+ Feb. 14, 2006

A Day In Sunny Glasgow

I woke just like any other day on this trip, hung over. I've been on Holliday with my wife for three weeks in the UK and France visiting friends, sampling fine beer, fried foods, wine and splendid cheese. This day would be different. Jim and Ela met Beth Ann and I in Paris for a few nights of pleasure then traveled with us to Glasgow to visit our Chemikal family. Paul from the Delgados got wind of our trip a month back and demanded Jim and I to play an acoustic show while in town. It was not our prerogative to turn him down and the money would keep us drinking until we get home. Well, this is that day.

Paul and Emma's boy Ben was the first face I saw after pulling my velcro sealed eyes apart. How can a kid be shy after waking a grizzly man pre 9am? I smiled and told him to go get his wee light saber for a duel...three minutes later I am dancing like Errol Flynn. I did the little stair duel down the steps...I smelled the coffee brewing from below. The next thing I knew we were rushing to get to an 11am sound check, blasfamy! We still had to return the damn rental car (we just spent three days in the haunted highlands, I took on driving duties on the perilous roads on the wrong side.... but that is a different story). We lingered too long and went strait to the Barfly where we would be doing a rare Saturday afternoon gig. Of coarse we played the age-old game of "beat the soundman". In the meantime we got the car returned and back to the venue before monitors were ready.

After sound check we all took a little walk to the mall for take-away coffee and snacks. Beth Ann and Ela took off for a walk around town. Jim, Paul and I returned to the club to make use of our drink vouchers in preparation for the show. I was not sure if people were going to be able to muster the strength to make it to a 4pm launch to which most certainly would lead to a complete Saturday night. Jim and I were pleasantly surprised. Our friends came out in force, All the Delgados, Tony, Ally, Graeme, Ross, Alun, Vera Cruz, De Rosa, Barry, Val, Campbell, Maureen, Uri...the list goes on...and all in for the long haul.

The light raked into the Barfly in a most beautiful way with the smoke spinning circles in the sunlight...as it exposed the filth and dull patterns of a floor aged with spit and beer.

We took the stage around 4:30pm already loose from the bands worth of drink tickets they gave us. Jim had a specially serene look on his face, very close to no expression at all, near careless to the fact we were about to play acoustic in a crowded bar.... an event that has happened as often as me turning down a fine bourbon. Half way through the set Jim mentions his backs been on the fritz and the fine Codeine you can buy over the counter in these parts...ahhh it is all starting to make sense. Jimmy's playing was so smooth I had no concern and was relieved not knowing this info before hitting the stage.

If I don't say so myself, we kicked ass. It was a lighthearted show between the songs and while playing a sense that Jimmy and I were not the only ones on stage.... it was great.

The Show is over, the sun is gone and there was only one thing left to do today.... get pissed! I stole a drink voucher back from Beth Ann and we finished up at The Barfly. The whole gang hit the crowded evening streets of Glasgow for a 20-minute walk to my favorite bar, the fab Nice'N Sleazy's.

The remodel of Sleazy's I had been hearing all day how fucking useless it was and its shite. I saw the joint, the same people were there (a bit more crowded then I remember), the bar was still off to the right, there were the booths right there, I was hungry, there was food... the Sleazy's I remember is still there.

The first thing off Ally passes me some special Scottish wine, I will try not to be rude, the name alludes me, it tasted like fucking sweet liver, like cold mulled wine with the wrong spices and was sporting a texture of sifted saliva with a fine grit. I gulped it down in order to get to the Budweiser (Budvar) big bottles. All the gang plus some commandeered a corner after not too long. Stewart went to the jukebox and loaded in the entire music catalogue of Chemikal Underground Records, man that man is always working, even after a dozen pints. I got to a point where my judgment went out the window, someone would ask me if I wanted a beer, I would say yes even though I had just cracked a fresh one and in order not to be rude I would swig that one down before their return.... oh man, in a short time things started to blur.

After hearing every Chemikal tune, Aidan from Arab Strap took over the wheels of steel and spun some sweet shit. His DJ set was getting underway, the sounds were grand, but we had more DJs to visit next door at the Local, Paul and Alun from Chemikal were spinning. We made the long commute and continued to commence to party. The usual, dancing like a speared fish, jumping on booth seats, hugging while spitting nonsense into each others ears (only realizing I am going deaf not from the loud music I have been subject to all my life, but from people yelling into my ears at close proximity). This night is quickly dipping into debauchery. Stories of grandeur and lost hopes are starting to get passed around, peoples laughter is turning into tears, some of joy and money is tinder to the fire we are cooking our brains with... it keeps the barman happy.

Thank the lord bars close early in Glasgow, we were finished...I thought. Barry grabbed a group of us and forced us to go down the street to The Castle Of Doom, the Mogwai and Dugan studio, lots of toys, it's awesome...and those speakers! There we continued to do the silly wrong thing for a couple more hours. Different people saying things to different people who are listening to a different thing in their own minds before saying something they think is different. Makes no sense, right?...exactly.

Lucky for us Val was taking care of our gang and kept her head on. We all piled into her car, she slammed it into reverse drove back up the driveway like a stuntwoman, spun onto the street and headed strait for the chippy for a late night Roll'n Chips before heading back to Paul, Emma and Ben's for a nightcap and the bed I should have been in hours ago.

It seemed a good idea at the time to stop for food, poor Jim paid the price with the good old gird, you mix that shit with twelve hours of drinking...it either helps you or fucks you to worst degree, poor Jimmy slept three minutes all night long...and guess who little Ben woke up first in the morning?

Senon

+ Feb. 5, 2006

.....I'm back in the states.

We woke and fumbled around Salem for awhile finally eating some shitty diner food crap...but the fries were quite nice. We got back on the road heading for wonderful Redding CA! It was slow going drive and not a big rush. Our gig tonight is at a coffee shop called Serendipity...the club simply tagged its self "the Dip"...or could it be one of those nights that really should be called "The Drip"? Well, unfortunately "The Drip" it is.

We showed up around 9:30pm at a club, not in Redding but on the outskirts of town next to the highway, across the street from a huge suburban shopping center...cute. A couple nice-enough kids greeted us as a band from Chico were playing some energetic prog rock to a less than an energetic crowed...good thing we stopped at the mall and picked up some adult beverages (dry club) to wash away the tour blues. Apparently tonight was the Harry Potter premier and the million kids that would have been at this show opted to camp out in queue for the midnight showing....I felt like that is where I should have been.

We played the gig to the dozen skate rats, packed our gear and did not linger. The one redeeming factor is a kid bought our entire catalogue of records, six in total...we made a fan!

We did not travel too far to get a room. Enjoyed our Minnie liquor cabinet we were traveling with and sipped ourselves to sleep.

The next day we drove the rest of the distance back home for a day off before back up to Santa Barbara for the last night of the tour. We were thinking of blowing off this show due to somewhat low moral, but we managed to pull ourselves together to play the gig. It helped that our ladies and friends drove about four car loads of folks up for an intimate gig at the Hard To Find Show Space (what a name) and it did live up to its title...yet we found it. I think I drank more coffee then beer this night...I did not want booze to play a part in not making the 2 hour drive home after the gig...and it didn't.

All and all the tour went well with a couple of gems at the end that sometimes makes you wonder about your life choices. But hey, we make records and tour them...that's what a band does...I think.

Coming soon, a note about me and Jimmy's gig and night of debauchery in Glasgow with the Chemikal crew and friends....and maybe some photos.

Senon

+ Nov. 21, 2005

I woke up at the King's Chamber Pot and took a shower. One of those showers that fluctuate from ice to scalding ever few seconds...pleasant, I think I still have soap in my ears.

We headed up to Capitol Hill for some Pho, very good for the body. Then we got out of town.

We drove down to Portland and spent the evening at Powells Bookstore, ate dinner at Mirage a Cajun place and went to the movies. Then we got back on the road and drove to Salem, OR where we spent the night.

.........to be continued, mid december. I am in Cambodia now. A computer is not worth looking at here.

until next time,

Senon

+ Nov. 20, 2005

We got to Seattle well past sound check. There was a new comradery after last nights exploits. We all were tame yet new this night, being the last night we all would be playing together, could go haywire.

The hallway in the load-in area of Chop Suey was cold and reeked of the space between the balls and ass of a Laughing Hyena high noon on a late summers hunt. It is wrong to smell something so strong in a concrete hall that was so cold. It put all else to shame...every bad moment on this tour was forgotten, I almost threw in the towel, this was too much work. After hemming and haw and barely breathing we band together and managed the load in. the rest of the night I went backstage as little as possible, when I did I held my breath and squinted my eyes to avoid going blind in the hall. The club was cold too with a cool breeze coming out of the vents, I truly thought these people were a little deranged, but nice...except the bartender that told me top shelf would be a dollar extra with my drink ticket, I put my $$ and ticket on the bar and ordered a knob creek...he then informed me it would be $2.50 and a light pour at that! I went to the nice bartender the rest of the night, and tipped as we always do.

We took a walk down Pike St. and found a nice Japanese place for dinner. I ate some Udon soup, Palmer had a Bento Box and Jimmy enjoyed some Sushi, Steve took a walk and sorted out our Hotel...which was no easy task. He found us a spot at the King's Inn, it later earned its self a new name.

We headed back to the club for Annie's set. These guys were telling good stories tonight and were saying some sweet things about the Radar...we bought them a round of fancy shots called an orange zing or something silly like that...refreshing. The crowd really picked up during their set and they drew them close where they stayed all night.

We did good too, the sound for some reason has been sounding real full this tour. It's funny because we went minimal on gear and stripped the instrumentation down to just two guitars, bass and drums, no keys. I think it is bringing out more dynamics in the set and finesse....and thanks for the whiskey shots.

They finally kicked the heat on and the crowd help warm the joint as well. The venue was actually starting to feel comfortable, except Hyena hallway. The Clientele played another smooth set and they were very happy too when drinks were delivered to them as well. It seems we all have something in common, GOOD TIMES.

We were lucky tonight because we were a bit fragile from Portland and some old friends who did a phone number change on me, probably on purpose, did not show, when they come things always last just a little too long, we were spared and it seemed we were all feeling the same way.

We took it pretty easy tonight. Goodfriend split early to the hotel and I started drinking water on the early side to cover driving duties. It was a fun civilized evening.

Steve did say before he split the man who recommended we try the King's Inn(the only place with a room)said a most peculiar thing "I like to hang out there once in a while for the cable", I still don't really know what that means. It would be cheaper to order a month worth and stay at home. Before even seeing the Hotel it was known as the King's Chamber Pot.

After saying our goodbye's in the venue, we continued to say our goodbye's on the sidewalk for another 20 minutes. There was a strange man standing in our circle and I excepted him as one of the gang. As we finally all got in our vans and drove off, this man was still standing as if none of us had left, still with anticipation, strange.

We found the Chamber Pot and Igor let us into our room, Steve had the only key. Goodfriend was sound asleep. This place lived up to its name. It was as though the whole place was coated in a thin layer of wax, the walls, the tile, the carpet, that smelled of something savory, not sweet but rich. One of those places where a spilt glass of water could release the scent of decades of gutter decadence...I slept well none the less.

...Goodnight,

Senon

+ Nov. 19, 2005

We arrived in Portland, like I said, late but on time enough to sound check. We are playing at the Doug Fir Lounge. It is a cool place to play because you have good food, the Jupiter Hotel and the venue all on the same grounds. It is a tour manager's fantasy...if we had one.

After sound check Palmer and I went upstairs for a little grub with our $10 meal ticket. Beware, this meal ticket is barely worth a glass of water in this joint. I kept it cool and just ordered a burger, but I sent it way over the mark by subbing for onion rings and added grilled onions on it. Palmer said fuckit and got the meatloaf. When asked if he wanted soup or salad, he opted for soup not knowing it would add three bucks to the meal. Jimmy came a little later to meet us. He doesn't like eating before shows and ordered a shrimp salad without the shrimp in order to eat light; I can't willingly tell you how much he paid for a mound of lettuce. Needles to say we were done with our perdiums and headed for the cash machine in order tip our waitress. I went to our hotel room to chill for a minute before the show. The room is a kitch joint with furniture so cheap I actually doubted it was from Ikea....but comfortable...I am speaking for myself because Steve and my room had functioning heat and a wall paper mural of the New York skyline.

Rolled down stairs to see Annie Hayden play. Her set was strong and majestic. I enjoyed hanging out with Laura, backing vocals for Crooked Fingers and now on tour with Ben Lee, during Annie's set.

Now it is our turn to go to work. We played a good set, loose and different, a few highs and some minor lows, mainly due to the absent of sound coming out of our monitors. All an all great crowd response. The Clientele did a fine job and tried to give the night to us, in Alasdair's own words...those Brits are just too fucking polite...the crowd loved them. Tonight would be the night that from too many whiskeys and beers everyone's better judgment would go out the window.

Hung out with some old friends yet again, Benjamin from Helios Sequence and shared a few words with M. Ward, very nice to see them.

We partied backstage until the bouncers bounced us right out of the club. We still had time to walk a few blocks over to the Sandy Hut to enjoy a few more drinks. The Clientele, Annie Hayden and band and us were all in tow. The Sandy hut has a beautiful shuffle board game, we all immediately got into fierce competition. James from the Clientele had a beautiful touch, maybe only being out played by Andy from Annie's band.

We all managed to get in about three rounds at the bar before being kicked to the curb once again this eve. We all stumbled or slithered back to the hotel like one organism...except for Jimmy. I noticed him missing about a block from the bar. If he would have spent any longer in the bathroom at the Sandy Hut he might have been locked in. He caught us up and I called a party back in our room. We all seemed to have stashes of beer, when we convened back at room 206 there was more then enough beer to drink...in fact to my surprise there were a couple unopened in the morning.

About this time Steve came back to our room having no idea our spot was where the party was. He had splintered off after the Sandy Hut for some grub at the Doug Fir restaurant. He naturally joined in on the festivities. Steve got burnt after awhile and headed into the bathroom for a wee hours shower. Soon after around 5am all party people were knackered and headed off to bed. I think Jimmy was waiting for me to leave until he realized we had been partying in my room the whole time.

I felt for the Clientele, they had to get up in wee hours to make a live performance set in Seattle at KEXP Radio.

I hopped into bed waiting to use the Lou before passing out. I got a little desperate and looked outside for a place to piss. Knowing better with the run-in with the pigs fresh on my mind, I opted to rile Steve out of the bathroom. I knocked to no answer, I banged on the door...still nothing. I began to worry, a little for Steve but mostly that my bladder was not going to hold out much longer. I began to scramble around the room looking for a paperclip to jimmy the door open. Finally I banged really fucking load and Steve responded, with a kind of like a hold your horses attitude. I finally got in and became a happy man very quickly. Later I found out Steve had made a little comfy corner in the head with all the towels, was running the hot water to make a steam room and was reading his book...which led to knap time for old Stevie.

The next day was a lazy morn, I had a tasty breakfast with my book as company, well needed. Steve went out and about with his brother Jay and Jim and Palmer slept in.

We mozied over to Burnside and got some coffee from Stub Town. Jim and Palmer ate some falafel, I went for a long walk and Steve met up with us over here. Once we were all done I took a look at the tour book and realized we had already missed sound check at the Seattle gig at Chop Suey's. No use to hurry now.

Until next time...

Senon

+ Nov. 14, 2005

Well it's been a while, a lot has happened. I woke up after the L.A. show at some ungodly hour to empty out the van for Steve to pick up. His kid Carl had a soccer game early on Sat. and Steve is the coach. I have yet to make it to a match...but I imagine Steve has got these kids on a deep knowledge of the forces that create the ideas of which a ball and a foot and an opponent are just loose regularities in which anything is possible.

Anyways, we had to exchange the van for a new one because the lighters didn't work. It was not O.K. for all our electrical gizmos and road entertainment systems not to be in full functioning order. As usual we had an 11:30 departure time planned and we finally rolled out of town at 3pm. All of us were hungry.... We stopped for lunch before we even left L.A. County, typical. We called ahead to Heather (the Clientele's tour manager) to let them know we would not be making sound check. The rest of the trip was uneventful, except a parking lot on the bay bridge heading into S.F. we arrived at the venue around 9:15.

Before I even got out of the van there were friends at the side door, Palmer threw the club's paperwork and guest list crap on my lap. I don't like arriving at a club and have to deal with shit right off the get go. I prefer to settle in to a pint, and if not quiet, just a little peace will do, not tonight. From the road we put together a massive guest list that was about 23 people over the amount allotted for us. I called up Heather and tried to get as many people as possible on the Clientele's and Annie Hayden's list, no go. I whittled down the list, got it in, still way over, the bastards actually docked our guarantee at the end of the night, they also gave us a handful of extra drink tickets.... which would later sting me.

Tonight we rocked! I think we are turning into a stadium rock band, with ripping solos and feedback by Palmer included. One friend described the sound as booming...tonight it went over well. People showed their appreciation at the merch booth (thank you Annie and Heather for looking after us).

Now the night is going to take a turn for the worst. Jimmy stopped drinking a while ago in order to fulfill driving duties and Steve and I continued to hurt ourselves, Steve at the bar chatting up the staff and me running around looking for another face to talk at, Palmer was long gone with some family and friends. We woke up Jim and rolled out about 3am. Walked around the corner to our third vehicle this tour. Jim and Steve hopped in, I took a departure piss up the street a few feet behind a Chevy Blazer, I saw a copper cruise by, and low and behold, Bang! You're busted. THIS FUCKING IRATE PIG! Rolled up on us, Jimmy immediately took the keys out of the ignition. I was already getting back into the van when they came down on us. He was pissed and ready to crack some heads. "Was that you pissing behind that car?!" I sat silent; he repeated the question, not happy with my answer. After asking me several times, I muttered, "guess so". "What race do you associate your self with?" I responded, "That's a tough question" He got real pissed and started yelling at me "What box do you Check?" he yelled several times. Finally I said Black, knowing well that this man will hurt me willingly. He got me out of the vehicle; threatening me with this and that, put the ticket on the hood and told me this is not an admission to guilt, sign it! I asked to be explained what I am signing, he told me I was too drunk to understand. I said I would like to be told what this means. He said if I did not sign this in ten seconds he will take me to jail....he started to count. I signed it, he tore me off a copy hopped in his cop mobile and split. We were shaken by this and decided without a word spoken to grab a cab.

We went to the mission to stay with good friends (thank you Tara, Toby, and Ame).

I woke up the next morning feeling like a champion. I crashed in Ame's room, she was out of town. The first thought I had was who in the hell broke that Planter and made a huge mess of dirt all in the carpet? Soon to learn I had a little sleep walking episode. Apparently I walked into the living room where Jim and Steve were crashed and started to not things one at a time off the mantle piece. Then I sat down at Jimmy's feet and started to pull on his blanket and real mean-like saying "I just want to go to bed" then I wandered off down the hall towards the rooms of Toby and Tara, Jim was about to go get me when I came back and went to bed. He checked on me and I was back where I should be, sound asleep.

O.K. a new day! We all went to breakfast at Farolito's, ate a gigantic burrito and we hopped a cab to the Bottom of the Hill. Steve and I walked into the venue to grab our gear and Jim walked around the corner to pull up the van. I walked outside and Jim told me the van had been robbed. I first thought he was kidding, a joke we would play on one another. He threw the keys against the pavement. I realized no joking was going on.

The front driver's side window smashed out, portable DVD player, headphones, play station, vintage camera, microphone, Jim's and my backpacks and an assortment of other items. Steve started to clean the glass out of the van, cutting himself. I started to get our gear, thankfully left in the club the night before. Jimmy went for a walk looking for discarded items. About 20 minutes later I see him walking back to the club with my backpack in his hands. He recovered a few great things at the train tracks in a heap of trash. He had a conversation with a helpful homeless man that told him there are renegades, but don't blame everyone, there are only a few bad renegades. Jim found my chess set, his akg mic, his journal, a few other things and most important some things he did not have a chance to put in the mail yet. We drank a pint and headed to the Oakland airport and traded in the crippled van for vehicle # 4. We ran a few errands, getting new phone chargers, toiletries and Jim a new backpack and sweatshirt...it's cold up North.

We drove a decent distance and rested in the motel 6 in Weed California. I slept greatly strong after reading three sentences of Kitchen Confidential, sweet dreams.

Woke up, spent about an hour in the bathroom rebirthing myself. We had a great breakfast at the Hi-Lo Cafe. Now we are en route to Portland, should arrive late, but on time for us we will probably make sound check.

I think we have used up our bad luck...knock on wood.... It's beautiful outside, Mount Shasta, snow on the ground, crisp clean air and a mind to forget the bad and look forward to the new.

Until next time...

Senon

+ Nov. 12, 2005

I woke up early to deal with the Big White Van and its tow back to L.A. We got some funky quote from the folks in the desert...we no like!! We stumbled over to Denny's; it may have been the last breakfast I will ever order from this "it is o.k. to poison the public" establishment. I tried to eat a burnt omelet with raw vegetables inside, my potatoes were raw as well, but dipped in cold grease...we no like. I went to the bathroom feeling ill from the morning events...both now and a few hours ago, to stumble upon a pair of spoiled men's briefs. Not a pleasant morning. As I left I let the staff know the lou needs attention. The look they gave me was "I ain't touching shit", literally.

We drove home to L.A.....smooth sailing. Visited my old lady at Matrushka. Mark, the guitarist that toured with us during the surrounding mountains and his girlfriend Lela, my wife's best friend, were visiting us from Santa Cruz to go to another friends wedding. We drank some wine, smoked some herbs.

Did a bunch of boring shit in the day except a Radio 1 interview about our Scottish label Chemikal Underground...we told our most embarrassing stories about them and showered them with love...at times it got a bit sappy.

Sound check then off to an art opening at Matrushka. All our usual suspects showed up just as Jimmy and I had to head back to the "Shitting Factory". The show did not have a special magic, but we played sweet and dynamic...the stage sound was a little too good or certain things were just a little too loud.

Ela and I cut a rug after the gig...but mainly I scurried around taking care of shit, more than usual...this was one of the few nights where we had to use the contract to get all our$$, We no like.

Cheers,

Senon

+ Nov. 10, 2005

We had a slow lazy morning at the Hotel Congress. So slow in fact Jim and I were forced to eat hamburgers for breakfast, big, good, belly bomb..."Tour Belly" is already starting to show its ugly face.

We got on the road around 1pm (early for us). The little van running on fumes. You know those things called gas stations?...there were none and this warning ding dong sound was reminding us about every five seconds that our tank had zero miles left. Now, my memory is not as good as it used to be, but I think I can remember if the neglect of getting fuel will leave us stuck on the street some miles from anything decent. The hangover was not digging this added annoyance either.

We did find gas and Palmer skipped across the street in search of a fax machine. I saw it all go down, the lights flashing a bonzai copper running lights gunning down the middle of the road and literally cutting off old Jeff, as if he was a get away car. Jeff being unaware of this whole thing until nabbed. The cop did the normal sweat thing and all ending fine with a nice little written warning.

Back on the road all was fairly normal except for the left lane loving Rigs...our enemy.

We stopped in not so charming Yuma for lunch. We drove around for a while looking for something human to eat. We lucked out and found a nice Family Mexican joint. It boasted a sign that said "All plates made fresh with warm ingredients"...our kind of joint. The food was great, Jim fell in love with a bottle of Hornitos, it turned into those "just one more" kind of event that usually happens around 4am. Finally they brought him a shot half full. Jim frowns and said what's the big idea ? They were very nice and sad to say that this is the last of it.

Jim slept the rest of the way to San Diego, he stirred awake, strolled into the gas station goodie shop long enough to miss me driving away with the gas nozzle still in the tank...just for the record I did not leave it there. This too clean fellow wearing a polo shirt with a giant American flag print did not approve of me....seconds later Palmer decided to remove his shorts, parade around in his boxers for America man's enjoyment. I put the unbroken pump back...Palmer got some jeans on and we sailed to the Casbah.

The night was slow at first. It picked up nice around ten. Annie's set was beautiful. I told her so. We did well and the clientele ripped a sweet set. Another night of old friends (nice to see you all) and too many drink tickets...the Clientele were smart enough to put some beer on ice at the Hotel around the corner. A little nightcap for me and Jim and some nasty midnight pizza for Steve and Palmer...you choose, I don't think they felt any better then us.

Until next time...

Senon

+ Nov. 9, 2005

Any one interested in a 1990 Ford Club Wagon? It has a brand new rear seal on the transmission! Yes we broke down on the way to the first gig of this mini-tour...we knew the Big White Van was on its last leg and this was probably going to be her last trip. She knew we were going to let her go and she lost faith, she decided not to do it at all. I was behind the wheel just outside San Diego heading for Tucson when I thought a semi ahead of us was burning out his breaks. I passed off the severe rattling for bad road conditions...I checked the side-view mirror to see a cloud of smoke whirling off the back of our van. I knew we were fucked! We got the BWV to a mechanic, rented a little white van and headed for the gig.

We were late as it was...I am not going to mention me driving west on the 210 when east was the right direction...or the fact I missed the 10 turn-off earlier that day...Steve took the wheel of the new ride, we had to keep him reigned in at 85mph, I think he was elated at the fact we were traveling faster then 70mph. we then got screwed by an hour time change crossing into Arizona. Before I go on I would like to thank the Clientele and Annie Hayden for understanding our stitch. We made it to Tucson at 11:15pm; The Clientele was on stage. They gave us a warm welcome, played a few more tunes in order to let us unwind and were cool about switching set times.

The show went great. We had some surprise visits from old friends, scurried off to the taproom for last call and climbed into an old Hotel Congress bed at 2:30 am...I was just getting started, I felt like the day was just beginning.

Cheers,

Senon

+ Oct. 24, 2005

Ok it's time I write a little note. First and foremost I send all my love to those who have given us love throughout the years. We are getting geared up to do a west coast tour in Nov.!

How we are preparing? I am not quite sure...maybe staying out to the wee hours hugging a bottle of booze. You know its hard work out there and if you start off dry you may not make it two days.

I'm looking forward to it, we got Jeff Palmer with us who is a tremendous addition to the sounds...and fun to hang with.

We have been busy of late with this and that, Jim busy recording bands in his studio, Steve in an airplane going or coming from some place; Jeff composing music and I have been watering the plants and playing some gigs with another outfit called Dengue Fever.

It looks like our record is going to be coming out in Europe early next year; I will get y'all the info when we get some release dates confirmed. I look forward to going overseas i like it over there...everything is so old and the PA's so new...it seems the exact opposite in the venues here at home.

A few weeks ago we played the Arthur fest in L.A. great line up and tons of fun. we played in the sun on a hill with the L.A. skyline as our view...a bit surreal. I dug the t-model ford set and the bright black set the most out of the bunch...I did not get a chance to see everything, I spent a lot of time at my wife's booth, she has a clothing store called Matrushka, all hand made clothes by her and her partner and a couple other friends have some things in there. It is an art space as well. Her stuff kicks ass y'all should check it out at matrushka.com...it's probably over in the links section in our website.

My favorite holiday is coming up soon, Halloween...of coarse many, too many parties and silliness. I'm thinking of being a renaissance man, I have an old pair I tighty whities that are huge on me... I might stuff those and use them for my fancy pants. The thought is a bit repulsive but hey what's a better day for it. Eric our webmaster is hoping for the second half of Milli Vanilli out of me...I am still considering, but doing those dance moves may make it hard for me to hold my liquor.

Anyways, I'll try to get together to write some notes from the road when I really have something to talk about.

Hope all is well,

Senon