Strange Things Happen

Last night, madness ensued. It only began at the Echo and kicked into full effect at 6th Street. The only people who left 6th St. to my knowledge were unnerved that Matt & Kim weren't playing. Oh well, they're loss.

Teardrops has the rundown (again, my camera escaped me.)

Enjoy the Silence

Drug Rug

It'd be too easy for me to attribute the way I've been feeling lately as my defining attachment to Drug Rug's "Day I Die" (no emo), but I don't think that's it. Rather, I think I identify with the feel good simplicity the song carries itself with, similar to Beat Happening circa "Black Candy" (with heavier pop overtones, sans Calvin Johnson's calming monotone.) To sum it up, "Day I Die" lyrically holds true to it's morbid name, all the while exuding this unexplainable satisfaction (happy-like, at that.) Who knows? Maybe I've misinterpreted the song in it's entirety (if such a thing even exists?)

I've heard other songs from Cambridge's Drug Rug before, but haven't responded as well as I have to "Day I Die." Give it a listen.

Going Nowhere

Soiled Mattress and the Springs are in town! I missed them at Family on Thursday for circumstances beyond my control, but I won't make the same mistake twice. I believe I'm overdue for a visit to Ooga Booga anyway (I'm a total sucker for those Calvin Johnson themed mixtapes.) The Soiled Mattress takeover concludes at the Smell later that night.

Below is the video for Soiled Mattress & the Springs' "Tidal Wave."

Human Interest

James Osterberg will voice Donald Rumsfield, endearingly referred to as Lil' Rummy, in Comedy Central's upcoming cartoon series, Lil Bush. The queue of musicians lining up to reinvent themselves in the vast world of animated programming appears to be steadily climbing upward. First, Andre 3000. Then, David Banner. Now, Iggy Pop? No complaints here.

Endsville

Echo Park's Sea Level Records is down for the count. Below, Sea Level mastermind, Todd, explains:

You may have heard some rumors lately about Sea Level. If you have, they're true. If you haven't, well, I've got a little bit of news for you.

After five and a half years, Sea Level will be shutting our doors permanently at the end of June. This was an incredibly tough decision for me to make and one that I've been wrestling with for some time now. While there is no doubt that I believe Sea Level should be around, I'm just not up for running it anymore and, to be honest, I want my life back. It's hard to say it, but I've actually burnt out on what should have been the perfect job. I shouldn't dread going to "work" every day and sadly, that's what it has become for me.

It's been five of the best years of my life and at the same time five of the worst. I've met some of the most amazing people over my time in beautiful Echo Park and am extremely grateful for meeting some customers that I now consider friends! I will miss seeing you "regulars" and can't put into words how much you all have meant to me. You were what kept it, and me, going for as long as it did! You made Sea Level what it was!

We're going out like we came in too, with a party. So mark your calendars for Friday June22nd and plan to be at Safari Sams for a little going away party! (details soon)

Extra thanks go out to Sea Level Sylvia. She probably single handedly kept Sea Level alive an extra year (or two)!

Also thanks to everyone that volunteered/worked/helped out over the years. And of course those that helped actually set up the store. There are too many of you to list but I owe you all! (what it this, liner notes?)

And most importantly, I thank every one of you for supporting Sea Level! It honestly has meant the world to me and will be an experience I never forget!

SeaLevelTodd

Admittedly, Sea Level wasn't a favorite of mine, but I've spent a considerable amount of time digging through the vinyl and used cds, before heading over to the Echo. Best of luck, Todd!

Maddening Cloud

Total Bummer.

Considering the increasing frequency of dissapointing decisions the Laker's organization has made in the past few years, would Kobe's departure mark the tipping point for Laker Nation?

My advice? Get it together, Dr. Buss.

Friday Night, Saturday Morning

It's a rarity for me to find myself more excited about the bands opening than the show's headliner. Case and point - Mika Miko, No Age, and Japanther setting the mood for Matt & Kim. Following the event are Brother Reade and Abe Vigoda at 6th Street Warehouse for a free warehouse jammer.

Sounds like The New Ship's got Friday night covered.