Valvano

When Jim Valvano first got to NC State, the first year they got blown out by North Carolina twice. After the second loss, a State alum came up to him and said "Coach, I know you're not from here-you're from the North-but we can't be losing to North Carolina this way." And Jim said, "Oh I understand we're gonna do better against the Tar Heels next year." And the alum says, "No no coach, you don't understand-if you don't beat the Tar Heels next year we're going to kill your dog." And Valvano said 'No I DO understand, I should tell you I don't have a dog but I get your point."

The next morning Valvano goes to get his newspaper and opens up the front door of his house. There's a basket sitting on the front step. He looks under the blanket and there's the cutest puppy you ever saw. Around the puppy's neck is a note that says: "Don't get too attached."

Aluminum, tastes like fear.

That time that we saw R.E.M. at Midway Stadium in St. Paul and the show was pushed early due to an approaching storm and then it poured like crazy during 'It's The End Of The World As We Know It'?

Yes, that time.

M83

Is the sassy sax coming back for real?

And that Midnight City pictured, Vancouver, still has little to no redeeming value.

Song of the Summer 2011

Weirdly, for me, this:



Posted the weird WTC version of the song as their stupid label has (of course) disabled embedding on the real video, for fucksakes.

Summer

'tis

Home

LCD was pretty much everything I thought it'd be. Our Auxiliary Press Box seats were
a little weird in terms of layout (ancient desk area, connection ports/wiring etc.) but
allowed for plenty of dancing, beer storage, arm-in-arm twirling and so forth.

Clocking in at just under 4 hours (with several breaks) the band played everything they
should have played, and then some. Thousands were dressed in the apparently ordered-upon
black and/or white, with many dressed to the nines-fit for a funeral or New Year's, or both
as it really was.

We happened to be standing near two lovely ladies from Seattle, both immaculately dressed,
and I talked with one during the show about LCD and New York, how we felt we had to be
there, not only at the show but New York, and how it feels more and more like Home every
time we go there. Maybe it was just the overpriced beer talking on our behalf, or the
emotions of the moment, but after the balloons fell and the buzz wore off it's still hard to shake
that feeling. Likely because that feeling's been kicking around for years.

Whether LCD stays retired or the Seattleite or I make the move of our lifetimes, we'll always have that Saturday night at MSG.

Heavy Hits

So what is this, a monthly blog now?

Anyway, LCD.MSG.NYC is mere days away, and fairly extensive coverage is popping up
this week. LCD was easily my favourite non-festival show last year, and it's both sad-given
their incredible live show and solid recordings-and a feeling of disbelief that I'm making the
final NYC show. It's going to be a lot of things.

As one era comes to a close, a new one continues to develop as the Jays are back this week
and plenty of excitement is gurgling for the team. Even this year's promos have stepped it
up, love how Bautista gets The Hammer in this spot: