This Week's Shameless Budgeteer Plug: Icebergs (on land!), Wendy Rouse, Woodland barbershops, Jes Durfee and pogs!

It's hard to celebrate this week knowing that Renegade Comedy Theatre's board dumped Brian Matuszak. I mean, he's only the comedy troupe's founder....

Regardless, here's what I've been up to:

"Discover Duluth: Iceberg on Land" --Yeah! An online exclusive in my photo essay series that may very well just blow your mind. (If you're familiar with East Orange Street, you probably already know what I'm talking about.)

"For the Love of Minnesota" -- Wendy Rouse’s latest exhibit, "Mirror Lake," stems from a homesick episode in New York City. (Hopefully she's not making fun of me for getting lost trying to find her East Hillside studio....)

"Old-Fashioned Barbershop Opens in Woodland" -- Thanks to Don Hanson, Woodland residents like Darrell Martin will no longer have to go more than a few blocks to get a haircut.

Elsewhere in this weekend's Budge, I snapped a shot at Lizzard's for David Buckner's excellent contribution, "Jes Durfee, Duluth's Glass Blower Extraordinaire," and there was a passing reference to my indefensible tendency to collect pogs in Matt Suoja's column on a similar dweeby activity, "All Right, I'll Finally Admit I Collect Baseball Cards." (To make a short story even shorter, it took my pog collection to get him to admit to his sickness.) (har har har)

Free MP3 download of new Cloud Cult single!

That's right, "Everybody Here is a Ghost" is available here. For free.

In addition to leaking the new single as a free MP3 download, Cloud Cult is shooting a music video for the song in St. Paul this Sunday, March 2, at Como Park.

A large crowd of extras is needed for the shoot—no experience necessary, so long as you can stand and look expressionless, as well as jump on command. The shoot will take place outside in the East Picnic Grounds (by the baseball field) of Como Park. Those interested are encouraged to arrive at the park promptly at 10 a.m. on March 2nd and bring their friends. The more, the merrier on this one. (Please also take a moment to forward this on to your friends and their friends and the friends of those friends of the other friends … ideally, Kevin Bacon will show himself for this one.)

The video will be shot outdoors, and will take upwards of 3 to 4 hours, so please dress to stay warm. You will be rewarded (with memories) for your time.

THE CONCEPT OF THE VIDEO: An overwhelmingly large crowd of people stand expressionless in a field, while band members pop out as faces within the crowd singing the new single from Cloud Cult as the camera drifts though everyone gathered. Eventually, the video evolves into a rambunctious party, and extras will be needed to jump and celebrate (in a snowy field).

RECAP:

WHAT: Extras needed for music video shoot of Cloud Cult’s new single, “Everybody Here is a Cloud,” off of the forthcoming release Feel Good Ghosts (due out April 8th). Listen to the track here

WHEN: This Sunday, March 2nd at 10 a.m.

WHERE: Show up in the baseball field within the East Picnic Grounds of Como Park in St. Paul, MN.

WEAR: Enough clothes to stay warm while standing outside in a large group for 3 hours.

WARM DRINKS: Will be provided.

NOTE: This is not a pyramid scheme.

WARNING: Slow motion will be used.

For more information and to RSVP, contact adrian@cloudcult.com.

~Information courtesy of Cloud Cult

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FURTHER READING
"Music for the Green Revolution" - My Q-and-A with Cloud Cult frontman Craig Minowa last summer (in anticipation of their performance during the Grandma's Marathon festivities).

Suck it, Maxim!

This just gives a bad name to music reviewers everywhere (and it's not like we need any help with that!) -- from The Associated Press...

Maxim apologizes for Black Crowes review

Tue Feb 26, 4:18 PM ET

Maxim magazine has apologized for publishing a negative review of the Black Crowes' new album by a writer who hadn't listened to the whole CD.

The review in Maxim's March issue gives the Crowes' "Warpaint" a rating of two-and-a-half stars out of five. The band posted an exasperated statement on its Web site last week saying the Maxim writer hadn't heard the entire album because advance copies weren't available. The Crowes' manager, Pete Angelus, said the magazine explained that its review was an "educated guess."

Maxim editorial director James Kaminsky responded Tuesday with this statement: "It is Maxim's editorial policy to assign star ratings only to those albums that have been heard in their entirety. Unfortunately, that policy was not followed in the March 2008 issue of our magazine and we apologize to our readers."

A spokeswoman for the magazine contacted by The Associated Press declined to say whether the writer would face disciplinary action.

"Warpaint," the Black Crowes' first album in seven years, is set for release March 4. The blues-rock group, fronted by Chris Robinson, has released only one song from the disc, "Goodbye Daughters of the Revolution."

The band's hits include "Hard to Handle" and "She Talks to Angels."

And the Black Crowes' response...

DATE: February 26, 2008

THE BLACK CROWES MANAGER REJECTS MAXIM'S ANNOUNCEMENT AND CALLS FOR
MAXIM’S FULL ACCOUNTABILITY
AND IMMEDIATE APOLOGY TO THE BLACK CROWES

Maxim magazine has issued a formal “apology” for publishing a negative review of the Black Crowes' new album by a writer who hadn't listened to the CD.

Pete Angelus, manager of The Black Crowes, stated, “In my opinion, Maxim’s fabrication of an album review is highly unethical and indefensible. This issue potentially pertains to all artists and their craft, and a publication which apparently has no respect for either.”

Maxim’s Editorial Director, James Kaminsky, issued this statement to the media: "It is Maxim's editorial policy to assign star ratings only to those albums that have been heard in their entirety. Unfortunately, that policy was not followed in the March 2008 issue of our magazine and we apologize to our readers."

Angelus responds, “Maxim seems to continue in their attempt to deceive the public with their usage of the word 'entirety.' At the most, Maxim could have only heard the one complete song that has been released to radio, before publishing their 'album review.' It comes as no surprise that Maxim has elected to apologize to their readers now that the world has been informed of their deception; however, that is not full accountability.”

In closing, Angelus said, “In my opinion, Maxim’s ‘apology’ is self-serving damage control by failing to mention The Black Crowes. The appropriate action from Maxim is to immediately issue a public apology to The Black Crowes for disparaging both the band and their soon to be released new album ‘Warpaint’ without having heard the material.”

Today's Moment of Zen: Hammer Time!

Lest you forget: DULUTHIANS = 2 LEGIT 2 QUIT....

Report: Local author as cool as Kim Deal

It's true, and you have one chance to schmooze with Jeffrey Woolf before he hits the big time! Check out his novel release party for "Apples of Arcadia" -- released through his Black Umbrella Books DIY operation -- March 8 at Carmody Irish Pub and, if you're feeling so kind, his one-on-one with me (Matthew R. Perrine) in next weekend's edition of the Duluth Budgeteer News.

Holy crap! The Flaming Lips to play 10,000 Lakes Festival!!

10,000 Lakes Festival Confirms Initial Lineup Including Phil Lesh & Friends, Mickey Hart Band, The Flaming Lips, George Clinton & Parliament/Funkadelic and Many More

Concert Celebration Descends on Northern Minnesota July 23-26 for 6th Annual Music & Camping Festival

Detroit Lakes, MN (February 22, 2008) - The sixth annual 10,000 Lakes Festival (10KLF) is proud to announce the initial lineup for this year’s celebration of music, nature and community. Held July 23–26 at the Soo Pass Ranch in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, 10KLF continues to grow as Al Schnier guitarist from moe. calls the 10,000 Lakes Festival “one of those great spots you tell all your friends about.”

With over sixty bands on the final lineup, the 10,000 Lakes Festival announces initial artists for the 2008 event with performances from:

Phil Lesh & Friends
The Flaming Lips
Michael Franti & Spearhead
George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic
Mickey Hart Band (featuring Steve Kimock & George Porter Jr.)
Medeski Scofield Martin & Wood
Slightly Stoopid
Dark Star Orchestra
Panjea with Michael Kang
JJ Grey & MOFRO
The New Mastersounds
Everyone Orchestra
The Wood Brothers
Cornmeal
WBPN
The Hue
With over forty additional acts still to be announced

Along with these artists, the OurStage 10KLF Cosmic Break Tour presents emerging musicians nationwide with the chance to perform at this year’s festival. Artists may simply submit their music on the OurStage 10KLF channel without charge and then it’s up to the fans to decide. Based on OurStage’s fan-rankings, 50 bands will be selected to perform at 10 regional tour stops throughout the Midwest this April. At each stop, five bands will take the stage to perform live where the band with the most audience votes at each show receives a paid performance at 10KLF in July. http://www.ourstage.com/go/10KLF

Located off the beaten path in Minnesota’s pristine North Country, the New York Times praises 10,000 Lakes Festival’s “enticing” wooded and lakeside camping grounds, describing them in last year’s Summer Festival Guide as “perfect for long walks.”

While such long walks can certainly be relaxing, they are by no means necessary. The festival’s five different concert stages are strategically placed within short walking distance of each other. Over 600 acres of unspoiled lakeside and forest camping provide an unusually tranquil and natural festival setting.

Strolling around the Soo Pass Ranch’s 60-acre concert bowl, festival attendees are treated to top of the line, modern facilities with running water and hot showers. Shorter lines and more personal space create a relaxed and friendly atmosphere that lasts all weekend long, complimenting the natural Minnesotan hospitality. Perhaps the Minneapolis Star Tribune put it best by describing 10KLF as “filled with thousands of good vibes.”

This widespread good spirit allows 10KLF to continue supporting the community that hosts the event through the ‘Help Us Help’ campaign. Through this campaign, 10KLF will match each dollar donated by patrons when ordering tickets online. All of the proceeds go directly to worthy charities supported by the 10,000 Lakes Festival including: the Becker County Humane Society, The Rex Foundation, Conscious Alliance, Detroit Lakes Public Schools and more.

Event tickets, campground reservations and festival details are now available online at www.10KLF.com.

Performers at the previous 10,000 Lakes Festivals include Widespread Panic, Bob Weir & RatDog, The String Cheese Incident, The Black Crowes, G. Love & Special Sauce, Les Claypool, 311, Galactic, The Roots, John Mayer, Donavon Frankenreiter, O.A.R., Medeski Martin & Wood, Keller Williams, Los Lobos, Yonder Mountain String Band, The Samples, DJ Logic, Particle, Sound Tribe Sector 9, Rusted Root, Maroon 5, The Big Wu, The Radiators, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Soulive, North Mississippi Allstars, Tea Leaf Green, Railroad Earth, Shooter Jennings and many more.

~10,000 Lakes Festival press release

Brother Ali: 5 Line King (another special mix tape)

In honor of Brother Ali's upcoming performance at Pizza Luce (click here for details), I've put together a mix tape of his best performances -- in my humble opinion, that is.

Note: "Artwork" by me, Matthew R. Perrine, utilizing Dan Monick's original photograph.

1. Brother Ali - "Champion (Remix)"
Found on: the "Champion" EP. Believe it or not, but an improvement on the original (which appears on "Shadows on the Sun").

2. Brother Ali - "Bitchslap!"
Found on: "Shadows on the Sun." As Ant revealed in his appearance at the University of Minnesota's "Making Music" Q-and-A session (listen here), this was originally written for Slug/Atmosphere but felt more like a Brother Ali track.

3. Brother Ali - "5 Line King"
Found on: P.O.S. & Turbo Nemesis' "Meat Tape." Outside of "Walking Away," this rare track is Ali's best showcase of his storytelling ability.

4. Brother Ali - Phone Message for Matthew R. Perrine
Exactly what it sounds like. (I'm a hopeless music geek, I know!)

5. Atmosphere feat. Brother Ali - "Cats Van Bags"
Found on: Atmosphere's "Seven's Travels." One of the most explosive tracks ever ... is it reckoning day yet?

6. Brother Ali - "Love on Display"
Found on: the "Champion" EP. One of Ant's best bass lines to date.

7. Brother Ali - "Truth Is (Remix)" (download original here)
Found on: Brother Ali & BK-One's "Off the Record." Remix by Brother Ali and BK-One -- the lengthy intro includes hilarious caller comments from Ali's successful run on Twin Cities hip-hop station B96. Choice lines: "You need to keep Brother Ali off the radio ... you guys are like a pop station and he's way too good for B96, dude. This station officially sucks."

8. Sage Francis feat. Brother Ali, Slug and Joe Beats - "Doomage"
Found on: "Still Sickly Business." Production by: MF Doom. It's tough and gritty -- but what else would you expect from an MF Doom/Sage Francis collab?

9. Brother Ali - "Heads Down (You Haven't Done That Yet)"
Found on: the "Champion" EP. A nice bridge between albums one and two.

10. Brother Ali - "Forest Whitiker"
Found on: "Shadows on the Sun." Sunday drive hip-hop? There's some seriously sunny production going on here.

11. DJ Abilities feat. Brother Ali - "Brother Ali Exclusive"
Found on: DJ Abilities' "... For Persons with DJ Abilities." Production by: DJ Abilities. Abilities takes a backseat to Ali, with minimal production allowing the MC to shine through.

12. Brother Ali - "Fire in the Eye"
Found on: the "A League of Our Own, Vol. 2" compilation. Production by: Mr. Dibbs (?). I don't know much about this track, but it's well worth seeking out (hint: it was collected for the "Off the Record" mix tape).

13. Brother Ali - "Take Me Home"
Found on: "The Undisputed Truth." Another sunny jam. People say Ali's always pissed off, but apparently Ant's out to change that perception.

14. Brother Ali feat. Slug - "Blah Blah Blah"
Found on: "Shadows on the Sun." The first Ali track I ever heard -- and one of the catchiest.

15. Brother Ali - "Whatcha Got"
Found on: "The Undisputed Truth." Really has a way of introducing itself, like some of the tougher cuts on "You Can't Imagine How Much Fun We're Having."

16. Brother Ali - "The Trap"
Found on: Brother Ali & BK-One's "Off the Record." Production by: BK-One (?). Ali rapping over the Roots' apocalyptic "In the Music" (sans Black Thought's vocals, of course). Works surprisingly well.

17. Brother Ali feat. Slug - "Missing Teeth"
Found on: "Shadows on the Sun." For whatever reason, reminds me of the "Headshots: SE7EN" sessions.

18. Mr. Dibbs feat. Brother Ali - "Live from the Chippie-Bun Club"
From "Thirty-Seven." Production by: Mr. Dibbs. Ali goes rock 'n' roll!

19. Brother Ali - "Truth Is (Robotobots Remix)"
Found on: Robotobots' Web site. Sounds like something DJ Abilities would cook up -- very cool.

20. Brother Ali - "Original King"
Found on: the "Scribble Jam 06" compilation. One of the funkiest intros in the history of Ant.

21. Brother Ali - "Operation Push"
Found on: Brother Ali & BK-One's "Off the Record." Production by: BK-One (?). Gotta love the shout-outs!

22. Brother Ali - "Walking Away"
Found on: "The Undisputed Truth." I never considered myself a huge Ali fan until I "stumbled upon" this track. It will make a believer out of anybody. Its gorgeous backing track and bittersweet lyrics about a failed marriage are simply irresistible. "I don't love you / I don't think I ever did / And if you hadn't tried to kill / I would've stayed for the kid."

All tracks produced by Ant except where noted.

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FURTHER READING
"Brother Ali Has Left the Building" -- That's right; I finally scored an interview with the legend-in-the-making Rhymesayers MC! (If you like what you read, make sure to check out my Q-and-A with Eyedea as well.)
"CD Review: Brother Ali's 'The Undisputed Truth'" -- The headline says it all, no?