Thursday, February 27, 2020

Cool, New Song from Pavement's Stephen Malkmus: "Shadowbanned" (Video); New Indie Folk Solo Album Out Next Week...



From the new indie folk solo album Traditional Techniques by Stephen Malkmus, out March 6, 2020. 

Stream this track and pre-order now at: https://stephenmalkmus.ffm.to/traditionaltechniques

Malkmus' original band Pavement is rumored to have a reunion tour in the works.

That would be great! It was so much fun last time!

ThisSmallPlanet Videos of Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks:

1. Harness Your Hopes/Stairway to Heaven/Beginning to See The Light
2. Mr. Soul
3. Stereo
4. Summer Babe (w/Spiral Stairs)



CDC Official Paul Horner Says Risk of Coronavirus Contamination from Made in China MAGA Hats Is "Probably Minimal"



(Atlanta) CDC official Paul Horner said today that the risk of Corona Virus contamination from MAGA merchandise that was made in China in the affected region was "probably minimal".

"Just to be safe", he added, many Trump fans were reluctantly throwing away or burning their potentially tainted MAGA hats and other pro-Trump merchandise to avoid possible contamination.


(Warning! May contain parodic and/or satiric materials! May not be available in your area!)

Saturday, February 22, 2020

ThisSmallPlanet Video: Carla Olson, John York & Friends Retrospective Turns Into A Celebration of The Byrds & Gene Clark at McCabe's

The evening was billed as "Carla Olson & Friends", but since John York was one of the friends, it quickly turned into a celebration of The Byrds and especially the band's co-founder, Gene Clark.

The crowd loved it.

Of course, The Byrds were in many ways the ultimate L.A. band, certainly in the "Riot on Sunset Strip" era, and it was interesting to contemplate how many of the seniors in the crowd at McCabe's last night had seen the original Byrds feat. Gene Clark, Roger McGuinn, David Crosby, Chris Hillman, and Michael Clarke on The Strip back in the day.

Carla Olson and many of her Texas/L.A. country rock compatriots in the 1980s befriended Gene Clark, who lived many of his later years in L.A. and died here in 1991.

Carla recorded a classic album with Gene in 1987, So Rebellious A Lover, which some consider the first "Americana" album.

John York, besides playing in The Byrds, also worked extensively with Gene Clark. (He was the "Y" in CRY, feat. Gene Clark, the late Pat Robinson, and John York. A fellow named Nicky Hopkins contributed keyboards.)

Stephen McCarthy of The Long Ryders added excellent vocals, guitar, and pedal steel.

Carla, John, Rob Waller, and Johnny Indovina impressed us all with their voices and spirits. 

Paul Marshall (bass, backing vocals) and Ben Lecourt (drums) added their magic as well to a magical night.

ThisSmallPlanet Video: Carla Olson, John York, Stephen McCarthy, Rob Waller, and Johnny Indovina live at McCabe's, Santa Monica, California, February 21, 2020.

1. She Don't Care About Time
2. Del Gato (Intro)
3. Del Gato
4. Gypsy Rider (feat. Rob Waller)
5. I'll Feel A Whole Lot Better
6. Mr. Tambourine Man
7. Eight Miles High
8. Turn! Turn! Turn!



It was so nice to hear The Byrds especially with these folks, especially now.

The sentiments expressed by the songs, as delivered by these talented artists, are sentiments that are sorely missed today. 

There has been so much fear, hate, and despair. 

Perhaps these songs can resonate and make people remember what it was like to trust, love, and hope. 

May it be so...