Mobtown Molly

Fond farewell to a friend

Molly O'Donnell — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 14:29:51 GMT

I can hardly believe it myself, my loverlings, but I'm moving to the desert. I know what you're going to say, "but how ever will we go on without you?" Fear not, I'm just a mouse click away, and I'll be back periodically to bug you all. Plus if any of you ever want to gamble, I won't be far from the casino now...

As much as I'm going to miss my dear Mobtown, I'll still be Mobtown Molly (perhaps this means I'll pay more attention to my other blog: http://mobtownmolly.com).

My last tip: Saturday, Creative Alliance hosts my friend Wes and co's band: Wes Matheu & The New Way Downs, with Caleb Stine and Flanagan Smith. It's kind of a country thing, and I know I recently told you about Ruby Ruby Ruse from NOLA and that's rag time. Don't worry. I'll always be your indie rock darling, but sometimes you must step off the well-worn path. That's why I'm moving West.

So let's listen to something new for a change.

Mwah, I'll miss everyone so much!!

Ruby ruse slippers

Molly O'Donnell — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 12:43:42 GMT

Swinging by the Windup Space last night wasn't an entirely pleasant experience considering I accidentally tripped an alarm that sent three cop cars. Then there was some kind of fire or something at New York Fried Chicken that sent them back along with three fire trucks. Next time someone calls the police about something on North Ave., they probably aren't going to rush right out.

None of this had anything to do with how awesome Ruby Ruby Ruse was last night, though. Admittedly I'm an acquaintance of the baritone player in this New Orleans band, but they genuinely kick ass. They're very rag time sound in updated by their more contemporary dancy numbers. They're going back to New York and will be playing Freddy's on the 16th and Goodbye Blue Monday on the 18th if you have an urge to try out the new Bolt bus.

There's something about an accordion, banjo, sexy little singer and a giant horn that puts you in a very New Orleans mood. Listening to them made me want to go back even though I was just there last summer and it's probably a million degrees already.

Talk and Dove

Molly O'Donnell — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 18:51:59 GMT

Hey kiddies…how was everyone’s weekend? A pretty one by Saturday afternoon. Friday night I spent time with Baltimanda making delicious cupcakes (or watching her mess up her kitchen big time). Saturday was jammed packed. Even though I dumped on the Charles Village Festival, I dropped in. I mean, it’s right in the neighborhood. We then made handmade coasters for Roxy and Peter’s housewarming. Their house is very cool, and I counted like 20 people on their back porch at one time. Guess we’re lucky it didn’t cave in.

After the Q, we headed to Rufustival and caught Chairlift. Their set was pretty mellow, but they have a lot of charisma. Wye Oak followed with their always spot on performance. Every time I hear them play, I hear someone marvel about how young they are. That’s when you know how good you are, I guess. Anyhow, perfect day for an outdoor festival and all present seemed to be enjoying the dog-centric music festival.

Shortly after that we headed to 9:30 Club. It was as I smelled the magnificent smells of summer out the car window like a dog that I realized that I might be getting drunk. I was, in fact, sealing the deal when we got to the 9:30 Club by having vodka. So despite the Doves show being quite wonderful and having a long and interesting conversation with a group of music nerds, I was falling asleep and didn’t make it to the encore if there was one. The highlight of the night was hearing “Black and White Town” with the depressing Manchester video projected large behind them.

Sunday was so pretty. All I wanted to do was swim, but alas, it was not in the cards for me.

Fest Fugue

Molly O'Donnell — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 16:49:21 GMT

Well, I survived the Stoop Storytelling, but it wasn't easy. People were really good.

This weekend's going to involve a lot of tough decisions. There's too much going on. Thursday is of the First variety in Mount Vernon. Friday's pick would be Jason Dove's Vacation Face at the Ottobar with June Star and Impossible Hair.

Dudefest at the Creative Alliance is my new pick for Saturday since I haven't been blessed with admission to Rufustival (feat. A Place to Bury Strangers, Chairlift, The Dirty Projectors, Wye Oak, Ecstatic Sunshine, The Sky Drops, Eureka Birds, The Water, Baby Aspirin). I do like the idea of a costume contest that involves both Vikings and disheveled men in robes bowling on a Wii.

Also, Saturday will be host to the Charles Village Fest and Starscape. Wait, I forgot I don't care about those events. So unless I fall suddenly into a drug fugue, I'll likely be at Roxy and Peter's house warming, followed by at trip to the 9:30 Club to see the Doves.

She stoops to conquer

Molly O'Donnell — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 12:13:32 GMT

Oh no, it’s actually tomorrow (June 1) that I have to give a Stoop story (which Booze and Old Bay's Mike and Baltimanda tell me is not a big deal ;P), but first I must go to VA for my Dad’s retirement party. If my nerves and my car hold out, I’ll buy us all a drink, phew.

How was everyone’s weekend? Aside from moving spaz in and getting over not being in the Bahamas, mine wasn’t too shabby.

Anyone hit Taxlo or Caleb Stine on Saturday at Sonar/Talking Head? Stine and his Brakemen (which begs the question: On a real train, do you need more than one?) will be playing their usual gig at the Stoop event I’m doing as well.

Nothing to do today? Hit Velocipede’s Sunday Shop. I’ve never been but have donated two whole bikes that could be unrecognizable if you pick one of them up and trick it out to make it yours. Doing stuff with you hands….I’ll do it tomorrow.

There’s an open mic night at the Ottobar this Wednesday. Finally a reason to do all that blow in the green room.

P.S. Since I had such an overwhelming response (three people, lol) to my last quiz…tell me what two things the title of this post refers to.

Festivities Fly

Molly O'Donnell — Thu, 28 May 2009 04:19:43 GMT

My teeth are starting to chatter because I’m supposed to do a Stoop Story on June 1st to a sold out crowd at Centerstage. Iz scared…advice? Please halp. Picturing people naked who I have no desire to sleep with inspires a gag reflex, sorry.

Let’s focus back on you then. Rufustival is coming up at the Metro (June 6th), and I still don’t know if I’m going, meh. Chairlift me, please. I’m whining again, aren’t I? Competing with Rufustival is Dudefest at the Creative Alliance. What beats the Big Lebowski? Chairlift? Maybe not.

This Saturday, however, is a good show at the Ottobar with the Supersuckers, Desert Boys, the Expotentials, Chaser and The Headshakes.

Also, Nikki will be doing trapeze at the Club Charles again…yippee.

Anything I’m not privy to as I’ve been awayfordshire? Do tell…

Memento vita

Molly O'Donnell — Sun, 24 May 2009 04:40:18 GMT

Ponytail, featuring short Molly will be at the Ottobar with someone named DJ Dog Dick (wow) this Monday night. Plus it’s Sowebo Fest today (Sunday). They have a great vegan bakery (Sweet Tooth) and pizza joint (Zella’s) in Hollins Market if you’re going to be down that way anyhow…may as well hit it up and carb load. You know you’ll have the munchies after what you’ll be doing down there, don’t lie. Okay, so if it’s buying art and walking around, I owe you a slice.

It’s Memorial Day weekend people. Let's try to remember...living, a whole extra day to be naughty for some of you. If you’re in town, you better be at a BBQ or getting wasted, preferably both. Anyone have a great barbeque story? Please tell me, I love stories.

Rough and tumble

Molly O'Donnell — Thu, 21 May 2009 05:03:19 GMT

Does anyone care that Coldplay’s at Nissan Pavilion tonight? That was a test, and if you answer “wtf?” You passed. If you answered, “really?” I will tryyyy to fix you… and probably not succeed. Instead check out the pre-Deathfest set tonight at Sonar with Pulling Teeth among others. The real thing’s happening this weekend. Seriously, be on the lookout for the guy from the Mountain Goats. Surprisingly he comes every year. Total wolf in sheep’s clothing.

Double Dagger’s playing this Friday at the H&H. It’s a record release, you down? I’d be there provided I weren’t not there (awk.). I’m still in paradise getting a third-degree sunburn, ouch. Keep me up to date on things I missed, please.

Saturday the Charm City Roller Girls and their regular teams hit the arena (DuBurns) to give the fans a rise. So check it out if you’ve never been. Game 1’s pretty intense usually because it’s still anyone’s season.

This mug travels

Molly O'Donnell — Sun, 17 May 2009 05:09:07 GMT

Ahhhh, in just a few short days I’ll be joining my favorite travel mug (pictured) in paradise at Compass Point, Nassau in the Bahamas. Don’t be jealous, I haven’t gone on vacation since the Dead were touring. Plus, there’s the fact that it’s for Kim’s wedding…

Cool things that happened to me this weekend: didn’t die trying to get everything done at the last minute per my usual, survived (eek) tanning bed, and am unharmed by the touch of both graduates and unborn fetuses…She-Ra!!!

Celebrity Bartending by Duff from Ace of Cakes at Parkside goes off without a hitch. How much loot was raised? Will get back to you on that one;)

The Ting Tings are like a broken pop record, but for some reason appealing…anyone see them tonight (Sunday) at Bonar? (That’s not a misspelling.) Heard Big in Japan show went well, despite playing with We Read Minds. If only they really could.

Crab vs. Horse

Molly O'Donnell — Thu, 14 May 2009 02:42:58 GMT

Weirdest thing you can do today (Thursday): The Preakness Celebrity Crab Derby at Lexington Market…famous people and their crabs racing, not famous crabs. The term "famous" is used loosely here people: think locally like produce. The winner takes a prize of $500 for charity.

Skip that unless you’re a bit touched and hit the first ever no-fun Preakness on Saturday, with buy your own booze. If you’re lucky no horses will die, but if they do, you’ll likely be too sober to not be horrified. (Wait, was that the good news?)

Or chuck the whole Baltimore theme and go drink wine in the woods in Columbia…most fun you’ll ever have in Columbia (I should know, I lived there).

But if I were in the mood for music Saturday, I’d check out Big in Japan at Fletcher’s or Wye Oak’s CD release party at the Metro.

I’ve got some baby showers and graduation parties to go to…need I say more about how lackluster this weekend could be?

Bad hair day

Molly O'Donnell — Tue, 12 May 2009 19:21:06 GMT

Just want to let you know that one our fave bands is back from their European tour and doing a follow up tomorrow (Wednesday) at the Metro Gallery. They'll also be at the Velvet Lounge on Saturday with the Great Nostalgia (from Austin, TX) and Left Channels (here;). Check out some of their travel highlights. And you thought your hair was bad...

Also, the Thermals are doing their anthem fun rock at the Black Cat tomorrow if you need to drive 30 mins to rock all week long...

Sun shining in Baltimore again

Molly O'Donnell — Mon, 11 May 2009 12:18:28 GMT

Finally Noah unpacked all the world’s animals…goddamn sun, almost forgot what it looked like. As a result of the unexpectedly nice weather, I only saw one film at the Maryland Film Fest on Friday night: Punching the Clown. Fortunately I made the right call because it was a hilarious movie about the rise and fall of a satirical folk singer. The hero of the movie was there to field questions from the audience such as, “Is Charlie Chaplin your inspiration?” and “Do you have any black friends?” Unsurprisingly, the host thanked the Baltimore Film Fest…funny, but it really is just Baltimore when you think about it.

Thursday night I went to two art openings. The first at Dougherty’s was really cool, 3D paper cutouts of phone and power cables, towers and construction cranes. I bought one because they’re cheap and so unique. Check it out if you’re near Dougherty’s soon. I also learned from the artist that there’s some kind of freaky social club that’s members only on Hamilton (14 West), so go peep in their window if you’re ever bored in Mount Vernon.

More weekend highlights: Went to the library and there was a giant game of chess going on (the board, not like a tournament, lol). Stopped by the Squidfire Art Mart and got me a very nice necklace from the discount bin. Also had a few pictures taken of my tattoo by vendors (strange).

Afterward I threw a bachelorette party for a friend whose wedding is going to send me to the Bahamas for a whole week. Thank you, Kim. We went to Mustang Alley’s, which is overpriced but nice (apart from the country music, gag). Afterward we toured the various bars of Fells Point where the tradition of cover bands is thriving. Seriously there’s like a cover band in each bar, and they all seem to only know songs from 1998 back.

Sunday people seemed to be out in droves…Pow Wow, Part 2 was going on…ugh;) Anyone get tickets to Animal Collective at the Ottobar? Sold out in like five secs flat a few months ago, but I must know someone who was able to get in, right?

Jed is excitement, ooh yeah

Molly O'Donnell — Thu, 07 May 2009 14:15:35 GMT

When will it stop raining? There’s a reason I don’t live in Portland: hippies…haha.

Tonight (Thursday) Chuck Palahniuk (author of Fight Club) will be at the Enoch Pratt (the first rule of the library is: Don't forget to return your books) talking about his shit. He’s got to be cool, right? I mean, who didn’t like that movie?

Um, so if you’re thinking to yourself, “I just don’t have any tiny T’s with funny looking cutesy animals on them,” check out the Squidfire Art Market Saturday in Mount Vernon.

MFF all weekend, plus Videopolis at the Metro in the hood of the Charles Theatre to compete.

Sunday is Mama’s Day, so say something nice to the old bag. She put you on this planet, no? If you think that’s a good reason not to call her, check out the Parkside Sunday evening (beg. 6 p.m.) to see Duff from Ace of Cakes guest bartend and help out the fight against MS at their fundraiser.

P.S. I will personally buy you a drink if you can tell me the two things my title for this post alludes to, go...(Baltimanda is excluded from playing.)

Decisions, collisions

Molly O'Donnell — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 15:07:38 GMT

Ooh, see Souvenir with you tonight at Centerstage? Thanks, Amanda! Someone told me it was “okay,” which sounds better than I could do.

Friday’s the Flower Mart in Mt. Vernon. I’m not mentioning this for any other reason than I get stuck in traffic every year and think, “damn, wish someone had told me about this again,” so there you go.

Hard to believe the Kinetic Sculpture Race from AVAM is still running (do they do repair on those weird ass floats or what?). Then again, I bet the Mardi Gras ones take a worse beating and are still pushed along year after year. Anyhow, that mess is happening Saturday if you’ve never seen it or are just bored to tears. I think I’m obligated to ride in a bike romp through Hampden that day unless it’s raining. Years ago I wrote a piece on the city’s murals and got to see parts of town on a bike they usually only film for The Wire. But I must say, getting on a bike is a good way to see things you normally don’t, even if you’ve lived here since the dawn of man. It’s also sometimes a nice way to get killed, so watch out.

If you missed out on buying Dinosaur Jr. tickets from the Ottobar on Saturday, you’re not the only one…yeah, you’re not old because that’s your idea of a happening Saturday night. Also Saturday, Gunwife Gone will be putting out (a new CD) and playing at the Windup. Rachel can wail, not coo like Lou Barlow, though, you know?

For some reason Sunday seems to be the day this weekend when choices will need to be made: Pow wow? Found Magazine at Atomic? First day of the downtown Farmers' Market? Okay so that last one was a trick to see if you were still reading…bye-bye/

Cleanin' up your act

Molly O'Donnell — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 16:08:25 GMT

Kids, summer is upon us in all her sweaty, tomato-making glory. After a near sunburn in April, I say, bring it on. I’m ready to enter the belly of the beast. The perfect welcome to that horror is drinking in a parking lot on North Ave. I made it out (after Fri-Sat illness) at like 10 on Saturday to see Big in Japan and wander around the remains of the Station North Arts Spring Festival. Apparently some were chased away by the evening thunderstorm, but as luck and laziness would have it, I made it out after and escaped the damp, though not the general feeling of ennui. There’s something about catching the tail end of an all-day drinking and music festival. You’re all bushy-tailed and everyone else is bleary-eyed, sunburned and, well, drunk. They can’t smell the body odor and vomit. Let’s just say, it was probably more fun than I would have had at home, though. It was nice to be outside, chatting and listening to some music that was pretty on target for the mood—mostly chill.

Station North Arts seems to be blowing up now with no thanks to me: A new book store called Cyclops on the corner of Maryland and North Ave., a new Mexican restaurant across the street from Joe's on the way, etc. I’m a little jealous that I wasn’t more adventurous when offered a space, but I guess I’m more equipped to comment than jump.

After my car completely died on Friday, I hitched a ride with spaz to my friend’s party of cleaning up the stream at Patapsco. That would’ve all worked out really well, had spaz’s car not died as well. C’est la vie. We made it eventually. Weird things I found in the woods that make me think people are horrible: Tennis shoes, tires, AC units, bottles…loads of bottles. Don’t litter people, or I’ll bring it to your house, or your litter could come back to haunt you like this.

Did anyone go to the bike fest at Dru Hill or a really awesome show like maybe the last Secret Crush Society Rock for the Feast fundraiser at the Metro? Do tell…

Spring fever

Molly O'Donnell — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 15:08:52 GMT

Someone told me that it’s supposed to get up to like the 80s this weekend. After all the rain, I suppose this means people will be outside tossing Frisbees and generally grinning dully. There’s a bike festival (education and awareness, yawn) at Druid Hill Park on Saturday. If nothing else, it’s a nice park for biking. There’s also an outdoor festival at Joe Squared, Metro Gallery, Zodiac, Windup Space, Westnorth Studios and the Hexagon called the, you guessed it, Station North Arts Spring Music Festival…Big in Japan is playing.

Across the street from there on the same day (next door to the Windup) some students from MICA are putting on a fashion show of the experimental variety. Should be some crazy shit, def. not prêt-a-porter. But the fashion show next Friday (May 1st) at Centerstage is supposedly ready to wear, despite saying it’s inspired by the recession. I picture skinny models plastered in Monopoly money.

Back to this weekend, I’m thinking if hanging outside is going to make you too sleepy to see Manchester Orchestra at the Ottobar on Saturday, stay indoors. They’re fun and despite not being very sexy, make sexy music, puuuur.

Missing something...

Molly O'Donnell — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 14:47:52 GMT

Sadly, I missed out on the music this weekend, even the pie shop outdoor fest with the Desert Boys, meh. I did see the aftermath of bikers flooding Rocket to Venus Saturday night. Eleikus, any insights from the Friday show? Did it live up to your ever-present enthusiasm?

Friday I went duckpin bowling with a big crowd of hooligans. I would've maybe come close to winning if Cris didn't turn out to be some sort of bowling genius. Ringers, hate ringers.

I spent the better part of my weekend driving around to wedding showers and conferences and such and forgetting crap and having to turn around/buy new clothes. I also missed the Gutter and Style Mags party Thursday (sadface).

Other than that, it was good to see some friends in town from NY and enjoy the amazingly summer-like weather. Get your sweaty, sweaty attitude ready. Methinks this summer in Mobtown's going to be gross.

How are you celebrating 4/20? No, I'm not a pot head, but I love that pot heads still think this date is a good excuse to toke. If you want to wait a bit, Powwow is coming up. I spent a whole night there one year just staring at the fire dancers....okay, so maybe someone fed me something they shouldn’t have. Maybe it's time to revisit it this year...then again, maybe not. Any opinions on Powwow? Either way the film fest, she’s coming...

Argh, what about water day?

Molly O'Donnell — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 12:42:10 GMT

Spring fever is upon us and the number of things coming up is making my little head spin. Tonight (Thursday), I’m headed to the blogger happy hour at the Metro, which is being put on by Gutter and Style Magazines. Gutter? Yes, that’s what I’ll be bowling into at a certain fave spaz’s birthday celebration Friday. For those of you less square: I recommend going to see the Charm City Roller Girls at Du Burns Arena Saturday. I mean, they’re playing two different out-of-state teams. The Gotham Girls from the NYC are sure to start a blood bath as they’re, how do you say, really, really, good. No offense, my Charm City sistahs.

Also Saturday, Fells Point’s version of Ren Fest: Privateer Day, it’s a pirate-themed street festival. Given the ill-timed actual pirate standoff with the Alabama, I suggest picketing. But really, why is it only very obese people are possessed to dress up like pirates and wenches from days of yore, eh? Anyhow, check it out if you’re in the “argh” state of mind and this rain lets up.

Remember Dave Attell? Apparently he’s going to be in Mobtown at Rams Head Live. I wouldn’t go, though. When he brought his show to Baltimore, all he did was make fun of some silly ghost chasers by tagging along with them. That’s not us, Dave, so forget you…esp. with these pricey tickets. Instead, get all literary at the CityLit Festival at the Enoch Pratt. It’s free and probably more interesting. Plus, everyone needs to join the UU in their misperception that Baltimore is still the city that reads.

EcoFest is happening again this year at Dru Hill. It’s hella lame unless they’ve improved it significantly. I know, Earth Day, but jeez…what about the Earth Day Bicycle Scavenger Hunt on Sunday presented by Rocket to Venus…boys in skinny jeans on bikes looking for stuff in the name of saving the environment? Where do I sign up?

Thug bunny

Molly O'Donnell — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 18:44:56 GMT

Hello my chickadees...don't even bother correcting my spelling of that word because I'm positive it's not in the OED. This weekend was a fine one for the bunnies, etc. Friday I camped out by the fire in my friends Larakay and Justin's backyard for a low-key, post-spring-cleaning night.

I got a special treat on Saturday, seeing my first ever Baltimore Blast game. Much less fruity than I would've thought. Those guys are true soccer hooligans. With several injuries and fights during the game, the finale was a full on fist fight between several members of each team (they played the Rampage from somewhere near Chicago). Several security guards or policemen thrust themselves onto the field at game's end to control the thug action from the players. The whole experience was pretty surreal, especially since I didn't know we were about to see the championship game that night. Apparently the Blast is pretty good because they were the champions every year for like the past 10 years, with the exception of 2004. I wouldn't bring 2004 up to them or you're libel to get knifed. In case you were wondering, people do that annoying "O" part of the "Star Spangled Banner" even at soccer games in Mobtown.

Anyone been to an O's game yet this season? They seem to be doing well, so you might want to go soon before that whole scenario changes. Naysayer, I know.

Hooligans aside, the bunny brought me jack as usual, but I'm not complaining; I love whiskey.

This week The Faint are coming to Sonar, so if you're brave and like to dance, get your ass over there. Thursday, Gutter and Style magazines are hosting a blogger happy hour at the Metro, so I guess you know where I'll be. Feel free to come by and buy me a drink, wink-wink.

Some version of Hair's playing at MICA on Wednesday (and other days) if you think seeing naked hipsters (not sure if they'll actually get naked, but they're cowards if not, haha) sounds like a riveting way to spend a night. But honestly I think The Faint wins that hump day, no?

Ooh, more bands announced for Rufustival. Watch funny video!!!

Talk to you sports fans later this week, mwah.

This partying's for a good cause

Molly O'Donnell — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 13:24:31 GMT

Transmodern Fest highlight according to resident observer Michel: “Love Parade on Sunday was the best actually.” Having been privy to the whole festival, I’ll take his word for it. Big ups to Eddie for the cool picture of one of the many interesting installations…see more on my bare and unrelated-to-events blog. (Cause I know you just can’t get enough of me, right?)

Tickets go on sale for Rufustival this Friday, which will take place on June 6th. Named for owner of the Metro Gallery’s dog, part of the proceeds of the show will benefit BARCS. It will take place in the outdoor lot two doors down from the Metro. Why would I tell you about this now? Check out the line up for God’s sake---A Place to Bury Strangers (saw them not too far back…very listenable), the Dirty Projectors (fresh off their David Byrne collaboration), Chairlift (doesn’t get anymore pop-infectious), and Wye Oak (yeah) among other yet-unnamed acts. I’m not one for buying tickets in advance (with the notable exception of an August Elbow show coming up), but this seems like a no-brainer.

There’s a Gimme Shelter Benefit going on this Friday at the 2640 Space. Proceeds will benefit the Hearts Place Shelter, and the show will feature the music of Jasaga and some poetry readers. They’re also accepting donations for the shelter at the event if you want to swing by and drop off some clothes for the homeless.

Hopkins Film Fest is also this weekend to get us primed for the upcoming Maryland Film Fest.

Saturday I’m headed to see the Blast, so suck it Chelsea-AC Milan match (July 24th at M&T Bank Stadium). I’m proving that I don’t know the difference, haha.

Um, as I'm not a chocolate or a religious rabbit/person, I forgot it's Easter this Sunday...I'm pretending I remembered and telling you to get out there and party for a cause (see above) in lieu of church.

Wigging out modern style

Molly O'Donnell — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 12:55:31 GMT

Did anyone go to the Transmodern Festival this weekend? I’m supposed to be getting some reports and photos from people who were there, which I’ll share if they actually materialize. I missed it entirely and opted to have a low-key Friday and see the show at the G-Spot on Saturday night.

Saturday’s show was kind of a mixed bag. When I got there Title Tracks was playing. They were fun, some of their songs reminded me of Ryan Adams and some reminded me of ’60s pop in the vein of Elvis Costello. So, their set seemed pretty diverse, but it was strange that every song reminded me of another one I’d heard before. Probably just me being a dumbass. Maybe I’ve seen them play a ton, but if so, I don’t remember. By this point, I’d already missed Romania and Baby Aspirin. Warning Track Power came on next for their miniset. They had more people onstage than an Arrested Development show (for the very young, I’m not talking about the tv show, k?). Anyhow Warning Track Power played a fun, sing-along set that included their Orioles song and “Put Me in Coach.” Coincidentally one of them served Cal Ripken dinner in Hunt Valley that very night. Didn’t have any CDs on him, though. Ripken was apparently eating dinner with O’Malley, so it could’ve been good exposure, or potentially just an embarrassing way to lose your job, depending on the reaction.

Impossible Hair played last as it was their CD release party. Joe wore a wig; no one else did. I’m not sure why, but it was funny in a very quirky way. They sort of thumbed their noses at requests for an encore but playing like 30 seconds of loud punk that was pretty much just them fucking around and telling us to go home.

After the show I foolishly decided to go to Rocket to Venus with everyone and continue to drink my face off. I think they were having septic problems there or something because despite the fact that the kitchen was closed, it smelled like rotten cabbage or garbage. Other than that it was good company. My only regret is that I consumed too much and quickly forgot the 10 or so conversations I had. Hopefully I didn’t say anything horrible.

Sunday, I went to the Museum of Industry. I’ve never been there during the day for like a non-party event. It’s pretty cool, actually.

What’s on the agenda for this week, my pretties? Anything fabulous? Talk at you soon.

Trans trends

Molly O'Donnell — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 13:39:27 GMT

It's almost the weekend again, so back away from the sharpened razor. Anyone remember the hipster Olympics? (See YouTube.) The guy was supposed to be picking an ironic t-shirt and picked up one that said: I live for the weekend. The judges disqualified him because they said he really did. Anyhow...not sure where I was going with that except to say that if I were you, this is what I would do with my weekend.

Dodgers, Small Sur and Thirteen Falls will be playing Golden West tonight (Thursday) if you’re feeling Hampden- and/or folk-esque.

I heard MTV will be recording at the Transmodern Festival on Saturday at the H&H. Weird. MTV or not the Transmodern Festival is four days long (April 2-5) and includes all kinds of performance, installation art, sound and film. Artists include Reina Williams, Lauren Bender, Dan Deacon, Kathyrn Williamson, Melissa Webb, Ami Dang, Emily C-D, Smelling Salt Amusements and more.

Also Saturday the Vivan Girls will be warming up the Ottobar (though headliner is Haunted Graffiti, VG is worth seeing) with the Flying Eyes, Deep Sleep and Head Home. The G-Spot will play host to Impossible Hair (CD release) and Baby Aspirin among other decent acts on Saturday as well. Plus, a bunch of people (Tim Kabara of various musical outfits & Metromix’s Mark Gross, par example) are getting old and for some reason celebrating it, jk, happy birthday!

Something fun that doesn’t involve drinking unless you want it to: “Alphabet: An Exhibition of Hand-Drawn Lettering & Experimental Typography” is returning to Baltimore in April. Alphabet will be on display at the Current Gallery from April 3rd-26th.

Friends in wet places

Molly O'Donnell — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 12:12:52 GMT

It was a nice weekend for music if I do say so myself. One music lover commented that Friday had Baltimore scensters caught in an existential crisis: See Arbouretum at the Zodiac or the two bands in from Brooklyn (Deertick and Phosphorescent) at the G-Spot? I opted for the latter show and had a decent time, though there were a few too many beards there for my liking. And occasionally the sincerity of the songs bit into my darker sensibilities. At one point, I observed that the percussion for a Deertick song consisted of a drumstick and a beer bottle. A friend noted that it was okay because he made a domestic sound like an import. The one complaint I have about the G-Spot is they need to get some better lighting up in that piece. Seeing the musicians is like looking through a terrarium...in other words, not easy.

Saturday, I got all touristy and thanks to my friend got to see the Aquarium for free. It's some fish and shit. But if you haven't been in a while, it's pretty cool. (Don't miss Calypso, the three-footed giant sea turtle in the ray tray.) In the Australia exhibit, the birds fly free, so at one point I ended up dropping my camera and running for cover as a low-flying winged beast nearly took my head off. Okay, maybe I was just being a chicken. The thing ended up being about the size of a finch.

Going to the Aquarium with a staff member is fun because they tell you about all the not-good-for-PR stories. For instance, apparently a spitting fish once jumped out of the tank. When some idiot visitors tried to pick him up to put him back in the exhibit, they practically cut their hands off on his gill guards or whatever, bleeding all over the floor and spreading hephep.

After a few hours of work Saturday night, I caught a late last-minute show at the Charles: Sunshine Cleaning needs a touch up....yawn. Hit the Club Chuck for a few before homefordshire. Sunday I was very pleased that Roman (who's about to take his band Impossible Hair on tour, and you can see them next Sat. at the G-Spot before they set sail for Europe; although, I'm sure they're flying and not sailing)....wow, that was a long aside, sorry...what was I talking about? Right, I'm getting to go to the Jack Daniels free show at the Recher with the Hold Steady and J. Roddy. Sunday is turning out to be the best night for music. Unfortunately, it means I have to miss Middle Distance Runner at the Metro, but I'm sure they understand, i.e., don't care.

How was everyone else's weekend? You have a show or event you want to tell me I'm a dumbass for having missed? Well, I'm all ears;) (Please note, my ears are normal sized, and any implication otherwise is pure fabrication.)

Hey, did anyone see this love from Gutter? Eye-bat, finally some non-hating...yeah!

Rainy day music

Molly O'Donnell — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 15:13:58 GMT

Well, this seems to be the weekend for music...Friday brings us the Jennifers to the Metro Gallery, who I enjoy, though not immensely, Asobi Seksu, Tyvek, and the Thrushes to the Ottobar for a mostly gossamer night, and Arbouretum at the Zodiac doing that thing we like. Friday at the Talking Head a woman whose name I can't recall has a band that's supposed to be pretty good and they're playing. She aligned my chi on Monday night at her yoga class and recommended the show. Normally I wouldn't take self-solicited recommendations, but she's a yogi for Christ’s sake. I don't think they're allowed to lie. I'd tell you the name of the band, but I honestly don't remember & what's in a name anyhow? See Shakespeare, etc. btw, I did scour the interwebs and since TH moved to Sonar, they're web presence sucks big, well, you know. I'm pretty sure since no one else is writing about this show it might be the show of the year, jk.

Saturday, the Egg Babies Orchestra is coming to the Ottobar, and the Squaaks are at the Metro Gallery. As it's rainy today, I'm going to go ahead and pretend I've read the weather for the weekend and claim it will rain all weekend to match my mood & live music will be our only solace.

Sunday, Middle Distance Runner will be playing the Metro as well, so see you on the other side of the weekend with bloody ears.

Duck, duck, puke

Molly O'Donnell — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 15:15:37 GMT

Oooh, spring has sprung. How was the week’s end, all? I spent a lot time in Towson this weekend (eww, the mall), which is pretty lame. Except Friday we went duckpin bowling at Hillendale, where you can BYOB, or in my case, BYOV (yum, vodka). My game started out strong, but by night’s end the vodka had taken the reigns, and my gutter balls were only staying in my lane by some miracle. Afterward, we stopped into the Club Charles for one drink before bar time shut us out.

John, a friend of mine, said the Future Islands and Double Dagger show at the Zodiac was a good one. For some reason Double Dagger went on third, causing a defection from part of the audience for the intrepid Future Islands who ended up headlining. However, apparently it remained pretty crowded.

Jess the Mess held her own in RA’s Maki Madness sushi eating competition on Sunday, where she was the only chick to pass the first round of eating. She’s a tough one. I surely would’ve projectile vomited. One girl asked if they had sickness bags before beginning. The guy who won the free sushi for a year prize was clearly a ringer. He finished his final six rolls before everyone even had a chance to get to Number 4. Total pro…

Now that spring’s here, I’m trying to figure out the best way to hurt myself in an outdoor adventure per my usual warm-weather foibles…I’m thinking bicycle + Druid Hill Park = head trauma. I’ll be bugging you later this week (not tomorrow, sorry;).