Solid State

So I was all set to write about the revelation that is Bill Mullins and Clark Russell's revived rock outfit Blowtorch. I caught them at Speaking Volumes over the weekend and holy hell, I might just have a new local favorite. But it's honestly just been one of those days — one of those weeks, really, given Pats QB Tom Brady's season-ending knee-injury . . . sigh. It's been the kind of frustrating, cold and dreary day when I really just need the mental equivalent of comfort food. And then this video appeared on my Facebook page. There is a God.

It's been one of those mornings, Solid State.

First, I woke up with the key change part of Meatloaf's "I Would Do Anything For Love" inexplicably stuck in my head — does that song even change keys? In my head it does. And it's epic. And bad. Really, really bad.

Then, walking my beloved sidekick Buckley through Battery Park on our daily constitutional, I stepped in a giant pile of dog poo — at least, I hope it was dog. Uggh.

But the kicker happened at the gas station. Waiting at the counter for my debit card to clear, I glanced down at today's cover of the Freeps which features a big shot of Republican VP candidate — and vaguely school-marmishly hot — Sarah Palin. "She gave a great speech last night," said the cashier, nodding to the paper.

"It was OK," I replied. Out of morbid curiosity, I actually did watch most of her speech. Palin is a mildy engaging speaker. And pandering, right-wing bumper-sticker rhetoric sounds deceivingly wholesome coming from the mouth of a self-described "hockey mom." "She kind of reminds me of Frances McDormand's character from Fargo," I quipped.

"Huh?"

"Fargo. The Coen Brothers mov . . . nevermind." I guess the Simon's clerk isn't a fan.

"Well, she's a hell of a lot better than that big phony," he said.

"Obama?" I replied, smirking. He nodded. "Well, I guess I'm inclined to disagree," I said, hoping the conversation might end there. On numerous mornings, I've stood in line waiting to pay for coffee or a Vitamin Water while the middle-aged register jockey has espoused his opinions on myriad topics, from the the global warming "myth" to the appalling "pussyness" of wanting to actually sit down and talk with potential enemies. Without fail, he always adds that he's informed because, and I quote, "I read the Internet." Oh, boy.

"How can you disagree?" He was flabbergasted, his voice rising in volume and pitch. Now I really didn't want to get into it. There's nothing worse than arguing politics with an impassioned stranger.

"I just do," I said, feigning a smile and trying to make my way towards the door.

"Well, you know he hates white people, right?"

Oh. My. God. My jaw dropped. Whatever shred of inner monologue I had prior to my morning coffee evaporated. "That's just garbage," I blurted. Oh, shit. Now I've done it.

"What? What? You don't have a clue, buddy," he sputtered, clearly growing angry.

"His mother is white, dude," I retorted. "His VP is white . . . he is half-white."

"You don't have a clue, buddy," he spat back. "You need to read."

Now I was pissed. "Read?" I guffawed. "Read what? The Free Press?" Gesturing toward the rack of skin mags, "Maybe Juggs? 50-Plus? . . . the Internet?" Admittedly, low blows all. Like I said, I was un-caffeinated.

"Not a clue, buddy."

This was not a winnable battle. "Have a good one, pal," I said as I left the store shaking my head. Or maybe looking for a clue.

Some days . . .

I haven't felt moved to post here on Solid State in a while, but today I have news that is definitely worthy of your time.

Tomorrow morning, Thursday, New Kids on the Block will be performing on the Today show.

I love spending my mornings with Matt Lauer. I know, very un-Vermont of me, but don't worry, I can still hear VPR from my neighbor's radio upstairs. Anyway. I was midway through brushing my teeth when I heard the news that NKOTB would be gracing the plaza this Thursday, and am sad to admit that I made a mental note to be home from the gym in time to catch it.

I mean, come on! New Kids on the Block!

Unfortunately the comeback strikes me more sad than it does epic. As is demonstrated perfectly in the group's first music video since its rebirth. Seriously, check it out.

I can't embed it here... as embedding has been disabled by request of Universal Music Group. Dicks.

BUT you can check it out here.

And of course, you can catch it all live tomorrow morning.

Yo yo, Solid State! What's good?

I'll tell you what's good. What's Good, that's what. Have you seen it yet? It's our handy-dandy new college guide and it features just about anything you'd ever need to know about life in Burlington as an incoming college-type person. Actually, I haven't been in college for, like, ten years now and I still found it pretty interesting. Then again, I wrote a lot of it and I'm rather fond of myself, as you've likely gathered. Ahem.

Anyway, to celebrate Seven Days' new foray into the realm of higher education, we're throwing a big, badass  bash at Nectar's and Metronome on September 18th. The show is a benefit for The Radiator/Big Heavy World, and will feature a bunch of giveaways and prizes from the likes of Burton and Sugarbush. And — drum roll, please! — we have a veritable shit load of local bands on the bill. Here's the handbill —and yes, the gummy worms kinda look
like talking penises. We know.

As of this posting we have eight confirmed acts from a pretty wide cross-section of genres, with one or two slots yet to fill. I'll be posting updates as they're warranted. In the meantime, here's what we've got so far:

Swale, Japhy Ryder, The Aztext, The Vanderpolls (formerly The Jazz Guys), In Memory of Pluto, Husbands AKA, Cannon Fodder and Lowell Thompson . . . whew! That's a mouthful.

Ultimately, we're shooting for ten bands total. With a cover charge of a mere $5 — all door proceeds going to The Radiator/BHW — that's something in the neighborhood of 50 cents per band. Like I said, it's been a while since I've been in school and my math is a little rusty.

In any event, it should be a pretty rockin' affair and I, for one, am really looking forward to seeing so many of my favorite local bands under one roof. And for a great cause no less!

If you're so inclined, you can also friend us on Facebook. How delightfully modern!

And, if you're unable to make the show, a full podcast will be available from both floors on the 7D and Radiator websites.

And that's what's good.