Southpaw Jones

CRUELTY is now available!
Order the CD now at southpawjones.com.
Purchase MP3s at cdbaby.com or .
Grab a copy in real time at Waterloo Records, End of an Ear, or Bookpeople in Austin.
Or buy one from me any Thursday at Flipnotics @ the Triangle.

We’re going to see Jonathan Richman tonight. He is a one-of-a-kind performer and songwriter, just a big ol’ treat for anyone open to the fun and freedom of music. This is my fourth or fifth show, and I drop everything to see Jonathan every time he comes to town. I forced Maggie to see him with me in February of 2007, and here’s what I said back then:

Speaking of fun, I caught Jonathan Richman live at the Cactus Café last night, and as always, I’m so glad I did. I took my girlfriend Maggie, who was completely uninitiated. I was so glad to be able to share it with her and jealous that she was about to see the show for the very first time.

I was in college when my friend and bass player Scotty-Scott convinced me to go with him to a Jonathan Richman show at the Bluebird Café in Nashville. We had already played a show that night, and I wasn’t exactly enthusiastic about seeing someone else play. But of course, my life and my music were forever changed by this man-child, this spectacle, this road warrior, this Modern Lover.

I’m struggling this morning to describe what a Jonathan Richman show is like. Objectively, it’s one man with a classical guitar and mainstay Tommy Larkins on drums. Doesn’t sound that fun, does it? But Mr. Richman personifies the difference between playing music and performing music. He “plays” life on stage and off. He is alert, open, and free, and intentionally or not, he makes you feel guilty for all the times you sleep-walk through life and music.

His words and music are brilliantly simple:
“He gave us the wine to taste, not to discuss.”
“My baby loves, loves, loves me now, even more than I pray for.”
“When it’s Springtime in New York.”
“Is it her you want to give attention to, or is it you?”

I find it rebellious in this day and age to so plainly tell it like it is without preach or pretense. In that respect, Richman is a no-nonsense punk musician who happens to enjoy doo-wop, calypso, Spanish guitar, Leonard Cohen, and The Velvet Underground.

He sings in English, French, Italian, and Spanish. Whatever he feels like. He creates the feel of street performance on stage. No guitar cord. No guitar strap. Just microphones capturing two people playing music. He dances when he feels like it. He explains lyrics when he feels like it. He does not take requests. He tries to avoid excessive encores. He makes intense eye contact with audience members. His mouth hangs agape when he isn’t singing. His songs are great, but his recordings will never live up to the live experience.

I could type all day about this man. I feel guilty that I did not tell ALL of my friends to go with us. Next time you have an opportunity, do not miss this show. Go with an open heart, and stretch your smile muscles before and after or you will be sore in the face.

Time to get excited!

as reported in The New York Times

October 1, 1908
NEUTRAL ZONE ESTABLISHED.
Canada and United States Now Have a “Buffer Strip” Along Boundary.

One clue whose answer consists of two rhyming words:

I sprained my wrist using one of those wire things to whip up some eggs. I guess there are dangers inherent in any tool, and I just wasn’t aware of the…

Highlight here for answer: [whisk risk]


Honest Products

My one, my one, my only love,
Hide, hide your face in a leaf,
And let the hot tear falling burn
The stupid heart that will not learn
The everywhere of grief.
George Barker

EVERY DANG THURSDAY
8:00 PM
Flipnotics at the Triangle
4600 Guadalupe
AUSTIN, TX
(512) 380-0097
www.flipnotics.com
________________________________________________________________

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2008
7:00 pm
Bettysport
916 A. West 12th St. 78703
AUSTIN, TX
Happy Hour for Austin Duathletes and Austin Runners Club.
www.bettysport.com
________________________________________________________________

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2008
9:00 PM (Doors open at 8.)
Matt the Electrician & Southpaw Jones
Anderson Fair
2007 Grant 77006
HOUSTON, TX
713.528.8576
www.andersonfair.com