Happy Easter Eggs

The (attempted) annual Easter gathering of the 3 o'clockers was achieved in 2008. (minus one ailing PVC whose absence was mentioned many times throughout, both verbally and in the pagan graffiti on the plastic tablecloth. We missed you PVC.)

All ready for the PAAS - because only the traditional kit will do.
No camo or Dudley please.

Rodeo queen (mostly all recovered) immediately claimed the sheep stickers as fashion accents. A sure sign of a full recovery.

I retained my Egg Boxing Champeeen Title (whew) all thanks to Mad Midwestern EB Skillz.

Ace CPA brought this choco-marshmallow-nut bomb. Ouch, my teeth hurt looking at it. No thank you I said, it will kill me dead.

Sugar counter-balanced with RQ's magic strawberry spinach salad. yum. and farmer's market All-Star tamales.

Nice eggs -- all ready for the hiding and hunting.

Happy Easter!

Assorted SXSW Highlights

Deer Tick at the Brooklyn Vegan Showcase.

Jeffrey Lewis & the Jitters.

Fantastically funny AND educational with a whole song devoted to the Russian Revolution complete with hand drawn pictures! They call this sort of thing anti-folk.

Blurry picture of Eau Claire's Bon Iver (aka Justin Vernon). I had to sneak away from the iPhones peoples to take this picture (checking e-mail at a concert is stupid so cut it out.) Writers like to go on about how Justin made this album when he was living in an "isolated cabin" in the Northwoods of Wisconsin and ate venison to survive the frozen winters. Very ex-ot-ique, noh?

Have I gone on about how much I love Kelley Stoltz? As someone I befriended at this concert said to me "This is how music is supposed to make you feel!"

Another highlight -- a free show from The Dodos. Why is that whenever I travel miles away I always end up seeing another band from San Francisco that turns out to be my favorite...and how do they get that giant marimba around town?

This is a Dodo's tamberine footwear innovation. (I want one).

It was hot, but there was (non-diary) ice cream! DJ Big Cookie picked the best one.

Little Teeth come with pots and pans (and accordions).

We took a pedi-cab to the 3am punk rock show on the Lamar Street Bridge. "Awesome!"

If you didn't believe me earlier, J. Mascis was there.
*gray hair represents!*

It was crowded and we decided to steer clear of the swirling mosh pit. Then we got sleepee and went home. It was 4am after all and beds are comfortable.

My Favorite Geezers

I'm not immune to the power of rock stars idolized in my youth. The best part of Carbon/Silicon (Mick Jones' new band) was how happy he was playing in front of the crowd. When he did the Clash guitar walk the happiness was infectious. Fan girl confesses that at one point when he looked straight at her for a few seconds too long she felt dizzy and nearly keeled over. I think he was hypnotically drawn to my beaming grin. Mick Jones people! He looked at me! (thud).

...and then there was Jad Fair. At one point Atsushi asked me, "Which one is Jad Fair?" and I responded "He isn't on stage yet. He wears big black glasses." Which left me feeling like an idiot when I realized that he was the old guy with gray hair. Some Half Japanese expert! Can you back me up on how obsessed I was with this band? Like Clark Kent with lasik surgery -- secret revealed when he starts to sing "I Know How It Feels...Bad."


Which brings me to My Dad Is Dead. I slipped around the corner because I couldn't believe that they were scheduled to perform. The nose was the most recognizable. I stood with a smattering of other Homestead Records fanatics -- suspicious sideways glances all around. Songs from "The Taller You Are The Shorter You Get" but everything else is different. I am stubborn in denial. I deny you passage of time.

A fuzzy memory

The fact that I attended the first SXSW Music Festival in 1987 is a closely guarded secret -- sure it dates me, but also I don't mention it because I can't quite remember if it's true. I have the T-shirt in a box somewhere in the garage but I can't be bothered to dig it up. Was it 1987? Was that the year we drove down from Madison listening to the cassette (supplied proudly by the Librarian) of the Partridge Family singing "Point Me in the Direction of Albuquerque"? Or was that the following year? Was that the year the Buck Pets played and Kim Bitter scared the bartender at the UT lounge? And why is that the only show I remember seeing? Actually, mostly it's not even the music but following the Buck Pets with their giant hair down the hallway and giggling. There was also something about an overcrowded Bob Mould show and Gibby from the Butthole Surfers sitting at the bar, but I believe that was SXSW #2 or 3? in 1990 or 91 -- because that year I brought the Chef along and Kim Bitter met up with us in Austin. I recall being jammed into a very tiny bar watching another great show from The Texas Instruments. Also, instead of another music showcase, The Chef made us go see an art movie (gasp) that was "Killer of Sheep" which was finally restored and released last year. The Chef always knew what was going on way ahead of time. Plus, he just reminded me that we saw Uncle Tupelo in the Waterloo Record Store parking lot. (I recall that particular year all the music showcases were WAY more crowded, and I promptly returned home to tell everyone that it was not worth the bother to attend. This year in Austin, Joe reminded me that I told him that.)

Anyway, I'm certain the Librarian and Kim Bitter have better memories than indie rock granny and can set me straight and make additions on all of the above. Glass Eye, The Reivers, The True Believers -- Doctor's Mob? I think that was a whole other story. Lend me your smarts.

The last SXSW I attended (which I believe was #4?) was in 1998 -- don't fall over but that could also be described as "ten years ago" and my oh my the clock ticking gets loud. I met up with Rock Mama that year, before she was a MAMA! (wow). Highlights include backyard bbq parties in the suburbs with Old 97 fan club members and trying to see variations of the Mekons/Sally Timms/Waco Brothers twenty times. Neko Case blowing my socks off. Freakwater! Accidentally coming across the best Alejandro Escovedo performance I've ever seen (and oddly, standing in line for the bathroom w/ Glenn from Doctor's Mob snicker snicker) and shortly afterward eating the best taco ever from an taco truck on the outskirts of town. Rock Mama feel free to chime in, I know I'm missing other good bits. Wanda Jackson signed my CD at the record store! That was a very happy twang year.

That brings us to a few weeks ago -- SXSW #5? I came prepared and focused to see as much music as humanly possible in three days -- and despite that, I still feel like I missed out. Indie Rock Granny is never happy unless she hears and sees everything and that never happens. Dammit! Just for the future blurry memory record, this year I managed to see Deer Tick, Jeffrey Lewis & the Jitters, Mahjong (thumbs down), Kaki King, Frightened Rabbit, Bon Iver (from Eau Claire!), Kelley Stoltz, The Dodos, Tim Fite, (insert a whole Social Registry showcase that is a blur involving Joe and two members of the Upright Citizens Brigade and yelling "Traitors!" as they waltzed off to the Playboy "Rock the Rabbit" Party - note: indie rock granny is proud that she has strong opinons about dumb ass events that market themselves via sexy ladies with big tits. As I said to the third person who invited me "wow, playmates. That sounds super-fun. not!"), Raveonettes, Jens Lekman, Carbon/Silicon (Mick Jones!), Portastatic, Half Japanese, Chet, Little Teeth, Evangelista, Citay, My Dad is Dead and (away from the swirling mosh pit -- either No Age or F*cked Up?) More importantly J. Mascis was there.

A SXSW shout out to all the adventure seeking co-conspirators over the years -- the sweet librarian, Kim Bitter, the Chef, Rock Mama and adding to the list this year the wonderful DJ Big Cookie, her "awesome" pal Mark, my old friend Joe the hipster indie label mogul and the good-natured Scrabbel posse.

I am going next year and hope you all will join me.

Speeding Motorcycle: The Musical

Walking back from SXSW showcase #36, I walked under this banner which made me SCREETCH. "Speeding Motorcycle," the MUSICAL! If I only had another week to spend in Austin, I would be standing in line for tickets.

Oh, and stay tuned for a suitcase full of "Indie Rock Granny goes to SXSW, sees all her favorite bands from the '80s and is somewhat surprised that they look old" stories. However, that doesn't mean she (and J. Mascis!) couldn't stay up until 3AM to attend the punk rock party on the Lamar Street Bridge.

IRG is proud to remain in denial and encourages you to do the same.

Procrastination

Watching: "Breaking Bad"
(Missed it? Season 1 repeats next week)

Reading: "Persepolis"
(before I see the movie)

Listening to: "What's Happening In Pernambuco?" Kelley Stoltz "Circular Sounds", Monade "Monstre Cosmic", Marty Ehrlich & Myra Melford "Spark!", Mountain Goats "Heretic Pride", The Terrordactyls, Evangelicals "The Evening Descends" and (new!) Del The Funky Homosapien.

Doing:
Procrastinating by making random lists to avoid packing for Austin.

PVC Surprise!

If I had my camera -- this entry would feature blurry photos of people hiding and giggling with the lights off, astonished looks and retaliatory punches, nice people and familiar family members, a long balloon string wrapped around a small dog (and rampant running around of dogs of all sizes), crazy delicious food (brisket!), a giant cake with frosting dots, a deconstructed lemon meringue, discussions involving the antics of David Thomas, a picture of the birthday girl from twenty years ago (OMG) when she first met the very same fellow who set up her surprise birthday party - last night.

Happy Birthday PVC! We are glad you decided not to hit the road to visit the Doris Day dog hotel.

Noodle Paws

Buddha transistor

Donna's cool radio buddha -- part of the Activist Imagination show @ Space 180. We will be back to bang on the door and hear the song.

Kelley Stoltz

and bubbles...

Rock Mama Salute

Happy Birthday Rock Mama (it goes without saying...but you ROCK!)

bleu

I missed the Chinese New Year's parade, so tonight I'm dreaming of lucky dragons and rats wearing rain ponchos.

the ultimate Redonk

Because the moment I realized that I was at the same party as Cojo (also known as "that weird fashion guy") I completely lost my marbles. They are rolling out of my ears in this photo. Thanks to Michelle (the cool cellist from Chicago) for capturing this ultimate redonk.

Office Garden

While I was out of the office, we moved into a new building across the street. There is a giant patch of green in the middle. I like it.

cough cough

All this redonk and coast-to-coast traveling has given Haus Frau a bad cold. cough cough cough.

Enough already -- I'll tell you more stories of the redonk next time I drink too much and start going on about chatting w/ Josh Groban and pushing past Chaka Khan. You can just shake your head and worry about the state of my reality.

Until then, it's time for a box of tissue and a long nap.

Happy Hearts Day

We interrupt the redonk with a little love from the Terrordactyls.

Happy Valentine's Day...!

Redonk #1 #2 #3

I survived my trip to L.A. -- and even though I may get drunk and curse at next year's show, I will never think of this tired horse of an industry event with the same disdain. I credit a bunch of talented musicians who won a contest, one amazing stage manager and a VIP backstage all access pass (!). It just got stranger and more hysterical each day I was there.

Redonk #1:

Did I tell you the story where I was trying to find the orchestra rehearsal and I asked some dudes to point me to Stage 11? They pointed across the street. When I told them I was with (insert the place) they said, "the place?! We're JOURNEY!" (note that Journey just found their new lead singer by looking at videos on, you got it, the place.) When I stopped by the next day, who was hanging out watching them rehearse? That's right -- (redonk #2) the Backstreet Boys! How could I not take a picture of A.J. hanging out with Journey. That guy on the right also stopped by to gush and Neil told me (ha!) he was an amazing guitarist. Anyone recognize him?

I also had the opportunity to meet Arnell. He is Journey's new lead singer who arrived from the Philippines. Naturally, he sounds exactly like Steve Perry. He also combs his hair obsessively with one of those big plastic combs that you probably had sticking out of the back pocket of your jeans in middle school. Were those the same years you listened to Journey? Arnell is historically accurate.

Redonk #3:

When I finally made it to the correct rehearsal stage, my group was long gone. I squinted at who was in there now, also with a full orchestra. It was Herbie Hancock and Lang Lang at dual pianos rehearsing "Rhapsody in Blue" so I pretended I was supposed to be there. Eventually, I asked a guy the whereabouts of the other orchestra, but he just shook his head and said, "Bocelli is showing up here later." At this point, the English language was starting to sound like "mwah mwah mwah mwah" so I ran to my car and locked the doors.

L.A. Redonkulous

Every year Hausfrau likes to get drunk, watch a certain awards show and yell expletives at the television as she watches the endless stream of shiny golden objects bestowed upon "the best of the year" piles of poo wearing lipstick. There can be exceptions to this rule, and when that occurs Hausfrau jumps up and down and says hooray --- completely shocked that a bit of brilliance has sneaked through to be included in rest of the mediocre heap. Hausfrau admits that she is a bit particular when it comes to music. She is thumbs down on stylists and thumbs up on the real deal. Her favorite awards show performance in recent memory ? Ralph Stanley in single spotlight at the end of a dark stage singing “Oh Death” (talk about yer goosebumps! ) But that was the same year that the “Oh Brother Where Art Thou” soundtrack swept the ceremony, culminating in a best album that was accepted by #4 on Hausfrau’s top ten giant crush list – T-Bone Burnett. That year Hausfrau was so overwhelmed that she lost her voice screaming “OH MY GOD!” and passed out. I think this also happened another year when Elliott Smith appeared with Celine Dion in the “soundtrack medley” portion of the program, the sight of which crashed Hausfrau’s entire system and she had to be defribulated.

So, you can imagine the total reluctance and forced enthusiasm when the odd shift in time and space seemed to be propelling her closer and closer to Los Angeles and a single ticket that was way way up in the not-so-important-people seats. At first when the subject came up she hid under chairs and made up excuses to go to the bathroom. Then she crafted a reasonable argument that she believed was airtight. She followed it up with a private meeting that involved lots of busy schedules and a HUGE disinterest in Carrie Underwood. The whole time, there was a tiny itch telling her that there was no way she was getting out of this. She could feel the terror of L.A. schmooze parties and limos right around the corner. Then one topsy turvey day (not unlike every single topsy turvy day!) it was presented to her as a requirement that if not completed would result in the total downfall of the entire project. Hausfrau said, “Ok, fine. I’ll go.”

And that is the story of why Hausfrau is now in L.A.

Stay tuned for more redonkulous stories that involve (eek -- gratuitous name dropping alert!) The Foo Fighters, Journey!, Jason Bateman, Jerry Lee Lewis (and his entourage) Juliette Lewis and the most redonk -- The Backstreet Boys. Holy crap.

Super Fat Tuesday

Haus Frau loves a parade (and a Second Line.)

But she loves gumbo and king cake even more.

Happy Mardi Gras -- Laissez les Bon Temps Rouler!

Scarlett Stumps

Earlier today Scarlett Johansson called to tell us to vote for Barack. And if someone claims that a video involving scarlett, will.i.am and kareem abdul jabbar is "grassroots" -- I say pleeeze. That's as good as throwing in some sweeping John Williams orchestrations behind a Steven Spielberg death scene in the department of emotional manipulation. I wish this election were over already and we could cheer on the first black atheist woman elected as President and shut that other guy up. Do we have to wait until November?

p.s. Scarlett ain't the boss of me. However, if Sally Timms called to ask me to vote for Mike Gravel, I would totally do it.

Update: Stevie Wonder called us on Tuesday. (still not Sally Timms)

Vampire Weekend

Favorite indie band of the week. Vampire Weekend. Despite their super goth name, they are a bunch of harmless kids from Brooklyn who mix up indie with Afro-pop. Dig that Cape Cod kwassa kwassa sound.


On Friday night Vampire Weekend played at Amoeba Records. I dragged the Chef there. He looked around at the rest of the crowd and asked me, "Are they going to play some sort of geek rock?" I must agree, the crowd was suspiciously nerd infested. I assured him that it would turn out okay and that he would enjoy the music.

After the very short set from Vampire Weekend, we walked to Lime Tree for dinner. The Chef said that it was only four blocks away. After the eighth block I asked, "Is it on the next block?" and the Chef replied, " I think it's just up there." and then "It's on the next block" and then, "If it's not on the next block it's on the one just after" and then "I'm sure it's right up there!" Hausfrau had several immediate bodily needs -- she had to go to the bathroom, was carrying a very heavy lap top and was in desperate need of a beer. She harumphed, "That next block thing was funny five blocks ago. "

However, when we got to Lime Tree -- Haus Frau cheered up. Even though they didn't serve beer (goddammit!) just funny coconut waters and soda pops. Lime Tree was a secret oasis of steaming hot roti pratha (that I wanted to eat all night) and delicious Singapore chicken noodles. Did I mention corn fritters? YUM! Lucky thing for the Chef, as I would have been super grumpy if it sucked. But no way -- dinner at Lime Tree was delicious, my new favorite odd basement Malaysian restaurant next to UCSF that is probably about ten blocks from Amoeba Records. I would stomp there again. I mean Haus Frau would -- maybe -- for more roti pratha please.

Kittens

You would think that a crazy cat lady would post more kitten pictures.

This is Clementine -- she likes bags.

..and Miss Sweet Pea -- she likes lots of attention, any kind will do.

Myra

Last night at Yoshi's, Myra Melford rocked the house - even though the music genre in which she performs is classified as jazz. It was an evening of splendid piano chaos that exhaled into soft and gorgeous. It's a thrill when musicians known for their boundary breaking discord turn around and bring out the sweet melodies -- the extremes are never boring. Also not boring, the great view of Myra pummeling the piano - with such tiny hands, how does she do it? As I try to convince PVC -- avant garde jazz is like punk rock - all that beautiful noise.

Ripe

I rely on the Chef for dinner and documentation. I'm one lucky tomato.

Trott stopped by to borrow some fancy Armegnac to make a drink called "The Armored Car" and ended up staying for dinner. Success!

MLK Day

Congratulations to the Wild Horse Society for braving the idiot hate storm and paying proper tribute to MLK (and assorted heros and she-ros) with their "Memory Game." I love the technicolor happy ending.

Circus Redickuless

Just another night out with Dr. & Mrs. Virus.

Circus Redickuless performed in honor of Dammit! the wonder dog's 18th birthday.

Don't worry, those critters (all named Bo Bo) were um, "preserved".

I only regret I did not get pictures of the heavy metal tap dancing (my favorite) and the special appearance of Dammit! the wonder dog -- she jumped (sort of) through a hoop -- and drank water.

Happy Birthday Dammit!

Penelope: Princess of Pets

Because I work with someone who has a sister who lives in NYC and knows theater people, last week I was lucky enough to get an invite to a celebrity lunch. That's right, Penelope Princess of Pets was there, along with with her orphaned friend Kyle.



Later, when I was bragging to the Chef -- he showed me this collection of sweet little films, capturing moments and places and making us both feel warm and fuzzy about the world and the people in it. Perhaps it will have the same effect on you? I hope so. Thanks Penelope.

Go Scrabbel!

A Mighty Wind

Our power came back on at 3a.m. (this morning) while we were tucked under double duvets and double layers and (ahem) ski hats. Despite stalling around at The Toronado and then Thep Phenom in hopes that we could wait out PG&E repairs, the Chef & I spent last night playing Blackjack by flashlight with our Ommegang deck (thanks Kim & Matt) and watching an episode of "Weeds" on the very tiny iPod screen.

It's still raining today, but we are just happy that the electricity has returned (for now) -- especially the kitties (who spent yesterday all hunched up and giving us "turn the heat up already!" evil eye.)

This morning we strolled around the neighborhood and oo'ed and ah'ed at all the trees that went thud.

Thud. Thud.

Thud.

Tree carnage that is blocking the entire street.

This is a neighboring fence in our community garden.

Beer Bonfire Banjotam

Where is the best place to ring in the New Year? Pardeeville (WI) -- but of course! Not just beer, midnight bonfire, and banjotam jam but toss in drunken night sledding, absinthe symposium, secret rock concert and oh boy, lots of delicious food and (the best part) a new year heralded in with good friends. Merry 2008!