Not Just Words

Chad Butler (Pimp C) passed away this morning, according to Nah, Right (via TMZ.) So Fresh So Cold sends it's heartfelt condolences to the UGK fam.

Get Me

On this day, I'm especially thankful for family dysfunction and leftovers. Happy Thanksgiving.

Transparent Radiation

Hands down, one of the best performances I've seen all year was Spiritualized at the Vista Theatre last night. Jason Pierce, accompanied by an orchestra and backup singers, performed many Spiritualized classics, like "Stop Your Crying" (above) and then some - from Spacemen 3's "Walking with Jesus" to Daniel Johnston's "True Love Will Find You In The End." Unbelievable.

Strange Religion

“Killa Season again, you little yentas!!!,” “November 7th. Cam’ron is anonymous. Dipset!”

Excuse me? Did Cam'Ron say 'yentas?'

It all makes sense! After announcing his return with the somewhat cryptic message above, Cam'Ron explained to MissInfo his fascination with judiasm, enough so that I couldn't avoid it.

Apparently, Cam'ron is a Larry David fan.

Courtesy of MissInfo:

[But before we hung up, I had to ask him about that cryptic message he sent my homies at MTV last week: “Killa Season again, you little yentas!!!,” “November 7th. Cam’ron is anonymous. Dipset!”]

MISSINFO: Uhh, Cam, do you know what a yenta is?

Killa Cam: Hahaha, of course! You know my lawyers are Jewish, they be saying that all the time. So then I was watching Curb Your Enthusiasm, and Larry David—I fucks with Larry—he called Ted Danson a ‘yenta.’ Yo, I fell out laughing. That shit was crazy. I said, that’s exactly what all these folks are doin’, gossiping about me. Yentas. That’s where the ‘Cam’ron is anonymous’ came from too. Did you see that episode? That’s my shit. You have HBO On Demand? Its episode 52….

Ghetto Cross

Redd Kross have aged considerably since the performance above (I was but a sperm at that point), but dudes still came out and brought it to the Echo Plex. Frankly, I was surprised by the McDonald brothers' intensity and excitement, half expecting a group of bitter, aged musicians playing for a paycheck. Of course not!

The Kross seemingly traveled across their entire catalogue and back to the crowd's delight, meanwhile leaving out a crucial So Fresh, So Cold jam, "Solid Gold," off Born Innocent, but I ain't mad at 'em.

Darkest Hour

You know what it is. Happy Halloween.

Celebration

Ecstacy Symphony

Yrs truly video snagged Morrissey performing "Why Don't You Find Out For Yourself." Viva Moz!

Bad Kids

At the Vermont Swap Meet earlier today, I stumbled across a collection of old Cash Money goodies, including The Hot Boys, BG, and Mannie Fresh and Baby, which I've been jamming to all day. Check out babyfaced Dewayne Carter.

Anyone else excited about the Hot Boys reunion?

Night of the Vampire

After meeting the man the night before, I was treated to a performance by Roky Erickson at the El Rey. Above is Roky Erickson performing "Two Headed Dog," which he performed tonight. Thanks to Travis for the tickets!

Coupon the Movie

During my Weekend of Firsts (first weekend of my 'adulthood,' first weekend in my new apartment), I headed to the Silent Movie Theatre on Saturday for a screening of cult horror flick, The Creature with the Atom Brain, introduced by none other than superfan Roky Erickson. Other than bellowing "Hello Big City!" Roky didn't say much, but I enjoyed the film and Roky's presence. Above is Erickson performing his song by the same name - think he was influenced much by the film?

Apparently, the film is also available on NetFlix (according to my brand new account), for all you NetFlix fiends.

And thanks to Sammy over at FAMILY for bringing the theatre back. It looks great! I'll definitely be back for future evenings at the theatre.

Don't Bother Me

A slight step down from Crook By The Book, but it sounds like Patrick Houston is back.

PS - Since when is Project Pat a romantic? Remember "This Pimp?"

Velvet Jam

I caught Boris last night at the EchoPlex (big ups to Aaris for the ticket) and the result was far from disappointing. By far, my favorite song was "Rainbow" off their Drag City release of the same name. Peep the video.

When Everything Is New

On the eve of CMJ, a benefit jam of epic proportions was announced for St. Mark's Church, organized by ANP Quarterly and aNYthing. Just in time, as my flight lands at 7pm Wednesday evening (JFK, get at me.)

See you there?

UPDATE101607: [Courtesy of BARR on MySpace] " It is with dumbfounded expressions and great sadness that we must announce that tomorrow’s event at the St Marks Church has been CANCELLED due to events beyond our means or control.
Surely this would have been a beautiful event, one for the history books no doubt, but it has been shut down just over 24 hours in advance by authorities that we cannot control. That said, we wish you all a beautiful Wednesday, tomorrow, and please know that we will be back with fun things in the future.
Sincerely,

ANPQuarterly, Ethan Swan, OffBowery and A-Ron the Downtown Don. "

Bummer.

ExtraHard

After suffering a massive heart attack last week, Big Moe passed away. Sadly, Moe isn't the first member of Screwed Up Click to pass in recent years, but his death, as I understand it, marks a breaking point in Houston culture - fans and artists alike are swearing off lean, the mixture of codeine cough syrup and soda that contributed to the rise and eventual legacy of underground rap in Houston, along with the subsequent deaths of Big Moe and other artists from the underground.

Return of the Fresh

Again, as you may have noticed, the So Fresh blog was on sleep for a minute, until Darker My Dude Rob Barbato stepped up. Like the man said, I'm headed to CMJ in New York on Wednesday and am also in the midst of moving apartments and planning new projects for IHATEROCKNROLL (and maybe even a release through So Fresh, So Cold?) Stay tuned.

Putting out a record, achord.

So Matzah and I have been talking about the "bedroom label" quite a bit and since he's busy putting out his own records and getting ready to go to new york, I thought I'd tell you about a small label based in the big apple.


Achord Recordings: So I found out about this label when I went home to rhode island this summer to spend a week with my parents. So I drove up to boston to see my old employer and good friend p.david white. He owns Analog Keys , an analog synth repair/dealership/antique store. So I bought a synth and we went out to eat. When we got back to the shop he handed my a package that was from Brendan Ford.

Brendan Ford and I went to highschool together. We played music together in the jazz combo and he hipped me to zappa and tubeway army and all sorts of good stuff. He went on to Ithaca College and with a bunch of other dudes from westborough mass got a little collective going.

In the package was the We Are The Arm "Cares 7inch . It was put out by Achord Recordings, So I looked them up to find a cool labely consisting of Seth Olinsky (akron/family), Butane Variations, We Are The Arm and Phil Weinrobe.

I also knew Phil Weinrobe (pictured above) in highschool through playing in bands, anyway..he has this great group called Butane Variations which is some where between Simon and Garfunkel, Jim O'rouke, and Sun Volt. The song "goldie hawn" cleverly shrugs some political humor with "George Washington you better wash your hands they're stained, and can you taste your wooden teeth?"
so check it out, maybe you'll like it.

We Are The Arm....is Ford's band.....just listen to it, spazz controlled jazz to the max. Think deep you can find it....fast breaks, soft bongos, neat plaza's, romance.

music made without pretense or money.
http://www.achordrecordings.com/

The Shape of Jazz To Come

Sans photographic evidence (not that cameras were allowed anyway), Ornette Coleman performed at UCLA's Royce Hall tonight and murked it. The free jazz gods are smiling, I'm sure.

Fuck U Musik

So Fresh, So Cold bud, Purple Ribbon alumni and current Grind Time Captain, Killer Mike, tries his hand at investigative journalism in his new series for SuperDeluxe. If you can't already tell, dude is on point, as he attempts to better understand the current phenomenon of 'making it rain.' Chuuuch!

Feel Good Hit of the Fall

Prior to Entrance, a band from San Francisco called Wooden Shjips (no mispelling) took the stage at Fuck Yeah Fest. If you're unfamiliar, I suggest you get familiar, quick.


First LA show. A night to remember!


It's pure love, I swear.


Snag what's left of their discography, before it's too late. If yr not into vinyl, the band just released their self titled debut full length on Holy Mountain. Truth be told, I just ordered mine a few minutes ago.

And this is my last Fuck Yeah Fest post, ok?

Can You Get To That?

Mayhem ensued in Echo Park two weeks ago, as Fuck Yeah Fest was in full effect.


Entrance played and I must admit, I left pleasantly surprised.


Guy Blakeslay, in the flesh.


What a freaky folker, that dude.

Impressed, I went home and gave Entrance's "Prayer of Death" a listen. Not as rad as I'd hoped. If you find yrself presented with the opportunity, I'd suggest you see Entrance live.

Thanks to Greg for the photos!

Up With People

Save for a throat infection, today marks the day I've anticipated for over two years now, the first release of IHATEROCKNROLL. The release, which I've previously mentioned on So Fresh, is a split 12" between LA's Darker My Love and Denver's Moccasin. Though the release is vinyl only, you can stream the songs at myspace.com/ihrnr. I'm very excited about it and I hope that you are too.

If you'd like to purchase the split, you can head to ihaterocknroll.com and order it. Amoeba (Hollywood) and Family also carry the release for you LA folks.

Lastly, Fuck Yeah Fest recap coming soon!

She Said

Rumor has it Jay Reatard signed to Capitol.

I hope it's not true.

Update: The rumors are false.

Hats On Wrong

Mallory, Greg, and I headed downtown yesterday afternoon for the Tofu Fest, where we enjoyed tofu and non tofu dishes alike. With Tofu Pad Thai and Barley Tea in my stomach, as well Tofu with Artichokes and Lentils (that I'd much prefer to forget about), we spent a considerable amount of idle time in the car, circling around the hot mess that is Sunset Junction to narrow in on parking for the Fur Festival. Far deserving of our parking spot, we trekked to the Gallery.


Just in time for Abe Vigoda.


You can't beat the heat in Silverlake.


Next were the Mae Shi. Community sing alongs!


And Greg, the peach cobbler gobbler.


Last but not least, the weirdest rippers of all, No Age.


Pay no mind to the dancing gypsies on stilts on the roof.

Thanks Fur Gallery!

And thanks to Mallory for the photos.

Rebirth of Slick

Where's Morrissey, October 1-13? Los Angeles.

10-01 Los Angeles, CA - Palladium
10-02 Los Angeles, CA - Palladium
10-04 Los Angeles, CA - Palladium
10-05 Los Angeles, CA - Palladium
10-06 Los Angeles, CA - Palladium
10-08 Los Angeles, CA - Palladium
10-09 Los Angeles, CA - Palladium
10-11 Los Angeles, CA - Palladium
10-12 Los Angeles, CA - Palladium
10-13 Los Angeles, CA - Palladium

Dig?

Dream Scream

Brother Reade on GTFU tonight. Tune in to bro down. Better still, I think GTFU will be debuting Darker My Love's long song jammer, "Hair Decisions." Epic!

And don't even think about missing Devon Williams at FAMILY neither.

Pissed On Another Planet

Forget about Sunset Junction. I was in attendance today, fighting sweltering temperatures and prepubescent hipsters for much needed shade. Autolux was great, as was Blonde Redhead. Despite the day's highlights, I couldn't help but think about the Tofu Fest.



The name speaks for itself - the tofu will be prepared all kinds of ways. Think of the possibilities! And don't forget to check out No Age, Bad Dudes, Abe Vigoda and more, tomorrow at the Fur gallery. Sunday Funday at it's finest.

In The Park

Los Angeles, Fuck Yeah Fest is rapidly approaching! If yr not stoked, you should be. Relax and take notes - Deerhunter, Lavender Diamond, Greg Ashley, Jay Reatard, Pissed Jeans, No Age, Darker My Love, Wooden Shjips, Brother Reade, and Best Fwends will play. Best of all, that's not even half the bands scheduled to perform. Feeling overwhelmed?

Yr probably asking yrself "How much?" The answer is "Not a dime, if you win the So Fresh Best Fest Contest." Otherwise, you pay a reasonable $13 per day. Sean Carlson over at New Ship has offered one lucky winner the following:

(2) Tickets per Day
(1) Raymond Pettibone Silkscreened Fuck Yeah Fest Poster

Email matzah@ihaterocknroll.com with "So Fresh Best Fest Contest" and a phone number to reach you at.

Get tickets here.

And the winner of the So Fresh Best Fest Contest is...Ben Provo!

Step Right Up

Hesitant about hangin' in Silverlake this weekend? Are you wary of inebriated hipsters sippin' on margarita slushies? Just don't like Ben Harper and the Innocent Criminals? Not to harsh on the lineup for Sunset Junction (if time permits, yrs truly may even check out Blonde Redhead and Autolux), but look no further than the Fur Festival - No Age, Babe Vigoda, Bad Dudes, and more. Be there or be square.

Off The Block

Tell me, who deserves a #1 chart debut more than UGK? If yr response is Plies, move to Florida.

Kudos to Bun B and Pimp C on their first #1 chart topper in their many years as UGK. The record is not meant to be slept on by any means. It's chalk full of anthems, like "Two Types of Bitches," "Tell Me How Ya Feel," and "International Player's Anthem" (a longtime favorite of yrs truly.)

When I asked Bun at the Zune jammer why Jive pushed the album the entire summer, Bun calmly replied that it was UGK's decision in the interest of releasing the best album possible. Sounds like someone's rippin' from the "Detox" and "Only Built 4 Cuban Linx 2" playbooks, huh? Hopefully Dr. Dre and Raekwon are as fortunate.

I'll leave you with this.

Something's Burning

LA Record's hosting a record release party at FAMILY, Monday, August 20th, for their first release, a Devon Williams 7"! Some of you may know him for his solo accomplishments, others for his contributions to Lavender Diamond, but in any case, grab a friend and go!

And to those of you that actually read So Fresh, So Cold on a daily basis, I'm sorry for the delay. Really, I am. Most of you know what I've been up to, but for those of you that don't, you'll hear about it soon enough.

Feel So Good

I've had Sonic Youth's "Goo" on repeat for the past four days (Lee Ranaldo's vocals on "Mote" are totally underrated!)

What a jammer.

Murder Ballad

It's a Gothic Summer, I'm told. Two years running.


Everybody's doin' it, you can do it too.


Even Daniel. Steel toed boots, man.

Just wondering, is smiling acceptable?

Good Lovin' Outside

Save for a single string disaster on the bass, Tweak Bird opened for the Melvins Friday night. Dudes were shakin' (have you ever opened for the Melvins before?), but they kept it together and played well!

You'll notice CB is wearing a Shawn Kemp Seattle Supersonics jersey, while Ashton is wearing a Shaquille O'Neal Orlando Magic jersey. How I miss '90s basketball!

Next up.

I Keep Faith

Today's a day of celebration. Why? Longevity!

First off, Ooga Booga is three years old. Congrats to Wendy Yao!



High Places and Soft Circle will be performing. Sounds like fun, no?

Later, I'm headed to the LA Record's 25th Issue celebration at the Echo Plex.



I've been writing for the LA Record for several years now and to this day, am still impressed that the Record thrives between Chris, Sean, and Charlie. When you pick up an LA Record from Long Beach to Hollywood, you don't notice the amount of hard work that goes into it. Between the deadlines, the printing, and distribution, the success of the LA Record is no small task!

Better still, Darker My Love will emerge from the studio (dudes have been working hard!) to perform tonight. I haven't seen Dead Meadow in about 6 months and I'm stoked! You don't want to miss this.

I Am A Child

Young dudes attempting Mika Miko's "Jogging Song."

Thumbs up!

Pay To Cum

We could all learn a thing or two from Tony Starks, don't you think?

Far Gone And Out

Los Angeles, you know what it is!

Maybe Tomorrow

There is always tomorrow, sort of.

I made the long pilgrimage Saturday to the Urban Outfitters in Santa Monica for Sonic Youth (after losing out on Sonic Youth and Red Cross at the Greek the night before.)

Dntel opened, what a snooze.


Lee played his guitar with a screwdriver and violin bow.


And Thurston used a drumstick.


Kim Gordon palmed my forehead. Really.


They played "Incinerater," "What's Your Rupture?," "Skiptracer," "Reena" and a few other songs.

Sonic Youth were totally rad. Urban Outfitters and Yaris, not so much. At least the money went to KXLU!

Then, Mallory, Greg, and I headed to the Smell and caught the tail end of the Softboiled Eggies set. Missing their guitarist, the Eggies ruled nevertheless.

Thanks to Mallory for the photos!

For The Season

It's Friday afternoon and I'm waiting to hear if I'll be attending Sonic Youth and Red Cross tonight at the Greek.

Oh, the anticipation!

UPDATE 9:13PM:

Scored a ticket last minute, but couldn't make it.

There's always tomorrow.

Haven't You Heard

Tonight at FAMILY, 8PM - The premiere of the five music videos Mike Mills directed for the new Blonde Redhead Album. Five monitors with headphones will be set up around the store, looping the videos.

It's a FAMILY thang.

Ain't Gon' Change

Out with the old.


In with the new.

Oh, and the Black Lips kicked out the jams at the Echo, Tuesday night. Just sayin'.

Better Than I've Ever Been

I haven't read anything more narcissistic and less substantive than Billy Corgan's corporate sponsored rant for his latest solo abortion, "Zeitgeist" (the addition of Jimmy Chamberlain certainly doesn't warrant the use of the Pumpkins' name.) And, as well all know, this isn't Corgan's first publicity stunt either - remember, Corgan announced the reunion of the Smashing Pumpkins on the eve of his debut solo release.

I'd be less suprised if Billy Corgan OD'd on his ego than announce the return of James Iha and D'arcy Wretzky.

Summer Deep

Congratulations to Ashton (above) and CB (aka Tweak Bird) on their upcoming gig with Big Business at Spaceland, August 3rd. Brain melting is to be expected.

Let Them Talk

As you may recall, I've experienced several less than pleasurable performances from artists late and great. Os Mutantes' performance Friday night at the El Rey was a shining example of a band far capable of performing their songs over thirty years later, without seeming consumed by age or their legacy. Energetic and humble, Os Mutantes took the stage flanked by backups singers, percussionists, and Brazilian sound wizards.


Sergio Dias, guitar hero.


Os Mutantes performed old jams, like "Technicolor."


And "Panis Et Circenses."



And "Bat Macumba."


Oh, can't forget "Balada Do Luoco." It's as if John Lennon made a record in Brazil, post "Sargent Peppers Lonely Heart's Club Band."

Os Mutantes' performance was well received by all; everyone left with smiles on their faces, myself included!

When the time came for a well deserved bow, Arnaldo Dias gratefully performed push ups for the crowd, an obvious show of his energy and excitement.

And the Summer continues.