustaches.

Tour Day 1

2010-05-25T20:57:00.027-05:00

After 5 days, 1580 miles and a collective 32 cups of coffee we are HOME!
It was a really fun tour so there wasn't a lot of time for sitting around and updating blogs. But slowly and surely it'll all be documented.

Daytrotter session in Davenport Iowa

Eric Beck took a bunch of rad photos on his iphone!

cutest studio

weird school mall that the studio was in - Thanks Pat, Sean and Rachel!!

Highway Tiger all packed up

I can't believe this place wasn't open

Historic Davenport

Love of Everything Skateboard Tour!!

so mature - couldn't stop giggling

the drive to Omaha - GO WIND POWER!

Bobby holding at least a litre of his own urine - awesome

such a beautiful day - had to lay in the grass

COFFEE!!!!!!!

outside Barley Street Tavern with 3/4 of Our Fox

Barley Street Tavern
I thought it was the Ronny's of Omaha

McCarthy Trenching

Our Fox - Ben's drumming changed my life

sound dude Jeremy had an epic mustache

Door guy and I having an ET moment

First thing you see when you walk into Ryan's apartment
I want one!

Sleeping in a ski chalet in Omaha - Thanks Ryan your place was so awesome!!!

Our Daytrotter experience was amazing and our show in Omaha was so much fun - so far tour is really fucking rad!!!

iphones are the new cameras

2010-05-20T12:29:00.001-05:00

On Tuesday night around 150 of the raddest people ever came out for our record release show - I totally forgot to bring a camera and even though we literally live one block away from the Bottle I never got around to going home to get it. Fortunately our friends have clever phones that do awesome things - like take rad photos.

Claire Mooney

Reba from Love Shack, Baby

Reba from Love Shack, Baby

I hope more photos surface soon - I really should have taken some pictures of friends, and the balloons that I tied to the merch table and the Love of Everything Cats.
Which I SOLD OUT OF!! LOE cats are totally a hot item.
In less than 24 hours we'll be in Iowa!!!

Record Release Show!!!

2010-05-17T18:40:00.002-05:00

birthday

2010-05-06T14:41:00.001-05:00

26 years ago I was born

May Day!!!

2010-05-02T22:48:00.007-05:00

"In many countries, May Day is synonymous with International Workers' Day, or Labour Day, a day of political demonstrations and celebrations organised by unions and other groups. May Day is also a traditional holiday in many cultures."

Thanks Wikipedia!!!

My May Day was insane - it involved a very ridiculous night at work followed by an awesome show at the Empty Bottle.
First up, friend Nathan Lilley's band, Call me Lightning from Milwaukee fucking slayed.

Then was Harlem - the reason I was so grumpy today....5 hours sleep between shifts at work is not nearly enough.
I only caught 4 songs before I physically couldn't stand anymore but the first 4 songs were fucking amazing!!!

Black and White style
I hate red lights - note to all dudes doing lights at shows...I HATE RED LIGHTS!!!
I feel like this blog has become "what's happening at the Empty Bottle" updates.
I need to get outside my comfort zone this week for sure.

Why I hate the Metro

2010-04-30T14:07:00.007-05:00

There are many reasons why the Metro sucks - this map helps illustrate some basics.

The #1 reason it sucks is because it's steps away from Wrigley Field - on nights when the Cubs play and you have to see a show it's utter chaos and parking/public transportation is disastrous.
Also just being in Wriglyville in general means it's full of assholes and, I learned last night, also people who pay $60 to go to a show of bands they've never heard because it should be 'cool' and/or 'hip'.
But the thing that bums me out the most about the Metro is the staff. I bet some of them are really awesome people, but they have been trained to be the worst humans on earth. There are countless stories of people being treated horribly there (I have a bunch I won't even begin to unload on you) and last night was no different.

Chandeliers - totally awesome Chicago band opening up

Sleigh Bells - the reason Miles and I went to the show.
I thought they were fucking rad and wish I could take more than one photo before the staff (which somehow pushed all the way through the tightly packed crowd) threatened to kick me out and asked me to give them my camera. I said 'fuck no' and politely put it back in my purse and just enjoyed the rest of the show.
Which I thought was fucking awesome - I can't wait to see them again when they come through on a headlining tour. I would like not to be stuffed between Yeasayer fans and people who just enjoy going to the Metro and will just buy tickets because it's cool.

Man I'm pretty bitter about this. Weird.

After Sleigh Bells Miles and I took off .. I'm sure Yeasayer was perfectly non-offensive and well rehearsed. I headed over to the Burlington for SST NIGHT!!! Bobby and Matt's super fun dj night.

Then I headed to the Empty Bottle (obviously, I live there) to catch the last song of the Che Arthur 3 and hang out all night trying to make drunk boys kiss each other.
Another super fun Thursday night.
April you've totally ruled!!!!!

Guilty Pleasure

2010-04-24T12:37:00.005-05:00

Last night Ashleigh and I went to the Congress to see one of my total guilty pleasures GOGOL BORDELLO!!!

photo from the balcony on my cell phone

What I love about this band is that it's non-stop fun. Last time I saw them play in Vancouver it was to less than 1000 people and it was still total mayhem - I probably lost like 5lbs dancing for 2 hours. This time they played to over 3000 people and it was totally jaw-droppingly-awesome. Seeing 3000 people start jumping and dancing when the band starts the first note of Wonderlust King made me smile so much my face hurt.

I assume the same sort of thing happens when Girl Talk or Passion Pit play a sold out show at the Congress but I also assume that those 3000 people are douchebags (I actually think Passion Pit played to like 4500 people)

Don't get me wrong, I hate hippies. I saw no less than 20 girls wearing jeans under their skirts and at least 6 dudes with face tattoos, but everyone was just there to have a good time - no one was trying to prove they were into whatever was the newest coolest thing to like. In fact I feel shameful for how much I totally love this band - no one thinks you're cool for listening to gypsy punk.

photo stolen from flickr

my love of mustaches and accordions knows no end

Aloha

2010-04-23T16:10:00.005-05:00

Last night our good friend Cale Parks was in town with this band Aloha that people seem to really like and of course I had never heard of before I met Bobby.
It was a fucking rad show and now I'm totally a fan.

Cale and T.J. and like a tiny bit of Tony @ The Empty Bottle

After the show everyone in the photo, Bobby and I came back here for a pizza/youtube party - this was the only photo I took.
Me with my claw pose...really trying to make this be the new peace sign.
http://asianposes.com/

The dangers of living one block away from The Empty Bottle

2010-04-20T18:49:00.020-05:00

The past week I spent 5 nights in a row at the Empty Bottle

stolen off flickr

oh I know this corner all to well

Tuesday night I managed to hit up Subterranean before the Bottle to see Vacations Bobby's other, more awesome band
I forgot a camera but Caitlin took this rad video

stolen from Claire

Tuesday - Dead Meadow
turns out because I'm not a stoner this music really doesn't interest me

not stolen at all

Wednesday night was the much anticipated Pissed Jeans show - I missed it last time they played here and was sooo stoked.
It totally ruled!!

stolen from flickr

Thursday night - Dosh
The last time I saw Dosh (which was actually the first time) it was in Minneapolis and it blew my mind. This time round he played a lot of new songs and there was an added member to the band who played saxophone...I hate the saxophone

stolen of myspace

Friday night I failed at seeing Best Coast so luckily I got to see Pool of Frogs - 4 of the most hilarious dudes. These guys put on a really awesome show.
It was missing one special thing though. Amanda drunk, dancing, heckling, and singing along.

And of course Saturday night, I ended up at the Empty Bottle for the end of Record Store Day to see Disappears.

Thanks Empty Bottle staff for being my friends!!!

Happy Record Store Day!

2010-04-18T12:44:00.009-05:00

Yesterday was the 3rd annual Record Store Day and was a huge success (according to me)

Love of Tuning - Reckless in the loop bright and early

kinda the best line up ever

The singer from Rise Against was signing autographs at the store all afternoon and before we left I totally scored a photo with him - 17 year old me was stoked
also regular me - this is photoshop face me

perfectly good dumpster sombreros

somebody (mainly Ashleigh) was not stoked to find out that these were found in an alley

friends festively enjoying Record Store Day at the Reckless on Broadway

Head of Sombreros!
just watching Noah drum makes me exhausted

Regress reunion at Reckless (5 points of alliteration)

Maximum Wage at Death or Glory
I love this band - and I also now enjoy this record store which has an adorable half address.
Who wouldn't want to go to 2557 1/2 W.Chicago Ave.

BIG WINNERS!
Bobby and John won some records

this kid won a horribly scratched copy of Ride the Lightning
stoked!

Tyler Jon Tyler - kinda becoming my new favourite Chicago band

Final show of the day - Disappears at the Empty Bottle
for their release of LUX

every band is better with Jeanine

This felt like the longest day of my life - it was like SXSW all over again, what with the playing and running around town to see all your friends play too.
3 cups of coffee was just not enough to get me through it all - half way into Disappears I was enjoying it with my eyes closed..not because I was sooo into it, but because I physically couldn't keep them open any longer.

I can't wait for next Record Store Day!!

Music Video Premiere

2010-04-12T17:43:00.005-05:00

A couple Saturdays ago...Bobby and I woke up very very early and headed to the skate ramp with our gear, 100 tennis balls and 4 really awesome dudes. A couple hours of fun and THIS fucking masterpiece was created!!

Love of Everything from Kyle Obriot

ALSO....

Our records finally came!!!

So you can buy the real thing HERE or if you prefer go get it off iTunes by clicking THIS

IT'S TIME!!

2010-04-06T14:00:00.000-05:00

The moment I'm sure everyone has been waiting for (or at least my parents) Best In Tensions is available on itunes!!!!

GO GET IT

Brought to you by the letter B

2010-04-06T00:17:00.000-05:00

Oh April - you are so AWESOME

On Friday night Bobby, Eric and I went up to the Metro to see Beach House!!!

As I was throwing out the 30 empty cans from the night before in the recycling, I saw this old mirror up against a building. Our alley is always full of cool shit.

Hanging out with the kids right up at the front
This was the best photo I took - I was not stoked on the lighting..especially cause Dan was in the dark

Beach House Dance Party!!

hanging out at the Gingerman after the show with friends
Bobby found someone who can drink beer as fast as him - yay

Holy shit!!!
If you live in Chicago and have ever tried to see a show at the Metro (especially if there's a cubs game) you understand how fucking epic this parking spot is.

I think I saw Beach House years ago at the Media Club in Vancouver and didn't even know who they were and they didn't hold my attention at all. After hearing Norway from Teen Dreams this year I was like 'holy shit Beach House rules' - then I heard Zebra and it was game over...I was in love.

Again and Again

2010-04-04T23:29:00.000-05:00

It seems like I've been stalking the Black Lips - but I couldn't resist seeing them again in Chicago. I love hyperbole, but for real this was 100% the best show I've seen since at least 2008.

It's been forever since I've seen an entire crowd of people singing along to every song and losing their minds because they love the band. Plus the mosh pit was epic, it never tired.

I personally was in it, right up at the front, for the first 4 songs anyway. Unfortunately I was wearing inappropriate shoes and couldn't last much longer. But my favourite part of the night was when I was getting out some kid looked at me and said 'WOW I can't believe your glasses are still on" to which I replied, "I'm a veteran" - I felt old and awesome all at the same time.

by Andrea Bauer

"Musicians are the guys who sell you strings at Guitar Center. I'm an entertainer." - Ian Saint Pé

stolen off flickr

This photo of Pete totally makes me smile - After what was my favourite show of 2010 everyone went to Longhorn and Slim's (aka Longman and Eagle) drank until they blacked out, showed their penis to dudes in flannel pj's, and danced.
Then we went back to Regrets to meet up with friends, Bear Hands and weird strangers.
What a fucking night.
Wish I brought my camera.

let's hear it for New York

2010-04-03T13:02:00.000-05:00

Last Sunday Bobby and I got in the van with 3 friends and headed East to play a show in New York with some awesome bands - it was a 5 day super adventure and majorly fun times

hour 1 of many many hours - start of a totally awesome road trip

few things are more romantic than Ryan, a roaring fire, balloons, and a good book

gangsters at Panera in Ohio

reading in the car makes me vomit- Matt and Ryan are lucky

mmmm Thai curry at Rice in Manhattan

Death By Audio in Brooklyn
Kinda like an exclusive tiger party. You're all "hey tigers can I party with you?" and they're all "YEAH RIGHT LOL"

Bobby and Brian

Polariod by Libby Walker

Drawlings - Abby was in a car accident in LA like the day before this show..totally stoked she was ok

Classic Drunk Matt

Chicago friends are now New York friends - hi Rob and Ben

City Center totally killing it - they're playing tonight in Chicago with Joan of Arc power trio, I can't wait!!

Soft Circle is awesome - Soft Circle with Ben is even better

love

real love

German Dance Party @ Lit!!!

Bobby DJing some things that the people there were not ready for at 230am

next morning - subway ride to Soho for breakfast

Cafe Gitane Si Vous Plait

mmmm Hibiscus Tea

on our way to a part of New York I've never been before
(I being Elisse, because I'm the only one who writes this shit and Bobby used to live in New York)

almost there

The Natural History Museum!!!

Natural and Historic

I live in the Ocean - you live in the Ocean cuz you ain't got no job!

I can't wait until Jurassic Park is a real thing

Sara and Sam @ Max Fish!!

El-P and Matt..I got a text at like 1am from matt saying El-P was @ the bar, I said "TAKE A PHOTO!" and he was waaaay ahead of me

friends!!!
so bummed I only lived through this night vicariously :(
All the photos at Max Fish are from Bobby and Matt's adventure
Libby and I chilled in the gigantic hotel bed watching Chelsea Lately and E! News and giggling

Poppy chillin' at the bar

Squishy dog and Squishy face

Carol, Kuo, and Bobby

next day in Cleveland @ This Way Out in the basement of the Beachland Ballroom

Oh hey look who's in Cleveland too
BLACK LIPS!!!!!

I don't think I expanded on this back in my Japan blog post - but meeting the Black Lips and becoming friends has really made 2010 amazing. These are by far the nicest, sweetest, most polite dudes I've ever met. They are also soo much fun to hang out with

Matt and Joe being creeps

Next morning breakfast at Tommy's - they eat gay people in Cleveland

Nothing is really booked for 2010 but I'm more than happy to travel around playing with friends and having adventures along the way this summer if that's what it comes down to.

The Black Atlantic

2010-04-02T15:03:00.001-05:00

I'm sorry this is just a terrible cellphone photo but friends from the Netherlands were in town last week and played the Empty Bottle. The Black Atlantic and Love of Everything played together in Lille, France back in May of 2009. It was so wonderful to hear them play again!!
Meg was missing this time because her and Geert now have a baby!! Hopefully next time I get to see them she'll be back, I miss the flute solos :)

super special one off show

2010-03-23T17:38:00.000-05:00

SXSW 2010 - Friends!!!

2010-03-22T23:03:00.000-05:00

SXSW 2010 - Bands!!!!

2010-03-22T22:17:00.000-05:00

With over 1900 bands playing in one tiny city over the course of 3 days it was impossible to see everything, or even a fraction of what was going on.

Maybe that's ok because I heard a LOT of shitty music leaking out of clubs and blasting through outdoor tents set up in parking lots.

But I did get to see a fair share of bands that I already knew I loved or was stoked on seeing for the first time. Only major disappointment was not seeing Lady Gaga, which was probably just a rumour, but still would have totally ruled.

Spoon @ Stubb's - turns out I like Spoon

Surfer Blood @ Club de Ville - high on my list of must see, especially after missing a sold out show here in Chicago last week. Met my expectations, these kids killed it!

Mae Shi is one of my favourite bands to see live, unfortunately they no longer exist. However Signals have taken their place (it's still just Bill, Jacob and John who were the only cool people in the band anyway).

Japandroids - obviously were awesome

after what felt like the worlds longest sound check - No Age
I wish I saw more than just this show, it didn't sound all that awesome and the place was way packed.

Jail Wedding from LA played after us @ The Velveeta Room

Local Natives @ Emo's - my first time inside!
They sounded just lovely :)

The Dum Dum Girls - I really like the one song I knew and it turns out all the songs sound just like it, so to be honest it was kinda boring. But they're super cute.
Mega Babes.

Maps & Atlases - Represent!

Joan of Arc: Power Trio @ Emo's - I only took photos at this show but did see them play 4 outta 8 times

Best surprise of the trip - Le Loup from DC played before Beach Fossils and blew our minds

Beach Fossils babies - are these kids even old enough to drive?
They fucking rocked though

ok so I didn't take this photo, infact I didn't even get in...but I did hear it. I snuck down by where they load in around back and could hear Miss World and Violet very well.
It was fucking amazing, I didn't think I would care, but it definitely made me very nostalgic.

Abe Vigoda @ former Ms. Beas

mother fucking Death Set @ Billboard stage
They played after Yacht which I thought was totally weird

Real Estate - they sounded nice

The moment I had been waiting 2 years for - BEAR HANDS!!!
I fucked up seeing them in Chicago and missed all their shows at SXSW, I didn't even know this one was happening I just over heard some kid say he was going and I asked them when and he said "Right Now!!!" so we took off and caught their last set of the weekend.
It was glorious - except I was freezing cold and it was 1pm and no one was there.

Polyvinyl Showcase @ The Galaxy Room
These are the Casiokids from Norway and I loved every second of it

I wish there was some magical way that I could bypass the lines at SXSW. It's kinda nice that it doesn't really matter who you are, you gotta wait in line, but it really deterred me from seeing bands like The XX, JJ, Band of Horses, She & Him, and forget about seeing any of the bands at the Pitchfork party - that line up was 100 miles long. But whatever, all those bands will pass through Chicago, a lot even in the very near future and I'm sure I'll see them then.