Starfire, KUMD, Arne Vainio, Nate Maydole, Al Franken, Atmosphere, Modern Antiques, dancing with cats, etc.

Note to self: Next time someone offers you a flu shot, you take it.

"5Q :: Starfire Returns to Radio" :: More than 10 years after Random Radio went off the air, DJ Starfire is back with "The Local," a drive-time show on KUMD featuring — you guessed it — local music. DuluthBudgeteer.com exclusive!

"Tribal Physician Examines the 'Unknown' in New Doc" :: Dr. Arne Vainio knew “Walking Into the Unknown” was something he had to do when he realized he was a hypocrite.

"Q-and-A with 'Unknown' Director Nate Maydole" :: In this companion piece to "Tribal Physician Examines the 'Unknown' in New Doc," recent UMD grad Nate Maydole explains how he got involved with Dr. Arne Vainio's film project. DuluthBudgeteer.com exclusive!

"'Twin Fishers'" :: This weekend's cover shot, from the Duluth Boat, Sports and Travel Show’s live trout tank.

"'Franken in Duluth'" :: In a vacant-because-of-the-holiday City Hall Monday (Presidents' Day), Al Franken met with St. Louis County Commissioner Peg Sweeney and the mayors of Duluth and Two Harbors. (A standalone photo.) DuluthBudgeteer.com exclusive!

"CD Reviews: Modern Antiques, Danny Schmidt, Atmosphere and 'Name Your Tune'" :: Reviewed this week: “Sweet Precious Time,” the debut from Duluth four-piece Ben Durbin’s Modern Antiques; Austin folkie Danny Schmidt’s “Instead the Forest Rose to Sing”; Atmosphere’s remastered and repackaged “God Loves Ugly”; and “Name Your Tune,” a personalized CD that inserts one of more than 4,000 names into 13 kid-safe songs.

"Going to 'Steel Magnolias'? Bring Your Kleenex" :: An interview with Jean Olson, who’s directing “Steel Magnolias” for the Playhouse.

"Local Options for Valentine's Day" :: Not so much a story as two photos I took at Angela's Bella Flora on First Street (as the ladies were busily filling orders for V-Day!).

Thus concludes what will hopefully be the last This Fortnight's Shameless Budgeteer Plug!

Free Wilco EP! And (even more) shameless self-promotion!!

I'm sure this is old news to some of you (nearly six years old, to be exact), but, seeing as how I just found out about it, I felt it at least worth a mention: Wilco has a free six-song EP, "More Like the Moon" aka "Australian" aka "Bridge," up on its Web site as a free download. (Get the zip file here.) Apparently the songs were originally included with copies of the Australian version of "Yankee Hotel Foxtrot."

The tracks:

1. "Camera" [Alt. Vers.]
2. "Handshake Drugs" [Early Vers.]
3. "Woodgrain"
4. "A Magazine Called Sunset"
5. "Bob Dylan's 49th Beard"
6. "More Like the Moon"

For more information, or to get any of the three covers as a downloadable PDF, visit this link.

*******

In other news, here's what I've been up to at the Budge in the last couple days:

"CD Reviews: Clem Snide, Meredith Fierke and Kaspar Hauser" :: Albums enjoyed this week: Clem Snide’s “Hungry Bird,” Meredith Fierke’s “The Procession” and Kaspar Hauser’s “The Sons.” (Includes -- bonus! -- some interesting insight from Kaspar Hauser's main creative force, Chicagoan Thomas Comerford.)

"David Lindsay-Abaire Gets Some More Love from Duluth" :: Just weeks after “Rabbit Hole” closed at the Play Ground, Renegade Comedy Theatre is staging "Wonder of the World," another one of the Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright’s works, down the street. An interview with director (and Renegade's artistic director) Katy Helbacka.

"West Duluth Mainstay Mr. D's Turns 30" :: When asked what he thought the keys to success are, Al Terwey, the bar and grill’s owner, responded with a big laugh and said, “Are there any right now?” Get to know the selfless "Norm of West Duluth."

Thus concludes THIS WEEK'S SHAMELESSLY ENHANCED BUDGETEER PLUG!

The column to end a career, an opera singer from the North Shore and $$$!

If you seek out/download one song this week, make it Rose Hill Drive's "Altar Junkie."

It's "Boulder-strong."

Word.

"What I Consider Fun, Natural Fun" :: A random column dedicated to, among other things, doomsday 2012, Netflix/Xbox 360's awesome new way of letting you rot away your life, a few words on the recession/lowered expectations, Amazon.com's "grocery store" and how awesome physical albums are.

"Nathan Herfindahl: Have Voice, Will Travel" :: Nathan Herfindahl’s obsession with opera has taken him all the way around the world and back. The University of Minnesota Duluth graduate recently returned from Beijing, where he performed alongside legendary tenor Plácido Domingo. (An interview with the Silver Bay native.)

"MCCU CEO: Your Money's Safe with Credit Unions" :: We’ve always heard that community banks are safer than their “big brothers,” but now the Minnesota Department of Commerce is saying that a handful of the 429 state-chartered banks and credit unions in the state that it regulates are at risk of possible failure. To get an insider’s perspective on this development, we (I) talked to Tammy Heikkinen, president and CEO of Members Cooperative Credit Union.

"CD Reviews: Avenpitch, Middle States and Drew Danburry" :: I teased this last time, but, what the hey, I sure do love my record reviews. DuluthBudgeteer.com exclusive!

Thus concludes THIS WEEK'S SHAMELESS BUDGETEER PLUG. (Thanks, I like to write.)

p.s. My dollar-store sour straws are rock hard.

Avenpitch, P.O.S., AM rubin, Middle States, Jamestown Story, Phoenix Productions, Drew Danburry, 'Epicly Later'd,' George Kaplan and more!

Words of wisdom: Never follow up a night of watching "Fire in the Sky" and reading about UFO abductions by listening to the Massive Attack album "100th Window." Talk about creepy....

"CD Reviews: Avenpitch, Middle States and Drew Danburry" :: Albums enjoyed this week: Avenpitch’s “Cast Off,” Middle States’ “Happy Fun Party” and Drew Danburry’s “This Could Mean Trouble, You Don’t Speak for the Club.”

"DVD Reviews: 'Epicly Later'd' and 'An American Carol'" :: An episode guide for the first volume of Vice’s skateboarder-documentary show, “Epicly Later’d,” and some fresh hate for “An American Carol,” one of the worst comedies to surface in some time.

"Megan Abel's Phoenix Productions Dance Troupe Strikes Back" :: A conversation with dancer Megan Abel, who is readying Phoenix Productions’ second big show, “Because We Believe 2009.”

"AM rubin: Most Eclectic Father-Son Band Ever?" :: AM rubin, Duluth's pre-eminent family-based musical collective, covers everything from Steve Earle to Guided by Voices’ “Smothered in Hugs” and Elvis Costello’s “The Comedians." Hear how this unique band came to be.

"Defend Your Castle: Innovative Security Products You Might Want to Look Into" :: No matter how reassuring lowering crime statistics can be, some of us just like to feel extra-safe at home. Here are a couple products to help you out with that.

"First Impressions of ... P.O.S.'s 'Never Better'" :: A track-by-track breakdown of P.O.S.'s new disc, which, as its title implies, finds the Minneapolis rapper (and Doomtree member) moving ahead at full force.

"Dane Says: Grandma's Sports Garden is the Best (Only?) Place to Be Jan. 29" :: Seven bands will play the Canal Park hotspot Jan. 29 — including a new Motion City Soundtrack side project — and, to get a little personal perspective on this monumental event, we’ve asked Jamestown Story’s Dane Schmidt to provide some “color commentary.”

"Second Pants Production a 'Beautiful Mess'" :: For its sophomore offering, Kelli Latuska and Michelle Juntunen's production company, By the Seat of Your Pants, is tackling David Lindsay-Abaire’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play “Rabbit Hole."

"Rabble-Rouser George Kaplan Returns to Beaner's" :: Considering that his stage name comes from Alfred Hitchcock’s sprawling masterpiece “North by Northwest,” it’s natural to feel a sense of urgency when you listen to the rambunctious ramblings of this St. Paul musician.

Thus concludes what will hopefully be the second and last This Fortnight's Shameless Budgeteer Plug!

Ryan Rapsys, Barbie Bangkok, Dante Pirtle, Matt and Kim and (once again) some innocent heart-explodin' fun!

In case I haven't told you before: Thanks for your patronage. Some things don't get said enough, cheeky monkey....

"Catching Up with Local Composer Ryan Rapsys" :: From scoring Craig Blacklock DVDs and Duluth Playhouse productions to cooking up thought-provoking short films and running his own record label, Duluth native Ryan Rapsys (brother of Robin, Tepetricy's drummer) is sure up to the task of making his mama proud.

"CD Reviews: Dante Pirtle, Barbie Bangkok and Matt and Kim" :: Albums enjoyed this week: former Duluthian Dante Pirtle's "Pirtlean," Belgian rockers Barbie Bangkok's "People and Geometry" and Brooklyn indie pop duo Matt and Kim's "Grand."

"Taste Test: Buzz Bites and Foosh Energy Mints" :: Hundreds upon hundreds of new energy products hit the U.S. market every year. So, for this inaugural Taste Test, we're giving two new products from Vroom Foods a spin. A DuluthBudgeteer.com exclusive!

Thus concludes THIS WEEK'S (BELATED) SHAMELESS BUDGETEER PLUG!

Tepetricy, Bunny Clogs, Buzz Bites, Van Morrison groupies, that DFA1979 dude and another (questionably) healthy buzz!

My weeks are whirlwinds....

"'The Brotherhood of Tepetricy is Stronger than Ever'" :: The up-and-coming Twin Cities hard rock outfit Tepetricy has a lot of local ties — four out of its five members are from Duluth, to be exact — so we thought we’d hit them up before their show Jan. 10 (this Saturday) at Norm’s.

"CD Reviews: Bunny Clogs, St. Dominic's Trio, the Belfast Cowboys and Death From Above 1979's Sebastien Grainger" :: Albums enjoyed this week: "Switch" by St. Dominic's Trio, the Belfast Cowboys' self-titled debut, Sebastien Grainger's "Sebastien Grainger & The Mountains" and Bunny Clogs' "More! More! More!"

"Taste Test: Buzz Bites and Foosh Energy Mints" :: Hundreds upon hundreds of new energy products hit the U.S. market every year. So, for this inaugural Taste Test, we're giving two new products from Vroom Foods a spin. A DuluthBudgeteer.com exclusive!

And some random photos of a dock on Rice's Point (this week's cover shot), Renee Zellweger (an oldie but goodie), Darlene's Hair Stylists in Lincoln Park and hockey camp at the Heritage Sports Center this past summer.

Thus concludes THIS WEEK'S (BELATED) SHAMELESS BUDGETEER PLUG!

This Fortnight's Shameless Budgeteer Plug!

Hope your holiday were splendid. Here are a couple things I've put together in the last two weeks:

"The Best Albums of 2008, Pts. 1 & 2" :: Locally, it was another banner year for music, and the national and international scenes fared just as well. See if your favorite records "made the cut." (In case you're interested, links to my 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007 lists.)

"What the Mayor and Other Northlanders Liked in '08" :: The question was simple: What is your favorite local and non-local album of 2008? See how people like Charlie Parr, Walt Dizzo and Mayor Don Ness answered. (Now with fantastic newness courtesy of Cars & Trucks' Mat Milinkovich and Tony Bennett!)

"The (Mostly) Local Guide to Last-Minute Gifts" :: From art supplies to zoo memberships, our A-to-Z guide will help make this frantic last week of shopping a little more bearable. Compiled with my boss, Budgeteer editor Jana Peterson.

And some random photos that punctuated other people's stories: a potluck "still art," some kids skating at Congdon Park Elementary School and blizzard shots for our '08/'09 winter photography collection of the old Interstate Bridge and snow-covered steps in the DECC parking lot.

p.s. I also co-hosted Walt Dizzo's "Best of 2008" show on KUWS. Read what songs he (we) played on his MySpace blog – or below if you're having trouble accessing it:

1. Cloud Cult – Story of the Grandson of Jesus
2. Tisdales – Like a Horse
3. The Plastic Constellations – Floated Down and Flew Around
4. The War on Drugs – Arms Like Boulders
5. The Sword – Fire Lances of the Ancient Hyperzephyrians
6. Wolf Parade – Call it a Ritual
7. Chris Walla – Geometry and C
8. Doomtree – Game Over
9. Thao with the Get Down Stay Down – Bag of Hammers
10. Marc Gartband – Back With You
11. The Whigs – Like a Vibration
12. Of Montreal – Triphallus, to Punctuate!
13. Now Now Every Children – Everyone You Know
14. Tiny Moving Parts – Moving to Antarctica
15. Torche – Grenades
16. Retribution Gospel Choir – Kids
17. Harvey Milk – Barnburner
18. Sports! – Magnetic Yellow Ribbons
19. Amanda Palmer – Runs in the Family
20. Fleet Foxes – White Winter Hymnal
21. Atmosphere – You
22. Haley Bonar – Something Great
23. Vivian Girls – Where Do You Run To
24. Man Man – Top Drawer
25. Riddle of Steel – John Frum
26. Lil Wayne – Mrs. Officer
27. Lykke Li – I’m Good, I’m Gone
28. Dance Band – Digital
29. Vampire Weekend – M79
30. Department of Eagles – No One Does It Better
31. Human Highway – The Sound
32. TV on the Radio – DLZ
33. Q-Tip – Shaka
34. Dr. Dog – The Old Days
35. Attic Lights – Bring You Down
36. Boris – Laser Beam
37. Jay Reatard – See Saw
38. Little Joy – How to Hang a Warhol
39. Terry Lynn – Kingston Logic (angry mix)
40. She and Him – Why Do You Let Me Stay?
41. The Raveonettes – Black Satin
42. Islands – Creeper
43. Marah – Angel of Destruction
44. Black Mountain – Evil Ways
45. Amplive – Video Tapez
46. Chairlift – Bruises
47. Portishead – Magic Doors
48. Victory Ship – Won’t Let Go
49. Deerhunter – Agoraphobia
50. Santogold – Lights Out
51. Smoking Popes – Welcome to Janesville
52. Horse & Rider – Funeral Piles
53. Barbie Bangkok – All Over Again
54. Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds – Dig, Lazarus, Dig!!
55. Beck – Chemtrails
56. Portraits for Judith – 13 Plagues
57. Fucked Up – Year of the Pig (US 7” Edit)
58. Tanya Morgan – The Bridge
59. The Magnetic Fields – The Nun’s Litany
60. Black Kids – Hit the Heartbrakes
61. Submarines – You, Me, and the Bourgeoisie
    

Thus concludes what will hopefully be the last This Fortnight's Shameless Budgeteer Plug!

Best of 2008 :: Radio Flyer 2 :: WHISKEY & GREEN TEA

A radio show for music geeks worldwide: The best music of 2008. Picked by the likes of KUWS's resident superstar DJ, Walt Dizzo; myself; and, most importantly, his loyal listeners. From 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 18, on 91.3 FM/www.kuws.fm.

Best of 2008 RADIO FLYER, Pt. 1: Garbage Pail Music Geeks

That's right; it's the time of the year for a barrage of inane radio flyers touting my guest appearance on Walt Dizzo's KUWS show. The details: The best music of 2008. Picked by the two of us and his loyal listeners. Mostly good (you can never really predict taste). From 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 18, on 91.3 FM/www.kuws.fm.

Many, many more flyers to come....

Charlie Parr, Lorrie Morgan, the Tisdales, Rachael Kilgour, Highland Street and rawk and/or roll!

Who knew being a music geek could be so "hard"? I've spent entirely way too much time getting ready for this year's best-of lists. The silver lining, though, is that I was invited back to Walt Dizzo's show on KUWS to share some of my favorites. If you're interesting in hearing what the two of us have been listening to all year, tune in from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Thursday night/Friday morning. If you're out of KUWS's reach (91.3 FM in the Northland), feel free to listen in online at www.kuws.fm. Should be a fun time!

Anyway, here's what else I've been up to lately -- all of these stories are available for your reading pleasure at DuluthBudgeteer.com:

"Lorrie Morgan: 'Getting on Stage is My Therapy'" :: Lorrie Morgan is as close to Nashville royalty as they come, and the Budgeteer has an exclusive interview with her. Read on.

"CD Reviews: Charlie Parr, the Tisdales, Rachael Kilgour and the Second Homegrown Comp" :: Another local CD blowout: Charlie Parr's "Roustabout," the Tisdales' "Baker's Dozen," Rachael Kilgour's self-titled debut and the “Homegrown Rawk and/or Roll: Lindquist’s Mix” compilation -- hand-selected Northland tunes from Giljunko/Little Black Books frontman Mark Lindquist ... in case you couldn't tell.

Finally, this weekend's cover shot, of Highland Street in West Duluth, by yours truly, Matthew R. Perrine.

Thus concludes THIS WEEK'S SHAMELESS BUDGETEER PLUG!

Gary Lundstrom, Lance Rhicard, Kwanzaa, Mr. Mrozinski, George Kaplan and high style!

It's been an eventful week at the Budge.

"Gary Lundstrom Unveils Northland-Inspired Art Lamps" :: With the public unveiling of his Great Lake Design studio’s long-in-the-works Art Lamps (one of which is pictured above, at Lizzard's downtown) now a reality, Gary Lundstrom believes he is nearing the zenith of his career.

"Kwanzaa Comes Early at UMD" :: To celebrate the recent Kwanzaa event at the University of Minnesota Duluth, the Budgeteer spoke to Jebeh Edmunds, coordinator of the event and the Duluth Public Schools African American Cultural Center. DuluthBudgeteer.com exclusive!

"CD Reviews: Lance Rhicard, Nicholas Mrozinski and George Kaplan" :: Enjoyed this week: Lance Rhicard's "Big Heart Down," Nicholas Mrozinski's "Oak Chase Way" and George Kaplan's "Reinvented Wilderness."

In other news, the Duluth Budgeteer's online content will soon be moved to the Duluth News Tribune's Web site, www.duluthnewstribune.com. While our Web team is trying to make the transition as smooth as possible, hiccups will occur. If you have trouble accessing any of my stories, please let me know ASAP and I will remedy the situation.

Finally, this probably isn't relevant to too many of you out there, but I have completed a revamp of the Budgeteer News stylebook. If you belong to a group or organization in the Twin Ports and would like your information included, please e-mail me and we'll take care of it.

Thus concludes THIS WEEK'S (MUCHO BELATED*) SHAMELESS BUDGETEER PLUG!

*The shame cometh....

Margi Preus, the Ohara Peace Bell, 'kid lit,' B&Bs, Marcia Hales, lights, divorce and zombies!

This blog ain't dead yet....

"Margi Preus Returns to 'Kid Lit' with Peace Bell Book" -- Duluth author and educator Margi Preus’ second children’s book in a decade tackles the amazing true story of the Ohara Peace Bell.

"Duluth's Bed-and-Breakfasts Band for Holiday Tour" -- Angie Allen, of A.G. Thomson House, talks about the collective event on Dec. 7 and what it's like running a Zenith City bed-and-breakfast. A Q-and-A.

"DVD Review: Divorce Through the Eyes of a Child/Zombie Hunter" -- Shelli Ryan’s “Jake’s Closet” is probably one of the strangest films ever made about divorce, but it’s still worth your time. DuluthBudgeteer.com exclusive!

Finally, this weekend's cover shot of Marcia Hales, Park Point's famous light putter upper. (If you've never experienced her electric winter wonderland, it's well worth the short drive.)

Thus concludes THIS WEEK'S SHAMELESS BUDGETEER PLUG!

This Week's Shameless Budgeteer Plug + New P.O.S. Album Announced!

Before the good news, though, here's what I've been up to the last couple days:

"UMD Alumnae Team for 'Hummingbirds'" :: The University of Minnesota Duluth’s theater department is once again utilizing alumna Jeannine Coulombe for fresh material. At the helm? Kelly (Brainard) Grussendorf, another UMD graduate. (Interesting side note: Grussendorf once had a national recording contract with Curb Records under the moniker Charity. Click here for a free MP3 download of her track "Aren't I Lucky?")

"CD Reviews: Clearwater Hot Club, the New Standards and Dr. Pepper Family" :: Albums enjoyed this week: Sam Miltich and the Clearwater Hot Club's “Just You, Just Me," the New Standards' "Rock and Roll" and a self-titled album from Belgium's Dr. Pepper Family. (While I can't share the e-mail with you, the New Standards' Chan Poling had quite the hilarious first reaction to my review of "Rock and Roll." So, to avoid this with anyone else, some words of wisdom: Read the whole thing -- I'm like the M. Night Shyamalan of record reviews.... LOL)

"New Books Gets Lift Bridge Story Right" :: A large chunk of Tony Dierckins’ "Crossing the Canal" is dedicated to separating Aerial Lift Bridge myths from reality. Not to be confused with my review of "Crossing the Canal," this interview with the author and publisher for Canal Park Times (a special supplement to the Duluth Budgeteer News) sheds some light on the book's findings.

"Shy Guy" :: This week's seagull-tacular front cover.

And, finally, without any further ado, the press release you've been dying to read...

P.O.S. TO RELEASE NEW ALBUM NEVER BETTER FEBRUARY 3RD ON RHYMESAYERS

P.O.S. returns with Never Better, February 3rd on Rhymesayers. It's the follow-up to 2006's critically acclaimed Audition. Most of P.O.S’ new album was written in a moving car. On it, he raps at full-clip to ride rolling drums and revving distortion. There’s an urgency that he keeps in careful check, and then unleashes for spring-loaded verses that represent his best work. P.O.S built his reputation as an innovator, with an unlikely punk rock past and expressive, honest content. He re-earns the accolades with every release. His records capture his charisma—they’re driving and sincere, the dark moments counterbalanced by some giggling banter with the engineer. On Never Better, the new disc, he conjures get-away cars, racing chariots, the pursuit of sirens, and the occasional rueful nighttime drive.

P.O.S. himself made more than half of the beats on Never Better, and the production bears his unmistakable signature. The album enters a room like bombshell with a black eye—badass, noisy, impossible to ignore. Feedback and relentless drum rolls are only occasionally tempered by sung choruses and clean, chiming guitar lines. Some critics will be eager to categorize the album as a hybrid—some kind of crossover project. But it’s probably not. P.O.S is a rapper with range, he’s a real musician and an unstoppable performer. For him, genres are as they ever were: permeable.

The packaging for P.O.S's new album Never Better is a one of a kind four panel transparent plastic Digipak that holds 16 solid and 6 Transparent inserts. The solid inserts have artwork on the front and lyrics/credits on the back. The Transparent inserts have artwork that when placed over the various solid cards, enhance and change the look of the art underneath, hundreds of combinations are possible. Look for P.O.S. to embark on a headlining tour for the month of February and he will stay on the road through the summer, where he's confirmed for the entire Vans Warped Tour.

P.O.S.'s two plus years on the road in support of Audition proved that no genre can contain him. He's just as comfortable performing in front of punk and rock crowds as he is with his ever growing loyal hip hop fan base. On different tours, he went out with Atmosphere, Minus the Bear, Gym Class Heroes and Underoath plus did 50+ dates on the Vans Warped Tour. Audition made it up to #13 on the CMJ Radio Top 200 and was #1 on the Hip Hop chart for three weeks. The video for his single "Bleeding Hearts Club (MPLS Chapter)" received heavy rotation on MTVu and also on MTV2's Subterranean.

Never Better Tracklisting
1.Let It Rattle
2.Drumroll (We're All Thirsty)
3.Savion Glover

4.Purexed
5.Graves (We Wrote the Book)
6.Goodbye
7.Get Smokes
8.Been Afraid
9.Low Light Low Life
10.The Basics (Alright)
11.Out of Category
12.Optimist (We Are Not For Them)
13.Terrorish
14.Never Better
15.The Brave and the Snake

(Information courtesy P.O.S.'s people.)

Haley Bonar, the Streets, circa a.m., Hand Over Fist and the Mighty Underdogs

What's I've learned this weekend: The "Stewie head" box set Amazon is selling isn't something you want to wake up to....

"Bonar: 'I Don't Have a Degree, I Have Records'" :: Haley Bonar has a problem: She’s big enough to have a lot of information about her on the Internet, but not big enough for these so-called experts to get their facts straight. An entertaining Q-and-A with my former University of Minnesota Duluth "classmate." (We both only attended UMD for one school year, 2001 to 2002, so there's a chance we had a class together....)

"CD Reviews: The Streets, Hand Over Fist and the Mighty Underdogs" :: It's another hip-hop blowout: The Streets’ “Everything is Borrowed,” Doomtree side project Hand Over Fist’s self-titled debut and the Mighty Underdogs’ “Droppin’ Science Fiction.”

"circa a.m. @ World of Wheels" :: I'm not very fond of this photo set from Halloween -- largely because the Budgeteer's Web site, for whatever reason, won't let me edit my images' captions (beyond what I entered initially) -- but it does feature some nice shots (in theory) and guest appearances by Andy Perfetti and members of the Surfactants.

Thus concludes THIS WEEK'S SHAMELESS BUDGETEER PLUG!

The Melismatics, Hillary Clinton, Mighty Fairly, Lester Park, Victory Ship and the other 'Hef'

I just found out that my hometown, Crosby, Minn., was supposedly the first town in America to elect a communist mayor. How weird is that?!

"The World According to Jim Heffernan" :: Considering that “Hef” has been writing columns for three-and-a-half decades, whittling down more than 1,500 columns to 52 for his new book was the “huge, daunting task” you can probably imagine.

"CD Reviews: Three (More) Albums That Will Restore Your Faith in Recorded Sound" :: Thoroughly enjoyed this week: The Melismatics' “The Acid Test,” Mighty Fairly's “Big Words and Power Chords” and Victory Ship's “Before the Fall.”

"Discover Duluth: Lester Park, Vol. I-III" :: If you have family visiting from out of town and want to show off Duluth’s natural beauty, Lester Park should be at the top of your to-do list. DuluthBudgeteer.com exclusive!

Finally, some standalone pics for ya: "Veterans' Day in Duluth" and last weekend's cover, "Clinton Push Enough for Franken?"

Thus concludes THIS WEEK'S (BELATED) SHAMELESS BUDGETEER PLUG!

Hillary Clinton, Cecilia Lieder, Yo Majesty, Tony Dierckins, Beloved Binge, Highway 61 and more!

Stories to keep you warm at night, like ... Michael Moore's favorite former first lady visiting my (kind of, sort of) alma mater:

"Hillary Clinton Visits Duluth" :: Hillary Clinton, New York senator and former first lady, stumped for fellow Democrats at the University of Minnesota Duluth's Romano Gym Monday evening. She was joined by U.S. Rep. James Oberstar, U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar and Senate hopeful Al Franken. Prior to taking the stage, Clinton fielded questions from the local press, an event attended by Mayor Don Ness.

"Lieder: Printmaking Just as Rich as Any Other Medium" :: For one of the Northland’s most esteemed printmakers, Cecilia Lieder, Northern Prints Gallery proprietor (and member of the Northern Print Alliance), sure has a good sense of humor about her art. She’s also quite understanding when it comes to explaining her medium.

"Draw Your Brakes (aka 'A Simple Message')" :: A friendly (albeit 100 percent illegal) Railroad Street reminder of your civic duties Tuesday. <- Also known as THIS WEEK'S COVER!

"CD Reviews: Yo Majesty and Beloved Binge" :: Enjoyed this week: Yo Majesty’s “Futuristically Speaking … Never Be Afraid” and Beloved Binge’s “Blender Theory.”

"Book Reviews: Duluth's Aerial Lift Bridge and the Minnesota Stretch of Highway 61 Immortalized" :: The definitive book on “Duluth’s Eiffel Tower," Tony Dierckins' "Crossing the Canal: An Illustrated History of Duluth’s Aerial Bridge," and Cathy Wurzer’s Highway 61 roadtrip companion, “Tales of the Road."

Thus concludes THIS WEEK'S (BELATED) SHAMELESS BUDGETEER PLUG!

Lucinda Williams, Germs, New Monarchs, Cannon, Rubber Chicken Radio (in Hell) and Bambi slaughter!

Reading (and writing) is fun!

"Live from Hell, It's Rubber Chicken Radio" :: There are a couple reasons Brian Matuszak has done 20-odd radio specials in the last five years. Some, you’ll find, are more noble than others. An interview with the funnyman.

"After Homegrown, Halloween Weekend is King" :: A list of all the Halloween/All Saints Day concerts we know of, from the star-studded Bob Dylan tribute band at the Brewhouse to the all-ages "Halloween Rockathon" at Superior's World of Wheels.

"CD Reviews: Cannon, Lucinda Williams and the New Monarchs" :: Reviewed this week: Cannon All American’s “DCC Reloaded,” Lucinda Williams' "Little Honey" and the New Monarchs' "Blueprints."

"DVD Review: Germs Biopic Worth the Wait" :: Rodger Grossman’s Germs biopic, “What We Do is Secret," provides an insider's look at one of the most influential bands of the punk era. DuluthBudgeteer.com exclusive!

View my photos of the Vote Yes for Kids rally at Historic Old Central Tuesday evening here and here.

Finally, while deer hunting is something I don't agree with, Matt Suoja's story on the matter has a picture of mine. (Hunt the hunters, poor Bambi!)

Thus concludes THIS WEEK'S SHAMELESS BUDGETEER PLUG!

Drew Danburry: 'I wouldn’t really know how to describe it without being ridiculously flippant'

He's quite a character, isn't he? In "Drew Danburry on the Reality of Being a Touring Musician," the Utah troubadour gets candid with the Budgeteer and explains what it's really like to take cross-country "vacations" for a living. And, to honor this monumentous interview -- Danburry is someone I admire greatly -- I've rounded up all my past coverage of this talented singer/songwriter: This includes a show preview from way back and reviews of his albums "An Introduction to Sex Rock," "Besides...," "Live in France!" and the "Mother" EP. (If I come across any other articles I've written about him in the past, I'll definitely let you know.)

Elsewhere in the bin...

"Former City Councilor Squares Off Against 32-Year Incumbent" :: For the latest installment in the Budgeteer’s election coverage, we look at the highly contested race between Chris Dahlberg and Bill Kron. They are competing for the St. Louis County Board’s Third District seat, which Kron has held for more than 30 years.

"Performance Review: Barton Sutter's 'Bushed' Not for Everybody" :: Having just sat through Barton Sutter's collaboration with Rubber Chicken Theater, “Bushed: A Poetical, Political, Partly Musical Tragicomedy in Two Acts,” I’m pretty certain "Bush is dumb" was the only theme holding together the 42-scene sprawling mess.

"Discover Duluth: Billings Park, Vol. II-IV" :: "Discover Duluth" returns to Superior's crown jewel in a big way: three photo galleries! Probably my best photo outing yet, so I do hope you check them out. (This week's "poster" is an outtake from these sets.) DuluthBudgeteer.com exclusive!

"Discover Duluth: Haunted Shack 2008" :: As a testament to Pat Stojevich’s knack for cooking up new nightmares from year to year, the scare junkies keep coming back to his Haunted Shack in Morgan Park. DuluthBudgeteer.com exclusive!

"Discover Duluth: Autumn in 'The Park'" :: Of all Duluth’s celebrated neighborhoods, Morgan Park is the most impressive when it comes to all-out leafy goodness. DuluthBudgeteer.com exclusive!

Finally, this week's cover shot, "Never Forget," can be seen by clicking on "Remembering Victims of Domestic Violence." A 400-yard tribute to the 643 victims of domestic violence in the state of Minnesota since 1988 was held up by volunteers Thursday afternoon on Lakewalk as part of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. It was an awe-inspiring display, made possible by people like KUWS DJ Walt Dizzo, Margot Presley and ... well, I didn't recognize anyone else, but there were probably more than 100 volunteers on hand -- congrats to them all!

Oh, I almost forgot, I also reviewed some albums this week: City on the Make’s “$1,000,000” EP, King Khan and the Shrines’ “The Supreme Genius of…” and Terry Lynn’s “Kingston Logic 2.0.” DuluthBudgeteer.com exclusive!

Elsewhere in the archives...

When I was searching through my clips for those "vintage" Danburry CD reviews, I came across "A Comic Career," which details "The Simpsons"/"The Critic"/"Queer Duck" writer Mike Reiss' visit to UMD back in '02. Since I've been on something of an "America's Favorite Family" kick lately, I decided to type it up (the article originally appeared in The Statesman) and share it with the world. Hope you enjoy it!

Thus concludes THIS WEEK'S SHAMELESS BUDGETEER PLUG!

'... So we got drunk and played our best set ever to nobody'

That's Tony Derrick's take on one of Giljunko's most infamous shows. But I wasn't talking to him solely about that group; we were actually discussing (for the most part) his new group, the Tisdales, which he founded with former Glenrustles/Ol' Yeller frontman Rich Mattson. The two are rounded out in their "post old-school" outfit by Jason “Kokes” Kokal (one of Derrick’s Hotel Coral Essex bandmates) and Derek Rolando (the Six 9’s, occassional Marc Gartman session man). Read all about 'em in "Ladies and Gentlemen ... the Tisdales!"

Elsewhere in the bin...

"Baby, White Light Riot's Makin' It" :: No matter what your definition of “making it” is, sharing a bill with rock legends is surely part of the equation. And that’s just what White Light Riot did last month when they played a Beatles tribute show with Badfinger.

"CD Reviews: Kritical Kontact, Jake One and Cecil Otter" :: It's a hip-hop record review BLOWOUT: Kritical Kontact's ready-for-the-primetime "Evolution of Revolution"; Jake One's Rhymesayers debut, "White Van Music"; and one of the latest Doomtree records, Cecil Otter's "Rebel Yellow."

Finally, "Haunted Duluth '08: Run for the Hills!" features this week's cover shot, "Romero Scream/Back of a Taxi" -- one of my favorite shots in some time.

Thus concludes THIS WEEK'S SHAMELESS BUDGETEER PLUG!

'I buy my DVDs used on Amazon, but I never watch them'

That's what Henry Rollins said. To Me. About his myriad film projects. I still can't believe it either. Either/or, make sure to check out what else he had to said during his exclusive Budgeteer interview in "Henry Rollins Continues the 'Recountdown' in Duluth." (Hint: He's bringing his new spoken word tour to Sacred Heart Music Center.)

Elsewhere in the bin...

"Local CD Review BLOWOUT: Yeltzi, Two Many Banjos, the marcgartband and the Hobo Nephews" :: Reviewed this weekend: Yeltzi's "Snow in August," Two Many Banjos' "Give Me Time," the marcgartband's "Me and My Big Ego" and the Hobo Nephews of Uncle Frank's "One for the Time Capsule" EP. All good ... what do you know?!

"One Jerk's Opinion: The 2008 Beaner's Songwriter Competition" :: Judge Matthew R. Perrine's – Hey, that's me! – thoughts on the two-song sets from Dustin Ralston, Billy Southern, Sam Dull, Kim Monson, Jason Robuk, George Kaplan, The Tico Three, Drew Anderson, Stephanie Dykema, Mark Blom, Emily Jayne, John Derke, Adam Depre, Greg Tiburzi and Steve Isakson at the fifth annual Beaner's Central songwriting competition (held last Wednesday during One Week Live). DuluthBudgeteer.com exclusive!

"Duluth Gets a Taste of the BFF-Approved Terrordactyls" :: While easy comparisons could be made to labelmates the Pharmacy and occasional tourmates Best Friends Forever – or, to a lesser extent, Madison’s the Buffali – the simplest way to describe the songs cooked up by this Seattle duo is that they're experimental, quirky and fun. DuluthBudgeteer.com exclusive!

"Discover Duluth: Chambers Grove" :: The magnificent views of the river and the rolling hills that surround Fond du Lac's Chambers Grove are at least worthy of a pit stop on your way to nearby Jay Cooke State Park. DuluthBudgeteer.com exclusive!

Finally, this weekend's cover, "Special One," can be viewed here. Yay for fall colors!

Thus concludes THIS WEEK'S (SHAMELESS) BUDGETEER PLUG!