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