Odds and Ends
—NYC's most badass avant rock outfit, TV on the Radio, just announced the release date of their follow-up to 2006's fantastic Return to Cookie Mountain. The new album, Dear Science, (comma included), comes out on Interscope Sept. 22. —On that same note, Of Montreal has also announced a fall release, Oct. 7's Skeleton Lamping on Polyvinyl (cover art…
Harrowing TV
For those of us intelligent and tasteful individuals who miss HBO’s The Wire — which was egregiously snubbed by the Emmys this year, yet again — let me suggest something of a surrogate. It’s called Generation Kill, (9 p.m. Sundays, HBO) a seven-part mini-series about the Marines of First Recon Battalion during the initial 40…
For my fellow summer bookworms
There is nothing better than getting wrapped up in a good book, especially in the summertime, when a great read is key for lounging on the beach or relaxing at home on a rainy day. Plus, the economy sucks, we're all broke and — with a valid public library card — books are free. So…
The new new thing: Benji Hughes
Who: Benji Hughes Seven-word description: Detailed, witty narratives delivered over psychedelic electropop. Should appeal to fans of: Beck, Flaming Lips, people with beer guts. Isn't he on the same label as alt-country acts like Dwight Yoakam and Steve Earle? Yes, but there's nothing twangy about Hughes. What he does share with his labelmates, though, is…
Five Things to Do Today
1. Two much-anticipated new albums hit stores today: Dr. Dog’s fifth, Fate (streaming in its entirety here); and the U.S. release of Paul Weller’s ninth, the double-disc 22 Dreams. Support independent music stores and purchase your copy at Vinyl Fever or Mojo Records. 2. Bust out the Aquanet and spandex – Poison takes the stage at…
Sex Pistol attacks Bloc Party frontman
Former Sex Pistol Johnny "Rotten" Lydon has been accused of "an unprovoked racist attack" by Bloc Party frontman Kele Okereke. The backstage brawl took place at the Summercase Festival in Barcelona. Lydon has responded by saying, “our audience… are multi-varied, all ages, all races, creeds and colours," reports MTV UK. When you are at a…
The sales charts don’t mean what they used to.
I just stumbled across some stats that really show how CD sales have tapered off in the last decade or so: 1994: Tom Petty’s Wildflowers album went triple platinum (in excess of 3-million in sales). It reached No. 8 on the Billboard 200. 2006: Petty’s Highway Companion fell short of gold (500,000 in sales) while…
Too soon for football?
Bucs camp starts Saturday and I don’t care. Well, I care a little, I guess, but not like I used to in the past. I picked up the sports section today and there was the obligatory story about keen areas of competition expected in camp — running backs, receivers, etc. — and I barely skimmed…
Am I a classic?
Does this mean I'm getting old? Lately, as I've been flipping through stations on the radio, I've heard a lot of songs by bands that I enjoyed as a teenager playing on classic rock station 102.5 The Bone. "Come on, I'm only 31! This can't be considered classic rock," I plead to the stifling air…
Seminole Heights Starbucks not closing
In case any of you were hanging on the edge of your bungalow, tossing and turning in your sleep, at the mere possibility that the (mostly) loved Seminole Heights Starbucks might close … You can stop holding your breath. It's not closing. (h/t to Seminole Heights Blog.) Whew. (And here's a few words from someone…
Am I a classic?
Does this mean I’m getting old? Lately, as I’ve been flipping through stations on the radio, I’ve heard a lot of songs by bands that I enjoyed as a teenager playing on classic rock station 102.5 The Bone. “Come on, I’m only 31! This can’t be considered classic rock,” I plead to the stifling air…
Five Things to Do Today
1. show at Country Legends in Dunedin. 9 p.m., 1568 Main St., Dunedin, $25. 2. Sunscreen Film Festival presents the American premiere screening of The Grind, a thriller about a grifter (C. Thomas Howell) who must figure out a way to pay back a debt he owes to the Mexican mob; Tom Sizemore also stars.…
Tutored at the Trop
I was sitting in the back row of the press box at Tropicana Field Friday night when an imposing figure sat down beside me. Dude was about 6-feet-2, thick, wearing a black brimmed hat. This is no garden-variety baseball beat writer, I thought. I introduced myself.
Rebekah Pulley drops a beauty
Tampa Bay singer/songwriter Rebekah Pulley has completed a fresh full-length and it’s a beauty. Titled Back To Boogaloo, the album is a brilliant folk-rock affair marked by smart storytelling, expressive vocals, pop hooks and spot-on instrumentation. Pulley, who self-penned each number, has delivered her strongest album to date. Co-producer/guitar virtuoso/keyboardist Steve Connelly is all over…
Denver: Caillat upskirt and Spearhead
Here's a few shots from the Mile High Music Festival in Denver, including a wind-exposed Colbie Caillat and Michael Franti of Spearhead: [imagebrowser=1] — Nicole McKeen
Denver: Rock school
Libation report: Lots of water, one beer. I’m proud of my self-control. Today is our seventh anniversary and we are spending it at a rock festival. A fine meal and trinkets – we can do that shit anytime. But how often does something like this happen? And so for our anniversary meal, I bought my…
Denver: Score one for the geezers
Libation report: I stopped hours ago, like a good citizen. However, the couple next to me produced an astonishing and pungent aroma and perhaps I am feeling its effects. Young Wilson is a local rock journalist who appears to be 14 but has been out of college for two years already. Kid, I got socks…
Check this out before you fly.
With the state of the airlines these days, combined with a (psychologically) shaky economy, paying for both airline tickets and a hotel stay is getting harder and harder for ordinary folks. For passengers with a long lay over, or worse- a long delay, it's more likely than ever you will have to sleep in an…
Denver: People watching, a great and magical sport
My father used to have office stationery that struck his colleagues and patients as kind of odd. But, speaking as one of his kids, we dug it. It had a picture of a little man, sitting in a box, looking out at the world, saying, “People are no damn good.” Say what you will about…
Who should sing the newest Bond?
With Amy Winehouse apparently out of the running to sing the theme for the upcoming Bond flick, Quantum of Solace, I've been giving some thought to who should have that privilege. Based on some Internet surfing and my own personal preferences, here's my list of the top 10 candidates for becoming a part of 007…
Flugtag follies
I’ve attended some lame shit over the years. Poorly planned house parties, disastrous dates, a live sex show in the French Quarter that didn’t feature any actual fucking. But few events have struck me as silly as the Red Bull Flugtag spectacle that took place Saturday at the Tampa Convention Center. By this point, I’m…
Flugtag follies
I’ve attended some lame shit over the years. Poorly planned house parties, disastrous dates, a live sex show in the French Quarter that didn’t feature any actual fucking. But few events have struck me as silly as the Red Bull Flugtag spectacle that took place Saturday at the Tampa Convention Center. By this point, I’m…
Denver: Stranger in a strange land
Greetings from the land of the incredibly healthy. For a metabolically challenged son of the South, it’s hard to stroll the grounds of the Mile High Music Festival and not feel inadequate as a human being. It’s also hard not to feel old. I’ve been writing about music for 40 years and doing the backstage-pass…
Denver: Suicide bangs, that’s how I’ll fit in
My husband, Bill, and I are in Colorado to promote the hell out of his latest book, Outlaw Journalist: The Life and Times of Hunter S. Thompson. The book tour coincides with our seventh anniversary and the inaugural Mile High Music Festival. So after seven years of marriage, four kids, four horses, five chickens, a…
I’m walkin’. Yes indeed, I’m walkin’.
Just walked home — from Crescent Lake to Placido Bayou in St. Pete — to the tune of, oh, about five or six miles. Here's why: I was driving north on 16th Street, having left a Rays game, when my Prius started riding like a Peterbilt tractor trailer. I’m a little slow on the uptake with…
Cross Your T and Dot Her Yoni
Every once in awhile a position comes out whose soul purpose is just to see if you can do it. While not a traditional position, this one does promise some good tales around the bar stool. This position begins with the man in a handstand with his hands on the floor and torso leaning up…
Five Things to Do This Weekend
1. USF Dance Professor Jeanne Travers and the USF Dance Troupe (pictured) premiere Dance Fuzion, a program of original choreographic works created by Travers and encompassing multicultural themes, images and world music. The program will be performed at several festivals and concerts in Tunisia, Africa, this July and August. Admission to this Friday evening’s HCC-Ybor…
Will the Bic flick?
So I'm sitting on my back deck naked — it's fenced in, by the way — after a night at Tampa Theatre in which I saw a transcendent show by Shelby Lynne and then got kicked in the teeth after I waited more than an hour to meet her and get her to sign my cover story…
Bartlett Park split not recognized by CONA
I'm a little late on this post, but I can't ignore it. Last night, at the St. Petersburg Council Of Neighborhood Associations monthly meeting, neighborhood leaders voted on an issue I first brought you back in December: the split of the Bartlett Park Neighborhood Association.
Steve Winwood wows as opening act.
A few years ago, I went to a Steve Winwood concert at Jannus Landing, stayed about 30 minutes, and left feeling like he was some sort of robotic construct, a Stepford musician. So last night I was in no particular hurry to get to the Forum to see him open for Tom Petty. We arrived…
Tekila Three-Way
“I feel like I’m in a three-way!” I said Friday at the grand opening of Tekila Rocks, where I kept getting jostled by gargantuan boobage and ladies grinding like it was their job. I had heard of women keeping cash in their cleavage, but I had never seen them used to holster cell phones. This…
Gary Busey: Pitchman Extraordinaire
Gotvmail.com has paid ex-coked-out actor Gary Busey to star in 40 (yes, that's four-zero) ads hawking their business phone services. The ads, which I ran across on Gawker, feature Mr. Joshua speaking directly into the camera, pitching his can't-miss business ideas. Gawkers highlights include Agt. Pappas' brilliant idea for hair dye marketed to black bears,…
Thursday afternoon bits
She's Helen Wheels: Helen Mirren caught in a red bikini on a beach in Italy. Yeah, Wade Tatangelo would hit that! Well, they're sure acting like Canadians: Paul McCartney to give free concert; apparently "free" isn't good enough for Quebec sovereigntists. Time heals all wounds? Former Beatles drummer Pete Best to release first solo album,…
Tom Petty rules. Again.
I first saw Tom Petty in the very early 1980s, and have probably attended seven or eight of his shows. The guy (and his band) have never let me down, never delivered anything short of a high-quality concert. And some of those concerts were nothing short of terrific. I can’t say that about many (any?)…
Five Things to Do Today
1. Comedian John Witherspoon – Ice Cube's gaseous, cantankerous, dog-catcher dad in the Friday films (and pictured at right) – kicks off a four-night run of stand up this evening at the Tampa Improv. 2. Michael Ian Black “hosts” Reality Bites Back, a new unscripted Comedy Central series that has several not-so-famous comics competing against each other to…
Bar Tab: Warped weekend
Welcome to my world. It's a rainy Sunday afternoon, and I've been legally drunk for the past 66 hours. I'm in my SoHo apartment downing a midday chardonnay. My place is a single man's mess of empty wine, beer and scotch bottles. Scuffed cowboy boots, faded Chuck Taylors, wife-beaters of varying degrees of cleanliness, CDs,…
Tom Petty pleases, big time
Tom Petty takes the stage at 9:10 and leads the Heartbreakers through a barn-burning "You Wreck Me" that starts out full blast and then eases into a hot simmer before exploding again. The Gainesville native is in fine voice, delivering each line with plenty of 'tude as he swings his guitar and kicks his leg.…
The Brett Favre saga
Dear Green Bay Packers, After a long, illustrious career with one of the most storied franchises in NFL history, I've decided that now is the time to hang up the cleats. I’m 38 years old, a three-time MVP winner, and the career league leader in yards passing, touchdowns and victories, including a triumph over the…
Steve Winwood finds faith, fantasy, lovin’
Concert Review Tom Petty w/Steve Winwood Wed., July 16, St. Pete Times Forum, Tampa Tom Petty could have probably done his current arena tour with a no-name opener but instead opted for Steve Winwood, a rock ’n’ roll veteran with a history-making resume that includes stints in the Spencer Davis Group, Traffic and Blind Faith,…
Tom Petty tonight
I've somehow gone my entire life without seeing Tom Petty. That will change tonight and I'm stoked. I'll be live blogging from the St. Pete Times Forum so check back for updates. In the meantime, here it is, the 10 songs that I consider his greatest contributions to the rock canon. Yeah, I'm mostly a…
Concert Alert: Smashing Pumpkins
Smashing Pumpkins have added two shows to their current tiny tour and miraculously, one of those is right here in the Bay area at Clearwater's Ruth Eckerd Hall. Tickets for the Wednesday, August 20 show — which are $39 and $49 — go on sale at 10 a.m. this Friday, July 18; we suggest nabbing a pair ASAP as the show will…
Are you ready for some (Fantasy) Football?
While the start of Bucs training camp is still 11 days away, it's never too early to begin strategerizing for Fantasy Football season. This year, a few good sports from CL's editorial department are itching to take on you, the reader, in our first annual Fantasy Football Challenge. Do you have what it takes to…
Ani DiFranco announces new album
The singer/songwriter's new disc will be titled Red Letter Year and issued on her own Righteous Babe label Sept. 20 30, reports Billboard.com. DiFranco alluded to the album when I interviewed her for an April cover story. What projects do you have planned for the future? In a couple days I'm going to go in…
Worst online comments — Part 2
A few days ago, I ripped into TBO.com's commenters as the worst in the area. I (quietly) received a few whispers and e-mails from people agreeing with me. Yes, differing opinions — even caustic ones — are great for media, but out-and-out libel, racism or cruelness? Those kind of commenters can quickly turn readers off…
In need of a deep breath?
Newspaper headlines and lead stories got you down? Feeling a little anxious about life in general. Let me suggest a handy respite for 30 minutes a week. On Wednesdays at 11 a.m., WMNF (88.5 FM) runs recorded lectures of Alan Watts, a British philosopher/theologian who holds court on Zen Buddhism, Asian philosophy, and a bit…
$200 Restaurant Guide (Monthly Fees Apply)
Now that the 3G iPhone is up and running (sort of), you can make use of it’s brand new, true GPS system to do more than just get directions and illegally track people. Why not use it to find some food?
Eat Your iPhone
Now that the 3G iPhone is up and running (sort of), you can make use of it's brand new, true GPS system to do more than just get directions and illegally track people. Why not use it to find some food? Urbanspoon, a two year old Seattle company, has launched a free iPhone app that…
Five Things to Do Today
1. Nashville indie cutie Brooke Waggoner (pictured) brings her piano-driven pop and husky sweet vocals to Orpheum tonight; electro-pop purveyors Paper Route – also from Nashville – provide support. 8 p.m., 1902 Avenida Republica de Cuba, Ybor City, $10, 813-248-9500. 2. The Abilities Foundation – a Clearwater nonprofit that provides services to people with disabilities – hosts…
Have Gun, Will Travel goes National
Tampa Bay's best band, Have Gun, Will Travel, recently had its song "Blessing and a Curse" featured on National Public Radio's Second Stage program. "I can't think of a better name for a country-folk band…" intones NPR host Robin Hilton at the top of the segment. "They're from Florida. Their music has a great energy…
Who was Alex Pickett?
A eulogy for my namesake.
Shelby Lynne, The Warren Brothers
Plus Zillionaire
Eno goes Green
Ambient guru’s experimental pop
Café Kita gets the little things right
Details make the difference at Indo-fusion eatery
Salute the Colonel at Skipper’s
My first ever phone interview with a musician was with the godfather of Southern jam-rock Col. Bruce Hampton, and he pretty much set the standard for all future interviews I would conduct. Thus far, none have lived up to the rambling conversation I had with Hampton, who treated me like a dear old friend and…
Don’t Panic
Should Americans be frightened by Iran’s recent missile tests?
WMNF’s Americana Fest features Tampa Bay’s best
WMNF has brought in a name headliner for the third edition of its local-music-centric Americana Fest — and has chosen wisely. Houston-based singer/songwriter Hayes Carll proudly carries on the Texas troubadour tradition established by Townes Van Zandt, Guy Clark and Steve Earle, with the latter having the greatest influence, particularly on Carll's vocal delivery. Not…
The Dark Knight is remarkable
Ledger and Bale square off in one of the year’s best.
Have a “Gay” ol’ time with Katy Perry
Snarky sexpost hates on the hipsters
Mamma Mia, it’s Meryl!
Short reviews of new and recent releases
Warped weekend
Welcome to my world.
Culinary: National Ice Cream Month
Tuesday, July 22
Private Lives revealed at Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center
Skimming the surface as only Noel Coward could.
Roger Palmer lets the Dogs out
Childlike artworks underscore the horrors of war
Last chance for Pale Horse graffiti
Plus a call for Hillsborough Arts Council board members
Fashion: TRA’shion Fashion Show
Saturday, July 19
The incredible shrinking newsroom
What budget cuts are doing to the dailies
The Standard Operating Procedure of Abu Ghraib
Errol Morris’ powerful documentary on infamous Iraq prison.
The Straight Dope
I've heard of high explosives, but is there such a thing as low explosives? —C-W All too often explosives enthusiasts fall prey to the bigger-is-better mentality. It's refreshing to see someone take an interest in the subtler, less potent stuff. Yes, there are low as well as high explosives. To get the distinction between the…
Springfield’s soul
The sound of a trailblazer
Art: Film Lingual II and Coming Into Focus
Monday, July 21
Theater: An Evening Wasted with the Songs of Tom Lehrer
Wednesday, July 23
Hope floats in Flight of the Red Balloon
A fresh take on a French classic.
Obama gets Muslim-ed, this Bud’s for you
Plus, R.I.P. Tony Snow
Forbidden fruit at Wal-Mart
A cool respite from the big-box regime.
An “historic” fight in Hampton Terrace
It’s preservation vs. property rights in Seminole Heights.
Anime: METROCON 6
Friday, July 18
Back on the board
Standing up instead of giving up.
Three’s company?
In this case, it can be a crowd
Culinary: St. Petersburg Craft Beer Expo
Saturday, July 19
Slick Rick slides into the State Theatre
Witnessing recently pardoned ex-con Slick Rick perform the hip-hop anthem "La Di Da Di" (originally recorded with human beat box Doug E. Fresh in '85) live and in person is worth the price of admission. The eye-patch-wearing British rapper's harmonious flow and pimp 'tude highly influenced Snoop Dogg and others. Interestingly, "La Di Da Di"…
Beck joins forces with Danger Mouse
Modern Guilt, plus new CD releases by Albert Hammon Jr., Alejandro Escovedo, Hacienda Brothers and Dizzee Rascal
The chicken or the ego?
"I've been in Australia filming Big Brother, in which my housemates and I are confined and sealed off from the outside world, much like the chickens who are crammed inside barns for KFC. Fortunately, I won't be stomped to death, have my legs broken or be scalded to death in a tank of hot water……
Recession wines
Cheap, good stuff from overseas.
Shelby Lynne takes a Dusty road
She’s back with a Dusty Springfield tribute.
Sparks under the Sun
Sarasota singer channels Chrissie Hynde
Special Events: Red Bull Flugtag
Saturday, July 19
Art: Cool Art Show
Saturday, July 19
Cowboy Mouth, Flobots
Plus Brooks & Dunn
Film: The Dark Knight
Thursday, July 17
.com-ments
Must be the weather. Readers got all hot about Darryl Rouson; the county mayor debate; Brian Ries' review of the Hooters and Eric Snider's take on the slumping Rays. No wonder some of you were in the mood for a refreshing drink. Re Interview with Darryl Rouson ("From the crack house to the floor of…
Wine List
Got an upcoming or ongoing wine event? Send information to: The Wine List, 810 N. Howard Ave., Tampa, FL 33606, fax 813-739-4801 or e-mail brian.ries@creativeloafing.com. CHARLIE'S WINE CELLAR On July 18, Charlie's hosts their weekly Friday shindig featuring Italian Food and Wine Pairing. On Sat., July 19 is a Spanish/Argentina Wine, Dine and Learn seminar…
