This town is the kind that likes to dole out its gossip in bits and pieces. The bits are the news, and the pieces are facts that may not be altogether whole, but sure make for some interesting conversation starters. I know I'm talking cryptically, but so is everyone else these days. ZZZZZZZ. Anyhoo, in honor of Seattle's affinity for bitty-bit information, this week's It's My Party will be chock full of informative bitty-bits that, on their own, don't say a whole lot about anything. HOWEVER, when combined like SO, they should prove to be a masterful inspiration to the art of chit-chat.
Observe:
"Did you hear that Pretty Girls Make Graves has quickly become one of Seattle's most sought-after bands, and that labels from areas as far spread as Japan and Berkeley, California, have expressed interest in putting out the group's songs?" The answer to that would have to be, "But that band hasn't played a single live show!" And you're off.
Or you could offer this:
"Did you hear about the singer for Grand Theft Audio knocking himself cuckoo during the first song of his band's set at Graceland last Wednesday? At first he seemed okay and went on with the show, but a little later his eyes started to roll back into his head and I hear it might be kind of serious."
Answer: "I saw that guy downing shots at the Cha Cha just two days before that!" Continue.
See how simple? Every little bitty-bit adds up. Feel free to use any or all of the following topics for banter:
Pearl Jam has recorded a cover of "The Kids Are Alright" for Who tribute album Substitute the Songs of the Who, due out June 12. Also paying tribute on the album are Paul Weller ("Circles"), Sheryl Crow ("Behind Blue Eyes"), David Bowie ("Pictures of Lily"), and Phish covering "5:15," which is nothing short of a goddamn travesty if you ask me.
Speaking of covers: Sub Pop labelmates the Shins and Murder City Devils are rumored to be in collaboration on a split single featuring each band covering one of the other band's songs. It's a k-razy juxtaposition, but I think I like it.
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In other Sub Pop news--remember the Catheters? The band has been lying low since opening for Mudhoney a couple of months ago, but word is out that they've signed to Sub Pop and should be heading into the studio any day now to record a new album slated for an early 2002 release. Guitarist Lars has left the band and now plays in Stagger Lee. The official word is that he left on good terms. Field Songs is the title of the forthcoming Mark Lanegan CD, also on Sub Pop (busy beavers!). Those true-blue rock lovers who ventured out to last week's Dead Moon show at the Sit & Spin may have caught Lanegan's face in the crowd as he stood on the sidelines with pals Ben Shepherd and Kim Warnick. It was a Grunge Years reunion, sort of, and I defy anyone to bring me proof that Dead Moon is not the most edifying band on the planet. Fred and Toody: the coolest grandparents EVER.
I'll leave you with this last bit of conversation fodder, but you might want to sit on it a bit until all the facts are filled in: Rumors are running rampant that a certain former publicist for Up Records is using his/her contacts to put together his/her own label. Will he/she manage to lure past Up bands to his/her imprint? Time will tell. Chitchat!
The sad passing of Joey Ramone has prompted a vigil, to be held this Thursday, April 19, at Seattle Central Community College. The observance will take place at 7 p.m.
