New releases – music

Matthew Sweet – Kimi Ga Suki – don’t know how I missed this last week. Originally released in Japan last year, it’s finally getting a stateside release. Not getting a lot of promotion, not sure what’s up with his solo career (although I’d be happy if he stays with The Thorns for a while).

10,000 Maniacs – Campfire Songs: Popular Obscure Unknown Recording, a 2 CD best of/rarities collection. I got rid of the only studio album I have of theirs when I heard this was coming out.

Ultimate Yes: 35th Anniversary Collection, a 3 CD best of from the prog rock masters. I’m leaning towards buying this instead of the 5 CD box – I like ’em, but not that much.

This week’s shows

Tonight, Kevn Kinney (from Drivin’N’Cryin) at Iota with Walter Salas-Humara (of The Silos). Still not sure if we’ll make it out tonight, but if we do, I hope he does “Straight To Hell” – I love that song.

Wednesday, We’re About Nine at Vic’s Music Corner with the fabulous Girlyman.

Thursday, Henry Rollins (spoken word) at Lisner Auditorium (and dinner at Nectar, which should be a treat).

Sunday, Beth Patterson at The Old Brogue (as we come back from skiing, and maybe stop at a Superbowl party). We caught her in New Orleans for one song, and she really made an impact. She plays Cajun flavored Celtic music, both traditional tunes and originals.

Weather advisory

Snow, freezing rain, ice. Today and tomorrow will not be fun. Might work from home tomorrow. I shoveled a cubic crapload of snow this morning. Add that to the skiing I did yesterday (at Roundtop with the Ski Club of Washington DC) and I’m feeling pretty sore.

Saturday was a clean up the house and cook day, followed by a nice relaxing evening where I read newspapers and Jill did cross-stitch while we drank wine in front of the fire. Friday we hung out with friends at JD & Sue’s – even got in a little hot tubbing.

Cold… so cold

I went to drop my car off to get the oil changed (and now apparently get new rear brakes – sigh). I thought I had timed it to catch the bus across the street, but I must have just missed it and had to wait half an hour for the next one. I went to the Burger King down the block and had a breakfast sandwich and some coffee, but I was pretty cold by the time the next bus showed.

Wednesday TV

Some excellent TV last night.

Smallville had Clark lose his sight temporarily, and try on glasses for the first time while his sight was recovering. The FOTW storyline was ok – I thought it was weird that the FOTW was apparently killed, rather than saved by Clark. Aside from Clark with the glasses, the best thing was the ongoing Luthors plot – Clark’s new super hearing let him eavesdrop on Chloe’s conversation with Lionel Luthor. Clark let Lex know what his father was doing, then Lex confronted his father, using quotes from the phone call Chloe had with Lionel. Lionel assumed Chloe had turned on him, got her and her dad fired. Should be interesting where the subplots go from here.

Angel had Spike following in Angel’s footsteps as champion, but prompted by Lindsey, while Lindsey’s partner Eve put some kind of soul sucker on Angel. Not sure why Lindsey had Spike save Angel, especially now that the gang suspects Eve. Great scenes: the Miami Vice moment, Angel as the mail boy, the blue fairy. Apparently by a first time writer – good ep.

Daily Show was very funny eviscerating W’s State Of The Union address. Jon Stewart just gets better and better. Jon McCain was a great guest.

Neil on Nick?

So my favorite comics rumor of the week from Rich Johnston is that Neil Gaiman’s next comic project might be Nick Fury. Figure out some way to have Jim Steranko draw it, and you’d have my favorite comics writer and artist together. Excuse me while I slobber at the thought.

Shows this week

Tonight, 4 Way Street at Iota with Stargazer Lily opening. 4 Way Street have the most amazing harmonies. They’re four singer/songwriters from Philly – anyone who likes the Eagles, CSNY or the Thorns will like them.

I’m finding it very frustrating to support 4 Way Street. I joined their street team, I tell people, email, hand out postcards and samplers, and I get almost no response. “It’s too cold”, “It’s a weeknight”, “It’s too late”. It’s not like there’s something good on TV tonight – The State Of The Union speech is not something I’ll be watching. You’d think I have some cred – I saw Dave Matthews at the Birchmere and John Mayer at the 9:30. Oh well, Jill and I will enjoy another great show from them.

I was also thinking of going to see Old 97’s at the 9:30 club Friday, but it’s sold out already. That’s ok, because it looks like an old friend of Jill’s will be in town that night.