Miller Time

So Gabriel Miller-Phillips is playing at the Sidewalk Cafe tonight, and I just wanted to say a few words to try to convince the masses to assemble there.

First of all, it's easy to get to - at the corner of 6th and A, it's right in the heart of our collective spiritual (if not actual) neighborhood.

Second, it's early - but not too early. 9 PM. Be out by 10. Head out after work, have a nice reasonably-priced dinner in some bohemian caff, then hit the Sidewalk. Then a nightcap, then home.

Third, it's free.

And fourth, and most importantly, it's going to be a fantastic set. Gabriel is one of the better musical storytellers in New York City, which, combined with some serious-as-a-heart-attack guitar chops and brilliant songcraft, wows 'em from the piers of Red Hook to the subways of Boston (the T, for those what know). Mostly, though, he's got this arsenal of new songs, which are increasingly incredible.

His newest, and my pick for "future monster hit," is called "Memorial Drive," and it's a doozy. Sort of a chilly song - very pretty, and definitely a wintertime jam. Reminds me of "California Dreamin'," in a very strange way. He's already recorded it at Serious Biz, and it's on the ep for his upcoming tour with Alina Simone, which kicks off in February. Anyway, "Memorial Drive" is the jewel in his set, and is by itself as much a reason to go see him as any of the others.

So there you have it. Hit the Sidewalk for Gabriel Miller-Phillips, then go dance the rest of the worknight away at Hot Rocks at the Delancey. An excellent evening to be had by all.

A Random Thort

My contribution to last weekend's MiG recording was fueled by a potent aural blend of Joy Division and Fleetwood Mac. I feel that's the perfect combination. Just like sweet apples and sharp cheddar cheese. Plus they'd have covered each other's songs nicely. I can definitely see Ian Curtis spazzing his severe way through "The Chain" - and we may still be able to convince Stevie to add a velvet touch to "Leaders of Men." That would fucking rule.

On another note, psychedelic gadfly and stage conversationist extraordinaire Genesis P-Orridge wrote an early tribute song to Mr. Curtis (who was apparently supposed to have been a part of Psychic TV) entitled "I.C. Water". Get it? "I.C." - Ian Curtis ... "I See Water" ... or "Icy Water". Say what you will about Mr./Ms. G.P-O, he/she knows how to title a damn song. Unlike my band.

I Want Your Skull...

Okay, perhaps I'm the only person in this tight-knit little community who remotely gives a damn, but coming up at the end of April (in Worcester, MA, appropriately enough) Glenn Danzig and Doyle von Frankenstein will reunite during a Danzig performance to do a Misfits mini-set, being as they are a Misfits mini-original-lineup. I'm excited. Though, of course, I won't be there. Still, it does seem like reunion fever these days as our young turks become old farts and every meaningful punk and post-punk act decides to stand each other's company once again and take it on the road.

Sorry for the brevity of my cherry-pop blog, but will post more soon on naughty Scottish folksinging... if you're lucky.