Austin

I’ve been consuming a lot of “cultcha.” One of these days I want to write about Skins and my morbid, frankly pitiful obsession with Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist, one of the few things I’ve literally been too embarrassed and ashamed to discuss in this only semi-public forum.

Spent most of the day with various cronies here in Texas, and took part in a neat panel at the beautiful Texas State Capitol. Yesterday Ross and I traveled to Lockhart, Texas for some truly amazing brisket. Today we went to Ruby’s, where I stuffed myself with brisket and sweet potato pie before keeling over, and then Stortini with Erica, Jason, Ben, my old comedy comrade David (the director of the brilliant Crawford, easily one of the best films of 2008) and new friend Ingrid, where we had a wide-ranging conversation before ambling to a block party. Last night was a little more successful party-wise as I managed to see Rainbow Arabia, a married couple that makes insane, Arabic-influenced electronic music. The wife and vocalist and percussionist looks a lot like my old friend Joan, who is part Native Alaskan (and who is now a mother, amazingly). Husband and wife were wearing rad costumes, and she had this amazing jet black, super-straight hair. The music was bizarre and highly stimulating. Earlier on, The Always Already played. I can’t say I’m a fan of the name, but they were really splendid: it was the dancing highlight of the trip so far. Wow, they sound dreadful on the demo, but trust me: they were rad live.

I missed Kaki King and The Mountain Goats tonight in favor of interacting with “people,” and it seems that two of my best friends went to see King Khan last night in Chicago, which makes me want to cry. Please read this to understand what you’ve been missing. Actually, I’m pretty sure I don’t want a manic stranger drinking my blood. I think “Welfare Bread” is my love song of the moment. I am so irrationally, atavistically proud that King Khan looks a little like me, but with a think inky mane, a mustache and goatee, and a huge, undulating belly. Basically, we’re both dark brown. But that has to count for something.

I’ve been listening to Marnie Stern, Chad Vangaalen, Dr. Dog, Annuals, a little TV on the Radio, Richard Hawley, Bound Stems, The Blow, The Morning Benders, and The Zombies. There’s a No Age show on the 12th that will hopefully be fun. The Morning Benders wouldn’t normally be my cup of tea, but I need to support all Asian American rockers. Also, their music is pretty catchy. A friend recently resparked my interest in Donovan. I think I need to listen to old music for a little while. I also need to throw a party. At the moment, I have no furniture. It occurs to me, however, that this might be the optimal party-throwing moment: more space for dancing, though I suppose I’d need a few chairs.