Fellow Jenna Fischer lap dogs, have you seen this sh*t?

The world's most beautiful woman* -- aka Jenna Fischer (left <- as if you're an idiot or something...) -- also happens to be the world's funniest. Check out "Nonhuman Resources" on Dot Comedy, it's a short she did right before "The Office." It's not as funny as, say, "Lollilove" (Netflix now, by the way), but it's definitely not without its merits.

*Besides my wife.**

**I have to play it safe. You never know who's reading your blogs these days.***

***...****

****Oops.

(Image courtesy of WireImage.com.)

Mark Ryan: At it again

When I last caught up with creative mastermind Mark Ryan, his life story, "Lester Park's Golden Boy," became the Budgeteer Web site's all-time most-read article. Now, never one to stay away from wow-ing the masses, he's back with "Twelve Moons on Gichigami," a video montage of nearly 1,500 Canal Park Web cam frames -- and it's quite riveting. (Watch it at Perfect Duluth Day.)

Not to be missed! (as they say in the biz...)

(Image courtesy of the man himself.)

Way to go, "Newton's Disease"!

Congratulations are in order for "Newton's Disease," an independent feature film by local filmmakers Jason Page and Carrie Boberg, for being chosen for this year's Fargo International Film Festival. (It will be screened at 2:15 p.m. March 8 if you find yourself in North Dakota.)

(Image courtesy of NewtonsDisease.com.)

'Saturday Night' is (quite) all right

What do you know, "Saturday Night Live" still matters!

But, then again, how can you go wrong with host Rainn Wilson (right, of "The Office" and, all too briefly, "Six Feet Under") and musical guests the Arcade Fire, who put on the performance of a lifetime, with two songs from their highly anticipated new album, "Neon Bible."

'Tis a good year for music (choosing the top 10 albums of 2007 is going to be tough) and a return to form for "SNL."

Ah, life. :-)

(Image courtesy of NBC.)

This Week's Shame(ful)* Budgeteer Plug

*Two stories?!

I can only stretch this White Castle food poisoning sympathy bit so far ... so, to make it appear as if I worked more than three full days this week, I've made up a few fake stories** to "fill the void."

(Hopefully you can tell which ones are fake.)

"Giving taxi fare deregulation another go" -- Some of the smaller cab companies (and student leaders at UMD) want it deregulated. Two of the bigger companies, Allied and Yellow, don't. Interesting arguments on both sides.

"There's no connection to the flames" -- A new study out of Harvard finds that applying cold aluminum directly to your eyelids (oh, yeah, it's all the rage in Baton Rouge) produces a soothing aftereffect. How will this affect the Northland?

"Kathy McTavish and Duluth's cello uprising" -- I got in big trouble -- BIG -- last time I wrote about the Twin Ports' cellists. What "sensational" sh*t will I say this time?

"Fuzzy foreigners mistake ice-fishing houses for housing project 'with a view'" -- Imagine their consternation ... when they sank.

**And a beautiful poster. ... No?

Don't Tell a Soul, Vol. 17: Here's the plan of attack

I'm still not in that "good place" -- where I'd be able to construct a few sentences that actually make sense -- so here's a few random thoughts I wanted to touch on with this intro:

A) Beatlemania 2.0 has hit yours truly. Something about finally giving in to George Martin and buying "Love" and giddily singing "I Want to Hold Your Hand" at the top of my lungs to my wife in some sort of audition for "Copilot Idol."

B) A few hours ago I was in a Catholic church. If that's not weird enough, I was watching a presentation on online predators put together by Superior's elite squad (of two). Within a few minutes of a live chat (one of the officers was posing as a 13-year-old girl in a Yahoo! chat room), at least six dirty old men had initiated conversations, asking if ... you know what? I'm gonna just have to save all this nasty stuff for my story next week. (Sorry!)


C) Sarah Silverman is freakin' hilarious. I caught her show at Mandalay Bay on Saturday Night in Vegas, and I just received her DVD, "Jesus is Magic," in the mail on my sick day -- I love her.


D) But not as much as I "heart" (that's right) the Depot, where this edition's "cover art" was shot. (By the by, if you think this cover art is bad, you should see some of the rejects I went through.... Not my week for creativity.)

1. Sondre Lerche - "The Tape"
Everybody's favorite Norwegian is back, and this time he's kind of (sort of) rocking. (Previous to this album, it was more or less "subtle" rocking.)

2. High Speed Scene - "Hottie"
Like I always say about this band: If you miss Weezer's "blue album," this won't be leaving your player anytime soon.

3. The Mountain Goats - "Cotton"
This song takes a few spins to sink in ... "Weeds" definitely helps. (As you might notice, I raided that show's soundtrack for a few of these selections.)

4. Josh Joplin Group - "Must Be You"
As BFF can attest, my alter ego is "Intro Man," and this is one of the best I've heard. (It then goes on to quasi-R.E.M. "Reveal" splendor.)

5. Glen Phillips - "Thankful"
Another "to die for" intro -- this guy is great.

Actually, who the hell is this guy? He really is great, but I have absolutely no idea where I got this song.

A long-lost brother to the Wilson Phillips clan?

No?

6. Aqueduct - "As You Wish"
I know I just said this a few minutes ago, but "Or Give Me Death" will most likely be the album of the year. (No, it is not too early to make such gigantic claims -- it is that good.)

This standout track sounds like Billy Joel gone madman ... actually, it's just pure horror show: "First I'll cut your feet off / And then the hands / On both your arms."

But, you know, if you can get past that, you've got the new century's best pop song on your hands.

Seriously sweet stuff.

7. The Beatles - "Glass Onion" ("Love" vers.)
As I see it, "Love" is just a response to "The Grey Album," and this track blatantly apes that album's biggest "hit": it's good, but Danger Mouse could've done so much better.

8. Apples in Stereo - "Energy"
Some of the Beatles' biggest fans right here.

Only this sounds like the Fab Four infused with sunshine and farts.

No, I'm sorry, that's not right: candy ... sunshine and candy.

9. Of Montreal - "Don't Ask Me to Explain"
Another addicting intro -> this mix tape is on fire!

10. The Martinis - "Walls of Silence"
Nothing against the Martinis (Joey's probably my favorite guitarist ... viva the Pixies!), but this kind of sounds like a fake Elastica song in the beginning.

Or faux Sleeper.

Ah, hell, they're all the same.

(Kidding, please ... no disrespect: I appreciate all three groups.)

11. Sufjan Stevens - "All the Trees of the Field Will Clap Their Hands"
More "Weeds" magic. Good show, great soundtrack.

12. The Golden Dogs - "Strong"
Another fine Canadian group that I know absolutely nothing about.

G'day, eh! (No, I didn't really think that would make things all better....)

13. World Party - "Martha My Dear" (Beatles cover)
I've heard some pretty awful Beatles cover in my life, but this one really makes me smile. Well worth seeking out.

14. The Jayhawks - "One Man's Problems"
Although I'm glad Golden Smog is now a full-time gig, I still get misty-eyed whenever I'm reminded that there won't be any more Jayhawks albums. (Oh, well, at least the world still has Storyhill.)

"I don't expect you to see / But she's important to me, babe."

15. They Might Be Giants - "Museum of Idiots"
Although what I'm about to say is considered heresy in my household*, it must be said: "The Spine" is TMBG's greatest gift to the world.

In fact, it's quickly working its way up to ... *gasp* MY. TOP. 10.

16. Minus the Bear - "Drilling (P.O.S. Redo)"
Stef is really coming into his own as a producer/remixer. Doomtree must be so proud.

17. The Roots - "In the Music"
One of the few mainstream hip-hop acts that matter: "It's in the music / Turn it up, let it knock / Let it bang on the block / Till the neighbors call the cops."

18. Redman - "Put it Down" (advance)
Funny, when Redman isn't wasting his talent on incorporating lame jokes into his raps, he makes the best music of his career. This is the tightest he's ever sounded.

19. The Long Winters - "Ultimatum"
Does it hurt yet?

Oh, sorry, I'm still kicking myself for not hearing "Putting the Days to Bed" until after my Top 20 Albums of 2006 list came out. A fine album, indeed.

Stupid. Stupid. Stupid.

20. The Bravery - "Swollen Summer"
It's hard to get past "Fearless" on Bravery's debut, but it's been almost two years. Time to move on. Discover other gems, like this one. (Hey, I finally did!)

21. The Moaners - "Terrier"
A female Toadies?

I want to learn how to play guitar now, so as to shred like Melissa Swingle.

22. Noise Addict - "Sixteen"
Not usually my favored vocal style, but it works ... this time.

23. Son Volt - "Drown"
I bet these guys are awesome live.

Or coming out of truck speakers on a warm summer night.

24. Blue-Eyed Son - "Step Away From the Cliff"
This is the sound of floating.

Did you ever get that, like when you first heard the Eels' "Novocaine for the Soul"?

25. Steppenwolf - "Tenderness"
No, this isn't one of their rockers, but it really helped me through my White Castle-induced illness.

And so did "Jesus is Magic."

But I'm repeating myself.

Goodnight.

*Like so many others, my wife has a "thing" for "Flood." I love it dearly, too, but I didn't grow up with it like her.

Worst sh*t I've heard in a really, really long time

Did anyone else happen to catch Hellogoodbye performing "Here (In Your Arms)" on Leno just now? I wish I smoked cigarettes ... just so I could put two lit ones out in my ears.

Either/or, there's no recovering now!

(Back to Aqueduct's album of the year, "Or Give Me Death.")

This Week's (Belated) Shameless Budgeteer Plug

No, I'm not dead, I just ate some White Castle.

Good one, right?

Not really: After returning from a much-needed vacation in Las Vegas* Monday evening, I made the stupid mistake of stopping at Hinckley's White Castle. I had never been to the eatery before, so I was excited (another stupid mistake). Instead of delivering the pure bliss I paid for, the magical mini-burgers instead delivered a day off from work ... from food poisoning.

So, needless to say, it hasn't really been a week for blogging.

But I'm OK now (thank you for your prayers...) ... OK enough to talk up last week's meager offerings:

"Discover Duluth: Lake Superior Railroad Museum" -- I took my photo essay series to one of my favorite places in Duluth, the train museum in the bottom of the Depot. Good times!

"What's up with the Depot?" -- A brief little Web exclusive about ... well, what's up with the Depot. (My descent into madness/poor headline-writing skills has been a fun one....)

"Verne Wagner: A man with a plan (or two or three)" -- The second installment of my "Getting Down to Business" series chronicles Wagner, a local businessman that really has his hand in everything. Aside from inventing the Skeeter Cheater Hot Tub Tent, he also has plans for the NorShor Theater. You know, should the nude revue just happen to fail....

"Snoodle Ceramic Studio opens gallery space" -- Ceramicist Tonya Borgeson does some amazing work, and now hopefully more people will know that. Plus, her art space is right next door to Lake Superior Zoo, which is very cool.

*More on this later. I promise.**

**Well, no, I take that back: There might be more on this later. I'm still in the process of buying my first house, so who knows if I'll be able to muster enough energy to actually write something entertaining on here.

The Bob Loblaw Law Blog: An argument for taking a holiday

Let's face it; my brain is mush. I can't write anymore.

Need a break.

Must ...

take ...

a ...

holiday.

And that's why I'm so, so glad I'm getting on a big ol' jet airliner tomorrow and heading off to Sin City. (Yeah, it's great, I even get to catch a Sarah Silverman performance Saturday night at House of Blues!)

Anyway, since I won't be able to update my weekly Shameless Budgeteer Plug at the usual time, I thought I'd make it up to you guys* by passing on some choice nuggets that hit the Budgeteer's cutting-room floor this week. They're in no particular order ... and I'm not going to tell you what stories they're from, either.**

Enjoy (or die tryin'):

(Pretty ladies sold separately.)

OK, but bring us back further. (I understand that this one doesn't make a whole lot of sense, but here's a clue: It was in a news story. Yeah, I got caught using too much "voice" again....)

"If one of us goes to jail, it would more than likely be her. So that's a good thing."

Vote for your favorite off-kilter "Perrinism" today, kids!

*p.s. My lack of proper blog updates isn't anything against you. The "permadate" and I have been busy trying to buy a house in Superior. <--THAT'S RIGHT.
**All I'll say on the matter is that they're stories I wrote for this weekend's edition. There's only three, so you can probably just about guess what's what.

Don't Tell a Soul, Vol. 16.5: Songs under two minutes (an ADD mix tape)

As I was prepping DTAS 17, I noticed that both the Ramones' "Judy is a Punk" and Prescott Curlywolf's "Mariposa" were short. Very short. So I thought I'd make a day of finding some of the best songs clocking in at or below 1:59. Too bad Styx's "Too Much Time on My Hands" wasn't eligible....

Cheers!

1. The Pixies - "Dead" (Live at the BBC)
Like a few other groups on this collection, the Pixies are quite adept at crafting the perfect pieces of "tiny rock." "Allison" is definitely my favorite, but I'm well aware of the fact that I've pushed "Allison" on numerous occassions.

2. Weezer - "Possibilities"
A hard charger ... at least for a band that has done music videos with the Muppets. Listen closely at 0:54 -- that's when Rivers and company really do their magic.

3. The Wrens - "The House that Guilt Built"
Your car has broken down. It's well past the midnight hour. You're on a semi-deserted highway. The moon's sliding in and out of cloud cover.

Did you hear that? That sound?

What's that lurking in the ditch?

Relax.

It's just the Wrens.

4. Prescott Curlywolf - "Mariposa"
"My amp's on the porch."

Why?

"'Cause it stinks from the vomit."

(You'll quickly learn that when it comes to Prescott Curlywolf, your questions are better left unasked.)

5. Gnarls Barkley - "Feng Shui"
It's easy to get down on the Gnarls. "Crazy" was played so much this summer ... well, you kind of want to tear out your eyeballs whenever you hear it now. No fear, "Feng Shui" is an enjoyable exercise in arrangements apparently copped from the Avalanches.

6. The Rentals - "Insomnia"
Let's just say it's obvious that members of Elastica helped Matt Sharp work on this record.

7. The Ramones - "Judy is a Punk"
Short, sweet and classic.

8. Electric Light Orchestra - "On the Run" (home demo)
I love this band, but I'm pretty sure everyone within a 300-mile radius of me is in tune with that observation.

9. J. Church - "She Says"
Something about this is dreary and depressing, although the vocals are quite nice. (One of this group's high points.)

10. Talking Heads - "Who is It?"
Fun experiment to try if you ever happen upon a frat party: Play this. See how long you last until you're pelted with a can of PBR.

11. The Tyde - "County Line"
This is ... amazing. I kind of regret not pushing them into 2006's Top 10. Listen to those backup vocals!

12. Stephen Malkmus - "Leisurely Poison"
I got turned on to Pavement late in the game, and that's probably why I think this is better than almost they did together. You can't listen to it just once....

13. Roy - "Mob Riot, Everybody's a Winner"
So epic. So wild west. So wide-open spaces?

14. Rancid - "She's Automatic"
Why can't more modern punk sound like this? It's fierce and it's fast, but, like "County Line," the backup vocals actually make the song more attractive.

15. Starlight Mints - "Submarine #3"
Probably the only psychotropic/oddball pop song I've ever turned my wife on to. Now with strings!

16. Self - "Better than Aliens"
In a few of the myriad alternate universes I frequently drop in on, Matt Mahaffey is king. No diggity.

17. Dennis Driscoll - "Sunday is Over"
This gentle lullaby remains a shining hour for K Records.

18. Supermodel Stalker - "Speedbumps and Airbags"
"Jesus, Jesus / You're my speedbump / When I fall asleep at the wheel / You wake me up."

Come again?

"Jesus, Jesus / You're my airbag / When I'm driving drunk and I crash / You comfort me."

That's what I thought: This heatseeker isn't for the faint of heart. Or for those who say "nay" to jokes.

19. Jeremy Messersmith - "Super Frog Saves Tokyo"
Someone played too much "Zelda" as a kid....

20. M.I.A. - "One for the Head"
This "skit" also screams of 8-bit soundtracks, but I can't quite place the game.

21. Frank Black - "Brackish Boy"
This song is dirty. Or just sounds dirty. I can't really tell.

Just what the hell is he singing about, anyway?

22. Sloan - "Will I Belong?"
With "Never Hear the End of It," Sloan mastered the "little rock" format. Here's one of many that could've made the cut.

23. Queens of the Stone Age - "The Quick and the Pointless"
Sadly, this nonsensical quickie is probably more interesting than anything that surfaced on the last QOTSA release. (Stick to the Eagles of Death Metal, boy.)

24. Motion City Soundtrack - "Attractive Today"
Unless MCS starts wearing "manliner," I will support them until I die ... which just happens to be in a fiery plane crash ... the day after Valentine's Day. (More on this later.)

25. Jamie Ness - "Run Around"
But enough gloom. It's hard not to picture little Ruby and Pearl smiling when you hear this one.

26. Syrup USA - "Thrill Fit"
Am I the only one that worships this band? I'd like to know.

27. NOFX - "No Fun in Fundamentalism"
If you thought "Speedbumbs and Airbags" was in poor taste, google this track's conservative-bashing lyrics.

Catchy tune, too.

28. Sean Na Na - "Third Life"
This one's a tearjerker.

29. They Might Be Giants - "Spines"
This song is ... umm ... you know what? I can't do this anymore, I still have more than 20 to go. I mean, I've been working on this one for more than a week. It's just ... exhausting. Please take my word on the rest of them. (Ha!)

30. Of Montreal - "Little Rock"

31. The Coup - "Bullets and Love"

32. Low - "Your Poison"

33. Charles Douglas - "Go"

34. Violent Femmes - "Old Mother Reagan"

35. Everlast - "The White Boy is Back"

36. The High Speed Scene - "F*ck and Spend"

37. The Stereo - "Dear Fans of the Stereo"

38. Clumsy Lovers - "Highland Skip"

39. Clinton - "Saturday Night and Dancing"

40. The Advantage - "Super Mario Bros. 2 - Overworld"

41. I Self Devine - "I Am"

42. Mink Lungs - "Oscillator"

43. The Presidents of the United States of America - "Ladies and Gentlemen, Pt. 1"

44. Dressy Bessy - "All These Colors"

45. Daniel Johnston - "Devil Town"

46. Spoon - "Idiot Driver"

47. Tim Fite - "Toasted Rye"

48. Badly Drawn Boy - "Blistered Heart"

49. Jonny Polonski - "Truly Ugly and Dead Too"

50. Blur - "Chinese Bombs"

51. Grandaddy - "50%"

52. Modest Mouse - "Wild Packs of Family Dogs"

53. Cordalene - "This City is a Catalyst"

54. Girl Talk - "Double Pump"

55. Schatzi - "Guitars vs. Humans"

This Week's Shameless Budgeteer Plug

At the request of a few of my readers, I kept things positive this week ... that's right; no more "sensational" or "irresponsible" muckraking opinion columns from me! (This week, anyway.)

"Twin Ports ninth-graders come together at UMD" -- A fun night. I got to take nearly a gig of photos and meet Lynn Ross, the wife of Superior Mayor Dave Ross.

"New Lincoln Park program keeps seniors in their homes" -- This headline just makes me laugh ... senior prison? Anyway, I must make a public apology to Wenday: That photo. Yeah. It just wasn't my day to shine.

"David Mehling is well on his way" -- Dave's great, and so is his new album. Definitely one to watch.

"Under the cover: ‘How Do I Make You Lonesome?’" -- This little Web exclusive is an addendum to the Mehling story. When Dave and I met, I mentioned how great the design work was on his album, and he said his buddy at UMD did it. This is his (abbreviated) story. (p.s. If you visit Bud Rodecker's site, make sure to check out the faux vintage photos of him. Classic.)

There's also a photo I took of Terri Wickett posing in front of the murals she painted at the City Hall DAC Deli. Wonderful work, but, since it's a standalone photo, I have no way of linking it.

Duluth is a very cool city (Take 2)

With a leaked three-song preview of the upcoming Little Black Books* release, "Sparta Circle Drive," it's apparent that there is no end in sight to the so-called "Year of Duluth."**

"Grind Him Down" finds Mark Lindquist and company embracing light electronic flourishes and some gentle acoustic strumming. It has a warm sound ... maybe this is what Air would sound like if those Frenchies (I mean no disrespect, as I am also of "Frenchie" descent) ever tasted an American brew -- preferably from the waters of Milwaukee.

"Kozy" is similarly subdued, but includes some quintessential Lindquist lyrics: "Every night is so full of sin / Every night is so full of sin." Nice vocal accompaniment by one of the fellow Books, too.

This is definitely the sound of a group abandoning its earlier, rawer roots. (Say goodbye to Giljunko forever, it seems.)

And, while I'm no mathematician, "Wet Gospel" could easily be the new album's big hit. This is another acoustic-based track (perhaps these are all just demos and I failed to receive that memo?), but this thing moves. It sucks you in. I don't want to spoil too much -- as I'm not even sure if there is a release date in mind -- but this will be the one the kids'll be lining up to hear.

*Image of frontman Mark Lindquist courtesy of me and the Budge.
**This is a multifaceted argument revolving around new releases from Duluth acts Low, the State Champs, David Mehling and the Gallows -- plus, you know, whatever else comes out.

Duluth is a very cool city (Take 1)

So I was in Skywalk yesterday, on my way to the DECC, when I hear selections from Low's "Drums and Guns" (unreleased, mind you) off in the distance. And then I see something strange -- what appears to be a man pulling his child in a red wagon.

I've seen much stranger in Skywalk (haven't we all?), so I thought to myself, "That don't confront me," and carried on -- albeit cautiously. (The sweet, sweet sound of "chopped and screwed" Low kept me keeping on.)

That's when I saw that the "kid" in the wagon was actually a videographer with a boombox between his crossed legs. And the man following closely behind him? None other than Mr. Duluth Music Scene himself, Alan Sparhawk.

They was shootin' a Low moving picture! In Skywalk!!

Newspapers: A dying industry?

Here's a curious blog link that was e-mailed anonymously to me: Fading to Black, discussions about the newspaper industry in the modern age. Following a similarly gloomy article in Vanity Fair this month, I'm really starting to wonder if I should've listened to my pops and tried to make it in the rodeo....

re: "The Sky Harbor creep will be the death of Park Point Nature Trail"

Although I'm not at liberty to post a rather choice response to my opinion column this weekend, I did find out Rep. Mike Jaros (DFL-Duluth) -- aka my new hero -- released a statement on the matter today:

"Many years ago I authored legislation designed to protect the
magnificent old growth trees on Park Point. I continue to support their
protection. Park Point is a treasure that the city of Duluth and the
state of Minnesota must preserve for future generations. Cutting down
the trees would be short-sighted and a tragedy."

p.s. Minnesota Public Radio's excellent coverage of the whole fiasco can be found at: http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2007/01/30/oldpines/.

Don't Tell a Soul, Vol. 16

Don't be misconceived: Only one pigeon had to die at the hands of Skywalk for this edition's cover art....

1. Jets to Brazil - "You're the One I Want"
Jawbreaker with strings? Magnificent.

2. J. Church - "Alone When She Dies"
Who knew punk could have a heart -- without venturing into "emo" territory?

3. Youth Group - "Sorry"
As delicate as anything on their flawless debut. I wonder why it took so long to be released in America....

4. The Format - "Pick Me Up"
"Dog Problems" is just the gift that keeps on giving, now isn't it? A good transitional record for anyone you know (perhaps a lady friend) who's still stuck on Top 40 radio.

5. Sloan - "The Lines You Amend"
Damn these Canadians, they're an unstoppable force!

6. Nada Surf - "Happy Kid"
There's a sense of urgency here that's missing on much of the band's recent output. Nothing against that stuff, it's great, but I've always been most fond of their sophomore effort, "The Proximity Effect," where songs like this were a dime a dozen.

7. Of Montreal - "Rapture Rapes the Muses"
I have no idea what Kevin Barnes is singing about here, but this is bona fide ear candy. Undeniable.

8. Dig - "Whose Side You On?"
Another one of those CMJ finds from way back when that I thought I should pass on. Enjoy.

9. The Afghan Whigs - "Crazy"
1998's "1965" was all about being in love ... the complete opposite of Greg Dulli's next project, the dark, epic Twilight Singers.

10. Angelo Badalamenti - "Theme from 'Twin Peaks'"
While I would happily put this monumental track on any mix tape, this inclusion comes with some great news: Not only is Paramount finally releasing season two, but there are rumors that a complete series box set will include the VHS-only (or import-only DVD) of the series' pilot, which is probably the most spectacular piece of film available anywhere. Phew, I'm so excited ... you could almost knock me over with a feather.

11. Fancey - "Carry Me"
Something about being a member of the New Pornographers.... (You can tell, and it's great.)

12. The Who - "See Me, Feel Me" (Live at Leeds)
While not as explosive as the Woodstock version, it's included simply because *pout* I can't find my Woodstock version anymore.

13. Minutemen - "Toadies"
Admission: I hadn't heard this song until last week. Sad, I know, but what I wonder is: This sounds an awful like a few songs by the band the Toadies -- do you think this is where they got their inspiration?

14. Toadies - "Mister Love"
For many, this was their introduction to the Toadies after buying "Rubberneck" for "Possum Kingdom." ("Mexican Hairless" doesn't count. No words.)

15. Audio Learning Center - "Favorite"
Nice percussion work, easy to sing along with ... probably a band for the kids, though.

16. The Lassie Foundation - "She's the Coming Sun / She's Long Gone"
Like a lot of the Elephant 6 output, there's a lot going on here. Thick, but great tune.

17. Tim Fite - "For Starters"
This is actually just a brief throwaway track, but it serves as a nice intro to the Moaners.

18. The Moaners - "Heart Attack"
And their holy mother hurricane otherwise known as "Heart Attack." (Think a more tolerable Squatweiler.)

19. Sport Murphy - "You Lousy, Stinking Scumbag"
Another throwaway that's kind of funny.

20. P.O.S. - "Crispin Glover"
If you don't own the "P.O.S. is Ruining My Life" single, I recommend it: This B-side is well worth the dough.

21. Beck - "This Girl That I Know"
This is a weird track. It was included on copies of "The Information" purchased at Best Buy. I felt guilty buying the album there, but I'm glad I didn't miss out on this track. Almost more enjoyable than anything on the album proper.

22. Dave Mehling - "Idaho"
This guy's great, but I won't spoil anything because my next A&E feature is on him.

23. The Meat Purveyors - "The Madonna Trilogy"
Have you ever wanted to here Americana versions of "Like a Virgin," "Lucky Star" and "Burning Up"? Me neither, but this stuff is surprisingly great.

24. My Morning Jacket - "Mahgeetah"
They say you never forget your first MMJ song, and this would be it for me. It's kind of out of this world.

This Week's Shameless Budgeteer Plug

Talk about getting my numbers back up:

"Beloved UMD prof tackles Dietz drama" - One of my favorite teachers from "Matthew R. Perrine: The College Years," Tom Isbell, directs "Handing Down the Names," talks about "After M*A*S*H" (kind of)

"Getting Down to Business: To Judith Munson, the written word means business" - Write Now Media caught my attention because it was practically the same thing my mother-in-law was doing down in Jacksonville before she got hired up by a big company

"Discover Duluth: Skywalk System" - The photo essay series returns ... to show you pictures of dead pigeons

"CD Reviews: Drums, guns and a Second City Trigger Gospel" - New albums from Anna Fermin's Trigger Gospel and hometown heroes Low (!)

"The Sky Harbor creep will be the death of Park Point Nature Trail" - A call to arms for fellow tree huggers