Preferred B

That New York lineup looks amazing. If Andy Richter were somehow a part of that one too, I'd probably be buying a plane ticket right now. Well, also, if there were any tickets left.

You've been here for years?

Yes! And what the heck song did they play that seemed to be about sex with an inflatable doll? Something about "ice for my scotch" on the setlist. By the way, the local music store here that was supposed to have the posters did indeed get them; just a day late.

The first time I saw the Decemberists, they were playing a small club called Luther's Blues. I had narrowly missed them the previous year at a coffee house called Catacombs. The next time they'd graduated to the Barrymore, and finally the last time they were here they played the Orphuem. And now they've finally graduated to skipping Madison altogether.

You are so right. It was a great toy, too. It used play-doh that smelled LIKE FLOWERS!!

I'm so sorry, Kat. My condolences to you and your family.

Oh, it's happened already. Well, kind of.

Especially Glenn's.

Happy birthday, man! I hope the boys give you something real nice.

Sounds like a really fun show! What's this about mustaches?

Yeah, did Jeff call up someone from the audience to explain it at this show? I've really enjoyed hearing your accounts of that.

Paul, I'm really sorry you didn't get to see the M's again, but the Autumn Defense is a pretty good substitute.

How's this for your "boring" setlist? Hell Is Chrome Handshake Drugs Muzzle of Bees new song-What Light> IATTBYH A Shot in the Arm Radio Cure new song-Let's Fight* Spiders (Kidsmoke) Jesus, etc. At Least That's What You Said The Late Greats Walken Theologians I'm The Man Who Loves You --------------------------------- Hummingbird Heavy Metal Drummer Airline to Heaven Forget the Flowers Kingpin --------------------------------- Ashes of American Flags War on War * -- first time played

Have a wonderful birthday, Judy! (one of those is for Miles to lick at later)

Frankly, I couldn't believe they didn't play Heavy Metal Drummer. On the landing? In the summer??

Gee, thanks! I had a good proof-reader.

IATTBYH War on War new song - Impossible Germany Handshake Drugs A Shot in the Arm Via Chicago new song - What Light The Late Greats At Least That's What You Said Jesus, Etc. Walken Theologians I'm the Man Who Loves You Misunderstood Hummingbird ---------------------- Airline to Heaven Hesitating Beauty Kingpin California Stars ---------------------- Spiders (Kidsmoke)

Possible new audience call-and-response?

Paul, only you could be "caught off guard" but still manage to present us with a thoughtful preliminary song description and a healthy dose of lyrics on one listen. Thanks for the report!

145. (I really don't know.) Last night was fun, and it truly was the best weather I've ever experienced at Summerfest.

Hi Eric! I will probably see you at Summerfest. Will you be loud and drunk too?

I'm pretty confident that a fair number of people in Duluth like Alan Sparhawk and the Black-Eyed Snakes.

Now this is one wish that probably has a good chance of being fulfilled. Thanks for the reviews. It's been too long since our last bbop missive. Bummer about Jeff's injuries, and they must be frustrating. Seersucker suit and moon boots, though ... could be a new fashion trend. I'm looking forward to Summerfest, and hearing whatever they decide to play. Maybe they'll debut a new song about Mars Cheese Castle there!

Didn't Paul claim he could eat his weight in caprese?

Thanks for these write-ups, Judy! Seeing Nels in his various guises is always a rewarding experience. (So is eating gelato.)