You can feel it all over

This is where I would normally put a picture I took during last night's wonderful show at the Hotel SnS. Unfortunately, due to a stupid water-spilling move on my part, my camera is out of commission and may be down for the count. So I don't have any photos of last night's show.

But don't cry for me, friends. Even if my fellow basement show revelers hadn't taken enough pictures to go around, the images would still be stamped in my brain for posterity. You don't forget weekends like this one. I'm sure I say something similar every year, and every year it's true.

The fun commenced on Friday night with the Rock 'n Roll Hell party at SnS. I'm very proud of our collective creativity: there was nary an Elvis nor a Janis Joplin in the house. No, a peek into Rock and Roll Hell in Humboldt Park on Friday would have shown Allen Ginsberg chatting with Don Ho as DeeDee Ramone and Waylon Jennings faced off in a Guitar Hero battle, while Laura Branigan, Dusty Springfield, and Mimi Farina discussed pork cheeks with John Philip Sooza. I went as Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes, and although I wasn't forced to sing "Waterfalls," I did brandish my gasoline can and threaten to burn down random people's houses. Sam (or should I say Michael Hutchence?) always has the best party ideas.

Saturday got started seemingly just a few hours after Friday ended, with the annual Hot Doug's outing, followed by the annual baking and cooking and Hotel SnS prepping. I really think our chefs outdid themselves this year, with a truly stunning array of pork-related items among other delicious dishes and desserts. Alison needs to make at least twice as much mac and cheese next time. Same with those oatmeal butterscotch cookies. Evonne wins the creativity prize for the year, though, by making commemorative pot holders for all.

Not long after Jeff and Susan (and Mike and Paula) arrived, the show got underway. It seems like each year's basement show has its own unique vibe - this might have been the "chatty" year. We're all easily distracted, it seems, and somehow managed to spend four-plus hours of concert time singing, playing, telling stories, asking questions, petting dogs, cooing over babies, teasing one another, dancing, and laughing. To focus on the "singing" part of that wonderful amalgam, there were many songs that stood out for me. "More Like the Moon" was lovely as always. "Thirteen" was excellent, and "Simple Twist of Fate" was an inspired choice that (eventually) worked out really well. (I liked the thought of Bob Dylan playing a living room show somewhere and being inundated by requests for Jeff Tweedy songs.) "I'm Always in Love" was a fitting choice to dedicate to Nat, and the upbeat song helped to counteract my sadness. For the first time I won't be chatting with her about our show today - and that's a damn shame, because she would have loved the story of the dedication.

Finally seeing "The Unwelcome Guest" performed was as amazing as I could have hoped. After years of Alison requesting it, her wish was granted at last - with the added bonus of Mart and Dave accompanying Jeff on vocals and guitar. As always, the talents of our musical friends made the night even more memorable. "Airline to Heaven" and "Long Cut" sounded great. And watching Jeff take a seat to watch Mart play "Sir Duke" (which they theoretically were supposed to play together) is a memory that will make me smile possibly forever. If we get to do this again next year, I hope we manage to convey some of our more unusual requests ahead of time so Jeff can feel more prepared - I did feel guilty about peppering him with so many requests for songs he could hardly be expected to know out of the blue. The performance of "Sir Duke," however, was perfect just the way it was.

After Jeff's last song was finally played, the group picture taken (about ten times), and the awesome Jay Ryan posters were signed, we bid the Tweedys goodnight. After a break for more chatting and consumption of various baked goods, it was back to the basement for the evening's main event (just kidding! or AM I?): more songs by Mart and Dave. From "Rocky Raccoon" to "Purple Rain," and the full ballad of Officer Ron Tugnutt and the Golden Nugget Rug, we sang and danced until we could sing and dance no more. Saying goodbye to everyone in the early morning hours is always bittersweet. We've had a fantastic time together, but it's almost over for now. People have planes to catch and drives to make, and some of us won't see each other again for quite awhile. Until people upload pictures, anyway.

How many different ways can I find to express how thankful I am, every year, that we get to do this? I don't think I'll worry about that too much. Whatever words I find, they're always genuine and from the heart. A lot of families had a brighter start to their new year thanks to the money raised by Letters to Santa. I am so fortunate to have an incredible group of friends who make this weekend so much more than just a show, or just a party, or "just" anything. Jeff and Susan are so giving of their time and energy, kindness and talents - and patience - in making these events possible. And then making them amazing. If I say that every year, then I guess it just means I'm one lucky girl.

Also see:
2007
2006

Winter wonderland

This week on Tuesday and Wednesday, I marked my fifth year of spending more than 24 hours at Piper's Alley in Chicago for the Letters to Santa Benefit at Second City e.t.c. There's not a lot I can say about the experience that I haven't said in previous years. I saw a bunch of wonderful performers from literally one or two feet away on a tiny stage. I took part in a few onstage dance parties with the cast of comedians, a game of freeze tag, and two field trips out into the snow. I went on numerous coffee/tea runs. I endured the customary five or ten minutes of soul crushing stress during the big live charity auction for a private concert, which luckily ended on a positive note yet again. I ate little cups of Jell-o from my snack bag at 3:00 a.m. while Kim and Kelley Deal interviewed Steve Albini. I watched Sooz knit a fantastic striped scarf for her new stuffed penguin. All, still, for $10. All told, with the auctions (including, for the second straight year, the chance to peg Joe Canale in the balls with a football) over $80,000 was raised in that 24-hour period. I can't wait to hear about the families who are helped this year. We had a solid 24-hour group this year, with Sooz, Paul, Sam, and Leah in for the long haul with me. I hope we can add even more people in 2008. It's fun, you guys! Sure, there are times when you briefly want to die, but you totally bounce back!

Pics:
Janet Bean and Sally Timms

Jeff Tweedy

Joe Canale narrowly avoids a football to the groin

Kelley and Kim Deal interview Steve Albini

The charming and talented Sofia Mia visits before school

Kelly Hogan and Robbie Fulks

The Blisters

Alexander von Humboldt the Irish penguin in the spotlight with TJ and Pete

Hardly Strictly San Francisco

Last weekend I took Friday off and headed to San Francisco for the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival. With an impressive lineup, a pricetag of $0, and a beautiful setting in Golden Gate Park, it was hard to pass up. The fact that I have superbly hospitable friends living on both sides of the park sealed the deal.

Friday was a lovely day at the festival, though it started and ended a bit chilly. Our brigade arrived early to camp out in front of the Banjo Stage and took in acts that included plenty of the "hardly" in Hardly Strictly Bluegrass. Augie March started things off, playing a relatively short (but enjoyable) set. They were followed by Buddy Miller and his band. I was pleased to see Buddy's cover of "Rock Salt and Nails" in person. T-Bone Burnett and friends came next, with an eclectic mix of friends indeed - Doyle Bramhall II, with whom I was not familiar; Neko Case, with whom I am quite familiar; and John Mellencamp, who is ... John Mellencamp. They ended the set with an all-star jam version of "Pink Houses" - a song I certainly never thought I'd see performed live by its original artist, let alone with backing vocals by Neko Case.

Friday's final act on the Banjo Stage was a fellow by the name of Jeff Tweedy. He played a very nice set of songs, and we were pleasantly surprised that the set went half an hour past the scheduled stopping time of 7:00. ("We" included the charming SF locals plus the welcome additions of Judy and family - yay babies! - and British import Andrew.) We were more than happy to get up and dance for the last couple songs of Jeff's set, and not just because we were freezing. The finger picking at the end of "Acuff-Rose" sounded right at home in that setting. We rounded out the evening with Best Burrito Night Ever, a trip down Lombard Street, and an illicit late-night visit to the Yoda fountain.

Saturday found U and I taking a break from the festival to fly a bit further south, meeting up with Heidi to check out that one guy we like to see at Largo. Due to bluegrass commitments Heidi was the only one to do the the Friday/Saturday Jon Brion double-header, but I'm glad we were able to make it for Saturday night. U and I also had enough time to hit up Farmer's Market and indulge our Pinkberry cravings once again. So much sooner than I expected to get my next Pinkberry fix! Jon's show that night probably won't go down as one of my all-time favorites, but it was a solid, enjoyable night of music. Ben Gibbard joining in for a few songs was a nice surprise, and we saw a lot of piano material from Jon. My favorite part of the night had to be the set-closing "Nowhere Man" in the style of Les Paul. A rather evil way of granting that request, indeed.

Sunday we were back in San Francisco in time to eat dim sum and arrive at Golden Gate Park before Earl Scruggs began his set. Andrew had become a HSBG crowd celebrity in our absence, staking out the best spot that day and earning an infinite number of hardcore fan points. We were only too happy to join him and bask in reflected glory. Earl Scruggs played a very enjoyable set - I kept feeling like I should be seeing him and his band at Cain's Ballroom in Tulsa or somewhere similar. And again, who ever thought I'd see the theme from The Beverly Hillbillies performed live by its original artists? Earl was followed by Doc Watson - who, though it's really impossible to compare him with Emmylou, may have been my favorite act. I loved his stories and his songs, and feel very fortunate to have seen him perform.

The finale of the night - and the festival - was Emmylou Harris. I'd never seen Emmylou before, but this may have been the perfect setting for my introduction. She looked beautiful, of course, and she has such an amazing voice. Her choice of material was inspired, and the crowd - stretching as far back as I could see - ate up the performance. A lovely ending for a lovely weekend. Overall, the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival impressed me immensely. The atmosphere was unlike any other festival I've attended - much more relaxed and, well, just good-natured. If all festivals could be like this, I would attend a lot more of them. As it is, I hope to make my way back to San Francisco for another HSBG in the not-too-distant future.

More photos here.

If you feel like singing a song

Thanks to Good Friday I was sprung from work at noon. What better way to commemorate the crucifixion and death of Jesus than heading down to Chicago to see Jeff Tweedy play a benefit for Youth Scholarships at the Vic?

Despite Susan saying it would be like seeing a show in “a very large living room,” I didn’t have any particular expectations for the evening. Aside from the probability that I would freeze my face off in line outside, given the frigid wind chill. With the front and center sections reserved for folks who purchased tickets through the school, and the comparatively unusual crowd makeup, it promised to be interesting.

Early indications pointed to that being the case. Susan emerged from the Vic before the show to take song requests from people in line, an unorthodox and very cool move. I’m pretty good at drawing a blank in these situations, but lately I’ve had “Less Than You Think” on the brain. After seeing our first Jeff Tweedy show more than four years ago (also at the Vic) and being blown away, Gina and I sought advice on what albums or songs to acquire next. One friend told us there were some amazing new songs we should hear – specifically one called “Less Than You Think.” He told us where to download a spare version from a radio show, and I fell in love with it. The song had evolved by the time it appeared on A Ghost Is Born the following year, but I can remember how that very first exposure to the song made me feel – and realized I’d love to hear another simple rendition. So I put in that request (not knowing whether it was something Jeff was likely to play by himself) – and he did in fact play it that night, along with almost all of the other fan requests. I’m very glad he did.

The show, as it turned out, was largely based on those requests. Requests and voices. Between impressions of German journalists, Spanish talk show hosts, and a few others more difficult to categorize, Paul and I kept wondering if Jeff was channeling Mike Myers. Whatever inspired the night’s material, it was hilarious. The fact that many teachers from his kids’ school were in the crowd also led to some amusing moments.

Jeff ended up playing about thirty songs. Among them were “The Auld Triangle” and “Love and Mercy,” both of which fall under my “never expected to hear” heading. “Pot Kettle Black” is something I (and countless others) had been wanting to hear again for years. When Jeff caved and played it at his last living room show this year, I hoped it was just a matter of time – and sure enough, he honored a request for it on Friday. At last! The show also marked the first time “You Are My Face” was performed in public, and it sounded terrific. For a musician who plays so many shows for charity, Jeff continues to impress by going the extra mile (or ten) for all of them, making every one a memorable experience - more than worthwhile even if the proceeds weren’t going to a good cause. He and Susan are pretty amazing people.

Out on the weekend

In January of 2005, my friends and I got together for the first Jeff Tweedy show at Hotel SnS. We had never done anything like it before, and I remember it well as a beautiful mess of a night, full of singalongs and crazy requests and disbelief that the show was even happening. Through some great organization, teamwork, and super genorosity on the part of a lot of people (first and foremost Jeff and Susan) we have now been able to repeat that experience twice. Of course, "repeat" is inaccurate. Last year we had a blowout of a weekend featuring three musical acts on Friday night, three official performances on Saturday night, a PA system and detailed recording setup; the works. It was awesome, of course, but I figured that the quality of "pure, crazed giddiness," was something that could never really be captured again. Things could be equally amazing, but not in the same way.

As it turned out, I was half right. Saturday night was definitely not the same as that night in 2005. But to me, it had a very similar vibe. We did away with the PA and all its trappings, and planned for more informal sets from Mart and Dave. As it turned out, we got so much more than we bargained for.

The fun actually began on Friday, with the "I Hate the 90s" party at SnS. As it happens, I do not hate the 90s at all. The years 1990-1999 saw me from age 10 to age 20, so it would be pretty sad if I hated them. I dug up enough 90s clothing and accessories to provide headbands and chokers for others, and necessitate a costume change for me halfway through the night. I was pleased that Sam and Paul were on the same schedule. What can I say about the party? Besides including a bona fide 90s rock star (Sam's friend Eli of the Smoking Popes), we enjoyed jell-o shots, 1994 Sassy magazines, an array of costume styles from grunge to slacker to britpop to kinderwhore (thanks for the reminder, Thax) to hip hop, Malibu Musk, and a masterful playlist that included the extended version of the Fresh Prince of Bel Air theme. There's a verse about the plane ride to California! Who knew? It was nice to see some more Chicago-area friends I don't get to hang out with very often, and meet some new people too. Abby and I briefly became Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre, performing "Nothin' But a G Thang" for the whole basement late in the night. And Trish should be giving Macarena lessons to the masses. (Well, actually, nobody should be giving Macarena lessons to the masses. But Trish could.)

Then came Saturday. The highlight of the early afternoon was meeting Judy and Doug's adorable baby Hannah, with the second annual trip to Hot Doug's thrown in for good measure. Then came cooking, Wii playing, final basement prep, and greeting the continuous stream of friends coming through the door with delicious food and/or drinks. From mac & cheese, lasagna, Dick's savory meat (it never gets old!), and pierogies to brownie bars, cookies, chai birthday cupcakes and almond bark containing more than 50% of California's entire supply of almonds, and more. There were also hot pink porn star drinks created by Sooz's Paul - delicious and surprisingly potent. A few more guests joined the party, including our poster artist extraordinaire Jay Ryan, who brought his wife Diana (designer of our 2005 poster) and some guy named Andrew Bird. He had an appointment to fix a hammered dulcimer later on that night, but he hung out for awhile.

After a great set of originals by Dave Mirabella, Jeff and Susan arrived. I think it's around this point that the details start to get hazy for me. (I can blame the porn stars for that, but only a little bit.) There was some chatting and more eating, and more music. Jeff played about a million songs for us that night. We went around the room with everybody picking one song ("If I can't play the song you request ... then you get to pick a different song") and then choosing the person to go next. It was a lot of fun, and people made some great choices. My own selection was "Woodgrain" - something I'd never heard in person until Saturday. I will love Heidi and Kristina always for choosing "Let's Not Get Carried Away" and "More Like the Moon," respectively. Anyway, there were lots of songs (but not the theme from "Cheers"), and stories, and laughter, and even dancing. Kande's Sock Jeff was a big hit. Later, Dave, Mart, Adam, and Devin joined Jeff for the "singalong" song portion of the evening, becoming the "Five Man Acoustical Jam" (thanks, Paul) and powering through a variety of covers and Wilco songs. By the time Jeff serenaded Susan with a couple of Herman's Hermits tunes to cap off the night, my mind was officially blown. The night had been somehow greater than the sum of its parts - and its parts were pretty damned great. I think a big part of it was just being able to look around the room at a sea of really good friends. Everything seemed to radiate a warm, comfortable (and yes, a little bit giddy) happiness. I am officially very lucky.

After the show was finally over and the annual group photo was taken, we went back upstairs for a quick poster signing. Hannah and Doug reappeared, and Jeff got to hold Hannah. Much documentation of the cuteness ensued. Not long after the Tweedys were escorted out by the Beloved Valet, we had another wonderful performance by Mart in the basement. Curtis Mayfield and the Police blurred together (into a really interesting supergroup) as we sat and sang along in the wee hours of the morning. Dave even took over on guitar at one point while Judy, Paul and I (and many others) sang "Corduroy Cutoff Girl" - proving that it can't be that hard to pull off.

Eventually even the best parties must come to an end, and this one was no exception. After some early morning Wii Sports with Sam and Paul, I headed back home as the sun began to peek over the horizon. It was a good weekend, I'd say.

Oh my

I can't possibly start in on this weekend quite yet. So I'll just post one of my favorite photos from Saturday night. Martin Rivas and Jeff Tweedy.

If you wanna make the world a better place

So, I attended the fifth annual (my fourth annual) Letters to Santa charity event at Second City, etc. I've said it before, and I'll say it again - if you can, you should go. Based on my experience, any length of time you attend is rewarding - but to get maximum appreciation, stay for the full 24 hours. This year, Paul and Sam were my 24-hour companions. The event becomes greater than the sum of its parts - the cast is hilarious, the musical acts are amazing, the auctions are exciting (and hilarious), and knowing that you're helping real people through a super charity is incredibly rewarding. But it's the little things that make me do it year after year. For example, here's a somewhat accurate timeline. If we consider the beginning of the event time 00:00 ...

00:30: I'm already crying as one of the previous gift recipients shares what Letters to Santa has meant to her, before and after the death of her son

03:25: I find out I'll once again be attending the party of the year in my friends' basement, as the charity becomes $52,000 wealthier

04:30: Sally Timms asks who had claimed earlier that their mom didn't know what a blowjob was ... because she just got one from her backstage

05:45: Robbie Fulks and the actors lead everyone through a rollicking medley of "Man in the Mirror," "Dancing Queen," "Hollaback Girl," and "We Will Rock You," as Robbie's drummer marches around beating a giant parade drum with an umbrella

06:20: Joe Canale's boss straddles him and shaves off half his mustache onstage - having won an auction that will force him to remain Officer Halfstache for an entire week. Shortly thereafter, he stands framed in a doorway while more auction winners (fellow cast members) try to nail him in the balls with a football

08:30: Heather takes the stage to slap her boyfriend Steve Albini full in the face for charity

11:00: TJ directs the audience members as we create a percussion symphony using random implements from backstage

12:00: Andy hands out granola bars


13:30: Four-year-old Sofia Mia arrives for her annual visit and plays many roles, including kitty, snake, and Cinderella

14:40: The Detholz finish their set with a rocking version of "Frosty the Snowman"


17:00: The actors decide everyone should march upstairs to use the bathrooms while humming and whistling the march from "Bridge on the River Kwai" the whole time. Devil in a Woodpile says, surprisingly, this is not the gayest opening act they've ever had

19:20: Jason Molina performs some songs about wolves to an audience of about ten, plus cast members


22:15: While the Blisters rock, one of the actresses removes her bra and throws it onto the drum kit. At the end of the performance, Spencer throws it back in disgust

23:50: The 24-hour people are ordered onstage as Pete wraps things up, and in an odd reversal I find myself looking down at Jeff Tweedy in the audience

23:59:30: We bust a move to Usher

24:00: Cheering! Hugging!

See you next year?

Play our songs, and nothing's wrong

Monday night, Jeff Tweedy at the Pabst Theater in Milwaukee, opening set by the Autumn Defense, front row center seats, fantastic setlist and performance.

That was the newspaper version, if you only have time to read a blurb. So, yes, Monday night I headed to Milwaukee with Anya after work to see Jeff Tweedy. In my short period of reacquaintance with the Pabst it has already become one of my favorite places to see a show, so I was pumped. We got in about ten minutes before the Autumn Defense's opening set and went straight to our seats (after buying drinks) which is probably why I failed to notice the special autographed posters that were for sale. Ah well. I'm the last person who needs more concert posters at this point, but I still feel a little bit like I fell down on the job.

The Autumn Defense sounded very nice playing acoustically. They commented on how nice the Pabst is, like everyone I've seen play there thus far. Their set was relatively brief. One particular line of one of their new songs still makes me cringe a little, but the harmonies were lovely, and there was a giant Steinway piano onstage. Pat was definitely happy to be playing that on a few songs, including one of my favorites, "Written in the Snow".

There was a break just long enough for Anya to make a "whiskey and soda" trip to the bar, and then Jeff took the stage. Since this was the second night of a sort of two-night ultra-mini solo tour ... after a weekend off ... I had no idea what to expect. But whatever I expected, Jeff surpassed those expectations. First of all, he was in fine banter form, joking with the crowd. The well-meaning inquiry of a fan led to the coining of a new catchphrase to replace "How ya doin?" ("How's your foot?") Jeff joked about his crouching tiger-like defense skills, put a particularly loud "WOOOHOOOO"er in his place ("that makes me feel really good in a lot of ways? But it also makes me want to hurt you"), had fun with a couple of particularly vocal women up front, and discussed Halloween costumes (Jeff and Susan decided against being Amish this year).

And oh yeah. He played some songs. Some songs I'd never heard before ("Lullaby for Rafters and Beams," a new song), some songs I will never get tired of hearing ("Someday Soon", "Laminated Cat"), some delightfully rare tunes ("Box Full of Letters," "Screen Door," "We've Been Had,") and at least one song that, had I been standing up, may have caused me to fall over in shock. I honestly thought Jeff was gearing up to play "The Thanks I Get." And then he opened his mouth and began, "There's a dreamer in my dreams..." and I probably made some sort of high-pitched squeaking noise. Wow.

Other highlights included an incredibly moving rendition of "Sunken Treasure", a relatively unusual solo "Jesus, Etc.", and some unexpected piano accompaniment to "I Am Trying to Break Your Heart". The Steinway was wheeled offstage after the Autumn Defense's set, but if obviously didn't go far. At some point in the song Jeff stopped playing his guitar, and a few notes of piano rang out from behind the curtain before they stopped as well. Jeff joked about the place being haunted, but the ghost, appearing at the side of the stage a few moments later, looked a whole lot like Pat.

So. A really fun show. Very glad I went. And I may start a petition to bring every musician and band I like to the Pabst.

Sing like you was singin' to Jesus!

Way back in late December of 2005, a bunch of needy families in Chicago had a super Christmas thanks to the generosity of many people. In a related story, in mid-April of 2006, many people had an amazing weekend of music and friendship and music and delicious food and more music, and some of them are still recovering and trying to figure out how they became lucky enough to know such a fantastic group of people.

When we do something, we don't do it half-assed. Both cheeks, as Gwennie averred. Saturday night was the culmination of everything, of course, featuring the musical stylings of Mart and Dave as well as Jeff Tweedy. Two Cow didn't end up performing, given their night's schedule at Subterranean, but they did stop by for food and drinks early on. It's kind of a shame, because I know how excited Jeff was by the prospect of opening for them.

We ate, we drank, and we were merry. Among the candy jock straps, pretzel fights, Boston terrier impressions, Bell Biv Devoe poses, brownies, and wisecracks were some very, very fine performances. Jeff's set was great, and seeing Dave and Mart play with him was such a treat. Not to mention the late-night campfire singalong afterward. The music didn't end until the not-so-wee hours of Sunday morning, and I drove home as the sun rose. It was the perfect finale.

If I had to compare last year's show to this year's, I'd say that last year had a more dreamlike quality to it - being the first of its kind, I don't know if any of us really believed it even as it was happening, and it was a bit more of a free-for-all. This year I think we all knew each other a little too well for the pure, crazed giddiness to reach critical levels - but that added something, too. Another red-letter day on my memory calendar.



By the way, remember that exam I took last Thursday afternoon? I got a 98.

She ate a strawberry beret ...

We had joked earlier that if we had a really great night on Monday, I wouldn't get to sleep before I had to leave for the airport. As it turned out ... yep.

Monday was chock full of goodness. We did all head to the farmer's market, and gorged ourselves on Brazilian food, ice cream, palm trees, and sunshine. After a quick nip over to the Grove to pick up Shakey for Judy's Neil Young quest (and a visit to a small art gallery) we headed off to find the address where Neil recorded Tonight's the Night. It is now a used car lot. We did see a Shakey's Pizza nearby, though, and really wanted to lie to people and say that was located on the historic site.

Griffith Park was next, for some walking and gazing out over the city. The famous observatory was closed, as it has been for awhile, but we ... observed it. We ate dinner next door to the Henry Fonda Theater, and managed to once again get into the show late. Just couldn't win at that place. It didn't end up mattering, though, since we found a large flock of friends and I wound up with a fine vantage point of everyone. Nels' opening set was really interesting. I especially enjoyed his eerie, moving interpretation of the Byrds song "I Come and Stand at Every Door." Thanks to Nat for identifying that one last week, so I knew what I was hearing right away.

No "All the Same to Me" (someday!) but the Monday setlist was by far my favorite - the whole show was incredible. "Dash 7" with Nels on dobro ... sigh. And I got a healthy amount of teasing from my friends after Jeff borrowed a phrase I'd dashed off in reference to the Sunday night show - and then identified his source.

It wouldn't be a true Hollywood trip tale without me mentioning that in and/or around the Henry Fonda on Sunday and Monday nights I saw Catherine Keener, James Spader, and Elijah Wood. After the show we descended upon a 24-hour diner in Silverlake with Evonne to further celebrate Heidi's birthday. A few waffle sundaes, strawberry berets, and bearded frenchies later, we returned to the hotel and lounged in the lobby with laptops and free wireless for awhile. I finally headed upstairs around 3:15. I don't think I'd laughed as hard or as often as I did early that morning in a long time.

Then I proceeded to pack, get dressed for Tuesday, and lie down on my bed for 37 minutes before meeting the airport shuttle downstairs. Rock on, LA.

Hung like a chipmunk

Oh, please don't let that be my lingering memory of the Jeff Tweedy show at the Abbey last night. It was a weird show, with a loud, kind of rude crowd, but we heard a new song! And a lovely "Pieholden Suite"! And sang along to many other classics! However, one of Jeff's stories is currently haunting my memory of the evening (he talked about being recognized in the gym locker room while naked, a story which ended with the all-too-memorable line "It's not a pretty sight ... I have a tail, and I'm hung like a chipmunk.") That and the fact that some piece of equipment either completely shorted out after the first song, or threw out an enormous amount of feedback. At any rate, that there was a big commotion and at first I honestly thought something had either exploded inside the Abbey, or someone was shooting off firecrackers (or shooting a gun).

I had fun though - hanging out with friends, playing with trivia cards from Leona's in the bar before the show, scarfing down $5 meatloaf (nightly special!) before going over to the music room. (Going to the music room while the waitress left four members of our party behind, that is, making for a fun situation when everyone from outside started streaming in twenty seconds later. Ah, the Abbey.)

And predictably, this morning I'm so tired I wanted to puke when I woke up - and I have to work until 8:30 or 9:00 tonight. Yay! It's worth it to do this every so often, though. (Says the girl who's been in Chicago three of the past four nights. Ahem.) I folded a cone from a book base earlier, though, so I already feel productive.

Finally, here's a little Netflix mystery for you. I only subscribed a couple of weeks ago, so this is all new to me. But on Tuesday I put the DVD I'd just finished in the mail basket at our apartment to be picked up. When I got home after 5:00, the mailman still hadn't been there. He came later, but the DVD was still there at, say, 5:30 p.m. When I got to work the next morning, I checked my email first thing and there was a message saying Netflix had received my DVD. What the? Is their Madison processing center in the post office?

My 10 favorite shows of 2005

It turns out I saw exactly forty shows in 2005. I apologize to the thirty that aren't included on this list ... well, I apologize to most of them.

Something funny happened when I looked back over an entire year of music-related memories. It turns out that some of the shows I thought were really awesome right after they happened just don’t stick out in my memory anymore. And some shows that I initially thought were simply “good,” I found myself coming back to and thinking “you know, that was actually pretty freaking sweet.” Of course, some shows I was exactly right about all along.

To cut off further ramblings, here’s my list:

1. 1/29/05 Jeff Tweedy, SnS Basement – This predated my blog, but hot damn. It wasn’t just the best show (weekend, actually) of 2005, it may have been the best one ever.
2. 6/29/05 Wilco, Albright-Knox Art Gallery – I think this was the best Wilco show I saw all year, and I saw a lot of Wilco shows. And the setting couldn’t be beat.
3. 10/20/05 Decemberists, Orpheum – A little sloppy, but as fun and unusual a show as you could hope for. How often does one get to take home a piece of smashed mandolin?
4. 10/26/05 Rhett Miller, High Noon Saloon – Rhett and Madison are an excellent combination.
5. 12/7/05 Jason Molina, Robbie Fulks; Second City – Laid-back, intimate, and super. Robbie covered “Dancing Queen” and “Billie Jean,” and he meant them.
6. 5/9/05 U2, United Center– It may not have done for me what it did four years ago, but a U2 show is still a pretty grand experience – especially from the front row of the “ellipse” in front of The Edge. (Pictures)
7. 5/7/05 Wilco, Vic – the show where everything went wrong onstage created some of my fondest concert memories of the year.
8. 5/23/05 Glenn Kotche, Pick-Staiger Auditorium – I know he was just the opener, but this was the first time I heard and saw up close a lot of Glenn’s upcoming material, and I loved it. I even put one of the songs on a mix CD for a friend’s birthday.
9. 1/19/05 Colin Meloy, Schuba's – the first time I’d seen Colin solo, at one of my favorite places. He was charming, and the songs were lovely.
10. 7/17/05 Wrens, Andrew Bird, Decemberists; Union Park – It was about 100 degrees outside, and dusty, and gross, but this was a really fun trio of performances from a super-appreciative bunch of musicians. (Pictures)

That’s it! I can’t do an honorable mention list, because it would be far too long.

Lindsey's tall

She's even a little bit taller than Glenn, as we ascertained after the Tweedy show in Minneapolis last night. Lindsey is one of my oldest friends, and she's had to endure tales upon tales of my concert goings-on over the years, so it was a real treat to finally introduce her to some of the "characters" firsthand. She'd never seen Jeff play a solo show before, let alone in her own town, and she stood up front with us. As a bonus, she even got the pleasure of cracking up as Jeff mocked us from the stage!

The setlist for this show was once again great. I'm sorry I won't be able to see more of the shows after next Saturday, because things are looking very different from night to night. Jeff apparently has a sheet of about 70 songs that he just looks at and picks from depending on what he feels like doing. I think I preferred the Madison show, if only because we were able to see Glenn (and Spencer, when he was on drums) so much more clearly - but Minneapolis had its share of treats. "Acuff-Rose" is always a pleasure to hear, "Box Full of Letters" was a surprise, "Down in a Willow Garden" with a fan on vocals was sweet and really fun, and bringing up Kraig Johnson (a.k.a. The Pretty) for a tender "Pecan Pie" duet was inspired. As for Glenn, I can't wait for his next CD to come out in February. Balinese monkeys are still chanting in my head.

Oh, and I have it on good authority that the inner sleeve of the "Kicking Television" CD sports a crowd shot that Gina and I should look forward to with some trepidation. Mmmmmm...

See you swoon

I think we produced the world's worst "swoon" during "Someday Soon" tonight at the Tweedy solo show in Madison. It sounded more like crying out in pain. Awesome. It was a really excellent show (minus the stupid people in the crowd who felt the need to shout out about the WHITE SOX!!!!! and I LOVE YOU JEFF, etc.) and just brought home the fact, once again, that solo shows are a free-for-all in terms of setlist. Someone in the crowd requested "Too Far Apart," a song I'd never seen played live, and Jeff promptly ... played it. That's service.

Other highlights were the new Loose Fur song, "Pick Up the Change," Spencer on drums for "I'm the Man Who Loves You," and the Glenn/Jeff "Red Eyed and Blue/I Got You" combo. My weekend winds up in Minneapolis tomorrow, with startlingly little sleep. Stay tuned.