Friday, July 07, 2006
TLP July 7, 2006
Fun and busy week = late Lex Pro. Sorry. Inside you'll find the usual smattering of community announcements and Picks (thanks to Chris Bush, Trevor Tremaine, and Samantha Herald for the help) and, at the end, a treat - Chris Bush's full interview with Six Organs of Admittance's Ben Chasny.
Thanks to everyone who came out to the Icehouse for the cookout/show on Tuesday and particularly big ups to Brian and Robert Ronk and Vanessa for all their work on the grub.
Hope all are well.
Ross
:::::::::::::::::::::::: Announcements :::::::::::::::::::::::::::
** "The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged)" at Natasha’s Cafe
The Balagula Theatre presents "The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged),” July 12-14, 16, and 19-21 at Natasha’s Café, 112 Esplanade. “The Complete Works…” is a "Python-esque" mixture of pratfalls, puns, willful misreading of dialogue, and absurd female impersonations, featuring both broad and subtle humor. Three actors condense a lifetime of the Bard's work into one evening, spoofing it and praising it at the same time -"3 actors/37 plays/1 dead playwright." This production by The Balagula Theatre embodies one of comedy's most essential impulses: the adolescent urge to take a sledgehammer to the culturally revered. If you're a fan of Shakespeare you'll like this show, if you hate Shakespeare you'll like this show. Tickets are $7. All ages are welcome. For more information, visit http://www.beetnik.com or ring the Café at 259-2754
** Mon/July 10 - Two art Lectures at Georgetown College
Monday, July 10, all are invited to a pair of brief gallery talks by the people who brought their works to Georgetown College.
Beginning at 11:00 a.m., Dr. Donald L. Jacobs will give an overview of the contemporary collection he and his wife Dorothy gifted to the college in the Ensor Learning Resource Center (LRC) gallery that bears their names. The retired Cincinnati physician will also introduce some of his new acquisitions before the audience is escorted across the street at 11:30.
There, in the Anne Wright Wilson Fine Arts Building gallery, artist Deana Rennick will talk about her installation. The Kenan Visiting Lecturer at Transylvania University, Rennick is one of the recipients of a 2005 Sculpture Magazine’s Outstanding Student Award. More conversation and refreshments will be available in the college’s Starbucks at the Mulberry Café on the LRC’s first floor.
Both galleries will be open that afternoon until 4:30 for more viewing. Normal gallery hours are noon-4:30 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Friday; or to make a special appointment, call the gallery director at (502) 863-8399.
Parking is available in the Georgetown Baptist Church parking lot at the corner of College and Mulberry streets, across from the LRC.
For more information, contact Elissa Morley at 502/863-8399 or emorley0@georgetowncollege.edu.
** LexArts presents "The World On A String"
LexArts presents "The World On A String," a month-long celebration of international puppetry, July 12th through August 2nd at the Downtown Arts Center, 141 E. Main, between Alfalfa Restaurant and Ann Tower Gallery.
Performances include:
• Frisch Marionettes of Cincinnati, performing the classic fairy tale Hansel and Gretel. The beautiful, hand-carved marionettes will recount the tale before elaborate sets, accompanied by the melodious 19th Century Engelbert Humperdink. Performances are Wednesday, July 12, 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• Doug Berky, a master of movement theater from Indianapolis, presenting Gems. Using puppets, mime, drama, comedy, music and storytelling, Doug will share stories from around the world. Performances are Wednesday, July 19, 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• Vit Horejs of Czechoslovak-American Marionette Theatre, performing Czech and Slovak Tales. The world-renowned puppeteer uses century-old, 24-inch marionettes that are beloved in the old country. Performances are Wednesday, July 26, 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. Evening performance will be geared for adults and children.
• Atlanta Puppet, last season’s audience favorite, returning with the International Show. Hand-carved puppets from different cultures will provide insight into the world of puppetry and broaden your world view. Performances are Wednesday, August 2, 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Tickets for all performances are $8 each or $28 for subscription. Tickets are available by calling the LexArts Box Office at 859/225-0370.
** Through Aug. 12 - "Darkness Attempts to Comprehend Light" - paintings by Kevin Sparks at Fauntleroy’s Café
Fauntleroy's Cafe, 640 W. Maxwell St, hosts an exhibit of painting by Kevin Sparks entitled "Darkness Attempts to Comprehend Light: twilight studies," now through August 12th.
** July 22 & 23 - Free Capoeria Workshops for Children July 22nd & 23rd, Saturday/Sunday, 1pm @ Children's Explorium - Children's Capoeira Workshop Saturday, July 22 and Sunday, July 23, our friends from Firebird Studio will be hosting a set of free and informal workshops in Capoeira for children and their families at the Explorium. The workshops will include a capoeira performance of Brazilian music and dance followed by the teaching of basic dance movements. Participants will also learn some capoeira songs and get a chance to play the instruments. This event is free and “open to anyone that interested in trying something fun and exciting.” For more information, visit http://www.firebirdlexington.com.
** Vegan project
A note from frequent Lex Pro contributor Eli Riveire …
hey everyone, nick warner and i are working on a project related to veganism and we need YOUR help! are you a vegan? are you thinking about going vegan? do you know a vegan who might want to help out? it won't be hard or time-consuming, we just want to talk to you about your experiences with veganism. we can talk over email, the phone, at third street stuff, or whatever works best for you. if this sounds like you, shoot me an email at riveire@gmail.com, or nick at nickwarner@gmail.com, and we'll set something up. thank you thank you, eli riveire
** KFTC is hiring
From a recent KFTC email …
Kentuckians For The Commonwealth is hiring! If you're interested in a career in grassroots social justice or know someone who is, please consider applying or passing this job posting to people you know. We're hiring for three positions (two of them new) with a variety of focuses. Here are some brief descriptions -
Communications Associate based in Prestonsburg. Responsibilities include developing and maintaining the KFTC web site, assisting with publicity and the production of publications, participating in member recruitment and fundraising, and more in support of KFTC organizing goals. The position starts August 1.
Tax & Economic Justice Organizer. Responsibilities include strategy development, base building and leadership development, communication, alliance building, research and policy development, fundraising, and more. The position is focused on building public support for meaningful tax reform and an increase in the minimum wage, and work with the Kentucky Economic Justice Alliance.
Economic Development Organizer. Responsibilities include strategy development, base building and leadership development, communication, alliance building, research and policy development, fundraising, and more. The goal is to create a new economic development framework for Kentucky, including an economic development vision, an analysis and critique of the current approach, principles of a new approach, a broad policy agenda, and specific policy proposals.
Salaries are based on experience. Benefits are generous.
Anyone interested in applying should send a letter of application, resume, and contact information for three references to: KFTC Personnel Committee, P.O. Box 1450, London, Ky. 40743 or via email to robin@kftc.org. Applications will be accepted until the jobs are filled. KFTC is an equal opportunity employer. Women and people of color are encouraged to apply. Again, you can find more information online at http://www.kftc.org/about-kftc/jobs-internships
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: THE PICKS :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
::::::::: Wednesday, July 5 through Wednesday, July 19 :::::::::::
:: Friday, July 7 ::
PETTICOAT, PETTICOAT cd release party w/IN ENDEAVORS ITALYA, THE ESTATES GENERAL, and LAUREN DONOVAN @ Mecca, 451 Chair Ave – just off Broadway near Main 8pm, all ages, $5 – sponsored by WRFL 88.1FM
Young Lexington popsters Petticoat, Petticoat celebrate the release of their new cd “Every Mother’s Child” and kick off their first tour. http://myspace.com/petticoatpetticoat, http://myspace.com/inendeavorsitalya, http://myspace.com/theestatesgeneral, http://myspace.com/laurendonovan
:: Friday, July 7 ::
PARLOUR BOYS w/MODENA VOX @ The Dame
9pm, ages 21+, $5
“Dance, dance, dance, and go crazy/ Dance, dance, dance, and go crazy” – Modest Mouse (from “Untitled” - The Fruit That Ate Itself ep)
http://myspace.com/parlourboysmusic, http://myspace.com/modenavox
:: Thursday, July 13 ::
SIX ORANS OF ADMITTANCE w/EYES AND ARMS OF SMOKE and BURNING STAR CORE @ The Dame – 9pm, ages 21+, $6
Ben Chasny, man of many musical hats and talents, brings his most oft donned project to Lexington as the Dame hosts Six Organs of Admittance on July 13th. Touring in support of his most recent and most ominous release to date, The Sun Awakens, Chasny promises to bring audiences to a petrified lull with his brooding psych-rock hymns. In recent years Chasny has proven time and time again to be one of the hardest working musicians in the realm of foreword thinking rock, either recording or touring with a small army of acts including Six Organs of Admittance, Comets on Fire, Current 93, Baggelore, August Born, and Superwolf. As Six Organs of Admittance, Chasny has made particular musical progress by shrugging apparent debts to the guitar ragas of John Fahey and Sandy Bull and incorporating the more volatile sounds found in Japanese psychedelic and drone. With The Sun Awakens, these heavier influences seem more legible than ever. The album maintains a brooding and apocalyptic mood the whole way through, never coming to a crescendo but never losing intensity. Chasny said via telephone, “I just kind of wanted a really swampy kind of black tar type record.” Indeed, The Sun Awakens seems as such, always thick and bubbling, but never erupting. On the records closing track, the haunting twenty-three minute epic 'River of Transfiguration,' the tar of murky noise builds to become almost suffocatingly thick. As to what the Dame crowd should expect, Chasny made no promises. “I usually don’t write out a set list. I usually just call them out to the guys..." Though, "some version" of 'The River of Transfiguration' is rumored to make an appearance. – Chris Bush
:: Saturday, July 15 :: VAMPIRE BELT w/SPECTRE FOLK and EYES AND ARMS OF SMOKE @ Mecca, 451 Chair Avenue – 8pm, all ages, $3
Killer improv/folk/noise/psych gig that will please devotees of both the Outside the Spotlight series and fans of recent performances by the Lexington Weirdo League, e.g. Hair Police, Caves, Warmer Milks, et al.
VAMPIRE BELT is the duo of drummer Chris Corsano and guitarist Bill Nace. Corsano has devastated Lexington audiences in the past performing with saxophonist Paul Flaherty at CD Central (at the nadir of the 2003 ice storm, to a packed house of dropped jaws), Mecca, and Underlying Themes. His playing is absolutely singular: like a hurricane of insanity. Bill Nace is a western Massachusetts guitarist whose uncompromising experimental style is rarely witnessed outside of his home state, although he has performed alongside such giants as Sonic Youth’s Thurston Moore and members of Scottish scuzz-noise freaks Decaer Pinga (under the moniker Ceylon Mange).
SPECTRE FOLK is a project of Pete Nolan, drummer of the inimitable Magic Markers, and former member of NYC drone fiends Double Leopards. Nolan has performed solo in Lexington in the past at the now sadly-defunct freak venue Charles Mansion. He offers up tunes that are simultaneously traditional and highly idiosyncratic. Expect to be thoroughly weirded out.
EYES & ARMS OF SMOKE are from Lexington. They are messed up and who knows what the hell they’ll do. - Trevor Tremaine
[FULL DISCLOSURE: Trevor plays with EaAoS and helped organize this show.]
:: Tuesday, July 18 ::
DRESSY BESSY w/THE IMPOSSIBLE SHAPES and THE LIVING BLUE @ The Dame - 9pm, ages 21+, $5
Dressy Bessy are one of the many Elephant 6 spin-off bands; they formed in 1996 and since then having been playing their pixy stix brand, straight up power pop across the land. If you happened to catch Dressy Bessy at The Dame last summer you already know why you need to get to this show. Seeing them live, much more so than listening to their albums, is the big pay off. Even if you aren't a fan of their pop music, Dressy Bessy has so much charm that it spills over onto the floor. Try to resist Tammy Ealom's leg kicks and the ever-present smile on John Hill's face. Try. On top of that, you can bet that the band's set will knock out old favorites (I distinctly remember them playing "I Saw Cinammon" and "Just Once More" last September) alongside newer hits from their 2005 album Electrified. One of the best things about DB is their commitment to touring. Rest assured that if you love them this time then you won't have to wait too long before you can love them some more.
Opening up are The Living Blue, a 4 piece high-energy rock band from Champaign, IL and The Impossible Shapes. The latter's weirdo pop has been garnering the much sought after attention of the bloggers since the release of their album Horus early last year. I'm not sure how this music will translate in a live setting, whether they will try to come off as more pop or more artistic, but either way it will be interesting. For a measly $5 this is a night of irresistible intrigue. - Samantha Herald
http://myspace.com/dressybessy, http://myspace.com/thelivingblue, http://myspace.com/theimpossibleshapes
:: Also worthwhile in the July 5 – July 19 timeframe ::
Every Friday RAKADU GYPSY DANCE @ Nema’s Grille (Frankfort) – meccadance.com
Every Sunday THE BLUEGRASS COLLECTIVE @ The Fishtank, corner of Euclid and Woodland – 9pm, no cover
Fri/July 14 BIG MARACAS @ The Dame
Fri/July 14 PUFFY AMIYUMI @ Bogart’s (Cincinnati)
:: Soon Soon ::
Thurs/July 20 PETTICOAT, PETTICOAT w/NANA AND THE BOY NOISE and THE LOVE COATS @ The Dame
Tues/July 25 JENS LEKMAN w/FRIDA HYVONEN @ Southgate House (Newport, KY)
Fri+Sat/July 28-29 Forecastle Festival featuring THE APPLES IN STEREO and SLEATER-KINNEY @ The Mellwood Art Center (Louisville) – all ages, forecastlefest.com
Fri-Sun/July 28-30 Lite Brite Indie Pop and Film Test featuring DANIELSON (Friday), MISSION OF BURMA (Saturday), and CAMERA OBSCURA (Sunday) @ Southgate House (Newport, KY) - litebritetest.com
Fri/July 21 THE PHARCYDE @ The Dame
Sun/July 23 JOLIE HOLLAND w/SEAN HAYES @ The Dame – ages 18+
Thurs/Aug 10 DON CABALLERO @ Southgate House (Newport, KY)
Sat/Aug 12 FRANK BLACK @ The Dame
Tues/Aug 15 OF MONTREAL w/THE MINDERS @ Headliners (Louisville)
:: Pertinent resources ::
__Lexington__
THE DAME, 156 W.Main St, Lexington - http://www.dameky.com
MECCA dance studio/gallery, 451 Chair Avenue, off S.Broadway near Bolivar - http://www.meccadance.com
UNDERLYING THEMES LOFT SPACE, 110 S. Upper (above Busters) – http://www.underlyingthemes.com
CHARLES MANSION – http://www.charlesmansion.org
FIREBIRD STUDIO, 359 W. Short St – http://firebirdlexington.com
HIGH LIFE LOUNGE, University Plaza (corner of Woodland and Euclid) – ph. 859/455-8890
THE FISHTANK, corner of Woodland and Euclid Ave - http://www.thefishtankbar.com
NATASHA'S CAFE, 112 Esplanade - http://www.beetnik.com/
FAUNTLEROY’S CAFÉ, 640 W. Maxwell – ph. 859/455-8188 T
HE ICEHOUSE, 412 Cross St (off W.Maxwell), Lexington
DOWNTOWN ARTS CENTER, 141 E. Main St, Lexington – http://www.lexarts.org
ARTSPLACE, 161 N.Mill St, Lexington
LEXINGTONSHOWS.com (all ages show listings) - http://www.lexingtonshows.com
COUNTER FICTION (metal/punk/hardcore all ages show listings) – http://www.counterfiction.com
CRICKET PRESS (amazing local poster art) - http://www.cricket-press.com
WRFL 88.1FM (UK's student-run radio station) - http://wrfl.uky.edu
YOU AIN’T NO PICASSO (great locally-produced music blog) – http://www.youaintnopicasoo.com
__Louisville__
LAVA (Louisville Assembly of Vanguard Artists) HOUSE - 927 Shelby Parkway, Louisville - http://www.lavahouse.org
HEADLINERS MUSIC HALL, Louisville - 1386 Lexington Road, ph. 502/584-8088 - www.headlinerslouisville.com
UNCLE PLEASANTS, 2126 S. Preston, Louisville - p.502/634-4147
THE RUDYARD KIPLING, 422 West Oak Street, Louisville - http://www.therudyardkipling.com/pages/206999/index.htm
OLD LOUISVILLE COFFEHOUSE, 1489 S. Fourth St, Louisville - ph. 502/635-6660
PRODUCTION SIMPLE (produce many of the events at Headliners and Uncle Pleasants) – http://www.productionsimple.com
__Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky__
THE SOUTHGATE HOUSE, Newport, KY - http://www.southgatehouse.com
ALCHEMIZE, 1122 Walnut Street, Cincinnati, OH – http://www.alchemizebar.com
THE COMET, 4579 Hamilton Avenue, Cincinnati, OH - http://www.cometbar.com
BOGART'S, 2621 Vine St, Cincinnati, OH - http://www.bogarts.com THE
MOCKBEE (formerly SS NOVA), 2260 Central Parkway, Cincinnati, OH - http://www.ssnova.org
NORTHSIDE TAVERN, 4163 Hamilton Ave, Cincinnati, OH – http://www.northside-tavern.com
Know of an upcoming event that others should get hip to? Let us know - email informationactivists@yahoo.com
All Picks by Ross Compton unless otherwise noted.
:::::::::::::: Interview with Ben Chasny/Six Organs of Admittance ::::::::::::::::::::::::
CB = WRFL music director and frequent Lex Pro contributor Chris Bush
BC = Ben Chasny, the man behind Six Organs of Admittance
Chris Bush: So, what’s going on?
Ben Chasny: Oh, not much just hanging out, being blind a little bit. I lost my contacts and I don’t have any back ups and I don’t have any glasses so it’s all kind of fucked up.
CB: (laughing) Oh no! What are you going to do dude?
BC: Well I ordered some and I thought they were going to come today… I’m like seriously blind. The big E is like a big blur. (laughs) I can’t cross the street. I’m kind of like a prisoner in my home right now.
CB: Wow (laughs), sounds pretty debilitating.
BC: I think my girlfriend likes it because I’m totally like…
CB: At her mercy!
BC: …(doing a girlfriend impression) “oh food and stuff…” She’s got me fuckin’ prisoner man.
CB: Whoa
BC: Yeah, so that’s about it.
CB: Well, your not playing shows or anything right now are you?
BC: No… no… not playing shows until the seventh.
CB: Cool… Well thanks for taking some time to talk and thanks for coming to Lexington again. I’m excited about the show. I caught your first show… well I think it was your first show here… it was at the Icehouse with eyes and arms of smoke
BC: yeah, and Mikey played too…
CB: oh yeah… that was a rad show…
BC: yeah, I had a lot of fun at that one.
CB: I was kind of surprised when it was just you playing guitar. What are you going to do this time around?
BC: Oh, I’ll have a band this time.
CB: Are you going to have the same guys that you have on the record?
BC: Ummm, actually when I tour on the East Coast I’ll have this guy John Maloney from Sunburned Hand of the Man…
CB: yeah.
BC: and this guy Keith Wood who is in this band called Hush Arbors.
CB: yeah. I know Mikey is going on tour with all those dudes on the Howlin’ Rain thing with Hush Arbors…
BC: Yeah, they’re on tour right now doing that.
CB: Yeah… I like the Howlin’ Rain record. So. Cool. Yeah, ummm… I’m not really to good at these interview things I hope this isn’t too aweful. (laughing)
BC: (laughing) I’m not good at ‘em either so that’s cool.
CB: Alright. (laughing). Well, I really like the new record (The Sun Awakens). How has the response been so far?
BC: It’s been about what I expected… well, it’s actually been better than I expected. I kind of thought that people were going to be kind of bummed out about it.
CB: Well, everything I’ve read about it had been pretty positive… and of course I liked it a lot. I did read this thing in Stylus magazine of all places and it was the only bad review that I read, but it was kind of funny. They say this thing at the end that’s like really dramatic and really final…like, “The Sun never awakens as promised” or something like that.
BC: What’s funny is I know that dude. That’s Stuart. He lives in Atlanta and we’re friends.
CB: really?
BC: yeah, the only thing about that… well, I don’t give a shit. He could totally like it or not like it. But he was totally bugging me for promos like, “Dude, have Drag City send me a promo!”
CB: really?
BC: yeah, and so I’m like “Hey send my friend Stuart a promo. He’s a super rad dude!” and then he slams me and it’s just like… you fucker.
CB: I know man.
BC: yeah… I mean, it’s ok. Stuarts cool, he’s just calling it like he saw it or like he heard it. but it’s just pretty funny.
CB: Yeah, well the record does seem a little more restrained… I guess its kind of brooding. There’s a lot energy there but it never does seem to really blow up. Do you think people are disappointed about that?
BC: I don’t know. I don’t know what to feel. I just kind of wanted a really swampy kind of black tar type of record you know?
CB: Yeah. I think it’s better. I think it feels more tense that way.
BC: Cool, that’s good. Thank you.
CB: One thing I wanted to ask you about was the song Attar.
BC: yeah
CB: It’s referencing some Iranian poet, is that right?
BC: yeah, he wrote a book called conference of the birds. So, there’s some cross referencing there to my friends record that he put out recently. So. It was kind of like a funny little nod towards that. So, yeah do you mean what’s up with the track or what’s up with the title?
CB: Oh, yeah. I just wasn’t familiar with the reference.
BC: yeah yeah, he was a sufi poet who wrote a book, and… well, I tell you this cause no one’s picked this up. I was kind of thinking people would pick this up, but OM just released this record called Conference of the Birds. So, the author of that is Attar, so that’s the reference.
CB: Oh, and one of the guys (from OM) plays on the record is that right?
BC: Yeah, Al (Cisneros) plays on the record. So it was just kind of like hanging out with Al… you know like drinking coffee and stuff being like, (in bro voice) “Dude, what if we did a cross-reference thing man?” (laughs) kind of like you know, kind of something simple like that.
CB: Actually, well… I’ve been working at the radio station (WRFL) and we got the OM cd in and we gave it to Robert Beatty to review and he’s like hung on to it for a month.
BC: (laughs) really…
CB: So I haven’t gotten a chance to hear it yet but I’m pretty psyched about it.
BC: look man, it’s really really good. It’s one of my favorite records of the year. Go out and buy it… cause I like those dudes... and I really love the new record. It’s really really… well, the record’s great.
CB: Cool. Well, I also wanted to ask you about the reissues of the L record (holy letters) and Gary Higgins (Red Hash), are you going to do more stuff like that? Or, are you going to do another August Born record?
BC: Yeah, we want to. Well, the next project to do with Hirouki (Usui) is a split 12”. He’s got a new band together, but it sounds like L, and I’m going to do Six Organs. It’s going to be a split 12” and that’s going to be on PSF.
CB: Oh really, when’s that coming out?
BC: Pretty much as soon as I finish it. I’m working on it right now, and they’re waiting on me. I mean, his side’s already done. It’s crazy. If I would have known PSF wanted to do something with me like ten years ago I would have just been like sooo… well, they’re like one of my favorite labels now… and I been just busy and I feel weird and jaded you know? I’m like, “What am I doing I should be working on that non stop.” It’s insane. Yeah, but that’s coming out on PSF. As soon as I finish it, I’ll send it on over there. And we have plans on doing August Born sometime too.
CB: Do you think you guys will ever tour?
BC: Ummm… if we did it would probably have to be in Japan because I don’t think he can leave his house. He’s got like this cat and he lives kind of far away from friends and stuff. So, he can’t tour because he can’t leave his cat. It’s funny.
CB: Whoa
BC: Yeah, so I don’t know if he’s up for touring the United States or anything, but I’d like to go over there cause we’ve never met face to face, it’s just all through emails.
CB: Oh, really. That’s weird.
BC: We just send each other messages and like videotapes of our hometown and stuff.
CB: Oh, cool. Does he speak English very well?
BC: He speaks pretty good. At first we had this translator that was translating between the two of us. And then we started writing so much that… you know, it was just like we don’t need a translator. I mean he writes English really well, I mean better than me late at night…so.
CB: Do you have any more reissues up your sleeve like the Holy Letters record or Red Hash?
BC: Um, yeah I don’t know. Because nobody’s really… I’m trying to think. Not really. I mean with the Red Hash record it was kind of my friend Zach who tracked him (Gary Higgins) down. I turned Zach on to the record. And then L was more like, you know VHF just wanted to kind of… I was a big fan of L and I talked to Bill at VHF about that stuff and he asked me to do the liner notes. But there’s nothing that I’m really thinking about.
CB: I really liked the L record a lot. I bought a copy for a drive from Chicago to Kentucky and listened to it the whole time… it was a pretty intense trip. I mean it’s a great record.
BC: Yeah, it’s one of my favorites. You got the one on VHF? The CD?
CB: Yeah… oh yeah, well I didn’t get, I guess an original copy or anything.
BC: Yeah, when I picked it up… well, I already talked about it I guess in the liner notes and stuff… but it’s been a favorite of mine for like years and years.
CB: Awesome. So are you going to play a lot of… what’s the tour going to be like in terms of the songs that you play? Have you figured that out yet?
BC: Um, I’ll get over to Boston and we’re going to practice for a couple of days with Keith and John and pick out stuff. So, they had some requests that they wanted so we’ll probably do some older six organs stuff so. And we’ll probably do some version of the last song on the record (river of transfiguration).
CB: Yeah!
BC: maybe do that attar song, yeah probably do attar… never done that live before. So, there’ll be a couple off the new one and a smattering of all the other songs.
CB: Cool. Do you think that you’ll ever just go for it at one performance and just do a drone thing the whole time?
BC: I think so, yeah yeah. You know, I usually don’t write out a set list. I usually just call them out to the guys. So, yeah. I have a hard time remembering my songs too.
CB: Like the lyrics and stuff?
BC: I’ll play the same song over and over again and after the show I’ll be like, “Oh man I should have done that song.” It’s like I gotta bring a book or something. So, yeah its weird. Maybe that’ll be a goal or something for this tour, to write a list of all the songs I can do live.
CB: My request for the Lexington show is Bless Your Blood, I think that’s probably my favorite track on the record.
BC: Thank you, yeah. It’s one of my favorite tracks on the record too. I think we’re definitely going to try and figure out a version of that.
CB: Cool. I noticed that on a lot of the songs you wait until the end to bring the vocals. I really liked that, it really added to the intensity of the songs.
BC: yeah, it’s just kind of a weird way that I write. Because, well most of the time when I’m going to write a song I just have a guitar riff and it’s just all based on one riff, and I just record that. Then I just go home and I do a bunch of smoking and drinking with the headphones on…
CB: (laughs) yeah!
BC: (laughs) You know? And then I just kind of compose over the top of that and then I go back in the studio and try it out to see if it works.
CB: Is it hard coming to a stopping point or like a final version of all of these songs because you’ve got so many places that you can go with them?
BC: Yeah, kind of. Usually the late night sessions by myself kind of help, you know… weed out what I need to do. But, there’s always… you know in a lot of those songs there’s tons more tracks recorded on it. You know like more guitars and more vocals. It’s all just like carving all the BS out of the way and trying to carve a good song out of all the sound.
CB: Well, I noticed that ‘torn by wolves’ shows up later on as ‘wolf’s pup,’ kind of like a reprise thing.
BC: Yeah yeah, that was pretty inspired by… well those two songs are my nod to the Grizzly Man soundtrack.
CB: Grizzly Man?
BC: Yeah yeah, and that’s why they’re kind of like the same version you know, because soundtracks are kind of like that and stuff…
CB: Totally. Have you heard that Papa M record Live from a Sharks Cage?
BC: No, I haven’t heard that.
CB: Really? You should check that out, he does some stuff like that with reprises too but… I mean, it’s on Drag City man…
BC: Yeah yeah yeah… I know (laughs). I’ll check that out.
CB: …something about the guitar and the drums just… I don’t know man, just sort of reminded me of that record.
BC: Really… yeah I’ll check that out. I’ll definitely check that out. Matt Sweeney was talking about that record just recently too.
CB: Oh, right you were on that Superwolf tour right?
BC: Yeah, I did that last summer. And Matt Sweeny just joined Current 93 recently too and we just did Europe so we got a chance to hang out… but yeah definitely check out that record.
CB: Do you think you’ll rig some current 93 shows in the us ever?
BC: Uhhh… I think there’s been talk of maybe a New York show and stuff, but that dude doesn’t like to tour much at all…
CB: Yeah, I hadn’t really ever heard of one.
BC: Yeah, he’ll do like a one off and stuff. Yeah, but Nurse With Wound is playing in San Francisco this weekend.
CB: Really?
BC: Yeah! Pretty cool… that’s like… they haven’t played in years!
CB: Do you play on the new Current 93 record?
BC: Yeah yeah, I play on like four or five songs on there.
CB: Ok this is like a real question… do you think you’ll ever have a steady Six Organs lineup or do you think the changing is kind of part of the whole game?
BC: Yeah… I would like to. You know, it could go either way. I think that if I was only doing Six Organs and not other bands I would be able to focus on something like that more, and really be steady and be able to talk to other guys and be like, “we’re going to do this or that.” But as it is I’m so scatterbrained for schedules… like figuring it out between Comets (on Fire) and stuff…. I still don’t know when Comets is going on tour and stuff so it’s kind of always last minute. It’s like… you know, “Oh shit I gotta be in this town in two weeks” so I be calling like, “hey man can you play?” So, it’s kind of like that. But… also like looking at the way Will Oldham does it… he switches it up a lot too and I think it’s kinda good to keep it fresh.
CB: Yeah definitely
BC: Yeah but I definitely would… like I’m kind of making plans… am in the early stages of… kind of starting a steady line up but I’m not sure if that’s going to be six organs or not. It might be a whole new band. I’d like to start something that was a little more steady.
CB: That’s not the baggelore thing is it?
BC: No… it’s a new band that I’m just forming this week and we haven’t even practiced yet, but I’m just thinking I don’t know if I’m going to turn it into Six Organs or what. But, there’s like a different singer and a little bit different style and stuff. So I’m not really sure what’s going to happen with it, but I’ve totally been thinking about having a more steady lineup.
:::::::::::::: QUESTIONS/COMMENTS/SUBMISSIONS ::::::::::::::::::::::::
email thelexingtonproject@yahoo.com
Thanks to everyone who came out to the Icehouse for the cookout/show on Tuesday and particularly big ups to Brian and Robert Ronk and Vanessa for all their work on the grub.
Hope all are well.
Ross
:::::::::::::::::::::::: Announcements :::::::::::::::::::::::::::
** "The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged)" at Natasha’s Cafe
The Balagula Theatre presents "The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged),” July 12-14, 16, and 19-21 at Natasha’s Café, 112 Esplanade. “The Complete Works…” is a "Python-esque" mixture of pratfalls, puns, willful misreading of dialogue, and absurd female impersonations, featuring both broad and subtle humor. Three actors condense a lifetime of the Bard's work into one evening, spoofing it and praising it at the same time -"3 actors/37 plays/1 dead playwright." This production by The Balagula Theatre embodies one of comedy's most essential impulses: the adolescent urge to take a sledgehammer to the culturally revered. If you're a fan of Shakespeare you'll like this show, if you hate Shakespeare you'll like this show. Tickets are $7. All ages are welcome. For more information, visit http://www.beetnik.com or ring the Café at 259-2754
** Mon/July 10 - Two art Lectures at Georgetown College
Monday, July 10, all are invited to a pair of brief gallery talks by the people who brought their works to Georgetown College.
Beginning at 11:00 a.m., Dr. Donald L. Jacobs will give an overview of the contemporary collection he and his wife Dorothy gifted to the college in the Ensor Learning Resource Center (LRC) gallery that bears their names. The retired Cincinnati physician will also introduce some of his new acquisitions before the audience is escorted across the street at 11:30.
There, in the Anne Wright Wilson Fine Arts Building gallery, artist Deana Rennick will talk about her installation. The Kenan Visiting Lecturer at Transylvania University, Rennick is one of the recipients of a 2005 Sculpture Magazine’s Outstanding Student Award. More conversation and refreshments will be available in the college’s Starbucks at the Mulberry Café on the LRC’s first floor.
Both galleries will be open that afternoon until 4:30 for more viewing. Normal gallery hours are noon-4:30 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Friday; or to make a special appointment, call the gallery director at (502) 863-8399.
Parking is available in the Georgetown Baptist Church parking lot at the corner of College and Mulberry streets, across from the LRC.
For more information, contact Elissa Morley at 502/863-8399 or emorley0@georgetowncollege.edu.
** LexArts presents "The World On A String"
LexArts presents "The World On A String," a month-long celebration of international puppetry, July 12th through August 2nd at the Downtown Arts Center, 141 E. Main, between Alfalfa Restaurant and Ann Tower Gallery.
Performances include:
• Frisch Marionettes of Cincinnati, performing the classic fairy tale Hansel and Gretel. The beautiful, hand-carved marionettes will recount the tale before elaborate sets, accompanied by the melodious 19th Century Engelbert Humperdink. Performances are Wednesday, July 12, 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• Doug Berky, a master of movement theater from Indianapolis, presenting Gems. Using puppets, mime, drama, comedy, music and storytelling, Doug will share stories from around the world. Performances are Wednesday, July 19, 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• Vit Horejs of Czechoslovak-American Marionette Theatre, performing Czech and Slovak Tales. The world-renowned puppeteer uses century-old, 24-inch marionettes that are beloved in the old country. Performances are Wednesday, July 26, 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. Evening performance will be geared for adults and children.
• Atlanta Puppet, last season’s audience favorite, returning with the International Show. Hand-carved puppets from different cultures will provide insight into the world of puppetry and broaden your world view. Performances are Wednesday, August 2, 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Tickets for all performances are $8 each or $28 for subscription. Tickets are available by calling the LexArts Box Office at 859/225-0370.
** Through Aug. 12 - "Darkness Attempts to Comprehend Light" - paintings by Kevin Sparks at Fauntleroy’s Café
Fauntleroy's Cafe, 640 W. Maxwell St, hosts an exhibit of painting by Kevin Sparks entitled "Darkness Attempts to Comprehend Light: twilight studies," now through August 12th.
** July 22 & 23 - Free Capoeria Workshops for Children July 22nd & 23rd, Saturday/Sunday, 1pm @ Children's Explorium - Children's Capoeira Workshop Saturday, July 22 and Sunday, July 23, our friends from Firebird Studio will be hosting a set of free and informal workshops in Capoeira for children and their families at the Explorium. The workshops will include a capoeira performance of Brazilian music and dance followed by the teaching of basic dance movements. Participants will also learn some capoeira songs and get a chance to play the instruments. This event is free and “open to anyone that interested in trying something fun and exciting.” For more information, visit http://www.firebirdlexington.com.
** Vegan project
A note from frequent Lex Pro contributor Eli Riveire …
hey everyone, nick warner and i are working on a project related to veganism and we need YOUR help! are you a vegan? are you thinking about going vegan? do you know a vegan who might want to help out? it won't be hard or time-consuming, we just want to talk to you about your experiences with veganism. we can talk over email, the phone, at third street stuff, or whatever works best for you. if this sounds like you, shoot me an email at riveire@gmail.com, or nick at nickwarner@gmail.com, and we'll set something up. thank you thank you, eli riveire
** KFTC is hiring
From a recent KFTC email …
Kentuckians For The Commonwealth is hiring! If you're interested in a career in grassroots social justice or know someone who is, please consider applying or passing this job posting to people you know. We're hiring for three positions (two of them new) with a variety of focuses. Here are some brief descriptions -
Communications Associate based in Prestonsburg. Responsibilities include developing and maintaining the KFTC web site, assisting with publicity and the production of publications, participating in member recruitment and fundraising, and more in support of KFTC organizing goals. The position starts August 1.
Tax & Economic Justice Organizer. Responsibilities include strategy development, base building and leadership development, communication, alliance building, research and policy development, fundraising, and more. The position is focused on building public support for meaningful tax reform and an increase in the minimum wage, and work with the Kentucky Economic Justice Alliance.
Economic Development Organizer. Responsibilities include strategy development, base building and leadership development, communication, alliance building, research and policy development, fundraising, and more. The goal is to create a new economic development framework for Kentucky, including an economic development vision, an analysis and critique of the current approach, principles of a new approach, a broad policy agenda, and specific policy proposals.
Salaries are based on experience. Benefits are generous.
Anyone interested in applying should send a letter of application, resume, and contact information for three references to: KFTC Personnel Committee, P.O. Box 1450, London, Ky. 40743 or via email to robin@kftc.org. Applications will be accepted until the jobs are filled. KFTC is an equal opportunity employer. Women and people of color are encouraged to apply. Again, you can find more information online at http://www.kftc.org/about-kftc/jobs-internships
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: THE PICKS :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
::::::::: Wednesday, July 5 through Wednesday, July 19 :::::::::::
:: Friday, July 7 ::
PETTICOAT, PETTICOAT cd release party w/IN ENDEAVORS ITALYA, THE ESTATES GENERAL, and LAUREN DONOVAN @ Mecca, 451 Chair Ave – just off Broadway near Main 8pm, all ages, $5 – sponsored by WRFL 88.1FM
Young Lexington popsters Petticoat, Petticoat celebrate the release of their new cd “Every Mother’s Child” and kick off their first tour. http://myspace.com/petticoatpetticoat, http://myspace.com/inendeavorsitalya, http://myspace.com/theestatesgeneral, http://myspace.com/laurendonovan
:: Friday, July 7 ::
PARLOUR BOYS w/MODENA VOX @ The Dame
9pm, ages 21+, $5
“Dance, dance, dance, and go crazy/ Dance, dance, dance, and go crazy” – Modest Mouse (from “Untitled” - The Fruit That Ate Itself ep)
http://myspace.com/parlourboysmusic, http://myspace.com/modenavox
:: Thursday, July 13 ::
SIX ORANS OF ADMITTANCE w/EYES AND ARMS OF SMOKE and BURNING STAR CORE @ The Dame – 9pm, ages 21+, $6
Ben Chasny, man of many musical hats and talents, brings his most oft donned project to Lexington as the Dame hosts Six Organs of Admittance on July 13th. Touring in support of his most recent and most ominous release to date, The Sun Awakens, Chasny promises to bring audiences to a petrified lull with his brooding psych-rock hymns. In recent years Chasny has proven time and time again to be one of the hardest working musicians in the realm of foreword thinking rock, either recording or touring with a small army of acts including Six Organs of Admittance, Comets on Fire, Current 93, Baggelore, August Born, and Superwolf. As Six Organs of Admittance, Chasny has made particular musical progress by shrugging apparent debts to the guitar ragas of John Fahey and Sandy Bull and incorporating the more volatile sounds found in Japanese psychedelic and drone. With The Sun Awakens, these heavier influences seem more legible than ever. The album maintains a brooding and apocalyptic mood the whole way through, never coming to a crescendo but never losing intensity. Chasny said via telephone, “I just kind of wanted a really swampy kind of black tar type record.” Indeed, The Sun Awakens seems as such, always thick and bubbling, but never erupting. On the records closing track, the haunting twenty-three minute epic 'River of Transfiguration,' the tar of murky noise builds to become almost suffocatingly thick. As to what the Dame crowd should expect, Chasny made no promises. “I usually don’t write out a set list. I usually just call them out to the guys..." Though, "some version" of 'The River of Transfiguration' is rumored to make an appearance. – Chris Bush
:: Saturday, July 15 :: VAMPIRE BELT w/SPECTRE FOLK and EYES AND ARMS OF SMOKE @ Mecca, 451 Chair Avenue – 8pm, all ages, $3
Killer improv/folk/noise/psych gig that will please devotees of both the Outside the Spotlight series and fans of recent performances by the Lexington Weirdo League, e.g. Hair Police, Caves, Warmer Milks, et al.
VAMPIRE BELT is the duo of drummer Chris Corsano and guitarist Bill Nace. Corsano has devastated Lexington audiences in the past performing with saxophonist Paul Flaherty at CD Central (at the nadir of the 2003 ice storm, to a packed house of dropped jaws), Mecca, and Underlying Themes. His playing is absolutely singular: like a hurricane of insanity. Bill Nace is a western Massachusetts guitarist whose uncompromising experimental style is rarely witnessed outside of his home state, although he has performed alongside such giants as Sonic Youth’s Thurston Moore and members of Scottish scuzz-noise freaks Decaer Pinga (under the moniker Ceylon Mange).
SPECTRE FOLK is a project of Pete Nolan, drummer of the inimitable Magic Markers, and former member of NYC drone fiends Double Leopards. Nolan has performed solo in Lexington in the past at the now sadly-defunct freak venue Charles Mansion. He offers up tunes that are simultaneously traditional and highly idiosyncratic. Expect to be thoroughly weirded out.
EYES & ARMS OF SMOKE are from Lexington. They are messed up and who knows what the hell they’ll do. - Trevor Tremaine
[FULL DISCLOSURE: Trevor plays with EaAoS and helped organize this show.]
:: Tuesday, July 18 ::
DRESSY BESSY w/THE IMPOSSIBLE SHAPES and THE LIVING BLUE @ The Dame - 9pm, ages 21+, $5
Dressy Bessy are one of the many Elephant 6 spin-off bands; they formed in 1996 and since then having been playing their pixy stix brand, straight up power pop across the land. If you happened to catch Dressy Bessy at The Dame last summer you already know why you need to get to this show. Seeing them live, much more so than listening to their albums, is the big pay off. Even if you aren't a fan of their pop music, Dressy Bessy has so much charm that it spills over onto the floor. Try to resist Tammy Ealom's leg kicks and the ever-present smile on John Hill's face. Try. On top of that, you can bet that the band's set will knock out old favorites (I distinctly remember them playing "I Saw Cinammon" and "Just Once More" last September) alongside newer hits from their 2005 album Electrified. One of the best things about DB is their commitment to touring. Rest assured that if you love them this time then you won't have to wait too long before you can love them some more.
Opening up are The Living Blue, a 4 piece high-energy rock band from Champaign, IL and The Impossible Shapes. The latter's weirdo pop has been garnering the much sought after attention of the bloggers since the release of their album Horus early last year. I'm not sure how this music will translate in a live setting, whether they will try to come off as more pop or more artistic, but either way it will be interesting. For a measly $5 this is a night of irresistible intrigue. - Samantha Herald
http://myspace.com/dressybessy, http://myspace.com/thelivingblue, http://myspace.com/theimpossibleshapes
:: Also worthwhile in the July 5 – July 19 timeframe ::
Every Friday RAKADU GYPSY DANCE @ Nema’s Grille (Frankfort) – meccadance.com
Every Sunday THE BLUEGRASS COLLECTIVE @ The Fishtank, corner of Euclid and Woodland – 9pm, no cover
Fri/July 14 BIG MARACAS @ The Dame
Fri/July 14 PUFFY AMIYUMI @ Bogart’s (Cincinnati)
:: Soon Soon ::
Thurs/July 20 PETTICOAT, PETTICOAT w/NANA AND THE BOY NOISE and THE LOVE COATS @ The Dame
Tues/July 25 JENS LEKMAN w/FRIDA HYVONEN @ Southgate House (Newport, KY)
Fri+Sat/July 28-29 Forecastle Festival featuring THE APPLES IN STEREO and SLEATER-KINNEY @ The Mellwood Art Center (Louisville) – all ages, forecastlefest.com
Fri-Sun/July 28-30 Lite Brite Indie Pop and Film Test featuring DANIELSON (Friday), MISSION OF BURMA (Saturday), and CAMERA OBSCURA (Sunday) @ Southgate House (Newport, KY) - litebritetest.com
Fri/July 21 THE PHARCYDE @ The Dame
Sun/July 23 JOLIE HOLLAND w/SEAN HAYES @ The Dame – ages 18+
Thurs/Aug 10 DON CABALLERO @ Southgate House (Newport, KY)
Sat/Aug 12 FRANK BLACK @ The Dame
Tues/Aug 15 OF MONTREAL w/THE MINDERS @ Headliners (Louisville)
:: Pertinent resources ::
__Lexington__
THE DAME, 156 W.Main St, Lexington - http://www.dameky.com
MECCA dance studio/gallery, 451 Chair Avenue, off S.Broadway near Bolivar - http://www.meccadance.com
UNDERLYING THEMES LOFT SPACE, 110 S. Upper (above Busters) – http://www.underlyingthemes.com
CHARLES MANSION – http://www.charlesmansion.org
FIREBIRD STUDIO, 359 W. Short St – http://firebirdlexington.com
HIGH LIFE LOUNGE, University Plaza (corner of Woodland and Euclid) – ph. 859/455-8890
THE FISHTANK, corner of Woodland and Euclid Ave - http://www.thefishtankbar.com
NATASHA'S CAFE, 112 Esplanade - http://www.beetnik.com/
FAUNTLEROY’S CAFÉ, 640 W. Maxwell – ph. 859/455-8188 T
HE ICEHOUSE, 412 Cross St (off W.Maxwell), Lexington
DOWNTOWN ARTS CENTER, 141 E. Main St, Lexington – http://www.lexarts.org
ARTSPLACE, 161 N.Mill St, Lexington
LEXINGTONSHOWS.com (all ages show listings) - http://www.lexingtonshows.com
COUNTER FICTION (metal/punk/hardcore all ages show listings) – http://www.counterfiction.com
CRICKET PRESS (amazing local poster art) - http://www.cricket-press.com
WRFL 88.1FM (UK's student-run radio station) - http://wrfl.uky.edu
YOU AIN’T NO PICASSO (great locally-produced music blog) – http://www.youaintnopicasoo.com
__Louisville__
LAVA (Louisville Assembly of Vanguard Artists) HOUSE - 927 Shelby Parkway, Louisville - http://www.lavahouse.org
HEADLINERS MUSIC HALL, Louisville - 1386 Lexington Road, ph. 502/584-8088 - www.headlinerslouisville.com
UNCLE PLEASANTS, 2126 S. Preston, Louisville - p.502/634-4147
THE RUDYARD KIPLING, 422 West Oak Street, Louisville - http://www.therudyardkipling.com/pages/206999/index.htm
OLD LOUISVILLE COFFEHOUSE, 1489 S. Fourth St, Louisville - ph. 502/635-6660
PRODUCTION SIMPLE (produce many of the events at Headliners and Uncle Pleasants) – http://www.productionsimple.com
__Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky__
THE SOUTHGATE HOUSE, Newport, KY - http://www.southgatehouse.com
ALCHEMIZE, 1122 Walnut Street, Cincinnati, OH – http://www.alchemizebar.com
THE COMET, 4579 Hamilton Avenue, Cincinnati, OH - http://www.cometbar.com
BOGART'S, 2621 Vine St, Cincinnati, OH - http://www.bogarts.com THE
MOCKBEE (formerly SS NOVA), 2260 Central Parkway, Cincinnati, OH - http://www.ssnova.org
NORTHSIDE TAVERN, 4163 Hamilton Ave, Cincinnati, OH – http://www.northside-tavern.com
Know of an upcoming event that others should get hip to? Let us know - email informationactivists@yahoo.com
All Picks by Ross Compton unless otherwise noted.
:::::::::::::: Interview with Ben Chasny/Six Organs of Admittance ::::::::::::::::::::::::
CB = WRFL music director and frequent Lex Pro contributor Chris Bush
BC = Ben Chasny, the man behind Six Organs of Admittance
Chris Bush: So, what’s going on?
Ben Chasny: Oh, not much just hanging out, being blind a little bit. I lost my contacts and I don’t have any back ups and I don’t have any glasses so it’s all kind of fucked up.
CB: (laughing) Oh no! What are you going to do dude?
BC: Well I ordered some and I thought they were going to come today… I’m like seriously blind. The big E is like a big blur. (laughs) I can’t cross the street. I’m kind of like a prisoner in my home right now.
CB: Wow (laughs), sounds pretty debilitating.
BC: I think my girlfriend likes it because I’m totally like…
CB: At her mercy!
BC: …(doing a girlfriend impression) “oh food and stuff…” She’s got me fuckin’ prisoner man.
CB: Whoa
BC: Yeah, so that’s about it.
CB: Well, your not playing shows or anything right now are you?
BC: No… no… not playing shows until the seventh.
CB: Cool… Well thanks for taking some time to talk and thanks for coming to Lexington again. I’m excited about the show. I caught your first show… well I think it was your first show here… it was at the Icehouse with eyes and arms of smoke
BC: yeah, and Mikey played too…
CB: oh yeah… that was a rad show…
BC: yeah, I had a lot of fun at that one.
CB: I was kind of surprised when it was just you playing guitar. What are you going to do this time around?
BC: Oh, I’ll have a band this time.
CB: Are you going to have the same guys that you have on the record?
BC: Ummm, actually when I tour on the East Coast I’ll have this guy John Maloney from Sunburned Hand of the Man…
CB: yeah.
BC: and this guy Keith Wood who is in this band called Hush Arbors.
CB: yeah. I know Mikey is going on tour with all those dudes on the Howlin’ Rain thing with Hush Arbors…
BC: Yeah, they’re on tour right now doing that.
CB: Yeah… I like the Howlin’ Rain record. So. Cool. Yeah, ummm… I’m not really to good at these interview things I hope this isn’t too aweful. (laughing)
BC: (laughing) I’m not good at ‘em either so that’s cool.
CB: Alright. (laughing). Well, I really like the new record (The Sun Awakens). How has the response been so far?
BC: It’s been about what I expected… well, it’s actually been better than I expected. I kind of thought that people were going to be kind of bummed out about it.
CB: Well, everything I’ve read about it had been pretty positive… and of course I liked it a lot. I did read this thing in Stylus magazine of all places and it was the only bad review that I read, but it was kind of funny. They say this thing at the end that’s like really dramatic and really final…like, “The Sun never awakens as promised” or something like that.
BC: What’s funny is I know that dude. That’s Stuart. He lives in Atlanta and we’re friends.
CB: really?
BC: yeah, the only thing about that… well, I don’t give a shit. He could totally like it or not like it. But he was totally bugging me for promos like, “Dude, have Drag City send me a promo!”
CB: really?
BC: yeah, and so I’m like “Hey send my friend Stuart a promo. He’s a super rad dude!” and then he slams me and it’s just like… you fucker.
CB: I know man.
BC: yeah… I mean, it’s ok. Stuarts cool, he’s just calling it like he saw it or like he heard it. but it’s just pretty funny.
CB: Yeah, well the record does seem a little more restrained… I guess its kind of brooding. There’s a lot energy there but it never does seem to really blow up. Do you think people are disappointed about that?
BC: I don’t know. I don’t know what to feel. I just kind of wanted a really swampy kind of black tar type of record you know?
CB: Yeah. I think it’s better. I think it feels more tense that way.
BC: Cool, that’s good. Thank you.
CB: One thing I wanted to ask you about was the song Attar.
BC: yeah
CB: It’s referencing some Iranian poet, is that right?
BC: yeah, he wrote a book called conference of the birds. So, there’s some cross referencing there to my friends record that he put out recently. So. It was kind of like a funny little nod towards that. So, yeah do you mean what’s up with the track or what’s up with the title?
CB: Oh, yeah. I just wasn’t familiar with the reference.
BC: yeah yeah, he was a sufi poet who wrote a book, and… well, I tell you this cause no one’s picked this up. I was kind of thinking people would pick this up, but OM just released this record called Conference of the Birds. So, the author of that is Attar, so that’s the reference.
CB: Oh, and one of the guys (from OM) plays on the record is that right?
BC: Yeah, Al (Cisneros) plays on the record. So it was just kind of like hanging out with Al… you know like drinking coffee and stuff being like, (in bro voice) “Dude, what if we did a cross-reference thing man?” (laughs) kind of like you know, kind of something simple like that.
CB: Actually, well… I’ve been working at the radio station (WRFL) and we got the OM cd in and we gave it to Robert Beatty to review and he’s like hung on to it for a month.
BC: (laughs) really…
CB: So I haven’t gotten a chance to hear it yet but I’m pretty psyched about it.
BC: look man, it’s really really good. It’s one of my favorite records of the year. Go out and buy it… cause I like those dudes... and I really love the new record. It’s really really… well, the record’s great.
CB: Cool. Well, I also wanted to ask you about the reissues of the L record (holy letters) and Gary Higgins (Red Hash), are you going to do more stuff like that? Or, are you going to do another August Born record?
BC: Yeah, we want to. Well, the next project to do with Hirouki (Usui) is a split 12”. He’s got a new band together, but it sounds like L, and I’m going to do Six Organs. It’s going to be a split 12” and that’s going to be on PSF.
CB: Oh really, when’s that coming out?
BC: Pretty much as soon as I finish it. I’m working on it right now, and they’re waiting on me. I mean, his side’s already done. It’s crazy. If I would have known PSF wanted to do something with me like ten years ago I would have just been like sooo… well, they’re like one of my favorite labels now… and I been just busy and I feel weird and jaded you know? I’m like, “What am I doing I should be working on that non stop.” It’s insane. Yeah, but that’s coming out on PSF. As soon as I finish it, I’ll send it on over there. And we have plans on doing August Born sometime too.
CB: Do you think you guys will ever tour?
BC: Ummm… if we did it would probably have to be in Japan because I don’t think he can leave his house. He’s got like this cat and he lives kind of far away from friends and stuff. So, he can’t tour because he can’t leave his cat. It’s funny.
CB: Whoa
BC: Yeah, so I don’t know if he’s up for touring the United States or anything, but I’d like to go over there cause we’ve never met face to face, it’s just all through emails.
CB: Oh, really. That’s weird.
BC: We just send each other messages and like videotapes of our hometown and stuff.
CB: Oh, cool. Does he speak English very well?
BC: He speaks pretty good. At first we had this translator that was translating between the two of us. And then we started writing so much that… you know, it was just like we don’t need a translator. I mean he writes English really well, I mean better than me late at night…so.
CB: Do you have any more reissues up your sleeve like the Holy Letters record or Red Hash?
BC: Um, yeah I don’t know. Because nobody’s really… I’m trying to think. Not really. I mean with the Red Hash record it was kind of my friend Zach who tracked him (Gary Higgins) down. I turned Zach on to the record. And then L was more like, you know VHF just wanted to kind of… I was a big fan of L and I talked to Bill at VHF about that stuff and he asked me to do the liner notes. But there’s nothing that I’m really thinking about.
CB: I really liked the L record a lot. I bought a copy for a drive from Chicago to Kentucky and listened to it the whole time… it was a pretty intense trip. I mean it’s a great record.
BC: Yeah, it’s one of my favorites. You got the one on VHF? The CD?
CB: Yeah… oh yeah, well I didn’t get, I guess an original copy or anything.
BC: Yeah, when I picked it up… well, I already talked about it I guess in the liner notes and stuff… but it’s been a favorite of mine for like years and years.
CB: Awesome. So are you going to play a lot of… what’s the tour going to be like in terms of the songs that you play? Have you figured that out yet?
BC: Um, I’ll get over to Boston and we’re going to practice for a couple of days with Keith and John and pick out stuff. So, they had some requests that they wanted so we’ll probably do some older six organs stuff so. And we’ll probably do some version of the last song on the record (river of transfiguration).
CB: Yeah!
BC: maybe do that attar song, yeah probably do attar… never done that live before. So, there’ll be a couple off the new one and a smattering of all the other songs.
CB: Cool. Do you think that you’ll ever just go for it at one performance and just do a drone thing the whole time?
BC: I think so, yeah yeah. You know, I usually don’t write out a set list. I usually just call them out to the guys. So, yeah. I have a hard time remembering my songs too.
CB: Like the lyrics and stuff?
BC: I’ll play the same song over and over again and after the show I’ll be like, “Oh man I should have done that song.” It’s like I gotta bring a book or something. So, yeah its weird. Maybe that’ll be a goal or something for this tour, to write a list of all the songs I can do live.
CB: My request for the Lexington show is Bless Your Blood, I think that’s probably my favorite track on the record.
BC: Thank you, yeah. It’s one of my favorite tracks on the record too. I think we’re definitely going to try and figure out a version of that.
CB: Cool. I noticed that on a lot of the songs you wait until the end to bring the vocals. I really liked that, it really added to the intensity of the songs.
BC: yeah, it’s just kind of a weird way that I write. Because, well most of the time when I’m going to write a song I just have a guitar riff and it’s just all based on one riff, and I just record that. Then I just go home and I do a bunch of smoking and drinking with the headphones on…
CB: (laughs) yeah!
BC: (laughs) You know? And then I just kind of compose over the top of that and then I go back in the studio and try it out to see if it works.
CB: Is it hard coming to a stopping point or like a final version of all of these songs because you’ve got so many places that you can go with them?
BC: Yeah, kind of. Usually the late night sessions by myself kind of help, you know… weed out what I need to do. But, there’s always… you know in a lot of those songs there’s tons more tracks recorded on it. You know like more guitars and more vocals. It’s all just like carving all the BS out of the way and trying to carve a good song out of all the sound.
CB: Well, I noticed that ‘torn by wolves’ shows up later on as ‘wolf’s pup,’ kind of like a reprise thing.
BC: Yeah yeah, that was pretty inspired by… well those two songs are my nod to the Grizzly Man soundtrack.
CB: Grizzly Man?
BC: Yeah yeah, and that’s why they’re kind of like the same version you know, because soundtracks are kind of like that and stuff…
CB: Totally. Have you heard that Papa M record Live from a Sharks Cage?
BC: No, I haven’t heard that.
CB: Really? You should check that out, he does some stuff like that with reprises too but… I mean, it’s on Drag City man…
BC: Yeah yeah yeah… I know (laughs). I’ll check that out.
CB: …something about the guitar and the drums just… I don’t know man, just sort of reminded me of that record.
BC: Really… yeah I’ll check that out. I’ll definitely check that out. Matt Sweeney was talking about that record just recently too.
CB: Oh, right you were on that Superwolf tour right?
BC: Yeah, I did that last summer. And Matt Sweeny just joined Current 93 recently too and we just did Europe so we got a chance to hang out… but yeah definitely check out that record.
CB: Do you think you’ll rig some current 93 shows in the us ever?
BC: Uhhh… I think there’s been talk of maybe a New York show and stuff, but that dude doesn’t like to tour much at all…
CB: Yeah, I hadn’t really ever heard of one.
BC: Yeah, he’ll do like a one off and stuff. Yeah, but Nurse With Wound is playing in San Francisco this weekend.
CB: Really?
BC: Yeah! Pretty cool… that’s like… they haven’t played in years!
CB: Do you play on the new Current 93 record?
BC: Yeah yeah, I play on like four or five songs on there.
CB: Ok this is like a real question… do you think you’ll ever have a steady Six Organs lineup or do you think the changing is kind of part of the whole game?
BC: Yeah… I would like to. You know, it could go either way. I think that if I was only doing Six Organs and not other bands I would be able to focus on something like that more, and really be steady and be able to talk to other guys and be like, “we’re going to do this or that.” But as it is I’m so scatterbrained for schedules… like figuring it out between Comets (on Fire) and stuff…. I still don’t know when Comets is going on tour and stuff so it’s kind of always last minute. It’s like… you know, “Oh shit I gotta be in this town in two weeks” so I be calling like, “hey man can you play?” So, it’s kind of like that. But… also like looking at the way Will Oldham does it… he switches it up a lot too and I think it’s kinda good to keep it fresh.
CB: Yeah definitely
BC: Yeah but I definitely would… like I’m kind of making plans… am in the early stages of… kind of starting a steady line up but I’m not sure if that’s going to be six organs or not. It might be a whole new band. I’d like to start something that was a little more steady.
CB: That’s not the baggelore thing is it?
BC: No… it’s a new band that I’m just forming this week and we haven’t even practiced yet, but I’m just thinking I don’t know if I’m going to turn it into Six Organs or what. But, there’s like a different singer and a little bit different style and stuff. So I’m not really sure what’s going to happen with it, but I’ve totally been thinking about having a more steady lineup.
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