pnêyu

I'll do my best to represent. Thanks for the tip, lady. Edit: Dammit, I just realized it's the same day as the Strictly Bluegrass festival opening, featuring Elvis Costello. D'oh!

There were a couple of shirt designs at the show here, but I don't remember the details or the prices.

I was wondering when they'd get to this. Yay reissues!

I second what jhc said and want to add that Fillmore Street is buzzing with restaurants, cafes, pizzerias, taquerias, and so on. Just remember to go uphill, as you won't find much yummy eats the other way. (Panda Express = gag.) The Fillmore itself holds about 1,200 people. Unless you're way early, you probably won't be able to snag one of the tables in the balcony, but I prefer the floor myself. At some Fillmore shows (usually the ones that have sold out in a decent amount of time), they give out free posters after the gig, but they run out quickly, so don't linger too long after the house

"Protection," Massive Attack "Changeling," DJ Shadow "Cedar Room," Doves "I Think I'm in Love," Spiritualized "California One/Youth and Beauty Brigade," Decemberists "Marquee Moon," Television

D'oh, I'm late to this party (and can't make the other one), but happy birthday, Sam! Crab rangoons are on me next time.

Hit the books, mister! And have a great birthday while you're at it--maybe with a cupcake from Magnolia. Oh yeah, that's exactly what you need right now.

Let us make of the celebration with the meatballs of Sverige and lingonberry jam!

Which song? "It's Business Time"? "The Most Beautiful Girl"? That one about the park? By the way, sir, the Conchords are playing three shows in New York City: Sep 14 2006 8:00P Comix New York NY Sep 15 2006 8:00P Comix New York NY Sep 16 2006 8:00P Comix New York NY

I'd be very grateful to anyone who can send MP3s of these shows to a BT-impaired soul such as myself. (Thanks to Drew for the Hollywood show!)

Here you go: http://www.gregingber.com/embrionic.html The Tonic recordings are not only excellent quality, they're very representative of his shows from the last couple of years, including his new unreleased songs and his choice of covers. Of the older recordings, 12-17-99 has a special place in my heart, as it was my first Jon Brion show, but overall, it's just a fun, fun gig. Sincerely, JB phangirl #1, who happens to have a reservation for his show this Friday

Sam, I did the solo thing too and ended up having a wonderful time. You'll be quite young for the crowd, if the show here is any indication! Speaking of, the gig in SF was being audio- and videotaped (gotta love the Great American Music Hall), so hopefully some footage will surface at some point.

Yeah, did you "woo hoo" along to "Way Down Now" or "Ship of Fools"? See sig below.

You know, the influences are ridiculously obvious, but it's a fun listen.

I saw them a week ago in San Francisco--hot damn, great band, great show, GREAT TUNES! I had almost forgotten that Karl Wallinger is such an amazing songwriter. It was great to see his health has returned; you wouldn't have known he suffered any setbacks, judging by his onstage presence. I hope their next hiatus doesn't last as long. I was going to suggest you catch the opener Elvis Perkins, but I see the Australian legend Paul Kelly is opening instead. He's definitely worth checking out too.

Elvis Perkins - Ash Wednesday Not crazy about it as I had hoped to be, but it has its charms, and "Ash Wednesday" is still staggering in its beauty.

On vinyl:

This is now 9/12, and tix go on sale this Sunday. So Portland, I guess this means you're officially screwed.

To my own customized importer! Here's to many more transatlantic mailings!

I hate it when you talk like Yoda.

August 23, 2006 The Beacon Theater New York, NY Jon Stewart Sufjan Stevens David Byrne Dave Eggers Sarah Vowell John Roderick (of The Long Winters) Host: John Hodgman http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/00003CEB9D456336 August 24, 2006 Park West Chicago, IL Ben Gibbard Dave Eggers ZZ Packer John Roderick (of The Long Winters) Host: Ira Glass http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/04003CF4D5A643D1 August 26, 2006 Royce Hall Los Angeles, CA Jenny Lewis Aimee Mann Dave Eggers Sarah Vowell The Mountain Goats Host: Andy Richter http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/0B003CFA91623F68 August 28, 2006 Pala

Thanks, Rich!

Can you tell us more about this "Kingpin" track? Is there a customary procedure or treatment that goes along with it? I'm all ears!