Sophie Says Sooth (2002.09.02): "Avoid graduation at all possible costs. This may sound crazy now, but by the time you're out of school for a year you'll know exactly what I'm talking about and you'll really start to miss caring about back-to-school sales. Enjoy this time while you can."

Sophie Says Sooth (2002.08.26): "When you call your children unexpectedly, do not express concern if they were out until 4, 5 or 6 AM. They are now the masters of their own bedtimes. If someone of the opposite sex answers the telephone at 7 AM on a Sunday, say nothing."

Sophie Says Sooth (2002.08.19): "It was once required that ten witnesses be present at a marriage ceremony to outsmart jealous demons. (I don't know who really thought this would work but let's play along for the sake of the story.) Bridesmaids dressed similarly to the bride and groomsmen's attire resembled the groom's in an attempt to confuse the spirits who wanted to harm the couple."


Silverchair / Diorama: "Musically, it is one of the best of the year. Rich orchestrations sweep across beautifully arranged songs, a feat quite remarkable for a band unaccustomed to such complex string and horn work. This is due, in part, to help from the legendary Van Dyke Parks, whose resume boasts such names as U2 and the Beach Boys."

Miniviews 2002.08.02: "While reining his noodling tendencies way in for the two Guided By Voices records released by TVT, his side projects exploded. The Fading Captain series, home to numerous collaborations and throw-away 7" singles, has probably had a release or three just since you started reading this piece."

Miniviews 2002.07.28: "If John Lennon and Yoko Ono had been in little-known power pop bands, then decided to do a record together with John's brother and a pseudonymous drummer for a Spanish label you've never heard of, Double Fantasy would've sounded a lot like Sound It Out."


San Diego Comic-con 2002: Part 1: "A lot of it sounded like standard conspiracy theory bullshit; I would like to believe him about the income taxes, though. Apparently it has something to do with the improper ratification of the 16th Amendment and taxing our privilege of earning money."

"Glamour Hose": A 14-piece photographic series from Natalie Meyer


"Pixel Worship": A new short narrative work from Aaron Veenstra





2002/07/20

I don't find the success of the Strokes, the White Stripes, et al. sad in general -- crap music has always found and will continue to find success -- but I do find disheartening the nearly universal praise from people who really should know better. I'm certain, for instance, that the various NME press creatures that made the Strokes the new Beatles before they'd released a goddamn thing had heard the entire Guided By Voices catalog at some point. I'm fairly sure, as well, that these folks are relatively familiar with the discographies of the Pixies and the Jesus & Mary Chain. And yet.

Lost somewhere in the shuffle is mid-90's one-hit wonder Superdrag, whose "Sucked Out" landed them in the same position as Marcy Playground, Blind Melon, Jill Sobule, the Rentals and numerous other major label alt-rock acts. Elektra dropped them after 1998's Head Trip in Every Key did nothing on the charts. They returned in 2000 indie label Arena Rock with In the Valley of Dying Stars, a thorough power-pop juggernaut that foreshadowed the bar rock elements that dominate their new record, Last Call For Vitriol. The record takes up the reins dropped by Guided By Voices following their Isolation Drills and, in fact, GbV's Bob Pollard guests on the opening track, "Baby Goes to 11". Pollard's also got a pull-quote on one of the promo stickers placed on the album: "If you don't like Superdrag, you don't like rock n' roll."
posted at 13:22



2002/07/18

Have you ever tried to edit something when the air surrounding your computer is pushing 100 degrees? It's not pleasant. In fact, it doesn't take too long to become unbearable and suddenly the review of Much Music Spotlight's Weezer episode that was supposed to be ready on Tuesday has become a Thursday endeavor. Global warming is starting to really chap my ass.
posted at 11:30


2002/07/15

There's going to be content this week, I swear on the soul of my record collection. First up, reliable and Cal Ripken-like, Sophie tells the ladies what to do about those confusing and weird guys in their lives. I'd like to be all sympathetic and everything but really, it's hard to get worked up about the Evil Mindfucking Void getting played with a little.

That's right.
posted at 13:01



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