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I saw her singing old Les Paul/Mary Ford tunes with Jon Brion at Largo a couple of Christmases ago, and she was ridiculously delightful--should be a fun combo.

I'm pretty sure the studio version you're referring to was recorded as part of a radio session for KFOG (a station here in SF).

...and who also happened to be Andy Richter's "kid sister," complete with braces and head gear, no less! BRILLIANT.

Although I can understand what might trigger the Arcade Fire comparisons, British Sea Power has indulged in epics since the first album, and if you want to be totally pedantic about it (and I guess I will), both groups can trace their influences to Ziggy-era Bowie. Ah well, it looks like I'm headed to Visalia next month. That's Eamon, actually.

OH MY GOD, tix to the Visalia show are $5! That's a sign, right?

This one is so fucking random that I might have to go. I wish I could make those LA shows. Hey, maybe...

We just stayed there, and it isn't fancy at all. It's an older hotel undergoing some renovations, and it was a fine crash pad for a night. If you're looking for supermodern amenities, you won't find them here, but it was a comfortable, centrally located room. We didn't drive, so I can't help you on parking, though.

Excuse the cliche, but it was about a jillion times better in real life.

I have a million concert posters (for Wilco and others), but only a handful are on the walls. Of that lot, this is the only Wilco selection (excuse the bad photo grabbed off eBay):

Seeing them in five days!

When it rains, it pours: They're playing in San Francisco, Bottom of the Hill as part of Noise Pop on March 1. Yippeeeeee!!!!

Ahhh, I saw some familiar faces making the snowy trek across the city. Hang in there! You've made it this far.

Wilcoworld also lists Cleveland and Upper Darby, PA for end of February. FEB-22 CLEVELAND, OH LAKEWOOD THEATRE FEB-23 UPPER DARBY, PA TOWER THEATRE

I take it Jonathan's voice is fully recovered? Glad to hear you had a blast--we'll talk about NorCal arrangements?

Happy birthday, Maudie! If you'd like to come over for a celebratory round of Lego Star Wars on the Wii, washed down by some pumpkin cheesecake cupcakes, just let me know. Much love to you!

Don't forget "Angst in My Pants!"

I'm pretty sure the minestrone spelled out "happy birthday." And I'm just as confident that Thomas, Jake, and Reese sent telepathic birthday wishes as well. Happy birthday!

My cousin's phone died last week while she stood in the rain to watch the USC-Cal game. I told her all the usual stuff about letting it dry out, but now certain keys won't respond. RIP, Samsung Blade (hello BlackBerry Curve).

PORK CHEEKS

My Daily Show and Colbert Report withdrawal is now verging on physical pain, but fortunately, Letterman's writers are keeping a goofy blog: http://lateshowwritersonstrike.com/

I believe Spoon is at the Metro in Chicago?

Oh my, you're missing out big time.

Yes and yes. I went to the late show, but I'm backlogged on posting my photos and gig report. The band could've easily barrelled through just the album, but they played a bunch of older tracks, including some very rarely heard songs. Elvis was in great spirits, and the compassion between the players was genuine and palpable. It was the best $100 I've ever spent on a show.

I'm told the case is now closed So I can come to my senses But when the question is posed I'll have this meager defense I was hoping that you'd know better than that I was hoping but you're an amateur I was hoping that you'd know better But I've been wrong before Despite conclusions I drew There was a chance you'd surprise me And you'd be better than you 'Cause I'd have left otherwise I was hoping that you'd know better than that I was hoping but you're an amateur I was hoping that you'd know better But I've been wrong before So I wasn't thinking clearly So you didn't think at all I though

Woot! Fellow Scorpios! Thanks for all your great work on the indispensable site. Have a great day!