The Good Life coming back to The Triple Rock.

Hear, hear. The Good Life is closing out the year with a Midwestern run that includes a show at The Triple Rock. After two years with no visits it's time to pay respect to the folks who raised me. While I'll certainly miss being at Crunkmas 2009 (The Nomad) and the Heiruspecs "Home for the Holidays" shows (The Triple Rock) I'm jazzed to be flying back into town Monday afternoon in time for The Good Life.

Dec 27 Slowdown Omaha, Nebraska
Dec 28 Triple Rock Social Club Minneapolis, Minnesota
Dec 29 Subterranean Chicago, Illinois
Dec 30 Nutty’s Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Young Widows @ The Triple Rock (March '08)

320kbps mp3 - Right Click > "Save As"

Young Widows
The Triple Rock Social Club
Minneapolis, MN
Saturday March 1st 2008

Taper: empty (neveragain1980 AT yahoo DOT com)
Location: DINish (cm, º), right drink rail, 25' back, ~10' ^
Source: Studio Projects C4's > Mil Spec Silver Quad customs > UA-5 (BM2p+) > iRiver h120 (Optical @ 16bit 48kHz WAV)
Conversion: h120 > USB 2.0 > PC [WAV > FLAC Frontend 1.7.1 lvl 6 + Verify]
Edit: CD Wave (tracking) Sound Forge 9 (fades) & iZotope RX (48 > 44.1)
TRT: 30:11

This Recording is for Promotional & Archival Purposes Only.

01. Took a Turn
02. Old Skin
03. Formerer
04. King of the Backburner
05. Mirrorfucker
06. Delay the Pressure
07. Let Him Be
08. Feelers
09. Swamped and Agitated

Official Site | Myspace

Jeremy McMonigle
Evan Patterson
Nick Thieneman

I know the good people of Minneapolis & St. Paul are in need of a Young Widows fix. Between a drummer's broken wrist, the tragic loss of a friend and a broken down van the band can hardly be faulted for missing their last three local shows. Hopefully they'll pardon some minor message board venting. Please do support these young lads from Louisville, KY if you have the chance to catch them.

Russian Circles @ The Triple Rock (Nov. '09)

320kbps mp3s - Right Click "Save As"
FLAC files on The Traders' Den

Russian Circles
The Triple Rock
Minneapolis, MN
Wednesday November 25th 2009

Taper: empty (emptystapes AT gmail DOT com)
Location: DINish (cm, º), right drink rail, 25' back, ~10' ^
Source: MBHO 603a KA200N > Silver Quad customs > UA-5 (BM2p+) > iRiver h120 (Optical @ 16bit 44.1kHz WAV)
Transfer: h120 > USB 2.0 > PC [WAV > TLH lvl 6 + Tested > FLAC]
Edit: CD Wave (tracking) Sound Forge 10 (fades)
TRT: 60:32

This Recording is for Promotional & Archival Purposes Only.

01. Harper Lewis
02. Station
03. Malko
04. Philos
05. Death Rides A Horse
06. Geneva
07. Carpe

Dave Turncrantz - Drums
Mike Sullivan - Guitar
Brian Cook - Bass Guitar

www.myspace.com/russiancircles

It's likely I'll sound like a huge dork by saying this but this was my fourth time recording Russian Circles including a rare st3@lth job in Tempe, AZ on the Minus the Bear tour with P.O.S. and The Velvet Teen. I believe the other shows were all at The Triple Rock. It's been a while since I've listened to any of the older recordings but I can easily say that sonically 11/09 is at the top of the list. A solid 60 minute set with a mix of old jams and new jams. Lungs (Minneapolis) and Git Some (Denver) supported. "Tapers" across the country and beyond thank Russian Circles for tolerating our need to capture their sounds into our little black boxes. Please support Russian Circles by purchasing the official releases.

Maserati tapes secure new fans.

If you know me you know I'm a pretty humble dude from the neighborhood. So I'm usually not in the business of tooting my own horn but today I'm feeling particularly productive. My little recording posts have received many positive comments from many different countries over the years but to think that I may be semi-responsible for someone getting into Maserati is enough to make the rest of my week. After finding out about Jerry's death I made one final push on the October '09 Maserati tapes.

"Grabbed the Portland recording a few weeks back and finally got round to listening to it, as a result of which I've come back for this one too. Never heard the band prior to these tapes, so thanks for your efforts. Better look into their official releases." - TTD user 11/28/09

Sweet Cobra @ The Triple Rock

320kbps mp3 - Right Click > "Save As"

Sweet Cobra
The Triple Rock
Minneapolis, MN
Sunday October 18th 2009

Taper: empty (emptystapes AT gmail DOT com)
Location: DINish (cm, º), right drink rail, 25' back, ~10' ^
Source: MBHO 603a KA200N > Silver Quad customs > UA-5 (BM2p+) > iRiver h120 (Optical @ 16bit 44.1kHz WAV)
Transfer: h120 > USB 2.0 > PC [WAV > Razorlame > 320kbps mp3]
Edit: CD Wave (tracking)
TRT: 28:36

This Recording is for Promotional & Archival Purposes Only.

www.myspace.com/sweetcobra

My friend Mike just gave me the heads up on this sad news. Mat was not on this tour due to his illness but the band continued as a three piece with his blessing. If anyone would like FLAC files just email me.

"Hi All, if anyone was a fan of one of his bands or knew him personally, Matthew Arluck passed away today. He had been quietly fighting cancer for the past few years having periods of remission off and on and during this last round, it defeated him. Mat was a dear, dear friend and I don't know what to say as I'm pretty devastated right now. Mat was as loyal of a friend as I'll ever know and I can't believe that he's gone. Seriously one of the most genuinely great guys I've ever encountered.

Mat spent time in the bands Sweet Cobra, Deminer, Closing In, Horace Pinker, Crash Course and Stabbed By Words just to name a few...and if anyone has the Lynyrd's Innards Black Flag covers LP, Mat sang the vocals on that record." - Justin Communiqué 11/26/09

City on the Make @ The Cabooze

320kbps mp3s - Right Click > "Save As"
FLAC files on The Traders' Den

City on the Make
The Cabooze
Minneapolis, MN
Saturday November 21st 2009

Taper: empty (emptystapes AT gmail DOT com)
Location: right side of "the pole" AB DFCish, 20' back, ~9' ^
Source: MBHO 603a KA200N > Silver Quad customs > UA-5 (BM2p+) > iRiver h120 (Optical @ 16bit 44.1kHz WAV)
Transfer: h120 > USB 2.0 > PC [WAV > TLH lvl 6 + Tested > FLAC]
Edit: CD Wave (tracking) Sound Forge 10 (fades)
TRT: 39:23

This Recording is for Promotional & Archival Purposes Only.

01. ...intro by Chili
02. Very Old Bones
03. You've Got the Juice Now
04. Massive Project Engineering
05. The King
06. New Song 7
07. Crack in the 80's
08. Pick Me Ups
09. Chicks on Bikes
10. Combat Zone

Mike Massey - Vocals
Mischa Kegan - Guitar
Stephen Rowe - Bass
Peter Blomgren - Guitar
Colin Stumbras - Drums

Official website | Myspace

Holidays can't slow me down living in a bachelor hell. This was Mischa's last show with City on the Make. We're wishing him and his better half safe travels as they embark on a journey to South Korea to teach English. You do not want to miss the dueling Strata sickness of Mr. Kegan and Mr. Blomgren. The new jams are coming along nicely. City on the Make, Wide Eyes, Dalia and DJ Gabe Garcia supported the More Than Lights CD Release Party for their debut album "The Electric Prescription For All Your Funky Illz."

Lungs @ The Triple Rock

320kbps mp3s - Right Click > "Save As"
FLAC files are available on The Traders' Den

Lungs
The Triple Rock
Minneapolis, MN
Wednesday November 25th 2009

Taper: empty (emptystapes AT gmail DOT com)
Location: DINish (cm, º), right drink rail, 25' back, ~10' ^
Source: MBHO 603a KA200N > Silver Quad customs > UA-5 (BM2p+) > iRiver h120 (Optical @ 16bit 44.1kHz WAV)
Transfer: h120 > USB 2.0 > PC [WAV > TLH lvl 6 + Tested > FLAC]
Edit: CD Wave (tracking) Sound Forge 10 (fades)
TRT: 25:31

This Recording is for Promotional & Archival Purposes Only.

01. The Pith
02. The Entrails of Burlesque
03. Kinsman

www.myspace.com/lungsmusica

Who needs Young Widows when you have the opportunity to discover a top shelf local metal band? Here's a little something to listen to as the cholesterol courses through you veins and you fade into a tryptophan coma. Don't miss out on seeing Lungs live. Their s/t EP is available through Escucha!/Self Inflicted records and purchased here. Lungs and Git Some (Denver) supported Russian Circles (Chicago). By the way, broken transportation is no joke and many would have loved to have seen Young Widows tonight. It would have been a serious 4 band bill. Perhaps next time. Cheers.

Blackcloud Stallionheart @ The Entry

320kbps mp3s - Right Click > "Save As"

Blackcloud Stallionheart
The 7th Street Entry
Minneapolis, MN
Friday November 6th 2009

Taper: empty (emptystapes AT gmail DOT com)
Location: AB left drink rail ~20ft, ~8' ^
Source: MBHO 603a KA200N > Silver Quad customs > UA-5 (BM2p+) > iRiver h120 (Optical @ 16bit 44.1kHz WAV)
Transfer: h120 > USB 2.0 > PC [WAV > razorlame > 320kbps mp3]
Edit: CD Wave (tracking) Sound Forge 10 (fades)
TRT: 30:39

This Recording is for Promotional & Archival Purposes Only.

01. Manifest Again
02. You Thought About It
03. Time Travel Inside Your Mind

www.myspace.com/blackcloudstallionheart

Go on and try to fuck with Blackcloud Stallionheart. Go on.

Blackcloud Stallionheart and Les Deux Magots supported Future of the Left.

Somewhere in Minneapolis last night.

Leisure Birds, Les Deux Magots, Shannon and the Clams and Vampire Hands played a show somewhere in Minneapolis last night. Of course Shannon and the Clams (Oakland) were the highlight of the evening. Their new LP/CD is available through No Idea Records. A friend noted that he's never seen so many people dancing on a Monday night in Minneapolis. Shannon even observed that Minneapolis has a boogie that would rival Oakland's boogie. While I have much respect for the establishment these are not my best recordings. I'll try to get a track or two from each band posted. There's some great stuff in there. Maybe the whole Clams set if I'm happy with the way it sounds. Perhaps next time I'll try a different mic placement. /end dork out

Wereworm @ The Turf Club

320kbps mp3s. Right Click > "Save As"

Wereworm
The Turf Club
St. Paul, MN
Wednesday November 18th 2009

Taper: empty (emptystapes AT gmail DOT com)
Location: AB, 5' LOC, 6' back, ~8' ^
Source: MBHO 603a KA200N > Silver Quad customs > UA-5 (BM2p+) > iRiver h120 (Optical @ 16bit 44.1kHz WAV)
Transfer: h120 > USB 2.0 > PC [WAV > razorlame > 320kbps mp3]
Edit: CD Wave (tracking)

This Recording is for Promotional & Archival Purposes Only.

01. No. 1 Chinese
02. Southlawn
03. The Giving Place
04. March of the Cookie Man
05. Long Livers
06. Hercules is Cold
07. Hot Cars *

* Angry Samoans cover w/ Chris Besinger

John Dereszynski - Guitar
Andy Kwiatkowski - Guitar
Steve Tiber - Guitar
Tom Stack - Drums

Wereworm website.

So we've all been to shows to see certain bands while not knowing much if anything about the opener. It's not very often the opener blows me away but it's always nice when that happens. Dinosaur Jr. people certainly missed out. This was their first Minnesota show but you can catch Wereworm the next time they come to town. Besides the music what else do I admire about this band? None of them own cell phones. I'll buy a record from any band who doesn't own cell phones. Wereworm and STNNNG supported The Blind Shake.

STNNNG @ The Turf Club (November '09)

Get your hi res mp3s here. Right Click > "Save As" to download.

STNNNG
The Turf Club
St. Paul, MN
Wednesday November 18th 2009

Taper: empty (emptystapes AT gmail DOT com)
Location: AB, 5' LOC, 6' back, ~8' ^
Source: MBHO 603a KA200N > Silver Quad customs > UA-5 (BM2p+) > iRiver h120 (Optical @ 16bit 44.1kHz WAV)
Transfer: h120 > USB 2.0 > PC [WAV > TLH lvl 6 + Tested > FLAC]
Edit: CD Wave (tracking) Sound Forge 10 (fade out)
TRT: 29:56

This Recording is for Promotional & Archival Purposes Only.

01. Howlin' Man
02. The Ugly Show
03. In the Hatefield
04. Dead Sex
05. Slow Water
06. Ladies and Gentlemen We Are Infected
07. Some Raw Girls
08. Real Horror Show
09. Tremblin' Blues

www.stnnng.com | www.myspace.com/stnnng

New STNNNG album out soon on Modern Radio! Wereworm (Milwaukee) and STNNNG supported The Blind Shake. It was another good night at The Turf Club.

Friday South of Franklin

Tonight we hung with the Anti-Civ crew at Memory Lanes for much of the evening. Sundowners, Ogre Smash Death Boom, Poor Posture & Prince Bob Dylan played. I made sure there was time to head to The Hexagon for Communist Daughter's set. I like this band tons and can't wait for them to finish a new record. It was frickin' cold on the way back. The Kaplan Bros thermal can only work so much magic. I guess it's finally time to pull out the winter coat. We had a good run November.

The Chickadee Mountain Martyrs @ The Bedlam Theatre

320kbps mp3 on emptystapes.com (Right Click > Save As)

The Chickadee Mountain Martyrs
The Bedlam Theatre
Minneapolis, MN
Sunday November 15th 2009

Taper: empty emptystapes AT gmail DOT com)
Location: DINish, DFC, ~20' back, ~7' ^
Source: MBHO 603a KA200N > Silver Quad customs > UA-5 (BM2p+) > iRiver h120 (Optical @ 16bit 44.1kHz WAV)
Transfer: h120 > USB 2.0 > PC [WAV > razorlame > 320kbps]
Edit: CD Wave (tracking) Sound Forge 10 (fades)

This Recording is for Promotional & Archival Purposes Only.

01. A Pound of Tumbleweeds, A Pound of Gold
02. Short Snorter
03. Princess Snax
04. Work/Drink
05. (I've Got) The Power

www.myspace.com/chickadeemountainmartyrs

Damn. Another "must tape every time they play" band. I think I should see someone because after 5 years this is turning into a serious drug. This was a benefit show for Kate Kibby's legal defense fund. You can learn more about that cause here. Chikadee Mountain Martyrs, Poor Weather Club and Myrrh supported Children of Euler. If you appreciate the music coming through your speakers please consider a anticivrecords.com purchase. The Bedlam Theatre is a good place to stop when in the neighborhood.

Anti-Civ Showcase @ Memory Lanes

Please feel free to hit Memory Lanes this evening for the Anti-Civ Records Showcase. A good time and even better musics are guaranteed.

Friday, November 20th @ Memory Lanes
10PM, 21+, Free

Sundowners
Ogre Smash Death Boom
Poor Posture
& Prince Bob Dylan (first show ever, ex-members of Dirty Paws)

Fuck Buttons or Sleeping in the Aviary?

Having not had much luck recording Fuck Buttons the last time they played The Triple Rock I was leaning towards a Mute Era miniseries / Vic Chesnutt combo. Still, I thought I might stop in to see what the official word was this time around. Their FOH/TM was leery at first, asking me a few more than reasonable questions in a thick English accent. I assured him this was not for monetary gain and a TR manager was kind enough to vouch for me. Clearance was given but this changed things a bit. Two bands. Ten and Eleven. Normally I would be very aroused by this format but it only proved to create conflict. Now I needed to figure out how to record as much as possible at The Nomad and still make it back down in time to get the Fuck Buttons set. This predicament was soon semi-remedied when a friend in the bar offered the use of a mic stand he had in his trunk. Yes, we're sometimes six thick, you just don't notice us. With a stand taped down at The Triple Rock I headed down the street to set up at The Nomad.

Five band bills are always interesting but fortunate for everyone at 501 Cedar all 5 bands brought their salt. I caught Mute Era with Gospel Gossip at The Turf Club last June. There are more than one great rock duos in town but Mute Era are doing something completely different and you should definitely check it out. They didn't get a miniseries by being a couple of schmucks! Listen to the tracks. I'm not about to lie to anyone, Sleeping in the Aviary drew me to the show. First time seeing Teenage Moods but I was very surprised and impressed by what the three of them do. I predict good things. Also my first time catching Leisure Birds. Everyone knows how good these guys are so I'll just leave it at that. I was a supporter of Thunder in the Valley so this was another set that I had been looking forward to. Nick had requested a copy of the December '07 TITV tape (The Nomad) the night before at the STNNNG show. The drop was made. I remember listening to that recording for a long time. Dante & the Lobster were in attendance to release their new album and headline the evening. Go. Pick. Up. This. CD.

I started to think about the lonely stand at The Triple Rock and I started to realize that the Fuck Buttons set was not going to get recorded. Neither would Vic's across the street. The thousands of people reading this may be wondering why? I'm not going to blame it on a 5 band bill nor the late start. Irrelevant I say! I'm going with (C.) The music coming through the PA. After each band finished their agreeable 30 minute set I had a persistent itch to stay for the next one. This continued for the duration of the evening. Ill live tapes forthcoming.

Tonight's West Bank Dilemma

Tonight Fuck Buttons return to The Triple Rock. A couple of us were denied taping last time by the merch person per management. Upon speaking with one of the Fuck Buttons afterwards they don't personal mind but can't cross management. This is common with national & international touring bands and completely understandable. No fuss was made. Vic Chesnutt is down the street at The Cedar. Vic's current band includes Guy Picciotto (Fugazi) & members of Thee Silver Mt. Zion/Godspeed You! Black Emperor & Witchies. Across the street Mute Era will be finishing up their miniseries at The Nomad. This is also Dante & the Lobster's CD Release show. Sleeping in the Aviary, Leisure Birds and Teenage Moods support.

Should probably stop into The Triple Rock for dinner to ask Fuck Buttons about recording. When/if I get the red light it's a short walk down the street. To be honest they should be playing Friday night anyways. Then I could just hit The Nomad and problem solved. If I get ambitious I might ask Vic if I can get soundboard at The Cedar while I run mics at The Nomad. That's the show I'd rather be at. Me skip national acts to catch a bill of local acts? Never.

Modern Radio Records 10th Anniversary Shows

Friday, January 22nd at the Turf Club
FT (The Shadow Government)
Daughters of the Sun
The Chambermaids
Double Bird
Sheridan Fox (His Mischief)
21+, doors at 9PM - $7

Saturday, January 23rd at the Cedar Cultural Center
The Plastic Constellations
Skoal Kodiak
Vampire Hands
STNNNG
and more!
All Ages, doors at 4:30PM - $10

Modern Radio has lined up a stellar 10th Anniversary celebration. Pretty jazzed about these shows. Seeing the Saturday line up at The Cedar will be pretty amazing in particular.

The Gleam @ The Triple Rock

320kbps mp3s are available on emptystapes.com - "Right Click > Save As"

The Gleam
The Triple Rock
Minneapolis, MN
Saturday November 14th 2009

Taper: empty (emptystapes AT gmail DOT com)
Location: DINish (cm, º), right drink rail, 25' back, ~10' ^
Source: MBHO 603a KA200N > Silver Quad customs > UA-5 (BM2p+) > iRiver h120 (Optical @ 16bit 44.1kHz WAV)
Transfer: h120 > USB 2.0 > PC [WAV > TLH lvl 6 + Tested > FLAC]
Edit: CD Wave (tracking) Sound Forge 10 (fades)
TRT: 34:35

This Recording is for Promotional & Archival Purposes Only.

01. The Ballad of Carlos Avery
02. Hedger's Sword
03. Cough it Up
04. Somebody/Nobody
05. Head from the Sand
06. Rapid Falls
07. Leave Yr City
08. Damn City Lights
09. The Bitter End
10. Away Like a Song

www.myspace.com/thegoddamngleam

I've been listening to The Gleam for coming up on two years now but for whatever reason this is the first time I've caught up with them live. As was the word on the street they do not disappoint! Don't miss The Gleam's new album due out January 2010. The Gleam, Fuck Knights and Coltrane Motion supported Kill the Vultures. This was a torturous night for live music attenders in Minneapolis. Hank III was at the Mainroom, City on the Make and Military Special were at the Kitty Cat Klub. While I wish I could have been at all three shows I'm certainly glad I was able to make these recordings at The Triple Rock. It was a knock down drag out Saturday night.

Kill the Vultures @ The Triple Rock

FLACs are available on The Traders' Den
320kbps mp3s are available on emptystapes.com

Kill the Vultures
The Triple Rock
Minneapolis, MN
Saturday November 14th 2009

Taper: empty (emptystapes AT gmail DOT com)
Location: DINish (cm, º), right drink rail, 25' back, ~10' ^
Source: MBHO 603a KA200N > Silver Quad customs > UA-5 (BM2p+) > iRiver h120 (Optical @ 16bit 44.1kHz WAV)
Transfer: h120 > USB 2.0 > PC [WAV > TLH lvl 6 + Tested > FLAC]
Edit: CD Wave (tracking) Sound Forge 10 (fades)
TRT: 46:49

This Recording is for Promotional & Archival Purposes Only.

01. 14th St. Ritual
02. The Vultures
03. 7-8-9
04. ...banter
05. Sick Days Are Upon Us
06. Beasts of Burden
07. Walk On Water
08. "Shake My City Awake" > Spare Parts
09. The Spider's Eyes
10. Moonshine

www.killthevultures.com

I haven't seen them since the "Ecce Beast" CD Release Show last April but this tape is sonically superior in my opinion. All of the Kill the Vultures releases are available through their online store as well as various online retailers. They have a few shows coming up so keep your eye on their site. Fuck Knights, The Gleam and Coltrane Motion supported. Thanks to the bands for being down with taping and to Andy for holding down the board.

November is serious business.

After applying a liberal layer of Neosporin to the broken parts of my face I hit the bricks West Bank bound. Chastity Brown was supporting Toshi Reagon at The Cedar. Chas was without band and in top form. More on that later. Short recess at The Triple Rock to say what's up to Drew and Norman before hitting the Benefit Show for the Kate Kibby legal defense fund at The Bedlam Theatre. Tonight's bill included Myrrh (Jackie and Andy formerly in Harlequin and Hex) a sick violin and drums duo. Our friends Poor Weather Club (ex Blackthorns and Woodcat members). Chikadee Mountain Martyrs, who we recently missed at the Hexagon and have been trying to catch up with for a few months. Unfortunately the last train out of dodge came before Children of Euler hit the stage. Fortunately for the three of us waiting a freshly dumpster dived Little Cesars arrived before 1:24. Was it really taken from the dumpster? It had multiple kinds of pizza in the same box but I didn't want to ask. One sausage please & thank you. Being sober on the drunk train is always a kick in the pants. Why yes, I think I'll hail a cab at Lake & Hiawatha. 4 shows in 3 nights. 6:30am always finds me waking up to the same piercing alarm.

Puppy Dogs & Ice Cream on myspace...

Puppy Dogs & Ice Cream have posted my recording in their player. I really dig these guys so it's an honor and things like that. I gave Mike both recordings and I believe he mixed some of the soundboard into the audience tape. You'll find me at the 01/16/10 Turf Club show barring any unforeseen head trauma or natural disasters.

Anders Ponders @ The Bedlam Theatre

mp3s are available on emptystapes.com - In PC land Right Click > Save As in mac land I hear it has to do with Control + Click

Anders Ponders
"Nodes of Overtones" CD Release
The Bedlam Theatre
Minneapolis, MN
Saturday November 7th 2009

Taper: empty emptystapes AT gmail DOT com)
Location: DINish, DFC, ~20' back, ~6.5' ^
Source: MBHO 603a KA200N > Silver Quad customs > UA-5 (BM2p+) > iRiver h120 (Optical @ 16bit 44.1kHz WAV)
Transfer: h120 > USB 2.0 > PC [WAV > razorlame > 320kbps]
Edit: CD Wave (tracking) Sound Forge 10 (slight compression, fades)

This Recording is for Promotional & Archival Purposes Only.

01. The Discus Incident
02. Pomegranate
03. Out of the Light
04. Icarus
05. How We've Grown
06. Mr. Butterfly

www.myspace.com/andersponders

There were many shows to go to this evening. After much thought and consideration I believe I attended the right one. This was my first exposure to Anders music but it shall not be my last. If you would like a copy of "Nodes of Overtones" please contact Anders before he runs out. Sonic hotcakes never sounded so good. Note that in a world of insincerity, besides being a multifaceted musician Anders is also a genuine person. Sleeping in the Aviary and A Paper Cup Band supported this fine evening of music. Thanks to The Bedlam for existing.

Anders, this was to be posted yesterday following the Sleeping in the Aviary tracks but as you can see below I took a little tumble.

Face Versus Pavement...

So I wanted to go to the gym today. On the way there my gym bag got stuck in the front wheel of my bike and I went flying over the handle bars with only the left side of my face to break the fall. Minus most of one front tooth, some of my left face, some chunks of my right leg and what is probably at least a sprained left hand/wright I dusted off. Please note I was sober. A passerby was kind enough to inquire "You straight man? You straight?" Straight as I was I was minus one front tooth and bleeding all over. Did I mention the hole in my new jeans? Thankfully my neighbor and my friend Mike were both willing to take me to the emergency dental place in East St. Paul. It was a trip returning to the old neighborhood under these circumstances. I got nothing but a consultation and some antibiotics to ward off infection. It sounds like a root canal and a cap folks. Please don't tell Tammy.

Anyways would near crippling experience keep me from recording Kill the Vultures at The Triple Rock? It'd take a doozy. I didn't get the nap in but broken face and all I made it out. Sorry I wasn't my usual dapper self, ladies. Coltrane Motion, The Gleam and Fuck Knights supported. I bought Mike a Chicken Po Boy and some ginger ales.

Sleeping in the Aviary @ The Bedlam Theatre

Sleeping in the Aviary
The Bedlam Theatre
Minneapolis, MN
Saturday November 7th 2009

Everybody's Different - Live @ The Bedlam
I'm Old - Live @ The Bedlam
Write On - Live @ The Bedlam

Have you ever felt like you've been missing out? I asked a dear friend how I hadn't known about these guys when they've apparently have been around the block. He could only pour salt in the wound by coming back with "where were you four years ago when they were playing shows with Baby Guts?" Unfortunately I was probably at different shows. Well now I know what the deal is. Sleeping in the Aviary and A Paper Cup Band supported Anders Ponders for his CD Release. Great sets all around and more recordings to follow. Sleeping in the Aviary's releases, including their latest album "Expensive Vomit In A Cheap Hotel" can all be purchased through Science of Sound out of Madison, WI. You can catch Sleeping in the Aviary at The Nomad November 19th as part of Mute Era's miniseries w/ Dante & the Lobster (CD Release) and Teenage Moods. Note, the whole set was furious and pleasing but I'm only releasing these tracks for now.

The Mainroom (dun dun dun)

I haven't been back since last May. After the last Turf Club Lookbook show Grant and I spoke about how jazzy a Lookbook tape from the Mainroom would be. It was time to lift the boycott. Not even a Jack's pizza w/ jalapenos added and drizzle outside would stop me from catching the 7 to the train. I know it's awfully trendy and trite speak snide about people who are different from you but you'll have to pardon me for a minute. The line contained a high ratio of suburban (maybe some urban?) dbags and debutantes. It's cool, people of all flavors deserve to catch a show in the most historic and best sounding club in town.

Once inside I partially set up knowing what's about to happen next. I was told "No audio" to which I reply "Not even for Lookbook?" "No audio at all." Knowing that Lookbook was kind enough to hook up the list for me to record I wanted to push a little bit but not having been there for 6 months I didn't want to make trouble for myself or other tapers who had since recorded a slew of jammy jam bands. I ended it with a quick "OK, no problem, have a good night" and receive a "Thanks man" in return. Now, I'm not out to step on toes but seeing that I had no interest in recording Solid Gold or The Hood Internet in the first place I figured it was worth one call to Grant. I politely explained the situation and mentioned that if I didn't get to record tonight that's no problem whatsoever. He was going to be there shortly and offered to talk to C for me. This was totally unprovoked by me but a nice gesture nonetheless. I hadn't seen Top Gun muted with subtitles in a minute so I stuck around.

About 30 minutes later I had permission to tape Lookbook but Lookbook only and was to pack it up after their set was over. This fit the original plan so I was truly grateful for the opportunity. For my own amusement I was trying to figure out the deal. Maybe the house didn't want D&Ds tripping over a stand at a sold out show? Completely understandable but I know Sound Tribe Sector 9 had capacity glow sticks and got taped. I was recording in the Entry that night. Maybe a "section" was set up that night per request of the band. Were the Hood Internet not caught up on their ASCAP fees? I'm sure they are. Did Solid Gold have a new batch of Brooklyn bound beauties, of which they didn't want the 1s & 0s captured? It's never a good sign when a band reads & ignores your murdochspace request to record. Hmm, they didn't mind back in June '08 at the Turf. I wonder if I had cell contact with Cursive or Mogwai in May if the outcomes would have been different? Something tells me if I had caught Tim outside smoking that he would have put in a good word.

Anyways, just a little rambling and thanks if you took the time out of your day to make it this far. I have nothing but respect for the establishment and what they provide for the community. What I do is a privilege and not a right anyways so if it doesn't happen some nights then it just doesn't happen. No one gets hurt or goes to prison, we're just one less archival document that folks may not care about in 20 years anyways. Regardless, sincere thank yous are in order for the Mainroom and it's staff as well as Grant and Lookbook. I will certainly continue to support both.

Les Deux Magots @ The Entry

320kbps mp3s are available on emptystapes.com

Les Deux Magots
The 7th Street Entry
Minneapolis, MN
Friday November 6th 2009

Taper: empty (emptystapes AT gmail DOT com)
Location: AB left drink rail ~20ft, ~8' ^
Source: MBHO 603a KA200N > Silver Quad customs > UA-5 (BM2p+) > iRiver h120 (Optical @ 16bit 44.1kHz WAV)
Transfer: h120 > USB 2.0 > PC [WAV > razorlame > 320kbps mp3]
Edit: CD Wave (tracking) Sound Forge 10 (fades)
TRT: 29:43

This Recording is for Promotional & Archival Purposes Only.

www.myspace.com/lesdeuxmagots

Yeah you should certainly go see these guys. Maybe there's a reason I posted this before the Future of the Left set? Best find in a while. They don't seem to be dicks either. Don't get me wrong, FOTL were amazing as usual. Apologies to the band if I combined any songs or chopped any songs in half. Les Deux Magots and Blackcloud Stallionheart supported Future of the Left. Thanks to the bands and to The Entry for allowing me to record. Ron is unfuckwithable.

Dragons Power Up! @ The 400 Bar

320kbps mp3s are available on emptystapes.com

Dragons Power Up!
The 400 Bar
Minneapolis, MN
Tuesday November 3rd 2009

Taper: empty emptystapes AT gmail DOT com)
Location: AB (~20cm), FOB, ~6 ROC, ~15' back, ~9' ^
Source: MBHO 603a KA200N > Silver Quad customs > UA-5 (BM2p+) > iRiver h120 (Optical @ 16bit 44.1kHz WAV)
Transfer: h120 > USB 2.0 > PC [WAV > razorlame > 320kbps mp3]
Edit: CD Wave (tracking) Sound Forge 9 (fade out)
TRT: 37:15

This Recording is for Promotional & Archival Purposes Only.

01. Where Do You Go?
02. Foreign Grace *
03. Way to the Sun *
04. Worm & Plow
05. Fielt *
06. It Goes On *
07. House Fires
08. Ballahol

* new tracks

Mike Coyne - Bass
Dan Ries - Guitar
Mike Ries - Drums
Chris Tures - Vocals, Guitar

www.myspace.com/dragonspowerup

When compiling a list of rock bands out of St. Paul DPU! should be at the top of it. The new album is due out in January. You should score a copy for your sister's co-worker's cousin's indie rock band in Brooklyn. Dragons Power Up! and Kittens Ablaze supported Where Astronauts Go To Hide.

Jerry Fuchs died long before he should have.

I only got to talk with him a few times but he made a lasting impression at Maserati's last Triple Rock show. There's already been enough said about what a great person Jerry was, most articulately by a close friend, so I won't go there. But I will help make sure his time with the band is always out there and available.

It takes about 90 seconds to register (for free) on The Traders' Den. You have to be down with torrents and FLAC. Once you have done this you're welcome to download two Maserati shows from this past October. My buddy Zach just posted Portland yesterday. Minneapolis is one of the best recordings I've made all year and I don't just say that to say it. I remember how excited I was when I got home and listened to it.

Maserati - 2009-10-05 The Triple Rock Minneapolis, MN

Maserati - 2009-10-10 Doug Fir, Portland, OR

Kittens Ablaze @ The 400 Bar

Hi-res mp3s can be downloaded via emptystapes.com

Kittens Ablaze
The 400 Bar
Minneapolis, MN
Tuesday November 3rd 2009

This Recording is for Promotional & Archival Purposes Only.

xx. Strobelight
xx. This Machine is Dying
xx. Gloom Doom Butter Cups
01. Rabbit is a Livewire
02. Hotel Room
03. Evangeline
04. Branches (new song)
05. Wandering Song

Nick Dalton - bass/harmonica
Grant Rafter - acoustic guitar/synth
Nate Senge - electric guitar/keys
Michelle Young - cello
Tim Spellman - lead vocals/drums
Jenny Bress - violin

www.kittensablaze.com

Unfortunately the first three songs of the set were cut from this release due to persistent static that was coming through the PA but later resolved. Other than that the set was toppity top. I guess it goes without saying but you'll be hearing more about these ladies & gentleman as the months pass. Their new album "The Monstrous Vanguard" can be had both physically as well as digitally. Kittens Ablaze, Dragons Power Up! and Colder in Moscow supported Where Astronauts Go To Hide.

Where Astronauts Go To Hide @ The 400 Bar

.mp3 files are available on emptystapes.com

Where Astronauts Go To Hide
The 400 Bar
Minneapolis, MN
Tuesday November 3rd 2009

This Recording is for Promotional & Archival Purposes Only.

01. Maggie
02. Be Patient
03. ...thanks to Kittens Ablaze
04. Hollywood Hairstyles
05. ...the knot is tied
06. Great Lakes and Greater Lays
07. ...thank you
08. Chilly Bones

www.myspace.com/whereastronautsgotohide

Short sets do no always equate to bad sets. There is proof to be downloaded. The debut LP "Amongst Friends" can be purchased via itunes as well as through the band. Dragons Power Up! (St. Paul) and Kittens Ablaze (Brooklyn) supported. The video premiere is going down December 4th at The Triple Rock with Brett Saxon, Fan Fiction and Nallo.

If you want FLAC files let me know.

The Book of Right On @ The Turf Club

The Book of Right On
The Turf Club Halloween
St. Paul, MN
Saturday October 31st 2009

These Joints Are for Promotional & Archival Purposes Only.

01. Pinpointing the Exact Moment Hollywood Said Enough
02. Obligatory Jam for the Lady Folk
03. Year of the Acronym

I've been following this Dave fellow for some years and have always admired what he's had to say. On top of that he's assembled another shut the fuck up and listen unit. Unfortunately for us it's likely he and I will end up sitting around Hell lamenting M.A. Rosko's purity. The Book of Right On headlined the Midway Halloween festivities alongside Red Pens and Puppy Dogs & Ice Cream. No one died that I'm aware of.

Red Pens @ The Turf Club

Red Pens
The Turf Club Halloween
St. Paul, MN
Saturday October 31st 2009

These Jams Are for Promotional & Archival Purposes Only.

01. Children and the Kids
02. Weekdays
03. Stay Small

Sometimes it's easy to forget that genuine people exist so it's always a nice change of pace running into a couple. Their debut album is available through Grain Belt Records. Red Pens and Puppy Dogs & Ice Cream supported The Book of Right On. If you want to hear more tracks or if you want FLAC files you can email me.

Puppy Dogs & Ice Cream @ The Turf Club

FLAC files are available via torrent on TTD
mp3 files can be downloaded from emptystapes.com

Puppy Dogs & Ice Cream
The Turf Club Halloween
St. Paul, MN
Saturday October 31st 2009

Taper: empty (emptystapes AT gmail DOT com)
Location: AB, 5' LOC, 6' back, ~8' ^
Source: MBHO 603a KA200N > Silver Quad customs > UA-5 (BM2p+) > iRiver h120 (Optical @ 16bit 44.1kHz WAV)
Transfer: h120 > USB 2.0 > PC [WAV > TLH lvl 6 + Tested > FLAC]
Edit: CD Wave (tracking) Sound Forge 10 (fades)
TRT: 22:12

This Recording is for Promotional & Archival Purposes Only.

01. untitled 1
02. untitied 2
03. untitled 3
04. ...banter
05. untitled 4
06. ...banter
07. untitled 5

Mr. Dufault - production
Eyedea - vocals
Impulse of Sector 7G - vocals
Kristoff Krane - vocals

"If I had a feather for everytime you fucked up I would fly away and reconnect with what I once was." Puppy Dogs & Ice Cream is a new group featuring the cats above. This was their first show and these tracks are the public debut of their material. No website exists yet but keep your ear to the street for their next show. You won't be sorry you attended. If you are I'll give you $5. I was going to put compression on this but didn't want to. As a general rule I listen to studio releases at 20 and live tapes at 30 on playback anyways. Mike assured me RSE wouldn't be sending 3 cleaners in a black sedan to my place of residence for posting this. If you see her, tell my mom I love her anyways. Puppy Dogs & Ice Cream and Red Pens supported The Book of Right On.

William Elliott Whitmore @ The Entry

I escorted a pretty girl to The Entry to see William tonight. Unfortunately neither of us had gear in tow. The plan was to follow suite with Tuesday night and bring shiz to work but it didn't happen. I can guarantee you this was a good time regardless. We had previously recorded William at The Triple Rock. We say we because that's what cool people on the internet say. William's new album "Animals in the Dark" was released February 17th 2009. The Western Fifth opened and Hoots and Hellmouth headlined. It would have only taken one recorder & one cable for there to be a sweet soundboard to post. I failed...boo.

The Grates w/ Ice Palace + Zoo Animal @ The Entry

Dear Party People,

If you're not at The 400 Bar tonight you should check out The Entry. The Grates are in town from Australia. Ice Palace and Zoo Animal support.

Halloween Weekend @ The Turf Club

Friday night Lookbook was recorded. The tape sounds nice but I think I'll hold out for the First Avenue show that's coming up to release anything. No offense to Sissy Wish or The Melismatics but I was saving cab money for Saturday and hopped the 21 early.

Saturday night The Turf was full of first times as I hadn't seen any of the bands prior to this evil evening. A new group by the name of Puppy Dogs and Ice Cream featuring Michael Larsen (Eyedea is dead), Kristoff Krane, Impulse of SecTor7G and Austin on beats made their public debut. If this was their first show I'm damn excited to see where they take it. Stop back for the full set later tonight or tomorrow. Next up was Red Pens. All I've got to say is; believe the hype. Their debut album is available through Grain Belt Records. Rounding out the night was The Book of Right On. I knew this set was going to worth coming out for alone so there was no surprise there. I'd be hard pressed to not record anything David Joe Holiday is involved with, within reason!