This Week's Shameless Budgeteer Plug: Out of the Hat 9, Enger Park pics and Camp Kid-Again

I'm so excited for tomorrow night's Cloud Cult performance ... I may vomit. At least you'll have these stories on your front steps to clean up the mess:

"Luck of the Draw..." -- Watch (read) as I go behind the scenes for Out of the Hat 9, the latest installment of Renegade Comedy Theatre's 10-minute random* play series, and try not to make a complete ass of myself.

"Discover Duluth: Enger Park" -- You like pictures of towers and flowers? This story's got 'em!

Finally, "'Send Your Mother to Camp'" is the true story** of a very enjoyable couple (Gary and Judy Gordon) and the program they started at the College of St. Scholastica, Camp Kid-Again.

*Nothing -- and I mean nothing -- about these plays screams "I'm a sane writer/director/actor and that straitjacket is wholly unnecessary." <- Sounds like my kind of humor! (Viva los Pythonites!)
**Imagine that ... in a newspaper!

Don't Tell a Soul, Vol. 31: You do it to yourself, you do

I like how at the DECC their employees on security detail are practically forced to say "hello" to each and every body that passes through the Skywalk on the way to the parking ramp.

Usually I don't mind, because usually DECC employees are genuinely nice.

Not tonight, though.

This guy, who shall remain nameless (partially because I don't know his name and partially because ... OK, it's all because I don't know his name), interrupts a walkie talkie "call" he was on to say "hello" to me.

But it wasn't "hello" in a "damn glad to meet ya" kind of way -- you know, like a greeting. This "hello" was more like an order: "Say 'hello' back to me -- gosh darnit -- so I know you're not a no-good boll weevil."

Which is understandable, considering how the entirety of Skywalk System is crowded with "no-good bollweevils"....

But it's me, come on. I mean, I was dressed appropriately enough ... was it because I was nose-deep in the new issue of Transistor, thoroughly enjoying Paul Lundgren's latest installment of "The Next Level"?*

So you know what I did?

"No, what?!" exclaims an elusive voice from out in the crowd....

I looked right back at him and said "hey." But it wasn't "hey" at all, it was more like a point-blank "Buzz. Off."

Tough as nails, I tell ya, tough as nails.

1. Cloud Cult - "Chemicals Collide"
Ah, yes, the song that triggered a Cloud Cult shopping spree.

The ears are so happy, but the wallet....

Anywho, if you haven't heard, Craig Minowa and friends will be performing at the Grandma's Marathon Big Top Tent Saturday (the night of the race). Wise up and put it on your calendar. Full details here.

2. Dessa feat. Sims - "Press On"
Lazerbreak's production prowess is uncanny. It's like the second coming of Ant ... how did Minneapolis get so lucky?

3. Air feat. Ken Andrews and Jason Falkner - "People in the City"
So good (and/or trippy and weird) that my wife actually likes it. Another cerebral masterpiece for the French duo, with a little help from their friends/two of my favorite musicians. (I believe I've referred to Andrews as a "god" on a number of occasions.)

4. Moth - "I See Sound"
Say what you want about the MCS sound, but it just makes me wanna dance!

5. Mark Ronson feat. Alex Greenwald - "Just" (Radiohead cover)
Recommended if you, like I, always believed "Just" could've benefited from a little hot brass action.

6. Prince - "Sarah"
Similarly, this track is sassy and brassy! (He he he....)

7. Blonde Redhead - "Silently"
R.I.Y.L. dreamy, surreal soundscapes that fall somewhere between a quintessential David Lynch soundtrack and one belonging to -- here we go -- "The NeverEnding Story."

8. Victory at Sea - "Cecille"
Who does this singer sound like? I can't quite put my finger on it.

Help me out if you can.

It's killing me.

Seriously.

9. Marah - "Soul"
R.I.Y.L. John Fogerty's "Centerfield" album, Wilco's best summer songs, a majority of John Mellencamp's body of work (from the good period, of course), indie soul.

10. Number One Common - "Destroy All Evidence"
11. Number One Cup - "What Does it All Mean?"
12. Number One Fan - "Come On"
I put this handy little guide together so we'll (I'll) never confuse these groups in everyday conversations ever again.

"Common" hails from Duluth and, for all intents and purposes, kicks a lot of ass. They're like the second coming of Fear Factory-style brutality -- minus the "nifty" electronics and, unfortunately, plus some silly growling at times. Nonetheless, if I were in charge of the "Guitar Hero" series, "Destroy All Evidence" would surely make the cut.

"Cup" represents all the Windy City has to offer when it comes to blissed-out indie rock. If you consider yourself a Pavement fan -- when they're not being all pretentious and gross -- it's about time you "shopped the 'Cup.'"

Finally, "Fan," is a product of ... [Quick Google search later.] Appleton, Wis. Wow, did not know that. Very cool. I'd say the best bet for future "Fan" fans is a strong interest in Motion City Soundtrack's most "mall punk" tunes.

But, somehow, like MCS, I'm not at all revolted by what "Fan" stands for. (Discuss.)

In fact, consider me an enthused listener.

13. The Negro Problem - "Repulsion (Show Up Late for Work on Monday)"
The best** part about listening to the Negro Problem is telling the person who asks "Wow, that's damn good, who is it?" what's so "damn good."

It's OK, though -- or so I'm told -- because TNP's main man, critically acclaimed singer/songwriter Stew, is, in fact, an African American and the name isn't simply for shock value.

Rather, it's used ironically, as in the laughable divide between "white music" and "black music."

14. The Breeders feat. J Mascis - "Do You Love Me Now, Jr.?"
Who knew Kim Deal could improve on the already-magical "Do You Love Me Now?" -- apparently all it took was a little duet with the immortal Mascis (of Dinosaur Jr. fame).

15. Manish Kalvakota feat. Charles Douglas - "Diamond Mine"
I could go on and on about Charles Douglas' immense talent, but I'd rather let him describe his experiences recording with Kalvakota: "Produced and played guitar on this unusual album by Indian actor/musician Manish Kalvakota."

Now that makes me giggle!

16. Dan Hutt/Dan Kaspari - "Misunderstanding"
Similarly, Dan Hutt is the man. Pass it on.

17. Simple Kid - "The Twentysomething"
R.I.Y.L. Bicycle (the group, not the hippy-dippy activity), Forest for the Trees and, to a (much) lesser extent, Primitive Radio Gods.

18. Voxtrot - "Your Biggest Fan"
R.I.Y.L. nights in Fargo, when you're actually sober.

19. Echo & the Bunnymen - "Don't Let it Get You Down"
R.I.Y.L. knowing those who say "there are no second acts in [FILL IN THE BLANK]" are [EXPLETIVE DELETED]-wads. (No disrespect to F. Scott Fitzgerald, of course.)

... Unless you're dead, this one'll cut right down to your core. (Baxter.)

20. Mike Doughty - "27 Jennifers"
R.I.Y.L. Mike Doughty, if and only if he's embracing his Soul Coughing past. (Hallelujah!)

21. Manitoba - "Crayon"
Like the Echo cut, this is just ... beautiful. And, unless they've totally turned their playlists upside-down, this sounds like something the University of Minnesota Morris' stellar (and somewhat unfortunately named) radio station would play.

22. The Early Years - "All Ones & Zeros"
Do you remember Pearl Jam's live album "Live on Two Legs," when the group's jams were nearly transcendent? Yeah, well, this track could've been sniped from those soundboards -- simply terrific.

23. The Flesh - "The Truant"
For indie rockers, the Flesh play up the "rock" half quite right.

24. The Figgs - "Breaking Through These Gates"
R.I.Y.L. the direction Sloan has been heading for the better part of a decade. (This sounds nothing like the Figgs of "Blame It All Senseless" fame, but I like it.)

*Which, by the way, is brilliant. "House of Widows" will surely go down as one of his best.
**And by best I mean most awkward moment you'll ever share with anybody ever.

Don't Tell a Soul, Vol. 30.5: A Beginner's Guide to the Chemical Brothers [WIP]

I'll agree; the title of this awesome mix tape is a bit of a misnomer -- as the true "beginner's guide" to the undisputed kings of techno* is actually their premium collection, "Singles 93-03."

Anyway, the reason for this here awesome mix tape is actually twofold: A) It's my little way of honoring the greats before their next life-altering, mind-expanding masterpiece, "We Are the Night," drops July 17 and B) upon quite enjoying the two Noel Gallagher collaborations I put on an Oasis odds 'n' sods mix tape for Suoja (an avid Oasis fan), he wanted to hear more.

Being the nice co-worker I am (and quite the obsessed mix tape master I also am), I happily volunteered my time.

One final note: The accompanying artwork is a tribute to the Brothers' landmark '97 album, "Dig Your Own Hole"** -- which I concocted back when I lived out west. It may also look familiar because I previously "issued" a variant of it as cover art for DTAS11, "Mark Mallman Rules, OK?"

p.s. For the uninitiated, I've linked to places you might hear these nuggets for the first time.

1. "It Began in Afrika"
2. "Setting Sun" (feat. Noel Gallagher of Oasis)
3. "The Golden Path" (feat. the Flaming Lips)
4. "Block Rockin' Beats" (radio edit)
5. "Galaxy Bounce"
6. "Hey Boy Hey Girl"
7. "Galvanize" (feat. Q-Tip)
8. "Denmark"
9. "Under the Influence"
10. "It Doesn't Matter"
11. "Left Right" (feat. Anwar Superstar)
12. "Come with Us"
13. "Get Up on It Like This"
14. "The Boxer" (feat. Tim Burgess of the Charlatans UK)
15. "Marvo Ging"
16. "Asleep from Day" (feat. Hope Sandoval of Mazzy Star)
17. "Pioneer Skies"

Agree? Disagree? Call on me at mperrine [at] duluthbudgeteer [dot] com.

*Or whatever the (John Deere) the "P.C." way to refer to the group's genre is these days....
**AKA when and where I got on the "Bros. bandwagon."

This Week's (Belated) Shameless Budgeteer Plug: Chester Bowl, its ski jumps and Cloud Cult (baby!)

I do apologize for getting this out so late, but yesterday I was busy walking six miles on Park Point for the neighborhood's annual -- and, let's be honest, awesome -- rummage sale.

Here's what you won't be reading until 5 p.m. tonight, when the sales officially close:

"Chester Bowl's Ski Jumps: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow" -- In addition to a link to my "Discover Duluth: Chester Bowl" photos (which I'm quite proud), this story features interviews with 1952 Duluth Olympian George Hovland (who is quite funny) and X-communication publisher Tony Dierckins, who is also quite funny ... that is, when he's not all worked up about the possible dismantling of Chester Bowl's historic ski jumps.

Finally*, I proudly present "Music for the Green Revolution," a lengthy Q-and-A with Mr. Cloud Cult, Craig Minowa. He was fascinating to talk to -- topics ranged from staying "green" on the road, MTV's sudden interest in what he's up to and the unfortunate passing of his 2-year-old son, Kaidin -- so hopefully some of that translates to the written word.

Enjoy!
Matt

*Apparently it was the week of monster stories....

'Scrubbed in sunshine'

First Dru, now Kelsey...

My heart goes out to everyone who knew and loved Kelsey Smith.

I was living just an hour down Interstate 29 from Dru Sjodin when she was abducted from the Grand Forks, N.D., Target's parking lot, and I can't help but recall that whole heartbreaking saga. (The eerie similarities between the two cases don't end there. Besides the discomforting details I don't need to repeat, Sjodin was also taken across state lines and, as a testament to today's technological advances, there were haunting last glimpses of a life between the store's surveillance videos and failed attempts to call for help on a cellular phone.)

Unfortunately for everyone involved, the pain and suffering is not even close to being over. One of the last hurdles is capturing the scumbag(s) involved and making sure that justice -- or whatever passes for "justice" these days... -- is served.

Everyone should take some time to remember Kelsey and Dru, and hopefully, together, we'll think of ways to prevent this type of unthinkable tragedy from ever happening again.

(Associated Press photo provided by Smith's family.)

Don't Tell a Soul, Vol. 30

For the uninitiated, "Don't Tell a Soul" is my ongoing, semi-regular awesome* mix tape series.

This is just the latest installment.

As always, to encourage the consumption of music (that doesn't suck), I have provided -- wherever available -- links to free, artist-sanctioned MP3s of the songs.**

*No joke.
**At least they were free and artist-sanctioned at the time of this here blog's posting.

Enjoy!
Matt

(Questions or comments? E-mail mperrine@duluthbudgeteer.com.)

1. Muse - "Starlight"
R.I.Y.L. Placebo, U2, Radiohead's most mainstream tracks.

2. Marah - "Point Breeze"
R.I.Y.L. the Hold Steady (especially for Craig Finn's voice), Buster Poindexter's "Caribbean cruise" party atmosphere.

3. Jeffrey Foucault - "Lodi" (Creedence Clearwater Revival cover)
R.I.Y.L. M. Ward's famous interpretations of classics, the original "Lodi."

4. Ozma - "Barriers"
Holy shit, Ozma's back!

5. Peter Walker - "I'm Through"
R.I.Y.L. leather jackets on singer/songwriters. (How's that for a Josh Harty reference?)

6. Mull Historical Society - "Animal Cannabus"
R.I.Y.L. Jellyfish's "time warp" sound.

7. Tegan and Sara - "The Con"
R.I.Y.L. Avril Lavigne(-Whibley) ... I don't know, maybe?

8. The New Pornographers - "My Rights Versus Yours"
Life's always a little better when the NPs are releasing new music.

9. The Rentals - "She's Cool"
Same goes for these guys (let's face it; Matt Sharp's solo releases were kind of a bore), but, since I don't have any of those new tracks yet, here's an excellent track that somehow didn't make the "Seven More Minutes" cut.

10. My Diet Pill - "Sandy's Bathroom"
R.I.Y.L. Frank Black (with or without the Pixies dearest), slightly naughty lyrics and, I don't know, France!

11. D Generation - "Helpless"
This is the next best thing to a new Replacements record ... and I'm not even kidding.

12. Black Rebel Motorcycle Club - "Weapon of Choice"
R.I.Y.L. bands that find their groove on record No. 1 and keep on hammering out that formula until you stop listening.

Well, lucky for BRMC, we're not sick of 'em yet.

13. Sonic Joyride - "Is Anybody Out There?"
Technically this is probably best categorized as "big, dumb rock," but it's quite alluring nonetheless.

14. Chris Trapper - "Party at the Andersons"
R.I.Y.L. Storyhill (if they went really pop) and Bostonians, exceedingly humble, charming Bostonians.

15. Golden Smog - "Magician"
A pretty (bizarre) instrumental before...

16. Oliver Hart (aka Eyedea) feat. Slug - "Forget Me"
Eyedea and Slug? Does it get better than this? (Don't answer that, haters....) There's a lot of talent on this track, and, yet, it's not weighed down by this fact.

17. Catherine Wheel - "Sparks are Gonna Fly"
FYI: Catherine Wheel's singer and guitarist, Rob Dickinson, is a cousin of Iron Maiden's Bruce Dickinson ... weird.

Conversely, here's a "TMI" for ya: I own (or at least used to) Bruce's '94 solo effort "Balls to Picasso" on tape, and I bought it for $1 (or less).

18. Joseph Arthur - "Chemical"
FYI: Singer/songwriter Joseph Arthur was discovered by Peter "Sledgehammer" Gabriel. How cool is that? That's probably -- if not more -- as monumental as Columbus "discovering" America!

19. Eric Idle (of Monty Python) - "Sit on My Face"
Sick. And wrong. But oh so funny!

20. Letters to Cleo - "Dreams" (Fleetwood Mac cover)
I've become quite the 'Mac aficionado of late, and I must say: this easily rivals the original.

Heresy, I know, but damn true.

21. Dan Hutt/Randy Watson - "Lantern Schematic"
It should come as no surprise that Hutt (of Acme ... and numerous other projects) has a thing for the Beach Boys. The harmonies on this piece are to die for.

22. Of Montreal - "Voltaic Crusher/Undrum to Muted Da"
R.I.Y.L. anything else Of Montreal has done in the last three to five years.

23. The Beautiful South - "Don't Marry Her"
Briana Corrigan has a lovely voice, and the backing track is quite jangly and pleasant, so ... it kind of makes you spit out your cereal when she unexpectedly belts out "Don't marry her / Fuck me."

OK, more than just "kind of"....

This Week's Shameless Budgeteer Plug: Starfire's business, a new play company, Ms. Lessley and -- brace yourselves -- another bridge picture!

What a lovely week to be a Twin Portsian! (Since I can't call myself a Duluthian anymore.... *tear*)

Here's how the Budge is shaping up this weekend:

"Homegrown Founder Launches Starfire Screen Printing Co." -- Scott Lunt's had his hand in so many wonderful projects (a very special kudos for the "Treasure Chest" CD), and what I've seen from his latest doesn't disappoint.

"Theater Company Launches with 'Fool for Love'" -- Bravo to Michelle Juntunen and Kelli Latuska for launching By the Seat of Your Pants Productions, another fine player in the Twin Ports' burgeoning theater scene.

"On the Outside Looking In" -- Longtime Northland vacationer Joani Marie Lessley -- a very nice (and intuitive) lady, if I might add -- lands a June gallery show at Park Point's Blue Iris.

Finally, on my "Discover Duluth" page, you'll find "The Ghosts of Bridges Past, or: Trilogy, Completed," a nifty shot of some "fisherpeople" I took on what remains of the Arrowhead Bridge. (It was replaced by the Bong Bridge in the '80s.)

Oops! I almost forgot: I took a few pictures for our Spirit Bottle Shoppe advertorial too.

EDIT: Silly me, I did forget about my picture of Hell's Kitchen for Canal Park Times (which, unfortunately, I don't have a link for yet) and the area schools I shot for the graduation tab: Central, Denfeld, East, Hermantown, Lakeview, Marshall and Proctor.

p.s. I apologize in advance for my girlie "poster" above ... I've been watching a little too much "Carnivale" lately.