Stosh

Suffering for Your Art

noreply@blogger.com (MH) — Sat, 30 Sep 2006 16:53:00 +0000

Tommy Keene's bloody guitar, Beat Kitchen, Chicago, Sept. 29. (Injury sustained at 400 Bar, Minneapolis, Sept. 28.)

The Nation Mourns

noreply@blogger.com (MH) — Thu, 06 Jul 2006 22:01:00 +0000

Don't shoot the messenger:

JOURNEY FORCED TO MAKE LEAD SINGER CHANGE ON NATIONWIDE TOUR

Jeff Scott Soto to assume JOURNEY lead singer duties starting on July 7th in Bristow, VA due to Steve Augeri throat infection

July 6, 2006 -- Due to a chronic throat infection, Journey’s lead singer, Steve Augeri, has been forced to leave the band’s current nationwide tour with Def Leppard. Jeff Scott Soto, who has previously performed with Journey guitarist Neal Schon, will assume the band’s lead singer duties starting with the July 7th show in Bristow, VA. Steve Augeri’s condition will be closely monitored by his physician to determine when he may be able to rejoin the tour.

According to Journey, “Steve’s been suffering with an acute throat condition since before we kicked off the tour with Def Leppard. We were hoping he’d be in well condition to handle the rigors of the road but unfortunately it appears to be a chronic condition requiring total voice rest. We all wish Steve a speedy recovery.”

For the latest tour dates, please visit www.journeymusic.com.

Just Passing Through

noreply@blogger.com (MH) — Wed, 28 Jun 2006 20:45:00 +0000

A non-triumphant semi-return to post a bunch of links:

My semi-coherent review of last week's stellar Tommy Keene and Townshend Research show at Schubas

Great photos of Keene and Pollard band from that show (the pic here is one of my lame ones)

Large-ass file of the Keene set (room-mic recording, sounds pretty good considering)

More amazing pics from the same photo of the top-notch Pollard Intonation set

YouTube clip of Pollard singing "Bobby O'Riley" with Pearl Jam

That is all. Enjoy.

Blah Blah Blahs

noreply@blogger.com (MH) — Fri, 02 Jun 2006 17:03:00 +0000

This is my 150th post. It could be the last. I have nothing to say and no inclination to say it.

I reserve the right to change my mind.

For the time being, a couple of interesting things:

Funny article from Jim Caple regarding Roger Clemens' latest "comeback" (in quotes because the douchebag never goes away). He's possibly the greatest pitcher of the modern era, but I hope he gets lit up this time around.

Great story from Jeff about his brush with a record-industry honcho. I consider Jeff a friend even though we don't know each other that well; what I can say about him is that (a) his blog is what mine aspired to be, as it's consistently engaging and (b) he's a good dude, despite being completely unrealistic with his fantasy trade demands.

UPDATE: I've been to two Cubs' games since the last post, one loss (the Barrett punch game) and one victory. Post-return-to-Chicago record: 24-27 (3-0 at Wrigley this year).

Hail, Hail, the Gang's All Here

noreply@blogger.com (MH) — Thu, 18 May 2006 15:55:00 +0000

A quick recap of Chicago's weather yesterday (times approximate):

7:30 a.m till about 1 p.m.: partly sunny, about 68 degrees. Nice.

1 p.m.: slowly starts getting overcast

1:30 p.m.: raining like a mother

3 p.m.: clearing up, cooler but still nice

5 p.m.: clouding over

5:20 p.m.: light rain

5:25 p.m. heavier rain

5:30 pm. marble-sized HAIL pelting us at the bus stop

6 p.m. (en route to Wrigley): light rain

7 p.m.: very light rain, sun peeking through

7:55: beautiful, cool night, no more rain

Cubs win, 5-0.

Post-return-to-Chicago record: 23-26, edging toward .500

Barry Funny

noreply@blogger.com (MH) — Wed, 17 May 2006 19:40:00 +0000

You, too, can create a wacky greeting for Barry Bonds here. All two of you can post your URLs in the comments section.

On a more serious note, loyal reader JT discusses United 93 on his blog, The Sauerbrun Report. (Note: He says it's not a blog. I say it is, though maybe it's not, because there's no comments option. Oh, and that's the worst name for a blog -- though it does have a back story -- than Stosh. Tough to do.)

Anyway, his thoughts got me thinking...in the context of 9-11, which, of course, is likely impossible to ignore in relation to the film, the story is overwhelmingly emotional. However, if this were just a random fictional story about a flight being hijacked, one that had nothing at all to do with 9-11, would it be as powerful? Would we have people saying the film shouldn't be made? Of course not. Yet, because the incident the film is based on is directly related to 9-11, it somehow becomes this piece of art that has people wondering if they should even see it.

I don't really know what I'm saying here. I haven't seen the film yet (my wife is in the "too soon" crowd, but her resolve seems to be weakening). I just find it interesting that the film's context makes what would be a gripping, unemotional action movie into this controversial thing that many people won't check out on principle.

Loopy vs. the Red Baron

noreply@blogger.com (MH) — Fri, 12 May 2006 16:03:00 +0000

Erstwhile former Cub Rick Sutcliffe had a few with buddy Bill Murray the other night, then visited his old pals in the San Diego Padres' TV booth. Hilarity ensued.

Unsatisfying

noreply@blogger.com (MH) — Mon, 08 May 2006 14:44:00 +0000

If a blog is shitty, does a bear fall in the woods?

Here's some actual content: The new Replacements song via The Jim Rome Show. Westerberg was supposed to call in and, in predictable fashion, blew it off. Tommy Stinson, however, did his part. I haven't listened to any of this stuff, including the song, but here it is for your enjoyment (I assume the links are good):

Intro and Tommy, Part 1

"Message to the Boys"

Tommy, Part 2

Pitchfork reviews the song here.

P.S. about Rome...I swear I saw him in the audience of America's Funniest Home Videos last night. Or maybe it was a dream/nightmare. And yes, I watch that show. I've already admitted to being a philistine.

UPDATE: One listen to "Message," and I find it pleasant but non-essential. Just because it's called a Mats song doesn't make it that much more impressive. Good tune, won't be spinning it all that often, I'm afraid.

Our Long National Nightmare is Over

noreply@blogger.com (MH) — Wed, 26 Apr 2006 14:56:00 +0000

Brett Favre finally made up his mind. No more pointless hostage drama. Bears fans used to fear him, but with the Bears on an upswing (and having swept the Packers last year), this news means next to nothing in a football sense. He'll end his career on New Year's Eve in Chicago. Great scheduling there...cold night, traditional boozehound holiday (aka Amateur Night). It could get ugly.

The Pollard show in Philly was probably the best of the three I saw. The traditional Keene/Pollard photos were also probably the best, but I won't be posting any of them. Critics of my appearance will just have to imagine how bad I looked.

Ibid.

noreply@blogger.com (MH) — Fri, 21 Apr 2006 20:10:00 +0000

Derrek Lee? Sub him in for Mark Prior, and I ask again: Why am I a Cubs fan?

Fish in a Barrel

noreply@blogger.com (MH) — Wed, 19 Apr 2006 17:18:00 +0000

The Onion weighs in on the Cubs' decent start to the 2006 season (nice sidebar about Mark Prior, too).

Picking on the Cubs doesn't require much skill, but it's easier to take when it's amusing.

Death of the Party

noreply@blogger.com (MH) — Wed, 12 Apr 2006 20:26:00 +0000

Sneak preview of a track from the upcoming Keene Brothers record:

Death of the Party

I'm way biased, but this album exceeded my expectations, which were pretty lofty. If anyone bothers to listen to this track, I'd like to hear your opinion.

POSTSCRIPT: Come on, people. I know there are at least two of you who check in here every once in a while. Listen to the song, even if you don't like/care about Pollard or Keene. I want some feedback on this.

Make it Stop

noreply@blogger.com (MH) — Wed, 12 Apr 2006 16:16:00 +0000

From today's Chicago Sun-Times:

"This is not the greatest game to be short-handed at the one, two and three spots because that's our strength,'' coach Scott Skiles said before the game. "From a statistical standpoint, you can see the stats that are gone from the game. [Deng] is also a better-than-average wing defender.

"But it is what it is. There are a lot of teams short-handed right now.''

The scourge continues.

It Continues

noreply@blogger.com (MH) — Mon, 10 Apr 2006 20:52:00 +0000

Cubs' outfielder Jacque Jones, after last night's HR (from the Chicago Tribune):

"I was getting booed [Saturday] when I was the worst player in the league," he said. "Now I'm the best. I just go out and play hard."

On Saturday, after his third strikeout in three at-bats, the boos came. On his next at-bat, a walk, the crowd cheered him derisively.

"It is what it is," he said. "If I'm going to [go hitless], I'd rather do it now. We've been winning and that's all I care about."

Always nice to sweep the Cardinals, too. Praise Michael Barrett!

Postscript to Friday's home opener: The rain stopped well before heading to the park, but it was brutally cold. We made it through "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" before splitting for some warmer environs.

I've Seen the Rain

noreply@blogger.com (MH) — Fri, 07 Apr 2006 15:17:00 +0000

And it's here in Chicago today, which will put a crimp in the Cubs' home opener festivities.

This is why I generally avoid April games at Wrigley. But, as usual, I look forward to spending the day there. In my winter coat. Nice.

Band on the Fun

noreply@blogger.com (MH) — Mon, 03 Apr 2006 21:36:00 +0000

As expected, the Robert Pollard show -- the conclusion of Marchapalooza -- was a lot of fun. Simply put, this band, led by Tommy Keene and dubbed the Ascended Masters, is amazing. As fun as GBV always was, this is the best combination of musicians Bob has ever played with. It looks like I'll be going to Philly for the finale of this part of the tour. They'll be playing more shows later in the year. A couple of photographs are here for my friends to abuse. Enjoy.

Oh, and tomorrow sees the release of Keene's new album, Crashing the Ether. Highly recommended. (And check the thank-yous.)

Axl Fool?

noreply@blogger.com (MH) — Fri, 31 Mar 2006 17:55:00 +0000

Jeff has posted a link to Spin.com's review of the long-delayed (I'd say "anticipated," but that would be a lie, for me, anyway) Guns 'n' Roses opus, Chinese Democracy.

The more I read it, the more I contend it's a brilliant April Fool's joke. You be the judge.

Will the Fans be Hit by Shit?

noreply@blogger.com (MH) — Wed, 29 Mar 2006 18:45:00 +0000

Well, my source was right: The Replacements have done some recording. It's not a full-fledged reunion or anything, but I won't be the least bit surprised if they play some shows. Two reports, one explaining the semi-controversy over the photo seen at left:

http://colormeimpressed.com/news.html

http://paulwesterberg.proboards23.com/index.cgi?board=generalpw&action=display&thread=1143597334

Have Mercy

noreply@blogger.com (MH) — Mon, 27 Mar 2006 18:37:00 +0000

Marchapalooza rolled on last night with the John Davis show at the Beat Kitchen. I'm not generally a fan of the solo performer thing -- and I was disappointed that John was opening not headlining -- but I thought he did a really good job with it.

About the only mildly disconcerting thing was that John is sporting a shaved head these days. I didn't recognize him when we walked in. The dude can belt, but the dome takes a little getting used to.

Friday: Pollard at Metro.

Pop Tarts

noreply@blogger.com (MH) — Fri, 24 Mar 2006 22:19:00 +0000

A little late with this, but the Minus 5 put on a fun show to about a 3/4-full Abbey Pub Wednesday night (probably bad for the band, but it was good to be able to move around). The set started out kind of slow but picked up steam and ended seemingly too soon. They played about 70 minutes, which seemed too short to me. However, "Ghost Tarts of Stockholm" is my favorite M5 tune, and they kicked ass on that one, so all is forgiven.

I talked to Scott McCaughey very briefly afterward; I was happy he remembered me, and he was as gracious as I expected.

Best line of the night: After one song ended (forget which one), Scott goes, "Finally, a song that allowed me to show off my lead-guitar chops."

(pause)

"An article in Portland said that I had chops."

(pause)

"Never has an article been so wrong."

He's way too modest.

p.s. Fuck Gonzaga.

Reason #1498 Why the Music Industry Sucks

noreply@blogger.com (MH) — Mon, 20 Mar 2006 21:20:00 +0000

You may want to cleanse after reading this, from Greg Kot's South By Southwest wrap-up:

And then there were the panels, in which self-congratulation and the occasional revelation ruled. The juiciest bit of insight into the rusted machinery that is the music industry came during a panel of talent scouts who revealed their criteria for signing artists.

"She had a bad complexion and small breasts when she came into my office and warbled a song," said one former record company executive, Michael Caplan, of Britney Spears. "I couldn't wait to get her out of my office."

The exec who eventually signed Spears, Jive Records' Jeff Fenster, said he based the decision not on a song in particular, but on a picture of the then-teenage Spears. She was sitting on a picnic blanket, wearing cutoffs and cuddling a puppy, Fenster said. "She looked like the sweet, All-American girl that you just wanted to defile and do bad things to, and that appealed to me."

Color Them Unimpressed

noreply@blogger.com (MH) — Mon, 20 Mar 2006 16:17:00 +0000

So last night, I had a dream where the Replacements got back together (rumor has it that this is not out of the realm, by the way), with Tommy Keene taking the Bob Stinson slot. (This is not part of the rumor, FYI.)

I was assigned to interview the reformed band for Magnet, and guess what? My tape recorder didn't work. In addition, Paul Westerberg didn't remember our earlier interview, furthering my humiliation. I ended up driving all over the place, trying to catch up with each member to talk to them separately. Dream analysis, anyone? (Seems pretty easy.)

Reminds me of that classic dream where it turns out you graduated from college without turning in a term paper and have to go back and write it. Or am I the only one who's had that one? That dream finally stopped for me about five years ago.

Coach

noreply@blogger.com (MH) — Sun, 19 Mar 2006 16:59:00 +0000

Any basketball fan who grew up in the Chicago area during the late '70s/early '80s has great memories of Coach Ray Meyer and the amazing DePaul teams he had during that era. They had a stretch where they lost three games TOTAL in the regular season (one each year) but lost early each time in the tournament, including a devastating defeat to St. Joseph's in 1981.

So while he was 92, it still came as a bit of a shock to hear about Coach passing away. My fandom for DePaul faded the longer I was gone from Chicago, and upon my return I don't really follow them, but I never lost my admiration for the man who was arguably one of the top 2-3 most important figures in the city's sports history. RIP.

March Madness

noreply@blogger.com (MH) — Thu, 16 Mar 2006 15:46:00 +0000

I'm in six pools this year. Stosh needs a new pair of shoes...

Mildly amusing NCAA Tournament drinking game.

Prioritized

noreply@blogger.com (MH) — Wed, 15 Mar 2006 15:58:00 +0000

Someone explain the unexplainable: Why am I a Cubs fan?

I mean, what the hell? Mark Prior is hurt again, and Derrek Lee may be as well.

Want to find me this summer? I'll be at Heartbreak Central HQ, covering my eyes.

Oh, and I took Prior in the third round of my fantasy league draft. Nice. I wish I could quit him.