Alt Smoke

Another business shout out: Alt-Smoke on campus.
Lane, the dude who helped me out, said, "When you leave here today, you won't have any questions." And he was right. He answered every question I had about e-cigs, vapor, whatever you want to call it.
Cool thing about the place is you can try before you buy; there are 140 flavors to choose from, and complete starter sets for less than $40. A weeks worth of vapor is 6 bucks. 10% off on your first visit, and every $100 you spend (builds up over time, not all at once) you get 10 bucks off. 
All of the workers there are knowledgeable and friendly. I never felt any pressure to buy anything, and had all the time in the world to test out different flavors. I stayed away from the ones that tasted like tobacco; my favorites were Clearwater and Smarty Pants, both of which were sort of melon-y, but not too strong. 
One of the first questions they ask you is how many cigarettes you smoke in a day. They base their recommendation of nicotine levels off that, and guide you on how to decrease the dosage to zero. 
There are tables and chairs and people just seem to hang out there and chill. 
If you're interested in e-cigs or vaping, I recommend Alt-Smoke at 2460 N High Street. They are open from 10am-10pm seven days a week.

Cornerstone Craft Beer and Wine

I purchased a 32 ounce growler of Sierra Nevada Narwal Imperial Stout. It's surprisingly good, considering it's made by Sierra Nevada. The staff went out of their way to make me feel appreciated and gave me a walking tour of the place. Which was fun because it's 30 feet by 20 feet in size.
They have 4 and six packs in refrigerators, as well as a large selection of "build your own six pack" beers out on the floor.
The dudes at Cornerstone also said they would look into finding Affligem Dubbel for me and possibly stocking it. It's my all-time favorite beer.
They also sell my brand of cigarettes, so basically they are my favorite shop.

So ends the mini-review of my first experience at Cornerstone Craft Beer and Wine.

Dick's Den

Why Not? So says the neon sign in front of Dick's Den. I will try to answer that question.

Dick's architecture and atmosphere is almost perfect - a big dive bar with cool stuff everywhere to look at and a large enough and diverse enough crowd to make people watching fun. A lot of good choices for bottled beer. A pool table. When I was much younger, I would go to Dick's to buy 12 pack cans of Black Label if I missed the 1 am cutoff. They sold 12 packs of Black Label for $6 bucks. Anywhere else it would have been 12 dollars.

Anyway,

Bleugrass night is full of great music; even if you don't like bluegrass, or think you don't like bluegrass, you should check it out. It's free, and like the neon sign says...

One issue with Bluegrass night is it's meteoric rise in popularity. It's long been a popular destination on Tuesdays, but lately it seems to be a monster. People have to stand and wait outside in a line because the doorguy can't let anyone in until people inside leave. That's how crowded it's become. I almost expect a velvet rope to appear in the coming weeks.

Another issue is that a lot of the people aren't there for the music. They're there to be seen and to socialize. Whether that's good or bad is debateable. For me, I think it's both. Good, because more people are exposed to the music. Maybe they'll catch something they like, download some bluegrass, and see a local show just to see the band. Bad, because it means people who do want to go for the music aren't able to either get inside or can't hear the pickin' and strummin' because of all the scene kids chattering away about financial aid, graduate school, and who has the coolest non-prescription glasses.

There is another issue though, the staff kept a friend of mine, who was so drunk she could barely stand, from leaving with her friends. In fact, they locked her inside and closed the blinds, so that her friends outside who were banging on the window, trying to get their friend out, couldn't see in.
That right there means Dick's Den will never get my business again.

Paul Collins Beat, The Girls, Pretty Pretty

Paul Collins Beat is the name of Paul Collins and his backing band - in the case of his show last night at Ace of Cups, three Australian dudes.

I had never heard of Paul Collins, nor did I know his influence on modern music. This dude has been around the block a few times, and you can tell he's a pro and takes his music seriously (while having a good time playing it). His stage demeanor is humble and modest born out of seeing it all before.

I can't name any specific songs, as I said, prior to last night, I knew nothing about the man or his music. But I'm certainly going to investigate his extensive catalogue after witnessing his performance.

His musical style at this show was mostly pop-punk/power pop - catchy chorus', fast guitars, rhythm guitarist and bassist providing back-up vocals on the chorus'. Songs about girls and good times.

Middle band was The Girls, which has 5 members and only two of which are women. They were excellent as well. I saw them play at Carabar a few weeks ago, where I wasn't impressed, but they brought a lot more energy to this show.

My date and I couldn't help but laugh at the make-up of the band. Like I said, the music was excellent, but band seems to be made up of an irregular cast of misfits; from left to right...

• The bassist seemed to take playing the bass VERY seriously. Even when his strap fell off and a roadie/fan was trying to help put it back on, he didn't miss a note. 
• Jessica Wabbit (or Rabbit, she played in another band that I reviewed here) is the pixie-sized singer/guitarist who has an incredible voice. Her between song banter consisted of one-line zingers and taking her shirt off, and telling The Angriest Tambourine Player to take her shirt off as well.
• The Drummer was an ogre and really kicked ass on the drums. 
• The Angriest Tambourine Player was just that - an angry tambourine player. She also sang some back-up and danced; all while scowling. Which was kind of impressive considering how energetic she was.
• Lastly, the second guitarist was Metal Dude who looked like he was in the wrong band. He was super into the music, though, and looked like he was having a blast. 

The opener was Pretty Pretty, a rockin' 3-piece punk band that I definitely want to check out again. You can listen to some of their songs on Bandcamp for free. I wish I could say more about them, but not today.

For more on Paul Collins and The Girls, hit the following links;

Paul Collins' official website - thepaulcollinsbeat.com and his myspace page

The Girls on Bandcamp 

Buzz is a good thing.

I was hanging with Michelle at Ravari Room a few weeks ago and met two of the guys from Sundown. One of them asked me if I knew of the band and I replied that I had heard of them, but hadn't listened to them yet.

He looked visibly disappointed upon hearing this.

Look, in this town, where you can throw a rock in any direction and have a 50% chance of hitting someone who is either in a band or doesn't care about local music at all, meeting someone who has at least heard of your band shouldn't be cause for disappointment.

That's called buzz, son, and a lot of bands would kill for it.

I don't know if Sundown has even put out any albums, EPs, singles, or splits. I don't know anything about them other than what I gathered from meeting these two dudes.

But I've heard of them. Their name is in my head. Which means I will, at some point, go to a show they are playing or look them up on bandcamp or something.

Actually, they are playing tonight, and Michelle and I are already planning to go. She's friends with the dudes in Psychic Wheels, who are also playing.

Secret Cities at Ace of Cups

You know what grinds my gears?

Unknown bands that never say what their name is.

The band (I'm assuming local) that opened for Secret Cities did not mention their name. Not before their set, not after their set, not even during their set. They mentioned that they have a CD for sale, "For two dollars, but you might be able to talk us down."

There are several reasons I'd like to know a band's name; if I like them and want to check 'em out later, if I despise them and want to be able to avoid them as if they were an airborne plague of HIV.

Whatever this band was called, they sat squarely in the latter encampment.

The drummer would periodically quit drumming, mid-song, to play what sounded like one of those little Casio keyboards you get out of the back page of a Boy's Life magazine for selling enough subscriptions or chocolate bars. It probably was an expensive piece of equipment, but that doesn't matter. He stopped drumming to play a ridiculously simple drum beat that was probably one of the pre-set beats on the thing already. 

I'm having trouble explaining this adequately, I think...

He could have played the exact same beat, that would have sounded a million times better, if he hadn't of stopped drumming to fool around with the shitty keyboard.

Lyrically, it was banal, ball-less, ballad, bullshit.

These dudes were, without doubt, the worst live band I've seen in my memory. 

However, the bassist, when not speaking to the crowd in a condescendingly faux-humble tone, was pretty good at playing his instrument.

The saddest part, was that the majority of the 30 people in attendance were friends of this band, and didn't stick around for Secret Cities.

Secret Cities is a three-piece from Fargo, North Dakota that is currently on a U.S. tour. They stopped at Ace of Cups on Wednesday, which sucks, because Wednesday is the worst night of the week for a live band to play in this city, and their opener was God-fucking-awful.

Secret Cities was very good. Their music was tight, they were humorous, "This next one is going to take you to a dark place. So hold your best girl close... and kill her." 

Unlike the first band, who seemed to try to be everything they could (and badly), Secret Cities knew exactly what they were trying to accomplish musically, and did it with gusto.

Unfortunately, THEY NEVER SAID THEIR NAME!!!

Myself and Random Black Guy had to ask 6 or 7 people before we found someone who knew who the band was.

Btw, Random Black Guy agreed with my assessment of the first band, and we agreed on how good Secret Cities was.

If they come back to Columbus (I hope they do, even though they were showed little love by a shitty crowd on a Wednesday night) I definitely recommend catching them. 

They even have a hot keyboard player; "We have stuff for sale over there and our hot keyboardist will be there too!" "No I won't." "Yes you will."

Secret Cities on Facebook

Nothing mainstream is punk. Nothing.

http://www.npr.org/blogs/therecord/2012/08/21/159559500/taylor-swift-princess-of-punk?utm_source=npr&utm_medium=facebook&utm_campaign=20120821

This article states that a song by Taylor Swift is "punk."

The article itself states that it could have been an Avril Lavigne (hereby called "Anal Ravine") song, as they both have the same song writer, and this song sounds exactly like an Anal Ravine song. There is absolutely nothing punk about this. Punk isn't about angry rich girls who are sad about a made-up boyfriend breaking up with them. It's about social, political, and cultural values. Usually, about how those values need to change in a violent way. It's about anger at the system. How many Black Flag, Clash, Sex Pistols, Subhumans, Total Chaos, Rancid, NOFX, Agent Orange, Sloppy Seconds, GG Allin, or Pennywise songs were about a breakup?

Check out the link. Write Ann Powers, and tell her that she doesn't speak for punk music. She has no fucking clue what punk music is. She's a fool, a charlatan, and an idiot who wrote a steaming pile of shit in order to try to equate corporate mainstream crap with a sub-genre she doesn't understand.

Here is what Ann Powers thinks punk music sounds like.

Carabar and "Post Rock"

Tonight I went to Carabar to buy cigarettes and a beer. I didn't realize it would be crowded, since Carabar doesn't promote any shows ever, and I hadn't heard of any of the bands playing before I got there. Couple things...

Carabar is pretty awesome for 3 reasons. The first is that it is two blocks from my apartment. The second is that Carabar's food is ridiculously good. The Helen Killer Cafe kills it. Taco Tuesday is possibly the best kept secret in Columbus. The Black and Blue burger is unlike anything you've ever had, and is delicious. It's vegan friendly with seperate fryers and cooking area for the vegan options. The third is that, when you actually, finally, get the attention of a bartender (not their fault, the bar is always crowded with "it's my first time at a bar" fuckbags that don't know to exit the area after they get their draft), they're friendly and nice and pour damn good drinks.

Tonight's band line-up was a series of rock bands. Unfortunately, at least one of these bands want to label themselves as "post-rock," a completely meaningless label that is used by hipster musicians and hipster non-musicians to describe progressive rock music. Oh! Your band plays melodic rock instrumentals? No "rock" band has ever done that before, so it MUST be, "post-rock," right?

 No... no band has done that before; Rush, Pink Floyd, Metallica, Joe Satriani, The Grateful Dead, or a hundred other bands that don't give themselves the pretentious and idiotic label of "post-rock," have ever done that before. No. Fucking. Way.

But anger at the semantics used by fools aside, I got there in time to catch a band called, "If Trees Could Talk." As my brotha J-fi said, if trees could talk, they would tell us to stop killing them; but that's not important right now. If Trees Could Talk the band was pretty damn good. They played tight (a couple mistakes but nothing to write home about) and heavy, and had a strong crowd that dug their music. I liked them... a lot.

The next, and headliner (I assume) was The End of the Ocean. The End of the Ocean was also pretty good, but they are the ones I point my "post-rock" ire at. I'm pretty sure it isn't "post-rock," to have two pretty girls in your band. Because other than that, there was nothing remotely close to "post-rock," about them. They played hard rock instrumentals; using two guitars, a drum, a bass, and a keyboard. Does that really sound like something that hasn't been heard a thousand times before in rock music? Does that sound unique? Perhaps if you've never listened to rock music. If that's the case, I can't really say. I can only speak for myself and the majority of people in the entire fucking world.

The End of the Ocean is a good live band; I have nothing negative to say about their music at all. They had good energy that translated to the crowd; a lot to say of a band that plays only instrumentals. I enjoyed it, if only slightly less than I enjoyed If Trees Could Talk. But Christ Jesus on a pogo stick; no band should ever, EVER, EVER, call themselves "post"-anything. It is the mark of... well, of a mark; a sucker, a fool, a nincompoop.

It's a term that makes no sense. Post-Rock. Think about it for a minute. But not too long, I don't want anyone to have an aneurism while trying to understand the implications of Rock music that isn't actually Rock music, but is supposedly something AFTER Rock music.

Labeling yourself as "post-rock," is like tying a pretentious noose around your own neck. Let other, small-minded people put labels on you. That's what small-minded people do. But once you start labeling yourself and your own art, you've willfully put a cap on your own creativity.

All that being said, this show was the kick-off of a CD release and a national tour; I wish all of you the absolute best. Like I said, talented musicians playing good music.

I don't have links as my internet connection at this time is all kinds of awful, but I do know that you can hear them on both Spotify and Bandcamp and they have a Facebook page as well. I recommend giving them a listen, and buying their stuff.

Time for a new band

My first band was a short-lived (but long notorious) punk band called Third Trimester Abortion. My second band was a rap group (also notorious) called Hotsauce. We recorded, like, 30 songs. Ask, and I'll send you some. Third band was a country group that never got off the ground called, Kissin' Cousins. Kissin' Cousins had songs like, "You Crashed a Plane into the Twin Towers of My Heart," and, "She Left Me for our Son."

Now, I have determined the next band I start will be called, Moonwolf.

Moonwolf is a shitcore metal band that only plays covers of Xfactor1 and Bobaflex. Our band t-shirts are made from shirts we buy at Walmart and Goodwill that have wolves and Moons printed on them.

Try to come up with something better than that. I dare you.

Starlight Girls

Starlight Girls are a female fronted four piece group from Brooklyn, New York who play music that fuses different genres from previous decades into something new.

Yeah, I know what you are thinking. I thought it too before I started listening to this EP.

Hipster douche baggery.

I can't say anything about them personally, but I do know this...

This is great music!

Starlight Girls sound like the soundtrack for a B-Movie sci-fi/horror flick from the '50s mixed with 60's surf rock with some jazz flute thrown in. Organs, flute solos, breathy vocals; it all melds perfectly together for a uniquely pleasurable listening experience. My first thought was that it would be great to put on a mix tape for a Halloween party. But after listening more and more, I feel it's good for anytime; sticky-hot Summer nights, frozen Winter spiced-rum parties... there is a lot of stuff going on in the music that evokes different things. It's not terribly, technically amazing; but the composition is neat. I hear new and different things each time I listen.

Unfortunately, their only Ohio tour date is towards the end of March in Cincinnatti. I don't know, maybe Columbus (the "Indie Art Capital" of the Midwest, with the largest college in the country) should be amended into that tour. Just sayin'. I mean, Kobo or Circus or Ace of Cups would be absolutely great places for Starlight Girls to play. Hint Hint

Here are a couple tracks (posted with permission)




and a video!!!

Starlight Girls - Gossip from Black Sundays on Vimeo.

Starlight Girls are releasing a 7" EP on February 1st. I hope to get my grubby hands on a copy.

They also are working on a full-length album to be released... sometime. I'm not sure if a date has been announced yet.

Ray Ray's Hog Pit

Ray Ray's Hog Pit is located on the corner on Pacemont and High street, in the parking lot of the Super Food Mart on Friday's Saturday's and Sunday's. The rest of the week, the trailer is hidden in a secret location known only to a chosen few.

I've been eating regularly at Ray Ray's for about 8 months now. It is my lunch on most weekends. I am currently the Mayor of Ray Ray's on Foursquare, and have been for some time. I love it. Everyone I know that has been there loves it. You should love it too.

The menu is simple, self explanatory, and with out pretension. There are three regular sandwiches; Beef brisket, pulled pork, and Carolina pulled pork. All three are amazing, but the Carolina is definitely my favorite of the three. The vinegar-based sauce is delicious, and the cole slaw slopped on the meat adds a creamy texture and counterweight to acidity.

Ray Ray's also occasionally offers specialty sandwiches like smoked turkey and most recently, burnt-end beef brisket. If you ever get the chance to eat the burnt-end brisket, you will slap your thigh and exclaim, "GAWD DAMN!" This is absolutely true. One of the best sandwiches I've ever had.

On Sundays, Ray Ray's sells a grain-fed beef brisket sandwich with a Dogfishhead Ale sauce (mustard based?) that will make your knees weak.

The ribs come in a sample size (3 ribs, split into 6) as well as half and full racks. There is literature posted on the side of the trailer about why the ribs are pink in the middle and how ribs are supposed to be cooked. It's all genius, and the ribs are some of the best I've ever had.

There are several different sauces available to choose from. Sweet BBQ, Jalepeno, and Habenero. All are wonderful, although everyone seems to have a favorite.

The sides are definitely worth mentioning too. The Mac and Cheese is absolutely killer - someone told me they throw it in the smoker (I don't know if that is a fact) and you can taste it. Possibly the best mac and cheese I've ever had that I didn't make myself. They also serve collard greens, cole slaw, and baked beans. The collard greens are good, a bit salty, but you'll have that.

Ray Ray's also has deserts in the form of banana pudding that is excellent. Drinks are glass bottles of ginger ale, birch soda, and mellow tea. Music is almost always reggae - and strangely doesn't seem out of place at all.

Prices are cheap for the serving size and taste-value of what you get. For example, the pulled pork sandwich is only $4 and you won't find a better one in Columbus.

Here is their Facebook page, which is updated with whatever they're cooking up for the weekend.

Scarlet and Grey Cafe Comedy Night

Scarlet and Grey Cafe is a campus institution that's been around for a while. 8 years, according to their website. Just a block North of Lane Avenue, the bar has cheap drinks, nightly specials, live bands, and on Tuesday nights, open-mic comedy.

Open-mic comedy is hosted by Cory Baxter; who looks like a cross between Lemmy from Motorhead and a redneck speed dealer. I'm sure this is intentional. He's pretty funny, especially his bit about doing meth his buddy found in an alley.

Comedy-wise, it's open mic, so it's generally piss-poor. Fat lady making fat jokes, Nerd making nerd jokes, random d-bags trying to tell jokes with no punch-line, etc. Now, while that is a very critical note, it takes a lot of courage to get up on stage and try to make strangers laugh at your jokes. I have a great deal of respect for ANYONE who has the balls to do open mic night.

Highlights were a girl whose name I can not for the life of me remember who told a rather funny suicide joke, and Bob Cook, who for all intents and purposes is the best comic in Columbus. He's a pro, and does these open mics as basically practice and to try out new material. Then there is The Devil. This old-timer has been around FOREVER. Before the comedy begins, he plays a one-man cover set under the pseudonym of Flatt Rascal. His covers are all about 30 seconds to a minute long, and he sings them ala Will Farrell pretending to be Robert Goulet. The Devil is a fixture at Scarlet and Grey Cafe.

Of special note was the bartender, Amber. Noteworthy not so much because she's pretty (okay, she's gorgeous) but because she is actually a good, if not great, bartender - on Campus, no less. The place was pretty crowded but she remembered my name immediately, she didn't let anyone wait for drinks, and she is friendly and talkative. You don't get that too often on campus, or anywhere for that matter, especially from female bartenders. Usually that kind of attention is reserved for regulars, but we had never met before and I haven't been to Scarlet and Grey in a year or so. Needless to say, I was pleased as punch with her service.

Tuesday nights also has $1 PBR and Miller Lite drafts as well as $2 well drinks. No cover charge, but they check IDs at the door. They also serve food, so you can have some munchies with your booze.

2203 N. High St.
Columbus, OH 43201
614.291.2347
Mon-Tue: 4p-2a
Wed-Sat: 4p-2:30a
Sunday: 5p-2a

Get Right

This would have been a proper review of the Get Right dance party thingamabob, however, I wasn't able to attend. Yes, sad faces all around. Transportation difficulties kept me from cutting a rug.

However, intrepid journalist and object of my jealousy for her wordsmithing skill, Erica Strauss sent me the following text message from the event;

"Dude this get right is so fun"

Short, sweet, to the point. Wish I could have been there.

By the way, I wasn't being sarcastic at all about Miss Erica's writing skill. I am also very jealous of her day job.

Food Carts Festival

Last weekend I attended the Food Cart Festival at the Columbus Commons with Natalia of We Are Glitterati. It was the busiest I've seen Downtown with the exception of Red, White, and Boom. This is not necessarily a good thing.

The concept is awesome. A bunch of food trucks (not the boring gyro/brat types) all in one area with beer, live music, and various booths of community minded businesses. Like a smaller Comfest, really.

Looks good on paper, not so much in execution.

The event was to last from 6pm - 10pm. More than half the food trucks were closed due to running out of food by 8pm. The lines for food easily lasted an hour. Herds of people were tripping over each other to shuffle anywhere as about half the Commons was cut off from the event by barricades (no doubt because of the alcohol).

Much like Comfest, the bloat of too many people is what hurt this festival.

Because so many of the food trucks closed early, the ones that remained open saw even longer lines. Many people were leaving without getting anything to eat because they refused to stand in line for an hour or more.

Ray Ray's Hog Pit was advertised for the event but wasn't there; after talking to one of the Ray Ray's guys (not Jaimie, the owner), I was informed that Ray Ray's never agreed to be there at all and wasn't even contacted. Interesting.

For the live music, there seemed to be a preponderance of hip hop (no issues with that) but the closing band was a cover band. A pretty good and lively cover band, but still. I will hand it to the cover band though; they got white people to do the "drunk white person dance," you know the one; girls in peasant skirts swaying jarringly with their arms in the air.

Jeni's Ice Cream truck was the only one we visited as it had the smallest line (not because no one was buying Jeni's, but because it was moving the fastest). I tried the Goat Cheese and Cherry for the first time and it was divine. It tasted like a combination of cherry cheesecake and a girl in her early twenties. Delicious.

I'm not sure what to suggest to improve the festival for next year. I like the idea of a food truck festival as the food trucks in the town are pretty amazing. It's good for all of these small business owners, it's good for downtown (Dirty Frank's and Little Palace were packed), and it's good for people to just get out of the house and do interact with other people. But all of this is limited when you can't get the food you came to get, and you can't move or talk due to the oppressively large crowd. How do you fix that?

Check out the We Are Glitterati blog, Facebook, and Twitter pages.

Dubstep

After a brief hiatus, I am back. You're welcome.

I've noticed that there has been a surge in popularity of dubstep in this City. For those unfamiliar with dubstep, here is my loose description; techno with heavy bass, rapid even sudden changes in tempo, and lots of weird shit going on.

This popularity reminds me of the techno boom of the 90s. Remember that? I'm not talking about Moby or Fatboy Slim of the late 90s. I'm referring to the movement that started with the Mortal Kombat movie soundtrack. Yeah, there were lots of electronic musicians and bands before then, but the release and popularity of that soundtrack really put electronic music on the mainstream map.

Dubstep groups tend to use the old techno props of hoods, masks - anything to hide the identity of the programmers/DJs. I've never really understood this.

On the other hand, the rise in popularity of dubstep (every time I hear or read the word, I automatically think of Jamaican music) doesn't seem to have a notable flash point. It's just grown. Shoot, we have like 15 dubstep shows/events/club nights a month in this city right now.

I wonder when the Dubstep Bubble will pop. Because it will.

In the meantime, check out roeVy. They are suitably weird, interesting, and put on a good show. Laser eyes, dudes. Laser eyes.

Strangers in Daylight, Burglar, Spruce Campbells

There was an excellent turnout at Hotel War's CD release show at Skully's last night. The hippest kids in Columbus were there; and there are a lot of the buggers.

Opening act Strangers in Daylight were a pleasant surprise. A standard three-piece, their unfortunately short set was fun, lively, and got a decent amount of people to the dance floor. It helps that they seemed like they were friends with everyone in attendance, but that's Skully's for ya. I look forward to seeing Strangers in Daylight again in the future.

Burglar, of course, got all the women dancing. Which was amusing to watch because all of the "cool" hipster guys wear standing in a semi-circle, encasing a horde of young, fashionable females grooving on the dance floor. The sweet sounds of the lovely and gorgeous Lindsay Ciulla's mellophone and the sultry and dripping-with-sex appeal singing of Mehgan Hutchinson melded perfectly with the percussion of Drum Guy, Upright Electric Bass Dude, Guitar And Sometimes Vocals Guy, and Keyboard Dude. I'm not trying to be a jerk guys; but you are honestly not what I or any other straight guy is paying attention to when we see Burglar play. However, you will be happy to know that every single girl I know says things that I can not mention here about you. Suffice to say, they find all of you to be very handsome fellas and would like to do naughty things with you. So there ya go.

Couldn't stay long as I had to rapidly travel to Kobo using Columbus' red-headed stepchild of public transportation - the COTA bus. The Spruce Campbells were closing out Kobo and I told a couple people I would be there.

Not enough is said about Kobo. I think the sound at the old Oldfield's on High is superior to most (if not all) bars in town. Unlike some other more prominent places, the vocals don't get drowned out, the balance of guitars, bass, drums, etc isn't all out of whack, and the acoustics of the room just seem better.

Anyway, the Spruce Campbells killed it. Unfortunately, it was late so the crowd was small (but still good for the late hour). Some pre-set jamming to Rush by Chris Cheeseman the drummer and guitarist Matthew Forney was welcome (and amusing). Chelsea Moore's and Jason Kusowski's vocals complimented each other perfectly. The band seemed to be having fun, and that translated to the crowd; there was dancing and smiles everywhere. Chelsea tells me that she has no groupies, and I think this is an absolute crime. With her voice and looks, she should be beating dudes off with a stick.

Also in attendance at the Spruce Campbells show was Scott Ball (accompanied by his lovely fiance) of the tragically defunct Asthmo. Few people probably remember Asthmo, but they were good. Real good. However, their demise brought about The Nuclear Children, which begat the Spruce Campbells (which is apparently going to give birth to a bouncing Barker's Beauties at some point). Sometimes it's weird how everyone in Columbus is connected. Also, you just got a short lesson in some Columbus indie band history.

You're welcome.



Essential Music Videos - 90's Indie Rock

Lucky 13 Hair Salon

Lucky 13 is the best hair-cutting experience I've ever had. I can say that honestly and without question.
 
I was going to write up a nice little review using all the review techniques they teach you in school. But I hate writing like that, and I hate reading sanitized, boring reviews. Most people agree with me. So here we go.

I needed a haircut. For the past couple years I always went to Great Clips or other McDonalds-like chain places. I have always been completely unsatisfied with these hair-cutting experiences and figured that I just hate getting my hair cut. So I posted a status update on Facebook asking for any recommendations for a new place to get my hair cut. I got 4 responses within about 20 seconds, all of which said "Lucky 13."

Being a guy who doesn't pay attention to such things, I had no idea what "Lucky 13" was or what it meant. So I Googled it to find out. Sounded hip, cool, and therefore not like something I would like at all. So I mulled it over for a few days before I decided, "Aw, what the hell. Why not?"

I had a bunch of other errands to run so I put Lucky 13 at the end of my list for the day. When I finally walked in, a very pretty blond woman (can't tell from the pictures on the website who she was) smiled a genuine smile at me and asked me to sign in. She informed me that there was a 45 minute to an hour wait, and I was welcome to wait inside or leave and come back. I was Famished, so I left and got a Reuben at the Deli down the street. That isn't important. What is important is when I walked back in, a completely different woman (I'm assuming Lane) said, "Tim?" To which I replied, "Yes?" She told me I was up next. I had only been gone for a half hour, so I was pleasantly surprised.

A quite attractive, smiling (perfect teeth) young woman named Angie walked up, introduced herself and extended her hand for a shake. She led me to her chair, and asked me what I wanted done.

This is always the part of getting a haircut that I hate the most. I never have any idea of what I want done. All I know is that I look horrible, I despise my hair, and I just want to get in, get a haircut, and get out as quickly as possible. I don't like to chit-chat, I don't like being sociable with people I don't know, and I do not like haircuts.

So I say, "I dunno."

She laughed, which made me laugh, and Angie proceeded to start making suggestions while we were facing the mirror (Another issue I've had with every past barber or stylist I've ever had is that they always face me AWAY from the mirror so I can't see what they are doing). She made me feel comfortable; the most comfortable I've ever felt while getting a haircut. I talked, I chit-chatted, and I never once cringed and thought, "Oh God, what is she doing?"

I even mentioned my past experiences of horrible haircuts with her and how this was so much better. She replied that she thinks it's probably because unlike the people at other places like Great Clips, she actually likes what she does and where she works. She's been working at Lucky 13 for three years now and loves it. (Angie was pretty fascinating; she's backpacked through the jungles of Costa Rica, has a tight rope in her backyard that she performs yoga on, and other ridiculously cool things that I can't seem to remember right now)

This made me recall that every employ I came across seemed genuinely happy and friendly. I think that means quite a lot.

So, I think I've found my new hair-cutting place. I don't want to say my new barbershop because it doesn't sound right, nor do I want to say my new salon because, well, I just ain't gonna say that either.


Lucky 13 is the best hair-cutting experience I've ever had. I can say that honestly and without question. I like my haircut, I liked my experience, and I will definitely go back.

Also, I thoroughly recommend Angie. While it certainly seems like I've been gushing about her, you just can't understand how much I hate getting my hair cut, nor how much this experience made me realize that getting my hair cut doesn't have to be an awful experience.

One last thing; they give you a card which they punch out every time you are in. Get 12 punches and your 13th cut is free.


As an aside; what is the proper amount to tip for a hair cut?




[Photos were pulled from Lucky 13's website. I do not make any claims to ownership of photos, and if you want them taken down, just tell me]

Shows this weekend

Friday:

The lovely Salty Caramels are going to make Happy Hour at Woodlands Tavern happier than ever.

Following the Salty Caramels; Erika Carey, the Spruce Campbells, Marvin the Robot, and the Glass Winged Sharp Shooters finish the night at Woodland Tavern

At Circus; Dirty Girls, George Elliot Underground, Nathan Kalish and the Wildfire, and Hotel War perform in a TRIO production.

Kobo presents Bicentennial Bear, SPD GVNR (I love that name), and Vanity Theft


Saturday:

Skully's and TRIO present Burglar's CD Release show, with the ever-present Phantods, and Two Cow Garage.

The Briar Patch presents Verner Caliper who have one of the best flyer/posters I've seen in a while.

Sexiness, Spruce Campbells, and other stuff

Sometime in the near future, Quarantine will interview Jason of The Spruce Campbells. It should have happened earlier this month, but my old tape recorder went to the Big Analog Tape Depository in the Sky.

Speaking of The Spruce Campbells, their next EP should be coming out soon and I have been informed that it is very, "sexy." Sexy is always good.

Ino other news, Lackluster is having a CD release show at Ravari Room on April 15 with Lost Revival, The Spruce Campbells, and a mystery guest. Wouldn't it be cool if Hotsauce had a reunion?

Quarantine is also looking for a new reviewer. We have a back log of albums that need to be written up. You won't get paid, but you'll get a by-line, free music, and maybe make some new connections.

We always take submissions of any music; from a single song, to a rock opera. So if you are in a band, send us your stuff and we'll give it a fair review. Submissions always take precedence over anything else (anything else meaning stuff I pick up at the record shop, which is currently what the back-log consists of)

Lastly, Quarantine is one of the very few music blogs in Columbus. Less pretentious than half of a hipster, but still cooler than your mom.

CD101 @ 102.5

Image via WikipediaOh, CD101, I don't know what to say to you.

You have had a great influence on my life, perhaps more than any other source of media other than Ranger Rick. I have been a loyal listener for nigh on 20 years now, and I will remain loyal until the day one of us dies.

That being said, as a fan, as a member of the extended family of CD101 listeners (and we are all a family, brought even closer together with the tragic loss of our adopted father, Andyman), as someone who loves you as much as anyone can, I have a suggestion for you.

This suggestion is from my heart, and not to be taken as anything but meaningful and hopeful advice. Something to think about, experiment with, learn from, or ignore.

I will not suggest that you stop playing certain overplayed and awful bands or music; like U2 or Red Hot Chili Peppers or ska, for example. I will not tell you that if you do not follow my suggestion you will fail and suck and I will hate you - I could never hate you, and I will always desire the best for you. No, CD101, you are too good to be yelled at or chastised; you do so much good for the city and surrounding communities already.

As the "Alternative Station" you have such an opening to play new and less known music; more than any other station in the region. You already do this very well, but here is a suggestion to consider.

A bi-weekly Hip Hop/alternative rap show. It would focus on lesser known, underground, indie-label, and local acts. You already play Outkast, Beastie Boys, Flobots, and others so it isn't that far out from what you are already doing. The Independent Playground and Local Stuff are wonderful and definitely should stay, but this would supplement them and allow them to concentrate on underground and local rock music.

Alternative rap is a rapidly growing trend just as alternative rock was 20 years ago. With musical styles merging as much as they do now, with rap, rock and even country are mixing together, it makes sense to be at the forefront of this wave.

No other Columbus radio station has this market. Power 107.5? Nope, they play only the most popular hits by the most popular (and talentless) "artists."

You have a golden opportunity, CD101 @ 102.5

Just something to think about.

Related articles

• 'Andyman' remembered for support of music, charity (dispatch.com)
• CD101's "Andyman" Davis Passed Away (rightcelebrity.com)